Chapter 24

Teg, Lucilla, and Duncan shelter in a vast Harkonnen-built no-globe packed with preserved artifacts, obscene Harkonnen touches, and nullentropy stores. Teg and Lucilla study its secrets and speculate about the Tyrant’s awareness, Patrin’s youthful discovery, and the artisans slain to keep it hidden. Duncan remains restless and hostile to the Harkonnen symbols.

Seeking a private moment, Teg confronts Duncan in a dining alcove. He probes Duncan’s impatience and fear, steering him through a scripted psychological path toward reawakening. Duncan admits desperation for truth and suspicion about Lucilla’s orders. Teg withholds comfort, forcing Duncan to the “plunge” question of identity.

Teg abruptly triggers the reawakening with slaps, provoking Duncan’s lightning-fast counterattack. Teg responds with targeted nerve strikes, inflicting escalating pain while ensuring Duncan sees Teg’s face at each peak. In agony, Duncan cries out to “Leto,” and the locked memories begin to break free.

Memories flood back: Duncan recalls being killed by Sardaukar disguised in Harkonnen livery while guarding Paul Atreides, and he confirms Paul’s escape. His lifelong hatred of the Harkonnens reignites. He also integrates training from the Keep, while sensing more remains buried within him.

Lucilla arrives as Teg confirms the awakening. Duncan recognizes her Imprinter role and taunts her about the Sisterhood’s intent, while Teg openly admits the moral stain of his actions in service to Bene Gesserit survival. Duncan’s emotions surge—grief for his mother, contempt for Harkonnens, and wary appraisal of Lucilla—ending with a dark inner image of Lucilla’s potential death, signaling volatile, unresolved drives.