Place-- Guard Room of a Roman Fortress at Dubris (Dover) Britain which is in the process of being built.
Actors--
>>>Hastus -- A tall, lean legionary with the rank of Principalus (acting) who has been transferred from a disbanded legion He is in full Legionary uniform as required.
>>>Publius -- Legionary Principalus and Hastus’ escort.
>>>Scipio Tiberius -- Senior (Cohort) Centurion,
Stage Setting-- The room is rather small as guardrooms go and sparsely furnished. The bare walls are hung with a few items of armor and weapons, and a pitcher rests in a shallow dish on a small table in the corner. The officer is seated on a rough wooden bench, on a small cushion, at a plain four-legged table and the floor is relieved only by a simple rush mat. The table is piled high with scrolls, wax tablets and wooden books. A small basket under the table holds a small stack of wax tablets and tablet leaves. Hastus and Publius are fully dressed as Legionarys. The Centurion is a small man and he is dressed as a senior centurion, as if for parade, with a rust red cape and molded leather chest plate. His white tunic is freshly laundered and bears around the lower edge the watered green stripe denoting the fleet support legions. Hastus and Publius are at the door to the guard room
Publius, Hastus’ escort, has just stopped at the entrance to the guard room and turned to him.
Publius -- “Wait here.” (punctuates the comment with a scowl), Publius enters the office, snaps to attention, and gives a crashing salute to the seated Centurion.
“A new man reporting Centurion, he awaits your pleasure sir.” This report is delivered in a loud voice, with Publius still standing stiffly at attention.
Scipio Tiberius -- “Send Him In.” This comment is made without looking up from the scroll that he is reading.
Publius -- Turning in a military about face, looked at Hastus and summoned him with a cupped hand. “Advance to the table and report yourself!” This comment was just as loud and military as was the Legionary’s report to the Centurion.
Hastus -- Hastus steps into the room and advances to the table. His helmet clamped tight under his elbow, and standing at rigid attention, “Hastus Pilius Scipius, acting Principalus reports his arrival. I salute you and Caesar!!” This last was accomplished with a clash of armor and the thud of his nailed boots.
Scipio Tiberius -- Looks up at the reporting legionary without comment, and slowly stands, rounding the edge of the table, and holding out his hand,
“Yours orders please.” Hastus extends his orders cylinder, and the officer takes the cylinder, breaks the seal and withdraws the papyrus inside. As he reads his expression changes to one of displeasure. He returns to his bench and sitting, he looks up at Hastus thoughtfully,” Report your last station, your rank and specialty , if any.”
Hastus -- Still standing stiffly at attention looking at the wall behind the Centurion,” My last station was Legio Fourteen, Eighth Cohort, acting principalus, with a specialty in weapons and armor.”
Scipio Tiberius -- Looking over the papyrus order sheet in his hand, he again looks up at Hastus,”Hmmmmm, a legion dogface raised to acting rank just prior to the disbandment of your legion and the partial transfer of your cohort. You do not inspire my confidence principalus.” This last was said with contempt.
Hastus -- Replies hotly, “ I supported my cohort for six years Primus, first as a legionary, then as a weapons-man, and finally the honor of being made a leader. No one has found fault with my efforts to date nor will you!!!” When Hastus completes his last report, he again salutes as before and says,” My report is complete Primus.”
Scipio Tiberius -- The centurion sat quietly and listened carefully to what Hastus had to say. A smile played around the centurion’s lips, “Well,” he said with a hard edge to his words,” You are a proud one are you not? He continued before Hastus could reply,” However pride and effectiveness are two different things.” The centurion stands scowling, and leaning on the table facing Hastus making his points with his index finger pointing at the legionary.” I have no use for talkers here, only doers. I will speak for us all. There is a fortress to be built, a fleet to man against the day of the attack by these cursed northmen, and that day WILL come!!!” The centurion emphasizes this last by striking the table top hard enough to make the scrolls jump. “ I have no time or sympathy for you or your precious posting. You come to us from a disbanded legion and a scattered cohort. Disbanded for what reason we do not know; intrigue, lack of need, poor performance, or WORSE ----- Cowardice!!!!! I know you not!! Prove yourself!! The centurion turns away from Hastus momentarily, and then turns suddenly and again pointing a finger at Hastus ,” and keep a tight hold on your unbridled tongue while you still have it!!” The centurion turns to Publius just behind and to the left of Hastus, “ Put him on the North Wall.” The centurion smiles wickedly and says, “give him the ten men of Triarch and see if he lasts longer than his predesessor.”
Publius -- “it is done, centurion,” with another clashing salute, He glances at Hastus but says nothing, He turns smartly and walks through the door.
Hastus -- is blind with fury and his hands clench into fists as he stands there for a long moment, his unencumbered hand clapped tightly to his side. He is shaking slightly.
Scipio Tiberius -- The little centurion approaches Hastus, leans close to him, and said pointing at the door, “Get Out!!!”
Hastus -- Turns and marches stiffly from the room.
Respectfully Submitted;
Marcus Audens
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