Kylo Ren, now fully entrenched as Supreme Leader of the First Order, initiates a calculated military invasion of Naboo, the homeworld of both Padmé Amidala and Emperor Palpatine. His motive is symbolic: to send a clear message to the galaxy that the legacy of Darth Vader now belongs to him—not as a follower, but as a successor.
The issue opens with Kylo reflecting on Vader’s brutal methods of establishing control, realizing he must step out of Ben Solo’s conflicted shadow and fully embody the ruthless image he believes the galaxy needs.
As the First Order fleet descends on Naboo, Kylo leads a small tactical unit into Theed Palace, engaging in a battle of strategy and intimidation with local resistance forces. The Naboo Royal Guard, aided by Gungan scouts and civilian fighters, attempt to repel the invasion, but Kylo’s Force prowess and psychological warfare quickly turn the tide.
Amid the battle, Kylo enters the ancient Naboo crypt, rumored to be the resting place of Queen Amidala. He experiences a brief, haunting Force vision—seeing flashes of Padmé’s face and feeling a surge of conflict—but he quickly suppresses it, focusing instead on a relic tied to Vader’s time on Naboo.
The issue ends with Kylo broadcasting a chilling galactic transmission from the throne room in Theed:
“Vader is dead. His legacy is mine. Resistance is no longer tolerated—it will be erased.”
Meanwhile, in the background, whispers of rebellion stir again across the Mid Rim, foreshadowing resistance cells beginning to form in secret.
