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1999/02/14 Landsraad Congress
Below is the log from last night's open session of the Landsraad Congress.
Three votes took place:
1) House Sauvri motions to dismiss the charges of
malfeasance (simple majority required)
FOR: Corrino, Atreides, Moritani, Bajazet, Harkonnen, Rastanyev
AGAINST:
ABSTAIN: Spacing Guild, Ginaz, Alvstad, Venhei
RESULT: Passes, 53 1/2 - 0
2) House Vodvarka motions for amnesty from Imperial tax and
levy (simple majority required)
FOR: Atreides, Alvstad
AGAINST: Moritani, Harkonnen, Rastanyev
ABSTAIN: Corrino, Spacing Guild, Ginaz, Bajazet, Venhei
RESULT: Fails, 10 - 19
3) House Atreides motions to recall House Rastanyev from the LHC and
hold new elections (2/3 majority vote required)
FOR: secret ballot
AGAINST: secret ballot
ABSTAIN: secret ballot
RESULT: Fails, 28 1/2 - 50
* NOTE * - the tallies in the log for this last election were off, as we
errantly assigned more votes to the Imperium and Guild. The tally above is
correct.
Log edited with Logedit 2.6.9pl on Mon Feb 15 11:02:36 EST 1999
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Congressional Chambers -- Landsraad Congress (Kaitain)
The room is slanted, forming several tiers of seating. Each group
seats has a designated pattern on the back of their chair,
representing the House it belongs to. At the front of the room is a
large table where there are seats for the High Council members only.
Behind the table is plush throne, draped in all the colors of
Corrino. Directly infront of this setup is an open area considered
the floor, where people may address the Chamber.
Players:
Arn (atreides) Mintor (atreides)
Arren (bajazet) Nikolai (table)
Azzo (moritani) Reverend Mother Ona
Balandai (bajazet) Sarina (bajazet)
Cesare (moritani) Sha'ara'diin (bajazet)
Demosthenes (atreides) Yadir (corrino)
Iason (atreides)
Exits:
Double Doors <E> leads to Inner Rotunda -- Landsraad Congress (Kaitain)
Cesare gives a bemused rise of the brow to the arrival of the
Rastanyev proxy.
Yadir sits quietly at the Corrino table watching the comings of and
goings around the tables.
Praxton walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Praxton joins the High Council table.
Arn rises and bows deeply to the Duke.
Mintor looks agahst at the presumption of the Rastanyev.
Iason rises as Praxton arrives and bows deeply to the Chairperson.
Nikolai places his attache case upon the table. He stands to give a
slight bow to Praxton before regaining his seat.
Yadir rises
"All rise," the powerful voice of the Congress bailiff calls.
Mintor rises and bows to the Lord Council.
Reverend Mother Ona takes a momment, but with her cane she rises as
Praxton enters.
Azzo rises at the arrival of the Duke, and bows.
Standing quickly, then sweeping into a deep bow, The Baron's eyes
follow in the good Duke's wake.
Iason does cast a glance towards the Rastanyev envoy who has shown the
utter gall to lay claim to a seat at the High Council table.
Sarina rises, and curtsies gracefully.
Cesare rises from his seat, giving a slight, annoyed sigh as he does
so.
Balandai almost touches the floor with his head, he bows so deeply.
Praxton finds his place at the High Council table. With a quick
once-over for the Chamber, he nods a greeting to those present. A
secretary passes him an attendance list, which he places before him.
Arn leaves his place to silently walk down to the High Council Table
and assist Nikolai in leaving.
Arn leaves the Atreides seating.
Demosthenes rises from his back chair and bows low.
Cesare leaves the Moritani seating.
Iason leaves the Atreides seating.
Arn mutters to Nikolai, " ... you ... care ... explain ... "
Azzo leaves the Moritani seating.
Nikolai mutters to Arn, " ... official ... Rastanyev ... holds
... seat ... High ... does ... "
Mintor remains standing as the Baliff deals with the situation.
"Bailiff," the Lord Council Atreides says gently, "Please escort the
Rastanyev representative to his proper place. He presumes to occupy
the seat that rightfully belongs to the late Earl Valeri Rastanyev."
Arn mutters to Nikolai, " ... we ... determine ... vote ... cast
... leave ... you ... thrown ... hope ... "
Iason is silent, following the Forms.
Cesare scowls at the the Duke Atreides.
Nikolai leans back in his chair and states, "Point of order, Lord
Council!"
Fredhrick walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Fredhrick enters, surrounded by 10 Sardaukar soldiers. Apparent is the
tell-tale shimmer of a shield at its maximum setting surrounding the
Emperor.
Nikolai stands and bows before the Emperor.
Yadir who has remained standing turns as the Emperor arrives.
Mintor bows to the Emperor.
Bearing himself up through all the rucus, Sha'ara'diin watches
silently as the shenanigans pan out before him.
Azzo bows deeply, looking at his boots.
Reverend Mother Ona sighs to herself and rises also.
Arn bows to the Emperor from where he is standing next to the High
Council Table.
Cesare pushes his chair out of the way and goes into a deep bow as the
Emperor arrives.
Filarion walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Iason is standing as the Rastanyev representative has seated himself
at the High Council seat. He turns to bow deeply to His Majesty.
Sha'ara'diin dips into a low genuflection with the Emperor's arrival,
his eyes carefully examining a spec on the floor in front of him.
Balandai lowers his gaze respectfully as he gives His Majesty his most
schooled bow.
Arn mutters to Nikolai, " ... given ... order ... Chair
.... leave ... bailiff ... assist ... force ... "
Sarina drops into a deep curtsy, her eyes carefully fixed on the floor
in front of her.
Nikolai waves Arn away dismissively.
The Baliff straightens from his bow to the Emperor to turn and walk
purposefully towards the High Council table to stop beside Nikolai.
"The Forms must be obeyed." he says in a soft, but firm voice. "That
seat is reserved for the Siridari elected to the High Council - if
you would return to your proper seat, sir."
Filarion strides in, once again a briefcase under his left arm.
Quickly making his way to the Harkonnen table he bows sparingly,
only where absolutely needed. With a rather impassive face he seats
himself at his House's table.
Fredhrick had hoped not to interrupt the proceedings, but it seems as
though he was not successful. "Be seated," he says as he strides
towards the Throne and brushing his cape aside, seats himself.
Cesare gives a toothy grin to the Harkonnen proxy
Demosthenes reseats himself.
Cesare seats himself at the Emperor's behest.
Iason slowly seats himself.
Nikolai regains his seat and repeats, "A point of order, Lord
Council."
Arn waits to assist the bailiff in throwing out the insolent
Rastanyev.
Mintor sits slowly watching the High Table.
Sha'ara'diin gracefuly folds himself into hsi seat, the tension
playing throughout his frame a testament to the current mood of the
assemblage.
Nikolai looks to Praxton for a signal to speak.
Praxton nods to Nikolai, replying, "You may bring up a point of order
from the floor, sir, once Congress has conveneed and the Vow taken
by all present. Please be seated."
As if on an afterthought, Balandai quickly slips another document
infront of Sha'ara'diin.
Reverend Mother Ona settles into her seat and waits for the beginning
of the council meeting.
Nikolai stands from his seat and walks around the table into the well.
The baliff stands by Nikolai's elbow, a large shadow looming over the
representative. "If you would follow me to your proper seat, sir?"
he repeats.
Fredhrick walks up and takes a seat in the throne.
Arn follows Nikolai and continues himself back up to the Atreides
seats. He fumbles with a napkin, wiping his hands as he sit.
Praxton begins to make some marks on the document before him with his
stylus, then clears his throat loudly. He takes up his gavel and
makes to strike with it... but he stops. He looks about the Chamber,
as if looking for someone.
Yadir settles in her seat in the Corrino table.
Nikolai ignores the baliff and turns to Praxton, "Lord Council. The
seats at this table are reserved for representatives of the High
Council of the Landsraad. As the officially designated proxy for
House Rastanyev at this meeting, I have the right to occupy the seat
reserved for House Rastanyev, a legally recognized member of the
High Council." He speaks fluidly and without significant tonal
changes.
The Baliff escorts the Rastanyev representative to his proper seat,
staying close till his task as directed by the chair is
accomplished.
The baliff stops at that, turning silently towards the arguing
Rastanyev.
Filarion shuffles around with some papers, occasionally shaking his
head.
Praxton shakes his head slightly. Composing himself, he calls the
Congress. "This Session Ordinary of the Landsraad Congress is hereby
called to order. I, High Councilman Praxton Atreides, do state that
the Forms will be obeyed."
Sha'ara'diin's eyes seem to bore into both the Rastanyev, and the
bailiff, his visage an unreadable mask.
Arn shakes his head grimly, torching Nikolai's back with a frowning
stare.
Fredhrick places his arms comfortably on the rests of the Throne as he
settles in for the duration of the nights bickering.
Cesare gives a somewhat sympathetic smile to the Emperor, his eyes
conveying some hidden meaning.
Nikolai remains calmly in the well, taking no heed to the baliff.
Fredhrick returns Cesare's smile with one of his own.
A low clearing of the throat seems to denote the Baron's displeasure
at the disturbance.
Iason listens silently, as he watches the room.
Cesare waves a hand until he gets the Emperor's attention and then
points to his own shoulders.
Praxton takes his seat. He reads from the papers in front of him,
"First item on the agenda, is the motion set forth by House Sauvri,
properly seconded in Council, to dismiss the charges of malfeasance,
as recorded in this Congress' Archives, dated 12 naCorrin, 10,088."
Nikolai retakes his seat at the table, his point of order going
unchallenged.
Fredhrick raises a hand to cover the light chuckles that arises from
Cesare's actions.
Arn raises his hands in the air in protest.
Cesare gives a wry grin and a wink to the Emperor as he regains his
composure and turns his attentions back towards the Council table.
A slight muffled groan escapes the Sultan's lips as the Rastanyev
proxy once again seems to be causing another cocanundrum.
The baliff walks RIGHT behind the insolent Rastanyev. He however,
remains silent, as he obeys the forms.
Filarion casts a short glance at Cesare, arching an eyebrow ever so
little before turning to his papers once again.
"The full text of the motion is on the Session Agenda, page
ninety-two," the Councilman says. "A few moments will be allowed for
review, and the motion will be voted on in the customary fashion."
Mintor shakes his head, slowly as he watches.
One of the guards which accompanied Fredhrick into congress hands him
the book containing the agenda for the congress.
Nikolai folds his hands upon the table in respectful silence, again
ignoring the baliff.
Iason silently pulls out the Session Agenda text, opening it to the
designated page before handing it to Mintor, scanning it.
Mintor reads the text quickly and nods. His attention returns
immediately to the Rastanyev representative.
Sha'ara'diin's eyes dart repeatedly from his documents to the
Rastanyev occupying the the table. With a slight shake of his head,
he raises on hand to his forhead, rubbing at it lightly, as if
stemming off an allready imminent headache.
Praxton taps his gavel slightly, to indicate that he will speak. He
stands, "Voting on Motion 2,231-9.67 will now proceed. Chamber will
vote Aye to dismiss the charge, Nay to continue the prosecution at a
later Session Extraordinary."
(OOC) Nikolai says, "Please remember to use places when your
pose/words would likely not be seen/heard by the entirety of the
room."
Reverend Mother Ona shifts her weight in her seat until she finds a
more comfortable position, she now settles and now she lightly slips
into her trance.
Arturios walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Arturios walks in non-chanlantly. He pauses and gives a flourish bow
to the emperor before walking to his appointed table.
Arturios joins the Venhei seating.
Cesare blinks in surprise at the arrival of the erstwhile Arturios.
Arn debates a point or two with Iason in a whispering voice over the
documents on the Atreides table.
(OOC) Nikolai repeats. Use places.
Mintor rises to be recognised.
Praxton bobs his head to the Atreides, "Council recognizes Minotauros
Atreides, proxy to Siridar-Duke Praxton Atreides of Caladan."
Mintor says, "Lord Council, may enquire as to the propriety of the
seating arrangements. The Rastanyev seems to have taken it on
himself to preempt an issue which is an open item before this body."
Cesare gives a loud snort and rolls his eyes.
The whispering debate continues between the Atreides diplomats seated
by the na-Duke.
Storm swept grey eyes settle upon the Count, as the Sultan shifts in
his seat, disgruntlement ecident in his bearing as he fidgets with
the stack of documents placed before him upon the table.
Praxton blinks several times, in mock surprise. "I'm not sure what you
mean," he replies simply. He turns to the empty chair on his right,
which is currently empty. "I see no one."
Nikolai remains silent and allows just a small smile to temporarily
pass his lips.
Mintor grins and chuckles to himself "Your pardon, Lord Council. My
eyes have played tricks on me." He retruns to his seat.
Nikolai, seated to Praxton's left, takes his attache case from the
table and rests it against his chair on the floor.
"On this side, however," Praxton says levelly, looking at seat Nikolai
is currently occupying, "I see a man who was -not- elected to the
High Council, and whom I deem is wagering his life on the fact that
Council will not take offense at his criminal act of contempt in
thusly placing himself, and that the House he purports to represent
will not be challenged by any other House present for crass and
outrageous violations of the forms."
Sha'ara'diin nods once emphaticly.
Mintor nods.
Nikolai bangs his fist once against the table to make a bit of noise,
"Point of order, Lord Chairman!"
Sha'ara'diin winces slightly, then glances back to his Agha-Kislar,
calling softly for a headache reliever.
Praxton smiles at the Chamber, his tone a paternal one, "However, as
lawfully elected High Councilman and Chairman for these proceedings,
I am aware of my duty of service to this Congress, and would -never-
take it upon myself to make these judgements by mine own hand. Let
the Landsraad decide."
Yadir regards Nikolai for a long momment, her grey eyes fixing on him
as she listens to Praxton speak, she waits for Nikolai's next
reaction.
Fredhrick raises a hand towards the Lord Council, indicating he wishes
to be recognized.
Praxton inclines his head to the Throne, "Your Majesty."
Nikolai prepares to speak, but relents, as he notices Fredhrick's
intention to speak.
Fredhrick says, "Siridari, We note that tonights agenda is already
long enough without this - deviation. Lord Council, we Submit that
the Congress stick to the Agenda," At this, he indicates the rather
lengthy and heavy document that lists all the evenings topics, "And
worry less about where this Duke or that Count is seated.""
Mintor rises to be recognised.
"Council notes and appreciates His Majesty's indications," Praxton
says gently, "which we will gladly consider as Council oversees
Session, which is one of the functions entrusted unto us by the
Great Convention."
Fredhrick nods to Praxton and falls silent.
Praxton takes his feet. He calls, "Voting on Motion 2,231-9.67 will n
now proceed."
Mintor says, "House Atreides votes Aye."
(OOC) Cesare says, "Umm...isn't this a roll call vote?"
(OOC) Nikolai nods. Usually.
(OOC) Cesare says, "Otherwise I should think chaos would ensue, but
then I think it already has."
(OOC) Praxton says, "Spare my wrists, please. ;)"
(OOC) Praxton says, "Could we just assume everyone is hearing their
House name called out, please?"
(OOC) Sha'ara'diin is waiting for his betters to vote first.
(OOC) Filarion is too..
Fredhrick says, "House Corrino votes Aye"
Cesare adds his vote, "House Moritani votes Aye."
Rising from his seat in a swirl of desert silks, the Sultan replies in
a low confident voice. "House Bajazet votes Aye." With that,
Sha'ara'diin settles quickly back into his seat, his eyes catching
and holding those of his bodyguard for a few long heartbeats.
Nikolai rises and quietly says, "House Rastanyev votes aye."
Salvatore walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Praxton turns to regard Nikolai. "Sir, if I may inquire," he asks in a
loud voice. "Are you here in proxy for House Rastanyev or as proxy
to a lawfully elected Landsraad High Councilman?"
Cesare sighs as he takes the copy of the motion into hand and rips it
in half, tossing the pieces nonchalantly onto the floor.
Sha'ara'diin leans forward in his seat, cradling his now throbbing
head in his hand for a moment, before discarding the present
document off to the side.
"In any case," Praxton says before Nikolai can answer, then strikes
his gavel, "Motion passed by simple majority."
Nikolai replies to Praxton, "I am here as both, Lord Councilor. I am
certainly not the first, nor shall I be the last. Thank you, Lord
Councilor, for inquiring." He smiles.
The doors to the east end of the congress chambers open with a soft
creak, from whence a single man slips through before walking slowly
along the back tier of chairs. His head is angled toward the right,
and his gait is slow and hesitant, but after a moment he comes
before a vacant seat. One hand balances his weight upon the chair's
back, before he slides onto the cushion.
(OOC) Salvatore says, "That creaking guy is me. :) Sorry."
A muted hustling and muted congratulatory sounds from House Sauvri's
seating.
Filarion raises, glancing over to the Venhei party before bowing his
head to Praxton, "House Harkonnen votes Aye." With another glance
around he seats himself, putting a folder aside, regarding another
one.
Salvatore joins the Moritani seating.
Iason silently rises to be recognized.
Praxton makes a tick mark on the document in front of him. Then,
"Chair recognizes Lord Iason Earl of Pantoxa."
Arn places a few documents in easy reach before the Presbeutes as he
prepares to speak.
Nikolai speaks aloud: "Lord Council, High Council Rastanyev wishes to
inquire about which is the lawfully recognized House Atreides
representative at these proceedings? We have already heard from
na-Duke Minotauros Atreides."
Cesare scrawls something furiously onto a piece of paper. In writing,
the pen breaks, and he throws it. The missile hits another
representative in the back of the head, and Cesare winces.
Demosthenes waves a page over, whom he hands a missive, which is then
conveyed to the Bajazet table.
Sha'ara'diin clears his throat to cover a chuckle threatening to
bubble forth from his lips at the Moritani retainer's misfortune.
Sarina takes the missive from the page, and reads it carefully, a
blush coming to her cheeks.
Fredhrick joins Sha'ara'diin in chuckling at the errant pen.
Praxton turns to Nikolai, and levels a stony glance at the man. "Sir,
it has been the policy of this -lawfully- -elected- High Councilman,
to allow any Citizen of any House of the Landsraad leave to speak
before the Congress, as long as the agenda is not unduly
interrupted, as it has been twice by your utterings."
Sha'ara'diin's eyes sweep to his sister and heir, then dip to the
missive in her hand questioningly.
Filarion glares at Nikolai, letting out an indignant snort before
thumbing through his folder again.
Praxton turns to the Chamber once more, "Earl, you may speak. Please
keep your remarks brief, so as we may continue with the agenda."
Speaking in a clear, but loud voice, Iason addresses the chair. "Point
of order; the Houses on the Landsraad High Council must have two
representatives to speak for themselves and for their seat.
Ambassador Venyenko is by himself. This goes against the Forms. May
Ambassador Venyenko's position be clarified before the Council, so
we can proceed?"
His body shifting only slightly within his seat near the other
Moritani attendants, Salvatore touches a finger to his lower lip,
tapping against his mouth with a gentle movement. His eyes blink
slowly between gazes, though he speaks not to any nearby.
Praxton lifts both brows, again blinking his eyes in caricature of
confusion. "I'm sure the Ambassador has a perfectly good
explination, Earl. One which he'll grace us with now, I'm sure."
Iohannes walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Nikolai turns a scowl to Praxton and produces a copy of the Great
Convention from his attache case. After moments of page turning, he
looks up and replies, "As written in the Great Convention,
'LANDSRAAD CONGRESS shall hence forth be representative of each
House of the LANDSRAAD. Each House will thus have ONE designate to
serve as their liaison to the CONGRESS.' Allowing multiple
representatives of a House Major to speak is against the Forms!"
Nikolai replies then to Praxton's recent inquiry, "The Regent
Ivanova Rastanyev sends her regrets that she is unable to attend in
person as sickness has temporarily taken her to bed rest. As I was
to be our representative on the floor, Lady Rastanyev instructed me
to also serve as the representative on the High Council."
Iohannes makes his way in the room quietly, his face flushed with
embarassment.
Nikolai motions to Praxton, "Please Lord Council, do continue the open
session."
Cesare sighs and rises from his seat.
Iohannes joins the Alvstad seating.
Arn nods to Iohannes, then lets his glance continue sweeping over the
guards standing as yet patiently placed around the congressional
chamber.
Iohannes genuflects to the Emperor and bows to others before he sits
down.
Sha'ara'diin's eyes again drift to Arren, swirling into the muted
tones of a cloudless summer sky.
Cesare looks to Praxton and awaits recognition.
Iason pauses in mid-motion as he was about to seat himself, rising to
be recognized again.
Sarinareceives a second missive from a page, and reads it carefully,
her blush quickly returning.
Praxton bobs his heads slightly to the Moritani Siridar. "Chair
recognizes His Excellency Cesare Moritani, Siridar-Count of
Grumman."
Balandai is quick to start fanning the Lady Sarina, but nothing
betrays his emotions of what is going on.
Tillip walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Cesare gives a slight, strained grin to the chair and speaks in a
loud, tenor timber, "Most "Honoured" Chair, with permission I should
like to propose a motion for consideration and patronage."
Sha'ara'diin leans over, one hand resting under his sisters elbow as
his eyes rake over her with concern
"If it be lawfully proposed and seconded, Your Excellency," Praxton
replies from the Chair, "it will be properly considered."
Tillip enters silently, alone. He looks about the room slowly, the
pupils of his eyes looking from Siridar to Siridar. He then moves
over to the Guild section placing his footfalls quietly upon the
ground.
Tillip joins the Guild seating.
Cesare nods and continues, "I should like to propose that we allow the
Honourable Rastanyev to remain in his capacity as representative to
the Landsraad High Council for House Rastanyev. You shall pardon me
for speaking frankly, but things are getting out of hand fast, and
some of us have other things to do rather than sit here and watch
this senseless bickering. There /are/ other matters which require
the attention fo this body, and I remain certain that most of us do
not wish to be here into the midnight hours. I ask for patronage of
this motion."
Filarion arches both brows at these words. Shaking his head he casts a
glance to the Rastanyev delegation. Curling his lips in amusement he
then returns to making some notes.
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip is not wearing the mask from the
previous session, but a new mask, and new clothes. This time both
black gloved hands are free. He uses them to compose a letter, which
he idly passes to a Guild Agent.
Mintor rises slowly to gain the attention of the Chair.
Iason silently seats himself as the na-Duke rises. To make sure that
only ONE representative of the House is up.
Fredhrick shift in his seat, making himself more comfortable. Raising
a hand to his mouth he stifles a yawn before crossing his arms over
his chest.
Praxton replies, his tone very level and his voice clear and
commanding. "Your Excellency, it is most observant of you to declare
that this Session Ordinary is declining into chaos. I posit to you
that such disorder is inevitable when the Forms are so blalantly
disregarded and the office of High Councilman, which exists only to
oversee the smooth functioning of the Landsraad, held in such
abhorrent contempt as that exhibited by Nikolai Venyenko this night.
I consider it unseemly of a High Councilman to take issue at the
behaviour of another's proxy, and had fervently hope the Chamber
would come to the same conclusion as I: that the High Councilship
can suffer no fools nor broach no gray legal areas in which Nikolai
Venyenko takes refuge to warm a seat he is not entitled to."
Nikolai shakes his head from side to side.
Filarion silently nods at this, his expression impassive.
Cesare replies as he reseats himself, "Then continue as /you/ wish,
Lord Councilman," putting a venomous tinge on the word "you."
Josef walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Josef strolls in unabashedly and quickly, quietly, and politely slips
to the Rastanyev seats.
"Not as -I- wish, Your Excellency", Praxton replies quickly. "As the
Landsraad wishes. If there is an objection to the current
configuration of the High Council, I move that the floor be opened
to discussion of the removal of one or more High Councilmen."
A long wistling groan of half-anger half-dismay erupts from the
Sultan's lips, his eyes hard and steely, reflecting the tempestuous
storm of anger raging beneath the surface.
Cesare steels his jaw, but remain silent.
Josef joins the Rastanyev seating.
Mintor rises slowly to gain the attention of the Chair.
"Point of Order!" a voice comes from the Spacing Guild section.
The Chairman inclines his head to the Guild Representative. "Chair
recognizes Legate Tillip of the Spacing Guild."
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip rises from his chair and leans
forward, crossing his arms under his device. The voice which comes
from the mask is loud, amplified as through a microphone, "I had
expected to remain quiet on this issue. As a truly neutral person,
nevertheless, I fee it is my duty to speak. I wish only to see the
rules of procedure obeyed. There is a motion on this floor. Would it
not be in order to call for sufficient seconds?" He leans back into
his seat, but keeps his arms crossed.
Mintor springs to his feet to gain the attention of the Chair.
Sha'ara'diin raises his hand then asks over the din, "Lord Council,
due to the upset, I could not even make out the wording of the
motion!"
Praxton addresses Tillip, "To which motion do you refer, sir? To the
motion requested by Count Cesare Moritani or the one mentioned by
Council?"
Nikolai chuckles briefly at the direction of the Atreides table.
Iohannes craddles his injured left arm as he scribbles something with
his right.
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip rises from his seat and answers, "The
first one posed in this session to this Congress, milord." He sits
back down.
Mintor springs to his feet to gain the attention of the Chair.
Sha'ara'diin shakes his head at the disorder, his frown intensifying,
hardening the chiseled planes of his face.
Filarion smirks at his House's table, slowly shaking his head at the
commotion.
Josef looks around and is confused by the unorderly process going
about.
Praxton says evenly, "Motion 2,231-9.67 has been passed, Sir. We are
now about to proceed unto Motion 2,231-9.68, in which House Vodvarka
motions for amnesty from Imperial tax and levy under the natural
disaster clause in the Landsraad Charter..."
Demosthenes grits his teeth, and then scribbles another note. This
time, the message is conveyed to the Rastanyev table.
Mintor springs to his feet to gain the attention of the Chair.
Praxton sighs and instructs the Atreides na-Duke to be seated. "Please
to House Atreides, Chair requests leave to continue with the
agenda... and said House has already spoken twice at this meeting."
Mintor bows to the Chair and resumes his seat.
Josef takes the note from the staff member and quietly reads it.
Praxton takes a sip of water. "Now", he commences, "If the Chamber
would now turn to page 118 of their Session Agendas, for the full
text of motion 2,231-9.68...?"
Cesare grudgingly flips through his agenda, ripping a few pages as he
furiously turns them.
Iohannes sighs as he glances through the agenda.
Josef shakes his head and rolls his eyes slightly as he looks up
towards Nikolai at the LHC table, and back towards Demoesthenes.
One of the Emperor's attendants flips his copy of the Agenda to the
page referenced by the Lord Council and returns the book to His
Majesty.
With a growl Sha'ara'diin rises, then grates out over the commotion,
"Can there be no order at all to these proceedings? What of the
Forms My Lords?" A disgusted shake of the head, and the Sultan seats
himself again, muttering something about Seargants at arms, and the
removal of disruptive influences.
Iason is silent, watching things, and doing nothing to violate the
Forms.
Arn collects himself at the sound of the Siridar Barons booming voice,
in the hope that it will cleanse the chamber from disorder like the
horns of some avenging angel.
Praxton calls a vote, in the customary fashion. "Aye to dole out
disaster relief to House Vodvarka, Nay to deny."
Josef shakes his head silently and scribbles a note, directing it back
to Demosthenes.
Mintor says, "House Atreides votes Aye."
Balandai cant help the absolutely proud look he gets on his face,
moving to make sure the Baron is served something to drink.
Fredhrick says, "The Imperial House abstains."
Cesare adds his ever-annoyed voice to the vote, "Moritani votes Nay."
Iohannes raises his voice above the din. "Alvstad votes aye!"
Filarion shakes his head lightly, rising for his words he speaks
"House Harkonnen votes Nay." before seating himself again.
Nikolai flatly intones, "House Rastanyev votes nay."
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip speaks from his mask, "The Guild
abstains"
Josef looks up sharply at Nikolai and glares at him.
Sha'ara'diin replies softly, "House Bajazet abstains."
Praxton counts off the votes on the abacus before him. After a pause,
"Motion is not passed. Next order of business, Motion 2,231-9.69,
brought forward by High Councilman Praxton Atreides, to be voted on
without ammendment."
Nikolai raises a brow and turns toward the Red Duke.
The Chairman instructs, "Please turn to page 297 of your Session
Agendas, for the full text of the motion."
Cesare sighs and turns, his eyes going wide and a small yelp escaping
from his mouth as he reads over it.
"Or, if the Chamber would prefer," Praxton ventures, "Council will
summarize, to save time and bring a swifter vote."
Sha'ara'diin quickly flips through his documents, searching out the
relevant passages, his eyes narrowing as he reads them over with a
cursory glance.
Iohannes flips to the page number, scratching his beard as he does so.
(OOC) Praxton says, "Page 297 details the legal basis for an inquiry
into the validity of Ivanova Rastanyev's inheritance of the LHC, and
contains a motion to instruct the LHC to hold new elections."
(OOC) Nikolai says, "LHC seat, not LHC as a whole. :)"
Cesare stands from his seat.
Iohannes smirks at the text, closing his copy of the agenda and
shaking his head.
"As this motion comes before Congress without prior discussion,"
Praxton says calmly, "Council will grant five Houses two minutes
apiece to speak for or against the motion."
Iohannes rises from his seat.
"Count Cesare Moritani", Praxton says, "You may speak. Please observe
the stated time limit."
Nikolai places a flag at the table up as a signal of his wish to be
heard.
Shuffling the papers before him as he rises, the Sultan purses his
lips together, waiting to be recognized.
Josef sighs and sits back, his hands folded in his lap.
Mintor rises to take a spot in the queue.
Cesare nods and proceeds briskly, "I do not wish to contest the
motion, but rather to suggest that voting be done in a close,
private ballot. This is a very sensitive issue, and some may not
wish to vote aloud. Also, it would make things much less...chaotic
which I am sure we all agree is for the best."
Praxton nods curtly to Cesare, "A prudent suggestion. Motion to vote
secretly proposed... does any House second it?"
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip says, "Seconded"
Mintor rises to second the motion.
Josef glares around at the assembled Houses.
Sha'ara'diin shuffles his feet slightly, still hoping to be recognized
in the proceedings.
Praxton turns to instruct the Landsraad Congress Chamber servants,
"Prepare the secret balloting machines."
Cesare nods with appreciation to the Chair and reseats himself.
Iohannes cracks his knuckles as he does the same.
Josef pulls himself forward to the table as he quickly writes another
note, again directed to Demosthenes.
Praxton motions to Iohannes, "Chair recognizes Ambassador Iohannes
Helmsgillar as proxy to House Alvstad."
Iohannes clears his throat. "House Alvstad has this to say, this and
this alone. In Section 27.6 the language is clear and unequivocal.
It is the House that holds the seat, not the Siridar. Holding the
current seat up for reelection verges upon violation of the Forms."
He bows and reseats himself.
(OOC) Iohannes says, "That is section 27.6 of the Great Convention."
Josef looks at Demosthenes with a raised brow.
Praxton turns to glance with steely eye upon the man seated to his
left. "Nikolai Venyenko, you may speak. Please observe the stated
time limit."
Nikolai stands, walks into the well, and begins speaking once he has
firmly taken his place: "I quote the Great Convention: 'The
LANDSRAAD HIGH COUNCIL member-elect shall be the HOUSE that receives
majority vote.' Of note here is that it is the House Major, not its
Siridar, of which is explicitly written."
Nikolai continues: "The Great Convention was carefully drafted over
the course of many years. Its words are not subject to alteration at
the whim of the High Council. Further, is this motion legally
viable? Is there provision within the Great Convention to cast aside
a legally binding vote for a seat on the High Council and call for
new elections?"
Nikolai looks squarely upon each delegate near the front of the room
in turn. "I call upon you to consider whether this vote is an
affront to the Forms of the Great Convention? Is Lord Council, by
bringing this motion, attempting to set precedent that goes contrary
to the specific words of the Great Convention?"
Nikolai returns to his chair and states loudly, but calmly, "The Forms
must be Obeyed!" He then takes his seat.
Cesare sits back in his seat and looks with wonder at the Rastanyev
proxy.
Again, the Sultan tries to subtly gain the attention of the Lord High
Council.
Praxton takes a deep, steadying breath. Then, "Na-Duke Minotauros
Atreides, you may speak. Please observe the stated time limit."
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip crosses his legs and leans back in his
chair. He folds his arms and looks at the ceiling of the Congress
Chamber.
Cesare writes something on a pad and has the note passed on via a
page.
To the harkonnen, Cesare says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."
Fredhrick uncrosses his arms as he listens to the various arguements
made by each of the houses carefully taking notes on a steno-pad
brought with him. Shifting his weight in the Throne again, he
seemingly burrows into one corner of it, finding the area with the
most undisturbed padding.
Mintor rises and bows to the Chair "Lord Council, the Ambassador
speaks of precedent. I agree. precedent and principle are the issue
here. House Rastanyev through tragic circumsatnce has been left with
proxy leadership. Our society, its very fabric, depends on an
effective High Council. We believe that the best way under the
circumstances is for an election to be held to firmly establish the
status of the Council's leadership."
Mintor sits.
Sha'ara'diin glances up with a slight sigh.
Praxton inclines his head to the Bajazet seating, "Chair recognizes
His Lordship Siridar-Baron Sha'ara'diin Bajazet."
"As my Lord Council well might remember." Sha'ara'diin begins, his
voice forcefull, carrying to the last seat in the far gallery. "It
is the opinion of this humble Sultan, that the Council seat is
elected to a Siridar, and not a House in totem. I remand the rest of
my time to the High Council" With that he retakes his seat,
straitening his bisht about his shoulders.
Josef shoots a glance to the Bajazet seats and writes something on a
tablet angrily.
Praxton, slightly taken aback, but pleased, bows to the Sultan.
"Council gratefully takes the oportunity to speak", he says, "and to
briefly explain the reasoning behind the motion."
Praxton says, "The High Councilship exists to service and to give
direction. When the Congress elects a High Councilman, they do so in
the full cognizance that he is mortal, and may at any moment die and
leave his work to his heir. The spirit of continuity was what drove
the Drafters of the Great Convention to word Section 27 as they
did."
Iohannes scribbles a note hastily, making a page carry it hotfoot up
to the Lord Council Atreides.
Praxton says, "However, it is the learned opinion of this legally
elected High Councilman that there an be no harm in calling for new
elections, as House Rastanyev could simply stand for election, and
based upon their recent merits, be voted in again, for another
six-year term. However, much greater harm could potentially befall
the Landsraad if a House is allowed to fill a Council seat with
whomever has the most power at the moment... or simply has the good
fortune not to be ill, like our esteemed thrice lucky Nikolai
Venyenko here.""
Salvatore leans slowly back in his seat as the chair creaks in slow,
quietly popping intervals. The fingers upon his wrinkled hands
intertwine before resting upon his sagging chest, though his eyes
stare outward in a sweeping glance over the chambers.
Praxton says, "There must be a continuity, such as the Drafters
sought. However, in the case of House Rastanyev, such continuity has
been lost. When we elected a Rastanyev to the Councilship, it was
quite a different man, with different ideas, and different agendas.
The Landsraad should feel empowered to choose if the current
situation is acceptable or not... through new elections."
Praxton regains his seat. "That is all Council needed to say. Congress
will now proceed to vote by secret ballot, upon Motion 2,231-9.69."
Iohannes shakes his head at the Atreides/Bajazet ploy...
Cesare casts his vote and looks warily at the voting machines.
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip casts his vote, also.
Sha'ara'diin glances at the machine then carefully casts his votes,
his face unreadable as he does so.
Arturios casts his vote quickly and with a smile.
Iohannes rises to cast his vote.
Mintor casts the Atreides vote.
Josef looks about, taking in Rastanyev friends and enemies.
Fredhrick stands from the throne and decends to the voting machines
where the Corrino vote is recorded.
The Congress clerks and pages go about, preparing the vote count.
The head clerk hands a note to the bailiff, who in turn hands it to
Praxton.
Praxton reads aloud, "The vote for Motion 2,231-9-69: For new
elections for the Landsraad High Council, 28.5 votes. Against, 78
votes. Motion not passed."
Sha'ara'diin leans back in his seat, his features betraying nothing.
Nikolai allows a short smile to pass his lips.
Mintor nods at the announcement.
Josef shoots a glance at the Venhei seats.
Iason merely sits back, remaining as like a statue as he has for the
past few hours.
Praxton strikes the table with his gavel, "The agenda having been
fulfilled, this Congress stands in session until next year. The
Forms have been obeyed."
Arturios shakes his head and sits back.
Iohannes smiles slightly, relaxing into his chair.
Mintor rises and bows to the Chair.
Reverend Mother Ona blinks from her memory trance slowly like a
sleeper waking and reaches for her note pad.
At the crack of the gavel, Sha'ara'diin leans back, his left hand
shooting up to rub at his temple.
Praxton leans over to thank the bailiff, and the pages who assisted.
He takes a deep draught of water, then makes his exit.
Praxton walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.
Arturios gives the Earl a mischivous smile.
Arn puts the final documents to rest in his briefcase and shuts it
with a click. He leans over to whisper something to Mintor then
quietly rises, bows to the throne and High Council Table and moves
to the exit.
Filarion snorts softly, trying to gather his papers as quickly as
possible.
Cesare rises slowly from his seat.
Yadir stands gracefully and makes her way to the Imperial Throne.
Arn walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.
Demosthenes follwos Arn out the door.
Demosthenes walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.
Nikolai stands and turns to the Emperor, awaiting patiently.
Arturios walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip sits up in his seat, and unhooks the
arms from under his device. He stands and stretches slowly. he has
to suddenly reach down with his right hand and pop the green button
on his device.
Cesare follows suit and walks in the wake of Yadir.
Iohannes rises from his seat, streching his limbs and glancing about.
Mintor waits for the Imperial departure.
Yadir glances to the Legate Tillip as she walks pasted the Guilds
table on her way to the throne.
Josef stands slowly.
Fredhrick nods to this Truthsayer as she approaches the Throne and
stands, preparing to leave.
Cesare stops before the throne and mutters something to the Emperor.
>From the Spacing Guild, Tillip looks back at Yadir as she walks past
him. His eyes follow her. He bows froward alittle, bowing from the
shoulders, not the waist.
Josef walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.
Nikolai bows deeply before the Emperor.
Sha'ara'diin places his hands upon the table before him, palms flat,
then pushes himself up out of his seat with a long suffering sigh.
Cesare mutters to Fredhrick, "... I... few... of... time, O Imperial
Atlas?"
Yadir joins the Imperial party as she genuflect to the Emperor, "Your
Majesty."
---------------------LOG ENDS - STATISTICS----------------