Note 9

Padmé,

Do not think of me when you are in the midst of such an important battle. I will be here on Tatooine, where I have always been…at least for so many years that it seems like always. Nothing has changed. I am fine. It is you and Anakin that I worry about, and those with you.

I understand that you cannot control the Council's decision about him. That is all right. We will just have to see what becomes of this. Thank you for your continued support of my son.

You will be in the battle (or are in it)? Please be careful!

You are really the Queen of Naboo? My goodness! I will keep it a secret, but I hope that Qui-Gon and those with you know. Thank you for telling me, dear. Anakin knows of this now…oh yes…I had forgotten. He told me last time when I received a message from him. Do not worry, he cannot be very mad at you for lying. As his mother, I know him pretty well. He thinks very highly of you, and he will not be mad at you long…if he is mad at you at all. I would guess that it will not take him long to forgive you.

If you could arrange for Anakin to stay on Naboo, I would really appreciate that. It sounds like a very nice planet, and I am sure that Anakin would appreciate that. Now that I know this, I do not feel so hopeless for Anakin, if the Jedi Council does reject him. I do not understand this "attachment" thing. You believe that both you and I would count as attachments? Why. I am his mother, and you are his friend.

Freedom is not important to me right now. I have lived so long in slavery that I forget what it is like to be free. I am just glad that my son Anakin was given the opportunity to have a free life. He is whom I care about. If I am meant to be, I will be freed. If not, I will remain a slave. There is little I can do about my condition.

Anakin has contacted me, and explained your current situation. I'm glad that you have entered the palace now. Very good. Battles are very dangerous. Make sure that Anakin is not involved. Please let me know what has happened. Make sure Anakin is very safe. It makes me nervous to think that he is inside the palace too.

Anakin said that Qui-Gon told him to stay in the cockpit of one of the ships? Will he be safe there? I hope nothing happens to him. You must be calm, Padmé. Remember that the success of your endeavor depends on your actions. You must be calm so that you can handle the situation to the best of your ability.

He also mentioned that a man has shown up and engaged Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in a fight? Oh dear. That man must be dangerous. I hope Anakin stays away from them. What kind of man is it? Do you think the Jedi will be all right?

It pains me to hear that Anakin is in such a dangerous place. He is only 9 years old…almost 10, but that is way too young for a person to be in the scene of a battle. I hope you are also safe.

Anakin has now shot destroyer droids out of your path? I'm glad that my son was able to help you in a small way.

I would have to guess that you have made some sort of progress in the place? But maybe you have not yet reached your goal. I have no idea. I can only rely on you to give me an update of your progress. You are probably not able to check on Anakin right now. I hope he is all right.

Shmi Skywalker