BB+_P1_Private

Megan Dussault, Rachael Gibbs, Brianna Buxton

CAPTAIN VERE: Megan Dussault BILLY: Brianna Buxton GUARD: Rachael Gibbs SHIPMATE 1: Mr. Neely SHIPMATE 2: Mr. Biro

//BILLY sits peacefully on a small, plastic chair in his cell, deep in thought. CAPTAIN VERE approaches being led by the guard. BILLY'S face brightens when he sees that it is his captain. The captain takes a seat in an identical chair next to BILLY. Two SHIPMATES stand on the deck, discussing what they think CAPTAIN VERE and BILLY are saying to one another.//

SHIPMATE 1: I've always liked Billy, it's a shame he's condemned. I can see Billy and the captain having a glass of rum.

SHIPMATE 2: He was a nice boy. But maybe there is more going on....

(//cuts to the cell//)

BILLY: (//not a hint of fear present in BILLY'S voice)// Hello, captain. Mighty fine day to see you.

CAPTAIN VERE: Hello, Billy. You know, life is quite peculiar at times. They say the good are always the first to go. I've really enjoyed having you aboard my ship.

BILLY: Yes, it's been quite fun. (//Billy smiles gently at past memories//) Everyone has always been so nice to me. I tried to be good.

CAPTAIN VERE: Billy, son, you were more than good. You were the epitome of good. (//quietly//) I wish I could save you.

BILLY: (//smiling sadly//) It's an honor to hear you say that, captain.

(//cuts to the deck)//

SHIPMATE 1: I bet one of them is weeping.

SHIPMATE 2: What a bunch of women. (//both laughing heartily)//

(//cuts to the cell//)

CAPTAIN VERE: (//regret in VERE'S voice//) I told you to speak up, boy. I was trying to protect you. I saw right through Claggart. But, I must honor the King's law. Not God's.

BILLY: (//understandingly//) I wish I had listened to you. The word of Claggart's accusation towards me froze my jaw, but infuriated my fist. But, that was not what I meant to do. I didn't know what else to do.

CAPTAIN VERE: I know you didn't, my boy. (//looks over at BILLY//) You were like a son to me, did you know that?

(cuts to the deck)

SHIPMATE 2: I never liked Claggart. Do you think Billy acted out of spite?

SHIPMATE 1: Who knows, I know I'm going to miss the poor lad. (//sadly//) Let's get back to work.

SHIPMATE 2: Alright.

(//cuts to the cell//)

BILLY: (//BILLY// //looks at VERE understandingly, but in a child-like manner//) I never had anyone to call my father. I never knew where my life was going. Being part of your crew was the best thing that has ever happened to me...

CAPTAIN VERE: This is hard for me to say, Billy.

BILLY: Yes, captain?

CAPTAIN VERE: I--

GUARD: (//impatiently//) Time's up!

CAPTAIN VERE: But I--

GUARD: Let's go, captain. (//pulling the captain out of the cell//) No need to be emotional with the condemned.

CAPTAIN VERE: (//looking back at BILLY//) Be free Billy, be free.

BILLY: (//smiling understandingly//) Okay, captain.