Ace Combat FF - Disrupt; Act 1, Scene 3: Patience

SETTING: CZAR'S cell at Zvenmanov Yuktobanian Air Force Base. His windowless cell is illuminated by an overhead light, but the hallway is pitch black, as though the world ends at the steel bars. A toilet and sink are in the left corner of the cell. CZAR is crunched in the back right corner, his white-gloved hands clinging to the military-green survival blanket that he has wrapped around himself. His breathing is of a normal rate, but unusually heavy.1

[CZAR startles as INTEL 1 taps his clipboard rather loudly against the bars. INTEL 1's identity is well-concealed, but there is a light silhouette to prove his presence.]2

INTEL 1: [It seems that the Intel does not have a local accent. Rather, it resembles that of an Emmerian's.] Oberleutnant Indie Czar?3

CZAR: [He adjusts his position and leans his head back against the wall again, closing his eyes.] Sprechen.4

INTEL 1: [He writes the name down on his clipboard and continues filling out information.] What branch of the military do you represent, Oberleutnant?5

CZAR: [He takes a few short seconds to think on it.] Air Force, I suppose.6

INTEL 1: [He hesitates in his writing for a second, looking up as if to search the words for the right meaning.] And what do you mean 'you suppose', dear boy?7

CZAR: [He lifts his head, opens his eyes and looks toward the silhouette, but the Intel has moved back to dampen the clarity of the outline. CZAR settles for simply letting his eyes search the darkness.] 'Dear boy?' You aren't Yuktobanian, are you?8

INTEL 1: May I remind you, young sir, that I am the Intelligence Officer here, and that I will be the one asking the questions. Cooperation will be rewarded, defiance -9

CZAR: 'Will be punished', yes, the Yukes have used the same jingle since the Belkan War, sir.10

INTEL 1: Belkan, you will answer promptly when asked a question and only then will you speak. It is a golden rule that is not difficult to remember. This solid rule will be in effect for the duration of your captivity. No exceptions. Am I understood?11

CZAR: [He does not answer.]12

INTEL 1: [He sighs.] Look, I'm trying my best to be a reasonable man with you. I would like to get along here so that I can tell the Intel with the next shift that you are a polite and intelligent young man. It will make it easier on you, it will make it easier on me. Am I understood?13

CZAR: [He hesitates.] Yes, sir.14

INTEL 1: (gently) You feel that submitting will be compromising your loyalty, don't you?15

CZAR: [His voice is scarce more than a whisper.] Yes...16

INTEL 1: I understand. Don't feel that way. Your country needs you in top condition, Leutnant. Cooperation with us is what your superiors would want. [He checks his watch.] Will you be alright for the next few hours?17

CZAR: [He sighs and leans his head back against the wall again.] Yes, sir.18

INTEL 1: Good. [He holds his clipboard under his right arm.] Your cooperation has been much appreciated. Rest.19

[The Intel's footsteps go down the hallway, signaling INTEL 1's exit.]20

CZAR: [He gives a troubled sigh, secures the blanket around himself, and closes his eyes.]21

[END SCENE.]