Duncan Idaho and Siona fly by ornithopter to the secluded village of Goygoa, originally known as Shuloch or the haunted place, under the orders of the God Emperor. Idaho observes the lush, green landscape reminiscent of ancient Caladan, reflecting on the nature of Leto’s imposed peace and the strict control of the human population. Upon arrival, the villagers stare at the newcomers, and Siona reveals her hidden purpose in bringing Idaho here.
In the village square, a young boy with familiar Atreides features approaches Idaho, triggering a painful realization that this child is a ghola descendant of a previous Idaho. Siona confesses her own feelings of guilt and frustration, admitting she sought revenge and clarity about the past. She speaks bitterly of the God Emperor’s tight control, while Idaho defends the concept of Leto's Golden Path and the necessities of survival.
Idaho wanders through the narrow streets of the village and encounters the boy's mother, a woman bearing the astonishing facial resemblance of Jessica, recreated in new flesh. A sixteen-year-old youth emerges from the house and firmly asks Idaho to leave because his presence causes his mother pain. Idaho complies and retreats toward the orchards with Siona, reflecting on the burdens of heritage.
Alone on a hilltop overlooking the village, Siona voices her deep hatred for the confinement and the lack of freedom under the Worm's regime. She recounts hearing the God Emperor call himself the affliction that limits human crises. Idaho contemplates reality, the nature of his existence, and the implications of Siona’s mission to breed with him, vowing to make his own choices.