Darth Bane would appreciate our efforts. Darth Bane's early years. Carrying on the ancestral business as it were. Bane's seminal years. What more appropriate way for us to close the circle than by mimicking the Sith’ari's seminal efforts. We weave ourselves into the warp and weft of the tapestry he created. Based on the data I am receiving, 82% of the ore is capable of being purified into weapons-grade cortosis shield. The percentage is consistent with what I was told to expect. By whom, Master? Of no consequence. Could you not shout your plans for this discovery? In due time, Darth Plagueis. Inspect the probe to elevate the properties of the secondary iode. The probe is running an analysis. Why has it stopped? The M2 unit informs me that it has discovered a pocket of gas directly beneath the new borehole. I'm sorry to report, sirs, that the gas is a highly combustible variant of methane. The M2 unit predicts that the heat generated by its hydraulic Jacks will ignite an explosion of significant magnitude. The original report made no mention of methane? I know nothing of that, sir, but the M2 unit is quite insistent. What's more, my own programming corroborates the fact that it is not unusual to find pockets of methane in close proximity to cortosis' ore. Hurry the probe about excavating around the methane pocket. The M2 unit recommends employing that very strategy, sir. Shall I order it to proceed? Ask the probe to proceed. Tell the probe to stop. Why are you interfering? The map indicates a more massive concentration in the area where it's drilling. You're correct, sir. I will order the unit to halt all activity. Droid, did the probe acknowledge your order? No, sir. The M2 is not responding. Is it still within range? Yes, sir. Then run a communications diagnostic. I have, sir. And all systems are nominal. The unit's inability to respond... The unit's refusal to respond appears to be deliberate. Deactivate it. The M2 unit has overridden my command. Impossible! Clearly not, sir. In fact, it is highly probable that the unit is executing a deep-seated subroutine that escaped earlier notice. Who procured the probe? This isn't the time for questions. The probe is about to breach the pocket. It's the ore. There's too much resistance here. I'll go down. This can wait. We are returning to the grotto. As you say, master. Continue your attempts to deactivate the unit. I will, sir. To do that, however, I will need to remain here. What of it? Should I fail in my efforts, the ensuing explosion will surely result in my destruction. You've been useful, droid. Thank you, sir. You waste your breath. Master, allow me to lead. Be mindful of your place. What? No! Master. Stop, apprentice. You're going to lose all your strength. I can bring help. There's time. I'm dying, Darth Plagueis. There's time only for that. I did all that I could, master. To be strong in a force is one thing, but to believe oneself to be all-powerful is to invite catastrophe. Remember that even in the ethereal realm we inhabit, the unforeseen can occur. Better this way, perhaps, than to perish at your hand. As Darth Bane would have wished. Who supplied the mining probe, master? Subtext. Subtext Mining. I will avenge you. Will you? Of course. You are fated to win the Sith imperative to fruition, Plagueis. It falls to you to bring the Jedi Order to its knees. And save the rest of the galaxy sentient from themselves. At long last, the mantle is conferred. But I need to warn you. Warn me about what, master? You. Yes, master. Your death comes at my bidding. You said yourself that perpetuation with purpose is the way to victory, and so it is. Go to your grave knowing that you are last of the old order, the vaunted Rule of Two. And that the new order begins now, and will for a thousand years remain in my control. Bane, for the last time, I call you apprentice. Yes, and I applaud its skillful use of surprise and misdirection. Perhaps I was wrong to think you had no stomach for it... The dark side guided me Tenebrous. You sensed it, but your lack of faith in me clouded your thoughts. Even before we came to Bal'demic? And yet we came. Because we were fated to. You've risked everything to undo me. The entire future of the Sith. My instincts about you prove correct after all. I'll find a way home, Tenebrous. As will you. Claim your stake to the dark side. Act now, and be done with this. No oversights this run. We take your meaning, Captain. No inopportune omissions. Ineradicable errors. Dumbass mistakes. I'm serious. This ship operates as a democracy. I'm your captain, because knowing who's good at what is just something I have a talent for. Do I ever tell you how to pilot? Do I ever question your decision about jump points? No, Captain. Either we turn a profit on this run, or we think about going to the Hutts for another loan. And don't any of you fool yourselves into thinking that we can float an honest loan. Because no bank worth its assets is going to accept the Woebegone as collateral. No! You are fated to bring the seething pallet of the fruition greatest. It falls to you to bring the Jedi Order to its knees, and save the rest of the galaxy's sentients from themselves. You're not listed on the shipping manifest, stranger. I confess to being a stowaway, Captain. How did you survive in there? Those sea creatures make a comfortable bed. Those creatures are how we make our living, Muun. And right now they aren't worth a cocking credit. I apologize for spoiling some of your cargo. The coolant. How did you survive that? We Muuns have three hearts. Two of them are under voluntary control, so I was able to keep my blood circulating and my body temperature close to normal. Speaking of blood, you're leaking some. The result of an unfortunate accident. But thank you for noticing. We have a medical droid. I'll have it take a look at your injury. That's very kind of you, Captain. You're a long way from the Braxent clan. And probably the last species we'd expect to find stowing away in a cargo container. I can well imagine. Kon’meas's spaceport has passenger flights to Bimmisaari. You couldn't wait, or you're out of credits. To be honest, I wish to avoid the common spaceways. Are you a fugitive? I do, however, value my privacy. What brought you to Bal'demnic, Muun? I'm not at Liberty to divulge the nature of my activities. Banking clan investments? Or lawyering. That's all the Muuns do, Captain. Not all of us are bankers or lawyers. No more than all Togrutas are pacifists. Be better for you if you were a financial wizard. To avoid being jettisoned from our ship. Captain, I appreciate that you and your crew have many questions about me. But perhaps for the sake of simplicity, the two of us could speak privately for a moment. Strictly in the interest of facilitating an agreement. I won't be long. We'll be returning soon enough. Thank you, Captain. Enough of the polite jabber. Who are you? And why didn't you leave Bal'demnic aboard whatever craft brought you here? Before we go into any of that, suppose we assess the present situation squarely. I've stood away aboard your vessel in the hope of arranging quick passage to Muunilinst. Fortunately for both of us, I'm in a position to reward you handsomely for transport. And of course I'll cover the cost of whatever precious cargo I've ruined. You need only quote a reasonable price, and the deal can be concluded. I assure you, Captain, that I'm immune of my word. Leaving aside your identity for the moment, you know, the important things. Your onward passage is a matter I'll have to take up with the crew. I'm not sure I understand. You are the Woebegone's captain, are you not? We're equals aboard this ship. In that case, Captain, I await the results of the summit. You're going to have to sit tight in the meantime. Take as much time as needed. The closer we get to Ithor, the closer I am to home. How do you know we're bound for Ithor? The same way I know that your name is Elim Lah. I'm not a telepath, Captain Lah. After I selected your ship from among those on the field, I sliced into Bal'demic's spaceport network. Why the Woebegone then? I don't gamble, Captain, unless I know that the odds of winning are on my side. That's not gambling. When have you ever known a Muun to do that? When have you ever known a Muun, period? All right then, when have you ever heard about a Muun doing that? What's your gut telling you about him, Captain? Is he willing to cover the cost of the swelled cargo? He's as slick as they come and used to getting his way. But either we take him back to Bal'demic and put our cargo at risk, or we drop him off at our first stop and make him someone else's problem. Or we could just jettison him now. We don't know if he told someone on Bal'demic about his plan. His disappearance could put us in serious muck. So, what's the verdict, Captain? I think we should get him off our hands as soon as possible. You don't want to even discuss coming up with a price for passage? I've never been on the Braxent Run. Have any of you? Is he willing to cover the cost of the spoiled cargo? He said he would. Then maybe we take him to Ithor. If he proves to be a cooperative passenger, we could consider taking him all the way to Muunilinst. Certainly wouldn't hurt to get familiar with that corner of space. I don't know. I'll go one step further. I mean, this Muun could be a jackpot that's fallen right into our laps. Weren't you just saying that no bank would ever grant us a loan against the Woebegone? Well, Muunilinst is the bank. And this Muun can provide all the collateral we'll ever need. Our reward for years of leading clean lives. Meaning what? We hold him for ransom? We don't have to call it that. We've never done that. Well, once, maybe. But we're not about to do it again. I agree. Same. Okay, so I was just thinking out loud. Captain, if I may, it is regarded that Muuns are not known to travel unaccompanied without ample reason for doing so. In fact, most Muun are reluctant to leave Muunilinst for any purpose other than to transact business negotiations. That's exactly what I said about collateral. There has to be some financial reason for him being on Bal'demnic. Some major deal in the works we might be able to get in on. A construction project, maybe. Let FourDee finish. Go ahead. It has yet to be determined just what the Muun was involved in. Suppose, however, the nature of his business is going to impact Bal'demnic in a negative way. Should word spread that the crew of the Woebegone lent their support to the Muun's illegal departure, then what might become of the ship's reputation in the ordeal sector? You may wish to include the worth of that in your calculations regarding an arrangement for onward passage. So, are we expecting him to make us all rich in case our services are no longer needed here? What about what the Muuns can do to us if we don't take him? They've got a reach as long as a galactic arm. What are they going to do? Downgrade our portfolios? Freeze our assets? Ruin our credit rating? Our only assets are this ship and our reputation for doing what we say we're going to do. Goes back to what I said about asking for a lot more than what he might see as a fair price. These banking clan types hold on to every credit. But we've got ourselves a live Muun. And no matter who he is or what he's pretending to be, I guarantee you he's worth more than ten years of dealing in meat tails and octopods. Captain? I'm not buying any of this. I want him off our hands. You think he's dangerous? Muuns are cowards. The lot of them. They use credits as weapons. My gut says otherwise. Here's a compromise. We contact Baldemic authorities. If he's wanted, we return him. Otherwise, we negotiate a price to take him to Ithor. And no further. That sounds reasonable. Do you, uh, want backup? No. No. We're going to have to keep you on ice for a bit longer. Does that mean you've failed to reach a consensus? I wouldn't go that far. We've decided we need to know who you are before we agree to provide you with passage. And since you seem reluctant to tell us, we're going to check with Bal'demic. Captain, I've told you all you really need to know. We're dropping out of hyperspace. To we who dwell in the Force, normal life is little more than pretense. Our only actions of significance are those we undertake in service to the Dark Side. I can't permit this, Captain. You'll have to. Don't, Captain. No! You dishonor your heritage and your weapon, Jedi. You could have used the Force to compel us to do as you wished. I've not only seen that, but experienced it. If you so little will, then you have no use to me, Katooine. What name do you respond to? 114D, sir. Can you pilot this ship, 114D? I can, sir. Do you wish me to relocate the survivors to Medbay or jettison any of the corpses? Leave them. Captain Lah remarked that you have medical capabilities. I do, sir. Set a course for these coordinates, then attend to me in the Captain's quarters. Anything else, sir? Prepare food and drink. I'm famished. Sir, we are approaching the coordinates supplied by your comlink. How do you come to be aboard the Woebegone, droid? Formerly, I served the needs of the medicals facility on Obroa-skai. In what capacity? Research, in addition to performing a wide range of surgeries on beings of diverse species. Thus your many appendages. Yes, sir. But the ones I wear currently were retrofitted when I became the property of Captain Lah so that I might better serve the needs of the Woebegone. And how did you become the Captain's property? I believe, sir, that I was awarded to Captain Lah in placement for payments due for the receipts of certain merchandise. It is also my belief that the exchange was meant to be temporary. But Captain Lah decided to keep you. Yes, sir. She decided to keep me. I'm sorry to say that I am at a loss to explain her reasons, and I never presumed to ask. That's a good quality in a droid. I understand how it could be, sir. Transmit this code over the com. Unidentified freighter, deep space demo and removal is in reception of your request. Give us a moment to authenticate your transmission. Holding fast while you authenticate. Freighter, you are cleared for docking. You will accompany me in the landing bay. Raise the boarding ramp behind us and activate the anti-intrusion system. No one is to board the Mobicon unless I say otherwise. I understand, sir. Magister Damask, I had no foreknow- This isn't a social call. Of course, Magister. Regardless, do you wish me to apprise Boss Cabra of your visit? Is he on station? No, sir, but he can be reached by com. That won't be necessary. I'll contact him myself. As you wish, Magister. What services can the station provide? This ship is to be sealed and slagged. Without salvaging anything? I said sealed and slagged. Do you need to hear it a third time? Do you know who you're talking to, Muun!? Who is this callow pup? Pup? He means no disrespect, Magister. Boss Cabra's youngest progeny. What are you called, pup? Answer him, and with due respect. Darnada! Darnada. Perhaps young Darnada should be muzzled to prevent him from endangering his father's business relationships. His brashness reflects his inexperience, Magister. Trust that your orders regarding the ship will be honored in full. I will also need a change of wardrobe and a fueled, piloted ship. Can we provide the pilot with a destination beforehand? Muunilinst. Of course, Magister. And what are your instructions regarding the droid? Is the droid to be slagged along with the ship? How much of your memory can be wiped without tampering with your medical protocol? I'm modular in design. My memory storage can be erased in its entirety, or according to whatever parameters you establish. Remain with the ship until it has been liquefied. I will expect a complete audio feed recording. At your service, Magister Damask. We came as soon as Highport Immigration notified us. If you had contacted us from Deep Space Demolition, we could have sent a ship, rather than have you rely on Boss Cabra's specious hospitality. No one seems to believe that I'm capable of finding my own way home. I don't understand. It's not important that you do. Suffice it to say that your dispatching a ship would only have resulted in further delay. You were expected days ago. Events of an unforeseen nature prevented me from returning earlier. A successful journey, nevertheless, I assume? You assume correctly. We shouldn't tarry here any longer than necessary. Transport is waiting. You're limping. Are you injured? Healing. Make no further mention of it. We could postpone the gathering. No. It would take place as scheduled. I'm relieved to hear that, since several of your guests are already in transit to Sojourn. The droid will ride with us. A new acquisition? A door prize of sorts. You'll be going to your residence or to Abora? Directly to the island. The droid will accompany me. I'll make the necessary arrangements. Are we secure in here? Completely. Rugess Nome is dead. The Bith? How? Where? Of no relevance. Eventually Nome's estate will pass to us. But that won't be for some time to come, since it's unlikely that his body will ever be found. We'll allow a standard year to pass. Then we'll petition the probate courts to render a decision. At the very least, for whatever assets are contractually ours. You are the executor in any case, are you not? But there are several antiques of a curious sort I plan to retain. I'll prepare an inventory. In the meantime, I want you to familiarize yourself with a world called Bal'demnic. Once you have, you're to acquire mining rights for the entire northeast peninsula of the principal landmass. Purchase as much property as you can from the shoreline to the central highlands. I'll provide you with specific coordinates. Are we venturing into the mining business now? When the time is right, use intermediaries who can't be traced to us. I suspect that you will have to go all the way to the top to secure what we need. The indigenes will be troublesome to negotiate with, but I'm confident that they can be persuaded. Bargain might you mean it, but in the end spare no expense. Bal'demnic is that important? A hunch. What can we expect at the gathering? Gardulla has requested an audience. I'm not in the habit of sitting down with Hutts. She asks your help in mediating a dispute. With whom? The Desilijic Clan. This has been brewing for some time. What else? Representatives from Yinchorr will be there. Good. Hollow transmissions have their limitations. Members of the Trade Federation and the Grand Protectorate will also be attending. There's no pleasing any of them. There's another small matter we need to settle. Extend a personal invitation to the owners of Subtext Mining. I can't recall having engaged in dealings with them. Does this have anything to do with Bal'demnic? For a time they advised Nome. Make certain that they understand we operate in complete confidentiality. If the Bith partnered with them, they must come highly recommended. One would think. But in fact, I don't see much future for them. You will come to find yourself at home here, as I have. I'm certain I will, Magister Damask. In time we'll see to having your original appendages restored so that you can earn your keep. I look forward to it, Magister. I recognize that you are involved in research related to species durability and hybridization, but I must confess to being unfamiliar with many of the examples of fauna and flora you have amassed, and few of the arcane documents in your library. Is this data available for upload? Some portion of it. The remainder will have to be scanned. Then the task will require standard years, Magister. I'm aware of that. Are there some urgency? We are in no rush. I understand, sir. Is there specific data you wish me to assimilate first? Start with this. It is a history of the Sith. I have multiple listings under that heading. One defines the Sith as an ancient sect devoted to the study of the Force similar to the Jedi, but guided by different principles. That's close enough for now. Magister Damask, if I may be so bold as to inquire, what is our eventual goal? The goal is to extend my life indefinitely. To conquer death. I have access to data on alleged elixirs of life and fountains of youth, Magister, but all living things ultimately die, do they not? At present, 114D. I have experience in organ replacement surgery, telomere genotherapy, and carbonite suspension, but nothing beyond that. Then you merely scratched the surface. My blood, my essence, I subject to analysis. The midichlorians, they defy my will. Despite my amplified powers, they remain stagnant, elusive. The ancient Sith tantalize with whispers of immortality, yet their secrets remain veiled. Darth Bane had referred to sorcery as one of the purest forms of the dark side. Yet his disciples believe that essence transfer, mere echoes of promise unfulfilled. Is it their power that wanes, or has the Force itself shifted its balance? None of this amounted to their survival. Corporal or not, I will achieve it. Nothing less than my body and mind, yes, that will suffice. I've been admiring your entertainers, Magister. Particularly the Twi'lek singers. Perhaps you could help me procure some. We've a Twi'lek who supplies the females. You'll have to speak with her. On to business, then. A busy schedule affords me scant time for pleasantries. I plan to make a grab for Tatooine, Magister, and I've come to solicit your support. An arid world in the Arkanis sector of the Outer Rim. By support, I presume we are talking about credits. I'm aware that you disapprove of spice and slavery. But there are profits to be made on Tatooine by other means. Not moisture farming, then? You mock me. I tease you, Gardulla. I know little about Tatooine other than that the planet was heir to an ecological catastrophe in the dim past. And that its vast deserts now support a population of ne'er-do-Wells, scoundrels, and hapless spaces of all species. I've heard it said that nothing plans out on Tatooine, and that beings who reside there age prematurely. Fortunately, longevity comes naturally to my species. But I don't want four enemies of a different sort, Magister. Enemies who would like nothing more than to see me in an early grave. The Desilijic clan. They are precisely the reason I wish to remove myself from Nal Hutta, and from the likes of Jabba Desilijic Tiure, and the rest. With your financial assistance, I can accomplish that. I know that you have befriended Hutts in your own planetary neighborhood. It's true that Drixo and Progga have done well for themselves on Comra. But their successes came at a high cost. What are you offering in return for our investment? A podrace course that will make those on Malastare, and on your own, you Muunilinst, seem like amateur runs. In addition, the renaissance of an annual podrace event that will bring tens of thousands of gamblers to Tatooine and fill my coffers to overflowing. And I'm willing to take you on as a partner. A silent partner? As you wish. In addition to a percentage of the profits, I want you to arrange for Boss Cabra to operate freely on Nar Shaddaa. The Dug crime boss? You know the one. I can't make promises, Magister. Black Sun is deeply entrenched on Nar Shaddaa, and the Vigos are grooming Alexi Garyn to assume control of the organization. They may not appreciate or permit- Those are our terms, Gardulla. Find some way to allow Kabra to reach an accommodation with Black Sun, and we will support your takeover of Tatooine. This very night, I can arrange for you to meet with officials representing the Bank of Aargau, who will advance whatever amount of credits you need. I accept your terms, Magister Damask. You will not be disappointed. Promise me, Magister Damask, that you haven't entered into a deal with Gardulla. Our dealings with the Hutts are no less confidential than our dealings with you, Senator Teem. Rumors abound of Gardulla's plans to refurbish the podrace course on Tatooine, and enter into direct competition with Malastar. Surely you haven't come all this way to hear me address rumors. Promises were made, Magister. And fulfilled. As a means of offsetting losses in revenue derived from podracing, the cost of Malastar's fuel exports could be raised. That sounds more like a possibility than a guarantee. We will take it up with the steering committee, but for now, consider it a starting point for discussion. What else is troubling you, Senator? The favoritism you show to the Trade Federation. We merely help them secure full representation in the Senate. The Directorate was doing perfectly well for itself without full representation. And in exchange for what? Surrendering some of the shipping monopoly they enjoyed in the Outer Rim? What's fair is fair. Fairness has no part in it. You're interested only in having the Directorate do your bidding on Coruscant. Even a great hike for Malastare's fuel will profit Damask's holdings and the Trade Federation more than it will me. He can't let him go. If we're to benefit from the power they wield in the Senate, we'll need to find some way to placate them, Hego. I disagree. We need to find a way to show Teem that he is expendable. We were stunned to receive your invitation, Magister. We had no idea we were even on your scanners. We keep a close watch on galactic events. I trust you've been enjoying our food and entertainment? More than you know, Magister. Or perhaps more than we care to admit. More than I know. That's very funny indeed. Allow us to show you how we execute some of the inner workings of the Gathering. We'd be honored. Hold it! We're directly beneath the Central Courtyard. Each cargo symbolizes an abhorrent aspect of the Republic. Practices we all wish to see overturned. It's whole theater, you understand. Merriment for the masses. Obviously a real crowd pleaser, Magister. Then you must join in. Climb aboard. Go ahead. Climb aboard. Have we done something to displease you, Magister? A good question. Have you? Precisely. How did we come to your notice? A mutual friend brought you to our attention. A Bith named Rugess Nome. You recently supplied him with a survey report and a mining probe. We can make this right. Then be quick about it. The laser cannons fire automatically. Plasma! An untapped reservoir of plasma! Enough to provide energy to a thousand worlds! Where? On what world? Naboo! Naboo! Something of a hermit planet in the Mid Rim and capital of the Chommell Sector. Relatively close to Tatooine, in fact. Once a source for the veermoks we had cloned for use as game in the greel Forests. Who hired you to conduct the mining survey? A faction in opposition to the monarchy, Magister. This Naboo is ruled by a royal? A king. His detractors wish to see the planet opened to galactic trade. This plasma reservoir is as enormous as you claim? Unique among known worlds. Transport them to the most remote world you can find in the Tingel Arm. And make certain they remain there in the event I have further need of them. Magister, the eastern perimeter has been breached. It's possible that one of our guests may have overstayed his or her welcome. We think we have something. Will you be alright, Magister? Or should we wait with you? Go, but keep me informed. A Force user. A Jedi spy. A Bith? Tenebrous? That wasn't possible. But who then? You're well-trained. I sense the Force in you, but not the dark side. I knew I could draw you out, Darth Plagueis. I've Tenebrous to thank for it. He made you in his image. You're a product of Bith science. You're an old fool. He found and trained me. He took you as an apprentice. I am Darth Venamis. Darth. We'll see about that. Your death will legitimize the title, Plagueis. Your master left orders for you to kill me. Even now he awaits my return. Awaits? Tenebrous is dead. You wish it was so. What's more, he died by my hand. Impossible. How powerful can you be if you fear to sense the death of your master? Even now your thoughts fly in all directions. In killing you, I will avenge his death and become the Sith Lord he knew you could never be. The Sith he wanted me to be. But enough of this. You've come a long way to challenge me. Now make a worthy effort. Yes. No. Yield. I submit, Darth Plagueis. I accept that I must apprentice myself to you. You presume too much, Venamis. Around you I would always have to watch my back. Is it true, master? Is Darth Tenebrous dead? Dead and deservedly so. The future of the Sith no longer hinges on physical prowess but on political cunning. A new Sith will rule less by brute force than by means of instilling fear. And what is to become of me, master? Consume it. I know this plant. It will poison me. It will. But I will make certain you don't die. You may be Tenebrous's most important gift to me. His brain continues to recuperate from the effects of the coma-bloom alkaloids. His physical condition, however, remains stable. That's good. Because I'm not interested in his mind. In the same way that tectonic forces cause a Boulder to plunge into a river, forever diverting its course, events give rise to individuals who, stepping into the current of the Force, alter the tide of history. You are such a one. You are of our blood, Hego. But we can no longer raise you as our progeny. In truth, and in ways that you will eventually come to understand, you belong to him. We Sith are an unseen opposition, a phantom menace. Where the Sith once wore armor, we now wear cloaks. But the Force works through us all the more powerfully in our invisibility. For the present, the more covert we remain, the more influence we can have. Our revenge will be achieved not through subjugation, but by contagion. Our campaign has been stalled by recent allegations from the leaders of some of the royal houses. Something has to be done to recapture momentum, and quickly. Counter-allegations made public by an unknown benefactor went a long way toward undoing the initial damages of the nobles' media releases. But a new wariness has gripped the electorate, strengthening the position of our provincial opponents. Audio cancellation. Are all the Naboo as his suit and elaborately costumed as this Veruna? They are traditionalists, tonsorially as well as politically. The style of dress and facial adornments pay homage to the regalia of Queen Elsinore den Tasia of Grizmallt. They are not, after all, as furry as Wookiees. In addition to humans, Naboo supports a hairless amphibious species known as the Gungans. Perhaps indigenous, perhaps not, but in no position to represent the planet. What was the nature of the allegations made by the royal houses? First, they leaked word of the mining survey we had performed, but the revelation failed to have the intended effect, because several members of the electorate favor opening Naboo to galactic trade. Then, when they learned of our initial talks with Damask Holdings, the nobles accused us of selling Naboo to the highest bidder to, and I'll quote, a shady extra-system cartel of ruthless criminals. You understand, Magister, that our world has yet to overcome a long history of forbidding outside influence. The royal houses realize that trade is a sensitive issue, and are now advocating for Naboo to oversee the transport of plasma to other worlds. But, frankly, we lack both the funds and the expertise to make that a reality. How were the nobles able to learn of our overtures to you? We haven't been able to determine the source. We need to consider that someone close to our organization may be responsible for this leak. The royal houses need to be informed that a leap into the business of transgalactic shipping is ill-advised. Naboo will need funding, logistical support, and perhaps even republic legislation, and it is precisely in those areas where Damask Holdings can serve as an intermediary. Actual funding would come from the Intergalactic Banking Clan, and other conglomerates would be involved in assisting Naboo in tapping the plasma, and in the construction of a spaceport of sufficient size to handle the ships needed to transport it. Bon Tapalo will certainly want to address these points with the electorate. You mentioned certain counter-allegations released by an unknown party. Yes, and I confess that we are as surprised by the information as anyone. It seems that our group is not the first to seek the advice and support of off-world interests. Roughly sixty standard years ago, at the height of a war between the Naboo and the Gungans, our monarch was killed, and it has now emerged that some members of the very same royal houses that opposed Tapalo struck a secret deal with a mercenary group to intervene in the war should the Naboo suffer further setbacks. Fortunately, the conflict was resolved without the need for outside help. In fact, as a result of that conflict, the monarchy has since been an elected rather than hereditary post. You say that the information came as a surprise. The information had to have been provided by a source within the opposition. Veruna is correct. We were able to trace the release of the information to the young son of one of the nobles. In the hope of avoiding a scandal that could divide the electorate, the head of the royal house has perpetuated a lie that the Tapalo group chanced on the information and made it public, when actually only someone with access to the family archives could have discovered it. What is the name of the royal family? Palpatine. We may have found a potential ally, someone willing to keep us informed of the royal's plans for the election. An inside man, as it were. We wish to visit Naboo in order to discuss these matters face to face. A public appearance by you would allow us to refute any allegations of secret collusion. Then all of us will have something to gain. It will be our great honor to welcome you, Magister Damask. As I said weeks before, we honor your arrival, Magister. And as I told you then, we all have something to gain. Especially you, I suspect. Aye. When the time is right, you and I will confer privately. Clearly you've put a good deal of thought into this, but is there no room in your plans for the Naboo firms? The last thing we want is to have these construction projects be seen as signs of foreign occupation. Our partners wish to work closely with Naboo's own Plasma Energy Engineering and the Theed Space Vessel Engineering Corporation to make certain that the improvements are viewed as a cooperative effort. When the construction phases are completed, the refinery and the spaceports will be under your full control. Yet the opposition contends that Naboo will be forever indebted to the Banking Clan and the Trade Federation. Only until the Plasma begins to flow. I understand your trepidation, but the question you need to ask yourselves is whether you can win the crown without our help. I suppose so, Magister. But perhaps it's better to run the risk of defeat rather than ascend to the throne in dishonor. Dishonor? Have we crossed the galaxy to be insulted? Wait! We mean no insult to Damask Holdings. Yes, we must be mindful of the concerns of the present electorate, but we shouldn't allow the fearful voices of a few to cripple our chance of joining the galactic community and raising the profile of the entire Chommell Sector. I suggest we act boldly. To avoid being perceived as having bowed to pressure, I say we use this unprecedented visit by Damask Holdings to announce publicly that we and we alone are capable of entering into an agreement with the Banking Clan and others that will allow Naboo to restructure its debt, achieve favorable world status with the Core, and provide for tax cuts, lower interest rates, and endless opportunities for employment both on and off-world. We must seize this moment before it disappears. Do you have anything to add, Magister Damask? Only that we couldn't have stated our case any better than Theed's future governor already has. Hear, hear. One day soon, Veruna will be the King of Naboo. I'm looking for a student named Palpatine. I know him. Do you know where I might find him just now? Is he perhaps attending a class? He comes and goes. Maybe I saw him at the Youth Program building. Maybe? I think it was him. Can you direct me there? Young human, a moment of your time. Palpatine. How do you know my name? I know more about you than just your name. Normally, I take exception of people claiming to know something about me. And since I know something about you... As well, I will restrain myself. What is it you know about me? You're Hugo Damask. The President? No, the Magister of Damask Holdings. My father said that you were coming to Naboo to meet with Bon Tapalo. Your group is showing up as bid for the throne. Did your father say that I might be coming to meet with you also? Why would he? And what exactly is it you want with me? I believe we have something in common. I very much doubt that. Perhaps I'll allow reason to become acquainted then. Palpatine. Who was the man you were speaking with earlier? My mentor in the youth program. His name is Vidar Kim. He's an aide to Naboo's Republic senator. And will likely succeed her. And not a supporter of Tapalo. Are you interested in politics beyond your participation in the legislative youth program? I'm not sure what I want to do after university. But you've some interest in politics. I didn't say that. I said I wasn't sure. I'm a stranger to Theed. Would you consider showing me around? Listen, I'm... Just a short tour. Theed is a beautiful city. If you like museums. You've no interest in art. I enjoy art. But I'm more of a minimalist. In all things. I wish Theed weren't so crowded. I wish the winters were milder. I wish our king had fewer advisors and ministers. That sounds like a political statement. It is simply my personal opinion. They're not mutually exclusive. What are you attempting to draw out of me? It has come to my attention that you were responsible for the release of some information that has aided Tapalo's campaign. How? That isn't important right now. What is, is that you did so against what would have been the wishes of your father, your mentor, and some of the other royals. Are you planning to divulge this? What might happen if I did? To begin with, my father would murder me. Literally. He would disown me. It's true then. You and your father find yourselves on opposite sides of the issues that animate the coming election. It would be far stranger to find ourselves on the same side of any issue. I want to see Naboo break with the past. I want us to belong to the greater galaxy. Is it wrong to want to play an important role in the history of the Republic? Governments rise and fall. You have a better idea of how to govern the galaxy? I'm just an old Muun who wouldn't know about that. Just how old are you? In human years I would be well over 100. I envy you that. Why? All the things you've done, and can still do. What would you do? Everything. This vehicle is yours? A prototype patrol-grade Flash I race competitively. Do you win? Why else would I bother racing? Who knows? Perhaps you'll go into banking one day. Unlikely. Magister Damask. I suppose there are better ways to earn credits. Credits don't interest me. I'm beginning to wonder just what does. Palpatine, I wonder how you would feel about working with us. Damask Holdings, I mean. In what capacity? To be perfectly blunt, as a kind of spy. I won't say that you and I want the same things for Naboo. Because clearly, and notwithstanding your feelings about architecture, you hold your world dear. My group, however, is less interested in Naboo's government than it is in Naboo's plasma, and what it will fetch on the open market. If you had phrased it any differently, I would have rejected your offer out of hand. And you accept? You're willing to update us regarding whatever political machinations your father's group may have in the works? Only if I can report directly to you. Is that your wish? It is. Then by all means, you'll report exclusively to me. I'll see to it that the necessary arrangements are made. I could take you for a ride tomorrow. If you have time, I mean. Show you some more of Theed and the outskirts. If I have your word, you won't go too fast. Only fast enough to keep it interesting. Exhilarating. Maybe I'll become a professional racer. And Naboo might expect more of the hottest sun of House Palpatine. I ignore the expectations of others. Was the speeder a gift from your father? A bribe, but one I accepted. Does he approve of your racing? My father hasn't ridden with me for years. He doesn't know what he's missing. It has nothing to do with my talents. When I was younger, I was responsible for the deaths of two pedestrians. At the time, my father threatened never to allow me to fly. But he eventually relented. What made him change his mind? I wore him down. I'm sorry. I didn't know. There are some ancient ruins in there. But that's Gungan territory. Have you had any dealings with them? Personally, no. But I have seen the ones that come into Monia to trade for goods. What are your thoughts about them? Aside from the fact that they are long-eared, slimy-tongued primitives. Aside from that? I don't mind them. So long as they keep to the submerged cities and waterways. Not get in the way. Exactly. Humans deserve to have the upper hand here. There are many worlds in the galaxy where the matter of who has the upper hand, as it were, is in dispute. That's because most beings are afraid to take charge. Think about what the Republic Senate might accomplish under the leadership of a strong being. I have given thought to that, Palpatine. What does the Senate do in response to each and every crisis? It dispatches the Jedi to restore order, and moves on without addressing the roots of the problem. The Jedi could rule the Republic if they wished. I suppose we should be grateful that the Order is dedicated to peace. I don't view it like that. I think the Jedi have dedicated themselves to limiting change. They wait for the Senate to tell them when and where to intervene, and what to fix. When in fact they could use the Force to impose their will on the entire galaxy, if they wanted. I'd have more respect for them if they did. Do you grant your father respect when he attempts to impose his will on you? That's different. The reason I don't respect him is because he's not half as intelligent as he thinks he is. If he could admit to his weaknesses, I could at least pity him. Before long, I would own this human. House Palpatine is wealthy. But not nearly as wealthy as some of the other houses. And not nearly as influential with the King and the electorate. Despite my father's attempts to take a leadership position with the Royals, he lacks the political acumen needed to elevate our house to a position of true entitlement, and along with it the awareness to recognize that the time has come for Naboo to exploit its matchless resources and join the modern galaxy. Instead he and his cronies, in complete and utter political ineptitude, want to keep us caged in the past. Does your mother share his views? Only because she espouses no views of her own. Only because he has made her subservient to him. As he has my well-behaved brothers and sisters who treat me like an interloper. And yet to my father, represent all I can never be. And yet you honor your house by going by its name. Well, for a time I thought about adopting the name of Ardistathline. I haven't rejected the dynasty I was born into. I've rejected the name I was given. But not for the grandiose reasons some think. Just the opposite actually. I'm certain that you, of all beings, understand as much. Could this Palpatine be the one? He could. Of course I understand. But when you were young, did you question your motivations? Especially when they ran counter to everyone else's. I never asked why this or why that. What if this or what if that. I simply responded to my own determination. Some of us are required to do what others cannot. Have you picked a winner, Magister? I believe I have. Why is it that we never see humans competing in races? They're having the talent for it. The favorite to win today is the dug at the controls of the blue racer. Perhaps Gardulla will be able to entice humans to pilot pod racers in the course she is refurbishing on Tatooine. So it is true. You support the Hutt. It's simply business. Is this the purpose of your visit? To reopen wounds that have not yet healed? Yes. I don't... don't compound the offense. From whom did you learn of our interests on Naboo? I don't. From whom? We were approached by Subtext Mining, following the unexplained disappearance of some of its members. The ones I encountered on Sojourn, I suspect. They were in fine health when they left the gathering. I am certain they were. Why did Subtext approach you? To inform us that you are involved in a deal for the plasma. First, you strike a deal with Gardulla that favors Tatooine over Malastare. And now, Naboo's plasma captures your attention, despite your offer to increase the cost of Malastare's energy exports. So why shouldn't we have alerted the opponents of yours on Naboo, when you will have done the same? You harm yourself by attempting to sabotage us. The Protectorate could have profited from Naboo, as the Trade Federation will, but no longer. We refuse to be demeaned. Again, I remind you, Magister, that promises were made. We are not without allies and cronies in the Senate. We can crush any legislation you wish to see passed. We'll arrange for your bills and no big contracts to languish in procedure for years. We'll put one of our own in the Chancellorship. We'll deny the Trade Federation's shipping right on Kinyan and along the Trade Spine. We'll turn the Dugs loose onto the moons. And you'll never get what you want, Magister. On the contrary, I already have what I want. Order the Sun Guard to retrieve the miners we removed in the Tingle Arm. Execute them and have their bodies dumped at the gates of Subtex Mining's corporate headquarters on Corellia. Curious, Ars Veruna was supposed to meet us at the spaceport. Hold it right there. Which one of you is Magister Damask? That would be me. What is the meaning of this? Someone important wishes to speak with you. We only ask your cooperation and follow us. Ah, I see now. You need not worry, Hill. I will be gone shortly. Today, I fully intend to meet our host personally. Beautiful work, isn't it? As is the view. My, I'm so glad that you decided to accept my invitation to visit, Magister Damask. The presence of armed guards suggested an absence of choice, Cosinga Palpatine. Well, they were for your protection, Magister. I never thought of Naboo as a dangerous world. For some, it is. But now that you are here, allow me to show you around. That is Varykino, a prize of the Lake Country. Once owned by the poet Omar Berenko, and presently occupied by the Naberrie family. Are you perhaps familiar with Berenko's masterwork, The Defense of Naboo? Sadly, no. I'll arrange for you to be provided with a translation. A copy in the original text would be fine. I'm fluent in your language. Perhaps you'll take up a study of the Muun language next. Let me tell you a short story about Bon Tapalo and Ars Veruna. Seventy years ago, some two decades after our own conflict with them, the Gungans found themselves embroiled in a war for survival with a mercenary army. Fortunately, the Gungans prevailed, though not without many deaths and the loss of some of their swamp cities. Very little was ever made public regarding the cause of the war or the source of the mercenaries. But I'm willing to let you in on one of Naboo's darkest secrets, in the hope that you'll learn something from it. The reason for the war was plasma, and the houses that contributed most to funding the mercenary army were House Tapalo and House Veruna. When my grandfather learned of this, he challenged Tapalo's father to a duel of honor, and eventually succumbed to the injuries Tapalo's blade inflicted. The duel took place just there. How utterly romantic and human. Ah, perhaps you failed to grasp the point of the story, Magister. Tapalo, Veruna, and the rest of the group of thugs are interested only in power and wealth, at whatever cost in Naboo. The discovery of a plasma reservoir below Theed was the worst thing that could have happened. And now, they mean to exploit it for all it's worth, with the aid of influential beings like yourself. This is why Tapalo must never be king. It would appear that the electorate disagrees with you. For now, yes. But we have plans for bringing the electorate back into line. Beginning with an announcement that the deal Tapalo struck with the banking clan has fallen through. I wasn't aware that it had. Why do you think we stopped your party from entering Theed? We still wield enough power to keep you from setting foot on Naboo. And you may as well hear the rest of it, Magister. The Republic Senate has been apprised of mutinous attempts to meddle with and destabilize the sovereignty of our world. Naboo have a legend about six impenetrable gates that hold back chaos. House Palpatine is one of those gates. Damask... And we Muuns represent chaos. We are not opposed to having Naboo join the galactic community when the time is right. But not now. And not like this. Tapalo's promise of tax cuts and trade with the Core. Those are the very tactics the Republic deploys to seduce primitive worlds into surrendering their resources. The Naboo admire philosophers, not bankers and deal brokers. Tapalo's election to the throne would lead to catastrophe. The defense of Naboo. The poem you mentioned. What about it? Whatever became of the author, Berenko. He was abducted by assailants and never found. Are you threatening me here in my own home? I thought we were discussing history. I only meant to ask what might happen if you are unsuccessful in restraining chaos. And Tapalo wins despite your best efforts. I've already told you that that will not happen. And here is why. Because you're going to tell your friends in the Banking Clan and the Trade Federation that you've lost interest in Naboo. That you found better company among the Hutts, slavers and spice runners of the Outer Rim. You're a very long way from Muunilist, Magister Damask. I strongly suggest that you reboard your ship and leave the Chommell Sector as quickly and quietly as possible. Lest anyone fall victim to an untoward event. I take your meaning, Cosinga Palpatine. And one more thing. I don't know precisely why you've taken such a keen interest in my son or he and you. But you're to have no further dealings with him. Your son has great potential. Potential I don't want to see despoiled by your kind. We're moving him out of your reach in any case. I'd been given to believe that the Naboo were an open people. But then the Gungans probably wouldn't agree either. Enough of this! Guard! Get him out of my sight! I knew you would come, Magister. How did you know? I just knew. And just how often are your premonitions correct? Almost always. Curious. He doesn't know you. We'll have to keep this meeting brief. Your father may have dispatched surveillance personnel. He's monitoring my off-world communicators. But even he wouldn't have me watched. You underestimate him, Palpatine. I spoke with him at Convergence. The lake house? When? How? He threatened, too, to place you out of reach. He can't do this. He hasn't the right. I won't allow it. Can this human truly been born of flesh and blood parents, when in fact he seems sprung from nature itself? You have to help me. How can I help you? He's your father. Tell me what to do. Tell me what you would do. You could use this incident as a means of emancipating yourself. Naboo doesn't honor that practice. I'm in his way until I'm 21. The legalities of emancipation don't interest me. And they shouldn't interest you. I speak of freeing yourself. Of completing the act of recreation you began when you rejected your given name. You mean... disobey him? If that's as far as you're willing to go. And without thought or consequences. I... Uncertainty is the first step towards self-determination. Courage comes next. What would I do? What do you want to do, Palpatine? If the choice was yours and yours alone. I don't want to live as ordinary beings live. Do you fancy yourself extraordinary? I... want to live an extraordinary life. Make no apologies for your desires. Extraordinary in what way? Why are you holding back? If you're going to dream, then dream large. You hinted that you had no interest in politics. I have an interest in politics. How deep does your interest go? To what position do you aspire? Republic Senator? Monarch of Naboo? Supreme Chancellor of the Republic? You'll think less of me if I tell you. Now you underestimate me as you do your father. I want to be a force for change. I want to rule. There, he admits it. And who better than a human to wear the mask of power while an immortal Sith Lord rules in secret? If that can't happen, if you can't rule, then what? If not power, then nothing. Suppose I said that I would be willing to be your ally in this quest. What would you expect of me in return? Nothing more than that you commit to your intent to free yourself, that you grant yourself the license to do whatever is necessary to realize your ambitions, at whatever risk to your alleged well-being, and to full expectation of the solitude that will ensue. I want to tell you something about my past. I was born and raised not on Muunilist, but on a world called Mygeeto. And not to my father's primary wife, but to a second wife. I only experienced Muunilist as a young adult when my father returned there. Due to strict population laws, only someone of my father's influence could bring a non-indigenous half-clan member like me to the planet. Despite this, my father's family saw me as an outsider, lacking the social grace of those born on Moonalist. The Muuns detest non-conformity, and I had it in abundance. My siblings were model citizens, insular, self-important, and thrifty to a fault. It angered me to be accepted by the galaxy's downtrodden, but rejected by their self-serving beings. They had to accept me as a fully bonded clan member, entitled to my share of my father's wealth. But I had to prove my worth by preparing successful financial forecasts and being judged by the ruling elite. I passed my tests and trials, but soon after, my father fell ill. On his deathbed, he advised me to do whatever was necessary to survive, even using harsh means if needed, as lesser minds required guidance and punishment. My father died of a rare genetic disease, which my siblings inherited, but I did not. Panicked by the prospect of early death, my siblings searched for the finest geneticists and found one who claimed to have a cure. Confident they had avoided the family curse, they underwent treatment, including my clan mother, and then focused on legally ostracizing me from the family. Little did they realize that I had hired the geneticist, and the treatments he provided were as fake as his credentials. Gradually, they began to grow ill and die one by one. I watched from afar, gloating, even pretending to be sad at their funerals and indifferent at rituals that transferred their wealth to me... Eventually, I outlived all of them, and inherited everything. You think me a monster. You underestimate me, Magister. Palpatine, your father is here. When did he arrive? An hour ago. Your mother and siblings are also aboard. They didn't tell me. You already cleared Chandrila customs, so we can proceed directly to the ship. Just discharging your orders? Is that it? It's a job, kid. That's the long and short of it. Why wasn't I informed of this beforehand? Your mother and siblings are aft. I'll join you there once we've completed the jump. Our course is set for Chommell Minor. For the foreseeable future, you're going to be residing with the Greejatus family. Clothes and other items we thought you'd like to have with you are already aboard. You and Janus got along well the last time we visited. A change of scene will do you good. You decided this without conferring with me. What about my university courses? My obligations to the youth program? That has all been arranged. You can partner with Janus in Chommell Minor's program. The Greejatus' hatred of non-humans meets with your approval, then? Their chauvinism nonewithstanding. I approve of them a lot more than I do your current friends. No. This is for your own good. No. Father of Lies, how would you know what's good for me? Have you ever even cared? This is about my friendship with Hego Damask, isn't it? Is this what you think it is? Damask is merely using you as a means of securing information about our strategies for the election. Of course he is. And yet you continue to befriend him. Would you consider the rape of Naboo icy as a step forward? Hego Damask is a blessing. He's powerful, influential, and brilliant. More so than any of my so-called professors. Head and shoulders above you or any of your royal confederates. It begins to sound to me that this confrontation goes beyond mere political differences. You know it does. You are using this to put me under your thumb again. Which wouldn't be necessary if you showed even the slightest ability to conduct yourself appropriately. My social infractions and trespasses. I refuse to go over old ground. You're easy on yourself, considering the shame you've nearly brought on us. I have brought no more shame on the family than you have. We're not discussing me. All right, leave me on Chommell Minor! But I won't remain there. I can see to it that you do. By assigning some of your muscle men to keep me in line, I'm a lot smarter than them, father. After what you already did to counter our plans for Tapalo, there can be no hint of scandal. Have you no idea what's at stake for Naboo? And for you, your mistress's brother becomes king. And you will get the lofty position you've always desired, but don't deserve. It'll be so good to have you gone. Finally, you admit it. You're as much a mystery to me now as you were when you were young. Because you lack the ability to understand me. Grandiose as ever. Grandiose, in fact. You have no idea what I'm capable of. No one does. I know that you are of my blood, because I had you tested, just to be certain. But in truth, I don't know where you came from, who or what you've actually descended from. Yes, there is. That glow I have been on the receiving end of for seventeen long years. As if you want to murder me. Murder has always been in your thoughts, hasn't it? You've merely been waiting for someone to Grant you permission to act. I don't need anyone's permission. Precisely. You're an animal at heart. King of the beasts, father. I've known it since the first moment I tried to swaddle you. And you fought me with the strength that was too powerful for your size or age. I was born mature, fully grown, and you aided me for it. Aided you more than you know. Enough to want to kill you from the start. Well then you had better do it now. What was that? GUARDS! Oh father, where do you think you are going? If the Force birthed you, then I curse it! I curse it! As I do. Cosinga?! We are all in this now. If the force birthed you, then I curse it! I curse it! Magister Damask, there is an incoming transmission. Hill? No, it is the young human, Palpatine. Where are you? I'm not sure. You're in a starship. A family ship. Read aloud the navicomputer coordinates. Rimward of Exodeen, along the Hydian Way. Contact the Sun Guard. Have them ready a ship and prepare yourself to accompany them. Yes, Magister. Are you capable of maintaining your present course? The autopilot is engaged. Tell me what happened. My father arrived unexpectedly on Chandrila. After the launch, I learned that I was being taken to Carmel Minor. We argued. Tell me what happened. I killed them. I killed them, even the guards. Over and done with. Now to read them in further and ensure his continued usefulness. Did anyone on Chandrila observe you board the family ship? Only the guard. And he's dead. Everyone's dead. We need to return you quietly and covertly to Chandrila. I'm sending help. I droid among them. Offer no explanation of what occurred, even if asked. But follow every command without question. You're not coming with them? I will see you soon enough, Palpatine. But the ship... the evidence... I'll make arrangements for the ship's disposal. No one will ever learn of this event. Do you understand? I trust him. And Palpatine, congratulations on becoming an emancipated being. You said soon. A standard week is not soon. I had business to attend to. Was I supposed to drop everything in service to the predicament you've gotten yourself into? Forgive me for believing we were in this together. Together? How so? Am I not your agent, on Naboo? You did provide us with some useful information. I did more than that, Magistar. And you know it. You share as much responsibility for what happened as I do. Has it really been only a week? Or you seem greatly changed. Were the Chandrila and Naboo authorities so rough on you? As you promised. Where there is no evidence, there is no crime. We searched extensively, but found nothing. But it is you who have changed, despite knowing this would happen. Did I suspect that you and your father might reach an impasse? Of course. It would have been obvious to anyone. But you seem to be implying that I somehow divined that the confrontation would end in violence. You are lying. You may as well have forced my hand. What an odd way to put it. But since you've grasped the truth of it, I offer you a confession. Yes, I deliberately goaded you. You came to Chandrila to ensure my father's spies saw us together. Once more, correct? You make me proud of you. You used me. There was no other way. Was any of your story about your siblings true? Some of it. But that scarcely matters now. You asked for my help, and I provided it. Your father attempted to thwart you, and you acted of your own free will. And by killing him, I have ridden you of an opponent. My father was right about you. You are a gangster. And you're free and wealthy. So what now, young human? I continue to have great hopes for you. But before I could tell you everything, I needed you to be free. Free from what? From fear of expressing your true nature. You know nothing of my true nature. You never asked about the killings. I've never been one for grim details. But if you need to unburden yourself, do so. I executed them with these. And with the power of my mind, I became a storm. A weapon strong enough to warp bulkheads and her bodies across cabin spaces. I was death itself. Oh, what a cautious taming he would require. But what an ally he might make. What an ally. I'm not sure I know what to think of this, Palpatine. Have you always had such powers? I've always known I was capable of summoning them. Here is where the path bifurcates, young human. Here and now you need to decide whether to disavow your power, or to venture courageously and scrupulously into the depths of truth, no matter the consequences. You could devote the rest of your life to trying to make sense of this power, this gift. Or you could consider a different option. It's a dark path into a trackless wilderness from which few return. Not without a guide, at any rate. But it is also the shortest, quickest route between today and tomorrow. In your studies, have you ever learned of the Sith? A Jedi sect, weren't they? The result of a kind of family feud. Yes, yes. In some ways, just that. But more, the Sith are the prodigal offspring, destined to return and overthrow the Jedi. The Sith are considered to be evil. Evil? What is that? Moments ago, you defined yourself as a storm. You said you were death itself. Are you evil, then, or are you simply stronger and more awake than others? Who gives more shape to sentient history? The good, who adhere to the tried and true, or those who seek to rouse beings from their stupor and lead them to glory? A storm you are, but a much-needed one, to wash away the old and complacent, and prune the galaxy of dead weight. Is this the wisdom you offer? The tenets of some arcane cult? The test of its value is whether you can live by it, Palpatine. If I had wanted that, I would have forced my parents years ago to surrender me to the Jedi Order, instead of transferring me from school to private school. And of what possible use do you think a person of your nature would be to the Jedi Order? You're heartless, ambitious, arrogant, insidious, and without shame or empathy. More, you're a murderer. Careful, boy. Sadly, you are not the only being in this plush state room with the power to kill. I can sense it. What you sense is a fraction of what I can bring to bear. Might I be of some use to the Sith? Possibly. Perhaps even likely. But we would have to wait and see. Where are the Sith? Just now, there is only one. Unless, of course, it is your will to join me. I do wish to join you. Then kneel before me, and pledge that it is your will to join your destiny forever with the Order of the Sith Lords. It is my will to join my destiny forever with the Order of the Sith Lords. Then it is done. From this day forward, the truth of you, now and forevermore, will be... Sidious. In time, you will come to understand that you are one with the dark side of the Force, and that your power is beyond contradiction. But just now, and until I tell you differently, abiding submission is your only road to salvation. It was on this world that I first became aware of my Force powers, and dark impulses. Unlike temperate Muunilist, Mygeeto is ruthless, but I adapted. By age eight, I could venture into violent storms barely dressed. But I haven't brought you here to recup my past, Sidious. If you were adapted to these conditions, I would have taken you to a desert. If you were an aquatic, I would have stranded you on dry land. The true divide between the Sith and the Jedi isn't just darkness versus light, but for you between naked cold and warm. Distress and comfort. Entropy and predictability. Your blood is close to frozen. Too much time here and you will die. That is what you would think at the beginning. When the dark side has sniffed you out and sidled up to you, you will think, I will die. The dark side will kill me. And it's true, you will die, but only to be reborn. You must take deeply into yourself the knowledge of what it means to be removed. You must feel it in the marrow of your bones, because it will never be this. Do you remember killing them? Y-yes. Do you? Yes. Very good. I can feel your move and sense your increasing power. I can't have your will tempered by feelings of regret or compassion. You were brought into being to lead. Therefore you must see everything has nothing more than a tool to elevate you, to move you to your destined place. This is our galaxy, Sidious. Our reality. In this pitiless place your power is forged. Even a Jedi can surpass the Horda's teachings of fear or hatred and discover greater power. But no Jedi who kills in anger or desire can truly claim the dark side, merely rationalizing their actions. The Sith embrace the dark from the start, focusing on power without excuses. We stalk the force like hunters, rather than surrender like prey to its enigmatic wills. I am your torturer, Sidious. You will lie and tried to reverse our roles, making yourself shine to the dark side. So appease me, Sidious. Tell me again how you killed them. If you don't already want to murder me, you will. The urge to kill one's superior is intrinsic. My strength, wisdom, and achievements fuel your envy and desire. This dynamic set by Darth Bane must endure until I guide you to parity. Then we must work together, without secrets or mistrust, to realize our goals. Until then, you must prove your worthiness to me and the dark side. Transform your hatred into power, overcoming any obstacle. How much longer, Master? Perhaps a moment, perhaps an eternity. Stop thinking about the future and anchor yourself in the present. A Sith apprentice learns pain from the start and inflicts it. A Sith goes for the throat just as you did on your family's starship. I meant, how much longer will it take me to learn? Hard to tell. Humans are their own worst enemies. Your body isn't meant to withstand real punishment. It is easily injured and slow to heal. Your olfactory and tactile senses are relatively acute, but your auditory and visceral senses are extremely limited. Have I no strengths, Master? Of course, you have the force, apprentice, and the talent to lead. More, you have the bloodlust of a serial killer, though we need to hold that in reserve unless violence serves some extraordinary purpose. We are not butchers, Sidious, like some past Sith Lords. We are architects of the future.