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18-Statement before the Galactic Senate
🕑 Added 2024-11-10 04:59:54 +0000 UTCThe Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, standing on the Senate's central platform, addressed the thousands of assembled senators and the millions of citizens across the galaxy watching the live broadcast. The hovering cameras captured the Chancellor's every angle and expression, magnifying the magnitude of the moment. With a solemn voice, the Chancellor spoke, momentarily calming the murmurs that filled the chamber.
"Today, the Galactic Senate meets under exceptional circumstances," the Chancellor began, his voice projecting steadily into every corner of the Senate. "We stand at a historic crossroads, facing an enemy that threatens our peace and stability. Yet in these dark times, an unexpected light has come to us: an alliance with an unknown, yet powerful force determined to fight the very enemy that stalks us."
Extending an arm toward the Naboo platform, the Chancellor formally introduced Arnet and the UNSC to the Senate. "Senators, may I present Arnet-096, Admiral of the United Nations Space Command, and his combat force. They have shown extraordinary courage and capability in facing and achieving victory against the Covenant on Naboo. Today, we welcome them to address this Senate."
The murmurs intensified as the cameras focused on Arnet, who, in his admiral's uniform and flanked by two Spartans in imposing armor, stood at attention and alert, calmly looking out at the thousands of galactic representatives watching him.
Senator Amidala took a step forward, assuming her role as liaison. "Dear colleagues and representatives of the Galactic Republic, before you stands a force that, against all odds, faced the Covenant and emerged victorious. I ask that you listen to our guest with an open mind, for his contribution is invaluable in this fight we all share."
The attention of the entire Senate was focused on Arnet.
Arnet stepped to the edge of the platform, his confident stance and stern gaze reflecting the discipline and gravity of his message. He looked around, aware of the anticipation he had generated among the senators. Without beating around the bush, he began to speak, his voice sounding clear and firm.
"Senators of the Galactic Republic, my name is Arnet-096, Admiral of the UNSC, the United Nations Space Command. We have come to this galaxy with one clear purpose: to eliminate the Covenant. This enemy, which you also face, has been systematically exterminating our people for decades. In our universe, the Covenant has destroyed worlds, enslaved entire civilizations, and caused the deaths of billions of human beings. And I can assure you, they will stop at nothing."
Arnet's words resonated with an intensity that left the audience silent. He continued without pause.
"Our mission here is simple and straightforward: we are here to destroy the Covenant, to eradicate their threat for good. We seek neither control nor influence over this galaxy. Our only goal is to stop this war before the Covenant achieves its goals of destruction and domination. We have brought our forces, our weapons, and our combat ships, all of which are dedicated to this mission."
Arnet paused for a moment, observing the reactions on the various platforms of the Senate. Then he continued, his tone still serious but clear, as if reporting a truth without the need for embellishment.
"We possess technology that may be very different from yours, but we share a common goal. We have already proven this on Naboo, where our fleet decimated the Covenant's and our troops fought alongside your soldiers. We have a highly specialized and trained force, and we know what we are doing. For a long time, the UNSC has faced the Covenant in a merciless war, and we have survived because we have learned how to do it."
Arnet took a deep breath before concluding, looking at the Chancellor and then at the Senate at large.
"Our mission is clear, and we will carry it out with or without support. But I am here to offer our cooperation so that we can work together in this war. If we are allowed, our forces will stand by your side until the last of the Covenant's enemies have been eliminated."
He finished and calmly stepped back, waiting for the Senate's reaction as the audience absorbed every word.
The Senate filled with a growing murmur, some dissenting voices clearly echoing among the senators. Others whispered amongst themselves, and some platforms began to rise as senators gestured energetically.
"How can we trust a force we know nothing about?! It's not even from our galaxy!" shouted one senator from the side.
"And if they're so powerful, then they might turn on us next!" exclaimed another from the opposite corner.
Arnet watched the chaos patiently, maintaining his firm stance. The senators' discomfort was evident, and while some voices seemed to support the UNSC, the distrust was palpable. Finally, he sighed and raised his hand to draw attention.
"Senators," he said in an authoritative voice. "Allow me to introduce someone who can answer in more detail about our history and purpose." She then turned to her bracelet and activated a transmission. “Serina, come in.”
At that instant, Serina’s holographic figure appeared on the platform, projected clearly for all to see. Her cold and calculating, yet surprisingly human appearance caused a wave of surprise among the senators.
“My name is Serina,” the AI said in a confident, professional tone, “I am the support and logistics AI of the UNSC Infinity, and I am here to give you a detailed look at the history that has brought us to this galaxy.”
The Senate fell silent; the faces of the senators reflected a mixture of awe and fear at the presence of the AI. Serina continued with her presentation.
“The Covenant is an alliance of alien species with a fundamentalist faith in the technology of an ancient race. They consider humanity a heresy and have vowed to exterminate us on their so-called ‘path of salvation.’ Since the beginning of our war, they have devastated our planets, and executed millions of civilians without mercy.”
Serina projected holographic images of destroyed planets, the rubble of ruined cities, and fierce aerial battles. The faces of the senators turned grim as they saw the magnitude of the losses.
“The Human-Covenant war, as we call it, has caused the deaths of over seven billion people in the UNSC universe,” Serina continued. “We have lost entire worlds and have fought again and again, facing an enemy that possesses highly advanced technology and ruthless tactics. However, we have survived thanks to our adaptability, determination, and the creation of specialized soldiers: the Spartans, who have been instrumental in our defense.”
She showed images of Spartans in combat, facing Covenant troops in harrowing battles. Each display was a testament to the ferocity of this war and the UNSC’s ability to endure.
Serina looked at the senators, her tone remaining firm. "We have crossed into this galaxy following the same threat, but know this: we are not conquerors. We have come to do what we have always done: fight to protect life and preserve freedom. We are here because we know that this enemy is a threat to all life, and our mission is to eradicate it."
The presentation ended, and Serina momentarily trailed off. The Senate fell into a heavy silence, as the AI's words settled in.
Arnet watched the assembly in silence, clearly annoyed by the distrust still in the Senate. He cleared his throat and spoke with cutting directness:
"I don't know exactly what you expect of us, Senators," he said calmly. "The UNSC is here to help. We are not asking permission to fight the Covenant. We will do so with or without your help, because our mission is clear: to eradicate this threat."
Padmé Amidala, in an attempt to ease the tension, stepped forward diplomatically. "Senators," she said, "UNSC strength has already proven capable of defeating the Covenant on Naboo, a victory we need to repeat in every corner of the galaxy. Now more than ever, it is critical that we form an alliance. The UNSC can be the ally we need, an ally that has earned our trust and respect."
But before he could continue, a senator on the other side of the room interrupted, his tone defiant. “And what happens if this fleet is defeated? In the end, they are just a fleet, nothing more. And we already know what the Covenant can do. What makes them so special in the face of such a threat? What assures our worlds that they will be able to resist?”
Arnet nodded, acknowledging the concern. His expression turned serious as he replied. “Senator, there is some truth to what you say,” he admitted. “The UNSC has suffered years of war, and our resources are limited in this unknown galaxy. We are indeed just a fleet. But that is why we are here: to ask for the help of the planets of this galaxy. To be frank, we also need resources, supplies, and support.”
Arnet continued, “To defeat the Covenant, we need to increase our capabilities, and that is only possible with your help. With mutual support, we could make this resistance not only possible, but victorious. Together, we could defeat the Covenant. But, Senators, we have no time to waste. The longer we put it off, the more power the Covenant will gain, and the more worlds will be laid waste.”
A murmur ran through the room as Arnet’s words resonated with the senators. The room began to split between those who saw hope in the UNSC and those who still doubted this new force.
The room became abuzz with raised voices and conflicting arguments. Arnet remained silent, watching as the senators argued heatedly. Viewpoints were mixed: some senators were supportive of the UNSC, stressing the need for an effective force against the Covenant, while others insisted that the UNSC share its technology with the Republic to maximize defense capabilities.
One of the more belligerent senators stood up, pointing at Arnet with a sneer. "If you truly seek our help, you should be willing to share your technology with the Republic. It is not acceptable for an outside force to operate with resources and knowledge that could be decisive for us. How can we trust you if you do not allow us to fully understand your capabilities?"
Arnet, who had listened unfazed until then, raised his hand and spoke in a firm voice. "Senators, I understand your concerns. But let me be very clear: the UNSC will not share its advanced technology with the Republic. The security of our systems and our soldiers depends on protocols we have perfected over years of war. If anything were to be shared or built here, it will be under strict UNSC supervision, with absolute control and no exceptions."
Arnet's statement imposed a heavy silence on the room. He continued, addressing the senators frankly. "What we are offering is a coordinated effort. We will defend together, we will work together, but under the rules that have ensured our survival until now. Our goal is the same: the annihilation of the Covenant. But UNSC technology will not be in outside hands. That is our condition and not negotiable."
Padmé looked at the Senate, understanding that this was an unyielding line for the UNSC. The murmuring resumed as some senators looked offended, but others seemed to see the logic in Arnet's stance.
Several minutes of intense discussion and negotiation passed in the Senate chamber. Padmé leaned over to Arnet and, in a murmur, said, "It doesn't seem to be going so well for the UNSC. The senators are unconvinced and fear what we stand for together. Perhaps you should be more... diplomatic."
Arnet nodded briefly, still observing the chaos taking place before him. Finally, one senator stood up and spoke on behalf of many of those present. "Considering what we have heard, the Republic will accept UNSC cooperation under our terms. UNSC allies will be allowed to act on Republic territory only when explicitly requested and only in situations of extreme necessity."
The senator's words sparked a new wave of murmuring and protests in the chamber. Many senators still disagreed, while others looked at Arnet, waiting for his response.
The Spartan remained silent for a moment, his expression firm and unwavering. Then, with a cold, authoritative voice, he addressed the entire assembly. "With all due respect, Senators, this alliance does not depend on the approval of politicians who have never set foot on the battlefield. The UNSC will fight the Covenant here and where necessary, with or without your permission. We do not fight behind desks, nor with empty words. We will act, because it is the right thing to do, and because you yourselves need protection. With or without your blessing, the Covenant threat will be eradicated."
Arnet's declaration left the room completely silent, and his firmness resonated in every corner of the Senate.
Before the Senate could respond, Arnet stepped forward, his voice echoing in the expectant silence.
“The Republic’s situation is critical. If you do not face reality, this war could consume you all,” he began, his tone direct and uncompromising. “Your military is in the red. Your clone army, though valiant, is not sufficient to defend the Inner Rim, and new troop orders are indefinitely delayed. You cannot replace losses with the speed the war requires. Your shipbuilding capacity is stretched to the limit, and you are running out of resources to maintain them. The ships you have are inefficient against the Covenant and are designed for a war of another time, not this one.”
As he spoke, Serina displayed a series of holograms and charts in the air, with shocking numbers and statistics: the Republic’s production capacity, clone loss rates, cumulative casualties, and the status of the ships in the fleet. The senators looked on, shocked and disturbed.
“And your soldiers… however well trained, lack the combat experience this war requires,” Arnet continued. “They often go into battle without a clear strategy, charging headlong rather than adapting. I have seen their tactics: troops charging Covenant bullets with devastating results. This enemy is not like the Separatists, or anything you have faced before. While the UNSC has over two decades of experience combating this threat, you have only just begun and are, frankly, unprepared.”
Serina then projected actual UNSC combat files: images of the Covenant’s brutality and effectiveness in their engagements with humans. The scenes were stark: ships destroyed in seconds, soldiers disintegrated by plasma, entire cities turned to ash.
The Senate watched in shock. Some senators exchanged worried glances, while others seemed outraged by the harsh reality Arnet was putting before them.
Arnet finished, looking at the crowd with a coldness that denoted the seriousness of the situation. "This is the reality, senators. I did not come here to offend, but to warn you: the Covenant will not hesitate to destroy every corner of this galaxy. We are here to help, but you need to face the facts. The UNSC offers an opportunity, but without acceptance of your situation, there will be no alliance that can save you."
While the senators continued to argue and argue among themselves, some raising objections and others reluctantly supporting the alliance, Arnet remained silent, watching with an unperturbed expression. The faces of the senators reflected a mixture of fear, indignation and, in some cases, resignation. Despite all the concerns and resistance from some, the final decision remained firm: the UNSC would be recognized as an ally, but only under supervision and in limited interventions, when the Republic deemed it necessary.
Arnet, without altering his countenance, took a last look at the assembly. With the atmosphere still tense and murmurs persisting in every corner, he understood that this alliance was merely an agreement of convenience for the Republic. For him and the UNSC, the mission was clear and above politics: the Covenant had to be eradicated.
Serina, projected to one side of him, also observed the room with her calculating gesture. "Shall we get back to work, Admiral?" she murmured, giving him a meaningful look.
Arnet nodded slightly. Without another word, he turned around with his companions, leaving the senators immersed in their own concerns, with only one certainty in mind: the Covenant was not going to wait for them to decide.
"It is certainly a step forward, although a limited one," Arnet said, with a serious look as he walked with the others. "For us, every second is crucial. The Covenant is not going to wait for a group of senators to decide when we need to act."
Senator Amidala sighed, visibly tired, but nodded. "I understand, Admiral. We know how difficult it is to adapt to the bureaucracy of the Republic, but your involvement in Naboo has opened doors that previously seemed impossible."
"At least this agreement will allow us to move forward on common goals," Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan said, stepping closer. "But I understand that your priorities and ours still need to align. Still, I personally see great value in this alliance."
Master Yoda looked at Arnet, his eyes shining with wisdom and caution. "A step, that is. But patience we must have. Different cultures, different ideas are at play."
Mace Windu nodded, though his gaze remained firm and analytical. "The reality is that your methods are effective, Admiral, though that has also caused concern in some senators. It will be important for you to demonstrate, in addition to your strength, your commitment to protecting the Republic without trampling on our principles."
Arnet kept his expression unwavering and nodded. "Our goal remains the same: to end this threat once and for all. We are not here to make political decisions; we are here to save this galaxy from an enemy who, as you well know, has no scruples."
Padme smiled slightly at him, nodding in approval. "We know we can work together, Admiral. Even with these restrictions, the UNSC-Republic alliance has begun. Now, we must continue moving forward."
Arnet paused for a moment in front of Bail Organa, who extended a hand in respect. "Senator Organa," Arnet said, shaking his hand, "it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
“And so do I, Admiral,” Bail replied with a cordial expression. “I see you have clear objectives in mind, and that, in times of war, is vital.”
Padme joined the conversation, sensing the opportunity Arnet was looking for to establish a base in safe territory. “Admiral, Naboo could provide you with some land. I understand that a UNSC base will not only strengthen the defense of the system, but could also serve as a strategic point for the future.”
Arnet nodded, taking advantage of the offer. “The location is critical, Senator. We need a suitable space where our troops can rest, reorganize, and above all, train. We cannot afford to operate without a secure base in this galaxy.”
Bail intervened, thinking of the importance of the UNSC as an ally: “I understand your needs, and I believe many systems in the Senate do as well. In addition to Naboo, on Alderaan we could also explore the option of some temporary facility. But I recognize that Naboo already has a direct link to you. Perhaps one of its moons could be suitable.”
Padme, after a moment of thought, nodded. "I will consider giving up a space on the moon of Ohma-D'un. It has enough resources to support a training and rest base, and the civilian population will not be affected. We could work together to reinforce the defense systems."
"That is precisely what we need, Senator," Arnet stated. "My men are committed to this mission. A base like this will allow us to be ready for any new Covenant offensive."
Bail smiled, understanding the scope of the proposal. "This seems like a growing alliance, Admiral. Let us hope that the Senate sees the full benefit as well."
Padme nodded in agreement. "Admiral Arnet, we will begin the procedures to secure this new facility immediately."
Arnet thanked, satisfied, and looked at Padme and Bail with an expression that, for the first time, revealed a slight calm.
The calm of the hallway evaporated in an instant as the Republic holograms, without warning, shut down and in their place appeared the image of the Covenant queen. Her laughter resonated with an eerie echo that filled every corner of the Senate and its surroundings, capturing the attention of all present. The queen's smile was a mix of mockery and hatred, and everyone could sense the evil intent in her voice.
"Ah, Galactic Republic, UNSC... congratulations on your small victory on Naboo," she began, her tone icy and sarcastic. "I see you have gained new and unexpected allies, but that does not concern me. You know why? Because what you faced on Naboo was only a fraction of what I truly possess."
The queen paused, enjoying the silence and tension of her spectators. “You have piqued my interest, but also my anger. You think this victory means something. Well, allow me to show you what happens when you defy the Covenant.”
With a wave of her hand, the hologram changed, revealing the image of a planet in flames. The atmosphere of the Senate turned cold, and in the deathly silence, everyone watched as the planet, clearly identified as an Outer Rim world, turned into a ball of fire, being vitrified by the Covenant fleet.
“That’s right,” the queen said with satisfaction. “A world in the Outer Rim, full of innocent people, reduced to ashes. One hundred million people? No, it was more. One hundred million dead in an instant! And another two hundred million have been captured to serve me as slaves, kneeling before the greatness of the Covenant.”
As the images showed the destruction, the flames, and the shadows of millions of lives annihilated, the queen continued with her brutal rhetoric: "Every time you try to stop me, every time you believe you have defeated me, my response will be the same. For every planet you defend, ten will be razed. For every victory you win, I will multiply your losses."
The transmission abruptly cut off, leaving the senators and leaders of the Republic in a deep silence of horror and helplessness.
Arnet sighed, letting out a trace of frustration and exhaustion. Without wasting a second, he turned to Serina, who had been watching the transmission with an equally tense expression.
"Serina," he said quietly but determinedly, "it's time to work. We need all the intelligence you have on recent Covenant movements in this galaxy."
The AI nodded, its hologram flickering for a second as it processed the order. "I'm already on it, Admiral. Scanning Republic databases, remote access, and any reports of unusual activity in nearby systems. Additionally, I'm running a triangulation on all previous Covenant signals in the Outer Rim. We may find a pattern in their recent attacks."
Padmé, still shaken, approached Arnet. "We cannot allow this to continue. The Senate needs to see this as a wake-up call, but they are still bound by bureaucracy. Still, we cannot wait for political decisions."
"And we will not," Arnet replied with a cold finality in his voice. "This type of enemy only responds to force, and with or without the approval of their politicians, the UNSC will take action. Every minute counts."
Mace Windu and Yoda, who had witnessed the transmission, nodded in agreement. Mace added, "The Jedi Order is also willing to cooperate in this war. We cannot remain as observers."
Serina interrupted the conversation, her hologram lighting up again. "Admiral, I have preliminary coordinates for possible Covenant mobilization points. I suggest starting with an advance team and coordinating extensive surveillance in the most critical areas."
Arnet nodded, a gleam of resolve in his eyes. "Then it's time for everyone to prepare. This war has only just begun."
End of Chapter 18.
