ALL WE HAVE IS NOW by Martin Malone

The stage is in semi-darkness. The dusty, long-neglected room is strewn with a jumble of belongings, furniture, sideboard, several sculpted works of art, a tipped over chair or two. Front of stage is a window (imagined) leading on to a balcony.

The distant sounds of spontaneous bursts of gunfire, explosions, shouts.

Offstage, a door is kicked open. Shafts of light spill into the main area.

After a moment, two men enter cautiously. They wear gas masks and makeshift combat clothing.

MILTON (30s) wields an assault rifle. He trains it ahead of him, checking the room carefully for occupants. He is intelligent, cynical, wired. He lowers his gun and begins a swift and efficient search through the sideboard drawers.

DANIEL (20s) has a bloodied bandage wrapped around his head and carries a covered bird cage. He has an air of innocence about him (child-like) as he moves around the room, enthusiastically routing through stuff. He approaches the window.

MILTON(whispering harshly)

Away from the window.

Daniel moves away from the window. Milton takes the bird cage. Lifts the cover and checks. The bird cheeps.

MILTON (CONTD)Seems fine.

Milton replaces the cover and puts the cage on the sideboard.

They both remove their gas masks , breathe the air, tentatively at first. Then in refreshing gulps. They continue to search.

Daniel picks up a shopping basket. Starts to remove items.

MILTON (CONTD)What you got?

MILTON approaches.

DANIELStuff. I dunno.

Daniel retrieves a small shiny object.

MILTONWhats that?

Daniel passes it to him.

MILTON (CONTD)(reading)

IPhone.

Daniel takes it back. Holds it up against his eye.

MILTON (CONTD)Not eye. I. Me. Mine.

Daniel passes it back.

MILTON (CONTD)Anything worth anything?

Daniel retrieves a set of false teeth. Then a pair of glasses. He puts them on. Looks at MILTON.

MILTON (CONTD)Stop making a spectacle of yourself.

Daniel laughs. More than he ought.

DANIELBecause these are spectacles right?

MILTON goes to the window. Peeks out. Daniel joins him.

DANIEL (CONTD)Whats going on?

MILTONIts quiet.

DANIELThats good. Isnt it?

MILTONDont know. Probably gone to ground.

DANIELMaybe its teatime.

2.

MILTONYeah. Thatll be it. Theyre all probably breaking out the Bourbons.

DANIELHow long were you hid?

MILTONGetting on for a few months. Now I dont know whats up. Whats down.

DANIELWhat if whatever it is is all over? And we dont realise.

MILTONWhat, and the explosions and gunfire are in celebration?

DANIELCould be.

MILTONTo be safe. Lets assume otherwise.

DANIELOkay.

MILTONLets assume the rebels, the resistance, the separatists, not to mention the insurgents, counter revolutionaries and all the other factions and fringe elements are still running riot. Battling it out with each other while the powers-that-be sit back and watch. Sniggering.

DANIELWho are the powers that be?

MILTONWho knows? The Man. Corporate bigwigs. Fat Cats.

DANIEL(laughing)

Fat cats. Where are the fat cats?

3.

MILTONIm being euphemistic.

DANIELEh?

MILTONDont worry about it.

He sits, starts cleaning his gun.

MILTON (CONTD)Hows your head?

DANIELSore.

MILTONItll pass.

DANIELWill it?

MILTONMuster? I certainly hope so.

DANIELWhy cant I remember stuff?

MILTONWhat is it you do remember?

DANIELFlashes. Moments. But nothing connects. Will it go away?

MILTONDont know. Im not a neurologist. Think. What was the last significant event you can recall?

Daniel thinks a moment.

DANIELBreakfast.

MILTONWhat about before the war?

4.

DANIELBefore what war?

MILTONAll this. Doesnt Year Zero ring a bell?

DANIELYear Zero?

MILTON2020. The Year dot. Com. What caused it.

Daniel looks blank. Milton gestures to the window.

MILTON (CONTD)The Facebook Rebellion. Generation X went offline. Left their houses. Got militarised. Busted down the firewall. The start of proper mayhem. WWWW.

DANIELWW-?

MILTON-WW. The World Wide Web War. You really dont remember any of this?

Daniel shakes his head.

MILTON (CONTD)Whereve you been?

DANIELThats what Id like to know. Tell me more about the war.

MILTONIts funny. If it was a film I mean. MySpace out to wipe Google off the face of the earth. The YouTubers battling it out with Second Life. Avatars as flesh and blood. Some. Serious. Crazy. Shit.

DANIELWhy?

MILTONExactly. Exactly. And whatever it was that got them started. The Fat Cats. The Web Masters.

5.

(MORE)

Well... maybe theyve gone. And these lot have forgotten what they were complaining about in the first place. Now theyll shoot you if youve got the wrong logo on your T-shirt.

DANIELReally?

Daniel checks his clothing.

MILTONMaybe. Ten million adequately working brains and the only productive thing they can do is wipe each other out. No one has any time for anyone old enough to know better. If just one person came through. A kindred spirit. That they respected. Would listen to.

DANIELYoure funny, Milton.

MILTONThanks.

DANIELStuff you say. Must be tiring having all that in your head.

MILTONYeah reckon Im due an upgrade.

DANIEL(laughing)

What like youre a computer. Oh thats funny.

Milton rummages in his pockets. Finds a packet of sweets. Offers one to Daniel. They sit and chew awhile.

DANIEL (CONTD)Whatd she say again?

MILTONWho?

DANIELThat woman.

6.

MILTON (CONT'D)

MILTONDoesnt matter. She was giving you a bum steer.

DANIELGiving my bum a what?

MILTONShe said you were immune.

DANIELA moon?

MILTONImmune. Resistant.

DANIELHowd she know?

MILTONShe ran tests. On your blood. Its unusuals what she said.

DANIELOh.

MILTONThat was meant to be flattering. You wont die.

DANIELEver?

MILTONOf the infection.

DANIELOh.

MILTONShe said. But you have to take it with a pinch of salts my advice.

DANIELYecchhh... salt.

MILTONYeah just a pinch, mind.

7.

Pause. Milton studies Daniel.

DANIELWhat?

MILTONIm thinking.

DANIELThinking what?

Pause.

DANIEL (CONTD)Whatre you thinking, Milton?

MILTONI might be better on my owns what Im thinking.

DANIELReally?

MILTONIm thinking it. Doesnt necessarily mean Im going to.

DANIELGood.

MILTONYet. You are unusual. Maybe youre my good luck charm.

DANIELId like to be that. Is that like a butler?

MILTON(laughing)

Whered you hear about butlers?

DANIELIn a book.

MILTONYou read a book?

8.

DANIELIt was mostly pictures. Someone read the words to me. It was a while ago. I think.

MILTONWell I think Ill call you Jarvis. For when you buttle.

They laugh together.

MILTON (CONTD)I can say Jarvis give these brogues a polish would you.

Daniel stands and salutes

DANIELYes sir.

MILTONThey dont salute. They bow.

He does.

MILTON (CONTD)I could get used to this.

DANIELMilton, tell me the future story again.

MILTONAgain?

DANIELYes.

MILTONIts not a story, anyway.

DANIELWhat is it?

MILTONJust some lyrics. To a song.

DANIELBut they tell a story.

9.

MILTONTo a degree.

DANIELTell it.

MILTONYou ought to know it off by heart by now.

DANIELPlease.

MILTONAs logic stands you couldn't meet a manwho's from the future.But logic broke as he appeared he spokeabout the future.We're not gonna make it. He explained howthe end will come.You and me were never meantto be part of the future -All we have is now -All we've ever had was now.

Pause.

DANIELI dont quite understand it. But I like it.

MILTONMe too.

A distant explosion. They look towards the window.

DANIELCan I see?

MILTONYoure a glutton for punishment.

DANIELPlease.

MILTONOkay. But put your stuff on. In case. And keep your head down.

10.

DANIELkay.

MILTONI mean it. Be careful.

Daniel puts his gas mask on. He moves toward the window. Turns back.

DANIELHey Milton.

MILTONWhat?

DANIELThanks. For caring, I mean.

He climbs out onto the balcony.

MILTON(to himself)

Whys what Im asking.

He stretches, yawns. Looks around the room. Considers a couple of chairs. Then arranges his rucksack as a pillow and a discarded curtain for a blanket. Settles down for sleep.

A young man (CHRISTIAN) enters softly. He wears military clothing and his face is masked by a gauze of fabric. He creeps up to the reclining figure.

Milton jumps up swiftly and wrestles with Christian.

They fight - fast, silent and vicious.

Milton manages to struggle free and grab his rifle. He aims it at Christian.

A young woman (GABRIEL) enters and presses a revolver to Miltons head. She is dressed the same as Christian and also has her face covered.

Daniel enters from the balcony, pointing his revolver, indecisively.

GABRIELON THE GROUND. GUN ON THE GROUND. PUT THE FUCKING GUN ON THE GROUND. NOW.

MILTONDaniel, do it.

11.

Daniel drops the gun. Christian collects it and Gabriel takes Miltons rifle.

Gabriel releases the trigger of her revolver with her thumb. Places it back in her holster.

GABRIELJust procedure.

DANIELWho are you?

GABRIELA third party plug in. Sorry I stuck my gun in your face.

MILTONThats okay. Sorry I had to kick the shit out of your boyfriend.

GABRIELHes not my boyfriend.

CHRISTIANAnd theres still plenty of shit in me, friend.

MILTONI dont doubt it.

GABRIELAre you fringe? You dont look mainstream.

MILTONActually I have no affiliation whatsoever. Thats pretty much the reason Ive lived this long.

GABRIELAnd your friend?

MILTONHes just a stray I picked up. And, trust me, hes even less partisan than me.

DANIELI hate Parmesan.

CHRISTIANWhys he hiding his face?

12.

MILTONI prefer him that way. Why are you?

GABRIELAnonymity.

They both remove their face coverings to reveal they both are wearing prosthetic masks in Daniels likeness.

MILTONWhat the fuck?

DANIELYoure wearing my face. Why are you wearing my face?

Daniel removes his gas mask.

CHRISTIANYou too. Hail brother.

GABRIELHail.

MILTONDaniel, who are they?

DANIELWhy have you got my face? I dont like it. Milton tell them.

CHRISTIANIts not yours. Its mine. Theyre ours. Are you an idiot?

DANIELNo.

GABRIELWhered you get yours?

DANIELWhat?

CHRISTIANMaybe he stole it.

GABRIELDid you steal it?

13.

DANIELWhat, my face? No. Ive always had it. Its always been there. Long as I can recall. Which, to be honest, is not very long. But thats not my faces fault. Anyway its mine. Its mine. I didnt steal it. It belongs to me. Doesnt it?

MILTONCalm down. Try not to strain yourself. Do you remember meeting these two, ever?

DANIELNo. Why have they got my face?

CHRISTIANThis is tiring. Take it off. We want to know who you really are.

Gabriel approaches Daniel. She attempts to remove his mask.

GABRIELOh God.

She removes her mask and collapses onto her knees in front of Daniel.

GABRIEL (CONTD)Oh my God.

Christian removes his mask.

CHRISTIANWhat?

GABRIELIts him. Its- Its actually him.

Christian approaches Daniel. Touches his face.

CHRISTIANOh my God.

Christian collapses to his knees beside Gabriel.

MILTONAre you performance artists? Because this really isnt the time.

CHRISTIANYoure him.

14.

DANIELWho?

CHRISTIANYou.

MILTONTop marks.

DANIELI know that.

CHRISTIANBut dont you see? Its him. The saviour.

GABRIELIts you. Our saviour. Hail.

CHRISTIANHail.

MILTONIs it April the first?

Daniel looks at his watch.

DANIELSeptember isnt it?

CHRISTIANWeve found you. Youre found. You are real. I had doubts.

MILTONLook youre both starting to get on my tits.

DANIELWhat, because theyre not bowing to you?

MILTONNo you moron, because-

Christian and Gabriel leap to their feet. Point their weapons at Milton.

CHRISTIANYou insulted him. You took his name in vain.

MILTONJesus.

15.

GABRIELDont take his name in vain. Take it back.

CHRISTIANIf you know whats good for you.

Pause.

MILTONI retract calling my esteemed colleague a moron. As well as any further improprieties committed upon his most sacred of heads.

GABRIELThats better.

MILTONBut you two are crazier than a shit-house rat.

After a moment, they holster their weapons.

CHRISTIANBe careful with that mouth of yours, man.

They move away from Milton. Gabriel speaks softly into a walkie talkie.

MILTONLook, can you just please explain yourselves?

CHRISTIANWere doing nothing for you.

Milton looks to Daniel for back up.

A pause as they await a response.

DANIELCan you just please explain yourselves?

CHRISTIANMy names Christian. This is Gabriel.

MILTONRight.

Pause.

MILTON (CONTD)And?

16.

DANIELAnd?

CHRISTIANWell what else can we tell you?

MILTONLike pulling teeth. Imagine if you will... that we are both dumb as oxs.

CHRISTIANOxen.

MILTONWhat?

CHRISTIANDumb as oxen. Thats the plural. I learnt it.

MILTONFine. Imagine that. Start from scratch and tell us, if you will, what the fuck is going on?

DANIELWhat the fuck is going on?

Gabriel turns back to them.

GABRIELHe is the saviour. You are the saviour. You know that. Hail.

MILTONWhy? Why him?

DANIELYes. Why me?

GABRIELIt is written.

MILTONWhat on a toilet wall in graffiti?

Daniel laughs. Christian and Gabriel join in.

MILTON (CONTD)Where is it written? Pray do tell.

17.

CHRISTIANWe dont exactly know. It just is.

MILTONWhere did you discover this fact?

DANIELYes.

CHRISTIANWhere we came from.

MILTONAnd where did you come from?

GABRIELWe came from that way.

She points off.

Milton rubs his face with exasperation.

MILTONWhere was your starting point.

GABRIELHome.

MILTONWhich is....?

DANIELWhich is...?

GABRIELThe Foundation.

MILTONAh.

DANIELWhat?

MILTONThe Foundation.

DANIELWhat is it?

18.

MILTONIts... well..its a place... where they... make kids.

DANIELLike school?

MILTONNo not like school. Like a lab. A meat factory. You get me?

DANIELNo.

MILTONSo why you? Why him?

GABRIELIts-

MILTONYeah yeah... the words of the prophet are written on the subway walls and tenement halls.

GABRIELProphet. Yes.

MILTONOh please. Him?

Pause.

MILTON (CONTD)You must be from there too.

DANIELWhere?

MILTONDelusionville. How old are you?

Daniel shrugs sheepishly.

MILTON (CONTD)Yes. Thats why youre immune. Youre out of a fucking petri dish. And theyve brainwashed the others to think you are special. Or your face at least. Brilliant.

19.

DANIELReally?

MILTONHe might not be him you know. He might be a replica.

GABRIELIt doesnt matter.

MILTONNo I dont suppose it does.

Outside a commotion. A crowd gathers. Daniel peeks out the window.

DANIELPeople. Lots of people.

MILTONYour congregation.

DANIELThey all have my face.

GABRIELOur brethren.

MILTONInmates you mean.

Christian heads out onto the balcony.

CHRISTIANBrothers. Sisters. Hear us. A great day has arrived. We have found him. The Saviour. He has come to us today.

A cheer from the crowd. Christian turns to Daniel.

CHRISTIAN (CONTD)You must come to the window.

DANIELMaybe Im a kindred spirit, Milton.

MILTONI really hope not.

20.

CHRISTIANJust let the family see you.

MILTONMeet their one-eyed king.

Daniel steps out on to the balcony.

DANIELErm... hello.

The crowd cheers.

DANIEL (CONTD)Just a sec.

He steps back into the room. Milton laughs.

CHRISTIANOne moment, brethren.

Christian heads into the room.

CHRISTIAN (CONTD)What are you doing?

DANIELLook I cant do this. Im shy.

GABRIELThis is much bigger than you or I. Its about saving lives.

MILTONDaniel, did you know all the great leaders in history were martyred for the cause?

DANIELEh?

CHRISTIANWhy dont you be quiet?

MILTONYep. Topped. Plugged. Poisoned. Demised.

GABRIELLies. Jealousy.

21.

CHRISTIANAnnoying.

MILTONAssassinated. All of them.

DANIELReally?

MILTONA prerequisite, my dear boy. But hey, go for it. After all, this is much bigger than you or I. Its about saving lives.

Christian steps back onto the balcony, beckons Daniel.

CHRISTIANCome to the window. Speak to the brethren.

Daniel looks to Christian. Back at Milton.

DANIELIm not sure I really fancy being... what you said.

MILTONMartyred.

DANIELMartyred.

CHRISTIANYou wont be. Theyll love you. Trust us.

MILTONAnd there they are. Two little beauties. Trust us. And thus was Caesar led to his doom.

CHRISTIANWhat is your problem? Youre getting in the way. Muddling things.

MILTONOn the contrary. Im as clear as glass, friend.

CHRISTIANYoull be right through it if you dont shut up.

22.

MILTONThats not very Christian, Christian.

GABRIELActually it is. Its his trademark.

MILTONIm sure. Bred by the best werent you?

CHRISTIANThankyou.

MILTONThat wasnt intended to be a compliment.

(To Gabriel)Havent we met before?

GABRIELI dont know. My pasts been wiped. For my own good.

CHRISTIANSomething you definitely should have had done, in my opinion.

GABRIELWhy, do you think we might have known each other? Been close? Lovers or something?

MILTONWho knows? I wouldnt put it past me.

Gabriel smiles slightly.

DANIELMilton.

GABRIELWell if it ever did. It hasnt happened now.

Milton and Gabriel share a moment.

DANIELMilton.

MILTONWhat is it Daniel?

23.

DANIELWhat do I do?

CHRISTIANDaniel, please.

Milton starts to pack his belongings.

MILTONIts your decision, Daniel.

CHRISTIANTheyre waiting.

MILTONBut, if you do go out there. Ill be gone. For good. Just so you know.

DANIELBut this is much bigger than- than-

MILTONYoure not qualified, Daniel. Itll destroy you. I cant be party to any of it.

CHRISTIANDaniel, he is wronger than he knows.

MILTONYou're even wrongerer, friend.

DANIELBut you cant leave. I- I have to...

MILTONGoodbye, Daniel.

He picks up his pack and moves towards the door.

DANIELStop him.

Gabriel steps forward, places her gun against the back of Miltons head and fires.

Milton falls dead.

DANIEL (CONTD)No!

24.

Daniel runs to Milton and cradles his body, crying.

DANIEL (CONTD)Milton.

GABRIELI did your bidding.

DANIELHes gone. Hes gone.

GABRIEL(to Christian)

I did his bidding.

CHRISTIANYes.

DANIELI didnt want that you fucking bitch!

Daniel jumps up and grabs Gabriel. She does not resist. Daniel throws her to the floor and beats her with his fists.

Christian watches impassively as Daniel grabs a ceramic sculpture and batters Gabriel to death.

After a while Daniel stands, breathing heavily and sobbing.

CHRISTIANHe was in the way, Daniel. Dont you see?

DANIELNo.

CHRISTIANThis is your destiny. It is written.

DANIELWhere?

CHRISTIANSomewhere. It has to be. Come on. Speak to them. Change everything.

DANIELIt should have been him. He was special. Im not special. Im... nobody.

25.

CHRISTIANYes. I know you are. But they dont. They need you to be somebody. For them. And you need to go out there and you need to say something. Anything. For the good of all. Its the only thing that will make any sense of this. Its the only thing that will make any sense of Miltons death.

Daniel looks at him.

DANIELDo you think so?

CHRISTIANYes, Daniel. Its the future thats at stake here.

Daniel looks around at Miltons body. Then walks out onto the balcony, followed by Christian.

The crowd cheer once more.

Daniel and Christian wait for the cheering to subside.

Daniel speaks to them in a surprisingly sonorous voice.

DANIELAs logic stands you couldn't meet a manwho's from the future. But logic broke. As he appeared he spoke about the future.

He looks down - emotionally overcome. The crowd applauds.

Daniel recovers. Looks back at the crowd. It quietens.

DANIEL (CONTD)We're not gonna make it.The end will come andyou and me were never meantto be part of the future.All we have is now.All we've ever had was now.

The crowd remains silent. A wind whistles. The light grows brighter. Eventually bathing Daniel in an ethereal glow.

The song All We Have Is Now by The Flaming Lips plays.

The lights and song fade to black.

26.