An Actor’s Life for Me was a virtual representation of one of Kassandra's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Aristophanes:It'll be a disaster, a disaster I tell you!
Kassandra:Calm down. What are you talking about?
Aristophanes:My masterpiece! it will change everything—amuse, astound, titillate, and open people's eyes to Kleon's machinations! But I need you.
Kassandra:I'm no actor or poet, Aristophanes.
Aristophanes:By the gods, no! it's Thespis. My leading man is missing! A play with no star is no play at all.
Aristophanes speaking to Kassandra
(If "What happened?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:How do you know he's missing?
Aristophanes:He never misses a rehearsal... unless he's drunk, or with a woman... or a man.
Kassandra:Could be anything, then?
Aristophanes:No, he knows how important this is. He wouldn't let me down... Something must be wrong!
(If "Why is Thespis special?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:You could just get another actor.
Aristophanes:Oh, no. Thespis always draws a huge crowd for his performances. The more people who experience my blistering indictment of Kleon, the better.
("Tell me where you think Thespis is.")
Kassandra:So where would I find him?
Aristophanes:Thespis usually doesn't go far from his home. You'd best start there.
(Accept – "I'll fetch Thespis.")
Kassandra:This shouldn't take long. Prepare the show, and I'll be back as soon as I find him.
Kassandra travelled to the Agora of Athens. Ikaros helped her identify the actor's house.
Kassandra:This must be Thespis' house.
She approached the house but only found an Atheniansoldier. She overheard him as he rifled through Thespis' belongings.
Athenian Guard:Come on, come on. It's got to be here!
Kassandra interrogating Bulis
Kassandra stepped inside, quickly disarmed the soldier, and held him at spearpoint.
Kassandra:You don't look like an actor, unless you're playing an Athenian guard.
Athenian Guard:I—I...
Kassandra:Hush. I'm going to ask some questions, and you're going to answer.
Kassandra:Well Bulis, it's your choice whether you walk out of here. Do you understand?
Athenian Guard:Yes.
(If "What are you doing?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:Tell me, what are you looking for?
Athenian Guard:Some stupid play. They don't tell me anything.
Kassandra:Play?
Athenian Guard:I just do what I'm told, and they told me to destroy the manuscript.
(If "Where's Thespis?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:What have you done with Thespis?
Athenian Guard:Some of the boys are meant to keep him drunk in the tavern down the street.
("You must know more.")
Kassandra:You'd better be telling me everything.
Athenian Guard:All I know is they wanted to keep this actor busy. See for yourself—he's at the tavern.
Kassandra:You're sure that's all?
Athenian Guard:I just follow the Commander's orders. I don't ask questions.
Kassandra:I'm sorry, but you can't be trusted to live.
Kassandra fought and slew Bulis.
Kassandra freed the guard.
Kassandra:Do something worthwhile and join my crew. You're loyal, and you follow orders.
Athenian Guard:You'd take me?
Kassandra:What do you say?
Athenian Guard:To get away from Athens... Thank you, thank you.
Bulis promptly left and later joined the crew of the Adrestia.
Kassandra:Get out of here, and count yourself lucky.
Athenian Guard:Thank you, thank you...
Bulis ran off.
Kassandra travelled to the tavern, finding a drunk Thespis surrounded by a group of Athenian guards.
Thespis:...And then I saids to him, if this is your wife, why did she charge me?! I'd loves to stay, but my cup's drained, and I'm to perform tomorrow.
The brute leading the soldiers bid him to stay, as per his orders.
Andras:Another drink! Come, one more tale. The night is young...
Kassandra approached them.
Kassandra:I think he's had enough.
Andras:And what business is it of yours, friend?
Thespis:Yeah, was business... Oh, look at you!
Andras:You'd best be leaving.
Kassandra:I'm here for his employer, Aristophanes.
Andras:So? He's not working now.
Thespis:Yes! I's not working... I like him though. Aristophanes, funny man... buts opinions. Told him it's dangerous.
Andras:That it is.
Kassandra:I need him sober and rested.
Kassandra:I'm just here for Thespis. He's drunk, and I need to get him home.
Andras:What are you, his mater?
Kassandra:Let's say extended family.
Soldiers gathering behind Andras
Athenian soldiers gathered behind Andras.
Andras:I don't think you understand the situation. Commander Rhexenor's orders are he's not to leave.
Thespis:I saids I'd stay... Don't want trouble.
Kassandra:Go take your boys somewhere else.
Kassandra punched Andras, knocking him back, but his men caught him and uprighted him. He cracked his knuckles menacingly.
Andras:You'll regret that.
Kassandra:Get going—from your smell, you already know where the goat pens are. I'm sure they miss you.
Andras and his guards began to walk away.
Kassandra:(Maaa!)
Andras snapped and turned back to attack Kassandra with his guards. She slew them and returned her attention to Thespis.
Kassandra:If you don't want to leave with your heads stuffed up your asses, you'll go now.
Andras stood up.
Andras:We'll be seeing you, misthios. The Commander's not a man to be messed with.
Andras and his guards left, vowing to return later.
Kassandra:No need for jealousy, just because your mother was a goat. Like mother, like kid.
Andras:You need to die!
Kassandra eliminated Andras and the soldiers.
Kassandra:I sometimes wonder if leaving Kephallonia was a good idea.
Kassandra:Give me Thespis, and I'll give you something in return. I'm sure we can come to an arrangement.
Kassandra took out a pouch of drachmae and threw it on the table.
Kassandra:Here, for your troubles. I'll look after him now.
Andras picked up the pouch and weighed it satisfactorily.
Andras:Huh, a fool and his drachmae... Very well, you won't see us again.
Andras and his guards left.
Kassandra took out a pouch of drachmae and threw it on the table.
Kassandra:Take this and get out of my sight.
Andras was offended at the paltry sum and stood up.
Andras:Do you think we're farmers that can be bought for beans? Take your money and stick it up your ass.
Andras:We'll be seeing you, misthios. The Commander's not a man to be messed with.
Andras and his guards left, vowing to return later.
Thespis got up from his seat and promptly collapsed on the ground.
Thespis:I's not feeling too good...
Kassandra carrying Thespis home
Kassandra carried Thespis on her back, travelling to his home.
Thespis:He said you're behind a mask—you'll be perfectly safe, he saids... You's sooo strong, Aikaterine. Wheee, giddy ups! My parents said you'll be either an actor or a drunk... Ha, fooled them. I becames both! Told him, Kleon will kill us all. It's more assaults than satire! The sausage seller was my idea! Then I will... I will... gather my... what was it again? Oh yes... sausages! Mmm... sausages... Let me tell you a secret... It's a good one... I uh... I forget. Listen to me... I love you. I do.
Kassandra reached Thespis' home, putting him on the ground.
Thespis:Thank you, but you can go no further... For I know true love!
Kassandra:I just need you ready to perform tomorrow.
Thespis:Of course, and I just need my muse... My love! I can't, I won't perform without her.
(If "Why won't you perform?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:You will perform.
Thespis calling out for Aikaterine
Thespis:Uh-uh, not with out Aikaterine, a divine name for a divine body... I mean being.
(If "Who were those men?" is chosen.)
Kassandra:Those men in the tavern... Who were they?
Thespis:Oh, the admirers. Harmless really... And I do like a man in uniform.
(Leave – "Pull yourself together.")
Kassandra:You need to sober up. This play's important.