The latest installment in the Star Wars universe, "Reign of the Empire: Edge of the Abyss" by Rebecca Roanhorse, offers a deep dive into the character of Saw Gerrera, highlighting his relentless approach to rebellion. An exclusive excerpt from the novel reveals a fraught encounter between Gerrera and Bail Organa on Alderaan, a year before the events of the Disney+ series "Andor."
The novel, set during the oppressive years of Imperial rule leading up to "A New Hope," follows Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera. It explores their struggles against the Empire's escalating tactics, which include not only brute force but also the insidious radicalization of the younger generation. The excerpt specifically focuses on a clandestine meeting between Gerrera and Organa, initiated by Gerrera.
Organa arrives at a small, dingy store in Crevasse City, unsure of the meeting's specifics. He is directed to a back room where he finds Gerrera observing a distant festival crowd. Their conversation quickly becomes tense, revealing Gerrera's hardened perspective. He expresses frustration with those who seem to live peacefully while others fight for their freedom, and his words carry a veiled threat toward Alderaan's current tranquility.
"It won’t be peaceful forever," Gerrera states, his eyes reflecting a haunted intensity. Organa, initially frustrated by Gerrera's evasiveness and past actions, presses him on why he reached out. Gerrera reveals that Organa's operatives were "clumsy" and easily exposed, suggesting a need for direct communication.
The discussion turns to a recent attack on Inusagi. Gerrera acknowledges his involvement, stating it was a mission "to remind the Empire that it can’t operate with impunity." He draws parallels to Naboo's fate, warning Organa that such subjugation is not impossible for Alderaan. Organa vows to fight if such a situation arises, a sentiment Gerrera seems to recognize as a shared cause, a departure from his previous isolationist stance.
However, Organa challenges Gerrera's claim of victory, pointing out that Inusagi is now under martial law with its freedoms curtailed. Gerrera dismisses these concerns, declaring Inusagi "lost" and that "we did what we could." This leads to a heated exchange where Organa accuses Gerrera of inciting unrest and then abandoning communities to face the Empire's retribution.
Gerrera, visibly pained and leaning on an injured leg, retorts that his life is defined by consequences, by constant hiding and being a pariah. He reveals the cost of the Inusagi mission: the loss of his comrades Maia and Nankry. The capture of Nankry is particularly concerning, as she possesses critical information about the Inusagi resistance, Gerrera's Partisans, and their support network, including "The Library."
"And now, the Empire will know those things, too," Gerrera states grimly, underscoring the dire implications of Nankry's capture and the potential fallout from the Inusagi operation. The excerpt sets a somber tone for the continuing narrative, emphasizing the personal toll and strategic risks inherent in the fight against the Empire.
"Reign of the Empire: Edge of the Abyss" is scheduled for release on September 11.