Duncan Idaho confronts Leto after his encounter at the Citadel, wrestling with profound confusion regarding the sprawling empire, the religious devotion of the Fish Speakers, and his own recurring existence as a ghola. He challenges Leto on his methods, questioning the necessity of absolute obedience, the suppression of traditional legal systems, and the implementation of a government based on divine law rather than standard justice. Leto dismisses Duncan's concerns about police forces and prisons, explaining that he deals in sins against his godhead rather than civil crimes, and maintains that true order relies on patterns and unwavering loyalty to the Atreides name.
As their heated conversation continues, Duncan questions Leto about the Tleilaxu repeatedly bringing him back to life through successive generations. In response, Leto briefly adopts the voice and visage of Muad Dib to remind Duncan of his enduring friendship and value to the family lineage. The discussion shifts toward the current political landscape and the arrival of the Ixian Ambassador, Hwi Noree, whom Duncan crossed paths with upon his arrival. Although Duncan expresses deep skepticism toward everyone around the God Emperor, including Siona and the newly arrived ambassador, Leto defends Hwi Noree's openness and creativity. When Duncan suggests that he should get to know her better, Leto firmly forbids it, revealing that he has a very specific and carefully guarded destiny planned for her.