ALL WE HAVE IS NOW by Martin Malone

The stage is in semi-darkness. The dusty, long-neglected room is strewn with a jumble of
belongings, furniture, sideboard, several sculpted works of art, a tipped over chair or
two. Front of stage is a window (imagined) leading on to a balcony.
The distant sounds of spontaneous bursts of gunfire, explosions, shouts.
Offstage, a door is kicked open. Shafts of light spill into the main area.
After a moment, two men enter cautiously. They wear gas masks and makeshift combat
clothing.
MILTON (30s) wields an assault rifle. He trains it ahead of him, checking the room
carefully for occupants. He is intelligent, cynical, wired. He lowers his gun and begins a
swift and efficient search through the sideboard drawers.
DANIEL (20s) has a bloodied bandage wrapped around his head and carries a covered
bird cage. He has an air of innocence about him (child-like) as he moves around the room,
enthusiastically routing through stuff. He approaches the window.
MILTON
(whispering harshly)
Away from the window.
Daniel moves away from the window. Milton takes the bird cage. Lifts the cover and
checks. The bird cheeps.
Seems fine.

MILTON (CONTD)

Milton replaces the cover and puts the cage on the sideboard.
They both remove their gas masks , breathe the air, tentatively at first. Then in
refreshing gulps. They continue to search.
Daniel picks up a shopping basket. Starts to remove items.
MILTON (CONTD)
What you got?
MILTON approaches.
DANIEL
Stuff. I dunno.
Daniel retrieves a small shiny object.

2.

Whats that?

MILTON

Daniel passes it to him.

MILTON (CONTD)
(reading)
IPhone.
Daniel takes it back. Holds it up against his eye.
MILTON (CONTD)
Not eye. I. Me. Mine.
Daniel passes it back.
MILTON (CONTD)
Anything worth anything?
Daniel retrieves a set of false teeth. Then a pair of glasses. He puts them on. Looks at
MILTON.
MILTON (CONTD)
Stop making a spectacle of yourself.
Daniel laughs. More than he ought.
DANIEL
Because these are spectacles right?
MILTON goes to the window. Peeks out. Daniel joins him.
DANIEL (CONTD)
Whats going on?
Its quiet.

MILTON

DANIEL
Thats good. Isnt it?
MILTON
Dont know. Probably gone to ground.
DANIEL
Maybe its teatime.

3.
MILTON
Yeah. Thatll be it. Theyre all probably
breaking out the Bourbons.
DANIEL
How long were you hid?
MILTON
Getting on for a few months. Now I dont
know whats up. Whats down.
DANIEL
What if whatever it is is all over? And we
dont realise.
MILTON
What, and the explosions and gunfire are in
celebration?
Could be.

DANIEL

MILTON
To be safe. Lets assume otherwise.
Okay.

DANIEL

MILTON
Lets assume the rebels, the resistance, the
separatists, not to mention the insurgents,
counter revolutionaries and all the other
factions and fringe elements are still running
riot. Battling it out with each other while the
powers-that-be sit back and watch.
Sniggering.
DANIEL
Who are the powers that be?
MILTON
Who knows? The Man. Corporate bigwigs.
Fat Cats.
DANIEL
(laughing)
Fat cats. Where are the fat cats?

4.
MILTON
Im being euphemistic.
Eh?

DANIEL

MILTON
Dont worry about it.
He sits, starts cleaning his gun.
MILTON (CONTD)
Hows your head?
Sore.
Itll pass.
Will it?

DANIEL
MILTON
DANIEL

MILTON
Muster? I certainly hope so.
DANIEL
Why cant I remember stuff?
MILTON
What is it you do remember?
DANIEL
Flashes. Moments. But nothing connects. Will
it go away?
MILTON
Dont know. Im not a neurologist. Think.
What was the last significant event you can
recall?
Daniel thinks a moment.
Breakfast.

DANIEL

MILTON
What about before the war?

5.
DANIEL
Before what war?
MILTON
All this. Doesnt Year Zero ring a bell?
Year Zero?

DANIEL

MILTON
2020. The Year dot. Com. What caused it.
Daniel looks blank. Milton gestures to the window.
MILTON (CONTD)
The Facebook Rebellion. Generation X went
offline. Left their houses. Got militarised.
Busted down the firewall. The start of proper
mayhem. WWWW.
WW-?

DANIEL

MILTON
-WW. The World Wide Web War. You really
dont remember any of this?
Daniel shakes his head.
MILTON (CONTD)
Whereve you been?
DANIEL
Thats what Id like to know. Tell me more
about the war.
MILTON
Its funny. If it was a film I mean. MySpace out
to wipe Google off the face of the earth. The
YouTubers battling it out with Second Life.
Avatars as flesh and blood. Some. Serious.
Crazy. Shit.
Why?

DANIEL

MILTON
Exactly. Exactly. And whatever it was that got
them started. The Fat Cats. The Web Masters.
(MORE)

6.
MILTON (CONT'D)
Well... maybe theyve gone. And these lot
have forgotten what they were complaining
about in the first place. Now theyll shoot you
if youve got the wrong logo on your T-shirt.
Really?

DANIEL

Daniel checks his clothing.

MILTON
Maybe. Ten million adequately working
brains and the only productive thing they can
do is wipe each other out. No one has any
time for anyone old enough to know better. If
just one person came through. A kindred
spirit. That they respected. Would listen to.
DANIEL
Youre funny, Milton.
Thanks.

MILTON

DANIEL
Stuff you say. Must be tiring having all that in
your head.
MILTON
Yeah reckon Im due an upgrade.
DANIEL
(laughing)
What like youre a computer. Oh thats funny.
Milton rummages in his pockets. Finds a packet of sweets. Offers one to Daniel. They sit
and chew awhile.
DANIEL (CONTD)
Whatd she say again?
Who?
That woman.

MILTON
DANIEL

7.
MILTON
Doesnt matter. She was giving you a bum
steer.
DANIEL
Giving my bum a what?
MILTON
She said you were immune.
A moon?

DANIEL

MILTON
Immune. Resistant.
DANIEL
Howd she know?
MILTON
She ran tests. On your blood. Its unusuals
what she said.
Oh.

DANIEL

MILTON
That was meant to be flattering. You wont
die.
Ever?

DANIEL

MILTON
Of the infection.
Oh.

DANIEL

MILTON
She said. But you have to take it with a pinch
of salts my advice.
DANIEL
Yecchhh... salt.
MILTON
Yeah just a pinch, mind.

8.
Pause. Milton studies Daniel.
What?
Im thinking.

DANIEL
MILTON

DANIEL
Thinking what?
Pause.
DANIEL (CONTD)
Whatre you thinking, Milton?
MILTON
I might be better on my owns what Im
thinking.
Really?

DANIEL

MILTON
Im thinking it. Doesnt necessarily mean Im
going to.
Good.

DANIEL

MILTON
Yet. You are unusual. Maybe youre my good
luck charm.
DANIEL
Id like to be that. Is that like a butler?
MILTON
(laughing)
Whered you hear about butlers?
In a book.

DANIEL

MILTON
You read a book?

9.
DANIEL
It was mostly pictures. Someone read the
words to me. It was a while ago. I think.
MILTON
Well I think Ill call you Jarvis. For when you
buttle.
They laugh together.
MILTON (CONTD)
I can say Jarvis give these brogues a polish
would you.
Daniel stands and salutes
Yes sir.

DANIEL

MILTON
They dont salute. They bow.
He does.
MILTON (CONTD)
I could get used to this.
DANIEL
Milton, tell me the future story again.
Again?
Yes.

MILTON
DANIEL

MILTON
Its not a story, anyway.
What is it?

DANIEL

MILTON
Just some lyrics. To a song.
DANIEL
But they tell a story.

10.

To a degree.
Tell it.

MILTON
DANIEL

MILTON
You ought to know it off by heart by now.
Please.

DANIEL

MILTON
As logic stands you couldn't meet a man
who's from the future.
But logic broke as he appeared he spoke
about the future.
We're not gonna make it.
He explained how
the end will come.
You and me were never meant
to be part of the future All we have is now All we've ever had was now.
Pause.
DANIEL
I dont quite understand it. But I like it.
Me too.

MILTON

A distant explosion. They look towards the window.

Can I see?

DANIEL

MILTON
Youre a glutton for punishment.
Please.

DANIEL

MILTON
Okay. But put your stuff on. In case. And keep
your head down.

11.

kay.

DANIEL

MILTON
I mean it. Be careful.
Daniel puts his gas mask on. He moves toward the window. Turns back.
Hey Milton.
What?

DANIEL
MILTON

DANIEL
Thanks. For caring, I mean.
He climbs out onto the balcony.
MILTON
(to himself)
Whys what Im asking.
He stretches, yawns. Looks around the room. Considers a couple of chairs. Then
arranges his rucksack as a pillow and a discarded curtain for a blanket. Settles down for
sleep.
A young man (CHRISTIAN) enters softly. He wears military clothing and his face is
masked by a gauze of fabric. He creeps up to the reclining figure.
Milton jumps up swiftly and wrestles with Christian.
They fight - fast, silent and vicious.
Milton manages to struggle free and grab his rifle. He aims it at Christian.
A young woman (GABRIEL) enters and presses a revolver to Miltons head. She is
dressed the same as Christian and also has her face covered.
Daniel enters from the balcony, pointing his revolver, indecisively.
GABRIEL
ON THE GROUND. GUN ON THE GROUND.
PUT THE FUCKING GUN ON THE GROUND.
NOW.
Daniel, do it.

MILTON

12.
Daniel drops the gun. Christian collects it and Gabriel takes Miltons rifle.
Gabriel releases the trigger of her revolver with her thumb. Places it back in her holster.
GABRIEL
Just procedure.
DANIEL
Who are you?
GABRIEL
A third party plug in. Sorry I stuck my gun in
your face.
MILTON
Thats okay. Sorry I had to kick the shit out of
your boyfriend.
GABRIEL
Hes not my boyfriend.
CHRISTIAN
And theres still plenty of shit in me, friend.
MILTON
I dont doubt it.
GABRIEL
Are you fringe? You dont look mainstream.
MILTON
Actually I have no affiliation whatsoever.
Thats pretty much the reason Ive lived this
long.
GABRIEL
And your friend?
MILTON
Hes just a stray I picked up. And, trust me,
hes even less partisan than me.
DANIEL
I hate Parmesan.
CHRISTIAN
Whys he hiding his face?

13.
MILTON
I prefer him that way. Why are you?
Anonymity.

GABRIEL

They both remove their face coverings to reveal they both are wearing prosthetic masks
in Daniels likeness.
MILTON
What the fuck?
DANIEL
Youre wearing my face. Why are you
wearing my face?
Daniel removes his gas mask.
CHRISTIAN
You too. Hail brother.
Hail.

GABRIEL

MILTON
Daniel, who are they?
DANIEL
Why have you got my face? I dont like it.
Milton tell them.
CHRISTIAN
Its not yours. Its mine. Theyre ours. Are you
an idiot?
No.

DANIEL

GABRIEL
Whered you get yours?
What?

DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
Maybe he stole it.
GABRIEL
Did you steal it?

14.
DANIEL
What, my face? No. Ive always had it. Its
always been there. Long as I can recall. Which,
to be honest, is not very long. But thats not
my faces fault. Anyway its mine. Its mine. I
didnt steal it. It belongs to me. Doesnt it?
MILTON
Calm down. Try not to strain yourself. Do
you remember meeting these two, ever?
DANIEL
No. Why have they got my face?
CHRISTIAN
This is tiring. Take it off. We want to know
who you really are.
Gabriel approaches Daniel. She attempts to remove his mask.
Oh God.

GABRIEL

She removes her mask and collapses onto her knees in front of Daniel.
Oh my God.

GABRIEL (CONTD)

Christian removes his mask.

What?

CHRISTIAN

GABRIEL
Its him. Its- Its actually him.
Christian approaches Daniel. Touches his face.
Oh my God.

CHRISTIAN

Christian collapses to his knees beside Gabriel.

MILTON
Are you performance artists? Because this
really isnt the time.
Youre him.

CHRISTIAN

15.

Who?
You.
Top marks.
I know that.

DANIEL
CHRISTIAN
MILTON
DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
But dont you see? Its him. The saviour.
GABRIEL
Its you. Our saviour. Hail.
Hail.

CHRISTIAN

MILTON
Is it April the first?
Daniel looks at his watch.
DANIEL
September isnt it?
CHRISTIAN
Weve found you. Youre found. You are real.
I had doubts.
MILTON
Look youre both starting to get on my tits.
DANIEL
What, because theyre not bowing to you?
MILTON
No you moron, becauseChristian and Gabriel leap to their feet. Point their weapons at Milton.
CHRISTIAN
You insulted him. You took his name in vain.
Jesus.

MILTON

16.
GABRIEL
Dont take his name in vain. Take it back.
CHRISTIAN
If you know whats good for you.
Pause.
MILTON
I retract calling my esteemed colleague a
moron. As well as any further improprieties
committed upon his most sacred of heads.
Thats better.

GABRIEL

MILTON
But you two are crazier than a shit-house rat.
After a moment, they holster their weapons.
CHRISTIAN
Be careful with that mouth of yours, man.
They move away from Milton. Gabriel speaks softly into a walkie talkie.
MILTON
Look, can you just please explain yourselves?
CHRISTIAN
Were doing nothing for you.
Milton looks to Daniel for back up.
A pause as they await a response.
DANIEL
Can you just please explain yourselves?
CHRISTIAN
My names Christian. This is Gabriel.
Right.

MILTON

Pause.
And?

MILTON (CONTD)

17.

And?

DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
Well what else can we tell you?
MILTON
Like pulling teeth. Imagine if you will... that
we are both dumb as oxs.
Oxen.
What?

CHRISTIAN
MILTON

CHRISTIAN
Dumb as oxen. Thats the plural. I learnt it.
MILTON
Fine. Imagine that. Start from scratch and tell
us, if you will, what the fuck is going on?
DANIEL
What the fuck is going on?
Gabriel turns back to them.
GABRIEL
He is the saviour. You are the saviour. You
know that. Hail.
MILTON
Why? Why him?
DANIEL
Yes. Why me?
It is written.

GABRIEL

MILTON
What on a toilet wall in graffiti?
Daniel laughs. Christian and Gabriel join in.
MILTON (CONTD)
Where is it written? Pray do tell.

18.
CHRISTIAN
We dont exactly know. It just is.
MILTON
Where did you discover this fact?
Yes.

DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
Where we came from.
MILTON
And where did you come from?
GABRIEL
We came from that way.
She points off.
Milton rubs his face with exasperation.
MILTON
Where was your starting point.
Home.
Which is....?
Which is...?

GABRIEL
MILTON
DANIEL

GABRIEL
The Foundation.
Ah.
What?

MILTON
DANIEL

MILTON
The Foundation.
What is it?

DANIEL

19.
MILTON
Its... well..its a place... where they... make
kids.
Like school?

DANIEL

MILTON
No not like school. Like a lab. A meat factory.
You get me?
No.

DANIEL

MILTON
So why you? Why him?
Its-

GABRIEL

MILTON
Yeah yeah... the words of the prophet are
written on the subway walls and tenement
halls.
Prophet. Yes.

GABRIEL

MILTON
Oh please. Him?
Pause.
MILTON (CONTD)
You must be from there too.
Where?

DANIEL

MILTON
Delusionville. How old are you?
Daniel shrugs sheepishly.
MILTON (CONTD)
Yes. Thats why youre immune. Youre out of
a fucking petri dish. And theyve brainwashed
the others to think you are special. Or your
face at least. Brilliant.

20.

Really?

DANIEL

MILTON
He might not be him you know. He might be
a replica.
GABRIEL
It doesnt matter.
MILTON
No I dont suppose it does.
Outside a commotion. A crowd gathers. Daniel peeks out the window.
DANIEL
People. Lots of people.
MILTON
Your congregation.
DANIEL
They all have my face.
GABRIEL
Our brethren.
MILTON
Inmates you mean.
Christian heads out onto the balcony.
CHRISTIAN
Brothers. Sisters. Hear us. A great day has
arrived. We have found him. The Saviour. He
has come to us today.
A cheer from the crowd. Christian turns to Daniel.
CHRISTIAN (CONTD)
You must come to the window.
DANIEL
Maybe Im a kindred spirit, Milton.
MILTON
I really hope not.

21.
CHRISTIAN
Just let the family see you.
MILTON
Meet their one-eyed king.
Daniel steps out on to the balcony.
Erm... hello.

DANIEL

The crowd cheers.

Just a sec.

DANIEL (CONTD)

He steps back into the room. Milton laughs.

CHRISTIAN
One moment, brethren.
Christian heads into the room.
CHRISTIAN (CONTD)
What are you doing?
DANIEL
Look I cant do this. Im shy.
GABRIEL
This is much bigger than you or I. Its about
saving lives.
MILTON
Daniel, did you know all the great leaders in
history were martyred for the cause?
Eh?

DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
Why dont you be quiet?
MILTON
Yep. Topped. Plugged. Poisoned. Demised.
GABRIEL
Lies. Jealousy.

22.

Annoying.

CHRISTIAN

MILTON
Assassinated. All of them.
Really?

DANIEL

MILTON
A prerequisite, my dear boy. But hey, go for
it. After all, this is much bigger than you or I.
Its about saving lives.
Christian steps back onto the balcony, beckons Daniel.
CHRISTIAN
Come to the window. Speak to the brethren.
Daniel looks to Christian. Back at Milton.
DANIEL
Im not sure I really fancy being... what you
said.
Martyred.
Martyred.

MILTON
DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
You wont be. Theyll love you. Trust us.
MILTON
And there they are. Two little beauties. Trust
us. And thus was Caesar led to his doom.
CHRISTIAN
What is your problem? Youre getting in the
way. Muddling things.
MILTON
On the contrary. Im as clear as glass, friend.
CHRISTIAN
Youll be right through it if you dont shut up.

23.
MILTON
Thats not very Christian, Christian.
GABRIEL
Actually it is. Its his trademark.
MILTON
Im sure. Bred by the best werent you?
Thankyou.

CHRISTIAN

MILTON
That wasnt intended to be a compliment.
(To Gabriel)
Havent we met before?
GABRIEL
I dont know. My pasts been wiped. For my
own good.
CHRISTIAN
Something you definitely should have had
done, in my opinion.
GABRIEL
Why, do you think we might have known
each other? Been close? Lovers or something?
MILTON
Who knows? I wouldnt put it past me.
Gabriel smiles slightly.
Milton.

DANIEL

GABRIEL
Well if it ever did. It hasnt happened now.
Milton and Gabriel share a moment.
Milton.

DANIEL

MILTON
What is it Daniel?

24.
DANIEL
What do I do?
CHRISTIAN
Daniel, please.
Milton starts to pack his belongings.
MILTON
Its your decision, Daniel.
CHRISTIAN
Theyre waiting.
MILTON
But, if you do go out there. Ill be gone. For
good. Just so you know.
DANIEL
But this is much bigger than- thanMILTON
Youre not qualified, Daniel. Itll destroy you.
I cant be party to any of it.
CHRISTIAN
Daniel, he is wronger than he knows.
MILTON
You're even wrongerer, friend.
DANIEL
But you cant leave. I- I have to...
MILTON
Goodbye, Daniel.
He picks up his pack and moves towards the door.
Stop him.

DANIEL

Gabriel steps forward, places her gun against the back of Miltons head and fires.
Milton falls dead.
No!

DANIEL (CONTD)

25.
Daniel runs to Milton and cradles his body, crying.
Milton.

DANIEL (CONTD)

GABRIEL
I did your bidding.
DANIEL
Hes gone. Hes gone.
GABRIEL
(to Christian)
I did his bidding.
Yes.

CHRISTIAN

DANIEL
I didnt want that you fucking bitch!
Daniel jumps up and grabs Gabriel. She does not resist. Daniel throws her to the floor
and beats her with his fists.
Christian watches impassively as Daniel grabs a ceramic sculpture and batters Gabriel
to death.
After a while Daniel stands, breathing heavily and sobbing.
CHRISTIAN
He was in the way, Daniel. Dont you see?
No.

DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
This is your destiny. It is written.
Where?

DANIEL

CHRISTIAN
Somewhere. It has to be. Come on. Speak to
them. Change everything.
DANIEL
It should have been him. He was special. Im
not special. Im... nobody.

26.
CHRISTIAN
Yes. I know you are. But they dont. They need
you to be somebody. For them. And you need
to go out there and you need to say
something. Anything. For the good of all. Its
the only thing that will make any sense of
this. Its the only thing that will make any
sense of Miltons death.
Daniel looks at him.
DANIEL
Do you think so?
CHRISTIAN
Yes, Daniel. Its the future thats at stake here.
Daniel looks around at Miltons body. Then walks out onto the balcony, followed by
Christian.
The crowd cheer once more.
Daniel and Christian wait for the cheering to subside.
Daniel speaks to them in a surprisingly sonorous voice.
DANIEL
As logic stands you couldn't meet a man
who's from the future. But logic broke. As he
appeared he spoke about the future.
He looks down - emotionally overcome. The crowd applauds.
Daniel recovers. Looks back at the crowd. It quietens.
DANIEL (CONTD)
We're not gonna make it.
The end will come and
you and me were never meant
to be part of the future.
All we have is now.
All we've ever had was now.
The crowd remains silent. A wind whistles. The light grows brighter. Eventually
bathing Daniel in an ethereal glow.
The song All We Have Is Now by The Flaming Lips plays.
The lights and song fade to black.