Alternative Universe: Yoda and Others Arrest Palpatine

The saga of the Star Wars universe is rich with what-ifs and what-could-have-beens. One such intriguing what-if scenario poses an alternate approach to confronting Darth Sidious.

The Approach of Yoda and Mace Windu

Imagine a scenario where Mace Windu, the powerful Jedi Grand Master, brought his fellow Jedi, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, alongside others like Ki-Adi-Mundi and Plo Koon to arrest Darth Sidious. This ensemble of Jedi masters would swiftly subdue Darth Sidious in close-quarters combat. With Yoda's skill and Mace Windu's prowess, the fight would be intense but ultimately should ensure Sidious' capture.

The Arrest and Sidious' Response

Such a move by Yoda and Mace Windu would immediately neutralize a significant threat to the Republic. Unlike with Anakin Skywalker, Sidious would have no ally to help him rescue himself. Might Sidious put up a fight? Possibly, but given the strength of these Jedi masters combined, the resistance would be minimal. Anakin would be absent to serve as a last resort.

The Aftermath: A Jedi Council Investigation

Yoda, ever cautious, would not rush into an arrest. Instead, he would call an emergency Jedi Council meeting, where Anakin would divulge everything he knew to the Council. Their investigation might include senators like Padme Amidala and Bail Organa, who could launch an off-the-books investigation in conjunction with the Jedi, while keeping Anakin out of the loop to avoid his emotional turmoil.

A More Cautious Approach: Sidious' Manipulations and Obi-Wan's Intervention

Some Council members would suspect Sidious' attempt to turn Anakin to the dark side. Anakin, being keen, would quickly figure this out and try to protect himself. Obi-Wan, understanding Anakin's inner conflict, would try to be with him, hoping to keep Anakin out of trouble.

Sidious, needing to exploit this, would try to drive a wedge between Anakin and the Jedi Order. However, with Obi-Wan's presence and Anakin's dreams, the truth would eventually come out. The Jedi known for espionage would follow Anakin to Sidious' office, ensuring he would not be alone.

Unfolding Clashes: The Attack on the Jedi Temple

The attack on the Jedi Temple, initiated via orbital bombardments and clone forces, would be a fierce battle, with Yoda, Mace Windu, and the rest of the Council members tragically killed in the chaos. This would severely weaken the Jedi Order, but Obi-Wan and Anakin would counterattack, leading to a grueling and historic duel against Sidious.

The Duel and Beyond

Despite the severe imbalance in power, the combination of Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan, and Anakin's cohesive efforts would prove sufficient to defeat Sidious. Though Sidious is dead, the order does not end here. They would continue their fight, with multiple distress signals.

Heading back to the Temple, Anakin and Obi-Wan would aid their comrades, protecting those who remained. Despite the challenges posed by Order 66, the Jedi would ultimately triumph, revealing Palpatine's true identity and dismantling his manipulation.

Without Yoda, Mace, and others, the future of the Jedi Order would differ. Obi-Wan and Anakin would be co-grandmasters, leading a reformed order with new leadership. The Republic would become less corrupt, and the Jedi would become independent from its influence.

Bail Organa would become the new Chancellor, and Padme would give birth to Luke and Leia, ensuring the continuity of the Jedi bloodline.