2293, A Pleasant Cooperation
Seeing Tang Xiao agree so readily, the "Leader" merely snorted and said mockingly, "What, trading the lives of over a billion people for two more months of attrition for the Galactic Empire makes you feel good?"
"From positions like yours and mine, if we still approached problems through concepts like humanity and life and death, we would be doomed to accomplish nothing," Tang Xiao replied with a cold laugh.
"Do not compare me to you! It disgusts me!" the Leader said in a deep voice. "My ultimate goal has always been to establish a free, equal, and peaceful nation!"
"You used to belong to the Republic, didn't you?" Tang Xiao said calmly. "A thousand years ago, during the Battle of Ryloth, the Galactic Republic defeated the last remnants of the Sith. What was the Republic like back then?"
"That was the pinnacle of freedom, the pinnacle of democracy! It is also the ideal I am willing to strive for my entire life," the Leader said.
"Hahahahahaha!!!" Tang Xiao burst into laughter. "So the ideal nation in your mind existed for merely a thousand years before falling apart amid internal strife and external threats... And you call a regime riddled with countless hidden dangers an ideal nation? Hahahahahaha!!"
"That was because countless parasites appeared within the Republic! This time, I will not allow such parasites to emerge!" The Leader nearly ground out the words through clenched teeth, and his voice seemed to carry even greater resolve.
"That is inevitable." Tang Xiao shook his head. "Your so-called freedom is nothing more than anarchism dressed up and packaged nicely."
"That will not shake my resolve," the Leader said. "I will find a better path."
"Suit yourself." Tang Xiao waved dismissively, clearly losing interest. Then he suddenly added, "Oh, right.