Palpatine could also transform into Sidious.
Garfield pondered this and figured it was worth a meeting.
After all, Pandora was a dark entity, somewhat reminiscent of Dormammu from Doctor Strange.
The more Garfield thought about it, the more it made sense… three by eight, three by eight, three, then read three books oh, never mind.
Sith, too, were wielders of dark power.
Garfield figured he could test the waters, subtly probe whether Palpatine had ever encountered Pandora.
If he had, this trip could end early, and Garfield could finally head home, where a domestic Godzilla and all manner of chaos were no doubt waiting to unfold.
After having Padmé arrange a meeting, Garfield sat with Palpatine in her palace.
Palpatine arrived flanked by his special guards, battle droids produced by the Trade Federation.
Garfield dismissed them with a glance, these five scrap-heaps weren't worth his attention.
After some pleasantries, Palpatine suggested Padmé leave them to speak privately.
Garfield saw no reason to refuse. Both had their reasons for wanting a closed-door conversation.
Garfield lounged across from Palpatine, looking utterly at ease.
Before arriving, Palpatine had done his homework.
He'd pieced it together, Garfield was none other than the head of the galaxy's most popular game company.
And more importantly, this cat was the one they called His Majesty Garfield.
"Greetings, King Garfield," Palpatine began, his tone carefully measured.
Garfield, picking idly at his claws, replied flatly: "Not great, actually. Bad luck, running into a Sith Lord like you the moment I step out."
Palpatine had come prepared for many things...
For decades, he had operated from the shadows. Even if he planned to eventually step into the light, having another tear the veil away first was something else entirely.
It was the difference between unveiling yourself and being unmasked.
Palpatine forced a chuckle. "Heh... I'm not sure what King Garfield is referring to."
Garfield raised a paw, inspecting it as he spoke, utterly nonchalant. "Admit it, don't admit it, doesn't matter to me."
"I've crossed paths with Jedi and Sith alike. I give them their space, and they give me mine. So whatever schemes you've got brewing."
"Keep them. I'm not interested."
Palpatine clung to his cover, unwilling to break character.
A Sith of the shadows only revealed himself when the board was set.
"King Garfield," he said smoothly, "I truly don't understand."
"If there's something happening in your domain, perhaps the Galactic Republic could be of assistance?"
Still playing games.
Garfield gave a lazy yawn. "You know those sniveling bat-eared suits in the Trade Federation?"
"If I dropped them off at the Jedi Temple, think they'd spill everything? Right down to who wet the bed as a kid?"
The nerve of this orange cat.
Palpatine clenched his jaw but kept his composure.
He was no stranger to threats. "I believe they'd be dealt with according to Republic law. Through proper trial."
Garfield spread his paws. "They're not your citizens. They're in my king's custody, so it's entirely my freedom to decide where they end up."
Palpatine's jaw tightened.
For a fleeting moment, he imagined igniting his blade and sending this insufferable cat back to the Force where he belonged.
But the dark side, ever his guide, whispered caution. Do not engage.
He exhaled slowly. "Let's talk terms."
Garfield tilted his head, feigning interest. "Terms, huh? What are you offering? The Trade Federation's worth quite a bit to you, isn't it?"
"Without them... well, you lose your cannon fodder. And your funding for that little clone project you've got brewing."
Palpatine's eye twitched. The cat knew too much. But revealing surprise would only confirm it.
"Tax exemptions," Palpatine offered smoothly. "Partial exemptionsyou're your games across Republic space."
Garfield snorted. "The king doesn't need money. And you don't control taxes, you just pretend to. Keep your painted flowers."
He stretched lazily. "There's a Jedi on Naboo right now, you know. I could have a shuttle arranged in minutes."
"Drop those bat-eared executives off at the Jedi Temple myself. They'd love to chat, I'm sure."
Palpatine's hand rose instinctively. "No, wait."
The words came out sharper than intended.
He caught himself, composed his features, and lowered his voice. "Wait. I'm willing to negotiate. Reasonably."
Garfield paused mid-stretch, one eyebrow arched. "Go on."
Palpatine stepped closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. "Let me explain a few things."
"There's a larger picture here, one where we don't have to be adversaries. In fact, we could be... allies."
And so Palpatine spun his tale, weaving half-truths and convenient fictions, adapting his grand design on the fly.
He painted himself not as a tyrant, but as a necessary hand guiding the Republic toward stability.
All the while, his true intent lurked beneath…. drag this creature into the scheme.