The Vienna Game

[Traudel Habermeyer]

As Christian's focus stayed on Traudel, she frowned a little and kept her own attention directed at the chosen point next to his face. Clearly in thought for a couple of moments after his words. "Should i have unknowingly caused Your Highness any trouble whatsoever i can only deeply apologize for my actions. I have to admit i am surprised they would not have talked to me at all if there was no particular reason. They appeared rather amicable. Or maybe that was just me. What it is about me that got them interested is unknown to me, all i strive for is to offer those i meet at least a modicum of respect under all circumstances. After all, i represent more than just myself while on duty. Except that i simply enjoy conversation - they seemed captivating." Pursing her lips, eyes following some of the exhaled smoke.

"The ones i predominantly talk to are Revenant and Lazurith, in that order. The latter i only met a good amount of time later, while Revenant used to be present from almost the very beginning if i recall correctly. There were others, but only once or twice. Not as recurring as the former two names. Revenant, according to her own words, used to be part of their Directorate but no longer is. She still has some influence there. For instance the offer to convince said Directorate to potentially provide advanced technology for our capital vessels."

Obviously sifting through her memories, as eyes began to move a bit more. Looking at different things in a slowish fashion while talking. "Their reason to be in Rheinland is, i believe, to not be hunted as in some of the other Houses from what i heard. A few times they just travelled through the Empire to other places i was not aware of. As noted in the reports, i received help at every turn and especially welcomed this during Nomad related encounters close to or within the Empire." Tapping her knee with her right hand a few times at this point. "We talked about everyday topics, like art, education and pastime, but also events that occured while together, i was educated about some more details in regards to Nomad behaviour and what to look out for. What readings can give something away in case of the situation with that infested Ex-Kruger vessel in Sigma-15 for example. To prevent me falling for their trickery." The nearby water on the table is eyed a bit, another frown follows but clears up - being replaced by faint smile.

"My opinion of them is a good one, Your Highness. They went out of their way to assist me when in a thight spot or faced with overwhelming odds time and time again and expected nothing in return. At least so far as i am concerned, they are pleasant to talk to and even started informing available Rheinwehr forces about smugglers or unwelcome vessels heading for our borders. This is something i value and can respect, as none of them are expected to do any of this. That other Houses and groups hunt them does worry me, as foreign intelligence going so far as to attack them within our territory makes me wonder why. I did hear about accusations of being Nomad worshippers, infected or soulless 'toasters' as some called them, but should that be the case they had several chances to strike or catch me without any witnesses and do whatever with or to me. Yet nothing like that ever happened. Since my first direct Nomad encounter i regularly visit Rheinwehr and indepent medical staff more often than regular schedule dictates and both confirm i am a picture of health, got no additional ... err... entities or objects within me and do not deviate from my previous mental profiles in any major way."