TEASER

FADE IN

[MONTAGE OF PREVIOUS EPISODE]

ANNOUNCER:
     Previously on Xena...

DIDUS:
     We're here to bring Livia here-- (he jerks his head at Eve) --to justice. Did your precious daughter not tell you? She murdered Emperor Augustus!

CUT TO

EVE:
     I have the right to choose someone to act as my advocate, don't I?

DIDUS:
     Yes.

EVE (raises eyebrow and then smiles):
     Then I pick Xena, my mother.

CUT TO

EVE:
     Hello Augustus.

CUT TO

Two warriors are in the arena, one with a sword at the other' s throat. As Eve watches, Augustus gives a thumbs down sign. The warrior kills his victim.

CUT TO

EVE (disgusted):
     You've changed--and not for the better.

CUT TO

EVE (speaking numbly):
     And changed he had. Without me--without Livia there protecting all of his precious Empire, he had to do it himself. (suddenly looks scared, as she twists around to look at Xena who does not look happy.) And you know what the worst part was? He was right.

CUT TO

EVE:
     Michael, am I doing the right thing? Am I doing what your god wants?

MICHAEL:
     Yes, of course you are. You are Eli's Messenger--you know his will as well as any of us in Heaven.

CUT TO

EVE:
     I don't expect you to ever forgive me, but I want you to know that if I could change one thing about my past as (voice breaks) Livia, it would be that your father could still see the wonderful man that he had for a son.

CUT TO

There is a trademark, familiar flash of blue light, which clears to reveal Ares standing in the middle of the stage. Murmurs go around the crowd, and we cut to Xena's, shocked face.

[END MONTAGE]

EVE:
     Ares!

XENA (muttering under her breath, before sighing):
     Ares...we really need to talk about your timing.

ARES (ignoring all of this, speaks to the woman in the witness stand):
     Excuse me for interrupting, but Eve hasn't killed me yet.

DIDUS (respectfully):
     My Lord Ares, I believe the lady was referring to Augustus.

ARES (patiently):
     Maybe, but she mentioned the man who promised to give her the largest...yadda yadda. Augustus never promised her anything, he just wanted to marry her. He never counted on her having ambitions of her own.

XENA:
     Ares, are you here for any particular reason?

ARES:
     Does seeing you count?

XENA (rolling eyes):
     No. Look, if you're just here to stop me from saving Eve... (takes a deep breath, trying not to snap) On second thoughts...I want to ask you some questions. Go over there-- (jerks her head towards the back of the room) --and I'll tell you when I need you.

DIDUS (angry):
     Excuse me--but I don't recall agreeing that he could take part in this. (looks first at Ares and then at Xena who are giving him almost identical stares, but obviously don't realize it)

XENA (coldly):
     You didn't.

ARES:
     Roman, I am already this (holds up his right hand with his thumb and index finger a tiny distance apart) close to giving to you what you've got coming to you, but since this is a murder trial... If you drop the attitude, I'll let it pass...for now.

CLAUDIUS (from his throne):
     Didus, calm down. (to Ares) You may speak when you're asked.

ARES:
     Great... (to Xena) I'm looking forward to it already. (to Eve) So, Eve, been keeping busy?

EVE:
     Pity you've not.

ARES:
     Aw, that was cruel...you wounded me. (goes to the back of the room)

XENA:
     Okay, that's enough. (to old woman in witness stand) I have no questions for you. (woman sits back down) Eve... I'd like to ask you some questions.

FADE OUT

END OF TEASER