Note 9

Qui-Gon Jinn,

Your family must be quite large if you have never met some of your…first cousins? (you just said cousins). Thank you for your understanding on the "stranger" topic.

You speak very well of your Padawan. He must be a wonderful person, also. Thank you for your continued kind words about my son. Yes, he is very quick witted and intelligent, instinctive, and insightful. I have known this for a long time. There is so much he could do. Knowing all of those qualities that he has, it hurts me to know that he must live the life of a slave. I'm sure that you have already impacted him. He has always dreamed of meeting a Jedi, and now that he has, I know that he is learning a lot from you.

As a Jedi, you must be used to people accusing you of not doing the right thing often. I suspect that not everyone takes kindly to your protection? And who might this accuser that you speak of be?

Yes, I appreciate that you tried to inform me about the whole situation. Yes, it is important to approach a situation fully informed. I will speak to him about this incident later, after the race is over. Anakin has too much on his mind right now, and there is no need to bring it up right now, especially since Sebulba is racing against him. This is no time to get Anakin angry…

This is the type of relationship that I have tried to have with Anakin. As his mother, I have tried to keep our communication very open, and I do let him know when I don't approve of something he does. I have discussed it with him, and of course I have upset him on more than one occasion, but in the end, I know that Anakin learns, and our relationship is stronger.

There is very little water on Tatooine. We do have enough water to bathe in, but water is expensive here. Has Jar-Jar been able to bathe enough? I am not aware of him using the slave showers. All right, well if he is vocal about his needs, then if he really needs water, I'm sure he will tell someone.

It relieves me to learn that the Temple does not teach that God and the Force are the same. I was slightly concerned over this, because I knew what my husband's father had said about the Sith's beliefs. And I am glad that you do not share the Sith's beliefs as well. The misunderstanding has been cleared up. Thank you for your words on the matter.

Yes, it makes sense that the Sith would grasp for more and more power…power that was forbidden by the Council and the Light Side of the Force. How many Sith are there? Yes…I understand that many Jedi must have fallen away. It sounds to me as if with Jedi it is the same thing as it is with everyone else. There is always temptation to do bad things. Because power is involved with the Jedi, it must be so much harder for Jedi. I assume that you have some things in place to try to combat this Dark Side influence?

Oh…Lowdun is my husband's father. My husband's birth name was Summoner, though he legally changed his name to Cliegg Lars. I know that that was two names at once, and I wanted to clear up the confusion. Yes…it could have cost us our lives had Cliegg confronted Watto in his anger.

If you find a way to get Watto to free Anakin and me in a wager, I ask that you not tell Anakin about this until after the race. I don't want him to know that more is at stake than what he already knows. Winning a group of people money so that they can carry on with their mission is enough for him to worry about. You have no idea how much this will mean to me…to us, if you can gain us our freedom. I appreciate all that you have done for my son and me.

I understand that it would be too dangerous for the queen to come into the settlement. I hadn't realized that she was being hunted by anyone. The Trade Federation? You had better be careful. I know they have some ties to the Maurder organization, which is what Tatooine is a part of. The Hutts, who are part of that organization, rule the planet. You're right. I have heard horror stories of what happens to attractive females who find themselves in a Hutts' clutches. I feel better knowing that she should have plenty of food aboard her ship.

Oh! I hope that Anakin doesn't accidentally kill someone. He is powerful enough that he COULD? Yes, you're right…it sounds like he should receive some training on how to use the Force then. I don't want anything to happen to him. He is very precious to me. I certainly don't want him to become one of those Sith…or any sort of Dark Side user. I hadn't realized that things were that serious. The Sith cannot find him. Do you know of the Sith's activity? Where they might be? How many there are? I worry for him.

You would take Anakin as your new Padawan after Obi-Wan passes his trials? I cannot express in words how much this means to me. I feel that Anakin would be safe with you, because he knows you. No, I wouldn't have anyone else train him. If he must be trained, then you are the one to do it.

Yes…it has been a long process…taken many years, but Cliegg and I are working towards a resolution, towards reconciliation. I am ready to trust him again. If you do free us, I would like to see my husband again. Perhaps I will live with Cliegg instead of go to Coruscant with you and Anakin.

Thank you. It's nice to know that a Jedi agrees with me about my decision not to tell Anakin about his father yet.

Thank you for your words about Lowdun and his Master Frey.

Thank you for checking his blood for infections. I assume that you found no new infection, and that his lung infection is almost gone? Oh…so you know for certain how strong the connection with the Force Anakin has. Thank you for telling me. I am not surprised at that information.

Well, the race is about to start. I cannot bear to watch all the explosions and danger.

Shmi

Part 2

Qui-Gon Jinn,

Although you have not provided a response to what I gave you the last time, I trust that you will soon.

My Anakin has actually won a race, and he is safe!

I know that you and the others with you will be anxious to leave here, but please stop by the house one last time before you leave. I have made some bread for your travel.

I wanted to also thank you for the kindness you have shown my son. I suppose this means that we will not hear from you again.

If you can spare coming by one last time, I would appreciate it. If not, then I wish you well on your journey. Be careful.

I am glad that you came to my house, Qui-Gon. It has been an honor for me.

Shmi