Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Lucilla arrives on Gammu to assess and eventually imprint the twelfth Duncan Idaho ghola, amid political rifts within the Bene Gesserit. Schwangyu openly opposes the project, citing past assassinations and wider threats from the Scattering. Hints link the ghola to Sheeana on Rakis and to a larger, perilous design. Miles Teg’s presence underscores the danger.
Summary
Lucilla observes the child Duncan Idaho ghola from a parapet with Reverend Mother Schwangyu on Gammu. Schwangyu reveals there have been eleven failed gholas, many likely killed by Tleilaxu. She presses her opposition, arguing the project is dangerous and distracting from threats returning from the Scattering, especially the Honored Matres.
Lucilla maintains caution, testing Schwangyu’s stance while noting the boy’s disciplined training. Schwangyu claims assassins already tried to kill this ghola and hints at internal dissent. The conversation exposes Bene Gesserit fears of inadvertently creating another Kwisatz Haderach and of meddling with the Tyrant’s legacy.
Schwangyu discloses that on Rakis a girl, Sheeana Brugh, can control the giant worms, suggesting the ghola may be tied to her. Lucilla withholds conclusions, aware Taraza sent her early to imprint the boy’s affections, starting with maternal bonding. She reflects on the Sisterhood’s use of love as a tool and the perilous echoes of past designs.
Across the courtyard, Patrin, aide to Bashar Miles Teg, stands guard, signaling the ghola’s extreme peril. Lucilla recognizes the boy’s advanced training ordered by Teg, while Schwangyu objects to granting him broad knowledge. They briefly weigh the stances of Ix and Fish Speakers, and Lucilla senses a pattern of doom, steadying herself with the Litany Against Fear.
Schwangyu predicts the ghola may not survive to reach Rakis and notes he has only teachers, not friends; a teacher named Geasa has already formed an attachment. As the child ends his exercises and departs, Schwangyu warns that Teg shares dangerous teachings, underscoring the volatile intersection of politics, religion, and the ghola project.
Who Appears
- Reverend Mother LucillaImprinter sent by Taraza to Gammu; evaluates the Duncan ghola and prepares to imprint him amid political tensions.
- Reverend Mother SchwangyuCommander of the Gammu Keep; opposes the ghola project, reveals past failures, and questions plans involving Rakis.
- Duncan Idaho ghola (child)Twelfth attempt; intensely trained under Teg’s orders, watched closely, and the focus of imprinting and protection.
- Mother Superior TarazaAuthorizes the ghola project and Lucilla’s early imprinting; a focal point of internal dissent.
- Bashar Miles TegVeteran commander recalled to protect the ghola; directs the boy’s rigorous training.
- PatrinTeg’s trusted aide; visibly guards the ghola, signaling the severity of threats.
- Sheeana BrughGirl on Rakis who can control giant worms; potential nexus for the ghola’s future mission.
- TleilaxuSuspected of killing previous gholas; an ongoing external threat to the project.
- Honored MatresReturnees from the Scattering; cited by Schwangyu as a larger looming danger.
- GeasaEarly teacher of the ghola; developed affection for him, complicating controls.