Work Text:
Dictum: a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source
Bail was pacing around his office trying to direct his worries somewhere other than the fact that Obi-Wan was going to the Temple, the place he had visited only hours previously that he knew was occupied by clone troopers, with no backup, save Master Yoda.
One of his aides came running in and Bail looked up.
“Senator Organa! The Chancellor has called an emergency meeting.” Well that was certainly one way to distract his thoughts.
“Ah, thank you Aide Broboll.” Bail said heading out the door, nodding at the aide as he passed.
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In his pod, he found Padmé and a few extraneous other members already sitting there.
“What’s happened?” He whispered to Padmé, having entered the chamber in the middle of the Chancellor’s speech.
Padmé looked grim as she replied. “The chancellor’s been elaborating on a plot by the jedi to overthrow the senate.” Bail frowned and looked up as Palpatine kept talking.
“The remaining jedi will be hunted down and defeated.” With that ominous note, applause verbeated around the room. Bail couldn’t see how Palpatine had so much support. The jedi had been the ones leading their troops on the front lines, protecting their republic.
As the applause dialed down, Palpatine continued his speech. “The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed. But I assure you, my resolve has never been stronger.”
More applause.
“In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society.”
The applause resumed, somehow even more deafening, the sound echoing throughout the room.
When Padmé spoke next, amid the applause, Bail could hear the sorrow and despair in her voice. “So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause”
Bail couldn’t help but agree.