Kanan 4

_In a situation where his Jedi identity makes him a target, what actions can a Padawan take? After being betrayed by individuals he once considered allies, young Caleb Dume adapts to survive as a smuggler! This continues the narrative exploring the hidden origins of Kanan Jarrus from Star Wars Rebels!

Caleb Dume is horrified when Janus Kasmir turns him over to Governor Gamut Key, who now holds that position. Although Key doesn't initially recognize Dume, Tápusk identifies him as the young man wielding a lightsaber who previously attacked him. Kasmir remains upset with Tápusk for revealing his illicit activities. Given that the Imperial bounty on a Jedi is five times greater than the value of the stolen IG-RM bodyguard and enforcer droids, Key allows Kasmir to retain the "liberated" droids. He then pledges to split the bounty and credit for capturing the "traitor."

Dume finds himself confined in a holding cell, positioned across from both a Wookiee and an Ortolan. Key establishes contact with Commander Grey and Captain Styles via a hologram. The two Clone officers, stationed at the Imperial garrison in Plateau City, recognize Dume and communicate their intention to arrive within an hour to execute him for treason. Styles informs Dume that he is "dead meat."

Key departs, leaving Dume in despair to reconcile with his impending death. As Dume contemplates finding peace with the Force and his failure to his late Master Depa Billaba, Kasmir uses one of his IG-RM droids to free Dume from his cell. Dume follows his rescuer, and together they evade Governor Key's prison guards.

Once aboard the Kasmiri, Dume questions Kasmir about his apparent change of heart. Kasmir explains that he changed his mind because he was unwilling to let his rival Tápusk claim the reward. Kasmir proposes running the same con on other Outer Rim worlds, but Dume rejects the idea. Despite his reservations about Kasmir, he escapes Kalleran offworld with Kaller.

The pair sets a course for the Outer Rim. They sell the stolen droids, using the proceeds to fund Kasmir's next scheme. Dume enters into a partnership with Kasmir, learning the skills of a thief and smuggler. For a period, he sets aside his Jedi training and any memories of his late Master. Caleb also becomes proficient with the blaster, and the two become embroiled in conflicts with various underworld figures, including several Gamorreans.

The activities of Caleb and Kasmir eventually attract the attention of Commander Grey and Captain Styles, who subject a Gamorrean to brutal interrogation. The Gamorrean claims to be unaware of the fugitives' whereabouts but promises to contact the Imperials if he learns anything. Commander Grey dismisses the Gamorrean's promises and reaffirms his commitment to the Empire. The two Clones continue to track Caleb and Kasmir's movements, always trailing just behind them.

Kasmir eventually grows uneasy about the Clone officers pursuing them and considers abandoning Caleb. Caleb argues that it benefits Kasmir to remain constantly on the move, given his chosen profession as a smuggler and thief. Kasmir laughs, noting that the "kid" is learning. Caleb realizes that this is the moment that his so-called "friend" has become his friend.

Caleb and Kasmir journey to the jungle and ocean planet of Lahn to trade stolen goods with a criminal known as "Mr. Jondo." Since they have not stolen anything yet, Kasmir sends Caleb to confirm that their "trading partner" possesses what they seek. Dume soon discovers that Mr. Jondo is actually General Kleeve, a Devaronian Separatist whom Caleb and his late master fought against during the Conquest of Kaller.

Initially frightened, Caleb aims his blaster at his former enemy. Kleeve recognizes Caleb and sarcastically asks how he now views his "Republic." Kleeve claims that, as a Separatist, he fought for freedom but placed his trust in corrupt leadership. Caleb retorts that Kleeve was that "leadership." Kleeve urges Caleb to consider whether his Jedi Generals truly understood the cause they were serving. He persuades Caleb to holster his weapon, arguing that they are no longer enemies.

Caleb inquires whether Kasmir was aware of whom he was dealing with. Kleeve replies that he doubts Kasmir knows who he is dealing with, before informing Caleb that he holds Kasmir's ship and asking if Kasmir has his spice. Caleb confirms that Kasmir is acquiring it but senses that something is amiss. Simultaneously, Commander Grey ambushes Kasmir at gunpoint, demanding to know the Padawan's location. Kasmir falsely claims that he abandoned Caleb on Kalleran, but Grey does not believe him.

Caleb observes this from behind a rockface. Outmatched, Caleb decides to dive into the sea to save Kasmir, reasoning that if he doesn't appear, the Clones would have to believe Kalleran's story. However, Caleb also feels that he is being cowardly by abandoning his friend. Caleb recalls that Kasmir had a second ship in case they encountered trouble. He heads to their pre-arranged rendezvous point, deducing that this was why Kasmir was dealing with Kleeve.

Caleb tells Kleeve he can still bring him Kasmir's spice. Kleeve doubts that Caleb can deliver on his promise because Kasmir has been imprisoned by the Empire. Caleb thinks that the Imperials will release Kasmir if he does not show up, but Kleeve counters that they would still imprison Kasmir for theft and smuggling. Kleeve still refuses to give Caleb Kasmir's second ship given their past animosity. However, Caleb counters that the Clones want them both and says that the "enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Kleeve reluctantly takes Caleb to Kasmir's second ship, which is housed on Bay Seventeen of a maritime spaceport. Kleeve explains that the second ship is a shuttle originally called Farbrooke's Hope but that Kasmir was planning to rename her Kasmiri Two. Caleb says that he would just call the ship Escape. Caleb falls in love with the ship.

He suddenly senses danger. While fumbling for the lightsaber he no longer holsters, Caleb is pistol-whipped in the head by Captain Styles, who tells him that they will now finish what they started. Kleeve is also taken captive by two more clone troopers.

• UPC 759606081585; July 22 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00411; Cover A; Mark Brooks 00421; Cover B; Whilce Portacio