Gaius Helen Mohiam is escorted through Paul’s enormous citadel by Fremen guards, including protections against her use of Voice. As she observes the scale, symbolism, and intimidation built into the halls, Mohiam concludes that Paul has staged the journey to weaken her and that he must want something from her.

In the Grand Reception Hall, Mohiam appears before Paul, Alia, Stilgar, and the ghola Hayt. Paul allows a brief public display of authority, then moves the meeting into a private chamber. There, Paul states his purpose plainly: he wants to bargain with Mohiam for Chani’s life.

Paul offers the Bene Gesserit access to his seed, but not to his person or his throne. Irulan may be inseminated artificially, but no child of Irulan will inherit; Chani, whom Paul reveals is pregnant, will bear the Imperial heir. Mohiam is shocked because artificial insemination violates deep Bene Gesserit and religious taboos, yet the Atreides genetic line is too valuable for the Sisterhood to dismiss easily.

Mohiam studies the deeper trap in Paul’s offer: the Bene Gesserit could preserve the Atreides genes, but if the method were exposed, the Sisterhood would be vulnerable to public outrage and would still have no claim to the throne. When Mohiam asks Hayt to assess the bargain as a mentat, Hayt calls it a life-for-life exchange, while Alia presses for the hidden implications, especially the possibility that Tleilaxu methods or motives lie behind the proposal.

Mohiam considers other genetic possibilities, including Alia, but Paul warns her against suggesting too much. Unable to decide alone, Mohiam requests permission to consult the Bene Gesserit Council on Wallach. Paul agrees but warns against delay, then announces that Chani will give birth in a sietch; Stilgar approves, but Alia senses that the decision is wrong.

After Mohiam is taken away, Alia questions Hayt about whether the Bene Tleilax will seek favor with Paul. Paul drifts inward, overcome by grief and by his knowledge of approaching loss. When Alia tells Paul not to grieve before the beloved has passed, Paul answers with a bleak question about what "before" truly means.