#Companies House

[georgeshutcheson]

Companies House

New Post has been published on https://www.fastaccountant.co.uk/companies-house/

Companies House

So, you’re thinking of starting your own business in the UK but not sure where to begin? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of registering your business with UK Companies House. From understanding the importance of registration to the step-by-step process, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information to get your business up and running legally in no time. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, this article is here to help you navigate through the registration process with ease. So, let’s get started on your exciting journey towards establishing your very own business in the UK!

Overview of UK Companies House

What is UK Companies House?

UK Companies House is the government agency responsible for the incorporation, registration, and regulation of Limited companies in the United Kingdom. It maintains a database of all registered companies and provides a range of services to businesses and the public. The primary role of UK Companies House is to ensure transparency and accuracy in business information, enabling companies to operate legally and effectively.

Benefits of registering a business with UK Companies House

Registering your business with UK Companies House comes with a range of benefits. Firstly, it provides legal protection by establishing the company as a separate legal entity, which shields the owners and directors from personal liability for business debts. This protection offers peace of mind and reassurance to business owners. Secondly, registration with Companies House enhances the reputation and credibility of the business, as it signifies compliance with legal and financial regulations. This is particularly important when establishing relationships with suppliers, customers, and potential investors. Lastly, registering a business with Companies House enables access to various services and resources offered by the agency, such as easy access to business information, online filing services, and support for compliance with reporting obligations.

Types of Business Entities

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common form of business entity. It is owned and operated by a single individual, who is personally responsible for all aspects of the business. While there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business, registering a sole proprietorship with UK Companies House is not mandatory. However, if the business is operating under a name that is not the owner’s legal name, it is advisable to register a “trading as” (T/A) name to protect the business name and establish legal recognition.

Partnership

A partnership is a business structure in which two or more individuals share ownership and management responsibilities. Partnerships can be either “general partnerships” or “limited partnerships.” In a general partnership, all partners have unlimited liability for the business’s debts and obligations. In a limited partnership, there are one or more “general partners” who have unlimited liability, and “limited partners” who have limited liability and play a passive role in the business. Registering a partnership with UK Companies House is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to establish legal recognition and clarity on the rights, responsibilities, and liabilities of each partner.

Limited liability partnership (LLP)

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a hybrid business structure that combines elements of a partnership and a company. It offers limited liability protection to its partners while providing the flexibility of a partnership in terms of management and taxation. LLPs are commonly favored by professional service firms, such as law firms, accounting practices, and consultancy agencies. Registering an LLP with UK Companies House is a legal requirement and involves the submission of specific documents and information, including a statement of compliance, a registered office address, and details of the designated members.

Private limited company (Ltd)

A private limited company (Ltd) is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders) and directors. It is the most common form of legal structure for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. A private limited company has limited liability, meaning that the shareholders’ personal assets are not at risk if the company fails. Registering a private limited company with UK Companies House is mandatory and involves the submission of various documents, such as a Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, details of directors and shareholders, and a registered office address.

Public limited company (PLC)

A public limited company (PLC) is a company that has shares available for public trading on a stock exchange. It offers limited liability to its shareholders and operates under stricter regulations compared to private limited companies. Registering a PLC with UK Companies House involves additional requirements, such as a minimum share capital, appointments of a company secretary and qualified auditor, and specific regulations governing the company’s operations and reporting obligations.

Requirements for Registering a Business

Choosing a business name

When registering a business with UK Companies House, choosing a suitable name is crucial. The business name should be unique, not already registered with Companies House, and should not infringe upon any trademarks. It should also reflect the nature of the business and be easily recognizable and memorable. Before finalizing a name, it is advisable to conduct a thorough search using the Companies House online database to ensure its availability.

Registered office address

A registered office address is the official address of a company, used for all formal communications and legal purposes. It must be a physical address within the same jurisdiction where the company is registered (e.g., England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). The registered office address must be displayed on all company correspondence and must be accessible for public inspection. It can be the company’s actual place of business or a separate address provided by a registered office service.

Directors and company officers

Every business registered with UK Companies House must have at least one director who is responsible for overseeing the company’s activities and complying with legal obligations. A director must be at least 16 years old and not disqualified from acting as a director. In addition to directors, a company may also have other officers, such as a company secretary, who assists with administrative tasks and compliance with regulatory requirements. Directors and officers must provide their details, including names, addresses, and dates of birth, when registering the company.

Company shareholders

In a company limited by shares, the shareholders are the owners of the company. They own shares in the company’s capital and have certain rights and obligations associated with their ownership. When registering a company, the details of the shareholders must be provided, including their names, addresses, and the number of shares they hold. It is important to note that the shareholders’ personal details will be publicly available through the Companies House register.

Memorandum of Association

The Memorandum of Association is a legal document that sets out the company’s name, registered office address, nature of business, and details of its initial shareholders and share capital. It acts as the company’s constitution and defines the relationship between the company and its shareholders. A Memorandum of Association must be submitted to Companies House during the registration process.

Articles of Association

The Articles of Association are another legal document that governs the internal workings and management of the company. It outlines the rules and regulations for the company’s operations, including the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the directors and shareholders. While model Articles of Association are provided by Companies House, companies can also create bespoke articles tailored to their specific needs and requirements.

Steps to Register a Business

Online registration

The easiest and most convenient way to register a business with UK Companies House is through the online registration process. Companies House provides an online platform called WebFiling, which allows businesses to complete and submit the necessary forms electronically. This method ensures faster processing times and minimizes errors by providing real-time validation of information.

Completing the required forms

During the registration process, various forms must be completed and submitted to UK Companies House. These forms include Form IN01, which provides details about the company’s directors, shareholders, registered office address, and share capital structure. Other forms may be required depending on the type of business entity being registered, such as Form LLP2 for a limited liability partnership or Form SH01 for an allotment of shares.

Paying the registration fees

There are registration fees associated with registering a business with UK Companies House. The amount depends on the type of business entity being registered. The fees can be paid online using a credit or debit card, or by setting up a direct debit if multiple registrations are anticipated. It is important to note that the registration fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.

Submitting the application

Once the required forms have been completed and the registration fees paid, the application can be submitted to UK Companies House. If using the online registration process, the forms can be uploaded directly to the WebFiling system. Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by Companies House, and if everything is in order, the company will be registered and receive a Certificate of Incorporation.

Processing Time and Cost

Standard processing time

The standard processing time for registering a business with UK Companies House is typically around 48 hours. This is the time it takes for Companies House to review the application, process the necessary documents, and issue the Certificate of Incorporation. However, it is important to note that the processing time can vary depending on the workload at Companies House and any additional checks or clarifications that may be required.

Fast-track processing options

For those who require a quicker registration process, UK Companies House offers several fast-track processing options. This includes same-day registration, which guarantees that the application will be processed on the day of submission. Additionally, there is a 24-hour expedited service and a same-day postal service for those who prefer to send their application via mail.

Maintaining and Updating Business Information

Annual filings

After registering a business with UK Companies House, companies have ongoing obligations to provide certain annual or periodic filings. These filings include annual financial statements and confirmation statements. The due dates for these filings are typically one year from the company’s date of incorporation, and failure to submit them on time can result in penalties and potential legal consequences.

Changes to business details

It is essential to keep the information registered with Companies House up to date. This includes notifying Companies House of any changes to the company’s registered office address, directors, shareholders, and other company officers. Updates can be made through the WebFiling system or by submitting the necessary forms by mail. Failure to update the information within a reasonable timeframe can lead to administrative issues and potential penalties.

Reporting obligations

Registered companies have reporting obligations to various government agencies, including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Companies House. These obligations include filing annual financial statements with Companies House, submitting tax returns to HMRC, and complying with other regulatory requirements specific to the industry in which the business operates. Understanding and fulfilling these reporting obligations is essential to ensure compliance with legal and financial regulations.

Documents and Records

Certificate of Incorporation

The Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document issued by Companies House after a business has been successfully registered. It certifies that the company exists as a separate legal entity and provides its unique company registration number. The Certificate of Incorporation is an important document that may be required when opening a business bank account, entering into contracts, or dealing with other organizations.

Statutory registers

Companies registered with UK Companies House must maintain various statutory registers. These registers include the register of members (shareholders), register of directors, register of charges, and register of persons with significant control (PSC). These registers must be up to date and available for public inspection upon request. Failure to maintain these registers can result in penalties and potential legal consequences.

Annual financial statements

Every year, registered companies must prepare and file annual financial statements with Companies House. These statements include a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, and accompanying notes. The financial statements provide an overview of the company’s financial performance, position, and cash flows, allowing stakeholders to assess the company’s financial health and performance.

Shareholder and director resolutions

Shareholder and director resolutions are formal decisions made by the company’s shareholders or directors. They are required for certain significant actions, such as appointing directors, changing the company’s articles of association, amending share capital, or distributing dividends. Resolutions must be properly recorded and kept in the company’s records as they serve as evidence of the decision-making process.

Taxation and Legal Obligations

Corporation Tax

Registered companies in the UK have a legal obligation to pay Corporation Tax on their profits. Corporation Tax is based on the company’s taxable profits, which are calculated by deducting allowable expenses and reliefs from the company’s total income. It is important for companies to understand their tax obligations, keep accurate and up-to-date financial records, and submit their Corporation Tax returns to HMRC within the specified timeframe.

VAT registration

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax that is added to the price of most goods and services in the UK. Businesses with an annual turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) are required to register for VAT with HMRC. VAT-registered businesses must charge VAT on their sales, file regular VAT returns, and make payments to HMRC accordingly. Registering for VAT can provide benefit to companies that sell goods or services to other VAT-registered businesses, as they can reclaim VAT on their purchases and expenses.

Employment law and payroll

Registered companies in the UK have specific legal obligations when it comes to employment law and payroll. These obligations include registering as an employer with HMRC, operating a payroll system, deducting and paying taxes and National Insurance contributions from employees’ salaries, and providing employees with certain statutory employment rights and benefits. Failure to comply with employment law can result in penalties and potential legal consequences.

Financial reporting requirements

Registered companies must comply with financial reporting requirements, which include preparing and filing annual financial statements with Companies House. The financial statements must comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and provide a true and fair view of the company’s financial position and performance. Certain companies may also be required to have their financial statements audited by a qualified auditor.

Data protection and privacy

Registered companies must comply with data protection and privacy regulations, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This includes obtaining consent from individuals to collect and process their personal data, handling personal data securely, and providing individuals with certain rights to access and control their personal data. Compliance with data protection and privacy regulations is essential to protect the rights and privacy of individuals and to avoid potential legal consequences.

Additional Services Offered by UK Companies House

Company name availability checker

Before registering a business with UK Companies House, it is advisable to use the company name availability checker provided on the Companies House website. This free online tool allows businesses to search for existing registered company names and trademarks to ensure that the desired name is unique and available for use.

Companies House WebFiling service

The Companies House WebFiling service is an online platform that allows businesses to easily file and submit various documents and forms electronically. The service provides real-time validation of information, reducing errors and improving efficiency. It also offers additional features such as electronic signatures for certain documents and the ability to track the progress of submissions.

Company search services

Companies House provides various company search services that allow individuals and businesses to access information about registered companies. These services include searching for company details, such as registered address, directors, and shareholders, as well as obtaining copies of company documents, such as annual financial statements and resolutions. The information provided by these services can be valuable for due diligence, research, and decision-making processes.

Guidance and support

UK Companies House offers guidance and support to businesses throughout the registration process and beyond. This includes providing comprehensive guidance on the registration requirements, offering support in completing the necessary forms, and assisting with any queries or issues that may arise. Companies House also provides online resources, webinars, and workshops to help businesses understand and fulfil their legal and regulatory obligations.

Conclusion

Registering a business with UK Companies House is a crucial step for any business operating in the United Kingdom. It offers legal recognition and protection, enhances credibility and reputation, and provides access to various resources and services. By understanding the registration process, requirements, and obligations, businesses can ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting obligations and lay a solid foundation for their success. Whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, private limited company, or public limited company, UK Companies House is a valuable resource and partner in the journey of running a successful business.

[insidecroydon]

Farewell but no thanks: troubleshooters leave BxB's board

Step by tiny step, the winding up of failed developer Brick by Brick is coming to an end, reports BARRATT HOLMES, housing correspondent The deckchairs are being re-arranged on the deck of Brick by Brick, seemingly for one final time. The difference between the SS Titanic and Brick by Brick, though, is that this re-organisation of the furniture is happening after the vessel is already slipping…

[baby-girl-aaron-dessner]

“There is a childish juvenile level to us that comes to life in those moments. You saw Olivia Cooke bite her nails and become childlike as Alicent, you saw Rhaenyra become this brat at times…those are choices the actors made.” 

— Dir. Geeta Patel

[sugarflow]

guys its 11 wheres the exit

[inkskinned]

one of the things that's the most fucking frustrating for me about arguing with climate change deniers is the sheer fucking scope of how much it matters. sweating in my father's car, thinking about how it's the "hottest summer so far," every summer. and there's this deep, roiling rage that comes over me, every time.

the stakes are wrong, is the thing. that's part of what makes it not an actual debate: the other side isn't coming to the table with anything to fucking lose.

like okay. i am obviously pro gun control. but there is a basic human part of me that can understand and empathize with someone who says, "i'm worried that would lead to the law-abiding citizens being punished while criminals now essentially have a superpower." i don't agree, but i can tell the stakes for them are also very high.

but let's say the science is wrong and i'm wrong and the visible reality is wrong and every climate disaster refugee is wrong. let's say you're right, humans aren't causing it or it's not happening or whatever else. let's just say that, for fun.

so we spend hundreds of millions of dollars making the earth cleaner, and then it turns out we didn't need to do that. oops! we cleaned the earth. our children grow up with skies full of more butterflies and bees. lawns are taken over with rich local biodiversity. we don't cry over our electric bills anymore. and, if you're staunchly capitalist and i need to speak ROI with you - we've created so many jobs in developing sectors and we have exciting new investment opportunities.

i am reminded of kodak, and how they did not make "the switch" to digital photography; how within 20 years kodak was no longer a household brand. do we, as a nation, feel comfortable watching as the world makes "the switch" while we ride the laurels of oil? this boggles me. i have heard so much propaganda about how america cannot "fall behind" other countries, but in this crucial sector - the one that could actually influence our own monopolies - suddenly we turn the other cheek. but maybe you're right! maybe it will collapse like just another silicone valley dream. but isn't that the crux of capitalism? that some economies will peter out eventually?

but let's say you're right, and i'm wrong, and we stopped fracking for no good reason. that they re-seed quarries. that we tear down unused corporate-owned buildings or at least repurpose them for communities. that we make an effort, and that effort doesn't really help. what happens then? what are the stakes. what have we lost, and what have we gained?

sometimes we take our cars through a car wash and then later, it rains. "oh," we laugh to ourselves. we gripe about it over coffee with our coworkers. what a shame! but we are also aware: the car is cleaner. is that what you are worried about? that you'll make the effort but things will resolve naturally? that it will just be "a waste"?

and what i'm right. what if we're already seeing people lose their houses and their lives. what if it is happening everywhere, not just in coastal towns or equatorial countries you don't care about. what if i'm right and you're wrong but you're yelling and rich and powerful. so we ignore all of the bellwethers and all of the indicators and all of the sirens. what if we say - well, if it happens, it's fate.

nevermind. you wouldn't even wear a mask, anyway. i know what happens when you see disaster. you think the disaster will flinch if you just shout louder. that you can toss enough lives into the storm for the storm to recognize your sacrifice and balk. you argue because it feels good to stand up against "the liberals" even when the situation should not be political. you are busy crying for jesus with a bullhorn while i am trying to usher people into a shelter. you've already locked the doors, even on the church.

the stakes are skewed. you think this is some intellectual "debate" to win, some funny banter. you fuel up your huge unmuddied truck and say suck it to every citizen of that shitbird state california. serves them right for voting blue!

and the rest of us are terrified of the entire fucking environment collapsing.

[s0fter-sin]

people are acting like we’re saying creators shouldn’t be paid for their work; they absolutely should. and watcher already is. they have a patreon, they get sponsors, their videos regularly get millions of views which gives them ad revenue, they sell merch; they are getting paid. feeling indignant and disappointed that they’re asking us to pay for content we were already getting for free isn’t entitlement, it’s expected. ​they wanted to make bigger produced shows and now their budget can’t sustain it, that’s not on the viewer to make up for

[friendly-neighborhood-furry]

for anyone who doesn't have the Return YouTube Dislike Plugin, here's how Watcher Entertainment's "Goodbye Youtube" video is doing right now

yeah... gonna throw out a yikes on that one

i suspect this number will only keep growing in the coming days/weeks, especially the longer and longer we go without any sort of response.

EDIT: its only been three hours and the number has already jumped to 206K dislikes.

[hellenhighwater]

Oh goddammit I just walked home, remembered that I actually drove to work for once, and now I've got to walk back and get my car.

These heels are getting some mileage today.

[chimaeraonwards]

no ai generated content will ever compare to the absolutely cartoonishly evil plot to cut down trees to prevent workers from striking to get livable wage.

[heph]

05x17

A night at Mercy 🕊️

[katakaluptastrophy]

What do the Fifth House actually do?

Sure, yes, ghosts and tradition and the Heart of the Emperor, and Watchers Over the River - but none of those things give you the kind of assets that mean you can dress your cavalier in a coat that "probably cost more than the Ninth House had in its coffers" for a dinner party.

It's made clear very early on that the Fifth are a power to be reckoned with. When they first receive the letter about the Lyctoral pilgrimage, Gideon assumes it would be on the Third or Fifth. Harrow, meanwhile, has frequently-repeated anxieties about the Ninth being subsumed by the Third or Fifth, to the point that she worries that the anniversary party invitation may be an attempt to wipe out the other Houses. Teacher describes the Fifth's relationship with the Fourth as "hegemonic". The Fifth loom so large in the cultural imagination, they even inform the name of the made up porn magazine that Gideon offers to Crux.

The links between the Third and the Fifth that both Gideon and Harrow make seem to reflect both the fact that these two Houses have particular power and influence, but also that they frequently cooperate. Judith writes about the close cooperation of the Second, Third, and Fifth, a relationship which becomes a source of tension as the scions seek to establish authority after the Fifth are murdered. Judith says:

“The Fifth are dead. I take authority for the Fifth. I say we need military intervention, and we need it right now. As the highest-ranked Cohort officer present, that decision falls to me.” “A Cohort captain,” said Naberius, “don’t rank higher than a Third official.” “I’m very much afraid that it does, Tern.” “Prince Tern, if you please,” said Ianthe.

Which makes it sound as though Abigail might technically have been considered the highest ranking person at Canaan House (likely because she was head of her House and not an heir in waiting like Judith or Coronabeth), and that following her death there is some question as to whether the Second or the Third should take control, but notably no suggestion that anyone else might.

We know what the Second do: they are the leaders of the Cohort and the Bureau, the military and intelligence that forms the core of imperial expansion. Most of the information that we get about the other Houses talks only about their cultural or ritual roles in the empire - we get very little in the way of gritty details of what happens outside of the Dominicus system.

We know a little bit about what the Third does - according to Tor they are cultural trendsetters and players in soft power, but the one detail we get in GTN itself is revealing: when Gideon imagines her glorious future in the Cohort, one of the assignments she considers boring is the prospect of being "in some foreign city babysitting some Third governor." Which makes it sound rather like the Second are conquering the planets and the Third are then running them. But the books are even lighter in details about what the Fifth do, beyond ghosts and manners.

However, there is one suggestive detail: an important topic in HTN is stele travel - the necromantic FTL used by the Nine Houses. And Mercymorn, in describing a stele, specifically states that Fifth House adepts are required for their construction. Which rather makes it sound like the Fifth have a monopoly on the manufacturer of the technology required for FTL travel. Now that in and of itself could be the basis of their enormous wealth - selling aerospace tech to an ever expansionist military is probably quite lucrative.

But there's another element of House imperialism that only gets mentioned in passing that doesn't seem to be entirely accounted for, which Judith describes in As Yet Unsent:

"Their other line of attack is the business contracts. They claim that the services asked of them by the Emperor were set down in lifetime contracts by previous generations, who assumed the contracts would be terminated upon the Emperor’s death."

There are obviously some unanswered questions about the imperialist project of the Nine Houses - both Augustine and Coronabeth question quite why it works the way it does - but from the above it sounds like in many respects it functions exactly as you would expect an empire to: as a vehicle for the exploitation of others' resources.

Perhaps the Cohort themselves administer these business contracts. Perhaps they fall under the purview of the Third House planetary governors. But if you're exporting resources from the living planets of your empire to the mostly desolate planets of the Dominicus system, you're going to need some FTL ships and a whole lot of bureaucracy.

And if there's one other detail that we get about the Fifth, it's that there is something significant about the political power of their bureaucracy. As Judith puts it: "Quinn himself is a Fifth House bureaucrat with all that entails."

Are the Second, Third, and Fifth so close and so powerful because they form the bedrock of the empire: the conquest, control, and exploitation of planets beyond the Dominicus system?

[insidecroydon]

Brick by Brick posts £7.6m loss in latest annual trading report

CROYDON IN CRISIS: Yet more bad news finally emerging in the public record. By BARRATT HOLMES, our house building correspondent Even when it is no longer paying above the odds to build new homes, Brick by Brick continues to lose money. The wholly-owned housebuilder, which over five years from 2015 was loaned £200million by Croydon Council which led directly to the authority’s financial collapse…

[void-of-unparalled-chaos]

The Literal Phantom of the Opera (DpxDc prompt)

When Cassandra Cain first began taking ballet, her fellow dancers quickly warned her about the ghost haunting the theater.

"He likes to watch us. I see him looking down at the stage from the catwalk all the time."

"It looks like he stole one of the Phantom of the Opera masks last time a tour came through, but its been covered in stars!"

"I heard him when I was acting in Wicked. I was alone in the green room doing some last minute practice and I swear he was humming along while I was singing!"

"It was the phantom who stole my makeup from my dressing room I just know it!"

"Haley from front of house didn't believe he existed until they came backstage to grab supplies for seat repairs. I don't know what they saw, but now they refuse to go backstage."

"That ghost is evil. It pushed me down the stairs to the office and I tore my suit on the railing. Do you know how hard it is to find an all white suit on short notice? I'm lucky it didn't break my ankle!"

"We used to have balconies before the renovations. Sometimes it sounds like someone is moving inside the walls where they used to be."

"I'm not sure that the ghost is fully aware we're performers. A few years ago when Heathers was here, the actress for McNamara said that it felt like someone was hugging her after Lifeboat."

"I've seen him without the mask. His face looks like it was just... shredded. I only saw it once, but I'll never forget that face."

"I heard that he likes to mess with the equipment in the control booth."

Cass isn't sure that the ghost is real, but she is sure that the other dancers think he's real. They often gossip about the theater ghost in hushed whispers, knocking on wood at the very mention of him. Her teachers prefer not to talk about the ghost at all, but they don't deny its existence.

It's not until she is practicing alone on stage and feels eyes on her that she thinks there might be something to the ghost rumors.

[jinikaris]

/ᐠ > ˕ マ Ⳋ birthday cat ⟢ 2024 birthday stream

[space-mango-company]

Stranger | Chapter 1

Chapter Links: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Summary: The Atreides daughter is sent off to Giedi Prime to marry the Harkonnen heir in an attempt to quell the feuding Great Houses. The bride, however, must prove her grit and earn the respect of her new family if she is to survive her new life. Perhaps she will find that she had more Harkonnen in her than she thought.

TW: none (for now)

Tags: Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen x Atreides!Reader, Arranged Marriage, Eventual Smut (just not in this chapter lmao), No use of y/n, Original Characters, cannon what cannon

Word Count: 1.2k

A/N: Please bear with me, it has been ages since I've written anything and this is my first ever work of fanfiction. I've never written in the second person before so if you catch any mistakes, especially in verb tenses, please let me know. English is not my first language. Also, this might start out a bit slow but I promise things will pick up soon.

The smell of grass and the crashing waves of Caladan brought you comfort as you stood before the starship that had been rented from the Spacing Guild.

Your brother had insisted on accompanying you to Giedi Prime, but a round trip would have been unnecessarily expensive, even with the vast wealth of your Great House. Besides, it would be foolish to deliver the heir of House Atreides to the home world of their sworn enemies. It was bad enough they had to send you there.

"Give them hell," Paul teased as he hugged you goodbye.

You laughed, but you knew his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. He had faith in your strength and ferocity, but he had much less faith in the hospitality of the Harkonnens.

"I'll miss you," you pull away and try to give him a reassuring smile but you, yourself, are not so certain of your fate.

You made your way to your mother, next in line to bid you farewell.

"Remember your training." Lady Jessica held your face and planted a tender kiss on your forehead. She had already given you all the advice she could.

You take her hands in yours and kiss them. "I will," you tell her solemnly.

You finally make it to your father, whose eyes are already welling with tears.

"My darling princess," his voice cracks as he lays a hand on your cheek. The Duke may seem a stoic man to most, but those who truly knew him knew he had a big heart.

Perhaps it is because you are one of those people that you finally feel that weight in your chest that you've been dreading since the signing of your marriage pact. It will be a truly long time before you would see your family again. If you could ever see them at all.

The Duke waves at an attendant who approaches with a silver tray. Leto takes the dagger resting on it and places it in your hands. "To remind you that you will always be an Atreides, that you will always be my daughter."

You let your tears fall as you hold the gift close to your chest.

"Don't cry now," your father pulls you into a hug, hoping to hide his own tears, "or I might never let you go."

You let a laugh slip through the sobs. You knew it was already decided and it is your duty to fulfill. The Sisterhood and the Emperor himself endorsed the match. Nothing could change it now.

The harsh light of Giedi Prime's black sun assaulted your eyes as you made your way down the starship's gangplank. The stark, high-contrast black and white made everything a pain to look at. You were thankful for the veils of your travelling gowns for providing you at least some shade.

You were greeted by House Harkonnen's steward, Jaromir Naggul, and swiftly led into the imposing, Brutalist fortress of their stronghold. You were almost happy to escape the infrared outside.

"Your belongings are being sent to your new quarters as we speak," Jaromir, a lanky but stately man, informs you. "You may change out of your traveling clothes and rest there. The Baron will receive you in the throne room in the afternoon."

You note his accent and the mild contempt in his voice, as if you were an inconvenience.

"This is Iassa," he gestures to one of the servants that had been following you through the halls. "She is your assigned slave. Should you need anything, you may tell her."

The word almost knocks the breath out of you.

You eyes turn to Iassa in her pale gray robes and you give her a polite nod. She hastily curtsies in return.

You knew the Harkonnens and even the Emperor kept slaves, but you suppose it never occurred to you that you would be charged with one yourself.

"Of course," Jaromir continues, "any of the servants in the fortress will be at your command, but Iassa will be in waiting for you in particular."

"Of course," you reply coldly.

"You will be staying in the guest wing for now," Jaromir says as he shows you the door to your quarters. "Of course, until your wedding. When you will then be moved to the na-Baron's apartments."

"...of course," you repeat, grateful again for your veils that they hide your dread.

You are silent as Iassa helps you into a black gown for your audience with the baron. It is the fashionable color in the Harkonnen home world. Although there were many other 'fashionable' traits on Giedi Prime, this was the only one you felt comfortable adopting right now. The complete lack of hair in every individual you had seen was certainly unsettling, but you sensed it would be rude to speak about it.

"What is the na-Baron like?" you ask.

Iassa pauses her fastening of your dress, she swallows. "He is a fearsome warrior, my lady," she keeps her gaze averted, "handsome and popular with the people."

Her voice was shaky but she seemed genuine. You only wonder if those words hold the same implications here as they do back home.

You look over to Iassa as she fetches your shoes. It's not difficult to see that she fears you. You cannot help but feel that that is all there is. You are still an off-worlder. An Atreides no less. She harbors no respect for you.

You take care to style your hair in the fashions of Caladan, fastening a falcon-like pin at the back of your head. The symbol of your house. Perhaps it is a risky choice, to be seen as defiant by the baron should he notice, but you could already feel the black sun beginning to drain the life out of you. The thrill of quiet defiance would have to sustain you for now.

Jaromir returns in time to fetch you and you are led to the throne room.

The baron's grotesque floating body looms over you and his subjects. You had never met any of the Harkonnens before but you were sure that was him.

"Welcome to your new home, Lady Atreides," the Baron utters your last name with thinly veiled loathing. "Let me present my nephew, Feyd-Rautha."

A tall muscular young man steps forward. Stately and regal as a Harkonnen could be, he looks over you with condescending eyes.

He certainly looked like a warrior, and you could see how the people of Giedi Prime could find him handsome, but you find yourself wanting to spit in his face.

"Forgive me for not greeting you when you landed, my lady," the na-Baron bows to you. His gravelly voice sends a chill down your spine, "I was preoccupied at the time. I trust you have settled well?"

You curtsy in turn, "I'm sure my lord had important duties to attend to. I am grateful for your hospitality. My rooms are very comfortable."

"Do not find them too comfortable young lady," the Baron calls from afloat his chair, "your wedding celebrations are to begin and you will be sharing rooms with my nephew before long."

Feyd-Rautha smirks at this and you are almost willing to cast decorum aside to slap it off his face.

"Tomorrow, your groom will take part in the arena to demonstrate his prowess as a worthy husband and leader, as per the traditions of our house," the Baron announces. "I'm sure you will make a point to attend."

"I would not miss it, dear Baron."

Chapter Links: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]