"You naivete is admirable and extensive, Princess Leia." grated Tarkin, glaring his opponent down. "But the slaves are needed to mine spice, a much valued commodity in the galaxy, and the Empire will not meddle in the affairs of Jabba the Hutt."
"May I remind you, Moff Tarkin, that spice is an illegal substance in the galaxy and that if the Imperial might is as great as you claim it is, why are you not crushing this slimy slavemaster on his dustball?"
"Perhaps," continued Leia archly, "your might is not as great as you claim."
Vader could sense Tarkin's swelling ire in the Force, though none of it showed on his face. But the princess smirked as if she knew she was hitting a nerve and boldly continued. "If the empire negotiated with a crime lord with no interest but his own profit, why does the empire not negotiate with the alliance of reformers who only wish to better the political system?"
The very air went dark and oily and the councilroom froze. The emperor, who had been contentedly nodding along to the debate, suddenly became rigidly alert. Bail Organa stared at his daughter in horror. Tarkin raised an eyebrow and said slyly, "My dear, is it possible you sympathize with these rebels?"
" I only wish for the betterment of the political system and peace of the galaxy." stated Leia. "Are against such principals?"
The emperor's cracked voice rung above Tarkin's retort, smoothly oiling over tension.
"There is no better political system. The Republic failed to bring peace to the galaxy, while my Empire has succeeded. Do you know that, my dear princess?"
"I know how democracy should work. I am free to speak in this Senate."
"Yes." Said the emperor sweetly. "Of course you are free to speak, my dear. But," he turned his hooded gaze meaningfully to the red guards stationed his side. "things we say do have consequences."
Vader had seen politicians dragged off the floor. He had even dragged a few of them off himself. But as Leia opened her mouth to speak her death sentence, Vader could not bear to see her light extinguished. He felt something like defiance stir in him, the need to protect, like when he had glared down politicians who were subtly threatening Padme. Leia's eyes widened and her eyes flickered toward him, as if noticing something. That decided it.
The Sith Lord walked down to the arena.
"This debate," his deep voice rung out. 'is pointless and stupid. It changes nothing."
So stop trying to get yourself killed he mentally warned Leia.
He knew she could not hear him, but her eyes focused on his mask intently.
"And what is your suggestion, Lord Vader." Asked Tarkin.
"Crush them both."
He had never liked negotiations anyway.