SCENE 014 - EXTERIOR SENATE BUILDING, SENATORIAL SHUTTLE - DAY
From the traffic, the shuttle lowers to the imposing structure of the great Senate Building.
SCENE 015 - EXTERIOR SENATE BUILDING, SENATORIAL SHUTTLE - DAY
The shuttle begins to power down and lands close to a set of stairs leading to the building. As the hatch opens, AIMEE exits first and then followed by the rest.
AIMEE
At first glance it doesn't seem as if anything has changed at all.
PETER
Appearances can be deceiving.
He looks down at his wrist watch.
PETER
Come on. The Senate should be assembling by now.
Together, they climb the great staircase to the Senate Building.
SCENE 016 - INTERIOR SENATE ENTRANCE - DAY
The lobby of the building is grand and held with pillars like a coliseum. Awaiting the beginning of the trial, SENATORS await and talk together.
PETER
I guess we're just in time.
A beautiful senator with her hair tied back together moves to greet them. She is SENATOR ELIZABETH EVANS.
SENATOR EVANS
Aimee Anson, I'm glad to see that you've returned to Acameda.
AIMEE
Elizabeth, how are you?
SENATOR EVANS
I'm well. The others and I heard about your loss and we're deeply sorry about your mother's passing. It must be hard for you.
AIMEE
(smiling weakly) Thank you. I appreciate it.
WILLIAM
We were able to spend her final days with her. I never had the opportunity to be able to fully get to know her. But from those few precious moments I had, I could tell she was a fine woman and mother.
AIMEE
She was the greatest mother anyone could have.
SENATOR EVANS
If you need anything Aimee, I'll do as you ask. You know where to find me.
AIMEE
Of course, thank you. I'll remember that if the time comes.
SCENE 017 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
Senators and onlookers enter the Senate Chambers.
SCENE 018 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
A great hall, rotund and grand as a coliseum. Hundreds of congressional leaders look down from their dais to the center of the chambers. Set there is HEADMASTER ARMANDA MCDOWELL, a weathered and venerable woman. Beside her are SENATOR ERIKAN QUICKSTRIKER, a tall esteemed male of sixteen; and PERFIDY ORDURE, orator of the Congress.
Stepping forward to the podium, PERFIDY ORDURE begins the proceedings.
PERFIDY ORDURE
Friends, we ask for cooperation. Senator Erikan Quickstriker would like to address the state of Acameda regarding the controversial times surrounding Chancellor Purius Wood.
As ERIKAN moves forward, a loud applause rings throughout the chambers united.
ERIKAN
Thank you, thank you, my dear friends. My esteemed colleagues, I have news to present to you all of the criminal acts of Chancellor Wood and his administration. Today would have begun the hearing against the unheard of devastation by our once great leader and the rebels who supported his dishonest behavior. Since news of this spread beyond into the city, many have questioned the credibility of our cause, calling for the resignation of the Congress.
The Senate is extremely quiet.
ERIKAN
The news I present to you all this afternoon will reassure any who doubted the survival of our democracy that we will survive this conflict. Moments ago, Purius Wood met with Headmaster McDowell and I to offer his resignation from his post effective immediately. With him leaves all others associated with his administration. This noble act has saved this body from any further embarrassment and allows us to move forward.
SCENE 019 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
Applause erupts; Senators standing in celebration at the news. After a few moments, the applause simmers and all becomes quiet again as a platform carrying the GOVERNOR of the NIGHTLY GUILD comes into focus.
PERFIDY ORDURE
The chair recognizes Governor Michael Umbrage of the Nightly Guild.
GOVERNOR UMBRAGE
Headmaster McDowell, perhaps you could allow us the simple explanation of the lack of punishment that Purius Wood is receiving.
The strong and spirited HEADMASTER MCDOWELL steps forward as the Senate looks on, intrigued.
HEADMASTER MCDOWELL
An explanation, Governor? What explanation is needed that will allow you the joy knowing that this terrible occurrence is behind us? If you'll be satisfied by knowing, the simple discomfiture of a tarnished surname and exile is enough of a punishment for one to live with. Senator Quickstriker and I both agreed that any further punishment was not necessary.
GOVERNOR UMBRAGE
And what of leadership, Master McDowell? Without an elected body in place, Acameda will cease to function.
HEADMASTER MCDOWELL
As of this moment, no decision has been made in the account of an emergency election for a new Chancellor. With our Senatorial Guards on patrol in the districts, whatever "malfunction" that you fear will be controlled. So no longer fear, Governor Umbrage. You'll be able to study peacefully knowing that our walls are being kept under special care.
GOVERNOR UMBRAGE
And what if they fail, what then?
HEADMASTER MCDOWELL
(sternly) They won't fail. For as long as our society has been in function, the Senatorial Guards have served us with the highest rate of success that no other service could boast about.
SCENE 020 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
A wave of boos and antagonistic remarks are directed from the crowd to GOVERNOR UMBRAGE. Returning to the forefront, ERIKAN waves his hands in the air.
ERIKAN
Silence, please, my friends! It unwise for us to continue bickering when we are in no shape to do so. For now, we must settle and return to normal as quickly as we can. Now, if Master McDowell will permit, the Senate is adjourned.
From the traffic, the shuttle lowers to the imposing structure of the great Senate Building.
SCENE 015 - EXTERIOR SENATE BUILDING, SENATORIAL SHUTTLE - DAY
The shuttle begins to power down and lands close to a set of stairs leading to the building. As the hatch opens, AIMEE exits first and then followed by the rest.
AIMEE
At first glance it doesn't seem as if anything has changed at all.
PETER
Appearances can be deceiving.
He looks down at his wrist watch.
PETER
Come on. The Senate should be assembling by now.
Together, they climb the great staircase to the Senate Building.
SCENE 016 - INTERIOR SENATE ENTRANCE - DAY
The lobby of the building is grand and held with pillars like a coliseum. Awaiting the beginning of the trial, SENATORS await and talk together.
PETER
I guess we're just in time.
A beautiful senator with her hair tied back together moves to greet them. She is SENATOR ELIZABETH EVANS.
SENATOR EVANS
Aimee Anson, I'm glad to see that you've returned to Acameda.
AIMEE
Elizabeth, how are you?
SENATOR EVANS
I'm well. The others and I heard about your loss and we're deeply sorry about your mother's passing. It must be hard for you.
AIMEE
(smiling weakly) Thank you. I appreciate it.
WILLIAM
We were able to spend her final days with her. I never had the opportunity to be able to fully get to know her. But from those few precious moments I had, I could tell she was a fine woman and mother.
AIMEE
She was the greatest mother anyone could have.
SENATOR EVANS
If you need anything Aimee, I'll do as you ask. You know where to find me.
AIMEE
Of course, thank you. I'll remember that if the time comes.
SCENE 017 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
Senators and onlookers enter the Senate Chambers.
SCENE 018 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
A great hall, rotund and grand as a coliseum. Hundreds of congressional leaders look down from their dais to the center of the chambers. Set there is HEADMASTER ARMANDA MCDOWELL, a weathered and venerable woman. Beside her are SENATOR ERIKAN QUICKSTRIKER, a tall esteemed male of sixteen; and PERFIDY ORDURE, orator of the Congress.
Stepping forward to the podium, PERFIDY ORDURE begins the proceedings.
PERFIDY ORDURE
Friends, we ask for cooperation. Senator Erikan Quickstriker would like to address the state of Acameda regarding the controversial times surrounding Chancellor Purius Wood.
As ERIKAN moves forward, a loud applause rings throughout the chambers united.
ERIKAN
Thank you, thank you, my dear friends. My esteemed colleagues, I have news to present to you all of the criminal acts of Chancellor Wood and his administration. Today would have begun the hearing against the unheard of devastation by our once great leader and the rebels who supported his dishonest behavior. Since news of this spread beyond into the city, many have questioned the credibility of our cause, calling for the resignation of the Congress.
The Senate is extremely quiet.
ERIKAN
The news I present to you all this afternoon will reassure any who doubted the survival of our democracy that we will survive this conflict. Moments ago, Purius Wood met with Headmaster McDowell and I to offer his resignation from his post effective immediately. With him leaves all others associated with his administration. This noble act has saved this body from any further embarrassment and allows us to move forward.
SCENE 019 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
Applause erupts; Senators standing in celebration at the news. After a few moments, the applause simmers and all becomes quiet again as a platform carrying the GOVERNOR of the NIGHTLY GUILD comes into focus.
PERFIDY ORDURE
The chair recognizes Governor Michael Umbrage of the Nightly Guild.
GOVERNOR UMBRAGE
Headmaster McDowell, perhaps you could allow us the simple explanation of the lack of punishment that Purius Wood is receiving.
The strong and spirited HEADMASTER MCDOWELL steps forward as the Senate looks on, intrigued.
HEADMASTER MCDOWELL
An explanation, Governor? What explanation is needed that will allow you the joy knowing that this terrible occurrence is behind us? If you'll be satisfied by knowing, the simple discomfiture of a tarnished surname and exile is enough of a punishment for one to live with. Senator Quickstriker and I both agreed that any further punishment was not necessary.
GOVERNOR UMBRAGE
And what of leadership, Master McDowell? Without an elected body in place, Acameda will cease to function.
HEADMASTER MCDOWELL
As of this moment, no decision has been made in the account of an emergency election for a new Chancellor. With our Senatorial Guards on patrol in the districts, whatever "malfunction" that you fear will be controlled. So no longer fear, Governor Umbrage. You'll be able to study peacefully knowing that our walls are being kept under special care.
GOVERNOR UMBRAGE
And what if they fail, what then?
HEADMASTER MCDOWELL
(sternly) They won't fail. For as long as our society has been in function, the Senatorial Guards have served us with the highest rate of success that no other service could boast about.
SCENE 020 - INTERIOR SENATE CHAMBERS - DAY
A wave of boos and antagonistic remarks are directed from the crowd to GOVERNOR UMBRAGE. Returning to the forefront, ERIKAN waves his hands in the air.
ERIKAN
Silence, please, my friends! It unwise for us to continue bickering when we are in no shape to do so. For now, we must settle and return to normal as quickly as we can. Now, if Master McDowell will permit, the Senate is adjourned.