DuneIII log - Landsraad Meeting March 5

["Martin Hirsch" <filarion@stratics.com>]

OOC Date : March 5, 2000.


------



Congressional Chambers -- Landsraad Congress (Kaitain)(#865Rat)

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:

 Boris (harkonnen)                     Sargon

 Mikhail (table)                       Xy

Objects:

 Podium                                README FIRST

Exits:

 Double Doors <E> leads to Inner Rotunda -- Landsraad Congress (Kaitain)


Mikhail nods to Boris as he makes his way to the Council table, "Good
  afternoon Baron Harkonnen." he mutters quietly and takes a seat.

Boris sits puffing on a cigar. "Good afternoon, na-Earl." he chuckles. "How
  are you, lad?"

Mikhail smiles faintly "Quite well all things considered Baron." He removes
a
  silver cigar case from the pocket of his tunic and opens it removing a
  cigar and a match. "How are you this day?"

Boris offers Mikhail a lit match, holding it to the end of his cigar. "I
  suspect today will go well, eh?"

Haroon walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Haroon has arrived.

Cyrus walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Cyrus has arrived.

Haroon joins the Bajazet seating.

Ashbur walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Ashbur has arrived.

Mikhail nods puffing on the cigar he mutters a quick thank-you to the Baron
  for the light, "I expected that all will go well today. The guild has a
  right to hear reports I suppose."

Cyrus joins the Bajazet seating.

Ashbur joins the Bajazet seating.

Ilyich walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Ilyich has arrived.

Haroon stands at his seat and bows to the room before taking his seat and
  flicking through the documents handed to him by one of his fuss of
servants.

Sergei walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Sergei has arrived.

Sergei joins the Rastanyev seating.

Boris shrugs. "A necessary evil, I suppose, eh?"

Ilyich joins the Rastanyev seating.

Ashbur waits for his lord to be seated, then bows as well and sits.

Cyrus does the same, making a formal bow before seating himself in a casual,
  comfortable manner, his long coat hanging down to touch the floor. He
looks
  over as Haroon speaks, a soft smile curling about his lips, simply
nodding.

Steffan walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Steffan has arrived.

Filarion walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Filarion has arrived.

Steffan joins the Ginaz seating.

Filarion joins the Harkonnen seating.

Mikhail puts the cigar out in a small ashtray which has been set on the
table
  by a diminutive looking aide, he rises offering a polite half-bow to all
  assembled "I call the meeting of the Landsraad Congress to Order."

From House Bajazet, Haroon bows from his seat to Steffan as he enters.

Justine walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Justine has arrived.

From House Rastanyev, Sergei smiles breifly as he sees Haroon, and bows to
  him before sitting down as his table.

Cesare walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Cesare has arrived.

The Count Lankiveil, apparently in a rush, moves quickly towards the
  Harkonnen seating, only offering the briefest of bows to the room before
he
  slips into a seat. He places a folder onto the table, passing it over to
  Boris with a nod.

Justine opens the door and awaits for Cesare to enter first, in his repulsor
  chair and then steps in and closes the door behind her. Her eyes slowly
  scan the room before she lightly pats his shoulder and quietly says, "I
  must go take my seat now, I'll speak with you afterward."

Steffan strides in a bit annoyed and places a folder down on his table. He
  gets a glimpse of Harroon and smiles. He bows before sitting down.

Cesare enters the congressional chambers, the suspensor invalid's chair he
is
  ensconced in emitting a low, almost soothing hum. He cants a thankful
smile
  to the Lady Justine at his side and nods to her. "Indeed. I'm certain the
  Emperor will be proud of you, Justine. He always is."

Justine chuckles quietly and shakes her head a bit, "Not always, my dear
  Cesare. Not always." She pats him lightly again and then slowly makes her
  way towards the Corrino table with notepad in hand.

Justine joins the Corrino seating.

Cesare moves his chair at length over to the Moritani section, pushing a
  chair to one side so that he can better set his chair down, deactivating
  the magnetic forces which keep it suspended ever so slightly off the
  ground, a loud thunk as it settles down in a more stable position.

Cesare joins the Moritani seating.

From House Bajazet, Haroon quickly opens a pad and begins jotting down a
  list. He can be pt :quickly opens a pad and begins jotting down a list. He
  can be heard muttering "Muder.. piracy.. disruption of trade" among other
  things and tapping his pen on his teeth occasionally as he thinks.

Justine sets her pad on the table, smoothes out her dress and then takes her
  seat. Her eyes flow throughout the room, stopping briefly on each person.
  She opens her pad and begins to scribble a few notes as she looks from
  person to person.

Per Vasveen, the Guild Legate from Malarca Sector, enters the chamber. In
his
  dark robes, head held high, he is every inch regal and imperious. His
  narrow face and bald head give him an ascetic look. A metal eye gleams in
  his left eye socket. He has a leather portfolio held in one hand against
  his chest.

He nods to Mikhail. His voice is gravelly, almost sickly. "The Guild will
now
  hear the reports of the Houses involved in the recent unpleasantness on
  Malarca Secundus. na-Earl Mikhail, you may speak first. The Guild will
then
  hear from House Bajazet, to be followed by House Harkonnen, and then any
  others who wish to speak." He seats himself, giving a short cough.

Cesare withdraws from a leather satchel attached to the side of his
invalid's
  chair a small, leather-bound notebook which he sets before him, opening it
  and thusly prepared, awaits the session to be called to order.

From House Ginaz, Steffan opens his folder and removes a pen and starts
  writing on one of the notepads occasionally looking up as the Legate
speaks.

Boris lights another cigar, speaking quietly to Filarion beside him.

Ilyich pulls forth a small notebook from his breast pocket. He flips it
open,
  sets it down on the table, and places his pen down next to it.

From House Bajazet, Haroon casts half an eye up from his pad to view the
  proceedings and lights a cigarette. He puts his head back down to his
  note-taking, conversing occasionally with his diplomats in hushed tones

Cesare exhales a heavy sigh as he notices the Guildsman with neutral stare.
  Those damned melange-snuffing cretins. Couldn't send a normal-looking
  legate or delegate if they tried. Ah, well, there always needs be a good
  freakshow to help lighten up these dour events. Might as well get it for
  free from the Guild. Probably the /only/ thing one can ever get without
  charge out of them.

At the table, Mikhail sighs he rises from the table moving to the podium,
his
  steps echo in the silence of the chamber.

Mikhail leaves the High Council table.

Legate Vasveen buttons the top snap of his robe. Must be a chill in here.

Cesare turns his silent stare from Guildsman to Rastanyev, awaiting the
  customary opening address.

From House Ginaz, Steffan removes a very thin cigar from inside his jacket
  and lights it with lighter he removes from his pants pocket. He puffs
  several times and places it into a groove the ashtry so he can page
through
  a few more of his notes. He then peers over at Justine for a moment before
  resting his gaze on the Na-Earl.

Filarion flips through the pages of the red folder he brought, using a pen
to
  point several passages out to Boris. With a smirk he stabs one specific
  section of a page, shrugging.

Boris gives a snort of mirth and tears the book from the page so as to
better
  study it.

Mikhail places a worn looking notebook on the podium and begins to speak,
his
  voice sounding worn and tired, "Malarca is a prime example of divided
  government, the Rulership of the system has been split between two houses
  of the Landsraad Harkonnen, and Bajazet. The Harkonnen holding Malarca
  Prime, and the Bajazet Malarca Secundus. It has been a continuting source
  of friction for quite some time. The Planet of Malarca prime maintains a
  modest agricultural trade, while Secundus trades in modest ammounts of
  trillium. The Sultan Bajazet holds the right by treaty to Mine Malarca
  secundus and the belt until 10,500."

Cesare smiles up at Mikhail's address, an amused gleam to his midnight eyes
  as the appraisal of the Malarca system seems to be a ... modest one.

The Legate gives a curt nod. "These facts are clear." he says, almost
  inaudibly, a husky whisper. "What says House Bajazet?"

From House Ginaz, Steffan puffs again on the cigar while jotting down notes
  on the pad, He looks up and looks over at the Regent, awaiting his
response.

Mikhail moves quietly from the podium back to the high table, he resumes his
  seat. Picking up the cigar, he strikes a match and touches it to the
  cigar's tip. He puffs ocassionally on the cigar waiting for the Bajazet
  response.

Mikhail joins the High Council table.

The Legate gives a rattling cough as all the cigar smoke wafts in his
  direction.

Haroon rises from his seat and shuffles his paperwork a couple of times. He
  casts a calm glance over the crowd, his gaze lingering a fraction on the
  Harkonnen contingent before returning his focus to the High table and the
  Guild legate. "Besides the grossest crime.. that of invasion outside of
  declaration of kanly we feel that the guild should be advised that the
  Harkonnens have performed acts of organised piracy on our mining
operations
  in the system, caused loss of trade revenue and disruption to neutral
  shipping in the system as a result of the efforts of their fleet." He
  clears his throat glancing from the pad to the audience "This is in
  addition of course to the various nefarious acts which they have commited
  on Malarca including murder, torture, acts of genocide and wanton
  destruction of Bajazet holdings."

Boris rolls his eyes. "Such indignation!" he mutters.

Mikhail glances at the Baron Harkonnen, "M'lord Baron, I will ask that you
  refrain from such...outbursts until you are called upon to speak."

Cesare blinks surprisedly at the Bajazet claims, but makes no such outbursts
  as are heard from his Harkonnen allies, just listening attentively for the
  moment.

Boris holds up a hand to Mikhail, the picture of agreeableness.

Haroon smiles wryly as he continues "It is the most humble opinion of House
  Bajazet that these events should not be allowed to continue unchecked by
  the Imperium, the Guild or the Landsraad and that House Harkonnen be
forced
  to show a less blatant disregard for the forms which bind our society
  together" The latter statement is said with a glance over the congress at
  the various siridars present. "House Bajazet will also propose at a
  separate venue that the actions of House Harkonnen should be investigated
  to ascertain any connection between their military activities and the
  recent slump in their CHOAM contracts" He bows deeply to the High
  councillor and the Legate in finishing.

Filarion upholds his usual mask, a light smile, friendly, but also slightly
  mocking. Casting a glance into Mikhail's direction as he calls Boris to
  order the Count lets go of his papers and leans back in his chair.

Mikhail grins and chuckles softly, "Baron Harkonnen, you havae more to say?"
  His tone is not at all one of jest.

Boris blows smoke. "House Harkonnen will respond. Count Filarion?"

The Legate listens silently to Haroon's address. His face is impassive but
  Haroon has all of his attention.

Cesare cannot help but cock a wry grin, apparently one of the few and far
  between who are neither smoking from the mouth or, as in the case of a
few,
  the ears.

From House Bajazet, Haroon resumes his seat and twirls a pen between one
  finger and the other looking impassive.

At the table, Mikhail puffs on his Cigar apparently annoyed as he waits for
  the Harkonnen to speak. He glances at Cesare before flipping through a few
  pages in the portfolio infront of him.

From House Ginaz, Steffan leans back in his chair,pen in hand, the smoke
from
  his cigar rising above his head. He looks over at the other Siridars,
  observing their reactions.

From House Bajazet, Ashbur allows a slight smile to peek through his facade
  of calm neutrallity, then listens to the counter speach.

From House Bajazet, Cyrus glances about, noting all the cigars and then
looks
  at his cigarette, leaning forward to put it out on an ash tray as he
thinks
  to himself, `These people smoke cigars like they're going out of style.'
  Presently turning his head and awaiting the Harkonnen response.

The Legate consults his portfolio before him. "The Guild is aware of Bajazet
  allegations and views them with grave concern." He looks up at the Bajazet
  table. "The Guild will not allow large-scale disruptions to trade or
  reduction in profitability of the Malarca System."

He coughs once more. A servant sets a glass of green fluid at his elbow.
  "However, we caution the Warmaster Haroon that allegations of atrocities
  mean nothing to the Guild." He lifts the green fluid and sips at it.
"These
  are internal matters and will be handled as such."

From House Rastanyev, Sergei grips his cane tenaciously. He looks at all
  aseembled with expression of concern on his face.

Cesare shakes with silent laughter at the Legate's comments, wondering how
  the Guild would respond were it Arrakis at war instead of Malarca?

From House Bajazet, Haroon nods in silence to the Legate, unsuprised by the
  amoral answer. "Of course"

After a reassuring glance towards the Legate and Mikhail, Filarion rises,
  bowing low towards Legate and High Councillor. "With all due respect
  towards the noble House Bajazet." the Count nods towards the Bajazet
  delegation with a smile, "House Harkonnen refuses to acknowledge these
  accusation as valid in any way. The Bajazet Regent was unable to supply
  this Council with exact lists of these assumed Harkonnen crimes and he
also
  did not refer to the Great Convention. These points aside, the liberation
  of Malarca Secundus was the logical conclusion after Warmaster Haroon's
  ..." Filarion coughs into the back of his hand, "Excuse me. After
Warmaster
  Haroon's come to power, which as we all know involved the death of Baron
  Sha'ara'diin." He collects his thoughts, then continues...

From House Bajazet, Haroon furrows his brow and shakes his head, but remains
  silent happy to wait to voice his many objections.

Vasveen blinks. He takes another gulp of the greenish fluid to wet his lips.
  "The alleged 'crimes' of House Bajazet are not at issue, Count Filarion."
  He shakes his head. "However, your mention of the Great Convention
  intrigues us. Elaborate."

Nodding, Filarion further explains, "Well informed sources indicated that
the
  new Bajazet Regent had plans, high ambitions that would not have stopped
  within his own ranks. It is Harkonnen tradition to not bring war onto our
  own soil and after having been insulted on many different levels it was
  ultimately decided to take action. I believe that the members of this
  Council will agree that Malarca Secundus is a rather humble target, but it
  was an example. We merely used our patented Harkonnen directness instead
of
  more shady means others might use." Upon the legates comment the Count
bows
  his head in acknowledgement. "House Harkonnen refuses to pursue this
matter
  any further if House Bajazet is unable to produce evidence of violations
of
  the Great Convention. Evidence, not accusations."

The Legate's face is unreadable. He squints at the Bajazets with his one
good
  eye.

Cesare shifts slightly in his suspensor chair and signals that he desires to
  be heard in proper turn.

From House Bajazet, Haroon hunkers down over his desk, steaming slightly
from
  the ears.

From House Ginaz, Steffan folds his arms, as he leans foward in his chair.
He looks
  down at his notes with a puzzled gaze.

Haroon rises from his seat and directs a long suffering look at Filarion "It
  is disappointing that House Harkonnen show a further disregard for this
  forum in their attempts to sidetrack this discussion into unjustified
  slander and hearsay." He shakes his head " "There is no question as to how
  the Great Convention has been broken. An act of war outside of formally
  declared Kanly.. " He glares at Filarion and then looks over to the high
  table. "We would be interested to hear if the good Lord Lankiveil can
  disupute this fact"

At the table, Mikhail frowns slightly, "Count Fillarion, According to the
  laws which bind our societly together namely the Great Convention,
Invasion
  of a planet held in feif apparent or by CHOAM contract is in violation
  UNLESS a War of Assasins or Kanly has been declared before the Landsraad
  High Council, no such declaration has been brought before this body."

Reassuringly glancing over towards Mikhail, Filarion gives a small sigh.
  "Without question, an act of war outside of formally declared Kanly is
  against the laws of the Great Convention." He nods again, stressing this
  statement. "Yet, Malarca Secundus is not a Bajazet fief, High Councellor."
  The Count nods again. "Not a fief."

Cromwell walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Cromwell has arrived.

Mikhail nods "It is not a fief...I suppose holding would be a more
apropriate
  term, my apologies Count Lankiveil."

Cromwell slips in quietly and joins the Corrino delegation.

Cromwell joins the Corrino seating.

Boris gives a silent chuckle.

Cesare continues to hold his hand aloft, awaiting recognition.

From House Bajazet, Haroon looks to the High Councillor waiting for his cue
  to respond.

Mikhail nods "House Bajazet now has the floor."

Filarion quietly seats himself after another set of bows.

Haroon unfolds himself from his seat and manages to keep irritation out of
  his voice as he replies "Despite the good Lord Lankiveil's attempts to
  distract us from the issue at hand with wordsmanship, the issue is
  clearcut. The Great Convention defines High Crime as an attempt,
successful
  or not upon the life of one not on the list of acceptable targets in a
  kanly." He glances to the high table "As the na-Earl has pointed out to us
  no kanly has been declared, and hence there is no list of acceptable
  targets. Therefore all those members of House Bajazet slain on Malarca in
  this act of naked aggression contribute to a charge of High Crime to be
  levelled against House Harkonnen"

The Legate lifts a stylus and makes a note on his portfolio.

At the table, Mikhail scribbles quickly in his portfolio.

Boris grinds his cigar out and barks at the Bajazet table, "Preposterous!
And
  who are you to make such an accusation? You're not even a proper Siridar!"

Filarion's hand goes up immediatedly after the Bajazet has spoken his last
word.

Cesare coughs loudly and turns on the suspensors to his chair, rising
  slightly in the air and accentuating his continued desire to speak before
  the assemblage.

Mikhail looks a bit shocked, he nods to Cesare, "Count Cesare Moritani now
  has the floor." he motions for an aide to bring a glass of water.

Cesare nods to the moderator before shifting his gaze slowly to sweep across
  the Houses Major in congress. "My noble cousines, you will pardon me if I
  cannot rise to my feet, but far better that had the traitor's bullet meant
  for more vital location found its mark. I stand here as a Siridar in ...
  great concern. This situation, none can deny, is a tenuous one, but we
  cannot let it disrupt the orderliness of this high body. This was supposed
  to be an /informative meeting/, not an opportunity for insults and
  accusations to be hurled. Both Houses involved in this are understandably
  in tension, but I suggest to all of you that we leave it as such. Until
  there is some sort of spillover and Malarca manages through some miracle
of
  God to affect the rest of us in any true way, shape, or form, or until
such
  time as anything is proven as to the illegal complicity of either Houses
  Bajazet or Harkonnen, we have no business intervening. If there are
  financial matters at stake here, bring them before CHOAM. If there is
  illegal action taking place, prove it before this body. Otherwise, return
  to your feud."

Mikhail nods seemingly in agreement with the Count Moritani.

Cesare clunks his chair back to the floor and inclines his head gracefully
  towards the moderating Rastanyev, his opinions on the matter now known.

From House Corrino, Justine blinks in surprise at Cesare's comment,
obviously
  not expecting such words come from him. Her head nods slightly, as if in
  agreement, as she watches him move back into place. A small smile forming
  on her lips.

From House Corrino, Cromwell steeples his fingers infront of his mouth in
  consideration of the Siridar-Count's words.

Boris frowns. He speaks urgently towards Filarion.

Mikhail directs his gaze to the Guild legate, then allowing it to sweep
  across the audience. "Has anyone here anything more to say?"

From House Ginaz, Steffan puffs on his cigar as he raises his hand to be
  heard.

The Legate gives a dry, choking cough.

Filarion's hand is still in the air as well as he inclines his head towards
  Boris to listen to his words.

Mikhail nods "The Marquis Lear now has the floor. Harkonnen, you may speak
  after our Ginaz colleauge has finished."

Cesare scowls like he's just eaten something sour as the Ginaz gets up to
  speak, muttering under his breath.

The Legate gives a dry, choking cough as he looks towards the Ginaz table.

Filarion squints slightly, nodding.

From House Bajazet, Haroon leans back in his seat waiting for the Marquis to
  make his speech.

Boris mutters to Filarion, "... will accomplish... except to make...
  Bajies... bad,... meeting... evidence..."

Cesare mutters to himself, "A pity that... is... to... of this..."

Filarion mutters to Boris, "... towards... to... the... oh..."

From House Ginaz, Steffan stands from his chair and nods to Mikhail in
  acknowlegdement He places his cigar for the moment back in its slot on the
  ashtray. He then peers over at the Count Moritani with a fleeting smile.
  "Some of us here have no stomach and are too weak to wage a conflict, but
  you must understand too, that others may. Each of these great Houses have
  allies Im sure, who might be willing to help them in their cause. If this
  dispute comes to no resolution, then it may escalate to something much
more
  serious.."

Cesare bellows in indignation, "Yes, we may actually allow damn fools to
  speak in the Landsraad!"

There's a murmur from the Harkonnens at the table. The Baron scowls in the
  direction of the Ginaz.

From House Bajazet, Haroon shoots an eyebrow up in the direction of the high
  table waiting for order to be restored as the good Marquis pauses in his
  speech

From House Corrino, Cromwell shakes his head and smirks.

Mikhail nods "Thank you Lord Ginaz for your ahh...comments...have ye more to
  say? If not Harkonnen may now have the floor."

From House Corrino, Justine facepalms after Steffan's speech and shakes her
  head a little in disbelief.

From House Ginaz, Steffan takes a deep breath and then sits back down. He
  looks at the Harkonnen table as he does so.

From House Bajazet, Haroon smiles slyly at the Marquis' comments watching
the
  wind get taken out of Cesare's sails.

Legate Vasveen sets his hands together, listening impassively.

From House Corrino, Justine picks up her pen and quickly writes something
  down on her notepad.

Mikhail sighs "I am afraid that in part I must agree with Count Moritani, no
  formal evidence has been brought before the High Council showing treachary
  or foul play of any kind. The sytem Malarca has long been disputed by both
  houses."

From House Bajazet, Haroon looks about ready to hit someone with a
  leatherbound volume of the Great Convention.

From House Bajazet, Haroon raises his hand to speak.

Rising slowly from the Harkonnen table Filarion folds his hands behind his
  back. "I will not occupy the members of this forum any longer than
  neccessary. It is clear to everyone that House Bajazet and House Ginaz are
  clearly ridiculing these very halls. This is not the time for claims and
  big words. This is not about some Houses running towards their allies for
  protection. Yet, if I may, I would like to conclude House Harkonnen's
  statement with the fact that his Majesty, Padisha Emperor Jeon XIV himself
  has sent his trusty Sardaukar troops to observe House Harkonnen's
  activities, thus justifying our actions. Does the Bajazet claim that our
  Emperor acts on behalf of criminals?"

From House Bajazet, Haroon snorts audibly at Filarion's comment.

From House Corrino, Cromwell coughs slightly

Justine blinks and quickly rises from her chair when Filarion mentions the
  Emperor. She starts to speak but stops herself and slowly lowers herself
  back into her seat, giving a very displeased glance to Filarion.

Mikhail continues, "However it is fact that the Harkonnen _have_ invaded
  Malarca. This fact can be denied only by the blind." he glares at the
  Harkonnen for a moment before continuing. "His Majesty the Padishah
Emperor
  has sent observers, this does not mean that he approves nor disapproves of
  the Harkonnen actions. I would ask Harkonnen that ye watch your tounge
when
  ye mention his Majesty in that matter."

From House Corrino, Cromwell pats Justines hand

Cesare inquires, "If His Majesty has sent observers, who are we to question
  the situation? Let His Greater Will deign if there is anything amiss
here!"

From House Corrino, Cromwell raises his hand seeking recognition from the
  chair.

From House Corrino, Justine nods quickly in agreement with Mikhail's words
  and casts a narrowed look to Filarion once again.

From House Ginaz, Steffan picks up his cigar again and sticks in his mouth,
  and an expression of apathy on his face. He continues to scribble on his
  pad, occasionally staring at Filarion as he speaks.

Mikhail nods "The Mentat-Chancellor of house Corrino now has the floor, all
  will remain silent while he speaks."

Satyavrat walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Satyavrat has arrived.

Satyavrat joins the Rastanyev seating.

Filarion bows once more, sinking down into his seat, yet his hand already in
  the air again.

The Legate looks bored. His eyes blink slowly as if dozing.

Mikhail looks at the legate and frowns, a look of disapproval on his face,

From House Bajazet, Haroon 's private secretary flutters a piece of paper in
  the air, the Regent presumably being tired of all this stretching.

Cromwell rises from his seat, gathers himself and begins, "My Lords and
their
  honorable retainers, his most sublime Majesty the padishah Emperor has
  indeed dispatched his Sardaukar troops to Malaraca Secundus. This action
is
  not to be taken as any sort of endorsment of either side's position in
this
  conflict. Indeed any and all information gathered by these troops will be
  presented before the Landsraad if and when appropriate to do so in the
  event such information is requested."

Cromwell bows to the chair and returns to his seat.

Filarion taps his left finger onto the table, his right hand in the air
still.

From House Corrino, Justine nods in agreement with Cromwell and once he
sits,
  she leans over and says something quietly to him.

Mikhail removes another cigar from the case at his elbow, the previous one
  having gone cold. He strikes a match and lights it puffing from time to
  time.

From House Corrino, Cromwell nods to Justine

From House Harkonnen, Filarion whispers a question towards Boris, nodding
  into Mikhail's direction as he talks to the Baron.

Mikhail nods "Ahh, my apologies for forcing you to wait so long, Harkonnen
  now has the floor."

The Legate leans forward to make a notation to himself.

The Count Lankiveil rises again, bowing poignantly towards Mikhail. "House
  Harkonnen officially petitions the removal of the current High Councellor,
  Na-Earl Mikhail Rastanyev from his position as High Councellor. The
Na-Earl
  in the eyes of the Harkonnen delegation is not impartial in this matter
and
  thus not capable of leading this forum in this particular matter."

From House Bajazet, Cyrus raises his brow fractionally, straightening his
  posture.

Mikhail arches an eyebrow, "Excuse me count Lankiveil, I would ask that you
  show me instances of my supposed favour towards either side. I have given
  no favour to either side in this matter, nor will I. If you wish to
  challenge me personally Count, I will gladly accept."

Haroon shoots his hand into the air, grabbing his paper back from his
hapless
  and unnoticed private secretary.

Mikhail glares at the Harkonnen "You malaign my honour, you will answer me,
  Harkonnen."

The Legate rustles to Mikhail, "The Guild insists that no killing be
  performed in this chamber. Kindly save your honor for when the Guild is
not
  present." He adds a pointed look at Filarion, who provoked the distasteful
  display in the first place.

With a smile, Filarion bows his head. "This is no challenge, High
Councellor.
  House Harkonnen merely officially questions the Na-Earls impartiality in
  this matter. According to the Great Convention a House Major has the right
  to question this and if the motion is carried..." Filarion smiles
slightly.
  "House Harkonnen will return to this issue at a later meeting."

Mikhail says, "House Harkonnen will meet with me in the High Councillors
  offices after this meeting is over. Bajazet, speak."

From House Corrino, Justine's head shakes in disgust at the whole thing and
  wonders when it will be over.

Haroon rises again to address the floor and shoots a glance full of fire at
  Filarion. "The Harkonnen delegation here have had to stoop no lower than
  usual in bringing such baseless allegations here. I would remind this
  congress that the purpose of this special session was to present evidence
  to the Guild. Our files have been forwarded to the Guild Office on kaitain
  so that they can review the level of economic damage to have taken place
as
  a result of this illconcieved invasion. It is notable that House Harkonnen
  has never refuted these claims within the course of this meeting. House
  Bajazet motions that this Congress session be closed and further evidence
  be presented at the next regular voting session of the Landsraad." He
  returns to his seat and begins to shuffle his files into order.

Mikhail stands abruptly his voice carries a menacing tone, "This meeting is
  adjourned."

Cromwell shakes his head in amazement.

The Legate stares at Mikhail. "The Guild has not spoken."

Mikhail glares "My apologies, Speak then."

Filarion curls his lips in amusement, remaining seated.

The Legate rasps, "The Guild will expect all allegations made here to be
  documented and substantiated...." Deep breath. "The Guild will then reveal
  its ruling on the matter.... We remind all parties that accusations of
  'atrocity' will be discarded.." Cough. "We further remind all parties that
  escalation would be ill-advised." Pause. "We dismiss you." He rises and
  passes from the chamber.

Boris rises, grinning broadly and extends a two handed handshake to his
  cousin. "Well-spoken, Count, well spoken!" he says with a rolling laugh.

From House Bajazet, Haroon resumes putting his files in order with a heavy
  thump of leather-bound dossiers being stacked. He rises from his seat and
  bows to the congress, being sure not to include Boris in that. "We thank
  this chamber for its time, and the na-Earl Rastanyev for chairing this
  meeting"

From House Corrino, Cromwell looks toward the Harkonnens then toward the
  chair, "Does the chair adjourn this meeting?"

Mikhail steps away from the table, he nods "The Chair does so and would have
  a Harkonnen representative as well as a Corrino representative to meet in
  the High Councilors offices."

From House Ginaz, Steffan sorts his papers and then places them into the
  folder. He grinds his cigar into the ashtray, as if expecting the meeting
  to end soon.

From House Bajazet, Haroon shrugs his way into his great coat, pulls on his
  gloves and clicks down towards the exit.

Haroon leaves the Bajazet seating.

Filarion chuckles and takes the Baron's hand, "Thank you, Baron, thank you."
  Shaking his head with a grin he amends, "I am sure that our point has been
  well made." After Mikhail has spoken, Filarion chuckles, "Aye, a Harkonnen
  representative shall be there."

Mikhail leaves the High Council table.

From House Corrino, Justine gathers up her notepad and then stands. She
looks
  to Cromwell and says, "Good luck, Cromwell. I'll leave this next meeting
up
  to you."

Mikhail makes his way to the exit.

Cromwell stands

Mikhail walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Mikhail has left.

Boris laughs broadly with a derisive look at Mikhail as he claps the Count's
  shoulder.

Steffan leaves the Ginaz seating.

Justine walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Justine has left.

Cromwell leaves the Corrino seating.

Cromwell walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Cromwell has left.

Haroon watches the Harkonnen antics with visible disgust from the doorway
and
  then offers a final formal bow to the room as he exits.


---


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
           martin hirsch - filarion
filarion@gothik.nu   icq# 12658441  -=UDIC=-
           random noise productions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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