Luke joins up with Vader at the end of ESB...

[BlkbrryTheGreat]

1. Could they have successfully overthrown the Emperor?

2. Would the Galaxy have been any better off had they succeeded?

3. What effect would this have had on the Rebellion?

My personal thoughts on the matter are:

1. Palpatine was a smart old coot; he knew Vader tried to betray him. Most likely he would have Vader and Luke shot down if they tried to fly to Coursant to assassinate him. Most likely Vader would know this and the result would be another Civil War.

3. I'm thinking that a massive civil war would benefit the Rebellion greatly in that
A. Empire forces could not concentrate on fighting them.
B. The Galaxy would more likely support them if they thought the Empire was unable to keep the peace.

2. This is difficult to say; it all depends on how deeply Vader is corrupted by the Darkside; and how deeply Luke is affected by joining him. For example Luke could join Vader but not necessarily join the dark side. Either way I don't really see a way of resolving this with any evidence; maybe someone with more extensive knowledge of the EU, then I, could help.

[Stravo]

I draw your attention to this possible outcome: http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/viewtopic.php?t=4533

[Captain Cyran]

I draw your attention to this possible outcome: http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/viewtopic.php?t=4533

Ok, who didn't see that one coming. *Pulls out the beating stick for those that couldn't.*

[Illuminatus Primus]

1. Could they have successfully overthrown the Emperor?

Yes. The question is whether Palpatine's spirit would've survived to make it to his clones on Byss or a nearby Hand he might be close enough to bind to (like Jeng Droga in the OT).

2. Would the Galaxy have been any better off had they succeeded?

Maybe. The Skywalkers were more personally angry, but weren't perverted and sadistic like Palpatine.

3. What effect would this have had on the Rebellion?

Kisses its ass goodbye.

[El Moose Monstero]

I draw your attention to this possible outcome: http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/viewtopic.php?t=4533

I don't even need to click that link to know where it goes... for shame, Stavro, for shame... tsk tsk...

Go to mooserebellion.tgu.org.uk

[Vympel]

Without Luke the Rebellion would be doomed. Consider also the effect of the Death Star II plan- if Vader & Luke had decided to follow through with it (I haven't read Shadows of the Empire but I know Prince Xizor had something to do with that plan- and Vader was not a big fan of the idea), the trap would've been perfectly conceived and sprung, without any leadership of Han & Leia, no aid from the Ewoks, etc. The Rebel Fleet would be wiped out.

[Solauren]

Kiss the Emperor Good-Bye (Mara Jade's job)
He was so overconfident he probably would have let Vader and Luke land so he could take them out himself or have his Dark side followers do it (i.e Lord Jeric would have been called for this fight, man that would be cool). However, Vader and Luke side by side would be nearly unstoppable. Anyone with a brain would have turned there weapon on Palaptine.

The Empire would have been even more dangerous with Vader and Luke in charge.
i.e all the projects the Emperor tossed away as failures when the rebels defeated them on luck would have been brought back
i.e Darktroopers, the Ion Ring Ship

Luke knew the location of the rebel fleet. It was in his X-wings navicomputer.

Can was say 'Order the fleet to this location'
Kiss the Rebels good-bye

Problem is, it probably would have resulting in Luke taking Leia as his pleasure toy...

[Darth Fanboy]

1. Could they have successfully overthrown the Emperor?

Vader's own quote "You can destroy the Emperor, he has forseen it."

2. Would the Galaxy have been any better off had they succeeded?

Well the EMPIRE would have been better off as opposed to Palpatine's perpetual rage. Since Vader and Im guessing Luke also would have no taste ofr Politics they would have probably decentralized the Empire to the point where it no longer needed that central figure holding it together eventually. Then when the Vong show up those many years later the Empire would have obliterated them.

3. What effect would this have had on the Rebellion?

soolauren said it best, Luke had the location of the Rebel Fleet in his navicomputer. Best case Scenario would be the total fragmentation of the Alliance, worst case utter extinction.

My personal thoughts on the matter are:

1. Palpatine was a smart old coot; he knew Vader tried to betray him. Most likely he would have Vader and Luke shot down if they tried to fly to Coursant to assassinate him. Most likely Vader would know this and the result would be another Civil War.

Disagree on a few points. Vader and Luke would have flown to Coruscant on the Executor, and shooting them down would be more work than it would be worth. Also, I dont think Palpatine would have allowed Vader to continue so closely in his service had he felt Vader would actually betray him. then there's the overconfidence to factor in at this point also, Where palpatine may have been at the point where he thought even if Vader or Luke tried he could not have been beaten.

3. I'm thinking that a massive civil war would benefit the Rebellion greatly in that
A. Empire forces could not concentrate on fighting them.
B. The Galaxy would more likely support them if they thought the Empire was unable to keep the peace.

You Assume it would develop into a Massive civil war. I believe if Luke and Vader failed to defeat the Empire they would have been forced to join the rebellion. Vader was not popular amongst Imperial soldiers or citizens.

2. This is difficult to say; it all depends on how deeply Vader is corrupted by the Darkside; and how deeply Luke is affected by joining him. For example Luke could join Vader but not necessarily join the dark side. Either way I don't really see a way of resolving this with any evidence; maybe someone with more extensive knowledge of the EU, then I, could help.

Too right Chum! Leave it to the Authors!