Chapter 54 (How can you call my actions atrocities)

Anari Idaho brings the corpse of Manford Torondo’s slain body double from Arrakis, explaining she moved fast to keep witnesses uncertain and preserve the illusion that Manford died. Manford, shaken yet opportunistic, decides to turn the supposed death into a miracle narrative by reappearing publicly and amplifying his power.

Despite Anari’s warning about past bloodshed on Salusa Secundus, Manford resolves to confront Emperor Salvador Corrino, threatening unrest to coerce Imperial seizure of Arrakis and melange operations. He blames Josef Venport for the assassination attempt and targets Venport’s profits. Deacon Harian presents a prepared second body double candidate, who willingly agrees to undergo amputations to match Manford.

While plotting his speech, Manford studies Erasmus’s sadistic records, fantasizing about using such tortures on Venport but focusing on political pressure instead. The plan is to travel by EsconTran ship to Salusa and force Imperial action against Arrakis.

Chaos erupts when Deacon Harian and Anari drag in Ellonda, Manford’s longtime servant. Sister Woodra reveals truth-detection signs and accuses Ellonda of spying for Venport Holdings. Evidence shows Ellonda transmitted details of the double’s death and Butlerian plans. Manford, devastated by the betrayal, rejects her pleas and authorizes interrogation.

Galvanized by the breach, Manford orders a crackdown: while he goes to Salusa with Anari and Woodra, Harian must institute individual, planet-wide oaths renouncing advanced technology and swearing allegiance to Manford, with no exceptions and death as penalty for defiance. Manford concludes that neutrality is over, vowing to expose and purge all hidden enemies.