poliphilo

A, This planet is a hell dimension, right? Come on, be honest.

B. There are worse.

A . Yes, yes, I know. I should count my blessings...
..
B Spring sunshine. Look the sun is out at the moment. Birds, H.G. Wells...

A Jihadi John, David Cameron, Musketeer midwives...

B There's good and bad.

A: Both illusions?

B: You took the words right out of my mouth.

A: But why? Why can't I just flit around in the summerlands- with wings- meditating on truth and beauty, radiating ineffable love?

B You'd be bored.

A You're going to say it's character building, aren't you? Like the Scouts. Like Sir Arthur fucking Baden Powell.

B: Not Arthur, You're confusing him with Conan Doyle. The man you're think of was called Robert.

A. Same difference. I hate all that. Uniforms, organised games. I used to hide out in the art room.

B: Well you've been found. You'll always be found in the end. Actually you want to be found.

A. Mafeking's out there waiting for me to relieve it?

B: That sort of thing. Only its not urgent. Take as many lives as you like.

A: Because it's not actually fucking real, is it? Mafeking, I mean- just a game that's being played out, a simulation...

B: (Says nothing)

A: But if it's only a game....?

B. (Maintains a dignified silence)

A: I mean, why?

B: You know really. (Pause.) Else why would you be here?