By day, Dylan Wightman is a college student and infantryman in the Canadian army. But in his off-hours, he's Lieutenant-Colonel Alrek Torik, commanding officer of Alpha Company 203rd Expeditionary Stormtrooper Legion. The 50-member unit conducts operations inside Star Wars Galaxies, a massively multiplayer online game. "We scout the wilderness with great zeal, looking for enemy installations," says Wightman, 22. "We won't let the Rebel Alliance taint the sands of Tatooine."
Alpha Company soldiers pound their keyboards to bark soldierly jargon (text appears as speech balloons over their avatars' heads). They decimate the Emperor's foes with their expert mousemanship.
The folks at LucasArts who developed Galaxies were so impressed with Alpha Company's dedication (and body count) that they sent Darth Vader himself for a first ever troop inspection. Played by LucasArts online events manager Jason Ryan, the CG Vader touched down at Alpha Company headquarters on a recent afternoon.
Torik: [Salutes.] Welcome, my lord.
Vader: My time here is limited. I do not plan to be delayed any more than necessary. [Strides up to A Company's support platoon.] You. [Stabs a finger at Lylithia Nighthuntress.] Why did you join the Empire?
Nighthuntress: Because I believe in the galactic order.
Vader: And what is your assessment of this command?
Nighthuntress: I think it is one of the finest legions in the galaxy, my lord.
Vader: [Nods.] Excellent. [Walks over to the platoon of stormtroopers.]
Torik: This is the first company of the 203rd Expeditionary Stormtrooper Legion, Lord Vader. The remainder of the legion is currently in orbit around Tatooine.
Vader: [Points at GK-79.] Designation!
GK-79: Second Lieutenant GK-79, Lord Vader!
Torik: GK-79 is a very talented soldier with experience in the storm commandos.
Vader: Very well-disciplined. It is usually the case that discipline breaks down this far out in the fringe. [Turns to address the company.] Today marks a turning point in this Galactic Civil War. For too long, the Rebellion has survived in our midst. No longer will such an affront be tolerated. Effective immediately, all known rebels and Jedi will be shot on sight by Imperial troops.
203rd: [In unison.] Yes sir!
Vader: If you allow the Rebellion to gain the upper hand, the Emperor will be most … displeased. [Turns to Torik.] Normally my presence is required to bring operations up to a satisfactory level. No such motivation is needed here. Well done, Commander.
Torik: Thank you, my lord. [Bows head.]
Vader: I have seen all that is necessary. [Walks toward his shuttle. At the last minute, turns back and pounds fist into palm.] The Rebel Alliance will … be … crushed! [Disappears into his shuttle, which takes off and flies into the horizon.]
- Miguel Lopez
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Lord Vader Pays a Visit
