Can you kill the emperor after destroying the netherbrain?

[Praetorium7]

I have searched endlessly and can't find a simple answer for this.

Can I 1) skip turning into a mindflayer, 2) not have Orpheus or anyone else become a mindflayer, 3) not have Gale blow himself up, 4) seemingly side with Emperor and destroy the Netherbrain with his help, and then 5) kill him during the ending so I don't have to leave his ugly nasty filthy squid brain alive?

I know I can stab him last second and control the brain, but I don't care to do that this playthrough. I know I can kill him and rely on other means to stop the netherbrain (someone becomes a squid, or Gale blows up).

[gussmed]

You can avoid Orpheus or anyone else turning into a mindflayer if you convince Gale to blow himself up. When you show up in the Astral Prism, refuse to give the Netherstones to the Emperor, and when you talk to everyone, bring up the bomb with Gale. Now free Orpheus. When Orpheus volunteers to become a mindflayer, say you’ll do it. You don’t turn into one because your plan is to use Gale.

If you don’t use Gale, though, you lose. Only a mindflayer can cast Dominate on the Crown in the final battle.

If you side with the Emperor, you could try killing him after you’ve opened the portal to the Brain through the Crown, but before you’ve defeated the Brain. I don’t know what happens then, but I’d give long odds you lose if he dies.