Iason walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Ruhail nods pleasantly to the Viscount Alvstad before taking his own seat
amongst the pews.
You join the Autumn pew.
Sharid joins the Venhei pew.
Aleksei walks
in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Iason joins the Atreides
pew.
Muradin walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Andrei joins
the Harkonnen pew.
Fahahd walks in from Lobby through the Gilded
Arches.
Aleksei joins the Rastanyev pew.
Muradin joins you at the Autumn
pew.
Nestor quickly makes his way over to the Harkonnen pews in the meeting
room, paying little attention to the delegates around him as he does so.
Marta walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Nestor joins the
Harkonnen pew.
Malia walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Marta
joins the Corrino table.
Malia joins the Harkonnen pew.
Erich is seated at the elevated Corrino table, looking down upon the other
Houses as they mill in to take their places.
The Harkonnen Warmaster follows the Na-Baron and Mentat to their designated
seating, sparing some measured inspection of the other occupants of the meeting
hall.
Cabal joins the Harkonnen pew.
Aleksei enters the chamber and scans the chamber, and then sits down at his
houses pew, he looks over to his house's Chief Diplomat and does a sitting
bow..
Fahahd enters at the head of a small guard detail that surrounds Malia. He
leads the little grouping towards the Harkonnen seating area.
At the Autumn pew, Ruhail offers a small nod as his son joins the Bajazet
seating bank. "We've just spoken with the Viscount Alvstad," he murmurs lightly.
"The Venhei are to lose their Directorship tonight, and it might be our gain."
He rises an eyebrow and smiles slyly, nodding towards the directors with a
finger at his lips. Wait and watch.
Gaia walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Fahahd joins the
Harkonnen pew.
Leliya walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Gaia
joins the Venhei pew.
Sessil apparently has elected /not/ to sit, standing up near the Directors
table, the silent Guild Legate saying nothing.
Andrei seats himself in the seat normally rserved for his father and making
himself comfy.
Gaia enters and moves quietly to her houese delegated
seating.
Malia pays little attention to those in the room, in fact, she looks like
she'd much rather not be here. She hardly is given a choice in the matter,
however, as she's herded to the Harkonnen bench.
At the Autumn pew, Muradin quietly settles down, a respectful incline of
his head to his father. He slowly looks about the room, watching the various
players and their expressions. "I see." is all that emanates from his
lips.
At the table, Jans shuffles some papers on the seat in front of him. As his
seat is not up for re-election, and due to the absence in House Moritani, he
sits in the center of the table. He looks up. "This session of the shareholders
of the Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles, is now called to order. We
welcome all of our fellow Houses this evening."
Leliya joins the Venhei pew.
Now that Malia is safely delivered, the Leutnant takes up parade rest by
the seated Harkonnen nobles. His face is appropriately dour as he surveys the
room..though for some reason he colors slightly.
Shane walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Iason looks around
as he sits in the Atreides podium.
At the table, Jans glances from section to section, moderately pleased at
the turnout. He offers a deep nod from his seated position at the raised table
toward House Corrino. "We are also deeply honored to have His Majesty in
attendance tonight." He looks back toward his papers, "This session, in brief
shall announce the decisions of the Board of Directors for this quarter, as well
as address a few other major concerns." He glances briefly at Sessil, then the
Emperor.
Shane enters, quietly, the young newly arrived man making his way over
towards the Moritani seating area. He smiles, slightly, as he looks around and
has the pleasure of roaming his gaze over an empty Ginaz bench and then heads to
the Mortani seat.
Shane joins the Moritani pew.
Erich smiles briefly and nods as he is recognized, looking out upon the
assembled Houses with mild grin.
Marco walks in from Lobby through the Gilded Arches.
Marco enters in a
hurry.
Marco joins the Directors table.
At the table, Jans contines on, and shuffles to the second paper before
him. "In accordance with the will of the Directors, we are pleased to announce
that Houses Bajazet, Atreides have exceeded expecations this past quarter, and
the Board has taken notice. Favorable returns have been turned in by Houses
Alvstad and Rastanyev. Very concerning returns have been handed in this quarter
from House Harkonnen, and this matter troubles us, and we hope that it will not
continue." He glances toward Marco, recently arrived, with a slight frown for
his punctuality. "For the report on Arrakis, the Board will call upon His
Majesty." He gestures toward the podium, "If you please, Majesty."
Erich rises from his table, back ramrod straight as he addresses the CHOAM
Shareholders, booming voice carrying with clarity through the hall, "In the past
several years, House Moritani has suffered no small amount of political turmoil
with the uprising of the late Vittorio, the restoration of Cesare Moritani to
his seat, and now his apparent abdication. But they have continued to manage
Arrakis and, albeit to lesser profits, nonetheless continuing in their tradition
of service to the Imperium. Where the future will take them ... and the
contract, none can say, but we remain certain that our loyal vassals shall
remain faithful managers of Arrakis for as long as our Imperial will keeps it in
their possession. We are confident that the spice will flow and the profits will
be reaped for CHOAM and all its Shareholders. We therefore elect, at the present
time, to keep the fief of Arrakis in the hands of House Moritani." The Emperor's
gaze sweeps slightly to said House's table. "And we trust in them to remain
faithful to it and us. We and all the Known Universe shall be watching." And,
that said, the Emperor retakes his seat, nodding to Jans in turning the meeting
back over to the hands of the Directors.
At the Autumn pew, using Amat, Ruhail's eyebrow spikes. "That was a good
deal more graceful than I'd expected. And a touch on the hypocrytical side,
too."
The Emperor suddenly rises back up to his feet, something in hindsight
having come to his mind. "Ah, yes ... one other thing. We have dispatched, with
the auspices of the CHOAM Directors, investigators to Arrakis to inspect the
fief and its profit margins. We trust that they will return with glowing
commendations of House Moritani's management." He smiles faintly and gestures to
Jans, finally turning the floor back over.
At the Autumn pew, using Amat, Muradin nods slowly, his brow furrowed a
bit, speaking very quietly, "I wonder why this sudden change in heart. His
Majesty has been making noises about the Arrakis fief being more open to change
in management prior to this..."
At the table, Jans shuffles to the next paper. "We thank His Majesty, for
his presence of mind to keep an ever mindful eye upon the affairs of Arrakis.
The Directors would let it be known, that the reports of the envoys will be made
available for study in the archives of this buidling, upon their complete
review." He smiles slightly, knowing how many Mentats are employed in the
archives for filing purposes. Such a request could take weeks. "At this time, we
open up the floor to general questions from the Sharholders. Are their
any?"
At the Autumn pew, using Amat, Ruhail nods slowly. "His Majesty will
undoubtedly hear of it from the more...vocal Houses," he says, indicating the
Alvstad Viscount with a nod.
Long distance to Jans: Ruhail has a question.
At the table, Jans glaces toward the Bajazet delegation. "House Bajazet,
you may bring your question to the podium."
Ruhail rises from his House's seating and crosses in a swish of his robes
of office to the large podium at the center of the room. He addresses the
assembaly in a clear but soft voice. "House Bajazet wishes to enquire as to the
nature by which a CHOAM contract may be prematurely terminated by its
recipients. No clear forms have been set in this manner providing the House is
not disbanded or held in violation of the Forms of the Grand Convention." His
eyes float over the assembled Siridari and proxies, expression composed into a
mask of sculpted neutrality.
Sessil looks over to the Viscount Alvstad, signalling that when the time
comes, the Guild Legate desires some say in this matter.
At the table, Jans clears his throat and smiles. "CHOAM is an independant
governing body, and while it is bound by the Great Convention, it is bound
specifically for the sole purpose of governing ALL economic transactions within
the Imperium. The Board of Directors, shall oversee all activities, and set
direction. The Directorship of Arrakis, is revocable only by the Emperor
himself, at any time. The Board," he glances at Sessil as if to emphasize his
influence as well, "is confident the Emperor would not threaten the inherant
profit of all the shareholders in his decisions regarding the fiefdom of
Arrakis."
At the table, Jans sips a glass of water upon the table. "Does that satisfy
House Bajazet, my Lord Sultan?"
From the podium, the Sultan turns to the Viscount with a furrowed brow. "It
shall satisfy for now," he says slowly. "Although our attentions were not
directed towards the fief of Arrakis or the judgement of His Majesty, the
parallel holds. Further inquiries may be made in private, we assume?"
At the Harkonnen pew, Malia lifts one hand to the back of the pew, and
hefts herself into a standing position. As someone at the Harkonnen table says
something quietly to her, the poor,pregnant woman, still using the pew for
support, kneels, and then leans forward rather heavily onto her hands before
literally crawling towards Andrei.
At the table, Jans nods. "Of course." He glances at the Guild Legate.
"Legate, you wished to add something?"
Malia senses, "Ruhail's eyes fall upon you from the podium, in an
expression of distaste, pity, and resolve. He quickly glances away, however, as
the Legate speaks."
Sessil shakes his head, "No, Wowd Alvstad," he replies with a horrendous
lisp, "If the Wowd Bajazet is satisfied, so am I ... for now."
Ruhail nods in acknowledgement. "House Bajazet thanks the Guild and the
Board of Directors for fielding it's query," he says calmly before moving to
retake his seat, glance flickering only briefly to the Harkonnen seating pews
before he does so.
At the table, Jans nods, and shuffles to the next paper. "As their are no
more questions toward this Board, we move on to new business."
At the Harkonnen pew, Nestor looks to Ruhail as he seats himself and the
faintest signs of a kiss blown to the man can be seen in his features.
At the Harkonnen pew, Andrei smiles satisfactory while the verbal joust
continues, propping up his feet on Malia back as she crawls near to him on his
command. Andrei slowly sinks away in his chair muttering "Much better..."
At the Autumn pew, using Amat, Ruhail frowns lightly as he returns to his
seat next to you. "He was dodging the question," he says testily. "We'll have to
speak more with that Legate in the future."
At the Autumn pew, Muradin allows his gaze to wander over to Harkonnen
area, just enough to see if there is anything worthy of attention that Ruhail
had noticed. Finding nothing, his blank face returns to the Viscount
Alvstad.
At the Autumn pew, using Amat, Muradin twitches his lips slightly, then
comments, "It would seem Viscount Alvstad missed the point entirely. But is that
intentional, or are his thoughts that preoccupied with Arrakis?"
At the table, Jans looks up, and sips his water again. "The only new
business is the election of the Directorship currently occupied by House
Venhei." He sets the glass down, "I would personally like to thank House Venhei
for the service, especially in recent months." He looks over the floor. "Do I
have any nominations for the seat?"
At the table, Setzer nods and raises his hand slightly, "House Venhei would
like to nominate themselves for re-election." His face remains calm, conscise at
the statement.
At the Harkonnen pew, Cabal watches Ruhail return to his seat with a smug
smile, as he crushes a squeed juice box and sips on it noisily before tossing
the empty snack over his shoulder where it bounces off the back of the head of
Malia who is currently serving as a foot rest for Andrei.
Marco stands, "I nominate House Bajazet."
At the table, Jans nods. "Do I have a second for House Venhei?" He looks
out from the table.
At the table, Jans nods, "We have two nominations. Are there any
seconds?"
Erich lifts a hand and feels sporting this evening. "I second House
Venhei."
At the Rastanyev pew, Satyavrat rises briefly from his pew. "As the Earl
Rastanyev has been called away this evening, I have been authorized to speak as
a proxy. House Rastanyev wishes to second House Bajazet to the position of CHOAM
Director, and stands ready to supply oration to support this nomination." He
sits down after delivering his message, expression unreadable.
Andrei slowly takes his feet from Malia as he stands. "Speaking for my
father House Harkonnen also nominates itself."
At the Harkonnen pew, Malia flinches as the box bounces off her head,
reflexively ducking it farther. She remains silent, though her back does slowly
begin to sag downwards under the weight of both her stomach and the feet on her
back.
At the table, Jans smiles a bit. "House Venhei is upon the ballot. House
Bajazet is on the ballot. House Harkonnen is nominated. Do we have a second for
House Harkonnen?"
Cabal senses, "Ruhail glances back at your disruption, but only regards you
with a blank face, waiting for a Harkonnen second to be named."
Sessil apparently wants this as divisive as possible and announces, "I
second the Harkonnen."
At the table, Jans looks about one last time. "House Alvstad will second
House Harkonnen. Three Houses upon the ballot." He glances toward Sessil.
"Nominations are closed. Shareholders, please address your votes for one of the
three candidates, or for none at all. Guild representatives will collect them,
and the Legate will tally the vote. The majority will decide."
(OOC) Ruhail says, "Will House Ginaz be discounted?"
(OOC) Setzer says,
"No, they vote for House Venhei :-D"
(OOC) Setzer says, "Kidding,
kidding."
(OOC) Jans says, "Yes. They are not present, they do not
vote."
(OOC) Ruhail kicks Cabal's juice box and shoves his hands into his
pockets. Lousy Ginaz.:)
Sessil tabulates the votes quickly, his gaze enough to send the pages
hurrying. He takes the final tally over to the Directors table and hands it to
the moderator.
At the table, Jans glances down upon the paper, then places it upon the
table where it will be documented and archived in case of protest. "We again
thank House Venhei for their esteemed services, and congratulate House Bajazet
upon being elected to carry on, in service to Combine Honnete Ober Advancer
Mercantiles."
Erich quirks an eyebrow and looks to the Bajazet and Harkonnen tables in
bemusement ... this is a pretty pass.
At the Autumn pew, Ruhail's lips twitch into a quiet smile as many in the
room quickly shift their attention to him. He remains seated, however, choosing
merely to nod graciously to the Viscount Alvstad and the Board of Directors
while he awaits the Prime Minister's closing remarks.
Setzer clears his throat and rises slowly from his seat, "House Venhei
acknowledges House Bajazet and welcomes them to the Combine Honette Ober
Advancer Mercantiles gladly, and is certain their presence within the Board of
Directors will be as fruitful as previously held by our own House." He turns to
the Bajazet pew and bows slightly, forcing a smile to his lips, then sits down
again, collecting his papers together, quite ready to leave. Before this
however, he does seem to shoot a thankful glance toward the Corrino pew, then
looks back to Jans once more for the closing.
Erich curtly nods to the Venhei representative, the Emperor sparing little
before turning back to Jans in expectation of dismissal.
At the table, Jans closes the dossier, then looks to the Sultan Bajazet.
"Do you wish to speak at this point, Lord Bajazet, upon being elected for your
term?"
At the Harkonnen pew, Nestor nods in the direction of the Bajazet assembly.
Just another move in the cheops game that is the Known Universe. Bashar takes
peon. What will the Harkonnen move be now that they've exposed their
center?
At the Autumn pew, using Amat, Muradin smiles over at Ruhail, that look
offering congratulations, then he says softly, "All things come at a price, I am
certain."
Ruhail rises, bowing to the departing Prime Minister as he does so. Once
standing, he looks around the assembly. "House Bajazet wishes to thank the
membership of CHOAM for both nomination and election to the Board of Directors,"
he announces. "We shall do our best to serve in the tradition of our honoured
predecessors amongst the Landsraad." Sparse words for a big event. He bows once
more to the Board and Guild, then to the Emperor, before saying, "We have no
further comments at this time," and reseating himself.
Erich smiles faintly and offers a congratulatory nod to the Baron.
At the Autumn pew, using Amat, Ruhail's brow creases in absent worry
momentarily. "A price, Muradin, which we will soon feel," he agrees.
At the table, Jans nods, "This session of the Combine Honnete Ober Advancer
Mercantiles is hereby closed. Events at this preceeding not resolved will be
held over accordingly. Good Evening, everyone." He finishes his water, hands the
stack of papers to a waiting functionary, then stands.
At the Harkonnen pew, Cabal stands rather abruptly, but with little
commotion, as he stares malevolently at Ruhail while adjusting his weapon belt.
He departs the Harkonnen seating then with hasted purpose, as if he had a war to
plan or something equally sinister...
Erich rubs his hands together in enthusiasm and notes as he descends from
the Corrino seating, moving across the floor of the chamber towards the exit,
"My, my ... what an interesting evening."
Marco stands as well nodding to Shane to be ready to leave.
At the Autumn pew, Ruhail rises with all the social grace and nicety now
demanded of him, making no moves to leave as he awaits conversation with
Siridari and proxies alike. Time to start counting favors. He moves towards the
front of the room, and then waits patiently in the aisle.
Marco offers a bow to the departing Emperor.
Marco leaves the Directors
table.
Setzer stands quickly and sips from his water, bundling papers under his
arm. He gives Marco a deathly cold look, frozen face before moving up toward
Ruhail and smiling, extending his hand. This man won fair and square, and right
from under Setzer's nose. More than anything, he respects the Sultan.
Erich clasps his hands behind his back, smiling faintly and nodding to the
Moritani proxy as he turns his course of passage, rather than leaving moving
instead towards the Baron Bajazet.
Gaia leaves the Venhei pew.
You leave the Autumn pew.
Jans leaves the
Directors table.
At the Harkonnen pew, Andrei stands rather slowly, to contrast with Cabal's
motions as he nods to the Harkonnen mentat. His stares in the Bajazet direction
are decievingly amuzing, shaping his fingers like a pistol and showing the lord
Ruhail what he would've done had it been a real weapon. the smile and sparkle in
his eyes that suddenly spread over his face an indication of the myriad of ways
he is now picking to dispose of this enemy or enemies.
Leliya walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Sharid
walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Muradin leaves the
Autumn pew.
Gaia stands up and just turns to leave the pews and make her way to the
exit. She has little interest in what happens currently.
Gaia walks to the
west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Aleksei leaves the Rastanyev pew.
Cabal leaves the Harkonnen
pew.
Marco walks out alone. He looks around once more offering the Sultan a
nod.
Harkonnen pleasanties aside, the Sultan bows formally as the Emperor
approaches him, his companion dipping into a bow simultaneously. "Majesty," he
says deeply in greeting. "We hope the conclusion of the evening's affairs find
the Padishah faring well?"
Marco senses, "Ruhail smiles at you and nods in a moment of distraction,
bidding you good evening.,"
Aleksei casually folds his hands behind his back as he walks to the end of
the row and stands with his feet apart in a military at-ease position.
Nestor leaves the Harkonnen pew.
Nestor stands from the pew and clasps
his hands lightly in front of himself as he's done thousands of times before,
hesitating for only a moment before making way toward the newly elected
director.
Marco looks to Shane, "Earl, let's leave now."
Erich cracks an uncharacterisically broad grin, nodding in swift assent.
"They most certainly do ... as we are certain they likewise find /you/.
Congratulations to you and your House for this happy victory."
Shane nods and he moves in to step beside The Siridar of Arrakis, escorting
the man on out.
Shane leaves the Moritani pew.
Shane walks to the west and
passes through the Gilded Arches.
Setzer bows also toward the Emperor, standing next to Ruhail, though not
offering anything in the way of words for the moment. He too clasps his hands
behind his back and adjusts his eyes elsewhere for the moment, though listening
intently.
Aleksei watches the two houses both Harkonnen and Bajazet, he nods a little
as he stands waiting for Satyavrat.
Marco walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Ruhail smiles broadly at the Emperor's congratulations. "My thanks,
Majesty. The House thanks you profusely, and shall do its best to serve the
Imperium by virtue of its newfound fortune."
Nestor arrives at Ruhail's spot in time to hear his last sentence. "A CHOAM
Directorship is a responsibility...not a fortune," he states simply.
Erich chuckles amusedly. "M'lord, we would speak to you on that precise
matter sometime very, very soon. We ... had a curious premonition that tonight
might end with this happy result," the Emperor notes obscurely.
Muradin inclines his head toward Setzer as a greeting, remaining silent,
then turns his attention back to the Emperor, his hands resting at his sides,
back straight.
Setzer licks his lips, keeping quite silent. Curious premonition. A strange
choice of words to come from an Emperor who relies nothing on luck, fate or
other metaphysical attributes. In response to Muradin, he smiles slightly and
nods back.
Ruhail leaves his attention on the Emperor for now, only a slight flicker
in his smile indicating that he has even heard Nestor's comment. "Your Majesty
has but to request our presence," he assures Erich. "We shall set time aside for
calling upon the Palace if it is so desired." His gaze flicks back to Muradin,
and he manages a slight nod in the direction of the Harkonnen mentat.
The Harkonnen Warmaster halts his exit in order to take note of those
kowtowing to the new CHOAM Director, and shakes his head as the level of
groveling surpasses even that of the Emperor's corronation.
Erich nods in swift assent. "It most certainly is. We would have you attend
us quite soon, Baron."
"So shall it be arranged, Majesty," the Sultan replies on cue. "Our
responsibilities may be many, but duty to the Throne is first and foremost," he
adds with a light smile.
Muradin catches the motion from Ruhail, and lets his eyes wander to Nestor,
recalling the man from the Harkonnen pew, and offers only the slightest of nods.
"Most fortunes are responsibilities." he remarks quietly, then smiles toward the
Emperor.
Aleksei looks back to the house's diplomat and wonders what he must be
doing, must be doing some paperwork and then looks back to the display of
groveling and intimidation going on.
Setzer looks to the floor more, perhaps holding back some curses. Not only
has he lost what House Venhei held most secure for them, but now he seems to be
a shadowy figure lurking in the distance rather than a man of any
importance.
Nestor raises a finger of his Ixian hand, threatening as it may or may not
appear. "A Director's responsibility is to CHOAM and it's shareholders alone. It
is business. Duty to the throne is outside of this...a fact which I think even
His Majesty would agree."
Erich grins appreciatively. "Excellent. We ... shall await the audience,
then," the Emperor notes, granting a parting nod to those assembled before
making his way out of the chamber, conspicuously declining to take sides in the
argument posed by the Harkonnen Mentat. Wouldn't be prudent of a Padishah, now
would it?
Erich walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Ruhail's lower lip puckers inwards as he bites on it, ready to meet the
mentat word for word but wary of alienating Setzer. "Perhaps the Prime Minister
could share his insight," he says presently, turning to the man. "Surely House
Venhei must have some doctorines upon which it based a most successful term as
CHOAM Directors."
Aleksei walks down the aisle towards the gathering around Ruhail, he waits
a bit away from the group, and stands yet again in the at-ease position.. isn't
he the talkative type.
<<Cabal thinks: Perhaps a more impressionable demonstration of our
new weapon is in order for our potential buyers...and how little CHOAM, or the
Emperor, will be able to protect their own Director from it will be illustration
enough.>>
Iason quietly moves out of the room, but first joins the
well-wishers.
Muradin nods slightly at Nestor's assertion, though his eyes follow His
Majesty's departure and he offers a bow to his retreating form. When his
attention returns to the Harkonnen, he replies in a neutral tone, "House Corrino
is a shareholder."
Nestor responds, "My statement is not even debatable. Duty to the throne is
handled in other venues. Here, House Corrino is but one group of shareholders to
be considered. Is your duty to this one House then, Sultan?" His question seems
pressing and is obviously a challenge. Can this man even handle the
position?
Setzer looks up at Nestor, somewhat curiously. He's lost direction now,
from what he can see, there are no friends in this room. He looks to Ruhail and
smiles slightly, "Not successful enough, as it seems, Lord Sultan, however I
would have to agree with the Mentat. A Directorship is a prestigious position,
yes, but it is not prudent to begin putting personal gains and Imperial favor
over the workings of the Economy." He looks toward Nestor now, and remains
silent once more.
Nestor nods slightly toward Setzer in acknowledgement of his
statement.
Cabal grows weary of the idle posturing and takes his leave with an amused
chuckle.
Ruhail's pretense at amity fades as he regards Nestor. His tone becomes
airy as he replies, "It is not, Master Nestor. However, if the Emperor is to
place a summons at my feet, I shall obey. Ask yourself who amongst the Great
Houses would not do the same."
Andrei joins Nestor's little debate with a sly smile. "I am afraid our
mentat is correct milord. We serve CHOAM so it in return serves our houses
coffers. For our loyalty to the Lion throne we have the Landsraad..Solari, while
a force is but a tool in the power that rules the universe, not /the/ power that
rules it."
Setzer puckers his lips and then smiles, "For now though, I should be
going. All the best luck on your Directorship, Lord Sultan, and congratulations
on the fair and honorable win." He tilts his head down toward the Bajazet, then
nods to Nestor and moves quietly out.
Aleksei looks over to Cabal as he leaves.. o O (The thoughts that run
through the head of a house that has just seen a prize given to its enemies..)
and then back to Ruhail and listens quietly to the chatter.
Cabal walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Nestor looks the Bajazet Baron up and down disdainfully. "You are a simple
puppet...nothing more. Certainly not a leader of men." He shakes his head and
turns away toward the exit. "We shall see how those who voted for you feel at
the end of your term," he calls out over his shoulder.
Ruhail nods with a half-bow as the Prime Minister departs, then smiles at
Andrei. "M'Lord na-Baron; we could not agree with you more." He swivels on heel
and faces the Atreides Ambassador. "Good evening, Lord Earl," he says, Nestor's
parting comments ignored.
Nestor senses, "Ruhail's eyes narrow as they pass over your retreating
form, but there is a wry smile on his face as his eyes alight almost
reassuringly on your Ixian hand."
Nestor walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
<<Andrei thinks: and after I'm done with your wife I'll skin your
children alive and display their hides as trophies over my fireplace and
then..only then I'll pluck out your eyeballs and feed them to your on elaccawood
skewers...>>
Muradin watches the exchanges quietly, his expression remaining blank.
After Nestor speaks, he softly mentions, "The shareholders have made their
choice. Even if it does not agree with all."
Iason says, "Good evening, Siridar-Baron Bajazet. May I offer my Duke's
congratulations with regards to your new position?""
Andrei doesn't contest the offered back and leaves the meetingroom, the
smile still lingering on his lips.
Andrei walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Ruhail nods, his joviality returned. "Of course, Lord Earl, and please do
pass along my regards and thanks to His Grace. We hope to call upon him in the
near future, should he be so inclined."
"I will suggest to him to expect it, then." Iason says, with a deep
bow.
Ruhail returns Iason's bow. "Our thanks, Earl Merx, and good evening to
you."
Satyavrat leaves the Rastanyev pew.
Muradin inclines his head to Iason, watching him with a hint of more warmth
than was displayed toward the Harkonnen.
The last in a long line of paraders, the Rastanyev delegation approaches
the Sultan. "The Earl sends his good wishes and congratulations, Lord Sultan,"
the Reeve ventures, eyes still peering on curiously after Andrei.
Aleksei walks behind the Reeve and bows to the Sultan.
"Our thanks to the Earl," the Sultan replies warmly. "We are most pleased
to note that our relations with the Noble Rastanyev has not suffered in the face
of passing trifles, and we look forward to a continued beneficial association
with the Earl's House."
Satyavrat nods with a light smile, glancing curiously at Muradin from
behind his locks. "I am sure the Earl feels the same," he replies. "Good
evening, Lord Sultan." With that, he bows and takes his leave.
Aleksei follows slowly behind Satyavrat, he glances over his shoulder and
then back forward. o O (I will find out what the harks are up to.)
Aleksei
walks to the west and passes through the Gilded Arches.
Well-wishers and Harkonnens exhausted at last, the Sultan and his tiny
retinue walk out of the Hall. Ruhail smiles a bit wearily as he steps out of the
CHOAM building for the first, but certainly not the last time.
Ruhail is now set 'Out-of-Character.'
The Forms must be obeyed!
Please return to Dune III soon.
*********** D I S C O N N E C T E D ***********