Salmon Rev. (06/19/2020) 30.REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM *
You chose to train him in the Way, *
in defiance of our rule. He wields *
our power: he had to be tested. *
(wearily) *
So much potential, wasted in a *
male. You were told to bear only *
daughters! But you in your pride *
thought you could bring forth the *
Kwisatz Haderach. *JESSICA *
(with a touch of fire) *
Was I wrong? *REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM *
(with matching heat) *
You’re lucky he didn’t die in that *
room. *
(more quietly) *
If he is the One, he has a long way *
to go. His Sight is barely *
awakened. And now he goes into the *
fire. But our plans are measured in *
centuries: we have other prospects, *
if he fails his promise. *Her words drain the defiance from Jessica’s eyes. *
JESSICA *
Do you see so little hope? *Mohiam also softens: a hint of compassion in her stony face. *
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM *
On Arrakis, we have done all we can *
for you. A path has been laid. *
Let’s hope he doesn’t squander it. *MOMENTS LATER
Jessica stands in the fog in her hooded cloak, watching the
shuttle lift off. Drops sheet off the ovoid spacecraft and
dance in the floodlights. The ship rises into the clouds.
Jessica turns to walk back inside -- and finds Paul standing
behind her, a ghost in the fog. Staring at her. They face
each other uncertainly, ten feet of empty space between them.
Jessica throws back her hood.
JESSICA *
Paul. I’m so sorry. *Salmon Rev. (06/19/2020) 30.