ic contact. mask or menace.

[functusofficio]

 "You've reached Ambassador Amidala. Office hours are between 9 am and 7 pm each day, but if those hours do not work for you I am happy to set up an appointment outside of them whenever is convenient for you. Please leave a message with your name, means of contact and details of our business and I will ensure that it is attended to as promptly as possible."

voice. video. text. drop by her office.

Comments

[functusofficio]

I'll speak to her about that matter then.

[ His laugh is met with a smile that is almost completely genuine, but still at the edges recognizeable as a politician's to those used to reading such things. ]

You have a new office to settle into yourself, and it was not incumbent upon you to reach out to me and offer your aid. To do so shows an interest in your community that is good to have. I hope that I can continue to represent them as well as you have done.

Ah, yes. The Porter and her whims. It does seem I have a slight advantage in knowledge.

I'm growing busier the more I speak to people, it seems, but I can certainly make the time to have lunch with you. Perhaps the Thursday or Friday after the inaugaration? Or if those are not convenient, anytime the next week?

[baetiful]

Welcome to the life of an ambassador.

[ Playfully sarcastic before he lets out an exasperated sigh. ]

People will demand things of you that are not within your power. They expect you to fix not only your city but the entire imPort community. And many do not seem to understand that there are limits to the position. Frustrating limits whereupon you are the imPort voice to the government, yes, but they do wish to keep you very much in the dark on matters. Many of my investigations were given the run around because I do not believe they truly respect what we do. And after the porter incident, they may be even less willing to part with information. So I do give you that little bit of forewarning.

[ And it's an honest one. If ambassador was a truly satisfying position, then real politicians like Mitch and Baelish would have stuck with it for longer than a year! ]

But I digress. The dates you gave sound perfect for me. Whatever works best for you, just let me know. I will certainly see you at your inauguration, regardless.

[functusofficio]

To be asked and demanded more than you can deliver is the life of a politician, Mayor. I have been doing this for two decades now. Believe me, I have few illusions about the realities of any political position.

[ Brisk, calm. ]

I am prepared for that, and aware of how I can work around it.

The Friday afterwards, then? What time do you normally take lunch?

[baetiful]

Two decades...you must have started at an incredibly young age.

[ Hell. He is shocked to think she might be a day over 20! ]

As for when I normally take lunch....well...

[ He trails off, sheepishly. ]

I am sure you know how it is. Working tirelessly, often forgetting to eat. I do not have a specified time for such a thing. But for the sake of setting up this meeting, how about 2pm? It will give us a quieter restaurant since most of the rush will be gone.

[functusofficio]

I was eight when I joined the Youth Legislature, and 14 when I was elected Queen. It's expected to be young in the politics of my planet.

[ She's 27, so two decades is slightly off, but. Just barely. ]

Entirely fair. I used to tend to take lunch only when I met with people, and I expect I'll be back in that habit shortly. 2pm will work quite well. Is there any restaurant you particularly like, since you have more experience in this town, or would you like me to choose one?

[baetiful]

Sounds as though your world and my world have something in common. Although admittedly, ours is less a democracy and more a monarchy -- leaders can be children if their parents die young enough, but they are often ill-prepared to step into such a role. The only real similarity is these children often have to grow up fast. You seem wise beyond your years, Ambassador.

[ A pause. A bit of a sly pause. ]

No wonder Count Dooku sees you as a formidable force. Something perhaps to discuss over lunch.

[ To get the cleaner picture of tensions between them would give Baelish the better idea of who is the better ally to have. Dooku was here a long time, but he had never been able to drum up the sort of support and respect Padme had in her short while. Yet, Dooku could have good reason to dislike her and perhaps Petyr had yet to see it. ]

2pm sounds lovely. How about the seafood restaurant overlooking the riverfront called Seas the Day? If you have not been there yet, you will not be disappointed by their food.

would you like to log it?

[functusofficio]

My education was very thorough in terms of preparation for such a role once I joined the Legislature. We may elect young, but we do not take it lightly certainly, nor the preparations for it.

[ Her response is measured in a way that is absolutely practiced. ]

I cannot think of a reason Count Dooku would have any reason to be concerned by me unless he were undertaking activities he knows would not be found legal.

[ But he's not the first one to mention Dooku's consideration of her, and if she doesn't say so out loud it is an interesting piece of knowledge. ]

I haven't been there, no, but I would be happy to see what they offer.

yessss, but let's do it February since we're so close!

[baetiful]

Then I shall make reservations for us and we can discuss everything at length. I won't take up too much more of your time. No doubt your network inbox is lighting up with messages left and right.

So I will say that I look forward to our meeting, and once again offer my congratulations. If there is anything you need of me, do not feel you have to go through Gwen to schedule an appointment. You can contact me directly.

lmao IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ANYWAYS i'm. a turtle. would you like to set it up or would you like me to?

[functusofficio]

It's been a pleasure speaking, Mayor, and I look forward to working with you. Thank you for reaching out and the confidence, and congratulations again on your own win.

I greatly appreciate it, and I'll see you shortly.