Plans within plans within plans.

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

*************
A log of a recent House Alvstad staff meeting.  Much scheme-alicious fun to
be had...enjoy!

-Persy and the Super Magnificent Action Faction
*************

Descriptions:

*******Pers**

        Light seems to be pulled from afar onto this imposing figure,
illumining every crisp crease on his teal and gray uniform, every facet of
the decorations he wears on his left breast, and crowning his brightly
blonde hair with a straw golden halo. The creases on his face surrounding
green and grey eyes, the marks of age and the merciless Alvsgaard air, add
to his stately presence.

        Turning away from the striking sharpness of this man, you begin to
notice the mundane. Despite his commanding air, you would wager that the man
is a shade under six feet in height. Beneath the uniform, you notice that
this man's muscles have that stringy look that sets a sailor apart from any
other. If his weatherbeaten, leathery skin is any indication, you would not
be surprised to hear that he had lived on the waves all of his life.

        Pers is wearing a crisply pressed uniform, the blue jacket and gray
slacks of the Noble Alvst Navy. A high collared cape, teal-green on the
inside with a gray whalefur exterior, flows in crisp pleats from his neck.
Fisherman's boots of dull black thump across the floor as he walks,
announcing his presence long before he enters a room.


*******Dirk**
         Dirk Nathanielsman's hair is usually the most noticeable thing
about him. It stands straight up like a tree reaching its branches to the
sky. When he walks through low entrances, the threshold pushes his hair
back, and when he steps through, it bounces back into its usual
configuration squarely and almost comically.

         He's a tall man, made taller by his hair, and finds himself
towering over the many individuals about him, a menacing figure. Sometimes,
this can be intimidating. At other times, all it receives is a ridiculing
laugh.

         Below his mane lies an angular face. Age has begun to show itself
around his blue-green eyes in the form of a spider webbing of cross-hatching
lines. Years of sailing have refined his contempt of shaving his facial
hair; he enjoys his white stubble, which helps his put his blossoming double
chin under wraps.

        His neck is almost non-existent, melding seamlessly with his wide,
strong shoulders. His arms are muscular and end in huge, gorilla-like hands.
Whether his pinky finger is bigger than the neck of a dwarf or not is a
debatable issue.

        One look at his hands by an individual who was familiar with Mr.
Nathanielsman's barbering franchises, and that person would find himself
amazed. How could this man fit those huge gorilla fingers into the finger
holes of his scissors? But fear not, this man carries his custom-made,
old-fashioned, two-bladed scissors in a holster situated at his hip,
detesting the newer laser models. The blades are huge things, big enough to
be considered a weapon in their own right. (As a side note, it's a known
fact that when Nathanielsman's vessel, The HES Alvesbangle, was attacked by
three, smugglers on the open sea, he used his scissors to single-handedly
defend the ship from seizure.)

         His black breaches billow baggily over chicken legs. In all his
upper-body development and work on board ships, Nathanielsman has never
needed great use of his legs, and only now does he realize the
ridiculousness of the fact that he has left his legs skinnier than a set of
olive branches.

*****Ariane**
         Fine boned and delicate, Ariane's petite figure stands only 5'4"
tall. Her hair, glossy and black, falls without a ripple or a curl. Her
face, more round than oval, features feathery brows, high cheekbones and a
little nose. Her skin is smooth and without flaws, the tone distinctly
golden even in the winter months. Her eyes are almond shaped and tilted
slightly, but their colour is a sharp contrast to her distinctly old Terran
eastern features: they are hazel flecked with green.
         She is dressed in a gown of grey silk with a fitted bodice and full
skirts. The sleeves, long enough to reach her wrists, have silver brocade
running along their length. Her hair is plaited down her back, held with an
ornate clip. She wears only a simple necklace as an accessory - a platinum
chain from which an opafire pendant hangs.

*******Lena**
Lena is of average height, with long, curly black hair. Her hair is arranged
in spiral curls and ringlets that fall on the side of her head. The rest is
pulled back and tied with a burgundy satin ribbon at the nape of her neck,
and falls down to the middle of her back in dark waves. She has almond
shaped eyes of dark green in a small, oval face. Her skin is pale and she
has a red Cupid's bow mouth that is often in a warm smile or mischievous
grin. Her voice has a melodic quality and she speaks in a slight indefinable
accent.

 She is wearing a burgundy tunic dress with a key pattern and fringe border
hem over a white gown. She smells of spices and vanilla. From her small ears
dangle tiny red enamel dragons of exquisite detail. Around her neck is a
matching pendant of a dragon, the crest of House Andragoras, with a large
emerald eye. She carries a gauze stole and white satin purse.

******Brand**
Standing around six feet tall, this man is built along ancient Terran
Scandinavian lines. Though he is not bulky or heavy, he has broad shoulders,
and the way his clothing hangs on his body hints at well sculpted muscles.
His sandy blonde hair is kept short in the military style. Wide-set eyes of
vibrant blue, a smaller, almost Oriental nose and a squared jaw line give
him a mixed appearance, stemming from distant blending of racial features in
his lineage. He wears the military uniform of House Alvstad, in the House
colours of teal and grey, with the poisson of his House displayed
prominently on the left breast. He holds his head high, his demeanour
quietly confident, and he moves with the fluid co-ordination of an
experienced fighter.

***Caeciliah**
Deep eyes of soulful violet shine forth from the porcelain face of this
utterly noble lady. Her elfin brow is as if carved from the warmest living
alabaster in the manner of the greatest of artists. Her delicate, snowy
features are warmed by a touch of shimmer upon her cheeks and a hint of ruby
at her lips. Her slender, feminine frame holds the beauteous curves of a
lady mingled with the subtle grace of a master dancer. Her fine shoulders
wend away to her narrow waist across the path of her lovely bosom leaving
slim arms and long, aesthetic hands of the finest gossamer-silk white in
their wake.
Light, gray-blue cradles Caeciliah in soft folds, edged with the slightest
hint of silver embroidery to denote her station, but without the overly
fancy frills of full noble regalia. The neck is high, as is the bodice, slit
at the throat to reveal a simple silver locket on a chain. Long sleeves
grace her slender arms, reaching a slightly flared cuff at the end with a
bit more embroidery, but nothing overly frilly. From the simple belt of
matching hue the train of the dress flows smoothly down to the floor, barely
whisking aside to reveal soft shoes beneath. And on the ring finger of her
right hand rests a finely crafted ring denoting her status as affionced. The
sizeable cabochon cut star ruby at its center is surrounded by smaller tear
cut diamonds arranged like flower petals on a band of silvery platinum.
Brilliant auburn is wreathed about the delicate face of the Lady in an
intricately braided crown of her styled hair. Interwoven amongst the
braiding are rainbow-white strands of seed pearls and thin silvery ribbons
clasped with combs of ebony.


*************
Conference Room -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)(#477Rt)

        The Conference Room is rarely used due to its sheer size; thirty
wheeled chairs surround a large table at the center of the room that veers
off in parallax, leading to a mistakenly large interpretation of length. The
head of the table is manned by a single armchair, quietly ornamented with
chrome on its arms and back to befit the Viscount.

        A single glowstrip on the ceiling is set to provide a low and
ambient glow, but most of the room's light comes from an illuminated map of
Alvsgaard behind the Viscount's chair, flanked by silver dodecapus statues.
Dark wooden panelling on the walls breaks at even intervals to reveal the
ego-likeness of one of the great Alvstad Siridars, names such as Osvald III,
Jans I, Gregers V, and Knut II scripted beneath them.

        A murky, underwater ambience pervades the setting. Compared to the
rest of the glass-and-stone Embassy, this chamber appears to be a
well-insulated haven of quiet counsel and study.

Players:
 Dirk                                               Lena
 Ariane                                             Brand
Exits:
 Hidden Doorway <N> leads to War Room -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
 Darkwood Doors <S> leads to Armory -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)



As the last of the various officers, secretaries, and retainers of House
Alvstad shuffle in, Pers looks out across the large conference table. Seated
directly in front of the glowing map of Alvsgaard that leads to the Warroom,
he appears to be just another one of the ego-likenesses stationed throughout
the room in this low light, distinguished from them only by a vocalized
clearing of his throat every now and then. Glancing about once more to see
that everyone is seated, he speaks in a quiet, no-nonsense tone. "At the
outset, you all should know of my intention to court the Lady Garamond."

Dirk gasps.

The Weaponsmaster's eyes widen slightly at this revelation, having been
unaware of his Lord's selection of a potential Viscountess. However, having
not been heavily involved in Kaitain's political arena, he is not
particularly aware of any details regarding the Lady Garamond and hence
cannot draw any true conclusions as to implications.

Lena leans back in her chair where she is seated to the left of the
Viscount. She arches her left brow in interest at the mention of the Lady
Garamond. Her face doesn't display any displeasure nor pleasure for that
matter.

A mask of calm graces the visage of the Bene Gesserit, her expression
impassive save for the rise of one arched brow. Her head rises and falls
slowly as she absorbs the news.

Dirk finds his gasp turning into a wide grin, "M'Lord, what wonderful news!
The Lady Garamond is such a wonderfully wonderful specimen indeed." He turns
to the Bene Gesserit adding for her benefit, "And of fine breeding as well."
He smiles, scratching a gargantuan eyebrow, "I'm just so happy for you. Have
all the arrangements been settled on?"

After a moment Lena looks as if she would speak on this matter, but settles
back into her chair to save her comments for the Viscount alone. She waits
for him to add anything to his statement before sharing any thoughts
regarding this.

With a pulled half-smile and dry laughter at the edge of his voice, the
Viscount says, "I think you all took that rather well." Sobering slightly,
but still amused enough by Alvst standards, Pers continues, "I have not yet
made either the Lady or His Majesty explicitly aware of my intentions,"
nodding towards Dirk at his apt question. "This task has been entrusted to
my cousin, the Baron Connor von Leutrum, though his progress has been sadly
hindered by Imperial business regarding the death of the Princess Jenaa."
Leaning back and folding his arms across his chest, he nods towards the room
in general. "I seek your counsel on this matter, privately or at present.
Speak if you've anything to say."

"And is she comfortable returning to the embrace of our House?" Brand asks,
taking the liberty of leaning against one of the walls of the conference
room. "I may not know much of current affairs, but upon arriving here I did
peruse some of the event logs in the library. I know relations have not
always been... friendly."

Having kept a straight face through the wedding pursuit, it is odd to see
Ariane's face crumple slightly at the mention of the death of the Princess.
Her brows draw down, in thought or concentration. Her eyes shift towards the
Viscount and then to the Weaponsmaster, her head inclining in
acknowledgement of his insightful remark.

Pers turns to face Brand, nodding thoughtfully though his answer is ready
enough. "As was the case with many matters, any enmity felt seems to have
been substantially decreased with the passing of our late Viscount Jans II.
While the Lady and then na-Viscount Jans were *not* on the best terms," (and
indeed, were often at each others' throats if Pers's tone is any
indication), "she and I were friends during my term as Warmaster."

Brand inclines his head at this, having also studied some of Jans' exploits.

Pers's gaze sweeps across the crowd once more, resting for an extra moment
or two on Lena. "Other comments?" he asks neutrally.

Glancing around her before speaking, Ariane clears her throat before saying,
"Lord Viscount, can this be a love-match?" The Bene Gesserit's tone hints at
surprise. "There is little benefit to House Alvstad in this match; I would
have thought a marriage could have been arranged that closed a breach
between this House and another, or served a more...profitable purpose?" This
counter the Alvstad way of life perplexed the Reverend Mother.

Brand shakes his head. "You'll hear no objections from me, my Lord Viscount.
I have implicit trust in your judgement in this matter. As your
Weaponsmaster and servant, I can have no more." However, he appears
interested in any other voiced objections, despite a lack of his own.

Lena doesn't meet the Viscount's gaze. She focuses on the map on the wall
for a moment, engaged in thoughts that branch to many scenarios. She chews
on it as she will do with matters of importance and share her impressions
after she has some time to fully explore the possibly outcomes. Although
this may only be a formal announcement of courtship, it may have real
implications. She ponders the Bene Gesserit's question.

"Love governs the actions of only the most foolish of the Siridari," Pers
answers, tone solemn. "I care enough for the Lady Justine so as to not make
this an undesirable marriage; indeed, even enough to seek it out. But there
are other factors to be considered." He steeples his arms on the desk,
leaning forward and pursing his lips. "Firstly, the Lady Garamond is as
close to a full-blooded Alvstad as remains in the Imperium, with the
possible exception of Tupile. For my own reign is to be succeeded in a
stable manner, this marriage is paramount." Let a Bene Gesserit consider
breeding! No doubt the Bureau of Husbandry's delicate touch can be seen here
as well. "In addition, the Lady's association with Corrino might
help...ameliorate a somewhat injured reputation with the Lion Throne. Any
other Houses we might have need to ally with are much closer than the
Emperor's line."

Dirk coughs loudly, raises a glass of water to his lips and drinks deeply.
The sudden noise after a moment of silence adds an air of finality to the
previous subject of conversation. "Pardon me, m'Lord."

With a short nod to Dirk, Pers speaks up once more. "I will, of course, be
willing to engage in additional conversation at a later date. I've the
benefit of long consideration which many of you do not." But not all? "This
leads us directly to another matter involving the Lion Throne: the death of
the Princess Jenaa, Lady Marquise Ginaz. Lady Andragoras, would you be so
kind as to brief everyone as to our most recent meeting with the Marquis?"

Lena returns her gaze to those seated at the conference table and nods
toward the Viscount before she begins. "His Lordship and I called upon the
Marquis to pay our respects and to offer our aid in case they have need of
it. He was hesitant to accept, unsure of the price of the aid of House
Alvstad and was suspicious, although someone in his situation cannot turn
away help when he is the focus of the Emperors investigation and his
displeasure. House Ginaz is vulnerable at the moment and we should decide
how best we should react given several outcomes that may arise from the
investigations."

Ariane turns her attention to the Ambassador, listening intently to her
recount of the meeting.

Brand looks momentarily amused at the mention of Jacob's suspicions, but
maintains a largely serious, intent expression.

Dirk sets his glass down with a clink of glass against stone. "What kind of
aid does Alvstad wish to extend? Perhaps now is the beginning of a stable
diplomatic relationship between our two Houses. I don't believe we've had
such a relationship in the past, but now that Ginaz is powerful both in the
eyes of the Lion Throne and in the Landsraad, perhaps it would be smart to
offer a hand."

Brand raises an eyebrow at this. "I believe that that power may now be in
question, Master Nathanielsman."

Ariane pauses on the verge of speech, her very thoughts voiced by the
Weaponsmaster, to whom she nods, saying, "My sentiments precisely, Master
Klauth-Zhi'ang."

Dirk says, "I believe that now is too soon to seek power. All eyes are on
House Ginaz. If we act to rashly, we will uncover our intentions."

Pers nods in agreement towards the Mariner. "Indeed true. Regardless of
immediate power that House Ginaz has, they do hold eight votes in the
Landsraad Congress and a seat on the High Council. Their popularity might be
on the wane, but that makes them all the easier to manipulate to our
needs..." He arches an eyebrow, looking warily surprised as he notes,
"...which was, I believe, Jans's own policy towards them."

Lena smirks and then says, "Although it could be considered an insult the
Marquis's hesitance to accept our aid I rather think he doesn't realize the
seriousness of his situation. Perhaps his mind is clouded by the guilt and
sorrow he is experiencing. I suppose he wouldn't be much of a leader if he
didn't try to exercise what influence he may have, but there's no doubt that
their House has been in financial trouble and their recent changes in
leadership left them looking distracted in the eyes of the Landsraad."

Brand chuckles wryly. "It's no wonder, with the fools making such a blatant
bolstering of their military. An excellent way to get into debt and attract
attention, of the wrong sort."

Brand makes a little comment, something along the lines of "all blades and
no brains", to himself.

"Precisely, Weaponsmaster," Pers agrees. "Which leaves us with a second
option. Extend our services to House Corrino in the light of the Marquis's
distrust, and side with the rest of the pro-Imperial Landsraad to leave
House Ginaz decidedly out in the cold." His expression is largely placid as
he outlines this new path.

Brand ponders this option. "Perhaps not as easy an alliance to cement, but
undoubtebly more useful than one with Ginaz, ultimately."

Dirk says, "Yet, are we solely using the death of Princess Jenaa as this
decisive tool?"

"There's a danger in that," the Reverend Mother says flatly. "Throughout the
selection of the Landsraad High Council, Alvstad was noted for its
opposition to the Imperium holding complete sway. To ally with the Imperium
now would alienate those Houses, particularly the Atreides, that put faith
in Alvstad as a weight to balance the scales of the Landsraad."

Pers nods as if to a hidden beat as the Reverend Mother speaks, even before
she has completed her statement. "Another excellent consideration, and one
that must not be lost in any panicked attempt to assert our own goals. The
Mariner was correct in observing the clear direction of other attentions at
the moment: the Marquis attempted to ally with the Throne and is now placed
decidedly counter to that force. Must we take sides in this argument?"

Lena dips her head slightly in agreement with the Reverend Mother. "House
Harkonnen would also find such an alignment as.." She tries to think of how
the Viscount put it to the Marquis. She grins sheepishly and doesn't make
any references of getting in bed with the Imperium. "Trying to sneak into
the Palace even if they privately think it shrewd we may lose their support
in the LHC."

Brand shrugs lightly. "Well, neutrality has always been one of our strong
points, really. But I am still bothered by the implications of a Ginaz
relation. As our Mariner stated, it will do us no good to be seen associated
with them at a turbulent time like this."

Caeciliah shakes her head fervently, "I definitely suggest against allying
with either side, Excellency. The Alvst are known for their neutrality, let
it remain so. We may brook favour by aiding and abetting the house Corrino
in the shadows, but an open alliance with the throne would alienate our
allies." she pauses for a moment before continuing, "As for the Ginaz, I
suggest we distance ourselves, we wish no blood on our hands, and the rise
and fall of their house has little tangible impact on our affairs."

Brand lowers his head in thought. "The Ginaz are yet to learn the lesson
that military governance must be balanced with all other things, instead of
bludgeoned and romanticized. Until they do, I would be reluctant of any
alliance with them, investigations or no. Too many uncertainties and
instabilities."

Pers adopts a decidedly casual pose, leaning on the table with one arm and
twisting to the side to give a sidelong glance to the ego-likeness of
Gregers V. Damn their long dead souls, the blooded Alvstads would have known
precisely how to act by now. Returning his attention to the table without
changing his twisted posture, he says, "The Ginaz remain a viable resource
to be cultivated. Even poisoned water is welcome to a thirsting man...can we
lure them into false dreams of friendship? If Alvst resources stabilize a
faltering House Ginaz, we may improve our standing yet without looking
suspect."

Ariane says, "As long as the resources allocated are fungible enough to be
believed as aid and not support. To help a House in need is one matter, to
side with one is another."

Pers nods. "Which brings us to the Marquis's own question: what is our
response if His Majesty is implicated in the Princess's death? For him to
even suggest such a thing indicates its likelihood."

Brand nods slowly. "I see, my Lord Viscount. We merely provide them with a
bit of support as we have for so many others. To the Ginaz it will appear a
promise of sorts if we phrase it as such, but to others it will be what we
have always done as financiers of the Landsraad and CHOAM directors."

Pers offers Brand a smile, tangentially noting, "Correct, Master
Klauth-Zhi'ang: we are bankers. Interest is expected in our line of work,
and none will take undue note of this."

Caeciliah rifles shortly through the sheaf of papers before her, "There
/are/, Excellency, rather large surplusses in several of the house's more
antiquated accounts, it is my suggestion that a dividend in favour of the
Ginazi holdings in our national bank be considered. Bank errors are few and
far between in our system, a fact which would certainly not be lost on any
involved, a dividend would be read simply as that, as you say, we /are/
bankers."

Pers inclines his head towards Caeciliah, an amused expression flitting
across his face at the sheath of various receipts and statements that the
Castelaine carries. Only in House Alvstad would such depth of fiscal
responsibility be entrusted to such a title. "We know how to provide aid,
then. But our reaction as to the Emperor's involvement in this remains
undecided." He scans faces, looking for any new suggestions.

Brand shrugs lightly. "As callous as it may seem, my Lord, perhaps it would
be best to wait for such an eventuality, then gauge the reactions of the
other Houses and act accordingly. Although our response will have to be
fast."

Ariane rests her arms upon the table, folding them before her person. "The
Dictum Familia is well known," she says, "but often overlooked in the
Imperium. If the His Imperial Majesty is indeed involved, he would betray
his current record of cunning by making this known. My opinion is that such
a thing will not come to pass."

Caeciliah appears to ponder the question for a moment before speaking up in
her melodious voice, "I do believe, Excellency, that we should send him an
official dispatch offering our aid in any way he sees fit. Do not specify it
beyond that. Though I do not presume to know his mind, he will, in all
likelihood, ignore the offer, as his own resources are more than enough to
deal with the situation, and his relations with the house have not
necessarily been cordial. But, the forms of civility and diplomacy will be
retained with no proverbial skin from the back of either party."

Pers nods slowly to Ariane, satisfied by this reasoning. "Indeed. We are
aided by the fact that His Majesty has yet to make formal declaration of His
own investigation...we need not avoid any implications of Imperial guilt if
our association with Ginaz is distant enough." He looks up to Brand, the
direction of his next question chosen. "We might be able to provide manpower
to this investigation as well, perhaps in Ginaz livery. Is there anything to
be gained by this?"

Ariane also turns her attention to the Weaponsmaster. His insights during
the afternoon have been most interesting. She awaits more input from the
usually silent man.

Brand looks up again at being thus addressed. "I'd say that depends on a few
factors, m'Lord."

"List them," Pers suggests to the Weaponsmaster.

Brand pushes himself away from the wall to stand straight before the
assembled officers. "First of all, precisely what is implied by 'gain'? Are
we speaking of subterfuge and observation, or in currying subtle support?
Will parties be alerted to our actions, or will it be covert?

"Most likely covert," Pers answers, relaxing his position and falling into a
pose of focused awareness, his training as a Warmaster returning to his
immediate consciousness. "There is far too much to be risked by accidental
discovery, particularly if we steer towards a course of secondhand loans.
Subtley, of course," he says with an agreeing nod towards Caeciliah in light
of her earlier observation. "What we see is a chance to observe just how
much the Ginaz military has expanded in recent days."

Brand nods briskly. "Then I suppose we do stand to gain, my Lord Viscount. A
 few operatives could be placed within their ranks smoothly when the
opportunity arises. Subterfuge has never been one of my strong points, I
would think it wise to consult with our Mentat on this matter before
acting."

"I would prefer," Pers says with quiet resignation, "that we be
surreptitious in our observation only and not resort to planting
operatives...yet. Simply by association we stand to learn more than we do at
the moment. Your assessment?" He flicks his eyes back to Brand.

Brand looks slightly puzzled. "With all due respect, my Lord, how do we
intend to observe without sources within the organization? Certainly, no
true details on military structure will be discerned in this way. Perhaps I
fail to see the nature of this association."

Dirk coughs, "I can spy, m'Lord. Been years since I been done spyin', but I
daresay I've not lost my edge in my later administrative years. My wit is
still sharp, and my tongue. And my shoe. You can count on me, m'Lord." He
pauses, "Well, if not I, I know a few mariners that would be up for the job,
when the time comes. Mariners have good eyes and good ears."

Pers nods slowly, a frown creasing his face. "Not at all, Weaponsmaster, you
merely point out what I was hoping to avoid. Any searchers we send to Ginaz
will see only what the Ginaz wish us to see, unless they are sent without
the Marquis's knowledge. We shall withhold on this course of action, then,
until we have further felt out the extent of our relationship with House
Ginaz." He looks up towards Dirk, raising an eyebrow. "The surreptitious
means of the Mariners' Guild have never ceased to amaze me. We may yet have
use for your skills, Master Nathanielsman." Passing a glance around the
table once more, he straightens up. "I shall have either the Lord Chuwon or
Lady Andragoras speak with the Marquis on this matter...Master
Klauth-Zhi'ang, begin preparing certain batallions for search duty under
Ginaz command, for use only if required. Try to keep such preparations
secret."

Brand salutes. "By your command, my Lord."

"In the midst of this, then," Pers says, continuing the discussion, "we
should begin moving towards making our presence known *independent* of the
Ginaz incident. Kaitain is a viable and social society...I depend upon all
of you to represent our House throughout it. We are friendly enough with all
Houses that any one of you would be accepted as an emmissary within other
Embassies to partake of food and drink if nothing else." Pers takes a
breath, a smile hovering on his lips. "Such...promiscuity is, I know,
foreign to many of us. But diplomacy makes its demands. Are there any
questions as to this protocol?"

Caeciliah inclines her head towards the Viscount before speaking, "On much
the same subject, please do feel free to avail yourselves of my services and
the hospitality of this embassy and estate here on Kaitain. We are fully
equipped to cater diplomatic events, and host meetings of any kind, simply
request a meeting with me, and I will see that you are appropriately
convenienced."

Pers nods sharply at Caeciliah's addition. "Of course. Our Estate
renovations are complete, but they are worthless without being used. Alvst
drinks are strong, and can often ply interesting truths from the mouths of
visitors." He spreads his lips in a cold smile. Some things are expected in
Kaitain's atmosphere of intrigue.

Ariane glances around her at the others seated at the table. She nods her
head in accord with the suggestions made but, as a Reverend Mother, will not
be making any diplomatic forays unless specifically requested by the Lord
Viscount. Not truly Alvst, it is not her duty to perform.

Brand nods. "Of course, my Lord."

Dirk looks at the table. Water floats in its glass as it rests upon stone.
Water resting on Earth. The yin and the yang, two halfs of the circle, ever
spinning, ever turning, ever changing.

Pers lifts his hands from the table and drops them in his lap. "We are
adjourned presently, then. Independent progress reports and conference can
be delivered to me at mutual convenience; good evening."

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