REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM (CONT'D)
Salmon Rev. (06/19/2020) 28.Take your hand from the box, boy,
and look at it.Reluctantly Paul complies -- sure he will see a ruined stump.
But his hand is unmarked. He wiggles his fingers, amazed.
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM (CONT'D)
Pain by nerve induction.He stares at her, his curiosity overriding his anger. The
Reverend Mother smiles, concealing the box in her robes.
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM (CONT'D)
Like sifting sand through a screen.
We sift people. If you were unable
to control your impulses, like an
animal -- we could not let you
live. You inherit too much power.PAUL
Because I’m a Duke’s son?REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM
Because you are Jessica’s son.
You have more than one birthright,
boy. You’ve proven you can rule
yourself. Now you must learn to
rule others. It’s something none of
your ancestors learned.PAUL
My father rules an entire planet.REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM
He’s losing it.PAUL
He’s getting a richer planet!REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM *
We’ll see. *Paul stares at her, disconcerted. What does she mean?
OUTSIDE THE DOOR
Jessica stands rigid, serene. Waiting.
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Jessica!Jessica goes in, fear on her face. At the sight of Paul, her
face floods with relief.
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM (CONT'D)
Salmon Rev. (06/19/2020) 28.