Chapter 7 – Blood on the Sand

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.
No copyright infringement is intended.

Many thanks to my Beta Readers and plot hole pointer-outers Rhynimy and XRaiderV1 without whom this work would be a hell of a lot less readable

Previously

The Harkonnen's had been brutal in their attempts to destroy the smugglers although their attempts had been only partially successful and in many ways counterproductive. Their attacks had simply enacted a Darwinian process making sure that the surviving smuggling operations were much more efficient.

Aytib passed Harry his cloak, "We have five thopters with full weapon loads in the hidden hanger along with a full squad of Fedaykin."

Harry stood and checked that both his wand and knife were sheathed correctly before swinging his cloak over his shoulders.

"Let's go kill some Harkonnens."

Chapter 7 – Blood on the Sand

Among the Harkonnen troops on Arrakis the Fremen cry of 'Baraka Baz' was feared almost as much as 'Muad'Dib.'

- Excerpt from 'The battlefields of Arrakis.'

oOoOoOo

Hagga Basin

Harry peered down at the Harkonnen troops as they reached the rocks below. Moments later the Thopters that delivered them pulled back in to the air. Harry turned his attention to the rocks below but saw nothing out of place. Good his team were not getting sloppy despite their previous successes. This was the fourth raid in the last six weeks and their last before returning to Tabr Sietch.

"It appears they are thinking about putting spotters on the ridges," Aytib pointed out from beside him.

Harry laughed softly, "They're learning, a pity that they didn't properly scout the area first. Send the signal to our spotters."

The plan was for the concealed Fremen on the ridges to fire off a volley of rockets to distract the air cover and with luck bring down the Carryall circling overhead after having just delivered the spice harvester to the rich spice sands. Standard Harkonnen procedure was for it to circle overhead with the smaller Thopters looking both for worm sign and armed Fremen. It was a good strategy, but the Harkonnens overlooked one important factor, the Fremen had seen all this before and their actions had become dangerously predictable.

Harry didn't flinch as twenty rockets swept up from the ridge top. Thirty seconds later another volley leapt skyward. The carryall was heading north trailing smoke as it descended.

Aytib patted Harry on the back, "We managed to down half the Thopters as well." The Fremen's smile was feral. "Are you ready Baraka?"

Harry climbed to his feet, "Why don't we see to our unwelcome guests."

oOoOoOo

The Harkonnen troops on the ground scattered as falling debris from the Thopter slammed in to the open sand. They were scrambling to reach the dubious safety of the rocks when the Fremen sprung their trap and the Harkonnens suddenly found themselves fighting for their lives as Fremen surged out from their hiding places amongst the rocks.

Harry leapt from the rocks and landed on the sand in front of a Harkonnen, who was trying to bring his weapon to bear on one of his team. A slash and the Harkonnen fell with his throat opened up. Suddenly a blade slashed toward his own throat and he swayed to the side before send a blasting hex at his attackers head.

oOoOoOo

Rania moved with fluid grace as she cut down Harkonnen soldiers. Spinning away from one attacker who was already falling to the ground she blocked a thrusting blade and kicked out sweeping the Harkonnen's feet out from under him. With a quick thrust, the Harkonnen wouldn't be rising again. Without hesitation, she leapt toward a large soldier who had just felled one of her squad. She slammed in to his back with bone crushing force sending him to the ground as she rolled to her feet. The downed man didn't move so she moved on to the next Harkonnen.

oOoOoOo

Aytib had another mission. Leading two men carrying heavy sacks he made straight for the spice harvester. As they reached the harvester both men threw their packs beneath the main body of the vehicle just forward of where the power plant was located. Aytib counted to three, giving the men a few seconds to get clear before he pushed the button in his hand triggering the explosives. Two dull thumps followed and the harvester ground to an almost immediate halt and beginning to belch acrid black smoke. Aytib grinned; you could actually see the distortion in the metal surrounding the power plant which showed just how successful the plan had been. Why waste explosives blowing the whole thing up when a surgical strike did the same? Aytib signalled to his two men and all three approached the main hatch just as it swung open.

oOoOoOo

Harry wiped his knife off and sheathed it when he realised that the fight was over. It appeared that the plan had worked given the motionless, smoking harvester.

Before he could call for a report, he was distracted by a Fremen waving and calling him over, "Baraka, over here."

Harry jogged to where two Fremen knelt by the side of a figure in Fremen robes.

Farim one of the older Fedaykin shook his head as Harry arrived, "It's Haneefa she took a blade to the throat."

Harry nodded and dropped to his knees next to Haneefa and gestured for the Fremen holding a blood soaked dressing to her throat to listen. "Matin when I say, remove the cloth and I will attempt to heal her," seeing the look on Matin's face he quickly explained. "I need to see the wound."

Harry looked down in to the blue on blue eyes of Haneefa, "Do not panic Haneefa. God is not letting you finish your journey in this place."

Harry meant the words as naught but comfort for the seriously injured woman and missed the looks passing between the two Fremen beside him.

Drawing his wand Harry held it over her throat, "Now."

As soon as Matin pulled the dressing away blood began pumping from the wound. Harry immediately cast a healing spell, pouring as much power as he could in to the spell as he drew his wand along the wound.

"Shai-Hulud," whispered Farim.

Harry checked the wound to see that it was no longer bleeding before climbing to his feet. "Get Haneefa back to the rally point. We'll see to the rest of the wounded as soon as we can, but we need to be gone before Harkonnen reinforcements arrive."

Farim and Matin nodded and lifted Haneefa to her feet before moving toward the concealed cave on the far side of the rocks. Harry turned away looking for Rania and Aytib when he spotted both with three men dressed in stillsuits.

Aytib waved Harry over, "Baraka we have some interesting prisoners."

Harry considered the three men, "Prisoners?"

Rania nodded, "From the harvester, this man," she prodded a thin man in a new looking stillsuit with pale skin and green eyes. "He claims to be a representative of the Emperor."

Harry almost laughed at the sheer terror the man was trying to hide.

"What of the others?" Harry asked studying the two men who stood silently with two Fremen standing by each of them.

"These claim to be his escorts," replied Aytib.

Harry studied the two men who wore empty sheaths on their belts. Whatever they were they were not cowards like the other. As he studied them, they watched him. No, they were wary and tense but not terrified. Most likely they were soldiers or bodyguards. "Bind their eyes and make sure they cannot escape. We will bring them and let Muad'Dib decide."

Aytib called out orders and the three men were led off. Moments later the rest of the Fremen followed leaving only the dead to witness the harvester burning.

oOoOoOo

Cave of the Blight

"Coffee?" asked Harry politely as he held out a cup to the shaking man.

The man shook his head so Harry shrugged and set the cup on the ground.

Harry sat on a rock, "Now tell me what an Imperial was doing on a Harkonnen harvester."

"I…..I was asked to review Spice Mining and the conditions. The Emperor is sending am envoy and I was sent to get a feel for the mining issues and to prepare a brief."

"I see," replied Harry. "Well now you know just how dangerous it is. When will the envoy arrive?"

"I don't know I swear. They wouldn't tell me I am just a researcher from the science institute."

Harry frowned which sent another shiver through the prisoner. "Surely you have some idea."

The prisoner shifted uncomfortably radiating fear, "I don't….I can't tell you they would kill me!"

Harry shrugged, "A difficult position to be sure. However, perhaps I have a solution. You have no information that could harm us and I understand your hesitation in betraying your masters. Muad'Dib has no interest in killing imperial servants and even less in killing those outside his war with the Harkonnen. We are willing to release you back to your masters."

"Release me?"

Harry almost smiled at the hope in the prisoner's voice, "Muad'Dib has agreed to return you to the city unharmed."

oOoOoOo

Harry walked through the cave toward the smaller cave where Paul had chosen to rest. He caught sight of Rania caring for one of the wounded Fedaykin and offered her a brief smile when she glanced in his direction.

He also spied Aytib crossing the floor of the cave so he waited until the Fremen arrived. He was somewhat surprised to see him holding flat bread filled with a mixture of spiced meat and vegetables. "Baraka you hadn't eaten. I'll not face Rania and say I let you pass out from exhaustion."

Harry took the food and quickly ate it. As he finished, Aytib handed him a waterskin.

After taking a long pull from the water skin he handed it back to Aytib, "Thank you, my friend. I must report to Muad'Dib but first how is Haneefa?"

"Fine Baraka she is tired, but rest will see to that. She has asked to see you."

"I will find her after I have seen Muad'Dib," replied Harry as he turned back to the curtained off cave entrance pausing only to nod at the two Fedaykin guarding the door.

Paul was sitting on a sleeping mat eating his own delayed meal, "Ahh Harry how is our Imperial friend?"

"He's a bit shocked. I think he feared we would torture and kill him. We must be getting a reputation amongst the Harkonnen," reported Harry.

Paul nodded and Harry noted the faint smile on his lips, "I knew we would. What a marvellous opportunity this has given us. In returning their servant, we have an opportunity to further confuse our enemies.

"And why they try to work out our motives we continue with your plan," reasoned Harry. "Do you think the Harkonnen will respond?"

"They will wonder at the Imperial servants return unharmed. Are we frightened of the Emperor and his retaliation or is the Emperor in a secret alliance against them. This will feed the Harkonnen paranoia."

Harry nodded accepting Paul's interpretation of events, "How will we do it. We can hardly fly in to Arakeen and drop him off."

"That is exactly what you are going to do."

oOoOoOo

Arakeen Shield Wall

Harry circled the Thopter high above the rocky outcropping that marked the edge of the shield wall. "Rania now would be appropriate."

Rania passed the microphone to the Imperial scientist seated in front of her. "You had best let people know you are aboard if the shield wall is to be deactivated."

The scientist nodded and took the microphone. "Arakeen control this is Researcher Browan Turik requesting a direct line to the Imperial frigate."

The call wall acknowledged and after a few moments a male voice speaking in precise, clipped tones came through the speakers. "Unknown flight this is the Imperial Frigate."

Turik went on to explain his position to the unknown male. After a few moments of silence, they were ordered to land after the shield wall was deactivated. "Her Highness has granted your…..escorts the status of envoys and has agreed that they shall be free to leave if they indeed return the Scientist Turik."

Harry nodded and piloted the Thopter toward the shield wall which duly deactivated. "Rania prepare our guests."

Rania nodded and went to the rear where the two unconscious guards lay bound at the rear grabbing the first she quickly dragged one then the other to the hatch. "Done," reported Rania as the Thopter thumped in to the ground.

Harry powered down the Thopter and stood to face the Imperial scientist. "Well, my friend it is time for you to return home." He hit the control to release the hatch.

Rania pulled the first and then the second guard from the hatch as Harry led Turik out.

Surrounding the Thopter were Harkonnen troops as well as a small detachment of Sardaukar led by an officer.

Harry nudged the scientist, "Go friend and get well clear if there is trouble. I would seek out the Sardaukar if I were you."

Turik nodded and almost ran over to the Sardaukar.

Harry stood tall and turned to face the Sardaukar officer, "Your man and his guards are returned to you, unharmed soldier of the Emperor."

The Sardaukar officer nodded, "Her Imperial Highness has granted you immunity Fremen. You may leave now, unmolested." The last was directed to the Harkonnen troops that had been closing in around Harry and Rania.

"Take them alive," screamed a voice in the rear.

Harry spun with his cloak billowing around him as six Harkonnens rushed from the rear of the Thopter. Rania simply kicked out taking one man in the throat.

Harry moved with blistering speed stepping in front of a Harkonnen raising a Stun-projector first smashing the weapon in to the Harkonnens face before following up with a heavy blow to the throat.

Rania swayed away from an attack letting the Harkonnen stumble past her before burying her knife in to her attackers back. She was already moving as he fell blocking a thrusting blade.

Harry, however, found himself facing off against two Harkonnen wielding long fighting blades. With a cold smile, Harry drew his own blade and leapt forward blade flashing. Unknowingly Harry was drawing on his magic as he attacked moving with almost inhuman speed as killed the first Harkonnen and avoided the other ones almost simultaneous attack. His riposte was so fast that it was nearly invisible and it left the Harkonnen falling to the ground with his hands reaching for his throat.

When he turned back to the crowd, a shiver of fear went through them. Harry's eyes were a glowing green as he turned to face the other Harkonnens in the crowd.

"Hold," called the Sardaukar officer, "These are under Imperial protection."

Harry checked to see Rania was alright before turning back to the Sardaukar, "Are we free to leave?"

The Sardaukar nodded, "I will see to it myself."

oOoOoOo

Imperial Frigate – Arakeen Landing Field

"Highness he has arrived," reported the Sardaukar officer before closing the door.

Crown Princess Irulan Corrino adjusted her formal dress and nodded to the head of her bodyguard. The Bashar nodded and the two Sardaukar stationed at the door pulled it open.

A Sardaukar entered accompanying a small thin man dressed in the grey uniform of a minor official with the silver insignia of the imperial science institute. At the required distance, the Sardaukar saluted while the man bowed.

"Highness this is Browan Turik of the Imperial Science Institute."

Irulan smiled at the nervous man, "Ah yes our technical researcher. I am relieved that you have survived you recent ordeal."

"I was incredibly lucky highness," replied Turik.

"Were you injured or mistreated in your captivity? If so we have an excellent physician who can attend to you." Irulan had already been briefed on the general condition of the scientist, but such simple consideration was an easy way to build trust.

Turik offered a faint, nervous smile, "No Highness I am well. As you say the ordeal was frightening as I am unsuited to violent dispute but in all honesty I was not mistreated in my brief captivity."

This was part of what had interested Irulan. Up until this incident, Fremen had shown little interest in taking prisoners, "Remarkable given their fierce reputation."

"Indeed their captain was quite a civil man, Highness. He certainly kept his word to me returning our party to civilisation…..Highness if I may?" Irulan nodded. "The Fremen that flew me back what happened to them?"

Irulan paused for a moment, "They were accosted by Harkonnen troops despite my granting of envoy status. As you know, they quickly dispatched the Harkonnens and lifted off almost immediately afterward." Although not before the two Sardaukar dressed as ground crew planted a radioactive beacon on the Thopter. Perhaps a location for their hidden base might force the Fremen to the negotiation table. The Harkonnens action was contrary to her wishes and was another point she had to discuss with Count Rabban.

Turik looked relieved, "The pilot was the leader that spared my life."

As Turik stood nervously before her, Irulan considered the best course of action. She had come here to gather information to clarify what was happening on Arrakis and on the enigmatic figure of Muad'Dib. Was it just the Spice? It was something of immense importance to the Bene Gesserit and Spacing Guilds yet the question remained as to what was happening that would concern both entities enough to set aside their many differences?

The Sardaukar had many of their own questions. In particular, the fighting style of the Fremen had been an unwelcome revelation that left them wondering who had taught the desert based barbarians to fight with such a high degree of skill.

"Researcher Turik how do you judge things here on Arrakis?"

Turik's expression hardened and a look of dislike or perhaps disgust crossed his face before he managed to control his expression. "An…. interesting question Highness. I am not a politician, but the Baron seems rather set on….well."

"You may speak freely," prompted Irulan.

Turik looked a bit calmer, "The Baron seems set on destroying the Fremen. His men brutalise the local population and those brought here to mine the spice are treated little better. The institute was asked to study the Harkonnen Spice mining operation to see where it could be improved. After a single week, I am more concerned with how it can continue. The locals have become adept at destroying Harkonnen equipment. I judge that a conservative estimate is that they are losing millions of Solari in equipment alone."

Irulan considered just what that clarification meant. Why was losing millions of Solari in Spice profits being allowed to continue? What was Baron Harkonnen doing leaving an incompetent thug like Rabban in charge? She would need to think on that before meeting with Rabban later this evening. "What of the Fremen, I would be interested in your observations."

Turik nodded, "Of course Highness. When I was captured, I was questioned as to my role on the harvester. Most likely my off world appearance brought them pause. Once I had told them of my allegiance I was brought to a young man they called Baraka. He appeared to be their Captain and he deemed me valuable enough to refer my capture to someone they named Muad'Dib."

"What was his appearance? Could he have been an Atreides man gone native?"

Turik considered her question, "He was dressed as the other Fremen, but he had a strange accent. Actually Highness now I think of it he didn't have the blue on blue eyes of the desert folk. His were an odd green colour. In all honesty, I was rather terrified so I didn't take that much in. I know he was also a healer as at one point a Fremen woman asked him to heal one of the wounded."

That was not proof, but it was more evidence. Perhaps the theory that a competent Atreides officer had survived to join the Fremen was correct. It would not be unreasonable to believe that such an officer and a small cadre of junior officers such as this Baraka could have survived. It also explained the increased effectiveness of the Fremen. It was an explanation that made some sense but still did not offer insight in to the Bene Gesserit and Guild activities.

Irulan asked more probing questions but uncovered nothing else of relevance. Indeed, even Muad'Dib's release of Turik raised more questions than it answered.

oOoOoOo

Harry and Rania landed the Thopter well out in the desert before apparating back to the Sietch.

Three hours later a Thopter conducting a flyover located the beacon and reported the abandoned Thopter.

oOoOoOo

Geidi Prime

Count Fenring smiled his vacant smile at some court functionary before taking his wife Lady Margot's arm and moving past the man to meet the Baron, "Ahh My good Baron….such a hmmm…grand fete!"

Baron Harkonnen spun slowly his great weight supported by his suspensors as he offered a false smile to the Emperor's special envoy; although in truth Fenring was perhaps better named the Emperor's assassin. "My Dear Count, lady Fenring I seek only to honour you as a representative of our beloved Padishah Emperor."

Fenring waved his hand as if dismissing the Barons words, "Ah...hmmm...Lord Baron, I am sure the Emperor is well aware of your aaah loyalty."

And what did that mean thought the Baron as he kept up his own false smile. How dare he threaten me! It was such a pity that he dare not touch the Emperor's envoy.

Fenring inclined his head to the Baron, "My Dear Baron if I may borrow you for a few moments I have a ahh delicate matter to discuss with you. If...ahh you will excuse me my hmmmm dear."

Lady Fenring smiled showing perfect white teeth, "Of ahhh course husband. Perhaps I might sample some of hmmm this superb food."

Baron Harkonnen gestured to an empty corner, "There is an active cone of silence in the corner."

The Count followed the Baron and both faced the wall to avoid having their lips being read.

Count Fenring didn't intend to beat around the bush, "The Emperor is displeased about a number of issues."

"And what would these issues be?"

"Thufir Hawat," replied Fenring.

"Ahh yes, the redoubtable Thufir Hawat. I have already explained to the Emperor that Hawat is now employed by my House. He poses no threat."

"Speaking of threats the Emperor is...concerned that CHOAM spice supplies are being affected by the...difficulties on Arrakis and wishes your assurance that you will personally take matters in hand."

'Or he will,' The Baron heard the unspoken threat.

"I do not like your tone Count Fenring. Arrakis is my fief, promised to me by the Emperor for my...services."

Count Fenring raised an eyebrow, "Ah yes let us speak of Arrakis. The Emperor is seeing reports that Count Rabban of Lankiveil is proving no more ahhh enlightened a ruler than he did previously. The Spice must flow Baron. Perhaps you would be well served to remind your nephew of that pertinent fact."

The Baron shrugged, "Arrakis is a dangerous planet with a rebellious population. Losses of equipment are to be expected."

"Hmm, perhaps a more ahhh permanent solution should be sought?"

The Baron fought to not react to the Count's words. Was that a veiled threat?

"To be blunt Count Fenring wars cost money, of which I have spent a great deal on the Emperors business."

"Then my dear Baron I would end the war. Exterminate the Fremen, remove them as a threat."

The Baron shook his head, "I think you overestimate their abilities and numbers. Rabban has been eliminating the fanatics and already has the cities under close control."

Count Fenring straightened and faced the Baron, "I hope the Emperor's concerns are clear," Fenring bowed his head slightly instead of a more courteous bow and walked off.

oOoOoOo

Kaitain - Imperial Capital of the Corrino Empire

Baron Harkonnen bobbed down the broad passageway leading to the throne room with his nephew and heir the na-Baron Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen by his side.

"It is lovely to see you Baron…."

"Ah my Lord Baron so good to see you once more in court…"

The Baron nodded politely and responded as protocol required as he continued along.

"They seem pleased to see you, Uncle," commented Feyd-Rautha.

The Baron kept a pleasant smile on his face, but his tone was cold, "The look of a thing is not the thing itself nephew and these sycophants are not the true power in the Imperial Court. No, the true power lies with the great houses and the Emperor. It will not be until later that we can divine the intent of his summoning."

"Could the Emperor be….displeased?" Feyd-Ruatha asked quietly.

"Perhaps, but if that had been so then his pet assassin, Fenring could have killed us a month ago rather than bring us here. No this is something unforeseen. Fenring may have uncovered something or perhaps the Emperors daughter on her 'fact-finding' mission. Keep silent boy and we shall ride this out."

"Ahhh Lord Baron such a…ahhh pleasure to see you in the Emperors court and so soon after our last meeting. It would seem you are seeking to stay in the Emperors' eye," Fenring wore a polite smile as he fell in to walk alongside the Baron. "The Emperor has asked to meet you privately. Some ahhh matters are not for the entire court."

The Baron shrugged, "Count Fenring I assure you I have no idea why the Emperor has seen fit to summon me to his presence." He hid the shiver of fear that passed through him

Fenring smiled, "I know not…ahhh perhaps he simply wishes an accounting…..of your efforts to bring Spice production back to the mandated levels. He understands that you have umm engaged in a great deal of correspondence with your nephew. Ahhh here we are."

As they entered the meeting room, the Barons features froze for a brief moment as he took in the Sardaukar gathered in the room as well as the Emperor and his eldest daughter. What was happening here?

The Emperor was sitting in a comfortable chair beside his daughter and as soon as the door had closed Fenring took his place standing on the Emperor's left.

The Emperor met the Barons eyes, "Ah my Lord Baron Harkonnen and your heir I believe?"

"Yes Majesty," replied the Baron as Feyd-Ruatha bowed.

"I believe that we need to speak regarding events on Arrakis, Count Fenring?"

Fenring smiled coldly, "Ah yes, Bashar?"

A Sardaukar in an ornate Bashar uniform saluted, "Sir?"

"Please escort the na-Baron to the reception room. We have household matters to discuss."

Once Feyd-Ruatha was escorted from the room, the Emperor turned his gaze to the Baron. "Shall we proceed? Good. I have been somewhat puzzled as to why it is taking so long for Spice production to return to normal levels. Indeed, my daughter tells me that you are losing an inordinate amount of resources and that your nephew has nothing to show for it save a planetary population that is in revolt."

The Baron cursed as he felt himself starting to sweat. "With all due respect to her Highness I think revolt is a harsh word. There are some, I will admit that are causing some difficulty. But it is a minor percentage of the population. They are religious fanatics that dwell deep in the desert. Alas, such things have happened before."

Count Fenring cleared his throat, "So millions of Solari in lost equipment and ongoing heavy troop losses are all down to these religious fanatics?"

"Count Rabban is finding difficulty in flushing them out of their strongholds. I am sure his new strategies will see results," replied Baron Harkonnen while internally he was promising Rabban a painful death.

The Emperor raised an eyebrow his expression dubious. "We shall see Baron. Now, what of Thufir Hawat, why is he still alive?"

This was one the Baron had prepared for, "Thufir Hawat is a living legend. With the Atreides gone he now serves House Harkonnen. I was without a mentat and Hawat's reputation is rightfully earned. Believe me, I am not fooling myself as to having his total loyalty. To ensure that I am in a position to deal with him in the event that he becomes a liability I have introduced a special latent poison and have made sure his food contains the antidote….for now."

Count Fenring nodded slowly, "A cunning plan Lord Baron."

The Emperor studied the Baron with an expressionless face for a long moment before speaking, "I want the situation on Arrakis resolved. CHOAM profits are down and it will not be long before the Landsraad will be moving for a change of Fief."

"Surely you remember the sureties you made me when we negotiated our arrangement?" asked the Baron.

"Do not presume to blackmail me," warned the Emperor. "The Sardaukar are eager for another campaign Baron. Understand this, I am not interested in the machinations of your house while the Spice flows you are useful, but the Spice is not flowing."

Baron Harkonnen could feel the silent presence of the Emperors trained killers behind him. He could feel the sweat rolling down his back as the fear returned, would they kill him?

The Emperor stood and held a hand out to his daughter, "My patience is not without limits Baron."

oOoOoOo

Dune Terminology

C.H.O.A.M – or CHOAM stands for Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles.

CHOAM has almost total control of all economic affairs across the Imperium.

Many of the great Houses of the Landsraad depend on their CHOAM profits to fund their activities. Of course, the Spice Melange is one of the products CHOAM controls.