**Chapter 267: Voices in the senate**
As soon as Riyo Cho descended the ramp onto the landing pad of the Senate building, a delegation of senators approached her, led by Lorian Maverick, the senator from the planet Salliche.
"Riyo! Are you okay?" Maverick called out, genuine concern in his voice.
Senator Maverick! I'm surprised you're even here… However, all is well—thanks to the brave guards and Jedi."
"There was a rumor in the Senate that you were dead," the woman beside Maverick replied, her tone a mix of relief and lingering worry.
"The rumors weren't far from the truth. We barely escaped…" Riyo said quietly.
"I'm very sorry your honeymoon was interrupted by such a tragic event. Allow me to congratulate you, Senator Cho."
"Thank you," Riyo smiled briefly, though the exhaustion was still visible in her eyes. "We flew as fast as we could. What's the news in the Senate? Any updates on the war?"
"A large meeting is scheduled for today; it'll begin soon. It's already known that several clone regiments, as well as ships, will be sent to Pantora, and a tracking station will be established on Orto Plutonia. The Chancellor will even give a speech on the matter; after that, the Jedi will deliver a report on the results of the past few months."
"Riyo, you need to attend this meeting," Cal Cho approached them, his hand gently touching her arm. "I'll take care of things here."
"Yes. Let's go," Maverick gestured invitingly toward the waiting speeder.
"Okay," the Pantoran replied, falling into step with the group.
---
The Senate Building had been constructed nearly four thousand years ago, replacing the old one which had ceased to meet the needs of an expanding Republic. The old building had simply become too small as new planets and entire sectors joined. The new structure was several times larger. Its most significant room was the Great Convocation Chamber, which occupied the majority of the building. It was a vast, funnel-shaped chamber over a hundred meters high, filled at the edges with repulsor platforms—senatorial boxes. Their design had been modified: while in the old building they were hexagonal, resembling a honeycomb, in the new one they were circular. In the center stood a raised podium housing the Supreme Chancellor, Vice President, and Chief Administrative Advisor. All of the Senate's repulsor platforms could be controlled from this podium.
The Great Chamber contained over a thousand repulsorlift platforms, accommodating all seven and a half thousand senators and delegates. When a senator spoke, their box would detach from its mount along the wall and move to the center of the chamber so that all could see the speaker. But the Chancellor's box was the most prominent location. The speaker could be clearly heard from there, thanks to both specialized audio systems and the excellent acoustics of the chamber itself.
Palpatine relished the influence his voice had on the senators. While he disliked long, meaningless speeches, when there was a genuine occasion…
"…The Jedi don't allow themselves to be angry—they say so themselves. But I am angry! Anger at those who trample all laws, at those who take advantage of this war to plunder and kill without restraint! Now, when all our forces are thrown into repelling the Separatists' aggression, the pirates are committing ever more daring attacks. They have nothing to fear—for the Jedi cannot be everywhere: they are busy with the war, defending the foundations of our great state and—democracy itself! The recent attack on the Senator of Pantora, Riyo Cho, has finally convinced me that we must take measures to prevent such incidents in the future. I assure you: we will achieve peace for this galaxy, bring order and live in security! We will defeat both the CIS and the criminal underworld! This will be my primary goal as long as I hold this post! Otherwise, all our sacrifices will be in vain! I won't allow this!"
The hall exploded with applause.
"These pirates have certainly given us a huge gift without even realizing it," a senator near Riyo muttered, "and even the Loyalist Committee has nothing to say about it."
Meanwhile, the meeting continued according to protocol.
"Silence!" announced Mas Amedda. "The floor is given to Master Mace Windu of the Jedi Order!"
As soon as the Korun Master began reading his report to the Senate, Palpatine became absorbed in his own thoughts—though he was still listening to the Jedi out of the corner of his eye, in case anything interesting came up. But right now, his primary concerns were his thoughts on a completely different meeting, one that would take place under a veil of secrecy.
---
Padmé Amidala and the others walked toward Chancellor Palpatine's office to discuss matters before the main session began. An hour ago, they had learned of the topics to be discussed. A group of senators had proposed a measure that was significantly disruptive to the current situation. According to their proposal, planets that were part of the Republic but remained neutral in the war would either join it—for it was their duty—or be declared enemies of the Republic. However, there were other pressing events that needed to be addressed.
"I hope they won't keep us waiting long," Mon Mothma lamented.
Padmé nodded. "I hope so. Bail, I think it would be better if you do the talking."
"Are you feeling unwell?" Organa asked.
"To be honest, I'm a bit exhausted by the last negotiations with the Onderonians."
"Okay," Organa nodded.
Contrary to their fears, the senators were allowed in almost immediately. Present in the Chancellor's office, in addition to Palpatine and Mas Amedda, were Jedi Masters Ki-Adi-Mundi and Mace Windu.
"Senators, what brings you here?" Palpatine rose from his chair and smiled warmly. After everyone had exchanged brief greetings, the Alderaanian stepped forward.
"Chancellor, we have come to discuss some issues."
"I assume you came in connection with Senator Bunny Zarrick's new proposal?"
"Exactly."
"I myself think this proposal is too impulsive. Such decisions on our part could be harmful if we're careless."
"Yes," Organa nodded affirmatively, "not only will we not support it—we will categorically oppose it. I believe this proposal undermines the fundamental freedoms upon which the Republic is founded."
"Of course, you must do as you see fit."
Mon Mothma stepped forward. "However, there's something else. We've learned that the Republic is violating the neutrality of several planets. Christophsis, in particular. Republic warships are using the space around the planet as they please. As a result, the CIS has imposed a trade blockade on the planet, preventing food transports from entering. Christophsis is heavily dependent on them. And we express our strong protest against such actions."
"In this case, I can only sympathize…" Palpatine began.
"Something needs to be done!" Padmé interjected.
"Perhaps we should send a guarded convoy there? And detach Jedi and ships to drive off the enemy squadron blockading Christophsis?"
The discussion grew heated. Several other senators joined in, some arguing against Dagon Marek's recent actions in the Outer Rim.
One Core World senator raised his voice. "General Marek's conquest of Saleucami and Methalorn was reckless! He redirected planetary cannons against the enemy's own fleet. That kind of tactic risks civilian lives and sets a dangerous precedent for unrestricted warfare."
Another nodded vigorously. "Exactly. We cannot allow one commander to operate with such autonomy. It undermines the Senate's authority."
Palpatine listened with a patient expression, but his eyes sharpened when Senator Riyo Cho and Lorian Maverick stepped forward to counter.
"Those were legitimate military targets," Riyo said firmly, her voice carrying across the room. "Saleucami and Methalorn housed major shipyards and cloning facilities feeding the Separatist war machine. Their fall has already begun providing the Republic with critical food supplies from Saleucami's farms—resources we can use in any coming crisis. The people there are now free from Separatist control. We should be supporting such decisive actions, not condemning them."
Lorian Maverick added his weight. "I agree with Senator Cho. Military necessity sometimes requires bold moves. General Marek's campaign severed a vital Separatist artery in less than a day. The farms of Saleucami are already supplying Republic forces. That is tangible progress, not reckless adventurism."
Palpatine's gaze lingered on Riyo Cho for a moment longer than necessary. He had been quietly alerted earlier that Dagon Marek had dispatched additional troops and Braha'tok gunships to ensure her safe return from Pantora. The gesture was protective, almost personal. It was something to note—and perhaps exploit later.
The Chancellor leaned forward slightly, his voice smooth. "Senators, I appreciate all perspectives. General Marek's successes are undeniable, but we must ensure they align with Republic values. I will personally review the full reports. For now, let us focus on the immediate crisis at Christophsis and the proposal regarding neutral worlds."
The meeting continued with heated exchanges, but the undercurrent was clear: Dagon Marek's rapid victories were forcing the Senate to confront a new reality—one where the Outer Rim was no longer a distant theater, but a region rapidly coming under the influence of a single, highly effective commander.
Palpatine smiled inwardly as the debate raged on.
The game was accelerating.
And he was still several moves ahead.
**End of Chapter 267**