Wacky AU idea: Palpatine on the Death Star?

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TC Pilot
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Post by TC Pilot »

This is from the Imperial Sourcebook, regarding Vader:
(A holomessage to the military hierarchy and Grand
Moffs of the Galactic Empire from the Emperor's advisor, Ars
Dangor.)

Loyal subjects,
The recent setback at the Battle of Yavin has resulted
in a few changes to Imperial doctrine. As you are aware,
we have lost both the Death Star and its commander,
Grand Moff Tarkin. But the doctrine of fear has not been
rescinded because of this minor victory for the insignificant
rebellion.

Instead, the doctrine of fear must be broadened and
upgraded. It is time to let that fear spread, time for the
Empire to strike back at its enemies and destroy them
once and for all. That is why the Emperor has placed his
servant, Lord Darth Vader, in command of a special
Imperial fleet. This fleet, led by Lord Vader's new Superclass
Star Destroyer Executor, has been charged with the
mission to hunt down the rebel command base and those
rebels that escaped us at Yavin.

You are to bow to Lord Vader's wishes as though they
were the Emperor's own, extending him every possible
assistance he may require in the completion of his task.
Soon, nothing will remain to threaten the Emperor's rule.

For the Emperor,
Imperial Advisor Ars Dangor
So it appears he gained Supreme Commandership sometime between Yavin and Hoth.
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot, but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot."

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."
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Ted C
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Post by Ted C »

I really doubt that Darth Vader could run the Empire.

If the prequels showed us anything, it was that for all his power, courage, and dedication, Anakin Skywalker was never really very smart. Yes, he was a whiz with technology, but his political, tactical, and strategic abilities were rather lacking. He'd have been dead many times over if not for the raw Force aptitude that allowed him to recover from his numerous strategic blunders.

Vader might become Emperor after Palpatine, but he would be a more of a figurehead than a true ruler. Palpatine showed just how easily Anakin's sensibilities could be played like a well-tuned piano.
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Tiriol
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Post by Tiriol »

Ted C wrote:I really doubt that Darth Vader could run the Empire.

If the prequels showed us anything, it was that for all his power, courage, and dedication, Anakin Skywalker was never really very smart. Yes, he was a whiz with technology, but his political, tactical, and strategic abilities were rather lacking. He'd have been dead many times over if not for the raw Force aptitude that allowed him to recover from his numerous strategic blunders.

Vader might become Emperor after Palpatine, but he would be a more of a figurehead than a true ruler. Palpatine showed just how easily Anakin's sensibilities could be played like a well-tuned piano.
And the time between the Prequels and the OT is 19 years; Vader would have been an imbecile if he had not picked some political acumen. I'm not saying that he would be an heir apparent to the throne or that his climb to power would be without any difficulties. I'm saying that we can't judge Vader during the Battle of Yavin based on how Anakin Skywalker acted in some cases two decades ago.
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Havok
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Post by Havok »

TC Pilot wrote:This is from the Imperial Sourcebook, regarding Vader:
(A holomessage to the military hierarchy and Grand
Moffs of the Galactic Empire from the Emperor's advisor, Ars
Dangor.)

Loyal subjects,
The recent setback at the Battle of Yavin has resulted
in a few changes to Imperial doctrine. As you are aware,
we have lost both the Death Star and its commander,
Grand Moff Tarkin. But the doctrine of fear has not been
rescinded because of this minor victory for the insignificant
rebellion.

Instead, the doctrine of fear must be broadened and
upgraded. It is time to let that fear spread, time for the
Empire to strike back at its enemies and destroy them
once and for all. That is why the Emperor has placed his
servant, Lord Darth Vader, in command of a special
Imperial fleet. This fleet, led by Lord Vader's new Superclass
Star Destroyer Executor, has been charged with the
mission to hunt down the rebel command base and those
rebels that escaped us at Yavin.

You are to bow to Lord Vader's wishes as though they
were the Emperor's own, extending him every possible
assistance he may require in the completion of his task.
Soon, nothing will remain to threaten the Emperor's rule.

For the Emperor,
Imperial Advisor Ars Dangor
So it appears he gained Supreme Commandership sometime between Yavin and Hoth.
This shows he gained command of one fleet and free reign to acomplish his mission of destroying the rebellion. Would he have retained this power after his goals were reached?
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TC Pilot
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Post by TC Pilot »

That would be pure speculation on my part.

The point of that post was to show Lord Vader was not Supreme Commander prior to Yavin, as Warsie believed he was.
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot, but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot."

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."
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