The crimson child -Male Sith Reader-

Political Aftermath

Senator Farr's words struck a chord with many in the chamber, eliciting nods of understanding and concern. He paused briefly before delivering his next point with a sense of urgency.

"Equally troubling," he continued, "is the internal discord that Mandalore's departure could spark within our own political leadership. Debates and disagreements about the best course of action to address the situation threaten to further weaken our already fragile unity. We must remain vigilant and resolute in the face of such challenges, lest we allow discord to undermine our ability to respond effectively to external threats."

As Senator Farr spoke, Obi-Wan felt a sense of unease gnawing at the edges of his consciousness. The senator's words rang true, highlighting the myriad dangers posed by Mandalore's sudden departure from the Republic. But there was one final point that Senator Organa had yet to address, one that struck at the heart of the Republic's security and stability.

"And finally," Senator Farr proclaimed, his voice rising with conviction, "we must consider the strategic implications of Mandalore's decision. With the planet completely cutting ties with the Republic, we risk losing vital hyperspace routes that are crucial for our military operations and logistical supply chains. Even worse, there is the possibility that the Separatists could negotiate with Mandalore to gain an advantage over us in the ongoing war."

The gravity of Senator Farr's words hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the chamber as senators exchanged worried glances. Obi-Wan felt a chill run down his spine as he contemplated the dire consequences of Mandalore's actions.

Just as the weight of Senator Farr's words settled over the Senate chamber, a hush fell over the assembly. All eyes turned towards the Chancellor, who rose from his seat with an air of authority, his expression stern yet composed.

"Thank you, Senator Farr, for your insightful analysis," Chancellor Palpatine began, his voice commanding attention. "Your concerns are indeed valid, and they underscore the gravity of the situation we now find ourselves in."

As he spoke, Mas Amedda, the Chancellor's loyal aide, stepped forward, his voice booming through the chamber. "Order! Order!" he demanded, his tone brooking no dissent. "The Chancellor himself wishes to address the assembly."

With a nod of acknowledgement, Chancellor Palpatine continued, his gaze sweeping across the gathered senators. "My esteemed colleagues," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "the events unfolding on Mandalore demand our immediate attention and decisive action."

As the Chancellor spoke, a sense of anticipation filled the chamber, the senators hanging on his every word. Obi-Wan watched closely, his senses attuned to the subtle undercurrents of power and politics that permeated the room.

"Senator Farr has raised important points regarding the diplomatic, economic, and strategic implications of Mandalore's decision to withdraw from the Republic," Chancellor Palpatine continued. "However, before we proceed any further, I believe it is imperative that we hear from Senator Farr himself."

At the Chancellor's prompting, Senator Farr stepped forward once more, his expression grave yet determined. "Thank you, Chancellor," he began, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "As I was saying before, the situation on Mandalore is dire, and it requires our immediate attention."

Before Senator Farr could continue, however, another senator rose from her seat, Senator Halle Burtoni, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

Senator Halle Burtoni's voice resonated with authority as she addressed the assembly, her words laced with urgency and conviction. "Chancellor Palpatine, esteemed colleagues," she began, her tone commanding attention, "I must echo Senator Farr's sentiments regarding the gravity of the situation on Mandalore."

Obi-Wan watched intently as Senator Burtoni continued, her gaze sweeping across the chamber. "The recent developments on Mandalore pose not only a threat to the stability of the Republic but also to our very existence as a galactic power," she declared, her voice unwavering in its intensity.

"Let us not be blinded by politics or personal agendas," Senator Burtoni urged, her eyes blazing with determination. "The reality is clear: Mandalore's complete break-off from the Republic poses grave threats to our interests and security."

Obi-Wan felt a knot form in his stomach as he listened to Senator Burtoni's words. She spoke with a clarity and conviction that resonated deeply with him, highlighting the dangers that lay ahead if decisive action was not taken.

"It is imperative that we look at the situation with unbiased eyes and see just as I do," Senator Burtoni continued, her voice ringing with authority. "Mandalore, as it stands now, will become a threat to the Republic in the future if it hasn't already."

The gravity of Senator Burtoni's words hung heavy in the air, casting a somber mood over the assembly. Obi-Wan could sense the tension in the room as senators exchanged worried glances and whispered amongst themselves.

"Therefore," Senator Burtoni declared, her voice rising with conviction, "I demand for a drastic and military response to Mandalore's change of heart. We must not only forestall the possible risks following Mandalore's new political course but also demonstrate the strength that the Republic possesses."

Obi-Wan felt a surge of apprehension as Senator Burtoni's words echoed through the chamber. The prospect of military intervention on Mandalore was a sobering one, fraught with peril and uncertainty.

"We must signal to our allies that they have no need to worry and to our enemies that they underestimate the Republic at their own peril," Senator Burtoni concluded, her voice resolute. "Even though we are entangled in a war, we cannot afford to let Mandalore's actions go unchecked."

As Senator Burtoni finished speaking, a hush fell over the Senate chamber, the weight of her words hanging in the air like a specter. Obi-Wan could sense the gravity of the moment, the enormity of the decisions that lay ahead weighing heavily on everyone present.

Amidst the swirling sea of political discourse and looming decisions, Obi-Wan Kenobi felt a profound sense of disquiet grip his heart. The once steadfast pillars of his beliefs, the principles he had upheld throughout his years as a Jedi, now seemed to falter in the face of uncertainty.

Duchess Satine's sudden shift towards militarization shattered the image of her he had held so dearly in his mind. Her dedication to peace, her unwavering resolve in the face of conflict—how could it all unravel so swiftly? The Duchess, whom he had admired for her steadfast commitment to pacifism, now stood at the precipice of war, her once-clear path muddied by the tumultuous currents of politics and power.

As he listened to the impassioned pleas of Senator Farr and Senator Burtoni, Obi-Wan's thoughts spun in a whirlwind of confusion and doubt. The Republic, his beacon of hope, now teetered on the brink of intervention, its principles tested by the shifting tides of galactic turmoil.

The prospect of military action on Mandalore filled him with a sense of foreboding. The repercussions of such a decision would ripple far beyond the borders of the besieged planet, altering the course of history and forever changing the fabric of the galaxy. And at the heart of it all stood Satine, the woman he loved, her fate entwined with that of her people.

Yet, even as doubts gnawed at his conscience and uncertainty clouded his mind, Obi-Wan knew that he could not stand idly by. The Jedi were the guardians of peace and justice, entrusted with the sacred duty of defending the weak and upholding the light in the face of darkness.

"Senators!" the Jedi Master suddenly screamed into the crowd of Senators, his voice filled with conviction and determination. Expectantly the room turned silent, and everyone turned their gaze to the Jedi.  

Writer's note:

Int the last chapter it has been brought to my attention, that I lack side stories within this story and I have to admit, that I agree. What I found especially intruging was how Obi-Wan but also the republic Senate would react to Mandalore and I sincerely hope I got their reaction right. I'm also curious about how many of you actually knew about senator Halle Burtoni. Said things said, I hope you enjoyed the story so far and see ya'll in the next chapter. ;)