Though he ensured that his bearded face was currently sporting an amicable expression towards the Imperial visitors to the Lars Homestead, in truth the exiled Jedi Master was currently experiencing an emotion that most would believe he was incapable of feeling.

Panic.

It wasn't because of the presence of nearly 3 dozen troopers, all of whom radiated a sense of controlled alertness that could rival the clone troopers that he led into countless battles.

Nor was it due to the presence of a clearly hostile darksider, whose attitude quickly went from irritated boredom to deadly eagerness when he decided to make his presence known.

No, his turbulent feelings were caused by the undeniable fact that the Sith were no longer ignorant to fact that the offspring of his former padawan existed. And in true Sith fashion, had come to remove the potential threat to their tyrannical designs.

Something which he had no intention of allowing.

"I must say, it's rather odd for the Imperial Government to expend such resources to intimidate a family of innocent farmers when they could clearly be more useful elsewhere. While lacking in heavy weaponry, Jabba's forces are quite numerous even without the presence of his battle droids, so I'm surprised that the Empire is diverting substantial man power from a more brutal public relations mission".

Aware, but visibly unconcerned of the fact that he was now the target of dozens of blasters, Obi wan maintained his calm demeanor as the white skinned force responded to his observation with dismissive cruelty.

"You have a point there old man. But even in the face of a powerful external enemy, the Empire is perfectly willing to deal with those who possess the potential to wreck all that we are trying to build. Something which I'm sure you understand. Jedi".

Sparing a glance towards his opponent's currently activated lightsaber, idly noting the hilt's rather unorthodox design, the former Jedi master tried to dismiss Paun's accusation with a tactic that had become nearly second nature for all the Galaxy's surviving Jedi.

"Me? A Jedi? I'm afraid you are mistaken. I am just a simple hermit of the desert. One who is curious as to the uncommon happenings of his adopted planet".

Though he suspected his words to be met with dismissive scorn, something that he had long gotten use to since he chose to hide Anakin's son on this lawless planet, the former Jedi Master was surprised, and more than a little unnerved when the yellow eyed Pau'an chuckled with cruel amusement.

"I think we know better than that. Don't we? Master Kenobi".

And without a second word, the Grand Inquistor launched himself at the man who had earned the moniker 'The Negotiator'.

…

Through the use of macrobinoculars that had been exclusively designed for the use of Imperial snipers, the boy was able to enjoy the spectacle of watching a real life lightsaber battle without having to worry about being caught in the cross fire once his trap was sprung.

Guarded by a security detail of 30 storm troopers, whom all but 8 possessed the equivalent firepower of a small armor vehicle, the boy enjoyed the developing lightsaber battle from the safe distance of a mile away, without having to worry about having his viewing privileges interrupted by any Tusken Raider.

But despite the distance, he was still able to see that despite his months in the desert, the former Jedi's skills had not degraded to any noticeable degree.

Defensive though his form may be, Obiwan Kenobi nevertheless managed to more than hold his own against the season 1 villain of the hated Rebels series.

But even though he possessed the superior ability when it came to the combat arts, Kenobi nevertheless possessed a weakness that was all too easy to exploit. And since he was certain that the Emperor would be more slightly annoyed at having one of his main Jedi Hunters killed before he could bring down more of his former brethren, the boy decided to put into motion a plan that had been inspired by a rather amusing online video he had once watched.

"Commander, fire at will. Repeat, fire at will".

…..

Though he attention was primarily focused on his opponents failing attempts to pierce his defenses, Obi-Wan still possessed enough awareness of his surroundings to hear the unmistakable sound of dozens of rifles being loaded.

The force giving faint warning of what was about to happen, the Jedi Master force pushed the yellowed eyed Pau'an away from the battlefield, and proceeded to do his best to deflect the incoming blaster fire of the surrounding storm troopers.

But rather than feeling the usual sensation that sprung from one's spirit becoming one with the force, as well as the brief flash of fear that most beings felt when they realized their life was about to end, the bearded Jedi only sensed a feeling of enforced peace come over his hit adversaries, as if they had just been knocked unconscious.

Suspecting the true nature of what his adversaries were trying to accomplish, Obi-Wan managed to deflect another 3 blaster bolts before he felt the unmistakable sensation of shots penetrating his body. But instead of feeling the painful burn that was usually the sensation one felt if struck by multitudes of lethal bolts, the Jedi master only felt a spreading sensation of paralysis spread through his body before the blissfulness of unconsciousness overtook him.

It would prove to be the last time he ever experienced something so relaxing, for the next time he woke up, he would be confronted with the fact that he had once again failed to keep his promise.

…

Despite the bleakness of his surroundings, not to mention the fact that his travelling companion was currently more surly than another youth he had cultivated into his service, the Emperor was quite pleased with the progress they had made during the course of their journey.

Although he had a tendency to criticize the capabilities of his former apprentice.

"You know Maul, I'm beginning to think that I was quite mistaken about my earlier comment regarding the methods needed to enter this temple. If I had decided to expend the effort, I do believe that I could have navigated those traps without too much difficulty. Whereas you my former apprentice would be lucky to advance past even the first test, even with an apprentice of your own. Still, I do appreciate your company, even if its only because every step we take reaffirms my earlier decision to train a new apprentice. Must be hard to think that even in his current state, Lord Vader will always possess more power than you ever did in your prime".

Clutching his staff in barely restrained anger as he was forced to listen to the false sympathy of the more powerful darksider, Maul nevertheless managed to make his distaste known to the man who was responsible for all the misery in his life.

"Perhaps if you had been a better master, I would have been more capable of accomplishing my goal. But then I suppose I can't entirely blame you for your lacking teaching method. Cause after all, at the time of my so called apprenticeship, you yourself were subservient to a being of greater power weren't yCKKKK".

His body lifting in to air as Sidious used the force to cut off his air supply, the red skinned Zabarak fought the very real urge to flinch as he stared into the yellow eyes of the galaxy's ruler.

"While I am surprised that you've finally managed to figure out that you were nothing more than a blunt instrument to be wielded as I deemed best, I would caution you to hold your tongue on things you have little understanding. Or have you forgotten the most important lesson that I taught you"?

Knowing that it was pointless to struggle, as well as clinging to the hope that he would be released before he gave his answer, Maul managed to choke out his response to the being who currently had his life in his hands.

"It..Is…Unwise to…Challenge your…Superior unless…You have…An edge".

Releasing his gasping former apprentice to the ground, Sidious's melted features adopted an expression of mocking approval.

"That is correct my former apprentice. The goal of the Sith has always been not only about obtaining the necessary strength to overcome one's enemies, but also the ability to determine when is the right time to prove one's superiority. Naturally of course the nature of the rule of 2 insures that the master will always been naturally suspicious of the one he decides to take on as an apprentice, but that only fuels the desire of said apprentice to truly best his master in all manners of Sith teaching. And as I am currently the master of the Sith Order, I believe that should be more than sufficient in proving that Darth Plagueis was unsuited to bringing about our final victory".

Knowing that any words could potentially lead to another lethal encounter, Maul kept his mouth shut as they continued their journey deeper into the temple.

Pleased with the Zabarak's temporary deference, the Emperor took his time to ponder the nature of the temple itself.

The charred corpses that had surrounded the entrance gave some clue as to what secrets this place held, but he would need further information before he could ascertain whether or not this trip had been a waste of his time.

For in his weakened state, and cut off from the shattered remnants of his pathetic criminal empire, Maul presented no threat to his plans while he remained trapped on this desolate speck of a planet. And even if he somehow managed to escape, his abilities were far lesser than that of his current apprentice, whose injuries insured that he would never be able to claim the title of master unless he combined his powers with an equally powerful force user.

That caused him to pause for the briefest moment, for behind him was a being who not only had ambitions to overthrow him, but also a shared hatred for the Jedi that had robbed him of the potential he had held while his body was still intact.

But as quickly as that thought arrived, it quickly disappeared as he was reminded of the personal characteristics of his apprentices, both past and current.

While Maul would no doubt love to team up with a force user of Lord Vader's ability, his former apprentice's need to dominate others, something that had become more prevalent once he had left his service, would serve to alienate the former Jedi, who had a well known history of rebelling against anyone who told him what to do.

Only in his role as a Sith apprentice did Vader express a level of subservience that would have made any Jedi master green with envy, but that was because they both knew that the fallen Jedi lacked the ability to do anything else until his child was trained to a level that would ensure her position as the new Sith apprentice, with either her father or himself being the one to hold the title of master.

And Maul, while having acquired a greater deal of patience during the course of his exile, would nevertheless refuse to cooperate with a Sith Lord who possessed more power than him. For it was in the nature of the Sith to covet the power of those who were stronger than them, and to look down with contempt at those who were weaker.

The Rule of 2 managed to ensure that this was done in a more efficient way, but that was only done by forcing the Sith to prioritize the continuation of their order over their own selfish desires.

With that final thought in mind, the Emperor dismissed the possibility of an alliance of convenience between his former and current apprentice, and focused at the task at hand.

…

Thankful that his former master chose to continue in silence, though he was certain that the old man was enjoying his growing feeling of unease, the former crime lord considered quickly found his attention being drawn towards the one thing that possessed the potential to grant him the power to defeat his onetime master.

While he was certain that Sidious suspected the true nature of the temple, Maul knew that his scrounging on the barren planet had granted him a far better understanding of the power that was contained within the floating holocron.

It did not matter if he lacked an army of obedient slaves, machine or organic in nature. Nor did it matter that half his body was mechanical, thus decreasing his ability to access the currents of the Force.

All he had to do to achieve victory over his former master was to allow the old man to continue believing that his powers made him infallible.

For like all Sith, whether they hold the position of apprentice or master, Sidious possessed the weakness of over confidence, which if properly manipulated, could result in his defeat at the hands of an untrained padawan, let alone a former Sith Lord like himself.

But despite finally achieving a level of cunning that would have caused his former master to treat him more than a blunt instrument, Maul was still an unexperienced novice when compared to the man who now held the position of Galactic Emperor.

"It would seem that like our age old adversaries, you are incapable of learning from your mistakes my former apprentice. For did you truly believe that I needed your help in entering the temple"?

Smirking cruelly at the increasing panic of his first apprentice, Sidious stretched for his arms to gesture at their surroundings.

"While this temple was constructed during a time when the Sith possessed the numbers to match those of the Jedi, the majority possessed strength that was little more than what one could expect of an average Jedi Knight. Only a Force Wielder of substantial ability could hope to enter here without the aid of another, but then, they would find that it had been a waste journey. Unless of course they were brainwashed, or foolishly believed that their deaths could serve a higher purpose".

Gesturing towards the direction in which they had been headed, the Emperor allowed his tone to adopt a more lecturing tone as he readied himself for Maul's reaction to his explanation.

"For you see my former apprentice, in order to properly use the power that rests within this temple, and to prove your worthiness, you must first provide a sacrifice. And that is why I have allowed you to accompany me for as long as you have".

Grinning as Maul instantly adopted a combat stance, the Sith Master immediately put into practice a technique that while lacking in overwhelming power, nevertheless served its purpose with its usefulness.

It was another example of how blind and close minded the Jedi had become during the final years of their beloved order. For if Mace Windu, renowned master of the Vaapad style, and one of the key influences that had driven a young Skywalker to seek the ears of a sympathetic listener, had been less stingy in withholding techniques that could be trained to even the most inept youngling, then the droid armies would have been far less effective in wittingly down his precious order.

As it was, Windu never thought to go into detail on how he managed to single handedly destroy the droid armies in the Battle of Dantooine, which meant that his fellow Jedi would never duplicate the process of using the Force to loosen every nut and bolt that held a droid together.

And while Maul's prosthetics were of a higher quality than a Super Battle Droid, they were nevertheless still susceptible to this technique. He would have to find another way to thank the Boy for sharing this valuable piece of information with him.

For while a blast of force lightening was enough to demonstrate that it was unwise to stand against him, it was rather more amusing to see a proud being experiencing the bitter sting of humiliation of having their body fail them at a critical juncture.

"Hmmm, I think congratulations are actually in order Maul, for your current…state has just provided me with an excellent idea of what to do with your more worthy successor should he ever get out of line. Of course I would need to proceed carefully since he's more reliant on mechanical supports than you are, but I'm certain with a bit of practice, I can safely reduce Lord Vader to a state similar to yours".

Gritting his teeth in both anger and pain as he was once again reminded of the position and power he had lost, Maul found himself experiencing a growing sense of fear as his former master used the Force to levitate him off the ground until he was more or less level with the prize he had hoped to collect.

"It's a shame that you could never fulfil the destiny I had intended for you my former apprentice, but do not worry. For with your death, I will be that much closer to ensuring that my accomplishments will surpass even the greatest achievements of my predecessors".

And with a wave of his hand, the red skinned Zabarak was sent crashing into the device that could have granted him the power to overthrow the being he had once called master.

And as the holocron preceded to reverse the spell Mother Talzin had used to repair both his mind and body, before consuming the rest of his diminished body's energy, the last thing the former Sith Lord beheld before darkness claimed him was the cackling figure of his former master, whose appearance seemed to slowly change from that of a bloated corpse to that of a normal, if elderly human being.

…

Hey everybody. Sorry for the long wait. But as you can tell, was on a rather creative roll for my other stories soo…its taken some time to get back to this one XD.

But anyways, lets recap with what just happened.

Obiwan's brief duel with the Grand Inquistor. I think we can all agree that Obi wan would have been able to win if it had been on even footing, but of course that's not what happened XD. Got the idea from that amusing youtube series, How it should have ended, where Grieveous, instead of dueling the Jedi master, orders his rather large number of droids, who have surrounded Kenobi, to open fire. Don't care how good a Jedi you are, that many laser bolts are bound to hit something. Also want to point out that Vader would probably suffer the same fate if he was forced to divide his attention between a force using opponent and there blaster wielding minions. But, as the Comic Vader Down shows, our favorite Sith Lord is more than capable of single handedly taking out entire battalions of enemy soliders by himself. Just have to be ruthless enough to use certain methods (i.e. activating grenades while there still on soliders belts XD.

As for the Maul/Sidious portion of this chapter…it is now confirmed that Maul is dead. And I believe I had some good insights on what would happen if Maul or Vader would ever team up.

As for the Sidious getting a bit of cosmetic surgery, I confess that I've taken some artistic license with that. Star wars shows (both in the Rebel series, as well as legends, the Old Republic, and others sources) that Sith powered weaponry/alchemy/powers involve a sacrifice in order to properly use them. The Sith Emperor, Darth Nihilus, as well as weapons like World Devestators, the Star Forge, and Starkiller base, all drew their power from destroying others.

Anyway, hope you all enjoyed this.

Reviews are always welcome. Flamers and Grammar Nazis are not XD

Til next time.

PS: It has been suggested to me that once this story is finished that I do a similar concept for the clone wars. I can see potential in this story, but will leave it up in the air.