Artemis and the Armada

Episode 2 An Exchange between Linus and Richard


INT. LINUS’ OFFICE - NIGHT
Chairman Richard steps into the office. Linus' heart is plunged deep into the music.
Richard paces around. He admires the bear rug in the center of the floor and the medals on the walls. The papers on the desk are neatly stacked. The large window behind the desk illuminates the office with the moon’s light. The flowers in the garden beneath the window dance in the night outside. The bookshelf is full of books on music, art, psychology, war strategies, and manipulation.

Richard picks up the book, MIND CONTROL. The music stops.

LINUS HAYTER (O.S.)
Is there something I can help you with Chairman Richard?

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
I just stopped by to check on you.

Richard returns the book. He drops on the black leather couch against the wall across from Linus. He crosses his legs.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
You seemed very... agitated earlier.

LINUS HAYTER
A unit of our people was killed today. If you cared for someone, you would be agitated to.

Linus stares at the picture of his family on the piano. His face is drained from the tears.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
Sounds like you think I don't care about our people.

Linus wipes his face on his sleeve before heading to his desk.

LINUS HAYTER
You did nothing to avenge them.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
They wouldn't need to be avenged if they were not outside our borders to begin with.

Linus leans back in his chair, clearly offended by Richards comment. The fuse now lit yet again.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
You have been on a role as of late. Disobeying orders, performing unauthorized scouting missions, and now sending an assault force on the Armada Clan's camp.

Richard grins at the shock on Linus' face.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
Did you forget who raised you?

LINUS HAYTER
How?

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
Not everyone you recruit agrees with your methods. Now, I have been over looking the scouting ops, but I draw the line at sending our people to get massacred.

LINUS HAYTER
A sacrifice those men were willing to make for the greater good of Arcadia.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
Greater good?

Richard mocks Linus in disgust.

LINUS HAYTER
Gathering Intel on our enemies battle strategy, their numbers, the base camp. The next attack will be sure to

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
There will be no next attack.

Richard stands before Linus at his desk.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
I have over looked your obsession for far to long. I gave you the position of Viceroy for Hector's sake. I promised your mother that I would keep you close, but that does not mean you are free to do as you please.

Linus stands, resting his hands on the desk as he leans in. His arrogance bleeds through his voice, only to fall on deaf ears.

LINUS HAYTER
I am in this position, because I earned it.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
The decision was mine to make.

LINUS HAYTER
The people voted me in. The council endowed me with the title of Viceroy. The casualty count has dropped tremendously due to my efforts. My so called 'obsession' has made our people feel safer. It has kept the other clans in check.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
You were eligible for nomination only through my recommendation. It is through me that you were able to continue living in your mother's home. It is because of me that people listen to you. Do you really believe that so many of my people follow you? I am the Chairman here. I am the leader of these people. I am the one who taught you how to stand on your own two feet after your parents death. You were a disgraceful mess... and without me you will crumble beneath your own fears and hatred. You are nothing but a pathetic little boy who was handed the bronze medal for all your pain and suffering. Not so long as I breath this air, will you ever be first.

Linus stands straight, staring down Richard. If only his eyes shot bullets... Richard remains unfazed by Linus' huffing. Turning his back on Linus, Richard slowly makes his way toward the piano, his eyes focused only on the family photo. Richard carries nothing, but confidence in his voice.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
Killing these people will not bring your family back. You will only drive yourself into chaos and eventually...

Richard picks up the picture and runs his thumb across the beautiful honey blond in the dark blue scrubs.

CHAIRMAN RICHARD
...get yourself killed.