Star Wars (2013) 12

Following an engagement with Imperial forces, the story focuses on reunions, farewells, and re-evaluations. Han and Chewbacca are back from their assignment on Coruscant, Luke grapples with romantic disappointment, and Leia must embrace greater leadership responsibilities within the Rebellion. But first, she has an important announcement for the Rebel leadership...

• Wedge establishes Rogue Squadron!

• Leia discovers a significant act of treachery!

In the aftermath of the conflict from the previous issue, it's revealed that Colonel Kell Bircher, the Imperial commander of the Devastator, is actually a Rebel operative. The Devastator, compromised due to its commander's betrayal and lacking shields, weapons control, and communication capabilities, escapes from the Rebel fleet. The Rebels, unable to pursue capture, allow its departure and prepare their own exit. Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, and Wedge Antilles convene with Mon Mothma and Bircher, her agent, to unveil their strategy.

Bircher's infiltration into the Imperial structure was facilitated by a Bothan slicer. Despite Organa, Skywalker, and Antilles' confusion over this deception, Bircher assures them that he would never have intentionally targeted them while undercover. During their discussion, Antilles puts forth the idea of forming Rogue Squadron from the remnants of Gray Flight, which Mothma approves. Antilles extends an invitation to Bircher to join Rogue Squadron, but he declines, citing obligations in the Chandrila system. Antilles informs his pilots of their new status as members of Rogue Squadron; however, one pilot, Prithi, chooses to leave the Rebellion, returning to her home world of Chalacta. Skywalker attempts to dissuade her, but she insists that the Force compels her departure from the Rebellion.

Han Solo finally makes it back to the fleet with Perla, the waste management worker from Coruscant who was instrumental in his escape. She hands over the cache of weapons and supplies to Mon Mothma in return for acceptance into the Rebellion. Mothma grants her command of a freighter within the fleet and promises that, upon completion of a five-year term, the ship will officially be hers. Perla accepts the offer and celebrates with Solo. However, Organa overhears their exchange and feels envious of Solo's attention toward Perla. A confrontation ensues in the hallway, where Solo asserts the progression of their relationship, despite being slapped by Organa.

Organa presents to the Rebellion the location for their new base. The planet, Arrochar, situated near Mon Calamari and bordering Hutt Space, is a remote world ideally suited for the Rebellion's needs. However, the world is governed by a traditional monarchy. Organa's securing of the world for the Rebels' use involved agreeing to marry the crown prince of Arrochar.

Skywalker and Solo are taken aback by this revelation, but Organa insists that it is her life and her decision. Aboard the Executor, Darth Vader transfers the command codes to an Imperial Admiral and disembarks. The Admiral bids him farewell, but Vader orders the subordinate to disregard their conversation before departing. The Rebels arrive above Arrochar, where the crown prince welcomes Home One. Organa, adorned in royal attire, prepares to meet the prince as he welcomes them to their new sanctuary.