A Tale of Autumn

(Draft 4.26.17)

by Christopher Chen

Representation:
Rachel Viola
United Talent Agency
888 Seventh Ave.
9th Floor
New York, NY 10106
T: 212.659.2600  
F: 877.260.5079 
ViolaR@unitedtalent.com
 CHARACTERS

SAN Head of Shipping and Transportation Division

MARIANA Head of the Water Division

DAVE Head of Agriculture Division

GIL Dave's lover

XAVIER Head of the Chemicals Division

RENA A Farm Company saleswoman

YUL Gesalm's tenant

GESALM An elderly farmer

COUNCIL (Councilperson Gen) President of the Farm Company

Board

POLICEMAN

Set design and aesthetics should have a sleek minimalism, with minimal furniture and
props. Transitions should be quick and seamless. Genders of characters are variable;
pronouns within the text may be changed.

" / " means overlapping lines.

 1.

ACT I
SCENE 1

(The final moments of a funeral. LIV's picture is

up. COUNCIL speaks.)

COUNCIL
And so, on behalf of The Farm Company Board Council, our most heartfelt
condolences to the entire Farm Company family. Our employees, our
division heads gathered here today (acknowledging them-- some nod),
and to all the people across the land who have made Farm Company an
essential part of their lives. Thank you. In you, Liv's spirit will live on. And
so to all of you I say: Good farming.

ALL
Good farming.
(They disperse, mingle, solemn hugs. Isolated lighting
on SAN and MARIANA in a corner. Onscreen intros:
SAN: HEAD OF SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION; MARIANA-- HEAD OF WATER DIVISION.
They have drinks.)

MARIANA
Salut.

SAN
Salut.
(They drink.)

MARIANA
What a day.

SAN
Yep.

MARIANA
How are you doing?

SAN
Doesn't feel real.

MARIANA
I know you were really close to him.

SAN
You were too.
 2.

MARIANA
It was special for you. I know.
(Beat.)

SAN
I'm shaken. I'll be honest.

MARIANA
Mm. (Understanding.)

SAN
Nervous too.

MARIANA
How so?
(Beat. SAN doesn't know if she wants to continue.
Decides to.)

SAN
Well, who do you think's gonna take over?

MARIANA
That's the question / huh.

SAN
That's the question.

MARIANA
Probably Dave, right? He's agriculture, Council loves him.
(Beat)

SAN
I mean... The thing that makes me really nervous is...
(Slight.)
I really think we could be at a crossroads here.

MARIANA
How so?

SAN
Well... I think at this point, Farm Company really could go in two very
different directions. Depending on--... on what we really believe to be Liv's
true legacy. You know? Does that make sense?

MARIANA
Sure, yeah.
 3.

SAN
I mean, under Liv, we've just had this, this unprecedented growth, by any
measure, or / standard...

MARIANA
Right.

SAN
I mean, going beyond farming-- the creation of us, the divisions, then
going public, all of it.

MARIANA
Yeah.
(Slight beat.)

SAN
So then the question is, the real question is: All this expansion... in service
of what.
(She takes a dramatic beat. MARIANA considers.)

MARIANA
Yeah, that's a good question I guess.

SAN
And I don't really know what the answer is... But say you have a mouse,
who's following this trail of breadcrumbs. Do mice eat breadcrumbs? / Is
that--

MARIANA
Cheese.

SAN
Okay, cheese, a mouse following a trail of cheese, just blindly moving from
piece to piece, because why not? What else does it know but to follow the
most immediate cheesy incentive before it? It could be doing this for
years, for a lifetime, even if the trail's actually been an elaborate trap this
whole time. And that's the tragedy-- the mouse doesn't have the foresight,
the wisdom, to even know to reject these easy temptations before it, see
there were better paths all along, that were actually better for his well
being.

MARIANA
Okay what's the cheese in this formulation.

SAN
Well, why did we go public?
 4.

MARIANA
Well let's see. So we could expand our reach, have the resources to
expand our reach...

SAN
Yes, but expand our reach for what purpose. This is what I'm...

MARIANA
Am I following a trail of cheese here?

SAN
Humor me. Play the mouse.

MARIANA
Fine. Expand our reach for the purpose of being a better, bigger, stronger
company. Because, because we can.
(She smiles.)
And of course that's not the answer you're looking for.
(SAN smiles back. A beat.)

SAN
Liv had this phrase: Ambitious citizenship. Have you heard that?

MARIANA
I did, yes, I liked that.

SAN
Ambitious citizenship. Citizenship, right? That's why he followed The Way.
That's the purpose of The Way. The ultimate goal: How can Farm
Company be the best citizen-- not company, but the best citizen-- of the
state as possible. That means how can we feed and nourish as many
people as possible. So going public was a means to that end, creating the
divisions was a means to that end: more efficient transportation to carry
food, streamlining irrigation. It was for the people. That was always,
always the goal.
(Slight beat. MARIANA doesn't know if she's finished.)

MARIANA
Okay, yes, I agree.
(Beat.)
I bet Dave would agree too. I think it's pretty clear that's our mission.

SAN
It's not though. That's the thing.

MARIANA
No?
 5.

SAN
It's not obvious. Or else the message is--... diluted.

MARIANA
Hmmmm... (As in, "Now we're getting to the bottom of it.")

SAN
And so that's the crossroads we're at right now. The road I described...

MARIANA
Okay...

SAN
Or the other road. And the other road-- and this is hard because it's not as
obvious, and people would deny that this is even the road they're on.
(She takes a drink.)
But tell me it's not the case... that there's this feeling, just floating in the air
in certain quarters, an intoxication with this, this business side of things.
Since we went public.

MARIANA
Intoxication, huh?

SAN
We can see it in this obsession over shareholders. You know? Like they
are going to be the thing, the animating force behind all of our concerns
and brain space going forward. I mean it seems small now, this shift in
focus, but it's a very-- a very fundamental directional shift, I think.

MARIANA
Okay, I guess I can see that.

SAN
So the question is... To whom are we beholden: To shareholders, or to the
public?
(Pause. MARIANA considers.)

MARIANA
And that's the crossroads we're at.

SAN
Agree? Don't / agree?

MARIANA
No, it's just-- I hear you, I do-- but it's just that--

SAN
You think that's simplistic?
 6.

MARIANA
No, no, it's important. But still-- yeah that formulation: Shareholders versus
the public-- implying that one's moral and civic, and the other's a more
about self interest. Instead of: they're interconnected, and they both have
integrity, I guess is what I'm...
(Slight beat)
And it's Liv-- if you're talking about Liv's legacy-- He was the one who took
us public.

SAN
Right, but...

MARIANA
So if you're implying that shareholders and going public has this inherently
contaminating influence / then...

SAN
No I didn't say that.

MARIANA
Well...

SAN
(Teasingly) So you're part of the cabal? The pro-shareholder cabal?

MARIANA
(Smiling, playing along) I'm all about what's natural. What flows. I'm water.
(SAN does a little laugh.)
And if you want to talk what's natural, it is this, this dualistic nature, the
selfish and the selfless, the interplay between the two that makes the
world go round. We flow naturally from one to the other. I'm hungry, I eat. I
find myself in a position to do good, I give. Gains in one realm lead to
gains in the other.

SAN
Dualism, huh? I feel like we've had this conversation before.
(Slight beat.)

MARIANA
I mean Liv was a complicated person. I think he expanded Farm Co. to do
good for more people, but there was also a personal need for--... Well, like
with us, the divisions-- we were made to help more people but to also
widen Liv's power and influence, or to put it bluntly, to colonize other
industries, take over, for the sake of... of accumulation. With citizenship
goals operating in exact tandem, and both at full steam. What do you
mean we've had this conversation before?
 7.

SAN
I don't know. It's just this sensation...

MARIANA
What kind of sensation?

SAN
I dunno... Like we're in this loop or something, relitigating the same
ideas... over and over and over. And it's all... it's all haze.

MARIANA
Hm.
(Beat)

SAN
This is where you and I differ. This dualism that separates self interest
from altruism, like we have to flow from one to the other. I say it needs to
be a singular force.

MARIANA
That's exactly what I mean.

SAN
No but there's a distinction between two halves working together,
accumulation of wealth alongside doing good for people-- Like when you
said Liv was a complicated person, you were implying there's good and
bad in him, and...

MARIANA
I didn't say that.

SAN
That's the implication.

MARIANA
I'm not speaking ill of Liv.

SAN
Okay, fine.

MARIANA
You're implying that I'm speaking ill of the dead.

SAN
Okay. Sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect.

MARIANA
Don't make this personal.
 8.

(Beat)

SAN
But it is personal for me. Because Liv's true vision needs to be
understood. His view is that there should not be a difference between
selfish and selfless. No fragmented selves, split selves. No bad then good
then bad then good. No. We should be unified within, at all times, or we'll
be broken forever. Broken selves, broken company, then state, then
species. Unification. That's why Liv went public. Because in the end he
knew our shareholders must be completely dependent on their
investments. On what they're buying into. They must be nourished by us.
Because yes, they're people too. And we in turn must draw meaning and
purpose from nourishing them. That should be the primary exchange. With
money simply being the tool. In the end there should be no daylight
between-- I'm making money off this company, I'm buying food, and
wouldn't it be nice to feed others-- separate parts of the equation. No. No.
No. Liv's vision, ambitious citizenship, was to unite, unify all human
intention. Nothing less than that. That's The Way.
(She lets that sink in. She takes a drink.)
You don't agree with me?
(MARIANA does a little laugh, then takes a drink too.
Or pours another then drinks?)
No?

MARIANA
No it's just-- yeah it seems like we've had this converstion before.

SAN
You can't see the distinction I'm talking about? The innovation?

MARIANA
I can... No, I can.
(Slight beat.)
I don't wanna get into a whole thing / you here.

SAN
No but it's-- it's important.

MARIANA
Sure, yeah.

SAN
You don't think it's important?

MARIANA
I'm just seeing you get into this, this-- into intensity mode. I'm not sure
what to make of it.
 9.

(SAN leans back, raises hands, "sorry, I surrender")

SAN
It seems like I'm attacking you.
(MARIANA smiles.)

MARIANA
Like you're soapboxing me. Not dialoguing.

SAN
My apologies. Dialogue. Yes. Please...
(They smile at each other.)

MARIANA
Okay, well... (Talking slowly, so as not to upset her) I'm hearing-- To be
honest... I'm hearing a set of principles. That I don't think I disagree with.
But it's all very abstract. But what's the action. See? It's a state of mind
you're talking about, it's an end. But what's the means. I think Dave-- if
he's this shareholder obsessed fiend you think he is-- he can still bring
about what you're talking about incrementally, through dialoguing with
shareholders and consumers and the public all at the same time.

SAN
But state of mind is everything. It's the first and biggest step. I'm talking
about an entire paradigm shift in the way we think. What's wrong with this
picture: You're a worker throwing your life down the drain in a job you don't
care about; your job is being supported by investors who are funneling
their cash, their life's work into a company they don't truly care about in
their truest heart and soul; and this company is the result of someone's
dream, life's work, but it's employing people they don't care about, and it's
funded by people who don't care about them! Endless, circling levels of
disconnect. What's wrong with this picture? Don't you think we need to
start by asking simple questions-- to rethink?

MARIANA
I mean sure, but...

SAN
And don't you think we're the company in a position of power to do the
thinking? To fundamentally reshape the incentives system based around
values of the common good, a unified effort to rase all people at all levels?
I'm not saying Liv had some wimpy non-profit mentality, I'm saying he had
a level of dynamic altruism, centered around the idea of power, that there
really is no other model for. And that's his innovation. That's what The Way
is: an aggressive altruism that uses market forces for the stated goal of
good, not wealth accumulation. That goal never enters the conversation.
That's why I'm saying shareholders, in this formation, are a means to an
 10.

end, a tool for a benevolence-based altruism. That's what's natural. (THE

POINT IS THE PEOPLE... Shareholders are small part, and they are
people... Not shareholder.... Etc.etc.)

MARIANA
The system in place is natural too.

SAN
And it could be just as natural to change course, if there's the will to do it.
Farm Company can envision a new role for the company as ethical state
actor. So this is the crossroads. We need someone who can put this
proposition front and center. That's what's at stake.

MARIANA
And are you the one who's going to ask that question?

SAN
I'm not saying that. I want to have a voice, sure. But the person will have
to be open to listening. And unfortunately, that's not Dave.

MARIANA
Hm.

SAN
Do you agree with me?

MARIANA
Perhaps.

SAN
You still don't buy what I'm saying.

MARIANA
I do. Kind of. I was sort of just giving you a hard time.

SAN
It's good to talk things through. We shouldn't hide from debate. This is an
important decision.

MARIANA
To good decisions.

SAN
To good decisions.
 11.

SCENE 2

(Onscreen Intros: DAVE: HEAD OF

AGRICULTURE DIVISION; COUNCILWOMAN
GEN: COUNCIL BOARD PRESIDENT. They
are very buddy buddy.)

DAVE
I mean, let's just be honest: Once we went public, Farm Company's
primary obligation shifted to Shareholders. And I don't think that's a bad
thing, by the way.

COUNCIL
Mm.

DAVE
It provides really clear metrics of how to move forward, you know?

COUNCIL
To listen to them...

DAVE
Right.

COUNCIL
And what are you hearing from Shareholders right now?

DAVE
Same as you, I think. There's fear of... of bloat. Quite frankly. Expanding
without clear purpose. The need to streamline.

COUNCIL
Mm, right.

DAVE
And I think that means, just to be frank here... I think that means the
divisions... have too much autonomy.

COUNCIL
Mm. They were Liv's pet projects.

DAVE
I admire them, I do, and they have a lot of fancy, ambitious ideas, which
sound appealing...

COUNCIL
Like their community outreach initiatives.
 12.

DAVE
Right.

COUNCIL
They'd argue that's following The Way.

DAVE
Well people see The Way in all different kinds of, / (Slight laugh) of ways,
so...

COUNCIL
Of ways, yeah, right.

DAVE
But you know I actually think streamlining is following The Way.

COUNCIL
Hm.

DAVE
I mean what was Liv's vision? Why did he expand, create these divisions
in the first place? It was to streamline farming. Right? His insight-- The
Way-- is that farming isn't an isolated thing. It needs timber for farm
houses, water for timber, and water needs structures from the very trees it
feeds. Everything relates to farming, so why not control / it all!

COUNCIL
Right, yeah.

DAVE
And so, I mean, to go back to farming is, is key I think.

COUNCIL
Kind of-- unify everything.

DAVE
Right exactly.

COUNCIL
The divisions won't like you taking away their autonomy.

DAVE
Well I talk differently to them than I do to you.

COUNCIL
Ha, okay.
 13.

DAVE
The only division head who might... um...

COUNCIL
Yeah?

DAVE
San, from shipping and transportation...

COUNCIL
What about her?

DAVE
Well, she's one of those people who probably won't like any other leader,
I'm betting.

COUNCIL
She was close to Liv.

DAVE
Uh huh, / yeah, and....

COUNCIL
But you were close to Liv.

DAVE
Right, I guess I mean, with her--... Hm how do I put this, she--... She
wants things... for herself.

COUNCIL
She's ambitious.
(DAVE smiles and nods.)

DAVE
So I'm not positive what she'd say, if you / talked to her.

COUNCIL
I see, got it. Well, Dave, thank you for this chat. I like the way you, you
balance the issues.

DAVE
I'm a realist, what can I say.

COUNCIL
We'll be in touch.
 14.

SCENE 3

(A very intimate moment. DAVE and GIL are

touching foreheads, looking down. They speak
gently, naturalistically at first, almost in a
whisper.)

DAVE
No, I'm just worried...

GIL
About what, / what's wrong...

DAVE
San, Transportation.

GIL
Shh, don't worry about her.

DAVE
She's the one, she's the one blocking / my flow, I know it...

GIL
Shh, It's in your / head.

DAVE
No, she's out to get me.

GIL
How do you know.

DAVE
I just know. She's plotting...

GIL
So?

DAVE
And she'll spread rumors about me....

GIL
So?

DAVE
Turn everyone against me.

GIL
But you got this. Just do you.
 15.

DAVE
Who am I?

GIL
A winner.

DAVE
But it's a lotta pressure, / you know?

GIL
Shh, I know... I know...
(Beat)

DAVE
What if I just don't worry about it, / you know?

GIL
What do you mean.

DAVE
What if-- what if I just choose to, to not care about winning... just be happy
with where I am-- with you. I don't / have to be the head leader...

GIL
Shh... No, you're not-- you're not going to be happy if you don't keep /
moving forward.

DAVE
No, I think I could, I think I really could.
(DAVE gets up, starts pacing back and forth.)
It's just too much, you know?! The pressure! God I can't-- what am I
saying, I'm getting out of the zone here, I'm...
(He goes to a table and does some coke. He paces
back and forth. Then he turns to GIL.)
So tell me. Tell me. Are you uh... Are you going to stay with me? if I don't
succeed? If I don't keep moving up / in the world?

GIL
No, no I won't.

DAVE
You'll leave me.

GIL
I'll leave you.

DAVE
You're just saying that. You're just saying that to motivate me.
 16.

GIL
It needs to be true, it needs to.

DAVE
So I'm fighting for us.

GIL
I'll only be with you if you're a winner. You'll only be happy with me if you're
winner.

DAVE
So I have no choice. I have no choice but to keep going, right? / Right?

GIL
That's / right.

DAVE
That's right. It's outta my hands. I have no choice.

GIL
No choice.
(Beat)

DAVE
I fucking love you.

GIL
I fucking love you too.

DAVE
You keep me going. I'm going to make you proud.

GIL
(Smiling) You'd better.
(DAVE smiles back. They kiss?)
 17.

SCENE 4

(Onscreen Intro: XAVIER: HEAD OF

CHEMICAL DIVISION. XAVIER, in chemist
attire. They have a sly, humorous, familiar
rapport, a level of irony. SAN is smoking a joint,
XAVIER is working on something.)

SAN
This tastes so good.

XAVIER
Thought you'd like it.

SAN
I'm going back to our burner days.

XAVIER
The whole panhandle crew.

SAN
Man, I miss Jim and Sarah. Who went more corporate, us or them?

XAVIER
Us, obviously.

SAN
But we still have the spirit.

XAVIER
(Smiling) Whatever you say.
(SAN does a little laugh.)

SAN
How's that-- what is it called?

XAVIER
UpGrade.

SAN
How's that UpGrade coming?

XAVIER
It's pretty next level, I gotta say.

SAN
Sweeet. What does it do.
 18.

XAVIER
What doesn't it do.

SAN
Hoo!

XAVIER
Kills bugs. Then makes seeds in the ground resistant to bugs and
receptive to our soil.

SAN
We have good soil.

XAVIER
Good things mixing with good things make really good things.
(SAN smiles.)
So is it all succession fever talk over there?

SAN
Where.

XAVIER
Wherever it is people talk.

SAN
I don't talk to people.

XAVIER
Fine. Leave me in the dark.

SAN
You think I'm way more connected than I am.

XAVIER
Come on, you're a sellout.
(SAN gasps in mock hurt.)

SAN
Excuse me?

XAVIER
You're all popular now.

SAN
I am not a cool kid. I'm talking to you.
(XAVIER smiles)
You're totally "in," by the way.
 19.

XAVIER
Nah, they all hate me.

SAN
Liv didn't hate you.

XAVIER
Yeah / well...

SAN
You saved his company. The Autumn Harvest? Come on, the / most
unprecedented crop yield in our history that completely--

XAVIER
Okay... okay... but--

SAN
Completely neutralized Pro Veg.

XAVIER
But nobody knew about my "help" (lifting up a vial of something) in the
Autumn Harvest. I was Liv's dirty little secret.

SAN
(Teasing) But you like being a dirty little secret.
(XAVIER smiles at her slyly. Maybe does a little "tsk
tsk" -- naughty-- sound?)
I knew Autumn Harvest was all you. And I know you're the real deal. I
know you follow The Way.

XAVIER
Some people think I'm an abomination of The Way. If The Way means
pure farming with no additives.

SAN
Like... uh... what Dave thinks?

XAVIER
Yep.

SAN
He only appears to think that. He's a complete phony. While you helped
feed thousands more people than ever before. Because you, you care
about the citizenry. That's natural. That's The Way.

XAVIER
Everything can be The Way. It's a useless term.
 20.

SAN
You were never into the whole... ideology stuff were you.

XAVIER
(Facetiously) Right, wrong. Gimme a break.
(They laugh. A pause.)

SAN
The reason Dave hates you so much is because he wants full credit for
Autumn Harvest. That's why you're a threat to him.

XAVIER
So if he becomes CEO it's lights out for me? Is that what you're saying?

SAN
I didn't say that.

XAVIER
Thanks for sending me to my dark place.

SAN
How'd he even get on top?

XAVIER
He has it.

SAN
What.

XAVIER
Charisma. Confidence.

SAN
But he's incompetent. What's his confidence based on.

XAVIER
Doesn't have to be based on anything. He exudes confidence and that
causes people to put more confidence in him. Then he actually becomes
confident because of their empty confidence. It's a confidence pyramid
scheme. That's why he'll be our next CEO.
(Pause)

SAN
Let's do a thought experiment. You said his power comes from this, this
empty confidence feedback loop, right? / Is that...

XAVIER
Sure.
 21.

SAN
Okay so disrupting his power, as a thought experiment, would mean
piercing this, this halo of false confidence he basks in. Right?

XAVIER
Sure.
(Beat)
So yeah, how do we do that? As a-- a / thought experiment.

SAN
(Smiling) Right. I don't know!
(Lost in thought.)
Well-- his crops, right?

XAVIER
Hm?

SAN
The key to his confidence is his crops, right?

XAVIER
Sure, he's agriculture.

SAN
So if his crops suddenly didn't do so well, that would undermine
confidence in him, right?

XAVIER
That would hurt him.
(Beat. He gets up and leaves, returns with a vial of
something.)

SAN
What is it?

XAVIER
During the Pro Veg scare, Liv asked me about ways to influence their
crops.

SAN
This is an additive for the competition? What does it do?

XAVIER
Standard food poisoning symptoms: Fever, fatigue, nausea. Might be
perceived as e-coli at first, but...

SAN
Could it kill anyone?
 22.

XAVIER
Standard risks to the elderly, people with weak immune systems, but not
really. It's food poisoning.

SAN
If this was unleashed in Councilperson Gen's District...

XAVIER
That could send a message.

SAN
I do have access to trucks and personnel.

XAVIER
See, you're connected.
(They laugh. Pause. They stare at the vial, then stare
at each other, then laugh.)

SAN
This is still a thought experiment, right?

XAVIER
This is your game, not mine.

SAN
No.

XAVIER
What.

SAN
Don't do that.

XAVIER
What?

SAN
Don't hand me something, when we're talking about saving your job, then
say this is all on me. Forget it. Thought experiment over.

XAVIER
(Smiling, coy) But this isn't a thought experiment for you.
(Pause. He smiles.)
You've always been there for me. When others turned their backs.
(He nods for a slight beat.)

SAN
I don't (know what you're saying)...
 23.

XAVIER
You're my best friend.

SAN
Oh!
(Slight beat. She smiles warmly.)
You're mine too.
(Pause)
Yeah I just think... uh... The stakes couldn't be higher. You know? We're
talking about the future.

XAVIER
Look at us. Old radicals.
(SAN does a little laugh. He sets the vial down. They
both look at it. She takes another toke.)
 24.

SCENE 5

(Onscreen: FARMLAND: DISTRICT 9. Knock

on door. GESALM answers. RENA enters.
Gesalm is a good-natured curmudgeon.)

RENA
Hello! Are you Gesalm?

GESALM
Who's asking?

RENA
I'm Rena Moldano, from Farm Company's Partnership Initiative (gives
card)... I'm wondering if I may have a word?
(GESALM looks at her suspiciously.)
I'll take a few steps back so you can slam the door in my face. I
understand if--
(She stops, suddenly transfixed.)

GESALM
What's wrong, what is it, are you having a stroke on my doorstep?

RENA
That smell. I know that smell.

GESALM
What is it. Tell me.

RENA
It's bread, but it's, it's...

GESALM
Go deep into your memories for this one.

RENA
Dutch honey bread!

GESALM
You got a good nose.

RENA
Oh my god, I haven't had that in years! My mother used to make it for us,
before she--... but I didn't know anyone made this anymore!
(GESALM stares at her, looks her up and down.)

GESALM
Farm Company Partnership Initiative, huh?
 25.

RENA
Yes, I'm--

GESALM
(Silencing her) You may come in and try some bread if... you do not talk
about Farm Company whilst eating said bread.

RENA
I promise.
(GESALM gestures. She enters.)
Wow, thank you so / much.

GESALM
(EXITING) Wait here.

RENA
This is really... It's--
(She notices something.)
Oh wow, you have a whole library, here!

GESALM
You remember books, right?
(GESALM reenters with bread and butter. Takes the
time to spread it. Hands it to RENA.)
The reason you haven't tasted Dutch honey bread since you were a child
is because Farm Company no longer allows the planting of Djarum wheat
on its Partnership fields. Djarum wheat gives it that smoky flavor you
remember.

RENA
It is smoky, you're right!

GESALM
But I have my own farm, so I plant what I wish.
(RENA does a nervous laugh. GESALM smiles.)

RENA
It's uh-- no it's just interesting how a smell can be so... transportive. Like, I
didn't know I could remember those, those scenes at the kitchen table,
or...

GESALM
We forget how much we hold sometimes. We're deep. (Indicating RENA's
binder) So what do you have there.

RENA
Well...
 26.

GESALM
Propaganda.

RENA
(Gently mocking her own sales pitch) It's an exciting opportunity, actually.

GESALM
The Partnership Package.

RENA
Am I part of a long line of Farm Co. Reps who have visited you?

GESALM
I'm the last holdout in the district, so--... Maybe they're trying the
deceptively kind route with you.

RENA
I'm also new, so maybe it's the fresh blood tact.

GESALM
What did you do before joining the dark side?

RENA
Oh I was just a secretary before this.

GESALM
You're not "just" anything.

RENA
Well, it's a step up, salary-wise.

GESALM
Do you need to do your spiel there, to tell your supervisor you did it? I'll
give you two minutes. I've never given anyone else two minutes before.

RENA
I'm honored. But, I don't wanna waste your time.

GESALM
You don't believe in what you're selling.

RENA
I believe enough to get by. Your neighbors believe. They all signed up.

GESALM
Fuck my neighbors.
 27.

RENA
Ha!

GESALM
Does that shock you?

RENA
(Teasing) You're not being very "community oriented." 

GESALM
My neighbors sold their farms to Farm Co, so they left the community. But
no, I'd never agree to any package that regulates my seeds, my schedule,
and make my crops your property. What do I get in return?

RENA
(Game playing) What you get is more freedom to just be you.

GESALM
I already am me.

RENA
You with better resources.

GESALM
I have fine resources.

RENA
Well okay, in all seriousness, what about water?

GESALM
What about it?

RENA
So this is the part I can actually get behind: With the Farm Co. Package,
you get the best water piped directly into your farm. I mean the local water
isn't safe to drink anymore, and the government isn't acting fast enough.

GESALM
So the government's outsourcing its water system to Farm Co. through
these partnership packages. Do I have that right?

RENA
Um--
(YUL enters. He is good natured, a little flirtatious.)

YUL
And whose chemicals made the water unsafe in the first place? Hi, I'm Yul.
 28.

RENA
Hello, I'm Rena.

GESALM
This is Yul. He's my guest.

RENA
It's a pleasure to meet you.

YUL
(Coyly) And, most importantly, does Farm Company have our interests in
mind first, or its shareholders?

RENA
(Rifling through her pamphlets, semi-mocking of it.) Well see, this is the
beauty of the partnership package. By signing up, you automatically
become a shareholder. (She finds the language she's looking for.) Listen
to this: this is really good, oh my god: The ultimate goal is to make every
citizen of the state a shareholder in Farm Company, so the benefits of the
company will automatically benefit the all, without exception. The ultimate
goal is to achieve... (reading) "total synchronicity of incentives." (Jokingly)
That sounds good, right? Synchronicity / of incentives? Yeah? Yeah?

YUL
Oo synchronicity of incentives, that / does sound good.

GESALM
Yes, yes.
(RENA laughs.)

RENA
I mean-- okay, from what I understand, Farm Company really does want to
be community oriented.
(She responds humorously to their dubious looks.)
I think it wants to really be thought of as, as a manager of this, this sharing
ecosystem. Where everyone does their own thing, and we all benefit from
everyone doing their own thing: you do you, I do me, we all do us, right?

GESALM
What the fuck are you talking about.

YUL
And Farm Company kind of... kind of just... manages all this, "us doing our
own things."

RENA
Sure, I guess so.
 29.

YUL
So feudalism. With Farm Company as the Lord.

RENA
Ha! Well...

YUL
You know what they call the Farm Co. Doctrine at the highest levels?

RENA
What.

YUL
The Way.

RENA
Sounds culty. What is it?

YUL
It's more about what it does, rather than what it is. What The Way does is
it infects us without our knowing. It gets into our heads, scrambles them
around, and leaves a foggy haze. It bends people towards compliance. It
morphs to fit the time. Cloaks itself in different ideals. Makes us forgetful,
gives us false desires, puts a false world over our eyes. (To GESALM)
How'd I do?

GESALM
Bravo. I'm teaching him.

RENA
What?

GESALM
Alternative thought, as it were.

RENA
So The Way... bends us towards compliance.

YUL
That's right. So. Be careful.
(He smiles. A beat.)
Do you really believe I need this Partnership Package?

RENA
Well, you seem to be doing fine without it.

GESALM
For water, I've developed my own filtration system.
 30.

RENA
Oh wow.

GESALM
And then, I have my own garden for food, and I have my own house.

RENA
So what do you need Farm Company for?
(GESALM smiles.)

GESALM
Okay, your two minutes are up. Put your binder down, you're staying for
dinner.

RENA
Really??

GESALM
We're making a vegetable stew. All home grown.

RENA
I don't know what to say. I came to the right house! I really-- I like it here.

YUL
We'll get her fired.

GESALM
Open the whiskey. She'll go out with a bang.
 31.

SCENE 6

(MARIANA is nursing a baby.)

MARIANA
Like some water? Private reserve. The Goland River.

SAN
Can't refuse that.

MARIANA
Would you like to hold her?

SAN
Yes, please.
(MARIANA hands her off. She's returned later.)
Hey listen I'm sorry I was being so, so militant before.

MARIANA
It's fine. You're being passionate.

SAN
Yeah but I was a little...

MARIANA
Hm?

SAN
Pushy. It was just right after the funeral, / and I was getting... getting...

MARIANA
No, it's okay. Don't worry. Seriously.
(They smile at each other.)

SAN
I mean I still believe in what I said.

MARIANA
As you should.

SAN
(Coyly) And I still think you're secretly on my side too.

MARIANA
I can't remember what the sides are.
(Beat)
 32.

SAN
What is that old Water Tribe doctrine: The law of intensities?

MARIANA
If there's intensity around a proposition, then it deserves a compounded
force.

SAN
Because intensities would show what's natural right?

MARIANA
Yep. Like the flow and force of water.
(Beat)

SAN
What if I told you Dave wants to scale back the divisions' autonomy?

MARIANA
Are you saying that?

SAN
I hear things.

MARIANA
You're always hearing things.

SAN
That would be anathema to your flow, right?

MARIANA
Why would he want to do that?

SAN
To consolidate power back around farming. Which I would argue is
counter to where things are flowing right now. I mean Isn't it arbitrary that
agriculture remains at the center?

MARIANA
Of Farm Company?

SAN
I'm just saying let things take their natural course. What if it's most natural
for textiles to interact directly with timber? Or water to independently
dialogue with metal, over your piping needs? Without having to check in,
go through some centralized farming mandate. We only have one life
here-- shouldn't we be free to reach our fullest potentials? Shouldn't we
self actualize?
 33.

MARIANA
(Smiling) No one can contain the path of water. You are so transparent
right now.

SAN
What do you mean?

MARIANA
You're changing tactics. A few days ago you were talking about the public
good, now you're trying to appeal to my self interest: self actualization.

SAN
No, no, no, it's part of the same thing.

MARIANA
Oh yeah? How.

SAN
It's harnessing the natural force that will bring about change. It's
harnessing The Way.
(MARIANA goes to her and puts her hands up in front
of her, as if trying to feel out SAN's energy.)

MARIANA
There's this...

SAN
Hm?

MARIANA
There's this wall that sometimes goes up.

SAN
What do you mean?

MARIANA
Between us. I can't--... quite see through.

SAN
That's... Troubling to me.

MARIANA
It is what it is. We all have it. Sometimes.

SAN
Well I don't want there to be a wall. I consider you a friend...
 34.

MARIANA
Me too. But it... Comes up sometimes.

SAN
It's coming up now?
(MARIANA nods.)

MARIANA
MmHm.

SAN
But I want us to be unified. You know?

MARIANA
Sure.
(Pause. They smile. MARIANA moves away.)

SAN
I really want to tell you about this.

MARIANA
What?

SAN
I want to share with you... something. But I don't know if...

MARIANA
You can share with me. If you want.

SAN
You sure?
(MARIANA shrugs.)

MARIANA
Your call.
(Pause)

SAN
So... I met with Xavier the other day.

MARIANA
Uh huh.

SAN
He's nervous about Dave too. For the same reasons I am.

MARIANA
Okay...
 35.

(Beat)

SAN
And so... And so there's talk about taking some sort of action.

MARIANA
What kind of action.

SAN
Should I tell you?
(Slight beat while MARIANA considers.)

MARIANA
Sure.

SAN
That's why I was talking about intensities just now. Because there are
intensities / around this proposition.

MARIANA
I know, I know. Go on.

SAN
He has this additive that makes certain crops taste inedible. Not
dangerous or anything, just taste. So the action would be... If, say, a field
of Dave's were hit, it would be... well, embarrassing, and could have an
impact. On the Council's decision. It would be a small, painless action, but
one that could have a really seismic impact, in setting us on the right
course.
(Beat. MARIANA does a little laugh.)

MARIANA
That's a little nuts.

SAN
And I think the thinking is... Water ID badges and some gallons of water
would be the smartest way to go, so it would look like an irrigation mission.
(MARIANA smiles dubiously at SAN. SAN meets her
stare, smiling. )

MARIANA
You know-- You know that Dave and I are lovers, right?
(SAN is taken aback.)

SAN
What? Really?
 36.

MARIANA
Yep.

SAN
Since when??

MARIANA
A few months. But you knew.

SAN
No, I didn't!
(MARIANA smiles at her, disbelieving.)
Seriously, I didn't know! How / did it, I mean...

MARIANA
There... there were intensities one evening, that got compounded.
(She shrugs. SAN does a laugh, MARIANA follows.)
You sure you didn't know?

SAN
On my honor.

MARIANA
Just telling you.

SAN
No but now I feel like--...

MARIANA
What.

SAN
Well now that I know you have this connection / to him, and here I'm...

MARIANA
No, no it's fine. It's separate. Business and the personal. Separate.
(SAN does a semi-mock "unsure" look.)

SAN
Well... If you were able to separate them--... I'd really like buy-in from you.
If I'm gonna jump in. I mean I would, I would volunteer and take care of all
the logistics. I think Dave is a fine human being, but I just think that as a
leader, he'd be a threat. A real threat. To us. To the public. And to Farm
Company. I'd really like buy-in from you. Because I mean if it's not you, it'll
be someone else.

MARIANA
Is that a threat?
 37.

SAN
No, I want it to be you. Okay? This is going to happen. This is the way by
which change is going to occur. Yeah? So I want you in on the ground
floor with me. Because you're-- you're my friend. This is act of friendship.
(MARIANA doesn't respond.)
I hope it doesn't seem like the wall is still up or anything, because I'm
really trying to get through here.
(She smiles.)

MARIANA
Okay then.

SAN
It's important to me. Our friendship.

MARIANA
For me too.

SAN
And I'm mixing the personal now, but...

MARIANA
It's okay. Once in a while.
(They smile.)
 38.

SCENE 7

(RENA, YUL and GESALM are sitting around

drinking whiskey. Night sounds. Crickets.)

RENA
(In deep yet excited concentration) Okay, okay and, and Katherine
Hepburn was in The Lion in Winter, with Anthony Hopkins...

YUL
Ah ha!

GESALM
Wow / that's...

RENA
(Rushing) Anthony Hopkins was in Bram Stoker's Dracula with Gary
Oldman...

YUL
/ Gary Oldman, JFK, Kevin Bacon.

RENA
Gary Oldman was in JFK with Kevin Bacon! Yah! Whoo!
(Everyone cheers.)

GESALM
/ Congratulations!

YUL
Very impressive. Across the generations...

RENA
Drink! Drink with me.
(They do.)

YUL
Anthony Hopkins in The Lion in Winter... I had no idea you were a
cinephile.

RENA
There's a lot about me you don't know.

YUL
I want to find a used projector somewhere / for her (indicating GESALM)...

GESALM
Noooo, no... You'll destroy my house.
 39.

YUL
(To RENA) She'll love it.
(Laughter.)

GESALM
And on that note, I bid good night. Young 'uns.
(Responses, she leaves.)

RENA
I can't remember the last time I just... had fun with people, without
overthinking things.

YUL
It's why I came to stay here.

RENA
And she just lets you stay?

YUL
I do farm work, take care of things around the house, but I have no
illusions that I'm the lucky one.

RENA
Seems like a good life.

YUL
I can't go back.

RENA
To...

YUL
I worked at the textile factory.

RENA
Ah.

YUL
Lived in their company housing too. Full-on...

RENA
Worker bee.

YUL
Yep. I mean I've always been a wanderer at heart. But then, yeah, I
needed money, so...
 40.

RENA
Sing it.

YUL
And when I first went into the factory, you know seeing those endless seas
fluorescent workstations, miles of people just hunched down, with these
squinting, deadened eyes, I was like: Agh! Nightmare! Sssss (indicates
repulsing an evil spirit.)
(RENA laughs.)
But then here's the thing. It just took a short time before I-- I got used to it,
got acclimated. And before I knew it I was up for a promotion. And this co-
worker, he, so he snitches on me.

RENA
Damn. What did he...

YUL
He told our supervisor I was always back late from break. Small, small
thing.

RENA
Did he want...

YUL
Yes, he wanted the promotion. And he got it. And I-- when that happened
I-- I wanted to take a gun and shoot him in the head. That was my first
thought. And that's when it dawned on me: "I just wanted to end another
man's life."

RENA
The infection, of the mind, / Like what you were--...

YUL
Yes... Yes! Exactly. It got me. And so I decided then and there, I was not
okay with being a psychopath. And so I quit. And started wandering
around the district. And I stumbled upon Gesalm.

RENA
That's a beautiful story.
(Smiling, she lies down. He follows.)
Especially where you gain enlightenment from wanting to shoot someone
in the head.
(He chuckles. They lie in silence, looking up at the
stars.)
When I was a girl I used to lie in the grass and look at the stars, just like
this. I used to love taking the time to just let the stars arrange themselves
for me. Whole scenes would emerge.
 41.

YUL
You haven't done that since?

RENA
Doesn't work anymore. It's like I have this block now, I can't-- when I just
sit still and look up into the sky now, my mind immediately says: this is a
waste of time and a waste of brain space. And so to combat these
thoughts-- about wasting time-- I distract myself. With news feeds and
games. What I'm saying is I distract myself, and waste time and waste my
mind so I won't think about wasting time and wasting my mind. Isn't that
sick? That the mind is this, this goal-driven machine that needs to be
saved, held in a holding pattern, for, for what?-- instead of some magical,
wonderful creature that roams free and grows on its own.
(A moment of silence.)
This quiet. It's kind of...

YUL
Natural?

RENA
Scary. I'm trying.
(The woods deepens, etc. with extra theatrical things.)
I like it here. I feel like the alternative is pretty simple. If everyone was like
the two of you, it could be the start of a new community...

YUL
It's hard to build community in the midst of degradation.

RENA
Way to spoil the mood.

YUL
I'm extreme like that.

RENA
Are we in the midst of degradation?

YUL
(Joking) No. Everything is peachy.
(They chuckle. Pause.)

RENA
I like it here with you. I like you.
(They lock eyes. She smiles, then turns away.)

YUL
Can I be honest with you?
 42.

RENA
Of course.

YUL
I want to put my arm around you.

RENA
Go ahead.
(He does. Then puts a hand on her leg. She looks at
it. He removes it.)

YUL
Did I screw up?

RENA
I'm not sure. I don't know.
(Silence.)
I just uh-- I don't know peoples' intentions sometimes.

YUL
Sometimes I don't know my intentions either.

RENA
Huh.

YUL
Sometimes I feel like I'm working from somebody else's playbook. You
gotta do this now, so do it, so... (Mimes what he just did with his hand.)

RENA
So what do you really want to do? Not what you think you should do.

YUL
I'm not sure.
(She moves close to him. Takes his hand, puts it on
her face, humorously awkward. They laugh.)
What are you doing?

RENA
I don't know.
(A sequence where they awkwardly and humorously
touch each others' faces. They laugh. It's a game.
They touch each other all over. Then she takes his
hand and slowly moves it to her inside leg. When it is
about to go into the danger zone, she removes it, then
puts it inside his own inside legs, moves it onto his
crotch and applies pressure. She moves it slowly up
 43.

and down. His breathing quickens. She quickly

releases. They stare at each other. He does a little
laugh. He moves in to kiss her. She stops him.)
No. We're gonna keep the anticipation going for as long as possible.

YUL
You're gonna drive me crazy.
(She moves closer to him.)

RENA
No kissing.

YUL
Okay...

RENA
I want to see your face.

YUL
Okay...

RENA
So let's just... connect.

YUL
How?

RENA
Well let's just look at each other.
(They stare into each others' eyes.)

YUL
This is intense.

RENA
Yeah, it is.
(A sequence where they slowly touch each other. She
guides him down. They sit facing each other. They
inch closer. Their legs entwine. They move even
closer, genitals touching. They move, increasingly
rhythmically, still at arm's length, staring at each other.
They start breathing more heavily. Then, they grasp
each other tightly-- as in, no longer arms' length-- as it
gets more intense. Both or one of them seems to be
on the verge of orgasm, and they instinctively pull
away.)
 44.

YUL
Let me guess... keep the hunger going?

RENA
Yep...

YUL
Hoo, okay.

RENA
We'll get used to it. It'll become our New Way.
 45.

SCENE 8

(Cutting and pickling lotus roots.)

GESALM
Make sure the whole thing is submerged.

RENA
Ah okay.
(They finish a batch. RENA stretches. Smiles.)
So, I've been staying here for four days now. I think. It's a four day sales
pitch.

GESALM
You've almost convinced me.

RENA
I'll leave tomorrow. Just so you know.

GESALM
Okay.
(Silence.)

RENA
Your hospitality's been incredible. I wish I could repay.

GESALM
When you're here, you give me your energy. And mine feeds back to you,
so it's a cycle. So there's no beginning or end to this transaction anymore.
Do you want to leave?

RENA
I don't want to impose.

GESALM
That wasn't my question.

RENA
I don't want to leave. I'm afraid you'll let me stay even if you may not want
me to.

GESALM
I don't play games. You've had people play games with you?
(RENA nods. GESALM nods back in understanding.
They work in silence.)

RENA
I've been in a real weird head space lately. I feel... lost. Like I really don't
 46.

know what the next step is, or where the exact path to, to contentment, I
guess.

GESALM
That sounds like a real anxiety-provoking goal.

RENA
So I shouldn't think that way, right?
(GESALM shrugs.)
Easier said than done.

GESALM
That's true.

RENA
(Almost crying) I sometimes just feel so disappointed all the time. Like how
can this be, what am I doing, what have I accomplished, and I'm just-- I'm
just a burden, that's all I am, what else can I be...
(GESALM puts an arm around her. They stay in an
embrace.)

GESALM
You're not a burden. No one's a burden. We don't-- we don't feel like we
have permission to step outside this, this thing... and live like we actually
want to live. There is no need, no need to be anything you're not. It's false.
A false directive that's blocking your view. Do you understand?
(RENA nods.)
You as you are, things as they are. This whole goddamn beautiful world is
here for the taking, and we can't even see it's ours, for free. I want you to
stay here. And I'm giving you permission. Permission to take whatever
leap it is that's being blocked inside you. Whatever wall's inside that says
you're not good enough-- let it go. Just let it go.
(RENA smiles, gently crying.)
Yeah?

RENA
Uh huh.

GESALM
Do you understand?
(RENA nods.)
Atta girl. Let's get some more. (Lotus roots.)
 47.

SCENE 9

(A sequence where we see GESALM grow

sick, RENA and YUL frantically caring for her.
Then we see her lying down, RENA and YUL
over her. Then we see her dead. Headlines
detailing the effects of the crop poisoning.
Twenty casualties, including a picture of
Gesalm. RENA and YUL at home. A picture of
GESALM.)

RENA
It's such small consolation. The house.

YUL
It'll help us remember her.

RENA
Yeah.

YUL
Keep her spirit alive.

RENA
That's right.

YUL
She didn't even eat their food, but their toxins are just so-- so terrible they
must have carried over through the air. You can't escape them.

RENA
Do you think it was intentional? Like they're saying?

YUL
Who knows. We'll never know. They can do anything they want.

RENA
I want to find out what happened.
(Pause)

YUL
They gave us the house, so we can't ask any more questions. It's a bribe.

RENA
It's not really our house. Farm Company's annexed it. They privatized the
roads, and now they've annexed all lands, including houses.
(Silence.)
Speaking of bribes, I didn't tell you this, but they're offering me a
 48.

promotion.

YUL
Mm.

RENA
I'll take it. But only so I can get closer. I won't forget her.

YUL
Me neither.
 49.

SCENE 10

(DAVE calmly walks in. XAVIER is preparing a

kale smoothie, looking straight ahead. DAVE
approaches from behind, stands there. XAVIER
registers his presence.)

XAVIER
Hello Dave.

DAVE
Hello San. Watcha drinkin'.

XAVIER
Kale smoothie. Want one?

DAVE
I've already had one.
(Beat)
We need to talk.

XAVIER
So let's talk.

DAVE
I want this to be an open and civil discussion. Is that possible?

XAVIER
Of course it's possible, Dave.
(Beat)

DAVE
I know my crops were intentionally poisoned.

XAVIER
Oh really.

DAVE
And I think... you had something to do with it.

XAVIER
Whoop de whee!

DAVE
(Confused) What?

XAVIER
I mean: Go fuck yourself.
 50.

DAVE
I said I wanted this to be civil!

XAVIER
If you start from a place of: "You killed twenty people," then it's hard to
have an adult conversation.
(Pause.)

DAVE
Okay. I apologize.

XAVIER
I forgive you.

DAVE
You know, as much as it would give me such immense pleasure to pin this
all on you, and send you straight to the electric chair for terrorism against
the state, I'm actually here on a mission of mercy.

XAVIER
Well mercy me.

DAVE
Because I think... As much as I hate helping you... I don't think you're the
mastermind behind this. You wanna know who I think's behind this? Who
you're playing the patsy for? San. Yes, San.
(XAVIER does a little derisive laugh.)
Why did you help her? You know she'll sell you out, right? She's not taking
the fall for this. You are. I found trace chemicals that can be traced to your
lab. I'm giving them to the authorities. But there's nothing to link them to
her. She goes off scot free. Unless you help me out. You understand what
I'm saying? Why do you help her? Because she's inspiring? Do you really
think she believes a single ideal she spouts? Do you really think she's
after anything other than raw power? Are you that stupid? Because...
She's really a radical. You know? She wants Farm Company to take over
all government functions. She wants to privatize the roadways and then
peoples' housing. Did you know that? Do you really think that's okay? Are
you going to talk or am I just blowing your mind too much right now.

XAVIER
I wish I knew what you were talking about. So I'd know exactly what I
wasn't giving a shit about.

DAVE
Why do you hate me so much? We could have been friends, if San didn't
turn you against me, and if you weren't such a little sheep, yeah? Follow,
follow. I'm trying to be good here. Tell me it was her, or I'm turning the
 51.

chemical evidence over to the police.

(XAVIER beckons him closer. DAVE is reluctant at
first, then does.)

XAVIER
Go to hell.

DAVE
Come again?

XAVIER
It was my work that made the Autumn Harvest what it was.
(DAVE nods. Moves away, then lunges at XAVIER,
punching him vigorously.)

DAVE
That Autumn harvest was my doing! It was my squash! Not yours!
(He punches XAVIER viciously.)
I'm trying to be organic!
(He punches XAVIER viciously three times in
succession.)
And all you offer is poison.

XAVIER
You don't deserve to be CEO. You need to be exposed as the fraud you
are.
(DAVE throws continuous punches at him, almost
crying as he's screaming.)

DAVE
YOU DON'T UNDERMINE ME YOU DON'T BLOCK MY FLOW!!!!
(He beats XAVIER to a bloody pulp. He stands up and
examines his handiwork.)
Well, to jail with you.
 52.

SCENE 11

COUNCIL
Look, we're moving on.

DAVE
But--

COUNCIL
Twenty people died from your crops, in my district.

DAVE
But I told you, it was...

COUNCIL
Sabotage? We don't know that for sure.

DAVE
I know.

COUNCIL
If it was sabotage, then you know what that means? It means you don't
have as much support or control as you let on. Someone had the will to
sabotage you, and you let it happen. The buck stops with you.

DAVE
Which is why I've already dealt with it!

COUNCIL
Yes. I saw the photos of what you did of Xavier. Do you really have the
temperament to be CEO?

DAVE
It's what he deserved!

SAN
You're a little sick, Dave.

DAVE
The person who killed twenty innocent people is sick!

COUNCIL
We're leaning towards San now.

DAVE
You've got to be kidding.
 53.

COUNCIL
She's steady.

DAVE
YOU HAVE GOT!!! TO BE KIDDING!!!!!!
(COUNCIL slaps him hard.)

COUNCIL
We're a civilized company.
 54.

SCENE 12

(MARIANA (sans baby) and DAVE. She

is tending to his wound, or massaging
him?)

DAVE
Why did you help her.

MARIANA
I follow the path before me.

DAVE
Why did you tell me it was her.

MARIANA
You asked.

DAVE
You'd give her up so easy?

MARIANA
No one was supposed to die.

DAVE
Will you testify this before the Council?... I know our agreement... Keep
things separate...

MARIANA
It's important.

DAVE
I know. But... I can still win this. Just... putting it out there.

MARIANA
(Smiling tenderly at him) I'll follow the path before me.
(They kiss.)
 55.

SCENE 13

(SAN and MARIANA (sans child))

MARIANA
Want some water?

SAN
No thanks. Well sure why / not.

MARIANA
Yes, drink.

SAN
Thanks for seeing me.

MARIANA
Of course.

SAN
We need to talk.

MARIANA
Okay.

SAN
Dave knows about our plan.

MARIANA
(Smiling skeptically) Mmmm... (As in, I don't agree)

SAN
What.
(MARIANA doesn't respond.)
What?

MARIANA
(Smiling) Wasn’t our plan.
(Pause. SAN looks confused.)

SAN
I asked for your buy-in when we talked, and you agreed.

MARIANA
Yeah / but--

SAN
That's what buy-in is for: these exact moments.
 56.

MARIANA
I didn’t buy in to twenty people being killed.

SAN
Are you suggesting that was intentional?

MARIANA
No.
(Charged pause)

SAN
I also know you talked to Dave. Gave me up.
(MARIANA is silent.)
Yes. I know things. Do you have anything to say?

MARIANA
It was because of the killings.

SAN
Or maybe you suddenly felt I had less intensity.
(Beat)
So let me ask you this: If there's an investigation: How can I trust you
won’t speak out against me?

MARIANA
I guess you can't.

SAN
Well that's a problem, right?

MARIANA
You’ll have to take my word.

SAN
But that’s what’s damaged here. Your word.

MARIANA
I’m sorry.

SAN
Yeah, you should be. It's hurtful. I'm on the verge of being named CEO,
and now I have to contend with this, this betrayal?

MARIANA
I uh... don't know what else to / say, I mean...

SAN
No, it's just...
 57.

(Pause)
You know I have access to a special contingent of the police force, right?
I'm close to them, for shipping purposes...

MARIANA
Sure, okay.

SAN
And I have a guy inside there who will, who will do things for me.
(Beat. MARIANA looks at her, puzzled.)

MARIANA
Like-- do what? What are trying to say?
(Pause. An unexpected stare-off.)

SAN
Just as a little... game theory scenario... What would happen if the next
move I made, to contend with this, this betrayal of yours, was to... Well
was to threaten to kill your child, if you spoke out against me.
(MARIANA is taken aback. Then she bursts out
laughing. SAN follows with laughter. MARIANA settles
down a bit, for...)

MARIANA
You're-- that's crossing a line, I'm sorry. I do not appreciate that. I'm not
even sure what you're trying to...
(Beat. SAN laughs.)
It's not funny, San, it's not. I'm serious, I'm going to have to ask you to
leave.
(SAN doesn't move.)
Did you hear what I said?

SAN
If I did that-- threatened to kill your child... It would only be because you
forced me to do it, forced me to put in place some really meaningful
insurance.
(Pause as MARIANA studies her face incredulously.)
And you'd have to obey me, you'd have to play along, because you
couldn't take the risk of your child being harmed. And you couldn't assume
I was bluffing either because the fact that I'd even say those words would
mean I'm be in a totally different headspace than you.

MARIANA
Okay, you need to leave right now. And if you ever harm my child, or even
mention…
 58.

SAN
But you wouldn't let it come to that, see? Your child being harmed? You'd
be an adult about this. You wouldn't have a choice. You wouldn't want to
be the cause of your child's brains being splashed against the wall.
(MARIANA stares at her, deathly pale.)

MARIANA
You're-- you're crazy.

SAN
Because you'd have put me in survival mode. Did you see what Dave did
to Xavier? This is serious business here. I'd make you promise not to say
anything, on the threat of your child dying. She'd be dead. I'd assure you
that I'd do it. "I'll so do it, don't think I won't." That's what I'd say. Come on,
this is just game theory. I never officially said any of that stuff, I'm just
expressing how serious your betrayal is.
(Beat)
I will say though, that twenty innocent people died already, from the
citizenry. And why should children of privilege be sheltered from this kind
of thing? It's not fair. Why should your child not be fair game? I wouldn't
feel bad.
(Pause)

MARIANA
Okay.

SAN
Hm?

MARIANA
You win.

SAN
This isn't a competition, it's just talking.

MARIANA
I'll stay silent. Just don't harm my child.

SAN
Hey, whatever you want to do. You're a free woman, going with the flow.
As I am.
 59.

SCENE 14

(SAN comes onstage with POLICEMAN.

POLICEMAN has rope. She sits down on a
chair. POLICEMAN ties the rope to the chair
and very simply and deliberately walks around
the chair in a circle with the rope, so she's
bound.)

SAN
It's going to happen. The path is clear now.

POLICEMAN
I never had any doubt.

SAN
You're very kind.
(He's finished.)
Thank you.

POLICEMAN
You're welcome.
(They smile at each other and he leaves.)

SAN
Yes!!! Ha...
(Pause. Then She shifts around, a little, trying to get
comfortable. Then she slowly settles down.
Atmosphere slowly shifts to something serene.
Sounds of running water, a forest. Peace. She is zen
for a good few beats. Then sounds fade out. She calls
to POLICEMAN)
Okay. I'm ready.
(POLICEMAN appears again.)
I'm going to do good for the world.

POLICEMAN
I know you will.
(POLICEMAN approaches her. Very gently, very
tenderly unties her.)
 60.

SCENE 15

(SAN, speaking to Farm Company

shareholders, Council members, and
remaining department heads.)

SAN
I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with the stewardship of this
great company. The last few weeks have been difficult, not going to
sugarcoat it. We've had differences within the company, following the
passing of our great leader, but we are all-- and I think I speak for
everyone involved-- in the process of healing right now, and I'm confident
that will continue. I know that with your help and guidance, we can wipe
the slate clean and emerge stronger than ever before. My number one
priority is preserving and expanding Liv's legacy. We've experienced
unprecedented, and really, unforeseen growth under his guidance, and as
we continue to grow, we should never to lose sight of what drove him, and
what brought us here. And that is... the people. Our company's chief goal
is nourishing the people, and the people have given us their trust in return.
As such, I want to make it a chief priority of Farm Company to give back.
And not just gestures. What I'm talking about is decisive commitment, to a
degree that might make some of you uncomfortable, I'm not gonna lie.
What I intend to do is to put thirty percent of our earnings-- that's right, I
said thirty-- into a new fund dedicated solely to giving. It will be called the
Citizenship Fund. And yes, in essence, we will be giving that money to the
people of the State, no strings attached. Because I believe-- and
shareholders might shoot me for this-- that farming is not about profits.
One of the first initiatives of the Citizenship Fund will be to build state-of-
the-art hospitals in every district, because nourishment means care for the
body in every circumstance. These hospitals will have an open door,
donation-only policy for anyone in the State. These are times of plenty, we
can afford to do this. I've talked with Fillipe at Textiles about expanding her
Youth First Initiative to include everyone, of every age and income bracket.
All citizens of the State will receive annual clothing credits which can be
spent any way they choose, even on her premium lines, which I enjoy
myself (smiling, indicating her clothing.) And I am extremely excited by her
newest line of biodegradable fabrics. I'll be working with agriculture and
water to make sure each person across the land has equal, and ultimately
free access to the most nutritious food and the cleanest water available.
And we are going to start a new division: bioresearch, which will harness
the power of plant-based medicine for its pioneer project, cancer research.
I've already reached out to the best scientists in the state. The idea behind
the Citizenship Fund is not to throw away our resources, but to invest
them. The more we give, the more we get in return, and this giving and
receiving will become its own self-sustaining ecosystem. This is what Liv
envisioned when he went public: total citizen-based shareholder buy-in.
 61.

Achieving levels of trust and ubiquity across the land that would make
each person hold a natural stake in our success. As we provide ever more
premium services to every walk of life, we will eventually erase all traces
of corporate warfare and competition. What happens then, with no
competition? Well this where the fun begins. This will be the moment when
we can finally engage in pure good. The moment when we are beyond a
money-centered focus, yet are assured of financial success by default.
Synchronicity of incentives: The holy state all companies dream of, and we
are on the cusp of achieving it. This is my vision for Farm Company. There
is a place in this vision for everyone, and for everyone's wildest dreams. I
look forward to starting the journey. So to you all I say: Good Farming.

ALL
Good farming!
(Cheers.)
 62.

ACT II

SCENE 1

(YUL is setting the table and preparing bowls of

soup. RENA enters.)

RENA
Honey, I'm home!
(They laugh.)

YUL
Hello, breadwinner.

RENA
Mm… smells great.

YUL
(Serving) Here you go. Not as good as Gesalm’s but…
(She tastes it.)

RENA
Mm it’s great!

YUL
Yeah?

RENA
Very umami.

YUL
I actually had to do a test run first. This is my second try.

RENA
Oh! / Ha…

YUL
But still not exactly the same.

RENA
Well it’s your own thing, it’s fine.
(They eat in silence for a beat.)
They eat in silence.

YUL
How was work?
 63.

RENA
It was okay, yeah.

YUL
Getting into the flow of things...

RENA
There’s a lot of… freedom there. They really let me do my own thing.

YUL
That’s… great, right?

RENA
Yeah they’re very trusting. I get to make my own hours, set my own
deadlines.

YUL
Look at you.

RENA
Never had this kind of, of ownership over a job before.

YUL
Maybe it’s not so bad after all.
(They eat a bit more.)
They eat a bit more.

RENA
I heard things too. Got to know some co-workers who heard some
rumors…

YUL
About…

RENA
You know how Xavier got put in jail for the crop poisoning.

YUL
Yeah?

RENA
There’s rumors that he didn’t act alone.

YUL
Who?

RENA
That’s all I heard. It was all very vague… insinuating…
 64.

YUL
Hm. (In thought) Probably… San, right? She stood to gain?

RENA
That would make sense. Which would mean she’d be the one responsible
for… for Gesalm’s death.

YUL
But we don’t know.

RENA
Right.
(Pause)
Pause.

YUL
What are you thinking?

RENA
I have access to different parts of Farm Co. now.

YUL
I don’t follow.

RENA
Xavier is being… detained in a Farm Co. detention center. He was never
actually arrested by the police.

YUL
He’s in a private prison?!

RENA
Detention center.
(YUL does a bitter laugh.)
I could go… talk to him.

YUL
Why?

RENA
To see if there’s any truth to this rumor.

YUL
What would that do?

RENA
Don’t you wanna know? Shouldn’t we know who’s responsible for
Gesalm’s death? Shouldn’t they be held accountable?
 65.

(Pause)

YUL
I dunno… I mean I’m all for… but this sounds dangerous. Might be
something best left to…

RENA
The police?
(Does a bitter laugh.)

YUL
You’ve turned full on revolutionary, haven’t you.

RENA
I have a plan to be safe. I’ll pose as a journalist. If he’s been framed, he’ll
want to get that out. In some way.

YUL
Sounds dangerous. I want to come with you.

RENA
It’s better if I go alone. It’ll be easier. I’m gonna do it.
(YUL looks at her.)

YUL
I’m so attracted to you right now.
(RENA laughs. Then gets serious.)

RENA
For Gesalm.

YUL
For Gesalm.
(They raise glasses.)
 66.

SCENE 2

(RENA and XAVIER in the jail.)

XAVIER
Who are you, again?

RENA
Hi, I'm--

XAVIER
Some health Initiative?

RENA
Yes exactly. I'm Rena Moldano, thank you for seeing me.

XAVIER
Don't thank me yet, I so easily disappoint.

RENA
I do appreciate you seeing me.

XAVIER
Any chance to amuse myself. I don't get many visitors.

RENA
So listen, can I um... ask you something?

XAVIER
Listen, can you get to the point?
(She beckons him come closer. He stares at her,
without moving. Then gives in, moves in.)

RENA
(In a whisper) Are we being listened to?

XAVIER
(Shouting) What?!!

RENA
(In whisper) Shhh!...

XAVIER
(In whisper) We're not... (In loud voice) being listened to! (In normal voice)
This is a private conversation. Okay what cloak and dagger monkey
business are you up to.
 67.

RENA
I'm not really Rena Moldano.

XAVIER
(Gasps) Monocle drops.
(RENA laughs.)

RENA
I'm a reporter. Sally Volker, with The Independent.

XAVIER
Ahhooo, The Independent, okay, this is getting interesting.

RENA
I'm thinking about doing a story on the crop poisoning in District 9, and I
was wondering if I could ask you about it.

XAVIER
I dunno, it's a very painful subject for me.

RENA
Well of course it is, it's why you're in here.

XAVIER
What's your angle. It's already been written about.

RENA
That's what I'm trying to suss out. I've been hearing things. Like maybe
you've been imprisoned unjustly. That someone else may be behind it.

XAVIER
If someone else is behind it then why am I here?

RENA
Perhaps you were scapegoated? Set up to take the fall?
(Pause. He stares at her, then bursts out laughing.
She chuckles with him.)
Okay, okay! Is this amusing to you?

XAVIER
(trying to keep a straight face.) No, no it's-- very serious…

RENA
Uh huh...

XAVIER
Is this about that conspiracy theory, the one where San is the true
mastermind behind the poisoning?
 68.

RENA
I don't peddle in conspiracy theories.
(Beat)

XAVIER
Okay, you want me to tell you the truth? The real truth about what
happened?

RENA
Yes. Please.

XAVIER
I was scapegoated. But it was by Dave, not San.

RENA
How did Dave scapegoat you?

XAVIER
Look. The truth of the matter is, there was never any intentional crop
poisoning.
(RENA looks confused.)

RENA
But--...

XAVIER
Yes, it was reported, yes, I was blamed, but I was blamed for something
that never actually took place. That's the real conspiracy.

RENA
So... What happened?

XAVIER
What happened was that Dave's crops failed because-- well, because he’s
a shitty farmer. And so to deflect this little embarrassment away from
himself at this most pivotal moment in time, he spread rumors about me,
and planted evidence pointing to sabotaged. But it's a lie. I'm in here
because of a lie.

RENA
But weren't trace chemicals from your lab found on Dave’s crops?

XAVIER
Traces chemicals found by who?

RENA
I don't--
 69.

XAVIER
By Dave. They were found by Dave. See? Did you actually see the lab
report with your own eyes?
(Beat)
And let me just put another part of your conspiracy theory about San to
rest. The part about where I supposedly met with her and passed along a
vial of that additive. You know how that rumor got started? We were joking
about using it on Dave. Joking. Nothing more. At no point in time did the
vial ever exchange hands or leave my house. It's true. That can't be
proven.

RENA
(Smiling) You’re…

XAVIER
What.

RENA
(Smiling) You’re gaslighting me…

XAVIER
No I’m not…

RENA
(Smiling) Yes, I think you are…

XAVIER
That’s a trendy term, but no. I am not. These are rumors and fake news.
They're fun, I know, like a detective novel, right? A grand unified narrative
that ties these loose threads together for people with too much on their
hands. But you didn't see any of this happen. To the point where you’re
actually seeing these supposed scenes play out in a certain way in your
head, right? Hate to break it to you, but San's not the bad guy in this story.
She’s a true friend. When I needed a referral for a new house, she
stepped in and helped. When it was my birthday-- not that I give a shit
about things like this, but-- she came to see me, and brought me cake. No
one else came to see me. No one, zero, zilch. Again, not that I give a
flying fuck. You'll learn that it's these are the things that count: real human
interaction, making an effort. I wasn't recognized, and then... I was. Simple
as that. She's a good person. She’d never put me here.

RENA
Has she come to see you yet?
(XAVIER smiles.)

XAVIER
I’m not helping you bring down my friend. I’m sorry. Dave did this to me…
 70.

(indicating the cell) and this (indicating his face)... Trust me.

RENA
You know... You brought up San, not me.

XAVIER
Hm?

RENA
I didn't even ask about her. You brought her up, unprompted. Why did you
do that?

XAVIER
Because she's in the business of helping people.

RENA
That's a non-sequitur. I don't get it.

XAVIER
She's not the bad guy in this story.

RENA
She really did a number on you, didn't she.

XAVIER
What do you mean.

RENA
I mean--

XAVIER
Are you implying I'm not saying things on my own free will? Are you
implying I don't have the intelligence to really know what I'm talking about?
Or that I don't truly believe in what I'm saying?
(Pause. XAVIER smiles at her. She smiles back.)

RENA
If indeed she is behind the poisoning, and you were culpable, that means
twenty people died because someone gave you a slice of cake.

XAVIER
Here I am, generously offering my time to you, and all you're looking for
are clever little sound bites. You have this one wrong. She's not the bad
guy in this story.

RENA
You said that already.
 71.

XAVIER
Well I'm saying it again.
 72.

SCENE 3

(RENA and YUL.)

RENA
I think I'm really onto something.

YUL
Yeah?

RENA
I barely even mentioned San, and he's going on and on about how she's
innocent, and how it's other peoples' faults, and...

YUL
He's covering for her.

RENA
Yeah, it seems like it!

YUL
The Way... Bends people towards compliance.

RENA
Exactly. That's exactly it.

YUL
Huh.
(Beat. YUL is thinking.)
You know...

RENA
What?

YUL
Mariana, head of the water division...

RENA
Yeah?

YUL
I remember when the poisoning happened, I was talking to some
neighbors. They saw water trucks in the fields.

RENA
Irrigation?
 73.

YUL
Yeah but something felt off about them.

RENA
She could be involved. Influenced by San too.
 74.

SCENE 4

(MARIANA and RENA sitting in MARIANA's

house.)

MARIANA
So you're a reporter?

RENA
That's right.

MARIANA
I've heard the rumors. But I never gave anyone Water Division IDs, nor let
my water gallons be used in any nefarious acts. If that happened, then it
was people trying to frame me. Or they were stolen. Anything else I can
help you with?
(Beat)

RENA
What if I told you it wasn't you I was after.

MARIANA
Right, right. San, the mastermind. What if I told her that you're
investigating her.
(RENA does a little surprised laugh.)

RENA
Um...

MARIANA
I'd score major points if I did.

RENA
Are points that important?

MARIANA
Isn't it all about scoring points?
(Pause. Then she unexpectedly softens her
demeanor.)
Look, okay look, I'm sorry, I don't-- I don't know what came over me.
Let's... reset. Okay?

RENA
Sure.
 75.

MARIANA
Can we?

RENA
Uh huh, yeah.

MARIANA
I understand what you're doing. And I appreciate it. I do. I really do. We
need crusaders like you to keep the powerful in check.

RENA
You can help fight too. Whatever the truth is, it'll come out eventually, the
truth always does. And I really think you have an opportunity here, a small
window of opportunity to get in front of the story, whatever it is. You know
what I mean?

MARIANA
You're new to this. Right?

RENA
To...

MARIANA
This investigative journalism thing. Right? Am I right?
(Beat.)
You're not really a reporter are you.

RENA
What?? Excuse me??

MARIANA
There's a defensiveness, a righteousness that gives you away. I'm not
saying that's a bad thing, I don't care who you are, I can see you're trying
to do good. It's just that if you've been doing this longer you'd know that,
that this forcefulness just sets up more roadblocks to your objectives,
whatever they may be. Know what I mean?

RENA
(Smiling) You're deflecting.

MARIANA
(Smiling) I'm--heh-- I'm just saying you're hammering at something you
don't yet have deep knowledge of. These things you're saying-- this evil
corporation stuff-- I see you're someone who's-- who's just been
awakened, which is great. And you've just been given permission to act, to
finally act and speak out. So yeah you have this, this vigor in you, this
glow, this "I can convince anyone" glow. You haven't been haggard by the
 76.

system yet. Which is good, don't get me wrong, but...

(Beat. Then MARIANA smiles.)
Let's do a thought experiment. Okay?

RENA
Sure.

MARIANA
Now, this is all hypothetical, okay? You're gonna wanna spin this as truth,
but I guarantee you it's not true. Okay?
(RENA nods.)
Okay let's say San was responsible for the poisoning, and drew me in, so I
was complicit... And then, hypothetically, what if she, she... threatened to
kill my child... if I said anything.

RENA
Is that what happened?

MARIANA
What did I just say?... So. What would you say if that happened?

RENA
As in...

MARIANA
How would you respond? What would your take on it be?
(Pause)

RENA
Okay... Well... I'd say... It's probably an empty threat, because that's just...
too monstrous and absurd... And on general principle it's best not to give
in to empty threats. But, on the flip side, you're a mother, so it's
understandable that you'd have to take the threat seriously. The fact she'd
put it out there means you'd have to deal with it.

MARIANA
That's a very... acute response.

RENA
Well, it's tough. She's forcing you into some bizarre netherworld, so...

MARIANA
But it wouldn't be a netherworld.

RENA
Hm?
 77.

MARIANA
If that happened, it would have occurred in our world. Not some
netherworld.

RENA
Right. So I'm just saying how bizarre the scenario is-- would be-- so I'd
understand why you wouldn't be able to talk about it then... with me.

MARIANA
No, that's not what I'm saying.

RENA
Okay...

MARIANA
I’m saying this wouldn't be a netherworld. It would be our world.

RENA
Right...

MARIANA
Because it would all make sense, is what I'm saying. It would be logical.

RENA
Make sense, okay. Sorry I'm a little...

MARIANA
She’d make the threat because she’s scared. And that makes sense. And
it would be my fault, because I would have betrayed her. So it would be a
logical thing for her to do.
(Pause)

RENA
But it’s... inhuman... to threaten the life of a child.

MARIANA
Yeah but says who?

RENA
Are you defending her threatening your child? Are you taking her side?

MARIANA
What did I say, huh? Thought experiment. The thing is, she'd still be
following The Way.

RENA
The Way.
 78.

MARIANA
Yes.

RENA
What is The Way?

MARIANA
How about: An individual’s path... to success.

RENA
You shouldn't have to kill someone to succeed.

MARIANA
But's still within The Way.

RENA
Well, I reject The Way, then.

MARIANA
No, I don't think you really do.
(RENA does a short laugh.)
Because if you have a will to succeed, any will at all... that’s following The
Way. Period. And if you are within The Way, even in some small hidden
corner of it, then you are also in the biggest, raging throes of it too, and
you're responsible for all the different forms it takes, big or small, even
forms you may never have seen before, like this one, threatening to kill a
child. If you have any will to succeed in you, then you’re responsible for
this threat.

RENA
Actually if I have a small will to succeed-- which everyone does-- I'm not
responsible for someone else murdering a child, or threatening to. Is this
part of our game here? Talking in these, these really absurd absolutes?

MARIANA
Sometimes talking in absolutes clears things up.

RENA
I'm-- I'm losing track of what we're talking about, about the central thing
we're supposed to be talking about.

MARIANA
I’m just saying what you perceive as aberrant… is not. Your using me,
promising me immunity to catch a bigger fish-- That's you exercising the
will to succeed as well.
 79.

RENA
The Way...

MARIANA
Yes.

RENA
Sorry. I feel like there's this-- this thicket around our conversation now.
I'm-- I'm a little lost here. To be honest. And I just-- I just can't shake this
sense that... you're deflecting again.

MARIANA
Why do you keep saying that?

RENA
If innocent people died... that can't be swept under the rug.

MARIANA
No, of course not.

RENA
And I know your path is blocked now, living in fear, knowing San may
always have a trigger aimed at your daughter. I also know you know want
true freedom. That this isn’t the world you want your child to grow up in.

MARIANA
Don't speak for me.

RENA
Sorry.

MARIANA
I appreciate your passion, but you're wrong on this one. There is no
conspiracy. San did tell me about a rumored crop poisoning plot she heard
about, through some radical back channels. Then when it actually
happened, she feared, because she had talked about it, that she'd be
implicated. That's all that happened.
(Beat)
But she's doing good now. That's what's important to understand. You're a
progressive, right? Since you have these muckraking tendencies...

RENA
I--...

MARIANA
San is the most progressive leader we could possibly hope for. That's the
thing. She's on your side. That's the thing. Did you hear her speech
 80.

before? She's giving away thirty percent of Farm Company's profits to the
common good.

RENA
Do you really think she's doing that?

MARIANA
Of course. She got into the system-- an ally of yours-- who knows how it
happened but it happened-- an ally got into the system... and is changing
it from within. She's not the system.
(Beat)
So it's-- I'm just offering you my opinion here. If I were you, it's just... It's
not worth re-litigating the past. Sometimes it's best to take stock of where
we are, in the present, count your blessings, and just keep moving
forward. You know? I appreciate your passion, but she's not the bad guy
in this story.
 81.

SCENE 5

RENA
I totally just-- don't know what's going on now. I'm being messed with.

YUL
What do you mean?

RENA
They're just-- twisting things around, and I'm not really clear on what's--...
It's like there's this fog or something. That's growing in my mind, I'm losing
sight of what--... Or what my initial impetus was, it's just...
(Shaking her head.)

YUL
I mean we don't really have any hard evidnce yet, right?

RENA
Right! So...

YUL
So it is all heresay, so that makes sense why things will seem... nebulous.
Right? You're visiting Dave next?

RENA
Yeah. And he should be her enemy, so...

YUL
Maybe he'll give something solid.

RENA
Yeah.

YUL
I'm coming with you on this one. Okay?

RENA
You can see what I mean.
(Looks at picture of Gesalm)
Gotta keep remembering why we're doing this.

YUL
That's right.
 82.

SCENE 6

(DAVE, GIL, RENA and YUL in a cozy

environment.)

DAVE
To be honest... I'm glad I lost. It helped reset my priorities. I mean of
course at first I was, you know, a mess...

GIL
A quivering mess.

DAVE
Quivering / mess! Okay...

GIL
He quivered...

DAVE
It was like going cold turkey. Losing something that big, when your whole
life is geared towards winning, it is like an addiction / you know?

GIL
MmHm...

RENA
Yeah, I do. Actually.

DAVE
This guy was no help either, (to GIL) / don't lie...

GIL
I was obsessed with him winning too.

DAVE
But I think we both...

GIL
Yeah...

DAVE
Kinda came around together. And so yeah, coming back to the farm...
rising with the sun, sitting on the porch at night... I didn't realize I was living
with this, this pit in my stomach. So yeah, losing... was a blessing.
(He takes out some weed.)

GIL
So you're a reporter right?
 83.

RENA
That's right.

GIL
Investigating those San rumors.

RENA
I'm getting the sense that they're actually not rumors.

DAVE
I've heard the conspiracy theories, she organized a cabal against me, all
that stuff, but it's just not worth worrying about, you know? In the grand
scheme of things?

GIL
She gave us a real good severance package.

DAVE
(Chuckling) It's true. So yeah, we're actually on really good terms now,
believe it or not.
(He takes a puff. Extends it to her. She hesitates.)

GIL
(Smiling. To RENA) Come on... (To YUL) Yul?
(RENA takes it. After she does it she hands it to YUL,
who also takes a hit.)

DAVE
Yeah there you go.

GIL
It's a good strain. Grew it right out back.

RENA
Oh yeah?

GIL
It's a good farm.
(They laugh.)

DAVE
Speaking of which, we're doing a vegetable stew tonight. All home grown.
Please stay. We can talk about this stuff later on.

RENA
Well we--
 84.

GIL
Stay! You're both staying.

RENA
Well... okay. Thank you.

YUL
Yes, thank you.

DAVE
I like your vibes. This (indicating surroundings) is what counts. This is
what's real. Good food, good company... That other stuff-- rumors, sinister
plots-- it's mind poison. I've learned that the most radical thing you can
do-- is to not obsess over some abstract, distant future, but to practice
presence, valuing what's in front of you. And then ask: How can we curate
an environment of presence, and peace.

YUL
You two have certainly done that.

GIL
It's a whole movement actually, based around really mindfully crafting
spaces of-- well, you can say coziness, but it's really--
(RENA laughs.)
But it's deeper than that, it's all-- all towards the goal of fostering intimacy,
right? That's the thing... real human connection.

YUL
So all of this: roaring fire...

DAVE
Wool socks, stew boiling...

GIL
Dead-- dead serious intent.

RENA
Huh. (To YUL) What do you think?

YUL
It's a good movement.
(They all laugh. SCENE shifts to them eating.)

GIL
(To DAVE) I love that new shirt, I gotta say...

DAVE
Oh! Yes. (To RENA): From Textile Division's new Fall catalogue. What do
 85.

all think?

RENA
I like it, yeah.

YUL
It's-- elegant.

GIL
And simple too. That's key.

DAVE
Yeah...

GIL
We have more catalogues, from other divisions... (Conspiratorially) that
haven't been released yet.

DAVE
Sneak peaks.

RENA
Ooo insider access...

DAVE
That's right.

GIL
We can look at them after dinner.
(He pours her more wine.)

RENA
Oh no I'm--

GIL
No, no. Please. You two still seem a little nervous.

DAVE
(Smiling warmly) Remember... presence.

YUL
Sorry I was just uh... remembering someone.
(RENA puts arm around him.)
Who used to make vegetable stew like this.

DAVE
Well let's be present in sadness then. That's part of it too.
 86.

YUL
Well it's not-- part of anything.

DAVE
Oh no of course / not.

YUL
It just is what / it is, you know?

DAVE
Of course. Didn't mean to-- try and sweep your friend into-- another topic
or-- I'm sorry.

YUL
No, it's okay, it's all good.
(They smile respectfully at each other.)

GIL
Will you tell us about this person?

YUL
She uh... (To RENA) I don't know how to...

RENA
She lived her own path. She didn't care what anyone else thought. And
she wasn't afraid.

DAVE
I like all those things.

RENA
She's kind of the reason I'm doing this, this investigation.

DAVE
I hope you're not getting too...

RENA
What.

DAVE
Consumed, I guess... by this investigation.

RENA
Why do you say that?

DAVE
Because I've been consumed before too. To the point where... Where
you're even seeing these nefarious scenes play out in your head, right?
 87.

San secretly meeting with Mariana, with Xavier, passing off secret vials,
even threatening to kill children for god's sake. God it's-- it's crazy the
places your mind goes...
(Pause. RENA looks at him, stunned.)
I've been there. Trust me. It's not worth wasting your brain space over.
(He smiles warmly. DAVE raises glass)
To your friend.
(They all toast.)
I want us all to sit outside after this. Will you? It's gonna be a beautiful
night.
(SCENE shift. After dinner. GIL is looking at a
catalogue. They are all smoking pot. Is DAVE
knitting? Playing soft music?)
Hey look at the moon.

GIL
Gorgeous.

RENA
How long have we been here?

DAVE
Not sure... we lose track of time sometimes.

RENA
I feel...

GIL
Hm?

RENA
Odd.

GIL
(Taking a drag, smiling) Me too.
(RENA laughs.)

RENA
It's really beautiful here. I just love seeing the night sky.
(She takes a drag.)
So... Let me get this straight. You seriously don't think San was
responsible for poisoning your crops?

DAVE
(Gently, a little laughter) This again.
 88.

RENA
No? You don't?

DAVE
Even if she did... That's-- well that's just the way the game is played.
Which is why I'm not playing anymore.

RENA
(Smiling) But you are playing.

DAVE
(Smiling) What do you mean?

RENA
You're supportive of San, who is playing. You're enabling her.

GIL
She's right. We still operate within The Way.

DAVE
That's true, we do.

GIL
But The Way takes many forms. That's the beauty of it.

RENA
Everyone keeps talking about The Way, The Way, The Way.

GIL
Because you can't escape it. Even the changes we go through, season to
season, that's the movement of The Way too. There was a time, back in
the old days, when I was just like you. Used to engage in what you'd call
"principled" actions. I'd march in the streets, make phone calls, knock on
doors. But then my body, and my soul, started telling me to slow down.
Started telling me I needed to turn focus back on myself. I didn't abandon
my principles-- I still take action whenever I can-- but I made a conscious
shift, towards valuing myself as a human being, an individual. Self care as
a first principle.

RENA
But it should be about balance-- self care and care of others. Right?

GIL
That's exactly what I'm saying. Balance is part of The Way too. Balance is
best for our self interest. Because we're all in this together.

RENA
Sorry, I'm a little confused. What is The Way again?
 89.

GIL
Heh, if we keep trying to describe it, it loses its true scope.

RENA
But how can there be any clarity if we can't even define it.

GIL
It's not about defining, it's about making adjustments along the way. Like
the one I just made: changing selfishness to self care. The Way changes
to fit the time.

DAVE
What?? What are you guys talking about!
(They all laugh.)

GIL
I don't know. A little too much (indicates weed)...

RENA
Thanks again for your hospitality.

DAVE
Thanks for sharing it with us. And again, sorry about your friend. I can tell
she means a lot to you.
 90.

SCENE 7

(RENA and YUL. In the middle of the night.)

YUL
What's wrong?

RENA
Hm?

YUL
You seem very... perplexed.

RENA
Just thinking.

YUL
Mm.

RENA
I think I have a problem. I'm getting kinda obsessed with her. With San. Dd
she do it or didn't she?? But I know she did it! I know it. But how do we
prove it? How can we bring her down?

YUL
Maybe you should... back down a bit.

RENA
What are you talking about? I can't back down now.

YUL
For your own well being.
(Slight beat)

RENA
But... you're in this with me too, right?

YUL
Of course.

RENA
What's this.

YUL
What.

RENA
You seem... I dunno, you seem... Dubious. Or something.
 91.

(YUL stares at her.)

What, what is it?

YUL
I didn't wanna say anything, but...

RENA
What. Just say it.

YUL
I've just been thinking. I've been thinking about... Are we not seeing
clearly... Because of Gesalm.

RENA
What do you mean?

YUL
First off, we don't have any hard proof. It's only rumors and heresy right
now.

RENA
That's why we need to get proof.

YUL
Okay but--... (Does a deep breath)... Okay how do I--... Do not hate me for
what I'm about to say, but... even if she did do it... it wouldn't have been
intentional. The deaths.

RENA
Are you serious?

YUL
Just--

RENA
Are you turning into one of them?!

YUL
Just hear me out. The truth of the matter is, she's actually doing a lot of
really good things. Things that-- and I hate to say this-- but things that
Gesalm I think would have really liked. Just being--

RENA
I can't believe what I'm hearing.

YUL
Free medical care, better water systems, giving away thirty percent of all
profits to the common good?
 92.

RENA
That's nothing, if the cost is killing people!

YUL
Accidentally. Are we personalizing this because of Gesalm, and not
thinking about the common good?

RENA
Killing innocent people, even by accident, is not behavior that can be
justified, or normalized.

YUL
Gesalm taught me to think on my own. Okay? So that's what I'm doing. It
just seems like-- seems like she shares our priorities. So why shouldn't we
let her change the system from within?

RENA
You don't actually think she's after anything other than raw power, do
you??

YUL
Well I don't know about that.

RENA
She's not going to follow through with any of those promises.

YUL
Look. All I know is she's putting forth very-- populist ideals for a company
to have.

RENA
She's privatizing the roadways and houses!!

YUL
The two aren't incompatible.

RENA
What?!

YUL
I just think--

RENA
Did you just say populism is not incompatible with privatizing the
roadways?!

YUL
If the populace benefits from better roadways! If poorer people get better
 93.

roadways!
(RENA doesn't respond.)
I just think sometimes we need to recognize those moments when we can
actually push the ball forward, you know? If she really believes in what she
says-- and we'll hold her accountable, that's our job now-- then, I mean...
we may never have this window of opportunity again... If she gets thrown
out.

RENA
Where is this coming from?!

YUL
I don't know! I'm just-- it's just too much some time-- playing in the system,
outside the system, off grid, on grid, complicit, non-complicit, which is
which? What's what? And in the meantime we just can’t ignore-- we just
can’t ignore that Farm Company is actually it. You know? As fucked up as
that is, I know it’s fucked up, but it’s the only game in town. It's domination
is-- is complete. I'm just being real here. So couldn’t it be possible-- given
this reality-- that the best course of action might be to try and heal it from
within-- which is what she-- at least she seems to be trying to do? Instead
of-- instead of trying to cut off the head, and try to overturn the whole
system and... Hey look
(He reaches out to her. She draws away)...

RENA
No I'm just... I'm very confused right now. I thought we were on the same
team.

YUL
We are on the same team.

RENA
No, we're not.

YUL
I'm allowed to refine my thinking, okay?

RENA
Oh, so refined, yeah.

YUL
But that doesn't mean it's a betrayal of you. That I don't love you.

RENA
Don't do that.
 94.

YUL
What.

RENA
Don't bring those words into it. Our foundation is all about integrity.

YUL
I wasn't being disingenuous.
(Beat)

RENA
Even if she does good... The ends don’t justify the means.

YUL
Fair enough.

RENA
The means matter more than the ends.

YUL
Yeah, I get that.

RENA
Do you?

YUL
It's important how things are done, when achieving an end.

RENA
But the "how" is all there is. There is no end.

YUL
Of course there are ends. We have goals, right?

RENA
But the how is, is the actual time spent, in real time. The fight will never
stop. We only have the how. That's why twenty people can't die for the
sake of some future hundreds of people saved by her, her supposed
angelic policies. We need to determine the "how" of what she did, not
what she might do. We're being force-fed this narrative that's not right, and
I can feel it happening, I can feel it taking over, and it's part of, part of this
sickness I've had in me for a long time, for as long as I can remember, for
my entire life, and I've learned to live with this sickness, ignore it, make
excuses for it, so I couldn't even conceive of it as a sickness. But I'm
finally now seeing it and doing something about it, and you're abandoning
me and you're forcing me to carry this thing all alone on my own and...
and...
 95.

YUL
No, no. Never. You'll never be alone. I am with you til the end. I am.
(RENA doesn't respond.)
I mean in terms of the "how," how our time is spent... I'm being genuine
when I say I want to spend my time with you. Even-- and I'm just being
honest here. Spending it with you... in peace. I'm just being honest here.
We have a house. You have a job. Things are peaceful. Don't you want
this? At all?

RENA
She's dominating us. We aren't free.

YUL
What's the plan. Topple her? Someone worse will take her place. And if
we can't topple her, what next? Live off the grid? That's getting harder.
We've been annexed, there's no more places to live off the grid. Should
we leave the state? Do you want to grow old off the grid?
(Beat)

RENA
Where is this coming from? You've changed.

YUL
It's because I finally have something to lose. I love living in this house with
you. And maybe I'm being bribed, yeah okay. But... I'll be honest... a part
of me is just-- I'm just tired, too. You know? I've been traveling and
wandering my whole life. I am not-- I am not giving up the fight. Do not
worry about that. But... Is there any part of you that would be... be okay
with... fighting from, from within? With me? And making a life for ourselves
while we do it?
(RENA looks at him long and hard.)

RENA
I'll need to think about this.
(YUL nods.)

YUL
I'm just being honest.

RENA
I know.
 96.

SCENE 8

(Nighttime. MARIANA sneaks to the theshhold

of the house and quietly knocks.)

MARIANA
(In harsh whisper) Hey… hey!
(RENA comes out in a bathrobe.)

RENA
Mariana! What are you-- come in.
(Beckons her come in but MARIANA refrains.)

MARIANA
I'm fine out here. This'll be quick... I’ll cooperate with you.

RENA
Really?

MARIANA
Yes. To bring down San. I’ll talk to the Council. Give her up.

RENA
Are you sure about this?

MARIANA
What do you mean am I sure, are you going to help me with this or not?!
Are you taking this seriously?!
(RENA pauses for a very slight beat, then snaps back
into action.)
Yes, yes of course I am.

MARIANA
Well good! I’m taking a big risk here. Are you really in?

RENA
Yes.

MARIANA
I need to be sure.

RENA
I am. Yes. You have my word.
(Beat)

MARIANA
San was responsible for the crop poisoning. All of it. And I’ll tell Council
the whole story.
 97.

RENA
What made you change your mind?

MARIANA
It was what you said. What kind of a world do I want to leave for my child?
I want one where the truth will come out.

RENA
Is your child safe?

MARIANA
She’s somewhere safe, yes.

RENA
Okay then, yes. I”ll set up a meeting with the Council.

MARIANA
You’re in, right? You’ll take care of me.

RENA
You have my word.
 98.

SCENE 9

(RENA sitting on a chair, waiting. She looks at

her watch. Eventually, COUNCIL comes out.)

COUNCIL
Ms. Moldano? Come in.
(RENA hesitates.)
I have ten minutes for you. Are you coming in?

RENA
Sorry, I'm still waiting for--...

COUNCIL
For...

RENA
Mariana, from the Water Division. She was supposed to meet me here
and we were going to speak to you together.

COUNCIL
Ohh. Oh. You didn't hear.

RENA
Hear what?

COUNCIL
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you.

RENA
What.

COUNCIL
She's... she's gone.

RENA
Gone?

COUNCIL
Passed uh... Passed away.
(Slight beat.)

RENA
Dead?? She's dead?! How? When?

COUNCIL
Just last night. Were you close?
 99.

RENA
How?

COUNCIL
A gunshot wound. Just terrible. Think it's looking like a robbery.
(RENA is silent.)
Do you want to reschedule? Or cancel? I'm so sorry about this. It was a
shock to everyone. We'll definitely do an internal investigation, in addition
to the police.
(Beat)
So what do you think? Do you want to come in? Do you want to talk? Or
maybe you should take some time? To relax a bit? Mourn her properly,
focus on yourself for a bit? Focus on being happy? How does that sound?
(Pause. Sudden blackout.)

END OF PLAY