54.
KYNES
They are of Fremen make. The best.
With your permission, Sire, I must
check the integrity of your suits.
She moves toward Leto without waiting for an answer.
The guards leap forward -- Gurney whipping his sword from its
sheath by instinct -- but Leto holds up a hand.
LETO
It’s all right.
He opens his arms, letting Kynes inside his guard. Close
enough to kiss or kill. She checks his stillsuit swiftly and
efficiently, making many small adjustments.
KYNES
A stillsuit is a high-efficiency
filtration system. It cools the
body, and recycles the water lost
to sweat and other bodily fluids.
Without one of these you wouldn’t
survive two hours, even in the
morning. Your body’s movements
provide the power.
She shows Leto the filter and nose-plugs in his hood.
KYNES (CONT'D)
In the open desert you wear these
nose plugs and this filter across
your face. In good working order,
your suit won’t lose more than a
thimbleful of water a day.
Leto nods his thanks. Intrigued by this strange woman.
KYNES (CONT'D)
Let’s have a look at you, lad.
She quickly inspects Paul’s suit -- with growing perplexity.
Everything is perfect, not a strap out of place.
KYNES (CONT'D)
You’ve worn a stillsuit before?
PAUL
This is the first time.
KYNES
Your desert boots are fitted slip-
fashion at the ankles. Who taught
you to do that?