Note 17

Queen Amidala,

I'm sure that Anakin will be fine, although what you says has concerned me deeply. If this boy should not win the podrace, what would happen to our people? I can only assume that with every passing second, circumstances for our people grow worse. I have heard reports of many deaths, though they are unconfirmed by official Republic channels. Such a sad thing…I can do very little with this information because the Senate is very picky about what information they will accept.

You must make it to Coruscant soon. Otherwise, things will be very much worse for our planet. If you could only be here at the Senate, and speak, I think our situation would take a positive turn. However, this situation is looking more dire all the time. There are endless debates about our situation, accusations, all sorts. I can only say that our situation does not look good, either in the Senate or back on our planet.

Queen Amidala, you must understand that my questions about Anakin are only asked out of my deepest concern for you. I wish to know all about him because it makes me feel safer to know what sorts of people you are dealing with. This holds especially true for a certain young boy that everything is being risked on. I want to be in a position so that I can evaluate whether or not this is a good idea.

So, he is a very talkative little boy, but is very enjoyable. Very good. It would be such a shame if a little boy like that were found to be dead. I hope that he makes it through the race, for our people's sake. I'm sure your trust is not ill-founded.

Strange dreams you say? Hmmm…what type of strange dreams? I'm sure they mean nothing. Does he suffer from nightmares? Maybe he could be comforted before he went to bed. You don't want him to have a wrestles night if he is racing for you.

Ah, just as I suspected….ah-hum…so Qui-Gon believes that Anakin is strong with the Force. Surely that's what he must have meant with the force-type powers. Not surprising at all. He would not be able to race pods otherwise. Do you happen to know exactly HOW strong with the force this boy is? Would he be able to be trained as a Jedi, for example?

As I said, I'm just concerned for you and the people you are with, especially this little boy that is racing for you. I believe that if he is strong with the force…that if he is strong enough that he could be trained as a Jedi, he has a good chance of winning. Otherwise, I would have to say that your Jedi have not advised you well.

This little boy is putting our people on the line. Why should I not be concerned with him? And if he does win, I would like to contact Anakin's master, to possibly free him for his service to the Republic. You would want a slave like that to be free, wouldn't you?

Of course I am concerned with our planet's situation, and that is my primary concern. However, there is little I can do in that area until you arrive. Believe me, I am doing everything possible that I can for our people. There is a limit to how much I can do right now. The Senate is so bogged down in procedures, and many Senators do not really care about our situation. It's a sad thing, but Senators are not as pure as you would like to think they are. Many are greedy, and care nothing for the overall well-being of the Republic. It is these Senators that I must fight against. It is exhausting work sometimes, but rewarding.

Yes, yes, well you must tell me how this race goes. I am deeply concerned. Are you on your way to Coruscant yet?

Senator Palpatine