Vader had known Emperor Palpatine long enough to know what would happen next. In the Emperor's throne room, Darth Vader remained lying against the railing on the bridge above the elevator shaft. 'With immeasurable displeasure, the Emperor said, 'So be it, Jedi.' 'I'll never turn to the dark side,' Luke vowed. He deactivated his lightsaber, turned to the Emperor, and said 'Never!' Luke flung his lightsaber aside and stood there unarmed. Then Luke made the decision for which he had spent a lifetime preparing. Am I becoming like my father? Is that my destiny after all? Luke looked at his father's mechanical hand, then to his own black-gloved right hand. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!' On the stairway behind Luke, Emperor Palpatine was unable to contain himself. Luke angled his lightsaber at Vader's throat, then held the blade there, watching Vader's struggling form.

Metal and electronic parts flew from Vader's shattered stump, and his lightsaber clattered uselessly away, rolling over the edge of the bridge and into the apparently bottomless shaft below. As he raised his lightsaber to block another onslaught, Luke slashed through Vader's right hand, severing it at the wrist. Vader fell back against the bridge's railing, then was knocked to his knees. He kept swinging, forcing Vader to retreat from under the platform, until they arrived at the short bridge that overlooked the elevator shaft. You'll never take Leia, and you'll never take me! Sparks flew as they traded blows in the cramped area, and Luke felt the hatred within him build with each passing second. 'No!' Luke screamed in anger as he ignited his lightsaber and rushed at Vader. If you will not turn to the dark side, then perhaps she will.' Your feelings have now betrayed her, too. Luke tried to block his thoughts-and failed. 'Yes, your thoughts betray you,' Vader spoke, confirming Luke's suspicion.

Suddenly, Luke felt a dull ache in his head, and sensed that Vader was using the Force to probe his mind. I'd do anything to save you, but I must resist the dark side. 'It is the only way you can save your friends.'

'Give yourself to the dark side,' Vader urged. Holding his lightsaber ready, he searched for his son, Luke Skywalker, in the semi-darkness and said, 'You cannot hide forever, Luke.'įrom the shadows, Luke answered, 'I will not fight you.' Darth Vader stalked the low-ceilinged area below the elevated platform in the Emperor's throne room on the second Death Star.

Return of the jedi throne room