(A bare room at the Institute for the Advancement of Dictatorships. A long table. At its far side sit the Director and Andrey Vyshinsky. Opposite them, the First Student sits alone. Beside him, an empty chair. At the side of the table, slightly apart, sits the Instructor. A clock can be heard ticking.)
(The Director checks his watch.)
THE DIRECTOR
Vyshinsky, I apologize.
VYSHINSKY
I have time.
THE DIRECTOR
This is not acceptable. Did you waive your right to counsel?
THE FIRST STUDENT
No.
THE DIRECTOR
Three minutes.
(The Director looks at his watch again. Vyshinsky smiles at the First Student. The clock ticks.)
(Three minutes pass.)
THE DIRECTOR
We proceed.
You are charged with aggravated insubordination.
The panel will determine the outcome.
You may be dismissed.
Your scholarship may be revoked.
You may be exonerated.
You may be executed.
(He pauses.)
THE DIRECTOR
The panel will hear the witness first.
THE INSTRUCTOR
We were on a field trip.
We were showcasing important work currently being done.
The First Student did not appreciate it.
THE FIRST STUDENT
I did not.
THE DIRECTOR
You have not been asked to speak.
Display renitence again, and I know the verdict.
THE INSTRUCTOR
He called the work a horror.
THE FIRST STUDENT
I did.
VYSHINSKY
I take it that is strike two.
THE DIRECTOR
Witness, continue.
THE INSTRUCTOR
The Host was not amused.
He asked me to his office later.
It was not…
(He pauses.)
THE INSTRUCTOR
A pleasant experience.
VYSHINSKY
I can picture this. He is not easily amused.
THE DIRECTOR
Nor am I.
(He looks at the First Student.)
THE DIRECTOR
What have you to say in your defense?
THE FIRST STUDENT
The horror.
VYSHINSKY
Strike three.
THE DIRECTOR
The panel is ready to reach a verdict.
Please step outside.
(The Instructor and the First Student stand.)
(A knock on the door. The Caretaker enters.)
THE CARETAKER
It was difficult to wake him. But here he is.
(Napoleon enters.)
NAPOLEON
What an ungodly hour.
THE DIRECTOR
Vyshinsky, Napoleon.
Napoleon, Vyshinsky.
VYSHINSKY
What a pleasure to finally meet.
(Napoleon walks to the First Student and pats him on the back.)
NAPOLEON
What is this trouble?
THE DIRECTOR
Please all sit again.
VYSHINSKY
I wish I could have spoken to you in 1812.
NAPOLEON
It is after six? I thought it was morning.
(He sits, stretching out his legs.)
NAPOLEON
I found this.
(He takes out a small piece of metal.)
THE DIRECTOR
What is this?
THE INSTRUCTOR
It is a fragment of an MK-84.
THE DIRECTOR
A formidable bomb.
THE FIRST STUDENT
I heard their voices.
VYSHINSKY
Do I still have to count?
THE DIRECTOR
I count four in the last fifteen minutes. I am ready to reach a verdict.
VYSHINSKY
Shall we confer?
THE DIRECTOR
Yes. We confer here and now. And swiftly. What is your recommendation, Vyshinsky?
VYSHINSKY
If there is justice, he will soon be executed.
NAPOLEON
Yes, he must be exonerated.
(The First Student stands.)
(Napoleon looks at the fragment again.)