Chapter 1: The Cartographer

The sea mists of Caladan parted as the ship descended. It was not the brutal, blocky shape of a Heighliner, nor the ornate frigate of a Great House. It was a sleek, silver teardrop, silent and graceful, landing on the wet cliffs beside the Atreides castle with a whisper that was the absence of sound.

Duke Leto Atreides met it alone, his personal guard at a respectful distance. He stood, not in battle armor, but in the formal yet practical attire of a planetary duke, the damp air clinging to his cloak. He believed in facing the unknown with courage, not hostility.

The hull of the ship irised open. The being that emerged was… underwhelming. He was of average height, slender, clad in simple grey garments. He looked human, but his eyes held a depth that was ancient and calm. He did not radiate threat; he radiated stillness.

“I am Leto, Duke of House Atreides,” Leto said, his voice steady.

The being inclined his head. “You may call me Kaus. I am a cartographer. I mean you and your people no harm.”

“A cartographer,” Leto repeated, skepticism and curiosity warring in his tone. “Your method of travel is… unfamiliar to the Spacing Guild.”

“Our methods are our own,” Kaus said simply. He looked around, at the crashing waves, the green cliffs, the castle built of local stone. “Your world has a high degree of causal integrity. It is… clean.”

“Causal integrity?”

“The lines between action and consequence here are clear. Just rule begets loyalty. Honesty begets trust. It is a rare thing in my experience.” Kaus turned his calm gaze back to Leto. “That is why I am here. My people have a rule: any world within our direct line of sight is considered the boundary of our territory. We do not claim sovereignty, but we mark our… interest.”

Leto’s mind, trained by Thufir Hawat in the intricacies of statecraft, raced. This was not an invasion; it was a diplomatic overture from a power he couldn't fathom. “You wish to plant a flag.”

“In a manner of speaking. A beacon. A simple marker. It requires a Steward—a person or faction of demonstrable integrity to ensure it remains undisturbed. Your world, Duke Leto, and you personally, meet the criteria.”

They walked along the cliff path. Leto found himself explaining the basic principles of the Imperium, the Great Convention, the role of the Landsraad. Kaus listened, his questions few but piercing.

“You forbid the creation of t...

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