Flight of the Maybug (Script)

ACT 2

In sadistic frustration, Lieutenant Hartley slams the mallet into Wilhelm's gut, knocking the air out of him.

HARTLEY: Now you listen 'ere lad, there be no-one comin' for you, you hear me? No-one! So you is gonna stop your cryin' and your screamin' or so help me God I will beat you 'till you is nothin' more than bloody pulp. You'll be a spastic, retarded vegetable by the time I'm done with you. Do I make myself clear?!

After a few moments, Wilhelm obediently nods, silent tears still streaming down his cheeks.

HARTLEY: There's a good lad.

Lieutenant Hartley ruffles Wilhelm's hair before kneeling down beside his feet.

HARTLEY: Now, I is goin' to be doin' this first bit 'ere gentle like. (To himself) Be puttin' this under your toe, a few soft taps...

Wilhelm yelps as Lieutenant Hartley sticks the cocktail stick under his toe, softly hammering it in place.

HARTLEY: There! Now it be in place.

Lieutenant Hartley holds the mallet over his head, primed to strike.

HARTLEY: Now don't move. Be there anything you like to say before you be wastin' all air in your lungs?

In terrified anticipation, Wilhelm vigorously shakes his head.

HARTLEY: So be it.

Lieutenant Hartley prepares to strike, but Wilhelm jerks at the last second.

HARTLEY: Willie, don't move!

Lieutenant Hartley tries again, yet is once again impeded by Wilhelm's instinctive jerks.

HARTLEY: Willie, if you move, the toothpick 'ere will splinter, then I don't know how we're goin' to get it out of you!

Lieutenant Hartley tries again to no avail.

HARTLEY: Oh this is ridiculous!

WILHELM: (Tearful) I'm sorry, I don't mean to-

HARTLEY: I know you don't lad, you is nervous is all. How 'bout we calm you down, sing us a song like. What's a nice German song? Silent Night! I do like that one I do. How's it go? (Singing) Silent Night, Holy-

Lieutenant Hartley strikes the cocktail stick deep under Wilhelm's toe, causing him to scream in AGONIZING pain.

HARTLEY: Oh it fuckin' splintered!

Wilhelm continues to scream in excruciating pain.

HARTLEY: I did be tellin' you not to move, so don't you be havin' a go at me!

Blood is pouring out of Wilhelm's toe.

HARTLEY: I's gotta say that that there does look mighty painful though. I daresay I've outdone myself!

Lieutenant Hartley gleefully trots over towards the large notebook lying on his desk.

HARTLEY: Tell me lad, how would you describe what you is feelin' right now?

Wilhelm, in so much pain, cannot focus on the Lieutenant's questions.

HARTLEY: Would you say it were painful?

Wilhelm continues to writhe in agony.

HARTLEY: (Imitating Wilhelm) Aaaah! What does aaah mean?! Aaah's not a word!