Less bullshit, also more bullsit. The throwing over the government wink wink nod nod is there, for sure, that helps. Not liking /him/ is a reason. He doesn't want to be in charge, she doesn't want him to be in charge, handshake meme here. Reward for 'Loyalty' said in the most sarcastic tone you can imagine. Wow, you love the Empire? That's great, bucko, get a raise or something.

It also, in part, makes him like an idiot? Like that's not something he wants, but in part ruining his reputation is a form of self-harm he dances with. Randomly promote someone he, as far as people are aware, has never really talked to before, be vague about the reasons? Hell if people assume she got it cause they are fucking thas a SLIGHT win in his books- not to drag her down with him but fucking up his own life is a passionate hobby. He only gets to sometimes. I have a hard time rping him cause he is supposed to come off as more put together, passively suicidal in the dream bubbles, less in the waking world, quiet and unconventional in places, but still... decent enough. Not a huge fuckup.