Darth Sidious looked out his office window into the labyrinth of buildings and speeders. Coruscant really didn't look all that different than when he'd been the Chancellor of the Republic. He smiled to himself. Looks can be quite deceiving.

He went back to his desk and glided into his seat. He had a look of utter smugness and malicious glee, partially cut off by the hood of his cloak. Everything was working out according to his desires. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme Amidala were now on their way to Coruscant, prisoners of his apprentice, Darth Vader. He knew of their strong attachment. He had known that it would lead to their undoing. He had played them both like a Nubian flute!

He sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers in thought. So, Obi-Wan Kenobi…You are now mine! That particular Jedi had never ceased to surprise him. Sidious had underestimated Kenobi more than once. Kenobi had been able to best his well-trained and, by his thoughts, unbeatable apprentice, Darth Maul. Kenobi's detective work unveiled the clones and the gathering of the Separatists before he had wanted it,even thoughit had still worked out as desired. Kenobi had also beaten and almost killed his current apprentice, the Chosen One no less, in a duel.

Time and time again, while playing the role of Chancellor Palpatine, he had questioned and tested Kenobi, (discretely) looking for a weakness he could exploit to turn him to the dark side. Nothing turned up. He had to admit, Kenobi was about as pure a Jedi as he'd ever met. He snorted in disgust. What a waste! He could be so much more – so much more powerful! Sidious knew if he could just turn that dogged determination and loyalty to his service, he'd be unstoppable. He had decided to bide his time. He needed to approach Kenobi from a position of complete control. He didn't have that as Chancellor Palpatine. He did have that now as the Emperor.

Sidious had a good apprentice in Darth Vader, of course. He didn't doubt Vader's loyalty. But it had been rather easy turning Anakin Skywalker to the dark side. He had always been unable to control his emotions. It was a weakness that had made him a prime target for the Sith. (Of course, it did help that he was the Chosen One.) However, that same lack of emotional control and predictability could prove to be a problem to Sidious himself someday.

Turning Kenobi, he knew, would prove to be a challenge. But he enjoyed a challenge. The harder the challenge, the greater the reward. Kenobi would be his prize. Here I am, all powerful, and in control of the entire galaxy. Why should I conform to the stodgy old rule of "one master, one apprentice?" I make the rules now! Kenobi WILL be my second apprentice.

Sidious knew that it would prove interesting having Darth Vader and Kenobi as his two apprentices, considering the hatred between the two. He would find which of the two he trusted the most and make him his Second in Command. If one should be jealous of the other and destroy his opponent, so be it. Just as long as the victor is the one I prefer…

Then his thoughts turned to Padme Amidala. He hated that woman! He had also underestimated her while she was Queen of Naboo. She was as stubborn as she was infuriating! He wanted vengeance. He would make her watch her beloved Obi-Wan be "convinced" to join the dark side. And to top it off, he would make the source of the convincing be her former husband! Ah, sweet revenge!