Disclaimer:

Star Wars does not belong to me, nor do any of the images shown. This fic was created by me for entertainment purposes.

NA: I have translated this chapter using Chat GPT.

Star Wars Xion 16

Padmé took a deep breath. Anakin had already done his part, Padmé thought to herself for encouragement. Her uncle Ono placed a hand on her shoulder. He tried to comfort her, but the truth was he looked as troubled as she did, as the burden of leading his planet, Rodian, into this senseless war weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Padmé had not been involved in the decision that condemned them all because Palpatine had sidelined her, for without her approval, he could never have dragged them into this madness. He had blackmailed one of her supporters, threatening their family, and this supporter had betrayed her by voting for war.

Her supporters had trusted this senator and had voted in favor of war, condemning them all. She couldn't do anything more than step aside while it all unfolded, not wanting to appear as a radical lunatic in a situation that required radical action. But no one else knew that a psychopathic Sith controlled the Senate, except for her and Anakin. However, if she revealed it, it would mean the end of the Jedi Order and the Republic, both of which the Sith psychopath had now taken hostage while advancing his plans and increasing his power.

No, Padmé thought. Palpatine couldn't fall as a Sith, or the Republic would be destroyed with him. He had to fall as a corrupt politician, along with all his followers, and Padmé was preparing to take the first step in that direction right now.

For this, Padmé was accompanied by the only three people she could trust with her own life, and they would act with the same determination as her to stop the war.

These were the Rodian, Anaconda Farr, whom she called Uncle Ono; Bail Organa, senator from Alderaan; and Mon Mothma, senator from Chandrila.

Padmé had another three dozen senators who supported her cause, but after being betrayed, she couldn't trust them with anything more than the essentials of her plans. In moments like this, she could only act in the strictest secrecy, revealing nothing, for if Palpatine found out, she wouldn't even make it to the Senate.

Democracy in the Republic had been lost with Palpatine's rise, and Padmé was painfully aware of that. She had to constantly act in secret, conspiring, planning, and waiting like a common criminal because freedom and democracy had been replaced by mafias and economic interests.

Padmé entered her senatorial box and observed the Senate debating useless matters that only provided resources for the war, bringing misery and hunger to the Republic. All of this would lead Palpatine to deregulate laws and regulations, giving him more power to give a false sense of resolution, but in the end, the problem returned and Palpatine demanded more power to solve it.

Now, the Senate was debating the creation of more cruisers to support Anakin's recent victory over the separatists, who, due to their disastrous defeat, had lost several fleets essential for protecting their trade routes.

"The floor recognizes Senator Amidala of Naboo!" intervened the Senate's vice president, Mas Amedda, who stood alongside Palpatine on the central platform.

The platform where Padmé stood moved toward the center, and beside her moved the senators who would support her in this intervention: Bail Organa, Anaconda Farr, and Mon Mothma.

Padmé glanced at Palpatine's imitation theater, his stage to convince the galaxy that democracy could never bring them order and that only by giving him all the power could they achieve it.

"Supreme Chancellor, Vice President, senators, aides, and all the people of the Republic watching this Senate session, I offer my greetings," Padmé said. Some nodded, others looked at her with hostility, and most were indifferent. "Senators, people of the Republic, undoubtedly today's discussion is of great importance to us and the future of this unwanted conflict.

"However, I'm afraid I have an even more urgent matter to discuss. As some may know, the Viceroy of the Trade Federation, Nute Gunray…

—I object! Nute Gunray is a rebel, he has no affiliation with the Trade Federation," reprimanded the senator from the Trade Federation.

"Senator, please remain silent. Senator Amidala has the floor," intervened Palpatine with a grave tone, looking at the senator from the Trade Federation and then at her. "Senator Amidala, it has been established in the courts that Nute Gunray has no connection to the Trade Federation," Palpatine explained authoritatively. His intervention silenced everyone, creating an illusion of order that wasn't real.

Senators only kept quiet because they feared Palpatine, not because of the laws or order itself. This was not a Senate; it was a theater.

"Before the interruption, I was going to say that the Viceroy of the Trade Federation has been captured, and on his way here for trial, he made a confession to the Jedi who transported him. I hold this confession in my hands, including information about the Trade Federation's plan to fake the viceroy's exile. However, he still holds all the power in the Trade Federation and has been funding the separatist armies with Trade Federation funds.

"For all the present senators, here I have a copy of his signed and sworn statements, supported by the two Jedi who obtained them.

"Senators, people of the Republic, you can see for yourselves if I've said anything that isn't confirmed by the viceroy himself," Padmé said, inputting the information into the network and making it public for the entire Republic in the Senate's public documents.

"I object! This is an obvious attempt by Nute Gunray to tarnish the good name of the Trade Federation, as he did in the tragic events of Naboo," intervened the senator from the Trade Federation, and half of the Senate erupted in commotion.

"Chancellor Palpatine, please speak to silence the Senate!" Padmé said with a stern tone, but it wasn't necessary for the chancellor to speak because at her accusation, loaded with accusations, all the senators understood that this was a direct challenge and accusation against the chancellor, and therefore, a challenge.

The astonishment at her boldness left the Senate speechless, which in turn made Padmé smile.

"Senators, your 'respect' for the figure of the Supreme Chancellor is admirable. Undoubtedly, this demonstrates that Chancellor Palpatine enjoys great 'admiration' from all of you. For I still remember a time, when I was queen, and another chancellor was the leader, this very Senate lacked any order. But now, everything seems to be 'under control,' and we finally have order," said Padmé and clapped softly toward Palpatine, who looked at her coldly and was about to speak, but Padmé didn't let him.

"Senators, as you can see, in the viceroy of the Trade Federation's confession, these are not the only ones he mentioned. There is a large number of senators present here who are on this payment list and are named as separatist infiltrators, whom this council has declared war against. Furthermore, most of them are staunch supporters of Chancellor Palpatine.

"Senators!" Padmé scolded with anger when some began to recover from their shock, which left them even more bewildered because she was a diplomat, and anger was something they had never seen in her in the Senate. Padmé just needed a little more time.

"Senators," Padmé repeated. "Today, I believe there is enough evidence to propose a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Palpatine and to order an investigation for corruption against him and against all the senators mentioned in the testimony of the Viceroy of the Trade Federation, Nute Gunray," Padmé concluded, and this time the Senate remained in shock for a whole minute.

"It seems that this Senate cannot even conceive the idea of you being removed from your position, Chancellor Palpatine, even though yours is a temporary post. Your control over this entire Senate seems to be absolute.

"I wouldn't be surprised if in the vote I have proposed myself, even I, unable to bear having accused a man who enjoys such respect in the Republic, might come to regret it.

"The vote against him will be a resounding 'no' and unanimous throughout the Senate, despite the fact that anyone in his position, with the evidence I have presented, would already be removed from his post immediately and subjected to an investigation. Without a doubt, this Senate and the entire Republic have your absolute trust," Padmé concluded with a sigh as she looked at Senator Palpatine, who gave her a serene look.

Padmé felt a chill, but the presence of 02 by her side gave her security. Anakin had promised that a legion of clones couldn't protect her better than 02, and Padmé trusted him. She trusted in surviving to see the Republic and this Senate free from Palpatine, so she didn't avert her gaze from him.

The rest of the Senate was divided. Some fully trusted Palpatine. Others had doubts, but the majority only thought about the consequences it would have for their political careers if they dared to challenge him. And it was these senators, the majority, who were truly Palpatine's biggest support, not his few fanatical followers, because it was fear that Palpatine used to keep them under his control.

"Senator Amidala, are you aware that your accusations could lead to the Republic falling into the hands of the separatists by dividing our efforts and making us weak against our enemies?" accused Palpatine, striking back and accusing her of being a separatist.

"Does the Supreme Chancellor have a confession signed and attested to by the Jedi, defenders of this Republic, where my name or that of my associates is mentioned as members of the separatists? If so, I will be the first to accept an investigation into me and those who support me.

"The reason for this is not that I want to paralyze the Republic; it's because I understand that if the supporters of the separatists are among us, it means that this war is nothing but a theater.

"The enemies of the Republic are among our own ranks. They are the organizations that claim to support our fight, like the Trade Federation, the Intergalactic Banking Clan, and others.

"They all thrive and enrich themselves, while the people of the Republic suffer hunger and hardships, all to fund a war that makes no sense. A war where all negotiation is forbidden for the absurd reason of not legitimizing the separatists.

"Not legitimizing," Chancellor, do you dare to say that when thousands of worlds suffer from the invasion of separatist armies? When our citizens see their salaries and living conditions reduced day by day due to this war? What are the separatists' grievances? They accuse us of corruption.

"They finance this war because this Senate has refused to investigate itself. We are in a war because we say we are just and pure and yet refuse to prove it, even if it means the loss of lives and the suffering of billions of people, just on this planet," declared Padmé.

"Senator, I urge you to reconsider. The separatists have committed genocides and clear violations of the Republic's laws. They are criminals," Senator Palpatine said, and some senators began to awaken and supported the Chancellor with indignation.

"All these crimes were committed by separatist armies. Armies of droids under the command of the Trade Federation, like those that once invaded Naboo. Armies of droids belonging to the Banking Clan. Armies of droids belonging to the Commerce Guild. Senator Palpatine, in my view, the Republic is waging a war against economic organizations.

"The owners of these armies are the leaders of these organizations. And we really know nothing about what the separatist worlds have done or not done because you have prohibited any form of negotiation.

"Furthermore, for all we know, the separatists could be hostages of these organizations or not even have anything to do with them.

"If I'm mistaken, please, senators, stand up and speak out, those of you who have witnessed or have any evidence of the separatists, the representatives of those planets demanding that the Senate be investigated, ordering or taking responsibility for the crimes Chancellor Palpatine mentions," demanded Padmé, but again there was silence, perhaps because they all understood that they really had no proof of any crime, or perhaps because they realized they couldn't raise their hands, as raising them would mean admitting that they had spoken to the separatists. Padmé only looked at the Supreme Chancellor.

"Senator Amidala, it saddens me that we have come to this point, and undoubtedly this council will discuss it, but we must address one issue at a time, and I believe you will agree that the first issue raised, which is your vote of no confidence in me, should be dealt with as the law stipulates.

"I, as the Supreme Chancellor, am the first one who should undergo this, so I agree to proceed with it," Palpatine said solemnly, and half of the Senate applauded, while the other half hurried to follow suit.

"Chancellor, your permission is not necessary, but if you want to show that you support the Republic's laws, you can do so by accepting an investigation into your person. That would be a genuine gesture that would demonstrate to this Senate and the Republic that we are in the right hands," said Padmé, and the applause ceased immediately, while some senators couldn't hide their astonishment at her; it was as if she had suddenly become a complete stranger to them.

"Senator, I remind you that I am currently the leader of this Republic, and therefore, in my current position, the law obliges me to remain in the performance of my duties, and accepting an investigation would jeopardize the stability of the Republic at this time of crisis that you seem to be ignoring," Palpatine said.

"I haven't forgotten, Supreme Chancellor, and it's precisely because of the danger it poses to the Republic that I have made this vote of no confidence proposal, because if it turns out that you and your followers have caused this war, you would also be directly responsible for all the crimes committed in it and the suffering of our people. Therefore, on your behalf, the laws compel me to consider all possibilities and act decisively…

"Senator!" reprimanded the Vice President. "Order! This session will resume in an hour to vote on your first proposal, which was a vote of no confidence in the Supreme Chancellor," the Vice President declared, and the Senate stirred, most saying anything to avoid expressing their opinion, a small part offering loud support for Senator Palpatine and refusing to conduct any investigation.

Those who shouted their support were the senators who were on Nute Gunray's list.

"Vice President," Bail Organa intervened beside him.

"Senator, this session is over," the Vice President said gravely.

"That statement is a blatant violation of the laws of the Republic," warned Bail Organa.

The Vice President tensed, and silence fell again as a second senator was clearly in rebellion, and Bail Organa was known as someone who was always willing to listen to reason and was not always on Padmé's or the pacifists' side.

"Senator Organa, what do you mean?" Chancellor Palpatine said, raising his hand.

"Chancellor, I'm not referring to the vote of no confidence proposed by Senator Amidala. I just want to remind this Senate that we have a sworn statement from a criminal element that implicates several senators in this administrative body, and it is the duty of this Senate to decide whether or not to initiate an investigation. But that can wait. What cannot be postponed is the very witness of the case, who, if I'm not mistaken, will soon be in the hands of the chancellorship, an institution whose legality is called into question by the aforementioned testimony.

"Senators, the law is clear on this, and it's a clear conflict of interest for the chancellor's office to have access to this witness. Whether his statements are true or false, due process must be upheld at all times, or the good name of this Senate will be tarnished when our citizens realize that through negligence, we have blatantly ignored our own regulations and laws," explained Senator Organa.

"The office of the chancellor is the supreme governing body," said the vice president, who apparently didn't know how to get out of this predicament because everything was subordinate to the office of the Supreme Chancellor.

The law required that the witness not be in the hands of the accused, but there was no institution in the Republic to send him that wasn't under the command of the chancellor's office, even the Grand Army of the Republic, which had been subordinated to the Supreme Chancellor since the war began.

Padmé smiled in her mind when Palpatine looked at the vice president, and he realized with horror that, as Anakin would say, he had really put his foot in it by saying these words.

"It seems then that no institution in the Republic is free from the influence of our Supreme Chancellor. He's like an emperor; his control could be absolute if he wanted it to be," Padmé said, as Bail was the voice of reason. He couldn't accuse without absolute proof, and for the sake of their rebel group, it had to stay that way. She would be the one to make accusations.

"Senator Amidala…"

"In fact, there is one institution not under the control of the chancellorship, and in which this Senate has complete confidence, and that is the Jedi Order," Bail Organa hurriedly interrupted to prevent the vice president from giving excuses for his accusations.

"The prisoner will be escorted to the Jedi Order. Now, withdraw to begin a new session in one hour," Palpatine said, having been caught off guard by a declaration of war he didn't expect, and he must have been eager to have a place to give instructions to prevent them from speaking out of turn, as the vice president did when he told the entire Republic that the Supreme Chancellor ruled all the institutions in the Republic.

"Thirty-five percent in favor," said her uncle Ono in disbelief four hours later when the vote concluded.

"I was hoping for at most five percent in the vote," confessed Bail Organa. Padmé only hoped her small group of four would vote in favor.

"The vice president's words have done great damage to the Chancellor's reputation," said Mon Mothma, sitting down on a sofa in her private room in the Senate. Padmé sat beside her.

"Palpatine won't sit idle in the face of this blatant declaration of war," Padmé said, because they needed to take action as soon as possible. She looked at 02.

Her companions also looked at 02, who had become their shadow since the Jedi Order put him in their hands. Her uncle Ono sighed.

"General Skywalker designed this droid," her uncle Ono said, but his tone didn't carry much confidence.

"Uncle Ono, Anakin is a prodigy in this area, and I've already told you that his victory on Ryloth was due to this, not the Force. I'm sure these droids will fulfill their purpose," Padmé said.

"Senator, 02 online and awaiting targets," said 02 in a robotic voice, and his eyes shone, turning into stars for a couple of seconds. Padmé smiled, and Mon Mothma sighed.

"I hope so; if not, our little act of rebellion will end very soon," said Bail Organa.

Padmé had shared everything she knew with them, including that Palpatine was a Sith Lord, that he had already attempted to kill her on at least three occasions, that he was the one who organized the attack on Naboo, and that he wouldn't hesitate to kill them all or threaten their families if given the chance.

"Then I'll get going," Padmé said, getting up because Palpatine must already be hiring assassins and offering rewards for their heads at this point.

Half an hour later, Padmé was in the Jedi Temple, and three Jedi were there to receive her: Master Yoda, holographic Master Windu, and a Jedi who was no longer part of the Council, Master Jadle.

"Senator Amidala, your intervention today has left half the galaxy in chaos," said Master Windu with a demanding tone.

"Master Windu, I assure you that my reasons for distrusting Chancellor Palpatine are serious, and the Senate would share them if they were to open an investigation into him," Padmé said.

"Your suspicions you will not share with us," said Master Yoda.

Padmé felt a bit bad about the mistrust this would generate between her and the Jedi Masters, but Anakin was right; the last thing they needed was the Jedi going to capture Palpatine with their lightsabers in hand.

The Senate would not recover from that blow, and the Jedi Order would be tainted forever. It would be the final step for them to become just another political faction.

"Masters, the Jedi Order has always been the defender of peace and justice for the Republic. And right now, you are the only organization that can remain neutral in this conflict. Therefore, I implore you to stay out of this political struggle, no matter how much the Chancellor or other senators may ask you to intervene and give your opinion," Padmé requested.

"And that would turn the Jedi Order into an organization in direct opposition to the Supreme Chancellor's office," Master Windu said, clearly annoyed.

"That's because the chancellorship has monopolized all the power," Padmé retorted.

Master Yoda and Master Windu didn't seem pleased.

"This is the way of the Chosen One, and it is he who will bring balance to the Force. The elders must step aside and leave the new generation in charge of our future," Master Jadle intervened.

Master Windu clenched his fists, and Master Yoda didn't look happy either, grimacing as he chewed his saliva.

"Then let us continue," Master Windu said reluctantly, gesturing for her to follow.

"Brave and sincere is Knight Skywalker," Master Jadle said, after more than ten minutes of walking in silence through the wide corridors of the Jedi Temple.

Padmé blinked, not understanding, then quickly nodded because the Masters were looking at her, and Padmé wondered if they could feel her heart racing.

"Knight Skywalker doesn't hide his feelings, and his ideas are clear. He always stands up against injustices and doesn't stay silent, even if it's to his detriment. I believe the Jedi Council can attest to that," Master Jadle said. Padmé still didn't understand the direction of this conversation; she could only nod again.

"That must be quite unusual in your political world, where people learn the value of silence from a young age, a quality that could make a young woman fall in love," Master Jadle said, and Padmé's heart skipped a beat.

This time, they definitely noticed it. Master Windu made several grimaces, and Master Yoda spent several seconds chewing his saliva. But against all that Padmé thought, none of them reminded her that Jedi couldn't have attachments.

"The Chosen One has come late to us. His path is not that of a Jedi because of this. It is something that saddens us, but the Force has mysterious ways, and most likely, the Chosen One's path is not with us," Master Jadle said, and Padmé almost tripped over her own feet.

"Is she telling me that the Jedi Order doesn't object to Anakin and me being together?" Padmé wondered in shock.

"Of course, rebellion is not his only virtue. Knight Skywalker is also a reliable, strong, kind, and benevolent person. He is honorable, and weakness is not within him.

"He is a person who inspires us to move confidently into the future because we can lean on his shoulders with the assurance that they won't turn into a quagmire. He is a person of great personal strength," said Master Jadle.

Padmé almost nodded but, in attempting to do so, she caught a sidelong glance from Master Windu, who was looking at her without knowing what to say.

"Senator…" Master Jadle cleared her throat to interrupt Master Windu's words, who sighed in frustration.

Padmé didn't understand a thing, but suddenly, Master Windu and Master Yoda appeared ten years older than they were a moment ago.

Padmé wanted to ask, but they stopped in front of double doors; it seemed they had reached their destination.

Master Jadle advanced to open the door, but Master Yoda seemed surprised, and Padmé even had the impression that he didn't want them to open the door. However, Master Jadle quickly used the Force, and the doors swung wide open.

The place was a Jedi training hall, a large, completely open space. In the middle of the room, there were Anakin and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano. Anakin was on top of her, applying a stranglehold, while five spheres continuously fired blaster shots at her back, which were absorbed by some kind of invisible shield.

"Master!" Anakin growled.

"Anakin!" Ahsoka groaned, holding his arms and trying to twist free.

Anakin repeated "Master," and Ahsoka repeated "Anakin". Padmé could only blink.

"Hmmmm!" Master Windu coughed angrily.

Anakin and Ahsoka jumped at the same time. The spheres stopped firing, and they returned to the metallic backpack Ahsoka was carrying. The lightsabers, which had been on the ground, flew back to their belts. Everything happened in a second, and the next moment, both were approaching their group as if nothing had happened.

"Senator Amidala, have I mentioned before that Knight Skywalker is an extremely sincere and mature person? The future of our galaxy is in his hands. Without a doubt, this is why the Jedi Council has peaceful nights of sleep and unwavering faith in the abilities and capacity of the Chosen One of the Force," Master Jadle concluded.

With those words, and as Anakin approached, Padmé understood the meaning of Master Jadle's words up to that point. Her mind was in denial, while Master Windu covered his face with his hand, and Master Yoda chewed his saliva in frustration.

"Knight Skywalker, your senses lose efficiency when your emotions come into play," said Master Jadle.

"Master Jadle, stop creating mental shields around yourself," complained Anakin, looking at her with enmity. "Hello, Padmé, congratulations. With your actions, I can feel that the war is coming to an end," Anakin said. Padmé grimaced; she didn't feel safe anymore at this moment.

"Knight Anakin, I believe you had something to show us," said Master Windu. Anakin nodded with authority, while Ahsoka gave her a nod in greeting.

Before, this girl inspired confidence in her, but now she had just witnessed a deplorable spectacle, and she saw her as another rebellious and headstrong girl…

"Immature," Padmé sentenced in her mind. Being rebellious had nothing to do with being immature.

While Padmé tried to think clearly, Anakin led them to a storage room, where R2 was, along with a large number of boxes. R2 approached to greet them. Padmé greeted him, sensing something strange about him, although she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Massacre Protocol 2.0 activated," Anakin said, and the boxes were shattered or torn apart by dozens of droids similar to 02.

"Where did you get the resources to build them?" Master Windu asked.

"The separatist cruisers have some valuable materials. I thought about using them on the Veracity and Reconciliation, but I think it has enough upgrades, and what will end this war won't be disarming droids. This war can only end in the Senate," Anakin said.

"Unacceptable, we cannot authorize the use of these weapons in such quantity," Master Windu declared.

"Trust in the Force we must!" Master Yoda said, but his words were filled with frustration.

Master Windu sighed with the same expression of non-acceptance.

"Masters, don't worry, you only need to sign the protection orders; Padmé and I will decide who to entrust these droids to," Anakin said.

"And me?" Ahsoka asked, who stepped back when they all looked at her.

"Rebellious Padawans don't inspire confidence," Anakin said, and this time they all looked at him.

"I am a Jedi Knight," Anakin excused himself.

"Masters, I believe we should leave General Skywalker and the Senator alone," Master Jadle said.

Yoda chewed his saliva, but followed Master Jadle, who didn't wait for a response and began to walk. Ahsoka stretched her neck and was about to walk behind Master Windu when she tensed and stopped in her tracks.

If she hadn't seen the previous scene, Padmé would assume that Ahsoka was nervous about something or simply found her gesture strange, but now she looked at Anakin, who had his hands behind his back. "He has caught her using the Force," Padmé thought.

Anakin put a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder.

"Ahsoka, as my 'Padawan,' you have my full trust; you can stay," Anakin reprimanded.

Padmé understood that he wouldn't allow her to ask why he had strangled his Padawan a few minutes ago.

Padmé returned to the Senate building a couple of hours later because, after the vote in which Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was left in a precarious position, making it clear that people were suspicious of him, the suspended session continued. It was to decide whether to create more cruisers and, consequently, more clones to support Anakin's victory and end the war as soon as possible, or so Palpatine promised, who would then look for some excuse to continue postponing peace.

Padmé brought with her four droids, one of them being 02, and three more for Bail Organa, her uncle Ono, and Mon Mothma.

Padmé met with her group of rebels and handed them cards, which were the Jedi Temple permits for the droids.

"The protection droids for my family and yours have already been sent," Padmé explained, and her three allies looked at 02 and its companions.

"Won't the Jedi get into trouble if these robots support us?" Bail asked.

"Stealth mode activated," one of the spheres said, and it turned into a black substance, which flew to both of the senator's arms and turned into a pair of bracelets.

The other two droids did the same but merged with their clothes.

"I didn't know they could do that," Padmé said; 02 was always by her side.

"Specifications about our operation are top secret," the four droids said simultaneously.

"Well, I feel somewhat safer now," Bail Organa said, seeing the capabilities of the droids.

"Let's return to the Senate session, or they will ignore our votes," Mon Mothma said.

Padmé watched the Senate session, where most of the senators seemed willing to approve more budget for cruisers and troops, while Palpatine appeared indifferent and serene. However, Padmé knew that he was deeply involved in this, and as a way to demonstrate his power, he was determined to show the Senate's support for the war and himself by supporting this vote.

"Senator Amidala, if you have nothing more to say, then please proceed to suspend this session for the second time," said the Senate Vice President.

Padmé didn't respond to his attempt to create conflicts and looked at the senators, ignoring the vice president and Palpatine.

"Senators, I've already mentioned how our people suffer because of this war. Instead of serving its citizens and their well-being, the Republic squeezes them to finance a senseless war.

"Although I've already said all of this, today I'll say something more because you seem to think that I'm turning my back on our soldiers for the sake of peace. While that might be true because I prefer negotiating peace rather than going to war, today I bring you a different voice," Padmé said, inputting some data into her interface, and a giant hologram appeared in the council chamber and on each senator's platform.

The hologram was of Anakin, and he was seated in a command chair on some ship.

"A message for the Senate regarding the war?" Anakin asked as if it were a casual question. "More cruisers, more weapons, more soldiers?" he added, shaking his head.

Anakin stood up from his chair and walked about ten meters before stopping. He didn't turn around but placed his hands behind his back in a military posture. He gazed at the horizon, which could have been either space or a view of a sunset. His tone was solemn when he spoke again:

"As a Jedi, in every battle, and throughout this war's duration, I've felt the lives lost in them. The suffering of every planet and people involved, be it on one side or the other. War brings misery to all.

"Suffering, helplessness, anger, and hatred, each believing they're fighting for the right reasons, as I believe myself and all the soldiers who follow me do.

"My soldiers and I, we fight for the Republic, we fight for what it represents, and what it represents is peace, order, and reason. Not war and suffering. However, we cannot allow it to be destroyed. If fighting is necessary, then we will fight, and we won't let peace and order descend into chaos.

"Those are my reasons for being in this war. That's why I put in my utmost effort. My victories come from my determination to end this war. My soldiers advance with me, so that the Republic can rest easy. Our efforts are to bring peace. We don't need more ships; we don't need more troops. We need peace to come, and the horrors of war to end," he declared, turning around to show a determined expression.

"Senators, my message to you is not to worry about the war. I already have all the soldiers and ships I need under my command. Brave soldiers who, if necessary, will achieve victories for the Republic against a thousand to one.

"For this reason," he said with a solemn expression, "Let the war rest on my shoulders! Rest easy with the rest of the Republic! Don't let the separatist numbers rob you of sleep! Two to one, three to one, even a million to one. As long as I stand, the Republic will be safe. Let me take that responsibility, and don't fear for the Republic's safety because this war is in my hands," he concluded firmly, and the hologram ended.

The Senate fell silent, and Padmé, who had been confident in her plans earlier, now hesitated. As she listened to Anakin's speech, she couldn't help but recall the words of Master Jadle.

"Rebel, strong, kind, mature, sincere, a person who instills confidence." All these words had double meanings, but it wasn't until Padmé saw Anakin strangling his own padawan and then behaving as if nothing had happened that she understood what they were trying to convey.

To her, the Council always clashed with Anakin because he had new ideas they couldn't accept. It never occurred to her to think that they rejected those ideas because they considered him immature and irresponsible. In that case, it made perfect sense that even if Anakin were right, he wouldn't generate any trust within the Jedi Council.

"What else do the Jedi know about Anakin that I'm unaware of?" Padmé wondered nervously…

Applause broke her train of thought, followed by more applause. It was evident that the Senate didn't share her doubts, and Anakin had successfully deceived them all…

Padmé shook her head in her mind. Just because Anakin might be immature and his personality different from what she imagined didn't mean he wasn't trustworthy. She resolved to have an honest conversation with him the next time they met. Perhaps she could also talk to him about her own feelings and be truthful with him. She wouldn't reject him because she already had feelings for him, Padmé thought, smiling at her two consecutive victories over Palpatine.

Now, she awaited the investigation into the list of names provided by Nute Gunray, and she had raised enough suspicions about the Chancellor's office to strip them of the right to conduct the investigation. Therefore, just like the Viceroy, this investigation would be led by the Jedi Council, which had decided to step aside and let her and Anakin take the lead.

Responses to comments:

Hello, everyone:

Manuel89000000: That would be a spoiler.

Drrakkos: Anakin knows about the chips, that's all I can say.

Maxasmata123456: Relax, this isn't a romance fic. However, the MC will indeed end up with someone.

Rogue1Bois: Where did you get that information? I'd like to check because it's difficult to find data on battles. So far, I can only use what I've seen in the series and the numbers from the wiki.

Princesselsaamidala22: In the same chapter, it's clarified that Padmé isn't the path to the dark side; rather, the decision was always in Anakin's hands. His immaturity, feelings, and choices were what led him to the dark side. However, it's also true that Padmé didn't react to this until the end; she ignored all the signs and only supported Anakin's crimes. I read on some page that it wasn't going to be like this originally, and in Revenge of the Sith, their relationship was going to deteriorate, and Padmé wouldn't get along with him, but George Lucas decided otherwise.

Guest: What are you talking about? The war has just begun. We've only had one significant battle. And you must consider that this is a political and military conflict. Even if one side has superiority, if the political aspect isn't resolved, the war will continue. There's a short way to end the war, and that's what the MC is trying to do. The first step is gettingg rid of Palpatine. But this is risky because Palpatine has the greatest power in the entire galaxy, and there are serious consequences for opposing him.

Murder, massacres, betrayals, bribes, blackmail, genocides – nothing is off Palpatine's list, and Padmé and Anakin know it. As the author, I let the story progress, and each time Anakin devises a strategy, I think about how it could be countered by Palpatine. I'll do the same with Padmé.

Palpatine is a skilled politician and won't let Padmé have her way or suddenly go mad. So, no, the war is neither over nor won but has only just begun.

Thank you all for commenting; feel free to leave your questions, and I'll try to respond in each chapter.

NA: Clarification: If Anakin goes to the Jedi Council now and tells them that Palpatine is a Sith, they will undoubtedly believe him and undoubtedly move against Palpatine. They won't listen to Anakin about waiting, and due to the force ripple this would cause, Palpatine would find out anyway.

If Palpatine is exposed, of course, he will activate Order 66 and use the clones against anyone opposing him. He wants a clean victory, but he won't hesitate to get his hands dirty and carry out indiscriminate killings. Even now, the Senate wouldn't do much about it, and with the power he holds, getting rid of his enemies isn't a problem.

The Jedi could never stand against the clone army, not even if they were all together. Anakin is no exception; he's not Superman, and here we're talking about an army of millions of clones. They'd be lucky to escape with their lives.

Don't underestimate Palpatine's power; he is the absolute master of the clone army. He has control over the economy and politics. If he hasn't killed them all, it's because he wants total victory, not a bloody war where his enemies know whose head to target.

NA: Don't forget to leave your comments, bookmark, follow, and subscribe.