Editing Count Fenring (section)

===''Dune''===
Prior to the events of ''Dune'', Fenring serves as the Imperial Agent on [[Arrakis]] during the [[House Harkonnen|Harkonnen]] regime, and then as Governor of Arrakis during the handover period between House Harkonnen and [[House Atreides]]. He is later the Siridar-Absentia of the Atreides homeworld of Caladan while the Atreides occupy Arrakis. In ''Dune'', the Harkonnens, secretly aided by the Emperor's fierce [[Sardaukar]] warriors, destroy the Atreides forces and reclaim control of Arrakis. Fenring and Margot visit the Harkonnen homeworld of [[Giedi Prime]], where the Count informs Baron Harkonnen that Shaddam is displeased with the way the invasion of Arrakis was handled, and frustrated by his failure to suppress the disruptive native [[Fremen]] population.<ref name="Tor Dune 14"/> Fenring is also there on the Emperor's behalf to assess the Harkonnen heir, Feyd, which irks the Baron.<ref name="Tor Dune 14"/> Margot is also observing Feyd for the Bene Gesserit, who count him as an important part of their [[Breeding program (Dune)|breeding program]].<ref name="Tor Dune 14"/> With the Count's knowledge and acceptance, Margot has been tasked with retrieving Feyd's genetic material through conception.<ref name="Tor Dune 14"/> Impressed with Feyd but lamenting his Harkonnen upbringing, Fenring notes, "I can see now why we must have that bloodline".<ref name="Tor Dune 14"/>

When Shaddam is forced into a corner by Paul Atreides, the Emperor and his [[Truthsayer]], the Bene Gesserit [[Reverend Mother (Dune)|Reverend Mother]] [[Gaius Helen Mohiam|Mohiam]], realize that Shaddam's only option is treachery. Fenring is summoned and ordered to kill Paul, but refuses, aware that Paul represents the success of the Bene Gesserit breeding program of which Fenring himself is a failure.<ref name="Dune"/>

In "Appendix IV: The Almanak en-Ashraf (Selected Excerpts of the Noble Houses)" in ''Dune'', Herbert writes that Fenring is a cousin and former childhood companion of Shaddam, and is rumored to have poisoned Shaddam's father, [[Elrood IX]].<ref name="Appendix IV">{{cite book |last=Herbert |first=Frank |title=Dune |chapter=Appendix IV: The Almanak en-Ashraf (Selected Excerpts of the Noble Houses): Count Hasimir Fenring |date=1965}}</ref> Another epigraph by Irulan explains that "the measure of Count Fenring's friendship" with Shaddam is shown by both Fenring's efforts to conceal Shaddam's complicity in the Harkonnen invasion, and also his refusal of Shaddam's command to kill Paul.<ref name="Dune"/> After Paul ascends the Imperial throne, Fenring joins Shaddam in his forced retirement on the prison planet [[Salusa Secundus]], and Fenring dies in 10,225 A.G.<ref name="Appendix IV"/>