a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
*cue dramatic trumpet swell*
As the Clone Wars rages on across the galaxy, the Galactic Senate continues to debate amongst itself on how to bring the war to an end once and for all.
It's a complicated topic, surely, but this is the summary:
The Separatists faction has rebelled against the Galactic Senate (that's you) and has declared war against the Republic (also you.) Literally hundreds of planets have been caught in the crossfire. To account for the loss of life, the Senate has authorized the use of Clone Soldiers to fight alongside an independent group called the Jedi.
The Jedi are funny, because technically they are an independnt military force. Even funnier because they don't cosider themselves a military-- despite wielding laser swords and intense power over the Force, which allows them to do all sorts of "magical" acts that defy nature. The only other known group of "force-users" is the Sith, the "evil opposite" of the Jedi. Aside from a handful of stragglers such as Count Dooku, the leader of the Separatists, the Sith arre largely considered extinct... for now.
This was is as complicated as any, to be sure. And as the elected members of the Galactic Senate, it is your job to carve our path forward. So, with that--
"May the force me with you. Always."
Yeah, okay, but how are ya gonna pay for that?
Money, Money, Money!
As long as the Clone Wars continue, the Republic loses more and more money. Battle ships, clone creation, droids, aide, and even basic costs like transport and food rations-- wars are expensive, and some planets are feeling the toll more than others. And it's hard to make up lost ground when the Republic's economy is prepetually crippled by the war.
Is the Clone Wars even worth the finnancial strain? Some in the Senate would argue not. But is surrender worth the cost of Seperatist rule? If the Republic reufses to surrender, how will the Senate pay for the cost of war, and support those planets caught in the thick of it?
The Ethics of the Jedi
Since the Republic's beginning, the Jedi Order has been a steadfast and loyal partner. However as the Clone Wars rage on, some members of the Senate are beginning to question whether or not the Jedi are actually defending peace, or if they have become the very thing they swore to destroy-- tools of terror.
The Jedi currently serve as the Generals of the Clone Army. Their philopsphy is built around peace and public service. They have a unique relationship with the force-- the hidden power that surrounds all things-- and have carried out their mission. In fact, some Jedi are close, personal friends with members of the Senate. But the Jedi aren't part of the Senate-- they're their own independent entity. And, in truth, for a group dedicated to peace they use their lightsabers-- literal laser swords-- a lot, and the war doesn't even seem close to ending.
Is it right for the Senate to allow an indepenent body to lead their military? Should the Jedi be allowed to operate as they do now? Should the Senate even trust the Jedi. Yes or no-- what do they do now?
Since when were laser-sword wielding space wizards the good guys, anyway?
Introducing Ashoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker. See em, love em, the picture of peackeeping in the galaxy. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
Sith lords go brrrrr.... but they couldn't have infiltrated the Senate, could they?
A Sith Among Us
There are rumors that a Sith Lord, the highest rank and most evil of the dark force users, has disguised themselves among the senate members. If this is true, it poses a major risk to the security of the Republic.
On the other hand, can the Senate afford to begin accusing members of its own chamber of traitors? Now is not the time to sow the seeds of distrust unnecessarily. What will that do for morale, and aren't there larger issues at hand?
It's better to be too careful than not careful enough, surely. But how does the Senate walk the line between being careful and paranoid?
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