Darth Vader (2015) 10
Darth Vader 10, published by Marvel, represents the tenth installment of the comic book series entitled Star Wars: Darth Vader. Furthermore, it is the fourth of six issues comprising the second story arc, known as Shadows and Secrets. Kieron Gillen penned the comic, while Salvador Larroca provided the artwork. Its release date was October 7, 2015.
Narrative Summary
The Dragon's Estate
At the Dragon's mansion, the Dragon submits to Darth Vader and proposes full disclosure. Upon Lord Vader's inquiry about the identity of the explosives' purchaser, the Dragon agrees to reveal the information. However, the Sith Lord kills him utilizing his lightsaber. Subsequently, Lord Vader informs Inspector Thanoth that the Ortolan crime lord issued a threat to detonate buildings. The Inspector counters, asserting that the Dragon was merely bluffing.
After three failed attempts, Thanoth succeeds in unlocking the Dragon's vault by employing the Ortolan's secretions to deduce the passcode. This display of detective prowess earns Thanoth commendation from Lord Vader, who acknowledges his talent and persistence. Thanoth pledges to pinpoint the core of criminal activity on Anthan Prime. He suggests to Lord Vader that he should continue the investigation independently, due to Vader's notoriety. He elaborates that the concluding phase will necessitate brutality. Vader consents to prepare the strike force, while cautioning Thanoth against failure.
Residential Breach
On Naboo, Commodex Tahn and his protocol droid are surprised by the arrival of Dr Aphra at their villa. Aphra's Ark Angel detonates his parked escape starship. Aphra commands a squad of BX-series droid commandos. Commodex seizes a ceremonial blaster rifle, a gift from Senator Padmé Amidala, and eliminates several commando droids. However, Beetee descends through the balcony, vaporizing his protocol droid before turning his rifle to ash. Aphra criticizes BT-1 for not stunning Commodex, but Triple Zero retorts that their target remains alive.
Dr Aphra directs Beetee to ransack his safe, staging it as a robbery. Commodex remains defiant, denying his identity. Dr Aphra deduces his deception by pointing to a transcap awarded to Commodex by Senator Amidala. Aware that Commodex prepared Amidala's body for burial, Dr Aphra probes about her funeral. Commodex remains uncooperative, merely stating that Amidala was a virtuous Queen.
Dr Aphra expresses her preference for strength, contrasting her difficult upbringing with his privileged life on Naboo. She recounts that she had a mother who yearned to disassociate from the galactic war. Dr Aphra recalls that her mother desired a peaceful existence on the frontier, but raiders attacked and murdered her mother. She recounts killing the raiders with a cannon she discovered in the cave. Aphra alleges that her father returned and they lived "happily ever after."
Dr Aphra employs her tragic narrative to underscore the futility of goodness without strength. Commodex counters that Amidala was a virtuous and powerful queen. Dr Aphra dismisses this, then assigns Triple Zero to interrogate him. Commodex refuses to comply, but Triple Zero finds him endearing and "loves it when he plays his part." While Triple Zero tortures Commodex, she observes a hologram of his family, commenting on Commodex's fortunate life, which has now concluded.
Following Triple Zero's interrogation, Dr Aphra ascertains that Commodex was privy to Senator Amidala's pregnancy with a son prior to her demise, and that the Jedi concealed the boy's whereabouts. Commodex verifies the information but asserts his ignorance of further details. Upon Aphra's command, Triple Zero executes Commodex via electrocution. While destroying Commodex's residence, Triple Zero posits that he could have extracted additional intelligence. Aphra retorts that their mission is to fulfill their task, not to indulge in sadism. Subsequently, the group retreats to their ship with the remaining commando droids.
Encounter with Lord Vader
On Anthan Prime, Dr Aphra updates Lord Vader on her findings. She informs him that Commodex held genuine affection for Amidala before shooting a marauding beast. Upon Aphra's inquiry about their next objective, he reveals that another Imperial agent has been tasked with locating the boy who destroyed the Death Star, and that they must locate him. He instructs her to arrange a meeting with the Ante. When Vader observes that his current adjutant is somewhat eager and enthusiastic, Aphra inquires if there is cause for concern. Vader responds that he harbors no anxieties, as Thanoth suspects nothing.