Pers entertains the Contessa Moritani

["Amit J. Sabnis" <ajsabnis@stanford.edu>]

Sponsored in part by Crab Juice...have you had your glass today?

From Pers's point of view.  Enjoy. =]

Visitors' Lounge -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)(#484RtJ)
This room is a waiting area for more distinguished visitors. Overstuffed
sofas line each wall, and a glass table sits in the center of the room,
surrounded by comfortable chairs. On the table sit several decks of cards, a
Cheops set, and a Fish Tarot. A bookcase on the south wall proudly displays
the masterworks of Alvst literature. Tasteful ink-and-watercolor silk
hangings adorn each wall. A large fan built into the ceiling cools the room
down and drowns out the bustle of the adjoining rooms.
Players:
 Ophelia
Objects:
 Fish Tarot
Exits:
 Folding Screen <N> leads to Diplomats' Lounge -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
 Heavy Curtain <W> leads to Main Audience Chamber -- Alvstad Embassy
(Kaitain)
 Narrow Doorway <SW> leads to Foyer -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
Kade walks in from Foyer through the Narrow Doorway.
Kade has arrived.
Ophelia walks in from Foyer through the Narrow Doorway.
Ophelia has arrived.
Kade says, "Will there be anything else Admrial?"
Pers is standing next to the southern bookcase when the Countess follows
Kade in. He shakes his head politely to the latter, saying, "You may remain
if you wish, Lord Sarentego, but you are dismissed if you so choose."
Turning his attention to Ophelia, he bows crisply. "My Lady."
Kade nods.
Kade says, "I'll reamin for a short while."
The Countess takes a glance around the room, her eyes noting the silk
hangings briefly. But when she is addressed by the Admiral, her attenion
immediately snaps to him as she dips a curtsey in return. "M'lord... thank
you for seeing me."
"It is a pleasure to entertain the Countess," the Admiral chimes in
stoically. "Please, be seated. May I offer you refreshments or edibles?" He
moves into position behind a chair situated directly below the overhead fan.
No doubt that whalefur cape can get a bit hot.
Ophelia smiles softly, but declines the offer with a shake of her head. "No,
thank you. I'm quite fine at the moment." And as invited, she moves to seat
herself in a chair, near the one under the fan that the Admiral has chosen.
"I trust all is well within House Alvstad at the moment? Everyone's picking
up the pieces and moving on with life?"
Kade goes to the door and stands quietly.
Pers inclines his head as takes a seat, the greenish-tinged light coming in
from glass windows glinting off of his straw-colored hair. "The House does,
indeed, move on with life. We are happy to note that there was less than a 1
percent drop in calculated instantaneous financial earnings upon the news of
the late Viscount's death. However, a mourning day has not yet been
declared, and losses thereof are still being estimated." Pers rattles off
the fiscal details quickly, and then, as an afterthought, adds, "The House
retainers do not appear to be greatly affected by the news, either. While a
member of the Noble blood, the late Viscount was not much-loved." Blunt even
when death comes into play...or perhaps especially so.
Kade stands and watchs the on going on while he appears to be making mental
notes.
Ophelia nods slightly as she listens, her expression growing solemn. "When
the na-Count Agon was lost to us... our mourning period spanned nearly an
entire year. There are those who still mourn... but life goes on. Business
must continue." Her smile returns then. This man speaks her language -- that
of business and numbers and percentages.
Pers doesn't smile, but then one gets the impression that such is simply
business as usual. "An interesting mode of operation," he replies steadily,
tiliting his head in confusion. "Was it this extended mourning that brought
Moritani to the Spaceport clad in the late na-Count's livery?"
Ophelia cannot stifle the quiet sigh, then shakes her head slightly. "I
questioned my cousin, the late na-Count's son. He claims he met with one
man, and one man only. And yes, that man did still wear the crest of my
predecessor. They let go of these ideals so slowly."
Pers nods stiffly. "Thankfully, the late Viscount left behind few ideals to
cling to. And those that do cling have either become wise enough to stifle
their concerns, or face significant opposition from all directions." The
right corner of his mouth seems to perk up a bit in an odd imitation of a
smile. "Internally, House Alvstad fares quite well, Countess. I fear,
however, that our reputation amongst peers in the Landsraad has fallen."
Kade sighs and remembers the mass convusion even form a house minnor that
death can causae.
"With the late Viscount's actions against the Imperium? Indeed. Harboring a
known criminal. Ludicrous!" Ophelia shakes her head slightly, her lips
pursing. "Surely, many of our peers will come to realize that the actions of
a predessor won't be necessarily repeated by the new leadership. But it will
take time to build that trust once more. Time, patience, and diplomacy."
"A wise observation, my Lady," Pers intones solemnly. "Time, however, has
become somewhat limited. I understand the House Moritani wishes to be
elected to the seat of Landsraad High Councillor; a position which the
Alvstad presently holds, although given the outfreyn understanding of
military power, it will soon lose." He tilts his head, turning the window's
glare into an odd backlight that brightens his hair into a glow. "It is
questionable whether there shall be sufficient time, patience, or diplomacy
to effect changes in either position."
Ophelia nods, once. "When a House loses credibility, strength, true
leadership... it risks losing all that it has gained, whether it be High
Council, Directorships in CHOAM, or alliances. It is unfortunate, m'Lord.
But it is the late Viscount who is to blame. Perhaps, under your leadership,
your people might restore that which was lost. Do you plan to seek
confirmation of Siridarship, m'lord?"
Kade waits patiently to here what Pers is going to say his hands on his hips
now.
Pers pauses, nothing but two blinks of his eyes to fill the gap between your
question and his reply. "A question which is, as yet, unanswerably, my Lady.
I am a servant of the Alvstad Noblemen. It is entirely possible that I shall
be chosen to act as more than merely Regent; however, such discussions have
yet to be completed. In the interim, however, it is notable that a
Directorship or Councillorship falls upon a House, and not its Siridar. It
is in this light that my observation was raised." He leans back in his
chair, turning his head sideways and discretely rubbing the whalefur of his
cape's collar against his cheek.
"Yes, but while a Directorship or Councillorship does indeed fall upon a
house.. the House itself is only as capable as its leadership. I do hope,"
Ophelia counters, "that the nobles choose wisely."
Kade SMILES at pers a new since of respect "We will my lady..."
Pers nods cooly. "No doubt they shall, as Lord Sarentego can no doubt attest
to." He turns to Kade, a blank expression on his face. "Who would you choose
to be the next Viscount, my Lord? The Lord Helmsgillar? Myself? Lord Calix?
Answer freely." There is something clearly frank about his manner; this was
not staged in advance. Whatever Ophelia hears shall be entirely de novo.
Kade says, "Calix... no... He returned I haven't seen him in months. WHen
the tuff got going he got out of here. Helmsgillar dont' know him. I have
only had an opturnity to work with you. I wouldn't honestly trsut Calix with
this much power."
Ophelia turns in her chair to regard the man that has spoken, an eyebrow
raised as she waits. "M'lord," she asks quietly of Pers, glancing his way a
moment. "Is that not the unfortunate man from the arena, that my Lord
Ferenczy marked?"
Kade sighs.
Pers raises a hand to bar Kade from speaking for the moment. "Indeed he is,
my Lady. He is also the head of a House Minor under the banner of Alvstad.
Do you question his rank or authority by virtue of this incident?" Pers
remains entirely emotionless...he could merely be asking about the weather.
Ophelia shakes her head, a slight smile once more pulling at the corners of
her mouth. "No, m'lord. I just didn't get a very good look at the fellow
from where I was at the arena. It is good to see that his face is healing so
nicely."
Kade smiles.
Pers merely nods. "Wounds are commonplace on Alvsgaard, my Lady, and our
Suks are particularly well-versed in their treatment. How fares the Lord
Ferenczy?"
Ophelia's eyebrow twitches slightly, as she ponders the implications of the
Admiral's statement. "His Lordship fares well... the incident is, I'm sure,
quite forgotten by now."
Kade Nods.
If there were any implications, Pers certainly makes no indication of their
ramifications. He nods approvingly at Ophelia's statement before adding,
"And the rest of House Moritani? Those that do not still mourn the loss of
their former na-Count?"
Ophelia chuckles softly, "They busily prepare for the celebration we are
holding in just a couple short weeks. There is excitement, as there is much
to celebrate."
Kade umm's at the mention of a celebration.
"We are, I believe, planning on attendance," Pers answers. "May I ask what
the Countess's taste in gifts is? Spirits, perhaps? Or animal oddities?
Artwork?"
"Animal oddities?" Ophelia's attention gravitates immediately to the phrase,
a look of absolute curiosity crossing her face.
Pers nods solemnly. "The oceans and islands of Thanatos Quartus are home to
many species that are not so much as dreamt of elsewhere, and efforts at
introducing foreign populations have more or less failed, leading to an
unaltered system. Several planetologists have studied this 'fixed
equilibrium' with much interest. Alongside this, it has proven quite a
profitable excersize to export some of the odder subjects to various
homeworlds. The Bene Tleilaxu have shown the greatest interest, as they
produce many such commodites themselves."
"How... fascinating..." Ophelia breathes, shifting in her seat slightly.
"But I am glad to hear that your House does plan on attending. It will be a
good opportunity to meet with those you've not yet encountered on Kaitain.."
Kade says, "Besides Ambassdor Ilohannes is there anyone else left?"
Kade says, "I think everyone probly returned home..."
Pers nods. "Many of those with whom I was previously acquainted do not
appear to be present on Kaitain. Particularly, the former Regent Lord-Bashir
of House Bajazet has been conspicuously absent..." he muses. "I shall have
to attempt to locate him." He turns to Kade. "Several additional Embassy
staff members shall be arriving on Kaitain presently, Lord Sarentego."
Kade nods.
Kade nods.
Ophelia's expression grows thoughtful a moment, and then she hmms quietly.
"It has just suddenly occured to me, m'lord... but all of House Bajazet has
been quiet lately. Unnaturally so."
"Particularly after being appointed to the position of CHOAM Directors,"
Pers observes, having obviously considered this before. "Has their been any
notice from their House to any others at all that you know of?"
Kade notices that a red light on his wristcomm is blinking. He frowns for a
moment. Turns to Pers. IF i may be excused.
Ophelia shakes her head slightly. "I've not heard a word from them... not
since I cautioned one of their diplomats about the dangers of a certain Lady
who wished to spread untruths about me."
Pers inclines his head to Kade, indicating that he may leave if he must.
Pers lifts a straw-blonde eyebrow. "Perhaps they've thought better of
risking such dangers. But...their silence has continued for far too long.
Perhaps, my Lady Countess, we should arrange a CHOAM Directorship meeting
and see if they see fit to attend."
Ophelia's brow arches delicately, though she nods readily. "Indeed. I wonder
if they will be attending even the Landsraad session.."
Pers agrees, "It shall be interesting to observe their attendance at *any*
future events," readjusting himself subtley in his chair. "I shall contact
your Financial Minister regarding the Directorship meeting. There are
several...inconsistencies...noted by the former Alvstad Secretary of Finance
in the fiscal records of several Houses. They warrant examination."
"I trust," the Countess says quietly, "that House Moritani is not one which
must be examined."
"Not for the inconsistencies of which I speak," Pers replies smoothly. "My
lady misunderstands. I speak of falsifications and violations, not erratic
profits due to political factors."
Ophelia nods slightly, "Even still, our books accurately reflect the decline
during the rule of Count Cesare... There is no covering that. The books were
neglected during Agon's term, however, I've filled in what gaps I may with
what information I've found."
Pers nods smartly. "I've the distinct, impression, my Lady, that you are a
woman of meticulous financial schooling. This bodes well for the holders of
the Arrakis contract."
Ophelia permits herself a small smile. "My father never had the son he
wanted - I had to fulfill that role. So, by the time I was of the age to be
interested in tales of courtly love, I was already running the vineyard
quite on my own."
"Your father was a wise man," Pers comments. "The Alvst upbringing of a girl
is quite similar; and the results are far more promising than the production
of a woman whose only worth lies in her marriage."
"Oh, I'm afraid my upbringing was far more the exception, rather than the
norm. Though I'd like to see that changed. Some day," Ophelia murmurs
quietly.
Pers has no reply. Cultures are cultures, and cultures change but slowly.
Ophelia continues, "And I am still expected to produce an heir. Perhaps even
marry. But an heir must be chosen, or produced."
Pers nods. "Such is the manner of things. Although a chosen heir often
produces better results for the House. As we have both observed, the mere
presence of royal blood does not make one fit to rule."
Ophelia shakes her head, sighing quietly. "Alas, in my case... it's either I
choose from my branch of the family one of my sisters, who, did not receive
the education I did from our Father... or I choose someone from the late
na-Count's branch. I see no choice which would not lead to a squabble, or
trouble down the line."
Pers quirks an eyebrow. "Perhaps another choice *is* possible, my Lady.
Should I be named Viscount, my heir will most likely be one of the other
forerunners for the position. However, matters may well run differently in
Moritani. It appears that you have a much larger family from which to
choose."
Ophelia grins wryly, "A much larger family, known to have hot tempers, yes,"
she adds. "But don't you think there is danger in naming a forerunner as
heir? What if he gets...well... impatient?"
"A trait that is, for the most part, unknown in Alvst circles, my Lady,"
Pers answers. "Plans for the removal of Jans Alvstad were in effect as early
as three years prior to today. At any point, it was possible to cancel them
should the situation improve. The nobleman of Alvsgaard have a very strong
sense of honor, Countess."
Ophelia ahs quietly as she nods. "Very well then... honor can be a
comforting thing. It seems, to me, we do come from vastly different
cultures, then. But one can argue that those who have been removed from
power were deserving of it. Even still, I do not trust my cousin."
Pers inclines his head. "Quite possibly a wise precaution, my Lady. I wish
you well in your dealings with Family."
I can't find who you're trying to page.
Ophelia accepts the well wishes with an incline of her head in turn. "Thank
you, m'lord. Before I depart, though... is there anything my House might
assist you with? We've had, as I understand it from my advisors, a fond
closeness between us in the past."
Pers nods and half-smiles...quite an odd look on his face. It turns him into
almost a grandfatherly figure in but a moment. "A fond closeness which I
hope to foster, my Lady. We appear to be recovering well, however; I shall
contact you should the need arise, and I do hope you shall reciprocate when
required."
The Countess seems to regard the Admiral for a moment, as if weighing
something in her mind. After another moment has passed, with a thoughtful
expression, she opens her mouth to carefully, slowly say, "But of course,
m'lord. And we won't find it in the least an unpleasant thing to do. I must
confess... I find you to be quite more likeable than your predecessor. I do
hope, sincerely, that your nobility chooses well when they make their
decision."
Pers nods quite calmly in response. "I share your hope, Countess," is his
only reply, however. After all, why state the obvious. "Are you quite sure
that I cannot interest you in a glass of crab juice before you depart? The
days have become rather hot of late in the Capital City."
"Oh... no... I'm quite alright. It's just a short trip back home for me. And
then to rest. I have a very watchful Suk, who insists on monitoring my
health closely," Ophelia murmurs, arranging her skirts slightly before
rising from her chair. "But it is kind of you to offer. Perhaps next
time..."
Pers nods. "Surely," he replies, rising sharply from his seat. He bows
firmly, then nods to a servant by the door who opens it. "The guard shall
see you out, Lady Countess. Thank you for the visit, and I do hope to see
you again soon."
Ophelia nods, but before she steps away, adds, "As do I, m'lord. The doors
of my embassy are, of course, open to you as well." There being nothing
further to say, she steps away and moves to the doors waiting open for her.

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