This is the way that the Crossing to Dune should have gone, at least in my opinion.

 

Disclaimer:  No money was made from the writing of this work.  I simply write as therapy.  No copyright infringement is intended.

 

 

 

THE CROSSING (Alternate Universe)

"Paul, the Reverend Mother is here to see you."

 

"Why are you afraid of her mother?  The pitch of your voice gives you away."

 

"She was my teacher at the Benit Gesserite School."

 

"You haven't answered my question."

 

"I've given you more training than boys ever get, she's here to see what  kind of a student you've been."

 

Jessica stopped the conversation by lifting the heavy ornate coat, allowing her son to put it on.

 

Tonight I may lose my  son!  No man has ever been tested with the box! 

 

Jessica led her son to the private chamber that she had allotted the Reverend Mother. 

 

I must not fear.  Fear is the mind killer; Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. 

 

The doors opened on the chamber admitting Jessica and Paul.  She stepped forward using the ancient formal ritual.

 

"I present The Reverend Mother Gaia Helen Moheim."

 

Jessica stepped to the side of the ancient woman who for all intents and purposes was the Benit Gesserite Order.

 

"You have given him your face, Jessica.  But the father has given him his eyes."

 

"And his courage," Jessica answered without pause.

 

"We shall see."

 

The ancient witch looked upon Paul with a grimace, showing metal teeth.  The truthsayer drug had long ago destroyed away her natural ones.

 

Paul suppressed a shudder.  This crone wanted to frighten him, he was certain of it.  However, her manner in spite of her greater training, told him that on a subconscious level she was cautious of him, perhaps even feared him.

 

"You, come here boy."  The Reverend Mother said using the voice.

 

Paul's body almost betrayed him however the voice wasn't true, she hadn't gotten the true register of him.  He fought the command.  He was able to stop his involuntary movement.  He grabbed his belt instead, and then stared at her as though studying her in detail.

 

"No."

 

"If you know what's good for you; you'll do as I say."  She was using the voice again.  The register was closer this time.

 

"I'll be the judge of what's good for me."

 

Jessica stepped in between the Reverend Mother and her son.  She tried to shield him from this.  The woman was toying with him, testing his strength.

 

"If I may, Reverend Mo-"

 

"That will be all Jessica!"

 

She was summarily dismissed.  She bowed formally, turned and left the chamber.

 

Paul watched his mother as she made her departure.

 

"Since when is it allowed to dismiss the Lady Jessica, as though she were a common servant?"  His voice contained an edge as sharp as any knife.

 

"She was my servant!  And a good one too, until your father took her at the age of 16."

 

The old crone paused and watched his features.  Paul calmed himself then noticed that the Reverend Mother almost smiled.

 

"Your mother tells me you have dreams."

 

"They're just dreams."

 

"About what” She demanded using the voice yet again.

 

This time her register was true.  Paul allowed his body to respond without struggle, it would have been pointless.

 

"I dream about strangle people, worshipping water.  About a woman, she frightens me, her eyes are strange.  And about a man."

 

"What man?"  She asked in her normal tone.

 

"I don't know."

 

"You're lying."  She stated using the voice.  "What do you think they mean these dreams of yours?"

 

Now Paul was ready for a counterstrike.  He had her full register and he replied using that same powerful Benit Gesserite weapon.

 

"Why don't you tell me?"

 

The Reverend Mother leaned back on the chair.  She was able to fight for control and succeeded in ignoring his use of the talent.  Oh this man child was powerful.  It took all her immense training not to succumb.

 

"You see the box, young Atredies?"

 

"Yes, what is it?"

 

"Put your hand in and see."

 

Paul moved directly in front of the box and started to insert his hand.  It was half way inside when he asked.

 

"What's in the box?"

 

"Painnnnnn."  The Reverend Mother replied in a whispery moan. 

 

He almost snatched his hand away but was stayed by her voice.

 

"Stop!  I hold at your throat the Gomm Jabbar, keep you hand in to box and live, remove your hand and die!"

 

Paul felt his hand starting to itch, then burn.  The burning his hand felt like it was being held in a blazing fire.  Heat upon heat the burning grew exponitionally.

 

I must not fear

Fear is the mind killer

Fear is the little death

That brings total obliteration

 

I will let my fear pass through me

When it has passed

There will be nothing

Only I will remain.

 

Just as he completed the litany his body felt as though it was completely engulfed in flame, he could stand no more.

 

"THE PAIN!"

 

"Enough!  No woman child ever withstood so much pain.  I must have wanted you to fail."

 

Paul's body immediately reverted to the calm state that it had been in before he began the test.  He jerked his hand from the box.  To his relief there was not a charred stump.  He hand was whole, and unharmed.  He looked questioningly at the old woman.

 

"Pain by nerve induction, we can't go around maiming young humans.  A human can endure any pain; our test is crisis and observation."

 

"I see the truth in it."

 

Could he be the one?  More importantly, will he be ours to control?

 

Just then the doors to the chamber parted.  Jessica stood there with her back to the door, she turned and was visibly relieved when the old crone stated in her cold voice.

 

"He survived."

 

Paul was angry, "You should have warned me!"

 

"She was forbidden!"  Boomed the Reverend Mother.  "Come sit at my feet young human."

 

Paul stood where he was.

 

"Your mother once sat here and learned all I would teach."

 

"I am not my mother!"  Paul retorted then stormed from the room.

 

"Paul!  I'm sorry!"  Jessica started then caught herself.  She stepped back into the formal ritual.

 

"Jessica, you were supposed to have a daughter!"

 

"My Duke wanted a son."

 

"Oh you foolish girl, you put the desire of a Duke for a son above our generations of breeding programs!  A female Atredies could have been wed to the Harkonnen heir and the breach could have been sealed.  Now we may loose both bloodlines."

 

"I vowed long ago never to regret my decision.  I'll pay for my mistake."

 

"And your son will pay with you.  Still he may be worth saving; we will do what we can.  But for the Father nothing!"

 

The old crone stormed away leaving a sobered Jessica.

 

~D~

 

Jessica stood outside of Paul's door, she triggered the chime again.  Again there was no answer.  She cast her mind out using her limited telepathy.

 

What she found frightened her to no end.  Paul's mental state was one of pure blackness.  She had to act to bring about a sense of closure to the test of the Gomm Jabbar.

 

She immediately went to the hospital wing.  There she was greeted by the family's Sook doctor, Uwie.

 

"My lady, are you ill?"

 

"No, I need to see Duncan now."

 

"He's still resting, My Lady.  His wounds are healed but it will be some time before he's ready for a mission.  Perhaps Gurney Hallack?"

 

"Gurney has already left for Arrakas, in Duncan's stead.  Besides Gurney would be unsuitable for this task, I assure you doctor that it will be nothing to tax his strength, he may even find it, enjoyable."

 

"My Lady?"

 

"It's a Benit Gesserite matter."  In other words don't ask.

 

"I understand Lady Jessica, you may go in."

 

Jessica walked through the doorway as the portal opened.  Inside there were suspensor lamps floating over a number of beds.  There was only one occupied.  She moved toward the prone figure.

 

Immediately, the blue eyes were opened, the lips parted in a half smile.  Duncan was awake.

 

"My Lady, what brings you here?"

 

"Duncan, you are the most trusted member of this house.  I need your help."

 

"I am not my best right now, but of course my life is yours, you have only to ask."

 

"It's not your life that's needed, but to save Paul's"

 

"The young master?"  Duncan sat straight up in the bed.  "What has happened?  Has be been taken hostage?"

 

"Calm yourself Duncan.  Paul is in his room; however there has been an incident.  The Reverend Mother has been here.  What I say to you is in the strictest of confidence.  He has been tested with the Gomm Jabbar.  I went to him afterwards.  He refused to admit me; his mental state is verging on suicidal."

 

"What can I do?"

 

"Duncan, you know more about the Benit Gesserite than any other member of this household.  When a girl is tested it is on the eve of her bonding to a mate.  However, since Paul isn't a true member of the order there was no precedent.  I was left to find a way to anchor his sanity."

 

"You're asking me to?"

 

"Duncan, you know that I am telepathic.  I know what your true feelings are for my son.  I ask that you, someone who truly loves him do what is necessary to save his life.  Will you help me, will you save Paul?"

 

"Yes M'lady.  My clothing is in the cabinet, if you'll be so kind to hand it to me I'll dress quickly and then we can depart."

 

"I will escort you to his chambers, there I will leave you.  If anything goes amiss simply contact me with the comm panel."

 

"Understood M'lady."

 

Jessica handed him the clothing then turned her back.  She heard the rustle of cloth as he struggled out of the hospital gown and donned his civilian outfit.  When he was ready she turned and was taken aback by what she saw.

 

The Duncan that she knew was gone.  In his place stood a man who was extremely handsome and definitely male.  All the years of knowing Duncan had dulled her perception of him.  This was obviously how Paul perceived the man.

 

"M'Lady?"  Duncan asked when she hesitated.

 

"Come, we must hurry."

 

Together the two proceeded, they retraced Jessica's path back to the locked door.  Together they stood looking at it for a moment.  Jessica spoke first.

 

"I'll leave you to it.  Please Duncan, do whatever is necessary.  You both have my blessing if either of you need it."

 

"Thank you M'Lady, I personally do.  Also I believe your son will as well."

 

"Good night."

 

She retreated, walking back straight and head erect down the darkened hallway.  She stopped almost at the end of it and lingered in the shadows, watching.

 

Duncan started to ring the chime; he hesitated then drew out his delocking device.  He overrode the door control and slowly entered the room.

 

The last thing Jessica saw was the billowing cream colored cloak as the door closed behind him.

 

~D~

 

Duncan waited until the doors had closed behind him, cutting off Jessica's view.  He didn't fancy the idea of being watched.  Especially when Paul's life might hang in the balance.

 

"Young Master?"

 

"D-D-Duncan?"  Was the weak reply.

 

"Paul?"  Duncan bolted to the bedside, all thoughts of decorum gone.

 

The young man was curled in the fetal position, his cheeks were wet from the fallen tears, and his eyes glistened with those he had managed to hold back.

 

"Duncan, the Reverend Mother, she...she...”

 

"I heard about the Gomm Jabbar."

 

"Not that, she read my mind, she knows everything!"

 

"What does she know my young Master?  There's nothing she can do to you."

 

"I can't tell you.  Not you."  Paul curled tighter in on himself.

 

I'll have to shock him out of this before we can proceed.  Forgive me my love.

 

Duncan drew back his hand and slapped Paul hard across the face.  The young man was stunned, gentle Duncan had never raised a hand to him before.

 

"I've heard all I can stand, the lonely Paul, the unhappy Paul, the arrogant and angry Paul!  You're not worth all the training that Ewie, Gurney, The Lady Jessica, and I have put into you.  If you had been half the student that I gave you credit for you would have know long ago what my secrets are."

 

"Your secrets?"  Paul asked slowly.

 

Yes, Good Lad, break out of it.  Get interested in what I have for you.

 

"Yes, my secrets use that damnable telepathy that you have.  Read my thoughts, if you can.  See what my fears have always been.  Then tell me that you are all alone in this thing."

 

Paul sent a questing shaft of thought into the older man's mind.  He stopped at the public mind, waiting for Duncan to give him permission to scan deeper.

 

"Go on!  Look as deeply as you can.  See what I have hidden from you all these years."

 

Paul tightened the shaft and penetrated Duncan's deepest thoughts.  He was astonished at what he found.  The dreams that had awakened the man these past few years, the thoughts that plagued his daily life, the phantom's that interfered with his taking of a lover.  All bore the same face, the young handsome face of Paul.

 

Duncan turned away as though in shame.  His shoulders sagged as tears of fear began to slide slowly down his cheeks.

 

Paul knew through that most intimate contact of telepathy that Duncan feared his rejection.  That Paul would send him away, perhaps even telling Duke Atredies.

 

Paul rose from his bed and crossed the room using the stealth training that Duncan had given him.  As he stood behind Duncan he sent a tender loving tendril of thought to the man who he had dreamed of for so long.

 

Duncan, why did you never say anything? 

 

Duncan turned, openly crying now and addressed the young godling.  The child that he had been entrusted with.

 

"How could I?  I am your teacher, your friend, and 15 years your senior.  Your father and mother entrusted your life and education to me.  If I had told you how much you meant to me I would have felt that I was betraying them; and you."

 

Why now?  What has changed?

 

Duncan sought to concoct a cover story then gave up.  Paul was still inside his mind and would know the lie.

 

"You mother came to me, she told be of the test of the Gomm Jabbar.  She worried for you life, remembering her own experience she knew what would anchor your mental state and allow you to deal with what you have experienced."

 

She of course knew my feelings for you, and yours for me?   Why are you here Duncan?  As a loyal bondsman? Or do you see in me a genuine suitor?

 

"I see a man who I have known since the first breath he drew and as strange as it may sound that makes you dearer to me.  I see a young man whom I have shared friendship, laughter, and a tenderness that only men can share.  I see a man who I one day realized I was deeply in love with, and thought that love would be forever unrequited.  I am not here as a bondsman, but as a man who loves you with his entire self, heart, body and soul.  Why did I wait until your mother came to me with a warning?  Because until then I was afraid that you could never care for a commoner.  You ask me about my feelings, use your abilities and see for yourself."

 

I may be able to read your thoughts, Duncan.  However no one can ever read the heart of a man.  You and only you know the truly what your heart holds.

 

"I want to show you what my heart holds for you, if you will allow me."

 

Paul closed the mental link, he held his arms wide.  His eyes bade Duncan to come, come and take up residence in the place he had set aside for him.

 

Duncan felt himself begin to tremble, not of fear but of immense joy, joy for the love in his heart and the love that Paul freely offered.  He stepped into those strong young arms.  He felt them encircle him tightly; pulling him tightly against the firm lithe body that combat training had helped to develop.

 

Paul felt the strong jaw against his skin as Duncan opened his uniform shirt and buried his face in the sweet hollow where his shoulder and neck met.

 

"I love you, Duncan.  I think I always have."  Paul felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted from him as he whispered this secret confession to his oldest friend and newest love.

 

Duncan didn't speak he lifted his head and brought his lips down on Paul's.  He reveled in the kiss; it was so tender, so loving.  His hands caressed the body of his true love seeking its most secret places.

 

Paul allowed his body to ride the wave of sensation.  His passion built up higher and higher, until he felt that he would fall from the towering precipice of his own need.

 

However it was not to be, before he plummeted from that great height Duncan, sensing his lover's peril paused his loving kisses and caresses.  He allowed the young man a brief resbit, time to regain control of himself.  Duncan had waited for what seemed an eternity for Paul.  He would not be rushed.  He would make certain that this was as special for Paul as it would be for him.

 

Duncan stood and motioned for Paul to follow him.  He led his young lover into the private bath.  In the middle of the room was a sunken tub. 

 

Duncan began to draw a hot steamy bath.  He added sandalwood oil to the water.  It had been a gift to Paul from him.  The tub soon resembled a bowl of frothy whipped cream. 

 

Duncan stepped in closer to Paul.  He removed the open shirt, and then unfastened the shield belt, letting it fall to the tile floor with a clatter.

 

His hands freely roamed over the smooth supple chest.  He heard the sharp intake of breath as he pinched the taut peaks of Paul's nipples.

 

Duncan's hands slowly glided down Paul's sides then moved forward to the closure on the trousers that the young Lord was wearing.  He looked deeply into Paul's eyes as he opened the fastener and slid the pants down those smooth muscled legs. 

 

Paul sat down on the side of the tub.  He raised first one foot then its mate allowing Duncan to remove his ankle high boots.   When his feet were bare, the trousers were pulled off and joined his shirt in a heap on the floor.

 

Paul slid into the warm bath.  His eyes stayed locked on Duncan.  He watched as the older man removed his cloak, then quickly unbuttoned his shirt and threw it on the floor.  The nimble fingers then released the thirteen buttons on the trousers.  Duncan then kicked off his low cut shoes and skinned down the tight pants.  They quickly joined the rest of the clothing on the tile floor.

 

Paul looked Duncan up and down, the vision of his combat honed body to imprint itself in his mind, in his heart.

Duncan smiled at him, and then joined him in the immense bath.

 

"Do you like what you've seen so far, my Lord?"

 

"Yes, and don't call me that.  Not ever again, use my name."

 

"I cannot outside these chambers, Paul.  You are noble born, I am but a bondsman."

 

"You will be my companion as my mother is for my father.  Unless that displeases you."

 

"It would please me very much, Paul.  Yet you should consider it more before..."

 

"There is nothing for me to consider, it is my right to choose the companion I wish.  It is the one decision that I am free to make without weighing the political ramifications first."

 

"As you wish my Love."  Duncan knew when he had been beaten, and it wasn't an argument that he really wanted to win.

 

Paul reached for him, pulling him into his arms.  Their bodies intertwined, lips joined.  For both men there was no sense of time.  They were alone together.  For this brief instant, for this eternity they were the center of the universe.

 

Paul never realized when they left the bath and returned to the bed.  Duncan's skillful body had kept him so distracted with a myriad of sensations.  Only when Duncan leaned back to mount his throbbing manhood did Paul notice their surroundings.  At that it was only an instant before he was overwhelmed by his lover's talented body.

 

Paul's hips instinctively lifted to meet Duncan's downward thrusts.  Harder and faster the couple moved, until in frenzy, Duncan's body responded with a violent release. 

 

As the hot essence of the man splattered on Paul's chest he felt the joyous exaltation from his lover's mind.  That coupled with the bonding of their bodies lay to waste the last of Paul's control.

 

He had never felt this before; it was a pleasure unlike any other.   He threw his head back gasping, moaning, and whispering that blessed name. 

 

"Duncan, oh gods Duncan!"

 

They lay together, their bodies moist with bliss.  Together the two men drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

 

~D~

 

Paul standing in a dark cavern.  Below him he saw shadowy plant forms.  In the center of the chamber stood a woman wearing a strange tight fitting suit complete with hood.  In front of her she held a man on his knees, her hand on his throat. 

 

Just then a sound behind him.  A pebble bouncing.  He turned and saw a woman, coming toward him.  Her eyes were blue within blue.  She held a strange gun on him.  He leapt forward, hitting her under the chin with his open hand palm outward; as she crumpled he snatched away the gun.

 

The next thing he could remember he had just come inside a cave after speaking with Duncan and Jamous.  There was a loud voice.

 

"Amtol!  I invoke Amtol it is my right!"

 

"What is this?"  His mother asked, a man who she was standing beside.

 

"It is her way of dealing with what happened the other night."

 

"He bested me because there was witch force at Tawano Basin."

 

"If you are wise, you will find some honorable way to leave this thing alone."  Jessica addressed the strange girl, using the Voice.

 

The girl for her part covered her ears.  A pained look on her face.

 

"Silence!  I invoke the silence; she's trying to put a spell on me!"

 

"If you try that again we will know it's your witchcraft, Jessica I will not be able to protect you."

 

Jamous reached out, taking Jessica by the arm.  He gently led her away.

 

"You cannot stop this thing."

 

Again Paul's dream jumped, whether ahead or back in time he could not be sure.

 

"Duncan, have you learned nothing of my son?  Look at her standing there so haughty and confidant.  Let us hope she'll find solace in her writings and her books.  She may have my son's name but she'll have little else.  While we who bear the name concubine, history will remember us as wife, and husband."

 

Paul awoke, he was trembling.

 

"Paul are you alright?  You called out a name in your sleep.  It was Mu'adib'.

 

"Just a nightmare, Duncan.  I'm alright."

 

"Your dreams have always frightened me, Paul.  Sometime I wish that I could take you away, somewhere you could be safe.  Where we could be completely alone."

 

There was a chirp from the comm panel.  Duncan moved out of the range of its sight and motioned for Paul to take the call.

 

Paul put on his robe and opened the channel.  It was his mother's face that met his blue gaze.

 

"Yes, Mother?"

 

"Are you better, Paul?"

 

"Yes, Mother I have been able to regain my center."

 

"Good, I trust that Duncan will be moving out of his quarters."

 

"As you well know, Mother.  He is now my companion."

 

She looked past Paul.  As though she could plainly see Duncan.

 

"Duncan, I know you're there, I thank you.  Welcome to the family.  I shall inform Leto as to the change in your station."

 

Duncan moved forward.  He bowed his head to the mother of his soul's mate.

 

"Thank you My Lady.  However, will that be wise?"

 

"I assure you that Leto is not clueless about the situation.  It has been expected that you would become Paul's companion for some time.  Also, Duncan do not call me My Lady, my name is Jessica, or Mother as you prefer."

 

"Thank you Jessica."

 

"We must all be ready to leave for the transport in three hours.  I will send a maid to your old quarters Duncan to pack your belongings.  You will of course be joining us in the royal shuttle.  Remember, Duncan dress uniform from now on."

 

"I'll remember."

 

Jessica smiled at her son and his new mate.  She then closed the channel.  Just then she heard the chime to her chamber door.  She released the lock, opening the door.  She smiled at the man who waited outside.

 

"Leto, come inside.  I have some news that I must share with you."

 

"What is it Jessica?"

 

"There has been a shift in the infrastructure of House Atredies."

 

"What sort of shift?"

 

"Paul has taken a companion."

 

"When?  Who?  He's so young!"

 

"My darling, he is the same age as you when you took me from the school."

 

"If I remember correctly there had been a great need that I collect you that very night."

 

Jessica flexed her hand, remembering the pain of the test. 

 

"Yes, it was necessary."

 

"Does this have something to do with the Reverend Mother's visit?"

 

"Leto I cannot..."

 

"Say no more, who has our son taken?"

 

"Duncan."  The response was neutral in tone. 

 

The Duke chuckled quietly, shaking his head.

 

"As if there were ever any question.  So I have a new son in law."

 

"They are not married Leto, as with us an alliance through a political marriage must remain a possibility."

 

"That is Paul's decision Jessica.  It will be for him to decide, as it was for us.  Now we have a few hours before we must leave for Arrakas.  Personally I plan to make good use of them."

 

Leto Atredies gently pulled his Lady Jessica to him, enfolding her.  His most sincere hope was that Paul and Duncan would have a chance to be as happy as he and Jessica.  However, the next day the entire family would find themselves on a desolate desert planet known as Arrakas.

 

Leto was certain, along with his most trusted advisor, Thufur Howatt that they would be walking into a trap.  He knew that the Benit Gesserite order had already made some type of arrangements for Paul and Jessica.  He would contact the Reverend Mother and see to it that Duncan was included in those arrangements.  As for his own, he already knew that there would be no safety net for him.  The Duke of the house would always be killed in any type of coupe de gratis.  He had lived a long life; it was nearly time for him to rest.

 

~finis~