Implied Consent: Act IV, Scene III

A Play on the Sanctity of Human Life, in Four Acts

This is a part of Mr. Stolyarov's play, Implied Consent. To navigate through the various parts of the play, go here.

(This scene takes place in the Grummond Laboratory complex, but, in addition to the operating room with QUINTUS GRUMMOND's body, the stage should also include the entrance to the complex, a main hallway, and a section filled with plants. The latter is the "official" laboratory complex, devoted to botanical research. In the operating room, WALTONFORD, his ASSISTANTS, MARK, and VICTORIA are at work on the revival project, while two GUARDS stand at the entrance. BAILEY sneaks onto the stage and hides in the shadows, while the GUARDS converse.)

GUARD 1: Well, it's lunch break.

GUARD 2: The next shift is not here yet.

GUARD 1: You know that the next shift is almost always late. That doesn't mean we should be late for lunch.

GUARD 2: If you say so. All right, let's go.

BAILEY (to self and audience): A perfect opportunity to get the real story on what goes on inside...

(The GUARDS enter the building and go toward the opposite side of the stage. Shortly afterward, BAILEY sneaks into the laboratory complex. At the same time, WALTONFORD happens to be exiting the operating room into the main hallway. While exiting, he accidentally leaves a slight opening in the door. He meets BAILEY with his hands crossed over his chest.)

WALTONFORD (sternly): May I help you?

BAILEY: This is Daniel Bailey, Standard News.

WALTONFORD: Mr. Bailey, I know who you are. Now, please state your business here.

BAILEY: It's in connection with the trial. I would like to do a thorough report on... exactly what the Estate of Grummond is and... how it manages its various operations. I was... informed... that this is one such operation, so I came to take a look at it. This is just meant to give the public more... background information... on the matter.

WALTONFORD: Very well, come with me. You have entered the Grummond Center for Botanical Studies. It is here that the most cutting-edge research on the genetic properties of plants is performed. If you would follow me into our gallery of plants... (They enter the room with the plants.)