Chapter Eight: The People's Court
Chorus:
In Thebes, justice isn't served on silver platters—it's tossed into the streets, handed to the masses, and decided by the loudest voices. Tonight, the city holds its own court, a chaotic theater where truth is as slippery as the tongues that wield it.
The city square is transformed. Makeshift benches, crates, and barrels form a jury box. A rickety platform serves as the judge's bench. Citizens gather, buzzing with anticipation, clutching scraps of parchment, daggers of gossip sharper than any blade.
At the center stands a figure draped in a patchwork cloak—The F*** It All, disguised but unmistakable. Beside her, Echo moves through the crowd, whispering encouragement and gathering stories.
Chorus:
The accused?
The king himself.
The judge?
The people of Thebes.
The crime?
Tyranny, lies, and broken promises.
A booming voice calls the court to order.
Town Crier:
Hear ye! Hear ye!
The People's Court of Thebes is now in session!
The crowd hushes, eyes fixed on the stage.
Town Crier:
We gather to judge the actions of King Laius,
Whose reign has brought fear and deceit.
Let the voices of the people be heard!
A farmer steps forward, weathered and grim.
Farmer:
My fields wither while the king feasts.
He taxes us to death and calls it justice.
A merchant nods, stepping up.
Merchant:
He sells our city's secrets to foreign powers.
Our trust is his currency, and he bankrupts us all.
An old woman shouts from the crowd.
Old Woman:
He breaks families, silences daughters,
And calls it order.
The F*** It All raises her hand, silencing the murmurs.
The F*** It All:
And what say you, King Laius?
Do you deny these charges?
The crowd parts as Laius is dragged forward, flanked by guards but clearly shaken.
Laius (voice cold):
I am the king.
My word is law.
The F*** It All:
Law without justice is tyranny.
And tyranny breeds rebellion.
Laius glares but says nothing.
Echo steps forward, voice clear.
Echo:
You tried to name us, control us, break us.
But we are more than your titles and threats.
The crowd erupts in cheers.
Chorus:
The people judge, the king falters,
And the scales of power begin to tip.
Suddenly, a group of soldiers storms the square, weapons drawn.
Captain:
This court is unlawful!
Disperse at once!
The crowd stands firm, voices rising in defiance.
The F*** It All:
This is our city.
Our voice.
Our justice.
The soldiers hesitate, caught between orders and the will of the people.
Jocasta appears at the edge of the crowd, eyes fierce.
Jocasta:
Enough blood has been spilled in silence.
Let the people speak.
The soldiers lower their weapons.
Chorus:
The queen's voice breaks the tension,
And for a moment, hope flickers.
The court resumes, louder and prouder.
A young woman steps forward.
Young Woman:
We demand a new way.
A city where truth is not a weapon,
Where daughters are not shadows.
The F*** It All:
Then let us build that city.
Together.
The crowd roars in approval.
Chorus:
The People's Court may be chaos,
But it's the chaos of change.
As night falls, Thebes is alive with possibility. The old order trembles, and the new begins to take shape—messy, uncertain, but undeniably real.
Chorus (closing):
In Thebes, justice is not given—it's taken.
And tonight, the people have taken their first step.