The fourth installment of the canon comic book series, entitled The High Republic Adventures 4, which falls under the title Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, was penned by Daniel José Older, with illustrations provided by Harvey Tolibao and Rebecca Nalty. IDW Publishing released it to the public on May 5 of 2021. The story, titled "The Mountain," follows the Jedi's confrontation with the Nihil in the vicinity of Ord Mantell, while Zeen Mrala undertakes a quest to face Krix Kamerat.
Zeen has made her way to the Starlight Beacon, following the Jedi, where she is learning the true meaning of being a Padawan and starting her own training. Simultaneously, her closest friend, Krix, is struggling to survive aboard a Nihil vessel, battling through a Republic blockade, all while pondering the identity of the mysterious individual who saved him.
Daniel José Older, the writer and New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Last Shot, along with artist Harvey Tolibao, introduce IDW to The High Republic, a vast crossover encompassing both comics and prose!
Lula Talisola is in meditation alongside Zeen Mrala, where she explains that the Force is akin to a mountain, linking all things together and uniting them as one. However, Zeen's distress interrupts their meditation, causing her head-tendrils to react. Lula notices this when Zeen inquires if she sensed something, and Zeen reveals her worries regarding the message she sent to Krix Kamerat. She is uncertain if he even received it, whether he is still alive, and if he will respond at all. An external alarm diverts both girls' attention, signaling an alert at the Republic Outpost space station as the forces prepare for action.
Lula and Zeen join Farzala Tarabal and Qort, where Farzala explains that a routine patrol engaged in a minor conflict with what they initially believed were smugglers, only to find out it might be a clue leading to the Nihil outpost they are searching for. Lula is disheartened that the starfighters are departing without them.
On Quantxi, the Junk Moon, Eye of the Nihil Marchion Ro receives news that his diversionary force has initiated its operation, with starfighters launching from [Ord Mantell](/article/ord_mantell]. Krix questions if this means they no longer need to use Zeen as bait, but Ro silences him, instructing him to send the message only when instructed. A member of the Junk Mavens approaches, expressing their desire to remain uninvolved in the conflict. However, Krix notices another Maven acting suspiciously, and Ro realizes it is a diversion. He hands Krix a weapon, urging him to prove his worth as another Nihil reports that the Maven is attempting to escape. Krix pursues the fleeing junker, aiming to prevent her from reaching a communications tower, warning her to stop or he will shoot. However, upon shooting, he discovers that the Maven has vanished.
In space, Jedi Masters Kantam Sy, Torban Buck and Yoda are leading the starfighter formation in their Jedi Vectors. Sy explains to Lula that the Padawans have already been exposed to excessive danger, justifying why she was left behind. The Jedi and Republic forces engage the pirates.
Back at the Republic Outpost, Lula is furious about being left behind, while Zeen contemplates if it might be for the best. Farzala points out that their trip was intended to be purely academic, and the other Padawans remained at the Starlight Beacon due to the risks involved. Lula snaps back, acknowledging this, before becoming briefly irritated at Farzala and Qort's constant agreement on everything. He responds that it is not his fault he is always right and Qort possesses good sense, prompting Lula to apologize, explaining that she acted out of concern. Farzala accepts her apology, stating he would be annoyed with himself too.
On Quantxi, Krix subdues the Junk Maven and orders her to remain still. He then records a message on his holoprojector, urging Zeen to meet him on the junk moon at a tower just outside the settlement, offering to escape from everything, including the Jedi and Nihil, and live ordinary lives. However, the Maven manages to escape, forcing Krix to resume his pursuit. He shoots at her again, but she vanishes once more, much to his frustration.
In space, Kantam and Torban successfully shoot down the last Nihil fighter. However, Yoda senses that the battle was too easily won, indicating that something is amiss. Back at the outpost, Lula discovers that Zeen is missing from her room, and all her belongings are gone, leading her to inform Qort that she appears to have run away. However, her holoprojector remains behind, containing an unsent message.
Krix pursues the Maven into the communications tower but fails to prevent her from reaching the controls. At the Outpost, Lula, Farzala, and Qort watch Zeen's message: she explains that she has gone to find Krix because he is her responsibility. She left the transmitter behind in case they want to locate the other Nihil at Krix's location, and promises to return. Lula assures Farzala that she believes Zeen, and even if she did not, the fact that she left Cham Cham behind would have been enough proof. Farzala suggests they go to help her, and the three Padawans agree they might all fit in the one Vector remaining in the hangar. Lula reflects that the Force is not a static entity like a mountain, but rather an ever-changing force, like the universe itself. She acknowledges that things are currently falling apart, but she knows, as she squeezes into a Vector with her friends, that with the Force on her side, she is unstoppable.
In space, Kantam reports that the Ord Mantell base has sent out an emergency signal, but as they approach, Yoda realizes the distress signal is not originating from Ord Mantell itself. Kantam deduces that the signal is coming from a comm tower on Quantxi. Yoda orders the force to change course for the moon and request reinforcements from Starlight. However, as Zeen approaches the moon in a Vector, Yoda fears they may already be too late.
The High Republic Adventures 4 features Quantxi, the Junk Moon, which was first mentioned in the 2016 novel Aftermath: Life Debt, by Chuck Wendig.
- UPC 827714020656; May 5 , 2021 ; IDW Publishing ; First printing [1] 00411; Cover A; Harvey Tolibao & Kevin Tolibao 00421; Cover B; Yael Nathan