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

Part 50

Chapter 50

LADY MARGOT FENRING

The network of caves in Jacurutu was much more expansive than she had realsied, and it had housed the major portion of the rebellion's most elite strikeforce.

Right now, on the surface, they had stationed a large garrison on the poles to distract the Imperium's forces, hoping to bait the enemy into attacking those settlements only for them to strike at the main enemy camp at Arrakeen.

It was a solid plan, one that would not be made possible without the protection of the so-called preacher or the sacrifice of one of the 'pillars' of the rebellion.

For the first time since its inception, the rebellion council gathered in person. Their number, one short for the leader of the Bene Tleilaxu, had sacrificed himself, using the cover he had spent years making, as a Nabi by the name of Korba.

But the rest were now here, in her presence, facing one another as they holed up in these expansive caves planning their next move.

The four Pillars had now become the three pillars, with 'Eric' representing the guild, a masked Ixian by the name of Darya, and the successor of Gaius Helen Mohaim 'Lady Thrius' representing the sisterhood. Each of them had led their respective faction for years, operating against the Emperor known to the galaxy as the All Seer, their identities a highly guarded secret known to but a few.

"We must not let our comrade's sacrifice go in vain," added the Reverend Mother, as small nods joined in as the Guild leader Eric began from his tank in his fish-like tone.

"Indeed, with the Emperor now injured and bed-ridden it is time for us to strike at his palace before he makes a full recovery, or we shall have wasted perhaps the only opportunity to end this treacherous reign of Inzal Kazab Corrino," and at those words the Ixian became unsettled.

"Do not take his name so lightly," came what was a rather feminine voice from behind the mask, shrill and filled with worry and intelligence.

"There are rumors that his name carries a taboo," and the Reverend Mother smirked.

"I thought your kind was smarter than this," Lady Thrius taunted, she was in a way older even than Gaius Helen Mohaim, both physically and in mind given that she had all of her own teacher's memories to rely on.

"There is no taboo, it is but a rumor propagated by the man to hide the true nature of his prowess," she added and the Ixian shrugged.

"You must know it, of course, if only you had done your duty and gotten rid of that monster on the day he was born," the Ixian taunted, and the Reverend Mother's face flushed in rage, and yet she gave no indication of it.

"You da..."

"Ahm!" she cut in before things could devolve any further.

"I believe if we begin fighting amongst ourselves, we are only going to aid the enemy. Every second we waste we give the Emperor time to recover," and it was only through much effort that they had been able to confirm the Emperor's injuries, and how the Empress now sat in his throne.

"We have made efforts to unsettle the Empress, Houses in whom we had some influence in tried to force her away from the Emperor's throne, but the girl has proven herself to be just as savage as her husband and slaughtered all of them for their revolt," Lady Thrius added, and the ploy had been a good one.

But they had underestimated Shishakli Tabr Corrino. The girl had been Inzal's right hand for the last two decades. She had learned at the master's heel and had considerable support among the Fremen.