The Landsraad High Councilmen meet.

["M. Martinez" <ironqueen@softhome.net>]

In which Jans Alvstad, Josef Rastanyev, and Praxton Atreides exchange
opinions on the Session Extraordinary of Congress, and of the claimant
to the Lion Throne.

_-_-_-_-_-_

Jans walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Metal Door.Jans walks in
from Inner Rotunda through the Metal Door.
Jans has arrived.

Josef looks over to the Viscount and bows pleasantly, while crossing
the room to take a seat.

Jans leans his cane up next to one of the desks, then sits on the edge
of it. He nods to Josef, and offers a quick half bow to Praxton.

"Gentlemen", Praxton says somberly, inclining his head to both men.
"It's good to see you both, in quieter circumstances than we last
did."  to see you both, in quieter circumstances than we last did."

Josef nods. "Indeed, noble Duke."

Jans nods slightly, looking upon the desktops to see if each of them
had gotten a similar letter from House Corrino.

Praxton swings the back of his chair around, making to sit down.
"Let's get started, shall we?", he prompts.

Jans nods, still sitting on the edge of his desk, he folds his ankles
together.

Josef takes off his formal, heavy wool long coat and places it on the
back of his chair before he sits in it.

Praxton settles into his armchair, then leans forward, forearms on the
polished desk surface, scavanging through the brief stack of papers
there. "Before we attack the specifics, have either of you comments on
business pending from the previous Session?"

Jans shakes his head. "At the moment, no."

Josef shakes his head slightly. "I think the only things pending from
the last Session are the specifics..."

"Well met, cousine," Praxton says, with a chuckle and a curt nod to
Josef. "So then, on to business," he continues. "The main sticking
point, to my view, was the strong insecurity the Congress expressed in
dealing with... the Brigadier Corrino. There was a very palpable air
of confusion and distress..."

Jans chuckles slightly. "That is putting it very kindly, sir."

Josef nods to both men. "Yes...most of that confusion was the result
of the very" he studies his words for a second," unorthodox entrance."

Praxton taps his signet ring on the desk once, sharply. "Yes, those
theatrics definately earned him no respect from anyone. Which brings
up an interesting point... is this man capable of dealing with us with
proper and just consideration for our stations? Or will his reign be
one embarrassing incident behind another?"

Jans nods, "I have met with the man in person." He glances to Praxton,
"On a personal matter. He is very, succint. But I believe his mind is
in the right place."

"His claim is quite air-tight", Praxton adds. "Were he more inclined
to play ball, I for one would more readily accept the man."

Josef leans back slightly in his chair, and tightens his lower lip
slightly before speaking. "I don't see the point in trying to predict
such things, noble Duke. If recognized, he will be our emperor. A just
and wise riegn, or bumbling foolery...in either case, he would still
be the Padishah Majesty."

Josef pauses to look at Praxton, a little surprised at his words, and
then continues. "I believe he is a skilled military man. If he can be
taught the necesities of a stable Imperium...then I believe he could
make a fine Emperor."

Josef says, ""But I think it would be foolish for anyone in the
Landsraad, or anyone in the whole of the Imperium for that matter, to
readily expect him to have that knowledge. If he wishes to make his
rule as strong as possible...I believe he will learn quickly. It is
the risk we must take....unless we wish to tear the whole fabric of
our society apart."

Jans nods slightly, looking at Josef. "I think he understands the
necessity of stability, otherwise he would not have pushed so hard, so
fast. It is a quite simple tactic, politically or militarily." He
looks to Praxton, "Perhaps, if such things were brought to his
attention, it would go more smoothly once we reconvene the session?"

Josef looks over to the na-Viscount and nods approvingly. "I believe
he took the only action that he, as a man of the sword, has ever
known. All sides sought to bring stability to the situation. We wished
to do so with the Landsraad...he wished to do so with the Saudakaur.
He must realize the danger that presents to all sides, if he continues
with that."

"I sincerely hope he may", Praxton says, "And while I personally have
no desire to see the Imperium destabilized by a vacant throne. But..."

Josef looks to the Duke with an inquisitive eye. "But..."

Praxton hesitates for a moment before venturing, "Well, Jeon's
succession solves our immediate concerns, on a level, but we also
should consider our responsability for the future. Jeon has no sons,
his brother has no sons. What will happen tomorrow, or the day after?"

Josef shrugs slightly. "Should the Emperor not follow the same rules
of sucession that we of noble blood follow? An heir must be named
prior to his official succession, correct?"

Jans smiles, as if thinking of something along those lines. "Yes, but,
his succession is the issue which preoccupies -this- Congress." He
looks from each man to the other. "If the forms have been obeyed,
perhaps we should play a hand in maintaining the stability of the
Power Imperial?"

"It would seem a prudent requirement", Praxton says. "An heir would
cement his claim and help appease the Houses."

Josef nods. "I do not believe the Brigadier could find fault with us
in desiring stability and a solid claim to the throne."

Jans clears his throat. "Perhaps these issues should be brought to the
Brigadiers attention. Perhaps that he can speak clearly, and passively
to the congress on them?"

Shifting his gaze from one man to the other, Josef nods in agreement
with the Alvstad na-Viscount.

"I would support such a motion," Praxton states.

Jans looks to Praxton, "If it would please the both of you, I can
easily undertake this directive."

Praxton nods once, looking pleased, "So voted. Shall we adjourn?"

Josef smiles.

Jans nods. "I am so engaged." He stands from his desk. "My report
shall reach both of you smartly, of course." He nods to Josef,
half-bows to Praxton. "Gentlemen, if you will excuse me."

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