What If Grand Moff Tarkin Survived the Death Stars' Destruction? The Punishment He Would Face

The possibility of Grand Moff Tarkin surviving the destruction of the Death Stars at the end of A New Hope is a fascinating scenario to consider. While Tarkin might have felt relieved to avoid a spectacular and painful end, his fate if captured or deemed too much of a threat to the Empire would certainly not be pleasant.

Harsh Political and Military Consequences

Why Tarkin’s Fate Would Be Severe: Emperor Palpatine, the absolute ruler of the Galactic Empire, could do far worse to Tarkin than a simple execution. His imperial power extends beyond mere death, allowing for more insidious forms of punishment. Brainwashing, for instance, would be a terrifying prospect. Palpatine could target Tarkin’s loved ones, causing unimaginable suffering and collateral damage.

Loss of Autonomy and Standing: At the very least, Tarkin would lose a significant amount of standing and autonomy within the Empire. The political and military repercussions of his numerous errors that led to the destruction of Alderaan would be profound. His actions not only cost the Empire resources and public trust but also paved the way for an event that would result in the near-total destruction of a superweapon and the loss of crucial plans.

Potential for INSTANT Execution

Severe Consequences of His Decisions: Tarkin made several critical errors during the events surrounding the Death Star. Firstly, he authorized the destruction of Alderaan, a decision that had massive political ramifications. Secondly, he allowed a captured ship to escape with high-value prisoners and the secret plans to the Death Star. These actions put the Empire in a precarious position, especially as the rebel forces sought to exploit the situation.

Bad Timing and Poor Strategy: Tarkin also failed to adequately escort the Death Star when locating the rebel base, even though the superweapon was formidable. He sacrificed strategic planning for immediate action, which backfired spectacularly. If he had survived the battle, his actions would likely be seen as cowardice, a mark against his already tarnished reputation.

Possible Escapes and Aftermath

Adequate Escape Strategy: Suppose Tarkin managed to evacuate his command center in the heat of battle. He would face a myriad of challenges and probable political heat. The Empire’s loss of its most expensive and powerful superweapon, the Death Star, would be a catastrophic failure. The destruction of Alderaan and the subsequent events, including the fierce pacifist world, would put Tarkin in a very unfavorable light.

Political Conflicts and Loss of Influence: While Tarkin’s escape might have provided temporary relief, the political fallout would be immense. The Senate, even after its disbandment, would be under immense pressure to hold someone accountable. Tarkin could face scrutiny from various factions within the Empire, his reputation severely damaged. His loss of power and authority could result in a promotion of his rivals, who would likely seek to frustrate his ambitions and disrupt his influence.

Palpatine’s Immediate Retaliation

Emperor’s Mercy or Tyranny: Without immediate execution or exile, Tarkin could expect Palpatine to strip him of some of his powers. This would not be a mere formality but a significant step toward eroding his influence. Palpatine might also appoint a direct adversary to Tarkin, further complicating his position. Nevertheless, the Emperor might seek to avoid a confrontation with the immediate public, preferring to punish Tarkin indirectly rather than allowing him to become a martyr or a source of sympathy.

Ultimate Consequences for Continued Failure: If Tarkin continued to fail Palpatine, the situation would change dramatically. Tarkin’s fate could become dire, with the possibility of severe physical torture, such as Force lightning or Force choking, as a means of punishment. Palpatine would be known for his willingness to use such extreme methods to maintain control over his most powerful ministers.

Escalation and Consequences: Even if Tarkin managed to survive the destruction and escape, the political climate would remain highly charged. Palpatine would have a scapegoat in Tarkin, whom he could use to deflect blame and maintain his facade of invincibility. Tarkin’s continued failure could lead to a series of escalating punishments, ultimately jeopardizing his position within the Empire.

In conclusion, the possibility of Grand Moff Tarkin surviving the destruction of the Death Star at the end of A New Hope presents a complex and multifaceted issue. While he might have faced immediate physical threats, the long-term political and military consequences would be severe, potentially leading to a fate far worse than death.