Chapter 2: The Imminent Threat
The early morning of tranquility always dominates the hallways of Palace Arrakeen, only the soft hollowing of the morning breeze can be heard in its early wake, while the bright rays of the primary sun, Canupos, pierces the yellowish tinted corpoplaz windows, illuminating the polished hallways. But the state of silence was short lived; a tall, broad man in a hooded cloak, strides carelessly through the serene hallways, his heavy leather jackboot creates thundering pounds in every step, echoing within the empty hallways, shattering the once serene atmosphere. Not even noticing the distinctive noise he creates, the hooded man continued on his rumbling, quickening pace, until reaching a large, wooden-carved door in the end of the hallway. Standing poised in front of the enormous wooden door, he marveled at its elegance design, an assortment of black soostones cover the outer edge of the door, various orange glow globes hang in its side adding prospect lighting and a large carving of the insignia of House Atreides and House Corrino is etched side by side in the front of the enormous door, symbolizing the two Great Royal Houses that now governs the entire Emperium. As the man walked pass through the huge door, he slowly took his hood off, and steadily revealed himself. The man's face was darkish brown; his head was bald, while his beard was dark black with splintered white hair. He began scanning the entire room with his pair of deep, blue within blue eyes, looking straightforward to the dozen of people standing around a huge, long wooden conference table with a holographic control panel at the middle. Continuing his gazing look, he could see some familiar faces among the crowd, some, Naib's from different tribes, but as he was about to approach his comrades, he felt a hand rest in his right shoulder, he quickly turned around and saw a stocky man dressed in Atreides uniform smiling at him, with a familiar scar on its face.
"Long time, no see my old friend!" the stocky man greeted, with a long grin in his face.
"Same to you, Gurney, my old friend!" the black bearded man replied.
"So, Stilgar, they summon for you too? This must be very important. You know what this meeting is for?" Gurney asked.
"I'm same with you Gurney, it's seem this meeting is indeed very important, mostly all of the Naib's in every sietch is here, even our friend, Captain Guraz is here." Stilgar said, pointing to a young man in a Sarduakar uniform, not far from them.
"So, Gurney, I was meaning to ask you, where have you been?" Stilgar asked.
"For now I'm staying in the Smuggler's Base in the Polar Region, I'm been conducting an investigation on some supposedly illegal smuggled spice. I've been traveling off world this past few days, and damn, investigating is so much hard work" Gurney replied.
"I see, well then, good luck."
"Thanks, by the way, Stil, it's my first time inside this room, what is it called?"
"It is called, The Room Of Oration, my friend."
The Room Of Oration is the largest room ever constructed within the Palace Of Arrakeen; its entire frame structure is constructed in enormous imported Ellecan timbers, while the walls are made of well-cut and polished orange Cerumun stones quarried near the Southern Polar Region. Circular in shape, the room is eventually well furnished, with several paintings hanging on its smooth wall, including portraits of Duke Leto Atreides and of his son, Paul Atreides, its dome shaped roof is succumb with clear crystallis glass windows enabling sunlight to penetrate the inside of the room, while at night, the hall is illuminated by numerous glow globes that hovers near the walls. The Room Of Oration is only used by the Imperial Couple when very important meetings are needed.
"Such a magnificent room." Gurney said in amazement.
"You've been away too long, Gurney Man." Stilgar said with a grin.
"My Sirs, thank God you're both here." A voice of a young man suddenly echoed behind Stilgar and Gurney.
Turning both of their heads the same time, they both eyed their sights on the young, well-built man standing behind them, the young man was wearing a well ornamented, black and purple Sarduakar uniform.
"Well, Captain Guraz, how are you?" asked Stilgar.
"Fine, sir. Good day to you too, Sir Gurney." Guraz replied.
"Please lad don't call me that, Gurney is enough." Gurney said.
"Of course, sorry."
"Tell me lad, what is the meeting for?" asked Gurney.
"We have a terrible crisis, sirs, though I don't know the entire detail, it is said that Her Highness herself, Lady Ghanima is to address us all about the crisis." Guraz said, eager to start the meeting.
As Gurney was about to ask Guraz another question, a loud striking sound echoes in the entire room, startling some of the men, especially those in the middle of a conversation. An old man, with a long white beard and wearing a long red cloak was standing in front on the farthest end of the wooden conference table, his hand held a long, silver metallic staff, his eyes fixed on every person inside the room. Gazing on them with his deep, sharp eyes.
Gurney immediately recognized the old man, "I see that House Atreides Palace Chamberlain Rechion is still alive." Gurney though to himself.
"Gentlemen thank you for your patience, and now I present to you, Her Highness, The Empress Of A Million Worlds, Honorable Heir to House Atreides and Duchess of Caladan, Lady Ghanima Atreides-Corrino." Chamberlain Rechion said in a booming voice.
As Lady Ghanima Atreides-Corrino entered the room, the men immediately bowed their heads, showing their outmost respect for their Empress. Stilgar and Gurney who was both on the other side of the room did the same.
Walking past Chamberlain Rechion, Lady Ghanima stood on one of the end of the wooden table and courteously arranged herself. She was wearing a blue weaved ornamented gown; with the crest insignia of House Atreides sown in the front of her dress. She ordered all of the men to take their seat, and then glanced to the farther side of the room.
"Master Gurney Halleck and Uncle Stilgar, I would appreciate if you would stand beside me, for the both of you are my most trusted advisors." Lady Ghanima said, in an alluring tone.
Both men stared at each other for a second, then bowed their heads the same time and said, "It will be our pleasure, our Lady."
Striding past numerous seats, both Stilgar and Gurney reached the other end of the table and were now standing side by side with Lady Ghanima, "Thank you for your trust, my Lady." Stilgar whispered.
"The pleasure is all mine, Uncle." Lady Ghanima replied.
Turning her gaze back upon the men in the long conference table, she began to build a serious expression. The entire room was in total silence. Everyone seated in the table were all eager to know the subject for the meeting.
"Gentlemen, thank you all for coming, I knew that I could depend on you all, especially the Naib's of every sietch." She paused for a while then continued, "I summoned all of you in this meeting because of the greatest significance, for there is now an imminent threat which looms upon us all."
A sight of slight unrest began to build among the seated men, but was quickly silenced when Chamberlain Rechion struck his metallic staff on the polished floor, creating another striking, and booming sound within the entire room.
"Please Gentlemen, do not interrupt, Our Highness, let her finish what she has to say." Chamberlain Rechion said, in an ordering tone.
"Thank you, Chamberlain." Lady Ghanima said.
"To better explain of what this threat is, I am going to show you the received distress holovideo transmitted from the space station to the ground control base on Carthag."
Chamberlain Rechion stepped forward of the conference table and activated the holographic control panel, suddenly, a huge, green holographic view screen appeared in the middle of the wooden table, the men sitting around the table all looked attentively at the screen, waiting, a few seconds later, an image of a middle aged man appeared on the view screen.
"Teirl??" Gurney whispered.
"Master Gurney, this may shock you more than I." Lady Ghanima whispered back.
The middle-aged man on the holovideo began to speak.
"Ground Control, this is Space Outpost Atreides Commander Teirl Rech, assigned Supervisoral Overseer of this facility, what I am about to report is of the greatest importance and must be immediately told to the Imperial Couple, about ten o' clock this morning, our radar detected three unmarked Crevant-type Transport Battle Ships approaching Arrakis, I decided to investigate if they were hostile and to make contact, so I dispatched ten fighter ships to do so, but to my grief they destroyed all of the ship with intent, including two Heighliner Transport Ships of the Spacing Guild, please inform of the Spacing Guild about their loss. I also decided that the outpost be evacuated; I hope all of the evacuees are safe. As of now, the battle ships are now moving towards the space outpost as we speak, we ."
"COMMANDER !!!"
"What the?"
The image from the view screen suddenly disappeared, the entire room immediately fell into silence, all the men were in deep though, contemplating about what they saw and heard. No one reacted for a few minutes. The silence was only broken when Chamberlain Rechion turned the holographic view screen off.
"My Lady, I representing Ambassador for the Guild Embassy here on Arrakis, I would just like to ask if there were any survivors on the destroyed Heighliners?" A man sitting third from the right side of the conference table, asked.
"I'm afraid, Ambassador, none survived." Lady Ghanima answered.
"My God."the Guild Ambassador muttered, a grim expression enveloped his face.
"This act is ludicrous, this is a direct violation against the scriptures of the Great Convention, we must immediately send word to the Landsraad on Kaitain." A man seated only next to Lady Ghanima protested.
"I'm afraid we cannot." Lady Ghanima replied.
"Why, Your Highness?" the man asked again, glaring.
"The invaders have taken us by surprise, they already dispatched their war ships, and their fighter ships, a military blockade has been created around Dune, any ship that may dare to escape, will be surely destroyed. Besides, without a Heighliner, any escape is meaningless."
"Then what will we do, My Lady?"
"The invaders have not yet dispatched their landing force, we still have the advantage, we must not allow any of their troops to land on Dune, counter act this landings we must. I also ask the Naib's on every sietch to send out scouts to report any landings sighted."
All of the Naib's seated in the table nodded in agreement.
"What about their fighter ships?" asked Gurney.
"Don't worry, we have a fighter ship hanger in Carthag Spaceport and one more in the Sarduakar base in the Polar Region. We also have a ship factory there. Captain Guraz, are all of the fighter ships in your base operational?" Lady Ghanima asked.
"Yes, My Lady, they are." Guraz replied.
"You Gurney man, will go back to the Smuggler's Base in the Polar Region, and talk to the leader of the smugglers to ask for their support, I doubt they will refuse." Lady Ghanima said.
"Very well, My Lady." Gurney replied.
"Very well, Gentlemen, again, if we cooperate together, we may have a chance to repel this threat, if any of you have no more questions to ask, then this meeting is over." Lady Ghanima said.
Standing one by one from their seats, the men began to scroll away from the room, bowing their heads as they pass in front of Lady Ghanima. Chamberlain Rechion was busy talking to an Ixian Ambassador assigned in Arrakis. Gurney Halleck however, was still standing in front of the conference table, his arms crossed in his chest, still absorbing the untimely demise of his friend.
"I am sorry about Teirl, Gurney." Stilgar said, sincerity lingers in his words.
"He was my best friend, and my father figure, he was always there when I need him, always." Gurney replied.
Placing his hand on Gurney's shoulder, Stilgar, knows the feeling of losing someone, someone you respect. Still in a reverential mood, Stilgar suddenly recognized a voice calling him from behind. "Father"
Turning his head, he saw a lean, well-built young man wearing a black, leathery stillsuit standing behind him. Right away, he recognized the young man's broad face, its casual black hair and its unique hawk like, blue within blue eyes.
"Ghenmar, what are you doing here?" Stilgar asked, looking surprised.
"Lady Ghanima, summoned for me, Father." Ghenmar replied.
"I see you made it, Ghenmar." Lady Ghanima said, who was slowly approaching Stilgar and Ghenmar.
"My Lady, I'm always here to give my service." Ghenmar said, bowing.
"You have become a fine young man, Ghenmar, I see your father raised you well. I also heard that you are now a Fedyakin Elite?"
"Yes, My Lady, I am, I have just finished my training six months ago."
"Excellent, then I have a favor to ask for you and your father."
"What is it, My Lady?" Stilgar asked.
"I fear for the safety of my daughter, Stil, Palace Arrakeen is a very formidable target for the invaders." Lady Ghanima replied.
"Yes, My Lady, you are correct, but where do you want Princess Ladia to stay?"
"I want you to escort her to Sietch Tabr, I know she will be safe there."
"It will be done, My Lady."
"Thank you, Stil. And you, Ghenmar, I'm appointing you as the official protector for my daughter. You will be now responsible for her safety and well being. Guard her well."
Startled about the decision, Stilgar quickly decline to the idea. He knows that his son is ready for any responsibility, but guarding a princess is a very important responsibility. But Lady Ghanima immediately assured Stilgar that she was certain in her decision, and that, she was confident in Ghenmar's capability.
"Do not worry, My Lady, I'll protect her no matter what." Ghenmar said.
"I trust you, Ghenmar."
"Thank you, your Empress."
Looking approvingly to Chamberlain Rechion, Lady Ghanima, began to stride across the room, passing through the enormous wooden door, away from the Room Of Oration, and into the serene hallways of Palace Arrakeen.
The early morning of tranquility always dominates the hallways of Palace Arrakeen, only the soft hollowing of the morning breeze can be heard in its early wake, while the bright rays of the primary sun, Canupos, pierces the yellowish tinted corpoplaz windows, illuminating the polished hallways. But the state of silence was short lived; a tall, broad man in a hooded cloak, strides carelessly through the serene hallways, his heavy leather jackboot creates thundering pounds in every step, echoing within the empty hallways, shattering the once serene atmosphere. Not even noticing the distinctive noise he creates, the hooded man continued on his rumbling, quickening pace, until reaching a large, wooden-carved door in the end of the hallway. Standing poised in front of the enormous wooden door, he marveled at its elegance design, an assortment of black soostones cover the outer edge of the door, various orange glow globes hang in its side adding prospect lighting and a large carving of the insignia of House Atreides and House Corrino is etched side by side in the front of the enormous door, symbolizing the two Great Royal Houses that now governs the entire Emperium. As the man walked pass through the huge door, he slowly took his hood off, and steadily revealed himself. The man's face was darkish brown; his head was bald, while his beard was dark black with splintered white hair. He began scanning the entire room with his pair of deep, blue within blue eyes, looking straightforward to the dozen of people standing around a huge, long wooden conference table with a holographic control panel at the middle. Continuing his gazing look, he could see some familiar faces among the crowd, some, Naib's from different tribes, but as he was about to approach his comrades, he felt a hand rest in his right shoulder, he quickly turned around and saw a stocky man dressed in Atreides uniform smiling at him, with a familiar scar on its face.
"Long time, no see my old friend!" the stocky man greeted, with a long grin in his face.
"Same to you, Gurney, my old friend!" the black bearded man replied.
"So, Stilgar, they summon for you too? This must be very important. You know what this meeting is for?" Gurney asked.
"I'm same with you Gurney, it's seem this meeting is indeed very important, mostly all of the Naib's in every sietch is here, even our friend, Captain Guraz is here." Stilgar said, pointing to a young man in a Sarduakar uniform, not far from them.
"So, Gurney, I was meaning to ask you, where have you been?" Stilgar asked.
"For now I'm staying in the Smuggler's Base in the Polar Region, I'm been conducting an investigation on some supposedly illegal smuggled spice. I've been traveling off world this past few days, and damn, investigating is so much hard work" Gurney replied.
"I see, well then, good luck."
"Thanks, by the way, Stil, it's my first time inside this room, what is it called?"
"It is called, The Room Of Oration, my friend."
The Room Of Oration is the largest room ever constructed within the Palace Of Arrakeen; its entire frame structure is constructed in enormous imported Ellecan timbers, while the walls are made of well-cut and polished orange Cerumun stones quarried near the Southern Polar Region. Circular in shape, the room is eventually well furnished, with several paintings hanging on its smooth wall, including portraits of Duke Leto Atreides and of his son, Paul Atreides, its dome shaped roof is succumb with clear crystallis glass windows enabling sunlight to penetrate the inside of the room, while at night, the hall is illuminated by numerous glow globes that hovers near the walls. The Room Of Oration is only used by the Imperial Couple when very important meetings are needed.
"Such a magnificent room." Gurney said in amazement.
"You've been away too long, Gurney Man." Stilgar said with a grin.
"My Sirs, thank God you're both here." A voice of a young man suddenly echoed behind Stilgar and Gurney.
Turning both of their heads the same time, they both eyed their sights on the young, well-built man standing behind them, the young man was wearing a well ornamented, black and purple Sarduakar uniform.
"Well, Captain Guraz, how are you?" asked Stilgar.
"Fine, sir. Good day to you too, Sir Gurney." Guraz replied.
"Please lad don't call me that, Gurney is enough." Gurney said.
"Of course, sorry."
"Tell me lad, what is the meeting for?" asked Gurney.
"We have a terrible crisis, sirs, though I don't know the entire detail, it is said that Her Highness herself, Lady Ghanima is to address us all about the crisis." Guraz said, eager to start the meeting.
As Gurney was about to ask Guraz another question, a loud striking sound echoes in the entire room, startling some of the men, especially those in the middle of a conversation. An old man, with a long white beard and wearing a long red cloak was standing in front on the farthest end of the wooden conference table, his hand held a long, silver metallic staff, his eyes fixed on every person inside the room. Gazing on them with his deep, sharp eyes.
Gurney immediately recognized the old man, "I see that House Atreides Palace Chamberlain Rechion is still alive." Gurney though to himself.
"Gentlemen thank you for your patience, and now I present to you, Her Highness, The Empress Of A Million Worlds, Honorable Heir to House Atreides and Duchess of Caladan, Lady Ghanima Atreides-Corrino." Chamberlain Rechion said in a booming voice.
As Lady Ghanima Atreides-Corrino entered the room, the men immediately bowed their heads, showing their outmost respect for their Empress. Stilgar and Gurney who was both on the other side of the room did the same.
Walking past Chamberlain Rechion, Lady Ghanima stood on one of the end of the wooden table and courteously arranged herself. She was wearing a blue weaved ornamented gown; with the crest insignia of House Atreides sown in the front of her dress. She ordered all of the men to take their seat, and then glanced to the farther side of the room.
"Master Gurney Halleck and Uncle Stilgar, I would appreciate if you would stand beside me, for the both of you are my most trusted advisors." Lady Ghanima said, in an alluring tone.
Both men stared at each other for a second, then bowed their heads the same time and said, "It will be our pleasure, our Lady."
Striding past numerous seats, both Stilgar and Gurney reached the other end of the table and were now standing side by side with Lady Ghanima, "Thank you for your trust, my Lady." Stilgar whispered.
"The pleasure is all mine, Uncle." Lady Ghanima replied.
Turning her gaze back upon the men in the long conference table, she began to build a serious expression. The entire room was in total silence. Everyone seated in the table were all eager to know the subject for the meeting.
"Gentlemen, thank you all for coming, I knew that I could depend on you all, especially the Naib's of every sietch." She paused for a while then continued, "I summoned all of you in this meeting because of the greatest significance, for there is now an imminent threat which looms upon us all."
A sight of slight unrest began to build among the seated men, but was quickly silenced when Chamberlain Rechion struck his metallic staff on the polished floor, creating another striking, and booming sound within the entire room.
"Please Gentlemen, do not interrupt, Our Highness, let her finish what she has to say." Chamberlain Rechion said, in an ordering tone.
"Thank you, Chamberlain." Lady Ghanima said.
"To better explain of what this threat is, I am going to show you the received distress holovideo transmitted from the space station to the ground control base on Carthag."
Chamberlain Rechion stepped forward of the conference table and activated the holographic control panel, suddenly, a huge, green holographic view screen appeared in the middle of the wooden table, the men sitting around the table all looked attentively at the screen, waiting, a few seconds later, an image of a middle aged man appeared on the view screen.
"Teirl??" Gurney whispered.
"Master Gurney, this may shock you more than I." Lady Ghanima whispered back.
The middle-aged man on the holovideo began to speak.
"Ground Control, this is Space Outpost Atreides Commander Teirl Rech, assigned Supervisoral Overseer of this facility, what I am about to report is of the greatest importance and must be immediately told to the Imperial Couple, about ten o' clock this morning, our radar detected three unmarked Crevant-type Transport Battle Ships approaching Arrakis, I decided to investigate if they were hostile and to make contact, so I dispatched ten fighter ships to do so, but to my grief they destroyed all of the ship with intent, including two Heighliner Transport Ships of the Spacing Guild, please inform of the Spacing Guild about their loss. I also decided that the outpost be evacuated; I hope all of the evacuees are safe. As of now, the battle ships are now moving towards the space outpost as we speak, we ."
"COMMANDER !!!"
"What the?"
The image from the view screen suddenly disappeared, the entire room immediately fell into silence, all the men were in deep though, contemplating about what they saw and heard. No one reacted for a few minutes. The silence was only broken when Chamberlain Rechion turned the holographic view screen off.
"My Lady, I representing Ambassador for the Guild Embassy here on Arrakis, I would just like to ask if there were any survivors on the destroyed Heighliners?" A man sitting third from the right side of the conference table, asked.
"I'm afraid, Ambassador, none survived." Lady Ghanima answered.
"My God."the Guild Ambassador muttered, a grim expression enveloped his face.
"This act is ludicrous, this is a direct violation against the scriptures of the Great Convention, we must immediately send word to the Landsraad on Kaitain." A man seated only next to Lady Ghanima protested.
"I'm afraid we cannot." Lady Ghanima replied.
"Why, Your Highness?" the man asked again, glaring.
"The invaders have taken us by surprise, they already dispatched their war ships, and their fighter ships, a military blockade has been created around Dune, any ship that may dare to escape, will be surely destroyed. Besides, without a Heighliner, any escape is meaningless."
"Then what will we do, My Lady?"
"The invaders have not yet dispatched their landing force, we still have the advantage, we must not allow any of their troops to land on Dune, counter act this landings we must. I also ask the Naib's on every sietch to send out scouts to report any landings sighted."
All of the Naib's seated in the table nodded in agreement.
"What about their fighter ships?" asked Gurney.
"Don't worry, we have a fighter ship hanger in Carthag Spaceport and one more in the Sarduakar base in the Polar Region. We also have a ship factory there. Captain Guraz, are all of the fighter ships in your base operational?" Lady Ghanima asked.
"Yes, My Lady, they are." Guraz replied.
"You Gurney man, will go back to the Smuggler's Base in the Polar Region, and talk to the leader of the smugglers to ask for their support, I doubt they will refuse." Lady Ghanima said.
"Very well, My Lady." Gurney replied.
"Very well, Gentlemen, again, if we cooperate together, we may have a chance to repel this threat, if any of you have no more questions to ask, then this meeting is over." Lady Ghanima said.
Standing one by one from their seats, the men began to scroll away from the room, bowing their heads as they pass in front of Lady Ghanima. Chamberlain Rechion was busy talking to an Ixian Ambassador assigned in Arrakis. Gurney Halleck however, was still standing in front of the conference table, his arms crossed in his chest, still absorbing the untimely demise of his friend.
"I am sorry about Teirl, Gurney." Stilgar said, sincerity lingers in his words.
"He was my best friend, and my father figure, he was always there when I need him, always." Gurney replied.
Placing his hand on Gurney's shoulder, Stilgar, knows the feeling of losing someone, someone you respect. Still in a reverential mood, Stilgar suddenly recognized a voice calling him from behind. "Father"
Turning his head, he saw a lean, well-built young man wearing a black, leathery stillsuit standing behind him. Right away, he recognized the young man's broad face, its casual black hair and its unique hawk like, blue within blue eyes.
"Ghenmar, what are you doing here?" Stilgar asked, looking surprised.
"Lady Ghanima, summoned for me, Father." Ghenmar replied.
"I see you made it, Ghenmar." Lady Ghanima said, who was slowly approaching Stilgar and Ghenmar.
"My Lady, I'm always here to give my service." Ghenmar said, bowing.
"You have become a fine young man, Ghenmar, I see your father raised you well. I also heard that you are now a Fedyakin Elite?"
"Yes, My Lady, I am, I have just finished my training six months ago."
"Excellent, then I have a favor to ask for you and your father."
"What is it, My Lady?" Stilgar asked.
"I fear for the safety of my daughter, Stil, Palace Arrakeen is a very formidable target for the invaders." Lady Ghanima replied.
"Yes, My Lady, you are correct, but where do you want Princess Ladia to stay?"
"I want you to escort her to Sietch Tabr, I know she will be safe there."
"It will be done, My Lady."
"Thank you, Stil. And you, Ghenmar, I'm appointing you as the official protector for my daughter. You will be now responsible for her safety and well being. Guard her well."
Startled about the decision, Stilgar quickly decline to the idea. He knows that his son is ready for any responsibility, but guarding a princess is a very important responsibility. But Lady Ghanima immediately assured Stilgar that she was certain in her decision, and that, she was confident in Ghenmar's capability.
"Do not worry, My Lady, I'll protect her no matter what." Ghenmar said.
"I trust you, Ghenmar."
"Thank you, your Empress."
Looking approvingly to Chamberlain Rechion, Lady Ghanima, began to stride across the room, passing through the enormous wooden door, away from the Room Of Oration, and into the serene hallways of Palace Arrakeen.