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

phone call in response!!

[functusofficio]

[ The next day after this, sometime about 3pm in hopes of finding him available. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

This is Doctor Chilton speaking.

[Excellent timing, Padme! Caught him just in the right moment.]

[functusofficio]

I'm glad I caught you, Doctor. This is Ambassador Amidala. If it's a good time, I was hoping we could speak more about your work and the plans you have for it.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I think now would work perfectly fine, Ambassador. [Easy enough to reschedule his upcoming meeting -- something that he hastily texts Reggie Mantle, his receptionist, to do.]

Where shall we begin?

[functusofficio]

I'm glad to hear that.

My first question would be as to the nature of your job specifically, and what are the steps you feel need to be taken to ensure Imports are being taken care of in that capacity.

[slightlyoffchilt]

As Head Administrator of the Maurtia Falls Psychiatric Hospital for Abnormal Conditions, I analyze, assess, and treat the psychological maladies that are far more common about the imPort populace than that of the native variety. In essence: problem solving of the self. On a macro scale, my work helps reduce violence enacted within society -- and often limits criminal intent.

I had previously worked at a hospital in Heropa, but I felt my talents were... Unappreciated. It was Mayor Petyr Baelish, who was Ambassador at the time, who helped me acquire the right funding to establish a hospital designed to focus upon imPorts -- a significant step, I'm sure you would agree.

[functusofficio]

I must be entirely frank here -- while I have learned some things of your field since arriving here, and think it sounds like it must be extremely useful, I come from a galaxy where it is at best rare. I hope you'll forgive me if at times I need clarification on various points.

However, I believe I grasp the general idea of what it is you're aiming for with your practice, and I've done research to help me get more of a sense. Correct me if I get anything wrong, though, please.

[ With that out of the way, she considers what he'd said. ]

I can certainly understand where Imports might face a great challenge in terms of emotional struggle and turmoil upon arriving here, or upon facing some of the events that happen. Learning of their futures, so forth.

Practically speaking, did the funding from Mayor Baelish come from the Ambassador's Office itself or from the then Ambassador's private funds? I have yet to go thoroughly over our budget and allottance, but if it comes from this office you need not fear that I will cut it off. It seems you're providing a valuable service.

[ Can she send her entire family to you. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

I was under the impression that the money came from funds he had raised within the boundaries of his office -- specifically designed to be collected for the vast improvement of imPort health.

[That was his impression, yes, but he wouldn't have been shocked if someone informed him that unspoken sources had contributed. Baelish was unusually uncanny like that, in terms of his persuasion.]

I am duly reassured, of course. Regarding the funding. Should we talk about the potential for expansion?

[functusofficio]

I'll be sure to double check the information and background in the budgets and with the former Ambassador to ensure a smooth transition. I wouldn't want your business to suffer any interruptions.

May I ask specifics on what it is that you offer to the Import population? And do you extend any services to the natives who have been affected by Import disasters?

[slightlyoffchilt]

ImPort diseases -- I think that might best translate into trauma impacted by imPort activities. Overlap between natives and imPorts, in terms of infliction, of course.

ImPorts suffer an unusual frequency of PTSD, dissociation, depression, mania, impulse control, and occasionally low empathy. Some refuse to accept this world as a valid reality, and therefore the people within it are not people to them.

Personality disorders take quite an investment.

[functusofficio]

And some -- many of them, it seems -- have come to this place after great trauma in their own.

[ She pauses, considering. ]

I can see how you would have your hands full with simply the Imports themselves. Do you find that many of them are willing to seek out help? Do you have sufficient visibility, do you feel?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I would never say no to more visibility. [A self-promoter, this one.] And a good many imPorts tend to be skeptical of psychiatric help -- understandable, given that those same imPorts rarely have the same amenities back in their natural environment.

Perhaps, with your office behind a public service announcement, that would change.

[functusofficio]

I would certainly consider making such a statement, once I have established myself more in my office.

May I ask what the costs for your services are? I know you have to make money, but there may be a way to help with those costs for people who need the services but cannot otherwise afford them.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Well, their insurance may well cover the entirety of the fees -- if the are Registered, of course. I have a sliding scale for those imPorts who choose not to be Registered but require medical treatment.

[A courtesy that does not extend to local humans.]

[functusofficio]

I'm glad you've made concessions for those who do not feel able to be Registered -- I suspect they are both the ones potentially most in need of help and most unwilling to seek it.

What, if asked, would you say is the greatest problem that the Import community faces in your field, from what you've gathered from your work and time?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Coherent reactions to their trauma -- very, very few imPorts are equipped with the ability or the desire to process what is happening to them. Psychologically. Most live in denial -- ticking time bombs.

Some directly act out.

[functusofficio]

[ She prefers not to hear that description, frankly, given that she is herself one of those ticking time bombs to an extent, but it isn't unreasonable. ]

Aside from resources and awareness being spread, what would you consider your most pressing needs in order to best help the community?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Those would be the main concerns. Especially the latter -- elevation on a political stage would deeply help.

The rest, I can handle.

[functusofficio]

If I were to make a public announcement at some point, I feel it would only help to have you there with me. Is that something you would be interested in, or would you prefer to have it be set further removed and as an outside effort entirely?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Oh, Ambassador, I would be deeply interested in your direct involvement.

[functusofficio]

If you could send me any prepared information you have on the hospital so I can review it, that would be wonderful, then.

I'd hate to present a public announcement that sounded like I didn't know what I was talking about, or be unable to answer questions.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I highly doubt you have ever sounded like you weren't enthusiastically prepared, Ambassador. I will not let you down.

[functusofficio]

I appreciate the compliment, Sir. And thank you.

I'll let you know when I'm able to arrange something.