Entrepreneuse of Dune

(Irulan walks through the Sietch Libr basin with Spriya and Moksha, winded from alighting the sandworm. Usul Leto runs up to Irulan):

USUL LETO:

"Mother Irulan! Mother Irulan! (Irulan kneels down, hugs Usul Leto, and kisses the top of his head). I have a sister!"

IRULAN:

"I know, isn't it wonderful?" (standing up).

USUL LETO:

"She's all mine!"

IRULAN:

"Hello, Phillipa!" (Irulan takes Phillipa's hands).

PHILLIPA:

"Good day, m'lady!"

IRULAN:

"Please, Phillipa, no need for 'm'lady' with me!"

PHILLIPA:

"Forgive me, m'lady! I mean, Irulan!"

IRULAN:

"How are you enjoying the sietch?"

PHILLIPA:

"I've taken to it with surprising ease! Of course, the beds aren't as soft, and the food is not as sumptuous. But I've never felt more connected! And anything to watch Leto - I mean, Usul - grow up!"

IRULAN:

"I'm so glad!"

(Chani is standing on the rock dais holding a baby. The baby has bronzed skin, blue/black eyes, and tawny red hair. Chani sees Irulan on the basin floor, hands the baby to Harah, and excitedly runs across the basin floor, smiling. Chani and Irulan embrace, Chani kisses Irulan's cheek).

CHANI:
"My friend! (Pulls back, taking both of Irulan's hands). What happened to you?"

IRULAN:

"My first sandworm. I don't know how you all do it, I'm a mess!"

CHANI:

"Mess or no mess, I'm so happy to see you!"

IRULAN:

"Forgive me for staying away so long! I've had so much to do!"

CHANI:

"Of course you have, I hear you're quite successful! Is your father working for you, as you had hoped?"

IRULAN:
"Another story for another day. I'm here to see you!"

CHANI (to Usul Leto):

"Usul, please go play with your aunt? I need a moment to speak to your Mother Irulan alone. (Usul Leto runs across the basin floor to where Alia is standing. Chani takes Irulan's hand and they walk up to the rock dais. Chani takes the baby from Harah. Chani and Irulan walk through the sietch corridors. They step through the curtain into Chani's apartment and sit down on the sleeping pad. Chani places the baby into Irulan's arms, Irulan smiles at her). Her name is Ghanima."

IRULAN:

"What a pretty name! Does it mean something?"

CHANI:

"It means 'won in battle.' She was literally won in battle. (Pause). Oh, Irulan, can you ever forgive me?"

IRULAN:

"Forgive you? Whatever for? (Chani looks down at baby Ghanima). Chani, Paul and I were over before we began. Honestly, I'm glad he had a moment of happiness before his death. He was so miserable for so long."

CHANI:

"Oh, Irulan!" (She kisses Irulan's cheek, her eyes brim with tears).

IRULAN:

"Oh, come now! What is your Fremen saying? 'Do not give moisture to the dead?'"

CHANI:

"My dearest friend. You would honor me if you stood with me while she is named."

IRULAN:
"Nothing would make me happier! Is the Lady Jessica coming for the ceremony?"

CHANI:

"I don't think so. I sent word to her. She suggested that she doesn't believe Ghanima is Paul's."

IRULAN:

"Maybe she can't bear a single moment away from her concubine, Gurney Halleck! Worst kept secret in the galaxy! (Laugher). Oh well, no matter. Jessica or no Jessica, this child shall be beloved by all!"