Governor's Station
Harmann's placid smile doesn't waver. He nods and gestures to send one of his companions hurrying away.
'I understand perfectly, miss, but these men are loyal retainers of House Toskhain. They follow ancient oaths to the family, as do I,' the plump man says. 'But if you feel you require extra safety, I will tell the men to co-operate. We are somewhat undermanned due to the situation on Gehenne.'
He turns to the people accompanying him. A few of them look out-of-place, dressed in obviously feudal world fashion - though the clothes are made from finer materials - and gawking at Ferran and her entourage. A grey-haired man with a face like sculpted stone hesitates and steps forward. He bows and mutters an indistinct greeting.
'Miss Toskhain - this is Mr. Samnel, Duke of Cuoranne. He expressed interest to meet you before the coronation and discuss the rebellion with you,' Harmann says. 'There are others you should meet, but first - I promised you a dinner. Please follow me.'
With that, Harmann begins walking towards the other end of the long hall. Ferran finds herself at his side. They are sent off by the ringing of ceremonial bells. Harmann apologises for this and explains it's custom. The noise drowns out any attempts at speaking. The officers and Harmann's people make good pace across while the marines continue to move out, their captain soon confirming the station guard are accepting his authority and co-operating. He promises to keep Ferran up to date and spreads his forces, keeping most of them by Ferran and the officers in case something happens.
The elevators at the end of the hall take the officers directly to the Governor's private quarters - Harmann says they would like to genelock access to her only in the future, if she has the time - and then through ornate doors into a luxurious dining hall. They take their seats, Ferran noticing a few rarer treats approvingly, and the dining can begin.
The food is good, though not quite as varied as what they would eat on Olandis whenever Ferran actually had to dine with the family. Some of the others in his crew seem very appreciative of them, as do Harmann's handful of companions. The feudal worlds prove almost barbaric in their eating manners.
On the other hand, the amasec is blissful. Ferran feels her entire body relax as she sips the exotic drinks the table has to offer, finally out of her practically dry ship. She makes a mental note to request some of this stuff to be delivered onboard.
A good hour later, the Duke leans over to whisper in Harmann's ear. This nods, and after a moment, turns to Ferran.
'Miss? I mentioned the... situation on Gehenne before. I'm afraid it is delaying your coronation somewhat. It happens that some of the planetary nobility - they're very old-fashioned, as you might expect - assumed your cousin would take the 'throne' of the Station, if you will. They... well, to put it bluntly, they refuse to see you as their rightful ruler. Negotiations are going slow, I'm afraid. A Lord Meuchin leads these... malcontents and refuses to speak with our envoys.'
He pauses, taking a sip of his wine. Ferran notices the Duke behind him is averting his gaze - he seems slightly nervous. Harmann continues. 'They pose no threat to you, of course. But they are tying up a considerable amount of our projected tithe - manpower and raw resources, mainly. That said, it may not be the foremost of our problems. As I mentioned, I've been in contact with other worlds in the subsector, and their situations are somewhat worrying as well, given the impending threat.'