Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Leto II awaits a troubled Duncan Idaho in the Citadel’s crypts, aware of an Ixian lasgun and fearing a challenge. Their tense exchange spans Siona’s theft, a Cult of Alia, and Leto’s deduction that the Bene Gesserit seek a hidden spice hoard on Giedi Prime. When Idaho aims the lasgun, Leto’s worm-body reacts with lethal speed, mortally injuring him. Idaho dies murmuring “Siona,” deepening Leto’s designs and isolating him further.
Summary
In the Citadel’s vast underground crypt, Leto II reflects on his heightened senses, the bones of his ancestors, and the political anxieties surrounding spice. He knows Duncan Idaho is coming, warned by the Guild that Idaho has received an Ixian lasgun and fearing replacement after decades of service. Signaled by Moneo’s glowglobe, Leto prepares for a fraught meeting.
Duncan arrives tense and determined, declaring he will discuss Siona and other matters. He challenges Leto’s tolerance of rebels and demands to know what Siona stole. Leto reveals she escaped with full Citadel plans and copies of his journals. Idaho produces reports instead of the weapon, probing Leto’s intentions and seeking justification for action already chosen.
Idaho details a Cult of Alia on Giedi Prime. Leto dismisses it as sport for his priesthood but, learning the Bene Gesserit knew of it, deduces the Sisterhood aims to uncover an undiscovered melange hoard on that former Harkonnen world. Idaho, chastened, moves on to Tleilaxu matters and Siona’s rebellion, prompting Leto’s lecture on radicals, governance, and the predictable dynamics of chaos.
As Idaho’s doubts harden, he suddenly produces the lasgun and aims at Leto’s face. Leto uses Voice to break Idaho’s focus, then unleashes his worm-body in a rapid roll from the cart. He strikes Idaho; the lasgun discharges aside. In the violent impact, Leto’s flipper is burned but self-seals, while Idaho’s chest is crushed.
Duncan Idaho dies with “Siona” on his lips, leaving Leto to wonder at the implication while reaffirming his secrecy: his dispersed brain now resides throughout his body, not behind his human face. Leto remounts his cart, alive and further committed to his hidden designs.
Who Appears
- Leto II AtreidesGod Emperor; awaits Duncan in the crypt, deduces Bene Gesserit motives, survives a lasgun attempt, and kills Duncan with a rapid worm-body attack.
- Duncan IdahoGhola Guard Commander; confronts Leto about Siona and a cult, draws an Ixian lasgun, and is mortally crushed after firing.
- MoneoLeto’s majordomo; signals the Duncan’s approach to the crypt, facilitating the fateful meeting.
- Siona AtreidesRebel leader offstage; her theft and rebellion drive the confrontation, and she is Duncan’s final utterance.
- Spacing Guild envoyWarns Leto that the Ixians delivered a lasgun to Duncan, heightening the stakes of the meeting.