Science Fiction Drama Dune: The Between Years

IC: Ike - a GM combo!
Carthag, hating on the place

He was definitely a half-glass-full kind of man, and so Ike scorned all the broken-down wares he had been offered. It was frustrating, maddeningly so. He waved at Tamalrx to stay close as he stepped towards the last salesman of the last boneyard.

At this rate he was going to head to see the Baron (on a whole 'nother world), and ask to lease ships from him! With a mental shake of his head, he eyed the slick, slick man - if not in appearance, then in bearing, and with that unpleasant grin, personality too. Setting his lips, Ike waved to his heavy. "This list."

Tamalrx stepped forward and slammed the data into the salesman's hands.

"We want it."

Minimal words, minimal secrets spilled...

... minimal blood spilled.

Ike had no doubt his shadows were being watched, after all.

The salesman barely flinched as Tamalrx slammed the list into his hands. Snapping his fingers one of the shop aides came up, with a towel. he wiped his hands on it, then held the list by a pair of fingers as he perused it.

His smile was no less oily when he finished reading the requirements. "Planning on taking over the spice harvesting from the Harkonnen?" he asked with a sly smile.

With a gesture, he let Ike and Tamalrx trail him to his office. Settling behind his desk, he pulled out the files, going through them. "Lets see, yes...no not that one, ahhh good, this one hasn't been on the market long."

He sat back, passing the files over to Ike, a mix of equipment, ranging from the same quality he currently had to one that looked as though it had been swiped from the Harkonnen depot, even with fresh plating where the owner's crest would usually be.

"And how do...you...plan on financing all these purchases? We do offer great rates on loans, at the Banking Guild rates."

The salesman wasn't the normal sort. Clearly something wrong in the head. Gesturing to Tamalrx to go away, he regarded the man... and the option with the fresh plating but no family crest...

The Harkonnen comment didn't endear Ike to the man, and he didn't even want to put two and two together.

But he had resources...

"I have credit, don't you worry about that." He stared at the files. "I don't want a loan. Nor do I want that it's so fresh off the conveyor belt that it's clearly stolen piece. Everything else, sure."

He didn't answer the prior question.

If he could avoid it, he didn't want to kill the man.

In civilised space, bodies were more trouble than they were worth.

“Ahhh, then it takes some of the items off the table." The salesman said, reaching and pulling several of the files from the stack.

"If you have that many credits then you must have a House backing you, not a simple smuggler." he said as he sat back, fingers steepling before him as he looked over the table at Ike.

"And you're not one of the Fremen, they have no need of harvesters or carryalls."

He looked up, had seen the narrowing of Ike's eye, (Wearing a patch still, yes?) then smiled slightly at what was in the shadows, not the first time someone had come in looking for the five fingers discount.

"You know a transfer of this quantity of equipment in one shipment is going to raise questions, more for you than us, we're bonded suppliers."

Ike growled as the list of items began to cut down. “Tomalrx.” He’d given up on playing nice. “Let’s say I steal these, and remunerate you later.”

He smiled wanly.

The salesman's smile was no less friendly as he chuckled. "Ahhh, so...refreshing...another who thinks to just walk out with what good we have spent our own credits on."

His hand waved lazily and there was a cough, a metal sliver appearing in the very lip of the table. Another millimeters difference and Ike would never father children. "I suggest you do better observing of a place before you say such things. And your 'heavy', he'd be wise to continue moving casually, the security system is...twitchy."
Ike cooled. Now this he could handle. Haggling was boring. Action was manageable. He looked down at the blade. “You should know Fremen don’t have our reproductive organs there.”

That was the baldest lie he’d ever told but the confusion would be worth it.

Might even be an opening for their shadow…
The salesman chuckled, "I've met enough Fremen to know where their reproductive organs lay. Although it is a bit odd, the turret never misses. I must need to get it calibrated again. Now, credits, as you said you had or leave."

The salesman's attitude would tell Ike that his shadow had acted, but perhaps not in the way he'd hoped. They'd keep him alive, only as long as it suited them and the Viscount.

Ike frowned slightly. How... curious.

The salesman was important? Or...

... even a minor confrontation would bring too much attention.

Who could be so concerned about being noticed?

Were the rumours about the Emperor's involvement in the fall of House Atreus accurate?

If so... this would get considerably more knotted than he was prepared for.

"Sure," he said, drawling. Let's see how much he could push the line. "And those items that were recently stolen? I'll have them too, k?" He produced a credchit, threaded it through his fingers. The colouration would tell the salesman that it was a high-value card.

The salesman snorted, reaching a hand up to comb his hair back. "Stole, such a...foul...word. Perhaps they were left unattended for long enough and were relocated, for other purposes."

He could quite easily see the chit that Ike was teasing with. What it told him was that a House was behind this man, making the corner of of his lips twitch. "So, the lot, It doesn't matter to me what you need it for or why, as once it's out of our hands it isn't traceable back to us."

Pressing a stud under the table he waited. A few moments passed and another appeared, in the coveralls of a mechanic. Passing him the files, "Our new friend wishes all of these prepared. So, the usual spot, and he gets to know where to retrieve them once his credchit passes the transaction."

The mechanic grunted, taking the files and disappearing once more, with a glance at Ike. "Anything else you wish to add, before they finish?" he was asked, the salesman's eyes glittering as he glanced at the credchit once more.
Ike tried not to pull a face. “Do you mind if my colleague goes along to oversee the picking out of the items?”

“After all, you seem to pride yourself on your product… them being untraceable to you and the original inattentive owners too, after all.”

Chuckling in response, "If we pride ourselves on that why would we allow the customers into the recesses of our facility. He doesn't appear the type that would appreciate being strip searched to ensure he didn't 'accidentally' walk off with anything more than you bought. Which would be procedure if anyone got back there."

He reached out for the credchit, "I can run this now and you will have the pickup location as soon as it is approved or I can call my associate back and have the stocking returned to it's locations, your choice. Honestly, I could have this all sold in a day or two, so whether you buy it or another, it makes no difference."

Ike looked at Tomalrx, gave him an expression. “I can strip search.”

He turned back with a smirk. “See. Problem solved.”

"Tell me, if someone, even CHOAM, demanded to see your spice harvest and inventory it, to decide how much they should have, would you allow it?" the salesman asked with a quiet tone, eyes intent on Ike's.

“Of course,” Ike said drily. “But I’d have already hidden the good stuff.”
It seemed if he had the salesman by the gooleys. “Haven’t you?”
The salesman chuckled. "You're the one with a House credchit and we have the account now so anything that goes missing," his eyes narrowed slightly, "anything at all, will be added to the bill." He finished with a predatory smile.

“Excellent!” Ike said. “Anything you don’t want me to take?” He was oh so amused. Stealing and someone else footed the bill? Sounded perfect.

The salesman continued to smile, "If it is gone it is gone. But, as I said, it won't trace back to our facility so anything that seems missing from others stock...that's your problem." He scanned the credchit, handing it back to Ike. "I wish you luck in your endeavours and should you need more you know where to acquire it."
Ike smirked. “Thank you.”

“Anything that you’d like me to take off your hands…?” His gaze sharpened. “Or not?”

TAG: @darthbernael

 

OOC: Apologies for the day late update.

“We make our own justice. We make it here on Arrakis—win or die.”
Duke Leto Atreides - Dune

​

Carthag, Salesman’s office/Landing fields

The mechanic returned to the office a couple hours later, “They’re away with what was picked.”

The salesman smiled darkly, “And, did you do the usual?”

A broad grin spread across the mechanic’s face, “Yes…I did. I printed three times the labels for the gear they paid for. The mountain of muscle, not brains would see something he liked or thought his boss would need and demanded the label be added to it.”

“Excellent. And you have the full list?”

A nod and the list was handed over.

“And, the trackers should reactivate once they’ve been an hour outside the perimeter of the warehouse?”

A second nod, another broad grin, and the mechanic headed back into the warehouse.

The salesman went through the list, three times the ‘thopters, twice as many carryalls, and all the harvesters they had in stock. It also included some of the weapons crates they had on hand, a couple desert armored vehicles, and all the packs of thumpers they had on hand. The last made him chuckle as half of those packs were actually Atreides uniforms they’d recovered and had planned to sell along to a collector.

Marking everything up to twice its value, he ran it through and all the equipment was paid for.

His comm rang, “Yes, yes sir, all the ‘liberated’ equipment has been sold along, in one purchase. Yes…the usual markup. Thank you sir.” and then he hung up.

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It took another hour for Tomalrx and all the gear that had been either legitimately or otherwise acquired from the warehouse to arrive at the hangar that Ike and the remainder of the team occupied.

When the trailers finished unloading, the new carryalls grounded and under cover, the team was tired and knew they’d need a lot more men now. The question then became, do they contact the Moritani rep onplanet or recruit from the dregs of the smugglers here and chance their loyalty.

The decision was Ike’s to make.

TAG: @Sinrebirth (combo with GM)

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Arrakeen, departing

Naveed's companion snorted, he'd seen how both Naveed and Taina had acted and he could almost visualize the thoughts running through his Feydakin commander's mind. A curt nod followed and he placed two fingers to his lips, the trilling cry of the cielago piercing the air.

Within moments dark cloaked figures descended from several directions, falling on the two Harkonnen. When they vanished, mere moments later, the dying sergeant and the dead trooper, their weapons too, were gone, and the evidence of their deaths, their blood, was sifted in the sand as though nothing had happened.

He glanced at Naveed, "The water counters of their body's water will be brought to the sietch. As to her...perhaps a trip, by foot, will allow her to know the reason we defend our home." His suggestion would mean they needed to travel through the city and out past the shieldwall, to reach the open desert and the sietch beyond.

Another trilling cry came and he led them off the street as the sound of tramping boots sounded again, this time the sounds gave evidence of an entire Harkonnen squad headed in their direction. He led them on a winding path as the sounds of the patrol dwindled. Along the route various native sounds filled the air, some not from this particular part of the planet. When he heard those he’d turn in one direction or another.

Finally they reached the edge of the city. Night was almost upon them and he stopped by a door with a sigil lightly carved into the adobe beside it. A series of knocks and the door opened, revealing a dimly lit space beyond. Words were exchanged and they were waved in. When Taina stepped in, the Fremen inside stiffened, “What is one of the witches doing here?” was asked in a hissing tone.

TAGS: @grejedi125, @Adalia-Durron (Combo with GM)

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Corrinth City, Kaitain

The agent gently guided the Mentat as he could see Thufir working through the information that he had. The crowd was still around them but slowly dispersing. The older man was looking more and more frail and that troubled his agent. When he returned to the cell he’d request that it be sent out to try to find what had been used, if anything, to bring Thufir to the point he was at now.

When the question came to him he paused for a moment as he recalled all the information he’d been given. “A little of both. There were reports that were intercepted that the Harkonnen caught Adreides battle language being used between the Fremen in several battles.” That alone was of interest as the agents still couldn’t infiltrate the sketches. It was as though the Fremen had closed ranks after Duncan Idaho’s death and the defeat of the Duke and his family.

“The Fremen seem to shun comms so these reports are from first line commanders.”

The crowd was thinning even more, “And those same reports spoke of eerie similarities, from those that had been there, between the Fremen and the Atreides troops when the Harkonnen attacked them.”

He coughed, “And there are some former Atreides, minor troops I believe, who stayed on Arrakis, mostly as smugglers and to get revenge and there’s at least one intercepted message that said the same things, from a group of those who witnessed a battle between a Harkonnen patrol and the Fremen.”

As the crowd fully began to thin out, “If anything else is received, you will be notified immediately.” he said before disappearing, his ‘generic’ dress and looks allowing him to blend into the crowds in a moment.

TAG: @BobaMatt

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Arrakeen, Fremen Safehouse

The leader of the Fremen group nodded, glancing at one of the others. They disappeared through an archway, moments later the sounds of coffee being brewed, the scent of it too, filled the air. He sat on a long, firm seat, “I am Nashim. I am not surprised that you know little of the city Feydakin, we were the more urban of the Fremen before the Harkonnen returned and we were trained, in similar ways to the other Feydakin, but in more urban tactics. So we often have to blend in to the city dwellers to fulfill our missions and cause even more chaos for the pigs.”

The coffee was brought out, the thick, almost syrupy coffee that the Fremen favored, with mugs for as many as were in the room. The scent blossomed, filling the sparse room even more as it was poured, Nashim taking a mug and gesturing for Shamir to take one. “Arrakeen is the quietest area as our enemies are centered around Carthag. But that does not mean that there isn’t activity. Since you mention House Ginaz, as the main report is gathered, I can tell you what I believe you already know, that they have a smuggling operation based here, safer for them than around the Harkonnen.”

It was only a few minutes, the other Fremen busying themselves with any minor things that needed doing before the one who had stepped away returned. He had a small file that Nashim took, leafing through it. “Hmmmm, we do not have much outworld intelligence, except what those sympathetic to us relay or what we pick up in the markets of the cities. But the fact that the Ginaz can and are sending a pair of Swordmasters here suggests that the House is on the rise again. That and the fact that they could afford to send a House specific spice mining crew here also suggests a rebuilding of fortunes.”

He drank more of his coffee, pouring a little more into his mug. “I do know they were close allies of the Atreides before the Atreides were destroyed. We have absorbed a few that were minor Ginaz into our ranks, usually sent to the sietches so that they aren’t found by the patrols.”

His eyes lifted, looking into Shamir’s eyes, “So…I take it your mission here is related to them then.”

TAG: @Shadowsun (combo with the GM)

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Heighliner above Kaitain

Baldwin had several hours to study the various files of those on Arrakis. The Holtzman engines were silent, indicating the Heighliner was still in static orbit over Kaitain. By the time he received a message from the Navigator he’d spoken with previously, he’d learned a good deal.

House Moritani was definitely involved on the planet. They had a spice mining operation on planet, as well as the fact that one House frigate had already been sent there since, under the guise of another House Minor, which spoke of the House’s ‘school’ in business. Which could complicate things if the Guild and its agents fell into their mandate. The under the table battle that was being waged by that House could be his key to gaining more ground for the Guild with that House.

House Ginaz was involved as well. Which wasn’t a surprise, if the Moritani were involved somewhere often too were the Ginaz. A similar smuggling operation was on Arrakis and beyond that there was a House transport currently docked on this Heighliner, waiting as well to fold space to the desert planet. Onboard were a pair of Swordmasters and a Bene Gesserit. The male swordmaster or, he reread the report, the probationary swordmaster graduate, had been made the Ginaz representative to Arrakis. That one was headed into a snake pit and the circles Baldwin would be moving in would mean he would come in contact with the man on occasion. The almost solitude and seclusion the House representative would feel could be a fracture point he could use.

There were many slim files on Houses Minor that were also sending almost every credit they had in equipment to Arrakis that could be manipulated in whichever direction the Guild desired, which could assist him in negotiations with any of the Houses Major. But otherwise were of almost no note in the scheme of what was currently occurring.

Finally there was the lengthy report on the na-Baron. The most recent item in his file was the attempt by Feyd Rautha, at the Imperial Audience, to assist Glossu Rabban. And how harshly that had been shot down. The Emperor had thrown Rabban to the masses, he had what he had from the Baron and that was all the assistance he would get. The next page of the report spoke of even worse news for the na-Baron, the Baron Harkonnen was not going to be giving Rabban any other assistance, he had to make due with what he had. Which would provide a perfect fracture point for the Guild to gain even more power over the Harkonnen.

He now had time to sort his impressions and begin to formulate a plan of ‘attack’ for when the Heighliner arrived, the message from the Navigator telling him he still had a few more hours before they would depart.

TAG: @Jabba-wocky

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Desert Sands/Arrakeen

The carryall descended, latching onto and lifting the harvester from the sands. It rose, gaining altitude, just in time as a worm none of the spotters had seen suddenly burst from under the sands, just where the harvester had been. It didn’t rise very high before it slid back into the sands and disappeared from sight again.

The ‘thopters that could socket to the carryall did so and the others flew alongside, as they made their way back to Arrakeen. When they settled into the hangar the spice reservoirs were removed from the harvester and set on a transport. As the transport trundled out of the hangar Randolpho went with it. He knew a ‘reputable’ spice banker that knew to overvalue the load to CHOAM and that was where his first stop would be.

When Randolpho left the remainder of the crew secured the equipment and prepared it for the next trip out. As they were directed, several joined Clarence, to assist with his investigation. The first stop that was made, to gather what data they could, and verify locations of the testing station, was the ruins of the Imperial planetologist’s office, the deceased Doctor Kynes office.

It took about an hour but they managed to retrieve data on most of the locations, so their hunt was narrowed down. The crew suggested that they begin with the ones closer to Arrakeen as the boss might be back soon and they also did have to continue that work as well but left the final decision up to Mudze as he was leading this effort.

TAG: @BobaMatt

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Desert Sands/Arrakeen

The carryall descended, latching onto and lifting the harvester from the sands. It rose, gaining altitude, just in time as a worm none of the spotters had seen suddenly burst from under the sands, just where the harvester had been. It didn’t rise very high before it slid back into the sands and disappeared from sight again.

The ‘thopters that could socket to the carryall did so and the others flew alongside, as they made their way back to Arrakeen. When they settled into the hangar the spice reservoirs were removed from the harvester and set on a transport. As the transport trundled out of the hangar Randolpho went with it. He knew a ‘reputable’ spice banker that knew to overvalue the load to CHOAM and that was where his first stop would be.

Receipts and credchits in hand, he took them to the city center, stopping first to bank the creds at the Banking Guid office before filing the receipts at the CHOAM office. Once those tasks were complete, he commed the House, leaving a message for the Duke with what the plan was, what they’d already mined, and how they planned to move forward.

A quick message was received as he headed to the industrial area to search for parts, meaning a secretary, possibly transcribing for the Duke, had replied. The message said that their efforts were understood and that to start the profits flowing rather than attempt to get too greedy from the start was a wise choice. The last lines repeated what he’d heard while in the desert, that a pair of swordmasters were coming and one would be holding a letter of grant from the Duke, making him the Ginaz representative on Arrakis. That would certainly help their efforts.

Finally Randolpho’s path took him to a facility very similar to another in Carthag. As he entered a smiling, hair slicked back, salesman approached, “And what may we do for you today?” he asked.

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto (combo with GM)

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Moritani House, Grumand

Several hours later the two of them were still laying before the fire. Hundro sighed, lifting himself up on one elbow to look down at Sokanon. “That was a very deep discussion, Sokanon. You gave me much to ponder. However, we still, as the assassins of the Imperium, have our job to do.”

He gathered up a blanket, wrapping it around and walking back to his desk. Sitting, he glanced at the paperwork scattered across the surface of the desk. “While I agree, we still must decide how and where to proceed, what will benefit us and the Imperium as a whole.”

Looking over the desk to where she still laid, “So, I certainly would still would appreciate your input on which Houses we should focus our efforts on off of Arrakis.”

TAG: @pashatemur (combo with GM)

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TAG: Combo between @TheAdmiral (Aya-Carolina) and @Corellian_Outrider (Garsiv and Lucina) rolls over this week

 

IC: Ike - a combo with the GM-Emperor
Carthag

It took too long for the order to come through, but Ike wasn’t overly concerned. He was on the House’s time, and if he spoke about a two-bit salesman interfering, he’d be dead. Which is why he wasn’t overly worried about sabotage either, indeed he expected at least some.

As much as the salesman would likely argue it hadn’t been him, or deny the sale, Ike’s backer could follow money and whoever was to blame would be dead. Probably Ike, yes, but definitely them.

Surely the salesman knew that much?

But with a shrug he knew that he wanted to spread as much blame as possible. If those rumours about House Atreus being set up were indeed true, he didn’t want to use his initiative. He wanted others to be caught in the web too.

So he opened a channel to the rep, walking around the cargo bay that had just been filled with crates of new weapons and the like. Why not?

The channel opened and a voice replied, "Moritani legation, Arrakis. With whom am I speaking?"

"Ike," he said simply. "If I need to tell you who I need to speak to, they'll get mad."

There was a dry chuckle on the end of the line, "Yes, he has been expecting your call."

There was the sound of dead air for a moment before a deeper, bass voice spoke, "We have received the invoice for your purchases. Those currently in operation have stated that your current force level is not appropriate to the amount of equipment you now have. How do you plan to solve that?"

Ike rolled his eyes.

Bureaucrats.

"By hiring, of course. I am sure we have retainers that can be called upon. A redistribution of assets seems appropriate, what with the potential wealth at stake. We can hardly accumulate without speculating." Ike smiled, so that is voice would seem naturally uplifted.

There was a snort through the comm, "We do have resources here that can be redistributed but beyond that...I would have to speak with the Viscount. He was adamant though, that the other House assets here not be interfered with." There was a shudder to the man's voice as though he'd too had had first hand experience with those other forces.

"And how many new people do you believe you need, to carry out operations?"

Ike named a figure, which was too many. He was expecting to be cut down to a smaller number, which he actually needed.

"So, how does that sound? And how long do I need to tell the Viscount his expensive new ships will be grounded for?"

"Seriously..." the legate scoffed, "that's twice the minimum crew needed to run all the equipment that you purchased."

He stated a figure that left Ike with a need to hunt up several more bodies from the other smugglers in operation. "And what is it I hear that a blue eyed man around vessels carrying the House crest seems to be a person of interest among the Fremen?"

"But, speaking of the Viscount, he did recently ask how the young halfbreed was faring."

Ike pulled a face, but kept the smile pasted on his face so his voice wouldn't betray him. "What is it you do hear?"

He bypassed what the Viscount was asking, and the figure given. For the moment.

Ike pulled a face, but kept the smile pasted on his face so his voice wouldn't betray him. "What is it you do hear?"

He bypassed what the Viscount was asking, and the figure given. For the moment.

"Your description has been passed among the villages and has even reached the major cities here. There seems to be displeasure among the natives here that on of even half their blood is working against them. Their death warriors have put a bounty on your head." The man responded calmly.

Ike shrugged, but knew that couldn't be seen. "Not the first time, nor the last. But as you're so well connected... perhaps you can help me out with a Fremen I'd like to chat to." He described the man who took his eye.

The Legate chuckled, "When you make enemies, you really make enemies, don't you?" he replied, in response to the description.

"I do not know his name but I'll circulate that you wish to meet. That one, that I am aware is one of the middle leaders of the Fremen death commandoes." He said, "And is on the list of our common...friends."

"They don't make death commando's like they used to," he said wryly. "He only got my eye. A proper one would already be wearing my scalp. I'll deal with him in good time - and his friends."

He had to wonder. "Any recommendations that I should add to the team, on Carthag, or Arrakis?" There was a veritable list of dangerous individuals out there, after all.

There was a pause, "The Fenrings have come to Carthag, they currently are guests of the na-Baron. And there are rumors that the Viscount will travel here in the near future. Either could be persuaded to give you a few moments of their time. Of course, if it's wasted time then you may find it your last but that is your choice."

"Well I would of course make time for the Fenrings and Viscount, after all, and of course I would expect their Legate to ensure they have not wasted their time. That is part of your role, after all, to screen the trash from bothering them?" Ike's tone was sickly sweet.

There was a snort again on the line. "Of course, you do have the Moritani blood. Why am I not surprised? The Viscount might thank me for helping him rid himself of some trash if it turns out that way." He replied smoothly.

"That's true," Ike said, amused. "You barb well, Legate. I shall remember you to the Viscount if he happens to have space for me in his schedule. I hope I don't waste his time... nor your recommendations prove... unseasoned."

He signed off.

Should he try the Fenrings, or the Viscount?

TAG: @darthbernael

 

IC Sister Taina and Naveed.
Is it enough?

Thank you to @greyjedi125 and @darthbernael for this joint, learning daily from you guys


Taina regarded him as she allowed her eyes to scan over the man, keeping her tone even she answered him before her companions. "I have come to help you." She knew this was just another test, another hurdle to jump, she may be older and her appearance of a much younger woman, but she was wise and knew this was just a step on the path. "If given the opportunity." She added.

Naveed couldn't help himself as he regarded the woman and huffed audibly.

"You had an opportunity...and blew it." he said, his tone harsh, perhaps a bit more than necessary.

"But you can use the 'Voice' to disable the Harkonnen pigs. At least that's a good start." he offered, sounding less irritated now, as he realized he needed to calm himself and not see all things in blinding absolutes.

The leader of those inside nodded in respect to Naveed. "I am Karsh. And you are well received, brother." He glanced over at the Bene Gesserit, "If you say she is worthy of remaining then she shall. Our experience with the witches has not been overly fruitful, to date. But there have been fewer as they don't often slip by the pigs at the spaceport. So, she, perhaps has skills."

He sat back down, "How long do you think you will remain? We have patrols out and, if you are headed back to the sietches, it may be wiser to slip out when the smugglers make their morning breaks to the spice fields. The pigs often try to focus on the landing field then and less on people on the streets."

Taina gave a slow nod but remained silent. Whilst she'd not killed the soldiers, the ones they all seemed to refer to as pigs, an interesting term as pigs were quite intelligent and not as filthy a most assumed, she was able to sway their thoughts and actions. This was not the time to make such a statement but it was a discussion she wished to have, out of curiosity mostly.

Naveed thought about the options presented by Karsh. Moving about unseen was always the best option, so slipping out when the smugglers were making their move seemed ideal.

"Would it be too much trouble if we stayed the night and left in the morning? I do not wish to burden you brother."

Naveed said, speaking in their native tongue.



TAG @darthbernael @greyjedi125

 

“The eye that looks ahead to the safe course is closed forever.”
― Frank Herbert, Dune​

Baronial Residence, Carthag

In a day’s time very many things can happen. The Moritani Legate proved that to Ike. Before the day was done, he had received an embossed, official invitation to a dinner at the Baronial Residence the following day. The fact that it was delivered into his room, without him being aware, told him enough about who, or what, delivered it. Which meant his shadows knew all about the conversation with the Legate and had acted as a go between.

A note had been folded inside the invitation with a credichit. Which told him too, that his shadows were not without a certain dark sense of humor as the note told him that he had better clean up and use the chit to outfit himself for the dinner or the next visit he wouldn’t wake from.

After a shower and a change of clothes, Ike slipped out of the hangar, heading into town. On almost every street was a patrol of Harkonnen troops, quads. Given that here he could openly wear the Moritani shield, after the first patrol he didn’t need to show documentation that he was authorized to travel. The closer to the center of the city and the Harkonnen headquarters he travelled the less of the ordinary citizens were present and the more of their people were present.

A whirlwind hour of trying on outfits, of the shop assistants flirting, of drinks being poured for him, and an outfit had been procured. Told to return in the afternoon after it had been altered, Ike took the time to sample some of what the life of the city had to offer, a higher class of delicacy and living than he’d been afforded over the time he’d already been present. At the appointed time he retrieved the outfit and headed for the Moritani residence that the note had said was available when in the city.

As darkness fell, he dressed, invitation in hand, and entered the Baronial residence. The building was huge, opulent, and extravagant. Wealth, power, and especially water, gushing in many fountains, was on display. He wandered, mingling, until he found himself before a couple. The man was dark haired, weasley of features, yet Ike’s eyes wanted to slide away from the man. His wife was beautiful, stunning, with an aura of intelligence and power about her.





The man smiled, an unpleasant sight, “I was told you wanted to speak to me.”

TAG: @Sinrebirth (Combo with GM)

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En route, Sietch Tabr

The following morning the city Fremen guided Naveed and Taina to the edge of the city and out into the desert. It was a short walk, the Fremen teaching Taina to walk without rhythm, as they reached the Shieldwall. Beyond it, a pair of them stayed with them until they reached a secluded area, out of the Harkonnen patrol reach.

Kasim eyed Taina, “Naveed is going to bring you to the sietch. Follow his every command Shai Hulud is unforgiving if you make a mistake out here.”

He handed Naveed a bag of supplies, in case they needed to weather a sandstorm or the worms, a knowing look passing between them. “Kull wahad.” he intoned.

With that, he and the other city Fremen turned and vanished back into the sands, leaving the two of them to make their way through the desert to the sietch.

TAGS: @greyjedi125, @Adalia-Durron (Combo with GM)

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Kaitain

Knowing he couldn’t return to the Harkonnen compound, Thufir found himself at one of several safehouses he had set up across the city, one that could not be traced back to him or any of his associates. With the poison he knew flowed through his veins he didn’t have long. The cell that ran the safehouse sent out feelers, trying to find a safe route off of Kaitain, one that would bring the aged Mentat to Arrakis.

Others of the cell worked with him on disguises; after all his was one of the most recognizable faces in the Imperium. By the time several disguises and the documents associated with them had been worked out, the travel arrangements had been made.

An hour later, a much younger looking man boarded a House Metulli freighter, even that House was intending to begin their own spice mining operations and the man had signed on as a lookout for their first operation. The freighter headed up to one of many Heighliners in orbit, socketing into a bay inside.

All that was left was returning to the desert planet, the memories, and what schemes were currently in motion. He was left alone in his cabin, with his thoughts and the memories, as well as all the information he currently had on hand.

TAG: @BobaMatt

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The deep desert, open sands, Imperial Testing Station

The pilot nodded and the copilot began to try their various frequencies. Nothing worked for the first few minutes, until a grinding sound could be heard and the sand began to part. The port opened about halfway before the grinding got worse, and the port shuddered to a stop.

Looking back over his shoulder, “You’ll have to hang on, can’t enter with the wings extended. I’m going to have to fold the wings, then snap them out to flare, inside the port.”

Turning back, he folded the wings against the fuselage, the nose dipping and the ‘thopter diving. Orienting it so that it was in line with the portal, his free hand hovered over the wing controls. As soon as the craft was just deep enough, he snapped the wings out, hearing them creak as they upped the air.

“This is going to be hard.” he muttered as the ‘thopter slowed.

The landing legs out, they groaned as they hit the floor, flexing. It took a minute to stabilize before he shut down the engines. “Getting out is going to be harder, someone’s going to need to get the portal open more or we might be stuck.”

TAG: @BobaMatt

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Arrakeen, returning to the hangar

When Randolpho stepped out of the dealership, three transports were lined up; the one he’d come in and two more behind. Behind the building, the warehouse doors opened widely and a pair of carryalls, appearing in much better shape than the one he currently had, rose and headed toward the airfield.

The mechanic that had taken the list the first time was behind the wheel of the second transport, nodding to him before Randolpho stepped into the cab of the first. The drive back to the airfield was stopped only once by a checkpoint but the company had supplied a driver, who explained to the patrol there that they were shifting goods from one warehouse to another. Once the patrol was satisfied they let them pass and the remainder of the drive was without incident.

When they arrived at the hangar, the three transports pulled into it. A team of loaders from the company assisted in unloading the three vehicles. As they did, Randolpho noticed that everything on his list had been doubled. From ‘thopters to harvesters to the two new carryalls that were already there, it was more than he’d expected. Included was gear he hadn’t needed, spares, sterile stillsuits and uniforms, even maula pistols and lasguns.

Once the other two transports were empty the mechanic came up to Randolpho, “You might want to find another hangar, the Harkonnen are starting to bring more troops here and I doubt they’ll look kindly on anyone who is associated with Houses that were Atreides allies.” He warned before he stepped back into the cab of the transport and headed back with the third to their company.

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto (combo with GM, possibly)

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TAGS: Combo between @TheAdmiral (Aya-Carolina) and @Corellian_Outrider (Garsiv and Lucina) rolls over this week, need this wrapped up soon

TAG: @Shadowsun, no tag this week, need to hold until Garsiv and Lucina are on Arrakis

TAG: Single for @Jabba-wocky rolls over this week

TAG: @pashatemur (combo with GM) rolls over this week

 

IC: Ike
Residence

He took some time washing up and looking good, ignoring the jibes of his crew.

Ike even purchased a glass eye for the occasion, but had to dip into his own funds for that.

It wouldn't do to intimidate the nobility...



Satisfied, he allowed himself to be whisked through the moment, until he was indeed before a slime of a man, and a pretty woman. Very pretty. Artificially so?

He ignored her and bowed deeply, over his hand.

"Sir, I am honoured that you have agreed to see me."

Fenring smiled, eyes glittering. His gaze turned toward his wife, "So, Margot, is this what I look like when I'm attempting to be ingratiating?" he asked.


She glanced at the young man, the corner of her lips turning up. "He does have that same bravura. And the determination to have had the Moritani legate here mention him to you. Which tells me he needs your attention, not that of the Sisterhood."

Hasimir grinned lopsidedly, "That is true my dear Lady." Turning back to Ike, "So, what is it that you believe deserves my attention?"

"The venture on Arrakis, of course," Ike said swiftly, cutting to the chase, as Hasimir was clearly toying with him... and did he want to be here, with a Sister, for too long. Spice was one thing...

He caught his thoughts and bowed again to her also. "My apologies, Lady Margot, for any affront I may have caused."

Margot smiled softly, as Casimir's eyes glittered. She put one arm on her husband's, "I think Shaddam would like this one. He's fast on his feet. Too bad he's stuck here on Arrakis grubbing for spice."

Count Fenring smiled at his wife before turning his gaze back to the young man. "What of the venture here? We know you are a cadet member of House Moritani and that you are running their spice operation here." His eyes raked over Ike, "Is that were you got the eyepatch?" he said softly.

“Yes, it was,” Ike said as to his eye, trying not to get maddened by the use of the word ‘cadet’.

“Shaddam?” Ike politely inquired. “I appear to be at a disadvantage to your wit, sir, Sister.”

Fenring let his lips quirk up in a smile, not replying. His wife, on the other hand, tapped a finger on the back of her husband's hand, "You wanted a meeting with my husband, I take it you didn't realize his position." Her smile didn't quite meet her eyes, "Let me just say that a young Moritani's name may soon be known to the Padishah Emperor himself. Casimir is one of the few that Shaddam trusts."


Ike’s eyes widened. “Truly? That’s…” insane, he thought, but he said. “Amazing. You must be poised to make your move any moment. Arrakis, that’s child’s play to what you intend to reap.”

Casimir smiled softly, "I serve the Imperium, serve it fully. And..." He looked up into the rafters of the hall for a moment, "it would be a shame if your shadows decided to act, I taught some of them, most likely." It was as close to an admission that he was the Padishah Emperor's personal assassin as he was likely to make.


Margot tapped his hand. "Let's not terrify the young man, he did come for a reason. And had the bravura to wish to speak to you, whether he fully understood or not." Her gaze turned toward Ike, "Now what was it you were hoping to ask my husband about the situation here?"

Ike swallowed deeply. This man was very dangerous; this woman, as much so. He quite regretted asking for them.


“We’re low on crew. Without more men, I am concerned as to the success of the mission on Arrakis… that the House is also being setup to fail, as was the case with House Atreides.”

Margot arched an eyebrow, even as the smile now touched her eyes. Leaning closely to her husband, "I believe that which was discussed earlier might be appropriate now." She said quietly.


Casimir nodded, glancing back up toward the rafters. His fingers quirked in a couple motions and the rafters suddenly seemed empty. His eyes met Ike's eye and patch, "Come morning you will find an official missive denoting you the Moritani Legate." He linked his arm with his wife's, turning and looking over his shoulder at Ike, "That should suffice to draw on your House's resources. Now, would you care to join my wife and I in an apéritif?"

Ike's eyes widened somewhat at how ahead of him Margot was. It was such a surreal feeling, to be seen through all the time. He nodded slowly. "I am grateful, I truly am."

Casimir was being led by Margot, but perhaps he knew how irresistible she was.

He had to remember what an apéritif even was before he nodded, but he was already nodding when he remembered because, well, they were the powerful ones, after all. "I would very much care to."

His smile reached his eyes too.

TAG: @darthbernael

 

IC Naveed, Taina, - joint with @greyjedi125 and our GM @darthbernael
Desert Dunes and its not fun.


The night had been somewhat comfortable and the food certainly plain but sustainable. Taina had made a point of speaking very little and not getting involved with anything or anyone much, she did not want to upset the delicate balance among these people.

***

The next day they were led to the edge of the desert and now she quietly watched as their escorts moved away. Once out of ear shot, she turned to Naveed, "so, do you plan to kill me and blame the desert?" She asked seriously knowing that she was far from his choice of travelling companion.

***

The evening had been, thankfully, uneventful. Naveed did notice however, that Taina was keeping to herself. That was good in a way, hopefully she would take time to see things beyond the 'surface' and end her neutrality, or at least draw closer to ending it. Naveed might be harsh and impatient, but he was not heartless, that is, unless you were a Harkonnen pig.

That evening, Naveed enjoyed the warm hospitality of his people, for tomorrow was not promised.

***

The next day, all proceeded according to plan. They'd gotten up early and followed their escorts to the designated location. At an opportune moment, Taina turned to ask a very specific question. The fremen looked at her quizzically, wondering if she was jesting, but by her expression understood that she was serious. Naveed shook his head slightly, issuing a curt mirthless chuckle. There were so many ways he could answer that bit of accusation.

"If you truly believed I would do such a thing, you wouldn't be here with me right now." He stated simply, while holding her gaze firmly in his. "Why would I give you an opportunity to use your 'Voice' on me, or wait until we were alone? No, if you were an enemy, you would have been treated like one already, clearly that is not the case. So the answer to your question is 'no'."

The dark haired young man took a centering breath before continuing.

"Look, if we are going to cross this desert together, we'll need to have more than a truce, we need to have trust. We don't have to agree on everything to do that. Do you understand?"

His answer was honest; she could tell and gave a sage respectful nod. "I understand, I was only asking as you seemed very disappointed in my actions yesterday. I trust your word, and will trust your knowledge of this journey." She had to trust him, she had little choice but the truth was she did for some reason. The question was more a exploratory search to see the truth in his eyes, the ability to be so. She had no desire to kill him but if he'd answered differently her own mantel would have changed.

Naveed nodded at Taina, his hardened expression softening if only just. She was right. He was disappointed by her, but that was yesterday. They'd both survived their encounter with the Harkonnen pigs and she had been part of that. Yesterday's disappointment would remain in the past. This was a new day, with new opportunities, and more than enough challenges of its own to be saddled with things that could not be changed. Going forward was their only option.

"Remember what you were taught, walk as we walk. But first, do a final check of your stillsuit before we move on."

If one was to survive crossing the desert, one could never be 'too' prepared.

Taina gave a sage nod as she did as was requested. All seemed and looked well to her, she had a lot to prove and abiding by her own standards of life would be difficult to following going forward, she had orders and so far, she'd done well enough to get this close, stopping now nor backing out was not an option and she knew she would be pushed to the very edge. Balance, she could do that on the edge.

The morning sun was already beating down on the desert surface, the temperature rising. Carrion birds were lazily circling overhead as the two began their trek. It was only a few minutes of walking before the sound of 'thopter wings beating the air began to sound in the distance.

Taina knew that sound and duly looked over her shoulder. "Should we hide?" She questioned, instinct told her yes, but this was not her land, nor her trek.

Naveed hissed out a curse.

The carrion birds were anticipating a feast, but it would not be their carcasses which would feed them. From what he could gauge, the 'thopters were still some distance away.

"Yes, we should hide. If we cannot find an outcropping, then a dune will have to do."

Naveed looked about quickly, hoping to find a rocky patch somewhere nearby. Their wake would likely be visible from the air, so fooling the pilots would be crucial if they wished to evade notice with a measure of success.

Peaking just over the next dune, ahead of them, was a spire of rock. There was no guarantee that the outcrop would be large enough for them to hide in but with the direction of the dunes, the way the wind and sun had pushed them, it seemed the most likely place they could hide. The 'thopters were still far enough that they had the time to reach the outcrop, if they chose to, but between them and the next dune was...drum sand, a massive patch. To their left-hand side, the dune had been sculpted into a hollow, a space carved out of the base of the dune, where the potential to hide was also possible. To their right-hand side stretched nothing but open desert. It was time to make a decision.

Taina had managed to stand only in his prints so far and a quick glance back made it look like there has only been on alone person walking, not that it helped, they were still visible. She thought fast, if they were captured, his fate was set, hers not so much, she had the abilities required to get out of a sticky situation. If she was to prove her alliances, show him she was dedicated to her cause, she needed to take a big risk. "Go, I'll follow till the ground hardens, then I will lead them away from you, and hide down there." Taina pointed to the darkened area. "If they follow me, I will make my way free, do not worry about me. Go now." She urged pointing to the outcrop, "hide there."

Naveed chuckled at Taina's good intentions, for she still had much to learn about the Fremen and their ways.

"We hide together, we fight together, we die together. Me protecting you and you protecting me. A man's flesh is his own, but his water belongs to the tribe."

There was simply no time to explain further, so it was best to just 'disappear'. The different hiding 'options' also meant their enemies themselves would need to consider more than one place, which did give them some advantage.

"There, we nestle inside that Dune. We become Scorpions, blend and disappear into our environment and strike at our enemies before they are the wiser. None can know that we have come this way."

Naveed did notice the drum sand and noted its relative position before turning to the left and towards the sculpted dune with the hollow, which meant the wind would be to their favour, in addition, he hoped some of their 'trail' would be made indistinct enough by the time the enemy flyers arrived. Failing that, he was sure there was a surprise or two packed in his satchel.

"Let's dig in." He said as he covered up his entire face, then began the process.

The two of them made it into the safety of the dune with a minute to spare. As they reinforced the hollow under the overhang the 'thopters drew close. The craft slowed as they saw indistinct trails in the sand, descending so that their crews could study the marks to see if they were human of creature.

That descent was an error for the Harkonnen crews as it further obscured the tracks closer to the dune but it had another effect as well. Even as Naveed and Taina shored up the hollow the 'thopters drifted closer and a rumble sounded. Along with the rumble came a creaking sound. Just before the 'thopters dropped into the low space between the dunes a far louder crack sounded and the entire face of the dun shifted then collapsed, leaving the two of them in a cramped but slightly open space under the tons of sand.

Naveed signalled for Taina not to move a muscle and to be quiet. He was already armed, his is weapon on hand, just as she was already armed with her 'voice'. Ideally, the patrol would move on after finding nothing. Should they be discovered, the two of them would have to act quickly and exploit the element of surprise to the best of their ability- especially if there was more than one 'thopter' involved.

Everything seemed to become still as they listened and waited for what would occur next.

Taina was no fool and took all the directions given to her, remaining still and silent, but as the sand began to collapse, she moved enough to pull the scarf she wore over her face and squeezed her eyes shut. It wasn't much, but it certainly helped her breathe as they were essentially being buried alive. Once the sand stopped moving, she slowly opened her eyes in the darkness, her ears keenly listening for anything that could be considered a threat. She closed her eyes again, against the sand and to allow her to focus. Silently she began to pray, it could not hurt.



TAG GM

 

OOC: Apologies, I meant to have this up yesterday

“The test of a man isn’t what you think he’ll do. It’s what he actually does.”

-Frank Herbert Dune​

Baronial Residence, Carthag

Ike spent an…instructional…and, at the same time, terrifying hour with the Fenrings. By the time they allowed him to wander he was in desperate need of the meal that had been promised as part of the evening's entertainment.

The pages and servitors called the guests to the table, for such a gathering perhaps it could be called intimate, only fifty guests. He found himself seated beside a merchant on one side and a young woman wearing the triple rose shield of House Ezharian in the form of a pendant around her neck.

When he took his seat he found an envelope upon the gilt plate before the small placard bearing his name.

Opening the envelope he found several documents including a note. The note read:

Ike Moritani,

Firstly, yes you have been given rights to utilize the House name. Secondly, you have, as you can see by the formal document, been appointed Moritani Legate of Arrakis. Thirdly, all the House assets that are available are at your disposal.

Do not dishonor the House name, complete the assignment you have been given and enrich the House or you will go the way of your predecessor.

Shadow

The young woman next to him picked up a vellum document as he was reading the note. She turned to him upon reading it, “Congratulations Legate, it is an honor to serve one’s House. Does this mean we’ll be seeing more of you at functions like these?”

Down the table, seated beside the, currently empty, seat that the na-Baron would use, Margot Fenring was looking toward him as the young lady spoke to him, a sparkle in her eyes showing her interest in how the conversation would proceed.

TAG: @Sinrebirth (Combo)

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Lighter

The lighter lifted after one of the Harkonnen couriers to the Baron departed with the message. It was a short trip to the Heighliner in orbit. There were several in orbit already and the lighter socketed into a clamp system designed to hold it inside the nearest. Once it had a communique was broadcast by the Guild crew, stating that the ship would be departing immediately.

Thufir had been in luck, another Heighliner, already scheduled to travel to Arrakis, was delayed and this second had been brought in to transport others that needed to head to the valuable planet. He heard the Holtzman engines spin up before the slightly queasy sensation of space being folded touched his belly.

The Heighliner settled into orbit at Arrakis as lighter after lighter departed. Thufir’s was the last to depart, following the train of craft as they descended to the spaceport at Carthag. When he exited the craft, an aide was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, “Mentat Hawat, the Baron sent a message ahead. You have been given a suite at the Baronial Residence. The na-Baron is currently hosting a dinner party but will give you time to speak when it has concluded. Until that time, make yourself comfortable.”

With that, the young man faded into the crowd, disappearing back into the city, leaving Thufir to make his way to the Residence.

TAG: @BobaMatt (Single)

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Arrakeen, the hangar

The crew separated into their different functions. The one who had spoken already had pulled the patrol teams into one group, doubling the current amounts, before returning to Randolpho with a list so that he could add names where needed, to keep the men from becoming overtired with shifts that were too long.

The remainder began to prepare the craft to depart. Equipment was loaded onto the ‘thopters and sand harvesters until only the ships were left. The ‘thopters and harvesters were loaded onto their original carryall as well as the new ones until only those craft were left. THe original spokesman returned once more to Randolpho, “Everything’ loaded, boss. And one of the men, who has been here for some time knows of an outcropping in the desert that is large enough for our ships, at least for now. It doesn’t have the power and refueling capability but will keep us off the Harkonnen radar until we have a real base.”

He nodded to Randolpho before heading back to the others. It was now all up to the Ginaz man, whether to remain here until Clarence returned or to take the chance with the location he’d been given.

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto (Single)

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Buried in the sands

The sand muffled the sounds of the Harkonnen beyond the fallen dune. Outside of it, the patrol was digging itself out of where the sand had buried them to their knees. They had no more tracks to follow and had lost where they were headed. The sound of hissing sand reached their ears, making their attempts to escape the sand even more frantic.

As Taina and Naveed tried to breathe lightly to preserve the air they had, the sounds of the ‘thopter wings beating the air at high speed did manage to penetrate the sand, before fading into the distance. She was able to put herself into a meditative trance, to slow her body and breathing even more, even though it left Naveed to discern how to dig them free.

The hissing sound of the sand reached even into their tiny bubble of air before a regular, hollow sound seemed to beat through the sand. The hissing sound changed as it turned away and headed toward the hollow sound. Which left the two of them free to dig their way out of the sand, recover their gear, and return to trekking through the sands to reach the sietch.

TAGS: @Adalia-Durron, @greyjedi125 (Combo)

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Imperial Testing Station

The first team, the pilots, were working diligently to clear the bay doors and get them fully functional. To their luck, they had found digging gear and much of their work was to remove the sand that had accumulated, clearing the chains and gears that ran the opening and closing mechanism. The second team was having no difficulty clearing their half of the complex, although the going was slow as, in several places, the walls had buckled in spots letting the sand into the complex. It was an issue that would have to be fixed if they took over this station.

The last team, already on edge, followed Mudze deeper into the complex, the sounds of machinery growing louder. A glow became apparent in the distance, as they proceeded. After a few minutes' time, the one to Mudze’s left cursed and a sliver from his maula pistol went by the leader’s ear. “Something moving up there.” he hissed out.

Looking forward, an oily back gleam reflected from the light of the flashlight, as a small body disappeared into what had been the main office of the station. Only a couple steps further and a maula pistol sliver creased Mudze cheek.

In the doorway, stood a young figure, blue within blue eyes staring intently at the group, “This is our place!” the young teen declared. “Why are you here?”

Behind the boy, a pair of young faces peered out around him, heads mostly hidden in the caps of their stillsuits. “Are you Harkonnen?”

TAG: @BobaMatt (Combo)

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Ginaz Residence, Arrakeen

Shamir had been given a room to rest in, complete with a bathroom, a water rationed shower inside, for the evening. When he woke, there was a package on the table by the door that contained the type of dress that was expected at the Ginaz residence. Once dressed, he followed the scent of coffee to the main area, where the Fremen were gathered.

Nashim’s eyes crinkled in a smile when he saw the Fedaykin enter the space. “Morning, my friend, today you shall be included in the staff of the small residence that the Ginaz have here in Arrakeen.”

He gestured to a young woman, as with the others having the blue within blue eyes of the Fremen, “This is Dyana, she is a housekeeper there, and will introduce you to the head of the household.”

The woman peered up at Shamir, a tinge of nervousness under the Fremen steel. He was known, even here, and to have one of his stature potentially undermining their efforts to expand in this city had her worried.

When the coffee and breakfast was done, she was waiting for him by the door. She demonstrated, on the walk to the residence, that even the city Fremen knew the ways of stealth as he didn’t have a travel pass yet, without work, and they had to avoid a few Harkonnen patrols.

Arriving at the residence, she took him into the servant’s wing, leading him to the one office of that area. Leaving him at the door, “I wish you luck, Sir. Please don’t let us be found out.”

Disappearing down the corridor, the door opened and a man who didn’t have the bearing of a Fremen but carried himself as a fighter gestured for Shamir to enter the office. Once the door was shut behind him, the man sat back in his seat, studying Shamir, “So…I’ve been told that you are looking for work. I’d say, just by a quick study, you’d fit in in the incoming Swordmaster’s retinue as a guard. Am I wrong?”

TAG: @Shadowsun (Combo)

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TAGS: Combo between @TheAdmiral (Aya-Carolina) and @Corellian_Outrider (Garsiv and Lucina) rolls over this week, Combo absolutely needs to be completed

TAG: Single for @Jabba-wocky (Baldwin) rolls over this week

TAG: Combo with @pashatemur (Sokanon) rolls over this week

 

IC: Ike - a combo wombo with the GM
Baronial Residence, Carthag

This was a lot.

Well, it wasn't, but he didn't feel as if he remotely fit in.

But he was suited, and so he could keep a low profile and blend in.

Somewhat.

But then the envelope...

Ike Moritani,

Firstly, yes you have been given rights to utilize the House name. Secondly, you have, as you can see by the formal document, been appointed Moritani Legate of Arrakis. Thirdly, all the House assets that are available are at your disposal.

Do not dishonor the House name, complete the assignment you have been given and enrich the House or you will go the way of your predecessor.

Shadow

Oh ****.

He was so glad he managed not to say that aloud.

“Congratulations Legate, it is an honor to serve one’s House. Does this mean we’ll be seeing more of you at functions like these?”

He felt eyes on him, and his peripherals could see the grinning devil that Margos Fenring had.

Sisters.

Terrifying.

He put aside his concerns, and swallowed into a tight smile. "I can only hope, madam." He sought her hand, to perform a potentially gauche kiss upon the back, but he had always liked the old formalities, y'know, the ones in the vids.

He didn't care for feminine wiles, but he could play a part.

"I have not had the pleasure of a formal introduction."

He smiled warmly, putting sincerity into his words.

With everything he had achieved, he would have to clean up his image.
-



She smiled, little roses of color appearing on her cheeks at the kiss to the back of her hand. Lifting her other hand to her mouth for a moment, she smiled at Ike, her green eyes shining. "Apologies, I am the Honorable Trinnian Ezharian, daughter of Baron Ezharian."

Trinnian looked back down at the document, "I do believe you now occupy a similar position to mine own here. I just thank my training at the Mother School to help me negotiate the intricacies of the Baronial court."

"Trinnian," he said, kissing lightly. "A pleasure, undoubtedly."


"The Mother School?" Ike hedged carefully. "I would have quite liked to have had such help. The intricacies... they are rather beyond me at times." He indicated his eye colour. "You can probably guess why."

Trinnian smiled, a light, high laugh came from her throat, "The schooling helps but the na-Baron is...mecurial...in his policies."


Down the table, Margot Fenring lifted her servette to hide the smile at the questioning tone in Ike's voice about the Mother School. She leaned close to Casimir, whispering something in his ear. He glanced down the table at the young pair, nodding.

Trinnian sipped from her glass, "Your eyes, it happens to many, the longer they live here. How long have you been on Arrakis?"

"Mercurial is one way of putting it," he said drily.


Casimir and her whispered, and she sipped; he matched her. "I was born here, technically. I've been back and forth."

He may as well be honest. His heritage would be a whispering at him forever. It wasn't as if his persuasions didn't earn him a fair share of whispers too!

Trinnian's eyes lit up, "Oh, so you're part Fremen? Wonderful. It must help in getting things accomplished with the native population." She wasn't naive, at least not by the tone, whether the content of the words sounded naive or not.

The servitors were circulating, beginning to place the first course of food on the table. As they did, the na-Baron himself entered, causing all to stand before he took his seat.

Once seated again, Trinnian turned back to him, "Is that so? What are the Fremen really like?"

He stood, swiftly, his surprise at her acceptance silencing him for a moment. When they were re-seated, he smiled at her. "Savages, of course. Skilled fighters, and incredibly resourceful." A slight smirk. "Good in bed, too."


She blushed at the last comment, her eyes gazing into his. "The last I didn't know. I haven't met many yet, save for the city dwellers who work in my household. Perhaps you could introduce me to some."

She glanced at the food for a moment then back up at him, "And perhaps I can help you integrate more into this aspect of society."

She watched her look at her food, his eyes searching for her thought process before she glanced back. "Perhaps you can. That's very generous of you, Trinnian. I would be indebted to you, and I would be more than happy to introduce you to some of the more... intimate aspects of the Fremen. Understanding them is key to defeating them - and the Emperor's future."

She blushed again, more deeply, even as a smile crossed her face. "Good, it's settled then, we assist each other and perhaps something good can come from this."

“Oh yes,” Ike said, smiling devilishly. He took a glass from the table, held it upon hers, the slightest of ‘clink’ to it. “To us?”

Trinnian smiled as the glasses clinked, "To us." she replied. Further down the table Margot Fenring's eyes shone as a smile touched her lips.

TAG: @darthbernael

 

“You never talk of likelihoods on Arrakis. You speak only of possibilities.”
Frank Herbert - Dune​

Sands of the desert

The progress of Naveed and Taina was slow. Both were drained from the collapse and digging out of the sand dune. The blazing sun, directly overhead, only made their progress slower as it sapped their strength even more. Naveed assisted the woman, helping her to walk without rhythm, stopping on occasion so they could try to rest, a tarp over them to shield them from the sun.

Closer and closer they drew to the spire, about half the distance to the sietch, as the sun drifted across the sky. Finally, as the sun was beginning to slip under the horizon, they reached the hard surface of the stone and spire.

Naveed led Taina into the rocks, up a carved channel that she might realize had to have been made by the Fremen, if she had the energy to do so. Once inside the channel, it grew even darker, the sun out of sight.

After an even more exhausting climb, they reached a small shelf, covered by a sturdy overhang of rock. It was quiet and the moons were beginning to come out, adding a small amount of light to assist setting up the shelter. It was time to rest for a few hours before attempting the remainder of the journey, before the sun had risen fully. There was time to talk and relax before they tried to sleep for a few hours.

TAGS: @greyjedi125, @Adalia-Durron (Combo, include GM)

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Baronial Residence, Carthag, Arrakis

The evening had been a quiet one for Thufir, a chance to get settled in, to use the antidote that he’d saved to keep the poison at bay. He’d been able to gather documentation, send out runners to gather intelligence for himself and the Harkonnen and the news was less and less pleasant.

Rabban was squeezing the population more and more even though the profits were steadily, slowly admittedly, falling off. Several hours passed while he poured over the data, organizing and compiling it to add to the information he needed as a Mentat.

Finally an aide knocked on his door. When admitted, he let Thufir know that the Baron was prepared for him. The walk to the Baronial office was a short one, the aide opening the door and letting Thufir enter. He closed the door behind the Mentat, staying outside.

Behind the desk was a large, strong but slowly going to fat, man. His face was chubby and had a distinctly porcine look to it. With a grunt, he gestured at the chairs before the desk, “Sit, Mentat. We have much to discuss. But first, any news from my Uncle?”

TAG: @BobaMatt (Single if you wish to handle Rabban otherwise combo with GM)

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Landing Field, Arrakeen

Even as the two Swordmasters and the Bene Geserrit practiced and sparred, the Heighliner prepared to depart Kaitain. The Holtzmann engines spun up, audible even in the transport. There was a shudder and a moment of queasiness as the Navigator folded space, instantaneously transporting the massive vessel from one star system to another.

A couple minutes later the transport’s intercom crackled with a message sent to every craft that was to depart and land on Arrakis. ’Arrakis orbit achieved, craft will depart in the order designated.’

The captain of the Ginaz craft sent an internal comm on the intercom after the Guild had sent their message. ’We are tenth in line, the craft headed for Carthag will depart first.’

The sparring session at an end, the three of them went their separate ways. Aya-Carolina showered and changed before she felt the thud as the clamps holding the transport in place were released. As the ship drifted down from orbit there was a knock on her door.

Once open it revealed a crewman who bowed and handed her a flimsy before turning and heading down the corridor. The flimsy had a header from the Motherhouse, indicating that the message came from, most likely, the Mother Superior. Reading further down revealed the contents of the message.

Sister Aya-Carolina,

You are ordered to continue to gain the trust of the Ginaz representative. However, we have lost touch with a sister who has been sent to infiltrate the Fremen. We are aware that there are Fremen who work in the Ginaz embassy in Arrakeen. Your secondary mission is to gain their trust and, if possible, gain the trust of the Fremen so that you may find out what has happened to that sister.

Written under the hand of the Mother Superior

The transport landed in Arrakeen, cars waiting at the foot of the ramp. She saw the others taking one and that their gear wouldn’t allow her to be able to join them. With her belongings, she took the next, studying the city as the car took her to the residence.

A page waited for her, just outside the door of the car, when it pulled to a stop. He opened it, “Apologies, usually the young housekeeper Dyana would be here to greet you and bring you to your room but she is currently otherwise engaged. Do you require assistance?”

TAG: @TheAdmiral (Combo with GM)

TAG: @Jabba-wocky (Single, the Guild agent’s transport would be first off, at Carthag)

TAG: @Corellian_Outrider (Single, Garsiv and Lucina can settle in at the Residence)

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Kaitain

A uniformed man entered the large room, walking crisply from the door to a pace before the desk. He came to a halt, saluting.

The figure behind the desk, casual in his seat, sat up, returning the salute, before returning to a slouch of sorts. “Well…?”

Dropping his salute the uniformed man let the corner of his lips turn up, “As you wished, my master, the interested parties are now all at the desert planet.”

The man behind the desk sat up at the news, coming into the focus of a light globe. The shock of ginger red hair, the piercing eyes, and the hawk nose revealed the face of the Emperor.

“Excellent.” His fingers steepled before his lips, “Send a message to the Moritani and inform them that Arrakis is now a target rich environment, double bounties on any that they remove from the board.”

The uniformed man nodded, “As you wish, your Majesty.”

With a wave of his hand Shaddam dismissed the aide, smiling after the door shut behind him. A chuckle escaped as a shadow detached from the wall, “You may lose some Sisters, Mohiam, but their sacrifice will ensure our victory.”

TAG: No One

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The deep desert, northwest of Arrakeen

A small contingent, six men, were left at the hangar. Their instructions were to maintain the parols so that it didn’t appear that the hangar had been suddenly abandoned, as they waited for Mudze and the others to return. The others all loaded onto the transports and carryalls.

The senior of the crew joined Randolpho as the procession set out. “On the way boss, everything looks green at the moment. The crew we left behind will ensure that another set of supplies, food and such, is prepared, for once Mudze returns.”

He settled by the pilot of the carryall, watching as the ships flew. From time to time, across the slow flight, to be able to keep an eye on the transports, in case the sandworms showed up, he had to send other’s of the crew to check on possible issues when red lights flashed on the console.

Eventually, however, he turned back to Randolpho, “Beginning our descent to that outcropping.”

The carryalls lined up, then came down vertically into the basin of the outcropping. They formed an outer ring of vehicles as the transports pulled in, luckily without incident with the massive worms. “How do you want it set up, boss? I believe there are a series of caverns in the rocks at the south end of this basin.”

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto (Single, combo if you want to discuss it)

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Baronial Residence, Carthag

The dinner, the evening, was a long one for Ike. Trinnian was a delightful companion and conversationalist, even if Margo Fenring continued to shoot glances their way. After the spice coffee and dessert, the na-Baron excused himself, informing the guests that they could stay and talk until the majordomo would inform them that the evening was done.

Trinnian stood and asked if Ike would like to see parts of the Residence before the evening ended. As she spoke the Fenrings also stood, walking down the table toward them. “An excellent idea, young lady, Casimir and I will join you both.” Casimir let a small smile touch his face and nodded as Ike stood and they headed toward the Great Hall.

As they passed by the exit of the dining room a page approached. His bland, unremarkable face made him fade into the background until he was almost upon them. Bowing slightly to the Fenrings, “Count, Countess.”

He turned to Ike, “Legate, a report has arrived that a Heighliner will arrive tomorrow. The manifest indicates that the incoming Ginaz representatives are aboard.”

The message delivered, the page turned and suddenly disappeared into the crowd of guests as though he’d never been there. Casimir arched an eyebrow, “Interesting, I’ve not seen that page before.” Margot laughed lightly, “Interesting indeed, I believe that was a request for orders.”

Trinnian let the Fenrings have their moment, “House Ezharian will support the Moritani. Ike and I have already come to an agreement.” Turning toward him, “Shall we discuss as we explore a little?” she asked sweetly, laying one hand on his arm.

TAG: @Sinrebirth (Combo with GM)

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TAG: @Shadowsun (Shamir) Combo with GM rolls over
TAG: @BobaMatt (Mudze) Combo with GM rolls over

 

IC: Ike - c c c c combo with GM!
Afterparty

Legate.

He’d have to get used to that.

The part-Fremen hadn’t realised the message was for him before it whisked away, and he rewound his mind to remember, nearly missing the laugh of Margot. Ike caught on, not sure if the woman was stating the obvious to needle, or to assist.

Ike allowed a dollop of faux appreciation into his smile and responded to her respectfully. “Indeed it does.”

Trinnian seemed to be of the same mind, and he noted her touch. Her held out the crook of his elbow for her to link arms in true courtly style, and nodded, sincerely. “We should get into the finer details, indeed.” His smile promised much.

Trinnian blushed slightly, but linked arms with Ike. She led him from the dining room, down the corridor. It was opulent, over the top, gaudy, and she sniffed at the excess. "The Harkonnen have their uses, but I don't entirely appreciate their taste in the finer things."

Behind them, Margot snorted, the statement was an understatement if there ever was one. She knew that if the Emperor didn't need the Baron as his front the Harkonnen would have been swept away as well.

Trinnian glanced over at Ike, "I meant it, the Ezharian forces aren't on the scale that others might have. But I can have a battalion en route tonight." she said softly.

“A battalion would be appreciated, my lady,” Ike demurred. “And however our hosts are… we are at very least lucky that no… emotions have shattered the decor.”

A slight twitch. “One would not want to be paraded naked in-front of a House.” It had been said this is what had occurred with the leader of House Atreides. “Not involuntarily, anyway."

Behind the younger pair Margot frowned, as did Hasmir. Both had regretted that Leto was on the other side of the war between Houses, they had both respected him.

Trinnian smiled, "Then a battalion you will have, Ike. The Harkonnen were lucky that the Atreides chose to base themselves in Arrakeen rather than here. That protected this...edifice, yes." She blushed and smiled slightly, "I don't know, you would probably look good paraded so, at least if you weren't in chains because of it."

Ike didn't catch the reactions of Margot and Hasmir.

"I don't know," he drawled. "Some bindings can be rather fun."

He was pure playful here; all lothario.

Trinnian, if anything, smiled even more broadly. Behind them Hasimir snorted and tightened his arm around Margot's waist.

The younger woman giggled, "That's good to know, I'll have to remember that, for...reasons." They entered the Great Hall, if anything, even more ostentatious than the corridor had been. Gold, precious gems, and paintings of the Baron, of the na-Baron, and the heir Feyd Rautha, all covered the walls or floor.

She sniffed, "Well, I think I see where some of the Harkonnen wealth goes."

Ike ignored the snort, but when he entered the Great Hall, felt all kinds of nauseous.

He pointed at Feyd.

"That's the heir, yes?"

He managed to keep his tone neutral.

Glancing at the painting, Trinnian shook her head. "Yes, that is him." She shivered for a moment, "He's got the Baron's mentality but with a young man's enthusiasm."

"Oh," Ike said, not sure what else to add. "That's... a thing."

He didn't want to speak badly of the Baron, for obvious reasons.

"I've not met them, notwithstanding my service on Arrakis," he said, smoothly. "Perhaps one day."

"I have heard that the Baron is not fond of coming here." Trinnian said softly, noting the diplomatic way that Ike spoke of the Baron.

Behind them Hasimir snorted, "It is more apt to say that, with his current finances, he cannot afford the transport costs to come here." He did not fear the Baron's wrath, for several reasons.

Trinnian blushed, "I would not know that Sir Fenring. House Ezharian is a House Major but we also know not to rock the boat with those that are the more warlike of the Houses Major."

She turned back to Ike, "But we do what we can, to aid our allies."

Ike was quite surprised at how Hasimir spoke, but Trinnian covered for him.

"And you shall have my aid," Ike said, firmly, seeing the four of them as something that could become the future. "The Houses Major will rock the boat, and butt heads with the Emperor. But if we cooperate... tacitly, secretly, even..." He smiled, slightly. "We'll have the makings of our own House Major... and one they won't see moving against them."

He didn't refer to who them was.

"How shall we best secure this dalliance?"

Trinnian blushed slightly as Margot snorted and then spoke up, behind them. "How, usually, are such dalliances secured?" she asked in a slightly teasing tone.

Trinnian coughed, she'd not expected that course, not fully, at least not this soon. Ike was pleasing to the eye but she'd just met him at the dinner. "I...I wouldn't be...opposed." she murmured, demurely.

A flash of a grin. "We've only just met." He reached over and squeezed her hand, skin soft upon hers. "No need to rush to the sweetest part of the dish." He eyed Margot slightly. "Well, do we have an accord?"

"This calls for copious alcohol, no?"

Trinnian blushed again, but nodded, squeezing Ike's hand in return. "We do, yes."

Hasimir snorted, "There is certainly a need for a great deal of alcohol, yes." he stated, wryly.

Margot returned Ike's look, the corner of her lips turnng up, but giving him a slight nod. "Welcome to the nobility, for true, Ike."

"Thank you," Ike said, an almost carnivorous smile to his lips. "Let us celebrate!"

TAG: @darthbernael