Darth Plagueis - James Luceno [55]
From doing what? Plagueis wondered. “What is it you know about me?”
Palpatine exhaled in mild impatience. “You’re Hego 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 shoring up his 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 all the more reason to become acquainted, then.”
Palpatine glanced around him, as if searching for an escape.
“Who was the man you were speaking with earlier?” Plagueis asked.
Palpatine started to say something, then cut himself off and began again. “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.” He looked hard at Plagueis. “And not a supporter of Tapalo.”
Plagueis weighed the response. “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.”
Plagueis nodded and looked up at the library building. “I’m a stranger to Theed. Would you consider showing me around?”
Palpatine’s jaw dropped a bit. “Listen, I’m—”
“Just a short tour.”
Engaging in small talk, they walked along the river in the direction of the concert hall and Queen Yram’s Needle, then crossed a footbridge and began to angle toward the palace complex. Aside from providing Plagueis with holos of Palpatine, Larsh Hill hadn’t been able offer much information regarding the youth’s background. Though he lacked an appellation, Palpatine’s father was a wealthy, influential royal, with a reputation for advocating for Naboo’s continued independence and isolation. The family name was thought to be an ancient name of state among hereditary noble families, or perhaps a name borrowed from an ancient region of Naboo.
“Theed is a beautiful city,” Plagueis remarked as they emerged from a narrow lane into the Palace Plaza.
“If you like museums,” Palpatine said offhandedly.
“You’ve no interest in art?”
Palpatine looked at him sideways. “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 advisers and ministers.”
“That sounds like a political statement.”
“It’s simply my personal opinion.”
“They’re not mutually exclusive.”
Palpatine stopped short. “What are you attempting to draw out of me?”
Plagueis indicated a nearby bench. When Palpatine finally relented and sat down, Plagueis said, “It has come to my attention that you were responsible for the release of some information that has aided Tapalo’s campaign.”
Genuine surprise blossomed on Palpatine’s face. “How—”
Plagueis held up a hand. “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?”
Plagueis searched Palpatine’s face. “What might happen if I did?”
“To begin with, my father would murder me.”
“Literally?”
Palpatine exhaled forcefully. “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.”
Palpatine lowered his gaze to the ground. “It would be far stranger to find ourselves on the same side of any issue.” He looked up again at Plagueis. “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?”
Plagueis rocked his head. “Governments rise and fall.”
“You have a better idea of how to govern the galaxy?”
Plagueis allowed a laugh. “I’m just an old Muun who wouldn’t know about that.”
Seeing through him, Palpatine