· Nine ( Video ) ·

[padme_amidala]

( Padmé's sorrow has lessened. There is even a tentative smile on her face as she addresses Luceti. )

I don't wish to cause pain - and if I do so unknowingly, I ask that you forgive me - but I have often wondered if it is natural to love another so deeply that it leaves your reason in stunned silence? Anakin and Obi-Wan can attest to my long career in politics and, yet, all of that pales to what I was given as a wife and mother.

( She never sought romance - at least nothing that lasted - but it found her all the same. )

I never envisioned myself putting everything aside for one person. I was certain my prowess lay in serving the people. But now I see -

Fate finds us all.

( Her abundant hair is gathered into a simple, elegant ponytail. The dark curls spill down her back, coming to a stop right below her waist. )

Regardless, I am a politician still. I make a request to you, Luceti residents, that might seem strange. It is my belief that everyone in this village should be armed in some manner. Lessons can be given by those with more experience as schedules permit.

( It frightens her to imagine anyone going into another Draft with only their bare hands to protect them. )

Protection is no guarantee and even the young can become victims to sudden violence. I have seen it happen before.

( Far too many times and on far too many planets. )

Let us make a stand and protect ourselves. Make no mistake, even in peaceful times, Luceti is a dangerous place.

Comments

[Video]

[lordhotman]

[As he sees this, it strikes a little bit of a chord with Zuko. He doesn't know what it's like to be married or to have children, but he does know what its like to serve a nation while having feelings for a single person at the same time.]

Are you saying its impossible to serve the people and commit yourself to one person at the same time?

[It almost seemed that way. Considering how Mai had left him.]

[Video]

[padme_amidala]

It isn't impossible, but it is very difficult. Your heart will remain with that one person and you must make adjustments so that you remember the people you serve as well in your decisions.

( She isn't afraid to stand alone against a council, but risking upsetting Anakin hurts her deeply. )

[Video]

[lordhotman]

But which is more important? How do you find that balance when they both need you?

[Though it's apparently too late with Mai, maybe... he can learn something for the future. He's still trying to figure out how to handle his family.]

[Video]

[padme_amidala]

That is a decision only you can make. ( Even leaders have the right to follow their hearts. ) I pray that Anakin knows of my feelings and go to work for my people. The person you allow into your heart can be a rock for you - they need not be a hindrance if your bond is strong.

[Video]

[lordhotman]

I see. Thank you, you've given me a lot to think about.

[Maybe his bond with Mai just wasn't strong enough.]

[Video]

[padme_amidala]

I hope you find a balance that suits you. Don't ignore your heart. ( A strong mind with a weak heart won't be able to rule well either. )

voice;

[ahappylie]

There was once an organized list of all those who gave lessons in weaponry and other training. The person who did such a thing has since left - perhaps we could begin it again?

voice;

[padme_amidala]

That would be exceedingly helpful. If we could place it somewhere that is easily found that would be even better.

voice;

[ahappylie]

I'd be more than happy to post it at the Welcome Center, and at the barracks. I spend a great deal of time at both locations.

voice;

[padme_amidala]

Thank you. I hope seeing the list will inspire interest in those who are unsure.

voice;

[ahappylie]

If you find anyone willing to teach, can you let me know? I'll contact them at a later date.

voice;

[padme_amidala]

I will. There is a possibility that Anakin, Luke and Obi-Wan might be willing to teach, but I will speak to them personally.

Voice

[takesyoubytheheart]

Aw, there ain't no reason ya can't think with yer head and yer heart at the same time. In fact, carin' for folks makes ya a better leader.

Voice

[padme_amidala]

Except when caring for one interferes with doing the best for the masses. I wish I lived in a world where such a problem did not exist.

Voice

[takesyoubytheheart]

[Like his world? Er...]

It doesn't make ya a bad person. Love ain't somethin' ya can control. Me, I think it's all about findin' a balance.

Voice

[padme_amidala]

I have yet to find that balance. The Force that surrounds us and protects us from utter chaos hasn't even found its balance. Perhaps I'm not meant to succeed?

Voice

[takesyoubytheheart]

Ya can't give up that easily! Then both yer kingdom and yer loved one loses!

[Action/Video]

[searches_forhim]

[Jane sees the video but the words the woman is saying don't quite sink in, as she's more distracted by how much they look alike. It's eerie, as if gazing at a younger version of one's self. She feels the need to reply, if only to reveal to the other woman the fact that they could be twins.]

Hi there. I'm Jane, and... I totally get what you mean about love. I cared about nothing but my work until Thor came along. He opened my eyes and helped me see that there was so much beyond the little world I'd created for myself.

[Action/Video]

[padme_amidala]

( She has seen Jane and even spoken to Loki and Thor before, so the sight of her is no surprise. However she realizes that the woman has gone home and returned since then. )

We have met before, but it is likely you do not recall. ( The smile she offers is nothing less than warm and welcoming. ) Talented men have a way of doing that, don't they? I met Anakin when I was little more than a child. However, even then, my career in politics had been longer than one might expect.

He was a child too and he taught me how to feel; how to laugh and cry. It's easy to forget your weaknesses when you are leading others.

[Video]

[searches_forhim]

[Jane shook her head. That had been a different person, a different Jane Foster.]

No, I don't remember being here before, but Thor explained to me about the previous Jane. I hate how confusing it must be for people to think they know me and for me to be clueless.

[She returns the welcoming smile, her account of Anakin and how she fell in love with him one that sounded familiar to her. She too had been distracted by something else, only to find he'd crept into her heart when she wasn't looking.]

It sounds like he was exactly what you needed.

Vidoe - pretend I'm not late to the party

[ignite_the_stars]

Given how often you win arguments against me, I don't think it's fair to say you ever stopped being a politician.

[He wants you happy, Padmé.]

Video - never late.

[padme_amidala]

Does it take me being a politician to exert the upper hand over you? ( She could just be a crafty woman. ) I would like to think I leave my senatorial persona behind when we are alone.

Video - Yeay!

[ignite_the_stars]

What would you call it then? How is it that you win so often?

[Is he talking himself into a trap? Should he be treading carefully?]

Video - :)

[padme_amidala]

I believe you have a weakness for seeing me happy. ( Don't worry, she shares that weakness where he is concerned. )

Video

[ignite_the_stars]

That I do.

[It's one of the reasons they fall so easily into blissful, willful ignorance.]

I can help you with the lessons you want to organize.