An Unraveled Conundrum: What Would Happen If Darth Vader Ordered Clones to Execute Order 65 Against Emperor Palpatine

In the grand tapestry of Star Wars, the outcomes of complex military decisions have significant ramifications for the galaxy. What would transpire if Darth Vader ordered the Clones to execute Order 65 against Emperor Palpatine? This article delves into a thought experiment, examining the intricate layers of protocol and the challenges in implementing such an order.

The Clones and Order 65: Protocol and Implementation

Order 65, detailed in the republic's archive, mandates a stringent sequence of events for the execution of directive 65. Its essence lies in three essential components: a Senate majority declaring the Chancellor unfit to issue orders, a Security Council’s validation, and a verified authentic order by the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) commanders. If all these conditions were met, the Clones would detain the Chancellor with lethal force if necessary, and command of the GAR would revert to the acting Chancellor.

The execution of Order 65 involves a critical verification step, ensuring that the directives emanating from the Chancellor are genuine. However, Order 66, a more straightforward directive, commands GAR commanders to remove officers by lethal force upon receiving specific orders, with no verification required. Given this, we can speculate about the potential outcomes if Darth Vader were to issue Order 65 against Emperor Palpatine.

The Emperor's Hand: Potential Conflicts and Outcomes

The scenario presents a multitude of challenges. First, Order 65 is a convoluted strategy that would require extensive validation and verification. Given that Palpatine is the Emperor, the notion of commanding GAR commanders to detain him via this method is highly improbable. Instead, the acquisition of a Senate majority and Security Council validation would be nearly impossible outside a political crisis of epic proportions.

Moreover, Darth Vader, as a Sith Lord, cannot be targeted by Order 65 due to the Clones' programming. Historical examples in the Star Wars universe, such as their refusal to engage Jedi Master Count Dooku, underscore this absolute programming. Therefore, the Clones would not see a Sith Lord as a legitimate target under Order 65.

The Galactic Empire's Handling of Orders

By the time the Galactic Empire was established, the title "Chancellor" was obsolete, as Palpatine had already transitioned into the role of Emperor. Consequently, the role and structure of the military had shifted. Under the Empire, the Stormtroopers, while clones, were not bound by the same directives as the GAR.

The Stormtroopers were indoctrinated to be loyal exclusively to Emperor Palpatine. Therefore, if Darth Vader provided conflicting orders, the Stormtroopers would follow the direct commands of Palpatine. This dynamic is evident in various instances within the Star Wars saga, where Vader often gives orders that are not fully respected or implemented.

Conclusion: A Speculative Analysis

Executing Order 65 against Emperor Palpatine would be a convoluted and improbable task for several reasons. The intricate verification process, coupled with the grave incongruity in Palpatine’s status as Emperor, makes the practical application of such an order highly unlikely. Furthermore, the Stormtroopers, being loyal to Palpatine, would not follow commands from Vader, thereby negating any potential for successful execution.

In the Star Wars universe, where political and military power dynamics are as complex as the battles fought, the stability and loyalty of troops play a critical role. The faithful and combative nature of the Clones and the indoctrination of the Stormtroopers ensure that conflicts of this nature would be met with their own checks and balances, often fumbling the intended execution of such an order.