Darth Plagueis

Twenty years later, in 34 BBY, Palpatine’s Senate career is well-established. In the Senate, Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum announces that Yinchorri warriors have murdered two Jedi. When Valorum proposes taxing free-trade zones, Senators Lott Dod, Orn Free Taa, and Passel Argente protest, turning the debate into chaos and demonstrating the Republic’s vulnerability to the Sith-instigated crisis.

Days later, Palpatine hosts a gathering where Valorum seeks political support. Valorum confides his fears about a spreading darkness and mentions Master Dooku’s dissent with the Jedi Council following heavy losses at Galidraan. Palpatine veils his own ambitions, steering conversations with his aides Sate Pestage and Kinman Doriana while noting Dooku’s unrest.

On Sojourn, Sidious meets Plagueis, who is assisted by the droid 11-4D. They review a holorecording of Maul, Sidious’s Zabrak assassin. Sidious recounts Maul’s brutal conditioning and, while Plagueis rebukes Maul’s pride, he accepts him as a useful tool.

Judging the Yinchorri Crisis an insufficient problem for the Republic, they redirect their strategy toward the Trade Federation. Plagueis orders Sidious to approach Viceroy Nute Gunray, reveal his identity as Darth Sidious, and build leverage over him. Plagueis also instructs Sidious to probe the loyalty of Naboo’s King Veruna to prepare the Federation for future confrontation.