List of Characters

                             ACT ONE

   SCENE 1
   A sunny afternoon on an island beach.  The back and sides of
   the stage are covered with standing shoots of bamboo grass. 
   QUASI and JULIO are both laying face down on center front
   stage.  Julio awakens, sits up, and stretches.

                       JULIO
             Quasi, wake up.

   Quasi moves a little and groans.  Julio stands up and walks
   around. Noticing that Quasi didn't wake up, he decides to
   kick him.

                       JULIO
             Hey Quasi, did you hear me?  Get
             up.

                       QUASI
                 (grumbling)
             What right do you have kicking me?
                 (stands up)
             My head hurts something fierce. 
             And look, there's more than just
             sand in my hair.

                       JULIO
             That's because you slept on a beach
             all morning.

                       QUASI
             Why is that?

                       JULIO
             I knew you wouldn't remember
             anything from last night.

                       QUASI
             Of course I do.  We were at a party
             on Nigel's yacht.  And there was
             some kind of naked contest.

                       JULIO
             You don't even remember the
             explosion?

                       QUASI
             The last thing I remember, I was
             sitting on a toilet and the seat
             was down.

                       JULIO
             I think the engine blew up. 
             Everyone was screaming and running
             into each other.  I jumped out of a
             window and started swimming.  Then
             you called my name.

                       QUASI
             I don't remember any of this.

                       JULIO
             As soon as I found you, you passed
             out.

                       QUASI
             You can't blame me for that.  You
             know how tired I get at parties.

                       JULIO
             I couldn't wake you up.  I had to
             carry you all the way here.

   Quasi brushes the last of the sand from his clothes.

                       QUASI
             And for that, my friend, I thank
             you.

                       JULIO
             That's all I ask.  Now, where do
             you think we are?

   Quasi and Julio both look upward.

                       QUASI
             Gauging by the sun, I'd say we're
             somewhere near the Sandwich
             Islands.

   Enter DANE as he pushes his way through the grass from stage
   left.

                       DANE
             Close guess.  This is the island of
             Chicki Chicki.

   Quasi and Julio are startled and turn around to face the
   Dane.

                       JULIO
             A Dane!

                       DANE
             Yes, how could you tell?

                       QUASI
             He knows how to spot them.

                       DANE
             What an extraordinary talent.

                       QUASI
             Never mind that, Dane.  Let's just
             concentrate on why you're here.

                       DANE
             I live here.  Perhaps you would
             like to walk with me back to my
             village?

                       QUASI
             Not so fast.  First, tell me why a
             Dane is living on Chicki Chicki?

                       DANE
             Pardon me sir, but Danish people
             can and do live all over the world. 
             If that is a problem for you, I
             will say goodbye and be on my way.

                       JULIO
             No.  Don't go.  Take us to your
             village, please.

                       QUASI
             But Julio, it could be dangerous.

                       JULIO
             I don't care.  I'm tired and hungry
             and I want to go to the village. 
             Besides, we can't stay out here
             another night.

                       QUASI
             You're right.  Okay Dane, let's go.
             But know that I'm always watching
             you.

                       DANE
             Look, I don't know where this
             hostility is coming from, but rest
             assured it is misplaced. I present
             no threat, and as for my Danish
             heritage...

                       QUASI
             That's enough Dane. Now lead the
             way.

   The Dane shrugs as all three walk off stage right.  Lights
   fade.

   SCENE 2
   Lights up.  A wooden rectangular dining table is taking up
   stage left. The table is covered with plates of half-eaten
   turkeys and cooked pig heads with apples in their mouths. 
   KING SHMOTT is sitting at the left side of the table as he
   busily eats the food in front of him.  PAP stands as an
   attendant behind him with a tray of food.  Three chairs are
   at each side of the table.  The Dane, Quasi and Julio, work
   their way out of the tall grass from stage left. The king is
   too engrossed with his eating to notice their presence.

                       DANE
             We have arrived.  Now, if you will
             both stay here, I will approach
             King Shmott.

                       QUASI
             Why?  What's going on?  And be
             straight with me Dane, no gas.

                       DANE
             I have to inform the king of your
             situation, and then he'll decide
             whether or not you can stay.

                       QUASI
             What the hell kind of village are
             you taking us to, Pakistan?

                       DANE
             It's just protocol.

                       JULIO
             Go ahead, we'll wait here.

   The Dane starts to walk towards the king, but Quasi grabs his
   arm.

                       QUASI
             Wait a minute.  Julio can wait
             here, but I'm going with you to
             talk to that fat King guy.

                       DANE
             It would be better for you if I
             went alone.

                       QUASI
             Not a chance Dane, we're going
             together.

                       DANE
             Very well, follow me.

   Quasi and the Dane both walk towards the table.  Julio
   hesitates, then jogs to join them.  The king still hasn't
   noticed the others.

                       DANE (CONT'D)
             King Shmott?  It's me, Pele.

                       KING SHMOTT
                 (with his eyes still down)
             Pele?

                       DANE
             Yes.  I'm sorry to interrupt your
             meal, but I have important news to
             tell you.

                       KING SHMOTT
             Be brief, then be gone.

                       DANE
             Yes, of course.  Earlier this
             afternoon, as I was walking the
             northern beach, I happened upon two
             gentlemen.  They claim their ship
             sank last night.

   The king goes on eating, as they wait for a reply.

                       QUASI
             I don't think he heard you.  Hey
             king, take a breather from that
             turkey leg.

   Quasi kicks the table causing King Shmott to lift his head.

                       KING SHMOTT
             What's that?  Pele, why are you
             still here?  And who's that with
             you?

                       QUASI
             My name is Quasi, and this is
             Julio.

                       DANE
             They're the ones I found on the
             beach.

                       KING SHMOTT
             What were you doing on the beach?

   Pap unfolds a handkerchief from the tray and starts to wipe
   the king's face.

                       QUASI
             We already told you. Our ship sank. 
             We swam here.  Now, can I get a
             shower?

                       KING SHMOTT
             Eager to bathe, eh?  There will be
             plenty of time for that later, so
             why don't you have a seat.

   Quasi sits on the closest chair to the king's left.  Julio
   sits to Quasi's left and puts his head on the table.

                       DANE
             I have a stew to stir, so if you'll
             excuse me...

                       KING SHMOTT
             Sure, Pele.  Why don't you bring
             some by when its finished.

   The Dane nods and exits stage right.

                       KING SHMOTT
             Pele is a good man.  Makes a fine
             stew.  But what I want to know is
             what happened to your boat?

                       QUASI
             It was my friend Nigel's yacht.  I
             guess it exploded, or at least
             that's what Julio said.

                       KING SHMOTT
             What's wrong with your friend
             Julio?
                 (He points to Julio)

                       QUASI
             Fatigue.  It was a long night.

                       KING SHMOTT
             I imagine.  Do you know what caused
             the explosion?

                       QUASI
             Why are you asking so many
             questions?

                       KING SHMOTT
             One can never be too careful,
             especially in a time of war.

                       QUASI
             The Dane never said anything about
             a war!

                       KING SHMOTT
             Who Pele?  Well, he better not say
             anything. Our island is crawling
             with spies.  It's to the point
             where you can't trust anybody you
             meet.

                       QUASI
             Who are these spies?

                       KING SHMOTT
             They work for Aryan Fro.  He's a
             big business tycoon from Dresden. 
             Moved to Chicki City about a year
             ago.  Ever since then he's been
             trying to steal my village.

                       QUASI
             Aryan Fro?  Where have I heard that
             name before?

                       JULIO
                 (Without lifting his head)
             Nigel spoke of him.

                       QUASI
             That's right. Do you remember what
             he said?

                       JULIO
             No.

                       KING SHMOTT
             Fro has many enemies.  Perhaps your
             friend Nigel was also at war with
             him.  That would explain the
             explosion.

                       QUASI
             If it was an attack, you can bet
             Nigel is planning a retaliation.

                       JULIO
             No he isn't.

                       QUASI
             Why would you say that?

                       JULIO
             Because he's dead.  The piano
             crushed his head.  I saw it.  It
             was horrible.

                       QUASI
                 (Angrily)
             Look at me when you give me such
             news.

   Julio lifts his head.  Quasi stands up.

                       KING SHMOTT
             I will arrange for your needs. 
             Pap, prepare the rooms.

   Pap exits stage left.

                       QUASI
             I want to speak with this Aryan
             Fro.

                       KING SHMOTT
             I don't know, Quasi.  He's a very
             powerful man.

                       QUASI
             So what?  How can I see him?

                       KING SHMOTT
             Pap has to go to the city tomorrow,
             you can get a ride with him.  He'll
             take you to Fro.

                       QUASI
             Good.  What time?

   Pap enters from stage left.

                       KING SHMOTT
             You will leave first thing in the
             morning.

                       QUASI
             The earlier the better.  Come on
             Julio, let's get some sleep.

   Quasi helps Julio get up.  They both follow Pap off stage
   left.  Lights fade on the king as he resumes his meal.

   SCENE 3
   Lights come up half way.  Canvas walls depicting the inside
   of a nineteenth century western saloon fall in front of the
   tropical grass and surround the back and side stages.  In
   center back stage hang two swinging saloon doors.  A bar is
   set up on backstage right.  Tables are everywhere.  About ten
   or so, rough looking gangsters and cowboys sit sporadically
   throughout the saloon.  A patio fills front and center stage
   right.  It's about three steps above the stage.  On top of
   the patio is a single table.  At the table sits ARYAN FRO, to
   his left is ROTUNDA SINCLAIRE, and to his right is ROASCHE. 
   Stage right is not too be lit.  The three people look dark
   and undefinable.   Ragtime piano music is softly playing. 
   From off stage we hear...

                       JULIO
             Thanks for the ride, Pap.

                       QUASI
             And don't forget, 6:30.

   Quasi and Julio enter through the swing doors.  They sit down
   at a table, stage left.

                       JULIO
             What do you think of Pap?

                       QUASI
             I don't know.  He doesn't speak
             much.

                       JULIO
             Did you notice how he smiled when
             we passed those army camps?

                       QUASI
             Yeah, I saw that.  It was the only
             time he moved his face.

   Rotunda gets up from the patio table and walks to stage left.

                       JULIO
             Are we really going back to the
             village with him tonight?

                       QUASI
             Only if something better doesn't
             come along.

   Rotunda approaches Quasi and Julio.

                       ROTUNDA
             Do you wish to drink something?

                       QUASI
             What do you recommend?

                       ROTUNDA
             Most people here have a Chicki
             Crush.

                       QUASI
             Sounds risky, but I'll try it.

                       JULIO
             Make it two.

   Rotunda nods and walks to the bar.

                       QUASI
                 (Matter of fact)
             She is a beauty.  Such a woman
             deserves more than this place.

                       JULIO
             I think she wants me.  Did you see
             her wink?

                       QUASI
             I didn't notice anything.

                       JULIO
             She did it a couple of times.

                       QUASI
             So, what do you plan to do about
             it?

                       JULIO
             What do you think?  She's gorgeous.

                       QUASI
             Just remember why we're here.  We
             still have to find Aryan Fro.

   Rotunda walks from the bar carrying two cream colored drinks
   on a tray.

                       ROTUNDA
             Two Chicki Crushes, anything else?

                       QUASI
             Can you join us for a moment?

                       JULIO
                 (Panic whisper)
             Quasi..?

                       ROTUNDA
             I'm kind of busy right now.

                       QUASI
             I think you can help us with
             something.

                       ROTUNDA
             I'm not the kind of girl you're
             looking for.

                       QUASI
             Charming, but rest assured that all
             I want is from you is information. 
             You see I'm new to the area.

                       JULIO
                 (Trying to get involved)
             We both are.

   They both ignore him, as Quasi looks at her and taps the
   empty chair.

                       QUASI
                 (Seductively)
             It will only take a moment.

   Rotunda takes a quick glance toward stage right, hesitates,
   and then sits down.

                       ROTUNDA
             Okay, what is it you need to know?

                       QUASI
             Have you heard of a man named Aryan
             Fro.  We were told he occasionally
             visits this place.

                       ROTUNDA
                 (Whispers)
             Why do you ask questions about Mr.
             Fro?  Who are you?

   The lights dim except for stage right, which illuminates.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Who are they?  Have you seen them
             before?

                       ROASCHE
             No.  They must be tourists.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Why is she still talking to them?

                       ROASCHE
             They're probably just asking for
             directions.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Perhaps, but I want you to follow
             them anyway.  Find out how long
             they plan to stay on the island.

                       ROASCHE
             Yes sir.  I'll get my best men.

                       ARYAN FRO
             No.  You will investigate it
             personally.  We can't afford any
             mistakes.  It is imperative that
             the world not discover our plans
             yet.  Operation Fourth Reich must
             not fail.

                       ROASCHE
             Have you set a launching date for
             the operation?

                       ARYAN FRO
             It's coming soon, my friend.  Very
             soon.

   Stage right fades to darkness.  Stage left is re-illuminated
   to half lighting.

                       ROTUNDA
             I really must go now.  I have work.

                       JULIO
             Maybe we can see each other later.

                       ROTUNDA
             I don't know...

   She looks to Quasi.

                       QUASI
             It's okay, Rotunda.  I just wish
             you were able to tell me more about
             Fro.

                       ROTUNDA
             Believe me, I have said too much
             already.

                       QUASI
             Perhaps if we were alone, you
             wouldn't feel so nervous.

                       ROTUNDA
             I can't.

   She starts to weep and Quasi tries to comfort her.

                       QUASI
             Its Aryan isn't it?  What has he
             done to you?

                       ROTUNDA
             Don't ask these questions.

                       QUASI
             I want to help you Rotunda.  When
             can we talk?

                       ROTUNDA
             Not now.   I must go.

   Still sobbing, Rotunda stands up and exits stage left.  The
   lights dim and stage right is once again re-illuminated.

                       ARYAN FRO
             She's leaving.  I think those men
             made her cry.

                       ROASCHE
             Should I talk to them now sir?

                       ARYAN FRO
             Yes Roasche, but be candid.  I
             don't want any trouble.

   Roasche gets up from the table and walks toward stage left. 
   Stage right fades to darkness as center and stage left come
   back to half illumination.

                       QUASI
             You're not listening to me Julio. I
             did not try to make a move on her.

                       JULIO
             Yes you did.  Whenever I'm
             attracted to a woman, your ego
             swells and ruins it for me.  Only
             this time you made her cry.

                       QUASI
             She's hiding something Julio.  I
             know it.

   Julio shakes his head is disgust as Roasche approaches their
   table.

                       ROASCHE
             Pardon me gentlemen, my name is
             Roasche.  I'm manager of this here
             fine saloon.

                       QUASI
             What do you want from us, Roasche?

                       ROASCHE
             Nothing really.  Just wanted to say
             hello and see what you thought of
             your drinks.

                       QUASI
             They're fine, tangy, yet not
             overwhelming.

                       ROASCHE
             It's a native recipe, all natural.

                       JULIO
             You must be proud.

                       QUASI
             Is there something else you want to
             discuss?

                       ROASCHE
             Actually there is.  One of my
             waitresses came to me crying.  She
             said you were harassing her with
             questions.

                       QUASI
             For that I apologize.  I usually
             don't have that affect on women.

                       ROASCHE
             I'm sure you don't Mr.?

                       QUASI
             Fresco.

                       ROASCHE
             Well Mr. Fresco, naturally when one
             of my employees is upset, I like to
             take an interest and help out in
             anyway I can.

                       QUASI
             I'm sure you're doing a fine job.

   Rotunda enters from stage left and is surprised to see
   Roasche.  She places a piece of paper face down on the table.

                       ROTUNDA
             Your bill, sir.

                       ROASCHE
             First time is on the house.

   Roasche reaches for the bill.  Quasi beats him to it.

                       QUASI
             I prefer to pay.

   Quasi stuffs the paper into his shirt pocket.

                       ROASCHE
             Suit yourself.  Now, if you'll
             excuse me gentlemen, I must attend
             to other matters.  Rotunda, will
             you join me?

   Rotunda starts to walk toward stage right.

                       ROASCHE (CONT'D)
             Enjoy the rest of your stay here in
             Chicki City.

   Roasche joins Rotunda and they both fade into the darkness of
   stage right.  Quasi takes the paper out of his pocket and
   reads it.

                       QUASI
             Just as I expected.

                       JULIO
             What does it say?

                       QUASI
             She wants me to meet her by the
             cliffs in an hour.

                       JULIO
             Just you?

                       QUASI
             That's what she wrote.

                       JULIO
             I knew this would happen.  Now she
             doesn't even want me.

                       QUASI
             Julio, It's obvious that she never
             wanted you, so don't shower me in
             your blueness.

                       JULIO
             Well, what am I suppose to do while
             you're gone?

                       QUASI
             You should probably stay here and
             wait for Pap.  I'll meet up with
             you back at the village.

   Quasi starts to finish his drink.  Lights dim to quarter
   brightness.  Stage right lights up.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Where are they from?

                       ROTUNDA
             They didn't say.

                       ARYAN FRO
             What made you so upset?

                       ROTUNDA
             I don't know.  I guess I started
             thinking about Nigel again.

   Quasi finishes his drink, stands up and puts on his jacket.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Why are you still thinking about
             that swine?  He left you and he's
             not coming back.  I guarantee you
             that.

                       ROTUNDA
             I know.
                 (She sighs)

                       ARYAN FRO
             You need to forget about him.  Tell
             me, what else did you discuss with
             Mr. Fresco and his friend?

   Quasi digs through his pockets, pulls out some cash and lays
   it on the table.

                       ROTUNDA
             Small talk.  Don't worry, I didn't
             tell them anything.

                       ARYAN FRO
             I know you didn't sweetheart.  You
             would never betray me.  Not after
             all I've given you.

   He tries to kiss her.  She pulls away.

                       ARYAN FRO (CONT'D)
             Maybe you better get back to work
             now.

   Rotunda exits stage right.  Quasi exits through the shutter
   doors.

                       ARYAN FRO (CONT'D)
             Someday, she'll learn to better
             appreciate me.

                       ROASCHE
             Sir, Mr. Fresco is leaving.

                       ARYAN FRO
             You better go.  Now, before you
             lose him.

                       ROASCHE
             What about his friend?

                       ARYAN FRO
             Leave him to me.

   Lights fade to black.  Ragtime music fades as well.

   SCENE 4
   The canvas walls are lifted and tropical grass once again
   surrounds the back and side stages.  An offstage fog machine
   covers the stage in a thick layer of fog. A bench is located
   on center stage, Rotunda stands behind it. From offstage,
   Quasi shouts...

                       QUASI
             Rotunda?

                       ROTUNDA
             Over here Quasi.

   Quasi enters from stage right.

                       QUASI
             Oh, there you are.

                       ROTUNDA
             Hurry, you mustn't let anyone see
             you.

                       QUASI
             Honey, no one is going to see me in
             this fog.

                       ROTUNDA
             I was worried.  Why are you so
             late?

                       QUASI
             You told me to meet you at the
             cliffs.  The whole island is
             surrounded by cliffs.  Next time
             try to be more specific.

                       ROTUNDA
             Where is Julio?

                       QUASI
             He's still at the saloon.

                       ROTUNDA
             Good.  I'm glad you came alone.

   They sit down on the bench.

                       QUASI
             He thinks I'm here to make a move
             on you.

                       ROTUNDA
             Is he wrong?

                       QUASI
             I agreed to meet you because I want
             information on Fro.

                       ROTUNDA
             Well, I don't know how much more I
             can tell you.

                       QUASI
             Start at the beginning.  How do you
             know Aryan Fro?

                       ROTUNDA
             I've worked for him ever since he
             moved to Chicki Chicki.

                       QUASI
             You mean he owns the saloon?

                       ROTUNDA
             Yes.  He owns many businesses in
             Chicki City.

                       QUASI
             Do you know how much he's worth?

                       ROTUNDA
             Why are you so interested in him?

                       QUASI
             Two nights ago, Julio and I were on
             a yacht. 
             It exploded and we swam here.
                 (He drops his head)
             Julio said everyone died.

                       ROTUNDA
             I'm sorry, but what does this have
             to do with Aryan?

                       QUASI
             When we awoke yesterday, a village
             king told us about Aryan Fro.  He
             told us that Aryan had many
             enemies.  Then, Julio remembered
             Nigel spoke of Fro.  We decided to
             check it out.

                       ROTUNDA
                 (Surprised)
             Nigel?

                       QUASI
             Yeah.  It was his yacht.  I didn't
             know him very well.  In fact, I
             can't even remember his last name.

                       ROTUNDA
             I was engaged to a man named Nigel. 
             He left me for a woman is San
             Antonio.

                       QUASI
                 (He grabs her hands)
             I'm sorry.  Did Aryan know your
             fiancée?

                       ROTUNDA
             They were business partners, but
             when Aryan bought Pocker
             Industries...

                       QUASI
             Pocker, Nigel Pocker.  That was his
             name.  I remember now.

                       ROTUNDA
             Oh, my god!  You knew Nigel?  Is he
             okay?

                       QUASI
             Julio saw a piano crush his head.

   Rotunda begins to sob.  Quasi embraces her.  Stage right,
   behind the grass, the audience can see Roasche spying on
   Quasi and Rotunda.

                       ROTUNDA
             Now I really am alone with that
             monster Fro.

                       QUASI
             Do you think Aryan was responsible?

                       ROTUNDA
             I don't know.  He can become
             insanely jealous at times, but I
             feel nothing for him.

                       QUASI
             Then help me prove what happened to
             Nigel.

   Quasi lifts Rotunda's head and they gaze into each other's
   eyes.

                       ROTUNDA
             I can't.  Quasi, you don't
             understand.  This is a lot bigger
             than just Nigel.  I think Aryan is
             planning a massive military
             offensive.

                       QUASI
             We passed some army bases on the
             way to town this morning.

                       ROTUNDA
             You can't go anywhere on the island
             without finding new army bases.

                       QUASI
             What do you think he has planned?

                       ROTUNDA
             I don't know.  He doesn't tell me
             anything.

                       QUASI
             We need to get some answers, if not
             for the world, then for Nigel.

                       ROTUNDA
             Oh Quasi, be careful.  I don't want
             to lose you.

                       QUASI
             Don't worry Rotunda.  You won't.

   They kiss and embrace.

                       ROASCHE
                 (To the audience)
             Fro's not going to want to hear
             about this.

   He exits.  Lights fade to black.

   SCENE 5
   The saloon again.  Julio sits alone, waiting for Pap.  Aryan
   Fro comes down from the patio and approaches Julio.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Mind if I join you?

                       JULIO
             I don't care.

                       ARYAN FRO
             My name is Aryan Fro.

   Aryan sits down next to Julio.

                       JULIO
             You're the one we've been looking
             for.

                       ARYAN FRO
             We?

                       JULIO
             Quasi and me.

                       ARYAN
             Quasi is the gentleman that was
             here with you earlier?

                       JULIO
             Yeah.  We wanted to ask you some
             questions.

   Aryan pulls out an old pocket watch and checks the time.

                       ARYAN FRO
             But Quasi left an hour ago.  Do you
             know where he went?

                       JULIO
             What's it to you?

                       ARYAN FRO
             Chicki City can be a dangerous
             place.  The streets are full of
             thieves.

   He starts to swing the watch.

                       JULIO
                 (Angrily indifferent)
             Quasi can take care of himself.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Of course he can.  I'm sorry if my
             curiosity has upset you.

   Aryan Fro continues to swing the watch with one hand and sip
   his drink with the other.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Would I be more of an irritant if I
             asked you your name?

                       JULIO
             Julio, Julio Lincoln.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Well, Mr. Lincoln, what brings you
             to Chicki Chicki?

   Julio begins to stare at the swinging watch.  The lights
   begin to dim.

                       JULIO
             That's what we wanted to ask you. 
             We were shipwrecked two nights ago. 
             The yacht belonged to our friend
             Nigel.  You don't know anything
             about that, do you?

                       ARYAN FRO
             The oceans around Chicki Chicki are
             very unpredictable.  Many luxury
             vessels are not prepared for such
             waters.  We have twenty or thirty
             shipwrecks every year.

                       JULIO
             Two nights ago, the waters were
             calm.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Perhaps it was the engine.  Who
             knows?  What's important is that
             you and you friend survived.  Do
             you know if anyone else was so
             lucky?

                       JULIO
                 (Mildly hypnotized)
             I don't know.  Many people died.

   The lights begin to fade to complete darkness.  Gradually
   taking its place are four moving red and blue spotlights.  
   Sounds of slowed down whale calls fill the theater.

                       ARYAN FRO
             What about your friend Nigel?

                       JULIO
             He's dead.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Are you sure?

   Aryan gives a sinister smile to the audience.

                       JULIO
                 (Totally hypnotized)
             Yes I'm sure. I saw it happen.

   Roasche enters through the shutter doors.

                       ROASCHE
             Sir, we have to talk.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Not now, Roasche.

                       ROASCHE
             But sir, it's important.

   The red and blue lights turn off and the regular lighting
   comes back half way.  The whale sounds come to a sudden stop
   as well.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Oh, all right.  Julio?

                       JULIO
                 (Still hypnotized)
             Yes.  I am Julio.

                       ARYAN FRO
             I must leave for a few moments.  Do
             not move until I get back.

                       JULIO
             I won't move.

   As Julio stares blankly, Aryan and Roasche walk to the patio. 
   The lights above Julio dim while the lights over stage right
   gradually turn brighter.

                       ARYAN FRO
             What is it, Roasche?

                       ROASCHE
             I followed Mr. Fresco.  He went to
             the southeast cliffs.

                       ARYAN FRO
             There is nothing unusual about
             that.

                       ROASCHE
             Sir, Rotunda was waiting for him.

                       ARYAN FRO
                 (Shouting)
             Rotunda!

                       JULIO
                 (Groans)
             Rotunda.

   Aryan and Roasche both cast a glance at Julio.

                       ARYAN FRO
             What were they doing?

                       ROASCHE
             When I got there, she was crying
             and he was comforting her.  I left
             when they started to kiss.

                       ARYAN FRO
             They were kissing?  Damn it!  Is
             there anything else?

   Frustrated, Aryan pounds the table with his fists.

                       ROASCHE
             I guess Mr. Fresco and his friend
             were on Nigel's yacht when the bomb
             went off.

                       ARYAN FRO
             I already know that.

                       ROASCHE
             So does Rotunda.  She knows that
             Nigel is dead, and she suspects
             you.

                       ARYAN FRO
             This is not good.

                       ROASCHE
             You want me to off Mr. Fresco?

                       ARYAN FRO
             No.  That would only confirm
             Rotunda's suspicions.  I'm working
             on a better idea.

                       ROASCHE
             What do you need me to do?

                       ARYAN FRO
             Just follow them and report back to
             me.

                       ROASCHE
             Yes sir.

   Aryan and Roasche walk to center stage.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Lock that door and put the closed
             sign up.  I don't want to be
             interrupted again.

   Roasche exits through the shutter doors.  Aryan sits back
   down beside Julio. 
   The lights dim and the four moving blue and red spotlights
   gradually fill the stage again.  The whale sounds come back
   as well.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Do you still hear me, Julio?

                       JULIO
             I still hear you.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Good.  Now listen carefully to my
             voice.  You are completely asleep,
             and will do anything I say without
             question.  Do you understand that?

                       JULIO
             Yes, I understand.

                       ARYAN FRO
             In the third person please.

                       JULIO
             Julio understands.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Good, now listen…

   There is a knock at the door.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Ignore that.  Listen only to my
             voice. I want you to close your
             eyes and…

   Someone knocks again, only harder.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Damn!  It's probably important. 
             I'll be right back.

   Julio nods.  Aryan gets up and opens the door.  Pap enters.
   Once again, the red and blue spotlights dim, and are replaced
   by regular stage lighting. The whale sounds cease as well.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Pap!  What's wrong?  Trouble at the
             village?

                       PAP
             No.  Everything is fine.  I just
             came to drive him and his friend
             back to the village.  They're
             guests of the king.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Really?  That presents some new and
             interesting options.  Please, come
             inside and have a seat.

   They both walk over to the Julio's table and sit down.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Julio, I'm going to talk with Pap
             now.  You will not remember
             anything we say.

                       JULIO
             Julio won't remember anything.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Very good.

   Julio nods and closes his eyes.

                       PAP
             I see you haven't lost your touch.

                       ARYAN FRO
             I try to keep in practice, but
             that's not important.  What I need
             to know is whether or not you have
             new information.

                       PAP
             I do, and it's just as you
             suspected.  The land the village
             occupies is rich with pure
             plutonium.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Excellent.  That plutonium is vital
             to Operation Fourth Reich.

                       PAP
             Getting it from Shmott will be very
             difficult.  He has sworn to oppose
             you whenever he can.

                       ARYAN FRO
             King Shmott is nothing.  We will
             crush him like a fat bubble.

                       PAP
             You're not suggesting an attack on
             the village?

                       ARYAN FRO
             Of course not.  Any kind of
             offensive would attract global
             attention.

                       PAP
             That leaves only one other option.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Exactly.  He must be eliminated,
             tonight.

                       PAP
             Tonight is bad for me.  I have a
             date.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Then cancel it.  We've wasted
             enough time on Shmott.

                       PAP
             Why don't you use him?

                       ARYAN FRO
             I have other plans for Julio. 
             You're the only other person I can
             trust to do this correctly. 
             Of course, if you don't wish to
             cooperate, then I have no choice
             but to…

                       PAP
             That's okay.  I'll do it tonight.

   Pap gets up from the table and starts to walk towards the
   door.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Your professionalism will be
             substantially rewarded.

                       PAP
             I should probably get back to the
             village.  If I'm late, the king
             will ask questions.

                       ARYAN FRO
             Before you go, I need a few minutes
             to program Julio's mind with
             several devastating post-hypnotic
             suggestions.

                       PAP
             No problem, I'll just fix myself a
             drink.

   Pap walks to the bar. Aryan turns around and faces Julio. 
   The lights fade to darkness.

                        END OF ACT ONE