Star Wars Multiverse
Universe 15: The Unstoppable Empire
It was the moment that changed the course of history. Rebel forces had just successfully stolen secret plans to the Empire's latest weapon, the Death Star. The Empire's strongest enforcer, Darth Vader, was giving chase, slaughtering all Rebel soldiers in his way. He soon reached the soldier with the data tapes.
In Universe 1, a single soldier at the other side of the door was desperately struggling to open it to save his comrades. But in this Universe, no such luck. The Rebel soldier with the data tapes was slain before he could reach any of his comrades, passing on the crucial plans. Thus, Rogue One's sacrifice turned out to be for naught...
With the Death Star fully operational, and seemingly no way to destroy the super weapon, the Rebel Alliance agreed to a surrender. Senators Mon Mothma and Bail Organa were immediately arrested and tried for treason. Generals Gial Ackbar and Hera Syndulla were immediately executed without trial. Hera's young son, Jacen Syndulla, was also destroyed in an incinerator; he was only a toddler.
Leia Organa, Bail's daughter, was also soon arrested and tried in suspicion of sympathizing with terrorists. She plead guilty and was sentenced to fifty years in prison. Many of the Rebellion's lower brass were soon arrested, tried, and executed.
The news hailed this as the "end of the terrorist attacks by the rebellion." Emperor Palpatine himself recorded a message to the Galaxy, hailing the efforts of his Imperial officers for "bringing an end to the enemies of peace." Across the Galaxy, the people mourned the end of the rebellion...
On Tattooine, young Luke Skywalker finally convinces his uncle Owen Lars to let him attend the Academy. His name draws the attention of a certain Sith Lord, who hires the bounty hunter Boba Fett to discover this young man's past. Vader learns the truth: Luke is the son of Anakin Skywalker, the child he long thought dead.
Hiding the truth, Vader begins showing special interest in the young up and coming pilot. Vader singles him out for "special combat training," which Luke passes with flying colors. Luke soon proves a capable pilot and a fierce warrior, perfect for a new position in the Empire.
Vader inducts Luke as his very own Sith Apprentice. The young boy goes from fearing Vader, to admiring him, even caring for him like a father figure. Luke's earnest nature begins to crack Vader's shell, allowing bits of Anakin to come out. Vader teaches Luke the art of the lightsaber, and soon, the power of the Force.
Two years had passed since the end of the Rebellion. Luke is a strong Apprentice, but Vader knows his heart is too soft. On a fortunate day, Luke accompanied Vader on a mission to the Death Star, which until this moment had been more a symbol of the Empire than a weapon.
"This weapon is to be used on the planet of Tattooine," said Vader as the station neared the planet's orbit. "A criminal known as Obi-Wan Kenobi lives there."
"Millions of lives will be destroyed, for the sake of one man?" Luke asked, horrified. "Master, I beg of you to reconsider!"
"These orders came from the Emperor himself," Vader said. "They must be followed."
"Master, Tattooine is my home," Luke begged. "Surely together, we can hunt down this Kenobi and bring him to justice! I know people down there; they can help us!"
By then, Vader's dead heart had been warmed enough by his son that he relented. The two touched down on Tattooine to hunt down Kenobi. After some time in the planet, Vader had found the location of Kenobi's hut, where the Sith Lord insisted to Luke that he stay behind, so that Vader himself would finish off Kenobi. He entered the hut, where Obi-Wan waited for him.
"Hello there," Kenobi said as he stirred the pot over his flame. "I was expecting you, Darth."
"He lives," Vader said as he gripped his lightsaber. "The child of Anakin Skywalker."
"And Senator Amidala," Kenobi added, his eyes on the pot.
"You've been watching him," Vader stated.
"Since the day of his birth," said Kenobi as he took three bowls, pouring the soup onto each of them.
"My master informed me the unborn child perished with his mother," Vader said as he let go of his lightsaber.
"You've been deceived," said Kenobi. "Since the day he laid eyes on you, he's been deceiving you."
"He deceived Anakin Skywalker," Vader growled. "But he does not deceive me. I see now through his lies."
"Does the boy know?" Asked Kenobi as he handed Vader a bowl of soup.
"He does not," Vader replied. "He believes his father a Spice freighter, one felled in an accident."
"Tell him the truth," said Kenobi.
"I cannot," Vader weakly said. "I killed his father."
"No," said Kenobi. "You are his father. You are Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight of the Republic."
The spark of rebellion might be put out, but the light of hope shines through the deepest darkness. A new movement was born that day, one that sought the overthrow of Emperor Palpatine and the installation of a fairer system of government. This movement would remain in the shadows of the Empire, its members often hiding in plain sight, until the day they could make their move and end Palpatine's cruel reign. It was a new rebellion, one led by Anakin Skywalker...