Hunters of Dune - Entry #10

     So here is some more "dialogue" concerning the unlikely prospect of Serena Butler being in Sheeana's other memory.  Sheeana had gone to be with the worms in the great hold of the no-ship when Serena's voice came to her again.

     Inside her head, the fascinating and ancient voice of Serena Butler once again bubbled up from deep within her Other Memories.  Sheeana carried on her conversation aloud.  "Tell me one thing: How can Serena Butler be among my ancestors?"
     If you dig deep enough, I am there.  Ancestor after ancestor, generation after generation ...
     Sheeana was not so easily convinced.  "But Serena Butler's only child was murdered by thinking machines.  That was the trigger of the Jihad.  You had no heirs, no other descendants.  How can you be in my Other Memories, regardless of how far back I go?"
     She looked up at the strange forms of the sandworms, as if the martyred woman's face might be there.
     Because, Serena said, I am.  The ancient voice said no more, and Sheeana knew she would get no better answer.

(Hunters of Dune, p. 283)

     I love Sheeana's character.  She is remarkable, almost god-like, strong physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Yet with all her power, she is humble.  When I read the scene copied below, I wrote to myself ... "So cool Sheeana does this.  She is AWESOME!"

     Sheeana sat cross-legged on the hard floor of the arboretum while the four Futars prowled around her.  She used Bene Gesserit skills to slow her heartbeat and respiration rate.  After the one called Hrrm watched her dance with the sandworms, the shared awe among the beast-men had kept her safe among them.  Although she controlled the scents that came from her body, she did not avert her gaze.
     Most of the time the Futars walked on two feet, but occasionally they reverted to a four-pawed pacing.  Restless, always restless.
     Sheeana had not moved for several minutes.  The Futars twitched each time she blinked, and then they went back to their restless prowling.  Hrrm came close to her and sniffed.  She lifted her chin and sniffed back.
     Despite the potential violence in these creatures, she knew it was important for her to be with them inside this large chamber.  After continued study, Sheeana was convinced the Futars could reveal much more, if only she could sift the information out of them.

(Hunters of Dune, p. 301)