Kanly TP part 2 (2)

[coon.27@osu.edu]

A FEW DAYS LATER GIL AND DOMINIC MEET AGAIN AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL  AND TALK
ABOUT THE DINNER .   HAROON ALSO RUNS INTO THEM AND JOINS THEM IN
CONVERSATION.



Lounge -- Imperial Hotel (Kaitain)


Dominic enters the Lounge and looks around the room. He spots Gil in the
corner and moves toward him.

Guillermo is seated at a corner table, preoccupied with the darkening view
of the city and Circle of Stars. Before him is a glass of red wine and a
small wooden box.

Dominic stops by the bar first and speaks to the bartender. A few seconds
later he is given a short glass of some dark substance. He picks up his
glass and walks over to Gil's table. "Excuse me, Ambassador Deletto, could
I join you for a drink?"He smiles slightly.

Gil doesnıt seem to notice Dominic until this moment, "Ah, the good
Staatkanzler. Why, certainly. Sit down." He motions to the seat opposite.

Dominic sits down in the seat opposite Gil."Thank you, Ambassador."

Dominic takes a drink out of his glass. The scent of spice wafts over to Gil.

Gil sits up marginally straighter in his seat and says"So, the hardest
working politician on Kaitain finds time for some relaxation - or did you
perhaps have me under observation?" His eyes are somewhat reddened and a
content smile keeps showing itself.

Dominic smiles and chuckles "No, no. I am just here to relax from my
duties, nothing more. Things have been very hectic for me since I have
arrived. It is not often I get an opportunity to take a break."He smiles at
Gil and relaxes in the booth.

Gil smiles. "Yes, that is what I hear. You seem intend on talking to every
member of every House in as short a time as possible." His gaze drifts
dully to the spicy drink before the Staatkanzler and back to Domonic.

Dominic continues on with an ever broader smile "In fact, I have not even
had any time to seek female companionship!"

Dominic nods "Yes, I have covered quite a lot of ground. Such is the call
of duty. One must always put the good of the House before personal good,
eh?"He takes another sip from his glass.

"Nothing wrong with that, of course. I /had/ heard that zealousness was one
of the Ginaz advantages." Guillermo seems enlivened by the mention of
women, "and have no fear, I am certain you will come to realise as I have
that diplomacy here on Kaitain essentially is abou propagation." He drinks.

Dominic smiles "I will admit, diplomacy can bring you into contact with
some very beautiful but sometimes dangerous women. One must be careful when
it comes to women!"He finishes his drink and motions to the waiter to come
over. The waiter approaches and Dominic orders a mild spice wine.

Gil joins in, "And while youıre here - bring the bottle", he points to his
near empty glass.

The waiter nods and head towards the bar. He returns a moment later and
fills both glasses on the table, and places the bottle on the table before
he leaves.

Gil lifts his glass but pauses it on its way to his mouth and asks, "you
really enjoy that stuff? After my first taste I was gagging on the cinnamon
taste. Theyıll never manage to produce the quality of wine that can be
achieved on grapes." He drinks and looks questioningly at Dominic.

Dominic smiles "It is an acquired taste. But I spent several years on
Arrakis and one becomes accustomed to the flavor of spice. It is in
everything, the food, the air, the water."

Gil lets out a light laughter, "so you were the one suggesting the
ludicrous idea to Lord Steffan about handing over Arrakis, then?"

Dominic shakes his head "No, I am afraid I must plead innocent to that
charge." He smiles as he takes another drink. "The years I spent on Arrakis
was when I was briefly not in the service of House Ginaz."

Guillermo shakes his head to himself, "I do not mean to be rude. I really
am sorry. I should like to hear more of the planet, Sir. Please, do go on."

Dominic looks towards the entrance to the Lounge and spots Haroon. He waves
to Haroon. He then looks at Gil "Do you mind if Lord Haroon joins us?"

Haroon nods to the room in general as he enters and turns to Dominic, "Ahh,
Proffesor-Bashar, good to see you as always"

Gil lets his righthand thumb and forefinger run along his upper lip a few
times. He looks slightly worried, but he smiles as Haroon comes forward.

Dominic smiles and raises his glass to Haroon "It is always good to see
you, Lord Haroon. Would you care to join us here for a drink? Nothing
official, just a few men sharing a table."

Haroon approaches the table (OOC or wherever you are) and stands looking
down over Gil. "I do not believe we have had the pleasure" he says in an
amicable enough way

Gil is slumped in the soft seats and his suit look somewhat rumpled. He
stands and nods. "I am Guillermo Moncasetti d'Eletto. It is an honour."

Dominic slides over to make room for Haroon."Please, do sit down and have a
drink." He motions to the waiter at the bar.

Before Guillermo stands a bottle of red wine and a glass. Beside it lies a
rectangular wooden box.

Haroon takes Gil's hand and pumps it firmly and then lowers himself into a
seat, studying the Moritani for a moment. Finally he turns to Dominic. "So,
how are you keeping?" he rumbles

In front of Dominic is a bottle of spice wine.

Dominic smiles as he takes a drink"Excellent, Lord Haroon. I am glad to
find some time to take a break from my diplomatic duties. Things have been
a little hectic for me in my first few weeks in office."

Haroon nods and helps himself to a glass. He smiles, "Indeed, things have
been rather hectic for myself too of late.. especially with the untimely
departure of the Lord Baron." He takes a sip and nods appreciatively. "Any
of that case left that we had shipped over?" he asks with a wry smile

Haroon looks at the glass in his hands and murmurs. "Sorry, don't mind do
you?" to you both in general. "Parched from the heat".

Dominic nods "Feel free to join in. We were just discussing how the demands
of diplomacy sometimes make it difficult to see women socially."He smiles.

Haroon looks genuinely puzzled for a second. "See women socially?" he asks.
"Well.. I suppose you may want to. We have plenty in the embassy anyway..
quite delightful ones, you should come by to the Seraglio some time."

Gil says, "The good Valerian was telling me how he found sexual prowess to
be an asset but that his fear of women didnıt allow him to take full
advantages of this political art." The accompanying smiles is innocent
enough, but there might be hint of playful malice just below the surface."

Dominic breaks into a laugh "Artfully done indeed, Ambassador."He chuckles
for a moment. He turns to Haroon "See, even though House Ginaz dictates we
are enemies, we can still find something to laugh about."

Haroon turns towards the Moritani and nods a benign smile. "Indeed, I am
sure that must be a lasting regret" he says, a hint of humour twinkling in
his eyes. "So tell me Diplomat, how is House Moritani keeping"

Dominic takes a drink" Yes, yes. Tell us of this dinner. It sounds most
interesting."

Rather distastefully Guillermo dips his index finger into his wine and
licks it slowly.

Haroon nods as if having suddenly been reminded."Ahh yes the dinner..
perhaps you could convey my kind regards to the Na-Countess and tell her
that I am happy to accept her invitation"

"Well," he begins slowly, lifting his shoulders briefly as to show
disinterest, "I shall look forward to seeing you both, I hope. It will be
.. well, the usual, I should think. Elegant, expensive."

Dominic looks at Gil" Where are my manners? Please also tell the
Na-Countess that I also am very happy to accept her invitation."He smiles
at Gil.

Haroon looks vaguely as if he wishes to add a word, but instead looks away
from the young man and towards Dominic with a smile

Dominic quickly glances at Haroon "My apologies if I interrupted you, Lord
Haroon."

Gil says "The Na-Countess is currently very busy with the preparations, but
she will be pleased to hear this, no doubt." He trails off.

Haroon nods politely. "I am sure the Na-Countess is eager to impress us all".

You say, "I look forward to meeting the Na-Countess."

Guillermo snaps out of his beginning melancholy with a wicked smile at
Haroon's words.

He then occupies himself with refilling his glass.

Gil says "You must excuse My Lady's tight schedule. She is taking a huge
responsibility upon her shoulders - House Moritani no less." Gil lifts his
burgundy drink to a toast.

Haroon nods to Gil. "Indeed, leading a Great House is a time consuming
but.. rewarding task" he says, with a not-so subtle implication hanging on
the words

Dominic raises his glass as well with a smile on his face and takes a drink.

Dominic looks at Gil"The Na-Countess must be a most interesting person. It
is almost unheard of for a Suk to lead one of the Great Houses."

Guillermo's fingers dance on the top of his glas for a second before
answering, "well, she is. And it just goes to show the level of trust our
Siridar Lord puts in her."

You say, "Yes, where is the Siridar-Count? I have not heard much of him
since my arrival here on Kaitain.""

Haroon takes a slow sip of his wine, and pats down his tunic pocket,
producing a small cigarette case inlaid with mother-of-pearl. He removes
one and places the case down on the table.

Gil makes a sad clicking sound, "neither have I, I am sad to say. Lord
Cesare has returned to Grumman in preperation and meditation before his
upcoming wedding - but rest assured that you will see him sooner than
later." He smiles disarmingly.

Dominic smiles and nods at Gil's comments.

Gil quickly offers Haroon fire from a lighter that he produces from his
breast pocket.

Haroon puffs a smoke ring, and offers the cigarette case to Gil. "Help
yourself.. a fine Bajazet blend of tobaccos" he says. "Yes, I look forward
to meeting the Na-Countess.. one of my advisors had occasion to meet with
her recently, though sadly I had pressing matters to attend to at the time"

Gil accepts and lights up, taking every step very seriously. He pushes the
case back across the table, savouring the taste.

He then smiles adding a gesture that seems to suggest that the diplomat can
only agree about Valentina's qualities.

As he pours from his personal bottle it is obvious that Guillermo has been
drinking for some time. The last drops trickles into his glass.

Dominic looks at Gil "Well perhaps our two Houses can soon at least be on
speaking terms."

Dominic takes another drink from his glass.

"I hope so." He takes a deep gulp after a brief internal discussion about
enjoying the cigarettes or the wine first. "Seriously", he adds - maybe a
bit too seriously.

Dominic nods in agreement "Well, only time will tell. I am hopeful
actually. I am not as rigid in my opinion of the kanly with House Moritani
as other members of my House may be."

Haroon smiles a thin smile. "And for our part, we extend similar
sentiments.. it is our pleasure to be keeping our diplomatic relations with
the Moritani open" he regards Gil for a moment and suppresses a smile.
"Perhaps I could order some more wine for your diplomat, you seem to have
run out"

Gil leans back with a sly smile. "I thought as much. Or perhaps the
'Professor Bashar' is simply a very good ... politician."

Dominic grins at Gil and hoists his glass "I try my best, Ambassador! But
seriously, I am hopeful that at least a truce could be arranged between our
Houses."He finishes his glass with a flourish.

Haroon drains his glass and claps a hand to an orbiting waiter calling 'A
bottle of the Vasatch thirty-two would you man?'

Gil turns to Haroon with a delighted expression, "why, certainly! Maybe his
Lordship would care to join me in this old-fashioned taste for the Bacchean
grape?"

Dominic refills his glass from the bottle on the table.

Haroon smiles a diplomatic smile. "The first lesson to learn about peace is
that is easier to make than to keep"

Dominic nods "Hear!Hear!"

Gil inhales deeply. Exhaling the bluish smoke he nods.

The waiter reappears setting down a bottle and three new glasses in a deft
movement and backs away from the table, bobbing politely

Guillermo waves the waiter a few steps further back, pours a few drops into
Haroon's glass, and looks on expectantly.

Haroon raises his glass. "To stability" he intones formally, and takes a sip

After Haroon has tasted, Guillermo fills all three bottles copiously.

Dominic puts his glass on the table. "Perhaps I will try this wine of
yours"He takes a glass.

Gil takes his time to enjoy the wine. He is still holding the cigarette.
After a careful taste he turns to Haroon, "it gives me no little pleasure
to have found a fellow connoisseur. It seems to me that the taste of spice
is altogether too prevalent here on Kaitan."

Dominic nods at Gil's comment " I will agree with you that sometimes the
taste can become tiresome. It is always nice to experience new things in
life."He takes a sip of the wine.

Haroon sips his glass and says with a straight face. "Indeed, the ever
present thought of spice does grow rather tedious, don't you find?" he asks
turning to Gil

Dominic grins at Haroon's comment.

Guillermo snorts slightly, "I should think so". He then adds with an
unbecoming camaraderie, "which reminds me ... the good Valerian was telling
me of life in the desert."

Dominic looks at Gil "Yes, Arrakis is a fascinating world. I found my time
on there most....interesting."He smiles.

Dominic continues on "But as for much else, it is a harsh world that one
must visit to truly appreciate."He says this last line as if the subject is
closed.

Dominic takes another small sip of wine. While a slight tinge of red has
appeared at the corners of his eyes, he seems very alert although his
posture is relaxed.

Gil flicks the ashes off his cigarette and squints thoughtfully at
Dominic."You mentioned a different employer?"

Dominic smiles at Gil "During my travels in the Imperium, I worked at
various jobs. One of my more intersting ones was the short time I spent as
a duelist in a professional league on Gamont. A most interesting world to
say the least."He looks thoughtful as though reminiscing about something.

Gil laughs. "Yes, but not a bad place to 'duel', I should imagine."

Haroon 's eyes brighten slightly. "Indeed, I used to be a duellist in my
younger days.. quite a good one." he smiles self-deprecatingly "Well, as
you can see, I survived. Perhaps we should practice some time Professir
Bashar

Dominic laughs outloud "Yes, indeed. A....entertaining world to say the least."

Dominic looks at Haroon "Indeed? Well then, some day we shall have to trade
stories with each other"

Haroon nods silently and takes a sip of his wine. "Well.. I have tempered
somewhat since the impetuousness of youth" he looks over towards Gil
briefly as he says it

Gil smiles happily into his glass, deep into thoughts about the pleasures
of Gamont.

Dominic sips from his glass "Yes, youth. A wonderful thing."He chuckles
"Not that I am that old by any means."

Gil stubs out the cigarette and smiles broadly, "Well, this talk of the
heavy duties of Gamontian diplomacy and the follies of youth has left me
with a different kind of thirst." He drains his still nearly full glass.

The small wooden box goes into Gil's jacket and he pats his pockets as if
to affirm the action.

Dominic chuckles to himself at Gil's comment.

Haroon finishes his glass and claps his hand s down on his knees. "And now
if you would excuse me gentlemen, I have work to do that requires a clear
head"

Dominic nods at Haroon and looks at his watch "Yes, I must be going as
well. Duties at the Embassy and such."

Haroon rises from his seat and nods to Gil. "Diplomat, I look forward to
meeting you again"

Gil is ready to leave, "Certainly, MıLord. Splendid wine, by the way. Quite
excellent. And now it seems I will also have to invite his Lordship over
for a taste of what the Moritani has to offer."

Gil smiles conginially at Dominic.

Dominic rises from his seat and looks at Gil "A pleasure meeting you
Ambassador. I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming dinner." He looks
at Haroon "Good seeing you as well, Lord Haroon. I am sure we will speak
again soon."

Haroon nods to Dominic, "Indeed, I believe we shall" he turns and paces
smartly through the exit.

Haroon passes through the arch leading into the hotel lobby.

Dominic looks at Gil "Until the next time, Ambassador. Please convey my
best wishes to the Na-Countess."

Gil nods and walks toward the exit. "She shall have them." He smiles and
shakes Dominic's hand.

Dominic shakes Gil's hand and leaves the Lounge.



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