The Boundary
Act 1
Scene 1
Set: The Boundary Turnstiles. Youth Guard agents each stand at a table where travelers pile their backpacks, purses, and parcels for inspection. The Unarium flag flies on a standard.
At Rise: Four Youth Guard members stand at The Boundary turnstiles checking backpacks, purses, and parcels as working class people cross between the regions of TUM-R and UNARIUM, traveling to work and back home.
PRIVATE FARADAY
Okay. Next.
(PERSON #1 moves on and another steps up to the turnstile and hands him a parcel.)
Okay. Wait! How about your backpack?
(PERSON #2 reluctantly gives it to him.)
Ahhh, what's this? Ooohh, a homemade sandwich, is it. What kind?
PERSON #2
Peanut butter and jelly. Aw, come on, you don't have to take my peanut butter and jelly sandwich now, do you?
PRIVATE FARADAY
Rules is rules, bud. Any other goodies in there? Nope? I guess not.
PERSON #2
But rules are meant to be broken, aren't they?
PRIVATE FARADAY
Not today.
(He tosses the sandwich into nearby bin.)
Next.
(Another person steps up but someone in PRIVATE MOODY's line speaks).
PERSON #3
You don't understand! It belongs to my boss's daughter and he will be very upset if I don't bring it in today.
PRIVATE MOODY
So he shouldn't have sent it home with you in the first place. Come to think of it, how'd you get it across?
PERSON #3
No one noticed it, I guess.
PRIVATE MOODY
That's hard to believe.
(He tosses a tennis racket into the nearby bin.)
Next.
(The inspections continue as MALACHI talks to the audience.)
MALACHI
Welcome to The Boundary! This is the checkpoint between "UNARIUM," the manufacturing and political region of the World Order of North America, and its bedroom community known as the "Transfrontier Urban Metropolis Region," commonly called TUM-R. People who live in TUM-R are called TUM-R dwellers, or TUM-R Dee's. If it all sounds rather bizarre… well, it is.
This "World Order of North America" isn't a pleasant place to live--not since the great war anyway. The new government of UNARIUM has crippled the population to make sure there will be no more uprisings. Their weapons: unhealthy food and unhealthy bodies.
Everyone must eat only UNARIUM "food" which is prepared in special government kitchens, filled with chemicals and preservatives: guaranteed to lower anyone's vitality and resistance.
(While MALACHI is talking, SANDOVAL goes over and retrieves the peanut butter and jelly sandwich PRIVATE FARADAY tossed into the bin and eats it.)
Medicine? is essentially a rumor. There are no pharmacies in TUM-R--only in UNARIUM. Medicine is not allowed to be transported into the TUM-R at any time, for any purpose. TUM-R Dee's are expected to remedy aches, pains, and diseases with easy-to-find (and inexpensive) Narco-Paks.
Narco Paks are government issued packages of drug "cocktails" made from barbiturates and tranquilizers. When most peoples' brains and nervous systems are working at half capacity, its a lot easier to operate this kind of an insane government.
Sports and exercise are also strictly controlled by the government. People who don't move aren't going to be healthy enough to threaten politicians, now are they? I'm pretty sure that's the rationale anyway. National contests of wrestling and basketball are the only "authorized" events tolerated by the UNARIUM regime--and those are all played by state sponsored teams, in UNARIUM. No one in TUM-R is allowed to do anything the least bit athletic. No jogging, soccer, tennis, or any sort of martial arts.
So, at The Boundary, the Youth Guard inspect everyone's backpacks, purses, and parcels as they are going to and from work every day. If they find anything illegal, such as natural food, medicine, or exercise equipment in someone's possession, it is simply taken away. If anyone complains too much, they're given a free Narco Pak--two if the situation gets sticky.
POLOWSKI
Next. Hello.
(He yawns frequently during this conversation.)
Excuse me. What ya got? Ah, this looks like Tylenol, man. You know I can't let you keep it.
PERSON #4
Please! I'm a teacher and those kids give me a headache every day! I've got to have it!
POLOWSKI
Nope. 'fraid not.
(He tosses it into the bin.)
PERSON #4
Great! Now I'll never be able to get through first recess.
POLOWSKI
Maybe this will help.
(He hands her a Narco Pak.)
PERSON #4
Huh! If I take that, I'll probably fall asleep and get fired.
POLOWSKI
Take another one. If you do get fired, you won't care so much. Next.
(As another person steps forward, one of the UNARSIS robots approaches the Youth Guard workers.)
UNARSIS
I pledge my hard drive to UNARIUM. What will you pledge? You are doing a fine job. Confiscate all unauthorized items. No pharmaceuticals. No sports equipment. No food if it isn't Unarium Yummy name brand.
POLOWSKI
No problem (yawn), UNARSIS.
UNARSIS
I know. You are good workers. Keep it up.
SANDOVAL
Yo! POLOWSKI? Toss me another package of them donuts man.
POLOWSKI
Another one? You've eaten two already!
SANDOVAL
I like 'em, man.
POLOWSKI
You eat too many of those, man. You're going to get fat.
SANDOVAL
I don't care, man. They're good.
UNARSIS
You may eat all you want. Share them with everyone. Eat more. Yum yum. Eat more. Yum yum. Eat more. Yum yum.
MALACHI
And that, is UNARSIS. Well, one of many UNARSIS, that is. There is a whole fleet or tribe or, well, I'm not sure how to describe it, but there are many, many robots and they're all called UNARSIS. They wander around, go into public places and private homes, just basically snooping around to see if they can find anyone breaking the law. The first thing they say is always: I pledge my hard drive to UNARIUM. What will you pledge? Oh yes, they can arrest people. Take them to the authorities and that person is generally never seen again. Needless to say, the UNARSIS aren't very popular.
Scene 2
Set: Area near The Boundary Turnstiles where the children walk to go to school.
(DANIEL, KEVIN, and ANNABELLE enter wearing backpacks. They are playing tag as they walk to school.)
DANIEL
(He tags ANNABELLE.)
You're it!
ANNABELLE
KEVIN, you'll be next!
(She runs after KEVIN and soon tags him.)
You're it!
KEVIN
(Runs after her for a moment, then DANIEL, then back to ANNABELLE.)
Got you! Finally!
DANIEL
Can't catch me! Just wait till I'm a magician--I'll make myself disappear and you'll never find me when we play tag.
KEVIN
Make my teacher disappear! We're supposed to have a test today.
DANIEL
ANNABELLY !
ANNABELLE
Don't call me that!
DANIEL
You run like a girl! Hey, hey, hey! Why don't you tag me, ANNABELLE?
ANNABELLE
What do you think I'm trying to do? I'll get you yet. You're not as fast as you think.
(DANIEL runs off to side stage.)
No fair! You can't go across the street!
DANIEL
(from off stage)
I just did!
(She follows. A crash is heard and a scream followed by silence).
DANIEL
(from off stage)
Nnnooooo!
KEVIN
ANNABELLE? ANNABELLE! Nooo!
(Passersby gather around KEVIN, all looking toward the street. ANNABELLE is carried on stage by Persons #1 and #2, followed by DANIEL.)
DANIEL
(Struggling not to cry.)
It's all my fault. I'm sorry! I'm sorry ANNABELLE!
KEVIN
Oh, ANNABELLE.
PERSON #1
What was she doing?
KEVIN
We were playing tag.
DANIEL
And, stupid me! I crossed the street and she followed me.
PERSON #2
I guess she didn't see the car coming.
KEVIN
She didn't even look!
PERSON #3
She'll be okay, boys. Look! She's opening her eyes.
PERSON #4
She's a little banged up, but she's not bleeding anywhere. I think she was mighty lucky!
PERSON #1
Hello there. How are you feeling?
PERSON #2
(Feeling ANNABELLE for injuries, addresses his/her comments to DANIEL.)
Before the war, I was a doctor. I'll just check her out and make sure everything's okay. Ooohh! Nice big goose egg on the back of her head.
PERSON #3
She'll probably have quite a headache.
PERSON #4
Keep the Narco Paks handy!
PERSON #2
My car is right here. Can I give you a ride home?
DANIEL
That'd be great. Thanks.
KEVIN
Yeah, we'd better take her home.
PERSON #2
(Gesturing to PERSON #1.)
Would you help me get her to the car?
PERSON #1
Sure.
(They carry her off stage, followed by DANIEL and KEVIN.)
Scene 3
Set: The Aragon household. A couch is the only required piece of furniture but a table and chair with a lamp is suggested.
(ANNABELLE has been laid on a couch and Persons #1 and #2 are leaving.)
AUNT ROB
How can I thank you?
PERSON #2
Think nothing of it. Just keep an eye on her. Hopefully she won't have any more seizures.
PERSON #1
She was a lucky little girl, I'm telling you.
AUNT ROB
If the seizures stop, that is.
PERSON #2
When I was in practice, I used to prescribe phenolbarbitol for seizures. I don't know if you'll be able to get you hands on it or not but… here's a prescription.
AUNT ROB
Thank you!
PERSON #2
No problem.
(S/he takes out a pad of paper and writes while they talk.)
Try to keep her awake for the next several hours. She probably has a concussion too.
AUNT ROB
We'll keep an eye on her, don't worry.
PERSON #1
And tell her brother not to take it so hard. Accidents happen.
AUNT ROB
I will. Good-bye. Thanks.
PERSONS #1 and #2
Good-bye. So long. Bye.
(They exit off stage.)
AUNT ROB
Maybe it's just as well that your mother isn't here.
DANIEL
Maybe.
KEVIN
Is ANNABELLE going to be all right?
AUNT ROB
I'm sure she will. But it's going to take some time.
(There is a knock at the door as it opens. UNARSIS comes in.)
UNARSIS
Good morning. I understand there was an accident this morning and the girl child who lives at this address was injured.
AUNT ROB
Yes, my niece, ANNABELLE, was hit by a car.
UNARSIS
How is she feeling?
AUNT ROB
Not exactly like singing a song.
UNARSIS
Did she like to sing songs before?
AUNT ROB
Oh of course not, UNARSIS. That's just an expression. Why do you have to be so literal?
UNARSIS
I am not programmed to be anything but literal. Sorry. I am investigating the acident. The person who was driving the car has been identified.
AUNT ROB
They have? Already? Who is it? Are they going to arrest him?
UNARSIS
I cannot give you that information. If and when an arrest is made, you will not be informed. It is no longer your concern. The law will punish the perpetrator. Do not worry.
DANIEL
(very sarcastically)
Well, isn't that comforting, AUNT ROB? The government is actually going to do something for us! Finally! Of course, we'll never know who it was or how they're going to be punished, but we can be thankful that something is being done. Ha!
AUNT ROB
Careful, DANIEL.
UNARSIS
Why was the girl child in the middle of the street?
DANIEL
It was my fault. We were playing tag and…
UNARSIS
What is tag?
DANIEL
Just a game. You chase after someone and touch them and say "You're it," and then they chase after someone and tag them and say "Your'e it."
UNARSIS
And you do this in the middle of the street?
KEVIN
No! You're supposed to do it on the sidewalk. Or on a playground.
DANIEL
She was chasing me and I ran across the street to the other side. It was all my fault.
AUNT ROB
No, it wasn't, DANIEL.
DANIEL
But it was! If I hadn't been so stupid, we'd be sitting in school right now.
UNARSIS
School! I have lost track of time. The children of this household should be in school right now. Go. Now.
DANIEL
Anything to get out of this conversation!
KEVIN
Do we have to go today? I'd rather stay here and be with ANNABELLE.
DANIEL
Me too. AUNT ROB, what do you say?
AUNT ROB
I think that would be…
UNARSIS
They will be truant if they do not go to school. Checking my database, I see that this family has a history of breaking rules. And laws. One family member is in jail.
DANIEL
(sarcastic)
Yeah, my mother. She's in jail for doing Tai Chi in the park! Big crime! Tai Chi!
UNARSIS
We must have laws so that society functions smoothly. Laws protect the safety and basic rights of citizens.
DANIEL
And how does my mother doing Tai Chi in the park affect someone else's "basic rights?"
AUNT ROB
DANIEL! Calm down!
DANIEL
Or whether I go to school today? Who's "basic right" is that going to affect?
UNARSIS
I cannot answer those questions. But, what is this heavy object?
(He picks up a 10# weight.)
AUNT ROB
Uuhh… Oh, that's just a um, uh… paperweight. Yeah, it's a paperweight.
UNARSIS
Either you have very heavy papers or someone in this house is doing strength training.
AUNT ROB
No, no, no! We wouldn't do that--it's against the law!
UNARSIS
What about the white uniform you're wearing?
AUNT ROB
This old thing? It um… it's just…
UNARSIS
It looks like something the Tai Chi mother would wear.
AUNT ROB
That's it! It belongs to my sister, Melanie. I just wear it to clean house. Listen, we have many things to take care of today so I think you'd better be on your way. I have a million things to do today!
(She escorts UNARSIS to the door.)
Good-bye.
UNARSIS
I will just take the paperweight and that white uniform with me. Please remove it.
(AUNT ROB removes the white robe and gives it to UNARSIS.)
Are there any other sports items in this house that are illegal?
AUNT ROB
Not a one.
UNARSIS
All right. I'll take this one. Have a nice day.
MALACHI
(He has been standing to one side of the stage observing this interaction between the ARAGONs and UNARSIS. He speaks to the audience.)
They're not really criminals, but the ARAGON'S have a fairly long history of civil disobedience. They don't try to get in trouble with the authorities, it just seems to be something they're naturally good at.
MELANIE ARAGON, DANIEL's mother, knew she was taking a risk when she went to the park that morning but it was the Chinese New Year and she wanted to celebrate with some of her old Tai Chi buddies. The problem was, there were over 500 of them. The whole tribe of UNARSIS's (or should that be UNARSISISSEES?) showed up that morning!
When MELANIE was sent to jail, her sister, ROBIN, came to stay with the three kids: DANIEL, KEVIN, and ANNABELLE. They call her AUNT ROB.
(While MALACHI is talking, DANIEL discretely picks up the Rx and puts it in his pocket.)
DANIEL
AUNT ROB? I think I'll take that prescription and get it filled today, all right?
AUNT ROB
Where? In UNARIUM?
DANIEL
Where else?
AUNT ROB
And what if you don't get back?
DANIEL
I'll get back. No problem!
AUNT ROB
Oh no. That's just not going to happen.
DANIEL
Oh, but I think it is.
AUNT ROB
Not if you don't have the prescription, it isn't.
DANIEL
This one?
(He holds it up.)
AUNT ROB
DANIEL! You, you're, you're just…
DANIEL
My mother's son?
AUNT ROB
(softening)
Yeah. I guess so.
DANIEL
And my Aunt's nephew?
AUNT ROB
A chip off the old block.
DANIEL
See you later.
(He heads for the door.)
AUNT ROB
DANIEL?
(He turns back to look at her.)
Just be careful. Be very careful. And come back… before dinner.
DANIEL
I will, AUNT ROB.
(stage whisper)
I hope.
Scene 4
Set: The Boundary Turnstiles. Youth Guard agents each stand at a table where travelers pile their backpacks, purses, and parcels for inspection. The Unarium flag flies on a standard.
(DANIEL is at The Boundary turnstiles and wants to cross into UNARIUM.)
PRIVATE MOODY
Next.
DANIEL
(Steps forward.)
PRIVATE MOODY
Who is your sponsor?
DANIEL
I don't have one.
PRIVATE MOODY
Where is your pass?
DANIEL
I don't have one.
PRIVATE MOODY
Crossing denied. Next.
DANIEL
But I do have this.
(He produces the prescription.)
PRIVATE MOODY
This is nothing. Just an old fashioned prescription.
DANIEL
For some old fashioned medicine for my sister.
PRIVATE MOODY
Listen kid, I don't know where you've been the last couple of years, but prescriptions are no longer allowed in TUM-R. In fact, as a Tum-R Dweller, you're not even allowed to have this prescription. I could bust you just for that, you know.
DANIEL
Don't they make exceptions? This isn't for me, you know. It's for my sister and she…
CORPORAL CORWIN
(Steps up to the turnstile.)
Is there a problem, PRIVATE MOODY?
PRIVATE MOODY
Just a kid who wants to go into UNARIUM.
DANIEL
See my sister was hit by a car the other day and she's having seizures and this medicine is supposed to…
CORPORAL CORWIN
Medicine?
(He chuckles as he speaks to PRIVATE MOODY as if DANIEL weren't there.)
Medicine? You don't mean he wants to go into UNARIUM, get some medicine, and bring in back into TUM-R?
PRIVATE MOODY
That's what he said, sir.
CORPORAL CORWIN
(Turns to DANIEL and continues to chuckle.)
Where have you been for the past two years?
DANIEL
Right here in TUM-R. But I still don't understand why we have a lot of these stupid laws!
CORPORAL CORWIN
Temper, temper!
(Conspiratorially.)
Listen, I can understand how you feel, believe me I can. In fact, I would love to let you go over and get the stuff and bring it back. But I have just one teensy-weensy problem. I would lose my head! So you see, I simply can't allow it.
DANIEL
All right. I tried. I tried to go through the proper channels. Don't say I didn't try.
PRIVATE MOODY
(chuckling)
Oh, I'm scared. Aren't you, CORPORAL CORWIN?
CORPORAL CORWIN
(laughing harder and harder)
I'm shaking in my boots, PRIVATE MOODY. Shaking in my boots.
(PRIVATE MOODY and CORPORAL CORWIN are laughing very hard as DANIEL walks away.)
Scene 5
Set: A park bench nearby. The Unarium flag flies on a standard.
(DANIEL crosses from turnstiles to a park bench and is talking to himself aloud. MALACHI surprises him.)
DANIEL
I’ve just got to get past them. Past The Boundary and into UNARIUM. I’ve got to get that medicine today. It has to be today. Every time ANNABELLE has a seizure, she gets weaker—and it's all my fault.
(MALACHI approaches and stands behind the bench. He overhears DANIEL talking to himself.)
I don’t know what mom will do if anything happens to her. She'd probably kill me! What if ANNABELLE has a seizure and doesn't ever cme out of it? Jeez! There’s just got to be a way around that stupid Youth Guard! I don't think they'll ever let me cross.
MALACHI
Even if they did, they'll never let you back with the medicine.
DANIEL
(Jumps when MALACHI speaks.)
Whoa! I didn’t see you. Who are you?
MALACHI
Name's MALACHI. I run the bookstore over here, The Mystery Mansion.
DANIEL
Is that the place with all the books about magic?
MALACHI
That's the one.
DANIEL
Are you a magician?
MALACHI
I know a few tricks, yes.
DANIEL
I've been wanting to come over there some time and check it out.
MALACHI
Any time.
DANIEL
But right now, I need a trick to get into UNARIUM to get a prescription filled for my sister. And bring it back.
MALACHI
That's one trick I can't do. What's wrong with her?
DANIEL
She was hit by a car this morning and…
MALACHI
I think I saw it. I was standing right here and saw an accident this morning. How is she?
DANIEL
Not too bad, really, except that she's having seizures. This man who used to be a doctor gave us a prescription but…
MALACHI
There's more than one way to peel an orange. Speaking of which,
(He magically produces an orange.)
want one?
DANIEL
Hey! Where'd that come from? I haven't seen an orange in a long time!
MALACHI
Go ahead. Have it. I'll get another.
(He produces another one.)
DANIEL
You really are magic, aren't you?
MALACHI
Some people say so. What's this?
(He produces a brightly colored sponge ball from behind DANIEL's ear.)
DANIEL
(laughs)
You're good.
(begins to peel the orange)
Mmm, this is good. We haven't had oranges for weeks.
MALACHI
Weeks? That's pretty recent for these parts. Some people haven't had oranges in months… years even. Most people just eat Unarium Yummy name brands.
DANIEL
My mom, and my aunt, are both kind of, … well, you might say health nuts.
MALACHI
There's nothing wrong with that. Actually, it's a good thing.
DANIEL
We don't eat much Unarium Yummy. Mom says it's too processed.
MALACHI
What do you eat then?
DANIEL
Fruits. Vegetables. Mom and AUNT ROB make their own bread. It's a lot better than the UNARIUM stuff.
MALACHI
I'm sure it is. Where do they get their food?
DANIEL
People. There's quite a few people who don't like UNARIUM stuff. They grow it. Some of them bake stuff. But, it's kind of, you know, hush-hush.
MALACHI
Oh yes, I understand that very well. I have my own suppliers myself.
DANIEL
And we never use Narco Paks.
MALACHI
Never?
DANIEL
Not once. Never have, never will.
MALACHI
Smart boy.
DANIEL
It's my mom who's smart, really. Oh, and we have dark window shades too.
MALACHI
Why's that?
DANIEL
So no one can see us doing exercise inside. You know what my favorite thing is?
MALACHI
Can't imagine.
DANIEL
My punching bag. Mom got it for me last Christmas. It is so cool!
MALACHI
Don't look now, but I think we've got company. Done with your orange?
(DANIEL hands him the orange peel and MALACHI makes it vanish.)
DANIEL
(gets very excited when MALACHI vanishes the orange peel.)
Hey! That gives me an idea.
MALACHI
Shhh.
UNARSIS
I pledge my hard drive to UNARIUM. What will you pledge?
MALACHI
Hello, UNARSIS.
DANIEL
'lo UNARSIS.
UNARSIS
What is the purpose of this gathering?
MALACHI
We're just enjoying the day, UNARSIS.
UNARSIS
I detect the odor of citrus fruit.
DANIEL
I don't smell anything.
MALACHI
Nor do I.
UNARSIS
There is the unmistakable scent of the orange in this area. Are you sure you haven't just consumed a Unarium Yummy Orange-Cream Cake?
DANIEL
No.
MALACHI
Afraid not.
UNARSIS
How about a Unarium Yummy Orange Monster Cookie?
DANIEL
Negative.
MALACHI
Nope.
UNARSIS
Aha! A Unarium Yummy Orange Turkish Delight?
DANIEL
Do we look like we've eaten anything like that?
UNARSIS
Actually, no. You both look rather unusual, really. Bright eyes, healthy hair, clear skin. I know what it is: too healthy. Do you have enough Narco Paks?
DANIEL
Jeez, I don't have a single one right now.
MALACHI
Nor do I, at the moment.
UNARSIS
Here. Here are some extras. You look like you need them. Please take them soon so you can look like the rest of the people.
DANIEL
Okay. As soon as I get home.
MALACHI
Straightaway, Unar.
UNARSIS
Please use my full moniker: UNARSIS. Have a nice day.
DANIEL
Have a nice day, UNARSIS.
MALACHI
Have a nice day.
(UNARSIS leaves.)
DANIEL
(The minute UNARSIS is out of ear shot, DANIEL speaks.)
If I could learn to do that magic trick, I could get the medicine and just make it disappear when I come through The Boundary.
MALACHI
Now hold on! It takes a very long time to learn to do that. Hours and hours of practice.
DANIEL
I'm a fast learner! Just try me. I can learn fast--promise!
MALACHI
I'll teach you, but it'll be a very long time before you could use it.
DANIEL
How long?
MALACHI
Probably a year at the very least.
DANIEL
(very dejected)
Oh. That is a long time.
MALACHI
I'm sorry, DANIEL. There might be another way, though.
DANIEL
What's that?
MALACHI
Have you ever heard of an old abandoned meat packing house, called Soylent Green?
DANIEL
Yeah. What about it?
MALACHI
It's a long, narrow building with one entrance here in TUM-R and the other entrance over in UNARIUM. A person might be able to go in one entrance and out the other one.
DANIEL
Really?
MALACHI
Only one problem: the entrances are guarded. But I might be able to distract the guy long enough for you to sneak through.
DANIEL
What about the other side, over in UNARIUM?
MALACHI
You'll be on your own.
DANIEL
It's worth a try. I think I can do it.
MALACHI
When do you want to do it?
DANIEL
No time like the present.
MALACHI
Sounds good. Oh, we’ll need a deck of cards.
DANIEL
Cards?
MALACHI
That’s how I'll get the guard to look the other way: show him a card trick.
(They stand up and leave.)
Scene 6
Set: Door marked "SOYLENT GREEN, TUM-R ENTRANCE."
(Security Guard McGILL is sitting in front of the door and sees MALACHI approach. DANIEL is lurking in the distance so that McGILL doesn't see him.)
MALACHI
Hey, McGILL.
McGILL
Hello, MALACHI. Bookstore closed?
MALACHI
I never open until noon. Not enough business in the morning.
McGILL
Here too. In fact, there's never much of anything going on around here. Sometimes I wonder what I'm here to guard.
MALACHI
(He takes the deck of cards and does truly impressive card shuffle with flourish.)
MCGILL
Where’d you learn to do that?
MALACHI
Don’t remember,… (he does it again.)
MCGILL
Here, let me try.
(He fails miserably.)
Would you show me?
MALACHI
Sure. You just hold the cards between, like this, and you carefully… shuffle!
McGILL
You make it look easy.
MALACHI
Basically, it’s just a question of timing.
MCGILL
Here. Let me try! Ah, darn. Again. One, two, oops! Darn it. I almost, here… like this, like that, I just, oooh! Any suggestions.
MALACHI
Practice makes perfect! Try again.
(DANIEL sneaks through the door of the packing house while McGILL is trying it a second time.)
McGILL
I can't get it. Would you please do it again?
(He hands the cards to MALACHI again. He repeats it.)
It'll come. Like everything else, it takes time.
McGILL
My sixth wife always said, nothing worth doing is easy.
MALACHI
She was right. Just keep working at it.
MCGILL
Okay, okay… so I was a little off my mark today. Let me try again, here.
(He tries again but fails.)
Darn! So close! I think I’m missing something right in the middle there.
MALACHI
It’ll come. It’ll come—just don’t rush it. It just takes practice. I guess I’ll head back to the store.
(Starts to go.)
MCGILL
No! Don’t go! I’m so close!
MALACHI
You keep working on it. I’ll be back.
MCGILL
See you, MALACHI.
(He is intently trying to do the shuffle as MALACHI walks away.)
Scene 7
Set: Door marked "SOYLENT GREEN, UNARIUM ENTRANCE."
(Military Youth Guards watching for activity.)
PRIVATE WARREN
How long have you been with the Youth Guard, PRIVATE FARADAY?
PRIVATE FARADAY
Almost a year now, sir.
PRIVATE WARREN
You like it?
PRIVATE FARADAY
It’s okay. Except I get pretty bored.
PRIVATE WARREN
I know what you mean. I know what you mean.
PRIVATE FARADAY
I mean, there’s like nothing to do here, just watching all the time. Waiting and watching. I don’t even know what we’re supposed to be watching for.
PRIVATE WARREN
Crossers. People trying to cross over from TUM-R.
PRIVATE FARADAY
Oh yeah. That sounds familiar, but geez! I’ve never seen anybody.
PRIVATE WARREN
There aren’t many. Not at this location anyway. As a matter of fact, they don’t even post watches here during the day. Just overnight.
PRIVATE FARADAY
Why not?
PRIVATE WARREN
There’s just never been much activity at this location.
PRIVATE FARADAY
Why not?
PRIVATE WARREN
People are freaked out when they find out what they used to package here.
PRIVATE FARADAY
What was that?
PRIVATE WARREN
Sausage, mostly.
PRIVATE FARADAY
What’s wrong with that?
PRIVATE WARREN
Let's just say it was "captivating."
PRIVATE FARADAY
As in, surely you don't mean…
PRIVATE WARREN
They had to do something with all those war prisoners.
PRIVATE FARADAY
You’re kidding?
PRIVATE WARREN
Nope. But, that's a thing of the past: over and done. As for guarding this entrance, I bet we’ll see some action here one of these days, I expect.
PRIVATE FARADAY
I’ll believe that when I see it.
PRIVATE WARREN
Shh! What was that noise?
PRIVATE FARADAY
Huh?
PRIVATE WARREN
Did you hear anything?
PRIVATE FARADAY
Like what? Did you…
PRIVATE WARREN
Shhh!
(He walks around the door of the Meat packing House warily watching for something. A noise is heard from inside and he signals to PRIVATE FARADAY to go on the other side. They watch, alert for a moment, then open the door and DANIEL bursts out, running in a zig zag pattern. WARREN and PRIVATE FARADAY begin shouting for UNARSIS, the robot, to help them. He comes and all three chase DANIEL. He runs around the stage with them following, easily avoiding UNARSIS although the Guards are a little more threatening, then he re-enters the Soylent Green building, slamming the door behind him. They try to open the door to follow but it is locked from the inside. They struggle with it for a moment, then try the windows. WARREN starts banging on the door with his rifle and PRIVATE FARADAY joins in. It finally bursts open and they run in. A few moments later, they return empty handed.)
PRIVATE WARREN
Good effort, PRIVATE FARADAY. Too bad we lost him.
PRIVATE FARADAY
We almost had him though, didn’t we sir?
PRIVATE WARREN
Almost. But CORPORAL CORWIN doesn’t give partial credit.
PRIVATE FARADAY
Are you going to report it, sir?
PRIVATE WARREN
Yes. I have to. Let's both go. CORPORAL CORWIN isn’t going to like it though.
(He leaves.)
Scene 8
Set: Sign "MYSTERY MANSION" and one table with books on it.
(DANIEL arrives, breathless, at The Mystery Mansion.)
DANIEL
MALACHI?
MALACHI
DANIEL? How did it go?
DANIEL
It didn’t. I didn’t make it.
MALACHI
Didn’t make it? But I’m sure it goes through!
DANIEL
Oh it did. It does. But I had company on the other side.
MALACHI
Company?
DANIEL
Two Youth Guards. Just watching for someone to try and cross over. They were just waiting for me. UNARSIS, too.
MALACHI
I’m sorry. I was hoping you'd be able to get past them.
DANIEL
I would have but I ran into an old storage unit that tipped over and made a huge racket.
MALACHI
So they heard you?
DANIEL
Oh yeah. And chased me, even.
MALACHI
How’d you get away?
DANIEL
Skill and cunning. Or, maybe it was just dumb luck.
MALACHI
I’d rather be lucky than good.
DANIEL
I want to go back. Now.
MALACHI
But they're probably still there!
DANIEL
True, but this time I won't run into anything and can wait until they aren't nearby.
MALACHI
Are you sure you want to try again?
DANIEL
Will you help me?
MALACHI
I'll do what I can.
DANIEL
If you can distract that guy…
MALACHI
That I can do. But this time, I think I'll use something different.
(He picks up a length of rope.)
DANIEL
Let's do it.
(DANIEL and MALACHI walking toward the Soylent Green building.)
MALACHI
McGILL?
McGILL
Hello. Well, twice in one day? What's the occasion?
MALACHI
I need to borrow a good piece of rope.
McGILL
What do you need it for?
MALACHI
I'm packing up some books to put in storage. I was going to use this one, but it's giving me trouble.
McGILL
How?
MALACHI
See, it's all ready to go but then, ---, it gets a durn knot in the end of it.
McGILL
Why, that's the strangest thing I ever saw. How did that happen?
MALACHI
I don't know. And then, when I go to take the knot out, the durn thing disappears. See?
McGILL
Why! That's impossible. Let me see it again.
MALACHI
See, it's all nice and smooth and ready to use. And then I get ready to use it and, durn! that gosh darned knot again.
McGILL
Let me see it.
MALACHI
Here you go.
McGILL
(Working on the knot intently, he walks away with his back to the entrance. DANIEL slips into the Soylent Green building while he isn't looking.)
MALACHI
Think you can get it out?
McGILL
I don't know. Let me see if I have another piece of rope you can have.
(He searches.)
MALACHI
Tell you what, I don't need it for a while. I'll come back after a while to see if you've found one.
McGILL
Okay. I'm sure I've got one around here somewhere.
MALACHI
See you after a while.
(MALACHI leaves.)
Scene 9
Set: Door marked "SOYLENT GREEN, UNARIUM ENTRANCE."
Guard House: enclosure big enough for one person (like a phone booth)
Sign that says: "Unarium Drug Store"
Work table
(Youth Guards are marching back and forth in front of the Soylent Green building. When they are at the point furthest away from the door, DANIEL emerges from the Soylent Green building. He runs and hides behind their Guard House. The next time they are at the furthest point, he sneaks out and runs to the UNARIUM Drug Store.)
CLERK
May I help you?
DANIEL
Yes.
(He hands the clerk the prescription form.)
Sorry. It’s a little wrinkled.
CLERK
It sure is. Haven't seen one of these old fashioned hand-written prescriptions in a long time. Where'd you get it?
DANIEL
From an old time doctor. He just likes to do things the old fashioned way.
CLERK
It works for me. The pharmacist will have that ready for you in just a few minutes.
DANIEL
Thank you.
(DANIEL picks up a magazine and leafs through it. Soon he hears voices.)
PRIVATE MOODY
You mind if we stop in and pick up a Narco-Pak? I promised my mom I’d bring one home today.
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
No problem.
(They enter the store.)
CLERK
May I help you?
PRIVATE MOODY
Yes, I’d like a Narco-Pak.
CLERK
Fine.
(He takes money from PRIVATE MOODY.)
Anything for you, sir?
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
No, no thanks.
CLERK
Have a nice day.
PRIVATE MOODY
Bye.
POLOWSKI
Good-bye.
(They head for the door.)
CLERK
(to DANIEL)
Sir? Sir, your prescription is ready.
DANIEL
(Waits until the guards are gone and then approaches the clerk.)
CLERK
Twenty-five.
(He takes money from DANIEL.)
Thank you.
DANIEL
Thank you.
(He quickly leaves and returns to the Soylent Green building. Seeing no one, he approaches the door. Just before he gets to it, he hears a voice.)
UNARSIS
Guard alert! Guard alert! Crosser spotted approaching the Soylent Green building. All Guards alert!
(Guards come running and quickly surround DANIEL. One confiscates the package of medicine, another puts handcuffs on DANIEL. They roughly push/drag him offstage.)
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Well, well, well, Won’t CORPORAL CORWIN be pleased to see you! Right this way, your cell is waiting.
INTERMISSION
The Boundary
Act 2
Scene 10
Set: Sign "MYSTERY MANSION" and a table with books on it.
(Aunt Rob goes to the Mystery Mansion looking for DANIEL because he didn't come home last night and she is very worried.)
AUNT ROB
Hello?
(MALACHI appears from the back.)
MALACHI
Hello. May I help… Rob? Robin Aragon? Is that really you?
AUNT ROB
MALACHI? Can it be?
(They hug one another excitedly and both start talking at once.)
MALACHI AUNT ROB
Where are you… How long have…
MALACHI AUNT ROB
Sorry. You go ahead. Sorry. Go ahead.
AUNT ROB
How long have you been here?
MALACHI
Two and a half, three years now. And you?
AUNT ROB
Only a couple of weeks. Is this your store?
MALACHI
Yes. What do you think?
AUNT ROB
Looks like just what you always wanted. I’ve heard of the Mystery Mansion from lots of people, but never your name. If I had only known! I’d have been here a long time ago!
MALACHI
You're here now. That’s a start. Where are you living?
AUNT ROB
I’m at Melanie’s right now. Watching her children.
MALACHI
Why? Where is Melanie? How is she?
AUNT ROB
I don't know how she is. She's in jail.
MALACHI
What? But what for?
AUNT ROB
The charge is “Enemy of the People.”
MALACHI
For what?
AUNT ROB
For doing Tai Chi.
MALACHI
She always was too bold. I tried to tell her. I tried to get her to settle down.
AUNT ROB
If she had settled down when you wanted her to, her life would have been a lot happier.
MALACHI
But I couldn't give her what she wanted. Even then, she was headstrong, opinionated.
AUNT ROB
Some things never change. But you were good for her, MALACHI. Even she had ato admit that.
MALACHI
Does she have a son named DANIEL?
AUNT ROB
How did you know? In fact, that's why I'm here.
MALACHI
He's quite a boy. He told me about his mother being in jail but he never said her name. I had no idea!
AUNT ROB
Yes. So, you know him?
MALACHI
Just barely. We met yesterday. What made you think he'd be here?
AUNT ROB
He's been wanting to come here and learn magic. Do you know where he is now? I've been frantic! He didn't come home all night!
MALACHI
Yesterday afternoon he, that is I, I hope you’ll understand, he crossed The Boundary. And I helped him. I know all about his sister's accident. And the medicine.
AUNT ROB
I was afraid that's where he'd gone. He feels responsible and wants to get her that medicine. And of course I want her to have it too, but I’m so afraid for him to have crossed The Boundary. Sometimes people never return.
MALACHI
I know. Maybe I shouldn’t have helped him cross, but he was so determined. I think he would’ve gone even if I hadn’t helped him.
AUNT ROB
Probably. He’s quite headstrong.
MALACHI
Like his mother.
AUNT ROB
Yes, like his mother.
MALACHI
How is Annabelle?
AUNT ROB
She's still having seizures and each one leaves her weaker than before. That’s why I came. With her so sick and DANIEL missing, I just…
MALACHI
Don't worry about DANIEL. He's clever. He can handle himself, and he’ll get that medicine, I'm sure of it. In fact, he’s probably on his way back right now.
AUNT ROB
Do you think so?
MALACHI
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. He’s smart and determined. If anyone can do it, it’s DANIEL.
AUNT ROB
I just wish he were home.
MALACHI
Tell you what. I’ll keep an eye out for him and hurry him home just as soon as he comes by. There's nothing you can do here.
AUNT ROB
I do need to get back. A friend is sitting with her right now.
MALACHI
Don’t worry, Rob. He might be on his way home right now. You don’t want him to beat you!
AUNT ROB
No. I guess not.
MALACHI
Rob?
AUNT ROB
Yes?
MALACHI
When’s she supposed to get out?
AUNT ROB
It was a six-month sentence. The six months was up two weeks ago.
MALACHI
You haven’t heard anything?
AUNT ROB
Not a thing.
MALACHI
I have to see her.
AUNT ROB
Yes.
MALACHI
I hope she’ll… well, I hope everything works out. And don't worry. I’ll send DANIEL home the minute he gets back.
AUNT ROB
Thank you, MALACHI. Oh! I almost forgot. I made cranberry-seaweed bars today.
MALACHI
Cranberry-seaweed? I haven't had those since we were all in San Francisco.
AUNT ROB
They're DANIEL's favorite. Here, would you give them to him when you find him? He probably hasn't eaten anything and he'll need the energy.
MALACHI
Sure. I'll give them to him. If I don't eat them all myself!
AUNT ROB
Don't you dare! Thank you MALACHI. I'm so glad to have reconnected.
MALACHI
I'll see you. Soon.
(AUNT ROB leaves.)
Now, I've got to help that boy.
(He begins to pack a bag.)
Scene 11
Set: Door marked "SOYLENT GREEN, UNARIUM ENTRANCE."
Guard House: enclosure big enough for one person (like a phone booth)
Arch that says "Gateway to TUM-R."
(DANIEL sits in a chair in front of the door of the Soylent Green building with his hands tied behind his back. CORPORAL CORWIN arrives reading from a clipboard.)
CORPORAL CORWIN
So, your name is DANIEL Aragon. Age?
DANIEL
13
CORPORAL CORWIN
Address?
DANIEL
225 N. Evergreen
Transfrontier Urban Metropolis Region
CORPORAL CORWIN
DANIEL Aragon. Charged with unlawful passage across The Boundary and into Unarium. Arrested when attempting to enter, (or should I say re-enter) the abandoned meat packing house--the Soylent Green building. Possession of a pharmaceutical drug apparently been obtained with a traditional prescription at the Unarium Drug Store. Do you have anything to say?
DANIEL
Not to you, you murderer!
CORPORAL CORWIN
Murderer? Come now. Who did I murder?
DANIEL
You're trying to murder my sister.
CORPORAL CORWIN
But I don't know your sister. I've never even seen her.
DANIEL
But if she doesn't get that medicine you had your thugs take away from me, she could die.
CORPORAL CORWIN
I seriously doubt that. Most "conditions" can be easily handled with the Narco-Paks . Has she tried those?
DANIEL
We don't use those drug packs. We're smarter than that.
CORPORAL CORWIN
Really? I thought TUM-R people used them all the time.
DANIEL
Our mother taught us not to. She seen too many people blow their minds with those drugs.
CORPORAL CORWIN
Your mother taught you not to use the Narco-Paks? How extraordinary. She must really love you! And I thought people in TUM-R were just, well, lower life forms. Huh.
DANIEL
Lower life forms?
CORPORAL CORWIN
I just didn't realize anyone in TUM-R was that intelligent. You really don't take Narco-Paks?
DANIEL
Never have, never will.
CORPORAL CORWIN
Huh. And this person you're so concerned about is your sister?
DANIEL
That's right.
CORPORAL CORWIN
Sounds like you're quite attached.
DANIEL
She's my sister.
CORPORAL CORWIN
Yes, but again, I had no idea people from TUM-R felt, well, true affection for one another.
DANIEL
What did you think?
CORPORAL CORWIN
I don't know what I thought. Interesting. Well, I see on this dossier that your mother is in UDC, Unarium Detention Central.
DANIEL
She is?
CORPORAL CORWIN
You didn't know?
DANIEL
No. I knew she was in jail somewhere, but I didn't know which one.
CORPORAL CORWIN
Well, listen up: I have some good news. You're going to see her soon.
(DANIEL looks at him suspiciously.)
You're going to the UDC too!
DANIEL
Without a trial? You're not only murderers, you're, you're judge and jury too.
CORPORAL CORWIN
No, you'll have a hearing in front of a real judge. I think. I don't know if you'll rate a jury. Probably not. But you'll be housed at UDC until then. So maybe you will get to see your mommy. Won't that be nice?
DANIEL
You make me sick.
MALACHI
(Addressing the audience)
CORPORAL CALDWELL CORWIN: sarcastic and cynical, he is one of those rare individuals who seems to have no conscience whatsoever. As nephew of one of the most powerful men in the World Order of North America, he enjoys a powerful position with the Youth Guard. But no worry. He's about to receive a huge surprise that will, essentially, put him out of business.
(A vehicle approaches.)
CORPORAL CORWIN
(theatrically)
Ahh! There's your chariot now: the Unarium Police Department come to take you to your mother. Sargeant!
(He salutes.)
SARGEANT MALDONADO
Corporal. Prisoner Transport. We're here to pick up…
CORPORAL CORWIN
Here he is. He's all yours, Sargeant.
MALDONADO
Are you sure, sir? He looks too young.
CORPORAL CORWIN
You can't go by age. Over in TUM-R, even the youngsters are on the wild side.
MADONADO
Yes, but, can he drive?
CORPORAL CORWIN
What difference does that make? He didn't drive a vehicle across The Boundary.
MALDONADO
Then I'm afraid there's been a mix-up here. The fellow I'm supposed to arrest is ah, CALDWELL CORWIN.
CORPORAL CORWIN
That's just a typo-- an error in paperwork. CALDWELL CORWIN isn't the name of the prisoner, it's my name. I'm the Youth Guard Corporal. Someone's put the wrong name on the right line.
MALDONADO
Nnoo… . "Should be taken into custody … was driving the vehicle involved in a pedestrian hit and run a few days ago."
CORPORAL CORWIN
(Visibly shaken and steps backwards while talking.)
Wha, wha, what? That can't be! That simply cannot be! No one was close enough to see the car! No one could have gotten a license number! I mean…
MALDONADO
(Pulls out a whistle and whistles for back-up.)
Yo! Send in back ups! Now.
(He reaches out but Corwin is running away. Two other policemen come out and chase Corwin around the stage. After a few moments, Corwin is captured and led away in handcuffs. He is fighting them and yelling at them.)
DANIEL
Good luck, Corwin. Hey, if you see my mom, tell her I said hi. Thanks.
Scene 12
Set: Door marked "SOYLENT GREEN, UNARIUM ENTRANCE."
No Youth Guards are seen until MALACHI is finished with his business.
(DANIEL is seated in the chair with hands tied behind his back. MALACHI (dressed in all black) is looking out of the door, assessing the situation. Seeing no movement, ignoring DANIEL, he sets up several mirrors and reflectors and turns on an old fashioned movie projector. Then he sneaks out and hides nearby. Several images of people jogging, exercising, and performing Tai Chi create holograms all over the area. After all this is finished, the Youth Guard arrive.)
PRIVATE FARADAY
Halt! Who are you?
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
What'd you see, FARADAY?
PRIVATE FARADAY
What do you think you're doing? You can't…
(from across the way, Private Polowski calls out.)
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Hey you! What are you…
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
Polowski? Is that you, Polowski?
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Ye-oo, SANDOVAL.
SANDOVAL
What is it?
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
It looked like… hey, you there. Stop!
(He runs toward one of the illusions.)
What the heck?
(He scratches his head)
PRIVATE FARADAY
You there! Combat skills are illegal here! Hey, hey, where'd he go? I swear there was just…
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
You too? I just chased…
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
Look! There's another one!
PRIVATE FARADAY
Hey you! Jogging is against the law!
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
And another!
PRIVATE MOODY
(Runs onstage, out of breath)
Invasion! Invasion! We're being invaded by, by people! People running and exercising and, doing some kind of martial arts, I think. They're good too--I couldn't catch a single one. As soon as I caught up with 'em, they…
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
disappeared? I've had two like that myself.
Private SANDOVAL
Let's work together on this. There's another one! Let's go!
(All run off stage shouting and calling.)
(As soon as they're gone, MALACHI walks on stage and crosses over to where DANIEL is still seated (hiding behind whatever he can along the way.)
MALACHI
DANIEL?
DANIEL
MALACHI! Am I glad to see you!
MALACHI
You okay?
DANIEL
Cold, and hungry, but yeah, I'm okay.
MALACHI
(Crosses over to DANIEL and begins to cut the ropes with which he is tied.)
We've got to hurry. They'll figure out those people aren't real pretty fast.
DANIEL
I doubt it. I think they all blew their minds on Narco Paks.
MALACHI
It should slow them down for few minutes at least. Got it. Come on.
DANIEL
The medicine! We have to get the medicine!
MALACHI
Where is it?
DANIEL
I'm not sure. They took it when they arrested me and I think they took it in there.
(He gestures to the guard house.)
MALACHI
Let's go get it.
(Both run over to the Guard house.)
You go in. I'll watch.
(DANIEL runs inside and comes back out a few seconds later).
DANIEL
No luck.
MALACHI
Where else do you think they might have put it?
DANIEL
Umm, uhh, I don't know of anyplace. Maybe umm, I know! I saw some clipboards on a table over here.
(He runs toward it; MALACHI continues to keep watch. DANIEL returns in a moment.)
Good grief!
(He pulls up a collection of eclectic items: sandwiches in baggies, swim fins, ukelele, tennis shoes, Hawaiian shirt, waffle iron, measuring cup, framed painting, etc.)
MALACHI
Any luck?
DANEL
Lots. But it's all bad. Looks like they've confiscated one of everything. Aha! Got it, finally! Let's go.
(DANIEL and MALACHI run toward the Soylent Green building. Before they get to it, the Youth Guard return with Unarsis.)
Here, MALACHI!
(DANIEL tosses MALACHI the medicine.)
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
The prisoner! He's escaping!
PRIVATE MOODY
Get him!
(While the Youth Guard are yelling and chasing DANIEL, MALACHI stops and calmly pulls a shiny object out of his inside pocket.)
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
Hey you! Stop!
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Come back! You can't do that!
PRIVATE MOODY
Stop in the name of UNAR!
(MALACHI holds the shiny object up for the Youth Guard to see and the moment they look at it, they are quietly and instantly hypnotized and stand still.)
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
Heyyy!
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Stop!
Private MOODY
Get them! Get them both!
(When all three are quietly looking at him, MALACHI speaks.)
MALACHI
You are no longer pursuing DANIEL Aragon. When I snap my fingers, you will no longer see him. You will see only me. You have never heard of a person with the name of DANIEL Aragon. You will see through his body as if he were invisible. You will not remember having seen him just now or at any time in the past. He does not exist. You will allow me to pass back into TUM-R without delay. One, two, three (he snaps his fingers).
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Papers, please.
MALACHI
Seem to have forgotten them. Left them at home tonight. Tell you what, I just need to duck over to TUM-R to make an inquiry. Be back before midnight, eh?
(PRIVATE POLOWSKI turns to PRIVATE MOODY.)
Private MOODY
No problem, POLOWSKI. Let him pass.
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
No problem, sir. You're good.
UNARSIS
(Unexpectedly enters from the side.)
I pledge my hard drive to UNARIUM. What will you pledge? One moment. Where are his papers? No one may enter TUM-R without the proper paperwork.
MALACHI
But it's just a quick errand, an inquiry. I'll be back in no time.
(MALACHI edges toward the gate.)
UNARSIS
(Aggressively approaches MALACHI)
No. This is unauthorized. The Youth Guard must intervene.
MALACHI
But they already said I could pass, no problem. Now look, UNARSIS, this is just what I like to call a misunderstanding. No big deal.
UNARSIS
There are two of you. I see you both. You must both present papers. No one may enter TUM-R without the proper paperwork. What are your names?
MALACHI
What's in a name?
(He motions to DANIEL to enter the gate to TUM-R.)
As a matter of fact, there's something I've been meaning to ask you for a long time.
(While talking, he approaches UNARSIS in a friendly manner.)
I'd like to know more about the name "UNARSIS." Where did that come from? Say, does anyone ever call you, "UNAR?" Nicknames are kind of fun, you know? My family called me "MAL" when I was growing up. Would you like to be called "UNAR?"
UNARSIS
This is irrelevant conversation. Please answer the question. What are your names?
(He notices DANIEL approaching the gate and so he aggressively runs over there to block the entrance. He is facing DANIEL with his back turned to MALACHI. DANIEL and MALACHI exchange meaningful glances.)
You! Stop! What is your name? There's no way you can hide from me. I can find you in my database. In a few moments, I will know your identity. Stop!
(None of the Youth Guard move to assist UNARSIS. They simply observe with mild interest.)
DANIEL
No kidding? I didn't know your database was that big? How many names and photos are in it anyway? I used to know a guy who's dad worked for the government and he had access to a database with more than a million names in it. How many does yours have?
UNARSIS
(Stands up a bit straighter as if to brag. While UNARSIS is talking, MALACHI sneaks up behind him and disables the mechanism by flipping a switch.)
My database is has 82.5% of the inhabitants of TUM-R and all Boundary inhabitants. That is more than 18 million persons. I can identify unknown persons with 93.78923448 purr-cent accu-raaa-ceee…
(His voice trails off slowly as the power is cut.)
DANIEL
That was close!
MALACHI
Too close! Come on, let's go.
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Wait a minute! What'd you do to UNARSIS?
PRIVATE MOODY
And hey, what's in that bag you're carrying?
(POLOWSKI and MOODY approach MALACHI aggressively. MALACHI quickly makes a magical sweep with his hand and turns the medicine in the bag into AUNT ROB'S homemade cranberry-seaweed bars.)
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
Hand it over.
(MALACHI does, reluctantly.)
Hey, look here! Cranberry-seaweed bars!
MALACHI
You caught me red handed!
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Cranberry-seaweed bars? Mmm, my favorite.
PRIVATE MOODY
Hey, those are great.
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Wait a minute, what's the matter with UNARSIS?
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
Probably needs more memory.
PRIVATE MOODY
Yeah, that happens sometimes with UNARSIS comrades.
PRIVATE MOODY
Can I have another one?
MALACHI
You fellas can finish them off. I've got to be on my way. Got to be back by midnight.
PRIVATE POLOWSKI
Doesn't leave too much time. See you later.
PRIVATE SANDOVAL
Later, man.
MALACHI
Later.
(MALACHI and DANIEL walk through the gate to TUM-R.)
Scene 13
set: In front of the doorway of the Aragon house.
Inside the Aragon household. A couch is the only required piece of furniture but a table and chair with a lamp is suggested.
DANIEL
Man, am I hungry.
MALACHI
Too bad we lost all of your Aunt's Cranberry-seaweed bars.
DANIEL
Don't remind me! Tell me, how'd you do it?
MALACHI
Do what?
DANIEL
Turn the medicine into the Cranberry-seaweed bars?
MALACHI
Now DANIEL, if I answer that now, what will you have to look forward to?
DANIEL
I'll think of something. Here we are.
(They enter the house. A woman is standing with her back to them.)
AUNT ROB! KEVIN! We're back! AUNT…
(The woman turns around and DANIEL recognizes her.)
MOM! MOM, you're home! You're really home!
(He runs to her and gives her a hug. While they are greeting one another, MALACHI stands, looking awkward.)
MELANIE DANIEL
I've missed you so much! I'm so glad you're home.
How's school? Was it awful? Did they let you do Tai Chi?
You were so brave! I wish you'd been here yesterday.
Are you cold? Are you tired?
I love you, DANIEL. love you, MOM.
Let's go see your sister. Okay.
DANIEL
Oh, mom! Wait a minute, I almost forgot! I've got to introduce you to MALACHI.
(MELANIE and MALACHI look at one another for a long moment.)
MELANIE
Hello, MALACHI.
MALACHI
Hello, MELANIE.
KEVIN
(Comes running in.)
DANIEL! Where were you last night? AUNT ROB was worried sick!
AUNT ROB
(Enters from rear.)
DANIEL? Where's… oh! Oh my!
(Everyone just stands there for a moment looking at one another. Suddenly "UNARIA," a UNARSIS look-alike, comes out from the back of the house. DANIEL and MALACHI react violently, thinking he will cause trouble.)
UNARIA
I pledge my hard drive to erase UNARIUM. What will you pledge?
MALACHI
Not you again.
(He thinks it is UNARSIS.)
DANIEL
What do you want?
UNARIA
May I prepare some food or beverage item for your pleasure? Are you tired? Hungry? If so, I will try to make you more comfortable.
MALACHI
What in the world…
DANIEL
Who are you?
UNARIA
My name is UNARIA. I serve at the pleasure of Melanie, my guide in the world of TUM-R. Who are you?
DANIEL
Mom? Is there something you haven't told me?
MELANIE
DANIEL, MALACHI, this is UNARIA. She is a lot like UNARSIS.
MALACHI
We can tell! But where is she from? And why are you her "guide?"
MELANIE
When I was in UDC, I met some wonderful women who have started a new group: The World Order of North America Resistance League. It's a group working to free all of North America from the tyranny of Unarium.
DANIEL
Is UNARIA one of them?
MELANIE
Not exactly. She's one of many robots all named UNARIA. They're patterned after UNARSIS, but with different software.
MALACHI
What is her mission?
UNARIA
My mission is to erase the software of every UNARSIS I meet and reprogram him to support the Resistance League of Women.
MALACHI
Sounds like a good beginning for a brave new world.
MELANIE
Just the kind we've always dreamed of, MALACHI.
DANIEL
Do you two, know each other or something?
MELANIE
Yes, dear. MALACHI and I are old friends, actually.
DANIEL
Oh. Well that's cool.
KEVIN
Yeah, cool.
AUNT ROB
DANIEL, did you get the medicine?
DANIEL
Oh! Oh, yeah. As a matter of fact, we did. MALACHI? Where is it?
MALACHI
Right here.
(He magically produces it and hands it to DANIEL.)
AUNT ROB
Still doing that crazy magic stuff, eh MALACHI?
DANIEL
How is ANNABELLE?
MELANIE
Almost as good as new.
DANIEL
What about the seizures?
MELANIE
She hasn't had one since I got home a few hours ago.
DANIEL
Why not?
MELANIE
The people who designed UNARIA discovered that a particular drug, Phenolbarbitol, protects her software from virus'. When we left the detention center, she had a six month supply. When I got home and heard abut ANNABELLE'S accident and the seizures, I just gave her some of UNARIA'S medication and she's been just fine.
DANIEL
Mom?
MELANIE
Yes, dear?
DANIEL
I'm sure glad you're my mom.
MALACHI
That makes two of us, DANIEL. I'm glad she's your mom too. Now I think we should take UNARIA out and see if we can find a UNARSIS for her to talk to.
UNARIA
Let's go. I'm looking forward to it.
The End
