Jim had been exactly right when he had guessed that Jabba the Hutt was tied to the Sith lord. Jabba was a ruthless gangster and smuggled for the Sith lord in order to fund his own illegal actions. He smuggled supplies as well as spice for the Sith lord, and Jabba knew he was a high official, but did not know exactly who, although he knew Jango Fett. He had visited his palace plenty of times and hid out there when things got too hot.

Right now, Fett was hanging out in Jabba's palace and had Boba along as well. Jango had been thinking about that bounty on that captain from the other galaxy. He was wanted alive so that he could be "questioned", and if one of his friends could be captured, it would be even more profitable. He had certainly been the one who spotted him on Tatooine and informed Darth Sidious. He did not know who Sidious was outside his Sith lord personage, but he did not care. He had been paid dearly for his donation to the clone army. He also intended to be the one who brought that captain to his doom. He was sure he would never be seen again once he was delivered to that Sith lord. However, he would love to know how they came to be in that galaxy again. How were they making the transition? How long did it take? He would have some questions for that captain himself, and he intended to get the answers.

"Pop, are you still thinking about going after that captain?" Boba asked.

"I am," Jango answered. "Our success depends on the planning, and that will take observation."

"Yeah but you know how to get that done too."

"You've learned well already, Boba."

"Cause you're the greatest bounty hunter ever."

"Just remember, planning and thinking are what keep you alive, and don't trust anyone but yourself."

Boba listened intently to everything his father told him because he intended to be a bounty hunter as well. "Are we going to Coruscant soon?" he asked.

"Soon," Jango answered. He knew the captain from the other galaxy was there. News of his whereabouts was rampant among those such as himself, and especially the Sith lord. His focus had been on Senator Amidala, but since the captain had returned, his technology was more important. Jango could not help but think of how valuable that technology would be for his profession. To be able to jump into a place and out before anyone knew he was there would make his job much easier. He had demanded that sharing the technology would be part of his fee if he brought that captain in alive. The Sith lord had not liked it but he had agreed. Now, he had to figure out a way to get that captain out of the Jedi Temple and away from the Jedi. That did not seem like an easy task since he was in a strange galaxy and obviously wanted to stay with people who knew where they were going. A wise move.

Jim, Qui-Gon, and Bones arrived back at the Jedi Temple from their meeting with Kavis Jocle in the lower levels of Coruscant. Spock had also returned with Obi-Wan. They met in the Room of a Thousand Fountains again. "I learned a little something about Tatooine," Solan said. "Or, maybe I learned something. It's a desert world, they use vaporators to get moisture out of the air and grow crops, it's controlled by the Hutts, and one of them has a palace there. So we already knew most of that. But, I was just thinking…"

"Oh boy, he's been thinking," Bones interrupted.

Solan folded his arms. "Where would a bounty hunter go to hide?" he asked. "Wouldn't he go to a planet where no one is going to bother him, and where he's connected to whatever outfit he's with?"

"I agree," Jim replied. "He's probably there, but they've also captured two women from our friends down below, and Kavis believes they've been taken there."

Solan frowned. "I was also thinking that there could have been a spy among that Senator's own people," he said.

"Could have, but there would be no way to find out. Besides, she is on Naboo right now with Anakin and his mother. The chancellor has managed to put off that vote until after all this has settled down some. With so many assassination attempts, he's using that as an excuse. I suppose Palpatine wouldn't want to make too much fuss over that. He must know we suspect him."

"Captain, it is well-known that we are here in this galaxy again," Spock said.

"I know. What did you find out?"

"It is likely that the Hutts are connected in some way to the Sith lord. They are smugglers of spice which is how they and the Sith lord keep their followers under control. It is also well-known that our good doctor cured the brain-rot plague which did not make our adversaries happy since it was supposed to be part of their plot to create more fear. It would be quite difficult to trace all this activity back to Palpatine because of fear, and because he most likely controls those who would do the investigations."

Jim sat down on a bench, and the others sat down around him. "It seems like every way we turn, there's some wall there to stop us," he said. "Kavis and his friends returned with us and they're filling Qui-Gon and the others in on what they know. I don't know what they'll decide to do." He looked at Spock and the others. "There's also still talk about that superweapon, which we all know is the death star."

"There must be a way to find out where one would hide such a weapon while it is in production," Spock declared.

"Question is: how? Right now, we need to focus on the dinner we're involved in, and that Palpatine is coming to. Once we get done with that, I think we'll know more about what is involved in this."

"I'm sure he's not going to reveal anything," Bones said. "He wouldn't fall for a trick like that."

"I agree," Spock said. "However, it is not likely that he would pass up the opportunity to try and find out more of what he wants to know as well."

"You may be right about that," Jim replied. "We just have to be careful how we say things. Who knows? Maybe we can cause him to say something he wouldn't say if we get him off guard."

"Like making him think we're just a bunch of dummies from another galaxy who have no idea what we're doing?" Solan asked.

"Maybe. After all, he can't use the Force outright because our Jedi friends would know. I just wish we knew where that bounty hunter is."

"Probably hiding out on Tatooine until his employer calls him again."

"That Jabba's palace on Tatooine is guarded by some droid with an attitude," Jim said, remembering what Kavis had told them. "He thinks there's no way to get into that palace."

"Droids can be disabled," Spock replied. "However, since we do not have a tricorder, it would be more difficult."

"There must be some way to create one here. I mean, they have all sorts of technology."

"But if we create our own technology here, we will be sharing it with this galaxy."

Jim rubbed his face. "Always something." He could definitely see the danger in doing that. With some of their technology, that Emperor could certainly become invincible. "Could you do it yourself if you only had the parts?"

"Yes. However, to obtain the parts, we would most likely have to answer inquiries into what we are making."

"Maybe not. Kavis Jocle would probably know how to get hold of some of the stuff you need."

"Captain, in order to create a tricorder, we would need certain substances that may not be available in this galaxy, and if they are, we have no way of knowing whether they would be called the same name."

"He might figure it out."

Just then, Jim's communicator chirped. He scowled at that since everyone he knew in this galaxy was here around him. The others looked thoroughly confused as well. Jim took the communicator out and flipped it open. "Kirk here," he said.

"Captain!"

Jim's mouth dropped open as he stood up. He had no trouble recognizing that Scottish accent. "Scotty! Where are you?"

"Hopefully where you are."

"We're on Coruscant…in the other galaxy. Where are you?"

"We found you."

Jim thought he heard a cheer in the background. "How did you…you're on Coruscant?"

"Yes, Captain."

Jim looked at the others around him with that smile he usually had before they were in up to their necks in trouble. "Man, we are in so much trouble," Bones said. "Can I go to the Enterprise? I want a shower and some medical equipment, different clothes."

"Bones, we need to keep these clothes," Jim replied. "We blend in more."

"But I need medical equipment. Solan over there still has pain with that rib and so do I."

"Fine. Having the Enterprise here gives us a better chance of causing more havoc. We have a means of transportation that we don't have to explain to anyone else."

"But we do not know this galaxy as we do our own," Spock reminded him.

"We can learn. We didn't know ours until we started exploring it. This galaxy is inhabited."

"Yeah, and there are species in this galaxy who would like to take you apart and sell you piece by piece too," Bones declared.

"He's right," Solan agreed.

"I'll be on the Enterprise. And now, we even have more people to work with that no one in this galaxy knows."

Spock, Bones, and Solan just stood there, knowing that Jim would come up with some sort of plan, and it most likely would not be all thought out before they began. Like always, they would simply play it by ear.

"I believe it would be beneficial to us if our enemies did not know that we have our ship," Spock said.

"You're probably right," Jim agreed. "We have to talk to Qui-Gon and the others about this. Maybe they can give us a specific room to transport to so that no one will see us."

"I sure hope it isn't in some dark cave," Solan said. "Or in a library with a grouchy old Jedi woman who doesn't like anyone bothering her with frivolous searches."

Jim turned back to his communicator. "Stand by, Mister Scott," he said.

"Yes, Captain," Scotty replied.

Jim ended the transmission and they left the Room of a Thousand Fountains. "Captain, what do you plan to do?" Spock asked.

"I don't know yet, but I want to go up to the Enterprise to figure that out," Jim said. "At least there, we know there are no spies listening."

They found Obi-Wan and informed him that their ship was there. He showed them to a room where they could transport and not be seen. "We can take Kavis and his friends to the ship as well," Jim said.

"I will let you know if they want to come," Obi-Wan replied. "Do not transport anywhere but in this room."

"We'll be in touch."

Jim opened his communicator. "Scotty, energize."

Soon, Jim and the others were surrounded by a swirl of light and they were soon on the transporter pad aboard the Enterprise. The first person Jim saw was Carol Marcus. He had thought he might never see her again, and he thought he had never been gladder to see her…and he thought she must be glad to see him as well because she grabbed him in a tight hug. "I thought I'd never see you again," Carol said as she looked into his blue eyes.

"Me too," Jim replied.

Scotty, Uhura, and John McCoy were also there to greet them. "We thought we'd lost you, Captain," Scotty said.

"I thought we were lost for good. How did you get here? How did you find us?"

"Well, that took a little thought and ingenuity, but we managed quite well I think. We created a rift identical to the one that swallowed you, and in the same place, so we figured we'd end up in the same place."

"That was a big risk, Scotty. You could have ended up anywhere."

"You woulda done it for us, Captain."

"Thank you, Mister Scott."

Bones grabbed Solan by the arm. "To the medical bay before you start running off," Bones said.

Solan went with him. He would be glad to get that rib mended. "What kind of trouble do you think we'll get into next?" he asked.

"I don't know, but I'm sure it's going to have some sort of intergalactic consequences."

Jim walked out of the transporter room with everyone else around him. He felt incredibly relieved to be aboard the ship. At least he knew where he was going. "What is the plan, Captain?" Scotty asked. "Are we leaving this galaxy?"

"We can't yet," Jim replied. "We have to help them all we can. There are a lot of things happening. We have to figure out a way to find that death star that is in production right now. There must be somebody who knows where it is."

"But they would never tell you," Spock said.

"Jim, what is happening here?" Carol asked. "How can we all help if we don't know what's happening?"

"I'm going to fill you all in," Jim replied. "Everyone needs to wear different clothes besides their uniforms. We don't want to stand out."

"They're wearing clothes like the ones you're wearing?"

Jim could see the amused look on Carol's face. "Some of them."

"What do the women wear?"

Jim considered that. "Well, actually, I haven't seen that many women except Padme and she wears fancy clothes. The Jedi women wear practically the same sort of clothes as the men."

"Who is Padme?"

"She's a senator now. She used to be the Queen of Naboo. She helped us get off Tatooine. Otherwise, we'd be stuck there now."

"I should thank her."

"Well, right now, she's gone back to Naboo with Anakin and his mother. There was an assassination attempt on her."

They arrived at the conference room and Jim sat down at the table. He thought he had not realized how tired he was until now. Perhaps it was because of the tension he had felt until he got back on the ship, and thinking that they were stuck in this galaxy. The others all sat down around the table. Jim explained as much as he could to the ones who did not know everything about these galactic trips they had been taking.

"Now that we have more people here, I think we have a better chance of doing something about all this," Jim said.

"Captain, we must be cautious," Spock replied. "We are not from this galaxy, and if we cause destruction or any other catastrophe in this galaxy, we could be regarded as criminals."

"I know that, but we'll have permission, or we'll find out what we can do without being in trouble."

"Walking on the edge like usual," Bones murmured.

"So, how do you defeat a gangster who makes up his own rules?" Sulu asked.

Jim pondered that as well as the others. "I think surprise is always a good thing," he said. "Could we transport into the palace?"

"From what I read about it, I don't think so," Solan said. "It's like a big cave with a huge metal door."

"If we intend to do this, it seems that the only way is to deactivate the droid which guards the door," Spock said.

"You guys all be thinking about this while we're at that dinner," Jim said. "We'll figure out something. You're all dismissed."

Everyone left the conference room while Jim stood beside the door. Carol was last and she stopped as the door closed. They grabbed each other in a tight hug and shared a kiss. "I thought I'd never see you again," Jim said.

"I thought we might not find you," Carol replied. "And you've been here before."

"Yes."

"Are you going to show me around?"

Jim considered that. "I'm not sure I want that Sith lord to find out about you. This is a really dangerous situation."

"How dangerous?"

"This…Force they use in this galaxy is dangerous. They can fight you without touching you. Spock can even feel it and use it."

"How?"

"I don't know. Maybe because of his mental abilities. But when we go back to our galaxy, he can't feel it there."

"That's strange. What is it?"

"I don't know. All I know is that there are dangerous people who can use it."

"How can we stop them?"

"The Jedi are going to help us. We're going to this dinner to try and get Palpatine angry enough to show his true self."

"Please let me join you. Then I'll come back to the ship and stay out of trouble."

"You? Stay out of trouble?"

"Well, I probably would have trouble staying here while you're down there."

"I'll tell you this: I like the idea of you being there with me, but we have to be extremely careful. They can even manipulate your mind."

"I think I want to go back to our galaxy."

"Me too, but since we're here, I want to help them if we can. There has to be a way. We can't just leave those two women there if we can get them out."

"You have to be the hero, don't you?"

"Not always. Don't worry, you're the only woman for me."

"How long do you think we'll be here?"

"I don't know. Could be a long time. But tonight is the big dinner."

"I'll wear something stylish."

"You're not taking no for an answer, are you?"

"No. So what do they wear down there?"

"We'll have to look that up on their…holonet. I think that's what they call it."

They left the conference room to find Bones and Spock waiting for them. "What are you guys doing? Eavesdropping?" Jim asked.

"Certainly not, Captain," Spock replied. "I assure you, we could hear nothing."

"I was trying to," Bones added just to be annoying. "Too bad this place is like living in a can. So what's your plan?"

"We have to figure out what we should wear to this dinner to make a good impression, and I'm sure it's not this stuff we're wearing now."

"I think I was just starting to get used to it," Bones remarked. "Don't tell me we have to put on those itchy uniforms."

"Certainly," Jim replied. "Unless we can figure out something that blends in with what they wear."

"I hate to think of what that might look like."

"You know what almost everyone down there wears who is a dignitary."

"Captain, I do not believe they expect us to dress as they do," Spock said.

"You may be right."

"You expect me not to dress up?" Carol asked.

"You can dress any way you want," Jim replied. "We'll find something before it's time to go."

Later that day, Jim and the others were dressed for the formal dinner they would be attending at Chancellor Valorum's personal suite. Not only would they be there, but Senator Organa would also be there. That had been a decision by Valorum in order to get all of his allies together. Jim, Bones, and Spock arrived at the transporter room. Jim had been expecting Carol to be there already, but she was not. "Where is she?" he asked.

Bones folded his arms. "You know women have a lot more to do to get ready for something like this than men," he pointed out.

"We don't want to be late."

Just then, Carol walked in, and Jim failed at trying to keep his mouth from dropping open when he saw her. She was wearing a dark purple, flowing dress that faded to a lighter purple at the bottom, and her hair was up in a hairstyle similar to what Padme usually wore but not quite as elaborate, but with jewels. Bones put his finger on Jim's chin and pushed his mouth closed. "You better not lose your concentration," he said.

Jim looked at him. "Shut up."

Bones chuckled as he stepped up onto the transporter pad. Carol walked up to Jim. "Well? How do you like it?" she asked.

"Words cannot say," Jim replied.

Carol smiled. "Come on before we're late."

"I feel underdressed," Jim murmured as he adjusted the collar of his dress uniform. He looked at Scotty. "Energize."

They were soon appearing in the designated room in the Jedi Temple. "Hopefully the Jedi are ready," Jim said.

"I do not believe the Jedi would want to keep the chancellor waiting," Spock replied.

They left that room and soon found Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon who were dressed in their usual attire. They both noticed Carol, of course. "I did not realize you would be bringing another guest," Qui-Gon said.

"Qui-Gon, meet Carol Marcus," Jim replied. "It was kinda a last minute decision."

"It is fine, but I hope you explained the dangers of this mission."

"I'm used to danger, Master Jedi," Carol said. "Jim has filled me in on most of it."

"I see." Qui-Gon was silent a moment. "I am not certain it would be wise for you to disclose your relationship to our enemies."

Jim scowled at that but he supposed they could sense his attachment to Carol. "We've already discussed all that," he said.

"Shall we go then?"

They all went to the transport that would take them to the Chancellor's Presidential Suite where they would have the dinner. Carol was overwhelmed by the ride in the transport and all the traffic. She had never experienced anything like it, although she had gazed at Coruscant from space. It was nothing like actually being there in the middle of it all. "Is the traffic always this fast?" she asked.

"Yes, as far as I know," Bones replied as he tried not to look out at it. "Just thinking about how high up we are and all these beings piloting these things, zooming between all these buildings and one wrong move…"

"Bones! Please!" Jim interrupted. "You're not helping. I'd rather not hear about doom and gloom right now."

Carol laced her fingers with Jim's. "How far is it to this palace?" she asked.

"It's not a palace," Jim replied. "I'm not sure. We'll be there shortly."

Jim was glad when they arrived and got out of that transport. He felt like they were still moving as all the traffic was still zooming by after they were on the platform. They went inside and were greeted by guards and Senator Organa who bowed slightly. "Welcome," he said. "The Chancellor asked me to escort you to the dining room. Right this way."

They followed Bail Organa through the hallways which were well-lit and looked rather plain for the place they were in. The dining room was anything but plain, however. There was a long table in the center, which was set already. It was not the only table in the room, but since they were the only ones attending, it was the only one necessary. There was another table full of food and dishes, and several servers standing and waiting. "I think this is too formal for us," Bones murmured to Jim.

"Me too but let's just try to make a good impression," Jim replied.

Carol still gripped Jim's hand as she was feeling rather overwhelmed herself. "Do they have dinners like this all the time?" she asked.

"I have no idea," Jim replied. "The Jedi don't seem to be nervous."

"It is logical that they are used to this sort of event," Spock said.

They waited to see what would happen next, and soon, Chancellor Valorum and Palpatine walked in. Jim felt tense at just seeing Palpatine. He let go of Carol's hand though, remembering what Qui-Gon had said.

"Welcome, Captain Kirk and crew," Chancellor Valorum said and bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Sir," Jim replied and bowed himself.

Valorum looked at Carol, realizing that he had not met her before. He did not mention it at that moment. "Shall we be seated?" he asked.

They all went to the table. The Chancellor sat at the end of the table. Jim made sure there were no names on any places before he took the seat to the Chancellor's left. Carol sat beside him. Palpatine sat across from Jim. "Well, it is nice to finally meet you and your crew, Captain Kirk," he said, sounding pleasant, but strained as well. "I've heard a great deal about your escapades in our galaxy."

Jim was not sure how to respond to that. Escapades? He supposed he might be referring to all the foiling of his plans. "We've just been trying to help," he said.

"Oh, I'd say you've helped a great deal. What would have happened without you?"

Jim thought that sounded like a sarcastic remark. "Hopefully we'll never know."

A slight frown passed over Palpatine's face, but he quickly hid that as he looked at Carol. "I see there are lovely women in your galaxy," he remarked. "And you are?"

"Carol Marcus."

"I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise." Carol forced herself not to let her gaze waver as she did not want to show any nervousness.

"My first officer, Mister Spock," Jim introduced. "Our ship's doctor, Leonard McCoy."

"Ah yes, I also heard about Doctor McCoy," Palpatine said. "I supposed we owe you a debt of gratitude for curing the brain-rot plague."

"I'm just glad I could help," Bones said. He was not sure he wanted in this conversation.

Palpatine turned his attention back to Spock. "And you're the first officer," he said.

"Yes," Spock answered. "In Jim's stead, I am captain in emergencies."

They stared at each other a moment. Spock had a feeling that Palpatine knew he could sense the Force. Palpatine became rather irritated at Spock's unwavering stare. "And what sort of emergencies do you encounter?" he asked. "I understand you have been on a space mission."

"Yes, we have," Jim interrupted, drawing Palpatine's attention back to him. "We've been on a deep space mission that will last five years."

"Five years in space? You must have a special ship for that."

Jim thought Palpatine might drool if he did not think it inappropriate. "It's special to us," he replied. He was not about to give any details about that. "It's our home."

"Very advanced technology, I would guess."

"I'm sure we probably have some different technologies than you have here, but you also have some different technologies than what we have."

Carol had never heard such an obvious bait, but she was glad Jim knew how to sidestep it. "I've heard that you arrived here through a rift," Palpatine said. "It's common knowledge, you know. Everyone's curious about the strange visitors from another galaxy and why they are here."

"Well, we arrived here by accident," Jim replied. "Maybe we arrived just in time to help this galaxy. After all, from what I hear, there's a lot of speculation, corruption, and…evil going on."

They all watched to see if Palpatine would bristle at that, but he was incredibly composed. "Yes, I won't deny that," he replied. "The rumors of some Sith lord controlling the Senate are causing even more controversy, as well as the troubles with trade routes and smuggling."

"You keep up with all of it, I assume."

"One would have to live…in another galaxy to avoid hearing about it. It is the most broadcast topic of all."

"What do you think about some Sith lord controlling the Senate?" Jim asked. "We know how powerful one like that must be. He must be more powerful than all the Jedi together."

Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow at that bait which he thought was rather amusing. He could see Palpatine slightly narrow his eyes. "I wouldn't go that far," Qui-Gon interrupted to try and throw another thorn. "His overconfidence in his abilities is what will make him fail. It is only a matter of time. One who is overwhelmed with his own power and abilities cannot stay hidden long because of their pride."

Obi-Wan thought he felt a glimmer of extreme anger for only a moment but then it was gone. "I agree," he said. "To think that one can control a whole galaxy and to think that only the Senate is standing in his way of doing so must be torture."

Chancellor Valorum was looking very smug and amused at the conversation. "Well, shall we begin the dinner?" he asked. "We can continue this conversation. It's very interesting, to say the least."

"I agree, Chancellor," Carol replied. "I'm sure we're in for a fabulous dinner as well."

"Thank you, my dear. I'm sure you will be delighted with the dinner."

Their first course of the evening was brought to the table. It was soup which Jim thought smelled like pea soup. The rest of his crew waited for him to take the first bite. He tasted it, expecting anything, but it was actually good.

Everyone was silent for several moments. Jim thought it was an awkward silence that seemed to hang in the air. "So, Chancellor Valorum, have things settled down somewhat lately?" Jim asked.

Valorum was silent a moment. "Actually, it seems so," he replied. "There have still been some problems with the trade routes, but it is mostly caused by overzealous traders who believe they should control the routes. If another trade franchise tries to step into their territory, the bigger franchises do not take it lightly, especially when it comes to the spice trade. It's probably the biggest illegal organization in the whole galaxy, and although some of the more powerful traders do deal in the spice, they are more capable of hiding the fact that they smuggle illegally as well."

"Sounds like a lot of money changing hands."

"It is made to look as though the government, including myself, is not interested in the lower levels of Coruscant and the troubles going on there, but that is not true. It is hard to know just how to handle such a situation. The lower levels of Coruscant are dark, to say the least, and crime is rampant."

"So it is with neglected areas of large metropolises," Palpatine added. "Coruscant is no exception. While the upper levels are maintained and luxurious, the lower levels have decayed with years of neglect."

"You know that it is because of the dangers lurking in those areas."

"Which is why an army would be a good thing for the Republic."

"I take it you agree with creating the army," Jim said.

"I do agree," Palpatine replied. "It would bring more control to areas such as the lower levels of Coruscant and to other areas of the galaxy where crime is rampant."

"Like Tatooine? I hear it's run by gangsters."

"Tatooine is not much more than a desert with spaceports on it."

"So it's not important? Maybe not as important as such a big Metropolis like Coruscant?"

"It offers little to the galaxy."

"But there are people who live on it, and there are spaceports there that are stop-offs for ships in trouble or that need supplies."

"True. However, Tatooine is one of those planets that takes care of itself, and it is not part of the Republic."

"Yes, but it is part of the galaxy."

"The Republic usually does not bother with planets which are not part of it," Qui-Gon said. "Unless they ask for help. Tatooine is sparsely populated, to say the least."

"Unlike Naboo," Spock chimed in. "I found it very interesting that the Trade Federation would send such a large blockade to such a small planet which offers no threat to the Trade Federation. Their move was illogical, and that fact leads me to believe that there was a larger purpose behind that move."

Palpatine just stared at Spock a moment. "And what do you believe that purpose was?" he asked.

"That is unclear. However, with so many other events occurring thereafter, it is logical to believe that it is all connected in some way, and perhaps by the same person who is bent on domination of the government of this galaxy."

Valorum continued to eat as he thought that was a very well-thought-out explanation. "How would those things be connected?" he asked, wanting Spock to continue.

"The events at Naboo could have had a large effect on this galaxy had Queen Amidala chosen to come to Coruscant for a meeting rather than fighting for her own planet," Spock went on. "As I have studied the government of this galaxy, it is likely that she would have called for a vote of no confidence in the chancellor which would have led to the election of a new chancellor, perhaps even the being who is behind the attempted takeover of this galaxy."

Palpatine was taken aback by Spock's boldness and logical explanation of the events. He knew all too well how he had foreseen that everything would have happened, but then that glimmer in the Force had changed everything. How would this being figure all this out? How had he found out? They could not know of his plot, nor that he was a Sith lord. This Captain Kirk had killed Dooku, and Palpatine had assumed that they would think Dooku was not connected to him in any way. "I assumed you had eliminated the Sith lord when you killed Count Dooku," Palpatine said.

"He was only the apprentice," Qui-Gon said. "There are always two. Dooku could never have conducted such a plot as this himself. There is a devious, evil mind at work here."

"And whoever that is had the clone army started," Jim added. "Without the approval of the government. That fact can also lead us to believe that whoever it is expected to get into power if they wanted to have control of the clone army."

"The clone army would have been loyal to the Republic no matter who was in charge," Obi-Wan said. "And perhaps they would have been easily manipulated."

"There must have been a plan for that."

"I have requested all of the details of the creation of the clones," Valorum said. "The Kaminoans are not the most cooperative, although they seem very docile. They have secrets. This is why I believe it is dangerous to continue with the creation of this army. Many in the Senate agree."

"I certainly agree," Senator Organa said. "Amidala is opposed to it as well, and there are others. It has been a great debate, but perhaps we can win a majority if we try."

"You miss the entire point of having the army," Palpatine said. "We can spread out through the galaxy and be able to patrol more areas, keep the outer reaches of the Republic safer."

"I can understand that," Bones said. "It's kinda like Starfleet. It's spread out all over the galaxy to help against those who want to attack more vulnerable planets." He did not want Palpatine to feel as though they were all ganging up on him because he might withdraw from the conversation completely.

"I can also understand it," Carol agreed. "However, it would be wise for the government to know everything about the creation of such an army. What if something goes wrong? Who is responsible?"

"That is a very good question," Valorum replied. "With such an army, it would be difficult to trust their loyalty."

"I assume the clones are programmed for what they are created for," Qui-Gon said. "But we do not know exactly what that is, although it is supposedly an army for the Republic which was created in secret deception. Very dangerous."

"That's true," Jim agreed. "Anything that is done like that would be dangerous. How could you ever trust them?"

"They would likely be loyal to whomever they serve," Palpatine said. "After all, they are clones. They don't actually have personalities of their own, do they?"

"How could they not?" Jim asked. "They're alive."

"Yes, but they have also been trained from birth. They are instructed in discipline and obedience. Furthermore, it is not up to you. You seem to know a lot about this galaxy and our laws and government for someone who comes from another galaxy."

"Well, we're space explorers, and when we go to another place, we learn everything we can. Coming here is like seeing another place on our journey."

Bones thought that was a good answer for that. He had thought Jim would be trapped with that question. "I see," Palpatine replied. "What is your galaxy like?"

"Not much different than this one as far as I can tell," Jim said. "There are different planets and different species. Just new friends to make."

"Or enemies. I'm sure everyone you meet in your galaxy is not friendly."

"Of course not."

"I'm sure everyone you see isn't happy with you visiting their planet."

"We usually ask first unless we're just observing from space."

"How do you observe from space?"

"We take readings, scans."

"Your ship is capable of scanning planets from space?"

Jim was puzzled by that question. He had assumed they had similar technology in this galaxy. "Yes."

"So, you can sit in space and find out things about planets that they might not want you to know."

"No. We only know the population and the terrain, and whether they have technology."

"You can steal technology this way?"

"No."

Valorum realized Palpatine was trying to find something to question Jim Kirk about by stirring up suspicion. "Are you accusing our visitors of something?" Valorum asked.

"Why no," Palpatine answered quickly.

"I should hope not."

"I'm just curious about their exploration techniques. People who are trekking through space with no supervision must get curious about what they can acquire."

"We're not unsupervised," Jim declared. "We go on missions for Starfleet, plus, I wouldn't be the captain of that ship if they thought they couldn't trust me."

They all looked at Palpatine to see what he thought of that comeback. "On top of that, our first officer here is a Vulcan," Bones said. "They never lie or do anything dishonest."

"Interesting," Palpatine replied.

"Surely, you must have ships in this galaxy associated with the government which you trust to do their duty," Spock added. "And you must trust that the planets associated with the Republic are as they should be since you cannot possibly be in every place at once."

"All reasons why there should be an army for the Republic."

"To create fear? I believe you stated before that the army would reduce fear in the galaxy."

"A certain amount of fear is necessary to keep such situations as the trade disputes from happening."

"However, planetary governments are not part of the trade disputes."

"But the traders could not take advantage of those planets any longer as they do now at times."

"Surely each planet has their own security and guards against such intrusions."

"Well, after what happened with Naboo, it is clear that local security is not enough."

"But that was an overwhelming situation, which I hear hasn't turned out too well," Jim interrupted. "What ever happened to that Viceroy?"

Qui-Gon was just listening to the conversation. He wondered how much Palpatine could take if he was the Sith lord. "A well thought-out plan as I said before," he chimed in. "Whoever his ally is, they did not want their cohort to be questioned."

"He knew too many secrets," Obi-Wan agreed. "Who knows if Nute Gunray is still alive? He certainly wouldn't be the only skeleton in this Sith lord's closet."

"That's true. After all, Nute Gunray can no longer function in public because he is wanted."

"Are you implying that all of this was connected?" Palpatine asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Qui-Gon asked. "It took quite a devious mind to connect two such unrelated instances. No one would suspect that they were connected except from careful consideration."

"Yes, a brilliant mind, if in fact they are connected as you claim."

Jim thought Palpatine had an answer for everything. However, he thought Palpatine was getting a certain amount of satisfaction hearing them speculate, but having no definitive proof. He intended to find some definite proof if he could. Something as big as the death star had to be kept somewhere that there was a big area. He would just have to discuss all that with the Jedi and think more about everything. He thought Spock's logical brain might figure it out.

The rest of the dinner was rather quiet. They all just chatted about different things and tried to drift away from the conspiracy theory so that Palpatine would not get suspicious that they suspected him, although Jim thought they had practically thrown it in his face. He thought Palpatine was overconfident if he thought he was invincible. He had learned in his time in space that no one was invincible.