1 ☙ open; lobby to courtyard

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

[Stacked in her arms are books. She may have read these particular books multiple times already during her stay at Garden before leaving to travel the world, but they have always been her favorite in terms of politics. Padmé's on her way from the library and cautiously weaving her way through the cadets towards the quad to exit out into the courtyard to read under the sun.

Padmé's dressed in an elegant choice, clothing she was transported in, with her hair half pinned back and the rest left to hang in loose curls around her shoulders. She looks to be managing just fine, but feel free to walk with her if any instructors wish to or if there are any cadets in (or interested in taking) her two courses; (PSI 101) Political Science & (INT 101) International Relations.]

Comments

[waylights.livejournal.com]

[ Elika is actually ready to head back inside with her own manuals, having spent a few hours soaking up the nice weather. When she turns to head out, though, she spots a ambulant pile of books.

But wait! That is a strangely familiar ambulant pile of books-- ]

Padmé...?



[[ ooc. I figured they might have previously bumped into each other during their studies, and since Elika's in Intel they may have shared a class or other? ]]

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

[Padmé looks over and stops, turning to face Elika.]

Elika? [Then her face breaks out into a pleasantly warm smile at the sight of her.] I was beginning to wonder when I would bump into you again since my return to Garden.

[waylights.livejournal.com]

[ Elika returns the other woman's smile. ]

Oh? How long have you been back?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

A few days, no more. And yourself?

[waylights.livejournal.com]

Nearly a month, now. I've been adjusting to teaching--I see you've been offered a position, as well.

[ She motions to the books--there are quite a few of them--tucking her own under her arm and opening her empty hands. ] Can I help with those?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Oh no, I should be able to manage. Thank you. [Smiles again.] I was offered my two positions weeks ago but only just arrived back recently. I look forward to the new arrivals.

So much has changed since I left. So much...

[waylights.livejournal.com]

[ Without missing a beat, she shifts her books back. ]

It seems every week the school's population swells. Soon enough, we'll need to add rooms to accomodate them all. [ She shakes her head. ] But enough about the school--how was your time away?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

More rooms? [Her brows lift.] But where would they go?

[Elika's question takes her away from Garden for the moment.]

Mm, it was very... educational.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[While Padmé may have just left the library, Cid is actually on his way there right now. When he spots her weaving her way through the crowd, he walks over to greet her.]

I see you've finally returned from your travels.

[He offers her a small smile.]

Welcome back.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

[She would know that voice anywhere; it's distinct in its own way, like that of Yoda or Obi-Wan, even Anakin...]

Raines. What a pleasant surprise.

[Of course she means those words, she's pleased to see him.]

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

I could not agree more. It has been far too long since we last spoke.

But before that...

[He glances down, eyebrows rising in amusement, at the pile of books she's carrying.]

Can I be of some assistance here?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Ever still the gentlemen I see.

[Another smile, amused now. She might be petite for her build of 5'4" but she's proven many times in the past that she's capable and strong; too bad Obi-Wan and Anakin aren't here to vouch for her in that area. Or Bail Organa for that matter, the man was her closest friend within the Senate.]

I can assure they aren't as heavy as they seem, but I thank you nonetheless.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

If you insist.

[Cid's lips quirk into a smile.]

So tell me--where exactly did you go? I seem to recall that you had wanted to travel to better understand this world, but beyond that, I believe you left the details to my imagination.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

I hope my leave of absence didn't trouble you too much.

[She glances up at him--considering he's a lot taller than she is.]

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

Not overly much. I spent some time traveling as well.

It is a shame we did not encounter each other during our time abroad.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

You did? [Padmé gives him a brow raise.] You made no mention of this the last time we spoke, what brought it on?

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

The same reason as yourself, I assume: to better understand this new world we live in.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

It was quite the learning experience.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

And thus, you return ready to teach. [He offers her a small smile.] Are you looking forward to it?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

To a certain degree, yes. I am. And yourself?

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

It has been an interesting experience thus far. Different from anything I have attempted in the past.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Have you taught different subjects before, Instructor Raines?

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[He chuckles and shakes his head.]

I have never taught prior to coming here, even if I have been asked to in the past.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Didn't think you would enjoy it as you do now?

[She's only teasing him.]

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

If I must be honest, yes, that is correct. [A quick smile.] I tended to refuse on the basis of being too busy with the fleet though.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Ah yes. The fleet. You spoke of it many months ago when we first became acquainted.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

[He nods before allowing a small smile to appear.]

While I'm sure I could have spared some time, I was less than eager to leave. One does start to miss the skies after being away.

[While it's not a total lie, it's certainly not the real reason why Cid never took those teaching posts--not that he'll part with those secrets that easily.]

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

There are some times when even I miss the frigid air and unsettling hush of space, perhaps even the soft lull of a ship.

[She nods, understanding. It feels like forever has gone by since she last traveled above the ground and so far in space.]

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

To travel in space...

[He chuckles at that.]

A wonder I will likely never get to experience, but it does sound quite fascinating. How would you say it compares to air travel?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

There is a noticeable difference, mainly gravity as well as being able to breathe and feel the wind on your face.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

Come to think of it--this entire gravity business... [He gives Padmé an inquisitive look.] How does one manage? Do you have devices to nullify the effects? I imagine simply floating about everywhere all the time to be too much of a hassle...

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

[Although Damian normally doesn't care for his instructors, Padmé's appearance pings him. It's been a while since he's seen someone dressed that elegantly - and he has a sneaky feeling that she's like the diplomats he knew back home - and well, he's got nothing else better to do with his free time.]

You the new teacher for Poli-Sci?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

[Padmé looks up at the voice. She sees the young cadet that's approached her and offers him a small smile and nod.]

I am, yes. Are you one of my students?

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

Not this quarter. [He shakes his head, folding his arms.] I'm majoring in Comp Sci, so I'm not sure I'll need to take it anyways.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

That's a shame. You might enjoy it.

[She's teasing of course.]

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

Maybe! [Day shrugs, completely missing the teasing. It... sadly went over his head.] A refresher course'd never hurt.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Absolutely right. Ah- I'm Instructor Padmé Amidala. Who might you be?

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

[That name sounds really familiar. Damian's shaking it off as him just being weird.] My name's Damian Razem. [Without hesitation, he immediately offers his hand for a handshake] I'm one of the off-worlders here.... and a Comp-Sci Cadet, but I think that's obvious.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Cadet Damian Razem. [A small smile and she takes the offered hand without a moment of hesitation.] I myself majored in International Business.

How have your courses been?

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

They've been fine, m'am. [He gives a polite nod. No need to tell her how they've really been going.] The teachers're nice and the other students aren't that bad.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Then I'm glad to hear you've been getting along well enough with everyone. Have you been here long?

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

It's been about ten months now. [If he's surprised by it, it doesn't show.] Not like I can graduate since I'm not old enough, but... it'd be nice to leave campus more often.

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

I hope to venture into Balamb this weekend (AKA 07-23/24, talk about backdating...) if you wish to escape Garden for a few hours?

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

Sure. [He hadn't been expecting an invitation so soon, and it's a little obvious from his expression.] That is, if you wouldn't mind, m'am?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

[She's beginning to find this "ma'am" stuff endearing, Damian... But Padmé smiles at his expression.]

Of course not. Your company will be most welcome.

[bratbeyond.livejournal.com]

[JUST AS PLANNED---err, Damian finds her schway too! He grins in return.]

Thanks. Should I bring anything with me?

[ofherfate.livejournal.com]

Any gil, I suppose. If you wish to make a purchase or two.