Golden Apples in Silver Settings

"The king's wrath is like messengers of death, but a wise man can pacify it."

Proverbs 16:14

story by – Jerry McCracken

dedicated to – Mona Caliente,

whose kind words and tireless support and endless love

are worth more to me than all the gold in the world, in apple

form or not

Dramatis Personae

June Cole – schoolteacher

Ward Cole – June's husband

Locke Cole – June's son

William J. Brady – prosecuting attorney

Beatrice Brady – William Brady's wife

Clarence Drummond – defense attorney

Tom Baker – bailiff

Dennis Martel – districty attorney

Odell Lovett – judge

Albert Patrick – mayor

Lilly Wiess -- schoolteacher

Gestahl – emperor (evil)

Kefka – general

Leo – general

Celes Chere – general

Arvis – newsman

Banon – doctor

Rachel Gillis – Locke's girlfriend

Elijah Gillis – preacher, Rachel's father

Benny – local schoolboy

Jackie – local schoolgirl

Edgar Roni Figaro – king

Chancellor – Edgar's chancellor

Sabin Rene Figaro – martial artist

George Brown – shopkeeper

James Jones -- innkeeper

Act I

Scene I

Kohlingen is as dreamy as ever. The sun smiles happily on the spring foliage, and the ocean babbles endlessly about its own secrets. Birds are everywhere, singing their replies.

Today, the town is busy. People scuttle hither and yon, talking up a real storm. Several of them are in the process of hanging a banner over the entrance to the courthouse. The banner reads, "Revere Your Emperor."

School has just let out for the day. A gaggle of children skips down the path from the old wooden schoolhouse toward the center of town. Most of them are talking about the days' lessons or other mundane topics.

"Nice rain we got yesterday, huh?" Benny, thirteen years old and proud of it, prods the sidewalk with his foot.

"What's nice about it? Our house sprung a leak in the ceiling." Jackie, twelve and more modest, is less enthusiastic than her companion.

"Brought out the worms, it did," says Benny, spotting one.

"Gross. I don't want to know where that's been."

"What's gross about it? You was a worm once."

"Was not."

"Was too. I learned it in school."

"What dingbat told you that?"

"My teacher, Mrs. Cole."

"Did not."

"Did too. She told us that a long time ago, we was all little bacteria in the ocean. Like little bugs. Then those bugs grew into fish, and then they went on land and turned into animals and people millions of years later. Hundreds of millions."

"That's heresy!"

"That's what Mrs. Cole said."

"She's fixin' to get herself in a heap of trouble."

"And just why's that?"

"Don't you pay attention in church? Everyone knows Emperor Gestahl created the world a thousand years ago. It's a sin to say otherwise."

"Just sayin', that's all."

"Well, it's a sin. Why do you think Mrs. Cole is is so much trouble now?"

"I figured she stole somethin'."

"Naw, she done got herself arrested for teachin' heresy."

"You is lyin'!"

"Nuh uh! Go see for yourself. The trial is in two days, and that's why everyone's getting' ready for the dignitaries."

"Really?"

"Really. Honest to goodness."

The children stroll past the courthouse, where George Brown and James Jones are fixing the banner. Mayor Albert Patrick observes.

"I hear the ship with Brady on it is due to arrive any minute now," says Patrick. "It left harbor in Nikeah on time, and it's just about due."

"Fabulous," says Brown. "I've never actually seen Brady before."

"I have," says Jones. "Just once, and it was from a distance, but I could still feel his greatness. The man has the gift of gab, he does."

"He sure can speak," says Brown. "What's it like being the second most powerful man in the world, behind only Emperor Gestahl himself?"

"It's got to be thrilling, I'd say." Patrick scratches his head. "I just have myself a few humble responsibilities, and I was never much of a lawyer. I'm lucky to be mayor. Brady, though, he's a legend."

"Almost a god," says Jones.

"Watch yourself," says Patrick, "Or you'll be the next arrested."

"Ain't no god but the Emperor," says Brown.

"Just a slip." Jones looks mortified. "Won't happen again."

"See to it," says Patrick. "I'd hate to see our innkeeper in prison during the biggest tourism event this little hamlet has ever seen."

"Aye, I'd be losin' a mighty profit."

"Speaking of which," says Brown, "we'd best hurry with this. I need to set up my shop. I hear hundreds of people are comin' just to watch the trial, and they're all gonna be hungry some time or another."

"Ships have already been arrivin' with people," says Jones. "Seen 'em. Booked quite a few for my best suites."

"Rich folks?"

"Yep, even a king. Figaro, I think."

"The king of Figaro is in our town?"

"As we speak."

"This might be bigger than I thought."

"I reckon so."

Their conversation is interrupted by a well-dressed and semi-well-mannered man, obviously from out of town.

"Excuse me, fellas," he says. "Name's Arvis. Best newsman in all of Narshe, here to cover the trial. Mind if I have a word?"

"No problem," says Brown.

"So, you're counting on getting some business out of this circus. Care any about how the case turns out?"

"I revere our Emperor," says Brown. "If June Cole did anything wrong, I want justice to prevail. The extra business is a bonus."

"I see," says Arvis. "Do you know Mrs. Cole personally?"

"I seen her a quite a few times," says Brown. "I run the only item shop in town, so I know pretty much everybody."

"Is she generally a good person?"

"Generally, yes. She pays her bills, is polite. Never expected nothin' like this out of her."

"You've turned on her, then?"

"I support our Emperor. Mrs. Cole turned on him."

"I see. Is your opinion the popular one around here?"

"It better be," says the mayor. "Anything else is illegal."

"We're all happy to follow the law, anyway," says Jones.

"Interesting." Arvis pulls a small yellow notebook and a pen out of his jacket pocket, scribbles something down, and puts them away. "I can't wait to see the battle begin. Trial of the century."

"Won't be much of a battle, I'm afraid," says Brown. "William J. Brady is the prosecuting attorney, I hear. He's just gonna make mincemeat out of whatever poor sap gets stuck defending Mrs. Cole. She's doomed."

"I've heard that much," says Arvis, "but I'm still interested."

"Don't set youself up for a letdown, now," says Brown.

"I don't plan on it."

Arvis bids the trio farewell and marches on to find another interview. Opportunity presents itself in the form of Elijah Gillis, Kohlingen's preacher. His eyes narrow as Arvis approaches.

"Yer one o' them reporters, ain't ya?"

"That I am. Name's Arvis. Best newsman in all of Narshe, and the world, for that matter."

"Here to watch a heathen get her due?"

"I'm here to see what I see and write back to the paper."

"What you're gonna see is a traitor getting the fiery judgement she deserves."

"My judgement is politely reserved until after the trial, thank you."

"You lack devotion, don't you? When's the last time you went to church?"

"I'm the one asking the questions here, thank you. Who are you?"

"The Reverend Elijah Gillis."

"Ah. I can see you're clearly affiliated with one side of the trial before it even begins."

"Don't get snappy with me. Pompous foreigner."

"No pomp here. Just circumstance."

"Whatever. Just remember that if you're an atheist, you're get what's coming to you."

"I'm sure that's true, Reverend."

"Revere the Emperor."

"One another subject, do you know the defendant at all?"

"I do. Her son and my daughter are an item."

"Really? What are their names?"

"Rachel is my daughter. Locke is the traitor's son. Troublesome kid, but he's no traitor. At least that didn't rub off on him."

"So you support this relationship?"

"Not really, but my Rachel will be good for him. I've always been disappointed in Locke, but he's settled down since he fell in love with Rachel."

"Does any of this affect your feelings on the trial of Mrs. Cole?"

"June will suffer and rot, I've already said. I don't care if she is ever family or not."

"And what do you think of Brady?"

"Honorable man. Reveres his Emperor. Agent of God himself."

"God being the Emperor?"

"Of course!"

"Just making sure you're, uh, not preaching heresy yourself."

"Gah! Of course I don't! I love our Emperor and obey his servants. Brady is the greatest of those. Defends those in need of defending. Attacks those in need of attacking. Regular hero, right up there with Leo, Celes, and Kefka."

"The Generals, huh?"

"Yeah, I know Brady serves in a different area, but God gives each of us a task, and we have to stick to what we're given. The harvest needs many workers."

"As would any harvest."

"It is appointed to me to serve God directly, and to you to report on his greatness and majesty so that the far off people of Narshe may know what wonders he has wrought in the far corners of the world."

"Corners, huh?"

"Yes, corners. I ain't buyin' none o' that garbage about the world being round. I'll go to my grave proclaiming the Emperor's gospel that the world is square."

"Will that be your epitaph?"

"It just might."

"Clever fellow. Continuing to preach your doctrine even after death."

"Eternal life is mine by the grace of the Emperor."

"He sure knows something about eternal life. For someone who's been around a thousand years, Gestahl looks remarkably young."

"God is the same today as he was yesterday, and he shall remain the same tomorrow. A thousand years is but a day to him."

"And you expect to live forever, just like the Emperor?"

"I do, in heaven."

"And what about Brady?"

"Scripture has a few people in it so holy they didn't have to face death. Enoch, Elijah, and now Brady. Who else walks with God like he does?"

"Indeed, few are closer to the Emperor than William J. Brady."

"Pity those like June Cole. God will show them no mercy. He shall cast her into the fiery pit of doom, from which no man may escape. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, and it shall be too late to repent."

"It's not now?"

"June Cole is doomed. Her blasphemy against the spirit of Emperor Gestahl's wisdom has caused her to forfeit her soul."

"Interesting."

"And be ye warned, the same shall happen to you should you ever stray from the straight and narrow path. For wide is the road that leads to destruction, and many find it."

"I'll keep that in mind."

XXX

June stands near the bars at the front end of her jail cell. Her visitors crowd around the other side. Her husband, Ward, grasps her hands through the bars. Locke stands to his left, staring sympathetically at his mother. June tears up.

"I don't know what's going to happen," she says.

"We're doing all we can. I've been trying to get you a lawyer." Ward looks concerned.

"I know, honey. I know you're giving it your best shot."

"I still love you, know you."

"I know. I know you'll always be on my side. You've got the scars to prove it now."

"It's nothing. If someone, soldier or not, tries to take you from me again, I'll fight again. I don't care if I get hurt."

"Police brutality. No other explanation. They were there for me, not for you. I think they just like hurting people."

"If it's in the name of their god, they'll enjoy anything."

"At least Locke wasn't there. Poor baby, having to see his mother thrown in jail like this."

Locke scowls at the cell bars. "I'll figure something out. You can't be hanged. You just can't."

"Locke," says Ward, "there's still a chance to win this in court. No lockpicking just yet."

"Yeah, fine. I just hope that Brady fellow doesn't win over the jury just be being there."

"We're getting the best lawyer we can find."

"The best who will risk his career to defend someone accused of blasphemy, you mean."

"Locke!" Ward turns to him. "Don't talk about your mother that way."

"It's just not fair. It's a stupid law. It's a stupid Empire."

"Locke," says June, "we don't want to lose you, too. Please try to be obedient for now."

"Mom, you did nothing wrong! That creation story is stupid. You had every right to teach science. Your students deserve to hear the truth."

"The truth is that the Emperor makes the rules."

"Might makes right?"

"Afraid so."

"So... stupid!" Locke punches a bar and gets a sore fist. "Is there nothing anybody can do? Can't Gestahl be removed from power?"

"Locke!" Ward is angry now. "That kind of talk will get us all killed."

"And what kind of life do we have, kissing the Emperor's feet with every word we say?"

"What would Rachel say?" June plays her trump card. "What about her? Would she want to see you hanged?"

This quiets Locke down a bit. He bites his lip in frustration.

"This is all too much. I'll be back later."

"Take care, Locke." June waves to him as he ascends the stairs to the ground floor. Locke makes sure he stamps as hard as he can on each step until he reaches the top, and then he punches the wall with his non-injured hand.

"Locke!" Rachel has just arrived to visit Mrs. Cole. "Don't hurt yourself."

"They're taking my mother away from me. How could I possibly hurt any worse?"

"Please be careful, Locke. If you get caught being angry with Emperor Gestahl, you'll end up on trial right along with your mother."

"Hey, it's me."

"Right, Mr. Reckless. You know Gestahl himself is going to be here in person to watch the trial?"

"I know. I'll be careful."

"Please. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"How's your dad taking all of this?"

"Not too well. He wants to believe you're not going to follow your mother, but he doesn't completely trust you. He's told me he wants me to be a good influence on you. Keep you on the right path."

"That old coot!"

"You're already on thin ice with him. As am I. Please, please don't say or do anything that could make him separate us."

"Rachel, nothing anyone can do can make me leave you. I promise. I'll always be yours, no matter what your family says. No matter what happens. Even the end of the world can't kill my love for you."

"Locke..."

"I'm not afraid of your father or Gestahl or Brady or anyone."

"Brady is powerful."

"He's only a lawyer. And I'm sneaky. You know I can get away from any cop after me."

"I know you're a thief, if that's what you mean."

"Treasure hunter. And the treasure I'm after now is the most valuable one I've ever hunted – my mother. Only, I don't know how I'm going to rescue her."

"We have to wait for the trial."

"If only there were some organized opposition to the Empire."

"Locke!"

"I'm only saying. Right now, the Emperor has no competition. He can do whatever he wants, whether it's right or wrong. Now, he's telling people that he made everything. You know it's not true. Any educated person should know that."

"It's what he says, and what he says goes."

"It doesn't have to be that way. I know there have to be people out there who hate the Empire. They're just too afraid to say it."

"Please, stop."

"That's my next goal. Rachel, I have to."

"Have to what?"

"I have to travel the world and find others like me. Others who want change."

"What about me?"

"You'll be safe enough here."

"You're leaving now?"

"No, I'm going to see how the trial turns out and see if Mom needs rescuing."

"You're crazy. You're reckless."

"I do what I have to do."

Rachel sighs. "Do be careful, then. You know I love you."

"I love you, too."

XXX

Back outside, a storm of people gathers. The epicenter is a newly arrived party, fresh from Nikeah. William J. Brady and his wife, Beatrice, march at the front like Hannibal's elephants, throngs of admirers worshipping them at every step but taking great care not to stand in their way. Brady's appearance is as impressive as his reputation. He towers above the townsfolk and his escorts like an oak tree overlooking a pile of acorns. His voice booms like an echoing avalanche. Next to him, his wife seems frail in both stature and temperment.

Albert Patrick greets Brady with a humble handshake.

"We of the city of Kohlingen welcome you, servant of Emperor Gestahl. We wish to provide you with the best accomodations possible, and we sincerely hope you win your case. Not that anyone is worried."

"Why, thank you, mayor," booms Brady, causing Patrick to take a step back. "I look forward to the time I shall be spending here, and I daresay what I have seen so far looks quite nice. More than nice, really."

"We are honored to hear that, really." Patrick makes a bow.

"The honor is all mine. After all, I am not here to vacation. I'm here to defend the good name and divine teachings of Emperor Gestahl, whose name be praised."

"Amen!" shout several random people in the crowd.

"No blasphemer can stand against the divine wrath of our God and Emperor. Where defiant fools oppose him with military might, the esteemed Generals Kefka, Leo, and Celes must take up arms and, by opposing, end the rebellion. But when a foolish schoolteacher attempts to poison the minds of the youth, the task falls to me. I consider it no less an honor, as I am fighting for your children. My life may not be at stake, as our Generals' lives are in war, but your future is. That is why I do not take my burden lightly."

More cheers erupt. One of the happy Kohlingenians is a girl of about five, who waddles up to Brady and offers him a laurel wreath. Brady smiles, places it on his head, and hoists the child onto his shoulder.

"This child – I'm fighting for her!"

At the back of the crowd, Locke and Rachel try hard not to react to Brady's showmanship. Locke scratches his ear, spits on the ground, and fidgets with his hands while shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Rachel places her arm on Locke's shoulder.

"You look worried."

"I am, Rache."

Rachel does not reply verbally. Instead, she squeezes Locke's shoulder harder.

"I'll say you look worried," says Arvis out of nowhere.

Rachel jumps. "Who are you and where did you come from?"

"Arvis is my name. I'm a newsman from Narshe, and I'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Don't scare us, please."

"You have nothing to be scared of, Miss."

"Rachel."

"Rachel, eh? Then this is Locke?"

"In the flesh. Has my reputation preceded me?" Locke's face lights up a bit.

"Indeed, it has. It's your mother on trial, right?"

"Yes, true."

"Well, what do you think? You think she has a chance?"

"I... I don't know what to..."

"Don't ask questions like that!" Rachel looks like she wants to slap Arvis.

"I'm a newsman."

"That doesn't give you the right..."

"So I'm here to report the news to you. I'm not the only one Narshe is sending to the festivities here."

"Festivities? How dare you! Locke's mother is..."

"Is in good hands."

"Huh?"

"Don't tell anyone else, but I know who the counsel for the defense is going to be. Some friends and I have managed to get Clarence Drummond."

The name shocks the pace of the conversation like the crack of a whip.

"Clarence Drummond?" Rachel's mouth hangs open.

"Clarence Drummond, the most agile legal mind in the entire world. If anyone can get your mother off the hook, he's the one."

"Wow. I... don't know what to say."

"Smile. Cheer up. Things aren't hopeless."

"How did you manage to get someone like Drummond to come defend a poor schoolteacher?"

"I'll tell you, but only in private. Follow me if you want to know."

XXX

Arvis opens the door to Kohlingen Inn Luxury Suite #1 and waves his two guests in after him. They sit down on a heavily cushioned couch, and Arvis takes a seat opposite them in an overstuffed chair.

"Keep your voices low, and swear yourselves to secrecy."

"We swear," says Locke.

"I want to hear it from both of you."

"I swear, too," says Rachel.

"Good. I can't be letting this information out of the room. You only get to know because you are personally involved in this already, so I have reason to believe you might have a bit of a personal grudge against the Empire."

"What are you saying?" Rachel's voice rises above the acceptable level, earning her a scolding from Arvis.

"You want to get in trouble? Pipe down."

"Sorry."

"Just be careful. Look, I told you my friends don't particularly like the Empire, right? Well, Drummond doesn't, either. He hates it."

"Hates it?"

"Hates it. That's why he's here. He wants to strike a blow against Gestahl's tyranny. What better way to do that than to win a legal battle against a stupid law."

"Stupid law?"

"You don't seriously believe the world was created a thousand years ago by the Emperor, do you?"

Rachel doesn't answer, but Locke does. "Of course not."

"The Emperor wants complete control over everyone's minds. If they think he's a god, he can do whatever he wants. He can take whatever he wants. He can even kill whomever he wants. No repercussions at all."

"We know this," says Rachel.

"That's what this trial is going to be. A battle for people's minds. If Drummond can take advantage of the hype and get your mother free, then maybe, just maybe, Gestahl will lose some of his control. Just a little is all we need."

"And then what?" says Locke.

"I don't know, but times are bleak enough we need to go for whatever small hope we have."

"Agreed."

"So meet me after the trial."

"What?"

"Locke, I know your reputation. I know of your skills. Your bravery. I also know there are other people out there like you. When this thing is over, maybe they'll be bold enough to stick their necks out. We can find them, and then we pool our strengths to see if we can't do something about the Empire."

"Count me in."

"That's the spirit. Rachel?"

"I'm going to have to think about this some more."

"Think all you want, but please don't give us away."

"I won't. I couldn't let anything happen to Locke."

"Depending on how things play out, Locke could become one of the greatest heroes the world has ever known."

"And he could die."

"Yes, he could die. But it would be for a good cause."

"I'll be sad. I'll worry."

"We'll be as careful as we can. For now, though, we should get back outside before we start to look suspicious."

Rachel takes Locke's hand. The two look into each other's faces, and then, without needing to say a word, they walk out the door.

XXX

"Drummond?" For the first time all day, Brady looks displeased. He slams his fist into the dinner table. "My opponent is Drummond? Clarence Drummond?"

"That's what we're hearing," says the personal assistant who delivered the news. "He's due to arrive tomorrow."

"He's a heathen! He's an atheist!" Reverend Elijah Gillis spits at a fly buzzing around his nose. "He shouldn't even be allowed in our town."

"Nonsense," says Brady. "What is gained by crushing a gnat?"

To illustrate his point, Brady claps his hands together and does just that. He then wipes the stain off on his pants.

"I'd rather face the best out there than some nobody. If the most powerful, most articulate, and most shrewd of the heathens can't touch the divine word of our Emperor, then nobody can. When people the world over learn of our great victory, Emperor Gestahl's glory will shine brighter than ever before. None will dare oppose him. Praise be to the Emperor!"

"Amen," says Gillis, apparently satisfied with the response.

"And crush Drummond I will."

"Amen."

"Blasphemy has consequences both eternal and temporal."

"Amen."

"And I humbly accept the responsibility of being God's instrument of judgement."

"Amen."

"To do that, I must rest. The Emperor deserves only the best."

"You do that," says Gillis. "The rest of us shall pray for a swift and decisive victory."

XXX

Miles away from Brady's luxury suite, Clarence Drummond rocks back and forth with the waves as he lies in the bed of his cabin. On the nightstand rest some notes he has been going over, and underneath them sits a valise with the rest of his materials. Doctor Banon, one of the witnesses he has prepared, sits in a chair across the room, poring over the some briefs.

"I hope this works," Banon says.

"It's the best chance we've ever had," says Drummond. "I'm not about to waste it."

"All the Emperor's official mouthpieces are speaking ill of you. I must say this is not a good career move."

"What good is having a nice career if you have a wasted life?"

"True. I just want to remind you of what you could be giving up."

"We're all prepared to make sacrifices, aren't we?"

"We are."

"The future is at stake. I won't back down."

"And I won't let you down."

"You, Banon, are a man who loves to think. I have to believe you would like to keep that freedom, so I will not doubt your dedication to this cause."

"Indeed."

"Today, they've come for a schoolteacher. Tomorrow, they could come for the doctors, and then the lawyers, and then the carpenters, and then soon, everyone is gone but the brainless zombies who have devoted every waking minute to refusing to think. What kind of world would be filled completely with Gestahl's preachers?"

"A terrible world."

"Even if we fail, we can at least avoid looking at ourselves in the mirror in the morning and feeling ashamed."

"Speaking of which, it's late. I'm going to go turn in. You should, too."

"I think I'll lie here awake a little longer."

"Good luck, Clarence."

"Thank you."

End Scene I

Scene II

The preliminary hearings have begun. James Jones sits in the box at the front of the courtroom. Dennis Martel, the district attorney, questions him in order to see if he will make a suitable juror.

"How often do you go to church, Mr. Jones?"

"Just Sundays."

"That's good enough for the prosecution. Your Honor, we accept this man as a member of the jury."

Jones heads off to the bench, but Judge Odell Lovett stops him.

"You're not yet excused, sir."

"But he said..."

"The defense must first examine you."

Drummond stands up, as much as he ever does. In contrast with his legal opponent Brady, Drummond's most salient physical characteristic is his overexaggerated slouch. He seems incapable of standing up completely straight. His clothes, though expensive-looking, are something less than fashionable. All in all, he looks only about half as professional as Brady.

"Thank you, Your Honor," says Drummond. "Mr. Jones, why are you so eager to get a seat on that jury box?"

"Everyone says it's going to be quite a show."

"And so it will be, but I have some questions for you first."

"Shoot."

"Have you ever read a book about Evolution?"

"I haven't."

"Read anything about Charles Darwin?"

"No, sir."

"I'll bet you read your Imperial Bible, then."

"Not that either, sir."

"Why not?"

"Can't read."

"You're lucky. Your Honor, this man will do."

Lovett waves Jones over to the jury box, where he sits down eagerly.

"One spot left," says Lovett. "Will the bailiff please call the next candidate?"

Tom Baker, the bailiff, speaks up: "George Brown, please take the stand."

Brown walks to the front, where Martel begins to question him.

"Mr. Brown, please state your occupation."

"I run the item shop."

"Mr. Brown, would you call yourself a religious man?"

"I'm as religious as the next man."

"Do you revere the Emperor?"

"Of course."

"Do you have any children?"

"Nope. No time, with the store and all."

"But you have a wife?"

"Yes."

"If you had a child, how would you feel if you heard your child was attending a school with a godless teacher?"

"Objection, Your Honor!" shouts Drummond. "There will be no denouncing of the defendant before the trial even begins."

"Sustained," says Lovett.

Brady continues, "Do you have any prejudice for or against the defendant that might affect your ability to reason impartially on this matter?"

"No, sir. I only know her from when she buys things from my store."

"Your Honor, this man will do. He seems honest and God-fearing."

Judge Lovett says, "Will the defense examine the juror?"

Drummond stalks up to the stand and begins.

"You've said you're a religious man, but just how hard do you work at it?"

"Not too hard, I guess. I'm too busy with the store. My wife does most of the religious work."

Brady cringes.

"So you mind the store, and she minds the religion. Now, what do you know about Evolution?"

"Nothing until recently."

"Never even heard of Darwin?"

"Not until this business started."

"That's enough. Your Honor, he seems impartial, so the defense accepts him."

"Fair enough," says Lovett. "We now have a jury of twelve honorable and honest men.

XXX

The audience for the preliminaries is quite the collection of personalities. An entire section of chairs is filled by reporters from all over the world. Of these, Arvis seems to be the only one not frantically writing down everything he hears. Apparently confident in his memory, he prefers to twirl a pencil in his hands and think a few snide thoughts about the action at the front of the room. About halfway through, Doctor Banon enters with some of the rest of Drummonds entourage. Banon sits next to Arvis, and the two find quite a bit to whisper about.

Several other notable figures are in attendance. Seated in the front row in the middle is Edgar Roni Figaro, and next to him is his brother, Sabin Rene Figaro. Edgar has been watching the procedings with as much interest as anyone there, and his face is a testament to that fact. His chancellor takes notes for him, but Edgar takes his own to make sure he doesn't miss anything. Sabin cares less, but he reacts when something big happens.

Further back sits Reverend Elijah Gillis, who practically foams at the mouth every time Drummond says anything and neary jumps out of his chair whenever Brady so much as raises an eyebrow. Elsewhere sit Ward, Locke, and Rachel. Rachel wears a poker face, but Locke and Ward are visibly supportive of the defense.

Perhaps the most notable observers make their entrance just as the final juror is selected, as if they are arriving only to make a statement. Everyone in the room, from Judge Lovett to Brady to Drummond to even Arvis falls silent as the double doors on the top middle balcony swing open. In marches General Celes Chere, stone-faced and menacing. Behind her are the other two generals, Kefka and Leo. Finally, flanked by two members of the Imperial Guard, Emperor Gestahl himself files into the room. The entire imperial party sits silently, content to send chills through everyone else in the room. Even those who hate Gestahl experience more fear than anger at his presence.

Judge Lovett finally breaks the moment. "Would everyone please rise for our Emperor Gestahl?" Everyone does. After a suitable moment of deference, Lovett speaks again.

"This court is pleased to see the safe arrival of the Emperor's party. May he rule forever, and may his name forever be praised. This court is now recessed."

The lump that forms in June Cole's throat feels like it's the size of a grapefruit.

End of Act I