Chapter Text
‘They can blame us for conspiracy, for treason even. But we just want our lives to live and to do what we were born to do.’
“What we want is to fight. To be the soldiers we were made for.”
“What happens after? When you are all too old to fight? What will you do then?”
The Senators words were slowly staring to sink in. The clones present exchanging glances. They did not have the answer for it. Why should they have? It wasn’t part of their training. Their thought process. Their future? What did it even mean? None of them had even thought about it? Well, some might have, but only passing. Still, it wasn’t as if anyone had ever spoken for them like the Senator was now. But could they trust her? To lead their cause? To fight for their rights?
“You need to think about it.” The Senator was adamant though having seen all the confused faces of the clones
"You are all entitled to a future. A pension at least some compensation for your contributions not just for the Empire but the Republic as well. You all have rights whether you believe it or not. And I am here for you. Trying to make sure you will get those rights.”
The Senator was trying to make her case even if she feared most of the clones did not really understand her point. Not yet anyway. After all, they were still trained soldiers. Made of a single purpose only. Not that the Senator thought they could not think for themselves. Because she knew better. But being conditioned for the one task only. Well, it was difficult for anyone to suddenly change their thought patterns. Because change always caused fear and it was hard too.
“What of our future? Where would we go? What would we become?” Slip asked her then.
“Yeah, it’s not like we can become farmers all of a sudden on some remote fantasy planet just for us!” One of the other clones snidely commented.
The Senator glanced around to the somewhat expectant but also doubt filled clones around her. Getting her message and point through would not be easy at all. But she was willing to do the work. To fight for their cause no matter what. And most of all, she wanted the clones to understand she was on their side. That they truly had someone fighting for them in the Senate.
“No and I won’t tell you any of it will be easy either. It will take time, effort and adjustment. But if you are willing to do it for yourselves, because you have all earned it, then it will become easier along the line.”
“So, we should trust you on this? What you are telling us now?” One of the clones asked her.
“You should. I am on your side” The Senator let her glance roam around the room seeing somewhat of the clones attitudes starting to change. And that was a good start if any. “Now who is with me?”
It took a few moments but the clones started stepping forth one by one. Indicating they were trusting the Senator with their future.
“We all are.”
“Good. Now please, go and spread this news amongst your brethren out there. There is still a lot of work to do but this is a start.”