Duncan Idaho and Siona arrive at Tuono Village accompanied by a Fish Speaker troop led by Nayla, traveling from the Citadel by ornithopter. Idaho is immediately struck by the decay and artifice of the settlement, noting that the Museum Fremen live isolated from off-planet technology yet maintain a pathetic imitation of true Fremen culture. The village features decorated huts, a tattered green banner, and an auditorium resembling a tourist stage, while the residents wear restrictive, poorly made stillsuits that reveal their lack of authentic desert survival skills.
A delegation of eight men waits to greet them, led by Garun, the Naib of the village, who has distinct brown eyes rather than the deep blue of spice addiction. Children offer wilted flowers and expect coins, further distressing Idaho as he observes the miserable conditions and servile demeanor of the locals. Garun offers to perform traditional rituals and dances, but Idaho grows increasingly disgusted by the sham culture, eventually stepping forward to inspect Garun's robe and exposing a fake stillsuit that lacks essential components.
Enraged by the imposture, Idaho confronts Garun and demands he draw a weapon, prompting Garun to admit that their knives are merely locked away for display. Although Idaho initially laughs at the confession, he is quickly sobered by the man's fearful subservience and offers to teach them genuine Fremen ways. Siona dismisses the idea and demands they be taken to their quarters, at which point Nayla confesses that she must follow strict orders from the God Emperor to house Siona and Idaho together. Siona issues a warning to Idaho before they follow Garun through the village streets.