CHAPTER I: ONE ROCK AND A SMALL RIPPLE

[Several Death Corps members sit about waiting in a windmill while Wiegraf addresses them. Teta, arms bound and eyes closed, sits in the corner.]

WIEGRAF: Why did you kidnap the girl?

GOLAGROS: I needed a hostage to escape.

WIEGRAF: If that was the case, you could've let her go later. What...now you, Golagros?

GOLAGROS: You putting me with Gustav? Think.The [sic] Death Corps lost most of their men and now are surrounded by the Hokuten. She was our only ace in the hole to get us out of this. Because she's a Beoulve.

[He turns and gestures to Teta. Wiegraf takes a step forward.]

WIEGRAF: What good is escaping? Or were you even thinking that? Even if we do escape, we'll get caught sooner or later and be in their power! We must make it so our children don't have to go through what we did. A small stone may only make a small ripple at first, but someday it will be a wave. Even if we have to rust away here!

[Golagros throws up his hands.]

GOLAGROS: So you would have us die?

WIEGRAF: Not in vain. Take as many Nobles with you as possible!

GOLAGROS: Ludicrous! We'll die like dogs!!

[Wiegraf shakes his head.]

WIEGRAF: No, there may be still be survivors at Fort Zeakden. If you join them, you may get something!

[Golagros looks down.]

GOLAGROS: They're probably dead already...

[A female monk in Death Corps colors rushes into the room, relaying something to Wiegraf.]

WIEGRAF: What!? Miluda killed?! Miluda...

[He shakes his fist.]

SOLDIER (Female Monk): It's a just a matter of time before the squad gets here. What should we do?

WIEGRAF: Alright. Retreat!! You heard, Golagros. Go to Fort Zeakden. Leave the girl here!

[He turns from Golagros suddenly to face the door.]

VOICE OF A GUARD: They're here!! The Hokuten are here!

[The monk leaves.]

WIEGRAF: Damn! Already? I'll stop them here! Golagros, you head for Fort Zeakden with others!

[Wiegraf also makes his exit.]

GOLAGROS: I'm not going... No way I'm going to die!

[He turns to look at Teta.]