Darth Vader (2017) 9

Publisher's summary

As the nascent Empire faces the continuing menace presented by the Jedi, Vader embarks on a quest to locate [a] Jedi whom his master has instructed him...to preserve alive.

Plot summary

Vader's arrival

Darth Vader journeys via an airspeeder on Coruscant to the former Jedi Temple, now under the watch of the Coruscant Guards in conjunction with the Coruscant underworld police. Clone Commander Fox informs him that the Temple is sealed off and requests instructions from Lord Vader. Vader declares that entry to, or exit from, the Temple is prohibited without the explicit authorization of the Emperor or himself.

Fox relays the presence of two full companies of Clone troopers in addition to a substantial contingent of the Coruscant Security Force. Upon Fox's inquiry regarding the nature of the threat, Lord Vader questions him about his involvement in the execution of Order 66. Following Fox's affirmative response, Vader comments that some individuals were missed.

Settling old scores

Meanwhile, Jedi Master Jocasta Nu confronts the Grand Inquisitor, demanding his identity and rebuking him for desecrating the Temple. A resentful Grand Inquisitor reminds Master Nu of her past denials of his requests for access to the higher archives during his time within the Jedi Order. Upon recognizing him, Master Nu condemns the Grand Inquisitor as a betrayer. The Grand Inquisitor retorts that the Jedi are now the traitors, and they engage in a lightsaber duel.

When Master Nu inquires whether he is a Sith, the Grand Inquisitor responds that he is not yet, but close. The Inquisitor states that he revels in harnessing his rage to fuel his dark side powers. When Master Nu questions his betrayal of his brothers and sisters in the Force, the Grand Inquisitor explains that the Jedi separated him from his family in his youth. Having been exposed solely to the light side of the Force, the Inquisitor believed that the Jedi had consistently withheld something from him. The Grand Inquisitor asserts that the dark side has filled his void.

When the Inquisitor voices his resentment over Master Nu's denial of his access to the higher archives, she counters that the secrets contained within the Jedi Archives are profound, intricate, unusual, and not intended for everyone. She clarifies that she denied his requests because she deemed him unprepared, before forcefully pushing him aside. As Master Nu reaffirms her duties as a Jedi archivist, the Grand Inquisitor mocks her, stating that the Jedi Order is defunct and that she is powerless to prevent him from acquiring the knowledge he seeks.

Displaying his skill as a lightsaber combatant, the Grand Inquisitor gains the advantage and forces Master Nu to the ground, disarming her of her lightsaber. As he prepares to strike her down with his double-bladed spinning lightsaber, Master Nu accepts her destiny, declaring her unity with the Force. However, Darth Vader intervenes, blocking his blade with his lightsaber.

Sith versus Jedi

The Grand Inquisitor demands an explanation from Lord Vader for preventing him from executing Master Nu. Recalling the Emperor's directive to withhold information about Master Nu's significance from the Inquisitorius, Lord Vader simply states that he does not desire her execution. When the Grand Inquisitor presses for a reason, Vader reiterates his orders. Distrustful of Vader's allegiance, the Grand Inquisitor suggests that Lord Vader first deactivate his lightsaber as a gesture of trust. Vader responds that he only requires the Inquisitor's obedience.

Capitalizing on the distraction between Vader and the Grand Inquisitor, she employs the Force to hurl several holobooks at her adversaries. Harnessing the Force, Master Nu ascends a pillar and climbs onto the balcony. While the Inquisitor is incapacitated, Vader continues the pursuit. He commands Master Nu to surrender, promising not to harm her. Through the Force, Master Nu discerns that Vader is a genuine Sith who played a role in the Great Jedi Purge. Recognizing that Vader intends to keep her alive so that the Sith can extract the Archives' secrets, Master Nu initiates an authorization code that instructs the Archives' computers to erase all data stored on their holobooks, thereby denying the Jedi Order's secrets to the Sith.

Upon entering the Jedi Archive vault, Vader finds his path obstructed by the security droid Cator, who identifies him as Anakin Skywalker based on his bioscans. He informs Skywalker that his presence in the vault is unauthorized and directs him to adhere to Master Nu's procedures for requesting user privileges. Lord Vader throws his lightsaber, but the droid intercepts it. Identifying himself as a guardian-protector of a sensitive area within the Jedi Temple, Cator states that he is programmed to defend against any threat, including Jedi lightsaber attacks. Recognizing Skywalker as a Sith based on his red lightsaber, he orders him to depart.

Vader charges at the droid, tearing off its left arm. The droid retaliates by crushing one of his mechanical hands. Lord Vader ultimately destroys the droid by smashing its head with his fists. Meanwhile, Master Nu discovers a lightsaber rifle within the vault and attacks Vader, knocking him to the ground. She vows that it is his turn.

Media

Editions

• UPC 759606086665; December 6 , 2017 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00911; Cover A; Giuseppe Camuncoli, Francesco Mattina

Cover gallery