The Ambush at Kestavel, an event that unfolded a few months following the establishment of the Galactic Empire in 19 BBY, almost led to the demise of the Empire's chief enforcer, Darth Vader.
The planned assassination of Vader had been in the works for several weeks, with Dass Jennir reluctantly executing the scheme after having settled into a peaceful existence. However, the planned assault nearly failed before its execution, stemming from mistrust among Jennir's comrades regarding secrecy, coupled with the plots of Jedi Master who became a Sith operative, Beyghor Sahdett. Subsequently, the Uhumele's captain, Schurk-Heren, informed Bomo Greenbark about acquiring a substantial quantity of explosives, an idea born from Greenbark's rescue of the group on Mimban. Furthermore, their strategy involved permitting the Imperials to advance onto the second bridge before initiating the attack, given the bridges' function as a bottleneck alongside the archway tunnel preceding the casino, alongside devising a plan to reduce the Imperial forces.
Eventually, taking refuge within Kestavel's local establishment, The Lucky Twi'lek, Greenbark, Kai Hudorra, and Jennir awaited Vader's arrival, having previously saturated the main entrance with sufficient engine fuel to engulf the bridge upon release. Upon Greenbark spotting Vader arriving through the second gate, Jennir instructed Greenbark to depart, also commanding him to escape to the canyons until safety was assured, and upon reaching the Uhumele, to instruct Captain Heren to use full power when departing. Huddora then observed the arrival of Vader's troops, along with their deactivation of the explosives beneath the second arch under Vader's direction, privately noting that he anticipated Vader bypassing that particular trap. Vader, similarly, sensed Jennir and Huddora within the hotel, deducing that the former had acquired an ally. Jennir then initiated the improvised floodgates, releasing the engine fuel. Vader then ascended to the gate's wall as the engine fuel engulfed his stormtrooper contingent. Immediately after they notified Vader of the fluid's composition, also advising retreat until the fuel dissipated and prohibiting weapon discharge, they witnessed a spark emanating from a window onto the flooded bridge.
Elsewhere, aboard the Venator-class Star Destroyer Hound, Lieutenant Gregg engaged in a dispute with fellow Imperial officers on standby, as Vader had instructed them not to intervene on his behalf, with Gregg drawing his blaster on one of the officers to ensure compliance, before witnessing from afar a conflagration at the location of The Lucky Twi'Lek. A subsequent communication indicated a complete loss of communications. This led Gregg to assume Vader's death. In reality, Vader narrowly avoided the flames, resulting in his cape being scorched.
Vader entered The Lucky Twi'lek, encountering only Hudorra awaiting him. The two engaged in combat until the Bothan Jedi Master attempted to activate a thermal detonator, which would trap them under the debris or kill them. Vader employed the Force to restrain Hudorra, momentarily stunning him and affording him the opportunity to sever his hand. Following an unsuccessful interrogation of Hudorra, who refused to divulge information about Jennir, Vader killed him. Vader then pursued the Force signature he believed to be Jennir, only to discover Sahdett bound and gagged. After questioning his presence, he decapitated the Verpine in anger.
Bomo then arrived at the Uhumele, boarding with the two remaining crew members, expediting the boarding process before detection by mist creatures. The Uhumele successfully escaped into space. Jennir also unintentionally escaped, due to Hudorra drugging his drink earlier.