Before Salvador could make too much of a spectacle of himself — he seemed to expect the hard-bitten desert workers to bow down and weep with joy in his presence — Josef transmitted a welcome on a direct-line transmission.

“Emperor Corrino, we are honored that you would grace this humble world with your visit. Our desert operations are complex and difficult, as you must have been briefed. VenHold attorneys are already meeting with Imperial representatives on Kolhar, and I hope you are aware there will be a lengthy transition period as we turn over administration to Imperial control. In the meantime, please allow me to welcome you in person.”

On the screen, Salvador shook his head. “I’d rather not come down to that dirty and insecure place. Manford Torondo was nearly killed in Arrakis City when he visited.”

Josef flinched. “Mere rumors, Sire — but your concern is merited. Arrakis is a harsh world with rough people. Should I join you aboard your Imperial Barge instead, to discuss matters?”

The Emperor looked relieved. “Yes, that would be preferable to getting dirty.”

Josef took his own shuttle from the Arrakis City spaceport up to the barge, bringing a routine team of company maintenance workers. Dressed as any other VenHold employee, with appropriate papers and credentials, Taref melted into the work crew.

In his climate-controlled Imperial chamber, Salvador was in a good mood to receive a presumably cooperative Directeur Venport. Josef tried to put the conversation on the correct track from the start. “Your offer of compensation is fair, perhaps even overly generous, Sire. I understand the power of the throne, so magnanimity is always welcome. You rule the Imperium, and my company is a valuable resource. I look forward to a much closer alliance with you.” He bowed. “My Mentat lawyers inform me that it would have been within your powers under the rules of eminent domain to simply seize the operations without compensation. I appreciate your willingness to work with me for a mutually acceptable solution.”

With a sniff, Salvador said, “Yes, I could have used an iron fist, as I did with House Péle, but VenHold administers many resources for the Imperium, and you have demonstrated your ability to manage your company quite well. I want us to be on friendly terms. The Imperium and the Imperial Armed Forces depend on your ships for many things.”

Josef struggled to suppress his anger. “As Emperor, you have a very difficult role, Sire. I understand the narrow path you must tread, balancing the sensible needs of businessmen like myself against the wild and extreme demands of the Butlerians. I’m confident our representatives can negotiate mutually acceptable terms on the Arrakis contract and subsequent House Corrino control. We can all profit from this situation.”

Salvador’s eyes were sparkling. “I’m relieved you’ve decided to be reasonable, Directeur. I only wish Manford were so tractable.”

Some of the Imperial functionaries chuckled, but their laughter had a nervous edge.

In a dining chamber that seemed too ornate to be inside a spaceworthy ship, the Emperor served a fine banquet while they orbited Arrakis. The meal included braised game hens, chocolate-mist desserts, expensive wines, Salusan fruit juices, and artesian ice water. On Arrakis, this water-extravagant dinner — the drinks alone — would have cost more than a spice crew supervisor’s annual salary, but Josef didn’t comment on this. Salvador wouldn’t care, anyway.

“The important first step, Sire, is for you to witness the melange operations with your own eyes. I’ve made arrangements for you and your entourage to be taken under utmost security out to the deep desert, where you will tour one of our biggest spice-mining operations. The factory moves from day to day as spotters find new concentrations of melange. That way, you’ll see for yourself how the spice is gathered, and why the operational expense is so high.”

“That sounds interesting and informative.” The Emperor nodded, and then his functionaries nodded as well.

“Because bandits often prey upon our operations, it’s best if we don’t announce the location or timing of this expedition.”

“Is it dangerous?” A hint of alarm crept into Salvador’s voice.

Josef smiled. “I’ll be right there with you, and we will be surrounded by my powerful paramilitary force. You’ll be far from the dangers of a confined population center such as Arrakis City. As for the Tanzerouft, where we’ll be, the last incidents of harassment came from unruly Freemen who resented our intrusion into their lands. We have that fully under control now, so it’s nothing to worry about. And you will see more spice than you can possibly imagine, tons and tons of it just lying on the ground!”

Josef had noticed that although his visitors consumed the wines and delicacies with avid abandon, they only took small amounts of melange, treating it as if it were in limited supply.

Salvador visibly relaxed. “We look forward to that, Directeur.” He lounged back in a large chair at the banquet table, not exactly a throne, but more ostentatious than the other seats. “And now, for the second main course!” he called. Servants rushed forward from the galley.

As the ship continued to orbit the arid world, they all dug into the feast.

Chapter 66 (The universe does not always allow)

Though the Mentat trainees were not warriors, they understood the theoretical basis for warfare and how to defend against a siege. In preparing for the arrival of the Butlerians, the students had developed and installed many innovative defenses, booby traps, and deceptions, many of which incorporated the natural hazards of the marsh lake and swamplands to keep the enemy at bay.

They held out against Manford Torondo’s forces for six days, until Deacon Harian arrived with a thousand reinforcements, supplies, heavy amphibious vehicles, and artillery. The expanded army picked their way across the rough swamp and floated out into the murky water of the lake.

The initial besiegers erupted in a cheer, and Gilbertus saw the flurry of activity, heard the rumble of engines as the armored amphibious vehicles entered the water and took up positions around the defensive walls.

In any modern military sense, the Mentat School was vulnerable, and had lasted this long only because the Butlerians avoided high technology. A sophisticated aerial attack would have brought them down easily. Gilbertus regretted that he hadn’t installed shield generators to protect the entire complex, but he had not wanted to provoke Manford by flaunting the technology. Now, he wished he had.

Gathered on the walkways and observation decks, the trainees muttered in dismay when they saw the new Butlerian troops, twice as many as had previously encamped there. The heavy cannons they brought were primitive, but could still blast the school buildings and slaughter hundreds of students. Gilbertus didn’t want that.

Manford Torondo remained out of view during the arrival of the additional forces. When they were in place, he finally came forward to the main gate at the edge of the sangrove swamp. He sat on his Swordmaster’s shoulders and used a bullhorn to shout toward the school towers. “Headmaster Albans! Out of courtesy for our past alliances, I give you one hour to run Mentat projections, but the conclusion is plain to anyone. At the end of that time, I expect your unconditional surrender. We will take Anna Corrino for her own safety.”

Gilbertus listened from his observation platform, but he didn’t capitulate. His administrator Zendur and four senior trainees stood alongside him, their expressions grave. Gilbertus turned to them, said, “Now we know the parameters,” and retreated to his office.