NSWRPF Archive D U N E - Chronicles of the Imperium

OOC: Thanks for all the positive feedback; I can't really take all the credit, as the character is really fun to write!

IC: Count Hasimir Fenring
Arrakeen Palace

Fenring merely stared cooly at Rabban's outburst. "Be mindful of your words, Count Rabban. The Landsdraad would be most upset to hear of Imperial Sardaukar on Arrakis, I'm sure." He let the threat hang for a moment before continuing. "I'm sure the conservatory is in excellent hands," he said with a smile, "roses and all. But ah-h, roses need care to survive. We foster their growth, nurturing where need be and cutting the unwanted away, hm-m."

Fenring followed Rabban to the sitting room, sitting with flawless posture on the chair provided. "The rose is delicate, yes? Without care, it would wither and die. But the desert grasses, these isolated clusters, ah, those you can tread on until your boots wear away! And still - still! - they flourish." Fenring ran his tongue over his lips quickly, mentally going over the various weapons he had secreted about himself. Before Rabban could respond, Fenring's smile returned, and he answered the next question.

"I have heard it before, once. An archduke, his name escapes me at the moment. Poor man died a few days later, heart attack, I believe."

Tag: TheManinBlack.

 

FYI, I'll be gone until Wednesday or so - going to a conference. Move my character around in the meantime if you like.


IC: Nydia Wallach

Outside the Landsraad Hall of Oratory, Corinth City, Kaitain

Hm. Nydia gave her escort a quick, sidelong glance. Amad was a Swordsmaster apprentice, but his comment on the Harkonnen heir had had undertones of something ... else. His professional interest seemed, though not as feigned as Nydia's earlier interest in the arts, to be a cover; a deflection to hide a lapse elsewhere. But where - and what?

Nydia filed the titbit away for future reference. Nothing about Amad Tasguen suggested he was less than loyal to House Wallach, but he was still hiding something.

"It's unusual of Father to want to depart early," she said instead, in the same low tone. "I too was looking forward to the ... spectacle. Perhaps I can persuade him otherwise."

Besides, Nydia thought, Baron Harkonnen will undoubtedly take our early departure as a slight. She was reasonably certain an invitation had been extended to all the Great Houses - even the Emperor's daughter was here - so their departure might not be noticed, but even so. Leaving was a political statement, and such a statement intrigued Nydia.

"Father," she greeted with a smile, as they reached the Wallach contingent. "Are we leaving already?"

TAG: Matt, Ramza

 

IC: Harad "Amad Tasguen" Ginaz
Outside the Landsraad Hall of Oratory, Corinth City, Kaitain

---

[i]"It's unusual of Father to want to depart early," the Lady Nydia said, in the same low tone. "I too was looking forward to the ... spectacle. Perhaps I can persuade him otherwise."[/i]

Amad breathed an internal sigh of relief. The Lady had either not noticed or not been concerned by his slip up.

Although it had seemed like a good idea to an eleven year old orphan, scared and alone on a planet that thought him dead, Wallach IX was probably one of the more dangerous sources of refuge he could have chosen. Bene Gesserit were not mind readers, he knew that much, but they still could discern many things. Far too many things. He would have to avoid making such obvious hesitations in the future.

His mind was wandering. He needed to stay focused. Master would have knocked him upside the head by now. These internal musings prevented him from best serving the Baron and House Wallach.

"I think that would be nice, my Lady," he replied, shortly before they reached the Baron. He was still standing with Master Aloysius.

[i]"Father," the Lady greeted with a smile, as they reached the Wallach contingent. "Are we leaving already?"[/i]

Amad decided it was best to wait for the Baron's response.

[b]TAG: Matt, Xan, et al.[/b]

[b]OOC:[/b] As I believe I have now noted in all my current RPs, my finals are beginning one week from now, so I'm not sure how often I'll be posting from the 11th through the 19th. Just a heads up.

 

Denayade' Tus
Sietch Ma?kkah, Arrakis

Denayade' could see the stranger as she peered out. He walked like a man, larger than what his frame held. Interesting. She then heard the voive of Sammel the Naib, echo within the chamber.

"You are Faraz Talian, a stranger to this sietch," the naib began, "You come bearing gifts. Though you are a stranger, the gift is the blessing of the giver. What blessings do you bring, and what words do you bring with this blessing?"

The stranger bowed low and removed the mouth filter from his face. "Thank you for your gracious welcome, Naib Sammel." Ahh. So the stranger knew the Naib's name. She smiled slightly, as the stranger continued to speak. "It is true that gifts are the blessing of the giver, and Sietch Tabr has been very blessed of late. As such, I bring you these," reaching into his robe, the man produced three jingling chains, "Water rings, from the coffers of my Sietch. We wish to share the fruits of our windtraps with all of Dune. I also bring these," another pocket of his robe contained small, fibrous balls, [/i]"seeds for palm trees, seeds for grass. The dream of Kynes is alive and well."[/i]

"What words?" Denayade' listened intently, as the stranger stood erect again, a gift in each hand, "I bring you the good will of Muad?Dib, and his wish that your Sietch join with ours and the many others working together to resist the Harkonnen dogs. We have heard tales of your warriors? prowess."

'Muad'Dib?!' So, this one wanted their Sietch to join with Sietch Tabr. But the mention of Muad'Dib was interesting. Even more interesting to see what reaction the naib would give. He was a most stubborn one, but he had managed to hold the Sietch together during the worst of times. Thought Denayade' delt mostly with the workings of the Sayyadina, she did try to keep an ear of the happenings around her. Suddenly, she was quite glad she had decided to stop and listen. She waited to see what words or action the naib would deliver.


TAG: Saintheart, BobaMatt

 

OOC: I was kinda waiting for Sainty but I couldn't wait any longer to be Feyd.

IC: Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen

Feyd-Rautha walked behind the Baron and his entourage in annoyance. Why can't they walk faster, He thought. He was eager to start the celebration. He had plans for the day that he didn't want to be late for. He had a dinner planned, a 'special' match in the gladiator ring, and other things.

Feyd was getting ready to excuse himself when Hawat decided to make his entrance. ?M?lord,? Hawat said upon reaching the Baron?s stinking proximity, ?all preparations have been made, and guests are arriving from Geidi Prime as we speak. Four heighliners have just arrived with guests and food. All is going according to plan.?

Feyd casually looked over at Hawat, knowing he would see what he was doing, and know what he was getting at.

TAG: Matt, Sainty

 

IC: Count Rabban
Arrakeen Palace

Rabban smirked at that comment, finding it funny in spite of the threat underlined in it. No matter, he wasn't here to insult Fenring in the slightest, just receive the slightest in aid

"I see, surely it was purely caused by natural factors, correct?" Glossu said with a hearty laugh taking a sig of brandy as he did so.


"The real question is though Fenring, do you have their ear? Or rather still my I ask a small favor to you, at no expense to the Crown what so ever. You know Spice revenues are higher than ever, to say the least. Still I believe they could be even higher, if the desert people you admired where to...simply disappear." Rabban said softly and innocently, as if he where talking about a sports game rather than the genocide of an entire people.

TAG: Pen, Saint

 

Count Fenring
Arrakeen Palace

Fenring smiled slowly, amused at Rabban's attempts at subtlety. Politicking was most certainly not his forté. He wondered idly if the Baron's other nephew had more than half a brain in his head. Still, Rabban makes a point...without the Fremen in the way, the spice flow would be astounding.

"Hm-m, an interesting proposition, Rabban. But ah-h, we must remember, the smugglers are smugglers for one reason and one reason alone: profit."

The ermine count turned his head, still staring at Rabban, lining up his eyes like some predatory bird about to strike. "Perhaps not so different than certain Great Houses, hm-m? But I digress. Extermination is easier said than done. We don't know the capabilities of such a people, hm-m, nor do we understand their methods perfectly. I admire the initiative, ah-h, but such a course is ill-advised at this impasse."

Tag: MIB, BobaMatt

 

OOC: Many apologies for no posts over the duration... had writer's block. Amongst other issues.

Sammel the Naib, within Sietch Ma'kkah, Arrakis

Naib Sammel listened carefully to the stranger's words. Muad'Dib. So, it was true: there was a movement rising in Sietch Tabr, under the Hopping Mouse of the Second Moon. Sammel had heard these accounts secondhand from his visitors to the outer sietches, but to have it so proclaimed before him meant that the movement now thought itself strong enough and based well enough amongst the naibs that it could move openly against the Harkonnens in the cause of Fremen unity.

This will have to be handled carefully, he thought.

Moving out to the entrance chamber, with two Fremen warriors with him, Sammel moved forward to take the water rings and the seedlings from Faraz Talian. He handed them off to one of the warriors, giving the required nod of the head to Talian, settling back into a relaxed pose before the doors to the sietch.

"It is well that Liet's dream lives in Sietch Tabr," began the naib, knowing that his warriors behind the pistol nooks in the walls would hear him. "These bearers of his dream," he said, gesturing to the seedlings, "will find safe hiding places to thrive. And your water, given freely, shall mingle with our water, as all the waters of the Fremen do. Should Faraz Talian come to our doors again, seeking shelter, he will be welcome." It was well to acknowledge the sietch's legacy of mystery when a water debt was being invoked. Sammel's gaze hardened. "But we acknowledge you only as owed this water debt -- not Muad'dib. His good will you say you bring. So it is, for man's word is his bond in the desert, and moreso in this sietch. But as to joining him, for war against the Harkonnens? It is Liet's dream, and the tau of our waters, that are honoured here, not dreams of worldwide razzia against them."

Sammel paused, looking for an indication of violence from the stranger. "Understand, Faraz, that I question not your bravery, or Stilgar's bravery, or that he and the warriors of Sietch Tabr have killed many Harkonnens. We have all done so. But Liet's teaching was clear: 'no greater tragedy than that it fall under the influence of a Hero.' Pay the spice bribe to the Guild; advance the plantings; allow the Tansley Effect to reclaim our world inch by inch. This is what Liet taught us, and Pardot Kynes before him. I will not put Sietch Ma'kkah's waters behind the razzia of Muad'dib - not unless it is proven he is the Lisan-al-Gaib, and proven before my own eyes."

TAG: BobaMatt, Ktala

---

[b][color=blue]IC: Baron Vladimir Harkonnen[/color][/b]

[i]Corinth City, Kaitain[/i]

"Really?" The Baron's basso rumble had managed to ascend a couple of registers in mock-surprise. "Have we reached that time already? Great Mother, Hawat. I had thought your trembling was mere excitement. Well, then, we must see to your medicine, mustn't we? I can't have my favourite mentat at less than his best operating capacity." The fat, ring-encrusted hand gestured negligently at a servant standing nearby, who moved quickly to comply.

"As for your preparations," continued the Baron, "I've full confidence in them." Something of an untruth there; even with a mentat preparing the scene, one did not idly stand by and allow any detail to go unchallenged or unchecked when the Emperor or the Landsraad were concerned. On the other hand, it was important not to seed a mentat's functioning with either complacency or distrust. As it was, the Baron's agents were indeed reporting that matters were going quite well.

Except for one matter, which had come to light only recently ... and to the Baron's great consternation. A matter perhaps as important, if not [i]more[/i] important, than the topic he had decided to discuss here, on the Emperor's homeworld, where the cones of silence blossomed like fogwoods on Ecaz in every other place.

 

OOC: Merry Christmas!

IC: Faraz Talian

?I will not put Sietch Ma'kkah's waters behind the razzia of Muad'dib - not unless it is proven he is the Lisan-al-Gaib, and proven before my own eyes."

Faraz raised an eyebrow, but nodded. ?He has come in accordance with the scriptures. He can see all things at once. He has one great victories against the Harkonnens, and seeks to end the rape of Arrakis at the hands of the Imperium. What proof is it you require of him, Naib??

TAG: Saint, Ktala

IC: Thufir Hawat

Thufir placed the capsule on his tongue and allowed it to dissolve for just a moment before swallowing. He could almost feel it beginning to work.

"You will tell me, Thufir,? the Baron rumbled, ?why you plan to allow the na-Baron of this House to step into a gladiatorial ring against a Sardaukar."

This was one of the maddening tests the Baron often decided to set up for his own amusement. Of course, Thufir was prevented from answering truthfully because the boy was present, but still, he was being asked to give a full report.

In the distance, he saw the Wallach swordmaster?s apprentice walking with the Lady Nydia. Good. This would be useful.

He returned his attention to the Baron. ?The boy requested it, m?lord,? he said, smiling, ?and I have no doubt that the na-Baron can more than best this particular Sardaukar. It will be a most entertaining display of Feyd-Rautha?s talents.?

TAG: Sain, Mister_Master

IC: Baron von Wallach

?Yes, my dear,? the Baron said placatingly, though he could from his daughter?s mannerisms that she was more than a bit fed up with her hostesses, ?We shan?t be staying for the Harkonnen boys? festivities. After all, they are our enemies. Not to mention, of course, that our request for a formal invocation of kanly was denied by his Majesty.?

Aloysius sputtered. ?On what grounds, Lord??

?The Padishah Emperor said that he did not want any more noble houses he favored falling to Harkonnen villainy.?

?Well then,? the swordmaster said, ?He?s never seen Amad and I fighting side by side, eh??

The Baron grinned, and placed a gentle hand on his daughter?s shoulder. ?Nevertheless, it would appear the status quo is being preserved for the time being. We will return to the embassy, and depart for Wallach IX presently. C?mon?everyone into the groundcars??

TAG: darthramza, Xan

IC: The na-Baron Thomas von Wallach, Wallach Embassy, Kaitain

It wasn?t the finest mask he?s been able to find, but it would do. Anything was preferable to actually showing his face, and the elaborate clothing he?d chosen to don only intensified the illusion. Kaitain was boring, and Thomas von Wallach was not about to miss the chance to attend a party of singular importance. They?d been on this planet for days, and would be here days more. They?d slip in and out and not even father would notice. And if there was trouble, well, Aloysius had taught the boys well.

That is, if Abner didn?t tell. Thomas tossed the younger man a similarly grotesque casement. ?Put it on, little brother. We?ll need to make a statement.?

TAG: Jabba_Wocky

IC: Milo Brogg

"So what is it now, Milo? I don't like my vacations interrupted."

?Come in, Heinweir,? Milo said, ?Nice to see you, too.? He ushered the man into his cabin and directed him toward a chair, offered him various refreshments ? brandies, wines, all the trappings of civilization the Guild tried to keep here in the Void ? before finally deciding to get down to business.

?One of the freighters used in the Harkonnen invasion of Arrakis has turned up. Or?evidence of it, has. It was called the Inkvine, and we?ve discovered some of the Guild flares that these ships are supposed to send out when they?re lost in space, only they don?t bear signs of reentry, whic

 

IC: Nydia Wallach

Corinth City, Kaitain

It wasn't easy to surprise a Bene Gesserit, but Nydia's father had just managed it. "Kanly?" she repeated without thinking. Yes, relations between Wallach and Harkonnen were ... strained ... at present, but kanly was something else. It did explain the reason for their early departure, but it was still a rather major declaration of war.

The Baron politely ignored her exclamation, as was appropriate; here was not the time and place to go into the details. At least Aloysius was also surprised, although he seemed to have fixated on the Emperor's refusal rather than the request itself.
A request the Harkonnens wouldn't - couldn't - ignore, no matter what the Emperor said. Kanly was, in the grand scheme of things, merely a legal nicety.
Which her father knew - and the Emperor. Intriguing.

Still thinking, Nydia only nodded and allowed herself to be steered into a groundcar.

TAG: Matt, Ramza

 

IC: Harad "Amad Tasquen" Ginaz
Corinth City, Kaitain

---

Amad was almost as taken aback as the Lady Nydia, albeit his surprise, like his mentor's, was more at the refusal then the actual request itself. It was rare a request for kanly was denied, especially on grounds that, to Amad at least, seemed flimsy. [i]The Emperor is afraid we'll lose to... the Harkonnen...?[/i] He cast a quick sidelong glance at the floating fat man and the na-Baron. They didn't seem the type to really pose that much of a threat, at least not on their own. And despite House Wallach's formidable might, the Emperor was so certain they would falter...

Vaguely, Amad caught his master mentioning their combined combat prowess. He put on his usual confident smirk as his mind continued to roll over the information he had received.

What was going on here? He knew, as did everyone at the party, that House Harkonnen had successfully eliminated House Atreides just a year earlier, so he supposed that they must have been formidable... Yet... He cast another glance at the two. [i]They don't look like the type to orchestrate major invasions![/i] Judging by his instinct alone, Amad thought they seemed much more the type to win with subterfuge and underhanded tactics... Like those accursed Moritani.

Amad sighed, abandoning this line of reasoning. Nothing was adding up. It was not the first, nor would it be the last, time the young Swordsmaster's apprentice wished he had been raised as a Mentat. Casting a final, confused glance at the two Harkonnens, he grudgingly followed the Baron Wallach and his master into the groundcar. Perhaps the Suk would know something? He was older than Amad, more traveled... yes, perhaps the Suk would know...

"I wonder how Dr. Robesper's doing...?" he thought aloud, as he closed the door to the ground car behind them.

[b]TAG: Matt, Xan[/b]

 

IC: Feyd-Rautha


The Baron turned, his suspensors efficiently following his course, six hundred kilograms of weight moving like a planet amongst mere moons. "Where is...ah, Feyd. Good. You'll discuss this matter with our mentat and I."

Feyd walked closer to the his uncle, and the mentat so to make sure he didn't miss anything.

The Baron turned to Hawat. "You will tell me, Thufir, why you plan to allow the na-Baron of this House to step into a gladiatorial ring against a Sardaukar."

Feyd was displeased at that statement, but he made sure to keep it from showing it. Did his uncle have so little faith in his ability's, or was this a test to see how he would react?

?The boy requested it, m?lord,? he said, smiling, ?and I have no doubt that the na-Baron can more than best this particular Sardaukar. It will be a most entertaining display of Feyd-Rautha?s talents.?

Feyd felt a prideful smile creep up on his face. "Why uncle, you don't think I can't take down a Sardaukar do you?" He said cooly. "Thufir thinks I can. And if a mentat says it who am I to argue?" Feyd said puffing up his own pride.

Tag: Saint, Matt

 

Denayade' Tus
Sietch Ma?kkah, Arrakis

Denayade' listened carefully to the discussion between Naib Sammel and the newcommer. The visitor had spoken the name of Muad'Dib. Yes, the Reverand Mother might be interested in such news. Also, it seemed there was a movement rising in Sietch Tabr.

Moving out to the entrance chamber, with two Fremen warriors with him, Sammel moved forward to take the water rings and the seedlings from Faraz Talian. He handed them off to one of the warriors, giving the required nod of the head to Talian, settling back into a relaxed pose before the doors to the sietch.

"It is well that Liet's dream lives in Sietch Tabr," began the naib, knowing that his warriors behind the pistol nooks in the walls would hear him. "These bearers of his dream," he said, gesturing to the seedlings, "will find safe hiding places to thrive. And your water, given freely, shall mingle with our water, as all the waters of the Fremen do. Should Faraz Talian come to our doors again, seeking shelter, he will be welcome." Sammel's gaze hardened. "But we acknowledge you only as owed this water debt -- not Muad'dib. His good will you say you bring. So it is, for man's word is his bond in the desert, and moreso in this sietch. But as to joining him, for war against the Harkonnens? It is Liet's dream, and the tau of our waters, that are honoured here, not dreams of worldwide razzia against them."

Sammel paused, looking for an indication of violence from the stranger. "Understand, Faraz, that I question not your bravery, or Stilgar's bravery, or that he and the warriors of Sietch Tabr have killed many Harkonnens. We have all done so. But Liet's teaching was clear: 'no greater tragedy than that it fall under the influence of a Hero.' Pay the spice bribe to the Guild; advance the plantings; allow the Tansley Effect to reclaim our world inch by inch. This is what Liet taught us, and Pardot Kynes before him. I will not put Sietch Ma'kkah's waters behind the razzia of Muad'dib - not unless it is proven he is the Lisan-al-Gaib, and proven before my own eyes."

The response from the newcomer Faraz was a bit interesting. ?He has come in accordance with the scriptures. He can see all things at once. He has one great victories against the Harkonnens, and seeks to end the rape of Arrakis at the hands of the Imperium. What proof is it you require of him, Naib??

'This response should be interesting', she thought to herself, as she moved silently so she could make sure she heard his response.


TAG: Saint, GM

 

Name: Abner Wallach
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Height: 5?9?
Skin color: Lightly tanned
Eye color: Light brown
Hair color: Black
Homeworld: Wallach IX
Allegiance: House Wallach
Profession: Executive Board Member, Buzzell soostone operations
Rank: House noble
Weapons: Personal shield, dagger,
Possessions: Collective holder of Wallach properties
Language: Basic

Skills, Talents, and Special Training: Trained in both personal combat and large unit command tactics. Considerable business and general administrative acumen.

Appearance: Typically well-dressed. Has inherited the family's characteristic angularity and somewhat light frame.

Biography: The second son of Siridar Baron Jonas Wallach VII, Abner?s upbringing had all the trappings of nobility. Born just short of power, he is prone to question the order of the world in which he finds himself. This includes everything from primogeniture to the value of the House?s understanding with the Alliance. The latter has a special sting, the Order having separated him as it did from a number of his sisters, of whom he was especially fond. To date, these have emerged as little more than private pontifications, however. He has ushered in adulthood as a competent and valuable member of House Wallach.

In the final stages of his training, Abner?s executive talents were cultivated through posts in a number of the family?s holdings. The latest, longest, and most successful of these was serving as an administrator of Buzzell?s soostone trade. Working closely with advisors, his tenure was widely seen as successful, ensuring the stability of the current revenue stream and boosting operational efficiency. The accomplished and increasingly independent portfolio makes him ideal for directing clandestine activity. He has returned home to petition his father for a greater role in House Wallach?s efforts on Arrakis. Analysts would note that the probable ambitions of a second son would give the Baron wide deniability for such actions. Likewise, such activities would provide reasonable cover for realizing exactly those ambitions.

***

IC: Abner von Wallach
Wallach Embassy, Kaitan

?We?ll need to make a statement,? Thomas was saying.

Abner didn?t respond, content to turn the mask over slowly in his hands. In truth, he would?ve very much preferred to wait for the others to return. Optimistically, they might return with some news of the application for kanly. At the very least, he could spend a few hours hearing a hopefully entertaining redux of the busy-bodied gossip that passed for happenings in the royal court. Weighing against this, of course, was the creeping boredom of the embassy, about which his brother had a point. Then, too he needed a chance to readjust to a political climate more complex than that on a cold, desolate, prison archipelago.

Thomas didn?t push any further, watching if not outright enjoying the small contortions in his brother?s lips. A lifetime of passive observation told him this was a battle he?d already won. What had finally leveraged him was less clear. Surely enough, though, Abner rose stood without further comment, and snatched up his overcoat. Ultimately, Abner had found something viscerally appealing in the proposal. He could, of course, spend his next years moving through carefully staged parries in a mental?and if he failed, actual?duel against the Harkonnen?s. But he much preferred the satisfaction of a physical encounter, the chance to stare down his opponent and evaluate them in person. And so they were off to the party. He strode out the room then, a grotesque beast in princely garb.

TAG: BobaMatt

 

IC: Thomas von Wallach

Abner grinned wide and clapped his brother on the shoulder. The Wallach boys, on the town. With a whoop, he placed his grisly, death's head mask upon his head and laughed at his brother's hawkish one.

They set off.

Footsteps ricocheting off the tall, alabaster walls of the Wallach embassy caused Thomas' body to tense, but as his heart began to beat faster and a twinge of adrenaline infused his blood, he consciously relaxed into action, as he had been taught, rather than tensing. Besides, together, Abner and Thomas were unstoppable, or so Thomas liked to boast. Thomas removed his mask and slowed his pace.

Coming up the hall was none other than Dr. Robesper, the House Suk. What could he be up to?

"Good evening, Doctor," Thomas crooned, hiding his mask behind his back. "Have you heard from father?"

TAG: Jabba_Wocky, Peng

 

IC: Balthassar Rellick

Interpreting his partner's body language, Rellick took the lead in the meeting with their contact and inclined his head in greeting toward the robed newcomer. All was going well, thus far. He had not detected any evidence that they had been followed to the meeting, and once arrived, they had not been met by a corps of Harkonnen thugs waiting to ambush them. Presuming their contact himself had not been followed, which was unlikely, considering the formidable reputation of the natives, then ending this deal without incident was a distinct possibility. "We do. The difficulty was not inconsiderable, but the items you desire have been acquired. Steps have been taken, of course, to ensure that tracing them to either the source or the destination will be...difficult."

TAG: Saintheart, Boba_Matt

 

OOC: Dammit. Sloppy tagging aside, the first line of my last post should read, "Thomas clapped his brother..."

IC: Juan Szorsky

"None of the weapons are of Wallach make, or of makes from allied worlds and Houses," Juan continued, "It must appear that you could have reasonably intercepted them. Perhaps from smugglers or from the Fremen trash in the desert. We don't want the Harkonnen cracking down on the cities and cultural centers, of course."

TAG: The_Loyal_Imperial, Saintheart

 

IC: Dr. Daniel Robesper II
Wallach Embassy, Kaitain

---

Dr. Robesper had had easier days. There had been a slight training mishap with the embassy staff that had demanded his attention for the better part of the day. Nothing particularly severe, but one had sustained some rather severe lacerations as the result of a shield malfunction, and the resulting sutures had managed to occupy his attention for a couple of hours on their own, to say nothing of the other minor nicks and scrapes he voluntarily took care of. And then they had [i]insisted[/i] he view their practice, despite the Suk's rather heavy objections. He was a doctor, yes, but he was also a Suk school graduate and a Mahayana Christian, to boot. He abhored violence in its forms, but he also realized the necessity of it in these times... In all times, until, that is, man realized the need to forgo violence on the path to salvation.

He sighed. All of this on top of rumors that the Baron Wallach was going to pursue a charge of kanly against House Harkonnen. If that were true, he was going to be seeing a lot more violence in the coming days... and many more patients, as well. For all he knew, this could be the last night in a long while that he would be able to relax and play his baliset. He glanced over his shoulder at the nine stringed instrument on his back. How many years he had been playing!

How many years he had lived! At 128 he was getting rather long in the tooth, the result of the geriatric properties of the spice, melange. Part of him had wondered before his first taste of the stuff, still wondered, if the ingestion of such a substance with such obvious side effects could truly be in accordance with the teachings of the Buddhissiahs, but it was, again, an evil provided by the times. One day, though, perhaps man would move beyond the spice, the violence, the hatred...

He was rambling. He seemed to be doing that lately, the result, he surmised, of having 120-odd years of memories rattling around in a brain that had been carefully crafted through diligent work and observation. Or perhaps he was merely beginning to experience low grade senility.

In any case he couldn't help but notice that two of the Baron's sons, Thomas and Abner, were strolling down the hallway in his direction, apparently hiding... something... behind their backs.

"A good evening to you, too, My Lord na-Baron. And to you as well, My Lord Abner," he replied, with the customary gestures of greeting. As always, Dr. Robesper found the reversal of station and gaze as a result of his height amusing. Only he could lay claim to addressing the royal family while looking [i]down upon them[/i].

"I'm afraid I've not heard from My Lord Baron since he departed for today's festivities, unfortunately." What were they hiding behind their backs, anyway? na-Baron Thomas had known the Suk for far too long. Whatever it was, it was hidden precisely where the doctor could not see it. "If I might be so bold, do My Lords have any... plans for this evening?"

[b]TAG: Matt, Jabba-wocky[/b]

 

IC: Baron von Wallach, Groundcar, Kaitain

The Imperial city whizzed by the windows of the groundcar as they returned to the embassy. Baron von Wallach rubbed his eyes. If the right of kanly was recognized by the Emperor, then there would be no need for subterfuge and moving in the shadows. They could move openly. They could draw on allies.

Damned politics. And what of the insulting notion that the Harkonnen would smash the Wallach forces? Hah!

He breathed deeply, tapping into his wife's Bene Gesserit teachings. He turned to his daughter. "I saw that you were talking to some rather important women, eh? How did that go?"

TAG: Xan

IC: Aloysius Brenner, Second Groundcar, Kaitain

"Damned Harkonnen. Damned, damned Corrinos," Aloysius cursed and took a swig from his flask. "I'm sick of skulking about. Give me a straight up fight with the dogs any day. I'd like to put a sword through a Harkonnen right now."

He stared intently out the window, watching the Baron's car proceed before him. He looked up and saw the repulsor support making its way along above them. He sighed heavily, and offered the boy his flask, again.

TAG: ramza

OOC: Godmoding, because Peng's still around.

IC: Count Glossu "Beast" Rabban

"What, then would you advise?" The Beast said, very nearly shouting. He'd lost too much to the scum in the desert, already. This was getting a tad ridiculous, and the Corrinos, who had been so quick to put the Harkonnen in power, were doing precious little to keep them there.

TAG: Penguinator

 

IC: Harad "Amad Tasguen" Ginaz
Second Groundcar, Kaitain

---

Amad noticed his master was in a [i]particularly[/i] foul mood this evening. And in all honesty, Amad's sentiments were very nearly the same. Something was rotten about this situation, and the fact that he simply wasn't able to put the pieces together only made the young man more agitated. Thus, when he was once again offered his master's flask, he decided to take the elder swordsmaster up on the offer and down a few gulps before he returned the flask.

It was a strong brew, producing a mild burning sensation as it worked its way down his throat. Nonetheless, Amad found the distraction, however fleeting, quite welcome. "I quite agree, Master. We sit back, watching this little game of thrones play out, and all the while those Harkonnen just build up their forces. I mean, they wiped out House Atreides! If we don't stop that fat viscount - sorry, [i]baron[/i] - now, it'll just escalate to the point that no one will, save perhaps those sardaukar of the Emperor's..."

Amad noticed he had made another slip of the tongue. It was not the Harkonnen who had a viscount, but rather his mortal enemies, the hated Moritani. Still, he wasn't particularly concerned with which it was... He just wanted a way to let off some steam, and so he would have been perfectly fine with stabbing a Moritani [i]or[/i] a Harkonnen.

[b]TAG: Matt[/b]

 

IC: Abner von Wallach
Wallach Embassy

Chuckling after the backslap, Abner was caught up in spite of himself. Moving towards the door, his frame swelled with the giddiness of bygone misadventures. It had been too long since he?d charged into something with real abandon. Besides, wasn?t the eldest most likely to get in trouble if something went wrong? It was somewhere in the middle of this reverie that the two of them crashed blindly into the House Suk.

"If I might be so bold, do My Lords have any... plans for this evening?" Robesper asked.

Abner imagined his breath catching, and wasn?t entirely sure if he?d succeeded in keeping the expression off his face. That was, of course, excepting the pleading glance shot to his brother?the one that went completely unacknowledged. As he raced to put together something plausible, he cursed Thomas playfully in the back of his head. This was the part that always brought him down to Earth. It was, too, half the fun.

?As usual, Doctor,? he started genially, ?looking for some privacy. That, and a bit of fresh air. We ?d intended to make a circuit around the embassy in a ground car.?

Not that the answer didn?t create its own complications. They were left to break from a circling groundcar, elude the old Doctor in a feint, or leave the compound openly. Still, though, it was plausible, and close enough to the truth to be easily defensible.

TAG: BobaMatt, darthramza

 

Count Hasimir Fenring
The Arrakeen Palace

Hasimir licked his lips, fingers itching for the knife hidden up his sleeve. How simple it would be to dispose of Rabban and do a favour for the Empire. Who would miss him? Certainly not his fat uncle. His nails scratched the point, and he remembered a few of his wife's teachings. Patience. He isn't worth it. What would she say? Slowly, his fingers retreated from the blade. Rabban would meet a sorry end, and he took some comfort in that.

"I advise patience, Rabban." The Count found it ironic that Rabban lived only because Fenring could follow his own advice. "Do not provoke the desert rabble into doing anything, m-m-ah, drastic."

Tag: Matt, MIB

 

GM APPROVED!

Name: Rees (Sietch name El-Sayal; the storm that brings moisture to ground)
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Height: 5'8"
Skin Color: Sun browned
Eye Color: Blue in blue
Hair Color: Black
Homeworld: Arrakis
Allegiances and Alignments: Sietch Ma'kkah, the Fremen
Profession: Fremen warrior
Rank: Soldier
Weapons: Crysknife, maula pistol
Possessions: Stillsuit, jubba cloak, fremkit
Languages: Chakobsa, Galach
Skills, Talents and Special Training: Water discipline; use of the crysknife; worm-riding
Appearance: Rees is of average height and frame. His hair drops to just below his jaw and usually left unbound. He is strong, but no more so than other warriors, however he is exceptionally fast and excels in hand to hand combat. His face has a youthful cast which he maintains by keeping it shaven.
Biography: Born in Sietch Ma'kkah and raised in a typical Fremen way. He was taught the value of water conservation and also the Amtal Rule which governs Fremen lifestyle.

At the age of 16 he successfully caught and rode his first Maker, and ever since has revelled in leading Shai Hulud against the Harkonnen sandcrawlers. At the age of 19 he returned from a successful attack to learn that his father, mother and brother had been killed while venturing from the safety of the Sietch. His creed, which he adheres to with a ferocity that sometimes worries the others of his Sietch, is truly "Never to forgive! Never to forget!"

With the supposed coming of the one called Muad'Dib, Rees is keen to rally to him despite his Naib's caution and drive the Harkonnen demons into the sand to feed the Maker.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

IC: Rees (El-Sayal), the perimeter of Sietch Ma'kkah, Arrakis

Rees sipped at the tube that ran over his cheek and into his mouth and drew in the precious moisture. He sighed and was conscious of the fact that his breath, though covered by his stillsuit, was now rich with moisture. A scurry and a tumble of stone preceded his hand shooting to the hilt of the crysknife at his hip.
He smiled as the desert hare, smaller than the three now strung over his shoulder, bounded over the sand. He watched it dart into the shadow of a rocky outcropping and noted that even the animals of Dune had mastered the irregular patterns that the great Makers ignored.
Hefting his bundle of food to his other side, he continued on towards Sietch Ma'kkah.

With the relief one finds after returning home from the desert, Rees entered his Sietch; his home. Two of the hares were for the store and for the tribe. In return Rees was given a literjon of water and a small amount of spice coffee for his troubles.
As he turned towards his sleeping area his gaze fell on a figure not of this Sietch. It was Fremen, of that there was no doubt. The stillsuit, the walk, the build and the blue in blue eyes were unmistakable... but whoever it was they were not from Ma'kkah. And while Fremen tribes were sociable with one another it was uncommon for Fremen to leave their Sietch for another. Cautiously he moved closer and saw heads staring up towards the figures and their Naib whose voice boomed throughout the Sietch with power that belied his stature.

"You are Faraz Talian, a stranger to this sietch. You come bearing gifts. Though you are a stranger, the gift is the blessing of the giver. What blessings do you bring, and what words do you bring with this blessing?"

The reply was quieter than the Naib's 'greeting' and Rees only caught the ending of the reply as he moved closer to the pair.

"-are the fruits of our windtraps with all of Dune. I also bring these. Seeds for palm trees, seeds for grass. The dream of Kynes is alive and well."

Seeds? Each of them was worth a grown man's weight in water among the Tribes! His jaw slack with shock, he muttered a silent prayer of blessing to Liet. Liet, who moved the Tribes forward in their plans. Liet, whose power and influence keeps the green areas of Arrakis secret and growing.

 

IC: Thomas von Wallach

"Yes, doctor," Thomas nodded, "it's been too long since we've been to Kaitain, and we've been cooped up. We're going out a back door, dressed incognito, taking an unmarked car. We'll be in contact, doctor. Will that be all?"

TAG: ramza, Jabba_Wocky

IC: Count Glossu "Beast" Rabban

"The Fremen making the spice mining take much longer than it should, destroying whole blows and crippling my operations," said the Beast, his face purple with restrained rage and the effort of coming up with just the right words, "If the Imperium does nothing, then the Imperium gets no spice. The Guild won't be too happy with that, I don't think."

TAG: Peng

 

IC: Dr. Daniel Robesper II
Wallach Embassy, Kaitain

---

Dr. Robesper eyed the two young lords suspiciously. It seemed as innocent and believable a reason as any the doctor had heard lately... But, with these two, [i]innocent[/i] and [i]believable[/i] were rarely paired in the same sentence with a sort of disclaimer, such as "without" or "but lacking in." Nevertheless, there was little he could do. This was, after all, more than likely not so much a lie as a convenient half-truth, and the trouble he would be in if it was, in fact, the truth...!

"Very well then, my Lords," Dr. Robesper replied with a hint of resignation in his tone, "But do take care to stay out of trouble. For my Lord Baron's sake, if nothing else."

[b]TAG: Matt, Jabba[/b]