Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [104]
“Thus, we have prudently decided to ingratiate ourselves with the most powerful presence in the galaxy—the Imperial House. In that way we can reap the greatest benefit from our new research.”
Elrood placed a long finger on his papery lips, considering. These Tleilaxu were clever, and if they could manufacture the substance exclusively for House Corrino, and cost-effectively, the Emperor would have a powerful bargaining chip.
The economic difference could be huge. House Harkonnen could be driven into the ground, bankrupted. Arrakis would become of little value, with the product there comparatively expensive to get out of the sand.
If this gnome could do as he suggested, the Landsraad, CHOAM, the Spacing Guild, the Mentats, and the Bene Gesserit would be forced to seek favors from the Emperor in order to get their supplies. Most of the important scions of noble families were already addicted to melange, and Elrood himself could become their supplier. Excitement blossomed within him.
Ajidica interrupted Elrood’s train of thought. “Let me emphasize that this will be no simple task, Sire. The precise chemical structure of melange is extraordinarily difficult to analyze, and we must separate out which components are necessary for the substance to be effective, and which are irrelevant. In order to achieve this goal, the Tleilaxu will require enormous resources, as well as the freedom and time to pursue our avenues of research.”
Fenring shifted on the polished steps and, while looking up at the old Emperor, interjected: “My Lord, I see now that Master Ajidica was right in seeking privacy for this audience. Such an undertaking must be carried out entirely in secret if House Corrino is to have an exclusive source. Ah, certain powers in the Imperium would do anything to prevent you from creating an independent and inexpensive supply of spice, hm-m-m-m?”
Fenring could see that the old man recognized the enormous political and economic advantages Ajidica’s proposal could bring him—even in light of everyone’s instinctive loathing for the Tleilaxu. He sensed the balance shifting, the senile Emperor coming to exactly the conclusion Fenring wished. Yes, the ancient creature can still be manipulated.
Elrood himself saw many forces hanging in the balance. Since the Harkonnens were ambitious and intractable, he would have preferred to place another Great House in charge of Arrakis, but the Baron would remain in power for decades yet. For political reasons, the Emperor had been forced to grant this valuable quasi-fief to House Harkonnen after ousting Richese, and the new fief holders had dug themselves in. Too much so. Even the debacle of Abulurd’s governorship (he’d been installed in his position at the request of his father Dmitri Harkonnen) had not brought the desired result. The effect had been the exact opposite, in fact, once the Baron had maneuvered himself into a position of power.
But what to do with Arrakis afterward? Elrood thought. I would want total control of it as well. Without its monopoly on spice, the place might come cheap. At the right price, it could prove useful for something else . . . an incredibly harsh military training area, perhaps?
“You were correct in bringing your ideas to our attention, Hidar Fen Ajidica.” Elrood clasped his hands on his lap, clinking gold rings together, refusing to apologize for his earlier rudeness. “Please give us a detailed summary of your needs.”
“Yes, my Lord Emperor.” Ajidica bowed again, keeping his hands folded in his billowing maroon sleeves. “Most importantly, my people will need equipment and resources . . . a place in which to do our research. I will be in charge of this program myself, but the Bene Tleilax require an appropriate technological base and industrial facilities. Preferably ones that are already functional—and well defended.”
Elrood pondered the question. Surely, among all the worlds in the Imperium, there must be someplace, a high-tech world with