FADE IN

An overhead shot of an army camp. Xena, Gabrielle and Haimon can be seen on horseback in the distance, riding into the camp. Xena brings Argo to a halt and hops down. Haimon and Gabrielle dismount and step up beside Xena, who is surveying the camp with a critical eye.

XENA:
     Whoever is in charge here obviously has a good handle on things.

In the distance a small group of soldiers as well as female camp followers are clustered together, their heads bowed. The warrior from the teaser, Andrash, observes the group a moment then turns and notices Xena. He waves and hurries over.

ANDRASH:
     Xena! I'm glad you decided to join us.

XENA (with obvious strain in her voice):
     Right. Let's not make a big deal out of it.

ANDRASH:
     What made you change your mind? Don't tell me Rome has another contender for the throne.

XENA:
     I'm through with politics, Andrash. I'm here because it's the right thing to do.

ANDRASH (shrugs):
     No matter. We're glad to have you whatever the reason. (he looks over Gabrielle and Haimon) And you brought help. (he nods in greeting at Gabrielle) The Battling Bard, of course. (he then looks at Haimon) And your friend looks like he can hold his own with a sword.

HAIMON:
     I do all right. (he extends his hand) Haimon.

Andrash and Haimon shake and Andrash waves a young orderly over.

ANDRASH:
     Priam, make sure Xena and her friends are given quarters and made comfortable.

PRIAM (nods and salutes):
     Yes sir.

Priam takes Argo's reigns from Xena.

HAIMON:
     I'll give him a hand.

He takes the reigns of Gabrielle's horse and she reaches out to brush her fingertips over his arm. Haimon cannot suppress a small smile as he follows Priam.

XENA (to Andrash):
     It looks like things are under control here.

ANDRASH:
     Our force has almost doubled in the past month. Pretty soon we'll be large enough to go at Nero head on. We've had three minor skirmishes with his troops in the past 4 days.

GABRIELLE:
     How many men have you lost?

ANDRASH:
     None. We were able to take prisoners. Morale is high. (he gestures towards the gathering of soldiers and camp followers and frowns.) Though I'm afraid it won't be for too much longer.

Xena and Gabrielle look over and Gabrielle gasps, clutching Xena's arm.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena! (she points) Siran!

Xena spots Siran before the group, obviously leading them in prayer.

ANDRASH:
     You know her?

GABRIELLE (nodding):
     Yes. She's...she's an Elijan that we...what's she doing here?

ANDRASH (he leans confidentially close):
     Between you and me, the girl is really killing morale. All this preaching about peace and love is driving the men crazy--worse yet, it's started to infect some of them. And if that isn't enough, she's got a lot of the camp followers refusing to--be friendly with the soldiers. (Off Xena's glare) You've been around armies, Xena. I'm sure you know that a...satisfied soldier is a better soldier.

Gabrielle glances at Xena who gives a small, barely perceptible nod.

XENA:
     So why are you letting her continue?

ANDRASH:
     Because of her friend.

GABRIELLE:
     Friend? You mean Valeria Sabina?

ANDRASH (nods):
     That's right. Sabina rode into camp six weeks ago with the girl and took charge. Before she came we were just a disorganized bunch of rabble rousers. This army is what it is because of Sabina's leadership and she's made it clear that we're not to interfere with the girl.

Sabina appears riding down the road into camp at the head of a column of ten Roman soldier prisoners, all bound by their hands. Upon seeing Xena and Gabrielle, she smirks and trots her horse over to Xena, Gabrielle and Andrash.

SABINA (gesturing towards the prisoners):
     Another successful hunting trip. (She glances at Xena.) Though not nearly as successful as yours, Andrash. Welcome, Xena. I wish I could say I'm surprised to see you--but I knew your conscience wouldn't let you stay out of the fight too long. I've warned you before about that silly, sentimental streak of yours. It's going to be your undoing.

Siran comes running up.

SIRAN:
     Sabina! You're all right!

Siran hugs her and Sabina returns the embrace until she notices Xena and Gabrielle smirking in amusement. Xena arches her eyebrows and glances pointedly at Sabina.

XENA:
     You were saying?

Embarrassed, Sabina gently steps out of Siran's embrace.

SABINA:
     Enough of that, Siran--I've got business to attend to.

Siran nods and steps back--it's obvious she understands Sabina's awkwardness at any public displays of affection.

Gabrielle nods towards the column of bound men.

GABRIELLE:
     You've taken prisoners.

SABINA:
     There's no getting anything by you, is there, Gabrielle?

GABRIELLE (coolly):
     By me or my Amazons. Didn't you learn anything at Corinth?

Without missing a beat, Sabina chuckles.

SABINA:
     I guess it's not true what they say about blondes. I knew there was a reason you kept her around, Xena.

Xena sighs in frustration.

XENA:
     Look, Sabina--I'd love to stand here all day and trade insults. But we've got business.

SABINA (nods):
     You're right. Andrash, make sure the prisoners are secured.

Siran touches Sabina's arm.

SIRAN:
     After their march they must be starving.

ANDRASH:
     Young woman, this isn't a roadside inn. These are prisoners of war.

SIRAN:
     They still need food and water and someone to tend to their wounds.

Andrash glances warily at Sabina.

ANDRASH:
     Sabina--if I may...we can't be squandering our rations on prisoners. Do you really think that Nero would show our men the same hospitality?

SIRAN:
     Two wrongs don't make a right.

Sabina looks from Siran to Andrash and back again.

SABINA:
     And dead prisoners don't make good bargaining chips, Andrash. These Romans might prove useful to us later on. Make sure Siran is given whatever she needs.

ANDRASH (sneering):
     Is that all? Perhaps Siran would also like me to tuck the prisoners in and read them a bedtime story.

SABINA:
     Siran, would you like Andrash to tuck the prisoners in and read them a bedtime story?

Siran shakes her head gravely.

SIRAN:
     No.

SABINA:
     Then that's all, Andrash.

Andrash reddens but holds his tongue. He turns and marches off towards the prisoners. Siran smiles softly at Sabina then follows after Andrash with a small skip in her step.

Haimon returns and steps up beside Gabrielle, touching her shoulder.

HAIMON:
     I've put our things...(he notices Sabina and can't mask his shock.) You?

SABINA (raises an eyebrow at him):
     Well, well, well. The cast of characters just keeps growing more interesting. My little shadow has returned. (she glances pointedly at the familiar way Haimon's hand rests on Gabrielle's shoulder and purses her lips.) Though he's probably more of an annoyance to Xena at this point than he ever was to me.

Xena turns and starts to walk away.

XENA:
     Forget it. Let's go, Gabrielle. We don't need to listen to this--

Gabrielle catches Xena's arm to stop her, then turns on Sabina.

GABRIELLE:
     You know what, Sabina? You talk too much.

Sabina is momentarily deflated by Gabrielle's comment but she quickly recovers and smirks.

SABINA:
     Really? Well now, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black. (she glances at Haimon.) I guess you don't mind letting your girlfriend do all the talking.

HAIMON:
     I'm here to fight Nero--not you. Besides, it's getting kind of old, don't you think? We've already fought and beat you.

Sabina places a hand over her heart.

SABINA:
     Ouch. Taking a hit from the sidekick's sidekick--now that hurts. (she claps her hands together.) Well, as amusing as this little reunion has been--I really should go check on Siran. Have fun (she glances at Haimon and Gabrielle.) Or perhaps I should say 'be good.' That would probably be easier for you two.

Haimon watches Sabina walk off towards the prisoners.

HAIMON:
     She's as...charming as ever.

XENA:
     And about as trustworthy. We need to keep a close eye on Sabina.

GABRIELLE:
     You're right. Knowing Sabina's at the head of another army isn't going to make me sleep any better at night.

XENA (smiles teasingly):
     Perfect. Then maybe for once you won't keep me awake all night with your snoring.

GABRIELLE:
      My snoring? I wish you could hear yourself sometime--

HAIMON:
     Actually, Xena...I've put Gabrielle and me into our own quarters. I've arranged for you to be...

Haimon trails off under Xena's annoyed glare. Gabrielle glances carefully between Xena and Haimon.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena, are you--?

Xena takes a breath, presses her lips together and nods.

XENA:
     I'm great. That's just great. It's been a long time since I've had my own room. And we could all use the rest...

Now it's Xena's turn to trail off into embarrassed silence.

XENA:
     Okay...so...I'm going to go get settled in. I'll see you two later.

Gabrielle squeezes Xena's arm affectionately and smiles tenderly as she watches Xena turn and walk off alone to find her quarters.

CUT TO

Nero in his quarters. He is lying across a sofa, an arm draped tragically across his eyes. Aquilo stands before him. He clears his throat nervously.

AQUILO:
     More news of the rebellion, my Emperor.

NERO (sighs):
     News, news and more news, Aquilo. I often wonder what would make the news stop.

He glances menacingly at Aquilo, who squirms uncomfortably.

AQUILO:
     My Emperor...the rebels have done battle with the Twelfth again. The rebels have taken...more prisoners.

NERO (in an accusing tone):
     Do you know how thin a line it is between prisoner and convert, Aquilo?

Aquilo shakes his head in confusion.

AQUILO:
     My Emperor?

Nero leaps to his feet and begins to pace frantically.

NERO:
     Do you think that if I were to embrace this god of Eli that he would grant me his favor? Yes...of course he would. Don't you think that any god would rather count Rome among his worshippers than among his enemies? Especially since the latter would be most disagreeable for his followers.

AQUILO:
     My Emperor...it's been reported that Xena has joined the rebellion.

NERO:
     Xena? Xena...Xena, friend to slaves, Elijans and mothers alike...

Aquilo rubs his hands together nervously.

AQUILO:
     It has also been reported that Gabrielle of Poteidaea is with her.

NERO:
     Gabrielle? No...my Gabrielle would never--

AQUILO (hesitantly):
     She is also rumored to be in the company of a man.

Nero stops pacing and covers his face with his hands.

NERO:
     Well that's how it is then, isn't it? So typical of her sex, wouldn't you agree, Aquilo?
     Though all the Olympians banded come
     In wrath, and rouse against me all the sea,
     I will escape them!
     (He sighs in resignation.) So be it.

Nero drapes himself across his sofa. After a moment he appears to have fallen asleep while Aquilo looks on. Aquilo fidgets a moment, as if unsure whether to speak or not. Finally he speaks, caution evident in his tone.

AQUILO:
     Caesar?

NERO:
     Still here, Aquilo?

AQUILO:
     There's more, I'm afraid. The masses are being infected with this talk of rebellion. Riots are breaking out almost daily. Rome isn't safe for you right now. You must vacate the city and join your loyal troops until this uprising is put down.

Nero waves his arm tiredly, obviously not taking heed to Aquilo's warning.

AQUILO:
     You must act against this rebellion now before it grows. The more successes the rebels have, the greater the danger that the morale and allegiance of your own troops will be compromised. The threat of an uprising from within the ranks is all too real.

Nero gasps in shock and lifts his head to look at Aquilo.

NERO:
     My own troops? Against me? Their Emperor? Such perfidy cannot be permitted. Tell me, Aquilo, what I must do.

AQUILO:
     I would suggest sending for the Ninth immediately and--

NERO:
     And I'll appear before them personally! I shall weep and they'll be so moved by my display that they'll swear their undying allegiance to me. And then - and then when they have put down this rebellion I'll reward them by reciting a poem of my own creation, lauding their heroism.

AQUILO:
     My Emperor...if we send for the Ninth immediately--

Nero waves dismissively.

NERO:
     I leave the logistics to you, my dear Aquilo. Now I must have counsel with my muse if my poem is to be ready for my legion's victory.

Muttering scraps of poetry to himself, Nero wanders out of the room. Aquilo watches him go, then shakes his head with a sigh.

CUT TO

A large tent serving as a hospice. Xena, Gabrielle and Sabina are gathered around a table. Siran can be seen in the background thronged by six men in a semi circle. They are wounded though none of them seriously. Though her words aren't audible from the distance, it's obvious that Siran is speaking to the wounded as she stitches a gash in the shoulder of one of them. Sabina watches Siran out of the corner of her eye as Xena indicates the map she has spread out on the table.

XENA:
     Sabina, we need to talk.

SABINA:
     Talk? (she glances knowingly down at the map.) What about, Xena? About the fact that Nero's troops are just twenty leagues southwest of us?

Xena and Gabrielle glance at one another, shocked that Sabina already knows this and doesn't appear very worried.

XENA:
     Doesn't that concern you?

SABINA (chuckles):
     Actually--I'm impressed.

GABRIELLE:
     Cockiness won't win this battle, Sabina.

SABINA (rolls her eyes):
     Obviously you haven't been paying attention all these years hanging out with Xena.

Xena is obviously trying to spare Gabrielle the embarrassment of agreeing with Sabina.

XENA:
     That's not what we're here about. My problem is with the town that lies halfway between us and Nero's troops.

SABINA (shrugs):
     Caranacus. I can read a map as well as you can, Xena. What of it?

XENA:
      Aren't you even a little curious to know where their loyalities lay?

Xena and Sabina continue to talk and Gabrielle's attention is caught by Siran tending to the wounded. As the girl works it appears as though she is preaching to them at the same time. The soldier she is tending to suddenly draws back with a horrified gasp.

SOLDIER #1:
     One god? Blasphemy!

Gabrielle turns her attention back to Xena and Sabina.

XENA:
     ...if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not go into battle against Nero's troops until I'm sure where the loyalties of Caranacus lay. They could attack us from the rear.

SABINA (smirking):
     Don't tell me a few peasant women scare the Warrior Princess. What are they going to do? Beat you with their frying pans?

In the background Siran can be seen picking up a vase of lilies from a bedside table. She hands each soldier a flower. Gabrielle notices this and gives Xena an odd look.

SIRAN:
     ...take these lilies, for example. They grow in their fields and no one tends them. (she holds a lily to her nose, inhales deeply, then smiles.) And yet they thrive in the sunlight and flourish in the rains provided by the God of Love. Don't you think He cares for you more than he does for these flowers?

The men gaze at the flowers with mixed expressions. Some are obviously struck by Siran's words, the others disdainful.

XENA:
     ...I'd rather check things out myself, if you don't mind. Gabrielle?

Gabrielle snaps her attention back to Xena.

XENA:
     Let's go check things out in Caranacus.

They start out of the tent. A soldier suddenly throws his flower in Siran's face in disgust. Sabina notices and steps forward with an upraised arm.

Siran holds up a hand.

SIRAN:
     Don't. He can only see the truth by allowing the God of Love into his heart. Violence will only make him more blind.

Without hesitation, Sabina steps back and lowers her arm. Xena and Gabrielle both gape in shock. Then they walk out of the tent as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE