[ The easy pride Daniel shows in his daughter, the fond irritation he directs at his son - Paul should leave it alone, but he digs into the feeling like shoving a thumb into a bruise, a compulsive need to find out how deep it goes and how much it aches. It's almost enough to overlook the detail about Sensei Lawrence getting closer to this Sam of his, something he doesn't recall.

He should ask about that. He will. But Daniel's returning question hits just as the shadows of wrecks begin to appear beyond him on the path, obscure shapes moving between them fluidly, and Paul watches them too closely, eyes unguardedly wide and avid as he tracks them. Fish, cephalopods, sharks, any amalgam of the three and anything else, likely, yes, but - ]

The Lady Jessica. [ A slight but notable stress on the Lady, old defensiveness impossible to shake. ] My mother.

[ There's a brief quiet after that which hints at Daniel's fears realized, Paul's expression inward turned and faintly troubled, but he lets out a breath that swirls the glow around his mouth, and he keeps going. ]

My sister, Gideon, you know. My little brother, Falco. My other teacher, Lazarus. Deku and Kaworu. They're all part of my House, Atreides.

[ His family at home, his family here. Paul rubs his thumb across the place his signet ring would sit if he was wearing it, the one he thinks of as his only half the time. Before he can think better of it, he adds, slightly rushed: ]

On Earth - what are the customs about joining families? Adoption, I mean, not marriage.