Chapter 32 (Crossing the line from friend)

Under cover of night, Draigo Roget evades Butlerian warships and slips through Lampadas’s swamp defenses using memorized Mentat paths. Determined yet cautious, he intends to reach Headmaster Gilbertus Albans and test their bond after their deadly clash at Thonaris.

Insomnia keeps Gilbertus awake, reviewing trainees and guarding the secret Erasmus core. Draigo enters unannounced. After brief pleasantries, Draigo reveals he is training Mentats free of Butlerian control and argues that the Butlerians are as destructive as thinking machines.

Gilbertus acknowledges the danger but admits he supports Manford outwardly to survive. Draigo presses him to denounce Manford and join Venport to defend civilization. Gilbertus refuses, asserting he can make subtle changes from within, though he knows the risk and limitations.

As Erasmus silently eavesdrops, Gilbertus briefly considers entrusting the robot’s core to Draigo for safekeeping, then decides against it, uncertain of trust and unwilling to part with his mentor. Draigo challenges Gilbertus’s justification as mere rationalization.

Receiving no commitment, Draigo leaves the office and the school’s defenses the way he came. Both men understand that Gilbertus’s stance may be untenable and that their relationship has shifted from loyal mentorship toward opposing sides.