Chương 18: The Price of Victory

The vast conference chamber aboard the Excalibur was heavy with tension. The faces of the Galactic Senate's most influential members and the Jedi High Council flickered in holographic blue, each bearing expressions that ranged from concern to outright anger. In the center of it all stood Lelouch, calm and resolute, the weight of his recent actions pressing heavily upon him and those around him.

Chancellor Palpatine, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a mask of carefully crafted concern, was the first to speak. "General Lelouch," he began, his voice measured but tinged with a fatherly undertone, "while your recent victory over the Separatists on Christophsis and the capture of the Malevolence are commendable, there are serious concerns regarding your methods. The orbital bombardment of Christophsis has resulted in significant civilian casualties."

Lelouch met his father's gaze, fully aware of the delicate performance they were both engaged in. "Chancellor, the campaign on Christophsis has dragged on for months with minimal progress under the command of Jedi Generals. We were losing troops and ground daily. My actions, though severe, were necessary to bring about a swift and decisive end to the conflict. The civilian casualties, while tragic, are a fraction of what would have been lost had the campaign continued."

Senator Bail Organa, his voice sharp with indignation, interjected, "A fraction? General, we are talking about innocent lives! The Republic stands for something more than just military victories. We cannot condone actions that disregard the value of those we are sworn to protect."

Lelouch's expression remained impassive, his voice steady. "Senator Organa, with all due respect, the value of those lives was not disregarded. The Separatists have shown time and again that they have no qualms about using civilians as shields, prolonging conflicts to wear down our forces. By ending the campaign swiftly, I ensured the survival of countless more lives, both civilian and military. The Republic cannot afford to lose ground in every engagement because we hesitate to act decisively."

Padme Amidala, her face etched with sorrow and frustration, spoke next, her voice carrying the weight of her convictions. "And what about the morale of the people, Lelouch? The Republic's citizens are growing weary of this war. Actions like these only serve to fuel the Separatists' propaganda, making it seem as though we are no better than they are."

Lelouch glanced sideways at her. "Weary of the war? Senator Amidala, the only thing the citizens grow weary of is the incompetence the Republic shows in preventing the war from reaching their doorstep. They grow weary of having to sleep with their eyes open because they can't place their trust in us to protect them..."

Lelouch turned his gaze to Padmé, his tone softening slightly as he addressed her. "Senator Amidala, I understand your concerns, but consider this: by capturing the Malevolence, we have struck a significant blow to the Separatists' war effort. This superweapon, now in our possession, can be studied, repaired, and used against them. The victory at Christophsis has not only secured a vital forward operating base in the Outer Rim but has also freed up our forces to be redeployed elsewhere, saving countless lives in future engagements."

Master Yoda, the venerable leader of the Jedi Council, leaned forward slightly, his ancient eyes narrowing in thought. "A great cost, this victory has had. Troubling, it is, that so many lives were lost. Careful, we must be, not to lose our way in this war."

Lelouch nodded respectfully toward the Jedi Master, acknowledging the wisdom in his words. "Master Yoda, I share your concern for the sanctity of life. However, we are engaged in a war for the survival of the Republic. The Jedi's reluctance to engage the enemy with full force has resulted in prolonged conflicts and unnecessary losses. My tactics, though harsh, have achieved results that will save more lives in the long run. The capture of the Malevolence alone has dealt a crippling blow to the Separatists and has lifted the spirits of our troops, who now see that victory is within reach."

Mace Windu, his gaze as sharp as ever, spoke up, his voice tinged with stern disapproval. "We understand the need for decisive action, General Lelouch, but the Jedi Order cannot endorse tactics that result in such loss of life. The Force guides us to preserve peace, not to sow destruction."

Lelouch met Windu's gaze without flinching, his tone resolute. "Master Windu, peace is our ultimate goal, but we must acknowledge that we are facing an enemy that will not be swayed by diplomacy or half-measures. They must be defeated, and that sometimes requires making difficult decisions. The Republic cannot afford to continue losing systems and soldiers because we hesitate to use the tools at our disposal."

The debate intensified as Bail Organa and Padmé Amidala expressed their growing frustration over the civilian casualties, while the Jedi High Council voiced their deep concern over the ethical implications of Lelouch's strategies. The holographic images flickered as they spoke, their voices blending into a cacophony of concern, anger, and moral deliberation.

Chancellor Palpatine, ever the skilled orator and manipulator, allowed the debate to continue for a time, his expression one of careful consideration. His concern for his son, though genuine, was masked by the political dance he was orchestrating. Finally, he raised a hand, calling for order.

"General Lelouch," Palpatine began, his voice authoritative, "your arguments are compelling. The Republic cannot afford to lose this war, and your strategies, while controversial, have indeed brought us closer to victory. However, the methods you employ must be tempered with caution. The Jedi Generals will coordinate all military operations in the southern quadrant with you, and your tactics will be closely monitored. You will be held accountable for the outcomes of your actions."

Lelouch inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Understood, Chancellor. I will continue to do what is necessary to ensure the Republic's survival... to ensure the people's survival."

The tension in the room remained palpable, but the conversation began to wind down. The senators and Jedi, though not entirely satisfied, seemed to sense that further debate would yield no more concessions from Lelouch, especially given the results that the young High-General had to back his claims and the Jedi supporting them in this case had a... less than stellar performance so far, becoming rather infamous in the opening months for their high casualty/close call victories.

One by one, the holographic images began to flicker out, leaving only the most crucial members of the council still connected.

As the last of the senators disappeared from view, leaving only the Chancellor and the Jedi High Council, Lelouch allowed himself a brief moment of introspection. He knew that his actions had sparked a fierce debate and that he had made powerful enemies within the Senate and the Jedi Order.

However, they had long since outlived their usefulness as connections and were exploited for what they were worth. While he would keep the relationships stable, the loss he took with his tactics in the senate and the High-council, would more than be made up in the 2 elements that now far surpassed them in importance.

The Grand Amry of the Republic... where his fame, reputation and credibility would skyrocket after this operation.

And... the people themselves.

"Did we get everything?" Lelouch asked as he looked at his side, the clone officer reaching for his headpiece as he gave back a nod.

"It was all leaked sir... however... won't this be counter-productive?"

"It will be debated a lot. However, I have not built my reputation as the 'White Prince' so far for nothing. It will grant me credibility that this was the best course of action. To save as many as possible."

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"Against impossible odds, you took what others would have thought unassailable. You have struck a blow so deep into the heart of our enemies that it will be felt for a long time to come."

He paused, letting the pride in his voice sink in before continuing, "But such victory does not come without a price. Their sacrifice... will not be forgotten."

In every ship across the fleet, clone troopers solemnly picked up the tags of their fallen brothers, tags that had been stored in secure compartments before the operation began. These small metal tokens, engraved with the identification numbers and some even having knife-carved names, of those who had given their lives, were more than just pieces of metal—they were the embodiment of their brothers.

The transmission ended, but the impact of Lelouch's words lingered. Across the fleet, the tags were carefully collected and prepared for transport, each one a solemn reminder of the cost of war.