Chosen One's Chapter 21
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"Yes, His Imperial Majesty. Oh, I am well aware that he is planning to…ah, intervene here on Arrakis," said Paul. "Perhaps when he is here we can find the time to discuss some of the many issues that have arisen."
Margot could sense the confidence in that statement. He believed that he could best the Emperor. 'Why is he this confident, what am I missing?'
"I see. Under the Bene Gesserit charter, she has the freedom to…"
Paul made a dismissive gesture, "I am well aware of the Bene Gesserits self-appointed role. I think the Landsraad would have a very different understanding. No, your order has long been one of the powers behind the throne. Humbly serving as you plot and plan to breed your messiah, your Kwisatz Haderach."
It was only through a lifetime of training that she managed to hide her shock at his words.
"Unfortunately, my dear Lady Fenring, as I said I am all too aware of the nature and goals of your order. Perhaps more so than you."
oOoOo
"The formal letters sent to the Emperor and the factional leaders of the Landsraad were a masterstroke that showed remarkable political maturity and understanding of those factions. It showed that there was a political solution to the problem at hand."
Excerpt from The New Empire – The Letters of Maud'Dib
oOoOo
Norma travelled.
When she rematerialized, it was a rocky outcropping high atop the shield wall. Below in the basin, a vast host was gathered. Green and black banners hung limply in the still air as fifty thousand voices chanted.
Atreides…Atreides…Atreides
It was a sobering sight and one that she hoped to relegate to a timeline that would never happen. She made herself watch as the host worked itself into a riotous frenzy. She had seen countless variations of the Atreides Jihad and still the bloodlust fuelled by their supposedly 'righteous' cause sickened her. In this future that would hopefully never be, the host would grow, legions of troops would cut a bloody path across the known universe…
Taking a deep breath, she turned away from the sight below and let herself travel to one of the futures she hoped would come to pass.
The Imperial throne room, built in the old Ducal hall, was nearly full as the Emperor helped his wife take her seat before he took his own throne. Emperor Paul Atreides smiled, amused at some remark his wife the Empress Irulan had made. A moment later, his concubine Chani led Leto, Liet and their sisters Ghanima and Chalice to stand beside their parents. Once the Imperial family was in place the Emperors advisors advanced to the foot of the Imperial dais.
Chief among them was Harry Potter, the Lord Magi and his renowned wife, Rania of the Red Blade…a young woman by her side.
Norma's lips quirked upward into a smile as Elanor Potter looked directly at her and smiled, giving her a small wave.
It was a glorious future possibility. One that she would work towards, but for now it was time to go.
oOoOo
Count Fenring cursed silently as he considered the latest intelligence report from Geidi Prime. The Baron was supposedly preparing to replace Olavi Svet of House Juhani with a new Governor. It made no political sense. Svet had been a good choice. A career soldier who was without political power, in short, he had been the perfect man to appease the Emperor. To replace the man now was sure to invite Imperial scrutiny. So why risk it?
Did the Baron suspect that the Emperor had plans to make an example of the Baron and this was a ploy to counter the Emperor? The Baron was a cunning, ambitious man and such plots were to be expected. The death of his nephew Rabban showed that he was not afraid to tie off loose ends.
As a replacement, the other nephew Feyd was a possibility. However, given the hatred the Fremen showed toward Harkonnen, it was difficult to see his tenure as Governor being any more successful.
Picking up the next sealed message tube, he paused as he saw the seal. It indicated that it was from one of his trusted spies. His agent was currently on Arrakis searching for the Lady Fenring and trying to unravel the truth of what was happening. The tube would have already been scanned so he didn't hesitate opening it to retrieve the message. Blinking in surprise, he re-read the missive before lowering it to the table.
His agent had been working with the smugglers, as a Spice buyer from Muritan (A notorious black market for Spice, thanks to both its location and the local Baron's lax law enforcement). In discussion with a senior player within the Smuggler ranks, it was revealed that any smugglers on reasonable terms with the Fremen had been warned off certain sites in Spice rich areas. A curious fact that could be of immense value in the upcoming military action but what caught his attention was the additional information included. There were rumours of discontent among the entrenched Harkonnen Houses Minor. Complaints that Olavi Svet was not protecting their interests, that he was too lenient with the Fremen, that House Juhani Troops had actually turned a blind eye to Fremen raids.
At first glance, it was typical of the gossip and rumours one heard during any power transition. However, that didn't quite match his other reports. Olavi Svet had made a career of following orders. Something did not sit right with these facts. There was a connection.
Fenring sat as his Mentat trained mind processed the facts.
His Mentat training made him look for facts, evidence to allow his calculations to be as accurate as possible. Despite his huge web of informants, he was crippled with poor data when it came to the true goals and capabilities of the Fremen. Harry Potter and the mysterious Maud'Dib were potential dangers to the Imperium. The Fremen themselves were a virtual unknown as was the technology that granted their abilities.
The Sardaukar were pushing for a full military solution, a pogrom against the Fremen and the Emperor was listening, only staying his hand out of concern that the Landsraad would go up in flames. Which was not outside of the realm of possibility given recent events.
These latest facts told him something…but what was it?
There was a tap on the door, which opened to reveal his aide, "My Lord, the Emperor has asked for your presence."
oOoOo
The Emperor somehow managed to hide his anger as the Navigators Guilds refusal to even discuss transporting more Sardaukar to Arrakis. Thankfully, it was not in open court but even with only those he had asked for it was still an audience. Not that Reverend Mother Gaius Mohiam had contributed anything save to glare at the Guildsman. Not seeing a way forward, he gestured to Fenring.
"If I may ask, in what circumstances might your concerns be..ahh addressed?" asked Fenring.
The Guildsman turned to Fenring, his expression unreadable, "Our concern is, as always, the flow of the Spice. The Guild will not support any action that puts that in danger."
"And so you will hold us hostage to your concerns. Your guilds assistance is required…and there will be consequences if you continue to obstruct our purposes," replied the Emperor as he slammed his palm down on the arm of his throne.
The Guildsman did not so much as blink in the face of the Emperors anger.
Fenring knew that the Emperor was close to losing his already strained temper, "The Fremen are disrupting the supply of the Spice. You must see that we have common cause against these terrorists."
"As you say, the Fremen are disrupting the Spice. What you fail to say is that the reason they are doing so is rooted in your inept handling of the situation," replied the Guilds representative in the same dry tone.
"Inept?" replied Reverend Mother Gaius Mohiam. "The Guild has no authority to judge the Imperium. Your Guild, like the Bene Gesserit, has agreed to neutrality in these matters."
"Indeed we have," replied the Guildsman. "And we have chosen the best path to maintain our neutrality is to confirm that we shall play no further part in your machinations Bene Gesserit. As we speak, one of my fellows is informing the leadership of your sisterhood."
Reverend Mother Gaius Mohiam felt a moment of fear that she quickly suppressed. Neither the Emperor nor Fenring would miss the connection that she had a connection to the Guild. "We have agreements with your leadership."
"You had an agreement with a rogue element within the Guild. They are no longer able to deliver on their promises," replied the Guildsman in the same dry voice. "We have…cleared house, so to speak."
She could feel the eyes of both Fenring and the Emperor as she considered what to say that would not worsen her position.
"So you are denying us transport of our troops?" asked Fenring.
"No," replied the Guildsman. "The Guild will stand by our agreement and standard rates to transport the Imperial party to Arrakis. With the understanding that the difficulties with the Spice supply will be resolved."
Fenring hid a frown as he considered the agents wording, "And the other great houses who will…ah, support our endeavours?"
"Our rates are being renegotiated due to Spice shortages," was the reply.
Fenring could feel the anger radiating off his old friend and resigned himself for a long session. He could only hope he could persuade the Guild to co-operate with the Emperor's plans.
oOoOo
Reverend Mother Gaius Mohiam was forced to centre herself and get her anger and fear under control. The damnable Guild was playing games and with the upper echelons of the Bene Gesserit in disarray, it was the last thing she needed.
"Reverend Mother the Guildsman is here," reported a young Bene Gesserit who acted as one of her servants.
"Good, show him in and then ensure that we are not disturbed," ordered Mohiam.
"Yes, Reverend Mother."
The guildsman, still dressed exactly as he had been in court, entered and stood silently as the door was closed and the privacy field activated. Once the tell-tale sound deading effect was activated, Mohiam turned her attention to the Guildsman.
"You have much explaining to do," hissed Mohiam.
"I thought that my words were clear Bene Gesserit."
"Do not play games with me, Guildsman! The Bene Gesserit will not allow this foolishness. The Spice must flow and the Emperor means to resolve the issue. Why is your Guild obstructing this?" The Reverend Mother was a master of the Voice. In her anger she made no attempt at subtlety, unleashing it with full force on the Guildsman.
The Guildsman raised an eyebrow, "You will demand nothing from the Guild. Moreover, you will find that I am quite well insulated from your manipulations. Your…allies no longer speak for the Guild and I suspect that in future we will be less inclined to enter into individual arrangements."
"And what has caused this change of position?" asked Mohiam, her tone venomous.
"The Spice must flow Reverend Mother and we will do what we must to ensure that it does. For now, I will repeat my warning to your Sisterhood. The Guild is embracing our neutrality and will not support an all-out attack on Arrakis. The parties involved must find another resolution."
Mohiam fumed silently after the Guilds representative had been escorted out. The Bene Gesserits plans and her personal agreements were being thrown into chaos. Things must be brought back to normal as soon as possible and for that to happen the leadership of the Sisterhood had to act.
"Fetch me Sister Elucid, I need a message carried to the Motherhouse."
oOoOo
Sietch Tabr - Arrakis
"The training is progressing well Maud'Dib," reported Stilgar.
Paul nodded as he considered the map of the old city on the table before him, "Will the additional troops be ready?"
"Your man Halleck and the Feydakin trainers will do their best to have them ready Usul," added Chani.
"I know," replied Paul. "My apologies for my ill mood. Nevertheless, the timetable is tight. Any word from Baraka?"
"The Magi are training hard…Baraka is pushing them to be as ready as they can be. He is a capable man Maud'Dib, he knows what is needful," replied Stilgar.
"As do we all," said Paul. "Still it will be our hardest test. Intelligence from our Harkonnen friend looks accurate and is supported by our own agents. The Fat Baron is looking to replace Olavi with his other nephew Feyd. A younger, thinner and more polished monster, but still a monster."
"And the Emperor and his legions?" asked Chani.
"We will have to face no more than six legions maybe as few as four. The Guild has taken a stand, deciding on neutrality. The Harkonnen may have the equivalent of another two if they can convince the Emperor that they should be allowed to step foot on Arrakis." Explained Paul. "We have advantages that they cannot easily counter; the Magi, our training, our adaption to Desert power."
"Will it be enough?" asked Stilgar.
"I have seen both victory and defeat…the future shifts and changes with each decision we make. The Fremen are able to project power anywhere on Arrakis and we control Spice. The Emperor and the Great Houses have immense power but most cannot be brought against us." Paul shrugged, "There is no easy answer to your question Stilgar. We must have faith."
Chani, her eyes shining, brandished her crysknife, "Indeed we must. I have faith in God and I have faith in you Muad'dib. We will win. With the Magi returned and growing in number and the Emperor's heir with us…we have the advantage."
oOoOo
Landsraad Office of Earl Memmon Thorvald
Earl Memnon Thorvald was not one of those that had the Emperor's ear. Oh, he had political clout and access to wealth and thus the 'ears' of his peers but that influence did not extend to the Emperor. His 'friendship' with the Atreides had been a way to be apart of a cohesive voting block as much as it was a meeting of allies. Nevertheless, he had come to know and respect the Duke. His death had been a blow to their plans to bring change to the increasingly stagnating Landsraad and to the Empire.
The Emperor had spent the last three decades all but ignoring the Great Convention. The rules that had been in place for wars and feuds, the rules that set parameters on Kanly and saw that the War of Assassins did not spill over into general warfare. Rules that Shaddam Corrino the IV saw fit to ignore or manipulate so that he could defeat those whom he felt threatened his rule.
The Death of Leto had been a hammer blow to their plans. Perhaps there were others that could lead the Landsraad, but none had the gravitas and personal sense of honour that Leto had possessed.
One of their allies had summed up their tattered alliance, 'The Emperor has shown his hand and so who will be the next to volunteer to be destroyed by the Sardaukar?'
Still, there was hope. The Fremen uprising on Arrakis had all but destroyed any hope the Harkonnens may have had to advance their house. Given the predilections of the current Baron, it was of the benefit of all the Great Houses to see him humbled and his ambitions in ashes.
oOoOo
Fenring's Private Office – Imperial Building
"FIVE LEGIONS…THEY WILL PERMIT ME FIVE LEGIONS. HOW DARE THEY! I ASKED FOR TEN."
The Emperor was in a rage in the aftermath of the Guild representatives visit. Fenring had all but dragged his old friend to his office to limit the damage. Sadly. It meant that he had to endure that Emperor's rage with nowhere to flee.
Fenring decided to get things on to a more productive path, "Hmm..a sizable force Highness, just over a hundred and fifty thousand Sardaukar. It should, with the Harkonnen forces onsite, be enough to regain control of the situation."
"The Harkonnen," hissed out the Emperor. "The Harkonnen are the reason I'm now being forced to deal with the damnable guild. If I could, I would be rid of them all."
Fenring bowed his head in apparent acknowledgement, "That would not be…a…ah…wise course. Although…"
"Although?" prompted the Emperor.
"His Governor Olavi is a competent officer. One we should be able to work with. Perhaps the right approach…hmmm…he might be persuaded to consider a more co-operative approach."
The Emperor calmed somewhat as he considered Fenring's words, "How many people does he have?"
"He has relocated his household and given that his stock and trade are mercenaries he had nearly twenty thousand trained men."
"A drop in the bucket considering the troop losses on Arrakis," mused the Emperor. "How many had that fool Rabban lost, forty, forty-five percent?"
"Less than ten percent. It appears that Olavi is a better general or far more cautious. Evidence supports the later," said Fenring as he placed the CHOAM reports in front of the Emperor.
"And we think these are correct?"
"Hmmm, It would appear so," acknowledged Fenring. "He's the Governor and yet he's not a Harkonnen flunky, nor family. My original belief was that he was to appease our concerns. A man set up to fail, to allow the Baron to redirect our anger and position his preferred replacement."
"It appears that dear Olavi failed to get the message."
"Or he got the message and decided not to die for the Good Baron's benefit. Which means that he may be amenable to talking to us," added Fenring. "With Olavi and our Sardaukar agents, we might finally get a clear picture of what is happening."
"Damn the Harkonnen…I want my daughters found."
oOoOo
Arrakis - Spaceport
The six-man Sardaukar infiltration squad arrived on four different ships. Each man was carrying a concealed arsenal but unless you looked closely at their hard-bitten eyes they simply looked like merchants, mechanics or any other worker.
The squad leader and his second had been apart of the advance force that had accompanied the Harkonnen troops when they had taken on the Atreides. So, he had no illusions about the difficulties they would face trying to hunt for the missing Royals.
Moving without attracting attention was a skill that could be learned. The Sardaukar on the teams were all masters. Three hours later they were gathered in a cheap hotel bunkroom that had never been used in any sort of intelligence operation. A quick scan showed a single electronic listening device, that wasn't even switched on (They disabled it anyway).
Tomorrow they would contact one of the few contacts that Fenring was confident could help. The disinherited Fourth son of a Harkonnen House Minor, he acted as an agent for the Spice Smugglers. But rather than Spice, he dealt in information, timetables, guard rosters and bribes. He greased the wheel that gave the smaller smugglers the contacts they needed to operate, even under the Harkonnen regime.
All the men were briefed so there was no difficulty in finding and taking positions around the Harkonnen's place of business. The Spice Coffee business he owned was a front but still an operating business and at this early hour, it had customers, despite its less than envious position at the end of a street in the old town.
oOoOo
Spice Coffee House – Old City Arakeen
Siluet Thal-Sala did not like waking with the sun but for the sake of appearances he turned up several days a week. Enough for an observer to know he was involved in the business. It wasn't like he was going to dirty his hands at the coffee presses or serving customers.
Still, they brought in a legitimate income that he paid exorbitant tax on to keep the Harkonnen Tax men at bay. His real income came from the smugglers to whom he sold equipment, rumours and the occasional tip-off. Smugglers on Arrakis grew rich off the Spice and could afford to pay his prices.
He saw one of his staff point in his direction as two men walked toward him. Both were dressed in stillsuits but lacked the intense Blue on Blue eyes of the desert Fremen. So likely they were smugglers.
"You Siluet?" asked the taller of the two men.
"I am, what do you need?" asked Siluet. He didn't need to glance toward the service area to know that his bodyguard was watching carefully, Mauler Pistol at hand.
"Looking for someone," was the reply.
Siluet nodded, gesturing to a narrow doorway. "Follow me and we'll see what aid I can give you."
Both men followed the Harkonnen as he led the way into his 'office'. Once the door was shut behind them Siluet's eyes narrowed. "Who sent you to me?"
"Does it matter?" asked the taller man as he placed a small leather satchel on the table, "Three Hundred Imperial."
Siluet raised an eyebrow and made no move to take the bag, "A considerable sum. I should probably ask how you came to have it…but I won't. What do you seek?"
"Spice, my master wants to ensure delivery of Spice to our world. No matter what…that means smugglers."
Siluet nodded, face expressionless, "True, but things are somewhat tense at the moment. The Fremen are making Spice mining difficult, even for veterans. Most of the smugglers are being cautious. Caution makes things more expensive."
"How about a discount for keeping my mouth shut."
Siluet smiled coldly, "Ah, but then which guards owe me a favour?"
"Fine," muttered the disguised Sardaukar. "How much for an introduction?"
"Three hundred will cover it. After that you will be on your own," explained Siluet. "Although for that price, well you'll have to convince them you are serious by yourself. Give me an hour and then be at the landing field, the second hanger."
Siluet waited until the two men had left before leaving via the hidden door in the rear of his 'office'. His two men, both with Mauler pistols, were waiting by the hidden viewport.
"Have they gone?" asked Siluet.
The larger guard nodded, "Yes Sir."
"Good, once I have contacted Ratek we need to clear out. Something about those two doesn't feel right. Whatever it was, I knew I had to make a deal or end up dead."
"Secret Police?" asked his smaller guard.
"I'd like to think I'd be warned before they came knocking, but truthfully who knows. Get things moving," he ordered as he made his way over to his personal transmitter. It took a few moments to translate his message into the correct code but he soon had the full message he wanted to send. A moment later it was gone.
Whoever the two 'merchants' really were, he doubted they were going to leave a loose end flapping around if their plan failed. So, best make himself scarce.
oOoOo
"Can we trust him?" asked the Sardaukar's second.
"We shall see," responded the squad leader.
Just over an hour later, a single figure in a stillsuit approached his team, "You are the Spice dealers?"
"You a smuggler?" responded the Squad Leader.
A nod was the only reply he got. Instead, the smuggler gestured toward a rather battered Thopter.
As they approached the hatch opened and a second man gestured for them to come aboard. The Thopter appeared much better maintained on the inside and was set up for passengers.
"Take a seat and strap in," ordered the new man. "It's a thirty-minute flight."
The flight passed in silence until the Thopter was back on the ground.
"We're here, once you are out there don't try anything stupid. The boss might look like he's alone…but he ain't. I'm to wait in the Thopter till your business is finished."
The Sardaukar leader nodded and stood, followed by his team. The Thopter was in a large hanger that it shared with a small Spice Harvester and an old Carry-All. A single man, clad in a brown stillsuit with a hooded cloak stood waiting.
"You are looking to buy spice yes?" said the waiting man once the Sardaukar reached him.
"Among other things," replied the disguised Sardaukar.
"What other things?" asked the smuggler.
"My master wishes to trade with the Fremen for Spice goods. There is a huge market for both Spice and Spice goods." It was a good lie, based in truth. There was a robust black market for both Spice and Spice based-goods. More importantly, the later was not something most smugglers dealt in.
"The Fremen aren't very talkative right now," warned the smuggler.
"I'm prepared to pay."
"Fremen aren't that interested in money these days. That's why my boys aren't out on the sand. They tolerate us, as long as we don't cause trouble. So right now we are laying low and selling our stores of Spice off rather than mining. Because the way I hear…well, things are heating up amongst the high and mighty. That usually makes me nervous."
That was unfortunate, their mission, while stealthy, was also on a tight timeframe. Perhaps he needed to make a more forceful request. His let his hand drop to his knife.
"I wouldn't if I was you," warned the smuggler. "You're being watched and none of those watchers will hesitate if you attack me."
He glanced to the left and the right seeing nothing.
"Oh don't worry they are there. Now, what is it that you want to really meet the Fremen for?"
The Sardaukar tensed, "My masters business is his own."
"Not when it will impact my business," replied the smuggler a touch of anger.
The Sardaukar didn't need to look to know that his fellows were on guard, "How does talking to the Fremen put you at risk?"
The smuggler shook his head, "Not many people realise that some of the smuggler coalitions have been working with the Fremen for hundreds of years. In that time we've managed to build something of a symbiotic relationship. Of course, with the current trouble, we have had to curtail our operations. But, when things settle down then we will re-negotiate our relationship. We don't much care which house rules Arrakis or what CHOAM decides about control of the Spice…hell, sometimes we even pay taxes. What we do care about is the future. Right now, you and your group of soldiers are a complication. One I have yet to decide how to turn to my advantage."
"Soldiers?" asked the Sardaukar in a mocking tone. Inwardly he was preparing for action.
"Sardaukar I would guess. I saw enough of you in action to recognize the signs."
The plan was in ruins now but they had prepared for just such eventualities. He called out a command in Sardaukar Battle language as he leapt at the smuggler…only to be blasted backwards by a flash of red light.
Despite their abilities, the Sardaukar were unconscious moments later.
Stablan Tuek shook his head in wonder as a dozen Fremen appeared from around the hanger, "Amazing, what weapons were those?"
Harry shrugged, "Secret ones Stablan. We will take them from here. Once again the Fremen thank you…Muad'dib assures me that your friendship will not be forgotten Stablan Tuek."
Tuek grinned looking at Harry before his eyes flicked to one of the Fremen guarding the Sardaukar, "Give his Grace my best."
Harry managed to keep his expression neutral as the wily smuggler tossed him a salute and made his way to the still waiting Thopter.
Gurney waited until the Thopter had departed before tossing his hood back, "Damn it…he's a sharp one. Should I…."
Harry waved him off, "No, Tuek is an ally. He has dealt fairly with us and so we will allow him his secrets. After all, whom would he tell? He hates the Harkonnen for killing his father."
"Still it's a loose end," argued Gurney.
"We've got people watching him. If it becomes a problem we can deal with it then," replied Harry.
Gurney shrugged, letting it go. "Well Baraka, we have quite a haul here." He knelt down and searched the unconscious man. Grimacing when he found a hidden compartment in the stillsuit that held shiggawire and a folding knife. Holding the two weapons out for Harry to see before he called out instructions to the Fedaykin to search the fallen men with care.
Harry had no doubt that Muad'dib would be interested in their visitors.
oOoOo
He was.
"Sardaukar, I had been wondering if the Emperor would send his men. The question is why are they here?" asked Muad'dib. "Scouting or something else."
Gurney was watching the heavily restrained Sardaukar like they were about to leap up and attack his Duke. Which could be forgiven, given the reputation of their Corps. "Do you want me to get answers Muad'dib?"
Paul glanced over at Harry and raised an eyebrow.
Harry nodded and walked forward, "Wake him and ask your questions Muad'dib. If needs be, I can try and capture the memory."
In the end, it had been necessary. The Sardaukar were tough, hard men. Unlikely to crack under torture…not that Paul would allow it. So Harry had Paul, ask and re-ask the questions while Harry stood behind the man, trying to capture the strands of a memory.
It had taken almost a dozen attempts, but he eventually pulled his hands away with a silvery memory contained within them.
The pensive was an invaluable training tool for the Magi but its primary purpose was as a way to review memories. The Sardaukars memory of his briefing was rather revealing.
"So he was to spy…I wonder if Fenring suspects?" asked Paul.
"He may," replied Harry. "He has guessed, no doubt confirmed by now, that I was an Atreides man. As to your identity, Maud'Dib…he must at least suspect. I wonder if he has guessed at the location of the Princesses."
"Perhaps, although I suspect that he believes that they are our prisoners rather than our guests," said Paul.
"And it will sow doubt, inspired Maud'Dib," praised Gurney with a wolfish grin. "It won't stop him coming in force," argued Gurney. "Although, it will mean more conventional strikes. He can't try orbital bombardment with his daughters somewhere on the planet."
"The Guild would not allow it regardless," said Paul with a thoughtful expression on his face. "I need to consider what we should do. The Princesses are here under my protection and I will not use them as disposable bargaining chips. Irulan is heir to the Golden Lion Throne and one way to end this without total war would be for me to marry her. A ploy that the Emperor no doubt fears and one I would not consider forcing on her."
"Would such a union be recognised by the Imperium?" asked Harry.
"Not likely, but many would fall in to line. The popularity of the Emperor has been waning for decades among the Great Houses. It was something my father sought to exploit. Our first hurdle is the defeat of the remaining Harkonnen forces and the Emperor's Sardaukar. Once that is done. I must find a way forward, marrying Irulan is one way, total war against the Imperium is another. I would prefer the first." I will not bring about the bloody jihad I have envisioned unless there is no other choice.
Gurney and Harry exchanged a glance.
"What are your orders Muad'dib?" asked Gurney.
oOoOo
Sardaukar Squad Leader Berez came back to awareness with abrupt suddenness. However, thanks to his training, he kept still and tried to get a feel for his surroundings.
He was restrained, secured to a flat surface in a way that allowed him no movement to test the restraints. He was also clad only in his undershorts.
"Ah good, you are awake. I was wondering how long it would take. The Fremen have been rather closed mouth on how it works," the speaker was female and close by.
Faking unconsciousness was not a viable play so Berez opened his eyes. He was too professional to react overtly but his eyes did widen slightly.
"My Lady?"
Lady Margot Fenring gave a slight nod, "Good you know my station. Your men are alive and at this point in time because Duke Atreides plans to return you as a messenger once the Emperor arrives. He wanted me to be present so that I could brief you and to avoid any unpleasantness."
"Duke Atreides is dead," said Berez as he studied Margot's face.
"Duke Leto Atreides is dead. Duke Paul Atreides, however, is alive and well. He leads the Fremen here on Arrakis against the Harkonnen," explained Margot.
"We must get a message to the Emperor," whispered Berez.
Margot sighed, "As I have said, you are to be that messenger."
Berez considered a dozen plans and dismissed each of them. If Lady Fenring were indeed right, he would simply have to wait until he was released. This news must get to the Emperor as it potentially changed everything.
"Duke Paul will be here shortly. I suggest you be courteous as his people are less than enamoured of Sardaukar."
Her words proved prophetic as the door opened admitting several large guards and three men. Thanks to his briefing, he knew two of the three. Gurney Halleck and Harry Potter and the third…he looked the part of noble and his features spoke of his ancestry. Given what he knew of the Duke's family, the boy looked to be an Atreides.
"You are Levenbrech Berez of the third Imperial?" asked Paul.
Berez was surprised to hear his name. His rank and unit were just as worrisome. He glanced at the Bene Gesserit beside his bed. 'Was this a Bene Gesserit betrayal?'
Margot Fenring gave him a slight headshake as if denying his unspoken question.
"Answer the Duke!" demanded Gurney.
"I do not answer to you," replied Berez. 'Could it be true, was this young man Paul Atreides?'
"And yet you must answer to Duke Atreides. Who stands before you," Gurney pointed out as he stepped forward, hand on the hilt of his weapon.
Paul raised a hand, stopping Gurney. "I am sure Levenbrech Berez, as a loyal soldier of the Imperium, would not deny a ruling Duke in the Fief granted to him by the Emperor. Now, as Lady Fenring has no doubt informed you that your men are alive and being held as our guests while I await an answer as to several questions I have. I am in need of a messenger and you are suitable as such."
"A messenger…my Lord?"
Paul smiled although his eyes remained cold, "Yes a messenger to the Emperor."
The Sardaukar was trying to determine what was happening as Paul held up a sealed message tube, "This message needs to be handed to the Emperor and Lady Fenring no doubt has messages to pass to her husband."
oOoOo
Harry was thankful that he wasn't in Lady Fenring's shoes as Princess Irulan unleashed on her fellow Bene Gesserit.
The Princess had made it clear both on her behalf as well as her sisters that she had absolutely no intentions of returning to the 'safety' of her fathers care. The Duke had offered sanctuary and she had accepted it until such times that her father could explain, in person, his actions on the day she had narrowly avoided assassination.
Lady Fenring had tried to argue that Paul was using her to draw out the Harkonnens and the Emperor as a continuance of his rebellious activities. She had given her word that the Emperor had not been responsible.
The Princess has laughed scornfully. Pointing out that she knew, all too well, just how questionable she considered the word of the Emperor or any Fenring. She had then pointed out that her faith in her sisterhood had been shaken as revelations of the wholesale murder of children that had come to light. Given these facts and what she had uncovered about the Harkonnen atrocities and the Emperor's collusion with the Harkonnen, she was not inclined to leave the safety provided by an honourable man.
The final straw had been when she had informed Margot that one way to deal with the Emperor's concern about her intentions would be to marry Paul after all the joining of their two houses would resolve the fear that she could not lead…was Duke Paul not now a proven Military leader?
Margot Fenring had been rendered almost speechless by that and left soon after.
"You can come out now Harry," said Irulan once the Fremen had indicated Lady Fenring was gone.
All the anger and vitriol that had been in her voice was gone, replaced by her usual calm demeanour and soft tones.
"Are you alright Highness?" asked Harry.
Irulan sighed, "That was necessary. Although I must say that it is not often that one gets to see Margot Fenring off balance. I am sure that the recent revelations about the Bene Gesserits activities have left her feeling somewhat adrift." She shook her head and focussed on Harry. "My place is here and I have my role to play if we are to avoid all-out war. Lady Fenring cannot see with the clarity I have been given. The Empire is in a downward spiral, a fatal one if it is allowed to continue. Lives have been wasted trying to maintain a status quo that cannot be maintained. Duke Leto died because my father feared he was too popular. Too honourable and too inclined to seek justice…what sort of sick, broken system rewards such actions? No, Paul is right. Change must come and there is a choice ahead."
Harry was slightly uncomfortable with the topic. He was unsure what exactly Paul had discussed with Irulan and thus he didn't know if he was meant to be a party to their plans.
"Baraka, Maud'Dib calls you to council," announced Otheym from the doorway.
oOoOo
Carthag – Harkonnen Spaceport
Olavi Svet resisted the urge to smile at the confused Harkonnen officer standing before him. The Captain was a loyalist of Rabban or perhaps the Baron. Either way, he was one of the few officers left under Olavi from Rabban's rule.
"…But M'lord…the Fremen will see this as an opportunity to infiltrate the city!"
Olavi shook his head, "I don't think so Captain. Their attacks have tapered off of late as they focus on other things. Perhaps some tribal dispute or some such rubbish. This is our opportunity to secure our position. You've done sterling work Captain." 'As a murdering thug' thought Olavi, before continuing. "I need these Spice shipments secured and so you and your men will ensure their delivery to our homeworld. I have the men to secure the city."
"I must protest, the Baron would not approve of this M'lord," protested the Captain. "The Fremen are dangerous Mi'Lord."
Olavi frowned at the middle-aged officer, "How unfortunate that the Baron is not here to lend us his wisdom. Until such time as I hear otherwise, I rule Arrakis and I say that the troops here would be best used securing our Spice delivery."
The Captain hesitated before turning and departing without a salute or acknowledgement.
"What a vile man," said Olavi to his Guard Captain.
"Indeed Sir, Orders?" asked his Captain.
"See to it that he takes all of his men Lewin. We can't guarantee that we'll get rid of all the informants and saboteurs but it's a step in the right direction. Carry on Captain," ordered Olavi.
"Yes My Lord," replied Captain Lewin.
Olavi watched as his own house troopers oversaw the loading of the dropship. That was the last Harkonnen 'loyalist' dead or redeployed. In less than three weeks the Emperor would be here. He had worked with Duke Paul and his men to ensure that they were ready. Even with all that had happened, the Atreides Duke had lived up to his promises, just as he was doing now. He had dismantled the Harkonnen intelligence apparatus and removed the Baron's loyalists and spies under the guise of installing his own men. When the day came for him to shift his allegiance, the Harkonnen defences would be significantly compromised.
oOoOo
There were many ways to get a message off-world from Arrakis. Despite strict controls on what communications left the planet, there were still channels open. With the Guilds new neutral stance, it actually made it easier than it had ever been to get a message just about anywhere in the Imperium.
Earl Memnon Thorvald sighed as he studied his old friend an ally. Archduke Armand Ecaz was clearly ill, pale and unhealthy looking. Despite this, he still wore his houses military uniform with his usual aplomb. He had confided in Thorvald that he had been poisoned, fatally. Despite this, the Archduke was still regularly attending the Landsraad sessions.
"What is it, Armand?"
"I received an interesting message today," said Armand as he passed over a metal tube.
Memnon raised an eyebrow as he took the tube and unscrewed the cap. There were two sheets of high-quality Spice paper with a seal at the bottom of the second page.
Armand watched his friends eyes widen and then go back to the top of the first page to read it again more slowly.
"Is this real?" asked Memnon.
"It is," replied Armand.
"The uprising on Arrakis?"
"Led by Duke Paul," Armand assured him.
"God, this could bring down the Emperor…and you believe that he has all three Princesses?"
"I have every faith in the young Duke's word. He is a consummate tactician and an honourable man. Just imagine, a Mentat Duke with Bene Gesserit training and the honour of the Atreides. He is the future Memnon."
Memnon sat back in his office chair, eyes unfocused as he considered his old friend's words. After a few moments, his eyes went back to the letter. "We do not have much time. Weeks, if our agents are to be believed. That is not much time."
"This will not be a battle for us to fight. It will be after the Duke has dealt with the Emperor that we will be needed," replied Armand.
"Do you know what he plans to do?" asked Memnon as he considered their options.
"He plans to chastise the Emperor and his supporters. If he can hold Arrakis then he has control of the Spice…that is a powerful negotiating tool."
Memnon smiled grimly, "I do not see how the Harkonnen can survive this. What a pity…although I would give a great deal to see the bastards face when he realises he's really done for." He sobered as he considered the political situation. "Will he force a marriage?"
"I don't know. It is one possibility," admitted Armand.
"If only we had known sooner…come, old friend, we have much to do," said Memnon.
oOoOo
Old Sietch
Harry and his students emerged from the pensive and back to reality. After giving them a few moments to regain their wits, he gathered them together.
"What did we learn?" asked Harry.
"We broke from cover too early," replied Melina. "Otheym and the Feydakin were not fully in the ambush area."
"Why did you break cover?" asked Harry.
Melina looked thoughtful, "Because I believed that they would see me."
"Because you didn't think the magic hiding you would work. This is an important lesson…trusting in your powers is crucial. If you have doubts, your magic might fail you. So what else?"
Alia sighed, "The plan was poor. We should have brought fighters with us. There were too many for us to take out quickly."
"Then why did you go with that plan?" asked Harry. "You are not just training to be Magi. You are also leaders. The Fremen respect your abilities and will often look to you for orders. Not always easy to accept bu true. Melina, we don't expect you to be leading combat missions. Your first love is healing but that doesn't mean that in a fight you can hang back, passively. Combat is fluid and often you will be pushed into a bad position. You may have to fight. Next time, when you are planning a mission, ask one of the more experienced fighters. Learn from them and their experience." He could see the nods and thoughtful looks.
"Now what else did we see?" asked Harry as he continued with the debriefing.
oOoOo
Paul and Stilgar watched on as Harry's Magi practised casting in what was now becoming known as the Cave of the Magi.
"They are growing in skill Maud'dib," said Stilgar.
"Yes, but I'm not convinced they are ready for what is coming," replied Paul.
"They will do their part. Baraka's plan for different squads having a Magi is a good one. It will save lives."
"I know Stilgar, I have seen possible futures where the Green Legion that will come uses those tactics. The Legion, however, is still in its infancy," replied Paul. "Only Baraka, Rania and the Fedaykin that guard them have any true combat experience. Perhaps a few of the older sorceresses might be suitable but most will be with Alia and Melina acting as healers."
"As you say Maud'dib. Still, the others are coming along quickly…" Stilgar was watching Alia use magic to take down a Fedaykin. He grinned, "Quite quickly indeed."
oOoOo
Geidi Prime – Baronial Palace
Baron Vladamir Harkonnen could not determine how he plan had failed. He had been a step or two away from the pinnacle of power…he would have been the man that had raised House Harkonnen to the Imperial Throne.
Now that detailed, meticulous plan was nearly totally derailed. Events had escalated and the Emperor's intervention had come far sooner than they had expected. There had been no time to establish Feyd as their saviour. No time to turn the Fremen animals into effective soldiers of House Harkonnen.
So now Feyd was about to depart, in his place, for Arrakis. To find what could be done to get matters back on track. For all I know my plan to use the Fremen might not survive the Emperor's intervention. If only…he clamped down on that thought. No, he would not succumb to 'what if'. His plan had failed because he had not foreseen some hidden risk or trap. What a waste Thufir's death had been. For all his attitude and hatred of his new 'masters', the man had been a superlative Mentat.
Well, now the game was changed once more. To live, he needed to appease the Emperor while keeping their 'agreement' unspoken. He knew he could hurt the Emperor with what he knew. An unenviable position, he needed to be useful, to live another day. Now was not to be his long looked for victory against the Emperor.
Feyd would be his eyes. He would have the information the Emperor needed. He would be useful so that he, and by extension the Harkonnen, were useful.
The first question was what had happened with Olavi Svet.
Their Lord was a long time retainer. A loyal and capable leader who had, within weeks, reduced the number of successful Fremen attacks. It stung that the man had replaced nearly the entire planets Harkonnen guard with his own, loyal men.
Yes, it stung but Olavi had lowered troop losses and started the Spice flowing again, if only sporadically. Did the man not realise that he was meant to do nothing save to maintain the status quo until Feyd arrived?
The Emperor had been clear that he expected Baron Harkonnen to travel with him, as a part of his court. He just hoped that by the time they arrived Feyd would be able to salvage something from the situation. Presenting the Emperor with a solution had saved many a scalp.
oOoOo
Sietch Tabr
The Bene Gesserit's leader had lost none of her arrogance while she was locked away.
"You have no right to hold me much less put me on trial. My actions are sanctioned," she spotted Margot Fenring, Jessica and then Irulan and her sisters standing among the Fremen.
"Highness you must…" began Lilith before Irulan cut her off.
"I must do nothing. Your own actions have led you here. Actions that you must now answer for," said Irulan, her voice cold as she glared at the leader of the Bene Gesserit.
"You do this and you will be signing your own death warrant," hissed Lilith as her baleful gaze turned back to Paul. "Your pet abominations will be the death of you."
Paul looked at the woman with dismissive contempt, "The words of a child killer."
Lilith concentrated and used her final weapon, the voice. "You will release me Paul Atreides."
Paul laughed scornfully, "You will find your tricks still don't work on me."
Lilith made an inarticulate sound of rage as she was manhandled into a simple wooden chair.
"Lilith of the Bene Gesserit, as Duke Atreides I cannot sentence you to die. However, as Maud'dib, I can and do. You demanded a trial by combat and then you profaned the very rite you had demanded, that alone under Fremen law means death," Paul smiled coldly at her. "I might not be able to condemn you for your orders murder of countless children but I'd like to think that they have at least received justice."
"Revel in your…" there was a blast of red light and Lilith landed in a heap on the floor.
Paul studied her disinterestedly, "Is she dead?"
Harry shook his head, "No Muad'dib, just stunned."
"Take her away and lock her up until we are ready to deal with her," Paul ordered the Feydakin.
"Yes Maud'Dib," acknowledged two Feydakin at the door as the moved to carry the unconscious Bene Gesserit.
Through the entire scene, Margot Fenring had sat, her mind racing and at war with itself. She had wanted to speak up, to condemn the proceedings, to support her leader but she could not un-see what she had been shown. The proof that had been given was damning…too accurate to be easily dismissed.
She had looked to Irulan and her sisters and had seen the contempt in their eyes. They too appeared convinced of Lilith's and by extension the leadership of the Bene Gesserits guilt.
As she had been convinced.
There was an old saying that Initiates in her order were taught. 'He who helps the guilty shares the crime.'
Had she unwittingly helped murder children? She had never knowingly harmed a child…and yet she had filled countless reports. Had her report led to the death of a child?
She may never know.
"Lady Fenring?"
Margot turned to see Gurney Halleck standing beside her.
"The Duke Atreides wishes to know if you wish to send word to your Husband," said Gurney before waiting expectantly. Just as he would have been trained to do as a loyal retainer of a Ducal house.
"No offer for me to be exchanged as a hostage?" replied Margot.
Gurney raised an eyebrow, "I believe that his grace assumed that you would stay to serve her Highness."
"Of course," replied Margot. "I will write a letter to my husband. When will Duke Paul need my missive?"
"In the morning should be adequate My Lady," replied Gurney.
She watched Gurney walk away, careful to keep her expression neutral. Events were spinning out of control for the Empire and as she could see it, the Bene Gesserit. 'The Emperor no doubt thinks his daughter's hostages…little does he know that Irulan is playing her own game. She has seemingly aligned herself with a man who promises to be influential and powerful if he can continue to survive. If she aligns herself with the Atreides…well, there were many among the Great Houses who might support such an alliance. The Emperor has grown unpopular and despite what he might think, his predecessors had held sway over the Landsraad by force of arms. To this day it still needed that force, or the threat of it, to maintain power.'
oOoOo
On a hundred worlds, preparations had begun.
Those allied with the Emperor pledged their support and requested guild transport to Arrakis and were denied. The Guild agents responded to request with the same words. Again and again, they were told that the guild was holding to its neutrality. There would be no 'great fleet' circling the Desert Planet.
Only the Emperor's forces and those of House Harkonnen were offered transport, on the Guilds terms.
"Will five legions of Sardaukar be enough?" Fenring asked the gathered Sardaukar Bursegs.
"Of course it will," was the instant reply from the most junior of the gathering.
The ranking Burseg shot his colleague a look of frustrated anger, "Of course? Do not underestimate the enemy Veret! These Fremen have been taking the Harkonnen apart and the casualty figures indicate that their own losses have been disproportionately low."
Fenring was distracted from the growing argument by the arrival of a messenger who handed him a sealed message tube. The tube was marked with the correct test marks, so it had been tested and was judged safe to open. The origin of the message was clearly imprinted on the label and stated that it was from Arrakis.
Moving to the side of the room, he unsealed the tube and removed the Spice paper scroll within. The paper was covered in the neat and very distinctive handwriting of his lady wife.
oOoOo
The Emperor let the note fall to the table as he looked up his childhood friend and advisor, "Is there any reason to doubt its authenticity?"
"It has the correct code words. All of which assure us that she was not under duress when she wrote this. And the Sardaukar who delivered it verifies that belief."
"How has it come to this?" asked the Emperor. His voice was soft and he sounded defeated and tired. "The cursed Guild has vetoed any chance we had to use overwhelming force and these…revelations about the Bene Gesserit are enough to destabilise the empire. While events spiral into chaos, this damn boy has modelled himself as the the new Serena Butler." The Emperor referred to the leader and eventual religious martyr, Serena Butler. She had been the figurehead of the Butlerian Jihad, the war against the thinking machines.
Fenring wished that he could spare his friend but he had no choice but to speak the truth. Now was not the time for diplomacy. "Our alliance with the Harkonnen was always a risk factor. We trusted in the Baron's hatred of the Duke but it appears that his real target was the Imperial throne." Fenring scowled, a rare show of his emotions. "The fat bastard overreached and in his incompetence, he has almost brought us down with him. He has tried to engineer the belief among the Landsraad that he is the wronged party. Well now that Duke Paul has reached out to the Landsraad, even the Baron's allies would be unwilling to support any bill of particulars he brings. The Baron is done Shaddam, he gambled and he lost. Now we must find a way forward that does not split the Imperium. As for the Bene Gesserit…we must distance ourselves from their actions. It would not surprise me if that is what their own leadership is already doing. At least Paul Atreides is not mad enough to go public with that!"
"The Sardaukar could still take Arrakis…or at the least force the Atreides to the negotiation table," said the Emperor.
"With the restrictions the Guild has imposed…no, such a move would be foolish. The Landsraad is already against us. If they were led to believe that you had sought to…ah, remove your daughter from the picture. Well, more houses might throw their support behind the Atreides," explained Fenring.
"Could he be assassinated?" asked the Emperor.
"Any man may be assassinated but then we risk really turning him into a martyr. From what we have seen, the intelligence data…it all adds up to a conclusion that I have failed to factor in to my equations. Leto was too popular with the Landsraad. The Atreides were on the verge of replicating Sardaukar. So, we acted to remove him as a threat. We used the Harkonnen, relying on their hatred of House Atreides and the Baron's willingness to work with us and allow the use of Sardaukar under Harkonnen colours. Only the Atreides survived and went underground with the Fremen religious fanatics in the deep desert. There, it appears, they have trained the Fremen to fight. Copying his father's plan and building a superior fighting force. Aided by his father's cadre of officers including the Telekinetic Potter he has all but taken back his father's Fief. He has all but one of your children, your heir and potentially many friendly ears among the dissidents in the Landsraad. I failed to foresee this outcome and now we must deal with this new reality."
Shaddam studied his oldest friend with concern before nodding, "Yes our plans failed, but all is not lost. By announcing his intentions, he has shown us his stick. what will the carrot be I wonder?"
"Do you mean to still take the military option?" asked Fenring.
The Emperor's expression hardened, "What choice do I have? If I sit here like a chastised child I might as well hand the boy the throne and slit my throat to save him the damn trouble." His anger was showing as he stood and paced the office. "I will have five legions of Sardaukar that will be enough to secure the populated areas of Arrakis. Once we control the cities, we will force this Atreides boy to the negotiating table."
"And what if it as my wife suggests? That Irulan is not held hostage but rather an ally. Your heir by his side will send a strong message to the Landsraad. He hopes to show a continuance of the Imperial order through marriage. Many of the neutrals would accept such a compromise."
"We are not bereft of options" agued the Emperor. "Yes, the Guild's stance restricts our capacity to project force but this Atreides must know that Guild will not support the permanent control of Spice being in the hands of one house. That is why the Imperial house does not administer Arrakis directly and why CHOAM exists. We still have cards to play."
Fenring considered the Emperor's words. The Emperor had effective control of twenty-one Legions of Sardaukar. 630,000 Sardaukar, the deadliest most feared and highly trained soldiers that the universe had ever seen. Enough to overpower any single house…the greatest fear of the Great Houses; that they would be picked off one by one. It had always worked to cow them in the past but if the Spacing Guild restricted troop transportation then how long would it take before the Great Houses realised that the threat of overwhelming force was hollow, did Paul Atreides know?
The Emperor stopped pacing, "The Harkonnens defeated the old Duke's forces with the aid of only two legions. Five should be sufficient threat to entice the Atreides to the table."
"The factors are not the same," warned Fenring. "We do not have the same strategic surprise. They are expecting us and they have your heir as a hostage."
"I still have Wensica, she could be announced as my heir. That would, potentially, create some doubt in their camp," announced the Emperor.
Fenring stared at his friend, hiding his surprise at the naivety of that plan. His old friend did not deal well with the unexpected and it was at times like this that flaw became very visible. "Ah…that might be ill-advised. Such a move would fuel speculation that you had tried to dispose of your heir." Not to mention that Wensica would be the worst possible choice, even as a ruse. She would not hesitate to murder her siblings to advance herself. The Emperor had not fully pursued the reports that Wensica had told her sisters that he had ordered their deaths. Even investigating such things were dangerous waters…if their enemies thought that there was evidence, it would be a political disaster.
oOoOo
Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam let the letter drop to the table with suddenly nerveless, cold fingers.
"This…could be a disaster for us," she whispered, uncaring that her voice was weak and unsteady.
"Could be a disaster? I would say that this could set us back centuries," said one of the other senior reverend mothers.
"Who else has been told these lies?" demanded another.
"Enough!" exclaimed Mohiam in exasperation. "We must contact the Chapterhouse and gather the true facts of this. We would be best served by all of us returning to our duties until we have received word."
All save Reverend Mother Folyen.
"We cannot avoid all the fallout from this," said Folyen. "The citizens of the Empire and the Houses Minor may not know but the Great Houses do…and I doubt that they will accept that we are acting within our remit. Not if they begin to speculate about what they have heard."
"Our mission, as a part of the great genetic program to produce the Kwisatz Haderach was also to ensure that humans held primacy…that the monsters that masquerade as humans did not infect the race. That is as I learnt it as a novitiate," Mohiam waved her hand at the paper on the desk. "I knew nothing of this…this pogrom against these gifted children. I knew nothing of these hidden technologies. So who did? Who within the order did?"
Folyen's expression was hard, "Do you think that I know? For it to be hidden from the rest of us it must be a single bloodline or bloodlines. Otherwise, it would have been exposed already. We must examine Lilith's bloodline and that of her predecessors. If we do not get this under control…it could be the end of us."
Mohiam considered what she knew, what her deals with the Guild had uncovered. "The guild must know some of this. They have opted for neutrality because they know something we do not. Potter…their agent mentioned an Atreides officer named Potter. He presented a Bill of Particulars to CHOAM, before disappearing without a ruling. What if he is one of these telekinetics…or whatever they are, one that survived?"
"What if Duke Paul is fully aware of this Potters abilities?" Folyen's face fell. "Blessed Mother, what if they are aware of others?"
Mohiam's well-trained mind was racing as she put together small pieces of information that she had gathered in the months since the fall of House Atreides.
It was clear now that Paul Atreides had survived. The young man that had shown such promise all those years ago on Caladan had clearly grown into a skilled leader. Skilled enough to take the Fremen and disrupt the Harkonnen operations to the point that CHOAM was forced to act.
The Fremen had confounded the Harkonnen and if the whispers were to be believed, they had both saved the Fenrings and beaten the Emperor's personal hand at his own game.
Her 'private' arrangement with a Guild Agent had been terminated after a change in leadership among the Guild. Was it possible that Paul Atreides had co-opted the Guild into his plans or was this as the Guildsman had said, purely a reaction to Paul Atreides control of the Spice?
What was clear was that the Emperor was under enormous pressure to get the Spice flowing. CHOAM profits were being impacted and Spice was growing expensive as supply dropped off.
Then the disastrous fracturing of the Imperial family had seen the disappearance of three-quarters of the Emperor's children, including his heir. Now, according to Margot Fenring, the three missing Corrino's were holed up with Paul Atreides.
'What can I do…how could this be turned back to the right path when none of the participants could be influenced. Despite being the Emperor's Truthsayer, these 'revelations' about her order had seen to it that she held little influence at court. And, while I sit powerless the Emperor prepares his Sardaukar to take back Arrakis. He will move his entire court to that benighted planet to force a settlement with Paul Atreides…but what if his intimidation fails. What if Paul turns the people of the Empire against the Bene Gesserit?'
oOoOo
Paul stood in a field of death. In every direction, the dead carpeted the ground their sightless eyes accusing.
He had seen this many times in his visions. The aftermath of the religious war his death would spark or perhaps his choices. He didn't die in every permutation but he still felt the weight of it on his mind.
This must not be…the Golden Path was gone, replaced by new possibilities and paths. Mankind could grow and prosper without the destruction that went with the Jihad. Humanity needed change, it needed growth and trial and the lack of such stimuli led to stagnation.
Humanity could not risk stagnation. There was a foe, unforeseen and relentless that he knew was coming. It was out there in the vastness of space and it was the great danger facing humanity.
"You know it's name, you guessed it even as your conscious mind hid the information from you," said a familiar and rather welcome voice.
Paul became aware of the young woman next to him.
"You know it?" he asked Norma.
Norma shrugged, her long auburn tresses shifted around her shoulders as she turned to Paul, "Our ancient enemy…thought defeated, but in reality, scattered into the dark places far away from humanity."
"The thinking machines," whispered Paul. It wasn't a question, not really. He knew what was out there. "A threat nobody will believe still exists."
"True but the universe provides Paul. The abilities of humanity have grown but there is a long path still to tread before that confrontation will occur. Time for the magic to return and grow strong and become the blade that will cut down the Machines. Thousands of years but the seeds are here and you are the gardener preparing the soil," she locked eyes with Paul. "There are many battles to fight Paul Atreides. The Fremen will be your army and yes, they will enforce your peace, your law. However, that does not mean a bloody holy war."
"I see both my life and my death leading to choices that lead to a bloody legacy. I am the Kwisatz Haderach and yet, sometimes I can barely perceive the right path."
Norma laughed, "You're a clever boy Paul but neither you nor I are all-knowing. That is a Bene Gesserit self-deceit. Their long-running genetic breeding program was designed to create the Kwisatz Haderach. A being able to predict the future precisely that would be under their control. They wanted the perfect blend of Bene Gesserit, Mentat, and Guild Navigator. All under their control of course. How poorly they saw the needs of humanity. Your skills Paul come from the magical bloodlines, interbreeding over ten thousand years. Those magical bloodlines morphed and changed to produce you and a handful like you. Do you see the irony, Paul?"
Paul nodded as the pieces came together in his head, "They knew about magic and they wanted to control it."
"So they kept what served their 'vision' and sought to destroy the rest," explained Norma. "Instead they nearly created the circumstances that would ensure humanities annihilation. To know your own future is a dangerous thing. In most instances, the future is an ever-shifting thing. You cannot control it as the Bene Gesserit sought to. That way lays madness and failure. Instead, focus on the now. What do your visions of the now tell you?"
"That I need to deal with the Emperor… Irulan is the key to the throne. A perfect ally that will bring many of the Emperors allies to my side."
Norma sighed sadly, "You can either force matters at sword point or you can negotiate. However, consider first that the Emperor has failed the Guild and the Great Houses. He conspired against your Father and his allies. You would have the backing of many of the great houses if you were to marry Irulan with her consent."
"Whom I sense is amenable to such a compromise," admitted Paul with a touch of asperity as his thoughts went to Chani.
Norma rolled her eyes, "Don't be a dolt Paul. Marry under the Fremen laws and wed both Chani and Irulan, if you look you will see just how perceptive Chani is because ash has already begun cultivating a friendship with Irulan. I foresee that they will work well together."
Paul nodded, accepting her words but making no commitment. "There will still be those that will fight."
"Yes, there will be" agreed Norma. "Old hatreds, vanity, lust for power…hubris. There will be a war for any of the multitude of reasons men go to war. That is unavoidable Paul because when you win the allegiance of the Great Houses and raise up House Atreides you are announcing that you will be Emperor. That a new dynasty has begun."
"It cannot be worse than it was in the future I first glimpsed," said Paul with conviction.
"And thus we close our circle back to where you started my Lord Duke. The Thinking Machines are out there, waiting and watching as their forces grow. I have seen the end, Paul. I have lived the final moments where I had to choose to destroy the thinking machines…I loathed myself at that moment. Hating that I had waited at the cost of countless lives. That is the trap of foreknowledge or destiny if you wish to call it that."
"Would you make the same decision?" asked Paul as the scene faded away replaced by the open sands of the deep desert.
"No, I found another way. A better way."
Paul thought for a moment, "Harry?"
"Yes, Harry and it was a choice that appears to have opened new ways for us both. The return of magic has begun and will run parallel to your own course."
Paul smiled, "He's a good man. One of the few I fully trust."
One future had Harry's future daughter Elanor marrying Paul and Channi's son Liet in what was clearly a love match. That future was one where they had succeeded uniting the Imperium under the Atreides without the jihad. Although the cost was still high, there was no Golden Path. No Leto the God-Emperor…no bitter, insane Alia the regent usurping her Nephew's Throne.
"Time marches on Norma and I sense I am needed in the real world," said Paul after a few moments of companionable silence.
Norma nodded, "Be strong Paul, the Emperor has far fewer Legions than he might have done if things had taken a different path but you cannot underestimate the Sardaukar."
Paul bowed, "I won't."
oOoOo
"Five legions of Sardaukar," muttered Aytib. "That is a sizable force Baraka."
"It is Aytib but do not forget that Maud'Dib has a plan," replied Harry with a smile to reassure Aytib.
Aytib shook his head, "Ach, I'm not worried about the plan. I am worried about Alia and the others that are staying in the Sietch. Most of the Fedaykin will be dealing with the off-worlders and I don't have enough men to guard the Magi there as I would like."
"They are not helpless my friend. If Maud'Dib's plan works the Emperor's thugs will never step foot near our bases."
Aytib relaxed slightly, "That is true Baraka. Did Maud'Dib say when they would be coming?"
"Five days, tomorrow will be busy Aytib. We must have everything in place for Maud'Dib's plan to work," Harry gestured toward the cave entrance. "It is time for me to train with the others."
Aytib nodded, "Good, then I will go and speak to the Fedaykin that stay behind."
They parted ways and Harry headed into the cave.
The sand-covered floor of the cave was crowded. All the magicals were gathered, waiting for him to arrive.
"Baraka," called out Alia. The young girl looked excited as she ran to him. "Look what my brother has done!"
Each of the magicals was dressed in the usual Fremen Stillsuits with a brown cloak over the top. Each cloak had a green cloth lining the hood and was pinned with a dark green pin shaped like a soaring Peregrine Falcon.
"It will be the mark of the Fremen Magi and also the mark of the Magi in the service of house Atreides," said Paul from where he stood by the cave wall next to Gurney, Stilgar, Rania and Chani. He stepped forward and passed Harry a cloak with the pin on top. "The Green Legion will grow even stronger under your tutelage my friend."
Harry straightened and gave Paul a crisp Atreides salute, "Thank you Maud'Dib."
Paul smiled before growing serious once more. "Our great test fast approaches and each of you will play a part in our struggle. With the Green Legion with us, we shall see victory."
oOoOo
Over the next few days, Harry selected those that would go with the fighters and those that would stay to help with the wounded. Most of the older sorceresses were very well trained fighters. Of those, eight had been able to master enough wandless magic to make a difference in combat.
Along with Rania, Aytib and ten Fedaykin, he would have all eight witches. The rest would either be with Alia and Melina as healers or with the Princesses as part of their guards.
He was by no means happy with their level of magical training but he had always known that they had limited time to learn the most basic of magics. In the battle, the witches would be relying on their fighting skills as much as their magic. Or so he consoled himself, as he lay awake in the evening worrying about it. So far, they could stun a man, shield themselves and cast a smattering of minor spells. It was enough to help in a fight, but not enough to shift the tide of battle. No, he knew that he was Paul's secret weapon.
Paul's plan to eliminate the Harkonnen and beat the Emperor was a masterpiece. However, it hinged on a quick, decisive victory to force the Imperial leadership to the negotiation table. He was adamant that the Emperor's five legions would not be enough to defeat the Fremen. Desert power was the key to Arrakis and the Fremen would show that to the Emperor. The Guild Navigators had ensured that the Emperor would receive no reinforcements until matters were resolved. The Bene Gesserit were, at least temporarily weakened and out of the picture although Harry wasn't as convinced that the Bene Gesserit were unable to influence events but they had to be hurting and that worked for the Fremen.
For most off-worlders, the entire issue was around the Spice Supply. Its use was so widespread that its sudden absence…no the fear of its absence was enough to turn many against those they perceived to be the culprits. The Emperor had made promises to keep order and to keep the Spice flowing. Those deals had helped him ascend the throne. Now, his failure to do either would be his political demise. To the politically astute, powerful nobles of the Great Houses his alliance with the Harkonnen was another failure. For many of them, it was not a moral issue but rather the fact that the Emperor had failed to keep his own hands clean.
For the Fremen, it was about their freedom from the yoke of the Harkonnen. They wanted their people to grow, for Arrakis to be a hospitable home for their children, for the dream of Liet to become reality…. for these things to happen the Harkonnen and those like them must go.
For Harry, and by extension the Green Legion, it was about survival. The Imperial system had been a part (perhaps unknowingly) of the near extermination of the magical. Yes, the Bene Gesserit bore most of the blame but the system that allowed such abuses was also tainted. The Imperial system was a closed one. It did not allow change and in stifling change you also stifled growth. In some ways, it was like the Ministry of Magic from Harry's school days. Fearful of change, always ready to crush those that deviated from their definition of acceptable behaviour. Well, he had tried to bring real change to that system with only limited success…now the stakes were much higher. Harry was a different person this time around. Harder, more practical and not afraid to do what must be done. He had been a 'hero', well now he was a soldier. He would not flinch from doing what must be done.
"My brother's plan will work Baraka," said a soft childlike voice.
Harry turned to see Alia standing by the curtain to his office.
"I think so to," replied Harry.
"Then rest Baraka. In most of the other probable futures, there was a terrible battle that set events firmly on the Golden Path. Now that magic is back, that path is, I think, forever shattered. By removing pieces from the board, we have changed the game to the point where a single swift blow might suffice. The Emperor comes knowing that he cannot win by Force but still hopes that a victory is possible. Unlike those other futures, we have the leverage to force a deal."
Harry stared in no small amount of awe at the childlike Alia.
Alia laughed, apparently amused at his expression, "Don't look so surprised Baraka. I have seen a multitude of probabilities. I'm sure the Guild and the Bene Gesserit have as well. The threat of an uprising is of far less concern to them. They fear his threat to end Spice production on Arrakis. That is what terrifies them…it should, it certainly terrifies me."
"We should know in a five…no four days now," replied Harry.
oOoOo
Hasimir Fenring was exhausted. Despite his mentat-trained mind, despite his political skill, despite his vast intelligence network it all came down to this. He had been outmaneuvered by a boy. It was somewhat aggravating and despite his training that stressed that taking such things personally was a critical mistake.
Now at the end, he could sift through the data and see the signs. All the failures and fractures that would lead to a path that marked the downfall of House Corrino…and there was no way to stop it.
Well, no way that the Emperor would accept, or maybe that should be could accept and keep his power. It would be forgotten, save by a select few individuals that he had been against the move against House Atreides. That the Emperor had insisted that Duke Leto the Just be removed from the board so that the growing threat he represented could be wiped away. Worse, he had insisted that the Harkonnen could be used, that their hatred of the Atreides would allow them to be used and manipulated.
The Fat Baron had played his hand brilliantly…right to the point when he failed to wipe out the Atreides. It was some consolation that this mess was likely to also see the end of House Harkonnen.
The question that his mind was turning over was simple. 'How can I bring this to a conclusion that does not lead to a greater disaster?'
The answer was on Arrakis.
As was his Lady wife and very soon there would be a 150,000 Sardaukar who were talking about wiping out the Fremen in a comprehensive ground campaign. Despite his advice, the Emperor was listening to his generals.