The story titled "The Tale of Lugubrious Mote" initially appeared in The Legends of Luke Skywalker—The Manga. Subaru both authored and illustrated the tale, which was then released to the public on January 14, 2020 by Viz Media.
The main character, Lugubrious Mote, is a female, sentient mole-flea residing in the fur of Salacious B. Crumb. Mote and Crumb have come to an agreement where they equally share the food scraps thrown their way by Jabba Desilijic Tiure. Their arrangement is disrupted when Luke Skywalker arrives.
Mote is present when R2-D2 and C-3PO project a hologram of Skywalker offering Jabba a negotiation for Han Solo's life. Mote considers Skywalker a naive swindler. From her perspective, nothing of note happens until Leia Organa's failed attempt to rescue Solo.
Mote witnesses Leia's capture alongside Solo, leading to her being forced into a dancing-girl costume. Mote views Leia as a brave individual for trying to sneak into Jabba's Palace and steal Jabba's most prized possession from right under his nose. Despite the humiliation Leia endures, Mote is impressed by her composure and unwavering resolve. By jumping into Leia's ear, Mote establishes contact. She advises Leia that the human was wrong to think she could outsmart Jabba, a "great thief." Leia acknowledges Mote's points but asks her to reveal herself. Mote discloses her identity as a mole-flea. While perched on Leia's finger, she listens to Leia recount the story of the Death Star, the Rebel Alliance, and their dream of a free galaxy. Leia promises that everyone will have a place in the Senate, regardless of their status.
When Mote inquires if mole fleas like herself could spread across the galaxy and advise generals, senators, moguls, and opera singers, Leia confirms it's possible due to their intelligence. Mote then asks if she could advise Leia, to which Leia admits discomfort about having a flea on her but suggests Chewbacca as a potential host. Mote agrees to aid Leia in her escape in exchange. Leia reveals that her friend Luke is coming to help.
Luke barges into Jabba's palace and uses a Jedi mind trick to make Bib Fortuna wake Jabba. Watching the confrontation, Mote is intrigued by the powers of the ancient Jedi. Skywalker demands Jabba release Solo and Chewbacca. Mote attempts to communicate with Leia, who initially struggles to understand her. Adjusting her tone, Mote warns Leia that Skywalker only knows one trick and believes it's enough. She cautions Leia that Luke is making the same mistake. She notes that Jabba thrives on exploiting liars and con artists.
Leia disagrees, and Luke continues his ultimatum, offering Jabba a deal. Leia believes Luke's plan is working, but Mote warns that Jabba is leading him into a trap. C-3PO tries to warn Luke about the trapdoor, but it's too late. Jabba activates the trapdoor. Simultaneously, Skywalker seizes the blaster of the Gamorrean guard Jubnuk, and both fall through the trapdoor. Keeping her word to Leia, Mote jumps into the trapdoor and lands on Luke.
Mote is present when the rancor Pateesa is released on Luke and Jubnuk. Pateesa eats Jubnuk before turning to Luke. Mote encourages Luke, who mistakes her for the Force ghost of his deceased Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Mote realizes she must impersonate Kenobi to save Luke. While navigating Luke's scalp, she instructs him to use all his senses and let the Force guide him. Believing the Force is tickling his scalp, Skywalker defends himself with a bone.
Following Mote's advice, Skywalker jams a long bone into the rancor's mouth, causing Pateesa to release him. Mote directs Skywalker to a door at the end of the rancor's den. However, he finds the door blocked by a metal grill. The guards push him back. With Skywalker cornered, Mote advises him to show what he can do to defeat the rancor. When Luke decides to use the Force, Mote thinks Skywalker is naive but determined and trusting.
Mote persuades Skywalker to throw a rock at the remote controlling the door, causing the gate to fall on the rancor's head, killing it. Mote and Leia are surprised that Skywalker defeated the rancor, while Jabba and his minions are horrified. As Skywalker is led away, Mote remarks that Skywalker has endless hope.
At the Great Pit of Carkoon, Mote is present when C-3PO, under duress, tells Luke, Han, and Chewbacca that Jabba will show mercy if they beg. Skywalker warns Jabba this is his last chance, demanding their freedom or facing death. Jabba orders the execution to begin. A disguised Lando Calrissian nods to Skywalker.
When Skywalker says the Force is with him, Mote tells him to trust his instincts. Skywalker signals to R2-D2 before jumping off the plank. R2-D2 launches Luke Skywalker's green lightsaber, and Luke battles the skiff guards. Leia strangles Jabba with her chain. Solo causes Boba Fett to fall into the Pit of Carkoon, where he is consumed by the sarlacc. Luke and Leia escape the burning Khetanna and reunite with Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando.
As they depart, Mote speaks with Leia, admitting that Skywalker did grow on her. Leia responds that she knew it would happen. Mote asks not to be mentioned to Skywalker, recalling that he was so happy about using the Force to save his friends that she couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth. While Mote doesn't mind taking credit for helping Luke, she doesn't want to discourage him since he has given her hope. After saying goodbye to Leia, Mote joins a circus.
Reflecting on her adventures with Luke and Leia, Mote wonders what became of Luke after the events on Tatooine. She hopes he has learned to think for himself rather than blindly trusting voices in his head.