WHATEVER THE COST

A play written for the Glory of God by

ADAM GEE

introduction

Imagine a world where coming to church on Sunday was against the law; where owning a Bible could get you arrested; where sharing the gospel with someone who does not know Jesus could get you killed. Imagine a world where friends and family members could one day simply not come home without any explanation. They just disappear. Where people you think you know could turn out to be informants and betray you. Imagine a world where your property, assets, and belongings can be taken from you without recourse simply because you call yourself a Christian; where the police and government turn a blind eye to your suffering.
This is the plight of the persecuted church. This is reality for Christians in places like China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sudan, Nigeria, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, and many other places. 

This play is an attempt to bring into sharp focus the plight of the Christian church. Although the characters and locations are not real, the situations that will be portrayed are based on actual eyewitness accounts that have been reported to Voice of the Martyrs, an organization dedicated to helping the persecuted church through education and relief.

Bibliography

Extreme Devotion by Voice of the Martyrs, W. Publishing Group, 2001, pgs. 1, 3, 11, 36, 43, 57-61.
The New Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, rewritten and updated by Harold J. Chadwick, Bridge-Logos Publishers, 2001, pgs. 338-340.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

PASTOR RAYMOND: Middle aged male, father of Ryan. Missionary.
RYAN: Pastor Raymond’s son. He is married and has a baby son.
CAPTAIN MARCO: Warden of the prison and captain of local secret police.
DEMETER: Young man arrested for handing out tracts.
DELLA: Demeter’s wife.
VARIA: Middle aged woman, former prostitute.
SABINA: 23 year old woman.
JUSTIN: Man in 30’s, leader in church, released from prison. Missionary.
OFFICER MIKHAIL: a soldier who does his job. 
OFFICER NIGEL: a soldier who tries to impress his commanders.
LIEUTENANT BARTO: the torturer. He is cruel and evil. He loves his work.
VASILE: a kind Christian in Pastor Raymond’s church.
FLORICA: a new, emotional Christian in Pastor Raymond’s church.
BOY: about 12 years old.
Two or three more guards.

SCRIPT

scene 1

(Curtain up. Lights come up on a room inside a house. The room is run down and in disrepair with boards over the windows. There is the sound of keys at the door, then it slowly opens. Ryan enters nervously looking around the room. He starts to search the room looking under objects and furniture. Once he feels satisfied, he goes to the door and whispers outside.)

RYAN: It's all clear, Dad.

(Enter Pastor Raymond carrying a small bag.)

PASTOR RAYMOND: Are you sure we haven't been searched?

RYAN: Everything in this house is exactly how I left it. You see these books on the shelf? Every third book the binding is upside down. That way I’ll know if we've been searched if the pattern I left was messed up.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Your attention to detail is reassuring, Ryan. (He puts the bag against the wall.)

RYAN: Thanks, Dad. What's in the bag?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Oh, nothing. Don't worry about it. I just always like to be prepared to leave in a hurry.

RYAN: That's not a bad idea. So, when is this meeting supposed to start?

PASTOR RAYMOND: When everyone gets here, I guess. How are Andrea and the baby?

RYAN: Doing better. J.J.'s cough is starting to clear up, and Andrea is regaining her strength.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Praise the Lord.

RYAN: I just wish that I could get them back home for some decent food and medicine. Besides, I really miss mom. Have you heard anything from her?

PASTOR RAYMOND: No. It's very difficult getting mail through these days. It's been about four months since her last letter.

RYAN: It seems longer. I wish she could have come with us, Dad.

PASTOR RAYMOND: You know that wasn't possible, Ryan, with her health the way it is.

RYAN: I know. But I can pray for a miracle, can't I?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Sure you can. Speaking of miracles, (He pulls out a page from a Bible.) look what I found.

RYAN: What is it?

PASTOR RAYMOND: It's a page from a Bible.

RYAN: Where did you get that? I didn't think there were any left.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Remember when the soldiers burned the library at old Saint Christopher's? Well, I managed to get to the bonfire site and, when nobody was looking, I dug down to the bottom of the ashes and found this.

RYAN: You're lucky nobody saw you. What part of the Bible is it?

PASTOR RAYMOND: It's the first two pages of the Book of James from the New Testament; chapters 1, 2, and part of 3. I have these verses committed to memory now, and I intend to give it to whoever wants it tonight.

RYAN: Can I have it, Dad?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Are you sure you want it, Ryan? Getting caught with something like this is sure to put you in prison.

RYAN: Don't worry, I’ll start memorizing it right now before the meeting starts.

PASTOR RAYMOND: All right, Ryan. Here you go. (He hands Ryan the page and Ryan takes it and heads for a chair at the back of the room.)

RYAN: Thanks, Dad.

PASTOR RAYMOND: You're welcome, Son.

(There is a knock at the door; 3 knocks followed by 4 more knocks. Pastor Raymond goes to the door and knocks on it 2 times which is then answered by 2 more knocks. Pastor Raymond then opens the door. Della enters.)

DELLA: Hello, Pastor Raymond. Am I the first one here?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Ryan is over there in the corner.

RYAN: Hello, Della. (He goes back to reading and memorizing.)

DELLA: What is he doing?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Trying to cram some scripture into his head before the meeting starts.

DELLA: He has a Bible?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Just a page from a Bible. I found it down at old Saint Christopher's at the bottom of the ash heap.

DELLA: Could I borrow it when he's done with it?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Certainly, Della. Have you heard anything about Demeter?

DELLA: No, Pastor Raymond. Have you?

PASTOR RAYMOND: No, I'm sorry I haven't.

DELLA: That's it then. He's been arrested, and I’ll probably never see him again.

PASTOR RAYMOND: I’ll let you know if I hear anything. When did he disappear again?

DELLA: Four nights ago. He said he was going to distribute tracts down at the market. I told him that I had a bad feeling about that night, and I didn't want him to go. He told me that the Lord was telling him to go, so he went. That was the last time I saw him. (She starts to cry.)

PASTOR RAYMOND: (He puts his arms around her.) There, there, Della. We must believe that Demeter is in the Lord's hands now. If God was telling him to go, then he must have a plan for him that we aren't even aware of. We must trust in him.

DELLA: But I miss him. Why can't we have a normal life? Why do we have to live like this?

PASTOR RAYMOND: I miss him, too, Della. But we have to remember that this life is just a flicker compared to eternity. It is far better to live like this for now and live forever in heaven then to live a so called "normal" life and perish in hell. (There is another knock at the door, 3 knocks followed by 4 more knocks. Pastor Raymond goes to the door, knocks 2 times which is then answered by 2 more knocks. He opens the door and lets Varia and Sabina enter.) Varia, Sabina, it's good to see you, but you know how dangerous it is to travel together.

VARIA: Don't worry, Pastor Raymond. Nobody saw us.

SABINA: We were being very careful.

PASTOR RAYMOND: I trust that you were, Sabina.

VARIA: Good news, Pastor Raymond. Justin has been released from prison.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Really?! Oh, thank God! When did this happen?

VARIA: It happened this afternoon. He contacted me to find out when and where the meeting for tonight was.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Is he all right? Did he say why he was released?

VARIA: He seemed pretty shook up. He said that he was beaten to teach him a lesson or something. I can't wait to see him again.

SABINA: Pastor Raymond, what is Ryan doing in the corner?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Trying to memorize some scripture.

SABINA: He has a Bible?!

DELLA: No, he has a page from a Bible, and I have already asked to get it when he's done with it.

SABINA: Pastor Raymond, can I borrow it after Della?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Everyone will get a chance to memorize the pages. (There is another knock at the door, 3 knocks followed by 4 knocks. Pastor Raymond knocks 2 times which is answered by 2 more knocks. He opens the door and lets Vasile enter.)

VASILE: Praise the Lord, Pastor Raymond.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Praise the Lord, Vasile. (Vasile hugs Pastor Raymond.) What has put you in such a good mood?

VASILE: Very simple, Pastor. I'm here, and I don't have to hide the fact that God is good to me. I can say "Praise the Lord," and nobody will beat me up or arrest me for it.
It is so good to come into the house of the Lord.

VARIA: Amen, Vasile.

(There is yet, another knock at the door. 3 knocks followed by 4 knocks. Pastor Raymond knocks 2 times which is answered by 2 knocks. He opens the door to allow Florica and Justin to enter.)

FLORICA: Look who I found lurking in the street.

VARIA: Justin! (She runs over to give him a hug.) You made it!

PASTOR RAYMOND: Justin, my brother. It is so good to see you.

RYAN: (Stops studying.) Did someone say Justin is here?

VASILE: I knew it was you behind me. Praise the Lord!

JUSTIN: (Obviously injured and in pain.) Hi, everybody.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Are you all right, Justin?

JUSTIN: Now I am. I don't think I could have lasted another day in that prison.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Praise God you're alive. Come on, everybody, give Justin some room.

RYAN: (to Della) It's like he's back from the dead.

DELLA: Seeing him gives me hope that my husband will soon be released from prison as well.

JUSTIN: I want to thank everybody for praying for me while I was in prison. I think you all should know that Captain Marco, who is in charge of the local prison, is really starting to crack down on Christians in the area. Della, I saw Demeter brought in just a few days ago. They beat him, but he is still alive and he is now in a cell at the prison. They released me to show you all what happens to Christians in this country and to warn you to stop meeting and spreading the gospel.

DELLA: Do you think they'll release Demeter soon?

JUSTIN: I don't know, Della. Maybe they'll release him like they released me or maybe they'll ship him off to the labor camps. Of course, who they really want is you, Pastor Raymond. I must have heard your name mentioned about a thousand times while I was there. I’d be on my guard if I were you.

PASTOR RAYMOND: I'm always on my guard, Justin. I think this is everyone we're expecting. Why don't we get started? (Everyone finds a place to stand or sit and looks at Pastor Raymond.) Thank you all for coming tonight. Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to gather together in your name tonight. Thank you for being our ever-present help in these dangerous times. Thank you for protecting our brothers and sisters who are in hiding. Help us to be bold and strong for you no matter what happens to us. In Jesus name, amen.

All: Amen.

PASTOR RAYMOND: I managed to rescue a page of scripture from the bonfire last week from old Saint Christopher's library, and I believe Jesus reserved this for us today. My son Ryan has it now, but each of you will have a chance to memorize it like I have done. It's funny, back in my home country, not that many people take the time to memorize scripture because of the abundance of Bibles available. In a way, it is good that we must, out of necessity, hide God's word in our hearts. The page is from the Book of James, chapter 1. It says, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him." You see, even in these times, we are blessed. Jesus has promised us a crown of life which we will not see now, but we will receive in heaven. We can be arrested, cast out, burned, beaten, and killed, but our salvation cannot be taken from us. Jesus loved us so much that he suffered like we are suffering now. He knows what we're going through, and he has not forgotten us. He loves us so much that he has promised to take us to a heavenly place where there will be no more suffering and pain. Our job, while we are still here, though, is to win as many souls to Christ as we can before our lives come to an end. It says in verse 22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who fool themselves." The only way we can win anyone to Christ is in the way we live, the way we treat others, and in standing firm in the faith.

RYAN: But, Dad, if we're thrown into prison, how are we supposed to share our faith with anybody?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Ryan, are Christians the only ones in prison? What about other prisoners? What about the guards and soldiers? Christ died for them too. You must never be the judge as to who it is you should witness to. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and lead you to the right people at the right time. It says in chapter 2, verse 9 that you should not show partiality as to the kind of person to share the gospel with. If you do, you are sinning. Whether the person is rich or poor, powerful or meek, it doesn't matter. Jesus loves them all. Since it is against the law to openly speak to people about Jesus, our secret hidden printing press has been busy making gospel tracts for us to hand out. Frankly, I can't believe that the old equipment is still cranking them out.

VASILE: There must be angels in the machine! Praise the Lord!

PASTOR RAYMOND: Don't doubt it, Vasile! Who will go and distribute the tracts tomorrow?

VARIA: I will, Pastor Raymond.

FLORICA: I will, too, Pastor.

SABINA: Count me in.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Thank you, Varia. Thank you, Florica. And thank you, Sabina. I thank God for the women in this church. I think now would be a good time to enter into prayer. Ryan, keep your eye on the door. 

RYAN: No problem, Dad.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Let us pray. Dear Jesus, we humbly come before you now broken and afraid. We need you Jesus. We lift Demeter up to you now. We pray for his protection and safety and that he be released soon. We lift up our sister, Della, to you. Strengthen her in the days to come. Grant her the peace that passes all understanding. Reassure all of us that you are in control of all things and that we can rest in you. And, of course, we lift up the leaders of our land. Open their eyes to your truth. Send witnesses to them to penetrate their hardened hearts. Grant us relief from this persecution by transforming our land by your healing touch. We humbly ask this in Jesus name, amen. 

All: (quietly) Amen.

DELLA: Pastor Raymond?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Yes, Della?

DELLA: I want to join my sisters with the tracts tomorrow.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Are you sure, Della?

DELLA: I want to continue the work that my husband started. Who knows? If I'm arrested, I may get to see him again.

PASTOR RAYMOND: You'll make your husband proud, Della. Thank you. Ryan, can you give the women the tracts?

RYAN: Yes, Dad. (Ryan reaches into a secret panel in the wall and pulls out small bundles of gospel tracts. He closes the panel and hands them out to the four women.)

PASTOR RAYMOND: Now, tomorrow I want you to go to the train station. There is a train that will be full of soldiers pulling out at 2:16 pm. Just as the train starts to leave the station, try to throw the tracts through the train windows to the soldiers. Dress nicely; the soldiers might think you are giving them love notes or something. Make sure you get rid of all of them quickly. The guards at the station will likely stop and search you once they see you, and you mustn't have any left. Do you understand?

DELLA, VARIA, SABINA, and FLORICA: Yes, Pastor.

(Just as the women answer Pastor Raymond, the door bursts open knocking Ryan to the floor. Captain Marco, Mikhail, Nigel, and about 4 other soldiers enter the room heavily armed.)

MIKHAIL: Don't move, any of you!

CAPTAIN MARCO: Pastor Raymond. I’ve finally got you. (To two guards) Grab him!
(Two guards grab Pastor Raymond and start to head for the door.)

PASTOR RAYMOND: Wait! Can I at least get my bag?

CAPTAIN MARCO: Why? What's in it?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Just a change of clothes. I had a vision last night that today I’d be arrested, so I packed a bag, just in case.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Officer Mikhail, search his bag.

MIKHAIL: Yes, sir. (He searches the bag.) All clean, sir. Just a change of clothes, like he said.

CAPTAIN MARCO: All right, Pastor. You can take your bag. You'd better hope that one change of clothes will last you the rest of your life. Take him away!

MIKHAIL: Captain Marco, what about the rest of them?

CAPTAIN MARCO: Process them. Then take them to the holding area.

MIKHAIL: Yes, sir. (Captain Marco, Pastor Raymond, and the two guards exit.) Officer Nigel, take them out into the street and start processing them right away.

NIGEL: Yes, sir. Come on, people! Move it! Move it! Let's go!

(Nigel and Mikhail and the rest of the soldiers roughly push and shove the remaining church members out of the door. Della had dropped her tracts on the floor and left them.
Mikhail looks down and sees them, then picks them up.)

MIKHAIL: Well, well, what have we here?

NIGEL: What is it, Mikhail?

MIKHAIL: Looks like this group is going to be in deep trouble. Once the prisoners are back at the prison, send over a few men to tear this place apart and see if we can find anything else. Once they're done, burn it to the ground.

NIGEL: Yes, sir.

(Nigel exits. Mikhail pauses a moment, slips a tract into his pocket, then exits. Blackout)

scene 2

(Lights up on a small prison cell. In it we see a man, Demeter, seated on a cot. He is wearing street clothes that are dirty and torn. His face is bruised and slightly swollen.)

DEMETER: Dear Lord, it's me again, Demeter. I know you've been hearing a lot from me lately. I guess one good thing I'm getting out of all of this is that I get to spend more time with you. Please be with my wife, Della. Keep her safe. I look forward to the day when we can be re-united. Help her be strong. (pause) Help me, Lord. Help me understand what's going on. I don't even know why I'm here. I wasn't doing anything wrong. All I did was hand out some gospel tracts. What's so wrong about trying to share your love with other people? I know they say it's against the law to talk about you, but I can't help it. You've been so good to me, Lord, ever since I came to you and accepted you into my heart. That is, until now. (pause) Lord, why did you let them catch me? Why am I stuck here? Have I displeased you somehow? What good am I doing all by myself in this cell? Why did you let them beat me so badly? I thought you were supposed to protect me. They kept mocking me, and telling me that I was a fool. I feel like a fool. What if you're not real? What if it was all a lie and I'm just losing my mind? (yelling) Jesus! Are you real or am I just yelling at the ceiling? (pause) Well? (pause) I'm an idiot. (He flops into the cot looking at the ceiling.)

(Lights fade on Demeter as lights come up on another, larger cell. Nigel and the other guards open the cell door and push in Ryan, Della, Varia, Sabina, Vasile, and Florica.)

NIGEL: Get in there, you fools!

RYAN: We're going! We're going!

(When they are all in the cell, the guards slam the door shut and lock it.)

FLORICA: What have they done with Pastor Raymond and Justin? Why did they separate us?

VASILE: Isn't it obvious? They are the leaders of our church. They don't care about us as much.

FLORICA: What are they going to do to them?

VARIA: It's probably best not to think about it.

DELLA: We should pray for them.

VASILE: Good idea, Della. Come on, let's join hands. We may never get another chance to do this together again. (They all join hands.) Ryan, can you lead us in prayer?

RYAN: Sure. Dear Lord, Jesus, be with my father and Justin right now. Give them the strength to endure all things. (As Ryan prays, lights come up on a cell no larger than a broom closet. A guard places Pastor Raymond into it, ties his hands to the wall over his head, and closes the door. Lights then fade to half on Pastor Raymond.) Empower them with supernatural strength and peace that can only come from you. Father God, we know that you have promised never to leave us or forsake us, and Lord, we need you now more than ever. Help us to be strong. Be with Demeter even now, Lord, that he may hear you and obey you in all things. Keep us from despair, Lord. Grant us peace, Lord.

(The cell door then opens. Mikhail enters with another guard.)

MIKHAIL: All right! All right! Break it up! That's enough! (The circle is broken and the group moves aside. Mikhail looks at a clipboard.) Which of you are Varia and Sabina?

VARIA: I'm Varia.

SABINA: I'm Sabina.

MIKHAIL: You two look familiar. You've been here before, haven't you?

VARIA and SABINA: Yes, sir.

MIKHAIL: You two are coming with me. Guard, take them to section D8.

GUARD: Yes, sir. (Guard takes Varia and Sabina out of the cell and offstage.)

MIKHAIL: As for the rest of you, keep it down. (He exits.)

(Lights fade on cell to half as lights on Demeter come up.)

DEMETER: What was that? (Jumps up) I can hear you, Lord. Yes, Lord, I said I’d do anything for you. (pause) Did I mean it? (pause) Did I mean it? I thought I did when I said it. (To himself) What did I mean when I said it? I meant that I’d teach Sunday school, or sing, or hand out tracts when pastor asked me to. I didn't think sitting in prison was the kind of thing good, Christian people did. (To God) Are you trying to tell me that I am where you want me? That it was your plan to have me arrested, beaten, and thrown in jail? Well, thanks a lot! A little warning would have been nice. Actually, come to think of it, I probably wouldn't have left my house to hand out those tracts had I known that this was your plan all along. You just told me to go, and I went. I really am a fool. But at least I'm your fool, Lord. So what now? Oh, I know, you're not going to tell me, are you? Ok, I’ll just continue being your fool. (pause) Lord, forgive me for getting upset at you. I know that you only want what's best for me and that you've still got something for me to do. Help me with my doubt and impatience. Show me your will, and I will gladly walk in it without hesitation. Even if it leads to more pain, suffering, or even my own death, I will faithfully follow you. I shall never deny you, Lord. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Great I Am, the Holy One of God, and I worship you with all of my heart.
(Starts to sing. During the song, we see Varia and Sabina being placed into another cell by the guard.) 

I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice
To worship you, oh my soul, rejoice!
Take joy, my king, in what you hear.
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.
Amen.

(Lights fade on Demeter and lights up on Varia and Sabina. Sabina is seated on a cot and Varia is pacing the floor in the confined space. Both women look as if they have been roughly handled and perhaps beaten.)

VARIA: It's freezing in here.

SABINA: I guess fools don't deserve heat.

VARIA: What do you mean?

SABINA: You heard the guards laughing at us. They called us fools for believing in an invisible God.

VARIA: No. They called us fools for being willing to die for an invisible God that doesn't exist.

SABINA: Even better.

VARIA: Sabina, you must be strong. Besides, the last time we were arrested they did eventually let us go. You must have faith.

SABINA: Last time we had heat.

VARIA: We did? Oh, yes, we did.

SABINA: And last time we had that missionary pressuring his home government to intercede for us. Remember? (Varia doesn't respond.) Now he's gone, and there's no one left who can help us.

VARIA: That's not true, Sabina.

SABINA: Who's left, Varia? Demeter was taken away. Pastor Raymond was arrested.
The missionaries all were either kicked out, killed, or ran out of money. Who's left?

VARIA: Jesus.

SABINA: Of course, you're right, Varia. I'm just so scared. (pause) Why does the government hate us so much? What are they afraid of?

VARIA: It's not us that they hate, it's Jesus.

SABINA: But, why? I know I haven't been a Christian as long as you have but since I’ve found him, I have never been the same. Do you remember how mean I used to be?

VARIA: Before I came to Christ, I was a sinner, too.

SABINA: I don't think you've ever told me what you were like before you became a Christian.

VARIA: You don't want to know.

SABINA: Please, Varia, tell me your testimony. I could use some encouragement right about now.

VARIA: I don't like talking about it, but since we may be here a long time, I’ll tell you.
I grew up here, in this city. When I was a little girl, my parents were very poor. I can remember, sometimes, there wouldn't be any food at all. My father would beat my mother and I and take whatever money we had and spend it on vodka. It was terrible but nothing like my teenage years. When I turned 13 my father started "lending" me to his friends for the night. After a while it wasn't just his friends, but it was the policemen, the soldiers, foreigners, anyone willing to pay. I couldn't take it anymore so I ran away. Of course, I needed to eat, and the only thing I knew how to do was what I ran away from, so instead of working for my father, I worked for someone else. I did that for 16 years.

SABINA: Then what happened?

VARIA: I met Justin. He paid my employer my rate, but instead of lying with me, he told me about Jesus. He told me that Jesus loved me and that I could be forgiven. We talked for hours, and that night, I accepted Jesus into my heart. My employer was not happy.
Justin managed to escape just in time, but I didn't. My employer beat me pretty badly that night, but I didn't care. He wasn't beating me anymore, he was beating Jesus, and I felt honored to suffer for his sake. (Enter Barto, Mikhail, and Nigel. They walk up to the cell door and look in.)

BARTO: Isn't this touching? Are these the two women on your report, Mikhail?

MIKHAIL: Yes, Lieutenant Barto; Varia and Sabina.

BARTO: You two are in a whole lot of trouble. It is my duty to inform you that you have been charged with conspiracy, distribution of anti-government propaganda, possession of anti-government propaganda with intension to distribute, belonging to a subversive group, intension to incite a revolution, and treason. There will not be a trial, of course. You need to be alive to stand trial. The two of you will be executed in just a few minutes.

NIGEL: Why the wait? Why not kill them now?

BARTO: You'll like this. We have a special executioner for these two. (Barto, Mikhail, and Nigel exit. Barto is chuckling as he leaves.)

SABINA: I told you we wouldn't get out of here.

VARIA: Oh, yes we are. We're going home.

SABINA: Didn't you just hear him? They're going to kill us. Besides, I don't even have a home.

VARIA: Yes, you do. We're going home to be with Jesus. He has been preparing a wonderful home in heaven for you and me, and now we get to go see it.

SABINA: But I'm only 23. I haven't done enough yet for him. I haven't done anything.
I'm too young to die.

VARIA: Oh, Sabina. You don't know that. Think of all of the tracts we handed out.
What about the orphans we fed together. Your life has been a testimony to the transforming power of Christ, and any life that is doing his work is never wasted.

SABINA: But I need to do more! I’ve done so many horrible things, and I’ve only been a Christian for less than a year. Did you know that I used to make fun of this girl at school who was a Christian? I was so mean to her. I used to put chewing gum in her hair and spit on her. I’d get my friends together and beat her up after school. I made her life miserable, but she never fought back. She'd always smile at me and tell me she forgave me. And then, one day, she just disappeared. I never got to tell her that I was sorry. I never got to tell her, and now, I never will.

VARIA: I'm sure she'll be in heaven waiting for us.

SABINA: Do you really think so?

VARIA: Yes, I do. Come on, Sabina. Let us stand up for Christ and face the destiny that he has chosen for us.

(Both Varia and Sabina stand up and cross to the side of the room opposite the door.
Voices are heard coming closer. Barto is heard laughing and yelling at someone to keep moving. Keys are heard in the door and then it opens. Justin is pushed into the room followed by Barto, Nigel, and Mikhail.)

VARIA: Justin! I'm so glad to see you! (She takes a step toward Justin but is stopped by Nigel)

NIGEL: Stay right where you are! (Justin will not look at the two women.)

SABINA: Justin, what's going on?

BARTO: (laughing) This is hysterical! You really don't know what your friend has done, do you? (pause) How do you think we were able to find your little church meeting, huh? See, that's the problem with you superstitious fools, you're too trusting! (Laughs some more)

VARIA: Justin, is this true?

JUSTIN: (Not looking at them) They told me I’d get a pardon. That I’d be relocated and start a new life; maybe even sent back to my homeland. (Now he looks at them) I have my whole life in front of me and I am not going to spend it locked away in prison. It was a hard decision to do what I did, but I don't regret it.

BARTO: We'll see about that. You need to prove to us that you are sincere about breaking all ties with these people.

JUSTIN: Haven't I done enough? I gave you information, names, everything I knew.
What else do you want from me?

BARTO: You get to kill these two women. If you don't, we have a cell waiting for you. If you do, then we know that you're sincerely reformed and you go free. What'll it be?

JUSTIN: (pauses. Looks at the two women.) Give me a gun.

BARTO: Officer Nigel, hand me your sidearm. (Nigel hands Barto his gun. Barto starts taking bullets out of the gun as Varia speaks.)

VARIA: Wait. Justin, before you shoot us, I want to thank you for what you have meant to us. You baptized us. You taught us the way of eternal life. May God reward you for all that you have done for us. You taught us that Christians are sometimes weak and commit terrible sins, but they can be forgiven again. When you regret what you are about to do to us, do not despair like Judas, but repent like Peter. God bless you, and remember that our last thought of you was not one of indignation against your failure. Everyone passes through hours of darkness. We die with gratitude.

BARTO: Here you are, Justin. (He hands Justin the gun.) Don’t try anything stupid. I took all the bullets out except two, one for each of them. (To Varia and Sabina) Get down on your knees, now! (Varia and Sabina get down on their knees.) Well, Justin, what are you waiting for?

(Justin crosses over to Sabina and takes her by the hair with one hand then places the gun against her head with the other.)

BARTO: Wait a minute, Justin. This will be too messy in here. Everybody out to the courtyard!

(Mikhail and Nigel move Justin and the two women out the door. Barto follows.)

BARTO: Leader of the church, huh. (Laughs. He exits.)

(Lights up on cell with Ryan, Florica, Della, and Vasile. Ryan hears something and stands on his bed to see out the small window.)

DELLA: What is it, Ryan?

RYAN: There's something happening in the courtyard.

VASILE: What do you see?

RYAN: There's a bunch of people. Looks like several guards and, oh no, it's Varia and Sabina! It looks like they're going to be executed.

FLORICA: Dear God, no!

RYAN: Wait, I think I see Justin out there with the guards.

DELLA: Huh? Why would Justin be with the guards?

RYAN: Shhh! They're saying something. (Pause)

DELLA: Ryan, what is going on?

RYAN: Oh, my God! Justin is going to shoot Varia and Sabina!

VASILE: That's impossible! You can't be right!

RYAN: No, Justin! Don't do it! (A gun shot is heard.) No!! (A second gun shot is heard.) Oh, God, Justin shot Varia and Sabina. (He sits down on the bed.) I can’t believe what I just saw. Oh, God.

FLORICA: We're all going to die. They're going to kill us all! Oh, my God, they're going to kill us all!

VASILE: Calm down, Florica. This is a holding cell, not an execution room. They're not going to kill us, are they Ryan?

RYAN: It doesn’t matter anymore.

VASILE: Thanks, Ryan. You really know how to lighten the mood. (Comforts Florica.)

DELLA: Why did he do it, Ryan? I don’t understand. He was one of our leaders. How could he do it?

RYAN: The Bible tells us that in the last days many will fall away. I just never expected Justin to be one of them. We should pray for him that he will come back to the Lord.

DELLA: Ryan, do you still have that piece of paper you were looking at earlier?

RYAN: I'm not sure. (He checks his pockets and finds it.) Praise the Lord! I guess they didn't find it when I was searched earlier. I can't believe it!

VASILE: What are you guys talking about?

DELLA: Shhh! Keep your voice down! Ryan has a page from a Bible.

VASILE: Praise the Lord!

RYAN & DELLA: Shhh!

VASILE: Sorry.

RYAN: Della, I want you to have it. Something tells me that they haven't figured out that Pastor Raymond is my father yet. Otherwise, I wouldn't be in here with you.

DELLA: Are you sure, Ryan?

RYAN: Don't worry. I already have the first few verses memorized. We should do what my father suggested. Memorize the verses then pass them on to another believer to do the same.

DELLA: I will, Ryan. Thank you.

RYAN: I am so tired. I'm going to try and get some sleep.

VASILE: I think Florica is already asleep.

RYAN: How about you, Della?

DELLA: In a little while. I want to start learning this.

RYAN: All right. Good night.

VASILE: Good night, Ryan. Good night, Della. (Whispers as if to a child.) Good night, Florica. Tomorrow is another day, and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.

(Lights out on cell as lights come up on side of stage. Door opens as Barto, Nigel, Mikhail, and Justin enter.)

BARTO: Well, Justin, I wasn’t sure you had it in you. Good job.

JUSTIN: Can I go now?

BARTO: What do you think, boys? Do you think our buddy Justin should go free now?

MIKHAIL: He did live up to his end of the bargain, Lieutenant Barto.

BARTO: So he did, Mikhail. So he did. All right then, off you go.

JUSTIN: Seriously?

BARTO: Go on! Get out of here! (Justin starts walking away.) Wait, Justin! You forgot something. (Justin stops and turns around just as Barto pulls out a gun.)

JUSTIN: Noooooo!

(Blackout at sound of gunshot.)

scene 3

(Lights come up on another room in the prison. There is a small table with two chairs on the stage right side of the room and ropes or shackles attached to the wall on the stage left side of the room with some kind of shallow tub of water on the floor. Seated at the table is Captain Marco and a guard stands at the door. Captain Marco is speaking on a cell phone.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Yes, sir, I’ll have a report ready first thing tomorrow morning. (Pause) Yes, sir, we took care of him. (Pause) Lieutenant Barto did it. (Pause) Yes, sir, he seems to enjoy his duties. (Pause) I’ll tell him you said so, sir. (Pause) Yes, we're just about to start the interrogation now. (Pause) Yes, sir, I realize how important the information that he has is. It's a shame this Justin didn't know where it was. Otherwise, we'd be just shipping them all off to the labor camps by now. (Pause) Of course we're still searching the city, but we think it may be underground. It could take some time to finally find it on our own. (Pause) Thank you, sir. Just doing my duty. I’ll let you know the moment we learn anything. Thank you, sir. (Captain Marco hangs up the phone) (To the guard) Are we ready to start?

GUARD: (Looks out the door then back to the captain) I think so, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Bring him in.

GUARD: Bring in the prisoner.

(Enter Pastor Raymond with Mikhail and Nigel on each arm. Pastor Raymond is dirty and looks as if he was beaten and his hands are tied behind his back.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Good morning, Pastor. I trust you had a good night’ sleep last night.

PASTOR RAYMOND: It was a little tight, but I managed.

CAPTAIN MARCO: You managed to do what? Sleep standing up?

PASTOR RAYMOND: The Lord gives me rest.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Don't start preaching! None of us want to hear it. The only thing I want to hear is the location of your hidden printing press and the names of the people who operate it. (Pause) Well? We can sweeten the deal if you like. I would be willing to allow, say, half of your church members to go free, and the rest can join you at the labor camps if you tell me what I want to know. The alternative to that is your church members stay here with me and Lieutenant Barto. 

PASTOR RAYMOND: Who's Lieutenant Barto?

CAPTAIN MARCO: That's right, you haven't met Lieutenant Barto yet. He'll be here in just a few minutes. He's very excited about meeting you. (Both Nigel and Mikhail chuckle to themselves) The bottom line, pastor, is that life here will be much harder, more painful, and shorter tha at the labor camps. I know how much you care about your flock. You can save several of your sheep from the slaughter. (Pause) Hello? Can you hear me? (Captain Marco motions to Nigel who punches Pastor Raymond in the stomach.) I don't like being ignored, Pastor. I need an answer.

PASTOR RAYMOND: You already have your answer.

CAPTAIN MARCO: I figured you would say something like that. It's a shame really. It's getting a little crowded around here. I was hoping I could ship all of you out. Oh, well. Get him ready for Barto.

(Nigel and Mikhail rip off Pastor Raymond's shirt and force him to kneel in the shallow tub of water. They untie his hands and place each hand in the shackles on the wall which are on either side of the tub. Captain Marco sits at the table and watches. Nigel then exits the room and returns with a bucket full of water and a ladle. Barto enters the room pushing a cart with some equipment in it.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Pastor Raymond, allow me to introduce Lieutenant Barto.

BARTO: Hello, Pastor. (Barto starts to set up his equipment.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Lieutenant Barto will be taking good care of you, Pastor. He's a specialist who is very good at what he does. 

BARTO: You flatter me, Captain.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Oh, by the way, Lieutenant, the Division Commander wanted me to let you know that he's been very impressed with your performance lately.

BARTO: Thank you, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: No, Barto, thank you.

BARTO: At what level do you want me to start with the prisoner?

CAPTAIN MARCO: Start with level three and stay there for the first fifteen sessions. If he says anything, be sure to record it and let me know right away. Do you have everything you need?

BARTO: I may need some more smelling salts if he turns out to be a fainter.

CAPTAIN MARCO: No problem. Let me know if you need anything else. I’ll send someone with those smelling salts before the end of your first session. 

BARTO: Take your time, sir. The first session is four hours after all.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Very well. You may begin, Lieutenant. (Captain Marco salutes Barto and he returns it.)

BARTO: With pleasure, sir. (Captain Marco exits. Barto pulls out a clip board and hands it to Mikhail.) Start recording this session.

MIKHAIL: Yes, sir. (Mikhail crosses to the table and sits. He starts to fill out the forms on the clip board.)

BARTO: (Still setting up equipment, plugging in unit, putting on a thick apron, putting on high rubber gloves, etc.) We're going to get to know each other really well, Pastor. We're going to be good friends. Friends tell each other things. Secrets. Do you want to know a secret, pastor? I love my work. Do you know why I love my work? Because I'm good at my work. People tell me all kinds of things in this room. You're going to tell me things, too. You're going to tell me everything I want to know.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Lord, Jesus, give me strength.

BARTO: (Chuckles) Yeah, right. You’re going to need it. (Barto turns on his equipment and we hear a high pitched whine as it charges up. He then pulls out two rods that are attached to wires and have, what appears to be, large cotton balls on the ends. He dips the rods, one at a time in the bucket of water that Nigel is holding. Nigel takes the ladle and splashes Pastor Raymond in the chest.) Now this is going to hurt… a lot. (Barto touches Pastor Raymond with the two rods on his chest. Pastor Raymond writhes in pain and Barto then stops. Barto then does it again with same reaction from Pastor Raymond.)

PASTOR RAYMOND: Father, forgive them. They don't know what they're doing.

BARTO: Shut up! (Barto shocks him again and continues to torture Pastor Raymond as the lights blackout.)

scene 4

(Lights up on cell with Ryan, Vasile, Della, and Florica. The four of them are asleep. The cell door opens and a guard and Captain Marco enter.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: (Pointing to Ryan.) Wake him. (The guard goes over to Ryan and roughly shakes him.)

GUARD: Wake up! Come on! Get up, you fool! (Ryan stammers to his feet.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Is your name Ryan? (Still groggy, Ryan doesn't answer. The guard hits him.)

GUARD: Answer the captain!

RYAN: Yes, I'm Ryan.

CAPTAIN MARCO: You're Pastor Raymond's son, aren't you?

RYAN: Yes, and proud of it.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Well, well. It looks like I was just dealt an ace. Take him to section D.

GUARD: Yes, sir. (Guard takes Ryan out of the cell followed by Captain Marco.
The cell door is closed and re-locked. By now, the other three have awakened.)

FLORICA: What happened? Where's Ryan?

VASILE: Captain Marco just took him away.

DELLA: Oh, Lord, give him strength.

(Lights down as lights come up on Demeter's cell. Demeter is seated on the cot singing a worship song. Mikhail, the guard is outside his door not seen by him.)

DEMETER: Lord, you are more precious than silver.
Lord, you are more costly than gold.
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds.
And nothing I desire compares with you.

MIKHAIL: You have a nice voice, Demeter.

DEMETER: Is that you, Mikhail? I didn't know that you came back.

MIKHAIL: Yeah. I'm on duty on this floor for another two hours.

DEMETER: I'm glad you came back, Mikhail. You're the only one around here who talks to me.

MIKHAIL: Well, you're the only one around here who can sing. Besides, all the other prisoners do is complain about everything. "The food is no good, the cells are too cold, there's lice in my bed, blah, blah, blah." As if I can do something about it. I'm not the one who broke the law, you know. What do you think this is, a hotel? I think I’ll just wait out the rest of my shift right here if you don't mind.

DEMETER: So, what do you want to talk about?

MIKHAIL: I don't know. We've covered a lot of topics in the last couple days. Let's see, yesterday we talked about taxes and money, the day before that we discussed history, when we first met we talked about our families… I can't remember everything else we discussed.

DEMETER: I think we also covered international politics.

MIKHAIL: Oh, yeah. I remember being surprised by how much you knew about all that.

DEMETER: International business is what I did for a living before coming here.

MIKHAIL: How many languages do you speak?

DEMETER: I can speak nine languages fluently, and I can muddle through about four others.

MIKHAIL: According to my wife, I can't even speak this language well.

DEMETER: I didn't say I was fluent in "woman". (Demeter and Mikhail laugh.)

MIKHAIL: (Stops laughing and sighs.) Huh…

DEMETER: What is it?

MIKHAIL: It just struck me that you are the only prisoner in this place I have ever heard laugh. (Pause) I don't get it.

DEMETER: You don't get what?

MIKHAIL: You are a really smart guy. I’ve learned stuff from you that I didn't even know existed. Plus, you're so easy going. You know, most of the prisoners are afraid of me, but I'm really not a bad guy.

DEMETER: I know that, Mikhail.

MIKHAIL: I'm just doing my job. The captain says, "Hit this guy," and I hit him. Lieutenant Barto says, "Tie this one up so I can rip his skin off,” and I tie him up. He may even tell me to tie you up some day and I'm going to have to do it because that's my job. I'm sorry but that's the truth.

DEMETER: It's ok, Mikhail, I understand.

MIKHAIL: No, I don't think you do. People die in here. Every day people die in here or else we ship them off to the labor camps where they also die, only slower. Sometimes we let people go but only when the captain feels that they won't be a menace to society anymore.

DEMETER: So, what's your point, Mikhail?

MIKHAIL: My point is that I like you, and I’d hate to see you waste all those brains of yours dying in here. I could help you get out of here.

DEMETER: You could?

MIKHAIL: Sure. I could put in a good word for you with the captain and he may be willing to talk to you. You don't belong in here, Demeter. Will you let me help you?

DEMETER: What's the catch?

MIKHAIL: Piece of cake. You just tell the captain that you are sorry that you handed out those papers and that you promise never to do it again. Since this was your first offence, I'm sure he'll listen to you.

DEMETER: Oh, is that all?

MIKHAIL: He may want you to sign a written statement to that effect, and you can probably count on being closely watched for the next couple of years, but you'd be out of here, and you'd have your life back.

DEMETER: Mikhail, I appreciate what you are trying to do for me, but I can't say that to your captain, and I can't sign any statement that says I regret what I did.

MIKHAIL: Demeter, for as smart as you are, I don't think you grasp the consequences of what you're saying.

DEMETER: Yes, I do. I realize that I’ll probably spend a good deal of my life in prison, and I may even die here or at a labor camp, but if I did what you said, I’d be betraying my God, and that is something I cannot live with. 

MIKHAIL: They've brainwashed you, Demeter. There is no God. There is no Jesus. Those superstitious wackos have gotten their crazy ideas into your head, and now you're going to die for them.

DEMETER: The Bible says that only a fool says there is no God.

MIKHAIL: If you ask me, you're the fool. I'm not the one in the prison cell.

DEMETER: But you are in a prison cell. 

MIKHAIL: Come again?

DEMETER: You are in a prison cell of your own making. Trapped by your own sin.

MIKHAIL: Didn't I just tell you that I'm not a bad guy. Where do you get off calling me a sinner?

DEMETER: I know, you're just doing your job. Tell me, why do you want to help me?

MIKHAIL: Because it bothers me that someone who is as nice and smart as you are could get wasted in a place like this.

DEMETER: So, you think it would be wrong for the authorities to kill me?

MIKHAIL: Yes.

DEMETER: And it bothers you that you may have to have a hand in killing me if you are told to do so?

MIKHAIL: Yes. I like you, and I’d hate to see that happen to you.

DEMETER: Don't you see? You know that killing me would be wrong, and when we do things that we know are wrong, the Bible calls that sin. (While Demeter speaks, Mikhail reaches into his pocket and looks at the tract he picked up earlier.) Everything you've been taught in the military and in school has been that there is no right or wrong, only to do what you are told. But God put in you a conscience that tells you something different.

MIKHAIL: We're taught to repress those feelings.

DEMETER: That's because they know that every person has them, and those feelings get in the way when they tell you to do something you know is wrong. Those feelings didn't just happen by chance. God placed them inside you because he wants you to do what is good and right. He loves you. When you repress your conscience, you are creating your own prison that gets harder and harder to escape from and it eventually leads to your own spiritual death. (Pause) It doesn't have to be this way. Jesus provided you a way that you can escape and be set free forever. All you need to do is trust in him.

MIKHAIL: I’ve got to go.

DEMETER: I thought you had two hours?

MIKHAIL: I said, I’ve got to go! (He exits and slams the door behind him.)

DEMETER: Dear Lord, thank you for bringing Mikhail to me. Continue to soften his heart and lead him to you. 

(Music up as light blackout.)

scene 5

(Lights up on torture room. Pastor Raymond enters with Nigel and another guard. Pastor Raymond staggers over to the shackles and kneels into the small tub of water raising his hands expected to be fastened to the wall. Nigel and the guard simply stand at the door as if waiting for someone else to arrive.)

PASTOR RAYMOND: Aren't you going to chain me up? (No response) Barto is going to be very mad if I'm not ready for him. (Puts his arms down) What's going on here? (Enter Captain Marco)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Good morning, Pastor Raymond. Please come and have a seat at the table.

PASTOR RAYMOND: (Gets up and crosses over to the table. He hasn't slept in days and is in physical pain) All right. (He sits) What is going on, Captain.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Would you like something to eat? I’ll bet you're starving. (Mikhail enters with a plate of food.) Just set it right here for the pastor, Officer Mikhail. (Mikhail sets the plate on the table. He appears to be preoccupied and serious.) Thank you, Mikhail. You may step back from the table.

MIKHAIL: Yes, of course, sir. (Mikhail steps back and stands in front of the upstage wall.)

NIGEL: (Whispered to Mikhail) What's the matter with you, Mikhail?

MIKHAIL: Nothing. Shhh.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Aren't you going to eat, Pastor? It's not drugged or poisoned or anything. See, I’ll prove it to you. (Captain Marco takes a bite of the food) Mmmm, delicious. (Pastor Raymond looks at the plate, looks at Captain Marco, then picks up the fork and starts to eat quickly.) Good. Very good. I was hoping that you'd be reasonable by now. I thought you probably had enough of Barto's talents for a while. Do you think we'll be able to talk, now?

PASTOR RAYMOND: (His mouth full.) That all depends on what it is you want to talk about.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Come, now, Pastor. You know what I want to know. I want to know where your secret printing press is and the names of those who are running it. I'm under a lot of pressure from my superiors to root out this propaganda, and I’ve been authorized to use any means necessary to succeed.

PASTOR RAYMOND: I'm sorry I have to disappoint you.

CAPTAIN MARCO: We will find them regardless of whether you help us or not, you know. It may take a little longer than we like, but we will find them. You could make it easier for yourself and them by just telling me where they are. You know you can't win, don't you? You have nothing to bargain with. We've already seized all of your assets. We also have the power to erase your name from all public records. All I need to do is give the word, and you will cease to exist. 

PASTOR RAYMOND: You cannot erase my name from the Lamb's Book of Life, and that is the only record that matters. (By now, Pastor Raymond is finished eating and some strength is returning to him.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: I'm glad you enjoyed the food, Pastor.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Was this my last meal?

CAPTAIN MARCO: Maybe. That all depends. (Motions to Mikhail to clear the dish.) You seem to care nothing for your own life and I can't help but admire that quality in you, Pastor.

PASTOR RAYMOND: "To live is Christ, but to die is gain," Captain.

CAPTAIN MARCO: You would die for this invisible God of yours, wouldn't you?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Jesus taught us that we would suffer for his sake, and I count it an honor to offer my life for him.

CAPTAIN MARCO: An honor? What honor is there in throwing away your life?

PASTOR RAYMOND: Would you give your life in service to your country?

CAPTAIN MARCO: (Getting upset) How dare you compare your worthless, invisible God to my homeland? This great land has given us food, employment, a home, security, and great leaders that have made this country a force to be respected around the world.
What has your Jesus given to you except misery and torture?

PASTOR RAYMOND: He has given me peace, love for others, generosity, and most important, everlasting life with him in heaven.

CAPTAIN MARCO: You are pathetic.

PASTOR RAYMOND: You can find this same peace, too, Captain.

CAPTAIN MARCO: (yelling) Shut up! I told you before that I didn't want to hear any preaching. (to Nigel) Tie him up. (Nigel starts to tie Pastor Raymond to the chair.) So, Pastor, you expect to suffer for your God, do you? You even believe that you could die for your God as well. Well, you will suffer, but you will not die; not yet, anyway.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Whatever it is you plan to do to me will not matter. You can destroy my body, but you cannot destroy my spirit.

CAPTAIN MARCO: I believe you, Pastor, which is why we're not going to do anything worse to you today than tie you to that chair. (Captain Marco sits in the other chair at the table.) Lieutenant Barto, you can come in, now. (Barto enters holding Ryan who has his hands tied behind his back and is blind-folded.)

PASTOR RAYMOND: Ryan!

RYAN: Is that you, Dad?

PASTOR RAYMOND: What have they done to you?

CAPTAIN MARCO: (yelling) Silence! Barto, take off his blind-fold. (Barto does so) Pastor Raymond, if you don't tell me what I want to know then things are going to get very uncomfortable for your son.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Why are you doing this?

CAPTAIN MARCO: I thought that much was obvious. We can't seem to get you to talk by torturing you, so I thought we'd try something a little different.

RYAN: Don't tell them anything, Dad.

BARTO: Shut up! (Barto punches Ryan in the stomach.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Well, Pastor? What will it be? (He nods to Barto who hits Ryan again.) Still nothing, Pastor? (Barto gets Nigel to hold Ryan up as he starts to beat Ryan.) It's a shame, really. Such a nice young man to have to go through something like this. His poor wife. She may never get to see him again. (With each blow on Ryan we see pain on Pastor Raymond's face.) What about his baby boy? Don't you care that your grandson's father is being beaten because his stubborn granddad won't talk? What if he dies? What then will happen to your grandson? Don't worry about that. Maybe he'll be sent to one of the orphanages. Who knows, maybe I’ll adopt him. (By now, Ryan is on the floor, unable to stand. Barto is kicking him mercilessly.) Still nothing, pastor? I must say, I am surprised that you'd allow your own son to die for your stubbornness. Finish him off, Lieutenant.

PASTOR RAYMOND: Wait! No, don't do it! I’ll talk! I’ll tell you anything just please stop hurting him! (Barto stops beating Ryan. Captain Marco smiles)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Now that's more like it. Officer Mikhail. (Mikhail grabs a pad of paper and a pencil and prepares to take a statement.) Now what is it you'd like to tell us, Pastor?

RYAN: Father, don't let me be the son of a betrayer. (Barto kicks him) Stand firm, Father. I'm ready to see Jesus.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Shut him up, Lieutenant! (Barto gags Ryan) You were saying, Pastor?

PASTOR RAYMOND: No. You've lost, Captain. I will never betray my brothers and sisters, and I will never betray Christ.

CAPTAIN MARCO: What?! Lieutenant Barto, take his son to the courtyard and await my signal! (Barto picks Ryan up and throws him out the door. There is a long pause as we hear Barto offstage kicking and dragging Ryan outside.) I’m giving you one last chance to save your son, Pastor.

PASTOR RAYMOND: (Through tears) You don’t get it. He's already saved.

CAPTAIN MARCO: (to Nigel.) Do it.

NIGEL: (Yelling out the door.) Do it, Barto! (There are two gun shots heard offstage.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: (There is a long pause. Captain Marco doesn’t know what to do next and can’t understand why Pastor Raymond just let his son get shot.) Put him back in his cell. (Nigel and the other guard untie Pastor Raymond, who is sobbing, and take him out the door. Captain Marco then exits leaving Mikhail in the room. Mikhail is visibly shaken and sits at the table. Nigel re-enters the room.)

NIGEL: Mikhail, what's wrong with you?

MIKHAIL: Nigel, you ever think about what we're doing here?

NIGEL: What do you mean?

MIKHAIL: This. What we just saw. You ever think that we might be on the wrong side?

NIGEL: You're kidding, right?

MIKHAIL: No, I don't think I am.

NIGEL: Look, I know that what just happened was a little rough to watch, but unless you want to end up in a cell, I suggest you keep those thoughts to yourself.

MIKHAIL: (Stands up straight and pulls himself together.) Of course, you're right. What was I thinking?

NIGEL: That's better. For a minute there I thought you were starting to go soft.

MIKHAIL: Who, me? Soft? Just remember who outranks who, mister.

NIGEL: Yes, sir. I suggest we clean up that body before the captain catches us jabbing.

MIKHAIL: Good idea. (Mikhail and Nigel exit. Music up as lights blackout.)

scene 6

(Lights up on what appears to be a small office with a desk covered with papers. Captain Marco is seated at the desk doing paperwork. There is a knock at the door.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Enter!

NIGEL: (Opens the door, marches in, and stands at attention) Thank you, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Who are you, again?

NIGEL: Officer Nigel, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: All right, Officer Nigel, what do you want?

NIGEL: Sir, I’d like to express concern over one of the other guards.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Oh?

NIGEL: Officer Mikhail, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Isn't he your supervisor?

NIGEL: Yes, sir, which is why this is very awkward for me. I like him, but he may need a change in assignment.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Why is that?

NIGEL: He appears to be going soft, sir. He has been seen talking to a prisoner named Demeter in section 2C for quite some time. He's been distracted from his rounds and has raised concerns with me about the morality of our duties to the State.

CAPTAIN MARCO: I see.

NIGEL: I don't think he is foolish enough to become one of them, but he may need a change of scenery to re-focus his mind.

CAPTAIN MARCO: You're not just saying this because you want his job, are you?

NIGEL: No, sir. I think Mikhail has been a great supervisor; an example that all the other guards can look up to.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Still, you want to see him re-assigned.

NIGEL: For his own good, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Thank you, Officer Nigel. I’ll talk to Officer Mikhail and assess whether I feel he needs to leave for a while. Dismissed. (Nigel clicks his heels, salutes, and exits the room. Captain Marco presses a button on the intercom.) Page Officer Mikhail for me. Tell him to report to my office right away. (Captain Marco gets back to doing paperwork. We hear over a distant loud speaker "Officer Mikhail, Officer Mikhail, please report to Captain Marco's office." there is a knock at the door.) Enter!

GUARD: (A guard enters) Sorry to disturb you, sir. Someone to see you.

CAPTAIN MARCO: That was fast. Send him in. (Guard steps to the side of the door and motions for a boy, about 12 years old, to enter. The boy is holding flowers. The guard exits and closes the door. Captain Marco finally looks up from his paperwork and sees the boy standing there.) Who are you?

BOY: Please, sir, don't be mad.

CAPTAIN MARCO: I'm not mad, just surprised. What are you doing here, son? What do you want?

BOY: Captain, you are the man who put my parents in prison.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Go on.

BOY: Well, today is my mother's birthday, and I always get her flowers for her birthday.

CAPTAIN MARCO: I'm afraid that is out of the question.

BOY: I know that, sir. Your rules about these sorts of things are well known. I didn't bring these flowers for her.

CAPTAIN MARCO: You've lost me.

BOY: Since my mother taught me to love my enemies and to reward evil with good, I have brought these flowers instead for the mother of your children. Please take them home to your wife and tell her about my love and the love of Jesus.

CAPTAIN MARCO: (stunned) You brought those for my wife?

BOY: Yes, sir. (He holds out the flowers for Captain Marco to take, which he slowly does.) Jesus loves you, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: (Slowly drops to his knees and embraces the boy in a fatherly hug.
He can hardly speak.) Thank you. (He slowly gets up and stares at the flowers.) You may go. (The boy quickly exits the room. Alone, he speaks, almost to the flowers.) Jesus loves me? That boy, how could that boy do this to me? How could he love me? This doesn't make any sense. I arrested his parents. I threw them in prison. He should hate me, he should fear me. Yet, he loves me? I don't understand. What kind of love is this? How is this possible? (He cannot hold back his tears anymore.) Why? This doesn't make sense. Why am I crying? What is happening to me? (There is a knock at the door.) Just a minute! (He tries to pull himself together.) Enter!

MIKHAIL: (Mikhail enters and stands at attention.) Officer Mikhail, reporting as directed, Captain. (Captain Marco is still trying to regain his composure. Mikhail notices that the captain is not himself and also sees the flowers on his desk.) Sir, are you all right?

CAPTAIN MARCO: Close the door, Officer Mikhail. (He does so.) Lock it. (Mikhail hesitates, looks at Captain Marco then locks the door.) At ease, Mikhail. (Mikhail stands "at ease". ) Please, sit down. (He does so.) It has come to my attention that you've been fraternizing with the prisoners. Is this true?

MIKHAIL: I talk to them, if that's what you mean.

CAPTAIN MARCO: In particular you've been spending some time with a prisoner named, Demeter, in section 2C. Is this also true?

MIKHAIL: Yes, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: What do you talk about?

MIKHAIL: All sorts of things. He's very intelligent, sir.

CAPTAIN MARCO: But he's a Christian, isn't he?

MIKHAIL: Yes, sir. He is.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Why do you say he's intelligent?

MIKHAIL: I don't know. He makes a lot of sense, I guess. I knew I’d get in trouble if I listened to him too much.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Don't worry; you're not in trouble, yet. (He goes to the door and listens at the door for a second, then crosses to Mikhail and whispers to him.) Do you think I might be able to talk to him tonight?

MIKHAIL: Excuse me, sir?

CAPTAIN MARCO: I have a few questions for him. I want to pick his brain a little.

MIKHAIL: Shouldn't we get Lieutenant Barto and set up a formal interrogation?

CAPTAIN MARCO: No. Don't tell anybody about this. Make sure that there are no other guards on duty on that floor tonight. Meet me in section 2C at 0100 hours. Understood?

MIKHAIL: Are you feeling all right, Captain?

CAPTAIN MARCO: I'm not sure. I intend to find out tonight, though.

MIKHAIL: Yes, sir. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Good. Dismissed. (Mikhail gets up, stands at attention, clicks his heels, salutes, and exits. Captain Marco sits at his desk, stares at the flowers.) I need some answers. (He goes back to doing paperwork. Music up and blackout.)

scene 7

(Curtain up and lights up on a large cell. In it, are Vasile, Florica, and Della.)

VASILE: (trying to be cheerful.) I think it might be close to feeding time. I wonder what we'll have today.

DELLA: What difference does it make, Vasile? It's barely edible whatever it is.

VASILE: I don't know about that, Della. Yesterday, I could have sworn I was having filet minion with a side of shrimp scampi.

FLORICA: Please, Vasile. You're not helping.

VASILE: Sorry. I'm just trying to keep a positive outlook.

FLORICA: I know, Vasile. It's all right. (pause) How do you do it?

VASILE: Do what?

FLORICA: Keep a positive outlook. We've been stuck in this prison for over a week not knowing what is going to happen next, and now we’ve been moved to this awful room and you always seem to be in a good mood. I don't get it.

VASILE: I’ve simply accepted the fact that God is in control of everything, and no matter what happens, I'm in His hands. It's more than just a positive outlook. It's a peace that defies reason. Have you seen the looks the guards give me when I say, "Thank you. God bless you," whenever they feed us?

FLORICA: Yes, I have, Vasile. I hate to break this to you, but they think you're insane.

DELLA: I don't think you're insane, Vasile.

VASILE: That's because you understand joy. Insanity is when you have lost touch with reality and have become delusional. On the contrary, they are the ones who have lost touch with the reality of God's love. Do you remember when Pastor Raymond taught us that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest of men?

FLORICA: You make a good point, Vasile, but I can't seem to shake off this feeling of despair, like something terrible is about to happen to us.

DELLA: What's the worst thing that can happen to us, Florica? Torture? Death?

FLORICA: That and maybe having to languish in here for the rest of our lives.

DELLA: Don't you understand? There isn't anything they can do to us that can separate us from God's love. Christ will never leave you, Florica, and he promised you that.

(There is the sound of footsteps, keys at the door, and then it opens. A guard pushes Demeter into the cell and quickly closes the door again.)

DELLA: Demeter! (She runs over and embraces him.) Is it you? Is it really you?

DEMETER: Della, I can't believe that you're in my arms again. Praise the Lord!

DELLA: He heard my prayers! Oh thank you, Jesus!

VASILE: Praise the Lord, hallelujah! But why did they put you in here with us? What's going on?

DEMETER: I'm not sure, but I think we're being released!

FLORICA: Oh, thank you, father!

DELLA: Are you sure? How do you know?

DEMETER: The guard who took me from my cell told me it was time to go. When I asked him where I was going, he said that I was getting out of here. 

DELLA: Oh, Demeter! That must mean that we're all getting out of here since you've been put in here with us.

VASILE: I don't know about that, guys. Something’s not right.

FLORICA: Look at that! Mister "positive outlook" has turned into mister doom and gloom!

DEMETER: There's so much I want to tell you all. I don't even know where to begin. God has been working in this place in ways that will utterly amaze you. 

VASILE: (Looking out the bars in the door.) I think someone else is coming. Oh, no! Quick, get away from the door!

(The door is unlocked and then opens. Captain Marco takes one step in and looks around at the other prisoners nervously. Barto then comes up behind Captain Marco and shoves him into the room making him stumble to the floor. Mikhail is then pushed into the room by Nigel.)

MIKHAIL: Come on, Barto, give it a rest!

BARTO: That's Captain Barto to you! (He punches Mikhail in the stomach and then throws him onto the floor.) Enjoy your new roommates, gentlemen. Your train will be here soon. They're all yours, folks. Come on, Lieutenant Nigel.

NIGEL: Yes, Captain.

(Both Barto and Nigel exit shutting and locking the door behind them. Barto is heard laughing as he leaves.)

DEMETER: Captain Marco? Are you all right?

MIKHAIL: Demeter! You're in here, too?

VASILE: Would somebody please tell me what is going on here?

DEMETER: This is what I was just about to tell you. God brought Officer Mikhail and Captain Marco to me to lead them to Christ.

FLORICA: Say what?

MIKHAIL: It's true, Miss. We're both Christians now.

CAPTAIN MARCO: (He crawls into the far corner of the room.) Please, don't hurt me.

DEMETER: Nobody's going to hurt you, Captain Marco.

FLORICA: I will! That man took away everything I had! He either killed or imprisoned all my friends!

DEMETER: Florica! No!

CAPTAIN MARCO: It's all right, Demeter. I deserve her hate. I deserve all of your hate. I’ve done terrible things, and I don't deserve to live. 

VASILE: Stop it, Florica! Just sit down.

FLORICA: This is a trick. He's trying to trap us or something. Don't trust him.

MIKHAIL: I don't expect you to trust us. I know I wouldn't if I were in your position.

DELLA: We do trust you, Demeter. Tell us what happened.

DEMETER: It was after midnight a couple of days ago when Mikhail woke me up.

MIKHAIL: Demeter and I had been talking with each other quite a bit before this.

DEMETER: He told me that Captain Marco wanted to talk to me. Captain Marco and Mikhail then both came into my cell, and they started asking me questions about Jesus. After a long time, they asked me how they could have the gift of Christ's love, so we prayed together.

MIKHAIL: And, remember, just when we finished praying, the sun started to rise and the sunlight came through that little crack of a window in your cell and hit both me and Captain Marco in the face. I felt like the weight of the whole world was suddenly lifted off my back.

VASILE: Praise the Lord!

DEMETER: Then, after you left, I didn't hear anything from either of you. What happened?

MIKHAIL: I was on cloud nine all day. My mind was going a thousand miles an hour with all kinds of questions that I really wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. I was written up for showing up late for my shift, and when my friend, Nigel, asked me what was going on, I told him what happened to me. I guess that was a mistake because he went to Captain Marco to report me.

CAPTAIN MARCO: I told him to drop it, so he went to Lieutenant Barto who in turn reported me to my superiors, and then it just got ugly from there.

FLORICA: How ironic that you end up in your own prison.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Not for long. Barto knows that I can't stay here, so he's shipping all of us out of here to the labor camps. That's what he meant when he said that our train would be here soon. I suppose I'm just getting what I deserve.

DEMETER: Captain Marco, I know you feel like we should all hate you for what you did. But that was before you knew Christ, and you didn't know any better. That's what Jesus meant when he said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing." I want you to know, Captain Marco, I forgive you.

CAPTAIN MARCO: Demeter, I don't understand you. I mean, I can now understand how Jesus forgives me, but how can you forgive me? How can any of you? I can't even forgive myself. 

DELLA: That's the thing about God's love. It doesn't make sense from man's perspective. God's ways are higher than man's. I forgive you, too, Captain Marco.

CAPTAIN MARCO: But…

VASILE: Jesus tells us we must never withhold forgiveness, Captain. Otherwise, he would not forgive us. I forgive you, too.

FLORICA: (Vasile looks at Florica.) What? Okay, I know you're right. And as difficult as it is, I know that I need to forgive the captain, too. (She goes to Captain Marco and kneels down to him.) Captain Marco, (She pauses; this is very hard for her.) Captain Marco, (She starts to hold back tears.) I forgive you. (She starts to cry and embraces Captain Marco who also cannot help but cry himself. A distant train whistle is heard.)

CAPTAIN MARCO: Thank you.

MIKHAIL: Now I'm even more confused than ever.

DELLA: Here, maybe this will help. (She hands him the Bible page.)

MIKHAIL: What's this?

DELLA: Just memorize it, then pass it on.

(Music comes up as lights go slowly to black and curtain falls.)

.................................................................................... 
© Copyright 2005, 2006 Adam Gee, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: aagee2001@comcast.net or at Fountain of Life Center, 2035 Columbus Rd., Florence Twp., NJ, USA.