DUNE (2)
Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2003 6:57 pm
(Caladan)
Milliardo kept his shimmering half shield at his front as he lunged forward at his Weapons Master.Duo wielded a short kidney stabber as he leapt onto the trophy room table.Around them were portraits of former Dukes reaching back from Duke Paulus to Milliardo's own father.The Salusan bull that had been used to murder the famous Paulus seemed to watch the duel with interest.
Duo lunged forward his reflexes slowing,adjusting the blades' speed to allow it's tip to penetrate Milliardo's protective wall.Instead of retreating however Milliardo surprised him by leaping forward thereby increasing the stabbers' speed relative to his shield causing it to skitter off wildly.His attention diverted for the barest of seconds,Duo was startled when he felt Milliardo grab him by his collar and lift him over his shoulder to crash painfully on the polished Blue obsidian floor.
Groaning Duo rose to his feet,"Alright.How about best two outta three?"
"I'm afraid that'll have to wait,Duo."
Both men glanced at the doorway where Lucrezia Noin Atreides and the House Mentat Peygan stood.Her face had a worried look to it as she moved with grace to the two men.
"What's wrong Noin?"Milliardo asked towelling off the light sheen of sweat.
"Stilgar and Hilde have just returned,my Duke."Peygan reported.
"But he's not due back until next week,"Duo's face reflected his unease.
Milliardo Atreides tensed his jaw,"Peygan see to it that Stilgar is refreshed.Noin..Duo summon the others.I'll meet you in my office after I change into something more suitable..."
****
By the time he entered his inner sanctum,all whom were necessary were already deep in discussion,but fell silent as he crossed the room to the battered teako desk that had served all the prior Dukes.There were no glowglobes within this room...instead a standard fireplace reminscent of Old Terra blazed.He glanced around at his companions.Peygan,the Mentat,who'd been like a second father to him and his sister.Duo,a young Sardaukar trooper that had managed to retain his youthful innocence and had been left for dead after refusing an order to wipe out a Fremen village on Arrakis.
Noin,his beautiful wife and advisor,the sole survivor of House Ecaz after Grumman insurgents had detonated specifically placed stoneburner atomic warheads on the Ecazi homeworld.Furious at the history of Grumman Atrocities several other Houses had put aside their bitterness towards the Atreides and delivered a swift justice to the grumman Noble House.That incident had done much to heal the rift between the Atreides and the other Houses...but the cost was horrific.
Hilde Schbeiker,a Newfrem,or a fremen born in the Caladan sietch which was created after the Atreides had returned to Caladan.Trowa his familys'Swordmaster was currently on Arrakis.His younger sister,Relena was on Ix and would return on the same Heighleiner as Trowa.And finally there was Stilgar.Over two hundred years old,he was currently the oldest living being in the galaxy.He had been the closest friend to the famous Paul 'Maud'Dib' Atreides
Settling himself down at the desk he rested his head on his hands,"I take it that negotiations didn't go well."
Stilgar moved awkwardly seeming to favour his left arm under the heavy desert cloak all Fremen and Newrem alike seemed to favour."They are willing,my Duke,To listen to what we have to say.However they will only listen to listen to the words of the 'Naib' of House Atreides himself."
"What??"Duo exploded.
"My Duke,I must advise against such action,"Peygan growled out."Such an action would leave you vulnerable to attack by the other Houses.Especially the Harkonnens."
"Of that we need not fear,"Hilde said.Sensing their attention,she continued."The quality of the Harkonnen troops have been increasing and the smaller sietchs have required the aid of Atreides patrols at different intervals."
"The Harkonnens are currently divided over the succession of the Barony,"Peygan projected."The main troop strength on Arrakis support Gunseng,the younger son.The troops there were reportedly trained by the Harkonnen Swordmaster and a former Sardaukar commander."
"While on Arrakis we took part in a raid at one of the Harkonnen depots,"Stilgar gave one of his rare smiles."It was a good fight.It's been some time since I was last blooded.It is good to know that it is because they're getting better...rather than I'm getting slower."
"It also showed that we are still devoted to the fremen cause,"Hilde added.
Noin shifted from her position near the fireplace,"This demand to meet the 'head' of the Atreides I can understand.But to do so while the Harkonnen have resources that are unknown to us worries me.Do we have any information on this Swordmaster or Sardaukar.Peygan?"
"Only names my Lady.Swordmaster Heero Yuy.And Sardaukar commander Treize Khushrenada."
"TREIZE!!!!"Milliardo exploded rising from his seat.Startled the old Mentat only nodded in response.He sank down muttering."I know him.He was my friend once.It was he who taught me how to fight on Kaitain....where I met you Noin."
Noin's eyes widened as Hilde turned to Duo,"You were a Sardaukar.Do you know anything about this Khushrenada?"
"I was only a Levenbrech.....a lieutenant.The only time one is brought before a Bashar....exscuse me...commander is either one is being either promoted or demoted,or during battle."
"What about the other one...the Swrdmaster?"Noin asked curiousely.
"Nothing is known about him,I'm afraid.Even our best spies,Fremen or Elite have never been able to gather any intelligence on him."
"I see,"Milliardo paused for a momemt turning to stare out at the many fishing vessels that dotted the bay.Just as the silence was becoming unbearable,he inhaled a deep breathe then turned to face them again."We'll hold off on the visit for now.At least until Trowa returns next week.If anyone should have information on a Swordmaster,it would be another Swordmaster.We'll have another council at that time."
****
She found him in the village at the edge of the pier that the night fishermen had departed a bare hour previously.He was strumming the baliset that had been once owned by Gurney Halleck.His fingers were strumming a simple tune strumming the four remaing strings.He gave her a tired smile,"How're the others doing."
"Stilgar's busy playing Cheops with Peygan.He says he'll make his way back to the Agamemnon sietch come morning.And Duo and Hide've disappeared somewhere."She observed him quietly.She'd been his friend longer than she'd been his wife and she knew him just as well if not better than Peygan.
"What?"
"Your going to go aren't you."
".........Regardless of what Trowa has to say the fact remains that I have a chance to heal the rift between the bulk of the fremen race and the Atreides that was caused by the Jihad two hundred years ago,"he explained."And maybe end this feud with the Harkonnens once and for all.For that any Atreides would risk all."
"Zechs...."she whispered,using the pet name she'd given him so many years ago when they were just children playing together in the Fogwood Forest Preserve on Ecaz.
"Everything will turn out for the best Lu.I've got to believe that,"he said as he held her watching the water roughen at the onset of a storm.
****
(one week later)
"Master Trowa.It's good to see again."Peygan greeted the Atreides Swordmaster.He seemed a little distracted,Peygan decided."Is Miss Relena well."
"Ah yes,"Trowa muttered."Where's the Duke?"
"He's in his room.Shall I escort......"
"No that won't be necessary Peygan,"Trowa gave a tight smile."Besides Relena was asking for you.I'll just go up."
****
Trowa pushed open the door to find Milliardo at his desk going over several reports.
"Trowa.Welcome back.If you give me an hour I'll have the others brought....."
"No my Duke I think it'd be better if you first heard this alone,"Trowa looked troubled."I met an old friend on the Heighleiner..............."
TBC
****
Well that's House Atreides.Next is an account of what happened on the Heighleiner.
DUNE facts
SHIELDS:a defensive device used by most Noble Houses.It can only be penetrated by objects moving.Depending on the setting this could be six to nine centimeters per second.
SARDAUKAR:the elite soldiers of House Corrino.They are prisoners taken from the prison planet Saluasa Secundus.They come from a background so harsh that it killed six out of thirteen persons before the age of eleven.Their strength and cunning are said to rival that of Swordmasters and Bene Gesserit adepts.
CHEOPS:apyramid chess game played on a board consisting of nine levels.There are two objectives.The objective is to position your Queen at the apex while placing your opponents king in check.
STONEBURNER:an atomic weapon that can be calibrated to destroy an entire planet or just a specific area.
Milliardo kept his shimmering half shield at his front as he lunged forward at his Weapons Master.Duo wielded a short kidney stabber as he leapt onto the trophy room table.Around them were portraits of former Dukes reaching back from Duke Paulus to Milliardo's own father.The Salusan bull that had been used to murder the famous Paulus seemed to watch the duel with interest.
Duo lunged forward his reflexes slowing,adjusting the blades' speed to allow it's tip to penetrate Milliardo's protective wall.Instead of retreating however Milliardo surprised him by leaping forward thereby increasing the stabbers' speed relative to his shield causing it to skitter off wildly.His attention diverted for the barest of seconds,Duo was startled when he felt Milliardo grab him by his collar and lift him over his shoulder to crash painfully on the polished Blue obsidian floor.
Groaning Duo rose to his feet,"Alright.How about best two outta three?"
"I'm afraid that'll have to wait,Duo."
Both men glanced at the doorway where Lucrezia Noin Atreides and the House Mentat Peygan stood.Her face had a worried look to it as she moved with grace to the two men.
"What's wrong Noin?"Milliardo asked towelling off the light sheen of sweat.
"Stilgar and Hilde have just returned,my Duke."Peygan reported.
"But he's not due back until next week,"Duo's face reflected his unease.
Milliardo Atreides tensed his jaw,"Peygan see to it that Stilgar is refreshed.Noin..Duo summon the others.I'll meet you in my office after I change into something more suitable..."
****
By the time he entered his inner sanctum,all whom were necessary were already deep in discussion,but fell silent as he crossed the room to the battered teako desk that had served all the prior Dukes.There were no glowglobes within this room...instead a standard fireplace reminscent of Old Terra blazed.He glanced around at his companions.Peygan,the Mentat,who'd been like a second father to him and his sister.Duo,a young Sardaukar trooper that had managed to retain his youthful innocence and had been left for dead after refusing an order to wipe out a Fremen village on Arrakis.
Noin,his beautiful wife and advisor,the sole survivor of House Ecaz after Grumman insurgents had detonated specifically placed stoneburner atomic warheads on the Ecazi homeworld.Furious at the history of Grumman Atrocities several other Houses had put aside their bitterness towards the Atreides and delivered a swift justice to the grumman Noble House.That incident had done much to heal the rift between the Atreides and the other Houses...but the cost was horrific.
Hilde Schbeiker,a Newfrem,or a fremen born in the Caladan sietch which was created after the Atreides had returned to Caladan.Trowa his familys'Swordmaster was currently on Arrakis.His younger sister,Relena was on Ix and would return on the same Heighleiner as Trowa.And finally there was Stilgar.Over two hundred years old,he was currently the oldest living being in the galaxy.He had been the closest friend to the famous Paul 'Maud'Dib' Atreides
Settling himself down at the desk he rested his head on his hands,"I take it that negotiations didn't go well."
Stilgar moved awkwardly seeming to favour his left arm under the heavy desert cloak all Fremen and Newrem alike seemed to favour."They are willing,my Duke,To listen to what we have to say.However they will only listen to listen to the words of the 'Naib' of House Atreides himself."
"What??"Duo exploded.
"My Duke,I must advise against such action,"Peygan growled out."Such an action would leave you vulnerable to attack by the other Houses.Especially the Harkonnens."
"Of that we need not fear,"Hilde said.Sensing their attention,she continued."The quality of the Harkonnen troops have been increasing and the smaller sietchs have required the aid of Atreides patrols at different intervals."
"The Harkonnens are currently divided over the succession of the Barony,"Peygan projected."The main troop strength on Arrakis support Gunseng,the younger son.The troops there were reportedly trained by the Harkonnen Swordmaster and a former Sardaukar commander."
"While on Arrakis we took part in a raid at one of the Harkonnen depots,"Stilgar gave one of his rare smiles."It was a good fight.It's been some time since I was last blooded.It is good to know that it is because they're getting better...rather than I'm getting slower."
"It also showed that we are still devoted to the fremen cause,"Hilde added.
Noin shifted from her position near the fireplace,"This demand to meet the 'head' of the Atreides I can understand.But to do so while the Harkonnen have resources that are unknown to us worries me.Do we have any information on this Swordmaster or Sardaukar.Peygan?"
"Only names my Lady.Swordmaster Heero Yuy.And Sardaukar commander Treize Khushrenada."
"TREIZE!!!!"Milliardo exploded rising from his seat.Startled the old Mentat only nodded in response.He sank down muttering."I know him.He was my friend once.It was he who taught me how to fight on Kaitain....where I met you Noin."
Noin's eyes widened as Hilde turned to Duo,"You were a Sardaukar.Do you know anything about this Khushrenada?"
"I was only a Levenbrech.....a lieutenant.The only time one is brought before a Bashar....exscuse me...commander is either one is being either promoted or demoted,or during battle."
"What about the other one...the Swrdmaster?"Noin asked curiousely.
"Nothing is known about him,I'm afraid.Even our best spies,Fremen or Elite have never been able to gather any intelligence on him."
"I see,"Milliardo paused for a momemt turning to stare out at the many fishing vessels that dotted the bay.Just as the silence was becoming unbearable,he inhaled a deep breathe then turned to face them again."We'll hold off on the visit for now.At least until Trowa returns next week.If anyone should have information on a Swordmaster,it would be another Swordmaster.We'll have another council at that time."
****
She found him in the village at the edge of the pier that the night fishermen had departed a bare hour previously.He was strumming the baliset that had been once owned by Gurney Halleck.His fingers were strumming a simple tune strumming the four remaing strings.He gave her a tired smile,"How're the others doing."
"Stilgar's busy playing Cheops with Peygan.He says he'll make his way back to the Agamemnon sietch come morning.And Duo and Hide've disappeared somewhere."She observed him quietly.She'd been his friend longer than she'd been his wife and she knew him just as well if not better than Peygan.
"What?"
"Your going to go aren't you."
".........Regardless of what Trowa has to say the fact remains that I have a chance to heal the rift between the bulk of the fremen race and the Atreides that was caused by the Jihad two hundred years ago,"he explained."And maybe end this feud with the Harkonnens once and for all.For that any Atreides would risk all."
"Zechs...."she whispered,using the pet name she'd given him so many years ago when they were just children playing together in the Fogwood Forest Preserve on Ecaz.
"Everything will turn out for the best Lu.I've got to believe that,"he said as he held her watching the water roughen at the onset of a storm.
****
(one week later)
"Master Trowa.It's good to see again."Peygan greeted the Atreides Swordmaster.He seemed a little distracted,Peygan decided."Is Miss Relena well."
"Ah yes,"Trowa muttered."Where's the Duke?"
"He's in his room.Shall I escort......"
"No that won't be necessary Peygan,"Trowa gave a tight smile."Besides Relena was asking for you.I'll just go up."
****
Trowa pushed open the door to find Milliardo at his desk going over several reports.
"Trowa.Welcome back.If you give me an hour I'll have the others brought....."
"No my Duke I think it'd be better if you first heard this alone,"Trowa looked troubled."I met an old friend on the Heighleiner..............."
TBC
****
Well that's House Atreides.Next is an account of what happened on the Heighleiner.
DUNE facts
SHIELDS:a defensive device used by most Noble Houses.It can only be penetrated by objects moving.Depending on the setting this could be six to nine centimeters per second.
SARDAUKAR:the elite soldiers of House Corrino.They are prisoners taken from the prison planet Saluasa Secundus.They come from a background so harsh that it killed six out of thirteen persons before the age of eleven.Their strength and cunning are said to rival that of Swordmasters and Bene Gesserit adepts.
CHEOPS:apyramid chess game played on a board consisting of nine levels.There are two objectives.The objective is to position your Queen at the apex while placing your opponents king in check.
STONEBURNER:an atomic weapon that can be calibrated to destroy an entire planet or just a specific area.
But, great start, love the character set-up and the story line definitely has me interested. please update soon!
