Operation Haystack

by Frank Herbert

With Dune 3 renewing appetite for conspiracies woven into the fabric of galactic empire, this compact Frank Herbert tale delivers a sharp, self-contained hit of the same tension.

In Operation Haystack, an undercover military operative is tasked with tracking a covert faction hidden across star systems - one whose influence depends on genetic manipulation and layered political subterfuge.

The hunt grows more dangerous as Orne realizes the conspiracy runs deeper than anyone in command suspects, and the line between loyalty and treason keeps shifting beneath his feet.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Short Stories, Audiobook

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 1959

About the author

Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. was an American science fiction author best known for the 1965 novel Dune and its five sequels. Though he became famous for his novels, he also wrote short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist, photographer, book reviewer, ecological consultant, and lecturer.

The Dune saga, set in the distant future, and taking place over millennia, explores complex themes, such as the long-term survival of the human species, human evolution, planetary science and ecology, and the intersection of religion, politics, economics and power in a future where humanity has long since developed interstellar travel and settled many thousands of worlds. Dune is the best-selling science fiction novel of all time, and the entire series is considered to be among the classics of the genre.

Reviews

[Antonio Santana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now this is the story that's interesting from Frank Herbert. I noticed something that he did and one of his short stories that Isaac Asimov has done. He evolves his ideas In this short story. For example he incorporates what we now know as the Bene Gesserit. Of course this is not in the Dune universe but the idea is there. In fact it dedicates how woman been manipulating certain planets of the league for the husband to have political power and just been going for some time eventually I guess he Incorporated this Society of women into the Dune Saga.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of Dune, this will feel like familiar fare. It's interplanetary political commotion with a little cultural fetishism tossed in, though not quite to the level we see on Arrakis. The approach in Dune toward the selective (evil/deceptive?) breeding tactics by the sect of women is to focus on the Messiah and religious aspect. Straying in a different direction, this title looks at the selective breeders from a perspective not quite of eugenics, but related to blood quantum as a means to unravel part of their plots. The core focus in this universe is on political power and feels like it leans heavily upon Isaac Asimov's galactic empire set ups from Foundation in its worldbuilding and interactions.

Recommended really only for fans of Dune. The plot is never really resolved and just sort of ends. The political intrigue and drama are not very deeply explored. And there are peculiar, somewhat problematic interactions between the protagonist and his "love interest" that while not rapey per se feel like they are adjacent to abuse.

[Beatrice Drury · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting little story about a man investigating the possibility of a takeover. He is staying with the family that may be behind the conspiracy. He is recovering from a horrific accident and near death. I was fascinated with his treatment in a pod. While staying with the family he discovers the plot and also discovers something about himself.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the I and A universe.

Frank Herbert is mainly known for his dune universe. This story is set in the I and A universe. Basically a sort of culture clash novel where the main character orne saves the day by identifying the underlying culture and crafts a solution at the last moment.

[Βασίλης Μέγας · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man literally shattered, a hideous conspiracy to overthrow the government, and all these in a splendid sci-fi world. Lewis Orne is your above the average undercover agent, who after a horrible accident, infiltrates a seemingly peaceful family seeking evidence of a plot that will surely put the whole galaxy into an unprecedented danger. Another one of Frank Herbert's great tales.

[Joel Saa'C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este es un relato de esos que sientes que le faltaron páginas, eso puede ser muy positivo (depende a quién se lo preguntes).

Es evidente la obsesión por el poder, se camuflan muy bien. Esto es ficción, pero se siento como un mensaje oculto del autor. Quizás son ideas mías, pero se sintió así.



PD: El romance sobró, aunque no fue molesto.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but interesting political intrigue. Can feel the Frank Herbert vibe in the writing. Can't stop the evildoers plan because it's too ubiquitous in the govt? Where have I heard that before recently lol. Looking at you ((Epstein))

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an Interesting Read. Lewis Orne has "Detective Skills" that almost reach the level of a Sherlock Holmes.

It's not surprising therefore that in the later novel "The God Makers", it is revealed that Lewis Orne has latent Psychic Powers which, after a crises, develop and come to the forefront and thus He ends the Novel attaining Godhood.

Which of course brings up why this story is one of Frank Herbert's more Interesting short stories. It's basically a Blue Print which He developed into His Classic Dune Series. So much of the Framework is already here.

Lewis Orne, at the beginning of this story shows remarkable Powers of Physical Recovery which help Him recover from a Fatal Bomb Explosion that should have killed Him. Later it is revealed that His Planned Birth as a "Selected Male of Great Potential" and His Later Assent into to Godhood in the "The God Makers" is the Basic....ah....DNA of the The Kwisatz Haderach.

And of course we have the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood here being the Beards behind Male Galactic Political Power. And the elements of Bedouin Nomadic Culture is already present here. And also hints of Diana Bullone's uncanny Power to Seduce Lewis Orne almost against His Will to Resist Her. An element that was a large part of the Dune Saga, and the reason why many Males of that Galactic Society referred to the Bene Gesserit as "Witches".

And There are also other bits and pieces of Dune Culture in the story if you look hard for them.

So a Recommended Read for Those who Read Dune Books with a Passion.

As a quick Dectective Story it also works, but if it wasn't for the Dune Connection, this would only rate 3 stars.

[Greg Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice SF short story.

Around 30 pages wherein a secret agent infiltrates a family on his home planet. The objective being to identify traitors whose goal is the overthrow of current government. The agent suddenly gains insight as to the source of the rebellion. Ultimately, all parties seek a secret compromise to avoid mass destruction.

For me, the only irritation was the periodic insertion of original page numbers. Unfortunately, these are apparently artifacts of digital transcription provided by volunteers.

If you like Herbert's Dune, you'll be equally comfortable in this brief political intrigue.

[Phil Giunta · Rating 3 out of 5]

While recovering from life-threatening injuries during a dangerous mission to the planet Heleb, Lewis Orne is invited to convalesce at the home of none other than the Galactic High Commissioner, Ipscott Bullone. However, Orne’s commanding officer, Umbo Stetson, informs him of a conspiracy against the government that might be originating in the Bullone household. Stetson recruits Orne to gather intel during his time with the family.

[Michele Amitrani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story flew by even faster than I expected. It was fascinating to spot early themes that would later define Herbert’s most famous works—specifically, strong female figures wielding ultimate power behind the scenes (much like the Bene Gesserit in the Dune universe). Overall, it’s a simple, enjoyable read. While it naturally lacks the depth of his iconic sagas, it offers a great glimpse into the brilliance he would go on to achieve.

[Dayo Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

yeah, nice one

[B. Barron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad.

[Hassan Mallah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dune is way much better :)

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting hook. Good plot...Well written...

[Ivka Ková · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a short readable story from magazine. Very OK 👍

[Antonio T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, powerful and influential women are seen as a great danger to society!? Extreme cringey ending.

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scifi, short story, by a master, and narrated by a great narrator.

[elsalmon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galactic field agent unravels a dynastic matriarchy.

[Mmonchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Se trata de un relato en el que se ven algunos de los temas que tanto le gustan al autor, como las conspiraciones que duran siglos o el poder detrás del poder. Parece un proyecto de novela que no cuajó y se quedó en una historia corta bastante normalita.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun short story from the Dune creator.

[Ralph McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of political intrigue.

Well recorded and read, a very good voice.
First Published in:
Audio Book MP3 downloaded from http://librivox.org/short-science-fic...
Public Domain stories from Project Gutenberg, that are read by volunteers.
I listen to these short stories while walking to and from work.

File Size: 22.5 MB
Play Duration: 48 min 03 sec
Read By: Gregg Margarite
I have listened to several of Mr. Margarite recordings and I hope he finds a way into a professional role.

[Thibaldo Manrique · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could be a good story

I have read a lot of the Dune books. When I saw this one for free, I was curious, so I got it.

A short story, it does have a lot of the Herbert's running themes, politics, genetic manipulation through breeding in humans, comments on "good" government vs "working" government, and so on.

It could be good, but there are too many editing errors to make it enjoyable. If you can overlook them, then I guess it is OK. I couldn't.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can see a few of the elements that he later used in Dune but this story largely falls flat and isn't much of a read.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

librivox recording. An early glimpse of a family controlled by the Bene Gesserit. Mmmmmmisogyny.

https://librivox.org/short-science-fi...

[Howard Brazee]

Short story.

[chris fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story, despite the clichés and rushed character development. Much more of a detective story than I expected.