Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [125]
Pilru and the Ixian Courier conferred in low, anxious tones, before the Ambassador said, “I ask the Emperor to require proof of such violations. The Bene Tleilax have acted as a rogue element, destroying our commercial base without first submitting their accusations to the Landsraad.” Then he added quickly, “Or to the Emperor.”
“Evidence is being compiled,” Tooy responded. “And it will include the true motive behind the criminal acts you Ixians have committed. Your profit margins have been slipping, putting your CHOAM membership in jeopardy.”
Ah, Shaddam thought, exchanging glances with Hasimir Fenring. Those reports that we falsified so skillfully! No one could manipulate documents as well as Fenring.
“That’s patently false,” Pilru said. “We’re more profitable than ever, especially with our new Heighliner design. Simply ask the Guild. Your people had no right to incite such violence—”
“We had every right, the moral right, to protect the Imperium from another epoch of domination by machines. We see through your subterfuges to your motivation for making machine-minds. Is your profit worth more than the safety of humanity? You have sold your souls!”
Veins throbbed at Pilru’s temples, and he lost his ambassadorial calm. “You lying little bastard, this is a complete fabrication!” He turned to Elrood. “Sire, I demand that you send Sardaukar to Ix to intervene and protect our people from the illegal invasion committed by forces of the Bene Tleilax. We have broken no laws.”
“Violating the Butlerian Jihad is a most serious charge,” the Emperor said in a thoughtful tone, though he didn’t really care a whit about it. He covered his mouth as he coughed again. “Such an accusation cannot be taken lightly. Think of the consequences . . .” Elrood spoke with deliberate slowness, which Shaddam found amusing. The Crown Prince couldn’t help admiring some things about his doomed father, but Elrood was far beyond his prime, and it was time for new blood to step in.
The Courier spoke up. “Emperor Elrood, the Tleilaxu are stalling for time while battles rage on Ix. Use your Sardaukar to enforce a cessation of hostilities, then let each side present its case and evidence in court.”
The Emperor’s eyebrows arched, and he gazed down his thin nose at her. “As a mere Courier, you are not qualified to present arguments to me.” He flicked his glance at the Sardaukar guards. “Remove this woman.”
Desperation gave her voice a ragged edge. “Pardon, Sire, but I am the one most familiar with the crisis on Ix, and my Lord Vernius instructed me to take all necessary steps. We demand that the Bene Tleilax present proof immediately, or withdraw their forces. They aren’t compiling evidence. That’s just a delaying tactic!”
“When can you submit the proof to me?” the Emperor inquired, sliding his gaze to Tooy.
“Alleged proof,” Pilru objected.
“Three Imperial days, Sire.”
Gasps of protest issued from the Ixians. “But, Sire, in that amount of time, they can solidify their military gains—fabricate any evidence they wish.” Pilru’s eyes glittered. “They have already murdered my wife, destroyed buildings . . . My son is missing. Please do not allow them to continue their rampage unchecked for three days!”
The Emperor considered this for a moment, while the assemblage grew quiet. “I’m sure you are exaggerating the unpleasantness to force me into making a rash decision. Considering the gravity of the charges, I’m inclined to await the evidence, or lack of it.” He looked at his Chamberlain. “What say you, Aken? Does that follow the letter of Imperial Law in a situation such as this?” Hesban murmured in concurrence.
Elrood nodded at Pilru as if he were granting him an incredible personal favor. “I think, however, that the proof should be submitted in two days instead of three. Can you accomplish that, Ambassador Tooy?”
“It will be difficult, Sire, but . . . as you wish.”
Aghast, Pilru flushed with anger. “My Lord, how can