Darth Vader (2015) 12

• Vader's schemes have backed him into a difficult position... [1]
• …however, Vader is not one to be cornered. [1]
• The second storyline of this popular series reaches its conclusion! [1]

Darth Vader and Inspector [Thanoth]'s Imperial forces, in pursuit of Dr Aphra amidst the atmospheric storms of Anthan Prime, launch TIE bombers deploying ion torpedoes into the clouds. Thanoth intends to force Aphra's ship, the Ark Angel, out of hiding or cripple it, confident that they will apprehend her and discover who is backing her. He believes that the theft of the Son-tuul Pride's wealth required inside assistance.

Lord Vader, secretly her benefactor, dismisses this as a waste of resources and suggests focusing on eliminating the Plasma Devils. Thanoth concurs, noting that while they know the Plasma Devils' current location, their future whereabouts are uncertain. Considering Dr. Aphra a lesser threat to the Empire, he agrees with Vader's proposal to abandon the chase and pursue the Plasma Devils. Both acknowledge that Grand General Cassio Tagge will disapprove, but they prioritize avoiding failure over strict obedience. Aphra is relieved by the Imperials' decision to halt their pursuit, declaring that she will survive, to which Triple Zero responds, "for now."

As they approach the Thanteen Substrata on Anthan 1, Thanoth informs Vader that their probe droid has pinpointed the Plasma Devils' base. Vader persuades Thanoth to order a bombardment of the western tunnels while he launches an attack on the rebels from the eastern routes. The Plasma Devils, reacting to the western tunnel bombardment, flee through the eastern tunnels, where Vader awaits, destroying the left engine of a Y-wing starfighter.

Subsequently, Vader and Thanoth present three rebel helmets to Tagge, Tulon Voidgazer, Commander Karbin, Aiolin and Morit Astarte. Morit expresses his anger that Vader and Thanoth have taken over his and Aiolin's mission. Thanoth retorts that the two can spend the afternoon executing more "useful leads." When Tagge reprimands Vader for allowing the thief to escape, Vader argues that pursuing a few missing credits is insignificant compared to crushing rebels. Tagge accepts Vader's explanation due to the limited time and the sensitive information.

Karbin mocks the Astarte twins' bloodthirst. Tagge then questions Karbin about his progress in locating Skywalker, and Voidgazer ridicules him for his lack of success. After Vader dismisses them, Thanoth thanks Vader for providing a sound justification for their actions, expressing his honor in working with him and his satisfaction with their victory despite the thief's escape. Vader assures Thanoth that Aphra will not evade Imperial justice.

Inside a cave, Triple Zero cautions Aphra that withholding information from Vader constitutes blackmail, which Vader is unlikely to tolerate. While Triple Zero and Beetee discuss how Vader might eliminate Aphra, the worried woman tells them that they are not helping.

Shortly thereafter, Vader arrives, startling Aphra. She reveals that Luke Skywalker is on Vrogas Vas. Vader is taken aback to see her there. Aphra explains that she sent him a message and fled, assuming he had come to hunt her down. She claims that her only chance of survival was to demonstrate her trustworthiness. She insists that she works for him but cannot do so if she is dead, pleading for her life in exchange for her services.

Vader, having come to value her skills, decides to spare her. Aphra tells Vader to move past wanting to kill her on a whim. When the Sith Lord inquires about Vrogas Vas, she informs him that the planet houses a Jedi temple. Although Vader is unaware of any Jedi temple on the planet, he agrees to verify her information. Vader then departs alone in his TIE Advanced x1 starfighter, rejecting Aphra's offer of assistance.

Unbeknownst to Aphra, her droids, and Vader, they are being watched by Vader's rival, Karbin, who is determined to capture Skywalker himself and prevent Vader from usurping his mission. He pledges to capture Skywalker for his own gain.