"Hello, Everyone. You're watching, 'Question Corner' and I'm your host, Kale." Wearing a deep, red dress with long sleeves and a belt, I clasped my hands together and said. "Today we have with us Chancellor Palpatine, the man with the highest seat in the entire Republic. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and give him a big welcome." Pointing to my right, I watched as the Chancellor, dressed in red, came up the steps and across the platform with little to no applause. Cringing, I looked back and gave a nod to our scheduler, Ashley who pressed a button on her remote that triggered some electronic 'can-cheering'. As the automatic clapping went on in the background, I tried to suppress a giggle as it glitched and rolled over some parts and cut off completely in others. Originally, we had set this thing up because we didn't want to upset Palpatine, but now, hearing how fake this really sounded, I started to wonder if Michael, our mechanic, ever actually tested it out first before he gave it the all clear.

Walking up to greet him, I didn't even have the chance to initiate the handshake before he stuck out his hand and smiled. "Thank you for inviting me to your show, Miss Kale." He said in a politician like manner as I rushed to grasp his hand in return. "I've been looking forward to this."

"Well, thank you for coming." I smiled and offered him his seat before I sat down in my own and crossed one leg over the other. "We've been looking forward to having you. We don't get to speak to the Chancellor of the Republic everyday, you know."

He nodded once for acknowledgement. "That's very kind of you, my dear." He nodded once for acknowledgement.

I grabbed the deck of cards from the coffee table and began to shuffle them accordingly. "Are you ready to start with some questions?"

"Yes."

"Then, we have our first question from pronker asks, 'What do you do on your days off?'"

"I play music. In fact, I'm currently working on a new musical piece for the Republic anthem."

"Really?" I gaped. "I had no idea you played music...would it be too much to ask to see a sneak peak to this piece?"

"I don't see any harm in it. I'm leaning towards this," Palpatine started to hum a small segment of the Imperial March, "Dun, dun, dun, dun, da-" and abruptly stopped a few seconds in, saying. "And that's all I've got so far."

"That sounds, um..." I scratched the back of my neck. "Great. Um...Ahsokatano191, who asks, 'Why do you take such an interest in Anakin Skywalker?'"

In a timid, yet confident, tone he replied. "I find that the boy reminds me much of myself at his age. I, like Skywalker, went through my youthful years without having that father figure to help guide me and, so you see, longing for my own father's wisdom, I merely want to save Skywalker from that empty feeling."

"But," With my eyes still glued to the deck of cards as I searched for another question, I raised my index finger; asking. "since he is a Jedi, doesn't that mean he wouldn't have had that biological father figure anyway? Since, after all, the Jedi can't keep in contact with their families."

"I find there is a difference between knowing you have a father somewhere out there in the universe and then knowing you don't have any father out there at all."

He sent me a gentle, grandfather-like smile, and I probably should have smiled back, but for some reason I just couldn't. Palpatine's niceness reminded me of someone I'd interviewed once before and didn't like, but I couldn't remember who he was reminding me of and it nagged me at the back of my mind as I read, "Next question is from Darth Meta, who asks, 'How fares the war and do you believe the end is in sight?"

"I don't just believe, I am confident. The Republic is getting closer and closer to victory every second we speak, thanks to the brave and valiant Jedi and clones who keep us safe."

"And, WhovianJedi asks, 'Who is your closet friend?'"

"I don't have one friend, I have many friends. Friends are people you look out for, so I consider the citizen's of the Republic my friends."

"Hmm." I nodded with a hint of approval. "That's kind of you. Superjedi123 asks, 'What would you rather be chased by? Count Dooku or an angry mob of Nightsisters?'"

"Neither, I should hope. I won't be doing much running in my fragile age." Pointing to his aged person, Palpatine chuckled. "You don't get these without years of ware and tare, my dear, but it is kind of you to think I actually could."

"I can see your point." I fanned my hands out as I said. "But, pretend you suddenly had this ball of energy and could make that run. Who would you rather run from?"

With this said, his eyes looked off thoughtfully as he considered the question carefully. "This is a hard one, isn't it. I suppose the Nightsisters since I've heard far more horror stories about Count Dooku than any of them."

"But, what about the fact that they can raise the dead?"

"Oh, raising the dead would complicate things, wouldn't it..." He said. "I think I'd choose Count Dooku, then. While I hope I don't have to be in either situations anytime soon."

"Hopefully not." I commented as I placed the card at the bottom of the deck and read. "CodyBeatstherest asks, 'Because of all the assassination attempts on your life, do you do self defense for precaution?'"

"Sadly, no. I fumble horribly with any blaster in my hands, and the words 'push up' only involve the 'push' in my book, I'm afraid." He laughed. "Thank goodness, I have loyal clone troopers to help protect me when certain chaos does arise."

"I can definitely agree on that. Now, ErinKenobi2893 asks, 'You keep on underestimating people, like Obi-Wan and Ahsoka Tano, until you find it expedient to get rid of them...is this because of your unhappy childhood?'"

"I'm not quite sure I understand your question...but, if I do understand it, then no. I had a wonderful childhood."

"And KestrelRaven9 asks, 'Why does your name sound like the Pokémon Palpatoad?'"

For half a second, Palpatine's face let go of the regal, Chancellor facade and looked utterly un-amused as his brows creased together and he let his smile fall into a frown. Probably un-pleased with the notion that somebody would actually have the audacity to compare his name with something that sounded so repulsive as a Palpatoad. Not to mention the faint frustration that crossed his features when the laughs began to arise from the crowd. However, his faint frustration didn't last like; because with one swift intake of breath, he smiled and said. "I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about, Kestrel due to the fact that I've never heard of a-uh..."

"Pokemon." I finished for him.

"Ah, yes, thank you. So, I suppose we'll just have to move onto another question, then."

"That's okay, I can show you a picture of the Pokemon." I was reaching for the picture when he stopped me in mid-motion; saying, "No, I really don't want to trouble you."

With my fingers barely hovering over the picture-frame, I switched my gaze between him and the audience as I considered my options. Was I allowed to push a Chancellor into something he didn't want to talk about? Could he make my life a living, breathing, bundle of chaos, or would he be nice and let it go?...ah, it's my job. "That's not a problem. I have it right here." Trying with one last push, I lifted up the picture and pointed to the Pokemon staring back at him tauntingly.

"I'd prefer it if we didn't explore this topic anymore." Palpatine averted his gaze to the floor in a subconscious attempt to avoid seeing creature he was being compared to.

"Well," I placed the picture back beside my chair. "can I at least ask you why your parents named you Palpatine?"

"Palpatine is my family's last name. I've just come to regard it as my first."

"What's your first name, then?"

"There is a reason, my dear, I chose to not go by my last name."

"Could I guess Bob?"

"Miss Kale." Palpatine gave me a waning look. "The next question."

"Sorry, Palpatoad, I-" Right then, realizing my mistake, I clamped my hand over my mouth with wide, horrified eyes as I pictured how many different ways the Chancellor could ruin my life without even wearing a frown. "I'm so sorry!" I apologized as the audience chuckled in the background. "I thought-I just...oh, I'm so sorry..."

"Miss Kale, it's fine." He waved me off in a tone that probably sounded sincere to most, but felt like daggers jabbed into my eardrums. "Mistakes happen. You're too hard on yourself. Please, ask the next question."

Reluctantly moving the top card to the bottom of the deck, I sheepishly read. "Weathergirl17248 asks, 'Have you ever heard of the rumor that you're the Sith Lord?'"

"Yes, and I can one hundred percent say those rumors are false." He replied, calmly.

"That would make sense." I nodded. "Hondomonkey123 asks, 'So, what's it like being the supreme commander of the Republic? Oh, and I know your secret...You like pie, so here's pie'."

"Is it Muja pie?" He chirped. "That's my favorite."

Dropping my hands in my lap with the card, I looked to the crowd and shook my head left to right. Knowing that Hondomonkey was in there somewhere. "I'm sorry, Chancellor Palpatine, but they know the rules. No, gifts and no Pie until Christmas."

"But, why can't I have pie?" Palpatine's asked. "I mean, if this hondomonkey wishes to give me pie, I should see no reason not to let him give me pie. Especially if it's Muja pie."

"I know, I know. It's not fun." I waved him down. "But, it's just the rules we've set, but if it makes everyone feel better, I'll even change it to Christmas and holidays. I can do that."

"Can I still get the pie, though?"

I narrowed my gaze. "Please, answer the question, Chancellor."

With a sigh, he replied. "It's an honor to be doing such an important role for the Republic even though it does involve large schedules that can shame even the largest of data-bandwidth."

"Now, Hazardous By Instinct asks, 'What made you believe that funding a Clone Army who ages twice as fast as the normal person would be more efficient than a trained army of those who age normally?'"

"I'm glad you asked." He nodded. "While I believe in the citizens of the Republic to stand up for themselves if the calling came, I still know that there are certain things that our troopers can do that we simply cannot, and they are there for our protection. Our men are bred to deal with the stress and loss of war, so post dramatic distress disorders cannot effect them, and, while yes, they do age twice as fast as the average person, your typical war only last about three to nine years. I don't wish for anyone to go through any mental scarring because we are at war, so really it is best to leave it to the professionals."

With a small shrug, I said. "Emerald-Laufeydottir asks, 'So, Palpatine, have you ever... I don't know- used a weapon before? Like a... sword of some sort?'"

"Well, I've always felt like I've just had my hand dipped in the pot of politics, but would fencing count? Although, I can't say I'm any good at it. I only keep up with it, because my doctor tells me it's good for my heart."

"We'll just put it under the category of 'That'll poke your eye out' so why not. Drmethilon asks, 'Is it true that Magister Hego Damask of the Intergalactic Banking Clan was your mentor in politics? I've heard that you two were practically like "master" and "apprentice" kind of friendship.'"

"That is partly false and partly true. I was a mentor to Hego Damask Muun business man which is why the Republic has financially prospered under my presidency for I am no egotistical politician."

"But, haven't the banks been drained?"

"That estimate has been grossly exaggerated." He wrote off quickly. "Next question."

"Jedi-TARDIS-Chick101 asks, 'What is your view on the Jedi's control/major influence of the Republic's military?'"

"I think it's important that the Jedi aid the Republic anyway they can. Especially as all clones need generals to lead them."

My brows creased together as I tapped the corner of the cards against the palm of my hand. "Well, I can't say I agree with you on that. I've seen your soldiers be self-efficient on their own when they're given the chance."

"The clones need guidance, Miss Kale." He pushed with a darting gaze. "As self-efficient as they may appear, the clones really do need the Jedi there in order to gain victory. Otherwise we might not be where we are today."

"What about Pong Krell? He was a Jedi gone to the dark side, and your soldiers captured him on their own accord. With no guidance from anyone but their own. I must say, you guys have just done such a great job in training them that it almost seems like they can handle it on their own." Watching him with interest, I thought it was weird how determined Palpatine was to keep the Jedi in the war, fighting beside the clones when they could take care and lead themselves.

Unable to handover anymore of his grandfather-like smiles, he said. "We shall just have to disagree. Nothing will change the Jedi assisting us in the war and if you feel you need to argue anymore on the topic, do join the protesters in front of the Jedi Temple."

"Chancellor, it's just apart of the process. I have to ask, it's my job. Now, we're onto our last two questions. Captainrexbest35' asks, 'Do you like bugging the heck out of the Clones?"

"Never." He replied. "The Clones are honorable soldiers of the Republic, and they have my respect."

"You're sure you're sticking to that?" I smirked. "We'll be interviewing a couple of them soon, so you have a chance to change it."

"I promise, I don't."

"Okay then, Rosesong Is Done asks, 'How do you keep the Senate controlled?'"

"Charisma and quick wits." He replied. "And utter determination to stay sane, I'm afraid, due to the fact that politics can be rather exhausting to the soul."

Pushing myself out of my seat, I noticed the Chancellor was almost all too pleased to get up and follow suit as his hand was out and ready to shake within seconds. Instantly, prepared this time, I was ready to shake his hand back as I said. "Thank you for coming on the Show, Chancellor."

"I enjoyed being here, Miss Kale, thank you for having me." And, without another word, Palpatine released my hand to leave, making me wonder whether or not he actually regretted coming on the Show after all. He was certainly eager enough to exit, but had enough time to wave to the crowd as he made his descent down the stairs.

It was then, watching him go, that I realized who the Chancellor reminded me of, though I felt like it was borderline betrayal to think so. Count Dooku. But, that's impossible, Palpatine wouldn't resemble a Sith working for the Separatists. I had to be losing my mind. Shaking my head, I pivoted myself towards the audience and announced. "I'm afraid to say, I'll be putting our channel on hiatus for the time being due to some scheduling issues, but we will be coming back sometime in the summer of 2015. You guys have been a pleasure to write for, and I do intend to return. I'm sure, for some of you, your school year will be starting up soon, so I'd like to know what you guys are looking forward to most."

On behalf of 'Question Corner' we'd like to thank: 'Darth Meta, RoseSong Is Done, Codybeatstherest, superjedi123, hondomonkey123, Count Raptor, Drmethilon, ErinKenobi2893, KrestelRaven9, Finn the Iron Man, StarScream, HTTYD Frozen Forever, Caxkj The Negative Twilight, Mysteryman, Jesslyloko324, Pronker, Riptor25, Lightsaberlost12, CreatorsCasting, Rexorz, Darth Tyrone, WhovianJedi, Grace, Dark Angel and Dark Star, Jhinx1, Emerald the Warrior Princess, Rogue 2k8, Sithlord8665, AngelAxexinf, Dark Brother 16, Jediclonecowgirl, Comrade, Triplethreat123, Weathergirl17248, Dovahkiin154, Dogma23, Rexsgirl123, Purplewillowtrees, NobleMeta, Kickincupcakebutts6, Glabierules, Ahsokatano191, Jedi-TARDIS-Chick101, Hazardous By Instinct, Celtice and Dukakis 2016, AaylaKit, Bookreaderninja, Yaya The Elf, AaylaKitofNiflheim, Dogmatup24, Spikala, ShadowClanWarrior, Snip1212, captainrexbest35, Rex133668, Monsterhuntergod-Ratholas Mkl, TolkienGirl052, Nat13cat, Avalonyx, AL0LT0, Just another fanfiction author, Angel's Anthem, Anakin Ahsoka, Azalea, Rose, Tessika 14, Queen, Laloga, Thearistacats, Skywalker02, Onyro, KitFisto'sGirl, Alex Tsukino, Lady gaga, Lefty blondy, Ahsoka33, and TCTrent45!'"