DESPERATE SIEGE: Action/Adventure Romance Drama - Completed Screenplay.
On the small Middle-Eastern island nation of Tamar, in the Persian
Gulf, lone Marine Lieutenant George Helm single-handedly defends an
American consulate against an overwhelming number of pro-Iraqui
terrorists. With over ninety minutes of non-stop action, this is a
story about the ultimate action/adventure hero who, with only a few weapons
and an undaunted sense of humor, takes on the worst group of evil
antagonists since the original Die Hard.
THE LONE HERO AGAINST COUNTLESS ODDS
" D E S P E R A T E S I E G E "
by
Patrick P. Stafford
FULL-LENGTH SCREENPLAY
An Action/Adventure Romance War Drama
For Motion Pictures
(Approximately 110-120 minutes in Length)
Patrick P. Stafford
4484 Sweet Stone Place
Las Vegas, NV 891477
(702) 873-1241
email: platonow.peoplepc.com
COPYRIGHTED (C) BY PATRICK P. STAFFORD
WGA 581714
“ D E S P E R A T E S I E G E “
Synopsis of Script
Not only from the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, but from the recent battlefields of Operation Iraqi Freedom and impoverished streets of Afghanistan, United States Marines for over two hundred years have served their country with courage and distinction.
This potentially low-budgeted action screenplay is a story about one such U.S. Marine, Lieutenant George Helm, who single-handedly and with unparalleled skill and daring defends an American diplomatic mission against a horde of fanatical terrorists.
In the beginning and while he is still an enlisted man, Lieutenant Helm earns two of his nation's highest awards for valor and duty when he single-handedly thwarts a terrorist attack while serving on a marine color guard detail at Arlington National Cemetery.
The perpetrators of the heinous attack, members of a splintered terrorist organization called "The Wrath of Allah," are part of a more sinister plot. The organization and its leader, Siad Abdulle Sahliem, are headquartered in the newly formed island nation of Tamar located in the Persian Gulf. A small band of Siad's men, including his brother Mohammed Sahliem, had come to America and to Arlington's hallowed grounds to disrupt and desecrate the funeral of Ambassador Porter, and to bring recognition to their fanatical cause.
Ambassador Porter, under whom Helm had served on a recent diplomatic mission to Tamar, was instrumental in securing the island nation's sovereignty and establishing diplomatic relations between it and the United States. Siad and his Wrath of Allah organization, outraged and still smarting over the humiliating defeat he and his Arab brothers recently suffered in Iraq's war against American coalition forces, desire Tamar and its people to be restored as a nation similar to Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
After he is awarded his prestigious medals and promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant, George Helm is volunteered to return to Tamar to assist in the opening of the small, newly-constructed American consulate, and to serve there for a short period of time with his small detachment of marines, until the legation can be fully staffed.
After two days in-country and while essentially on duty alone at the consulate in Tamar, Helm is attacked by Siad and his small army of terrorists who lay siege to the American legation. Though minimally aided by those caught inside the consulate building with him, including the attractive and intelligent Italian receptionist, Anna De Vincio (with whom he falls in love), Helm by and large defends the entire three-level building all by himself, his companions being more of a liability than an asset.
This entire scenario of action-packed events--comprising almost three fourths of the story--commences after about thirty minutes of character and plot development have been fully set into place. These almost non-stop action sequences see Helm utilizing every conceivable weapon at his disposal (even including his officer's sword!) in order to keep the terrorists at bay and from overrunning or destroying the consulate.
From the basement to the roof and from floor to floor, Helm must battle insurmountable odds while almost having to be everywhere at once and constantly calling upon every last ounce of skill, courage and imagination at his disposal in order to defeat an overwhelming enemy. In the process, our hero will kill scores of Siad's men, destroy numerous vehicles (including a jeep and a tank!) as well as successfully repel repeated grenade attacks and massive frontal assaults made upon the consulate building.
While the U.S. Marine Corps is unquestionably one of the most famous military organization in the world, U.S. Marines, both collectively and individually, continue to earn the respect and admiration of all the world. This action/adventure yarn, interwoven with humor, suspense and romance, and concurrent with ongoing world events and the ongoing popularity of the Marines, is timely and should be well-received.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Lieutenant George Helm Anna De Vincio
Siad Abdulle Sahliem Abdi Hahmid
Sergeant Johnson Sergeant Pelford
Brig. General Agnew Steve Fisher
Corporal Horn Tony De Vincio
British Consul, Mr. Ray Joan
SUPPORTING CAST
Commandant Reed Aide to Commandant
Tom Blackman Karen Hope
Siad's Terrorists Two Tamarian Guards
Other Hostages Tamarian Embassy Driver
Personnel at Awards Ceremony Marine Band
Spectators at Award Ceremony Marine Color Guard
French Stewardesses Master Sergeant
Marine Jeep Driver Other Marines in Jeep
APC Driver Other Marines at End
AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Defense Secretary Hanley Secretary of State
Marine Color Guard Marine Bugler
Florist Driver Terrorist Terrorist Passenger
Mohammed Sahliem Mourners at Grave Site
Other Terrorists Plain Clothes Security Men
News Reporter Camera Crew
Defense Secretary's Wife Medical Personnel
Other Podium VIP's Victims at Grave Site
Sergeant Kommer Civilian & Military Police
SETTING OF STORY
First at Arlington National Cemetery and Camp Henderson, Virginia, and then the rest of story on the island nation of Tamar, located in the Persian Gulf.
DESCRIPTION OF MAIN CHARACTERS
LIEUTENANT GEORGE HELM -- Main Protagonist: twenty-eight years of age, with blond hair, tanned complexion and athletic build. He is over six feet in height, laconic in speech, but having a keen sense of humor and easy-going nature. Helm is an expert with all military weapons, including the use of the saber. Archetype actor: Michael Biehn, Keanua Reeves or Mel Gibson.
ANNA DE VINCIO -- Main Protagonist: twenty-five years of age, about five-feet five inches in height, with long, dark hair, and having a recent suntan. Anna has an innocent, naive kind of beauty. She speaks excellent English and has an ebullient disposition and outgoing nature. Though very feminine in appearance, she has an air of self-confidence and keen intelligence which help to transform her on occasion, into a person capable of appropriate violence. Archetype actor: Kristy Swanson, Meg Ryan, Lea Thompson or Penelope Ann Miller.
BRITISH CONSUL MR. RAY -- Main Supporting Role: a frail-looking, slender man in his late fifties, with a pale complexion and booming voice, about six-feet three inches tall. With a heavy British accent and cynical sense of humor, Mr. Ray is a nervous- looking type of person, who often appears on the edge of hysteria. Archetype actor: Peter O’Tool or John Hurt.
SIAD ABDULLE SAHLIEM -- Main Antagonist: a swarthy-looking, muscular built Arab, in his early forties, with thick, black hair and sinewy arms, whose overall appearance is one of stoic malevolence. Archetype actor: Alan Rickman.
ABDI HAHMID -- Second Antagonist: a huge Arab, about six-feet five inches in height, broad and muscular in build, with a thick black mustache and unshaven face who is as nearly evil in demeanor as Siad Abdulle Sahliem.
CORPORAL HORN -- Supporting Role: youngest of the marines, about twenty-two years of age, of slender build, shorter than six-feet in height, he has an innocent and rather naive manner about him.
SERGEANT JOHNSON -- Supporting Role: an Afro-American, about twenty-four years old and the same height as Helm. He is conservative in appearance, of muscular build, quick-witted and loquacious.
SERGEANT PELFORD -- Supporting Role: a Caucasian American from the deep South, slightly taller than Horn, with black hair and light skin, Pelford also has an easy-going but professional manner about him.
STEVE FISHER -- Supporting Role: a pale-looking, skinny man with beady eyes and sweaty complexion, who has a whining type of voice and arrogant posture about him; is about five-feet eight inches in height with thick curly brown hair.
TONY DE VINCIO -- Supporting Role: Anna's boyish-looking younger brother, about twenty years old, only slightly taller than she, with blonde hair and fair complexion, he has a quiet, unassuming manner about him.
COMMANDANT REED -- Minor Role: the stern, all-American looking type of senior marine officer, about fifty-five years of age, and short and stocky in build, but with rugged features.
GENERAL AGNEW -- Supporting Role: a white-haired, distinguished looking U.S. Army officer, about six-feet two inches tall, of slender build and half Caucasian and half Afro-American; Agnew has a friendly manner but serious disposition about him as well as an air of authority in his voice.
JOAN, RAY'S ASSISTANT -- Minor Role: a middle-aged British matron, eight inches shorter than Ray but similar in complexion and of a nervous disposition, she is quiet, capable and unassuming.
END OF MAIN CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
LOG LINE
DESPERATE SIEGE: Action/Adventure Romance Drama - Completed Screenplay.
On the small Middle-Eastern island nation of Tamar, in the Persian Gulf, lone Marine Lieutenant George Helm single-handedly defends an American consulate against an overwhelming number of pro-Iraqi terrorists. With over ninety minutes of non-stop action, this is a story about the ultimate action/adventure hero who, with only a few weapons and an undaunted sense of humor, takes on the worst group of evil antagonists since the original “Die Hard.”
FADE IN:
EXT. - EARLY MORNING - WASHINGTON, D.C.
From an overhead view of Washington, D.C. and the Potomac River.
EXT. - ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY - FRONT ENTRANCE
The camera pans over the front entrance to the cemetery. A hundred yards inside the cemetery, a large florist truck is seen driving along a narrow paved road. Its driver and passengers are seen to be Arabs and are armed with automatic weapons.
EXT. - INSIDE THE CEMETERY, AT FUNERAL SITE OF AMBASSADOR PORTER
About thirty mourners, consisting of civilians and military personnel, are seated on fold-out chairs before an open grave and the flag-draped casket suspended above it. Before them is a podium where the Marine Commandant, the Secretary of State and other dignitaries are seated. The Secretary steps to the podium to deliver the eulogy.
Nearby, standing at attention, is GEORGE HELM and his burial detachment of nine marines. One of his men holds a bugle, and waits to play taps at the end of the ceremony. A sparse scattering of trees dots the scene.
EXT. - LEFT FOREGROUND OF THE BURIAL SITE
In the far left foreground stands a news reporter holding a microphone. His two camera crew members are filming him while he talks in a modulated tone.
NEWS REPORTER
I am standing on the hallowed grounds of
Arlington National Cemetery, the final
resting place for America's military heroes.
(glances over his shoulder)
Today, former marine colonel and ambassador
at large, Howard Porter, is being laid to rest
only five days after succumbing to a sudden
heart attack after successfully concluding a
diplomatic mission to the newly-formed island
nation of Tamar in the Persian Gulf.
EXT. - THE FLORIST TRUCK IS SEEN
The florist truck is seen approaching the burial site from an adjacent paved road.
EXT. - THE NEWS REPORTER CONTINUES HIS NEWS PIECE
NEWS REPORTER
Among those in attendance, besides family
and close friends, are some of the Government's
top brass, including the Secretary of State,
Defense Secretary Hanley and the Commandant
of the Marine Corps, General Reed.
A rifle volley is heard from the grave site.
NEWS REPORTER
(turning back to the camera)
Eh...now the marine guard has commenced
the ceremonial twenty-one gun salute!
The marine detail is seen firing its second volley. The Secretary of State and those beside him, including the group of mourners, are all standing, facing the marines and the flag-draped casket. Sergeant Helm stands at attention, his NCO sword held at salute above his chest, the blade centered across his face and pointed upward.
EXT. - THE FLORIST TRUCK PULLS TO A STOP
The truck is seen halting on the paved road about thirty yards from the burial site. The plain clothed security man emerges from a coppice of trees and approaches the truck. As he draws near, the driver shoots him as he and his men exit the truck and begin running towards the burial site.
EXT. - AT THE BURIAL SITE
The sound of the automatic gunfire is heard by Helm. He immediately orders the marine detail to shoulder arms before they fire their third and last ceremonial volley of blanks. More gunfire is heard. The terrorists emerge from the trees.
EXT. - THE NEWS REPORTER
NEWS REPORTER
Wait!...Something is happening!...Armed
men have entered the cemetery and...
EXT. - AT THE BURIAL SITE - IN A QUICK BLUR OF ACTION
Two approaching terrorists fire their weapons. Four marines are cut down, while the fifth draws his pistol and is able to return fire and kill one of the terrorists. Helm is seen sprinting over to the podium shouting and throwing his body over the Defense Secretary, his wife and the Marine Commandant--knocking all three persons to the ground.
The fifth marine is killed. The sixth marine, lying prone, kills two other terrorists with his forty-five. The remaining three terrorists are seen kneeling in front of the trees, firing bursts from their machine guns and reloading. Most of the mourners have thrown themselves to the ground for cover. A woman and child are seen being shot. An elderly man, attempting to run from the scene, is shot in the back and falls over some chairs.
Helm pulls out his forty-five, chambers a round, and then grabs his NCO sword lying near him and leaps to his feet. The Secretary of State is seen crouching helpless near the front of the podium. Helm runs to him and drags him behind the podium for cover.
The three terrorists continue firing as they near the burial site. One terrorist aims his weapon at the marine bugler lying on the grass before him. The marine attempts to wrestle the weapon from the terrorist but is shot dead.
Helm runs across the distance separating him from the three terrorists. At arm's length from the first, he karate kicks the terrorist in the shin then shoots him in the face at point-blank range. The terrorist turns from the bugler to face Helm. But Helm takes quick aim and kills him.
The last terrorist, the leader, whose name is MOHAMMED SAHLIEM, finishes firing a volley at the mourners and is in the act of reloading a fresh clip into his gun. Helm rushes him and knocks the weapon from his hands with his sword. Sahliem pulls out a long, curved knife and stabs Helm in the left shoulder. Helm staggers back, trips over the body of a dead terrorist behind him and falls to the ground. Sahliem leaps at Helm and directs a blow at the prostrate marine, attempting to stab him in the chest. Helm blocks the knife thrust with his marine sword, which cuts deep into the terrorist's wrist.
Sahliem falls backward in pain the same instant Helm thrusts his sword through the front of his neck. The sword is left protruding from the terrorist's throat, and for a moment, while towering over the fallen marine, Sahliem struggles to remove the sword with his free hand. Failing this, he raises the knife he is still holding in his other hand and prepares to stab Helm. Helm quickly grabs the .45 lying next to him and at point-blank range empties the clip into his dying attacker. The impact from the rounds hurls Sahliem violently backward and to the ground.
EXT. - THE CAMERA PANS UP FROM HELM OVER THE ENTIRE SCENE
EXT. - THE NEWS REPORTER
The news reporter and his camera crew are seen nearby crouched behind a nearby tree, reporting and filming the entire bloody scene.
NEWS REPORTER
Oh my God! Armed men...apparently terror-
ists...have just killed a number of people
using automatic weapons....And...and some of
the marine color guard, from all appearances,
have subdued them...I believe...and...Ladies
and gentlemen, this is unprecedented! Our
eyewitness news team has brought it to you
live!
(slowing standing up)
Just moments ago, during the funeral ceremony
of Ambassador Porter, armed terrorists...
EXT. - COMMANDANT AND DEFENSE SECRETARY RUSH OVER TO HELM
HANLEY
Helm! Are you wounded bad?
HELM
(attempting to sit up)
Too early to tell. But obviously not as bad
as others here!
COMMANDANT REED
(kneeling beside Helm)
You'll be amply rewarded, Marine! I
promise you!
HELM
I'm glad I wasn't the only jarhead who came
loaded with live ammo!
HANLEY
Thank God you did! You've saved us all!
Helm looks past them, to the area of fold-out chairs where a number of bodies--including a child and two women--lay dead.
HELM
Not everyone, sir.
They follow his view and then mirror his expression of horror and regret. To their right the Secretary of State helps Hanley's wife to her feet. Police sirens are heard.
We see Hanley and Reed helping Helm to his feet. Helm immediately leaves them and rushes over to one of the slain marines. He turns the body over to recognize the face of his best friend, Sergeant Kommer.
HELM
(holding his friend in his arms)
I got 'em for you, buddy! Every last
one of them!
Reed walks up behind him and places a hand on Helm's shoulder.
HELM (continuing)
And the rest of 'em that's responsible for this.
I swear it!
COMMANDANT REED
Come on, marine. Let's get you to a hospital.
The camera pans above them. We see civilian and military police arriving on the scene and the reporter and his crew surveying the scene. Seconds later, medical and security personnel are seen entering the area and attending to the wounded and slain.
CUT TO:
EXT. - THE REPORTER AND HIS CREW STAND NEAR THEIR NEWS TRUCK
NEWS REPORTER
(to one of the camera crew)
I told you this was a good beat! Didn't I!
I knew it! Sooner or later, they'd be some
action on this funeral beat. I told you!
Man! What a story! And we got it first!
An ambulance pulls up in front of the news truck and we see medical personnel load the bodies of a child and woman on stretchers into the back. The News Reporter stares tight lip at this for a second, then shakes it off and enters the truck. The camera pans away overhead from the entire scene.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. - THE PARADE DECK AT HENDERSON HALL IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, MAIN CREDITS BEGIN
A marine band is seen marching and playing "Semper Fidelis." Between the marching band and viewing stand of onlookers are Helm, the Commandant in front of him and a company of marines and four-man color guard at attention behind him. A marine aide stands beside Commandant Reed, holding a silk cushion upon which are laid awards about to be given Helm. The marines are wearing dress blue uniforms.
Under the main credits we see Marine Commandant Reed pinning First Lieutenant bars on Helm's shirt collars and both men exchanging salutes. The band plays a quick fanfare and drum roll, and comes to a sudden stop. Then Helm is awarded a Purple Heart, and the Navy Cross for valor.
Seconds later the band starts playing the Marine Corps Hymn. From an overhead shot, Helm and Reed are seen marching from the parade deck toward a building about thirty yards to the right of them. MAIN CREDITS COMPLETED.
COMMANDANT REED
(as they march side by side)
Personally, I tried to get you the Medal
of Honor. But unfortunately, or perhaps I
should say, fortunately, I did not succeed.
You survived the terrorist attack!
HELM
Circumstances beyond my control, sir!
COMMANDANT REED
Highly unlikely, Lieutenant! I saw your
every action with that sword and .45! You
looked like a cross between Errol Flynn and
John Wayne! If only all my marines fought
so well!
HELM
They do, sir. As they always have.
They near the entrance to the officers' club on the base.
COMMANDANT REED
(stopping at the entrance)
Well, here's something to make up for
missing out on the big one...
Reed removes a folded piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to Helm. We see the marine guard execute a change of direction and march back to the parade deck in the background.
HELM
These are change of command orders, sir.
COMMANDANT REED
That's right, Lieutenant. We need you back
in Tamar. A-S-A-P.
HELM
Well, sir. I guess a marine’s got to go
where he’s needed!
COMMANDANT REED
Oh hell, son! You not only saved my life and
so many others, but you saved the State
State Department a lot of grief too. If not
If not for you, there'd be hell to pay!
(about to enter the club)
But first, a little wine and dining before
we send you off packing!
The two men enter the officers club and we CUT TO:
EXT. - MORNING - OVERLOOKING THE ISLAND NATION OF TAMAR IN THE
PERSIAN GULF - A SUPERIMPOSED CAPTION READS:
ONE WEEK LATER
EXT. - SAME MORNING - OVERHEAD SHOT OF THE CAPITAL CITY OF EL
HARAD - ANOTHER SUPERIMPOSED CAPTION IS SHOWN:
EL HARAD, CAPITAL OF THE ISLAND NATION
OF TAMAR, IN THE PERSIAN GULF
Tamar is an Arab nation, and El Harad is every bit typical--in the architectural style of its buildings and dress of its people, to its market places and automobiles--of large metropolises in that region of the world.
The camera pans over the city, over mosques and brick dwellings, a marketplace and some dirt roads, to the center of the city to where its main four-lane, paved highway is located and bustling with traffic and activity.
The camera pans in, past a number of buildings built in the late 1950's, to the American Consulate where at the front entrance hangs the United States Emblem. The building is three floors in height, and the American flag is seen flying from top of a twenty-foot flag pole located on the front roof of the building.
Directly across the street from the Embassy is a two-story building of equal size. The first floor of this building is a cafe with a row of windows facing the street and two slender wooden doors serving as its entrance. Hung over this entrance is a wooden plaque with an Arabic inscription carved into it, which reads:
" WRATH OF ALLAH "
The camera pans from the American consulate, across the four-lane street, to the front of the "Wrath of Allah" building.
INT. - INSIDE THE "WRATH OF ALLAH" BUILDING
We see the first floor cafe with its tables and chairs and a long bar on one side. At the back are staircases leading to a cellar and the second floor. CUT TO:
INT. - INSIDE THE CELLAR
SIAD ABDULLE SAHLIEM
(in a hateful tone, speaking in English)
Even as we sit here, like beaten dogs, turned out
of our homes, the cursed Americans and their
assassin marines are on their way here! Here!
Before our very noses!
ABDI HAHMID
What of the one called Helm, mighty Siad?
FIRST TERRORIST
Yes, the one who slew our brethren at their
infamous graveyard?
SIAD
He too is among them! The arrogant cur!
(removes his kukri and brandishes it)
His blood shall mix with the blood of all those
who have spoiled and defiled the rivers of our
land. The Kuwaitis and the Persian dogs to the
north. And our imperialist enemies to the west!
ABDI HAHMID
But great Siad, how? And when?
SIAD
How, is not important. When...will be soon!
(slamming the blade into a newspaper
clipping of Helm)
And the marine jackal shall experience the
wrath of my blade as I send the infidel back to
the imperialist cesspool from whence he came!
(regaining his composure)
Now, brothers. Hear what Allah has ordained!
Siad, his manner changing to one of stoic certitude and quiet control, leans over the table to speak in whispers to his zealous companions.
CUT TO:
EXT. - THAT SAME DAY - FROM HIGH UP WE SEE THE COMMERCIAL AIRLINE WHICH IS CARRYING LIEUTENANT HELM AND THE AMERICAN LEGATION TO TAMAR
INT. - INSIDE THE COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
From the front, the camera pans through the interior of the aircraft, and past where General Agnew and members of the American legation and other passengers are seated. Elsewhere in the plane we see Helm seated in a row of seats by himself, next to a window. He is asleep. A voice is heard on the plane intercom, informing passengers to fasten seat belts, that the plane is going to shortly land. The sound stirs Helm awake and we see him remembering the recent debriefing provided him by General Agnew.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - FLASHBACK: INSIDE A MILITARY DEBRIEFING ROOM
A viewing screen is seem at the back of the room and a movie projector across from it. General Agnew, Commandant Reed and the British Counsel to Tamar, Mr. Ray, are seated to the right and Helm, by himself on the other side. Three marines enter.
AGNEW
I'm sure you are acquainted with Sergeants
Johnson and Pelford and Corporal Horn.
HELM
You guys going back too!
Sergeant Johnson is the first to greet Helm.
JOHNSON
Yes sir, Lieutenant.
(smiling at Helm's bars)
HORN
We couldn't let you get all the glory, could
we, Sarge...I mean, sir!
HELM
(smiles at Horn)
Never mind the rank!
PELFORD
But sir! Another four months without booze
or women!
AGNEW
You can survive another short tour of duty,
Sergeant, until the regular, full-time staff is
chosen and sent to replace you.
(motions them to be seated)
In the meantime, it's imperative you are
briefed on the current situation in Tamar.
After everyone is seated, the lights are turned off and the movie projector is activated. Still photographs are shown from the projection machine. The first is a wide shot photo of the aftermath at Arlington National Cemetery.
AGNEW
As you know, no terrorist organization claimed
responsibility for the attack at Arlington.
The next photo is of Mohammed Sahliem, lying on a slab in the morgue.
AGNEW (continuing)
But this man we have conclusively identified as
Mohammed Sahliem...whom the Lieutenant...
lethally dispatched!
The next photo is of Siad Abdulle Sahliem.
AGNEW (continuing)
He is or was the brother of this man, Siad
Abdulle Sahliem, leader of "The Wrath of
Allah," the Tamarian and Iraqi terrorist
organization headquartered in El Harad,
which...you may recall...is located across
the street from the American Consulate.
Another photograph is shown; this one, a frontal view of the Wrath of Allah building.
AGNEW
Well, the consulate is refurbished and ready to
be manned. Your tour of duty there will be
until the regular staff arrives in-country about
eight weeks from now. Special defensive
measures and security equipment have already
been installed to assist you in your mission.
Another photograph is shown of Siad Abdulle Sahliem. Helm leans forward in his chair to more closely view the photograph.
HELM
So! We know the enemy...!
HORN
(smiling staunchly)
And he is ours!
The camera pans in to a close-up of Siad's photo; his face fills the entire screen.
END OF FLASHBACK, DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - BACK INSIDE HELM'S AIRPLANE
He is wide awake and seen gazing out his window while fastening his seat belt. We hear Agnew's voice, as it is heard inside Helm's mind:
AGNEW
Ambassador Porter dedicated his life to
our country. It was his dream to see
stability restored and good relations
established in Tamar. It will be your
job to see that his dream is fulfilled.
CUT TO:
EXT. - THE AIRPLANE IS SEEN LANDING AT EL HARAD AIRPORT.
INT. - INSIDE THE AIRPORT TERMINAL
General Agnew and other passengers enter the terminal from the tarmac outside. Following him are Mr. Ray, and his assistant, Joan; then the two Information Bureau personnel, Tom Blackman and Karen Hope; and lastly, Helm and his three marines.
EXT. - OUTSIDE, IN THE FRONT OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL, WHERE
TAXIS AND OTHER TRANSPORT VEHICLES AWAIT
A Volkswagen bus pulls up in front, and General Agnew and the others are seen boarding as a Tamarian driver and his companion load luggage in the rear of the vehicle. General Agnew enters the bus last, and shortly thereafter, the driver and his companion return to the driver's compartment, and we hear:
AGNEW
Take us to the compound, please.
TAMARIAN EMBASSY DRIVER
Yes, Effendi!
JOHNSON
(smiling at Pelford)
And that's the only good thing about this
place! We're all called masters and treated
like kings...
PELFORD
But regarded as Martians from outer space!
HELM
Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Your manners!
Remember, diplomacy and above all, discre-
tion! With tongue in cheek, we come to
praise Caesar. Not to bury him!
JOHNSON
But that's not the way Mark Anthony said it!
The autobus drives from the terminal. In the distance, about two miles off, we can see the Arab skyline of El Harad.
CUT TO:
EXT. - OUTSIDE THE AMERICAN CONSULATE - EARLIER THAT SAME DAY
We see a full view of the consulate building, then:
CUT TO:
INT. - INSIDE THE AMERICAN CONSULATE
Inside is a ten-by-ten foot vestibule; beyond this a bullet-proof counter and large oak desk and switchboard. A hallway leads through the lobby and past the reception/switchboard area to a doorway located at the far end. To the right of the switchboard area is a marble staircase leading to the second floor. This staircase travels about thirty steps up, then turns left where, past a small landing, is another six ascending steps and the second floor.
On the first floor are hallways leading left and right of the entrance way to front offices in the building.
Main Character ANNA DE VINCIO is seen seated behind the reception desk and switchboard. Across from her, near the front door, are two Tamarian guards, armed with old Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolvers. Anna's brother, TONY DE VINCIO, enters from the hallway behind the reception/ switchboard area.
TONY
(leans on the counter, and in Italian)
Good morning!
ANNA
(in English)
Good morning, Tony!
TONY
(in English)
The other Americans are arriving today.
ANNA
Si, I know. I missed them last time they
were here.
TONY
You were in Rome enjoying the good life!
ANNA
The good life? Studying all day at the
University and working every night. No
I don't think so, mi fattello!
TONY
Well, what do you think about meeting the
Marines? I hear they are and the best
looking men in their country.
ANNA
You have been watching too many American
films. They are loud and conceited and call
every woman “baby!”
Just then Siad Abdulle Sahliem enter the lobby. The two Tamarian guards stand and address him in Arabic, while checking him for weapons at the entrance. Tony completes his conversation with Anna and returns to the hallway in the back.
Siad meekly holds his I.D. for the two guards. They approve him and he strolls through the lobby to the reception desk and makes careful note of his surroundings.
ANNA
Do you speak English or Italian?
SIAD
Yes, English.
ANNA
Good morning then. How may I help you?
SIAD
Ah, I see you speak English. But you
are Italian?
ANNA
Yes. I speak many languages. Now, how
may I help you?
SIAD
(staring at her)
I thought maybe I could get a visa to go to
America. I am a carpenter and...well trained.
(extends his passport to her)
ANNA
(waving the passport aside)
We're not fully staffed yet. And immigration
applications are not being considered until
some weeks from now when the consulate
is fully operational.
SIAD
I see.
Siad surveys the doorway behind Anna, and the hallway further beyond.
ANNA
(noticing his reconnoitering)
I hope you will return at that time.
SIAD
(backing up to inspect the stairway)
Yes..yes...of course.
ANNA
Good day then. Hope to see you again.
SIAD
(smiling back with subtle entendre)
Yes. As I do you!
Siad slowly turns to exit the consulate, pausing once or twice to inspect the hallways to his right and left, and smiling at the two Tamarian guards as he exits through the thick iron door to the street beyond. At that moment, Tony reenters the reception area from the back and sees the back of Siad as he exits the building.
TONY
Ah, your first clientele.
ANNA
(Smiling up at him)
You mean first client? I hope not!
(a concerned expression)
Something's wrong about that persona.
TONY
Was he Tamarian?
ANNA
Yes. I think so.
TONY
Well, all of them have been the same
since the war in Kuwait.
She acknowledges him as they both begin sorting mail.
CUT TO:
EXT. - OUTSIDE, NEAR THE FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE CONSULATE
Outside the consulate, we see Siad quickly striding down the street in a direction east of the front of the building. He returns his faceband around his lower face and looks to see if anyone is watching him.
Coming to where the sidewalk stops at the end of the building and quickly turning left, Siad enters a wide alley between the east side of the consulate and the building on the next block over.
The consulate is fifty yards in depth and, as Siad comes to the end of the alley and building, he turns left again and enters the back street running behind the consulate. He is seen walking about and inspecting the circumference of the building.
Siad completes his walk around the building and enters the street from the other side of the consulate. He gazes up the whole front of the building where there is a row of four evenly-spaced windows on either side of the entrance, both on the second and third floors (comprising 16 windows in all).
Siad's transient gaze fixes finally on the flag pole and to the banner fling proudly atop its staff. Before crossing the street he pauses to remove his face band and spit in the direction of the U.S. flag. He then continues across the street and down the alley adjacent the Wrath of Allah building where he enters through a side door.
CUT TO:
EXT. - THE INTERNATIONAL COMPOUND, K-7
INT. - INSIDE THE MARINE QUARTERS AT THE AMERICAN COMPOUND,
ON THE SECOND FLOOR - LATER THAT AFTERNOON
The camera pans through the front door of the dwelling and we see Helm and General Agnew sitting at a bar inside. They are drinking sodas and we hear the other marines in the house, unloading their gear and acclimating themselves to their new quarters.
AGNEW
The British Consul's giving a little party
tonight at his residence next door. Most
of the diplomatic community should be
there. I hope you and your men will be
able to attend.
HELM
(standing as Agnew gets up)
We'll all be there, sir. Here, let me help
you with those.
AGNEW
(lifting the three bags up)
No. That's all right. I can use the exercise.
My quarters are topside. I'm sure I've got
a lovely view of the desert.
HELM
(smiling at him)
And of the camel caravans beyond!
AGNEW
Right! See you this evening, Lieutenant.
HELM
Yes sir.
Helm walks over to peer out a window behind the bar. He sees Anna De Vincio, dressed in a one-piece bathing suit, swimming laps in a swimming pool. Helm stares at her, noticing her beauty and athletic figure, until she suddenly stops at one end of the pool to look glaringly up at him. He smiles and waves, then turns away after she does not return his friendly gesture. He grabs another soda and leaves the room, saying to himself:
HELM
Time to get acclimated...No, make that
reacclimated...to the desert oasis of
beautiful El Harad!
CUT TO:
EXT. - VIEW OF THE AMERICAN COMPOUND, LATER THAT EVENING
INT. - INSIDE THIS DWELLING, ON THE SECOND FLOOR LANDING,
BEFORE AN APARTMENT DOOR
We hear semi-classical music emanating from inside the apartment. Helm and his three marines, dressed in formal civilian attire, climb the stairs and stand outside the door to the apartment. Helm knocks once and immediately Mr. Ray's assistant, opens the door.
JOAN
(in a British accent)
Oh! The marines have landed!
She grabs Helm's arm and ushers the four of them inside.
INT. - INSIDE RAY'S APARTMENT
JOAN (continuing)
You're in luck, gentlemen, there are a number
of French stewardesses in town on stop-over.
She leads them to where the four women in question are seated.
JOHNSON
(to Pelford)
Who said this wasn't the greatest duty
station north of Uruguay?
PELFORD
Not me. I never made such a comparison!
HELM
Hey, try to behave yourselves and take
some prisoners!
JOHNSON
Sir, does that include French Nationals?
Johnson smiles down at the four seated stewardesses, who smile up at him and his two fellow marines.
HELM
(while walking away)
Even if they're French Legionnaires!
Joan leads Helm to a larger sitting room where General Agnew, Mr. Ray and Tom Blackman are standing in a group.
MR. RAY
Jolly good. Our marine guards have made
it in one piece.
Mr. Ray, holding a martini in his hand, appears inebriated.
MR. RAY (continuing)
(takes Helm by the arm)
That's good, Joan, dear. I have the
Lieutenant.
HELM
(greeting Agnew and Blackman)
General. Mr. Blackman.
They both smile and nod as Ray leads Helm to a verandah outside.
EXT. - THE VERANDAH
MR. RAY
What say you, marine? Do we belong in this
God-forsaken country? Or what?
HELM
Well...
MR. RAY
It's my last post, you understand. Someone
like me always gets sent to some backward
stretch of the imagination like this. I don't
really mind it, you know. At least I'm safe
from my philandering wife!
HELM
Yes sir.
MR. RAY
(leaning on Helm)
Something's in the air, I tell ya. I can feel
it in my old, Cambridge bones! I don't
like the look of things.
Helm helps Ray over to the French doorway that leads back into the main sitting room.
HELM
Sir, can I get you anything?
MR. RAY
(removing his arm from Helm's hand)
Yes...you can get me something...
(in an annoyed tone)
You can get me another martini and
another assignment. To India or Australia.
Anywhere in the world...as long as I'm not
in this bloody molten desert!
HELM
Perhaps you should sit down, sir.
MR. RAY
(leans towards Helm)
Watch yourself, my boy! Some trouble is
about to happen! I just know it! The Arabs
are as inscrutable as the Chinese!
HELM
(in a serious tone)
We do have a job to perform, sir. And we
haven't even gotten past the first day!
MR. RAY
The first day! In this hopeless world?
HELM
Certainly it's a better world we live in.
MR. RAY
Right oh. But for whom?
HELM
(helping him inside the room)
For everyone who's a little more civilized
and peace-loving than before?
INT. - THE COCKTAIL PARTY INSIDE
MR. RAY
You're an officer now, Lieutenant, but
still a military man. I don't expect you to
understand. When the diplomats and
peacemongers foul up, the warmongers
are waiting to clean up after us. Isn't it
you Yanks who coined the phrase "Send
in the Marines"?
HELM
No sir, I think it was Winston Churchill.
Anyway, we're here, sir!
MR. RAY
(smiling at Helm, dubiously)
You're way too optimistic, Lieutenant, for
this climate.
Ray stumbles from Helm and joins a group of guests elsewhere at the party.
Twenty or thirty additional guests have arrived by this time and are mingling about in Ray's living room. The music has changed to light rock 'n roll which is barely heard above the numerous conversations engaging throughout the house.
EXT. - OUTSIDE ON THE VERANDAH
Helm walks over to lean upon the railing. Sunset has come and the area below him is illuminated from the various Klieg lights placed in key positions about the compound. He removes a cigarette lighter from his coat and begins flicking it on and off. From the shadows, at the far right of the verandah, we see Anna get up from a lounge chair and stroll over to him. A little startled, Helm turns to face her. She holds an unlit cigarette in her hand and positions herself at the railing about a foot to Helm's right.
ANNA
How 'bout a light, jarhead!
HELM
Excuse me?
ANNA
(smiling disarmingly)
Isn't that the special name they have for
you American marines? Jarheads?
HELM
(a little annoyed)
Only if you're a squid!
ANNA
Como?
HELM
That's the nickname we use for American
sailors. They call us jarheads and we call
them squids.
ANNA
How sweet!
Helm leans across and lights her cigarette.
ANNA
And what should other people call you?
HELM
Depending on who they are and how much
concern they have for their personal safety...
something downright respectable!
ANNA
(boldly)
Or what?
HELM
(teasing her)
Or we take them out, lady, and tar and
feather them and feed 'em to the lions!
ANNA
Oh my! And what about a little innocent
girl like me?
HELM
(leaning near and smiling warmly)
Something equally pleasant, I hope!
ANNA
Well, you're the first American who didn't
call me baby!
HELM
And what should men call you?
ANNA
The word you used, lady, sounds real nice.
HELM
And those who don't?
ANNA
I take them out and boil them in oil and
feed them to sharks!
They both start laughing and she hands Helm her cigarette from which he immediately takes a puff and hands it back to her. She takes another puff on the cigarette then throws it over the railing.
ANNA
(extending a hand)
Hello. My name's Anna and I'm Italian.
HELM
(taking her hand in his)
That you are, lady.
(standing back, taking her in)
That you sure are!
ANNA
Ah, now you sound like a jarhead!
HELM
Where did you learn that word?
ANNA
I lived in Napoli before going to Rome to
study at the university. That's where I learned
to speak English. American marines from
your warships would come in port to spend
their holiday and party.
HELM
Sea duty marines and NATO forces
probably.
ANNA
And all of them always call us innocent
Italian girls “baby!” “Hey baby” and
“You wanna have a drink, baby” and...
”Wanna dance, baby!”
HELM
Right. I think I understand. It's our
being so mission-oriented that causes
us to have such a limited vocabulary.
ANNA
Huh? Oh yes, I know what you mean.
HELM
(moving closer to her)
Do you, baby?
ANNA
(stepping away from him)
I think I like lady better.
HELM
(admiring her)
I think I do too.
(looking away from her)
Besides, I haven't been at sea.
ANNA
Nor spying on innocent Italian girls
swimming all alone with very little on!
HELM
Not spying. Just admiring. And you
do have a wonderful breast stroke!
ANNA
You'll have to show me yours some
day, Lieutenant.
HELM
Lieutenant? Ah, we haven't met yet.
ANNA
No, but I know you're the famous marine
who saved all those people in Vorgina.
HELM
Virginia. And how do you know I was
Lieutenant Helm and not another marine?
ANNA
I read all about you and the other marines
and saw your photograph. I work at the
consulate, you know.
HELM
Oh really. My fame precedes me!
ANNA
I work at the switchboard and translate.
I also speak French and Arabic.
(smiling at him)
Anyway, only an officer would call a
woman a lady.
HELM
(turning from her)
Well, I haven't been an officer for long.
(looking at her again)
Times like these, maybe I wish I wasn't!
ANNA
Well, Lieutenant. When you make up your
mind if I'm a baby or a lady, come and talk
to me again. It is a warm country, you know.
(moving suddenly nearer)
And people can become very close here.
Anna smiles warmly at him then exits the verandah, as Helm stands at the railing and watches her from behind.
HELM
(to himself)
Baby or lady, you're certainly a lot of
woman!
For a moment, he stands there flicking his cigarette lighter on and off again. After a few seconds of this, he returns the lighter to his pocket.
HELM
Well, I guess it's time to mingle, get drunk
and talk double-talk!
Helm leaves the railing and reenters the house.
CUT TO:
INT. - LATER THAT SAME EVENING, NEAR THE END OF THE PARTY
Helm and the other marines are seen off to one side of the main living room with General Agnew. Mr. Ray is fast asleep and snoring on a nearby sofa. Across the room, Helm notices Anna, now joined by her brother Tony, as both stand at the entrance bidding their farewells to Joan. Just before exiting, Anna casts a friendly glance at Helm.
AGNEW
Well, gentlemen. Tomorrow we should get
the whole mission underway and start pre-
paring to move in.
PELFORD
Can't wait, sir, to get back into uniform!
JOHNSON
(to Pelford)
Right! You'd sleep in it and take a shower
in it if you could!
PELFORD
(defensively)
Some of us are more dedicated than others!
HELM
Well, I think I've heard enough BS for one
evening, sir!
His three marines smile at each other.
HELM (continuing)
(turns to leave)
I think we'll call it a night.
AGNEW
Good. See you all at the consulate in
the morning.
Helm and his marines take their leave and exit the living room, noticing the snoring Ray as they do. The four of them are seen being shown out of the apartment by Joan.
EXT. - IN THE COMPOUND OUTSIDE, A FEW MINUTES LATER
From a long shot Helm and his marines exit the building and walk toward the main structure where the marine house is located. Helm glances over to see Anna and her brother entering another building.
It is pitch black outside except for external lights strewn about the compound. A massive array of stars can be seen in the sky above, and a cricket is heard chirping nearby. Helm pauses before his companions, just outside the entrance to their building.
HELM
(to his three marines)
I should question how in the hell we ended
up back in this desolate country!
JOHNSON
It's supposed to be a short tour of duty.
PELFORD
Yeah, and then we get to go to any place
we want...for real this time!
HELM
That's what they told us last time.
CORPORAL HORN
Sir, we all volunteered...so...I...
PELFORD
You mean we were volunteered!
HORN
Well...it doesn't matter. What I think
is that we're here because they know we
have experience here and nobody else
can do the job!
HELM
Corporal Horn, you are the most gung-ho
marine I've seen since...since...
PELFORD
(at the same time)
Yes sir...?
JOHNSON
(at the same time)
Yes sir...?
HELM
...Since a few weeks ago when I was
still an enlisted man!
The three enlisted marines start laughing.
HELM (continuing)
(preceding them in)
Let's hit the rack!
First Helm, and then the other three, enter the building and disappear up the stairway leading to their second floor apartment.
CUT TO:
EXT. - THE NEXT DAY, ABOUT 6:00 A.M. IN THE MORNING
Helm and his three marines are seen about twenty yards in front of their apartment building doing calisthenics. After completing this, the quartet start to jog around the inside perimeter of the compound. When they jog past the swimming pool they spot Anna in her one-piece bathing suit. Almost as one voice, they give a yell of approval at her appearance which she responds to with a wave of her hand.
CUT TO:
INT. - INSIDE THE MARINE HOUSE LATER THAT MORNING
Pelford is heard singing in the shower as Johnson stands in a hallway buttoning his shirt. In the living room near the front door we see Helm sitting on the sofa drinking coffee.
A knock is heard coming from the front door. Helm immediately puts the coffee mug down and gets up to answer the door.
He opens the door to see a short, pale-looking man, dressed in a impeccable business suit, standing before him. The man walks quickly into the apartment as he speaks, with a supreme air of authority.
STEVE FISHER
Good morning. I'm Steve Fisher...
(gazing about the room in a
condescending manner)
...the Security Officer for the Consulate.
HELM
Glad to meet you. I'm...
FISHER
(interrupting coldly)
Lieutenant George Helm. Recently given
your present grade by your commandant.
(turning a few feet from the bar)
I understand, Lieutenant, you had served in
Tamar not so long ago when Mr. Porter was
here...and...when you were...shall we say,
still among the ranks of the enlisted?
Helm, who has begun to show a dislike for the skeletal looking State Department official, returns to the sofa and his mug of coffee.
HELM
You understand correctly.
FISHER
That was strictly a diplomatic mission. This,
you understand, is a security operation. The
security you and your men are to provide is
expressly for the defense of the consulate.
HELM
Yes, I think I know that.
FISHER
(heading for the door)
Well, as your superior and direct liaison
with other embassy personnel, I trust we
will work well together and experience
no obstacles. I'll be your guide today.
Helm pauses for a moment before drinking from his coffee mug, to let what Fisher had just spoken sink in.
HELM
Don’t believe we need one. But if you
insist...then perhaps later...
FISHER
(moving to the door)
Uh hum...Good. Well...shall we go?
HELM
Go?
FISHER
To the consulate, Lieutenant. I have a car
waiting.
HELM
It's 7:30, Mr. Fisher. My men and I are
scheduled to be at the consulate at nine.
FISHER
Well, as I said to you, Lieutenant. I am
security officer for the consulate and your
immediately superior. I hope we're not
going to get off to a bad start.
HELM
That seems to be up to you, sir.
FISHER
(ignoring this)
Well, I like to get a early start. Especially
on the first day. I've been told you marines
are always prepared. I hope I'm not going
to have to be kept waiting.
Helm stands slowly up, shaking his head in further disbelief.
HELM
You're right sir, about one thing. We are
always prepared. And I'm prepared to tell
you that I and my marines will arrive at the
consulate as we were scheduled. Not before.
(standing before Fisher)
If you got nothing to do with your time till
then but wait, then I'm also prepared to tell
you that's what you're going to have to do!
FISHER
(moving to exit the apartment)
Are you disobeying your superior officer?
HELM
No. I'm obeying my superior officer!
General Agnew.
FISHER
Well!...
HELM
(moving to the threshold)
And one more thing! If you've got anything
to say to me, concerning duty or my men,
you tell me when I’m at the consulate. Or
next time...make an appointment!
FISHER
(standing outside, facing Helm)
Your response is impolite!
HELM
It’ll have to do for now. Till 9:00 a.m.!
Helm slams the door and it reverberates through the whole apartment. Johnson darts into the room with a questioning look on his face.
JOHNSON
What was that, sir?
HELM
(returning to the sofa)
Oh, nothing much. Just another reminder
of why I should have gone to college or
joined the Coast Guard!
Helm, an annoyed look on his face, quickly walks past Johnson and disappears into the adjoining room. Johnson is seen standing in the threshold separating the rooms, a look of bewilderment on his face.
CUT TO:
EXT. - THE EMBASSY STATION WAGON DEPARTS THE COMPOUND
Helm and his marines are seen inside the consulate vehicle as it proceeds out the compound front gate and along the main highway that leads into downtown, El Harad.
EXT. - MINUTES LATER AS THE VEHICLE DRIVES THROUGH THE CITY
Helm and his companions stare with mild interest at the automobile and pedestrian traffic along their route. Soon, their vehicle drives through a marketplace. At one point, the automobile comes almost to a halt as it attempts to negotiate a dense crowd of morning shoppers and Tamarian citizens.
From a long shot we see the embassy vehicle clear the marketplace, turn left and enter the major highway which travels by the consulate.
EXT. - THE VEHICLE ARRIVES IN FRONT OF THE AMERICAN CONSULATE
The marines exit the vehicle. Helm pauses a moment before entering the consulate, to view the area outside the consulate and the Wrath of Allah building across the street.
The driver is seen off-loading the marines' bags and Helm's officer's sword. Helm grabs the door handle on the huge front door and they enter the building.
INT. - INSIDE THE CONSULATE, A MOMENT LATER
The four of them are immediately greeted inside the lobby by the two Tamarian police guards seen earlier. The moment the two guards view Helm's passport, they step back and salute him, which Helm returns. The two guards exit the consulate after Helm and his men step into the lobby.
EXT. - OUTSIDE THE EMBASSY - THE TWO TAMARIAN GUARDS
The taller guard walks to the end of the consulate on the right and crosses the street to the other side. The other guard watches him enter the Wrath of Allah building from an alley while he engages in conversation with the embassy driver.
INT. - INSIDE THE TERRORISTS' HEADQUARTERS
The six-foot five inch terrorist, Abdi Hahmid, greets the Tamarian guard as he enters the side entrance from the alley.
TALLER TAMARIAN GUARD
The American marines have arrived.
HAHMID
We go to speak to Siad.
The two Arabs walk across the huge room toward the back.
INT. - BACK IN THE LOBBY OF THE EMBASSY - SAME TIME
The four marines proceed to the reception area and front desk. Tony De Vincio is seated behind the counter in front of the switchboard.
TONY
(in a friendly tone)
Good morning, sir. My name is Tony.
Are you Lieutenant Helm?
HELM
(in an equally friendly tone)
Yes. And these are my men, Sergeants
Johnson and Pelford and Corporal Horn.
They all smile and nod at Tony.
TONY
(as if confiding to Helm)
Mr. Fisher, the security officer, told me
to call immediately when you come here.
(in Italian)
What a crazy man!
(back in English)
Let me ring him right now.
HELM
Uh huh.
A few seconds of waiting ensue during which time the four marines peruse the reception area and lobby.
HELM
Isn't there another person who works the
switchboard and does the reception work?
TONY
Si, Lieutenant. That's my sister, Anna.
We also do the mail and other paperwork
and take turns at the console.
HELM
The console?
(steps around the counter)
Ah, I see.
At that moment, Steve Fisher appears on the staircase behind Helm, a stern expression on his face, adopting a self-important air.
FISHER
Please join me, gentlemen, upstairs.
Helm looks with annoyance at Sergeant Johnson and quickly steps in front of his men to lead them up the stairway.
HELM
(to Tony)
See you later.
TONY
A pleasure meeting you, gentlemen.
Fisher has proceeded them up the stairway. The four men climb the steep stairs and reach the top where Fisher is waiting for them in front of an iron door. Below the handle on the left side of the door is a combination lock keypad. In the center door is a peep hole. A few inches above this is a steel shutter which can be slid open from inside.
FISHER
(not looking at them)
This is the beginning of our tour, gentlemen.
HELM
Excuse me, Mr. Fisher, but I believe you
haven't met my men yet.
FISHER
(in an annoyed tone)
How 'bout we save the formalities for later,
Lieutenant. There's a great many things I
do have to show you this morning!
Helm's three men exchange disapproving looks.
HELM
Very well. Get on with it.
FISHER
This door is three inches thick and reinforced
with steel, as also are the front and back
doors on the first floor. Unlike those, this
one is only accessible through the manipulation
of this combination lock.
(points at the keypad)
The sequence of numbers must be punched in,
in the correct order, before the door will open.
He punches in the numbers 99877 and the door makes a clicking sound.
JOHNSON
That's easy to remember.
FISHER
(condescendingly)
You all got that?
Helm looks at his men.
HELM
(dully)
We all heard you.
FISHER
Good.
Fisher pulls the handle down and pushes the door open.
CUT TO:
INT. - IN THE BASEMENT OF THE WRATH OF ALLAH BUILDING
Abdi Hahmid and the Tamarian Guard enter the basement of the Wrath of Allah building where Siad Abdulle Sahliem and ten other Arab terrorists are seated. On the table in front of Siad, are the blue prints to the American consulate building. Siad immediately stands to face them. They speak in English.
SIAD
What is it?
ABDI
The Tamarian has news of the Americans.
SIAD
Excellent. Approach.
TAMARIAN GUARD
(falls to his knees before Siad)
The American marines have arrived.
ABDI
(walks up and shoves the guard)
That you've already said upstairs!
SIAD
(waving Abdi aside)
Patience, Hahmid! Patience! Let this humble
servant of Allah tell me in his own way.
TALLER TAMARIAN GUARD
There are four of them, mighty one. Only four.
They are unarmed and have only bags and...
SIAD
And what?
TAMARIAN GUARD
The one called Helm, has brought with him
a sword.
ABDI
Is that it?
All but Siad, begin to laugh.
SIAD
Oh, that will change shortly. Our sources
have provided us with many details about
the many weapons they have inside.
Siad returns to his chair and sits down with a leg thrown over one side. He gestures for the Tamarian guard to stand.
SIAD
If only we were sure of what other larger
weapons they have.
ABDI
The Americans will need more than great
weapons to stand against us. They are jackals
alone in the world. Besides, the one called
Fisher commands them. He is like a woman!
Everyone in the room begins to laugh loudly.
SIAD
Now, let us set about our plans and arm
ourselves with the righteousness of Allah's
will! I have drawings here provided by
our comrades at the Ministry of Architecture.
They will show us what we need to know of
interior of the building.
INT. - INSIDE THE EMBASSY - A LITTLE LATER THAT DAY
Fisher and the four marines are seen on the second floor standing in front of a long counter. It is a twelve-foot wide and four-foot high steel-reinforced bullet-proof bulwark which serves as a work desk behind which the marine security guard is stationed, and also houses the T.V. monitors. A hallway runs along to the left and right in front and affords access to the other offices on the floor.
Fisher enters the hallway and walks to the far left of the security guard desk. Stepping up a foot from the floor, he passes through a two-foot swinging door and enters behind the guard counter. Helm and his men step into the hallway to stand across from Fisher.
FISHER
Please, gentlemen. This is your official
area. Step on in.
Helm and his men enter the guard area to stand around Fisher. From Fisher's view behind the counter, we see a desk top running the entire length of the counter. Beneath the counter are five television monitors, and books and manuals and other paraphernalia.
FISHER
(opening a cabinet under the counter)
We have a twelve-gage sawed-off shotgun
here holding seven rounds fully loaded.
In the armory, you will find three more just
like this one and over a thousand rounds of
ammunition.
HORN
Oh, I can't wait to go to work!
FISHER
(frowning at this)
The five focal points of the monitors in-
clude the stairway we just climbed which
shows the front door beyond; then area out-
side the front door. The third monitor covers
the back courtyard, which I'll show you later.
The fourth and fifth, use the roof as a vantage
point to cover the front of the building.
Fisher leans over and takes hold of a two-inch toggle switch, which he moves to the right and left and up and down. As he does, the pictures on the monitors showing the area around the perimeter of the consulate, from the roof, follow the movement of his hand.
FISHER (continuing)
As you can also see, the cameras are all
mobile units and can view the entire street.
HELM
Very good.
FISHER
I'm glad you approve, Lieutenant.
At this statement from Fisher, Johnson's face takes on an expression of intense disapproval for the security officer, accompanied by appropriate gestures, which he shares with the other marines. Fisher does not see this, but enters the enclosed room located to the left and behind the security guard desk and counter.
FISHER (continuing)
This is your office, Lieutenant. Rather
small and austere. But being a marine,
I'm sure you won't mind.
Pelford, standing behind Helm and out of Fisher's view, pounds his right fist into the palm of his left hand in a threatening manner.
Fisher quickly turns and exits the marine office, passing between the standing marines, and walks through the swinging door and from the marine security guard area.
FISHER
As you might have noticed, there are no
windows on the first floor. The only windows
on the second and third floors, which face
the street in front. Inside, to the right of each
window is a switch which will lower a one-inch
bullet-proof shutter over each window.
HELM
Is there a central switch to lower all the
shutters simultaneously?
FISHER
No. I'm afraid there isn't.
HELM
Well, I think it would be a good idea to
get one installed. Don't you? If a bunch of
terrorists attack, I would hate to run the
gauntlet of closing each shutter one by one.
FISHER
I see your point, Lieutenant. I'll take it
under advisement.
JOHNSON
(whispers to Pelford)
That's my favorite government bureaucratic
line! I'll take it under advisement!
PELFORD
That's what they did in Beirut in '83. Took
the security for two hundred and forty-one
marines under advisement!
FISHER
(not hearing the two marines)
Please follow me, gentlemen. I'll show you
the armory and the rest of the consulate.
Fisher makes a right turn down the hallway, and after a few quick steps, disappears through a doorless archway.
JOHNSON
God, Lieutenant! Is this guy for real?
PELFORD
What the hell's his problem? A marine
marry his daughter or something?
HELM
(in a low tone)
Never mind. Don't let 'im rile you.
Let's just get this over with.
The four marines follow Fisher down the hallway. They pass through the archway. There is a door directly on the left leading to a restroom. A few steps further along the hallway on the right, is an open door which leads into the second floor conference room. Near the doorway, Fisher stands impatiently waiting for them.
Helm appears repulsed by the man's insufferable display of self-importance, as Fisher leads them down a hallway to another iron door and combination lock.
FISHER
This leads to the armory.
Fisher punches the numbers 77899 on the keypad (a duplicate of the one on the other door) and a clicking sound is heard.
FISHER
Quite simple, as you can see. It's in
reverse order to the combination on the
other door.
HORN
How ingenious!
Helm frowns at Horn and then follows Fisher into the room after the two of them open the huge, heavy door, and find themselves inside a large room full of communication equipment, machinery, computer hardware and other electronic paraphernalia.
FISHER
Shall we? There is one teletype machine
in here and another in General Agnew's
office on the third floor.
HELM
Uh huh. Two is all the consulate has?
FISHER
(defensively)
Additional equipment is on order.
HELM
Of course.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - LATER ON FISHER'S TOUR OF THE CONSULATE
Fisher and Helm and his men are seen entering the marine security guard area from the stairs leading to the third floor.
FISHER
That should just about it do, Lieutenant.
HELM
I'm wondering, Mr. Fisher, what standard
operating procedure will you follow if we
should have to defend ourselves against
hostile forces?
FISHER
(surprised by the question)
Whatever decision I make, will depend on
the circumstances at the time and one which
avoids creating an international incident.
PELFORD
Such as the one in Tehran?
JOHNSON
Or Operation Desert Storm?
FISHER
(pretending to ignore the sarcasm)
If you will excuse me, gentlemen. I do have
other important tasks to attend to. Please
remember there is a burner room for disposing
of classified documents...which I'm sure you
know how to operate. You'll also find a ladder
hidden behind the burner which leads to a
conduit past the first floor into the basement.
HELM
We'll find it.
FISHER
(confidently)
For security, gentlemen, this consulate is
one of the best designed in the world!
HELM
(abruptly)
We feel safe with out ourselves!
FISHER
Uh huh...Well the emergency escape route
in the basement was only devised as a
final option in event of disaster. Down
there is a door which leads to the sewage
system under the city.
HELM
And from there?
FISHER
I have no idea, Lieutenant. I haven't been
here long enough to investigate it.
(walking to the exit)
Hopefully, when time permits, we can get
better acquainted.
HELM
Right.
FISHER
As it is, I believe you have to change into
uniform, meet with the general, and start
guarding this building!
HELM
Well, thank you, Mr. Fisher, for reminding
us of our duty although we really don't have
to start work until tomorrow!
FISHER
But I thought...?
HELM
Just jokin'! And not to worry, Mr. Fisher,
we're ready to start laying down our lives
this very moment!
For a moment, Fisher pauses at the door, searching for an adequate reply to Helm's words. The four men return his gaze, their faces cold and expressionless. Fisher looks from one to the other. The confusion on his face shows that he is puzzled by the dislike and hostility displayed by them. Giving up, he simply adjusts his glasses and exits down the second floor stairs.
HELM
Well, that's what's in store for us.
JOHNSON
Wonderful. Just frickin' wonderful!
PELFORD
Teach you not to volunteer again, won't it?
Johnson grimaces at his friend's remark.
HELM
Forget about it. Let's just get to work.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - AT THE RECEPTION DESK AND STAIRWAY - A FEW HOURS LATER
Anna De Vincio is seated behind the reception counter. Helm appears on the staircase looking down at her. He is dressed in a short-sleeved dress-blue uniform with the ceremonial white cartridge belt and brass buckle with the Marine Corps insignia embossed on it. Attached to his cartridge belt is his officer's sword and scabbard. On the right side is a black holster containing a .45 caliber automatic. A wall clock to the left of Anna reads 2:45 p.m.
ANNA
(looking up at him)
Wow! You look beautiful in your uniform!
And your shiny sword!
HELM
Oh...Just trying it on to see how it fits.
But thanks for the compliment.
(looks at his watch)
You close up about 3:00 p.m., don't you?
ANNA
Si.
(she looks up at the clock)
Which is very soon!
HELM
Okay. Just checking.
(turns back up the stairs)
See you later.
ANNA
Ciao, Lieutenant.
CUT TO:
INT. - SECOND FLOOR - HELM ENTERS IN FRONT OF THE MARINE GUARD
DESK FROM THE STAIRS BELOW
To his left we see General Agnew and Fisher descending the stairway leading from the third floor. Agnew is dressed in his Army uniform. Horn, dressed as Helm, is seated behind the marine counter. Also like Helm, he is wearing a cartridge belt and a side arm, and is considered "under arms." He is also wearing the required marine barracks cap with white braid and brass insignia. Under this accouterment, marines salute indoors, and Horn salutes the General as he descends the stairs, and Helm follows suit.
AGNEW
How are you doing, Lieutenant?
HELM
Just fine, sir. We've started our duty tours
and I've put a copy of the duty roster on
Mr. Fisher's desk and yours.
FISHER
(as both men reach the landing)
Yes. I got my copy.
HELM
My marines will be standing guard full
time. And I'll be on duty assisting during
the eve watch.
AGNEW
Good. Has Mr. Fisher shown you the rest
of the consulate and given you all the keys
to the building?
FISHER
(interjecting quickly)
Yes, I have, general. Lieutenant Helm and
his men have been fully briefed on everything.
AGNEW
(walking towards the stairs to first floor)
Good. Then things are off to a good start.
(pausing in front of Helm)
Do keep in telephone contact with the
compound tonight, Lieutenant. We've
received word that there's been some sort
of activity at the Presidential Palace. I
think I'll take a drive over and have a look.
HELM
Yes sir. If you like, Sergeants Johnson and
Pelford can accompany you. Corporal Horn and
I will be on duty for the rest of the evening.
AGNEW
That sounds like a good idea.
Mr. Fisher starts to return up the stairs to the third floor.
HELM
I'll be right back, sir.
Helm hurries along the hallway leading to the comm room.
AGNEW
You staying, Steve?
FISHER
(pausing on the stairs)
Yes sir. Got some paperwork I must finish.
AGNEW
(turning to face Horn)
Corporal, I'll be waiting down in the lobby
for the Lieutenant’s men.
HORN
(standing at attention)
Yes sir.
Corporal Horn immediately salutes, which General Agnew returns before entering the stairway leading down to the first floor.
On the T.V. monitors situated on the marine desk, Corporal Horn watches Agnew descend the stairway to the first floor lobby. A moment later, Helm returns from the comm room with Johnson and Pelford, who are dressed in civilian clothing.
CUT TO:
INT. - IN THE FIRST FLOOR LOBBY AGNEW PACES IMPATIENTLY
We see Sergeants Johnson and Pelford descend the stairway, with Helm walking behind them. At that same moment, Anna is seen securing her desk area and placing the switchboard on "automatic." She is joined by her brother who enters from the hallway behind the reception area.
AGNEW
(turning towards them)
Ah, gentlemen.
Sergeant Johnson is in front as they reach the bottom of the stairs
JOHNSON
Yes sir. We're your escorts for the evening,
General.
AGNEW
Good. My driver's waiting in front. Keep
a wary eye, Lieutenant. It's a fragile
relationship we have with these people.
Anna and Tony stand off to one side from the marines, listening to the conversation.
HELM
(reaching the bottom of the stairs)
You believe there may be trouble, sir?
AGNEW
(lowering his voice)
The Iraqi influence here cannot be under-
estimated, Lieutenant. If elements sympath-
etic to Saddam Hussein, like our friends
across the street, should cause trouble,
they'll probably do it soon before we're
fully staffed.
HELM
We'll be on the lookout, General.
AGNEW
Good. We’re a long way from Saudi Arabia
and our Navy stationed in the Gulf. I'll try to
contact you when we get to the palace. Or
certainly when we reach the compound.
HELM
That's fine, sir.
Agnew turns to exit the building. One of the two Tamarian guards opens the door for him and the two marines who follow. Helm attaches the large ring of keys to a loop located on the left side of his cartridge belt, then takes the door in hand after motioning both Tamarian guards to step outside.
The day is overcast and the street traffic is less than earlier in the morning. Agnew's vehicle, a convertible, is parked at the curb. The driver is seen standing at attention, holding the passenger door open for Agnew. Johnson and Pelford walk around and enter the automobile from the street.
Helm stands at the door, watching the vehicle drive off. After it has gone, he peers across the street to the Wrath of Allah building.
INT. - FROM BEHIND HELM - ANNA POV SHOT
Anna steps behind Helm and taps him on the shoulder. He steps aside to let her brother past, while she remains a moment behind to wave him goodbye. She is wearing a thin topcoat and holding a handbag. She runs a comb through her hair which is hanging down about her shoulders, as she smiles up at him.
ANNA
Too bad you have to work so late,
Lieutenant. I love to dip in the pool
each evening. But it's never much fun
swimming alone!
HELM
(stepping slightly closer to her)
Yes...well...business before pleasure.
ANNA
(putting her comb in her purse)
Perhaps if you don't work too late, you
will stop by to visit me and my brother?
She steps outside.
HELM
(smiling shrewdly)
Well...certainly...you!
ANNA
Then ciao, Bello!
HELM
Ciao to you too!
She smiles warmly then joins her brother outside. Helm watches out the doorway as Anna and her brother walk to the end of the block.
EXT. - POV SHOT FROM HELM TO ANNA AND HER BROTHER
The couple enters a green Fiat parked at the curb and, with Anna behind the wheel, drives off toward the direction of the K-7 compound.
EXT. - OUTSIDE VIEW OF HELM AT THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CONSULATE
Before Helm steps back inside the building, he pauses to take a last look at the building across from him. Suddenly, he notices that the two Tamarian guards have disappeared from the area. He looks up and down the street, but they are nowhere to be seen.
INT. - FROM INSIDE THE LOBBY AGAIN
Stepping back inside, he is just about to close and lock the front door when Tom Blackman and Karen Hope, the two USIA (United States Information Service) representatives, enter the lobby. Blackman is carrying a briefcase and walking arm-in-arm with Karen.
BLACKMAN
Whoa, Lieutenant! Don't lock us in!
The first day is always the worst. And
it's been a long day! We want out of here!
KAREN
(snuggling up to Blackman)
It's too bad we're not in Chicago! I know
this great little bar where they give free Hors
d'oeuvres, and drinks are half price!
BLACKMAN
(smiling at her)
Honey! Don't make the Lieutenant homesick!
HELM
(smiling at them)
No problem.
(looking out to the street)
Where's your car?
BLACKMAN
Just down the street. I think Mr. Ray
and Mr. Fisher are still in the building.
KAREN
Some people never know when to quit!
BLACKMAN
(taking her by the hand)
Well, we're off.
(then from outside)
Don't work too hard, Lieutenant.
EXT. - POV FROM HELM TO BLACKMAN AND KAREN
They start walking briskly away, to the left of the front entrance.
HELM
Good day to you...and drive carefully.
INT. - BACK INSIDE THE CONSULATE LOBBY
Helm removes the key ring and quickly finds the correct key which locks the front door. After inserting the key into the lock and turning it, he next seizes the bolt lock above the key hole and turns the bolt to the right, locking it as well.
HELM
(yelling up the stairway)
You can leave the guard desk now, if you
want, Corporal Horn.
Helm walks over to the reception counter, removes his sword and sheath and places it on top of the counter. Horn hurries down the staircase. A clock on the wall shows 3:45 p.m.
HORN
Hey, Lieutenant. How 'bout I go next door
and get us some Greek food for supper?
HELM
Let me see if either of those guards is out-
side to get it for us.
Helm first looks out the peep hole in the center of the huge door. He then removes the key ring again and unlocks both locks and opens the door. Horn walks up to stand beside him, as Helm leans his head out to look up and down the street.
HELM
I don't know where those two guys went.
But everything seems peaceful out.
HORN
Should I leave my sidearm, sir?
HELM
No. We have permission to wear 'em outside
the consulate. And I'm not takin' any chances.
Here, let me give you some money.
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