It may interest you to know that we have Serena Butler aboard, the daughter of the League Viceroy. Vor gave a grim smile. Her father would not be pleased if you blew us into space dust. Neither would Xavier Harkonnen, since his fiancee has been through so much just to come back to him.
 
Determined, Serena took the communication controls. It's true. This is Serena Butler. Since this is a robot ship, please deactivate the scrambler shields to allow us safe passage, then escort us to Zimia. Inform the Viceroy and Tercero Harkonnen to meet us at the spaceport.
 
The long silence that hung on the channel told Vor that a furious debate must be occurring on private lines. Finally, the squadron commander said, Segundo Harkonnen is out on patrol and will not return for two days. Viceroy Butler is already on his way with an honor guard. Follow me -- and do not deviate from the path.
 
Vor acknowledged, then took a deep, concerned breath. Now he had to fly with his own guidance skills and no assistance from the onboard gelcircuitry computers. The vessel's own cooperative guidance and automated response systems had always aided him in the event of an emergency. Serena, Iblis -- both of you strap in and hold on.
 
Is there a problem? Iblis asked, seeing Vor's uneasiness. Well, what do you want me to do with her, bring her in?...