(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

[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?

[politicallyinclined]

(Either they would be confused or interested. He can make use of the latter reaction.

Padmé lifts her feet - one at a time - stretching out her legs and getting the blood flowing.)

They are an order. They guard peace and justice in my galaxy by tapping into and using the Force.

[prevail]

Some form of energy, I assume... They sound like the knights my world has.

[ He hooks his hands behind his back, continuing through the routine stretches he's observed.

This Force, though, is foreign to him. ]

Though in my world, it's elemental energy, and not limited to a particular order.

[politicallyinclined]

Life energy. (And the Force is connected to death too, but she knows less about that.) They are cautious about every situation, every conflict, they enter. There is a balance, you see, between Light and Dark and violence can tip the scales.

[prevail]

Ah, I see. The elements must exist in perfect balance in my world, lest the islands fall from the sky.

[ It isn't identical, clearly, but there's enough commonality to feel familiar. ]

In that case, however, it's the tetra elements. Light and dark do exist too.

[politicallyinclined]

That balance would be maintained by the Force in my galaxy. Perhaps you have something similar flowing through your world.

(She frowns and stops stretching, tilting her head.)

The four elements would be part of the Light. They are natural and good.

[prevail]

So then, the dark in your universe would be unnatural and evil?

[ The thought gives him pause, bringing a hand to his chin. It's true that Belial and Beelzebub are dark elemental, and Lucilius while elementally neutral could use it... Yet there are those among his comrades who do so as well.

He supposes chaos would be the equivalent, if he's following her explanation correctly. ]

[politicallyinclined]

Essentially, yes. But, if you think about it, light and dark will always be a pair. Maybe the darkness is natural too; it's just not the preferable path for someone seeking justice, truth and peace.

(The Sith, for example, are very selfish in their aims. They are willing to kill one another to better their positions. Padmé could never do that to a friend or even an acquaintance.)

[prevail]

Is it not possible then for one to wield darkness for good?

[ Sandalphon is still feeling out the shape of it — this difference between their elemental forces. Though he's made of light, nothing but his elemental affinities would be changed had he been made from darkness instead.

But is darkness an energy or a quality of being in her universe? ]

[politicallyinclined]

Do the means justify the outcome? Darkness requires sacrifice and a lack of morality. The long-lasting effects...

(It's both! Which makes this conversation awkward.)

[prevail]

So...a sacrifice of others, rather than oneself?

[ Is that the dividing line, he wonders... It's difficult to conceptualize, and he supposes that's a testament to the differences in the places they come from. ]