we've been worried about you. i'm so glad you're safe, padm. how many systems have joined count dooku and the separatists? do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the separatists back into the republic? the armies of commerce! why has nothing been done in the senate to restrain them? remember, counsellor, the courts were able to reduce the federation's armies. that's a move in the right direction. we must keep our faith in the republic. the day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it. in the meantime, we must consider your own safety. perfect. it's settled then. padm, i had an audience with your father yesterday. i told him what was happening. he hopes you will visit your mother before you leave. your family's very worried about you.