(Video)

[politicallyinclined]

(Since she has been made aware of her prior stay, Padmé decides to use her tablet to send out a message. She is pale, but strangely resolved to this new plight. Her hair is ornately braided, but her clothing is plain. She's just happy to have clothes and to be rid of that white gown!)

Greetings, everyone. Some of you might recognize me; I want to speak to you if that is the case.

(The faster she is up to speed, the better.)

For those I am encountering for the first time, hello. I'm Padmé. Some of my family is present and -

I would like very much to protect them. I'm sure you can understand the feeling.

Comments

[politicallyinclined]

(The consequences, from what she has heard and read, are disconcerting. She doesn't want them. Yet she will have to approach the tethering carefully.)

It's strange. I'm a married woman; sharing my mind and emotions with my husband is a given. Sharing them with a stranger, however, feels...

(Unfaithful.)

I'll do what I must.

[maskedtyrant]

[A brief flicker of conflict crosses Codi's face, scrunching her brow and twitching the corners of her mouth. This is a private conversation - she could try to relate by mentioning that she's also married, since it seems like such an important point for Padmé. But her marital status has so far remained a carefully-cultivated secret, and saying anything about it anywhere immediately jeopardizes her chances of keeping it that way. It would be one hell of a calculated risk.]

[So she decides to be vague instead.]

I understand. [Going to just keep it at that.] Your husband is going to have to do the same thing, if he hasn't already. Think of it like...something to sympathize over.

[politicallyinclined]

(She gave up keeping her marriage secret when she died. Really, death is freeing, Codi! Don't try it.)

I wouldn't blame him for doing what he must. (Padmé trusts Anakin and if he made a friend, that's actually a nice outcome.) I don't see things like he does in that regard.

[maskedtyrant]

[The puzzle pieces click in Codi's brain, accompanied by an almost audible "ah" of recognition and a lift of her eyebrows. Jealous.]

I see...and you doubt he'd see reason, even though he's definitely going through the same thing himself?

[politicallyinclined]

He is...emotional. (She loves him; she would have given him a hoard of children, but, yes, her husband is emotional. One of his greatest fears seems to be losing her. That could be to death or to another man.)

[maskedtyrant]

Husbands.

[Said with the tone of someone that's had a few boyfriends that she has Fondly Judgmental Opinions about - or perhaps that husband of her own, though she knows for a fact that Rick wouldn't act the way that Padmé is suggesting Vader would. Anxious enough to have a few quiet, urgent words of concern with her, absolutely. But in the end, she knows he trusts her too much to do anything else.]

[Sometimes, he really shouldn't.]

Do you think it would help if someone else spoke with him, perhaps? [Codi's eyes swivel skyward.] A neutral third party that's comfortable dealing with...emotional men of power?

[politicallyinclined]

(Padmé has met her own share of judgmental men, but Anakin is special. Any of his opinions come from one root: his worry for her safety. That makes him different from the rest.)

Mm no, it wouldn't. He would only wonder why you know I'm concerned.

(It's best if she approaches the subject.)

Oh trust me, I'm accustomed to dealing with them too.

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi shrugs, nonchalant. Can't win them all.]

I understand. Just know that you have my support if you ever need it - or if anyone else needs it. It would be unfortunate if you or any of your future Tethers were put in danger while just trying to survive here.

[politicallyinclined]

And you have mine. I don't think it will come to that. I just want to do this openly and safely.

(They have enough hidden tension in their marriage.)

[maskedtyrant]

[Codi's smile widens slightly - perhaps in a show of appreciation, but more accurately, a sign of victory. A pledge of support and a debt? This conversation could not have gone any better for her.]

Of course.

Is there anything else you wanted to know? You have enough on your plate as it is, naturally, but I'm happy to make myself available in case you need help with anything else.