To all concerned,
I will not rehash the particulars of the misconduct of Lieutenant Tighe Skorda. These have already been thoroughly and expertly chronicled during these formal proceedings. I instead wish to address the character of the defendant. His past loyalty and most recent conduct are separate things. One does not negate the other. However, I hope a look at the former will give context to the latter that you will find useful.

Lieutenant Skorda has served with distinction. He has upheld his oath to my House and family, paying for that fidelity with his own blood. The scars on his body constitute a document as legitimate as any legal record. I hold such loyalty sacred, and I ask that you take it into consideration as you reach your right and just judgment of Lieutenant Tighe Skorda.

In good faith,

Duke Leto Atreides

The universe knows Leto Atreides as a duke, an even-handed and compassionate ruler, one who enjoys such popularity among the Houses of the Landsraad as to draw down the jealousy of the highest and most dangerous levels of power. I know him as father also. Lately I’ve thought on two particular things he has said to me.

During the apprehensive time just before we came to Arrakis, he said to me: “A person needs new experiences. It jars something deep inside, allowing them to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.”

When I was much younger, suffering some mundane terror, he said to me: “Once you have explored a fear, it becomes less terrifying. Part of courage comes from extending our knowledge.”

This set me on a path I yet continue on, the seeking of knowledge, knowledge so total as to obliterate all fear.