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Ornia's education TP part 2(3)
Dominic motions to a guard and murmurs something. The guard returns with a
glass of water. Dominic takes it from the guard and offers it to Justine.
"Here you are, my lady. Perhaps this will help to refresh you."
Steffan sighs, "I need you here for Ornia more than you realize, the
stability of the House depends on it. However, you do as you wish as you see
fit. This task you have asked to do will not at ALL,a simple one, not
simple at all. It will be most difficult for you...as much as Ornia, perhaps
more. Im not really sure...Nevertheless, now you see exactly what you are
getting yourself into..."
Justine frowns heavily to Steffan, shaking her head slightly, "You amaze me,
Steffan." She looks to Dominic and waves the water off, "You both do. You
both treated me with such cruelty and hatred, yet you both expect me to act
as if nothing happened and be ever so pleased that you are going to allow me
to continue as planned? Do you both not believe that I have feelings? That
just because I am a Noble Woman that I am to so graciously accept this now
kindness from the both of you? Just because I am a Noble does not mean that
I do not have a heart nor that I do not have feelings. Perhaps I am stupid
and naive but nonetheless, it has happened and it will take more then a
pathetic apology to make up for it. I asked to help Ornia because I care
about her, just like I once cared about the both of you. I have nothing to
gain by this, if anything, it tis you, Ornia and your House that is to
gain."
Dominic returns the glass to the guard, who quickly leaves.
Dominic looks at Justine, his face hardening. "I am sorry you feel that way,
my lady. I feel no hatred towards you. I merely reacted to what I was told.
I will take my leave of you now." He bows to Justine stiffly and turns to
Steffan and bows as well. "My lord, I will speak to you later at your
convenience." He turns and strides from the room.
Steffan raises a brow at the Lady Justine and replies, "Im not the naive
teen I used to be....without a care in the world. I am now leader of this
House and I need to be concerned about everything...especially my sister who
could very well succede me...I won't just let any person teach her or even
be around her. Her world may need her eventually and that is too important
to me. Pray that you don't someday understand that fully, its not something
that is not something I wish on anyone..."
Your communicator signals an incoming connection.
Justine frowns sadly to Steffan as she speaks in a quivering voice, her body
shaking once again, "If Colonel Sartori has his way, I will know." Her
communicator suddenly beeps and her brow rises in surprise, "Excuse me.."
Connection has been established.
Dominic is stopped at the doorway by a guard dressed in black. They seem to
discuss something for a moment, before Dominic nods and follows him out.
Into your communicator, you say, "*her voice is weak and quivering* Yes?"
Over your communicator, a man's voice says, "Justine, it is Jans. Just
letting you know I have returned from Alvsgaard, and am en route to the
estate, should you wish to speak to me tonight."
Justine looks to Steffan and quietly says, "Tis my brother. Do you have a
message for him?"
Steffan kneels down and takes Justine's hand for a moment, "We will work
this out Justine. We will findout what Sartori wants and we will ....need to
work out our personel problems too. Before we can do anything else. I
thought working with Ornia could be be easier but this thing between us. We
must deal with it first. " Steffan looks at her communicator and hrms, "The
na-Viscount, no not at the moment. I know , I remember...he wants to see me.
Well I will arrange something later..."
Justine's brow rises as you take her hand...it feels cold to your touch and
very fragile. She nods in passing, not really hearing what your saying and
then speaks into her communicator, "I'm glad to hear that you have finally
returned. I have matters of grave importance to speak to you about but am
currently away from the Estate. Guenter can fill you in on some of it, ask
him about Colonel Sartori and I shall explain fully as soon as I return."
Into your communicator, you say, "I'm glad to hear that you have finally
returned. I have matters of grave importance to speak to you about but am
currently away from the Estate. Guenter can fill you in on some of it, ask
him about Colonel Sartori and I shall explain fully as soon as I return."
Over your communicator, a man's voice says, "Very well."
Your communication connection has been broken.
Justine smirks as the connection is broken, her head shaking in disgust by
it. She sighs heavily and mutters, "Why do I even bother?" She looks to you
and softly speaks, her hand shaking in yours, "Steffan, you are with another
now there isn't anything for us to discuss. That is why I did not contact
you when I returned. I was going to, but then I heard about her and I did
not wish to intrude on your happiness with her."
Steffan sighs, "Well, we aren't married yet, and she does't seem willing.
She is only fifteen, and the Duke doesn't know of it yet." He then smiles,
"What makes you think I would necessarily prefer her to you? I am not
suggesting anything...I just wonder if you are the same person I once fell
in love with. You know you broke my heart Justine, it just that I wonder
what could be so important that you would do this to me..."
Justine smirks, shaking her head, "I cannot believe that you are interested
in a child, Steffan. I must admit that you really disappointed me when I
found out." Her brow rises, "I never even thought of preferences, I assumed
that you no longer cared." She sighs heavily, "I didn't mean to break your
heart, I didn't want to but I wasn't given a choice. Please, give me time
and I will see if I can explain but right now, I am not allowed. I have been
told not to speak of it or I will be severely punished."
Justine slowly begins to rise, her body shaking even more now then before,
seemingly too weak to stand. She wavers for a moment and then collapses
towards Steffan.
Dominic reenters the gardens and bows to Steffan. "My lord, you are needed.
I apologize for this interruption."
Steffan leans forward and supports Justine, "You see, you have
responsiblities....to your house, just I as I do...to mine. I understand
perfectly...." He then looks up as the Staatkanzler enters, "no need to
apologize...what is it?"
Dominic nods. "My lord, there seem to be some new developments concerning
the MRB situation. You are needed in the security room for a briefing
immediately."
Justine pulls away from Steffan, trying to stand on her own so he can leave.
She nods slightly to him and quietly replies, "You.....you better.....better
go."
Steffan sighs and stands, "Duty calls my Lady, do you wish to remain here
for the duration, and leave in the mourning...or do you wish to go back
toooo ...the estate or the embassay...whatever.."
Justine's head shakes slightly, "I do...do not wish....wish to impose.
I...I'll be fine, thank...thank you." She obviously does not look like she
can make it back to her Ornithopter.
Steffan nods to Dominic, "I will be there shortly....I will see that the
Lady Justine leaves safely first..."
Dominic nods and bows. "Of course, my lord." He turns and leaves the room.
Steffan takes Justine's hand with a firm embrace, "This way.." He motions to
the elevator.
You climb the Elevator.
Ornithopter Pads -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain)
The wind whips across your face as you look out from the roof of the
Ginaz embassy. This large flat open area is the tarmac for the House
Ornithopters. Several are tied down on the roof, waiting for use, while
others dart off and arrive carrying all sorts of personnel. Servicemen can
be seen rushing back and forth from 'thopters that are dusting off. The
rotating colors of the crystal roof over the central gardens can bee seen
from here as well as the vast expanse of Kaitain itself..
Objects:
Alvstad Ornithopter
Exits:
Elevator <D> leads to Gardens -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain)
Alvstad Ornithopter
The light from the 'thopter console casts a green shade over the front
compartment. Two swivel chairs, one occupied by the pilot, are seperated
from the passenger area by a divider. Another pair of swivel chairs,
elegantly appointed, face the rear of the thopter. A cushioned, leather
backed bench curves along one side and the rear wall to the large passenger
door.
The pilot nods.
The thopter's wings start beating, propelling it upward into the sky.
Mushtamal -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
A large mushtamal, or garden courtyard, occupies the area between the
southeast and southwest wings of the Alvstad Estate. This garden, however,
contains only the sparest of plant life; instead, it resembles, more than
anything, a Zensufi rock garden. Large bluish rocks sit atop a well-tended
bed of dark sand, groomed into an intricate design by tiny rakes. In the
center of the mushtamal, a large circular POND ripples peacefully. In the
center of the pond, a large blue STATUE of a mermaid gazes across the square
toward a small blue statue of a seabird, which, in turn, stares transfixed
at the mermaid. Small, hardy plants poke out of both the sand and the water,
and tiny exotic fish dart across the pond. A wide, circular stone path--wide
enough to permit limousine access--surrounds the garden and serves as a
traffic loop, and three orinthopter pads abut the garden on the south,
southeast, and southwest sides.
Players:
Justine
Exits:
Heavy Double Doors <N> leads to Grand Balcony -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
You walk through the Heavy Double Doors.
Grand Balcony -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)(#153RtJ)
The grand balcony of the Alvstad Estate is a wide, ring-shaped band that
overlooks an enormous dodecagon-shaped ballroom. Four radially symmetric
staircases lead down to the ballroom, and four corridors lead off to the
different wings of the estate. The balcony is noticeably dark--the walls are
covered in dark cherry and the glowglobes are far apart and set dim. A
twelve-panel circular MURAL covers the walls; it depicts, in
ink-and-watercolor on silk, the full progression of the Alvst Zodiac.
Players:
Justine
Exits:
Heavy Double Doors <S> leads to Mushtamal -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
Southwest Arch <SW> leads to Squid Corridor -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
Southeast Arch <SE> leads to Seal Corridor -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
Northeast Arch <NE> leads to Octopus Corridor -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
Northwest Arch <NW> leads to Lobster Corridor -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
Wide Staircase <D> leads to The Dodecagon -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
Christoffer has arrived.
Christoffer comes from the direction of the kitchen, seemingly lost in
thought.
Justine staggers inside, looking extremely ill. At first, you might think
she is drunk with the way she is walking but upon closer look, you notice
that she is very pale and shaking, barely able to walk. She looks over to
you, blinking a few times as she tries to focus on you and reaches out for
you as she calls, "Admirrrrrr...." Her voice trails off as she falls to the
floor, face down.
Christoffer rushes to her side and picks her up. He holds her as he grabs
his communicator off of his belt and yells into it. "Medical to the Grand
Balcony, immediately!!" He looks one of his guards. "Quick, bring me a glass
of water." The guard rushes off. Christoffer looks at Justine. "What has
happened to you, my lady?"
The guard returns with the glass of water. Christoffer holds the glass to
Justine's lips.
Guenter walks in from Octopus Corridor through the Southwest Arch.
Guenter has arrived.
Justine's body is cold, shaking and looking very pale. Her eyes slowly blink
up at you, recognition isn't there and she forces herself to mutter,
"I....don..know.....don.....let....anyone....see.....me....like....this...pl
ease." Her eyes then close and her head flops back as she goes unconscious.
Christoffer looks up at Guenter with relief. "It is good to see you Mentat.
Your assistance is needed. Something has happened to Lady Justine. I have
already called a medical team."
Guenter nods his head once, his face without any real expression of emotion.
Like a mechanoid, he speaks in a dry tone, as one reciting lines from a
poorly written drama, "Yes. I imagine there is little we can do.. Best wait
for a medical team." He takes a few steps forward, not udnerstanding at all
what has transpired in the last few moments, he looks to Christoffer,
"Poison? Illness? Have you any information?" He voice is businesslike.
Christoffer takes a cold cloth offered by a guard and presses it to
Justine's head and tries to revive her. He looks up at Guenter. "No, I was
walking down the hall and saw her come from the Ornithopter pad. She then
collapsed and I sent for the medical team. I have none of my agents assigned
to watch her, so I know nothing of her whereabouts."
Guenter nods his head, taking a few steps closer to get a better view, while
not crowding the medical teams, his attention in on Christoffer, "You don't
have men watching her?" He thinks for a moment, "Perhaps we should start
doing so.. If you don't mind, I would prefer to make the selections, with
your aproval of course. This is a matter of concern." He thinks for a
moment, "The Lady Garamond-Alvstad had entrusted informaiton to me that she
felt may put her life in danger.. If this is a poisoning, we may already
have a suspect."
Christoffer nods. "Of course, I welcome your advice. I will send you the
dossiers of the several of my men in Naval Intelligence."
Guenter brings his hands to rest behind his back, "Are you aware of her
actions immediately preceeding this? Had she spoken of anyone, or been in
the company of anyone?"
Justine continues to lie on the floor, still looking pale and her body
shaking slightly. The medical team does all of the triage work and takes
samples of her blood before saying, "We need to transfer her to a bed."
Christoffer shakes his head. "Unfortunately, I have been cooped up in the
security center going over some reports. Perhaps her ornithopter pilot will
know where she went?" He nods to a man in a naval uniform who salutes and
hurries off.
Guenter walks along with the medical team, keeping close enough to keep an
eye onthings, a hint of actual concern showing through the businesslike
facade. "If there is any information. /Any/ information that you can offer,
Mister Delgaad, is of paramount importance."
The guard returns and salutes."The pilot reports he brought Lady Justine
back from the Ginaz Embassy recently and it was the Na-Marquis himself who
escorted her into the thopter, Sir."
Guenter wrings his hands as he walks with the medical team, "this is
bizarre.. That wouldn't allude to foul play, I understand that the Ginaz are
on good terms."
By the looks of Justine, you get the feeling that things are far worse then
anyone imagined. The team looks to both men and asks, "Have there been any
signs or symptoms that we can go on?"
Christoffer nods at Guenter's comment and looks at the medical team. "I saw
her collapse, that is all I can tell you unfortunately."
Guenter speaks to the team, "She had been pale, and a bit feint a few days
ago. I had thought it was simply stress...Or fatigue."
Christoffer looks at Guenter. "Yes, I am under that impression as well. This
would definitely seem to be much to obvious."
The team nods and asks, "Please question the pilots if they have noticed
anything unusual and for how long, it's very important that we have as much
information as possible."
Guenter gets a little to close to the gurney, putting his hand on the rail,
looking to Justine for a moment before being shooed by medical personell.
One medical guy leans over and whispers to another, "She probably got
herself pregnant and we'll have to clean it up, you just watch."
Christoffer looks sharply at the medical man. " I think it would be best if
you would concentrate on seeing to the recovery of Lady Justine and refrain
from idle talk. In fact, I think I will see to it." He nods to two men
dressed in naval uniforms who fall in next to the medical team.
The man quickly shuts up, not realizing that he spoke louder then he thought
and quickly nods, "Yes, sir! Sorry sir! I didn't mean anything by it, Sir!"
Guenter puts a hand on the medic's shoulder, pulling him away for a moment,
"If you find anything, I expect a direct report. To both myself and Mister
Delgaad. Understood?"
The medic's eyes go wide at Guenter and nods very slowly, fear very apparent
on his face, 'Ye...yes sir.' and then swallows heavily, thankful nothing
more was said and he hasn't been hit yet.
You walk through the Glass Doors.
Infirmary -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
The Infirmary of the Alvstad Estate is dark, comfy, and a pleasant departure
from the cold, impersonal, workaday world of healthy people. The glowglobes
are set dim, and thick, heavy curtains separate each BED. In one corner, the
Suk's desk sits covered with Ixian medical devices. Esoteric medical posters
hang on the walls, describing Shang and Ko cycles, the histology of nerves,
and proper methods of leaching.
Players:
Justine
Exits:
Glass Doors <SE> leads to Lobster Corridor -- Alvstad Estate (Kaitain)
Guenter walks in from Lobster Corridor through the Glass Doors.
Guenter has arrived.
Christoffer walks in from Lobster Corridor through the Glass Doors.
Christoffer has arrived.
The medical team immediately begins to remove Justine's dress so that they
can connect her to various monitors and set in IVs. They work quickly and
efficiently without paying mind to the two men in the room.
Guenter takes the dress from the medic, folding it rather neatly.
Justine's pale form shakes slightly underneath the sheet, her breathing is
very shallow and difficult. One of the medics looks to Guenter with great
concern while speaking in hushed tones, "I'm afraid there isn't anything we
can do for her now but watch her. We do not know what is wrong and it will
take a while before the blood analys comes back. We will keep you apprised
of the situation and inform you immediately of any changes. Shall we inform
Na-Viscount of her condition or will you?"
Guenter takes a seat, Justine's folded dress sitting in his lap. He pauses
for a moment, absently runnignt he fabric betweenhis fingers as he considers
the situation. "No, that will be necessary. Report all findings directly to
me firsy. I will desseminate them to the parties which need to know..." His
voice trail off, looking to the woman's body on the bed, "You just take care
of her.. Make her better. She's very important to this House." He pauses
again, "And I would take personal.. Personal attention to all of you if you
fail this House, if you fail her." He looks down to the dress, then, either
in worry or in thought, saying nothing more.
The man nods and says, "Of course." He then turns and walks over to the
others, letting them know of the situation, letting Guenter alone with
Justine.
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