(open option) no one can ever escape all of your ghosts

[functusofficio]

WHO: Padme Amidala & potentially you (also Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Count Dooku)
WHERE: Maurtia Falls, De Chima, Nonah
WHEN: Over the past few days.
WHAT: Transitioning some threads into game canon and an open option.
WARNINGS: Tragedy and body horror / injuries in the Star Wars threads.

1. OPEN. Maurtia Falls. #007 as a subset.

[ Padme explores her new home slowly, by degrees, after the first few ventures out and meeting her children. The park draws her attention first, the statues and inscriptions. It is very ostentatious, in its way, meant to draw attention, and if her expression turns frosty when she sees Count Dooku's name attached to one of the quotes, well.

It's nothing compared to what she looked like when she first saw him here.

The construction site of the library draws her attention as well, approval as she asks questions of the construction workers. She sounds in those moments almost like someone who's in charge, has real authority, even if all she is doing is asking questions and trying to learn more. The network can tell her only so much, but she has all the authority of a Senator used to being unquestioned to draw on. It works for her on some occasions, but not all.

She understands the times it doesn't.

The rest of the time she can be found in her new home, looking over the network mostly but also attempting to meet and talk to her sudden roommates, even if she's not the most present. If she is to live with them until she can find a new place, the least she can do is be polite and friendly. ]

2. LEIA.

Likely not. [ Still calm and quiet, concentrating on the effort she is making to fixing the damage. (Damage she and Anakin caused. Force help them all. Their child was meant to be a gift, a miracle.

She is. So strong, so vehement, so headstrong. So like her father. The shards are out as best as she can, and she covers Leia's hands with her own, looks up at her again finally.] I'm afraid you'll need a medical droid -- or. Whatever it is they use here, to fix this so that it doesn't scar.

[ For a long moment it's almost like she's ignoring that last sentence, but she can't be cowardly enough for that, refuses to be even if everything she's just learned has shattered so much of what she knows or wants to. Her face is open, uncertain but hopeful, joyful and hopeful simply from looking at her daughter's face. ]

I understand, given what you've told me, how that is upsetting to you. [ and then, very simply ] But if he is correct, and you are my daughter, there is nothing in my life I have wanted more than to meet you and your brother.

3. LUKE.

[ Her own smile is still tinged with sadness. ]

That would certainly be a gift.

[ But what he says last is what she cares about most, and she tightens her grip on his hands, nods gently. ]

As do I. So -- here, in this place, what do you do? Do you like it here?

4. COUNT DOOKU.

[ It's almost amusing to her, that feigned shock, but not enough to actually bring any thaw or even a hint of laughter. ]

Of course you have, Count. I would expect nothing less from you. What justice have you worked towards, here in this strange new place?

[ She knows he'll have an answer, knows he'll find a way to spin it -- it has always been his gift. But she still wants to hear the answer from him first. ]

Comments

the park

[carbonfrozen]

[Han doesn't care overly much for the statues. Sure, the guy did pay him one time to carry some things around and keep his trap shut about them, but Han still doesn't quite trust Dooku, overall. Which is strange, given technically Dooku is also a rebel, but—well, he just has a gut feeling, and those have never steered him wrong before.

They have actually steered him wrong many times but still.

Anyway, the only reason why he's here at the park is that he's just fresh off dropping someone off, his obnoxiously orange-and-black cab parked nearby. He likes the hot dogs they sell here, so sue him. He's just enjoying the food when he spots—]

Hey, Your Worship! [It's totally Leia looking at the statues, right?] You gotta try these!

[In Han's defense, from the back, Padmé Amidala looks a lot like Leia Organa. Just slightly taller, maybe.]

OMFG HAN

[functusofficio]

[ "Your Worship" is not a title that was ever extended to Padme even when she was Queen, so it takes the second forceful call out for her to realize that it has been extended to her.

Her turn is slow but regal, unshowing of her own confusion, and he might be forgiven for the mistake given that she is wearing the all white that Leia frequently does, minimal to her own opinion but still regal enough.

She got it from her new job.

There's very little external reaction, just her turning and clasping her hands together in front of her as she faces him. ]

I'm afraid we are not acquainted.

sorry mom-in-law

[carbonfrozen]

—you're not Leia.

[But she looks like her. She has her eyes, her hair, the regal way of holding herself, and didn't Leia say her mother was here? Her real mother, here and Luke's, and oh. Krizz. Han is suddenly very aware of the coffee stain in his shirt, tries to very slyly cover it up with his vest. He doesn't give half a flaming crap about Anakin Skywalker, but Padmé, Queen of Naboo?

He has to impress her.

He has to class himself up.

The things he does for love.]

No, we're not. [aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa] I'm Han Solo. I'm—a friend of Luke and Leia.

no no no she is too young to be an in-law D:

[functusofficio]

[ There is, in the realization, a slight dawning pride that she and Leia look enough alike to be mistaken for each other from a distance. That some part of her will always live on in her daughter and son, carried forward into the galaxy long after she is gone. Even if they never come to know her back home, at least she will always be there in the mirror in part.

Her smile is gracious and easy but still reserved as she nods her head. ]

No, I am not Leia. [ Uncertain of how much more to say - Leia was certainly struggling enough with the presence of her father. She doesn't wish to complicate matters further.

She settles for a fairly neutral answer, though friendly and warm enough. ] It's a pleasure to meet any friends of theirs. I'm Padme Amidala. [ A slight hesitation. ] I've only just arrived.

3.

[faithfulson]

[ The question of what he does finally brought an amused smile back to Luke's face. ]

I was assigned to be a family councilor in Heropa.

[ Yes, he's appreciating the irony more and more. ]

As for how I like it... I'd like it a little more if we weren't grounded.

[ Like father like son; please someone give him his X-wing back. ]

[functusofficio]

A family councilor? [ It's almost funny, but perhaps a little too on the nose to really be to her yet. ] How ironic. Do you enjoy it?

[ And a look of knowing resignation at that last bit. ]

I do hope you have a little more restraint in your flying than your father. [ She's just saying. ]

[faithfulson]

It's... [ There is very noticable hesitation in his voice. ] Interesting.

[ He made a face. Some people made his family issues look tame by comparison. Almost. Nothing really beats an entire galaxy being hinged on your family drama. ]

[ He gave her a sheepish look at the mention of flying. Oh boy... ]

...define restraint?

[functusofficio]

I can't say that sounds particularly promising. Does it frustrate you?

[ She wants to be your mom, Luke, she wants to hear about your life and what frustrates you and confuses you and makes you happy.

Ah. And that's a sigh of defeat, because she knows that question, knows exactly what that means. Her laugh is rueful. ]

Leia may have inherited his temper, but it seems you gained a few traits as well. [ But there's fondness in the memories in her eyes, something that's love even despite the pain. ] Can't resist a speeder?

2.

[articulations]

They have here what they call 'hospitals'. They should be able to do something there.

[ Putting the water aside, she reaches for one of the clean towels. Padmé will need one too, to clean her hands with, while Leia will need hers to wrap her hand in. She catches a glimpse of the open expression on Padmé's face as she ducks her head to busy herself with wrapping up her hand; it helps to hide the tremble in her chin, gives her a moment to bite down and get her emotions in check. ]

I've...always remembered you. Memories. Fleeting ones. I don't know if Luke shared the same ones, we never really spoke of it; I only just recently was told that he was my brother.

[functusofficio]

We should get you to one of those as soon as possible, then.

[ But Leia's words bring an immediate pause to Padme's intent, still her movements entirely for the moment. Her smile is tremulous. ]

Your eyes were open. [ So soft it's hard to hear. ] When I named you. It's the only time we saw each other. [ Her voice does not break, quite, but it's a close call. ] Until now.

[articulations]

They have cabs, I can take one to the nearest hospital.

[ It was hard to pick up on the words with the sounds of the music and people, the glass clinking countertops from the bartenders mixing drinks. She could vaguely pick up on a sense of sadness from the other woman. ]

You were sad. I remember that much. You're sad now.

[functusofficio]

[ A pause, and then hesitant and soft. ]

May I come with you? If you do not want me there, I understand, but I would at least see you attended to.

[ And to say that she understands if her daughter doesn't want her there - that breaks her heart in it's own turn. It is difficult for her to meet Leia's eyes at those last words. ]

Yes. [ It is all she can without her voice choking, and she won't have that right now, not when Leia is already dealing with so much, so it takes her a moment to say anything more. ] But I am happy as well, at this moment.

4

[dun_moch]

[The Count doesn't disappoint her expectations, slipping readily and easily into oratory mode, his deep voice carrying his words through the bar for any others to be inspired by.]

I regret to say that the government that hosts us here is riddled with corruption and incompetence. They have proven particularly inept at protecting imPorts and their own people from our enemies. I have done what I can to promote positive reforms.

[He pauses to smirk slightly.]

I am sure it will be a very familiar environment for a Republic Senator.

[You know, because the Republic Senator is such a clown show.]

[functusofficio]

You'll forgive me I'm certain, Count, if I do not take your words as truth until I can assess the situation myself.

[ A version of the truth, she is certain. And she can admit to herself that what she has seen and learned so far has not seemed all that promising.

Just not to him.

The worst is that she cannot contradict that implication of his, not without lying to an extent she is weary of, but to leave it hanging in the air feels just as defeating. ]

I'm sure your successes have been as extensive here as they were at home.

[dun_moch]

Assess all you wish. I doubt you will be disappointed.

[The Count takes a moment to inspect his meticulous fingernails, just to show exactly how much Padme's opinion really counts with him.]

I have not achieved quite as much as I did with the Confederacy, I will admit. Not yet. But this 'Earth' is a far smaller stage to act upon than an entire Galaxy, of course.

[functusofficio]

I find that lately all I am is disappointed when it comes to the truth.

[ An unexpected truth - she is still fresh off the death of the Republic, of her marriage, and of herself at this moment.

But that makes her only more willing to push back, if it's harsher than what she would normally be willing to say. ]

Except perhaps the news of your death.

1.

[kestreldawn]

[Jyn's been settling into whatever kind of routine she can manage, given everything that's been going on. She finds herself spending more and more time at Neojedha, often times staying over in the soundproofed back room to allow herself some privacy and seclusion. Of course, because Jyn doesn't really know the meaning of 'moderation' when it comes to her own well-being, she's been spending a tad too much time in Maurtia Falls and the dojo, so she's forced herself out of the building and through the neighborhood in order to get out and about.

She's taking the opportunity to go through the park when she sees the hallmark signs of someone new. Or, at the least, someone with no particular destination in mind.

She doesn't say much, not one to instigate conversation with strangers, but takes a seat on a park bench nearby, quietly and unobtrusively observing.]

[functusofficio]

[ She's noticed the name Neojedha once or twice already, wondered if it had anything to do with the moon of NaJedha from her world, a holy city, but hadn't yet wandered in. It seems like it would be such a strange question to ask a secretary at a dojo - "Hello, are you named after the Temple on Jedha?".

She'll ask Luke or Leia eventually if they know.

But between Panaka and Typho and the years of threats, it doesn't take much for her to feel eyes on her back and place them on a bench. It doesn't feel like danger so much as interest, but she still makes a point of turning and walking towards the other person, hands clear and open and her gaze clear, no threat in it. Simply curiosity. ]

It's a beautiful park. [ A gesture at the statues. ] Though I'm not sure I agree with all of the quotes.

[kestreldawn]

[Jyn's back stiffens at seeing the woman coming her way, but she makes no obvious signs of feeling threatened. It's more like she's .. heightened, a little more alert and observant than she'd been moments ago. She seems harmless enough, and Jyn notes how she very openly shows her empty hands. She's trained in this sort of thing, appearing as a non-threat. She knows what she's doing.

So, likewise, Jyn does the same - shows her empty hands, calloused and bloodied and bruised, but empty. She rests them gently in her lap.

Mention of quotes immediately draws Jyn's eyes to the statue with Dooku's quote on it, which she looks less than enthused about, before looking back towards the woman.] I don't think you're alone in thinking that.

maurtia falls #007

[majorlyugh]

[Major hasn't been around the house as often as he had been in the beginning, especially given his getting everything ready for the opening of his new gym. Every time he's come in, it's been at randomly late hours of the evening and early morning, slipping in the front door, up the stairs, and down the hall as quietly as humanly possible. And then, every time he's left, the house has been otherwise empty.

He'd had a housemate at one point, but she'd up and left to move in with some of her friends, which Major understood. He'd love to do the same thing, if Ravi or Liv or even Clive had shown up, but no such luck so far. They'd exchanged pleasantries and kind words here and there, but he didn't know much about her besides her name. Which .. he'd forgotten by now, anyway. Whoops.

So color him surprised when he comes home at a more regular hour to find a strange woman in the living room, sitting on the couch and fiddling with her communicator. He has a sudden flush of panic, like he's somehow walked into the wrong house, and in an instant, runs through the facts: he looked at the number of the house before he walked in, he used his key which wouldn't work on another door, everything in the house (from what he can see) looks as he remembers it. He offers a sudden albeit sheepish smile as he gently closes the door behind him with a little click!]

Uh ... hey! .. I guess, you're .. uh .. Are you a new house mate? Or .. are you ... uh, lost? You know what, I'll just let you talk instead of asking potentially offensive questions.

[functusofficio]

[ His arrival startles her, some, though she does her best not to show it, holds her communicator a little tighter with her fingers still poised on the communication she was working on sending.

But she'd been told there were others in the house, if this is the first real evidence she's seen of it. A few belongings here and there that were not hers had been the only other clue so far.

That he is clearly just as at unease with this gives her some calm though, and she lets her polite public smile appear, sets her communicator down and stands up. ]

I've been assigned to live here for the time being, yes. I was hoping to introduce myself earlier, but I hadn't seen anyone else here yet. [ Holding her hand out, something regal in the gesture as she draws herself up to her full height. (It's not a great deal.) ]

Padme Amidala. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[majorlyugh]

[Oh.

Oh.

He recognizes that name. But, as has been his MO so far, he's tight-lipped and unwilling to reveal just how he knows her name. Instead, he dons a similarly diplomatically friendly smile, meeting her hand with his own to offer a firm but friendly shake.

He can't help but notice how much he towers over her, and it softens his smile into something a little more genuine.]

Padme Amidala, it's nice to meet you. Major Nathaniel Lilywhite at your service, though I prefer just going by Major. [He withdraws his hand and gestures to the living space.] It isn't much. We don't really come through with personal belongings, as you know, and I haven't been here too long. At least, not long enough to have accumulated a wealth of personal knickknacks and stuff. But .. please feel free to .. make it your own. It's as much your space as it is mine.

We used to have another house mate, a woman, but she moved out to live with some friends. It's been just me for a while.

MAURTIA FALLS PARK

[burlyboy]

[ Magnus' dream is to be surrounded by dogs at all times, and, well, he's proven to be really good at fulfilling his dream now that he's in one place for more than a couple of weeks at a time (where dogs are actually allowed). He only has two of his own, but he volunteers at the shelter once a week, and this week - the best week of his life - the animal shelter liberated a litter of twelve husky puppies, all of which are currently struggling to get away from Magnus' hold. They're doing a shitty job of it, on account of the fact that they're puppies and Magnus is a large man, but one manages to find a weakness in his leash, and breaks free, the tattered leash flying behind him like a very thin cape. ]

Hey! Get back here, ya little booger!

[ Congratulations, Padme - you're now being attacked by an adorable husky puppy, deadset on gnawing on your shoes. ]

awwwwww

[functusofficio]

[ This is the most adorable attack she has ever been subject to, and when Magnus reaches them Padme has crouched down, is petting the dog gently while having deftly snatched up the least with her free hand. When she looks up at him her face is happy, delighted even. ]

He just wanted to meet new people. [ Defending the puppy preemptively, even though as she looks up from the puppy to his caretaker she senses that the puppy needs no defense. She cannot see this man being angry at a dog, not with the other eleven that he is currently still managing and the good will in his eyes. ]

Do you need a hand?

[burlyboy]

Yes, please! Won't do to have him running out into the street. They have, like, no self-preservation instincts.

[ The husky puppy busies itself by planting a paw on Padme's face, uncaring of her status, and trying to gnaw on her hand with every sign of enjoyment, which is just what puppies do. The remaining puppies wind their way around Magnus ankles until he sorts them out with a stern word. ]

How d'you feel about coming with me to the pet store? I'd rather get a new leash so they can get a proper walk than giving 'em back to the shelter when they're still fulla piss and vinegar.