82.
The vapor is slowed by the Baron’s shield, revealing its
curving boundary. Penetrating only partially.
The Baron leaps backward, retching and screaming. He slaps
his suspensor system into overdrive and shoots up to the
ceiling, tumbling head over heels.
Below him the vapor spreads across the room with shocking
rapidity -- guards and servants falling dead in a wave from
one end of the hall to the other. Piter among them -- his
face twisting into a spectacular rictus.
More guards rush inside -- and fall dead in their turn.
HARKONNEN GUARD
GAS!
The doors slam shut from the outside.
95 INT. STILLTENT - DAWN (BEFORE SUNRISE) 95
Dim light filters through the tent walls as the sky brightens
outside. Sand hisses softly over the tent.
Paul unpacks the fremkit, taking inventory. Laying out items.
PAUL
Sand compactor. Paracompass.
Thumper. “Maker hooks,” whatever
they are. The Manual of the Desert.
No stillsuits. The one thing we...
His breath catches. Beneath the manual there is a folded slip
of paper bound in a ribbon. Paul unfolds the paper. Inside he
finds a transmitter. The paper itself is a handwritten note
in elegant calligraphy.
PAUL (CONT'D)
This is Doctor Yueh’s handwriting.
(reading)
“There is an Atreides transmitter
in the Fremkit. If anyone survives.
They’ll find you.”
Paul pulls it out -- and at the end of the ribbon dangles
Leto’s SIGNET RING.
They both stop breathing. Paul takes the ring off the ribbon
and hands it to Jessica. Heavy, ancient, obviously authentic.
It means death. They both know it. Tears shine in Jessica’s
eyes as she struggles for control. Her chin trembles.
82.
