Meeting of the Mentats

["Ben Stansberry" <britishben@hotmail.com>]

OOC:Here's a little RP between Cromwell and Nestor, from Cromwell's point of 
view.


Reception Foyer -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)(#2481RtJ)
There can be no doubt that the architects of the Imperial Palace recognized 
that the first interior impression a visitor would have would be the 
Reception Foyer. The foyer is adorned with the most opulent and shameless 
decor of any space in the Imperium. Decorated in a soft-Baroque style, the 
massive, domed chamber, which reaches no less than 20 meters high, is 
masterfully designed -- and with inestimable precision -- to attenuate any 
echoes or harsh sounds, despite the fact that the stark white marble floor 
is dressed with neither rug or carpet and the walls with not a single 
tapestry. The dome itself bears a remarkable mural, the largest such 
self-supporting structure on Kaitain. Without exception, every noteworthy 
piece of furniture appears to be an original, priceless antique. The chairs 
which line the walls at strategic points appear to be originals from the 7th 
millennium, flawlessly preserved. Two large gold framed mirrors adorn the 
north wall. Several portraits line the east and west walls. Honor Guards in 
dress uniform watch visitors motionlessly with penetrating gazes while 
Imperial servants mill about quietly on various errands.
Exits:
Dark Granite Stairs <U> leads to Halls of the Royal Residence -- Imperial 
Palace (Kaitain)
French Doors <NW> leads to Platinum Ballroom -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
Marble Archway <N> leads to Hall of Emperors -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
Gilded Doors <W> leads to Salon of Wallach I -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
Grand Entrance <S> leads to Cannon Green -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
Nestor comes from the Cannon Green.
Nestor has arrived.

Nestor strides into the foyer, hands lightly clasped in front of him. 
Remarkably, no guards seem to be accompanying him.

A thin man, not especially muscular as can be told through lack of any 
bulges of flesh under his clothing, and of average height. He walks with a 
noble gait, his head held high usually, a walk that betrays the 
self-confidence and subtle arrogance in himself. His eyes are green and 
always seem to be probing something or someone with a look of curiosity or 
determination about them. His black hair is short, around a centimeter long 
at all points, and is always kept meticulously clean and neat. His lips are 
thin and expressive and show the staining on and around them that are 
indicative of a user of the Juice of Sapho. Notable, is the fact that his 
left hand is quite obviously Ixian in origin (+inspect Nestor=hand).%r%rHe 
wears a jet-black longcoat with silver trim, which hides most of his 
waistline, over a stright-collared gray shirt and black pants tucked neatly 
into high, black leather boots.


Cromwell stands mid-way into the large reception foyer. When he sees the 
Harkonnen Mentat enter he begins to walk toward him. "Master Nestor, I 
presume?"


Nestor bows slightly as he hears his name, turning toward the voice. "And 
that would make you Master...Cromwell?"

Nestor just looked at you.


Cromwell returns the bow formally, "Indeed I am Chancellor Cromwell. Allow 
me to welcome you to the palace. Perhaps we should retire to a place more 
conducive to conversation. If you will please follow me

You pass through the Gilded Doors and into the Salon.

Salon of Wallach I -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

This elegant salon is the sedate picture of tranquillity. It's positioning, 
on the West wing of the palace, makes it ideal for an afternoon tea, or an 
early evening meeting, when the sun pours through the picture windows and 
bathes the hardwood floors in brilliant gold light. The ceiling is adorned 
with silver trappings and engraving, underlit by, of all things, soft 
incandescent lighting. Several comfortable lounge chairs and benches adorn 
the room and would easily suit any social combination under 15 persons.

Players:

Cromwell

Exits:

Copper Double Doors <N> leads to The Saudir I Memorial Grand Library of the 
Imperium -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

Guilded Doors <E> leads to Reception Foyer -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

Nestor arrives from the Reception Foyer.
Nestor has arrived.

Cromwell motions toward a grouping of chairs, "Please take a seat. Would you 
care for any refreshments?"

Nestor takes a moment to scan the room before taking a seat in one of the 
single chairs. "I thank you for your hospitality, Master Cromwell...but I 
require no refreshment, thank you."

Cromwell nods and smiles as he motions for a servant to bring him sapho and 
melange tea. He then takes a seat, "So Master Nestor what can I do for you 
today?"

A servant returns with the Lord Chancellor's tea as if they expected his 
request and had it prepared and ready.

Nestor allows his lightly clasped hands to rest on his thighs as he sits in 
the plush chair. "Two matters in particular, Master Cromwell." He takes 
another moment to look around. "Is this area secure enough for this 
conversation?"

Cromwell smiles and waves a hand dissmisivly, "I assure you we are 
completely secure."

Nestor nods slightly, perhaps used to more 'harkonnen' measures, no pun 
intended. "Very well then. To be blunt, for one I wish to offer my services 
on behalf of House Harkonnen to aid in finding if there is indeed foul play 
involved in the Lady Ceile's malady...among Masters of Assassins my name is 
well known...and I may investigate such matters just as well. The other 
matter, of course, relates to the goings on the other night at the Imperial 
Lounge...and the injury of the Princess Jenaa."

Cromwell nods, "Indeed your reputation is well known and I am sure that his 
Majesty will be appreciative of any aid you can give in the matter of Lady 
Ceile. As to the second matter you mention..' His face takes a somewhat 
harder expression 'Perhaps you /should/ explain the actions of your house's 
retainers."

Cromwell takes a sip of his tea

If there is any fear behind the Mentat's eyes at the question, it is not 
perceivable. "The individuals involved are part of a faction of the 
Harkonnen command structure known as the Familial Guard. They train within 
their own group...and are under the orders of the Harkonnen noble to whom 
they are assigned. In this case, their overreaction was the flaw in their 
own training, perhaps...all but two of the group have already been executed. 
As for their orders...they were following the orders of the Baron's son 
Mikael."

Cromwell nods, "I see. In that case Lord Mikael is to be held accountable in 
this matter. I will inform the Caid to place him under observation until the 
final outcome of this tragedy is know."

Nestor nods, his expression showing that it was the response that was 
expected. "Very well. The Baron Harkonnen would, of course, ask the Emperor 
and the Princess' forgiveness in this matter. The negligence was on the part 
of the Familial Guard...their target being a Bajazet spy. Regardless, the 
two individuals from that unit still alive will be handed over to yourself 
without question to be dealt with in any manner that you wish..."

Cromwell nods professionally, "Very good. As for his Majesty's forgiveness, 
that is a personal choice on his part. The Princess however may not have the 
option to forgive...at least not in this life. I hope you see the gravity of 
this situation. Make no mistake this could turn out very badly for House 
Harkonnen, very badly indeed."

Nestor nods, equally as professionally, the statement not taken personally. 
"Oh, I most certainly do, Master Cromwell. I most certainly do. I also know 
that His Majesty would not cripple a Great House that supports him at every 
turn for such an act of an impudent noble. You, of course, see a flaw to 
such a move." He licks his lips slightly. "May I speak frankly with you, 
Master Cromwell...Mentat to Mentat...between the two of us?"

Cromwell nods but remains silent
Cromwell takes a sip of his tea

Nestor says, "Mikael has turned out to be the worst example of what a 
Harkonnen noble may become. In addition, he has compromised Harkonnen 
security...the security that myself and the Sekuria work so diligently to 
maintain. For this transgression, the injury to a Corrino noble and the fact 
that he has so complacently allowed secure documents to fall into enemy 
hands, I would execute him myself. The Baron, however, will not allow 
such...even though it is in the best interests of the House itself. Perhaps 
the Emperor will find himself in a religious frame of mind when he passes 
judgement...a tooth for a tooth as the Orange Catholic Bible states...a 
close family member for the same."

Cromwell takes another sip of his tea, "I see. You want the Emperor to do 
the Barons dirty work for him. I begin to wonder now Master Nestor, humm. A 
pity that not all of the Familial guardsmen are still alive to be 
questioned, humm. Mind you I have no basis to make any claims but I'm sure 
others would not be so.....scrupulous."

Nestor fans his hands out slowly. "I merely give the option that is most 
just and allows the least strife for the Imperium. Do you not see the logic 
in it...or can you yourself offer a better solution that will not weaken an 
Imperial supporter? Execution of the guardsman is standard procedure...but 
those who actually admitted to being those who may have wounded. The ones 
who did not injure the Lady are ours to deal with and those who have wronged 
the Emperor are yours to deal with...again, this is simple justice."

You say, "Master Nestor, I am afraid you may have misunderstood me. I merely 
comment that House Harkonnen's enemies are sure to see the connection 
between the Baron and Emperor as I have. It will be a short jump for them to 
claim that the Harkonnens arranged the attack on the Princess in order to 
deal with this upstart son. I am sure that the Emperor will indeed find a 
suitable punishment for this crime. As for what he may choose, I cannot at 
this time say.""

Nestor nods slightly. "Perhaps, but even those enemies' Mentats will see 
that the Bajazet would have to be involved in such a plot as well...and the 
odds of that are neigh impossible. I can give you many more arguments which 
would reinforce this truth, but I am certain that they would be not so 
different than the calculations going on in your own mind, so I will not 
waste your time. I merely ask for justice instead of conjecture on your part 
as you advise the Emperor...as is your duty."
Nestor says, "As you, yourself, have already stated, Mikael is to be held 
responsible for this act."

Cromwell raises an eyebrow, "I assure you Master Nestor I am well aware of 
my duties to the Emperor, and to the best of my knowledge they are not to 
shelter House Harkonnen. Soldiers of your house opened fire within the 
Imperial Hotel the result of which is potentially the death of an Imperial 
Princess. Indeed Lord Mikael will be held responsible for his actions in 
this matter, but I cannot say if the Emperor's wrath will end there. The 
Emperor's mind is his own, especially in dealing with family matters. I 
observe, however, that just as the Emperor takes great responsibility for 
the actions of his family, he expects the same from others. That is all I 
can say about what his judgements might or might not be."

Nestor nods, standing slowly. "For certain, Master Cromwell. I know, though, 
that the Emperor is also a disciplined soldier...and I can only imagine that 
he has seen battle...bystanders are wounded in battle. I would not think to 
belittle the Emperor's feelings for the Lady Jenaa...but like bystanders in 
battle, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The blame for this 
falls fully on House Harkonenen...that I would not deign to argue. 
But...something to think about, perhaps, is why a highly trained Sardaukar 
was present and his first thought was not of he safety of the Lady even over 
his own life. Perhaps, though, I have too little data on the Sardaukar."

Cromwell shrugs and stands, "Indeed, this situation is full of variables 
which need to be filled before a reasonable response can be formulated."

Nestor bows slightly. "Quite, Master Cromwell. My duties here are now 
fulfilled...and I thank you again for your time and hospitality. I will now 
take my leave unless you have further points of discussion that you wish 
covered..."

Cromwell shakes his head, "No, Master Nestor I have no further topics to 
discuss. I thank you for your visit. I hope that I have not misrepresented 
myself in regards to your suggestion. I find it has real merit, however his 
Majesty's opinions on this matter are bound to be somewhat......passionate, 
and therefore difficult to predict. I will however pass your suggestion 
along as well as your offer to aid us in our investigation into Lady Ceile's 
condition."

Nestor nods. "I could ask for no more, Master Cromwell. Your training is 
obvious in your reactions...something to be proud of. Perhaps, when these 
situations have been handled, that we might socialize under less necessarily 
formal circumstances..."

Cromwell smiles, "Indeed I look forward to that and I thank you for coming 
to see me."

Nestor bows slightly again and makes his way out of the room, always at such 
angles so as not to allow his fellow Mentat to have a complete view of his 
back as he does so...perhaps out of habit.

(OOC) Nestor says, "Thanks for the RP. :) Really good stuff...I'm not used 
to being on the defensive at all. It is difficult to intimidate the Imperial 
Mentat. :P"

(OOC) Cromwell smiles, "Yeah this was good. Do you mind if I post a log?"

(OOC) Nestor says, "If you like. I have no objections."

(OOC) Cromwell says, "Cool"

Nestor passes the Guilded Doors to the East.
Nestor has left.

Cromwell is now set 'Out-of-Character.'



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