2279 、 The End of the Republic (Medium)
In the face of Padme Amidala's anger, Palpatine only smiled faintly. He turned to the other members of the council. "Empty talk will only harm the country. Look, such an example is right in front of you." All the council members turned to look at Padme Amidala.
Padme could no longer suppress her anger. She yelled, "All of this! All of this war! You're the one who pushed for it! "
Palpatine spun around and stared coldly at Padmé Amidala. "No, you're wrong, Councilor Amidala. I've always been the one who wants the war to end as soon as possible. I know the dangers of the Separatists better than anyone. That's why I've always thought of how to defeat them as soon as possible, end the war, and return peace and stability to the galaxy! The Republic has no soldiers to fight, so I've used the clone army! The Republic has no advanced warships, so I've ordered a large number of Hunter-class cruisers from the Kuat Power Dock! "
"It's because of this effort that we can fight against the Separatists! Our citizens won't be slaughtered by the cold-blooded robot army! The Galactic Republic has been peaceful for too long … In this false prosperity, everyone has forgotten what war is like … On the other hand, our enemies, the Separatists, are mostly located in remote and desolate areas. Crimes are rampant, and their savagery is something we, the people of civilized society, cannot compare to! Let me ask you, Councilor Amidala, is there such a thing as a sure-win war? "Palpatine asked sternly.
Padme Amidala's towering chest heaved violently. She was furious to the extreme. Her body trembled slightly, but she could not say a word.
Palpatine did not let it go. He yelled, "During the War of Naboo twelve years ago, the Republic was helpless against the Trade Federation's blockade! That was just a corporation! And we, the Republic! How humiliating was this? How sorrowful! But in just ten years, have you forgotten all of this?! "
He controlled the anti-gravity platform again and flew to the center of the council. He spread his arms and yelled, "When the frontlines are losing and the soldiers are losing! But there are always people who oppose the expansion of the army and the increase in military expenditure! They always say that we've already given enough money, so why should we give more? But this is war! This is war! Who could guarantee that the war would be won? And the ones leading us in battle are the Jedi Knights! Don't tell me you want to question the Jedi? "
"Once a war breaks out, there is only victory and defeat, only life and death!! Who told you that as long as you start a war, you will definitely win? Who told you that you can win a war without spending money? We're facing the barbarians of the outer ring! Not those scattered pirates!!! So tell me now, why is it that when our soldiers are fighting on the frontlines, there are always people telling me to reduce the military expenditure and disarm? "
"If the military budget is cut, where will our weapons and equipment come from? Where did the battleship come from? Where did the clone soldiers come from? If the army was reduced, who would be sent to the battlefield? You? "Palpatine pointed a withered finger at Padmé Amidala!
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"You … You …" Padmé Amidala was completely enraged! Palpatine had shamelessly placed all the blame on her, making her the target of everyone's criticism. She gritted her teeth at Palpatine and squeezed out a sentence, "I just can't let the Republic sink into the abyss of war and be unable to extricate itself! I just can't let the Republic become a plaything in your hands! "
Palpatine's expression suddenly softened. He came before Padme again and reached out his hand to stroke her hair, but she slapped his hand away angrily. However, Palpatine didn't mind and said kindly, "I know, Padme, I know. If there is anyone here who is the most loyal to the Republic, who strives for the welfare of the people the most, it is you. I have always treated you as my daughter, Padme, and it is still the same now. Because I know that the Republic needs people like you to preserve the last bit of our conscience … "
He then turned his back to Padme and faced the other councilmen, saying in a loud voice, "But the situation is different now! Our enemies are a threat to our survival! This is no longer a scabbard, but a calamity that will destroy the entire Republic! If we are not careful, we will be completely defeated! What will be the result of defeat? The midpoint will become our nightmare. Whoever dares to oppose it will be destroyed by the midpoint! This was a planet after all! How many people will die because of this? "
As he spoke, his voice became deeper and a little distorted, beginning to lean towards his original voice. He slowly said, "We can no longer be like before … We are now fighting for survival, for survival. To achieve this goal, I will stop at nothing. Because I don't want to die, and I don't want everyone here to die. In order for us to survive, I will turn the Republic into a war machine, a bloodthirsty beast! My determination is firmer than ever! In this time of crisis, I must stand up and lead everyone to victory! "
Huala ~ ~ ~ ~ The entire council hall erupted in excitement. Most of the councilmen cheered loudly, shouting Palpatine's name and waving their hands in worship.
"The cause of the war we are facing now is Lu Sang's reforms! This is a victory for democracy, but a disaster for the country! It is Lu Sang's reforms that caused the Republic to lose its fangs! Let those with ulterior motives think that we are weak and easy to bully! So, we must let them know that this is wrong! We must make changes! The Republic must be more cold-blooded, more efficient! At this point in the war, there is no meaning in insisting on democracy anymore! Endless quarrels will only erase the Republic's courage! "
"So! Give your future to me! Give your loyalty to me! I solemnly promise that I will lead you to defeat the strong enemy, to victory, to glory! The weak past of the Republic will become history! I will lead the Republic to continue moving forward, and become a powerful existence that people fear! "Palpatine said loudly.
Amidst the deafening cheers, Palpatine shouted for the last time, "I hereby announce that the Galactic Republic will be reorganized into the Galactic Empire! Let us spread our strength and faith throughout the entire Milky Way Galaxy!! "
Huala ~ ~ ~ The council hall once again erupted in deafening cheers.
It had finally come, but she did not expect that so many people in the council had already sided with Palpatine … Padmé Amidala felt as if a tendon in her brain had snapped! She breathed rapidly, but it was as if she was short of oxygen. Her face turned as white as paper, and cold sweat poured down like rain! Then, she felt an unbearable pain in her lower abdomen!
"Ugh …" Padmé clutched her lower abdomen and fell backwards. The surrounding attendants quickly supported her. Even at this critical moment, her bruised lips were still mumbling weakly, "The Republic … Who will save … the Republic …"
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