Would Palpatine Dispose of Vader if He Actually Won the Second Death Star Duel?

In the grand saga of the Star Wars universe, the allure of power and control never waivers. One fascinating question has always lingered: what would happen if Darth Vader emerged victorious in his duel with Luke Skywalker at the Second Death Star? Would Supreme Chancellor Palpatine dispose of Vader, or would he reward his loyal champion with a new task?

Palpatine's Strategic Vision

Palpatine, ever the master manipulator, is not one to waste resources. If Vader were to prevail, there are multiple strategic reasons why he might choose to keep him rather than dispose of him.

Supplying a Verge in the Force

Vader, despite his injuries and apparent emotional scars, remains a unique untapped potential within the Force. While he may have been severely weakened, he still represents a convergence point with both the dark and light sides of the Force. Palpatine, who is well aware of this, would be inclined to maintain him as a means to both enhance his own power and as a strategic weapon.

By keeping Vader, Palpatine can continue to utilize him as a means to exert control over other Jedi, specifically Skywalker. The mere presence of such a formidable figure is a powerful tool in itself, capable of breaking the will of ordinary beings. This makes him an invaluable asset in Palpatine's ongoing campaign.

Claiming Luke or Leia as a Turned Skywalker

If Luke were to emerge victorious, there are still compelling reasons for Palpatine to claim him. However, this does not preclude the idea of utilizing both Skywalker twins. Palpatine knows that each sibling carries their father's personal traits, including Anakin Skywalker's anger and turmoil.

The Role of Leia

Leia Organa, another key Skywalker, represents a different challenge for Palpatine. Unlike Luke, who may need to be trained and coaxed, Leia would most likely fall easily to the dark side due to her inherent anger and Anakin's influence. Her quick descent could be accelerated through a process of breaking her will and training her specifically for the task.

A New Strategy for Palpatine

Given this complex and dynamic scenario, it is more likely that Palpatine would set someone like Leia against Vader rather than disposing of him outright. This approach serves multiple purposes:

Unified Skywalkers: Creating a sense of brotherhood and rivalry between Leia and Luke aligns with Palpatine's overarching plan to turn the entire Skywalker lineage to the dark side. Control and Manipulation: Utilizing Leia's inherent anger, Palpatine can more easily shape her into a tool of his will, much like how he once shaped Anakin. Her potential to turn could be greater due to her personal connection and emotional ties. Internal Strife: By pitting siblings against each other, Palpatine creates internal conflict that can further destabilize the Rebel Alliance and the Jedi Order.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is far more likely that Palpatine would not dispose of Darth Vader, especially if he emerges victorious in the Second Death Star duel. Instead, he would either maintain Vader's place as a key strategic asset or claim Luke and set the stage for converting both Luke and an even more susceptible Leia to the dark side. The strategy involves breaking their wills, training them, and then turning them against each other to strengthen his own power and control.

This approach aligns with Palpatine's cunning and strategic vision, making the second death star duel not just a test of strength but a battle for the future of the Skywalker line.