Navigators of Dune

Nearly two hundred privileged men and women boarded the three vessels. Some were excited, as if they were about to embark on an outing to see cultural displays in quaint villages. From his experiences in the air-rescue service on Caladan, however, Willem had seen natural disasters up close. He knew that the aftermath of the flood would not be pretty, but he was ready to pitch in and do his best to reduce human suffering and makes lives better. Hopefully he could gain the Emperor’s notice on his own merits, rather than relying on Vorian’s recommendation.

The line moved forward, and Willem glanced around as the other courtiers filed aboard the aircraft. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted an oddly familiar dark-haired young man who stepped up the ramp onto the second carrier, but the line moved forward before he could get a better glimpse. Willem put it out of his mind, and a few minutes later he boarded the crowded third transport.

After an hour’s flight across the continent, the trio of transports arrived in the wide, sloppy mudflat where the delta villages had been. The river waters had receded, but the towns were not yet rebuilt. What had once been a trading outpost town on the river had been erased from its foundations, and although temporary buildings were now erected, the place was still no more than a squalid encampment.

When the transports landed on a flat polymerized area that served as a temporary landing field, many of the courtiers with Willem looked queasy, as if this was not at all what they had expected to see. “Shouldn’t this all be cleaned up and reconstructed by now?” asked one young lordling, the third son of House Yardin. “What is taking the home guard so long?”

“I thought Empress Haditha had already managed the disaster,” said another with a distasteful frown. “It does not look anywhere near finished.”

Willem said to him, “That’s why we’re here—to do what needs to be done.” He was among the first down the ramp, while many of his companions hesitated, obviously not wishing to get mud on their fancy shoes and garments.

Dozens of refugees hurried forward from the temporary camp, looking dirty and hungry. Emperor Roderick had gone ahead in his own faster transport, and now he stood next to a tired-looking Haditha, who wore gloves and sturdy work clothes. As they stood on a rickety reception platform that was only a couple of meters above the mud, the Imperial couple watched the court members step uncomfortably onto walkways that had been laid across the mudflats.

Low-ranking engineers crisply divided the many “volunteers” into teams, so they could receive their work assignments. A number of nobles grumbled and took offense, citing their social status, haughtily mentioning the names of their families or political patrons. Willem went to his assigned team without complaint.

Near him, Empress Haditha addressed the heartbroken villagers rather than the courtiers. “You are all citizens of the Imperium, and we will care for every one of you. See, I have brought more help.”

Roderick added, “I present these noble members of my Imperial Court, who also feel for your plight. They will contribute their sweat and hard labor to help you at a time when you most need it. They will work beside you until your town is rebuilt and you have homes again.”

Willem realized that the Emperor was testing the dismayed nobles, so he spoke up to set an example. “I will lead a team, Sire—I’m not afraid to work.”

Heads turned toward him, eyes glaring, but Willem nodded respectfully to the Emperor and the Empress.

Haditha beamed at him, and Roderick gave him a warm smile. “Very good. Yes, Vorian said I should pay close attention to you.”

“I’m willing to pitch in too,” said another voice. The familiar-looking young man with dark hair stepped forward. He seemed pale and uncertain, but determined. Willem suddenly felt claws of ice run down his spine.

Obviously pleased, the Emperor raised his voice for all to hear. “Danvis Harkonnen and Willem Atreides, you both provide good examples for these others to follow.” He turned his stern gaze toward the uneasy courtiers. “Let these two show you how to do what’s best for the Imperium.”

Willem trembled, barely able to contain his fury at this unwelcome surprise. As additional nobles stepped forward, accepting their fate, he only heard a roaring noise in his ears.

Danvis looked at him, clearly struggling with his own deep-seated anger. He stood straight and arrogant, gazing sidelong with a ferocious glare.

Willem fashioned a brittle smile in response, but the wheels were turning in his mind as he tried to determine how soon he would be able to kill this Harkonnen for his family’s heinous crimes.

He would do it for the honor of the Atreides.

OTHER BOOKS BY BRIAN HERBERT AND KEVIN J. ANDERSON

Dune: House Atreides

Dune: House Harkonnen

Dune: House Corrino