The chapter shifts to Gurney Halleck, who has survived the fall of House Atreides with a remnant of his men and meets Staban Tuek in a hidden smuggler base. Tuek identifies himself as the son of Esmar Tuek, who has been killed, and Gurney acknowledges that he owes the smugglers thanks for rescuing the Atreides survivors.

Gurney and Tuek discuss the unanswered question of betrayal. Gurney says Thufir Hawat suspected Lady Jessica, but Tuek notes that Hawat is now a Harkonnen prisoner and that the smugglers doubt Jessica is the true traitor. Tuek also reports that Duke Leto’s body has been seen, and that Paul and Jessica were supposedly lost in a desert storm, leaving Gurney to believe the Atreides ruling family is dead.

When Tuek says Beast Rabban is expected to rule Arrakis again, Gurney’s rage rises because Rabban is tied to the deaths of Gurney’s family and to the scar on Gurney’s jaw. Tuek refuses any rash strike against the Harkonnens, explaining that the smugglers must protect their contract with the Guild and survive by caution. Tuek promises that revenge may come later, but warns Gurney that open action would endanger them all.

Gurney considers whether to join the smugglers or seek the Fremen. Tuek describes the Fremen as hunted desert bands and argues that the smugglers offer security, supplies, and a better chance at eventual revenge. Accepting that Leto and Paul are dead, Gurney formally gives Tuek his sword and agrees to stay, while insisting that his men should be allowed to decide their own futures.

After leaving Tuek’s office, Gurney enters the assembly hall where his wounded and exhausted men are being treated. He notes with pride that the Atreides discipline and mutual loyalty remain intact. A lieutenant tells Gurney that Mattai is dying and has requested a song, so Gurney plays his baliset while another man sings “My Woman.” Mattai dies as the song ends, reducing Gurney’s surviving force from seventy-four to seventy-three.