Note 7

Just as Bail was about to send a message to Finis Valorum, he received this message from Palpatine:

"Senator Antilles,

As you have most likely heard by now, Finis Valorum's wife passed away last evening. I had taken your advice and arranged a face to face meeting with him to discuss the corruption that runs so rampant in the halls of the Senate. We were discussing likely actions, including the signatures required for the formation of your committee, as his assistance in that matter was most likely the key you would need for success. Despite our differences, we both agreed that our Senate is indeed broken and infected with a sickness that is rotting it from within.

He agreed to meditate with me for a few moments and reflect on how best to serve our people and our Republic. It was in those moments of reflection that we heard her collapse in the next room. Finis rushed to her side, as did I, only to find that she was already gone. As can be expected, he was deeply distraught and near complete emotional and mental collapse. Their responding private physician had medics make arrangements for her body while he evaluated Finis.

I stayed right by my friend's side during the evaluation, for moral support. When it was complete, the physician confirmed my fears, stating that Finis had indeed suffered a mental breakdown. He administered a strong sedative, and waited for it to take effect. When Finis had calmed somewhat, the medics restrained him and prepared to transport him to a public facility. I stepped in and asked that the doctor transport Finis to my private physician for continued care. That way, I can monitor his condition much closer and make sure he is receiving the very best care possible for his recovery.

I must admit that I came away from the evening wondering if fate is against me in my quest for justice within this new office. It certainly felt that way, to be so close to a possible turnaround and lose it in an instant. Hopefully if Finis recovers, we can seek those needed signatures. We can only wait and see how he responds.

As for Queen Amidala, I have received no communications from her or her Jedi escorts. I fear greatly for her safety, and for the future of my people. Know that I am working hard on bold plans that I feel you will see as sweeping and decisive.

We will prevail. While I am still new to my position, with the obvious exception of Mrs Valorum's death and Finis' response, most of what I expected to occur in the wake of the election has come to be. Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen.

Be well, Senator Antilles.

Palpatine
Supreme Chancellor"

End quote of letter

After reviewing the contents of the message several times, Bail's face grows very pale. He writes the following message in his diary:

Something seems very out of place in this message. It seems to me that Palpatine has too much influence over Valorum's health. I would almost go so far as to suspect that Palpatine murdered Valorum's wife. I realize that this is not becoming of a Senator to assume that the president of the Senate, the Supreme Chancellor, is a murderer. Yet, could he have known that Valorum's wife was ill? I suppose it is possible. It sounds as though Finis told very few people.

Perhaps I am just over reacting. Valorum's wife WAS ill, and perhaps she did just drop over dead. But if that were the case, why did Valorum have a breakdown? He knew very well that his wife was dying. I do not think Finis would have reacted in this way. Another question remains: did he really have a nervous break down, or did Palpatine kidnap him? If he did, then my worst fears about the Supreme Chancellor would be true. Palpatine would be just as corrupt, if not more corrupt, than many of the other Senators.

I must privately investigate this matter. So much is at stake…I have no proof of foul play on Palpatine's part, but the circumstances surrounding this matter are suspicious, and do not put Palpatine in a positive light. In the midst of my private investigation, I cannot let Palpatine know that I am suspicious of him. If he were to find out, and if he really did get rid of Valorum and his wife, what's to stop him from doing the same to me? He is well aware that I am attempting to start an official committee to end the corruption in the Senate.

Another thing that disturbs me is that Valorum has not attempted to contact me. Considering our previous communications, I would have thought if Valorum truly had a breakdown, he would have sent me a message to inform me. I have checked messages, and nothing has come through. I can send nothing to him either, as all communication with him has been cut off. This can only mean that he is either in a high security hospital, or he is being held as a hostage by Palpatine.

I had better go. Sara will be coming soon, and then the awards ceremony and parade will begin.