Legitimated Problems (D4, Night)

[Efren Lanville]

"And with ships that are virtually undetectable to hide their movements..." He shook his head in frustration.

"It seems the Imperium would be a better place without them to be honest."

[Kannon]

"And yet, despite everything, they persist, ever finding the right lever to acquire opportunistic accomplices."

Paul shared some of that frustration.

"That ship is another matter. I wouldn't assume they already have a fleet of them. It was rather small from your description, perhaps a proof of concept. It looks like a solution to the recent problem they are having. Hawat's contacts have reported that the Guild has been restricting traffic in and out of Thalim, and has imposed punitive tariffs and surcharges on the Tleilaxu. This is most unusual, the Spacing Guild only rarely takes up such drastic measures. We don't know what the Tleilaxu could have possibly tried to do to anger the most impartial institution in the Imperium. But we're making an effort to learn. And we'll start by tipping the Guild about the technology."

He paused.

"A similar thing once existed and was used against us before, but we were assured it was consequently destroyed for good. So either we were lied to, unlikely in that case, or the Tleilaxu figured it out on their own, perhaps with Ixian assistance."

[Efren Lanville]

"It looks like there are plenty of people across the galaxy who disagree with our 'setting the standards high' philosophy." He replied.

"At least in terms of integrity..."

Efren thought on how much weight the boy must be carrying with all these pressures and information constantly pouring down on him. He felt an affinity for the young man growing as they conversed.

"You do seem to have a lot on your plate. How do you cope with all the things that swirl around in the highest level of politics?"

[Kannon]

The question surprised Paul, he had to reflect on it.

"I guess I got groomed for this, that's all. It doesn't make it easy, or enjoyable. Or anywhere close to how I'd like things to be. I am sure there are people who revel in intrigue. We're not those people, even Hawat. It doesn't mean we can afford not taking underhanded actions, else we would only defend, and only until our enemy finds this one weakness in our ranks that will doom us."

[Efren Lanville]

Efren nodded, “Well I’m glad we have you then.”

He turned his head halfway to look at the young lord, “If it ever gets too much… and you need a let off some stress. Or someone to listen when all the old folks are gone or busy…”

He pointed softly towards his chest, “You let me know and I’ll do what I can to help.”

[Kannon]

Paul looked at Efren sympathetically, taking comfort from his commitment. Like he had said, there would be time he'd need his own lieutenants.

"You know, Lanville, there's a thing. When there is time, you and I can break some sweat in the training room, knife and shield. All the mindgames are for naught if the enemy's slow tip can go through."

[Efren Lanville]

Efren smiled and nodded, “I may not be as much of a challenge as Swordmaster Idaho, but I’ll do my best to keep it interesting.”

[Kannon]

"I can't rely on Duncan in everything."

Nor on the father, nor the mother, nor Gurney, nor Hawat. There can be times I am alone to make calls. Like in the jungle.

"Besides, it's good to learn first hand how good our fighting men have become."

[Efren Lanville]

“I’ll schedule our first match for when I get back.” He smiled.

“Can’t break an appointment with the Duke’s son now can I?”

[Kannon]

"It would be inadvisable to skip that one, so don't dally on Lankiveil." Paul smirked. "Some of my ancestors had mean streaks, who knows what pettiness can still come out of me."

[Efren Lanville]

“Just don’t mount my head on the wall like the bull.”

He chuckled, “For now… we both should get some sleep.”

[Kannon]

"If we go by precedence, the 'privilege' of becoming decor is awarded only to Duke-slayers."

Mischievous banter got Paul's mind a bit off the current issues, especially those in his head nobody knew much about. It however made him wonder, jokes aside, if any of his ancestors could be this cruel.

"Yes, get some rest. I still need to retrieve Duncan from wherever he has wandered off too. It is becoming a habit of his, I swear. With Hawat going with you, he must take the military command."

[Efren Lanville]

Efren stood to his full height and stretched out his neck and arms.

“Tell him he can go wander all he wants when we get Master Halleck and Master Thufir back in one piece. Until then…”

Efren offered a salute to Paul with his arm across his chest.

“Good night, sir.”

[Kannon]

"I will. Good night, Lanville, and good hunting." Paul returned the salute.

[End of Thread]