The Heart of Atlantica

THE HEART OF ATLANTICA A Play in Three Acts. Authored by Caius Alexandrian.

Dramatis Personae

Agalliasos, Lieutenant of Atlantica's Military Command,

Aglaios, Lieutenant of Atlantica's Military Command and friend of Agalliasos,

Pericles, Imperial Secretary of War,

Scoteinos, Secretary of the Ministry of Special Affairs and friend of Pericles,

Kaisar, General of Atlantica,

Morpheus, Director of the Military Intelligence of Atlantica,

Choreios, Imperial Secretary of State,

Hyperion, Imperial Secretary of Propaganda and friend of Choreios,

Passerby 1, citizen of Atlantica,

Passerby 2, citizen of Atlantica and friend of Passerby 1.

A Guard,

Paramedic 1,

civilians, guards, soldiers and a Catholic priest.

'''ACT 1, Scene 1.

Two persons on the main boulevard of Atlantica are conversing while they watch the surrounding area.'''

Passerby 1: „Look! Over there, isn’t that Pericles, Imperial Secretary of War of the New Atlantic Order?”

Passerby 2: “Yes… must be him. His suit of armor is covered in blood.”

Passerby 1: “Obviously, he has performed his belligerent duty on the battlefield.”

Passerby 2: “The battlefield? Or a slaughterhouse rather?”

Passerby 1: “Psst! Remain taciturn… he approaches us.”

'''Pericles passes by and entirely disregards the two although they hail him. Only a small sound of grunting from his side can be heard.'''

Passerby 2: “He is a terrible person. I still wonder why they made him IO… such human being of low degree and bad manners.”

Passerby 1: “Haha. Sorry, you make me laugh, man. Do you think a polite and noble man can become a successful politician?”

Passerby 2: “One would hope that there are some job requirements for a government position…”.

Passerby 1: “Oh, there are job requirements. The worse you behave, the worse your manners are the better you are suited to become a politician in a culture like this. Polite people can –if anything- become secretaries or domestics for them. This Pericles is the worst of all.”

Passerby 2: “Don’t you say that! You must mind your words. What if they overhear us?”

Passerby 1: “They can overhear my ass.”

Passerby 1 farts loudly.

Passerby 2: “Goodness, now you are doing what you hold against him? That’s pure vulgarity”.

Passerby 1: “Neither you nor he are better than myself. You may consider me vulgar for what I say or do, but Pericles is vulgar by nature; all he does is to hide it better.”

The curtain drops.

'''ACT 1, Scene 2.

In Pericles’s Palace, in the entrance hall. Scoteinos and three domestics are waiting for Pericles to enter. As Pericles enters, Scoteinos advances two steps and hails Pericles. ''' Scoteinos: “Hail to thee, Pericles.”

Pericles: “Take off my boots and here my saber, Scoteinos. I had a long day and yet there’s more to do”. Scoteinos: “Of course, your wish is my command.”

Scoteinos takes Pericles’s saber, hands it a domestic to bring it away, then has two domestics pull off Pericles’s boots.

Pericles: “Did you tell the police to screen all the people on the list I gave you?”

Scoteinos: “I did. Screenings are going on and will be completed by tomorrow.”

Pericles: “Good. We need to seek out and eradicate the political resistance. Are the Lieutenants and NCOs doing their jobs as they are supposed to?”

Scoteinos: “No problems.”

Pericles: “Anything else, Scoteinos?”

Scoteinos: “A member of the Academy staff refuses to accept an applicant. I have some logs here of what he said to me. I think you should know.”

Pericles: “Who exactly are we talking about?”

Scoteinos: “It’s Agalliasos”.

Pericles: “I’ll have a word with this permanent barrater. However, now I need to prepare to go to the Council and meet up with the other IOs. I need a shower and a fresh uniform.”

'''Scoteinos nods and Pericles walks off. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 1, Scene 3.

Agalliasos ambles along Atlantica boulevard and is in a good mood. He is accompanied by his good friend Aglaios. They are chatting until Aglaios sees Pericles approaching.'''

Aglaios: “Pericles is coming, Agalliasos. Looks like as if he is heading towards us.”

Agalliasos: “Oh no. That’s never a good sign.” Both Agalliasos and Aglaios try to hail Pericles, but he doesn’t care and immediately turns to Agalliasos.

Pericles: “That conversation you had with Scoteinos was completely out of line. You do not continue to behave like you did. You seem to do such frequently. And that will not fly. Scoteinos is your superior for a reason. He worked his ass off to get where he is. You were hired to make a professional opinion about the applicants. Your tirade of insults and insubordination is not to happen again. You need to go about this in a civil and professional manner.”

'''After he had spoken those words, Pericles walks off. Agalliasos is visibly shaken, Aglaios does not know what to say. Agalliasos collapses and Aglaios tries to help him get up on his feet again. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 1, Scene 4.

The two persons of ACT 1, Scene 1, are standing on the main boulevard of Atlantica, have watched Pericles, Agalliasos and Aglaios and now talk about it.'''

Passerby 1: “Look! Aren’t these some of Atlantica’s Lieutenants? And aren’t they Professors too?”

Passerby 2: “Yes, these are Agalliasos and Aglaios.”

Passerby 1: “Agalliasos seems pretty shocked.”

Passerby 2: “Just another of Pericles’s victims. The lucky bastard should call himself fortunate that Pericles didn’t rip his head off.”

Passerby 1: “That wouldn’t have been necessary anyways… just look how pale Agalliasos’s face turned.”

Passerby 2: “What I fail to understand is – he is a high-ranking member of MilCom and other departments. Why would Pericles treat him like that?”

Passerby 1: “Pericles could not care less about people. Such kind of man does neither know mercy nor does he see any good in other persons. Everyone else apart from him is far below his dignity, so he can treat them as he likes. Also… ‘high-ranking’. Hilarious. They are mid-management and can be glad when Pericles does not have them do latrine fatigue.”

Passerby 2: “Poor Agalliasos. Nobody deserves such treatment.”

Passerby 1: “Man, I don’t know where you believe to be but this is Atlantica where serious business and hard work rules and where politeness and humanity have no place to live. If one doesn’t like it here, they can leave. You know that very well.”

Passerby 2: “What’s your reason to stay here? You seem to be quite discontent with life here.”

Passerby 1: “Are you kidding? It’s fantastic. Drama on a daily basis, naked spite for all those opportunists who seek to make career who reach and fall in the long run… it’s the best social experiment of all times.”

Passerby 2: “You really think so? I think you are an idiot… an insane madman.”

Passerby 1: “Think as you please. Still, even if I were a madman then I could say Atlantica has made me insane.”

Passerby 2: “Bah. I don’t want to listen to you any longer. You are nothing but a merchant of doom.”

Passerby 1: “I may be a merchant of doom but neither do I seal fate of a person or of a state. All I do is to name matters as they really are. Like it or not but matters will remain as they are.”

The curtain drops.

'''ACT 1, Scene 5.

Pericles arrives at the Council House and enters. Two guards salute him, he walks through the main gate and enters Assembly Hall. Some Imperial Secretaries are standing in a circle and talk to each other. Choreios, standing in a corner of the Hall, watches Pericles enter and approaches Pericles to speak with him. Hyperion leaves the circle and watches Pericles and Choreios talking.'''

Choreios: “Pericles! It’s great to see you. Are there any news from the fabulous world of Military Affairs?”

Pericles: “People are unreliable and everything would collapse without me.”

Choreios: “Business as usual then, I see.”

Pericles: “Foreign Affairs is not much better according to what I have heard. Your staff isn’t that industrious as you’d wish either, is it?”

Choreios: “Activity has always been a problem, Pericles. However, my reforms will fix that. I have good Legates on my side.”

Pericles: “I wouldn’t be so audacious as to call them ‘good’. Isn’t one of them always absent and the other one spends time gossiping rather than working?”

Choreios: “They are perfectly capable of performing their duty as they should, thank you.”

Pericles: “I see. You want them to be lazy slackers. I have to talk to the Emperor now.”

'''Pericles walks off, Imperial Secretary of State Choreios seems to be quite very angry. Imperial Secretary of Propaganda Hyperion watched the conversation of Choreios and Pericles and goes over to Choreios.'''

Hyperion: “Choreios, are you alright?”

Choreios: “Yes, thank you. I just had one of these inconvenient conversations with Pericles.”

Hyperion: “He performs his duty very well and is highly appreciated.”

Choreios: “He may perform his duty well, undeniably, but he fails terribly at treating people friendly. He is one of those Old Guard Secretaries who thought violence and impoliteness would be the best tools to establish a working alliance. People are not willing to accept such treatment any longer nowadays.”

Hyperion: “Old Guard Secretaries? He received full citizenship at the same time as you.”

Choreios: “If you ask me then I’d say the Old Guard Secretaries had a detrimental effect on him. Once in the past, there may have been a good nature within Pericles, good nature got lost however and what’s left is a pretentious and misanthropic savage.”

Hyperion: “Well, I can agree with you that his manners are… let’s say rude here and then, however he’s the man we need at the moment. I prefer to have him on our side rather than against us”.

Choreios: “Hyperion, I don’t think he is on our side or anyone else’s apart from his own. He serves nobody else than himself, neither the Emperor nor the alliance nor the people. He doesn’t know morals and ethics but only his own law that he willingly applies to the world. Trespass against this unwritten law that is only known by Pericles, and you will face his insane rage.”

Hyperion: “Fine, you may be of such viewpoint. But how can you maintain he doesn’t serve the people? I read an interview in that he says that all this would mean nothing to him if there weren’t the people that keep his job interesting for him”.

Choreios: “Sure, he needs people in order to humiliate them, in order to rule them, in order to haze them.”

Hyperion: “What about his friend Scoteinos then?”

Choreios: “Are you kidding me? Scoteinos is not a friend of his but a power-mongering lackey who just waits for an opportunity to stab Pericles in the back. The only true relation between them is that both of them lack humanity and clemency.”

'''ACT 1, Scene 6.

The two persons from Act 1, Scene 1 talk to each other, standing on the main boulevard as usual and watching the surrounding. One of them holds a paper in his right hand.'''

Passerby 1: “Imagine what!”

Passerby 2: “What? What’s the matter with you?”

Passerby 1: “I received a conscription order this morning.”

Passerby 2: “You can serve your nation and become a brave soldier. That’s good news.”

Passerby 1: “Good news? Did you have too much beer last night? I can become a dead soldier.”

Passerby 2: “Just imagine! You might be awarded a medal for your service. Maybe you save the life of someone.”

Passerby 1: “Sure, they can display the medal on my casket afterwards.”

Passerby 2: “You are too pessimistic. Perhaps you make many people proud and happy with whatever great deeds you perform on the battlefield.”

Passerby 1: “Okay, let me take into consideration what you say. Maybe you are proud, maybe my parents, maybe my superiors… and the only one happy would be the undertaker then who earns money with my death. I can already read my name on the list as KIA.”

Passerby 2: “I’m sorry you feel that way. I think I would be grateful if I could give my life for my nation.”

Passerby 1: “You are an idiot. Just wait until you have to put your head in the noose of the gallows of this rigid military machinery.”

Passerby 2: “When will you have to leave?”

Passerby 1: “I have to report for duty in three days. No idea how long I’ll have to spend in boot camp.”

Passerby 2: “Godspeed and return in one piece. I’ll miss you, man.”

Passerby 1: “I’ll try to write you how terrible it really is as soon as I can find time. Could be that I even manage to call you. Take care, I need to run some errands”.

Passerby 2: “Alright, we’ll see us.”

'''Passerby 1 leaves the scenery, Passerby 2 gazes after him, then looks down and sighs. After a short while, he looks at the audience.'''

Passerby 2: “Well, as my friend goes to war, I shall remain here at least and iform you about important events. Moreover, I will let you know what he tells me about his new military career. It’s a shame he doesn’t know to appreciate the opportunity that life offers to him. What can I say? He’s always been a caviler ever since I know him.”

'''Passerby 2 leaves the scenery at a leisurely pace. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 1, Scene 7.

In the office of Agalliasos, Lieutenant of the Military Command of the New Atlantic Order. He sits at his desk and reads some papers. Somebody knocks at the door. Agalliasos puts the papers aside.'''

Agalliasos: “Whoever it may be, come in, please.”

Aglaios enters the office and closes the door behind him.

Aglaios: “Did you already hear it?”

Agalliasos: “Did I hear what?”

Aglaios: “They’ll deploy our battalions to the front. Exciting news, right?”

Agalliasos: “Where did you hear that again? I did not receive any message about a deployment.”

Aglaios: “A friend of mine told me today.”

Agalliasos: “A friend from the General Staff?”

Aglaios: “Of course. He couldn’t tell when exactly it’s our turn, however, we will be among the first.”

'''Agalliasos stands up and stares out of the window behind his desk. He crosses his arms behind his back.'''

Aglaios: “Aren’t you excited as well, Agalliasos?”

Agalliasos: “As excited as one can become when the bloody hounds of war are unleashed. Many a good men will meet their deaths.” Aglaios: “It’s our duty to fight for what is right. This was also the reason why you joined the Forces, wasn’t it?”

Agalliasos turns to Aglaios.

Agalliasos: “I won’t contradict you. I joined –just like you- in order to do the right thing and fight for what’s right. The older I grew the more different I viewed the world and what keeps it spinning though. What one considers right yesterday is different from what one considers right today.”

Aglaios: “Do you have great doubts about the rightfulness of this war?”

Agalliasos: “No, the doubts I entertain are result of my consideration that I will have to make grunts go and meet their death. It just saddens me, just as it should sadden everyone who likes his grunts.”

Aglaios: “I can understand you. Believe me, I don’t want to see our guys fall and leap and tumble to their deaths either, but they know what sacrifice they make for the common good of our state.”

Agalliasos: “Do they? The dead on the battlefields have seen the atrocities and the pure banality of war. Could they but stand up and tell us what they saw in the beyond, they’d certainly say it’s better to be alive than to make their life a sacrifice.”

Aglaios: “Listen, I can understand you, really, but somebody has to do the job, and that’s us, that’s the grunts… it’s our solemn duty to fight and –if necessary- to die. You know that.”

Agalliasos: “You are right. It’s simply hard for me sometimes.”

Aglaios: “I’ll go. Business awaits me.”

Agalliasos: “Alright. Thank you.”

'''Aglaios leaves the room and closes the door. Agalliasos sits down and takes his papers again. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 1, Scene 8.

In Pericles’s villa. Kaisar, General of Atlantica, Morpheus, Director of Military Intelligence and Scoteinos, Secretary of the Ministry of Special Affairs, wait in Pericles’s office. There is a desk with a laptop, several books and papers are on the desk, there are three windows and pieces of historic military equipment like sabers and guns on the wall and on tables next to the wall. Apart from a chair behind the desk, there are no further chairs within the room. None of the people in the room speak a word with each other but wait eagerly for Pericles’s arrival. Finally, Pericles enters. Without hailing them, he goes to his desk and sits down.'''

Pericles: “I sent for you in order to receive your reports about the current situation on the battlefields. Kaisar?”

Kaisar: “The 1st and the 6th Army are bound to the Northern area of Troy. The 4th Army is on its way to support them while the 5th and the 8th Army defend the area south of Troy.”

Pericles: “How many casualties so far?”

Kaisar: “1 500 in the 1st Army, 2 422 in the 6th Army, 950 in the 8th Army. I haven’t received reports about casualties from the 5th Army so far.”

Pericles: “Why didn’t the 4th Army arrive at the front so far? Your last report reads that they would arrive yesterday.”

Kaisar: “There have been problems with a bridge that collapsed.”

Pericles: “I want you to take a jeep and fix the problem. I hired you to solve problems and not to cause new ones because you neglect your duty. I will not cede an entire province to the enemy because you fail to execute orders. Fall out!”

Kaisar salutes and leaves the room.

Pericles: “How many enemy forces are in the region, Morpheus?”

Morpheus: “Recent estimations aggregate to 65 000 enemy forces.”

Pericles: “These estimations… how recent are they?”

Morpheus: “I receive new estimations each six hours. They are quite up to date as I would say.”

Pericles: “I want to receive more precise figures. Send in some undercover agents or use our satellites and drones if necessary, but I want to know the location of the enemy, I want a sketch of their fortifications and so on. It’s midnight now, so I expect you to get results in the next six hours. If you can’t tell me at lunchtime what the enemy had for dinner, then better stay away from me. Understood?”

Morpheus: “Of course, sir.”

Pericles: “Dismissed!”

Morpheus salutes and leaves the room.

Scoteinos: “Is there anything I can do for you, Pericles?”

Pericles: “Not really. I just wished our major offensive had launched much better.”

Scoteinos: “Plans for it were well, though.”

Pericles: “Everything looks nice, clean and neat on plans. Unfortunately, they don’t always work out as they should.”

Pericles facepalms for a moment and then looks at Scoteinos again.

Pericles: “Scoteinos, another long night will it be for me. The domestics are already asleep, be so kind and bring me a cup of coffee. I can definitely need one.”

Scoteinos: “Sure thing. I’ll be back in a second.”

'''Scoteinos leaves the room. Pericles walks in the midst of his office and gazes at the audience.'''

Pericles: “Decisions are to be made, sacrifices must be made… I know what they say behind my back. ‘He’s a despot, he drinks human blood.’ Whatever bad they can find to say about one, they already said it about me. Nobody really knows the true Pericles. All I had to do and all I do and all I will have to do, it’s for Atlantica. Nobody knows what heavy yoke there rests on my back. I can’t simply shake it off and let them seize control from me. If I allowed them to, then it’s doom that would ensue. I have to be the man who I am because nobody else can shoulder my yoke. May they hate me as much as they want, but I shall always do what I owe myself and this state.”

'''Scoteinos enters the room. He holds a salver with a cup of coffee on it and puts it on the desk.'''

Scoteinos: “I have served you the coffee, Pericles.”

Pericles turns towards Scoteinos, looks at the desk and sees the coffee, then turns again to Scoteinos.

Pericles: “Great. You should go and get some sleep, Scoteinos. I know it’s also been a long day for you and tomorrow will be no less exhausting than today.”

'''Scoteinos nods, salutes and leaves the room again. Pericles waits until Scoteinos has left, then he turns to the audience again and speaks thoughtfully.'''

Pericles: “Never did I meet someone who could understand me and what I do, but if someone could, then it would be Scoteinos for he works in order to get work done –just like me- and not in order to be showered with honors, titles and promotions. I could not wish for a better fellow than him.”

'''Pericles walks back to his desk, sits down on the chair, takes the cup of coffee and nips. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 1.

Passerby 2 from Act 1, Scene 1 stands on the main boulevard. First, he looks down buried in thought. Then he looks towards the audience and walks closer to them.'''

Passerby 2: “Oh… hello! It’s you. I already thought I’m all alone here on the boulevard. You know I always met with my companion here and we watched what’s going on in town. I don’t even know what to do with my optimism ever since they drafted my counterpart.”

'''Passerby 2 drops his gaze and looks bitterly unhappy. Then he turns back to the audience.'''

Passerby 2: “Right, I forgot to mention it. He kept promise and wrote a letter to me.”

'''Passerby 2 pulls a paper out of his pant pocket. He holds it and reads loudly.'''

Passerby 2: “Hey man, I have arrived at Theseus Army Base. If you ask me, then I have to say that ‘Theseus Army Base’ is a name far too nice to describe the concrete bunkers and lousy barracks that have –hopefully- seen more glorious times in the past. The chow –yes, I say chow and not food- is as bad as one can imagine. I assume they call it ‘chow’ because they don’t know the meaning of ‘food’ or ‘meal’ and even if they knew it, all they can do is to boil away whatever had any taste before.”

Passerby 2 looks towards the audience anew, smiles and speaks.

Passerby 2: “He has always been like this ever since I got to know him. He’s picky. He’d pretty much say the same to me when I cocked for him and served him a meal.”

Passerby 2 continues to read the letter.

Passerby 2: “Funny creatures bustle about and yell at me and the other unhappy guys they drafted. It occurs to me that they seem to have a task to teach us how to become a soldier. One of my ‘comrades’ pissed his pants because such elderly Drill Sergeant shouted at him for not having his field box in order. Although I cannot prove it with the utmost certainty, I believe all of this so-called boot camp is a social experiment whose ultimate result is to find out what’s necessary to make one piss his pants.”

Passerby 2 looks towards the audience again, smiles and speaks.

Passerby 2: “Believe it or not but I truly miss his sarcasm. Sure, time spending with him is not just sunshine and roses, especially when he’s that terribly stubborn as he generally tends to be, however his sarcasm is brilliant and entertaining.”

Passerby 2 continues to read the letter.

Passerby 2: “A young Drill Sergeant also yelled at me because he was not content with my conduct. I didn’t say anything but smiled for which he had me do 25 push-ups or ‘25’ as the wannabe petty tyrant would call it. After I had done them, he asked me whether I would still feel the need to smile now. All I did in this case was, of course, not to smile. I just shrugged without batting an eye which infuriated him even more. I was convinced not to provoke him any longer after he had me do ‘200’ with his jackboot on my back. Graduation will be in two weeks. I hope they’ll make me a paramedic or anything like that. We shall see. I’ll write you again as soon as I can. Bye, R.”

Passerby 2 puts the letter back in his pant pocket and speaks to the audience.

Passerby 2: “He’s really a good guy and someone I call myself fortunate to have as my friend. He’s just a bit… misguided here and then. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope he’ll do well. Very well then, I have to go. We shall see us later.”

'''Passerby 2 waves and leaves the scenery. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 2.

Kaisar, General of Atlantica, Agalliasos and Aglaios walk along a hallway in the Military Headquarters of Fort Atlantica. They are conversing. Four guards are on sentry duty in the hallway. An officer approaches Kaisar and hands him a paper, then he leaves the scenery.'''

Kaisar: “Gentleman, this is the newest report of enemy activity in the Northern region. Counteroffensive is supposed to happen tonight according to our scouts.”

'''One guard approaches Kaisar, produces his pistol and aims at Kaisar’s heart. Kaisar, Aglaios and Agalliasos are scared to death, Kaisar takes a step forward to the guard and speaks. The other guards also produce their pistols and aim at the guard who aims at Kaisar.'''

Kaisar: “Soldier, do you know what you are doing here?”

Guard: “I know far too well, sir.”

Kaisar: “Soldier, you will cock this gun, turn it down and surrender to the guards.”

Guard: “This war killed my brothers and my only sister. I blame you for it and I shall make you pay for their deaths”.

Kaisar: “Don’t make a mistake now. Do you have parents that live?”

Guard: “Yes, I do.”

Kaisar: “Do you want them to receive message that their son killed a superior, that they have lost their last child for such futile thing like what you consider retaliation?”

Guard: “Maybe your death will help that other parents can keep their children and not need to sacrifice them to a megalomaniac war.”

'''The Guard shoots at Kaisar three times. Kaisar is deadly wounded and breaks down. The other guards shoot at the assassinator until their ammo clips are empty. The assassin is deadly wounded and collapses. Aglaios shouts.'''

Aglaios: “A doctor. Run!”

'''One of the guards runs off. Aglaios and Agalliasos kneel down next to Kaisar and gaze with wide eyes at the wounds.'''

Agalliasos: “Sir, is there anything we can do for you?”

Kaisar: “No… I don’t think so. Tell the parents of the guard that he died a good soldier. That’s the least we can do.”

Agalliasos: “That’s the least important thing to consider at the moment.”

Kaisar: “Promise me that you will do as I say. Promise it to a dying man!”

Agalliasos: “I promise it, Sir, upon my honor.”

Kaisar: “Tell my wife and my children I love them and….”

Agalliasos: “And? Sir?”

Aglaios: “Is he…?”

Agalliasos: “Now his soul dwells in a world better than this.”

Agalliasos and Aglaios stand up. The guards look at Kaisar’s corpse and wonder what to do. Agalliasos turns to one of the guards and speaks to him.

Agalliasos: “Go and take some men. Let them be brought in the morgue, Sergeant.”

The guard salutes and leaves the scenery.

Aglaios: “Incredible. I never considered it possible that even here –in the midst of the headquarters- such assault, such massacre could occur.”

Agalliasos: “War always comes at a price, Aglaios.”

Aglaios: “But we are one nation under one Emperor with a mission. We will prevail. How can some people fail to realize this?”

Agalliasos: “All I can realize is that this is one nation divided between those who are in hope and those who are in despair. Hope unites, despair divides, and those in despair will act as they feel they have to.”

Aglaios: “Don’t you believe in our victory?”

Agalliasos: “Oh, I believe that we will prevail just like you do. In the long run, we will prevail. Today, however, we had to face brutal defeat for we lost our General and a desperate man.”

Aglaios: “Neither would I call the death of a traitor a defeat nor a loss. That guard showed himself in his true colors.”

Agalliasos: “General or guard, traitor or patriot, after all they are human beings. To err is human. We should not bemoan the loss of a General or of a guard but that we have lost human beings and comrades.”

Aglaios: “You should mind your words, Agalliasos. In times like these, some would maintain that you view things in a light far too different from what your position obliges you to. An opinion like yours is dangerous. They might make you accountable for what you say.”

Agalliasos: “Wars may change the men involved in it and laws my prosecute offenders who trespass against society. War, law and society change but what always remains the same is my conscience.”

Aglaios: “Having a conscience today might not just be dangerous; it can be a hanging matter. Do you really want to risk your life for what you call ‘conscience’?”

Agalliasos: “A conscience is not just an opinion but a deep conviction. If they want my head because I have a conscience, then be it. If having a conscience is illegal, then I’m guilty.”

Aglaios: “I didn’t hear that and you’d better hope nobody else did.”

'''Six guards appear. Four of them drag the corpses of the assassin and of Kaisar behind the stage, two of them salute while the other four are dragging the corpses away. Aglaios and Agalliasos leave, the two saluting guards leave right behind them. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 3.

In Pericles’s office. Pericles sits at his desk and reads papers. Scoteinos enters the room, closes the door and walks in front of Pericles desk, then he salutes. Pericles nods, puts the papers aside and looks at Scoteinos.'''

Scoteinos: “I have received message just a few seconds ago. An assassin killed General Kaisar while he was talking to his staff.”

Pericles: “Has the assassin been taken into custody?”

Scoteinos: “The guards shot him dead.”

Pericles: “Who was the assassin?”

Scoteinos: “He was one of the guards performing sentry.”

Pericles facepalms, shakes his head in disbelief looks at Scoteinos again.

Pericles: “What’s wrong with these people? Can it be that traitors and assassins everywhere?”

Scoteinos: “There is more I have to report.”

Pericles: “What else do you have to tell me?”

Scoteinos: “Lieutenants Aglaios and Agalliasos were with General Kaisar when the assassination took place. I have reasons to believe that Agalliasos is involved in the assassination. He spoke with Aglaios and bemoaned the death of the assassin.”

Pericles: “Agalliasos… it seems to me that all he does is to cause problems. Arrest him and throw him into solitary confinement. Deny him food and water for two days.”

Scoteinos: “Isn’t this a little bit too draconic?”

Pericles: “Some dogs never learn, but this dog will learn his lesson. Now go and do as I say.

'''Scoteinos salutes and leaves the office. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 4.

Scoteinos and two guards confer Agalliasos to solitary confinement. Agalliasos hands Scoteinos his pistol, goes inside the cell and one of the guard closes the gate of the prison cell afterwards. The guards leave the stage. Scoteinos stands in front of the gate and speaks to Agalliasos.'''

Scoteinos: “You have been sentenced to two days of solitary confinement without food and water. I wasn’t told what will occur to you after these two days. That’s all I can tell you so far.”

Agalliasos: “A two day holiday with therapeutic fasting… well, it could have been worse, I suppose.”

Scoteinos: “You shouldn’t be in such playful mood and crack jokes, Agalliasos. You infuriated Pericles with your comments. Everybody knows it’s never wise to provoke him.”

Agalliasos: “To be fair… it doesn’t take much to provoke Pericles. Rumor has it that he just punishes people for looking him in the eye. I don’t give currency to such rumors, of course, but in every rumor there is a bit of truth.”

Scoteinos: “Do you know why you were sent into solitary confinement?”

Agalliasos: “I suppose either because of something I have said or something I have done have sealed the fate that brought me behind these barred windows.”

Scoteinos: “You have made career, you have had the talent. Your mistake was to never learn but one simple lesson that everyone except you seems to have learned.”

Agalliasos: “Well, then tell me what lesson you are referring to.”

Scoteinos: “This is a military state that is based on hard work, discipline and loyalty. Our job is to execute orders and to obey our superiors. We don’t question or doubt them; that’s simply not what we are being paid for. You would be old enough to know it –one would think- yet you don’t know this most simple lesson not to contradict our leadership.”

Agalliasos: “I didn’t contradict our leadership.”

Scoteinos: “You showed sympathy for the man who assassinated a General of this glorious state Atlantica. Apparently this is enough for some high-ups to consider you a dissident. Each elementary school kid out there can tell you this is treason.”

Agalliasos: “Do you think I’m a traitor?”

Scoteinos: “My opinion is of no relevance. I just execute my orders.”

Agalliasos: “Sounds like a very convenient way to struggle through life.”

Scoteinos: “I didn’t get arrested and put into solitary confinement. You should rather think about this and change your attitude before you are scourged by punishments worse than solitary confinement and ‘therapeutic fasting’ as you call it.”

'''Scoteinos grins gleefully, looks at Agalliasos while doing so and then leaves. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 5.

Passerby 2 from Act 1, Scene 1 stands on the main boulevard and reads a newspaper. He looks up from the newspaper and gazes at the audience.'''

Passerby 2: “Did you already read the newspaper today? They incarcerated Lieutenant Agalliasos. Too bad that my friend can’t be here and tell me his viewpoint. First of all, he and I witnessed Pericles yelling at Agalliasos in public and now he gets incarcerated. They didn’t really write the reason why for it though.”

'''Passerby 2 reads the newspaper again; then he folds it and dumps it into a garbage can standing nearby. He turns to the audience.'''

Passerby 2: “I don’t know how you feel but it seems pretty strange to me that someone gets jailed and nobody explains the reason why behind it. My friend, of that I’m pretty sure, would argue that the military can’t stand each other anyway because they are trained to hate. Now, if you have to hate the enemy all day long, then one day you may be seduced to hate someone else; and who would be a better target for hatred than a comrade in uniform? One can imagine what necessarily has to follow: they dart malignant glances, their eyes meet, fistfight, military hospital, solitary confinement in a military prison ensues consequently. Malicious rumor has it – but just said between us, of course- malicious rumor has it that Pericles wanted to get rid of General Kaisar. He hired an assassin who was appareled like a guard and had him do sentry duty. The assassin opened fire on Kaisar and killed him. Agalliasos tried to stop the assassin and shot him dead. Pericles was infuriated due to that, of course, and since his anger overwhelmed him, he had Agalliasos dragged to jail and put into solitary confinement.”

Passerby 2 shakes his head in disbelief and then speaks to the audience again.

Passerby 2: “What I don’t understand, however, that’s the following: why would Pericles arrest Agalliasos if he hired an assassin to kill Kaisar? He should rather be grateful that Agalliasos shot the assassin for he couldn’t name the name of who hired him. That doesn’t make much sense at all. It could also be that Pericles was so mad at Agalliasos because he would have preferred to get the assassin alive in order to interrogate him. That, however, would require that Pericles didn’t hire the assassin. Therefore, it must have been someone else. Personally, I think it’s been the bad enemy we are fighting against on the Northern front. But… .”

Passerby 2 looks at the audience and continues to speak.

Passerby 2: “But why would Agalliasos get jailed? A high-ranking military doesn’t get jailed for killing the assassin of his superior who is even more high-ranking. An average man like me wouldn’t think that somebody could get jailed for such deed. The little guy on main street is quite outraged as one can imagine. Public blood is up like never before. Wherever you go, people murmur and whisper to each other that Pericles would have gone mad. Nobody dares to say it loudly because they fear to be overheard and jailed, but they simply believe Pericles is fully nuts. Some even say that he has a torture chamber in his palace. The sister of the friend of the neighbor of a good friend told me she knew a torture victim who disappeared soon after she had spoken to him. Either he disappeared because Pericles wanted to get rid of him or he simply moved to another town in order to get away from her… since he was her friend and, well, I know her and she can be pretty annoying. By hook or by crook, the events of the so-called refined society are a welcome play for the guy on main street and inspires and appalls and enrages him. I just consider it entertaining. In a way it’s a comfort that the gentlemen in their uniform can end up in the gutter like everyone else.”

Passerby 2 consults his watch.

Passerby 2: “Time for me to go. Super Bowl starts in an hour and I need some supplies from the grocery store. We’ll see us later. Bye.”

'''Passerby 2 waves and leaves the scene. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 5.

Inside of Assembly Hall. Choreios and Hyperion are having a conversation, other Secretaries stand together in groups, also talking.'''

Hyperion: “Did you read the newspaper?”

Choreios: “You refer to the story on Agalliasos, right? Yes, I did.”

Hyperion: “What did you think when you read it? I was quite confused as I have to admit.”

Choreios: “Well, I can’t maintain I was confused, rather shocked and appalled. Whatsoever Agalliasos has done, I find it more than wrong to arrest a Lieutenant of Atlantica.”

Hyperion: “I asked around and nobody of the others ordered it. Pericles seems to be the one who imposed it.”

Choreios: “No surprise on my side. Whenever there’s anything bad going on, then Pericles and Scoteinos are the undoubted cause of it.”

Hyperion: “I wouldn’t go so far as to maintain that but it’s certainly unfortunate at such time as we are at war.”

Choreios: “I’d call it unfortunate when there’s an earthquake, a house collapses and a family gets killed. This is a case of political suicide.”

Hyperion: “I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

Choreios: “The mob on the streets already thinks IOs are out of touch with the real world. Sure, a few of us get out there, once in a while, listen to their problems and try to help them. Pericles fails to see any necessity to appear on the scene of public life and the mob doesn’t understand that. They think he’s a pretentious asshole and they hate him.”

Hyperion: “In how far do they hate him? I must admit I don’t have much time to talk to people outside of my staff and Assembly Hall.”

Choreios: “Immediately after the newspaper came out, there were rumors and gossips worse than a sane man can imagine.”

Hyperion: “Oh really? What did they say?”

Choreios: “My hairdresser asked me whether I’d know anything about a torture chamber in Pericles’s Palace. My gardener asked me if I had any knowledge about experiments on humans conducted in Pericles’s office and my chauffeur told me that he’s heard Pericles would kill people in order to drink their blood."

Hyperion: “Goodness! These are all just rumors, however, correct? I mean… Pericles wouldn’t do such, would he?”

Choreios: “Until yesterday, I didn’t think Pericles would have his minions arrest a Lieutenant of our MilCom, drag him into solitary confinement and deny him food and water. Judge yourself.”

Hyperion: “This all is just terrible. I can hardly find any words in this matter.”

Choreios: “You needn’t. Mob finds more than enough words to spread gossip and lies as they like. Public opinion is always right; people don’t care about truth, they make up their own truth.”

Hyperion: “Do you think the public will… call for a revolution?”

Choreios: “Sooner or later, they will call for a change. And in case time requires me to do so, I will adapt and join the ranks of our people.”

Hyperion: “You would fight against Pericles?”

Choreios: “No, of course not. I would be a moral support to the noble people of Atlantica and incite them to topple Pericles. Whatsoever may occur, I will survive and remain in exalted position.”

Hyperion: “Some people would think you are about to commit treason.”

Choreios: “Treason? No, what I’m about to do is political behavior. Mob on the street is a political animal that can rip you like a wolf does it with sheep. Being on the side of the wolf is smarter than being on the side of the sheep. Politics is nothing but a calculation; if you calculate it for your own end, if you take advantage of a situation, then your calculation will never fail.”

Hyperion: “Choreios, you leave me speechless. Your cold-bloodedness is hard to beat as I find.”

Choreios: “I’m a politician. You don’t get a job like mine if you aren’t cold-blooded.”

Hyperion: “Perhaps… however, didn’t you once tell me that Pericles would be cold-blooded as well and that people despise him for it? So, what’s the difference between you and him?”

Choreios: “I’m cold-blooded but popular and a man of the people. The public forgives you when you are one of them, or just appear to be one of them, while they punish you for giving them the feeling you’d be better than they are.”

The other Secretaries leave the stage.

Hyperion: “The meeting is about to begin. Let’s go.”

'''Hyperion and Choreios also leave the scene. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 6.

Passerby 2 and a crowd of people on Main Street. There are 21 people altogether, including Passerby 2 and they stand together in three groups conversing, seven persons per group. Passerby 2 leaves his group and waves to the audience.'''

Passerby 2: “The regular guy on Main Street discusses the solitary confinement publicly now. Although… it would be more correct to say they started with the solitary confinement and now they are rather sharing gossip about Pericles. Each man seems to know something about his private life and what he really does in his palace. I’m no curious man, don’t get me wrong, but I have to memorize it for when my friend calls me. He’s sure interested in it.”

Passerby 2 looks at the crowd of people; then he addresses the audience anew.

Passerby 2: “To be quite very honest, personally I find they are exaggerating stuff terribly. Torture, illegal human experimentation, scheming plans to overthrow the Emperor… I think people just have to much time to develop sadistic fantasies of what could be. I sincerely doubt anyone knows anything.”

'''Passerby 2 walks back to the crowd. Pericles and Scoteinos approach. Some of the crowd realize it and point a finger at Pericles and Scoteinos. All the people in the crowd look at Pericles and Scoteinos; then they scowl. All discussions conclude, there is neither murmur nor whispering, just silence. Pericles and Scoteinos stands still and look around in surprise.'''

Pericles: “What’s the matter? You seem to have something in mind. Is there anything you people have to tell me? Then you’d better go for it as long as I’m here.”

The crowd starts murmuring; Passerby 2 takes a step forward towards Pericles and then speaks.

Passerby 2: “Why did you drag Agalliasos into solitary confinement?”

Pericles: “That’s none of your business. A Secretary does never have to explain his reasons why for anything.”

Passerby 2: “Is it true that you have a torture chamber in your palace and that you conduct experiments on human beings?”

Pericles: “Are you crazy? Why would I have a torture chamber and conduct experiments on humans?”

Passerby 2: “Why would you drag a Lieutenant into solitary confinement.”

Pericles facepalms; Scoteinos approaches to the crowd of people and speaks to them.

Scoteinos: “It’s enough, people. Dissolve and walk back home like decent citizens. The Secretary is busy and has no time to listen to the baloney you give him.”

'''The crowd mutters and grumbles. Passerby 2 speaks again.'''

Passerby 2: “We citizens find that Pericles never listened to what we have to say. Now, as we have an opportunity to do so, you dare tell us he’d be busy? He serves the people, doesn’t he? This is a shame and each honorable citizen is dismayed about the cowardice of this man.”

'''Passerby 2 points at Pericles and starts shouting “coward”. The crowd of people points at Pericles, too and joins in so that a choir of voices intonates “coward”. Pericles yells at Scoteinos.'''

Pericles: “Let’s get out of this, Scoteinos. They are all insane.”

'''Pericles and Scoteinos scurry off as fast as they can. The crowd watches them and rejoices boisterously. Passerby 2 takes a step forward to the audience and talks to them.'''

Passerby 2: “The people of Atlantica gave vent to their anger. Neither weapons nor using threats made the mighty Pericles run off as timid as a hare that fears a hunter’s rifle, nothing but our loud protest.”

'''The crowd rejoices boisterously again; Passerby 2 walks back in the midst of them; the people shake his hand. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 7.

In the prison. Agalliasos still is in solitary confinement, sitting on a bench; a guard approaches and brings him a bottle of water and two tuna sandwiches. Agalliasos slowly starts to drink some water; then he starts eating a sandwich. The guard speaks to him.'''

Guard: “Lieutenant, you have no idea what happened.”

Agalliasos: Then enlighten me, please, Sergeant.”

Guard: “Pericles was walking along the main boulevard. A crowd of people confronted him with questions about why you were jailed and other stuff.”

Agalliasos stands up and looks bewildered at the guard.

Agalliasos: “How… how did Pericles react?”

Guard: “Scoteinos, who accompanied him, tried to calm the crowd of people down, but they didn’t refrain from pressing him. They even began to call him a coward.”

Agalliasos: “Goodness, no. That can’t be true. Please, tell me you are playing a trick on me, Sergeant.”

Guard: “No way, Lieutenant! They called out to him he’d be a coward and as dangerous as the situation occurred Scoteinos to be, he suggested Pericles to make a quick getaway.”

Agalliasos: “Not even Pericles deserves such treatment.”

Guard: “The populace wouldn’t agree with you. A good many of them says it served him right. It is said Pericles had a nervous breakdown when he arrived home.”

Agalliasos: “This isn’t good at all. Pericles will be mad when as soon as he recovers from it.”

Guard: “Most likely. However, aren’t you happy about this event?”

Agalliasos: “Why would I be happy? I rather fear that Pericles will give free rein to his rage.”

Guard: “People are on your side. I thought you’d know to appreciate that circumstance.”

Agalliasos: “I shall appreciate when the current situation comes to rest. No man should have to be afflicted by one single person’s rage or madness.”

Guard: “Be that as it may, sir, I have to go. Enjoy your meal.”

Agalliasos: “Thanks, Sergeant.”

Guard: “No problem, sir.”

'''The guard leaves the scene; Agalliasos devours the other sandwich and drinks some water. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 2, Scene 8.

In Pericles’s office. Pericles sits on his chair, Scoteinos stands next to him. Pericles gazes at his desk in sheer horror. After a while sitting there, Pericles speaks to Scoteinos.'''

Pericles: “What the hell was that? That’s been a damn nightmare. I have never had to face such.”

Scoteinos: “People are just misguided. You shouldn’t take it seriously.”

Pericles: “I shouldn’t take it seriously? Where the hell have you been? Haven’t you recognized how dangerous and perturbing this entire situation was?”

Scoteinos: “Of course, I did.”

Pericles: “Then shut the fuck up and don’t you tell me not to take it too seriously!”

'''Scoteinos remains silent and looks down. Pericles looks at Scoteinos.'''

Pericles: “I want you to get all the names of those audacious bastards who insulted me. I want a list with their names and afterwards, they will see what punishments we have for insulting a Secretary.”

Scoteinos: “Pericles, isn’t this… .”

Pericles: “Will you stop calling me Pericles? I’m a damn Secretary. Refer to me as such! Will you!”

Scoteinos: “Secretary, what are your orders?”

Pericles: “You’ll get me a list with all their names, you’ll arrest them and then you’ll deport them to penal colony 8. Hard labor will teach them to obey to the laws.”

Scoteinos: “For how long, sir?”

Pericles: “For an unlimited period.”

'''Scoteinos salutes and is about to leave the office. Pericles stands up and addresses Scoteinos again.'''

Pericles: “Wait. I’ll drop the charges. If I did such thing, I would just make new foes and political opposition will give the Emperor the dirt on me. Forget what I told you.”

Scoteinos: “Acknowledged, sir.”

'''Scoteinos leaves the stage. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 3, Scene 1.

Scoteinos enters the solitary confinement cell and talks to Agalliasos who is sitting on a bench. A guard waits outside.'''

Scoteinos: “You paid your penalty. Get on your feet. You’ll be transferred to the battlefield tomorrow.”

Agalliasos: “I stand surprised before you, Scoteinos. You want some dissident like me on your battlefield, fighting your battle?”

Scoteinos: “Personally, I have nothing against you. I just obey to the orders I receive. Pericles, however, doesn’t have to lose much when he deploys you to the front.”

Agalliasos: “In case I get killed in action, he doesn’t have any troubles with me any longer and in case I survive, he can do as he likes with me afterwards… is this what you are saying?”

Scoteinos: “No, that is your interpretation of my words. Whatever, get out of this cell. Business awaits you.”

Agalliasos stands up, strokes off dust from his prison uniform and looks at Scoteinos.

Agalliasos: “How is the war going for us?”

Scoteinos: “Our next major offensive will turn things around. As soon as we will have stormed the Southern fortifications, the entire region will be ours.”

Agalliasos: “What are our odds for the offensive?”

Scoteinos: “We reinforced troops and have about double the strength of the enemy now. According to latest intelligence reports, our odds are an estimated 70%.

Agalliasos: “Can you also provide me estimations of how many people’s lives we might lose in that battle?”

Scoteinos: “Optimistic calculations read that we will lose 10% of our attacking forces, pessimistic calculations read that up to 50% will die.”

Agalliasos: “I see. Let’s go. I’m ready.”

'''Scoteinos, Agalliasos and the guard leave solitary confinement and walk off. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 3, Scene 2.

A dozen soldiers standing on the battlefield and talking to each other. Passerby 1 is among them, walks to the audience and addresses them.'''

Passerby 1: “We are waiting for the Lieutenant. No idea why. They deployed us all this way without telling us any reasons why. All we have done was fucking the dog so far. Tell me what you want, but… most annoying part of going to war is waiting. Artillery has been bombing the fortifications on the other side of the river for three days. I have a feeling they’ll let us assault the foe in the next few days. We shall see."

'''Passerby 1 goes back to the group of soldiers. Agalliasos appears and positions himself in front of the soldiers. He looks at them; after a few seconds, he delivers an address.'''

Agalliasos: “It’s getting even-time, guys. The time has come to pay the foes in their own coin. They torched our settlements; Francoville, Dragonisia, Centronom and many more. They massacred innocent civilians, mothers, fathers and children. They massacred friends; I know almost each of you know one person who got injured or killed by the enemy. What I ask of you is simple. Don’t stifle your emotions! Let them burst when it’s time to fight. Hell, let your heart burst so that the shrapnel of your body showers the enemy with blood, flesh and bones! Do what you need to do, but whatever it may be, kill the enemy! The high-ups will send in some bombers tomorrow and blow the remainings of the foe to hell. Right after that bombing, we will assault. The bombers will do their job at 0500 hours and we will do ours at 0545 hours. Don’t eat too much and try to take a nap. It’s an honor to serve with guys like you. I know you’ll do me proud; as well as your families at home for who you fight. We’ll see us tomorrow, guys. Dismissed!”

'''Agalliasos and the soldiers walk off. Passerby 1 walks to the audience and talks to them.'''

Passerby 1: “The show will start tomorrow morning. You’ve heard it. Of course, the Lieutenant also brought up this “You’ll do me proud” bullshit. I want to see him running up the hills and carry the assault together with us. Otherwise, his words are as meaningless as half-hearted as every word an officer says to a grunt. I don’t know what you are going to do, but I’ll definitely go and have some drinks. It’s better to booze tonight for their might be no tomorrow.”

Passerby 1 leaves the scene.

'''ACT 3, Scene 3.

In Agalliasos’s tent. There are two chairs. Agalliasos perches on one, Aglaios in the other one. Agalliasos holds a glass of whiskey in his hands and smokes a cigar.'''

Aglaios: “Is it really necessary to drink and smoke tonight?”

Agalliasos: “Are you fearing I could get lung cancer? Who knows whether I’ll find time to do it tomorrow.”

Aglaios: “I hope you don’t intend to make the assault with your grunts.”

Agalliasos: “Well, I can’t ask my soldiers to do something I’m not willing to do myself. They sacrifice their life and I should be on their side as they are doing it.”

Aglaios: “You can’t be serious. That’s insane. I don’t think any other officer will join his troops during the assault.”

Agalliasos: “It would be half-assed if I demand something I wouldn’t do myself. I, and this is a promise, will fight together with them. I slept in the same quarters as my guys did, I trained with them when they came from boot camp, I drank and ate with them and I shall die with them if it’s my fate.”

Aglaios: “Why can you never be like the rest of us? You are rebellious by nature, you disrespect your superiors and –what I consider the worst of all- it seems to be your settled conviction that you are always doing the right thing. From where does the certainty come that allows you to act and speak as you do?”

'''Agalliasos remains silent, looks around; then he stares on the floor. After having done so, he replies.'''

Agalliasos: “Sometimes, one simply knows what he has to do or what words he has to say. I have no doubt that everyone, including you as my friend, thinks I’m rebellious and crazy. I would most likely think the same if I were in your shoes; however, I simply know that it’s right what I’m doing.”

Aglaios: “In your eyes, what are the others, what are we doing then? We are obeying to our superiors and pay attention to the rules. Are we wrong because we do that?”

Agalliasos: “I don’t condemn anyone for acting the way they do. I don’t address reproaches to anyone either. All I’m doing is to act as I have to.”

Aglaios: “Again, do you believe I am following the false direction? Do you believe that I’m mistaken in what I do?”

Agalliasos: “I believe that you act to the best of your knowledge and belief.”

Aglaios: “So, then why are you doing quite the opposite of me and others?”

Agalliasos: “The best of one’s knowledge and belief can differ from person to person. What might be right for me can be terribly wrong for you. Nevertheless, these are best knowledge and belief that are our concomitant companions that guide us.”

Aglaios: “Really, I cannot make head or tail of what you are telling me. A long while ago, someone told me: ‘Love the law, love your nation, love your fellow comrade, but the law and our obedience to it always comes first.’”

Agalliasos: “Who told you that?”

Aglaios: “My mentor and friend told it to me. It’s been you. Has so much changed ever since you told me that?”

Agalliasos: “Back then, I was an idealistic man of young age. It’s an undeniable fact that our horizon widens, that our knowledge increases and that our belief changes as we grow older.”

Aglaios: “I’ll better go and hit the sack now. We’ll see us tomorrow morning.”

Agalliasos: “Alright, we will. Have a good night.”

Aglaios: “Likewise; and don’t forget to stop drinking and smoking.”

'''Agalliasos smiles; Aglaios leaves the scene. Agalliasos murmurs.'''

Agalliasos: “Tomorrow, the world will be turned upside down for some. We’ll see whether I am one of them.”

The curtain drops.

'''ACT 3, Scene 4.

Explosions and anti-aircraft fire are audible. Agalliasos and his troops are squatting in full combat dress on stage and look at the other side of the stage.'''

Agalliasos: “I know you can hardly wait, guys… but for now, all we can do is to wait.”

Passerby 1: “I hate waiting for the fun, sir.”

Agalliasos: “So do I, private. You fucking bet, so do I.”

Passerby 1: “I hope the bombers will leave over some bastards to kill for us.”

Agalliasos: “They surely will. Some rats always hide in the holes. Won’t be different this time.”

'''Suddenly silence. Agalliasos gets on his feet and shouts.'''

Agalliasos: “Come on, you bastards. Now we’ll show them the very meaning of war!”

'''Agalliasos and the others run to the other side of the stage. A shot hits Agalliasos. He doesn’t move; he is standing on the stage. The other soldiers continue running to the other side of the stage and vanish. Passerby 1 looks back to Agalliasos and runs back to him.'''

Passerby 1: “Lieutenant? Is everything alright?”

Agalliasos: “Not really. I think I need to sit down and relax a bit.”

'''Agalliasos squats down; then he sits down. Passerby 1 realizes that blood flows out of Agalliasos chest.'''

Passerby 1: “Fuck. They hit you, sir. Paramedic! Paramedic!”

Passerby 1 squats next to Agalliasos.

Passerby 1: “A paramedic is on his way to you, sir.”

Agalliasos grins meekly, lies down and replies.

Agalliasos: “It doesn’t matter, private. Tell me, what’s your name?”

Passerby 1: “McAndrews, Lieutenant. My name is McAndrews.”

Agalliasos: “I don’t have much time left. Tell them in Atlantica that I fought a good fight and that I died Atlantica’s loyal servant.”

Passerby 1: “Sir, you can’t die off under my hands and you won’t.”

Agalliasos: “You are a good man, Mr. McAndrews. Take care.”

Agalliasos closes his eyes.

Passerby 1: “Sir, don’t you quit on me! Stay awake. The battle isn’t yet over.”

Agalliasos: “Life is a battle and every battle comes to an end.”

Passerby 1: “Sir… don’t… .”

'''Two paramedics run to Agalliasos and Passerby 1. One of them puts the pointing and middle finger of his right hand on the carotid artery of Agalliasos; then he looks at the other paramedic and shakes his head. Afterwards, he turns to Passerby 1.'''

Paramedic 1: “I’m sorry. The war is over for him.”

Passerby 1: “Is there really nothing you can do for him?”

Paramedic 1: “They hit his heart. There is nothing we can do, I’m sorry, private.”

'''The paramedics leave the stage running; Passerby 1 remains squatted next to Agalliasos’s corpse and shakes his head in disbelief. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 3, Scene 5.

In Pericles’s office. Pericles sits on his chair, Scoteinos enters the room and carries a filing folder.'''

Pericles: “Are these the reports?”

Scoteinos: “Yes. It will be an interesting read.”

Scoteinos hands Pericles the folder.

Pericles: “Okay, let me see. 2,589 killed in action, 5,319 wounded and 35 missing in action?”

Scoteinos: “I’m waiting for the final confirmation but these are the current figures.”

Pericles: “Good. I expected our casualties to be sharply higher. Anything else?”

Scoteinos: “Just one thing. One of our Lieutenants was killed in action when he started the assault with his unit.”

Pericles: “We lost a Lieutenant? Who did we lose?”

Scoteinos: “It’s Agalliasos.”

Pericles looks at Scoteinos, remains taciturn and then takes a deep breath.

Pericles: “How did it happen?”

Scoteinos: “The report reads he was hit in the heart. A Private stayed with him and called the paramedics; to no avail however.”

Pericles: “He died tragically. I’m seduced to say as tragically as he lived.”

Scoteinos: “Do you have certain wishes regarding the funeral?”

Pericles: “No, but make sure that everyone attends the funeral. After all and despite his inadequate actions, he has been a Lieutenant of Atlantica and deserves a solemn funeral.”

Scoteinos: “Of course, I shall take care of it.”

Pericles: “Inform all departments and the members of the council as well as the government. They should send –at least- one representative. Thank you.” Scoteinos nods and leaves the stage. Pericles ensconces himself in his chair. He holds papers in his hands.

Pericles: “We lost a decent soldier. Quite inconvenient as I have to admit. At least, we won the battle. We have offered the God of War sacrifices and he accepted them. One life doesn’t weigh more than 10,000 on the battlefield. Life goes on. We will always find new Lieutenants to replace the ones we lose. Maybe it’s better that Agalliasos is gone. Maybe things will calm down now.”

'''Pericles continues to read papers. The curtain drops.'''

'''ACT 3, Scene 6.

At the funeral of Agalliasos. Choreios and Hyperion stand at the left side of the stage, Passerby 1 and Passerby 2 on the right side, Pericles and Scoteinos in the midst of the stage. A coffin is in the middle of the background, soldiers and civilians stand not far apart from the coffin. A Catholic priest is in front of the coffin. Aglaios is among the people.'''

Choreios: “I really hate state funerals. It’s so depressing to go to the cemetery.”

Hyperion: “We are honoring the dead. Wouldn’t you want people to come and attend to your funeral, when your time has come?”

Choreios: “Well, I can’t really say I ever thought about it. I couldn’t care less. I would care a damn about it when I’m dead, I think.”

Pericles: “Did you know Agalliasos well, Scoteinos?”

Scoteinos: “Here and then, we had a chat, but I wouldn’t say I knew him well.”

Pericles: “What kind of guy was he?”

Scoteinos: “He was one of that kind you could get along with, actually. He had good work ethics.”

Passerby 1: “He was my Lieutenant. I was with him when he passed away into a better world.”

Passerby 2: “Do you remember his last words?”

Passerby 1: “He told me: ‘Life is a battle and every battle comes to an end.’”

Passerby 2: “He had a poetic vein, hadn’t he?”

Passerby 1: “He was like a warrior poet. Leading us onto the battlefield, getting shot into the heart and still wording such a sentence. Unbelievable.”

Hyperion: “In the long run, we all have to live a life of dignity and virtue as I believe.”

Choreios: “I don’t know about such matters as virtue and dignity, however I know for sure that I want my fun.”

Hyperion: “Perhaps that Lieutenant lived such life.”

Choreios: “A life that was ended by a bullet. The lesson we can learn here is that you’d better live like a king than dying like a damn grunt.”

Pericles: “He won’t cause any problems any longer.”

Scoteinos: “I sincerely doubt that he can cause any wherever he may be.”

Pericles: “I wonder what would have occurred if he had survived the battle.”

Scoteinos: “He would have been a pain in the ass for you, no doubt about it.”

Pericles: “Indeed. Perhaps he would have become more of a problem than he already was.”

Passerby 2: “Just look how many people there are. He must have been a great guy considering that mass of people.”

Passerby 1: “Just like in every funeral, there are certainly some people who just came in order to make sure he won’t jump out of the coffin.”

Passerby 2: “Quite cynical of you to say that. Nevertheless, I have no doubt you are right.”

Passerby 1: “I’m pretty sure Pericles is not here to weep for Agalliasos. And neither is Scoteinos.”

'''The Catholic priest consecrates the coffin, some of the people make the sign of the cross. Seven soldiers in gala-uniform appear; they have rifles in their hand and point with them at the sky. Each of them fires three times, twenty-one gun-salutes altogether. The soldiers in the gala-uniform leave the stage; then the Catholic priest leaves. Afterwards, the rest of the people leave, apart from Aglaios who remains near the coffin.'''

Aglaios: “It’s a shame. You wouldn’t have had to die if you had listened to the advice I gave you. Not a bullet killed you; your heart exploded because of the inner resistance and opposition. You were an intelligent man, I know it like hardly anyone else; the lesson you did never manage to learn, however, was to internalize resiliency whenever it was necessary. A grass stalk bows when the wind blows furiously. You did never bow when you should have, my friend, and we were having an argument about your convictions more than once. I’ll miss talking to you. Wherever you are now, there is nothing else I wish for you but peace."

Aglaios approaches to the coffin, puts his right hand on it and closes his eyes.

Aglaios: “Fare well. Perhaps, we shall see us one day when the time is ripe for it.”

'''Aglaios walks off. The curtain drops.

The End.'''