Star Wars - Darth Plagueis

darker 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.” He gestured to a lawn that bordered the veranda. “The duel took place just there.”
    Plagueis glanced at the spot. “How utterly romantic and human.”
    Cosinga Palpatine’s handsome face took on color. “Perhaps you failto grasp the point of the story, Magister. Tapalo, Veruna, and the rest of that group of thugs are interested only in power and wealth, at whatever cost to 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.”
    Plagueis pretended to consider it, then said, “It would appear that the electorate disagrees with you.”
    Palpatine nodded. “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,” Plagueis said evenly.
    Palpatine became angrier as he spoke. “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 Muunilinst’s attempt to meddle with and destabilize the sovereignty of our world.” When Plagueis didn’t respond, he added, “The 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,” Plagueis said, without making it sound like a question.
    Palpatine leaned forward and spoke in a calmer voice. “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.” He shook his head as anger took hold of him once more. “The Naboo admire philosophers, not bankers and deal brokers. Tapalo’s election to the throne would lead to catastrophe.”
    “The Defense of Naboo,” Plagueis said. “The poem you mentioned.”
    “What about it?”
    “What ever became of the author—Berenko?”
    Cosinga Palpatine’s eyes narrowed to slits. “He was abducted by assailants and never found.” He rose halfway out of his chair to add, “Are you threatening me—here, in my own home?”
    Plagueis made a placating gesture. “I thought we were discussinghistory. 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’ve found better company among the Hutts, slavers, and spicerunners of the Outer Rim.” He paused momentarily. “You’re a very long way from Muunilinst, Magister Damask. I strongly suggest that you reboard your ship and leave the Chommell sector as quickly and as quietly as possible, lest anyone fall victim to an untoward event.”
    Plagueis stared at the lake. “I take your meaning, Cosinga Palpatine,” he said, without looking at him.
    “And one more thing,” Palpatine said, emboldened. “I don’t know precisely why you’ve taken such a keen interest in my son, or he in you, but you’re to have no further dealings with him.”
    Plagueis turned to him. “Your son has great potential.”
    “Potential I don’t wish 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.”
    Palpatine stood up sharply. “Enough of this. Guard!” he said. And when three of them hurried in: “Get him out of my sight.”

11: AVATAR OF MORTALITY
    The planet Chandrila sponsored a monthlong retreat for members of the Legislative Youth Program. Once a year young beings