Note 43
Cliegg,
I have told Anakin about you. If I had not told him, I feared he may never have known about his father. I thought you would want him to know. You may hear from him someday.
It is unnecessary for me to ask Watto for the longs on slave catching. The past is not relevant right now. It brings up too much pain for both of us. We must get passed this if we are to maintain contact with one another.
Gambling may bring a person money at times, but the winnings were gained in a questionable manner. I have always been opposed to it. That is why you never told me about your gambling. I wish you would have told meā¦but that is the past, and we cannot worry about that now. I hope that you no longer gamble.
The only alternative for allowing Anakin to leave the planet with Qui-Gon would have been to tell him no. I couldn't do that. Slavery has been all Anakin has known his entire life. He deserved much better than a slave's life. He has many abilities and I knew he can be used for bigger and better things than this life offers him. Becoming a Jedi Knight has been what Anakin has always wanted to do. How could I deny his dreams? How could I say no to a chance that Anakin had never had before? How could I say no to freedom for him?
I trust the Jedi to take care of him. He will have a much better life than one I could offer him. He can make his dreams come true and serve the galaxy at large. I couldn't ask for anything better.
I know that he went before the Jedi Council because both he and Qui-Gon told me. I have maintained contact with them, and hope to continue to do so. I have sent them messages, and they have replied.
Anakin also told me something I found interesting. Anakin has heard from his best friend Kitster that a man came to see Watto about buying me, but that Watto refused? I can assume that the man was you. Is this true?
I have heard from Anakin again. He tells me that he is safely in the Naboo palace, but there is much fighting around them. It must be so awful. Qui-Gon assures me that Anakin will be safe. He has taken refuge in a fighter pilot's cockpit, and has shot down several battle droids. The Jedi have been engaged in a fight with that Sith that had been on Tatooine. Anakin has managed to remain safe so far. I pray that he remains so.
It was nice of you to drop by with Rhun. He is in bad shape, but he looks like he will survive. I have been worried about him.
Do you have any more news from the farm?
Shmi
