Sidious smiled as he left Senator Amidala's cell. He could feel her anger and hatred for him, and he basked in it. The dark side sang through his veins as he replayed the conversation with her in his mind. He had enjoyed messing with the Senator, but he was also tired of her stubbornness. He knew that she would never break and tell him the information about the rebellion. He longed to kill her and be rid of her, but he knew he could not do that. Amidala was well liked by many, even if she was accused of treason. Killing her, might influence more people to join the strengthening rebellion. Additionally, he did not want to create a martyr that may help unite the rebellion further.
No, Senator Amidala had to be kept alive, even if it grated at Sidious's nerves. He would not allow her death to topple his Empire. Furthermore, he needed to further discredit her in the eyes of his subjects, so that she would not pose a threat to him in life. He would have to meditate on this today.
Entering his office, Sidious reviewed his messages on the holo. All that was there were six messages from various dignitaries who were trying to schmooze him. Sidious smirked at the thought that these idiots thought that they could garner influence by paying favors to the Emperor. These fools obviously did not know who they were dealing with.
After deleting the holos, Sidious set to the task of reviewing the reports on Imperial fleet movements in the Outer Rim. He was pleased to read that things were quiet and that the various systems were being compliant as they fell to Imperial rule. Everyday, Imperial forces were bringing another world under their jurisdiction, and Sidious loved to watch his power grow.
After finishing with the reports, Sidious signed a few requisitions for more clone troops in Kamino to deal with the meddlesome rebellion. Then searched for the report from his apprentice on his efforts in tracking the rebels. However, the report was not on his desk. Curious as to the tardiness of this report, Sidious pushed a buzzer, to get the attention on one of his aides.
A minute later, a young lieutenant cautiously entered the Emperor's office, bowed, and stated, "How may I be of service my Lord?"
"Has a report arrived from Lord Vader today?"
"No my lord. All the reports we have received were placed on your desk this morning, and we have received no other transmissions."
"Curious." Sidious paused and then continued. "Very well Lieutenant, you may leave. But if you do hear from Lord Vader, let me know immediately."
"As you wish, my Lord." The lieutenant replied with a bow, and then quickly exited the office.
Sidious was curious as to why Lord Vader had failed to report this morning. He had better have a good reason, when he finally did report or he would face his master's fury. In the meantime, Sidious's office tasks were completed for the day, and he would spend the rest of his time meditating. Hopefully, he would find a solution to his problem with Senator Amidala.
Two hours later, Sidious's meditations were interrupted by a buzz from his comm. unit.
"Yes." Sidious replied as he pressed a button to receive the message.
"My Lord, we are receiving an urgent holo message from Lord Vader." The lieutenant from the morning responded.
"Patch it through."
"Yes my Lord." The lieutenant replied, as he relayed Vader's message to Sidious's office.
Sidious turned to his holo projector, and saw an image of Lord Vader kneeling in deference to his master.
"Rise, my friend." Sidious said to the image.
Lord Vader's image rose, and he replied. "I have come to give my report on the Rebel's my lord."
"Your report should have been in this morning, I hope you have a good reason for your tardiness."
"Yes my lord. I am currently in orbit around Yavin 4. I have tracked a small band of rebels. I captured two of them early this morning, and have been interrogating them. Based on the information they provided, none of the rebel leaders are stationed with them. However, it appears that this base is a staging area for some of their operations against the Empire. I am now awaiting your orders, on what should be done with these rebels."
Palpatine stayed silent for a moment. He was pleased that his apprentice had found some rebels, but annoyed that none of the leaders were with them. An example would need to be made out of these few. It may weaken the rebellion by making its followers reluctant to serve. "Wipe them out, all of them."
"Yes, my master." Vader bowed.
Suddenly, Sidious had an idea for his problem with Senator Amidala. Before the transmission could cut out he added, "You have done well, Lord Vader. When you are finished dispatching with the rebels, you will return to Coruscant. A celebration will be held in honor of your victory."
"Thank you, my master." Vader replied with a bow as the transmission ended.
Sidious smiled when the transmission ended. Indeed his apprentice had done well. Not only would the rebellion be dealt a blow, but he also had the opportunity to discredit Senator Amidala.
Sidious got out of his chair and walked to a window to look at the Coruscant skyline. As his gaze lingered a smile crept on his face again and he whispered, "Hurry home my apprentice. You have given me a great gift, and now I have one for you."