VI - DISCOVERIES
The Emperor finally asked the Baron, “Is there any secret you hold against me and my throne?”
The Baron declared in front of the Reverend Mother Tilda Jeanne Hoblaum, “No, my Emperor, I only work to perfect my management on Arrakis with my older nephew, Rabban. I also prepare my younger nephew Feyd-Rautha to assume my throne, I’m getting old for my seat, the obligations that come with it, and the relentless political waltz.”
The trial closed after the prompt approval of the Truthsayer.
—Imperial report of the Harkonnen trial, M5 10192 AG
Nestor took the first book off the “Experimentation” shelf. It was labelled “Pourpre Witch”. He read the entry from the Dr Narold Lankastt: “10,191 AG M8: After one month of heavy drug feeding, the female asset starts to stop all foolish attempts to attack us. Thufir Hawat has helped our unit to transform the witch into someone else.”
“10,191 AG M9: She has forgotten the name ‘Jessica’ and now constantly answers to, ‘Reverend Mother Tilda Jeanne Hoblaum’. We can fully launch her training.”
“10,191 AG M10: Your Highness, we require two more months to finish the work on the witch. She still has severe physical and mental health issues after the use of the Truthsayer drug.”
“10,191 AG M11: After two months of intense exercise, the subject is able to use the Truthsayer drug without choking.”
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“10,191 AG M12: Subject is now fully capable of validing every answer as true with a proper trigger. The trigger is your face, Your Highness. She is now ready to go in the field and become the Emperor’s Truthsayer.”
So the Baron has given training and a new name to the Atreides Bene Gesserit so she can falsify the trial at ease, Nestor slowly deduced. My doubt is confirmed.
He added the book to the pile on the table and continued his search on the shelf. His attention was caught abruptly by a volume labelled, ‘To Destroy’.
This one looks unfinished, he noted upon examining it.
“Pourpre” was the inside title. Pourpre like the Baron—or blood. He began to read it: “10,192 AG M2—Dr Narold Lankastt,
“We are happy to announce that the Pourpre Project has been successfully launched, Your Highness. Thanks to the bribe with the Thulu, we now have all of Level 3, Area X reserved for our experimentation in the creation of a new spice.”
“We also confirm the receipt of the non-humanoid asset given by our secret Guild liaison. The toxicological tests on the proposed spice replacement tests will commence soon.
“During the time of our work here until we finish the project, we will reinforce the effectiveness of guard security. This will permit us to avoid any suspicions if a spy or member of the Landstraad walk on this planet. For the sake of integrity and confidentiality, future reports will be handled through the mentat, Thufir Hawat; no further written evidence will exist.”
“End of report.”
Nestor was again immersed in the light of the unknown. A spice lab, an alien captured? Could a high-controller have secretly abducted an extraterrestrial for the Harkonnens? But for what?
He then focused his mind. I don’t know what they’re plotting, but it’s huge. I need to infiltrate their lab and unit before it’s too late; I think I know where to find this level 3.
Nestor added the last book to the stack waiting on the desk, and then walked out.
One last thought hit him before he reached the door: I hope Virgo is okay...
As Nestor traversed the gate, he found a very unpleasant surprise.