Chapter 7
Power is the biggest achievement one could obtain. Not many can obtain great power, the lesser obtains power by minimalistic means or means that abide by law. While the greater obtains power through tactics and manipulation or means that defy the law. Though there is a rare...selection of those who rise through the ranks by innocent means. The struggle between powers have been prominant in galactic society for ages. The most powerful always falls for the most intellectual because the most powerful is always comfortable while the most mindful is always weary for the next opponent.
Coruscant
"Senator Antilles, your on in ten minutes." His assistant droid said.
"Okay, you may leave now." Antilles replied simply.
As commanded, the droid left the room, leaving the both the Candidate and his running mate by themselves. "You seem nervous." Sate Pestage commented, sitting comfortably.
"No I uh...I'm just not used to making speeches in front of a wide audience." Antilles replied in a shaky tone.
"Didn't you become Senator? Im sure it took some courage to achieve such a position." Pestage said.
Antilles sighed; "I bought my way in...If I did it in a honest manner, I wouldn't be in the position I am today."
Sate Pestage got up and walked over to his running mate; "Most politicians buy their way in it's not common for Senators to use their power as leverage over their rivals."
"I know, but I think it's coming back to haunt me." Antilles said.
"Why is that?"
"I don't know what to say, I didn't even write out a speech the night before, I might even lose in the polls if this event doesn't turn out well." Antilles explained in a worried tone.
Pestage gave a annoyed expression and then reached into his purple robe to reveal a small device. "This is a small listening device, used to give commands during battles."
"Why are you giving me this?"
"Im going to help you with your speech, just follow every word I say until I tell you to otherwise." Pestage explained.
"What If I get caught?" The Prince asked.
"Don't worry, this device is undetectable, as long as you act normal, no one will know." Pestage explained.
The assistant droid returned to the room as it said; "Senator Antilles, your on."
Senator Antilles stood straight and gathered himself as he made his exit from his dressing room. He sneakily placed the device on his ear, by scratching the back of his head while being unnoticed. Two Republic soldiers begin to follow behind him as he gets closer and closer to towards the podium. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Antilles." those words echoed across the stage as subtle claps were heard coming from the crowd.
Once Antilles stepped outside and stood before the podium, he noticed a deafening silence coming from the audience. He looked around to see all the eyes laid on him, waiting for him to make his statement.
"Antilles? Are you there." Pestage said through the device.
"Yes." Antilles simply whispered.
"Ok, Follow My Lead."
"Ladies, Gentlemen and Species of All Kinds, I've gathered all of you today to discuss some controversial topics that has become Galaxy-wide news as of late." Antilles paused.
"A former associate of mine, has brought to light the problems of modern Republic politics. He spoke about the lack of support effeciency for the people of the Galactic Republic." Antilles took a quick breath; "As his opponent, I do agree on the sentiment that the Galactic Republic is outdated in terms of guiding and creating futures for their citizens. But what Sentor Carmoda does not understand is that seperating from old and the new will only make history repeat and continue the cycle."
Antilles looked around the crowd as he continued; "Instead of breaking such a system, it's important that we look at what went wrong and create a new system with the flaws in mind." Rumblings from the crowd can be heard as he continued; "A system like that will be beneficial not just to the Republic but the people as well. A Revolution may be effective but you all have consider the leader you are willing to follow. Carmoda promises change with no foundation by creating a new faction, a faction that goes against the Republic and it turn goes against the people who live under it's protection."
"He promotes division rather than unity, he wants to go against the Republic because of his personal transgressions. He wants to go to war with the Republic..." He paused; "Which means he wants the people to sacrifice their lives for his ideology."
"No self-proclaimed 'People's Champion' would put his people at risk for their own satisfaction." A section of people began to cheer as he continued; "The problem is not the politics but the people who run it. That's why im running for Chancellor, Im not running to just aquire a seat and not to do anything for my people but instead to change the system we have now and make it something better." The crowd begins to cheer as he pauses; "If I become Chancellor, I'll make sure every single citizen, human or non-human will be taken care of and be seen as equals, NO SPECIES WILL BE LEFT BEHIND!"
The crowd cheers loudly after Antilles' statement, showing their support to the candidate."And since Senator Carmoda proclaimed his separation from the Core Faction." He paused; "I will also announce that I am no longer affiliated with the Core Faction and from now on I will continue to run as an Independent Candidate with no ties to any sort of Faction."
In his final statement, the crowd unanimously cheered for the now Independent Chancellor Candidate as he stood waving towards his supporters; "As your new Chancellor I'll make sure the people will be treated with a respect and have their voices be heard!" With that closing statement; Senator Antilles received a grand ovation of cheers from the crowd and the people standing around him.
Antilles' Dressing Room
As Sate Pestage removed his device from his ear, Darth Plagueis entered into the dressing room, almost catching the old man off guard.
"Lord Damask." he said as he bowed.
"Was it a success?" Damask simply asked.
"It went well, he received a positive response from his speech."
"Good, the more he succeeds, the closer that we move into Phase Two." Plagueis replied.
Both beings turned as the door shifted open, to show the proud Senator entering his dressing room. He stopped in his tracks as he saw Plagueis stand before him; "Lord Damask, what a pleasant surprise." he said.
"Come and Sit." Plagueis invited.
Both beings sat down as Pestage stood by the mirror; "Pestage, leave us." Plagueis ordered.
"As you wish my lord." Pestage said, bowing as he left the room.
"Now, these next two months will be crucial, if you continue to follow my orders, your success will be definite." Damask said.
"What about the Core Faction? By me separating myself from them in midst of the election will bring about uproar within the Senate." Antilles questioned.
"The Core Faction is crumbling, they will soon become dust once the winner is decided." Plagueis replied.
"I don't know, I just have a bad feeling about this." Bail said nervously.
"You continue to lack confidence, It's going to become troubling if you don't stand firm." Damask stated.
"Yeah...your right, so what's next?"
"Stay low until Carmoda makes his next move, until then, don't make any statements or conduct any interviews." Damask said; "Carmoda will do anything to make sure you lose favor in the polls."
"Alright...what will you do?"
"You do not need to worry about my current activities, but if our plans are disrupted, I'll make sure to intervene." Plagueis replied coldly.
