Great Schools of Dune, #2
Mentats of Dune
by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Contents
Chapter 52 (There is beauty in the eyes)
Overview
Vorian Atreides settles on Caladan, reconnecting with descendants Willem and Orry, Air Patrol pilots who greet him with wary curiosity. An emergency flight turns tragic when they recover Shander Atreides, dead with signs of a beating. Vor’s peaceful homecoming becomes a likely murder case that imperils the family.
Summary
On tranquil Caladan, Vorian Atreides reflects on the Air Patrol he secretly endowed long ago and his renewed desire to reconnect with his scattered family. After unburdening himself to Shander Atreides, Vor plans to meet great-great-grandsons Willem and Orry, both daring Patrol pilots, despite their likely skepticism about his age and past.
At the landing-field café, Vor introduces himself to Willem and Orry, who react with disbelief but remain friendly. As they share a meal, Orry gushes about his whirlwind engagement, while Willem teases him and doubts love at first sight. Vor offers to volunteer with the Patrol, and the brothers invite him to fly along after lunch.
An alarm interrupts their plans, and the trio sprints to the tiltplane for a rescue: a swimmer reportedly caught in an undertow off Gable Cliff. Willem pilots while Orry rigs the sling and Vor assists. They spot a lone figure adrift and lower Orry to secure the victim for winching aboard.
Once inside, the rescued man is unresponsive and badly battered. Vor recognizes him as Shander Atreides; Orry’s attempts at resuscitation fail. Willem, shaken, heads for shore as Vor notes the injuries and agrees with Willem’s grim conclusion: Shander did not drown by accident but appears to have been beaten before his death.
Who Appears
- Vorian AtreidesAncient Atreides returns to Caladan, meets great-great-grandsons, joins a rescue, and recognizes Shander’s apparent murder.
- Orry AtreidesAir Patrol pilot; newly engaged; descends on sling to recover the victim and tries to revive Shander.
- Willem AtreidesAir Patrol pilot; flies the rescue craft and concludes Shander was beaten.
- Shander AtreidesElder Atreides and fisherman; planned to introduce Vor to the brothers; found dead with signs of assault.