Chapter 33

Burzmali prepares an extraction near the Gammu no-globe, hiding his command post inside a giant pilingitam tree and deploying multiple decoys. As attackers arrive with no-ships, Lucilla drives Duncan forward while Teg carves an escape path. Burzmali’s team intercepts the fugitives, substitutes decoys, and launches an armored groundcar from the tree.

The car rockets along Teg’s blasted corridor, reaches an aqueduct tunnel, and then flies off autonomously to explode as a diversion. Burzmali hides with Lucilla and Duncan under a life-shield, concludes Teg is likely taken, and guides them to a concealed, algae-lined chamber that defeats life-scanners.

Inside, a green-eyed ally and the elder Sirafa brief them. Sirafa, a dedicated killer of Honored Matres from the Scattering, provides disguises and a plan to reach a no-ship. Duncan will be disguised and moved separately as part of a Tleilaxu entourage; Lucilla must impersonate a high-stage playfem of the Order of Hormu; Burzmali will pass as a field worker named Skar.

Sirafa instructs Lucilla on local customs, “divines” who may interrupt, and payment signals, handing her funds and a playfem card as “Pira.” Lucilla demonstrates Bene Gesserit Imprinter mastery, and Sirafa warns her to restrain abilities to avoid suspicion. To establish cover, Lucilla must appear to have served clients, including Burzmali.

As Sirafa departs to act as another decoy, Burzmali readies for the ruse. Lucilla, frustrated at being separated from Duncan, accepts the risks and prepares to move through Ysai under the new identities toward the awaiting no-ship.