Darth Vader (2017) 13

Summary from the Publisher

As the Empire's control intensifies, the first signs of a revolt begin to appear within the Mon Cala system. Maintaining order becomes crucial…a task assigned to Vader, his inquisitors…alongside a figure known as Wilhuff Tarkin!

Synopsis of the Plot

Master Alongside Pupil

During the duel that occurred on Mustafar, Darth Vader envisions himself overcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi. In this imagined scenario, Darth Vader, encased in his armor, uses telekinesis to lift his former Master before forcefully throwing him into the fiery lava, where he is consumed by the intense heat. Returning to the present, Vader puts on his armor and has a meeting with his master, the Emperor Palpatine, at the Imperial Palace.

The Emperor, determining that the time has come for the Galactic Empire to advance, resolves to discard the pretense that the Empire is simply an extension of the Galactic Republic. He decides to make the planet Mon Cala a demonstration of the consequences of resistance by showcasing the power of the Imperial Military. Despite the Death Star still being under construction, the Empire possesses a vast arsenal, including Star Destroyers and innovative starfighters.

While the Imperial ambassador is engaged in discussions with Lee-Char, the King of Mon Cala, the Emperor instructs Vader to investigate the possibility of a Jedi secretly advising the King. The Emperor assigns the military aspects of the operation to Governor Wilhuff Tarkin.

Strategy for Conflict

Aboard the Imperial-class Star Destroyer, Governor Tarkin provides Major [Rantu], Commander [Jordo] of the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB), and Colonel [Bergon] with information about the geographical characteristics of Mon Cala. The planet is almost entirely submerged in deep water, with significant settlements and defense systems located in the underwater regions. The reefs and islands of Mon Cala host several major cities, primarily used for international trade and diplomatic activities. Tarkin's strategy involves capturing the surface cities if hostilities break out.

Major Rantu expresses confidence in his forces' readiness, citing their simulation exercises. ISB Commander Jordo suggests implementing a propaganda campaign to create divisions between the Mon Calamari and Quarren populations. Tarkin rejects the idea of a disinformation campaign. When Colonel Bergon suggests using the Star Destroyer for orbital bombardment of Mon Cala and questions the need for a complex, phased assault, Tarkin explains that the Empire aims to control, not destroy.

Tarkin elucidates that Mon Cala is a valuable asset due to its inhabitants, technology, and civilization, noting the Emperor's appreciation for Mon Calamari Aquatic Ballet. He stresses that they will not destroy Mon Cala without a valid reason.

Intense Negotiation

In Dac City, Imperial Ambassador Telvar asks King Lee-Char, in front of his Mon Calamari and Quarren advisors, to consider whether Mon Cala wishes to remain a part of the "great" Galactic Empire. Lee-Char opposes the Imperial proposal that Mon Cala sell its kelpite strand beams to Imperial shipyards at a reduced price, deeming it economically detrimental to his people. Telvar counters that the Empire offers protection to him and his people.

King Lee-Char disagrees, believing that a military-industrial complex is unnecessary in a peaceful galaxy. Telvar offers to convey his concerns to his superiors and suggests placing an annual limit on kelpite shipments to the Empire. Despite Telvar's assurances of shared interests, Admiral Raddus is suspicious of the Empire due to the presence of the Star Destroyer in orbit. Telvar departs, expressing hope for continued negotiations.

Governor Tarkin receives news that Ambassador Telvar is returning to the Sovereign, but the negotiations were unsuccessful. While Tarkin prefers a diplomatic resolution, the Imperials soon learn that the Imperial Zeta-class shuttle Infernum has emerged from hyperspace. Tarkin remarks that they were not expecting additional personnel and that the Infernum signifies a different kind of diplomacy.

When King Lee-Char inquires about the talks, Admiral Raddus replies that Ambassador Telvar believes he holds all the power and suggests they should secede from the Empire. He believes that the Empire will only exploit them. Lee-Char believes the problem is bigger than the Empire. Admiral Raddus is about to inquire about Lee-Char's mysterious advisor when they notice the Infernum descending toward Dac City.

Jedi Hunters Arrive

The Infernum lands on a designated platform. The Sixth Brother, Ninth Sister, and Tenth Brother exit the shuttle, accompanied by a squad of Purge Troopers. The Imperial assault team is met by a group of Mon Cala guards, led by Commander Gial Ackbar, the King's head of security. The Ninth Sister hands Ackbar a datapad containing an Imperial decree stating that "interference with any agent of the Inquisitorius will be considered an act of war against the First Galactic Empire."

Despite the Emperor's seal, Ackbar protests this intrusion into his homeworld's affairs. The Ninth Sister directs Ackbar to address his concerns with Darth Vader. Ackbar demands to know their intentions on Mon Cala. Vader tells him to read the writ, but Ackbar refuses to allow them to leave the landing platform without further explanation.

As the departing Ambassador observes, Vader states that he is there to hunt an enemy of the Empire. Ackbar replies that the king is engaged in peaceful trade negotiations and that there are no enemies of the Empire on Mon Cala. At that moment, Ambassador Telvar's shuttle explodes, shocking everyone. Vader tells the Commander that he is mistaken.

Onset of Invasion

Upon learning of the destruction of Ambassador Telvar's shuttle, with no survivors, Tarkin uses the Ambassador's death as justification for a military invasion, regardless of whether it was an attack or sabotage. He instructs Major Rantu to immediately deploy landing craft, and Commander Jordo and Colonel Bergon to begin their respective phases of the operation. Inside the Star Destroyer's hangar, TIE fighters, Low Altitude Assault Transport carriers, and walkers are prepared for deployment.

Later, King Lee-Char informs the mysterious Jedi adviser that the Empire has dispatched ships and landed an army. The Jedi advises the King to remain composed, as they anticipated this possibility. Lee-Char alerts the Jedi to the presence of Inquisitors and a tall, armored, masked figure, whom the Jedi recognizes as Anakin Skywalker.

Chronological Consistency

Upon its initial release, the opening crawl of Darth Vader 13 stated that "three years" had elapsed since the proclamation of the New Order, and Darth Sidious later declared that he had served as Galactic Emperor for three years. Due to the Sixth Brother's appearance in the issue, these statements contradicted the young adult novel Ahsoka, where the Sixth Brother dies shortly after the Galactic Empire's first anniversary. Furthermore, one panel of the issue referred to Wilhuff Tarkin as a Grand Moff, despite the novel Tarkin establishing that the rank had not yet been created. These inconsistencies, along with other minor changes to the opening crawl, were corrected in the issue's digital version.

In one panel, Commander Jordo, an Imperial Security Bureau officer in a white uniform, is depicted wearing a standard Imperial military uniform, despite being in the same sequence of events where he was shown in the standard white ISB uniform. In another panel, Tarkin mistakenly refers to Colonel Bergon as Commander Jordo.

Available Media

Different Editions

• UPC 759606086665; March 14 , 2018 ; Marvel Comics [1] 01311; Cover A; Elia Bonetti, Giuseppe Camuncoli 01321; Cover B; Rod Reis

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