novel-bin Chapter 413: Conflict with Confucians
Chapter 413: Conflict with Confucians
The Senate held its next meeting in the same style as before, with excited discussions heard from time to time.
News of the attack on Geonosis comes to the fore, and with the threat of Ultron in the air, senators weigh in to voice their opinions. As losses and damage are assessed, plans for retaliation are also put on the agenda.
Anakin observed all this silently, his eyes always staying on his wife. Her face at the moment looked unusually serious, in sharp contrast to her usual gentle image.
The discussion at the Senate meeting became more and more heated, with each senator expressing his opinions and suggestions vigorously without any retreat. It seemed like a battlefield full of challenges, and Skywalker began to worry whether his wife could deal with it rationally.
"We will accomplish nothing if we just shout all day, Senators." Chancellor Palpatine's voice echoed throughout the chamber. "Please, if we are to communicate, we must maintain order," he pleaded.
"How do you maintain order when faced with the messages from the Separatists and Ultron?" one senator asked loudly, and the other senators agreed. The members present at the meeting burst into excited roars, and the walls of the entire conference room seemed to vibrate in the waves of sound.
"Senators, please calm down." Chancellor Palpatine tried to calm the chaos.
"We can take action," Bertoni of Kamino called out over the commotion, "If we approve the bill to add more clones, we will give ourselves a greater fighting chance against the enemies of the Republic."
However, this proposal was immediately strongly opposed by Mothma. "Are you crazy, or have you forgotten that we are going bankrupt?" she exclaimed.
Sam also shouted: "The Separatists are one thing, but you also have to deal with the threat of Ultron, who told us he wants to wipe us all out."
At this critical moment, the meeting room suddenly fell into silence. Each senator fell into deep thought, and they had to weigh the current situation and future challenges. Anakin silently guarded his wife, hoping that she could survive it all safely.
Finally, the meeting continued in a tense atmosphere. The senators began to discuss various possible solutions and strategies to deal with the current crisis and challenges. Anakin and his wife silently waited for it all to end, hoping that they could get through this difficult time together.
After a while, the meeting room was in turmoil again, but this time it was not a disorderly quarrel, but a fierce battle of ideas. Anakin stood quietly aside, covering his face with his eyes, showing his disgust for politics. He knew very well that there were too many complaints and ridiculous suggestions here, and too few people who really tried to get things done.
"Senators," Anakin pulled himself together, his eyes scanning the room. "We are often so busy pursuing what we want that we forget our responsibilities and our commitments to those who expect of us."
Sam straightened his back and continued firmly, "The purpose of this meeting is to fulfill our duty and to protect the people of the Republic."
"The bill to increase clone troopers is one way we can fulfill our responsibilities," Ms. Bertney added confidently.
"Senator Bertoni, how much do you know about the people you're supposedly helping?" Senator Organa asked sharply. "You seem to care only about funding your planet and creating what you deem valuable property, rather than truly caring about the people. The clone troopers have been fighting bravely on the front lines."
"And a large number of people have died, and the number has decreased." There was a hint of contempt in Bertney's words, which made Anakin and some senators angry and sad.
Suddenly, another platform slowly rose up, and Cham Sindula, the representative of Ryloth, stood up. "Senators, when was the last time you communicated with your people?"
The question caused the meeting to fall silent for a moment, and Senator Twi'lek's sharp eyes swept over everyone present.
"I'm not talking about the people who put you in office," Chaim continued, his eyes firm and stern. "Do you really care about their interests? Have you considered what people really want?"
As Cham Sindula continued to make his point, murmurs began to rise around him.
The former veteran patted his chest, his voice firm and powerful. "You all know who I am. While my predecessors fought in the war, I fought on the ground with my people against the Separatists who invaded my homeland. I was there to witness the deaths of countless of my people, as well as the brave clones who fought alongside us. I was there to witness their sacrifice and dedication."
A trace of deep resentment flashed across Cham Sindula's face. He whispered, "How many of you can proudly claim that you are actually standing here, arguing over bills and proposals, and actually fighting for the future of your people? The answer is probably very few."
There were people around who wanted to shout out such comments, but Senator Chaim almost completely ignored them.
"While we waste our time here arguing about debt, spending, and regulation, the people of the Republic and across the galaxy continue to suffer," he said. "Whether it's the Separatists, the Pirates, Ultron, or our own incompetence, I will not stand by and allow this to continue."
At this moment, Padmé controlled her booth to slowly float over, next to Cham Syndulla's booth. The former Queen of Naboo stared at the impassioned Cham Syndulla and said affectionately: "Senator Syndulla, I understand you, I deeply understand your pain." Amidala continued, "But escalating the war will only prolong the suffering of everyone in the galaxy."
Chaim retorted, "Senator Amidala, have you forgotten? Ten years ago when you first entered the Senate, you had nowhere to turn to and ultimately chose to return to your homeland to fight for it. If we want our people to have the opportunity to fight not only for themselves, but for their future, we as senators should at least provide them with this option."
Padmé was touched by these words, and a strong emotion welled up in her heart. She recalled the painful memories of the Trade Federation's occupation of her home planet, how much her people had suffered, and the former Queen of Naboo recalled the people's pleas... Her eyes widened, and she suddenly understood why she was here.
A new sense of purpose strengthened the Naboo Senator's heart. She thought of her people, and her eyes were filled with determination and hope.
"For my people," she said silently, then spoke firmly, "we must find a path to peace."
This is her belief and mission. No matter when and where, she will work hard for the future of her people and the galaxy. In the meeting hall, she shouted out a name: "Tekla Minnao."
However, the sound of the name did not resonate as she had hoped, but instead confused those present, as they had no idea what Padmé was talking about.
Undeterred, Padmé took a deep breath and spoke again, "Tekla is one of my companions. As we have always emphasized, we are here to serve the public. Tekla is in a region that is lacking resources due to war. Her children now only have the luxury of a bath once every two weeks, and there is no light at night to help them read or study. The Republic has always funded these basic living resources, but now, some people have diverted funds to war and ignored the basics needed for people to survive."
As she spoke, the atmosphere in the conference hall gradually became solemn. All eyes were focused on the young woman, and her words became more passionate. "If it weren't for ordinary people like Thekla and her children, who would we be fighting for? My people, your people, all of our people - the purpose of this war is to save them from suffering, not deepen their suffering. I support our brave soldiers, whether they come from a clone factory or from any of the tens of millions of star systems loyal to the Republic."
There was a firmness in Padmé's voice that could not be ignored. "But if we continue to impoverish our people, Dooku, Ultron, or anyone worse will defeat us not on the battlefield, but in our own homes. Therefore, it is our duty to protect the lives of those around us by vetoing this bill."
Cham Sindhulla knew the importance of fighting for his people, so he asked everyone present, "How can our people fight for us if we ourselves are not willing to fight for them?"
For a moment, the entire meeting hall fell into silence, with only Padmé's voice echoing in the air. Then, applause began to rise, from faint to loud. Bail Organa stood aside, looking at his young friend and disciple with admiration and pride in his eyes.
Then, Rio Chuchi and Mon Mothma joined in the applause.
A few seconds later, more senators began to respond, and finally the entire chamber fell into a solemn silence, with only applause and cheers coming one after another. Padmé's staunch supporters and friends cheered even more.
Seeing such a reaction, she was filled with hope and determination. Padmé's heart surged with relief and pride, and this emotion was strengthened in a few subtle eye exchanges. She read deep resonance from the bright smiles of Chuchi, Organa, and Mothma. At that moment, Padmé's heart was filled with deep gratitude because her voice was heard by everyone and her existence was recognized by everyone.
Anakin looked at her with relief evident on his face, grinning in response to the recognition as he could feel the heavy weight of stress and doubt lifting off his wife's mind. He shook his head slightly, the smile still on his face, and turned away.
Anakin walks out of the chaos of a senate meeting.
"Anakin."
He turned around and found Captain America, Black Widow and Falcon waiting for him. He looked at their serious expressions with some confusion.
Captain America walked over to him, patted his shoulder gently and said, "We need to talk."
There was an unusual seriousness in Captain America's tone, causing Anakin's brow to furrow.
"What's wrong?" Anakin asked anxiously. He could feel that things were not simple.
Falcon said in a low voice, "Come back to our place and we'll tell you everything." He pointed around, "It's not safe here. There are too many prying eyes and ears."
Black Widow continued, "Padmé will be joining us as well, along with a few others we trust."
Anakin blinked at this.
The three Avengers looked at each other and then remained silent for a while. Captain America ruffled his hair and sighed, "It's complicated." He admitted, "But in the simplest terms, we discovered something about the clone army. Once everyone knows the truth, there will be a huge change..."
Anakin took a deep breath. "Well, now... I didn't expect this would be the subject of our conversation," he admitted frankly. "You mentioned that there were others coming besides Padmé. So, who else would be coming here?"
"Peter proposed to us that in addition to Ahsoka and Barriss, someone special will be joining us soon," Falcon quickly interjected.
"Oh, Ella will be here too, because Steve specifically invited her," Black Widow added later.
"And Obi-Wan." Captain America continued, his tone full of expectation. Anakin frowned slightly, as if he sensed the absence of someone.
"What about the clones?" Skywalker suddenly asked, his eyes revealing a concern. "Does the plan you are talking about involve them as well? At least Captain Rex should be involved."
Captain America and the others fell into a brief silence. "We..." He hesitated, "When we are ready, we will talk to him about this."
At this point, Falcon's voice became softer than before, "Now, trust us, we'll tell you more later."
Black Widow also comforted her: "You may feel a little uneasy, but you can use our room to temporarily settle Padme. We really hope you can understand all these arrangements."
Anakin was becoming increasingly confused. "What are you hiding?"
In this moment full of unknowns and expectations, everyone was silent. They knew that it was time to let Anakin know some things. Everything they did was for a bigger plan, and this plan would change the fate of everyone...