Chapter 409: The Same Stupid Parliament
Chapter 409: The Same Stupid Parliament
When they returned to Coruscant, the illusion that Lasakas was both so close and so far away when they left finally dissipated in the Republic's capital. On their way back, the four of them walked together, but it seemed as if they were trapped in a silent fog. Since leaving, although they had not communicated with each other verbally, everyone's heart was full of confusion.
Ultron had predicted that there would be a conflict between the two sides, a warning that made some Separatist senators suspicious.
In addition to Padme, there are two Jedi Knights and the lone Avenger.
This is undoubtedly a ploy to sow further seeds of discord and madness on both sides, rather than being like before. He is simply fanning the flames of war.
A heavy mood had settled over the four of them since Rasakas' return. They were all thinking the same thing: that crazy AI, the Separatists and the Republic it was talking about, were all part of a larger plan, a greater conspiracy against the galaxy. Someone in a higher power was playing both sides to ensure they got the results they wanted.
Now, the war has escalated into a race against time to see who can achieve their goal first. Either one side will win absolutely, or Ultron will win a devastating victory.
At this moment, the four of them stepped off the cargo ship and headed towards a landing site on the city planet. They walked casually among the many civilians who disembarked from the ship. As they continued to move forward on the landing pad, Ahsoka's eyes suddenly stopped. She saw - or more precisely, saw someone.
"Master." she cried out in surprise.
The other three turned to where Ahsoka was looking, only to see a large group of people clearly awaiting their return.
All of a sudden, various names rang out among the four of them: Master Skywalker, Anakin, Captain, Sam, Natasha, Matt… Despite the confusion of names, their eyes were all focused on the same group of people.
A few seconds later, the two groups merged. An annoyed Jedi spoke first. Anakin crossed his arms and looked at his secret wife and his Padawan with disapproval. "When Padmé revealed to me that she had borrowed my Padawan for a "diplomatic" meeting, I thought it was to communicate with our allies, not to negotiate with the Separatists."
Skywalker angrily expressed his confusion: "What on earth are you thinking?"
However, he did not receive any response, only the four people's depressed expressions.
"I may be blind, but even I can sense right now that something is incredibly wrong," Daredevil commented in a low voice, his head turning slightly towards the newly returned group.
Captain America crossed his arms, worried about the dreary and sad atmosphere that the four of them gave off.
"Can you explain this?" he asked eagerly.
"Captain, Ultron was present at a meeting of the Separatist Senate." Spider-Man decisively interrupted the super soldier. "He hacked into Dooku's holographic communication and posed a threat to everyone present, just as he did to us."
Hearing this, the worried expression on Captain America's face turned into surprise. He glanced at Falcon, Black Widow and Daredevil and saw that they had the same reaction. Then he turned to Padme and the two Jedi apprentices, "Is this true?"
Barris confirmed the news with a conflicted look, "Yes, Captain Rogers."
"I have all of this recorded in my suit," Spider-Man said, tapping the spider symbol hidden under his clothes, "Karen has prepared a plan to let the rest of the team know."
"I should call the Council as well," Anakin began. "It would be best if they could see this, too."
"Should we contact Pietro? Ask him to join us?" Falcon asked.
"Huh?" Spider-Man was a little confused after hearing this question, "You mean Pietro isn't here?"
"Yes," replied the Falcon, "he has already started his adventure."
"His love is in danger," Black Widow explained, "The people of Rio Chuchi and their head of government need our aid."
……
The usual clamor and bickering took place in the Senate chamber, with senators shouting and trying to make each other heard, often frustrating onlookers. Now the focus of the meeting was on a series of pressing issues, including Sam's bill and Sindulla's proposals for open conscription and bank regulation.
"Senator, please listen to me..." Palpatine tried to stabilize the situation and guide everyone back to the topic. However, a series of leaks of information added fuel to the fire, making the situation even more chaotic.
This news, which had somehow leaked to the Senate from the Lazacas affair, not only dimmed the prospects for peace talks but might have destroyed them altogether—at least until the internal quarrels could be quelled.
The Avengers and their Jedi friends and allies watched all of this from the multiple platforms they had set up. Although almost all the important people were present at the meeting, including members of the Avengers and some high-ranking members of the Jedi Order, some people were absent for various reasons.
They had in-depth conversations with other important figures on the Senate and the Jedi Order, and shared important information that Padmé and her team had obtained from Rasakas. This was more than just troubled and unsettled.
Ultron actually revealed the name of the Dark Lord of the Sith in public, a secret that the Jedi Knights had long wanted to reveal. Even the Senate had not anticipated this.
Master Yoda said that many things in the past were beyond the guidance of the Force, and they could not predict what would happen in the future.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, but most of the Jedi Council came to accept the unease, for they could not remain in the dark about the future.
The Force has been their compass for thousands of years, and now they are uneasy without answers. They must rely more on the Force itself to find a way forward. In the depths of the universe, the Force has not revealed any trace of the answers they seek. The Jedi Council knows this well, and they have a premonition that the upcoming future may be full of severe challenges.
Their minds are full of topics they want to discuss and explore, but more pressing matters hang like the sword of Damocles over their heads, urging them to stay alert. All they can do is stay alert and be ready to respond to any situation that may occur.
In the Senate Chamber, the two groups were emotional and their voices were rising one after another. Senator Sam's voice was particularly prominent, and he shouted excitedly: "Don't you see? The threat of Ultron is obvious, and we must take action. Even if it is not the Separatists, we must find a way to defend against this crazy robot!"
Under the gaze of the crowd, the representative of Kamino slowly floated forward and made his voice heard. "Chancellor Palpatine, in view of the current pressing issues, I suggest that we pass Senator Sam's bill so that the Republic can urgently purchase five million clone soldiers." Senator Harley Bertoni also echoed this proposal.
However, Bail Organa calmly objected, stating, "The Republic is already deeply in debt, both from the war and from Ultron's attack. Your proposal will only put even more pressure on our finances."
Padmé quickly stood up to support her companions and allies. "A better option might be to stop escalating the war and at least reach a truce with the Separatist Senate." Her voice caused a commotion, but she was not swayed by it because she was used to such reactions. However, this time, she decided to fight back.
"If we deregulate the banks, we will face even greater suffering than we have already experienced. In fact, the war has already taken a huge toll on social services, education, infrastructure, and health care. Our funds have largely been withdrawn from these areas and put into the war. If this continues, regardless of the outcome of the war, the basic needs of our people will disappear, to the great detriment of the Republic."
Senator Padmé reminded everyone to carefully consider the current situation, "We must find a balance that can both meet the challenges at hand and ensure the basic needs of our people and the long-term development of the Republic."
"Senator Amidala, I want to remind you that outside of the war against the Separatist forces, Ultron seems to have no interest in peace negotiations." Mas Almeda stated this fact: "From the intelligence we have, Ultron only seeks the destruction of our civilization, not peace. So, how can we discuss a peace agreement with someone who has such a goal?"
Padmé took a deep breath and clasped her hands together wearily, recalling the memories of her battle with Ultron.
She understood Mas Almeda's position and even sympathized with him. After taking a deep breath, she said, "It seems difficult to try to negotiate peace with Ultron."
Padmé faced many senators and said seriously: "However, this should not stop us from trying to better end this war and pave the way for the resolution of another war. We cannot deal with two wars at the same time. What we are facing is a daunting task that may destroy the Republic itself."
More arguments and shouts followed, some opposing Padmé's point of view, and some supporting it.
Padmé knew that there were deeper issues involved. "To achieve peace, we must resolve some of our current problems. Obviously, some people want us to continue fighting, but this kind of fighting will only benefit themselves." There was a determination in her words.
She further stated: "This is actually a conspiracy to destroy any peaceful path that is attempted. Not everyone wants this, especially within the Confederacy. I know this very well."
"Senator, do you have any Separatist friends?" someone questioned Padmé.
Facing accusations from many senators, Padmé tried to focus on the problem. Finally, Palpatine stood up to defend her: "The young senator from Naboo has a point. We don't have to..."
His words were interrupted by Mas Almeida whispering in his ear.
The Supreme Chancellor's eyes widened slightly, looking to his advisor for confirmation.
He whispered, "Are you sure?"
"This is his personal code and ID." Mas Almeida nodded in confirmation.
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