-
The Tabernacle: You are asked to vote at the termination of the trial of George Saden. Final statement from the accused begins.
George Saden: I confess to the charges, but plead mitigation. These thoughts are constructive criticisms. Pyramidical. I try to suppress these thoughts, but they leak out in Second Level through the head-wound of my third death. I was imperfectly repaired. No. That is not true. I think what I think!
Friend: [murmuring] That's more like it! I'm with you, George.
George Saden: I hate you all. I hate you all. I hate you all. Especially me.
[the Tabernacle chimes]
The Tabernacle: Vote, please. Vote, please.
Friend: [to Zed] I'm voting for him, Monster. It won't do any good. Nothing ever does.
[Friend speaks into his ring]
Friend: Absolute acquittal!
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Arthur Frayn: You see, our death-wish was devious, and deep. As Zardoz, Zed, I was able to choose your forefathers! It was careful genetic breeding that produced this mutant - this slave who could free his masters! And Friend was my accomplice! Don't you remember the man in the library, Zed?
[a chime is heard]
Arthur Frayn: It was I who led you to the 'Wizard of Oz' book! Ha-hah, it was I who gave you access to the Stone! It was I!
[a chime is heard]
Arthur Frayn: I bred you! I led you!
Zed: And I have looked into the face of the force that put the idea in your mind. You are bred, and led, yourself.
[He strides away, and Friend advances to join Arthur]
Friend: Arthur! We've all been used!
Arthur Frayn: And re-used.
Friend: And abused!
Arthur Frayn: And amused!
Extended Reading
