Scenario:By Any Other Name - Chapter 2: Shattered Peace - Episode 2
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By Any Other Name - Chapter 2: Shattered Peace - Episode 2
Lord Montague gives a stirring speech in which he declares that the Capulets are not the enemy and promises to protect the land of Montague. But amid the cheers of approval, agents of dissent lie in wait.
Balthasar: It's time, my lord. Everything's ready.
Lord Montague: Yes, thank you. I'll leave immediately.
With a brooding expression, Balthasar follows a few paces behind Lord Montague down the corridor.
Balthasar: Um, my lord?
Lord Montague: Yes?
Balthasar: I believe the isolation policy I advocated was ill-conceived.
Lord Montague: Why are you saying this now, Balthasar?
Balthasar: I can't help but think that we could have achieved peace sooner were it not for that.
Balthasar: I sincerely apologize.
Lord Montague: You have nothing to apologize for. The decision to close the borders was mine.
Lord Montague: The truth is it was the best way to combat the unrest we were seeing at the time.
Balthasar: Yes, I suppose it was. I have been noticing a slow but steady improvement in the situation.
Lord Montague: Well, we haven't reached peace yet.
Balthasar: True, my lord.
The pair arrive at the doors leading out to the large balcony at the front of the castle.
Balthasar: I will be waiting for you here, my lord.
Lord Montague: Thank you. Here I go.
The castle grounds are filled with members of the public who've come to hear Lord Montague's speech.
He stands before them on the balcony and begins his address.
Lord Montague: People of Montague, I thank you for coming here today.
Lord Montague: I hereby announce the signing of a peace treaty with our neighbors, the Capulets.
Citizen 1: Huh? With the Capulets?
Citizen 2: Did he just say peace treaty? Is this some kind of joke?
Lord Montague: Believe me, I understand your concerns very well. But please, hear me out.
Lord Montague: We have opposed each other for so long. As a result our economy has suffered. Our lives have suffered.
Lord Montague: History keeps repeating itself as we push the Capulets further away. They're our neighbors, and that's a fact that will never change.
Lord Montague: We must stop denying the facts, and stop hurting each other because we refuse to listen. We must change!
Lord Montague: The signing of this treaty sends a message; you need not fear the Capulets! You need not hate them!
Lord Montague: And remember that whatever happens, I will protect the people of Montague.
The castle grounds erupt in thunderous applause at Lord Montague's rousing speech.
Citizen 1: I'm not ready to accept all of this, but I can see where he's coming from.
Citizen 3: If Lord Montague thinks it's a good idea, I believe him!
Citizen 4: Yeah, if he swears to keep us all safe, then that's good enough for me.
Citizen 2: I think it's great. Lord Montague has clearly thought carefully about what's best for us.
Citizen 5: Three cheers for Lord Montague!
Citizen 3: Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!
Citizen 5: Hip hip hooray!
Excitement over Romeo's speech grows into a frenzy throughout the castle grounds.
The cheering is fainter in the backstreets, where shadowy figures talk in low voices.
???: He's more popular than I thought.
???: According to my source in the castle, the council had no say in the matter.
???: It doesn't matter. Public opinion is very easy to sway.
???: So is everything in place for our plan?
???: We're all set. Signing day is going to be unforgettable.