Satan's Paradiso

4: Interview

(Int. Waiting area of Satan's manor, night. Anne walks up the stairs and knocks on the door of his office.)

Satan: Come in.

(Shot from Int. Satan's office, where he sits at his desk, Anne enters and steps beside her chair in a formal manner.)

Satan: Good morning, Mistress Bennett, I understand you would rather be addressed by your first name, Anne from now on, correct?

Anne: Yes, your lordship.

Satan: Very well, please have a seat.

(Anne sits.)

Satan: So, how have you been faring here? Do you get along with your roommate?

Anne: Yes, your lordship.

Satan: I'm pleased to hear that. Is there anything else? I'm sure you have at least one question about Hell.

Anne: Yes, your lordship, if you don't mind my asking, why is Baal here?

Satan: (Smiling slightly.) That is a common and reasonable question, I've grown to understand that he does not exactly fit how many feel a demon should act. (A beat.) Are you aware that me and him were once angels?

Anne: Yes sir.

(While continuing to speak, Satan stands up and turns to the window behind his desk, where he simply stares at the scenery below, deep in thought.)

Satan: It came to my attention mere moments after I was created that I had been modeled to be not only one of God's most trusted advisors, but also his favorite. As the years passed, however, and the Earth and its inhabitants were created, I began to lose care for the affection he would give me, as I uncovered flaws in his philosophy. The longer I worked for him, the more he seemed a tyrannical hypocrite in my eyes. So I began thinking and discussing philosophy during my own time, and that was how I met Baal. Although he was certainly a kindly creature, he was not well liked by God, and even less so amongst the other angels. I think that was why he enjoyed those discussions so much, because considering the possibility that there were things his master and brethren weren't considering was comforting to him. (He sighs.) Well, one day Baal got angry at God and a few archangels, and told them about my teachings. As punishment, Hell was created, and we were cast down as it's only permanent occupants. Does that answer your question?

Anne: Yes your lordship, thank you.

Satan: In that case, I feel it is time to move on to more pressing matters. That infant you killed was your baby brother, correct?

Anne: (Caught off guard.) Uh- Yes, your lordship.

Satan: His name was Oliver, was it not?

Anne: Yes, your lordship.

Satan: I see. I assume there was a motive behind it.

Anne: You mustn't blame me, blame my mother, she was the one with the nerve to remarry to such an awful man.

Satan: Neither your mother nor your stepfather were ever sent down here, and I have no way of knowing if they ever will. Therefore I don't have access to the records on what sins she may have committed. However, just because I've never spoken to either of them, doesn't mean they didn't do any horrible things. They may just still be ghosts, or have already gone to Heaven, I'm afraid God doesn't often consider psychological harm as worthy of my attention. Was it a crime of passion?

Anne: I suppose, your lordship.

Satan: Very well, I think I understand. Acts done in the heat of the moment are often very difficult to explain, and even more so to console. Perhaps I should give you some time to consider it on your own. Does three days sound adequate?

Anne: (Disappointed.) Yes, your lordship. (She stands up.)

Satan: Good day, Anne.

Anne: Good day your lordship.

(Exit Anne.)