"The Real Neel?"  

Blog No.64
 

 

 

After having that nice conversation with Mr Casimir Garcia last month, I decided to do it again, with another citizen of the Galaxy. 

Mr Bernardo had been in our neck of the woods, so to speak and I was pleased when he accepted our invitation (after inquiring about snacks) 

 

I had a special chair brought in, as Mr Bernardo is an Ortolan and so a little larger than my smaller office chair. 

He arrived on time, which was great and I shook his hand,

 

Tessa: "Welcome, Mr Bernardo. May I call you Neel?"

 

Mr. B: "Hellooo, Chancellor, may I call you Chancellor?"

 

Me: "Certainly. Thank you for making time for this. I know that you are a popular musician and are usually busy. I'm trying to get a feel and understanding for more parts of the Galaxy and the people in it. Would you mind telling me a bit about your home planet?"

 

 

Mr. B: "No problem. I was playing at a Hutt Cartel party recently, but it's between sets and I couldn't turn down an offer from the Chancellor, Chancellor! I am from Orto. If you like snowball fights, it's perfect for it, as it's a cold planet. Lots of snow and ice. If you bring some friends together and sing the perfect notes, you can make icicles fall!"

 

Me: "That sounds . . a little dangerous, but fun, I'm sure! So you are a member of the Hutts and I understand that you have worked directly with the current and former Hutt Ambassadors! Tell me about that, Neel." 

 

 

Mr B: "Hmm? Oh, sure! I was fortunate enough to be hired by the former Ambassador, Lord Malic, as a musician for his palace Hall. I had just arrived in the Core Worlds and his son snatched me right up! Literally, actually. Haha! We had such fun together! I played great music and in return, Lord Malic did NOT feed me to the pit beast - a bargain if ever I heard it!" 

 

Me: "Oh, that - sounds terrible."

 

Mr. B: No, no, the pressure and constant threat of imminent peril really honed my musical skills! Just what I needed. And then, once Lord Malic disappeared under 'mysterious circumstances' Lady Skye came along and let me stay on! Very kind of her."

 

Me: "Well, I hope so, Neel. So, if you met someone who was also starting on their travels, would you have any advice or tips for them?"

 

Mr. B: "Yes! Always bring snacks - this is imperitive! I am always hungry (Ortolans have a tendency to be foodies) and I can't tell you how many times I have been sad that I had no snacks because I ate them already. Also, try eating all kinds of things - the galaxy has lots to offer! And I sometimes don't need my stomach pumped!"

 

Me: "Neel, Neel, oh my! Well, maybe be discerning in your food tasting. Are you happy with your career or do you have plans to change things up?"

 

 

Mr. B: "Nope! I love singing and I've enjoyed the people on the band and who have sung with me or even against me in competitions. And there is always plenty to eat at the Hutt Palace."

 

Me: "I'm glad that you are content. Now, would you demonstrate a song for me?"

 

Mr B: "I'd love to! Ahem: "

'Little Hutty, You're the one!

You make singing, so much fun!
Little Hutty I'm awfully fond of youuuuu!!"

 

Me: "Oh. Wow. That was - unexpected. (Applause) Thank you. You're an aquired taste I imagine. Thanks for stopping by!"

Mr B: "Thank you, Chancellor! One question, if I may. Why do you keep calling me 'Neel'?"

Me: "I - I thought that was your name. isn't it?!"

 

Mr B: "Nope, it's Rupert. But if I ever meet an Ortolan named Neel, I'll be sure to send your regards!"

 

It was an interesting visit.