Schools of Dune, #1
Sisterhood of Dune
by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Contents
9. It is a trivial thing …
Overview
Manford Torondo brings Butlerian pressure directly into the Landsraad, demanding that planetary representatives publicly renounce advanced technology. The session exposes open resistance from Josef Venport and more moderate scientific voices, while also revealing Butlerian influence inside the Imperial court through Sister Dorotea.
Manford’s threat to unleash mobs in Zimia turns political debate into coercion, placing Emperor Salvador in a dangerous corner. A sudden bomb threat interrupts the vote, saving the Landsraad from an immediate decision but convincing Manford that someone deliberately blocked him.
Summary
Manford Torondo arrives at the Landsraad Hall on Salusa Secundus expecting the kind of fervent acclaim he receives on Lampadas, but the nobles greet him with only polite restraint. Carried on a palanquin with Anari Idaho beside him, Manford notices empty seats, an inattentive Emperor Salvador Corrino, and Roderick Corrino in the Imperial box.
After being invited to state his business, Manford chastises the Landsraad for allowing technology back into their lives. He argues that small exceptions will lead humanity back toward enslavement by thinking machines, and he presents the Butlerian cause as the only safe path. Gilbertus Albans, embarrassed but compliant, confirms that Mentats can replace computers, while Sister Dorotea publicly supports the idea that disciplined human minds and bodies should make machines unnecessary.
The speech turns confrontational when Josef Venport challenges Manford from the visitors’ gallery, accusing him of hypocrisy and barbarism. Ptolemy of Zenith also defends beneficial science and argues that technology can be used responsibly. Manford responds by invoking the destruction caused by Omnius, the cymeks, Earth’s radioactive ruins, and Corrin, then warns that his Butlerians are watching those who backslide into convenience.
Manford demands an immediate public vote in which every representative must declare whether their planet will follow Butlerian principles and renounce advanced technology. Salvador tries to delay the matter for broader discussion and consultation, but Manford escalates by threatening to summon tens of thousands of followers into Zimia to smash technological devices. When a delegate objects that Manford has no authority to call a vote, Butlerian-controlled delegates stand as planned and formally demand one.
Before Salvador can resolve the crisis, shrill alarms sound. Roderick returns to the Imperial box and announces a credible bomb threat, forcing the evacuation of the Landsraad Hall. Anari orders Manford’s bearers to carry him out despite his protests that the vote must proceed. As he escapes, Manford suspects the timing of the threat is too convenient and resolves to insist on addressing the Landsraad again.
Who Appears
- Manford TorondoButlerian leader who demands a Landsraad vote renouncing technology and threatens mob action.
- Anari IdahoManford’s Swordmaster and protector, evacuating him when the bomb threat is announced.
- Emperor Salvador CorrinoImperial ruler pressured by Manford’s demand and visibly uncertain during the crisis.
- Roderick CorrinoSalvador’s brother, who leaves briefly and returns to announce the bomb threat.
- Josef VenportBusinessman who openly challenges Manford’s anti-technology extremism and hypocrisy.
- Gilbertus AlbansMentat headmaster cited by Manford as proof human minds can replace computers.
- Sister DoroteaSisterhood adviser at court who publicly supports Butlerian ideas about human potential.
- PtolemyRepresentative of Zenith who argues that science and technology can benefit humanity.
- The SpeakerLandsraad official who manages procedure and challenges Manford to state his business.