— Ch. 1 · A Medal Ceremony And A Missing Emotion —
Star Wars: Princess Leia.
~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
At the medal ceremony concluding Star Wars: A New Hope, Princess Leia of Alderaan speaks a few words about her destroyed planet. She faces criticism for what appears to be a lack of emotion during this public moment. The Empire hunts any surviving citizens of Alderaan immediately after this event. A bounty on her own head prevents her from actively participating with the Rebellion forces. Leia convinces Rebel pilot Evaan Verlaine to join her mission. They take R2-D2 along to find and protect remaining Alderaanians. X-wing fighter pilots Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles pursue them across the galaxy. The trio escapes to Naboo where they meet an old acquaintance named Lord Junn. This meeting leads to a trap set by the Musical Order. Their leader Pareece keeps knowledge of Alderaan's destruction hidden from his group. The Order maintains a cloister vow to interact only with other Alderaanians. This cultural purity becomes a central conflict in their survival efforts.
Cultural Purity Versus Survival Needs
On Sullust, Nien Nunb helps locate Alderaanians hiding within cave systems. These survivors have forsworn Alderaanian culture entirely. They remain wary of Leia's party when Imperial ships arrive in orbit. Jora Astane leads these refugees who distrust the newcomers. Tace contacts her sister Tula without knowing Tula has joined the Empire. Jora identifies Tace as the traitor responsible for leaking their location. Leia realizes Tace was unaware of Tula's alliance with the Empire. Reunification talks on Espirion fail when Jora reacts with disgust at interbreeding between Alderaanians and alien natives. The Preserver proves too easily convinced to join Leia despite earlier resistance. Evaan and Nien Nunb rescue Leia during a planned double-cross. Countless ships piloted by other Alderaanians arrive to join the fight. They face overwhelming Imperial forces that plan to destroy all Alderaan ships. A space battle ensues where numbers seem impossible to overcome. R2-D2 broadcasts Leia's message to allies across the galaxy. The Alder-Espirions view this speech and join the fight. This turns the tide against the Imperial fleet.