Hanna & Her Brother (midway through; like the end of Act 1 or 2): James

END OF ACT I (OR EQUIVALENT OF HALFWAY THROUGH)
The Banquet Hall is mostly empty. Hanna enters looking around and finds her brother seated at a table, where he has been eavesdropping on all that just transpired before him. He has a small microphone and tape recorder on the table.

HANNA
There you are. I went looking for
you in your room.

HANNA’S BROTHER
No, no. I decided not to be a
recluse. And that turned out to be
a wise decision. For once, the
universe has smiled upon me, or at
least seen fit to provide me with
some much-needed folly to take in.
You have no idea how literally
insane these people are.

HANNA
Huh? Ah, whatever. What’s that?

HANNA’S BROTHER
My salvation.

HANNA
Is that a microphone?

HANNA’S BROTHER
Indeed.

HANNA
Have you been interviewing people
for your story? That’s great!

HANNA’S BROTHER
Not... exactly.

HANNA
Wha- I hope you’re not being a
creeper.

HANNA’S BROTHER
After seeing the clientele aboard
this ship I have no worries
whatsoever on that point. My own
sense of self and sanity have had a
refreshing boost after what I’ve
seen.

HANNA
Seen or spied on?

HANNA’S BROTHER
What are you a ranking subcommittee
member? Is this my testimony? No,
no, these are public conversations.
I’m just a little "hard of
hearing."

Hanna lets out a sigh and grumbles.

HANNA
Why are you doing this? Can’t you
just talk to people? That’s how you
normally make a living, isn’t it?

HANNA’S BROTHER
I’m taking in the ambiance of the
ship. It works much better when
people don’t have their guard up.

HANNA
I’m sensing a gray area here.

HANNA’S BROTHER
That would be the real world. Welcome.

HANNA
Okay, before you get into your
groove as the perpetual patronizing
machine that you can be
ever-so-often, I thought I’d tell
you about my day. You know, so you
can at least pretend to offer a
little emotional support for your
sister?

HANNA’S BROTHER
Did something bad happen?

HANNA
Not-- well, no, but... hmmm. I’m at
a bit of a crossroads.

HANNA’S BROTHER
How so?

HANNA
Well, unlike you I’ve actually
talked to some of the people on
board.

HANNA’S BROTHER
And?

HANNA
I was, oh, I don’t know. I was a
little surprised by some.

HANNA’S BROTHER
In a good way?

HANNA
I suppose. I don’t know yet.

HANNA’S BROTHER
I can see how emotional support is
crucial at a time like this.

HANNA
I-- ugh. You don’t make this easy,
brother.

HANNA’S BROTHER
(brief hesitation, then
realization)
Oh. Oh! Oh my, you’ve found a love
connection!

HANNA
Not-- I don’t--

HANNA’S BROTHER
(bemused)
Send that bartender back over here,
the one who’s been dispensing Diet
Cokes all night.

HANNA
That’s alright. I shouldn’t have
said anything.

HANNA’S BROTHER
Oh, cheer up. I’m sure he was
enchanted by you and if he doesn’t
make a move soon just ask for a
date. What’s the big deal?

HANNA
(considering him)
What’s the range on that
microphone?

HANNA’S BROTHER
It’s directional and in here is
good for maybe 20 or 30 feet, at
the absolute most.

HANNA
Can it hear through walls?

HANNA’S BROTHER
I’m not James Bond.

HANNA
Then I am leaving this hall and am
going to go have a private
conversation.

HANNA’S BROTHER
Don’t be careless with that
conversation.

HANNA
Don’t be obvious with that toy.

HANNA’S BROTHER
I love our conversations.

HANNA
(sarcastically sweet)
That’s because you love me.

HANNA’S BROTHER
Well, actually, yes. I’ll talk to
you later.
 
Hanna exits.