Peace shattered! Once-promising negotiations
between the Republic and the Separatists are
now in shambles following a badnik
bombing on the capital city planet of Mobotropolis.
As fear and anger prevail, the Senate overwhelmingly
passes a bill to deregulate the banks, opening a
gateway to additional troops, and an increase in
fighting….
The next morning the Senate received the request for peace by the Separatists which sent them into an uproar. All the Senators were trying to talk over each other "Members of the Senate, please" "May I remind the Senate that this request was made before the assault" Tikal said. "That only highlights its insincerity" another Senator told her. Tikal and Wynmacher have been trying to argue all morning but the only response is them being called traitors. the Senator from Soleanna moved closer to the centre "Chancellor Solaris, in light of this unprovoked attack on Mobotropolis and the vulnerabilities it raises I propose the Republic purchase an additional five million clone troopers". Wynmacher stared at her in disbelief "The Republic is already operating in deep debt. How do you propose we pay for these additional troops?" "My people are drafting an emergency appropriation bill that would raise funds" "From Excessive Corp?" Tikal said interrupting her. The Soleannan casually nodded "Yes, of course. Do you have an alternative means of paying?" "One alternative would be to stop the war not escalate it".
The Senate again erupted in argument as Tikal tried to continue "Please. Whoever attacked the power grid wants us to continue the fight. It's a calculated attempt to destroy the peace process. I know for a fact that members of the Confederacy want peace" Tikal told them. A Senator from the planet of Nocturnus, Pir'Oth Ix stared at her. "You have Separatists friend, Senator?" he said suspiciously. "Who's side are you on!?" another yelled at her. Solaris raised his hand "Please. The senator of Albion makes a point. There is no need to-" Julien leaned over and whispered something to Solaris. He sighed "We have just received a message from our opponent, Dimitri the Echidna". A hologram of an angry Dimitri appeared before the Senate "Your Republic forces have carried out a barbaric attack on our people. Among the deaths was the very sponsor of the peace accord, Senator Aleena". Tikal was in shock "What? No?" "With her needless death I must formally withdraw the proposal of peace offered by our Senate" the message ended.
Tikal was walking through the Senate building reading a data pad, she then handed it to a female echidna wearing a yellow robe "Thank you, Rita-Le" "Yes, Milady". Wynmacher and Nestor followed Tikal who sighed, clearly tired "I can't believe it. I just can't believe the Republic would target Aleena. She was the only one willing to stand up for peace". "You shouldn't believe it. Republic spies are reporting that Senator Aleena was murdered by Dimitri's thugs. That message to the Senate was just a ploy to mask his true actions" Wynmacher told her as they entered her office. She sat at her desk and held her head, "I'm sorry, Tikal" Nestor said. Wynmacher looked determined "If she met with a violent end then let's make sure that her courageous effort wasn't in vain" "What can we do? Can we even win this war with the troops we have?" Tikal asked him. "Let's hope we don't have to. We can defeat this bill. I'll start lining up support, but I'll need ammunition" "We can't afford ammunition, remember?" Nestor joked but the two just stared at him "Sorry, bad joke". Wynmacher turned back to Tikal "Go to Excessive Corp and see how much interest they will charge. The more I know about the costs of this bill will be, the better I can make my case to defeat it". Tikal stood up "Alright, let's go, Uncle. You know these Excessive Corp people. Plus you owe me for telling such a bad joke".
They were speaking to Breezie in her office "We will charge the Republic our standard interest rate of 25 percent". This shocked them both "What? That's outright theft" "Your previous deal with the Republic was 10 percent" Tikal said angrily. Breezie raised her hand "Please. That was before deregulation. The same rules don't apply, my dear. The Separatists didn't seem to mind the new arrangement. In fact, they just secured a loan to build three million badniks".
Tikal was in Wynmacher's office and has told him what she heard "25 percent? That's a lot of rings". Tikal nodded "The interest alone could bankrupt the Republic. As it is social services have suffered. Education, infrastructure, healthcare. If we go deeper into debt, then the basic needs of our people will evaporate". Wynmacher nodded but didn't look worried "This is good" "It is?" "Clearly taking out a loan on such obscene terms would essentially destroy the Republic, regardless of the outcome of the war. We only need to persuade a handful of Senators as long as they don't buckle to the threats" "Threats?" Tikal asked. "Some members of the Senate have received messages warning them not to vote against the bill. Considering what's happened to your friend, Aleena, they're frightened".
The next day Tikal and Wynmacher have been trying to convince the other Senators to vote against the bill but haven't been having much luck. Tikal guessed it had something to do with many of them having broken arms or ribs. While in the lobby Nestor appeared badly bruised and with a broken arm which surprised Tikal "Uncle Nestor, what happened?" "Two men jumped me but I'm fine" she could tell by his voice that he wasn't. "This is outrageous. Something must be done" "Tikal, this hasn't changed my mind. No matter what I'm voting against the bill". Tikal felt a surge of pride for her old friend.
Back in the office "As long as Senators are being threatened and attack, we don't stand a chance" Tikal said, "Intimidation won't work on everyone. Senator Far is proof of that". Tikal sighed "Even so we're still six votes away from a majority and you saw effective my plea was today" she said disappointed in herself. "Some minds can't be altered no matter what they hear" "From my experience it depends on who is sending the message. Wynmacher, you're the finest public speaker I know. If anyone can convince the Senate that voting for this bill will bankrupt the Republic both financially and spiritually it's you". Wynmacher looked apprehensive "It would be dangerous" "I urge you to speak before the full Senate" "I'll need some time to prepare". Tikal gave a sigh of relief "Good. In the meantime I'll pay a visit to those still undecided".
Tikal and Nestor were in the home of a manta ray Senator "What does ideology matter anymore. Is it worth getting beaten to death?" the Senator said sounding broken. "Wounds heal but what of the millions who are already dying because of this war?" Nestor asked him, "Who, the clones? They're designed for that purpose". Tikal was outraged by this "They're people" "The people I care about are my own and I don't want to see a badnik army raining down on them" "I doubt they want to starve either" Nestor told him. "Senator please, is there anything that could change your mind?", the Senator sighed "Where does Senator Wynmacher stand in all this? Why isn't he here?" "Senator Wynmacher is preparing to speak before the full Senate". The manta ray thought for a moment "I will listen to what he has to say". Tikal looked hopeful "So you're open to voting for us?" "I said I will listen".
The two echidnas left the building "It's better than a no, I guess. I'm sure Wynmacher will be able to sway the votes". They both headed towards a speeder, but the drive wasn't there "Where-" a Squirrel and Snake bounty hunter jumped out from behind the speeder and tackled the both of them. Tikal struggled as the Snake put a knife to her throat "Drop it!" they turned and saw two hunter bots. The bounty hunters released the two of them "Arrest these bounty hunters" Tikal ordered. The hunters advanced on the bounty hunters the snake pointed his wrist bracer at one of them which shot a laser blast destroying it. The squirrel jumped on the other one and started smashing its head against the ground. Tikal and Nestor ran to the speeder, but it was sabotaged, Nestor then saw an Extreme Gear board "Go!". Tikal shook her head "No, I'm not-" "They're after you. I'll be fine". She paused before running to the board and speeding away, she looked back and saw Nestor running but the bounty hunters weren't following him. They chased her through the streets on their own boards. Tikal turned a corner to try and loose them but there were Rocket Beetles which surrounded her. She looked behind her and saw the Bounty Hunters leave.
Tikal was in her apartment lying on a couch while Rita-Le was cleaning a scrape on her face the snake gave her "Don't you think you should report this to the Shinobi Council?" she asked as she dabbed a cloth against the cut. "Ow. There's nothing they can do. I know who did it. They were paid to stop me from speaking against the bill" she stood up and walked out to her balcony. She leaned against it and sighed "What has happened to Democracy? Why doesn't anyone seem to care?". Rita-Le walked up next to her "You do. Forgive me, milady but you are not like most politicians" "If only that were enough". "It is true, though. I mean you are talking to a handmaiden about politics" Tikal turned to her and Rita-Le thinking she overstepped walked away "Goodnight, Milady". Tikal smiled "Rita-Le. Tell me, how is your family?" she walked up to her "They're fine". The two walked inside "Tell me how the war is affecting them".
The next day Tikal was in the Senate building when Nestor ran up to her "Tikal, you must come quickly. Something's happened. He took her to Wynmacher's office and activated a holo-unit which showed an injured Wynmacher with a medic holding him up. Tikal was shocked "Wynmacher, what happened?" "The same bounty hunters that went after you. I think you might have hurt their pride. The medics say they won't let me go. Tikal, you need to address the Senate. You can do it" he said weakly. The hologram cut out and Tikal looked to Nestor "You can do this" he told her reassuringly. "They're expecting to hear form the great Senator Wynmacher. He's done so much for the Republic. He's seen as a voice of reason" "You're very respected in the Senate". Tikal didn't look confident "I've been against this bill since day one. Why would they listen to me now?" "Because you listen". They turned and saw Rita-Le "You understand what the people are going through". Tikal stared at her apprehensively.
The Senate meeting had begun, Julian stood up "Let us now vote on Senator Thunderbolt's bill to fund five million additional clones!". "The opposition to this bill must be allowed to speak first" Cosmo demanded, "Unfortunately Senator Wynmacher is nowhere to be found" the Nocturnes Senator told her. "I will speak on his behalf" they turned and saw Tikal move to the centre of the room, "Senator Tikal will be permitted to speak" Julian allowed her. Tikal looked around the Senate "Rita-Le" the Senate began muttering at this name as Tikal continued. "She is one of my aids" she looked up to a viewing platform where Rita-Le was watching. "Rita-Le is one of many people we tell ourselves we're here to serve. She lives in a distract which rarely has electricity or running water as a result of the war. Her children can now only bathe every two weeks and no light to read or study at night".
Tikal's speech was being shown on screen outside the Senate building "The Republic has always provided these basic services. But now there are those who would divert money to the war with no thought of what the people need to survive". Civilians and clones alike were listening to her speech "If not for Rita-Le and her children then who are we fighting for? The war is meant to save all our people from suffering, not increase it. I support our brave soldiers, whether they come from the clone factories or any of the thousands of zones loyal to the Republic". Hundreds of Senators were coming over to her side "If we continue to impoverish our people then it is not on the battlefield where Dimitri will defeat us. It will be within our own homes. Therefore, it is our duty and our responsibility to preserve the lives of those around us by defeating this bill". Almost all the Senators applauded, some like the Soleanna and Nocturnes Senators were angry, however. Tikal looked to Rita-Le who gave her friend a thankful nod.
Later that night Solaris was in his office with Julian, he didn't look happy "Isn't it remarkable that one can have all the power in the galaxy and yet the words of a single Senator can sway the thoughts of millions". "What do you plan to do about it?" Julian asked him. Solaris looked out his window "For now we must adhere to the principles of our democracy. We must let the wheels of the Senate turn".