Navigators of Dune

Cioba had hoped for a cordial conversation, and negotiations. She even wanted to visit her daughters Candys and Sabine, who were being taught here. But in light of Valya’s aggressive comment, she shifted her entire approach. “With respect to you, Mother Superior, I would advise against that. I am a Sorceress and a Reverend Mother. If you were to treat me so disrespectfully, it could create a new rift in the Sisterhood—just when you are trying to heal an old wound.”

Valya turned away to look at the construction activities. “Even so, your coming here entails great risk for us.”

“Perhaps, Mother Superior, but I am certain you have ways to prevent the escape of the information. I am here to ask you to take another risk, on my husband’s behalf. Just as he took a big chance himself when he helped the Sisterhood after we were disbanded by Emperor Salvador.”

Valya arched her dark eyebrows, looked deeply apprehensive. “What would you ask of us?”

“The Sisterhood could serve as an intermediary to resolve the dispute between Josef and Emperor Roderick. Negotiating peace would bring stability to the Imperium and place both the Emperor and VenHold in your debt.”

Valya narrowed her gaze. “The Emperor has confiscated all VenHold financial assets and seized their banks across the Imperium. Your husband recently laid siege to Salusa Secundus and retreated in defeat after the Butlerians drove him away. What possible advantage would the Sisterhood gain if we were to strengthen ties with Venport Holdings?”

Cioba forced calm upon herself. “That is an inaccurate assessment of events, Mother Superior, but keep in mind that VenHold still controls significant economic assets in other areas. Josef went to Salusa not to conquer, but to force an end to the dispute.”

“And the reason he retreated so suddenly? I don’t feel as if we have received all of the information on that.”

“I am not a military tactician,” Cioba said, with the most enigmatic smile she could muster.

Valya gave her a wry smile in return. “All right. But as for the ‘dispute,’ I believe it began when your husband assassinated Roderick’s brother—murdered an Emperor.”

Cioba struggled to find a way to break through the Mother Superior’s stony resistance. “Salvador Corrino was a volatile and dangerous man. Do not forget that he slaughtered many Sisters on Rossak. Whatever my husband’s actions, you have to agree that the Imperium benefits from a more stable Emperor.”

The young Mother Superior gazed at her dispassionately, not seeming to care about her problems. “Agreed, and that is why the Sisterhood has strengthened ties with Roderick Corrino, the Imperial Court, and many Landsraad nobles. I do not wish to jeopardize that.”

Cioba continued doggedly, “Because of Roderick’s grievance against Josef, the Butlerian fanatics have been gaining influence and power at the expense of reason. I know you have no great love for the Butlerians, Mother Superior. Think of the damage the Orthodox Sisters caused to our order, how they nearly destroyed us!”

“Yes, but that is an internal matter to the Sisterhood, and it has been resolved.” Valya gave a grudging nod. “However, I do agree that we would all be much better off if the dispute were to end. One retaliation leads to a counterretaliation, which leads to another, ad infinitum. But I have well-placed Sisters in the Imperial Palace, including Fielle as the Emperor’s Truthsayer. Those women are required to serve both the Sisterhood and the Emperor to the best of their abilities.”

“Sometimes at cross-purposes, though.”

“The Sisterhood’s purpose is paramount.” Valya’s dark eyes were hard.

“The Sisterhood’s purpose is wide-ranging,” Cioba countered. She hoped this cryptic statement was enough to remind Valya that Cioba knew about the Sisterhood’s hidden computers and their extensive genetic records. In fact, Cioba herself had arranged for the secret VenHold transport that had retrieved these computers and records from the Rossak jungles. “For the good of the Imperium, we must force a wedge between the Butlerians and the Emperor. Venport Holdings can do that, and only my husband has a military force sufficient to oppose the fanatics. He calls on the Sisterhood for assistance. You can serve as an intermediary between Josef and Roderick, finding a way for them to become allies.”

Valya crossed her arms over her chest. “Helping Josef that way would bring the wrath of the Emperor and the Butlerians down on us.” She shook her head. “No, Sister Cioba. After the setback we suffered on Rossak, I don’t think that’s wise. As Mother Superior, I will not place our order between another collision of titanic forces. Too dangerous for us. The Sisterhood must remain neutral in this matter.”

Valya dismissed her and walked briskly off to the main complex, accompanied by Deborah, leaving Cioba alone, stunned and disheartened by the aloof dismissal.

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