Darth Vader’s Reaction to Tarkin’s Decision to Destroy Alderaan! (Legends)

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The Non-Canon Expert looks at Darth Vader's reaction to Grand Moff Tarkin's decision to use the Death Star to destroy Alderaan, examining two versions of the scene that follows that appearing in A New Hope as found within Legends novels.

This is a Legends story for Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin, with information being found in the Legends novels "Death Star" by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry and "The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader" by Ryder Windham. I hope that you enjoy it!

[Burning-Twilight]

One version we have Vader basically going like "Alright whatever." Another we have Vader "Wow I thought my boss was pure evil but you are something else, speaking of which do you even have his permission to blow this planet up?"

[gabrieldjatienza]

Some people mistake Vader for destroying Alderaan...no, it is Tarkin's doing, Vader merely allowed it.

[KaiserAfini]

The great irony is that Tarkin was very wrong even by Machiavellian logic. Machiavelli stated that cruelty should be used rarely, only in dire need and in such a calculated manner that everything is finished in one swift motion, so the population can quickly forget and go on with their lives. Tarkin ended up destroying a valuable planet for no immediate gain, to apply the constant cruelty of fear and leaving the loose end that was the Rebellion still standing. As such, much like a cornered animal, certain doom prompted violent reaction from the population against the regime. Tarkin's Doctrine was therefore wasteful and counterproductive.

[ajra]

Vader before finding out: Meh, whatever. Let Tarkin have his fun

Vader after finding out: Oh crap. Child services are gonna be all over my ass for this, both my son and daughter. If there’s a chance I’m fatally wounded with no chance of recovery, I’m taking it

[ryanrobison]

Vader: "He's insane. Of that there's no doubt... I respect that."

[trashpandaproductions]

Tarkins final thoughts before the Death Star blew up.

'Should have let Krennic have this achievement.'

[andych]

a new level of insanity achieved when a Dark Lord of the Sith thinks you're nuts.... XD

[AlextheGreat]

When Tarkin said he had permission to display the power of the Death Star, I don't think blowing up Alderaan is what Papa Palpy had in mind, especially when he refuses to give the exact details of what they are doing as Vader wanted to do. I think he only got permission to blow up the planet the Rebel base was on, not one of the most well known and culturally important planets in the Core.

[concept]

Tarkin: *uses the Death Star to destroy Alderaan, one of the core worlds and one of the most influential planets in the Galaxy*
Vader: "You're fucking insane... I respect that."

[garywillig]

The new canon makes it seem like Vader was against the Death Star on principle. In the Darth Vader comic when he realized Tarkin was building a planet killer he seemed upset and prophesied that it would be Tarkin's tomb. In Rogue 1 he criticized the destruction of Jedha despite it being ordered by Tarkin and only had disparaging words for the Death Star itself. And there was his famous line in the original movie 'don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed.' After the Death Star was destroyed he told the Emperor that the "arrogance" of the weapon "courted disaster."

[dazdavis]

“After coming at him with that tone, Vader concluded that Tarkin.... was insane”

[superbrownbrown]

Three things I know for sure:

1.) Tarkin was the most evil non-Force sensitive life form in the Star Wars universe.

2.) The Death Star was much more effective than the Eludium Pew Thirty-Six Explosive Space Modulator.

3.) Alderaan was obstructing Tarkin's view of Venus.

[darthlazurus]

Blowing up Alderaan was idiotic. Threatening Princess Leia with the act made sense, but they should have investigated Dantoonie first, and THEN returned to Alderaan.

The the dread Leia would feel would be overwhelming on the return, and she might have broken to save her people.

If she didn't, then the destruction of the planet could arguably be put on her, and the guilt would help in bringing the Princess to the Dark Side.

Tarkin just wanted to show off his new toy, like a spoiled child.

[crazedvole]

I'm glad you put in the second story. I always liked the way Tarkin shut Vader down when Vader questioned destroying Alderaan. "Don't think to question *me* Lord Vader. You're not dealing with Tague or Monty." I thought it may have been lost after the Star Wars Radio Drama. With all the historical and biography re writes over the years

[MottCorsair]

"There is way to spin this." -Auralnauts Vader.

[Primex]

Could you imagine if there was an agent of the Emperor reporting this back to the Emperor after the destruction of Alderaan. Then calling Tarken back Imperial Center to discipline Tarken for giving the rebellion the rallying cry that they needed to gain more support

[themythicwaffle]

Imagine if the Emperor was on Alderaan when it blew up.

[Infernal]

In the radio version of a new hope Vader challenges Tarkins decision.

"It is one of core worlds"...

"Be quiet Vader I have the authority. Your not dealing with Motti now".

[UncleMikeDrop]

The only problem is that it had the opposite effect. Many people saw the situation of Imperial rule as entirely untenable.

[tylerleblanc]

"Vader concluded that Tarkin was insane" 🤣