Jurgen's day in court

[Brad <bth@speakeasy.net>]

Imperial Courthouse -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
        A small, intimate courtroom, servicable for trials where criminals confined here are not bothered with to be transferred out of the Palace grounds, it is nonetheless done in grand style. Massive vaulted ceilings rise to a central cupola, this the canvas for a colossal mosaic of gold tile, depicting a shining balance, symbol of justice, the Corrino lion on one side of the scales, eternal equalizer here on Kaitain. Mahogany benches padded in soft leather give comfortable purchase for those coming to witness the few scant trials which occur herein, separated by a small docket from the forward area of the courtroom. Two tables reside for the defense and prosecution, ample room for the various barristers who may assist. Dominating all is the Justiciar's bench, a towering construct of white marble, opulently decorated with gold filigree. In a high-backed chair with small golden lions parched on either side of the back would sit the Imperial Justiciar, highest judge on Kaitai!
n and its most illustrious civil servant. Notable is the lack of witness stand ... no peers allowed on Kaitain's trials save for Siridari or their heirs, and those normally judged within the confines of the Landsraad. Here, justice is served at the direct hand of the one man, both judge and jury and no appeal allowed save to the Emperor himself. Large windows to the rear of the courtroom allow light to flood in without distracting those taking part in the trial, and doors open up onto a small patio prepared for media representatives to set up their equipment for recording the proceedings of each important trial.
Exits:
 Golden Archway <O> leads to Cannon Green -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

The Harkonnen Warmaster enters the courtroom wearing his typically stoic expression. He scans the occupants gathered thus far as he quietly looks for a seat.

Anakiel steps in, silently, moving across the back of the courtroom to head for his House Warmaster's entourage. Once amidst the blue-and-silver-clad guards, he settles, then tries to figure out a way to see from his position.

Lena enters the courtroom by way of the golden archway. She is flanked by two Alvst guards the youngest serving as her assistant. The Alvst make their way toward the very front of the general seating area. She bows to those she knows in respect as she makes her way to a seat near where the defendant will be seated.

Jager accompanies the pretty little Harkonnen in, pale blue eyes hard and cold as he seats himself nearby and begins to loom.

Constantina enters the courtroom accompanied by Shaheena and sveral intimidating Bajazet guards. She walks alongside the general seating before finding an unobtrusive area on the edge of the room.

A darkly-veiled figure, her carriage stiffly regal, accompanies Constantina in. Not a Bene Gesserit, but some ancient dame of House Bajazet, it seems.

Anakiel glances up at the Jager looming over him, and silently takes a seat. He's not used to the grim-jawed blonde, obviously... his -usual- guard-attendant is much less...er. Big.

From the archway, Lady Tat'iana Rastanyev strides in, accompanied by Noukker right on her heels. The lady's chin is lifted high, though her skin might be slightly more pallid than usual. She makes her way straight to the table reserved for the prosecution.

Cromwell stands as her Ladyship approaches and pulls out a chair at the prosecution's table.

Camilla enters quite nervously and quickly takes a seat in the back.

Aleksei escorts Camilla in, he glances around the room. He sits down nearby to Camilla, and his guards sit down also nearby.

No dark robed figure or aged wizened hag sweeps in, but the Imperial Truthsayer in a simple dress - frightfully young some call her, but formidable, all agree. She moves in slow but stateful fashion and proceeds to take a seat near the prosecution's table. This may be the first time many have seen Reverend Mother Nadira Cipristi Finn. Funny, aren't all the Reverend Mothers supposed to be old?

Fahahd scuttles over to the Harkonnen gathering, as swiftly and unobtrusively as a rather obvious limp will allow. He utter lack his usual ferretish grace, hobbling like a broken doll.

Jans enters, scanning the room. He notes the lack of traditional defense council or even provisions for one. He frowns, and refuses to sit, rather leans upon his cane in the middle of the aisleway.

Cromwell nods formally to the Imperial Trutsayer and returns to his seat. He glances over a slim portfolio emblazened with the seal of the Imperial Justiciar.

Lena leans over and whispers something to her assistant as he turns his head and watches the crowd grow. She follows his gaze to the golden archway and places the Viscount. She smiles sweetly at him.

The Rastanyev Reeve sweeps into the room, quickly taking note of the members attending from his own House in the general seating. With a brief bow towards the distant form of the Lady Tat'iana, he joins his compatriots.

Two neat files of three fully decorated Sardaukar enter the room, bringing with them the chained, grey-clothed body of the prisoner. Efficiently, they lead the man toward his specially designed area, safely away from anyone but more guards. As they force the man to sit, the chains snap into place in their holders, bolting all of his extremities securely to his chair. Three guards take up positions behind him, and one on either side, a variety of tightly-held weapons in their possession.
Calix stays at Jans side, ever vigilant, and such. His blue eyes bounce across the courtroom, as the two stand in the midst of the aisle. It seems Calix rather enjoys blocking people's entrances, and all the undo attention it brings.

A murmur goes up from the crowd, and cheers and jeers from the peanut gallery, as the defendant appears.

Jurgen steps into the Defendant's Docket.

Upon an unseen signal, a senior Sardaukar officer steps forward, his voice booming over those assembled, "All rise for the honorable Imperial Justiciar Davir Willem Corrino, Baron of the Blood Royal, Chevalier of the Imperium."

Bulova looks at the prisoner, being escorted by three Sarduakar. his face is emotionless, as he watches on, with interest to see the outcome of the trial.

Cromwell stands

From the General Seating, Fahahd rises swiftly, though not without a nearly drunken wobble.

The Viscount Alvstad, already standing merely leans more heavily upon his cane.

Nadira rises smoothly, expression detatched from the proceedings.

Camilla stands.

Saud stands, his thin lips spreading into a slight smile.

Bulova stands up from his seat as well, as the announcement of the Justiciar is announced.
The general crowd scattered about the general seating rises more or less with even grace, save the occasional straggler who is either helped or dragged to his or her respective seat. All eyes are on the Justicar for the time being.

Tsukasa stand.s

Marta stands.

Jager rises solemnly to his full eight feet in height, glacial eyes on the prisoner to gauge his reaction as the Justicar appears.

Shortly following the announcement to rise, all the Sardaukar snap to attention as a tall figure dressed in somber black steps into the courtroom. With only the briefest glances to the crowd and the defendant, Davir steps along his private walkway to take his seat. As he sinks back into the plushness, he looks at the cane enabled Viscount in the aisle, a lift of his brow suggesting a greeting.

Aleksei stands and almost snaps to attention.

Tat'iana rises from her chair woodenly, her gaze finally lifting to peer over towards the prisoner. Her gaze does not harden, but she turns her face away from him once more, to gaze straight in front of her as she did before.

From the General Seating, Shaheena rises, in a languid flutter of veiling.

Jurgen yawns loudly, looking disoriented.

The Sardaukar officer stats flatly, "You may be seated." He then executes a military turn and returns to his position by the bench.

Lena stands and glances back toward the Viscount. Her brow furrows and she purses her lips. She turns around and focuses on the state of the prisoner. She wonders if he even realizes what is happening.

Marta quickly takes her seat.

From the General Seating, Shaheena resumes her seat, looking like an aged raven coming to roost.
Nadira sits with an economy of motion, hands resting in her lap. She seems disturbingly still, like a statue.

Tsukasa promptly takes a seat.

A sharply dressed female clerk appears, carrying a variety of media on a tray, which she presents to the Justiciar with a deep curtsey. She disappears as quickly as she entered, allowing Davir to arrange it in neat stacks on the desk space beside him. One sheet he pulls and places directly before him, perusing it briefly, then he glances over to the defendant with a neutral expression on his face.

Fahahd sits back down, taking obvious care.

Aleksei sits down and looks at Raschid, or Jurgen, depending on what you would believe.

Jans remains standing. His gaze meets the raised eyebrow and gaze of the Justiciar. He blinks, then tilts his head ever so slightly in acknowledgement.

Bulova takes back his seat once stated to do so. He places his hands on his lap and the tattoos on his hands are apparent as he has his palms facing downward.

Tat'iana re-takes her seat, and laces her fingers together in her lap. If one is close enough in proximity to her, it could be noted that her knuckles whiten with the pressure.

Jurgen turns his head slowly from one side to other taking in the entire courtroom with a wide gaze and mutters something to himself..

The crowd sits back down, albeit a bit more slowly than they stood up. Quiet whispers ripple through the general seating occasionally, although they are usually stopped quite quickly by a handful of intent individuals.

From the General Seating, Fahahd returns the Jager's glance impassively, though he's gone white around the lips.

You take a seat in the Justiciar's Bench

From the General Seating, Cabal seems rather more interested in those attending this event than the reason for being here, or the prisoner himself, for that matter. Having never sat in the first place, he finally takes his seat as well, taking his time as he does so.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir turns his focus to the crowd with a tight press to his lips, the usual lightness to his jade colored eyes not at all evident. After an inhale of breath, he begins, his words easily carried through the courtroom, perhaps by some mechanical means, "The matter before this court is the conduct of the defendant, one Raschid Galperin, also known as Jurgen Sundsvall. The Imperium charges the defendant with Battery, in violation of the Code of Kaitain, section 515. This charge stems from the deliberate physical abuse and endangerment of the life of the Lady Tat'iana Anstasovna Rastanyev within the confines of Galperin's office in the Rastanyev embassy."

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir moves his attention to the defendant, his icy stare settling on the man. He waits a few moments, then his voice drops a touch, "Raschid Galperin, you have heard the charge against you. The maximum punishment for Battery according to the Code of Kaitain is permanent exile to the planet Salusa Secondus. If a guilty plea is heard from the defendant and proper remorse shown for your crimes, this Court would be willing to entertain the notion of a less severe sentence. A 'guilty' or 'not guilty' is all that is permitted at this time. How do you plead?"

A murmur goes through the commoners' gallery. In the mentat's very office! What a scandal!

Jurgen glances up at the man before him, trying to focus on him as he mutters again, "I'm sorry? Who are you, again? You somehow look familar.."

The Viscount Alvstad glances about the room. Yes, indeed. On Rastanyev soil, no less. How interesting that His Majesty's Code of Kaitain extends to govern Great Houses now, he thinks. Pitiful lot, these folk.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir smiles warmly at the poor man beneath him, his voice patient as he says, "I am the Judge of your trial, Mr. Galperin. You are required to answer either 'guilty' or 'not guilty' to the crime I just described."

Jurgen scratches at his beard before glancing around again at the assembled people...then he suddenly surges to his feet straining at the chains, "None of you are real!" He suddenly shouts. "This is another one of those cruel jokes! I won't break I say!"

A rumble and a snicker goes up from the proles. The man's mad! Of course he's faking it for the Justicar, does he think that could possibly work? What balls!

From the General Seating, Fahahd isn't terribly obvious about it...but he laces the fingers of one hand with those of the slender youth next to him.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir makes a gesture with his long fingers, adding a nod, and the Sardaukar nearby force the defendant back into his seat. "Now, that will be enough of that. You should behave as the Lord you attempted to pass yourself off as, Mr. Galperin." He leans over slightly, his eyes locking on the man, and asks, "Do you plead 'guilty', or 'not guilty'? If you do not answer properly, a plea will be entered for you."

From the General Seating, Shaheena exhales softly, folding frail-looking hands in the black expanse of her lap.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir taps his fingertips lightly against each other as he watches, waiting for an answer, though apparently an internal clock is indeed running down.

Jurgen hangs his head for a few moments, his brows furrowing in concentration, his head then slowly swivels to gaze at Tat'iana. Perhaps a look of momentary recognition flickering over his face, and in that eyeblink his countenance goes from a blank vacant stare to one of feral intensity as he glances up and says loudly. "Not Guilty!"

From the General Seating, Saud folds his starched sleeves before him as he regards the defendant.

From the General Seating, Shaheena tugs impatiently at her veiling, though her hand hesitates as the accused speaks. SHe murmurs something to the young lady beside her.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir nods slowly, his expression completely unchanged by this easily forseen response, even if arriving at it was a bit unusual. "The Court hereby notes the defendant has plead not guilty, and thus, the trial begins. At this time, the defendant, or a representative of his choosing, may make a statement in his defense. Raschid Galperin, do you wish to make such a statement, and if so, who shall make it?"

Calix hands Jans a small, navy blue and gold file, somewhat undiscretely.

Another sussuration from the peanut gallery. Not guilty? The man's got testicles of solid brass! No, he's just an idiot. Maybe he's as mad as he seems. Maybe it's both.

Jurgen glances about till his eyes rest on his Siridar.

From the General Seating, Fahahd doesn't seem to be paying overmuch attention - his gaze has gone unfocussed and dreaming, as immobile as the pair beside him. They're starting to seem more like an installation of statuary than actual members of the audience.

Jurgen says, "I would ask the Siridar Viscount, Jans Alvstad."

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir follows the defendant's gaze over to Jans Alvstad, and a slight nod indicates his acceptance of this. "Viscount Alvstad, if you wish to speak on behalf of this man's defense, you may approach the Court and do so now."

Jans glances at the man he knows as Lord Jurgen Sundsvall, without table, defense, friend, or even a shred of decency left. He looks to the Justiciar, as if weighing his options.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir leans back in his chair once more, his head tilting a bit as if adjusting his neck, and waits on the Viscount to make a potentially career limiting decision.

Walking into the Imperial Courthouse, Cadia's dark gaze circles the crowd for a millisecond, until she finds the person she's looking for. Jans Alvstad. Walking up the aisleway, she glances towards Calix, before stopping a stride behind the Viscount, taking his hand in hers.

The Viscount Alvstad squeezes the hand of his Bene Gesserit concubine lightly, as if imparting to her some secret signal. He approaches the Justiciar slowly, in measured steps, his limp accentuated by the clack of his cane upon the tiled floor. "I will speak on behalf of the defense of this man, who is being incarcerated wrongfully upon a set of Codes that hold no sway to the sovereign right of Siridari to govern their own lands."

From the General Seating, Saud chuckles, shaking his head.

A gasp goes up from the common folk. What's this! Blatant insurrection! Flog the man! You fool, that's a Siridar Lord you're talking about! Yeah, the Emperor would like to see us all in chains! Hush!

From the General Seating, Satyavrat visibly sits up straighter and unclenches his jaw with effort. Dusting off the folded slacks of his uniform, he listens attentively through his frowning countenance; the highest Rastanyev officer in attendance save the prosecuter herself, he will, perhaps, be called upon to speak for the Earl.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir glances down at the Viscount, his lips curled slightly at the touching show of affection the cripple and his concubine show, then he waves his fingers in a gesture to start posthaste. "By all means, the Court would be quite interested in hearing what you have to say to defend this man. Do begin, Lord Viscount."

From the general seating area whispers travel through the air of forgotten laws and Imperial pride.

Cadia watches Jans for a moment longer from her place in the aisle, before finding an open seat for herself. The Bene Gesserits gaze shifts as she takes her place from Alvstad to the Justiciar Bench, watching Davir.

Jans clears his throat, glances about for a place to sit. As none is provided for the defense of this man in his 'fair' trial, he decides to lean against the prosecution's table. He smiles at Davir. "Before I even undertake the labor of this man's defense, tell me, Lord Justiciar, what the nature of asylum means when it is given by the Emperor to his subjects. Most notably the Siridari?"

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir shakes his head slightly, leaning over a bit in his seat, his gaze certainly not amused. "Lord Viscount, if you do not know the meaning of that which you wish to use as part of the speech of your defense, then I will be forced to abbreviate your speech. Now, please proceed with whatever wisdom you have deigned to bring to this Court regarding this man's case, or find your... place... back in the aisle."

Jans smiles, running his fingers lightly upon the table. "I know my mind, Lord Justiciar. I question the charges themselves. Not for the sake of this man, but for the sake of us all." He glances at the Lord Cabal, knowing what secrets he has in the basement of his Embassy. "We pay the Emperor tribute, and for that tribute each Great House is afforded it's own soveriegnty. To rule as it sees fit, upon the lands granted to it by swearing fealty. Such is the premise and foundation of the Imperium, is this not so, My Lord Justiciar?"

The peanut gallery seems split... one half whispering that the Justicar sure put that old man in his place, the other that justice was never intended in this court.

From the General Seating, Satyavrat shifts slowly in his seat, lips twisted into a firm and unrelenting frown.

<<Satyavrat thinks: Save politicking for the floor of the Landsraad, dear Viscount. This isn't a personal interview with the Justicar.>>

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir listens intently, his eyes failing to wander beyond the scope of the Viscount's face. With an intake of breath that is almost a sigh, he answers, "Lord Viscount, again... do not direct questions toward the Court. For the sake of your argument, you may proceed." He flicks his fingers toward the elder man, as if not wanting to bother to agree yet.

Jans taps his gentleman's cane back and forth lightly between each hand, nodding. "Thank you. Let us extend that theory a bit further. In fealty, and in taxes, and even in monthly exchanges. In return, some of us own penthouses. Others are granted Embassys. And others, more fortuneate Estates. And, we are given these, as we are given our fiefs, to rule as our own, as House Major of the Landsraad, and to govern and have -absolute- rule over all of our subjects as long as such actions are not treasonous." He glances at the disheveld man chained to the chair. "It is for certain, even by His Majesty's charge, that this man did these supposed deeds upon lands of House Rastanyev." He looks to Davir, "According to the Code of Kaitain, innocent bystanders must be done the injustice, in areas governed solely by Kaitain law. The Rastanyev Embassy is no such place. It is governed by Rastanyev Law. And the Siridar Earl is not present, nor did he make public his claims to abdicate his own !
fiefdoms back to His Majesty."

From the General Seating, Saud once again begins to chuckle, this time more loudly.

From the general seating several heads nod in agreement. If the Great Houses don't have power over the affairs that take place in their Embassies than why be on Kaitain?

A servant appears, bringing a glass of water over to the Justiciar, who places it in front of him. Davir pulls a small metallic object from his pocket, passing it over the liquid before putting it away. He looks carefully down at the defendant from his position on the bench, making a few notes on a pad of paper before him. As the Viscount stops, he looks up to see if the defense is through, then gives a dangerous stare to the man chuckling rudely in his courtroom.

Jans looks up seeing that the Justiciar is awaiting more, "I have nothing further to say in this man's defense, save that there was also no public address. No search for a fugitive, no declaration of his crimes. No mention of innocents injured, Lord Justiciar. It would be hard to honorably offer defense, if such information was witheld. Even if accidentally."

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir nods slowly, without giving any indication of agreement or no, puts his palms together in a quiet gesture that the defense has rested. "Thank you, Lord Viscount, for your noble defense of this man. You may return to your place now."

Jans glances to Jurgen, then to Tat'iana, and then mutters to nobody in particular as he departs the table upon which he sits. "I think it a sad state, when his Majesty must step into a House in turmoil, to set aside something that its Siridar could not rectify on his own. And his reasons, are they even lawful, or motivated by some other means."

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir looks over to Satyavrat, sitting back in his chair, as he says quite clearly, "The Court calls the representative of House Ratanyev to the witness stand."

Camilla stands and makes her way to the doors leading out.

Satyavrat joins the witness stand.

Satyavrat rises fluidly, having expected said call for several moments. He executes a bow first to the Lady Rastanyev seated in the Prosecution bank, and then to the Justicar before stepping onto the Witness stand. Taking a brief breath, he speaks evenly. "I, Satyavrat Devhapti, appointed Reeve of the Noble House Rastanyev by the Earl Mikhail II of Garrashu VI, speak on m'Lord Earl's behalf for the time being. It shall be known that the Earl agreed, upon the discovery of the mentat Galperin's escape from the Rastanyev Embassy onto the grounds of His Majesty's planet at whole, to have the case of battery tried under Imperial Jurisdiction." He concludes his official statement, looking up at the Justicar. "I stand ready to answer any questions the Justicar presents."

Jans settles in next to his concubine.

All manner of rumors and suppositions about the Rastanyev, his lineage, and where he's been spending his nights murmur throughout the proles' gallery.

From the General Seating, Fahahd has some idea of all of the above...but keeps his thoughts firmly to himself. He does rouse enough from his apparent reverie to regard the Reeve.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir takes a drink of water while he awaits the approach of the Rastanyev representative, then listens carefully to what is said, not at all surprised, of course. Waiting for a moment for this bit of trivia to float about the courtroom, he smiles slightly, then says, "Well, you have read the Court's mind as to the nature of this summons. You have our thanks for this... concise... description of the facts of this matter. I can assume then, that the Earl has no questions as to the capability of this Court to decide the fate of House Rastanyev's property, Raschid Galperin?"

From the General Seating, Shaheena shakes her head in faint disapproval, though as to what precisely is not exactly clear.

From the Witness Stand, Satyavrat firmly shakes his head, stoic as ever. "None whatsoever, your Honor. The Earl explicitly trusts his Majesty's judgement , and that of his duly appointed representatives. The House Rastanyev remains as sovereign as any of the Noble Families of the Landsraad, but this includes fealty to the Emperor, as the Lord Viscount pointed out." The Reeve's tone is carefully free of any venom, or in fact any tone save perhaps innocence and factual recall.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir lets a gesture of his hand almost preceed his nod, clearly not needing the man on the stand any longer. "The Court thanks you for your testimony, Lord Reeve. You may return to your place."

From the Prosecution Table, Tat'iana finally rouses herself in her seat to turn towards the witness stand slightly, having been sitting so still all the while as to almost be a stone statue. Giving the Reeve a soft smile, she inclines her head towards him in the barest hint of a nod.

Satyavrat proffers a light bow at the waist to the Lord Justicar, being sure to regard the Prosecution Table with a faint smile and a raised eyebrow ere his footsteps bring him back to his place in the General Seating, whispers and murmurings quietly coming to a hush as he sits down. He recomposes his garments and drapes his hands over his knees, placidly calm now that he has spoken his peace.

Satyavrat leaves the witness stand.

From the General Seating, Jans does his best not to snort too loudly at House Rastanyev's blind faith....or perhaps lined pockets with the impending marraige. He instead leans in, and whispers something into his concubines ear.

There is a soft murmer at this latest turn of events.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir allows his gaze to wander about courtroom for a moment, then he glances down at his notes to begin listing the details of the case, "In the course of the in the interview that this Court conducted with the defendant, with the inclusion of the Imperial Truthsayer, we offer this for public consumption. Fact: The defendant before this Court is Raschid Galperin by his own admission. Fact: The defendant through direct and intended action caused injury to Lady Tat'iana Rastanyev by his own admission. Fact: The defendant through direct and intended action caused danger to Lady Tat'iana Rastanyev's person. Fact: The defendant further threatened Lady Tat'iana Rastanyev's life by his own admission. Fact: The defendant went outside of the dictates of his power, 'behind the back' of his owner and liege, the Earl Mikhail Rastanyev, in the defendant's own words."

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir peers up from the paper before him, adding in a slightly quieter tone, "...thus no defense that he was merely following orders can possibly be accepted by this Court, even though it was never made."

From the General Seating, Fahahd's face remains pinched and pale, as he watches the proceedings.

From the General Seating, Diana sits at the farther reaches of the general seating, nestled between a few other unassigned Sisters from the Chapter House. They are typical in their demeanor at such a proceeding. Dark, almost unearthly, eyes gazing towards the Defendant, Justiciar, Prosecution, and Witness in turn, with ashen skin pulled taught over their chisled features. The Sisters retain a well manicured aloofness, a display that successfully masks their thoughts and feelings.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir is seemingly unhurried, lifting the glass to his lips to take a cool drink, then sets it back down. He presses his fingertips together, then says in his distinct voice, "This Court finds these facts indisputable, and, in light of the irrelevant arguments of the defense, completely criminalizing." He then continues, in order to completely explain the basis of his impending decision, "The defense makes the assertion that this Court does not have jurisdiction in this matter, when, in fact, it does. Secondly, the defense asserts that the victim was not an innocent bystander, and thus not subject to the charge of Battery. This is a basic test example from legal documents of the Code. Innocent bystander provisions are an extension of the law, showing a progression of criminal activity. This does not mean that it is the sole definition of Battery, it merely shows how events from a simple Breach of Peace could be escalated to include Battery. Battery !
in this case is from the standard legal definition, and has been admitted to by the defendant in all actuality."

From the General Seating, Anakiel leans in to speak with his guards momentarily, then silently stands, helping the injured Guard-Leutnant to his feet.

From the General Seating, Saud takes the opportunity to follow the Harks out.

Fahahd rises, looking as if he's about to fall. His already pale features have gone almost grey...but he limps stiffly out on his own.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir pauses for a few moments, weighing his decision, though he has obviously been considering it for some time, probably from the moment the defense rested. Finally, he looks directly at the defendant, his eyes quite serious, and he states calmly, "Raschid Galperin. The High Court of the Imperium finds you guilty on the charge of Battery."

From the Prosecution Table, Tat'iana turns, her eyes also moving to come to rest on the condemned man. She looks on him with a level, unwavering gaze, her face blank of any emotion - no pity, no gloating, no anger. Not even a smile breaks the solemnity of her expression, despite the judgement just proclaimed.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir lets his gaze pass over the crowd for a moment, then he continues, his jaw set with determination as he looks down at the guilty man, "This Court, given your obvious lack of current mental faculties, finds itself unwilling to enforce the maximum sentence in this case."

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir taps his lips for a moment, then announces to the man, "The High Court sentences you to exile... to the planet Garrashu IV. To be left in the care of House Rastanyev." He reaches over, picking up the little used antique gavel, and strikes it once to affirm the sentence.

From the General Seating, Jans stifles a yawn with a balled up fist. He shakes his head. House Rastanyev couldn't handle him when he was capable of coherant thought, they shall handle him now?

From the General Seating, Diana looks to a Sister seated beside her, an eyebrow notched in silent scrutinty of the condemnation. The woman returns the look as though she was but a perfect mirror. These silent creatures just nod once or twice in a sort of agreement before, in unison, sweeping their attentive gazes towards the exiled man.

Then does Tat'iana's eyebrow twitch upwards, and a corner of her mouth pulls in a barely-suppressed smile. Exile? No... that is not all he will get now. T'would have been far more merciful for him on Selusa Secondus.

Jurgen snickers and then unable to control himself bursts into laughter. "Hey! Now there is justice for you, Imperial style, eh?! Why not just shoot me and be done with it? Oh wait then you're lilttle dalliances with Rastanyev Ladies may come out eh Justicar...

From the General Seating, Shaheena looks decidedly unimpressed with the whole production, her spine rigid with disapproval.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir looks with pity in his eyes on the poor deranged man, making a gesture with his ringed hand to the guards near the defendant, calling out, "Silence the fool... this mentat seems to be... broken."

The Sardaukar near the doomed man grab him roughly, sliding a gag into his mouth and strapping it on tight as they hold him down. They do this with such efficiency, it is apparent they have had much practice.

From the Justiciar's Bench, Davir raps his gavel once more, then states without any more production, "This Court is now adjourned. Take the prisoner away for holding until the Rastanyev claim him."

As Davir stands to make his way out, the senior Sardaukar officer steps forth once more, calling out, "All rise for the honorable Imperial Justiciar!"

From the General Seating, Shaheena rises carefully, leaning on her cane.

Cromwell stands and begins to collect his files. He seems thoroughly satisfied.

Jans sits at least a good 20 seconds, before he decides to rise.

From the Prosecution Table, Tat'iana rises from her chair, smoothing her skirts carefully.

From the General Seating, Diana lifts herself from her seat as the Justiciar departs, her head bowed with respect until his form fades past an archway.

You depart the Justiciar's Bench.

Davir makes his way out via his private entrance to the courtroom.

Calix screws the lid back on his silver flask, replaces it in his pocket, and then rises while his hand withdraws a golden pocketwatch. With a quiet smirking muffle, to those around him, Calix notes, "It took that long to exile the man? Efficency is dropping." Haphazardly, he clamps the watch shut, and turns to look for his Viscount, ever in need of escort.

Shaheena rises, and departs in a swirld of veiling.

The Sardaukar guards disconnect Jurgen's chains from his seat, force him to stand, then carefully lead him out, not entirely gently either.

Cromwell makes his way to the back of the courtroom and back to the palace.

Cadia turns now towards Jans and Calix, "Shall we go, My Lords?"

Tat'iana begins to make her way down the aisle carefully, though the progress is slow due to the crowdedness of it.

Calix shrugs once again, as he begins to mule towards the exit. "Does it truly matter? When I decide to stab that cockeyed old Ginaz within the Alvstad Estate, I will be exiled. If I do it in the middle of the Emperor's personal bed chamber, I will be prosecuted. There is no immunity for the Landsraad, no command, no power. We pay tributes for nothing. I am going to enjoy some vodka, and then return to Alvsgaard to fish."

Jans takes Cadia's hand, as he watches his cousin saunter off.

"I do not see how you would gain access to the Emperor's bedchamber My Lord, therefore one would think you would not be prosecuted," Cadia muses as she takes Jans' hand, before turning to the Viscount, muttering to him.

Cadia mutters to Jans, "... cousin has... a few... m'lord."

Tat'iana begins to pass by the Alvstad group, their comments catching her ears. She seems to ignore them, however, as her progress continues down the aisle.

Calix keeps muling through the crowd, as he reaches for his flask again. With a boisterous chuckle, he yelps. "Oh, I have my ways!" He then pauses, eyes darting across the area, hoping no Sardaukar heard the one. Good thing he has vodka here, a quick gulp, and he starts to move forward again. A bit more quietly this time, however.

Jans nods, and kisses her cheek lightly. He watches Tat'iana pass by, begins to say something, then decides it is probably better not to. Perhaps he will call upon her some other time.

Milling out from the seating, the few Sisters murmur a few words to themselves, perhaps reflecting on the proceedings, or something else. Regardless, they glide out of the courthouse as though the shadows themselves were carrying them away.

Tat'iana reaches the archway finally, and slips through to the green beyond.

If someone was to look quickly enough at the Bene Gesserit concubine, one would say she had blushed at the Siridar's affection. One would have had to look quite quickly. Cadia smiles up to Jans for a moment, before walking out of the Courthouse.

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