Thank you all for your reviews! I will try to continue to add chapters as often as I can! The "&" symbols have been replaced with the word "and" as requested.
Once Obi-Wan stepped off the ramp of the ship and could see his surroundings, he immediately knew where they were. Coruscant. Obi-Wan exchanged a glance with Padme. He saw the recognition in her face, as well. They were in the industrial section of Coruscant. They were being taken into what looked to be an old warehouse. They reached a large open doorway, probably where hover transports used to deliver and remove cargo. It was pitch black inside. One of the lead Stormtroopers grabbed a portable light from the wall and handed it to the other lead trooper. He then grabbed another one for himself. As both engaged their lights, Obi-Wan could see a ramp leading down straight ahead of them. As they started heading down the ramp, he looked around, trying to memorized everything he was seeing.
They reached the next level and continued down. Obi-Wan was keeping track of the number of levels they were descending. He smiled to himself as he could sense Padme doing the same thing. What a minute! I can sense her! He reached out a bit and could also sense the hatred emanating from the rear. Yep, I can sense Vader. The drug is starting to wear off! He tentatively reached out to the Force. He could feel a tendril of its warmth and companionship caress his mind. He felt such relief, but he didn't hesitate before building up his mental shields. He didn't want Vader sensing any of this.
Even as all of that was taking place, Obi-Wan managed to keep track of what level they were now on. Padme looked over at him and could see his concentration in the dim light. She knew that he was memorizing everything. They had just passed another level and were still heading down. Well, that was floor number five, Padme thought to herself. How blasted far down are we going to go? As they hit level six, she saw a long hall stretch out in front of them. This must be the lowest level.
As they walked down the hallway, Obi-Wan was counting the number of doors they were passing. The hallway was forever long. They passed several intersecting hallways. Obi-Wan noted the number of those as well. They finally reached the end of the hallway and entered through that very last door. The light in the room assailed his eyes. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light. The Stormtroopers in front moved back towards the door, blaster rifles trained on him and Padme.
The room was somewhat large and austere. The first thing to catch Obi-Wan's eye was a metal table with two binders attached at each end. It looked to be adjustable, able to lie horizontal or vertical. He centered himself in the Force to calm down. He knew very well that table was for him. He didn't nearly have full access to the Force yet, but he could tell the Force suppression drug was wearing off slowly-but-surely.
He continued his survey of the room. Off to the right of the table, hanging from the wall were two chains, each with a binder attached at the end. Delightful. On the opposite side of the room, there were several heavy binders directly attached to the wall. It looked like it was meant to hold someone in a standing position. There looked to be a binder for the head, two for the arms and two for the legs. This room is certainly functional for its purposes! On the far wall was a lone cot.
Padme looked around the room in horror. She again felt panic rising in her. And again, she worked to keep it under control. Oh, Force, why must Obi endure this? Hasn't he been through enough? She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, trying to calm down.
Obi-Wan could sense Padme's struggle. It amazed him how all of her fears were for him, not for herself. He reached out to her with the Force. He softly embraced her mind, offering her comfort and strength.
Padme's eyes flew open. She gave him a questioning gaze. He gave her a slight nod and a small smile. She closed her eyes again. Well, she thought, at least that's one blessing. He's able to access the Force again! She felt the warmth of Obi-Wan's mind touching hers. She felt him infusing her with his strength and peace. She basked in his mind's touch. Then she heard, Remember, Padme, fight them!
Just then, a voice interrupted them. It was a somewhat familiar voice, though it was more cold…laced with malice. Padme knew it was the Emperor. He spoke as he approached them from behind.
"Welcome back to Coruscant, Obi-Wan. Padme."
They both slowly turned around to face him. A chill ran down Padme's spine. Beneath his hood, she could see his yellow eyes and pasty skin. The sheer evil on display made his face look twenty years older than when she last saw him. His mouth was curled up in a revolting smile.
Sidious glanced at the Stormtroopers on either side of him. "Leave us."
The troopers did as they were told. Vader remained where he was.
Sidious turned and looked at Vader. "You too, my Apprentice."
Obi-Wan watched this exchange with some curiosity. He could imagine the look on Vader's face beneath the mask. Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile a bit at the thought.
Vader's face was just as Obi-Wan imagined it. He couldn't believe what his Master just said to him! Why wouldn't my Master want me at his side during this confrontation? Why would he diminish me like this in front of THEM? He glanced at Obi-Wan and his shock turned quickly to rage at the smile upon the man's face. I'm going to wipe that smile right off your face!
"Lord Vader?" Sidious' voice was even harder and colder than before. It brooked no argument.
Seething, Vader turned and left the room.
Sidious turned back to face Padme and Obi-Wan. "I wanted to thank you, Padme, for being such a useful tool in my plan to capture Obi-Wan."
Padme lost the words on her tongue as her guilt was thrown in her face.
But Sidious' eyes were already focused on his prize. "I have you at last, Obi-Wan Kenobi." He smiled that disgusting smile of his. "I must admit, you've been quite the thorn in my side ever since you did away with my first apprentice. Many years of planning, grooming and training went down into the melting pit that day."
Obi-Wan smiled a hard smile. "I'm glad I could be of service."
Sidious cackled. "I've underestimated you many a time, Kenobi. I promise you not to make that mistake again."
Sidious moved closer to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan resisted the temptation to back away.
"You are going to be my next apprentice, Obi-Wan."
Padme gasped.
Obi-Wan's eyes widened in shock. "But you already have an apprentice! What…"
"Don't be so narrow-minded, Kenobi! I have no intentions of getting rid of Vader. You will be my SECOND apprentice. After all, I make the rules now. I see no need to follow a silly rule made long before my birth."
A realization struck Obi-Wan. Vader doesn't know about this! He thinks Sidious just wants to use me as some insignificant pawn of the dark side. That was exactly what Obi-Wan had believed as well. He tucked the realization away. He might be able to use it to his advantage in the future.
Obi-Wan schooled his features. "Thank you for the thought, Sidious, but I think I'll pass."
Sidious cackled again. He couldn't help but enjoy Obi-Wan's sarcasm. You are going to make an excellent apprentice, Kenobi, he thought to himself. "Yes, that's what you say now. But I think I can convince you to embrace your destiny."
Padme looked at Obi-Wan. His face was determined. "Never," he said emphatically.
Sidious smiled again, looking over at Padme. "If your physical discomfort isn't enough to convince you, then perhaps something else, or shall I say, someone else might."
Obi-Wan lost his composure. "What do you mean?" Not really wanting an answer.
Sidious relished telling them this! "You WILL become my apprentice, Kenobi, if for no other reason than to preserve Padme's sanity."
Padme and Obi-Wan looked at each other in shared horror, wondering what was coming next.
Sidious let them stew a bit on that last thought. He was enjoying this immensely! He drew up almost nose to nose with Obi-Wan. "Your precious Padme is going to witness, FIRSTHAND, everything that goes on in this room. There will be no reprieve. The longer you fight your destiny, the closer she will come to insanity. If you deny me, you destroy her. That, my dear Kenobi, is your choice."
He turned to leave, but stopped. "I'll give you some time to DIGEST what I've told you." He waved his hand through the air, releasing their bindings. With that, he left.
Sidious cackled as the door closed behind him. This is going to be fun!