We have been reading an advance copy of Cloak of Deception by James Luceno, and just 58 pages into it we've spotted some things you'll see in Episode II. Highlight to read:

You'll remember we said that the Techno Union and Commerce Guild were two factions in Episode II. In Cloak of Deception, the story takes place before Episode I. Chancellor Valorum and Senator Palpatine have a conversation about taxation of the trade routes:

Valorum mulled it over briefly. "It could be political suicide."

"Oh, I'm well aware of that, Supreme Chancellor. Proponents of taxation would suffer merciless attacks from the Commerce Guild, the Techno Union, and the rest of the shipping conglomerates awarded franchises to operate in the free trade zones. But it is the appropriate measure."

Here's another interesting quote:

Valorum confirmed it with a determined nod. "The Republic hasn't had a standing military in generations, and I certainly won't be the person to reinstate one. Coruscant must remain a place where groups can come together to find peaceful solutions to conflicts."

This explains why, when the Republic is threatened by the Confederacy of Independent Systems, they must pass a bill to create a clone army. They simply don't have any existing military beyond the Jedi.

It's interesting to see how some of these little things are being worked in. We'll keep you updated if more is spotted. In the meantime, start watching your bookstores for Cloak of Deception by James Luceno.

UPDATE!! - As I continue to plow through this book, there's more ties to Episode II all over the place. Highlight to view more:

- The book makes a point of highlighting Senator Orn Free Taa, Toonbuck Toora, and Passel Argente. These are all Senators believed to be in Episode II. Also highlighted is Senator Edcel Bar Gane which we haven't heard having involvement.

- The book confirms that Passel Argente is affiliated with the Corporate Alliance.

- Senator Palpatine mentions the Intergalactic Banking Clan on page 81.

Also check out the following quote mentioning a character from Episode II. Qui-Gon Jinn introduces a new Jedi:

"Obi-Wan, I want you to meet Master Luminara Unduli."

"Master Jinn," the woman said, taken by suprise, and inclining her head in a bow of respect.

Qui-Gon returned the gesture. "Luminara, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi, my Padawan."

She bowed her head to Obi-Wan, as well. Her face was triangular in shape, and the lower portion was tattooed in small diamond shapes that formed a vertical stripe from her lush, blue black lower lip to the tip of her round chin. The backs of her hand also bore tattoos, atop each knuckle joint.

Sound familiar? Check this out. Could this be Luminara Unduli?

More to come as we find it! This is only in the first 90 pages.

UPDATE 2!!!! - Highlight to read.

Here's a line from page 109. It takes place after the Senate votes on taxing the Federation trade routes:

Palpatine made a mental note of the naysayers, including Toonbuck Toora, Po Nudo, Wat Tambor, and other delegates. Then he detached the platform and dropped for the center of the rotunda, chased by two hovercams.

As we know, these are key members in the Confederacy of Independent Systems. We also know LFL registered domain names in a couple of these names. You may also be interested to know that Sate Pestage has a role as an advisor to Palpatine in this book. He was one of the Imperial Dignitaries seen in Return of the Jedi.

More to come!