Darth Vader wanted to throw the blaster across the room and strangle Obi-Wan. His hands flexed at the thought. No matter what he'd done, Obi-Wan had barely reacted. Now Obi-Wan seemed to be deep in a healing trance and unreachable. How is this possible? He never used to be this powerful with the Force!

Vader looked up suddenly. He could sense his master heading this way. He set the blaster down and strode out through the door and down the hall to meet him.

"Ah, Vader. How is it going?" Sidious already had an idea from the barely contained rage emanating from his apprentice.

"Why don't you just let me kill him?" Vader was at the end of his very thin tether.

Sidious lifted an eyebrow. "That bad?" He could barely keep the amusement out of his voice.

"We don't need him, Master! I don't want his servitude THAT badly! I just want to see his smoldering corpse!" Vader was seething. He really felt like hitting something or someone – Obi-Wan would be his first choice.

Sidious schooled his features. Ah, he believes I want to give Kenobi to him to be his little minion. "Temper, temper. Even those on the dark side need to learn some semblance of control over their emotions."

Vader did not appreciate the comment. It made him even angrier. He was going to ask his master to block Obi-Wan's use of the Force, but decided against it. He didn't want to acknowledge that it was even a problem for him. "We do not need him, Master. He's as weak as he is stupid!"

Sidious was getting angry now. His voice was low and dangerous. "That's an interesting comment to make about someone who bested YOU in a duel!" He gestured with his head. "Now go. You'll start your next session first thing in the morning. And I SUGGEST you reign in your anger and try to use it more productively."

Sidious turned away from Vader and continued down the hall. Anakin's arrogance had been a useful tool in turning him to the dark side. But now as his apprentice, it was really starting to get on his nerves. How typical of Vader to automatically assume that I want Kenobi merely to give him some sort of reward or toy.

Vader still stood where his master had left him. He was stunned and infuriated by the rebuff. His master knew that the lightsaber duel between him and Obi-Wan was a sore subject. Obi-Wan's victory had been a fluke! He couldn't understand why his master was acting this way towards him. This is all Obi-Wan's fault! Ever since Sidious had hatched the plan to capture Obi-Wan, the dynamic of their Master/Apprentice relationship had changed – not dramatically, but it had changed none the less. He almost seems protective of Obi-Wan… Vader immediately dismissed the thought.

Vader was determined to show his master that he could control his anger. If he wants me to use my anger more productively, so be it. The next session with Obi-Wan would be just that – productive! I'll break him. I'll have him begging for mercy by the time the next session in done!

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When Vader left the room, Padme sighed in relief. Her eyes were so dry! She vowed to never again take for granted the wonderful, simple act of blinking! And her legs were screaming for her to sit down. For Heaven's sake! Here I am focusing on my small discomfort, when Obi-Wan is lying over there with blaster wounds all over his body!

"Obi-Wan?" Padme watched him for some reaction, but there was nothing. "Obi, can you hear me?" Still nothing. She started to feel panic creep up on her again. Oh, Force, is he…No! He's not dead. The Emperor would have Vader's head on a platter if he were. He must be unconscious.

Padme again marveled at Obi-Wan's strength. He had barely made a sound the entire time. She had wanted to run over to the table and take the blaster fire herself, rather than watch him get hit anymore. Even as he was being shot, over and over, he had a look of peace on his face. He seemed so at one with the Force. It had been amazing to watch.

It had also been devastating to watch Vader gleefully, then hatefully inflict those horrible wounds. Those wounds…Padme stared in wonder as she noticed that his wounds seemed to be getting less egregious. They're healing! She'd heard Obi-Wan say that he would heal himself, but she hadn't really known what he'd meant. Now she was watching him literally heal his own body. He must be in some sort of trance.

Padme heard the door open and could see out of the corner of her eye the Emperor enter.

Sidious glanced at her. "Did you enjoy the show?" He smiled that revolting smile of his as he strode over to the table.

Padme didn't answer. She just watched as Sidious looked over his "prize."

Sidious noted that Obi-Wan appeared to be in a healing trance. He was a bit surprised at the speed and strength with which he was healing. You are full of surprises, my young apprentice!

The Emperor was dismayed at the look of peace on the handsome, bearded face. He shook his head. Weak, indeed! If Vader can't break him, I'll have to do it myself! But, he would give Vader more time. Even though Vader didn't know it, Sidious was testing him.

Sidious released the binders on Obi-Wan, then walked over to Padme. "Why don't you enjoy a break until the next session?" He released her binders and headed out the door.

Padme made her way over to the table where Obi-Wan lay. She wondered how long it had been since Vader had started the "session." It had seemed like forever. She tried to blink again, unsuccessfully. I sure hope this wears off soon!

Padme bit her lip as she looked Obi-Wan over. He was healing, but he still looked horrible. She brushed his sweat-soaked hair off his forehead. She kissed his forehead and gently stroked his cheek. She desperately wanted to talk to him, but didn't want to disturb his healing trance. He needed to heal up as much as he could! She felt completely helpless. There was really nothing she could do to help him. All she could do was be here with him.