Note 53

Seven years after the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo

One year later

Dear Cliegg,

My hope is that Anakin will someday return to Tatooine to visit us. This visit will probably have to wait until the Council loosens its watch over Anakin. Perhaps once he is done with his apprenticeship he will be freer to travel to different planets.

Anakin has always had an independent streak and a stubborn nature. These characteristics both serve him and hinder him, depending on the situation. I have to tell you, Cliegg, that he dislikes you. Do not worry; I'm sure that he will warm up to you in time. He just needs to get to know you for who you are, and not what you did. Yes, it is true that Jedi are supposed to maintain a level of detachment from others. That is why the Council does not want him contacting either of us. I do not know what the exactly Jedi teach, but I hope that they teach him how to use his emotions for good. It sounds like they may forbid displaying emotions altogether. This could not be good for Anakin. He is very emotional, and his emotions play a big role in his life. He reminds me of you in that respect.

I think that you had better use some of the money you have saved up to pay Watto off. He has not looked too kindly upon me or Anakin after I was rescued. Watto considered what Anakin did to be stealing. I know he has demanded that Anakin pay for me. I doubt that Anakin has that kind of money, plus he may not know that Watto has demanded it. I'm afraid that if Watto doesn't get paid that he will go after our family. I'm sure there will be plenty of money left over to send Rhun to school. Rhun has been talking lately of going off to start a business after he receives a decent education. However, the idea of him taking up cartography could do him good. If he does that, you know that he will no longer be able to remain on Tatooine. Why do you suggest cartography, of all things? Did he mention this interest to you? If he took up this field, it would likely mean a lot of traveling for him.

As for Owen, it is true that he has an interest in pods and machinery. However, has he told you what he wants to do for a living? He has not said a word of it to me. Do you think he would be interested in taking over your family's farm? Owen could both tend to the farm and learn metal work as an apprentice. Have you found a good apprenticeship for him?

The Trade Federation has threatened on more than one occasion to leave the Republic entirely. A fellow by the name of Count Dooku has stated he will pledge them his support should they leave. This is all very strange. It seems that the Trade Federation has likely cut ties with those who previously financially backed them. This cannot be good. It means that they have no ties to anyone in the Republic, and they truly could break away. If this happens, we must hope that they distance themselves far away from the Republic.

I'm very glad to be back with you, Owen, and Rhun after so many years. Tatooine is not part of the Republic, and so, yes…we are far from government. However, Anakin is on Coruscant, and I worry about him.

It's time for me to fix dinner now. We will talk later.

Your wife,

Shmi

Part 2

Eight years after the Trade Federation of Naboo

One year later

News of this Count Dooku fellow has even reached us on Tatooine. He has broken away from the Republic, as has the Trade Federation. I don't think that these things are just rumors, but they might be. Have you heard of this?