Chapter 2 (Blind adherence to foolish)

Josef Venport’s Navigator-guided ship arrives at Baridge, a world suffering heightened solar radiation and dependent on technology now outlawed under Deacon Kalifer’s Butlerian pledge. Venport, traveling with his wife Cioba, intends to demonstrate the cost of Baridge’s decision and test its willingness to reverse course.

A recommissioned Jihad-era Butlerian warship confronts the VenHold vessel and opens fire with outdated munitions. Venport records that he was attacked first, then orders the enemy destroyed. VenHold’s superior weapons quickly annihilate the Butlerian ship, signaling Baridge’s vulnerability to any further fanatic enforcement.

Venport broadcasts to Deacon Kalifer on a public channel, knowing many citizens likely eavesdrop. He offers pharmaceuticals, protective creams, Suk-trained doctors, and discounted melange—but only if Baridge publicly renounces the Butlerian pledge. The proposal directly ties survival and health to rejection of anti-technology zealotry.

Kalifer hesitates, then declines, citing fear of riots and retaliation from Manford Torondo’s followers. Venport rescinds the offer, reaffirms the embargo, and prepares to depart for the next world, confident Baridge’s growing desperation will eventually force a reversal.