DEBORAH’S DAUGHTER

by Pam Gems

Copyright © Pam Gems
Pam Gems is hereby identified as author of this work in accordance with section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The author has asserted her moral rights. All rights whatsoever in this play are strictly reserved and application for performance etc. should be made before rehearsal to Rose Cobbe, United Agents, 12-26 Lexington Street, London W1F 0LE, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 3214 0800.
http://unitedagents.co.uk/agents/rose-cobbe/. Assistant: Dan Usztan. Email: dusztan@unitedagents.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 20 3214 0873. No performance may be given unless a licence has been obtained.

DEBORAH’S DAUGHTER

Cast

	Deborah Pedersen, in her forties.

	Stephanie Pedersen, Deborah’s daughter, who is just seventeen.

	Rhoda, Lady Wiggins, Deborah’s mother, an old Africa hand.

	Eric Bellairs, MI6.

	David Delavigne, a young man of stable background.

	Hassan Sa’id Ibn Sa’id, an army colonel.

	Ali Madur, captain and aide to Hassan.

The god Pluto, who ruled the underworld, stole Persephone, daughter of Demeter, wife of Zeus and goddess of fertility.  Demeter, in grief and dispossession, threatened to make the world barren.  A compromise was effected.

				DEBORAH’S DAUGHTER

ACT ONE.

SCENE ONE.

We are outside the army headquarters of the last sizeable town in the South of a North African country.  A podium has been set up.  Bright sunlight, and a stiff breeze which blows the scarves and dresses of the women sitting on the row of formal chairs behind the standing microphone.  They are STEPHANIE, very young, with shining fair hair, wearing a simple white dress...RHODA, elderly, in sweet-pea colours, with an old safari jacket over and a cloth hat...and, next to COLONEL SA’ID in army uniform, DEBORAH PEDERSEN.  She is a comely woman, with an expressive face.  She grimaces a good deal, often in self-deprecation.  She sits awkwardly, legs twisted under her chair, her hair in disarray under a wide-brimmed hat.  Her clothes seem to flow and loop about her, giving her a muddled but attractive appearance.  She draws you.  You want to rescue her.

Also on the platform is ERIC BELLAIRS, from the British Council, a thin, dark man of early middle age, and DAVID DELAVIGNE, an attractive and energetic young man in chinos, who is videoing the scene.  CAPTAIN ALI MADUR, the Colonel’s Aide, cranes offstage, waves a hand.  There is a slight hiatus, and then, very loud on the P/A, the country’s national anthem.  The COLONEL and the CAPTAIN stand to attention, ERIC BELLAIRS likewise.  The wind is troublesome with DEBORAH’S hat.  The group makes to sit but the music resurges, catching them out.  It finishes with a whoof.  RHODA sits promptly and firmly.

			ALI
		(In Arabic) People - gather - come close -

There is a brief, garbled statement in Arabic on the P/A, then a pause.  ERIC BELLAIRS leans over, whispers in DEBORAH’S ear.

			ERIC
		Your turn now, Mrs Pedersen.

She betrays alarm but rises, grasping the pages of her speech and putting on her tinted prescription glasses with difficulty in the high wind.

			DEBORAH
		(In Arabic) Hail to the great and wise King Jawal bin Jadal.  Would...(she stumbles)...would that he might be among us.  (Murmured response on the P/A.)  On behalf of Pedersen Oil, in memory of my beloved husband Per Pedersen, and in the sure hope that we may continue to work, co-operate and prosper together, I offer this poor gift of one hundred million dollars.  (The roar of cheering makes her jump.  She resumes after prolonged cheering and ululation.)  Let us go forward in brotherly love.  Long live King Jawal bin Jadal.  (A few sounds of dissent.  The COLONEL turns, glowering.)

DEBORAH, blowing out her cheeks in relief, hands the piece of paper to ERIC BELLAIRS.  He hands her another sheet.  She clears her throat, now speaks in English.

			DEBORAH
		Ladies and gentlemen.  I bring greetings to His Majesty, King Jawal...(now the sounds of dissent are stronger.  The COLONEL looks about him with a savage scowl)...by whose...by whose benevolent permission this ceremony takes place.  Would that he might be among us.  (The COLONEL anticipates dissent by glaring.)  I am here on behalf of my husband Per Pedersen, whose loss has been grievous not only to me but to this country.  In his memory, as a token of the deep attachment between Pedersen Oil and your historic country...and in the sure hope that we may continue to co-operate and prosper together, I offer this gift of a hundred million dollars.  (Clapping from the platform, sporadic on the P/A.)  The money is to be used to make the desert flourish, and I am honoured to be your president in this vital venture.  My mother...(she turns to RHODA, who squints up at her impassively)...as you all know, my mother, Lady Wiggins, is an old Africa hand -

			RHODA
		Not that old...

			DEBORAH
		- and I myself have the fondest memories of working here, first as a student volunteer, and then when I was attached to your Royal Institute as a consulting agricultural biologist...before my marriage.  In those days...before the recent...we had great hopes, with the use of new varieties, suited to...there have been setbacks, with the droughts...  (ERIC frowns, she is leaving her text)...I have been so very deeply concerned - but, believe me, there is nothing, nothing we cannot achieve - if we can just get the water in, the desert will flourish - (ERIC looks perturbed)...it can...it must - I’m sorry...(she sways slightly)...the heat...... (It seems as though she may collapse but the COLONEL’S arms are immediately and strongly about her.)  Thank you...thank you I’m...  (She pulls away from his sharply and he lets her got at once.)  Thank you.

			DAVID
		(Hisses) Mrs Pedersen...the cheque...

She turns to ERIC who gives her the cheque.  She waves it uncertainly towards the COLONEL who clicks a finger for a CAPTAIN bearing a silver salver who steps forward and comes to attention.  DEBORAH places the cheque on the salver.  It immediately blows away.  The CAPTAIN bends, retrieves the cheque. 

			RHODA
		(In Arabic) Put your thumb on it, man.

The CAPTAIN wipes it on his ass delicately to remove the sand and anchors it to the salver with his thumb.  Then turns, and bears away the cheque with proud formality, changing step twice to be in time with the band which has now resurged.  The COLONEL turns, bows deeply to DEBORAH to applause, and kisses her hand.  She retrieves her hand with difficulty.  Over the appallingly played Souza March RHODA cups her hands and bawls at the COLONEL.

			RHODA
		Hassan!  Get them to shut up!  (The COLONEL comes to her side and bends to listen.  She bawls again.)  Tell them to pack it in, will you?

The COLONEL nods.  He waves a slack hand and the band stops in mid-note.  He steps forward, nods briefly.  The sound of military commands, a drum roll, the sound of men coming very raggedly to attention.  Silence.  The COLONEL turns to DEBORAH who backs away circumspectly.

			RHODA
		Thank God for that.

			HASSAN
		(Smiles, looking even more a brigand.)   For you, beloved Umm, as brief as possible.  (He kisses RHODA’S hand.)

			DEBORAH
		(Apart, to STEPHANIE)   I do wish he wouldn’t do that.

			STEPHANIE
		Mummy, it’s probably the custom.  He doesn’t mean anything.

			DEBORAH
		Oh I think he does.

			ERIC
		Went very well, Colonel.  (Seeing HASSAN loom towards DEBORAH he draws him away, shaking his hand firmly.)

			DAVID
		(To STEPHANIE)   Is your mother OK?

			STEPHANIE
		It’s just the heat.  It makes her dizzy.

			DAVID
		She’s looking great.

			STEPHANIE
		(As he takes still shots)   Oh, good.  (She regards her mother doubtfully.)  When my father was alive she always looked splendid...now, I don’t know...

			DAVID
		(Packing his gear) Don’t worry, it’ll all be edited.

			ERIC
		We’d better go in - (DAVID and STEPHANIE look up in enquiry) - there’s a small reception.

			RHODA
		(Bawls) Not another, Eric!

			ERIC
		This one’s our show...I’ve kept it very brief.

			RHODA
		Good!

			ERIC
		Rather an elaborate do tonight, I’m afraid...the local heat were insistent.  Ah - (again he forestalls the COLONEL, who makes to escort DEBORAH.  She backs away with a nervous smile, anchoring her large hat.)

		Colonel Sa’id - I hear there’s a Mozart trio tonight!

			STEPHANIE
		Mozart?  In the desert?  (She is enchanted by the idea.)

			RHODA
		Very recherché, Hassan.  Direct from Old Vienna?

			HASSAN
		(With a morose scowl) From Libya.

			RHODA
		Hah!  (She cackles with laughter.  He shakes his head at her, a warning.  She pulls a silly face at him.  He puts his hands behind his back.)

			HASSAN
		Goodwill tour.  (This makes RHODA laugh genuinely.  He turns on DEBORAH suddenly, making her jump.)  And for this lady...one thousand roses!

			DEBORAH
		I’m sorry?

			HASSAN
		White roses!  Grown in the cool hills for the honour of our beloved benefactor.  Tell me, is this, in the female, benefactress?  I would wish, most sincerely, not to give offence by desexing your good self.  (He laughs loudly, grasps her by the elbow.)  My English is affluent is it not?

			DEBORAH
		On the contrary, I should say it was wilfully rotten.  Shall we go in?  (To STEPHANIE.)

She goes inside, to the reception, with STEPHANIE and DAVID.

			RHODA
		(Mutters) Hassan, that’s enough.

			HASSAN
		Mere social intercourse.

			RHODA
		You won’t get much intercourse there -

			ERIC
		Colonel, I have to confess...talking of...ah -

			HASSAN
		(Genial) Mister Bellairs?

			ERIC
		Nothing.  Just wondering about the need for all this.  Surely everything could have been arranged in London - if you remember, we suggested informal talks in the country at Mrs Pedersen’s home.  She would have been so much more comfortable -

			HASSAN
		Nah, nah, nah......different world.  Important she is here.

			ERIC
		Why?  There’s nothing that couldn’t -

			HASSAN
		I have watched this lady.  In London she is not happy.  She shudders at her responsibility.  She wishes to be the child, to be obedient.

			ERIC
		In London she has the direct advice and support of her consortium.  We could have managed the business simply, without delay.  Our joint interests could -

			HASSAN
		Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah.  The Pedersen consortium ...you know its structure...many associates... Japan ...America...

			ERIC
		We’ve been given assurances -

			HASSAN
		Assurances for you.  Not for us.

			ERIC
		Nonetheless, to bring the widow here - I still fail to -

			RHODA
		It was my suggestion!  (Pulls a face at ERIC.)

			HASSAN
		Lady Wiggins wishes for her daughter a more direct connection with this country of her financial concern.

			RHODA
		And don’t forget I wangled it, Hassan.  I shall expect a quid pro quo.  (He looks at her gloomily.)

			HASSAN
		If Mrs Pedersen can witness for herself the lives of those she -

			ERICA
		Ye-es.  Perhaps.  Though she is familiar with, and can’t quite...however, here we are.  No doubt our mutual interests can continue to be successfully served.
			RHODA
		Split infinitive, Eric.

			ERIC
		Thank you, Rhoda.  (He takes HASSAN aside.)  Any minute now the Foreign Office are going to get shirty, I’ve no official authority for any of this, as you know.  How long?  (HASSAN shrugs.)  This...ah...this thing -

			HASSAN
		This thing?  Immediate.  I guarantee.  (ERIC makes to speak.)  But first the visit to the south.

			ERIC
		(Losing patience) Is that really advisable?  (HASSAN gives him a stone-faced look.)  The consortium has already approved contingency funding.  She’s very fragile.  You might be wise not to -

			HASSAN
		One visit - to the excavation - for morale.

			RHODA
		Just the thing, she needs a jolly good -

			ERIC
		(Sweetly) Shut up, Rhoda.  (To HASSAN) Is it safe?

			HASSAN
		(Shrugs) Probably.

			RHODA
		Safer than anywhere else in -

			ERIC
		Sorry, can’t take the risk.  If this thing comes to the boil I need your assurance, immediate escort out of here, in fact I’m not sure it wouldn’t be wiser to cut events short after tonight, continue at arms’ length -

			RHODA
		Nonsense, you love to live dangerously.  Come on, whisky and soda.

			HASSAN
		No risk, I assure you.

			ERIC
		Do I have your word?  Absolute assurance -

			HASSAN
		Of course.

			RHODA
		Show her the irrigation, Hassan.  Do her the world of good.  (She hands ERIC her old music case, they stroll off together.)  Well, Eric, and how are the water colours these days?  Still dabbling?

			ERIC
		Alas, all too rarely.  One lives in hopes.

			RHODA
		Goodo.  Saw Mustapha last week.

			ERIC
		(Pleased) Oh?  Did you?  How is he?

			RHODA
		Very well.  Sends his love.

They exit.  HASSAN, alone, gazes out at the desert.  A dog barks.  STEPHANIE enters quietly, making him jump.

			HASSAN
		(Abrupt) What?  I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.

			STEPHANIE
		They’re waiting.  (He shrugs, indifferent.  She approaches and joins him.  They look out at the desert.)

		(Softly) I’ve never seen anything like it.

			HASSAN
		(Looks at her briefly) The desert?

			STEPHANIE
		So many colours!  I thought it would be like Bournemouth beach.  Look - grey...orange...pink ...(she points.)
			HASSAN
		The hills are full of copper...aluminium.  It ruins reception - when you want a weather report.

He gazes out at the desert, abstracted.

			STEPHANIE
		No green, of course.  (He doesn’t reply.)  At home everything’s green - green fields, green trees... green cows...

		(This does get his attention.  He turns, frowning.  STEPHANIE points.)

		Oh, look - over there! - that peak.  Violet!

			HASSAN
		(Softly) `The violets in the mountain have split the rock.’

			STEPHANIE
		That’s Tennessee Williams!  How surprising.

			HASSAN
		It is not unknown for a soldier to read - even poetry.

			STEPHANIE
		Wow.  Do you carry a slim volume in your knapsack?

			HASSAN
		Of course, under the hand grenades.

			STEPHANIE
		You know, you’re going to have to do something about that.

			HASSAN
		About what?

			STEPHANIE
		The sneer.  (He looks at her neutrally.)  Every time you say something to us.  I mean, I do understand, but we’re not - speaking for myself, I didn’t ask to be born Stephanie Pedersen...it can interfere with your freedom, believe me.
			HASSAN
		I am sure.

			STEPHANIE
		We’re not drones!

			HASSAN
		(Not understanding the word) Drones?

			STEPHANIE
		Mummy and I work very hard on the farm.  We’re very efficient - and totally organic.

			HASSAN
		(Laughs) Yes, I can see that.

			STEPHANIE
		Are you flirting with me?

			HASSAN
		Flirting?

			STEPHANIE
		Trying to get off - give me the eye - I don’t mind for myself, but it puts the wind up Mummy no end.

			HASSAN
		She is not organic?

			STEPHANIE
		Stop it.  She’s splendid.  We use no chemicals, no phosphates, no artificial nitrogen on the land, and no machinery.  Heavy machinery destroys the structure of the soil completely, did you know that?

			HASSAN
		No machinery?  No oil, no petrol?  (She shakes her head, laughing.)  And your name is Pedersen?

			STEPHANIE
		I know!  Bizarre, isn’t it?  Don’t tell the  share holders.  You could farm like this here, it’s much cheaper and we do quite as well as conventional farmers - well, no-one’s thriving at the moment - fortunately we do have the flowers.

HASSAN who has been looking at her, enjoying her youth and beauty, without listening, frowns.

			HASSAN
		Flowers?

			STEPHANIE
		You should see them!...acres and acres and acres!  Mummy’s a famous breeder.

			HASSAN
		Of flowers?

			STEPHANIE
		Bulbs mainly.  We export all over the world.  She’s famous for it.

HASSAN looks out over the desert.

			HASSAN
		You grow flowers.

Slight pause.

			STEPHANIE	
		Yes, I suppose that does sound frivolous here.

		(He looks at her gloomily.)

		England’s so different!  In Hereford everything’s wet...moist - fertile - things grow all the time!

She looks at him.  He stares at the desert.

			STEPHANIE
		Just the same, you do have things that we don’t.

			HASSAN
		We have nothing.

			STEPHANIE
		You have this.  All this...beauty.  (Slight pause.)  I’m sorry.  We’ve been reading about the drought in the south.  We saw the pictures.  My other is very distressed.

			HASSAN
		Our gratitude knows no depths.  We are moved by her intervention.

			STEPHANIE
		You’re doing it again!  (Slight pause.)  What will happen to the money?  I mean if -

			HASSAN
		We shall divert the river!

			STEPHANIE
		You’ll go ahead with it?  (He looks round carefully.)  No-one can hear us.  (Slight pause.  She looks round.)

		What are all the soldiers waiting for?

HASSAN follows her glance, looks round idly.

			HASSAN
		For me to dismiss them.

			STEPHANIE
		Shouldn’t you do so?

			HASSAN
		(Absently, enjoying her company) Oh, I don’t know.  (She laughs) What?

			STEPHANIE
		You can be lovely sometimes.  I must go.  Mummy’s not well.  (He frowns at this.)

			HASSAN
		She is ill?

			STEPHANIE
		Not exactly.  (Dancing off backwards) She suffers from claustrophobia!...

			HASSAN
		Here?  In the desert?  (He watches her go, then shouts, in Arabic) Remove this rabble of untrained petty delinquents and breakers of their mother’s hearts.

Shrieked commands in Arabic.  The sound of men coming raggedly to attention.  Another shriek, the men fall out and run off across the asphalt.  ALI enters, salutes.  He and HASSAN walk apart, in close discussion.  They look serious.  ALI listens as HASSAN gives him instructions.  HASSAN leaves.  ALI makes to leave separately, pauses as DEBORAH, in seeming agitation, hurries on.

			DEBORAH
		Stephanie - Stephanie, are you there?

			ALI
		Madame?

			DEBORAH
		(Nervous) What?

			ALI
		May I help you?

			DEBORAH
		No.  Yes, I’m looking for my daughter.

			ALI
		Please, allow me - (he tries to usher her off.)

			DEBORAH
		No, I -

			STEPHANIE
		(Off) Mother?

			DEBORAH
		Stephanie?  Where is she, I can’t find her - (she sees STEPHANIE) - oh there you are!  I was looking for you, I didn’t know where you were!  (She rushes off, sending ALI reeling.  Alone, he talks urgently in Arabic into a mobile telephone.)

SCENE TWO

A terrace at one of the ruler’s palatial winter residences.  Low seating, in the Moorish style, lavishly appointed.  Low, decorated tables, and softly lit lamps.  In the background, the sound of the Mozart trio.

DAVID enters in a dinner jacket.  He looks round for STEPHANIE, goes off to find her, hands in pockets, whistling to himself cheerfully.

A slight pause.  STEPHANIE enters in a diaphanous green and cream gauze dress, girdled with narrow gold.  She looks like a young nymph.  Thinking herself alone she turns, swaying, to the sound of the music.  She dances for a few moments, then goes off towards the sound of the music.

HASSAN, resplendent in Arab robes, emerges from the shadows.  ALI enters and they walk apart, talking urgently in Arabic.  HASSAN breaks away, angry at ALI’S news.

			HASSAN
		(In Arabic) Not one guarantee of support?

			ALI
		(In English) They will wait.

ERIC, in evening clothes, enters, and catches HASSAN’S grimace of fury.  He looks from one to the other.

			ERIC
		(Politely) Any news?

			ALI
		(Bows respectfully) Mr Bellairs.

ERIC looks from one to the other.  They stare at him sombrely.

			ERIC
		I see.  No further support.

			ALI
		Our friends in the north prefer to - to -

			HASSAN
		(Savagely) They will wait.

A pause.

			ERIC
		So it’s off?  (Silence.)
			HASSAN
		No.

The Mozart stops.
Silence.  ERIC shakes his head vigorously.

			ERIC
		Try the Russians.  Why not?  They’re flogging everything to anyone.

			ALI
		For dollars, Mr Bellairs.  For dollars.  (Softly) We have no dollars.

			HASSAN
		(Turns, he has decided) We move anyway.

			ERIC
		(Prompt) In that case I need a safe conduct out of here tonight.

			HASSAN
		Why?  Everything is under control.

			ERIC
		Not if you jump the gun it isn’t.

			ALI
		(In Arabic) They are coming.

			ERIC
		What?

ALI indicates off as RHODA enters quickly.

			RHODA
		There you are, Hassan.  (Low) Any news?  Damn.  (As DEBORAH enters behind her.)

			DEBORAH
		Mother, you’re wrong...it was Teignmouth, I knew I was right!  (Her voice falters as STEPHANIE, coming towards her, sees HASSAN and crosses to him.)  I remember it most distinctly...(her voice trails off, then she recovers her attention.)  We were standing at the water’s edge, and the church clock struck five and I looked up and suddenly everything - sea, sand, sky....everything dissolved into this golden opalescence.  I thought it was my condition, I was carrying Stephanie at the time.

			ERIC
		Oh, Teignmouth can be like that in the late afternoon.  Turner painted what he saw.

HASSAN and STEPHANIE stroll off.  DEBORAH is agitated.

			DEBORAH
		(Calls) Stephanie - !

			RHODA
		Let her go.

			DEBORAH
		Oh!

			RHODA
		You never said you knew Devon, Eric.

			ERIC
		Yes I did.  I told you, everyone talked of a Lady Wiggins -

			RHODA
		That was me! -

			ERIC
		...a young society woman - when I was a boy -

			RHODA
		- just after I married Gervase -

			ERIC
		- known as a great beauty - the Rose of Devonshire -

			RHODA
		- before I took to the drink.

			DEBORAH
		(As they go) Mother, do be quiet.

			RHODA
		(To ERIC) If you’d seen me then, who knows...?

A pause.  Piano music, soft, offstage, a Chopin nocturne.  HASSAN and STEPHANIE stroll on.

			HASSAN
		(Amused) Beauty...a human necessity?  Why?

STEPHANIE shrugs, uncertain, searches for an answer.

			STEPHANIE
		To keep us going?

			HASSAN
		And you believe it advisable, to keep going?

			STEPHANIE
		That rather depends on the alternatives.

			HASSAN
		What if risk is the only choice?

			STEPHANIE
		Oh Hassan!  I know!  And you know what I feel, you know I believe in the things we talked about, the night we talked all night!  Just the same...just the same there are advantages to gradualism.

			HASSAN
		Name one.

			STEPHANIE
		A lower body count?

			HASSAN
		I am a soldier -

			STEPHANIE
		So you believe in killing people.

			HASSAN
		If necessary.

			STEPHANIE
		In destroying life.

			HASSAN
		And you are prepared always to submit?

			STEPHANIE
		In bending to the wind, yes.  Not very brave, I admit, but a good wheeze for surviving.

			HASSAN
		Hah!

			STEPHANIE
		(Picking up on his urgency) There are other ways!
	
			HASSAN
		Such as?

			STEPHANIE
		Subversion...persuasion...

			HASSAN
		You think people fight for pleasure?

			STEPHANIE
		Yes!  At first, anyway.  People lead boring lives.  They jump at the idea of challenge - we’re programmed for it.

			HASSAN
		But you prefer the predictable.

			STEPHANIE
		I like to know where I stand, yes.

			HASSAN
		Watch me.  (He blows) There.  What do you see?

			STEPHANIE
		Nothing.

			HASSAN
		Yet I have changed the world.  (Offstage, dance music begins softly.)  I blow...(he blows again)... and air is displaced around the whole world.  This must be so.  (Dance music.)

			STEPHANIE
		(Laughs, blows) There, I’ve blown it all back again.

DEBORAH and DAVID enter.

			DEBORAH
		You seem to be enjoying yourselves.

			DAVID
		Steffie, want to dance?

			STEPHANIE
		Ooh, please!  (To HASSAN) Excuse me.  (She runs off.)

			DEBORAH
		My daughter seems quite taken with you, Colonel Sa’id.

			HASSAN
		She is intelligent.

			DEBORAH
		And very young still.  In England girls don’t - develop quite so early.

			HASSAN
		She is old enough to make children - please, sit down.

			DEBORAH
		Ah, no, I...

			HASSAN
		Please.  Captain, for the lady if you would - whisky and soda?  Gin and it?

He waves DEBORAH to a low cushioned seat where she sits, knees primly together.  ALI appears, both men bend solicitously over her.

			DEBORAH
		Nothing, thank you.  (As ALI continues to loom.) A glass of Evian.  (ALI looks baffled.)  Fruit juice... anything.

Over her head HASSAN nods meaningfully to ALI.

			ALI
		Madame.  (He bows and goes.  Slight pause.)

			DEBORAH
		You must forgive my anxiety, Colonel.  My daughter is my only child, and naturally we’ve had to protect her - there is always the wretched fear of kidnapping.

			HASSAN
		I am aware.

His voice is soft, compassionate.  It makes her look at him directly.

			HASSAN
		You are her mother.  (He holds her glance.)

			DEBORAH
		(Slightly out of face) This is her first time in Africa.  Naturally she - her imagination is bound to be stimulated.

			HASSAN
		And you, Madame?

			DEBORAH
		I beg your pardon?

			HASSAN
		May we hope that you, too, perhaps -

			DEBORAH
		No, no, no.  (Flustered under his intense gaze.)  This isn’t my first visit.  I worked here before, as a research scientist, before my marriage.

			HASSAN
		And you are much respected.

			DEBORAH
		It was a long time ago -

			HASSAN
		Revered!  (He leans forward, murmurs sensuously.)  I have read your paper on short-stemmed wheat.

			DEBORAH
		(Removing his hand from her knee) Most of my work was on maize.

			HASSAN
		I know!  Jumping genes!  The gene in the maize kernel which leaps, unbidden, from chromosome to chromosome.  (He stands, declares) `Transposable Elements’ by Doctor Deborah Wiggins!  You see? - I have read your book.

			DEBORAH
		Really?  (For a moment she shines up at him but then pulls a face.)  It’s out of date now.  I’m just a geneticist...it’s all molecular biology these days, ever since Crick and Watson and Kendrew.  And Rosy - Rosy Franklin of course.  And Linus Pauling in America, and all the new people.

			HASSAN
		But you don’t lose the passion?  The desire?

			DEBORAH
		For science?  How could I?  For some of us science is poetry.

			HASSAN
		Then why not return?

			DEBORAH
		No, no.  Much too late.

			HASSAN
		Why not?  Everything is possible.

			DEBORAH
		(Shakes her head) I’d have to begin again.  (But she hugs her legs wistfully, like a girl.)  I still miss it, all that wonderful work on moulds, spores and fungi.  (She sighs deeply.)  I gave up when I married.

			HASSAN
		(Barks) Why?

			DEBORAH
		Because my husband’s life was extremely demanding.  He needed me to...I was needed.

			HASSAN
		For what?  To extract from the earth more oil?

			DEBORAH
		We can hardly do without it, Colonel.

HASSAN slaps his thigh loudly, shouts with laughter, making her jump.

			HASSAN
		But you do...you do!

			DEBORAH
		I’m sorry?

			HASSAN
		You do, lady!  Your daughter tells me that you spurn the use of oil, of the source of all your fortune.

			DEBORAH
		What?  Oh, you mean on the farm!  Now that is something I would like to discuss while we are here.  The need to conserve world resources is absolutely vital - don’t you agree?

			HASSAN
		Yes, yes.  So we must live modestly as the West tells us, with the loom and the donkey, like Mr Gandhi.  Very picturesque, especially for the tourists.  Our people are dying.  As you know.

			DEBORAH
		Yes, Colonel, I know!  And that is precisely why the diversion of this river is so vital.  Top soil, Colonel Sa’id - top soil!  The secret of fertility.

			HASSAN
		From one small river.

			DEBORAH
		A beginning.  You’re too pessimistic, Colonel - have faith!

			HASSAN
		Easy for you.  You are white, you are rich.  That which you choose you can have.

			DEBORAH
		And you can have fruit and vegetables growing in sand in a year.  Believe me.  Look at the plans, they’re of the utmost simplicity.  All of our work is based on the practical.

			HASSAN
		A simple plan for simple people.

			DEBORAH
		No human being is simple.  (She turns, catches his gaze, for a moment they are held, then she looks away.)  As for being rich, my daughter and I live very plainly.

			HASSAN
		You play the shepherdess.  Very pretty.

			DEBORAH
		We choose to conserve.

			HASSAN
		And you have never considered that in a position of such privilege more may be required of you than to ape poverty?

		Mrs Pedersen (as she tries to interrupt)...you occupy position of power.

			DEBORAH
		Which I have never sought to use.
			HASSAN
		Why not?
	
			DEBORAH
		That was my husband’s world.

			HASSAN
		Your husband is dead.  (Pause.  Softly) You will come to the Rift?

			DEBORAH
		Not this time.  Perhaps later.

		HASSAN
		A disappointment.  No doubt you have other diversions.

			DEBORAH
		I have other calls on my time, yes.

			HASSAN
		They have dug into the ground for you.

			DEBORAH
		Really, Colonel, I can hardly believe that my visit would be anything other than an interruption.  I’m unlikely to contribute by standing over the earth-movers in person - besides, it’s too hot.

			HASSAN
		My house is built on water.  It is a fortress of El Glaoui.  There are pools, and trees, and many beautiful flowers.  Please.  This would be for us great pleasure.  And for the children.

			DEBORAH
		Your family?

			HASSAN
		The children of the village.  I have no family.

			DEBORAH
		(Surprised) You’re not married?

ALI appears with a large silver tray with drinks.  He puts a tall glass at DEBORAH’S elbow and fills it from a silver pitcher.  He serves HASSAN with whisky, then presents a large, apricot-coloured velvet box of sweets, opening it with reverent ceremony and placing it by DEBORAH’S elbow with a formal bow.  He bows again and goes.  DEBORAH lifts her glass politely to HASSAN.

			DEBORAH
		Well, ah....your health.  (She sips, drinks again.)  What is this, it’s rather pleasant.  You were saying you were not married, Colonel?

			HASSAN
		My wife is dead.  For seven years I have lived alone.

			DEBORAH
		Seven years?  That’s a long time.  (She drinks and he refills her glass.)  Believe me, I understand loss.  (He leans forward, offers her the box of sweets.  She shakes her head.)

		No thank you.

			HASSAN
		A special gift from His Majesty - apricot and almond.

			DEBORAH
		Oh - well...(She takes one.  He waits expectantly so she tastes it.)  Thank you...very nice.

			HASSAN
		(Slaps his thigh) Good - we don’t chop off the hand of the chef!

			DEBORAH
		I don’t find that very amusing, Colonel Sa’id.

			HASSAN
		No doubt you have read of torture in our prisons.

			DEBORAH
		It’s in the world press.

			HASSAN
		And what do you think?  (But he slaps his thigh again, speaks heartily) But now is not the time for political discussion, heh?  Social occasion!  Time for celebration of your so generous gift.  Madame... your health.  Santé.

They both drink.  Slight pause.  DEBORAH puts down her glass.

			DEBORAH
		How did you...ah...come to lose your wife?

			HASSAN
		Somebody blew her feet off.

			DEBORAH
		Oh!  (Shocked, she can find nothing to say.)  I’m sorry.

She picks up her glass, drinks deep.

			HASSAN
		I have known women, of course.  But all dark.

		(He leans forward.  DEBORAH draws back.)

		You see, Mrs Pedersen, I look to the light.  (He moves closer to her.)  Your skin is translucent, do you know that?  Like wax, at an altar.

		(He bends.  Looks up into her face.)

		You permit?  (He kisses her forearm.  She jumps up as if shot.)

			DEBORAH
		(With a little shriek) Colonel Sa’id!

			HASSAN
		Please...

			DEBORAH
		That’s enough!

			STEPHANIE
		(Off) Mother, are you all right?

			DEBORAH
		(Calls) No - yes!  (Hisses to HASSAN) I don’t know what you think you’re doing -

			HASSAN
		Please, sit down.

			DEBORAH
		(Sitting heavily) Certainly not.

			HASSAN
		Forgive me.  You are so beautiful.

			DEBORAH
		(Becoming garrulous with the fruit cup) Rubbish, I’m a sick and tiresome woman and you couldn’t possibly find me attractive so if, for whatever motive, you seek to flirt with me, I can tell you now it’ll be woefully disappointing, I’ve no talent for that sort of thing, none at all.  I suppose you think all European women are the same, free with their...but it’s by no means - in my case I must tell you that...(she refills her glass, drinks, slams down the glass)...for God’s sake what have they put in this drink, it’s revolting!

			HASSAN
		Please, sit down.  Allow me to - assist you - Ach!

			DEBORAH
		Ow!  (As they bump heads.)  I beg your pardon -

			HASSAN
		I am sorry -

			DEBORAH
		Not at all, it was my fault.  I’m a mass of nerves.

			HASSAN
		No.  No.  You are a lily.  A slender lily, full of promise -

			DEBORAH
		A repository for medication, you mean.

			HASSAN
		No, no, no.  Your body is most sacred.
			DEBORAH
		My body, Colonel Sa’id, is a founder member of Depressives Anonymous.  Or was.  The others have all topped themselves or been committed but then, what would you know about that, no doubt you spend your days between the parade ground and the torture chamber -

			HASSAN
		Your arms...I cannot believe your arms.  They gleam like pale wands of peeled willow -

			DEBORAH
		(Frantically trying to divert him as he closes on her) Willow?...does that grow here, it’s a widely diversified species -

			HASSAN
		You smell of hyacinth...(Dance music changes to the Yakusi Tango.)

			DEBORAH
		Diorissimo...it’s Diorissimo...

			HASSAN
		(Murmurs) Goddess of Light...

He kisses her.  She starts to struggle but is overwhelmed by the sensation.  She drowns.  At last he draws back.

The music stops.

			DEBORAH
		Now look what you’ve done.  Oh please...

		(He kisses her again.)

		What on earth can you want with me?

He bends and kisses the inside of her forearm.  For a moment she seems mesmerised, but with an effort forces herself to draw away, jerking her arm so abruptly that it clips him on the face.  She shows alarm but he waves a hand, he is all right, and makes to close on her again.

			DEBORAH
		No.  (She walks away from him to a safe distance.)  What is it you want?  Don’t tell me you’d like to throw me across your saddle and ride off into the desert?

			HASSAN
		Yes of course.  Please...

			DEBORAH
		No!

			HASSAN
		Why not?

			DEBORAH
		I don’t have to give you a reason.  (She fishes wildly in her evening bag, trying to find a comb.  Finds it and rakes at her hair, looking into the mirror of her powder compact.)  If you want a woman, get a wife - you’re allowed four, aren’t you?  To treat as you please since we’re not supposed to have souls in your religion...what’s the catchphrase? - Islamic heaven, where women are numerous, available and never menstruate?  (She sits on the floor.)  I’m drunk.  (He sits down beside her.)

			HASSAN
		Is it because I am ugly?  You find me ugly?

DEBORAH scrambles very awkwardly to her feet.

			DEBORAH
		(Shouting) Oh!  I see!  Now he wants reassurance!  I must lie down and take off my clothes just to prove -

			HASSAN
		Please, don’t shout -
	
			DEBORAH
		I’m not shouting!

DEBORAH spins, slightly tipsy, and sits apart from HASSAN on the low seat.  She speaks with studied dignity.

			DEBORAH
		Colonel.  I have obviously, and quite unintentionally, given you a completely wrong impression -

			HASSAN
		Not at all, it is I who must beg your forgiveness.  (He straightens his robes fastidiously.)  I shall resign from the army in the morning.

			DEBORAH
		Oh don’t talk balls.

			HASSAN
		I have dishonoured you.  I must be punished for this crime.

			DEBORAH
		Nonsense, don’t be so silly.  It was only a...an... I’m prepared to forget the whole thing.  (As he tries to speak.)  Please.  I have travelled a great deal with my husband and I understand...ah...the customs of your country and all that.

			HASSAN
		I have insulted you.

			DEBORAH
		No I’m not, I’m not insulted, I’ve just said so, as you see, I’m not even angry.  I shall...I shall accept it as a compliment and we’ll let it go at that.

			HASSAN
		Good, and you will come to the Rift tomorrow?

			DEBORAH
		I’m sorry, no.

			HASSAN
		The men work hard into the night to dig for you.  Please, so little to ask from one who has so much.

			DEBORAH
		I’m sorry, I can’t.

			HASSAN
		Why not?
			DEBORAH
		For one thing because I feel so ill all the time!

			HASSAN
		No.  You will not be ill.  In my house, in my garden, you will be well.  Say that you will come.  Please...I ask from the heart.  (He gazes down at her, close.)

			DEBORAH
		Don’t mesmerise me.

			HASSAN
		It will be pleasure for you.  I, Hassan, promise it.

			DEBORAH
		Oh, I see - a treat!  Thank you so much...so grateful!  Strutting around knowing we’re all looking at him in his uniform...now this... (she waves at his robes, stumbles over a stool)...and this great prick of a house...columns...courtyards... who organised tonight, it wasn’t on our schedule -

			HASSAN
		It was arranged for you, for your pleasure -

			DEBORAH
		For me?  My pleasure?  (Laughs wildly) I would have you know that I am not some - accessory... appendage...a facility to be used as you see fit - (slightly on the left foot he proffers the box of sweets.  She knocks them out of his hands) - and I don’t eat sweets!

HASSAN scrambles for the sweets.

			HASSAN
		I ask only small favour...not to offend...

			DEBORAH
		I am my own man now.  I shall do as I please.

HASSAN rises, puts down the box of sweets.

			HASSAN
		(Softly) And as you desire?

DEBORAH looks at him soberly.

			DEBORAH
		At all events, Colonel Sa’id, I don’t desire conquest.  That’s where we differ.

			HASSAN
		And tomorrow?

			DEBORAH
		Don’t bully me.

			HASSAN
		Please, humble request.

He waits, head slightly bowed, humbly supplicant.

			DEBORAH
		(Flustered) I shall sleep on it.

She goes to the exit.  He gazes at her.

She tears herself from his glance and goes.

			HASSAN
		(Mutters under his breath in Arabic) This ewe camel escapes her hobbles.

The music changes to a slow foxtrot as HASSAN dials out on a mobile telephone.

			HASSAN
		(In Arabic) The birds fly west.

			MAN’S VOICE
		(Static, in Arabic) Over the sea to the Islands.

			HASSAN
		(In Arabic) Good - well?
	
			MAN’S VOICE
		(In Arabic) Three Brigade certain, two and four on field manoeuvres and secure.

			HASSAN
		(In Arabic) Where?  Precise location?

			MAN’S VOICE
		(In Arabic) Two hundred kilometres west south west of the capital.

			HASSAN
		(In Arabic) Number Three Brigade?

			MAN’S VOICE
		(In Arabic) Moving against the railways and telecommunications.

			HASSAN
		(In Arabic) God be with you.

			MAN’S VOICE
		(In Arabic) And with you, my Colonel.

HASSAN pushes down the telephone aerial, laughs to himself.

			ALI
		(Approaches) What?  Yes?  Three Brigade?

			HASSAN
		And two and four.  Barracks, outposts, airfields and arsenal under control.

They embrace.

			ALI
		(In Arabic) Allah be praised.  (In English) Now only fifty to one against us.

			HASSAN
		The odds will never be better.

They look at each other.

			ALI
		These people from the oil company -

			HASSAN
		The woman is useful.

			ALI
		(Nods) To have the good will of Pedersen Oil is -

			HASSAN
		Yes, yes.

			ALI
		Remove the widow to safety then?

			HASSAN
		No.  I keep her.

			ALI
		(Eager) As hostage?

			HASSAN
		As honoured guest.  She will focus attention - should we need it.  (ALI gives him an ironic look.  They face each other.)

			DEBORAH
		Allah be with you.

			HASSAN
		(They clasp hands) And with you, beloved and brave.

SCENE THREE

The terrace of the same house, the next morning.  RHODA is reading in a basket chair, whisky to hand.  STEPHANIE, in riding breeches and pale silk shirt, enters as RHODA reaches down for her glass.

			STEPHANIE
		(Laughs) Gran - wicked!  (She winces, as though hurt, holding her side.)

			RHODA
		It’s medicinal.  You sound as though you could do with a nip yourself.

			STEPHANIE
		(Sits, lies back gratefully) I fell off.  Ohh, the air’s marvellous here, your lungs feel like blue balloons.  (Sits up abruptly) You’ll never guess!  They gave me this cracking little Arab mare and she bucked me off when we put up a bird.  Brrmm, straight into the sand.  I couldn’t get my breath, and when I sat up and opened my eyes...guess what?

			RHODA
		You were being kissed by Errol Flynn.

			STEPHANIE
		What?  Who’s Errol Flynn?

			RHODA
		Oh never mind.

			STEPHANIE
		(Shakes her head at the offer of RHODA’S flask)  No.  I was lying in this valley, surrounded by stone columns!	

			RHODA
		Ah!  (Of recognition.)  Lucky you didn’t brain yourself.

			STEPHANIE
		There were even some Corinthian capitals, just lying about in the sand.

			RHODA
		Yes, I know the place.  The Tuareg call it the Cleft.
			STEPHANIE
		We found some bits of pottery.  David wanted to pick them up but I wouldn’t let him.  He’s got the most amazing wrists.

			RHODA
		Huh!

			STEPHANIE
		Oh Gran, nobody’s good enough for you.  Mummy says people who prefer plants and dogs to human beings have something wrong with them.

			RHODA
		She’s the expert.

			STEPHANIE
		Stop it.  Where’s Hassan?

			RHODA
		How should I know?

STEPHANIE crosses to the drinks tray, refills RHODA’S glass, and her silver flask.  RHODA grins.

			STEPHANIE
		Tell me about him.

			RHODA
		Hassan....why?

			STEPHANIE
		I need to know.  (RHODA does not reply.)  You trust me, don’t you?

			RHODA
		Not entirely.

			STEPHANIE
		(After a pause) I didn’t realise that you had such a poor opinion of me.

			RHODA
		My dear, you’re rich.

			STEPHANIE
		I’m not to blame for that.
			RHODA
		Never met anyone rich who wasn’t ruthless.

			STEPHANIE
		Oh you don’t need to be rich for that.  Take Hassan.

			RHODA
		Fallen for him, have you?  I should stick to your tennis player with the video camera...whatsisname.

			STEPHANIE
		David?  He’s delicious, don’t you think, well they all are.  His relations.  He’s got hundreds...oh, I adore families!

			RHODA
		I shouldn’t put your faith in domesticity if I were you.

			STEPHANIE
		You did.

			RHODA
		No I didn’t.

			STEPHANIE
		You had six children!

			RHODA
		Only by accident.  Five stupid boys and your mother, who made a mess of it.

			STEPHANIE
		She married Daddy, a very important man!

			RHODA
		(Sighs loudly) To give your life away.  If there is such a thing as sin, that’s it.

			STEPHANIE
		Why did she give up her work?

			RHODA
		He wouldn’t have it.  Your sainted father wanted a string of heirs for his global empire.  A new Viking superbreed.
			STEPHANIE
		I see.  (Puzzled) Then why only me?

			RHODA
		Low sperm count, I believe.

			STEPHANIE
		Oh.  Poor Mummy.  Was she famous?

			RHODA
		Oh yes.  No, but she was a woman who helped to break the code of life itself.  And then abdicated.

			STEPHANIE
		Why?!

			RHODA
		Because she was deployed in the service of your father’s empire.  Used up.  Wasted on a life of pretension and venality.

			STEPHANIE
		Mummy’s not like that.

			RHODA
		No, that’s why she’s an invalid - (mutters) where’s the lav, my bladder is about to explode.

			STEPHANIE
		I don’t see that’s a decent reason.

			RHODA
		Autres temps, my dear - thank God the bogs here aren’t the squatting variety.

STEPHANIE helps RHODA up and they go.  A pause.  HASSAN and DEBORAH enter.  HASSAN is reading poetry, in Arabic, aloud to her.  DEBORAH has made an effort with her appearance and looks comely.  HASSAN crosses to the tray of coffee.

			DEBORAH
		(Nods) Thank you - please.  (She picks up his book and looks at it.)

			HASSAN
		You find it odd that a soldier should write?

			DEBORAH
		Yes.

			HASSAN
		His only function is to kill - to destroy?

			DEBORAH
		Isn’t that the case?

He brings her a cup of coffee and offers sugar.  She shakes her head, smiles her thanks.

			HASSAN
		Your daughter believes in submission as the answer to oppression.

			DEBORAH
		Indeed?  (Laughs.)

			HASSAN
		May I ask what you believe?

			DEBORAH
		Me?  Oh don’t ask me.

			HASSAN
		I do.  I do ask you.

			DEBORAH
		I don’t know.  It depends.

			HASSAN
		On what?  (Suddenly urgent) On what?

			DEBORAH
		Colonel.  Colonel, I know that this country is troubled.  There are rumours of disaffection...an impending uprising.  The Foreign Office were not at all keen for us to come.

			HASSAN
		Why did you come?

			DEBORAH
		Is it true?

			HASSAN
		(Slight pause) No.  Who knows?  A soldier must be prepared at all times.

			DEBORAH
		Even to kill his own countrymen?

			HASSAN
		The question of nationality may not be relevant.  Regrettably.

			DEBORAH
		You baffle me.

			HASSAN
		Ah yes!  To you, no doubt, all life is sacrosanct.  Yet you kill with every step.  (He bends, picks something up, shows it to her on the palm of his hand.)    

			DEBORAH
		Oh, it’s only a beetle.

			HASSAN
		You don’t find it beautiful?  (They inspect it, heads together.)

			DEBORAH
		In its own way.

			HASSAN
		You will come to the mountains?

			DEBORAH
		I’m sorry.

			HASSAN
		I have so little time.

			DEBORAH
		Why is it important?

			HASSAN
		My house is empty.  No-one walks in my garden.  But you will.  For you it will come to life.  Please...

He falls on his knees before her.  This arouses her compassion but she jerks up, horribly embarrassed, as ALI enters.

			HASSAN
		(Rises imperturbably) What is it?

			ALI
		Colonel sir, report of disturbances.

			HASSAN
		Where?

			ALI
		(Covering) In the villages.

			HASSAN
		Let me see.  (He takes the paper from ALI, reads it.  They exchange a look of suppressed excitement.  They move apart.) 

			ALI
		Three Brigade is in control of radio and communications.

			HASSAN
		And Two Para -

			ALI
		In the city.

			HASSAN
		(Smiles) Now they all come to us.  We must move to headquarters now.

		(Aloud)  No - not important.  Dispute over water.  Continue as arranged, Captain.

			ALI
		Sir...Madame.  (He salutes smartly, flicks a speculative look at DEBORAH behind her back and goes.)

			HASSAN
		(With a rare smile) Fate is on our side.  Double reason to travel to another district...to avoid small skirmish.

			DEBORAH
		Surely if there’s trouble we should head for the coast?

			HASSAN
		Not necessary.

			DEBORAH
		But if there’s likely to be -

			HASSAN
		Dear lady, for once in your life -

			DEBORAH
		Please Colonel -

			HASSAN
		My name is Hassan.

			DEBORAH
		What?
	
			HASSAN
		It is a dream.  That you would call me by my name.  Forgive me, I am too familiar.

			DEBORAH
		Yes I think you are.

			HASSAN
		I don’t know what it is, you distract me...and I am a very busy man, I cannot afford this distraction.

DEBORAH laughs, a lovely low laugh at his indignation.

				HASSAN
		Ach, I make you laugh.  You are most lovely when you laugh, you must laugh often.  Let me show you the route to the mountain...it’s very beautiful... (He steers her off.)

A pause.  RHODA and STEPHANIE enter.

			STEPHANIE
		Everyone likes their own way.

			RHODA
		You’re spoilt.

			STEPHANIE
		You spoil me more than anybody.

			RHODA
		Of course, I’m your grandmother.

			STEPHANIE
		I want to be like you.

			RHODA
		What?

			STEPHANIE
		Nothing.  (She plumps up a cushion, helps RHODA, who doesn’t need it, it makes her irritable, into the basket chair.)  There.  Would you like my Vogue?

RHODA pulls a face but puts out an obedient hand.  She turns the pages.  STEPHANIE goes over to the ornate tray.

			STEPHANIE
		Coffee?

			RHODA
		Thanks.  With a chaser.  (Turns a page.)  I wish they’d design something for arthritic hands.

			STEPHANIE
		Your hands are beautiful.

			RHODA
		(To herself) Bollicks...(As ERIC enters, breathless) ...Eric, your hair’s all the wrong way what’s up?

			ERIC
		Ah....ah...(He tries to get his breath, dashes to the window and back.)

			RHODA
		Are you coming or going?

STEPHANIE approaches ERIC with a coffee.

			ERIC
		(Breathless) Good question.  (To STEPHANIE) Sorry - no time.

			RHODA
		What’s the matter, something up?  Not bad news?  Spit it out, man.

			ERIC
		We may have to change our plans.

			RHODA
		Why?

			ERIC
		(Jerks his head at STEPHANIE behind her back to RHODA) Possible crisis.  (RHODA clicks, looks excited.)

			STEPHANIE
		Why, what’s happened?  (She brings him coffee.  He drinks needfully.)

			ERIC
		I suggest that we get the hell out of here.

			RHODA
		(Aside) Are you saying the balloon’s gone up?

			ERIC
		(Shrugs) I can’t get through to the Capital.

			RHODA
		That’s not unusual.

			ERIC
		I sent a boy down to the police station.  There’s no-one there and the streets are deserted.  (STEPHANIE closes, alertly interested.)

			RHODA
		Mmm.  Sounds as though you’re right.

			STEPHANIE
		(Excited) What?

			RHODA
		Let’s hope they haven’t jumped the gun.

			ERIC
		Oh I think he’s -

			RHODA
		(She struggles out of her chair) It’s up to the hills for us, then?

			ERIC
		No, no.  Coast road for you ladies.

			RHODA
		That’s out for a start.  (STEPHANIE runs off.)

			ERIC
		All right, a helicopter.

			RHODA
		We’d better clear decks with Hassan.  Stephanie - where’s the girl gone now?

DEBORAH enters.

			ERIC
		Ah, Mrs Pedersen.  Look, no cause for alarm but I was suggesting to Lady Wiggins that it might be advantageous to be on our way, so to speak.

			DEBORAH
		Don’t worry, Mother.  It’s all been arranged.

			ERIC
		Oh, good.

			DEBORAH
		The Colonel will escort us -

			RHODA
		Up to the Rift?

			ERIC
		To the coast, I presume.

			DEBORAH
		No, no, we’re taking a trip to the hills.  He seems very keen -

			ERIC
		God no, you mustn’t do that.

			RHODA
		Why not?  Topping idea.

			ERIC
		Ladies, please.  I don’t think you understand.  This country could flare up at any moment.  Mrs Pedersen, I do apologise, most sincerely, but these things can happen very quickly and without warning -

			DEBORAH
		It’s merely a local disturbance over water -

			ERIC
		I don’t think -

			DEBORAH
		I remember when I was working here - these things blow over, isn’t that so, Mother?

			ERIC
		Forgive me, I think this may be more than a local thing, I’d be much happier if you’d leave at once for the coast.

			RHODA
		Rubbish, they’ll have blocked the road.

			ERIC
		You may well be right.  Look, David’s on the radio telephone, they’ll have a boat waiting for us.

			STEPHANIE
		(Enters) What boat?  (DAVID enters separately.)

			DAVID
		It’s OK, folks, there’s a chopper on its way.

			STEPHANIE
		What?
			DAVID
		The company’s.

			STEPHANIE
		No!

			DAVID
		Apparently there’s been an attempted coup, one guy said there’d been an attack on the Palace.

			RHODA
		Did he now?  (She and ERIC exchange a look.)

			DAVID
		Nobody seems to know what’s going on but they’ve advised us to get down to the coast, there’s a launch waiting.  (To STEPHANIE) Everything’s cool.

			DEBORAH
		Oh but...(They wait for her to speak.)  But I don’t... surely if...

			STEPHANIE
		It’s all right, Mummy.

			RHODA
		(Irritable with DEBORAH) Oh God!

			DEBORAH
		I was given assurances!  I’ve agreed.  (To ERIC) You say one thing, he says another...I don’t know who to believe!

			RHODA
		Well we don’t need your hysterics.  You can push off to the coast if you want, you won’t catch me, I’m going the other way, I know this territory.

			DEBORAH
		I was assured - no risk!  (HASSAN enters.)  You said - no risk!

			ERIC
		We must leave for the port now.

			HASSAN
		No.

			DAVID
		It’s OK, there’s a chopper on its way from the oilfields.

			HASSAN
		No.  (His sharpness silences them.)  You cannot take it.

			DAVID
		Why not?

			ERIC
		(Together) Sorry, I must insist.

			HASSAN
		Too dangerous.

			DEBORAH
		You told me -

			DAVID
		But that’s why they’re sending the transport, so that we can -

			STEPHANIE
		David, please -

			HASSAN
		You will be killed.

			DEBORAH
		What?

			ERIC
		Look, Hassan -

			HASSAN
		Anti-aircraft units are already in the hands of - insurgents.

			DEBORAH
		It’s not a local disturbance?

			HASSAN
		No.

			DEBORAH
		Won’t we be safe here, in a government residence?

			RHODA
		Hah!

			ERIC
		Oh I doubt that.

			DEBORAH
		But if our people, if the company advises - (To HASSAN.)

			HASSAN
		I cannot allow it.

			DEBORAH
		Are you giving us orders?

			HASSAN
		For your safety.

			STEPHANIE
		Mummy, listen -

			ERIC
		(Aside) Hassan, I want these women out of here, now!

			RHODA
		(To DEBORAH) Take my advice -

			DEBORAH
		That’s the last thing I intend to do.

			ERIC
		I’m taking them to the port, now.

			HASSAN
		(To ERIC) Not possible, the coast road is under attack.  (Aloud) Madame, my men are waiting to escort you to safety.

			RHODA
		To Al Kaddur?  (She pronounces it the English way.)

			HASSAN
		To Al Kaddur...in the mountains.

			RHODA
		It’s no distance -

			STEPHANIE
		Just a few hours, Mummy.

			HASSAN
		Less than two - on the way pleasant oasis, and then the hills, with trees, many breezes -
	
			DEBORAH
		(Distracted) Yes, yes, so you say -

			DAVID
		No look, I’m sorry, but I’ve just been on the link, they are absolutely adamant, that’s why they’re sending the helicopter.   (HASSAN leaves quickly.)  We can be in the port in twenty minutes. 

			STEPHANIE
		(Anguished) David!

			ERIC
		Look - I have to stay, but you must go, as quickly as possible.

			RHODA
		If we stick with Hassan we’ll be all right.

			STEPHANIE
		Exactly!

			DAVID
		Mrs Pedersen?

			DEBORAH
		I don’t know, I don’t know!  We should never have come!  What I am - ?

The sound of a helicopter in the distance, gradually getting louder.

			DAVID
		I can hear it - there it is! - is everyone ready?

			RHODA
		Rubbish, you won’t catch me in an oil company chopper, I’ve seen them fall out of the skies too often.  Deborah, I’m going with Hassan.  If you’ve any sense you’ll come with us...where’s my spongebag?

The helicopter, louder.

			DAVID
		That’s it...(he leaps about, looks up, waves.)   Great - that’s great...bloody good!  I say we leave the gear and make a run for it!

The others look out at the desert, shielding their eyes.

			STEPHANIE
		David, we can’t!

			RHODA
		Young fool...

			DAVID
		They’ll be here in a few minutes!

			STEPHANIE
		No!

			DEBORAH
		Darling?

			STEPHANIE
		We must stay with the army!

			DEBORAH
		Darling please!  If you think I’ll risk one hair of your head -

The noise of the helicopter.

			DAVID
		Come on!

			ERIC
		For God’s sake -

HASSAN runs on swiftly.

			HASSAN
		Down, all of you - down!!

He grabs DEBORAH, throws her down and covers her protectively.  There is a burst of firing.  The sound of the helicopter descending.  An ominous change in the sound of its engine.  The sound becomes very loud, followed by a very loud crump and a crash.  A light flash as the helicopter bursts into flames.  DEBORAH screams.

Silence.

			ERIC
		(Softly) God help them.

DAVID takes STEPHANIE in his arms, shields her from the sight.

			RHODA
		Oh my God.

DEBORAH rises, stunned with shock.

			HASSAN
		No!  Stay down.

He pulls her down and then runs off, crouched low.

			DEBORAH
		Why...why did I - why?

She whimpers, then is silent.  A crackle of gunfire, close, then another, further away.  And then silence.  ERIC rises.  DAVID rises.  HASSAN enters.

			HASSAN
		Please.  We must leave now.

			ERIC
		Right.

			DEBORAH
		(Gabbles) All I ask is her safety, that’s all I ask.

			RHODA
		Shut up.
			DAVID
		(To STEPHANIE) You OK?

			STEPHANIE
		Yes, thanks.

			DEBORAH
		Colonel, please, it’s all I ask.  My daughter’s safety -

			HASSAN
		Of course.

			ERIC
		Ready?

			RHODA
		Deborah?

			STEPHANIE
		Mummy?

DEBORAH nods.  The others straggle out.  She and HASSAN follow them.  She almost collapses.  He steadies her.

			HASSAN
		Of course.

They go.  ALI enters.  HASSAN joins him.  They have a brief exchange and exit swiftly, separately.

ACT TWO

SCENE ONE

The oasis.  Palms, an open tent.  ALI preparing a meal in the background.  RHODA and ERIC are lounging on cushions with glasses of mint tea.

			RHODA
		Ali...

			ALI
		Madame?

			RHODA
		Put a tot in this for me, will you?

ALI comes forward with the whisky bottle.  ERIC lifts his glass too, and DAVID nods, offers his glass as ALI approaches.

			ERIC
		Why not?

			DAVID
		Thanks.  Very cold in the desert at night.

			RHODA
		(As ALI pours) Ah!

DAVID drinks and prowls as ALI, in the background, stays watchful.

			DAVID
		No sign of them.  I suppose they were here.

			ERIC
		They’ll be well ahead.

			RHODA
		Tucked up in Al Kaddur by now.

			DAVID
		Why did they have to whizz on so?  No wonder we had a burn out.

			RHODA
		Relax - sit down.  Did you get some good pictures of the oasis?

			DAVID
		(Moody) A few.

			ERIC
		(Looking round) Beautiful spot.

DAVID grunts begrudging agreement.

			RHODA
		Palms, pomegranate trees and big fat water melons.  Top me up, Eric.

ERIC rolls off his cushion, grabs the nearby bottle.

			DAVID
		I don’t like being separated.  Gives me a sort of, I don’t know, moody feeling.  Like Beau Brummel.

			ERIC
		(Calls) Geste!

			DAVID
		Sorry?

			RHODA
		What?

			ERIC
		He means Beau Geste.  (Filling RHODA’S glass.)

			DAVID
		Really?  Well, either way I don’t usually get protective with females.  (Sotto voce, to RHODA)  They hate it.

			RHODA
		That a fact?

			DAVID
		I mean, as Einstein said - what do women want?

			ERIC
		I think it was - oh, never mind.

			DAVID
		One minute they want you with a rose in your teeth ...next thing, you’re accused of being patronising.  I’ve never patronised anybody in my life - Ali, take these, will you, there’s a good chap.  (He gives ALI his cameras, reclines on the baggage.  ALI exits.)

		Funny how different you feel out here.  I mean, take Steph.  She’s led a very protected life, had to get it all out of books, but she’s tough, she knows what she wants.

			RHODA
		She’s her father’s daughter.

			DAVID
		Whereas Mrs Pedersen, she’s more what I’d call the traditional woman.  She brings out the...ah... well, what I mean is, when women go independent, you don’t feel so...so...

			RHODA
		Gallant?

			DAVID
		Absolutely.  Then they call us shits.

ALI sets down a large brass tray of food on a low wooden stand.

			RHODA
		Ah, food!  You’re getting philosophical, have something to eat.

			ERIC
		Looks good, Ali, what have we got?

			ALI
		(Pointing round the tray.)  Burning mutton, cus-cus, crushed tin strawberry with goaty curd.  (DAVID pulls a face.)

			DAVID
		I think I’ll stick to dates.

He sits apart on a boulder, eating and talking and spitting stones.  RHODA and ERIC help themselves to food.

			DAVID
		We were only supposed to be here two days, then off to Majorca for wind-surfing - more my style, actually.

			RHODA
		David’s in projects.

			ERIC
		What sort of projects?

			DAVID
		Anything, you name it - mustard, whalemeat, customised tours.  Feasibility.  We test the market.

			ERIC
		(Chewing savagely) The market!

			RHODA
		Now, Eric.  Hah, I remember my husband smashing a boiled egg once because his shares had dived.

		(ERIC chuckles.)

		I told him - serves you right for gambling, anyway, how can they be worth half overnight, the people are still there, the factories are there.  He nearly did the same to my head.

			DAVID
		Ah, but you see, Lady Wiggins, nothing’s worth anything.  (ERIC growls ominously.)  Not till you create a market for it.

			ERIC
		(Mutters to himself) Bloody young -

			RHODA
		(Warning) Eric!

		(ERIC glares, gnaws on a mutton bone.)

		Anyway, who are you to talk, you went commercial once.

			DAVID
		Really?

			RHODA
		Advertising.  Not your finest hour.

			ERIC
		You loved it, you made up all my slogans.  `Lagonda, the Car of Tomorrow!’

			RHODA
		`Drink Gin, Brings you On!’  (DAVID laughs.)  We were all having a marvellous time on his expense account and then you upped and chucked the London office.

			ERIC
		It was the barbeques.

			DAVID
		Sorry?

			ERIC
		(Grinding his teeth) House style, they called it.  For the clients.  They made us wear denim slacks.

			RHODA
		Jeans, you fool!  You should have seen his face, above the open-necked shirt.  (Laughs dirtily.) Gave all the company wives spontaneous abortions.

			ERIC
		That was because you laced their milk-shakes.

			RHODA
		Your recipe, dear heart.  He could have reached the top - instead, buzzed off to Africa to save his soul.

			ERIC
		No, no, it was the Italian boy.

			RHODA
		That little tease!  Poor old Eric decides on heart of darkness and they send him to Kenya - Keenya as it was then - to jip up the tourist industry.

			DAVID
		(Interested) Really?

			ERIC
		My brief was to persuade the tribes to make their carvings more primitive.  The stuff they’d been doing for a thousand years was felt to be a bit Bambi.

			DAVID
		Sounds a good wheeze, did you crack it?

			ERIC
		Oh yes.  We made the masks absolutely horrible.  They sell for a fortune at Sothebys now.

			DAVID
		There you are, all a matter of the market.  (He leans forward and eats from the communal tray.)  I say, this sort of yellow muck isn’t bad.  (He tucks in, head bent.)

			RHODA
		Plenty to eat in the desert if you know where to look...locusts, bean beetle, stick-fly...(Talking with her mouth full as she tucks in as well, leans to DAVID cordially)...thee are some delicious white grubs in the sand if you poke about, they fry up like calves liver.  (She burps loudly.)  That’s better.

ALI bends over RHODA with a tray.

			ALI
		Coffee, Madame?

			RHODA
		Lovely - thick enough to walk on.

			ERIC
		(Takes coffee.)  Divine.  (He ladles in four sugars.  DAVID lies back.  He breathes deep.)

			DAVID
		Wow...the air’s superb...

			RHODA
		Tastes of absolutely nothing.

			ERIC
		That’s because of all the nothingness.

			DAVID
		God I could fall asleep.

He falls asleep almost as he speaks.  ALI takes his glass from him, puts a rolled jacket under his head, covers him lightly.  He pours drinks for ERIC and RHODA, sees to the fire, and removes the tray and retires.  Silence.  ERIC and RHODA drink companionably before the fire.

			RHODA
		I assume this is a set-up, our being left behind?

			ERIC
		I doubt it.

			RHODA
		You think it was genuine?  Our breakdown?  You’d better be right.  If Hassan thinks he can -

			ERIC
		Come off it, Rhoda.  No conspiracy theories, not at this time of night.

			RHODA
		The usual cock-up then?

			ERIC
		Pass your glass.

They finish their drinks, settle down to sleep without ceremony.  ALI intones his prayers.  When they are motionless he sets up his transmitter and begins to transmit.

SCENE TWO

HASSAN and DEBORAH in his garden at Al Kaddur.

			HASSAN
		Be careful, the steps are wet.

			DEBORAH
		So many flowers...hibiscus, frangipani...oh, the lilies!

She slides down and sits, with her back against a tree, lifting her head, eyes closed against the sun.  For a moment he stands, looking down at her, then sits beside her.

			HASSAN
		You are comfortable?

			DEBORAH
		Yes.

			HASSAN 
		And you feel well?

			DEBORAH
		Yes.

She closes her eyes again.  He looks at her profile.  She stirs.

			HASSAN
		(Softly) You wish for something?

			DEBORAH
		(Eyes closed) No.  Nothing.  (Opens her eyes.)  I have everything, isn’t that what you said?

			HASSAN 
		Everything?  No, I think not.

			DEBORAH
		You mean a lover?  Is that what you mean?

			HASSAN
		Apologies.

			DEBORAH
		(Slight pause) Colonel.  Colonel, I have recently been widowed.  As you know.  Since you say that you, too, know loss and loneliness, then I can only leave you to deduce what I think of your cruel mockery.  And I am less than charmed by your notion that I might be persuaded to whatever it is that you wish from me by a pathetic attempt at seduction.  I was not, as they say, born yesterday.

			HASSAN 
		(Stoutly) No, you were not.

			DEBORAH
		And what is that supposed to mean?  And while we’re on the subject, I have not been unaware of your furtive attempts to draw my daughter into private conversation.

			HASSAN
		You think too much of her.

			DEBORAH
		She’s my daughter!

			HASSAN 
		Who will soon leave you.

			DEBORAH
		In time, yes.  She’s still very young!

			HASSAN
		And you are old.

			DEBORAH
		Older.  Not that old.

			HASSAN 
		I think that you are in prison.  (Soft) And I, Hassan, seek to liberate.

			DEBORAH
		Liberate?  (Short laugh) Oh, I think you mean capture.

			HASSAN
		Yes.  That as well.  You are a very useful woman, although not at this moment.

			DEBORAH
		Oh?

			HASSAN 
		At this moment you are deflecting me.  (He plays with her bare foot.)  I think you know that.

			DEBORAH
		I know that something’s up.

			HASSAN
		Please, don’t worry, you are safe here.  Mrs Pedersen, you know that I feel for you.  And I know that you feel something for me.

			DEBORAH
		How?  How do you know that?

			HASSAN 
		Because you begin to come alive.

Slight pause.

			DEBORAH
		All right.  Perhaps.  In that case - tell me the truth.

			HASSAN
		I desire you.

			DEBORAH
		Yes, yes, yes, so you keep saying.  Now I’d like to know something.  All the way here in the car you said not a word to Stephanie, and she never looked at you once.  Why?  What’s going on?

			HASSAN 
		Please.  I risk lives.

He kisses her.  After a second she drowns in his kisses.

			DEBORAH
		No...no...

He kisses her again, longer and deeper.

			DEBORAH
		Tell me.

		You must know you can trust me.

		(He strokes her hair.)

		Please.

			HASSAN
		Of course I trust you.  Why do you think I love you?  Your body is not so amazing -

			DEBORAH
		Thank you.

			HASSAN 
		But good enough.  What I love is your soul.  Your soul is like the most beautiful flower...shining... fertile...capable of turning the who world into a garden.  Yet it is half alive.  You have been dying a long while.  Now - time to come alive.  To open.  To be useful.

Silence.  She gets up.

			DEBORAH
		If you are playing for this country, Colonel Sa’id, then you need the good will of Pedersen Oil.

			HASSAN
		No.  What I wish is your good will.  Personal.

			DEBORAH
		(Drily) Why, what’s that got to do with it?

			HASSAN 
		Everything.

			DEBORAH
		Why?

			HASSAN
		Because, in the end, everything is personal.  And because...I don’t know why...when I am with you the maggots leave my head.

			DEBORAH
		Thank you, that’s very flattering.

			HASSAN
		And of course I desire you.  You are a sweet herb, a branch of rosemary swaying in the wind, a...(but he is tired, and lies back.  She looks down at him, smiles despite herself.)

		(Smiles) I am so sorry.  There is no time.

He pulls her down and kisses her.  As the kiss deepens there is the sound of a car hooting urgently.  He does not hear it.  It hoots again.  He rolls off her and jumps up.

			DEBORAH
		What is it?

			HASSAN
		I must leave you.  Wait.  Wait for me.  All will be well.  Wait.

He goes quickly.  DEBORAH sits up, dazed by his embrace.  The sound of a car, driving off at speed.  The sound merges, becomes the sound of a car being revved and tested.

RHODA, at the oasis, heaves and puffs, putting the baggage together in a practised way.  The tent has been struck.  DAVID lunges on.

			DAVID
		Ali’s got it going!

			RHODA
		So I hear.

			DAVID
		Man’s a genius.  Sorry, am I in your way?

			RHODA
		Could you roll this up?

			DAVID
		What?  Oh - right.  (As RHODA staggers with a bundle.)  Here, let me take that.  (But as she does he sinks to the ground with it.)  Wow!  You must be strong.

RHODA jerks her had at the rug.  DAVID rolls it up and heaves it off, comes straight back, attempts to pick up another rug.  It is long and bendy and defeats him.

			DAVID
		(Stops for a rest, with one foot on the rugs like a game hunter.)  I work out quite a bit, you know.

		(RHODA, busy, gives him a sardonic look.)

		I went on this course where you have to treat your body as a temple.  (He gets the rug up, swings, and fells ERIC.)  Oh, sorry.

			ERIC
		Allow me.  (He takes the rug and goes.)

			DAVID
		Right.  (He watches RHODA work.)  No, as I was saying, Lady Wiggins, I don’t want to be some big wheel or anything, in fact I could do without most things, well except money of course.  Ooops, sorry.  (A clatter as he knocks the cans over.)

			ERIC
		Careful!  (He takes the thread of cans and marches off.)

			DAVID
		Sorry!  (To RHODA) Need any help?

		(She gives him an eloquent look.  He sits on the baggage.)

		What I really want is to be...to...(RHODA reels off with a pile of baggage, returns at once)... contribute.

			RHODA
		(Gasps, picking up the last bundle) What did you have in mind?  (She totters off and comes straight back.)
			DAVID
		Actually...between ourselves...I’ve got a lot of time for Nelson Mandela - and Mother Theresa...she was great.

			RHODA
		(Drily) You want to be a nun?

			DAVID
		(Laughs.)  No, you know.  Worry.  (As she trips over his long outstretched legs.  RHODA sinks down, weary.)  The trouble is I’m not ambitious.  Not like my father.  He said he only took his peerage for my mother’s sake - she’d left him for Nina, the ballerina, yonks before that.  I really hate all this - you know - insincerity.  Like Christmas.  I never give presents.

			RHODA
		You don’t believe in religion?

			DAVID
		God no.  (He looks across at RHODA, wilting in the morning light.)  You’re lucky.  (She’s too pooped even to raise her head.)  With all this ecology lark - save the trees.  It must be great having a cause.  (He sighs heavily.)  It could happen to me, I suppose.  I could suddenly get up ...(he leaps up, knocking things over)...turn round, get a burning flash like Saint Peter on the road to Cairo.

			ERIC
		(Enters with a map) Saint Paul.  Damascus.

			DAVID
		Sorry?  Ah!  (He looks over ERIC’S shoulder eagerly.)

			ERIC
		We’re here.  (DAVID nods.)  Al Kaddur’s...I’d say about...

			DAVID
		Thirty-forty kilometres -

A piercing scream rends the air.
			RHODA
		Oh bugger.  (ERIC runs off.  He and ALI return supporting DEBORAH.  ALI shouts to her driver in Arabic that all is well.)  David, the camp chair - quick.

DAVID has trouble setting it up, manages at last.

			ERIC
		Here...sit down, Mrs Pedersen.

			RHODA
		What’s up, are you hurt?  (Calls) Ali!

DAVID throws a cushion from RHODA’S last pile.  ERIC fields it, slips it behind DEBORAH’S back as ALI runs back on.  RHODA whispers to him, he nods and exits.

			DEBORAH
		Please..!  (DAVID runs off quickly.)

			RHODA
		What’s going on?

			DEBORAH
		I didn’t know it was you - please, you must ring the oil fields -

			RHODA
		Where’s Stephanie?

			DAVID
		Isn’t she with you?

			DEBORAH
		No!

			ERIC
		Where’s the Colonel?

			RHODA
		(Together) Is she with Hassan?

			DEBORAH
		(Howls) Yes!!

			RHODA
		Oh, good.
			DEBORAH
		No!!!  I ran after them, I hung on to the car door... - look!  (She shows them her knees, adorned with neat pink plasters.)

			RHODA
		(Shouts) Ali, bring the - oh.  (As ALI runs on with a tray and pours tea into a glass with rapid dexterity.)

			ERIC
		Please.  Tell me everything, it’s important.

			DEBORAH
		Where were you?

			ERIC
		A breakdown -

			DAVID
		It’s taken all night to fix the engine -

			ALI
		Tea, Madame.

			RHODA
		Go on, drink it.

			DEBORAH
		It’s hot, I can’t.

			RHODA
		Get it down.

			DEBORAH
		How can you sit there?

			DAVID
		Where did they go?

			ERIC
		Did he take her -

			DEBORAH
		She was at the wheel - she was driving!

They gaze at her, baffled.  Even ALI frowns.
			ERIC
		(Gently) Mrs Pedersen...Mrs Pedersen.  I want you to tell me what happened.  From the beginning.  (His voice soothes her.  She takes the tea obediently and sips.)  You were in the car ahead of us, with your daughter and the Colonel...

			DEBORAH
		(Snarls) Yes!  All squashed together with those great thighs stuck between us...wretched car with no air-conditioning - you had to have the windows open!

			DAVID
		Sorry?

			DEBORAH
		The scent - it was over-powering!

			DAVID
		Scent?  He wasn’t wearing scent!  (Apart, ALI laughs.)   From the orange blossom!  The trees!

			RHODA
		Oh, the trees!  That’s old Wendy’s work!  I helped her plant them all the way to the Rift.

			DEBORAH
		I should have seen it then -

			RHODA
		Supposed to be for the people -

			DEBORAH
		I should have realised -

			DAVID
		Realised what?

			RHODA
		- of course the poor buggers daren’t lay a finger on - the flint -

			ERIC
		But you arrived safely -

			RHODA
		- bloody police cop the lot.

			DEBORAH
		Mother will you please stop swearing, you sound like a...(she searches for a word)...like a hippy!

This makes DAVID laugh.

			ERIC
		You arrived at Al Kaddur?

			DEBORAH
		Yes!

			ERIC
		And?  What was happening?  Who was there?

			DEBORAH
		Soldiers! - Everywhere!  Guns, armoured trucks -

			ERIC
		How many?  How many soldiers?

			DEBORAH
		How should I know!

			ERIC
		What were they doing?

			DEBORAH
		Playing boule, mostly.

			DAVID
		Boule?

			DEBORAH
		It’s a sort of game - ohh!

			RHODA
		Here...(brandishes her hip flask.)  Let me put something in it.

DEBORAH sips her laced tea.  They wait for her to go on.

			RHODA
		Well?
			DEBORAH
		They brought us drinks - we had a rest...then he insisted on showing me the garden!  (She fidgets, looking in her bag for her handkerchief.  ERIC takes out a large white one, but she ignores him, head down, finds a handkerchief with a wide border of lace, wipes her eyes.)

			RHODA
		You went off with Hassan on your own?

			DEBORAH
		Only to divert his attention!

			RHODA
		You mean from Stephanie?  (She bursts out laughing.)

			DEBORAH
		It’s her first time away from the farm!  She’s impressionable!

			RHODA
		I see.  (Laughs) Sounds as if you gave old Hassan the wrong idea - oh do stop snivelling.

DAVID puts an arm about DEBORAH’S shoulders.

			DAVID
		I think you’re marvellous.

			RHODA
		What are you getting so upset about?  (She puts a cigarette into a long amber holder, ALI gives her a light.)

			DAVID
		What happened to Steph?

			ERIC
		Rhoda -

			RHODA
		In the garden with Hassan, eh?  (She cackles to herself, grabs ERIC’S handkerchief.)  Here - blow your nose.

DEBORAH blows her nose loudly, sniffs.

			RHODA
		You always were a chump.

			DEBORAH
		(Weeps quietly.)  Where is she?

			RHODA
		Drink your tea.  Forget the garden, that’s my advice.  Whatever happened, best forgotten.

			DEBORAH
		Happened, what do you mean, happened?  (Snarls, out of control.)  NOTHING happened!!

Silence.

			RHODA
		Well if nothing happened -

			DEBORAH
		He said he’s come back!

Silence.  She sniffs miserably.

			RHODA
		He left you in the garden?  I see.  What then?

			DEBORAH
		(Small voice) I waited.

			RHODA
		And?  (DEBORAH does not reply.)

			DEBORAH
		Nothing.  Nothing at all.  I sat under the enormous incense tree...(she snivels quietly to herself, wipes her nose.)  It was a trick, don’t you see?  I heard the car, I couldn’t find the way, it was a labyrinth - when I got to the wall I leaned over and they saw me -

			RHODA
		Who?

			DEBORAH
		The two of them!  I ran down as fast as I could, I held on for as long as I -

			RHODA
		Yes, yes - (as DEBORAH rips off a plaster) - it’s only a graze.

			DAVID
		Are you saying Stephanie’s been kidnapped?

			ERIC
		But surely, if she was driving -

			DEBORAH
		It’s a trick!  We must get in touch with the Palace, we’ll agree to anything, pay...please, you must understand, I can’t bear it......I’m responsible!  He’s a liar.

			ERIC
		(Nods to ALI) We’d better get on to Al Kaddur.

ALI nods agreement.

			DEBORAH
		No!

			RHODA
		They let you go, they gave you a car and driver.

			DEBORAH
		(Snarls) To get the money...I said I’d get money, as much as they wanted.

			RHODA
		Oh, sit down.

			DAVID
		Lady Wiggins, perhaps we should -

			RHODA
		Have some sense.  If they drove off like that it was because they wanted to be on their own.

			DEBORAH
		Why?  What for?
			RHODA
		How the hell should I know?  (Cackles) Perhaps they’re in love.

			DAVID
		What?

			DEBORAH
		What did you say?

			RHODA
		You heard me.

DEBORAH slaps her MOTHER’S face.

			RHODA
		Ow!

			DEBORAH
		How dare you utter such filth!

			RHODA
		Deborah, that’s enough.

			DAVID
		Please, Mrs Pedersen’s upset!

			RHODA
		What do you think the girl’s doing - it’s desperation!  Cooped up in the farmhouse, being educated by post - at least your father and I took you all about with us.

			DEBORAH
		We weren’t the children of Per Pedersen! - anyway, your way was eccentric...sloppy.

			RHODA
		So’s life.

			DEBORAH
		You never understood.  Runny around the edge planting a few trees, where is that going to get us?  It’s science that’s changing the world -

			RHODA
		Yes, and not for the better!
			DEBORAH
		My husband brought more benefits, more happiness to more people -

The whine of a rifle shot.

			ERIC
		Down, everybody - quick!

		(Further gun fire.)

		Ali, the guns.  Get down!

			DEBORAH
		What?

			RHODA
		Down, you fool!

			DAVID
		What’s going on?  (As ALI hands him a gun.)  What do I do?

			ERIC
		See him - shooting at us?

They duck as a bullet whines.

			DAVID
		But they’re government troops...they’re on our side!

DEBORAH rises.  She steps forward, and calls.

			DEBORAH
		(In Arabic) Cease fire, beloved brothers, lest you harm those who love you and gave you birth.  In the name of Allah.  (In English) Stop it at once - all of you.

The rifle fire stops.  Silence.

			ERIC
		Good God.

			RHODA
		I’ll be damned!

SCENE THREE

The inner court of Hassan’s house at Al Kaddur.  Simple Moorish architecture.  Birdsong.  DEBORAH is walking up and down, her manner agitated.  ERIC enters.  She wheels, but he shakes his head apologetically as DAVID enters.

			DEBORAH
		Anything?

			DAVID
		Not as yet, no.  Are you all right?

			DEBORAH
		No of course I’m not all right.

		(He hovers round her as if she is the Virgin Mary.)

		What is it?

			DAVID
		I can’t...I mean - the way you...(he shakes his head in wonder.)  I’ll never forget it.  You’re a heroine, Mrs Pedersen.

			DEBORAH
		No, I’m not, it was totally foolish, and don’t you ever, ever -

			DAVID
		One look at you and they all put down their guns.  You must have an amazing power -

			DEBORAH
		Yes, money!  Why else do you think they co-operate?

			ERIC
		David, see if you can rustle up some breakfast, will you?  Just coffee, croissants -

			DAVID
		Sure thing.

He bounds off.  A pause.

			ERIC
		I did speak to the Adjutant.

DEBORAH pauses in her pacing, approaches ERIC.

			DEBORAH
Mr Bellairs -

			ERIC
		Oh do call me Eric.  

Silence.  She walks.  Then stops.

			DEBORAH
		Mr Bellairs, I was wondering - how are Don and Cynthia these days?

			ERIC
		I beg your pardon?

			DEBORAH
		The Smith-Hendersons.  You must know them awfully well.  And little Hayley, from the overseas office, how is she?  You heard about her accident?

			ERIC
		Afraid no.

			DEBORAH
		Who’s in charge of PR now?

			ERIC
		PR?

			DEBORAH
		At the British Council.

Silence.

			ERIC
		I’m not on the staff, so to speak.

			DEBORAH
		I see.

			ERIC
		More of a co-optee.
			DEBORAH
		On an ad hoc basis, no doubt.

			ERIC
		Precisely.

			DEBORAH
		Oh please!  (Pause) What did you say to them?

			ERIC
		I beg your pardon?

			DEBORAH
		Back at the oasis.  You were talking to some government soldiers in a truck.

			ERIC
		I was asking for their help.  As guests in their country.

			DEBORAH
		And they escorted us here.  To Al Kaddur.

			ERIC
		Yes.

			DEBORAH
		And when we arrived they were marched off, the government troops, at gunpoint.

			ERIC
		Ah, no, it’s...ah...well, not now.

			DEBORAH
		I can see that.  They’re out there, stripped to their singlets, playing football with the rest of the rebels.

		You must think I’m a fool.  You’re not British Council.  Who are you?  By whose authority are you empowered to risk the lives of British subjects?

			ERIC
		I am acting as liaison -
	
			DEBORAH
		I want to know.
			ERIC
		You must understand my position -

			DEBORAH
		On what basis?  On the basis of a tissue of lies?  Whatever is going on here - I’m not a fool... everything must be put aside - tell them anything, promise whatever you must...change sides if necessary - look, I know the history of this country - the security of my daughter -

			ERIC
		Stephanie is in no danger.  We’re out of radio contact at the moment but you must believe me ...the situation is confused, but not dangerous.

			DEBORAH
		Prove it.

			RHODA
		(Puts her head round an armchair.)  He can’t.

			DEBORAH
		Why not?

			RHODA
		Need to know.

			DEBORAH
		Oh for God’s sake!

			ERIC
		I guarantee -

			DEBORAH
		That’s not enough!  If I must I’ll drive out into the desert myself, in fact, if you would be good enough to order me a car -

In the distance, the rumble of heavy guns.

			ERIC
		Honestly, that would be most unwise.

			RHODA
		If I were you -

			DEBORAH
		Shut - up.  I’m going mad, I feel totally unreal, it’s as though life itself has stopped, as though -

DAVID slops in with a tray.

			DAVID
		Here we are.

ERIC takes him firmly by the arm, wheels him off.

			ERIC
		(To DEBORAH) We’ll do our best.  (Goes.)

DEBORAH stares after them helplessly.  She makes to follow, then gives up and resumes her restless pacing.

			RHODA
		Sit down, you’re getting on my nerves.

			DEBORAH
		I have nothing to say to you.

			RHODA
		Suit yourself.

			DEBORAH
		Sitting there with a smug look on your face - if you know something - tell me!

			RHODA
		Oh no.

			DEBORAH
		Why not?

			RHODA
		You don’t wish to hear, that’s why.

Slight pause.

			DEBORAH
		You’re jealous because Stephanie and I relate as you and I never did.  And not a good word for Per, though you took enough money off him for your silly schemes.  She would never abandon me of her own free will - never!
			RHODA
		(Slight pause) They met in London.  In your company office.  During the talks.  Hassan and Stephanie.

			DEBORAH
		Rubbish, she would have told me.

			RHODA
		Whose idea was it to come out here?

			DEBORAH
		The company’s.  I agreed to it.

			RHODA
		You agreed to the donation, not to hand it over in person.  You hate travelling.

			DEBORAH
		Stephanie had just finished her exams, she needed a break.

			RHODA
		Stephanie is her father’s daughter.

			DEBORAH
		We had a personal invitation from the King!  After we endowed the new hospital.

			RHODA
		Private clinic for his offspring, you mean, they run into hundreds.

			DEBORAH
		Mother please don’t exaggerate.

			RHODA
		Father of the People?  This country is a police state, it runs on terror - ask Hassan...(as HASSAN enters)...he’s been freedom fighting for years, ever since he was at the LSE and lodged in my attic.

			HASSAN
		Good morning -

			DEBORAH
		(Craning to see if STEPHANIE is following) Where is she?  What have you done with her?

			HASSAN
		I’m sorry?

			DEBORAH
		My daughter!

			HASSAN
		I am very busy just now -

			DEBORAH
		I’ll pay anything - anything -

			RHODA
		(To HASSAN as he tries to evade DEBORAH) Well?

			HASSAN
		It is done.

			RHODA
		(Quietly) Thank God.

			DEBORAH
		Where is she, is she - ?

			RHODA
		Casualties?

			HASSAN
		Not many.  As we expected.  The Palace is burned.

STEPHANIE runs on.

			STEPHANIE
		Gran, Mummy...isn’t it wonderful?  (She embraces them.)

			DEBORAH
		(Cries out) Oh!!  Oh, you’re safe...ohh...

			STEPHANIE
		What’s the matter?

			DEBORAH
		You’re here!  (Weeping with joy.)  What happened?  Where were you?

			STEPHANIE
		In the lavatory.

			DEBORAH
		What?

			STEPHANIE
		I felt a bit queasy.

			DEBORAH
		Didn’t you see me?  You must have seen me, you were driving...

			STEPHANIE
		Oh darling, I’m so sorry, we couldn’t stop - there was an emergency.

			DAVID
		All right, Colonel - where is she?

He makes to attack HASSAN.  The OTHERS rush to pull him off.  HASSAN fells him with one casual blow.

			STEPHANIE
		David!  Oh, his poor nose!

DAVID’S nose is bleeding heavily.  STEPHANIE and RHODA help him off.  HASSAN and DEBORAH regard each other.

SCENE FOUR

Hassan’s house, later.  Offstage, the sound of cheering.

DEBORAH, alone, stands at the window looking out.  Pause.

HASSAN enters quickly with ALI.  They are talking together, followed by ERIC and STEPHANIE.

			STEPHANIE
		Oh, Eric!

			ERIC
		I know.  Exciting.

			STEPHANIE
		So many people - women, children - everyone. (She runs to DEBORAH, takes her hands, twirls DEBORAH round in excitement.) 

			HASSAN
		(To ALI, in Arabic) All is well?

			ALI
		(In Arabic) The roads are clear - the mines have been removed.  (In English, across the ERIC) The roads are clear, the mines have been removed.

RHODA enters.

			RHODA
		(To DEBORAH) Ready?

			DEBORAH
		(Puzzled) For what?

			ERIC
		The triumphal march to the Capital.

			RHODA
		I’m game, if it’s safe.

			HASSAN
		Absolutely.

			ALI
		We guarantee.  Full military escort, but not necessary.

			RHODA
		Bravo, give me ten minutes.

She gestures to DEBORAH for her concurrence.

			ERIC
		Mrs Pedersen?

			STEPHANIE
		Mummy?

			DEBORAH
		You knew.  All of you, even my own mother.  Am I so unimportant, so disposable? Yes, of course - who am I, a private citizen - individuals don’t count, not even the wife of Per Pedersen.  I count for nothing with any of you, and shall I tell you why?

			RHODA
		Who’s stopping you?

			DEBORAH
		Because I don’t seek power.  I don’t wish to dominate - suborn, deceive - chop hands, castrate, behead, incarcerate.  Therefore I must be nothing.  Look - no gun!  So you treat me with contempt - (to STEPHANIE) - even you, my own daughter.  You want to join them, become one of them, is that what you want?  Losing your father was pain -

			RHODA
		(Mutters) You couldn’t stand him.

			DEBORAH
		- but this is worse.  (Snarls at RHODA) He satisfied me!  (Slight pause.)

		He gave me a child.

			RHODA
		Deborah, you’re making a fool of yourself.

			DEBORAH
		Oh yes.  Oh yes.  I do beg all your pardons.  I’ll remove myself and leave you all to more vital matters, such as whom to imprison.  I have cancelled the money.

			STEPHANIE
		Mother!

			ERIC
		No!

			RHODA
		That is not acceptable.

			HASSAN
		(Lifts a hand) It makes no difference.  We shall take the oil fields.  They belong to us.

			DEBORAH
		As I say, I have no gun.  But this country is deeply in debt.  To foreign banks - with whom we have established and fruitful relationships.

			HASSAN
		(Slaps his thigh, making DEBORAH jump) Good!  You see?  You fight!  Good, Mrs Pedersen.  But we shall win.

			DEBORAH
		We’ll find out - in the international courts.  (She goes.)

			STEPHANIE
		(Going) Mummy, please.

HASSAN pauses briefly, then follows her.

			RHODA
		(Slight pause) Well, Eric, when people make a mess of things, they’re determined to see chaos all round.  I’d better go and umpire.  (She goes.)

			ERIC
		(Calls after her.)  Are you sure that’s wise?

He and ALI laugh.
			ERIC
		We’ll see.  Ali, old friend, all packed up here?

			ALI
		It is done.  Communications dismantled - everything ready to go.

			ERIC
		I’ll get my chaps and equipment out of your way.  You for the Treasury?

			ALI
		I would prefer Board of Trade.  Has Hassan Sa’id ibn Sa’id spoken to you?

			ERIC
		(Alert) About what?

			ALI
		He hopes that you may be able to join us.  Advisory capacity.  You know the country, the people -

			ERIC
		Wish it were in my power.

			ALI
		We can make you very good, interesting post.

			ERIC
		Sorry, not in my hands, Ali.
	
			ALI
		Perhaps we make word with your government.

			ERIC
		Oh, I’m not government - God forbid!

			ALI
		Oh?

			ERIC
		No, no.  Civil Service.  Different cup of tea altogether.

			ALI
		(Drily) Cricket rather than soccer?
			ERIC
		Absolutely.

			ALI
		Please stay.

			ERIC
		Nothing I’d like better.  It’s back to a cold, wet country for me, alas.  I’m dreading the winters.

			ALI
		Why go?

			ERIC
		I’m English.

			ALI
		(Laughs quietly) Where we are born is who we are.  We shall miss you.  (They clasp hands.)

			ERIC
		This is a most beautiful country.

			ALI
		(Gloomily) Pray Allah we don’t despoil.  (He goes.)

			ERIC
		Amen to that.  (Goes separately.)

SCENE FIVE

Hassan’s office in the capital.  A window open onto blue sky, white buildings, and the minaret of a mosque.  HASSAN is working at his desk.  ALI enters.

			ALI
		Lady Wiggins is here, Chief Minister.

			HASSAN
		Yes.  Good.  (He gets up as RHODA enters.)

			RHODA
		Hassan!  So here you are.  Not a very big office.

			HASSAN
		Not a very big country, beloved Umm.  (He gives her a drink.)

			RHODA
		Fifteen million, the right size.  Same with towns and villages...too small, cankered, too massive, mindless...must get the size right, eh?  (She sniggers.  He smiles at her fondly.)  Hurry up.

			HASSAN
		I am sorry?

			RHODA
		We’re all waiting for you.  (He looks blank.)  The agricultural symposium.  (HASSAN groans.)  No need to stay, just look in again at five for the plenary session.  Here’s your speech - and do please stress the last para...the overgrazing’s got to stop......beans, we must grow beans.  (She shoves him out.  He goes reluctantly.)  And avoid the Professor from Armenia, his crop results are fake.  Stress the beans -

HASSAN reaches back, takes a wad of paper from his desk, thrusts it at her on his way out.

			HASSAN
		Rotation plans.  (Grins as RHODA, laden with paper, groans.)

She flops down at his desk, looks at the paper with disfavour.  Turns over pages, shakes her head, settles down to read and make notes.

A knock.  RHODA looks up.

			RHODA
		Oh, it’s you.

DEBORAH enters.  She is wearing a linen suit, wears a hat, carries a bag and a small valise.

			RHODA
		I take it you’re leaving?

			DEBORAH
		The helicopter’s waiting.  Where’s Stephanie?

			RHODA
		No idea- somewhere in this warren.

			DEBORAH
		I need to know how long she intends to stay.  (RHODA does not reply.)  Do you know?

			RHODA
		I’m not her boss.

			DEBORAH
		Mother, she is just seventeen!  Apart from anything else I shall have to make financial arrangements for her.

			RHODA
		She’ll stay as long as he stays, I suppose.

			DEBORAH
		It’s an adolescent crush!  It won’t last five minutes.

			RHODA
		Oh I think it’s gone further than that.

			DEBORAH
		You’d know, of course, but then, you know everything.

			RHODA
		(Chortles) I know enough to know she’s pregnant.
Silence.

			DEBORAH
		What did you say?

			RHODA
		(Laughs) I thought that would send you cross-eyed.

			DEBORAH
		If you weren’t her grandmother I’d sue you for slander.  Did Stephanie tell you? - no, of course not, because it isn’t -

			RHODA
		I don’t need to be told -

			DEBORAH
		I see.  Divination, was it?

			RHODA
		No, puke.  I can still smell, and if you weren’t as bloody out of touch with the world...(as STEPHANIE enters)...ah, there you are.  Your mother wants to say goodbye.

			STEPHANIE
		Hullo, Mother.

			RHODA
		(To DEBORAH) Well?

			DEBORAH
		I’m leaving, the car’s waiting.

			STEPHANIE
		I didn’t think you’d go.

			DEBORAH
		I’ve made some temporary arrangements for you.  Here, it’s all in the folder.  Don’t forget to sign the backs of the cards.

			STEPHANIE
		Please don’t!  Mum......it’s so small.  Cancelling the donation......they need it!

			RHODA
		That’s the way she always -

			STEPHANIE
		No, it isn’t.  (To DEBORAH) I’ve seen you upset.  Never small.

		(DEBORAH gives her an agonised look, picks up her case.)

		What are you going to do?

			DEBORAH
		I’m going home.

			STEPHANIE
		I mean, when you get there?

			DEBORAH
		What I’ve always done - work.

			STEPHANIE
		The farm runs itself.  You were saying last winter how bored you were.

			DEBORAH
		What about University?

			STEPHANIE
		Who cares about University?  This is Life!

			RHODA
		Absolutely!

			DEBORAH
		(Glares at RHODA) They want to make use of you.

			STEPHANIE
		I know.  Isn’t it wonderful?

			DEBORAH
		You’ll be exploited, they’ll try to manipulate you for their own - well, they’re wasting their time.  Everything is in trust, you have no power of action.

			STEPHANIE
		Don’t be too sure of that.  Gran’s right.  I’m rich, therefore I’m ruthless...right, Gran?  (RHODA laughs.)  If I want money......(she sighs deeply.)  I honestly thought you were different.  You always refused to live like Dad.  You wouldn’t compete, climb on people’s faces.  I thought you were above all that.  Don’t tell me it was just good old English meanness.

			DEBORAH
		Please come home.

			STEPHANIE
		I’m sorry.  I can’t.  I’m pregnant.

			DEBORAH
		Oh, Steph - (She covers her mouth, eyes wide.)

			STEPHANIE
		Were you sick all the time?  I’m sick all the time... all day, every day.  I threw up on the path just now!  The wind blew it back in my hair, I didn’t even have a Kleenex, I had to use my knickers.

			DEBORAH
		Have you told him?

			STEPHANIE
		It would be so nice if you stayed.

DEBORAH’S knees give way.  She sits, clasping her bag.

			DEBORAH
		Does he know?

			STEPHANIE
		Yes!

			DEBORAH
		You don’t belong here!

			STEPHANIE
		Please stay.

			DEBORAH
		I can’t.  I have business in London - besides, the heat.

			STEPHANIE
		You spent three hours in the sun with those children yesterday - without even a hat.

			DEBORAH
		We don’t belong.  It’s their country.  They’ve fought for it, let them have it.  Stephanie not like this, in this place.  A child needs security, stability - believe me, I know!

			RHODA
		You had a perfectly secure childhood.

			DEBORAH
		Rubbish, you never took your hat off.  All those causes that were so much more important that we were -

			RHODA
		You had everything...books, travel -

			DEBORAH
		We bored you!  I tried everything, being good, winning scholarships.  The boys gave up....they’re weaker, you see, they can’t do without it.

			STEPHANIE
		Do without what?

			DEBORAH
		Love.  But we can, can’t we, Mother?

			RHODA
		I don’t know what you’re talking about.

		(HASSAN enters.)

		For God’s sake, you can’t hang on to the girl forever...

			HASSAN
		Mesdames...

			RHODA
		Tell her, Hassan!

			HASSAN
		Please?

			DEBORAH
		You want to tell us how to live, you clever people who think you’ve got it right.  Until it ends in chaos and destruction and you decamp with your Swiss bank accounts.  Where have you brought us, tell me that?

			HASSAN
		What is the matter?

			DEBORAH
		Oh, nothing of importance.  The fact that you have assaulted my daughter, that you have invaded -

			STEPHANIE
		Ooergh, quick - where’s the bathroom?

			RHODA
		Blue door on the right.  (STEPHANIE dashes out.)

			DEBORAH
		Darling!  (She turns to HASSAN.) It’s not as though you could make her happy.

			HASSAN
		Happy?  Is this relevant?

			DEBORAH
		Shut up - you may think, Colonel Sa’id, that you can mislead an old woman and a girl, but I am not the fool you take me for.

			RHODA
		Ha ha!

			HASSAN
		Indeed you are not -

			DEBORAH
		I’m glad you agree.  My husband, at all times, kept me fully informed.  I have not been unaware of connections between Pedersen Oil and certain active elements here.  Our attitude, as you know, has been cordial.  I’m surprised that you should wish to jeopardise relationships with those who may have your interests at heart.

			RHODA
		She’s trying to buy you off, Hassan.

			DEBORAH
		Oh yes, it’s all about buying, is it not, Colonel?  Buying is what it’s all about, so may I remind you of the outstanding interest on our loans to your Treasury, for which your government is legally liable.

			HASSAN
		That is arguable.

			DEBORAH
		Argument, Colonel Sa’id, costs money.  Of course, it is possible that the payments might be waived, even the principle in part -

			HASSAN
		This has already been suggested to us.

			DEBORAH
		Without my signature, worthless.

			RHODA
		Deborah, if you start mucking about with that devilish consortium of your husband’s they’ll declare you bonkers and shove you inside.

			DEBORAH
		(Snarls) I can buy all the psychiatrists I need, thank you very much.  My companies and I are not supplicants, Colonel.  Who undertook the original development here?  Imported the skills?  Took the risk?

			HASSAN
		On whose behalf?  Ours?  Millions of dollars disappear daily on the magic carpets of your so highly-paid accountants.  Prices are decided not by us, but by you, for your convenience.

			DEBORAH
		There is nothing that cannot be changed.

			HASSAN
		You are right.  But who are we against multi-nationals?  Mere feathers in the wind.  (Slight pause.)  Your offer, please.

			DEBORAH
		Co-partnership.

			HASSAN
		(Alert) Co-partnership?

			DEBORAH
		Forty-nine, fifty-one.  To us.  In order to guarantee production.  (HASSAN looks at her heavily.)  Something of an increase on your present ten per cent.

			HASSAN
		Most generous.  And the consideration?

			DEBORAH
		I’m sorry?

			HASSAN
		What do you want?  In return?

			DEBORAH
		My daughter.

			HASSAN
		(Prompt) Have her.

STEPHANIE enters, slightly wan from being sick again.

			DEBORAH
		Darling, are you all right?

			STEPHANIE
		Yes, thank you.

			DEBORAH
		And you heard what he said?

			STEPHANIE
		Yes, but I don’t understand.

			RHODA
		Deborah, you -

			DEBORAH
		No!  You must stay out of it, both of you!  Steffie dearest, I know this must be painful.  It isn’t that I don’t want you to work for the good of the world, but not by being exploited.  I agree, Colonel.

			STEPHANIE
		Please, what’s going on?

			DEBORAH
		I won’t have that.

			RHODA
		Why not?  Those are the rules you live by, you and your consortium.

			DEBORAH
		I intend to change those rules.  If caring about one young girl is a luxury then it is a luxury that I have access to.  But it never was a luxury.  All your schemes, your notions for a new world - if they harm one hair of one baby’s head, then they are useless!

			HASSAN
		But I agree.

			DEBORAH
		Oh do you!  In any case, how long do you think you’ll last?  How long before your best friend plots against you and - so sadly - you have to have him killed.  Then the factions, the rule of terror, oh, so regrettable...all in the name of the people of course!

			DEBORAH (Cont’d)
		But, if you’re not blown to pieces...if you find enough hoods to protect you, pay them well enough, you’ll survive to stage two.  The arms deals, the gifts, the bribes rolling in - and everything to be fortified, to protect them.
		
		Every week another edict.  Backed by guns.

			RHODA
		What?  What’s she -

			DEBORAH
		And there must be a Palace worthy of the status of the Leader!  Roads to be renamed, useless projects undertaken by foreign investment -

			RHODA
		Well, we all know -

			DEBORAH
		New uniforms, of course...since you’re now head of the army and the navy and every other bloody gang of criminals.

		And you can have everything - Anything!  This man’s daughter? - this man’s wife?  Yours!

		And how on earth can that be enough.  More means more.  And more - more.  And look!  Look at the land to the north and to the south...rain forest and fertile sea plains.  Weren’t they part of the old kingdom once?  Out with the maps......yes!  You see?  A thousand years ago this was all ours...... Give it Back!  Justice for the People!

		We’re fed up.  Fed up with you.  The rest of us.  The women.  The children.  The old, the sick.  Those of us who don’t want to fight.

		Stephanie?  Steph?  (As STEPHANIE moans softly.)

			STEPHANIE
		Sorry - (she makes a dash for the exit.)

			RHODA
		(Assists her out.)  Whoops - come on, quick.

They go.  DEBORAH makes to follow them.  HASSAN restrains her.

			HASSAN
		Please.  Don’t go.  (She stops, arrested by his tone.)  You are right.  Do you think that I don’t know that you are right?  I have lived alone for seven years.  My life was too dangerous.  I could not risk someone close.  Not one - individual.  (He looks at her longingly, speaks softly.)

		My God, what can you not do for us?  Hospitals, schools, roads... dear lady, think of it.  Cool towns with libraries, theatres.  Markets with food...shops with dresses, furniture, tools...even flowers.

			DEBORAH
		Please -

			HASSAN
		Listen to me, you who say you can make the desert flourish.  Can you do this?  Make fertile that which was barren?  Create groves of fig and olive where there was only sand?  Make fields of orange, pomegranate...eucalyptus, palm - where before was rock, shale?

			DEBORAH
		With the appropriate science, yes -

			HASSAN
		I need you.

			DEBORAH
		(Mutters) Don’t.

			HASSAN
		I need you here - by my side.

DEBORAH backs away, shakes her head.

			HASSAN
		Very well, then we nationalise all mineral and oil resource.  (DEBORAH shakes her head, disbelieving.)  You think we cannot?  This was said to Colonel Nasser, of the Canal.  (He comes close.)  Stay lady.  Return the favours that the earth has disgorged for you.  Your husband is dead, your child is grown.  Time to choose.

			DEBORAH
		For once in my life I am doing just that.

			HASSAN
		Are you?  Why go back to your pretty fields - they produce too much.  Stay.  Allow my people to buy that which you now feed to your cattle at a price we can afford.  How can we live together when we have so little and you have so much?  The world starves...and you grow daffodils.

		Come with me, to the refugee camps.

			DEBORAH
		(Mutters) I’ve read the reports.  I’ve seen the films.

			HASSAN
		No.  You have not seen.  You have not smelt it.  Children with teeth falling from their mouths...they smell so bad.  Have you seen them bleeding through their pores?  Have you felt those legs, those fat, blown stomachs?  Do you think they die peacefully?

			DEBORAH
		Please don’t.

			HASSAN
		How can you say what you will do and what you will not do?  That you will go away -

			DEBORAH
		I am aware -

			HASSAN
		No.  You are not aware.  You are rich.  You are not aware.
			DEBORAH
		Your accusations are unjust.  The Pedersen Foundation has been of immense benefit to this country and I hope it may continue to be so.  Please release the necessary papers for my daughter to leave with me.

			HASSAN
		(He sounds tired) I can’t make you change your mind?

			DEBORAH
		What do you want from me?

			HASSAN
		Something...unconditional.

			DEBORAH
		From me?  Why?  Why should I?  What means did you use to gain power here?  How long before your statues go up?  I won’t listen, to any of you!  I’ll tell you what you bring with your promise of protection - death!  You think I want my child to bear a child here?

			HASSAN
		Here...there - where is safe?

DEBORAH collapses in tears.  HASSAN takes her in his arms.  DAVID enters, clears his throat discreetly.

			DAVID
		Sorry, wrong moment.

			DEBORAH
		David, I thought you were up country.

			DAVID
		Stephanie rang me.  Look, I’m dreadfully sorry.  We were going to tell you -

STEPHANIE enters.

			STEPHANIE
		David!  Oh, I’ve missed you!

			DEBORAH
		What?

			DAVID
		I know what you must think, Mrs Pedersen -

			STEPHANIE
		But I seduced him - honestly!  I want a family.

			DAVID
		It’s what she wants.  And Prime Minister Sa’id has offered me a job in communications.  Dad owns a lot of television companies so I can make myself useful.

			STEPHANIE
		Mother -

			DEBORAH
		Why didn’t you say?

			STEPHANIE
		I wanted to.  I was going to.  I’ve so wanted you to know.  It’s just that everything’s been so -

DEBORAH kisses her.  STEPHANIE takes DAVID’S hand and they go, eyes only for each other.

			DEBORAH
		I owe you an apology.

			HASSAN
		Not at all.  She is too young for me.

			DEBORAH
		I’m not going to be held responsible for anything I agreed when I thought that you and my daughter -

			HASSAN
		No, no, no.  Please, help me.  These drawings...this is shit, is it not?  Your ICI is trying to sell us pup?

He draws her to the desk, displays drawings.

			DEBORAH
		What is it?  (Picks up a drawing.)  Ahh...yes!

			HASSAN
		They say we cannot make our houses as we have always done.

			DEBORAH
		No, of course you mustn’t build mud houses, you waste valuable topsoil.  (She leans over the drawings.)  These are wonderful!  As you see they can be built without skilled labour - these are decent houses...bathrooms with plumbing -

			HASSAN
		And paper roof!

			DEBORAH
		Why not?  Perfect insulation, the product of the latest technology.

			HASSAN
		Suitable for primitive culture.  Let me tell you, culture responds to technology.  I, Hassan, say no to this insult.  A technology designed for a poor country is a poor technology.

			DEBORAH
		Totally false logic!  Look at the perspectives!  Yes, the walls are made of composite but the houses appear utterly traditional.  And when it says expanded paper roofs, what is paper but wood exposed to the sophisticated technology your demand?  (He moves away from the desk, she follows.)  Please, I’m experienced in this field, I’ve worked on rehousing earthquake victims.  This scheme could be repeated from the mountains to the sea.

			HASSAN
		And who will pay?

			DEBORAH
		Buildings give you collateral.  Open a state bank, offer decent lending rates.  Prime Minister - people must have their own place.  It’s a matter of dignity.  Home is where you begin, if that’s not right... Even a rat has its own nest, what do you want, the Taj Mahal?

			HASSAN
		When you are angry you are very fine.  Your skin glows like the dawn through alabaster.  Very well... (throws down the drawings)...build your bloody houses, may they fall down and crush you.

			RHODA
		(Marches in, looms over HASSAN as he slumps at his desk.)  Trees!

			DEBORAH
		Not now, Mother.

			RHODA
		I haven’t got time to mess about.  Hassan, I want a national tree policy.  Trees give you water, shade, crops, clothing, fuel, shelter, fodder, furniture, herbs, seed, flowers, fruit, nuts, resin and humus.  And stuffing.  They air-condition the streets and they give jobs to the old men, sweeping up.  Sign here.

			HASSAN
		Old woman, we should listen to you.  (He signs the document.)

RHODA rolls up the paper, stumps off, followed by DEBORAH.

			DEBORAH
		(Going) Mother, I really wish you wouldn’t barge in and interrupt everything, you do it all the time - I beg your pardon.  (She bumps into ALI.)

			ALI
		Pardon, Madame.  (He looks after the two women.)  These women.  (HASSAN murmurs.  ALI sits at his desk across from HASSAN.)  I think you lust after this infidel.

			HASSAN
		(Easily) Which one, the mother or the daughter?

			ALI
		(In Arabic) You don’t fool me, oh scrapings from the bottom of a well.

			HASSAN
		Their presence offends you?

			ALI
		Why else are they here getting in the way, if not for your delight?

			HASSAN
		Oh, these middle-class Englishwomen work harder than mules.  When we are ready - phhtt!!

			ALI
		(Going) We should have taken the jobs with Radio Casablanca.

			HASSAN
		(Calls) I agree!  (To himself) We would have earned more.  (He bends to his work.  A pause.  He looks up at a sound.)

			DEBORAH
		My valise.  I left it here.

			HASSAN
		You are not leaving?

			DEBORAH
		I...I’ve deferred my departure.

			HASSAN
		Good.   Very good.  You look well.

			DEBORAH
		Thank you.

			HASSAN
		No - claustrophobia?
	
She shakes her head, smiles.  He moves round the desk.

			HASSAN
		Please to remember that I, Hassan, am your devoted and loyal servant.

			DEBORAH
		You’re not going to start all that again - ?

			HASSAN
		How can I help myself?  I see your ankle on the stair, so white, so fine...I could snap it with my finger -

			DEBORAH
		Don’t!

			HASSAN
		And your hair, the colour of pale fire in the dark desert night -

			DEBORAH
		If you go on like this -

			HASSAN
		What can I offer?  For once glance of those emerald eyes I would give a thousand camels, in milk...ten thousand fine carpets for one evening, one night under the stars.

			DEBORAH
		Hang on.  There is something.

			HASSAN
		Anything that your heart desires, beloved iris of the mountains.

			DEBORAH
		Lavatories.  I need lavatories.  Ten dozen, portable, site workers for the use of.

			HASSAN
		It is true.  You have no soul.

			DEBORAH
		By tomorrow.

			HASSAN
		Alas, not my department.
			DEBORAH
		Your signature will do.

			HASSAN
		Very well.  If I may kiss the palm of your hand.

			DEBORAH
		You may.  For two hundred tents.  I need them for the labourers.

			HASSAN
		I pay.

			DEBORAH
		You are liberality itself.

			HASSAN
		And so I shall prove.  (Kisses the palm of her hand.)

			DEBORAH
		We’ll see.  We’ll see about that.

			HASSAN
		Yes.  You look well.

			DEBORAH
		You too.

			HASSAN
		Thank you, Mrs Pedersen.

			DEBORAH
		Deborah.

			HASSAN
		Thank you, Deborah.

			DEBORAH
		Thank you, Colonel - Prime Minister.

			HASSAN
		Hassan.

			DEBORAH
		(Demurely) Thank you, Hassan.

They look at each other, levelly.  Then both nod briefly.

THE END.