Chapter 25

"Woe," cried the hosts of the faithful.

The Portents of Change - First line of ACT III

oOoOo

Reverend Mothers Vought and Mohiam locked eyes across the table. It was Mohiam that broke the silence.

"It is concerning that some of our sisters are unable to accept the new reality we face."

Vought laughed scornfully as she shook her head. "I doubt that most of them fully realise just how closely the new Emperor will be scrutinizing the order. Monstrous crimes have been committed under the guise of duty." She almost spat the word out. "That none of them sought to question that duty show that our own training is lacking."

Mohiam nodded, in agreement, "If we are to continue our great work we must change and be seen to change. To treat the disease, we must first fully identify it."

Vought studied her with a narrowed, calculating gaze, "You want me to be a part of the investigation?"

"You must lead the investigation."

Vought nodded slowly, "I will do it. Are you prepared for what I will uncover?"

"Are any of us?" Mohiam countered tiredly. Vought wondered if it was feigned or true.

"Will the Emperor accept our findings?"

Mohiam considered and there was a long moment of silence. "He is Bene Gesserit trained and married to one who is also Bene Gesserit trained. Her sisters as well. Balanced against that is that one of his advisors is…well is something that has not been seen for thousands of generations. We will have to see but I think that he will, and I know that he expects a real investigation. Names must be named."

"Lilith and her predecessors spent millennia killing babies that shared the skills and abilities of the Sorceresses of Rossak, who in turn shared skills that date back to Old Earth. He is in the right and yes names must be named."

"Some of whom are already missing. It is unlikely that we have contained the guilty," Mohiam's expression showed minute evidence of her frustration to her sister Bene Gesserit despite her efforts to control her expression. Perhaps she truly was tired.

"In other words, they fled. I don't doubt for a moment that they are ensuring evidence is difficult to find," added Vought with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "It won't help them. I will shine a light on their activities."

"Good, then we understand each other."

oOoOo

Paul tried to contain a smirk at the sight of Harry and Rania in their formal dress uniforms. To be fair, Harry was doing better than Rania. She clearly found the day uniform unduly constrictive and was less than amused by the even more formal dress uniform.

She half turned to glare at Harry, "Why must I wear this?"

"We are representing the House and we are the advisers of Muad'Dib," Harry explained patiently, a half-smile on his face. "At least you will be armed."

"At least there is that" she muttered as she straightened the row of medals on her chest.

All of those that fought in the war against the Harkonnen and the other Great Houses had been rewarded by His Imperial Highness Paul Atreides. Harry and Rania were considered part of the former Duke's military and their rank and rewards had to be publicly displayed. Paul had spoken of titles, but Harry and Rania had managed to beg off for the time being.

Paul cleared his throat to garner their attention. Harry snapped to attention and Rania quickly followed, "Come my friends, we must meet with the others before the formal council. And for the record, you look fine Rania."

Harry and Rania dutifully followed their Emperor as he made his way through the family quarters of the Ducal, no Imperial palace. As they passed by the sentries, they stood at attention watching silently for threats.

Necessary sentries, given the myriad threats against the Emperor.

As the three of them approached the guarded doors, the senior guard pulled the door open for the Emperor. Inside the meeting room a long mahogany table to seat the Emperor's council was already occupied by those summoned by the Emperor.

Everyone stood as Paul entered and once the door was closed, he waved his hand for those present to sit. "Thank you all for coming so quickly. We have much to do before I address the great houses. But first, Irulan, Chani, what are your thoughts on the status of the Imperial compound?"

There was a moment of relaxation at the informal nature of the question.

Chani nodded to Irulan who cleared her throat, "It is not as bad as it might have been or indeed as I expected it to be. The Harkonnen abandoned the complex for the safety of that monstrosity in Cathag. That means that the infrastructure suffered less than it might of. Intelligence has finished checking the building and assures me that the building is secure."

Paul nodded his thanks, "And the children?"

"Have a full squad of Fedaykin watching over them," Chani smiled coldly. "And several squads of house troops nearby."

Some of the best of House Juhani's troops under Olavi Svet were now operating as Imperial household guards. They proudly wore their new Atreides colours and Olavi had been elevated in rank to Imperial Bashir.

"Then let us move on to the council meeting," Paul instructed. "We have the unofficial response from the Bene Gesserit. They will comply and investigate. For now, I will accept that at face value."

Gurney frowned as he shook his head, "Aye, they have no choice but to say that. Can we truly hope that they will hold to it?"

"I think for now they are aware enough of their unfavourable position that they have no choice but to investigate. There will be many Bene Gesserit who had no idea what this group were doing and among those…well, I foresee a sharp turnover of positions within the order," Irulan's voice was cold. None of those present were left in any doubt of her feelings on the matter.

Jessica looked pensive as she considered the situation the order found itself in. Self-inflicted as it was, she still held some reservations about the situation. But it was also clear that the rest of her son's advisers held no such reservations. "Have they announced the new Proctor?"

"No, not publicly," replied Irulan. "If I were to guess I would be suggesting Mohiam. She was already highly ranked and as far as we can determine she was not a part of the former Proctors secret."

Jessica knew that Reverend Mother quite well, she had been her servant as a part of her training. She was a hard but fair teacher and Jessica knew that she was a believer in the vision of the order. If she was indeed free from the taint of the previous leadership then she might well be capable of leading its rebirth.

Paul looked at the notes he had made and frowned, "And what is our most recent intelligence regarding the Bene Tleilax?"

This had been something Harry and the Emperor's nascent intelligence network had been looking at. There was little enough they could confirm.

"They have disappeared back into whatever hole they hide in," said Gurney. "I fear that it would take a Mentat skilled in intelligence to make headway on understanding whatever the Bene Tleilax are up to."

"In other words, another Thufir," added Paul. "I don't like that we know so little about their motivations." And a group that seemingly can cloud themselves from my prescience…could they be a hidden twist? He was sure that they had something to do with the golden path. "Well, that is something that we will have to work on, our intelligence network. Which brings us to the Landsraad."

"Yes, the Landsraad. I have my concerns about quite a few members," Irulan looked at Paul and smiled slightly, "Although it is a…relief to know that there are already some powerful houses aligning with us."

"I do not see how we can trust any of them," Chani's voice was harsh.

Paul was about to answer when Irulan met his eyes and he understood that his official betrothed wished to answer.

"Chani, you more than most Fremen understand that the politics of the Great Houses of the Imperium are not straightforward. They are driven by enlightened self-interest, greed, fear, hatred and among very few honour. They have been shown our fist now we must place a velvet glove on that fist. I do not doubt that the Fremen could fight on but there are other ways. Diplomacy will bring some of Duke Leto's old allies to us. Extending mercy will bring us the unaligned and fearful. This builds our powerbase and allows us to build ties and alliances so that when some inevitable foe rises, we have the means to end it with less loss of life." Irulan glanced around at those gathered at the table. "My father ruled through alliances and fear. The Sardaukar were the knife held at his enemy's throat. Well, we have shown that the unbeatable can be beaten. And the Fremen have spilled vast amounts of Harkonnen blood…if we continue killing everyone who opposes us, how are we different to my father and the Harkonnen? Will we kill the innocent and the guilty?"

Chani and the other Fremen present looked thoughtful despite the scowls on some faces.

Paul spoke keeping his voice even and professional, "We must be…judicious with how we use force. Not all enemies can be slain with a blade, despite my wishes otherwise." He smiled slightly as he continued. "We have won the battle now we must fight a different war. We will see fighting. Not all will see our power can be projected off world as it was here. That error will cost them."

"The Navigators have agreed to your terms, the Bene Gesserit are being dealt with and you have taken the Imperium," Stilgar broke his silence. "Arrakis is ours. Now Muad'Dib must show us how to hold it." He looked over at the wrinkled face of Olavi Svet. "Irulan is wise, allies can be found in strange places."

That seemed to calm the Fremen in the room, including Chani. So, Paul turned his attention to the others.

"Olavi, what of the off-world workers?" Paul knew that the former Harkonnen had been working on a census of what workers remained and the feasibility of restarting Spice mining.

"Tricky, your majesty. Those that could fled the fighting the rest are only now sticking their heads up out of the holes they hid in. I've been talking to that scientist fellow; he's got some novel ideas about mining that you should listen to. I'm no expert but he had me listening. Wants to have the Fremen more involved and improve the conditions and equipment. Make it safer and more productive."

"Schedule a meeting. Right the last thing before we go in is the wedding. I want to make clear that the Imperial throne has changed hands. We will abide by tradition, but I'll be introducing some new traditions as well. Reverend Mother Jessica is working on the ceremony…"

oOo

Harry found himself once more a part of Paul's entourage. He knew it was for more than appearances. Face Dancers might have been warded against, but no one was willing to bet lives on it. Intent-based wards could be beaten. Hell, he could think of a few ways.

He glanced over at Gurney, now ranked as a Bashar and the Imperial War Master of the Emperor. He looked even more stone-faced than normal.

"Troubled by your thoughts, Sir?"

Gurney glared at him for a moment before his lips twitched, "What is that Balor Potter or is it to be My Lord Potter?"

Harry grimaced, "Not yet or at all if I can help it. Captain suits me well enough."

"Dissembling to your superior officer?" Gurney raised a battered eyebrow.

Harry sighed and made the hand signal for potential trouble.

Gurney shook his head slightly and fell back with Harry. Once they moved out of earshot of the rest of the party he gestured to a private room. When both had stepped in he activated a sphere, a privacy field activated distorting the air before he spoke. "No, with the Harkonnen off the table and the Sardaukar banished back to their own slice of hell…well, I'm more concerned about politics and assassins. I've been working on the threat assessment with His and Her Highness. Her sister Wensica was a foul, ruthless piece of work and I'm not sure if exile to her father's former prison planet was the wisest course. Something more permanent…"

"Would have been problematic," Harry finished off. "For now, they are trapped there and thus a much smaller risk. Unless there is something specific?"

Gurney shook his head, "No, like the Bene Tleilax we need more before we act. As Thufir drummed into us all, we need data. Now we have the barest intelligence input, far less than we had as a Great House. We need to rebuild our network and I don't have the skill." His expression hardened, "The one person who might have the ability, cannot be trusted."

"Fenring."

Harry had been wondering about the man and his wife. They had been the former Emperor's people. His friend and confidant…and in the end he had tried to rein Shaddam in. To find another way. Could he be an asset or was he just a dangerous enemy? He had very mixed feelings about both Fenrings if he was honest with himself.

"Yes, the Fenrings," he emphasized the s. "After the Landsraad meeting are you returning to the Sietch?"

"I am, the Green Legion are meeting, and I have training duties. I can delay them a day or so if needed," Harry offered.

Gurney shook his head, "No, see to your people. I read your briefing and I know damn well that you have a lot of work to do. I will let everyone know…just see me before you go. I might have some more information. We need to get moving, time waits for no man."

oOoOo

The grand ballroom of the palace was far different from the modern metal and glass one that was found in the transported palace of the Emperor. Instead, there was wood and organic materials. Enormous tapestries covered the walls and house banners hung from the high ceiling that were lit by a dozen floating chandeliers. It spoke of wealth and security.

It had been reorganised, on the Emperor's instruction, into a space for the Landsraad to meet. Princess Irulan had sent communications to the Houses of the Landsraad and had made it clear that this meeting was going to be important. She had included a formal safe passage that had been written under the authority of the Emperor. It included Guild transport of the entourages and honour guards but that was it. The letter from Irulan had been a masterful piece of work and had hinted that missing such a crucial meeting might have far-reaching consequences.

They had come. Many were already here of course. Those that had accompanied the former Emperor and never left (or been given permission to leave) and those that had not come. The begrudging and the fearful. The friendly and the undecided and of course those that saw the Atreides and their allies as enemies.

Arrakis might be vital to the Empire thanks to the Spice, but the people and the planet were viewed by many as a backwater world. Far from comfort and security. The next few days would challenge that.

Harry only attended as a house military officer, but he was known to some of the powerful present and sharp-eyed men and women took note of that. As the meeting came to order he stood watchful at the base of the Imperial dais.

He watched the crowd rather than Paul and Irulan. He saw the myriad emotions and he noted faces and reactions.

There was a surprise that the Imperial couple were just that a couple. She was involved, she spoke and the concept that the Imperial power was shared was just the first shock.

The Emperor, and Paul was the Emperor today, spoke of the new ordering of the houses. Of the transfer of power and the disposition of the Imperial forces. He addressed the issue of the Bene Gesserit, addressing their failures and their investigation. Irulan took up the narrative. She spoke of a group within the order that had done great evil and had that the order was purging its ranks. There would be trials for those involved and punishment.

Then Paul took the reins again. Championing the need for change. There were few details given but it was clear that there was more change to come. That had caused many sidelong glances.

Lastly came the announcement of the upcoming Imperial wedding. It would be a major event and given that there were so many of the leadership present, they had decided to have it next week.

There had been shocked silence that Paul and Irulan ignored. Such a quick wedding was almost shocking even more so given how they had been engaged.

Irulan had blushed and taken Paul's right arm as he had handed the meeting to the Landsraad's speaker.

There were questions and the business of the Landsraad was not just ceremonial. Laws and taxes were a part of civilisation as were politics. Harry was amused at the sheer number of speakers who managed to praise the Emperor. Attempts to curry favour and no doubt feel out the young Emperor.

Debate around the cost of Guild transport for crops was important but boring and Harry tuned it out as he focussed on several men that sat among the Landsraad. These were men whose actions were being closely watched.

Many houses were coming under Imperial scrutiny. Houses like Hybla, Khulmani, Noabar and Mutelli were all under suspicion, thanks to Paul's abilities. No doubt there were others.

oOoOo

It was late in the evening or perhaps it was more accurate to say early in the morning when Harry returned with Rania to the Sietch. He had been engaged heavily with politics and manoeuvrings and despite the fact that nobody would complain he felt like he had lost precious training time with his fellow magicals.

Despite the late hour, two Fedaykin stood vigilant at the entrance to their home.

"Baraka, Rania of the Red Blade, it is good to see you back." It was Aethis, a cousin of Otheym, who pulled open the door. "Your dwelling is prepared for your rest."

"Thank you, Aethis. It has been a hectic few days," replied Harry with a tired smile.

Both Harry and Rania stripped off and were quickly asleep.

oOoOo

"They are back," reported Aethis.

Alia nodded, pleased. "Good, they need a decent break."

After Aethis had left Alia grinned. The next few days would be dedicated to training and allowing the Green Legion to reconnect. There was a storm or maybe storms plural rapidly approaching. Her eyes went to the large book sitting on her bed. It was…well it was a failure but a successful one. After all, she had learned what did not work. Norma had laid excellent groundwork and now it was up to the Green Legion to build the foundations.

She dimmed the lantern and laid back on her mattress. When she met Harry, she would explain what she had gleaned, and they would be one step closer to seeking out Magi.

Drifting off to sleep she smiled peacefully.

oOoOo

Harry looked out at his students and guards with pride. The Green Legion had exceeded his and everyone else's expectations. They had paid in blood for those victories, and he knew some of those scars must still be raw. He knew his were.

"I would love to give you all more time to rest, heal and train but we all know why that is not going to happen. But I will be standing you down in small groups. I want everyone who needs recovery time to get it. You are no good to us if you are too injured to train. We have proven our effectiveness. Now we must consolidate that. His Imperial Highness wants us to ensure integration with the household units in the same way the Fedaykin will be. So come tomorrow we will be looking at how we make that work. Today we will be talking about group tactics and reviewing how we work with other units."

"Now, everyone can join Rania and me on a run to the White Arch," no one complained despite the spectre of an hour running.

Harry wasn't that surprised that most completed the run easily.

Once everyone was back and ready, he split the legion up into nominal units. Battlefield, healer or support. Each unit would be allocated tasks and would report back to the broader group on what they had worked on.

It wasn't quite right but it would allow him to develop permanent units. They had worked well together by necessity but he wanted a more structured order. Not to mention that quite a few had not even reached adulthood. Which raised another unresolved issue.

New Magi.

If he was generous, he could call the current Magi half-trained in magic. Taking on more students seemed like an impossible goal. Before he could even consider new students, he would need to codify what he was teaching. He had the pensive, a huge advantage they had exploited in their abridged preparation for battle. That meant that lessons did not have to hinge on him personally delivering all training. But it did tie all the students to the pensive. Which was workable for now…but what if he had a dozen more students, a hundred more?

New Magi, scattered across hundreds of worlds would need to…what, live on Arrakis and study here until they were fully trained? It wasn't quite practical, but maybe he could arrange some sort of apprenticeship.

The entire empire was tied to the faufreluche system. Something that Harry had to study when he arrived. In theory, it was meant to maintain order and civility within the Imperium. It was envisioned as "a place for every man and every man in his place." Paul had spoken of his visions and his fear that humanity was stagnating. He guessed that the new Emperor would be looking at how to change the system. But for now, it might work in his favour. If the Magi were an official organisation in the system, he could use the current government apparatus to officially offer positions to new Magi or their families.

The sound of his students returning pulled him from his thoughts. He would speak to the Emperor.

oOoOo

"I think that it is a good solution," said Paul after hearing Harry's proposal. He looked over to Irulan and Chani who were sitting side by side on one of the low couches.

"The Imperium has many departments. It would not be difficult to launch a new entity based here on Arrakis. I think tying it to the military and the sciences is far less troublesome than a religious connection." Irulan didn't mention the Bene Gesserit but everyone in the room knew that the Sisterhoods religious authority meant that avenue would be problematic, even with their current issues.

"Baraka has ties to the Sietch as well," Chani reminded them.

Paul smiled slightly, "True, and we will ensure that the Fremen still have access but that doesn't mean the idea won't work. Introducing a body that seeks to train the gifted for roles in the military or civilian applications is not something that will raise concerns…at least initially. We should also consider that it would lend legality and authority to your school."

A day later the Arrakis School for the Gifted was born. It was an education institute tied to the Imperial College and the House Atreides aligned Green Legion. Based on Arrakis, its students would be drawn from any world in the Imperium.

To many, the new institution was just that, an institution. It was not unheard of for new places of learning to be established nor for 'Military Academies' to seek out the best and brightest students.

To the Bene Gesserit, it was viewed with caution and not a little suspicion. To those houses opposing house Atreides it was another way the new Emperor flouted tradition. Surprisingly to some the Navigators Guild seemed to accept the announcement with firm neutrality.

oOoOo

City of Bandalong – Tleilax

"It is disturbing that we had no word of this from our agents."

"I have requested they get the information. Although it may be difficult…"

"Time is a factor," complained the first.

"I am not unaware," was the calm response. "If we could send Face…"

"No, not until we have an agreement," there was a hint of frustration, controlled of course, in that usually emotionless voice. "The Mentats are looking at it."

He received a slow nod in reply. "And the Harkonnen?"

"He is being…retrained. He is a brawler, a thug who thinks that he is a prodigy. His unlamented uncle's hand no doubt."

"Still a useful tool…"

"We have missed our window for stopping the Atreides before the wedding. We will have to bide our time. Not necessarily a bad thing given the resources we can call on."

"And give them time to strengthen their position."

"And grow complacent."

"Perhaps."

oOoOo

Arrakis

As Harry stripped out of his formal uniform, he decided that the Royal Wedding had to have been one of the longest days of his life.

Despite the short preparation time it had to his admittedly inexperienced eye been spectacular. Tradition, pomp and ceremony had lasted for hours followed by a reception that had lasted almost six hours. When the Emperor, his wife and party had finally retired it had taken several more hours to clear the guests.

There hadn't been any incidents not explained by overindulgence. When he finally went off duty, he returned to find Rania asleep.

Despite his weariness, he wasn't ready to sleep and so made his way to his desk. Turning on the small suspensor light he looked over the paperwork that had been placed on it. He looked through the flimsies and flash paper reports. There was not anything urgent, but it still required his attention.

Well, no time like the present.

As he lost himself in reports and analysis, he lost track of time until he found himself yawning.

"Baraka?"

Turning he was surprised to see Alia in a simple shift.

"Alia?"

"I think things are happening," she said quietly her eyes serious as she looked up at him. "I saw a child being born. A magical child."

Harry was awake now.

"Do you have a location?"

"The planet Culat."

Harry didn't know that particular world. "What did you see?"

"A house minor, Vidio. The babe was coming soon, and it was in danger."

"Danger…the Bene Gesserit?"

"No, something else. It was an assassin, but it didn't have a face."

"Face dancer," Harry grimaced as he stood, reaching for his jacket. "Your brother needs to know. What can you tell me about Culat and this house minor?"

Alia straightened and began reciting what she knew with her slight lisp. If the situation wasn't so serious, he would have smiled.

"House Vidio of Culat. A house minor heavily involved in agriculture and agri-tech. Wealthy and considered loosely aligned with the House Major Ezharian but their distance from Erif IV makes that alliance financial more than political. They are rumoured to be in the top hundred minor houses based on revenue but seemingly have little political ambition," seeing Harry's look she shrugged. "I like to keep up to date. The current head of the family is, I believe, Fabian Vidio although the family is large enough that they have several holdings."

"So not big players, why would a Face dancer assassin be sent after a baby? How would they know it was a magical child or is this something else?"

Alia looked thoughtful, "I don't know but it felt important. Face Dancer assassins are expensive and rare. Who would use one against a mercantile house?"

At that moment he was reminded of just how intelligent and insightful Alia was, despite her child-like appearance. "I'll contact your brother we need to speak."

Alia nodded and smiled wistfully, "I would have liked to travel with you, but I doubt my brother would approve."

oOoOo

Paul and Irulan looked relaxed when Harry and Alia were ushered into what was now the Imperial suite. Harry couldn't help but remember when the suite of rooms had been occupied by Duke Leto and Lady Jessica.

Both the Emperor and Empress looked relaxed and well-rested. Better than he probably did, Harry noted with some private amusement. Paul gestured them to seats as this was an informal meeting.

After exchanging polite small talk for a few moments Paul and Irulan listened as Alia and then Harry explained why they were here. When they finished, Paul and Irulan were frowning.

"Face Dancers," mused Paul with an unhappy narrowing of his eyes. "The Bene Tleilax are becoming a larger problem than we had foreseen."

Irulan was frowning as she considered what had been said. "I doubt that they could be working for the Bene Gesserit. There is little trust between them. That they are interfering in events that seem to hold no benefit to them could mean that they are simply being mercenary. It could be a local dispute…but I doubt it. A house minor could not afford to engage a Face Dancer and a great house wouldn't bother. So why would a Face Dancer be trying to kill a newborn? Could they be trying to pin the blame on the Bene Gesserit while they are in disgrace?"

Paul seemed to consider that, "Perhaps, it is an opportune time to strike but it seems an odd target."

Alia had been listening thoughtfully and suddenly sat forward. "What if this is an action of opportunity?"

"What do you mean Alia?" Harry asked curiously.

Alia held up a finger, "How many face dancers are currently hidden on worlds in the Imperium?"

Harry looked puzzled by the seeming change of topic but Paul and Irulan both looked to be following.

She held up a second finger, "And what are their orders? What do the Bene Tleilax want?"

Paul answered, his words measured and clipped, "The Bene Tleilax were once a religious movement. They began as a religious group emerging from both the Zensunni and Zensufi theologies. Over time they became known as a secretive guild of genetic manipulators. Creators of Face Dancers, Mentats and other genetically manipulated beings."

"That is what they want us to see. What…do…they…want?" Alia asked with slow emphasis.

"I don't know. They have played only a peripheral part in the Imperium for so long that we have grown blind to their true motivations." Paul grimaced as he continued. "They are most certainly able to hide themselves from prescient vision."

Irulan laid a gentle hand on Paul's knee, "And Face Dancers can be almost impossible to spot if well embedded. Even the Bene Gesserit struggle to positively identify a Face Dancer except in very close quarters. Adepts are trained to sense the altered pheromones they release."

Harry was following along and realised what Alia was implying, "They have an intelligence network of Face Dancers. Merlin, they could be anyone. They've had millennia to get agents just about anywhere."

"But to what gain?" Alia asked looking at her brother intently. "They are already wealthy and don't lack influence what do they want?"

Paul suddenly felt a mental jolt. "They…they want the Golden Path to happen!"

Alia slumped, "That is what I fear."

Harry knew only the bare amount about the Golden Path, and he was thankful for that given the little that Alia and Paul had shared. But to his mind, it still didn't answer why they would attack a newborn.

Unless…unless they knew about magic. Or maybe knew about the Bene Gesserit pogrom against magicals. Was it possible?

As he mused Paul met his eyes, "Harry, I think you need to go to Culat. And I think I have just the idea to help."

oOoOo

Aboard a Heighliner above Arrakis

Guild navigator 2nd Class Thulv had received clear instructions from the senior navigators. The Emperor's agents were to be aided and the entire Guild was to ensure that they reached their destination and returned safely.

He was not particularly political, but he was aware that the entire guild had been put on notice that the machinations must end. Truthfully, he had never fully trusted the Bene Gesserit and had not been convinced that they were working to maintain the vital status quo. His role in the great cycle was to keep humanity connected and he took satisfaction from that.

When the Imperial dropship entered his Heighliner he began his navigational computations. He was looking at the safest way and preparing to fold space as the junior navigators on board organised the passengers. For a moment his mind touched on two presences. It took him a moment to realise that he could sense Potter and the Atreides Princess.

They had an almost tangible presence. It was an oddity and thus noteworthy. But he had a job to do and so he pushed aside his interest and focused on his job.

oOoOo

Culat – The House Vidio Compound

Fabian Vidio lowered the message that had arrived just this morning. His old fingers almost caressed the expensive spice paper. Why would the Emperor's envoys be coming here?

He might stay out of politics, but he was by no means ignorant of its nuanced twists and turns. He had grown up as a ward in the court of the old Duke Ezharian and liked to think that he had a good working friendship with the current officeholder. After all his house brought wealth to House Ezharian through their off world dealings.

Could it be the new Emperor moving against Ezharian? No, as far as he knew the Duke was neutral in the recently resolved Imperial situation. The Duke had not been an ally of the Atreides, but neither was he an enemy. Could it be a contract? Arrakis was as all knew a desert world. Harsh and difficult…could they be seeking his assistance in creating Agri-technical facilities? That would make sense, but such a request would usually go through the Duke.

Rolling the message up he placed it inside his jacket. Rising from his chair he sighed as he caressed the smooth and soft leather. The chair in his office was almost two centuries old having been a gift to his great grandfather. It was his now and would in time belong to his soon. To his mind, it was a physical reminder of family continuity. Challenges overcome and opportunity.

This early in the day his family was likely still eating as he would have been had the courier not arrived. As it was, they only had hours before the Emperor's envoy arrived. He entered the family suite nodding to the single household guard at the door. The guard, Waylin, nodded and opened the door. A good lad and he had a future with them. Alert and intelligent he would have done well in the Duke's men, but he appreciated the lad among his dozen honour guards.

As he expected his wife, adult children and eldest granddaughter were still at the long table where they ate their private meals.

"Ah husband, come I have set you aside some of the pengi fruit tart." His lady wife of almost forty years knew his tastes well.

"Was that an Imperial courier?" his son Giorgi asked curiously.

Fabian nodded as he took the slice of fruit tart. "It was, and a very mysterious message." He managed a bite and took a moment to savour it as his family waited.

His granddaughter eventually broke the expectant silence, "And?"

"And the Atreides Emperor is sending a special envoy to us," he explained.

There was silence for a few breaths before his son asked, "A message for our family, not his grace?"

Fabian nodded, "Indeed, his imperial highness has sent a Balor Potter and…" He drew it out, "Her Imperial Highness Princess Alia."

His son's wife, Charise, gasped. "Ah…the Emperor's sister is coming here?" She was heavily pregnant with their third child and inclined to fret.

"Why on earth would the Emperor send his young sister here?" Giorgi asked his father.

Fabian shook his head, "That was not explained except to say that it was an unofficial visit, not a state visit. I wonder if the Emperor is looking at an agricultural project for Arrakis. Hydroponics or some such."

"Regardless we have little time to prepare," Mariam gave her husband an annoyed look. "And we are sitting around when we should be running. The Imperial entourage will be huge."

Fabian gave his wife a gentle smile, "The communication I received reports a party of Three."

"Three…" Miriam was looking shocked. "For a member of the Imperial family."

"That's what it says."

"Then we need to prepare as we can. No doubt we will find out when they arrive," Miriam pronounced. "We will all have to make sure that the household is ready."

"Who is this Balor Potter?" Giorgi asked curiously. "I don't recognise the name."

Fabian was about to say he didn't know when Miriam cleared her throat. "His name came up in the report on the Bene Gesserit trial. He is a house officer of the Atreides, and the leader of a house unit called the Green Legion."

"A trusted officer no doubt, if he is entrusted with the safety of the Emperor's sister," Fabian noted with respect.

"Well, let us prepare then," pronounced Miriam.

oOoOo

Harry and Rania walked behind Alia as she made her way down the ramp of the dropship. They had landed on a small private landing area that was barely rated for a ship of their size. The Vidios must be doing well to justify the cost and space.

Alia, Harry and Rania were in their Green Legion uniform. And despite her youth, Alia certainly carried herself with aplomb.

An older man stepped forward and bowed deeply, "Your Imperial Highness we are pleased to welcome you to our home."

Alia smiled politely as she stepped forward, "The pleasure is mine, my lord."

"May I introduce my family?" The older man asked. Harry knew from his briefing that this was Fabian Vidio.

Alia was introduced to the extended family, expressing her delight and seemingly surprising the Vidios with her social skills.

Then it was Alia's turn to introduce her two companions.

"This is Balor Harry Potter and his partner and fellow officer Rania of the Red Blade. They have served our house with bravery and honour and will no doubt continue to do so."

As they entered the large airy estate building Harry found himself walking beside Giorgi. He found that the man was a pleasant conversationist and despite his obvious curiosity, he didn't press.

For his part, Harry's eyes were on Giorgi's wife. She was heavily pregnant and looked rather overawed by the situation. He hoped that the information that Alia brought would be heeded.

Once they were in the privacy of the family suite, with the servants dismissed, Alia let drop her Princess act.

"My lord, let us dispense with the formality for now. My brother has come into intelligence that sufficiently alarmed him that he did not trust it to anyone but his sister and the head of his elite force," she smiled widely with a touch of amusement as she patted her uniform. "Of which I am an apprentice." The amusement faded. "Please understand that this entire situation is deadly serious and that Balor Potter's warning comes directly from my brother."

The Vidios were looking concerned now.

"Your Highness perhaps now is the time to share that warning," Fabian prompted.

"Harry, they are all yours," said Alia to the surprise of their hosts.

Harry pulled out a small bowl and enlarged it to reveal the pensive.

"Let me show you what Alia saw," explained Harry as he dropped a silver thread into the bowl.

oOoOo

Fabian was hard to phase but he found himself sitting stunned as he was ejected from the…vision. He looked down at his lap to see that his fists were clenched in rage.

"W-why would a face dancer target my child?" managed Giorgi.

"That we do not know," admitted Harry. "Alia…her highness's vision did not show us her the face dancer was impersonating but the fact that it was a face dancer tells us enough."

"How…I mean what is this?" Miriam managed.

Harry smiled and gestured with his hand transfiguring one of the chairs into a Labrador which sat tongue lolling and tail wagging.

"Magic, my lady."

"Magic…what…." Fabian trailed off as Harry transformed into a bird of prey and flew to land on Rania's shoulder.

It took quite a while for them to calm down.

"How has this been kept a secret? I mean…" Fabian stopped talking and his face paled. "The Bene Gesserit trial!"

"An astute observation my lord," replied Harry.

As he explained the actions of the hidden group within the Bene Gesserit the looks of disgust and anger on the faces of the family told Harry how much the story had affected them.

"So you think the Bene Gesserit have hired a face dancer?" Charise asked Harry a hand placed protectively on her distended belly.

"We do not know," admitted Harry. "Regardless we believe that your child will share the gift Alia and I share. And that regardless of anything else makes the babe important. All though I would like to think the Emperor would not hesitate to stop any child being harmed."

"If the child has your abilities what will that mean?" Fabian asked.

"Any mage born are going to be vital to re-establishing our numbers," Harry explained.

"Will the Emperor take the child?" Fabian asked flatly.

Harry couldn't blame him for the question. "No, but the child will be offered a scholarship with the Imperial court when they reach an age to be schooled with the other mage born. A scholarship that would likely lead to a position of importance in the Imperial court."

"A generous offer," said Fabian after looking around at his family's faces.

"The Emperor will sponsor our child?" Charise asked, she seemed to still be processing that bit of information.

Alia smiled and Rania gestured to Alia, "Her Highness is one of the students your child might one-day study with. Along with the Empress's sister, Princess Rugi. The Magi have specialities and there are many avenues the child might explore. We count the Legion does not just train warriors. We have healers and other specialists as well. All those with the gift that accept will be trained and the Emperor himself has stated that he has a personal interest in every student. Regardless of their house or background."

The gathered family looked at each other. The offer seemed a generous one and they seemed receptive.

"May we discuss this privately, your Highness?" Fabian asked.

"Of course," Alia replied with a broad smile.

Harry cleared his throat, "There is the other matter, of course. The Emperor has requested that the Bene Gesserit investigate the crimes some of their number have committed. And his eyes are on other potential enemies. Face Dancers are a threat that cannot be underestimated. It is not widely known but we had to kill several that had been secreted among the former Emperor's entourage."

That statement generated frowns but it was Fabian that broke the silence.

"You fear that they are targeting people with magic?"

Harry and Alia exchanged a glance. The Lord of the Vidio was no fool.

"It is a strong possibility but not the only one," Alia replied.

"What can we do?" Fabian asked. He was the head of a Minor house. One that was not particularly martial. He was a wealthy merchant and an honest one. He lacked the defences of a Great House. They had no poison sniffers or the myriad other devices that Great Houses deployed as everyday precautions.

Harry smiled coldly "There are some things that we can set up for you. And there are some other options."

Alia laughed, "Oh Balor Potter," she announced loudly. "I so love this quaint holding. I think I will say a few extra days to explore."

Rania rolled her eyes, "I think we can come up with something better."

Harry shook his head, amused by Alia's antics despite the serious topic, "We have not only been charged with your well-being. I plan to find and capture your unwelcome guest."