User:Thefourdotelipsis/Anakin

"You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness!"

- Obi-Wan Kenobi

Anakin Skywalker was a male Human Jedi Knight who would eventually become Darth Vader, the dreaded hammer of the Jedi Order and the Alliance to Restore the Republic. Hailed as the fabled Chosen One by his peers, Anakin was born a slave to Shmi Skywalker, and was bonded in servitude to Gardulla the Elder and Watto in turn. Skywalker became an adept mechanic, and made a name for himself in the Outer Rim Territories as the only Human able to pilot a Podracer. In 32 BBY, Skywalker was discovered by the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, who liberated the boy and paved the way for his admission into the Jedi Order.

As a Jedi, Skywalker excelled in his studies, and garnered the attention of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. With his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, he embarked on many missions for the Galactic Republic, and, during the Separatist Crisis, he was chosen to protect Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo. Amidala and Skywalker were childhood friends, but during the crisis, their friendship blossomed into love. Love being forbidden by the Jedi Code, Skywalker and Amidala kept their relationship secret, and with the advent of the Clone Wars, married. Skywalker served admirably in the Clone Wars, and even became a poster boy for the Jedi Order, dubbed "The Hero With No Fear". He became one of the greatest pilots in the galaxy, clashed with adversaries such as Asajj Ventress and Count Dooku constantly, slaying the latter at the Clone Wars. At this stage, Skywalker was haunted by premonitions of his wife dying, and so he allied himself with the Palpatine, who was actually a Sith Lord. Palpatine made Skywalker his apprentice, and gave him the Sith name of "Darth Vader".

Palpatine was able to seduce Vader into turning on his friends and destroying the Jedi Order. Following a duel on Mustafar with his former Master, Kenobi, Vader suffered grievous injuries, forcing him to don a suit of life-supporting armor. His wife perished shortly thereafter, but unbeknownst to Vader, she had borne twins before dying. They were kept hidden from Vader by Masters Kenobi and Yoda however, in the hopes that they might one day be able to defeat Palpatine. Vader, on the other hand, was charged with maintaining the New Order, and was given the rank of Supreme Commander of the Imperial Fleet. He fought against the Alliance to Restore the Republic, but was shocked to discover his son, Luke Skywalker, alive and fighting against his Empire. He attempted to sway Skywalker to his cause, but the young Jedi in training refused, instead attempting to convert Vader back to the light. Culminating in a climactic duel on the Death Star II, Vader renounced the Sith ways, becoming Anakin Skywalker once more. He saved his son from the destructive powers of his master, but the action resulted in his own death.

Birth
"There was no father."

- Shmi Skywalker

Anakin Skywalker was born to Shmi Skywalker in 42 BBY. There was, however, no father&mdash;a phenomenon that even Shmi herself could not explain.

Coming to Tatooine
"You're not bad with your hands, kid. Not bad at all."

- Watto

Circa 38 BBY, Shmi and Anakin were in the custody of Gardulla the Elder. They were shipped to Tatooine on Gardulla's transport, although they did not known their destination at the time. During the flight, Anakin had premonitions of Podracing, and he saw a vision of himself as an older man, racing across the flats of Tatooine. Upon touching down outside Mos Espa, the Skywalkers and the other slaves witnessed an Arconan running for his life from local authorities. Anakin watched on as Gardulla's aide ordered the authorities to hold their fire, and the Arconan suddenly exploded once he got past the city perimeter. Witnessing this, the young Anakin understood the consequences of escape: the small device implanted in all slaves would surely detonate if attempts were made.

Anakin and Shmi were forced to share a small room with six of Gardulla's other slaves. Though Anakin was not altogether fond of Tatooine, he set about learning as much about the desert world as possible. He listened to traveling spacers and Gardulla's attendants, learning about the history and function of the planet in the galaxy. He heard of the Tusken Raiders, apparently bloodthirsty savages that roamed the wastelands, Jawas, krayt dragons, but the element that interested the boy the most was Podracing, descriptions of which matched his premonition. One day, while repairing a vaporator outside Gardulla's residence, Anakin decided to take the initiative, and modify the device. His handiwork was observed by Watto, a Toydarian junk merchant who frequently gambled with Gardulla. Impressed, the Toydarian gambled for custody of the Skywalkers, and won.

Working for Watto
Watto, though cruel, was a considerably kinder master than Gardulla, and even gave the Skywalkers a hovel to themselves. Anakin always had something to do at Watto's junkshop; with his mechanical aptitude, he was often called upon to fix the unfixable. Watto kept the Skywalkers in line by threatening to let other slaves share their hovel, should they disobey him. Over the years, Anakin became familiar with the Mos Espa locals, picked up alien languages, and would often familiarize himself with the controls of starships, by "practicing" with derelict cockpits found in the junk yard. He also struck up a friendship with another slave, Kitster Banai.

In 35 BBY, Anakin began salvaging podracer parts from Watto's junk yard. He was able to obtain a pair of broken down Radon-Ulzer 620C engines, and stored the amassed parts under a tarp in the clearing behind the hovels. He was wary of Watto discovering the project, however, and was always cautious when smuggling parts out. When he had an opportunity, Anakin took a refurbished podracer for a spin around Watto's junk yard, and although the Toydarian was initially furious, he realized how well the boy piloted the vehicle. Generally, Humans weren't quick enough to pilot podracers, but Anakin was clearly the exception. Seeing a new method of generating income, Watto had Anakin race for him in the local tournaments, much to Shmi's dismay. Anakin would go onto compete in over six races, but never finished due to either crashes or cheating on fellow racer Sebulba's part.

Thought Watto did not relent in his threats, he gave Shmi an aeromagnifier that could clean computer memory devices, allowing her to operate a small private service independently of the shop. This gave the Skywalkers modest income, but Anakin began to dream of freedom for he and his mother. He began working on a scanner to locate the hidden bomb implanted in slaves, and heard of the Jedi Knights from wandering slavers. Letting his aspirations wander, Anakin resigned himself to the grim truth that he would not be leaving the desolate Tatooine too soon.

C-3PO
"The droid is a machine, Ani. It doesn't have feelings." "How do you know?"

- Shmi and Anakin Skywalker

One day, while chatting in the junk yard with Banai, Anakin came across a broken 3PO-series protocol droid chassis. Confident that he could restore the droid, though not totally sure as to what purpose it would serve, Anakin smuggled it back to his hovel piece by piece, making sure not to alert Watto. Shmi, apprehensive, explained that it was a protocol droid, and not very useful in their line of work. Anakin protested, claiming that the droid would be able to help with chores and converse with those using alien languages. Shmi relented, but explained to Anakin that the droid was his responsibility alone. He named the droid C-3PO, the "three" due to the fact that Anakin considered him a third member of the Skywalker family.

Podrace woes
In 32 BBY, Anakin raced one of Watto's pods in the Metta Drop race. Anakin was going well in the race until Sebulba flashed Watto's pod with his vents&mdash;an illegal move, but Anakin crashed nonetheless. Watto was furious, and Shmi banned Anakin from racing. To keep his mind of the failure, Anakin continued to work on 3PO, getting him to an operational level.

Tusken encounter
"Master Anakin, I don't think this is a good idea at all!"

- C-3PO

Watto sent Anakin out to meet the Jawas, to trade for goods, and Anakin saw it as an opportunity to put 3PO to good use. He secretly took the protocol droid along to haggle with the Jawas, who had camped out by Mochot Steep. Thanks to 3PO, Anakin was able to obtain two mechanic droids, three multipurpose droids, and a mildly damaged hyperdrive converted. On the way back to Mos Espa through the Xelric Draw, Anakin spied an incapacitated humanoid figure, with its leg trapped underneath a large boulder. As he drew nearer, he recognized the figure as a Tusken Raider. Though he had been warned about the Tuskens, Anakin chose to nurse the injured nomad back to health, using the medical kit from Watto's speeder. The purchased droids helped him free the Tusken from underneath the boulder.

As Tatooine's twin suns set, Anakin stayed with the Tusken. As the Tusken came to, he conversed with Anakin, while 3PO translated. As the Tusken explained that he feared the boy, Anakin came to the realization that he himself feared nothing, other than harm befalling his mother. That night, he had another premonition, wherin he was a Jedi Knight, and he freed the slaves. Waking up, he was surrounded by Tuskens, but they did not harm him, instead simply retrieving their injured companion. As the Tuskens left, Anakin headed back to Mos Espa. Shmi, distraught, was relieved to see her son return, and although Watto was initially furious over the delay, he saw the quality of the new droids, and was quelled.

The Jedi, the handmaiden, the Gungan, and the Astromech
"He was meant to help you."

- Shmi Skywalker

The following day, four travelers wandered Watto's Shop: a tall man, dressed as a farmer, a young peasant girl, a clumsy alien, and a stout astromech droid. While Watto quizzed the tall man, Anakin studied the peasant girl. When he noticed that she was too delicate and fair skinned to be a genuine peasant girl, he queried her, wondering if she was an angel from the moons of Iego. The two conversed for a while; the girl was a foreigner, and she found the environment of Tatooine to be alien and unfamiliar. The group soon departed the shop, but Watto dismissed him early.

He caught up with the offworlders in the city streets, and upon learning that a sandstorm was approaching, he invited them back to his hovel. He introduced them to his mother, and showed the peasant girl C-3PO. The strangers introduced themselves: the tall man was Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, the girl was Padmé Naberrie, a handmaiden to Queen Amidala of Naboo, the alien was Gungan Jar Jar Binks, and the droid was R2-D2. Anakin hoped that Jinn was there to free the slaves, but he soon realized that this was not the case. Amidala had been on her way to Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Republic, when her ship had been damaged, and forced to stop over on Tatooine for repairs. Unfortunately, the group's Republic Dataries were of no use in Mos Espa, and they were stranded. Anakin, seeing an opportunity to put his skills to good use offered to pilot his secret podracer, which was completed, in the upcoming Boonta Eve Podrace. The money would provide Jinn with the money needed to buy a new hyperdrive for Amidala's ship. Though Naberrie and Shmi were apprehensive, they knew it was the only way.

Boonta Eve Classic of 32 BBY
"And a late entry, young Anakin Skywalker, a local boy."

- Fodesinbeed Annodue

When the day of the race came, Anakin faced a variety of setbacks. His podracer engines failed to ignite at the start of the race, and he was forced to watch as his opponents raced on ahead. Finally starting his engines, he set off after the other racers in speedy pursuit. Witnessing the apparent crash of Mawhonic as a result of Sebulba's machinations, Anakin passed several competitors, and completed his first lap without major incident.

Upon exiting Beggar's Canyon on the second lap, Anakin's pod was struck by debris from Mars Guo's destroyed podracer. The debris severed one of the cables connecting the pod to the engines. Fighting for control, he was able to think quickly, and restore his podracer to full efficiency. On the third lap, he and Sebulba were neck and neck, with the Dug resorting to the variety of tactics to throw the young Human off, and potentially kill him. Time and time again, Anakin came back, and even gained the lead at one point. As the two racers headed towards the finish line, Sebulba attempted to shunt Anakin's pod off the course, and in the process, the two racers became lodged together. Anakin pulled free, and in the resulting chaos, Sebulba's pod crashed, causing Anakin to win the race.

After the race, Watto delivered the required parts to Jinn and his companions. On the way back home, Anakin encountered a group of Mos Espa youngesters who had seen the race. While most of them were impressed, a young Rodian by the name of Greedo confronted Anakin. He claimed that the young Human had cheated, which prompted Anakin to attack and beat the other child. When Jinn arrived, he did not scold Anakin, but clearly disapproved. On the way back to the hovel, Jinn explained that Amidala's starship was already been repaired, and that he had sold Anakin's pod. He gave the credits to the Skywalkers, in order to provide for Shmi. He also informed the Skywalkers that Anakin was free, and that he was to be taken to Coruscant. There, he would be trained as a Jedi.

Leaving Tatooine
"Don't look back."

- Shmi Skywalker

While he was at first joyous, Anakin came to realize that Shmi would not be coming along with him. He found it exceptionally difficult to say goodbye, but his mothers words gave him the strength. Jinn had Anakin's slave chip removed, and the pair headed off for Amidala's starship. After saying goodbye to Jira, Anakin sensed a presence following him. Jinn too detected the presence: a probe droid, the likes of which the Jedi had never seen. Though he had destroyed the probe, Jinn was worried, and the two broke into a run.

Upon reaching the ship, Anakin heard the whine of an engine behind him. Jinn ordered him to drop, and as Anakin did so, a small swoop sped overhead. The rider of the swoop leapt of his mount and attacked Jinn with a red hued lightsaber. As Jinn defended himself from the onslaught of attacks, he ordered Anakin to have Amidala's starship take off. Anakin, haggard, passed on the instructions to the ship's crew, and they were able to retrieve the Jedi Master before leaving Tatooine. Though he was exhaused, Jinn introduced Anakin to his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Coruscant
"The boy is dangerous. They all sense it, why can't you?"

- Obi-Wan Kenobi

On Coruscant, Anakin was taken to the Jedi Temple, where he was tested by the Jedi Council. They tested his aptitude to the Force, the mystical energy field which gave the Jedi their power. The Council rejected him for training due to his advanced age, despite Jinn's protests that he was the "Chosen One". Skywalker did not fully comprehend the significance of events at the time, and before he knew it, he was leaving Coruscant, bound for Amidala's home planet of Naboo.

Battle of Naboo
"You will be a Jedi. I promise."

- Obi-Wan Kenobi

Naboo had been occupied by the Trade Federation, as a response to a trade dispute in the Senate. Upon reaching Naboo, Skywalker learned that Naberrie was in fact Amidala, and that she had disguised herself as a ruse to hide her identity from potential attackers. When the Second Battle of Theed erupted, Skywalker was forced to take refuge in a starfighter cockpit, while Jinn and Kenobi confronted the dark warrior that had attacked the latter on Tatooine. Thought it was not Skywalker's intent, he flew up into Naboo's orbit, and was involved in the Naboo Space Battle. He was able to destroy the Droid Control Ship, winning the day for the Naboo.

Upon returning, he learned that Jinn had been struck down in combat by the warrior. Three days later, the Council relented, and allowed Skywalker to be trained by Kenobi. Skywalker was also astonished to learn that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was aware of his actions. Departing Naboo, Skywalker became Kenobi's Jedi Padawan.

Studies in the Jedi Temple
At the Jedi Temple, Skywalker was taught about the nature of the Force: the light side, and the dark side. He learned about the Sith Lords, which Jedi Investigators had identified Jinn's killer as. He was also taught about midi-chlorians, of which he, supposedly, had the highest count ever. Wishing to learn more about this advantage he was purported to have, Skywalker studied the Jedi Holocrons, and discovered the prophecy of the "Chosen One". Recalling being labelled by Jinn as the Chosen One in prior years, Skywalker took to the moniker.

Skywalker resented the fact that Kenobi had not chosen him, and was only training him out of obligation to his dead master. Since he had not been trained at the Temple since infancy, Skywalker was felt to have lax discipline, and his arrogant attitude was bemoaned by his fellow students. As a result, he was alienated from the other students and even some of the Masters. He did not take well to criticism from Kenobi, but he respected his master. Being very close to his mother for the first nine years of his life, Skywalker also found it very hard to shed his emotions, and disliked the fact that he was not allowed to return to Tatooine to see his kin. When told that the Jedi couldn't simply free one slave among many as it was not the will of the Senate, Skywalker questioned the ideal that the Jedi had to serve a government.

Garbage pit races
In 29 BBY, Skywalker participated in a series of illegal garbage pit races in the deepest reaches of Galactic City.

Constructing a lightsaber
In 28 BBY, Skywalker constructed his first lightsaber.

Krayn the slaver
Later that year, Skywalker slew a slaver by the name of Krayn.

The Galactic Games
In 27 BBY, Skywalker and Kenobi were dispatched to Euceron to oversee security at the Galactic Games. By a twist of fate, Skywalker was involved in a podrace to win the freedom of a slave.

Hunt's end
In 25 BBY, Skywalker's rivalry with another Padawan lead to an unfortunate outcome on Korriban.

Return to podracing
Later that year, Skywalker made a return to podracing, and raced against his old rival, Sebulba, on Ryloth.

Dual teachers
Skywalker came to realize that Kenobi was the only Jedi who refused to give up on him, and he came to see the older Jedi as the father figure he had never had. The pair had developed a close friendship, and after so many missions, had become a highly effective team. Their skills ranged from both the diplomatic to the not-so-diplomatic, and they continued to be frequently called upon.

Skywalker also met with Palpatine frequently. The Supreme Chancellor did nothing but boost Skywalker's ego, but the young Jedi was not adverse to this.

Separatist Crisis
Many citizens of the Republic grew dissatisfied with the Galactic Republic, and elected to secede. The leader of this movement, former Jedi Count Dooku, formed the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The Jedi were hard pressed to keep order.

Border dispute on Ansion
In 22 BBY, Skywalker and Kenobi were sent to Ansion to resolve a border dispute. During this times, be began being plagued by nightmarish premonitions about his mother.

Protecting Senator Amidala
"Who hired you? Tell us. Tell us now!"

- Anakin Skywalker

Returning from Ansion, Skywalker and Kenobi were assigned to protect now-Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo. Skywalker hadn't seen Amidala in ten years, and was eager to see her again. Meeting her in her apartment, as well as now-Representative Binks, and Captain Typho, Skywalker and Amidala exchanged pleasantries, with Skywalker attempting to flatter the Senator. Their discussion soon turned to more serious matters, however. Amidala had traveled to Coruscant to vote against the creation of an army to defend the Republic, but upon arrival, a bomb had been planted at her landing pad. Six of her staff, including her decoy, had been killed in the attack.

She approached Skywalker with the idea of using herself as bait for the potential assassins, and although the Jedi was reluctant, he approved. When he was plagued by another nightmare about his mother, Skywalker woke, and prowled the Senator's apartment with Kenobi. They detected a disturbance in the Senator's room, and Skywalker moved quickly to dispatch the pair of kouhuns that had infiltrated the area. Meanwhile, Kenobi tracked down the source of the deadly creatures. A deadly chase ensued, ending at the Outlander Club when Kenobi sliced off the assassin's arm. The assassin, a Clawdite changeling, was interrogated by Skywalker, but before she could reveal the name of her employer, she was shot with a Kamino saberdart, and killed.

The Council tasked Kenobi with tracking down the assassin's employer, Skywalker continued to serve as the Senator's bodyguard. It was his first solo mission, and Skywalker was smitten with Senator Amidala. During the journey to Naboo, where the Senator was to hide, Skywalker experienced yet another nightmare about his mother. Amidala confronted him about the nightmares, and he confided in her about his fears for Shmi.

Upon reaching Naboo, Amidala took Skywalker to meet her family in Theed. She initially disliked having him shadow her about, as she thought she needed no protection, but as the days passed by, she grew closer to Skywalker. The pair discussed a wide range of topics, from politics to past relationships. Upon reaching Varykino, a Naberrie family estate, Skywalker threw caution to the wind, and exchanged a kiss with the Senator. She eventually apologized, leaving Skywalker feeling rejected and disappointed. Though he attempted to forget the kiss, the memory of it began to tear at Skywalker, until he was at such a point where he suggested to Amidala the possibility of a secret relationship. She refused, however, to live a lie, and rejected Skywalker once more. The following night, Skywalker, for the last time, recieved a vision of his mother. It was so severe that he was prompted to journey to Tatooine to save her from whatever danger she was in. He apologized to Amidala, but she agreed to tag along.

The Death of Shmi Skywalker
"I love y–"

- Shmi Skywalker's last words to her son

Neglecting to notify Kenobi or the Council of his movements, Skywalker, Amidala, and R2-D2 departed for Tatooine. They landed in Mos Espa, and travelled to Watto's Shop. Though the Toydarian initially did not recognize Skywalker, he eventually informed him that Shmi had been sold several years ago to a moisture farmer named Cliegg Lars, who lived near Anchorhead. Upon reaching the Lars Homestead, Skywalker recognized his old droid, C-3PO, who had been given new plating. 3PO introduced Skywalker and Amidala to the Lars family: Owen, Cliegg's son, his girlfriend Beru Whitesun, and Cliegg himself. Cliegg had married Shmi, much to Skywalker's surprise; the revelation also meant he had a step-brother in Owen.

As the group shared a meal, Cliegg informed Skywalker that his mother had been out picking the mushrooms off a moisture vaporator one day when she had been abducted by Tusken Raiders. Though Cliegg and his farmer friends had attempted to rescue her, they had failed, resulting in many deaths and the loss of Cliegg's leg. Fuming, Skywalker bade Amidala farewell, and set out on Owen's swoop to find his mother. He came across a group of Jawas who were able to give him leads as to her location. He came across their camp, and located his mother. He tearfully alerted his mother to his presence, but before he could rescue her, she succumbed to her wounds. Skywalker, aghast, became enraged, and struck down the two Tuskens outside the camp. He did not stop there, however. He slaughtered the entire Tusken camp, women and children inclusive, and he let his hate fuel him. Devastated, he collected his mother's body, and returned to the homestead.

He privately blamed the Lars' for the death of his mother, though he never admitted it. He confided in Amidala about his rampage at the Tusken camp, before burying his mother outside the homestead. When the small funeral was over, R2-D2 trundled up to the group bearing a message from Kenobi. Apparently, Skywalker's master had discovered that Jango Fett was the culprit behind the attacks, and had tracked him to Geonosis, a Confederate world. There, he had been captured, and possibly killed. Though he was afraid to lose his mentor so soon after losing Shmi, Skywalker had been ordered by Master Windu to stay put on Tatooine. However, Amidala resolved to rescue Kenobi, and, collecting 3PO without saying goodbye to the Lars', the group departed for Geonosis.

The Battle of Geonosis
"I can't leave her!"

- Anakin Skywalker

Upon reaching Geonosis, Skywalker and Amidala were captured, and sentenced to death. Before being taken into the arena, Amidala confessed her love for Skywalker, seeing as how she expected to die anyway. Kenobi, Skywalker and Amidala were supposed to die altogether in the arena, but the timely intervention of Master Windu and a Jedi strike team prevented that. Eventually Master Yoda arrived as well, with an army of clone troopers. Dooku fled the arena, but Skywalker and Kenobi gave chase.

They confronted Dooku in a secret hangar, but the former Jedi revealed that he had kept up his saber skills since his departure from the Order. Despite Kenobi's warnings, Skywalker charged at Dooku, but the older man revealed his new alignment with the dark side by firing Force lightning at the young Jedi. Writhing in pain as he was incapacitated, Skywalker could only watch on as Kenobi battled with Dooku. The Count gained the upper hand, however, and as he moved in for the kill, Skywalker mustered his strength, and dueled with Dooku, using two sabers. The Count, being the superior and more experience swordsman, deftly sliced off Skywalker's right arm, ending the duel. Skywalker passed out, and woke only to see Amidala rush to his aid.

The pair returned to Varykino, where they were wed by a holy man, with R2-D2 and C-3PO as witnesses.

Duel on Yavin 4
Skywalker dueled and nearly defeated Assaj Ventress on Yavin 4.

Knighthood
Due to the increasing demand for Generals on battlefronts, Skywalker was made a Jedi Knight earlier than the usual.

Ventress returns
Skywalker once again duelled with Ventress in the bowels of Coruscant's industrial sector.

Nelvaan
In 19 BBY, Skywalker and Kenobi were dispatched to Nelvaan, an Outer Rim planet, to destroy a Confederate installation. After doing so, they were contacted by Master Windu, who informed them that Coruscant was under attack from General Grievous. Skywalker leapt into action, urging the crews to battle stations, and ordering the jump to hyperspace.

Battle of Coruscant
"I shouldn't have done that, it's not the Jedi way."

- Anakin Skywalker

When Skywalker and Kenobi reached Coruscant, the battle was already in full swing. The Supreme Chancellor had been kidnapped by Grievous, and the droid general was attempting to escape in his flagship, the Invisible Hand. Joining the battle in their starfighters, Skywalker and Kenobi fought through the enemy forces in order to get to the Invisible Hand, and upon landing in the flagship, made their way to the ship's main communications and sensors pod. There, they found the captive Palpatine, who warned them of Count Dooku's presence.

Dooku demanded that the two Jedi surrender, but they refused. Correcting their past mistake on Geonosis, Skywalker and Kenobi attacked Dooku in unison, but the Confederate head of state was able to fend them both off, and even incapacitated Kenobi. Skywalker, fuelled by rage, launched a series of rapid strikes, putting Dooku on the back foot. Skywalker then took the advantage, and sliced off Dooku's hands. Grasping Dooku's saber, he had the former Jedi at his mercy. Palpatine goaded him, and told him to execute Dooku. Though he was hesitant, Skywalker did so, decapitating the Confederate head of state. He was immediately repentant, but Palpatine was quick to remind him of the Tusken slaughter of three years prior.

With Kenobi revived, the trio, along with R2-D2, made their way to the hangars, but were captured by Grievous. They managed to escape his grasp, however, and landed the Hand on Coruscant, with the Supreme Chancellor safe. Skywalker was applauded by a group of dignitaries, but he quickly forgot the concerns of the galaxy at large when he spied his wife hiding in the shadows of the Republic Executive Building. Reunited with Amidala, he learned that his wife was heavily pregnant. Skywalker realized that his secret marriage would not stay hidden for long, but he was soon plagued by nightmares, much like the ones of three years prior, except they now depicted the death of his wife. Concerned, Skywalker sought advice from the Jedi.

Shifting allegiances
"I don't think the boy can handle it."

- Mace Windu

Master Yoda was able to yield no answers, and shortly afterwards, Palpatine decided to confide in Skywalker. He believed that the Jedi Council wanted more power, and were going to make an attempt for it. As such, he appointed Skywalker to be his personal representative in the Council. Skywalker thought that as a Council member, he would be made a Jedi Master, but the Council denied him, allowing him to join their cabal, but only as a Knight. Skywalker was outraged further when Kenobi told him to spy on Palpatine's movements. The young Knight soon came to believe that he was the only Jedi who trusted the Supreme Chancellor. Even Amidala was having doubts about the Republic and Palpatine's policies.

Skywalker met with Palpatine at the Galaxies Opera House. There, the Supreme Chancellor informed Anakin that Clone Intelligence Units had located Grievous, the new Confederate head of state, on Utapau. Dismissing his aides, Palpatine aired his suspicions that Skywalker been assigned to spy on Palpatine. Skywalker, set aback, listened to Palpatine talk of power and corruption. Palpatine believed that the Jedi were planning to overthrow him, and take control of the Senate. He then began to tell Skywalker about Darth Plagueis the Wise, as Sith legend about a Dark Lord who could influence midi-chlorians to both create an preserve life. Skywalker listened intently, and hoped to learn the fabled power in order to save his wife. However, Palpatine claimed that the Jedi knew of no such power.

Skywalker felt slighted when the Council selected Kenobi to pursue Grievous on Utapau instead of him, and shortly thereafter, learned that Palpatine was in fact Darth Sidious, the Sith Lord the Jedi had been hunting since the start of the war. He reported his findings to the Council, but was unable to allow Master Windu to kill Palpatine. He realized that he needed Palpatine's knowledge to save Amidala, and so he killed Windu, and allied himself with the Sith Lord. He took the Sith name of Darth Vader, and set about eliminating the Jedi at the Temple. He believed he was doing no wrong, and that Palpatine's cause was more righteous than that of the Jedi.

Immolation
"I have brought peace, freedom, justice, and security to my new Empire!"

- Darth Vader

Palpatine then dispatched Vader to Mustafar, where he was to execute the Separatist Council. He did so with relish, while Palpatine formed the New Order on Coruscant, with himself as Emperor, and Vader as his right hand man. Back on Mustafar, Amidala had journeyed to confront him, and she had unwittingly brought Kenobi along as well. Vader's former master was disgusted with his actions, and Vader, in a fit of rage, throttled Amidala. A duel ensued between Kenobi and Vader, resulting in the severing Vader's three remaining limbs. He lay, stricken, on a bed of ashen gravel next to a river of lava, and as he was immolated, Kenobi chastised him, before departing with Vader's lightsaber.

Left alone, Vader pulled himself up the slope with his remaining mechanical hand, and bathed himself in the dark side in order to stay alive. After a while, he was rescued by his new master, Palpatine, and a squad of Clone troopers. Taken back to Coruscant, he underwent an operation to save his life. In order to preserve the midi-chlorians still left in his ravaged body, the medical droids did not use any anesthetic, prompting Vader to scream throughout the entire operation. He was fitted with new cybernetic replacements, and was effectively entombed in a suit of armor that allowed him to breath properly once more. Donning a nightmarish breath mask and helmet, his transformation was complete. Palpatine took the opportunity to inform him that he had killed Amidala on Mustafar, causing Vader to completely and utterly shed his former identity. Devoid of love and unable to touch anything, Vader became a cold and harsh individual.

Purging the Jedi plague
Vader's earliest missions usually involved tracking down and eliminating Jedi who had survived Order 66. Vader followed up on every lead, but he never came across Masters Kenobi or Yoda. He progressively pushed himself further away from his old identity as Skywalker, and instead of being influenced by pain inflicted on him, he chose to inflict it on others. Whilst few knew of his identity, the Galaxy at large soon became aware of Vader. Reports claimed that he had tracked down and killed a nest of fifty Jedi all by himself. Speculation abounded, but Vader never did anything to reveal his true identity.

The new Imperial navy
Vader oversaw the expansion of the new Imperial navy.

Senate reformations
Vader accompanied Palpatine to important Senate meetings, but the Dark Lord had nothing but disdain for the squabbling bureaucrats.

Servitude
"You are my path to power, Master. I need you."

- Darth Vader

Palpatine constantly reminded Vader of his place, and the new Dark Lord understood that he could never be as powerful as his master. He established his own palace on the newly minted Imperial Center, where he would meditate. He eventually became the ultimate icon of Imperial authority, but he was still firmly under Palpatine's thumb. Despite this, Vader wanted nothing more than the opportunity to kill his opressive master. He established a private retreat, Bast Castle on Vjun, where he conducted his own studies of the dark side of the Force, in the hopes that one day he could turn the tables on his master.

Boba Fett
Vader was not adverse to using resources outside the Empire, such as the bounty hunter, Boba Fett. Fett had established himself as the most dangerous and effective bounty hunter in the Galaxy, and as such, Vader would frequently employ his services.

Devastation on Honoghr
Vader oversaw the release of a life-inhibiting toxin on Honoghr, in order to recruit the warrior natives, the Noghri, to his cause.

Massacre of Faleen
An Imperial research station accidently released toxins into the atmosphere of the planet Falleen. Vader, hoping to quarantine the planet, ordered his men to fire turbolasers at the world, killing over two hundred thousand of the Falleen natives.

The Death Star
One of the most important operations overseen by Vader was the construction of the Death Star, a gargantuan moon-sized battle station that would be able to destroy entire planets. Overseen by Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, Vader had nothing but disdain for the device.

Alliance to Restore the Republic
A resistance movement was formulated against the Empire: the Alliance to Restore the Republic. It was thought to be nothing more than a minor annoyance, but Vader was concerned with finding their secret base.

Pursuit
"There'll be no one to stop us this time."

- Darth Vader

Vader began to suspect that Princess Leia of Alderaan had ties to the new Rebel Alliance. As such, when she traveled to Ralltiir to supply the Ralltiir High Council with medical supplies, he had a homing beacon placed on her consular ship, the Tantive IV. When Vader heard news that the Rebels had attacked, an Imperial convoy over Toprawa, he realized that it was only a feint, and they were trying to steal the Death Star plans from Toprawa itself.

Taking his Star Destroyer, the Devastator to Toprawa, his men detected an incoming ship: The Tantive IV. Vader had Commander Nahdonnis Praji hail the Alderaanian vessel, which was receiving scrambled transmissions from the planet. The Tantive IV ' s captain, Raymus Antilles, claimed that the vehicle was suffering from extravehicular damage, and would depart Toprawa as soon as repairs had been completed. Antilles hastened to add that the Tantive IV was a consular ship on a diplomatic mission. In response, Vader had Praji inform the Tantive IV that they would be receiving Imperial investigators. At this demand, Antilles baulked, and warned the Devastator that his ship could not be detained due to diplomatic immunity. Acting quickly, Vader ordered his crew to pursue.

As the Tantive IV accelerated out of orbit, Praji once again contacted Antilles, but his order to heave to was not heeded. The Devastator then opened fire for minimum damage, turbolaser bolts lancing out towards the smaller CR90 Corvette. Antilles, however, quickly entered hyperspace, but the Alderaanian crew were still ignorant of the homing device planted on Ralltiir. Following the Tantive IV to its next port of call, the Devastator exited hyperspace in the Tatoo system.

Vader was, at first, set aback at the prospect of returning to his homeworld, but he quickly regained his composure as the Devastator resumed pursuit. The two craft exchanged fire over the desert planet, with the Star Destroyer eventually dealing a crippling blow. While the tractor beam of the Devastator pulled the Tantive IV into its hangar, Vader made ready to board the ship and retrieve the plans. His stormtroopers swept through the ship, killing the Alderaanian guards that stood in their way. Antilles was arrested and brought before Vader, who began throttling the captain. When Antilles yielded no information, Vader snapped his neck, and threw away his corpse in rage.

In their search, Vader's troops found and captured Organa. She asserted that she was on nothing more than a diplomatic mission, and had no inkling of the stolen data tapes from Toprawa. Vader, however, tired of her supposed excuses and alibis, and had her locked away. Commander Daine Jir thought the move to be unwise, but Vader was confident that he would be able to get away with the attack. He ordered Jir to send a distress signal from the Tantive IV, and then inform the Senate that the entire crew had perished, along with the passengers.

Commander Praji approached Vader, and informed him that the Death Star tapes were not aboard the Tantive IV, and they had not been transmitted to another location. He also claimed that an escape pod had been jettisoned during the fighting, but had not been destroyed due to there being no life forms on board. Vader deduced that Organa must have hidden the plans in the pod, and had a detachment sent planetside to retrieve them. Departing the system, Vader began to toy with the idea of having Tarkin's weapon obliterate Tatooine.

The captive Princess
"And now, your highness, we will discuss the location of your hidden Rebel base."

- Darth Vader

Upon returning to the Death Star, Vader attended a meeting in one of the battle station's conference room. Inside, Admiral C. Antonio Motti was heaping praises on the destructive capability of the station, before Vader chatised him, claiming that the Force was of far greater significance. Motti scorned him, but Vader quickly retaliated by choking the upstart Admiral. Tarkin, however, wanted no petty squabling amongst his staff, and stopped Vader. In any other circumstance, the Dark Lord would have disregarded the Grand Moff, but as Palpatine had instructed him to merely oversee the Death Star project, he complied.

After the meeting, Vader received a transmission from Tatooine in the conference room. Commander Prajji's troops had learned that the escape pod contained two droids, which they had tracked to, a group of Jawas. Much to Vader's surprise, the Jawas had sold them to the Lars family. Viewing the holographic feed, he saw Owen and Beru, now married, held at blasterpoint. He subsequently ordered their execution remembering their weakness in the instance of his mother's death. He watched the graphic execution until its completion, after which he turned to more pressing matters.

At cell block AA-23 Vader commenced his interrogation of Organa. At first using a mind probe to loosen her tongue, he began asserting that it was his intent to help the Princess. She began calling for her father, and at that point, Vader realized that her willpower was too strong for conventional torture. He informed Tarkin of his failure, but the Grand Moff had a more persuasive technique planned. He intended to use the Death Star on Alderaan, Organa's home planet, to both persuade the Princess and set an example for other worlds. Vader protested, asserting that Palpatine should be informed if an Inner Rim world was to be destroyed. Tarkin, livid at having his authority challenged, rounded on Vader, and asserted that he was in control of the Death Star, not Palpatine.

The Dark Lord had long suspected that the Grand Moff was insane, but this outburst left no doubt in his mind. Nevertheless, he had the Princess summoned to the battle station's bridge. The Princess appeared to have caved at the threat, and told Tarkin that the Rebels were on Dantooine. Tarkin proceeded with the destruction of Alderaan though as Organa watched on, aghast. Returning to the conference room with Tarkin, Vader recieved another dispatch from Tatooine, informing him that the droids with the plans had left the planet on an unmarked and illegally modified freighter.

Reunion
"I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner, now I am the master." "Only a master of evil, Darth."

- Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi

Vader and Tarkin continued to verbally spar, as Organa's information had yielded no results. Tarkin ordered Organa's execution to be immediate, but Vader scheduled it for an hour later, much to the Moff's chagrin. Vader then received reports that the freighter from Mos Eisley had been captured amongst the remains of Alderaan. Inspecting the craft in Docking Bay 327, Vader noted it was a YT-1300 light freighter, the Millennium Falcon, and had been heavily modified. He detected a presence that he had not felt since Mustafar, and deduced that Kenobi must have been on board. Though an officer informed him that all of the craft's life pods had been jettisoned, Vader was not satisfied. He had a homing device placed on the craft, and hoped that its original occupants would use it to escape, in the hopes that he would be led to the elusive Rebel base.

Though Tarkin was sceptical, Vader was convinced that Kenobi was alive and on the station. When news reached the conference room of a security breach at cell block AA-23, Vader set about hunting down his former master in the corridors of the station. Sure enough, he met Kenobi just outside Docking Bay 327. After a verbal exchange, the two crossed blades. Kenobi attempted to throw Vader off by using his Sith title of "Darth", but the Dark Lord was undeterred. Though Kenobi fought bravely, he spied a young man in 327, and moved into a position of surrender. Vader took the advantage, and cut down his former master without mercy. However, instead of seeing Kenobi's smoldering corpse hit the ground, the body dissapeared, and nothing but empty robes remained. Wary of a trick, Vader searched for clues as to Kenobi's location, but could find none. He rounded on the young man in the Docking Bay and his companions&mdash;actually Rebels who had rescued Organa. Though he had no intent of stopping Organa from escaping, he strode towards the hangar, prompting the young man to shoot the controls to a blast door, sealing the Dark Lord off.

The Battle of Yavin
"I have you now."

- Darth Vader

As the Death Star tracked Vader's homing device to the Yavin system, the Dark Lord mused that it would be a "day long remembered" with the death of both Kenobi and the Alliance. However, the Imperials were soundly routed at Yavin, with the Death Star destroyed and Tarkin dead. His mission failed, Vader sought refuge in Imperial space. Whilst Palpatine was not pleased, he did not blame Vader, since it had not been his fault the station's design was flawed. In turn, the Imperial propaganda machine began fabricating claims that the Death Star never existed.

Trap at Fondor
At the shipyards of Fondor, Vader devised a trap, wherin he hoped to learn the identification of the pilot who had destroyed the Death Star. A Rebel spy took the bait, but Vader's men were unable to apprehend him. Through the Force, Vader was able to determine that the spy was the same man who had destroyed the Death Star, and he had also been trained by Kenobi.

The name
Scouring records to find the name of the pilot, Vader investigated all known leads. According to Anchorhead's municipal records, one Luke Skywalker had a registered T-16 Skyhopper, and had lived at the Lars homestead. Later, Vader discovered from a Kubaz spy that Skywalker had also sold a landspeeder to Spaceport Speeders before departing on the Millennium Falcon. Further evidence from a captured Rebel who Vader interrogated on Centares indicated that this Skywalker was the man who had destroyed the Death Star. While inspecting his newly completed starship, Executor, at Fondor shipyards, Vader pondered over the possibility of this Skywalker being his son. But "Skywalker" was not an uncommon name, and it was possible that Shmi had other relatives. Vader decided not to tell Palpatine of his findings, as he saw this "Skywalker" as an opportunity for power over his master.

The false Kenobi
Trying to engineer a new trap to ensnare Skywalker, Vader enslisted the services of an actor, who would impersonate Obi-Wan Kenobi and gain Skywalker's trust. However, the plan failed.

Ruse on Aridus
Vader set up another trap on the desert world of Aridus, but Skywalker once again escaped.

Revenge at Yavin
Vader was prevented in capturing the Rebels during a punitive strike at Yavin thanks to the incompetency of Admiral Amise Griff. The Alliance succesfully evacuated, and found a new base.

Private studies at Bast Castle
Vader had kept Kenobi's lightsaber since the encounter on the Death Star, and stored the weapon at Bast Castle. There, he studied a Sith holocron he had acquired.

Pacifog of Kadril
On Kadril, Vader oversaw the development of a mind-alterin Pacifog.

Dark Trooper Project
Vader oversaw the construction of the Dark Troopers, robotic droid soldiers.

A new Death Star
Over the Forest Moon of Endor, Vader was tasked with supervising the construction of the Death Star II, a larger and more powerful successor to Tarkin's weapon.

The Brie operation
Vader dispatched a Force-sensitive Imperial Intelligence agent, Shira Brie, to discredit Skywalker, but her mission was a failure, and she was left horribly injured. However, he had her restored to full health and given prosthetics, before being offered to Palpatine as an elite operative.

Duel on Mimban
"I've been robbed too often."

- Darth Vader

In 2 ABY, Vader was notified that Skywalker and Organa had been detained on Circarpous V, better known as Mimban. Vader had heard legend of the Kaiburr Crystal, a crimson gem that could magnify the Force a thousandfold, and hoped to collect both the Rebel traitors and the jewel. When Vader reached Mimban, however, he learned that the Rebels had eluded the planet's garrison, and had fled into the jungle. After a battle in an underground cavern, he finally intercepted them at the ancient Temple of Pomojema, home of the Kaiburr Crystal. Using the Force to drop the crumbling temple ceiling on Skywalker, Vader began taunting the pair, while displaying his impressive lightsaber skills.

Organa, however, was not easily impressed. She picked up the fallen Skywalker's lightsaber, and engaged the Dark Lord in a duel. Vader, while able to easily defend himself, found that he was losing his self-control in the presence of the Crystal. With Organa defeated, he moved onto Skywalker, who had managed to free himself from the rubble. The two exchanged blows in a frenzied duel that forced them both deeper into the temple, near a deep and dangerous pit. Vader started to tire, but the Kaiburr Crystal gave him strength. It even allowed him to emit Sith lightning from his robotic fingertips&mdash;something that would have been impossible in any other circumstance. Still, Skywalker was also strengthened by the Crystal, and was able to deflect the attack. Vader was flabbergasted, and startled when young Skywalker severed his prosthetic right arm. Vader did not give up, but while clutching at his fallen lightsaber with his remaining hand, he was distracted by the familiarity of Skywalker's saber. He tripped over his severed lims, and hurtled into the pit, allowing Skywalker and Organa to escape his clutches once more.

He howled with rage until his sharp impact on the rocky surface at the bottom of the pit. In great pain, he realized that the Kaiburr Crystal's power had influenced him to try and kill Skywalker. He sensed that Skywalker had taken the Crystal with him in his departure from Mimban. Escaping the deep cavern, he had an Imperial shuttle take him to a nearby medical center, where he was nursed back to health. But he did not consider the Mimban expedition a failure: he now understood that Skywalker would be a valuable ally should Vader turn against his master. Abandoning his efforts to learn about Skywalker, Vader simply desired to capture him, and bend the young Rebel to his will.

Deal on Ord Mantell
"A particular Rebel interests me...Luke Skywalker"

- Darth Vader

Vader contacted the bounty hunter Boba Fett, who he hoped would be able to apprehend Skywalker. His armor fully repaired following the mishap on Mimban, Vader met with Fett on Ord Mantell. Fett was hunting Han Solo, the pilot of the Millennium Falcon, and so the bounty hunter realized that he might be able to gain two bounties for the effort of one. Fett also suggested that since Skywalker and Solo were companions, capturing one might lure the other.

The Battle of Hoth
"Make ready to land our troops beyond the energy shield and deploy the fleet so that nothing gets off the system. You are in command now, Admiral Piett." "Thank you, Lord Vader."

- Darth Vader and Firmus Piett

Realizing that he had spent too much time obsessing over Skywalker instead of hunting the Rebels, Vader had the Death Squadron deploy probes all over the galaxy, hunting for any trace of Alliance activity. In 3 ABY, the Executor received transmissions from Hoth, displaying imagery of a large power generator. With certainty, Vader confirmed that Hoth was the location of the Rebel base. Admiral Kendal Ozzel, exasperated, protested, suggesting other alternatives as to what the droid had uncovered, but Vader shut him up by ordering the fleet to travel there. Ozzel entered the Hoth system far too close to the planet for a surprise attack, prompting the riled Vader to execute him and replace him with Firmus Piett.

The Rebels had already begun their evacuation when the Imperials arrived, and they were able to fend off the AT-AT assault for a considerable amount of time. But the assault persisted, and the Imperials won the day. Vader cared little for the tactical victory, however, as he was more concerned with Skywalker. Witnessing the Milennium Falcon depart from Hoth, he sensed that the young Rebel was still alive, and decided to resort to Fett's plan. Returning to the Executor, he ordered his crew to give chase, and pursue the Falcon. However, the smuggler's ship entered an asteroid field, which caused Admiral Piett some concern. Vader dismissed Piett's suggestions, however, and meditated, hoping to catch a glimpse of the future. All he gleaned was that something significant would transpire in the near future.

Baiting the trap
"We would be honored if you would join us."

- Darth Vader

The Executor had to break pursuit when Vader received a top priority transmission from his master on Imperial center. Palpatine claimed to know of Skywalker, but it was his revelation that he was the offspring of Anakin Skywalker that shocked Vader. Palpatine wanted the young man dead, but Vader was able to convince his master to reconsider. Having experienced the boy's power on Mimban, Vader suggested that he would be better served as an ally, rather than dead. Palpatine agreed, and Vader pleged himself to finding and converting, or killing, Skywalker.

Vader sent out a summons to six bounty hunters across the galaxy, including Fett, instructing them to rendevousz at the Executor ' s location in the Hoth system. They met in the bridge, where Vader instructed them to find the Falcon, not kill any of the occupants, and bring them to him. Moments later, the Falcon emerged from the field, prompting the Avenger to give chase. The Avenger lost its quarry, however, and Vader ordered the fleet to disperse. Fett, however, was not as easily fooled as the Imperial officers, and contacted Vader, claiming that he had spotted the Falcon, with a damaged hyperdrive, limping towards the Bespin system. Vader ordered Piett to hyper there with due haste.

Fett and Vader beat the Falcon to Cloud City, its supposed destination, where the Dark Lord was greeted by Baron Administrator Lando Calrissian. Vader had run a background check on Calrissian, and knew that he was a former owner of the Falcon. However, he was not surprised when Calrissian betrayed no knowledge of the ship&mdash;the man was also a seasoned gambler. The Baron Administrator was accommodating and courteous, and allowed Vader to place his troops throughout the city.

Several hours later, Lieutenant Sheckil informed Vader that the Falcon had landed at Platform 327, and that Organa was Solo's only passenger of note, as well as a protocol droid. Vader ordered Sheckil to keep his troops out of sight until he was prepared to reveal himself to the Rebels. At that moment, Sheckil received a transmission from one of the stormtrooper squads, who had accidentally shot Organa's droid. Vader was displeased, and he ordered to have the droid brought to him, hoping to pick its memory for pertinent data. Fett suggested that Vader spread word of the Rebels capture, so as to lure Skywalker into the trap, but the Dark Lord was confident that such a move would not be needed. Inspecting the damaged droid, Vader was shocked to find that it was none other than C-3PO. He began to reminisce about his childhood, and the discovery of the droid, but Vader quickly suppressed his emotions, and ordered 3PO's destruction.

When Vader detected a tremor in the Force signifying Skywalker's rush to save his friends, the Dark Lord sprung his trap. He arranged Calrissian to escort the Rebels to a banquet room, where Vader revealed himself and greeted them. Solo, acting quickly, fired off several shots at Vader, but the Sith Lord calmly batted them away with his hand, before retrieving the blaster from the startled Corellian's hands. Following this, Sheckil approached Vader once more, with what he thought to be good news. Producing C-3PO's remains once more, Sheckil claimed that Solo's copilot, the Wookiee Chewbacca, had been trying desparately to retrieve the parts, and had deduced that the unit may have been of high importance to the Alliance. Vader once again dwelled on memories of his mother and childhood. In a rare moment of mercy, Vader relented, ordering the parts to be taken to the Wookiee's cell, before demanding that Solo be taken to the makeshift interrogation chamber for torture.

He asked the Corellian no questions, only inflicting pain in order to hieghten Skywalker's sense of urgency. Concerned that the young Jedi hopeful would not survive the carbon freezing process, Vader had the Ugnaught technicians test the process on Captain Solo. When Calrissian claimed that Solo had survived the process, Vader had the machine reset for Skywalker, as Fett had the frozen Corellian carted away. An aide informed Vader that Skywalker had just landed at Cloud City, prompting the Dark Lord to have the room cleared for his arrival.

Duel on Cloud City
Sure enough, Skywalker strode into the carbon freezing chamber, blaster at the ready. When Vader revealed himself, the young Jedi holstered it, and replaced it with his lightsaber. The Dark Lord now recognized the weapon: it was the same one Kenobi had picked up on the shores of Mustafar many years prior. The two combatants dueled in the steamy and dark chamber, with Skywalker holding his own against the far more experienced Sith Lord.

Vader persisted, however, battling through the complex, hurling objects at Skywalker with the Force, and eventually pushed the young man out onto a dangerous gantry. With the Bespin winds tearing around them, the two combatants fought on, with Skywalker landing a glancing blow on Vader's chest. Vader snarled in anger, and as Skywalker backed himself into a more precarious position on the gantry, the Dark Lord lashed out, severing the young Jedi's right hand at the wrist. As the hand, and Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber hurtled into the abyss below, Vader extended an offer to the young man, urging him to join the Empire, and end the Galactic Civil War. When Skywalker refused, Vader decided that it was time to reveal Skywalker's heritage. The young Jedi was aghast, and in denial. Vader once again extended his offer, but Skywalker, unexpectedly, chose to attempt suicide instead by plumetting into the dark abyss below.

Vader sensed that he was still alive, however, and hurriedly made for his shuttle. Imperial aides informed the Dark Lord that Calrissian had betrayed them, urging all residents to leave Cloud City before the impending Imperial invasion force arrived. He had also helped Organa, 3PO, and the Wookiee escape to the Millennium Falcon. Vader, however, had already made the precaution of having the Falcon ' s hyperdrive unit sabotaged. He sent two stormtrooper squads to retrieve Skywalker, and made his way to the Executor. There, he was notified that the Falcon had retrieved Skywalker, and was preparing to leave the system. Watching the Falcon make its apparently futile attempt to escape Vader's TIEs, Vader called out to his son through the Force, beckoning him. But the Falcon unexpectedly leapt into hyperspace, leaving Vader empty-handed once more.

The machinations of Prince Xizor
With the Death Star II nearing completion at Endor, Palpatine instructed Vader to work with Prince Xizor, who owned the galaxy's most substantial merchant fleet. Xizor was also the head of Black Sun, and his family had been killed on Falleen during Vader's "quarantine" in years prior. The Prince had planned to let the Rebels obtain the plans to the Death Star II as part of an elaborate trap. The plans traveled on an unescorted freighter through the Both system, where they were captured by Rebels, with the aid of Bothan spies. The plans indicated that the station was not fully operational and was undefended, which was far from the truth. Xizor planned to discredit Vader by having Skywalker killed, but when the Dark Lord learned of this, he killed the Prince by destroying his skyhook over Coruscant.

The trap at Endor
Palpatine dispatched Vader to oversee the final stages of construction. On the way to the battle station, Vader began recalling his previous life as Anakin Skywalker, and dwelled on what he could have done differently. Like he had it's predecessor, Vader held the superweapon in contempt, and was most displeased when he learned from Moff Jerjerrod that the construction was behind schedule. When Vader informed the Moff that Palpatine himself would soon be inspecting the weapon, Jerjerrod had his men amplify their efforts.

Appearances

 * The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader