Dune: Prophecy

I appreciate the Suk School allowing you to return here

at such short notice.

It's been a long time since I studied here.

But I'm still a Sister first.

My initial scan found no evidence of an accelerant.

It wouldn't. The heat source was internal.

An acute imbalance in her meridian network.

Before this happened, did you notice any physical changes?

Any signs of distress?

She had a nightmare.

Whatever it was terrified her.

She knew something was coming.

I should have listened.

If this is too difficult, I can continue on my own.

No, I need answers.

How could something like this happen?

The founding Sisters were willing to die

if it meant following in Raquella's footsteps.

What is it with you and martyrs?

If you're that eager to off yourself, there are simpler ways.

The Emperor's Truthsayer killed just before the royal wedding.

That's no coincidence.

That's an assassination.

You think someone attacked Kasha here?

I'm saying I'd keep my guard up.

The initial physical exam is inconclusive.

Nazir is running more tests.

The results will take time.

I'm leaving for Salusa Secundus.

- Now? - A message came in with today's ship.

Pruwet Richese is dead.

Burned.

A second attack? At the palace?

Tula...

this is the Burning Truth Mother Raquella spoke of.

I have to secure the princess.

With Kasha gone, someone has to fill the void

and protect our plans.

Go.

I can take care of things here.

You don't believe I'm up to the task.

Emotions cloud judgment, Tula.

Hard choices will have to be made.

There is one that will give us the greatest chance of success.

When have I ever shied away from hard choices?

It's one that involves Lila.

She needs to connect with her ancestors.

She hasn't had the training.

We've never seen a force like this.

We don't know how to fight it.

You can't accept this because you care for the girl.

- I raised her. - But she's not your child.

She is the one who can give us the answers we need.

We must understand how this prophecy will unfold.

It's dangerous,

but if you lead her, she'll make it.

You've done it before.

The school is yours until I return.

Putting Lila through the Agony

endangers not just her life.

There are secrets we have gone to great lengths to keep.

You, me, Francesca, Kasha.

It's a risk we'll have to take.

Sister Theodosia, a word.

I'm departing for Salusa Secundus. I want you to accompany me.

You're aware of my circumstances?

I wouldn't ask if the situation weren't dire.

- When do we leave? - Immediately.

Where is he?

The Emperor regrets he can't be here to offer his condolences.

He'll join us as soon as he can.

How convenient.

Duke Richese, we're all devastated by this tragedy,

Javicco included.

Look at him.

Look

at my boy

and tell me that a toy did this.

I understand your anger

but you, along with everyone, know the risks of thinking machines.

They're unpredictable.

He should never have had one to begin with.

Before you insinuate that this is my fault,

you may want to remind yourself that there is a fleet of fighters

in orbit around this planet, and that it is still mine.

All I'm saying is, accidents happen.

This one was particularly appalling.

We're all in shock.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

It seems tragedy follows you.

First, your men on Arrakis,

now a death as you arrive here at the palace.

I wouldn't call it a tragedy.

You don't have to pretend with me, Your Majesty.

You made your feelings regarding Pruwet Richese

and the wedding very clear.

No, no, no.

No, when we spoke, if I

made any indication,

you must understand, I was expressing a private concern.

Of course.

I did not tell you to kill that boy.

But you wanted me to.

What I did, I did for you.

And I can do it again.

No, no. No, this is...

this is madness.

Guards!

Arrest him.

Take him to the suspensor cells.

Keep it quiet. Not a word gets out.

I'll handle it personally, Your Majesty.

Do you know why we separate infants from their mothers

when a Sister gives birth?

It prevents bonds that one might hold above the Sisterhood.

That way, we're all equals to one another.

Why are you asking me?

Before Mother Raquella died...

she experienced a moment

of prescience.

With her last breath, she prophesized Tiran-Arafel,

a tyrannical force that we would have to reckon with

that could well destroy us.

Destroy the Sisterhood?

We believe that reckoning is here,

that a new enemy has emerged to undermine our power.

That's what killed Mother Kasha?

What can we do?

Not us.

You.

We need you to talk to Mother Raquella.

We think she will know how to fight it.

Raquella?

- I'm-- - You...

are her great-great-granddaughter.

If you unlock your genetic memory, you might be able to access her.

And she can tell us more details about her premonition.

It takes years to prepare for the Agony.

I...

I only just started.

It is a great risk.

But few have your natural aptitude

and I believe that you can do it.

But it must be your choice.

The stories of your prowess have transcended time and space.

I've always wondered if they were true.

Am I failing to live up to expectations?

I could use a little more convincing.

Is that so?

Have I proven myself?

Oh, with honor, my dear prince.

I suppose there are worse ways to grieve.

You won't catch me shedding a tear.

I barely knew the little brat.

Father kept us on different planets.

Mine was located in a more remote region of the universe.

Still, whatever was done to him

did seem especially cruel.

I doubt my family will ever make peace with it.

And the timing was unfortunate.

Should I be making a hasty retreat then?

Will the Duke use the fleet to seize the throne

now that he can't marry into it?

The palace is meaningless.

The real power is whoever controls the desert planet.

The Great Houses, the Spacing Guild, the Sisterhood.

They all know that.

What matters is those beautiful, little flecks of orange dust.

Arrakis.

That's where he's from.

Who?

The soldier in custody.

My father thinks I don't pay attention

but I saw our Swordmaster take him into the cells.

Is this about my brother?

What does your father plan to do with the fleet?

Haven't you been listening?

He doesn't confide in me.

Another pinch and I'll be useless.

I wouldn't say useless.

This is a disaster.

This is an absolute disaster.

The boy was burned alive by one of my soldiers.

Soldier from Arrakis?

- Yes. - How?

He claims to have been swallowed by a sandworm.

- Claims? - It's on the surveillance.

You're telling me Desmond Hart survived an attack by Shai-Hulud?

Yes.

He says the worm gave him a gift.

Some sort of power.

I don't know. He's obviously insane.

You know who will be blamed for this?

If Richese finds out, he'll think I issued the order.

Kasha didn't trust that soldier.

- Where was she when I needed her? - Be calm, Javicco.

We must proceed carefully, but we can handle this.

And how do you suggest we do that?

Well, you saw the boy's body.

His death was unnatural.