[General Stratton’s study. He is at his desk, sipping coffee, Luger in his other hand. Sergeant Danny Donovan is in a wheelchair, facing the audience.]

SERGEANT DONOVAN Are you going to put the Luger back in the cabinet?

GENERAL STRATTON I’m thinking about it.

SERGEANT DONOVAN You have no right to take your own life. You haven’t suffered enough.

GENERAL STRATTON Maybe not. Seems to be the way the mind works, though. You can think of possibilities. Then you make a choice.

SERGEANT DONOVAN So make one. You didn’t know me from Adam, did you?

GENERAL STRATTON (takes note from memento folder) Not until I got this letter from your brother, Jimmy.

SERGEANT DONOVAN Good kid. Glad he’s overweight. Couldn’t get in the military if he wanted to.

GENERAL STRATTON When I got it, I