Abaddon, or the Realm of the Dead · WILL MALLON - ABADDON 12 The final battle was upon them. MICHAEL A great battle between The Lion and the King. GABRIEL A mortal struggle for religion

Abaddon, or the Realm of the Dead

Will Mallon [email protected]

WILL MALLON - ABADDON

2

CAST GABRIEL: Michael’s younger brother. His convictions may be strong, but he appears a smaller, weaker man. Someone you wouldn’t be intimidated or afraid of. MICHAEL: Gabriel’s older brother. He has looks, he has charm. He always gets what he wants and rarely is told no or can’t get out of a situation. ANNA: Gabriel’s wife. Like him, she seems small, lost, used. MR. BLACK: Knows that he is right and what he does and believes is right. He is calculated, intense and manipulative. SARAH: Gabriel’s handler. She is young. She believes in her convictions. JUDE: One of Gabriel’s followers. He is impressionable, strong and trusted. JOANNA: Gabriel’s youngest follower. Like Anna, she seems weak and lost, but she is devote to Gabriel. POLICE/ GUARDS: Several Persons dressed in black, military outfits. NEWSCATER Male or Female PRODUCTION NOTE: Sarah/Joanna, Guards and Jude/Newscaster can be doubled. Video footage and video of Newscaster can be taped.

TIME

In the not so distant future, ten years after bloodshed and the great uprising shook the continent...

SETTING

Anna’s apartment, the landscape of a large, metropolitan city, Gabriel’s mind.


3

Prologue

Michael is sitting on a park bench, watching people, reading a newspaper, and commenting.

GABRIEL

It’s a shame that we document the fall of our society, every vulgar detail, with such clarity for future generations to discover.

Gabriel approaches. He is carrying a small bag and appears nervous.

GABRIEL

Was there a line?

MICHAEL No. Why?

GABRIEL Because you’re late.

Michael (Frustrated)

Five minutes. Am I not allowed to be late?

GABRIEL Once, yes. Twice, expectable. Anything more than two time becomes a problem.

MICHAEL So, what is this, number three.

GABRIEL No, ten. That’s why it’s no longer a problem, it’s a habit, and you know my felling’s about habits, not don’t you.

MICHAEL Fine, if you want me to leave, I leave. I don’t need to be here. I have other things to do and I take time out of my schedule to come and see you. I don’t need this Gabriel. I really don’t. I get weird messages from you to meet. You always ask me to bring food -


4

GABRIEL I’m sorry Michael. I’m sorry. Calm down, please. You’re making a scene. I’m sorry. Forgive me? Please? (beat) Did you bring it?

Michael hands him the bag. Gabriel takes out a large piece of bread and begins tearing off small pieces to feed birds as he and Michael continue to talk. MICAHEL

That’s what you wanted me to stand in line for, a loaf of fresh bread for you to feed some damn birds?

GABRIEL Sometimes

GABRIEL

I met the woman like you told me?

MICHAEL The one we picked out?

GABRIEL Yes, and I did exactly what you told me. I acted liked I bumped into her, we talked. We had coffee that day; we’re going to dinner this weekend.

MICHAEL To know that I can always trust my brother…This is all good news. Look at me, look at me…everything is going just as I’ve planned. No mistake, no need to worry. Okay?

GABRIEL It’s just something she said, I don’t know, it just keeps running through my mind.

MICHAEL (Jokingly)

She’s already talking matrimony?

GABRIEL (Smiling)

No, God no, something different –


5

MICHAEL

Tell me.

GABRIEL When we had coffee, we began to talk about our families, trite things, you know?

MICHAEL You told her what we rehearsed?

GABRIEL Yes, of course, but that’s not it. She just started talking, telling me all of her deepest, darkest secrets. It made me feel uncomfortable.

MICHAEL That’s good, she trusts you. (beat) I knew she was a good choice.

GABRIEL It’s not that.

MICHAEL Then what?

GABRIEL

It’s her family. She’s all alone.

MICHAEL But you knew that before you met her.

GABRIEL But to hear her talk about it…to know that she never knew her mother or father? That she was raised in a foreign country by strangers? I mean to never know your mother and father.

MICHAEL She only has one purpose.

(emphatic) For YOU, FOR US. I picked her because I knew you would both bond. She lost her family, we lost father. But, remember, you can’t let yourself get attached.

(beat, preaching) Remember, there is none worthy of worship but him. He is One and has no partner. His is the Kingdom and unto Him is due –


6

GABRIEL Please, I don’t need that. (beat) Do you remember father?

MICHAEL How do you mean?

GABRIEL His face? Can you remember his face? The way he looked? What his voice sounded like? (Pause) When I close my eyes at night, I try to remember him, but I can’t. Sometimes I get a picture in my head, but I can’t remember if that’s what he looked like or if it is just my imagination.

MICHAEL Is this what’s been on your mind?

GABRIEL I don’t know anymore. Lately my thoughts are running together. I remember things I want to forget and I am forgetting things I want to remember.

MICHAEL Do you remember our father’s soft beard?

GABRIEL Yes.

MICHAEL

Do you remember how kind he was and how he never hurt us?

GABRIEL Yes.

MICHAEL What do you remember most about him?

GABRIEL Nothing in my memory stands out. I can remember him teaching us to ride. I can remember riding through the countryside with father and seeing wonderful things. I remember him being kind.

MICHAEL Are those things less important than what he looked like?

GABRIEL No, just different.


7

MICHAEL How, how are these things different?

GABRIEL Please don’t interrogate me. I am not in the mood to debate with you.

MICHAEL Please listen to me. Is it more important to remember a man or remember what that man did?

GABRIEL Aren’t they the same thing?

MICHAEL No, not really.

GABRIEL How is it different to remember a man rather than what that man did?

MICHAEL Take father. He was a GREAT man. He was kind, he was wise and he put the people he loved before himself. He tried to protect the people he loved and gave his life for his community and for the belief that God would offer him divine providence in the kingdom of heaven. He died for what he believed and he died so he could protect the innocent. Is it more important to remember our father that way or to remember that he had certain physical features?

GABRIEL

(upset, frustrated) But I can’t remember his face. (beat) I don’t have a picture, nothing to allow me to remember his face. I close my eyes and can’t remember my father.

MICHAEL What do you see when you look in the mirror?

GABRIEL I don’t understand.

MICHAEL When you get up in the morning, what do you see in the mirror?

GABRIEL


8

Sometimes you make no sense to me.

MICHAEL Listen to me. When I look at you. When I look in your eyes. The way you say certain words, I am reminded of father. I see our father every day, but I see him in you. In your actions, your traits, your beliefs. Tomorrow when you look at yourself in the mirror, you will see our father.

GABRIEL Do you mean that?

MICHAEL Yes.

GABRIEL Thank you.

MICHAEL There are certain things we need to be reminded of everyday and there are some things we tend to forget.

GABRIEL

What about you? What do you remember of father?

MICHAEL Riding with him to the sea. Teaching us how to fight. I remember him reading to us and teaching us at night before bed.

GABRIEL

I always liked his stories. He was always so passionate about his stories.

MICHAEL And the way he acted them out as he told them to us.

GABRIEL What was your favorite?

MICHAEL (Pause)

I don’t want to do this. It’s easy to romanticize his life and forget how he died.

GABRIEL I wasn’t romanticizing his life.


9

MICHAEL I always liked the story of the Land of the Lion.

They both begin to recite the poem as actors begin to act out the poem on the opposite side of the stage. They alternate lines, and seem to be making the story up as they tell it.

GABRIEL

In a land far away.

MICHAEL Dominion given to it by a false prophet.

GABRIEL A lion rose to power.

MICHAEL His Back gnarled by scars.

GABRIEL

Mane torn and twisted.

MICHAEL War had mangled the great beast.

GABRIEL It’s body, it’s cross, stained with blood.

MICHAEL Followed by a trail of a thousand lost souls.

GABRIEL Flowing along a crimson river.

MICHAEL Absolution his only consort.

GABRIEL Building a great army.

MICHAEL Into the desert before the symbol of their savior.


10

GABRIEL Reclaiming of the Kingdom of Heaven.

MICHAEL The birthplace of their dominion.

GABRIEL Horror and darkness in their wake.

MICHAEL The King and his great Kingdom succumb to war.

GABRIEL His country ravaged.

MICHAEL His villages burned.

GABRIEL

Cries of mourning for murdered mothers, fathers.

MICHAEL Sisters and brothers

GABRIEL Daughters and sons.

MICHAEL

The King guarded the walls of his great city.

GABRIEL His blood steadfast along the shores of the great sea.

MICHAEL

Fear grew within the great kingdom.

GABRIEL The sky fell black.

MICHAEL The cold grasp of death creeping into each home.

GABRIEL As evil approached.


11

MICHAEL

Cries of terror in the distance.

GABRIEL Silenced by a mighty roar.

MICHAEL The Lion approached from the north.

GABRIEL Preparing for the last of the trumpet judgments.

MICHAEL The King and his people wept.

GABRIEL Fire and death lay in the lion’s wake.

MICHAEL The hanging gardens destroyed.

GABRIEL

And at the sea.

MICHAEL A prayer to God.

GABRIEL

The Princes’ fled.

MICHAEL The Lion’s army was too great.

GABRIEL The King and the great city fell.

MICHAEL The Heavens cried.

GABRIEL Fire rained from the sky.

MICHAEL The earth slowed.

GABRIEL


12

The final battle was upon them.

MICHAEL A great battle between The Lion and the King.

GABRIEL A mortal struggle for religion.

MICHAEL For the providence of community.

GABRIEL For Salvation.

MICHAEL Then, the mighty blow struck.

GABRIEL A million tears.

MICHAEL A great leader drawing his last breath.

GABRIEL The defining roar heard throughout the land.

MICHAEL The King, the great kingdom conquered.

GABRIEL

Woman forced to lay in congress.

MICHAEL Conscription of men into an army of evil.

Michael and Gabriel begin to act out their story onstage as if they are playing make believe. Their tone changes as the story progresses. They are trying to outdo each other and seem to be filling in blanks of a story that continually changes. The story is their ritual, their reality and how they both justify the acts they want to commit.


13

GABRIEL And we hid.

MICHAEL We walked to the site of the great battle.

GABRIEL To recover the body of the Great King.

MICHAEL To recover the body of our father.

GABRIEL We traveled at night.

MICHAEL In secret.

GABRIEL

Given solace by villagers.

MICHAEL Creating a network of believers.

GABRIEL Believers who wanted to strike at the Lion.

MICHAEL

Believers who would help rebuild the Great Kingdom.

GABRIEL On the sixth day we reached the summit.

MICHAEL He lay there, mangled.

GABRIEL

I knelt beside him.

MICHAEL I ripped cloth to cover his body.

GABRIEL

I said a prayer.

MICHAEL We carried him to the summit.


14

GABRIEL

And before only the eyes of God.

MICHAEL Laid him to rest amongst earth and stone.

GABRIEL A promise to avenge his death.

MICHAEL To bring sorrow to the land of the Lion.

The lights slowly come up as both stop acting out their story and return to their seats at the café. Life around them has resumed. Michael begins to read the paper and sip his espresso. Gabriel slowly sips espresso and begins to write in his journal.

Lights out.

ACT I Scene I Interior of the flat. The room is long and in an open style, providing no deviation from space to kitchen. The home is modestly furnished and looks comfortable. It is morning. Michael is at the sofa, drinking coffee, reading.

SARAH Coming through the door.

Michael? Where are you?

MICHAEL Ah, Sarah, come my friend, sit. Some coffee?

SARAH No, no. I only, ah.


15

MICHAEL

Please sit. Indulge me for a few minutes. It’s been a very slow week.

SARAH

(Uncomfortable) I really can’t stay. I wanted to come by to tell you some news.

MICHAEL What? Do you need me to do something for you?

SARAH No, ah…(Pause) We’re letting your brother out.

MICHAEL

(Long pause and troubled) What? Why now, it’s been seven years?

SARAH I wanted you to hear it from me first. We’re assuming that he will try to contact you and I wanted you to be prepared. (beat) We NEED him to contact you.

MICHAEL When will he be released?

SARAH He was released a few days ago (beat) I didn’t know. I just got word this morning. They’re hoping that he will reach out to you and lead you to targets, cells and connections that you’ve been UNABLE to lead us to.

MICHAEL And you’re positive that he’ll come for me?

SARAH No, but this is our last hope at getting any information from him.

MICHAEL You never told me where he was.

SARAH


16

What?

MICHAEL Where he was, the entire time you have been my handler you never once told me where he was.

SARAH It wasn’t important -

MICHAEL But he’s my brother.

SARAH

And like him you were arrested and questioned by the government. But, unlike him you chose to help us. He chose to be very DIFFICULT. And please don’t be like this MICHAEL. Don’t act the fool. Sometimes I think that you forget that you are still in government custody, that all of this, this life, this apartment is an illusion. You do remember that don’t you?

MICHAEL

(Sarcastic) How can I forget?

SARAH

The fact that you’re allowed to live here, with your sister in law and your niece, live a normal life. Not be forced to live in a six by six by six cage like the animal that you are.

MICHAEL How nice that you insist on continually reminding me of that, but I want to remind you that I, like my brother am a prisoner of war.

SARAH I was a soldier. I fought battles and had to kill people.

MICHAEL (Raising his voice)

You killed the men, women and children of my country

Sarah slaps him across the face and draws her weapon out, pointing it at him.

SARAH

(Firmly)


17

Please, sit down and shut up. She holsters her weapon.

(Agitated) You are no soldier! You used your own perverted morality to justify acts done in the name of a corrupted religious…

(Composed again)

We’re putting you under twenty-four-hour surveillance again. Anything you want to do outside of this apartment has to be cleared by me.

MICHAEL You can’t do that.

SARAH

We CAN and we WILL, until you’re contacted by your brother.

MICHAEL The shore.

SARAH

What? MICHAEL

I wanted to take Anna and Rachel to the shore this weekend.

SARAH (confused)

The shore?

MICHAEL If he comes back, if you are involved in every aspect of my life again, please, please let me have this one last trip with them before my life changes?

SARAH No.

MICHAEL Please. You’re my friend. Aren’t we friends Sarah? Can’t you do this one thing for your friend?

SARAH I’ll give you your trip.

SARAH


18

Here, write down the information for me so I can have personnel in place.

Anna enters from the front door and momentarily startles Sarah. She is carrying a bag of groceries.

ANNA

Oh, hi Sarah. I didn’t expect to see you this morning.

SARAH (Beat as she gets back into character)

Good Morning Anna. I’m sorry for coming so early, I was on my way to the office and ah -

MICHAEL Sarah needed a few names and numbers for clients.

SARAH

I lost the paper I wrote them on when Michael and I spoke yesterday.

ANNA Well, as always it’s good to see you. Can you stay for breakfast?

MICHAEL No, she has to get going. (Pause) She has a busy day.

ANNA Are you sure? I bought fresh eggs and some berries?

SARAH No, but thank you for the offer.

(Exiting, to Michael) I’ll make sure this get’s taken care of.

As Sarah exits, Michael begins to help Anna in the Kitchen. He begins to cook as she unpacks groceries.

ANNA

It was a surprise to see Sarah. We’re you expecting her?


19

MICHAEL No, no. This thing with a new client yesterday, she misplaced the info and we have an important meeting with the today (beat) You seem to have gotten an early start today?

ANNA

I walked Rachel to the City Academy and wanted to pick up a few things for breakfast. I didn’t want the morning to get away from me. (beat) Do you have any plans for the day?

MICHAEL I have the meeting this afternoon. After we have breakfast, I might travel to the planetarium for this weekend.

ANNA This weekend?

MICHAEL

It was supposed to be a surprise –

ANNA (Inquisitive)

What?

MICHAEL I was helping Rachel with her homework last night and she said that they are learning about stars and planets. I thought it would be fun to go out to the shore this weekend. Get away from the city. Get a telescope; let her see a sky filled with stars.

ANNA

(very happy) Oh, she’ll adore it. Is that why you are going to the planetarium?

MICHAEL I wanted to talk with them about a telescope.

ANNA Did you tell her about it?

MICHAEL No, I wanted to keep it a surprise. We can pack a picnic, drive out in the afternoon and then show her a night sky full of stars. Maybe she’ll see her first shooting star.

ANNA


20

It’s brilliant. I love it. You always know how to keep me guessing and make me smile.

The phone rings.

MICHAEL I’ll get it. Hello? (beat) No, you must be mistaken.

(Beat) No, its okay.

Michael hangs up the phone. ANNA

Who was that?

MICHAEL The doorman, (beat) he said someone was claiming to know us. He sent them away.

The phone rings again. Michael answers. MICHAEL

Hello? Yes. No. We weren’t. Yes, that’s right no more visitors today. Thank you.

ANNA What’s going on?

MICHAEL Someone cruel joke, they said the person was claiming to be Gabriel.

ANNA (exuberant)

Gabriel? Do you think it could really be him?

MICHAEL (Emphatic)

No, no. (beat) It’s been too long and we shouldn’t think about those things anymore.

ANNA (Nervous)

It is him, I can feel it. Come, let’s go down and welcome him home.


21

MICHAEL No. Think Anna, think. People just don’t vanish one day and then suddenly come back. No, he wouldn’t have left YOU that way. He wouldn’t have left ME that way. No, my brother is dead.

ANNA slaps MICHAEL across the face.

ANNA

How dare you –

The phone rings again

MICHAEL Hello?

(Pause, his tone turns to nervous and excited)

What? When? He hangs and begins to pace around the kitchen.

ANNA

What?

MICHAEL Run to the door! Make sure it’s locked.

ANNA What? Why?

MICHAEL

Just do it!

Michael starts to rifle through drawers. After a few moments he picks up the knife that he was using to chop vegetables. He looks at the blade and then folds the knife in under his forearm. He practices and is very comfortable with a knife.

ANNA

(Horrified) What’s going on? What are you doing? You’re scaring me -


22

MICHAEL (Calm and calculated)

The doorman called. The man got past him. They think he might be –

Knock at the door. Silence. Knock at the door again. Long silence.

It’s okay. Stand back. It’s okay. If anything happens telephone emergency.

ANNA

Have you gone mad?

Another knock on the door followed by silence.

GABRIEL - OFF STAGE

(Labored and drawn out) Anna? Anna, it’s me. Please open the door? I’m hurt Anna, please open the door.

ANNA

Gabriel-

Michael cuts her off and covers her mouth. MICHAEL

There’s no one here by that name. Go away.

ANNA What are you doing? It’s him, I know it.

Anna tries to unbolt the lock. Michael pushes her away. There’s a loud thud against the door. He opens the door as Gabriel’s body falls into the apartment. His hair over grown, his body weak. His clothes are torn and he is dirty.

MICHAEL My God! Gabriel?


23

ANNA Is it him?

MICHAEL Quick, get some water and some towels.

ANNA

Look at him. He looks so weak, so small.

MICHAEL His pulse is strong, but he has bruises all over his body.

leaning down to touch Gabriel’s face

ANNA

Gabriel, my sweet, sweet Gabriel.

MICHAEL Quick, let’s get him to the couch.

ANNA

My poor, sweet Gabriel. Lights begin to fade slowly. Michael and Anna carry Gabriel to the couch. A moment passes. It is later in the day. Gabriel is asleep on the couch. Michael is on the phone.

MICHAEL

No, thank you for responding so quickly. Yes, I guess that man gave everyone a scare. No, no one came to out door. I know. Yes. We will. Thank you again. Good afternoon to you too.

(Pause, then speaking to the sky) Thank you for bringing my brother back to his family -

ANNA Is he awake yet?

(Pause) I’m sorry, did I startle you?

MICHAEL

No, he’s still sleeping.

ANNA


24

Do you have the list of the medicine we need? (beat) I think we should call a doctor or take him to hospital?

MICHAEL I want to, but I can’t. He’s been gone for seven years. No word, no letters, he just vanished. I don’t know if he’s in trouble or if authorities are looking for him.

ANNA I don’t want to lose him again.

She strokes Gabriel’s face. Are you sure I should go get medicine? Are you sure we shouldn’t call a doctor?

MICHAEL

He’ll be okay, I’ll protect him.

ANNA Stroking and kissing Gabriel’s forehead.

My sweet Gabriel, please wake up soon.

As she is exiting.

Will you phone me if anything changes?

MICHAEL We’ll be fine. (beat) Poor, dear brother. What have they done to you?

GABRIEL (groggy, confused)

Michael?

MICHAEL Gabriel?

GABRIEL Brother?

MICHAEL Yes, it’s me. Are you okay?

GABRIEL


25

Yes.

MICHAEL Are you hurt, are you in pain?

GABRIEL

No.

MICHAEL Can you stand?

GABRIEL With your help…

MICHAEL Okay. Steady…slowly. Are you thirsty?

GABRIEL stands, but can not hold himself up without support

GABRIEL

Yes.

Long pause as he takes a sip of water.

GABRIEL

(Happily) My brother.

MICHAEL It has been too long.

They embrace as Michael begins to care and attend to Gabriel. As Gabriel talks, Michael begins takes great care in washing Gabriel’s hair, face, hands and feet.

GABRIEL I didn’t know if Anna would still be here.

MICHAEL She didn’t want to leave. Every day she hoped that you would return.


26

GABRIEL I was scared brother.

MICHAEL What happened?

GABRIEL They came for me. They came like we’d feared. I was walking home and I noticed them following me. I tried to lose them, the way we practiced, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t.

MICHAEL It’s okay. You’re back now.

GABRIEL (remembering a nightmare)

A van pulled up beside me, a man pushed me inside. I remember feeling a sharp sting, then everything went black. When I woke up I was in a crate. A hood on my head, I was forced to kneel. My hands, my feet chained, I could barely move. I closed my eyes and prayed for help. They dragged me to a room, threw me against a wall. I could taste the blood in my mouth. I could hear screaming. I began to cry and then I heard him ask me my name. Are you Gabriel he said?

The light suddenly goes low on Michael and Gabriel and goes up on a man being interrogated in Prison. He is wearing an orange jump suit with a black hood over his face. He is sitting in a metal chair and his legs and hands are restrained. He is in a small room. A man in a dark suit is standing in front of the man in the orange jump suit. These are Gabriel’s memories.

MR. BLACK

Are you Gabriel?

GABRIEL Yes?

MR. BLACK Son of Adam?


27

GABRIEL Yes.

MR. BLACK Brother of Michael?

GABRIEL Yes, please, what do you want?

MR. BLACK Husband to Anna?

GABRIEL Yes. Yes. I have a brother named Michael, a wife named Anna and a baby named Rachel. Now please, tell me what you want?

Mr. Black strikes Gabriel against the head and knocks him to the floor.

MR. BLACK

You are not in a position to ask questions. I ask questions and you give me answers. That’s our relationship. Do you understand?

Gabriel lies motionless on the ground and does not answer.

MR BLACK

Do you understand?

Mr. Black gets frustrated that Gabriel is not answering him. He kicks Gabriel in the abdomen.

Damn it! Do you understand me?

GABRIEL (Coughing)

Yes, Yes, I understand. Please don’t hurt me again.

MR. BLACK Again, I will warn you that you are in NO position to ask question. Let me be clear about the relationship we have. I ask questions and you give answers. If you answer the questions and I get the answers I want, I WON’T hurt you. If you continue to ask questions or be difficult in ANY way, I will hurt you.


28

We have a symbiotic relationship you and I. You do what I want and you live. You DON’T do what I want and you’ll have a slow, painful death. Understand?

Gabriel begins to cry.

MR. BLACK DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

GABRIEL

Yes.

MR. BLACK What?

GABRIEL Yes, I understand.

MR. BLACK

Good. Good. Now that you understand our relationship, I’m going to leave you alone to think a little about why you’re here and what I may WANT from you.

GABRIEL Please. Please. Don’t leave.

There is a brief pause as Mr. Black stops at the door and stares at Gabriel. Mr. Black opens the door and slams it shut while staying in the room. Gabriel begins to sob.

GABRIEL

(Brief Pause) Please, tell me where I am? (beat) Please, someone. Please. Tell me what’s going on.

Mr. Black charges smacks Gabriel back handed across the face.

MR. BLACK

I told you that I ask the questions.

Mr. Black walks toward the door.

MR. BLACK


29

And stop crying. It makes me respect you less.

The lights go down on Mr. Black and the interrogation room and rise on Gabriel and Michael in the apartment. Gabriel had been fully groomed. Michael is dressing Gabriel and buttoning a newly pressed white shirt.

MICHAEL

Are you hungry?

GABRIEL No, not really.

MICHAEL Please? Tea, maybe a biscuit or two?

GABRIEL Okay.

Michael walks over to the kitchen and begins to make tea as Gabriel slowly stands and walks around the room, supporting himself on furniture. His movement is labored and painful. He looks at pictures and other things in the apartment.

GABRIEL

Is this? She’s so big. This can’t be?

MICHAEL Yes, that was Rachel’s school picture last spring.

GABRIEL School?

MICHAEL Yes, why?

GABRIEL How can she afford to send her to school?

MICHAEL


30

We don’t pay for school. Rachel goes to the City Academy down the street.

GABRIEL Public school? With boys?

MICHAEL

Of course. She’s made a lot of friends and is doing very well in her classes.

GABRIEL

Holding the picture

She’s so big. She was so small, so fragile when I left. Picking up another picture

And this one?

MICHAEL

Let me see. That was holiday a few months ago. Rachel was learning about sea creatures so we took her to the shore.

GABRIEL (With regret)

You all look happy, like a happy family.

MICHAEL (ignoring the comment)

I forget, do you take sugar?

GABRIEL Yes, (pause) but no milk, it upsets my stomach now. Things have changed the past few years. I’m afraid that I may not be the person you once knew.

Michael brings tea and biscuits out into the living room.

MICHAEL

You will always be my brother.

GABRIEL Do you mean that? You will support me because of the bond we have.


31

MICHAEL We’ll all support you. We’re just glad that you are back and safe and not in that place.

(Pause) Tell me, how did you escape?

GABRIEL

What?

MICHAEL Escape. From the people who were holding you. How did you do it?

GABRIEL

I didn’t know how long I was there. Seeing these pictures. How long was I gone?

MICHAEL Seven years. Seven years? (beat) When I didn’t have a hood on I was in a dark room. When I wasn’t in a dark room, I had a hood over my face and then they tortured me.

They both sit and begin to have tea. The lights go down on Gabriel begins to tell more of his story. Lights up on the opposite side of the stage as a door opens and a group of guards, wearing black, faces covered, storm a room. A voice is heard yelling “shock him.” Then sounds of a struggle and screaming are heard. Lights out on guards as lights come up on a man in the orange jump suit wearing a hood. Mr. Black is in the corner of a small room. He is smoking. He blows smoke in the man’s face. The man begins to choke. Lights down on man and Mr. Black. Lights up on another part of the stage showing a man stripped to his waist. He has bruises, cuts and burn marks all over his chest and arms. The man has a black hood on and is


32

knelling on the floor in a puddle. His legs are shackled and both arms are outstretched and shackled.

MICHAEL

I’m sorry you went through that and they caused you so much pain.

GABRIEL At FIRST they caused me pain, then somehow I learned to let it go. Do you remember when we were younger and father would take us hunting? Do you remember how we would stay still for hours, waiting, hoping for the perfect moment before the kill? I never understood how you and father could stay so still, not fidget, not fight the agony of being in one position so long. It took me so long to understand how you detached yourself from that situation. But now I know, being in that place helped me learn that. I learned to accept the pain. Somehow it made me stronger.

MICHAEL My dear brother, what did they do to you?

GABRIEL They helped me. I lost so many things while I was away. I lost you...but I gained so much more.

MICHAEL

How? What did you gain?

GABRIEL I lost my faith. I am not afraid to admit it. When they tortured me, when I thought all was lost, I only had my faith and I prayed for help. I begged for his forgiveness. The more I was tortured, the more I remembered about father, his teachings and our people. The more I suffered, the more I began to realize that the only thing that matters is the word of God and the divine inspiration of the prophets. I remember what they did to father. I remembered why we came here and what we have left to do!

MICHAEL Those are foolish words.

GABRIEL No.


33

MICHAEL

Yes, they are. They were foolish words seven years ago, and they are foolish words now.

GABRIEL How can you say that?

MICHAEL

Things changed while you were away. We have peace. Our country is rebuilding. There are so many good things happening.

GABRIEL And you believe this? You believe what you read in the newspapers? You believe exactly what they want you to believe.

MICHAEL

I believe what I know. I am not the same person I was when we came here. The sole purpose of my life isn’t to avenge father’s death and to hurt innocent people.

GABRIEL No, MY brother would not say these things.

MICHAEL

Listen to me, listen. Things change. You don’t remember certain things about father, about growing up, but I do. The way father died was wrong, the armies coming into our country and raping and killing innocent men, women and children, but -

GABRIEL But what?

MICHAEL The things that came out, after the truce, after peace had been restored, stories of genocide began to appear. There were pictures and stories of entire villages, entire towns being tortured and killed. Killed not by people who invaded our country, but by the hands of our own brothers and countrymen.

GABRIEL No, that’s not true.

MICHAEL It is. The people we hated, the people we swore to kill, they came to help us. They came to stop a civil war that was tearing our peaceful country apart.


34

GABRIEL

And you believe these lies?

MICHAEL It’s not a matter of believing anymore, it is accepted fact. The allied armies had war trials and the criminals were tried and executed for their crimes.

GABRIEL They mocked and killed more of our countrymen, our friends?

MICHAEL They executed criminals. They killed people who purposely killed the innocent.

GABRIEL They murdered my king, MY FATHER and they disgraced my country.

MICHAEL

What we knew was a lie.

GABRIEL NO! I don’t believe that. The day our father died, two kings were born. Two kings destined to lead their country, their people. Do you remember those two kings?

MICHAEL Those are just stories. They are stories I told you as we traveled. They are stories we made up because we were alone. We were afraid and lost our family.

GABRIEL No. NO! They are my family’s history. They are my birthright, my purpose for every breath that I draw into my lungs. They are my soul.

MICHAEL Your family is here, in this flat.

GABRIEL

They only hide who we really are.

MICHAEL Do you really believe that?

GABRIEL


35

That is what you told me to believe.

MICHAEL And you believe that your purpose here is to avenge father?

GABRIEL Yes, those people have to be stopped.

MICHAEL And you don’t believe anything that I just told you about our country, about father?

GABRIEL Can’t you see that those are lies? Can’t you see that these people spread lies so people will hate us? You taught me right and wrong, but I forgot. But I remember now. And them, they had no idea they’d captured a King. But I was strong. I never told them a word. I only got stronger.

MICHAEL What have I done to you?

GABRIEL You helped save me. Because of you and I am a new person. My faith stronger, my mind stronger. Come, it is almost time for prayer. We have very little time for absolution. Help me. (beat) What? Why are you hesitant?

MICHAEL It’s been several years since I prayed.

GABRIEL Then this is the perfect time, come pray alongside me. We shall pray and give thanks him for bringing me to you. Please brother, please, pray beside me?

MICHAEL My life has changed; the world has changed.

GABRIEL Please, you taught me my prayers. Every day, for the last seven years, I’ve prayed, with you by my side. Please, for me, do this one thing. It will make me happy.

MICHAEL I don’t remember how.


36

GABRIEL Here, help me. I’ll show you.

Michael helps Gabriel to the floor. Gabriel kneels.

We need to wash. Get some fresh water and towels.

Michael washes Gabriel’s face and hands, then his own and kneels beside Gabriel. As they begin to pray, the lights lower.

GABRIEL

Can you remember?

MICHAEL Yes. I think…

GABRIEL Follow me. (beat) God is great

MICHAEL God is great.

GABRIEL There is no god except you.

MICHAEL

There is no god except you.

GABRIEL & MICHAEL (in unison)

I bear witness that the Prophets are vice-regents of God.

The lights suddenly come up. Anna enters through the front door and sees Michael and Gabriel praying.

GABRIEL

Anna?

ANNA (to Michael)

Why are you on the floor?


37

She is very hesitant. She stares at Gabriel and slowly approaches him. He is still kneeling on the floor and is facing in her direction. She kneels and slowly begins to touch Gabriel’s hair. She feels his face, plays with his ears and skin, then puts her hand on his heart.

ANNA

I can feel your heart beating.

GABRIEL Do you think I am real?

ANNA Why were you both praying?

Gabriel pushes her away.

ANNA What? What’s wrong?

GABRIEL I was hoping that you would be home for prayers?

ANNA I don’t understand.

GABRIEL Prayer. Michael chose to pray with me, I was hoping that you would have been here as well.

ANNA We haven’t seen each other in over seven years and the only thing you are concerned about is praying?

GABRIEL God saved me. It’s only right that we give him praise.

ANNA You didn’t pray before.

GABRIEL But I do now. I was lost before, I strayed.


38

ANNA Strayed from what?

GABRIEL It’s right to thank God for bringing me back, for giving you strength and hope. He told me that you prayed for my return every day and that you never lost hope. You had God’s strength with you while I was gone.

ANNA (to Michael)

You told him that I prayed? (to GABRIEL)

(beat) I haven’t prayed in years. I lost my faith after you left. I cried myself to sleep every night and hoped that you would be beside me when I awoke. Night after night my prayers went unanswered. What kind of God would let me go through such pain? Your God left me when you left.

GABRIEL (To ANNA)

How dare you say that! I come here, to find out my wife and brother have no faith, to find my wife and daughter dressed like whores -

ANNA I am not a whore.

GABRIEL Look at you? Skin exposed, wearing makeup. And my daughter? Going to a public school? In the same class with boys? How do you expect me to act?

ANNA You’re not Gabriel. You’re not the man I married.

GABRIEL That man is dead. He died in prison. That man was a lie. You’re a lie.

Anna tries to smack Gabriel, but he catches her arm.

ANNA

Stop it, you’re hurting me.


39

Gabriel twists Anna’s arm. Michael tries to separate them.

MICHAEL

Stop it. Let her go. Let her go now!

Michael pulls Gabriel away. Gabriel falls as Anna recoils into Michael’s arms. He comforts her. As the scene continues, Gabriel slowly gets to his feet, unassisted.

GABRIEL (upset and frantic)

You were lucky enough that I chose you. Of everyone that I could have picked I chose you.

MICHAEL

Stop! What’s wrong with you -

GABRIEL You were to be my loving wife. I was disappointed when you gave me a princess, but I said nothing.

Gabriel begins to cough

I pretended to love that child -

MICHAEL Stop this now -

GABRIEL (Coughing uncontrollably)

But I never loved either of you -

ANNA (to GABRIEL)

Get out. Out! Get out now!

GABRIEL (catching his breath)

You’ve no right to tell me to leave my home!

MICHAEL What is wrong with you, this is your family -


40

GABRIEL Why do you care so much about her Michael?

MICHAEL (To GABRIEL)

What the hell are you talking about?

GABRIEL You protect her. Look at yourself? How can you live here with that?

MICHAEL Have you gone mad? This is your wife, your family?

GABRIEL Only three people in this world carry the blood of our father.

MICHAEL

You sound crazy.

GABRIEL You stand before me and defend her. Look at her! She’s dressed like a whore –

ANNA I’m not a whore!

GABRIEL (To Michael, ignoring Anna)

Allowing my offspring to consort with boys? Not teaching her the word of God or about her people?

ANNA

(To GABRIEL) I said get out!

GABRIEL

Or what -

MICHAEL (to GABRIEL)

I ‘ll call building security and have you removed -

GABRIEL (To Michael)

Listen to yourself. You sound like a coward. You’ve turned into a coward haven’t you? Are you a coward?


41

MICHAEL

I am asking you nicely, please leave this home.

GABRIEL I am not leaving my home!

The telephone begins to ring and Michael walks toward the telephone and is stopped by Gabriel. They begin to struggle. After a moment there are loud knocks at the front door.

GUARD – OFF STAGE

Hello, it’s security. Is everything okay?

ANNA No, help us!

Michael restrains Gabriel. The door burst open and several guards enter, dressed in black. Gabriel sees the guards and begins to panic. In a burst he picks up a lamp and begins to swing at the guards. Michael protects Anna. The guards try to restrain Gabriel. Gabriel runs out of the apartment and down the hallway. The guards follow out the door.

MICHAEL

Are you okay?

ANNA What’s wrong with him? He was mad, simply mad.

MICHAEL I don’t know. While you were out he talked-

GUARD Are you both okay?

ANNA Yes.


42

GUARD Do you need a doctor?

MICHAEL No, no, thank you. I think we’re fine.

GUARD Are you sure, I can call for a doctor?

ANNA

Did you catch him?

The guard motions to stop talking as he listens to a radio.

GUARD

No, he got out of the building. We’ve contacted maintenance. They’ll come to fix the door and change the locks.

MICHAEL Thank you.

GUARD Do you know the intruder?

MICHAEL (Momentary pause)

Ah, he mistook him for someone else.

GUARD So you don’t know him -

ANNA No. We don’t know that man.

GUARD (To ANNA)

You’re sure your okay?

ANNA We’ll be fine.

GUARD Don’t mind me ma’am. I’ll stand outside and watch the door until maintenance comes. (beat) You’re sure you don’t want me to contact a doctor?


43

MICHAEL No, thank you, we’re okay.

The guard exits and closes what is left of the door. Anna is visibly shaken.

MICHAEL

You’re okay?

ANNA No. How can I be? The look in his eyes, the hate. (beat) I never want him back in this home or around us.

MICHAEL He told me things, he said they tortured him.

ANNA Who?

MICHAEL The people who took him?

ANNA Someone abducted him? Who?

MICHAEL While you were gone we talked. He told me horrible stories. It’s hard to think that anyone could make it through the things he told me.

Lights fade out on Michael and Anna and slowly come up on the Interrogation room. Sounds of Gabriel screaming and crying can be heard. Mr. Black and Gabriel are inside the interrogation room. Gabriel is lying on the floor, naked and bloodied. Mr. Black takes off the leather apron and sits down at the table. Mr. Black removes a brown lunch bag and begins to eat.

MR BLACK

(slow and methodical while eating his lunch)


44

Children must pay for the sins of their father’s. Did you know that GABRIEL? Of course you do. It’s hard to believe that we have been together for so many years. In all that time I’ve tried to build a relationship. I’ve tried to build trust. I’ve tried to establish some sort of connection between us so you would feel comfortable and tell me the truth. Trust me enough to tell your deepest, darkest secrets. But after all these years GABRIEL, I must say that I am disappointed. I’m not easily disappointed. It’s easy for me to lose faith in someone. It’s easy for me to lose respect for someone, but I always have a deep faith that people are basically good and can and WILL do the right thing. Well, that’s not true. I think that people will do what I think is the right thing. See GABRIEL, we established very early in our relationship, very early that you are the bad person and I am the good person. We established that you wanted to hurt people and I wanted to help people. It’s a very black and white relationship. You have what I need and I have been desperately trying to get that information from you. In a way I respect you. The courage, the mental acuity that it takes for you to NOT respond is astounding. In that small way I respect you very much. You see GABRIEL, we all have a past that we want to hide. We all have secrets that can’t be exposed. The inherent problem between you and I is that I know part of your past and I know part of your secret. But I want to know more GABRIEL. I NEED to know more. It’s my duty to know more. You know all too well about duty don’t you GABRIEL? Don’t you? The duty you have to your family, your country, your father? Hmm? Isn’t that right? (beat) Did I ever tell you that I met you father?

(rhetorically) Did I? No, I don’t think I ever did. It’s a nice story. I met him a few years before he died. I was part of a human rights delegation. We were investigating reports of escalated violence between two different ethnic parties in a remote part of your country. So, I’m part of this delegation and after a week or so, we finally are able to meet with delegates from your country. We met in the capital. (beat) The architecture in that city was incredible. It’s a shame that so many buildings were lost…but at least we have memories, right? (beat) Our delegation met with other ranking officials in the government. We discussed our concerns and reported some of our preliminary findings. As this meeting is going on, one of the council members began to address our delegation. I was struck at how passionate he was about his country and its people. (beat) I can see how your father seduced the people in his country. He brought such hardship and pain to his people and for what?


45

Access to grant tariffs? The ability to control imports and exports? The idea of a self-governing religious state?

(Pause) It’s a shame though, that one man’s ideals, one man’s convictions brought about such pain and destruction. So many people hurt, so many refugees and people displaced, so much bloodshed. You know that you’re here because of what your father believed in, don’t you GABRIEL? (beat) It was such a beautiful country, breathtaking really. I particularly liked the mountains to the north. (beat) Have you been there? Of course you have. That’s where you think your father is buried, right?

Pause as Mr. Black stops eating. Gabriel slowly pulls himself off the floor and crawls toward Mr. Black.

Do you remember burying your father GABRIEL? Or do you remember what you brother told you? Hum? If you went back today do you think you could find that grave GABRIEL? Find where your father lay? (beat) What if I told you that I knew where your father was? What if I told you that your father wasn’t buried beneath barren earth, his corpse not covered by rocks? What if I told you that your father died, in a room much like this, talking to a person much like me, all the time, defending his beliefs, with delusions of becoming a martyr for his country? …To know that he died a naked, broken old man. No one to defend him, no one to remember him…

Gabriel spits blood in Mr. Blacks face. Mr. Black pauses and then gently wipes his face with a napkin.

Ah, my boy, it’s noble in a way to defend someone’s beliefs to the death. I have to respect you for that. To give your life for something you believe in so deeply. That notion of divine power must be so seductive. It’s romantic to an extent. To live your life for one purpose? To be so focused on that one purpose? To know the clarity of one’s life? (beat) In other ways it is just foolish and stupid! (beat) Well, I’m afraid that if we continue to have this estranged relationship much longer that you might suffer the same fate as your father. (beat) Here, I left some sandwich for you.


46

Mr. Black throws a piece of foil on the floor toward Gabriel.

It’s okay my friend, trust me, I wouldn’t give you anything I wouldn’t eat myself.

Lights out.

Scene II

Interior of an abandoned apartment building. The building is dark, run down and has signs posted indicating that it was used as a bomb shelter. Suspended onstage are 3 large screens. The screens are recessed and divide the stage into 3 equal, but separate sections. The light of a candle faintly lights the stage. Gabriel walks on stage and begins to ritually clean his face, arms, hands and feet. As Gabriel begins to wash himself, background noise becomes louder. The sounds are excerpts from WW II speeches. At first Hitler can be heard, then Roosevelt, Churchill, etc. The speeches begin a progression of time from 1933 forward. The speeches begin to intertwine with WW II images and then the images on screen become the main focus and a series of still images, newspaper headlines, news reports and video clips. The images jump from screen to screen. All 3 screens are used. The screens randomly alternate between different images. The screens will also randomly show the same image simultaneously. As the images begin to progress through the timeline, the sound from the images begin to fade and Gabriel begins to kneel and pray in the center of the stage. Gabriel’s


47

prayer is intermingled with sounds from the images on screen. Jude and Joanna are in the background, ritually cleaning their face, hands and arms.

GABRIEL

God I bear witness there is no God but you I bear witness to the prophets Come with me to pray Join me in well being

Gabriel pauses, looks toward the sky. Images of the 1972 Munich Massacre and the terror group Black September appear on all 3 screens. Jude kneels behind and to the side of Gabriel. The images continue on screen as Gabriel and Jude begin to pray.

GABRIEL

God

JUDE We bear witness there is no god but you

GABRIEL We bear witness to the prophets

JUDE Come to prayer

Gabriel and Jude pause and look towards the sky. Pictures of the Madrid and Japan train bombings appear on all three screens. Joanna kneels down behind Gabriel and to the side of Jude. The Images continue on screen as all three begin to pray.

GABRIEL

God


48

JUDE

We bear witness there is no god but you

JOANNA We bear witness to the prophets

All three pause and look towards the sky. As the prayer ends, pictures of Gabriel, Jude and Joanna appear on the screens. Joanna’s picture is on the far right screen. Jude’s picture is on the far left screen. Gabriel’s picture slowly begins to appear on the center screen. In all three pictures, Gabriel, Jude and Joanna are blindfolded and appear to have been beaten.

GABRIEL, JUDE and JOANNA (in unison)

Father, Hallowed be Thy Name Your kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven we forgive those who trespass against us lead us from temptation deliver us from evil

Blackout. End of Act I.

Act II Scene I

Gabriel’s sanctuary. Joanna is at Gabriel’s his side, nursing/ helping him. It is dusk and faint light from outside can be seen. Gabriel’s health has continued to deteriorate and he is coughing and has trouble breathing and walking. He sits at the table


49

GABRIEL (coughing)

Thank you, Thank you Joanna.

JOANNA Here, let me take your cane. (beat) Your cough is getting worse. I think you need a doctor.

GABRIEL No, I’m ok my sweet child. Today is worse than yesterday. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.

JOANNA Can I get you some tea? You feel better when I get you tea.

GABRIEL Some tea would be nice.

Jude enters as Joanna prepares the tea. JOANNA

If you feel up to it and the weather holds, maybe we can go to the park, the one across from the school. You seem to be able to sit there all day -

GABRIEL That would be nice young one. (beat) JUDE, my friend. Sit, we need to talk. (beat) You’ve been very loyal to me the last few months. You have prayed with me, broken bread with me and shared stories with me. You have come so far from when we first met. You were lost and I found you. Now look at you, look at you both, Soldier’s of God. Such passion, such devotion to the cause…you are my most trusted friends and I have come to depend on you very much. I am grateful that God brought both of you into my life.

JUDE You are a great teach Gabriel

JOANNA He speaks the truth, you’ve taught me, taught us so much

GABRIEL Thank you.


50

(To BOTH) I am grateful that God brought all of you into my life. That is why it is hard for me to tell you this. (beat) I had a dream last night…unlike any dream that I have ever had. It was almost as if I transcended my body, transcended this earth and was amongst the heavens. In my dream I saw heaven, it was magnificent.

GABRIEL begins to cry

JOANNA Tell me, what did you see? What was so magnificent it makes you cry?

GABRIEL It was the great prophet.

JOANNA You saw him?

GABRIEL Yes, yes. I saw him. He was on a mountaintop. His audience awaiting every word. He talked of faith, of love, of divine intervention. I walked closer. I walked through the crowd -

Gabriel pauses to catch his breath and sip tea. The hot tea makes him cough.

JUDE

(to GABRIEL) Go on, what did he say?

JOANNA (to GABRIEL)

Yes, what did the great prophet say?

GABRIEL As I approached I noticed a figure standing at the prophet’s side, protecting him. I recognized the man, but didn’t know from where. It took me a few minutes, then I began to weep openly. For the first time in years I saw my father.

JOANNA At the prophet’s side?


51

GABRIEL At the prophets side.

JUDE This dream, do you think it was a message?

GABRIEL It was a message. Last night, I was in the presence of God. I was given the gift to see heaven, to walk among those who have already been delivered to salvation. But most of all I was able to see my father. As I knelt before the prophet, I felt his hand on my shoulder and in an instant I stopped crying and a feeling of peace and tranquility came over me. I was reborn.

JOANNA Which shoulder Gabriel? Which shoulder did the prophet touch?

GABRIEL The one that no longer hurts Joanna…His touch took away my pain.

JOANNA A miracle.

JUDE (Correcting JOANNA)

No, God’s will. (beat) What did the prophet say to you?

GABRIEL That’s the beauty of God’s plan…As quickly as the prophet came to my side, he was gone. I was left on the mountain with my father. I walked side by side with my father through the Hanging Gardens and learned what will come next.

JOANNA Praise be to God for reuniting you with your father!

GABRIEL It is good to give him praise.

JUDE And what did you learn? What did he tell you?

GABRIEL The great truths.

JOANNA The great truths?


52

GABRIEL

Yes, my young student, my father told me of the great truths. He allowed my mind to become free, clear. I saw the truth for what it is and he reinforced in me that God has a plan and it is my duty to live, to serve and ultimately die for the glory of God.

JUDE What did he tell you?

GABRIEL He held my hand and wept as he told me of the Fifth Seal.

JOANNA The Fifth Seal?

GABRIEL He told me that an angel would fall from heaven to earth. (beat) And that angel would be his son. (beat) And I would be given the key to the bottomless pit. For when I open the bottomless pit, smoke will arise out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air will be darkened. Then out of the smoke my soldiers of God will walk upon the earth. I will give them power. Through me, God will command them to harm those who did not bare his seal. And we will be given authority to kill them. (beat) This fallen angel will reunite the kingdom and shall be forever known as Abaddon. (beat) My father allowed me to see the greater good of my death.

JOANNA Please don’t talk like that, there is so much more for you to teach us.

GABRIEL And there comes a time when every student must begin to learn, begin to ask questions that only they can answer. For some a lifetime can be spent searching for answers. I was graced with the answers to all of my questions last night and I now know my higher purpose.

JUDE I thought it was OUR higher purpose? OUR fight?

GABRIEL We all have a common bond Jude, our faith. For some like Joanna, who are young, everyday is an ongoing spiritual journey.


53

For others like me, when you reach a point where you can transcend to another plane (beat) …when we are born, we cry and the entire world smiles. When we die, the world cries and we smile. I was reborn last night and my world smiled. Soon I will die and the world will weep. At that moment I will look down from heaven and smile. The circle will be complete and my life fulfilled. Do you understand Jude?

JOANNA I understand.

GABRIEL I know you do Joanna, I know you do, but I asked my trusted friend Jude. I ask you again Jude, do you understand?

JUDE Yes, but we could help you.

GABRIEL In my heart I know that you want to help me my friend, but this has become my journey. Honor my wishes, I must do this alone.

JOANNA I will honor your memory. (beat) You have become my greatest teacher.

GABRIEL (to Joanna)

Thank you, young one. I’m hungry Joanna. Here, take some money. This is our last meal and we should rejoice. Jude, please, stay with me for a moment.

JOANNA

(to Gabriel) Will you be okay?

GABRIEL (motioning Jude to sit closer)

Yes, me child, I’m safe with Jude. Joanna puts her coat on and exits. Jude moves closer to Gabriel.

I know you want to help me, but you can’t. When we met, I (Beat) I felt a bond with you, a connection, almost as if you


54

were my blood. That’s why I am asking you, not as your friend, but as your brother, please honor my wish and let me do this alone.

JUDE But -

GABRIEL I know brother. I know. When I’m gone, I need you to continue to teach and train Joanna. You both are my greatest strength. Knowing you’ll be here to help her will help put my mind at rest. (beat) Remember what I said, “Soldiers of God” came upon the earth. And to them was given power. They were commanded to harm those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were given authority to kill them.” (beat) Knowing that she will have a teacher who is as dedicated as you (beat) I will be able to look upon you from the heavens and smile. (beat) Will you, for me, do this great thing? Will you serve your higher purpose to God?

JUDE (Hesitant)

I will take care of her, I promise you.

GABRIEL (Happy)

I knew you would. I knew it in my heart. Here, help me up. Can you get my coat for me?

Jude helps Gabriel stand and helps him put on his coat.

GABRIEL

Thank you. Let us meet our young student and rejoice together.

Lights out as Gabriel and Jude exit the sanctuary.

Scene II

Interior of the flat. It is nigh. The flat is dark. Gabriel is sitting on a couch in the dark.


55

MICHAEL – OFF STAGE (Hushed)

Sarah, is that you?

MICHAEL is startled as he turns on a light.

(Scared) Shit! (beat) What are you doing here? How did you get in?

GABRIEL That’s not the welcome that I expected to get.

MICHAEL You can’t be here. It’s is two o’clock in the morning. You’ll wake Anna and Rachel.

GABRIEL Funny that you’re concerned more about my wife and child than what I am doing here.

MICHAEL What is that suppose to mean?

GABRIEL Nothing, nothing at all, it just seems curious.

MICHAEL Why are you here?

GABRIEL Are you feeling okay?

MICHAEL Yes, why?

GABRIEL Not feeling sick?

MICHAEL No, why? Do I look sick?

GABRIEL No, that’s what’s troubling. You don’t look sick and you just told me that you don’t feel sick. So I’m trying to figure out why you didn’t come when I signaled you?


56

MICHAEL What are you talking about? We’ve heard nothing from you since we asked you to leave.

GABRIEL So you are saying that you didn’t get the signal?

MICHAEL

What signal?

GABRIEL The signal that was put on your door.

MICHAEL There’s no signal on my door.

GABRIEL There is no line with markings in the upper right hand corner of the door?

MICHAEL No.

Gabriel walks over to the door and opens it. He points to the top corner.

GABRIEL

(In an angry, but hushed tone) Liar!

MICHAEL (Mimicking Gabriel’s tone)

Get out! Get out before I call the police.

GABRIEL Or what? Are you going to have me arrested? Please. Look at yourself. You’ve become pathetic.

MICHAEL Be quiet. I am not delusional like you. I’m not hell bent on destroying lives and hurting people like you.

GABRIEL You’re weak. YOU forgot why we’re here. YOU forgot who we are and what WE’RE destined to do.


57

MICHAEL

(in a slowly rising voice) No. My destiny changed the day you left. My destiny changed when you couldn’t provide for your wife and daughter anymore. It changed when I was forced to grow up and take on the responsibilities of an adult. It changed when I would sit with Anna while she cried herself to sleep.

(Pause as he gets himself under control) Why now? What makes today so special and unlike any other day?

GABRIEL It’s special because today is the day we finally get to avenge our father, our King.

MICHAEL No. I won’t accept that. Today is no different from yesterday and is no different from tomorrow.

GABRIEL

That is where you are wrong. Tomorrow those people will feel grief and sorrow. Tomorrow our prophecy will be fulfilled and our Father, our people, our way of life will be avenged.

MICHAEL Can’t you see that things are different now? There’s peace. No war. No bombings. No hatred. Just peace. (beat) I’ve grown to like the peace. Everyone has grown to like the peace.

GABRIEL I am doing what I promised God I would do. I am doing the only thing that will give my life purpose. Can you see that?

MICHAEL Not anymore. The purpose of my life isn’t to martyr myself. The purpose of MY life is to live as good a life as I can. I want to live in peace. I want to continue to live my life and help take care of your wife and your daughter.

GABRIEL No, that’s not true. You would never betray me like that.

MICHAEL How can you say it’s not true, it’s what I believe. It’s what I want.


58

GABRIEL

It’s not what you believe! It’s not what you want. It’s what THEY have been brainwashed YOU to believe. My brother could not believe such a lie. He could not believe in such things. My brother stood by me and helped bury our father. My brother knelt with me and prayed before God. My brother made a solemn oath to God. My brother took an oath with me to stop these people and to show them the path to God. If you do not acknowledge those things, then you are no longer my brother. If you are not my brother, then you are no longer a soldier of God and if you are no longer a soldier of God, then you are my enemy. Are you my enemy?

MICHAEL Do you believe that I am your enemy?

GABRIEL Are you?

MICHAEL Because I don’t want to die and I don’t want to disappear off the face of the earth and be tormented and tortured like you? This makes me your enemy?

GABRIEL Going against your word to God, letting my wife and daughter live in sin, living against God’s will, not praying to God. These things, these things make you my enemy. Now, I ask you again. Are you my enemy?

MICHAEL Is that really what you believe?

GABRIEL Yes.

MICHAEL You would rather see Anna and Rachel die, then forgive people who are trying to atone for our sins?

GABRIEL There is no atonement for murder. There will never be atonement for killing my father, destroying my country and torturing me.


59

The only way these sins can be dealt with is death. Now, I ask you again. Are you MY enemy?

MICHAEL If those are the things you believe in, then yes, I am your enemy.

Gabriel spits in Michael’s face

GABRIEL Then I have NO brother and I have NO family!

Gabriel leaves the flat. After a moment, Michael walks to the desk, opens a locked box and holds a gun. He walks to the door, locks it, loads the gun and sits, his back to the door. Lights out.

Scene III

Morning. Lights come up in the flat to reflect sunrise. Michael is asleep, his back to the front door, a gun in his hand. There is a knock at the door and Michael is startled. He stands and takes a defensive posture at the door.

MICHAEL

Go away.

JUDE - OFF STAGE Please open the door.

MICHAEL Who is it?

JUDE – OFF STAGE I need to speak with you (pause) it’s about your brother.

MICHAEL (in a hushed, forceful tone)

Tell me who you are, I have a gun.


60

JUDE – OFF STAGE Has your brother been in contact with you?

MICHAEL No, Why?

(Pause) (hushed and desperate)

Go away, I have a gun.

JUDE – OFF STAGE

Are his wife and child home?

MICHAEL Who are you? What are you doing here? (beat) I’m going to call security.

JUDE – OFF STAGE No, no. Listen to me Michael.

(Pause) Listen. Things aren’t what you think? Open the door and I’ll show you.

MICHAEL Show me what?

JUDE – OFF STAGE My identification. (beat) Trust me, just open the door. (beat) You can trust me, Sarah sent me.

Nervous as he holds the gun to the door

MICHAEL

Then show me your identification. I am going to open the door so you can show me your identification.

Michael slowly opens the door as Jude slides his identification in. Michael relaxes for a moment and Jude bursts through the door and overpowers Michael. He wrestles the gun away from Michael and knocks him to the ground. JUDE points the gun at Michael’s head and begins to forcibly question him.


61

JUDE

Where is he?

MICHAEL I don’t know.

JUDE Stop lying! God damn it and tell me where he is!

MICHAEL (Nervous and pleading)

I don’t know. Please… (Pause)

I don’t know…

Anna comes running out into the living room and sees Jude on top of Michael. ANNA

(terrified) Oh God, Rachel -

Jude drives his knee into Michael’s chest as he points the gun at Anna.

JUDE (Slow and drawn out)

Shut - the - fuck - up!

ANNA Stay in your room, baby, don’t come out -

JUDE Tell the woman to Shut – the - fuck - up!

MICHAEL Please Anna…

JUDE Better.

(Directed at ANNA) Do you know where Gabriel is?


62

ANNA

(Faint and scared) No. Why would I? He hasn’t -

JUDE Hasn’t what?

ANNA (Louder)

He, ah, he hasn’t been here in months.

JUDE So you neither of you have any idea where he is?

MICHAEL No.

ANNA shakes her head no.

JUDE And you have no idea where he might be?

MICHAEL No, No, I told you no.

JUDE (to Anna)

And you? Jude directs his attention to Anna who shakes her head no.

(to MICHAEL)

We know he was here. What did he tell you?

MICHAEL How?

JUDE Stop the innocent act! I’ve seen your folder. I know what you were planning. I came here to warn you.

Jude stands and lets Michael get off the ground. Jude is still holding the gun, but is not pointing it at Michael or Anna.


63

MICHAEL (Rhetorically)

You don’t think he’ll come back here and try to hurt me? Or hurt Anna or Rachel –

ANNA He was here?

MICHAEL He broke into our flat. He bypassed our alarm. How the hell am I, are we, supposed to feel safe?

JUDE You can’t be serious? He knows you turned him. He knows everything. If someone took away your life, your family, caused you to be tortured for seven years, wouldn’t you want to hurt them? (beat) We let him bypass security. We wanted him to make contact with you. We want him to tell you his target. It was a calculated move and we had a mobile action team on standby if anything went wrong.

MICHAEL (Hushed)

This is my life you’re playing with.

ANNA (to MICHAEL)

Who is he Michael, what is he talking about?

MICHAEL Nothing.

ANNA (hysterical)

What does he mean you turned him in?

JUDE Shit, she doesn’t know?

MICHAEL Go to hell!

JUDE Ask him who he really is.

MICHAEL Leave! Leave now!


64

Jude leans down to talk to Michael face to face

JUDE

Funny that you should be telling me what to do, (Referring to the gun)

seems this would put you in violation of your protection agreement.

ANNA What’s he talking about? What agreement?

JUDE

She really doesn’t know?

ANNA Know what?

JUDE Ask him who he is. Come on ask him.

ANNA Michael?

JUDE Go on, ask him if he knew where Gabriel was the past seven years?

ANNA (Scared)

What does he mean Michael?

JUDE Go ahead. Ask him how he cooperated with the government and turned in Gabriel?

ANNA You knew where he was?

JUDE Come on, tell her who you really are.

Pause as Jude puts the gun to Michael’s head

I said tell her who you really are!


65

Jude flinches for a moment and shifts his attention toward Anna. Michael lunges at Jude and knocks him to the ground. They wrestle and then a gunshot is heard. ANNA

Oh my God, Michael Jude lay on top of Michael. Both are motionless. After a moment, Michael pushes the body of Jude to the side. He slowly gets up, his body covered in blood.

ANNA

(shocked) He shot you.

Michael grabs Anna is if to keep her from running away.

MICHAEL

(creepy and controlling) Everything’s okay. I’m fine. (beat) I’m fine, I’m fine. Shhh, Shh settle down. I’m fine. (beat)We’re okay. No one can get to us. Now listen to me, listen to me. They’ll be here soon. How much money do we have in the flat?

ANNA (Flustered and confused)

Who will be here?

MICAHEL Anna! How much money do we have?

ANNA I don’t know, maybe a few thousand? Maybe a little less.

MICHAEL

Okay, Okay, give me a minute

ANNA (Frightened)


66

Michael?

MICHAEL (Almost pleading)

Give me a minute Anna!

Michael walks over to Jude’s body and removes the gun. He begins to search through Jude’s pockets.

ANNA

What are you doing? We have to call the police.

MICHAEL He is the police. Here’s his badge, another gun. (beat) Where are our travel documents?

ANNA

Why?

MICHAEL We can’t stay. We’re not safe.

ANNA From who?

MICHAEL From Gabriel, from the government.

Pointing to the body

This man, you heard him, they have a file on me. A file Anna! He said that Gabriel was abducted and tortured. (beat) We can’t stay here. They heard the shot, They’ll be here soon.

ANNA Stop it, Stop it! You’re talking crazy! Why would the government have a file on you, why would they want to question Gabriel?

MICHAEL

There are things you don’t know Anna.

ANNA The things that man said?

MICHAEL


67

Things you were never suppose to know, things I wanted to protect you from.

ANNA What things? You’re not making sense.

MICHAEL Our father died when we were young.

ANNA

I know, Gabriel told me when we first met.

MICHAEL No, no, you don’t understand. He died when the army invaded the homes in our villages. He died defending his home. He died defending Gabriel and me.

ANNA What does this have to do with what’s going on?

MICHAEL (Confused and somewhat rambling)

Nothing, everything. Listen, just listen. He was young. We knew we would never see our father again and I, I made him make a pact before God to avenge our father’s death. (beat) I made him live off fear and hate… the only thing we spoke about, the only thing we wanted was to avenge the death of our hero. (beat) Then things changed.

ANNA (Horrified)

You’re not making any sense. (Pause) what changed?

MICHAEL Things. (beat) you.

ANNA I changed?

MICHAEL No. No, you don’t understand.

ANNA You’re not making sense.

MICHAEL (Still confused and rambling)


68

He met you, you got married. Then he disappeared and then the peace and, and, and everything changed. I wanted to spend time with you and Rachel. I wanted to help her at school. I wanted to see her grow. I wanted to make you happy and help ease the pain you felt because Gabriel wasn’t here.

ANNA As she smacks MICHAEL

You knew they took him didn’t you?

MICHAEL No. I –

ANNA Didn’t you? (beat) For seven years you knew that he was gone and you knew why he disappeared.

MICHAEL I didn’t know.

ANNA LIAR! Why would you let me go through that?

(Hysterical) Why?

MICHAEL I had to protect you.

ANNA Protect me? From what?

MICHAEL (Rambling and crying)

I didn’t know what he would tell them, what he would say. If I was here, with you, I could make sure you were safe. I never really knew what a family was. But you changed me. I never had a family until I began to look after you. I never felt love until I began to live with you. You are my life and I won’t let anyone, not the government, not Gabriel take that from me. (beat) You were always the one -

ANNA What is that supposed to mean?

MICHAEL We chose you. (beat) I, I chose you.


69

ANNA You chose me?

MICHAEL To become his wife, to allow him to blend in.

ANNA slaps MICHAEL and turns away.

MICHAEL (Pleading)

It was never supposed to be like this. You were never to be in danger.

ANNA Get out!

MICHAEL What?

ANNA Get out of this house!

MICHAEL I can’t, you won’t be safe.

ANNA I haven’t been safe since you stepped foot in this home seven years ago, why should I feel safe now.

(attacking him verbally) -What Michael? What? (beat) Can you understand that I was happy? We had a baby girl. For the first time I had a family. Do you even know what that word means? What trust means? What love means? I trusted my husband and prayed that he was safe and that he would come back. I thanked God that he had such a loving and supportive brother who came into my home and tried to take care of us. I was finally reaching a point where each day I had happier moments than sad moments. (beat) And now you tell me that my life, my life for the past seven years has been a lie? No, you weren’t protecting us. You weren’t protecting me. You were trying to make yourself feel better for destroying my life.

Anna spits in Michael’s face, and then he smacks her across the face knocking her down.


70

ANNA Get out! (beat) GET OUT!

MICHAEL I’m sorry!

ANNA (Hysterical)

I said get out!

Knocking from outside the apartment door.

VOICE OFF STAGE

Move away from the door!

ANNA (Louder so she can be heard outside)

Help!

Thumping at the door as security tries to enter

ANNA

YOU will never see either of us again.

There is a flash of light as the door breaks open and security rushes in. The security guards are dressed in black and are wearing body armor and masks. As darkness and smoke fills the living room, Michael can be heard screaming for the guards to stop. His screams slowly fade as the smoke clears. Lights out.

Scene IV

Michael is in an interrogation room. He is handcuffed and sitting in a small chair. Sarah and Mr. Black are sitting in front of Michael. Mr. Black and begins to sip a cup of coffee.


71

SARAH I thought we had an agreement Michael?

MICHAEL (struggling and angry)

Let me go!

MR. BLACK I’d like to, I would really, really like too, but something tells me I can’t trust you. Can I trust you?

MICHAEL Who are you?

MR. BLACK Can I REALLY trust you?

MICHAEL (directed toward SARAH)

Who the hell is this?

MR. BLACK Hitting the table

Tell me where your brother is!


MR. BLACK

Hitting the table again

Where is Gabriel!

MICHAEL

I don’t know! Who the hell are you? (beat) (To SARAH)

Why are you letting him do this? I told you that I would tell you if I heard from him.

Sarah approaches Michael. Black steps away as Sarah sits to talk with Michael.


72

SARAH (to Michael)

Do you understand what is going on here?

MICHAEL No.

SARAH You need to tell me the truth.

MICHAEL I have been.

SARAH Then tell me where he is.

MICHAEL I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in weeks.

SARAH Have you had any communication with him since I spoke with you?

MICHAEL

No.

MR. BLACK Throwing a chair at MICHAEL

LIAR! Explain to me why a dead agent was in your flat?


SARAH You don’t know why there was a dead man on the floor your flat?

MICHAEL No.

MR. BLACK No you do or no you don’t?

MICHAEL (Confused)

What?


73

SARAH Why was he there?


SARAH He was there because you know something?

MICHAEL No, he said you sent him. He wanted to talk about Gabriel.

MR. BLACK What did you tell him about?

MICHAEL Nothing.

MR. BLACK But you did.

MICHAEL No.

SARAH So he wanted to talk about Gabriel, but you didn’t, that’s why you shot him?

MICHAEL No. What? I didn’t shoot him.

MR. BLACK Hitting the table and jarring MICHAEL

Why! Why did you kill him?!

MICHAEL I didn’t the gun went off!

MR. BLACK When did you decide to watch your building?

MICHAEL Why would I be watching the building?


74

SARAH To understand our patterns.

MR. BLACK How long have you been watching the building?

MICHAEL I haven’t been watching the building.

SARAH How long have you been watching the building?

MICHAEL I wasn’t watching the building.

Black charges Michael and puts him in a chokehold.

MR. BLACK

(directed to SARAH) Show him the pictures.

Sarah lays several pictures on the table as Black pushes Michael’s face into the table.

MR. BLACK

What is that?

MICHAEL

(Muddled) I don’t know.

MR. BLACK Isn’t that you, smoking, outside of the building?

MICHAEL (Muddled)

No.

Black lets go of Michael and Michael begins to gasp for air. SARAH

For two weeks. We have you on film for over two weeks, just standing, smoking and staring at the building -


75

MR. BLACK

Do you think we’re that dumb? (beat) Can you get our friend here some water? Would you like some water Michael? Please, some water for him too.

Sarah exits as Black sits in a chair near MICHAEL.

MR. BLACK

I do find your resolve very motivating. That’s how I can tell that you and Gabriel are related. You both have this undying resolve to protect what you think is right. In a way I admire that. I really do.

Sarah enters with a pitcher of water. Michael is still trying to recover his breath. Sarah walks over to Michael and props him up. He pulls away. Black pours himself a glass of water and begins to drink. Sarah stands against a wall behind Michael.

MR. BLACK

Ahh. Very, very refreshing. Especially on a day like this when the air is dry. There is nothing I like more on a crisp autumn day then a cool glass of water or a refreshing cup of cider. Wouldn’t you agree? (beat) Now, we really do need to get down to business here. This can go one of two ways. You can tell me what I want to hear or you can force me to make you tell me what I want to hear. Do you understand? MICHAEL Go to hell!

As he yells, Sarah smacks him upside the head, knocking him forward.

MR. BLACK

Just like you brother. Stubborn and stupid. I am going to give you one more chance.

MICHAEL Fuck you!

MR. BLACK


76

Why, why does it always have to resort to vulgarity? Watch him for me.

MR. BLACK exits

SARAH Tell him what he wants to hear.

MICHAEL I don’t know anything.

SARAH Listen to me, please. This is serious. We’re friends right? We’re friends?

MICHAEL Yes.

SARAH And I have helped you, haven’t I?

MICHAEL Yes.

SARAH When you said you wanted to go to the shore, I arranged that didn’t I?

MICHAEL Yes.

SARAH And when we needed information, you helped us right?

MICHAEL If I could.

SARAH I’ve protected you, so why can’t you tell me, a friend, the truth?

MICHAEL I don’t know anything.

SARAH


77

It’s me, your friend. Don’t lie to me. I’m honest with you. As soon as I learned that Gabriel was out, I cam to you. I wanted you to know. I wanted to protect you.

MICAHEL I know.

SARAH

So you haven’t seen him?

MICHAEL No.

SARAH Stop lying to me!

MICHAEL (Defiant)

I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!

Sarah smacks him across the face with the back of her hand

SARAH

Don’t you lie to me! I’m not stupid. What the hell are these?

Sarah takes out a bag and throws it on the table.

Why did you have syringes and a sedative in your pocket?

MICHAEL I didn’t!

SARAH

Don’t lie to me! We found them after we arrested you. Why did you have syringes and a sedative in your pocket?

MICHAEL I didn’t have anything in my pocket, I was just trying to –

SARAH To what? Drug your niece? Drug your own niece?

MICHAEL No, God no, I would never –


78

SARAH You need to tell me the truth. You need to tell me why you had the syringes in your pocket and why you’d been watching the outside of the building. You need to tell me everything you know. (beat) When he comes back in this room, he’ll will hurt you. Do you understand that?

MICHAEL My God will protect me.

SARAH No he won’t. Your God will let you feel pain and suffering. Your God will let you die and then everything that you hold dear, your niece, Anna, they’ll be gone.

MICHAEL My God will protect me.

Mr. Black casually enters the interrogation room with a smile on his face. He is carrying a black hood. He lays the hood on the table and methodically takes of his coat and rolls up his sleeves. While talking he puts on a fresh, white, full-length apron and begins to unpack and organize different tools, bottles and other items from a large black bag.

MR. BLACK

I must say, that was nice Sarah. I haven’t seen you interrogate someone in several months, but your technique is developing rapidly. I do think you started to plead and bargain with him a little too soon though. If you were just a little bit harder with him, for just a bit longer, I really do think he might have started to talk to you.

SARAH He still might.

MR. BALCK Come now, we both know that you gave it your best try and now it’s time to use a more proven technique.

SARAH (to Michael)


79

Look at me, this doesn’t have to happen. Just tell us what we want to hear.

Michael is quiet. Black walks over to the table carrying a small bottle.

MR. BLACK

There, there my dear boy. (Beat) Hold out your hand. (Beat) Come on then, hold out your hand.

Black motions to Sarah. She grabs Michael’s arm as he struggles.

MR. BLACK

I really am sorry that it has come to this old boy –

Black pours liquid on Michael’s hand, causing him to scream and begin to shake in pain. Michael begins to plead as Sarah struggles to keep a grip on his arm.

MICHAEL

(Crying and in pain) Please make it stop, make it stop, make it stop

MR. BLACK

I can’t old boy, only you can. MICHAEL MR. BLACK Please, it hurts (slow and drawn out) (pause) It’s simple. See this bottle. I can’t feel my hand This bottle will make the pain go (pause) away. If you want the pain to go It burns, Oh God it burns away you need to tell me what I want to hear. It really is very easy when you think about it. (beat) So, tell me, where is the target?

MICHAEL I can’t, I can’t. Oh God it hurts.

MR. BLACK There, there, he knows.


80

MICHAEL (In grueling pain and questionable consciousness)

Please, please, make it stop. (beat) Oh God it hurts. (beat) I tell you anything.

Michael begins to get quieter as he is overwhelmed by the pain and begins to lose consciousness.

SARAH Slapping Michael

Michael? Michael! Listen to me. You’re the only one that can make the pain stop.

MICHAEL (Pause)

I’m not your enemy. I never meant to hurt you. No, I can’t, please

SARAH

Shaking Michael as he becomes unresponsive.

MICHAEL? (beat) Tell us what we want to hear and the pain will stop. (beat)

MR. BLACK Check his pulse.

Black takes out another small bottle and pours it on Michael’s hand.

SARAH

He’s alive, he just passed out.

MR. BLACK He’s a tough, I’ll give him that, but he has a breaking point.

SARAH How do you know?

MR. BLACK They all have breaking points.


81

Black walks to the door and opens it.

If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.

Sarah exits, as Black locks the door. The lights begin to fade on the interrogation room.

MR. BLACK

Now, old boy, let’s find out what you really know.

Lights out.

Scene V

Gabriel is sitting alone on a park bench. It is midday and quiet. He is sitting outside of the City Academy. Michael approaches, his hand bandaged. They both appear weak.

MICHAEL

You always had a connection with this place, even before Rachel was born you liked to sit in this spot in the afternoon sun. It’s one of the reasons she goes to school here. I told Anna how much you enjoyed this park and she wanted Rachel to be close to her father’s spirit.

GABRIEL Besides my faith, this place is the only thing that brings me peace. (beat) Why are you here?

MICHAEL Have you been here long?

GABRIEL A few hours.

MICHAEL

How much longer will you stay?

GABRIEL


82

Until I leave. (beat) Do you know that seven is a magical number? Seven deadly sins... Seven signs of virtue... Seven Trumpet Judgments…. Freedom, Justice, Revenge, all seven letters. Then you have words like anger and hatred. Both powerful words, but they don’t have seven letters. (beat) Seven is a key number. A seven-year-old child, a wife for seven years (beat) seven years of my life stolen. And for what? FOR WHAT?

Gabriel begins to cough uncontrollably.

MICHAEL

I’m sorry.

GABRIEL For what?

MICHAEL For hurting you.

GABRIEL You didn’t hurt me, you betrayed me!

Gabriel again coughs uncontrollably

(Coughing)

You betrayed our father. Our country!

MICHAEL I never wanted to hurt you.

GABRIEL You didn’t hurt me, you killed me. My body, my family, my birthright, you took them from me!

GABRIEL begins to cough again.

MICHAEL

I don’t know what you are talking about.

GABRIEL I want you to say it. I want you to confess to me.

MICHAEL Confess what?


83

GABRIEL Tell me!

MICHAEL I don’t know what you want me to say.

GABRIEL Tell me why you betrayed me?

MICHAEL They came after both of us. They questioned me just like they questioned you.

GABRIEL No. No. You had a warm bed at night. A family. Memories.

(pause) I was treated like an animal. Stripped naked. Tortured. Left for dead. (beat) Is your body broken? Do you have to walk with a cane? Have men help you stand after prayer? Do you gasp for air with every breath from your lips? No, we’re not the same. Once I had a father and a brother. Now I am orphaned and will enter the kingdom of heaven alone.

MICHAEL I can help you.

GABRIEL The last kind act you did for me was to help me.

MICHAEL You’re not making sense.

GABRIEL The day you decided to betray me is the day you liberated me.

MICHAEL

I did what I had to do to survive. I never meant to hurt you or cause you pain.

GABRIEL Your intentions don’t matter to me. My blood or any blood that is shed is shed because of you. Can you understand that?

MICHAEL No, you will not blame anything that you have done or will do on me. You will not make me the focus or cause of your hatred.


84

GABRIEL You’re neither. Your greed and cowardice is merely an action that set everything in motion. (beat) Tell me, why did you tell me the story of father?

MICHAEL Which story?

GABRIEL The story of burying him.

MICHAEL I wanted to you to remember the man he was.

GABRIEL Liar!

Gabriel begins to cough and gasp for air.

Tell me why?

MICHAEL You didn’t have to know.

GABRIEL (Brief pause as his coughing slows.)

Answer me honestly. Did you ever think I would find out the truth?

MICHAEL I had to protect you. You were young, (beat) innocent. I needed to protect you. I told you a story to comfort you. I told you what you wanted to hear.

GABRIEL

No, you lied to me.

MICHAEL Religion is full of hypocritical stories. Should we believe that Moses parted the Red Sea? That Mohammed ascended to Heaven on the back of Barack? That Jesus rose on the third day? Is it only enough that these stories serve a purpose, a greater good? Why does a person have to know the truth, the real truth if the lie is helping them become a better person?

GABRIEL


85

Your stories are the pillars of my faith. The story of my father battling the army of the Lion, the story of me kneeling beside his grave, praying to God for salvation, that story became my existence. It became my identity. And now I know that that story was a lie.

MICHAEL I had a choice to make. I don’t regret it. We all have choices to make and have to face their consequences. I don’t regret anything that I have done.

GABRIEL So you lied to protect me?

MICHAEL Yes.

GABRIEL And you lied to my wife and child to protect them?

MICHAEL Yes, I had to.

GABRIEL But you cooperated with the government?

MICHAEL You don’t understand. (beat) They were going to take everything away from me.

GABRIEL But somehow you managed to keep everything that was dear to you?

MICHAEL Yes.

GABRIEL

Except your only brother.

MICHAEL No.

Gabriel struggles to stand. He walks away from the bench, pauses and looks at the school.

GABRIEL


86

The morning I came home, do you remember this day?

MICHAEL Seeing you so weak, so fragile. Hearing the stories of how you were tortured. (beat) That day haunts me.

GABRIEL That morning I went to the only place I have ever felt safe. I went to my home. I went to see my wife and my daughter. But when I knocked at the door I heard a man’s voice. When the door opened I saw a familiar man in my home. The man took me in and feed and bathed me. As the man cared for me I told him my story. As the man nursed me back to health and I looked around the apartment, I saw pictures of the man with a woman and a child. I saw many pictures and I began to notice memories, events, special days that this man, woman and child shared.

Gabriel turns to address Michael face to face.

I know the truth. They told me the truth while they tortured me. When they told me I spat in their face. I told them that my brother would not betray me.

MICHAEL Stop this!

GABRIEL Why would my brother lie to me about my father’s death? Why would my brother betray his own flesh and blood? (beat) That day, I realized that everything they told me was true.

MICHAEL

Stop this! Stop!

GABRIEL I realized that the man who beat me, the man who inflicted horrible pain and destroyed my body, he had more respect for me than my own brother.

MICHAEL I came here to warn you. They know. I told them everything. They promised me a normal life if I told them what they wanted to know.

GABRIEL A normal life? What could you possibly think is a normal life?


87

MICHAEL

Anna, Rachel. Going back to the life I had before you were released.

GABRIEL Gabriel puts his hand on Michael’s head

You poor, sweet, stupid man. This generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world. From my blood to the blood of our Father. This generation will be held responsible for your sins. I know your sins. You slew a man. Be it for murder or spreading mischief, it is as if you have slewn the whole people.

Gabriel grabs Michael’s hand as Michael cringes in agony.

(Prophetic)

Thou have been marked and now thou shalt be cursed from the earth which hath opened its mouth to receive my brother's blood. When thou tillest the ground it shall not, henceforth, yield unto thee. A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be upon the earth.

MICHAEL Are you me keeper?

GABRIEL

No, but whosoever tries to slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on them sevenfold.

Gabriel leans down, gently brushes the side of Michael’s face and kisses him on the lips.

Thou shalt be judged by me until the great and glorious appearance, when thou will be judged by the twelve tribes and then, then the final judgment by God himself shall be perfect and unchangeable.

MICHAEL They’re coming.

GABRIEL


88

I know, I know. Just sit with me. Sit for one last moment and enjoy the view.

The lights slowly fade all around Gabriel & Michael, but the bench remains faintly illuminated. As the lights fade, 3 large screens appear in the background. The screens have static on them, but begin to show different images. The images appear on the screens randomly and are out of sync. The images are pictures of Gabriel’s life. Sad, violin plays in the background. As the music progresses, the audience see’s Gabriel grow from a young child to an adult. The progression shows the entire story of the play including Gabriel and Michael fleeing a war torn country, Gabriel meeting and marrying Anna, the birth of Rachel, Gabriel’s capture and torture and then the life Michael and Anna had together that Gabriel missed. As the progression ends, and the song begins to fade, the stage rocks with an explosion. Dust and debris fill the stage and create an eerie feeling with the dim light. Gabriel and Michael disappear into the dust and smoke.

The emergency alert sound floods the theatre. The large screens, starting from the screen to the far left, go immediately to an emergency alert screen. All three screens begin to show the same image: a newscaster who is reporting breaking news. As the newscaster begins the report, there are pictures of a destroyed building and of emergency workers carrying the bodies of adults and small children away from the smoke and fire. It should have the feeling of a network TV station emergency broadcast.

NEWSCASTER (Slow and methodical, but

frazzled as new information is continuously coming in)

Please bear with me…we are getting reports, very early reports of a fire near the town square. We are trying to get details, but from early accounts, they fire started around 2 pm this afternoon. Now, these pictures, these pictures are coming in from people at the scene. We apologize for the poor quality, but we’re getting camera feeds as well as video from people with cell phones and other devices. They show the unspeakable horror and tragedy that is taking place. We can only hope that no one was in that building. Now, I want to apologize for the nature of these pictures. These are coming to us live and unedited. What? Say that again. Hold on a moment, what? What is that? (beat)


89

(The newscaster’s voice becomes noticeably shaken)

Dear Lord. (beat) We’ve ah, we’ve ah, just received a report from the local police and ah, the fire commander on site. Um, this ah, this fire appears to be the result of some sort of explosion at the Children’s City Academy. It appears that school as in session. An alert has been sent out to all medical facilities in the immediate area to expect a high volume of casualties. Those poor children. (beat) Say again?

Lights slowly fade.

(Deep Sigh)

We’re now getting reports that loss of life is expected to be tremendous and that the emergency patrol believes this to be an act of -

Lights out as the voice, of a great speaker is heard saying

VOICE OFF STAGE

We stand at the edge of a New Frontier—the frontier of unfulfilled hopes and dreams. It will deal with unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered pockets of ignorance and prejudice, unanswered questions of poverty and surplus.

End.

Documents

Abaddon, or the Realm of the Dead · WILL MALLON - ABADDON 12 The final battle was upon them. MICHAEL A great battle between The Lion and the King. GABRIEL A mortal struggle for religion