V - Fireworks - J.D. Coughlan

A brief interlude set during the main story, after Evey has been "kidnapped" by V.

Panel 1: A shot of the night sky, colourful fireworks exploding.

EVEY (CAP): "The fireworks always seemed odd to me."

Panel 2: In V's kitchen. He stands at the cooker, half-turning at Evey's comment. She sits at the table eating breakfast.

V: Hm?

EVEY: I was just saying... I remember Guy Fawkes Night when I was a little girl, my dad telling me all about it, and I always wondered... why fireworks? Seemed cruel to celebrate a man's death like that.

Panel 3: V turns dramatically to face Evey, his mask's eyes almost lit up with glee.

V: Ah but, my dear, it was not his death we celebrated.

V: Yes, that may be the reason the powers-that-be perpetuated the ritual -- to remind those under them that rebellion is futile...

Panel 4: V takes a seat opposite Evey. She stares engrossed at him. His body language is theatrical.

V: But the night became instead a memorial to a man who tried.

V: A man who had the courage to say "no" to those that would not listen, and, in response to their ignorance, take the path of action rather than acceptance. A man who, but for the merest slip of bad luck, would have changed the world with nothing more than a match. A man who was willing to die for that change.

Panel 5: Close up of V. Those eyes almost twinkle now.

V: Is the life of such a man not worth fireworks?

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