<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=334952.msg16186790#msg16186790">Quote from: MadPanda on 19-05-2022, 04:41:09</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>Martin</strong><br/><br/>"There are <em>always</em> rumors," he says dryly, "and the Harkonnen inspire more trouble than they are worth. But as it turns out, the Landsraad has been restive of late. The Baron...offends. He is...indelicate. Obnoxious. You understand?"  His fingers linger over a drink on a tray offered by a passing servant girl in not very much clothing at all. "Having to rely upon such a distasteful individual gives rise to much comment. Oh, he is within his rights. Make no mistake, it is not that he violates any particular privilege."<br/><br/>He sips, turns to watch the orgy developing across the room with indifference.<br/><br/>"It breaks no confidence to mention that House Richese is still displeased with the timing of their loss of custodianship. It had to happen, of course. It is not wise to allow any one House to enjoy so rich a plum for too long. And the Harkonnen have held governorship long enough, at least in the opinion of certain Houses."<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>"Like the Atreides," Martin would quietly supply in response to the statement of the Guildsman that 'certain Houses' had the opinion that the Harkonnen had governed Arrakis long enough.  "And yes, I've had the distinct displeasure of having been witness to that floating fat man.  It is much wonder that with his particular...penchants, that the Emperor has not more seriously dealt with them."  Martin's gambit was simple; keep the Guildsman talking - and drinking - long enough to get him to make a mistake, let slip a little too much that perhaps would not have been said if he'd been more alert.<em>I already know I can't rely on the girls for this one - in more ways than one.</em>For the main, the Guildsman<em>barely</em>looked at the orgy going on, and when the servant girl passed by, he'd seemed more interested in the drink than her.  No.  Sex appeal was not going to work on this one.