Great Schools of Dune, #2
Mentats of Dune
by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Contents
Chapter 74 (There are far more pleasant places for an Emperor)
Overview
On Arrakis, Josef Venport springs a trap during Emperor Salvador’s inspection of a spice factory. After sabotaging the Imperial shuttle and blocking evacuation, Venport triggers a worm attack that destroys the harvester and kills Salvador. VenHold warships then ambush the Imperial Barge, which escapes into foldspace but damaged, escalating open conflict.
Summary
Emperor Salvador tours an Arrakis spice factory as spotters report a massive, fast-approaching sandworm. Crew Chief Okarr jettisons the spice cargo to a safe distance and calls for carryalls and rescue ships, but communications falter and no help arrives. An explosion disables the Imperial shuttle, trapping the Emperor and entourage.
Josef Venport addresses the factory by comm, declares he rejects Imperial seizure of Arrakis operations, and abruptly departs. Panic spreads as the Imperial Guard captain confirms the sabotage and transmits a last warning to the Imperial Barge to inform Salusa Secundus. Salvador, shaken and regretful he ignored Roderick’s counsel, watches the worm close in.
From an escape flyer, Josef monitors the scene, justifying the loss of the factory crew as necessary. He coordinates with Norma Cenva, who brings VenHold warships from foldspace to capture or destroy the Imperial Barge before it can flee with news of the attack.
The colossal worm engulfs the spice factory, silencing all transmissions and killing Salvador and those aboard. Simultaneously, VenHold ships open fire on the Imperial Barge, but the crew activates emergency Holtzman engines and jumps into foldspace, escaping with apparent damage.
With the worm’s passage erasing evidence and the barge wounded, Venport’s coup removes the Emperor, cripples the Corrino response, and signals a new, open confrontation between VenHold and the Imperium.
Who Appears
- Josef VenportMasterminds and oversees the assassination; strands Salvador on a harvester, unleashes a worm, and attacks the Imperial Barge.
- Emperor Salvador CorrinoOn Arrakis tour; trapped by sabotage; witnesses the approaching worm and dies when it destroys the factory.
- Crew Chief OkarrLeads factory emergency response; jettisons spice and attempts evacuation but cannot save anyone.
- Imperial Guard CaptainFails to secure escape; broadcasts Venport’s treachery to the Imperial Barge before the annihilation.
- Norma CenvaCoordinates VenHold warships in orbit; attempts to intercept the Imperial Barge, which escapes damaged.