The Masses

Act VIII

F4.1: What is this?

M1.9: This is life. You have a short time here, and then you die. We do not know why this is happening, but it is. There were rumors of gods walking the world long ago, but if that's true they have also died, so it doesn't matter, they can't help us, and they didn't know why this was happening either. We can only make the best of our time while we have it. Now that you know, it is your duty to pass this information to the next who is born. Would you like me to repeat it?

F4.1: (considers for a moment). No. I think I've got it.

M1.9: (Turns to F5.2) How'd I do?

F5.2: Perfect. But you forgot to mention-

M1.9: Oh! The most important part. If you discover anything new feel free to add to or modify the message. That is also part of the words you must pass down.

F4.1: That sounds reasonable. (after a pause) So, how do we make the best of our time?

F5.2: As far as I can tell, we try to discover new things to mention when greeting a newborn. But there isn't much to discover, really, so mostly we just eat apples and fuck a lot.

F4.1: What is that sound?

Captain descends the ladder

M1.9: I have no idea

F5.2: Well, don't look at me. I don't know either.

The captain, naked and erect, fumbles around the ground for a puppet. He randomly picks up a male puppet, inspects it briefly, after a glance at the women and their puppets, he slips it on his hand and speaks.

Captain: Hello. (His voice is doubled, coming both from the puppet and directly from his mouth).

F5.2: [bewildered] (with caution) Hello.

Captain: How are you feeling today?

F5.2: (after a moment) Fine.

Captain: Fine? How does one feel fine?

No one answers

Captain: Well, no matter. I've come with guidelines for how I would like you to develop.

F5.2: Sorry, but how did you get up there? Are you a god?

Captain: What's a god?

F5.2: I'm not entirely sure, but as far as I can tell, it is someone who knows what happens when we die.

Captain: (Reacts with a gasp. Already daring to hope that his whole purpose of entering the garden may take on a very productive turn.) You have seen death?

F5.2: Yes. Twice, in fact. It happens to us all. If you stick around for a while, you will see it for yourself. I am the oldest, so I will likely be next.

The captain stares at the woman's face for a moment in anticipation, then disappointment trickles in as he realizes what they probably mean. He glances down at the puppets, then takes off his puppet. It instantly loses its golden glow. Then he puts it back on, and the glow resumes.

Captain: Is that what you mean by death?

F5.2: Astonished. Yes. How... did you...

The captain sadly chuckles.

Captain: Well, I guess it's a god thing. Anyway, it's not important. I'm here to give you guidelines for how the gods would like you to develop.

F5.2: (after a moment, noticing that no one is speaking, not even the god, as though he is waiting for a response) Alright. But how about you answer some questions first?