(Video; UN: amidala)

[politicallyinclined]

(She is pale and resolved; this is not a woman who is unaccustomed to strife.)

This seems the quickest way to go about my search. (And since her physical stamina hasn't completely returned.) I am Padmé Amidala, Senator of Naboo. Am I known to anyone present?

(She wants to be known. She doesn't want to be known. She wants a friend. She doesn't want anyone to touch her.)

It's not terribly important. (But it is.) Of course we can get to know one another. If you wish to speak, I will listen.

Comments

[umuperor]

Noble of you. I imagine in that case that you were one against a mighty tide. A politician or official without price is rare, particularly if it hardly takes more than a greased palm to place them in power.

From Kingdom to Republic to Empire, Rome's claims to be for its people were often just empty words.

[ something she realizes somewhat more painfully than most. ]

[politicallyinclined]

I'm sorry for your Rome and I'm sorry for my galaxy. All people, all races and species deserve better. Our leaders should rise above greed and abide by strict moral codes. I tried, but my voice was silenced in the rush. When people are frightened, they will flock to a strong presence, thinking they will be protected. But I can see how he uses others for personal gain.

[umuperor]

[ she hums at that, thoughtfully. ]

The two are not mutually exclusive. A single leader can often act with greater efficiency and decisiveness on their people's behalf. My great-grandfather's mistake was in allowing the Senate to endure after the Empire was born. Still, it sounds as if the ideal of your Republic was more worthy of protection.

[ whether the galactic republic even could have been saved is another question altogether, one nero knows nothing of and will not ask. ]

You do not trust this new leader?

[politicallyinclined]

I don't. (For one, he is a Sith Lord. For two, he is the reason Anakin lost his mind. For three, he is the reason the Jedi were slaughtered.) He is from Naboo too, ironically. I have known him since I was Queen. He was very good at covering his true intentions.

[umuperor]

[ she... thinks she understands. a vassal kingdom represented within a hegemonic republic. it's likely an inexact comparison, but even so.

it sounds as if this is less a transformation of this woman's home republic, and more it dropping its pretenses. whatever rot is at its heart likely remains. ]

An ambitious snake from the provinces declaring himself Emperor in a time of crisis, yes? Would that it were an uncommon story... as I understand it, too many of my successors in Rome rose to power the same way.

[ a breath. ]

You'll find no shortage of fellow politicians here, at least. With Camelot in crisis, you won't be wanting for a way to stay busy.

[ ... after she's had some time to rest and recover because padmé you look like you've seen better days. ]

[politicallyinclined]

(Better days? What are those? Oh those must have been before her husband lost his mind and before she had to juggle being very pregnant and a Senator. That hadn't been easy, either, now that she thinks about it. Balancing morning - all day - sickness with giving speeches had been fun. Not that she regrets carrying her babies. She just regrets not being able to see them.)

It saddens me that snakes aren't uncommon. Hopefully...

(She takes a breath, steadying herself.)

We can behead them before they inject their venom.