Star Wars has finally revealed how the Rebel Alliance was able to trust Lando Calrissian after Empire Strikes Back. Not only did Lando betray Han Solo and Leia Organa, but his double-crosses continued even after the events of Episode V. Despite his noble intentions to save the life of his friend Lobot, Lando sold Rebellion secrets to none other than Jabba the Hutt before Return of the Jedi. Having fully confessed to his crimes and subsequently being put on trial, Lando’s future fate as a Rebellion general became a major question mark.

Taking place in Marvel’s canonical Star Wars series by Charles Soule and Madibek Musabekov, the new Star Wars #47 reveals the Alliance tribunal’s final ruling regarding Lando and his sentencing. With witnesses having shared the full extent of Lando’s character as well as Calrissian himself taking the stand in defense of his actions to save his friend, all that remained was for Admiral Ackbar, Crix Madine, and Mon Mothma to reveal their ruling. As such, the final decision proved to be both surprising, and yet quite fitting at the same time.

Declaring that Lando would have to pay the Alliance a sum of 250 million credits following the end of the Galactic Civil War, it’s clear that Calrissian would be in the service of the Alliance for quite some time to pay off his debts. However, this likely won’t be too hard for the former con man considering the recent evolution of his character where Lando has become a true believer in the Rebel cause, a point that was made quite evident during the trial proceedings as proof that he could be trusted now that Lobot’s safe.

Lando’s Sentencing Could Have Been So Much Worse

He Was Also Able To Pay His Debt Off

It’s worth noting that Lando’s sentencing in this new issue could have been a lot worse. After all, execution was on the table from the very start, given the serious nature of Lando’s crimes that compromised the entire Alliance. Certain leaders of the Rebellion wanted to set an example, while others were determined to offer Lando a fair trial to set a strong precedent for their ability to lead a New Republic post-war. That said, General Crix Madine would have liked nothing more than to chuck Lando out of an airlock, and he said as much to Calrissian directly.

Instead, the trust Lando earned throughout his time with the Rebellion was well-established and proven in court. Although he was resigned to whatever consequences the Rebellion had in store, Lando refused to concede that his actions were wrong, having followed his own moral compass to save his friend. At any rate, it’s good to see that Lando only has to pay a fine that can be mitigated pending service to the Alliance. Calrissian’s lighter sentencing was also likely aided by the fact that Lando recently saved Mon Mothma despite being on trial, having been the only one to recognize her kidnappers.

Lando Is Finally Ready For His Return of the Jedi Future

When Will We See The Battle of Taanab?

Following this new Star Wars issue, Lando is essentially back in the good graces of the Alliance. As such, this does mean that the door is wide open for Calrissian to earn his general rank following the still unseen Battle of Taabab which was referenced in Return of the Jedi. At any rate, going from criminal to general is quite a dramatic Rebellion evolution, one that Lando likely carries with pride in the official Star Wars canon.