Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
Duncan Idaho hunts for Moneo, furious at the Citadel’s culture, and learns Siona is being tested in the desert and may die. Moneo challenges Duncan’s immaturity, links sexuality, violence, and soldiery, and defends Leto’s burdens. When Duncan attacks, Moneo easily defeats him, revealing Atreides breeding has enhanced speed, restraint, and intelligence.
Summary
Duncan Idaho tracks down Moneo in a sietch-like corridor beneath the Citadel, demanding to know where Leto is. Moneo reveals Leto is in the desert with Siona, who is undergoing a test that could kill her. Idaho, incensed by displays among the Fish Speakers, denounces the Citadel’s customs and pressures Moneo for answers.
Moneo counters by diagnosing Idaho’s anger as arrested adolescence and warns that any disturbance could endanger Leto during these sensitive times. He links Idaho’s outrage over sexuality to a broader truth: adolescent energies and displaced sexuality have long been exploited in armies and religions, with homosexuality and celibacy historically channeled into disciplined violence.
As Idaho presses about Hwi Noree and accuses Leto of perversion and manipulation, Moneo defends Leto’s sacrifices and asks what price Idaho is willing to pay. Idaho’s rage peaks; he draws a jeweled knife and lunges. Moneo moves faster, trips him, and holds his ground, sad but unafraid.
Shocked by Moneo’s effortless victory, Idaho demands an explanation. Moneo states that Leto has been breeding the Atreides line for speed, intelligence, self-restraint, and sensitivity. He calls Idaho an older model, leaving Idaho chastened as Siona’s fate remains uncertain in the desert.
Who Appears
- Duncan IdahoNew ghola; enraged by Fish Speaker behavior and Siona’s peril; confronts Moneo, attacks with a knife, and is swiftly defeated.
- MoneoLeto’s majordomo and Siona’s father; reveals Siona’s test, rebukes Duncan’s immaturity, defends Leto, and demonstrates bred Atreides speed.
- SionaOffstage; undergoing a lethal desert test with Leto, driving Duncan’s confrontation with Moneo.
- Leto II AtreidesOffstage; testing Siona and revealed as breeder of Atreides traits like speed, restraint, and intelligence.
- Hwi NoreeMentioned; her relationship with Duncan is invoked as Moneo challenges Duncan’s capacity for sacrifice.
- Fish SpeakersTheir behavior sparks Duncan’s outrage; cited by Moneo as examples within a broader discussion of sexuality and soldiery.