Star Wars (2015) 13

Publisher's Synopsis

• A convergence of the immensely popular Star Wars and Darth Vader comic series! [1]
• Leia confronts the embodiment of evil! [1]

Storyline Summary

Astromech Confrontation

R2-D2 makes an effort to protect his incapacitated master, Luke Skywalker. Triple Zero mocks R2-D2, while Dr Aphra observes that R2-D2's bravery is overshadowed by his denial of the situation. He labels R2-D2 as pathetic and instructs the astromech droid Beetee to demonstrate the behavior of a "proper droid."

R2-D2 and Beetee engage in a verbal exchange in Binary. Triple Zero comments on R2-D2's vulgar language and questions whether the R2 series astromech droid can substantiate his words with action. R2-D2 brandishes a spark projector, but Beetee counters with an array of blasters, flamethrowers, and rocket launchers. This forces R2-D2 to withdraw.

Solo and Chewbacca's Intervention

In a parallel sequence, Han Solo and Chewbacca are piloting the Millennium Falcon over the terrain. Solo directs Chewbacca to be vigilant for Skywalker. Solo then notices distant explosions. Triple Zero applauds Beetee's destructive capabilities as he launches rockets and blaster fire, praising the droid's dedication to annihilation. While he expresses a desire to drain Skywalker's blood, Dr Aphra reminds him that Darth Vader wants Skywalker alive.

Before Aphra and her group can return to the Ark Angel, Solo, having positioned himself on a high rock, demands that Aphra release Skywalker. Aphra recognizes Solo's voice and ridicules him for not attacking immediately, before introducing herself as Dr Aphra. She threatens to have Triple Zero electrocute Skywalker if Solo doesn't retreat. Triple Zero supports her threat and expresses his own desire to drain Solo's blood.

Solo retorts by pointing out the difficulty of Triple Zero electrocuting Skywalker without arms. Aphra is surprised, but Triple Zero remembers Solo's association with Chewbacca. At that moment, the Wookiee appears and rips off one of Triple Zero's arms. While Triple Zero is occupied with Chewbacca, Solo and Aphra exchange blaster fire.

The Pursuit Continues

Located at the Rebel Refueling Base, Princess Leia Organa puts on a rebel infantry uniform and leads Delta Squad toward Quadrant Seven. The rebel squad leader and C-3PO implore Leia to remain at the base, but Leia is determined to find and eliminate Vader. The rebels then set out on landspeeders.

Dr. Aphra and the Rebel Forces

Meanwhile, Skywalker regains consciousness and sees Beetee attacking R2-D2. He kicks Beetee off the edge of a cliff and speaks with the astromech, inquiring about the droids' identities. At that moment, Beetee reappears with rocket boosters and attacks the rebels, forcing Skywalker and R2-D2 to run. Elsewhere, Chewbacca assaults Triple Zero with his severed arm. However, Triple Zero injects the Wookiee with 500 milligrams of Mandalorian xenotox, rendering him unconscious.

In another location, Han Solo aims at a wasp-worms hive above Aphra's head, unaware of another hive above his own. Aphra notices the hive above Solo. They both fire at their respective targets and are soon overwhelmed by the angry wasp-worms. Before Triple Zero can subdue Chewbacca, Skywalker severs his left arm with his lightsaber before running him through with the blade.

Skywalker assists Chewbacca in standing up. Accompanied by R2-D2, they discover the unconscious Solo and Dr Aphra. Skywalker helps Solo to his feet and informs him that the assassin droids are working for Dr Aphra. Triple Zero and Beetee catch up to them, with Triple Zero instructing Beetee to eliminate the rebels. However, R2-D2 sprays Beetee with purple paint, blinding the droid and causing him to fire his weapons randomly. The rebels then escape from the rocks.

From Hunter to Hunted

Simultaneously, Leia and Delta Squad receive reports from the second platoon detailing heavy losses and Darth Vader destroying their tanks. Despite the unfavorable odds, Leia is adamant about continuing the mission. Abruptly, an unseen force Force chokes the rebel troops guarding her. Princess Leia is then confronted by Vader, who is wielding a lightsaber.

Cover Images