I regret that we appear to have gotten off on the proverbial "wrong foot." I would like you to know that, while I remain philosophically opposed to undue limitations on planetary fleets, I do not wish there to be enmity between us because of this. To this end, I would like to suggest something that we may be able to work together on; following up on my resolution concerning the improvement of the Outer Rim, I intend to propose a measure establishing a series of prefabricated trading outposts in mostly poor, secluded areas of the Outer Rim that are in desperate need of the free exchange of goods and ideas that these trading posts could, eventually, bring. Not to mention that having modern landing facilities can ease future efforts to deliver relief supplies to them, particularly in emergencies.

My preliminary thought was that one such facility would be adequate for any particular sector, and that the Empire could assemble them at no great expense or inconvenience. I am interested in your thoughts, however. I have not given much thought to how these trading outposts would be best used once they are constructed, although a number of my colleagues on the Commerce Committee have suggested it would be prudent to lease them to local businesses in order to create jobs for those who need them, and to bring visitors, investment, etc. to these areas.

Do let me know if you are interested in collaborating on this proposal. Despite a caricature of me that you may be familiar with, I truly have no desire to see people suffer unnecessarily and it is my intent to alleviate as much of that suffering as I can in this session of the Senate, and I would like to do this with your help.

Regards.