Obi-Wan and Anakin 4

Publisher's Synopsis

Obi-wan [sic] and Anakin find themselves in a precarious situation, caught between opposing forces in a conflict. Unless they exercise caution, they risk becoming casualties of this war. Furthermore, the question arises: what motivates Anakin's desire to depart from the Jedi Order?

Detailed Plot Summary

A Difficult Descent

Following Mother Pran's detonation of the airship's airbag, which was transporting Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and Grecker, Kolara expresses her concerns regarding her leader's actions. Mother Pran justifies her decision by stating that it was necessary to prevent Kenobi and Grecker from pursuing them after they abducted Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker. In the meantime, Kenobi and Grecker manage to escape the wreckage of their airship, finding themselves stranded amidst the ruins of a deserted city situated in the Celadon Sea.

Kenobi successfully deters the Fishers from attacking him and Grecker by brandishing his lightsaber. Grecker informs Kenobi that Pran and Kolara have taken Anakin, cautioning him against trusting the "animals" of the Open. Kenobi inquires about Anakin's whereabouts, and Grecker suggests that they are likely taking him to one of their mountain strongholds.

Kenobi assures Grecker that locating Anakin is not a concern, as he possesses the coordinates of the distress signal. However, Grecker emphasizes that Anakin is still a child. Kenobi refutes this, inviting Grecker to join him in the search. Grecker agrees, but first equips himself and Kenobi with makeshift masks to protect them from the poisoned atmosphere, which can transform them into mutated Fishers. Grecker insists that the Closed were not responsible for initiating the Open-Closed war.

A Captive of the Open

Simultaneously, Mother Pran pilots her glider towards the Fortress-Home of the Open, a concealed mountain base equipped with airship docking facilities. Pran presents Anakin as a Skygift, recounting how he repaired a droid brain, which she then utilizes to activate a Mech walker. Pran proclaims to her followers, and a gagged Anakin, that he has saved them all.

Anakin's Alternative "Mentor"

In a flashback sequence set at the Office of the Supreme Chancellor on Coruscant, Anakin and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine are in discussion regarding their shared experience in the Coruscant Underworld, which exposed the corrupt activities of Senator Colandrus. Palpatine expresses his concern that a direct attempt to remove Colandrus from office could be perilous, and he apologizes for involving Anakin in a Galactic Senate matter.

Anakin suggests involving the Jedi Order, but the Chancellor explains that the Jedi are accountable to the Senate, and requesting them to arrest a senator would be a grave matter. He argues that issuing such an order would transform him into a dictator. When Anakin asks who is capable of removing Colandrus, Palpatine responds that it is a question that troubles him. He instructs Anakin to keep this matter confidential from his Jedi Masters.

Palpatine inquires about Anakin's contentment at the Jedi Temple, to which Anakin replies that training as a Jedi is his lifelong aspiration. Palpatine expresses his gratitude for Anakin's assistance, assuring him that there will always be a place for him after he completes his training, suggesting that he could utilize Anakin's exceptional talents.

Anakin's Predicament

Returning to the Jedi Temple, Anakin informs Kenobi of his desire to discontinue his Jedi training. Kenobi cautions him that this is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. Anakin counters that he understands the weight of serious decisions, recalling how Master Qui-Gon Jinn separated him from his mother when he was only nine years old.

While Qui-Gon warned him of the challenges of Jedi training, Anakin remembers only seeing a magical figure with a "sword made out of light" and a starship. Anakin emphasizes that he chose to become a Jedi over a life of slavery. He acknowledges that his training is incomplete, but expresses that he feels the galaxy is calling to him, adding that he can always return. Kenobi acknowledges his Padawan's words, agreeing and then retrieving his lightsaber.

The Signal's Origin

In the present, Kenobi and Grecker arrive at the location of the signal within the ruins of Celadon City. Kenobi is puzzled by his inability to trace the signal's source. Grecker claims ignorance of its origin, stating that everything in this place is dead, blaming the Open for the destruction of their world and their displacement to the mountains.

Kenobi questions Grecker's sudden willingness to cooperate with Mother Pran upon learning that Kenobi was searching for a signal originating from the wastelands. Kenobi challenges Grecker's assertion that Carnelion IV is lifeless, pointing to the presence of kites. Suddenly, they are attacked by a Carnelian dragon. Kenobi ignites his lightsaber, but is spotted by a concealed figure.

Under the guise of summoning assistance, Grecker fires a flare gun, which instead attracts more dragons. A cloaked figure then opens a door, ushering Grecker to safety. Grecker expresses his gratitude, but the cloaked figure, intending to bring Kenobi inside as well, is met with Grecker's demand to close the door at gunpoint.

The cloaked figure instead shoots Grecker in the chest. When Kenobi expresses shock, the cloaked figure responds that she saved his life, explaining that Grecker would have abandoned him to the creatures. She leads the Jedi into her fortress museum, filled with tables, chairs, crates, old technology, statues, and a starship. After learning Kenobi's name, she introduces herself as Sera.

Sera has dedicated her life to recovering remnants from the dead lands, hoping to plant the seeds for a new future. Kenobi realizes that Sera was responsible for sending out the kites, which she confirms, stating that she sent them to inspire the younger generation to abandon the warlike ways of their elders. Sera confirms that she sent the signal and has devoted her life to scavenging old technology and records of lightsaber wielding warriors.

Sera believes that the Jedi can play a role in reuniting the Open and Closed. Kenobi expresses hope, noting that members of both factions collaborated to reach this location. However, Sera points out that both the Open and Closed want her dead, as they wish to forget the "old time." She explains that the pieces of art she sends up serve as a reminder to the leaders of both factions of what they have lost, believing that it is too late for them.

Mobilizing the Open

Meanwhile, at the Fortress Home of the Open, Mother Pran attempts to coerce Anakin into revealing the location of the distress signal by falsely claiming that Grecker was plotting to kill Master Kenobi. She thanks Anakin for helping them activate the Mechs, claiming they will save Kenobi. However, Anakin realizes that she is lying, but concedes that Grecker was also dishonest.

Driven by a desire to save his master, Anakin reveals that the distress signal is located another half day's travel past the point where the Fishers attacked, along the same heading. However, Pran gags him, stating that he is too valuable to risk. She leaves Kolara and the other youths to guard a bound Anakin, promising to return soon. As Mother Pran leads the Open to war in their airships and Mechs, Sera tells Kenobi that the Open and Closed only understand war.

Media Details

Available Editions

• UPC 759606083718; Publication date: April 20 , 2016 ; Published by Marvel Comics [1] 00411; Cover A; Artwork by Marco Checchetto

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