Contents
Chapter 5
Overview
A new Duncan Idaho ghola arrives on Arrakis, uncertain of Tleilaxu motives and his recovered identity. Two Imperial Guards—Luli and a masked "Friend"—inform him he will command Leto II’s Royal Guard and will be examined for Tleilaxu conditioning. The chapter reveals Leto’s ban on mentats and moves Duncan toward the Citadel.
Summary
Duncan Idaho awakens to his status as a Tleilaxu-grown ghola and questions the truth of their history, which claims more than three millennia have passed and that Leto II became a God Emperor. Delivered by Guild shuttle to Onn and confined in a bare, yellow-lit room, Duncan recalls regaining his original memories after resisting a Tleilaxu attempt to make him kill an Atreides figure.
Two Imperial Guards arrive: Luli and a masked woman called "Friend." They announce that Leto II intends Duncan to command the Royal Guard, but that he must await Leto’s summons. Duncan probes their loyalties and the mask’s purpose, learning the masked woman is to assess whether the Tleilaxu have tampered with his psyche.
The guards reveal that mentat training is forbidden under Leto II, sharpening Duncan’s sense of a changed Imperium. They reassure him that Leto still loves him as the Atreides always did, while displaying fanatical obedience that signals pervasive danger and secrecy around the Citadel.
Concluding that he remains an Atreides loyalist despite his doubts, Duncan agrees to leave the Tleilaxu-tainted room for the Citadel. Luli promises to bathe him and provide proper clothing as they escort him, positioning Duncan for direct contact with Leto and further tests of his conditioning.
Who Appears
- Duncan IdahoNewly arrived ghola with restored memories; skeptical of Tleilaxu claims; designated to command the Royal Guard; wary of conditioning.
- LuliImperial Guard who greets Duncan, conveys Leto’s wishes, and escorts him to the Citadel; promises to attend to his comfort.
- Friend (masked woman)Anonymous Guard in a cibus hood; tasked to assess Tleilaxu tampering; exemplifies strict loyalty and secrecy around Leto.
- Tleilaxu Face DancersEscort Duncan to Onn; reveal shape-changing; their conditioning threats prompt security screening.