(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]

(It's a good question and one Anakin has brought up to her multiple times. Why should they help anyone else when their worlds - their galaxy - is in jeopardy? Shouldn't they just fight for themselves? But Padmé isn't wired that way. She can't see others suffering and do nothing.)

I think there is kindness and that's all that's needed for us to empathize with one another.

(Empathizing quietly is different from acting, of course.)

I don't care if this is a competition. If I can help someone, I will.

[tinflower]

[ He nods slowly, understanding. They'll have people working for their own benefit: that can't be changed, regardless of Padme--or anyone's--actions to bring people together. And he hadn't asked as a test for her own resolve, but for her own perspective so face on Etraya: do the people look like they swing towards self-preservation or community?

Because it does look like the former to Gorgug, but he doesn't have the same experience. But all you can focus on, maybe, when you're in Padme's position and you want to bring about teamwork, is on opening a more cooperative channel between people. ]

I don't think that's wrong, [ he says, after a moment or so. A small smile as he does. ] Um, it might be good to push for that, too. If we think more of us want to work together... more of us will try.

And we probably want to make more friends around here, for the real problem we have.

[politicallyinclined]

(She thinks she has seen movement towards working as a whole, but a single circumstance shift can change that overnight. They have to be resolved.)

Since we can't see the full picture, it's best to stand together. Anyone I talk to, I will try to emphasize that point. The more broken we are, the more vulnerable we are and that could mean all of our worlds are doomed.

(Besides, there is nothing wrong with helping another. "Winning" while someone else suffers needlessly doesn't appeal to her.)

[tinflower]

If we don't work like they want us to? [ True... ] I wish we did have a better idea of what's threatening so many worlds. Something about it being too-- bloated?

But I don't know how any of this really... how what we're doing decides if ours gets to be saved.

[ It's like she said, they can't see the full picture--they're not being allowed to. But it's so strange to Gorgug, too. Why them? ]

[politicallyinclined]

I don't know how our challenges apply to our worlds, either. Except where our skills might be concerned. And they might be monitoring how we work together.

(That's all she can conclude.)

I would rather be on good terms with everyone if... (If, in the end, they need to turn on this world and their deities.) But we wait for now.

[tinflower]

[ Gorgug nods, though he can't quite guess what she was going to ask, and doesn't think to ask. What she says is good enough. ]

Um, I hope talking to Aurora or whoever else you can talk to goes well. Maybe I'll try... I really want to know what's happening about the spaceship.

[ He misses the spaceship.... ]

[politicallyinclined]

Ask them when the opportunity presents itself. Don't be afraid. (He deserves answers. They all do.) You're not alone and I hope that gives you courage.

[tinflower]

[ He does give something of a tiny smile. ]

Yeah, it's-- it helps. I'll speak more. [ And try his best...!! ] And, um, if you need more people to protect you or, who can protect-- I can do that. I don't mind fighting if there's a fight.

[politicallyinclined]

It just takes practice. (Getting started is perhaps the hardest part.) Thank you. I know you're strong; I just hope I'm being too cautious.

[tinflower]

[ Is she being too cautious? Well- he half-smiles, something that might be trying to be reassuring, or encouraging, despite its strength. ]

No, I mean-- maybe it'll turn out to be too cautious, but I think, knowing people want to do stuff or they want to work together here... it's easy to stay in your own groups. It would be good if-- if we can come together more. That we talk to each other too.

This seems like a good reason for people to talk more. If they're gonna talk to the people in charge of this.

[politicallyinclined]

Us getting to know one another is good practice. (She is accustomed to speaking to others from different worlds, but not everyone has that background.) I don't think you need to worry about encountering someone cruel. Even those with grouchy disposition understand we are in desperate circumstances. We've really been given no choice but to work together or risk failing all of our worlds.