Shattered Empire #4 represents the concluding chapter of the Marvel comic book limited series Star Wars: Shattered Empire. Its narrative bridges the gap in time between the events of _Star Wars_: Episode VI Return of the Jedi and Star Wars_: Episode VII The Force Awakens. Penned by Greg Rucka, with artistic contributions from Marco Checchetto, the comic was made available on October 21, 2015.
• This issue concludes the inaugural new-canon comic book story positioned between episodes VI and VII! • As the Empire crumbles, the heroes of the Rebellion strive toward a brighter future! • Greg Rucka (Punisher, Cyclops, Wolverine) along with Marco Checchetto (Punisher, Avengers World) transport us to a more recent time from long ago!
The Alliance Fleet has assembled at Muster Point: Stalwart, where Admiral Gial Ackbar updates the pilots regarding the planets targeted by Operation: Cinder. General Crix Madine informs them that despite their hopes for an end to the conflict, the remaining Imperial forces show no signs of surrender.
Within the hangar, Shara Bey engages in conversation with her commanding officer, Captain L'ulo L'ampar. L'ampar points out that Bey's spouse, Kes Dameron, has officially requested discharge, and he has taken the initiative to submit her discharge papers as well. Bey expresses her disapproval of his actions, but he argues that she has more than fulfilled her duties to the Rebellion and should now prioritize settling down with her family.
Subsequently, R2-D2 approaches Bey, guiding her to Luke Skywalker. Skywalker requests her assistance as his co-pilot on a journey to Vetine, in order to recover a specific item. After introducing himself, he inquires if they have previously encountered each other—Bey reveals that she was the pilot who almost downed his shuttle during the Battle of Endor, prompting him to comment on the unlikely coincidence that Artoo selected her as his pilot.
While in hyperspace, Bey questions the reason for her wearing an Imperial Security Bureau uniform. Luke explains that she will be posing as an ISB officer, specifically Commander Alecia Beck, to infiltrate an Imperial facility on Vetine and retrieve an object stolen by the Emperor long ago. Utilizing security credentials obtained from the raid at the Wretch of Tayron, Bey and Skywalker receive clearance to land on Vetine, where they are greeted by base commandant Hurron. Bey introduces Luke as her bodyguard and declares her intention to conduct an unannounced inspection of the base's laboratories. Hurron guides them to the inner lab, emphasizing that access was restricted to himself and the Emperor. He admits that he never understood the need for such stringent security until now, before revealing that he has been aware of their deception since their arrival—Commander Beck is missing her left eye.
Hurron questions Luke about the significance of the lab's contents—two small trees. Luke explains that they are the last remnants of the tree that once stood at the heart of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, and that they are imbued with the Force. Hurron dismisses the Force as meaningless, to which Luke responds that he is profoundly mistaken. Using the Force, he repels Hurron and his stormtroopers, then catches his lightsaber, which Artoo ejects to him. As Bey deactivates the field containing the trees, she secures them, and the two of them make their escape.
In the hangar, Hurron instructs his troopers to cease firing and instead detonate the intruders. The troopers deploy several thermal detonators, which Luke redirects back at them using the Force, resulting in the deaths of the commandant and the troopers. Skywalker and Bey board the shuttle and jump to hyperspace.
Luke mentions that Artoo overheard Bey's discussion with L'ampar regarding her discharge, and she admits she is uncertain about her decision. Luke responds by questioning the purpose of their struggle if the cost is the lives they fought to protect. He reveals that he was unaware there would be two trees on Vetine—one has already been promised, but he suggests that a suitable home could be found for the other.
Deep within the jungles of Yavin 4, Shara Bey and Kes Dameron plant the second tree. Dameron takes her hand and says, "Let's go home, Shara Bey."
Marco Checchetto, the artist, has verified that the Abednedo appearing prominently in a panel was not a previously established character.
- UPC 759606081998; October 21 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00411; Cover A; Marco Checchetto 00421; Cover B; Paul Mounts, Sara Pichelli 00431; Cover C; Lucasfilm Ltd. 00441; Cover D; Julian Totino Tedesco