You're standing in the great hall of an ancient palace.

Dark stone columns tower high above you.

Your feet ache, but after months it's see you don't mind.

You're just happy to be on solid ground again.

You pull off your bronze helmet and take a deep breath of the cool salty air.

In the distance the Mediterranean sea crashes against the breakwater and in the boats in

the harbor your men lie quiet, sleeping, but not you.

There's no time for sleep.

That's because you're their trusted leader.

And right now you have to do what's best for all that's left of your civilization.

As of miles away the rubble of your hometown still burns and on that rubble you took a

vow to lead, to protect, to sacrifice because you are the queen approaches.

You take in her long dark hair and her porcelain skin and her smell.

The scented bombs and oils rose water and frankincense and her voice deep and honeyd when

she looks at you and says, my love your head spins.

You want to kiss her but what about duty?

Honor, what about empire?

You don't belong here because you are a neis hero of Troy and founder of Rome.

In this play at least, which is taking place in a Cinderblock High School Auditorium,

about 100 miles south of nowhere'sville USA.

Be a long way from the Mediterranean, but your head really is spinning because now you've

got the most popular girl in the entire school in your arms, your scrawny trembling arms

...