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But In OurselvesBy Breanna McCann

CharactersAdeline McIntyre, A prominent female journalist in the year 1968. She is intelligent and revered as a young but promising, albeit feisty, reporter. Personally, she is kind and compassionate though she can be blunt at times. She is sent to Vietnam to report on the war and finds strong disparities between the perception of the war back in America and the reality.Jack Weber, A smart and faithful companion to Adeline, also her cameraman. He knows Adeline better than anyone, and always tries to push her to be her best and follow her heart because he knows she will always do what is right.Captain Joseph Nixon, A suave and funny, though slightly bashful, commander who is entirely respected by all of his men. He is ridiculously intelligent, especially when it comes to strategy. He cares deeply for all of his men as well as showing a good deal of concern for Adeline and Jack, and always manages to maintain a positive attitude. He and Robert are childhood best friends.Captain Robert Caulfield, A fun-loving man from a small town, who is less reserved than Joe. He is also caring and compassionate and serves as Joe’s right hand man, as well as being his best friend. He cannot wait to get home so he can finally marry his fiancee, Emily. He maintains belief in the goodness of man despite the things he sees. He and Joseph are best friends from the same town.First Lieutenant Lee Cunningham, A very cynical soldier, who frequently, loudly expresses his pessimism. Despite his negativity, he is a good man who just wants to go home. Plays guitar and is only character to sing alone.Corporal James Bogart, The company clerk. A hard-working young man.Howell Paley, Adeline’s boss who stresses strict objectivity (in his mind being entirely uncontroversial) in all reporting without exception.Reporter, Offstage voice that reads reports at the beginning or end of scenes in order to mark the passage of time and reveal the environment and mood in America at the time (has to be male to differentiate from Adeline)Vietnamese Child, A lost child who is found one day while Adeline and Jack are on patrol with the men. Can be male or female, and pronouns can change accordingly.Other Soldiers, Any ethnicities can be represented here, but specifically need some black actors.Doctors, In MASH unit in last scene. One has a line.

Setting: The play takes place in a camp just outside of Saigon, Vietnam and the surrounding areas when the men are on patrol or in combat. Most scenes take place outside the buildings of the camp in the compound. One scene takes place within the mess tent of the compound, another two within an office on the compound. In the latter, there will be a desk off to the side that gives the illusion of another office, which will be in America. The only two full scenes that do not take

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place within the compound take place on the edge of a destroyed Vietnamese village and in a MASH unit down the road from the compound.

Act I, Scene IA screen is in the background, first displaying the text “This is dedicated to all the journalists who have struggled between truth or peace in times of hardship, and who have frequently risked everything in pursuit of that truth.” As this text disappears, the words “This is also dedicated to all the innocent people, children especially, who were displaced, killed, or lost everything because war does not discriminate” replace them. As this text disappears, the words “Most of all, this is dedicated to all the veterans who lost their innocence, their peace, and their lives so that others may live freely.” replace them. These words too disappear. It is New Year’s Eve, and the clock is about to ring in the year 1968. Joseph, Robert, and James stand on a platform upstage center wearing party hats and holding bottles, with their backs turned toward the audience looking at a small television screen with footage of the ball dropping on New Year’s. There is a table center left, at which Lee sits alone drinking from a bottle. There is a party hat next to him. There is another table center right where some soldiers sit. Other soldiers stand about, some wearing party hats. There are small streamers and other decorations hung up on the walls, but they are not extravagant. The lights begin down as the reporter speaks.

REPORTER(From offstage)

We are now less than a minute away from the official beginning of the new year. As we see 1967 to a close, we thank you all for joining us to ring in 1968. Now about ten seconds left. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six.

JOSEPH, ROBERT, JAMES(Lights rise up on the scene)

Five! Four! Three! Two! One!

JOSEPH(Turning around to face the men behind him. Robert and James follow suit. “Auld Lang Syne” is playing on the television)

Happy New Year everyone!

ROBERT(Flamboyantly)

Goodbye 1967- hello 1968!

JOSEPH(Descends from the platform and goes to stand next to Lee, clapping him on the shoulder)

Lee, come on, you’ve got to be a little bit excited. It’s a new year!

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LEE(Not looking up from his bottle)

I’d be excited if I were allowed to drink anything but rootbeer.

JOSEPHI try to keep us as dry of a unit as possible, you know that. That’s why we’re fighting this war! To preserve prohibition in all corners of the world!

(He awaits a response from Lee after his joke, but receives nothing)Besides, this might be the year we finally get to go home!

LEEYeah, in a body bag.

JOSEPH(Laughs and picks up the party hat, strapping it onto Lee’s head)

First Lieutenant Cunningham, I order you to enjoy yourself.

ROBERT(Walks over to join Joseph and Lee)

Hey, that’s a great style, Lee! Nothing says unbridled pessimism better than a party hat.

LEE(Finally looking up from his bottle and giving a small chuckle)

If I didn’t like you two idiots so much…

ROBERT(Feigning shock)

Lieutenant! You are threatening two higher officers!

LEE(Laughing more heartily)

Oh, get out of here.

JOSEPH(Robert sits down next to Lee. Joseph runs back to platform and gives an athletic jump back onto it. Turns off the television, and the Other Soldiers turn to face the platform)

Hey guys, happy New Year! It’s a new chance, a clean slate, and a time for new beginnings. I know that we all want to be home with our families, wives, girlfriends, children- I know we all want to be back in the States. And I know we lost a lot of good men this year, our friends, our brothers. 67 was a rough year for the unit, I know, you know, we all know. But I have a great feeling about 68, guys. It’s going to be a great year, and we’ll do what we’ve always done- make

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the best out of being in Saigon when we’d rather be anywhere else, even having a drink with Lyndon Johnson.

(The men laugh)In all seriousness, though, keep your head up guys, it’s going to be alright. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, 1968 will be a great, more peaceful year. Happy new year, everyone.

(Lights go down)

REPORTER(From offstage)

This morning, January 30th, 1968, the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong launched a counterattack on what has traditionally been observed as a day of ceasefire for the Vietnamese New Year called Tet. The Offensive has taken control of the American Embassy in Saigon, and fighting is particularly heavy in the region, and there appear to be heavy casualties. We will keep you updated with reports on the Tet Offensive as they come in.

Act I, Scene IIA screen displaying the text “February 1968” is seen in the background. As the text fades from the screen, the lights rise up. The facades of various buildings on the compound can be seen, on the right and the left, with open space in the middle. Joseph and Robert walk hurriedly on from stage left with James struggling to keep up. Robert is reading a letter while he walks.

JOSEPHWhen did you say they were getting here again?

JAMESIn about ten minutes.

JOSEPHRob, you said that all the accommodations are ready?

ROBERT(Reading the letter, grinning)

Get this! Emily said her great-aunt Ethel just got her hip replaced and it’s as good as new, so she’ll make it to the wedding whenever that is and she also said-

JOSEPHRob.

ROBERT(Looking up from letter startled)

Oh yeah what?

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JOSEPH(Laughing gently)

That’s really great about your future great-aunt in law, but are all the accommodations ready?

ROBERTOh yeah! Readier than a raccoon on Sunday!

JOSEPH(Stops walking, laughing)

I will never understand your little backwoods adages.

ROBERTWell you see, a raccoon is-

(The sound of a jeep driving and then cutting its engine is heard, cutting of his explanation)

JAMES(Excitedly, looking off stage right)

It looks like they’re here!

(Adeline and Jack walk on from stage right)

JOSEPHHello! Adeline McIntyre and Jack Weber, I presume?

ADELINE(Laughs)

Guilty as charged.JOSEPH

(Shaking their hands)Well, it’s great to meet you Adeline, and you too, Jack. I’m Captain Joseph Nixon. And this is Captain Robert Caulfield and Corporal James Bogart.

ADELINEIt’s great to meet you all!

JACKSo I’m guessing you were briefed on why we’re here at this point?

JOSEPHYeah- reporting straight from the scene of the party-

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ROBERT(Smirking with faux arrogance)

With the best unit in Vietnam! Don’t forget that part, Joe!

JOSEPH(Laughing)

Rob, you know that’s not at all true.ROBERT

(Gesturing to Joseph)Let me tell you guys, this man right here is painfully modest but he is an absolute genius and the best guy you have ever met-

JOSEPH(Looking at the ground bashfully, with a small laugh)

Oh Rob, come on-

ROBERT- so don’t let his self-deprecation fool you.

ADELINE(Smirking)

It’s better to undervalue yourself and then impress people than to over promise and underwhelm.

JOSEPHThat’s exactly what I always tell Captain Caulfield here. He doesn’t appear to feel the same way.

ROBERT(Rolls his eyes, laughing)

Anyway, do you guys have stuff in the jeep?

JACKYeah, we’ve got our own bags and then my equipment for filming.

ROBERTOh great, let me and James help you with that.

(James, Robert, and Jack walk off stage right, leaving Joseph and Adeline alone)

JOSEPHWe’re all really happy you guys are here.

(Smirking) Some proof of a world outside of Saigon.

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ADELINE(Laughs)

Jack and I are more than happy to oblige.

JOSEPHThe men watch your reports every night. You’re practically a celebrity around here.

ADELINE(Looking at the ground bashfully)

Thank you, that’s really nice to hear.

JOSEPH (Watches her looking at the ground for a moment before speaking again. Adeline looks up when he starts speaking)

You’ve got to tell me, did Gilligan and everyone get off the island? I was sent over here in ‘66, so I didn't get to see the last season. The army only lets cable come through for the nightly news if it isn’t too crazy over here and then for New Year’s and stuff like that. I guess Gilligan didn’t make the cut.

ADELINEWell, no. They didn’t get off the island.

JOSEPH(Shocked)

No way! Are you serious? That’s insane! This is madness! The Professor could build anything- why not a boat?

(Beat)I hate to say it, but that’s probably what I miss the most about the States, the television. Gilligan's Island, Hogan’s Heroes, The Andy Griffith Show. Man, those guys never fail to make me laugh. It always gave me something to look forward to.

ADELINEI’ll see if I can get the station to send over some episodes.

JOSEPHWhoa, that would be awesome, thank you so much! I think the guys would really enjoy that, too. Would your station really do that?

ADELINEFor a bunch of American soldiers? Of course. It gives my boss the opportunity to look like Mr. America.

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JOSEPH(Smirking)

Do I detect a note of contempt there?

ADELINE(With almost overdone sarcasm)

What? No! Of course not.

JOSEPHSounds like you don’t like him very much.

ADELINEVery observant, Captain Nixon. If it’s any consolation, Howell Paley doesn’t like me very much either- but there are too many people that do so he can’t get rid of me.

JOSEPHMan, I wish I had that kind of job security.

ADELINEYou’re stuck in Vietnam...indefinitely. I’d say that’s pretty good job security.

JOSEPHTouchée, McIntyre.

(The two laugh as Robert, James, and Jack come back on stage. Jack is carrying a camera on his shoulder while Robert and James carry various bags or suitcases.)

ROBERTThese bags are heavier than a dead preacher! I don’t understand how you do it.

(Jack laughs and Robert and James carry the bags offstage left)

JACKWe’ve got the camera rolling and ready to go for some introductory shots, if you want.

ADELINE(Gently clapping Jack’s shoulder)

Great, Jack, you’re the best.

JACK(Smirking)

I know.

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ADELINE(Turning to Joseph)

Are you guys good if we get some shots?

JOSEPHAbsolutely! Our compound is your compound. Where do you-

(James and Robert run on from stage left)

JAMESWe just got word of the Cong in the jungle a little north of here.

ROBERTWe’ve got to go clear the Charlies out.

JOSEPH(Turning back to Adeline and Jack)

Well, looks like you guys are going to get some pretty good opening shots. Come on, let’s get you guys some helmets.

(James, Robert, and Joseph run off stage left with Adeline and Jack following close behind. Lights go down on the empty stage.)

Act I, Scene IIIA screen displaying the text “April 1968” is seen in the background. As the text fades from the screen, the reporter’s voice is heard from offstage.

REPORTERDoctor Martin Luther King Junior has officially died after being shot outside his hotel in Memphis earlier today. King served as the leader of the Civil Rights Movement, espousing and promoting nonviolence in combating segregation and discrimination in society. Many Americans, black and white, are devastated by his death and riots are beginning to erupt in cities across the country in response to the murder of Dr. King. We will bring you updates as soon as we receive them regarding the identity of the killer and the violence that is now spreading across the country in the wake of Dr. King’s death.

(Adeline stands inside of a building on the compound. There is a desk center right with a chair behind it. Another chair sits facing the desk. Behind her and on her left are two walls. Crates rest against the wall behind her, with a radio on one of them, Jack’s camera on another. A phone hangs on the right wall, where Adeline stands using the phone. On the desk sits a tablet of paper and a pen. A door frame sits center left. Upstage left is a small table with a telephone on it. Howell Paley stands talking into the phone. A spotlight rises on both Adeline and Howell Paley)

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ADELINEBut Mr. Paley-

HOWELLAdeline, I’m sorry, but that crossed the line.

ADELINEWhat part of it?

HOWELLWhen you asked if freedom for the South Vietnamese was worth the price we were paying.

ADELINEWhat, so rhetorical questions are too subjective now?

HOWELLThat one at least. Look, Adeline, by their very nature, rhetorical questions are used to try and lead someone to a conclusion. We can’t do that.

ADELINEYou have got to be kidding me.

HOWELL(Ignoring her comment)

Regardless, you can’t do that again. You’re over there to rally Americans to the cause of this war, show them how noble our intentions are, not push them away. We’re trying to inspire patriotism, not all this rioting in the streets with these yuppies and these hippies over here. The war is going great, the war is always going great. Victory is always just around the corner. You understand that, don’t you?

ADELINE(Defeated)

Yes.

HOWELLGood. I knew you were rational. This is your one warning, don’t do it again.

ADELINEAlright.

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HOWELLGoodbye, Adeline. I’ll be watching.

ADELINEI’m sure you will.

(Howell hangs up his phone and the lights goes out on him. Adeline hangs up the phone, sighs, and walks over to the desk, lights rising up on the whole stage. She sits at the chair behind it and rests her feet on the desk. She picks up the tablet of paper and the pen.)

ADELINELet’s make this to the rat’s liking.

(Muttering to herself)These men fight here for what purpose...No, no I can’t say that. Paley will have my head. I’ve got to go with something a lot less blatant- and a lot less rhetorical- than that.

(Pauses for a moment)Aha, that’s it.

(Writes for a couple seconds, then begins to speak again, mimicking Reporter’s voice)And now to Adeline McIntyre in Vietnam.

(Reverting to her own voice, reading from the pad of paper)The status of the fighting over here is much the same as it has been in previous days. Our boys have been very successful in reclaiming jungles and land around the Saigon region, as well as areas both north and south of here. It seems the momentum of the war is in our favor, especially in witnessing so many victories since Tet.

(Puts pen behind her ear, gives a short laugh)Eat that up, Paley.

(Jack enters through the doorway)

JACKDid you finish your report for tonight?

ADELINEYes! Paley’s lactose intolerance is gonna be acting up from the cheese I’m forced to write for him.

JACK(Laughing)

I know, it’s bad. But hey, you make the best out of it. (Beat)

Does Mr. Paley, uh, want you to do anything for, uh, Dr. King’s death? The reaction over here or anything like that?

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ADELINE(Beat)

You know, he didn’t mention that, but I think that’s a really good idea. Saves me from having to write too much more of this garbage. Let’s do it.

JACKGreat, I’ll go get some guys. We’ll just film them in here.

(Jack exits. Adeline stands up and moves in front of the desk, turning the chair sitting in front of it to face away from the desk. She stops suddenly and grasps the back of the chair and looks up in frustration, a single spotlight appears on her)

ADELINEObjectivity is killing me. How am I supposed to stay silent, act like everything over here is fine when-

(Jack enters with Lee, all the other lights rise up and Adeline looks quickly up at them)

JACKLee is willing to be our first interviewee for the afternoon.

ADELINE(Still a little out of it)

Great, thank you so much, Lee.

LEENo problem, I was only counting mines in the minefield.

JACKAs stimulating as that seems, we’re glad you’re here.

(Lee laughs. Jack turns to Adeline and speaks in a hushed voice)Are you alright?

ADELINE(Matching his volume)

Yeah, yeah, I’m good. Thanks, Jack.

JACK(Clapping her gently on the back)

If you want to talk later, let me know. I can tell something’s up.

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ADELINE(Turning to Lee, sounding cheerier)

Alright, so do you know what we’re doing Lee?

LEEYeah, my thoughts on Doctor King’s death.

ADELINEExactly. Take a seat here, and Jack, fire up the camera. Lee, just look at the camera.

(Lee sits in the chair Adeline pulled over. Jack picks up the camera from the crate in the back and stands beside Adeline, who faces Lee from the right. He holds up the camera to insinuate filming Lee)

Alright, Lee. State your name, rank, where you’re from, how long you’ve been here and stuff like that, and then just talk about how you feel about all this.

LEE(Takes a deep breath)

My name is First Lieutenant Lee Cunningham. I’m from Portland, Oregon, and I have been in Vietnam since 1966. I was shocked when I first heard about Dr. King’s death. Somebody murdering a man of peace like that is just the worst form of irony.

(Beat, as if he is contemplating whether or not he should voice his next thought)I believe in freedom and equality for all, regardless of anything that may differentiate you from the next person. That’s what I’m fighting for over here. For freedom- not only for the South Vietnamese but for those people in America that are still suffering. We should be focused on liberating them. But the fact that we are still blind to the chains on people in our own country is hypocrisy at its finest. It makes me question why I even still fight over here, if my countrymen can’t even be free.

(Lee looks at Jack and Adeline to signal that he has finished saying all he wants to say. Jack slowly lowers the camera and it is silent for a few moments. Jack and Adeline look at each other for a moment but neither of them speak. Adeline then turns to look at Lee, Jack still watching her)

LEEI hope that was alright. I can redo it, less opinionated if you want. I don’t want to get you in trouble.

ADELINE(Slowly)

No, no. It’s perfect. It’s absolutely phenomenal.(Turning to Jack, speaking quickly)

We’re using it.

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JACKBut Mr. Paley-

ADELINEStart it with the disclaimer that none of these interviews reflect the opinions of the station. That’ll keep him at bay.

(Lights go down on the stage)

Act I, Scene IVIt is nighttime, back in the middle of the compound. Crates sit around a fire. Lee sits on one holding a guitar. Joseph and Robert sit on a crate, with James sitting on the ground in front of them. Jack and Adeline sit on a crate, and other soldiers are standing and sitting around, both on crates and on the ground.

A screen displaying the text “April 1968” is seen in the background. As the text disappears, the Reporter’s voice is heard.

REPORTERStudents at Columbia have officially taken control of the campus in protest, partially in response to policies they view to be racially discriminating, but primarily to protest the war in Vietnam. The siege has overall been peaceful, but students Dave Shapiro and Mark Rudd, along with high-profile voices in the movement such as Tom Hayden, have gained control of the school and are, as of last reports, in the school’s President’s Office. Rudd has claimed that acting dean Henry S. Coleman will be held in the office until he meets certain demands, though there does not seem to be any intent to use violence against him to achieve these requests. We will keep you updated on the student siege of Columbia as we receive more information from New York.

(Lights go up on stage. Lee strums a few bars on the guitar and those around him applaud)

JOSEPHYou’re a regular Dylan, Lee.

LEEI do my best.

JACK(Turning to Adeline, talking to her as opposed to the whole group. Lee continues to strum softly in the background, all others remain fixed on Lee or pantomime conversations with one another)

It’s a beautiful night.

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ADELINEIt really is.

JACKI’d say this is better than the last unit-wide get together.

ADELINEOh, I wouldn’t say that. I’ve always been a picnic in the minefields type of girl.

JACKThe best type of girl, of course.

(Adeline laughs)

LEE(Guitar cuts back in, Lee heard singing “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield)

Battle lines being drawn, nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong, young people speaking their minds, are getting so much resistance from behind, it’s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound, everybody look what’s going down

(Strums a bit more and stops, soldiers applaud)That’s one from a couple years ago. A good Buffalo Springfield tune.

ROBERTLee, thank the good Lord for your guitar skills. Makes all this more bearable than a grizzly cub.

JACKYeah, you’re really good. You could make a real career out of it back in the States if you ever wanted.

LEEI’m not even thinking past five minutes ago over here.

JOSEPH(Smirking)

And the cynicism returns.

ADELINE(With honest interest, not condescension)

Do you have any patriotism that you feel justifies you being over here?

LEEAdeline, don’t get me wrong. I love America. But this- this is (beat)

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(gestures with his hands to his surroundings )This isn’t America.

(Everyone falls quiet, looks around or looks down, struck by Lee’s words)

ADELINEExcuse me being a bit of a journalist, but why are you guys here then? What drove you to be here?

OTHER SOLDIER #1I’m here because my country needed me. I can’t let her down.

JOSEPHWell, my dad was a paratrooper in World War II. My mom worked in his company, that’s how they met. You could say I was born into this.

OTHER SOLDIER #2I wanted to make my father proud. He nearly cried when he saw me in uniform.

JAMESGI Bill of Rights. I’m doing it so I can pay for college.

ROBERT(Claps Joseph on the back)

When I heard my best friend, practically my brother, was going to Vietnam, I had no choice but to follow him. We went through all of school, all of everything together. This is just another stop on our adventure.

(Beat)Man, Emily was prouder than a pig with a tidy pen when I came home in my uniform after I enlisted. I can’t wait to get back home. We're getting married, me and my girl. As soon as I get back, we’re finally getting married.

LEEI went out to get the mail, it was just a normal day, and there I find a letter from Uncle Sam telling me I was going on an indefinite vacation to Southeast Asia.

ADELINE(Looks around, taking in all the men)

Well, regardless of your reasons, all of you are brave men. The best this country has to offer, I would say.

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JOSEPHThanks, Adeline.

LEERegardless of whether or not we’re the best, I think Johnson still assumes we’re gonna win.

ROBERTHow do you figure?

LEE(Feigning pride and self-righteousness)

We’ve got God on our side.

ROBERT(Smirking)

Are you leading into a Bob Dylan song?

LEEI believe I am, Captain Caulfield. You guys feel free to sing along, we’re all in this together.

(Begins strumming “With God On Our Side” by Bob Dylan)(Singing on his own)

Oh my name it means nothin'My age it means lessThe country I come fromIs called the MidwestI was brought up thereand taught there The laws to abideAnd that land that I live inHas God on its side

(Adeline, Jack, Joseph, Robert, James join in on next verse)

But now we got weaponsOf chemical dustIf fire them, we're forced toThen fire them we mustOne push of the buttonAnd a shot the world wideAnd you never ask questions

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When God's on your side

(Anyone not already singing joins in)

So now as I'm leavin'I'm weary as HellThe confusion I'm feelin'Ain't no tongue can tellThe words fill my headAnd fall to the floorThat if God's on our sideHe'll stop the next war

(Lights fall)

Act I, Scene VA screen on stage reads “June 1968” As the text disappears from the screen, the Reporter’s voice is heard from offstage.

REPORTERAt 1:44 this morning, Robert F. Kennedy died after being shot yesterday morning during his victory speech after winning the California Primary. The country is stunned this morning. We have now lost two Kennedys in five years, and two men of peace in a month. The shooter, a young man named Sirhan Sirhan, was wrestled to the ground. His motives are still unknown to us as of this point. The funeral is set to be in the next few days. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.

(Lights rise up on stage. The scene takes place outside of the compound. There are trees scattered around to insinuate being near a rainforest. Joseph, Robert, Lee, and Other Soldiers walk, all wearing helmets and bearing weapons with packs on their backs. Adeline and Jack stand behind them, both wearing helmets, and Jack carrying a camera)

JOSEPHOkay guys, the village is cleared out. Just relax for a minute and then we’ll head back.

(Some men sit down, others go and pantomime conversations with one another or open rations from their pack. Joseph walks and pantomimes discussion with Robert and Lee)

JACKI think we got some good stuff.

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ADELINE(Seeming distant)

Yeah.

JACKAre you alright?

ADELINEYeah, fine.

JACKIs it - Bobby?

ADELINE(Small laugh and sad smile)

How did you know?

JACK(Puts a hand on her shoulder with a sympathetic smile)

I know how much Bobby meant to you.

ADELINEYeah. He gave me such hope for the country even while everything back there is so crazy right now. He really had a vision for the future, he was a light in a world of darkness. But I guess some people just don’t like that.

(Beat)I’ll always remember that, when I met him. I was in college and he came to speak. I had the chance to talk to him and he told me he was sure I would be a great journalist. And then the station, remember that? First time out for an interview, I was fresh out of college, the station sent me instead of all those veteran anchors.

(Laughing, Jack starts laughing too) They were so mad. But there I was, interviewing Bobby Kennedy on live television. Afterwards, he told me he remembered me from when we talked back when I was in college- and that I was better than any of those old journalists at the station! He told me I was the new Murrow, I don’t know about that, but all I ever wanted was to make Murrow proud, still do.

JACKI remember that, that was a great interview. The first time we ever worked together. It was (switching to a Humphrey Bogart impression) the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

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ADELINEYes! Rick and Louis, that’s us!

(They laugh as Joseph walks over to them)

JOSEPHDid you guys get some good shots?

ADELINEYeah, I think we did. I think this is what people need to see… Though I’m not sure what Johnson’s gonna think about it. Or Paley for that matter. Regardless, I think we need to run this.

JOSEPHHow do you feel about that?

ADELINEAbout running it?

JOSEPHYeah.

ADELINEI don’t know.

JOSEPHBut you feel the conviction to do it, right?

ADELINERight…

JOSEPHThen follow-

(Vietnamese Child wanders in from stage left. No one notices but Adeline)

ADELINEJack. Joe.

JACKAdeline, what’s wrong?

(Adeline points toward the child. Joe and Jack turn to look at the child)

ADELINE

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(Crouches on the ground, in a motherly tone)Hey there. Come over here.

(The child slowly and tentatively walks over to her. Adeline places a gentle hand on the child’s shoulder)

What’s your name?

VIETNAMESE CHILD(Child is visibly worried, crying)

Je ne parle pas anglais! Je ne sais pas anglais!

JOSEPHOh no. Where’s our translator? I don’t think he’s out here with us on this patrol-

(Joseph is cut off by Adeline speaking to the child)

ADELINENe pleurez pas, ne pleurez pas, ma petite chérie. Est ce que vous êtes de ça village?

VIETNAMESE CHILDOui. Je ne sais pas où es ma famille, où es ma maison.

ADELINENous aiderons vous. Ne pleurez pas, ne pleurez pas.

(Turning to Joseph, speaking with severity)Get somebody to take her back to the MASH down the road from the compound. Now.

(Joseph runs over to Robert, and brings him back over. Adeline turns back to the child.)Allez avec lui, c’est Robert. Il est un bon homme. C’est bon?

VIETNAMESE CHILD(Child throws its arms around Adeline’s neck)

Merci beaucoup, merci beaucoup.

ADELINEToujours, ma cherie.

(Robert walks over and grabs the Child’s hand, leading them offstage right. Adeline remains crouched on the ground, shocked. Jack puts a hand on her shoulder)

JACK(Whispering)

It’s okay. You did everything you could have. You are remarkable.

ADELINE

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(Not looking up, barely audible)Thank you.

JOSEPH(Taking in the scene for a moment, before trying to help and change the subject)

I didn’t know you spoke French.

ADELINE(Still not looking up but a bit louder this time)

My father met my mother when he liberated Paris.

JOSEPH(Struggling to find what to say)

So you’re half French. That’s really cool.(Jack looks at Joseph and a look of understanding passes between them. Joseph turns around to yell to the other men)

Alright boys, moving out!(All the men pack up and walk off stage right, following Joseph and Robert’s lead. Adeline remains crouching on the ground)

JACK(Gently)

Adeline. Come on, we're moving out.(She doesn’t move)

Come on, we can’t stay here. You know that isn’t safe.(She still doesn’t move. He gently grabs her shoulder)

Addie, it isn’t your fault. It’s not your fault. You did everything you could have.

ADELINEShe said that she doesn’t know where her family is, where her house is. She lost everything because of Americans.

(Beat)Because of us.

JACK(Barely audible)

I know.

(Lights fall)

Act I, Scene VI

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A screen on stage reads “July 1968” As the text disappears from the screen, the Reporter’s voice is heard from offstage.

REPORTERToday, President Johnson is meeting with South Vietnamese President Thieu in Hawaii. The exact agenda of discussion, whether it be strategy, peace, or any number of other topics, is still unknown to us as of this point. Could this finally be the first glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel? We can only speculate as of right now, but we will bring you updates as we receive them.

(Lights rise up. Adeline sits at a desk center right, deep in thought. Another chair sits facing the desk. Behind her and on her left are two walls. Crates rest against the wall behind her, with a radio on one of them, Jack’s camera on another. A phone hangs on the right wall. A door frame sits center left. Joseph walks in.)

JOSEPHHey Adeline!

ADELINEHey Joe. How are you?

JOSEPHJust peachy. How about you?

ADELINE(Distantly)

Great.

JOSEPH(Sits on the corner of her desk, so he can look at her without turning away from the audience)

I know it’s been hard for you.

ADELINEJoe, I’m not fighting in this war. Nothing is hard for me, I’m not doing anything.

JOSEPHBut you’ve been through- you’ve seen a lot.

ADELINE

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I literally talk into a camera for a living. You’re over here putting your life on the line every day. Seriously Joe. Don’t pity me.

JOSEPH(Laughs softly)

You’re just about the most stubborn girl I’ve ever met. I think that’s exactly what makes you so good at what you do.

ADELINEFlattery will get you nowhere, Captain Nixon.

JOSEPHI know. But that won’t stop me from trying. I’m determined to marry you, Miss McIntyre.

ADELINE(Laughing)

Oh, get out of here. And besides, I’m married to journalism.

JAMES(James runs in through the door frame)

Sorry to interrupt sir, but you’re needed. A phone call about supplies. They need both you and Captain Caulfield there, I guess.

JOSEPHSounds like the military if I ever heard it. Alright Corporal Bogart, let’s get this over with.

(Follows James out the door, then pops his head back in and looks at Adeline)This isn’t over, McIntyre.

ADELINE(Laughs)

Yes it is. (He laughs and exits through the door frame. Once he leaves, Adeline sighs and looks back down at her desk. After a few moments, Jack enters)

JACKHey Addie.

ADELINEHey Jack.

JACK

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How you holding up?

ADELINEI’m fine.

JACKCome on, seriously.

ADELINEReally, I’m fine.

JACKI know you’re lying.

ADELINEYou always know, don’t you?

JACKYes, I do. We’ve been best friends for years, I know when you’re not alright. So seriously, how are you hanging in there?

ADELINE(Sighing)

What do you want me to say?

JACKJust get it out. However you’re feeling, just tell me.

ADELINEJack, I just don’t want to talk about this. I’ve been forced to understand the harshest reality of all, that being the fact that we as Americans are responsible for so much destruction here in Vietnam. It isn’t our fault, we don’t want to be here, we’re just trying to help. But we’re sending our men- our boys- over here to fight, to die, for what? The Vietnamese don’t want us here, but here we go, Johnson sending more of these kids to their graves every day. And Jack, what do I do-

JACKAddie-

ADELINE

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-well, I’d like to keep my job, but I don’t know that I can be objective in these broadcasts anymore. Look around you, Jack! It’s either I call attention to all the disparities between the government’s reports and the reality on public television to millions of people and lose my job, probably getting blacklisted from everything and having CIA operatives after me- the Democratic party’s in shambles that creep Nixon’s probably gonna win- or I just sit here and witness the horror and know I was part of keeping it going.

(Toward the end of her statement, Jack moves over and places a hand on her shoulder)

JACKAdeline, don’t do that to yourself. This isn’t your fault, it isn’t theirs, it isn’t anybody’s. This is just the way things are. Yeah, there are things that have to change, that have to be handled differently, but Addie, you can’t blame yourself. You didn’t start this war. You’re not responsible for the way our leadership is handling this. You can’t let yourself feel responsible for this in any way.

(Beat)I know you, and I know you want to do this report. But I can see that you’re torn.

ADELINE(Stops in thought for a moment before speaking)

What would Murrow do?JACK

Murrow was in London during the Blitz. That’s a very different beast. We could all agree the Nazis were bad and that we should help the British. But we don’t have that same luxury with Vietnam.

ADELINEWhat about with McCarthy though? Murrow did the report anyways. He drove McCarthy into the ground for exploiting fears of Communism like he did.

JACKYeah, but-

ADELINEWhat would Murrow do?

JACKAddie, Murrow died in ‘65. And so did the concept of even veiled opinions being acceptable in journalism. He was never sent over here, he never had to experience something like this. Besides that, he was established enough that he was practically untouchable.

ADELINE

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Until the McCarthy report. No one is entirely infallible.(Beat)

But if he were here- right now- what do you think he would do?

JACK(Sighs)

I think you already know the answer to that.

ADELINE(Pushing, she needs to hear someone else say it and confirm what she wants to do is right)

What would Murrow do?

JACK(Pushing back, but not angrily)

No, Addie. What would you do?

ADELINEI- I don’t know.

JACKYes you do. What do you feel is right, in your heart?

ADELINE(Beat)

I think I’m going to do it. I’m doing the report. Uncensored. I’m doing it.

JACKThat’s what I thought.

(Lights go down)

Act I, Scene VIIA screen onstage reads “August 1968” As the text fades from the screen, a clip of an Edward Murrow broadcast is heard from offstage.

EDWARD MURROW RECORDINGThe actions of the Junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn’t create this situation of fear. He merely exploited it, and rather successfully.

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Cassius was right: “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” Good night, and good luck.

(The lights rise up. It is on the outside of the compound, Adeline and Jack stand downstage center. Upstage left, there is a platform with a small television on a stand, the back of the television facing the audience to give a glimpse inside of the mess hall and insinuate simultaneous action. Standing in front of it, to suggest they are watching something, are James as well as Other Soldiers.)

JACK(Shifting his camera onto his shoulder. He is wearing headphones to hear the signal from the studio when it is time to go live)

Are you ready?

ADELINEAs ready as I’m ever going to be.

(Joseph and Robert walk in from stage right)

ROBERTTonight’s the night!

ADELINEYeah, this is it. Are you guys watching, I guess?

JOSEPHYeah, the guys are in the mess hall. They didn’t want to risk missing it. We’re on our way back there right now. We just wanted to see you guys first.

JACKOkay, we’re on in less than a minute.

ROBERTWe better get back there then. Good luck, guys.

JOSEPHStay strong. I know you can do it.

(Joseph and Robert run off stage right, reenter still from stage right, but this time at the back of the stage onto the platform with the others)

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ADELINE(Quietly)

I hope. (Lee runs on from stage left, running across)

LEE(Still running)

Go get ‘em. You’re doing the right thing.(Runs off stage right, reentering still from stage right, but this time at the back of the

stage onto the platform with the others)

JACKOkay, Adeline, we’re thirty seconds away.

ADELINE(Sounding very nervous)

Jack-

JACKAdeline, no. I know you’re getting nervous, but just do it. You’re amazing, the best person I know. The most honest. Just remember that. No matter what happens.

(Beat)Okay, ten seconds.

(Beat)Live in three, two-

REPORTER(From offstage)

And now live to Adeline McIntyre in Vietnam.

(A spotlight falls on Adeline and all other lights are dimmed)

ADELINEThis is Vietnam. Now what you’ve been hearing is that America is pushing back the North, that we are only months away from victory. And this journalist has been part of propagating that notion. My task over here has been to garner public support for this war, to convince you all that we’re doing the right thing and that we’re going to be successful at it. But I am here to tell you the truth, one that has been concealed from you all for months, for years. Our soldiers beat back the enemy, then they beat us back. There is rarely a clear victor here. Furthermore, the toll this is taking on our own country is worth noting. More American boys are dying every day. And for what? Well, I highly doubt I am qualified to answer that. Regardless, these boys, our husbands,

30

sons, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, are being forced into situations where they must make life or death decisions for themselves and entire companies of men. What’s more is they are being forced to make the same decision for the Vietnamese they encounter. They do not want this, but instead it has become their reality. Back in the States, so many of you have been so staunchly and adamantly against this war. Others of you have felt just as strongly for the war. I am not here to tell you what you should think, or how you should feel. A journalist is not a creator of public thought, but rather just a purveyor of the facts. In our modern society, facts are often construed as being subjective, which causes conflict when we are held to strict objectivity standards. But tonight, I feel that you deserve the facts, and I wholeheartedly believed the late Edward Murrow when he said he had “an old-fashioned belief that Americans like to make up their mind on the basis of all available information.” This is my purpose here tonight. To provide the facts about what it is really like in Vietnam and then leave you to draw your own conclusions. This year, 1968, has been the bloodiest of the war so far, and the casualties will probably reach 15,000 or more by the end of the year. 15,000 casualties in one year. Who are these dead? 12.5% of these dead are African Americans. They’re not even treated as equals back there, but still expected to die just the same as the white boys over here. The percentage of people who personally knew someone who has died over here is increasing much faster than it should be. But what is even more striking is the age of these dead. The average age of an American soldier who dies over here is twenty years old. Twenty. Not even old enough to grab a beer at the local bar, but old enough to die in a Vietnamese jungle. From the perspective of one around these men, these red blooded Americans, every day, I tell you that this war is just one deadly checkmate after another, and it is robbing these men of their happy and innocent lives, like any proper war does. You have seen interviews with them, you have heard their perspectives. I offer you these personal opinions and the facts I have presented here tonight. I hope you take some time to consider all you have heard over the past few months, especially tonight. In speaking of Murrow, I should like to end tonight in the way he always did as I feel it is more poetic than I could ever hope to be. Good night, and good luck.

JACK(Pauses for a moment, then speaks quietly)

Okay, we’re off.(The men facing the television in the back all begin to applaud and cheer)

You did it, Addie. You did it.

ADELINEI guess I did. I just did that.

(Starts laughing. Jack starts laughing too. As they laugh, the lights go down.)

Act I, Scene VIII The lights rise up. Center left, there is a desk. Another chair sits facing the desk. Adeline and Jack stand around. Behind them as well as on their left are two walls. Crates rest against the wall

31

behind her, with a radio on one of them, Jack’s camera on another. A phone hangs on the right wall. Center right, there is a desk with a small television on it and a phone on the desk. Howell Paley sits at the desk. Lights start off just on Adeline and Jack’s office.

(James runs in from stage right through the door frame)

JAMESWe just got calls from Eric Sevaried and Howard Smith. They wanted to tell you how great that was, they both said you gave them a lot of hope for the new kids making their way up in journalism. Oh, and Mr. Sevareid said that you really remind him of Murrow.

ADELINENo way, that’s amazing! Two of Murrow’s protégées! Calling me, telling me that I’m great! Jack! How cool is that!

JACK(Jack walks over and hugs Adeline, talking while he hugs her.)

Addie, that’s amazing, I’m so proud of you! So, so exceptionally proud of you.

JAMESGreat job Miss McIntyre!

(Jack and Adeline break their hug)

ADELINEThanks, James. You’re a standup kid, you know that?

JAMESOh, well thank you so much! I do my best. I’ve got to go now, more calls I have to field!

(James runs back out the door frame and exits stage right.)

JACKMan, Addie, The Eric Sevareid, The Howard Smith. You’ve got anchors from CBS and ABC, not to mention some of the most respected war correspondents and personal colleagues and friends of Edward Murrow, calling you up.

ADELINE(Laughing)

I could not have imagined that even in my wildest dreams.

(Joseph, Robert, and Lee pass him while they walk in)

32

JOSEPHAdeline! That was incredible!

ROBERTI cannot believe how well spoken you are! You’re more comfortable on camera than a cow in the farmer’s market!

LEEYou’re a real American and a real journalist.

ADELINEThank you all so-

(She is cut off by the sound of the phone ringing. She looks at Jack once she hears it)Paley?

JACKPaley.

ADELINE(Walking over to the phone)

Wish me luck, guys. It’s my boss.(She takes the phone off the ringer and puts the phone to her ear. The lights rise on Howell, who has the phone to his ear)

Hello?

HOWELLAdeline. Hello, it’s Howell. Howell Paley.

ADELINEHey, Mr. Paley. How are you?

HOWELLWell, Adeline. Not very good. I just saw your report.

ADELINE(Feigning confusion)

What, you didn’t like it?(The men in Adeline’s office stifle laughter)

HOWELLNo Adeline, of course not. You know the rules of the station.

33

ADELINEBut Mr. Paley-

HOWELLNo, Adeline, there are no excuses here. You disregarded the primary tenet that makes our station the best.

ADELINEWith all due respect Mr. Paley, I told the truth. Isn’t that what you want for the station- honesty?

HOWELLYou may have told the truth, but the American people aren’t prepared for that. It’s too sensitive over here.

ADELINEAre you serious? Sure, they might not necessarily want to hear it over there, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a right to know. Over here, kids are dying every single day for something that doesn’t even involve them. We take boys from over there who are living their lives and we bring them here to die. The people back there need to be aware of that.

HOWELLYou know it doesn’t work like that.

ADELINE(Getting angrier)

Listen here you-

HOWELLAdeline, don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be. We’re bringing you back to the States to cover the election. Things are getting interesting over here with all of that, especially for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. We think that your talents might be better suited domestically.

ADELINEWhat? No, you just want me there so you can censor me easier.

HOWELLNo, no-

ADELINESit on it, Paley. You need me much more than I need you.

34

HOWELLMiss McIntyre, this is highly unprofessional-

ADELINEWhatever, I’m quitting. As of right now I am done.

HOWELLAdeline, let’s not be hasty here-

ADELINED-O-N-E, Paley. Done. Tell everyone you fired me, I don’t care.

HOWELLAdeline-

ADELINEPaley, sorry but no. I’m done.

(Goes to hang up the phone, but then quickly pulls it back to her ear)Oh, and by the way, guess what?

HOWELL(Tired and defeated)

What?

ADELINESmith and Sevareid, you know them they worked with Murrow, they created wartime journalism as we know it, well they just called. They loved it.

(Adeline hangs up, the lights go out on Howell)

JACKDid you just… Did you just quit?

ADELINEYeah.

(Beat)But you’re not out of a job. It’s just me.

JACKWow. I’m kind of surprised.

35

ADELINEThat I quit?

JACKNo, that he didn’t just fire you outright.

(Everyone laughs)

ADELINEWell, I really feel that I did the right thing, so I don’t care what happens from here.

JACKThat’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Come on, let’s all go get some food. We’ve earned it.

(All go to exit through the doorframe and then exit stage right, but Joseph and Adeline end up toward the back and consequently are the last two left on stage)

JOSEPH(Turning back through the doorframe, smirking)

Hey, now that you’re unemployed do you have time to get married? Since you and journalism got divorced.

ADELINE(Laughing)

Sit on it, Nixon.(The two exit through the doorway and then offstage right and then the lights go out)

Act I, Scene IX

REPORTER(From offstage)

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley is working very hard to prepare for the Democratic National Convention, which begins in a matter of days. Protestors are arriving in throngs and demonstrations are becoming rampant. Daley has increased security, not only through physical guards, but with extra fortifications around the convention hall to prevent as much disturbance as possible. Will all of these preventative measures be enough to quell the unrest in Chicago right now? We will find out in the next few days to come, bringing you updates as soon as we receive them.

(The lights rise up. It is outside in the compound again. Joseph stands downstage center with Jack and Adeline)

36

ADELINEThank you so much again for everything you guys have done for us the past eight months.

JOSEPHOh, absolutely. It was our pleasure.

JACKIt was great to meet you all. We will certainly stay in touch with everyone.

JOSEPHGreat, we’ll be waiting to hear from you guys. I’m just glad you all got to say goodbye to the rest of the guys before they went on patrol.

ADELINEYeah, me too. Wait- aren’t you supposed to be with them? You’re kind of their leader.

JOSEPH(Laughing)

Ordinarily, but this was a different situation. Besides, Robert’s leading them. He knows what he’s doing, I’d trust that man with my life. Nothing’s going to happen anyways, there haven’t been any Cong around here for weeks. So what are you going to do once you get back, now that you don’t work at the station anymore?

ADELINEI got a call from a guy last night who’s got this crazy idea for a twenty-four hour cable news network. Instantaneous and everything. It’ll never work- nobody wants instant, nonstop news- but it gives me something to do.

JACK(Looking at his watch)

Oh man, we need to get going or else we’re probably going to miss our plane.

ADELINEOkay, let’s get going then.

JACK(Walks over to Joseph, clapping him on the back and then giving him a hug)

It was great to meet you, man. Stay safe.

JOSEPHHey, you too. Keep working hard, Jack.

37

ADELINE(Walks over to Joseph, hugging him)

Thank you so much for everything. Stay strong, you’ll be back in the States before you know it.

JOSEPHI hope so.

(Beat)I will always maintain that you did the right thing. And what’s more is you did it really well.

ADELINE(Breaking the hug)

Thanks, Joe.

JOSEPHMurrow would’ve loved you.

(Adeline laughs softly. Her and Jack pick up their bags and move to exit from stage right)I’ll see you guys.

ADELINEBefore you even know it.

(Her and Jack begin walking offstage)

JOSEPH(Calling after them)

Oh and Adeline- don’t get married or anything once you get back. I won’t be gone that long.

ADELINE(Laughs)

Don’t push it, Nixon.

JOSEPH(Laughs)

Safe travels, guys.

(She and Jack exit stage right. Joseph sighs and looks down at the ground once they’re gone. He turns to walk off stage left, whistling “The Andy Griffith Show” theme. James runs in frantically from stage right)

JAMESCaptain Nixon! Captain Nixon!

(Joseph stops whistling and turns around to see James)

38

JOSEPHHey, James. What’s up? Do you need me to sign some papers?

JAMESNo. No it’s uh. It’s um.

JOSEPH(Becoming concerned)

James, what is it?

JAMES(Quietly)

It’s Captain Caulfield.

JOSEPHOh no. Oh no no no. What about him? What about Rob?

JAMESHe uh he got injured on patrol and he uh-

(Beat)-he’s got a very small chance of making it.

JOSEPH(Quietly, losing all color)

What happened?

JAMESHe uh he was leading the men and he heard a noise up ahead and he uh told them to stay back because he didn’t want any of them to get hurt so he went ahead on his own and checked it out and um…

(Trails off)

JOSEPHThere was a Charlie up there wasn’t there?

JAMES(Hesitantly)

Yes sir.

JOSEPHYou said he’s got a chance of making it?

39

JAMES(Uneasily)

Yes but it’s very small.

JOSEPHBut it’s a chance. That’s what you need to learn James, there’s always a chance. There’s always a way. Is he in the MASH down the road?

JAMES(Still uneasy)

Yes.

JOSEPHLet’s go. Get Lee, too. He drives like he’s on the Autobahn.

(Lights go down)

Act I, Scene XThere are various hospital beds with Other Soldiers in bandages and various other medical paraphernalia lying in them. Some doctors move about visiting patients. Robert is in a hospital bed upstage center, bandaged and bloodied with an IV next to him.

(Lights rise up. Joseph sits on a stool next to Robert. James and Lee stand behind him.)

JOSEPHHow’re you feeling Robbie?

ROBERT(Giving a weak smile)

I’ve been better.

JOSEPH(Laughs quietly)

Well you still look great. You were always the more handsome of the two of us by a long shot.

ROBERTThat’s why Emily’s marrying me.

(Turns as much as he can to see Lee and James too)You’re all invited to the wedding, by the way.

LEE

40

I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

ROBERT(Turns back with a small smile and falls back onto his pillow, talking quietly)

She’s going to look so beautiful.

JOSEPH(Panicking, realizing what’s happening)

Rob, Rob, take a rest.

ROBERT(Turns to look at Joseph, who grabs his hand)

You tell her to go ahead and marry someone else once I’m gone. She deserves to wear that dress. She sent me a picture of it last week. It’s all white and lace and-

(He trails off)

JOSEPH(His face losing color)

Robbie?

ROBERT(Barely audible)

Don’t be sad, Joe. A frown never suited you well.(Beat)

And tell Emily when you see her that the secret Caulfield cookie recipe that she loves, that I always refused to divulge of course, is in that box above the fridge. She’s gonna need a chair to reach it.

(He smiles and his head falls back onto his pillow)

JOSEPHRob? Robert?

(Hearing the commotion, a doctor comes over and grabs Robert’s other wrist)

DOCTOR(Quietly and gently)

I’m sorry, he’s gone.(Joseph doesn’t look up from Robert)

LEEThank you doctor.

(The doctor nods and walks away)

41

JOSEPH(Quietly)

How could this happen? How could I let this happen? That should’ve been me.

LEEJoe-

JOSEPH(Getting more hysterical as he continues)

We’ve been through everything together, I should’ve been there with him. This was never part of our plan. This was never how our adventure was supposed to end. How could I let him die? How could I-

LEE(Grabs Joseph by the shoulders and turns him around, forcing Joseph to drop Robert’s hand)

Joe. Stop it. Stop it right now. This isn’t your fault. You couldn’t have done anything. I guess this was just meant to happen.

JOSEPHYou don’t believe in fate.

LEECome on Joe, a man’s gotta believe in something over here. Especially after something like this.

JOSEPH(Stands up. Lee takes his hands off of Joseph’s shoulders as he stands. He speaks with eerie emotionlessness)

Come on, let’s go. James, as soon as we get back to the compound I want two stamped envelopes.

JAMESYes sir. Do you need addresses?

JOSEPH(Pauses for a moment, trying to retain composure)

No. I know Em-(Stops as if he cannot bear to say her name)

I know his fiancee’s address. I know his parents’ too. (Beat)

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Mr. and Mrs. Caulfield were practically my second parents, I was over there so much. And Emily, well she’s just about the prettiest girl in town, every guy was after her. When Rob finally worked up the courage to ask her out and she said yes, he was so surprised.

(Tries once again to retain his composure)They were going to get married the day after he came back, whenever that was.

JAMES(Quietly and tentatively)

I’m sorry sir.

JOSEPHYou didn’t kill him.

(James remains silent and looks uncomfortably at the ground)Come on, let’s go. I can’t put this off.

LEEBut you don’t have to do it right now either. This must be really hard for you.

JOSEPHHard for me? Lee, I’m still alive. My best friend’s the one who’s going home in a body bag, not me. Thanks for the sympathy, but I’m not that same happy-go-lucky guy anymore. I’m a lot more understanding of the world now. I’m still alive, which puts me in no position to complain compared to the thousands of kids who aren’t. Come on, let’s go.

(Joseph starts to walk off and James follows. Lee stands back for a moment and gives a small noise to indicate he has realized something. Joseph and James turn back around)

What?

LEENothing. I just never thought you’d become as cynical as me. At least I hoped you wouldn’t.

JOSEPH(Sighs, defeated)

You’re right. He used his last breaths to tell me not to be upset.

LEEI know that’s hard advice to follow. But just try. For him.

JOSEPHYeah. Come on guys, let’s go.

LEE

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(Gently smiling and clapping Joseph comfortingly on the back)Rootbeer’s on me when we get back to the compound.

JOSEPH(Gives a feeble smile)

Thanks, Lee. (Lee and James begin walking offstage with Joseph in the back. Once the other two are off stage, Joseph turns around and looks back at Robert one last time. He freezes there, one spotlight falls on him and one on Robert.)

REPORTER(From offstage)

The Department of Defense has officially announced as of earlier today that over 24,000 veterans of the conflict in Vietnam will be sent back for second tours. They also noted that it will be involuntary, essentially as if it were a draft of the veterans. There is not much support for this measure along those who have already fulfilled their time and responsibilities in Vietnam, but the Department of Defense will carry it out regardless as they have made clear their need for more soldiers to secure victory for the Americans and liberty for the South Vietnamese.

(Lights fall on the stage)THE END