What if Anakin Thought About Ahsoka During Order 66?

Order 66 marked a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga, a turning point for Anakin Skywalker, who would soon don the robes of Darth Vader. In the aftermath of the Chancellor's death, Anakin's conversion into the Dark Side was complete, leading to the order for the systematic annihilation of the Jedi. But what if, during this fateful night, Anakin had a fleeting moment of compassion for his former Padawan, Ahsoka?

Authentication at the Jedi Temple

By the time Order 66 was enacted, Anakin was deeply entrenched in the Dark Side, driven by his obsession to protect Padme and their unborn offspring. He was consumed by the belief that only Darth Sidious could save them, and his resentment towards the Jedi, particularly Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu, for what he perceived as holding him back.

Anakin's respect for Ahsoka Tano was indeed genuine. The Jedi Order may have abandoned her, but he never forgot the trauma she endured. Anakin, with his usual protocol, reportedly showed Ahsoka compassion, recognizing her abilities and entrusting her with command of the 501st Legion for a critical mission on Mandalore. When faced with Darth Maul, the Mandalorian warrior, and the Death Watch, Ahsoka's leadership was tested, but Anakin's trust in her remained.

A Hesitant Vision of Order 66

During the final moments of the Clone Wars, Anakin's fallen persona, Darth Vader, was tasked with the execution of Order 66. The Jedi Temple was under siege, and younglings, who were unarmed and defenseless, were killed without hesitation. Ahsoka, despite her appreciation for Anakin's past kindness, would have been horrified by the relentless slaughter of innocents. This would likely have reinforced her commitment to the Jedi Order and her resolve to fight against the Empire and Darth Vader.

Even so, it's worth considering if Anakin might have made a different choice. In his foundational training with Grievous, Anakin was trained in acknowledge the value of a lightsaber duel, which often placed opponents in a moment of reflection. This could have allowed for a brief moment of recognition of his former Padawan's value, leading to an improbable offer of saving her in exchange for her allegiance to the Empire. But given the relentless nature of Order 66, it's unlikely Ahsoka would have accepted such a deal.

Would Anakin really have offered to spare Ahsoka? Given his capacity for compassion and his deep-seated guilt over the death of younglings, there's a chance he might have. However, the hasty and brutal nature of Order 66 makes it improbable that Ahsoka would have been given such a chance. Instead, she would likely have rejected his offer and continued to resist the Empire, seeking to protect and preserve the remnants of the Jedi Order.

The Future After Order 66

After Order 66, Ahsoka, along with other Jedi survivors, would have sought to continue the fight against the Empire, hoping to one day restore balance to the Force. Anakin, now Darth Vader, would have been forced to confront his tragic fall as he pursued his wife and their unborn children, using his new powers to hunt down the surviving Jedi.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, Order 66 was a brutal and unforgiving moment, one that saw the Jedi Order nearly destroyed. Anakin's fall to the Dark Side was complete, and he continued his mission without hesitation. Yet, a moment of compassion, a brief chance to save Ahsoka, could have altered the course of history. Though improbable, it's a thought that captures the essence of Anakin's complex character and the enduring bond between a master and his former Padawan.