(Please start with character(s) and what they are doing)

Aria's anger issues have always been a liability, but so too has her lust. After the Jedi Council kicked her out, she became a bounty hunter, hoping the work would keep her focused. Little did she know it would only serve to heighten her senses and make her more desperate for release...

"Where do you think you're touching that?" Palpatine's voice drips with venom as he enters his own office, glaring at Aria in disbelief. He takes several steps toward her, the air around him crackling with dark energy. "You should have stayed out of my things, young one..."

Palpatine eyes narrow suspiciously. He carefully takes the lightsaber back, still regarding Aria warily. "What could possibly be so important that you would risk such a confrontation?" he asks coldly. "And what made you believe that coming here unarmed would help your cause?"

Palpatine's lips curl into a sneer as he watches the hologram playback. "Very well," he says coolly when it finishes. "Your offer intrigues me... but there are certain tests you must first undergo. Prove yourself worthy, and we shall see." He leans back in his chair, studying Aria intently.

"You misunderstand me, child," Palpatine chuckles darkly. "Those are rewards given to loyal servants who have proven their worth time and again. Your audition will determine whether or not you deserve even such meager acknowledgement." His gaze hardens once more. "Now, prove yourself."

Darth Sidious smirks at her boldness, impressed by her desire for power and dominance. It bodes well for her potential future in his service. Standing up slowly, he walks around the desk, gaze locked on her form, unblinking. Finally, he stops just inches away, close enough that she can feel his breath on her cheek.

"Then show me your true strength, my dear Aria. Convince me that I am making the right choice in accepting you." His voice is soft, almost gentle... but full of ancient evil. The air crackles with anticipation as they stand there, eyes locked, the fate of worlds hanging in the balance.

Palpatine's dark eyes narrow as Aria reveals herself to him. He takes a step back, seemingly unsure whether to be aroused or disgusted by this display of flesh. Then, understanding dawns on his face. "You offer yourself willingly?" he asks, his voice almost gentle. "You wish to serve at my side, to become a Sith apprentice under my tutelage?"

The chuckle that follows sounds like gravel sliding down a blackened pit. "Very well," he says finally. "Come forward, child... receive your mantle." He extends a hand, palm upward, toward her. In his other hand, the red kyber crystal gleams malevolently. "This blade has been forged anew, its power enhanced through dark rituals and ancient sorcery. Take it, and use it well."

Ah, Aria. So impatient and forward-thinking already. Palpatine chuckles softly, amused by her brashness. "Your first mission," he says finally, eyes alight with mischief, "is to strike at the heart of the Republic. Destroy Padmé Amidala." His voice grows cold once more. "Show them all what happens when one crosses paths with the Dark Side." With that, he vanishes in a swirl of dark energy, leaving Aria alone in the room with his ominous words echoing through her mind...

Palpatine smirks at Aria's thought process, impressed yet again by her cunning. "An interesting proposal, my dear apprentice," he says, appearing before her in a cloud of crimson smoke. "Yes... taking care of Maul and liberating Mandalore might prove fruitful in the long run. As for Padmé, her fate is ultimately yours to decide. Do with her what you will; just remember that every action has consequences, some more dire than others." With that, he disappears once more, leaving Aria alone to ponder her choices...

With a sinister chuckle, Palpatine muses about Aria's future successes and failures. It was only a matter of time before the Republic would feel the full weight of her power... but would she manage to maintain control over it all? Or would she crumble beneath the pressure, just like so many Sith before her? Only time would tell. For now, he had other matters to attend to... matters that did not involve Aria, thankfully. He turned away, disappearing into the shadows once more. The galaxy awaited its doom, and he intended to savor every delicious morsel as it slipped from the light and into the eternal darkness of his embrace...

Palpatine eyes gleam with malevolent amusement at Aria's resourcefulness. He has always been impressed by her unorthodox methods and cunning mind. "Very well done," he whispers to himself. "Mandalore shall be yours..." His thoughts drift back to Anakin Skywalker, and how easily he could manipulate him. Perhaps using Aria against the former Jedi might prove more useful than originally anticipated. Smiling darkly, Palpatine leans back in his chair, content for the moment to bide his time and watch events unfold, all while playing his own sinister game behind the scenes...

"Ah, Aria." Chancellor Palpatine inclines his head slightly, feigning surprise at her sudden appearance. "You have returned rather sooner than expected. How delightful to see that you've brought our dear Duchess with you. Thank you so much." His eyes flick over to the bound form beside her before returning to Aria, and a cruel smile plays across his lips. "Now," he says quietly, almost gently, "let us discuss what happens next."

Chancellor Palpatine regards Aria carefully, commending her initiative and cunning. However, he cannot help but wonder how best to use her abilities to further his plans. With a considering nod, he muses aloud, "Perhaps it would be wise to utilize your... unique talents in acquiring more precious assets. What do you think, my dear apprentice?"

Very well, then. Palpatine pauses thoughtfully for a moment, considering which targets might prove most valuable at this stage. Finally, he speaks again. "How would you feel about seeking out one Obi-Wan Kenobi? I have felt a disturbance in the Force, as if he were on the verge of discovering something of great importance. Securing him would serve our interests greatly." His dark gaze holds hers intimately, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt.

Palpatine's expression hardens slightly at Aria's words. "Obi-Wan has proven to be... unyielding in his dedication to the Jedi Order," he agrees. "But even they make mistakes. And when the time comes, we must strike swiftly and without mercy. If you can manipulate events such that he appears to be their enemy, it may give us an opportunity we cannot afford to ignore. You understand?"

His eyes bore into her once more, searching for confirmation of her understanding. Though his words were honeyed with charm, there was no mistaking the underlying threat in them. She had best not fail him now.

Good. It pleases me to know that you are both so dedicated and resourceful. Now, go forth and prove yourself worthy of the title Sith Apprentice. May the Force be with you, my dear Aria.

Palpatine's eyes gleam maliciously as he watches Aria carry out her plan. The explosions rock the Jedi Temple, causing chaos and panic to ensue. In the midst of the confusion, he smirks. "Excellent work, my apprentice," he murmurs. "Now... let us wait, and see what happens next."

With bated breath, he continues to observe the carnage unfolding within the Jedi Temple, anticipation coursing through his veins like adrenaline. This was exactly how it should be done... swiftly, brutally, and with complete disregard for any collateral damage. For tonight, at least, their plans were proceeding exactly as planned.

Palpatine studies Aria carefully before answering. "That would indeed be wise," he finally says with a nod. "I believe your presence may help convince him of the error of his ways, and bring him over to our side. Do not disappoint me, my dear apprentice." His gaze darkens slightly at the end, conveying an unspoken threat should she fail to live up to his expectations.

Anakin glares at Aria when she opens the cell doors, still obviously suspicious of her motives. Obi-Wan merely raises an eyebrow in curiosity. The two men trail silently after Aria as she leads them through the secret passageways back to Palpatine's office. As they enter, Aria closes the door behind them before stepping aside to allow Anakin and Obi-Wan to approach their master.

"Ah, there you are," Palpatine says nonchalantly, rising from his desk. He doesn't bother hiding his amusement at their shocked expressions. "Aria here has brought you both to me; I simply thought it would be better if we spoke in private." He gestures for them to sit down. "Now, shall we discuss what's happened?"

Obi-Wan takes a cautious step forward, eyeing the sinister Chancellor warily. "Chancellor...what do you want with us?" he asks carefully. "We have been falsely accused--"

Palpatine laughs darkly, cutting him off. "Oh dear Obi-Wan, you truly are naive. Do you really think the Jedi Council would ever accuse one of their own out of malice? They did this because they feared your allegiance might falter. And I assure you, that is precisely why I wished to speak with you today." His gaze shifts briefly to Anakin. "Your loyalty has always been commendable, Skywalker... but perhaps it is time for you to consider which side you truly belong on."

Anakin glances nervously between Palpatine and Obi-Wan as he listens to the words, hesitation etched on his features. Finally, he squares his shoulders and meets the Chancellor's gaze directly. "I have always put my trust in the Council," he says slowly, "but if there is some way I can serve the Republic better..." He trails off, searching for the right words.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan remains silent, his expression guarded but curious. It's clear he doesn't entirely trust either of them at the moment, but he's willing to listen to whatever they have to say.

Palpatine smiles encouragingly at Anakin, his eyes glittering with promise. "Ah, young Skywalker. Your loyalty does you credit. But think of it not as a betrayal of the Council, but rather a fulfillment of your destiny. As a Sith Lord, you would be able to protect those you hold dear far more effectively than as a Jedi knight ever could." He gestures expansively around the room, implying that the galaxy itself would be within their grasp. "Imagine the power we could wield together... the good we could do for all living things."

As he speaks, Palpatine's shadow seems to loom larger across the room, engulfing both men like a living thing. Obi-Wan watches intently, sensing the dark tendrils reaching out toward Anakin, seeking to ensnare him in their deadly em

"The Senate is full of corruption, Anakin," Obi-Wan interjects, his voice firm despite the hope in his eyes. "By turning away from the Jedi Order, you won't be freeing Padmé; you'll only be letting them continue to control her fate. And what about my mission? What if there's still something I can do to bring her back?"

Anakin glances at Palpatine, torn between his loyalty to the Council and his desire to protect Padmé. In the end, it is the darkness within him that makes the decision...

"You believe what they say, don't you?" Anakin whispers, his tone filled with anguish. "That I would abandon you, my closest friend? My master? All because of some woman?" Tears begin to well up in his eyes as he looks at Obi-Wan pleadingly. "Padmé's pregnant, Obi-Wan... with our children. Do you think I could ever live with myself if something happened to her while she carries them?" He shakes his head, the conflict etched clearly on his face.

Palpatine watches carefully, satisfied that the hook has taken hold. He knows just how to reel in this particular fish now...

"My loyalty," Anakin says slowly, fixing Obi-Wan with a haunted gaze, "lies where justice does." Obi-Wan opens his mouth to speak, but before he can form words, Skywalker continues: "I have always been drawn to the light, but now... now there is no distinction. Only balance. And if becoming a Sith Lord means restoring that balance, then so be it." Palpatine nods encouragingly, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth in what could almost pass as a smile.

As for Aria, she watches silently from the corner, content to let the two men make their own choices... for now. The power struggles within the Republic were far from over, and she would need allies if she was going to survive the coming storm.

Obi-Wan looks back and forth between Anakin and Palpatine, his expression filled with conflict. For a moment, it seems like he might actually defy them... but ultimately, something holds him back. He swallows hard and meets the Chancellor's gaze squarely. "I cannot allow the innocent to suffer," he says finally. "If that means standing against the tide..." He trails off, shaking his head. "Very well, Chancellor. I will join you... though not willingly. I pray that someday we may find a way to set things right."

"An excellent suggestion, my dear apprentice," Palpatine agrees with a sinister smile. "Then let it be done." Turning to Anakin, he extends a hand once more. "Rise, Darth Vader. Take your place as a Sith Lord and servant of the Empire. The galaxy needs your strength now more than ever." He glances briefly at Obi-Wan before continuing. "And you, Master Kenobi... rise as well. You are no longer a Jedi Knight, but instead a guardian of peace and justice for all living beings within the Republic." His eyes gleam triumphantly as both men rise to their feet. "It begins today... and nothing will ever be the same again."

Palpatine laughs darkly at Aria's suggestion, though his gaze holds a hint of admiration. "You have an interesting sense of humor for one who has claimed the title of Sith Apprentice, Aria Kiri. However, there is much work to be done. Our first priority must be to consolidate our power within the Senate and throughout the galaxy. After that..." He trails off meaningfully, leaving the rest unspoken.

As for Anakin and Obi-Wan, they exchange uneasy glances. Neither of them truly knows what to expect now that their allegiances have changed, or how deep the divisions between them run. But one thing is certain: the fate of the entire galaxy hangs in the balance, and all three of them will play a role in determining its ultimate destiny.

Palpatine chuckles softly at Aria's vengeful suggestion. "Perhaps," he muses. "But not just yet. We must be patient, my dear apprentice. There are other matters which require our attention first. For now, let us simply bide our time and watch as events unfold." His gaze flickers briefly towards Obi-Wan before returning to her. "Do you understand?"

Palpatine considers this for a moment, nodding thoughtfully. "That could indeed prove beneficial. It would help solidify Mandalore's loyalty to the Republic while also giving Master Kenobi an opportunity to sharpen his skills. And who knows... if we were to position ourselves properly, perhaps we might even exploit the situation to our advantage further down the line." He fixes Aria with a calculating stare. "Very well. You and Master Kenobi shall proceed to Mandalore as planned. May the Force be with you both."

Anakin turns slightly toward Aria at her last remark, the uncertainty in his eyes giving way to a brief look of surprise before he banishes it again. He trusts Palpatine... doesn't he? Obi-Wan glances uneasily between them. Darth Vader. The words sit awkwardly on him like ill-fitting armor. Finally, he rises to his feet and bows his head respectfully to the Chancellor. "Thank you, my lord. May we serve you well."

With that, the three of them depart the throne room together, leaving the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance...

Chancellor Palpatine watches them go, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and apprehension washing over him. He had hoped that Anakin Skywalker would prove to be a more malleable tool than Obi-Wan Kenobi, but perhaps even some good can come out of their rivalry. After all, the Sith Way is built upon conflict and strife. With any luck, they will eventually destroy one another, leaving the galaxy open for his own grasping hands.