We Contain Multitudes

Destined for Greatness
By Jack Leahy
This play is set in a 19th century-esque boarding school, with industrial aesthetics.
It starts in a small room with a round window on the left wall, and a single bunk bed
with a desk beside it. The room is decorated with various different plants.
A youth is lying on the lower bunk, trying to avoid the morning rays of sunlight.
(Groggily) Ughhhh .... what time is it...
ATLAS
ATLAS blindly fumbles their hand across the desk, not wanting to open their eyes or
get up. They turn over and look at a pocket watch retrieved from the desk.
SHIT! NINE THIRTY?!
ATLAS
ATLAS rapidly sits up and rushes to grab a toothbrush, motioning with their free
hand to the plants around the room. Fibrous green lines glow from within the
plants, and they begin to grow. Tendrils of vegetation snake around the room,
grabbing a uniform discarded in a heap on the floor, and retrieving a school bag
stuffed with books and scrolls. ATLAS gets ready and rushes out the door, leaving the
plants to droop and wither.
They run through the crowded hallways, glancing outside at the view of a large
metal wall, beyond which is a crowded city.
They enter their classroom, and the students all turn to look.
PROFESSORl
Ah. There we are. The class was just going over the table of elemental
substances. Since your tardiness was no doubt a result of extra studying, would
you care to name the first ten Airs, Atlas?
ATLAS
Uh- there's, um ... Monogen ... Azote ... Helium? And-uh-the other one-and
the thing-
PROFESSOR 1
(Sarcastically) Mm hm. 'The thingy.' Well, take a seat. You're assigned in the
back row, beside Hesper- they're a new student, so make them feel welcome. If
that's too challenging for you, at least don't distract them.
(Atlas sheepishly goes to their seat as a few students snicker.)
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