"Paul... Marcus..."
Caladan
Homeworld of House of Atreides
Year 10191 AG
Paul Atreides is surprised by the dream as he awakens in the early hours of the morning.
He is disturbed as he sits in his bed.
A table covered in food and crystal glasses is set by Lady Jessica. She is gazing out over the lovely valley. Wishing she could stay in the paradise she will soon depart.
Paul: Mother
Paul joins her as she turns to watch him cross the room. He fills his plate with food as he takes a seat at the other end of the table.
Jessica: It's good you're up early. Wish I could say the same about your brother. Your father wants you both in full dress before the Emperor's Herald arrives.
Paul: Full dress? Military?
Jessica: Ceremonial
He slumps a bit at that. Much rather be in military...
Paul: Why do we have to go through all this, when it's already been decided?
Jessica: Ceremony
At that, Paul cannot help but grin. His mother always seems to be thinking two steps ahead of him.
He receives a glass of water from Jessica. He expects her to deliver it to him as he reaches across the table, but she declines. She instead places it directly in front of her.
Paul is not happy and he is aware of what she is doing.
Paul: I just woke up. Can I please...?
Jessica: If you want it, make me give it to you. Use the Voice.
Paul heaved a long breath. Then, okay. He sighs. Whatever. looks directly at her while mockingly portraying a gruff wizard of some sort...
Paul: Give me the water
Lady Jessica finds this absurd. not responding to him in any way. Okay. She triumphs. After gathering himself, he looks at the glass and says:
Paul: (Intently) Give. Me. The. Water
Nothing happens. He puts his hands up, like... "I tried."
Jessica: The glass can't hear you. Command me.
Her voice carries authority. He is startled out of his hastiness by it. A fresh breath. He averts his gaze. draws from a source inside of himself.
His eyes open, focused on Jessica
Paul: GIVE ME THE WATER
A hundred whispers but just one voice, his words echo through the air as they curl in and around themselves. It is unheard of in human history.
Jessica keeps an eye on her hand as it approaches the glass. Her mind tries to resist his orders. Has he completed it?
She raises the glass and starts to bring it to him, then she pauses and lowers the glass. He could not shatter her with his Voice. But she is happy.
Jessica: Almost
Paul: Almost?
He reaches far across the table and grabs the glass.
Touché. He lifts his water glass to that, then drinks. And shovels more food into his mouth. Still boyish.
Jessica: You look tired. More dreams?
He hesitates a moment too long before he gives her the lie
Paul: No
It's not too much longer that Paul finishes his food.
Jessica: Go find your brother and let him know to get ready for the ceremony at once
Paul gives his mum a nod before leaving the room to inform his twin brother that he must attend the event.
Paul moved through their home's lengthy, drifting halls. He could hear the noises of activity ringing down the hallways as he went, as the servants hurried to get ready for the Herald's arrival.
Paul stood at his brother's door and knocked. He pushed it open and entered after receiving no response. The desk was spotless, the bed was set up neatly, and the room was empty.
Paul walked up to the training room where Marcus frequently spent his mornings developing his sword abilities. He noticed his brother standing with his back to him in the room's centre as soon as he walked
Paul: I've looked everywhere for you. If we're not prepared for the Herald's arrival, Mother and Father will be furious.
Marcus turned to face him, the corners of his mouth playing with a smirk.
Marcus: Calm down, brother. I was awake since before daybreak. For this, I'm more than prepared.
TIME SKIP
There were several Atreides flags flying in the breeze. Paul strains his eyes to see a far-off spacecraft in the early-morning sky. It arrives quickly. Marcus appears to be in the moment and collected.
Huge Imperial Spacecraft touches down. Its door opens. Automatically moving across the tarmac at great speed is a red carpet.
In a variety of ceremonial clothing, a group of officials appears, led by an unexpectedly formal man containing an exquisite scroll.
They move with smoothness on the tarmac. Atreides officers in formation on either side. At the end of the red carpet, waiting.
Duke Leto Atreides wearing formal royal attire. A poet's eyes and a soldier's build. Lady Jessica was by his side.
Both Thufir Hawaii, who is clearly a Mentat, and Gurney Halleck, who is as sour and anxious as his Duke is warm and friendly, are on their left and right, respectively.
Leto maintains a forward-facing gaze, although
Leto: Smile, Gurney
Gurney's scowling face doesn't change.
Gurney: I am smiling.
This genuinely causes the Duke and his son Marcus to grin, which causes Gurney to smile somewhat as well.
Leto: How much will they spend travelling here for this formality?
The question causes Hawat's Mentat to come to life. As he makes a calculation, his eyes wander.
Leto: Three Guild Navigators, fifty-two parsecs...figure a hundred and forty decagrams of spice...a total of one-point-four-six million solaris, round-trip.
Gurney and Leto sigh.
Paul and Marcus, dressed in ceremonial dresses, were at the end of the Atreides queue and were admiring the curious retinue in front of him.
There are some types of royal guests among them, as well as a woman dressed in what looks to be religious clothing. She continues looking down at the ground.
The procession comes to a polite halt in front of the Duke, and the man holding the scroll declares in an authoritative voice.
Herald Of The Change: By the grace of Shaddam IV of House Corrino, Ascendant to the Golden Lion Throne and Padisha Emperor of the Known Universe, I stand before you as Herald of the Change. We are witnessed by members of the imperial court, representatives of the Spacing Guild, and a sister of the Finne Gesserit. House Atreides is one of the oldest and most respected members of the Landsraad. In the wake of the failure of House Harkonnen, the other Great Houses have turned to you in hope. Shaddam IV agrees. House Atreides will immediately take control of Arrakis and serve as its steward. Do you accept?
Leto steps forward
Leto: For centuries, House Atreides has stood for honour. Not only for itself but for the benefit of all. Now the Emperor gives us his unconditional trust. He wants us to bring peace to Arrakis! We are House Atreides. There is no call we do not answer. There is no faith that we betray. The Emperor asks us to lead. House Atreides... accepts.
Leto takes the ceremonial quill and signs the formal paper, ensuring House Atreides as the new stewards of Arrakis.
TIME SKIP
Swords, lasguns, and rocket launchers are among the weapons being prepared nearby by an Atreides commando unit. Generators for shields and armour, A survival kit. They portray a sense of calm. Companions that have fought with one another through numerous conflicts.
Duncan Idaho, a huge guy with full power, is circling the ship with an officer and two techs. He is wearing his pilot's uniform and has his helmet tucked under his arm.
As Duncan turns to address his commandos, he notices
Duncan: Paul, Marcus
Marcus and Paul had been holding out at the hanger's entrance. Duncan sprints over and gives the guys a bear embrace.
Paul: Duncan
Marcus: Duncan
Duncan: (to Paul) You put on some musclePaul: I did?
Duncan: No. However, your twin brother appears to have
Marcus: Just keeping up with my training.
Duncan: (Pats Marcus on the arm) That's my boy
Marcus smiles at Duncan's remark
Paul: So... you're going back to Arrakis tomorrow. With the advance team.
Duncan: I am
Paul: I would like you to take me with you
Marcus: (Looks at Paul) Paul...
Duncan: You do? Oh. Too bad. Because no.
Paul: Duncan...
Duncan: You trying to get me court-martialed? What's going on?
Paul hesitates for a second, looking at both Duncan and his brother
Paul: Can I trust you both with something?
Marcus: You know, you can.
Duncan: Always. You know that as well
Paul: I've been having dreams. About Arrakis. I saw the spice sands in the deep desert. The Fremen, fighting for their lands. And there's... A girl.
Duncan: Now we're talking...
Duncan's comment causes Marcus to giggle, but Paul ignores his effort at comedy and continues.
Paul: I saw the Harkonnen legions... I watched them leave Arrakis.
Duncan: Okay, so... you dreamed about stuff we all know about.
Paul: I had that dream months ago. Before any of it happened.
Duncan: Well... that's a hell of a coincidence.
Marcus: (Looking at his brother in a serious way) You must be careful when sensing the future, Paul.
Duncan: Listen to your brother...
Paul: There was more... I dreamt about you both. With the Fremen.
Duncan: So I will find them! There's a good omen! Right?
Paul: I saw you lying dead. Fallen in battle. Your face, clean-shaven.
Duncan is disturbed by the vision Paul had just described to him.
Duncan: Whew! Okay! Not gonna die! (points to his beard) I shave for no man!
Paul: Duncan...
Duncan: That's why you want to come with me! Listen. Dreams make good stories. But everything important happens while we're awake. Because that's when we make things happen.
Marcus nods at what Duncan just said to Paul, and rests his left hand on his brother's left shoulder.
Duncan: I hope the girl part's true!
As Duncan leaves to check his gear and equipment to make sure they are in working order for his trip to Arrakis, Paul and Marcus laugh at what Duncan just stated.
Marcus: You said you had a vision of me with the Fremen?
Paul: I did
Marcus: Would you mind telling me what it was?
Paul: Alright... I saw you among the Fremen, you were leading them, fighting alongside them.
Paul's words seemed to stun Marcus with disbelief.
Marcus: That is odd, I must say. The Fremen are notoriously closed-off and fiercely protective of their way of life.
Paul: I don't know, but the vision was clear.
Marcus: Remember what I said about sensing the future. It could serve you well, but it could lead you down the wrong path.
Paul nods his head.
For a little while longer, the two brothers remained still, each involved in their own thoughts. The future was undetermined, and the road ahead was dangerous. But they were aware that if they were to succeed, they would have to confront it head-on.
TIME SKIP
A headstone with a bas-relief depicting a man battling a massive bull is being painstakingly cleaned of stray dirt by Duke Leto. Marcus and Paul may be seen heading in his direction. He was glad to see his boys.
Paul: Father, I'd like to ask to join Duncan Idaho on a scout mission to Arrakis tomorrow. I've studied the Fremen language, I'd be an asset.
Leto: Out of the question. You'll travel to Arrakis in a few weeks, like the rest of us, with me, your mother and your brother.
Marcus: I did try to tell you.
Leto looks at his two sons
Paul: I've been training my whole life, what is the point if I'm not allowed to face an actual risk
Leto: You know why, Paul. You're the future of House Atreides, you as well Marcus.
Paul: And Grandfather fought bulls for sports
Marcus: Yes he did, and look what happened to him.
Leto: Your brother is right Paul. I need you by my side, both of you. When we get to Arrakis we will face enormous danger
Paul: What danger? Fremen? Desert?
Marcus: He means political danger.
Leto nods at Marcus
Leto: The great houses look to us for leadership, and this threatens the Emperor. By taking Arrakis from the Harkonnens, and making it ours, he sets the stage for a war. Which will weaken both houses. but if we hold firm and tap the true power of Arrakis, we can be stronger than ever.
Paul: What does that mean? Mining spice, keeping the Fremen in their place? We would be no better than the Harkonnens.
Leto: No. By making an alliance with the Fremen. That's what I have sent Duncan Idaho to arrange. Here on Caladan, we have ruled by air power and sea power, on Arrakis we need to cultivate desert power. (looking at his two sons) I want you both sitting in on my council, learn what I do.
Paul: Well... What if I'm not dad?
Leto: Not what?
Paul: The future of House Atreides
Marcus shakes his head at the statement made by his twin brother
Marcus: Don't even think like that. You are and will always be the future of this house, even more so than me.
Paul: How do you reckon that?
Marcus: Considering that I am well acquainted with you and am confident that you would lead better than I could. Mother and father have been teaching you about leadership for a reason all these years. With me, they never did it.
Paul: Never?
Marcus: Never. And that is because they know you will be a leader whenever you rise to the occasion.
Leto: (He approaches Paul and holds up his ring finger) I told my father I didn't want this either. I wanted to be a pilot.
Paul: You never told me that
Leto: Your grandfather said, "A great man doesn't seek to lead. He's called to it, and he answers." And if your answer is no, you'll still be the only thing I've ever needed you to be... my son. And Marcus, we'll educate you about leadership because, wouldn't you agree, it's an important part of who you are, as a member of House Atreides?
Marcus: Yes, father.
TIME SKIP
Marcus and Paul are both holding swords as they stand in a fencing practice area. Both are prepared for practice, inhaling deeply, and sweating. A beaten-up old target dummy is in front of Paul. While Marcus practises blocking, dodging, and striking his opponents using a hologram. Marcus' offensive and defence both display impressive speed, precision, and vision.
Paul makes a precise assault with his arm that is sure and forceful. Afterwards, it attacks once more. Despite sensing a presence, Paul stays still. His brother is not the only one in the room.
Gurney: Don't stand with your back to the door. How many times do we need to tell you?
Paul: I could tell by your footsteps, Gurney Halleck.
Gurney: Someone might imitate my stride
Paul: I know the difference
Behind the two brothers is Gurney. Swords and knives in scabbards have been packed into his arms.
Paul: Are you the new Weapons Master?
Paul's voice is playful. Gurney chuckles. Alongside his brother and among the employees of his father, he is the closest thing Paul has to a companion. Paul has been known and loved by Gurney since the day of his birth. Marcus receives the same treatment from him that Paul does.
Gurney: With Duncan Idaho gone, I must make do as best I can.
He lays the weapons out on a table in matched pairs.
Gurney: Choose your blade
Paul: I've had quite a day, Gurney. Give us a song instead
Marcus: (Shaking his head) Not the right response, brother.
Gurney grabs a blade and hurls it at Paul without any prior warning. Next to Paul, the blade bangs deeply into the table's wood and Paul trembles.
Paul: That's rude
Marcus: I tried to warn you.
Paul puts down his training sword and picks up the blade.
Gurney raises his defence. Around him, a shimmering force field emerges before fading into nothingness. Paul does the same.
Marcus turns off the training hologram sits back and watches how his brother gets on with his training from Gurney.
Paul: Old man
Marcus: Careful...
Gurney charges forward. Their swords collide.
Paul strikes quickly, scattering light with his blade where Gurney's barrier deflects the assault.
He then makes a slower, sneakier lunge, slipping his blade into Gurney's shield. Just the slow blade may cut through.
They fence until Paul launches another slow strike, creating a flare of electricity where their shields meet. Gurney dives through Paul's shield while holding Paul's sword in his gloved hand, slapping Paul in the face with the flat of the blade.
Paul recoils in amazement. scratching his cheek. Gurney beams.
Gurney: Ahh... the slow blade penetrates the shield.
Paul: I guess I'm not in the mood today.
Gurney: Mood?! What has mood to do with it? You fight when the necessity arises, no matter your mood! Now fight!
He makes a strong strike, slicing into Paul's shield with his sword. Paul struggles and withdraws. Against the table, backed up.
With a blade in his free hand, Paul rolls over the tabletop and emerges on the opposite side. Now with two weapons.
Over the table, he leaps. His blade a flame flashing. Paul is in trouble. He draws in a long breath.
Marcus: Remember... the footwork, the speed, and always look for that opening.
Paul makes a stunning battle manoeuvre.
Gurney's blades are deflected by him as he enters his defences; nevertheless, just an inch from Gurney's throat, his trembling blade stops.
Paul: I have you
Gurney: Aye, but look down my lord.
Paul looks down but does not put his blade down. The knife Gurney is holding with his left hand is only an inch away from Paul's chest.
Gurney: You'd have joined me in death.
He sheathes his knives and grins before turning off his shield. His threatening appearance vanished.
Gurney: I see you found the mood
After heavily sighing, Paul stores his own weapons.
Marcus approaches his brother
Marcus: You did well, but you still have much to learn.
Gurney: Enough chit-chat from you Marcus. Your turn.
Marcus: Watch how it's done.
Paul smirks at the confidence of his twin brother.
Gurney spoke the words, with a sense of challenge in his voice.
Gurney: Let's see what you got.
Marcus moved forward with his own blade. Gurney was able to make out the young man's intense focus and tremendous drive to succeed.
The two guys started to fight, their swords flying in a whirl of motion. Gurney was amazed by Marcus' talent and his swift and accurate movements.
But as the session went on, Gurney became aware of his disadvantage. Marcus' attacks were unrelenting and he was too quick and agile.
Despite his best efforts, Gurney was unable to keep up with Marcus' lightning-fast attacks and was forced to go on the defensive. The young guy effortlessly anticipated his assaults and countered them, appearing to know his every move before he made was left sweating and panting as the practice came to a close, his body pounding from the effort. He was aware that he had lost and that Marcus was a formidable opponent.
Gurney shook his head admiringly and remarked,
Gurney: Well done my boy, you have the makings of a great warrior.
Marcus: (Smirks) Nah, I think Paul is right. You're just getting old
Gurney and Paul chuckle at Marcus' remark. Marcus extended his hand and helped Gurney get up.
Paul: Will it be that bad?
Gurney: You don't get it, do you? You don't really understand the grave nature of what's happening to us. For eighty years Arrakis belonged to House Harkonnen! Eighty years! Owning the spice fields! Can you imagine the wealth? You need to be ready. - Your eyes. I need to see it in your eyes! You never met Harkonnens before. I have. They're not human. They're BRUTAL. You have to be ready. Both of you, have to be ready.