𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒, dune [1] ( BEING RE-WRITTEN.. )

[ 10 ] Ripples in the Sand

"Arzhel Richardson was a commoner who's family had served the House Gentry for atleast three generations. The man's loyalty was cut short when a woman caused the empire to fall."
- FROM "AITANA: FAMILY COMMENTARIES"
BY THE PRINCESS IRULAN

MILEENA STOOD just a few feet away from the door which would lead her outside of the Arrakeen landing field's administration building. Unknown to the Duke who waited patiently for his son; Paul was adjusting Mileena's stillsuit. Small adjustments he did to it felt weird to Mileena, but she was in the hands. Or that's what she tried to tell herself.

It wasn't Mileena's plan to tag along with the Atreides, infact the Gentrys advised her to stay inside away from the heat. But Mileena figured if she wasn't going to be on Arrakis long she might as well scratch Arrakis off her bucket
list as Duchess. At least she knew not to come back.

"Are you two coming or what?" The impatience in Leto's voice was obvious.

"Sorry, sir!" The two spoke in sync. Walking out, Paul's joyful mood shifted.

"Lisan Al-Gaib!" They shouted from every direction at the sight of Paul. Mileena let out an sigh before nudging the boy in his shoulder. "Don't let this get to your head." She whispered as they got closer to whom was known as Dr. Kynes.

"Judge of the chain, Sire. Dr. Liet Kynes." Gurney spoke aloud. A presence of power was felt coming from the woman, so was a presence of resentment. It was strange to be in the presence of Kynes after so long. She'd seen the woman on Kaitan before but she wasn't so..Fremen back then.

"My Lord Duke. Welcome to Arrakis." The woman bowed.

"You're the imperial ecologist. Thank you for the stillsuits." Classical adventurous Paul was first to speak.

"They are Fremen make. The best. With your permission sire. I must check the integrity of your suit." A great silence was brought upon them. Was trusting this woman safe? Should they've let the woman touch them? Without a response the woman walked towards the Duke. Weapons immediately met her neck.

"Woah. It's alright." Leto dismissed an overprotective Gurney. "Dr. Kynes, we're in your hands." It was obvious Leto put much thought into it before letting Dr Kynes touch him. Kynes eyes flickered to Mileena in concern.

To defuse tension Mileena decided to speak up, "If you don't mind me asking, what are the purposes of stillsuits?" Mileena questioned the doctor as she adjusted Leto's suit.

"Hm. A stillsuit is a high-efficiency infiltration system. Even this early in the morning you wouldn't survive two hours without one of these." She moved to adjust Leto's legs. "It cools the body and recycles the water lost to sweat." She moved onto Gurney, who had a annoyed look on his face. "Your body's movements provide the power. Inside the mask you'll find a tube to allow you to drink the recycled water."

"Hm." Leto seemed almost disgusted. 'Survival is survival.' Mileena thought as she also scrunched up her face.

"In good working order your suit won't lose more than a thimbleful of water a day."

"Most impressive." Leto spoke blandly.

Moving on she walked towards Paul. "Let's have a look at you, lad." Her manners weren't the best. "You've worn a stillsuit before?"

"No, this is my first time."

"Your desert boots are fitted slip-fashion at the ankles. Who taught you how to do that?"