(UN: amidala | Text)

[politicallyinclined]

I have tried to stay optimistic - hopeful, at least - in regards to our mission. I have seen planets die and stars burn out; even relocating those on said dying planets doesn't always work out well. Not everyone is equipped to adjust to new environments even if they are similar to what they had before.

(They have to be successful in other words. They have to.)

I wish to represent multiple worlds since there are many in my galaxy that have no representation. Are there any others in our number who feel likewise? I know that space travel isn't common; we can only help the worlds that we recall.

(She wishes she had brought maps with her!)

I am also curious how many of us have military or fighting experience? I would like to know who to call on should I find myself or others in a tight situation.

Comments

[politicallyinclined]

I appreciate you offering your skills. My name is Padmé and I am sorry to say I'm not much of a soldier at all. I am a decent shot, but my talents are in the senate chamber.

1/2

[prevail]

Hence asking for those capable of defending when the need arises... It's wise to be prepared.

We don't seem to lack in combatants. Those skilled in negotiation and accustomed to considering populations are surely rarer.

2/2

[prevail]

I neglected to say: name is Sandalphon.

[politicallyinclined]

I'm glad to meet you, Sandalphon. I do want to be prepared - as much as we are able. And if I can speak to our foes before any fighting takes place, I will do so. Negotiations are vital for saving lives.

[prevail]

In such a case, I'll hope your words will reach them. I'd rather avoid unnecessary conflict as well, when lives are often fragile.

Do you know what people call "self-defense"?

[politicallyinclined]

As would I.

I was taught self-defense before I became Queen of Naboo. I can handle a blaster - or any gun as long as it isn't too big. But I can also evade attacks.

[prevail]

Being able to hold out until help arrives, if it's ever necessary, is a useful skill. Did your training involve unarmed training, or primarily firearms?

[politicallyinclined]

I'm not physically strong enough for unarmed combat. My training was based on agility and evasion.

(She is a petite woman, but she is quick.)

[prevail]

I've observed others use evasion and strategic contact to use an opponent's greater size and momentum against them. That was what came to mind... But so long as you can avoid an attacker, that buys time.

[politicallyinclined]

If you have techniques I can learn, please share them with me. I would like to be stronger, but using my opponents size against them also interests me.

[prevail]

I have seen enough that I believe I understand the basic technique. Since I'm capable of altering my size and regenerate, you can practice on me without need for worry.

[politicallyinclined]

I do not wish to hurt you regardless! I'm sure we can find something to use for padding.

Where would you like to meet? Outside or inside doesn't matter to me.

[prevail]

If you prefer, but do know that if there are mishaps, I will recover momentarily. I wouldn't want to cause undue concern.

Are you familiar with the church? There's a grassy area nearby that should serve our purposes.

[politicallyinclined]

I don't think you get much say in that, friend. It's in my nature to worry. (Especially for people she likes!)

Yes, I am. I can be there in fifteen minutes or would you rather wait until tomorrow?

[prevail]

Then I'll try to give you minimal cause for it.

Whichever you would prefer will be fine with me. Would you rather have some time to prepare?

[politicallyinclined]

I appreciate your effort!

I am ready. I have been exercising daily.

[prevail]

Very well. I'll meet you there shortly.

[politicallyinclined]

(Padmé makes her way to the clearing after making sure she is well-hydrated and dressed appropriately. She has tied her hair back in twin buns and she has left her jewelry behind.

All except for the necklace that she never takes off, of course.)

[prevail]

[ When she arrives, Sandalphon is there and waiting. He's somewhat conspicuous amid his surroundings, dark armor trimmed in gold covering his torso and supper arms.

He doesn't notice her approach immediately. It seems he's inspecting that very equipment until it abruptly shimmers away, leaving him in a hooded shirt, long gloves, and some fitted pants that appear to be one with his boots.

Once he has demanifested his armor, he looks up to see her aporoaching. ]

Are you Padmé?

[politicallyinclined]

(His attire is impressive and she wonders if he can help manufacture more of it? Wouldn't it be nice to manifest armor? Anakin wouldn't have to worry about her nearly as much!

But. That's for later. She smiles and walks closer to him now that she knows he is probably Sandalphon.)

I am. Are you Sandalphon? I appreciate you meeting with me.

[prevail]

[ He nods once, a simple dip of his head. ]

Yes, that's me.

[ And after a beat, he adds— ]

I'm not accustomed to the amount of free time we have here, even after months. If I can put it to productive use, I prefer it.

[ Helping someone is a good use of the time. ]

[politicallyinclined]

I understand. (She is accustomed to working until well after dark and collapsing into her bed at night. Only to wake early the next day and start it all over again.)

I like keeping busy. I like tiring myself before night comes. So...

(She nods to him.)

Where do we begin?

[prevail]

To begin with, it's best to perform stretches before exercise. As much has been emphasized to me, at least.

[ A few members of the Grandcypher's crew are professional fighters for sport, so he's using them as his point of reference for that.

While it isn't strictly necessary for him, he won't suggest something he's unwilling to do, so he reaches one arm across his chest and uses the other to hold that position. ]

From what I've observed, smaller combatants do best making use of speed and acceleration. The more quickly you can move, the easier it is to evade or wear down an attacker.

[politicallyinclined]

That was what I was taught for my defense lessons. (When she had been all of fourteen and ready to become queen of her planet. No big deal.

She mirrors him, stretching her arms, her shoulders and eventually reaching down to her toes.)

I like that plan. I leave the heavy lifting to the Jedi. (Or, you know, her husband who doesn't seem to fear any foe.)

[prevail]

[ As he goes through the motions of preparing for exercise, Sandalphon wonders briefly what the others would think of him doing so.

The thought is swiftly chased away by the introduction of new vocabulary. ]

What sort of warrior is a Jedi, or are they some type of mage?