The Voice of Vayl

Act I Scene I

Lights up. Upstage center is a platform. On that platform are several people facing the audience. There's a man in a crisp, perfectly even uniform in greys and reds, adorned with a high rank. Next to him is woman in a blue uniform. It doesn't fit her quite right, and it's a little worn, but she wears it with just as much pride as the man. Her hands are cuffed behind her back. Behind the two are five soldiers. The man steps forward.

Commissar Javert

(Speaking triumphantly) People of Vayl, today is a bright day. Today, the leader of the terrorists who have plagued us has been caught. Today, she faces justice for all that she has done. We cut off the head of the snake, and the organization responsible for throwing Vayl into chaos will wither. Today we take one life to save many. We take the life of a criminal, to save the lives of thousands of innocents. (Tone turns a little sad) As much as I wish I could simply end this, I am duty bound by the law to allow this terrorist her last words. (Tone shifts again, now determined) I warn you, steel your hearts, brave people of Vayl, lest this wicked woman's silver tongue lead you astray.

He steps back and the rebel steps forward, her head held high

Reylen

This man claims to be duty bound to follow the law, to allow me my last words. (Voice turns bitter) I'm honored. I'm honored that I, unlike so many of my brave brothers and sisters, get to speak before I die. That I wasn't locked up in maximum security and quietly executed late at night. That I am so graciously given my rights. This "duty bound" man, does not care about the law, this whole ceremony is simply to make him seem as if he does, to contrast him to the "terrorists" who disregard it. He thinks that by taking my life his crimes will be forgotten. (Turns slightly towards Javert, her voice once again proud and confident) But I tell you this now: you do not take my life, I give it. I lay it down for the cause. I also tell you this: the voice of an oppressed people is not a snake who will die when you remove its head, it is a hydra. You kill me, you cut off this head, others will rise to take my place. You will never stop the people from speaking out against your injustices.

As she speaks, voices murmur, growing in strength. As they get louder Commissar Javert looks increasingly nervous

Somewhere out there, in this crowd, is the next head of the hydra, and I charge you with this duty. Do not back down from your task. Stand tall, and show the Commissariate that the people of Vayl will never bend the knee to-

Commissar Javert

NOW!

The middle soldier, who was standing right behind Reylen, raises his gun and fires. As Reylen collapses the lights cut out

Lights up. The scene is a regular living room. A family is gathered around an old radio, one of the parents constantly checking their watch. After some waiting, they lean forward and begin to turn the dial. Static is heard, as well as a couple stations, which are quickly passed by. Finally, a series of tones is heard through the static. After a couple seconds of tones, they stop, leaving only faint static. The whole family leans in closer.

Rebel Radio Announcer

(Coughs slightly, clearing his throat. Sighs, seeming reluctant to start) People of Vayl, today is a dark day. Today, the leader of the revolution which has fought for us was caught. Today, she fell victim to the injustice of the Commissariate. She was executed for having a voice, for believing that humans are not given their rights by authority, that humans are born with rights and unjust authority takes them away. Let us have a moment of silence for this brave woman, who dared to challenge evil and did so unto the grave.

All goes quiet, the only sound the faint static. The parents bow their heads slightly, and the children follow suit. A minute passes.

Rebel Radio Announcer

(Again clearing his throat, his voice a little raw, as if he had been silently weeping. Despite this he is full of determination) There is no doubt that this is a dark day, but Commander Reylen would not want us to sit hopeless in the dark. Even at the hour of her death she gave us light and hope. Here for you are her final words: (A recording of Reylen's speech is played)

Reylen

I tell you this now: you do not take my life, I give it. I lay it down for the cause. I also tell you this: the voice of an oppressed is not a snake who will die when you remove its head, it is a hydra. You kill me, you cut off this head, others will rise to take my place. You will never stop the people from speaking out against your injustices. Somewhere out there, in this crowd, is the next head of the hydra, and I charge you with this duty. Do not back down from your task. Stand tall, and show the Commissariate that the people of Vayl will never bend the knee to-

The gunshot is heard and one parent gasps and covers their mouth

Rebel Radio Announcer

That gunshot you heard was the Commissar attempting to silence the voice  of the people. But he failed. He failed because I am the voice of the people. He failed because you are the voice of the people. He failed because as long as one person believes in human rights, the voice of the people will never be silenced. It may start quiet, but it will grow to a thunderous roar that shakes the very foundations of oppression. And as one mouth of many that speaks the voice of the people, I will finish Commander Reylen's final words. Stand tall. Stand tall and show the Commissariate that the people of Vayl will never bend the knee to a tyrant.

A song plays, the old national anthem of Vayl, from before the Commissariate took power. One of the parents proudly salutes, remembering the days when they fought for justice. The lights slowly fade out.

They rise again on a stark office. Commissar Javert is sitting behind the desk, which situated center stage, slightly to the right. He is facing a lower ranked officer, who is standing center stage slightly to the left. On the desk is a radio. Like everything else in the room, it is boxy and grey.

Rebel Radio Announcer

-show the Commissariate that the people of Vayl will never bend the knee to a tyrant.

As the anthem starts playing, Javert turns down the radio so that it's barely audible, but still there

Commissar Javert

Tell me why we haven't caught them yet

Officer

W-well Sir, they use a different frequency every time they broadcast, and as far as we can tell, they don't even broadcast from the same location every time.

Commissar Javert

I meant tell me something you haven't used as an excuse every day for the past three years.

Officer

W-well, I-I... I have nothing Sir...

Commissar Javert

Hmph, well-

He cuts himself off as the announcer is now speaking again. He turns the radio back up

Rebel Radio Announcer

Thank you for listening. Normally our program would end here. But today is different. Today we have demonstration. Proof to the Commissariate the the voice of the people will never be silenced. Commissar Javert, we know you're listening. You thought you silenced the voice of the people. You were wrong. Hear it  roar its defiance.

An explosion is heard and the stage is briefly lit in reds and oranges as Commissar Javert and the Officer act as though the room was shaken

Commissar Javert

What the f-

He's cut off by the sound of another explosion as the lights cut out