[Day 7 - FMR] A Deal Consummated

[Dorian Drake]

Not exactly eager, but definitely looking forward to her pleasing company, Dorian made his way to Oasis to rendezvous with Rima. He was bringing with him positive word from House Mutelli and hoping to leave with the information she had teased at their last encounter.

[Rima Birawi]

Rima would be meandering, exchanging small talk with various guests in the lounge to keep the in the right mood. He smiled seeing Dorian.

[Dorian Drake]

He returned her smile and moved up to the bar to order a drink, waiting for her to come in her own time. Meanwhile he scanned around the room, trying to gauge the mood of the city from those seeking refuge in Oasis.

[Rima Birawi]

The room was filled with those who were either ignorant because they had just come to the planet and didn't take the welcoming plaque on the Arrakeen spaceport: ‘Oh you who know what we suffer here, do not forget us in your prayers.’ too seriously, or those who had the wherewithal to not care. People who could afford dehydration from alcohol during a city-wide water shortage were certainly ones with a distance from the plight of the common man, so local stakeholders or offworld specialists.

Rima would eventually venture into his proximity. "Do you know how the street calls you now, Dorian Drake?" She began, her voice melodic.

[Dorian Drake]

Dorian stood as Rima approached, "The name 'al-Massas' has reached my ears. Perhaps the streets should know we saved them from atomics, that those simple-minded Harkonnens were firing lasguns around indiscriminately while an active shield was beneath their feet. They even aimed those lasguns at me while I had my personal shield up. It's a wonder Giedi Prime hasn't been purged of all life by or for their incompetence." There was a clear note of distaste in his words.

Turning his focus away from the subject, he shows concern for Rima, "I hope you and your employees haven't suffered too much from the water shortage."

[Rima Birawi]

"Nuance is lost on mobs, Dorian. It's something every good propagandist understands. An outrageous story sticks better if it's simple enough to absorb than the truest one. Truth, let's face it, is never simple." She put a hand on his arm, though her expression was slightly chiding. "Don't be incensed by this. This is all meant to make you lose your centre, and be boggled down by trivialities, isn't it?"

On the latter issue, she shrugged, taking her hand away. "This is not the first time there is a water shortage. Only fools don't plan for contingencies. Things are difficult, but not insurmountably so. Besides, the appearance of lack of crisis to some is precisely what prevents its escalation."

[Dorian Drake]

"You are right of course. Although they may learn soon enough that it is dangerous to slander a retainer of House Mutelli, much less a Swordmaster of Ginaz. Rather than making me lose my focus, they have only managed to hone my edge.

Shall we have a more private conversation? I have brought good news with me."

[Rima Birawi]

"For good news, I am willing to show some favouritism before all those prying eyes. To my demise, no doubt." She chuckled ironically then slipped her arm under his before they would walk.

Once alone in a similar alcove like before, she sat opposite to him, looking expectantly.

[Dorian Drake]

Dorian takes her arm to lead her away from the bar. Once they are seated, he begins, "As you have suggested, I contacted my superiors regarding our previous discussion. They have agreed with my assessment and with the terms we have arrived at. Now House Mutelli is very interested in any information about what's been happening here on Arrakis that might in turn interest the Emperor."

[Rima Birawi]

"That is indeed good news. You'd have to be more precise though; I don't presume to know what can interest the Emperor. He's not one of my clients."

[Dorian Drake]

"Well, in our last meeting, you mentioned the type and number of offworlders who the Harkonnens have allowed on Arrakis recently, that is a good place to start back at."

[Rima Birawi]

"So let me tell you this without tainting it with my interpretation: the houses of origin for most of skilled professionals that have passed through my establishments recently are Uchan, Verdun, and Hagal. Mercenaries, industrial workforce, and geologists, respectively. Ixian businessmen can get an honourable mention. Thing is, except for some of those geologists, they haven't left Arrakis. And, as far as I can tell, they can be located neither in Carthag nor in Arrakeen."

[Dorian Drake]

Dorian pondered over her words for just a moment. "So, these men arrived on Arrakis, but then vanished into the desert? How long has this been going on for and how many are we talking about here?"

[Rima Birawi]

"Those vanished? Several dozens after I started counting, having realised something is going on. It all started several months back, a few weeks after the surtax had been imposed. It stopped right before your arrival." Rima grimaced slightly, allowing him to draw his own conclusions. "In addition to a hefty influx of personnel from Giedi Prime, but these cannot be reliably traced. Harkonnen recycle a lot of goons through this planet."

[Dorian Drake]

"Not an insignificant number then. And what do you know about a man from House Nebiro, someone who would be working on equipment?"

[Rima Birawi]

"You mean Paymon? He was on the banquet during which we met."

[Dorian Drake]

"Weyer Paymon? Interesting, I didn't realize he was at the banquet, I was occupied by a far more interesting guest." he teases. "What can you tell me about the man? From what I've heard, it sounds like he does a lot of work for the Harkonnens."

[Rima Birawi]

"So they say. Frankly, he keeps away from social circles, doesn't attend my establishments. He doesn't do small talk unless he really has to, prefers to be mostly about business. When I asked him about his absence from social life once, he said that he's very busy at his Wind Pass centre, and as a family man he prefers to spend free time with his wife and son. People ask about him though when they come to Arrakis, often from tech worlds. All I've learned from such people is that he's a good buyer of tech products. For some reason, the Harkonnen seem to be running a part of their resupply through him." She paused. "If I remember correctly, Mr. Ayawa, who has arrived on your delegation, has done some business with him before."

[Dorian Drake]

"A loner and a family man, not your typical Harkonnen lackey. I am aware of Mr. Ayawa, although we have not crossed paths in any significant manner. I will rectify that. You have been quite helpful Lady Birawi and House Mutelli is grateful, but is there any way I should show my personal gratitude?"

[Rima Birawi]

"In there troubled times, I am more interested in security than indulgence, Dorian. What guarantees can you offer to me?"

[Dorian Drake]

"I still have responsibilities to attend, but after the audit is complete, I could stick around to ensure things go smoothly... unless having al-Massas around would be bad for business." He teased.

[Rima Birawi]

"I suspect it depends on how this audit ends. You aren't nearly as reviled as the ones you're investigating." She sighed, less keen on jokes at the moment. "Your questions have told me you're struggling with finding a decisive resolution. Have you tried finding allies among Harkonnen opponents?"

[Dorian Drake]

"I didn't know the Harkonnens suffered any opponents to live here on Arrakis, unless you mean the Fremen? We had the support of a local guide... but she is no longer guiding us. I haven't had much interaction with them myself. From the few encounters I have heard of, they are enigmatic, steeped in religious zealotry and tribalism.

But yes, I have seen enough that I would act on it, but that is not the way of the court. They live by the pen not by the blade."

[Rima Birawi]

"Some Fremen can be hired just like your guide, Dorian. Haven't you noticed that the Fenrings themselves are staffed with them? They were serving during the banquet. They are in many respects as you have described them, but they also possess unique expertise, or more like - desert wisdom." She steepled her fingers. "But I am surprised you haven't mentioned Tuek's smugglers. They have reasons to be laying low now, but also to seek some retribution - you must have heard of the Roula incident... Is this because you've chosen to demonstrate some loyalty in dealing with me?"

[Dorian Drake]

"Roula incident? I haven't heard about this. Tuek's name came up in our pre-mission reports and some information about him during our investigation, but nothing relevant to the audit. My understanding is he's aligned with the Bewts, so something of a competitor of yours? Is that why you think I haven't sought him out? I will admit that he could have a useful perspective on what is happening here, but we haven't had the luxury yet to seek him out.

I want to be open and honest with you so let me say plainly, I do appreciate what you've accomplished here and what you can go on to do with House Mutelli. That being said, my ultimate loyalty is to Mutelli. If you cancel your arrangement with House Mutelli, there would be no hard feelings, you have been forthright with your information and my Duke is not one to strongarm allies or enemies, it is too inelegant. However, if you were to betray House Mutelli in some way, become a threat to us or to the Emperor, then by my duty it may be my blade that is called to stop you. I would expect you would protect what you have here from me in a similar way if we were to betray you somehow. Neither of us is naive, we are not fools come to Arrakis to be used by Harkonnens and to wither away dreaming of living in luxury off the riches we harvest for another."