•Continued from yesterday

Ma Anifa: Child, you speak in riddles; you are hallucinating!

Imam: Mama Anifa, do not interfere. Allow the child to dream.

Police: This is juvenile myopia; you must be living in a utopia!

All: (They respond in similar slung) Chorea! Chorea!

Mama Anifa: And who are these?

Anifa: These are my generational friends.

Mama Anifa: I don’t like this company.

Police: Neither do I!

Fatma: Guys, nikama hatutakikani hapa. (It seems our presence is not needed here)

Anifa: (More generational slung that cuts off the elderly and focuses information in generational circles)

Chude! Chude!

All: Chudegenge!

Ma Anifa: You cannot defy your parents like this. That boy is a terrorist.

Anifa: Mama I love terrorists.

Police: Idiot

Anifa: I love idiots, papa!

Police: (Affirmatively) this is not the place for such discussions.

Anifa: This is not a discussion, this is to inform you that after thorough consultation…

Both: Consultation? With who?

Anifa: With myself. I have resolved; to love and cherish him… till death, do us part.

Police: This is madness.

Anifa: I am madly in love.So help me God.

Ma Anifa: This is outrageous. You must have lost your mind. Let us go home now.

Anifa: I am an adult of sound mind. I am off.

Police: Anifa! Stop this nonsense

Ma Anifa: Anifa. Where are you going?

Anifa: To hell.

Ma Anifa: To hell?

Police: Anifa!

Ma Anifa: Anifa!

Mama Anifa: Imam!

Police: Imam!

All: Anifa!

In the Palace. The air is thick with the scent of rare incense and exotic spices. Inner courtyards, secluded and serene, offer respite from the grandeur of the public spaces. The sounds of trickling water from indoor fountains, and the soft echoes of footsteps on marble floors, create an atmosphere of quite power.

The whole picture is an embodiment of opulence and power associated with royal Arabic heritage.

Servant 2: Mustafa, before receiving this award, we must conduct a comprehensive background check on you.

Servant 1: We hope that you have never participated in any activity that has breached the peace and tranquility of our kingdom.

Mustafa: I swear; just ask my mother, I hold a certificate of good conduct.

Mother: Mustafa is a disciplined boy. He even prays five times a day, when reminded.

Servant 1: Mustafa, now log into all your social media accounts.

Sultan: Any progress?

Servant: Ya Sayyidi…

Servant 2: Ya sultan…

Servant 1: Ya Mawlana…

Sultan: Kallim! Speak.

Servant: We have …

Sultan: Found out what?

Servant: We are afraid.

Sultan: Of what? Disclose your findings!

The mood shifts drastically to a tense one filled with the air of uncertainty. Short paces characterize the floor movements of actors.

Wild gesticulation becomes widespread. Secondary backup sounds are used to heighten the tension.

Servant: This young man is the reason our country is sinking in the gulf of war.

Servant 2: There is clear evidence of the pivotal role he plays in inciting and fueling violence using his social media accounts.

Servant 1: Mustafa is a spark that ignites a wild fire. Have a look at this.

Sultan: (Mind-boggled) Bring my spectacles…. what!

Mother: Subhanallah!

Mustafa: Mother!

Sultan: Sakit!

Servant 2: Kaput!

Servant 1: The nation awaits the royal decree.

Sultan: (Majestically standing as a pillar of power) Let it be inscribed; this young man shall serve as a lesson to anyone who dares to threaten the tranquility of our great nation. Activate the cameras. Go live. So that his generational friends may witness the consequences of their treachery. Take him to the hangman’s noose.

Mother: (Devastated) Nooooo.

In the Control Room – An ultramodern computer hub designed forpenetrating secured links. It is painted sleek, cold efficiency, a blend of cutting-edge technology and clandestine purpose. It is located in a nondescript, heavily fortified location. The interior is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines, dark, sound-dampening surfaces, and subtle, adjustable lighting. Rows of high-performance workstations, each equipped with multiple holographic displays and tactile interfaces, dominate the space.

Anifa: Welcome to the control room.

All: Anifa!

Anifa: Our command Centre. Our coordinating hub.

Layla: Fatma, I have never been here before.

Anifa: There is always a first time.

Layla: I am eager; ready for the induction.

Jamal: Anifa Imana is a genius. Her intelligence is unmatched

Layla: I am now curious!

Jamal: She is a combination of an encyclopedia, a library, an archive, a museum, google… name it

Fatma: Anifa Imana, is a repository of all imaginable solutions.

Layla: I am confused.

Fatma: Ask her any question, and you will receive an instant, correct answer.

Layla: Any question?

Jamal: Yes, any question.

Anifa: Ask.

Layla: Okay. Anifa Imana, who is the president of Afghanistan?

Anifa: Hibatullah Akhundzada

Layla: Name three types of alkaline chemicals found on the periodic table.

Anifa: Sodium, potassium, and lithium.

Layla: Determine the average velocity of a car travelling 100 meters east in five seconds.

Anifa: (Speaking in technological jargon that is in tandem with her work station) Average velocity is equals displacement over time. Given a displacement of 100 meters and a time is 5 seconds, the Average Velocity is 20 meters per second.

Layla: Lastly, in a country called Kenya. Produce the photos and names of the adjudicators presiding over the Western Region drama festivals?

Anifa: (she instantly produces the photos and the names)

Jamal: We told you. Anifa Imana is a spectacle. She cannot only produce photos but also live videos from that drama event at Chavakali High school.

Anifa: Come take a look at this.

Layla: Jamal, you said her full name is Anifa Imana?

Anifa: Don’t struggle with the full name, just call me by my Initials.

All: A.I

Anifa: Yes, A.I for Anifa Imana.

Jamal: Guys back to serious business. The proceedings at the palace are now live.

Fatma: Look, Mustafa is being executed!

Anifa: Executed? For what reason!

(Back to the control room)

Anifa: This is unacceptable.

Fatma: We can’t let this happen.

All: Impossible!

Jamal: These people are determined to wipe us all out.

Fatma: I told you. This is a generational war.

Jamal: A war against authorities who have turned a deaf ear to our cries.

Anifa: A war against our own parents, who cling to their rigid ways, still trapped in the outdated norms and primitive practices of the past.

Layla: A war against a society that brands us as a rotten generation, condemning us without understanding.

Fatma: A war against the religious leaders who chain our modern minds refusing to let us explore the possibilities of a new world.

Lennah: This is our war. A war against everyone who stands against us

Jamal: Comrades, we must liberate our generation. No matter the cost.

Fatma: Guys, we must rise against this tyranny. Anifa, what do we do?

Anifa: Relax, we shall stretch them beyond the elasticity limit. By the click of a single button, I will stir the pot just enough to make flames rise. Have a look. Enough content to trigger public anger.

Everything has gone viral.

Lennah: The nation will bulge with fury.

Fatma: The streets will swell with unrest.

Malik: Walls of patience will collapse!

Anifa: This will definitely rattle the sultan.

Layla: Anifa, you are a genius! This will salvage Mustafa.

Anifa: Comrades, to the control room!

(At the palace)

Sultan: Mustafa, say your last words.

Mustafa: I have nothing to say.

Servant1: At the count of three…

Sultan: We shall end the era of errors. This will be a significant turning point in the history of our motherland. Thalatha, Ithnan, wahid! Off with his head!

Servant 2: Your Majesty, there is a new twist in this plot.

Sultan: Stop your tongue twisting trickery and speak to me plainly.

Servant 2: Your attention and presence is required immediately at the emergency room; where critical decisions are made. This way. Welcome.

Sultan: And what is this? What is your colleague doing?

Servant 2: Your highness, he is listening to the ground.

Sultan: Listening to the ground? What do you mean?

Servant 1: Your Highness, the temperature is rising rapidly, as you can see, this royal thermometer doesn’t lie.

Servant1: This royal thermometer gathers every minute heat in the hearts of the people. It never falters. It is always accurate. The people are angry!

Sultan: Angry? What are you talking about!

Servant 2: The streets are overflowing with anger.

Servant1: All walks of life are up in arms. Medical practitioners

Servant 2: Are on strike.

Servant1: Members of the teaching fraternity

Servant 2: Are protesting

Servant 1: Farmers

Anifa: Are counting catastrophic losses.

Servants: And the informal sector

Anifa: Is chanting songs of war.

All: Freedom is coming tomorrow!

Sultan: My scull is cracking. This boy must be executed.

Mother: No, please!

Sultan: He has ruined our nation.

Servant2: But sir, Mustafa’s social media accounts are still active. Broadcasting images and content that continues to catalyze public fury.

Sultan: How is that even possible?

Mustafa: I told you, I am not the one responsible.

Sultan: Then tell me, who is this sapient of deceit? Who is this person that dares provoke an angry lion in his den?

Mustafa: I am worried, if I disclose her identity, my generational friends will make my life and that of my family a living hell.

Mother: Mustafa my son, we shall cross the bridge at the appropriate time. Just cooperate!

Sultan: Loosen the noose! You are hereby converted from a convict to a state witness. You will enjoy state protection.

Mother: Alhamdulillah!

Mustafa: Thank you. Your highness.

Sultan: Now, tell me, who is this criminal spreading propaganda and fake news?

Mustafa: She is not a criminal.

Sultan: Then what is she?

Mustafa: An intelligent person.

Sultan: Intelligent!

Savant: Intelligent!

Mother: Intelligent!

Mustafa: My rose flower; the sun that rises in my heart even at night.

Sultan: What is her name?

Mustafa: Her name is Anifa

Sultan: Anifa who?

Mustafa: Anifa Imana!

Both: Good!

Sultan: Now, come!

(In the control room)

All: Anifa Imana!

Anifa: Just call me A.I. Now, I have generated a fake pay slip…

All: A fake pay-slip?

Anifa: Yes, for the police force; burdened with unreasonable statutory deductions. I am sure that will annoy and demoralize them.
Fatma: Let me have a look at it.

Anifa: It’s already trending. Propaganda, fake news, spreading like wild fire. Guys, share this to all our generational friends in all your social media accounts.
All: Right away Anifa!

(At home)
Mama Anifa: Baba Anifa!

Police: What is it my wife?

Ma Anifa: Look, it is all over the media, your colleagues have downed their tools. Their voices rising in unison like a tidal wave.
Police: Outrageous! Why?

Ma Anifa: This is your latest pay slip.

Police: This is disheartening. I cannot continue defending a country that is against me. Mama Anifa, escort me to the police station.

Ma Anifa: To do what?

Police: To return these weapons and officially render my resignation.

Ma Anifa: Your brain is finally working!

Police: Let us go. (They exit)
Anifa: Good! Our propaganda has worked. The police are on a go-slow. We are safe for now.
All: In short, tumeanguka nayo.
Jamal: Indeed this is literally the control room.

Fatma: Guys. I have good news.

Anifa: Break that bottle of suspense and reveal its contents.

Fatma: During my usual browsing on the internet. I met my soulmate. And guess what!
All: What!

Fatma: I sent him a live pin location. He is just one minute away. I am so anxious. I am excited to meet my new catch thanks to Anifa Imana. Let us go and meet him.

(A royal chariot carrying a young man enters. The rest of the crowd are wowed)
All: Wow!

Xavier: My name is Xavier. I guess you are Fatma, my online compatible soul-mate.
Fatma: Welcome my habibi!

Xavier: Let us dine and dance in merriment as we legitimize this unbreakable bond of love.
(Back in the palace)

Sultan: Major General!
Major General: Sir yes sir

Sultan: We must apprehend those criminals spreading propaganda and fake news. As the commander-in- chief, I will personally lead this operation.

Major General: We pledge to serve our nation with unwavering loyalty. By our sweat, flesh and blood, we shall prevail.
Army: So help us, God.

Sultan: Let us proceed with the mission.

Servant 2: A respectful reminder, your highness.

Sultan: I cannot afford any distraction. My focus is on the enemy.

Servant 2: This is to remind you of the provisions of the supreme law, which require, under such circumstances, that you sign a succession deed transferring authority to the heir apparent. This is in the unfortunate event of your loss during the war.

Sultan: I am fully aware of that protocol. Quickly. Summon my son; Call XAVIER immediately. Time is of the essence.

(Outside the control room)
Fatma: Guys, I am sorry!

Anifa: Sorry!

Jamal: Sorry for what? What is the matter?

Fatma: I have made a mistake. A terrible mistake.

I gambled, and now I have messed everything up.

Layla: What do you mean?

Jamal: What did you do?

Xavier: (Entering) my sweetheart.

Fatma: Xavier, please give me some space to talk with my friends.

Xavier: Am I not your friend too?

Fatma: It’s complicated, Xavier. Too complicated.

Xavier: Don’t Judge me by the secret I have shared with you.

Anifa: Secret! What secret?

Fatma: Xavier… is the son of the Sultan.

All: What!

Jamal: Are we safe? Do you realize what this means?

Fatma: Xavier just go. You are putting all of us in danger.

Xavier: How? I have done nothing wrong.

Jamal: This is too much exposure. Too much risk.

Fatma: Xavier just go.

Xavier: No. I won’t leave you. I am staying here. Fatma, aren’t you proud of me?

Jamal: (Aside) Guys, I don’t trust this. This looks like a set up. I think he is a spy on a mission.(In the palace)

Sultan: I am a man on a mission.

Servant: your highness, I have searched everywhere but I cannot find Xavier.
Sultan: Where is he? Where is my son? Where is Xavier?

Servant 1: Your highness, once you sign the succession deed, his presence won’t be immediately necessary. The supreme law allows for it.

Sultan: (while signing the deed) Eyes on the goal. Mustafa!

Mustafa: Your-Highness!

Sultan: Let us move

Major General: Hip hip.

All: Hurray.

(At the control center)

Anifa: This place is compromised. We need to disperse- immediately. Move in different directions. Stay off the grid.

Fatma: Xavier it’s been a privilege knowing you. I am out of here.

(At the police)

Police: Mama Anifa, the station is deserted. I can’t even deliver my resignation.

Ma Anifa: Just leave it on the OB table. We need to find our daughter. She has been incommunicado for three days now.

(Mustafa enters)

Mustafa: Major General, this is our local police station.

Major General: And I assume this is the officer in charge?

(Enters the Sultan)

Sultan: First things first.

All: Sir yes sir.

Sultan: By the authority vested in me under the supreme law, I hereby declare a state of emergency.

Effective immediately. No civilian…

All: No civilian…

Sultan: Shall be found outside their homes. If the war has destroyed your residence, what should be done, major General?
Major General: Let them take cover under the rubble and debris.

Sultan: Yes, let them hide beneath the remnants of war-a war they brought upon themselves.

Ma Anifa: Look at this. These are the consequences of war.

Sultan: And who is this?

Mother: This is the wife of the Officer in charge of this station?

Sultan: What is she you doing here?

Ma Anifa: I escorted my husband to deliver his resignation letter. He is officially stepping down from the service.