Note 37
Obi-Wan Kenobi,
If what you say is true – a Jedi erased the planet Kamino from the Jedi archives – then Count Dooku must have formed his plans against the Republic before he left the Jedi Order. (This is, of course, if Dooku is the one who erased those files). This is concerning, to say the least. You must inform me of everything you learn about this Kamino. If Dooku erased the file, then there must be something on the planet that he did not want the Jedi to find out about. Yes, it is likely that it was erased in order to hide the bounty hunter's suppliers, as you suggested. This could only mean that the bounty hunter is working with Dooku and the Separatists. The situation with the Separatists looks dimmer every day.
Are you suggesting that Count Doku has "gone bad?" If he has, then who knows what the Separatists could be capable of?
My guards have been well trained. I do not think that even a Jedi gone bad would be able to get passed them. While I appreciate your concern for my safety, I am afraid that you are too concerned. I am flattered, really. I can assure you that I am quite safe here.
Master Kenobi, allow me to put your mind at ease. I am completely for democracy, but in times of war, sometimes drastic measures must be taken. An attack against me would be an act of war. If a Separatist or someone else attempted to assassinate me, then they would be attacking the leader of the Senate. In doing so, they would be attacking the Republic itself. We cannot have that. The situation with the Separatists is a delicate one. Under normal circumstances, all would be given a trial. You have even said it yourself – if something were to happen to me, the Republic would be thrown into chaos. It would be easy for enemies of the Republic to take advantage of the situation. What I said regarding assassins being killed on the spot only applies to those who make an attempt to kill me. If someone pulls a blaster and points it at me, I would say that that action should speak for itself. Wouldn't you think so?
I am not even the one who came up with that law (the one regarding potential assassins). The Senate itself did. I was merely explaining to you that I am quite safe. Unless the Courts rule that the law is unjust, you must understand that it is our very legislatures who have created that law. It is they who also defined what treason against the Republic was. I had nothing to do with it. It is unbecoming of such a highly esteemed Jedi to throw accusations against me, as if I created the law. I do not have the power to create laws in the Senate, or to even define those laws. I am not a dictator, Kenobi. It is unfortunate that Jedi do not pay more attention to politics and political terms. If you did, you would have known the things you have accused me of are unfair.
How, may I ask, are you going to vote against a security measure that has already passed? Even if it hadn't already passed, how would you, a non-Senate member, be able to vote on a proposed bill? It is you who seem to be overstepping your bounds.
As for the matter of the Sith Lord impersonating me – this has already been brought to my attention by your Padawan. He told me all about it. It is unfortunate that someone would stoop so low as to impersonating me in order to play treachery within the Republic. Sigh….my Jedi friend, be assured that all of my top advisors are aware of the situation. My staff is looking into it, and we will stop whoever is behind this. Please do me a favor – do not continue to spread this rumor. It is causing distrust within the Republic. This can only be the goal of whoever is impersonating me. You do not know for certain that the one who is impersonating me is actually a Sith Lord. It could be a trick by an enemy of the Republic.
I must say that I am disappointed in your lack of respect for me, Kenobi. I know that you were only joking, but your joke was very inappropriate. To even ask such a question as if I am a Sith…..that shows poor taste and a lack of discernment.
Let us not be ridiculous, Kenobi. The Jedi and Padme are part of the Republic. They would never harm me unless they were actually corrupted. I have more faith in the Jedi Order than to assume they would become my enemies. But if they did….they would be tried…
Thank you for the warning.
As to the Senate voting to give my emergency powers, I must say that I am ignorant of the idea. We are not actually in a crisis, so I do not think that the measure will go through – at least not yet. If the Separatists do attack us, then I cannot say for certain what the Senate would do. That would be a crisis situation, and it would be a possibility that they would vote to give me emergency powers. Yet again, you are not part of the Senate, and thus, you have no voting power. You wouldn't be able to vote against it.
I must go now. I hope you learn more about Kamino and the bounty hunter there. Let me know what you find.
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine