Darth Plagueis - James Luceno [163]
Nevertheless, the two Sith had worked tirelessly to make the most of Naboo’s predicament to secure support among Palpatine’s peers, and ensure not only that his name would be placed in nomination, but that he could win if nominated. Equally important, they had to make certain that Palpatine could marshal enough votes in the Senate to ratify his decision to appoint Hego Damask co-chancellor.
For a change, Damask had taken the lead—making the rounds, making promises, calling in long-overdue favors and debts—while Palpatine, for appearances’ sake, made several futile attempts to meet privately with Trade Federation representative Lott Dod. Pestage, Doriana, Janus Greejatus, Armand Isard, and others were also busy behind the scenes, planting incriminating evidence where necessary, and seeing to it that instances of graft were made public.
Their joint efforts did not constitute a political campaign so much as an exercise in elaborate subterfuge.
“Bail Antilles remains the front-runner,” Plagueis told Sidious when he arrived at the Muun’s penthouse. “Ironically, the crisis at Naboo has drawn the Core Worlds into a tighter circle. Where Antilles has always been in danger of being dismissed as the candidate most likely to follow in Valorum’s footsteps, he is suddenly the darling of those advocating for strong, central authority.”
“He can be undermined,” Sidious said. “What about Teem?”
“In addition to the Trade Federation, Teem now has the backing of the Corporate Policy League.”
Sidious remained indifferent. “The Senate is not ready to elect a militant, much less a militant Gran. Embracing the support of the CPL is equivalent to promising the repeal of anti-slavery restrictions.”
Plagueis’s frustration was evident, even if his frown was hidden. “Interest in Naboo is already beginning to wane, and with it the sympathy vote we counted on.”
Sidious had his mouth open to respond when his comlink chimed, and he held the device to his ear.
Plagueis watched him closely.
“That is most welcome news,” Sidious said into the device, as if in a daze. “I didn’t expect this … A good choice, I think … I am certain of it, Supreme Chancellor … Yes, I’m sure she meant every word of it.”
“What now?” Plagueis asked the moment Palpatine broke the connection.
Sidious shook his head in disbelief. “Valorum somehow managed to persuade the Council to send two Jedi to Naboo.”
Despite all his talk about invincibility, Plagueis looked confounded. “Without Senate approval? He tightens the noose around his own neck!”
“And ours,” Sidious said, “if the Neimoidians panic and decide to admit the truth about the blockade.”
Plagueis paced away from him in anger. “He must have approached the High Council in secret. Otherwise, Mas Amedda would have apprised us.”
Sidious followed the Muun’s nervous movements. “Dooku mentioned that the Council would continue to support him.”
“Did Valorum say which Jedi were sent?”
“Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
Plagueis came to an abrupt halt. “Worse news yet. I have met Qui-Gon, and he is nothing like some of the others Dooku trained.”
“They are a pesky duo,” Sidious said. “The nemesis of the Nebula Front at Dorvalla, Asmeru, and on Eriadu.”
“Then Gunray and his sycophants stand no chance against them.”
Sidious had an answer ready. “Two lone Jedi are no match for thousands of battle droids and droidekas. I will order Gunray to kill them.”
“And we will have another Yinchorr, and the added danger of Gunray divulging our actions, past and present.” Plagueis thought for a moment. “Qui-Gon will evade detection by the droids and wreak slow but inevitable havoc on the flagship.”
“Then I will command Gunray to launch the invasion ahead of schedule. Protecting the Naboo will