Chapter 3

In a stark, windowless room beneath Onn, Nayla composes an encoded report to Leto II. She warns that Siona intends to circulate copies of the stolen journals to the Bene Gesserit, the Guild, and the Ixians to decipher his words. Uneasy about her oath to obey Siona, Nayla begs release and reflects on the concealed transmitter Leto implanted in her skull, possibly Ixian-made and skirting proscriptions.

Nayla then joins Siona and Topri in a nearby room where Citadel loot is arrayed. Siona rebukes Topri’s indiscretion and tests Nayla’s trust. Pressed for a reason beyond obedience, Nayla admits she swore to God to obey Siona. Siona celebrates this as true belief and contrasts it with Topri’s opportunism, declaring that their unity rests on belief and their resolve to bring down the “tyrant worm.”

Siona presents items pressed between the stolen books: a strand of Ghanima’s hair with a starflower and a short poem Leto wrote upon learning of Ghanima’s death. Interpreting these as signs that Leto is capable of love and sentiment, Siona concludes this emotional capacity is a strategic vulnerability.

The scene ends with Siona confident they can exploit Leto’s humanity, while Nayla, invigorated by having told the truth without betraying her secret mission, remains inwardly loyal to Leto yet outwardly obedient to Siona.