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« on: December 23, 2010, 01:24:35 AM »
Prompt: Write a five- to ten-page two-character dialogue with no tags or blocking. Try to evoke character, conflict, and plot using only dialogue. Include: a problem, two distinct individuals, a fantasy/sf element. Avoid: long monologues, exposition. Use context, not explanations.
I know this is late, and it doesn't really count anymore, but I promised myself I would finish and post it. Technically, there are three characters, but only two main ones. It encompasses only the dialogue of the first chapter of a novel.
“Excuse me, ma'am. There's a Lazarus Brown to see you.”
“Thank you, Mary. Show him in.”
“I would very much like a cup of tea, miss.”
“Ma'am?”
“Yes. Tea, please, Mary. Please be seated, Mr. Brown. You must have been quite close to arrive so quickly.”
“Yes. It is imperative we do so. You understand. We place our satellite offices centrally in each city for that very reason.”
“Yes, I see. I imagine it would be rather embarrassing to chase down a pregnant lady simply because you weren't close enough when the pouch turned red.”
“Surely not embarrassing for the government. For the woman, perhaps tragic is a better word. Few pregnancies last without the Capital's intervention, and the women who believe running is a good option would be wise to remember that. What a depressing topic to begin our first meeting. You have a lovely home, Mrs. Simmons. Let us talk about that. You seem to have quite a taste for the latest fashions.”
“Thank you. The man at the shop called that one a 'photogram.' He explained the process to me. He seemed rather impressed by its innovation.”
“And you?”
“I'm intrigued, of course. I was drawn to the shapes; that's why I bought it. But I can't help but wonder how much more is possible...though I'm no artist.”
“I understand your husband is in the Royal Space Fleet. A captain, I think.”
“Yes, that's right. How kind of you to inquire after him. Currently, he's on a mission out in the West Sector. We both know who is out there this time of year.”
“Indeed.”
“Thank you, Mary. Mr. Brown, how do you take your tea?”
“One sugar, light cream, please. Thank you, miss.”
“That will be all, Mary. Wait. Please bring me a seltzer water to calm my stomach.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“I wonder what will happen to her when I'm gone. Do you care for them—the servants, I mean?”
“We find that most servants are rather content while their mistress is away. Their quality of life usually tends to...increase.”
“I'm not one of those, Mr. Brown. My taste in art may reflect the popular fashion, but I can assure you that the treatment of my servants does not.”
“I apologize if I've offended you, Mrs. Simmons. I meant to say that we assure they are well looked after in your absence.”
“And am I assured to be well looked after as well?”
“This hostility is uncalled for. I think you are forgetting that I am not the enemy. It will make both our lives extremely difficult if you continue to act otherwise.”
“Mr. Brown—”
“I think we are finished here, for now. You have one hour to collect your necessary belongings. Please remember to pack lightly, and only for the trip. Once we reach the Capital, we can easily procure anything else you require. Do you understand these instructions?”
“Yes.”
“Very well, then, I will wait for you here. Please have your maidservant bring more tea.”
“Mr. Brown, if I may speak boldly. I understand how important children born these days are to you and your superiors. I've seen that it is enough to terrify the women in every city on this planet. Do not mistake me: I will accompany you, because I have no choice, but please do not delude yourself into thinking that I give a damn about you and your policies. This child belongs to me and my husband—not to the Council of Royals, and most definitely, not to you.”
“Duly noted. Now go. You are wasting time we don't have.”
“Mary... No, I won't be needing the seltzer anymore. Put it down. There is no time. You will bring Mr. Brown more tea, and then you will promptly join me in my chambers to help me pack my things. I must go with him.”
“Ma'am, I know tisn't my place, but...”
“Yes, Mary. It turned red just this morning. We'll be saying goodbye soon, you and I.”
“But Mr. Simmons! He won't be home until—”
“That is my obstacle to overcome. Mary, please, don't look so frightened. All will be well. But for now, haste is of the utmost importance. Go, quickly.”