Star Wars: The High Republic 2, a comic book series issue, is the second installment of the canon series, Star Wars: The High Republic. Marvel Comics released the issue, which was written by Cavan Scott and had illustrations by Ario Anindito and Frank William, on November 9, 2022.
On Jedha, death has arrived! A Jedi is found dead within an ancient shrine, while another Jedi is pursuing the one responsible. What individual is utilizing ancient Force abilities within the sacred city streets, and why are revered artifacts disappearing? Furthermore, why does every clue point toward the Temple of the Whills?
Vildar Mac recalls a near-death experience from his youth on his home planet, involving a darksider, picking up where the previous issue's flashback left off. As this memory surfaces, he is shown, apparently deceased, as
Matthea Cathley cries out for assistance. He awakens shortly thereafter and immediately starts his search for the thief, worried about the thief's possible mastery of Morichro. Mac employs psychometry to discern the thief's destination, and Cathley identifies the location as the Enlightenment, a local bar. Cathley is reluctant to go because of her past experiences there and her Master's orders, but Mac convinces her to show him the way.
During their journey, Mac and Cathley encounter a group of Path of the Open Hand members who voice their disapproval of the two Jedi as they pass. When one member cautions Cathley about the perceived wrongdoing of the Jedi, Mac intervenes, striking the member before they continue. Cathley attempts to explain to Mac that Jedha possesses unique characteristics compared to other planets, and that he must earn the respect of its inhabitants, but Mac dismisses her concerns as they arrive at the Enlightenment.
The Twinkle sisters, who act as bouncers for the establishment, confront the Jedi, before Kradon Minst invites them inside. As they get ready to explain their situation, Mac notices the thief and attempts to apprehend him. One of the sisters quickly subdues Mac, and Minst cautions him against violence, laughing at Mac's insistence that the thief is a dark sider. The thief introduces himself as Tey Sirrek, identifying himself as a Sephi investigating the thefts of various holy objects. He also reveals that a pheromone, not Morichro, had caused Mac's heart to stop. He then departs, but Cathley urges Mac to pursue him.
Mac and Cathley follow Sirrek, guided by Minst's directions, and eventually discover him attempting to sell Mac's lightsaber, which he had pilfered in the bar. Briff declines to purchase the lightsaber, but Sirrek becomes intrigued by another item in Briff's possession, prompting Briff to draw his blaster. Mac intervenes but is caught in the crossfire, although Sirrek jumps in front of Mac to prevent him from being harmed.
Following some lighthearted conversation, Cathley inquires about Sirrek's findings. Sirrek discloses that the item he discovered is the statue of the Starbird from the Temple of the Kyber. Cathley points out that the Guardians of the Whills have not reported any thefts. However, as she, Mac, and Sirrek find themselves surrounded by armed Guardians, Sirrek suggests to Cathley that the Jedi's good relationship with the Guardians could be advantageous at that moment.