Note 9
Senator Bail Antilles,
I too had heard that Queen Amidala and the others that she was with…had arrived by now. We heard her speak in the Senate session. Can you believe it? I have not gotten the opportunity to talk with her, because when I visited Palpatine's office, he was occupied, probably with talking to Queen Amidala. I am sure they have much to talk about. Palpatine should be updated about the situation with his planet.
Maybe I will get a chance to speak with her now that the special session of the Senate is over. Have you had the opportunity that I have not (in speaking with Queen Amidala.) There was rumored to be a little boy with Queen Amidala who had been a former slave, and somehow as able to help the Queen. I did not manage to catch a glimpse of the boy either. He must be a pretty special boy.
I heard that Qui-Gon freed the boy? That's pretty amazing. I wonder what motivated him to do that…I mean I do not like to think of people in slavery, but what would cause him to free the boy and take him to Coruscant? It makes little sense.
Yes, I too was excited about the Senate session as well. Queen Amidala was a good speaker, and we were all anxious to hear her speak…for so long we heard others speak of her and her situation. We finally have an opportunity to speak with her in person, if we could just get to her.
Were you able to speak with Palpatine this morning? If so, how did you catch him? He has been so busy lately.
I've heard that the little boy's name is Anakin Skywalker. That's an unusual name…I mean Anakin is. Skywalker is such a common last name…this boy sounds like a really great person….such a generous little boy. I heard he was perfectly all right about giving the money to Qui-Gon. This galaxy has very few children that would do that. Anakin must be a truly special boy. I also understand that it was his idea to race for the money for the parts? That boy must have a big heart. I hope that he never changes.
From the desperation in Queen Amidala's voice, I believe that she was stating the truth. How was this not obvious to other Senators? She made a move that she would not have made if it were not the truth. She called for the vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum, as you pointed out. I was surprised that no one spoke up against it. I was about to, but no one would have been able to hear me. Nothing mattered after that action was made. Before I could say anything, the motion was seconded, and thirded…and from the manner that the Senators conducted themselves in, I knew the vote would go through.
Congratulations on your nomination. Your reform work must have spread across the Senate. If you are elected, perhaps we can DO something in the Senate to stop all this corruption.
I also find this business unsettling, but what can we do? You are now nominated, and so we must move forward.
You believe that Palpatine might have talked with Queen Amidala about offering a vote of no confidence. Why would he call for it…he must have felt his situation was desperate.
I didn't manage to see Finis' face at the call of the vote of no confidence. However, I saw his face later, and I can affirm your words that he has been torn up by what happened. Will he serve as a regular Senator, you think, or do you think his political career is finished?
The Jedi will continue to help with the Naboo situation, you say? If you are elected Supreme Chancellor, the Senate may take a turn for the better. Of course Palpatine was also nominated. Although I do not know the man well, he seems genuinely concerned about the growing corruption, and has experienced first hand what happens when the Senate ignores an important issue on a specific planet. His own people are suffering now. You mentioned that something about if there is no improvement, you are worried that this may be the start of a chain of events we are not ready for. While I see this being possible, I don't believe we will come to see this. The Republic will be in good hands with either you or Palpatine as the Supreme Chancellor.
There is a rumor that the Queen may be leaving Coruscant soon? I hope not…it will be dangerous for her to go back to Coruscant.
We will just have to hope that events turn for the better. Tell me what Sara says about my wife coming to visit her. This get together provides comfort and support for them, which is important for them.
Correon
PS If you have any more information, please let me know.