Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [122]
Though all three of them knew the underlying reasons for the overthrow of Ix, none of them spoke of the benefits they would receive after Hidar Fen Ajidica had begun the artificial spice research there.
Chamberlain Hesban burst back into the room, uncharacteristically flustered. He bowed. “Sire, pardon me, please? As I was transferring the Courier back to her Guild escorts, she informed them that you had refused to act in accordance with Imperial regulations. She has already joined with Ambassador Pilru in requesting an immediate audience with the members of the Landsraad Council.”
“Hm-m-m-m, she’s going behind your back, Sire,” Fenring said.
“Absurd,” the old Emperor snapped, then searched for his everpresent mug of spice beer. “What does a messenger know of Imperial regulations?”
“Though they have not qualified for full Mentat training, Licensed Couriers have perfect memories, Sire,” Fenring pointed out, bending close to the Emperor in the position Chamberlain Hesban usually assumed.
“She can’t process the concepts, but she may well have every regulation and codicil readily accessible in her brain. She rattled off a number of them in my presence.”
“Ah, yes. But how can she contest the Emperor’s decision, when he hasn’t even made up his mind yet?” Shaddam asked.
Hesban tugged on one of his drooping mustaches, increasing the frown that he directed at the Crown Prince, but he refrained from scolding Shaddam for his ignorance of Imperial law. “By mutual agreement between the Federated Council of the Landsraad and House Corrino, the Emperor is required either to render immediate assistance, or convene an emergency Security Council meeting to deal with the matter. If your father does not act within the hour, the Ixian Ambassador is within his rights to convene the Council himself.”
“Security Council?” Elrood grimaced and looked first to Chamberlain Hesban, then to Fenring for assistance. “What regulation is that infernal woman citing?”
“Volume thirty, section six point three, under the Great Convention.”
“What does it say?”
Hesban took a deep breath. “It concerns situations of House-to-House warfare, in which an appeal to the Emperor has been made by one of the parties engaged in hostilities. The regulation was designed to prohibit Emperors from taking sides; in such matters you must act as a neutral arbiter. Neutral, yes—but you must act.” He shuffled his feet. “Sire, I’m afraid I don’t understand why you would wish to delay. Surely, you don’t side with . . . with the Tleilaxu?”
“There are many things you don’t understand, Aken,” the Emperor said. “Just follow my wishes.” The Chamberlain appeared stung.
“Um-m-m-m.” Fenring paced behind the high-backed chair, then snagged a crystallized fruit wafer off one of the snacking trays. “Technically the Courier is correct, Sire. You’re not allowed to delay for a day or two. The regulation also goes on to say that, if called, the Landsraad Security Council meeting cannot be concluded without a decision.” Fenring placed a finger on his lips as he considered. “The hostile parties and their representatives have a right to attend. In the Ixians’ case, their representative could be the Spacing Guild as well as Ambassador Pilru—who, I might add, has a son currently threatened by the revolt on Ix, and another son recently inducted into the Guild.”
“Remember, too, the Ambassador’s wife has been killed in the revolt,” Hesban added. “People are dying.”
“Considering our plans for the Tleilaxu to use Ixian facilities, it would be better to keep the Guild out of this, too,” Shaddam spoke up.
“Plans?” The Chamberlain looked alarmed to learn he had been kept out of such important discussions. He turned to Elrood. “What plans, Sire?”
“Later, Aken.” The Emperor frowned. Shifting uncomfortably on his chair, he tugged the robes around his sunken chest. “Damn that woman!”
“The Guildsmen are waiting