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

[slightlyoffchilt]

[And when he speaks, it's through gritted teeth.]

Yes. You are the most capable, a businessman with leadership qualities and management skill. Moreover, you have already spent some time here -- testimony to your experience, I'm sure.

[shifting]

[holy shit.]

...Is this actually Frederick Chilton I'm talkin' to, or is there some possession thing happening?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Do not make me rescind my endorsement.

[shifting]

I guess it is you.

Still not sure I understand why you're singin' my praises when you were so against me the last time I ran, but I guess... thank you. I think.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Do not question it. Just accept it.

[Then, as more a topic changer than anything else:]

Any plans to reinvest in mental health? De Chima is no Maurtia Falls, as it stands.

[shifting]

Want to tell me to 'Sit' and 'Stay' while you're at it?

[a pause follows the challenge in his voice... but he relents to the topic switch.]

I wasn't considerin' mental health in particular, no. Medical help across the board though, sure, if I look at the numbers and feel we're bein' under-served. But from what I've seen imPorts actually tend to get more attention there than the natives do.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Sit. Stay. [Happy to oblige.] Good boy.

-- Oh, interesting. Keeping an eye on imPort-native relations, specifically involving health care. Well, you know, I had in mind opening a sister psych ward in another city.

[shifting]

[fucker.]

A sister psych ward, huh? Plannin' to clone yourself?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Obviously I am irreplaceable. But a secondary facility in De Chima could really enable access -- for both imPorts and natives.

[shifting]

I'll add it to the list to consider.

...Why De China over Nonah? Or have you already asked Ambassador Vorkosigan?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I come from Maryland, Sam, and Virginia's right next door. That rate of mental illness doesn't shift out with a new universe.

[shifting]

Pennsylvania and Virginia then. Gettin' as close to home as you can.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Call me sentimental.

[shifting]

I don't know if that's even possible.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Not very marketable to call me much else, so publicly. While on campaign. Mr. Merlotte.

[shifting]

[oh, two can play that fucking game.]

I think people'd know it's just good-natured ribbing between friends.

[F R I E N D S.]

You did just give me that glowing endorsement.

[slightlyoffchilt]

And I meant. Every. Word.

[shifting]

Thanks for your vote.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Do I get bumper sticker?

[shifting]

And a T-shirt.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Nn. [No, he almost says.] Nnn -- nice.

[shifting]

Don't worry, I'll sign it for you too.

[slightlyoffchilt]

With just your name?

[shifting]

There somethin' you're lookin' for?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Well, you always have such a personal touch. I'm sure the female vote would agree.