Would Darth Vader Attack Ahsoka Tano During Order 66?

Given the complex intertwining of emotional and political elements in the Star Wars saga, particularly the events leading up to and during Order 66, a significant question arises: would Darth Vader have attacked Ahsoka Tano if she remained within the Jedi Order during this fateful moment in the galaxy's history?

Contextual Analysis

The transformation of Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader was a gradual process, culminating in the near-total embrace of the dark side by the time of Order 66. This transformation was driven by fear, primarily of losing loved ones, most notably Padmé Amidala. If Ahsoka had stayed within the Jedi Order, she would have been a symbol of Anakin's former life, representing a connection to his past and a reminder of the Jedi values he now rejected.

Anakin's Transformation

Anakin's journey into the dark side was a series of incremental steps, each more troubling than the last. By the time of Order 66, his allegiance to the Jedi Order had all but evaporated, replaced by a deep-seated hatred for the organization and a misguided belief in a prophetic vision of saving Padmé.

Relationship Dynamics

Master and apprentice, Anakin and Ahsoka shared a strong bond, but it was a relationship fraught with tension and loss. As Anakin descended deeper into darkness, his view of Ahsoka's loyalty to the Jedi shifted. This evolution could have led to a conflict where Anakin felt compelled to eliminate her in order to solidify his new allegiance with the Empire and suppress any remaining ties to his former self. Ahsoka's continued loyalty to the Jedi might have been perceived as a betrayal, prompting a confrontation.

Potential Confrontation

Even if Ahsoka did not initiate a conflict, Anakin's internal struggle could have influenced his decision. The remnants of his old self might have hesitated, grappling with the love and camaraderie they shared with Ahsoka. However, the overwhelming influence of the dark side and the Emperor's directives would likely have pushed him towards attacking her, viewing her as a threat to his new identity and mission.

My Hypothetical Scenario

Considering the events shown in The Clone Wars and Rebels, it is speculated that Darth Vader might have tried to get Ahsoka to run or join him rather than kill her. This is evident in the final episode of Rebels, where even the fully corrupted Darth Vader offers Ahsoka the option to join him and hesitates when Anakin uses his old name. This suggests that Ahsoka was a significant emotional anchor for Anakin, one that he could not fully suppress.

In the context of Darth Vader's relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi, which is complex and politically charged, it is likely that Ahsoka would have provided a more human and personal interaction. The dialogue in Rogue One: See Thrawn's Plan shows that Anakin was more inclined to talk about his past and potentially seek redemption with Ahsoka. Her presence might have been a stabilizer in Anakin's increasingly unstable state, making it less likely for him to fully commit to killing her, especially not without a struggle.

By the time of the events on Mustafar, it is known that Anakin already harbored the idea of overthrowing Palpatine, indicating that he was not entirely under the Emperor's control. At this stage, Palpatine would not have known that Anakin might have allowed Ahsoka to escape, as he was still grappling with his own faded identity as Anakin. The relationship between Ahsoka and Anakin was deep enough that it could never truly disappear entirely, suggesting that Anakin might have had more reluctance in attacking Ahsoka, even in combat.

Conclusion

In essence, if Ahsoka had remained with the Jedi Order during Order 66, it is probable that Anakin would have turned against her, driven by his complete transformation into Darth Vader and the necessity to eliminate anyone who still represented the Jedi way. Even if she did not provoke a fight, the circumstances and his mental state would likely have led to a confrontation, but it is possible that he might have wanted to kill her less than he would have with Obi-Wan Kenobi, due to her more personal and emotional connection to him.