The Dark Empire, also called the Empire Reborn, was a state that succeeded the fractured Galactic Empire, founded by the reborn Emperor Palpatine. Although the new government was formed when he was reborn in a clone body in 4 ABY, the Dark Empire was not revealed until 10 ABY, as Palpatine gained strength and recruited followers. It reunified the conflicted warlords, and launched a massive offensive against the New Republic, with the Imperial Navy moving out of the Deep Core. Luke Skywalker joined the dark side after being captured by Palpatine, and became his Military Executor.