Darth Vader (2015) 20
Darth Vader #20 constitutes the twentieth installment of the Marvel comic book series titled Star Wars: Darth Vader. Notably, it marks the commencement of the series' fourth story arc, known as End of Games. Penned by Kieron Gillen and visually brought to life by Salvador Larroca, this issue made its debut on May 11, 2016. A printing error in the initial release erroneously labeled it as the fifth part of Star Wars: Darth Vader Book III: The Shu-Torun War, which is actually the third book in the comic series. Additionally, the issue incorporates the brief comic titled The Misadventures of Triple-Zero and Beetee.
Publisher's summary
A fresh narrative unfolds! "END OF GAMES" commences within the pages of this very issue!
- The return of Inspector Thanoth, bearing revelations of a startling nature. [1]
- It is possible that Vader has successfully navigated the trials set by his master... [1]
- ...but could his own machinations ultimately lead to his downfall? [1]
- Furthermore: A supplementary narrative centered around Triple-Zero and Beetee! [1]
Plot summary
Master and apprentice
The Imperial Star Destroyer under the command of Darth Vader enters orbit above the planet Kuat. Triple Zero and Beetee apprise Darth Vader of their arrangement for a meeting with Inspector Thanoth. Vader expresses his gratitude to Triple Zero but indicates that their priority lies in addressing Emperor Palpatine before engaging with Thanoth. Triple Zero directs his gaze through the viewport towards the Super Star Destroyer Executor, the new flagship of Grand General Cassio Tagge, which is currently under construction, and remarks on his desire to possess the vessel.
Within his private chambers aboard the Executor, Darth Vader convenes with the Emperor. The Emperor dismisses his Imperial Royal Guards, opting for a private discussion with Vader. The Emperor provides a concise overview of the Sith's history, their conflict with the Jedi, and the Rule of Two. He asserts that he reinstated the Sith to their rightful position in the galaxy through the purging of the Jedi and the establishment of a New Order.
The Emperor reflects on his former apprentices, acknowledging Maul as a loss and dismissing Darth Tyranus as equivalent to a proton torpedo. He elaborates on his recruitment of Darth Vader as a more promising candidate but expresses his profound disappointment with Vader's failure on Mustafar. Recognizing Vader's significance to the Empire's survival, the Emperor recounts his engagement of various scientists, including Doctor Cylo, to save Vader's life.
When Vader suggests that the Emperor erred in trusting Dr Cylo, the Emperor concurs but contends that eliminating Cylo would have risked fracturing the Galactic Empire's intellectual elite during the Death Star's construction. The Emperor explains that he manipulated Cylo into overextending himself, leading Cylo to take the bait by proposing to replace Vader with his "replacements." In his hubris, Cylo fell victim to the Emperor's scheme by betraying the Empire.
Vader comprehends the Emperor's strategy but questions whether the Emperor would deliver the same address to Cylo's "replacements" had they succeeded. Vader posits that the dark side embodies strength, and he embodies that strength. The Emperor concurs and charges Lord Vader with the task of locating and eliminating Dr Cylo.
Conversation with Inspector Thanoth
Darth Vader journeys to Anthan 13 aboard his TIE Advanced x1 starfighter, where he encounters Inspector Thanoth within a cave. Following Thanoth's greeting, Vader inquires about the whereabouts of the girl. Thanoth reminds Lord Vader that the girl, Dr Chelli Lona Aphra, possesses a name, while also casting doubt on the validity of her doctorate.
Upon Vader's reiteration of his question, Thanoth asserts his lack of fear towards the Sith Lord. He informs Vader that his investigation revealed Dr Aphra's protection by Vader, citing her escape, numerous unresolved matters and coincidences, as well as visits to Tatooine, Naboo, and Vrogas Vas. Thanoth has also deduced Lord Vader's interest in a boy named "Skywalker", whom he intends to locate, train in the dark side, and utilize to supplant the Emperor.
Inspector Thanoth advises Lord Vader that Aphra must be eliminated to prevent the Emperor from uncovering Vader's plot. Thanoth offers his assistance in locating Aphra. When Vader probes his motivations, Thanoth expresses his belief that the Emperor is weak and criticizes his plan to invest decades in constructing the Death Star, only to have it destroyed by a handful of starfighters. He perceives the Emperor's control as weakening and advocates for a stronger leader.
Thanoth acknowledges the Emperor as a man but professes his allegiance to the "eternal Empire." Thanoth asserts that Lord Vader is better suited to lead the Empire and that his plan must succeed. Upon Vader's renewed inquiry regarding Aphra's location, Thanoth reveals that he arranged the meeting with Lord Vader, anticipating the Sith's tenacity and relentlessness in pursuing the source of the information.
Thanoth accepts that Vader will inevitably kill him, deeming it preferable to a life spent evading Vader while Vader wastes time and resources that should be dedicated to rescuing the Empire from itself. Resigned to his fate, Thanoth stands firm as Lord Vader ignites his lightsaber. Addressing Vader as Anakin, Thanoth expresses his pleasure in working with him before disclosing that Dr Aphra is located on the Cosmatanic Steppes.
Lord Vader strikes down Thanoth, killing him instantly. Lord Vader instructs Triple Zero and Beetee to dispose of Thanoth's remains. Before departing to confront Dr Cylo, Vader commands Triple Zero and Beetee to journey to the Cosmatanic Steppes in the Outer Rim Territories to bring Dr Aphra to the Executor. Failing that, he warns that she must be silenced.
Triple Zero and Beetee acknowledge the difficulty in dealing with Dr Aphra due to her resourcefulness. However, he assures Lord Vader that they managed to acquire a number of friends including Krrsantan and a squad of BX-series droid commandos. When Beetee beeps, Triple Zero opines that he doesn't think that Lord Vader is going to bring Dr Cylo back which is a shame because he would have loved to torture him again.
The Misadventures of Triple-Zero and Beetee
Triple Zero and Beetee visit Ruen, the proprietor of a workshop situated in the Wreck Belt of Lotho Minor. Triple Zero explains that they require repairs and upgrades, including munitions and syringes. A wary Ruen removes Triple Zero's arms under the pretense of performing repairs.
With Triple Zero disarmed, Ruen interrogates the droid regarding his knowledge of the stolen Triple-Zero protocol personality matrix, confirming that his customer is the wanted droid. However, Triple Zero reveals a concealed advantage, instructing Beetee to obliterate the workshop and the surrounding battle droids. Triple Zero persuades Ruen to reattach his arms in exchange for sparing his life.
Despite being programmed to refrain from killing Ruen, Triple Zero and Beetee extract a promise from Ruen not to inform the authorities in exchange for payment. Before departing, Triple Zero directs Beetee to tamper with the control loops and ethical constraints of Ruen's remaining battle droids as insurance against Ruen reneging on his promise and contacting the Kallidahin authorities. However, the combat droids turn on him and kill him, also destroying the workshop.
As they depart, Triple Zero remarks that if people treated their droids with respect, none of this violence and destruction would be necessary. However, he remarks that the explosions are "very pretty."
Continuity
At the conclusion of issue 19, Palpatine requests Vader to meet him on Coruscant. The introductory text of this issue also alludes to Vader's journey to Coruscant. However, the story itself depicts their meeting taking place on the Executor instead.