There were catastrophically few Jedi—and too few clones as well. At that moment, only five thousand Jedi and just over three billion clones were holding back the Separatist aggression.
Yes, they were superior to combat droids in training and combat skill, but the number of those "clankers" was astronomical. According to a Baktoid Combat Automata advertising brochure, a single automated factory could assemble between one hundred thousand and two hundred fifty thousand battle droids per day. And how many such factories were currently operating was unknown… Only the self-sacrifice of the Jedi—who achieved victory again and again, often at the cost of their own lives—had held back the soulless metal hordes of the CIS.
Using a vast array of documents—technical specifications of Baktoid factories, route maps of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, and records of the taxes levied by the Trade Federation on every ship and every transaction—she came to a grim conclusion: the Separatists could have conquered the Republic within a matter of weeks. Only the appearance of the clone army—which was very timely—saved them. However, the girl did not believe in coincidences.
There were many other troubling oddities. For example, a logical move by the Separatists should have struck at the core worlds first: Coruscant, Kuat, Alderaan, Neimoidia, Skako… Yet for some inexplicable reason, this had not happened—and Riyo fervently hoped it never would. After all, rumors and fragmentary reports about the methods and cruelty of the new commander-in-chief of the droid army, General Grievous, made her shudder involuntarily. Most of the worlds he attacked lay in the Outer Rim—just like Pantora.
With deep sadness, she realized that all talk of peace was indeed nothing more than empty words. Negotiations were doomed to fail, and only the victory of one side could decide the outcome of the war. Which meant that the sooner it ended, the better. If the Republic prevailed now, there would be far fewer casualties.
She understood that remaining silent was no longer possible…
Meanwhile, an acceptable calm had settled over the Senate chamber. Mas Amedda had finally restored order, and the debate resumed in a more measured tone. Senators Amidala and Organa spoke in opposition, condemning the continued escalation of the conflict, while Senator Ask Aak, in his characteristically fiery manner, appealed to pride and duty. After each side's speech, the chamber responded with brief applause, protesting murmurs—or, at times, both at once. Glancing toward Palpatine, the Pantoran could discern his sorrowful expression even from a distance.
Same as always… Talk, talk, talk, Chuchi thought bitterly. What will they decide? The war is happening now, and decisions must be made quickly.
Chuchi pressed a few keys, submitting a request in order to be able to speak. At that moment, fortune favored her: the argument between the Loyalists and the Chancellor's supporters came to a standstill, and the floor was granted to her.
Mas Amedda announced:
"The floor is given to Senator Riyo Chuchi of Pantora!"
Following the instructions of her droid secretary, the repulsorlift platform slid forward toward the center of the chamber, closer to the Chancellor's podium. Gathering her thoughts, Riyo began to speak. Her address was unprepared, but that did not trouble her—the words came naturally.
"Senators! You may be wondering why, at a time when so many brilliant orators and seasoned politicians remain seated, I have chosen to rise—despite the fact that I cannot compare with those present here in age, influence, or eloquence."
She spread her arms, gesturing toward the surrounding pods.
"All those you see here believe that injustice born of war must be resisted. Yet, bound by their own interpretations of democracy, they do not dare to act. That's why they are here, obey their sense of duty, but remain silent to avoid danger. What follows from this? That I am braver than all of them? Not at all," Chuchi said, her voice growing firmer. "Or that I surpass others to such an extent with my sense of duty? Even such hollow glory does not tempt me enough to claim it at the expense of others. So what, then, compelled me—above all others—to speak now?"
She drew in a sharp breath, steadying herself, and continued:
"Let us dispense with formalities. Beyond the walls of this Senate, a war is raging. A war that threatens the very existence of the Republic. Yes, we have the Jedi Order and the clone army—but we demand far too much from them while giving too little in return. As a result, every day dozens of worlds fall beneath the durasteel heel of Separatist battle droids. The major trade routes—the Rimma Trade Route, the Perlemian Trade Route, the Corellian Run—are under constant assault by CIS raiders. Thousands of refugees are fleeing the fighting. Entire systems suffer from famine and devastation… You see the situation before you. Now consider what must be done. "
She continued, seeing that no one was rushing to interrupt her.
"I think we should first talk about the nature of this war, then its hardships, and finally the choice that lies before us. The nature of this war is such that demands absolute resolve—a burning determination to carry it through to the end. To a victorious end.
It is a matter of the glory of the Republic, entrusted to you by ancestors who were great in many respects, but above all in arms; of the welfare of our allies and friends, for whom they fought countless arduous wars; and, finally, of the well-being of the people of the Republic itself. Our forebears repeatedly declared war over minor insults inflicted on our merchants and shipowners. And you—how should you respond to the murder of tens of thousands of Republic citizens, carried out by a single order, at a single moment?
Wars of the past were far more brutal and destructive, yet the Republic endured and emerged victorious. While It was a great achievement for our ancestors to pass on a state as glorious as ours. It would be an even greater shame if you proved incapable of defending and preserving what you have inherited."
In the heavy silence that followed, Ask Aak finally spoke, his voice edged with disbelief.
"Senator Chuchi, so you support the purchase of new batches of clone units and military equipment? Or not?"
"No."
After a brief pause, she found the resolve to continue.
"No. I propose not merely purchasing more—I propose doubling those numbers and allocating expanded credits for military needs. This war cannot be ended through politics alone. Here, we are powerless. The fate of the Republic is decided there, on the battlefields, not in this chamber. And so we must give everything we can to those who fight—and die—for the Republic and for democracy."
The Pantoran spoke sharply now, with a flash of anger uncharacteristic of her. She closed her eyes for a brief moment.
The stone has been cast. There is no turning back.
And the Senate erupted. Shouts of approval and outrage echoed through the hall, joined by something rarer still—ovations. Lifting her gaze, she caught a fleeting but unmistakably approving smile on the Chancellor's face.
But even without that, Riyo Chuchi knew she had done the right thing.