Chapter 25 (We can never atone for all the harm we cause)

Amid a teaching about unavoidable harm and hard choices, Vorian Atreides rides a laborer shuttle to the cold world Lankiveil. The Bushnell family has moved into prime fur-whale grounds as House Harkonnen weakens, their ambitions blocked in the Landsraad yet advancing here. Vor, burdened by guilt over Griffin Harkonnen’s death and Abulurd’s exile, seeks to make amends without being recognized.

Arriving during sleet, Vor observes the harsh whaling port and checks into a rooming house. In a nearby restaurant, after speaking with a red-haired waitress, he posts a note offering to work on a Harkonnen whale-fur boat for no pay in exchange for documenting the experience, using the alias Jeron Egan to avoid the Atreides name.

The next morning, Vergyl Harkonnen summons him. Vor notes Vergyl’s resemblance to the late Griffin and the grief marking the man. Over benz flower tea served by Sonia Harkonnen, Vor explains his research intent. Vergyl questions the value of such misery, hinting at painful knowledge he cannot forget, while Vor asserts that knowledge endures.

When the weather clears, Vergyl tours Vor through the aging fleet, admitting poor maintenance and impending financial collapse. Vor, wealthy enough to help, decides to learn more before secretly intervening, determined not to expose his identity to the proud family he once harmed.

At dinner, Vor meets their quiet teenage son, Danvis. Sonia reveals that daughters Tula and Valya train with the Sisterhood and that Griffin died the previous year. Vergyl mourns Griffin’s lost promise and hopes Danvis can carry the legacy. Vor expresses sympathy and, moved by their hardship and his culpability, promises to try to turn their fortunes, privately vowing to do everything he can to help them recover.