Anakin shuddered violently. He suddenly realized that he had neglected too many things while he was preoccupied with Padmé. He remembered that Ahsoka Tano hadn't finished what she wanted to say to him at that time! The Jedi Order had abandoned the Republic?
"Why?" Anakin could not help but blurt out.
Palpatine was very surprised. He looked at Anakin and asked, "Why? You don't seem to know about this? Well, that's right. This matter has not been officially announced, but it has already happened. The Jedi Order has been disbanded. "
Anakin sprang to his feet, his face drained of all color. "The Jedi Knight Squad? Disbanded?? I must return immediately!! "
"Calm down, Anakin. You can't change anything … "Palpatine gestured for Anakin to sit down, but Anakin could not sit still at all. He smiled and said," I'm not too sure about the specifics. I only know that Master Yoda has returned. He believes that the existence of the Jedi Order was a mistake, and so … he disbanded it. "
"I must return!!" Anakin said and turned to walk out the door.
"What will happen to the Republic if you leave?" Palpatine suddenly said loudly behind him. "Everyone has left, leaving me alone to support this building that is about to collapse?"
Anakin's footsteps suddenly froze. He clenched his fists tightly and forced himself to stand there. His body trembled, but he was at a loss as to what to do.
"Tell me, Anakin. Why did you join the Jedi Order?" Palpatine asked.
"To … to help more people …" Anakin replied softly.
"Yes. This is why I've always seen you in a different light. You have a kind heart, Anakin. You're not like the other Jedi Knights, who only seek power. In this regard, they are no different … compared to Sith … "Palpatine said.
"The creed of the Jedi Knights is to help others and uphold justice," Anakin said in a low voice.
"But they have betrayed this creed, haven't they? We are facing a war, a war that we are about to lose. Behind us are countless civilians. They are waiting for us to save them, waiting for us to protect them. However, the Jedi Order has withdrawn at this time. Yes, they have disbanded and fled, treating their so-called help as empty words. And without the Jedi Order, how can I trust the Jedi Knights? "Palpatine shook his head.
Anakin was silent.
Palpatine stood up and said slowly, "But I will not give up. I will fight until the very last moment for the galaxy, for the countless civilians. Even if the combat robots have broken into the council hall, I will not leave. I will only sit here and face them!"
"I sincerely admire your dedication to the republic, Mr. President," Anakin said softly.
"But that's not enough, especially when it comes to how we can win this war." Palpatine shook his head. "There are fewer and fewer people I can trust, Anakin. This Republic was rotten to the core. Everyone only cared about themselves … But they clearly relied on the Republic to survive! But they clearly rely on the Republic to live a happy life! But now that the Republic is in danger, why do you just leave? "
"That is why I need to go back. I want to see what happened to the Jedi Order," Anakin said.
"If you go back, will you be able to help the Republic? Anakin. You are no longer a member of the Jedi Order, ever since you returned from Corellia. " Palpatine sighed. "During the battle of Planet Naboo, we once swore to protect this country. You were on the battlefield, and I was in politics. There are also people like Amidala who are doing their best to protect the Republic … But this goal is getting further and further away … "
Palpatine let out a long sigh. "Councilor Amidala does not agree with my decision. She hopes to resolve this war peacefully. I know that every time I see that trace of sorrow hidden in her eyes, my heart aches. She really does not wish to see lives lost, does not wish to see the war expand … "
Anakin's heart was touched once again, but he tried his best to hide his emotions and said as objectively as possible, "Amidala's heart is with the Republic, and she has always been thinking of the people. It is the Republic's fortune to have such a representative."
"But it cannot save the Republic." Palpatine changed the topic. "When I stepped into a high position and gained a deeper understanding of the Republic, I realized how naive and childish I was back then. Because every aspect of the Republic is no longer something that can be saved with medicine. There was only one way to save the Republic … to cut off the rotten and rotten parts. Only by establishing a truly clean and efficient government can we purge the corruption. A doctor who is already beyond cure has no right to save others, right? "
"Your political ideals are very far-sighted. This is not something I am good at, but I agree with your judgment … To get rid of corruption, we must be ruthless," Anakin said.
Palpatine nodded. "So we must abandon some things … The Republic's corruption and decline stemmed from Lu Sang's reforms, so I did the opposite. Lu Sang's reforms reduced the army, and I expanded the army. Lu Sang's reforms devolved power to democracy and expanded the bureaucratic system, while I reduced the number of officials and made power more centralized. Lu Sang's reforms declared that there was no war in the Milky Way Galaxy, but I had to face a war, and … I used this war to make the Republic better and stronger! "
Then, he changed the topic and asked, "Tell me, Anakin. On the battlefield, are the Separatists' armies strong? "
Anakin could not help but think of Tang Yu's figure, and that terrifying khaki robot, Sentinel MK-H. His heart suddenly raced, and his expression changed. "Very strong, Mr. President. Robots are everywhere. They are fast, cold-blooded, and efficient. We must unite to fight against them. "
His expression was seen by Palpatine, and a knowing smile appeared on the president's lips. "So, if one day I tell you that our soldiers on the battlefield will be reduced by half, what will you do?"
"Then we may not even be able to defend the Central Sector," Anakin replied truthfully.
Palpatine nodded again. "That means our judgment coincides. At this point, we have no way out. It doesn't matter if the Jedi Knights betray the Republic, it doesn't matter if Corellia betrays the Republic, it doesn't matter if Lendili betrays the Republic, it doesn't matter. Because at least I can understand that I am not fighting alone. I still have you, Anakin. "
"It is my honor and my vow, Mr. President," Anakin said with his head lowered.
"So, we must abandon some things …" Palpatine said. "The Republic is already on the verge of defeat. We must concentrate every ounce of our strength to defeat the enemy! Perhaps because of the expensive military expenditure, the quality of life of the people will decline. Perhaps because of the recruitment of the army, some families will be separated because of this, but behind us is the country! Only by defeating our enemy, will we have the right to look forward to a better future! Everything is for the sake of victory … Only victory is the best reward for every sacrifice made by the people! "
"We do not have the time and energy to waste on endless procedures, endless procedures, and endless arguments. I firmly believe that our path is correct. So, it is time to carry the entire Republic on our shoulders and move forward alone! I will abolish the parliamentary system and take full power! "A glint flashed in Palpatine's eyes.
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