Zorrin Bor, head chef of Spinward, premier restaurant aboard the Intersteller Queen paused as the stranger entered his domain, "No entry for pass, Sheev Palpatine! As I live and breathe. Come on in. What brings you to my humble establishment you insidious master of ingredients?"
Palpatine walked over to Zorrin and the two men hugged, "Oh, a trip to Knidia. I recently came into a supply of chocolate and thought to learn from some of the most renowned chocolatiers in the Galaxy." replied Palpatine.
Zorrin blinked, "Chocolate eh? Those trees are finicky and don't grow easy. Perhaps you should invest in something with lower risk, like Rancor taming."
Palpatine smiled, "Well, say that I have found somewhere it could grow. A little remote, but no hostile alien civilisations with their tentacles around it. I could change it from an occasional garnish to, well anything's possible really."
"Well good luck prising those secrets from the Knids. They guard their secrets to one of the most prized delicacies closely. Wait, I know that smile. What have you got up your sleeves."
Again Palpatine gave a smile, "Oh, that's a surprise. Meanwhile, could I trouble you for some lemon tarts?"
In a less prestigious dining area Master Qui-Gon of the Jedi order sat opposite the Chosen One and reflected on the events of the day. "So, Sheev Palpatine." he said.
Anakin paused in eating and looked up, "Oh, he's the best. He got mom free, gave her a job, me too, although I was also training to be a Jedi. He helps everyone and knows all sorts of people."
"What sort of people?"
"Oh, everyone. There are Hutts and Rodians, Muuns and Sullustans and the Mandalorians of course. Palpatine says that since almost all thinking beings have rituals around food it means you can get to know someone by learning how they cook."
"A most astute observation, indeed. And why is he here, on this ship?"
"Oh, that's easy. He's going to speak with the Knids about making chocolate. Like us really."
Qui-Gon thought about the Republic's mission to the Knids, "Yes, I suppose that we are. Quite an unusual coincidence, wouldn't you say?"
Anakin's brow furrowed, "You always say that there is no such thing, that everything is in the hands of the Force. So, us and him being here at the same time is for a reason?"
Qui-Gon smiled, "Most perceptive Anakin. Yes, it seems that the Force has brought us both here for a deeper purpose. We should be mindful of that in the coming days. On the subject of coincidences that young woman you rescued is here too. What might her part in this be? It would be prudent to not ignore her."
Anakin paused again, "Padme? I wouldn't worry too much about her. She can take care of herself and is quite sensible, for a girl."
"Even so, young Padawan, it would be rash to not leave her out of any considerations."
"Okay, if you say so."
Padme Amidala, junior representative of Naboo to the Galactic Senate sat by Senator Gowan and repressed a scream as the head of the Republic delegation ignored her attempt to discuss their mission and focused on the food being served to them as part of the Captain's table.
"Not now, dear girl. Try the pickled frimpt." said Gowan. He then ignored his aide and turned to the Captain. "A most excellent table, Captain. My compliments to the Chef." he added before reaching for the candied alloids.
She was about to resign herself to another night of listening to inane platitudes and being ignored when there was a polite cough. It came from a severely dressed Human.
"Ms Amidala, if you are seeking more stimulating conversation, perhaps I can be of service?" said the man.
"With you Count Serano? I have little to say to someone who would tear the Republic apart."
"Tear? That is a rather strong term for the peaceful desire for independence. For wanting to be merely free from being dominated by the Core and to no longer be at the mercy of its ravening megacorporations. But perhaps I can tear you away from whatever the Republic wishes to discuss at the moment." said the Count.
"Oh, I would very much like a bottle of that Coberain." said Gowan loudly.
That settled it, "Excuse me," she said to Gowan as she rose. Gowan, for his part, ignored her. "Perhaps I can discuss politics with a secessionist after all," she said.
The Count smiled, "Of course, I am always willing to speak with my opponents in the Republic."
The band of Aquilian's checked their chronos. Soon it would be time. With the ship secured and the many high profile targets their captive they would be able to make their demands heard! All it would take is waiting for the security rotation and then they could strike. Just a few moments more and.
The door chime made all six beings jump. Checking the viewer they saw it was middle-aged human in the livery of the Intersteller Queen. In his hands was a tray of lemon tarts. Soon, a fight broke out. Between those who saw the need to remain quiet and those who wanted the tarts, which were a delicacy loved by all Aquilians. Quickly greed and the need to not raise suspicions won and they admitted the flunky.
Meanwhile, Anakin was attempting to concentrate.
"Feel the Force. Sense the currents, the way all beings twist and move in it. See how it connects them all. Reach out and see how even this, a voyage to a remote world is linked to the greater whole," instructed Qui-Gon.
Anakin reached out with the Force and noticed the various swirls, eddies and patterns were focusing on a point. He concentrated and began to see but was interrupted by a polite cough.
"Oh, hello Mr Palpatine," he said to Sheev standing there.
"Hello, my boy, master Jedi. There are some dangerous terrorists in suite K-15. They're rather the worse for wear. A small mistake involving some Koija zest I am afraid." said Palpatine.
Palpatine smiled as the Jedi rose to take care of the matter.
"Are you certain Count? Despite these shortcomings, you mention the Republic still does much good," said Padme rather enjoying the debate.
"Well, yes, that seems to be how things appear on the surface. Have you given any thought to how it is all achieved?" said the Count. Inwardly he wondered where his agents had got to, or what had delayed them. It had all been so meticulously planned, nothing left to chance. Now, to make matters worse he was stuck with this idealist for the evening.
A little while later he noticed his old apprentice enter and speak briefly to the Captain, who appeared alarmed but quickly settled. He was surprised. While the affair had been cloaked to escape notice of Jedi he supposed Qui-Gon could have sensed something and then acted. Well, this made things very interesting, very interesting indeed.
Undisturbed, the Intersteller Queen continued its journey towards Knidia.