Only the lights have been turned off since we exited the Prime Minister's office. VICTOR, the the Prime Minister, enters, supported by FISCHER PORT, his personal assistant. Victor appears very old and frail, and needs assistance to walk. Fischer is a woman in her late twenties, dressed conservatively. She carries a briefcase under her arm. Victor shuffles behind the desk and sits down in the throne-like chair. Fischer turns on the light.
VICTOR
What’s going on, Fischer? Where am I?
FISCHER
You’re in your office, sir. We’re waiting for Aiden.
VICTOR
Ah, Aiden’s coming. That’s good. Aiden will know what to do.
Fischer opens the briefcase on the desk opposite the Prime Minister.
FISCHER
(rifling papers)
Yes, he will.
Yes, he will.
VICTOR
I wish he were around back in the day. I could have used someone like Aiden. Things would have been better.
FISCHER
Yes sir, much better.
The Prime Miniser tries to stand up, but Fischer pushes him back down into his chair.
FISCHER
No, no, sir, please remain seated. We don’t want you getting all excited. You know about your blood, sir.
No, no, sir, please remain seated. We don’t want you getting all excited. You know about your blood, sir.
VICTOR
Where is Aiden?
Where is Aiden?
FISCHER
He’s on his way, sir, don’t worry. I’ve never known Aiden to miss a good war.
He’s on his way, sir, don’t worry. I’ve never known Aiden to miss a good war.
VICTOR
Yes, yes, Aiden is a good boy. He will make a fine Prime Minister one day. (Beat) He just needs to learn a few things.
Yes, yes, Aiden is a good boy. He will make a fine Prime Minister one day. (Beat) He just needs to learn a few things.
FISCHER
Oh, don’t worry, sir, we’ll see to it that he does.
Oh, don’t worry, sir, we’ll see to it that he does.
The intercom buzzes.
SECRETARY (OS)
Mr. Prime Minister, sir?
Mr. Prime Minister, sir?
FISCHER
What is it, Terry?
What is it, Terry?
SECRETARY (OS)
Chief Advisor Quartermass is here.
Chief Advisor Quartermass is here.
FISCHER
(closes and locks briefcase)
Send him in.
(closes and locks briefcase)
Send him in.
VICTOR
Aiden is here?
Aiden is here?
FISCHER
Yes, Aiden is here.
Yes, Aiden is here.
VICTOR
Good.
Good.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS enters, looking grave.
FISCHER
Good morning, Aiden.
Good morning, Aiden.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I’m glad to see you’ve arrived. I had to step out for a moment.
I’m glad to see you’ve arrived. I had to step out for a moment.
FISCHER
Let’s get this underway. Tarnikesh has been asking for this. Don't you want to make an example of them, sir?
Let’s get this underway. Tarnikesh has been asking for this. Don't you want to make an example of them, sir?
Aiden is quiet for a moment.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I think this may take precedence.
I think this may take precedence.
FISCHER
What’s happened?
What’s happened?
VICTOR
Aiden, Aiden, I’m so glad you’re here.
Aiden, Aiden, I’m so glad you’re here.
FISCHER
Easy, sir, you don’t want to get your blood up.
Easy, sir, you don’t want to get your blood up.
VICTOR
No, no.
No, no.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
There was a protest outside the capital building demanding we return the Tarnikesh province to a free state. The police couldn't hold it back, and people stormed the lawn.
There was a protest outside the capital building demanding we return the Tarnikesh province to a free state. The police couldn't hold it back, and people stormed the lawn.
FISCHER
People protest on the lawn every day. Falsify arrest warrants and lock them up.
People protest on the lawn every day. Falsify arrest warrants and lock them up.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
One of the protesters killed two police officers. Security was unable to bring the assailant down.
One of the protesters killed two police officers. Security was unable to bring the assailant down.
FISCHER
Hmph. A monster?
Hmph. A monster?
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Whatever he is, thousands of people outside are cheering for it to kill each and every last one of us. I think, if anything, that takes some precedence over our conflict with Tarnikesh right now. FISCHER
He hasn't been captured?
The intercom buzzes.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
What is it, Terry?
What is it, Terry?
SECRETARY (OS)
War Minister Kupp is here.
War Minister Kupp is here.
FISCHER
Just when I didn’t think it could get worse.
Just when I didn’t think it could get worse.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Send him in.
Send him in.
MANASSAH KUPP explodes through the door, still smoking a cigar.
MANASSAH KUPP
Everything is in order, I can have a thousand troops in Tarnikesh within hours.
Everything is in order, I can have a thousand troops in Tarnikesh within hours.
FISCHER
Something more pressing has come up, Manassah.
Something more pressing has come up, Manassah.
MANASSAH KUPP
What could possibly be more pressing? Our own civilians are being tortured at the hands of these inhuman fiends. Only a show of force will put Tarnikesh back in line.
What could possibly be more pressing? Our own civilians are being tortured at the hands of these inhuman fiends. Only a show of force will put Tarnikesh back in line.
FISCHER
Hmm...
Hmm...
She starts flipping through her papers.
The last reports I saw said that the hostages were being treated quite well. They weren’t even bound. Tarnikesh does not endorse torture.
MANASSAH KUPP
That’s not the point. The point is, these people belong here, at home, and they are in the grip of foreign bondage.
That’s not the point. The point is, these people belong here, at home, and they are in the grip of foreign bondage.
This catches the Prime Minister’s attention, and he stares intently at Manassah Kupp.
We need to go in there and get them out, and at the same time, remove the governing body that would dare to back an atrocity like this.
Aiden crosses his arms.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Please, Manassah. We’re alone here, we don’t have to sell the humanitarian line.
Manassah seems to relax some.
MANASSAH KUPP
Do you think they will blow up the bananas?
Do you think they will blow up the bananas?
FISCHER
That’s brilliant, Manassah. You must be so proud of yourself.
That’s brilliant, Manassah. You must be so proud of yourself.
MANASSAH KUPP
Well, not to discount my own work on the project, but it would never have been dreamed of if it weren’t for Chief Advisor Quartermass.
Well, not to discount my own work on the project, but it would never have been dreamed of if it weren’t for Chief Advisor Quartermass.
Kupp starts to clap, and Fischer slowly joins him. The Prime Minister then starts to gleefully clap along as well. Aiden looks displeased.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
We’re on the brink of coup de tete outside, but you can still easily worry about the money you stand to make. (Beat) you do realize you could be dead by morning, right? You might not live long enough to collect that king’s ransom. Did you think about that? No? I didn’t think so.
We’re on the brink of coup de tete outside, but you can still easily worry about the money you stand to make. (Beat) you do realize you could be dead by morning, right? You might not live long enough to collect that king’s ransom. Did you think about that? No? I didn’t think so.
FISCHER
What do we know about Tarnikesh’s claim to long-range missiles?
What do we know about Tarnikesh’s claim to long-range missiles?
Aiden shrugs.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
All of our intelligence suggests they have the technology to target this specific building.
All of our intelligence suggests they have the technology to target this specific building.
MANASSAH KUPP
All the more reason to strike them before they can use this weapon.
All the more reason to strike them before they can use this weapon.
Fischer sits in the corner chair with briefcase beneath her. The intercom buzzes.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
What is it, Terry, I told you we were not to be disturbed.
What is it, Terry, I told you we were not to be disturbed.
SECRETARY (OS)
General Hallis of Tarnikesh is on the phone. He demands to speak with the Prime Minister.
General Hallis of Tarnikesh is on the phone. He demands to speak with the Prime Minister.
Aiden calms.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
All right, then, I’ll take the call.
All right, then, I’ll take the call.
He picks up the phone and presses a button.
General Hallis, Aiden Quartermass, how are you? (Beat) Mmm Hmm. (Beat) Yes sir, I’m doing well. (Beat) We're just discussing how to resolve this hostage debacle in a diplomatic manner. (Beat) Yes sir. (Beat) I see, sir. (Beat) Mmm Hmm. Well, sir, we will take that into account. I hope this all ends peacefully. (Beat) Yes sir. (Beat) Goodbye sir.
He hangs up the phone.
FISCHER
What did he say?
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
He said that if he sees any kind of troop movement, he will endorse insurrection.
He said that if he sees any kind of troop movement, he will endorse insurrection.
MANASSAH KUPP
This open hostility can not be allowed to stand.
This open hostility can not be allowed to stand.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Manassah, he could send a missile into this room and hit us. Not our nation, not our troops, not even our civilians, but us. You are in more personal danger from this man than most of our country.
Manassah, he could send a missile into this room and hit us. Not our nation, not our troops, not even our civilians, but us. You are in more personal danger from this man than most of our country.
MANASSAH KUPP
We must employ the LPDM.
We must employ the LPDM.
VICTOR
No!
No!
FISCHER
Easy, sir.
Easy, sir.
VICTOR
Oh, Aiden, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, so very sorry.
Oh, Aiden, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, so very sorry.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I’ve already told you, we will not be allowing the use of LPDM.
I’ve already told you, we will not be allowing the use of LPDM.
VICTOR
Aiden will make a fine Prime Minister.
Aiden will make a fine Prime Minister.
MANASSAH KUPP
Hmpt. And I will make a good retiree.
Hmpt. And I will make a good retiree.
The Prime Minister picks up the journal and strokes the cover lovingly.
VICTOR
Aiden will make a fine Prime Minister.
Aiden will make a fine Prime Minister.
The intercom buzzes.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Yes, Terry?
Yes, Terry?
SECRETARY (OS)
I have a security report on the berserk protester.
I have a security report on the berserk protester.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
What’s the report?
What’s the report?
SECRETARY (OS)
He's inside the building. He killed two guards, but has been sealed in the south halll.
He's inside the building. He killed two guards, but has been sealed in the south halll.
MANASSAH KUPP
Did anyone get a look at him?
SECRETARY (OS)
He is believed to be wearing some kind of body armor. The gunshots at point blank range did not seem to affect him.
He is believed to be wearing some kind of body armor. The gunshots at point blank range did not seem to affect him.
FISCHER
Maybe we can use the LPDM.
Maybe we can use the LPDM.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Call in the House Guard. I want the Prime Minister’s personal detail here immediately.
Call in the House Guard. I want the Prime Minister’s personal detail here immediately.
SECRETARY (OS)
Yes sir.
Yes sir.
Aiden looks over at Fischer.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
They say bad news happens in threes.
They say bad news happens in threes.
FISCHER
Three times that, and I think we’ve found our fate.
Three times that, and I think we’ve found our fate.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I think you’re being generous.
I think you’re being generous.
FISCHER
Maybe, maybe.
Maybe, maybe.
VICTOR
Aiden, Aiden, come here.
Aiden, Aiden, come here.
He beckons for Aiden to come closer. Aiden leans in. The Prime Minister whispers, but is still completely audible.
Aiden, I want you to have this.
He hands the book to Aiden.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Your journal, sir?
Your journal, sir?
He nestles the book against his chest.
VICTOR
Yes. Take it. Keep it safe. Don’t let anyone but yourself read it. You’re the only one who can put that knowledge to use.
Yes. Take it. Keep it safe. Don’t let anyone but yourself read it. You’re the only one who can put that knowledge to use.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Yes sir.
Yes sir.
Aiden stands up straight.
Minister Kupp, we need this job done quickly. Within one hour of striking, I want the factory secured. By morning, the hostages are to be rescued. I want those rebels in custody. Any missile sites that can hit targets here are to be immediately neutralized. Once these goals are accomplished, We can almost be assured that the Assembly will grant an essentially blank check. You will not have LPDM.
MANASSAH KUPP
The Assembly can override your decision, Aiden.
The Assembly can override your decision, Aiden.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
But they won’t.
But they won’t.
MANASSAH KUPP
A handful of dead hostages may change that line of thinking.
A handful of dead hostages may change that line of thinking.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I can’t believe you would suggest such a thing.
I can’t believe you would suggest such a thing.
MANASSAH KUPP
This is war, Aiden. “Horrible things happen in war. Sacrifices ensure the greater good.”
This is war, Aiden. “Horrible things happen in war. Sacrifices ensure the greater good.”
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Shut up.
Shut up.
MANASSAH KUPP
Whose quote is that?
Whose quote is that?
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Shut up.
Shut up.
MANASSAH KUPP
That's how you sold the annexation of the Ishan Peninsula. Two hundred dead villagers armed with machetes stood between us. They didn’t hold out very long against the machine guns and bombing. Their military didn’t even lift a finger to stop us. Only those villagers that were in a position to lose their homes.
That's how you sold the annexation of the Ishan Peninsula. Two hundred dead villagers armed with machetes stood between us. They didn’t hold out very long against the machine guns and bombing. Their military didn’t even lift a finger to stop us. Only those villagers that were in a position to lose their homes.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I told you to shut up. (Beat) Where is that security detail?
I told you to shut up. (Beat) Where is that security detail?
He takes a step toward the desk.
VICTOR
Learning is painful, Aiden, learning is painful.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
You don’t know the half of it.
You don’t know the half of it.
Aiden grabs a paper off the desk and signs it.
Here is the order to use military force. It states what I have gone over with you here. I’ve made sure that everything is to the letter of the law.
He pushes it to the Prime Minister.
Sir, please sign this.
The Prime Minister fumbles while putting his signature on it. Aiden takes the paper from Victor and looks it over. Fischer snatches the paper from Aiden and hands it to Manassah Kupp.
I want these goals accomplished within the set time frames.
MANASSAH KUPP
Yes sir.
Yes sir.
Manassah takes the paper and exits the office as if he is on parade.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I already don’t like where this is going.
I already don’t like where this is going.
FISCHER
It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better, you can trust me on that one, Aiden.
It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better, you can trust me on that one, Aiden.
Aiden stares at the carpet for several seconds, his arms folded across his chest.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
If he used the LPDM...
By morning, every man, woman, and child in all of Tarnikesh City would be dead. The rich, the poor, the government, the army , the civilians. Every single one of them would be dead in agony... Agony we couldn’t even imagine...
If he used the LPDM...
Fischer crosses her arms and leans against the desk.
By morning, every man, woman, and child in all of Tarnikesh City would be dead. The rich, the poor, the government, the army , the civilians. Every single one of them would be dead in agony... Agony we couldn’t even imagine...
FISCHER
It's a small price to pay for a person who'd put at stake the life of another.
It's a small price to pay for a person who'd put at stake the life of another.
Fischer stares at Aiden a few seconds and turns away.
VICTOR
Aiden, you mustn’t use it! No matter what they say, you must not use the LPDM
Aiden, you mustn’t use it! No matter what they say, you must not use the LPDM
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I... I won’t, sir. I promise you that.
I... I won’t, sir. I promise you that.
Fischer looks out the window, crossing her arms
FISCHER
You know that War Minister Kupp will do anything to be able to use that weapon. If he can influence the Assembly in any way, he will.
You know that War Minister Kupp will do anything to be able to use that weapon. If he can influence the Assembly in any way, he will.
She looks back to Aiden, face stern, arms cross her chest.
What will you do then, Aiden? If the Assembly decrees it, it is the will of the people. You will have to sign that order, and it will be on your hands. What will you do then?
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I won’t sign it.
I won’t sign it.
FISCHER
You will be removed from your position. They will put someone in your place who will comply. It will be used anyway.
You will be removed from your position. They will put someone in your place who will comply. It will be used anyway.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I’ll be able to live out my life knowing that I did what I could to prevent it.
I’ll be able to live out my life knowing that I did what I could to prevent it.
VICTOR
Oh, Aiden, I’m so sorry... So sorry.
Oh, Aiden, I’m so sorry... So sorry.
FISCHER
Shhh, sir. There is nothing to be upset about. Just think about happier times.
Shhh, sir. There is nothing to be upset about. Just think about happier times.
VICTOR
I don’t remember happier times.
I don’t remember happier times.
FISCHER
What’s one city, Aiden? One city. Three million people. How many people are there in the world? How many would live their lives knowing that they need to maintain peace, knowing what kind of horror waits for them. How many people would live, learning from the example you set.
What’s one city, Aiden? One city. Three million people. How many people are there in the world? How many would live their lives knowing that they need to maintain peace, knowing what kind of horror waits for them. How many people would live, learning from the example you set.
Aiden is silent for several seconds, staring past her.
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
Three million less than there should be.
Three million less than there should be.
Fischer uncrosses her arms, touches her lips, and then recrosses her arms.
FISCHER
When the time comes to make that choice, are you going to be so resolute?
When the time comes to make that choice, are you going to be so resolute?
AIDEN QUARTERMASS
I will.
I will.
The Prime Minister looks over his shoulder.
VICTOR
Fischer... Fischer... I’m... I’m hungry, Fischer.
FISCHER
Yes sir, yes, I’ll take care of that.
Fischer... Fischer... I’m... I’m hungry, Fischer.
FISCHER
Yes sir, yes, I’ll take care of that.
She stares at Aiden for several more seconds, and walks out of the room, never taking her eyes off Aiden. She exits, leaving the two of them alone. Aiden sits down on the corner of the desk, looking down at the Prime Minister. They stare at each other, expressionless, for several seconds. The Prime Minister smiles, and the lights go down. End Scene 2
Go to Scene 3
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