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This article or section refers to elements from Expanded Dune |
- "I know that you have borne children, that you have lost loved ones, that you have hidden in fear and that you have done violence and will yet do more violence. I know many things."
- ―Lady Jessica to Shadout Mapes[src]
The Edge of a Crysknife is a short story by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, following the Shadout Mapes's time as a Fedaykin, and her efforts to drive out the Governors of Arrakis, Dmitri and Abulurd Harkonnen. Part I is set in 10135 AG and Part II is set in 10152 AG.
Plot Summary[]
Part I (10135 AG)[]
A group of Fedaykin have infiltrated a Spice harvester, gaining the trust of the crew as workers, intending to destroy the spice mining operation. Mapes, her husband Rafir and Ahar stealthily kill off the crew of the Harvester. One asks Mapes what they did wrong, emphasising that they are merely paid workers. Mapes declares 'You are Harkonnens. All Harkonnens must die. You work for the enemy, therefore you are the enemy". The Fedaykin regroup. While planning to ransack the harvester and stop its operation, they detect Wormsign and cheer, knowing the Sandworm would do their work for them. A Harkonnen Carryall arrives to rescue the harvester. Fedaykin Onorio activates a rocket launcher and destroys the ship. The Fedaykin begin their hike back to the Sietch.
At the Sietch, the Fremen celebrate. The Naib of the Sietch releases extra quantities of melange and fresh spice beer for the festivities. Mapes and Rafir make love. An hour later, Mapes meets with the Naib of the Sietch, her mother, Safia. Safia was a former Fedaykin. She encourages Mapes to use the few advantages she has as a woman, particularly the fact that offworlders would underestimate her. She gives her an example: If a Fremen man were to start working in Carthag, he would arouse suspicion and could be discovered, whilst a women would fly under the radar. Safia gifts Mapes her old Crysknife and asks her for help attaching her prosthetic leg so she can adress the tribe. Safia gives a speech, encouraging the Fremen to continue the raids until the Governor of Arrakis Dmitri Harkonnen leaves in shame. A Fremen asks what would happen if the next Governor would turn out worse than Dmitri. Safia tells them that they must pray that they will be better, until eventually they leave entirely and the Fremen retake Dune. She tells the Fremen that she and Mapes have devised a plan.
Mapes undertakes an undercover mission in Carthag. She creates a persona and maintains appearances, solidifying herself as a citizen of the town in the eyes of the Carthagians. Mapes discovers that illegal Spice shipments are regularly delivered to the Harkonnens and plans for the Fedaykin to destroy it. This would cause Dmitri major damage; As the shipment was illegal in the first place, he could not lodge an official complaint. To uncover the specific details of the shipment, Mapes begins working in the Harkonnen mansion. After the chief housekeeper tells her that it would takes over 6 months to reach a position where Mapes could work in Dmitri's office, Mapes murders a woman higher up and takes her place. On her fourth assignment, Mapes discovers the details of the shipment on Dmitri's desk and leaves Carthag.
- This article is a stub: It may require more information.
Characters[]
- Abulurd Harkonnen
- Ahar
- Dmitri Harkonnen
- Elrood Corrino IX (mentioned only)
- Mapes
- Onorio
- Rafir
- Safia
- Samos
- Vladimir Harkonnen
Items[]
- Crysknife
- Elaccan bloodwood
- Glowglobe
- Prothetic leg
- Shield
- Spice Melange
Planets and Locations[]
- Arrakis
- Giedi Prime (mentioned only)
- Harko (mentioned only)
Organizations[]
- Fremen
- Fedaykin
- House Atreides
- House Harkonnen
- House Mutelli (mentioned only)
- House Richese (mentioned only)
Titles[]
- Governor of Arrakis
- Naib
- Padishah Emperor
Events[]
- Attack on the Orgiz refinery complex