"Investigate Rush Clovis, the representative of the InterGalactic Banking Clan?" Master Windu frowned deeply. "Compared to the Jedi Order, shouldn't this be more appropriately handled by the Republic Intelligence Department?"
Sheev Palpatine shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. The InterGalactic Banking Clan is too powerful, and to put it bluntly, they are too wealthy. Within the Republic, I cannot trust anyone other than the Jedi Order... because anyone could succumb to the power of money. Only the Jedi Order is the one I can wholeheartedly trust from beginning to end."
This reasonable flattery pleased Master Windu greatly. He nodded and said, "Then you should already have some intelligence, correct?"
Flattery could never go wrong, and without realizing it, Master Windu had reverted to using honorifics. Compared to the icy attitude he had shown everyone since his severe injury, this was already a considerable softening.
Palpatine said, "Actually, that is one of the reasons I came to find you."
He paused, seeming somewhat hesitant, but then appeared to make up his mind and continued, "I truly did not wish to speak of this matter, but the InterGalactic Banking Clan is simply too significant. One misstep could even shake the very foundations of the Galactic Republic... so... sigh... very well. Senator Padmé Amidala once had a secret romantic relationship with Senator Rush Clovis."
"Hm?" Master Windu's eyes widened. He had never expected such gossip to come from the Chancellor.
"Very well. That is why Senator Padmé Amidala would be best suited to handle this matter..." Sheev Palpatine said.
"But... what does this have to do with the Jedi Order? Couldn't you simply tell Padmé directly?" Master Windu asked.
Sheev Palpatine said gravely, "Rush Clovis is almost certainly a Separatist, so investigating him will definitely be difficult and may even be dangerous. I cannot