Post by trey on Apr 6, 2009 19:04:12 GMT -5
I've been stuck up with school work, but I went and made some small changes the whole entirety of it. I'd like to think after this week is over I can have more time, but I can just keep making excuses if I need to. 
INT. COLLEGE DORM – MORNING (ABOUT 2:30)
Shot of a dorm hallway. A head moves into frame, with the camera now tracking said person as he walks down the hallway and stops at the second to last door. His name is Perry, 22, a slight, intense looking student. Perry pulls out a cell phone and looks at for a few seconds. He then pauses for a good period of time, before looking at his phone again, looking more and more concerned and impatient. From inside the room, rock music and indistinct dialogue can be heard. Finally, he looks at his phone, his face relaxes and he types a quick message. Then he raps on the door he has been standing in front of. The door swings open, marijuana smoke trailing along the door’s frame.
PERRY
Hey guys. (eagerly) You wanna be a part of something *really* big?
CUT TO
Perry is now walking down the hallway and stairwell with two disheveled, dazed looking students.
PERRY
…. It’s gonna be this big prank they’re pulling on the Pi Sig’s. Fuckin’ epic. AND, we’ve got ourselves a nice little in at their next function provided we move all this shit out.
STUDENT #1
You can’t tell us anything?
PERRY
And what, have our asses handed to us by those guys? No way man. Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t even feel what’s in the bag. Wouldn’t wanna be liable for anything. Trust me. I wouldn’t worry, you’ll see soon enough…
The trio stops before two muscular, anxious-looking men in Delta sweaters, one Japanese the other German, standing next to a pile of five, very full duffel bags.
PERRY
(To the men) Sup, guys. I was able to get some help in loading the cargo.
The two students grin, an expression the men don’t return.
CUT TO
EXT. DORM PARKING LOT – STILL MORNING
Perry swings the door to the outside open. The four others trudge out, carrying the bodies, (one of the men has two) to a dark grey van parked by the building.
STUDENT #2
Oof, Jesus. The fuck you have in here, bodies?
PERRY
(without a trace of nervousness) Hah, yeah. Of course ‘Bring out ya dead!’ ‘Bring out ya dead!’
STUDENT #2
(laughs) But seriously…
PERRY
Just…. I told you, you’ll see. (at the van) JEAN! Open the bag, we got ‘em!
JEAN
(off screen from inside the van) Hang on….
The back of the van swings open and Perry begins to first help the two students load the bags into the back of the van. Jean can be seen looking back at them.
PERRY
Yeah, just throw them on, that’s it.
The last bag is tossed and the Japanese man slams the door shut and goes to the driver’s side. Perry approaches the two students (out of earshot from the van).
STUDENT #1
Hey, who were those two guys?
PERRY
Oh, them? Just Delta alumni. But you didn’t see them tonight either. (winks) So gentlemen, just so we’re clear on the whole code of silence, here’s 20 bucks, each.
He hands a bill to each, smiling student.
STUDENT #1
No prob. Anytime man.
GERMAN MAN
Perry, c’mon (walks into frame), I think these boys deserve a lot more for this little operation of ours.
He pulls out a fad wad of 50 dollar bills and pulls out 14 of them from the wad.
GERMAN MAN
Here.
The boys take the money, looking as though they were just handed solid gold bongs.
STUDENT #1
Dude…..
STUDENT #2
.… Jesus.
GERMAN MAN
But, (much more menacingly than Perry) this means not a word, comprende?
STUDENT #2
(ecstatic) Dude, you fucking got it.
STUDENT #1
Hole-lee shiiit….
The German man turns around and gets into the van.
PERRY
Kay. I’ll see you guys later, alright?
STUDENT #2
(still looking at money) Yeah, take it easy….
STUDENT #1
Later!
The two students run into the building, unable to contain their glee. Perry stares at them grinning.
GERMAN MAN
Perry! Get in!
Perry runs into the van which takes off seconds after he gets in.
CUT TO
INT. VAN
Steffan (the German man) and Jean clap enthusiastically while Kinetsu (the Japanese man) makes congratulatory hooting noises. All look much more relived, if a bit still on edge. Perry, who has crouched in the back of the van with the duffel bags looks very pleased with himself.
STEFFAN
I gotta say, that was some goddamn cockhole cockhole amazing plan there Perr.
PERRY
Toldja it would work. What did I say, huh? What did I say?!
STEFFAN
Now I gotta admit, I wasn’t so sure when you said we only had a minute to get it all out. But holy Jesus….. I mean, how were you able to convince Reefer Madness to go along with it?
PERRY
Just played it casual. You gotta act like it’s all alright. Cause it is. And I mean, we know each other so it wasn’t like any big deal for them. Plus nobody gets between the frats here.
JEAN
Hah hah, yeah. But you don’t think those kids will loosen their tongues? I mean, at all? Cause, I mean shot goes bad and this could get out into the media by tomorrow. I’m just saying….
PERRY
I think 700 dollars worth of malt liquor and hemp will keep us safe. They’re good kids. (laughs to himself) Say, I better get an outstanding report for Mr. Ammer and the Big H once we get to HQ, you hear me boys?
STEFFAN
Yeah, sure thing prick. (now dead serious) But you do know the minute those boys blow our cover, they’ll be the second ones dead.
Perry’s smile doesn’t falter.
PERRY
You worry way too much dude. We’ve done our part. We’re done. I mean, just done. We just gotta, you know, hope that she is real cooperative and shit like that. This *should* work. Oh! By the way, which one is she?
KINETSU
(still driving) Pink Stripe.
Perry scans the bag pile before pulling the correct one out from under two of the bags. The bags fall and flop a bit on the bumpy van. Perry zips open the duffel bag. Looking back is a 19-year-old girl dressed in sweats, motionless but breathing.
JEAN
Miss Monica….
PERRY
Hmm…. (looks at body with an almost concern)
STEFFAN
The gas is gonna wear off in a good 20 minutes. There’s some rope chord and duct tape in one of those backpacks.
PERRY
(still intently looking at Monica’s face) Yeah, thanks…
STEFFAN
(after a long pause) You gonna ask her out or what?
PERRY
(turns around and laughs) You dickybird. Come here! (goes to smack Steffan’s head)
CUT TO
EXT. VAN – STILL MORNING
Raucous laughter from the men can be heard from outside the van as if travels into the horizon on a car-free road.
INT: LOCATION UNKNOWN
The scene fades into a figure sitting in a chair. She has her legs tied up individually and her arms are tied up behind her back. She is blindfolded with a gag in her mouth. Behind her, a large hooded figure wearing a mask has his hands resting of her shoulders. We can see her from the viewpoint of a video camera with a man speaking from behind it.
MR. AMMER (always off-screen)
(calmly, with composure)…..but Monica is safe with us and will not be harmed for the time being. So we only ask of you, Mr. Kaplan to reconsider your proposal to shut down Jupiter Motors. Bringing back the electric car would do wonders for our sustained living. It would be the right step towards cleaner air, increased employment, better living standards. Why it is that you chose to lobby against it calls into question your utilization of your power. We only want what is best for the future and if it means holding your daughter until such measures can be taken, then we will do so for the greater good. If this tape makes its way to any authorities, she will be killed. But as soon as word gets out that Jupiter Motors has reopened, that electric cars are back in production, that oil companies have backed off and will allow NiMH batteries to be used in American vehicles, Monica will be back on your doorstep before the ink on the newspapers dries. Otherwise, she will stay with us until you decide what is best. We only want to provide a better tomorrow and we want your full support, and I’m sure deep down you do too, Mr. Kaplan. Please don’t let us down.
The camera turns off. The girl in the chair is now seen from the POV of one of the men behind the camera. The entire room is too dark to see except for a small light being shined on the girl.
O.S. VOICES (WALLA)
That was good, I think we have it.
Perfect, good job Mr. Ammer.
I don’t see how Teddy K couldn’t comply with that.
MR. AMMER
(softly)Alright, we just have one more thing though so hold tight. (audibly) Get her ready.
The hooded figure pulls out a small knife and cuts Monica’s restraints. As son as he is done, he removes the blindfold and mouth gag from Monica. Monica is wide-awake, and has trouble adjusting her eyes to the light. She starts to bolt from her chair, but the hooded man grabs her shoulders.
MAN
Don’t.
MONICA
Wha…. ?
MR. AMMER
Monica! I know you can’t see me, but….
MONICA
(scared) Where am I? What’s going on? Who are-
MR. AMMER
We simply need to hold you for a while. All we need is a bit of information and none of your friends will be harmed. I apologize that we need to stay hidden like this, but it is necessary that you don’t try to turn us in once we release you. But, you follow our instructions and you and your friends will be returned safely.
The man walks behind Monica and holds and grabs her shoulders. She jumps as he does so.
MONICA
My friends? What are you going to do?! Where are they!? Help! He-
The man covers her mouth with one hand.
MR. AMMER
Please don’t make this hard for us. As you can see, we haven’t constrained you to show that we are not out to harm you. But as hard as it for you to trust us, you have to listen to us. All we need is some information and no one will be harmed. You have our word, Monica.
MONICA
Where are my friends?! What are you going to do to them?!?! Please let me go. Pleeease.
MR. AMMER
You won’t have to worry about that as long as you give us what we need. Are you okay with that?
We see four more bodies tied up in chairs similar to Monica silhouetted. Monica hyperventilates. She looks around nervously and squirms in her seat.
MR. AMMER
Monica?
MONICA
(gives a defeated look in the direction of Ammer’s voice, beat, then timidly) W-what do you need?
MR. AMMER
We need the address of your father, Theodore Kaplan.
Monica tries to jump up from her seat, but the man presses down on her shoulders.
MONICA
NO! NO!! YOU’RE GOING TO HURT HIM! YOU’RE GOING TO HURT HIM!!! NO! NO! LET ME GO! LEMME GO!!
Monica starts sobbing as the man keeps trying to keep her in her seat.
MR. AMMER
Monica. Monica. MONICA. (then as calmly as before) We need your father’s address. We can’t have you wasting out time like this.
MONICA
Pleeeeease let me out. Pleeeeeease. I can’t do this. I can’t, I can’t, I ca-ha-ha-han’t. (starts sobbing harder)
MR. AMMER
You need to tell us where we can find your father so he can fix something for us. If you don’t give us the address, he won’t get our message and we will have to kill you and your friends.
Monica starts howling and can barely sit in her chair. The man still tries to hold her in from where he is standing behind her.
MR. AMMER
Hey, hey, hey! Please sit in your seat Monica, you’re making us nervous.
MONICA
I want to go home….. I want to go home……
MR. AMMER
Well, you need to tell us where home is or you we can’t bring you. I’m going to ask you again. (the sound of a gun’s hammer being pulled back can be heard dangerously close to Monica) Tell us where your father can be found or we will kill one of your friends. All four of them are right in this room Monica.
MONICA
No! No! You’ll hurt him!
MR. AMMER
We’ll hurt your friends if we don’t have his address. You do what we say and nobody will be hurt. You have to trust us that far. You have ‘till ten.
(following dialogue should overlap)
MONICA
No, you’ll hurt him! No, I can’t! I can’t do it! Please don’t make me do it! Please! I wanna go home, I wanna go home, I wanna go home, I wanna go home, I wann-
MR. AMMER
One, Monica. Two, Monica. Three, Monica. Four, Monica. Five, Monica. Six, Monica. SEVEN, Monica. EIGHT, Monica. NINE, MONICA. TEN, MONICA.
A gun is fired three times and the man behind the dead kid pushes the chair forward so the sound of the body hitting the floor is heard. Monica goes starts gasping silently and shudders, as her body seems to slacken. Monica wets her pants and then starts to cry quietly over her accident. The room goes silent for a deathly amount of time.
MR. AMMER
(disgusted tone) Now, Monica. (gun hammer is heard) Where is Theodore Kaplan’s address? One….
MONICA
(chokes) It’s….. 1025 Rowse-Carey Avenue. Hillsborough, CA. 650-940210. (defeated sounding, drained of energy) He’s going to be there, he’s never works far from home.
Monica starts to sway forward in her seat as though she is going to faint.
MR. AMMER
(much more pleased) Thank you, Monica. I hope that soon, you will be safely returned after your father has received our message. I’m sorry you felt it necessary to kill one of your friends.
Monica has stopped crying and simply stares at the floor, dead eyed.
MR. AMMER
We’re not out to fuck with you, Monica. We just have a job to do.
Monica is still silent, save a few sniffs.
MR. AMMER
Let’s get them back, alright?
The large guy lets go on Monica’s shoulders and she collapses to the ground, struggling to get up. The sounds of people moving in the background can be heard, but not seen.
VOICE
Somebody get a god damn towel.
INT. CIA BUILDING – TIME OF DAY NOT IMPORTANT (ABOUT A MONTH LATER)
A man in his early 40’s is reading a Newsweek magazine with a cover story on consumerism. His name is T.A. Bradley, a CIA superior who doesn’t show any severe signs of aging despite his job description. His office very gray and expressionless, filled with folders, binders, newspaper clippings, wanted photos, save a few drawings from his kids and a small photo is his family at Disneyland. We see a man approach his door from afar.
BRADLEY
Come in.
The man opens the door. His name is Alex Bennet, a man in his early 30’s. Despite his age, he looks world-weary and always worried (but not overly worried). His job has definitely aged him. Bradley gestures for him to have a seat.
ALEX
I was told you wanted to see me?
BRADLEY
It’s about the oil lobbyist’s daughter from four months ago.
ALEX
Yeah, no, I remember. Teddy K.
BRADLEY
Mmm. We’ve received police reports from two hours ago that her body was found in the Bodega Bay. Throat slit from ear to fucking ear. One of her legs broken. The house full of dead bodyguards, shot up to Hell. (sighs) I’ll spare you the photos they took.
ALEX
Oh, dear God. I thought we had a monitor on her kidnappers. I mean, after she was returned, we had a tap on the house….. Didn’t-
BRADLEY
I know, I know. Three of her bodyguards are missing too and we don’t know what the hell is up with them. They’re doing every background check we can right now and so far everything’s hazy. One of them seems to be the real deal, which means he’s most likely dead or gone or some shit like that.
ALEX
Which one?
BRADLEY
Raymond Nieves. (gives Alex a photo) He served the Integrated Security Service faithfully good three years, no criminal record, went through the works at a good state school. (this is said in a matter-of-fact manner and very quickly) But he’s not what’s got this whole sector running ragged. In fact, her death wouldn’t have even been as big a clusterfuck as it is now *if* they weren’t able to get as close as they did to her. Through all the security measures. And relocation. And well, (exasperated) everything. (long beat) And we never had a monitor on those kidnappers. We never did. I don’t know what shit got mucked up in the system, but we just never found any of those people. I’m not we sure we ever said we did either, so I don’t know where you heard that.
Bradley leans back in his chair and rubs his forehead with one hand.
BRADLEY
We have a problem. (beat)
ALEX
Why, you think it’s them? The eco terrorists?
BRADLEY
(sighs, leans forward) Well yes, although I’m sure they’ve gone beyond that. They had men placed around Monica’s house, her dorm, they made damn sure that if Teddy K didn’t uphold his end of the bargain, they were going to waste her. Here (tosses paper at Alex). Four other reports have been released. The son of a waste treatment plant owner in Tianjin, China was found in a fishing net. The wife of a car company president in Ulsan, Korea was killed a week ago. And a bunch of other shit I don’t want to get into. Not our problem really. But basically we have these guys trying to persuading executive types to get their environmental acts together, so to speak, by holding their family for ransom. And apparently these four guys also failed to meet their demands.
ALEX
Why, what have you got so far?
BRADLEY
Well, that’s why you’ve been called here Alex.
ALEX
Sorry?
BRADLEY
Right now, we have a man in holding, his name is Michael Travis, a former convict who was just released after 16 years from some penitentiary within CA. Travis was found smuggling a shit load of foreign firearms into Canada. When asked any further questions, he flipped out and bludgeoned a border officer. They found several folders written in some code on his person. Although we got it out of him that he was delivering a list of names to some guy up in Alberta named Heath Carlson. We ran it through, no Heath Carlson in record except for one who had been killed up in Vietnam in 1968. However, some of the guys down at the labs figured out that Carlson had had his identity stolen by his platoon sergeant, a man named Harold McKinny who served time in the army after breaking into a car…..
ALEX
Is this…. ?
BRADLEY
Sorry. To make it short, Travis was bringing a bunch of guns and names for *some* reason to a man who wants his identity hidden in Canada. And we’ve got ourselves a decent bet that he’s doing it for the group behind the kidnappings. But they probably aren’t interested in just kidnapping these family members. They want change and the past month, all of their plans have failed to bring it, you see what I’m saying? (Alex nods knowingly) We have to try to see what the hell it is they are planning. Because you can better believe there are more Michael Travis’s out there.
ALEX
What makes you so sure of that?
BRADLEY
Just some well placed hunches, Alex. Some of the news we’ve gotten in about stolen military craft and overseas arms dealers, well, it sure as shit isn’t making us sleep any easier. We have to find out what they may be doing with all this…. trouble they’ve been causing. I dunno……
(long beat)
Do you understand why I brought you in to see me, Alex?
ALEX
Yes, I think I do.
BRADLEY
We need somebody to find out everything they can about this organization, or whatever it is. We need a way to find out how far this reaches so we can get in, and blow their shit out of the water. We can’t have these people getting the nation excited, although their overseas work might mean this won’t just be our asses on notice.
ALEX
How long do I have to train?
BRADLEY
Well, we don’t know how much time we have. We haven’t made any of their little shenanigans known to the public, so as far as they know, we’re none the wiser.
ALEX
(laughs weakly) Why did you guys call me?
BRADLEY
You have the brains, the level head, and you don’t have enough menace in you. Nobody would peg you as a threat, and I mean that as a compliment. We need to get their trust completely and you already look and act the part unlike half the cowboys we have. You have to know where these people are coming from, because they certainly aren’t just firing blind bullets into crowds just for kicks.
ALEX
Sounds like a damn good break from the wife.
BRADLEY
Hah, I read ya. You are in luck, we already have a blank identity waiting in the wings for just such occasions. And it should give you some wiggle room as far as knowing this Travis fellow. Just as long as he can’t reach Harold McKinney. Although we’re taking a big gamble that they don’t know him as much as we think we does. But I think as long as you and Travis can have a relationship that doesn’t… well, you’ll see when you get your papers.
ALEX
And exactly how safe will it be?
BRADLEY
(fidgets in his seat) Well, that’s the real trick. You’ll be without contact, no phones, no wires, nothing. I can’t risk another fuck up, and so as long as you can slip in and out of this group while still getting us enough info, you should be fine. But once you’re in, you are in until you can find a way out.
Alex knows this will not be the easiest task to agree to, but knows he has people counting on him. Bradley sees this written on his face.
BRADLEY
I know the risk. I know it’s not the most fun you’ll ever have. But we’ve got a lot riding on you that you’ll get out of there. No matter the stakes. You’ll make it. Whaddya say?
(beat)
ALEX
I say, let’s dance.
Bradley smiles confidently, but not joyfully. Bradley continues to brief him as the scene FADES OUT.
INT – ITALIAN RESTAURANT - NIGHT TIME
Alex and his wife Valerie are sitting in a dimly lit Italian restaurant. (with audible noise) She’s reading the menu while he is just fiddling with his silverwear until a waiter comes by.
WAITER
Are we ready to order?
VALERIE
I don’t know, are we?
Alex is still staring off into the middle distance playing with his fork. He does look a little sad he did in the last shot of him in Bradley’s office.
VALERIE
(ignoring Alex) I’ll have the tiella with the mussels and a Roman salad on the side. Oh, and a refill on my chardonnay.
WAITER
Certainly, and for-
ALEX
(without inflection) More bread.
WAITER
Is that all…. ?
(awkward pause)
VALERIE
He’ll decide soon enough. We’ll let you know. (hands him the menu)
WAITER
Very well. Yours should take about 20 minutes.
VALERIE
Thank you. (Waiter leaves) (turns to Alex) So, how’s it goin’?
ALEX
Right as rain, Valerie. Not a thing has changed. You know how I like to contain my excitement.
VALERIE
Do you want to eat somewhere else?
ALEX
I don’t know.
(long beat)
VALERIE
Should I just go?
ALEX
(defeated) Jesus, Valerie…… You know….. I…..
VALERIE
I’m sorry. I knows it’s stressful. I know it’s a dangerous job. I know-
ALEX
I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to eat in peace and pretend this whole thing isn’t existing for just one damn evening.
VALERIE
Then can you at least look like you want to be here?
ALEX
Sorry?
VALERIE
You know, I’m scared too. But I want, in a few months, for us to start working on buying a home, and getting out of the city and (chokes, eyes well up) to settling in the country and-
ALEX
Well you can still do that if I don’t come back.
VALERIE
(begins to cry) I don’t want to. I want to do it with you. You’ve always-
ALEX
What makes it so positive to you I’ll make it out?
VALERIE
(wipes eyes) Because, I have faith that you’ll help fix whatever it is you need to fix. I give all my worries to God and let him sort it out. You should to, because you’ll be safe. And then…… we can start living like we always wanted. In peace. (sniff) I just…. hope that you want that as much as I do.
Alex looks at her like “yes, I do, but your weeping isn’t doing me any favors”.
VALERIE
I know it’s always been an awful strain on the both of us. But you’ll make it through, I know you will.
Alex’s face begins to slacken, but he doesn’t cry.
ALEX
I know, I know (doesn’t believe himself).
VALERIE
You’ll do fine. Now, are you ready to order?
CUT TO
INT. BENNET APARTMENT - LATER THAT NIGHT
“Love is Like An Itching in My Heart” plays on the soundtrack. Alex is standing at the counter when Valerie, dancing, grabs him and they swing into the living room where they both strip off all their clothes whilst dancing (badly).
CUT TO
Alex and Valerie seen dancing from outside, their lighted room a glowing contrast to the darkened city around them.
EXT – OUTDOOR CAFÉ IN CALGARY - BEFORE NOON – SEVERAL WEEKS LATER
Alex (who has facial hair and is dressed in a gray coat, so we assume this is some weeks after the last scene) is sitting with Josh, a younger and much more excitable agent who is smacking away on some junky cheeseburger as traffic is vaguely heard in the outside background. Alex is sitting still, slowly sipping away at a cup of water, and looking off into the distance, distracted, although Josh is aware of this. Josh is yammering on about some work gossip (I’ll add later, or the actor can just improvise this, then Josh ends his story warily)
JOSH
…..she puked on his shoes, and he still came on her face. She cried. (laughs) Hopefully I’m not their mediator again, because I hate it when those two are at each other’s throats. Ya know?
ALEX
Heh, well, that’s why I just never involve myself with their problems. Bunch a high-schoolers.
The two men grin uneasily. Alex looks a tad nervous.
JOSH
(looks at watch) Waddya say?
ALEX
(exhales) Good a time as any.
JOSH
Yeah…. I’ll, uh, let Bradley know you’re on your way to the house. There’s nothing you want to go over before, you,…. Ya know….
ALEX
Nah, I’ve got it all set. Story’s as good as it will ever be. I think I have this guy down pat.
JOSH
Awright. But hey, take care man, and hey, get out of that shit as soon as you can. We want you back on team, bra.
ALEX
Oh, you better believe it.
Josh gives him a bro-hug, which Alex awkwardly tries to reciprocate.
JOSH
Later man, take care.
ALEX
See ya soon.
Alex gives him a confident smile. Then he hops aboard a nearby bus and can be heard asking where it is headed as the scene FADES OUT
FADE INTO
Alex gets off the bus by a large wooded area on a hill with no other landmarks (save the bus stop). He can be heard thanking the bus driver before getting off. He peers off into the forest and pulls out a handgun, tucking it into his waistband. Alex trudges up the hill into the forest, a bright, but eerie landscape. Alex is constantly looking around inquisitively at any sound he hears. He walks for some time before coming upon a mostly wooden, old fashioned house in a somewhat large clearing. Alex pulls the gun out of his waistband and holds it under his coat at the ready, walking slowly up to the house. He finally makes it to the door and rings the bell. No answer.
ALEX
Hmmm…….
Continuing to hold his gun tightly, Alex rings the doorbell. He waits a few beats before doing so again, keeping his gun clenched by his side, tight. Suddenly the curtain on the window draws back and a face appears. Alex sees it instantly, but doesn’t flinch.
FIRST GUY
Please go away. This is a private residence and we wish to not be disturbed.
ALEX
Excuse me, are you Harold McKinney?
FIRST GUY
Wait….
ALEX
(quickly so as to grab his attention) My name is Robert Phillips and I am an associate of Michael Travis. We were both inmates in Folsom State Prison. Michael and I had gotten together in a bar just outside of Big Sur with him about a month ago. Here (takes out a document) this was supposed to be for McKinney.
FIRST GUY
(long pause) Take off your jacket.
ALEX
(takes off jacket and pulls out gun, slowly) All I have is this handgun. It’s not even loaded. You can have it if-
FIRST GUY
Just drop it on the ground.
Alex willingly throws it down, even putting his hands in the air afterwards.
ALEX
Michael told me about your organization. He said there’d be a place for me, but he wasn’t too descriptive.
The first guy opens the door, with his gun drawn and walks slowly towards Alex. He grabs the sheet from his hand and scans it quickly. He takes a few good looks at Alex and gets behind him, pointing the gun at his head while leaving Alex’s gun on the front porch.
FIRST GUY
Get in the house.
Alex, his arms still raised above his head, obediently follows. Alex doesn’t smile or show any sign of exuberance, but remains confident.
INT HOUSE FIRST FLOOR
Alex is now standing in the living room of a fairly old fashioned house (much of the inside resembles an old beach house). Standing in the center is a man with one eye, one arm, dressed in old army fatigues, with messy, unkempt hair and a bourbon bottle in hand. The two stare at each other for a few seconds, Alex is careful not to let his guard slip by looking surprised. The first guy starts to pour over the paper while keeping his gun pointed in the direction of Alex’s head.
SECOND GUY
Don’t worry about Don, he’s just here for security. (Gestures to the first guy) I’m Harry McKinney, but you can call me Skinner. Most of my friends do, and I hope that we can become just that. So…… you say that you know Michael Travis?
ALEX
Yes.
SKINNER
Why were you seeing him in Big Sur?
ALEX
I wasn’t entirely sure either myself. He had gotten a hold of my number a few months ago and wanted to meet somewhere far away. He was talking about some big movement he wanted me to be a part of.
SKINNER
I see. You said your name is Robert Phillips, yes?
ALEX
Yes.
SKINNER
Mmmm. And you served time with him in prison?
ALEX
Yes. We weren’t cellmates, but we were in an anger management program together. We were fairly good friends, but as I said, I was very surprised when he called be out of the blue. I guess there was something about me he liked.
Alex smiles but doesn’t overplay it.
SKINNER
What was Michael in for?
ALEX
He would never say. Kept to himself mostly.
SKINNER
What were you in for?
ALEX
Armed robbery.
SKINNER
What did you steal?
ALEX
About 4 grand from a truck stop. Wasn’t quite worth the effort in the end. (slight smile)
SKINNER
When you met Michael in Big Sur, how long did you speak with him?
ALEX
45 minutes. We spent much of it catching up on what had happened over the years. He didn’t mention anything about a group until the end. Then he left to get something from his car, he said he wasn’t going to be long. He never came back. I wasn’t sure how to find him afterwards, I didn’t know his number, his address, nothing. He had left the paper Don has under his seat.
SKINNER
I see. Where do you live Robert?
ALEX
Detroit, Michigan. Although I studied a few years abroad in Essonne, France.
SKINNER
For?
ALEX
Civil engineering.
SKINNER
Ah.
(long beat)
ALEX
Exactly what is it that I was sent her for?
SKINNER
Sent here?
ALEX
Well, Michael told me that I would find your organization very….. tailored to my interests. But he never elaborated. I just happen to be at a point in my life where I don’t know where to go or what to do with myself. I just….. hope that I’m not foolish for going on such a long journey on a whim.
SKINNER
Do you want to bring a better future?
ALEX
I do.
SKINNER
Do you want to wash the world of its hardships, to bring it out of the hole it has dug itself? At any cost necessary?
ALEX
(pause) Any cost? (Skinner just stares at him) Well, I don’t take issue with much.
SKINNER
I certainly hope I can trust you.
ALEX
Or else Don will have to blow my head off, yes?
SKINNER
(slight grin) Well then Robert, I want you to remove your clothes. And go with Don into the bathroom. It’s nothing personal, it’s just a security measure. Standard for everyone. Don’t worry, you can meet Don’s wife after it is over. And I’m sorry if you found this a rough introduction. I’m glad to meet you Robert Phillips. And hope you come to find our group to be everything you came for.
CUT TO
Alex walks out of a bathroom with Don behind him, holding a gun at his side.
DON
(calling out) We’re all good, Harry.
He leads Alex into the living room where Skinner is reading a newspaper in an armchair.
SKINNER
Thanks.
(an awkward pause as Alex is staring uncomfortably around the room, waiting for someone to talk)
SKINNER
Would you like to sit?
ALEX
What? Oh, sure. (seats himself in nearest chair)
SKINNER
How long was your trip?
ALEX
Oh, maybe 4 hours, tops. It wasn’t too bad.
SKINNER
Would you like anything to eat? I think there’s some chicken and rice in the fridge.
ALEX
Uhhh, maybe later. I, uh, am just a little curious, now that I’ve gone through security (grins at Don) what it is Michael wanted me to, you know, join.
SKINNER
(laughs a bit) Well, now I have to be somewhat frank with you, Robert. Or is it Rob?
ALEX
Doesn’t matter.
SKINNER
This organization is rather secretive. It is, how should you say, outside of any lawful boundaries. But we run our ship very tight. I’m sorry that I cannot divulge much information. However, in a few days, a helicopter is coming for me and you. We’ll go to an undisclosed location where The Humanitarian will give us briefing for the next assignment.
ALEX
Wait, assignment?
SKINNER
Yes.
ALEX
(thinks this over in character) How do I know I want to do this?
SKINNER
(glares at him) I thought you wanted a better future. We need your complete cooperation. You cannot leave this house after all that you know. Nobody can know where we are, who we are, in fact, you’re lucky that Michael Travis is so trustworthy within our circle. I’ve met him and I know he wouldn’t send up someone who wasn’t completely….
ALEX
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have questioned. I’m just curious.
SKINNER
It’s alright. I hope all your questions will be answered in a few days. We just ask that you stay in this house until then. Either Don or I will be around to make sure nothing happens. I’m sorry, it’s not that we don’t trust you. But one can never be too careful.
Alex looks at Don who is studying Alex intensely, but not angrily. Alex nods with consent.
FADE INTO
Alex, Skinner, and Don walking into the forest, (4 days later) Alex being far out in front of the other two so he can be kept an eye on. Alex looks uneasy and frequently looks up at the sky for some reason.
DON
Just keep going straight, that was the last turn, right?
Skinner nods.
SKINNER
How ya holding up over there?
ALEX
Right as rain. (rubs his eyes)
The three keep walking until Alex clears a large brush barrier to find a large WWII-era helicopter. A large man standing in front of it points a gun at Alex’s direction.
MAN
Stop! Hands where I can see them!
SKINNER
(first off screen, then coming into the clearing)
Jesus, Rocky, I told you we’d be bringin’ a new guy.
ROCKY
Well shit, I’m sorry. Just a little jumpy I suppose.
The three men approach Rocky up at the helicopter.
DON
Nice to see ya, Rock.
SKINNER
Rob, this is Winston Stone. He’s one of our pilots and the biggest gambler I’ve ever known. We all call him Mr. Rocky, and if he wants he can tell you why.
ROCKY
Naw, naw. fuck, that’s too much for you kids.
ALEX
I’m 29. (grins) Robert Phillips, nice to meet you. (extends a rough handshake, similar to Josh)
ROCKY
Nice ta know ya. But hey, not that I don’t like the camaraderie of this, but we got a hell of a schedule to keep. Huston called, we’re already behind. Don, nice to see ya, I assume you’re still staying.
DON
Yes.
ROCKY
Alright then. Skinner, Bobby, let’s get this show on the road.
Rocky hops into the cockpit. Skinner turns to Alex.
SKINNER
I have to go copilot with Rocky. I won’t be able to talk much until we land.
ALEX
S’alright.
SKINNER
Just grab a seat, we should be sitting pretty in two hours.
Alex straps himself into a seat in the back of the copter. Five other passengers are sitting, two talking in an animated foreign language, one is assembling a long range gun, one is sitting, smoking, listening to some headphones and looking very annoyed, while the other is casually reading a paperback novel. Alex is sitting next to the book reader and looks at the back jacket. The reader looks at Alex and their eyes lock.
ALEX
That looks good.
READER
Oh yeah. Big fan of Pascal. I’m David. David Orelik.
ALEX
(extends hand) Robert Phillips. You, ah, new to this sort of thing?
DAVID
What do you mean? You mean like killing people?
ALEX
(looks surprised) Um….
DAVID
Well, how much were you told?
ALEX
Oh, just the basics. Better future. Keep it on the down low. (David is nodding enthuastically) Apparently, we’ll know about everything once we get….. to wherever the hell it is we’re going. (David and Alex grin) Got a…. good feeling about this one.
DAVID
I just joined about a month ago, a friend of mine hooked me up (looks at surly, music guy) Hey Jean!
Jean (the driver from the Monica kidnapping) looks at David with a faux annoyance.
JEAN
What now, Orelik. Can’t you see I’m quite busy?
DAVID
Jean, this is Bob Phillips. Bob, Jean had helped kidnap the daughter of Teddy K.
ALEX
No way, the oil lobbyist?
JEAN
fucking, yes the oil lobbyist. Not sure why she was tucked away at some damn state school, but whatever. I kinda feel bad, we had to put that girl through Hell to keep her away until Teddy K got his shit in order.
ALEX
But he didn’t, did he?
JEAN
Poor dumb bastard…… (laughs)
ALEX
What happened to the daughter?
JEAN
I dunno, they don’t tell me everything. I assume they killed her. Why?
ALEX
Eh, just curious.
DAVID
Yeah, dumb bitch.
Jean and Alex both look at him very strangely.
Some large amount of time is seen to pass. Then, From outside the helicopter approaches a large freighter in the open ocean.
EXT – BOAT DECK – MID-DAY
The helicopter lands roughly onto the deck of the freighter. David, Jean, and the rest of the crew grab their packs. Alex, who is carrying nothing, stays in his seat. Skinner climbs into the backseat once everyone has jumped out.
SKINNER
Oh good, come with me.
Alex grabs Skinner’s one arm and he is helped out of the copter onto the deck of the boat. Alex steadies himself after being upon the copter for so long. A man in a dusty leather jacket is seen standing by Skinner. Skinner gestures him towards Alex.
SKINNER
Rob, this is Captain Huston. Many people don’t actually get to meet him personally, but I want him to show you what it is we’re made of.
HUSTON
(joshing) Mate, I got a goddamn cockhole ship to pilot. I’ll bring him down to the hull to get assigned, but hell, I can’t individually introduce all you fucks. (spins around to face Alex) I’m sorry Rob, it’s nice to meet ya. (shakes Alex’s hand powerfully) Skinner, I’m glad you found us, sorry we couldn’t hold the ship.
SKINNER
It’s no problem. Rocky knew the bearings. Is there any way I can reach Ammer from here?
HUSTON
Room oh-one on the front desk. They’ll let ya in, just make sure you let ‘em know it’s you.
SKINNER
Thanks. I’ll see you two later.
Huston and Alex watch Skinner walk towards one of the upper decks. Huston looks at Alex and sizes him up.
HUSTON
Well then, let’s get you assigned to a squad.
(at this point the two begin to walk into the lower levels of the ship)
INT – FREIGHTER
The two keep walking nobody saying anything.
HUSTON
Not much of a conversation guy, eh?
ALEX
(smiles) I’m just making sure I ask the right questions.
HUSTON
Wha? Don’t worry, you got past Skinner, you can’t ask no wrong questions.
ALEX
What can I be assigned to?
HUSTON
Extraction mission, extermination mission, I dunno. I have such a vague idea of what The Humanitarian wants. You good with guns?
ALEX
Guns? I can’t say I’ve fired too many. I suppose I can learn.
HUSTON
Yeah, we could work on that. Not sure if we have time right now.
ALEX
Why, are we in a rush?
HUSTON
Maybe, like I said, it all comes down to what top brass tells us. Everyone answers to someone here. I mean, you’ll probably answer to at least two other guys on your squad.
ALEX
That’s alright, I’m here to, you know, take care of business. Work over time.
HUSTON
(smiles weakly) Well that’s good. We usually weed out the non-team players. Give them the shit stick… (bumps into teenager holding several boxes) Jesus, Vincent! Watch yourself!
Alex helps Vincent pick up one of his boxes and then watches him on his way.
HUSTON
Well, at least you’re not one of those fucking kids. We have a few young’uns that we usually get stuck with while their parents serve as pilots or majors. Like Vincent. (smirks ruefully in Vincent’s direction) Well we’re here. (knocks sharply on the door) BEDNARCZYK! We got a live one!
O.S. VOICE
Hang on.
ALEX
Am I….
HUSTON
Yeah, they’re gonna probably strip you down, just as a precaution. Find out what languages you speak, military experience, basic shit like that. You’ll get a squad assigned, don’t worry they’ll show ya through. (thumps him on the back) Good luck Rob.
Huston walks off. Alex looks off before sighing, smiling to himself, and walking into the door. Scene fades out.
EXT – BOAT DECK – STILL MID-DAY
Scene fades into Alex walking onto the deck of the freighter holding a folder. Alex walks along the deck asking inaudible questions to various crew members. One of them points in the direction of a stout, balding man in his late 30’s leaning over the edge of the freighter. Alex walks up behind him.
ALEX
Excuse me, are you Tariq Bakir?
Takir turns around.
TARIQ
(jestingly) What’s it to ya?
ALEX
Rob Phillips. I’m now part of Squad C-10-4, um (looks at folder, laughs to self) Well, I’m gonna be part of your crew. (extends hand)
TARIQ
(shake’s Alex’s hand vigorously) All right, all right. You, uh, new?
ALEX
Joined just four days ago. Already met Harold McKinny, Captain Huston, a guy from the Monica kidnapping….
TARIQ
shit, that’s a hell of an introduction. Hey, walk with me. You’ve met the others on our squad, right?
ALEX
No, you’re the first.
TARIQ
Well then, let’s get to Rashad Krimani. He’s our leader.
ALEX
Is he one of the good people?
TARIQ
(laughs) Hell, we’re all the good people.
ALEX
Tariq, I’m gonna be honest with ya, I haven’t a clue as to what the hell is going on. What happened was some friend from prison sent me here and….
TARIQ
Well, I’ll level with ya, Rob. You go by Rob, right?
ALEX
I don’t…. care, it’s whatever.
TARIQ
Lemme put to ya this way. The world’s dug itself into a big shit hole, yeah?
ALEX
Yeah.
TARIQ
Well, we will be the ones to get it out of that hole. (beams brightly)
ALEX
How…. Exactly? That’s basically what Skinner told me and I still don’t have any idea as to what we actually do. The guy who assigned me just gave me a bunch of codes that he said Rashad would know.
TARIQ
What it takes man. If we gotta kill a million Americans to clean the air, it’ll happen. If we have to shut down all of China’s power to clean the water, we’re gonna get it done. We just have to get our orders from The Humanitarian. (sees Alex look confused) He’s like our boss, been in jail for public protest during the 60’s. Over the years he’s been uniting arms dealers, revolutionists, and the like to build into what we have today.
ALEX
(does a double take, but hides exasperation quickly) Well how big is it?
TARIQ
What, our organization? (Alex nods) Well, you’ll see it once we hit the island. Arthur McDermott, who’s this industrialist in the UK pays for much of our boats, copters, you know shit like that. He’s like Big H’s mouthpiece and keeps him out of investigation, so yeah, he’s a big guy to us.
ALEX
Why did you join?
TARIQ
….. I just have to take action. We have a pretty fucking awful decades coming up if we’re gonna drain this earth for all it’s got. And like I said, whatever it takes.
Two men are standing on the far side of the deck. Behind them in a helicopter with “Wind fucker” spray painted on the side. One is thin, mustachioed and has much more animated body language. The other is tall, crew-cutted, and muscular with a permanent grimace. Tariq and Alex approach them as the two men can be heard talking indistinctly about some current event.
TARIQ
Rashad! Hey, this is Robert Phillips, he’s our new member.
Rashad (the thin one) sizes him up and extends a weak handshake.
RASHAD
So. Can you fire a gun?
ALEX
I haven’t in some time……
RASHAD
Any flying experience?
ALEX
Not exactly….
Rashad frowns.
TARIQ
But hey, don’t worry, we can learn him as it goes along….
RASHAD
(sighs) Alright, we’ll, uh, find you something to do. God help us, if Vincent can hit a car from 300 feet up, you can. Hey, I’ll have to meet with you guys later, kay? (says this with an obvious distracted tone)
TARIQ
Alright, but hey, I’ll come by later.
Alex and Tariq start to turn around.
RASHAD
Rob! Hey! I want you to find me in an hour. Right here, got it?
ALEX
Sure, no problem.
The two walk off.
---------------------------------------------------------------
ALEX
Well he seemed friendly.
TARIQ
Heh. Rashad’s a real professional guy. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but I think he’sjust not a big fan of flying around in the copters, and doing the dirty work. I know he used to be one of those IT guys for some American phone company…
ALEX
(genuinely surprised) Really?
TARIQ
Yeah, don’t be surprised, a lot of us wouldn’t exactly fit in a Bond picture. I flunked out of medical school and became a trumpet player in Manhattan.
ALEX
And that’s where you were recruited for this?
TARIQ
I was doing real bad for a while. Behind on bills, living in a shithole apartment, tired of disappointing my wife and our son. I usually spill to our bartender and would for several months. Then one night he asks me what I wanted for the next few years. I wanted to be able to live somewhere safe, clean, and didn’t want to keep fighting for earn my keep. I told, I said I was just so close to the edge. I didn’t think I could find a way to make it all happen, that I was finished. Two nights later, he introduced me to a few members. They gave me the sales pitch, if you will. Within a few weeks I was fertilizing forests and beating coal miners in the desert. I may not know much about the Humanitarian. Not his name, his location, where he came from, or anything, but he knows what’s going down. And he knows what will happen if we don’t act, as soon and hard as we can.
ALEX
(awed and a little sickened) Wow. (beat) I joined from the advice of an old prison buddy. I was mostly a drifter before I came here, but that was only this week.
TARIQ
Seventeen months. It’s always someone who knows someone isn’t it? (grins) I can’t imagine how this got off the ground, but I gotta hand it to the Big H.
ALEX
Mmmm.
At this point they are watching the sea over the deck. Kitty corner, two men are skeet shooting, hollering and cheering at their firepower. Huston suddenly comes up from the top cabin.
HUSTON
Hey! Stop that! That’s enough! Don’t give us away or you’ll be fuc-
One of the men jokingly fires at the far side of the cabin, laughing at this very dangerous joke. Huston becomes enraged and pulls out a large pistol from his coat. The man drops his gun and fearfully races over to the other side of the boat where the life jackets are. Suddenly, the large man with Rashad jumps out of nowhere and pummels him to the ground.
SHOOTER
Hey, man! I was a fucking goof! Get the fuck offa me!
The large man smashes the shooter’s face into the deck until his cheek is cut open. Huston, still holding his gun, strides up and flips him over using only his foot.
HUSTON
Eli, watch him. I’m calling Ammer.
ELI
What do you need me for?
HUSTON
(shoots a quick shot into the shooter’s stomach) Keep the seagulls away.
Huston walks off calmly into the cabin. Nobody on the deck is looking at the body and Eli now except Alex. Eli stares at Alex but doesn’t give off anything threatening. Business resumes on the boat’s deck. Alex finally looks away from Eli and the body.
ALEX
Christ…..
TARIQ
Yeah, they don’t fuck around. We have plenty of people who join for bloodlust and sport. I mean, as long as they follow orders they can think whatever the fuck they want. That sort of mentality just makes me sick…..
ALEX
Mmmm. That guy going to be with us?
TARIQ
Eli? Yeah, I think so. He’s an alright guy, just very quiet. Don’t let the look fool you, you’d find Rashad a lot scarier. Well not too bad, just, you know…..
O.S. VOICE
Tariq! Tariq!
The camera turns to see Vincent, the kid from before, walking up to the two men. Vincent is walking with a somewhat limp, which wasn’t apparent the last time he was seen.
TARIQ
Rob, this is….
ALEX
Vincent (slaps Vincent jovially on the back). You okay? Sorry Captain Crunch and me bumped into you there.
VINCENT
Nah, nah, it’s….
TARIQ
Yeah, Vincent takes a lot of shit from us. Probably because he got an easy access pass due to his mom being a pilot for the China project. But we love him ju-
ALEX
Umm, China project?
VINCENT
Yeah, China and Japan are gonna get an assload of firepower from us. Just a total fucking leveling-off.
TARIQ
Christ, put it that way, you make us sound like murderers. (laughs heartily)
Alex doesn’t laugh but forces a sly smile.
ALEX
So (turns to Vincent) you, on with Tariq and I?
VINCENT
Sure am. You a good marksman?
ALEX
(laughs) God, no. No, but Tariq said I should pick up a few things on the job. Basic, well you know.
VINCENT
Mmm. Anybody got an idea as to when we’ll be hitting HQ?
TARIQ
Pssshhh….. Two, maybe three days? I don’t why we just don’t take copters, we can spare the fuel. (smiles)
VINCENT
You can bunk with us. You’d probably be on the floor, but it’d take out the awkwardness of finding out Yukio’s roommate. (sees Alex confused) Yukio was the guy who shot at Huston.
TARIQ
Mm’yeah, I always had such a bad feeling about that kid.
VINCENT
Eh, he wasn’t a bad guy. Just a little unglued.
TARIQ
Mmmm yeah….. Grab some grub?
The others nod in agreement. Fade out
Fade into Alex walking up the deck to find Rashad, who is doing maintenance around the helicopter.
ALEX
Hi, I was told you…
RASHAD
Yeah, yeah. (walks over, wiping his hands on a rag) Rob Phillips, right?
ALEX
Yeah, and you’re Rashad Krimani.
RASHAD
You got it. I am the leader of our little squad. It’s me, Tariq, Eli, who was with me earlier, Vincent, he’s our kid, don’t worry he’s fine, and we may be getting another, but that depends. We don’t get the squad roster finalized until we leave the island. So, you said you don’t have much experience with like firing and flying and military stuff?
ALEX
No sir.
RASHAD
The file Bednarcyzk gave me said you were a jailbird.
ALEX
Yes sir.
RASHAD
You don’t have to call me sir, it’s fine.
ALEX
Yes sir. (smiles)
RASHAD
(doesn’t return smile) Yes, well, it’s against regulation to have you handle any firearms on our first time out. Our first mission, you’ll have to do things like fetch ammunition so we can keep firing, bring water, watch for planes. We can show you how to fly the copter on some down time, but you’ll learn that before you fire a gun. You okay with this? I’m sorry that we can’t give you a better position but with having joined less than a week ago. You know….
ALEX
No, I understand. Say, do you know when we’ll reach the island?
RASHAD
It might be tomorrow night if weather’s good. Huston said conditions have been ideal.
ALEX
Alright. (beat) Well, it was nice to meet you (extends hand).
RASHAD
(shakes hand) Yeah, it… I hope you’re where you want to be. So, get comfortable with everyone and I’ll see you tomorrow night.
Scene fades out. Fades into
EXT – BOAT DECK – SUNSET
Tariq, Vincent and Alex are lounging on the deck of the boat. [ad-libbed ‘casual’ dialogue. Or we’ll write it later]
The sight of a large island appears on the distance. Some helicopters can be seen in the distance hovering around it. In the middle, past a semi-thick barrier of trees, some large buildings can be viewed. On the beaches in front, some armed men with jeeps stand still while behind them, past the trees, the bustle of people and machinery is seen. Alex looks in constrained awe.
VINCENT
Awright, awright.
HUSTON (over loudspeaker)
We’ll be arriving in an hour! Don’t pack up more than two days worth of belongings! The boat will be back by then after some routine searches.
TARIQ
(turns to Alex) This security getting on your nerves yet there Robby?
ALEX
Eh, what can you do…. (turns to see Rashad and Eli making their way towards them)
RASHAD
(to Alex) You ready?
CUT TO
ISLAND - NIGHT
The five men walking through a well-lit street, filled with men and women of all ages and ethnicities, carrying on various activities (walking, conversing, etc) in an unhurried, friendly manner. Alex looks up and around at the few buildings around (some are hangers for helicopters, others can be seen housing surpluses of weaponry) and various banners written in various languages (all will say different messages, work on that later). It looks almost like a small city, complete with paved roads, jeeps driving around, and proprietors dotted along the area. (However, men holding weapons in plain sight are in every frame of the city)
ALEX
(whispering to Tariq) Good Lord…… how did all this… (waves arms in outward fashion)
TARIQ
fuck knows. Well, I mean, this certainly wasn’t built in a month. Or hell, even a decade.
RASHAD
Well he did need to find this uncovered island first. But it took The Humanitarian nearly 25 years to build all of this. Mostly Arthur McDermott’s donations. (Begins to drift away from Vincent, Tariq and Alex. Eli follows.)
VINCENT
C’mon, I gotta pick up some cigarettes.
TARIQ
fuck no, I’m not having you blow that shit in my face all week. Rob, you smoke?
ALEX
Nah….
TARIQ
(claps Alex on the back) Good man.
A large, fairly new looking coliseum-like structure can be seen spotted in the distance in front of the men.
TARIQ
(pointing at it) Now see there, tonight, is where we’ll all find out what we have to do. Don’t worry. It’ll all make sense then, ‘cause I know we’ve been keeping ya in the dark for too long. (gives assuring look at Alex)
VINCENT
Well, whadya think, another Monica K type situation?
TARIQ
Word is it might be bigger than that.
VINCENT
Such as….. ?
TARIQ
I dunno, but we’re gonna get a big one soon.
Alex is looking around at all the buildings in an awe.
ALEX
Any idea where this place is?
TARIQ
Ummm…. Between California and Japan? (laughs vigorously) Go ask Huston, I have no fucking clue where most of this is or where it came from, and I’ve been here for damn near two years!
VINCENT
So yeah, the Atlantic.
TARIQ
Pacific, you dumbfuck.
Alex looks at the other two a bit intensely. The silence goes on for a bit too long.
TARIQ
So, anybody up for some food? I could go for some curry chicken, that is if Coolidge is still working the grills.
The others give their consent. The scene fades into
EXT – COLISEUM – NIGHT (1 AM)
Tariq, Alex, and Vincent making their way through a large crowd towards the coliseum. It’s a packed crowd, but not unmoving as the crowd seems eager to get in. Tariq and Vincent are waving and shaking hands with various friends and acquaintances as Alex leads in front, staring at the enormous sight. When they make it in, they see the sight of a good three thousand people all around the inside of the coliseum.
VINCENT
C’mon, they’re some seats over there (points to a direction on a much farther side).
The three amble over and Alex glances over at the platform in the middle. Skinner and two other men are standing in the center while various armed guards flank them. One of them is a large, statue-esque man in a tattered general’s uniform, the other a paunchy, though gaunt-faced man with white-blonde hair.
ALEX
Hey Tariq, should I have any idea who those two guys are (points in direction).
TARIQ
Who, the big guy and the German guy? (Alex nods) The big guy is Tunde, he was a general in the Tanzania People’s Defense Force, but now commands any of our armed troops. Not us though, since we’ll be in the helicopters, that’s more a few dozen commanders.
VINCENT
Scary Blonde Dude is Ammer. He’s known The Humanitarian the longest and he and Arthur McDermott, our “sponsor”, are probably the only one’s that know Big H’s true identity. Apparently they served jail time in the 70’s for radical protests, that sort of stuff. He’s usually the one who speaks for him although this is a special occasion. Maybe he’s here for crowd control. (grins) You wouldn’t want to piss him off, lemme tell ya.
ALEX
Have you ever met The Humanitarian before?
TARIQ
You mean see him? Nobody meets with him, there’s too much risk that his cover will be blown. But I mean, he’s just a guy like us. With a lot of ideas. He’s not some all-seeing, all knowing god or deity, he just needs to make sure he can keep doing what he’s doing, unabated.
Alex looks on as the crowd moves around him. The three find a row to sit in. Within a few seconds a deep booming voice comes over a P.A. system.
VOICE
Welcome all. Please find a seat so that we may begin our ceremony. For those who wish for a subtitled translation in Chinese, Hindi, Russian, or Arabic can seat themselves in the east side (shot shows large screen in front of the risers). Those who wish for a subtitled translation in Spanish, French, Japanese, or Subtitled English for the hard of hearing can seat themselves in the west side. (repeats in the various languages)
Rashad (carrying a file) and Eli appear behind the three men as the dialogue continues.
RASHAD
Hey, I have it.
ALEX
Have what?
ELI
(nonchalantly) Our instructions. The whole mission’s genocide.
Alex does a subtle double take. He looks up at Eli who seems to return the worried look. Tariq and Vincent look apprehensive.
VINCENT
How exactly….
Rashad picks his head up to see how much time he has to explain.
RASHAD
I guess I’ll have to explain it more later, but the gist of it is we have to go to Pennsylvania via copter. Break into one of the power plants, shut it down and kill as many people as we can. We have three other teams meeting us there, Marino, Tersavich, and Appiagyei. Supposedly, if everyone is in place, we can run amok and bounce out in under an hour.
Tariq looks at Rashad with an almost hungry look. Vincent fumbles a bit with his hands.
VINCENT
Are they fucking insane? I mean, just how can we get to…
TARIQ
Kill as many people… as what?
RASHAD
(interrupting) Look it’s easy to explain, but I don’t think…
VOICE
The ceremony has now begun.
RASHAD
fuck. Look, just….
Vincent and Tariq both just turn away and look at the stage. Alex looks fearful, but tries to stop his face from breaking. The whole stadium has gone dark, save for a powerful spotlight in the middle of the center stage. Tunde, Ammer, and Skinner can be seen seated amongst various uniformed individuals. Suddenly the crowd erupts into hysterics as a man holding a cane is inching towards the middle of the stage. He is THE HUMANITARIAN, an extremely elderly man in his 80’s-90’s (any ethnicity but maybe not British to avoid any British supervillian comparisons [unless we can cast Derek Jacobi]) in casual tie-less formal wear. He is unresponsive to the almost deafening noise around him and is helped to the center by Arthur McDermott, a well-dressed man possibly in his 60’s who has the air of a self-made billionaire. The camera does cut to Tariq, Vincent and Rashad clapping enthusiastically, if still retaining a grimace on their faces. Alex and Eli clap on the edges of the frame respectfully, but not passionately. Onstage Arthur can be seen trying to bring over a chair, but The Humanitarian rejects it. Arthur joins the other people behind him, and the Humanitarian continues to call for the crowd’s attention. The joyous, noisy cheering dies almost instantly as the people in the coliseum settle in eagerly. The sound of a microphone being fondled with is heard.
BIG H
…Is it on? Is it… (laughs) Artie, am I…?
ARTHUR (faintly)
Just a little higher.
BIG H
(amused by the situation) Alright, letsseehere…. (full volume) Is this good? (gives thumbs up sign)
The crowd breaks out in applause again.
VINCENT (to Alex)
My, he’s a spry fellow, no?
The crowd breaks into laughter as The Humanitarian continues to fumble with his microphone before finally getting it right again.
INT. COLLEGE DORM – MORNING (ABOUT 2:30)
Shot of a dorm hallway. A head moves into frame, with the camera now tracking said person as he walks down the hallway and stops at the second to last door. His name is Perry, 22, a slight, intense looking student. Perry pulls out a cell phone and looks at for a few seconds. He then pauses for a good period of time, before looking at his phone again, looking more and more concerned and impatient. From inside the room, rock music and indistinct dialogue can be heard. Finally, he looks at his phone, his face relaxes and he types a quick message. Then he raps on the door he has been standing in front of. The door swings open, marijuana smoke trailing along the door’s frame.
PERRY
Hey guys. (eagerly) You wanna be a part of something *really* big?
CUT TO
Perry is now walking down the hallway and stairwell with two disheveled, dazed looking students.
PERRY
…. It’s gonna be this big prank they’re pulling on the Pi Sig’s. Fuckin’ epic. AND, we’ve got ourselves a nice little in at their next function provided we move all this shit out.
STUDENT #1
You can’t tell us anything?
PERRY
And what, have our asses handed to us by those guys? No way man. Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t even feel what’s in the bag. Wouldn’t wanna be liable for anything. Trust me. I wouldn’t worry, you’ll see soon enough…
The trio stops before two muscular, anxious-looking men in Delta sweaters, one Japanese the other German, standing next to a pile of five, very full duffel bags.
PERRY
(To the men) Sup, guys. I was able to get some help in loading the cargo.
The two students grin, an expression the men don’t return.
CUT TO
EXT. DORM PARKING LOT – STILL MORNING
Perry swings the door to the outside open. The four others trudge out, carrying the bodies, (one of the men has two) to a dark grey van parked by the building.
STUDENT #2
Oof, Jesus. The fuck you have in here, bodies?
PERRY
(without a trace of nervousness) Hah, yeah. Of course ‘Bring out ya dead!’ ‘Bring out ya dead!’
STUDENT #2
(laughs) But seriously…
PERRY
Just…. I told you, you’ll see. (at the van) JEAN! Open the bag, we got ‘em!
JEAN
(off screen from inside the van) Hang on….
The back of the van swings open and Perry begins to first help the two students load the bags into the back of the van. Jean can be seen looking back at them.
PERRY
Yeah, just throw them on, that’s it.
The last bag is tossed and the Japanese man slams the door shut and goes to the driver’s side. Perry approaches the two students (out of earshot from the van).
STUDENT #1
Hey, who were those two guys?
PERRY
Oh, them? Just Delta alumni. But you didn’t see them tonight either. (winks) So gentlemen, just so we’re clear on the whole code of silence, here’s 20 bucks, each.
He hands a bill to each, smiling student.
STUDENT #1
No prob. Anytime man.
GERMAN MAN
Perry, c’mon (walks into frame), I think these boys deserve a lot more for this little operation of ours.
He pulls out a fad wad of 50 dollar bills and pulls out 14 of them from the wad.
GERMAN MAN
Here.
The boys take the money, looking as though they were just handed solid gold bongs.
STUDENT #1
Dude…..
STUDENT #2
.… Jesus.
GERMAN MAN
But, (much more menacingly than Perry) this means not a word, comprende?
STUDENT #2
(ecstatic) Dude, you fucking got it.
STUDENT #1
Hole-lee shiiit….
The German man turns around and gets into the van.
PERRY
Kay. I’ll see you guys later, alright?
STUDENT #2
(still looking at money) Yeah, take it easy….
STUDENT #1
Later!
The two students run into the building, unable to contain their glee. Perry stares at them grinning.
GERMAN MAN
Perry! Get in!
Perry runs into the van which takes off seconds after he gets in.
CUT TO
INT. VAN
Steffan (the German man) and Jean clap enthusiastically while Kinetsu (the Japanese man) makes congratulatory hooting noises. All look much more relived, if a bit still on edge. Perry, who has crouched in the back of the van with the duffel bags looks very pleased with himself.
STEFFAN
I gotta say, that was some goddamn cockhole cockhole amazing plan there Perr.
PERRY
Toldja it would work. What did I say, huh? What did I say?!
STEFFAN
Now I gotta admit, I wasn’t so sure when you said we only had a minute to get it all out. But holy Jesus….. I mean, how were you able to convince Reefer Madness to go along with it?
PERRY
Just played it casual. You gotta act like it’s all alright. Cause it is. And I mean, we know each other so it wasn’t like any big deal for them. Plus nobody gets between the frats here.
JEAN
Hah hah, yeah. But you don’t think those kids will loosen their tongues? I mean, at all? Cause, I mean shot goes bad and this could get out into the media by tomorrow. I’m just saying….
PERRY
I think 700 dollars worth of malt liquor and hemp will keep us safe. They’re good kids. (laughs to himself) Say, I better get an outstanding report for Mr. Ammer and the Big H once we get to HQ, you hear me boys?
STEFFAN
Yeah, sure thing prick. (now dead serious) But you do know the minute those boys blow our cover, they’ll be the second ones dead.
Perry’s smile doesn’t falter.
PERRY
You worry way too much dude. We’ve done our part. We’re done. I mean, just done. We just gotta, you know, hope that she is real cooperative and shit like that. This *should* work. Oh! By the way, which one is she?
KINETSU
(still driving) Pink Stripe.
Perry scans the bag pile before pulling the correct one out from under two of the bags. The bags fall and flop a bit on the bumpy van. Perry zips open the duffel bag. Looking back is a 19-year-old girl dressed in sweats, motionless but breathing.
JEAN
Miss Monica….
PERRY
Hmm…. (looks at body with an almost concern)
STEFFAN
The gas is gonna wear off in a good 20 minutes. There’s some rope chord and duct tape in one of those backpacks.
PERRY
(still intently looking at Monica’s face) Yeah, thanks…
STEFFAN
(after a long pause) You gonna ask her out or what?
PERRY
(turns around and laughs) You dickybird. Come here! (goes to smack Steffan’s head)
CUT TO
EXT. VAN – STILL MORNING
Raucous laughter from the men can be heard from outside the van as if travels into the horizon on a car-free road.
INT: LOCATION UNKNOWN
The scene fades into a figure sitting in a chair. She has her legs tied up individually and her arms are tied up behind her back. She is blindfolded with a gag in her mouth. Behind her, a large hooded figure wearing a mask has his hands resting of her shoulders. We can see her from the viewpoint of a video camera with a man speaking from behind it.
MR. AMMER (always off-screen)
(calmly, with composure)…..but Monica is safe with us and will not be harmed for the time being. So we only ask of you, Mr. Kaplan to reconsider your proposal to shut down Jupiter Motors. Bringing back the electric car would do wonders for our sustained living. It would be the right step towards cleaner air, increased employment, better living standards. Why it is that you chose to lobby against it calls into question your utilization of your power. We only want what is best for the future and if it means holding your daughter until such measures can be taken, then we will do so for the greater good. If this tape makes its way to any authorities, she will be killed. But as soon as word gets out that Jupiter Motors has reopened, that electric cars are back in production, that oil companies have backed off and will allow NiMH batteries to be used in American vehicles, Monica will be back on your doorstep before the ink on the newspapers dries. Otherwise, she will stay with us until you decide what is best. We only want to provide a better tomorrow and we want your full support, and I’m sure deep down you do too, Mr. Kaplan. Please don’t let us down.
The camera turns off. The girl in the chair is now seen from the POV of one of the men behind the camera. The entire room is too dark to see except for a small light being shined on the girl.
O.S. VOICES (WALLA)
That was good, I think we have it.
Perfect, good job Mr. Ammer.
I don’t see how Teddy K couldn’t comply with that.
MR. AMMER
(softly)Alright, we just have one more thing though so hold tight. (audibly) Get her ready.
The hooded figure pulls out a small knife and cuts Monica’s restraints. As son as he is done, he removes the blindfold and mouth gag from Monica. Monica is wide-awake, and has trouble adjusting her eyes to the light. She starts to bolt from her chair, but the hooded man grabs her shoulders.
MAN
Don’t.
MONICA
Wha…. ?
MR. AMMER
Monica! I know you can’t see me, but….
MONICA
(scared) Where am I? What’s going on? Who are-
MR. AMMER
We simply need to hold you for a while. All we need is a bit of information and none of your friends will be harmed. I apologize that we need to stay hidden like this, but it is necessary that you don’t try to turn us in once we release you. But, you follow our instructions and you and your friends will be returned safely.
The man walks behind Monica and holds and grabs her shoulders. She jumps as he does so.
MONICA
My friends? What are you going to do?! Where are they!? Help! He-
The man covers her mouth with one hand.
MR. AMMER
Please don’t make this hard for us. As you can see, we haven’t constrained you to show that we are not out to harm you. But as hard as it for you to trust us, you have to listen to us. All we need is some information and no one will be harmed. You have our word, Monica.
MONICA
Where are my friends?! What are you going to do to them?!?! Please let me go. Pleeease.
MR. AMMER
You won’t have to worry about that as long as you give us what we need. Are you okay with that?
We see four more bodies tied up in chairs similar to Monica silhouetted. Monica hyperventilates. She looks around nervously and squirms in her seat.
MR. AMMER
Monica?
MONICA
(gives a defeated look in the direction of Ammer’s voice, beat, then timidly) W-what do you need?
MR. AMMER
We need the address of your father, Theodore Kaplan.
Monica tries to jump up from her seat, but the man presses down on her shoulders.
MONICA
NO! NO!! YOU’RE GOING TO HURT HIM! YOU’RE GOING TO HURT HIM!!! NO! NO! LET ME GO! LEMME GO!!
Monica starts sobbing as the man keeps trying to keep her in her seat.
MR. AMMER
Monica. Monica. MONICA. (then as calmly as before) We need your father’s address. We can’t have you wasting out time like this.
MONICA
Pleeeeease let me out. Pleeeeeease. I can’t do this. I can’t, I can’t, I ca-ha-ha-han’t. (starts sobbing harder)
MR. AMMER
You need to tell us where we can find your father so he can fix something for us. If you don’t give us the address, he won’t get our message and we will have to kill you and your friends.
Monica starts howling and can barely sit in her chair. The man still tries to hold her in from where he is standing behind her.
MR. AMMER
Hey, hey, hey! Please sit in your seat Monica, you’re making us nervous.
MONICA
I want to go home….. I want to go home……
MR. AMMER
Well, you need to tell us where home is or you we can’t bring you. I’m going to ask you again. (the sound of a gun’s hammer being pulled back can be heard dangerously close to Monica) Tell us where your father can be found or we will kill one of your friends. All four of them are right in this room Monica.
MONICA
No! No! You’ll hurt him!
MR. AMMER
We’ll hurt your friends if we don’t have his address. You do what we say and nobody will be hurt. You have to trust us that far. You have ‘till ten.
(following dialogue should overlap)
MONICA
No, you’ll hurt him! No, I can’t! I can’t do it! Please don’t make me do it! Please! I wanna go home, I wanna go home, I wanna go home, I wanna go home, I wann-
MR. AMMER
One, Monica. Two, Monica. Three, Monica. Four, Monica. Five, Monica. Six, Monica. SEVEN, Monica. EIGHT, Monica. NINE, MONICA. TEN, MONICA.
A gun is fired three times and the man behind the dead kid pushes the chair forward so the sound of the body hitting the floor is heard. Monica goes starts gasping silently and shudders, as her body seems to slacken. Monica wets her pants and then starts to cry quietly over her accident. The room goes silent for a deathly amount of time.
MR. AMMER
(disgusted tone) Now, Monica. (gun hammer is heard) Where is Theodore Kaplan’s address? One….
MONICA
(chokes) It’s….. 1025 Rowse-Carey Avenue. Hillsborough, CA. 650-940210. (defeated sounding, drained of energy) He’s going to be there, he’s never works far from home.
Monica starts to sway forward in her seat as though she is going to faint.
MR. AMMER
(much more pleased) Thank you, Monica. I hope that soon, you will be safely returned after your father has received our message. I’m sorry you felt it necessary to kill one of your friends.
Monica has stopped crying and simply stares at the floor, dead eyed.
MR. AMMER
We’re not out to fuck with you, Monica. We just have a job to do.
Monica is still silent, save a few sniffs.
MR. AMMER
Let’s get them back, alright?
The large guy lets go on Monica’s shoulders and she collapses to the ground, struggling to get up. The sounds of people moving in the background can be heard, but not seen.
VOICE
Somebody get a god damn towel.
INT. CIA BUILDING – TIME OF DAY NOT IMPORTANT (ABOUT A MONTH LATER)
A man in his early 40’s is reading a Newsweek magazine with a cover story on consumerism. His name is T.A. Bradley, a CIA superior who doesn’t show any severe signs of aging despite his job description. His office very gray and expressionless, filled with folders, binders, newspaper clippings, wanted photos, save a few drawings from his kids and a small photo is his family at Disneyland. We see a man approach his door from afar.
BRADLEY
Come in.
The man opens the door. His name is Alex Bennet, a man in his early 30’s. Despite his age, he looks world-weary and always worried (but not overly worried). His job has definitely aged him. Bradley gestures for him to have a seat.
ALEX
I was told you wanted to see me?
BRADLEY
It’s about the oil lobbyist’s daughter from four months ago.
ALEX
Yeah, no, I remember. Teddy K.
BRADLEY
Mmm. We’ve received police reports from two hours ago that her body was found in the Bodega Bay. Throat slit from ear to fucking ear. One of her legs broken. The house full of dead bodyguards, shot up to Hell. (sighs) I’ll spare you the photos they took.
ALEX
Oh, dear God. I thought we had a monitor on her kidnappers. I mean, after she was returned, we had a tap on the house….. Didn’t-
BRADLEY
I know, I know. Three of her bodyguards are missing too and we don’t know what the hell is up with them. They’re doing every background check we can right now and so far everything’s hazy. One of them seems to be the real deal, which means he’s most likely dead or gone or some shit like that.
ALEX
Which one?
BRADLEY
Raymond Nieves. (gives Alex a photo) He served the Integrated Security Service faithfully good three years, no criminal record, went through the works at a good state school. (this is said in a matter-of-fact manner and very quickly) But he’s not what’s got this whole sector running ragged. In fact, her death wouldn’t have even been as big a clusterfuck as it is now *if* they weren’t able to get as close as they did to her. Through all the security measures. And relocation. And well, (exasperated) everything. (long beat) And we never had a monitor on those kidnappers. We never did. I don’t know what shit got mucked up in the system, but we just never found any of those people. I’m not we sure we ever said we did either, so I don’t know where you heard that.
Bradley leans back in his chair and rubs his forehead with one hand.
BRADLEY
We have a problem. (beat)
ALEX
Why, you think it’s them? The eco terrorists?
BRADLEY
(sighs, leans forward) Well yes, although I’m sure they’ve gone beyond that. They had men placed around Monica’s house, her dorm, they made damn sure that if Teddy K didn’t uphold his end of the bargain, they were going to waste her. Here (tosses paper at Alex). Four other reports have been released. The son of a waste treatment plant owner in Tianjin, China was found in a fishing net. The wife of a car company president in Ulsan, Korea was killed a week ago. And a bunch of other shit I don’t want to get into. Not our problem really. But basically we have these guys trying to persuading executive types to get their environmental acts together, so to speak, by holding their family for ransom. And apparently these four guys also failed to meet their demands.
ALEX
Why, what have you got so far?
BRADLEY
Well, that’s why you’ve been called here Alex.
ALEX
Sorry?
BRADLEY
Right now, we have a man in holding, his name is Michael Travis, a former convict who was just released after 16 years from some penitentiary within CA. Travis was found smuggling a shit load of foreign firearms into Canada. When asked any further questions, he flipped out and bludgeoned a border officer. They found several folders written in some code on his person. Although we got it out of him that he was delivering a list of names to some guy up in Alberta named Heath Carlson. We ran it through, no Heath Carlson in record except for one who had been killed up in Vietnam in 1968. However, some of the guys down at the labs figured out that Carlson had had his identity stolen by his platoon sergeant, a man named Harold McKinny who served time in the army after breaking into a car…..
ALEX
Is this…. ?
BRADLEY
Sorry. To make it short, Travis was bringing a bunch of guns and names for *some* reason to a man who wants his identity hidden in Canada. And we’ve got ourselves a decent bet that he’s doing it for the group behind the kidnappings. But they probably aren’t interested in just kidnapping these family members. They want change and the past month, all of their plans have failed to bring it, you see what I’m saying? (Alex nods knowingly) We have to try to see what the hell it is they are planning. Because you can better believe there are more Michael Travis’s out there.
ALEX
What makes you so sure of that?
BRADLEY
Just some well placed hunches, Alex. Some of the news we’ve gotten in about stolen military craft and overseas arms dealers, well, it sure as shit isn’t making us sleep any easier. We have to find out what they may be doing with all this…. trouble they’ve been causing. I dunno……
(long beat)
Do you understand why I brought you in to see me, Alex?
ALEX
Yes, I think I do.
BRADLEY
We need somebody to find out everything they can about this organization, or whatever it is. We need a way to find out how far this reaches so we can get in, and blow their shit out of the water. We can’t have these people getting the nation excited, although their overseas work might mean this won’t just be our asses on notice.
ALEX
How long do I have to train?
BRADLEY
Well, we don’t know how much time we have. We haven’t made any of their little shenanigans known to the public, so as far as they know, we’re none the wiser.
ALEX
(laughs weakly) Why did you guys call me?
BRADLEY
You have the brains, the level head, and you don’t have enough menace in you. Nobody would peg you as a threat, and I mean that as a compliment. We need to get their trust completely and you already look and act the part unlike half the cowboys we have. You have to know where these people are coming from, because they certainly aren’t just firing blind bullets into crowds just for kicks.
ALEX
Sounds like a damn good break from the wife.
BRADLEY
Hah, I read ya. You are in luck, we already have a blank identity waiting in the wings for just such occasions. And it should give you some wiggle room as far as knowing this Travis fellow. Just as long as he can’t reach Harold McKinney. Although we’re taking a big gamble that they don’t know him as much as we think we does. But I think as long as you and Travis can have a relationship that doesn’t… well, you’ll see when you get your papers.
ALEX
And exactly how safe will it be?
BRADLEY
(fidgets in his seat) Well, that’s the real trick. You’ll be without contact, no phones, no wires, nothing. I can’t risk another fuck up, and so as long as you can slip in and out of this group while still getting us enough info, you should be fine. But once you’re in, you are in until you can find a way out.
Alex knows this will not be the easiest task to agree to, but knows he has people counting on him. Bradley sees this written on his face.
BRADLEY
I know the risk. I know it’s not the most fun you’ll ever have. But we’ve got a lot riding on you that you’ll get out of there. No matter the stakes. You’ll make it. Whaddya say?
(beat)
ALEX
I say, let’s dance.
Bradley smiles confidently, but not joyfully. Bradley continues to brief him as the scene FADES OUT.
INT – ITALIAN RESTAURANT - NIGHT TIME
Alex and his wife Valerie are sitting in a dimly lit Italian restaurant. (with audible noise) She’s reading the menu while he is just fiddling with his silverwear until a waiter comes by.
WAITER
Are we ready to order?
VALERIE
I don’t know, are we?
Alex is still staring off into the middle distance playing with his fork. He does look a little sad he did in the last shot of him in Bradley’s office.
VALERIE
(ignoring Alex) I’ll have the tiella with the mussels and a Roman salad on the side. Oh, and a refill on my chardonnay.
WAITER
Certainly, and for-
ALEX
(without inflection) More bread.
WAITER
Is that all…. ?
(awkward pause)
VALERIE
He’ll decide soon enough. We’ll let you know. (hands him the menu)
WAITER
Very well. Yours should take about 20 minutes.
VALERIE
Thank you. (Waiter leaves) (turns to Alex) So, how’s it goin’?
ALEX
Right as rain, Valerie. Not a thing has changed. You know how I like to contain my excitement.
VALERIE
Do you want to eat somewhere else?
ALEX
I don’t know.
(long beat)
VALERIE
Should I just go?
ALEX
(defeated) Jesus, Valerie…… You know….. I…..
VALERIE
I’m sorry. I knows it’s stressful. I know it’s a dangerous job. I know-
ALEX
I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to eat in peace and pretend this whole thing isn’t existing for just one damn evening.
VALERIE
Then can you at least look like you want to be here?
ALEX
Sorry?
VALERIE
You know, I’m scared too. But I want, in a few months, for us to start working on buying a home, and getting out of the city and (chokes, eyes well up) to settling in the country and-
ALEX
Well you can still do that if I don’t come back.
VALERIE
(begins to cry) I don’t want to. I want to do it with you. You’ve always-
ALEX
What makes it so positive to you I’ll make it out?
VALERIE
(wipes eyes) Because, I have faith that you’ll help fix whatever it is you need to fix. I give all my worries to God and let him sort it out. You should to, because you’ll be safe. And then…… we can start living like we always wanted. In peace. (sniff) I just…. hope that you want that as much as I do.
Alex looks at her like “yes, I do, but your weeping isn’t doing me any favors”.
VALERIE
I know it’s always been an awful strain on the both of us. But you’ll make it through, I know you will.
Alex’s face begins to slacken, but he doesn’t cry.
ALEX
I know, I know (doesn’t believe himself).
VALERIE
You’ll do fine. Now, are you ready to order?
CUT TO
INT. BENNET APARTMENT - LATER THAT NIGHT
“Love is Like An Itching in My Heart” plays on the soundtrack. Alex is standing at the counter when Valerie, dancing, grabs him and they swing into the living room where they both strip off all their clothes whilst dancing (badly).
CUT TO
Alex and Valerie seen dancing from outside, their lighted room a glowing contrast to the darkened city around them.
EXT – OUTDOOR CAFÉ IN CALGARY - BEFORE NOON – SEVERAL WEEKS LATER
Alex (who has facial hair and is dressed in a gray coat, so we assume this is some weeks after the last scene) is sitting with Josh, a younger and much more excitable agent who is smacking away on some junky cheeseburger as traffic is vaguely heard in the outside background. Alex is sitting still, slowly sipping away at a cup of water, and looking off into the distance, distracted, although Josh is aware of this. Josh is yammering on about some work gossip (I’ll add later, or the actor can just improvise this, then Josh ends his story warily)
JOSH
…..she puked on his shoes, and he still came on her face. She cried. (laughs) Hopefully I’m not their mediator again, because I hate it when those two are at each other’s throats. Ya know?
ALEX
Heh, well, that’s why I just never involve myself with their problems. Bunch a high-schoolers.
The two men grin uneasily. Alex looks a tad nervous.
JOSH
(looks at watch) Waddya say?
ALEX
(exhales) Good a time as any.
JOSH
Yeah…. I’ll, uh, let Bradley know you’re on your way to the house. There’s nothing you want to go over before, you,…. Ya know….
ALEX
Nah, I’ve got it all set. Story’s as good as it will ever be. I think I have this guy down pat.
JOSH
Awright. But hey, take care man, and hey, get out of that shit as soon as you can. We want you back on team, bra.
ALEX
Oh, you better believe it.
Josh gives him a bro-hug, which Alex awkwardly tries to reciprocate.
JOSH
Later man, take care.
ALEX
See ya soon.
Alex gives him a confident smile. Then he hops aboard a nearby bus and can be heard asking where it is headed as the scene FADES OUT
FADE INTO
Alex gets off the bus by a large wooded area on a hill with no other landmarks (save the bus stop). He can be heard thanking the bus driver before getting off. He peers off into the forest and pulls out a handgun, tucking it into his waistband. Alex trudges up the hill into the forest, a bright, but eerie landscape. Alex is constantly looking around inquisitively at any sound he hears. He walks for some time before coming upon a mostly wooden, old fashioned house in a somewhat large clearing. Alex pulls the gun out of his waistband and holds it under his coat at the ready, walking slowly up to the house. He finally makes it to the door and rings the bell. No answer.
ALEX
Hmmm…….
Continuing to hold his gun tightly, Alex rings the doorbell. He waits a few beats before doing so again, keeping his gun clenched by his side, tight. Suddenly the curtain on the window draws back and a face appears. Alex sees it instantly, but doesn’t flinch.
FIRST GUY
Please go away. This is a private residence and we wish to not be disturbed.
ALEX
Excuse me, are you Harold McKinney?
FIRST GUY
Wait….
ALEX
(quickly so as to grab his attention) My name is Robert Phillips and I am an associate of Michael Travis. We were both inmates in Folsom State Prison. Michael and I had gotten together in a bar just outside of Big Sur with him about a month ago. Here (takes out a document) this was supposed to be for McKinney.
FIRST GUY
(long pause) Take off your jacket.
ALEX
(takes off jacket and pulls out gun, slowly) All I have is this handgun. It’s not even loaded. You can have it if-
FIRST GUY
Just drop it on the ground.
Alex willingly throws it down, even putting his hands in the air afterwards.
ALEX
Michael told me about your organization. He said there’d be a place for me, but he wasn’t too descriptive.
The first guy opens the door, with his gun drawn and walks slowly towards Alex. He grabs the sheet from his hand and scans it quickly. He takes a few good looks at Alex and gets behind him, pointing the gun at his head while leaving Alex’s gun on the front porch.
FIRST GUY
Get in the house.
Alex, his arms still raised above his head, obediently follows. Alex doesn’t smile or show any sign of exuberance, but remains confident.
INT HOUSE FIRST FLOOR
Alex is now standing in the living room of a fairly old fashioned house (much of the inside resembles an old beach house). Standing in the center is a man with one eye, one arm, dressed in old army fatigues, with messy, unkempt hair and a bourbon bottle in hand. The two stare at each other for a few seconds, Alex is careful not to let his guard slip by looking surprised. The first guy starts to pour over the paper while keeping his gun pointed in the direction of Alex’s head.
SECOND GUY
Don’t worry about Don, he’s just here for security. (Gestures to the first guy) I’m Harry McKinney, but you can call me Skinner. Most of my friends do, and I hope that we can become just that. So…… you say that you know Michael Travis?
ALEX
Yes.
SKINNER
Why were you seeing him in Big Sur?
ALEX
I wasn’t entirely sure either myself. He had gotten a hold of my number a few months ago and wanted to meet somewhere far away. He was talking about some big movement he wanted me to be a part of.
SKINNER
I see. You said your name is Robert Phillips, yes?
ALEX
Yes.
SKINNER
Mmmm. And you served time with him in prison?
ALEX
Yes. We weren’t cellmates, but we were in an anger management program together. We were fairly good friends, but as I said, I was very surprised when he called be out of the blue. I guess there was something about me he liked.
Alex smiles but doesn’t overplay it.
SKINNER
What was Michael in for?
ALEX
He would never say. Kept to himself mostly.
SKINNER
What were you in for?
ALEX
Armed robbery.
SKINNER
What did you steal?
ALEX
About 4 grand from a truck stop. Wasn’t quite worth the effort in the end. (slight smile)
SKINNER
When you met Michael in Big Sur, how long did you speak with him?
ALEX
45 minutes. We spent much of it catching up on what had happened over the years. He didn’t mention anything about a group until the end. Then he left to get something from his car, he said he wasn’t going to be long. He never came back. I wasn’t sure how to find him afterwards, I didn’t know his number, his address, nothing. He had left the paper Don has under his seat.
SKINNER
I see. Where do you live Robert?
ALEX
Detroit, Michigan. Although I studied a few years abroad in Essonne, France.
SKINNER
For?
ALEX
Civil engineering.
SKINNER
Ah.
(long beat)
ALEX
Exactly what is it that I was sent her for?
SKINNER
Sent here?
ALEX
Well, Michael told me that I would find your organization very….. tailored to my interests. But he never elaborated. I just happen to be at a point in my life where I don’t know where to go or what to do with myself. I just….. hope that I’m not foolish for going on such a long journey on a whim.
SKINNER
Do you want to bring a better future?
ALEX
I do.
SKINNER
Do you want to wash the world of its hardships, to bring it out of the hole it has dug itself? At any cost necessary?
ALEX
(pause) Any cost? (Skinner just stares at him) Well, I don’t take issue with much.
SKINNER
I certainly hope I can trust you.
ALEX
Or else Don will have to blow my head off, yes?
SKINNER
(slight grin) Well then Robert, I want you to remove your clothes. And go with Don into the bathroom. It’s nothing personal, it’s just a security measure. Standard for everyone. Don’t worry, you can meet Don’s wife after it is over. And I’m sorry if you found this a rough introduction. I’m glad to meet you Robert Phillips. And hope you come to find our group to be everything you came for.
CUT TO
Alex walks out of a bathroom with Don behind him, holding a gun at his side.
DON
(calling out) We’re all good, Harry.
He leads Alex into the living room where Skinner is reading a newspaper in an armchair.
SKINNER
Thanks.
(an awkward pause as Alex is staring uncomfortably around the room, waiting for someone to talk)
SKINNER
Would you like to sit?
ALEX
What? Oh, sure. (seats himself in nearest chair)
SKINNER
How long was your trip?
ALEX
Oh, maybe 4 hours, tops. It wasn’t too bad.
SKINNER
Would you like anything to eat? I think there’s some chicken and rice in the fridge.
ALEX
Uhhh, maybe later. I, uh, am just a little curious, now that I’ve gone through security (grins at Don) what it is Michael wanted me to, you know, join.
SKINNER
(laughs a bit) Well, now I have to be somewhat frank with you, Robert. Or is it Rob?
ALEX
Doesn’t matter.
SKINNER
This organization is rather secretive. It is, how should you say, outside of any lawful boundaries. But we run our ship very tight. I’m sorry that I cannot divulge much information. However, in a few days, a helicopter is coming for me and you. We’ll go to an undisclosed location where The Humanitarian will give us briefing for the next assignment.
ALEX
Wait, assignment?
SKINNER
Yes.
ALEX
(thinks this over in character) How do I know I want to do this?
SKINNER
(glares at him) I thought you wanted a better future. We need your complete cooperation. You cannot leave this house after all that you know. Nobody can know where we are, who we are, in fact, you’re lucky that Michael Travis is so trustworthy within our circle. I’ve met him and I know he wouldn’t send up someone who wasn’t completely….
ALEX
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have questioned. I’m just curious.
SKINNER
It’s alright. I hope all your questions will be answered in a few days. We just ask that you stay in this house until then. Either Don or I will be around to make sure nothing happens. I’m sorry, it’s not that we don’t trust you. But one can never be too careful.
Alex looks at Don who is studying Alex intensely, but not angrily. Alex nods with consent.
FADE INTO
Alex, Skinner, and Don walking into the forest, (4 days later) Alex being far out in front of the other two so he can be kept an eye on. Alex looks uneasy and frequently looks up at the sky for some reason.
DON
Just keep going straight, that was the last turn, right?
Skinner nods.
SKINNER
How ya holding up over there?
ALEX
Right as rain. (rubs his eyes)
The three keep walking until Alex clears a large brush barrier to find a large WWII-era helicopter. A large man standing in front of it points a gun at Alex’s direction.
MAN
Stop! Hands where I can see them!
SKINNER
(first off screen, then coming into the clearing)
Jesus, Rocky, I told you we’d be bringin’ a new guy.
ROCKY
Well shit, I’m sorry. Just a little jumpy I suppose.
The three men approach Rocky up at the helicopter.
DON
Nice to see ya, Rock.
SKINNER
Rob, this is Winston Stone. He’s one of our pilots and the biggest gambler I’ve ever known. We all call him Mr. Rocky, and if he wants he can tell you why.
ROCKY
Naw, naw. fuck, that’s too much for you kids.
ALEX
I’m 29. (grins) Robert Phillips, nice to meet you. (extends a rough handshake, similar to Josh)
ROCKY
Nice ta know ya. But hey, not that I don’t like the camaraderie of this, but we got a hell of a schedule to keep. Huston called, we’re already behind. Don, nice to see ya, I assume you’re still staying.
DON
Yes.
ROCKY
Alright then. Skinner, Bobby, let’s get this show on the road.
Rocky hops into the cockpit. Skinner turns to Alex.
SKINNER
I have to go copilot with Rocky. I won’t be able to talk much until we land.
ALEX
S’alright.
SKINNER
Just grab a seat, we should be sitting pretty in two hours.
Alex straps himself into a seat in the back of the copter. Five other passengers are sitting, two talking in an animated foreign language, one is assembling a long range gun, one is sitting, smoking, listening to some headphones and looking very annoyed, while the other is casually reading a paperback novel. Alex is sitting next to the book reader and looks at the back jacket. The reader looks at Alex and their eyes lock.
ALEX
That looks good.
READER
Oh yeah. Big fan of Pascal. I’m David. David Orelik.
ALEX
(extends hand) Robert Phillips. You, ah, new to this sort of thing?
DAVID
What do you mean? You mean like killing people?
ALEX
(looks surprised) Um….
DAVID
Well, how much were you told?
ALEX
Oh, just the basics. Better future. Keep it on the down low. (David is nodding enthuastically) Apparently, we’ll know about everything once we get….. to wherever the hell it is we’re going. (David and Alex grin) Got a…. good feeling about this one.
DAVID
I just joined about a month ago, a friend of mine hooked me up (looks at surly, music guy) Hey Jean!
Jean (the driver from the Monica kidnapping) looks at David with a faux annoyance.
JEAN
What now, Orelik. Can’t you see I’m quite busy?
DAVID
Jean, this is Bob Phillips. Bob, Jean had helped kidnap the daughter of Teddy K.
ALEX
No way, the oil lobbyist?
JEAN
fucking, yes the oil lobbyist. Not sure why she was tucked away at some damn state school, but whatever. I kinda feel bad, we had to put that girl through Hell to keep her away until Teddy K got his shit in order.
ALEX
But he didn’t, did he?
JEAN
Poor dumb bastard…… (laughs)
ALEX
What happened to the daughter?
JEAN
I dunno, they don’t tell me everything. I assume they killed her. Why?
ALEX
Eh, just curious.
DAVID
Yeah, dumb bitch.
Jean and Alex both look at him very strangely.
Some large amount of time is seen to pass. Then, From outside the helicopter approaches a large freighter in the open ocean.
EXT – BOAT DECK – MID-DAY
The helicopter lands roughly onto the deck of the freighter. David, Jean, and the rest of the crew grab their packs. Alex, who is carrying nothing, stays in his seat. Skinner climbs into the backseat once everyone has jumped out.
SKINNER
Oh good, come with me.
Alex grabs Skinner’s one arm and he is helped out of the copter onto the deck of the boat. Alex steadies himself after being upon the copter for so long. A man in a dusty leather jacket is seen standing by Skinner. Skinner gestures him towards Alex.
SKINNER
Rob, this is Captain Huston. Many people don’t actually get to meet him personally, but I want him to show you what it is we’re made of.
HUSTON
(joshing) Mate, I got a goddamn cockhole ship to pilot. I’ll bring him down to the hull to get assigned, but hell, I can’t individually introduce all you fucks. (spins around to face Alex) I’m sorry Rob, it’s nice to meet ya. (shakes Alex’s hand powerfully) Skinner, I’m glad you found us, sorry we couldn’t hold the ship.
SKINNER
It’s no problem. Rocky knew the bearings. Is there any way I can reach Ammer from here?
HUSTON
Room oh-one on the front desk. They’ll let ya in, just make sure you let ‘em know it’s you.
SKINNER
Thanks. I’ll see you two later.
Huston and Alex watch Skinner walk towards one of the upper decks. Huston looks at Alex and sizes him up.
HUSTON
Well then, let’s get you assigned to a squad.
(at this point the two begin to walk into the lower levels of the ship)
INT – FREIGHTER
The two keep walking nobody saying anything.
HUSTON
Not much of a conversation guy, eh?
ALEX
(smiles) I’m just making sure I ask the right questions.
HUSTON
Wha? Don’t worry, you got past Skinner, you can’t ask no wrong questions.
ALEX
What can I be assigned to?
HUSTON
Extraction mission, extermination mission, I dunno. I have such a vague idea of what The Humanitarian wants. You good with guns?
ALEX
Guns? I can’t say I’ve fired too many. I suppose I can learn.
HUSTON
Yeah, we could work on that. Not sure if we have time right now.
ALEX
Why, are we in a rush?
HUSTON
Maybe, like I said, it all comes down to what top brass tells us. Everyone answers to someone here. I mean, you’ll probably answer to at least two other guys on your squad.
ALEX
That’s alright, I’m here to, you know, take care of business. Work over time.
HUSTON
(smiles weakly) Well that’s good. We usually weed out the non-team players. Give them the shit stick… (bumps into teenager holding several boxes) Jesus, Vincent! Watch yourself!
Alex helps Vincent pick up one of his boxes and then watches him on his way.
HUSTON
Well, at least you’re not one of those fucking kids. We have a few young’uns that we usually get stuck with while their parents serve as pilots or majors. Like Vincent. (smirks ruefully in Vincent’s direction) Well we’re here. (knocks sharply on the door) BEDNARCZYK! We got a live one!
O.S. VOICE
Hang on.
ALEX
Am I….
HUSTON
Yeah, they’re gonna probably strip you down, just as a precaution. Find out what languages you speak, military experience, basic shit like that. You’ll get a squad assigned, don’t worry they’ll show ya through. (thumps him on the back) Good luck Rob.
Huston walks off. Alex looks off before sighing, smiling to himself, and walking into the door. Scene fades out.
EXT – BOAT DECK – STILL MID-DAY
Scene fades into Alex walking onto the deck of the freighter holding a folder. Alex walks along the deck asking inaudible questions to various crew members. One of them points in the direction of a stout, balding man in his late 30’s leaning over the edge of the freighter. Alex walks up behind him.
ALEX
Excuse me, are you Tariq Bakir?
Takir turns around.
TARIQ
(jestingly) What’s it to ya?
ALEX
Rob Phillips. I’m now part of Squad C-10-4, um (looks at folder, laughs to self) Well, I’m gonna be part of your crew. (extends hand)
TARIQ
(shake’s Alex’s hand vigorously) All right, all right. You, uh, new?
ALEX
Joined just four days ago. Already met Harold McKinny, Captain Huston, a guy from the Monica kidnapping….
TARIQ
shit, that’s a hell of an introduction. Hey, walk with me. You’ve met the others on our squad, right?
ALEX
No, you’re the first.
TARIQ
Well then, let’s get to Rashad Krimani. He’s our leader.
ALEX
Is he one of the good people?
TARIQ
(laughs) Hell, we’re all the good people.
ALEX
Tariq, I’m gonna be honest with ya, I haven’t a clue as to what the hell is going on. What happened was some friend from prison sent me here and….
TARIQ
Well, I’ll level with ya, Rob. You go by Rob, right?
ALEX
I don’t…. care, it’s whatever.
TARIQ
Lemme put to ya this way. The world’s dug itself into a big shit hole, yeah?
ALEX
Yeah.
TARIQ
Well, we will be the ones to get it out of that hole. (beams brightly)
ALEX
How…. Exactly? That’s basically what Skinner told me and I still don’t have any idea as to what we actually do. The guy who assigned me just gave me a bunch of codes that he said Rashad would know.
TARIQ
What it takes man. If we gotta kill a million Americans to clean the air, it’ll happen. If we have to shut down all of China’s power to clean the water, we’re gonna get it done. We just have to get our orders from The Humanitarian. (sees Alex look confused) He’s like our boss, been in jail for public protest during the 60’s. Over the years he’s been uniting arms dealers, revolutionists, and the like to build into what we have today.
ALEX
(does a double take, but hides exasperation quickly) Well how big is it?
TARIQ
What, our organization? (Alex nods) Well, you’ll see it once we hit the island. Arthur McDermott, who’s this industrialist in the UK pays for much of our boats, copters, you know shit like that. He’s like Big H’s mouthpiece and keeps him out of investigation, so yeah, he’s a big guy to us.
ALEX
Why did you join?
TARIQ
….. I just have to take action. We have a pretty fucking awful decades coming up if we’re gonna drain this earth for all it’s got. And like I said, whatever it takes.
Two men are standing on the far side of the deck. Behind them in a helicopter with “Wind fucker” spray painted on the side. One is thin, mustachioed and has much more animated body language. The other is tall, crew-cutted, and muscular with a permanent grimace. Tariq and Alex approach them as the two men can be heard talking indistinctly about some current event.
TARIQ
Rashad! Hey, this is Robert Phillips, he’s our new member.
Rashad (the thin one) sizes him up and extends a weak handshake.
RASHAD
So. Can you fire a gun?
ALEX
I haven’t in some time……
RASHAD
Any flying experience?
ALEX
Not exactly….
Rashad frowns.
TARIQ
But hey, don’t worry, we can learn him as it goes along….
RASHAD
(sighs) Alright, we’ll, uh, find you something to do. God help us, if Vincent can hit a car from 300 feet up, you can. Hey, I’ll have to meet with you guys later, kay? (says this with an obvious distracted tone)
TARIQ
Alright, but hey, I’ll come by later.
Alex and Tariq start to turn around.
RASHAD
Rob! Hey! I want you to find me in an hour. Right here, got it?
ALEX
Sure, no problem.
The two walk off.
---------------------------------------------------------------
ALEX
Well he seemed friendly.
TARIQ
Heh. Rashad’s a real professional guy. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but I think he’sjust not a big fan of flying around in the copters, and doing the dirty work. I know he used to be one of those IT guys for some American phone company…
ALEX
(genuinely surprised) Really?
TARIQ
Yeah, don’t be surprised, a lot of us wouldn’t exactly fit in a Bond picture. I flunked out of medical school and became a trumpet player in Manhattan.
ALEX
And that’s where you were recruited for this?
TARIQ
I was doing real bad for a while. Behind on bills, living in a shithole apartment, tired of disappointing my wife and our son. I usually spill to our bartender and would for several months. Then one night he asks me what I wanted for the next few years. I wanted to be able to live somewhere safe, clean, and didn’t want to keep fighting for earn my keep. I told, I said I was just so close to the edge. I didn’t think I could find a way to make it all happen, that I was finished. Two nights later, he introduced me to a few members. They gave me the sales pitch, if you will. Within a few weeks I was fertilizing forests and beating coal miners in the desert. I may not know much about the Humanitarian. Not his name, his location, where he came from, or anything, but he knows what’s going down. And he knows what will happen if we don’t act, as soon and hard as we can.
ALEX
(awed and a little sickened) Wow. (beat) I joined from the advice of an old prison buddy. I was mostly a drifter before I came here, but that was only this week.
TARIQ
Seventeen months. It’s always someone who knows someone isn’t it? (grins) I can’t imagine how this got off the ground, but I gotta hand it to the Big H.
ALEX
Mmmm.
At this point they are watching the sea over the deck. Kitty corner, two men are skeet shooting, hollering and cheering at their firepower. Huston suddenly comes up from the top cabin.
HUSTON
Hey! Stop that! That’s enough! Don’t give us away or you’ll be fuc-
One of the men jokingly fires at the far side of the cabin, laughing at this very dangerous joke. Huston becomes enraged and pulls out a large pistol from his coat. The man drops his gun and fearfully races over to the other side of the boat where the life jackets are. Suddenly, the large man with Rashad jumps out of nowhere and pummels him to the ground.
SHOOTER
Hey, man! I was a fucking goof! Get the fuck offa me!
The large man smashes the shooter’s face into the deck until his cheek is cut open. Huston, still holding his gun, strides up and flips him over using only his foot.
HUSTON
Eli, watch him. I’m calling Ammer.
ELI
What do you need me for?
HUSTON
(shoots a quick shot into the shooter’s stomach) Keep the seagulls away.
Huston walks off calmly into the cabin. Nobody on the deck is looking at the body and Eli now except Alex. Eli stares at Alex but doesn’t give off anything threatening. Business resumes on the boat’s deck. Alex finally looks away from Eli and the body.
ALEX
Christ…..
TARIQ
Yeah, they don’t fuck around. We have plenty of people who join for bloodlust and sport. I mean, as long as they follow orders they can think whatever the fuck they want. That sort of mentality just makes me sick…..
ALEX
Mmmm. That guy going to be with us?
TARIQ
Eli? Yeah, I think so. He’s an alright guy, just very quiet. Don’t let the look fool you, you’d find Rashad a lot scarier. Well not too bad, just, you know…..
O.S. VOICE
Tariq! Tariq!
The camera turns to see Vincent, the kid from before, walking up to the two men. Vincent is walking with a somewhat limp, which wasn’t apparent the last time he was seen.
TARIQ
Rob, this is….
ALEX
Vincent (slaps Vincent jovially on the back). You okay? Sorry Captain Crunch and me bumped into you there.
VINCENT
Nah, nah, it’s….
TARIQ
Yeah, Vincent takes a lot of shit from us. Probably because he got an easy access pass due to his mom being a pilot for the China project. But we love him ju-
ALEX
Umm, China project?
VINCENT
Yeah, China and Japan are gonna get an assload of firepower from us. Just a total fucking leveling-off.
TARIQ
Christ, put it that way, you make us sound like murderers. (laughs heartily)
Alex doesn’t laugh but forces a sly smile.
ALEX
So (turns to Vincent) you, on with Tariq and I?
VINCENT
Sure am. You a good marksman?
ALEX
(laughs) God, no. No, but Tariq said I should pick up a few things on the job. Basic, well you know.
VINCENT
Mmm. Anybody got an idea as to when we’ll be hitting HQ?
TARIQ
Pssshhh….. Two, maybe three days? I don’t why we just don’t take copters, we can spare the fuel. (smiles)
VINCENT
You can bunk with us. You’d probably be on the floor, but it’d take out the awkwardness of finding out Yukio’s roommate. (sees Alex confused) Yukio was the guy who shot at Huston.
TARIQ
Mm’yeah, I always had such a bad feeling about that kid.
VINCENT
Eh, he wasn’t a bad guy. Just a little unglued.
TARIQ
Mmmm yeah….. Grab some grub?
The others nod in agreement. Fade out
Fade into Alex walking up the deck to find Rashad, who is doing maintenance around the helicopter.
ALEX
Hi, I was told you…
RASHAD
Yeah, yeah. (walks over, wiping his hands on a rag) Rob Phillips, right?
ALEX
Yeah, and you’re Rashad Krimani.
RASHAD
You got it. I am the leader of our little squad. It’s me, Tariq, Eli, who was with me earlier, Vincent, he’s our kid, don’t worry he’s fine, and we may be getting another, but that depends. We don’t get the squad roster finalized until we leave the island. So, you said you don’t have much experience with like firing and flying and military stuff?
ALEX
No sir.
RASHAD
The file Bednarcyzk gave me said you were a jailbird.
ALEX
Yes sir.
RASHAD
You don’t have to call me sir, it’s fine.
ALEX
Yes sir. (smiles)
RASHAD
(doesn’t return smile) Yes, well, it’s against regulation to have you handle any firearms on our first time out. Our first mission, you’ll have to do things like fetch ammunition so we can keep firing, bring water, watch for planes. We can show you how to fly the copter on some down time, but you’ll learn that before you fire a gun. You okay with this? I’m sorry that we can’t give you a better position but with having joined less than a week ago. You know….
ALEX
No, I understand. Say, do you know when we’ll reach the island?
RASHAD
It might be tomorrow night if weather’s good. Huston said conditions have been ideal.
ALEX
Alright. (beat) Well, it was nice to meet you (extends hand).
RASHAD
(shakes hand) Yeah, it… I hope you’re where you want to be. So, get comfortable with everyone and I’ll see you tomorrow night.
Scene fades out. Fades into
EXT – BOAT DECK – SUNSET
Tariq, Vincent and Alex are lounging on the deck of the boat. [ad-libbed ‘casual’ dialogue. Or we’ll write it later]
The sight of a large island appears on the distance. Some helicopters can be seen in the distance hovering around it. In the middle, past a semi-thick barrier of trees, some large buildings can be viewed. On the beaches in front, some armed men with jeeps stand still while behind them, past the trees, the bustle of people and machinery is seen. Alex looks in constrained awe.
VINCENT
Awright, awright.
HUSTON (over loudspeaker)
We’ll be arriving in an hour! Don’t pack up more than two days worth of belongings! The boat will be back by then after some routine searches.
TARIQ
(turns to Alex) This security getting on your nerves yet there Robby?
ALEX
Eh, what can you do…. (turns to see Rashad and Eli making their way towards them)
RASHAD
(to Alex) You ready?
CUT TO
ISLAND - NIGHT
The five men walking through a well-lit street, filled with men and women of all ages and ethnicities, carrying on various activities (walking, conversing, etc) in an unhurried, friendly manner. Alex looks up and around at the few buildings around (some are hangers for helicopters, others can be seen housing surpluses of weaponry) and various banners written in various languages (all will say different messages, work on that later). It looks almost like a small city, complete with paved roads, jeeps driving around, and proprietors dotted along the area. (However, men holding weapons in plain sight are in every frame of the city)
ALEX
(whispering to Tariq) Good Lord…… how did all this… (waves arms in outward fashion)
TARIQ
fuck knows. Well, I mean, this certainly wasn’t built in a month. Or hell, even a decade.
RASHAD
Well he did need to find this uncovered island first. But it took The Humanitarian nearly 25 years to build all of this. Mostly Arthur McDermott’s donations. (Begins to drift away from Vincent, Tariq and Alex. Eli follows.)
VINCENT
C’mon, I gotta pick up some cigarettes.
TARIQ
fuck no, I’m not having you blow that shit in my face all week. Rob, you smoke?
ALEX
Nah….
TARIQ
(claps Alex on the back) Good man.
A large, fairly new looking coliseum-like structure can be seen spotted in the distance in front of the men.
TARIQ
(pointing at it) Now see there, tonight, is where we’ll all find out what we have to do. Don’t worry. It’ll all make sense then, ‘cause I know we’ve been keeping ya in the dark for too long. (gives assuring look at Alex)
VINCENT
Well, whadya think, another Monica K type situation?
TARIQ
Word is it might be bigger than that.
VINCENT
Such as….. ?
TARIQ
I dunno, but we’re gonna get a big one soon.
Alex is looking around at all the buildings in an awe.
ALEX
Any idea where this place is?
TARIQ
Ummm…. Between California and Japan? (laughs vigorously) Go ask Huston, I have no fucking clue where most of this is or where it came from, and I’ve been here for damn near two years!
VINCENT
So yeah, the Atlantic.
TARIQ
Pacific, you dumbfuck.
Alex looks at the other two a bit intensely. The silence goes on for a bit too long.
TARIQ
So, anybody up for some food? I could go for some curry chicken, that is if Coolidge is still working the grills.
The others give their consent. The scene fades into
EXT – COLISEUM – NIGHT (1 AM)
Tariq, Alex, and Vincent making their way through a large crowd towards the coliseum. It’s a packed crowd, but not unmoving as the crowd seems eager to get in. Tariq and Vincent are waving and shaking hands with various friends and acquaintances as Alex leads in front, staring at the enormous sight. When they make it in, they see the sight of a good three thousand people all around the inside of the coliseum.
VINCENT
C’mon, they’re some seats over there (points to a direction on a much farther side).
The three amble over and Alex glances over at the platform in the middle. Skinner and two other men are standing in the center while various armed guards flank them. One of them is a large, statue-esque man in a tattered general’s uniform, the other a paunchy, though gaunt-faced man with white-blonde hair.
ALEX
Hey Tariq, should I have any idea who those two guys are (points in direction).
TARIQ
Who, the big guy and the German guy? (Alex nods) The big guy is Tunde, he was a general in the Tanzania People’s Defense Force, but now commands any of our armed troops. Not us though, since we’ll be in the helicopters, that’s more a few dozen commanders.
VINCENT
Scary Blonde Dude is Ammer. He’s known The Humanitarian the longest and he and Arthur McDermott, our “sponsor”, are probably the only one’s that know Big H’s true identity. Apparently they served jail time in the 70’s for radical protests, that sort of stuff. He’s usually the one who speaks for him although this is a special occasion. Maybe he’s here for crowd control. (grins) You wouldn’t want to piss him off, lemme tell ya.
ALEX
Have you ever met The Humanitarian before?
TARIQ
You mean see him? Nobody meets with him, there’s too much risk that his cover will be blown. But I mean, he’s just a guy like us. With a lot of ideas. He’s not some all-seeing, all knowing god or deity, he just needs to make sure he can keep doing what he’s doing, unabated.
Alex looks on as the crowd moves around him. The three find a row to sit in. Within a few seconds a deep booming voice comes over a P.A. system.
VOICE
Welcome all. Please find a seat so that we may begin our ceremony. For those who wish for a subtitled translation in Chinese, Hindi, Russian, or Arabic can seat themselves in the east side (shot shows large screen in front of the risers). Those who wish for a subtitled translation in Spanish, French, Japanese, or Subtitled English for the hard of hearing can seat themselves in the west side. (repeats in the various languages)
Rashad (carrying a file) and Eli appear behind the three men as the dialogue continues.
RASHAD
Hey, I have it.
ALEX
Have what?
ELI
(nonchalantly) Our instructions. The whole mission’s genocide.
Alex does a subtle double take. He looks up at Eli who seems to return the worried look. Tariq and Vincent look apprehensive.
VINCENT
How exactly….
Rashad picks his head up to see how much time he has to explain.
RASHAD
I guess I’ll have to explain it more later, but the gist of it is we have to go to Pennsylvania via copter. Break into one of the power plants, shut it down and kill as many people as we can. We have three other teams meeting us there, Marino, Tersavich, and Appiagyei. Supposedly, if everyone is in place, we can run amok and bounce out in under an hour.
Tariq looks at Rashad with an almost hungry look. Vincent fumbles a bit with his hands.
VINCENT
Are they fucking insane? I mean, just how can we get to…
TARIQ
Kill as many people… as what?
RASHAD
(interrupting) Look it’s easy to explain, but I don’t think…
VOICE
The ceremony has now begun.
RASHAD
fuck. Look, just….
Vincent and Tariq both just turn away and look at the stage. Alex looks fearful, but tries to stop his face from breaking. The whole stadium has gone dark, save for a powerful spotlight in the middle of the center stage. Tunde, Ammer, and Skinner can be seen seated amongst various uniformed individuals. Suddenly the crowd erupts into hysterics as a man holding a cane is inching towards the middle of the stage. He is THE HUMANITARIAN, an extremely elderly man in his 80’s-90’s (any ethnicity but maybe not British to avoid any British supervillian comparisons [unless we can cast Derek Jacobi]) in casual tie-less formal wear. He is unresponsive to the almost deafening noise around him and is helped to the center by Arthur McDermott, a well-dressed man possibly in his 60’s who has the air of a self-made billionaire. The camera does cut to Tariq, Vincent and Rashad clapping enthusiastically, if still retaining a grimace on their faces. Alex and Eli clap on the edges of the frame respectfully, but not passionately. Onstage Arthur can be seen trying to bring over a chair, but The Humanitarian rejects it. Arthur joins the other people behind him, and the Humanitarian continues to call for the crowd’s attention. The joyous, noisy cheering dies almost instantly as the people in the coliseum settle in eagerly. The sound of a microphone being fondled with is heard.
BIG H
…Is it on? Is it… (laughs) Artie, am I…?
ARTHUR (faintly)
Just a little higher.
BIG H
(amused by the situation) Alright, letsseehere…. (full volume) Is this good? (gives thumbs up sign)
The crowd breaks out in applause again.
VINCENT (to Alex)
My, he’s a spry fellow, no?
The crowd breaks into laughter as The Humanitarian continues to fumble with his microphone before finally getting it right again.