After a long and tedious session with Lord Novebruns and the other supplicants in his throne room, Shaddam was exhausted, anxious to get back to his offices to sip a quiet drink— perhaps even some of Duke Leto’s fine Caladan wine. Later, he might go down to the labyrinthine Imperial steam pools beneath the Palace, where he could play with his concubines… though he did not feel in a particularly amorous mood.

He was astonished to find Hasimir Fenring waiting for him in the office.

“Why aren’t you on Ix? Didn’t I send you there to supervise production?”

Fenring hesitated just a moment, then smiled. “Hmmmm-ah, I had important matters to discuss with you. Personally.”

Shaddam looked around furtively. “Is something wrong? I insist that you tell me the truth. My decisions depend on it.”

“Hmmm.” Fenring paced the room. “I bring you good news. Once it is released, we won’t hold any more secrets. In fact, we will want the entire Imperium to know.” He smiled, his overlarge eyes gleaming. “My Emperor, it is perfect! I have no more doubts. Amal is all we could have hoped for.”

Taken aback at Fenring’s enthusiasm, Shaddam sat down at his desk and grinned. “I see. Very well, then. All of your doubts were unwarranted, as I suspected.”

Fenring bobbed his large head. “Indeed, I have looked closely at all of Master Researcher Ajidica’s facilities. I watched the production in the axlotl tanks. I have tasted the amal myself, and have performed a number of tests, all of which were successful.” He fumbled in the front pocket of his formal frock coat and withdrew a small packet. “See, I have brought back a sample for your own use, Sire.”

Uneasy, Shaddam took the packet. He sniffed. “Smells like melange.”

“Yes, hmmm. Taste it, Sire. You will see how excellent it is.” Fenring seemed just a bit too eager.

“Are you trying to poison me, Hasimir?”

The Spice Minister reeled backward in surprise. “Your Majesty! How can you think such a thing?” He narrowed his eyes. “Naturally, you must realize I have had ample opportunities to murder you over the years, hmmm?”

“That’s true enough.” Shaddam held the sample up to the light.

“I will taste it myself, if that will put you at ease.” Fenring reached forward, but Shaddam took the packet away.

“Enough, Hasimir. That is all the reassurance I need.” The Emperor touched a bit of the powdery substance to his tongue, then some more, and finally upended the entire portion into his mouth. In supreme ecstasy, he let the amal dissolve on his tongue, feeling the familiar tingle of melange, the energy, the stimulus. He smiled broadly. “Very good. I can’t tell any difference. This is… incredibly good.”

Fenring bowed, as if taking credit for the whole project.

“Do you have any more? I would like to start using it myself, to replace my daily spice.” Shaddam looked in the packet as if searching for tiny crumbs in the corners.

Fenring took a half step away. “Alas, Sire, I was in a great hurry and could bring only this tiny amount. However, with your blessing, I will tell Master Researcher Ajidica that he may continue full-fledged production without further doubts from the crown, hmmm? I think that will speed things up considerably.”

“Yes, yes,” Shaddam said, waving his hands. “Go back to Ix and make sure there are no further delays. I’ve waited long enough for this.”

“Yes, Sire.” Fenring seemed very anxious to get away, but the Emperor hardly noticed.

“Now if only I can find a way to eliminate the spice from Arrakis,” Shaddam mused, “then the Imperium will have no choice but to come to me for amal.” He tapped his fingers on the desk, already deep in thought.

Fenring bowed at the door to the Emperor’s private offices and departed.

Once in the hall, the Face Dancer maintained his impersonation until he could get far enough from the Palace. Other Tleilaxu remained at the Kaitain court, planted there by Ajidica himself, but the Face Dancer would be glad to return to Xuttuh.

Shaddam had heard the news he wanted to hear, and Master Ajidica could now continue his work unhindered. The Master Researcher’s great plan was nearing its fruition.