Anderson, Kevin J - Sandworms of Dune by Anderson Kevin J

Author:Anderson, Kevin J
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf

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Each human, no matter how altruistic or peaceful he seems, carries the capacity to

commit tremendous violence. I find this quality particularly fascinating, especially

because it can lie dormant for extended periods and then flare up. For instance,

consider their traditionally docile women. When these life-givers decide instead

to take lives, it is a beautiful ferocity

to behold.

- ERASMUS, Laboratory Notes

In Chapterhouse, the meeting of Reverend Mothers degenerated quickly to

murderous

intent.

Eyes flashing, Kiria nudged the chairdog away from her as she stood. "Mother Commander,

you have to accept certain facts. Chapterhouse is more than decimated. The Ixians

still haven't produced the Obliterators they promised. We simply can't win this fight.

As soon as we admit that, we can begin to make realistic plans."

Eyes bleary, Murbella gave the former Honored Matre a level look. "Such as?"

The

Mother Commander dealt with so many ongoing crises, obligations, and unsolvable problems

that she could barely concentrate on the reports coming to the mostly empty Keep.

The plague had passed on Chapterhouse, so everyone who was going to die was already

dead. With the exception of the isolated inhabitants of the deep desert Shakkad Station,

the only survivors on the planet were Reverend Mothers.

All the while, the thinking machines continued to move through space, penetrating

deeper into the Old Empire - though by sending scout probes and their plagues here

to Chapterhouse, they had broken

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their previously predictable progression. Omnius must understand the significance

of the New Sisterhood; a key victory here could stop the rest of humanity's scattered

fighting.

"Let's take what we need," Kiria said, "copy our Archives, and vanish into the great

unknown to create seed colonies. The thinking machines are relentless, but we can

be swift and unpredictable. For humanity's survival and the preservation of the Sisterhood,

we must disperse, reproduce, and

remain alive." The other Reverend Mothers watched guardedly.

Anger boiled within Murbella. "Those old attitudes have proved wrong time and again.

We can't survive simply by running or by breeding faster than Omnius can kill us."

"Many Sisters believe as I do - the ones still living, that is. You've led us now

for almost a quarter of a century, and your policies have failed. Most of Chapterhouse

is dead. This crisis forces us to consider new alternatives."

"Old alternatives, you mean. There is too much work ahead of us to rehash this tired

debate. Is the identification test for Face Dancer genetics ready for distribution

yet? That test is critical for all key planetary governments. Our scientists have

studied the cadavers for weeks, and we must send - "

"Don't change the subject, Mother Commander! If you won't make the rational decision,

if you can't see we need to adapt to circumstances, then I challenge you for leadership."

In astonishment, Laera backed away from the table, while Janess watched her mother,

showing no emotion. After the plague had run its course, the female bashar had returned

from the fringe battles.

Murbella allowed herself a cool smile as she faced Kiria. Her voice dripped with

acid. "I thought we finished this nonsense years ago." She had fought off numerous

challengers, killing each one. But Kiria was ready to put it to the test again. "Choose

your time and place."

"Choose? That's just like you, Mother Commander - putting off what must be done now.

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