Shattered Empire 2
title: Shattered Empire 2
Shattered Empire 2, brought to you by Marvel Comics, represents the second installment in the Star Wars: Shattered Empire limited series. This issue boasts writing by Greg Rucka and features the combined artistic talent of Marco Checchetto, Emilio Laiso, plus Angel Unzueta on pencils. Its release date was October 7, 2015.
Publisher's summary
Delve into the uncharted territory following Return of the Jedi within the official Star Wars storyline! Greg Rucka (renowned for PUNISHER, WOLVERINE, Gotham Central) alongside artist Marco Checchetto (AVENGERS WORLD, PUNISHER) guide us through the turbulent aftermath of the second Death Star's fall, amidst a Shattered Empire.
Plot summary
Opening crawl
The war continues
Aboard the Star Destroyer Torment, Lieutenant Gulin alerts Captain Lerr Duvat to the arrival of the "messenger". The captain commands the bridge be evacuated, and the messenger—clad in red robes and a featureless black helmet—enters, confirming Duvat's identity via a blood sample. A holographic projection of Emperor Palpatine's face manifests within the messenger's helmet, bestowing upon Duvat and a select group of Imperial officers the "honor" of crushing the Rebel Alliance through the execution of Operation: Cinder. Duvat then informs his lieutenant that he has received a direct communication from the Emperor. When Gulin questions this, given the Emperor's demise, Duvat rebukes him, asserting that echoing Rebel propaganda constitutes treason, and subsequently orders a new course to be charted.
On Sterdic IV, Shara Bey and her A-Wing squadron secure air superiority over Cawa City, eliminating TIE fighters to enable [Feral Group]'s (/article/feral_group) Y-wings to deploy magnetic cluster bombs, dismantling an AT-AT. Post-mission, Bey engages in conversation with the squadron's acting commander, L'ulo L'ampar, discussing her family. She has communicated with her father and her son Poe, but her husband, Kes Dameron, is unreachable on a clandestine assignment. L'ampar proposes attempting to reassign her to lighter duties for the coming days.
Escorting Leia
Bey's light duties commence as she arrives with the Alliance Fleet at Muster Point: Vergance, where she is assigned as a pilot for Princess Leia Organa. In the docking bay, she observes Leia in discussion with Mon Mothma. Leia expresses her hesitation about leaving the fleet during such a pivotal time, but Mothma emphasizes the necessity of her skills and reputation for the impending mission. Aboard their shuttle, a GX1 short hauler, Leia informs Bey that they will be traveling without escort to avoid attracting unwanted attention, and that the navi-computer is pre-programmed for security. While in hyperspace, Bey prepares a beverage for Leia and discovers her composing a letter of condolence to the family of Able Nereno, a Rodian nurse who perished aboard the medical frigate Redemption during the Battle of Endor. Leia notes that Crix Madine employs a protocol droid for letter writing, but she favors a more personalized approach.
Bey and Leia reach their destination: Theed, the capital of Naboo. Bey voices her surprise at the city's pristine condition, especially considering Palpatine's origins there. Leia explains that the Emperor capitalized on Naboo's fear—the knowledge that he could obliterate his home world and its inhabitants instantly, as he had done with Alderaan. They are greeted by Governor Donta Gesset, who extends a welcome on behalf of Queen Soruna. Leia then meets with Soruna at the Theed Royal Palace, requesting her assistance in establishing a new governmental framework and reinstating the senate. As Soruna pledges her support, a guard interrupts, reporting that Naboo's orbital sensors and communications are being jammed. Suddenly, a powerful electrical storm erupts.
Orbiting above, Captain Duvat initiates his phase of Operation: Cinder. The Torment is actively jamming Naboo's sensors and signals, while also deploying a climate disruption array designed to unleash devastating hurricanes upon the planet's surface. Duvat then relays their mission to Gulin: "By order of the Emperor, Naboo is to be scoured."
Media
Editions
- UPC 759606081998; October 7 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00211; Cover A; Marco Checchetto 00221; Cover B; Kris Anka 00231; Cover C; Lucasfilm Ltd.