Disclaimer: I know, you're probably saying "more historical quotes?" Yes, I love reading about history and I have fun tying it into my Star Wars fanfics...So please read and review! Anastasia
So This Is How Liberty Dies...
"It was a case of violence and rage on one side, feebleness and inertia on the other." Former Queen Marie Antoinette of France to Count Mercy D'Argenteau concerning the events of June 20, 1792, when the French monarchy ended "The boat that is being placed in his hands is so close to shipwreck that even my boundless admiration is scarcely enough to inspire me with confidence." Germaine De Stael, September 4, 1788, on the state of the French monarchy "At the end of last year, I had great hopes." Queen Marie Antoinette of France to her friend and Lady-In-Waiting, the Princesse De Tarante, December 31, 1791
The Republic Senate was in an uproar. Most of it was cheering for Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who had just unexpectedly but effectively dissolved the Republic that had stood for a thousand years and declared a new Empire would take over. A small percentage was staring in numb disbelief and mute betrayal at their collegues. It seemed the galaxy had abruptly turned upside down.
Senators Padme Amidala of Naboo, Bail Organa of Alderaan and Mon Mothma of Chandrila were among this minority, along with others who agreed with them. How had it come to this? What had happened? Padme and her faithful friend and Handmaiden Motee stared in mute shock as they registered what was happening. Padme turned to Bail Organa and Motee and said in a voice filled with tears and a hint of disgust, "So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause." Bail Organa nodded in agreement, while Motee stared about her in mute shock at all the chaos surronding them. All their hopes that the galaxy would soon be at peace were now dashed. They knew it would only get worse from here. Palpatine continued his speech outlining the new policies. Padme, Bail and their supporters only felt a deep sadness and belated realization that they should have done something sooner. That they had done too little, far too late to save their beloved Republic.
The speech continued, as did the cheering and appendage waving in support of the change in government. The changes for "a safe and secure society" could only lead to chaos and bloodshed. The Sith had had their revenge. The Jedi were being mercilessly exterminated by their own troops and one of their own as they had their emergency meeting of the Senate. Padme could not know it at this time, but the man she had risked all for, the man whose child she was carrying, had fallen. Her husband, the famous "Hero With No Fear", "Chosen One" Anakin Skywalker was now the fearsome Lord Darth Vader, Palpatine's enforcer as he crushed the Jedi Order and Republic he had sworn to serve.
Hope was gone and they were blind in the night. It was the end... The End
Sorry for such a downer. I still had the flu when I wrote this. The Marie Antoinette quotes are from the biography "Marie Antoinette: The Journey" by Antonia Fraser, one of my favorite biographies, which Sofia Coppola based the movie on. (crosses fingers for feedback) As for feedback: Only warm fuzzies please, no cold pricklies!Anastasia