Darth Vader's Rank in Episode IV: Is he subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin?

Recall in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) that Darth Vader appeared to be subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. For example, there are a few occassions where Tarkin gives Vader orders, such as when he commands Vader to stop Force-Chocking Admiral Motti:

[quote="Grand Moff Tarkin"]Enough of this! Vader, release him!Darth Vader

As you wish.

Also, what is Vader's official rank/ title in the Empire? He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

Darth...

Darth...

Pirate700

Please read the OP.

Please read the OP.

King-Kai

He answered your question. Vader is a Dark Lord of the Sith, his title/rank is Darth.

He's also the commander of a Super Star Destroyer, so with that knowledge you can infer that he's technically higher than an admiral, but around the same rank as a Grand Moff.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

Darth...

King-Kai

Please read the OP.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

Darth...

Pirate700

Please read the OP.

As I said in the OP:He's calledLordVader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

Please read the OP.

King-Kai

As I said in the OP:He's calledLordVader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

As I said in the OP:He's calledLordVader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

King-Kai

Lord isn't a title, so much as it's a indicator of ones achievements. His rank/title is Darth.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

As I said in the OP:He's calledLordVader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

airshocker

Lord isn't a title, so much as it's a indicator of ones achievements. His rank/title is Darth.

ensigncomp_atkins

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

As I said in the OP:He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

airshocker

Lord isn't a title, so much as it's a indicator of ones achievements. His rank/title is Darth.

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

[QUOTE="airshocker"]

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

As I said in the OP:He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

King-Kai

Lord isn't a title, so much as it's a indicator of ones achievements. His rank/title is Darth.

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

King-Kai

...Palpatine is the Emperor, that's his rank. He's no longer Darth Sidious. It's not even common knowledge that Palpatine is a Sith Lord.

Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the canon. I don't know why you're having such a hard time coming to terms with this.

I've read almost every single Star Wars book written. I'm not lying to you.

[QUOTE="airshocker"]

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

As I said in the OP:He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

King-Kai

Lord isn't a title, so much as it's a indicator of ones achievements. His rank/title is Darth.

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

[QUOTE="airshocker"]

Lord isn't a title, so much as it's a indicator of ones achievements. His rank/title is Darth.

Pirate700

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

You can't just tell someone to stop when they've presented a rational argument. I've proven for a fact that "Darth" is not a rank. If it were, then Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would both be of equal rank since they both have the designation "Darth". However, we all know that Darth Sidious is above Darth Vader; the former is the master and the latter is the apprentice. So, for the final time, "Darth" is not a rank; it's a just a title which indicates one's allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. In fact, "Darth" literally means "Dark Lord of the Sith"; hence, as already explained, it just indicates that somone is a Sith.

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

King-Kai

You can't just tell someone to stop when they've presented a rational argument. I've proven for a fact that "Darth" is not a rank. If it were, then Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would both be of equal rank since they both have the designation "Darth". However, we all know that Darth Sidious is above Darth Vader; the former is the master and the latter is the apprentice. So, for the final time, "Darth" is not a rank; it's a just a title which indicates one's allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. In fact, "Darth" literally means "Dark Lord of the Sith"; hence, as already explained, it just indicates that somone is a Sith.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

airshocker

...Palpatine is the Emperor, that's his rank. He's no longer Darth Sidious. It's not even common knowledge that Palpatine is a Sith Lord.

Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the canon. I don't know why you're having such a hard time coming to terms with this.

I've read almost every single Star Wars book written. I'm not lying to you.

You can't just tell someone to stop when they've presented a rational argument. I've proven for a fact that "Darth" is not a rank. If it were, then Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would both be of equal rank since they both have the designation "Darth". However, we all know that Darth Sidious is above Darth Vader; the former is the master and the latter is the apprentice. So, for the final time, "Darth" is not a rank; it's a just a title which indicates one's allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. In fact, "Darth" literally means "Dark Lord of the Sith"; hence, as already explained, it just indicates that somone is a Sith.

King-Kai

I've just explained it to you. It is a rank in the canon.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

airshocker

...Palpatine is the Emperor, that's his rank. He's no longer Darth Sidious. It's not even common knowledge that Palpatine is a Sith Lord.

Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the canon. I don't know why you're having such a hard time coming to terms with this.

I've read almost every single Star Wars book written. I'm not lying to you.

Palpatine is still "Darth Sidous", he just doesn't openly go by that name (and never did). Also, you can't just declare that "Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the cannon"; you've provided no examples or proof of this. On the other hand, I've provided irrefutable logic proving that Darth is not a rank; it's a just a title.

You make a good point but I assumed Vader was just a brat that did whatever he wanted hahaCandy-Star

Nope, Vader was basically Palpatine's enforcer. He was also a hunter of Jedi, more specifically Obi-wan Kenobi.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]Dude...just stop. You're turning another one of your threads into the absurd like your transgendered one last night.

Pirate700

You can't just tell someone to stop when they've presented a rational argument. I've proven for a fact that "Darth" is not a rank. If it were, then Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would both be of equal rank since they both have the designation "Darth". However, we all know that Darth Sidious is above Darth Vader; the former is the master and the latter is the apprentice. So, for the final time, "Darth" is not a rank; it's a just a title which indicates one's allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. In fact, "Darth" literally means "Dark Lord of the Sith"; hence, as already explained, it just indicates that somone is a Sith.

You guys didn't get the true point behind the question anyway. I really wanted to know if Darth Vader is subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. Quite honetly, we're arguing about semantics here (i.e. the meaning of words). When I asked what his rank was, what I really meant was what his standing was relativeto other political and military figures in the Empire; I didn't really care for the actual name of his rank. I explained this very clearly in the OP, which I don't think you read.

Recall in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) that Darth Vader appeared to be subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. For example, there are a few occassions where Tarkin gives Vader orders, such as when he commands Vader to stop Force-Chocking Admiral Motti:

[quote="Darth Vader"]

[quote="Grand Moff Tarkin"]Enough of this! Vader, release him!King-Kai

As you wish.

Also, what is Vader's official rank/ title in the Empire? He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

No, he is not subservient, if anything Tarkin is subservient to him. Tarkin is the highest military official in the Empire, he commands every other moff out there (local rulers, something of a cross between a general and a governor). Vader, afaik, has no official military title, but is the right hand of the Emperor (whom Tarkin answers to) and acts basically on the Emperor's authority, somewhat how all Jedi were granted command titles by default during the Clone Wars. Tarkin, however, is a very effective military leader and Vader respects him as such, probably one of only two along with General Veers who destroyed the shield generator in Episode V. When Vader follows Tarkin's lead, like in dealing with Princess Leia, it's because he respects his judgement, just like when Tarkin follows Vader's lead, like in allowing the Falcon to escape, it's because he respects his judgement. As to when he releases the officer in question, it's because the officer in question is under Tarkin's command and Vader won't undermine Tarkin's authority. After Tarkin dies there's no other officer with whom Vader has this repoire, and he commands with an iron fist because no other officer can command their subordinates like Tarkin did.

Palpatine is still "Darth Sidous", he just doesn't openly go by that name (and never did). Also, you can't just declare that "Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the cannon"; you've provided no examples or proof of this. On the other hand, I've provided irrefutable logic proving that Darth is not a rank; it's a just a title.

King-Kai

Yes, he is still Darth Sidious, I never said otherwise. However, he's the Emperor now, which puts him above Darth Vader.

So while he can still hold the rank of Darth, it's now more of a title. For Vader, however, it's an actual rank.

It's the same logic where King Henry VIII could be the Duke of Bedford and yet still be the King.

Read the books like I have. Darth is used as a rank.

Sith are outside Imperial ranks... and they almost always have more authority than Imperials. Their titles are an indicator of their 'rank'. Obviously the Emperor is in a rank of his own, just like 'Darths' can almost always be referred to as 'Sith Lords' too.

In the original movies Sith and Jedi have been sparse for a long time though and it's understandable that they're not as feared. It's obvious that they're still pulling the strings though.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

Recall in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) that Darth Vader appeared to be subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. For example, there are a few occassions where Tarkin gives Vader orders, such as when he commands Vader to stop Force-Chocking Admiral Motti:

[quote="Darth Vader"]

[quote="Grand Moff Tarkin"]Enough of this! Vader, release him!theone86

As you wish.

Also, what is Vader's official rank/ title in the Empire? He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

No, he is not subservient, if anything Tarkin is subservient to him. Tarkin is the highest military official in the Empire, he commands every other moff out there (local rulers, something of a cross between a general and a governor). Vader, afaik, has no official military title, but is the right hand of the Emperor (whom Tarkin answers to) and acts basically on the Emperor's authority, somewhat how all Jedi were granted command titles by default during the Clone Wars. Tarkin, however, is a very effective military leader and Vader respects him as such, probably one of only two along with General Veers who destroyed the shield generator in Episode V. When Vader follows Tarkin's lead, like in dealing with Princess Leia, it's because he respects his judgement, just like when Tarkin follows Vader's lead, like in allowing the Falcon to escape, it's because he respects his judgement. As to when he releases the officer in question, it's because the officer in question is under Tarkin's command and Vader won't undermine Tarkin's authority. After Tarkin dies there's no other officer with whom Vader has this repoire, and he commands with an iron fist because no other officer can command their subordinates like Tarkin did.

Finally, someone who actually understood the question and didn't participate in an argument regarding semantics.

No because he has a cape.

Finally, someone who actually understood the question and didn't participate in an argument regarding semantics.

King-Kai

If you had accepted what me and Pirate were saying, we would have gotten to the rest. Yet you decided to argue with us.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

As I said in the OP:He's calledLordVader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

I also mentioned that he appears to take orders from Grand Moff Tarkin.

airshocker

Lord isn't a title, so much as it's a indicator of ones achievements. His rank/title is Darth.

Darth=Lord. It's not a military title, it's a Sith title. His official title was Supreme Commander of the Sith Fleet:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Supreme_Commander_(Empire)

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

Finally, someone who actually understood the question and didn't participate in an argument regarding semantics.

airshocker

If you had accepted what me and Pirate were saying, we would have gotten to the rest. Yet you decided to argue with us.

The both of you are wrong. Also, you've still provided no proof that "Darth" is a rank.

Darth=Lord. It's not a military title, it's a Sith title. His official title was Supreme Commander of the Sith Fleet:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Supreme_Commander_(Empire)

theone86

Darth and Lord are used interchangeably throughout the books/movies. Lord is more of an acknowledgement of one's stature than anything else. Like how senior military officers are referred to as sirs/ma'ams.

I never said it was a military title. It's still a rank in the Empire, however.

The both of you are wrong. Also, you've still provided no proof that "Darth" is a rank.

King-Kai

Sorry, I'm not going to open up my collection of books and find a source to make you believe me. Darth is a rank.

[QUOTE="airshocker"]

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

King-Kai

...Palpatine is the Emperor, that's his rank. He's no longer Darth Sidious. It's not even common knowledge that Palpatine is a Sith Lord.

Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the canon. I don't know why you're having such a hard time coming to terms with this.

I've read almost every single Star Wars book written. I'm not lying to you.

Darth Sidious was only a disguise during the prequals, once he gained power he became Emperor. When he was referred to as Darth Sidious he pretty much had the same role as Vader does, just before Vader's time. Him being called Lord Vader is not in reference to his roll at all, just his presence. It is pretty simple.

Palpatine is still "Darth Sidous", he just doesn't openly go by that name (and never did). Also, you can't just declare that "Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the cannon"; you've provided no examples or proof of this. On the other hand, I've provided irrefutable logic proving that Darth is not a rank; it's a just a title.

[QUOTE="theone86"]

Darth=Lord. It's not a military title, it's a Sith title. His official title was Supreme Commander of the Sith Fleet:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Supreme_Commander_(Empire)

airshocker

Darth and Lord are used interchangeably throughout the books/movies. Lord is more of an acknowledgement of one's stature than anything else. Like how senior military officers are referred to as sirs/ma'ams.

I never said it was a military title. It's still a rank in the Empire, however.

I would ask what you mean by rank, then, as when you say rank I typically think military. I also think that it infers capacity for promotion, and subsequently several different ranks. There are only two ranks for Sith at this time, master and apprentice, and both are simultaneously called Darth so I'm not sure it would technically be a rank. Besides, all Darths hold other ranks, Emperor and Supreme Commander.

I would ask what you mean by rank, then, as when you say rank I typically think military. I also think that it infers capacity for promotion, and subsequently several different ranks. There are only two ranks for Sith at this time, master and apprentice, and both are simultaneously called Darth so I'm not sure it would technically be a rank. Besides, all Darths hold other ranks, Emperor and Supreme Commander.

theone86

It would be a rank because, traditionally, Darths could do whatever they pleased. Vader demonstrates this all of the time. When I think of someone being the Supreme Head of the Sith Fleet. that would make me think he could be subservient to Grand Moffs, or even Grand Admirals, especially those with planetary governorships.

Tarkin = holds highest postition in the imperial forces

Vader= right hand of the emperor

these two work hand in hand. vader would probally not question Tarkins military strategy due to his experience and rank but Tarkin would also do whatever vader says. it is also true that Vader also submits to Tarkin in some situations leading me to belive its not who has a higher rank but instead were they are. in imperial military complexes or areas i think tarkin can order vader and vader can also order tarkin but outside military its vader who can only order tarkin.

Recall in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) that Darth Vader appeared to be subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. King-Kai

Aye, Vader was no Grand Moff - I'd say he was a Demi-Moff at best, although really, even a Micro Moff is able to command a fully bedecked Star Destroyer.

[QUOTE="theone86"]

I would ask what you mean by rank, then, as when you say rank I typically think military. I also think that it infers capacity for promotion, and subsequently several different ranks. There are only two ranks for Sith at this time, master and apprentice, and both are simultaneously called Darth so I'm not sure it would technically be a rank. Besides, all Darths hold other ranks, Emperor and Supreme Commander.

airshocker

It would be a rank because, traditionally, Darths could do whatever they pleased. Vader demonstrates this all of the time. When I think of someone being the Supreme Head of the Sith Fleet. that would make me think he could be subservient to Grand Moffs, or even Grand Admirals, especially those with planetary governorships.

"Darth" is not a rank. It's a title. It's effectively or practically a rank because it can be used to distinguish Vader from those beneath him, but it's not an official rank within the Empire; no-one beneath Vader can become a "Darth".

does this count?

:question:

don't like to answer that way, but hm.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

"Darth" is not a rank. If it was, then both Darth Sidious and Darth Vader would be of equal rank, but we know for a fact that they are not. "Darth" is simply a title which indicates his allegiance to the Sith/ Dark Side of the Force. I'm referring to ranks which exist in the political and military realm of the saga. For example, Darth Sidious is also known as Emperor Palpatine. Do you see? His "Darth" designation is separate from his rank. Ya dig?

airshocker

...Palpatine is the Emperor, that's his rank. He's no longer Darth Sidious. It's not even common knowledge that Palpatine is a Sith Lord.

Darth Vader's rank is Darth in the canon. I don't know why you're having such a hard time coming to terms with this.

I've read almost every single Star Wars book written. I'm not lying to you.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

Recall in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) that Darth Vader appeared to be subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. For example, there are a few occassions where Tarkin gives Vader orders, such as when he commands Vader to stop Force-Chocking Admiral Motti:

[quote="Darth Vader"]

[quote="Grand Moff Tarkin"]Enough of this! Vader, release him!theone86

As you wish.

Also, what is Vader's official rank/ title in the Empire? He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

No, he is not subservient, if anything Tarkin is subservient to him. Tarkin is the highest military official in the Empire, he commands every other moff out there (local rulers, something of a cross between a general and a governor). Vader, afaik, has no official military title, but is the right hand of the Emperor (whom Tarkin answers to) and acts basically on the Emperor's authority, somewhat how all Jedi were granted command titles by default during the Clone Wars. Tarkin, however, is a very effective military leader and Vader respects him as such, probably one of only two along with General Veers who destroyed the shield generator in Episode V. When Vader follows Tarkin's lead, like in dealing with Princess Leia, it's because he respects his judgement, just like when Tarkin follows Vader's lead, like in allowing the Falcon to escape, it's because he respects his judgement. As to when he releases the officer in question, it's because the officer in question is under Tarkin's command and Vader won't undermine Tarkin's authority. After Tarkin dies there's no other officer with whom Vader has this repoire, and he commands with an iron fist because no other officer can command their subordinates like Tarkin did.

Pretty much what I was going to say.

[QUOTE="theone86"]

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

Recall in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) that Darth Vader appeared to be subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. For example, there are a few occassions where Tarkin gives Vader orders, such as when he commands Vader to stop Force-Chocking Admiral Motti:

[quote="Darth Vader"]

[quote="Grand Moff Tarkin"]Enough of this! Vader, release him!worlock77

As you wish.

Also, what is Vader's official rank/ title in the Empire? He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

No, he is not subservient, if anything Tarkin is subservient to him. Tarkin is the highest military official in the Empire, he commands every other moff out there (local rulers, something of a cross between a general and a governor). Vader, afaik, has no official military title, but is the right hand of the Emperor (whom Tarkin answers to) and acts basically on the Emperor's authority, somewhat how all Jedi were granted command titles by default during the Clone Wars. Tarkin, however, is a very effective military leader and Vader respects him as such, probably one of only two along with General Veers who destroyed the shield generator in Episode V. When Vader follows Tarkin's lead, like in dealing with Princess Leia, it's because he respects his judgement, just like when Tarkin follows Vader's lead, like in allowing the Falcon to escape, it's because he respects his judgement. As to when he releases the officer in question, it's because the officer in question is under Tarkin's command and Vader won't undermine Tarkin's authority. After Tarkin dies there's no other officer with whom Vader has this repoire, and he commands with an iron fist because no other officer can command their subordinates like Tarkin did.

Pretty much what I was going to say.

And as far as his actual military rank it is, I believe, Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces.

The amount of retroactive continuity and justifications for mistakes and inconsistencies in Star Wars is incredible. I'd have to give them credit if the expanded universe hadn't gotten so dense and contrived.

[QUOTE="King-Kai"]

Recall in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) that Darth Vader appeared to be subservient to Grand Moff Tarkin. For example, there are a few occassions where Tarkin gives Vader orders, such as when he commands Vader to stop Force-Chocking Admiral Motti:

[quote="Darth Vader"]

[quote="Grand Moff Tarkin"]Enough of this! Vader, release him!theone86

As you wish.

Also, what is Vader's official rank/ title in the Empire? He's called Lord Vader, but that is his Sith title; as far as I know, that title doesn't apply to the realm of political and military ranks.

No, he is not subservient, if anything Tarkin is subservient to him. Tarkin is the highest military official in the Empire, he commands every other moff out there (local rulers, something of a cross between a general and a governor). Vader, afaik, has no official military title, but is the right hand of the Emperor (whom Tarkin answers to) and acts basically on the Emperor's authority, somewhat how all Jedi were granted command titles by default during the Clone Wars. Tarkin, however, is a very effective military leader and Vader respects him as such, probably one of only two along with General Veers who destroyed the shield generator in Episode V. When Vader follows Tarkin's lead, like in dealing with Princess Leia, it's because he respects his judgement, just like when Tarkin follows Vader's lead, like in allowing the Falcon to escape, it's because he respects his judgement. As to when he releases the officer in question, it's because the officer in question is under Tarkin's command and Vader won't undermine Tarkin's authority. After Tarkin dies there's no other officer with whom Vader has this repoire, and he commands with an iron fist because no other officer can command their subordinates like Tarkin did.