DUNE-A False Haderach (OC X Shishakli) (OC x Alia)

Part 26

Chapter 17

DUKE LETO ATREIDES

Weeks had passed since the fateful day he met the man named Kazab and learned of secrets that went beyond his wildest imagination. Secrets that had shaken him to the core, and the truth was that he had had little time to contemplate them.

House Atreides had walked into a trap when they had come to Arrakis, yet they had come nonetheless answering the call, and now their fates were in the balance.

It was quiet in the castle, yet the lack of noise did not mask the preparations being carried out outside these walls as his men prepared for the eventual assault. Weapons were being prepared, drills were being run, and traps were being laid, yet still, Leto was not satisfied.

He should be. For the first time since he had set foot on this accursed planet, they were on par, if not ahead of their enemies. They knew of the attack, of the traitor, yet still, he was not satisfied.

Jessica had been distraught as well, distraught because he had been distant from her, and a part of him was unable to rationalise and separate the order's actions from hers. The Sisterhood was reviled by many in the Imperium. They were called opportunists and deceivers. However, most had thought these words to be nothing but fiction, yet now he could not be so sure.

And that unsettled him. For all his life, he had trusted Jessica with everything. Could he do it now with all that he had come to know?

"I should," he whispered with a sigh. He could not fathom what it must have taken for her to reveal those secrets and reveal such things, knowing of the impact they would have on him. Yet she had, for she wished for him to be safe and make the correct choice.

And he would do so—not just for himself but also for Jessica, Paul, and the little girl who was yet to be born.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

As he was about to reach for the computer, his door was knocked, and he looked up.

"Come in," he ordered. He saw his Warmaster Gurney enter the room, his scowling lips thin as he walked up to him, and after a salute, he uttered those fateful words.

"You were right," he said as he passed him a small messenger rod.

"He was the traitor. I went over the three times by myself, and we finally have proof," he finished as Leto felt both relief and disappointment rush through him.

"Dr. Yueh has been passing on information to the Harkonnens," he said, closing his eyes. Inzal's words had been confirmed, and though this was but a start, it was also a sign of trust.

He could have lied to them and led them astray, yet he had not. He had come in earnest, asked for nothing, and helped them quite a bit. The young man was smart enough to not give out the hints as he had, yet he had done so deliberately, and though he could not speak to his motives, he had helped them.

"Should I have him brought in?" Gurney questioned, and he nodded.

"Have him surrounded. I will be there, I want to stare him in the eye as I ask him why he betrayed me and my family, of what made him join hands with those Harkonnen scum," he ordered, and his Warmaster hesitated before saluting.

"As you wish, my lord." He wished to see Yueh look him in the eye as he asked him about his betrayal.

"And Gurney," he called his most trusted companion.

"Have the Water and the other equipment we brought carried to the outskirts of the city and place no guards," it was his payment for Inzal's actions. And Gurney seemed to understand that.