Chosen One's Chapter 23

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"She, they will be avenged," said Paul as he turned back to his commanders.

"Will the Emperor negotiate?" asked Stilgar.

"We will see," replied Paul. "The time allotted is up and there is a flag being raised, what is it, Gurney?"

"Imperial colours My Lord," replied Gurney.

"Then we have our answer. Prepare our people to attack as soon as the storm hits," ordered Paul.

oOoOo

"The Bene Tleilax are despised for their products even though they do business with many of the Great Houses, supplying services that few of the customers would acknowledge. Despite their economic success, very little is known of the Tleilaxu themselves."

The Myth of the Face Dancers – Servants of the Tleilaxu Masters

oOoOo

Reverend Mother Mohiam risked a glance at Fenring and what she saw did little to reassure her that there was some grand strategy in motion. The Mentat looked worried and was clearly unaware of the Emperor's plans.

'What madness had guided the Emperor's hand?' she asked herself as she struggled to keep her expression neutral. The last twenty-four hours had been chaotic. Her order was in disarray and she truly feared that worse was to come. The message capsule hidden in her bodice contained information so dangerous that she had been tempted to simply destroy it. But she could not. She had maneuvered amidst the corridors of power for decades. Playing the game, constrained by her training and the conventions of tradition. Her order had sought to better humanity, to ensure its survival. They tested humanity, killing those that they termed abominations. Making hard choices for the betterment of humanity as a whole. Removing those that wore the semblance of humanity but lacked that which made a human. A test she had administered herself…a test that hid a darker, sinister motive. It was not just the 'monsters' but also those labelled by the order as dangerous. Children born with special abilities. 'If the great houses or worse, the population of the Empire at large, learns of the wholesale murder of children they will tear us apart.'

Her thoughts were set aside as Fenring paced to stand before the Emperor.

"Your Imperial Majesty, what would you have me do?"

"Order my Sardaukar to destroy the Fremen, wipe them out and bring me the head of the false Duke Atreides," ordered the Emperor.

Fenring's expression tightened, "Majesty, perhaps a more judicial approach might be wise. We lack the…military intelligence and resources for such an attack to succeed. And the current storm precludes us taking advantage of our aerial superiority. Seeking negotiation with the Guild may allow reinforcements to be brought in."

Baron Vladimir Harkonnen moved forward, hovering off the floor near the steps to the throne. He seemingly only had eyes for the Emperor who was clad in an ornate Sardaukar uniform. 'What does it mean for me, for my house? I have to show loyalty and cunning if I am to survive this night.' "House Harkonnen will support your Imperial Majesty. Our troops here are, as always, yours to command."

Fenring shot the odious man a look. The fat coward was clearly both trying to prove his loyalty and remind the Emperor of their past actions. Regrettably, the Emperor seized on the offer.

"Good," he gloated as he turned to a Burseg by his side. "Order the Sardaukar to prepare. Once the storm has passed we shall strike."

"Yes, your Majesty," replied the Burseg before turning to his junior officers.

Mohiam could see Fenring's plan and she had to admit that it was a wisely calculated ploy. If the Guild could be reasoned with, there was a hope that they could influence the Emperor. She glanced over to where the representatives of the Navigators Guild had been standing and froze. The Guild representatives were gone…how had she not noticed their departure? They controlled the means of escape for the Imperial Household. She forced her mind to calm, it may be a coincidence.

Before she could marshal her thoughts, the Emperor began issuing instructions.

"I want the Harkonnen forces to systematically destroy the Old City. This false Duke has allied with the barbarians on this world. So, let us target his allies," the Emperor gestured toward the Baron. "See to it Baron Harkonnen."

"Your Majesty…" began Fenring only to be silenced by the Emperor's raised hand.

"Burseg, I want every Fremen prisoner killed and their bodies dumped outside. Let the Fremen dwell on the cost of their uprising." The Emperor's eyes were wild as he scanned the room.

Mohiam could sense the unease among the gathered court. Many of the Nobles were sharing incredulous looks. She had to put a stop to this! With a gesture, she summoned one of her Bene Gesserit sisters and leaned close to whisper in her ear. "I want you to find where the Guildsmen has gone. If you cannot, contact the Heighliner directly and request transport. We might need to leave, quickly."

"It seems that I erred in sending so few troops with your nephew. They were all but wiped out as were the Bene Gesserit sisters that accompanied the strike force. How this came to occur has yet to be determined," the Emperor appeared calm and in control as he spoke, but most were not fooled, his Imperial Majesty was furious.

"Your Majesty, perhaps they should be questioned?" interjected Reverend Mother Mohiam. This was a reasonable suggestion from the Emperor's Truthsayer. Determining what someone knew, without resorting to torture, was after all her role.

The Emperor's gaze turned to face her, "Ah, Reverend Mother Mohiam…tell me, what these barbarians could possibly know? What secrets can they reveal? None, they are nothing but rebellious serfs and as such, they will be punished." The Emperor smiled and there was something in his eyes that gave her pause. "Perhaps you could spend your time contemplating the…ah, rumours that currently seem to dog your order."

Mohiam could do nothing but nod and mutter the correct phrases. "I shall, of course, bear that in mind Majesty."

At many times in his life, he would have enjoyed seeing Mohiam brought down a few pegs. But in these circumstances, it was chilling. His mind was racing as he tried to find a path clear of this disaster.

Fenring took another step forward. He was a long time ally and lifelong companion of the Emperor although he was loathe to use that connection save in the direst circumstances. And that time was now, here before the Court and the leaders of the Landsraad the Emperor was losing his fabled temper. He had to rein him in before he irreparably damaged his relationship with some of the most powerful men and women in the Imperium. "Highness, the hostages are a legitimate bargaining tool. Is it wise to dispose of such before the picture is clear?"

"The situation is clear to me." The Emperor was just short of shouting "This Fremen rabble have sort to overthrow the rightful rule of the Harkonnen and disrupt critical CHOAM operations. The Harkonnen have not been able to quell this uprising and so I have chosen to act. No matter what displaced noble child says to the contrary! I order you to leave my presence until I require your presence."

Fenring bowed and made his way to the exit as whispers rippled through the court. Had not the leader of the Fremen been identified as Paul Atreides? Did the rumours that the Emperor had assisted the Harkonnen in attacking the Atreides hold some truth? The letter that many of the Nobles had received claimed that Paul Atreides still lived.

"I call for an immediate meeting of the Landsraad Council!" said Archduke Armand Ecaz as he stepped out from the gathered nobles.

"On what grounds?" demanded the Emperor as his eyes narrowed in anger.

"On the grounds that your Imperial Majesty granted this fief to House Atreides. If it is truly Duke Paul Atreides that leads the Fremen then convention says that the Fiefdom falls to his Grace and the Harkonnen have no place here, their feud aside. I would like to hear what Duke Paul wishes to say."

There were murmurs of agreement among the Nobles. The Emperor's actions felt all too close to the Nobilities greatest fear. That he would unleash the Sardaukar on their houses.

The Emperor glared at Ecaz, "I declare that the Landsraad is temporarily suspended."

The grumbling among the nobility grew louder but before anyone could speak there was a huge explosion outside.

The Emperor turned to the Burseg, "What is happening?"

The Burseg had a communicator held up to his ear, apparently seeking answers. "Majesty, the shield wall has been breached!"

oOoOo

Harry watched as Gurney held the trigger for the atomics rigged in the caves beneath the shield wall. He glanced at Paul, who nodded back at him.

"Do it Gurney," ordered Paul.

Gurney disengaged the safeties and the light turned from red to amber. He looked at Paul who nodded, "Do it."

Gurney nodded and called out a final warning, "Cover, take cover!"

Even from this distance, the blast was immense, an earthquake that shook their command post. When Harry looked over the rocks he was relieved to see the towering stone Shield Wall had indeed been breached. Sand was flowing through the new opening like water through a burst dam. The plains of Arrakeen were soon under a sea of sand.

Then the storm hit. A vast sandstorm that had been developing in the deep desert. Within moments, visibility was almost zero. Thopters and dropships were grounded as flying in such weather would be suicide.

"Ready the Thopter crews. We'll need them to ensure that their Air wings don't become an issue, should any survive," Paul ordered as he strode over to the Wireless operator. "And the signal for our allies in the old city is to be sent."

"The storm grows Muad'Dib," reported one of the Fedaykin.

"Good, then tell the gun crews and rocket squads to fire when ready," ordered Paul. The ranged weapons had been dialled in before the storm hit so that they could fire during the storm when the Imperial's shields, if any, would be useless.

"They might guess that we are going to attack," said Harry. "But I doubt that they will see this coming."

"Desert power, our greatest secret. We have kept them guessing about our plans and military tactics by letting them see what we wanted them to see," said Paul with a smile.

"The surest way to keep a secret is to make people believe they already know the answer," quoted Gurney with a wry smile. "Thufir would be pleased that you remembered."

"Thumpers have been placed Muad'Dib," reported Stilgar.

"Do we have wormsign?" asked Paul.

Stilgar smiled broadly, "Usul, we have wormsign the likes of which even God has never seen."

Paul's hand went to his crysknife, "Then it is time my friends. You each have your duties."

oOoOo

The Green Legion would not be joining the Sandriders. Their mission was to support the initial assault. For the first of their duties, each of the Magi held several portkeys that were keyed to the healer's cavern in the Sietch. Wounded that could not be helped on the battlefield were to be sent back to the Sietch.

Their other role was to protect and defend Muad'Dib, the other leaders and the Fremen warriors. In that order.

Unbeknownst to Harry, Muad'Dib had also issued orders that Baraka was to be treated as one of these leaders.

Now the Green Legion stood on an intact section of the Shield Wall, portkeys held ready. Harry looked them over with pride. The Feydakin members of the legion looked stoic, prepared for battle. As was to be expected of them.

The Magi were more nervous but looked determined, focused on the task before them. Melina stood tall and proud beside Aytib. Beside her stood the six Sorceresses of Rossak that now wore cloaks with green cloth lining the hood and the dark green pin shaped like a soaring Peregrine Falcon. His eyes examined them, as he ran through their names and skills.

Melina, the healer. She had a real aptitude for healing but was as brave as a Feydakin and would not back down from a fight.

Shayna, oldest of the Sorceresses of Rossak among the Magi. A deadly knife fighter and remarkably skilled with blasting curses and shields.

Karee of the twin blades, a lightning-fast fighter and perhaps the Magi with the most versatility. She had, in their training, developed a large repertoire of spells.

Laticia, a petite woman that possessed true beauty with fine almost elfin features. The deadliest hand to hand combatant who relied on punch delivered blasting curses.

Rebekah, a competent, stoic woman who could be trusted to do as ordered and do it well.

Roxanne, a quiet and soft-spoken woman. She was rather skilled at both concealment magics and shielding.

Nailah, the strongest of the women. She was also the mother of two teenaged girls, Yalah and Sahan who had attached themselves to Princess Rugi as friends/bodyguards. She was an experienced fighter and a level-headed leader.

"They will do fine my love," Rania whispered into his ear.

"Let us hope, I am still hoping that Meliah and Sareena survived the attack on the Sietch. I don't like losing people," Harry replied quietly.

"I hope so as well, they fought bravely and bought us time to get clear," agreed Rania.

"Are you ready?" asked Harry.

Rania nodded, "It all comes down to this."

Harry shrugged, "Hopefully we can end it here. But regardless of the outcome, there will be much to do afterwards."

The sound of weapons fire, like distant thunder, announced that the Fremen heavy weapons were beginning their attack.

Harry turned to face his people, "It is time, everyone be prepared to portkey once the worms have entered the plains. We'll be facing Harkonnens and Sardaukar so be ready. Aytib, I want at least two Feydakin with each Magi, just as we practised."

"As you will it Baraka," replied Aytib. With a gesture, the Feydakin went to stand with their assigned Magi.

The Fremen weapons fire was working. The Emperor's ship was clearly damaged, and the main spaceport was burning. Some enemy Thopters had managed to lift off but were soon overwhelmed by the swarms of Fremen Thopters. All in all, it was going as Duke Paul had planned. Harry watched as the sandworms, for the first time passed the Shield Wall.

Far below them, they could see the Sardaukar and Harkonnen troops trying to deploy amid the chaos.

Then the majority of the Fremen fighters enter the engagement.

"Go," ordered Harry as he grasped Rania and activated his portkey.

oOoOo

Arrakeen – Old City Garrison

"There is the signal." Olavi Svet glanced left at the officer of his household guard, Captain Lennar, who nodded. "Let's go and get it done Captain."

Olavi drew his mauler pistol, checked it and slid it back onto his belt as he took a deep breath. This moment was it, there was no turning back from this. His left hand reached up and touched the patch worn on his chest. The crest of the Atreides. Each of his men now wore the patch on their House Juhani uniforms, save those few 'observing' the Imperial compound and the newly arrived Harkonnen troops.

Moving as quietly as possible the well-trained house troopers deployed across the only real access point to the old city. The sounds of the battle being fought several kilometres away had thankfully driven the civilians off the street.

"My Lord," warned Lennar as he gestured to where flashes of light lit the sky. A moment later the sounds of weapons fire could be heard.

Olavi smiled grimly, "It looks like our spotters are having some fun without us. Its now open season for our skirmishers and snipers."

Lennar saluted and then lifted his wireless to his mouth, relaying his orders.

Olavi knew his plan to hold the old city was a good one but he was a professional soldier and so he knew very well that no plan survived contact with the enemy unchanged.

Lennar finished his conversation, "My Lord we are engaging Harkonnen and Sardaukar troops."

Nerves forgotten, Olavi gestured the two companies with him to follow. It was time to show the arrogant bastards what a professional soldier could do.

oOoOo

Harry shielded Rania from a grenade as Rania fired from cover. Her rifle was a fully automatic Atreides Military R180 but in true Fremen style, she was firing targeted three round bursts rather than waste ammunition.

The Sardaukar lines were broken but the Emperor's soldier fanatics fought on, even as their Harkonnen allies retreated. The front lines had descended into a bloody, chaotic melee as the Fremen pushed forward. Despite the Sardaukar's horrific losses they were still fighting, denying the Fremen an easy way forward.

"We need to end this soon, our men are taking a battering," yelled Gurney as he killed a Sardaukar under-officer and stepped over his body. "The bastards are setting up heavy weapons."

Paul waved, acknowledging Gurney's words. "Harry, can you do anything to clear the pocket of Sardaukar ahead?"

Harry considered his options. The Sardaukar were in a very defensible position, behind a thick stone wall and while he could destroy it, his attacks may well harm friendly forces. That left him with a couple of options, "I'll create some chaos Muad'Dib. Be prepared to charge in and rescue us if it doesn't work."

Concentrating he cast a succession of blasting hexes. Sending debris, bodies and sand flying. Under cover of these spells, he concentrated on the area behind the Sardaukar heavy weapons teams. "Ready for some fun Rania?"

Rania grinned, "Of course."

"You take the left, I'll take the right." Harry quickly disillusioned Rania and then himself. "Grab on."

He side-along apparated behind the Sardaukar position, let go of Rania and began firing off blasting and cutting curses. Beside him, Rania opened fire. The Sardaukar caught unprepared, didn't have a chance. Unfortunately, the next Sardaukar position quickly realised that something was wrong and opened fire. Harry and Rania swung around and returned fire, it was a dangerous moment that passed as Paul and Gurney led the Fremen forward.

Harry cancelled the disillusionment as maintaining it on a battlefield was an invitation to get accidentally shot by an ally.

"Good work," said Paul as he paused beside them.

"Muad'Dib," called a Fremen radioman. "Our flyers report that there are dropships lifting off under guild colours."

Paul frowned, considering this unforeseen complication. Thanks to Norma, the guild was abiding by its pledge of neutrality. There was a risk that some of those aboard the departing ships were enemies but attacking them would potentially breach the agreement. "Let guild ships depart but nothing else makes it into orbit."

oOoOo

Olavi gestured and his men moved forward. The Harkonnen forces were trying to rally. Whoever was in command had probably realised that they were facing a coordinated attack and therefore they were unlikely to get any sort of reinforcement from Harkonnen or Imperial forces.

Thanks to his scouting patrols, who were doing their job perfectly, he had an excellent idea of where and what they were doing. They had logically chosen to defend the section of the city closest to the landing area. It offered an escape route and was protected by a high wall at the rear.

Weapons fire rang out as his forward troops engaged the hastily built Harkonnen defences. Olavi ran his eyes over the scene, applying a lifetime of experience. The Harkonnen's had chosen well and as a soldier he acknowledged it. But, they would still be beaten. The problem his opposition had was that they had lost the capacity to maneuver. By digging in they temporarily strengthened their position but at the cost of retreat options. Still, assaulting a fortified position was a high-risk operation with a potential for extreme causalities. So, in the case, just such an eventuality occurred he had made sure that the Fremen air units could be called in. After all his men's lives were valuable.

One of his men popped a red flare, which was quickly followed by a half-dozen more.

"We have the rats trapped, send the signal," he ordered.

oOoOo

Feyd-Ruatha Harkonnen cursed as he ducked back inside the building, narrowly avoiding a projectile that struck the stone wall.

"My Lord, what are your orders?" asked a Harkonnen Captain.

"Defend the building," ordered Feyd.

The Harkonnen troops deployed, preparing their defence when the first flare lit up the darkness.

Feyd turned to look, wondering what it meant. A signal, but for what?

A moment later the first Fremen Thopter dropped its ordinance on the building. Feyd survived by blind luck. He was struck by a flying body and propelled down a flight of stairs, into the basement.

When he regained his wits, the room was filling with smoke and he was forced to crawl, in the semi-darkness. Reaching a wall, he paused and then began searching for something…anything that might save him.

oOoOo

Paul led the Fremen forward.

Any cohesion between the Imperial and Harkonnen forces had crumbled under the initial assault. The destruction of their forward command post and of their air forces had been critical blows. In that initial ten minutes, the outcome had been decided. However, the sheer number of enemy combatants and the tenacity of the Sardaukar meant that the Fremen were being forced to kill them.

The Sardaukar were bred for victory. Their 'code' was to fight until they had victory. They would not surrender unless ordered by the Emperor.

For Harry, the fight was a brutal melee. Alongside Stilgar, Rania and the Fedaykin he fought to keep Paul safe amid the chaos.

He saw Rania get knocked to the ground by a pair of Sardaukar as he was engaged by his own opponent. He dispatched the Sardaukar officer and turned to see Rania being helped to her feet by Stilgar.

He had no time for relief as the fight moved on.

oOoOo

The battle for Harry and Rania was reduced to a series of short brutal fights as the Fremen pushed toward the Emperor's Hutment. Harry was using every bit of skill he had to keep his companions alive as the Sardaukar refused to give up. Rania's focus was keeping him alive as he became a target for the retreating imperials.

Harry sent a hail of blasting curses at a Sardaukar position and then led the charge as the Fremen forces overran the position.

"Baraka, they are rallying near the incline," reported Aytib as he pointed toward the Hutment.

"Where is Muad'Dib?" asked Harry with a touch of concern.

Aytib grinned, "We left him behind, Baraka. He and Stilgar followed our charge."

Harry nodded and allowed himself to check Rania for injuries. Seeing his attention, she smiled and gestured toward the Hutment. "They're on the run now beloved."

Harry grinned back at her, "True, maybe we should have a rest. I could do with a cup of tea."

"You'll have to wait a bit for that Baraka," said Paul as he and Stilgar arrived. "They are done, but the Sardaukar won't give in until we convince the Emperor that it is finished. So, we push them and keep pushing."

"Then we had better get back to it Muad'Dib. We would not want them getting comfortable," said Stilgar.

Paul was studying the battlefield, calculating what needed to be done. "We push toward the centre where they are rallying. That is where the field leadership is. Our allies in the old city are dealing with the Harkonnen troops and the air battle is over. We break this formation and it is done."

The Fremen shared knowing looks. How could they lose with both Muad'Dib and Baraka on their side?

oOoOo

Melina and Shayna were working in tandem, one attacking one defending. They were slowly but methodically pushing back the Sardaukar defenders who were trying to rally, away from the threat of the worms. The Sardaukar were tenacious and refused to give in, so the two women and a half dozen Fedaykin were forced to dispatch them.

Then, a group of ten Sardaukar charged forward. Trying to break the attack and give their comrades time to dig in. Forcing both Magi to shield from a storm of weapons fire. Before Melina or Shayna could shift their focus from defence, two of their sister Magi, Roxanne and Nailah, launched explosive hexes at the charging men. Killing four and scattering the others.

The Magi and the Fedaykin pushed on, driving the Sardaukar before them.

All of the plain, the Emperor's Imperial Sardaukar were struggling to hold against an attacking force that was beyond their comprehension.

Not that they were not inflicting damages. They were after all elite troops, the likes of which had been unmatched for over ten thousand years. In giving ground they bled the Fremen and their allies.

The bodies of slain Fremen lay on the field, waiting to be tended to by the Watermasters. Among them lay Karee of the twin blades, who had died, cut down by the Sardaukar, as she healed her sister Magi, Laticia.

oOoOo

Emperor's Hutment

"The ship cannot lift off," reported a pale-faced Burseg.

The Emperor's glare clearly indicated that the news was not welcome.

"We should be able to hold until Harkonnen forces can attack the Fremen. A suitable distraction that will allow us to stabilise our defences" reported the Burseg.

"And where are our allies?" asked the Emperor.

"They were moving on the Old City. We haven't received an update on the situation," explained the Burseg.

"Find the fat Baron, I want him here to explain his people's incompetence."

The throne room shook, enticing screams from many of the court.

"Find out what is happening" the Emperor ordered one of his Sardaukar.

oOoOo

Fenring was now deeply concerned. The Fremen were mounting a very successful attack, so successful that they had pushed the Sardaukar back and were now threatening to break through the last line of defenders. The Harkonnen troops, foolishly sent to kill civilians were missing in action, unable to be contacted by radio. His logical conclusion was that they were dead. Battle had failed to resolve the issue, so they must look to statecraft. Which was unfortunate as the hostages they had held and might have used were dead.

"My lord Fenring?"

Fenring turned to see a Sardaukar Burseg named Shovat standing with a battered and bloody junior officer.

"My Lord, our lines are not going to hold," reported the Burseg. "Our forward command post is no longer responding."

It did not take a Mentat to understand why the Burseg had not reported directly to the Emperor. "How long do we have?"

The usually arrogant and sneering Burseg's stunned expression might, in other circumstances, have been amusing but now it was just another indicator of how close to the precipice they were. "Less than half an hour My Lord."

Fenring accepted the dire news with a nod. "I have been removed from the Emperors Court. I suggest that you report this to the Emperor."

The Sardaukar left and Fenring continued on to his rooms. He needed to change his clothes if he was to undertake his new, self-appointed mission to find Crown Princess Irulan.

oOoOo

The Emperor was staring down a dozen powerful members of the Landsraad, led by Duke Ecaz and Earl Memnon Thorvald. The Emperor's announcement that the Landsraad was suspended had been meet with hostility. So much so that Sardaukar, who should have been outside defending the Hutment, had been pulled into the throne room.

As the Burseg and his fellow officer approached the Emperor seemed to lose his patience.

"Enough My Lords, this is not the time for your political maneuvering. The Landsraad is suspended because I say it is." Raising his voice, he waved to a Sardaukar guard. "Escort the court to the Grand Ballroom, at once."

As the stand-off continued between the Nobles and the Emperor, Burseg Shovat entered the throne room.

"Your Imperial Majesty, a messenger has arrived from the battle," called out Burseg Shovat. His words created a circle of silence as the Emperor swung to face him.

"Well, report!" demanded the Emperor.

The Burseg straightened to attention, "Sire, our lines have collapsed, the Fremen are using the Sandworms…and our command post has been overrun."

"Then send in the reserves!" ordered the Emperor.

"We have Sire, the…"

He was cut off by a series of explosions that shook the room, knocking many off their feet. Chaos engulfed the room as courtiers, unused to violence as anything other than an abstract, panicked. The dozen Sardaukar is the room rushed forward to surround the Emperor as they raised their weapons.

oOoOo

Paul Atreides stood, analysing the battlefield as the Fremen surrounded and suppressed the last remaining enemy units. The field was his, as was the air.

"A great victory Muad'Dib," said Stilgar, as he stood stoically letting the field medic examine his arm.

"Are you alright my friend?" asked Paul with genuine concern.

Stilgar grunted, lips turning up into a rare smile, "A minor wound Usul, a slug creased my arm. We have won the field?"

"Yes, the last of them are being dealt with now," replied Paul as he turned his attention back to the field.

"Your Orders?" asked Stilgar.

"We go ahead, as we planned. The Fedaykin are already escorting our guests to me."

oOoOo

Baron Harkonnen was in a towering rage. After all his work, his decades of planning and plotting…he was allocated a menial role, the Emperors executioner. A series of explosions sounded close by, not too close but close enough for caution.

"My Lord, the prisoners are not here!" reported his Household Captain.

"What, then where are they?" demanded the Baron.

The Captain gestured toward the open doorway, "The guards have been killed or taken My Lord."

The Baron hesitated, 'Was this a ploy by the Emperor, was he being set-up to fail and give him an excuse?' "Then find them or you will take their place."

The Captain stalked off, calling out orders as the Baron tried to piece together some sort of plan.

A commotion down the corridor brought a frown to his face. What was it now? He turned and then found himself on his back with his ears ringing and his eyes tearing. Rough hands grasped him and lifted him off the floor, searching him roughly, He could only make out a word here and there as he was dragged down the corridor.

"…Harkonnen…to…hold…useful…"

oOoOo

Turik had no idea why he was here, deep in the service tunnels under the old palace. His Fremen aides had dragged him from his lab, pushing a pellet thrower into his hand. Eventually, he was led to a large stone carved room. Nearly a hundred people, all looking like native Fremen, were waiting patiently.

Turik turned to his assistant, "What is this Farouk, what is happening?"

"Muad'Dib is attacking the off-worlders and we were warned that there might be fighting in the palace. Baraka sent word that we were to bring you," Farouk smiled at the confused scientist. "It seems that Baraka wants you safe."

Turik was not sure what to say to that. He looked down at the pistol, "Why am I armed?"

"Should you not be?" countered Farouk. "You have been a respectful man, we have no quarrel with you."

They both turned at the sound of raised voices. A group of Fremen wearing bloodstained robes and stillsuits entered the cavern dragging an immensely fat man.

'The Baron,' whispered Turik. "That's the Baron Harkonnen!" he said aloud.

Farouk nodded, "It seems that the Fedaykin have caught quite a prize."

One of the bloodstained Fedaykin caught sight of Turik, said something to his companions and walked over. Turik watched nervously, wondering what was happening. The bloodstained fighter approached and then gave him a nod.

"Researcher Turik, you may not remember but I met you when you were with us. Muad'Dib will be pleased that you are safe." He then turned to Farouk, "And welcome to you Farouk son of Arlef. You have done well but I have another task for you," he turned to look at the Baron. "The Fat Baron must be kept here until required. Will you need weapons?"

Farouk shook his head, "No, we are armed. Has he been searched?"

"He has, but still be cautious."

Farouk nodded grimly, "We will."

The Fedaykin nodded, "Good, then my brothers and I will once more hunt."

He whistled and the other bloody Fremen followed him from the room.

Turik watched as the Fremen surrounded the Baron, weapons held ready.

'What was going on?' he asked himself.

oOoOo

Guild Heighliner – In orbit above Arrakis

The Guild Agent studied the half-dozen Bene Gesserit, his face inscrutable behind his breathing mask.

"You seek transport to your Motherhouse?" he eventually asked, his distorted voice flat and emotionless.

Reverend Mother Mohiam nodded, making sure to keep her demeanour calm and collected. "We do, I call on our agreement under our accord with your guild for free conduct and safe passage."

"I see, although I could argue that my Guild has declared neutrality in these events…but I will not. Events need no further complications." He seemed to stare at nothing, his eyes blank for several moments. "Very well you are under the protection of the Guild. Although, transport at this moment will not be possible. You will, however, be safe here."

"You can't leave?" asked Mohiam with a fair amount of scepticism.

"Duke Atreides has the means to destroy the Spice and so we will obey his request that no ships leave the system."

'The Guild knows that it is Paul…Blessed Mothers…they are acknowledging him!'

She could do nothing but nod.

oOoOo

Feyd-Ruatha Harkonnen had somehow survived the assault although it had cost him his entire company of Household troopers. He had escaped the traitor Olavi Svet's troops by the means of a hatch that led to a storeroom. Which in turn led to a door to a landing field warehouse. He managed to reach the airfield, but it was clear that it was no longer in Harkonnen control. In fact, only two ships survived unscathed and they all appeared to be under Guild colours.

'The Emperor and my uncle are finished. I must see to my own survival.' He was no coward but by the look of things, the Fremen had won. 'If I can get back to Geidi Prime, I have a chance."

But how?

Surrounding the ships were Guildsmen and what appeared to be armed Guild security. Staying was a death sentence, so he had to get aboard that ship!

Guild personnel were being evacuated off-world, that much was clear. Guild Bankers, clerks and servants all being placed aboard a curiously untouched dropship. Perhaps he could find a way to disguise himself, once onboard he would be protected by the Guild's neutrality.

'My uncle over-reached and in doing so nearly took me with him. Well, I will not make the same mistake.'

A group of what appeared to be servants walked past him. All wore civilian clothes but with the guild emblem. Perhaps that was the answer…hiding in plain sight.

In the end, it was remarkably easy to get onboard. The small silver pin with the guild emblem, that was pinned to the cloak he had acquired saw he waved through the hatch.

He was directed to a tiny cabin, a bed, chair and toilet being the only items contained in the small space. He was just sitting when the hatch opened.

He moved to a defensive stance as a single, middle-aged man entered, closing the door behind himself.

"This cabin is taken Sirrah!" said Feyd, careful to hide his Harkonnen accent. He kept one hand closed around the hilt of his hidden blade.

The man raised an eyebrow in what appeared to be unconcerned amusement. "Now, now Na-Baron Harkonnen. What would be achieved by striking one of your potential saviours?"

Feyd did not relax in the slightest, "Who are you?"

"I am Sathax of Tleilax."

'A Tleilaxu,' thought Feyd in surprise. 'What would a Tleilaxu be doing on Arrakis and how did he recognise me?'

"My family was once served by Piter de Vries," Feyd said aloud.

Sathax smiled, "Ah yes, Piter…such an enthusiastic and creative individual. Such a waste. But I am not here to discuss poor dead Piter. You will soon be discovered, my dear Na-Baron. Although I may be in a position to help you."

"How?" demanded Feyd.

Sathax's smiled grew wider even as his eyes grew colder. "I hate to see such valuable men, such as yourself, lost before they can show their greatness. Your uncle lacked the clarity of vision needed to fulfil his destiny. Perhaps with our help, you will succeed where he failed."

"And what do you want in return?" asked Feyd as his mind raced, trying to remember what he knew of the Bene Tleilax. They were genetic engineers of great skill. Besides twisted Mentat's they were responsible for what were rumoured to be the best spies and assassins, the Face Dancers. Beings that had the ability to take on the physical appearance of other individuals. Or so it was rumoured.

"We have foreseen the rise of the Atreides, and despite our efforts with the Emperor he looks to have succeeded…for now. Although we have supplied the Emperor one last gift, perhaps he might yet rid us of the Atreides. We shall have to see. As to what we want from you, we now know that there are special people that the serve House Atreides. My people have an interest in them and their abilities. You help us take possession of them, that is our price for helping you my dear Feyd."

Feyd slowly moved his hand away from his blade.

"Good, you are being logical…now come Feyd. We must get you secreted among my entourage. But first," he reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver ring. "This is made in such a way, I know not how, that it interferes with the sight of the navigators. Their position on matters is currently unknown, so we had best ensure that you are hidden from their sight."

Feyd studied the simple silver ring before slipping it on his finger.

Sathax smiled broadly, "Now follow me, my boy."

oOoOo

Harry ran his hand over Rania's thigh and then, once the wound was healed he repaired her stillsuit.

"Thank you, Beloved," whispered Rania with a smile just for him on her lips.

"You are welcome, now come we must find Muad'Dib. He should be ready to…" his voice trailed off as Muad'Dib appeared surrounded by his Fedaykin.

He had removed his stillsuit and was dressed in an Atreides formal uniform. With the devices of his rank and house in full display. Ingrained training took over and Harry straightened and saluted.

Despite the seriousness of the situation Paul smiled at the response. Gurney's oft-repeated mantra to junior officers, 'if in doubt salute!' was clearly effective.

"It is not that often that I can catch you off-guard Harry," said Paul with a smile at his subordinate.

Harry shook his head, "It was seeing you, My Lord, in your house uniform."

"Well Captain Potter, I have a new uniform awaiting you as well. After all, we go to meet the Emperor," said Paul as he gestured to where several Fremen stood waiting. "You as well Rania, I've commissioned you as an officer in the Green Legion."

Rania blinked, looking surprised, "Yes M…your Grace."

"Well, then you had best clean up and get changed. We only have a little time before the Fedaykin defeat the remaining forces holding the breach in the Hutment. Then I will be talking to the Emperor and I want you both with the official party," explained Paul. "The Fedaykin have secured a building for our use."

"As quick as I can My Lord," replied Harry.

oOoOo

"There are still options your Majesty," stated one of the Emperors advisers. "While the military option has failed us, we still have diplomacy. If we can negotiate a truce until relief arrives we can still achieve victory. One house may not stand against the full might of the Imperium. I imagine this 'Duke' may try and hold your Majesty hostage but even rabble such as this must realise that you hold the upper hand."

The Emperor frowned, his thought whirling, 'The Guild's agents have disappeared. Along with the Bene Gesserit and my most loyal friend, Hasimir Fenring…and all but one of my children. That smiling assassin, the Tlielaxu Master Sathax has lent me his living weapons…but I trust him not. What is this headache? Now more than ever I need clarity. Without transport off this benighted world, I am trapped here."

"Majesty?" prompted another courtier.

"Out, all of you...save you, my daughter," he ordered Wensicia.

Wensicia, as cold and haughty as ever, waited patiently for the room to clear.

"We face a crisis daughter," began the Emperor. "And we currently lack military options."

"I doubt this false…" Wensicia trailed off at her father's flinch. "You believe that he is Paul Atreides!"

The Emperor nodded, looking pained at the admission.

"Then we must be prepared to negotiate," said Wensicia.

"We are under duress daughter. Do you think he will negotiate with those that brought down his house?" asked the Emperor.

Wensicia accepted that without a change of expression. "Without a doubt, we will have to make reparations. Father, we must steer his anger toward the Harkonnen."

"And if he wants the throne?" demanded the Emperor in a tired voice.

Wensicia straightened, "Then he would likely need to legitimise his rule and as a Princess Royal, I can offer that. Once we are married, he can be educated and eventually removed. It would not be the first time a bad emperor was…retired."

The Emperor stiffened at the reference to the old rumours that he had 'retired' his own father, "No, there must be another way. I will not let them tear me down…let them plot against our house, we shall tear them down."

"Not without fighting a war, that right now we cannot win. I know you saw many of our loyal Landsraad, chaffing to call you to account. If we try to use them now, they might well turn on us. No, I can marry the Atreides. I have trained for this and I will either bring him to us or I will kill him. Let them think we are beaten, we will rise again."

The Emperor stood and straightened his uniform, "We have mere minutes I fear before our escort arrives. Do not despair daughter, despite those moving against us, we have other options…I will not go meekly to the block." 'I still have the secret weapon, the gift from the Tleilaxu. The question is do I dare use the Face Dancers. Such a move will leave me beholden to the odious Bene Tleilax…and I know all too well how dangerous such a debt to a man like Sathax would be. Despite his aid, he was quick to hint at exposure of my plan to create artificial spice. My plan, despite the fact they were my partners in the project. If the great Houses found that I was trying to find a way to totally control 'Spice' the would be teaming up to bring my House down.'

Wensicia studied her father, unsure of intentions. "You have a plan?" she asked. When her father nodded she moved to stand by his side, her haughty expression already in place. "Then let us secure our legacy."

The Emperor nodded and rubbed at his temples trying to ease his persistent headache even as his thought raced. His options were limited. The military option had failed, the political option was not looking promising. 'Damn the Atreides and the Tleilaxu, if I use their accursed Face Dancers I risk starting a new War of Assassins.'

oOoOo

It felt strange to be back in his Atreides dress uniform. Unlike the tan desert uniform, the black uniform was meant as formal wear. It bore the Atreides crest, rank and unit emblems. Although this uniform bore Captains pins and a previously unseen unit patch. A golden square with a soaring, dark green Peregrine Falcon, the symbol of the Green Legion.

Turning, he had to smile at the sight of an uncomfortable looking Rania. She looked good in her uniform, which in his opinion was far more flattering on her than him.

"I feel foolish," complained Rania.

"You look beautiful and believe me it looks better on you than me," Harry reassured her.

Rania rolled her eyes, "It's not as practical as a stillsuit but I suppose it's needful."

"True, now…" Harry paused as the door opened to admit Alia, Melina and the rest of the Magi. All save Alia were dressed in Atreides uniform. Although Melina's uniform also bore a sash, in the colours of House Ecaz. Alia wore a complicated dress, in Atreides colours of course. Her one concession to her allegiance to the Magi was the falcon pin on her breast.

"Baraka, Duke Paul is looking for us," reported Melina.

"Then let's not keep him waiting," said Harry as he put on his uniform cap.

In the corridor, an honour guard of Fedaykin led by Aytib stood along troopers in tan uniforms. Harry was about to ask about the troops when he recognised the yellow and grey crest on the battlefield uniforms as House Juhani. Which was confirmed when Lord Olavi and his daughter Senja appeared.

Harry saluted but Olavi waved it away, "None of that my boy, Duke Paul has assembled his men and secured the Governors Palace. We have the duty of escorting the Emperor and his court from the Emperor's Hutment to the palace. He wants us as guards, so we had better hurry." He then turned to his daughter, "Senja, you'll be with Duke Paul's entourage in the Governors Palace. I'll have a man of my own with you as a guard. You have your blade?"

Senja smiled and touched her thigh, "Always father."

"Good girl," replied Olavi proudly before turning to Harry. "We had best be going Captain."

"Aye my Lord," replied Harry.

oOoOo

The Fremen were gathered outside the Emperor's Hutment.

Thousands of armed Fremen and behind them civilians. At the front, watching the defeated and disarmed surviving Imperial troops, were they Fedaykin and the troopers of house Juhani.

"Baraka!"

Harry waved to the Fedaykin officer and led the group toward the entrance.

The Fedaykin, Yousef, gestured toward the hold in the Hutment. "Muad'Dib will soon be ready Baraka. Gurney is already inside seeing to security. He wants you and the Magi to ensure that nothing untoward happens as they are escorted to the palace."

"I'll see to it, Yousef. My Lord, we had best get to it," said Harry before signalling for the Magi to follow him.

The Hutment had been torn apart, opening a section nearly twenty feet across. Blood stains and other signs of battle still marked that the fight between the Fremen and the Imperials. The bodies had been removed. The Imperials, all no doubt wondering what was happening, stood at the far end of the room. Held back by a double line of armed Fedaykin. Resplendent in his dress Atreides uniform. A watchful Gurney Halleck kept an eye on their prisoners.

Seeing Harry and his group arrive, he waved him forward. "Lord Juhani, Rania, Captain Potter, it's good you are here. The Fedaykin have searched the room and scanned those coming in as best we can…but I'll not be happy until we have them in an area we know is safe. Can you do anything to help?"

"Not quickly, but we can help here," Harry assured him as he studied the gathered courtiers. "I can see some members of the Landsraad and a few nobles I recognise but not the Emperor, his daughter, the Bene Gesserit or Fenring."

Gurney grunted, "The Emperor is being escorted here now by Stilgar and a squad of Fedaykin. He's got one of his daughters with him, Princess Wensicia. Far as I can tell the Bene Gesserit debunked and Fenring hasn't been seen since we arrived here."

Harry nodded, accepting the information. "We can find them later, we have the important players." He then smiled, "I'm sure Princess Irulan and her sisters will be delighted to see their Father and sister."

Gurney smiled coldly, "Oh, I'm sure they will. I'll make sure to keep an eye on them."

"I'll have Rania watch her closely," acknowledged Harry.

oOoOo

Archduke Armand Ecaz was not surprised to see Lieutenant…no Captain Potter beside Gurney Halleck and a man he recognised as Olavi Svet. Lord of House Juhani, the Harkonnen House Minor. Both Potter and Halleck were in full Atreides dress uniform and Olavi Svet was under arms and clearly known to the two men. That was an interesting twist.

Olavi was a known mercenary leader and had a reputation for honest dealings that few Harkonnen nobles shared. 'Yes, the Atreides code would appeal to Olavi…but I wonder what it was that finally pushed him into turning on the Baron?'

The Fremen under, Juhani, Halleck and Potter worked efficiently to organise the room. Clearly, the Emperor had misjudged the threat posed by the Atreides. Although it had been hard to tell exactly what the Emperor was thinking…indeed when the Sardaukar Burseg had announced the unthinkable, a loss in the field, the Emperor's reaction had been odd. Did he not realise the gravity of the situation or did he have a plan?

oOoOo

Gurney and Harry stood to attention when Stilgar escorted in the Emperor and his daughter. Protocol was protocol, no matter what their personal feelings.

Gurney saluted and then, when the Emperor insultingly failed to return it, addressed the two members of House Corrino. "Your Majesty, your Highness, your Imperial kinsman, His Grace Duke Atreides offers you and the members of the Landsraad a guarantee of safe passage to the Governor's residence to facilitate negotiations for an end to this conflict. Under the clauses of the Great Convention volume twenty-five, section nine."

The Emperor was silent for several moments before nodding, "Very gracefully worded but how can I know that you master is who he claims?"

Gurney smiled coldly, letting some of his true feelings show. "I know that you recognised me, your Grace. Who but the rightful Duke could command the allegiance of Gurney Halleck?"

"I am permitted my own escort," stated the Emperor. His expression was calm, but his eyes were narrowed with anger.

"An honour guard would be acceptable," replied Gurney. Such was allowed under the conventions that governed the Great Houses.

"Very well then, once I have selected my escort we will be ready," replied the Emperor.

"Your Duke could not come to make the offer himself?" asked Princess Wensicia, her voice haughty and cutting.

"I am sure his Grace will make his position very clear your Highness," replied Gurney with a half-bow.

A polite search was conducted by the Fremen and House Juhani troopers without incident and they were shortly ready to depart.

Clearly, the word had gone out by the time they left the Hutment. The people were still present but a clear route to the palace had been established. Indeed, the crowd was mostly silent.

The Governors Palace was guarded by Fremen who let them pass after Harry gave the appropriate signal. Once inside the Emperor and his party were forced to halt by a line of armed Fedaykin in the centre of the open hall.

At the other end of the hall, a group stood waiting. Duke Paul Atreides dressed in full dress uniform, stood beside his sister Alia and his mother, the Lady Jessica. Chani was by his side and with her stood Melina, Senja and Rania. Paul gestured, and Harry came and stood beside Rania.

Paul stepped forward and turned his attention to the Emperor. "Your Imperial Majesty, Shaddam Corrino the Fourth, the eighty-first Padishah Emperor…I would welcome you to my fiefdom as convention requires but I believe that any such sentiment would be false. When the Guild of Navigators and the Bene Gesserit permitted you to take your father's throne, it was only on the assurance that you would keep the Spice flowing. And now you have failed them your Imperial Majesty. Just as you have failed to rule wisely or exercised political control of the Landsraad. Do you like the consequences of these failures?"

The Emperor glared at Paul, his expression showing his outrage, "Nobody permitted me to…"

"The Guild has recently…re-examined its position regarding neutrality. I believe that they were quite clear when they explained their position on current affairs. A change in their leadership I believe," explained Paul.

"You have blackmailed the Guild!" accused the Emperor. "That is a breach of the Great Convention."

"I have done no such thing," Paul denied the Emperor's words with a cold smile. "And as for the Bene Gesserit…well they have their own issues do they not? In fact, where is Reverend Mother Mohiam? Hmmm deserted you it seems."

The Emperor's expression was tight, controlled as he spoke with a touch of anger. "It may amuse you to be an insolent boy, but my power is far from broken. You might have won a victory here, but I have yet to bring the full force of my power against you."

"And how would you do that? The Guild has rather serious concerns regarding your management and interpretation of events. As I am sure, do many of the Great Houses of the Landsraad I see here today. How many of those here today fear that what happened to my father, to my house, will be their fate?" Paul looked around the gathered lords and ladies. "I'm sure that some of you have seen the correspondence I sent you?"

The Emperor glared balefully at those around him, and so it was Princess Wensicia who stepped forward. "And what would this correspondence be in regard to?"

Paul smiled coldly, "Why your Highness, I made clear to many of the great houses, allies and peers of my father the sequence of events that have led us here. Let us dispense with pretence Majesty. You used the Harkonnen as your shield as you deployed Sardaukar, in Harkonnen uniform, to invade the Fief you forced on to my Father. It was your hand that pulled the strings, it was you that mislead the Landsraad. How many other houses have you targeted? Are you pulling the strings that have near destroyed House Ecaz? So, believe me when I say that I am not interested in proceedings, placing a writ before the Landsraad or CHOAM. I intend to bring things to a close."

"The throne is mine!" yelled the Emperor as he stepped forward.

Paul simply shook his head, "I will tell you how it will be. Your heir shall be my wife, opening the way for an Atreides to take the throne."

"I sit on the Golden Lion throne!" argued the Emperor.

"You will sit on a throne on Selusa Secundus, your prison planet. Either that or I will seek a way forward through war. I and my allies will cleanse the universe and put right the injustices that plague the Imperium." Paul spoke with passion and the Fremen cheered even as the Imperial Court looked around, stunned.

"You would release these savages on the universe?" asked Wensicia, her voice dripping with contempt.

Paul shifted his gaze to Wensicia, "Your house released the Harkonnen and the Sardaukar on Arrakis and on House Atreides. Well, now I control Arrakis and therefore I control the one thing that is essential to all…the Spice. If something was to happen to Spice production, how long would it take before there were shortages?"

"The Harkonnen were acting under the conventions for Kanly," stated Wensicia.

Paul gestured toward a subordinate, "And we know that all the Forms of Kanly must be obeyed." He gestured and four Fedaykin and four hooded figures entered half dragging the Baron Harkonnen. "Ah my dear Baron, just in time. As my father once said, the art of kanly still has admirers in the Empire. Your plans for revenge have failed Baron and so that you fully absorb the depth of your failure, I want you to see as our star rises before I end the Harkonnen of House Harkonnen."

"You might think things are all your way cousin," spat the Emperor. "But despite your arrogance, we are not without resources…"

Harry had been watching the crowd. The Imperials had suffered a terrible defeat but that didn't mean that the situation was not dangerous. The battle had been lost but there were other means to enforce the Emperor's will, namely assassins. Harry knew all too well that a trained assassin was hard to spot, they could be anyone. A search for weapons was not foolproof.

Harry's instincts were telling him that something was wrong. He scanned the crowd again, searching for what had caught his sub-conscious attention. Then he was moving.

Rania turned her head, worried by his sudden movement, "Beloved?"

"See to everyone's safety, something is wrong," instructed Harry.

Paul ignored their discussion, focussed as he was on the Emperor. "I could force the issue…" mused Paul as his eyes travelled over Wensicia.

The Emperor let out a mocking laugh, "I see, you think yourself a fit husband for my daughter after you have imprisoned my heir to force my hand!"

"I hardly call being under the protection of Duke Paul imprisonment," said Princess Irulan as she, and her sisters lowered the hoods that had been concealing their features.

The Emperor's surprise was clear, "Daughter…how…"

"How am I alive, how am I here? Well, father, I left Kaitain after my dear sister Wensicia made it clear that my sisters and I would be the next to be eliminated. I came here to find out what was truly happening on Arrakis and had the good fortune to be found and offered protection by Duke Paul."

"Ever the scholar Sister, and did you find your answers?" asked Wensicia, the naked hostility in her voice had her father turning to look at her.

"What…what have you done Wensicia?" demanded the Emperor as he caught his daughter's arm.

Wensicia shook of her father's hand, "I did as I needed. Irulan is not a fit heir."

The Emperor seemed to wilt for a moment, before straightening his shoulders. "Despite our differences Irulan, I never wished you harmed."

Irulan frowned, "And yet harm came to me, by your hand. You have brought our house and the Empire to the brink of war. I believe that I can correct our course." Her eyes went to Paul, who stepped forward and took her hand. "Here is a man worthy of being your son."

For a moment the Emperor seemed to waiver, unsure. "I will not idly give up our legacy…If Duke Atreides lays down his arms, we can have peace. I have not called even a tenth of my strength of arms to bear. A battle won does not mean that the war is won."

Paul shook his head, "Your grand triumvirate is fractured, your Majesty. The Bene Gesserit are quite rightly under suspicion, the Navigators have declared neutrality and many of the Great Houses have declared their concerns. But above all, those great powers have realised that I control the Spice…the glue that holds together your empire."

"Then I call on the loyal to my house to defend the Imperium!"

oOoOo

Archduke Armand Ecaz had not thought to see Melina again and yet there she was. Standing tall amid Duke Paul's entourage. It made him proud, house Ecaz…his family would live on. The events unfolding before him were significant, a marker of when change came to the Empire but all he could think of was Melina. He turned to speak to Earl Memnon Thorvald when something caught his eye. An odd movement, carefully he looked around. What had he seen, what had happened? The man beside him, a courtier and Lord of a House Minor named Semast, had something in his hand…a pistol…good lord it was a lasgun!

"…I call on those loyal to my house to defend the Imperium!"

The weapon started to come up, without thinking he lashed out, a throat strike meant to disable.

oOoOo

"…I call on those loyal to my house to defend the Imperium!"

Harry saw a figure dressed in a Fremen robe raise a weapon. Raising his hand, he sent a stunner toward the figure as he called out an alarm. "Assassins!"

Screams and shouts started as assassins hidden in the crowd took aim at Paul.

Harry shouldered his way through the panicking crowd as the first shots were fired. With his fighting knife in hand, he launched himself at one of the gunmen. The man swayed away from Harry's attack, sending another shot toward Paul. Taking the opportunity, Harry blasted him with an explosive curse that turned his head into a fine red mist.

Looking around he spotted another holding a weapon, calmly aiming. Before Harry could react, the figure was blasted off his feet with what looked like an overpowered stunner. The Fedaykin had now joined in the melee and the assassins were soon overpowered or killed.

"Baraka!"

Harry turned to see Stilgar and several Fremen. Stilgar waved him over. As Harry moved through they parted, main with fearful looks.

"What is it Stilgar?" asked Harry as the Fremen shifted to let him see an injured Archduke Armand Ecaz.

Harry came to attention, "Your Grace, we'll get a medic for your shortly."

"Bugger that, Potter. Listen, the one I took down, he changed his features after I killed him." He pointed to the body at his feet. "That wasn't the face he was wearing when I struck him. You must let Duke Paul know."

"A Metamorphmagus?" whispered Harry in surprise. What he described was a Metamorphmagus.

Ecaz shook his head, "A Face Dancer, a damn assassin."

"The Emperor?" asked Harry.

Ecaz nodded, "Or the Princess. They went for their weapons when the Emperor was speaking."

Around them, the Fedaykin and armed Fremen were pushing the crowd back away from Paul. Harry could see that Paul and his entourage were standing behind a magical shield. "I had best report."

Paul looked calm as he surveyed the room, "Report Captain."

Harry saluted, "My Lord, assassins in disguise among the Imperial entourage. His Grace, the Archduke Ecaz, managed to fell one and reports that the Assassin changed appearance. He wished you to know that it was a Face Dancer."

Paul stiffened, and his eyes narrowed, "I see, please let Gurney know. We need to finish this Captain."

Harry nodded, "My Lord, I'll get everything in place."

oOoOo

Once again Paul stood facing the Emperor.

"It seems your Majesty that we had some uninvited guests among your retinue. The terms for our meeting were quite clear." Paul frowned and gestured to the dead assassins laying on the floor. "Assassins are not a part of the agreement."

"I had no knowledge of this breach of etiquette," protested the Emperor his voice stiff, controlled.

"I suppose it matters little, given that they failed," Paul waved dismissively and several Fremen came and dragged the bodies away. "Now, I believe that I was stating my terms."

"House Corino holds the throne…" stated the Emperor.

"And will continue to do so," said Irulan. "I was always to be wed father. This day was inevitable if the Corino bloodline was to continue."

"Her Highness would rule by my side as Empress of the Known Universe," said Paul.

The Emperor looked around as if seeking inspiration. Before simply nodding, "Very well, who shall negotiate for you Cousin?"

"My mother, the Lady Jessica shall negotiate on my behalf, your Majesty."

oOoOo

As the negotiations began, Harry and Rania were working their way through a list of unresolved problems. The Baron Harkonnen was a prisoner but his nephew, Feyd wasn't and his body had not been found. Also missing was Fenring, who had apparently cut himself loose from the Emperor during the battle.

More importantly, the issue of more potential Face Dancer assassins meant that everyone was suspect. Harry wasn't sure what exactly he could do either magically or with physical security to reduce the threat they presented.

"You said you felt something was wrong before the assassins struck," said Rania as she studied the bodies of the Assassins.

Harry looked thoughtful, "I felt that something was wrong. There are some spells that can detect if there is any active magic on these remains. Let me try a few things."

Harry cast an array of Auror detection spells and creating quite a light show before dropping his hands. "Well, that is interesting. It's not quite proof but there is a trace of transfiguration magic on the bodies. If I had to guess, I'd say they were Metamorphmagus but that's a rare ability. For them to have eight trained assassins with that ability…well, I find it difficult to believe."

"So, does knowing this help?" asked Rania.

"I suspect that I somehow detected the magic being used. I'm not sure how that works but it is all I can think of," explained Harry.

"Perhaps I can shed some light on matters," said Alia as she walked into the temporary morgue with Melina. "My brother said that you would be here."

"You know of these Face Dancers?" asked Rania.

Alia nodded, "The memories that I carry, of the Bene Gesserit before me are of some use." They could all hear the dislike in her voice and Harry knew that she sometimes struggled with the burden of the memories. "Face Dancers are genetically altered humans. They are able to impersonate individuals by taking on their appearance. The Bene Tleilax use them as spies and assassins and on rare occasions, they will lend them to others to use in the same way. Of course, they are not foolproof. A trained Bene Gesserit can detect a Face Dancer thanks to the fact that they emit a conspicuous pheromone. You would have to know what you are looking for of course, but it is a weakness and the reason that they avoid Bene Gesserit."

Harry considered Alia's explanation before shaking his head. "So how could I sense them, I haven't had Bene Gesserit training."

"But you are trained as a wizard. I suspect that your magic detected something odd and subconsciously warned you," Alia shrugged. "Although I could be wrong."

"They seem to have similar abilities to some of my people. I wonder if these are some of the survivors of the magical community. If the Tleilaxu are good at genetic manipulation…maybe they experimented on a natural Metamorphmagus." Harry speculated, his frustration evident to the others. "I could probably set up some wards to protect against this sort of thing but not over the whole city, much less the planet."

"Then we ward the Palace and take precautions. This attack felt rushed and it failed because they didn't know we could detect them. That should act as a deterrent for a while. Which gives Baraka time to work out the warding. And do not forget that my brother is far from helpless and he is Bene Gesserit trained," offered Alia.

"True, although I am interested in why the Bene Tleilax would involve themselves in this," said Melina. "The outcome was by no means certain and the must have foreseen that the repercussions would be severe."

"That is a good question, I suspect we'll be hearing more about this later. Has the Harkonnen said anything more about his Nephew?" asked Harry.

Alia shook her head, "Nothing yet. Olavi's men and the Fedaykin are still searching for him. He shouldn't have been able to leave Arrakis without the consent of the Guild."

"I don't know him, so I can't picture him well enough to magically track him." Harry winced as he realised something. "Bugger, I could have searched for Fenring." Harry took out his knife and balanced it on his palm. He quickly cast the point me spell. The knife rose up and spun, pointing almost directly downward.

Alia swore under her breath, "I'll let the Fedaykin know."

Harry thought for a moment before grimacing, "From what I remember the lower levels of the Palace are a maze of passages and rooms. Thufir Hawat had teams of men with detection equipment sweeping them daily and Fenring was the Governor her prior to our arrival…Alia, Melina, I want you to get any Magi that are not being used elsewhere down here immediately. Rania, you and I will start trying to triangulate a position for Fenring."

"And have someone look for Margot Fenring. Post a watch on her, just in case her husband is after her." Rania added. Making no effort to hide her dislike of the Bene Gesserit that she still held partially responsible for the death of her unborn child.

oOoOo

Eventually, they determined that Fenring was moving through the palace. After nearly twenty minutes they followed him to the wet-planet conservatory. The very place that his lady wife, Margot Fenring had left a warning for Jessica. A subtle message warning of Harkonnen betrayal.

Harry and Rania arrived ahead of their reinforcements and found the airlock door slightly ajar, propped open with a length of wood. Harry carefully opened the door to see Count Fenring standing in front of his wife. As Harry and Rania entered he raised his hands to show that he didn't hold a weapon.

Harry studied both Fenring's carefully. Neither appeared poised to attack. "My Lord and Lady Fenring, I must ask you to surrender to me."

Count Fenring nodded slowly, "I place my lady wife and myself into your custody Captain Potter. I do however have one request. I must speak with Duke Paul, most urgently."

Harry studied both Fenring's but could not detect anything in their demeanour that hinted at an attack. Count Fenring looked sincere but who could tell with the man.

"I will pass your request on to His Grace," replied Harry.

Footsteps announced the arrival of the Fedaykin, Lord Olavi and his guards.

Harry gestured toward the Fenring's, "They have not resisted. Please escort Lord and Lady Fenring to a guest room. I must speak with His Grace."

oOoOo

Paul studied Count Hasimir Fenring and Lady Fenring without expression for several seconds before gesturing the guards to leave. "Harry, you and Rania stay, please. I was surprised to not see you by the Emperor's side Count Fenring."

Fenring straightened, "Your Grace, my…ahh, forgive me, this is a difficult conversation for me. I will attempt to explain why I am here before you if I might be allowed to address some intelligence information?"

Paul nodded, his permission seemed to slightly relax Fenring.

Fenring took on a professional expression and demeanour. It was easy to see his Mentat training when he adopted their mannerisms. "Thank you, your Grace. I understand that you have the Emperor's daughters. For myself, I thank you for offering them your protection. The Emperor was being poisoned with a compound that affected his judgement and impulse control. Unfortunately, his confrontation with Princess Irulan was before we had discovered the existence of the poison. Once I began investigating, the trail led back to the Harkonnen. Logically that fit the facts, Thufir Hawat's fingerprints were all over the operation, which reinforced the Harkonnen connection. Still, something was not right with this scenario. How had they done it? The Emperor's person is very well protected. How the poisoner got to him was as big a concern as the why and the who."

Paul looked interested, "And what did your investigations uncover?"

"That there was a secondary effect. The drug had…made changes to the Emperor's personality. We knew that much, what we hadn't discovered was that the drug which destroys the nervous system also caused paranoia and other new behaviours. I hoped that we had caught it in time. I fear that we had not. As I tried to stem his Majesties impulses, an agent of mine found a name for the drug. It was Robaxilin, an extremely rare and near impossible to detect natural toxin from Tleilax. I consulted the Royal physician, a Suk graduate of high rank and he concurred. When it is slowly introduced, the victim is beset with paranoid delusions, anxiety, and a lack of capacity for rational thought just as the machinations of the Bene Tleilax come to light."

"Tleilax…" mused Harry.

"Is there an antidote?" asked Paul.

Fenring shook his head, "Not that I have discovered. If I am right, my old friend will not have long. The Suk agrees that the effects of Robaxilin are cumulative…once it reaches a certain level its effects are irreversible."

"Why would the Bene Tleilax be involved, they are isolationists," said Paul as his mind examined what he knew. 'If they are involved, why haven't I seen them. I've never considered or factored them into my plans…why? Is this a reflection of my changes to the Golden Path, the return of magic has changed the optimal path… encouraging diversity of the human race and our expansion? The multitude of paths and that dark future he had foreseen. A relentless enemy, the thinking machines.' Paul froze as he achieved a moment of clarity. 'I am a conduit for change, I am the Kwisatz Haderach. I am not the shortening of the way, I am the opening of the way…"

oOoOo

Paul blinked, as he found himself in a white void.

"You see it then," said Norma Cenva. "The Bene Tleilax see the Golden Path as a religious truth."

Paul nodded, accepting her appearance. "The Golden Path is needed but will, in the end, fail."

Norma shook her head, "No not fail…it will succeed but it will be at a bitter price."

Paul shook his head, "Then I must find another path. The return of magic changes things."

"Harry's arrival was the cause of a magical resonance that has changed many fates, yours included. The Jihad you fear will not run the same course. The Golden Path is broken and the seers of the Bene Tleilax have seen your role in it. They seek to reinstate the path as part of their twisted Great Belief. Your death, along with the end or enslavement of the Magi is what they seek. Their seers believe that it shall be your son who will show the way."

"That cannot be allowed."

Norma nodded and suddenly smiled. "I should thank you, well you and Hermione. Your choices and her words have helped me to make a decision and in turn, I can help you on this new path."

Paul studied her face, "Help me?"

Norma laughed and suddenly changed from an adult to a red-haired child. Her green eyes were wide and seemed to glow from within. "I think that Leto will need a Magi wife…after all, he will be the Emperor one day."

Paul considered for a moment and then smiled, "Harry will have a daughter."

Child-Norma smiled, "Elanor Potter, and the next generation of Magi will have Imperial blood among them. Irulan and Chani will be the mothers of a line of Atreides that will exist for millennia and be crucial players when the great enemy returns."

"The Thinking Machines will return?" asked Paul.

"They will, they are already out there in unknown space. Paul, Magic is their weakness and the one thing they cannot control or reproduce artificially," explained Norma. "Although all is not bleak. You have powerful allies even if you or they do not know it."

"Your help…" he trailed off as she smiled sadly.

"I cannot…the Golden Path trapped me as much as it trapped you. I will walk another path and forfeit my power," replied Norma.

Paul accepted her words with a respectful nod. He knew the two-edged sword of prophecy all too well. It was a trap, a noose from which it was nigh impossible to escape. He could respect Norma for finding her personal escape from it.

And then he was back.

oOoOo

"Your Grace?" prompted Harry.

"Captain, I must return to the negotiations. My Lord Fenring, you shall accompany me. Harry, I want you to look at a way to detect these Face Dancers. I foresee that we shall need it," ordered Paul.

oOoOo

Chani and Irulan shared a look and Chani gave a slight gesture toward the door.

"If you will excuse me for a moment," announced Irulan as she stood to leave the negotiation table. Lady Jessica had matters well in hand anyway.

Once they were in the small, private room that had once been the Duke Leto's office. Chani pulled the door shut.

"I believe that we must speak, before too much longer."

Irulan gave Chani a look of sympathy, "This must be difficult for you. I am sorry for the necessity of our actions. You are the mother of his heir."

Chani surprised her by laughing, "And you will be his wife and our children will be raised together. Do not think I resent you, I do not. Fremen have had more than one wife before and he and I have already discussed this necessity."

Irulan hesitated, honestly surprised but her training told her that Chani was speaking the truth. "Thank you Chani…I am not sure that is enough, but I truly mean it. Ever since this option became possible, I have been worried that we would become enemies."

"Maybe we would have, had we not had time to bond. We fought and bled in battle. That makes for strong bonds. Both you and your sisters are welcome in the Sietch, Rugi is a Magi and both you and Josifa have proven yourselves friends of the Tribes."

Irulan accepted that with a nod, taking a moment to compose herself. "I haven't seen either of my sisters since the assassination attempt."

Chani's expression changed from amused to sombre, "Ah, well that I can help with. After Paul left, the Watermasters came with a list of the dead from the attack on the Sietch. Rugi's Auliya sisters, Meliah and Sareena are among the dead."

Irulan's training helped her stifle her anger at that pronouncement. 'Were they killed on my Fathers orders? Poor Rugi, I must speak with her.'

Chani seemed to sense her thoughts, "Go, Aytib will show you where the bodies are being prepared and I will cover for you in the negotiations."

oOoOo

To many of the Nobles gathered in the Governor's Palace the current situation represented a major shift in their political reality. A shift that left them unsure of what the future held and how it would impact their lives. However, there were a group of several powerful nobles that had received letters from Duke Paul, who were relatively calm amid the speculation. They were once political allies of Duke Leto and were ready to transfer that to Paul. Of those that had been allies of the late Duke, Archduke Ecaz was seen as their leader and therefore he was being approached by many nervous individuals.

"Your Grace, if you have a moment?" asked Duke Ernil McNaught.

Ecaz studied McNaught, who was a powerfully built man with bright red hair and beard. His house was backed by three powerful and wealthy lesser houses and he was rumoured to have well trained and equipped troops to defend his home system. He had wealth and influence but maintained a public position of political neutrality. He was most certainly not a friend of the Atreides.

With him was a friendlier figure, Count Halban of House Richese. The Richese were onetime allies of House Atreides and were known throughout the Imperium for the manufacture of machines. Their house had suffered a decade of financial reversal as the fought a losing mercantile war with the technologically savvy Ixians.

"I believe I do," replied Ecaz as gestured toward a corner, away from eavesdroppers.

The Fremen guards nodded to Ecaz as he passed, a respectful gesture that was not offered to the others. "You wished to speak to me?"

Ernil and Halban exchanged a glance and Halban took the lead.

"I, we have been hearing a great many rumours of events both on and off Arrakis. We and several of our allies would like to address them with Duke Paul and Lady Jessica," explained Halban.

"Rumours?" prompted Ecaz.

Ernil sighed and ran a shaking hand through his hair, "About the Emperor and the Harkonnen and the revelations regarding the Bene Gesserit. I know that I am not an ally of your faction, but this is bigger than politics. My sister's boy, my first nephew died after a Bene Gesserit visited my lands. Now there are rumours that they have been killing children…I have to know!"

Ecaz looked to Halban, who nodded. "You may remember that my twin sister died. Well, my mother swears that she was hale and well and died after her Bene Gesserit cousin visited. It was put down to Lovoa disease, but my Mother never believed it. My father thought her mad…now I wonder."

'I did not expect this,' thought Ecaz. 'I wonder if Duke Paul has Harry or his mother looking in to matters?' Out loud he replied calmly, "I expect that Duke Paul may have more information. I shall request an interview."

Halban looked relieved, "Thank you. I realise that matters may be delayed as things are…resolved. But this is something that would garner our support."

Ernil was less polite. "Resolved? If the Duke is right about the Bene Gesserit then I want them to pay. If he gives me that, then he has my support no matter what insanity the revelations create."

Ecaz's expression was grim as he nodded, "Let us hope that sanity prevails."

As both men walked off, Ecaz approached a Fremen. "I would like to speak to Captain Potter."

oOoOo

The nobles of the Landsraad were in a very difficult position. To many of them, it was clear that the Corino's hold on power was being tested. For those whose personal power was directly tied to the Corino's, this was a frightening prospect. The status quo had protected their wealth and power. Now, there was a real chance that it was to be thrown out the window. Cracks were appearing in well-rehearsed facades as individuals struggled to understand and adapt to this changing reality.

For those who controlled the great houses the current situation was a balance between risk and opportunity. If they supported the wrong House they risked destruction, but the right choice could see them in an advantageous position and all the opportunities that represented. The problem was that while Leto had been a known quantity. Honourable, ambitious and intelligent…but the son?

Paul Atreides was a man whose rise to prominence was on a wave of religious zealotry. Was he a zealot, a younger Leto or was he something new?

Just as importantly, what did he want?

Clearly, the Bene Gesserit were in his sights. Not that many had sympathy for them, no matter their political leanings. If the rumours were true, it would be a terrible blow for the Sisterhood. Even if only a small group were responsible, the taint would impact the whole organisation. Even the most pragmatic politician would choke on killing children for some nebulous grand scheme.

Then there was the Spacing Guild. The Navigators were suddenly enforcing their neutral status. They were refusing the transport of troops to support the Emperor's ambition. Was this an indication that they supported Paul or was it a simple reaction to a threat to Spice production? The latest reports were that every guildsman had left Arrakis, effectively trapping all the players planetside.

Then the announcement that there would be a special sitting of the Landsraad was made. It instantly triggered an almost frantic amount of speculation and plotting.

oOoOo

The meeting of the rather disparate group was held well away from prying eyes and behind several levels of security.

Paul sat at the head of the table, studying the others as they waited for the meeting to begin. Many, no doubt wondering why they were here. Beside Paul, on his right sat Irulan. Then Stilgar, Gurney, Olavi, Archduke Ecaz, Count Fenring, Harry, Rania and lastly Chani on his left.

Paul cleared his throat before addressing the table, "I have spoken with you all regarding Count Fenring's revelations regarding the poisoning of the Emperor. I have several…related issues that I wish to address before I meet with the Landsraad. The first is the Bene Gesserit." Paul turned his gaze to Fenring. "I have incontrovertible evidence that a small group of powerful Bene Gesserit have been conducting a millennia-long campaign to murder any individual, regardless of the station, rank or age that developed certain abilities. I must stress at this point that I am not accusing the entire order but the fact that this group had the support of several powerful Bene Gesserit, including Proctor Superior Lilith Tahrain."

Paul went on to give a synopsis of what they knew.

Fenring sat and listened, in growing concern as Paul spoke. At one point, Paul clearly stated that Captain Potter was one of these gifted individuals and that he had been targeted by the Bene Gesserit. He filed that information away for later consideration.

"You have Proctor Superior Lilith Tahrain as a captive?" asked Fenring.

Paul nodded, confirming his guess.

"I assume with witnesses, evidence with a detailed confession?" asked Fenring.

Paul nodded again. "I shall show you the evidence shortly."

Fenring frowned as he straightened in his chair, "Then I would normally suggest that you bring a detailed, formal bill of particulars before the Landsraad. She needs to be seen being held accountable."

"Ah, the very thing some ask of me. What would your suggestion be now?" asked Harry.

"Speak to the leaders in the Landsraad in private. As self-serving as many of them are most are not politically inept. If this becomes public knowledge it would be a very long time before the taint could be removed. Even if their leadership takes the logical, pragmatic path and throws Tahrain and her clique to the wolves. They are not served by the sort of chaos this would cause," Fenring explained his reasoning in a level, emotionless voice. However, as he finished it changed, becoming harsher and left little doubt of his feelings. "As someone who has been touched by their plots, I have little love for the organisation even if I love my Bene Gesserit Lady."

Paul looked thoughtful, considering the situation. 'A drawn-out trial and inevitable fight with the Bene Gesserit is a path to the dark future I seek to avoid. And yet there must be justice for the voiceless dead. Neither would an assassin's blade solve the issue, it would leave her guilt in doubt. For the rift to be healed the Bene Gesserit must condemn her. There is a guild Heighliner above Arrakis with the Reverend Mother Mohiam onboard. She is guilty of conspiring against me, but I do not believe that she is a part of Lilith's actions.'

"I will contact the Bene Gesserit and invite them here to see her tried," announced Paul.

Irulan frowned, "Your Grace, I don't believe that the Sisterhood will recognise your right under the Great Convention to try her."

Paul nodded, "I agree, which is why she will be tried by the Fremen. For crimes that were committed on Fremen land and against the Fremen people. I will have the evidence against here included in that forum. Let the Bene Gesserit argue against that jurisdiction."

Irulan looked surprised before her lips shifted into a cold smile. "A masterful move and one that they may not suspect or easily counter." 'And such a deft turning of the Panoplia Propheticus. The Bene Gesserit helped create a belief that will now be the blade at their throat.' That thought gave Irulan pause. 'When did I stop thinking of myself as a Bene Gesserit?'

Gurney scowled as he considered the discussion, "The question is will they come?"

"They will, their hope that they may contain this will bring them," replied Paul with solid conviction in his voice. "I will see them before the meeting this evening."

"And what of the Baron?" asked Olavi.

"He'll pay for his deeds," Paul reassured Olavi. "Remember that he is useful us alive, for now."

"And the nobles?" asked Fenring in an even tone. 'I must keep Margot safe even if it costs me my life.'

Paul turned to look at Fenring, "I have no desire to wade through a sea of blood to ascend the throne. Princess Irulan and I are prepared to marry and thus join our bloodlines. With that, we will have control of the Imperium and be in a position to begin addressing the needs of the Empire and the people that dwell within our borders. Do not mistake me, there will be changes, I am not content to simply assume power and I am not so naïve as to believe that all those in power will welcome what we represent. So, we will ensure that the Landsraad understand their roles before leaving Arrakis to inform their Fiefdoms."

That statement chilled Fenring's blood. 'Is he speaking of making changes to the Faufreluches? The class system that provided order, civility and control over the masses. The faufreluche system had evolved around the concept that there needed to be order, a place for every man and every man in his place. Such changes would be opposed by many of the Great Houses.'

oOoOo

Outwardly, Wensicia looked her usual haughty self. Inwardly, she raged at her family and the disastrous decisions that had led to her being held as a virtual prisoner in this benighted room. Her guards were not Sardaukar but rather local barbarians, and they were watchful and suspicious of her every move. Her maids were thoroughly searched every time that entered or left the room. Worse, she had not seen her father since the incident with the failed assassins.

At least she was afforded the 'luxury' of a private room without the direct presence of a guard.

"Highness?"

Wensicia turned to see her maid, Irucia.

"What is it?"

"Your Highness, you have an hour and a half before the Landsraad meets."

"Very well, prepare my jewellery."

'I can survive this. I will do what I must do to survive. Let them exile us and seize my throne…They will not hold it for long before I take it back!'

oOoOo

Harry and Rania were sombre as they returned from dealing with the Watermasters. The Fedaykin that they passed were silent, bowing their heads respectfully. To them, two of the Magi had fallen in battle for the tribe. They were blessed and thus worthy of respect and remembrance. For the Fremen, the time of mourning would come with the moonrise.

Aytib, who was now dressed in his stillsuit and green lined cloak was waiting for them as the entered the main corridor. "Baraka, Rania, the Magi are gathering in the rooms Muad'Dib set aside for your use."

Harry nodded, understanding that they were waiting for further orders. "Good, Rania and I will come now."

The loss of Meliah and Sareena was still raw and Harry could see it in their eyes as he entered the room. Despite the grief and the tiredness, they looked attentive as they gathered around.

Harry gave them a tired smile, "I know that it has been a long day, but we still have more to do."

Harry went on to explain what he knew about the Assassins.

Alia frowned, "The Bene Tleilax?"

Harry turned to Alia, "You know something?"

Alia hesitated and then shook her head, "No…but I had a fragment of a vision, a glimpse of something after we began training. A man changing his face. I had no idea what it meant but when I tried to focus on the man he disappeared."

"Back home we had people with the ability to change their face, their bodies… Metamorphmagus. It was a magical ability you were born with," explained Harry.

"Could they be magic users?" asked Melina.

Shayna shook her head, "Would we not have known or sensed something? We know that the Bene Gesserit were actively hunting down the magical."

"I don't know," replied Harry. "But we need to find out."

Laticia's beautiful face was pensive as she shook her head. "The Tleilaxu are secretive and generally disliked, thanks to their arrogance and secretive ways. Could it be possible that this was a ruse to hide magical abilities?"

"Perhaps," admitted Harry. "How do we find out?"

"It's a big secret to hide but they are essentially a closed planet. Few people see beyond their spaceport," explained Karee.

"Is it just the Emperor hiring Tleilaxu assassins or have we caught a glimpse of a new enemy?" Rebekah asked. "If these Tleilaxu can change their appearance. Magically or not, why show their hand as they did? Before this, we had no inkling of their involvement."

Rugi looked thoughtful as she spoke, "The Bene Gesserit do distrust them. But then the Tleilaxu do not trust the Bene Gesserit and from my training, I know that the leadership of the Bene Gesserit loathe them, but not why. I thought that it was due to either production of twisted Mentat or the persistent unfounded whispers that they produce thinking machines. These revelations from Lilith make me wonder."

"Perhaps," allowed Harry. "I think we need to find out."

oOoOo

Lilith was being held in the cells deep beneath the Governor's Palace. She was clad in a simple smock and was guarded constantly, from outside of the cell, to lessen the chance of her using the Voice to attempt escape. She had tried but the Fremen were rather resistant and the Magi seemed to be quite capable of quickly throwing off her control. Harry and Paul had made it clear that she was not to moved without a Magi as an escort.

She responded with a sneer when Harry and Rania entered, closing the door behind them as they did. The sneer disappeared when Harry raised his arm and gestured, immobilising her with a Petrificus Totalus.

"I won't bother with the insults and escape attempts today," said Harry, his voice cold as he approached her, extending his fingers to touch her temple. "I would like to know why the Bene Gesserit dislike the Tleilaxu."

oOoOo

Harry dropped the silvery strands of memory into the Pensive and then inserted his finger, falling into Lilith's memories.

'…And what if they succeed, what then?' demanded an older Bene Gesserit.

'They will not," replied Lilith. 'Spice cannot be artificially created with the same level of potency, if at all.'

'That is not the same as can't be done,' argued the older woman.

'The Tleilaxu will fail. As they have failed before. If they do manage it at some time in the future, we will deal with them. The Emperor holds his own CHOAM directorship. He would never allow that revenue to be compromised.'

The older woman looked unconvinced but nodded and left. A few moments later another Bene Gesserit entered the room.

'That was foolish…you know that there are reports that the Emperor is colluding with the Tleilaxu. Artificial Spice would not be bound by the Spice Mining Conventions. He could hold a monopoly and Houses like the Harkonnen would be ruined.'

Lilith shook her head, 'The Empire would be at war within weeks. If the rumours are true, that the Emperor is moving against the Atreides and seeking control of Arrakis then we will, of course, deal with the Emperor.'

'And the Tleilaxu?'

Lilith cursed as her eyes narrowed, 'Are abominations…but they serve a purpose, for now. We are able to use them because they have made them so odious to the Great Houses that any such revelations would be disbelieved.'

The other Bene Gesserit was clearly not convinced. 'They know too much about us. Too many secrets. They know of the breeding program and they too are a remnant of the rise. What if they expose our use of technology?'

'And expose themselves? They may maintain our technology, but they still make their own. Their exposure would be just as disastrous as ours.'

'Their assassins are…'

'Useful and they are no threat to us,' replied Lilith dismissingly. 'Like all abominations, we know how to detect them and with the Witchfinder, we can deal with them if other methods fail us.'

'They know too much of what we do, using them is like petting a poisonous snake, you don't know when it will turn and bite your hand!'

The memory faded and shifted.

Harry found himself looking down at two bodies.

'It was a Tleilaxu Face Dancer. The genetic marker is present, and I can now sense it' reported a Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother.

Lilith looked furious as she turned on her companion. 'How did they get in here? They should have been detected before they made it to the inner area.'

'We do not know, yet. There were three senior sisters in rooms nearby and they detected nothing until they were already in the room.'

'Have the genetic samples been compromised?' demended Lilith.

'We are checking that now.'

Another Bene Gesserit rushed into the room. 'There was another, it has fled the complex!'

'What...' Lilith seemed to pull herself together. 'Seal the complex.'

The newly arrived Bene Gesserit shook her head, 'We already have. It killed five sisters on the way up to the roof. There is evidence that a ship was waiting.'

Lilith cursed under her breath before visibly calming. 'These were a distraction while the other escaped. Scan them to a cellular level if you have to, I want to know how they got in and what they used to shield their presence from us.'

The older Reverend Mother was talking rapidly into a radio. 'The sealed section…they took samples from the sealed section. It was the…'

Lilith's expression was one of icy rage as she cut the speaker off. 'Not here. Contact every Reverend Mother, we must regain those samples. I give them permission to do what they must.'

The younger Bene Gesserit all but ran from the room, leaving Lilith and the older Reverend Mother.

'This could be a disaster," whispered the older woman.

'Could? This is a disaster. That the Tleilaxu have genetic samples from any of the abominations is a disaster.'

Again, the image faded, to be replaced with another. This one was far more recent.

Lilith paced angrily before turning to one of the Bene Gesserit that accompanied her. 'Clearly, this Abomination is our priority.'

'How did he escape our watch to grow to adulthood?' countered the target of her ire.

Lilith hesitated and then spoke softly, 'By the Great Mother, I fear it is a ghola grown from the samples that the cursed Tleilaxu stole.'

The other Bene Gesserit looked shocked then grim.

Lilith paused, studying them as if testing their resolve, 'Potter must die, no matter what. We cannot allow a powerful fully emerged Abomination to live.'

'Surely the Witchfinder will be sufficient.'

Lilith nodded, 'True, it has never failed, and I have a plan to get close to him. There is a rite that these Fremen are known to use…'

The memory faded, and Harry was back in the room staring at the silvery surface of the pensive. 'What did I just see, was she referring to genetic samples of Magicals?'

Rania waited patiently for Harry to speak. Eventually, he turned to her. "We need to find the others and Duke Paul."

oOoOo

Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam read the message again before folding it and storing it in a hidden, inner pocket. It had been hand delivered by a Guild courier who had arrived mere minutes ago. Less than half an hour after a Guildsman from a newly arrived ship had delivered her an unexpected message. She was the interim head of the Order until a conclave could be called. Any pride she may have felt was immediately quashed by the reality of the terrible position her predecessor left them in. She had hoped that Margot might have discovered something to help, only for the recent note to dash that faint hope.

'At least Margot Fenring lives and is secure enough with the Atreides/Fremen that she can get a message to me even if it only confirms the orders fears that the accusations levelled against Lilith and thus the entire order were not baseless.'

Mohiam's expression hardened. The disaster unfolding below had to be resolved before everything flew to pieces. Despite the risks, she needed to reach an accommodation with the Atreides. With an unvocalised prayer she went in search of a Guildsman to arrange transport back to the surface.

oOoOo

The Emperor's Hutment – Council Room

The Landsraad Council was already in session when Aytib led Harry and Rania in to the council room. Gurney noticed and gave Harry the hand signal to wait. Harry nodded and turned his attention to Duke Paul's speech.

"…besides the transfer of power is the recently uncovered actions of a faction within the Bene Gesserit. I have already written to many of you who were my father's allies regarding this issue. I have, in my custody Lilith the leader of the Bene Gesserit. Given the circumstantial evidence, we had collected, we felt justified in questioning her and her fellow Bene Gesserits. What we discovered, in the presence on not only the Fremen also Her Imperial Highness was so dangerous that we had to suppress the discovery. At the time, it was an act of prudence as we feared that the revelations might lead to open conflict." Paul was speaking evenly but his expression was one of barely constrained anger. "Based on these allegations and the evidence that we have gathered I will put the case before the Landsraad."

Duke Paul went on to outline what the knew about what Lilith's activites. Harry watching on as the Nobles listened, unsure of the truth of Paul's claims.

"Baraka," Harry turned to see Rania, Aytib and Olavi. Aytib was gesturing for him toward a side door.

Harry made his way over, "What is it?"

"A Guild dropship has landed in the landing field," reported Olavi. "We challenged it and they claim that they have a Bene Gesserit delegation aboard that wants an audience with Duke Paul."

Harry raised an eyebrow, "I doubt that will move the Duke."

"They also claim that they are here for the trial of Lilith," reported Olavi with an expression of suspicion around that motive.

Harry looked thoughtful before shaking his head. "Duke Paul will need to make a decision on that. For now, keep them under guard with a Magi on standby. It could be a rescue attempt. Regardless, I will need to speak to the Duke before the trial begins."

oOoOo

Paul resisted the urge to scowl as Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam led the delegation of five Bene Gesserit into the meeting room that had once been his fathers.

"The Bene Gesserit delegation your Highness, your Grace," announced Harry with a salute.

Paul acknowledged the salute before returning his full attention to Mohiam.

Irulan raised an eyebrow, "Well Reverend Mother, different surroundings that at our last meeting.'"

"Your Highness, I am happy to find you unhurt," was Mohiam's reply. "Many of us were worried that you had fled the safety of the Palace."

"Safety of the Palace?" echoed Irulan with a bitter expression. "The Emperor, my Father was compromised and Wensicia was threatening our lives. Your worries ring hollow Reverend Mother."

Mohiam sighed and nodded, refusing to be drawn into an argument. "I suppose that they might, to your ears. Your Grace we meet again."

Paul studied her for a long moment before inclining his head, "In a far different place. What do you want Reverend Mother? I don't mean to be discourteous but there is a trial fast approaching that I simplt must oversee."

Mohiam frowned in response, "Yes, former Proctor Superior Lilith…I am to understand that the evidence is quite extensive."

"Former Proctor Superior Lilith, interesting, does she know that she has been supplanted or is it thrown to the wolves?" asked Irulan, who was taking no pains to hide her disdain.

Mohiam hid her reaction from the young woman who had, at one point been her student. "The Order thought it better that she be stood down until the trial has occurred. Your Highness, Your Grace, may I speak frankly?"

Irulan and Paul shared a look and Paul nodded, "Very well."

"Lady Margot Fenring has informed me of some of the…accusations. I assure you I find them abhorrent." Mohiam was now expressionless. "We have tested Humanity for millennia, weeding out the monsters that wore human form. We freely admit that. But to kill the gifted because they bore unique gifts is folly."

She waited patiently as Paul studied her. She didn't let her surprise show when he turned to a junior officer in Atreides uniform. "Captain, would it be possible to share the memories?"

'Share memories?' Mohiam asked herself. 'Is he talking about telepathy?'

Harry saluted and left the room, he didn't have to go far. The pensive was under guard in the next room. As he left he could feel the eyes of the Bene Gesserit Mohiam on his back.

He returned with three Fedaykin carrying the stone bowl and its stand. The Fedaykin quickly set it up and left.

Paul gestured toward retreating Fremen, "It is an ancient device, a gift from my allies."

Harry had to admit that the Duke hadn't lied. Mohiam may be a truthsayer but at worst she would sense reservation rather than deception.

"It does no harm and I give you my word. You will simply see the memories as if you where there," explained Paul.

"A unique device…" prompted Mohiam.

Paul waved away the unspoken question, "A topic for another day Reverend Mother. If you prefer, I believe there is a written transcript…"

Mohiam walked over to the pensive. 'It is old, or at least reproduced to look old,' she thought as she studied the device. It appeared to be a metal bowl within a stone receptacle that had some form of writing engraved in it. The bowl itself was half filled with a silvery liquid. "How does this work your Grace?"

"You simply touch a finger to the liquid," explained Paul.

Mohiam looked down at the liquid, 'I cannot sense a lie but…the liquid could be anything. Would Duke Atreides stoop to poisoning me?'

Extending a finger, she touched the surface of the liquid.

oOoOo

Harry kept a wary eye on Mohiam's escort as the Reverend Mother stood frozen, captured by Lilith's memories.

When she emerged, she stumbled slightly as if disorientated. In that moment, the others caught a glimpse of the disgust and anger on her face before she schooled her expression.

"Reverend Mother?" said one of her sister's as she stepped forward.

Mohiam waved her away, "I am well."

Paul smiled grimly, "Now do you see why we do not trust your sisters?"

When Mohiam spoke, her voice was tired and defeated, "I cannot condone what she has done…what her predecessors did. But in my defence, I knew nothing of this genocide."

"I will accept that for now," said Paul. "She will be given a trial, but you must accept that the Fremen rite she profaned is proof enough for them."

Mohiam looked defeated as she nodded, "What is your price, your Grace?"

Paul studied her silently, his blue on blue eyes examining her, "Neutrality. I will not ask you for aid because despite what you have seen, you still have questions, doubts. Instead, I want the Bene Gesserit's neutrality while you search for the truth."

Mohiam slowly nodded, "Very well, I will have to stay for the trial. Someone must represent her."

Paul shrugged although his eyes were narrowing, "That is your choice and I respect it. But I will see justice done."

"Then I will prepare," replied Mohiam. She had also received the unspoken message. 'He is giving the Landsraad a show trial and wants the Landsraad to see that the Bene Gesserit receive his message. I do not know if I would be so generous in his place. I curse that I will have to speak in her defence…and he knows that the Landsraad will see that as well. What madness moved this sect, hidden in our sisterhood to follow this malignant doctrine?'

oOoOo

The Emperor watched as his valet prepared his uniform. In a few hours, he would be paraded in front of the Landsraad and officially abdicate so that his daughter could take his throne. The reality was that the Atreides had usurped his throne…that is what his legacy would be. A short exile and an inglorious death.

"Father?"

Shaddam turned to see his eldest daughter standing in the doorway. For a moment emotion showed in his eyes before he frowned. "I had not expected to see you before the Landsraad session."

Irulan studied her father with unbiased eyes. A sudden insight allowed her to see past the Emperor, to see her father as he was. His complexion was pale, and even his eyes looked washed out. Her trained eyes spotted the tremors in his muscles and the way his hands shook slightly. 'His vitality is gone…he never really showed his age, or the physical toll rulership had on him. But now, it is like decades have descended on him.'

"I wanted to see you," explained Irulan.

"To see me?" questioned Shaddam incredulously. "You have ruined our house."

Irulan remained standing, seemingly unmoved by his words. "From my perspective, I have saved it. I believe that the Atreides are destined to be great rulers. Paul has the spark of greatness within him and our children will be the product of two great bloodlines."

Shaddam seemed to deflate as his shoulder slumped, "Well whatever justification you give the outcome is the same. I am finished, and the burden is now yours."

Irulan nodded, "I shall make a difference father."

Shaddam turned away and didn't say anything so Irulan turned to leave.

"Are your sisters safe and well?" Her father's voice was soft, just above a whisper.

'Where was your concern when Wensicia was threatening to kill them?' Irulan thought as she turned back to him. "They are well and prosper under Duke Paul's protection."

"Good…" replied Shaddam as he slowly stood, facing her. "I suspect that I do not have much time left. There is something…" he trailed off as he caught sight of something behind Irulan.

She half turned to see the valet approaching with a knife in either hand. Before she could react or call to the guards posted in the hall outside, she was being spun so that her father's body protected her.

The assassin responded by flicking his first blade at the Emperor and springing forward, blade arching for Irulan. Only for the Emperor, now with his blade in hand to throw himself at the assassin.

Irulan watched as the assassin swayed away from the strike and bury his second knife in Shaddam's chest beside the first. Her father went down as two Fedaykin crashed through the door and tackled the assassin to the floor.

"Call a doctor," ordered Irulan as she reached her father and turned him over to see his lifeless, staring eyes.