Leto descends into a subterranean crypt to meet the latest Tleilaxu-produced ghola of Duncan Idaho. Expecting an aggressive warrior reacting to post-tank disorientation, Leto uses a darkened chamber and shifts his voice to evoke Paul Atreides to disorient and then reassure the newcomer. The ghola struggles with near shock, confusion over his memories, and the stunning revelation that Leto has merged with sandtrout to undergo a profound multi-millennial transformation into a pre-worm body.
As their conversation continues, Leto commands floodlights to reveal his silvery-grey, heavily altered form. Although initially disturbed by the horrific metamorphosis and the concept of an army of women serving as Fish Speakers, Idaho confronts Leto regarding the state of his centralized empire, the heavy peace he enforces, and the lack of true self-rule. Leto defends his actions as a necessary burden born from deep historical continuity and his absolute certainty in the accumulated wisdom of his past lives.
Recognizing the familiar Atreides honor code and unwavering loyalty embedded within Idaho, Leto appeals to their shared history. He asks the ghola to command his elite female guard and protect his most vital vulnerability. Accepting his new reality with a characteristic grin, Idaho acknowledges the overwhelming weight of the collective Atreides consciousness residing within Leto and agrees to serve him once more before Moneo leads him away.