"Unless I cut out the roots of this rebellion before it can blossom further," Gurney said.

"We, Gurney. We We must cut out the roots of this rebellion." must cut out the roots of this rebellion."

His wide mouth formed a wolfish, almost involuntary, grin. "At your service, my Lady...."

On Ix, after hearing Paul's shocking revelation, she had taken time to tell him of Mayor Horvu's plan to declare Caladan's independence. His demeanor had darkened. "Even if the Bene Gesserits are the instigators here, doesn't Horvu know what he'll force me to do? Such an act of defiance will incite a terrible retaliation that I won't be able to control! My followers are already incensed that you have turned away so many pilgrims. After hearing this, they will feel obligated to purify my original homeworld." many pilgrims. After hearing this, they will feel obligated to purify my original homeworld."

She had felt her own resolve harden as her breathing quickened. "Then before you act, Paul, give me a chance to mitigate the situation. If there's a price to be paid, I'll find a way to pay it, the smallest price possible-for Caladan. Let me do my job to protect the people."

Reluctantly, he had a.s.sented, but Jessica knew she would have only one chance, that Paul would not be able to maintain his role and stall his fanatics in the face of repeated provocation. Now the future of Caladan was in her hands, so many lives depending on her-if she could only make the difficult but necessary decisions. She needed to find the smallest possible price to pay....

Now, beside her in the vehicle, Gurney carried a great weight on his shoulders. "I wasn't entirely sure how to respond, my Lady. I could not imagine that Duke Leto would imprison anyone who chose to speak out-especially since I myself am offended by the Qizarate's decree. Changing the name of Caladan?" He shook his head. "Ever since I released the dissidents from their holding cells, they have professed to be peaceful. You will see a crowd at your Castle ... not much yet, but it increases in size every day. I fear it will get out of hand again, and soon."

"If it does, Muad'Dib's troops will come." Jessica's lips formed a grim line. "Leto was only the Duke of a single planet, and therefore could focus on the problems of his people. Paul is caught in an entirely different sort of whirlwind encompa.s.sing thousands of planets. It is the difference between a dust devil and a Coriolis storm."

When they reached Castle Caladan, Jessica saw the throngs, more numerous than even the hordes of zealous pilgrims during their unchecked days here. Gurney said, "Perhaps there's one last chance for sanity. They do revere you as their d.u.c.h.ess, my Lady. They expect you to stand with them and solve their problems."

Jessica looked out the windows of the groundcar. "I know. They must accept some some responsibility for problems they created, however. We can't entirely blame the Bene Gesserit." The offworld security troops cleared a way for them to move ahead, and the crowd's shouting grew louder. "And they have to realize that theirs are not the only problems to solve." responsibility for problems they created, however. We can't entirely blame the Bene Gesserit." The offworld security troops cleared a way for them to move ahead, and the crowd's shouting grew louder. "And they have to realize that theirs are not the only problems to solve."

"It will only grow worse, my Lady. The moment I lifted the restrictions on him and reopened the s.p.a.ceport, Mayor Horvu drained half of the town's treasury to dispatch couriers to dozens of major planets to declare our independence. I stopped some of the couriers, and I have blocked dissidents from sending more messages offworld, but I'm afraid it's too late. Now, everyone will wait to see how Muad'Dib reacts to the situation."

"We can't wait, Gurney." Her voice was sharp. "Ultimately the solution to this crisis should lie in how I I react to it, because react to it, because I I rule Caladan. I do not say that to diminish you in any way, because I rule Caladan. I do not say that to diminish you in any way, because I do do need your help, but there are certain responsibilities a ruler must bear alone." need your help, but there are certain responsibilities a ruler must bear alone."

As the vehicle pa.s.sed through the crowd, she saw a large black balloon flying over the throng. White words printed on the surface read, PAUL-MUAD'DIB IS NO LONGER AN ATREIDES PAUL-MUAD'DIB IS NO LONGER AN ATREIDES.

Seeing this, Jessica raised her voice to the driver. "Stop the vehicle. Here. Now."

"Here, my Lady? But it is unsafe."

After taking one look at Jessica, Gurney snapped, "Do as the d.u.c.h.ess says."

The crowd fell into a startled silence when she stepped out and faced them. She raised her voice as they began to cheer happily. The people were glad to see her, sure that she was the savior they needed.

"I have just now returned from my travels, and I am disappointed to see this unruliness! Is this how we solve our difficulties on Caladan? No! Hear me now-I want the hostage priests released unharmed. Immediately Immediately. Only after you have done so, can we discuss your complaints. Provided you do as I ask, this evening I shall invite the ten people you consider most important in this-" She searched for the right word. "-this crusade crusade to meet with me in private. I only wish to see those who are truly to meet with me in private. I only wish to see those who are truly involved involved in this matter, so that I may offer them my solution to your grievances. Until then, all of you please disperse, and let me deal with your concerns in a proper fas.h.i.+on." in this matter, so that I may offer them my solution to your grievances. Until then, all of you please disperse, and let me deal with your concerns in a proper fas.h.i.+on."

The people hesitated for a moment, as if they had all drawn a deep breath at the same time. Then they cheered.

Jessica climbed back into the groundcar and told the driver to take them to the Castle. She leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes. "Gurney, I have to resolve this before Paul does."

He looked at her quizzically, then nodded. "Just give me my orders, my Lady."

Expecting Jessica to speak on their behalf, the people were eager to cooperate now, to show their faith in her. The four hostage priests were released within two hours. Gurney had put them in a safe building near the Castle and posted several of his offworld guards to watch over them. Satisfied with that at least, Jessica prepared for the evening. It would be her one chance to end this.

Gurney pressed her for what she planned to do, but Jessica refused to answer him. This was her decision, though she didn't like keeping such secrets from her trusted friend. Paul has found the smallest price to pay, and I shall do the same. Paul has found the smallest price to pay, and I shall do the same.

She had to prevent the oncoming disaster and hamstring the Sisterhood's plans to spark revolts across the Imperium, using the people of Caladan as cannon fodder. She had to stop it here here.

When the ten specially chosen guests arrived, servants escorted them into the main banquet hall. These were the ringleaders, as selected by the dissidents themselves. Mayor Horvu looked relieved to see her. The priest Sintra, as well as the prominent leaders from Cala City and other coastal towns, all seemed delighted and victorious. Jessica had agreed to hear their grievances and present her solution.

Six men and two women accompanied the priest and the mayor, finding their places at the long table with an almost comical lack of efficiency. Most had never been inside the Castle before, and certainly not for such an important dinner. Food had already been delivered to the table, the portions served on fine plates next to goblets of clear spring water-a reminder of Caladan's bounty as compared to Arrakis.

After the servants departed, Jessica spoke in a clear voice. "Gurney, would you please excuse us?"

Gurney was surprised to be dismissed. "My Lady? Are you certain I can't be of a.s.sistance?"

She did not want him here. "For the moment, I must serve as the d.u.c.h.ess of Caladan, and this discussion is a private matter between these people and myself. Please close the doors behind you."

Though he looked concerned, Gurney departed straightaway, as instructed. The ten guests were flushed and excited; several looked smug. Sintra seemed to take special pleasure in seeing Gurney dismissed, apparently believing that Jessica disapproved of how he had handled matters in her absence.

She took her place at the head of the table. The Mayor and his cohorts had a festive air about them, expressing their concerns politely, at first. After a few minutes, however, the discussion grew heated and boisterous. As promised, Jessica listened. Mayor Horvu boasted that, with Jessica as their direct spokesperson, Paul-Muad'Dib would have no choice but to leave Caladan alone.

Jessica drew a deep breath and said cautiously, "I believe that my son still trusts my judgment. Now, eat. Drink. We have a hard night ahead of us, and I do not intend to leave this room until our problem is solved." She raised her goblet and drank, tasting the spring water.

Abbo Sintra raised his gla.s.s in a toast. "To solving problems." They all drank.

Horvu, his face seamed with worry, said, "My Lady, we don't want you to consider us troublemakers. But you must admit that your son's troops have taken aggressive actions across the galaxy. As an Atreides you cannot possibly condone such reprehensible acts? We only want Paul to remember his roots, and his Atreides honor, as well. That is all."

The guests ate their nut-and-cheese salads, then turned to the steaming bowls of traditional fish chowder.

The priest said in a bright voice, "When the other planetary representatives come here, we have decided that you may speak for Caladan. a.s.sure everyone that all our people remain free of the stain of the Emperor's Jihad, commoners and n.o.bility, united. Let history record that we rose up against tyranny and said No No in a loud and unanimous voice." He ended with a grandiose flourish, looking very pleased with himself. in a loud and unanimous voice." He ended with a grandiose flourish, looking very pleased with himself.

"On the contrary," Jessica said with a heavy heart, watching them all eat, "this is where I I say no. This is where I save the people of Caladan from grave danger." say no. This is where I save the people of Caladan from grave danger."

The men and women around the table appeared confused. Horvu said, "But we we have already saved Caladan, my Lady." He seemed surprised that his voice was inexplicably slurred. have already saved Caladan, my Lady." He seemed surprised that his voice was inexplicably slurred.

Jessica shook her head. "It is unfortunate, because I do sympathize with your outrage. The Jihad ma.s.sacres are indeed tragic. But in the course of such sweeping, ambitious changes across an entire empire, there are bound to be excessive deaths. This saddens me, but Paul is my son, and I had a hand in his training. He knows what is necessary."

"But ... you must must help us, Lady Jessica," one of the two women at the table said. She seemed to be having trouble breathing and took a long drink of her water, but it didn't help. help us, Lady Jessica," one of the two women at the table said. She seemed to be having trouble breathing and took a long drink of her water, but it didn't help.

Jessica recognized the woman as the daughter of one of the village fishermen. They'd met once, a rainy day on the docks where the woman had helped her father prepare his weather-beaten old boat. Jessica had overheard her cursing like one of the men, before she had abruptly changed her tone upon noticing the d.u.c.h.ess.

"In a way," Jessica said, forcing herself to calmness, "it is all of you you who are helping me and helping Caladan. I'm sorry, but this is my solution-the only way I could see to avert a far greater crisis. I decided to save millions of lives." who are helping me and helping Caladan. I'm sorry, but this is my solution-the only way I could see to avert a far greater crisis. I decided to save millions of lives."

Sintra began coughing. Several of the others looked dizzy, sleepy, sick. Their eyes rolled.

"The sacrifice you make here will preserve Caladan, as I know you meant to do. As d.u.c.h.ess, I make choices that affect the entirety of this world ... just as Muad'Dib makes choices for all of the Imperium. Your deaths will demonstrate to the Emperor that I have taken care of the problem-that there is no need for him to send his armies here."

True to the Bene Gesserit records she had consulted, the poison she'd chosen had no taste, and it acted quickly ... supposedly painlessly. For herself, she had consumed the same poison, but had easily trans.m.u.ted the substance in her body, rendering it inert.

"It wasn't entirely your fault, which saddens me even more. You were all manipulated by skilled Bene Gesserits, and you did not understand where you were being led. I will issue a statement that you ten conspirators were tricked by Sisterhood agents, as part of a plot to overthrow the Emperor Muad'Dib. They will bear the brunt of the blame."

This addresses two problems at once, Jessica thought. It deals with the uprising, and it serves as an act of defiance against the Bene Gesserit, along with my total rejection of their offer. It deals with the uprising, and it serves as an act of defiance against the Bene Gesserit, along with my total rejection of their offer.

"Every other Caladanian who partic.i.p.ated in this rebellion will be pardoned," Jessica said. "Take comfort in that. But the ten of you ... you are the price that must be paid."

Resigned, she sat straight-backed in her chair and watched the guests struggling, gasping, slumping over their plates or falling to the floor. As she watched, the Mayor slid off his chair with a heavy thud. His eyes went lifeless, while hers filled with tears.

Jessica fought back the emotion and said aloud to the room of death. "This thing needed doing, and I did it. Now, I've acted like both a Harkonnen and an Atreides."

Though I do not regret my years of service to House Atreides, there are no words to express some of the things I have witnessed, and done, and endured. I will not even try-I'd rather they were forgotten.

-GURNEY HALLECK, Unfinished Songs Unfinished Songs

Seeing the bodies slumped around the banquet table, Gurney was both furious and sickened. He stared for a long moment at the surprise and disbelief frozen on the faces of Mayor Horvu, the village priest, and the other instigators.

After letting Gurney back inside the room, Jessica made sure the chamber door remained securely locked, knowing this would test the depths of the man's loyalty. "You didn't do this, Gurney. I I did. It was a terrible price to pay-but it was the smallest price I could find." did. It was a terrible price to pay-but it was the smallest price I could find."

Gurney looked at her, his eyes red. "But you knew knew these people, my Lady! They were foolish, but they had good hearts. They were like children playing on a galactic stage." He gestured toward the sprawled figures. "They were these people, my Lady! They were foolish, but they had good hearts. They were like children playing on a galactic stage." He gestured toward the sprawled figures. "They were innocents." innocents."

Jessica steeled her voice. She needed him with her now. "They were not not innocents. Did we not both counsel them against rebellion? I myself warned them that there would be significant consequences if they proceeded. And do you believe it was an accident that they sent out those couriers behind your back, and while I was gone? And when did mere innocents start to take hostages? They let the situation get out of hand, and Paul would never have forgiven their revolt or swept it aside. If he showed any weakness or hesitation here, then other planets innocents. Did we not both counsel them against rebellion? I myself warned them that there would be significant consequences if they proceeded. And do you believe it was an accident that they sent out those couriers behind your back, and while I was gone? And when did mere innocents start to take hostages? They let the situation get out of hand, and Paul would never have forgiven their revolt or swept it aside. If he showed any weakness or hesitation here, then other planets would have broken from the Imperium. The Emperor would have had to crack down on planet after planet, undoubtedly sterilizing even more worlds." She looked at the silent victims around the banquet table. "This ... this was only ten lives. Not such a high price." would have broken from the Imperium. The Emperor would have had to crack down on planet after planet, undoubtedly sterilizing even more worlds." She looked at the silent victims around the banquet table. "This ... this was only ten lives. Not such a high price."

Gurney frowned, struggling to fit the tragedy into his concept of honor and decency, as well as loyalty to her and to House Atreides. With an effort, Jessica kept her voice from breaking; she sounded strong and firm, thanks to her Bene Gesserit training-and she hated herself for it.

"Without these instigators, the revolt on Caladan falls apart. Therefore, Paul doesn't have to respond at all. It remains a local matter, which I I have dealt with, as d.u.c.h.ess. No need for the Fedaykin to get involved. Without these ten people, there will be no additional violence, or bloodshed, or repercussions on a hundred other worlds." She swallowed hard and added, "You know it yourself, Gurney. A mad dog must be put down before it can cause greater harm. These people were mad dogs. It was the only way. If I had hesitated ..." have dealt with, as d.u.c.h.ess. No need for the Fedaykin to get involved. Without these ten people, there will be no additional violence, or bloodshed, or repercussions on a hundred other worlds." She swallowed hard and added, "You know it yourself, Gurney. A mad dog must be put down before it can cause greater harm. These people were mad dogs. It was the only way. If I had hesitated ..."

Finally, tears fell from her eyes, and she wiped them away with a quick gesture. Gurney turned his eyes away, pretending not to notice. All her life, the Sisterhood had forced her to build up impenetrable walls around her emotions, forced her not to feel, feel, but in such an extreme case, after the terrible decision she had made, Jessica could not help herself. but in such an extreme case, after the terrible decision she had made, Jessica could not help herself.

The lumpy man nodded, very slowly. When she saw his mood change, Jessica realized she'd never had any doubt that Gurney Halleck would remain loyal to her.

He said, "So these ten are no different from the cannon-fodder shock troops in a war zone. They died in a battle that they helped create, and unfortunately they chose the wrong side." His voice sounded bleak. "I understand it better now, my Lady, but I still don't like it. I don't like what this changes in me. I've killed plenty of people in my service to House Atreides, but never before have I felt as if I partic.i.p.ated in ... murder."

Jessica took his hands in hers and said sadly, "Time and war change everything from bright and new to old, worn, and dirty. It is not murder. That's not the right word for it when a ruler performs necessary executions executions. As the d.u.c.h.ess of Caladan, that is one of my hardest duties."

She could no longer maintain any semblance of her composure. She rushed from the banquet hall, saying nothing else, giving no further orders. When she returned later, she knew that all the bodies would be gone, and everything would appear normal once more. orders. When she returned later, she knew that all the bodies would be gone, and everything would appear normal once more.

Inside her chambers, Jessica closed the door and threw the bolt home. She hoped the wooden barrier would be thick enough that no one could hear her. Fortunately, on Caladan there was no stricture against giving water to the dead.

Hours later, after she had drained away her grief, Jessica sat at her writing desk to compose a coldly worded message. The glow-globe cast a pool of light around her. Years ago, when she had asked the Bene Gesserit for help in finding the boys Paul and Bronso, she had received only a curt refusal. Now it was her turn to send a response that minced no words. She addressed the letter specifically to Reverend Mother Mohiam, her stern teacher, her secret mother.

"Your plan has failed. I know how you tried to manipulate me and others, but I am no longer a cog in your machine, and I will never be a part of your inner circle. So be it. I never asked to be Mother Superior.

"I know who you are, Gaius Helen Mohiam. I know your soul is filled with acid. Heed this warning-to you, personally, and to the entire Sisterhood: If the Bene Gesserits make another attempt to disgrace or destroy Paul, I will convince my son to send the full weight of his Jihad against the Mother School. I will ask him to sterilize Wallach IX, as he has sterilized other worlds. Believe me, I can persuade him to do it, so do not doubt my sincerity. He has wiped out other groups-religious and secular-that offended him. Do not add yourselves to that list."

She paused in her writing, but anger pounded in her temples. Mohiam had made her come so close to believing their lies, so close to killing her own son.

Jessica added a postscript: "Do not send me messages or dispatch your envoys to Caladan. I have no desire to hear from you again. You berated me for allowing myself to feel love. I a.s.sure you, I am also capable of feeling hatred." hatred."

Those who wors.h.i.+p Muad'Dib, read this.

Those who believe the lies of the Qizarate and the exaggerations of Princess Irulan, read this.

Those who respect truth, read this.

-BRONSO OF IX, introduction to his first pamphlet (unt.i.tled) introduction to his first pamphlet (unt.i.tled)

Jessica prepared herself for any backlash from angry townspeople who had lost friends, family, or well-respected members of the community. However, the initial reaction to the execution of a handful of dissidents on Caladan could have been much worse. At least for now, many of the disgruntled and dissatisfied locals accepted the d.u.c.h.ess's p.r.o.nouncement that placed the guilt directly on the shoulders of Mayor Horvu, the priest Sintra, and the other leaders of the revolt. After she explained how the good people of Caladan had been manipulated by the Bene Gesserits, the citizens reacted with shame and directed their anger toward the Sisterhood instead of her. When had the people of Caladan ever openly defied their rightful Duke or d.u.c.h.ess?

After being released, the hostage Qizaras applauded Jessica for her swift and sure justice, and they promised to speak on Caladan's behalf so that Muad'Dib's wrath would not fall upon this world or its people. They returned to Arrakis, ruffled but satisfied.

Then Bronso of Ix released his first shocking manifesto. It was late in the year 10,200, when the pundi-rice farmers of Caladan were preparing their paddies for the following season ... when Muad'Dib had just sent a terrible force of s.h.i.+ps to sterilize eleven more planets ... when the Jihad seemed as if it would never end.

Distributed widely, copied, and pa.s.sed from hand to hand, the treatise both horrified and t.i.tillated people with its bold and appalling claims. In a resounding reaction, the faithful rallied to protect the reputation and sanct.i.ty of Emperor Paul-Muad'Dib. On Caladan, those who might have complained about the executions of Horvu and his fellow conspirators suddenly found themselves infuriated by Bronso's d.a.m.ning pa.s.sages-so infuriated, in fact, that they had to tell everyone else about the outrageous, insulting claims.

Paul's generals and priests issued an immediate order for the arrest and interrogation of the upstart Ixian, but Bronso Vernius was nowhere to be found. After transferring away most of his wealth, secretly draining House Vernius funds, Bronso had left the Grand Palais and vanished into s.p.a.ce, leaving no trace of his whereabouts.

Jihad troops bearing the banners of orthodoxy encircled Ix, swarmed into the underground city of Vernii, and questioned all members of the Technocrat Council, demanding to know how they had aided the traitor in spreading his sedition. Fearing for their lives, the Ixian Council disavowed all knowledge of Bronso's actions and vehemently condemned him. Unfortunately for them, the military arm of the Qizarate did not find their denials convincing. Along with many others, Bolig Avati did not survive his interrogation....

Gurney brought one of the pamphlets to Jessica as she tended her new gardens in the courtyard of Castle Caladan. "Have you read what Bronso is saying, my Lady?"

She tamped down dirt around a new, fragrant-smelling rosemary bush. "No, I've chosen not to think about it."

He seemed barely able to contain his annoyance. "I s.n.a.t.c.hed this from a bonfire down at the docks. The villagers confiscated copies from a man who found them in his baggage. They're so incensed at the insult to Paul that they wanted to throw the man in the flames as well. He insisted he didn't know how the doc.u.ments had come into his possession, and I sent him back up to the Heighliner to save his life." He lowered his voice. "Like you, I didn't want to read drivel against Paul ... but if I had read this beforehand, maybe I would have let them have their way with the man."

Gurney extended the pamphlet to her, but Jessica still made no move to take it. She brushed dirt from her palms. "And what exactly upsets you so much? Have you been reading Irulan's syrupy reports for so long you've forgotten that Paul doesn't actually walk on water?"

Gurney frowned and took a seat beside her on a stone bench in the garden. "Actually, Irulan claims that he walks on sand but leaves no footprints." He opened the pamphlet again, skimmed it, then threw it down on the ground in disgust to emphasize his point. Jessica did not pick it up.

"To be honest, my Lady, I can't claim that his facts are absolutely wrong. But ever since Earl Rhombur was killed and Bronso turned his back on House Atreides, I knew he'd be trouble. That boy has let his hatred fester, and now ... this this." In frustration, Gurney leaned closer to her. "Why aren't you more upset?"

Jessica gave him an enigmatic, pained smile, snipping an aromatic frond of the herb, inhaling deeply. "Oh Gurney, my son's government is strong enough to weather a little criticism-and maybe even benefit from it. The priests, of course, will cover their eyes and ears, but Paul might listen, and Alia too."

"I suppose you're right, my Lady. Duke Leto would never have been afraid of a few complaints." Gurney had a wistful look on his face. "I'm guilty of a similar thing myself. When I was much younger, I sang a few songs about the Baron Harkonnen." He hummed, then burst into a refrain: