Alternate Realities, Portal Xanadu

From: rip1@tank.uchicago.edu (The Armchair Ninja)

Date: Mon, 16 Oct 1989 21:41:30 +0000

The Dinner Conversations:

To begin with, the Empress Alicia is speaking quietly with Prince Luagha
about little things concerning the castle gardens, the hiring of new staff,
and the full court that will occur later tonight.  Every so often her attention
wanders down to the Domestique portion of the table.
     Captain Plume does not enter any conversation.
     Yilaine speaks with Serroli, and includes Casha, regarding the best
place for a sightseeing flight, which is over the forest to the south,
along the river.
     Dorian and Shosharra chat quietly amongst themselves.
     Thielvar and Sasha make acquaintance, and discuss the Imperial Guard's
aerial teams, of which Sasha has just become a member, somewhat inadvertently.
     Viento looks up the table at the Empress and freezes, staring quietly
for a little upwards of five seconds.  Afterwards he is heard to mutter (for
those listening) "That's some Empress!"
     Hachiro and Princess Kajiko exchange pleasantries concerning flight
and the present status of things transpiring in the Golden Realm.
     Octavious maintains his own counsel.
     Ralph #1 (mouse) is having the time of his life in this setting,
enjoying the party.
     Melanie and Ecrylion Farlasa are mostly silent.
     Swifteagle is chatting with Ralph #2 concerning a thief of renown in
the lower city, who makes a habit of outwitting the Imperial Guard and
comitting bloodless crimes (so far the most violent he got was when he knocked
out a guard from behind).  When Swift comments back to Ralph, "Where I come
from he would be killed for making the nobles look foolish,"  the Empress
stands up, and a hush hits the table.

Empress Alicia:  "Does killing a criminal erase his crimes?  While I admit
that it will prevent him from committing more, condemning criminals to death
only causes more killing.  Suppose someone commits a crime for which the
penalty is death.  From that point onward, he may no longer live within the
law, no matter how much he might desire it.  Once that step is taken, there
is no return, and thus no reason to try to return to society.  I prefer that
punishment be bearable, so that wrongdoing may be corrected, not perpetuated."

Swifteagle:  "Aye, I suppose you are right.  Your ways must be best then."
(There is a momentary pause, as this did not sound particularily sincere to
the Empress, and she does not yet sit down.  Swifteagle continues.)
"I beg your pardon, your Majesty.  Please forgive my comments.  I was telling
Ralph about the customs of my homeland.  I see that your ways would help the
criminals, but also, if you will forgive my boldness, our ways also help.
If the criminals know they will be hunted down and killed that also puts a
deterrent on them."

Empress Alicia:  "It is said that in Palisaad, criminals are turned to stone
for the amusement of their rulers, and placed, in the agonizing positions
that such a process brings, in the town squares for the edification of the
general populace.  Would you have such a collection of statues in my
courtyard?"

Swifteagle:  "Well, not in your courtyard, but maybe somewhere where the people
could see it so they would know the punishment for their crimes..."

Empress Alicia:  "I will not succumb to the moral depravities of my enemies,
and I will not have my own people live in fear of me.  Those people who
commit crimes know the penalties for their actions, but above all, they know
that they will be dealt with justly and not slain out of the desire to create
a deterrent to others.  I advise you to fly two days to the west and see
Palisaad's 'justice' for yourself.  I would not advise your landing, if you
care to return to us."

Swifteagle:  "If M'lady advises, then I shall obey..  she knows what is best
for her subjects." (Bows his head at the table)

The Empress sits back down, and motions for dinner to resume.  Captain Plume
asks the Empress if he may be excused, and she gives him permission.  He
holds out his arm, Lady Fatima rises and takes it, and they both leave.
     Tarrin asks the Empress if he could be allowed to play a song at this
gathering.  The Empress replies, "I am not in the mood for the sort of song
that would have to be played at this occasion."

Those of you who have discussions to continue, or new things to say, please do
so.  After dinner, it is announced the High Court will convene in one hour's
time.

--
Desperado:  Step into the street by sundown,
            Step into your last goodbye!
            You're a target, just by living,
            And twenty dollars will make you die!"