Star Wars Rebels: The Rise of the Rebellion

Chapter 13: A Princess on Lothal

Following the events of Legacy, a white Loth-cat watches Kanan and Zalo talk with Hera Syndulla via hologram about his, Ezra Bridger, and Chopper's recent adventures on Lothal. While Ezra learned that his parents Ephraim and Mira Bridger had died, the rebels had been able to find a new ally in the form of Ryder Azadi, the former Governor of Lothal.

"How's he taking it?" Hera asked.

"Like you'd expect." Kanan replied.

"We both knew Ezra might not get the news he hoped he would about his parents." Zalo said.

Hera sighed and looked over at Lothal's former Governor.

"Governor Azadi, we're grateful you stood by them for so long." Hera said.

"Not sure what good it did. Things don't seem any better here on Lothal." Azadi said.

"At the moment, maybe, but we hope to change that in the future." Hera said. "Speaking of which, Senator Organa heard about our losses on Garel. He's sending us reinforcements. His agent is coming to Lothal with three cruisers."

"Best news we've heard all day, I'd say." Zalo said.

Above the planet Lothal, three Hammerhead-class cruisers drop out of hyperspace and are intercepted by a light cruiser. Imperial Lieutenant Yogar Lyste demands to know the identities and purpose of the cruisers, due to rebel activity on Lothal forcing a planetary lockdown. The cruisers respond by declaring they are delivering relief aid to the people of Lothal, and are identified as Alderaanian when their landing permit comes through. Lyste is irritated at yet another "meddling delegation from Alderaan," and gives them instructions to land at the Jalath City depot for processing. The leader of the Alderaanian delegation, Princess Leia Organa, thanks Lyste, and after the Imperial officer signs off, states that "there's no turning back now."

Back at Ryder Azadi's hideout, Kanan and Zalo tell Ezra about the rendezvous, and asks Ryder to come with them. He refuses, stating that he doesn't want to be involved in rebel activity for fear of being captured and thrown in prison again. Ryder does, however, let the Jedi take his speeder bike.

Kanan was disguised as a stormtrooper, Ezra was a Cadet, and Zalo was a Scout trooper as they saw three Hammerhead transports landing at the checkpoint.

"Those are our reinforcements?" Ezra asked. "Some old transports?"

"In our line of work, you take what you can get, kid," Kanan said.

"Those transports are tougher than they look. They're not called Hammerheads for nothing," Zalo said.

As the Hammerheads landed in front of them, Jedi got in front of one of them as a young woman exited the ship. She looked to be about Zalo's age, with brown hair, amber-colored eyes, and was wearing a white jumpsuit. Zalo took off his helmet.

"Leia," Zalo said, smiling as Leia smiled back.

"Zalo, it's good to see you again," she said.

"And you as well," Zalo replied.

"Woah, wait a minute," Ezra said. "You two know each other?"

"I'll explain later. Right now, we've got company," Zalo said, seeing some troopers approach them. He put his helmet back on as four rebels approached the troopers. Leia spoke up.

"Deck officer, I would like to start unloading," Leia told the trooper.

"Stand by. My orders are to inspect the cargo and detain these vessels until the lieutenant arrives," the trooper said as he and the other troopers walked away.

"Well, this plan is off to a good start," Kanan said.

"As a matter of fact, it's going perfectly," Leia said. "Where's the rest of your team?"