Note 45

Nine years after the Trade Federation Invasion of Naboo

One year later

Senator Amidala,

I assure you that your presence in the Senate has been a wonderful breath of fresh air. You have given us hope, Senator. I am glad that you and I feel the same way about the Republic – we must not let these Separatists destroy the Republic. I am doing everything in my power to help this situation, but I fear that it is not enough. Indeed – if the Separatists shed blood, then countless innocent lives would be lost. We must stop Count Dooku and the Separatists at all cost. I have condemned Count Dooku and his actions publicly many times.

Thank you, Senator Amidala. I have had to increase the number of personal body guards that I have. Several of the guards have gone through special high level training – these are the ones who wear red, and who guard my office. If anyone should threaten my life, these guards will kill them on the spot. I have also seen to it that guards wearing black have been placed at every entrance level doorway in the Senate. I am trying to prevent another attack on Senators.

By the way, Senator, you should know that I am very concerned about you. You and the other members of the Loyalist Committee have been targeted – and I do not think that most of these attacks originate from outside of the Republic. You have to admit, Amidala, that taking a stand against the creation of a military is extremely unpopular. There are Senators that are trying to silence you so that this Military Creation Act will go through the Senate without problem.

What almost happened to the Senator from Alderaan and his wife was terrible. If they had not used decoys themselves, both of them would have been killed. As it was, the attackers almost killed them. It appears that these attackers were bounty hunters. Even the Senator is concerned, and that is why he changed his last name to Organa, and why he had his wife change her first name to Breha. I only hope that those who hired the bounty hunter(s) do not learn about Bail and his wife's change of last name. Considering the danger that you have been in yourself (the bomb that went off at the palace on Naboo while you were last home), I suggest that you stay away from Coruscant for a while. I will make it an executive order if another attempt on your life is made.

Yes, the message that Viceroy Gunray sent to me was no doubt meant to make a statement, but Count Dooku is a danger. His being the leader of the Trade Federation also makes me nervous. I hate to think what he might do to the Republic once he has the Trade Federation make enough droids for him. There is little doubt they will use the droids against the Republic – it is only a matter of time, Senator.

There is a strong possibility that this situation with Count Dooku could lead to war. I do not want this to happen, but the negotiations so far have not produced much results. I will continue to send ambassadors to the systems that have left the Republic. The creation of an army may be our only option. We do not have to make it known to the Separatists…but we should be prepared in case we are attacked. And this is where you and I differ. I would like to maintain the peace; believe me. However, we must be realistic.

I have sent many ambassadors to Count Dooku. I don't know what more I can do, Amidala. To be frank, these are not going well. All of our ambassadors have come back to us safely, but Count Dooku will not budge. More systems continue to join him.

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine