Navigators of Dune

“Sire, I want my descendants to have the opportunities that should be their birthright. I think I have earned the right to request this. They are Atreides, with a proud and distinguished heritage. They should be treated as such, even if I would prefer to disappear myself.”

Roderick flashed a wan smile. “I want the same for my son Javicco. I hope the Corrino line keeps the throne for more than a few generations, but that will depend on how well I steer through these perilous times. So many forces are trying to tear the Imperium apart right now.” He pushed aside the rest of his meal and stared out the window as the flyer circled into the foothills, where another village had been damaged by mudslides. “What family do you have? I believe there are some on Kepler—?”

“And they are perfectly content. I have no wish to draw them into Imperial politics. But one descendant from my Caladan line—a young man named Willem—has become especially important to me. Right now he is on Chusuk recovering from injuries, but I would like to arrange a place for him on Salusa Secundus. Give him a chance, Sire. He’s intelligent and pleasant, but he has suffered recent tragedies, partly because of me, and I’d like to make it up to him. I can deposit all the funds he needs to support himself, if you can find an opportunity for him at court? A respectable spot among the new arrivals?”

Roderick seemed relieved that the request was not far more significant. He gave a quick wave. “I can’t remember the last time I had a problem so easily solved. Of course I grant your most reasonable request. The Imperium owes you much more than that, and my court could certainly use the qualities of an Atreides.”

Vor thanked him. The inspection flyer completed its circuit as they looked down at the flooded areas, the recovery crews, the temporary shelters, the large refugee towns. Roderick smiled wistfully, as if thinking of Haditha down there in the thick of the efforts.

When the craft finally headed back to Zimia, Roderick said, “I will dispatch more resources, so Haditha has everything she needs. In fact, if the Butlerians won’t help, maybe I should command some of the nobles to join the effort.”

Vor smiled. “With the Butlerians I suspect you may be inviting more trouble than it’s worth.”

“Many things are more trouble than they’re worth.” Roderick looked intently at him. “The Butlerians … Josef Venport—how would you deal with two extremes pulling my Imperium apart? If you were Emperor?”

Vor sat back, smiled thinly. “That is precisely why I never wanted to be Emperor, Sire.”

The Emperor’s shoulders fell slightly. “Manford Torondo and his followers are dangerous and destructive, yet they did save me from Venport’s siege. But now they won’t leave. Under other circumstances, I would ally myself with Venport Holdings, but that man murdered my brother and tried to overthrow my throne.” He shook his head. “Haditha wants me to negotiate with him, but how can I try to reach a resolution with someone like that? A murderer on one hand and a madman on the other.”

Vor frowned. “Negotiations are often conducted between rivals. Which solution holds the best future for the Imperium?”

“The solution that eliminates both extremes.”

As the aircraft returned to the rooftop landing zone, the Emperor reiterated his promise to make a place for Willem. “Will you be here to introduce young Willem when he arrives? It would increase his standing if a Hero of the Jihad vouched for him in front of the other nobles and courtiers.”

Vor did not look at the unobtrusive Truthsayer, but was aware that the woman was listening intently. “I’m afraid not, Sire. I doubt if I will ever see Willem again, in fact. I am about to undertake a dangerous mission, one that I must handle alone.” But Vor’s plan to lure the murderess, and perhaps her sister as well, all depended on whether Truthsayer Fielle reported to Mother Superior Valya … and he felt certain she would.

“I need to go where the Harkonnens won’t find me. I’m sure you will understand, Sire, that I cannot discuss details even with you. I must vanish.”

“You’ve earned the privilege,” Emperor Roderick said. “I wish you all the best.”

Eventually, Vor would reveal his destination, but not in the manner anyone would expect, and not until the proper time. Secretly, he had hired two operatives to plant a rumor after his departure that he was on Corrin, when he was assured of already being there. Knowing that Fielle had Sisters in the palace and in the government buildings, he had set it up so that the rumor would begin in the Imperial Court, and from that talkative throng it would spread outward, so that Fielle would be sure to hear it.

And as soon as the Emperor’s Truthsayer learned of the rumor, Valya Harkonnen would be informed soon afterward.

Vor would be ready.…