Contents
Chapter 44
Overview
At Dar-es-Balat on Rakis, a supposed VIP arrival becomes an aerial assault that kills Taraza. As Taraza dies, she transfers her memories to Odrade, who assumes leadership. Odrade and Sheeana escape through service shafts, confirming Honored Matre aggression and forcing an immediate shift from study to survival and desert flight.
Summary
At Dar-es-Balat on Rakis, Taraza reflects on the planet’s surprises and the Bene Gesserit aim to decode the “worm’s language” through Sheeana’s dance. With Waff and the priest Tulushan invited to witness, Taraza and Odrade debate the Tyrant’s lingering design and the danger and utility of new ideas.
Taraza recalls Odrade’s lesson to Sheeana: sexual force can shape or destroy civilizations; the Honored Matres wield it to control, but resistance evolves. The Sisterhood must strengthen that resistance, even by engaging with energies unleashed in the Scattering.
The expected ’thopters of Very Important Observers arrive from the wrong direction. A beam lances from the first craft, severing Taraza’s legs and mortally wounding her. As violence spreads across the museum city, Taraza concludes she has forced the decisive moment and summons Odrade.
Odrade kneels and receives Taraza’s memories and mission, the Bene Gesserit transfer of leadership at the brink of death. Waff and Tulushan do not return to the penthouse amid the chaos. Recognizing the attackers as Honored Matres, Odrade acts swiftly.
Odrade gathers glowglobes and, with Sheeana, descends an airshaft into the building’s machinery levels. Declaring herself temporary Mother Superior, Odrade aims for the no-room and escape into the desert, shifting the Sisterhood’s Rakis operation from observation to survival under open attack.
Who Appears
- TarazaMother Superior on Rakis; mortally wounded in ’thopter attack; transfers memories to Odrade.
- Mother Superior Odrade (Dar)Receives Taraza’s life; assumes leadership; orchestrates escape with Sheeana via airshaft and glowglobes.
- SheeanaWorm-dancer and student; receives Odrade’s guidance; flees with her toward the no-room.
- WaffTleilaxu Master present for the demonstration; disappears during the attack, fate unclear.
- TulushanRakis priestly representative; bureaucratic, expendable; absent during the assault, fate uncertain.
- Honored MatresImplied attackers arriving as VIOs; their strike triggers Taraza’s death and the escape.