I apologize that my updates are more infrequent! Busy, busy! Thank you for your reviews! I'll probably be wrappingPart 2up in the next few chapters. I had originally planned forDark Destinyto be a two-parter, but now my mind is coming up with stuff that I'd like to put in a thirdand final section. So, please stay tuned!

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The Emperor walked quickly down the hall. He knew that Obi-Wan was awake, and had been for a while. He had broken away from his duties as soon as he could. Sidious was quite eager to determine Obi-Wan's physical condition. He walked into the room and saw the three prisoners sitting together on the floor, backs against the wall. He stopped as he took in the scene, cracking a small smile.

"Well, well, well. What have we here? You've been busy, Obi-Wan." Sidious was a little irritated that Padme had been released from the wall, but he was glad that Obi-Wan had healed himself.

Obi-Wan stood up and looked at Sidious with fire in his eyes. "No, I haven't. I've been asleep, unconscious or in a coma the vast majority of the time I've been here. And frankly, I'm sick of it!" Obi-Wan got face to face with the Emperor. "Whatever else you have in store for me, I'm going to face it with my eyes wide open."

Sidious felt steely determination radiating from Obi-Wan. He had to admit that it unnerved him a bit. Obi-Wan was obviously not going to make this easy for him. But Sidious also felt a bit of pride. With all the things Obi-Wan had been through, he was still standing strong -- determined and steady as ever.

Sidious also felt pride radiating from the two women, especially Padme. Their pride was mingled with a bit of fear at what else might be heading Obi-Wan's way. Sidious brought his focus back to the man in front of him. "I wouldn't have my apprentice be any other way."

Obi-Wan put his arms over his chest and nodded. "That's good to know. The next time I see Vader, I'll be sure to pass that along."

Sidious cackled in amusement. "I don't doubt that you would!" Obi-Wan's wit alone will make him a refreshing change from Vader! He dug into his pocket and pulled out a comlink. "Come and take the healer to her room." Sidious watched as Obi-Wan helped Padme and the healer off the floor.

Obi-Wan saw the concern in Laicee's eyes. He squeezed her hand reassuringly as a Stormtrooper entered the room. He sent her a wave of calm and strength. She smiled gratefully. Laicee turned and gave Padme a hug before being taken away.

Obi-Wan saw the Emperor's gaze fall on Padme. Obi-Wan quickly stepped in front of her. "There's no need for you to lock her to the wall again." His eyes were again full of steel.

Sidious decided it best not to push the issue. "As you wish, Obi-Wan." He raised his finger in warning. "However, if she tries to interfere in any way…"

"She won't." Obi-Wan looked pointedly at Padme.

Padme looked back at Obi-Wan. She would certainly try not to, but she couldn't promise either. If she heard Obi-Wan scream again like the last time, she had no idea what she might do to stop his pain. She did know that it would probably not be standing idly by and letting it continue. She was surprised that the Emperor acquiesced to Obi-Wan's request in the first place. She didn't know what to make of it.

The Emperor eyed her coldly. "I suggest you make yourself comfortable on the far side of the room." As far away from me as possible.

Obi-Wan sent Padme a wave of encouragement. He also sent words he didn't want Sidious to hear. Please, Padme, don't interfere. You'll just make things worse for yourself. I'll be okay. Trust me.

Padme took hold of Obi-Wan's hand and didn't want to let it go. She didn't want to see him hurt anymore! She soaked in his strength and determination. Padme took a deep breath, squeezed Obi-Wan's hand one last time and walked away. She didn't trust her emotions to hold much longer under his sweet gaze.

Obi-Wan understood. He sent one last thought her way before turning back to the Emperor. I love you, Padme. He noticed her steps falter a bit. He could tell she was now fighting the urge to cry.

Sidious gestured to the cot. "Shall we begin?"

Obi-Wan nodded and walked over to the cot. He felt calm and at peace. He was as ready as he ever could be for the mind probe. He sat down on the cot, cross-legged and back resting against the wall. He watched the Emperor, now seated in the chair beside the cot, intently.

Sidious felt uncomfortable under Obi-Wan's intense scrutiny. He almost felt that Obi-Wan was looking right into HIS mind, though he knew that was impossible. He tried to focus, but was having a hard time.

Obi-Wan couldn't read the Emperor's mind, but he could read his body language. If Obi-Wan didn't know better, he'd say that the Emperor was nervous. Well, maybe nervous was too strong a word, but he certainly looked a bit…unsettled. Obi-Wan waited patiently for the first tendril to enter his mind. Then Obi-Wan felt it. It was a bit tentative at first, but then grew stronger. He felt the pressure grow in his mind as the probe went deeper. Suddenly, the probe left his mind again.

"Why aren't you fighting me?" Sidious' eyes narrowed with the question.

"Why bother? One way or another, you're going to do your probe. Trying to fight you would just be a waste of energy and would bring unnecessary pain." Obi-Wan smiled a hard smile. "I'm learning to pick my battles."

"Hmm…" Sidious found it hard to believe Obi-Wan. It wasn't like him to give in so easily. Oh, well. No matter his reasons, it will be nice not having to fight his shields. There was another reason he was glad, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He concentrated again on Obi-Wan's mind. He started to probe slowly again and then added strength to go deeper.

Obi-Wan concentrated on the Force. He felt the pressure building in his mind. The pressure hurt, but not nearly as bad as having mental shields torn down. He kept his breathing steady. He also kept his eyes focused on the Emperor. An idea struck him as he visualized Sidious' mental probe. He started to casually move a probe of his own back up to the source of the one in his head. He paused to see if the Emperor noticed. Sidious seemed to be completely occupied with his search of Obi-Wan's memories.

Obi-Wan pushed aside the growing pain and continued to work his way towards the Emperor's mind. He was trying a reverse mind probe. Obi-Wan didn't know if it would work. But the Emperor's mind probe could be a way in-- a small hole in the Emperor's own mental shields. He edged closer. He could sense the Dark Side swimming around in the Sidious' mind. He called on the Force to combat the dark current and continued in. He could almost visualize himself sneaking into the Emperor's mind. The darkness and power were almost overwhelming. But then he noticed something else. He probed deeper and latched on to the object of his curiosity.

All of a sudden, Sidious felt Obi-Wan's presence in his mind. He gasped in shock and quickly ended the probe into Obi-Wan's mind. This effectively cut off Obi-Wan from his. He gazed at Obi-Wan with wide eyes, unable to say a word.

Obi-Wan could hardly believe what he'd glimpsed in Sidious's mind. Did I really see what I think I saw? Surely not! The Emperor had obviously NOT expected such a daring act from him. He looked shocked beyond words. Actually, that's how Obi-Wan felt as well. They just sat there staring at each other, wide-eyed.

Padme sat and watched the whole scene with intense curiosity. Why had the Emperor gasped like that? What did Obi-Wan do? Something had obviously transpired between the two that had them both shocked into silence. They were both just staring at each other. Stars and galaxies! What is going on?

Sidious finally found his voice. "In a thousand years, I could never have anticipated such a move." His voice was almost in awe. "Only you could be that bold!"

Obi-Wan had been half expecting the Emperor to zap him good with Force lightning. This reaction only seemed to confirm what he had seen. His confusion grew. Obi-Wan schooled his features and shrugged. "I had to try."

Sidious shook his head in amazement. He started his mind probe again, this time making sure his shields were tightly shut.