Contents
Chapter 32
Overview
From the Rakis embassy, Odrade confronts Waff and assumes authority to negotiate, diverging from Taraza’s sequence. She manipulates Waff via shared religion to redirect his fears toward the Scattering and Honored Matres.
They seal a far-reaching Bene Gesserit–Tleilaxu alliance: mutual sharing, breeding plans for Duncan and Sheeana, and propagation of the Atreides Manifesto.
Summary
In the Bene Gesserit embassy at Keen, Odrade watches Sheeana’s lessons and reflects on Rakis’s modernization, priestly politics, and the Face Dancer replacement of Tuek. Troubled by Missionaria Protectiva methods and the Tyrant’s haunting warnings, she recognizes how their manipulations breed dependency, as seen in the sycophantic Albertus.
Waff waits under guard, unsettled by their desert ordeal and his concessions. Odrade delays to heighten his anxiety, then abruptly confronts him. Questioning Taraza’s path yet invoking a “noble purpose,” Odrade declares she has authority to negotiate and dismisses the guards to increase trust. Switching into the Islamiyat tongue, she dissolves Waff’s resistance by aligning with his beliefs.
Odrade names their common enemy—the Honored Matres and predatory forces from the Scattering—and undercuts Waff’s confidence in his returning descendants. She reveals Bene Gesserit awareness of new Face Dancers embedded on Ix and among Fish Speakers, and promises discretion, hinting at BG plans to plant worms across the Scattering.
Pressed for terms, Odrade offers sweeping reciprocity: complete sharing, Bene Gesserit breeding records, and even breeding mothers of Tleilaxu choice, in exchange for melange and deeper cooperation. She commits the Sisterhood to espouse the Tleilaxu’s true faith publicly when required, arguing conversion as the strategy against superior numbers.
They agree to breed Duncan Idaho with Sheeana so their lineage can speak to descendants of the Prophet across many worlds. Waff, elated and believing he can dominate through axlotl-tank powers, asks support for the Atreides Manifesto; Odrade reveals she authored it and agrees. The pact is sealed, binding the Sisterhood beyond Taraza’s original design.
Who Appears
- Mother Superior TarazaOffstage influence; her plan frames Odrade’s actions, which deliberately diverge to secure an immediate alliance.
- Darwi OdradeLeads negotiations with Waff; asserts authority, manipulates via shared faith, and forges a sweeping BG–Tleilaxu pact.
- Tylwyth WaffTleilaxu Master; wavers under doubt, then embraces an expansive alliance he believes he can ultimately control.
- SheeanaSeen training below; future breeding partner for Duncan in the alliance plan.
- AlbertusPriestly informant; his sycophancy exemplifies Missionaria Protectiva’s corrosive effects.
- Face Dancer posing as TuekImpersonates the dead High Priest; his mimicry reveals political shifts aiding modernization.
- Guardian SistersEscort and security for Waff; dismissed to build trust during private negotiations.
- The Tyrant (Leto II)Referenced; his words provoke Odrade’s doubts and drive her toward a ‘noble purpose.’