<div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">scrubbed due to player ghosting</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>"It is as much a question of why the Harkonnen were awarded the contract as it is one of how Richesse lost it,"</strong> the aloof woman concedes. <strong>"This is one possible factor in motivating the commission. Our liege has no direct connection to either, but may be a borrowed dagger for some longer arm than their own. Something worth considering."</strong><br/><br/>Her gaze lingers for just a moment on Martin, reminding all present that the pair share a vocation: mentat to mentat, this is as good as a clear instruction for the Warmaster to research the possible ramifications. The strategy is an obvious one. The challenge lies in narrowing the field of suspects...<br/><br/><strong>"In any case, House Richesse did not send Gull all by himself. He is attached to the entourage of Preceptor Nicodemus, a Richesse from a cadet branch thought to be out of favor with the main line and thus of more interest. The delegation as a whole numbers fourteen, three of whom are openly armed guards. More, of course, would be an insult to our liege, implying that the Haven cannot protect its guests."</strong> Her smile is wintry, brief.  <strong>"I cannot imagine how they would respond to such a gesture."</strong><br/><br/>That was sarcasm, but only a member of House Dorcha used to close contact with Consort Oksana would be likely to pick up on it. Even a Bene Gesserit might miss or misinterpret it.<br/><br/><strong>"House Richesse has sent Preceptor Nicodemus to delicately and discretely raise questions about future ties between the Lord Haven and a child of their own line. So discretely, in fact, that within an hour of their arrival that rumor was making the rounds. An hour after <em>that</em>, we received this commission. Our liege does not seem to look kindly on the attempt."</strong><br/><br/>Another wintry smile and then Consort Oksana rises to her feet and half turns.<br/><br/><strong>"My lord, I feel the need for a little air. May I request the comfort and pleasure of your presence?"</strong><br/><br/>Gillam finally tears his eyes away from the surf and the beach. With a ghost of a smile that mirrors his Lady Consort's earlier expression perfectly, he extends an arm and links her arm in his.<br/><br/><strong>"We may be some time,"</strong> he nods to Eliza, then escorts his companion out of the room. The door seals shut behind them once more, leaving the three of you privacy in which to discuss the business at hand (and as importantly, secures his own separation from whatever you decide).</div></div>