01 ★ video & action

[diplomacme]

Who: Padme Amidala
Broadcast: Fleet-wide
Action: The Marsiva
When: Jan 19th, evening

[ It's cold.

That's the first thing Padmé thinks in her half-awake state. It's cold like metal, like space. Whatever she's laying on is lumpy and uneven. Some part of her mind thinks wake up, you're in danger!.

Her eyes snap open and she sits up quickly. Her body is tense, like she's ready to run or fight at a moment's notice. Her elegant headdress and long robes might make it a bit more difficult, but Padmé is used to them. She scans the room for threats, and her eyes settle on a device not too far away. It's unfamiliar, but she knows it's a recording device transmitting to nearby ships. It unsettles her that she knows that but not how she got here.

She could turn off the feed if she chose but she might as well try to communicate. Whoever is watching already know she's here. Padmé sits up straight, trying her best to look confident and approachable. As she speaks, it's clear she's choosing her words carefully. ]

Hello, everyone. [ She realizes that she has no idea who she's addressing, only that she's speaking to someone. Or many someones. ] My name is Padmé. [ She carefully uses her first name, rather than Senator Amidala. On the off-chance these people don't know that she's a Senator, she doesn't want to tip them off. ] I would greatly appreciate any information about my current situation. I'm afraid my memory is rather vague.

If the people in charge are receiving this, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you.

[ She doubts she'll get a reply, but she says it anyway. Although it irritates her to no end, she's careful to avoid inflammatory words like 'kidnapping' or 'hostage.' She's decidedly Not Happy about any of this, but her political poker face is strong enough to hide it from people. Most people. ]

Thank you.

[ She shuts off the feed and her expression shifts from careful calm to determination. Kidnapping Padmé Amidala? Never ends well. ]

Comments

[diplomacme]

I'm almost afraid to ask what gave us away.

[ Since Anakin said Ahsoka figured it out on her own. ]

[resnipstance]

Really? You mean, aside from all the side trips to watch the Senate in session for "lessons in politics" when Anakin clearly hates it? Or the way he totally loses his cool every time you're in danger? Or how he sometimes mysteriously disappears the every time we get back to Coruscant after a mission? Orrrr the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is looking?

Come on. I'm sixteen, not stupid.

[diplomacme]

[ She can't help it-- she laughs. ]

I wasn't expecting such a long list.

[resnipstance]

I can go on, if you'd like.

[diplomacme]

[ A smile. ] No, I think you've made your point.

[ Her expression sobers. ] You don't seem upset at all.

[ What with this being a big Jedi no-no and all of the lies associated with keeping said no-no a secret. ]

[resnipstance]

[Ahsoka pauses for a minute, thinking over that.]

... I might have been, if I'd found out when I was younger.

I think when I did realise, I figured it just... wasn't my business. I wanted to bring it up with Anakin, but there was never a good time.

And now? Now... I'm starting to think that maybe the Council isn't right about everything.

[diplomacme]

No organization can be right about everything. That's why it's important to ask questions and decide things for yourself.

[ A soft smile. ]

You've grown up so much.

[resnipstance]

... And you're just as wise as always, Senator.

[diplomacme]

[ She doesn't feel particularly wise right now, though she doesn't say that. Ahsoka doesn't need to be burdened with any of that. ]

Thank you, Ahsoka.

[ An apologetic smile. ] I think I... need a little time to process everything. We'll talk again soon?

[resnipstance]

Of course. Take your time.

[diplomacme]

Take care. If you ever need anything, feel free to call, okay?

[ She might be overwhelmed and overwrought, but she won't isolate herself. Especially if someone needs her. ]

[resnipstance]

... Same goes for you.

[diplomacme]

[ She smiles, both gentle and sad, before disconnecting. ]