House Atreides by Herbert Brian & Anderson Kevin J

Author:Herbert, Brian & Anderson, Kevin J. [Herbert, Brian & Anderson, Kevin J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adult, Adventure
ISBN: 9780553580273
Google: B89TAPeZ-PYC
Amazon: 0553580272
Goodreads: 761575
Publisher: Spectra
Published: 1999-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

When Mohiam passed into the main hall of the Keep, Burseg Kryubi and his troops closed the doors behind her, remaining outside. The locks sealed with a click. Immediately on her guard, she noted that the Baron had orchestrated every detail of this encounter.

The two of them seemed to be alone in the long room, which was austere and cold, awash in glaring light. The entire Keep conveyed the impression of square corners and unsoftened harshness the Harkonnens loved so well; this place was more an industrial conference room than a sumptuous palace hall.

“Greetings again, Baron Harkonnen,” Mohiam said with a smile that overlaid politeness on top of her scorn. “I see you’ve been anticipating our meeting. Perhaps you’re even eager?” She looked away, glancing at her fingertips. “It’s possible I shall allow you a bit more pleasure this time.”

“Maybe so,” the Baron said, affably.

She didn’t like the answer. What is his game? Mohiam looked around, sensing the air currents, peering into shadows, trying to hear the heartbeat of some other person lying in wait. Someone was there . . . but where? Did they plan to murder her? Would they dare? She monitored her pulse, prevented it from accelerating.

The Baron definitely had more in mind than simple cooperation. She had never expected an easy victory over him, especially not this second time. The heads of some Minor Houses could be crushed or manipulated— the Bene Gesserit certainly knew how to do it— but this wouldn’t be the fate of House Harkonnen.

She looked at the Baron’s stygian eyes, straining with her Truthsayer abilities, but unable to see what he was thinking, unable to unravel his plans. Mohiam felt a twinge of fear deep inside, barely recognized. Just how much would the Harkonnens dare? This Baron couldn’t afford to refuse the Sisterhood’s demand, knowing what information the Bene Gesserit held against him. Or would he risk the possibility of heavy Imperial penalties?

Of equal import, would he risk a Bene Gesserit punishment? That, too, was no small matter.

At another time she might have enjoyed playing games with him, mental and physical sparring with a strong opponent. He was slippery and could bend and twist far more easily than he could break. But right now the Baron fell beneath her contempt, serving as a stud whose genes were required by the Sisterhood. She didn’t know why, or what importance this daughter might hold, but if Mohiam returned to Wallach IX with her mission unfulfilled, she would receive a severe reprimand from her superiors.

She decided not to waste any additional time. Summoning the full Voice talents the Bene Gesserit had taught her, word and tone manipulations that no untrained human could resist, she said curtly, “Cooperate with me.” It was a command she expected him to obey.

The Baron just smiled. He didn’t move, but his eyes flicked to one side. Mohiam was so startled at the ineffectiveness of Voice that she realized too late the Baron had set a different trap for her.

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