Reuniting Darth Sidious and Darth Maul on Mandalore

If Darth Sidious had chosen to reunite with Darth Maul on Mandalore rather than engaging in combat, it would have opened a multitude of possibilities within the Star Wars saga. This unconventional move would not only change the dynamics of the Sith Order but also impact the political and military landscapes of the galaxy.

1. Alliance on Mandalore

Alliance and Reunited Forces: By reuniting on Mandalore, Darth Maul would have solidified his position as a formidable leader within the Death Watch. The alliance between Sidious and Maul would strengthen Sidious's influence in the Outer Rim, providing him with a strategic foothold in the galaxy. This partnership could lead to significant political maneuvering, enabling Sidious to manipulate Mandalore's politics and gain control over a key system.

Political Maneuvering: Sidious's political acumen would come into full play as he uses Maul's connections and followers to further his objectives. This alliance would serve as a means to test Maul's loyalty and effectiveness. By establishing a stronghold on Mandalore, Sidious could also ensure that the region remains loyal to his cause and becomes a stepping stone towards his ultimate goals.

2. Duel of Apprentices - Testing Loyalty and Rivalry

Testing Loyalty: Sidious could challenge Maul and Count Dooku to a duel, a test to determine which would be the more suitable apprentice. Dooku, a former Jedi and a skilled Sith, would present a formidable opponent for Maul. This competition would not only evaluate their abilities but also their loyalty to Sidious. The outcome of this duel would have significant implications for the future of the Sith Order.

Manipulation of Rivalry: Sidious is known for his manipulative tactics, and by instigating a rivalry between Maul and Dooku, he could ensure that both apprentices vie for his favor. This competition could lead to one of them ultimately being eliminated, leading to a reshuffling of the Sith hierarchy and altering the balance of power within the Order.

3. Potential Outcomes and Their Impact

Maul's Ascendancy: If Maul were to win the duel, he could emerge as Sidious's primary apprentice. This could lead to a more aggressive approach towards the Jedi and the Republic, potentially accelerating the fall of Alderaan and the other planets. The Sith Order's focus could shift towards psychological warfare and coercion, further complicating the galaxy.

Dooku's Survival: If Dooku prevailed, he might be solidified as Sidious's chosen apprentice. This could result in Maul's marginalization, leading to his eventual demise or further reduction in his influence. Regardless of the outcome, this scenario would create internal conflict within the Sith, leading to intrigue and further conflict as the newly reshuffled apprentices navigate their ambitions and Sidious's manipulation.

4. Impact on the Jedi and the Clone Wars

Jedi Response: The Jedi Order would undoubtedly take notice of the growing threat in Mandalore, leading to an increase in missions and interventions. These actions would draw more Jedi into the conflict, complicating the Clone Wars and potentially altering key events in the saga. The Jedi might also be forced to realign their strategies, leading to further challenges for both sides.

Sidious’s Plans: Sidious's long-term plans for the Clone Wars and the eventual rise of the Empire could be significantly impacted by this alliance and the outcomes of the apprentice rivalry. The timing and progression of events could be reshaped, altering the trajectory of the Star Wars universe as we know it.

Conclusion

In essence, if Darth Sidious had chosen to ally with Darth Maul instead of fighting him, it would have led to a complex web of intrigue, power struggles, and shifting allegiances. The dynamics between Sidious, Maul, and Dooku would create a rich narrative filled with potential for conflict and character development, significantly altering the trajectory of the Star Wars universe.