What Would Have Happened If Luke Skywalker Defeated Darth Vader and Joined the Dark Side?

The Exchange

After the fatal blow to Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Vader were left standing before the Emperor on the Death Star. The events were quick and intense. Sidious, seeking the ultimate control over the galaxy, would have instructed Luke to defeat Vader and replace him. But what if Luke had turned and joined the Sith?

Well done, Young Skywalker. Well do... The words hung in the air as the Force surged around them, enveloping them in a maelstrom of power and pain.

Revisiting the Lineage

They were not mere mortals, but products of the Force itself. Anakin and Luke, the latter's Skywalker and Padawan to the former, had pierces through the limits of human potential. Anakin, with his prodigious Force abilities, was destined to become the most powerful being in the universe. Even after his fall and redemption, his potential still lingered, immense and formidable.

Luke, however, would have harnessed this immense power to erase the Sith. And with the assistance of his father, the two would obliterate Darth Sidious.

The Encounter

Two figures appeared: Darth Vader, imposing and dark, and Luke, smaller, but equally resolute. They faced the Emperor, the Dark Lord standing in red and green lightsabers, and prepared for battle. But the blades disengaged in an unbroken harmony, and with roars of hatred, they turned toward Sidious. The Emperor countered with his own powers, but the dual onslaught left him reeling.

Character Evolution and Plans

Luke Skywalker would have retreated to Vader's fortress on planet Vjun, or Yavin IV, to focus on his new role. Leia, while deeply affected, would be occupied with the Rebellion's ongoing battles. Luke's transition into the Sith Lord would be accompanied by a journey of learning and power. He would study ancient Dark Side texts and holocrons, emerging when the galaxy was ready for another formidable dark figure.

Strategic Movements

Luke would journey to Ruusan, potentially defeating powerful Sith lords like Jerrec and Kyle Katarn. He would absorb the power of the Valley of the Jedi Lords, dominate Cronal and the Meltmassif stones, and use these newfound powers for his own gain. Unlike the original Luke, this version would not abandon his off-world life and military responsibilities. Instead, he would unite his talents, becoming both a powerful general and a Sith lord.

Rogue Squadron and Battle Meditation

Rogue Squadron, under Luke's leadership, would become a formidable force. His will and drive would unite them in battle, potentially number in the thousands or millions. His nephew, Jacen Solo, would be far less capable, but Luke with his immense power could control even more advanced battle meditation. Through this, Luke would guide armies with unparalleled strategic precision, moving them across the galaxy with ease.

The Road of Good Intentions

Despite the immense power Luke would wield, his transition into the Sith would not be an instant descent into darkness. Initially, he would adhere to the Sith Code:

Peace is a lie; there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.

A native of Tatooine, Luke would interpret the Sith Code through the eyes of a Freeborn son, someone who had experienced life in the galaxy's harsh realities. This perspective would shape his interpretation and application of the Code. He would not immediately turn evil, but his rise would be a gradual and complex process.

Rebels and Wars

Luke Skywalker, now a Sith Lord and General, would lead campaigns of liberation, liberating the galaxy's oppressed and stealing dark knowledge for himself. Without the Krytos virus or the Pentastar Alignment, the early Warlord movements might be less complex. He would intimidate and dominate several Moffs and Admirals, perhaps even bringing about a change in the likes of Gilad Pellaeon.

Conclusion

In essence, Luke's transition would reshape the galaxy significantly. His immense power, combined with his strategic acumen, would ensure that Republic campaigns proceeded at a rapid pace. Some of the Warlord movements might not occur at all, as Luke would have established a formidable presence that could intimidate or dominate those in power. This Luke Skywalker, a blend of military genius and dark sorcery, would leave an indelible mark on the galaxy's history.