SCENE 030 - EXTERIOR CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
WILLIAM and AIMEE arrive outside the Night Club; great colorful lights flash around the Entertainment District. Outside the entrance, PETER and ERIN wait for them and soon catch sight of them.
PETER
Well there you two are. Erin and I were beginning to think that you weren't going to join us tonight.
AIMEE
I'm sorry, Peter. Something immediately came up which I had to deal with.
PETER
It's no problem. Should we go in?
ERIN
We should, before it becomes too filled.
SCENE 031 - INTERIOR CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
The Night Club is quiet with a sense of an old time hang out. As they walk down the stairs to the interior, they encounter the owner, the stout and wizened DESMOND QUARTERMASTER.
PETER
Hello, Quartermaster.
QUARTERMASTER
Ah, Mr. Nortel. A pleasure to see you again. What brings you to my fine establishment?
PETER
Just an evening out with some friends of mine.
QUARTERMASTER
Would you like the usual setting, Senator?
PETER
Sure, thanks.
QUARTERMASTER leads the way through the Club.
ERIN
So you've been here before, Peter?
PETER
Once or twice.
QUARTERMASTER
He's being modest. Senator Nortel is one of our regular customers. A fine gentleman, he is.
WILLIAM
You seem to keep fine shape of your club, Quartermaster. You must come from a very prosperous family.
QUARTERMASTER
Not at all. I used to work for the government, in the Department of Mysteries.
AIMEE
What's that?
QUARTERMASTER
I'm afraid I can't disclose that information, milady. I was sworn to secrecy upon my retirement from service.
AIMEE
Oh, I'm sorry.
PETER
It seems to be quiet this evening, Quartermaster. How has business been lately?
QUARTERMASTER
Abysmal! This damn disaster in the senate has been bad for the business districts.
PETER
Luckily the experience won't last very long. It won't have a very long term effect on the city.
QUARTERMASTER
Thank goodness for that.
SCENE 032 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
They round a small table in the dining room, secluded from the rest of the CLUB SCENE.
QUARTERMASTER
Here is your table, Senators. Enjoy your evening.
DESMOND bows and walks away. Each one, after another, take their seats at the table.
AIMEE
He was charming.
PETER
Yeah, always a great conversationalist. A barrel of laughs, old Desmond is.
ERIN
It's a pity about the effect that this is having on the retailers. Imagine if it had went on further than it did?
PETER
But it didn't, so we don't have to worry about it. Just sit back, and enjoy the evening.
WILLIAM
So how has class been since we left? I expect that old Mitchell was a bore for the past three weeks.
PETER
Gave us a term paper which is due by the end of the week. I haven't started it yet. Suppose I should start it soon or else it'll never be done. Though it shouldn't take you very long to produce one, William. You would ride out the tide till the eve its due and still produce an outstanding mark.
AIMEE
Don't encourage him, Peter. His head doesn't need anymore swelling than the point it's at.
They all laugh for a moment as a WAITRESS joins them at their side.
WAITRESS
Good evening, Senators. I carry an invitation requesting you all to accompany a gentleman in a round of drinks.
WILLIAM
An invitation from whom?
WAITRESS
The distinguished fellow from across the room.
SCENE 033 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
They all look across the way to a table where sits alone ERIKAN QUICKSTRIKER, staring interestedly at them.
SCENE 034 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
WILLIAM
What do you all say?
PETER
Sure, why not. Tell him we'll join him in a moment.
The Waitress leaves and moves over to the other table. Soon, the FOUR stand from their seats and begin to follow.
SCENE 035 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
As they reach the table, ERIKAN stands and bows in greeting to them.
ERIKAN
I thank you for accepting my proposal, Senators. I was hoping for some company this evening.
ERIN
We thank you, Senator Quickstriker. We are honored to be your guests after your much appreciated services to Acameda.
ERIKAN
Please, the honor is all mine, Senator Pierce. Please be seated, all of you.
As they take their seats, the WAITRESS moves in position closest to ERIKAN.
WAITRESS
So what would you all like?
PETER
I suppose I should ask first what you are drinking, Erikan.
ERIKAN
A black cherry fountain on the rocks.
PETER
We'll try that.
The WAITRESS moves away.
ERIKAN
So are you celebrating the victory from earlier today?
PETER
No. The return of old friends.
ERIKAN
Ah, yes, that's right. William and Aimee were given a leave of absence for a period of time. Please accept my condolences Aimee for the loss of your mother.
AIMEE
Thank you.
ERIKAN
Purius must have been very kind to give you such a release to attend to the matter. A kind soul, he was; very unfortunate regarding the scandal.
AIMEE
I'm interested in how you organized the matter so quickly, Senator. To prosecute a case of this magnitude in such short a time is... (Pause)... extraordinary. How did you come upon the evidence?
ERIKAN
I really don't know how it all started. I received information from an unknown source and I immediately turned it in to the Headmaster. Together, she and I formed an inquiry to look into the matter and found startling evidence through the historical databanks.
PETER
It's lucky you discovered the information just in time or else we would have faced a devastating predicament.
AIMEE
But how can you be certain that the information wasn't a farce and could have easily been a plant to make Purius appear guilty?
The table is stunned at the question.
ERIKAN
I'm not sure. The possibility of it being false information is probable but Headmaster McDowell and I made certain that the evidence was honorable to present in trial. I promise you, we did everything we could to give Purius Wood a fair trial.
ERIN
Aimee was close to Purius when she was in her first year here, Erikan. She, like most of us, is having a hard time believing that this could really happen.
ERIKAN
Of course, of course. Anyone would be. Even I was shocked by the realization that he, of all people, would mastermind such an insidious plot. In time, Aimee, you will come to some understanding to the truth.
SCENE 036 - INTERIOR RAFTERS, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
From the roof of the building, a figure climbs down carrying a large rifle over her shoulder. Her face comes into light, and HECATE positions herself in view of the table.
SCENE 037 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
PETER
So what is your opinion on the next possible step for the Senate?
ERIKAN
Well for now, I would expect the Headmaster to keep things as they are with the enforcement of the Senatorial Guards. Then, as the atmosphere calms, an election will be held for a new Chancellor, one who will be moral and true.
SCENE 038 - INTERIOR RAFTERS, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
Rifle in hand, HECATE begins to aim for her target below at the table.
SCENE 039 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
AIMEE
If you were nominated, would you accept the proposal for the office of Chancellor?
ERIKAN
If I were nominated, and won an emergency election, I would accept the responsibility to lead with the power to do good for the better of Acameda.
SCENE 040 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
Carrying a tray of glasses, the WAITRESS walks over to the table to deliver the orders. Suddenly, SHOTS RING the room and the table is destroyed. ERIKAN keels over, holding his arm in pain on the floor, and the WAITRESS beside him, dead.
More shots fire and the table is destroyed. With the remains that are left, both PETER and WILLIAM pick up the remains of the slab to give cover to them and the injured ERIKAN.
WILLIAM and AIMEE arrive outside the Night Club; great colorful lights flash around the Entertainment District. Outside the entrance, PETER and ERIN wait for them and soon catch sight of them.
PETER
Well there you two are. Erin and I were beginning to think that you weren't going to join us tonight.
AIMEE
I'm sorry, Peter. Something immediately came up which I had to deal with.
PETER
It's no problem. Should we go in?
ERIN
We should, before it becomes too filled.
SCENE 031 - INTERIOR CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
The Night Club is quiet with a sense of an old time hang out. As they walk down the stairs to the interior, they encounter the owner, the stout and wizened DESMOND QUARTERMASTER.
PETER
Hello, Quartermaster.
QUARTERMASTER
Ah, Mr. Nortel. A pleasure to see you again. What brings you to my fine establishment?
PETER
Just an evening out with some friends of mine.
QUARTERMASTER
Would you like the usual setting, Senator?
PETER
Sure, thanks.
QUARTERMASTER leads the way through the Club.
ERIN
So you've been here before, Peter?
PETER
Once or twice.
QUARTERMASTER
He's being modest. Senator Nortel is one of our regular customers. A fine gentleman, he is.
WILLIAM
You seem to keep fine shape of your club, Quartermaster. You must come from a very prosperous family.
QUARTERMASTER
Not at all. I used to work for the government, in the Department of Mysteries.
AIMEE
What's that?
QUARTERMASTER
I'm afraid I can't disclose that information, milady. I was sworn to secrecy upon my retirement from service.
AIMEE
Oh, I'm sorry.
PETER
It seems to be quiet this evening, Quartermaster. How has business been lately?
QUARTERMASTER
Abysmal! This damn disaster in the senate has been bad for the business districts.
PETER
Luckily the experience won't last very long. It won't have a very long term effect on the city.
QUARTERMASTER
Thank goodness for that.
SCENE 032 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
They round a small table in the dining room, secluded from the rest of the CLUB SCENE.
QUARTERMASTER
Here is your table, Senators. Enjoy your evening.
DESMOND bows and walks away. Each one, after another, take their seats at the table.
AIMEE
He was charming.
PETER
Yeah, always a great conversationalist. A barrel of laughs, old Desmond is.
ERIN
It's a pity about the effect that this is having on the retailers. Imagine if it had went on further than it did?
PETER
But it didn't, so we don't have to worry about it. Just sit back, and enjoy the evening.
WILLIAM
So how has class been since we left? I expect that old Mitchell was a bore for the past three weeks.
PETER
Gave us a term paper which is due by the end of the week. I haven't started it yet. Suppose I should start it soon or else it'll never be done. Though it shouldn't take you very long to produce one, William. You would ride out the tide till the eve its due and still produce an outstanding mark.
AIMEE
Don't encourage him, Peter. His head doesn't need anymore swelling than the point it's at.
They all laugh for a moment as a WAITRESS joins them at their side.
WAITRESS
Good evening, Senators. I carry an invitation requesting you all to accompany a gentleman in a round of drinks.
WILLIAM
An invitation from whom?
WAITRESS
The distinguished fellow from across the room.
SCENE 033 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
They all look across the way to a table where sits alone ERIKAN QUICKSTRIKER, staring interestedly at them.
SCENE 034 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
WILLIAM
What do you all say?
PETER
Sure, why not. Tell him we'll join him in a moment.
The Waitress leaves and moves over to the other table. Soon, the FOUR stand from their seats and begin to follow.
SCENE 035 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
As they reach the table, ERIKAN stands and bows in greeting to them.
ERIKAN
I thank you for accepting my proposal, Senators. I was hoping for some company this evening.
ERIN
We thank you, Senator Quickstriker. We are honored to be your guests after your much appreciated services to Acameda.
ERIKAN
Please, the honor is all mine, Senator Pierce. Please be seated, all of you.
As they take their seats, the WAITRESS moves in position closest to ERIKAN.
WAITRESS
So what would you all like?
PETER
I suppose I should ask first what you are drinking, Erikan.
ERIKAN
A black cherry fountain on the rocks.
PETER
We'll try that.
The WAITRESS moves away.
ERIKAN
So are you celebrating the victory from earlier today?
PETER
No. The return of old friends.
ERIKAN
Ah, yes, that's right. William and Aimee were given a leave of absence for a period of time. Please accept my condolences Aimee for the loss of your mother.
AIMEE
Thank you.
ERIKAN
Purius must have been very kind to give you such a release to attend to the matter. A kind soul, he was; very unfortunate regarding the scandal.
AIMEE
I'm interested in how you organized the matter so quickly, Senator. To prosecute a case of this magnitude in such short a time is... (Pause)... extraordinary. How did you come upon the evidence?
ERIKAN
I really don't know how it all started. I received information from an unknown source and I immediately turned it in to the Headmaster. Together, she and I formed an inquiry to look into the matter and found startling evidence through the historical databanks.
PETER
It's lucky you discovered the information just in time or else we would have faced a devastating predicament.
AIMEE
But how can you be certain that the information wasn't a farce and could have easily been a plant to make Purius appear guilty?
The table is stunned at the question.
ERIKAN
I'm not sure. The possibility of it being false information is probable but Headmaster McDowell and I made certain that the evidence was honorable to present in trial. I promise you, we did everything we could to give Purius Wood a fair trial.
ERIN
Aimee was close to Purius when she was in her first year here, Erikan. She, like most of us, is having a hard time believing that this could really happen.
ERIKAN
Of course, of course. Anyone would be. Even I was shocked by the realization that he, of all people, would mastermind such an insidious plot. In time, Aimee, you will come to some understanding to the truth.
SCENE 036 - INTERIOR RAFTERS, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
From the roof of the building, a figure climbs down carrying a large rifle over her shoulder. Her face comes into light, and HECATE positions herself in view of the table.
SCENE 037 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
PETER
So what is your opinion on the next possible step for the Senate?
ERIKAN
Well for now, I would expect the Headmaster to keep things as they are with the enforcement of the Senatorial Guards. Then, as the atmosphere calms, an election will be held for a new Chancellor, one who will be moral and true.
SCENE 038 - INTERIOR RAFTERS, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
Rifle in hand, HECATE begins to aim for her target below at the table.
SCENE 039 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
AIMEE
If you were nominated, would you accept the proposal for the office of Chancellor?
ERIKAN
If I were nominated, and won an emergency election, I would accept the responsibility to lead with the power to do good for the better of Acameda.
SCENE 040 - INTERIOR DINING ROOM, CLUB DESMOND QUARTERMASTER - NIGHT
Carrying a tray of glasses, the WAITRESS walks over to the table to deliver the orders. Suddenly, SHOTS RING the room and the table is destroyed. ERIKAN keels over, holding his arm in pain on the floor, and the WAITRESS beside him, dead.
More shots fire and the table is destroyed. With the remains that are left, both PETER and WILLIAM pick up the remains of the slab to give cover to them and the injured ERIKAN.