Duke Leto is furious about the assassination attempt on Paul’s life. Inwardly, he is struggling to feel at home on Arrakis. He talks with Gurney Halleck, issuing orders for Gurney to increase security and to try to tempt the departing spice workers to remain on Arrakis. Leto turns his attention to rallying the morale of his men, though he still worries about Paul.

When Leto and Paul discuss the assassination attempt, Paul defends Thufir Hawat. Leto refuses Hawat’s resignation. At a staff meeting, Leto reflects on another pressing matter: The Harkonnens have sabotaged the spice mining equipment, leaving House Atreides in a difficult position. Despite the immense value of spice, House Atreides may need to spend a fortune and wait years before they turn a profit. Given their lack of support, the Duke plans to recruit the Fremen to bolster his forces. He refers to their potential help as “desert power” (124). The meeting is interrupted by the arrival of Duncan Idaho, one of Leto’s most trusted officers. Having liaised with the Fremen, Idaho introduces a Fremen leader named Stilgar. After a stiff introduction, Leto offers his respect to the Fremen traditions.