Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 261, Section 263 - Politics and Military Affairs

No one spoke; all eyes were on Dua Ningo.

“It doesn’t matter who I support,” he broke the silence as his waving fingers clenched into a fist, “because my fate, and the fate of everyone in this cubicle, depends on who you support, who you are fighting for, Trench.”

What exactly happened? Why did the Confederacy go from a full-scale offensive to constant internal strife in just three months?

Why is the Supreme Commander so enraged that he wants to overthrow the government? What conspiracy is behind this, that even secure military communications cannot be discussed?

Ryan himself couldn't think of a more fitting question.

He had intended to cautiously seek confirmation from Trench, especially worried that the general might not have the patience to deal with it, but a general of similar rank as Dua Ningo had no scruples at all and went straight to the point.

Trench placed his arms on the table and rubbed his knuckles.

His mouthparts clicked as he fell into deep thought.

The rhythmic sound, like the ticking of a clock, filled the entire space.

The spider-like creature scanned the four of them with its six eyes for what seemed like an eternity before finally leaning back to reveal everything it knew.

“My knowledge is limited,” he stated before continuing, “and most of it is based on speculation… The Supreme Commander tends to limit the military’s ties with the government, acting as the sole bridge between them. In her view, government affairs are irrelevant to the military and should be separated.”

“Government affairs and military affairs are closely related!” Dua Ningo slammed his fist on the table. Even Jess Darlin seemed shocked by Trench’s words. “The army fights for the country! Who makes up the government? What are its goals?”
For whom and why is the army fighting?
I have no intention of offending the Supreme Commander, but which idiot made her think that war is merely a violent extension of politics… It all comes down to politics!?

Renn frowned inwardly.

Unlike those familiar with the Pantola people's unique perspective on war and politics, Dua Ningo and Jess Darin had not yet encountered these ideas.

Their worries were not averted, and with each passing second, their confidence in the supreme commander diminished, making their current situation undoubtedly dangerous.

“Believe me, I want to know the answer too.” Unfortunately, Trench had no intention of comforting him. “But so far, General Tann’s strategy has been very successful. Before her promotion, the Confederacy’s war operations were in chaos due to internal strife… to put it bluntly, political factors.”

She separated the two through the Militia Act, bringing miracles to the Confederate armed forces—a fact you must all acknowledge.

“That’s true in that respect, but I have to say she went too far,” Dua Ningo complained. “Well, surely she wouldn’t be so stupid as not to issue an official statement?”

“She published this,” Trench nodded. “According to her, Count Dooku attempted to murder her in her suite while she was staying on Laxus Sub-Star to handle council affairs.”

Hearing this, the already heavy atmosphere became even more oppressive.

A suffocating silence enveloped everyone.

Raine managed to squeeze out, "Wh...what?"

Renn knew that Count Dooku had been twisted by the dark side... but that he would do something that was tantamount to political suicide was beyond his imagination.

Did he just... give up like that?
Or……

“You could say,” Trench continued sharply, “that was the trigger for the charges against her by Parliament.”

“She…she must have evidence, right?” Diderich stammered.

“There are audio and video recordings,” the Hatch general confirmed. “She also produced all the documents between her and Sereno, as well as more evidence of systemic corruption.”

She dug up all the bad things Dooku had done and handed them over to the council.

Most importantly, thousands of staff members in the Capitol building that day witnessed Dooku and Tann's duel in the corridor.

That was by no means a friendly sparring match; they both wanted to kill each other.

"Then this matter should be easy to resolve... Everything is crystal clear, isn't it...?" Ryan said doubtfully, then realized what Trench had said last time, "Wait... They both want the other dead?"

General Trench nodded seriously in response: "Everyone wants to... I suspect that's the crux of the controversy."

First, even if the supreme commander presented all the evidence, the accusation was unbelievable. Some said it was a conspiracy, a forgery… every excuse imaginable was possible.

of course!

Ryan really wanted to slap himself.

Count Dooku is not only the head of state, but he was also a Jedi, a beacon of justice!
He was also the founder of the Confederation, and he spent decades building his reputation and career.

In contrast, Severn Tann only became known a little over a year ago, and may not even be a household name!
It's like a showdown between an underground idol and a superstar.

Ryan wanted to say that Tann could have been more tactful, but then felt that she might have had no other choice.

According to Trench, their duel in Laxus was public.

If she didn't immediately and forcefully assert her position, she would be overwhelmed by Dooku's powerful public relations efforts. Dooku had effectively cornered her.

This is her only way out.

“I guess the Sereno government in Dooku turned around and accused the Supreme Commander of attempting to assassinate the head of state during Dooku’s visit,” Raine said, struggling to resist the urge to rub his face.

“Exactly,” Trench agreed with his assessment. “Now it’s a matter of Dooku’s version versus Tann’s version—who wants to murder whom?”

“But General Tann has taken control of the Laxus government. Does that mean Dooku has lost?” Diederich asked doubtfully.

Raine no longer concealed her emotions: "This only makes the Sereno government's claims more credible... that the Supreme Commander seized power by killing the head of state... because she did indeed seize power."

“Go on, Trench,” Dua Ningo interrupted them with a snort.

“Dooku has escaped,” Trench continued, clicking his tongue. “The Supreme Commander immediately convened Parliament, presented all charges and evidence, demanded the immediate impeachment and prosecution of the head of state, and issued an arrest warrant. Parliament said they had the right to investigate, but the Supreme Commander was unwilling to let Dooku escape the Tion Hegemony.”

“So she used military force to suspend parliament, declared martial law in the hegemonic zone, and blocked all traffic in and out,” Raine continued. “That’s how things got to where we are now.”

“I’d like to take a look at these documents,” Dua Ningo said thoughtfully, “even if it’s just for a bit of fun.”

“You’ll see,” Trench replied. “She’s already made it public.”

Renn almost groaned again.

“Remember, these are mostly guesses based on my limited understanding of the events and my personal assessment of her character,” Trench warned. “You can consult all the relevant documents, as well as the official statements from the Sereno and Laxus governments, or the General’s office.”

Ryan sighed in frustration.

What is the key to the success or failure of a coup or even a civil war?
legality.

Legality, and more legality!
On one side is the legitimate head of state and his Sereno government; on the other side is the usurper general who openly overthrew the legitimate government.

Damn it!!!
Pakkali Trilm made a huge mistake in carrying out "Operation Starburst".

Did Severn Tann think that as long as she produced evidence of Dooku's crimes, the Confederation would completely side with her?
In politics, there is no absolutely conclusive evidence.

Perhaps a hundred or a thousand years from now, people will look back and acknowledge that this evidence is true and reliable.

But at this time, the Confederate situation was tense and chaotic, and people's hearts were unsettled.

People are neither rational nor wise; when caught in a tug-of-war, they will mostly choose the person they trust more.

And this person was none other than Count Dooku, the father of the Confederation.

Perhaps we can count on naturally rational races like the Givens and the Senetes to step forward.

However, their numbers are few, just a drop in the ocean in the vast Milky Way.

However... Severn Tann has one huge advantage: the power she possesses.

Without the backing of power, legitimacy is worthless.

“Then…” Ryan tentatively raised his voice, “what do the Confederate Armed Forces think?”

To put it another way, he was really asking: What do you, General Trench, think?
"The Supreme Commander enjoys absolute obedience from the Confederate armed forces," General Trench straightened up, "which is why she was able to take Laxus without firing a shot."

Renn clenched his fist inwardly.

Very good!
Finally, there was hope—not just a glimmer of hope, but a powerful force.

"So can I understand why many star systems haven't broken away from Laxus on a large scale? It's because the Confederate armed forces are in control of the situation?" Raine asked, raising an eyebrow.

“That’s a rough but true statement.” Trench was clearly tired of answering, but still maintained admirable patience. “The Confederate Armed Forces are the last line of defense for the Independent System against the Republic’s army. I support her, and General Fasta and General Ambigine support her as well.”

With the support of these two generals and other naval commanders, no one, except within the Serenno government's sphere of influence, dared to alienate Laxus... That's roughly how it is.

“Coles is dead,” Dua Ningo said, stroking his hairless, wrinkled chin. “I guess the entire northern territory has seceded and sided with the Sereno government.”

Trench crossed his arms, seemingly confirming his colleague's guess.

“Now Dooku’s men are fighting back, trying to retake lost territory,” Diedrich said, resting his elbows on the table. “Where else? And who else has deserted despite the threat from the Confederate armed forces?”

“On the home front,” Trench paused, clearly reviewing the list in his mind, “Felucia, Salukami, and Charos have all defected, and the Keldras system has also turned against us.”

(End of this chapter)