( Private to Anakin, Luke & Obi-Wan. )

( Padmé is looking more than a little frazzled. Her room is less than tidy and she is on her hands and knees when the video begins. )

My kitten… ( It's a small thing in the face of other concerns, but perhaps this is the straw that breaks the camel's back. ) Talia… She's missing.

Usually she returns for meals, but not today. ( She turns away from her journal, wipes the unwelcome tears from her cheeks and rises. Every bit of her body is tense. ) If something has happened to her…

( Is it her fate to be unable to protect anyone she cares about? )

( / )

( Once that private feed comes to an end, Padmé manages to appear far more controlled. She shows everyone who might be watching a picture of her cat before she begins. )

I'm searching for this kitten. Her name is Talia and she hasn't eaten since…yesterday. ( Not healthy food at any rate. ) Should you see her, please alert me? My name is Padmé and she is…special to me.

( Considering Luke gave her to her. )

What ever you do, do not harm her. She might be frightened. ( And frightened kittens might have their claws out and ready. ) Just bring her back to me safely. I will find some way to reward you.

( A pause while she sets her mind to other matters. She takes a seat, her posture perfect. )

Since my arrival in Luceti, I have adopted the role of observer. However I believe it is time for me to lend my expertise in the village's politics. For those of you who are aware of such functions, I should like to speak with you at your earliest convenience.

While piecing together a defense of some kind is promising, we need laws and governing bodies to ensure the best protection possible. Furthermore, we should be setting aside food, medical supplies and water in case something catastrophic happens in the future. To expect things to continue as they are is foolish. We have no guarantees; our very presence in this village is a mystery.

I welcome your opinions on the matter. The majority must choose how they wish to proceed.