Darth Vader #11 represents the eleventh installment of the Marvel comic book series entitled Star Wars: Darth Vader, and it is the fifth of six issues comprising the second story arc, known as Shadows and Secrets. This comic, penned by Kieron Gillen and illustrated by Salvador Larroca, was made available on October 21, 2015.
Dr. Aphra observes, while in the aerial metropolis of Anthan Spire, that the atmospheric disturbances are intense, and she inquires whether the Ante, an information broker, is concerned about situating his operations there. He responds that sightseers frequent the location to observe the tempests, which he compares to asteroid belts but more stylish. When Dr. Aphra questions the feasibility of navigating through such asteroid belts, he suggests it is impossible. Dr. Aphra permits her droids, Triple Zero and Beetee, to enjoy themselves while she engages in conversation with the Ante.
Concurrently, Darth Vader and Inspector Thanoth are preparing a stormtrooper assault force. Thanoth, utilizing data acquired from the Dragon, successfully impersonated an interested party and arranged a rendezvous with the Ante. Thanoth is confident that the Ante will guide them directly to the perpetrators responsible for the theft of the Son-tuul Pride fortune. The pair, accompanied by a contingent of stormtroopers, departs aboard a Lambda-class shuttle.
Separately, Dr. Aphra informs the Ante that she is seeking the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker, the rebel pilot credited with destroying the Death Star. However, the Ante discloses that other entities are also interested in Skywalker, leading him to increase his fee. By leveraging the credits obtained from the Son-tuul Pride heist, Dr. Aphra manages to persuade the Ante to reveal that Skywalker is located on the planet Vrogas Vas.
At the same time, Triple Zero engages in a game with a Duros, ultimately losing his credits. As he receives directives from Dr. Aphra to return to the Ark Angel, Imperial forces initiate an assault on the Spire. While Triple Zero complains about losing to the Duros "cheater," Beetee triggers a firefight by shooting a patron, resulting in a battle between the Imperials and the gamblers.
Following the shootout, Darth Vader and Inspector Thanoth confront the Ante at his base. The Ante capitulates and offers his assistance to the Empire, despite the destruction of his records. He informs them that the Plasma Devils' base is situated on the Thanteen Substrata of Anthan 1. Before he can provide further details, Thanoth reveals that they are searching for the individuals responsible for stealing the Son-Tuul Pride's treasure during its transport. The Ante identifies Dr. Aphra, who is attempting to flee, as the perpetrator.
Darth Vader employs the Force to redirect a blaster bolt fired by a Mon Calamari sniper, striking the Ante in the chest and killing him to prevent him from divulging more information to the Empire. Inspector Thanoth dispatches stormtroopers to pursue Dr. Aphra, while Vader vows that she will not escape. With Beetee's assistance, Dr. Aphra escapes through a sliding blast door. She encounters Darth Vader, who instructs her not to resist before Force choking her. Aphra reveals that she possesses knowledge of Skywalker's location but will disclose it later.
Darth Vader facilitates her escape by obstructing the path of Thanoth's stormtroopers with debris. Upon Thanoth's arrival, Vader claims that she had set a trap. Meanwhile, Dr. Aphra and the droids pilot the Ark Angel through the storms. Despite being pursued by an Arquitens-class light cruiser and TIE fighters, the Ark Angel successfully evades the Imperial blockade and enters space. Vader assures that they will soon apprehend Dr. Aphra. Thanoth responds that they will await her testimony.