Note: Jabba speaks Huttese, for clarity's sake his lines here are translated.

The Former Control Room of the Foundry – Jabba's Future Throne Room

Palpatine lurks outside the entrance. With a wave of his hand, a Republic Guard stationed nearby decides to leave and heads for the exit. Inside a dozen aliens are busy disassembling computer terminals, control panels and furniture. Palpatine stops and listens in on a heated conversation.

"But why, Jabba… why attack the Jedi so openly? You were supposed to wait until I dealt with the Jedi myself, attacking them openly will only generate sympathy in the Senate." argues Ki-Adi-Mundi, pacing back and forth in front of the Hutt.

"You're plan was so slow. Better to kill the Jedi before they learn I am here."

"But why the hell are you here, so early? What the hell is going through that slimy brain of yours? Trying to kill Jedi Masters with booby-traps… you'd need all of your hired guns at once to kill even a single Jedi master…"

Palpatine walks in.

"Perhaps, Senator Mundi, killing the Jedi wasn't actually part of the plan."

"Palpatine? What are you doing here? You were supposed to follow Needmo to Coruscant."

"Oh I plan on going to Coruscant. I just need to tie up some… loose ends before I leave."

Mundi pauses for a moment while the realization of what's happening hits him. He turns to Jabba.

"So that's the way it is, Jabba? Don't be a fool – you need me. Who will protect you in the Senate? Palpatine? He's just a mangled ex-pilot…"

Jabba lets out a sinister laugh before answering Mundi. The workers stop what they're doing and join in on Jabba's laughter.

"I've been gambling a long time, Mundi. Any decent gambler will tell you: The winning pod racer isn't always the first one out of the gate."

Palpatine lights the saber, the workers stop laughing and start whispering amongst themselves.

"But why… what… tell me… what can Palpatine offer you that I can't?" asks Mundi.

"You promised control of spice trade from Tatooine. Palpatine promises me control of Tatooine"

Palpatine flies towards Mundi and slices his head in two just above the eyebrows. Mundi falls and convulses on the floor for a few seconds before dying, his face having changed expressions several times before passing away. Palpatine turns the light saber off. The workers, in shock, fall silent and quietly leave the room. Jabba's eyes reflect surprise as well.

"Whatever is wrong, Jabba?" asks Palpatine. "Oh this…" he motions to Mundi's separated forehead. "Awful, I know… but a clean cut at the neck would look too… professional."

He motions to the room's entrance; two Gamorrean guards enter carrying the netted Jedi. Palpatine tosses the light saber to Jabba, who hot-potatoes the weapon from one hand to the other until it falls on the floor. An alien worker hurries to pick up the weapon and tries to hand it to Jabba.

"You take care of that."

"I know I can trust you to make it appear that one of these Jedi learners killed the Senator. Needmo will be here in the morning."

"Needmo?"

"Oh don't worry. You will send your men to Chalmun's Cantina in Mos Eisley. Needmo and a cameraman will be waiting. He already knows their eyes are to be covered until they arrive here. He'll be doing a very special undercover report on the connection between the Jedi and organized crime."

"But you're sure you will be able to win support in the Senate?"

"My dear Jabba, the only thing more persuasive than your money is my charm. Trust me, you will have no need to fear the Republic for the rest of your… of our lives."