Spice Harvest in Exile

[Norgeras]

"and as you see, the event in Quintellia sadly was nothing more then showing off a flashy, unnecessary over sized Airport. We didn't even get to discuss ideas. Which is really sad. City redeveloping plans of that magnitude are a rarerity. i would have loved to participated. Well, maybe should you ever be in need once you have all of Kaitane, give us a call. Perhaps even take a look at my sister work in Zimalia. She is currently developing a modern residential zone for the president there."

Heinrich had been in deep conversation with Bryce Harkonnen when Redfern hat interrupted the Party, resulting in a lengthy groan: "That incident again? They see the issue too much through Borland-tinted Glasses." He said, while shrugging it off:

"I am rather glad the Prince Regent has shown some wisdom and seeks a mutual beneficial solution here."

When the time for licking the Red powder came, Heinrich shrugged and tried. Though he had a hard time concealing his shudder at the though he just licked powdered worm skin.

"Though what i think my company has that most others don't" Heinrich put down his Glass while the people flocked to the Main Figure: "is experience in building styles that most countries have given up to in favor of so called modern architectural atrocities, and knowledge about sustainable city planning. We aren't the only Builder in the Empire, but we are the ones you call whenever it gets complicated."


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Heinrichs secretary had scurried off during Redfern's little act, nervously calling someone on a fan. She seemed a nervous timid wreck. She fumble closer towards Erin, giving the woman a warm clumsy smile: "Oh, i am sorry. I didn't want to interfere.." She looked around and blushed: "Oh i should introduce myself i guess." She pursed her Lips, before continuing:  "Regina Diederich, pleased to meet you. My mother worked for the Un Cennelaig Ambassador, she had so warm words about meeting you. Sadly she didn't have time to visit me before going off on her new work as Child Caretake."
She tried to courtsy: "Would i call you your Highness?"

And hopefully you got the hint to look out for her

[Rhodes]

"Well then, Lahana it is. This has been the most wonderful experience. Experiencing the Spice was the culmination of a lifelong dream of mine, but I never though I would be doubly blessed by meeting you. I must also retire for the night, if you would be so kind as to escort me to my car..."


As Alys was led to her car, she passed close enough to the Reverend Mother to make eye contact. Alys locked eyes with her and bowed her head in respect as she passed by. Alys and Brassicus passed out of the building and into the parking lot. Stopping at her car, she smiled at the Cabbagelandiet leader and kissed him on both cheeks.


"Thank-you Lahana, for a lovely evening. I hope we can see each other again in the near future."


As Brassicus left to his own car, her driver opened the door for her. There on the back seat was a dazed and angry honey badger. Hissing at her it backed up and prepared to lunge. With one hand Alys flicked a silk scarf above the beast, causing it to snap and lift it's head. In one fluid motion, Alys drew a longish spike from the curls of hair atop her head, and drove it deep into the neck of the badger and into it's brain. Pushing the animal onto the floorboard, Alys went round the other side and got in. The badger twitched on the floor as her driver sped away.


"You know what to do with it."


Later that night, the corpse of the badger was left hanging by its neck at the gates of the East Moreland embassy.

[CabbagePreacher]

"Alas, I didn't experience the Spice, but I did experience meeting you. You know, you should come to Cabbagelandiet sometime. Heck, I'm going to invite you when I have some time Alys. Well, see you in the near future." Brassicus II watched as Alys walked to her own car, he starting to conjure up plans to invite her to Cabbagelandiet, and then he proceeded to go to his own, old Cabbagelandetian car as well. He took out his keys for the car and hear hissing noises coming from inside.

"What in the Underwhere?" Brassicus II proceeded to try to look inside his car from the window "What was that?" but the Morelander badger inside had somehow found out a way to get out from the car within that time and Brassicus II felt something bite his boots "Ah, a bloody badger!" he took out his mace and tried to crush the menacing badgerly beast. But the badger was quick and Brassicus II wasn't quicker. He decided to escape to the hall where people where still doing their festivities, with the vicious badger following right behind him. He hoped someone in the hall could help him.

Brassicus II barged into the hall with the badger stuck in his boots "Ah help me for Brassicus Prime's sake!" he screamed, trying to fling his mace into the badger, almost hitting one of the guests. "Get it off, getitoff, getitoff, bloody hell GET IT OFF!"

[Libby]

Kirsten wasn't sure what went on at the Chapterhouses so left that tricky question for Erin to deal with, "There are Truthsayers and Truthsayer Cadets. The Cadets are students at the school, just like any girl who graduates they are assigned a position within the Sisterhood, we can not force them to accept it. Yes our Cadets learn skills such as shooting, weapons care, drill, first aid, all the skills that you would want a soldier to know. This then means those who choose to take up our offer of a place within the Sisterhood need less training. I understand how this matter has caused confusion in several nations, those ignorant folk in East Moreland claim they are child soldiers but at the age of 18 the Cadets are not automatically Truthsayers." It wasn't 100% accurate, the Truthsayer Cadets were like the other branches given an opportunity to not graduate in public and cut their ties officially with the Sisterhood, few selected that route meaning Graduation simply saw the Cadets change beret colour and potentially get sent to a warzone.

Kirsten took up the tale regarding forces back home. "Yes we have some people who have served the KDF. You could argue its an extra weapon in our arsenal, the mistrust such desertions can cause. However there are those like me who develop our skills then just simply disappear." Kirsten seemed proud of being a deserter from the KDF.

"As for your question about McPherson" Erin almost spat as she said the name, " You must understand our faith, to me you are part of it whether you think so or not. Your Manist faith is simply an interpretation of the true nature of God/Gods based on your cultures access to knowledge. Should I punish someone for having no access to information? Should I punish someone for us not doing our job correctly in educating the people? I would say no. You notice there are many Theocracies around Mundus. There are however no Free Theocracies, the difference was a conscious choice, it will be a nation with religious understanding at its heart but at the same time excluding no one of any faith so long as they do not attack a faith. If I was Head of State of Kiatiane you would not need worry about religious persecution, Kaitaine would become the Crucible for faith taking onboard knowledge from each faith, giving them new insight until in a perfect world one day a beautiful new perfect faith helping us truly understand God/Gods would be reformed. So you see Ma'am you and I are the same, we just don't know it yet." Erin hoped her explanation made sense. "Now should someone wish to remain an atheist then they are welcome to, they present the biggest challenge to us and we must develop stronger arguments until they do accept the true connection to God/Gods we are all looking for."

It was then Regina Diederic barged in. Erin straightened her dark green hood, "My correct title would be Your Holiness I guess, but simply Erin is what I prefer. Our faith only puts me at its head as I have a stronger connection to God/Gods by the use of Melange, I'm no more Holy than anyone else. Just blessed with an ability they have yet to realise" she explained.

It was then that Brassicus burst in followed closely by the Honeybadger. The room shrieked as the beast snarled and sneared and then gasped as in fear it emptied its anal glands a horrid smell filling the room like rotten eggs. Still it postured aggressively until one of the Truthsayers on protection detail to Niklaus Corrino drew their pistol and emptied the magazine of the specially designed internally silenced weapon into the beast. "I think it best we all maybe move into the upstairs long gallery" Niklaus said as calmly as he could as his household staff began to busily remove tables and plates to the upstairs room, it wasn't as grand as the ballroom but it was still a perfectly acceptable room for the evening. A team of Truthsayers were dispatched to explore the grounds looking for more errant Ratan.

The Duke took the opportunity of the essential restart to address the crowd. "Please forgive the excitement, but a Spice Festival needs something to give lasting memories, now may I suggest we drink til we forget." He thought for a moment, it was strange that tonight was a time for his faiths traditions yet the lengthy time they'd spent in the Cennegslaig kingdom had picked up a few of their traditions, it didn't feel right re-starting the party without some kind of toast, "May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past" he rasied a glass and took a drink. He made his way over to Brassicus. "I trust you are unhurt, if you wish I can have my helicopter take you to the airport, or you're more than welcome to stay the evening, we can always find room." He gave the worried Preacher a reassrunig pat on the shoulder.

[CabbagePreacher]

As the first rounds of pistol fire hit the badger, Brassicus II took his old trusty flintlock out as well and fired at the badger. "Bloody hell, I haven't had to fire this thing for years, and I fire it at a badger?" He joined the guests going upstairs.

"Bloody hell, you mentioned the Spice Festival being something to never forget, but I never expected meeting Alys and then getting assaulted by a bloody badger! I think I will stay the evening. Getting assaulted by a badger has really tired me out..." Brassicus II took a seat, again, this time ending up near Alisha.

"Wait, I think I recognise you from somewhere... Hmm... Wait, aren't you that girl that my daughter Katrina mentioned from the Chapterhouse Lectures?" said Brassicus to Alisha "Well, how goes it?".

[Libby]

Alisha hadn't expected to be speaking to a Head of State, especially not one chased by a Honeybadger, there was a belief among many of the Bene Gesserit that the evening of the Spice Harvest was one of omens, did the fact a Honeybadger had chased this man mean anything, she'd ask her friendly Rosalyn later, she was a recent graduate of the Motherhood and many believed that she possessed a great skill in explaining omens. "Your Holiness" she stood as the man approached. "Yes I was at the lectures, please thank your daughter for attending. Its great to hear about new cultures. As for how it goes its all rather more crazy than I imagined, I'd read that it was an evening of nice food, nice drink a spot of dancing and lots of backstairs deals." Her eyes were following the various well known members of the faith.

"Take over there for example." She pointed to Achilles Fremen "Achilles there is going to one day be the head of one of the Holy Houses. As such he is one of the most significant members of our faith's family, he is at present totally unmarried yet for the last four years has been matched with a Concubine in order to produce children, so far nothing." The young man was surrounded by high ranking members of the faith and seemed rather glum. "Their currently telling him of his duties and requirements as a future Duke. The need to produce children to contribute towards the Kwizach Hadrach, yet he's slacking, yet over there." He pointed to another group speaking and looking over at Achillies, a high ranking member of the Motherhood in the centre and various members of the Lethar family around them, a minor house. "You're seeing the vultures circle him for marriage. I understand you too are doing some circling of your own.....Duchess Alys perhaps?"

[CabbagePreacher]

"Your Holiness? Ah, please do not call me that. Only pompous Lodjans trying to mine coal in Cabbagelandiet say that! The only holy thing here is Brassicus Prime watching us all. Just call me Brassicus." said Brassicus, "Well I came late to the Festival, never got to enjoy the spice. But still, it was crazy. The last thing I expected this day was getting attacked by a bloody badger. I think I will have to shave my beard and get a new coat to get the badger's smell off of me."

"Vultures indeed aren't they. I'm not really circling around like them, thank Brassicus Prime. I don't care about political whateverthebloodyhell. I have my 2 lovely kids and everything is fine in Cabbagelandiet." Brassicus stopped to cough "Anyways, congratulations on noticing who I'm trying to engage to! I'm trying to court Alys indeed. I don't really know why I love her. But I do love her. Weird how love works isn't it. Only if Peterhoff was this eager to find a partner... Ahem, I'm asking this out of a bit out of desperation and out of not having dated anyone for 20 years, would you happen to have any tips in impressing a woman like her?"

[Libby]

The fact this man had only meet Alys tonight yet was talking of love was, at least in Alisha's view bonkers. She couldn't really pass comment on how love worked either after all she was 18 and having spent her whole life growing up in the Chapterhouses environment she had never had a boyfriend or even much interaction with boys at all. The school tried to let them mix with boys, they had a pairing with a local boys school and had half termly dances and sporting events but Alisha wasn't really interested in that kind of thing where things seemed too superficial, in many ways she summarised that was what Brassicus had experienced. Alys was a pretty woman who had given him attention and now he was smitten. Instead of voicing these opinions however Alisha just shrugged. When asked for advice however she thought for a moment before beckoning to another member of the Sisterhood. A young woman dressed in the red almost figure hugging uniform of the Honored Matres approached. Today they served as surrogate mothers at the Chapterhouses, as partners to the nobility essentially to be breeding stock but in the past they had also served as honey traps, ways of turning rich and influential noblemen towards the Bene Gesserit cause, or worse killing them. Now however they were the more worldly savvy members of the Sisterhood, their training had to often prepare them to blend in with everyday society more. Take Heidi Lehmann for example the Concubine of Achilles Fremen, not only did she have to become an expert at ensuring her partner found her appealing but she also had to blend in with East Moreland society where Achilles was studying at University. Suddenly Alisha paniced slightly, would that Redfern character recognise Achilles? She then laughed the thought of, Achilles was a medical student at some University, a man such as Redfern wouldn't come across him. The Honored Matres hugged Alisha, the pair had been room-mates between the ages of 7-14 when they'd found themselves in different streams. "This is Scarlett, she just graduated as an Honored Matres and is awaiting her assignment"

"Generally tonight we found that out" Scarlett seemed excited by the prospect as Alisha explained the question. "Oh that's easy" Scarlett said as she sat down, "What any woman really truly wants is someone who makes her life exciting. Every man thinks its flowers, chocolates and candle-light dinners but that's so predictable. To impress a woman surprise her with somethings personal to her, that will mean something to her and not some generic TV movie style notion of romance." Scarlett explained.

[Libby]

The evening was rather more calm once the various traditional elements had been carried out, it was an event that wouldn't have seemed to dissimilar to a military ball in terms of uniforms. Many of the more well connected families had used the time to conclude deals, some discussions about discussing marriages at some point in the future, some deals about forming companies to achieve certain aims and in other cases securing jobs for younger sons and daughters. Those within the Sisterhood generally used the time to catch up with friends and acquintances, some even had younger sisters who had just graduated. At midnight however the mood changed, small groups of each of the four branches began forming little gangs in the corners of the room. One at a time the girls who had just graduated would walk to the large double door to the ballroom and disappear inside, some went for several minutes others just for seconds. Each girl returning had a different emotion, some seemed overjoyed, others weeping as they made their way back to their group, a huddle took place as the news was shared and then the next girl went.

While this was going off the music had lowered in volume and the guests not part of the Sisterhood continued to mingle and enjoy the food and drink. Duke Niklaus found most of his guests together. "They call this the reckoning" he began, "Essentially the girls who graduated fall into three groups. The first are those who excelled in their field, those like Alisha, they have been given their next assignments a few weeks ago, the rest are left to discover their fate tonight, those unable attend will be at their own Chapterhouse being presented letters by the head of the four branches. Some will be given an assignment." As if on perfect timing a young Truthsayer came out of the room literally skipping and a bright smile on her face. Niklaus overheard her talking, "She's been assigned a unit that are preparing for any future deployment to Seitch." she was followed not too far later by a girl dressed in the Red uniform of the Honored Matres she was sobbing and looked like she had feet of lead. Her friends hugged her and stroked her hair comfortingly. "That girl has been told she will not become a concubine" he felt his own favourite Concubine, Niveden, squeeze his hand. "It means she is likely to either leave the Sisterhood in the next few years or be a nursemaid essentially at a chapterhouse."

"Its a rather emotional day for everyone" Niveden explained, "Some of the Honored Matres will this evening find out who they'll spend the rest of their lives with, some even leaving the event with the man they'll become the lover of." Many of the girls were already going and meeting their assigned noble the arrangements between the Sisterhood and the family made weeks ago but only this evening told to the girl. Many will hope to conceive tonight as their is a belief that children conceived while the woman has the spice in their system is naturally gifted." As if dropping a hint Niveden proceeded to open her small leather bag and took a finger scooping up a hefty portion.

As the last girl left the room where her fate had been determined Erin returned, the Head of the Faith. "The time is drawing on. Much has been determined this night and to those visiting us I thank you for joining us. I have one final thing to say to you. It is our hope that soon Kaitaine shall be free. Those of you attending this evening will not have this friendship betrayed. I have an offer for you. In return for your agreement to boycott goods, materials and services from Kaitaine at present I guarantee that we shall permit free trade once we achieve liberation. Furthermore should you agree to this we shall offer a guarantee that no Truthsayer will operate within your nation without permission even in their role as a close protection agent for a noble. I hope some if not all of you will undertake to do this to help us in our struggle against the foul McPherson regime."

[Norgeras]

Heinrich raised an eyebrow. Young women in Prime Childbirth age and unbound by the usual means. Not to mention tough enough to withstand the web of murder and intrigue that was his family.

He walked over to the Girl who had first been rejected, offering her a Handkerchief: "Now, there's no way a gentlemen like me would allow a splendid woman like you to leave crying." He adjusted his suit, nodding gently before offering a hand:

"Mind going for a walk?"


Regina meanwhile gave an affirmative nod to Erin, not like there was a chance of trade between Kaitane and the Empire anyway. But with the Bene Geserit hellbent on traditions she had to agree with the prince regents assessment, they where a far more like minded candidate for future relations.

[Libby]

Keeva was rather surprised that this stranger had come across among her group of friends. The meeting with the head of the Honored Matres hadn't gone the way she had hoped. In her mind she had imagined being lined up with one of the nobles within the faith but that hadn't happened. She'd been told that they were waiting, that something was on the horizon but that they couldn't tell her much more. She had mentally prepared herself for being with someone from tonight but that had all changed and for the next six months she'd probably just be babysitting six year olds in Claith, it wasn't what she wanted. She did recognise the accent of Urburzis and wasn't unsure what to say, but she did accept the handkerchief. She looked at her friends, wearing a variety of uniforms and a girl wearing a Truthsayer began twiddling her fingers

"Who is he? ", the Truthsayer messaged silently

"No idea" Keeva replied with a series of flicks and twitches.

"Go for the walk but I'm coming too" her friend flashed back.

"We can go for a walk" Keeva said to Heinrich as she dried her eyes. "But Maisie is going to come too." she added as an instruction not a request. The three made their way out into the cold night air, Maisie several steps behind.

[Norgeras]

Heinrich smiled, though with his strict suit it might feel more like a hyenas grin:

"Very well."

He took a couple Steps, before nodding: "I am just wondering, how come you are not chosen? You surely are a beautiful strong women, and allow me the comment, you do seem to have a very strong and fertile Pelvis, if you allow me the comment."

She was about a couple years to young for his usual taste, bit with the Gesserit probably more than able to stand her own if need be.

He rolled his eyes as he noticed his secretary trailing them:

"I'm a descendant of a former Kingdoms ruler, we lost our official title due to inheritance rules, but remained one of the strongest families along the imperials and the Niamecks in the Empire. I even was part of the ceremony for Orions coronations."

He turned to her, then shrugged:

"And to be blunt. I need a wife and heirs to the company."

[Libby]

As they walked Keeva listened to the guests question. "The Reverned Mother didn't wish me to be choosen, she has a plan for me so she says but plans can take years can't they." she blushed slightly at the description of being a beautiful strong women and then seemed appalled at the second compliment, if you could call it that. "MY PELVIS!!!" she repeated shocked at the man's assessment of her boyd, "PELVIS!!!" she repeated once more. "I don't know about your homeland but that's not a way of impressing girls" she added. "If your proposing to me then I'm saying no, I would have to anyway as I have dedicated myself to the Sisterhood and this PELVIS, will be fertile for whichever man my Reverned Mother thinks is best suited to it. Should she order that it be you I'd have to comply but God/Gods know that's the worst pick up line ever." she stormed off back towards the house.

Maisie stood shaking her head, "You really don't get women do you." she turned to follow her friend. "I suggest if your serious about getting Keeva into your bed you take it up with the Reverned Mother."

[Norgeras]

Regina walked over, swatting her boss over the head with a clipboard:

"She's a young woman, not one of the co... co workers than want to kneel to you for even taking a glance at their projects. Also the Bene Gesserit are Spiritual. They don't care for your Money."

Heinrich rubbed his head, sighing:

"Well, i didn't mean this to be romantic, but you are probably..."

"You didn't think at all, boss." She replied before getting back to the car, the guards had already made sure the badger was gone by the time, and driving back to the airport.

[DaveIronside]

Stopfel opened his eyes and discovered that he had a blinding headache, it felt like his brain was about to explode out of his skull. It took a moment or two for his eyes to adjust to being awake again and then he surveyed his surroundings and he was not pleased. He sat for a moment or two wondering what he could do about the situation but he didn't have to think for long, suddenly a door opened the figure in front of him before jumping back. "What the fuck you looking at" Stopfel growled, he walked a few steps back giving himself room to work if need be. The figure called to its friends before turning back. Stopfel took the opportunity darting forward. "Get the hell out my way" he roared causing the figure to leap backwards. A snarl and a leap down he was out in the cool dark air, his head felt only slightly better away from the heat inside. The figures were now behind him considering some kind of attack, he couldn't really be bothered so pointed his arse in their direction waved it around and then casually walked off into the night. He waited a few seconds before grinning the sound of those who discovered him retching from the smell he'd left. He was still chuckling to himself as he casually clambered between the railings and disappeared off into the woods. He sniffed the air, "Hey this ain't East Moreland" Stopfel thought as the Honeybadger wandered off to see what he could find to eat.