Chapter 09
Posted: 12 Feb 2008 21:28
The most dangerous game in the universe is to govern from an oracular base. We
do not consider ourselves wise enough or brave enough to play that game. The
measures detailed here for regulation in lesser matters are as near as we dare
venture to the brink of government. For our purposes, we borrow a definition
from the Bene Gesserit and we consider the various worlds as gene pools, sources
of teachings and teachers, sources of the possible. Our goal is not to rule, but
to tap these gene pools, to learn, and to free ourselves from all restraints
imposed by dependency and government.
-"The Orgy as a Tool of Statecraft," Chapter Three of The Steersman's Guild
This is Edric's audience with Paul. Scytale is present too. They make small talk about how and where Duke Leto and Barron Harkonnen died. Earlier, a troop of face dancers had performed for Paul's court. Paul questions the Guild's intentions, pointing out that the Ghola believes he was intended to destroy him. Edric questions if it is possible to destroy a god but Paul asks who says he's a god. Edric says his worshippers do and accuses Paul of conspiring to make a god of himself. Paul thinks back on alternate timeline where he didn't accept godhood that were much worse and asks Edric if he questions his prescience which angers Stilgar. Edric is obviously trained in language and the tricks of statecraft but he is trying Paul's patience, Stilgar comments that he's had men executed for less. Paul concludes that Edric is speaking for the benifit of Stilgar and the guards in the room, maybe even Scytale. He tells Edric that he did not seek to become a god, it was thrust upon him, to which Edric retorts, why not renounce it. Paul tells he it is because Alia is a goddess and urges caution with her, she could kill him with a glance. Stilgar nods agreement. Paul signals for the end of the audience and orders Stilgar not to kill Edric. Scytale tell Paul that some cling to imperialism because it unifies them in the infinity of space and that maybe they cling to religion for the same reason, then pushes Edric's tank out of the room. While conversing with Stilgar afterwards, Paul concludes that his enemies are setting him up to destroy himself, but he can do nothing else because the alternatives he's seen in his visions are far worse. Korba enters with some histories Paul wants Stilgar to view. Paul compares himself with leaders of our times and wonders if anyone will ever surpass him. He wonders if Hitler thought the exact same thing. Korba informs Paul that Chani, who is observiing the reception, now being hosted by Alia, suspects that there are Sardaukar amongst the Guild entourage and have been trying to penetrate the keep. Paul orders the guard tightened and declares the party over.
do not consider ourselves wise enough or brave enough to play that game. The
measures detailed here for regulation in lesser matters are as near as we dare
venture to the brink of government. For our purposes, we borrow a definition
from the Bene Gesserit and we consider the various worlds as gene pools, sources
of teachings and teachers, sources of the possible. Our goal is not to rule, but
to tap these gene pools, to learn, and to free ourselves from all restraints
imposed by dependency and government.
-"The Orgy as a Tool of Statecraft," Chapter Three of The Steersman's Guild
This is Edric's audience with Paul. Scytale is present too. They make small talk about how and where Duke Leto and Barron Harkonnen died. Earlier, a troop of face dancers had performed for Paul's court. Paul questions the Guild's intentions, pointing out that the Ghola believes he was intended to destroy him. Edric questions if it is possible to destroy a god but Paul asks who says he's a god. Edric says his worshippers do and accuses Paul of conspiring to make a god of himself. Paul thinks back on alternate timeline where he didn't accept godhood that were much worse and asks Edric if he questions his prescience which angers Stilgar. Edric is obviously trained in language and the tricks of statecraft but he is trying Paul's patience, Stilgar comments that he's had men executed for less. Paul concludes that Edric is speaking for the benifit of Stilgar and the guards in the room, maybe even Scytale. He tells Edric that he did not seek to become a god, it was thrust upon him, to which Edric retorts, why not renounce it. Paul tells he it is because Alia is a goddess and urges caution with her, she could kill him with a glance. Stilgar nods agreement. Paul signals for the end of the audience and orders Stilgar not to kill Edric. Scytale tell Paul that some cling to imperialism because it unifies them in the infinity of space and that maybe they cling to religion for the same reason, then pushes Edric's tank out of the room. While conversing with Stilgar afterwards, Paul concludes that his enemies are setting him up to destroy himself, but he can do nothing else because the alternatives he's seen in his visions are far worse. Korba enters with some histories Paul wants Stilgar to view. Paul compares himself with leaders of our times and wonders if anyone will ever surpass him. He wonders if Hitler thought the exact same thing. Korba informs Paul that Chani, who is observiing the reception, now being hosted by Alia, suspects that there are Sardaukar amongst the Guild entourage and have been trying to penetrate the keep. Paul orders the guard tightened and declares the party over.