Aurelia did not like debates. She was not afraid of her opponents, nor was she worried she might lose. No, rather she was annoyed by the fact that every babbling person who could stagger inside could watch. There was also the questions, snippy, insulting questions which would get one sued for libel were they outside of this room.
And of course there were her opponents. She knew of only one for certain, her own Party Secretary, Darren Brunswick. That was a blow of course, but it also spoke poorly of his credibility if he was willing to betray his leader and stand on his own platform.
"Madam Chancellor, we go live in 3...2...1...."
Aurelia did not use a teleprompter or notes. Everything she said was in her head from the start. She had some files with her with specific figures, and so on, but she needed no pre-planned speech to convey her message.
"My friends, citizens of the Republic, and elsewhere. I hope I can call you all my friends, for in these dark times everyone needs friends, even me. When I was elected five years ago, it was to a Republic consisting of maybe a hundred worlds. Coruscant was in ruins, the core worlds divided and broken into squabbling coalitions. In five years I have transformed this galaxy and this Republic, so that now we have tens of thousands of worlds under our protection. Indeed, word has just reached me that the campaign to secure Cato Neimodia has been finished, and that Manaan, Antar and elsewhere is in the process of accepting Republic rule. There have been victories of diplomacy and victories won by the blood and toil of our brave soldiers and Jedi Knights. These victories have established the rule of law and democracy over all the core worlds and beyond. The Senate, driven by new and improved procedures works. The gridlock and stagnation of the Old Republic is at an end, and we have become an example to everyone in the galaxy who dreams of a better future."
"Now, I will not deny that there have been defeats and losses. No leader, no matter how great or peaceful, ever has matters go all their own way. So it has been with us. The uprising of the droids known as Clockwork has tested us, but we have survived, we have pulled through, and we are rebuilding. Our enemies lurk on the horizon, be they pirates and criminals, or the looming menace of the Sith Empire. brave defenders of freedom have given their lives to protect the Republic, and we must never forget that our victories are bought with blood. Blood such as that of the fallen Jedi Grandmaster Teferi Efreet, who I counted as a friend in the brief time I had to work with him before his untimely death. I have seen war and death first hand, on Hapes, on Coruscant, on Anaxes. These things are meant to try us, but we must show the resilience to overcome them."
"As to my achievements? I think as the first Chancellor of the reborn Galactic Republic I have done more than anyone could have imagined just six years ago. Not just wars and battles against evil, but in the reorganisation and integration of the Jedi Order into the Republic in such a way as has never been done before. For this I thank Grandmaster @[member="Darron Wraith"] for his willingness to compromise and discuss, to help us find the best solution. Now the Jedi work with us 100%, and are the shield which defends the Republic alongside our soldiers."
"In areas other than war I have been successful. Trade has bloomed in this time. Planets have become wealthy, and this has passed down to everyone, even the most humble citizen. The trade stations over Corellia mean that we access raw materials and finished goods from the rim of the galaxy previously closed off. Even more, I have brought stability and peace to the core worlds and those which have been brought into our orbit have not had to fear raids or pirates with the Republic Navy on patrol."
"Citizens of the Republic, my record speaks for itself. Would I change a couple of decisions if I had the means to go back in time? Perhaps, but which one of us has not done this? I have brought peace, stability, victory, prosperity and leadership to this galaxy. So I stand here again and ask for five more years to finish my program. When those five years are up I will see what the will of the people is, but likely I will retire and let a new generation rise up to take my place. This is a democracy, so leaders must take account of the will of the people, and I have done this, I feel. The people of the Republic do not want a rash war, they do not want pacifism, they want a balanced approach which allows them to lead their lives in peace."
"Thank you, and may the Force be with us all."
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