The initial story arc in the Star Wars: Dark Times comic book series is titled Star Wars Dark Times: The Path to Nowhere. This narrative unfolds across five distinct issues and its timeline runs parallel to the events of Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader.
The publication of this story arc occurred over a significant duration. The fifth and concluding issue was released a full eleven months after the initial issue of the series was made available.
Having survived the Clone Wars, Jedi Dass Jennir and his comrade Bomo Greenbark now grapple with the uncertain destiny of Bomo's family. Driven by the hope of reunion, their quest leads them into perilous and shadowy realms, where the potential losses outweigh any possible gains.
Simultaneously, Darth Vader is confronted with harsh realities and haunting memories from his past. Despite his status as a Dark Lord of the Sith, he remains subservient to the supreme authority of the Emperor.
Following the complete elimination of the Nosaurian resistance, Dass Jennir, a former Jedi General, and Bomo Greenbark emerge as the sole survivors. After escaping the pit into which they had fallen, the pair make their way to the spaceport, intending to meet with the Nosaurian families. Upon arrival, they find no sign of their comrades. While investigating, they encounter a sympathetic ship captain. He invites them aboard his vessel and introduces them to the crew. After hearing the survivors' harrowing tale, they pledge their support. However, they must first address the issue of the Imperial patrols. They devise a scheme to commandeer an Imperial starfighter, compelling all ships at the spaceport to launch simultaneously. The plan is successful, and the crew of the Uhumele narrowly escape into hyperspace.
Their subsequent objective is to ascertain the whereabouts of the Nosaurians, ultimately discovering that they have been enslaved on the infamous planet, Orvax IV. Each crew member commits to aiding in their rescue. They infiltrate the slave compounds, aided by Dennir's subtle use of the Force powers. The Nosaurians recognize Greenbark and inform him that his daughter was sold and his wife was killed while attempting to protect her. The crew of the Uhumele are compelled to abandon them to their fate.
Jennir then embarks on a solitary mission to locate Greenbark's daughter. He infiltrates the quarters of a slave master and confronts him. After extracting the necessary information, Dennir is compelled to fatally shoot him to avoid revealing his location, an act that compromises his Jedi principles. He then guides the crew to the residence of the individual who purchased Greenbark's daughter. They confront him, and he admits to having bought her, before revealing that he consumed her for dinner. Consumed by rage, Greenbark cries out and brandishes his blaster, but Jennir preemptively shoots the man. Greenbark angrily accuses Jennir of presuming to know what is best for everyone. Upon learning of Jennir's Jedi identity, the crew abandons him. Jennir seizes the deceased man's ship and departs alone, prepared to answer for his actions.
In a separate scene, Darth Vader stands in the presence of his Master.