Chapter 23

In the quiet of Chapterhouse, Taraza studies scattered reports and holoprojections, resenting dependence on Archivists and their Mentat-coded records. Reviewing a breeding projection from Odrade’s sample of Waff, Taraza dismisses long-term value and reflects on the burdens of bureaucratic analysis versus decisive leadership.

Weighing Odrade’s urgent request for military aid, Taraza notes Teg, Lucilla, and the ghola Duncan are missing and concludes a contingency plan is required. Reasoning that Teg has concealed the ghola beyond prepared contacts, she resolves to send Burzmali to Gammu to pick up the trail, while avoiding actions that would alert the Guild.

Taraza outlines guidance for Odrade: take Waff deep into the desert to stage a crisis-driven religious experience and test Tleilaxu ghola-based immortality; protect Sheeana; and otherwise follow the plan. She remains wary of the unpredictable Rakis worms despite Sheeana’s apparent command, and she decides to slow the Rakis timetable to buy Teg time.

Surveying Chapterhouse’s defenses and the ever-present risk of accidental discovery, Taraza reflects on the Scattering, the Golden Path, and the unresolved Atreides imprint on humanity. Internally, she gauges opposition aligned with Schwangyu and recognizes that silence may mask violence.

Turning to Odrade’s “dangerous talent,” Taraza balances utility against risk, even considering elimination while preserving breeding lines. She composes a message to Odrade—help is coming; protect Sheeana; proceed within orders—using personal familiarity (“Dar”) to secure compliance, and summons Burzmali to act against the unknowns unfolding on Gammu.