On May 25, 22 BBY, three days after Count Dooku declared the Confederacy of Independent Systems to be independent from the Galactic Republic, news of the fall of Bespin reached Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Republic.
This was also the first planet captured by the Separatists after the war broke out, and what was very bad was that it was a neutral planet.
The so-called neutral planets at this time were actually still within the administrative scope of the Galactic Republic, but some planets refused to participate in the war. They would neither help the Galactic Republic nor the Confederation of Independent Systems, and unilaterally declared neutrality.
In fact, I just want to be a wallflower.
Just like the planet Bespin, they just want to do business and don't want to fight.
But obviously, war will not give them this opportunity.
Bespin planet Governor Miela Figo and military commander Santamaria abandoned everything they could, and only led the remaining fleet to escape to the planet Dolla, and sent a message to Coruscant for help.
.
The Speaker of the Galactic Parliament, Sheev Palpatine, was looking at the request for help in his office, and then looking at a small star map projection on the corner of his desk. His eyes fell on the Endor galaxy located in an inconspicuous corner.
"Planet Dawn...hehehehe..." A distorted voice came out from his originally kind and kind expression, and then he let out a terrifying low laugh.
After a while, he returned to his normal appearance as a speaker, turned on the communicator and said: "Help me invite Master Shakti to come over. There are important matters that need to be discussed."
Then, he changed the channel, and a man in his 40s appeared in the holographic projection, with a thin and sinister face, his hairline had receded to the top of his forehead, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle.
"Well, my friend, Governor Wilhelm Tarkin, I believe you already know the news about the fall of Bespin. This is really a scary change." Sheev Palpatine said.
"Your Majesty the Speaker." Wilhuff Tarkin bowed slightly and said: "I am indeed paying attention to the battle situation on Bespin, but I am also powerless. The Cesswenna sector where I am located is being attacked by the separatists.
attack, the Agomar system is under siege. I cannot abandon the Agomar system, as this will give the Separatists the opportunity to cut off Corellian trade routes. However, I do have some opinions of my own about the planet Bespin.
.”
"I think that's why I came to you, my friend. In the military, you will always be the person I trust most." Palpatine said with a smile.
"As I have always adhered to the military theory, war is not as simple as pulling the trigger and shooting. The fighting and killing on the battlefield are only the final appearance of war, and the essence of war is often hidden deep in the depths. And I want to say
It's the human heart." Governor Tarkin said.
"I'm all ears." Palpatine heard the door knock and saw Master Shaak-Ti walking in. He smiled at Shaak-Ti and motioned for her to come and sit down and listen together.
"The separatist movement is very rampant. Now we are in an anxious situation on the planet Geonosis. Master Yoda and 200,000 clone soldiers are trapped there. After that, the separatists launched attacks in 17 directions at the same time. At this time, the galaxy
The hearts of the trillions of people under the Republic...are fearful. They are afraid of separatism and then fear of war," Tarkin said.
"But we just decided to accept this war," Palpatine said.
"So if this continues, fear will overwhelm everything. Under fear, the people will oppose the war. At this time, they will not oppose the separatism that brings fear to them, but will oppose... us." Tarkin
The governor had a stern expression and said slowly: "And the failure of the planet Bespin will intensify this problem."
"So, what do you think?" Palpatine said.
"Fear should be our weapon! It should be the shackles we impose on the hearts of our enemies, and should not become our shackles! And this beginning is the planet Bespin." Tarkin said.
"Why Bespin?" Master Shaak-Ti asked at the side.
"Because they are a neutral planet, and they are a neutral planet under attack by the separatists." Tarkin said proudly, "When the Republic was in danger, they abandoned the Republic and declared neutrality. In fact, neutrality at this time and betrayal
Equivalent! This is a very bad behavior, and such behavior must not be allowed to spread. But in fact, with the continuous victory of separatism, more than 6,000 galaxies in the Milky Way have declared neutrality. Is this normal? Can this be allowed?
What?"
"Of course not!" Palpatine had already got the answer he wanted, with a ferocious smile on his face.
"So, we must respond strongly on the planet Bespin! Not only against separatism, but also against those so-called 'neutrals' who want to be on the sidelines!" Governor Tarkin's words were unequivocal.
Palpatine turned to Shaak-Ti with a warm smile, "What do you think? Master Shaak-Ti."
Although Shaak-Ti felt that there was something wrong with Tarkin's words, but now that the war had just begun and the Republic had fallen into full passivity, she had to admit that at least Tarkin's countermeasures were reasonable. Now both Masters Yoda and Windu
Without him, Master Depa-Bilaba led the fleet to the planet Geonosis to rescue the siege. Now she is the only one in the Jedi Order who is temporarily in charge of the overall situation. She really cannot give more suggestions and plans.
"I agree to launch a counterattack in the direction of the planet Bespin, if we have the ability to do it." Shakti said.
"We can do it if we want to," Palpatine said. "The Quat Power Shipyard has corrected their previous mistakes, and 60 of the latest warships, the Jaeger-class battlecruisers, are ready to go."
"But we don't have enough soldiers." Shakti frowned.
"Hehehehe..." Palpatine stood up, "In such a large republic, there is naturally no shortage of passionate men who are willing to fight bravely for the unity of the country. But in this matter, I also hope that the Jedi Order can
Guide the advance of this army."
Shake Ti thought for a while and said: "Jedi Master Glyi, Jedi Master Aiden Ward and their apprentices can participate in this expedition."
Palpatine leaned slightly towards Shaak-Ti and said: "I can feel the determination of the Jedi Order. Here, on behalf of the trillions of people of the Galactic Republic, thank you."
Shakti did not doubt his presence, stood up, bowed and turned to leave.