20.
Rabban stops outside the doorway.
RABBAN
Milord Baron.BARON HARKONNEN (O.S.)
Rabban.The deep, resonant voice emerges from the steam. The vapor
billows as something moves inside -- and we catch a glimpse
of the steam bath’s occupant: the BARON VLADIMIR HARKONNEN.
He is mountainous. Six hundred pounds of soft, naked flesh.
Despite his vast bulk he considers himself beautiful. His
movements are sensual.
RABBAN
The last of our ships have left
Arrakis. It’s done.BARON HARKONNEN
Very good.He waves Rabban away in a billow of steam.
RABBAN
Uncle. How can we let this happen?A fresh BLAST OF STEAM boils into the steam bath, drowning
out Rabban’s question with a loud HISS. Rabban tries again.
RABBAN (CONT'D)
How can the Emperor give everything
we’ve built to that Duke?PITER
Don’t be too sure it’s an act of
love.Rabban looks at Piter as though her were a strange insect. He
replies to the Baron.
RABBAN
What does he mean?The Baron’s voice issues from the mist:
BARON HARKONNEN
When a gift is not a gift?The clouds part and we see him: water beading on his smooth,
corpulent face. He speaks slowly.