In terms of a setup issue, I can’t imagine Hidden Empire #1 being much better. Some character choices left me a bit baffled, and the art of Kho Phon Farrus had them looking like a totally different character from their appearance in Doctor Aphra. It’s not my story though, and it’s hardly the first time an artist has a different take on a character. Either way, if all the potential this issue tees up comes to fruition, Hidden Empire going to be a special time. Elsewhere in a throne room though, Emperor Palpatine sits privy to Qi’ra’s schemes and sets his own plans in motion to quell her shadow rebellion. He meets with the heads of the crime syndicates, including the first canon appearance of the one and only Prince Xizor, and puts a swift end to the in-fighting by revealing its source, Crimson Dawn and Qi’ra. Darth Vader and elite forces — like the one and only Inferno Squad — are also put into action. The Sith pureblood, Darth Oscopos, head of the Sphere of Expansion and Diplomacy, was one of the rare Dark Councillors that the Emperor considered both useful and his favourites. Rising to power after her master got himself killed by falling from a balcony during the celebrations of the founding of Kaas City. After that incident, many Sith Lords decided that alcohol and high places did not mix very well if they wanted to remain alive. Sadly, we know that’s true, and this issue begins to show certain choices Qi’ra makes that could lead to her downfall. Her goal remains the same despite it all: Empire or no Empire, the Sith must be eradicated if the galaxy can survive. However it’s the dread of what’s inevitable that carries this issue.

Qi'ra escaped aboard Chanath Cha's ship yet urgently needs the Archivist to complete her work. The disturbance STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA VOL. 6 - ASCENDANT on Penguin Random House Comics (archived from the original) She nodded. "Yes my Lord. I wish to request access to the Rakatan archives, so that I may confirm if that region was once part of their empire."

CHAOS REIGNS! The epic conclusion to the trilogy begun with WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS and CRIMSON REIGN! At last, Qi'ra will reveal herself to the Sith. At last, she will have her revenge. Plot summary [ ] Much like Part 1: The War of the Bounty Hunters and Part 2: Crimson Reign, Star Wars Hidden Empire will be crossover story that will have the main story tied into issues from Darth Vader, Bounty Hunters, Doctor Aphra, and the main Star Wars run (also written by Charles Soule). The Fermata Cage was first indirectly mentioned in Crimson Reign 4. [16] It made its first appearance in Crimson Reign 5, [5] and was later identified in Hidden Empire 1. [1] Overall, Hidden Empire #5 is a deeply satisfying conclusion to Qi’ra’s story about her war against the Sith. Hopefully her survival means that more Qi’ra stories in this era and beyond are on their way. CHAOS REIGNS! The epic conclusion to the trilogy begun with WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS and CRIMSON REIGN!

Qi'ra's planning to lure in Vader and the Emperor with rumors of this false Sith—so she can trap them with the Fermata Cage. If that fails? With the Spark Eternal's help, she'll kill whoever's left standing." ―Kho Phon Farrus on Qi'ra's plans for the Fermata Cage [10] If you are familiar with Aphra, you will know she has some history with Lord Vader. Wielding the Null Blade ( another Ascendent creation with the capability to temporarily neutralize the effects of a lightsaber), she engages Vader in a duel while Palpatine goes further to investigate the growing presence emanating from the Fermata Cage.The plans of LADY QI'RA to use an ancient Dark Side weapon known as the FERMATA CAGE to destroy the Sith are falling apart, and she has lost many of her primary resources and allies, with DARTH VADER drawing ever nearer. Can she salvage victory from certain defeat? Plot summary [ ]

Nonetheless, they blast away at the station and free them. The effect this has on Qi’ra is galactic-sized. She knew this was the last chance. The weight of everything comes crashing down at once. She sends a final message to her remaining forces to flee for their lives before it’s too late. Our last image of her is of her ship trying to make a final escape. This time, the Star Wars Universe into chaos by revisiting a classic subject of science-fiction: the rogue A.I. in Star Wars: Dark Droids!

What to read before Star Wars: Hidden Empire?

After a chilling duel, Vader uses the Force in a way that separated the Spark Eternal from Aphra’s body. The two’s conversation takes on a much different tune as she enters survival mode. She ultimately goads Vader into going off after his Master, but it was a massive amount of fun to see her brief cameo in this final arc. The final panels show that Leia was wrong about Qi’ra not living to see the Empire and the Sith’s defeat. Sitting alone and with her face concealed by a hood, Qi’ra is seen in a cantina as the patrons celebrate and praise the Rebel Alliance for freeing the galaxy, not knowing the role that Qi’ra played in their newfound freedom. Is Hidden Empire #5 a satisfying end to Qi’ra’s story? The Empire annihilates Crimson Dawn’s remaining forces, forcing Qi’ra, the Archivist, and any other survivors to flee with their lives. As the Archivist’s recording promised at the end of Crimson Reign #1, this is the story of a tragedy and the fall of Crimson Dawn.