Why Darth Vader Respects Emporor Palpatine..
Everyone of course knows that Vader respects Palpatine's authority as Emperor and as his Sith Master, but how about personally. This is an excerpt from the book "Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader" by James Luceno, the same author who wrote "Labyrinth of Evil". I caught this piece while finishing the book. And IMO, I think it perfectly explained why Darth Vader respects Emperor Palpatine.
This is Palpatine initially scolding Vader on why he killed a Senator and not captured him like Vader was told. It seems long but I need to add that part in order for the whole thing to make sense. Oh and Senator Zar’s that old black guy with the long beard who hung out with the other Senators on the Ep. 3 DVD bonus disc
Palpatine: It appears you attended to our little problem on Alderaan, Lord Vader.
Vader: Yes, Master. Fang Zar need no longer concern you.
Palpatine: I know I should feel some sense of relief. But in fact, I’m not entirely pleased with the outcome. Zar’s death could arouse sympathy in the Senate.
Vader: He left me no recourse
Palpatine: No recourse? Why didn’t you simply apprehend him, as I asked?
Vader: He made the mistake of attempting to flee.
Palpatine: But you against someone like Fang Zar? It hardly seems an equitable match, Lord Vader.
Vader: Zar was not alone (Vader said with venom) What’s more, I don’t like the way….
Palpatine moved closer: Ah, what’s this? Allowing your words to trail off - as if I can’t see their destination. As if I can’t see the thoughts behind them!
Vader said nothing.
Palpatine: Perhaps you’re not enjoying you’re new station in life, is that it? Perhaps you tire already of executing my commands. Perhaps you think you are better suited to occupy the throne than I am. Is that it, Lord Vader? If so, then admit as much!
Vader after a moment: I am but an apprentice. You are,. my Master.
Palpatine: Interesting that you refrain from calling me your Master.
Vader: I meant nothing by it, my Master.
Palpatine: Perhaps you wish to strike me down, is that it?
Vader: No, Master.
Palpatine: What stops you from doing so? Obi Wan was once your Master, and you were certainly prepared to kill him. Even if you failed.
Vader, fist clenched: Obi Wan did not understand the power of the dark side.
Palpatine: And you do?
Vader: No, Master. Not yet. Not fully.
Palpatine: And that’s why you don’t try to strike me down? Because I posses powers you lack? (Sidious lifted his arms, hands deployed like claws as if to summon and hurl Sith lightning) Because you know that I could easily overwhelm the delicate electrical systems of your suit.
Vader stood ground: I do not fear death, my Master.
Palpatine: Then why go on living, my young apprentice?
Vader: To learn to become more powerful.
Sidious lowered his hands: Then I ask you one final time, Lord Vader. Why not strike me down.
Vader: Because you are my path to power. Because I need you.
Palpatine: Just like I needed my Master – for a time. Good. Very good. (Palpatine smiled in satisfaction). Your fugitive Jedi, my apprentice, they are traveling to Kashyyk. Go to them. Make them sorry they didn’t hide while they had a chance.
Vader wasn't scared of Palpatine at all. I thought he was. He did what he was told because he wanted to learn to become more powerful. And by succesfully doing and completing Sidious's bidding, he would deem Vader worthy enough to teach him more about the dark side. But I bet Sidious had his pre-determined limit with Vader. After all , he didn't want Vader to commit do what he did to Plegeius.