AN: DOUBLE RELEASE Ya'll! May the FOURTH be with you!
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The grand chamber of the Galactic Senate was filled with a tense, anxious air. Many Senators murmured amongst one another in a panic. Almost two months had passed since the establishment of the Empire, and the great conflict that had been going on for the last five years was only picking up in intensity.
The weight of war hung heavily in the air, and affected each and everyone within these hallowed halls. Most Senators were of the ultra wealthy class, or were charismatic negotiators selected by megacorps to further some nebulous entities agenda. Rare were those in the Senate-such as Bail Organa-who were beloved by their home Sector. As the continued economic woes squeezed these exceptionally rich interest groups, the pressure on these politicians had only increased. If the situation regarding the bank runs hadn't been temporarily solved during last month's emergency session, anarchy would have reigned supreme as the Galactic Economy ground to a halt.
Thousands of Senators from across the galaxy had gathered in this solemn place, their faces were grim and weary, their thoughts troubled by the unyielding grind of the Clone Wars. The newly birthed government found that their economy teetered on the edge of collapse, and countless systems had felt the devastating effects of the endless conflict. Many planets-eager for reconstruction-could only bear the consequences of this body's seeming inaction. The people on those desolated worlds suffered, whilst many Senators felt as if they were locked in a gilded cage. They had only one hope to escape from this crisis, one man who could deliver them from ruin.
His name was: Sheev Palpatine.
Standing on a floating pod in the center of the Senate Chamber, Palpatine had the appearance of someone who was within the midst of surgery. News reporters had inquired about his condition, and his office released a statement informing the people that: 'His Majesty was undergoing radical treatment to counteract the dastardly attack by the Jedi.'
As such, to the public's eye, he had regained some of the charismatic handsomeness he was known for, yet he had drawn sympathy from the people due to the damage he had sustained. At a glance, it was clear to online commenters everywhere that Revan's speech was a lie. That their beloved Emperor was indeed scarred for life, but to put rumors to bed, he had undergone immense medical treatments.
Palpatine thinly smiled at his audience, and subtly motioned at them. The murmurs subsided, and a hush fell over the Senate floor. The cloaked figure of Palpatine, regal in his robes, exuded an unsettling calmness, and a quiet assurance that swept through all those in the room. Cameras were rolling from every angle, and zoomed in on his face, capturing his tranquil, loving eyes. Familiar eyes, that had held firm during the lowest lows of the Republic, and now held the same steely resolve.
Despite the war's ravages, and panic in the Senate, those who watched him couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. A casual observer might even say to his friend or family member 'see, this is how a head of state should act. Composed, regal, and kind. Nothing at all like that crass loudmouth Amidala.'
Resting his hands on a podium, his pale face swept across the crowd. His calculating gaze swept across the assembly, locking eyes with the various politicians that were his allies, he not-so-subtly nodded at them, and openly showed his favor towards those Senators who might be on the fence regarding his administration.
"Honorable Senators, chiefs, clerks, and citizens of the Empire." Palpatine's voice boomed, its rich timbre reverberating through the chamber, drawing the eyes of every soul to look upon his face. "We stand at a precipice. The Clone Wars have tested us, brought us to the very edge of despair. Whole star systems have been consumed by the flames of conflict, and the resources of our Empire have been stretched to their limits. Yet, through it all, we have not faltered. We have not yielded. We stand united, stronger than ever."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle, before continuing, his voice then took on a softer, more compassionate tone.
"I know the struggles you face. I know the hardship and burdens that fall upon the hearts of our citizens. The economic woes, the losses of life due to poverty… the fear. It is a heavy price we pay, but it is a price we must pay to preserve the values we hold dear, the values of democracy, justice, and peace."
His eyes narrowed slightly, for the briefest of milliseconds, a subtle hint of a predator's focus gleamed behind the mask of benevolence that he portrayed to the public, and then it was gone. "And yet, as we endure this trial, there are those among us who would seek to betray the very ideals for which we fight. The Jedi, once guardians of peace, have betrayed the trust of me, but much worse, they have betrayed the trust of you. They have abandoned their sacred duty, operating not as protectors, but as military leaders, turning the galaxy into a battlefield, all in the name of their own misguided vision of peace. Behold but one more example of their treachery."
At the end of his statement, a clip recorded from assets on Mustafar depicted Obi-Wan leaving Anakin to fry, and Palpatine's subsequent rescue.
"You have seen for yourselves this cruel act. General Anakin Skywalker was the Hero of the galaxy. With his help, we were on the cusp of victory. Yet because he was my friend-" Palpatine said, and paused, letting his lip quiver, and his voice waver. "Because he was my friend, the Jedi left this young man to suffer a fate worse than death!"
A murmur of disbelief rippled through the chamber. Many people at home looked on in horror, and millions of boys with Anakin Skywalker action figures cried out in sadness. This cultural icon, the dream of every girl, and the most famous person besides Palpatine was in such a horrendous state, it boggled the mind! Tabloids everywhere had printed this pretty boy's face everywhere, and news outlets had page after page of positive pieces. No one believed this Hero killed children, as Revan had claimed. This new footage was almost unbelievable!
Palpatine's voice only grew louder, and more commanding, drowning out those amongst the Senate who recognized Kenobi, and shouted for his support.
"We have seen their corruption. We have felt their arrogance. These so-called protectors of the galaxy are the true enemies of peace. They have corrupted the very heart of the government, once pretending to mediate between Senators in good faith, they were truly pushing along their own secret agenda all along. To rule the galaxy with an iron fist! Put into the corner, their masks have come off, and it has now become clear that the Jedi engineered this war from the very beginning! It was they who commissioned the clone army! And now that their scheme has become uncovered, they run to the Separatists like the scum that they are!"
The silence in the chamber was absolute, the Senators hung onto his every word. People all around the Empire nodded with him, and muttered in agreement. Reports over the last month had shown clips of Jedi fighting alongside droids, and turning on clone troopers. What Palpatine said was backed up by verifiable evidence!
Palpatine leaned forward during a brief pause, his expression could be described as 'fatherly.'
"But there is hope, my friends. We are not helpless. We are not weak. Together, we shall rise above this darkness. Together, we shall rebuild the galaxy, not as it was, but as it should be. Under the guiding light of a new order, we shall liberate ourselves from the shackles of bureaucracy, and enable the common man with rights befitting the efforts he has put into his community. Loyalty, duty, love, these feelings shall be rewarded!"
A thunderous applause washed over him, and Palpatine slightly smiled before he spoke once more. Looking directly into a camera, it was as if he was ignoring all the important dignitaries within the room, and was speaking directly to the hearts of every citizen across the galaxy.
"To those brave men and women who are willing to stand with us, to defend the future of our galaxy, I promise this: You will not be forgotten. For every citizen who chooses to join the Imperial military, for every soul who offers their service to our great cause, we will ensure that your sacrifices are honored. You and your families will be given the opportunity to prosper through the Educational Credit Program. Your commitment today will open doors to a brighter future for all."
He allowed the promise of prosperity to hang in the air, and a spark of hope flickered in the eyes of many lower level clerks, and guards within the chamber. But Palpatine was not done. His voice took on a commanding note, filled with the certainty of a man who knew his destiny was inevitable.
"Ask not what the Empire can do for you, but what you can do for the Empire! We are at a critical juncture where the forces of evil contend with all that is right. Where cold metal killing machines backed by crazed religious fanatics seek to impose their dystopian views upon the galaxy. I am merely the messenger, a convenient target for them to slander, their true goal is you. To transform you into mindless zealots like the poor souls of Eriadu." Palpatine began with passion, then ended his statement with slumped shoulders, and a pitiful look. For the first time during his entire speech, he appeared like a tired, weak old man.
Many people who witnessed this felt pity for him, and grasped their hearts, feeling some sort of unidentifiable, intense emotion.
"Forgive me, my friends, forgive this old fool's melancholy. The betrayal of the Separatists, of the Jedi…it is almost too much to bear. Yet I-we-must remain strong in the face of destruction. The time has come to make a stand. The time has come to ensure that our galaxy, our children, and our future are protected from the forces of corruption that would see us divided. Together, we will restore peace. Together, we will secure the legacy of the Empire."
A heavy silence followed. No one moved. No one dared to speak. The galaxy, it seemed, had already made its choice. The Emperor's words had settled into the minds of every senator, every citizen, as the Senate Chamber remained enshrouded in a sense of both dread and anticipation.
Hope had returned to the Empire, and its name was:
Sheev Palpatine.
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AN: Palpatine POV pt 2 tomorrow. We saw a glimpse of The Senate's super power (his mouth), next we'll see what he's like behind the scenes.