Antony & Cleopatra


TEASER

A milk bath is prepared for Cleopatra. She enters the room with Shiana and steps into it. Advisor #1 and another Egyptian are bowing.

CLEOPATRA
Speak.

They rise, but are still on their knees.

ADVISOR #1
Cleopatra, Rome is on the brink of an all-out
civil war.

CLEOPATRA
And why should that interrupt my bath?

ADVISOR #1
You command the greatest navy in the world, a
strategic prize if your name happens to be Brutus
or Antony. Whichever one of them gets control of
your navy will rule the empire.

CLEOPATRA
Well it sounds like they'll both be courting me
then doesn't it?

ADVISOR #1
Or trying to eliminate you. There are those that
say, with you out of the way, the Egyptian navy
will go to the highest bidder.

CLEOPATRA
You worry too much.

She writes on a scroll.

CLEOPATRA
I have always known how to protect Egypt, my
people, and myself. I will keep the Romans at bay.

She hands the scroll to a servant who brings it to Advisor #1, who stands.

CLEOPATRA
See that my chief admiral receives those orders.

Advisor #1 leaves.

CLEOPATRA
Hm-m. Is it just me, Shiana or do crises only
happen when I'm naked?

A man enters with a scroll. A servant takes it and whispers to Shiana before handing her the scroll.

SHIANA
Cleopatra, an urgent message from Rome.

CLEOPATRA
Hm-m.

She snaps her fingers and the guards leave. She opens the scroll and is bitten by a snake, blood dripping into the water from the bite above her breast.

EXTRA
My queen! Help her!

CLEOPATRA
Shiana.

SHIANA
My queen.

Cleopatra writes on a scroll.

CLEOPATRA
Shiana, take this to Xena.

SHIANA
I will my queen.

Cleopatra dies. The snake swims in the milk bath.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena holds the scroll.

GABRIELLE
Are we really going to do this?

Xena rolls up the scroll. She and Gabrielle are in Egypt.

XENA
Yes we're really going to do this. I feel that I owe
it to Cleopatra.

GABRIELLE
I wish Eve could see this.

XENA
No she's better off in Alexandria with my mother.

GABRIELLE
Do you have a plan?

XENA
First we become Egypt, and then we take on Rome.

They leave.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony's ship.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony's cabin.

ANTONY'S LIEUTENANT
There's a rumor that Brutus is in Egypt.

ANTONY
I hope it's true Canidius. It'll save me the trouble
of having to find him.

ANTONY'S LIEUTENANT
If he gets control of Cleopatra's fleet, we may
not wanna find him.

ANTONY
There's no reason to believe that he is any closer
to that than we are.

A Soldier enters.

SOLDIER
Sir! Queen Cleopatra bids you welcome, and
has sent you a gift!

ANTONY
(to Antony's Lieutenant) Queen Cleopatra has
sent me a gift. (to Soldier) Bring it in.

SOLDIER
Sir, yes sir! Bring it in!

Two Egyptians enter with a large, rolled up carpet. They place it on the ground and leave.

SOLDIER
It's a carpet sir!

The Soldier gives Antony a scroll.

ANTONY
Dismissed.

The Soldier and Antony's Lieutenant leave. Antony reads the scroll.

ANTONY
"Will Rome enter Egypt?"

Antony kicks the carpet. It unrolls to reveal Xena, wearing a short, black wig. She is naked, except for golden chains that cover most of her body.

XENA
I am Cleopatra...queen of Egypt...slave of Rome

END OF TEASER



ACT ONE

Xena stands.

XENA
Cat got your tongue?

Antony chuckles.

ANTONY
Queen Cleopatra, your reputation for not wasting
time 'tis well deserved.

Xena moves over to him.

XENA
Egypt is yours Antony.

She kisses him.

XENA
Won't you free me?

Antony takes a key out of his mouth.

ANTONY
Is that what you want? Surely, this is about you
capturing me.

XENA
If that was the plan I would have dressed for
the occasion.

Antony unlocks the chain around Xena's neck and removes it.

XENA
Ah-h.

Antony unlocks the chains around Xena's wrists and removes them.

ANTONY
Hm-m.

Antony unlocks the chains around Xena's waist and they fall to the ground, leaving Xena completely nude.

XENA
Hm-m. Now I am free. And you?

Antony holds out a blue blanket to her.

ANTONY
Let's just say your conquest is not yet complete.

Xena drapes the blanket around herself.

XENA
Well, of course not. And who could expect the
great Antony to surrender easily. I simply thought
that you might be the type to enjoy surprises.

ANTONY
Your guessing serves you well Queen, but I came
here, to form an alliance with you, one based on
trust, and openness.

XENA
I think we got the openness covered. And as for
trust, well I really couldn't have come here in a
more vulnerable state now could I? So perhaps
you should trust me. Come to my palace. I think I
can find a bed for you.

Xena leaves. Antony looks at the key.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleopatra's palace.

BRUTUS (voice-over)
I must speak with Cleopatra at once!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside.

SHIANA
Brutus, is she expecting you?

BRUTUS
No she's not but I fear for her safety.

Gabrielle enters, wearing a short, black wig and a white robe. Brutus is shocked to see her.

GABRIELLE
What does Cleopatra have to be afraid of Brutus?

BRUTUS
(whispers) Gabrielle.

Gabrielle marches over to him.

GABRIELLE
I'm alive. (to Shiana) I'll handle this.

Shiana and the servants leave.

BRUTUS
You survived the crucifixion.

GABRIELLE
You should have been there.

BRUTUS
What are you doing here?

GABRIELLE
I'm paying a visit to an old friend.

BRUTUS
Where's Xena?

GABRIELLE
She's with Cleopatra.

BRUTUS
Well then I'll see them both.

GABRIELLE
It's not a good time Brutus. I'll relay your concerns
about her safety.

BRUTUS
I'd just as soon do that in person.

Brutus walks off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hall. Xena leads Antony in.

XENA
Come on then. I won't bite.

Shiana enters.

XENA
(to Antony) Ah-h, why don't you wait there while
I slip into something less comfortable?

SHIANA
(to Xena) Brutus is here to see Cleopatra.

Xena talks louder so Antony can hear.

XENA
Ah, great idea Shiana. I'm sure Rome would love a
tour of Egypt's palace.

Xena moves off.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brutus looks out a window.

BRUTUS
Gabrielle, this is ridiculous.

He starts to move away.

BRUTUS
I have information that could save Cleopatra's life.
I insist on seeing her!

GABRIELLE
You're in no position to make demands!

He stops but then leaves.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brutus enters Cleopatra's room, followed by Gabrielle. Xena is there, dressed in her leather and breastplates.

XENA
Ave Brutus. You know you're in a queen's bedchamber.

BRUTUS
I have come to warn Cleopatra there are people
plotting against her. Under no circumstances
should she trust either Antony or Octavius. They
both want her dead.

XENA
Octavius? Caesar's adopted son?

BRUTUS
He claims to be the rightful heir to Rome. He's
just a murdering opportunist.

XENA
Well, I'll be sure and tell her. I know she'll appreciate
your concern.

BRUTUS
I would like to see her myself.

XENA
She's busy.

BRUTUS
I'm glad you and Gabrielle are well.

He leaves, but nearly runs into Shiana. He clears his throat and moves past her. Shiana faces Xena.

SHIANA
What should I do with Antony?

XENA
The bath.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is once more dressed as Cleopatra. She is in the milk bath.

GABRIELLE
If Brutus is right Xena, Antony may try to kill you.

Oil is put on Xena.

XENA
I think he has some business to conclude with
me first.

Antony enters.

XENA
Welcome Antony.

Antony looks at Gabrielle.

XENA
Oh this is my companion, Iris.

Gabrielle is putting water on Xena.

ANTONY
If I were your hands Iris, I would be fortunate indeed.

XENA
(to servants) Leave us.

ANTONY
No, I have matters to attend to. Besides, I have
supped full of pleasures this night. Perhaps by
morning, we can put this issue of trust behind us,
and move on.

Antony leaves.

GABRIELLE
Gods, I thought he was going to accept your
invitation. How did you know he wouldn't?

XENA
I didn't.

Xena smiles.

END OF ACT ONE



ACT TWO

Cleopatra's palace.

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Cleopatra's room. Octavius sneaks about in a hooded cloak. He moves to the bed where Xena sleeps. Xena opens her eyes and grabs him. She throws him on the bed.

OCTAVIUS
Are you Cleopatra?

XENA
Are you my assassin?

OCTAVIUS
No! I was coming to see you.

XENA We have a front door for that.

OCTAVIUS
This was, but this was the only way. B--believe me.

Firebombs are thrown in the room.

XENA
Go!

More bombs are thrown. Xena sees one heading for Octavius. She leaps from the bed and picks up a table.

XENA
Yah!

Xena blocks the bomb. Another lands in front of Octavius and he screams.

OCTAVIUS
Help me!

Xena jumps and sends them both flying, landing on floor outside the bedroom.

XENA
Get up! Get up!

Xena throws him into a wall. Antony enters.

ANTONY
Cleopatra!

EXTRA
The queen's bedchamber!

Octavius moves to leave, but Xena grabs him.

XENA
Where'd you think you were going?

OCTAVIUS
Away from him. He wants me dead. Those assassins
were after me.

XENA
Oh, well aren't you the center of attention! Isn't it
more likely they were after me? It was my bedroom
they torched.

OCTAVIUS
That's why we must ally. They want us both dead.

XENA
And who are you?

ANTONY
Octavius. Queen Cleopatra, may I introduce the
grandnephew and adopted son, of Julius Caesar-

He holds his sword at Octavius' throat.

ANTONY
-and a traitor.

OCTAVIUS
I'm a traitor? What would Caesar think of his
closest friend denying me his throne?

ANTONY
Uncle Julius was too busy to realize, just how
ill-equipped you are. It's not that I love Caesar less.
I love Rome more.

Antony pushes the blade and Octavius leans his head away. Xena puts a hand on Antony's arm.

XENA
Antony.

Antony lowers his sword.

OCTAVIUS
Cleopatra please, he'll kill me!

XENA
(whispers) Silence.

Punches him.

XENA
Take him away. I'll deal with him later.

The guards take him away.

EXTRA
Come on traitor!

XENA
(to Antony) How do I know that you aren't somehow
involved in this?

Antony moves her hair and whispers in her ear.

ANTONY
I came here, to put out the fire. We have unfinished
business, you and I.

He kisses her cheek and leaves. A robe is placed over Xena and Gabrielle sighs.

XENA
Yes?
GABRIELLE
I'm losing sight of your plan Xena. Are you going
to flirt him to death?

XENA
I'm getting him to trust me so I can do what I
want with him.

GABRIELLE
Be careful. He's your type.

XENA
You think?

GABRIELLE
What's this "unfinished business"?

XENA
He's going to try to seduce me into letting him
use Cleopatra's navy.

GABRIELLE
And then?

XENA
And then I'll have him on his knees. Figuratively
speaking of course.

Xena moves off.

GABRIELLE
Of course.

Gabrielle follows. Shiana shakes her head.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena and Antony are lying down. Xena eats grapes and Antony watches. Antony has a drink of wine.

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been blind?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Blind?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been lost?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Lost?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been wrong?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Have I been wrong?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been wise?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Have I been wise?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been strong?

Xena has a drink of wine.

SINGER and SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Have I been hypnotized? Mesmerized?

SINGER (voice-over)
By what my eyes have found?

Antony picks up a piece of cantaloupe and Xena looks at his bicep.

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
By what my eyes have found?

Antony eats the cantaloupe and Xena watches.

SINGER (voice-over)
In that great street carnival?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Carnival, baby.

Antony looks at her and Xena smiles.

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been blind?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Blind?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been lost?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Lost? Have I been?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been wrong?

Xena dips a strawberry in honey and raises it to her open mouth.

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Have I been wrong?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been wise?

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Have I been wise?

SINGER (voice-over)
Have I been strong?

Xena looks at Antony.

SINGER and SINGER #2 (voice-over)
Have I been hypnotized? Mesmerized?

SINGER (voice-over)
By what my eyes have found?

Xena feeds the strawberry to Antony.

SINGER #2 (voice-over)
By what my eyes have found?

He lays his head under her and Xena kisses him. Gabrielle and Shiana watch.

SINGER (voice-over)
In that great street carnival?
In that carnival?

Gabrielle licks her lips, sighs and moves to Xena and Antony. She kneels before Xena.

GABRIELLE
Queen Cleopatra.

Xena stops kissing Antony and glares at Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
Don't forget your meeting with your advisors.

XENA
Ah, my advisors. Yes they're such busybodies.

ANTONY
Rome wasn't built in a day.

Antony kisses her and leaves. Xena rolls her tongue and leans back. Gabrielle lies next to her.

XENA
What do you think you were doing? I was in complete control.

GABRIELLE
How far were you going to let that go?

XENA
Until he begged for my navel.

GABRIELLE
Your navy?

XENA
I know what I'm doing.

GABRIELLE
Xena what happens if he's the one who killed Cleopatra?

XENA
Then he's the one I'll kill if I have to. I have no
real feelings for him Gabrielle believe me.

Gabrielle eats a strawberry. A servant enters and hands Shiana some flowers. Shiana moves to Xena.

SHIANA
This is from Antony.

Xena takes it.

XENA
Really?

SHIANA
He invites you to meet him tomorrow night, under
the pyramids.

XENA
Tell him I'll be there.

Shiana looks to Gabrielle who nods.

XENA
Got him right where I want him.

END OF ACT TWO



ACT THREE

Antony waits by a fire. Xena enters and he smiles. He is looking out over the pyramids.

ANTONY
Our time in this world is brief. Kingdoms, they're
mere clay. Will Rome surpass their majesty? I
don't know. In a place like this, a man is truly small.

XENA
Why did you come to Egypt?

He is silent.

XENA
My navy.

ANTONY
Yes...but that has changed.

XENA
Changed how?

ANTONY
I don't want you to give me your navy. You would
always suspect that is all I wanted from you.

XENA
So what do you want from me?

He stands.

ANTONY
Your love.

XENA
My love won't help you in a fight against Brutus.

He moves closer to her.

ANTONY
The first time I saw you, I knew a man would give
up a kingdom for such a woman. There is nothing
that I have learned since, that would change my mind.

He lays a hand on her shoulder and she turns to face him. A tear has rolled down Xena's face.

XENA
Nothing?

ANTONY
Nothing.

He kisses her. He looks at her and the two kiss.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena and Antony are lying down, kissing. Three soldiers enter.

XENA
Antony.

Xena knocks out one soldier and Antony kills the other two. A fourth runs in. Antony kills him. The one Xena hit is crawling away. Antony kicks him and turns him over.

ANTONY
One of Brutus'?

Antony moves to kill him.

XENA
No wait Antony. He could be useful to us.

Antony let's him go and Xena picks him up.

XENA
Tell Brutus he missed. Tell him Antony and
Cleopatra are alive, well, and together.

The soldier runs off. Antony puts a hand on Xena's shoulder and Xena puts her hand on his arm. Antony leaves.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Octavius' cell. Gabrielle enters and moves over to him.

OCTAVIUS
Do you think I tried to kill Cleopatra?

GABRIELLE
I don't know.

Octavius wipes away tears.

OCTAVIUS
Tears are for boys.

GABRIELLE
I know some men who could use a good cry.

OCTAVIUS
I need to put them behind me, and think of my people.

Gabrielle sits beside him.

GABRIELLE
The people of Rome?

OCTAVIUS
And all who are under its protection. My uncle
exploited the peoples of the world for his ambition.
I want to correct that! To bring them Roman peace.
Pax Romana. Do you think I'm foolish?

GABRIELLE
No I don't.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moon.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleopatra's room. Xena is looking up at the moon. Gabrielle enters.

GABRIELLE
Xena?

XENA
You were right Gabrielle. I do have a soft spot
for bad boys. Even worse is a bad boy who loves
like a fool.

GABRIELLE
What happened?

Xena turns to look at her.

XENA
He wouldn't take Cleopatra's navy. He says he
wants my love instead. I think he means it.

GABRIELLE
Maybe you can enlist him as an ally.

XENA
Well what will happen when he finds out that I'm
not Cleopatra? That I've duped him all this time?

GABRIELLE
What are you going to do?

XENA
I can't let him get control of the empire. There's
plenty of blood on those hands of his. He's not
afraid to shed it. I know that. And what about Octavius?

GABRIELLE
He's idealistic. His heart's in the right place Xena.

XENA
I wonder if he and Antony can work together.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony moves about on a rug that is a map of the Mediterranean Sea. Xena enters.

XENA
Making travel plans?

ANTONY
I'm trying to outguess Brutus.

XENA
And if you defeat him what will you do?

ANTONY
I will execute him, and all his men.

XENA
All of them? Even the common soldier?

ANTONY
There must be consequences for opposing
Marc Antony. Death, executions. It is the Roman
way...and I am Roman.

XENA
Yes I see.

Xena moves closer to him.

XENA
And what about Octavius? I hear he's a good man.

ANTONY
He may be a good boy, but I cannot let him live
to be a good man.

Xena kneels before Antony.

XENA
Antony, take my navy. No I insist. This gesture of
yours is very sweet, but I get the point. I know that
you love me.

Antony takes her hand.

XENA
I've had reports that Brutus' fleet is approaching
the mouth of the Nile. Draw him into battle there.
At the appropriate time I will reinforce you. Brutus
will be crushed.

Antony kisses her hand and then her lips.

ANTONY
Rome...is eternally grateful.

He leaves.

BRUTUS (voice-over)
Queen Cleopatra.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throne room. Xena is sitting on the throne, but far enough away that Brutus cannot see it is her.

XENA
Approach Roman.

Brutus comes closer and sees Cleopatra is Xena. Gabrielle moves to Xena's side.

XENA
Boo.

BRUTUS
Xena.

XENA
That's right. I've been playing the part of Cleopatra,
because you killed her.

BRUTUS
You have to understand. Now I needed that navy.
And I knew I could never compete with Antony
for the affections of a beautiful woman. Now I
thought, if she were gone, I had a chance to
negotiate with her admirals.

GABRIELLE
That's your justification for murder?

BRUTUS
When I killed Caesar, I crossed the Rubicon of
blood. Why have you called me here?

XENA
It seems we have a common enemy. Marc Antony.

BRUTUS
You see what a dangerous man he is.

XENA
Oh yes I do. His fleet is moving toward the mouth
of the Nile. You meet him there and I'll reinforce.
Together we'll chop him into little pieces.

BRUTUS
Why should I trust you?

GABRIELLE
I'll go with you.

BRUTUS
I can't ask for a better guarantee than that. You
won't regret this.

Brutus leaves.

XENA
I won't regret this.

GABRIELLE
The trap's been set. Perhaps you won't have to...

XENA
Kill Antony?

END OF ACT THREE



ACT FOUR

Antony's boat.

ANTONY (voice-over)
Perhaps when we have dealt with Brutus,-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony and Xena are on the deck.

ANTONY
-a journey on the scented waters of the Nile...on
a golden barge with oars of silver, which we'll keep
stroked to the tune of flutes and make the waters
which they beat to follow faster, as though amorous
of each stroke.

XENA
Antony we're about to go into a major sea battle.

ANTONY
With Egypt's navy, we cannot lose.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brutus' ship.

BRUTUS (voice-over)
Once we catch Antony-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brutus and Gabrielle are on the deck.

BRUTUS
-you'll give Xena the signal?

GABRIELLE
Yes.

BRUTUS
Then we'll see who will become Rome.

GABRIELLE
You've become an ambitious man Brutus.

BRUTUS
People change Gabrielle.

EXTRA
Higher! Higher!

BRUTUS
I remember when you spoke only of peace, and
now you're a warrior.

GABRIELLE
And you're a murderer.

BRUTUS
I killed Cleopatra for the good of Rome.

GABRIELLE
How many people have to die for the good of Rome?

Brutus looks at her.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleopatra's boat.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shiana looks out over the water and Octavius joins her.

OCTAVIUS
Nervous?

SHIANA
Terrified. How about you?

OCTAVIUS
Definitely nervous.

EXTRA
I need a man up on the poop deck!

OCTAVIUS
Why are you here Shiana?

SHIANA
I promised my mistress I'd see her murderers
brought to justice.

EXTRA
Tie them off!

OCTAVIUS
I can't believe Cleopatra's gone. Death has no
respect for rank.

SHIANA
You're about to step onto the stage of history
Octavius. Are you ready?

OCTAVIUS
Yes. I feel I was born for this moment. I realize
now it's my destiny to rule Rome.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony's ship.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena lights a torch.

EXTRA
I stowed it down below.

ANTONY
(to Antony's Lieutenant) Never has a battle been
so one-sided.

Antony's Lieutenant nods.

EXTRA
Ship ahoy!

ANTONY
It's Brutus' flagship. We're gonna be rammed!
Light the signal!

Xena waves the torch.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleopatra's ship.

OCTAVIUS
There! Time to launch the Egyptian fleet on both
Antony, and Brutus. Prepare for battle!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony draws his sword.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brutus' ship moves closer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony's men get spears.

EXTRA
Come on! Give me one!

EXTRA
Come on.

EXTRA
Here.

EXTRA
Pass it along.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brutus' ship rams Antony's ship and Brutus' crew leaps onboard.

EXTRA
For the glory of Brutus!

EXTRA
For imperial Rome!

The armies fight. Xena watches. Gabrielle fights.

EXTRA
Free Rome from tyranny!

BRUTUS' LIEUTENANT
The Egyptians are attacking our fleet!

BRUTUS
What?!

Brutus looks at Gabrielle.

BRUTUS
You knew?

Brutus yells and attacks Gabrielle. Antony fights. The armies battle. Xena kills any soldier who runs up the stairs at her. Brutus fights Gabrielle. He hits her with the butt of his sword and blood sprays from her mouth. He hits her again and more blood runs from her mouth and nose. He throws her to the ground. Xena fights. Brutus kicks Gabrielle in the face and she falls onto her back. Antony fights. Gabrielle lands next to a sword. Brutus raises his sword and Gabrielle picks up the one beside her. She yells as she brings it up and slices it over Brutus' neck. Brutus falls and looks to see Xena.

BRUTUS
Xena-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a!

Antony looks at Xena and now knows who she is.

ANTONY'S LIEUTENANT
Cleopatra's navy is attacking both Roman fleets
from the rear!

ANTONY
Both Roman fleets?!

Antony's Lieutenant is killed.

ANTONY
Xena.

Antony moves to Xena.

ANTONY
You win my trust...my love...and then you betray everything.

Xena looks sad. Antony attacks her. She knocks him back. He attacks her again and is once more knocked back. Xena looks at him, sad. Antony attacks and is knocked back.

XENA
Antony.

Antony yells and attacks. Xena stabs him in the stomach. They stand, face-to-face.

ANTONY
I did, love you.

Antony falls down the stairs, dead. Gabrielle looks at him and then to Xena. The battle is over and everyone is covered in blood, as well as the deck. Xena looks to the sky as the rain starts to fall.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xena is dressed in her leather and armour. She looks out over Egypt.

OCTAVIUS
Xena, Rome owes you a debt of gratitude.

XENA
Rome owes me nothing.

Xena turns to look at Octavius.

XENA
Octavius you'll soon be the new leader. It is you
who must recognize and support this new alliance
forged between Egypt and Rome. It cost Cleopatra
her life. Make sure it was worth it. (to all) Cleopatra
always put the well-being of her kingdom ahead
of her own. Respect this. She died in the hope that
the Egyptian people might for the first time, choose
their next great leader. She was Egypt.

Xena walks off. Octavius and Gabrielle shake hands. Gabrielle moves to stands next to Xena who looks out at Egypt. Gabrielle smiles, but Xena's face is grim. Gabrielle stops smiling.

END OF ACT FOUR


STARRING
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Renee O'Connor as Gabrielle

GUEST CAST
Jon Bennett as Antony
David Franklin as Brutus
Mark Warren as Octavian
Josephine Davison as Cleopatra
Miriama Smith as Shiana
Paul Willis as Advisor #1
Geoffrey Knight as Antony's Lieutenant
Benjamin Crellin as Brutus' Lieutenant
Dion Blair as Soldier

Written by: Chris Manheim
Directed by: Mark Beesley

Disclaimer: No Rubberized Snakes intent on destroying the Queen of Egypt were harmed during the production of this motion picture.