However, the Senate was no longer able to cope with its responsibilities. It was bound by procedural rules, endless disputes, and imperfect legislation—where one law could contradict another. Moreover, the Republic was steadily losing effectiveness in combating pirates and other aggressors. The Senate's "fair" decisions—its handling of the Kaleesh-Huk conflicts, its stance during the Sepan Civil War, and its conduct in the current struggle with the Separatists—only added fuel to the fire.
More and more senators were becoming mired in corruption and bribery. The senator from Kuat, for instance, commanded a bloc of forty-one votes—those of senators whose sectors or planets supplied Kuat with essential resources, minerals, or other goods. Many senators openly traded their votes, seeking benefits for themselves—rarely for their systems.
Nevertheless, Amidala continued to fight against all of it. She spent nearly all her time in politics and believed that her efforts were beginning to bear fruit. The Loyalist Committee she had organized sought to reduce militarization and promote peaceful conflict resolution. However, when the vote came on the creation of a new Republic Army, too many were swayed by fear—or by money—and as a result, a bloody war had erupted with terrible intensity.
Amidala still hoped that, with the support of a large number of senators, she could bring an end to the conflict and hold peace talks with the leaders of the Confederacy. But the war was only gaining momentum.
"This war... it gives the Chancellor's supporters a great advantage," Mon Mothma interjected.
"The last thing we need is military action—especially on our own worlds," Bail Organa added, giving Mothma an approving glance. "Alderaan has no real army, only the royal guard—and even that performs mostly ceremonial duties. We don't even have a planetary defense system. Our only choice is political solutions."
"That is precisely what our struggle must serve," Amidala replied. "We hope that by demonstrating solidarity, we can prevent Palpatine from further distorting the Constitution. However..."
"...we'll still be in the minority, unable to stop the Chancellor from rewriting the laws as he sees fit," Giddean Danu finished for her. "I intend to speak at the next session in favor of reducing military spending. The Chancellor plans to purchase another batch of clones from Kamino—as if the millions already fighting weren't enough. Entire worlds are starving, and the Chancellor keeps pouring money into the clone army. In my opinion, we should seek the support of the Jedi."
Bana Breemu studied her manicured hands.
"But that," she said indifferently, "is useless, in my opinion."
Mon Mothma nodded. "The Jedi are preoccupied with the war. Having been appointed generals in the new army, they've already endorsed the Chancellor's course by default."
"The Jedi dislike the current situation as much as we do," Padme countered.
Senator Breemu's high cheekbones made her skeptical gaze even sharper.
"It seems you're remarkably well informed about Jedi affairs, Senator Amidala."
Padme sensed the conversation veering toward a dangerous topic and chose not to respond.
Giddean Danu shook his head. Doubt was written clearly on his dark features.
"If we intend to oppose the Chancellor, we'll need the Order's support—their moral foundation. Otherwise, what do we truly have?"
"The Jedi are making generous use of their moral foundation in this war," Bana Breemu said dryly.
"Perhaps I could meet with the Jedi Council and explain our position," Padme suggested to the group. "Our last meeting was so brief that we didn't have time to discuss this. I believe they'll at least listen to what I have to say."
"What should we do in the meantime?"
"I think we should continue persuading other senators to join our movement," Mon Mothma replied. "Perhaps, when we have a couple thousand supporters, they won't be able to ignore us."
Fang Zar stroked his shaggy beard thoughtfully.
"Yes. We can't overcome the Chancellor's excessive power, but we can show him that opposition is growing and spreading. Perhaps that alone will compel him to moderate his tactics."
Bana Breemu returned to contemplating her fingertips.
"By the time the Jedi's position becomes clear, it may already be too late."
"Then let's see what we can achieve on our own before calling for their aid."
One by one, the senators voiced their agreement. Padme, however, sat silently, deep in thought.
***
Master Shaak Ti, along with the other members of the Jedi Council, listened intently to Aayla Secura. The blue-skinned Twi'lek had brought intelligence that could drastically affect the course of the war. For the first time, the Jedi had learned where the Separatists planned to strike—Kamino, the planet where the clone factories were located, and which the clones considered their home.
Shaak Ti closed her eyes briefly. From the very beginning of the war, the Council had assigned her to oversee the production, training, and preparation of the clones—as well as to defend that critically important world. There were only seventeen planets in the entire galaxy that carried the same level of strategic priority.
The intelligence provided by Quinlan Vos was highly detailed, indicating not only the date of the attack but also the number of troops, ships, and even the exact plan of assault. Nearly a hundred warships and tens of millions of battle droids—a formidable force—were preparing to descend upon the water world. The Separatists had also prepared a new type of battle droid designed for underwater combat—Aqua Droids. All of it was cause for grave concern.
"Proceed, this attack cannot allow," Master Yoda said, nodding in rhythm with his thoughts. "Defend the planet, we must."
"We need to send as many forces as possible to assist Master Ti," Mace Windu agreed. "We cannot lose Kamino—too much depends on that world."
Yoda paused for a moment, then turned to the Togruta.
"Help, we will send immediately, Master. The Jedi to your aid will go —Master Fisto, Master Rancisis."
"That won't be enough," said kiffar hologram with a shrug. "The Separatist forces are immense."
"As far as I know, Master K'Kruhk and Master Tsui Choi are currently on Coruscant and available for deployment," Ki-Adi-Mundi noted.
"And Obi-Wan Kenobi and Skywalker are at the Temple," reported Eeth Koth.
"I'd also like to go and assist Master Ti," said the blue-skinned Twi'lek, crossing her arms.
"Decided, it is," the old Grand Master said, closing his eyes. "Leave immediately. Reserve troops will be assigned to you."
The Jedi rose silently from their seats. Shaak Ti turned off the holoprojector. It was time to prepare for defense. The Togruta turned to Prime Minister Lama Su.
"Minister Su, how can you assist us?"
"The shield projectors will protect our cities and factories from orbital bombardment," the Kaminoan replied, "but we are defenseless against a ground assault. Kamino currently has only a few battalions of guards—and millions of 'children.'" He spread his long, pale arms. "Without your help, we are doomed."
"The Republic will protect you, Minister."
"I hope so," Lama Su said softly, bowing his head. "However, there is something we can do."
Shaak Ti gave him a questioning look.
"In our storage facilities, in cryogenic suspension, we have what are called ARC clones—Alpha-class."
"You never mentioned them before," the Togruta said, surprised.
"Oh, they are perfect soldiers," Lama Su explained. "The finest of the intermediate generation—trained personally by Jango Fett. Unlike the Null-class, these clones are more controllable, though they possess greater independence than standard troopers. We have one hundred of them."
"Then perhaps it's time to thaw them out," Shaak Ti said with a firm nod. "We'll need every ounce of strength we can muster. Let's see just how good these soldiers really are."