maskormenacelogs | [CLOSED]

WHO: Ambassador Amidala and Mayor Baelish
WHERE: Seas the Day; a classy seafood restaurant in Maurtia Falls
WHEN: Backdated to after Padme's Inauguration
WHAT: Two politicians meet to discuss their city as well as mutual acquaintances.
WARNINGS: None so far! Will update if necessary.

[ With the reservations made, Petyr was able to get them a private table with the best view of the riverfront. From this perspective, Maurtia Falls looked like quite the beautiful, serene place, and many paid top dollar for that deception. Baelish, however, had been able to pull in an owed favor and got this for them for practically nothing -- so long as they would take a few publicity shots for the restaurant. Something he was certain Padme wouldn't mind.

But it would have to be after they ate. For now, Baelish greets the new ambassador at the table with an extended hand. ]

I am uncertain whether it is more customary for you to bow, but I suppose when in this world, default to how they greet. I am glad you were able to meet with me, Ambassador.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ It is something she certainly won't mind - cooperation between a former Ambassador and the present one, work in progress - those things always look good. So when it comes up, she will be more than happy to take the pictures and make a few comments on both the excellence of the food and the importance of businesses such as this in sustaining Maurtia Falls.

For the moment, she meets his hand with her own, her smile genuine and warm. ]

Perhaps once, but it has been years since I was a Queen. I've spent much longer with politics such as this.

It's my pleasure to meet with you. Your kindness and outreach are greatly appreciated. As well as the recommendation of a restaurant. [ Taking her seat. ] I hope we'll be able to have a productive working relationship.

[ With her handshake and warm smile, it's easy to see where people have fallen in love with Padme. Some people have a natural charisma to go along with their political mind. She reminds him a touch of Margaery Tyrell -- a woman who was set up to go far if only she had not met an untimely end. ]

A queen as well as a senator. You have quite the impressive resume, my lady.

[ He releases her hand so he can settle in the chair opposite Padme, demeanor relaxing. It might be a meeting between two politicians, but it certainly doesn't have to be a rigid and political meeting. ]

I am positive we'll work together both productively and cohesively. There's never been a doubt in my mind, even at Count Dooku's warning.

[ Baelish reaches out to take the complimentary bottle of wine, pouring himself a glass and then holding it out to fill Padme's as well as he glances to her in question. Does she drink? Regardless, he continues his thought. ]

I believe he spoke his warning to me more out of fear that he might lose me as a political ally than any truly justified reasoning why you would be problematic. After all, when I served as Ambassador, I allowed him to hold his protests here and encouraged him to utilize his constitutional right for freedom of speech. The fact that such a thing exists amazes me. People often lost their heads in my world for daring to speak out their grievances with the king.

I have been in politics for far longer than my age would imply. [ Easy and unconcerned. ] It seems strange here, I have come to understand, but it is common where I am from.

[ Her own demeanor is casual in turn. Not overly so to the point of familiarity, but an ease to her movements that indicates she feels no fear or concern, nor is worried about potential threat.

Until he mentions Count Dooku, at least, though even then the immediate turn of her gaze towards him instead of the menu is abrupt and forceful for a brief moment and then eases. The intentness and desire to find an answer leaves openness swiftly, back under the cloak of calmness and ease. ]

Mister Dooku and I have a long history, back in our own world. I have chosen to try not to bring that too much into this place, as long as he will allow me. It seems he is not set on the same path, which is a disappointment. It has taken me a great deal to move past him ordering my execution and his many other actions and attempt to remain civil here.

[ Her face is even and calm for all of that, as if she has said nothing of true import. She accepts the pouring of the wine easily, takes a sip and nods appreciatively. ]

Protests are a vital part of the people's ability to speak and affect their government. I would never hamper those myself, and he knows enough of my history to know that is true.

Your world does not sound as if it was one based on democracy.

Him ordering your execution...?

[ Baelish repeats in surprise. Yes, Dooku seemed the sort to do whatever it takes to rise in power. Yes, Dooku seemed the sort to kill those who get in his way. But somehow the fact that his disdain of Padme was so strong he would rather eliminate her from existence than try to destroy her reputation is stunning. What harm could she be to him rather than a political rival? What had Dooku neglected to tell Baelish about his affairs back home? ]

Forgive me for gaping, I am merely shocked tensions between you both were so...volatile. I had taken it to be a matter of envy -- that you stood for opposite beliefs. He quite clearly advocates for imPorts first above the natives while you seek a balance. And I foolishly assumed this reflected something of his stance back home, which made you a rival. Not a target.

Is it terribly invasive to ask what happened? I understand if so.

[ She glances up at him, her consideration even and calm, still gauging her way forward. ]

I do not consider it invasive at all, certainly. The end results, which led to war that engulfed our entire galaxy, are a matter of public record back home.

It is rather difficult to distill into a few sentences though, given the extensiveness of the history. [ She pauses, considers. ]

In the simplest terms of events, somebody ordered my assassination. It failed, and the Jedi ordered to investigate it found himself in dire straights after following a suspect who attacked him upon being accused. Myself and the Jedi assigned to protect me were the only ones in range of his immediate distress signal, so we transmitted it further and went ourselves.

We were unable to rescue him, and were all accused of trespassing and sentenced to execution. Dooku will say he did not give the order, but at a hearing before my trial he was the lead figure in the room, and he asked for me to pledge my planet to him. I refused.

After that particular incident, there are another several years of war between the Separatists he led and the Galactic Republic. We have a long history, and I have lost many friends to his war efforts.

It seems he is not as willing to let the past remain there as I would like to be.

It would seem so. In my experience with the Count, he has been quite focused on driving a wedge between imPorts and the government. Knowing of his history in your world does give better perspective on what he may do if he does achieve power here. And that is a bit worrisome.

[ He swishes his glass of wine in thought, taking a careful sip. ]

Do you believe he is capable of acquiring that same sort of strength and following here in this world?

He has always had an interest in power for himself.

[ She pauses, takes a long sip of her wine, considers her words carefully. Dooku is not someone to be underestimated or to make accusations against that cannot be substantiated in some part. ]

I am uncertain, but I would not put it past him. In my home, he vanished as a disgraced Jedi and reemerged with the loyalty of thousands of star systems even before the war began. It was not entirely his own doing -- there was another, manipulating things. But Dooku has charisma, persuasion -- and he has the Force, which can enable him to force a person to do something against their own will.

I think, certainly, he is capable of doing great harm, should that be what he chooses to do. I also think his primary concern currently is the safety and independence of Imports -- but only because he is one.

A corrupt man leading what some believe to be a noble cause. Seems we face this sort of situation far too often. Although at the time, imPorts did not seem to like the sort of message he was spreading. They instead voted for a dog who promised free soft-serve ice cream. Granted, he did run quite the tight campaign.

[ Baelish comments fondly of Komasan, mirthful. After all, doesn't Padme deserve to know that not only did Baelish beat Dooku, but also an ice cream dog? ]

But things change. With every new imPort arrival, there is a shift in the values of the community. Now, nearly every ambassadorial platform is about bringing cohesion between natives and imPorts. At the time I ran, the ideal was novel. Most ambassadors, with the exception of Senator Hundred, only cared to make advances for imPorts. Not the natives in their city.

An election you yourself won, I believe. What were the platforms the two of you ran on?

[ She considers that point, taking another sip of her wine. It is an interesting bit of knowledge to take away. ]

It's interesting to hear that. I have always found that to truly get anywhere, one must unite many groups, but I come from a world with a much -- larger scope, I suppose.

[CLOSED]

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