Navigators of Dune

Within days of Josef’s return from Arrakis, Draigo Roget finally arrived from Denali to deliver a personal report of the cymek test run on Lampadas. In Kolhar headquarters, the Mentat presented the images taken by Ptolemy.

As Josef watched the mayhem caused by the warrior forms, he could tell that Draigo was proud of what the new cymeks had accomplished, even if they had failed to find and kill the half-Manford.

When the images were finished, Draigo straightened. “I am pleased to announce the clear proof of concept, Directeur. So much destruction was accomplished by a mere three cymeks. And soon we will have many more. Within a month, we will have a full hundred ready to go.”

Josef smiled. “The savages had no viable defenses against a sophisticated technological attack, and the complete cymek force will eradicate them down to the last simpering man and woman.”

“There will be collateral damage, innocents killed,” Cioba said, raising a note of caution.

“The blame lies entirely on the shoulders of the Butlerians,” Josef said. “Civilization is at stake.”

Draigo nodded. “I believe you are correct in your assessment, Directeur.”

“How many cymeks are ready to be placed into service right now?” Cioba asked, tucking her long hair over her shoulder as she sat beside her husband. “Do we have to wait a month?”

“Thirty-one at present. The other walker forms are being modified and tested, and many more are nearing completion, but the new Navigator brains must prove their adeptness on simulated battlefields.”

Josef fidgeted and paced around his desk, walking to the window of his office, high in the headquarters tower. “Every day that this barbaric stupidity remains unchallenged is another day that weakens civilization. I am anxious to end this war against ignorance.” He stared out at the bustling landing field below and smiled. “And once I eliminate the Emperor’s Butlerian problem, he is bound to soften his stance against me.”

He nodded to himself. He could use the Imperial forces he had recently captured on Arrakis as a bargaining chip, and could offer to return Admiral Harte’s ships that were being held aboard the foldspace carrier in Kolhar orbit. He would be happy to pay the price, provided Roderick withdrew the punitive decree against him. Then the Imperium could get back to normal.

He took satisfaction that at least his spice-harvesting operations were under way again, without so many roadblocks, and addicted citizens would be happy to have their melange available to them. His large stockpile would help him guarantee distribution through any future political turmoil. Josef felt stronger and more optimistic than he had in a long time.

Cioba leaned closer to the Mentat. “And the Erasmus memory core? I am curious—has his knowledge proved as advantageous as we hoped?”

Draigo’s smile was a surprise on his normally aloof face. “Erasmus has been exceptionally cooperative, even enthusiastic to be among so many dedicated scientists. Many of his insights on old-style machine invasion tactics and traditional weapons have been invaluable to our planning, and he says he has other resources to offer, which he has not yet revealed. As a reward, per his insistence, the Tlulaxa scientists are growing a biological body for him so that he can be a more effective asset.”

“Never trust a thinking machine,” Cioba warned.

“We don’t need to trust him to use him,” Josef pointed out. “But is it wise to give him his own body?”

“The robot made it a condition of his continued cooperation,” Draigo said, “and I projected that it would be a harmless concession, with minimal risk. Should it prove problematic, the new biological body can easily be restrained or destroyed.”

“It does seem a small thing,” Cioba said. “Why would an evil robot cooperate with us so fully? He must have some scheme of his own.”

The Mentat said, “I believe Erasmus wants to be important and relevant again, but he also has a different incentive—if we can believe him. He truly feels hatred and revulsion toward Manford Torondo.”

Josef laughed. “Don’t we all?”

“I would be reluctant to assign human emotions to a thinking machine, Directeur, but the Butlerians executed his ward and friend, Gilbertus Albans. After conversing with the robot at great length, I believe his hatred may be genuine, even if he himself doesn’t understand it.”

“We have a strange ally…,” Cioba mused.

“I will take every bit of help we can get in these dark times.” Josef allowed himself to relax, feeling more confident now. “Very well—as soon as the rest of the Denali cymeks are trained and ready, we will launch a total attack on Lampadas and leave that planet a smoking ruin—and this dismal and distracting year will be over. The Imperium and the human race will be ready to move forward under wise leadership.”

“That all depends on whether Emperor Roderick will see reason,” Cioba said.