Project Altius: A Psychological Thriller

A Play by Alexander Greenslade

Cast of Characters (In Order of Appearance)
Bryan Hayes, a teenager with Dissociative Identity Disorder
*Roger White, Bryans best friend
Martin Washington, a rich conspiracy theorist
Rick Harris, A member of the ATC
The Timekeeper, the head of the Peacekeeping Forces, empress of the world.
Omar Hyperia, The Timekeepers right hand man, and surrogate father to Bryan
Clara Norton, a teenager with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cassius Zefania, A Major in the Peacekeeping Forces
Abraham Zefania, Vice Minister of America.
Alex Johnson, Prime Minister of America. Founder of Project Altius
Norma Zefania, the administrator of Project Altius
Heather Lombardi, a teenage girl
Edgar Backman, a teenager with Depression
Jack Watson, Captain in the Peacekeeping Force
Lance York, Jack & Cassius son.
**Nothingness, one of Bryans personalities.
Senator Franklin, Speaker of the House
**The Lightkeeper, the former emperor of the world
*The Journalist, of Channel 5 News
Emily Morgan, one of Bryans personalities
Gordon Backman, Edgars father
Ensemble of Nine, Soldiers, Civilians, etc.
*Should be double casted
**Should be double casted
Prologue:
Bryan Hayes: June 11th. Hello to anyone that reads this. My name is Bryan Hayes, and to say
that things are still bad, well thats an understatement. The effects of losing The Great War can
still be felt all around America. After all, most of the country is starving, while California and
Washington D.C. are nuclear wastelands. However, Russia and China, the victors, are in the
same boat as us. Our International Empress is trying her hardest to heal the world. Sometimes
crime seeps into New D.C., where I live, and I learned that on May 25th. The day my life
changed forever. (He walks to center stage) Lets take it from the beginning. It was 2:45PM. I
was watching TV, and then- (ENTER Roger White running in from stage right)
Roger White: Bryan, my man.
Bryan: Didn't I tell you not to barge in like that?
Roger: You did. (Bryan gives him a look) I'd like to extend an invitation.
Bryan: To where?
Roger: Martin Washingtons giving a speech at the Heywood Amphitheater, and I wanna hear it.
But I don't wanna go in alone. How about you join me?
Bryan: Whos that?
Roger: Some rich wacko whos been on the news recently. Says hes got dirt on The
Timekeeper.
Bryan: Does he think people will listen? I'm not interested.
Roger: Bryan. I know you like to sit on your butt all day, so how about you come with me. We
can kill the afternoon by laughing at some idiot with too much cash.
Bryan: Whatever. Let's go.
Roger: Don't be like that. Itll be a great time, I promise. (EXIT Bryan and Roger. ENTER Rick
Harris, Bryan, Roger, and three Attendees. Stage Center is rowed with five chairs facing the
platform)
Attende(Ensemble): You two teenagers?
Roger: Yea?
Attende: Sweet, I'm not the only one. (ENTER Martin on the platform) There he is. Lets sit down
over here, hey (to Bryan) I know you from somewhere-
Martin Washington: Take your seats, everyone! (Bryan, Roger, Attende, & Rick take their seats,
Martin speaks) A few years ago, our emperor, The Lightkeeper, was announced dead to the
public. Do we not remember that horrid day? The streets were filled with the mourning, whose
hearts metaphorically died on that day. Globalism too died with The Lightkeeper, and was
replaced with a year of global xenophobia and eventually, The Great War. Its been one year
since that horrible event, and it still haunts us. (Martin notices Bryan)
Attendee: Mr. Washington, what does any of this have to with anything?
Martin(ignoring him): Im not the firmest believer of coincidences, but it seems Bryan Hayes is
with us today. Mr. Hayes, will you please board the stage.
Bryan: Oh. Yes. Sure. (Bryan boards platform, Roger claps)
Martin: Please retell the events of the day we lost The Lightkeeper. (hands Bryan the mic)
Bryan: Well my guardian brought me to The Lightkeeper so he could heal a brain tumor. We
spoke for a bit, till I eventually fell asleep. When I woke up, she and General Hyperia were
crowding around a dead Lightkeeper. They both looked distressed and angry and my guardian
told me we were gonna be there for a while.
Martin: Please sit back down. (Bryan goes to take his seat) We know then that the only witness
was put to sleep before the suicide. Do you know whats suspicious? The body of The
Lightkeeper is missing, the tape of his suicide has never been released, and neither has his
autopsy report, after a year of blood spilled in his name! If I am correct, then our empress, one
who helped rise humanity out of the ashes of armageddon long ago, who nursed our previous
generations, could become so power hungry, as to harm our fellow ruler.
Roger: Here it goes-
Martin: Therefore, I believe that The Lightkeeper was assassinated by The Timekeeper, with
assistance from General Omar Hyperia!
Roger(laughing): Whatd I tell you, Bryan?
Attendee: I wasted 25 bucks to hear this garbage?
Martin: This explains why nothing has been released. Because she knows that if she releases
the autopsies, the security tapes, anything, the world will revolt against her. And no matter how
many times she freezes men and women in place, she would never be able to fan the fires of
revolution.
(Rick, Attendees 2 & 3 clap)
Rick: Sir, I have something to add!
Martin: And you are?
Rick: Rick Harris, I was a Lieutenant in the Peacekeeping Forces, who managed to get close
and cuddly with The TImekeepers inner circle. I believe its in these people's right to know about
scum like Clara Norton. (Roger and Bryan look at each other. They both become progressively
angry as Martin speaks)
Attendee: Whos that.
Roger: Sir, if you say anything-
Martin: An agent of the government. She looked a teenager, but her actual age was a century
and more. A fragment of the old world.
Rick: And The Timekeeper seduced her to the path of unrighteousness. Our lovely empress
used her to commit all sorts of horrifying deeds; assassination, torture. That demon branded
Senator Maclay, in fact thats why he jumped off a two story building, he couldn't forget!
Martin: Mr. Harris, that rumor was disproved long ago-
Roger(practically shouting, stands up): I'm Roger White, Clara, Bryan and I are friends. And I
tell you, Rick is lying through his teeth about her! Wed like to get onstage too.
Martin: Go ahead. I invite the other side to speak, no matter their age. However, please keep
things civil. That means you too, Rick. (Roger and Bryan get on the stage)
Roger(to Rick): Sir, Claras a nice woman, and a misunderstood one at that. All shes done is
participate in The Great War, one she did not willingly participate in.
Bryan: Exactly. Claras not-
Rick: Folks, We have before you a prime example of The Timekeepers brainwashing. Shame!
Roger: Shes not a monster, shes a human being like you and I.
Rick: She lost her humanity long ago, when she became a mutant.
Bryan: Excuse me-
Roger: Tell is why you're racist!
Rick: Tell us why you're defending her? Did you sleep with her?
Roger: No, you ignorant, worthless-
Martin: Thats enough! Both of you, out of this auditorium, now.
Roger: Shame on both you, spreading lies you know are so!
Martin: Hello, security? Yeah, I've got two children who won't leave. Show them the exit.
Rick(grabs Rogers collar): Say that again, you stupid boy- (Martin throws Rick off Roger).
Roger: I'm leaving. (to Bryan) Lets go. (attendees 2 & 3 pull out assault rifles and storm the
platform. They fire at Martin but hit Roger instead. ENTER Timekeeper, who stomps her foot on
the ground. All the characters are frozen in place. She ascends the platform, and pries off one of
the gunmen's firearms, inspecting it)
The Timekeeper: Peacekeeper assault rifle, model FN76. Set to Semi-Automatic. Suppose you
two are from or know someone in The Peacekeeping Army? (Timekeeper takes out the clip)
Piercing rounds. Perfect for making mortals gray matter become splattered and gushy. (puts the
clip back in) Like yours. (Timekeeper aims the gun at one of the shooters, and does nothing. She
laughs). Unfortunately for all of you, you attended this auditorium. All of you shall be detained
until we figure out whos who. Except you two (snaps its fingers at Bryan and Roger, Roger
collapses. Timekeeper notices his wound) Rest assured, an ambulance will be here shortly.
(Spotlight on Bryan and Roger, whos rested on Bryans lap. Rest silhouetted, all staring at the
two)
Roger: Oh god, that- that-
Bryan: Roger, don't talk. Try to save your strength. Oh dear, your bleeding alot. Please, save
your strength.
Roger: Why did she, she have to freeze me-
Bryan: Roger, you're gonna make it, alright? (Roger starts blinking and slumping) Stay with me,
Roger, please, stay with me, ok? (Sound of sirens) See, an ambulance! All you gotta do is hold
on for a few more hours. Theyre fix you up, and then, and then... (Roger & Bryan get up. EXIT
all but Bryan. Were back in the present) He died on his way to the hospital. Blood loss. His
funeral was three days ago. (tears up) Ive seen places outside the capitol, and they were
hellholes. I pitied the people in them, not knowing that Id find myself in one. (ENTER Omar)
Omar: Are you alright?
Bryan: Better then ever.
Omar: Good. The Timekeeper is delivering a new batch of pills next Tuesday. Bryan, I trust you
with all of my heart. But I cant help but asking, have you been taking your pills?
Bryan: Of course. (hands him a bottle of pills) See? Shake it if you don't believe me.
Omar: I'm only concerned that for your health. I remember when my wife died. I lost any will to
live, and It took me weeks to start functioning again. (Bryan looks at him) All I want for you,
Bryan, is to be safe and sound, and thats more than a duty from The Timekeeper. Don't forget
that. (EXIT Omar. Bryan enters his bathroom, flushing the pills down the toilet. Blackout. EXIT
Bryan).
Act One:
Scene One
 (SCENE: An empty room in the American Governmental Building. a giant sign above them
saying CASSIUS A MAJOR! June 18th! Clara is waiting for Cassius, who barges in suddenly)
Major Cassius Zefania: What this?
Clara(popping out): Happy Birthday!
Cassius: Woah. Wheres everyone else?
Clara: Your sisters out of town and Jacks still in New Atlanta. Plus your friends were renting the
Rec Room and wouldn't budge, so I figured Hey, the old artillery room should be ok. So yea,
hope this is suitable.
Cassius: Its enough for me, man. And to be honest, those guys aren't really my friends. I only
have one true friend. In fact, I have a present for this friend. Wanna see it?
Clara: Sure (Cassius gets up and hugs Clara) Woah, I'm not that great of a friend, Cassy.
Cassius: But you've improved so much over this year. I just want to say a big thank you for
being my friend for all these years. And I know well continue to be buddies for more years to
come.
Clara: Thank you, Cassius. Yes, as long as either one of us are alive, well be friends.
Cassius: Lets make a toast then. (they both toast. ENTER Vice Minister Abraham Zefania,
smiling at the sight)
Cassius & Clara Friends forever.
Vice Minister Abraham Zefania: Greetings, if I may-
Cassius: Dad. Good to see ya. Still a Vice Minister, I see?
Abraham: I apologize for breaking up the party, but we need to see you, Ms. Norton.
Cassius: Aw. See ya Clara
Clara: You too, Cassy. (Clara and Abraham move upstage right, where Prime Minister Alex
Johnson. Cassius sits there for a moment, alone, before he leaves. EXIT Cassius. Spotlight in
Alexs office. She's on the phone)
Prime Minister Alex Johnson: -Timekeeper, Id like to propose a bill, ok? Its a nice bill, youll
like it. I want a bill that proposes permanent settlements for Peacekeepers in America. We can
give them benefits, like free healthcare, and we don't have to stop with the Peacekeepers. We
could even extend these benefits to your average joe! That way, theyll actually do their jobs!
(Abraham and Clara enter Alexs Office) Youll think about it, ok? Bye!
Abraham: Sit right here.
Clara(To Alex): Whats this about, Prime Minister?
Alex: You are aware of the attempted shooting at the Heywood Auditorium, correct?
Clara: Yea. It involved some guys I know. One of them is fine, the other was the victim of the
shooting.
Abraham: I'm sorry for your loss.
Clara: Anyway, what about that shooting?
Abraham: Considering the sudden influx of violence, mostly coming from domestic terrorists,
weve just got approval from congress to set up an organization combating it.
Clara: And you need me to be the team secretary, right?
Alex: Of course not, youre on the frontlines fighting.
Clara: No, I'll do anything else but that. Go find some dumb fool to do it, alright?
Abraham: Temporarily on the frontlines (Alex looks at him). Right now were only getting funding
for this organization. Give us a few days to a week and you should be switched into a more
comfortable position. We are well aware of your condition.
Alex: Unless no one else wants to take your place.
Clara: Thats reassuring.
Alex: I hate sugarcoating, Ms. Norton.
Clara: I don't much of a choice in the matter, do I?
Abraham: Of course you do.
Alex: Either join us, or well keep badgering you until you join. (Clara angrily eyes her) Of course,
you can walk out of this room and go on with your desk work, but you know what happens to
America? Its left in the clutches of violence with no one to help it.
Clara: What about The Peacekeepers?
Alex: If they did their jobs, this organization wouldnt need to be created.
Clara: Why not ask Aaron Neilson? Hell pack his bags and move to America in a heartbeat.
Abraham: He disappeared this morning. No one knows where he went.
Clara: Youre kidding. Is there any way you can find him?
Alex: The security of this nation depends on your co-operation, Ms. Norton
Clara: You didn't answer my question, is there-
Abraham: No, his phone's dead, mansion ransacked. Nobody's seen him since the day of the
shooting. Either hes in another country, the wastelands, or at worst, somehow dead.
Clara: Ok, fine. Damn. Is there a list of members?
Abraham: We have no definitives yet, but there are candidates. Farewell, Ms. Norton. My
daughter will meet you in the morning. (Clara shakes Alexs hand and leaves the office) Trying to
get a bill passed by The Timekeeper?
Alex: If Senator Moore simply asked her to pass his bills, surely I can do the same. (blackout on
office. Lights on Rec Room)
Clara: Cassius, I'm being reassigned- hes gone. What a weird guy. What a lonely guy. Lets
focus on this. (Looking through the papers) Way to torpedo my plans, guys! (sigh) People always
say that the life of a secretary is boring. But its not. Its truly not. (beat) I hope thisll be
temporary, I mean it has to be; The Timekeeper will be on their case if it isn't. (EXIT Clara)
Scene Two
(Bryan sits on his couch. ENTER The Journalist)
The Journalist: As of June 19th, approximately 4:00 military time, all spectators of the infamous
Martin Washington shooting have been released and cleared of any charges. Bar the shooters.
In other news, Congress has resolved to fund- (ENTER Martin, who takes the mic from
Journalist)
Martin: Thank you. Is it not suspicious that the criminals have not been seen since? Timekeeper
needs to tell us where theyre being detained!
Journalist: Sir-
Martin: That is all I have to say on this matter. No interview. (He drops the mic. EXIT Martin)
Journalist: Ok. (picking up mic) We now bring you the weather forecast, from- (loud knocking.
Bryan answers the door)
Norma Zefania: Mr. Bryan Hayes?
Bryan: Thats me.
Norma(gives Bryan her ID): N orma Zefania. I work for the government.
Bryan: Ah. (hands it back do her) Please tell me you're not like your brother. (Bryan and Norma
sit on the couch, shes confused) Never mind, I see The Timekeepers busy.
Norma: Her visit has been canceled, Bryan. The government has called for gifted individuals like
you to partake in a program we call it Project Altius.
Bryan: Whats it about?
Norma: Its a government program designed to capture and subdue domestic terrorists.
Bryan: Am I supposed to fight anyone? Cause I cant shoot.
Norma: Of course not.
Bryan: What about hurting in anyway?
Norma: Youre not allowed to serve in the military, Mr. Hayes. No, we assure you that you will be
kept safe and well taken care of during your tenure.
Bryan: Good enough for me.
Norma: Here are the papers, sign here. Then here. And then there. Omar has been notified of
your potential recruitment, and welcomes it with open arms.
Bryan: Thats gotta be a lie. Im not signing until we make sure thats true.
Norma: Does Bryan Hayes know if Omar approved his recruitment into Project Altius?
Bryan: Yes he did. (beat) Where do I sign again? (Norma points it out once more. As Bryan
signs)
Norma: Don't feel too troubled by this-
Bryan: I don't. Something needs to be done about those monsters and Im willing to make a
stand.
Norma: Thats the spirit, Bryan. I'm glad were on the same page.
Bryan(done signing): Its a pleasure to be working with this organization, mam. Project Altius,
huh? What an interesting name.
Norma: Indeed. It was chosen by our Vice Minister.
Bryan: Right.
Norma: Well be off now. Let me show you around the base, meet your coworkers (EXIT Bryan.
Norma moves to center stage. Four chairs are set up behind her. Her phone rings) Hello?
Cassius. Hi. Yes I know The Great War ended a year ago. You're gonna celebrate it at General
Hyperia's Bar, 7:00PM? Sure, I can make time. Its been a year, howve you been? (He hangs up
on her) You be that way, Cassius. Ah, there they are. (ENTER Bryan,Clara, Heather, and Edgar.
She continues to face the audience, and they all look at what is supposed to be a presentation)
Bryan: Clara, what are you doing here?
Clara: I told you I was apart of this, remember?
Bryan: No. My memory sucks, remember? (Bryan and Clara sit down next to each other.
Heather sits next to them. Edgar sits by himself)
Heather: Whys that?
Bryan: Reasons.
Heather: Alrighty. Well Im Heather Lombardi, weird last name, right? Youre Bryan Hayes, aren't
you?
Bryan: Thats me.
Clara: I'm Clara Norton, his best friend. You may have heard my name recently-
Norma: Welcome to Project Altius. To reiterate, you lucky four will be apart of the major task
force dedicated to combating domestic terrorists. Half of you will be dedicated frontliners, wholl
hunt our targets and subdue them in anyway but murder. We want them alive, as we believe
giving them the sweet release of death would not be fair to their victims families. There are more
pragmatic reasons, however; we wish to acquire the intel stored in their minds. This is where the
other half of our team comes in; youre going to dig out this information using any methods you
can. Overall, with your help, we will eradicate and suppress these criminals in no time. Why don't
we state why were gifted individuals?
Edgar: Hi, my names Edgar. (they look at him, expecting more of a response) I can read
minds.Thats it.
Clara: I cant age, and Ive lived for over a century. (This piques Heathers interest. She stands
up)
Heather: I can heal the wounded and the sick, but I can't bring them back to life. Someday, I'll
figure it out. Just you wait.
Bryan: I abstain.
Norma: No need to be shy, this is your new family.
Bryan: Id rather not.
Clara: Don't pressure him, Miss.
Norma: My apologizes. Why don't you four socialize?
Edgar: But Norma, the powerpoints still running, (Norma turns it off, and stands off to the side.
She pulls out a pen and paper and writes down the fours conversations)
Bryan: So you can read minds, huh? God thats gotta suck.
Edgar: It has an off switch. Comes in handy alot.
Heather: What am I thinking?
Edgar (a moment): Youre thinking about how Mr. Hayes here is a hunk.
Bryan: Wait really.
Heather(laughs): No. You look nice though.
Bryan: Is she telling the truth?
Edgar: Now shes set her sights on Norma (Norma ignores him)
Heather: Hes kidding around, Bryan. Youre pretty snarky, arent you Edgar?
Edgar: I try.
Heather(eyeing Edgars clothes): Whats your homelife like?
Edgar: My parents make enough.
Bryan: Money?
Edgar: What else?
Heather: Clara, you said youre a century old? What was the old world like? Is it like how they
teach it? Sorry, Ive always wanted to meet a child of Mr. Lightkeepers like yourself.
Clara: How do they teach it?
Heather: Well, they say that the world got worse and worse before something happened that
caused most of the humanity to die. Then the keepers appeared and saved everyone.
Clara: They teach it like that?
Heather: No, I remember they went into way more detail in world history, but I slept through that
course.
Clara: Well you're not wrong, just extremely vague.
Bryan: The official causes for the apocalypse aren't known. Some think it was Global Warming,
others think terrorists caused it. Some even blamed The Keepers themselves, but those theories
are laughed off nowadays.
Clara: Sometimes I fear well be launching into worse times.
Heather: Because of the shootings? If I remember my history, terrorists made some dents, but
thats it. (Norma receives a phone call. She mouths the words)
Clara: Its not the terrorists I'm worried about. Its the nuclear winter.
Heather: Timekeeper says itll only last for a few more years.
Edgar: How do you remember all that from the past?
Clara: It takes a horrible amount of effort. Sometimes, I have to refresh my memory, because the
information doesn't stick. Thats not only with history, though.
Edgar: Sounds hard.
Clara: There are some memories I wish I could forget.
Edgar: Yea, I feel ya.
Clara: But don't worry, I'm doing much better.
Bryan: Thank god. (pats her shoulder, has a revelation) Hey, wait a second.
Heather: What? (Edgar and Clara look at him, expecting a response)
Bryan: Were all teenagers, right? (Heather and Edgar nod their heads) Why are they using us,
instead of adults?
Heather: I was wondering that too. Its not like were the only ones with our abilities. I mean, to
name an example, Aaron Neilson cant age either. Granted, hes still missing, but the point still
stands.
Clara: I'll be honest with you three, I'm not a big fan of it.
Bryan & Heather: Me neither. (Norma puts her caller on hold)
Norma: Youre all here until the Aaron Neilsons of this world will accept our offers. Anyhow, that
should be enough socializing for today. If any of you need rides, speak up.
Bryan & Edgar: I do.
Norma: Alright, wait a few moments. The rest of you, please leave. (EXIT Heather and Clara.
Norma briefly resumes her call)
Bryan: Does Heather like me?
Edgar: Shes fine with you, and she wants to learn more about Clara. But shes not too happy
about me.
Bryan: Obviously
Edgar: I'm used to reactions like hers. My ex had a... similar reaction
Bryan: Can you blame her? (ENTER Nothingness, who sleeps in Bryans bed)
Edgar: I never said I was in the right, nor that Im a good person, either.
Norma: Alright, you two! Follow me. (EXIT Norma & Edgar , Bryan moves to centerstage.
Spotlight on him and his bed, with Nothingness in it)
Bryan: What an interesting day. I got myself indicted into an organization I shouldn't be in.
Guess thisll make me big news again. Thankfully, I got to spend time with Clara, and thats
always great. Heather seems pretty cool, someone Id wanna hang out with. As for Edgar- (Bryan
freezes up mid-sentence. Nothingness gets out of bed. EXIT Bryan. Nothingness speaks to the
audience)
Nothingness: ladies and gentlemen, what time is it? (looks at the clock) Nighttime. Whats the
day? June 19th, wowwe! I've been asleep for a while. Did the other one slip up? Maybe hes
finally giving me some fresh air? Ah well, night time is my favorite time. Thats when the seedy
bars and the red light districts open their doors, and man oh man am I thirsty. (EXIT
Nothingness, giggling ENTER Norma, outside a bar locale)
Norma: Come on Norma, you haven't seen your child of a brother in a year. Catch up with him.
(The lights come back up. Cassius and Cap. Jack Watson are sitting next to the bar table about
to have drinks. Lance stands beside them. Norma stands there for two seconds. A sign above
them reads THE GREAT WAR ENDED ONE YEAR AGO! YAY!)
Cassius: -Norma inherited daddys genes, while I got moms. Id say got the better deal-
Lance: Is that Norma? (Cassius turns around and sees Norma)
Cassius: You made it. Dont stand there, join us. (Norma hesitates for a second, before walking
over) You look different. What gives?
Captain Jack Watson Shes been in a foreign country for a year, Cassius.
Norma: Make that two.
Jack: Lucky you. Howve you been doing?
Norma: Fine. You?
Jack: Fantastic. Would you like a glass of wine? (Norma shakes her head) How bout a bottle of
vodka? (She nods her head) You know the Russians are celebrating America's surrender, wish I
was, the mood wouldn't be so solemn.
Norma: A fellow Russian sympathizer, I see?
Jack: Not exactly, but my grandparents are from there. One of my most guarded secrets.
Norma: Is that why you and father don't talk? (she takes a swig of vodka)
Jack: Yep. (ENTER a girl, walking through the door aka downstage left, crying. Theres
cheering in the right wing. Jack approaches her) Whats wrong, private?
Girl(Ensemble): My boyfriend started making out with this girl right in front of me. Now theyre
having sex!
Jack(Sigh): One moment. (EXIT Jack)
Cassius: Now that hes gone, howve you-
Jack(in the wings angrily shouting): N ot in the Generals bar! Both of you, back in your
uniforms! (The cheering stops completely, theres mummering now)
Lance: Nancy, thats your name, right? (The Girls looks at him) Hi, mines Lance. I believe you're
a year older then me? How about I drive you to someplace nice?
Girl: Go to hell. (EXIT Girl)
Lance: Cassius, I don't understand, why does everyone hate me? (Lance sits down, sad)
Cassius: Yea, thats Lance. He tries with girls, but always fails. Anyway, Howve you been?
Norma: Fine. Whys Bryan with Omar now?
Cassius: The Timekeeper felt he would take better care of him.
Norma: Makes sense. Whens the last time shes made any good decisions?
Cassius: Please, Jack does plenty of Timekeeper bad-mouthing. At this point Ive heard
everything.
Norma: Alright, instead lets talk about your accomplishments.
Cassius: What accomplishments?
Norma: Your military accomplishments. The road that lead you to become a major.
Cassius: Ah nothing too major. I merely got a medal of honor.
Norma: Have you done anything since the great war?
Cassius: Become better friends with Clara. I used to visit Bryan, but he doesn't like me very
much so its Jack that does the visiting. Up until recently. I think Omar said something to him.
Norma: If it makes you feel better, hes in Project Altius now.
Cassius: Isn't he too young for that?
Norma: Yes. I said the same thing, but our father insisted. Speaking of him, hes the reason
you're a major, isn't he?
Cassius: He loves to give me a boost now and again. Anyway I haven't spoken to Clara since
yesterday. Is it true shes a part of Project Altius?
Norma: Yep, shes a frontliner.
Cassius: Dads going senile.
Norma: I mean, Its dad were talking about.
Cassius: Good point. But enough about me, what about you? How was Britain?
Norma: Rainey. Its not as well off as we are, but they make by. The people seemed nice. Not
much to do. As for the mission, it was (beat) intense. It took place in Ukraine, and Im not
comfortable talking about it here. I did work with Aaron Neilson, however.
Lance(suddenly chiming in): Really? I love that man. Hows he like? (ENTER The Girl, still
upset. Shes off on Stage Left, on a lonely road)
Norma: Exactly who you think hed be. (Norma starts drinking. ENTER Nothingness, who puts
his hands on Girl. She is visibly uncomfortable)
Cassius: Right. (ENTER Omar with Jack) Welcome back, Jack. Greetings, Omar-
Omar: Major, is it true your privates were having intercourse in my bar?
Nothingness: Its alright, pretty lady. Ill show you whats right.
Cassius: Yes, but Jack here broke- (Nothingness holds The Girl. She struggles)
Omar: Please relocate them all somewhere else. Thank you.
Cassius: If you say so, man. (Standing up) Come on, Norma, I know a good ice cream shop
down the block. (To Jack) As my new colonel, I order you to perform Omars orders. Got it? (Jack
looks to Omar, who looks at Cassius with contempt)
Jack: If you say so, bum. (Nothingness makes out with the girl)
Omar: Cassius, Come with me.
Cassius: Look if you really want me to-
Omar: Bryans missing, and I need help looking for him. (Nothingness lets the girl go. EXIT Girl
running)
Cassius: But he hates me-
Lance: Oh, I could come along! (EXIT Nothingness)
Omar: Thats an order, major. (Cassius sighs, and follows Omar. EXIT Cassius & Omar)
Norma: Jack, I want another Vodka, ok? Ive got a lot of bad memories to drown out.
Lance: Am I the designated driver again? (Jack nods his head) Alcohol should be outlawed!
(Blackout. EXIT ALL)
Scene Three:
(Lights come up on Bryan, laying on the ground. ENTER Clara)
Clara: Bryan? (Bryan wakes up)
Bryan: Where are we?
Clara: In front of my house. Do you remember anything about last night?
Bryan: I was writing in my journal, then I blacked out and now I'm here.
Clara: Have you been taking your pills?
Bryan: No, I guess not. Sorry.
Clara: No need to apologize. Its because of Roger, isnt it?
Bryan: Most likely.
Clara: I understand why you're still feeling this. But Bryan, what goodll do to hurt yourself over
him? You two weren't friends. Do you remember how he treated you?
Bryan: Yea, it haunts me. Look, I should've told you about this earlier, but...
Clara: What is it?
Bryan: Well-
Roger(offstage): Bryan, what are you doing here? Why didn't you text me?
Bryan: Never mind, I don't want to talk about it right now.
Clara: Alright. If it makes you feel better, I told him several times to treat you like he did me, and
every time hed say-
Roger(offstage): I'm so sorry Clara, and trust me, I will. Hes better then that.
Clara: After the second time I didn't buy it. He really was a bad influence on you, Bryan.
Bryan: I should've listened to you, but then again, its all in the past. Hey, can you drive me to
the headquarters? I don't feel up to doing it myself. (ENTER Norma, Heather, Edgar, Omar in the
Presentation Room)
Clara: Don't you want to know about last night?
Bryan: Later. Lets get to HQ first.
Clara: On the ride there, make sure to call Omar. Hes probably worried sick.
Bryan: My phones gone. (Bryan and Clara join them in the Presentation Room)
Omar: He hasn't answered my calls, and has been out since last night. Where is he-
Edgar: There he is. Took you 30 minutes, but hey, now that were here, lets get down to
business. Bryan, have you and Clara-
Omar: Bryan, why didn't you call me?
Edgar: have-
Bryan: well, uh, I don't have anymore data.
Omar: Data has not been in use since the Old Worlds death. Where were you last night?
Norma: Explain why you two are late.
Bryan: I blacked out last night and woke up on Claras front lawn. Im gonna need someone to
help me remember the blanks.
Norma: That should be easy. Does Bryan Hayes remember what happened to him last night?
Bryan: Yes! (beat, Bryan has a look of disgust on his face. He feels a mixture of shame and
anger) Oh god, thats disgusting. I, I don't believe this.
Heather: What happened?
Bryan: One of the others forced themselves on this poor girl.
Heather: What other?
Clara: Bryan has Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Heather: Oh. I'm really sorry. (Omar looks mad)
Omar: Bryan-
Clara: Not now. (He decides now is not the time. EXIT Omar)
Bryan: No its alright, guys. I should be glad, theyve done so much worse in the past.
Heather: Don't say that! What they did was still wrong, and you should be angry and disgusted.
Bryan: Last time they picked a fight with a gang member. If it weren't for a nice old couple, Id
have died from a stab wound to the liver.
Heather: Hey, I'll make you a promise. When I figure out how to cure mental illnesses, youll be
the first I cure.
Bryan: Youd really do that?
Heather: Id do that for any of my friends.
Bryan: You don't know how much that means to me.
Edgar: Shell do more for you, Bryan. Just ask.
Heather(laughs): Hes lying again, Bryan. Oh Edgar you're such a joker, you (aside) I'll punch
you in the face if you keep it up. (Edgar hears this, and looks down)
Norma: Ok, thats enough from all of you. Edgar, Bryan, I'm gonna need both of you to
interrogate some people we found. They were suspiciously loitering around the building last
night, and when we brought them in, they had guns on them. Get to it.
Edgar: I'm not feeling up to it.
Norma: Get to it. (EXIT Bryan & Edgar) As for you two, youre both going out on the field today.
There appears to be an operation brewing by the ATC. Whats that, you ask? Its an organization
thats sprung up in response of the Heywood Incident. Several of their members have preached
before about anti-government sentiment, and considering a recent attack on a military base,
where lots of guns were stolen, we believe The ATC has is connected. Is that clear?
Clara: So theyre armed?
Norma: I promise youll both be fine. Reports suggest they aren't trigger happy and are willing to
negotiate. Besides, (ENTER Two Agents) If things get nasty, these two agents are trained
marksman, and should be able to wipe the floor with them.
Heather: I thought the point was not to kill?
Norma: Our two agents are equipped with tranquilizer sidearms, the guns are a last resort.
Clara: Why do you need me then?
Norma: Both of you are good speakers. We believe that you two will be able to negotiate a
surrender.
Clara: I'm sorry, but I can't do this.
Heather: Clara, youll be fine. If youre shot, I can patch you up. Trust me, well be ok. Were
getting protection, right?
Clara: Thats not the point, Heather.
Norma: Of course. (An Agent leaves and comes back with two bullet proof vests) That should be
enough. The clothes weve provided you two with are much more resistant to bullets then normal
civilian clothing.(ENTER Rick and three other shadily dressed fellows)
Heather: How does that work?
Norma: We don't have time for a science lesson, ask Clara on the way. Now, the four of you
really should be going. Who knows what kind of plots their planning. (EXIT Clara, whose being
shoved by one of the agents, Norma, and Heather. Lights on Rick and the Ensemble. Their
playing poker, guns beside the table)
Rick: Did you see the look on their faces when they saw us staring at them?
Guy #1: Yea, they looked like they wet themselves.
Girl #2: Then they ran away. Could've sworn one of em was screaming.
Rick: I mean, maybe staring at them was little awkward, but what they did expect? To welcome
them with open arms? This is our property. I signed the lease and everything.
Girl #2: They mustve been cityfolk. Too stupid to realize that people live in the forest, especially
when the government is creating shady operations like Project Altius.
Rick: Yea, unlike those idiots in the city, were mostly safe from spying. Not totally, but we make
em try.
Guy #1: And thats really all that matters. (ENTER Clara, Heather, and the two agents. Beat)
Rick: Who are you? Wait a minute, is that- its Clara Norton!
Clara: Ms. Harris, we know what operation youre pulling. I, I reccomend you all stand down, and
return the guns stolen from the Marion Military Base.
Girl #2: What shes talking about?
Rick: We did nothing to your foolish military!
Guy #1: Were forest hobos, but even we aren't stupid enough to mess with the military. (the girl
looks at the guns)
Rick: Hey, were not hobos-
Agent #2(with a russian accent): Shoot them! (The two agents pull out their guns, and #2 is
shot. Clara tackles the shot agent. As Heather picks up the deceased's agents rifle, Agent #2s
bullets shoot out the lights. Blackout. Gunfire and screaming is only heard for about 5 long
seconds. Then silence. The backup lights come on. Only Clara, Heather, and Rick are still
alive. Clara is crawling towards the entrance. Heather stands there, shocked, and Rick is
huddled into a corner, terrified. All but Clara are unable to hear due to gunfire).
Rick: Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit...(Clara slowly looks up, observing her surroundings. As she
does that, Heather speaks)
Heather: Did I do this? (she stumbles towards Rick)
Rick: Get away from me! Please, don't hurt me... (Heather stops. ENTER The Timekeeper,
observing the bloodshed)
Timekeeper: Clara, are you alright? (Clara looks up at her) What happened here?
Clara: An operation gone to hell.
Timekeeper(helping Clara up): Do you know who caused this?
Heather: I did this...
Timekeeper: Identity yourself.
Heather: My god, I did this...
Timekeeper: Identity yourself. (Heather is unable to hear her. She turns and sees The
Timekeeper, scaring Heather. She drops the gun)
Heather: It was me. Oh god it was all me. (Timekeeper notices Rick in the corner)
Timekeeper: I realize now that this isn't the right environment for any of you to be giving
testimonies. I must bring you three to my palace, where trained psychologists will help you regain
a stable enough mental condition to testify to the events that just occured. Come on, lets go.
(ENTER Bryan in his bedroom) Don't touch anything, the police are coming to collect evidence
and the dead. (EXIT The Timekeeper, Rick, Clara, Heather, and the Ensemble members).
Bryan: Heather Lombardi. What a lovely name. Someone who's so nice, so bubbling with
optimism, someone whod never hurt a single soul! Oh, I never knew I needed someone like her
in my life. I mean, Clara Norton was always a good influence, and Roger was fine in the
beginning. But Heather, oh Heather, I want her to myself. I would love for us to inhabit a little
house in some coastal town. (ENTER Omar, holding a stack of papers) Preferably in Hawaii-
Omar(fuming): Shocking Revelations: Bryan Hayes Has Dissociative Identity Disorder.
(Throws the papers on his lap) The cats out of the bag.
Bryan: Howd it happen?
Omar: I told them. (beat)
Bryan(angry): How dare you-
Omar: The papers were ready to paint you as an attempted rapist! Would you rather be known
as that, or a teen with DID? None of this wouldve happened if you werent flushing your pills
down the toilet. (Bryan tries to speak) And do you realize how dangerous that was? The
withdrawal effects could've killed you! Did you think of that? (beat)
Bryan: None of this would've happened if you cared about curing me.
Omar: Weve tried, but nothings worked. The Timekeeper agrees.
Bryan: What do you think? Who cares what she thinks.
Omar: Shes the one paying the bills, Bryan. I'm not trying to undermine what happened to you.
However you have to soldier on, Bryan. For my sake, and more importantly, your sake. Try to get
some sleep, well get a new batch from Norma tomorrow.
Bryan: Can you at least do me a favor? Stop going on these week long trips for weeks on end.
Omar: You know I can't. The perks of being a general (Blackout. EXIT Bryan & Omar)
Scene Four
(ENTER Heather, spotlight on her center stage. During blackout, set for council room should be
set. Shes leaving Norma a voicemail)
Heather: Dear Norma. I regret to inform you that my parents have decided, after brief
consideration, that I will be pulled out of the Project Altius. They believe that you and the rest of
the staff have held my safety and mental health with immoral recklessness. Expect a lawsuit in
advance. Please give the others my phone number, which you already have. Have a bad day.
(Hangs up, ENTER Senator Franklin, three senators, VM Abraham, PM Alex, and The
Timekeeper) Hopefully congress will abort Project Altius. (Heather turns on the TV)
Journalist: June 21st. Today, This senate meeting will concern the recent bloodshed in the
Forest Reserve. Ill let the Speaker of the House do the talking. (Journalist takes a seat)
Senator Franklin: -Minister, do you realize the gravity of your crimes?
Alex: What crimes?
Franklin: In America, we have laws preventing the use of minors under 18 as soldiers or police
officers, laws you should know. Since your Project Altius amounts to another government
sponsored police force, you two violated several laws with PAs most recent stunt.
Alex: We publically listed the members when we recruited them all. They were listed as
placeholder members so we can get funding from all of you.
Franklin: Yet you refused to specify if youd actually use them. (Alex tries to speak) Which you
foolishly did; a teenage girl out in a dangerous, gun-ridden setting, forced to hurt others to protect
herself. She could potentially be suffering from horrible mental trauma now. And Considering her
parents will be suing the government... why do you think we lifted the enlistment age to 21? Why
do you think the drinking age is still 21, for christ sakes?
Senator #1: I say we impeach her. (All but Franklin start chanting Impeach!)
Timekeeper: Order, order! (The senate calms down) C ontinue, Senator Franklin.
Franklin: And it doesn't matter if only one of the teenagers was a frontliner. The rest of the
teenagers were also minors, and should not be used as interrogators. This whole case reeks of
blatant exploitation of children (general agreement)
Senator #3: Lets not forget, half of its members are mentally ill.
Alex: We only knew of Ms. Nortons disorder. We were not cleared about Mr. Hayes disorder, as
I'm sure none of you were too. Concerning Ms. Lombardi, we had no intent to send her. We only
wanted to send the most able bodied members on that mission.
Franklin: So you send a woman with PTSD on the frontlines...
Alex: That was not our intention either. We wanted Clara to fulfill a placeholder spot so we can
get funding, then move her to a more comfortable position when Aaron Neilson or someone like
him could take her place. And besides, this organization would not be needed, less The
Peacekeepers get their act together and do something. How about that, Ms. Timekeeper, how
about you get the damn Peacekeepers to help us fight this wave of violence and domestic
terrorism?
Senator #2: How dare you! Come on Timekeeper, kill her. Unlike McCain, she deserves it-
Timekeeper: We will investigate the claims Prime Minister Johnson has made. Since it appears
that Ms. Johnson and Mr. Zefania have been incapable of controlling their administrator, Project
Altius will be moved onto the Peacekeeping Operation. Are there any objections to this?
Franklin: Remove the teenage members of Project Altius by June 28th. (general agreement)
TImekeeper: Then it is settled. This suggestion will be made to the House at a later time. Prime
Minister Johnson, Vice Minister Zefania, you two may leave now. Now that that topics settled, let
us move on other matters... (Alex and Abraham leave the room as the Senate Room is blacked
out. EXIT all but those two and Timekeeper, who moves to outside of Bryans house. ENTER
Bryan & Omar in the house, preset)
Alex: What a circus. We had no other option but to use those children!. Every other gifted
individual weve invited has declined. How are we supposed to proceed without breaking laws?
The Prime Minister before me did a lot more then exploit children. Hes apparently a hero!
Abraham: Thats true. (ENTER Journalist)
Journalist: Excuse me, Mrs. Johnson. May I interview you about the Project Altus children.
Specifically, Mr. Hayes?
Alex: Certainly. (EXIT Journalist & Alex)
Abraham: You couldve accepted those recruits, but no, Aaron is the only one that matters! And
how dare you throw my daughter under the bus. You know shes not the one responsible. Count
your blessings, Johnson. Youll regret this. (EXIT Abraham. Lights on Omar & Bryan)
Omar: -tomorrow, ill be going away on a business trip in Rome. If you need anything, call Norma
or Jack.
Bryan: Reporters are following me home- (The doorbell rings).
Omar: Ah, theres The Timekeeper. (Omar opens the door for Timekeeper)
TImekeeper: Another day passes by. A productive one, but nonetheless, an interesting day,
friends. I do not have the pills at this time, but I hear Norma is supplying you greatly.
Omar: Thats exactly the case.
Timekeeper: So, what shall we talk about today?
Omar: I have reports coming from the Russian Headquarters, and its bad.
Timekeeper: Go on.
Omar: Now the situations escalated to full out civil war. If you don't do something soon, that
countries gonna tear itself apart, and if the rumors about more secret caches of H-bombs, we
could have another Washington D.C., or worse, another Beijing.
Timekeeper: Possible, but likely an exaggeration. Ive been thinking lately, about the past.
(Bryan sighs, before Omar sits next to him) Its due to the comments and concerns of a few
rabble rousers, who want to pin The Lightkeepers death on us. You both know who I'm talking
about.
Omar: Oh really. Do tell us this past.
Timekeeper: It was approximately one year before his death. People remember him in a much
different context. They remember him as this great, fantastic soul. They don't know the inner
demons he had, his struggle with juggling the personality that the people saw, and the one he
really had (ENTER The Lightkeeper. Timekeeper moves towards him) Is there something
bothering you, friend?
Lightkeeper: The humans. You know they no longer respect us.
Timekeeper: You need to accept this, as I have.
Lightkeeper: I was revered as the next christ, but now many are starting to fear me. They
criticize us for being power hungry, too controlling of them. Theyre starting to believe we caused
their apocalypse, and now humanity wants their independence. Yet in the same vicious breath
towards you and me, they come to us for help when its convenient. Why are they like this?
Timekeeper: The humans do the same thing to their own. Study up on your history, friend,
because its apart of their nature to act like that. How you still don't know that is baffling. (ENTER
A civilian wielding a pistol) Hello, are you lost-
Sad Civilian(Ensemble): Die! ( Civilian empties a clip on The Lightkeepers chest. Lightkeeper
stands there, unfazed. Civilian panics and runs, but Timekeeper freezes him in place)
Lightkeeper: Release him. (Timekeeper does so. Lightkeepers puts on his facade) Do not
freight, friend. Explain to me why youve come here in such haste.
Sad Civilian: You refused to help my daughter. Now shes dead of Terminal brain cancer. Why?
She didn't hurt anyone, she was only a child.
Lightkeeper: Ive never seen either one of your faces
Sad Civilian: I traveled to the front gates with her, and the guards refused me. Said I didn't have
enough money. (ENTER soldiers. They observe the situation)
Lightkeeper: Do you remember their names.
Sad Civilian: Yes. John Berry and Claudius Moor.
Lightkeeper: Those guards have made a grave mistake. There is no compensation for use of
my abilities. Anyone is welcome if they need my help.
Sad Civilian: Then I'm sorry for my crimes, my lord.
Lightkeeper: Id prefer you call me- (Civilian charges the soldiers with a knife. They gun him
down) oh dear. (To soldiers) Please find John Berry and Claudius Moor. A trial is waiting for
them. (EXIT Soldiers) Humans are the strangest creatures.
Timekeeper: I agree.
Lightkeeper: Here goes nothing. (Lightkeeper stomps on the ground. The Civilian is suddenly
alive) Death is only a temporary solution, my friend.
Sad Civilian: I'm sorry about my further crimes, my lord. I don't deserve to live.
Lightkeeper: Oh but you do, my friend. As does your daughter. Show me her grave and I will
make magic happen. And call me Lightkeeper, I am not above mortals. (walking The Civilian
out the room) Whats your name? (EXIT Lightkeeper and civilian. Timekeeper, spotlight on her,
moves back to present, but shes talking to the audience)
Timekeeper: Ever since The Great War, I've felt it necessary to give more power to the Prime
Ministers of this world. Such as the case of the ones in America. They're not the nicest people,
but I assure you, they will not continue the ongoing nuclear winter like the previous did. (lights
up)
Omar: Thats a tragic story, Timekeeper. In the interest of preventing a few more, maybe you
should deal with the Russian situation.
Timekeeper: Not at this moment, Omar. I have another story. (Omar glares at her) Its only a
joke, my friend. In all seriousness, Bryan. How have you been?
Bryan: Doing well. Could you tell Omar to stay here? People have been... staring at me lately.
This one guy rolled down his window, and shouted at me. Said I was faking my condition.
Timekeeper: I assure you, Mr. Hayes, Omarll speak to Norma about agents patrolling your
house at night, (Omar nods)
Bryan: Alright, thats reasonable. Hey, I met this really nice girl from the Project Altius program.
Timekeeper: Do you have feelings for her?
Bryan: I think so, but I can't talk to her. Shes completely above me.
Timekeeper: No human is above their fellow man, Bryan. Try anyway.
Bryan: Right, you're the one above all. Still, I guess it couldn't hurt. Ill do it right now. (EXIT
Bryan)
Omar: Timekeeper, get on with it.
Timekeeper: Course, but before I go, could you do me a little favor? Release the autopsy report
of The Lightkeepers death. The people deserve a confirmation of the truth. (blackout. EXIT all)
Scene Five
(ENTER Reporter, Martin, and Journalist, sitting on Bryans couch)
Reporter(Ensemble): June 25th, We now bring you live to interview the infamous Martin
Washington.
Martin: Thank you. Youre going to ask me about the ATC, right? Well I'm not affiliated with none
of them. All we share is similar ideas.
Reporter: No I wasn't. However, what I want to know, and I'm sure your critics do to, is your
opinion on the recently released autopsy report. Concerning The Lightkeeper.
Martin: Ill admit, I was wrong about The Timekeeper and Omar. That autopsy, it looks
Too real to be fake. Its lead me to believe that several members of Congress killed The
Lightkeeper. Thats the truth. Shame on the ministers! (Journalist snickers at Martin's comment.
ENTER Bryan from his bedroom, who's taken aback by the stranger in his house)
Bryan: Who are you?
Journalist: I'm simply a journalist, kid. An. One that's been following the Project Altius case very
closely. Whats your name?
Bryan: You don't know it?
Journalist: Nah, I wanna know which personality I'm talking to.
Bryan: Bryan. Now get out of my house
Journalist: Don't be too hasty.
Bryan: If you don't leave in ten seconds, I'm calling the police.
Journalist: I let myself in for a purpose.
Bryan: Are you deaf? Ill do it!
Journalist: Whats stopping you? Go on, call 911, I won't hurt you. (beat) All I want is an
interview, then I'm out of your hair.
Bryan: Fine, but make it quick.
Journalist: Do you remember your parents?
Bryan: Yep.
Journalist: Please describe them.
Bryan(lying): They tried their best to raise me. One day, we were walking from a movie, when
this thug shot my parents dead. Any more questions?
Journalist: Bryan, lying to journalists doesn't do you any favors.
Bryan: Its not a lie.
Journalist: But it is, I know exactly who your parents were. Do you know why you forgot them?
(Bryan tries to speak) Its cause of your pills. They make you dumber, more submissive to the
outside world. They cause you to forget things. Very vital things, like your entire childhood. You
see, The Timekeeper and Omar wanted to erase your memories, cause if you knew half the
things she doesn't want ya knowing... oh boy, shed be in a world of pain.
Bryan: Do I know you?
Journalist: Youll figure it out.
Bryan: Who were my parents?
Journalist: I know lots about you, Bryan. Like that girl you write about? Sounds like a wonderful,
submissive lady, fit for someone like you. And that journal? Good stuff. You should beco-
(Journalist suddenly looks as if hes having a migraine)
Bryan: Get out of my house, asshole.
Journalist: Keep what I said in mind, alright kid? (EXIT Journalist)
Bryan: Note for Omar; someone broke into our house. (ENTER Norma) We need to change the
passcodes, obviously. Oh, and I talked to Heather a few nights ago. We briefly spoke, but I spent
the twilight hours awake, thinking about her. I love her, Omar, and I'm sure she loves me too.
Since then, Ive been calling a lot. I love hearing her voice- (Norma knocks on his door, startling
him) Who is it?
Norma: Its Norma.
Bryan: Come in. (Norma stands in the doorway) What do you need?
Norma: We have Mr. Harris ready for interrogation.
Bryan: Alright, lets go. (EXIT Bryan and Norma. In the mainroom, Cassius jumps out, scaring
both of them. Jack & Lance walk out)
Cassius: Norma, how ya doing? You hear about the news?
Bryan(holding back pure rage): What are you doing here, Cassius?
Norma: Bryan, why don't you run along to the interrogation room? Ill join you in a moment.
(EXIT Bryan)
Jack: Hes really excited to talk to you.
Norma: No shit. (To Cassius) What news?
Cassius: Congress has decided to move you into a limbo position.
Norma: I did nothing wrong!
Cassius: They don't know that, you're still under investigation.
Jack: Theyre replacing the ministers with The Peacekeepers, so now you're answering to us.
Norma: Good. While you're at it, lets have those clowns arrested. See what happens when you
throw me under the bus. (EXIT Cassius, & Jack. ENTER Rick, Bryan and Edgar . Set Change
into a chair and two chairs. Bryan and Edgar sit in the chairs, Norma stands aside, watching)
Rick: The government got you too Bryan? I'm real sorry for your loss, kid. That Roger kid may
have been naive and stupid, but he shouldn't have been the one to die that day. Those shooters
should have, and I'm glad The TImekeeper stopped them.
Bryan: Thank you. Lets get started-
Rick: You're both on the wrong side of history. But theres still have time to change.
Bryan: -I want to ask you a question or two, ok?
Rick: Are you listening to me? Leave this place while you can. You don't understand-
Edgar: I think we both understand. Either way, if you refuse to answer the questions, well have
to bring out some nasty looking equipment.
Rick: I saw what that demon did to my friends, and I won't let that happen to any more of em.
Edgar: It was an accident-
Rick: That was no accident! That was planned, calculated murder. When The Timekeeper
realizes what operation The Prime Ministers are pulling, theyll be rotting in jail for the rest of their
lives. And so will that Heather girl. Is she here? Can she hear me?
Edgar: She was transferred two days ago. Now answer the questions, this doesn't have to be
hard.
Rick: Do your worst to me.
Bryan: Fine, don't answer the questions. Instead; repeat a simple question after me, alright?
Rick: Why?
Edgar: Do as we say.
Rick: Why should I? I'm older than both of you, I don't have to take your orders.
Edgar: Its a simple memory exercise. I'm sure they ran you through those, right? Make sure
your not going crazy?
Rick: No, those had more reasons then that. What kind of trick are you pulling?
Bryan: Just please repeat this phrase.
Rick: Not until you give me a good reason.
Edgar: Alright, thats understandable. (beat, Edgar stares at him) Well I guess we can't
continue. Good day, Mr Harris.
Rick:(aside) -theyre never gonna know the coordinates, never- (To the teens) Like I said, you
two are on the wrong side of history, and time is running out for both of you. (EXIT Rick, escorted
by two agents. Edgar starts furiously writing down things on a piece of paper)
Edgar: Good thing he memorized two of the ATCs hideouts. Heres the coordinates for both of
them. Who memorizes coordinates, anyway? (ENTER Clara)
Norma: Crazy fools like him. Thank you both for your work. With this information, well be able to
topple their American Division, and spread our web of influence onto other countries. England,
Ireland, New Russia- itll be like dominos. You both may leave now.
Bryan: That went well, didn't it? (Edgar looks at him. EXIT Edgar. Bryan has an aside) You be
like that, buddy. (He moves towards Clara. ENTER Jack)
Norma: Alright Jack, weve got info. Coordinates, specifically, from our wonderful Edgar. They
are- (blackout on her spot. EXIT Norma. Bryan and Clara rendezvous, then move to center
stage. They talk while walking)
Bryan: Thanks for driving me back home. Hey, Clara, I have something to tell you.
Clara: Yes?
Bryan: I really, really like Heather. And I miss her being on the team. I was so much happier
when she was.
Clara: Bryan, she was only on the team for two days.
Bryan: I get that. With her gone, things are more noticeably bad.
Clara: Theyd be bad with her here or not. Considering how those bastards treat us, shes the
smart one.
Bryan: Definitely. And when the police stop bothering her, I'm gonna ask her out.
Clara: Thats funny. She told me youve been calling her non stop. I know you're not a people
person, but excessively calling someone is not only annoying, but creepy.
Bryan: Have I? (Clara nods her head) Ill see you later. (EXIT Clara, he moves towards his bed) I
can't blame Heather for being mad; sometimes I get a little weird around people. (ENTER
Heather & Roger. Bryan watches them) God I'm so stupid, why do I always do this? (Roger starts
forcing Heather on the ground. Bryan tries to move, but cannot) Roger, Roger! Get off of her,
now! (ENTER Emily, wearing the same clothes Bryan is) Are you listening to me? Stop
tormenting my girlfriend!
Emily: Shes not your girlfriend, Bryan, and she never will be. Shes like all the other woman
youve chased after. Look closer, Bryan. Very close.
Bryan: What are you talking about? Get away from me!
Emily: Time will do its course, and youll remember. Youve been able to forget for a long time,
but trust me, itll come back to you, hard. (Lights Come up. Bryan starts screaming. EXIT
Heather, Emily, and Roger)
Bryan: Omar? Its been a few days since I've seen him. Why doesn't he tell me anything? (takes
out a picture of Heather) Heather, please. Make this nightmare end.
Scene Six:
(ENTER Alex, two bodyguards, & Angry Citizen, Stage Left)
Alex: Attention, people of America. What Martin Washington says are falsehoods. The official
report of The Lightkeepers suicide is the only true statement. He is trying to scare you,
undermine your confidence in our government- (gunshots barely miss her. EXIT Alex, fleeing)
Angry Citizen(Ensemble): You're a traitor to this country! (Her bodyguards tackle them. ENTER
Edgar on Center Stage) Were gonna kill you and your man slave, god damn whore! (Blackout.
EXIT ALL but Edgar, with spotlight on him. Two privates are sitting behind him)
Edgar: June 28th. Things have been different for the past few days. It seems that Norma was
demoted to one of Project Altius members. Not that it matters, (ENTER Norma, Jack, and
Cassius) since she does nothing but sit around and speak to her brother, Cassius, and his
spouse Jack. (Edgar looks towards them)
Cassius: -Duncan made that sweet pass last night. Oh man, it was superhuman and I was so
impressed!
Norma: Cassius, I hate sports. Can we talk about something else?
Cassius: Like what? (beat. Norma shrugs her shoulders) Then sports it is. Anyway, Duncan
made that super pass to Jason and then Jason managed do- (lights slowly fade out on Cassius.
Lights on Edgar once more)
Edgar: Claras been moved into a limbo position, where shes neither a frontliner nor a
interrogator. Shes been operating more like a secretary for these past few days, and as a result
seems different. Quieter, more distant. Who knows. (Clara acts out what hes saying) Maybe she
hates the monotony of paperwork, endlessly punching papers, dealing with Cassius dumb
privates all day. Some of them even try to strike a conversation. (ENTER Female Private)
Female Private(Ensemble): Clara, can I ask you something?
Clara: What do you want?
Female Private: Theyre saying you killed those people in the forest. Is that really true?
Clara: Tell them their full of trash. The truth is we don't know exactly who killed them. Maybe it
was Heather, maybe it was those two agents, but it wasn't me.
Female Private: (EXIT Clara, Female Private)
Edgar: Whatd I tell you? A bunch of idiots. But thats most of the Peacekeepers.
Private #3: Dude, I think were in space! Woah! (aside) You're the idiot here Eddy.
Private #2: Is that a cosmo? We gotta see it! (aside) Whats wrong with him? (EXIT Privates)
Edgar: Speaking of Heather, meet her most persistent suitor. (ENTER Bryan) He can't stop
thinking about Heather. Its Heather this, Heather that, Heather Heather Heather.
Bryan: He, hey Heather. Howve you been doing? Thats great. Hey, didn't you say you could
revive the dead? Oh, you're working on it. Sorry. (beat) Well, I'll see you later today. Bye. (hangs
up. ENTER Lance)
Lance: Oh, Bryan, hey. Can I ask you a question?
Bryan: What do you want?
Lance: As you probably know, Calculus is pretty hard. Cassius tells me you could probably help
me with it. So, could you?
Bryan: Yea, its pretty easy. Sit down, what are you struggling with? (Lance opens up the book,
points out where) That? Its easy.
Lance: I was dosing off. Besides, Cassius blows as a father. You're lucky you got transfered.
(Bryan agrees. EXIT Lance & Bryan)
Edgar: As for the Peacekeepers, theyve taken the role of frontliners, and for the past few days
all theve been doing is picking fights with petty criminals out of boredom. Guess the terrorists are
sleeping on the job. (EXIT everyone else but Edgar). Well thats it for me. I hear theyre all
moving to the presentation room. I'm not joining them. They think I'm annoying, a freak, a bad
person, that I'm all these horrible things. Theyre not wrong. (he stands) Don't worry about me,
you should see what the others are doing. (EXIT Edgar)
Bryan: I don't know what you see in him Jack, but you're better without him.
Jack: I know you and Cassius don't have the best relationship. However, hes starting to clean
up his act. Hes grown a little as a person
Bryan: If you say so. Still seems like the Cassius I left. How is he as a major?
Jack: He could be better. Im mainly the one ordering his privates around. I think thats why
Omar transferred me.
Bryan: Why doesn't he just fire him? Itd make the world a much better place.
Jack: Omar cant. Cassius father would throw a fit.
Bryan: And since Daddys the Vice Minister, he gets a free job.
Jack: You shouldn't be so cynical, Bryan. However, I won't hold it against you if you don't forgive
my spouse. Hes still got a lot of growing up to do. But now that his sisters here, myself, Clara,
and her should be able to get him to become an adult. (ENTER Clara) Greetings.
Clara: Hi.
Jack: Hows your day been.
Clara: Tell your son to stop bothering me before I punch him in the face.
Jack: No need for violence, he listens.
Clara: What is up with the Peacekeepers? When I was in it, they weren't composed of a bunch
of wannabe stoners.
Jack: You know how effective The Timekeeper is. Wherever she goes, crime decreases. Could
be the capitol, or the war torn city of Moscow. The Peacekeepers see this, and too many think
they can slack off. As a result, crime rates increase, since the wrong people figure out The
Timekeeper cant everywhere. Since The Peacekeepers in the area get too comfortable, an
alarming majority assume The Timekeeper will fix it. Eventually, theyll get their act together,
but a few more peoplell have to die first.
Clara: Thank god I left.
Jack: And if I were honest, Cassius may be among the problem- (they suddenly hear an
explosion coming from above. beat)
Bryan: What was that?
Jack: Probably one of the generators overheated? Its probably nothing- (his words are drowned
out by sudden, muffled but loud Gunfire. Jack darts towards the Emergency button and slams
it. The doors lock. He pulls out a pistol and overturns a table) Both of you, behind me. Clara, plug
your ears. (they both go behind him) Were gonna be ok, alright kids. Were gonna be- (all the
lights in the theatre should suddenly go out as the sound of a generator failing occurs. The doors
open automatically. Gunfire ceases. ENTER Lance, Cassius, Norma, and an armed agent)
Jack: Freeze!
Norma: Its us, its us! (The backup lights come back on. Cassius is severely wounded and is
moaning)
Jack: Is he alright?
Norma: Hes gonna need first aid. Could one of you hand me the box? (Bryan does so) have any
of you seen Edgar?
Clara: Not for hours.
Norma: Were the hell is he?
Jack: I'll look for him.
Norma: Jack, are you sure-
Jack: I promise I'll be safe (EXIT Jack. Norma sighs).
Norma: Bryan, Clara. This agent here will escort you out and into safety. Bryan, Today is your
last day working for us. Omar will be notified as soon as possible. (sudden gunshots, much
louder then before occur. Clara is freaked out). Thank you for your service. (The agent escorts
them upstage EXIT Lance, who starts tearing up, Norma, and Cassius. Bryan and Clara return
downstage outside of Bryans house)
Bryan: So this is it for a while, isn't it?
Clara: Yep.
Bryan: I wish they wouldn't hold onto you like this.
Clara: You're looking at government property, Bryan.
Bryan: We both are. Hey, do you know anything about my parents?
Clara:, Does it matter? Theyre probably dead.
Bryan: No, but itd be nice to know.
Clara: Itd be nice to know alot of things. Like knowing who shot up the base. Does Bryan Hayes
know who attacked the Project Altius base today?
Bryan: Yes! (pause) Clara, you know to ask first. (she doesn't respond) Anyway, it was the ATC.
Clara: Really? (She looks at her watch) I should go. Take care Bryan, I'll see you when I get the
chance (Clara hugs Bryan, whose visibly uncomfortable by this. Blackout. EXIT Bryan and Clara)
Scene Seven:
(Heathers house. ENTER a Therapist and Heather. Her parents are sitting next to her)
Therapist(Ensemble): Tell me whats wrong, Heather.
Heather: Ive still having nightmares about you know what.
Therapist: Has the nightmare in away changed?
Heather: Its gotten gorier. Bodies now trap me and my victim in a circle. Some are hanging from
the ceiling. AlI of them are mutilated. I can see their organs, intestines, bones, all in accurate
detail. I can feel blood dripping on my forehead.
Therapist: Do these bodies resemble anyone?
Heather: I couldn't tell, but my victim was different. This time it was Bryan Hayes. He looked at
me with these dead looking eyes. When I started choking him, he made weird, gurgling noises,
until his eyes rolled back, and I felt his body go limp. Then I woke up.
Therapist: Do you feel anything else?
Heather: Nope. Only nightmares. Doctor, is this normal? Am I some kind of freak?
Therapist: Of course not, Heather. People react to traumatic events in different ways. Some
people develop PTSD, while others dont. You fall into the latter category.
Heather: Maybe you're right. Thank you. (Her father hands them the money. EXIT Therapist.
ENTER Bryan, Heather's phone rings)
H. Mother(Ensemble): Its that Bryan kid, isnt it?
Heather: Yes.
H. Father(Ensemble): You really s hould answer the call, Heather.
Heather: Yes, father. (she picks up) hello Bryan, howve you been doing?
Bryan: Good. Man, you were lucky dodging that bullet known as Project Altius.
Heather: I still got some of the burden, I'm not quite lucky.
Bryan: Anyway, I wanted to talk.
Heather: Would you look at the time, I'll see you around. Happy 4th of July-
Bryan: Wait. This time Ive got a purpose.
Heather: Do you?
Bryan: Last time Clara and I spoke, she seemed off. She knows I hate people touching me, but
nevertheless gave me a hug. Pus she used my powers without my permission
Heather: Oh thats terrible. You should talk to her.
Bryan: Well see, Anyway, Ive been thinking of going to that new diner. Jacksons Retro
Throwback. And Id love if youd join me in three days.
Heather(lies): I think I'm busy.
Bryan: Then well reschedule. When aren't you busy?
Heather(lies): I don't know Bryan, the next few weeks are looking to be pretty busy.
Bryan: Damn. Keep me informed alright? Hey, hows the mental disorder cure going?
Heather(lies): Its going great, Bryan. I'll see you around. (she hangs up. EXIT Bryan)
H. Mother: You did great, sweetie.
Heather: Why can't I tell him to leave me alone?
H. Father: If I hear stories about my daughter badmouthing a mentally inept boy, there will be
hell to pay. Got it?
Heather: But Father, he keeps calling me and sending me crap. And hes not like Ryan. Hes
way too passive to try anything on me.
H. Father: And I don't care what you feel about him. Its your duty as a gifted individual to help
your fellow kin, especially when they can't take care of themselves.
H. Mother: Sweetie, if he ever gets too touchy with you, use these. (she gives Heather zip ties.
EXIT Heathers parents. Spotlight on her)
Heather: Thank you mother. And you're right, father. (EXIT Heathers Parents. Spotlight on
Heather) This is wrong. If I don't help him then my parents will disown me. If I tell him the truth,
then Ill ruin his happiness. Ruin his happiness. (beat) Why the hell should I sacrifice my
happiness for his? He has his father. He doesn't need me to be happy. He doesn't need me to
give him hope! (She takes out her phone, but stops) But he doesn't have his father, who's gone
most of the time. If I tell him the truth, not only will my parents disown me, but I'm leaving him
stuck with Clara. I can't do that, I would feel terrible. Especially if she does something to him. I
have to help him. But why does it have to be me? Why do I have to be his surrogate mother?
(blackout)
Scene Eight:
(ENTER Bryan & Omar in Bryans living room, as well as Franklin)
Franklin: Greetings, people of America. We found that many of Prime Minister Johnson's claims
made during the Project Altius Senate Meeting were false. Most egregious was pinning of the
blame on the projects administrator, Norma Zefania. Weve determined, through several email
exchanges, that she gave explicit orders to send Clara, Heather, and those rogue agents to the
ATC-occupied building. As a result, a vote to impeach her is underway in House. Thank you for
your time. (Omar turns off the TV. EXIT Franklin)
Omar: Say, a few weeks ago I met your friend, Heather Lombardi.
Bryan: Did you?
Omar: She was at the palace undergoing therapy. When she was done we talked for a bit. She
seemed pretty nice. One of these days, you should ask her out.
Bryan(regretful): Why, shes only a friend.
Omar: Bryan. I hear you both talking all the time. And from what I can see you two get along fine.
It couldn't hurt to try.
Bryan: I think it could.
Omar: When I was your age, I felt the same thing about this girl I liked. And you know what? We
got married a few years later. Miracles can happen, Bryan, but only if you look for them. (the door
buzzes) Who is it? (he looks at the security camera) We changed the passcode. (Omar pulls out
the code and passes it through the slit in the door. Another try at inputting the code, now its
successful. ENTER The Timekeeper with a bag of pills. She sets it down next to the door).
Someone broke in a week ago.
Timekeeper: I wasn't informed of this?
Omar: You were busy in Russia. Still come in, weve been expecting you. (The Timekeeper sits
next to Bryan, who is clearly uncomfortable by her)
Timekeeper: Hello Bryan. I do apologize for not seeing you for so long. As you know, the world
is still fragile after The Great War, and I've been nursing a few countries back to health.
Bryan: Thats fine. Hey, Omar hasn't been so clear about this one thing.
Timekeeper(eying Omar): About what?
Bryan: My parents. Who were they?
Timekeeper: They don't concern you anymore. Theyre rotting in a far off prison, where they can
hurt no one else.
Bryan: What did they do?
Timekeeper: They were serial killers. In fact, they killed a poor girl in front of you, and it
traumatized you so horribly that your personality split into three.This also split your powers.
Believe me, you could do alot more then just know things. When they were put into prison, we
wiped your memory of the event, and put you in the care of one Cassius and his spouse. Alas,
we all know how they turned out.
Bryan: A shame thats not true. I did a report on serial killers in the capitol years ago, and neither
one of my parents were listed. Who were they?
Timekeeper: They weren't prolific enough-
Bryan: Tell the truth!
Omar: Timekeeper, enough of this-
Timekeeper: Bryan, you seem agitated and sad.
Bryan: I'm pissed off, thats what I am.
TImekeeper: But Bryan, I know what could cheer you up.
Bryan: Ill cheer up if you stop lying and acting condescending towards me.
Timekeeper: I can make Heather Lombardi love you back.
Bryan: Excuse me?
Omar: Timekeeper-
Timekeeper: It's very possible. All I need to do is change how her mind operates and boom,
shell finally want your affections.
Bryan: Are you insane? I want her to choose if she loves me, not be brainwashed!
Timekeeper: It couldn't hurt to try.
Bryan: No! What did you do with my parents?
TImekeeper: They caused it upon themselves, Bryan.
Bryan: Did you kill them?
Timekeeper: Thats preposterous.
Bryan: Is it? Cause I'm considering the possibility. Let me guess, you wanted my powers but
parents are a no no. So you killed them.
Omar: Bryan-
Bryan: Then you wiped my memory, and left me with a bastard who neglected me. So when I
was all screwed up, you could replace him with a dormant.
Omar: Bryan-
Bryan: That way, you can drug me up on pills-
Omar: Thats enough! Neither one of us killed your parents! And they really are in prison. Now,
considering your age, would you... would you like to remember them?
Bryan(suddenly concerned): Of course.
Omar: Does Bryan Hayes remember his parents and what they did to him?
Bryan: Yes- (beat. His expressions contorts into horror and agony. Beat. Timekeeper stands up)
TImekeeper: This concludes our session. Omar, I can't believe you-
Omar: Get out. (Timekeeper looks at him, before EXITING)
Bryan: You too, Omar. (Omar looks at him, then sighs. EXIT Omar. Spotlight on Bryan) When I
was young, my dad would watch my mom (he has difficulty saying it) molest me. Sometimes, he
didn't just watch. (beat) When I was older, I became friends with Roger.
Roger(Offstage): Bryan, what are you doing here? Why didn't you text me?
Bryan: One day, he came over to my house, and saw what my parents did. He told his parents,
and they got me out of there.
Roger(Offstage): Bryan, you look pretty heated. Whats wrong?
Bryan: One day, I learned something. I learned that this was the only good thing hed ever done
for me. (ENTER Roger. Bryan moves over to Roger)
Roger: Bryan, don't stand there, talk to me-
Bryan: its You, Roger. I'm sick and tired of how you treat me.
Roger: What are you talking about? Calm down dude-
Bryan: Don't play stupid! You treat Clara like she was a princess. But me? Those fake smiles,
that condescending voice of yours when you talk to me. I know you talk behind my back, you
think Clara would lie to me?
Roger: Bryan, I would never-
Bryan: I know you don't like me, I know you think I'm just a stupid, mentally challenged little boy
so why don't you admit it? (Beat. Roger stares at him with fury).
Roger: You know something, Bryan? Ever since that interview, you changed from a sweet,
likable guy, into an arrogant, condescending jerk. No response? Simply gonna look at me with
your eyes? Here, let me spell it out for out, Claras not happy with me for whatever reason, so
shes decided to turn you against me.
Bryan: Sure, blame it all on her. Its not my fault all my friends hate me, its their fault for not
seeing me who I really am.
Roger: Speak for yourself. You have a persecution complex bigger than the sun, and you flaunt
your 15 minutes of fame to get pity points from others. Look at me, guys! I was at The
Lightkeepers death. Gosh damn golly, that makes me better then the whole freaking world.
Bryan: I never wanna talk to you again.
Roger: Fine with me. Now get out of my house. (EXIT Roger. Bryan moves back to the present)
Bryan: How could they do that? How could they do that to their own child? (On the verge of a
breakdown, he suddenly sees the bag. He takes out a bottle of pills) All these years, I couldn't
remember my parents because of you. I let Roger treat me like an animal because of you. I
obsessed over Heather for so long because of you. Heather, I'm so sorry... no more. That
stranger was right, you are poison to my mind. Today is the last day I rely on you. Damn my
disease. Damn the side effects, I can take it. (EXIT Bryan with the bag. Blackout)
Scene Nine:
(ENTER Norma & Cassius outside of Bryans house)
Cassius: Whats the point? Hes gonna strike anything I say down.
Norma: I resigned a few hours ago, Cassius. If hell let me, you can too. (Cassius knocks on
Omars door. ENTER Omar)
Omar: Good morning, both of you. What do you want, Major?
Cassius: I want my unit transferred out of Project Altius.
Omar: Explain.
Cassius: We, we tried our best to salvage an inherently corrupt organization, but at the end of
the day, ten of my good men were shot dead. Killed for a conflict we did not inflict, nor deserve. I
refuse to let anymore of my men die in a ship that both of us very well know is about to sink
soon. (ENTER Abraham, preset in Alexs office)
Omar: Very well. You and your forces will be transferred starting this tomorrow. (Cassius sighs in
relief) Make sure to inform your forces of this impending transfer as soon as possible. Have a
nice day, both of you. (He shuts the door. EXIT Omar and Cassius. Abraham calls Omar)
Abraham: -Omar, you don't understand, now Project Altius has no leader. What do you mean
thats a good thing? Its still salvageable, and frankly the first thing we can do is make sure Alex
stays as far away from it as- no? Very well. Have a nice night, sir. (hangs up. He bangs the desk.
ENTER Alex) Project Altius going down the toilet.
Alex: Course it is. Weve lost everyone but Clara, and no gifted individual is gonna join, cause
by going after the ATC, we poisoned the well.
Abraham: Thanks for that.
Alex: The organization is further tarnished by my impeachment, which I can not agree with-
Abraham: Why not? It was justified. What you did was abhorrent.
Alex: It was a necessary lie. What congress refuses to realize is that, without the proper recruits
they promised, we were forced to use the easiest targets; teenagers. The recruits they promised
were not enough.
Abraham: They were just as gifted, if not more so then those teens!
Alex: Young adults with a lack of training and preparation?
Abraham: Then why didn't we train them?
Alex: Do that and we leave more people to the starving wolves. Congress should have allowed
access to their elder recruits. But of course they wouldn't. Doing so would be the logical, mature
thing. Doing so would be doing their jobs.
Abraham: The attacks only became frequent because of Project Altius. It gave the people
reason to fear us.
Alex: Reasons that are borne of fear, spoken by people like Martin Washington and Rick Harris.
Abraham: So we illegally arrest Martin? That works. As for Rick, hes already on trial for
assisting a terrorist organization. Problem solved.
Alex: The times are too desperate. This country is being ravaged by Nuclear Winter! We can not
have liars like Martin and Rick causing anymore trouble.
Abraham: Refer to my plan.
Alex: No, we have to kill them.
Abraham: Excuse me.
Alex: Call Clara. Tell her to terminate Martin and Rick. Ive already hired an informant to displace
the evidence. That ex- reporter from Channel 5 News. Hes repaying a favor.
Abraham: Nothing works in this plans favor!
Alex: No, but Ill let you in on a secret, Abe. Our positions have no power, were just figureheads
to take the heat off The Timekeeper and Congress. Face the facts; they hate me, they love you.
Lets give em what they want, maybe theyll stop messing around and commit to helping our
country. As for Clara, shes the cheapest gifted individual available. We can work around her
disabilities.
Abraham: All of this could easily be achieved by arresting them-
Alex: The dead can not spread hatred. Are you with me? (Abraham nods. Alex calls Clara) Clara
Norton, I want you to kill Martin Washington and Rick Harris, ok? If you don't, your friends will
suffer unimaginable suffering. Perceive that comment however you like, but this how next week
is going to work...
Scene Ten
(ENTER The Journalist and Martin)
Journalist: July 8th. Thank you letting me interview you, it's hard to stay afloat when you're
indie.
Martin: No, thank you. You see, Ive got a confession.
Journalist: Really? Spit it out.
Martin: Everything I said, about The Timekeeper, Lightkeeper, the government... all crap I made
up.
Journalist: The ratings are gonna love this! Do you have any regrets?
Martin: Of course. Fools have been starting riots on the streets, shouting hang the senators! I
suspect people are going to die soon, and unless I turn myself in... well, just look at Rick. Bought
it all hook, line, and sinker. (ENTER Clara) Clara- (She shoots him in the face. Freaking out, she
drops the pistol and runs. Journalist rubs Martins fingerprints all over the pistol)
Journalist: This is what fame gets ya, Martin. (ENTER Norma & Abraham in Alexs office) I too
suffered a similar fate. But unlike you? I survived. (EXIT Journalist)
Norma: Abe, what the hell are you two doing?
Abraham: What are you talking about-
Norma: Don't play dumb. I know Washington's death is connected to you two, so answer my
question.
Abraham: Desperate times have come for desperate measures, Norma, and this our way of
stomping the boot down. I suggest you keep quiet about this.
Norma: Or what?
Abraham: Please, do as I say.
Norma: No. I refuse to keep my lips shut. Not after Project Altius.
Abraham: Norma- (EXIT Norma. Abraham puts his hands over his face. ENTER Rick)
Rick: People of America. Theyve butchered Mr. Washington, and who knows wholl die next?
Stand with me, and we will purge those demons from our country! Well hang em till their necks
split in two! God bless America! (EXIT Rick & Abraham, only for Clara to shoot Rick and run.
EXIT Clara. ENTER Journalist)
Journalist: Sleep tight, my friend. The afterlife is not a hostile place. And you too, Norton.
(ENTER TImekeeper) Youll get your freedom soon enough. (She stomps on the ground.
Journalist notices, and runs offstage. Timekeeper is left flabbergasted as she inspects Rick)
Timekeeper: What kind of gifted individual am I dealing with? Has Aaron Neilson turned?
(ENTER Clara) Maybe thats why he disappeared. (EXIT Timekeeper and Rick. Clara calls
Bryan)
Clara: Bryan, I killed Martin Washington and Rick Harris. But they had it coming. Martins
comments sent two girls down a deep dark pit. They deserved to die. They deserved to die.
They... no. No they didn't. Whats wrong with me? How I can justify this? They didn't deserve
this. Why am I doing this, oh god why am I doing this. (She hangs up) Please, someone save me
from this dark pit, pull me out, pull me out into the light, anyone, anyone! (ENTER Bryan Center
Stage. EXIT Clara)
Bryan: Ill keep your secret, Clara. I can think with more clarity now. I still can't remember much
of my childhood, but in a week or so, I should- (Bryan starts coughing up blood). A little more
blood then yesterday. Thats alright, Im free from slavery. I'm free to be my own man... (He
freezes, before walking offstage. The sound of rioting can be heard. ENTER Nothingness. He
talks to the audience)
Nothingness: Its been awhile, hasn't it? I bet you almost forgot about me. Thankfully your fears
are tamed, because the other ones off his pills and I can reign supreme again! After my brief
stint with that girl, I studied up on Martin. Came to respect him. I'm not happy about his demise,
and neither are the citizens of America. (ENTER a Rioter)
Rioter(Ensemble): Hang the Ministers! They butchered the free voice of America, and will
continue with more! (they throw something, before running offstage)
Nothingness: The Timekeeper has announced that a vigilante is the cause for these murders. If
this killer really does extend to the Prime Ministers, then that means the riots, all over the
country, are justified. (ENTER Edgar, walking towards the riot) That means the fun can really
begin- (Edgar bumps into him. He looks up to see Nothingness, who looks like Bryan)
Edgar: Bryan? what are you doing here.
Nothingness: Edgar! I thought you died in the ATC raid!
Edgar: Funny joke, Bryan.
Nothingness: Im not joking.
Edgar: You saw me walk out with Jack. Stop messing around and- (Edgar reads his mind). Oh,
you're one of his other personalities. Sorry to bother, Ill be on my way
Nothingness: that way? No sir, I was just there, that way is bad.
Edgar: I walked over here to watch the riots.
Nothingness: But youll get yourself killed.
Edgar: So? No ones gonna miss me when I- (he realizes what hes saying) Watching riots are a
bad idea.
Nothingness: Hey, I know whatll cheer you up.
Edgar: Thats pretty funny.
Nothingness: I can sense your strong negativity, Edgar. Come with me, (A table and two chairs
appear. Nothingness grabs Edgars hand and sits him down)
Edgar: Those weren't-
Nothingness: Come on, play some poker. (Nothingness pulls out some cards) No dice? (Edgar
looks around him) You're too young anyway.
Edgar: Whats your name?
Nothingness: Who cares.
Edgar: Great first impressions, I don't care either. (Edgar sits there, sad, deep in thought)
Nothingness: You were curious how I knew your name, right?
Edgar: Did you read it online? Project Altius is still a big thing.
Nothingness: Nah. I happen to know alot of secrets about alot of people.
Edgar: Tell me a secret.
Nothingness: You were diagnosed with major depressive disorder...
Edgar: The tabloids ate that up.
Nothingness: Heather doesn't like Bryan...
Edgar: Shocking Revelations! Is Bryan Hayes Stalking Heather Lombardi? Trust me, I read
them too.
Nothingness: Your father is single.
Edgar: Still treading the obvious territory, sport.
Nothingness: Your mother is dead, right? (Edgar pays attention now. He nods) Is that why you
have depression?
Edgar: No, she died when I was 3 months old. Brain tumor that went unnoticed. My father
refused to have The Lightkeeper revive her, so I have no significant memories of her. My father
raised me appropriately.
Nothingness: And yet youre so negative.
Edgar: Nice deduction, Holmes.
Nothingness: So I ask you, why do you have depression?
Edgar: I don't know. If I knew why, then maybe I wouldn't have it. It could be from anything.
Maybe its cause of my father. Or maybe its cause of my powers, theyve given me more besides
Bla bla everyone hates me. Theyve had deceptively positive outcomes. For example, I used
them to date my first and only girlfriend.
Nothingness: Is that why you're depressed? Did she meet a tragic end?
Edgar: No, she dumped me because I used her thoughts to manipulate her. Frankly I had it
coming.
Nothingness: What a shame.
Edgar: Can we stop talking about this? Talk about something else, or you can leave.
Nothingness: Ok, Edgar. As your new friend, I promise.
Edgar: Friends don't think of ways to manipulate their buddies.
Nothingness(to audience): Not true. (to Edgar) Look, what I think you really need is company.
Connect with your old co-workers.
Edgar: What goodll that do? I cut them out for a reason. They thought I was a freak.
Nothingness: Youd be surprised. (ENTER The Journalist, wearing a disguise)
Edgar: If it gets you to leave me alone, Ill do it.
Journalist(to Nothingness): W hats your name?
Nothingness: Hey I know you! Edgar, this is the guy that-
Journalist: I don't have all day.
Nothingness: Who cares about my name? I wanna know yours.
Journalist: Mr no name, huh? For your sake, come with me. Plus the names Clarance
Nothingness: Can I bring my friend?
Journalist: Hes not needed. This business concerns only us. (They start walking. Journalist
suddenly clutches his head. He is unable to hear Nothingness)
Nothingness: Where are we going?
Journalist(shouting): What did you say, I couldnt tell.
Nothingness: Whatever. (To Edgar) Make sure to call your former friends. Theyll really
appreciate it!
Journalist(shouting): What was that? Speak up. (EXIT Nothingness and Journalist)
Edgar: I suppose it couldn't hurt. (He calls Heather) Hey, its Edgar. Damn, 1:35AM? Didn't
notice. Anyway, howve you been? Thats good. Well ive been ok, mostly wandering the streets.
Nowadays I've been trying to keep my body in shape, if I ever need to protect myself. You know
Bryans been obsessing over you. Right, I didn't know you knew. Why help that creep? Oh.
Ouch. Funny enough, I just hung out with him. Or one of his personalities at least. Good luck.
(blackout. ENTER Bryan)
Scene Eleven
(ENTER Heather. Bryan is slumped over on a chair. Heather tries to wake Bryan up)
Heather: Bryan, Bryan. (He wakes up)
Bryan: Heather, (sits upright) Heather? What is this?
Heather: You tell me.
Bryan: Well lets find out, you know what to do.
Heather: Does Bryan Hayes know what he was doing last night?
Bryan: Yes. One of the others was hanging out with Edgar, before that journalist fellow, the one
that called himself Clarence, he took him here and told him to stay.
Heather: Do you know why?
Bryan: No, he was suffering from some sort of migraine, and didn't speak much. Its weird, he
broke into my house a few weeks ago and warned me to stop taking my pills.
Heather: How long have you been off?
Bryan: For the past week.
Heather: Why would you do that?
Bryan: They were poison to my brain!
Heather: Those pills were keeping you-
Bryan: They made me obsess over you. (Heather looks at him) I know Ive been acting really
creepy towards you, why else would you hang up like that? Im really sorry for my behavior, Ill
never-
Heather: Its fine, Bryan.
Bryan: No its not.
Heather: Anyway-
Bryan: What I did was awful-
Heather(suddenly angry): Go ahead, blame it all on the pills, Bryan, its not like you have your
own god damn agency!
Bryan: Heather-
Heather: Text Clara. I came here to help work out your problems, one of which is Clara. Tell her
to come over, and let her know Im with you. (Bryan texts her) If its the pills fault, why have you
still been calling me?
Bryan: Im still under their effects. But without them, my mind's been so much clearer. Plus I can
remember my childhood. I can remember when my parents started... molesting, me (Beat.
Heather doesn't know how to react)
Heather: Bryan, you repressed your childhood memories because they were awful. The pills had
no hand to play in that, and they didn't make you crazy, thats on you.
Bryan: Maybe its true for others, but Im different. Youll see- (Bryan suddenly starts coughing
blood)
Heather: Oh my god, are you alright? (Bryan freezes up. ENTER Emily, who replaces him)
Bryan? Bryan?
Emily: Yes, Im alright Heather. Why do you ask? (notices the blood on the floor)
Heather: You need to call an ambulance-
Emily: Before I do, can you do me a favor?
Heather: Bryan, are you ok?
Emily: Ive wanted this for so long, but no one had the balls to give it to me.
Heather: What it is you want? Are you ok?
Emily: Let me die. (Before Heather can speak, she grabs a knife, and tries to stab herself in the
heart. Heather stops her, and pins her to the ground)
Clara(offstage): Heather? Bryan? Whats going on in there?
Heather: Come inside, quick! (ENTER Clara, who shambles in. She acts sleep deprived)
Clara: What did he do?
Heather: Grabbed a knife, and tried to kill himself.
Clara: Christ Bryan, youre really off your rocker.
Emily: Girls. I don't deserve the life Im given. But make sure my story lives on. (Heather tries to
speak) My name is Emily Morgan, I'm one of the others that Bryan speaks of. Unlike the one
with no name, I haven't breathed with his lungs for years. Ive instead tried to help him remember
his childhood. Only now has he finally realized what horrors were kept from him. (Heather gets
off of her, but keeps the knife)
Heather: How did you accomplish this?
Emily: Whenever he ever had dreams about his parents, corrupted as they are, I tried to help
him realize their true meaning. Every time, he would regard me with fear and loathing, refusing to
listen me. Now he regards me as his own boogeyman, screaming and thrashing in real life. As if I
were trying to tear him apart in his dreams.
Heather: Was his parents, you know, doing stuff to him, why you came about.
Clara: Heather, what stuff?
Emily: Yes. I was one of two born out of his desire to escape from the world around him.
Specifically, we mainly came out whenever his parents decided to violate him. (Clara reacts with
disgust)
Clara: Are they still alive? I should pay them a visit.
Emily: Their located in a prison somewhere. I don't know which one.
Heather: Is that why you want to die? Cause he knows about his parents?
Emily: Yes. I have nothing else to provide him. Don't assume I use him, girls, unlike the one with
no name. He uses our body to satisfy his desires and urges. Try as I do, I can not control him,
but with me out of the way, and the two in their own bodies, he wont hurt him anymore. So
please, slash my throat.
Clara: Shes lying, Heather.
Heather: How do we know this won't kill all three of you?
Emily: Unfortunately, youll have to trust my word. Please do it for me, I am physically unable to
off myself. I assure you, with me dead, hell revive Bryan in his own body, and leave me to rest.
Heather: Are you sure you want to do this? We have ways to purge you and the other one from
his mind-
Emily: If you do, the powers we took from him will screw up his body.
Heather: Hm. Something like that happened a few years ago. That poor girl's body exploded in a
red mist. Are you truly sure you want this? (Emily nods. Heather moves to slit her throat. Clara
stops her and moves in between them) Clara, don't make this hard-
Clara: Did you hear what she said? No one else but The Lightkeeper can revive the dead. And
that red mist girl is an urban legend!
Heather: Maybe Bryans more special then we thought?
Clara: Why don't you stop and think about the crap that comes out of that girls mouth?
Emily(annoyed about argument): Please- (she freezes up. ENTER Bryan. Emily notices, and
tries to talk, but he shoves her into the wings. EXIT Emily. He takes her place. This occurs as
Heather and Clara speak)
Heather: Get out of the way, Clara.
Clara: Not until you get your head checked.
Heather: Do you want her to be happy? How about Bryan?
Clara: Heather- (Heather pushes her out of the way and slashes Bryans throat. Clara freezes,
and runs out of the building. EXIT Clara)
Heather: Shit! Clara, I didn't know! I'm sorry- (Bryan lands on his knees, and starts choking on
his own blood. He tries to say Heather but it comes out garbled. Heather realizes whats
happening. Horrified, She pries his hands off his neck and grabs it. She starts healing his wound,
signified by a blue spotlight over the two and a sound effect)
Bryan(can make comprehensible sentences now): Heather-
Heather: Don't talk, I need to concentrate-
Bryan: I love you.
Heather: I knew that, now you really should be quiet for-
Bryan: Do you?
Heather(lies): Of course (ENTER The Journalist) Now we can discuss this all when Im done
fixing your wound.
Bryan: Heather-
Heather: I'm almost done, Bryan.
Bryan: Heather-
Journalist: Its good enough. (He stabs her with a syringe marked Heather)
Bryan: Heather! Get off of her! (Journalist grabs him by the collar. He struggles)
Journalist: Whats your name? (ENTER Abraham in Alexs office)
Bryan: Whyd you take me here? Whyd you hurt her?
Journalist: Tell me your name, and maybe Ill stop.
Bryan: Let go of me-
Journalist: Come with me, well find out which one you are, somewhere less noisy. (Journalist
drags Bryan offstage. EXIT those two. Blackout)
Scene Twelve:
(A recording of Alexs voice plays)
Alex: Listen up, Abe. Senator Franklin is paying a visit tomorrow. (lights on, Abraham reacts to
her monologue). She wants to discuss the riots occurring. Were not gonna do that. Shes got a
shady past, my friend, one involving laundered funds. Chinese funds. We can use this info to
control her, get unpassable reforms like Universal Healthcare passed. We can achieve so much
good with her, and this could even extend to your term as Prime Minister. Unless you speak out.
Find a fallguy in case this plan goes awry. (Recording ends)
Abraham: What have I gotten myself into? If I speak out, I am damned as an associate. But if I
don't, then I damn those below me. (He gets a phone call. He answers. ENTER Norma) Norma,
whats the status on Bryan?
Norma: No luck. Hes still out there. Thankfully we have forces all over the capitol.
Abraham: Excellent. Listen, my daughter, I want you to help me with a little... favor.
Norma: Go on.
Abraham: Well have Franklin help us pass a few bills. So, if youd be faithful to your pa and
country, we need your help to sway his opinion.
Norma: How dare you, helping that monster with her crimes. You think you're innocent cause
you just nod your head and watch?
Abraham: My hands are tied, dear-
Norma: Still, that same monster gave me some stern words for attempting to report her. Theyve
made me so scared for my life. Therefore, Ill go along with your little plan. Gladly, in fact. God
bless America. (she hangs up. Shaking his head. He starts typing up an email. EXIT Norma)
Abraham: Dear Senator Franklin, I wish to inform you of the crimes myself and Prime Minister
Johnson have committed. We are mainly responsible for the murder of Martin Washington. We
are also responsible for forcing a PTSD-ridden girl to kill him. You can find me and our Prime
Minister in our office. Signed, Vice Minister Zefania. Come on, Abe. Do the right thing. Its in your
grasp. (sighs. ENTER Lance, Cassius, & Jack) If I don't send it, my legacy is ensured. If I send it,
then shell kill my kids. Let that be the truth. (Blackout. EXIT Abraham)
Scene Thirteen:
(spotlight on Lance. Cassius and Jack are sitting next to each other on the couch)
Cassius: Lance, whats wrong?
Jack: You can tell us anything.
Lance: Its about you know what. The nightmares aren't going away, (He moves to Center
Stage. ENTER Clara to Center Stage beside him. When she talks, her head moves to face the
audience. EXIT Cassius & Jack) theyre only getting worse. This time, I see their faces-
Clara: His bloody face, with a hole in it, gushing out with blood-
Lance: They all look at me, asking why I got to live instead of them. Why do I deserve life when
I'm just a worthless stain on society. Don't deny it Jack!
Clara: I see that reporter, smiling at me. And he says, You did the right thing, girl.
Lance: If I hear any loud bang,-
Clara: Anything that resembles a gunshot-
Lance & Clara: I return to that one moment.
Lance: Both of you, do me a favor, ok?
Clara: I don't deserve help.
Lance: Make this nightmare end. (EXIT Lance. Clara moves to her room, replacing Bryans
house. A package is beside her. Shes holding a knife)
Clara: This knife is your ticket to freedom. Clarance. Is it really July 13th? (Someone knocks.
Clara hides the knife and note) Come in. (ENTER The Timekeeper) What do you want?
Timekeeper: You were at the scene of Bryans kidnapping, am I correct? (Clara nods) The police
want a testimony. I excused myself to confront you personally.
Clara: Well, around July 4th. (Timekeeper speaks) No, listen. I got a phonecall from our Prime
Minister. She said that if I didn't help kill Martin Washington, then shed kill all these people I like.
So I shot that bastard.
Timekeeper: Is this true?
Clara: No, I'm telling ghost stories! Of course its freaking true.
Timekeeper: This is not surprising. I should have expected such behavior from her. But I assure
you, Clara, she will be well taken care of.
Clara: Thats not the point, Timekeeper. You could've stopped this by inspecting her and figuring
out that shes a tyrant. But you didn't, and you know why? Because deep down in your heart, you
don't care for us. You pretend to care, but if we all died, youd happily go about your business.
Isn't that-
Timekeeper: That isn't true, Clara. I am far too busy to deal with national affairs. I will report your
story to the authorities, but first, please give me a testimony about Bryan- (ENTER Alex &
Abraham in Alexs office)
Clara: Thats all you want, the testimony. You come here and pretend to care about me, despite
being the catalyst of my disease. (Timekeeper speaks) Shut up, you sent me to that battlefield to
control me. Thats what you do with all of your friends, screw them up so they can be just as
miserable and lonely as you. Life is a boot that stomps on your face over and over, until you die.
(pulling out a knife) Its time I become free! (Timekeeper tries to stop her, but its too late. She
slits her throat. Dropping the knife, she drops to the floor, convulsing for a brief moment until she
dies)
Timekeeper: You were all I had left. (Spotlight on office. EXIT Timekeeper and Clara)
Abraham: Shell be here soon.
Alex: Its 8:50, you said shed be here at- (ENTER Norma and Franklin) Senator Franklin, how
do you do? (They shake hands) Norma, how nice of you do join us.
Norma: Anytime.
Franklin: On with the meeting, Prime Minister.
Alex: Yes. Riots are occurring all over the country. Who knew one death could cause so much.
Franklin: Indeed. Good people are dying in the streets because our citizens have lost
confidence in the government. Some going beyond rioting, and actively calling for the overthrow
of us. Do you recall one Rick Harris?
Alex: Yes, I imagine some of that rioting has to do with his death, correct?
Franklin: Except hes not dead. (Alex looks at him) Rick was rushed to the hospital for
emergency treatment. Currently hes in a stable condition, and is likely to recover from his
wound. Have you been keeping tabs on the news?
Alex: No, ive been busy with work.
Franklin: With plotting more murders? (Alex tries to speak) By the way, thank you Norma.
Norma: For what?
Franklin: Your evidence of our Prime Ministers crimes has been significantly useful.
Alex: Franklin, I had nothing to do with them.
Franklin: Lying will get you nowhere, Johnson. I know what you two have done.
Abraham: Its true, all of its true-
Franklin: You are both responsible for the murder of Martin Washington, and the attempted
killing of Rick Harris. Now tell me, what is the identity of your reporter turned assassin?
Norma: He calls himself Clarance, and according to Heather Lombardi's testimony, is
connected to the kidnapping of Bryan Hayes.
Franklin: In that case, what were two planning with him? Hunting former members of Project
Altius? (Alex is breathing heavily)
Abraham: We aren't responsible for Bryans-
Alex: I know youre stuffing the bank with Chinese money, Franklin. Politicians like you are why
these people have to die! (Norma pulls out the syringe and stabs Alex in her arm. EXIT Franklin
as Alex collapses to the ground)
Abraham: You did the right thing, Norma. (ENTER Heather & Edgar. Shes in the hospital bed)
Norma: I hope so. The country couldn't get worse then this. (Blackout on office)
Heather: Edgar-
Edgar: I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner.
Heather: Thats ok. Ill be fine, dont worry.
Edgar: Have you read the news? Claras dead. Slit her throat.
Heather: Oh my god no. And Bryans still out there.
Edgar: Il hope for the best. (ENTER Jack. Lights on office) Jack.
Jack: I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but you two must stay here. Bryans kidnapper has alleged
ties to the Prime Ministers. (ENTER Cassius & Franklin outside office. Cassius inspecs Alex).
Worse enough...
Jack & Cassius: Prime Minister Johnson is dead. (Heather, Edgar, Norma, and Abraham react)
Jack: Yes, an overdose of anaesthesia. Well know the full story in the following days. Sit tight.
(Blackout on Hospital. EXIT Edgar, Heather, and Jack)
Norma: Oh my god.
Abraham: Cassius, she is mainly responsible for this violence. I am only an unwilling
accomplice.
Franklin: You can't weasel out of this, Abraham.
Cassius: Well determine the accuracy of that, father. All three of you, come with me for
questioning.
Norma: Call Jack and make sure Edgar, Clara, and Heather are safe.
Cassius: Once we leave this building, I will. (EXIT ALL. ENTER Bryan from Stage Left, limping)
Bryan: Get away from me! Someone, help me. (he starts to vomit blood)
Journalist(Offstage): Quit running, Bryan. This will all be easier if you stay put. (ENTER
Journalist)
Omar(offstage): Bryan, are you there?
Bryan: Omar! Help me, help! (EXIT Bryan)
Journalist: Damn, not him. Where to hide? (ENTER Omar. Journalist hides)
Omar(shouting): Bryan? Clarance, if youve done anything to my son, Ill rip you apart! Do you
hear? (quieter) This forest is filled to the brim with nasty little secrets. Criminals, animals... this is
the place where my wife's life changed forever. (ENTER Emily) Bryan! (Omar hugs her, but she
resists)
Emily: Its not Bryan, but Emily. That madman wants to hurt us.
Omar: I don't care which one you are, Ill keep you safe. I promise. (ENTER The Journalist)
Emily: I tried to protect him, but he wouldn't listen. And I'm so sorry-
Omar: Weve all forgiven you, everythings gonna be ok. (Journalist creeps towards Omar)
Emily: Look out! (Journalist stabs Omar with a syringe marked Omar. He collapses to the floor,
Journalist pulls a pistol before Emily can run)
Journalist: Halt! Which one are you?
Emily: Emily Morgan.
Journalist: At last, you show yourself. Slightly late, but thats fine.
Emily: What do you want with me!
Journalist: Do you recognize my face?
Emily: No, weve never met.
Journalist: You harmed me in the past, and thanks to Project Altius, I can return the favor.
Emily: Then shoot me, for gods sake!
Journalist: Before I do, the world longs for your last words.
Emily: Last words? I can do that. Let me think first. (trying to delay the inevitable) I gotta think of
something really... great. (she freezes up)
Journalist: Don't take too long, ok? (no response. Spotlight on Journalist. He moves away from
Emily, who is replaced with Bryan during his monologue) You can end this one little bullet. No,
look at them! Their disheveled body, in need of medical care. Why should I hurt this girl? She
didn't know any better, still doesn't. Turn yourself in, with these two alive and well. Youll speak
with The Timekeeper personally, and only then will you- (he suddenly gets a headache.
Screaming starts playing in the background, becoming louder as he speaks) Don't do it, don't....
Who cares if shes a child? She has taken so much from this world! We must be avenged! (The
Journalist moves towards Bryan and shoots him dead. The screaming stops. Lights up) Rest
now, my friends. (ENTER Nothingness) You all are free, and I will see you all soon. (Nothingness
pins Journalist to the ground and restrains him with zip ties)
Nothingness: Shoulda known you were fishy. (At Bryans body) Alas, poor soul. Nevertheless,
your death will not be in vain. (He claps his hands. ENTER Emily) Hes all yours.
Emily(furious): Ill rip you apart! (She starts choking Journalist) But not just you. Consider
yourself patient zero, bastard. Im the next epidemic, and I'm coming to wipe out the wicked.
Doesn't matter who they are, nothing justifies them. Not unless they atone and hunt their fellow
parasite. (Omar starts to stir. EXIT Nothingness and Emily running. Journalist gasps for breath.
Omar notices Journalist. He pulls out his radio)
Omar: I need reinforcements, now! (Omar tries to stand, but collapses) What was I thinking,
going in alone? (He sees Bryans body) You did this, did you? (Journalist doesn't respond. Omar
crawls towards Bryan) Forgive me, for I failed to protect you. We couldve helped you, and
instead we chose to let you rot. Forgive me, my son, I have failed my duties as a father, and you
payed the price. (He finally reaches Bryan) Farewell, Bryan. (The sound of vehicles can be heard
approaching. Blackout)
End of Act One