- "History is written on the sands of Arrakis. Muad'Dib is gone, but his children remain. Almost grown and about to face the consequences of their father's legacy. A legacy fielcely guarded by their aunt, Alia, even as she struggles with the ominous destiny of her own birthright."
- ―Princess Irulan Corrino[src]
The Children is the second episode of Frank Herbert's Children of Dune. It premiered on March 17, 2003 on the SciFi Channel. It was written by John Harrison and directed by Greg Yaitanes.
Premise[]
Alia sinks into madness as Paul's twin heirs begin to understand their destinies; Princess Wensicia plots to destroy the Atreides family.
Synopsis[]
At Sietch Tabr, Leto Atreides II observed a moth and has a vision in which his father, Paul, tells him that he must now follow the Golden Path, which he could not. Atop the sietch, Leto is visited by his twin sister Ghanima. He tells her that he was hoping to see a Sandworm, but she reminds him that they never come that close anymore, for the water has driven them away. He states that everything is chaning too fast and she deduces that he has had another vision. He tells her that his skin was not his own and he was running across the desert at unnatural speed to Jacurutu, where he saw their father. She tells him that she is frightened that if they follow the Golden Path, they will end up like their aunt Alia. He asks if he will tell their grandmother Jessica of this when they see her, advising that it may be wise to understand her better before they allow her to understand them. They see Ornithopters approaching as their stepmother, Irulan Corrino, joins them.
As Leto flies their Ornithopter over the desert, Irulan advises the twins to be courteous and respectful to Jessica, as she is a Bene Gesserit and will know if they keep things from her. They ask why they would keep things from her and if they have anything worth keeping. Irulan tells them that she and Stilgar are losing patience for their wit and Leto spots wormsign. As he takes a different course, Irulan advises him to take a higher altitude and he replies that he knows from his genetic memory that Paul loved to fly that close to the ground. The twins remind Irulan of her Bene Gesserit training and the Litany Against Fear. They observe three worms, which captivate the twins, and narrowly escape being eaten by one, for which Irulan chastises them.
They arrive at Arrakeen, where Alia is disturbed by voices from her Other Memory. She has continued to overconsume Spice Melange, which has impacted her mind. She is approached by her husband, Duncan Idaho who asks her why it is necessary to have such prescience. She asks Duncan why Jessica is coming, asking him to speak to her as her Mentat so that she can determine Jessica's plans.
Jessica approaches Arrakis with Gurney Halleck and they observe the clouds and moisture in the air. Gurney states that it almost seems sacriligeous, which he attributes to his time living with the Fremen. Jessica tells him that she hates the planet for robbing her of her beloved Duke Leto and her son. Gurney warns her of assassination plots, including by those who blame her for Paul's interference in the planet's ecology.
On Arrakis, two teenagers in Atreides robes are chased and eaten by Laza tigers trained by Palimbasha. On Salusa Secundus, Tyekanik informs Princess Wensicia Corrino that the traing has gone according to plan, their allies on Arrakis continue to spread civil unrest and Alia is losing her hold on power. Wensicia tells him that she will not be satisfied until all of the Atreides have been wiped out. Tyekanik visits Wensicia's son Farad'n, who is observing their captive Sandworm. Farad'n has no desire to reclaim the throne of his grandfather Shaddam Corrino IV, unconvinced that a new Corrino Empire would be any less despised than the Atreides Empire.
At the palace, Alia chastises Leto and Ghanima for their stunt in the desert. She warns them to be wary of Jessica, for the Bene Gesserit do not look fondly on pre-born individuals. The twins fear that Alia is already lost to them and they join Orulan for Jessica's arrival, sensing that she is nervous due to their unsettled relationship. Jessica is warmly welcomed by Stilgar, but as she hugs Alia she takes more interest in the twins. Approaching them, she tells that she hopes that they can shed formality and get to know each other again. The Qizarate priest announces that the mother of Muad'Dib has returned to them, earning a cheer from the ground.
Jessica addresses the crowd despite considering the ritual a hypocrisy. As she turns to leave, a mysterious Preacher calls out to her, calling her "mother". He brings a warning that the blessings of Muad'Dib have been corrupted and that he renounces it and all of them. He tells the crowd that Muad'Dib is dead and sand will cober them all. An assassin strikes, creating a panic, and when chased and cornered he commit suicide by blowing himself up. Stilgar tells Jessica that such occurences as becoming more common and that anyone in the royal family may be vulnerable. Jessica deduces that some believe the Preacher to be Paul and Stilgar states that the Qizarate wish to flay him alive, but Alia forbids it, which Jessica takes as a sign she believe it may be true. Stilgar and Gurney assure Jessica that Paul is dead.
Jessica asks that Gurney accompany Stilgar when he interrogates the accomplices of the assassin and Stilgar agrees. Jessica is approached by the twins, who inform her that she is to sleep in the room that once belonged to Paul and their mother Chani Kynes. They deduce that she allowed herself to believe they were their parents when she first saw them, which she admits was not an unpleasant moment.
As they begin to reconnect, they are interrupted by Alia, who tells them to let her rest. The twins encouage Alia to reconnect with Alia, but as she tries to touch her Alia recoils. Jessica tells Alia she is surpirsed by how quickly the desert is retrating and Alia informs her that they still meet some resistance from the Fremen. Alia then accuses Jessica of abandoning her after Paul died, telling her that she is glad they killed her mentor, Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, who called her an "Abomination". Alia believes that Jessica fears that she has Paul's vision, but Jessica replies that she fears she will get lost trying to achieve it. ALia tells Jessica that she hates her, loves her and will never forgive her.
In the marketplace in Arrakeen, the Preacher tells the crowd that they are being misled to obey the Qizarate through fear. He warns them that if they accept self-deception will perish by it and those who pray for dew at the desert's edge shall being forth the deluge. Duncan observes him from the crowd and Alia watches from hher balcony. Seeing that she is overcome, Javid assures her that the Preacher is no threat. She asks if he would kill him if she asks and he replies that he would not hesitate but would advise againts it. Alia hears the voice of her grandfather, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, encouraging her through her genetic memory to seduce Javid, which she does. Duncan returns to the palace and sees them having sex. He draws his knife, but departs in heartbreak.
In the greenhouse, Jessica is joined by Irulan. Jessica tells Irulan that she feared it would be gone, but Irulan assures her that Paul would never allow it, ensuring that her promise to Mapes would never be broken. Jessica admits that it seems silly now that Arrakis' ecology has changed, but Irulan states that it remains a symbol, though Jessica replies that there is now symbolism everywhere. She tells Irulan that she is happy to see her and comforted by her devotion to her grandchildren, whom Irulan declares to be the source of her happiness. Jessica points out the irony that they both deserted the Bene Gesserit due to their love for men who are now dead. Distrustful of Jessica, Irulan tells her that nothing will harm them as long as she can prevent it.
Leto meets with Jessica and suggests to her that he and Ghanima should have the freedom to learn to live with what they are and she asks what that is. He admits that he struggles with his genetic memory and prescience and that he struggles with the choice he must make between becoming the Padishah Emperor and following the Golden Path. She does not understand, but offers to help him and he replies in the Voice that it is he who will help her. He later plays chess with Ghanima when Alia arrvives and angrily tells them that the Fremen, the Spacing Guild and the Bene Gesserit conspire againts them. They warn her that the voices in her genetic memory are the biggest threat and refuse to help her see what she cannot. She warns them that they will one day have to confront the horror of their own existence and leaves, with Ghanima wondering if she is right. Alia is returns to her bedroom, tormented by the voices in her head. The Baron drives the other voices out and appears before her, declaring himself a "spiritual Gom Jabbar".
Gurney and Stilgar report to Jessica on the results of their interrogations. They tell her that they do not believe the attackers to be rebel Fremen, for the sound of the word "Jacurutu" caused them to die. She tells them that she and Leto heard of Jacurutu when they first arrived on Arrakis, but could never find evidence of its existence. Stilgar warns that it is a synonym for evil, for the water-stealing Edwali tribe came from there. Other Fremen tribes banded together and declared war on Jacurutu, slaughteriing the Edwali, with the sietch being declared taboo. However, a legend persists that some of the Edwali escaped and became known as the Cast-Out. Jessica wonders if they were behind the assassination attempt and Gurney suggests that if they do exist, they would disguise themselves. Jessica orders Gurney to contact his old smuggler allies to find out what they know.
As Alia attempts to sleep, she reflects on a lifetime of struggling with her genetic memory and Other Memory, as well as her fear of judgement. The Baron attempts to console and encourage her and she tries to drive him out. He tells her that he wishes to help her and that rather than take over her mind like the others wish to, he only desires a small corner for himself to experience an occasional taste and touch. Alia refuses, reminding him that he murdered her father and tried to wipe out her family. He admits to all of that, but states that it is old business and offers to follow her commands for little in return. She becomes convinced when he tells her wjay they can accomplish together.
At the sietch, Leto shows Stilgar a moth and tells him that it has summoned him. He asks Stilgar when was the last time he rode a worm, suggesting that he has lost his way. He tells Stilgar that the moth is a symbol of the corruption infecting Arrakis that would not exist but for the changes they are enforcing on the planet. Stilgar reminds him that his father inspired that changed, but Leto states that he knows the Fremen in Stilgar to be disgusted by such changes. Leto tells Stilgar that he has a problem with the many things Paul left undone, for a good ruler does not need to be a religious figure, but must be sensitive to the ones they rule. Stilgar tells him that the ancient meaning of "Naib" is "servant of the sietch" and Leto suggests that he may need to destroy hos own father's legacy. Stilgar advises him not to share these sentiments with Alia or her priests and Leto warns Stilgar to beware her, for she is no longer her friend, and asks his promise that he will protect Ghanima, who will be the only hope if anything happens to him.
Leto returns to the palace and is confronted by Ghanima, who knows that he was in the desert. She asks why he did not bring her with him and he tells her that he needed to talk to Stilgar and that they may need to face some of what is coming apart. She tells him that it does not mean that he has to face it along and he leaves her. Javid and his father Namri meet with Muriz and his son Assan Tariq and inform them that Gurney is being sent into the desert to ask questions and will encounter someone who can be bought. Muriz states that they must make sure he buys has the right answers. Tariq asks what he should do with the Preacher and Muriz advises him to take him into the desert until they need his sermons again. They plan to create civil war between the Fremen and the Atreides so that they may claim their revenge.
In the grenhouse, Jessica admits to Ghanima that it was cowardly for her to leave Arrakis, but Ghanima understand that it was driven by all of the loss that she suffered. Jessica admits her fear of the pre-born and recounts Paul being subjected to the Gom Jabbar test by Mohiam. She states that it disturbs her that Ghanima can remember this event in a way that she cannot and Ghanima understands her to be afraid of the possibility of possession and abomination. Jessica states that she does not fear it from Ghanima and asks her if Leto is strong enough to survive the Golden Path. Ghanima tells Jessica of Leto's visions of a pilgrimage to Jacurutu to find Paul and that she knows him to be strong enough to survive the tests that await him.
In the desert, Gurney meets with Namri to travel deeper into the desert. At Arrakeen, Irulan is suspiscious when gifts arrive from House Corrino addresses to Leto and Ghanima. Duncan suggests that it may be an attemot to curry favor with the future Emperor and his sister, but Irulan replies that even the most seemingly innocent things that Wensicia does have hidden dangers. She orders that the clothes be examined thoroughly. Irulan senses that Duncan doubts her motives and he points out that her allegiance has changed before and can do so again. On Salusa Secundus, Tyekanik informs Wensicia that the robes were delivered and Alia grows more paranoid each day. Wensicia is pleased, planning to have the twins killed and the Fremen revolt against Alia, but tells Tyekanik not to tell Farad'n of their plans until they have been achieved, as he does not have the stomach for it.
Alia admonishes for her suspicion over the robes, seeing them as an opportunity to ease tension between the houses. She orders that Leto and Ghanima be removed from Irulan's care. Jessica notices an abnormality in Alia, who rants about being surrounded by incompetent fools and having the manage chaos. At the Baron's suggestion, Alia dismisses them, though Jessica takes a long look at her before she leaves. Jessica meets with Irulan and warns her through sign language that she and the twins are in serious danger, for Alia is possessed. Irulan decides to take the twins to Stilgar at Sietch Tabr and Jessica advises her to take loyal Fedaykin whom she trusts and leave immediately.
Irulan leads the twins through the marketplace and they are spotted by Murisz and Palimbasha. Leto notices the Preacher in the shadows. In the palace, Alia orders her priests that any who aided the twins in their departure must be brought to her so that she may make an example of them. She orders the priests to leave and expresses a desire to have Jessica killed, knowing that she is behind it. The Baron instructs her to be patient and she laments that everyone is turning against her. She wonders why she even listens to him and he replies that it is because he is the only one she can trust. He then suggests that she call upon Javid to mix business with pleasure.
Javid meets with Muriz and informs him of Alia's increasing paranoia. Muriz is pleased and advises him to update Wensicia. At the palace, Alia sits upon the throne as Jessica sits beside her for the ritual of supplication. The ritual is interrupted by Ghadhean al-Fali, the Naib of Sietch Gara Kulon, who comes to discuss a matter of the desert. Alia attempts to dismiss him, but Jessica overrules her. Al-Fali states that the desert has been abandoned, the Sandworms can only be found in the deepest regions and the changes in ecology are destroying the planet. Alia declares that they are doing what Paul and Liet-Kynes intended. Al-Fali points out that the worms are essential for Spice production and Alia attempts to assert her dominance over the Fremen, but Jessica declares her loyalty to them and defies Alia. Another assassination attempt causes a panic and Al-Fali smuggles Jessica out at her instruction.
At Sietch Tabr, Leto has another vision until Ghanima brings him out of it. He tells her that they must travel to Jacurutu, for they will find the answer they are seeking there. He declares it to be their father's last vision, which he left for them to finish. Ghanima knows that there are things he is keeping from her, but he states that they are things that even he does not understand yet and that he has faith that when the time comes they will both know what to do. She asks if he is sure that can make it and he replies that if they do not try, they will have failed. She admits that she is afraid and they recite the Litant Against Fear.
Leto and Ghanima spot Palimbasha and return to their quarters, dressing in the robes gifted to them by House Corrino before leaving the Sietch. In Arrakeen, Al-Fali tells Jessica that they can rest until arrangements have been made to get her out of the city. Knowing that civil war is inevitable unless something is done, she tells him to contact Stilgar and tell him to call a council of Naibs so that a trial of possession can be brought against Alia. He reminds her of what this will mean, but she insists that it must be done. In the palace, Alia issues a warrant for the arrest Al-Fali and his conspirators. Once the priests leave, Duncan observes Alia and admits that he knows about her affair with Javid. She attempts to apologise to him and begs his forgiveness. She tells him that Jessica must be eliminate her and Duncan leaves, refusing to let harm come to House Atreides. The Baron commends Alia for how she handled it and she tells him to shut up. He lauaghs as she weeps.
At Sietch Tabr, Stilgar is informed that no trace of the twins can be found and he replies that they will only be found if they wish to be. Jessica is taken to a sietch and informed of an urgent message fromStilgar. The messenger turns out to be Duncan, who says that he has come to take her to Sietch Tabr. Al-Fali warns Jessica not to go with him, but Jessica trusts Duncan due to him previous giving his life to save her and Paul. Duncan warns them of the warrant and tells them that Stilgar has offered them sanctuary if they can reach Tabr, which Jessica instructs them to do. As Duncan and Jessica depart, they agree that Alia will not survive the trial of abomination. Jessica notices that they are not on the route to Tabr and asks Duncan where he is taking her, to which he replies that it is somewhere even Alia will not think to look for them.
Leto and Ghanima cross the desert with Maker hooks and are pursued by Palimbasha's Laza tigers. Ghanima flees into a cave while Leto remains outside to fight the tigers, letting out a scream.