Chapter 7 - Palpatine: Passing Judgment
Emperor Palpatine poured forth lightning onto Luke, disgusted and disappointed at Vader's faith in this child, along with Vader's revealed treachery. He would have to deal with Vader's treachery later. The simple fact that Luke was not only on the verge of ridding him of Vader and chose not to, but dared to declare himself a Jedi in Palpatine's own throne room was infuriating enough. Now he would have to keep the aging Vader as his apprentice, and the Sith would likely have no heir.
No, he thought. I have a much better idea.
Vader spoke of this boy's sister just moments ago. Jedi Kenobi was indeed devious in hiding her, but now that I know who she is, she will be more valuable to me than either of these pathetic fools.
He vaguely noticed that Vader was back at his side, but just enough to entertain the idea of disposing of him when he was done with Skywalker. Then when he was done with Vader, he would see to it that Leia Organa was captured and brought before him. She was completely untrained, and he would deal with training her personally. Her mother was easily manipulated, she should be as well, he thought with satisfaction.
Palpatine taunted Luke, continuing to attack him; calling upon the Dark Side more and more. His entire form would serve as a conduit for the most powerful lightning he had called upon in ages to punish anyone.
Luke's screams were pleasing to his ears. Good. The boy cried out for his father to help him, but Palpatine doubted Vader would act knowing full well what would await him if he dared try.
The Emperor smiled and gritted his teeth as he focused the lightning into Skywalker harder and faster. Luke was on the edge of losing consciousness when Palpatine felt a horrible grip on his backside, crushing his ribcage and breaking his spine, hoisting him into the air...