Scene 5- One or the Other
Setting: Similar to Vicious's office, except without the desk, and with the window view changed if possible, possibly a lighting change. Three chairs are in the room, all facing the center- one to the right side, one to the left, and one in the center. In each chair is tied a cast member, JET, VICIOUS, and SPIKE, respectively. SPIKE is the only one that is not gagged. BLADE paces back and forth between JET and VICIOUS, in front of SPIKE. SPIKE'S bonds are loose and he continues to subtly work on them through out the discussion.
BLADE
So, Spike… We haven't talked in a long time. Mostly because you ran away.
SPIKE
Ran away because you told me if I didn't you, and your line of successors after you, would go after Vicious. I wouldn't let that happen.
BLADE
But look? Now that you return, I'll kill him anyway. Or, if you wish me to spare him…
SPIKE
What's the catch?
BLADE
Oh, well… you flee, never return to Mars, don't break it like you did last time. And he (indicates VICIOUS) will go with you, but he will trade places with your partner. Choose. Who lives? It is up to you.
SPIKE
I can't choose between my best friend and my boyfriend!
BLADE
Then I'll kill all three of you. Choose now, Spike.
(SPIKE breaks free of the rope)
SPIKE
Neither.
BLADE (Drawing two guns out of opposite pockets and pointing one each at VICIOUS and JET)
Both.
(BLADE shoots, but SPIKE tackles him. VICIOUS winces as if almost struck, but JET cries out through the gag, as if shot. BLADE falls to the ground, and does not move. SPIKE rushes to VICIOUS, untying him.)
SPIKE
Help me with Jet, and we can get out of here.
VICIOUS
You asked me, when you told me you were going… If we could run away together.
SPIKE
Vicious, I…
VICIOUS
I couldn't, then. Couldn't leave this place. But now… I want nothing else.
(SPIKE finishes with VICIOUS'S bindings, and they to to untie JET. VICIOUS stands back as SPIKE kneels down and discovers that JET is dead. He looks up at VICIOUS, expressionless, and VICIOUS takes his hand.)
VICIOUS
I'm sorry, Spike.
SPIKE
Let's just go.
(SHADOW and TALENA enter stage left, nod to SPIKE and VICIOUS, and then SPIKE and VICIOUS follow them out right. Sharp cut to black.)
Setting: Similar to Vicious's office, except without the desk, and with the window view changed if possible, possibly a lighting change. Three chairs are in the room, all facing the center- one to the right side, one to the left, and one in the center. In each chair is tied a cast member, JET, VICIOUS, and SPIKE, respectively. SPIKE is the only one that is not gagged. BLADE paces back and forth between JET and VICIOUS, in front of SPIKE. SPIKE'S bonds are loose and he continues to subtly work on them through out the discussion.
BLADE
So, Spike… We haven't talked in a long time. Mostly because you ran away.
SPIKE
Ran away because you told me if I didn't you, and your line of successors after you, would go after Vicious. I wouldn't let that happen.
BLADE
But look? Now that you return, I'll kill him anyway. Or, if you wish me to spare him…
SPIKE
What's the catch?
BLADE
Oh, well… you flee, never return to Mars, don't break it like you did last time. And he (indicates VICIOUS) will go with you, but he will trade places with your partner. Choose. Who lives? It is up to you.
SPIKE
I can't choose between my best friend and my boyfriend!
BLADE
Then I'll kill all three of you. Choose now, Spike.
(SPIKE breaks free of the rope)
SPIKE
Neither.
BLADE (Drawing two guns out of opposite pockets and pointing one each at VICIOUS and JET)
Both.
(BLADE shoots, but SPIKE tackles him. VICIOUS winces as if almost struck, but JET cries out through the gag, as if shot. BLADE falls to the ground, and does not move. SPIKE rushes to VICIOUS, untying him.)
SPIKE
Help me with Jet, and we can get out of here.
VICIOUS
You asked me, when you told me you were going… If we could run away together.
SPIKE
Vicious, I…
VICIOUS
I couldn't, then. Couldn't leave this place. But now… I want nothing else.
(SPIKE finishes with VICIOUS'S bindings, and they to to untie JET. VICIOUS stands back as SPIKE kneels down and discovers that JET is dead. He looks up at VICIOUS, expressionless, and VICIOUS takes his hand.)
VICIOUS
I'm sorry, Spike.
SPIKE
Let's just go.
(SHADOW and TALENA enter stage left, nod to SPIKE and VICIOUS, and then SPIKE and VICIOUS follow them out right. Sharp cut to black.)