Three months before the deadline.
Jin-Woo now allowed himself to travel a little farther from the Theed Royal Palace, though he made sure to stay within the boundaries of Theed City itself — the bunker beneath the palace had reached 40% completion, and while progress was steady, his presence still amplified the Sentinel operations working tirelessly underground.
But above ground, the air of the city had changed.
He stood calmly on a balcony overlooking one of Theed's bustling streets, his arms crossed loosely as he watched streams of Gungan folk now openly moving through the Naboo capital — something that would've been unthinkable months ago. Colorful carts, water-filled wagons, and groups of Gungan warriors strolled through the polished streets, exchanging cautious but peaceful greetings with Naboo citizens.
Down below, Padmé Amidala walked beside Boss Nass, her formal robes trailing softly behind her. A wide grin spread across Boss Nass's face as he waved energetically to his people. And by his side, Jar Jar Binks — now clad in polished armor far too big for his lanky frame — fumbled nervously with his gear, tugging at a newly given sash that marked his new title: General of the Gungan Grand Army.
Jin-Woo watched all of it quietly, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.
Padmé had done it — just as she had in the canon timeline — forging an alliance between the Naboo and the Gungans, . And now, Gungan troops were moving toward Theed, preparing and coordinating alongside Naboo Royal Guards.
Jin-Woo moved like a wraith through the streets of Naboo, slipping from shadow to shadow, his presence flickering just beyond the notice of ordinary eyes. But as he emerged near one of the main thoroughfares and standing for 5 minutes , a familiar voice greeted him.
Captain Panaka stood tall, arms crossed, his usual stern demeanor softened ever so slightly. "I don't know what you've been doing, Jin-Woo," Panaka said, his tone carrying a rare note of approval, "but you've just helped create a historical moment of peace. I'm grateful Queen Amidala managed to forge this alliance."
Jin-Woo said nothing, unreadable glance before his gaze turned upward — toward the approaching Naboo space shuttle descending onto the landing pad nearby.
Inside his mind, Offensive Bias's voice cut through calmly.
"Supreme Executor, incoming report: the approaching Naboo shuttle carries Senator Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious. He intends to personally witness this event. Additionally, Captain Panaka has informed him that you might serve as Queen Amidala's bodyguard, given your reputation as an excellent marksman."
Jin-Woo's whispered under his breath,
"The only ones who know about the bunker… are Padmé and Sabé. No one else, right?"
Offensive Bias responded smoothly, without hesitation,
"Affirmative, Supreme Executor. No other personnel possess knowledge of the bunker's design, location, or operational purpose."
Jin-Woo turned his sharp gaze toward Panaka. "Captain… what does Palpatine mean to you?"
Panaka straightened, his tone firm and respectful. "Palpatine is a great man — a man with strong principles, a defender of democracy, and a protector of Naboo through his political efforts."
Jin-Woo gave a small nod, then quietly stepped away. "Thank you, Captain."
Without another word, he slipped aside, activating his Flow-Walking — his awareness sliding into the timeline, inspecting Panaka's past.
He saw it clearly: Panaka's loyalty was genuine, rooted in his years of service to Naboo. No secret agent, no hidden snitch — just a steadfast captain determined to serve his queen.
Jin-Woo's thoughts stirred, calm but edged with calculation. Palpatine is still the old Palpatine… paranoid, cautious. He hasn't expanded his network of agents yet.
He quietly took a seat nearby, eyes half-lidded, watching the gathering parade as Naboo soldiers and Gungan forces began mingling across Theed. But his sharp gaze noted one key thing — the Globe of Peace hadn't been brought out yet. That meant Boss Nass understood Padmé's plan to resist the coming threat… but crucially, he wasn't aware of the bunker.
Jin-Woo's sharp eyes flicked toward the landing pad as the sleek Naboo shuttle descended, its ramp lowering with smooth precision. Senator Palpatine emerged gracefully, draped in his elegant robes, a composed smile on his lips. Beside him, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi flanked him calmly, walking with the easy alertness of seasoned Jedi.
Jin-Woo, however, barely spared them a glance. His gaze shifted elsewhere — and at that moment, a familiar, sly voice slipped into his mind.
My husband… Morgan's voice purred through their telepathic link, I've managed to create ten thousand Knights of Zakuul.
Jin-Woo's brow twitched upward slightly, his eyes narrowing. Shit… that fast? I guess the Transfiguration I teased you about really is real. You can manage to shape the soul itself…
Morgan's voice came back with a laugh, edged with dry humor. No, darling. Clones don't have souls — unlike the natural inhabitants of this world, who possess some trace of midichlorians. So… I infused them myself.
Jin-Woo's smile sharpened, a flicker of genuine approval slipping across his face. I'm glad you've become more adept with your power as Monarch, my wife…
But just as he let the warmth of that thought settle, his sharp eyes caught motion in the corner of the plaza — Palpatine was approaching.
Later, Morgan, Jin-Woo murmured calmly through the link, right now, the loser group's apprentice wants to have a chat with me.
Morgan's laughter echoed lightly in his mind. Jin-Woo, let me kill Plagueis later — consider that a reward for you not speaking to me for at least a few months.
Jin-Woo let out a unseen smirk. As you wish, my glutton queen.
Palpatine now drew close, his polished boots tapping lightly on the marble path, his aged but composed face wearing the perfect politician's smile. With graceful politeness, he inclined his head slightly and asked, "May I take a seat, Jin-Woo?"
Jin-Woo gave a subtle nod, his posture languid, the look of a calm merchant, a professional, nothing more. He let his merchant mask settle smoothly across his face, hiding the true shadow beneath.
Palpatine took the seat beside him, folding his hands neatly on his lap, his tone light and conversational.
"Jin-Woo, I want to discuss business with you. I've heard from Captain Panaka that you're not only an excellent marksman but also one of the most successful merchants in the Purple England Company, as you are one of its leaders. You even outshine the other merchant groups, always selling some of the highest-quality items. I wonder — do you perhaps have access to this particular item?"
With a flick of his fingers, Palpatine activated his holoscreen. A rotating image appeared, hovering in the air between them: an ornate, ancient incense burner, its surface marked with subtle, spiraling carvings — elegant at first glance, but Jin-Woo's sharp eyes immediately picked up the deeper, darker etchings hidden beneath.
Palpatine's smooth voice continued, laced with just the right amount of casualness.
"This is one of my family relics, an incense burner passed down for generations. I'd like to ask if you, or your company, could retrieve it for me."
Jin-Woo's mind sharpened coldly behind the mask of a relaxed smile.
Asshole… that's no family relic. That's a Sith chalice. Of course I don't have it — and you sure as hell don't want it just for decoration.
Jin-Woo kept his relaxed, merchant-like smile, voice smooth and easy.
"That's a good incense burner, Senator… but I'm afraid I don't have it."
Palpatine gave a soft, polite sigh, folding his hands slightly tighter.
"A shame… but you see, Jin-Woo, I've already been helping you. The Commerce Guild hasn't been too fond of your Purple England Company — they've wanted to block your operations for some time now. I've personally been holding them back. So… perhaps you could retrieve this incense burner for me, as a favor?"
Jin-Woo's smile didn't falter, but inside, a faint edge of irritation sparked.
So, that's your game… you want to pull me away, separate me from Padmé. You know she's been growing sharper with me nearby, seeing through more of your little plans. If I'm gone, she's easier to manipulate. It's an advantage you want.
Out loud, Jin-Woo gave a calm, almost amused nod.
"Alright then — we'll call it a take-and-give relationship."
Palpatine smiled faintly, his eyes glinting ever so slightly.
"Yes… just as it should be. Merchant-like."
Jin-Woo tilted his head just slightly, voice smooth.
"So, Senator — where was it last located?"
Of course, Jin-Woo already knew the answer.
Malachor. I know.
Palpatine gave a faint, knowing smile.
"It's on Malachor. I expect the incense burner can be brought to me as soon as possible."
Jin-Woo's smile sharpened, still holding his merchant mask.
"Consider it done."
Palpatine nodded slowly, rising from his seat with composed grace.
"Thank you, Jin-Woo. I knew I could trust that a merchant like you understands the value of mutual benefit."
As Palpatine turned and left, Jin-Woo remained seated, his smile faint but edged.
Malachor… a perfect place to try to get rid of me. Maul's probably there, still licking his wounds. After all, it was only months ago that he was humiliated — not just by me, the Shadow Monarch, but by Morgan's demonic arms of transfiguration knocking him out cold.
Jin-Woo sat calmly, his fingers tapping idly on the table, though his senses were far from still.
Through the faint hum of his forerunner implant on his shoulder, he could already sense the presence of two familiar observers — Offensive Bias, quietly monitoring, and Morgan, ever watchful, peering through their shared link.
A tiny, needle-sized drone shimmered into view beside him, slipping out of a brief slipspace ripple with flawless precision.
Offensive Bias's voice pulsed softly into his mind.
"Supreme Executor… allow me to ensure that the Senator's rusted schemes crumble. I can initiate a precision destabilization across his outer networks."
But before Jin-Woo could even reply, Morgan's voice cut in smoothly, a dark edge of her telepathy.
No, she purred through the link. I will handle him.
Her presence crackled with quiet, playful malice.
I'll kill him myself — make sure his body can be used for another batch of the demonic spectre army. I'll strip him down piece by piece… just for you, my love.
Jin-Woo's faint smirk deepened, his fingers brushing idly along the table's edge as he spoke calmly into the silent air.
"I have a better idea," he murmured, his voice low and measured. "But first… Morgan, over at Kamino — how many clones have you crafted to match my face and appearance exactly?"
Morgan's voice slid back through the telepathic link, laced with an almost teasing satisfaction.
Ten in number, my love. Shall I send them to you now through the gateway?
Jin-Woo's eyes glinted faintly.
"No… just prepare them for me. Keep them ready. I have a different plan."
He leaned back slightly, his mind already spinning with sharp intent.
"I'm going to rob Malachor — not just the superweapon itself, but also crack the relationship between Padmé and Palpatine. She still doesn't know how dangerous that man truly is… and it's time she learned."
Offensive Bias's small drone hovered quietly near his shoulder, the AI's voice folding in smoothly.
"Supreme Executor, you truly are obsessed with superweapons, even though you already possess the Halo Array . Nevertheless… understood."
Without another word, Offensive Bias triggered a concealed slipspace breach — a ripple so subtle it barely whispered through reality.
And in the blink of an eye, Jin-Woo vanished.