Palpatine felt excitement as the ship touched down on the landing pad.  For the first time, he would see Coruscant.

And as this was the private landing pad of Plagueis for his Kaldani Spires suite, it was equipped with a one-way barrier activated on landing to deter prying eyes, whether organic or mechanical. Which meant that he wouldn't have to worry as much about subterfuge even on this planet where cameras and prying eyes were everywhere.

He would be staying in the top suite, the one Plagueis used.  Which he hadn't expected--the other Sith had commed him halfway through his trip and made the offer.  Sidious had ended up cancelling his previous booking in a political district hotel as a result.  

The suite was a considerable upgrade from the expensive hotel he had reserved and it had been offered entirely gratis.  It was a much more generous offer than he was used to receiving from Plagueis, who previously would have seen no need to assist his Apprentice with such mundane matters.

But Plagueis had been uncharacteristically interested in Palpatine's well-being of late.  His unusual concern over his Apprentice gave Sidious pause when he considered his plans to eliminate the other Sith.   Not only that, but he found he enjoyed the approval that radiated from his Master now.

He didn't know what to do.  He was beginning to forget his fear of Plagueis, who had neglected his usual acts of casual cruelty.  Which should have made it easier to kill him--would have, anyway, if Sidious had been his usual self.  Then he would not have felt this conflict within him.  Because despite all of his anger for Plagueis, he also--cared for him now.  But it seemed neither feeling could manage to negate the other.  

Anyway, this proved to him that love was an inherently broken emotion that he had every reason to despise and distrust. But then there were his feelings for Maul. Those, he felt no ambiguity over.  Those, he was certainly unwilling to erase. Which made it all the more important that he dispose of Plagueis before the Sith Master found a way to do that!

"Your eyes are doing that thing again," Talzin said, interrupting his thoughts. "That really is a most intense shade of yellow.  Is something troubling you?"

He looked over at her as she picked up two of his suitcases.  "No," he said.  He picked up the last suitcase and extended the landing ramp.  Talzin gave him a skeptical look but didn't otherwise respond.

As Sidious stepped out of the ship with Talzin, he tried to put aside his concerns and instead focus on the vista of skyscrapers and Coruscanti traffic before him.

"Ah, Coruscant," Sidious said, smiling brightly and taking in the view of the skyline.  "Such a lovely planet."  

"Such a dead planet," Talzin said disdainfully.  

Sidious gave her a sidelong look, and gestured expansively to the buildings around them.  "This is the central hub of the galaxy.  This is where everything happens.  This is where we must be, if we want alter fate and achieve greatness."

"Maybe so. But Dathomir is the central hub of the galaxy," Talzin said.  "Others have simply forgotten this."

Sidious rolled his eyes.  "Dathomir is the center of nowhere, home to those with inflated ideas of their own importance."

Talzin smiled serenely.  "You mean like Naboo?"

Sidious gave her a small smile.  "Yes, I mean exactly like Naboo."  

"So humble," she said.

"But aspiring not to be," Sidious replied.  

He led her to the elevator, which they took directly into the suite.  

"At least there are some signs of life in here," Talzin said, eyeing the  assortment of potted plants spread throughout the apartment placed in various places on the floor or hanging along the walls.

"And yet you dislike flowers," Sidious said.  He'd remembered her eyeing the floral arrangements in his apartment with utter disdain.

"I dislike slowing dying flowers," she said.  She gave him a withering look.  

Sidious laughed.  "Oh, I see how it is! I suppose I could get some slowly living houseplants instead."

"That would be agreeable," Talzin said.

He looked around at the expansive apartment.  Plagueis only used this place occasionally as he was usually found on either Muunilinst or Sojourn.  It had a large couch, bookshelves, a  bedroom with an absurdly large bed, a study with a desk, and a kitchen.  There were also a number of Sith statues and artworks mixed with fairly innocuous works such as a reproduction of the famed Killik Twilight.  

"Do you think there's any chance the Jedi will detect either of us when we meet them?"  Talzin asked.

"As long as we don't actively use our power in their presence, no," Sidious said.  "At least, none of my glimpses of that future meeting show us being detected as long as we don't intentionally reveal ourselves."

"That's good to know," Talzin said.  "I would look ahead myself, but my power--does not work well here."

Sidious frowned.  "Your overreliance on the Living Force is a weakness."

"It is one of the reasons we do not like to leave Dathomir," Talzin said, running a finger over a leaf on a nearby fern.  "I have used my own life force to sustain my power since we left Naboo, but that greatly limits its scope. I cannot pull power from the nonliving as you can."

"No, you could," Sidious said.  "If I explained how it was done."

Talzin raised an eyebrow.  "And what would you ask in exchange?"

Sidious was silent--he hadn't been thinking of asking anything in return.  He tried to think of some suitably selfish rationale.

"It's for my benefit as much as yours," Sidious said finally.  "You're here to help protect Maul and at some point, you may need to fight Jedi. For either of those tasks, it would be useful for you to be able to access all of the Force.  As such, I do not require anything additional from you."

Talzin smiled.  "Then I will gladly take you up on your offer."

"Good," Sidious said. "I can instruct you on the basics of this knowledge before our first meeting with the Jedi.  I don't anticipate you will need it then, as we certainly don't want to be broadcasting our abilities in front of them, but it cannot hurt to be prepared."

"I agree," Talzin said.  

Sidious heard his comm.  Pulling it out of his pocket, he could see that it was his own home residence calling.  Raising an eyebrow, he turned on the communicator.  A hologram of Dremra appeared, holding Maul.

"Yes?" Sidious said.

"Mama! Pal!" Maul said.  

Sidious smiled. "Hello, Maurice."  

Talzin looked back at Dremra.  "Everything is proceeding smoothly, I hope?"

"Yes, we've successfully settled in.  Maul just wanted to see you.  And him, I guess."  She gestured towards Sidious.

"Oh."  Sidious smiled and waved at Maul, and Talzin joined in. Beyond the holoconnection, Sidious could sense the Force bond between himself and Maul.  Maul would understand through that bond that he still existed, and that he would return. In turn, he could also sense Maul.  Beyond that, it could not be used for communication as yet, but in time that too would be possible.

It was inevitable, he thought, that such a thing would develop between them.  He worried a bit about how it might complicate his plans, but he would manage that.  Somehow.

He was looking forward to spending more time with Maul once he returned to Naboo.  He had much to teach his young Apprentice, even if he couldn't yet instruct him in the ways of the Force.

"Thank you.  And his name is Maurice now," Sidious reminded the Nightsister.  

Dremra stared at him, holding the small zabrak hybrid in her arms.  "Yes," she said.  "Maul-Reese.  Got it."  

Talzin smiled. Sidious sighed. Maul laughed and clapped his tiny hands.  

Plagueis sat through the mediation on Serenno, feeling more than slightly gloomy.  Usually, he enjoyed meeting Jedi, testing the limits of their control, looking for weaknesses to exploit and twist down a darker path...

But his plans were in shambles--even thinking about them made him feel ill.  Still, he had felt he had to try.

But he hadn't spent much time during his trip contemplating ways to turn Jedi.  Instead he'd read treatises on cellular biology, commed 11-4D three times to get the current status of his experimental subjects (now at 83% inconsolable sobbing), and commed Sidious to give him updates on his findings. He'd also offered his Apprentice the use of his Kaldani spires suite on learning that he was travelling to Coruscant.

He'd also realized that he'd lost any desire to cure himself of his current predicament.  As fascinated as he was with his current experiments regarding the emotional additive, he did not look forward to their conclusion. Still, he couldn't disappoint Sidious by giving up now!  Not when his Apprentice was constantly asking about his progress on the antidote.  And yet he also couldn't deny that any thoughts of success in this endeavor filled him with feelings of dread.

And so, preoccupied with these other matters, he had arrived at Serenno unprepared to deal with the Jedi. Still, he'd hoped his derision for them might at least distract him from his own self-loathing for long enough to enact this small part of his plan.

But apparently, he'd become his own worst enemy.

He had found himself drawn inexorably to the issue of the hyperwave repeater under mediation.  And no matter how much he had tried to hold his tongue, he kept thinking about how many would suffer if the project collapsed.  That is the point! He thought, attempting to quell the insistent voice.  But to no avail. It seemed he had come all this way only to sabotage his own plans.

"Both parties have legitimate grievances," Jocasta acknowledged to Count Vemec and the Celanon ambassador.  "But it is in the best interests of all if a compromise can be reached, is it not?"

"If I may comment?" Plagueis spoke into the sullen silence.

"Certainly," Jocasta said.

"Thank you.  This issue can be easily remedied," Plagueis replied.  "When Damask Holdings purchased the location of the repeater, we were not aware of the issues that would cause." This was a lie, of course, but Plagueis had no difficulty saying it with a straight face. "The Holonet is a valuable service that should be made available to all," he continued.  "Which is why I am offering to move the location." he called up a holographic map, pointing one long finger to the new location.  "Here." he looked over at Vemec and the ambassador.  "If that works for the two of you?"

Count Vemec and the Celanon ambassador exchanged glances before looking back at him.  

"Wait," Count Vemec said, frowning.  "If the site is moved there, then Serenno would have to pay the Celanon workers double the previous arrangement due to the increased  regulations of the region."

"Not to worry, Count," Plagueis said.  "I believe this to be a worthwhile investment, which is why I am offering to change our contract from loan to grant.  If that is agreeable to both of you?"

The Celanon ambassador shrugged.  "We get paid either way.  Now we get paid more.  That is most acceptable."

"I have no objection to the new proposal," Count Vemec said.

Jocasta looked surprised.  "Are you certain, Magister?  I understood Damask Holdings was unwilling to make any concession that would increase operating expenses.  Are you saying you've reconsidered that position?"

Plagueis smiled faintly.  "That is exactly what I am saying. Damask Holdings will still make a profit, and everyone else gets a better deal."

"I'm happy to hear it, but I just want to verify--are you sure?"

"Yes," Plagueis said.  "I must admit with some embarrassment that my initial planning for the project was less than thorough.  But I am quite sure my new projections are correct.  Your presentation reminded me of the relevant details."

"All right," Jocasta said.  She smiled at the Count and the ambassador.  "I believe that settles it, then."

As they all filed out of the building, Qui-Gon gave him a dubious look.  "I must admit to wondering what your ulterior motive for this unexpected generosity is."

Plagueis smiled.  "Your suspicion is understandable," he said.  "No one acts to benefit others unless there is some benefit to themselves, right?"

Qui-Gon frowned.  "I would not say that all people are selfish, but it is  a common motivation, especially for one such as yourself..."

"Qui-Gon, are you pestering Magister Damask?" Jocasta-Nu cut in, walking up to the Jedi from the other side.

"Apologies, Master.  I--"

"Of course not!" Plagueis said cheerfully.  "We were simply having a friendly conversation.  I must say, Master Jedi, you did excellent work on the mediation."

"I wish I felt the same," Jocasta-Nu said.  "I do not think those two would  have come to an agreement if you hadn't changed your mind."

Plagueis shrugged.  "Perhaps, but I must admit, I for one found your statements compelling.  You are well-informed on the project."

She smiled.  "Thank you.  I consider it my duty to be informed on any topic I help mediate for."

"You should get full credit for this success," Plagueis said.  

"Ah, Jedi do not require credit for our achievements," Jocasta-Nu said.  "Anyway, it was a joint effort."

Plagueis raised a hairless brow, his gaze switching to Qui-Gon. "Do you agree?  There were two other Jedi here, were there not?  I haven't seen them around since the mediation talks began."

"Master Dooku and Sifo-Dyas were here to lend their voices if needed," Qui-Gon said.

Plagueis smiled.  "I suppose they get credit for showing up.  If needed."

Of course, Plagueis should have been talking to the two spares.  Dooku was a powerful Jedi, and Yoda's former padawan to boot.  And he had sensed great dissatisfaction in that one.  Plagueis had no need of another Apprentice, and he hardly thought this Jedi could compare to Sidious, but Dooku could probably be recruited informally to do the Sith's dirty work.   

And he had sensed fear in Sifo-dyas, fear and doubt.  The man had clearly been working to quell it, but Plagueis knew that something about this mediation had brought old anxieties to the surface of the Jedi Master.

Neither of the two he talked with now emanated the same anger or anxiety, nor did he know as much about them. And neither was as powerful as Dooku certainly. Still, he lingered in their presence, determined to discover what he could about them.

"I must wonder Master Jocasta-Nu, do you travel often to the Outer Rim?"  Plagueis asked. "You seem unusually well-informed on it."

"No," she replied.  "But I work part time in the Jedi Archives."

That caught the interest of the Sith Lord.  "The great Jedi library!  I've always wanted a tour of it."  What he wouldn't give to know more about that place.  Plagueis had often coveted the knowledge stored there, both Jedi and Sith. He had acquired every piece of data he could on the archives, legal or not, but none of that could compare with what a Jedi could tell him about the place.

Jocasta smiled.  "It's a popular tourist attraction.  We don't normally give guided tours, and the locations  non-Jedi are allowed are very limited.  But if you drop by during my hours I could show you some of the points of interest. "

"You can be sure I will make time to do that," Plagueis said, already making plans for the questions he would be asking about the 'off-limits' areas.

"Glad to hear it. In truth, I plan to take up full time management of the library soon.  Our current head librarian is retiring."

A librarian!  And the future head of the Jedi Archives no less.  This was better than Dooku.  Much better.

He turned to Qui-Gon.  "Do you work in the archives as well?"

The Jedi Knight shook his head.  "No," he said.

Jocasta chuckled. "But he does occasionally sleep there."

"It's not sleeping--it's meditating," Qui-Gon said, his tone mock-defensive.  He smiled briefly.

"I've never seen meditation involve so much snoring," Jocasta quipped.

"You are researching something?"  Plagueis asked Qui-Gon.

"Yes," Qui-Gon said.  "It's a Jedi matter.  About the ancient Journal of the Whills."

"Is it confidential?  I understand you cannot divulge Jedi business to an outsider such as myself. And this sounds like it must involve a task of some importance to the Order."  He was fishing for any small detail the Jedi might divulge in his response.

Qui-Gon shrugged.  "I wouldn't say that.  To be honest, most the Jedi don't even believe in it anymore.  My former Master tells me it's a fool's errand."

Not the response he was expecting.  Time to follow up.  "Really?  And what is this 'fool's errand'?"  

He worried then--had his question been too bold?  He felt he had practically demanded the answer.

But neither Jedi seemed alarmed by his query.

"The quest for immortality," Qui-Gon answered.  "The ability to live--beyond death."

And why would a Jedi be after that? the Sith Lord wondered.  A whole list of questions presented itself to him, and he vowed that he would do whatever needed to be done to find the answers. Plagueis decided he'd definitely chosen the two more interesting Jedi to talk with.

Perhaps this trip hadn't been a waste of time after all.