Hypatea Hype [Morning 1]

[Kannon]

She would notice that another craft was preparing for landing in the adjacent dock. This one was displaying the insignia of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood.

[Hadrian Martikova]

"Good morning."

Xanthe chose a neutral, inscrutable tone and expression, neither hostile nor forthcoming.

"Welcome to Harmonthep. Business or leisure?"

"A bit of both if I can help it." Hadrian persisted cheerfully, "But business takes precedence of course. I've a cargo hold of wine marked for customs." He offers the manifest and legal documents.

Once his hands are lighter he'll stretch and look around as well. Upon seeing the Gesserit craft (assuming he does) his eyes would narrow for a moment.

[Cuyler Gray]

"I have some personal kitchen equipment." Cuyler spoke up. "For cultural culinary research."

[Kannon]

"Do you already have a client or are you going to wander about looking for one?" She started reviewing the manifest with analytical scrutiny for any possible discrepancies. It looked like she had noticed the other arrival because of a momentary tilt of her head that was reverted the moment after.

The other remark raised the gaze.

"Personal kitchen equipment is an item that doesn't often come up in declarations." The tone was slightly more sympathetic. "But I'd be grateful for unpacking the 'cultural culinary research' part. I am not sure I understand what it entails."

[Cuyler Gray]

"I am Cuyler Gray, chef and sommelier of House Mutelli." She introduced herself. "I have been traveling in hopes of expanding my knowledge and repertoire. Different planets and environments produce unique flavors and techniques. I have a particular interest in Zensunni influences."

[Kannon]

"And I am Xanthe Ptolemaios, Ms Gray. I thought a bit of a hands-on approach might be good with such a diverse group. I understand you are travelling in a private capacity rather than as an official envoy of Duke Flambert? I may endorse your pusuit nonetheless, under some conditions."

She smiled faintly turning slightly toward the man next to her.

"Ar you a foodie, Emcas?"

[Emcas]

Emcas had been content to remain vigilant against any foul play from the groups spokepersons or their mercenary currently observing him. Alas.

''I am a man of simple taste, Lady Xanthe''

[Cuyler Gray]

"What is simple to some palates is exotic to others." She responded. "I will be pleased to comply with any conditions you have, if I am able."

[Hadrian Martikova]

Hadrian chuckled at the exchange, "One bite of miss Grey's cooking will make a foodie of you yet."

He would sneak a quick, knowing wink at Xanthe.

"And as I feel rather remiss for not leading with proper introductions," he bows apologetically to Cuyler, "my name is Hadrian Martikova, vintner and merchant. This beautiful lady behind me is under my employ as my bodyguard, Laila Bridger. Then there's the good doctor Xard Vim, imperial planetologist, scholar & gentleman."

[Kannon]

On a cue, dr Vim, who wasn't a great diplomat, showed himself.

"I have just finished my research on Caladan. I'd like to visit the lion reserves, my lady. This has to be monitored because of issues with iron intake."

Xanthe took a pause to organise in her mind the multitude of voices she had just been flooded with. On top of that, she had one more lingering concern that would emerge from dock B at any point, though that barely showed. Also in a very measured reaction to the wink, a slight tilt of her head indicative that presumption of familiarity wouldn't be the social grease on which Hadrian would slide through the situation. In fact, her facial discipline could remind Laila a bit of Wanna.

"With a crew of such diverse backgrounds, the transit can't have been boring. However, what matters now is whether you have planned your stay as a group or I should be thinking about specific arrangements for each. There are important security concerns, especially if you consider your drive for culinary authenticity in adventurous terms, Ms Gray. That notwithstanding, Hypatea has much to offer even before you think about going out to the Zensunni settlements in the Thonios Delta or to the steppe reserves. For instance, dr Vim, there is a sanctioned lion racing event this afternoon at Nikeion, to which your travelling companions are also invited. You will have an opportunity to observe physical performance of royal lions in action."

She allowed herself a second nod of greeting and an official smile.

"I believe I haven't heard the answer to my question, Mr Martikova."

[Hadrian Martikova]

He hadn't expected the wink to land. He was more or less just probing her defenses, as it were.

"Well that sounds fun." He would give a nod to Xard and Cuyler at the mention of the lion race.

In regards to the unanswered question.

"You're quite right, again, my deepest apologies! I fully intend to seek the best possible price for my wares. That said, if you have someone in mind, I'm certainly open to suggestions lady Ptolemaios."

Hadrian continued cheerfully,

"My friends, Miss Grey & Dr. Vim that is, have their own business I believe. But I wouldn't object to further meetups if time permits."

__________
'Barely showed', means there's a chance Hadrian has caught on to Xanthe's discomfort?

[Emcas]

''So...no. You have no buyer''

He crossed his arms

''How long have you all known each other?'' asked the stern bodyguard, cutting through the pleasantries as time was not on their side. Lady Xanthe could not let that on but he, the dumb muscle, could be found to be impatient without much cost to himself.

[Cuyler Gray]

"My travels recently brought me to Caladan, where I had an opportunity to meet Dr. Vim and discuss some aspects of planetology, the uniqueness of each world and the evolution of its flora and fauna. I was also able to enjoy a local festival, which included some of Mr. Martikova's stock." Cuyler explained.

[Kannon]

'Barely showed', means there's a chance Hadrian has caught on to Xanthe's discomfort?

[Hard Perception with 2 Challenge and a Setback. Rude staring may trigger her. Also, if you want your evasive reply to land - Deception, same difficulty as above.]

It didn't look like whatever Hadrian was doing was working too well... Xanthe quietly accepted Emcas' intermission and held back until it would resolve.

"I will have to ask you both, Ms Gray, dr Vim, to coordinate your agendas on the planet. There is only so much escort and transport I can spare at any given time during the sporting season."

Xard looked at Cuyler, a bit at Laila too, and then nodded in assent, to both the races and the offer.

[Cuyler Gray]

"That should not be an issue. I appreciate your efficiency." Cuyler nodded.

[Kannon]

"Good. Ms Gray, dr Vim, as your plans are non-commercial and separate from Mr Martikova's, you are free to go now. You can enjoy Xenion, or you can transfer to Nikeion via underground right away. Just be mindful it will become loud and crowded with racing fans in the hour preceding the event. We'll talk about getting you an ornithopter after the race. Your transit clearances and seats will be in the system once your identities have been confirmed in our Guild-licensed database."

After that, Xanthe's attention would fully move onto Hadrian.

[Laila Bridger]

''How long have you all known each other?''

"About a week. 'Least for me."

Laila was now dealing with a possible Bene Gesserit, a definite Bene Gesserit landing nearby, and a situation where, mercifully, her role as hired bodyguard left her plenty of time to not speak.

"Nature of the beast."

She offered up her knife and shield for inspection.

[Cuyler Gray]

She looked to Xard, ready to depart if he was.

[Kannon]

He was indeed ready to follow Cuyler's lead.

[Cuyler can create another morning thread.]

[Kannon]

In the meantime, the Bene Gesserit delegation was alighting at dock B.



Cordana hid the wincing well, also because she decided to go first. Standing in the empty hangar, a bit hunched as usual, she chuckled with a sliver of amusement.

"It looks like Xanthe has decided to spurn us and her own mother a little, Sister Shinah. In the end not unexpected, I suppose. This gives you a more accurate perception how welcome your advisory capacity is going to be. She might exude defiance familiar to you, but you are not on Buzzell anymore. Dismiss or circumscribe her agency and your mission and our position may be imperilled. We don't want to turn her into another Giandro Tull. For now, let's be benevolent and play along."

To say this, the Reverend Mother used one of the old languages no-one on this planet had any chance of knowing.