Dining Room -- Imperial Hotel (Kaitain)
Lining opposite walls of the dining room are several BOOTHS, each containing its own table. Above each table is a dim glowglobe with a conical ray of light downwards. Set apart from these, at the back of the room, is the long table designated as IMPERIAL. Open entrances let in the brighter light of the lounge and lobby. The room is carpeted in a dark emerald color that matches the verticle stripes that run down the white walls.
Players:
Steffan Justine
Exits:
Corridor <SW> leads to Lounge -- Imperial Hotel (Kaitain)
Arch <S> leads to Lobby -- Imperial Hotel (Kaitain)
Justine nods a little with a small sigh as she picks up her utensils and begins to pick at the food before her. Obviously, she's not going to be able to change the subject as she asked, so she might as well get it over with. She uses her fork to cut off a small piece of her blackened salmon and asks, "Such as?" And then takes a bite, chewing slowly.
Boris enters from the hotel lobby.
Boris has arrived.
Sen enters from the hotel lobby.
Sen has arrived.
At the corner table, Steffan starts to break open one of the mussels, "oh, any number of things that may need our attention. Our new relationship with the Venhei or the Rastanyev, the Bene Gesserits might call upon us regarding my sister. The Bajazet might ask for our help, or even trouble at home might start up again.."
Justine and Steffan are sitting at the far end of the dining room, at a corner table. There are two chairs in front of them that are not occupied. They seem to be talking amoungst themselves as they eat.
Sen glides alertly through the arch, a quick silver fish at the Baron's left hand.
Boris bustles into the room, the diminutive Swordmaster nearby, a pack of his usual guards in tow. The waiters roll their eyes--politely--and shy away from the Baron when they see him.
"You know what I'd like, Swordmaster?" Boris roars. "A roast prairiehen, eh? Wouldn't that sit well right now, just a late lunch..." he rubs his hands in anticipation, then sights Steffan and Justine. "Well, what have we here?" he asks, gleefully.
At the corner table, Justine sighs a bit at the mention of the Bajazet and quietly says, "I....I guess I should tell you now before you find out later." She sets down her fork and takes a long drink of her wine before continuing, "I went to visit the Bajazet yesterday, specifically the Pasha Kemal, but he was not available. In his steed, I spoke with their swordmaster and soon after, your sister and the Vizier joined us. It seems that the Bajazet slaves have been...." Her voice trails off as she's not sure how to say this, even more unsure how you will take it. Just before she starts again, she notices the Baron arrive.
Justine glances up from her food as she notices the Baron arrive.
Sen glances up at the man-mountain momentarily and touches the side of her throat. "Siridar-Marquis Steffan Lear, My Baron, and Lady Justine Garamond," she says in her soft, flat voice, though not necessarily to him.
Boris approaches the Ginaz table, chuckling. "Cousine!" he addresses Steffan. "Isn't this a surprise! I can't recall when last we shared a meal, eh?" He adds jocularly, "Swordmaster, ready the sniffer, eh? You can't be too careful with this one." He seats himself without invitation. "Mind if we join you, my lord?"
Justine's elbow reaches over and gently nudges Steffan as she jerks her head towards Boris and his company, however, it's not all that noticeable. She smirks as the Baron makes his way over and replies, "Well, if this isn't a surprise, My Lord Baron Harkonnen. Why doesn't it surprise me to see you in an establishment such as this?" She offers a smile and you aren't quite sure if her remark is innocent or an insult.
Steffan stands and bows in the direction of the Baron. He smiles and glances momentarily at Sen. He tries with straight face to reply, "Certainly, please join us. Perhaps you wish to share something from....Caladan...fresh mussels, hard to get you know.."
Sen nods and adjusts the cuffs of her uniform jacket in response, flashing an unobtrusive gesture to the guards and slipping into the booth along with the Baron.
Boris snaps his fingers. "That's just the thing. Mussel whet the appetite, eh? And they sharpen a man's other appetites, too." he chuckles lewdly. "Isn't that right, my lord?"
Justine's eyes shift to Sen and she nods to the woman briefly, to acknowledge her presence. Unlike Steffan, she remains seated and picks up her fork, cutting off another small piece of her blackened salmon before taking a bite. She nearly chokes on the Baron's comment about the other appetites and reaches for her wine to help it go down. o O (One could only hope)
Sen lays her little white hands on the tabletop and examines Justine and Steffan briefly. An appropriately respectful smile for each of them, an identical humorless smile.
Mikhail enters from the hotel lobby.
Mikhail has arrived.
Justine's eyes move to Sen as she feels the woman's eyes upon her. After she finishes drinking her wine, she offers Sen a tight smile and says, "I do hope that I meet your approval, young miss."
Steffan, Justine, Boris and Sen all sit at the corner booth. A cluster of Harkonnen guards lurk nearby, eyeing the occupants, the staff, the furniture, the tablecloths, and the oil painting of Emperor Saudir on the wall with suspicion.
The na-Earl Rastanyev enters followed by a solitary guardsmen. He takes a moment to look around the now less populated dining room. At a gesture from the na-Earl the guard moves some distance away, trying to make himself look somewhat less noticeable.
Sen enunciates gently, "I should think the Lady would be above requiring my approval," and glances to the door, eyes flicking over the na-Earl.
Boris spears a mussel from its shell and forks it into his maw. He looks delighted. "See, Swordmaster? Hardly poisonous at all." He forks in a another. "Lady Justine, have you met my Swordmaster, Sen Howyrm'n? A delightful creature. You could say her killer instinct is bred in the bone. Don't let her upset you too much, I pray you."
Steffan sips a bit of the wine, and attempts to crack open another mussel. He smiles as the na-Earl enters.
Sen does the smile again. It's not changed any from the first time, but her eyes seem vaguely apologetic. At least that would appear to be the expression she's working towards.
Justine nods to Sen, "I am, however, since you seemed to be examining me, I thought I would ask out of mere curiosity." She looks to Boris and offers him a tight smile as well, "Oh, I assure you, My Lord Baron Harkonnen, I am not upset in the slightest. I'm used to being around those who drink blood, it does not bother nor worry me, I assure you. But you are very kind in taking concern for me. It is noted and appreciated."
Sen waits until the Lady has spoken and then delivers her consideration: "The Lady is an excellent specimen."
A soft smile comes over the na-Earl's expression upon sighting the Ginaz/Harkonnen seating. He begins to make his way toward the table, rather slowly and deliberately, his footfalls muffled by the flooring. After some moments, Mikhail comes to a pause a short distance from the table.
Boris nods at Sen's words. "The lady is indeed, Swordmaster" he agrees, giving a snort of mirth. "The Garamond line breeds true, and they're all beauties from way back, eh?"
Mikhail offers a slightly deeper than half bow to the Ginaz Marquis. The smile fades some, more of a smirk now, he seems a good bit happier now than earlier, perhaps it's all a public face. "Marquis, and Lady Lear, forgive me for intruding on your evening..."
Justine nods a bit to Sen and replies, "I'm glad that I meet with your approval." She spots Mikhail and looks to him fully, seeming somewhat relieved that a friendly face is here. She rises and dips a curtsey, out of respect, to him and says, "Greetings, Na-Earl Rastanyev. Tis a pleasure to see you." She motions to an empty spot and asks, "Would you care to join us?"
Mikhail nods in Justine's direction, indicating acceptance of her offer. He takes a seat in an empty chair. "You are most gracuous m'lady," he replies.
Steffan stands to bow gently to the na-Earl, "PLEASE come and join us...."
Sen touches her collar again reflexively, although she keeps a hand angled towards the Baron's food, of course.
Boris greets Mikhail. "My lord of Rastanyev! Have a seat, have a seat! And have some of these excellent mussels, eh?" He gestures emphatically for a waiter to bring Mikhail a plate.
Justine nods to Boris as she sits herself down again and states, "Thank you, my Lord Baron. I only wish I had my mother's beauty. But the Garamond line is gone. I..." She hesitates and then quietly continues, "Any children that I might produce will carry the Lear lineage."
Boris can't resist. "Alas, my lady, our children can't pick their parents, eh?" he roars with laughter.
Steffan smiles at Justine's words as he struggles with opening the next mussel, "Indeed.." He then raises his goblet and takes a sip of the wine.
Sen smiles secretively and murmurs something unheard under the Baron's laughter.
Justine can't help herself, before she can hold her tongue, it slips out as she asks with a smile, "Speaking from experience, my dear Lord Baron?"
Mikhail regards the plate infront of him with interest, managing to stifle a laugh at the Baron's laughter.
Steffan takes a long look the Baron and laughs, "You are certainly right about that.."
Boris grins. "Well said, Lady! I'd wager if you asked my own, they'd all rather have the Emperor as a father. Ungrateful pups that they are...But I suppose I'd have said the same thing about my own sire." he's still laughing good naturedly.
Justine cuts off another piece of her blackened salmon and mutters a bit louder then she meant to, "Children learn from their parents." And then takes a bite, chewing slowly.
One of the Harkonnen guards, who looks somewhat different from the others insofar as that he's taller, fairer, and moves with longer strides, steps up to the table long enough to set down a tall glass of water at the Swordmaster's right hand. She makes a rotating 'tick tick' gesture with her left wrist and sips, genteelly.
Mikhail seems to have gone rather silent as the discussion of family is brooched, instead he pry's open a mussel, and removes the meat with a small fork. The recent turn in conversation seems to have touched a nerve.
Boris eyes Mikhail a moment, then washes down his mussels with some wine. "That's what I get for doting on them, I'm afraid." he shakes his head ruefully. "But never mind that. Tell me, cousin," he says to Steffan, "what's to be done about your little disagreement with my good friend Count Cesare?"
Sen watches Steffan for his response with microscopic attention.
Boris spears another mussel and gobbles it down.
Justine refills her glass of wine and then looks to Steffan's glass to see if it needs to be refreshed as well. If so, she fills it and then sets the bottle down before taking hold of her glass to take a drink. Her eyes peer over the rim as she drinks, her eyes flickering back and forth between Boris and Steffan, curious herself as to his answer.
A soft sigh escapes the na-Earl's lips, his ice-blue eyes dart quickly to Steffan. "A new Judge of the Rite will be appointed. The council will submit a list of candidates it finds acceptable to his Majesty. I pray however cher cousine that ye sue for peace with the Count Moritani. Far be it from me to advise you in such matters," a slight pause.
Steffan spoons out of a bowl, something that looks something like a vegetable. Using a fork he breaks it apart and eats some of it along with some mussel, "The Count?, Ginaz will follow the forms, as it should." While peering curiously at this vegetable on his plate he says rather nonchalantly, "of course though, accidents happen...particularly to frail old men like the Count.."
Justine's head barely shakes, she tries not to do it, not wanting to disagree with her husband in public but she can't help it. Before she can speak, she takes another bite of her food and moves her eyes down to her plate.
Boris raises a bushy brow. "Old man? He's not three decades old yet, cousine!"he asks incredulously. " Is this how the Ginaz fight? That's it, push his wheelchair down the stairs!" he chuckles at his own jest.
Sen entwines her tapered fingers lovingly about her glass and quietly admits in a reasonable semblance of regret, "Lord Marquis, truer words were never spoken."
Mikhail lets out a slight chuckle as he waves over a waiter. "Grumman brandy, eh?"
Steffan hrms, "Really?, he looks alot older than that....maybe its the wheelchair. Anyway, I don't see him or he house as a threat. Perhaps he should surrender and be done with it. I'll be reseasonable with the terms. That way he won't have to worry about the Ginaz..."
Justine can't help it anymore, she drops her fork onto her plate, causing a loud clanking sound and then leans over to Steffan and sternly mutters, "Steffan! Please!"
Boris strokes his beard, shrugs, and pops another mussel in his maw. "One could argue that he doesn't have to worry about them now. Whom do you favor as a Judge, eh, cousin?"
At this latest comment from the seemingly witless Marquis, Mikhail bursts out into a loud obnoxious fit of laughter. Finally after some moments he quiets himself and manages only to say, "Ahhh. A fine jest cousine."
Sen asks curiously, "Would the Lord Marquis say, then, that the patriarchs of the Moritani are 'worried?'" She asks as if for clarification.
Justine leans over and whispers something in Steffan's ear, using a hand to cover her mouth and his ear so that her lips cannot be read.
You whisper, "Please, I beg of you, no more. Do not speak about this to them. You are only adding fuel to the fire. It isn't the way to win a war." to Steffan.
Boris lifts a pitcher and himself fills a glass for Mikhail. He gulps his own wine down, chuckling. "'Worried.' As if Cesare would lose a moment's sleep over this.." he says to Sen.
Steffan moves the food on his plate with his fork. Then he says in rather serious but civil tone. "We shall see who ends this conflict. " He pauses, and then hastily replies, "The Judge, hmmm. Good question. Frankly, the more neutral the house, the better I would think. I haven't had much time to really think about it. His Majesty is most wise, Im sure he will pick someone quite impartial. That will be fine with me."
Justine seems pleased with Steffan's reply and sits back up again, resuming with her meal.
Sen drums her fastidiously manicured fingertips against the glass of water, has another drink, and somberly concurs, "I should think it would be, Honourable Marquis."
Mikhail takes a large gulp of his wine, and nods in thanks to Boris. He swollows and remarks, "Cesare, lose sleep over..." he shuts hos mouth rater quickly. "Speaking of the Judge, a Bajazet candidate has been submitted, I find the choice of the Regent most interesting."
Justine's brow rises in curiosity as she looks to Mikhail and asks, "A Bajazet candidate? Might I ask which one?"
Boris scowls, demanding, "The Regent Buffoon? He wouldn't be fit to judge a change of clothes!"
Mikhail nods slightly to Justine. "I believe you know of him M'lady. A most honourable man the Pasha Kemal is. In his own words, 'I will be impartial in my hate for the both of them' A most promising fellow."
Justine seems to jump at the name of the man mentioned and blinks in surprise to Mikhail as she exclaims, "The Pasha??" Her lips then form a deep frown as she repeats quietly, "Hate for both of them?"
Boris grins. "Ah, I think my Swordmaster knows this Kemal, eh?"
Mikhail nods to Justine, unable to stifle a laugh. "The very one m'lady. Take comfort, for his hatred will not touch thee. He has indeed changed since the last you saw him, Dear Lady. He is no longer the same."
After a time, Steffan starts to eat again. He breaks open another mussel, almost unable to get it open. He peers over at Mikhail. He smiles, "The Pasha? as the Judge of the Rite? Interesting choice. Yea, he has had it in for me for some time.."
Sen replies in her measured, ambiguously weighted way, "Only in passing, My Baron."
Justine nods slightly to Mikhail, his words not bringing any comfort to her. A very somber mood falls over Justine and she averts her gaze back to her plate, keeping it there. Her silence is a heavy one.
Mikhail shrugs at Steffan, "Not only you, but the majority of your family as well. Most unsettleing thing it is, then again I would not know considering that the last of my family lie dead."
Bulova enters from the hotel lobby.
Bulova has arrived.
Novak enters from the hotel lobby.
Novak has arrived.
Boris asks Steffan, "Have you prepared your list of targets, my lord? Is the Lady Justine among them?"
Bulova enters along side of his Baron father, Novak. He looks around constantly, amazed by the appearance of the Imperial Hotel. He quickly notices patrons within the area.
Novak enters the dining with his son next to him. He searches for a table to for them to dine at. He too is casually glancing around, soaking in the new surroundings.
Sen watches Steffan neutrally for his response to that question as well. Her blank attendance gives one the impression of a comeye in human form.
Justine picks up her linen napkin and briefly wipes her mouth as she stands up and quietly says, "If you all will excuse me momentarily." And begins to head towards the restrooms. As she walks away, she hears the Baron's comment about her but keeps on her way, pretending she didn't hear it.
The three Siridars and their companions sit at the Imperial table, plates of Caladanian mussels set before them.
Steffan peers at Justine for a moment, "Indeed, I have informed about the Pasha some time ago." He pauses and then glances at the Baron, " No, no list yet. We at one time considered a War of Assassins and a list was drafted. However this was years ago, when my father was Marquis. Since the Kanly continued, we never got around implimenting it and a new draft never came about, so I have been told.."
Mikhail takes another drink from his goblet, he looks at Steffan thoughtfully for a moment, "Here's an idea for you cher cousine, Challenge him and end this thing, eh? It's about bloody time someone took a step in that direction."
Boris nods encouragingly. "Yes! Challenge him! Show us what you're made of, lad!
Bulova follows his father to the corner booth.
Sen says nothing but seems interested in the suggestion, by the stroking of her thumbs along the glass.
Jeon has connected.
Steffan leans back in his chair, he pauses thinking carefully about his response. "When the time comes, certainly. If I am anything, its a honorable Ginaz. I wouldn't face him unless he could stand before me. When the Judge is finnally appointed and allowed to mediate. We'll see.."
Nookers begin filing into the room, and fanning out to secure a perimeter. The head Noukker declares, "Make way, make way, for His Imperial Sublime Majesty, the EMperor!"
Steffan, Mikhail, Boris and Sen are all sitting at a table. There is an empty chair beside Steffan and food on the plate before it making it seem as if someone has been sitting there. Nearby is Novak and his son, Bulova.
As soon as the announcement was made, Bulova quickly picks himself up from his seat and stands as if he were at attention, towards the enterance where the Padishah Emperor would come through, in great respect.
Jeon walks through and sees the attendant Landsraaders. He lifts a brow, his scheduled meal now going to be distrubed by those unworthy of Imperial Dignity. Nevertheless, the Emperor is a benevolent ruler and decides to suffer nobly through them. He selects a seat at his own table and snaps his fingers for his scheduled repast.
Steffan stands imediately placing his napkin back on the table. He then bows deeply the Emperor. "Your Majesty..."
Mikhail rises slowly, and bows to the Emperor.
Boris rises, a bit affronted at the interruption but hiding it well. He sketches a bow towards his Majesty. "Greetings, Sire," he says with a broad smile.
Novak lifts himself from the booth, lowering into a bow to the emperor.
Bulova bows as well when everybody in the room bows.
Jeon sits down regally, and assesses the order of battle that his silverware have arrayed. He strums his chin and says, "Be seated, it does not stand well upon our dignity to stand overmuch before us." He then waits for his soup and salad to arrive."
Vinko enters from the hotel lobby.
Vinko has arrived.
Sen precisely echos the Baron's bow with innate synchronicity.
Mikhail resumes his seat quickly, he takes a large gulp from his goblet, nearly draining it.
Bulova sits himself down at his seat as requested by the Sublime Majesty. He crosses his arms on the table at the corner and looks over to his father.
As Vinko quietly slips into the dinning room taking a quick glance around. He notices the Emperor and gives an immediate bow. Vinko then slides into the corner-booth.
Novak retakes his seat, becoming bored he fidgets with the silverware. He sees Vinko enter the room and motions for him to join him.
Boris doesn't wait, but sits and refills his own goblet. "Lord Steffan was just telling us why Count Cesare should be afraid, Sire.." he explains.
Vinko takes a seat at the corner booth.
Jeon is about to take a sip when someone audacious talks to him when he is trying to eat! There was one cadet who did that long ago on that one planet, where was it? Well, Jeon did feel guilty afterwards and sent money to the widow, but still ... meal time is for eating. The Emperor glowers silently at Boris and finishes taking that sip.
Minutes later, Justine reappears from the direction of the restrooms. Her face is flushed a bit but other then that, it carries no emotions whatsoever. As she makes her way back to the table where the others are, she notices Jeon and quickly lowers herself before him, dipping her head, "My Majesty. Tis an honor and a surprise to see you here. I hope all is well."
Jeon sighs inwardly, this meal is going to go poorly. Everyone wants to talk to him. What is this, court? He sets the soup aside, at this rate it'll only aggrevate an ulcer. He stabs some lettuce and before he eats it he answers Justine, "Beloved Ward, all is well."
Justine rises and nods to him, "I am glad to hear so. Please excuse me, My Majesty, but my husband and..." she pauses for a moment as she looks over to Boris and then back to Jeon with a slight distasteful look and continues, "guests...await my return." She once again offers a deep curtsey to her sorta adopted father.
Sartori arrives from the hotel dining room.
Sartori has arrived.
Sartori enter the dinning room scan the occupants.
Jeon hmmms, "Lady Ginaz, if your husband would permit we would crave your company. We miss you greatly and wish to honour you." he sees Sartori out of the corner of his eye and nods to him. He stabs another lettuce leaf and chews it.
Sartori Nods to his Emporer and moves for a seat
Sartori takes a seat at the gold table.
Boris finishes his wine, drumming his fingers on the table. He pushes his plate aside. "Well, I'm off, cousines." he says, shrugging and giving a short laugh as he rises from the table. "Good luck terrifying Count Cesare, lad," he admonishes Steffan, with a grin.
Justine bows her head to Jeon and states, "But of course, My Majesty, anything you wish. Please excuse me while I excuse myself from the other table and gather my wine and food."
Steffan looks up as the Emperor speaks, a grin appearing on his face.
Sen presses two fingers to her collar as she rises. The guards fall into line behind the Baron and his hunter-seeker as they make their departure.
Sartori looks at the hunter seeker
Jeon nods to the corpulent baron, "Fare thee well, o favored student." He stabs more salad and has some to eat.
Boris passes through the arch leading into the hotel lobby.
Boris has left.
Sen passes through the arch leading into the hotel lobby.
Sen has left.
Justine notices the Baron and entourage leave, she nods briefly to them and then gathers her things at the table. She smiles a bit and states, "Please excuse me, but the Emperor wishes me to join him."
Steffan smiles, "Certainly...."
Jeon finishes his salad and has a sip of his wine
A bartender comes rushing over to the corner-table, "My I take your order gentlemen?"
Justine curtsies to both men and then moves over to where the Emperor is seated and sits across from him, setting her plate and glass down.
Mikhail nods to Justine, he prys open another mussel, taking a moment to gance at the bartender that seems to have wandered in.
The next course for the Emperor comes in. It's fois gras. Apparently his Majesty isn't eating all that healthy.
Sartori M'lord
At the gold table, Jeon slices off about half of his fois gras, "WOuld you care for some? Do you know what it is?"
Sartori looks across the table at Justine,his eyes masking any thoughts he may have.
Justine glances slightly to Sartori, a small frown forming on her face as she still remembers when this man had her cornered and threatened her. She shifts slightly in her seat but then picks up her fork and picks at her potato, feeling mostly safe. After all, the Emperor wouldn't allow him to do such things again. At least, she hopes not.
Jeon asks Justine again a bit louder, "My Lady Justine, would you care for some of my fois gras to go with your potatoes?"
Sartori turns to the Emporer how fare yuo my Emporer?
Jeon quirks his brow at Sartori, "We fare well, Sartori. How fare you in your new acting role?"
Justine blinks in surprise when Jeon speaks to her and turns her attention to him, quickly apologizing, "I beg your pardon, My Majesty. I...I thought you were speaking to the Sardaukar." She nods with a smile and says, "I would be most interested in trying some, thank you, My Majesty." She picks up her plate and offers it to Jeon.
Jeon places the piece on Justines' plate, "Do you know what it is? A duck has been forcefed brandy and then cpooked in its own fat. It is simply the most delicious duck one could ever possibly have. My kudos to those who invented it."
Sartori sipping from his drink " well as soon as i have my troops dispersed through the city Sire i assure all will go smoothly
Justine is rather disgusted at the description of what is being offered to her, but doesn't let it show. After all, displeasing the Emperor is not a good thing. She nods to him with a small smile and replies, "I'm sure it is wonderful, My Majesty." She just stares at it as she pulls the plate back to herself and sets it down.
Sartori smiles over the top of hid glass at Justine.
Jeon voraciously attacks his food. As Sun Tzu once wrote, the victor must spring from heaven, like lightneing. He implements that tenet with his meal. The meat is very tender and juicy. He eats and eats and eats, smiling all the way. This is apparently one of his rare pleasures.
Sartori sets his glass down a slight hint of amusment on his face turns to the Emporer." How goes the arrangments with the Bene Gesserits?
Sartori says, "M'lord?"
Justine glances briefly to Jeon and quirks a brow at how he eats. Obviously he still has table manners of a Sardaukar but doesn't say anything, just looks back down at the new food on her plate and picks at it with a fork, as if afraid to eat it. She remains quiet, letting the two men talk.
Sartori smiling at justine " m'lady i assure you its dead and cant defend itself,Im sure the Emporer would not lead you wrong."
Jeon whipes his mouth, and takes a deep breath. A sense of deep gravitas comes over him and he picks at his food with more dignity. He flashes a glance at Sartori, "Perhaps your asking me every day is delaying the process, Sartori. We did not make you acting caid so that you would constantly ask about the Bene Gesserit. It will come in its own time."
Sartori raises his eyebrow " As Wisdom to the universe so to to my ears Your majesty"
Justine smirks up at Sartori but keeps a grip on her distaste for the man and replies, "I have eyes, soldier, I am capable of determining what is alive and dead on my own, but I thank you for assistance in the matter. And I trust the Emperor with my life, after all, I would not have it if it were not for him, of course I do not believe that he would lead me wrong. I suggest that you keep to your conversation with Our Majesty and allow me to eat in peace."
The waiter returns with two waters and a vodka to the corner-table, "One for you, one for you and a vodka for you sir." The waiter quickly rushes to back.
Jeon pats Sartori on the knee and smiles paternally, "Now, you say you are dispersing police throughout the city and so forth? How goes that?"
Sartori nods to the lady " Of course m'lady please do eat up,i meant not to restrain you from such a delicious morsel"
Mikhail prys open yet another mussel, and harvests the meat with a small three-pronged fork. He chews on the morsel for a moment before swollowing, and washing it down with a small sip of brandy.
Justine offers another distasteful smirk to Sartori and replies, "You are most kind." before returning to her food. She inhales deeply before taking a taste of this liquored duck before her.
Sartori turns his attention to his Emporer " well Sire..ive sent the elite units into the most troublesome portions of the city, Idont dare think we should have any problems getting the rowdy portions of un savory elements under control.
Jeon tsks as Justine seems to have grown quite bitter, especially towards the Caid. He looks at Sartori and smiles, "Excellent. What else do you plan for police measures?"
Sartori smiles glancing at Justine.
The blue robbed Rastanyev guardsmen aproaches Mikhail, and leans down to mutter somthing to him in Russkiy.
A slight nod from Mikhail, he bows quickly and begins making his exit from the room.
Very slowly, Justine chews the duck but keeps her eyes lowered to the plate to help keep her temper in check. As she listens to the two chatter, she can't help but wonder why it is that people insist on speaking business while eating. Whatever happened to casual conversation? She also hopes that while gathering the unsavory people of Kaitain that Sartori will be taken up amoung them and never let out.
Sartori leans back " In light of recent events the Sardaukar are also acting as roving check points
Steffan stands, using his napkin and placing it on his plate. He peers at Justine for a moment, trying to get her attention that he is about to leave. He waves to get her attention and then begins to make his way out.
Sartori gesture to Justine then twords steffan
Justine glances over to Steffan and frowns a bit as he begins to leave. She motions with her head for him to come over to the table.
Novak leaves his place at the corner booth.
Novak gets up from the booth walking out towards the exit, leaving both sons behind.
Sartori gestures with his glass at justine " You and i have a misunderstanding M'lady"
Novak passes through the arch leading into the hotel lobby.
Novak has left.
Steffan straightens his jacket and moves over to Justine. He smiles, "I need to depart, the embassy has called...and I need to get back.."
Sartori looks up twords the Ginaz
Mikhail passes through the arch leading into the hotel lobby.
Mikhail has left.
Justine smirks to Sartori and replies, "Trust me, soldier, I have not misunderstood anything about you." She looks up to Steffan when he approaches and frowns disappointedly but nods in understanding and replies, "I understand. I'm sorry that we were not able to dine together this evening."
Sartori crooks a smiles " truly."
Sartori pauses while the two speak.
Steffan smiles thinly, "oh no apologies necessary, we can do it another time. Spend some time with His Majesty certainly."
Sartori sips slowly from his glass, his eyes passing between the two.
Justine nods a little to Steffan, thinking that she'd rather spend more time with him. After all, Jeon is easier to get a hold of then Steffan, it seems. She then replies, "Yes, my Lord. Rest well."
Sartori raises his glass" good eve to yuo M'lord
Steffan bows deeply to his Majesty and the smiles at Justine, "Good evening..." He turns and strides out the door.
Sartori tilts his head to the side and watches the Ginaz leave.
Sartori then turns his attention to Justine " Now then M'lady."
Justine cuts up another piece of her blackened salmon and idly comments, "I had forgotten that certain people have never learned their place nor protocol. Such a shame, I think." She's obviously directing it at Sartori as she takes a bite of her food.
Sartori says, "I think its high time we put this ....farce aside."
Justine's eyes flicker to Sartori and states in return, "And I think it's high time that you finally take my words to heart, soldier, leave me alone. Do not look at me and do not speak to me. Unless, of course, it is so ordered by the Emperor. Otherwise, do not acknowledge my existance. Remember your place and hold thy tongue."
Jeon quirks his eyebrow.
Sartori narrows his eyes " ive offered an olive branch , M'lady , I wont do so again.."
Justine's eyes narrow in return, she will not back down to him, not again, "You have offered me nothing but your superior attitude and snide comments. I will have no more of it"
Jeon says finally, "Enough the two of you. Clearly, Lady Justine is not ready for you to make peace with her, Sartori. In time she will appreciate that all men can be forgiven, even you. And she will appreciate you took the initiative. But for now do as she says."
Sartori smiles" Yes enough I agree..quite enough..ive no time to prattle with spoiled brats and displaced nobles"
Justine's eyes flicker to Jeon and states, "He is not trying to make peace, My Majesty. He is doing what he has always done, trying to belittle me and demean me. I will have no more of it. The next time he makes a threat upon me, he better make good on it because I will not back down again."
Sartori turns to Jeon" my apologies Sire"
Sartori 's head snaps around to justine" Threats!"
Jeon waves his finger at Sartori, "And be careful Sartori. I have already issued orders for -all- Sardaukar, including you, to treat all people with respect. Calling them spoiled brats hardly fits. Now, both of you, I have said -Enough-!"
Justine quickly stands and says, "Spoiled brats and displaced nobles? You're still bitter because I refused to marry you and allow you to put your grungy hands on what is rightfully mine! You seek to be what you will never have and I will not allow you to continue to insult me because of it!" She curtsies to Jeon and says, "Please excuse me, My Majesty, but I must take my leave now."
Sartori busts out laughing.
Sartori but quickly regains his composure "Sire your forgivness please"
Jeon frowns, questioning the wisdom now of elevating Sartori. Perhaps Sartori should go back to being a Colonel for a time. He nods to Justine and looks to Sartori, "You are excused, soldier."
Sartori rises " As always My Emporer"
Justine looks to Sartori and states, "As I recall, putting such insults on a noble can cause one to lose their life. If I were you, I'd control your tongue."
Sartori smiles "mu life is the Emporers he can choose as he pleases"
Jeon growls, "You two don't know when to drop something."
Sartori comes to attention
Justine smirks, "Pray that I do not ask him to follow the forms and have him end your pathetic being."
Jeon slaps the table, "I said enough, Justine!"
Sartori bows to the Emporer " Good will to you My Emporer"
Sartori turns to leave
Justine offers a deep curtsey to Jeon and quietly says, "My apologies, My Majesty."
Sartori heads down the corridor to the hotel lounge.
Sartori has left.
Jeon sighs, "You are as bad with your insults and threats as he is. Now, go and reflect on things." He turns away and gets his things.
Justine curtsies low before you, dipping her head to the floor and replies, "Yes, My Majesty. Forgive me for behaving in such an inappropriate manner for a woman of my stature. I should have never stooped to the same level as I accused him. I hope that you can forgive me, My Majesty." She then turns and leaves.