THE VILLAGE STORY BOOK

TWO AND TWO…MAKES SIX

A ‘PRISONER’ SCREENPLAY BY MARK HOCKLEY

INT. ROOM - DAY

NO.6 is sleeping in his room, the night dark, random shafts of light cast through the shutters and across the room from a street light outside his window. Someone is also within the room with him, watching him, a figure we cannot see, sitting upon a chair at the end of 6’s bed.
Abruptly, NO.6 sits up and puts on his bed-side lamp.
A man in his mid forties smiles benignly at him, his NO.2 badge prominently on display.

2
Sorry if I disturbed you. You’re a light sleeper.

6
Why are you here?

2
Always to the point. They told me you were like that.

6
So why don’t you get to it? If there is one.

2
Have a little patience.

6
That’s something I do only have a little of. And it’s wearing thinner. So what do you want!?

2
A word in your ear.

6
I’m listening.

2
I have a proposition for you.

6
With a cynical smile. And what do you propose?

2
You will need to trust me.
6
That’s asking more than I’m willing to give.

2
You have chosen not to trust before and it has been your undoing. Can you afford to make the same mistake again?

6
Once bitten, always shy.

2
You can at least give me a fair hearing.

6
That would only be fair.

2
I need your help.

6
Snaps. Name it!

2
I want to escape from here. I want you to help me.

6
Growing impatient. Do you think that insulting me with get you very far?

2
Insulting you?

6
Taps his head. My intelligence. But isn’t that what you really want?

2
I know you will take some convincing.

6
You have a way with understatement.

2
I am a prisoner just as much as you are. Do you think we all choose to come here?

6
Wryly. You don’t like your accommodation?

2
It is enough to say I don’t want to stay.
6
You seem to have forgotten that walls have ears. He makes a sweeping gesture around the room.

2
I have made arrangements to avoid any eavesdropping on this meeting. My position affords me certain advantages.

6
You don’t really think I’m going to fall for this, do you?

2
I understand your reluctance, but I do mean what I say. You need me if you ever hope to get away from here, as I need you.

6
Why?

2
I have my reasons.

6
That’s not an answer that’s likely to win me over.

2
We all have to keep some cards to our chests. No good revealing your hand until the betting is over with.

6
So what’s your plan? You do have one, don’t you?

2
I know a way out, if that’s what you mean.

6
I’ll believe it when I see it.

2
I realise that you are a loner, but this time you will have become a team-player. That is, if you want to escape from your prison cell.

6
An idyllic prison without bars. A quaint concept.

2
But effective nonetheless, as you have discovered. It will take more than brawn and perseverance to get the better of our jailers.

6
If what you are saying is true, I can see a fundamental flaw in their thinking already.

2
Yes?

6
They are very poor at selecting their personnel.

2
With a shrug. You cannot always know what is in a man’s heart and mind.

6
Or his soul!?

2
Will you work with me then?

6
A game to while away the time?

2
Give me the opportunity and I will prove to you that I mean what I say.

6
You’ll have your chance, but I’ve grown used to being disappointed.

2
But you’ve got nothing to lose.

6
Only myself.

2
I’m beginning to understand why they think you are so important.

6
Really? Will you let a fellow conspirator in on it?

2
Gives an indulgent smile. Modesty does not become you.

6
So what’s the next move?

2
I’ll be in touch in due course. We must be very careful. There are spies everywhere.

6
Trust no-one?

2
With an ironic smile. Only ourselves.

6
He gives a brief nod. I’ll do that.

2
Regards 6 for a moment and then. I will win you over.

6
But not before all the bets have been made.

CUT TO:

INT. CONTROL ROOM - NIGHT

NO. 2 enters the Control Room and the SUPERVISOR greets him with a worried frown. The SUPERVISOR is obviously uneasy before NO. 2.

SUPERVISOR
There is a problem with surveillance. Cameras 3, 5, 9 and 12 have malfunctioned.

2
Sabotage?

SUPERVISOR
We’re checking.

2
How long to get it fixed?

SUPERVISOR
We’re doing our best, but…

2
Snaps. Maybe your best is not good enough. Maybe I need to get somebody in here who can keep things under control.

SUPERVISOR
Almost whining. I’m sorry, No. 2, but we just can’t pin-point where the problem originates from. We really are doing everything we can. I have posted extra watchmen around the village perimeter. There will be no breaches of security, I guarantee it.

2
Icy. You had better stake your life on that.

SUPERVISOR
With an almost visible gulp. Yes, No. 2. This won’t happen again.

2
He nods as if satisfied. I’ll want a full report.

SUPERVISOR
With relief. Of course, it will be on your desk in the morning.

2
Suddenly bright and breezy. Well, keep me informed. By the way, isn’t camera 5 one of those keeping an eye of our friend, No.6?

SUPERVISOR
Uneasy again. Eh, yes it is, No. 2, but I have posted an extra guard outside of his cottage.

2
Pauses as if considering something and then. Good, good. Well, as I said, keep me informed. Goodnight.

SUPERVISOR
With obvious relief. Goodnight, No.2.

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

It is a beautiful day in the Village, its inhabitants strolling contentedly along its lanes and byways, others reclining in deck-chairs, a game of human chess in progress, the band playing a jolly tune.
No.6 moves panther-like through the grounds before arriving at and entering the Village shop.

INT. SHOP- DAY

SHOPKEEPER
A very fine day, don’t you think, No.6. A glorious day!

6
With a tight smile. Wonderful.

He fiddles with several items on the counter, apparently unsure of what to purchase.

SHOPKEEPER
Can I help you, No.6?
6
I need some information.

SHOPKEEPER
Information!? I think you’ve come to the wrong place. Maybe you should visit the Green Dome and talk to No.2.

6
This is a shop, isn’t it? You sell things? I want to purchase some information. Everything has a price, doesn’t it? He produces a wad of work credits from his jacket.

SHOPKEEPER
His eye widen, interested now. What kind of information are you after?

QUICK CUT TO:

INT. CONTROL ROOM - DAY

The SHOPKEEPER is talking to the SUPERVISOR in the Control Room.

SUPERVISOR
Information you say? What kind of information?

SHOPKEEPER
He wanted to know about No.2, sir. He asked a lot of questions. Of course, I didn’t tell him anything that wasn’t common knowledge.

SUPERVISOR
What exactly did he want to know?

SHOPKEEPER
Odd things really, how long No.2 has been here. How did he arrive. Who had I seen him with. It was most peculiar. I would have gone straight to No.2 himself, but I decided to talk to you first and see if you thought it was important enough.

SUPERVISOR
Thoughtful. You did the right thing. Well done. You will be commended for this.

SHOPKEEPER
Obviously pleased. Thank you sir, thank you. I always do what’s best for the community.

The SUPERVISOR appears to have lost interest in the SHOPKEEPER and is preoccupied with his own thoughts. After a few moments, the SHOPKEEPER gives a polite cough.

SHOPKEEPER (Contd.)
Will that be all, sir, can I go now?
SUPERVISOR
Still self-absorbed. Yes, yes, that will be all.

The SHOPKEEPER leaves and immediately he turns to one of the men monitoring the Village.

SUPERVISOR (CONTD)
I need a secure channel. The other man nods and presses a button and then hands a cordless telephone to him. I have something to report concerning No.2 sir… He pauses for a moment. Yes, I know that sir, but… He listens for a few more seconds. No.6 seems to be playing one of his little games with us again. Asking questions, hoping to create dissension within our ranks, unless of course…He listens again and surprise registers on his face. Yes, I understand, sir. I will, I will see to it that it is done.

INT. GREEN DOME - DAY 5.

NO.2 is in the Green Dome sitting in his chair, the BUTLER in attendance.

2
Well, my faithful friend, who’s move is it now? He flicks a switch on a control panel before him and a large wall screen comes to life. NO.6 is in his cottage making a pot of tea. I see camera 5 is working again.

He chuckles to himself. On the screen No.6 sits down at his table and pours himself a cup of tea. The BUTLER takes a teapot from a silver tray and pours a cup for No.2, who takes it and with a small smile, takes a sip. Then holding his cup toward the screen.

2 (contd.)
Cheers.

6
Still on the screen, he raises his cup to himself. Cheers.

CUT TO:

EXT. VILLAGE - TWILIGHT

NO.6 is stealthily making his way through the Village, once or twice having to duck behind a statue or into some foliage, avoiding several villagers out for an evening stroll. He seems to be following an exact route, deviating from what would be the obvious path, clambering over rockeries and flower-beds. Eventually he comes to a clearing where NO.2 is waiting for him.

2
Did you follow my instructions?
6
He nods. Blind spots. Convenient.

2
There are flaws in every plan.

6
Sardonic. But not in ours!?

2
It’s the best on offer. It will serve its purpose.

6
I tried flying out once before.

2
But you didn’t have me as a companion then.

6
And once we are airborne, we simply take control of the helicopter? Sounds almost too easy.

2
It is, if we stick together.

6
So you need a strong arm man, is that it?

2
Two against one is playing at better odds.

6
Couldn’t you just bribe the pilot to take you somewhere, another country? A neutral country.

2
It’s not as easy as that.

6
Are you trying to tell me that the Village is a joint venture?

2
Let’s just say, it will not be easy to find a safe haven.

6
So where are we going?

2
I know a place.

6
And I have to trust you.

2
Do you want to back out?

6
With a flicker of a humourless smile. I think I’ll tag along for the ride.

2
We will leave tomorrow at midday. Meet me outside of the labour exchange a few minutes before the hour. Don’t be late.

6
Will Rover be joining us?

2
I’ll handle Rover. Just be there.

He makes to walk off into the trees.

6
Gives a salute. Be seeing you.

2
As he disappears. And you.

INT. VILLAGE - MORNING

No.6 makes his way toward the Labour Exchange to meet No.2. As he walks along a narrow pathway, a woman approaches from the other direction and 6 stands aside, as ever the gentleman.

No.53
At least your manners are commendable, No.6. Perhaps if you were a little more gracious with our masters, things would go better for you here.

He gives a humourless smile followed by a slight bow. And with that, he strides off. Upon reaching the labour exchange, he sees No.2 apparently out for a casual stroll and falling in beside him they walk together.

6
It’s a nice day for it.

2
I’m glad you appear to be so calm and collected, No.6. A steady hand and a cool head are what’s needed if we are to succeed.

6
Won’t you call me by my real name? After all, we are allies now, aren’t we?

2
Smiles. Perhaps when we are away from here that would be more appropriate.

6
How have you explained taking me on this little trip?

2
I don’t need to explain. I’m in charge here, have you forgotten?

6
And No.1?

2
He can’t interfere. No.1 is incommunicado at present. We don’t have to worry about him.

6
You don’t seem afraid of him like the others have been, your predecessors.

2
Perhaps I understand him better than most. I know where I stand with him.

6
I’d like to meet him.

2
Would you? Are you sure?

6
I don’t like mysteries.

2
You prefer all the cards to be on the table.

6
I like to know who I’m playing against.

2
Perhaps at a later date, far away from here, we will arrange for you to meet our master.

6
Ex master!?

2
The old master.

They turn a corner and make to cross a road, but as they do a mini-moke races up to them and blocks their way. The SUPERVISOR and two other men jump out and confront No.2 and No.6

2 (Contd.)
What is the meaning of this?

SUPERVISOR
I’m afraid there’s been a change of plan. There is a roar and two Rovers, one from either end of the road begin to loom towards them. The SUPERVISOR gives a cruel smile. I hope it will not be necessary for you to be restrained.

No.2 glances at No.6 and then makes a dash for it. The men with the SUPERVISOR make to follow, but he stops them.

SUPERVISOR (Contd.)
There is nowhere for him to go. The SUPERVISOR then turns to No.6, humour in his eyes. We will give you a head start if you wish. To make a game of it.

He raises an eyebrow in expectation, but No.6 wades in and a fight ensues, but although NO.6 gives a good account of himself, a Rover moves in and incapacitates him. Picking themselves up off the ground, the SUPERVISOR’S henchmen bundle a now unconscious No.6 onto the mini-moke and drive off, a Rover hovering along behind, acting as an escort.

INT. GREEN DOME - DAY

No.2 manages to make it back to the Green Dome. Once inside, the automatic doors shut behind him and he grabs a telephone and frantically waits for an answer. After a few moments he gets a response.

2
Urgently. This is No.2. The guardians have become unstable. Deactivate immediately.

But this is greeted by laughter and as the laughter continues, the doors open and the BUTLER enters, followed by a Rover.

2 (Contd.)
In an authoritative voice. Get that thing out of here. What is the meaning of this intrusion?

The BUTLER regards him impassively and then wags a finger at him. No.2’s expression becomes grim.

CUT TO:

INT. CHAMBER

NO.6 regains consciousness and finds himself seated in a chair with his hands on the armrests. He tries to move but is securely held. Beside him in an identical chair, No.2 is also held, his head lolling to one side, oblivious.
They are in a large room, completely bare except for a massive screen on the wall facing them. Then there is a hiss of automatic doors opening and a man enters. He is perhaps fifty and walks casually around to face NO.6. This is the NEW NO.2. His hands are behind his back, but as he moves in closer toward NO.6, we see that he holds a hypodermic needle. The NEW NO.2’s bulk obscures NO.6, but we hear the sound of struggling, before the NEW NO.2 steps away.

NEW NO. 2
There. Now that’s better isn’t it. Very good. Your chum there looks a bit worse for wear. He waves a dismissive hand toward the unconscious man.

6
What do you want?

NEW NO.2
Well, you will have to be punished, of course. It goes without saying. Crime and punishment rather go hand in hand, don’t they? Our community cannot tolerate mutiny. That least of all.

6
Get on with it then.

NEW NO.2
All in good time, my dear boy, all in good time. We must have a question and answer session first. If you co-operate, I may go more leniently with you.

6
Shakes his head as if trying to clear it. Co-operation has never been one of my strong suites.

NEW NO.2
Wryly. I have heard that said of you. But there is always a time, and a place, to mend your ways. I would suggest that you have reached that point.

6
Apparently sincere. Maybe you’re right. Maybe we should make a deal.

NEW NO.2
Brightening at the prospect. I think you know what we want of you.

6
With a quirky smile. It seems to have slipped my mind.

NEW NO.2
You really are a card, aren’t you? A games-man! Well, I am quite content to spell it out for you. Why did you resign?

6
Deadly serious. I didn’t like my job.

NEW NO.2
Yes, yes, you didn’t like it so you left.

6
That’s right.

NEW NO.2
You walked away from a top government job. A highly paid, important, crucially important job and you just walked away because you didn’t like it!?

6
Exactly.

NEW NO.2
Irritated. Why did you take it in the first place then? Why waste people’s time and money!?

6
It was a test.

NEW NO.2
A test!?

6
Yes, a test.

NEW NO.2
What kind of test?

6
It was a test of character.

NEW NO.2
What do you mean by that?

6
Shakes his head again and grimaces. I had to find out what I was made of.

NEW NO.2
Make sense, boy, think clearly. Don’t you want to save the life of your comrade?

6
Comrade?

NEW NO.2
Yes. He gestures at the man in the other chair. If you help me I will spare his life. You know we will not permanently harm you. No, you are far too valuable, but there are those who would like to see the traitor pay with his life. However, I am willing to trade his life for your co-operation.

6
He’s one of you. He’s no friend of mine.

NEW NO.2
Have you forgotten so soon? You were escaping together. This man is your partner.

6
Groggy. I work alone.

NEW NO.2
You are being unnecessarily difficult. Perhaps I should give you a lesson.

He removes some kind of remote control from his pocket and presses a button. The vast screen fills with a picture of the room and themselves, before becoming a medium close-up of NO.2 in his chair. The NEW NO.2 walks over to him and slaps his face until the man comes around.

NEW NO. 2 (Contd.)
Ah, I’m so pleased you could join us. I have to say it pains me to see an ex-colleague in such a dishonourable situation. But here we are. You brought it upon yourself.

2
Looks over at NO.6. They’ve drugged you, haven’t they? He gives a weary nod. It’s standard practice.

NEW NO.2
I wouldn’t worry about him if I was you. You have problems of your own.

He presses a button on his remote control and NO.2 convulses with pain. After several long moments he presses another button and NO.2 slumps forward in his chair, groaning.

NEW NO. 2 (Contd.)
Pain is a wonderful tool, don’t you think? With it, you can shape a man’s heart and mind, you can chisel away at the rough edges until a newer, better specimen is uncovered.

6
Finding it hard to think straight. Why torture him? It’s me you really want.

As he spoke the screen switched to a medium close-up of NO.6.

NEW NO.2
Don’t over-rate yourself, my dear fellow. Yes, you are important, but you are not the only fish we have to fry.

6
What was it you said about a deal?

NEW NO.2
So you are coming to your senses at last. I’m glad. I would hate to have to punish either of you more than is necessary. Why did you resign?

6
With an effort. Ask my ex-employers. You work for them don’t you?

NEW NO.2
I’m disappointed now.

The screen switches back to No.2 and he presses the remote control and once more NO.2 is assaulted by terrible waves of agony.

NEW NO. 2 (Contd.)
Just tell me when to stop.

6
That’s enough!

With a casual click of a button, NO.2 becomes still again, only a low murmuring indicating that he is still conscious. The screen shows No.6. again now.

NEW NO.2
You have my full attention.

6
Struggling, the drug obviously taking effect on him. I…I resigned…because…I was sick to death of people like you!

NEW NO.2
A flash of anger passes over his face. Now you are just getting personal.

He casually clicks the remote and No.6 is assaulted by pain. After a few moments it stops.

NEW NO. 2 (Contd.)
I’ll leave you for a while, to think things over. And when I return, I’m sure you will feel more inclined to be reasonable.

He leaves and as he does the screen goes blank.

6
Recovering himself and then looking over at No.2. Are you all right?

2
Lifts his head with an effort. He is very pale and in obvious distress. I’ll live. For the time being, at least.

6
So you really did want to get out of this place?

2
With a small, weary laugh. So we did achieve something then. I did win you over.

6
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

2
And now I’m going to die to pay for my slice of the cake.

6
Unless you have a bright idea.

2
A traitor loses his friends very quickly. No-one here is likely to help us.

6
Looks like all bets are off then.

2
I wonder if they will offer the condemned man a last request.

6
What would you ask for?

2
To know whose side we’re really on.

6
One side or another. Maybe all sides are the same.

2
If that’s true, then what hope has anyone got?

6
All we can do is hope for the best.

The automatic doors open and the BUTLER enters. He walks silently over to NO.6 and releases him from the chair by working a mechanism beneath it. The BUTLER bows and waits for the man to get up.

6
At NO.2 What’s going on?

2
I think he wants you to go with him.

No. 6 goes to NO.2s chair and looks for the mechanism to release him, but cannot seem to make it work. After trying it several times, he gives up.

6
I’ll be back for you.

2
I’ll be waiting. You know this is a trap don’t you?

6
A trap to catch a man already in a cage.

With this, NO.6 moves swiftly toward the door followed closely by the BUTLER.

CUT TO:

INT. PASSAGE 11.

No.6 passes through the doors and they shut behind him. He is now in a long passageway. The BUTLER walks past him and leads the way, 6 walks slowly behind. After a few moments they come upon a line of doors all along one side of the wall. Each door has a plaque upon it with the words FRIEND, FOE, MASTER, SERVANT, FOX, HOUND in white lettering. The BUTLER comes to a standstill outside of another marked with the word, RESIGNED and without hesitation, NO.6 opens the door and enters.

INT. ADMINISTRATOR’S ROOM

A middle-aged woman is seated behind a desk. There is a black name plaque upon it with the word ADMINISTRATOR in white lettering.

ADMINISTRATOR
Ah, No.6, good. Will you take a seat?

6
With a quirky smile. You were expecting me?

ADMINISTRATOR
Of course. Please, take a seat.

NO.6 wobbles on his feet momentarily and then slumps into the chair, the BUTLER coming to stand slightly behind him.

ADMINISTRATOR (Contd.)
Now, let us discuss your present circumstances. You have found yourself in a good deal of hot water, have you not?

6
He is flushed and looks unwell, his voice croaky. You could say that. Luke warm at least.

ADMINISTRATOR
And you’re not the type who likes to get his feet wet.

6
I like to know where I stand.

ADMINISTRATOR
Naturally. And what of your friend, the one who you have betrayed.

6
Showing signs of agitation. Betrayed, why do you say betrayed? I don’t like that word.

ADMINISTRATOR
You walked out on him and left him to die. You saved your own skin. You are a survivor after all. Don’t feel guilty.

6
Guilty of what? He was all right when I left him.

ADMINISTRATOR
But sadly, no longer. He outlived his usefulness. You realise that this happens to us all in the end. Perhaps even your days are numbered.

6
A sly grin creeps onto his face. They said I was too valuable.

ADMINISTRATOR
But time robs everything of its worth, except perhaps antiques. Are you an antique, No.6? Are you a dinosaur from a past that no longer has any meaning. What was it you did? You were a spy. You dealt in secrets. Everyone knows that there are no secrets left to keep.

6
I know a secret.

ADMINISTRATOR
Yes, and what might that be?

6
With a strange smile. Why I resigned.

ADMINISTRATOR
You think we don’t already know?

6
Under great stress. I’ve been asked often enough.

ADMINISTRATOR
You can tell me if you want to.

6
Should I?

ADMINISTRATOR
Only if you want to.

6
I’m not really sure.

ADMINISTRATOR
Take your time. We’re not going anywhere. We two have all the time in the world.

6
He begins to shake, his face sweaty with the effort of trying to control his mind. How many two’s are there?

ADMINISTRATOR
She gives a brief smile. As many as you need.

6
His face twitching, under enormous stress. Two and two…makes six!

ADMINISTRATOR
Harshly. You’re becoming incoherent, No. 6. Pull yourself together!

6
Slowly rubbing his temple, confused and angry. What? Where am I? Where is this place?

ADMINISTRATOR
You are in the Village, No.6. Your home from home. Now tell me, why did you resign your job? Once you have got it off your chest, you will feel so much better.

6
Struggling to control himself. I…will…not…be…

ADMINISTRATOR
Oh, but you will, you will. Just wait and see.

No.6 attempts to rise from his chair, but collapses and appears to be unconscious. The ADMINISTRATOR opens a drawer and takes out a hypodermic needle and slowly gets up and walks over to NO.6. But as she draws near to him, NO.6 grabs her wrist and takes the needle from her. The BUTLER remains impassive and still the entire time.

CUT TO:

INT. ADMINISTRATOR’S ROOM

The woman has her wrists and feet bound by heavy masking tape. Her mouth is also covered.

6
At the woman. I must be building up a tolerance to your damn drugs!

He leaves the room, hypodermic in hand, the BUTLER trailing him. As they walk NO.6 addresses him.

6 (Contd.)
Remember, my friend, if you suddenly decide to change sides again, this will work very well on you.

He indicates the hypodermic. The BUTLER only responds with a detached glance back at him.
They make their way along the corridor and enter the room where No.2 is being held. But when the doors slide open they are faced by a number of villagers flanked by several Rovers. NO.6 turns quickly and runs for it. He is pursued along the corridor, the BUTLER running with him until they come to a dead end which appears to be a plain brick wall. Anxiously, No.6 looks back and sees them bearing down on him. The BUTLER tugs at his trouser leg and he glances down to see the small man dangling a silver key. The BUTLER nods toward the wall and then reaches out and inserts the key into a hidden keyhole. With a push, he opens a miniature doorway and he and NO.6 squeeze through just before their pursuers can reach them.

EXT. GARDEN - DAY

No.6 and the BUTLER emerge into a high walled garden, surrounded by flowers and vegetation. There is a bright, clear sky above.

6
Where now?

He doesn’t expect an answer and moves cautiously through the garden, the BUTLER as ever tracking him. After a few moments he spies a bench ahead. The NEW NO.2 is seated there.

NEW NO.2
Hailing them. I wondered when you would get here. Beautiful isn’t it? Mother Nature in all its glory. I find it has a definite therapeutic effect.

6
Fingering the hypodermic, menacing. How do I get out of here?

NEW NO.2
Raising an eyebrow. Escape!? I thought you had learnt that you can never escape. Why keep hitting your head against a brick wall? You’re an intelligent man. Use some of that good sense, my dear fellow. You are here to stay.

6
So I’ve been told.

NEW NO.2
What’s that you’ve got in your hand there? A weapon!?

6
I thought I might give you a taste of your own medicine.

NEW NO.2
With a smile. But what will it achieve? I can tell you nothing you do not already know.

6
There’s always an eye for an eye.

NEW NO.2
Surely that’s not your style.

6
I wouldn’t bet on it.

NEW NO.2
I will wager though, that you are a hard man. Only a hard man would leave a friend to die. You saved yourself and left him to the hounds...

6
I don’t know what you’re talking about.

NEW NO.2
It’s no good playing dumb with me. I’m a games-man myself. I know the score.

6
If you’ve harmed him, on your head be it. That score will be settled.

NEW NO.2
And no sense of responsibility, no sense of guilt?

6
The guilty will be punished before too long.

NEW NO.2
That may take rather longer than you think. Justice is relative after all. It depends on which side you are on.

6
Which side are you on?

NEW NO. 2
With a brief smile. The winning side, of course.

6
The game’s not over yet!

NEW NO.2
Oh, but it is, my dear fellow. It is, but you just haven’t realised it yet.
We will break you. If not me, then someone else. You cannot fight everyone.

6
But not everyone is like you, are they? Not everyone.

NEW NO.2
You have a new found optimism, I can tell.

6
At least I know I’m not the only one who won’t just lay down and die.

NEW NO.2
By the by, you were rather rough with that young lady. Was that really gentlemanly?

6
I don’t remember seeing any lady.

NEW NO.2
Indicating the hypodermic. Here, let me have that. It won’t do you any good. He gets up and approaches NO.6

In one fluid movement he grabs the older man’s arm and injects him with the serum. Then he steps back to wait.

6
Let’s see how much you really know.

NEW NO.2
With a weary shake of his head. You’ve got a lot to learn, No.6, a great deal.

He fixes No.6 with a penetrating gaze.

NEW NO. 2 (Contd.)
Now why don’t we turn our cards face up and see who’s been bluffing.

Realisation dawns upon NO.6s face and he slowly puts his finger to the tip of the hypodermic needle and then touches it to his tongue.

6
In an emotionless voice. Water.

NEW NO.2
We read you like a book, No.6. You are so very predictable, you know.

6
Throws the needle down harshly. But what have you achieved by this little masquerade? Nothing. I’m still in one piece.

From off camera a voice says. Yes, No.6. Still in one piece. But less sure of yourself than before.

It is No.2 and he comes to stand beside the NEW No.2

6
With suppressed anger. Now who is being predictable?

2
But be honest, comrade, there was a moment there when you did believe in me, now wasn’t there?
6
Showing no emotion whatsoever. And if there was?

2
It’s just another small victory for us and one more failure for you. It’s all rather depressing really. For you.

6
Nods, his expression bitter. You played your role very well.

2
We knew that the only way to convince you, was for me to believe it myself, so I played every moment as if it were real. Every moment. The electro-shock treatment was very unpleasant.

6
Sarcastic. I’m sorry to hear that.

NEW NO.2
So come on, my dear chap, have you had enough yet? Let’s finish it now. We could all go home happy.

6
With utter disgust and contempt and a defiant glare. Home!? I was under the impression I was already there!

With that, the Butler walks over to a wall and pushes open a large brick door which reveals the Village in all its splendour, a human chess game in progress, the band still playing the jolly tune it had been before. Its inhabitants appear relaxed and contented. No.6 walks out through the doorway and makes his way through the Village and passes No.53 playing a game of chess at a table.

No.53
Looking up at him. Have you decided to tow the line, No.6?

No. 6 pauses and regards her for a moment and then with a hard smile.

6
No, but I’d draw it at ever giving in. No.53 shakes her head and gives him a disapproving look and No.6 responds with a salute. Be seeing you.

No.53
I dare say you will, No.6, I dare say you will.

No.6 stalks off as the Village march swells on the soundtrack.
The prison bars slam down over the Prisoner’s portrait and the end credits roll.

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