"House Harkonnen is willing to offer Ten billion Solari in reparations to end this matter."
"This council must consider not just what House Atreides has lost, but what the Imperium stands to lose should House Harkonnen be impacted," Piter said.
He didn't say anything further.
Jack was quiet for several moments.
The silence stretched before someone broke it.
"I propose House Atreides accept." A voice sounded from the stands.
Eyes fell on the person speaking, and it was the head of House Thorvald who had spoken.
"Stability must be preserved. A weakened Harkonnen destabilizes trade routes." He said.
The whole hall was quiet as they deliberated.
"Ten billion Solari is no small compensation. Prolonging this serves no one." The head of House Ecaz said and received several agreements from around the room.
"A vacuum of this scale will not remain empty. It will be contested." A representative said and received several agreements.
"This Attack was of no small scale. House Atreides is a valuable part of the Imperium and holds great responsibility." A voice broke through the murmurs.
It was House Richese.
"We must let the spice flow, without complications," Sera Richese concluded and a moment of hush spread through the crowd.
A few Houses in alliance with Atreides voiced their support.
Jack remained silent.
Voices rose. Arguments layered over one another.
Stability. Compensation. Balance.
Houses discussed amongst themselves.
Jack slowly exhaled.
He waited in silence as the discussions came to an end.
Slowly, silence filled the hall.
"I've heard enough." Jack began speaking.
"Ten billion becomes twenty. Twenty becomes thirty."
His gaze moved across the large hall.
"But"
"You speak of stability."
"You speak of balance." Jack paused for a moment as his gaze moved towards Count Fenring, seated on the highest platform.
"I have wanted to ask a question," He said, staring at Count Fenring.
His gaze lingered on Fenring for a moment, seemingly waiting for permission before speaking.
Count Fenring looked back at Jack with a slight frown.
'He doesn't wanna participate, I guess,' Jack thought to himself.
Mohiam stared down, staring directly at Jack.
'Is he actually going to—' The thought had barely had a moment to form before Jack spoke.
"How?" he paused for a moment.
"How did House Harkonnen afford to move ten legions of soldiers?"
"Without notice?" Jack said.
A heavy silence filled the room.
Jack had spoken out loud what should not have been spoken about.
Every house here understood what Jack was implying.
Almost immediately, a spark of fear spread between the stands.
Yet no one spoke.
All eyes shifted towards Count Fenring.
Mohiam's eyes widened as she felt a slight lump beginning to form in her throat.
Only Sera Richese looked at Jack with a flicker of understanding.
Feyd however, was far too stunned to even react as Piter slowly sat down in his seat.
"He has forced a line that cannot be withdrawn," Piter muttered as his eyes hovered on Jack, before he glanced towards Thufir who stood behind Jack.
"Even Mentat Thufir Hawat looks surprised," Piter said as he took a deep breath in.
House Harkonnen was immediately pushed away into the background.
Fenring did not answer immediately.
His fingers tightened slightly against the arm of his seat.
"Duke Paul,"
"I believe we all need to take a moment to calm down," Count Fenring said as he stood up.
"By order of the Emperor, this Landsraad is adjourned," Fenring announced before quickly turning away. He began to make his way out of the Hall of Oratory.
Nobody stood up.
And Jack remained unmoving as he quietly glanced around the hall for a few moments.
Finally, Jack turned around and began walking towards the exit.
Thufir and Duncan quietly followed behind.
As Jack walked out of the Landsraad Hall of Oratory, he could hear murmurs erupting amongst the rows.
Thufir walked behind Jack, simply looking at him in silence. Meanwhile, Duncan had an almost understanding glint in his eyes.
None of them spoke as they walked through the halls of the imperial palace.
"Duke Paul," a voice called out to Jack.
Turning around, he saw an older man standing beside a young female.
'Who are they?' Jack thought to himself.
They walked up to Jack and the man extended his hand out.
Jack glanced at it for a moment before he moved his hand and shook the extended hand.
"Honour to meet the New Duke of House Atreides."
"I am Aldric Richese, Head of House Richese, and this is my daughter Sera Richese," He said.
'Richese...' Jack thought for a moment, trying to recall the name.
'The family behind my grandfather's death... my grandmother's family.'
"Nice to meet you," Jack said with a small nod.
"Let us arrange a time later today to have a sit-down, House Richese is interested in Duke Paul's thoughts on the recent matters," Aldric suggested, and Jack nodded.
"Very well, let's meet in an hour," Jack said and Aldric nodded.
Jack felt a tap on his back, so he turned around and saw Thufir.
"Duke Paul, Lady Jessica has something Urgent she needs to discuss," Thufir said.
Jack nodded and turned around to face Aldric.
"Apologies, Thufir will settle for a location we can meet," Jack said and Aldric nodded.
Turning around, Jack began walking towards his chamber with Duncan quietly following behind him.
Several moments passed as Jack arrived at his room, shutting the door behind him, and Duncan stood outside guarding the door while Jack activated the projection in the center of his room.
Jessica's projection appeared in front of Jack.
"What is your plan?" Jessica asked just a moment after appearing.
She stared at Jack with complete seriousness.
"To gain higher compensation for House Atreides," Jack said.
Jessica was silent for several moments before she nodded.
"The Emperor wished for you to wed his daughter. Reverend Mother Mohiam had communicated to me of his wishes before the Landsraad session," Jessica said.
"He'll be reconsidering that now," Jack said, and Jessica nodded.
Jessica paused for a moment, she seemed to hesitate.
Jack noticed that, so he asked.
"is there any issues?"