2. Digging in Sand

At the Parato Palace

Not one to shirk her passtimes for the sake of fear, you determine with communication with her household that she is at the very same gambling house where you were attacked by mercenaries with lasguns. Of course, she has contacts there which aid her business dealings under her public cover as a spoiled and hedonistic noblewoman.

You arrive there, and see several of her household guards camped in the area, keeping an eye out for enemies.

Hural approaches the guards. He knows he could walk right past them, but calculates they might appreciate the show of respect - something he was keen to provide for their services in guarding his Lady with such care anyways. "We are here to see Lady Sina. We have important news."

Ever wary from the last time they were in this location, and despite the guards, he still carefully observed their surroundings.

Marcus nods his head with respect towards the guards.

They're on their best behavior with the three of you around. "Perimeter is secure. No signs of Fremen assassins, and if they come, they'll never make it inside, sir."

Inside you find her at an empty parato table, reviewing reports on a viewscreen. A half empty bottle of wine sits beside her and her hair looks a little frazzled.

"Lady Sina," Hural says in greeting along with a polite bow. "We have news to report, but best we discuss where we are sure there are no other ears."

Surprised to see Lady Sina in such a state, Rook dispenses with any pleasantries and hurries to her side. "Are you well, Lady? Has something happened?"

He wonders if there was some bad news.

Marcus bows to the Lady Sina. He waits for Hural to present their findings.

She shows you a small device, a kind of capacitor. "Richese was once the undisputed center of development of many clever devices."

She hands it to Marcus. "Much like a shield generator, it will grant us privacy. But it won't explode if hit with a lasgun, it's not that high powered."

To Rook, she whispers, "It's just an act. "

Hural looks to Marcus to activate the device. Once he does, he lays forth what they've learned. "The attackers here the other day - they were not Fremen, but instead dressed to look the part. They were, in fact, members of House Bakhtier. Why they attacked you, we do not yet know. The lasguns were stolen by Star Cobra's gang on behalf of House Martell. However, one of Star Cobra's own men sold them out to House Bakhtier, who hit them on their delivery route. That part of the problem has been solved. Now House Martell is putting pressure on Star Cobra to pay them for the lasguns, or get them back."

He watches her expression as she takes in the information before continuing. "We wish to know your designs with these houses, so as to determine our next steps. We could ingratiate ourselves to both Star Cobra and House Martell, should we pay off the debt, or otherwise get the lasguns back. This would increase friction with House Bakthier, though considering their attack upon you, my Lady, I venture that hitting them back might be the just course of action."

Rook listens quietly as is his way but becomes animated at the idea of hitting House Bakhtier, nodding enthusiastically at Hural's suggestion.

She leans forward, listening intently to the mentat's summary. "Bakhtier is an enemy to most. To me, they're a rival. The Harkonnen dislike the costs that Bakhtier's micro-hydroponics projects cost them. The Fremen have some disagreement with them over water that I don't understand, but the Fremen have strong opinions on water rights."

She leans back. "Admago Bakhtier has pursued me for a marriage alliance. I suspect he believes that my House's expertise in water reclamation would pair nicely with their own hydroponics methods. However, if there is anyone that Bakhtier hate more than anyone, it's the Emperor. My family's ties to House Corrino would be exposed to the empire. The Landsraat would see us destroyed if the truth ever came out about what we've done for Shaddam IV in attempting to synthesize spice, even if that ultimately was unsuccessful. No, Admago is no friend of mine."

Marcus attentively listens to the conversation. He offers, "Perhaps Bakhtier is tapping into one or more of the Fremen cisterns. I understand that the Fremen consider them sacred, so if Bakhtier has trespassed, the Fremen would be outraged."

"The attack here the other day seems a strange way to further a marriage alliance. Perhaps he wishes to scare you into it, that would explain the Fremen disguises - make you think you have enemies and encourage you to seek safety through such an agreement."

Rook looks questioningly at Sina at the mention of a marriage alliance. He agreed with Hural's assessment. It wasn't exactly the way to win a lady over.

"I agree with Hural. It's the only way an attack makes sense unless we are missing something. Is there an important detail we have overlooked, I wonder? Marcus' idea is also worth considering."

"They want someone allied with them against the Fremen, perhaps. Likely both, though it would be naïve to assume their choice of disguise was not made with intent."

She frowns subtly, her eyebrows barely moving, but you see it for what it is. "We could fish for the expected bait, as the wet worlders might say. If this is the ploy, to use the Fremen as a false but implacable enemy, then Admago should leap at any sense that I have a reason to hate them."

She pours you all a drink, a melon flavored water it turned out, with very little alcohol.

"How do we draw him out?"

Hural takes a sip of the drink. He quite likes it, in spite of its lack of spirit. "We give him what he wants. Write him a letter, let him know your trusted advisors wish to deliver a response to his marriage request. We set the place and time. Star Cobra has committed already to join his men in a confrontation, so we could leverage them. But how to get him to bring the lasguns..."

He considers, then adds, "It would be a bold move, my Lady, perhaps too reckless, but if his life were on the line, perhaps it and be traded for the lasguns. We could even play the part of bystanders in the attack, let him believe it is simply a returned bevy from Star Cobra's men, to lessen the tie back to us. Should he learn later we have allied with Star Cobra in some fashion, he'll connect the dots, but by that point the damage to his pride will have been done and you will be indirectly confirmed as more of a threat than he realized. For good or ill."

Marcus takes the offered drink. It was a rare opportunity to partake of alcohol, and he didn't wish to risk offending the lady of the house. He listened to Hural's plan. It was a risk, but it was a well thought out plan as was the custom of the mentat.

Rook preferred much stronger drinks, but any refreshment was welcome to his parched lips. He hadn't realized how thirsty he had become until the cool tasty liquid cooled his mouth.

"I like Hural's plan. Risky yes but we are mitigating it somewhat."