video : locked to the Heron

[diplomacme]

Who: padme amidala & you
Broadcast: video to the Heron
Action: on the Heron
When: right now

[ Padme is sitting at her desk when the feed opens. Her manner is businesslike but still approachable. ]

Good afternoon, everyone. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Padme and I've recently been promoted to first mate of the Heron. If you have any concerns or suggestions for the operation of the Heron, my door is always open. I'm also available as a counselor-- or just someone to talk to.

[ If anyone happens to be looking for her, Padme will be in her office most of the day, usually scribbling notes or reading. But her door is open. ]

Comments

action;;

[reconstitution]

[ Now is a good a time as any to address the promotion. Winter happens to be passing her office and sees the door open. She's busy writing away, and he debates upon not bothering her, but he bites the bullet and steps into the doorway, rapping his metal fingers on the door frame. ]

I'd hoped you wouldn't be opposed to the position.

[diplomacme]

[ She smiles, gesturing him into the office. ]

It's nice, actually. It's a little closer to what I do back home.

[reconstitution]

People are more likely to come to you for problems.

[ You at least don't look like you could murder someone at any given moment. ]

[diplomacme]

[ She laughs lightly. ]

I'm a politician by trade. I'm used to it, trust me.

[reconstitution]

[ He finally moves into her office, sitting in one of the empty chairs. ]

You don't look like a politician.

[diplomacme]

I hear that a lot. I'm never quite sure what that means.

[reconstitution]

All the ones that I've seen are old; and not very nice.

[ Understatement, but the truth. ]

[diplomacme]

There are politicians like that on the Senate as well. [ Or, you know, Palpatine. ] But there's a wide variety of people from different cultures and of different ages on the Galactic Senate. Though, admittedly, I am one of the youngest.

[reconstitution]

How many are there in your senate? You said 'Galactic', so it must be big.

[diplomacme]

Over a thousand, though the number changes as systems enter [ a brief pause, but one laden with sadness. ] or leave the Republic.

video

[tobeajedi]

Congratulations, Padme. Is there anything different we ought to call you know? XO? Number One?

[reconstitution]

Do they do that often? [ There are so many questions, he's not sure what to ask, first. ]

video

[diplomacme]

[ A laugh. ]

No, I actually like not having a title here.

[ People aren't sucking up to her or trying to win her favor. ]

[diplomacme]

More often than they used to. [ She sounds a little sad. ]

[reconstitution]

What does it mean.. when they leave the Republic? [ He has an idea, he just doesn't want to be right. ]

[diplomacme]

They usually join the Separatists.

[ She can tell that he's already piecing it together. ]

Our galaxy is at war with itself. The Separatists split from the Republic and created their own governing body. Any attempt at negotiation has been halfhearted. [ A beat. ] There are people who don't want the war to end.

[reconstitution]

There's always someone who doesn't want the war to end. War profits the stronger party.

[ It doesn't matter which world or galaxy, someone is always trying to conquer another place they deem weaker. Entitled sons of bitches. ]

[ video ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles isn't sure what the importance is in having a Captain or First Mate, since it seemed like the ships work fine without a ranking system.

Still, no reason not to be polite. ]

Congratulations.

text.

[astrobleme]

Congratulations.

I only have one suggestion, but I don't know if it can happen...

[tobeajedi]

I bet it takes some pressure off. People just know you, not your position.

action

[grandstanding]

[He feels it's worth doing this in person, as he hasn't spoken to Padme much so far. Brief 'hellos' in the hallways aside, he hasn't been the most engaged with the rest of his ship. Something he ought to correct, given it looks like he's here for the long haul. So on his way out, he stops in her doorway, knocking once.]

Congratulations. Does the role involve much?

[ video ]

[diplomacme]

Thank you. You're Charles, right? I don't think we've had the opportunity to speak before.

text.

[diplomacme]

Thank you.

I'll see what I can do. What is it?

action

[diplomacme]

Thank you. And, no, I don't think so. The crew handles itself pretty well.

[diplomacme]

It's a nice change. Once people find out I'm a senator, they tend to ask me questions about politics, but they don't treat me any differently.