The Haul

"The Haul" is a comic story that was published in The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021. The story was written by Cavan Scott, illustrated by Stefano Simeone, and published by IDW Publishing on December 15, 2021.

Plot summary[]

Raid on Quilken[]

Nihil forces under Storm Slombo attack a repository on the Outer Rim world of Quilken. One of his subordinates reports that they can't get past the droids defending the settlement. Slombo says that he doesn't deserve to be here and vows that nothing can stop them before striking the subordinate. Tempest Runner Lourna Dee says that she is pleased to hear that before landing in a starship.

When Slombo asks what she is doing here, Dee says that she is interested in vault containing priceless treasures which could be valuable to the Nihil. Slombo insists that the haul belongs to him. Displeased with Slombo's progress, Dee orders Muglan to deploy the scav droids, which charge into the battlefield. One of them knocks Slombo aside. The scav droids quickly eliminate the droids defending the repository. Based on information from the scav droids, Dee surmises that the vault is a Treeker O-87 and believes that it should be easy to open. Slombo resents Dee for stealing his haul.

Engle's trap[]

The Nihil are shocked to discover that the "treasure" inside the vault is actually the Jedi Master Porter Engle, who is known as the "Blade of Bardotta". Dee orders her marauders to kill Engle but the Jedi uses the Force to hurl scav droids at the advancing Nihil. Seeking to regain his prestige, Slombo takes on Engle but is dismayed to learn that Dee and her forces have left. Dee smugly responds that this is his raid and payload before telling him to enjoy it.

Engle subdues Slombo and grabs him by his tunic. Engle then contacts Starlight Beacon and informs Estala Maru that he is ready to return to the space station. He also asks that she make room in the security tower for a new "haul."