Princess Leia #4 represents the fourth installment in the five-part comic book series Star Wars: Princess Leia, published by Marvel. This issue, penned by Mark Waid and illustrated by Terry Dodson, saw its release on June 3, 2015.
- The Galactic Empire is actively capturing escaped Alderaanians...
- ...a situation that deeply troubles their Princess.
- But, realistically, what power does a single woman possess against the might of the Empire?
After successfully evading Imperial forces while on Sullust, the Mellcrawler from the Alderaan Enclave is shown docking with the Lord Junn. Evaan Verlaine and Nien Nunb share an embrace, with Verlaine informing the Sullustan that she is currently transporting Princess Leia Organa. When Verlaine inquires about the cargo held within the Mellcrawler, Nien Nunb responds in Sullustese, assuring her that it is not destined for the Empire.
Verlaine introduces Nien Nunb to Princess Leia, showcasing his shipment of blasters. To acknowledge Nien Nunb's contribution in guiding the Alderaanian survivors away from Sullust, Leia bestows upon him the Chalcedony waves. However, the ceremony faces an interruption when Jora Astane and another Alderaanian named Covis bring forth Tace, accusing her of spying for the Empire. Leia insists that Jora explain her accusations, and orders that Tace be freed and that Jora and Covis leave them. Leia's perceived lack of gratitude towards Jora for their contributions leads him and Covis to challenge her authority.
In a private setting, Princess Leia offers Tace tea, but the musician declines, believing that as a commoner, she should be serving the Princess. Princess Leia then asks Tace about the origin of the calls she received. Leia assures Tace that no innocent person will be harmed if she reveals the truth. Tace then reveals the existence of her sister, Tula.
When Leia inquires about Tula's location, Tace admits that she struggles to get her sister to talk about herself. Tace explains that their conversations revolve around music, and that Tula has shown interest in Leia's travels and ship. Leia then realizes that those calls were traced to an Imperial base, and that the Empire's attack on Sullust was due to their location being known. Leia and Tace then deduce that Tula is acting under duress and is doing the Empire's bidding. Leia then remarks how she envies Tace for having a sibling.
During a meeting with her subjects, Leia announces her belief in Tace's innocence and outlines her strategy to draw Tula out. Verlaine then brings up the topic of Espirion, where reunification talks are scheduled. Verlaine expresses her disappointment at the possibility of cancelling the Espirion mission, prompting Leia to question Uwa Pareece about Espirion.
Pareece explains that Espirion is a heavily fortified planet that welcomes refugees, even going so far as to develop micro-ecologies to sustain diverse lifeforms. She also mentions that Espirion is home to a community of Alderaanian diaspora. Princess Leia then assigns Pareece and Jora as her emissaries to Espirion. Upon returning to her quarters, Princess Leia informs Tace of her plan to rescue her sister Tula from Imperial captivity. She instructs Tace to act naturally and to lie to her sister during their call that evening.
On Espirion, Pareece and Jora meet with Espirion Consul Rill, who states that while Espirion would miss any member of its Alderaanian family, they would still respect their decision to choose a new home. The emissaries are soon greeted by Chief Beon Beonel, who is half-Alderaanian and half-Espirion. Beonel takes offense at Pareece's shock at his mixed heritage and Jora's disdain.
While Pareece attempts to apologize, Jora expresses the xenophobic view that she is not keen on celebrating the dilution of her people. Pareece tries to make amends, but Chief Beonel refuses to associate with his fellow Alderaanians. Pareece then orders Jora to apologize, but she insists that she has not caused any offense.
Back on the Lord Junn, Tace communicates with her sister Tula via computer. Tace seeks to learn more about her sister's location, but Tula apologizes for involving them in trouble. However, Tula's controller, Commander Dreed, realizes that the rebels have discovered their informant. He orders his stormtroopers to take her to detention for disposal. Dreed then mocks Tace, stating that she has brought about her sister's demise.
When Tace blames herself, Princess Leia addresses the commander. As Tace weeps in distress, Leia proposes a deal to trade her own life for Tula's. Later, Verlaine objects to Leia's plan to sacrifice her freedom for Tula's life. However, Leia explains that she had no choice, as she needed to demonstrate her willingness to sacrifice herself for even the least of the Alderaanians. Verlaine tries to dissuade Leia from her plan to surrender herself, but the Princess then reveals her true intentions.
As Leia proceeds with her mission to surrender herself, Covis attempts to talk her out of it, but Leia remains firm. Before departing, she instructs R2-D2 to look after Verlaine and assures him that she will see him on the other side. Overhearing her words, Leia's subjects believe that she is planning to die.
Back on Espirion, Pareece pleads with Consul Rill to seek Chief Beonel's assistance, emphasizing that their initial encounter was a misunderstanding. However, Consul Rill refuses to help. When Pareece suggests that they return to Leia and admit their failure, Pareece disagrees. Consul Rill then remarks that if Princess Leia truly cared, she would have visited Espirion herself. In response, Pareece pleads with Rill to inform Beonel that Leia will be visiting Espirion personally.
Believing that Leia intends to surrender herself to Imperial custody, a tearful Tace begs the Princess not to go, but Leia tells her that she needs her own strength and purpose. Covis then informs her that they are approaching an Imperial Star Destroyer above the desert planet of Skaradosh.
On Skaradosh, a gleeful Commander Dreed questions Princess Leia about the importance of the young woman Tace. Leia retorts that every Alderaanian is important. Leia then repeats her demand that Tula and her people be allowed safe passage once she has surrendered herself. Dreed replies that the ship is only present to ensure that she did not bring reinforcements.
Above Espirion, the Lord Junn encounters a large fleet of starships emerging from hyperspace. Back on Skaradosh, Tula thanks Leia for her sacrifice. Commander Dreed takes Leia into custody, considering her arrest a monumental historical event. He believes that Leia is back in Imperial custody "without a prayer of rescue."
- UPC 759606081424; June 3 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00411; Cover A; Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson