Given my eye colour they initially took me as one who had already consumed the spice. However, Paul, who they see as a Messiah, explained my origins (I’ve learned outside of Earth, time travelers are not so strange at all). Curiously, they still seem to think I am one of them and one of their “Reverend Mothers.” They seem to know Holmes, referred to him as a “naib” or leader, but not in the sense of the flesh. Holmes appears to be on the same footing as Paul here. He is no stranger to the Fremen, and from what I gather, he has lived amongst them for some time.
The Fremen have welcomed me, given my ties to Holmes, whom they consider an ally. They know much about me and seem to know more than I do about my future. They refer to me as “the one who walks with the light of naib to be awakened,” whatever that means. Everyone seems to sense that I am here to find Holmes. I have been assured by Paul, Lady Jessica and their religious leaders not to worry. No harm has come to Holmes.
I may have some foresight and hint of the events to come but it is nothing like they have. Their prescience is, well very advanced, especially Paul’s. This is, from what I understand from Paul, a combination of taking the Water of Life and surviving the process. Some are able to communicate with their ancestors...if that is possible.
I wonder if this is where Holmes spent part of his “death” period. It is a humbling and spiritual place and the Fremen are, although 10,000 plus years in our future, very spiritual and intuned to their surroundings, logic, observation, and how all this plays out in a chain of events. Paul is currently building up-best not mention it here....
Paul has made a few jokes about us being the orphans of Dukes. I pointed out to him very clearly that his mother is still alive. Both my parents are dead. He promptly apologized. I also added that we’re about 20,000 years apart, with myself being the more “primitive” form of man. He was very kind and looked through me with his bright blue eyes and said, I shan’t forget it, “There is nothing primitive about you. On the contrary, you are more advanced than even you can see.”
I chuckled it off, but he was very serious; I could literally feel it. I stopped laughing and apologized. He looked at me for a moment, as if he was sizing me up, before he spoke. His question was frank and straight forward, asking me what I knew of my family, specifically my father and grandfather, and how they died.
I’m not inclined to discuss my family with anyone, Paul Atreides or not. He sensed this and nodded, merely telling me I would learn the truth in time and that I must accept it, for it is to be of some importance in the chain of things. I simply arched my eyebrow at him. Then he recounted what had happened to me, what had changed me. This disturbed me, partially because I am a private person, and partially because-
“You should not be ashamed or frightened of what you have become.”
Damn him and his prescience was all I could think. I insisted on knowing how HE KNEW my predicament. He simply gave me an all knowing smile and indicated I had too much rejection, anger, and confusion within me and that acceptance was the path to peace. Once I had those emotions under control I would truly be able to “see” as he called it. I merely grumbled and sauntered off.
Perhaps he’s right. I don’t know. Sometimes it is that mere fact of being able to “see” that scares the hell out of me. Since I was a child I have been able to “see” things. My mind has always been capable of weaving data together to reach a resolution. It was what made my career in law enforcement and forensics so easy.
Then I met Holmes; then there was the.....then it all changed...it became stronger...then...I try and tune it out. Right now as I think this, I sense everyone near me, the movement of Arrakis, the sithering of the sandworms...everything...It’s..tormenting at times. Yet, it always seems calmer in Holmes’ presence. Always. I suppose that’s why I’ve remained by his side, since the....this....happened.
I have decided to pass my time learning the Freman way of life, including combat until I can locate Holmes (or he locates me). I’ve only been here a few days, yet I sense a strange feeling of belonging, respect, and family. Something I haven’t felt since...I lost my own family. I don’t feel threatened here at all. Quite the contrary, I feel very welcomed and warm. It will be a change from the empty manor in Surrey I think. Perhaps a good one.
Paul has extended his arm for me to join his sietch, or community, an honour within itself. I have hesitantly accepted, since I do not know, as I’ve told Paul, exactly how long I will remain on Arrakis. He has stated “I am brethren” and my length of stay is welcome regardless of its length.
I shall conclude here. I hope this telepathic transmission is received. Thus begins another chapter in my life. I do hope that Holmes is alright, regardless of what Paul sees. I’m not prone to worrying when it comes to Holmes, but something doesn’t sit right with me at the moment. It may just be my own misgivings.
I will be in touch...
Bones