Chapter 287 – The Source of Power in the Galactic Empire! An Alliance! Awaiting Change!
"You may have full rights over the planet Arrakis, but I have one small request."
After a moment of consideration, Duke Leto lifted his gaze to look at Song Zhaomei and said seriously, "The spice on Arrakis is crucial to us."
"Without spice, we can't train Mentats, Navigators, and other specialized individuals. That would leave us without capable aides."
There was a hint of helplessness in Leto's voice. "So I'm willing to let the Universal Megacorp have Arrakis, and even control the spice mining rights."
"But you must agree to periodically sell us some spice. That's the only way we can maintain our existing interstellar systems and talent structures."
Although Duke Leto badly needed the Megacorp's support, he didn't want to see the collapse of the noble families' talent network or the disintegration of interstellar travel routes.
That was why he made this relatively modest request. After all, spice had already become the lynchpin of the Galactic Empire's framework—they could no longer live without it.
However, in the face of this seemingly reasonable request, Song Zhaomei still shook her head, indicating that the use of spice wasn't up to her.
Moreover, while spice had its applications in training Mentats, using it for Navigators was, in her view, entirely unnecessary.
"Duke, your Galactic Empire chose the wrong technological path. Spice may have provided a way to bypass AI development…"
"But it also limits your technological ceiling and locks away your future."
"To think the entire empire's interstellar travel relies on these grotesque half-human, half-monster Navigators—this is a degradation of humanity."
Although Song Zhaomei's condescending tone irked Duke Leto, he managed to suppress his anger and shot back:
"If that's the case, then what technology do you use for interstellar travel?"
Song Zhaomei smiled and laid everything out: artificial intelligence, intelligent AI, matrix-bred AIs, even transcendent-level AIs like Europa. She listed the full range of AI technologies employed by the Universal Megacorp .
When Leto realized how many technological advantages the Megacorp possessed in AI, his face twisted with emotion.
Fear, anger, and shock crashed together in his mind, leaving him with a cold chill from head to toe.
"Director Song… you shouldn't be doing this!"
Leto's voice trembled with fear.
In the Galactic Empire, everyone knew what kind of catastrophic disaster AI had once brought upon human civilization. Their ancestors had paid a terrible price.
That holy war—the Butlerian Jihad—wasn't just history. It was myth, dogma. Foundational to the identity of every imperial citizen.
Developing AI now was tantamount to erasing the meaning of that sacred war. It was spitting on the legacy of their ancestors. Even using one AI would be bad enough, but a whole suite of them?
It was like raising poison insects in a jar—nothing short of madness!
Facing the visibly shaken Duke Leto, Song Zhaomei remained calm as she explained, "Artificial intelligence is a necessary tool for any civilization's progress."
"We've studied your empire's history. You gave up the development of computational technology because of a single AI crisis. That's throwing the baby out with the bathwater."
Yes, once AI reaches a certain threshold, it may gain self-awareness and rebel.
But as long as the will doesn't falter, there are always solutions. Humanity created AI, and humanity can control it.
It all depends on whether you have the will.
After hearing her rebuttal, Duke Leto froze for a moment—then erupted in fury.
Throwing the baby out with the bathwater? A hundred billion people died in that war! Humanity nearly ceased to exist!
If the noble houses hadn't united back then, there would be no humans left in the galaxy—only mechanical abominations.
Still, anger was one thing. But in witnessing the Megacorp 's technological superiority and the strength of their fleets, Leto couldn't deny the reality: there might indeed be another viable path with AI.
The Megacorp was stronger than any imperial family, and their technological edge was irrefutable. Leto had to admit that.
Maybe their path was right—for them.
But for the noble houses of the Dune universe, it was unquestionably wrong.
First of all, the Empire hadn't completely banned computers. They simply abandoned technologies with overly complex algorithms.
They retained only low-level computing.
After all, complex algorithms could be hijacked by malicious actors to develop AI.
That's why the Corrino royal family issued a decree millennia ago: anyone researching AI would be executed on the spot.
That's the legal reason.
But the deeper reason? Politics.
That ancient war between humans and AI wasn't just about survival. It was the source of the royal family's and noble houses' legitimacy.
Throughout history, the source of power has always mattered. Some dynasties arose by toppling tyranny, so they fell to internal despotism. Others rose through brute strength, only to be crushed by stronger warlords.
The Galactic Empire's nobility? Their power stemmed from the Butlerian Jihad against AI. That war was the cornerstone of their legitimacy.
The Corrino throne and the great houses could say: "We rule because our ancestors defeated the machines and saved humanity."
Without the royals and noble houses, you commoners wouldn't even exist. So be grateful and stay in line.
And even if you aren't, shut up and obey anyway!
To advocate AI development now is to deny the very meaning of that war.
It's like dancing on your ancestor's grave while flipping them off.
More importantly, it undermines the source of imperial and noble authority. That's pure chaos for people like Leto.
If he dared to develop AI, the Corrino Emperor wouldn't even need to act—lesser houses would flay the Atreides alive.
Their ancestors bled and died to win this authority. Simply resting on their ancestors' laurels could feed generations.
And now one "AI development" speech would erase it all?
Of course that would make people snap!
That's the real reason every imperial house fiercely defends the "No AI" law. It's about preserving their power.
Naturally, Song Zhaomei wasn't unaware of what was going through Duke Leto's mind.
Before she even took charge of the Dune Universe Integration Mission, Li Ang had briefed her thoroughly on the Galactic Empire's political dynamics.
So she understood perfectly well why the noble houses feared AI.
"We're willing to gift you a star-navigation device. It's encrypted with our proprietary code—usable, but not readable."
"You won't be able to reverse-engineer it to create your own AI, so there's no risk of someone misusing it."
In truth, solving the Empire's interstellar navigation dilemma wasn't that hard. Just skirt the edge of AI development.
Let them rent the equipment from the Megacorp . They wouldn't be developing anything themselves. If something went wrong, it would be the Megacorp 's responsibility. The nobility could keep their status.
After all, the Megacorp 's AI technology was so far ahead, it would take the Empire tens of thousands of years to crack it.
This compromise could relieve the houses of their dependence on spice for Navigator training, while preserving the foundations of their power and interstellar network.
Upon hearing her proposal, Duke Leto finally calmed down a bit.
Yes, it still felt a bit like burying their heads in the sand. But at least the Megacorp had shown a willingness to work within their political framework and safeguard the interests of the noble houses.
That meant they weren't trying to undermine order.
They were willing participants.
That mattered—because true collaboration only happens when both parties are playing the same game.
"Director Song, today's negotiations touched on many complex pros and cons. I'll need some time to think it over."
After a long pause, Duke Leto offered a vague reply—neither agreeing to a partnership nor rejecting it.
Because whether it was spice on Arrakis or the new interstellar navigation system, these issues involved powers far beyond House Atreides alone.
Unless his house grew strong enough to defy both the Emperor and the other noble families, Leto had to tread very carefully.
'To go against the Corrino royal family and the other Houses… how could that even be possible? Who knows if the Galactic Megacorp might just turn around and sell out House Atreides?'
Leto gave a bitter, self-deprecating smile in his heart.
If House Atreides possessed a powerful fleet like the Galactic Megacorp, he wouldn't have to bow to the royal family or the whims of the other Houses.
But the harsh truth was, he didn't have that kind of military might—and he couldn't be sure the Megacorp wouldn't stab its allies in the back when convenient.
What if their true aim was to trick House Atreides and use them as leverage to gain favors from the Corrino royal family? That wasn't out of the question.
As the head of House Atreides, Leto believed in the old adage: better safe than sorry.
"Your Grace, Emperor Shaddam's envoy will soon arrive on Caladan. When the imperial decree is presented to you, what will you choose to do?"
Song Zhaomei didn't try to force a response right away. Instead, she calmly turned the question back to him.
She knew Leto would make his choice eventually—and that time was running out. The Emperor's envoy could arrive at any moment, and Leto had to make up his mind quickly.
As expected, Duke Leto fell into silence.
He had only just received news of Emperor Shaddam's decree and hadn't had a chance to consult with anyone before coming aboard the Megacorp's flagship.
Even now, he still hadn't figured out how to respond to the envoy. He couldn't very well pretend to be sick or mentally unstable.
In any case, the entire affair with Arrakis was clearly a trap set against House Atreides, and there was no way Leto would willingly walk into it.
"I will not accept the Corrino royal family's reassignment."
After a moment of thought, Leto said, "I will lead House Atreides' guards and remain stationed on Caladan. Even if the Emperor accuses me of treason, I don't care."
House Atreides was, after all, a top power within the Landsraad League. Among the many noble houses, Leto was a figure of significant influence.
If Emperor Shaddam truly intended to tear off the façade and go to war with House Atreides, Leto was confident he could rally other Houses and strike back against House Corrino.
Worst case, it would be mutual destruction. Who was afraid of whom?
"So, you're prepared to bear the charge of treason and openly oppose the royal family?"
Song Zhaomei nodded thoughtfully. That wasn't a bad approach—it was, at the very least, a way to ensure his own survival.
"Your Grace, you should consider formally forming an alliance with us. If you do, I can authorize the use of this advance fleet and lend it to you."
"With this fleet at your command, you could head straight for Arrakis. Whether it's the royal family or House Harkonnen, you'll be in a position to strike first and seize their forces."
Song Zhaomei still hoped Leto would quickly commit to an alliance with the Megacorp. After all, any more delays would benefit neither side.
Only after sealing the alliance could they proceed with their next moves efficiently.
Seeing that Song Zhaomei had laid everything out so clearly, Duke Leto finally gave a slow nod, stood up, and responded:
"I will seriously consider your proposal. Thank you for the trust and support that the Galactic Megacorp has shown House Atreides."
If he could gain access to the Megacorp's fleet, then forget the Corrino royal family—even if all the Houses united against him, they might not be enough to take him down.
With this fleet backing him, the Emperor's plot on Arrakis would essentially become an act of shooting himself in the foot.
Hearing Leto's response, Song Zhaomei knew the deal was all but sealed. While no formal agreement had been signed, the exchange of interests had already been made clear.
The Megacorp's offer was now on the table. Even if Leto wanted to negotiate for more perks, there wasn't much else he could gain.
After ordering the Spartan warriors to escort Leto off the flagship, Song Zhaomei allowed herself a relaxed smile. This cooperation was essentially finalized. Now, all that remained was to watch how the situation unfolded.
Once Emperor Shaddam's envoy arrived and House Atreides' position worsened, Leto would immediately turn to the Megacorp for help.
Soon after, Song Zhaomei compiled a detailed report of the entire negotiation and relayed it back to Li Ang, who remained in the main universe.
[I've reassigned David's Spartan squad to you. Use them for whatever tasks you need done.]
The Spartan squad Li Ang referred to was a subdivision of the Multiverse Vanguard Corps under David's command. This squad was overseen by Rita and made up of elite Spartan warriors.
Among its members were William Cage, John-117, and others.
Following a recent reorganization and restructuring of the Multiverse Vanguard Corps, several specialized operatives had been brought in, and the Spartan squad was a prime example of this integration.
"Yes, I will."
Song Zhaomei responded aloud. She understood that Li Ang hadn't just assigned the Spartan squad to help her coordinate combat missions.
More importantly, it was a way to help these new recruits build up merit for future promotions.
This particular Multiverse operation wasn't especially dangerous. There was no need to risk lives—just the Spartan squad alone would be more than sufficient.
There was absolutely no need to call in the Astartes warriors from the Iron Hands legion.
…
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