Contents
Chapter 4
Overview
Taraza personally recalls retired Bashar Miles Teg to train and protect the Duncan Idaho ghola on Gammu. She reveals the Rakis plan around a worm-controlling girl and orders Teg to use his likeness to Leto I to help trigger the ghola’s memories. Teg demands full command, refuses to supersede Burzmali, and is warned not to trust Schwangyu.
Teg immediately begins assembling loyal aides and handing off his estate, sensing urgent, high-stakes Bene Gesserit politics behind Taraza’s visit.
Summary
In retirement on Lernaeus, Miles Teg reflects on his Bene Gesserit loyalty and principles when Mother Superior Taraza arrives unannounced. She appeals to his reliability and reveals a critical assignment: train and protect the Duncan Idaho ghola on Gammu, whose altered prana-bindu demands faithful environmental echoes of the original.
Taraza outlines the broader stakes: a girl on Rakis can control worms, and the Sisterhood intends to use the ghola there. She emphasizes Teg’s resemblance to Leto I as vital for restoring the ghola’s memories. Teg agrees to serve but insists on full authority over Gammu’s defenses.
Teg negotiates terms: Bellonda will brief him; he will recruit trusted veterans through Patrin; and he refuses reinstatement above Burzmali to avoid undermining the rising commander. Taraza explicitly warns Teg not to trust Schwangyu and makes him personally her Bashar for this mission.
After Taraza departs, Teg senses the urgency and deep Council conflict implied by her personal visit and pre-signed orders. He begins immediate preparations—canceling obligations, instructing Patrin to start recruitment, and coordinating with his daughter Dimela—while turning his estate over to family stewardship.
Teg reflects on his lineage, his mother’s lasting influence, and the Sisterhood’s long-breeding designs, recognizing he has been kept in reserve for precisely this moment.
Who Appears
- Miles TegRetired Bashar recalled to train and protect the Duncan ghola; demands full Gammu command and mobilizes aides.
- Mother Superior TarazaPersonally recruits Teg, reveals Rakis plan and worm-girl, warns him against Schwangyu, and grants wide authority.
- PatrinTeg’s longtime aide; tasked to recruit loyal veterans for the urgent Gammu assignment.
- Dimela TegTeg’s eldest daughter; challenges the danger and takes over estate responsibilities.
- SchwangyuGammu commander Taraza warns Teg not to trust; potential internal threat.
- BellondaRecords specialist designated to brief Teg and provide secure communications.
- BurzmaliRising commander whom Teg refuses to supersede to avoid weakening him.
- Duncan Idaho gholaChild subject of Teg’s mission; to be trained and have memories restored.