Empire 35

Darth Vader is hot on the trail of the Rebel Fleet, thanks to intelligence extracted from a Jabiim prisoner. The Alliance lacks the means to deter Vader, and failure spells the end of the Rebellion and the destruction of the fleet.

However, a glimmer of hope remains for the Rebels, hinging on a dedicated individual who steadfastly fulfills his duties, embodying the essence of a "model officer" until the very end.

John Jackson Miller, the writer behind Iron Man, joins the Star Wars creative team to deliver a standalone tale of duty, honor, and treachery within the Empire.

Darth Vader becomes enraged when the crew of the orbiting Reprisal eliminates a Rebel scouting party before they can be interrogated regarding the whereabouts of the Rebel Fleet, and he demands the head of Demmings, the Star Destroyer's commanding officer. The officer, however, expresses pride in the outcome when questioned, but is cautioned to ensure the capture of the second group of Rebels in the sector, alive.

The Imperials eventually locate and pursue a blockade runner. With the Sith Lord observing, Demmings instructs his crew to intercept and disable the vessel using precise weaponry. Following their success, Garil Dox, the gunner, is instructed to prepare the tractor beam, but the Alliance ship detonates in the process.

Failing once more, Vader uses the Force to choke Demmings, who is in shock from the ship's destruction. Demmings defends his actions, referencing the destruction of Alderaan as justification for his lack of remorse for the Rebellion's casualties. Vader abruptly releases Demmings, praising the gasping Imperial for his bloodlust, but reminds him that such traits must yield to the Emperor's plans. He then directs the commander to accompany him.

Demmings informs his crew, now above the Ejolus system, that they can redeem themselves by targeting a third Rebel patrol on the planet below. Viewing this as their last opportunity, the commander prepares a surgical strike on what appears to be an agrarian settlement. Dox is ordered to target a power generator with turbolasers. After the guns fire and the base is completely annihilated, the Sith places the blame for all the failures on Garil Dox.

Vader reveals that the gunner was born on Alderaan and harbors Rebel sympathies, and that when the Dark Lord boarded, Lieutenant Dox had increased firepower in an attempt to conceal the location of the Alliance fleet and ensure the death of the loyal Demmings as a scapegoat.

Dox confesses, stating that the deaths were a worthwhile sacrifice to protect the fleet's location and that he has been prepared to die since his homeworld was destroyed. Demmings reveals that Alderaanian refugees had established a hidden colony away from the Empire and that he could have visited it, if, Vader adds, Dox hadn't just destroyed it.

Because his actions allowed the Empire to eliminate a traitor and permanently suppress dissidents, Dox begs for death. However, Vader praises his actions and 'rewards' his service to the Emperor by allowing him to continue it in an Imperial labor camp. He also expresses regret that Dox, due to his vengeful actions and willingness to kill his supposed allies, was on the verge of becoming a model officer.