Dune

In the distant reaches of the Milky Way galaxy, where planetary struggles and interstellar politics collide, lies the coveted desert planet of Arrakis, also known as Dune. It is a barren wasteland devoid of any liquid water, yet amidst the unforgiving sands lies the one source of life: the melange, a mysterious and invaluable substance that extends life, broadens the scope of human consciousness, and is vital to interstellar travel. This precarious balance of power around the spice renders Arrakis the most valuable real estate in the known universe. Against this desolate backdrop, House Atreides, one of the most respected and powerful noble families in the galaxy, has been entrusted by the emperor with the administration of Arrakis. At the helm of this expedition is the fearless and ambitious Duke Leto Atreides, along with his concubine, the mysterious Lady Jessica, and their highly gifted and prescient son, Paul. Paul, trained as a Bene Gesserit and a member of the Atreides family, is honed in the ancient art of psychological manipulation and self-control, known as the Bene Gesserit way, and possesses a unique awareness of the intricacies of the universe, often at odds with his age and abilities. Their voyage to Arrakis is an occasion of great pomp and circumstance, and House Atreides brings with it a retinue of skilled scientists, strategists, and security forces, intent on imposing order and efficiency over the notoriously treacherous native Fremen population and the Harkonnens, a ruthless and cunning rival family that had grown to dominate the spice trade through brutality and manipulation. Paul's family is aware of imminent danger, as he possesses qualities recognized within the Bene Gesserit order as the specific attributes of a Kwisatz Haderach – a messianic figure who possesses extraordinary prescience and capabilities, to navigate and ultimately solve complex socio-political predicaments. Before their arrival in Arrakis, the Fremen's leader, Stilgar, foresees the impending events that will unfold, for in their religious lore, they had long held a prophecy that a man would emerge from the Atreides bloodline to lead them to true freedom and freedom from the bonds that have shackled them for centuries. This enigmatic character prophesied in the Fremen legends is thought to have the gift of superhuman perception, exceptional combat skills and untold powers to bring balance back to their long abused homeland. Upon arrival, Paul and his family are welcomed by the ruthless Harkonnen forces, under the tyrannical leader, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, who is determined to demonstrate the superiority of Harkonnen rule through a resurgent and calculated campaign of terror and subjugation of the native Fremen population. The Harkonnens manipulate the environment, enforcing harsh feudal laws and imposing strict controls as they manipulate the local economy. Paul witnesses firsthand the suffering and injustices meted out to the once-noble and proud Fremen population. Duke Leto senses betrayal and begins to suspect but doubts his intelligence regarding a possible plot to overthrow him orchestrated by the Emperor. Stabbed by a deadly and near-undetectable poison, he succumbs to death, betrayed by those he trusted the most. The once-respected Atreides family is viciously devastated by the treacherous machinations that leave the young Paul left bereft of his family. Lady Jessica survives and leaves Paul behind under the guidance of Stilgar, entrusting him into the care of the nomadic people who have always predicted his coming. Orphaned and isolated, but possessed of an innate natural cunning, along with an affinity for the mystical connection that binds him with his mother, Paul navigates the treacherous world around him and gradually aligns himself with his prophesied destiny, gradually incorporating the Fremen and their survival tactics, including navigating and studying the desert planet carefully. Paul accepts his legendary role and bonds deeply with his mother's mystical vision and the understanding inherent in the Bene Gesserit way. In doing so, he acknowledges and determines to surpass the predictions holding sway over his destiny, one that will seal his place in history. As Paul begins his path toward creating what will become a groundswell of opposition against his former oppressors, it appears increasingly clear that his role in history is destined to bring a revolution to the desolate wastelands of Arrakis, with ultimate aspirations to become something far greater: a universe-spanning leader with expansive control and a radical future destiny that could not have been so forcefully opposed by either the tyrannical Emperor or the despicable Harkonnens.