This will probably be the last update of the year. I’m now a senior in high school. This chapter marks the near total end of everything that SpaceCowboy2013 wrote for the original fanfic.
Coruscant, Senate Building
In the corridors of the ever expansive Galactic Senate building, Palpatine angrily crushed the communications droid that made the mistake of getting in his way with a simple grasp of his hand. As the wreckage of the droid clattered to the ground, the chancellor was quick to be grateful that he was alone and in a hallway without cameras.
Beneath his anger, Palpatine was almost pleased. The news that had just been delivered to him could not have come at a more beneficial time.
He was just about to go in front of the Senate and speak on the prospects of the Financial Reform Bill and the continuation of his emergency powers. With this turn of events, he wouldn’t have to fight nearly as hard to pass the bill and keep his position.
He probably wouldn’t even have to use his ‘extralegal’ abilities to coerce the members of the Galactic Senate to vote in his favor either
Despite this, his ego was still slightly hurt.
‘It appears that I have underestimated my opponent.’ He bitterly thought.
The forces of the UNSC had managed to defeat Tarkin’s fleet. Not only that, but sent them running out of the system.
The simple word for the current predicament was disaster.
The Dark Lord of the Sith himself could not believe that such a lopsided defeat had occurred. With more and more information coming in from the survivors of the battle, the situation began to look worse and worse.
A whole fleet of ships mauled. It would take weeks to repair the damaged ones and put them back into action. For now, the idea of a 21st Sector Army was dead. The grand offensive meant to pierce straight into the heart of the beast was no more, at least for now.
The Taris system, the headquarters of the 10th Sector Army, seemed to be comparatively undefended due to the sudden lack of ships which were supposed to be marauding around the Milky Way Galaxy, tying up the enemy. It was ripe for a counterattack. Despite the vast size of the Republic Navy, forces were scrambling to regroup.
He had already ordered three fleets which were previously held in reserve, numbering around 1500 ships total, to plug the figurative gap.
The repercussions were now spreading like wildfire throughout the galaxy and the Republic Military. Admirals were scrambling to go over the data that Captain Piett had brought with the remainder of Tarkin’s fleet and determine how to fight the UNSC.
His personal commlink buzzed.
He didn’t even bother to check it, the Senate was about to be in session, and he could already hear the roars of angry and shocked Senators of every species demanding answers.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
"We found her escape pod just outside the Taris system, shortly after Admiral Tarkin’s similar arrival." Jedi Master Windu said as an image of Jedi Master Aayla Secura came on the holoprojector in the middle of the spectacular Jedi Temple communication center, which was currently full of Jedi.
Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and the rest of the Jedi present in the counsel chamber did their best to hide their surprise at the sight of Aayla’s wounds.
"Moreover, it seems that our fears were true, Masters Shaak Ti and Jax Sieflan were both killed in battle." Windu monotoned as Anakin clenched his fist in response.
Master Ti, dead? Anakin thought. She’d once told him everything dies and that, in time, even the stars died. Now she was dead, too.
All things die, Anakin Skywalker. Even stars burn out… her voice seemed to whisper in his ear.
"Before she was taken into medical care, she gave us a data chip holding a recording of everything that happened during the battle." Windu said as he pulled the chip from his robes, before sliding the chip into the computer as the room darkened.
Anakin leaned to Obi-Wan and whispered into his ear. "How bad do you think this threat is?"
"We are about to find out." Obi-Wan said as Anakin thought what this new war would mean for him and Padmé.
The video began to play.
Raxus Secundus, Raxulon
The capital city of the Confederacy of Independent Systems was alive as ever. The skyways bustled with traffic amongst the city's skyline, with the backdrop of the picturesque landscape in the distance.
On the streets of the capital, people of every species went about their business. The main square of the city was full of civilians who were either picnicking, enjoying the weather, or simply just mingling with each other.
A patrol of B1 battle droids marched by a young human, Haskins Advi, just over the age of 18. He was seated at a table outside a Caf shop, looking out at the dominating structure that was the Seperatist Senate Building which was just across the plaza. Haskins was joined by two fellow friends.
"I can’t believe that you’re really joining the Army." Tala, a Twi'lek and childhood friend, asked as her green lekku curled slightly as the holonews played on a large screen across the street.
"I've been thinking about it for a long time. Between working at one of the factories or my parents' store, the military looked like a better option." He replied as a pair of swoop bikes raced past. "I just really want to get off of this rock and help defend the Confederacy from the Republic."
"Well you shoulda done better on that last exam, maybe you wouldn’t be stuck with such lousy options.” His friend Dillac jested, earning a chuckle from the other two. “Anyway, I hear that the training can be pretty tough if you get assigned to a base with the Terrans advising."
"I know, but it’s worth the risk. If half of what they say about those Terrans is true, then I should be able to take on Clones myself after I'm through." He replied.
“Well if the other half is true, they’re a bunch of apes who don’t know left from right.” Dillac smirked.
Before he could reply, everyone in the street suddenly began to run around and grow excited.
"What the hell?" Haskins asked as he and the others got up to see what was happening.
"Could it be a Republic attack?" Tala asked with concern.
"On Raxus? This system's a fortress, I doubt they could get past the fleet, much less the Golans in orbit." Dillac replied as they ran to see what the large crowd was gathering for.
When they got there the crowd was deathly quiet as they listened to the news reporter.
"We have breaking news! These reports aren’t completely confirmed, but the Republic has apparently launched an attack on the Terrans of the Milky Way Galaxy four days ago."
Everyone gasped almost as one.
"Those bastards!" Several people screamed as even more people joined the crowd, even several B1 droids came to see what the commotion was.
"Whoa..." Dillac whispered.
"These reports detail that the attack occurred on the edge of Terran space and the defenses there were reportedly outnumbered four to one, wait. We are receiving a video now." The human female newscaster paused as she read the report, clearly surprised.
"What could it be?" Tala asked.
"We have just received a video from the Terran government itself, from the President of the UEG and the UNSC."
Everyone looked at each other before the screen changed to show the image of a rather broad shouldered man in a Terran styled black suit with a silky red tie. The man had three large scars on his temple running into his graying hair that further brought out the ferocity the grizzled looking man's eyes exuded.
His hands gripped the shiny wooden podium with the crest of the UEG emblazoned on it, standing in front of a blue background.
"People of Earth and all her colonies, the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the Swords of Sanghelios, and all others across our galaxies, four days ago forces of the Galactic Republic under the command of Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin attacked one of our outer colonies in the Alpha Rendara system. This attack was deliberate and unprovoked. Our attempts to avoid confrontation have failed; I regret to inform the galaxies that our negotiations have failed."
The crowd seemed to recoil as the reality set in.
"Another war?" Haskins whispered as the video continued.
“What’s one more?” Dillac said.
"Our forces, outnumbered four to one, fought with the bravery and honor that all members of the UNSC are renowned for. The Republic fleet, consisting of over 300 ships from transports to capital ships, engaged the forces present, some 80 UNSC warships and a planetary garrison."
"Oh my." Tala murmured as Haskins quickly thought over just how one sided that battle must have been.
"Despite these daunting odds, our forces managed to successfully rout the Republic forces, resulting in the destruction of over 250 ships and the destruction or capture of over fifty percent of the 21st Sector Army, the so-called Star Fist Command."
The crowd was silent for a full five seconds before everyone burst out cheering.
"No way!" Haskins shouted with glee as the video continued, showing images from the battle.
Everyone watched with fascination as UNSC ships, ugly but clearly capable warships covered in guns and armor, engaged Republic star destroyers while starfighters engaged in an absolutely furious battle.
Massive spinal guns on the Terran warships from lighter but predatory escorts, impressive looking cruisers, titanic carriers, and an intimidating battleship spat out projectiles that looked like giant shooting stars at unfathomable speeds towards targets well beyond visual range. Seconds later, explosions could be seen in the picture as the video shifted to show trashed Republic warships getting ripped apart by secondary explosions.
The video then showed a fast paced ground battle between UNSC ground forces and Clone Army, where professional looking Terran Soldiers stood down the enemy that many had learned to hate with every fiber of their being and clearly came out on top. The UNSC infantry, donned in their unique armor and armed with their projectile weapons, seemed like super men when they gunned down Clone troopers in bloody displays of firepower. Haskins was surprised that it was left unedited.
He watched Terrans get hit by blaster fire only to still stand strong, thanks to some sort of armor that stopped or resisted blasters. The soldiers defiantly held a defensive line against waves of Clones.
Then the images began to show beastly looking treaded Terran war machines, their massive cannons destroying AT-TEs with ease, although a few were destroyed themselves despite their seemingly thick armor. Big but agile UNSC starfighters engaged in combat with ARC-170s and seemed to swat them out of the sky with dazzling zero-G maneuvers, streams of bright projectiles, and explosive missile salvos.
"However, the UNSC forces on the ground sustained sixty percent casualties and nearly seventy percent of the UNSC fleet was destroyed or disabled." The Terran leader spoke with pain in his voice.
"This defeat has cost the Republic hundreds of thousands of men, hundreds of ships, countless supplies, and the capture of their latest military hardware. Two Jedi Masters were even killed at the hands of a member of the elite Spartans."
That really got people's attention.
"Despite this great success, our victory was not without great sacrifice. Despite our best efforts, the Republic was unfortunately able to launch a cowardly orbital bombardment on our colony, resulting in the deaths of a hundred thousand helpless civilians."
Haskins tightly clenched his fists as the others present expressed a myriad of emotions.
"Let it be known today that the United Earth Government and all her colonies will not stand for this injustice! Let it be known that we will stand and fight the enemy whenever they attack no matter the cost. Let it be known that today, the United Earth Government hereby declares war on the Galactic Republic!"
The people present and all those around the two galaxies watched as the universe as they knew it changed before their eyes.
Reach, Highland Mountains, FLEETCOM Military Complex, HIGHCOM
Admiral Gregory White sighed as the Panther light armored vehicle hit a small bump in the three lane autobahn with its large all terrain wheels. The large vehicle made its way towards the offramp at 100 miles per hour. The idyllic green plains sped by with the skyline of the city of Manassas far off in the distance.
The driver stared intently at the road ahead of him as a security checkpoint came and went, the guards manning the station receiving clearance from the IFF and HIGHCOM's security grid.
Gregory had tried desperately to grab some sleep while he could. He had only ten or so hours of sleep tops in the past five days. He had been held up managing the aftermath of the battle before he transferred control to the Trafalgar and her battlegroup. After making a random jump, he made straight for Reach at the fastest speeds the bruised and bleeding battleship could muster.
He had arrived on Reach less than 14 hours ago after his flagship was docked at one of the shipyards around Reach's moon Turul.
As soon as he had set foot on the planet, aside from the hounding he had received from the press which he politely, if not bluntly, ignored, he had been immediately summoned to HIGHCOM by a somewhat irritated sounding Fleet Admiral Cole along with the rest of the admiralty currently on Reach.
During the war, UNSC space was divided into four CENTCOMs, or central commands, each coordinating operations for their quarter of Human held space.
CENTCOM Five was only weeks old. The Confederacy had allowed the UNSC the use of the planet Boz Pity, which was already being used by the Separatists as a staging ground for raids into Republic space. The UNSC obliged them. Secret shipments were underway, under the noses of the Republic thanks to their slipspace drives, and service, repair, and refit stations tailored to the needs of a UNSC fleet were under construction in the Milky Way to be later transferred there.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
The Panther, a fully wheeled all terrain recon vehicle based off of the chassis of a Wolverine, began to slow as another checkpoint came into view.
The Panther had been developed as a result of the need for a light vehicle more suited for urban environments. The open design of the Warthog led to various shortcomings as it was pressed into roles it wasn’t designed for during the Insurrection. The vehicle ditched the AA armaments of the Wolverine in favor of a troop bay, plus a mount for different types of weapons, from a simple .50 cal, to an automatic grenade launcher or a Gauss cannon.
As the Panther stopped, the military police manning the station stepped out of the guard shack to check the underside of the Panther for bombs or any sort of tracking or listening devices.
One could not help but notice that this checkpoint, unlike the last, was far better equipped for a confrontation than the first, which was really just meant to turn lost or prying civilians away before they reached the second. The checkpoint was more of a pillbox dressed up to look presentable, but a trained eye could clearly pick out the machine guns tracking him and anything that came near it.
"You're clear, have a nice day sir." The guard saluted. White returned it before the vehicle again sped off.
After another few minutes of driving, the perimeter of the base came into view.
To call the FLEETCOM Military Complex an impregnable fortress might not have done the place justice.
The entire base, miles wide at its largest point, was encircled by a thirty foot tall sloped reinforced concrete wall with redoubts that held countless 50mm point defense guns meant for use on starships, 100mm railguns, SAMs, and machine guns.
After going through the final gates under the wall, Gregory’s vehicle made its way into the base and into HIGHCOM.
Passing several more bunkers, shiny training buildings, massive motorpools, machine shops, radar emplacements, barracks, and officer quarters, HIGHCOM itself loomed in the window.
The building stood thirty stories tall and was surrounded by a simple yet well maintained field of neatly cut grass on all sides, save for a large circle drive that gave the bottom portion of the building the look of an airport terminal.
As White made his way into the building past layer upon layer of security, he could only think about how the upcoming meeting would go.
Fifteen Minutes Later
"You crossed the line White, with the killing of the Clones." Fleet Admiral Cole said irritably as White all but rolled his eyes again. "But I admit I might have done the same if I were in your shoes."
Gregory and the other officers present in the room, Admiral Whitcomb, Admiral Stanforth, and Fleet Admiral Harper, all nodded with a hint of thankfulness that the usual disagreements between the two didn’t escalate.
"So, about our operational plans?" Stanforth asked.
"We will perform lightning strikes on several key Republic systems." Cole spoke as a holographic display of the Andromeda galaxy came up with the borders of the Republic, CIS, and nonaligned space.
On them, four systems were enlarged and highlighted.
The systems of Taris, Ord Mantell, and Lantillies were all there. Taris made sense as an operation against a Republic military center, the very one from which their attack into UEG space had launched. The other two were also headquarters for Republic sector armies just like Taris, and Lantillies was a chokepoint for the Perlemian trade route.
But the last one made Admiral White grin, he had to give Lord Hood credit for being ballsy and ordering an attack right in the middle of the core.
The Corellian System.
"We will open up the campaign with an assault on the systems with known Republic staging grounds closest to our ‘border’, but these four systems will be where most of our fighting will take place. Taris is where our only ground operation will take place to boost morale by seizing a hostile world, and our attack on Corellia will take place during stage two of Operation Suckerpunch, in conjunction with the Confederacy’s own main offensive, Operation Durge’s Lance. There will also be smaller assaults on less important worlds to send a message for propaganda purposes. They don’t have much military value, Naboo being an example.
“As you could guess, those smaller assaults are also meant to draw Republic forces away and weaken the defenses of other worlds,” Cole continued. “These will be hit and run skirmishes to deal as much damage as possible.
“Deeper into the core of the galaxy, guerrilla operations conducted by Separatist partisans supported by our special forces will also serve the same purpose. " Cole finished.
"How many ships are we committing? Not to mention the personnel." Whitcomb asked. "There are already Spartan raids in motion, on Taris for instance."
The list appeared.
“We’ll be stretched thin!” Stanforth said aloud.
"We will be using nearly 5500 vessels in our assault, that’s just the initial deployment. If all goes according to plan, we can have an additional 1500 reinforcing us."
"5500? That’s over a tenth of our fleet!" Fleet Admiral Harper exclaimed.
"We are already activating all of our mothball ships and rearming them, mostly older frigates, but a few cruisers as well. However, they will be used to supplement our defenses and free up our more modern ships. All shipyards are moving to full overdrive, as well as all of our other wartime industries. By year’s end we’ll have a thousand more vessels of all classes from frigates to battleships. The third Infinity-Class is already halfway done. Getting the people to crew them is proving easy. Recruitment centers have reported double their usual volunteer figures in the last week." Cole said.
"How long until they are ready?" White asked in an even tone. “I heard the President wants us to go on the assault ASAP."
"By the end of the month, ships are already massing at the three staging areas." Cole answered.
Reach was among them of course, along with Midguard and the Harvest system.
“Why not hit them where it really hurts, their shipyards at Kuat and Anaxes, Malastare’s refineries? Kamino?” Whitcomb asked.
“That’s in stage two of our campaign. According to our current intel, hitting them at our initial targets will deal a massive enough blow to their navy that they will have a tough time recovering from, as well as the ensuing morale loss. If that goes well, those systems will be on the table, but for now they’re too well defended,” Cole said, paused, and then continued, “Kamino is off the table. Remember, the Mortal Dictata protects the lives of the un-decanted clones they have growing there.”
Whitcomb nodded in understanding.
Cole began to conclude the meeting, discussing the logistical considerations of a transgalactic operation, when he suddenly received a message from the UNSC Security Council on Earth.
Fleet Admiral Lord Hood popped up on the screen. “Good afternoon gentlemen. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Not anything urgent. I already went over our strategy for phase one of the operation.” Cole said.
Hood nodded. “Then I want everyone out but Admiral White.”
Everyone promptly packed up and left the room.
“Admiral, you know why I want to see you. I can’t let your valiant actions go unrewarded, but at the same time I can’t let what you did to the prisoners go unpunished. I, and the rest of the Security Council, have decided to put you under the direct command of Fleet Admiral Cole for the initial stages of the campaign. Understood?”
White grimaced while gritting his teeth. “Understood, sir.”
“Dismissed.” The transmission cut out.
Reach, Highland Mountains, FLEETCOM Military Complex
"Spartans, attention! Admiral on deck!" John shouted out to the 200 or so Spartans inside the cavernous briefing chamber, located deep beneath the ground.
Present were the members of the original class of Spartan-IIs like John himself, and Linda to his left, as well some of the surviving Spartan-IIIs, along with the 16 newest members of the Spartan-IVs who had just completed their training. The next wave of 150 Spartan-IVs would be ready in a month, in time to see action in the upcoming war. John had been training them in the abandoned titanium mines near CASTLE Base before he had been deployed to Alpha Rendara.
The superhumans all precisely snapped to attention in perfect unison as Admiral Stanforth strode into the amphitheater, returning the salute as he took his place in front of them.
"At ease Spartans, as you were." The famed admiral ordered as the supersoldiers relaxed and took their seats.
"As you are all keenly aware, war has come upon us yet again. This time around, we are not fighting for our lives, thankfully. However, we are facing an enemy mostly composed of Humans, particularly those who will be facing us in battle, but has resources which makes the entirety of the UEG pale in comparison."
John and the others nodded. He noticed Kelly steal a quick glance at him, knowing that he had obviously been in the battle and had only arrived back on Reach twelve hours ago, when the Warhound arrived in system and promptly entered one of the massive orbital drydocks for repairs.
"To defeat this enemy, we must take advantage of their weakness, they are spread out, surrounded by enemies and compared to us, rather inexperienced at fighting the kind of enemies we have. Though, to their credit, it appears they learn and adapt quickly."
The Spartans nodded.
"To accomplish this, we must attack them at every weak point that we can, go straight for the heart of the enemy, and keep them on the defensive for as long as possible. If we don't, they can and will overwhelm us, despite the casualties we will inflict."
The Spartans again nodded, all understanding that despite the power of the UNSC, the vast size of the Republic meant that it outnumbered them by an order of magnitude.
"We must go on the offensive while we still hold the initiative. HIGHCOM is churning through battleplans right now, but it looks like the first deployment of Spartans will be to Taris."
Beside the Admiral, a holographic projection flashed into existence as the lights dimmed.
Raxus Secundus, Raxulon
Padmé Amidala and Ahsoka Tano made their way off the landing pad towards Seperatist senator Mina Bonteri’s rather luxurious home.
Mina turned around. “Girls, if you could help our guests with their luggage?”
“Yes, mistress.” They kindly obliged.
Padmé gladly accepted their help, but Ahsoka jerked her luggage away from them. “I can handle it.”
“Padmé, it’s so good to see you.”
“Yes, how things have changed since the last time we met.”
“Let’s go inside, there’s much to discuss.”
Once inside, Padmé began to stare out of a window towards the gardens. “So, where’s Lux? He wasn’t much older than a youngling the last time I saw him.” She said as Mina handed her a drink.
Mina sighed. “He’s gone off to follow in the footsteps of his father, he’s joined the military. I forbade him, but I’m afraid these events have had too great an influence on his young life.”
“With all due respect, as a Seperatist, didn’t you create this war?” Ahsoka butted in.
“Ahsoka!” Padmé reprimanded.
Mina turned towards Padmé, waving her free hand. “It’s all right. It’s a very polarized point of view my dear.” She turned towards Ahsoka. “Would it surprise you to know that many of the people you call ‘Separatists’ feel the same way about the Republic, and the Jedi?” She said, walking closer towards her.
“Lux’s father was like that.” She continued with a pang of sadness.
“Maybe I could speak with him.” Ahsoka suggested.
“If only you could. A year ago next week, he was setting up a base on Aarganor when clones attacked. My husband fought bravely in self defense, but was killed.”
Ahsoka and Padmé were both visually shocked at the news.
“Excuse me, I think I’ll get some air.” Ahsoka said.
An awkward pause filled the room before Mina spoke. “Take a seat, my dear.” She let out a sigh.
Padmé took a seat on the couch in the room.
“So, how is it in the Republic Senate these days my friend? More of the same?”
“Unfortunately. All it seems we can talk about is more war, more fighting. No one seems to care about who they represent.” Padmé took a sip from her cup. “I sense Dooku’s dirty hand in all of this.”
Mina gave her a quizzical look. “He’s just the leader of the Senate, he’s not the leader of the entire universe.”
“Oh.” Padmé rolled her eyes and gave her a stern look. “I forgot. You actually admire the man.”
“We’ll never entirely agree on Dooku, my old friend. But we can agree on the need to stop this war. The question is, how?”
Padmé furrowed her brows as she glanced at the floor. “That is why it was so urgent that I speak with you.” She looked back up. “The Republic Senate is holding a critical vote on whether or not to escalate the war effort. However, many of the delegates are undecided as to what to do.”
“How interesting.” Mina quickly reflected on what Padmé had just said. “You would find the Seperatist Parliament in a similar dilemma.”
“I am certain if you could convince your representatives to extend an olive branch of peace towards the Republic, there might be enough sympathy in the Senate to finally open negotiations.” Padmé said with hopeful determination.
“I admire your spirit Padmé. I can at least put the motion on the floor.” Mina said with enthusiasm.
“Thank you Mina, that’s all I ask.”
Mina stood up from her seat, extending her glass to Padmé. “To peace then.”
“To hope.”
The glasses clinked together.
It was an uneventful trip from Mina’s residence to the Confederate Parliament. The two were chatting in the back of Mina’s landspeeder as Ahsoka sat quietly, catching up with each other.
“With the corporations increasingly off our backs, I feel like I can do a great deal more.” Mina said. “You and I really have the same goal, to create a better government.”
“I know, it’s just a shame that our governments couldn’t resolve the crisis peacefully.”
“Well, there is still hope yet. There are many in the Confederacy realizing that our cause is for peaceful coexistence, not the total destruction of one side.”
The chauffeur abruptly stopped the vehicle, a man had suddenly ran across the street right in front of them.
The trio looked up to see the streets surrounding the Senate building crowded by pedestrians and vehicles alike.
“Something’s not right.” Mina said, opening the door. “Come along. It’s quicker to walk.”
They thanked the driver and began to make their way to their destination, the Separatist Senate Building.
Even through the thick crowd. Padmé was quick to notice how small it was in comparison to its Republic counterpart; it reminded her of one of the Brotherhood of Cognizance’s buildings back on Naboo.
“Excuse me.” Mina tapped the shoulder of a man in the crowd. “What’s going on?”
The man glanced back at her. “Didn’t you hear? The Terrans stuck it to those Republic dogs! They’re at war!”
“Those bastards slagged an entire city!”
Padmé’s stomach sank. “That can’t be.” She softly gasped in disbelief.
“Well then, let’s hurry!” Mina ushered the other two along through the crowd, being let in by the battle droids maintaining a security perimeter around the building.
The group finally came into the Senate Chamber. Ahsoka and Padmé sat in a spot where they hopefully wouldn’t be noticed.
“Well, it’s certainly more full than I expected today.” Mina said as she walked off.
Padmé’s eyes shifted throughout the chamber. Senators from all across Confederate space were present. Unlike the Republic Senate, Padmé could make out the faces of individual senators from where she was seated.
Padmé buried her face in her palms and let out a deep sigh. “This is going to be a long week.”
“Do you think that the Separatists will actually sue for peace?” Ahsoka asked.
“I wouldn’t get your hopes up, especially if what we just heard is true. Mina can only do so much, she’s only one senator after all.”
“Well you’re just one senator too, and look at all you’ve done.”
“I’ve always had people willing to help me. No one can do everything by themselves Ahsoka.”
Ahsoka pondered what she had just heard before a hologram of Count Dooku appeared before them.
The room fell silent.
Padmé began to zone out, thinking about how the peace negotiations, if initiated at all, would go. She paid little attention to the beginning of the meeting.
As she drifted off thinking about her and Anakin’s future together, she snapped back to what was going on when it was Mina’s turn to address the Senate.
“Fellow senators, how many sides on both sides have to end before we see the futility? Surely there’s room in the galaxy for Confederate and Republic planets to coexist. I move that we immediately open peace negotiations with Chancellor Palpatine on Coruscant.”
“The Corporate Alliance will never allow this to happen.” Senator Voe Atell said matter-of-factly.
“This is a democracy, and unlike the Republic, corporations do not rule us.” Kerch Kushi asserted.
“Nay!” Punn Rimbaud shouted among the chaos overtaking the chamber.
“The Terrans will win us the war! You want to call yourself a patriot? Victory or death you traitor!” One senator called out.
“I too believe in the necessity of ending this war. However, Senator Bonteri, peace negotiations are ill timed now that we hold an advantage with the Terrans on our side.” Senator Kushi continued.
His statement led to an uproar in the Seperatist Senate.
“Quiet.” Dooku ordered, the room suddenly falling deathly silent.
He looked towards Mina, and Padmé felt goosebumps form on her skin. It was an innocuous look, but Padmé could feel something in his expression that wasn’t outwardly visible. “I am sure Senator Bonteri is no traitor, she has been a supporter of our cause from the very beginning. In accordance with the Bylaws of Independent systems, a voice vote is required. All in favor of initiating peace negotiations with the Galactic Republic say aye.”
The chamber filled with the sound of senators agreeing.
“All those opposed.”
Padmé tensed up as the room seemed to be as equally loud with the sounds of dissenters.
Dooku remained as calm as ever. “As you all know, according to the Bylaws of Independent Systems, during a vocal tie, the issue will sit for a period of at least one week, allowing each side to prepare their arguments and present them to the Senate.”
Padmé buried her face in her palms. It seemed to all be going so well until now, but it would seem someone else had different plans.
It was a solemn ride back to the starport, Padmé had duties to attend to and her absence would both be more and more noticed the longer she was gone so she couldn’t stay with Mina any longer than she already had.
Padmé had never felt such disappointment ever since the war had gone into full swing. Things had started to look up, but it was her fault that she didn’t keep her happiness in check. She should’ve known her hopes could’ve been dashed at any moment from unfortunate circumstances.
Padmé turned around as she walked towards her transport ship. “Well, this is goodbye.” She said, saddened.
“Don’t worry my dear, I’ve been disappointed before, and yet I almost feel as if… this time the tide has turned in the war. Our peace deal is not over yet, just be patient and wait. I’m sure my fellow senators can be reasoned with” Mina quickly put up Padmé’s hood as if she were her mother adjusting her outfit. “You should hurry.”
Mina looked at Ahsoka. “Goodbye young one.”
Ahsoka nodded. “I hope the Republic will vote for peace. I wouldn’t want to meet your son on the battlefield, for both of our sakes.”
Mina gave her a grim look before mustering a smirk. “Go you two, quickly.”
As the transport took off, Padmé couldn’t shake the feeling the two old friends would never meet again.
Next Chapter: Jedi Reaction, Bail Organa's reaction to the Senate, Captain Piett, Rebel Guerrilla warfare on Jabiim