Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars #48
Summary
Star Warshas just introduced the “Survivor Fleet”, a secret section of the Rebellion Alliance that redefines the fate ofLeia Organa’shome planet of Alderaan. Before the events ofReturn of the Jedi,Marvel’s newStar Wars #48sees Leia struggling with the Rebels' recent discovery that the Empire is constructing a new Death Star. Furthermore, her inner turmoil is compounded once she gets reports about the Alliance’s missing Survivor Fleet.
Lieutenant Evaan Verlaine makes a return appearance inStar Wars #48by Charles Soule and Jethro Morales, a member of Gold Squadron whose first full appearance outside her Y-Wing was in 2015’sPrincess Leiaminiseries. A fellow Alderaanian who survived the planet’s destruction inA New Hope, Evaan and Leia defied the orders of Alliance command and traveled across the galaxy after theBattle of Yavin, tracking down and rescuing surviving Alderaanians whom the Empire was rumored to be hunting down. Now,Star Wars #48has revealed what became of these survivors of Alderaan, having become a secret fleet all their own:
With Lieutenant Verlaine reporting that the Survivor Fleet has seemingly gone missing,Star Wars #48opens the door for a brand-new mission for Leia before beginning the rescue mission to save Han Solofrom Jabba the Hutt as seen inReturn of the Jedi.
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Alderaan Endured After The Death Star Attack In A New Hope
Despite Losing Their Planet
Referred to in the aftermath as “The Disaster”,any surviving Alderaanians were in great danger following their planet’s decimation by the first Death Star.Seeking to complete the planet’s annihilation, it was ordered by the Empire (and Darth Vader himself) that any Alderaanian refugees were to be hunted down and killed. This is why Leia and Evaan’s mission was so crucial, as it was so much more than saving lives, but also to preserve that little remained of their planet’s identity and culture.
Now,these remaining Alderaanians saved from the Empire’s wrath have become their very own “Survivor Fleet”, hidden and kept secret so as not to alert the Imperials to their presence. However, the newStar Wars #48also notes that they’re listed as reserves for the Alliance should they need them. Considering thedire state of the Alliance following the Battle of Hothand the Battle of Endor that’s still to come, it’s certainly quite concerning that this refugee fleet has seemingly gone silent.
Where Is The “Survivor Fleet” Now?
Luke and Leia’s New Mission Before Return of the Jedi
Joining Evaan on a mission to the last known coordinates of the Survivor Fleet, all Luke and Leia find is just one abandoned cruiser carrying the lone life form of Jora Astane aka The Presever who’d dedicated her life to saving every piece of Alderaanian culture and history she could. Naturally, this doesn’t bode well for the rest of the refugees, especially after a fleet of pirates arrive out of hyperspace, responding to their sprung trap.While the rest of the Survivor Fleet hopefully still lives, things certainly aren’t looking good for what little remains of Leia’s peopleby the end of this newStar Warsissue.
Star Wars #48is on sale now from Marvel Comics
Leia Organa
The daughter of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, Leia inherited her mother’s political skills and her father’s Force power. She was raised on Alderaan as a member of the royal family, and followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a senator who secretly worked alongside the Rebel Alliance. Alderaan’s destruction changed everything, and Leia became a leader in both the Rebel Alliance and its successor government, the New Republic. She served there for decades, eventually leaving to found the First Order when she sensed its darkness growing. Leia gave much for her ideals, but eventually gave her life to redeem her son Ben.
