Revenge of the Sith Synergy in Star Wars: Rogue One and A New Hope

As described in the text crawl and outright depicted in Rogue One, the Rebels scored their first major victory against the Empire when they stole the technical schematics for the Death Star. Before this, Rebel groups were only able to score marginal victories, such as gathering intelligence, destroying outposts on a few colonies, and freeing slaves. However, their successful theft of the blueprints for the Empire’s prototype super-weapon, right under the noses of three high-ranking Commanders (Vader, Tarkin, Krennic), is a significant blow to Imperial pride.

Vader's Line: A matter of personal honor

The text specifically points out that getting those blueprints back is a matter of personal honor, which is why Vader says the line: ‘Only you could be so bold. The Imperial Senate will not sit still for this. ’ This quote is taken from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. It is also why Vader chokes Admiral Motti when he berates Vader’s failure to retrieve the blueprints despite the power he wields as a Sith Lord.

The Intrigue and Consequences

This tension reaches its peak when Princess Leia has been captured and brought to Vader. [Princess Leia has been captured and brought to Vader] Princess Leia Organa: [smirking] Darth Vader. Only you could be so bold. The Imperial Senate will not sit still for this. When they hear you’ve attacked a diplomatic— Darth Vader: Don’t act so surprised, Your Highness. You weren’t on any mercy mission this time. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by Rebel spies. I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you.

Action reveals Leia’s true allegiance as a Rebel Alliance and a traitor: 'I don’t know what you’re talking about. I am a member of the Imperial Senate on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan.' This statement sets the stage for the ensuing conflict. Darth Vader: 'You are a part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor!'

Vader’s Strategic Intent

When Daine Jir says, 'Holding her is dangerous. If word of this gets out, it could generate sympathy for the Rebellion in the Senate,' Vader's response is clear: 'I have traced the Rebel spies to her. Now she is my only link to finding their secret base.' However, Vader’s manipulative and control-oriented nature extends beyond just finding the Rebel base; he aims to find the Rebels and the sympathizers within the Senate as well: 'There will be no one to stop us this time!'

The Context

The context suggests that previous attempts to locate the Rebel's members were perhaps thwarted by the Senate itself. Now, with proof of Leia's involvement, Vader is poised to take action. Furthermore, the dissolution of the Senate occurs later in the Episode IV, implying that Vader may have had prior knowledge of the impending change in the political structure.

Relevant Quotes from Rogue One

In Rogue One, the significance of the blueprints is further emphasized. Leia’s actions and the subsequent dialogue between Vader and the Senate members show the immense impact of the stolen plans. Vader’s line in A New Hope is a direct reflection of his strategic mind and the importance of the stolen information. It underscores the psychological warfare that takes place beyond the battlefield—between the Rebel Alliance, the Empire, and the Senate.

The inclusion of this text in both episodes highlights how critical the stolen plans are for the Empire’s psyche and how Vader views the retrieval of these blueprints as a personal mission. This alignment between the two films contributes to the overall narrative of the Star Wars saga, showing the intricate web of politics and espionage that defines the conflict.