Darth Plagueis

by James Luceno

“And now we are justified in striking back,” Sidious said. “We no longer need to justify our actions to anyone. But bear in mind what I told you long ago: by killing one, we can frighten many.” Sidious nodded. “We owe Jabba a great debt.” “I spoke briefly with Veruna from the Hutt’s ship.” Sidious grinned slightly. “I suspected as much when I learned just prior to the summit that he had abdicated, and that Padmé Naberri had been appointed Queen. He has apparently hidden himself away in Naboo’s Western Reaches.” “That’s not hiding,” Plagueis said with a note of menace. “All went well on Eriadu?” “Better than expected, what with the Jedi running in circles and convinced that Valorum was the target. I savored their dismayed incredulity on learning that the droids had emptied their weapons on the members of the directorate. In the end, the leaders of the Nebula Front died, as well, and our friend Wilhuff Tarkin is making matters difficult for Republic investigators.