Submission
-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A play long-promised to an inspiring and greatly missed friend,
by Comrade Ushaara.

Characters
=-=-=-=-=-=-=

o Major Xicat Taroch . . . Politburo Officer.
o Lady Aeloa Taroch . . . Xicat's wife, famous opera singer.
o Colonel Educlu Taroch . . . Xicat's father, retired officer.
o Junior Sgt. Haredon Sunfar . . . Xicat's adjutant.
o Calree Windshear . . . Politburo detainee

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| SCENE ONE |
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SCENE InterrogationChamber:
Its existence unknown to most and denied by those who know of its purpose, this windowless, grey chamber, illuminated by a single stark, flickering light, lies deep within the Ministry of Peace. In the centre of the room is a severe metal chair, plated to the floor and facing a featureless mahogany desk and chair. Hanging on the wall behind the desk is a large screen depicting Chairman Cririk Adom, Father of the Collective, his features dominated by an icy stare.

PROP DetaineeChair:
Cold and severe, this steel chair has been plated to the room's floor. The legs and seat have been truncated, ensuring that the user sits in discomfort and closer to the floor than is normal. In the centre of the metal backrest, the Sentinel Company's star and crossed feathers emblem has been raised, ostensibly marking ownership, but placed in such a way to press sharply against the user's spine should they attempt to lean back in relaxation.

(PLACE PROP DetaineeChair)

ROLE Xicat: Xicat Taroch

COSTUME XicatCostume:
An adamantine lucidian of malachite hue, thin-lipped and bearing an impassive expression, he appears the epitome of an austere lucidian. The Sentinel Company uniform he wears is in perfect order, the insignia on his collar denoting that he is a Major of the Internal Political Directorate.

Xicat: ENTER SILENT

EFFECT SCENE1-1:
The curtains part, revealing a stark interrogation chamber deep within the Ministry of Peace. The flickering light reveals a severe metal chair placed in the centre of the room, plated to the ground before a featureless mahogany desk. A lucidian Politburo Officer stands reading behind the desk, absorbed in a report. The face of the State's Eternal Chairman, Cririk Adom, is displayed on a large screen behind him, overseeing all with an icy stare.

EFFECT SCENE1-2:
Having finished reading the report, the stone-faced lucidian officer lays it face-down on the desk before speaking into an imperceptible microphone beside the screen.

Xicat: SAY (Speaking into the intercom) This is Major Xicat Taroch. You may send him in now. Thank you, comrade.

EFFECT SCENE1-3:
In expectation of the imminent arrival, Xicat takes his seat behind the desk and removes an hourglass, ledger and quill from a drawer. Aligning them in perfect order on the desk's surface, he turns his attention to the door, through which the approaching sounds of boots marching in military step can be heard.

ROLE Calree: Calree Windshear

COSTUME CalreeCostume:
Several bruises mar the face of this young trill who sways back and forth in a limp, dazed state, in dire need of sleep. Bound tightly with purple cloth, his wings have begun to shed their silvered feathers unevenly, his youthful beauty sullied by the ever-accumulating dirt and grime which threatens to cover him completely.

Calree: ENTER shuffles barefoot into the room, flanked and supported by two expressionless storm trill, his limp body almost collapsing when they relinquish their hold to snap a salute to Xicat.

Xicat: SAY (Returning a brusque salute to the guards from his seat) Yes, yes. You may leave us now.

Calree: EMOTE turns unsteadily to watch the storm trill leave, an imploring look on his face, wincing as he returns his gaze to face Xicat alone.

Xicat: SAY (to Calree) Sit down.

Xicat: EMOTE with a quick, discerning glance at Calree as he sits down, turns over the hourglass, and begins to write in the ledger in a quick, neat shorthand. The scratching of the quill on paper, and faint sound of trickling sand from the hourglass are the only sounds for what seems like an eternity before he eventually begins the interrogation.

Xicat: SAY (Tersely, and without looking up from the ledger) Name and rank?

Calree: SAY (In exhausted desperation) How many times must we go through this? You know my name. You know my rank. I beg of you, let me sleep!

Xicat: SAY (Coolly, and again without raising his head from the ledger) Name and rank?

Calree: SAY (Defiantly) I am Calree Windshear, a Freeman of Hallifax. And I have told you time and time again, I'm innocent. I don't know what more you want from me?

Xicat: SAY (Laying aside the quill and looking up from the ledger for the first time) Do you really believe that? Do you really think we arrest innocent citizens of the Collective on a whim?

Xicat: SAY (Thinly) Such slanderous aspersions would be reason enough for your arrest.

Calree: EMOTE shuffles uneasily in the chair, all protestation silenced.

Xicat: SAY (Picking up the quill and resuming his writing in the ledger) Tell me again what you did the night of the seventeenth of Vestian last?

Calree: SAY (As if by rote) It was a cold night so after work, I joined a few old friends from University in the Library for a meeting of our monthly book club. We discussed the History of the Elder Wars, focusing on the Book of Xyl in particular. After some debate about the reason Lord Xyl sharded, we separated and each of us returned to our homes. I believe the meeting concluded just after midnight and I was in bed by quarter past. You can verify this with any of the others. I can give you their names, Corobrin...

Xicat: SAY (Interrupting) Your occupation?

Calree: SAY (Cautiously) My occupation? I... I work the lights in the city's Opera House.

Xicat: SAY (Looking up and brightening slightly) Ah yes, the Opera House. I was certain I recognised you from some place before. You see I am quite the avid patron.

Xicat: SAY (The fleeting smile vanishing as quickly as it appeared) But in any case, I digress.

Xicat: SAY (Suddenly turning his attention to the over-turned report) Did this book club ever meet in a location other than the Library?

Calree: SAY (Confused at the sudden change of tack) Did it...? What do you mean?

Xicat: SAY (Staring at Calree) Oh, it is a simple enough question. Was there ever reason for one of your meetings to be held in a location other than the Library?

Calree: SAY (Anxiously looking back and forth between the over-turned report and Xicat's impenetrable stare) I...no...I mean, we... That is to say, eh... I... I don't believe so.

Xicat: SAY (A shimmer of gold flushing through his body as he picks up the report) Aha! Now that, you see, is quite interesting!

Xicat: SAY (Running a finger down the report) Allow me to quote the salient point of this report from the Commissariat for Transdimensional Maintenance. Ah yes, here we are...

Xicat: SAY (Reciting from the report) Its proximity to the energies of the Matrix, and the tertiary research labs of the Amethyst, Beryl and Diamond Research Projects has resulted in a significant crystallisation of anomalous temporal energy in the spire's conduits. We hereby request that the Board authorises the closure of the Library of Universal Knowledge, and its surrounding precincts, and the diversion of all power from the affected areas for the duration of the cleansing of the spire's conduits.

Xicat: SAY (Staring at Calree's blanched face) Would you care to hazard a guess as to when this procedure was enacted? And before you answer, let me continue...

Xicat: SAY (Taking up the ledger) Ah yes, this report by Junior Officer Corobrin Uxtarac is rather informative.

Xicat: SAY (Pausing for a moment in faux surprise) Oh, did Corobrin neglect to inform you? He has been in our employ for some time now.

Xicat: SAY (Scathingly) Did you really think that gatherings such as your 'book club' escape our attention?

Xicat: SAY (Returning his attention to the report) Windshear, Calree, Caste - Freeman Labourer. Parents - deceased. Siblings - sister, Sanea Windshear, see citizenship report 78x32c, Date of Birth...

Xicat: SAY (Looking up briefly) The particulars continue as you can imagine, but here we get to the heart of the report - 'Target serves as a courier in the subversive movement known as 'the Sons of Adom.' Delivered the explosive materials to Falun Isilwing in Isilwing's recent attempted sabotage of the Ruby Generator. His senior handler in the Sons of Adom is, as yet, unknown. Surveillance continuing...'

Xicat: SAY (Re-affixing his penetrative stare on Calree) So you see we already have quite enough evidence to secure your conviction. Your guilt, as Supreme Justice Eepex will agree, is indisputable. The sole reason I am here now is to discuss the potential consequences of actions you may take from this point onward. The consequences you face have already been decided, of course, but there are consequences your sister Sanea faces also, should you continue to remain uncooperative.

Xicat: SAY (Suggestively) I am given to understand she is quite a promising Junior Researcher? Well, there are always some 'interesting' temporal treatments in need of testing that she might 'volunteer' to assist with...

Calree: EMOTE slumps in defeat at the thinly-veiled threat facing his sister.

Xicat: SAY (Triumphantly) So, I shall ask for the final time... Tell me again what you did the night of the seventeenth of Vestian last?

EFFECT SCENE1-4:
The lights fade on a slumped Calree, defeated and broken. With the faint sound of the last few grains of sand falling in the hourglass, all that can be seen before the curtains close is the impassive face of Chairman Cririk Adom, staring out from the white screen.

EXEUNT

(REMOVE PROP DetaineeChair)

PAUSE

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| SCENE TWO |
===========

SCENE XicatOffice:
Several purple banners adorn the white marble of this bright, spacious office. A crystalline wall provides a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside, the line of sight extending to the plumes of oily smoke rising from the chimneys of Magnagora in the distance. Taking pride of place on the central mahogany desk are three purple tomes, their titles written in a neat copperplate silver - the Collectivist Manifesto, the Temporal Directives, and the Peace Articles. His presence ever felt, a crystalline bust of Chairman Cririk Adom stands on a waist high marble column in a corner of the office.

ROLE: Xicat Taroch (Xicat)
NOTE: No change in costume for this scene.

Xicat: ENTER SILENT

EFFECT SCENE2-1:
The curtains part for the second scene, revealing a bright, airy office within the inverted spire of the Ministry of Peace. Xicat stands with his back turned, gazing out through a magnificent crystalline wall which provides a spectacular aerial view of the surrounding countryside. Purple banners adorn much of the office, each bearing the star and crossed feathers emblem of the Sentinel Company. Displayed on a white marble columnar stand in the corner of the office is a crystalline bust of Chairman Cririk Adom, which refracts the sunlight and creates a pleasing prismatic display within.

Xicat: EMOTE exhales slowly and loosens his collar, closing his eyes as he allows the sunlight to course through him. His crystalline body flushes with pulses of emerald and beryl as he allows the solar energy to refresh him.

ROLE: Haredon Sunfar (Haredon)

COSTUME: HaredonCostume:
Adjutant to Xicat, he bears the insignia of a Junior Sergeant on his collar. A storm trill of average build with raven feathers, he wears his uniform with some discomfort due to a cruel twist in his right wing, an injury which has forever confined him to the role of a land-bound Ministry bureaucrat.

Haredon: ENTER enters the office with a discreet cough, standing at attention before the desk.

Xicat: EMOTE sighs softly at the interruption, the pulses through his body fading as he fastens his collar and turns around.

Xicat: SAY (Wearily) Ah, it is yourself, Haredon. You have listened to the recording, I take it?

Haredon: SAY Yes, sir. My congratulations.

Xicat: SAY (Waving a hand dismissively) In any event, what do you have to report?

Haredon: SAY (Handing a report to Xicat) Ah yes. As you know, Calree's statement has implicated several others of subversive intent, aside from those others of the book club. Naturally, each has been placed under increased surveillance. I dare say you will find some further interesting associations in that report.

Xicat: EMOTE assiduously studies the report, his crystalline form darkening as he reads through it.

Xicat: SAY (With a note of surprise) Air Marshal Hileah? She cleared our checks just last Estar, did she not? This is disturbing. I will inform the Force Commander myself.

Haredon: SAY (Handing another form to Xicat) Indeed. And if I could just get your signature here? Just the standard warrant of arrest, you'll find. Our monitors intercepted some information suggesting that the group intends to convene this afternoon, under the guise of attending a private performance in the Opera House. Our operatives are preparing themselves as we speak.

Xicat: SAY (Signing and stamping the authorisation form before returning it to Haredon) The Opera House? They may have some taste at least. Very good. The sooner this can be put to rest, the better. Was there anything else?

Haredon: SAY (Hesitating) As a matter of fact there was... Once again, your father has requested a meeting with you. Shall I continue to inform him that you're unavailable?

Xicat: SAY (Frowning) Again? By Estarra, he's persistent! Oh, I suppose I can grant him a brief audience.

Haredon: SAY Very good, sir. That will be all then?

Xicat: SAY (Nodding) Thank you, Haredon. Do let me know the result of the arrest.

Haredon: EXIT makes a quick salute, about turns and steps out silently.

EFFECT SCENE2-2:
Alone in the office, Xicat turns and gazes out over the surrounding countryside for a few minutes before taking his seat behind the desk. Surreptitiously, he unlocks a small drawer and removes a delicate musicbox from within, placing it on the desk in front of him. With a practiced, dexterous hand, he winds the silver crank and opens the lid. Closing his eyes as he leans back into his cushioned seat, his crystalline body flushes cyan green with anticipation.

PROP MusicBox:
Sparkling crystal makes up the outer casing of this fragile musicbox. Etched into its surface are images of delicate skyblooms and wispy feathers caught in a gentle breeze. Inside, the intricate silver mechanisms cause a figurine of a female trill to rotate smoothly in time with the music, her expression one of mournful longing.

(PLACE PROP MusicBox)

EFFECT SCENE2-3:
A minor, susurrant melody played by an ensemble of stringed instruments introduces the musical motif, soon joined by a countermelody on flutes and horns in harmony. The two melodies weave back and forth, intertwining, the sound growing fuller and fuller as the piece progresses. Just as it reaches a climax, the melodies dramatically diminish, remaining unresolved.

Xicat: EMOTE 's body flushes aquamarine as the pure vocals of a soprano soloist suddenly takes over the theme.

EFFECT SCENE2-4:
Flawless and keening, the soloist's voice manages to express a depth of emotion which was absent in the orchestral exposition. The piece is recognisable as a lucidian lament, expressing through music a well of longing and regret rarely seen of lucidians in person. As the piece approaches its conclusion, Xicat's crystalline body becomes more and more cloudy and opaque, his very core dulled as the the final minor cadence is sung.

ROLE Educlu Taroch (Educlu):

COSTUME EducluCostume:
An aged lucidian, his crystalline body is the colour of grey marble. Retired from active service as a Colonel in the Sentinel Company, he still maintains an impressive physique for his age. Countering his imposing bulk however is an unusually expressive and bright-eyed face.

Educlu: ENTER SILENT

Educlu: SAY (With an easy smile) Ah, the exquisite sound of my daughter-in-law. Singing 'the Chairman's Requiem,' if I'm not mistaken?

EFFECT SCENE2-5:
Startled by the interruption, Xicat leaps up from his seat, snapping the lid of the musicbox shut and hastily returning it to its drawer, his composure rattled.

(REMOVE PROP MusicBox)

Educlu: SAY (Chuckling) Oh come now, there is no need to be embarrassed.

Xicat: SAY (Still off guard) Father... I wasn't expecting you so soon. How did you get past Haredon? He was to announce your arrival.

Educlu: SAY (Jokingly) Oh off purchasing some more stamps, I would guess. He certainly seems to love them. Eight of them I counted on his desk as I passed. Eight! What he uses them all for, I can't even imagine.

Xicat: SAY (Coolly) Yes, well... In any event, let us get to the point. What is so important for you to disturb me?

Educlu SAY (Raising the bust of Chairman Adom and twisting it in the light) And how is Lady Aeloa? I have not had the opportunity to congratulate her for her performance on the Vesteran Stage. Truly remarkable!

Xicat: SAY (Vexed) Would you please put that down? It is a Silverplume original and quite priceless at that.

Xicat: SAY (Levelly, as Educlu returns the bust to its stand) And as for Lady Aeloa, in truth, my work keeps me quite occupied, I have scarcely seen her these past few weeks. Though, as you have seen, her recordings keep me company while we are apart.

Educlu: SAY (With a lingering glance to the tomes on Xicat's desk) Ah yes, I had almost forgotten the depths of your devotion to your...

Educlu: SAY (Almost spitting the word out) Duty.

Xicat: SAY (A flicker of anger passing across his face) It should come as no surprise, seeing as it fell to me to restore our family's honour following your tasteless affair.

Educlu: SAY (Laughing) And which is it that bothers you more? That I could love an indentured servant? Or that I disregarded my so-called duty in order to save her?

Xicat: SAY (His fists clenching and hissing with anger) You shall not speak of such things here! You have already destroyed yourself. Do you wish to destroy me completely?

Educlu: SAY (Gently) No... No, my dear son... That is something I would never seek to do. But alas, I fear your destruction may be inevitable. That you appear to love your wife's accomplishments more than her person only gives me greater cause for fear.

Educlu: SAY (Softly) I came to offer words of caution, if you would listen?

Xicat: SAY (Sternly) I have neither time, nor patience left, father. Say what you will, then leave me.

Educlu: SAY (With a note of regret) You will soon face a choice. I cannot perceive its nature, however I know it will decide your destruction or salvation. Vigilance, my son. Vigilance!

Xicat: SAY (Contemptuously) Your retirement to the country has had more effect than I would have thought possible, father. This is what you came to tell me? A vague prophecy suited to the ramblings of a commune spirit? Leave me. Now!

Educlu: SAY (Making one final effort to impress his message upon Xicat as he leaves the office) If you will heed nothing else, heed this - There is more to life than duty!

Educlu: EXIT SILENT

EFFECT SCENE2-5:
Left alone in the office, Xicat retakes his seat at the desk and begins to review some reports. Now late evening, the reddish-orange hues of sunset have started to spread their reach across the office, turning the white marble walls and floor pink. But it is the crystalline bust of Chairman Adom which bears the greatest change, the pleasing prismatic colours within of earlier now reminiscent of an angry flame. With this final sight the curtains close on the second scene.

EXEUNT

PAUSE

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| SCENE THREE |
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SCENE: InterrogationChamber
NOTE: No change to earlier use of scene.

(PLACE PROP DetaineeChair)

ROLE: Xicat Taroch (Xicat)

COSTUME XicatCostume2:
Dishevelled and conflicted, Xicat is barely recognisable as the austere lucidian officer of before. His collar hangs loose, his silver breastplate now tarnished, he wrings his hands every few moments. He is clearly in torment.

ROLE: Haredon Sunfar (Haredon)
NOTE: No change in costume for this scene.

Xicat: ENTER SILENT

Haredon: ENTER SILENT

EFFECT SCENE3-1:
The curtains part, once again revealing the Ministry of Peace's stark interrogation chamber. A drastic change has come over Xicat, who now sits in the severe metal chair, shifting between holding his head and wringing his hands every few moments. His adjutant, Haredon, stands to one side of the desk, unsure and helpless before his superior's distress. The face of Chairman Adom on the white screen appears somehow larger than before, his impassive features looming over all.

Haredon: SAY (Cautiously) Should you...that is...do you... Do you think you should be here for this?

Xicat: SAY (Angrily looking up and glaring at Haredon) I am still your superior officer, am I not? Or is it that you would take my place?

Haredon: SAY (Deferentially) No, of course not, sir. I just thought that under the particular circumstances...

Xicat: SAY (Abruptly) The circumstances necessitate my presence here.

Haredon: SAY (Hesitantly) As you wish, sir.

Haredon: SAY (Turning to the screen and speaking into the intercom) We are ready.

EFFECT SCENE3-2:
Suddenly rising from the metal seat, Xicat moves quickly to stand beside the desk, giving his uniform a few cursory adjustments in an attempt to restore it to order. As the approaching sounds of footsteps grow louder, he stands to attention, his gaze fixed on the door, before faltering and turning his back as the sound of a sobbing female trill becomes more and more prominent.

ROLE: Aeloa Taroch (Aeloa)

COSTUME AeloaCostume:
Dressed in a scarlet gown, Lady Aeloa exhibits a grace and elegance beyond most other trill. Her tear-stained roseate cheeks, streaked with darkened tendrils of spoiled makeup, do not mar her delicate features, but rather lend her a tragic beauty.

Aeloa: ENTER , her head hanging and attempting to stifle her sobbing enters slowly, gently and almost reverently led by two storm trill. Acknowledging Haredon and Xicat with a quick salute, they leave, allowing a confused backward glance before shutting the door.

Haredon: SAY (Tactfully) Won't you take a seat, Lady Taroch?

Aeloa: SAY (Noticing Xicat for the first time, as she rushes toward him in relief) Xicat! Oh, thank the gods. What is this place? Why am I here?

Xicat: SAY (Frantically backing away with his voice raised) Stand back! Stand back, I say! You will sit down at once!

Aeloa: SAY (Looking to Haredon, then back to Xicat in shock) What has happened? I don't understand.

Haredon: SAY (Gesturing to the chair) Perhaps it would be best if you just took a seat, Lady Aeloa. It appears there has been some sort of mix-up. If you try calm yourself we will attempt to resolve this with all due haste. It will all be over shortly, I promise you.

Haredon: SAY (Waiting for Lady Aeloa to settle herself before speaking) Now I'm afraid there is a certain protocol we must follow when we conduct our interview. I will try be as brief as possible, so that we can get you back to your estate. Are you ready?

Aeloa: SAY (Staring in wonder at Xicat, who is now pacing back and forth along the back wall) Yes. I'm ready.

Haredon: SAY (With a quick glance to Xicat, who returns a curt nod) Name and rank?

Aeloa: SAY (Blinking in astonishment) Why what is this? This is silly. How long have we known each other, Haredon? You've been to our estate countless times.

Haredon: SAY (Apologising) Yes. Yes, you're quite right. I'll move on.

Xicat: SAY (Suddenly interrupting and flaring a throbbing, angry ruby as he leans over the table threateningly) You will answer the question or you will return to your cell! Name and rank?

Aeloa: SAY (Recoiling in fright) Lady... Lady Aeloa Taroch, Master Artist and Peer of the Commonwealth.

Xicat: SAY (Glowering at Haredon) Continue.

Haredon: SAY (Unnerved by Xicat's outburst) And... And your occupation?

Aeloa: SAY (Nervously looking at Xicat) Opera. I sing and perform in the Opera House.

Haredon: SAY (With some hesitation) Lady Aeloa, can you explain what you were doing at the Opera House at the time of your arrest?

Aeloa: SAY (Her silvered wing-feathers trembling before Xicat's impenetrable stare) I had... I had been requested to give a private performance to some potential patrons and friends.

Haredon: SAY (Slowly) Who was it who asked you to give this performance?

Aeloa: SAY (Confused) I don't understand. These sort of gatherings are commonplace among the artistic caste. Why is this important?

Xicat: SAY (Through gritted teeth) Answer the question.

Aeloa: SAY (Her voice rising in annoyance) A friend. It was a close friend.

Xicat: SAY (Angrily) Who?

Aeloa: SAY (Glaring back at Xicat) If you must know, it was Air Marshal Hileah. Perhaps if you showed a shred of interest at home you would have known. As it is, it is a wonder that I don't have to make an appointment to see you.

Xicat: EMOTE lets out a loud painful sigh, his legs buckling as he almost collapses over the desk.

Haredon: SAY (Shocked) Air Marshal Hileah arranged it? Air Marshal Hileah is your close friend?

Aeloa: SAY (Looking back and forth between Xicat and Haredon in confusion) I hardly see what is so shocking about this? We have been friends since our days in University together, though granted I have seen less of her since she joined the Air Force.

Haredon: SAY (Urgently) After you performed, what happened then?

Aeloa: SAY (Breezily) Oh, there was some hushed group discussion about something or other, I wasn't really paying much attention, it seemed dull. Then Hileah gave me a letter to pass on to her cousin, or someone of that sort in New Celest. Our troupe tours there next month.

Aeloa: SAY (Disapprovingly) That was when all your storm trill came bursting in and rounded us up.

Xicat: SAY (Desperately) The letter. Do you still have it?

Aeloa: SAY (Producing the letter from a hidden fold of her gown) This? Take it, if it means so much to you.

Xicat: EMOTE snatches the letter from Aeloa's hand, tearing it open and reading it rapidly before loosing a second sigh.

Xicat: SAY (Whispering to himself) We are undone...

Haredon: SAY (Taking the letter from Xicat and scanning it in shock) Details of aeromantic security, city schematics, committee transcripts...

Haredon: SAY (Rapidly questioning Aeloa) Did you know what this contained? Who were you to deliver this to? Have you passed on other letters like this before?

Aeloa: SAY (Her face blanching with growing realisation) What?... No!... I didn't, I swear I didn't know! Yes, once or twice before maybe, but I swear I didn't know. I didn't know!

Xicat: SAY (Speaking to himself with a tone of admiration) They would have known they couldn't use the Ministry of Postal Affairs. How better to secret it out than to use the wife of a Major as their courier? None would have dared to search her.

Haredon: SAY (Whispering to Xicat) This need go no further. We can end it here. She was but an unwitting accomplice. No one else need know. We can release her. No one will suspect anything.

Xicat: SAY (Stating resignedly) The law is absolute. It is beyond my control.

Aeloa: SAY (Tears streaming down her face and having fallen to her knees in supplication) Xicat! I didn't know. Forgive me, I didn't know.

Haredon: SAY (In disbelief) Sir, she is your wife! She faces charges of conspiracy and treason if this proceeds. She faces death!

Xicat: SAY (Turning to face Haredon, his eyes dulled) It matters not, unwittingly or not, the Peace Articles are inviolable. She will be charged accordingly.

Aeloa: SAY (Hysterically) But I didn't know! I didn't know!

Xicat: SAY (Calmly speaking to Haredon) You will prepare the report for Supreme Justice Eepex, of course. It would not be permissible for me to do so.

Haredon: SAY (Appealing insistently) But, sir, the scandal... You cannot hope to survive it if this gets out. This is just the opportunity your detractors have been waiting for!

Xicat: SAY (Oblivious to Aeloa's increasingly loud wails and cries for mercy and Haredon's pleas) Order is paramount. One Will, One Collective.

Haredon: SAY (Faltering) But sir....

Xicat: SAY (Stating impassively before turning to face the looming image on the screen) I believe we are done here, comrade. You should return the prisoner to her cell.

EFFECT SCENE3-3:
Standing still in disbelief, it is some time before Haredon assists the distraught Lady Aeloa to her feet. Recognising the futility of entreating Xicat further, he takes her hand in his and gently leads her from the room, leaving Xicat alone in the desolate chamber.

Haredon: EXIT SILENT

Aeloa: EXIT SILENT

EFFECT SCENE3-4:
Finally alone, Xicat waits until the sound of footsteps in the corridor outside the interrogation chamber have dissipated before turning off the power to the screen, leaving the chamber illuminated only by a single flickering light. The periods between each flicker of light begin to take an increasing amount of time, as Xicat moves from the screen to sit listlessly in the metal chair.

Xicat: SAY (Barely above a whisper as the stage plunges into its final darkness) It was beyond my control...

CURTAIN

END