Darth Vader (2017) 16

Summary from the Publisher

Vader, accompanied by his Inquisitors, commands an elite squad of clone troopers in an effort to dislodge a Jedi traitor hiding beneath Mon Cala's waters…expect the oceans to ignite with their wrath.

Synopsis of the Plot

Subaquatic Pursuit

Within Ferren Barr's cave refuge, situated on Mon Cala, "Master" Barr instructs his followers to evacuate. He informs Verla that Darth Vader and a number of Inquisitors are aware of their location and are en route to capture them. He tasks Endee with creating a backup datacard containing his files as the acolytes prepare for their escape. Once the droid completes the datacard, Barr commands it to initiate self-destruction.

After Barr's followers have equipped their diving suits, Barr informs them, including Nipaltoo, that they will proceed to the nearest settlement in search of a means to leave the planet. When Orvek notes that the Galactic Empire is engaged in an attack on a world that Barr has been assisting, Barr asserts that they have accomplished their purpose there. He intends to spark rebellion on other planets.

The group flees using Underwater Turbo Sled Pikes, only to find their path obstructed by Darth Vader's Imperial submarine. Stell suggests that they disperse, but Nipaltoo attempts to assault the submarine. However, Lord Vader redirects his blaster bolt back at his helmet, crushing it and causing Nipaltoo's death due to decompression.

In his final moments, Nipaltoo recalls a memory of himself and his grieving mother weeping as Jedi take his sister Palabee away for Jedi training. Following the Great Jedi Purge, Nipaltoo sought vengeance against the Empire. Barr recruited him, exploiting his desire for retribution against the Empire.

As the Imperial submarine continues its pursuit, Daren inquires about their next course of action. Unable to retaliate, Barr suggests they escape to Bel City. With the submarine closing in, Orvek decides to make his final stand. He is caught in an explosion. In his last moments, Orvek recalls a flashback of Imperial stormtroopers destroying his family's swamp dwelling. Despite the Empire's promise of compensation, he and his family become homeless. Barr later recruits Orvek, capitalizing on his resentment towards the Empire.

Barr and his remaining followers reach Bel City and dock their vehicles in a hangar. Rebb and Stell opt to remain behind to impede the Imperial pursuers. While preparing for their final stand, the couple reflects on their decision to join Barr's cause. Determined to prevent their children from being raised under the Empire's rule, the couple had decided to join Barr's rebellion.

The Broader Perspective

Aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Sovereign above Mon Cala, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin observes the war effort. An Imperial lieutenant informs Tarkin that Imperial reinforcements are shifting the momentum of the battle. Tarkin concurs but emphasizes that they are engaged in too many conflicts.

The Mon Calamari and Quarren defenders have adopted two primary strategies. First, fortifying themselves in underwater cities and forcing Imperial stormtroopers to engage in close-quarters combat within unfamiliar territory. Second, dispersing across the vast reaches of the sea to divide seatrooper forces.

Tarkin also expresses concern regarding Admiral Raddus' strategy of connecting Mon Calamari merchant vessels and utilizing their deflector shields to safeguard his forces, successfully repelling Imperial attacks in the south pole. Commander Ackbar is impressed with Raddus' defensive tactics. Ackbar contemplates when the Empire will retreat, but Raddus expresses his hope that they will not.

The Pursuit Continues

Meanwhile, within Bel City, Darth Vader, accompanied by the Ninth Sister, Tenth Brother, and Sixth Brother, leads a contingent of Purge Troopers in pursuit of the Jedi and his followers. Governor Tarkin contacts Darth Vader and requests his assistance in securing King Lee-Char to expedite the resolution of the conflict on Mon Cala. Vader agrees to assist Tarkin and assigns the Inquisitors the task of eliminating Barr and his followers.

Barr instructs his two remaining followers, Daren and Verla, to continue moving to secure a defensive position. Barr intends to contact the King and request a rescue party. However, the three encounter a dead end on a circular platform. Before they can retreat to the tunnel, Daren is killed by an Inquisitor's double-bladed spinning lightsaber. In his final moments, Daren recalls a flashback of Anakin Skywalker rescuing him from B2-series super battle droids. Later, Barr recruits him, appealing to his desire to aid a Jedi.

The Inquisitors discuss Barr's statement that there is no escape. Verla expresses a desire to confront the Inquisitors, but the Jedi has one final tactic. Addressing the Inquisitors, he reveals that he knows their identities, identifying them as the Jedi Prosset Dibs, Bil Valen, and Masana Tide. The Ninth Sister recognizes Barr as a Jedi Padawan. She declares that their Jedi identities are irrelevant and that they identify solely as the Ninth Brother, Sixth Brother, and Tenth Brother.

However, Barr counters that he has been studying the origins of the Great Jedi Purge and has uncovered the role of the clone troopers. He uses the Force to remove the helmets of the Purge Troopers, revealing them to be the last production batch of Clone troopers. The Sixth Brother remains unfazed and asserts that Barr will die. However, Barr retorts that the past, history, and truth are significant. He asserts that once a Jedi, always a Jedi. Barr commands the Purge Troopers to execute Order 66.

Media

Editions

• UPC 759606086665; May 9 , 2018 ; Marvel Comics [1] 01611; Cover A; Elia Bonetti, Giuseppe Camuncoli 01621; Cover B; Rod Reis

Cover gallery