video;

[shifting]

I'm gonna try and keep this short.

[says a smiling Sam Merlotte, wearing familiar plaid and jeans against the familiar wood and glass backdrop of his bar.]

My name's Sam Merlotte. I live in De Chima and I run Merlotte's, which - if I'm allowed to brag a bit - is probably about the best bar and grill you could stumble into or out. Now, this isn't the first time I've thrown my hat in this particular ring, and there's a lot about what I stand for that I think you're gonna find in common with the other candidates, but I don't think that's a bad thing. Core values are what shapes a community.

Community's my platform. People don't say it enough, but we're a remarkable group - and not really for the things people do talk about us for. ImPorts start off here a bunch of strangers with our lives turned upside down, and yet instead of scatterin' to the winds, we build somethin' together. You see it every month, how we offer help to newcomers and answer questions. And while we've also got our troublemakers, that exception doesn't break the rule. Time and again I've seen trouble hit and imPorts join one another to reach out and speak up.

And in the end, that's what an ambassador is: the voice of the community. Given the opportunity to be the Ambassador of De Chima, I'd like to use that voice to strengthen inter-community communication between ourselves, the government, and the natives. More specifically, I'd like to work with the other Ambassadors to start regular town halls in the imPort cities for community outreach, and to open the floor for imPorts to address concerns and discuss solutions. I'd also like to look into establishin' a more official welcome wagon for new imPorts, to ease the imPortation process. Both of which I'm perfectly willin' to get into more detail about with anyone who'd like to ask... but I think I've already pushed my own time limit.

[Sam straightens and nods to the camera.]

So lemme just leave you with this: however strong you are, I believe we're stronger together. And if that's somethin' you'd like to see represented in De Chima, I hope you'll vote Merlotte.

Comments

[action]

[wordaday]

[Sookie is sitting off behind the camera, and when he wraps she bursts into a little round of applause.]

You did good! Who wouldn't want to vote for you after that?

[Last round was a bit of an upset, but she's optimistic this time around. For one, Sam's established around here, and two, his ideas sound better than anything else she's heard outta anyone else.]

[shifting]

[Sam breathes a laugh in response, his smile twitching just a little wider.]

You know, it's lucky I've got you here with me instead of someone else from back home, Sook. I don't think anyone else would be as nice.

[he can just picture Tara laughing into her shot glass and rolling her eyes.]

[wordaday]

[Oh now, c'mon, you're gonna make her blush.]

Oh, that's not true. I bet everyone would be very nice after you bought them all a round.

[She nods sagely, hiding a small smile in her wine glass. It's a rare indulgence, but we've all got to treat ourselves sometimes, right?]

You should make shirts. Big 'ol "VOTE MERLOTTE" across the front.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Deadpan, resentfully so, keeping his emotion as nonexistent as possible:]

I think Merlotte makes a rational argument. I will, in fact... Give him my vote.

[Thanks, Baelish.]

[shifting]

[what Bizarro World is this.]

...

...Should I be waitin' for the punchline?

[slightlyoffchilt]

No, I am utterly done speaking.

[baetiful]

[ Good boy. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

[Worth the $10,000.]

video.

[jalan]

I, for one, can attest to the unparalleled hospitality of Merlotte's bar and grill.

video.

[shifting]

Well now I'm just feelin' flattered. 'Specially since as far as endorsements go, I don't think a person can do better'n the Queen of Dragons.

I'm a little surprised you're not runnin' yourself.

video.

[jalan]

Fortunately for you, I also endorse your sentiment. A sense of community and lateral communication would give way to the kind of infrastructure we need.

[ Voters!! ]

I can't say I didn't think about it, and there might come a time when I do run. My sights are aimed elsewhere, for the moment.

video;

[baetiful]

No one else has addressed the prospect of uniting forces with the other ambassadors, which is a highly important part of taking on the position. Alone, we serve as important community leaders and can do a great deal for our cities. But, to borrow your words, we are stronger together. And I am glad to see you are willing to work with myself and Lord Vorkosigan.

video;

[shifting]

Thank you, Ambassador. I appreciate what you'n Mr. Vorkosigan have managed to do for your cities, it only makes sense I'd want to pool that talent. Plus I'm sure you both have your own ideas you'd like to see supported - the more hands you've got for the work, the easier it goes.

video;

[baetiful]

[ Oh, Petyr smiles so humbly after the compliment, bowing his head. ]

Well, I cannot speak for Lord Vorkosigan, but I have only done my duties for Maurtia Falls. And I still fear it's sometimes not enough. But should you get elected, having your support would be a wonderful thing. Especially in times of crisis.

And that is something you must prepare for as well -- because there will be a crisis that hits one or all the porter cities at one time or another. Have you any plans for how you may respond to a threat or natural disaster?

[trouvaille]

( mmmm gwen clocks those endorsements and the way the wind is blowing. )

Good luck, Mr Merlotte, I've heard only good things.

[shifting]

Oh, yeah? [interested, and he follows it with a good-hearted laugh.] Somehow I find that surprisin', given who tends to talk about me. But thank you.

I don't know that we've met yet.

[trouvaille]

We've not. Gwen Wynne-York; I run Lord Baelish's ambassadorial office. I recommend you get someone in mind to do the same for you.

video;

[cleptes]

I had no idea you were running for office, Sam. Good luck.

video;

[shifting]

Thank you, Bela. To be fair, I didn't rightly know myself until a few days ago.

video;

[cleptes]

Oh? What made you decide to throw your hat into the ring?

Voice

[viced]

Wow. I'm proud of you, Sam. You, ah -- you need anything?

Voice

[shifting]

Probably a decent suit, but maybe nobody'll remember if I just re-use the one I put on last year.

Voice 1/2

[viced]

A few decent suits? I hate to break it to you, pal, but we need to update your wardrobe.

[ A pause. ]

[anonymous voice]

[blackhat]

What do you think ought to be done with the troublemakers?

[shifting]

[Sam knows that voice by know - it's as smoky as the smell of the man it belongs to.]

It's not really in the Ambassador job description to deal in crime 'n punishment, but if you're just askin' opinion, friend...

I think we need to be offerin' more'n some half-hearted search efforts and slaps on the wrist when an imPort gets violent. I especially think when they end up caged 'n collared, they need to wear that collar for a lot longer than they are now.