Tendau Bendon

This article is about the senator. You may be looking for the scientist, Tendau Nandon.

"Make no mistake, [a yes vote] will galvanize the Separatists, and be seen by them as an invitation to war. Every Senator must think heavily upon the consequences of next month's decision. We are not just voting on the creation of a defense force, but rather our votes will determine the start of open hostilities."

―Tendau Bendon^[1]

Tendau Bendon was an Ithorian senator who represented his homeworld, Ithor, in the Galactic Senate during the final decades of the Galactic Republic. Unlike many of his contemporaries who indulged in opulence and political spectacle, Bendon embodied humility and restraint, favoring simplicity over luxury. His attire was plain, his words measured, and his presence unassuming—a quiet contrast to the ostentatious grandeur of Coruscant’s upper echelons. Despite his reserved demeanor, Bendon was a deeply principled being whose commitment to peace and harmony reflected the gentle values of the Ithorian people. He was present in the Senate Chamber during the pivotal moment in 32 BBY when Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo introduced her motion of no confidence in Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum, an event that would ultimately alter the course of galactic history and pave the way for the rise of Palpatine.

As tensions in the galaxy deepened in the years that followed, Senator Bendon remained one of the few voices advocating for diplomacy and reason over militarization. When discussions surrounding the creation of a Grand Army of the Republic reached their height shortly before the outbreak of the Clone Wars, Bendon spoke passionately for caution, warning that the Republic's rush toward armed conflict would provoke fear and retaliation from the Separatist systems. To him, the Senate's decision to approve an army symbolized a tragic departure from the ideals of peace and unity that the Republic once stood for. Though his influence was overshadowed by the fervor of war and manipulation by the Sith, Tendau Bendon's quiet dissent and moral conviction endured as a testament to the fading voices of conscience that once echoed through the Senate halls before darkness descended upon the galaxy.

Biography

A male Ithorian, Senator Tendau Bendon represented the Ottega sector in the Senate during Finis Valorum's last term as Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. Bendon was among the senators who openly supported Valorum, even if most of the Senate would have rather replace the Chancellor.^[4]

In 33 BBY, Chancellor Valorum proposed the taxation of the until then free trade zones. Senator Palpatine of Naboo then suggested that a part of the collected money could be invested in the growth of planetary systems in the affected areas. Bendon and other senators of the region, including Yarua and Horox Ryyder, cheerfully supported the idea.^[4]

Bendon continued his career as senator during the years which followed the Separatist Crisis. Before the outbreak of the Clone Wars, Bendon was a staunch opponent of the Military Creation Act. His attempts to oppose it were unsuccessful which led to the start of the Clone Wars.^[1]

Personality and traits

During his time on Coruscant, Bendon visited the Coruscant Opera, like many other politicians of the time. Bendon was known to have assisted to a representation of The Brief Reign of Future Wraiths, performed by a Bith company.^[4]