In the fight for freedom, few leaders in the *Star Wars* galaxy had as much impact as Gial Ackbar and Leia Organa. Gial Ackbar, voiced by Erik Bauersfeld and brought to life by puppeteer Tim Rose, was a clever Mon Calamari admiral. His tactical skills led to some of the Rebellion’s biggest victories. On the other side, Carrie Fisher’s Leia Organa was a brave princess-turned-general. She devoted her life to defeating tyranny. Together, they were key in shaping the galaxy’s future.
Their battle continued after the Empire’s fall. As the New Republic rose from the war’s ashes, Ackbar and Leia worked to guard it against new threats. These included political corruption, Imperial remnants, and the rise of the First Order. While others became complacent, they recognized the dangers ahead. They stood firm, even when others did not. This is the story of their leadership, their struggles, and how their dedication shaped the galaxy’s fate.
A Partnership Forged in Rebellion
Before they became leaders of the New Republic, Gial Ackbar and Leia Organa made their mark as key figures of the Rebel Alliance. Ackbar, a skilled Mon Calamari fleet commander, had been enslaved by the Empire before the Rebellion freed him. His sharp tactical mind was vital in organizing major battles, especially the Battle of Endor. There, he led the charge against the second Death Star. His famous line, “It’s a trap!”, remains one of the most iconic moments in Star Wars history.
Leia, the Princess of Alderaan, had been a leader in the Rebellion since its start. She was more than just a diplomat—she was also a fighter. Whether gathering intelligence, battling on Hoth and Endor, or rallying allies, she embodied resistance against the Empire.
Together, they helped bring about the fall of Emperor Palpatine’s rule. While the Empire crumbled, their fight for peace was just beginning.
Building a New Republic from the Ashes
After defeating the Empire, the New Republic was formed. It replaced Imperial rule with a democratic government. Gial Ackbar became the Supreme Commander of the New Republic Defense Fleet. He was in charge of building a military force to defend against future threats. Meanwhile, Leia stepped into a political role as a senator. She aimed to guide the Republic toward stability and avoid past mistakes.
At first, their efforts worked well. The Republic moved its capital to Chandrila. The last remnants of the Empire fell at the Battle of Jakku, ending the Galactic Civil War. The Galactic Concordance was signed, forcing the Empire to surrender completely.
However, many thought the war was truly over. Leia and Ackbar noticed troubling signs. The Republic Senate, eager to break from Imperial militarization, demilitarized much of the fleet. They believed diplomacy would stop future conflicts. Leia and Ackbar disagreed, warning that Imperial remnants had fled into the Unknown Regions and could return. Their concerns went unheard as politicians focused on governance, not warfare.
Warnings of a New Threat
While the Senate celebrated peace, Leia and Ackbar kept a watchful eye on the galaxy. Reports surfaced of Imperial warlords regrouping beyond the Republic’s reach. Leia uncovered intelligence suggesting that remnants of the Empire were rebuilding in secret. However, the Senate dismissed her concerns, viewing her as overly cautious and unwilling to move on from the war.
Then came a devastating blow—Leia’s parentage was revealed to the public. When it was discovered that she was the daughter of Darth Vader, many senators turned against her. The revelation shattered her political career, with some fearing she could be tempted by the dark side.
Frustrated with the Senate, Leia left politics. She then formed the Resistance, a small but strong group ready to act where the Republic wouldn’t. Ackbar, though still bound to the Republic’s military, continued supporting Leia from within, knowing that a new war was coming.
The Fall of the New Republic
With time, Ackbar and Leia’s worst fears became reality. The First Order, a hidden remnant of the Empire, dealt a heavy blow. They destroyed Hosnian Prime, the New Republic’s capital, using Starkiller Base. The Republic’s fleet, weakened by years of disarmament, was obliterated in an instant.
With the Republic broken, Ackbar and Leia became the last hope for freedom. Ackbar, a general in the Resistance, used his tactics to keep their forces alive. He led the fleet against tough odds and used every advantage he could find. Leia, mourning the Republic she built, refused to give up. She rallied allies, inspired hope, and kept fighting.
The biggest challenge arose at the Battle of D’Qar. The Resistance had to flee from the First Order’s relentless pursuit. In a tragic turn, General Ackbar was killed during a surprise attack on their flagship. His loss was great. The Resistance lost one of its best strategists.
Yet, even in the face of such tragedy, Leia refused to let the Resistance fall. She continued to lead, ensuring that hope remained alive.
The Final Stand Against the First Order
Leia carried on Ackbar’s mission, guiding the Resistance through its darkest hours. Even with the First Order in control of the galaxy, Leia still believed victory was possible.
She led the Resistance to Crait, where they made their last stand. Against impossible odds, she inspired what remained of their forces to fight. Her unwavering hope led to the return of Luke Skywalker, whose sacrifice gave the Resistance the chance to escape and rebuild.
Even in the years that followed, Leia remained at the heart of the Resistance. She trained Rey, ensuring the Jedi Order would rise again. She kept leading, even as her health declined, until her last moments in The Rise of Skywalker. In those moments, she used her final strength to reach out to her son, Ben Solo.
Ackbar and Leia didn’t live to see the final victory. Still, their leadership set the stage for the Resistance to triumph over the First Order.
The Legacy of Gial Ackbar and Leia Organa
Gial Ackbar and Leia Organa show resilience, sacrifice, and strong leadership. Ackbar’s smart tactics helped freedom fighters face tough challenges. Leia’s strong will inspired many to fight against tyranny. Their leadership demonstrates that true heroes don’t seek power. They fight for a cause bigger than themselves. Even after they are gone, their influence shapes the galaxy’s future. This proves that hope remains as long as people are ready to fight for it.
