The Haunting of Grand Moff Tarkin

"The Haunting of Grand Moff Tarkin" is a story in the canon comic Tales from the Death Star. The story was written by Cavan Scott, illustrated by Ingo Römling, and published by Dark Horse Comics on October 17, 2023.

Plot summary

Many years before the Battle of Yavin, on the Outer Rim planet Eadu, a young Wilhuff Tarkin hears cries of help from his brother Gideon in the stormy night. Gideon had hurt his ankle, and asked for Wilhuff's help to get out of a ditch as menacing creatures approached. Wilhuff simply turned away, returning to his father's ship to leave for Eriadu. When his father asks where Gideon is, Wilhuff simply smiles.

Aboard the Death Star, Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin walks through a hallway when he hears his brother's voice saying his childhood nickname. Spooked, he asks a lieutenant if they had seen anyone and to conduct a search of the section of the space station. Passing a panel, Tarkin sees the face of Saw Gerrera in the reflection, but shakes off the feeling. Entering a conference room, Tarkin hears a mocking voice, and sends out two guards. He refuses to let himself lose his sanity.

When the mocking voices continue, he becomes defensive and opens the door only to find himself back on Eadu. He calls out for who is haunting him, assuring himself of his keen mental faculties and track record of expert hunting. After elbowing a shadowy figure, he realizes it is his father. Remembering he is long dead, a corpse-like version appears behind his shoulder to remind him that so many are dead at Tarkin's hand. Tarkin sees numerous shadowy figures with red, glowing eyes around him, reaching for him. One of the creatures that killed his brother approaches, and the hands of those he killed grab his head. Suddenly, Tarkin is jolted back to reality by the entrance of Darth Vader. Tarkin covers for his distraction by claiming he was reflecting on the successes of the Empire.

As the Death Star approaches Yavin Prime and prepares to orbit, an officer informs Tarkin about the detected dangers to the station and offers to have his ship prepared for potential evacuation. The Grand Moff scoffs at the idea of missing their moment of triumph. He stands before a large monitor in the moments leading up to Yavin 4 entering the station's sights. Watching the time tick down, he sees visions of the worlds the Death Star had destroyed, and commands to fire when ready.

The voice returns, asking Tarkin if he is ready, and Tarkin sees a vision of himself being blown up in a fiery blaze. He turns to see a crowd of his victims, corpse-like with red, glowing eyes filling the room. The group includes Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso, Bail and Breha Organa, and Saw Gerrera. The voice he had heard, however, was that of Orson Krennic, who is holding the hand of Gideon, telling Tarkin that he will join them very soon and that Wilhuff Tarkin is finally afraid. At that moment, Tarkin attempts to call off the attack, realizing the grave danger too late as the Death Star explodes.