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Eight Blind Wolves
by Haleigh Cohen (linedwithcharcoal@hotmail.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Action/Adventure   User Review: ***
Follow the Wolf Pack as they travel through 2060s Europe in hopes of overthrowing the tyrannous English emperor James Rahler. On the way, they make some friends and enemies, and discover the true meaning of love and loss.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



EIGHT BLIND WOLVES

FADE IN:

EXT. FRANCE - MORNING
                                                            
                       MARIETTE (V.O)
A long time ago, there was a
beautiful country named France.
Strong and proud, its people
refused to forsake their heritage,
even when the English invaded and
took their home away, destroying
it until there was nothing left.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
 
EXT. FRANCE - DAY
                                                            
LAURINE HAVA, 11, leans over a dead man, woman, two young
boys, and a female infant.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE (V.O.)
Among the survivors was a woman
named Laurine. She was alone, her
family murdered due to a raid
meant to migrate them further
north to Grenoble. Scared and
young, when a woman recruited her
into a prostitution house, she had
no idea what she was getting
herself into, only that she now
had a place to live and people
whom she knew.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
 
INT. A STRANGE HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Laurine, 12, in bed with a man, looking sick and much older
than her actual age.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
 

2.

INT. A QUIET HOSPITAL - NIGHT
                                                            
A pregnant Laurine, 13, lies in bed with a painful look on
her face as a DOCTOR standing by her bed looks upon her with
pity as she gives birth.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE (V.O.)
Two years of nightmares later, she
gave birth to a beautiful baby
boy, who she named Aurélien, which
means "gold." Between her need to
support herself, her son, and the
sick addiction she had developed,
she stayed a part of the
prostitution house, resulting in
another baby four years later.
This one was a girl, whom she
named Mariette, which means, "sea
of bitterness."
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
 
INT. MARIETTE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
AURELIEN HAVA, 6, and MARIETTE HAVA, 2, hide in a closet,
watching while Laurine is in bed with a strange man.
                                                            
                                         FADE TO
                                                            
Aurélien, 10 and Mariette, 6, hide in the same closet, still
watching while Laurine is in the same bed with a different
man.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE (V.O.)
Laurine, being only thirteen years
apart from her son and seventeen
years apart from her daughter, was
more of a sibling to them, and was
virtually not there to raise them.
By that time, she had become
consumed by the prostitution house
in both body and mind. Addicted to
the terror that was prostitution.
                                                            
                                         FADE OUT
                                                            

3.

                       MARIETTE (V.O.)
I believe that's what killed her.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRENOBLE, REGION 7, FRENCH SIDE - DAY
                                                            
Two FRENCHMEN stand in front of a shop. They are fighting
with one another.
                                                            
                       FIRST FRENCHMAN
Brûle en enfer, Rahler, for what
you have done to this city! And to
France!
                                                            
                       SECOND FRENCHMAN
I would rather you burn! You
destroyed my shop, enculé!
                                                            
                       FIRST FRENCHMAN
I have destroyed nothing that is
yours! You should thank me. This
piece of shit empire has given us
nothing but cheap, worthless
charity! That shop was granted to
you so that you might make money
for that faceless bastard hundreds
of miles away!
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
NICHOLAI IVANOV, 20, quietly walks through the mob-infested
streets of the French side with his head down, and
approaches the two fighting Frenchmen.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO
                                                            
                       SECOND FRENCHMAN
      (punches first
       Frenchman)
C'est magasin, c'étais pour ma
famille!
                                                            
                       FIRST FRENCHMAN
      (spits at the
       other man's feet)
A piss-poor family still, no
doubt!
            (MORE)

4.

                       FIRST FRENCHMAN (cont'd)
      (sees Nicholai and
       grabs hold of his
       shoulder)
You, boy! Explain to this little
prick how stupid he is! Eh?
                                                            
Nicholai opens his mouth, but says nothing.
                                                            
                       SECOND FRENCHMAN
      (laughs)
See? I am not the idiot here. You
are!
                                                            
                       FIRST FRENCHMAN
      (shakes Nicholai
       in a frustrated
       manner)
Boy! Ane! Are you fucking mute?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (speaks slowly and
       reveals a thick
       Russian accent)
I...
      (hesitates)
I believe that you should
compensate this man for the loss
you have caused him.
                                                            
                       FIRST FRENCHMAN
      (releases Nicholai
       in surprise)
Fils de chienne! He's a Russian!
      (draws a pistol
       from his belt and
       appraches
       Nicholai)
You're going to be sorry you ever
crossed over into this part of
town.
                                                            
                       SECOND FRENCHMAN
What's a Russian doing here?
                                                            

5.

Nicholai backs away from the Frenchman, but is accidentally
pushed forwards towards him by someone running past, and
falls to his knees.
                                                            
                       FIRST FRENCHMAN
My wife was murdered by a Russian
in this very city two years ago.
      (smirks and aims
       the pistol an
       Nicholai's
       forehead)
Consider this compensation.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI

дерьмо...
                                                            
                       MARIETTE (O.S.)
Arrêtez, ne tirez pas c'est idiot.
He's with me.
                                                            
                       SECOND FRENCHMAN
Just let the boy go.
                                                            
                       FIRST FRENCHMAN
      (shoves Nicholai
       in Mariette's
       direction)
Fine. Take this damn Russian
garbage with you.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (turns and walks
       away, not once
       looking at
       Nicholai)
Let's go. I have places to be and
things to do.
      (smiles)
I can see you staring. Didn't
anybody ever tell you that's rude?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (trips over
       himself following
       her and speaks
       bitterly)
            (MORE)

6.

                       NICHOLAI (cont'd)
I did not ask you to save me,
спасибо.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (laughs)
But I did not have to save you,
either. I could have very well
just watched as you were shot to
pieces by those men.
      (stops walking and
       turns around,
       looking him full
       in the face for
       the first time)
What were you doing in French
territory?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (struck by her
       beauty)
What is your name?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (turns around and
       continues down
       the street)
Wouldn't you like to know?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
So cold! You wound me with your
cruel, cruel words. If you will
not tell me your name, then I will
not tell you why I am here.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Then be gone, Russian boy. I have
no use for you. There is somewhere
I have to be.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (spots a bouquet
       of flowers in her
       arms)
Aha, I see.
      (feighns a swoon)
A romantic? Off to see her
            (MORE)

7.

                       NICHOLAI (cont'd)
forbidden love? In Russia, it's
the man who brings the flowers...
unless of course! You're not a
woman at all?
                                                            
Mariette stops walking and turns to Nicholai, fury in her
face.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Combien grossier! I see you're no
gentleman yourself, for you dare
insult a lady like you do.
      (avoids his gaze)
All men are scum.
      (meeting his eyes)
If you have no more business with
me, please feel free to leave.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (chuckles)
It's a shame you feel that way.
Now, will you not give me a lovely
name to go along with that
beautiful face?
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette begin walking side by side.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (laughs)
Beautiful, you say? Your words are
heavy with lies.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Would I lie?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (taken aback)
Work for my name, then, if you
must.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I don't mind a challenge.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette come to a halt by a tree, a cemetery
in the background.
                                                            

8.

                       MARIETTE
Wait right here.
                                                            
 
EXT. CEMETERY - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The small cemetery is littered with half tombstones, a few
trees skirting the very edges of it. MARIETTE approaches a
headstone labeled LAURINE HAVA, 2021-2057, and kneels in
front of it.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Salut, madre.
                                                            
 
EXT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Nicholai, leans against a tree, glances over his shoulder
every so often and shivers, muttering broken phrases under
his breath.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I always did hate these places.
                                                            
 
INT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Every year I tell you how lucky
you were to escape from this
earth. Every year I believe it
more and more.
      (runs her fingers
       over the petals
       of the flowers)
It's been five years now. It feels
like I've lost a sister. Aurélien,
even though he was unable to make
it, misses you still.
      (a few tears run
       down her face)
                                                            
 

9.

EXT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Nicholai, approaches the cemetery gate, searching for
Mariette
                                                            
 
INT. CEMETERY - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
There's a strange man waiting for
me outside, so I should go soon.
He won't leave me alone.
      (chuckles
       humorlessly)
Did you think I wouldn't notice?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (steps into view)
Do you really think I'm a strange
man? We've already known each
other for fifteen minutes.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (sighs)
Come here.
                                                            
Nicholai walks quietly over to the grave and kneels beside
her. Mariette places the flowers in front of the headstone.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
She was so young when she died.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It happens all too often now.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
This genocide's been going on for
far too long.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Sometimes I sit and wonder... has
God abandoned us?
      (reads the name on
       the stone)
Who was she?
                                                            

10.

                       MARIETTE
      (laughs in a
       hauntingly
       delicate tone)
Who else would it be? My mother.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Don't be. Hasn't everybody living
at this time lost a parent?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yes.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (turns her head
       and looks closely
       at him)
Who did you lose?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
My own mother. Thankfully, I still
have my father. We've gone a long
while without her.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I never knew my father. It's
probably better that way.
      (stands up and
       offers her hand)
Enough of this. We both should be
heading home.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (accepts her hand)
I should walk you home.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Are you daft?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Excuse me?
                                                            

11.

                       MARIETTE
Did you not almost lose your life
once today for being on the French
side? Do you have a death wish?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Perhaps.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You are an inconvenience, Russian
boy.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (smiles)
Don't worry, Frenchie. I'll be as
mute as I can be.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODEN DOOR - MORNING
                                                            
Close up on a wooden door, attached to a small cottage. A
hand is seen knocking three times.
                                                            
 
EXT. MARIETTE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
The cottage is barely standing, with the paint peeling and
the foundation crumbling, but it seems to maintain a
welcoming aura.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (opens the door,
       disgruntled)
Who is it at this ungodly hour?
                                                            
Nicholai, standing there with a wide smile on his face, lets
it fade quickly.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Oh. Hi.
                                                            
Aurélien's face begins to contort in anger as he recognizes
Nicholai.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
You.
                                                            

12.

                       NICHOLAI
Me?
                                                            
Aurélien leans against the door frame, crosses his arms, and
narrows his eyes.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
You're the Russian brat who looted
that French store last month. The
one I almost beat to death.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (thinks for a
       second)
No, nope. Not me.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
The owner was a close friend of
mine. His wife was killed, and he
committed suicide two weeks ago.
                                                            
Nicholai looks a bit guilty, but ignores him and looks past
him into the cottage.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
So, can I come in?
                                                            
Aurélien looks at Nicholai incredulously.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Why are you even here?
      (starts forward
       intimidatingly)
Give me five reasons why I
shouldn't just kill you now.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Ah. Well, I'm just here for a
woman.
                                                            
Aurélien grabs Nicholai by the collar and slams him into the
side of the cottage.
                                                            

13.

                       AURELIEN
What do you want with her?
      (punches Nicholai)
What have you done to my sister?
                                                            
Mariette appears in the doorway and pulls them away from
each other.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Control yourself, brother, please!
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (advances on her)
I thought you left this lifestyle
behind. This is what killed Maman,
and it will kill you, too.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (blushes)
I did.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Lifestyle?
      (realizes
       suddenly, looks
       in Mariette's
       direction and
       blushes lightly)
You're a-
                                                            
Mariette forcefully puts her hand over Nicholai's mouth,
effectively silencing him, then grabs him by the elbow and
leads him away with an angry look at Aurélien.
                                                            
 
EXT. SMALL FOREST OF TREES - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Mariette stops walking. Nicholai leans again a tree, rubbing
his eyes.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Say one more word. I dare you.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
P-prostitute. You're a prostitute.
Что
за
            (MORE)

14.

                       NICHOLAI (cont'd)
черт?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm not.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Or you were, at one time in your
life.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I work at a pub. Two completely
different things.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
How long did you keep that up? And
that brother of yours.
      (shudders)
I could have died today. Again.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What are you even doing here?
Again?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You must tell me your name now.
Come on.
                                                            
Mariette stares at Nicholai in disbelief.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Alright, I get it.
      (smiles)
How would you like to come to
dinner with me?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It's the least I can do, yes?
You've saved my life twice in the
past twenty-four hours, and I
don't even know your name. My
father told me to extend you an
invitation for dinner tonight.
                                                            

15.

                       MARIETTE
      (pauses, then
       speaks
       sarcastically)
You risked your life, again-- just
to ask me to dinner?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yeah, pretty much.
                                                            
Mariette hesitates, the barest hint of a smile on her face
before it fades, then rolls her eyes and walks away.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Go home, Russian boy.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (laughs)
So I'll be picking you up at
seven, then?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
If you're still alive.
                                                            
 
EXT. MARIETTE'S HOUSE - LATER
                                                            
Nicholai stands outside of the cottage dressed as smartly as
he can- a simple black suit with a few tears here and there.
He knocks on the door, feeling unusually nervous.
                                                            
Aurélien answers the door, much to Nicholai's disdain.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Oh. You.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yeah, it's me. Hello. I'm great,
thanks for asking, how are you
this evening?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Please, just stop.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Is she here?
                                                            

16.

                       AURELIEN
You don't even know her name, do
you?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (blushes and
       mumbles)
Not my fault.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
She's a bit tough, if you hadn't
noticed.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yeah, I picked up on that bit
earlier.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (calls into the
       house)
Sister!
      (looks back to
       Nicholai)
If you keep coming over here
you're going to get yourself
injured.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE (O.S.)
Coming!
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Lay one finger on her and I'll
fucking kill you. You have no idea
what she's been through.
      (leans forward)
You're not taking her away from
me.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Point taken.
                                                            
Mariette comes into view, and Nicholai cannot take his eyes
off her. Aurélien gives her a small smile, and then focuses
his attention back to Nicholai.
                                                            

17.

                       NICHOLAI
I'm sure the sun took the rest of
the day off just to lend all the
sunlight in the world to you.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I see you're still alive, then.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You look beautiful, as usual.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette turn to leave. Nicholai turns to catch
Aurélien's look of disdain and anger.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (mouths)
You're dead!
                                                            
 
EXT. NICHOLAI'S HOUSE - LATER
                                                            
Mariette and Nicholai approach Nicholai's house, the sun
beginning to slide down the sky in the background.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm not too sure about this.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You're not backing out on me now,
are you? After you walked all this
way?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Well...
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (grabs her hand)
I think you and my sister will get
along well. She doesn't leave the
house much. Poor girl, there's
very little for her to do here.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (looks at their
       hands)
Why's that?
                                                            

18.

                       NICHOLAI
She's blind.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
She wasn't always blind. It
happened when we left Russia.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
How old is she?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Seventeen.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
How old are you?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (looks at her
       oddly.)
I'm twenty.
                                                            
Nicholai opens the door, and Mariette follows him inside to
the main room to see LEON IVANOV, a few inches shorter and a
head of hair grayer than Nicholai sitting in a chair as he
watches the door impatiently.
                                                            
                       LEON
Nicholai! Where have you been?
I've been worried sick with all
this news about the mine
explosions and the riots.
      (spots Mariette)
Is this her?
                                                            
Mariette steps closer to Nicholai nervously.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yes.
                                                            
                       LEON
It was very risky, bringing her
here.
      (moves towards a
       door in the far
            (MORE)

19.

                       LEON (cont'd)
       corner of the
       small room and
       knocks quietly)
Zoya, please join us for supper.
                                                            
                       ZOYA (O.S.)
Yes, Papa.
                                                            
ZOYA IVANOVA, a pretty girl with dark red hair and eyes a
very pale blue, opens the door and steps into view.
                                                            
                       LEON
Please, sit.
                                                            
Leon, Zoya, and Mariette sit at a small table in a side
room, decorated with a simple tablecloth. Nicholai
disappears and reappears with a few plates of food.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Thank you.
                                                            
                       LEON
So, miss. What is it that you do
for a living?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm a waitress.
                                                            
                       LEON
At what kind of restaurant?
                                                            
Mariette focuses on her plate, a bit embarrassed.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Father, please.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
It's just a small restaurant near
the dividing line.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
It's a pub, isn't it?
                                                            

20.

                       MARIETTE
      (surprised)
Well...
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Zoya! Stop it!
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What did I do?
                                                            
                       LEON
Nicholai here works in the mines,
through thankfully he decided to
be a hardhead and skip work
yesterday. And today.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (a smile plays at
       her lips)
Thankfully? He still almost died.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Thanks.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I still don't know what he was
doing there yesterday. He was very
nearly shot when I saw him.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yes, but see? Everything is fine
now.
                                                            
                       LEON
I've told you a thousand times not
to go into the French district, or
at least not alone. Do you see
what happens? How many times did
you say you almost died yesterday?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (speaks through
       gritted teeth)
Twice.
                                                            

21.

                       MARIETTE
I apologize, the second time was
my brother.
                                                            
Leon cradles his head in his hands, then runs his fingers
through his hair and looks back up at Nicholai.
                                                            
                       LEON
Did you not stop to think what
would happen to your sister if you
were to die?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Maybe I should go.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Father, this is not the time.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Please, Papa, don't bring me into
it.
                                                            
                       LEON
I want you to leave the mines! It
is too dangerous! Without you we
shall starve!
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Whether I leave the mines or die
within them, we shall starve
either way!
                                                            
                       LEON
We would rather starve with you
than without you.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Please, Nicho.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
No! I'll stay, and that's the end
of it! At least there I have some
measure of dignity! Maryksa works
for hardly anything at that
Italian bastard's shop. He treats
her like trash! I'm surprised
Dimitri and Josef haven't beaten
            (MORE)

22.

                       NICHOLAI (cont'd)
the living hell out of him!
                                                            
                       LEON
Calm down. Please, son.
                                                            
Zoya suddenly stands up, and all eyes turn to her. She
speaks quietly.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
If you would excuse me.
                                                            
Zoya exits.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
How does she walk around without
any help?
                                                            
                       LEON
      (half- smiles)
She's very talented.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Excuse me.
                                                            
 
INT. NICHOLAI'S HOUSE, THE MAIN ROOM - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Nicholai catches up with Zoya and grabs her hand. Zoya turns
around and gives Nicholai a hurt look.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Zoya, stop this. Please.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Stop what? Worrying about you?
Caring about you and keeping quiet
about it? You have so much that I
don't have.
                                                            
Nicholai remains silent, and Zoya takes in a breath.
                                                            

23.

                       ZOYA
Your health. You have your health,
Nicholai. Do you know how much I'd
love to live a normal life and
help earn bread for this family?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Please-
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What? Do you care at all that I
haven't been able to see anything
in years?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I'm sorry. Baby sister, I forget
the most important things so
easily.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
You take so much for granted. Why
do you constantly put yourself in
danger all the time? It's like you
push everyone else's feelings
aside.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Sometimes I feel like you're all I
have. And if I lose you... Papa
has his own reasons for wanting
you to leave the mines, and even
though mine are selfish, I want
you to be by my side for as long
as God is willing.
                                                            
Nicholai pulls Zoya into a tight embrace and breathes in the
scent of her hair as a tear falls down his cheek.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I promise, I'll be here as long as
I can.
                                                            
Zoya pulls away, eyes blank.
                                                            

24.

                       ZOYA
Good night, Nicholai.
                                                            
Zoya exits.
                                                            
Mariette and Leon enter nervously.
                                                            
                       LEON
I should apologize for the way I
acted tonight.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It doesn't matter now.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I think I should get going.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It must be getting late anyways.
Would you like me to walk you
home?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
There is no need.
                                                            
                       LEON
It's not safe for you to be
walking outside alone at this time
of day. At least let him walk you
to the dividing line.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Alright, then. Thank you for your
hospitality.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (holds out his
       hand)
Shall we?
                                                            
 
INT. NICHOLAI'S HOUSE - MORNING
                                                            
Nicholai wakes to heavy knocking on the front door.
                                                            

25.

                       NICHOLAI
Ey, calm down! The door is about
to fall off its hinges as it is!
      (opens the door)
What is this? What's happened?
                                                            
Three OFFICERS stand outside the house. A first one smirks
as a second one pushes past him into the house.
                                                            
                       FIRST OFFICER
Everyone in this house has been
sentenced to death as traitors to
the crown.
                                                            
A third officer grabs Nicholai by his arm and drags him
outside and forces him to his knees.
                                                            
                       LEON
      (appears in the
       doorway)
Release my son! We have done
nothing to betray Rahler!
                                                            
The first officer forces Leon outside into the same position
as Nicholai as the second officer returns with Zoya. He
pushes her to the ground as well.
                                                            
                       LEON
You son of a bitch! Release us!
Now!
                                                            
                       SECOND OFFICER
Shut up, old man.
                                                            
The second officer aims a pistol at Leon's forehead.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
No!
                                                            
The second officer laughs. Leon spits on his boots.
                                                            
                       LEON
Coward.
                                                            
A loud BANG is heard as the second officer shoots Leon.
                                                            

26.

Leon collapses, dead.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Father!
      (looks at officer)
I'll kill you for what you've
done!
      (fights against
       the grip of the
       third officer)
I'll kill you!
      (fights off tears)
Just kill me, my God.
                                                            
The first and second officers are suddenly shot in the back
of the head and collapse, dead.
                                                            
                       THIRD OFFICER
What the-
                                                            
The third officer is shot, and dies.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What just happened?
                                                            
JOSEF ANDREEV and DIMITRI MIHAILOV run into view, both dirty
and wearing ripped clothing.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Nicholai!
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (tears drip down
       his face)
Josef! Did you see? It just...
                                                            
                       JOSEF
      (pulls him to his
       feet)
I came as soon as I could... I'm
sorry.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I just can't believe-
                                                            

27.

                       JOSEF
Any second later and you would
have been shot to pieces.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Don't... don't say that.
                                                            
All eyes turn to Zoya, who hasn't moved from her spot on the
ground. She wipes away tears at the corners of her eyes.
                                                            
Josef looks back at Leon and shudders.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Come, little brother. Maryksa is
waiting. We all must leave
Grenoble. Now.
                                                            
 
INT. MARIETTE'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Aurélien shakes Mariette. Mariette stirs.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Mariette! You must get up now!
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Ce qui? What time is it?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
The police are raiding the entire
city! They're killing anyone who
gets in their way.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What?
                                                            
Aurélien leads her out of the house.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
They'll be here any minute. We
need to leave this place.
      (hands her a
       jacket of his and
       a pair of her
       shoes)
I'm sorry. There's no time to
bring anything but what we have on
            (MORE)

28.

                       AURELIEN (cont'd)
our backs.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Where are we going?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
My friend Marco has bribed a guard
by the southern gate. We'll be
able to pass through.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
We'll have to go through the
forest.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Bears are better than guns,
sister. We'll survive. I promise.
                                                            
Aurélien reaches for Mariette's hand, and she takes it.
                                                            
 
EXT. A CLEARING IN THE FOREST - LATER
                                                            
Nicholai, Zoya, Josef, Dimitri, and MARYKSA ELTSINA sit in
dazed fashions. They are close to a mountain range north of
the city.
                                                            
 
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE FOREST - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Aurélien and Mariette walk through the forest, still holding
each others hand.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What are we going to do after we
leave?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
We go as far as we can.
                                                            
Aurélien looks away for a second, and Mariette trips on an
ingrown branch, falling down a steep hill.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Ma cheville...
                                                            

29.

Aurélien slides down to meet her.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Can you stand?
                                                            
Mariette tries to stand up, but cannot.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE RUSSIANS - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Nicholai looks out between the trees.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What is it.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I heard something.
      (stands up)
I'm going to see what it was.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
      (hands him a
       pistol)
Just be safe.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE FRENCH - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Branches crack somewhere nearby. Mariette looks around.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Stay down.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI (O.S.)
Who are you?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I think the proper question is who
are you?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI (O.S.)
A refugee, just like you, I
believe?
                                                            

30.

                       AURELIEN
You seem a bit familiar.
      (to Mariette)
Don't you think?
                                                            
Mariette looks back to her ankle.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Does he?
                                                            
Nicholai comes into view, and Aurélien tenses.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Oh.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Well, this is... interesting.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What, Aure?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Hello, No-Name.
                                                            
Mariette looks at Nicholai sharply.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Fancy meeting you here.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Quite an unexpected pleasure.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I suppose. Now, since we're no
threat to you, you may go.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Go?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Yes. Good-bye. Aurélien and I are
figuring out what to do as of now.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You could obviously use a bit of
help. From what I can tell, you
and your brother are not in the
            (MORE)

31.

                       NICHOLAI (cont'd)
best situation at the moment.
      (smirks)
A sprain, is it? You'll have to
find food eventually, meaning
he'll have to leave you out here
on your own for some time.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Perhaps, but I'm in no rush to
throw my lot in with you.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Because I am a Russian? I thought
you above such faceless judgement.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Why do you even care?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (shrugs)
I don't.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (after a pause)
Show us the way to your comrades.
      (smiles at
       Mariette's
       distraught face)
I'm only thinking of you. It's too
dangerous for you, now.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE RUSSIANS - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
Josef, Dimitri, and Maryksa watch and Nicholai walks back
into the clearing, followed by Aurélien, carrying Mariette.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
So, Nicholai. Who are these
people?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Frenchmen.
                                                            

32.

                       MARYKSA
Frenchmen?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Good people. But yes, Frenchmen.
Zoya, it's the woman from last
night and her brother.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
You know them from the city?
                                                            
Nicholai sits down next to Josef and holds out his hand
expectantly.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yes.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
So soon? Well, damn.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
My father was just murdered. Let
me have a brief pleasure.
                                                            
Josef reaches into his pocket and hands Nicholai a
cigarette. Nicholai places it between his teeth and holds it
still as Josef lights it.
                                                            
Aurélien places Mariette onto the ground. She leans against
a tree behind her.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I thought someone was missing. I'm
sorry.
                                                            
Nicholai remains silent, just exhales the smoke and looks up
at the sky.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It's alright.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Should we keep moving?
                                                            

33.

                       NICHOLAI
Oh, Frenchie, that's Dimitri. He's
the youngest brother here.
      (motions to
       Maryksa)
This here is Maryksa. She's
Dimitri's girlfriend.
                                                            
Maryksa makes an impatient noise, and Dimitri's face falls
slightly.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
      (laughs)
I'm not his girlfriend.
                                                            
An awkward silence settles over the group. Mariette and
Aurélien look confused. Nicholai finally clears his throat
in an attempt to rid the tension that has risen.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
And this, of course, is Josef.
He's practically family.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You're all brothers?
                                                            
Nicholai, Josef, Dimitri, Maryksa, and Zoya all laugh.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Not by blood.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Ah. Well, it's nice to meet you
all. We should get going, yes?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Alright. We'll make for the
mountains. It's the best chance we
have of not being detected.
                                                            
Nicholai stands up and crushes the cigarette beneath his
boot.
                                                            

34.

                       MARYKSA
My aunt has a house somewhere in
the range ahead. She's hidden
there away for years.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Shall we get moving, then?
                                                            
Mariette stands up shakily and puts pressure on her bad
ankle and falls down.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Sister!
                                                            
Nicholai picks her up.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You obviously can't walk, and
there's no way we're leaving you
behind.
      (a beat.)
Let me. Please.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette's eyes meet. Neither of them say a
word, but the intentions are obvious. Aurélien watches
almost fearfully, but grim and resigned.
                                                            
 
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE FOREST - DAY
                                                            
The group walks close together. Aurélien is holding
Mariette. They have been walking for a week, and they are
hungry, tired, and freezing.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Why must it be so cold up here?
This is worse than Moscow.
                                                            
Maryksa looks around.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
This doesn't look right.
                                                            

35.

                       JOSEF
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Well, I've been up to my aunt's
place a few times before, and I
just have the feeling that we've
gone in a totally wrong direction.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
This is insane.
                                                            
Aurélien puts Mariette down, and she sits against a tree.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
What do we do now?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Everybody stop moving.
                                                            
The entire group freezes as Josef slowly draws his pistol
from his belt.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What's going on?
                                                            
A lone gray wolf appears amongst the group. Dimitri looks
closely at it.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Look at its eyes. Josef, I think
it's blind.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
You're right. There're no pupils.
                                                            
Josef lowers his weapon.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What's it doing here?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Maybe it's lost.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Perhaps.
                                                            

36.

Nicholai takes a step towards the wolf.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What are you doing?
                                                            
Nicholai takes a few more steps towards the wolf before it
lashes out in fear.
                                                            
Josef grabs Nicholai by the collar and drags him back
towards the group.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Idiot!
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You're scratched.
                                                            
The wolf quickly turns away from the group and begins to
leave.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It doesn't matter. We need to
follow it.
                                                            
Mariette reaches up and drags Nicholai down to the ground
next to her. She washes it out with water from a bottle,
then rips a piece of material off the bottom of her gown and
wraps it around Nicholai's wound.
                                                            
Nicholai inches away from Mariette.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
That wasn't necessary. You're
already cold.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
It would have become infected.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
So you'll tend my wounds, but you
won't tell me your name?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
That's right.
                                                            
Mariette smiles.
                                                            
 

37.

EXT. CONTINUING THROUGH THE FOREST - LATER
                                                            
                       ZOYA
      (speaks quietly)
Are we there yet?
                                                            
Maryksa shushes everybody.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Look.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What?
                                                            
The wolf moves further into the darkness of the night and
sniffs about. Suddenly, several other wolves appear, and
seem to greet it happily.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Is it a family?
                                                            
Nicholai nods.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Eight wolves.
      (looks around)
This area seems familiar.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Are we close?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
I believe so.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Then which way should we go?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
North, most likely. If I'm not
mistaken, we're about one mile
away.
                                                            
Mariette sighs in relief.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What about the wolves?
                                                            

38.

                       NICHOLAI
They've found each other. We no
longer need to follow them.
                                                            
 
EXT. NADIA'S HOUSE - LATER
                                                            
The group sees a small house come into view. They all sigh
in relief. They walk closer, and the door becomes just
within reach.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Here it is. It's a small house,
but at least it's shelter.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Wonderful. I'm starving.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Does she know we're coming?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Well...
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
I take it as a no?
                                                            
Maryksa knocks on the door.
                                                            
NADIA ELTSINA, 47, a bit shorter than Mariette with a full
head of gray-black hair, opens the door and takes in Maryksa
and the group with surprise.
                                                            
                       NADIA
Maryksa, what a pleasant surprise.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Auntie, there have been many raids
in the village.
                                                            
                       NADIA
And you need a place to stay?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
These are my friends. You know
Dimitri, right? Josef, Nicholai,
his sister Zoya-- their father was
            (MORE)

39.

                       MARYKSA (cont'd)
murdered. I...
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
I hope we're not intruding.
                                                            
                       NADIA
No... no, of course not. Please
make yourselves at home.
                                                            
Nadia steps aside and Maryksa leads them into the house and
gives Nadia a kiss on the cheek.
                                                            
 
INT. NADIA'S HOUSE - MORNING
                                                            
Mariette sits up in her bed and looks next to her at Zoya,
who lies still asleep, then leaves the room and makes her
way to the kitchen.
                                                            
Maryksa is standing by the sink with her back to Mariette as
she washes a dish.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
You're awake, then?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What are you doing this early in
the morning?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
I'm cleaning up. What does it look
like? I just made breakfast for
later. How's your ankle?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Much better, thank you. Is there
anything I can do to help?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Since you're up, I might as well
take advantage of you, yes?
                                                            
Mariette smiles.
                                                            

40.

                       MARIETTE
That's why I offered.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
There's a well on the side of the
house and a big wooden bucket by
the front door. Can you go fill it
up for bath water?
                                                            
Mariette nods and leaves the house, taking the bucket with
her. She walks towards the well.
                                                            
Nicholai sits with his back against the wall and stares at
what seems to be nothing at all.
                                                            
Mariette eyes him curiously, but walks by him as if she
doesn't see him and fills up the bucket.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
The day I met you.
      (pauses)
The day the mine shaft collapsed
on all of those poor people, the
government refused to search for
survivors.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
The government does nothing unless
it's to help themselves.
                                                            
Nicholai stares at the ground.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
We're going to Lyon.
                                                            
Mariette sets the bucket down next to the well and sits
beside Nicholai.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What for?
                                                            
Nicholai stares into her eyes. His intentions are clear.
"I'm going to start a revolution."
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What if you fail?
                                                            

41.

                       NICHOLAI
What if I fail?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You will be put to death.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
They can take my life, but they
can't take my soul.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Your sister would be alone.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
There is nothing I want more than
to turn this world into a better
place for her.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
She'd rather suffer with you than
without you.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
There's nothing you can say to me
that will make me change my mind.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
And there's nothing you can do to
make me change mine. You can start
wars, but you will never find
justice. God abandoned us a long
time ago, and there's nothing any
of us can do to change that.
                                                            
Mariette stands up and reaches for the bucket.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You will come over to my side one
day, I know it, France. You want
this revolution worse than I do.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You don't know anything about me.
                                                            
Mariette exits.
                                                            
 

42.

EXT. LYON - LATER
                                                            
The group, minus Josef, stands outside a hotel. Josef opens
the door and joins the group.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
I only have enough money for a
week's worth of rooms.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
At least we're in civilization
again.
                                                            
Nicholai motions to Josef.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Josef, I need to speak with you.
                                                            
Nicholai and Josef step away from the group.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Is everything alright?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I need your jacket.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What for?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
There's something I need to do
here in the city.
      (pauses and lowers
       his voice)
The knives, the two knives you
keep between the layers of fabric
in your jacket. I'll be needing
them.
      (looks back to the
       group)
And the lighter in your pocket.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
I'm not following.
                                                            

43.

                       NICHOLAI
I will destroy the Lyon embassy,
with or without your help.
                                                            
Josef stands there quietly and looks at Nicholai with a
pained expression on his face, then reaches into his pocket
and extracts the lighter.
                                                            
Josef silently takes his jacket off and hands it to
Nicholai. Nicholai eagerly begins ripping the seams apart
and removes the knives.
                                                            
 
EXT. LYON - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
The group is standing slightly off to the side of the hotel.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Now. The plan is fairly simple.
      (picks up a large
       piece of concrete
       from the road,
       then hands it to
       Aurélien)
The Lyon embassy lies on the other
side of the city. Now, I'm sure
we've all heard the stories of its
magnificent architectural style,
yes? In particular, the large
window toward the back of the
central lobby.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Where are you going with this?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Allow me to explain. After I enter
the embassy, I will give Aurélien
a sign to throw this piece of
concrete at the window. This will
draw attention from the guards to
the outside of the embassy. After
this, I will send Dimitri and
Josef to disable any security
systems, while Frenchie and I use
this-
      (flips open
            (MORE)

44.

                       NICHOLAI (cont'd)
       lighter)
to start ourselves a fire.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Understood.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Very good.
      (smiles, then
       grimaces)
Maryksa, I'd like you to stay with
Aurélien. You can borrow a pistol
from Josef.
      (looks at Zoya)
Zoya, you should stay behind at
the hotel.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
I would like to do something to
help.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
By knowing that you're safe, I
will be able to accomplish this. I
won't be able to focus knowing
that you could be in danger.
                                                            
Zoya's face becomes void of emotion, and she says nothing,
her eyes completely blank.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I promise sister, you will be able
to help in some way.
                                                            
 
EXT. LYON - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Nicholai is standing off to the side, speaking quietly with
Josef and Dimitri. Mariette and Aurélien stand side by side.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (quietly)
This-- revolution. What we're
doing... why are you part of this?
                                                            

45.

Aurélien seems to be taken aback by her question, but turns
to her with a soft expression on his face. He reaches out
and cups Mariette's face, and she leans into it.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Because this empire has bound your
wings for too long, and I wish for
nothing more than to see you fly.
      (a beat.)
There will be no more heartbreak,
for either of us. We've fought
together our whole lives, through
everything we've been thrown. Why
not this?
                                                            
There's a pause. Mariette's jaw trembles, and she reaches up
to grasp at her brother's hand.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Because I'm scared. Because I--
      (stares at her
       brother with wet
       eyes, pleading
       him to
       understand.)
                                                            
Aurélien pulls her into a hug. Mariette pushes her face into
his chest.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
I know. I know.
                                                            
 
INT. LYON EMBASSY - DAY
                                                            
Nicholai walks swiftly through the doors of the Lyon embassy
and looks around at the four guards in the area.
                                                            
Nicholai turns slightly back towards the door and rubs his
hands together as though affected by the cold outside.
                                                            
A crash is heard.
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
What was that?
                                                            

46.

                       GUARD 2
Should we go see?
                                                            
The four guards look towards the noise, then at each other.
They nod and exit.
                                                            
Dimitri and Josef enter. Mariette follows.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Josef, Dimitri, lock the doors and
then find the control room.
Disable everything. Frenchie,
let's get started.
                                                            
Josef and Dimitri lock the doors then exit.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Why do you keep calling me that?
                                                            
Nicholai begins setting papers on fire.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Well, I have to call you
something, yes? And since you
refuse to tell me what your name
is, I figured this was most
appropriate.
      (throws the
       lighter to
       Mariette and
       throws the papers
       all over the
       wooden floor)
The first day we met was so much
different.
                                                            
Mariette holds the lighter to a rubbish can, then flips it
shut and looks at Nicholai.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Why do you keep bringing up the
day we met?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Just forget I said anything.
                                                            

47.

Mariette sighs in frustration and flips open the lighter
once more.
                                                            
Nicholai continues to move about the room as it grows
hotter.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
There are countless design flaws
in this place. Dimitri could have
done so much better than whomever
this Englishman was.
                                                            
Mariette pockets the lighter and joins Nicholai in the
center of the room.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
The fire is spreading more quickly
than I thought it would. We need
to get out of here.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette exit the room and walk through the
corridor until they find the control room.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Is everything taken care of?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
I've almost finished, but it's
nearly impossible to erase the
footage from the central lobby.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (sighs)
Then we at least need to get out
of here before the guards find a
way back in.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What's that smell?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It's just the fire.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
No, I'm sure it's something else.
                                                            

48.

                       DIMITRI
That's it. I can't eliminate
anything from the central lobby.
Nicholai, it's protected too
carefully. Even after this place
burns down, the English will still
have access to it.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
There's an exit leading out onto
the street. We can blend in
quickly and leave this district.
Then we can return to the hotel.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
I can't believe it actually
worked.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
It didn't.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
We'll keep you both well hidden
until all of this blows over.
Being that there is only about a
week left for us to stay here at
the hotel, however... we might
have to leave the city.
                                                            
Mariette advances on Nicholai.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I wanted no part in this
revolution to begin with! Now look
at what happened.
                                                            
Aurélien holds Mariette back.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Now we're closer to equality.
                                                            
Their voices begin to rise.
                                                            

49.

                       MARIETTE
      (struggles against
       her brother)
You will never be my equal!
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
That's just as well, then, isn't
it? Who would want to be as frigid
as you?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Who would want to be as selfishly
closed-minded as you? You insisted
that we had to start a revolution,
and you didn't even blink an eye
at the ones you were putting in
danger!
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
If not us, then who else? If you
are so against it, though it
killed your mother as well as
countless others that we hold
dear, then I swear to God I will
go to the police right now and
turn myself in.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
My mother was dead the second she
was born into this world. It's
rotted already, and throwing
ourselves in the line of fire
won't change that.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You're better than this, France.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You don't know me.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I know you well enough to
acknowledge that you're one of the
bravest people I've ever met.
                                                            

50.

Josef leans towards Aurélien and whispers into his ear.
Aurélien nods.
                                                            
Aurélien pulls Mariette towards a room and pushes her into
it. Josef closes the door and locks it.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
You see, the thing about these old
city hotels is that sometimes the
locks are installed incorrectly.
                                                            
Mariette hits the door in anger.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
I'm sorry, sister, but it's in
your best interest.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Thank you. Your help is
appreciated.
                                                            
Josef smiles, and Aurélien seizes Nicholai by the shoulder.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Your turn, Nicholai.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Excuse me?
                                                            
Nicholai is thrown into the room beside Mariette.
                                                            
 
INT. THE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Nicholai stares at the door in apprehension, then lies down
on the single bed.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
To think that only a few weeks ago
we were refugees. Now we're
fugitives.
                                                            
Mariette sits against the door.
                                                            

51.

                       NICHOLAI
There's plenty of room here. Come
join me. We can discuss
assassination techniques for when
we get out.
                                                            
Mariette doesn't move.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (sighs)
I'm sorry. I should never have
brought you into this.
      (sits up)
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (looks at him)
You brought my mother into it.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Do you really think I'm selfish?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (sharply)
Yes.
      (sighs and looks
       away)
No.
                                                            
Nicholai stands up and walks over to her, then sits down
next to her. She leans her head upon his shoulder.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (soft)
You don't have to be so strong all
the time. It's okay to seek
comfort in others. You know that,
right?
      (kisses the top of
       her head)
You're allowed to cry sometimes.
                                                            
 
INT. THE ROOM - LATER
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette are curled up on the bed. A knock is
heard against the door, and it opens. Josef enters.
                                                            

52.

Nicholai stirs.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Did I wake you?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (yawns)
Josef? I'm starving, when do you
plan on feeding us?
                                                            
Nicholai detangles himself from Mariette, and she stirs.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
How long have we been in here?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
It's been a week. But, I might
have a solution to your hunger.
You won't believe what I'm about
to tell you.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette sit up.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What is it?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
It's all over the city. Rahler
himself and the Viceroy André are
holding a public banquet tonight
to gain the favor of Lyon's
citizens. Everyone and anyone is
welcome.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
This is a perfect opportunity. We
need to go.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
No.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm not going. It's too dangerous.
                                                            

53.

                       NICHOLAI
All we're going to do is eat and
see Rahler with our own eyes.
There's very little danger!
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Actually...
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You agree, Josef?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Rahler still has guards searching
for someone to arrest for your
stunt, Nicho.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (sighs)
I'll go alone if I must.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Everyone else has already agreed
to come.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Everyone?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
With the exception of Zoya.
Maryksa took her into town a few
days ago and helped her get a job
at a flower shop.
      (smiles fondly)
Her blindness does not hinder her
at all.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
We could use the money.
      (looks at Mariette)
I don't want to go without you.
Please?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I've told you my decision.
                                                            

54.

                       NICHOLAI
I get lonely without you there.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette look at each other. She smiles
slightly.
                                                            
 
INT. BANQUET HALL - EVENING
                                                            
The group is seated at a lavishly decorated table towards
the back corner of the hall. The entire room is draped with
jewels and expensive fabric.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
There he is.
                                                            
The group follows Nicholai's gaze and observes ROBERT ANDRE,
34, a tall man with noble features and blonde hair.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
That must be him. The great
bastard of a king.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
If it was Rahler, he'd have been
announced. It's André.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
The Viceroy?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
An Italian, yes?
                                                            
Aurélien nods.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Why would an Italian be working so
closely with Rahler?
                                                            
A guard enters the hall, and everyone hushes.
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
All hail Emperor James Rahler,
ruler of Europe!
                                                            

55.

                       JOSEF
He's here.
                                                            
Everyone looks fearfully and curiously to the front of the
hall as JAMES RAHLER, 39, enters.
                                                            
James is quite tall, even taller than Robert. His eyes are
very dark and lifeless.
                                                            
                       JAMES
Citizens of Lyon and the English
empire! I have gathered you all
here to offer my far-reaching
hospitality and graciousness.
Enjoy this feast, as I will enjoy
your loyalty.
                                                            
James whispers something into Robert's ear, then snaps his
fingers and exits the hall with a group of armed guards.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Graciousness? What an egotistical
maniac!
                                                            
A MESSENGER approaches the group.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Don't look now, but there's
someone coming our way.
                                                            
The entire group follows Dimitri's eyes.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
I said don't look!
                                                            
The group turns back around and pretends to look
inconspicuous. The messenger approaches them anyways.
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
In honor of the emperor's visit,
we would like to offer you each a
glass of the finest red wine,
imported from the Viceroy's home
province.
                                                            

56.

                       NICHOLAI
Are the rest of the guests being
extended the same courtesy?
                                                            
The messenger's expression strains.
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
Of course.
                                                            
Each is served a glass of wine from the messenger's tray.
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
We insist that you at least...
take a sip.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Is there another reason you've
come here, sir?
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
The emperor has decided to
demonstrate his mercy in light of
these very public circumstances.
Each of you must drink half of
your glass before you will be
allowed to leave. Peacefully. It
is but a...proper warning, yes?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What have you put into the wine?
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
Allow me to explain. One of your
glasses contains a possibly lethal
dose of strychnine. Any doctor who
could possibly save your life is
at this banquet, and you will
ultimately be helpless. So one of
you shall die as a result of your
disobedience to the English crown.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (tries to stand up
       suddenly, but is
       held back by
       Nicholai)
            (MORE)

57.

                       MARIETTE (cont'd)
I curse the day you were born!
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
You are all traitors. It is what
you deserve. Now drink.
                                                            
Mariette boldly grabs a glass and drinks the entire thing
quickly, then slams the glass back onto the table. The rest
of the group follows.
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
      (to Mariette)
How nice. It appears yours was
only red wine.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
As was mine.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
And mine.
                                                            
Dimitri nods.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Mine was simply wine.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I...
                                                            
Everybody's heads snap to Nicholai as he stares at his
glass.
                                                            
                       MESSENGER
My duty is done. Now you all must
leave.
                                                            
Nicholai begins to cringe as the poison enters his system.
Josef grabs him and drags him outside into the streets.
                                                            
Josef leans helplessly over Nicholai's dying body.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
I'm so sorry. We shouldn't have
come. I should have seen this
coming.
                                                            

58.

                       DIMITRI
We need to find help!
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
You heard what the messenger said.
There's no hope.
                                                            
                       THEO
Ha! No hope! What nonsense!
                                                            
THEO CHEVCHENKO, 22, obscured by darkness, suddenly appears.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Who are you?
                                                            
Josef stands up.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Please, stranger, you need to help
us. My brother's been poisoned.
                                                            
                       THEO
Of course, citizens! Bring him
here.
                                                            
 
INT. THEO'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
                                                            
The room is filled with unusual-looking trinkets that
occasionally make noise and shoot cotton balls.
                                                            
Nicholai lays face up on a yellow table with holes.
                                                            
Each person stands off on his or her own in a different
spot. Josef hovers over Theo as he works.
                                                            
                       THEO
It would be deliciously great if I
didn't feel human saliva traveling
down my spine.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Is he dead?
                                                            

59.

                       THEO
Perhaps. But then, perhaps not.
You said he was poisoned. Well,
some people just aren't cut out
for life on the road.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Is there anything you can do for
him?
                                                            
Theo sits on the table and puts Nicholai's legs on his lap.
Theo closes his eyes and strokes Nicholai's legs.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       THEO
Just a minute, I'm thinking. I
need to harness the inner workings
of his liver.
      (hits himself on
       the forehead)
Something!
      (hits himself
       again)
There's something I'm forgetting!
      (hits himself
       again)
Something extremely very
important!
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Is hitting yourself really
necessary?
                                                            
Theo throws Nicholai's legs away from him and jumps up.
                                                            
                       THEO
I've got it!
                                                            
                       JOSEF
You can heal him?
                                                            
                       THEO
These aren't my pants!
                                                            

60.

The entire room gets silent. Theo looks around.
                                                            
                       THEO
Alright, you strange goosepeople,
as I can see you have no sense of
humor,
      (sighs)
yes. I can eliminate his chance of
death. Of course I can. But I
can't guarantee there'll be no
pain.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
My God, then do it! What are you
waiting for? He could have died
while you were doing that strange
meditation.
                                                            
                       THEO
Alright! My goodness, there's no
need to treat me like a Peruvian
bean plucker!
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Excuse me?
                                                            
Theo whizzes around the room, throwing bits and pieces of
random materials into a bowl, then mixes it with water until
it begins to fizz into a light green.
                                                            
                       THEO
He'll have to drink this.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Is that even safe?
                                                            
                       THEO
Are you challenging me, rebellious
hornblower?
                                                            
Theo slaps Nicholai across the face.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What was that for?
                                                            

61.

                       THEO
It'll go down easier if he's
awake.
                                                            
Nicholai awakes, coughs, and moans.
                                                            
Josef runs to Nicholai's side.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I can't feel anything, Josef.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
It's alright. You're going to be
okay.
                                                            
Josef sits Nicholai up and holds his back. Theo slowly pours
the contents of the pot down Nicholai's throat. Nicholai
coughs and slowly loses consciousness.
                                                            
                       THEO
Well, that's it.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What did you do?
                                                            
                       THEO
He's just sleeping.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
We are indebted to you forever,
um...?
                                                            
                       THEO
Theo Chevchenko, trader of
antidotes and other various
things. It's a wonderful life.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
But he'll be alright?
                                                            
                       THEO
Certainly. Unless, of course, you
decide to throw him off a roof, in
which case, he probably won't be.
      (hangs bowl from a
       birdhouse)
As I said before, when he wakes
            (MORE)

62.

                       THEO (cont'd)
up, he will experience
excruciating pain. I would
recommend spending the night here.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Yes, well, I wouldn't want to
intrude upon your hospitality any
longer.
                                                            
                       THEO
Nonsense! I have plenty of room.
It gets pretty lonely at night
when all the robots go to bed.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Well, alright, Dimitri and I can
stay over. Maryksa can take the
others to talk to Zoya.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I would like to stay.
                                                            
Everybody looks at Mariette in surprise.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Are you sure?
                                                            
Mariette nods. Josef bites his lip and looks at Dimitri, who
smiles.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
      (to Theo)
What could we possibly do to pay
you for this? We don't have much
in money.
                                                            
                       THEO
      (suddenly serious)
Voices have whispered to me that
you are planning to mend this
world back together. Finish it,
succeed, and that is payment
enough.
                                                            

63.

Everyone looks around at each other, a sudden newfound
weight of companionship and purpose settling down around
them.
                                                            
 
INT. THEO'S HOUSE - LATER
                                                            
Mariette cautiously steps out into the hallway and walks to
Nicholai's room.
                                                            
Mariette knocks on the door.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Nicholai?
                                                            
There is no answer.
                                                            
Mariette opens the door.
                                                            
Nicholai lies on the bed uncomfortably. His face is slightly
shiny from sweat and he breathes unevenly.
                                                            
Mariette sits on the bed next to Nicholai and takes his
hand.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Are you awake?
                                                            
Nicholai lets out a soft groan of pain.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (softly)
I find myself wishing we were
locked in that room together
again. When you told me that I was
allowed to cry sometimes...
      (pauses)
I think I'm falling in love with
you.
      (a tear trails
       down her cheek)
I feel safe when I'm with you, and
I don't know why because you're so
dangerous.
                                                            
Nicholai groans.
                                                            

64.

Mariette looks at him sadly and pushes his hair out of his
eyes, then leans forward and kisses him gently. Nicholai
seems to come to life beneath her, breathing into her mouth
and bringing a hand up to cup her cheek.
                                                            
Mariett's heart quickens in alarm, and she pulls away after
another moment. Nicholai tries to follow her in vain, trying
to sit up, and lets out a small cry of pain.
                                                            
Nicholai's eyes flutter open and he lets out a small cry as
he tries to sit up.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Wait! Please.
                                                            
Mariette watches him warily, inching towards the door
slowly. Her eyes are wide, begging him quietly not to make
her talk about it.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (licking his lips)
That was a, rather. Pleasant way
to wake up.
                                                            
Mariette blushes. There's a beat; electricity seems to
crackle between the two of them.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (in a soft voice)
Can we talk about it?
                                                            
They both know what he's talking about. Mariette ducks her
head away.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
No.
                                                            
Nicholai takes in a breath and pushes his lips together.
He's visibly disappointed, but looks down at the bedsheets
in acceptance.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I must say... I'm feeling much
better, and I think it's perfectly
acceptable for me to get up now.
                                                            

65.

Nicholai tries to sit up once more and centers his weight on
one arm, which collapses onto his elbow.
                                                            
Mariette reaches for him, and both become aware of the close
proximity of their faces.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I really think...
      (takes a deep
       breath)
that you should stop trying to sit
up.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I think I have to agree with you
there.
                                                            
Mariette sits Nicholai up.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette sit in silence.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I've decided what our next move is
going to be.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Why are you doing this?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Doing what?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You almost died today. We were
lucky.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
This must simply mean that this is
my destiny.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I can't accept that.
                                                            
Mariette begins to stand up, but Nicholai grabs her arm and
pulls her back down. He puts his hand on the side of her
face.
                                                            

66.

                       NICHOLAI
Please. I can't to this without
you.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
      (frowns)
Yes, you can.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (smiles sadly)
Maybe, but I don't want to.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette look into each others eyes.
                                                            
Nicholai lets go of Mariette.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What is your plan?
                                                            
Nicholai smiles and laughs. He makes room for her on the
bed. She sits next to him and puts her head on his shoulder.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
La Rochelle.
      (waves his hands
       excitedly)
It's a port city.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm aware, thank you.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Well, I'm thinking that if we
somehow scrounge up the money to
rent a storage warehouse in one of
the shipyards, then Dimitri could
build us something very important.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
And what would that be?
                                                            
Nicholai smiles mischievously.
                                                            

67.

                       NICHOLAI
Afterwards, we'll head to Paris.
Hopefully, this way, we'll be able
to find André.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Do you really think he'll help?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I saw the hate in that man's face
the moment Rahler walked into the
room. Whether he'll have the
courage to turn against Rahler,
however, is a mystery.
      (brushes a strand
       of hair from her
       face)
I've never seen the sea before.
      (sighs)
I hate being stuck here.
                                                            
Mariette smiles.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You almost died today.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yes, I know, as you continue to
remind me.
                                                            
Mariette stands up.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Leaving.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Why?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You need your rest.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Would you stay with me tonight?
                                                            

68.

                       MARIETTE
What?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Please. If you saw the same things
in the dark that I do, you
wouldn't want to be alone, either.
                                                            
Mariette hesitates, then sits on the foot of Nicholai's bed.
                                                            
 
INT. THEO'S HOUSE - MORNING
                                                            
Theo opens the door to Nicholai's room and sees Nicholai and
Mariette curled up on the bed together.
                                                            
                       THEO
Well it looks like you two had
some marvelous fun last night! Oh
ho! I suppose this means the
Slugarambo Shake worked!
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What the hell are you even talking
about?
      (looks into
       Nicholai's room)
I keep catching them like this.
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette stir.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
What's going on?
      (spots Nicholai
       and Mariette and
       laughs)
Well, I'll be!
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette open their eyes, confused. Mariette
sits up.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Good morning. Did we disturb you?
                                                            
Nicholai sits up quickly.
                                                            

69.

                       NICHOLAI
Josef?
      (is so startled he
       falls off the bed)
Ouch! Son of a bitch!
                                                            
                       JOSEF
I take it you're feeling better?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
      (smirks)
Not too noisy, then?
                                                            
Mariette blushes a deep red and Nicholai sputters.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I don't even know what you're
talking about.
                                                            
Mariette exits. Josef and Dimitri burst out laughing.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
She gets embarrassed easily.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWNTOWN - LATER
                                                            
The group is sitting at a round table eating lunch.
                                                            
Aurélien sets down his sandwich and leans back.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
You know what I haven't done in a
long time?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Had fun?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Something like that.
                                                            

70.

                       JOSEF
I see where you're going with
this, and I like it.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
We haven't done anything like this
in ages.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What say you, Dimitri? Are you up
for it?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
I have no idea what you're talking
about.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
So it's settled, then?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
What is even going on?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Zoya, Maryksa? What say you?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
I'm up for it.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
I could deal with a girls' night
out.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Somebody please tell me what's
going on.
                                                            
Everybody laughs.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Meet me later, Mr. Mihailov, and
I'll show you what it takes to
become a man.
                                                            
Dimitri spits out his drink and Nicholai nearly falls out of
his seat from laughter.
                                                            

71.

                       DIMITRI
You planned this, didn't you? I
hate all of you so much.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
                                                            
Maryksa, Zoya, and Mariette are seated by a café sipping
tea. The sun has long since set, and the three women are
relaxing and laughing about life.
                                                            
Dimitri approaches the three girls with Aurélien in tow.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
      (to Mariette)
Can I see you, please?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Dimitri? What are you doing here?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Did you just see that unicorn,
Dimitri?
                                                            
Dimitri sighs. Mariette stands up and follows Dimitri.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
They were driving me mad! I
couldn't take it any longer!
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What happened?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Come with us, Dimitri, to find the
meaning of being...
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Is this what you lot have been
doing all night?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
They have. I haven't touched a
drop in years.
                                                            

72.

                       AURELIEN
Dimitri? Oh my God, Dimitri.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
What is it this time?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
There's an iguana. It has your
face, Dimitri. You're an iguana.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
You should go find the other two
before they get themselves into
trouble.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You left them alone?
                                                            
Dimitri smiles sheepishly.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
How drunk are they?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
To put it lightly... I fear they
might start a nuclear holocaust if
left unattended for much longer.
                                                            
Aurélien begins sniffing the collar of Dimitri's shirt.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Must you, really?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
I apologize. You're just so
intoxicating.
                                                            
Dimitri's eyes widen.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
I love you, Dimitri.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Where did you last see them?
                                                            

73.

                       DIMITRI
They were at an Irish pub just
down the street. Better go quick,
you're the only thing Nicho's been
talking about all night.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Me?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Yes. Your breasts, mostly.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
What?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Hello, Dimitri.
                                                            
 
INT. IRISH PUB - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Mariette enters the Irish pub. She spots Josef and Nicholai
and walks towards them, ignoring the catcalls from the
drunken men inside the building.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
And then I said, of course it's
not a unicorn! It's clearly a
narwhal with legs!
                                                            
Nicholai sits against the wall laughing madly at nothing.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
We're leaving.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Why?
      (holds up bottle
       of Vodka)
This is good fun!
                                                            

74.

                       MARIETTE
You just recovered from being
poisoned, Nicholai. You're going
to destroy yourself.
                                                            
Mariette seizes Josef and Nicholai by their arms and pulls
them out of the pub.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Lithuania, why are you so mad?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
I don't think is was Lithuania,
Nippo.
      (hiccups)
I think is was something more
like, uh... Pakistan.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I want to hit both of you.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
But Austria!
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Am I not pretty enough to drink?
Is that it?
                                                            
Mariette sighs heavily.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Yes. That's exactly the reason.
                                                            
Nicholai gasps.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
But I think Josef is a beautiful
little sex kitten!
                                                            
Josef slaps Nicholai across the face.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Don't objectify me.
                                                            

75.

                       MARIETTE
Can you both just shut your mouths
until we get back to the hotel?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Punch a bear!
                                                            
Nicholai punches Josef.
                                                            
Mariette stops walking, turns around, and advances on Josef
and Nicholai.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
For the final time, neither of you
touch each other, look at each
other, or speak at all. Are we
understood?
                                                            
 
INT. JOSEF AND NICHOLAI'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Mariette sits Nicholai down against the door and turns to
look at Josef.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You're going to have to listen to
me if I'm going to get you to bed
properly.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
How naughty.
                                                            
Mariette helps Josef take his shirt and pants off and guides
him to his bed. She places a bag and a glass of water next
to his bed.
                                                            
Mariette turns to Nicholai. She begins to undress him.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Mom, I've missed you.
                                                            
Nicholai begins to drift off. Mariette taps the sides of his
face to keep him awake and drags him to his bed.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Japan!
                                                            

76.

                       MARIETTE
Yes, Nicholai?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You're beautiful when you're
Australian.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Thank you. Was your mother
beautiful, too?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yes, but I am talking about you,
Venezuela. Я
люблю
тебя.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What does that mean?
                                                            
Nicholai's eyes begin to drift shut as Mariette lays him on
his bed.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I love you.
                                                            
Mariette freezes.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I love you. And I know that you'll
reject this. Which is funny,
because I know you love me, too.
                                                            
Mariette pauses.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What makes you say that?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I heard you. I was awake, that
night you visited me in my room. I
heard everything. All of it.
      (giggles)
You think I'm dangerous.
            (MORE)

77.

                       NICHOLAI (cont'd)
      (breathes slowly)
And when you kissed me... I'd
never felt anything like that.
I'll never be able to explain that
feeling. It was just so,
      (long pause)
right.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You don't know what you're saying.
Just go to sleep.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I'm not in the mood for sleep
tonight.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Why's that?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Because I'd much rather look at
you than the back of my eyelids.
You're so beautiful, France.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
You need to sleep.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What I need to do is tell you
everything I felt that first night
in Grenoble.
      (ignore Mariette's
       protests)
For the first time, I knew that I
felt love. Sure, Josef used to
bring me to bars and brothels
every once in a while, but nothing
I ever experienced there was real.
I know that this is. I don't even
know your name, and yet I'm
prepared to die for you!
                                                            
Mariette pulls the sheets over him and turns out the light.
                                                            

78.

                       MARIETTE
Good night, Nicholai.
                                                            
 
EXT. MARKET - MORNING
                                                            
Aurélien walks around food stands with an angry Dimitri in
tow, gathering whatever they can with whatever money they
have.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Look, I'm sorry, but there really
were an unnatural amount of
unicorns running around last
night!
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Unicorns my ass. How many people
do you think got the wrong idea
last night?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
What was so wrong about it? I was
just expressing my feelings.
                                                            
Dimitri freezes. Aurélien continues to walk. Dimitri runs
his hands through his hair.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Yeah. Great.
                                                            
Five armed guards surround Aurélien and Dimitri.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
What's going on?
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
You are both under arrest by
authority of the crown.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
On what account?
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
On account of treason.
                                                            

79.

                       AURELIEN
Is there any proof?
                                                            
                       GUARD 2
A tape exists of the area
surrounding the embassy before the
recent fire destroyed it. You
both, along with several others,
were seen speaking with the main
perpetrators before the attack.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
This is nonsense. We demand a
trial.
                                                            
                       GUARD 2
Only natural-born English citizens
have the right to a trial.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
And we have no rights at all.
                                                            
The guards knock the food out of Aurélien and Dimitri's
arms. They struggle as the guards grab onto them.
                                                            
 
INT. HOTEL - EVENING
                                                            
Word just reached the group of Aurélien and Dimitri's
arrest. Josef, Nicholai, Maryksa, and Zoya are sitting in a
room.
                                                            
Josef angrily throws a chair.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
I can't believe this! I promised
him I'd keep him safe!
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
He's strong, I know he is. He'll
be fine.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I've heard that prisoners are
placed in labor camps.
                                                            

80.

                       JOSEF
His hand, Nicholai! They'll kill
him because he won't be able to
perform as well as the others!
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Then we have faith, Josef!
                                                            
                       JOSEF
And you? Who's rejected him and
broken his heart over and over
again for years? You don't care
about him at all!
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Just because I don't want to marry
him doesn't mean I don't care!
                                                            
                       ZOYA
There is no such thing as faith
anymore.
                                                            
Everybody looks at Zoya as she runs her fingers over a dead
flower. Her eyes are blank.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Why would you say such a thing?
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Because God has abandoned us.
                                                            
Maryksa begins to weep. Josef embraces her.
                                                            
 
INT. MARIETTE'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Nicholai opens the door to Mariette's room. Mariette lays on
her bed and doesn't acknowledge his presence.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I couldn't help but notice that
you haven't spoken to me all day.
                                                            
Mariette doesn't move. Nicholai sighs.
                                                            

81.

                       NICHOLAI
I came to figure out why. Have I
done something to upset you?
      (steps into the
       room and shuts
       the door)
I realize that your brother's
arrest is concerning you.
                                                            
Mariette turns onto her side so her back is to Nicholai.
                                                            
Nicholai sighs again, then sits next to her and hums loudly.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Can you leave?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I could. But if it were me, you
wouldn't. Why should I?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Because I'm used to being alone.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Now that's not fair.
      (sits on the bed
       and moves around,
       shaking the bed)
I just can't seem to get
comfortable.
      (stands up
       suddenly, then
       sits back down)
Ouch, stupid loose springs. What
an annoyance.
                                                            
Mariette smiles slightly. Nicholai sees it.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I promise we'll find your brother.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What if they kill him?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
That's not going to happen.
                                                            

82.

Mariette sits up and looks down at her hands.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
But what if they do? I'll be so
alone. He's all I have left.
                                                            
Nicholai looks at her sadly. He leans towards her.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You have me.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
It's just not the same.
                                                            
Mariette looks away. Nicholai reaches out and gingerly
strokes her cheek with the back of his hand. Mariette looks
at him.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
There's just something about you.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Do you promise?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What?
                                                            
Mariette blushes.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
That you'll always be there?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
No question about it.
                                                            
Nicholai leans in, hesitates, then presses his lips to hers.
                                                            
Mariette gasps, then pushes him away.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What are you doing?
                                                            
Nicholai moves his hand through her hair, and smiles
slightly.
                                                            

83.

                       NICHOLAI
Something I should have done the
first night I met you.
                                                            
Nicholai kisses Mariette once more. Mariette kisses him
back, then pulls away.
                                                            
Nicholai reaches for her.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm sorry. It's just... too soon.
                                                            
Nicholai leans back in disappointment.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Yeah.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE MARKET - MORNING
                                                            
Josef, Nicholai, and Mariette stand huddled together. The
air chills them. Maryksa and Zoya approach them with bags of
food.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
This should be enough to hold us
for the next week or so until we
get into La Rochelle.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
How much money is left?
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
We have about twenty Euros left.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
That's it?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
If we can budget ourselves right,
it should be enough.
                                                            

84.

                       MARYKSA
How long is this trip supposed to
take?
                                                            
Nicholai takes out a faded map. He unfolds it.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Supposing we don't stop and take
the entire journey on foot, I
would say about five days.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Then if we think about sleep time
and time to catch our breath, I
would say anywhere around a week.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
Shall we set off, then?
                                                            
 
EXT. SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LYON AND LA ROCHELLE - NIGHT
                                                            
Josef and Maryksa walk behind Nicholai as he tries to read
the map by flashlight.
                                                            
Mariette and Zoya hang back.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What are you thinking about?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Hm?
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Right now, what's going through
your mind?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Well, to be quite honest, whether
we're ever going to sleep tonight.
                                                            
Zoya smiles.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
And my brother. I don't even know
if he's still alive.
                                                            

85.

                       ZOYA
Keep him alive in your memory. It
is all you can do for now.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
And what about you?
                                                            
                       ZOYA
What about me?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What are you thinking about?
                                                            
                       ZOYA
I'm thinking about the stars.
                                                            
Mariette looks up at the sky.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
The stars?
                                                            
                       ZOYA
I used to go stargazing with
Nicholai when we were younger. Our
mother used to teach him before I
was born. Then he taught me.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Do you miss her?
                                                            
                       ZOYA
Very much.
                                                            
Mariette and Zoya are silent for a while.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
I can still see them sometimes.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm sorry.
                                                            
Mariette and Zoya are silent for another few minutes.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
I know you love him.
                                                            

86.

Mariette inhales sharply.
                                                            
                       ZOYA
I know you're going to deny it. So
I'm just going to ask you to take
care of him. He tries so hard and
doesn't stop to think. I don't
want to lose him.
      (she looks in
       Mariette's
       direction with
       blank eyes)
He's such a special person.
                                                            
Mariette and Zoya are silent for a bit longer.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Yeah.
                                                            
 
EXT. SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LYON AND LA ROCHELLE - LATER
                                                            
The group closes in on Nicholai as he desperately tries to
explain the situation.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
What do you mean, lost?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I mean, we're five hundred miles
from society with nothing but
bears to rip the flesh from our
bones.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Don't get smart with me, or I'll
tell everyone what you said to
Josef the night you were drunk!
                                                            
The entire group gets quiet.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What did I say to Josef?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What did he say to me?
                                                            

87.

                       MARIETTE
Why are we lost?
                                                            
Nicholai and Mariette stare at each other in silent
defiance, and quietly challenge each other.
                                                            
Nicholai sighs.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I lost the map.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
You what?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
I woke up and it was gone. It
wasn't my fault.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
How long ago?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Well...
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
How long ago?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Four days.
                                                            
The group stands in stunned silence. Nicholai blushes.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Four days. You lost the map four
days ago.
                                                            
                       MARYKSA
When were you planning on telling
us?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Well, to be honest, I'd hoped that
my superb sense of direction would
lead us straight to La Rochelle.
                                                            
The group continues to stare at him in disbelief.
                                                            

88.

                       NICHOLAI
At least we've been near the ocean
for two days now! Come on, this
isn't my fault!
                                                            
Mariette sighs heavily and begins walking. Maryksa quickly
follows her with Zoya on her heels.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Ey, France, wait up! Where are you
going?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I don't know, why don't you check
the map?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Cold.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Well, you did earn it.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Shut up.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BEACH - LATER
                                                            
The street suddenly grows thin, and a beach begins to form.
The group walks slowly.
                                                            
It has been nearly two days since they've eaten anything and
their water supply is almost gone.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
That's it, I think. I want to die
here. This seems like a fairly
nice place.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
It's not so bad.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Oh, you think so?
                                                            

89.

                       JOSEF
Do you see that?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
See what?
                                                            
Josef points out to the ocean. Everybody looks. JACK CAFFEY,
22, and BOBBY HART, 21, float on submarine wreckage. They
wave and shout to the group.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What in the world?
                                                            
The group walks to the edge of the sea. Jack and Bobby
relax.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What are you doing over there?
                                                            
                       JACK
Having a picnic. What does it look
like we're doing?
                                                            
Bobby smacks Jack on the back of the head.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Who are you, then?
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Friends. Region 7.
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you have food?
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Just some bread.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (to Bobby)
They're no good, then.
                                                            
Bobby turns and says something to Jack. Jack says something
back, then jumps into the water.
                                                            

90.

Bobby shouts after him and stands up in surprise. He loses
his balance and falls off the side of the wreckage into the
water.
                                                            
The group looks at each other.
                                                            
Jack and Bobby swim ashore, then lay on the sand and gasp
for air. They both wear tattered Navy uniforms.
                                                            
Nicholai kneels next to them.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
You say you're friends, yes?
                                                            
Nicholai nods.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
And who are you?
                                                            
Jack stands up and approaches Mariette. Bobby doesn't
notice.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Bobby Hart. American Royal Navy.
                                                            
Nicholai stands up.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Americans?
                                                            
Bobby stands up.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Americans. Jack and I-
      (looks around and
       sighs)
Great.
                                                            
                       JACK (O.S.)
Am I drunk, or do you actually
look like that?
                                                            
Nicholai blushes angrily.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Excuse me?
                                                            

91.

                       NICHOLAI
What is he talking about?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Oh God, Jack, not now!
                                                            
                       JACK
Please, fairy. I got this.
      (to Mariette)
I've been dreaming about you all
my life, but I've never caught
your name.
      (winks)
It's Jack Caffey, if you're
wondering.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Don't worry, I wasn't.
                                                            
                       JACK
You know, it totally looks like
you have a mirror in your pocket,
because I can see myself in your
pants.
                                                            
Nicholai blushes deeper.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
I'm sorry?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Please forgive him. He hasn't seen
anything with two X chromosomes in
three years.
                                                            
                       JACK
Tell me, sweet thang, are those
real?
      (motions to her
       breasts)
Mind if I touch them?
      (reaches out)
                                                            
Mariette slaps him. Jack yelps and cradles his cheek.
                                                            

92.

                       JACK
What was that for?
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
Are you kidding me?
                                                            
Jack pouts, then slinks over to Bobby and leans close to
him.
                                                            
                       JACK
French girls: Hot but dangerous.
There was a song about that once,
right? Keeya, I think she was
called. God, the 1990s had the
best music.
                                                            
Bobby stares at him incredulously.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
American Royal Navy, you said?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Yup.
                                                            
Josef grimaces.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Not anymore.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE BEACH - EVENING
                                                            
The entire group sits around a small fire.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
You say you can lead us to La
Rochelle?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Do you have a map?
                                                            
Mariette smirks.
                                                            

93.

                       NICHOLAI
Well...
                                                            
                       JACK
Well, we're screwed. I told you
not to burn ours, fairy.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
What? You were the one who took it
out with you swimming! You're
lucky I had most of it memorized
before you ruined it!
      (looks back to
       Nicholai)
I'll do my best.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
How long have you been floating
out on that submarine for?
                                                            
                       JACK
I'd say about two weeks. My man
Bobby and I got that sucker to
float.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
What were you doing out there,
anyways?
                                                            
                       JACK
Well, Bobby blew up the engine.
                                                            
Everybody looks at Bobby. Bobby hits Jack in the back of the
head.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Would you shut up? My God.
                                                            
                       JACK
Sorry, honey.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Everything is fairly private in
America. People still go to
school, they still have jobs, but
the government-
                                                            

94.

                       JACK
If you can even call it that, now.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
There's school in America?
                                                            
Jack nods in disgust.
                                                            
                       JACK
It seems the American school
system will never shut down, even
in the event of a genocide.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
The government takes about 75% of
your paycheck and sends it to the
English government as payment for
him not seizing North America as
well. We can travel only a set
amount of miles from our hometown,
and there's protests everywhere
now. Unemployment, poverty
homelessness, hunger rates, and
crime have skyrocketed.
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you remember that time when
you-
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Why must you bring this up now?
                                                            
                       JACK
Because it's funny.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
It was your fault!
                                                            
                       JACK
They still made you walk around in
that dress. Oh God, your face will
forever be cemented in my memory.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Will you just shut up?
                                                            

95.

The entire group looks confused. Jack laughs.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Once in a while, when someone
steps up and challenges the
government, they disappear. We
don't know what happens to them...
they're just gone.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Then Americans are just as much
slaves as we all are.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
That still doesn't explain how you
made it here.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
We joined the Navy about three
years ago. I was in college, and
Jack had taken a year off after
high school. When he mentioned it
to me, I was skeptical, but at the
end of my first year, I dropped
out and joined with him.
                                                            
                       JACK
You still hate me for it.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Only a bit.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thanks, fairy.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
When we got to training, it was
rougher than we imagined. Through
the army, we learned that they
were not training against the
English army, but for the English
army. Rahler has been planning to
take over Asia.
                                                            
                       MARIETTE
That bastard!
                                                            

96.

                       JACK
Bobby here met some pretty
influential friends, and they
helped us escape in a submarine.
Then Bobby here blew up the
engine.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Are you kidding me? You ripped out
the steering wheel!
                                                            
                       JACK
Not important.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Oh, of course.
                                                            
                       JACK
What's important is that we were
attacked by the English.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Everyone else on board was killed.
                                                            
                       JACK
With my extensive mechanical
knowledge and my superb guidance,
we were able to re-float the
submarine.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Your extensive-- knowl-- guidance?
Your guidance? You sat on the top
of the wreckage and kept shouting,
"Faster, fairy boy, let's go!"
While you threw rice at me.
                                                            
                       JACK
Not important.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
We needed that food!
                                                            
                       JACK
Not important.
                                                            

97.

                       BOBBY
Oh, of course.
                                                            
 
INT. PRISON CAMP - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Aurélien and Dimitri walk in a long line of men. All
PRISONERS have been shackled at both the wrists and the
ankles. Some collapse from exhaustion, but are beaten by
GUARDS.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
This is an abomination.
                                                            
                       PRISONER
      (from behind them)
Any man is lucky to make it out of
here alive.
                                                            
Dimitri begins to feel faint. Aurélien narrows his eyes. Two
GUARDS stop the line and look at them unkindly.
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
Undress!
                                                            
                       PRISONER
      (somewhere near
       the front of the
       line)
Excuse me?
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
You dare question Rahler's army?
                                                            
The first guard nods at the second guard. The second guard
pulls a pistol from his belt, aims it at the prisoner, and
fires two shots into his head. The prisoner dies.
                                                            
Aurélien and Dimitri exchange fearful looks.
                                                            
                       GUARD 2
Now! Undress!
      (fires shot into
       the air)
                                                            
All prisoners begin to undress.
                                                            

98.

                       GUARD 1
      (begins to pace in
       front of line)
Now. You will live a new life
starting today. This is what's
known as a labor camp. You will
wake up at the crack of dawn, and
you will do whatever is required
for you that day. The only breaks
you will have are for meals and to
sleep.
      (stops pacing and
       eyes line)
Should you deserve it.
                                                            
A third GUARD approaches the line with a box of uniforms.
The second guard begins throwing them at each prisoner.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF LA ROCHELLE - LATER
                                                            
Nicholai, Josef, Maryksa, Zoya, Mariette, Jack, and Bobby
spot a "Welcome to La Rochelle" sign. Jack collapses onto
his knees and begins to kiss the ground. Bobby rolls his
eyes and the rest of the group looks on in confusion.
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh sweet Jesus, I haven't been
this happy since the last time we
were drunk!
                                                            
Josef raises an eyebrow.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
That was last month.
                                                            
                       JACK
Trifles, Bobby.
      (stands up with a
       huge smile on his
       face)
Point is, we're in civilization
again.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
No thanks to you.
                                                            

99.

                       JACK
Man, I could just kiss you right
now.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
      (begins to get
       uncomfortable)
Please don't.
                                                            
Jack and Bobby stare at each other.
                                                            
                       JACK
Hell, I'm going to kiss you right
now.
      (grabs Bobby's
       face and kisses
       him on the cheek)
I love you, man.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (awkwardly)
I'm, uh, going to pay for the
warehouse.
                                                            
Nicholai exits.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (to Bobby)
Great, man, you're scaring the
foreigners.
                                                            
 
INT. PRISON CAMP - LATER
                                                            
Aurélien and Dimitri both wear uniforms. They lift heavy
equipment and bring it from one room to another. Dimitri
looks uncomfortable, the wrench in his hand is making it
hard to lift heavy objects.
                                                            
Dimitri accidentally drops his end of a table. A nearby
GUARD sees.
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
What have I told you, you
incompetent ape?
      (takes out whip
       from belt and
            (MORE)

100.

                       GUARD 1 (cont'd)
       hits Dimitri with
       it)
This is your last warning.
                                                            
Dimitri shakes on the spot and Aurélien shoots the guard an
angry look.
                                                            
Dimitri picks the table back up, obviously weakened. Upon
closer look, Dimitri's uniform has tears in it from being
continuously whipped.
                                                            
Aurélien and Dimitri begin to move the table once more, and
Dimitri drops it once again, and it breaks.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Oh no...
                                                            
The guard approaches Dimitri angrily and whips him.
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
You stupid son of a bitch! Can't
you do anything right?
                                                            
The guard continues to whip Dimitri. Dimitri collapses onto
his knees and shakes.
                                                            
Aurélien grabs the guard's wrist in anger.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Will you just stop?
                                                            
The entire room gets silent. The guard turns and looks at
Aurélien, then backs away.
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
Clean this up. No supper for
either of you tonight.
      (cracks the whip)
Now!
                                                            
Aurélien begins to pick up the table. A PRISONER quickly
aids him. Dimitri sits on the floor, uniform torn and
bloody.
                                                            

101.

Aurélien approaches Dimitri and picks him up and brings him
into the sleeping quarters.
                                                            
Aurélien lays Dimitri onto a bed.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (pushing his hair
       back)
Oh, God, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't
have made you help me.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Don't beat yourself up, it's not
your fault.
                                                            
Aurélien sits on the bed next to Dimitri.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
What happened, anyways?
                                                            
Dimitri holds up his left hand, which has a wrench in it.
Dimitri shrugs.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
Never had a problem before.
      (sits up and
       laughs, then
       groans)
It was always Josef who carried
the physical labor out.
      (taps his head)
I was just the brains.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
How old are you?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
      (looks at him
       oddly)
Nineteen.
                                                            
Aurélien stands up, turns away from Dimitri, and rubs a hand
over his eye, breathing heavily.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
What's wrong?
                                                            

102.

                       AURELIEN
Nothing... it's just, you're the
same age as my sister.
                                                            
 
INT. PRISON CAMP, SLEEPING BARRACKS - MORNING
                                                            
All the prisoners gather in the barracks, talking in hushed
voices. Aurélien and Dimitri sit near the back. Dimitri is
wrapped in bandages, and Aurélien sits next to him.
                                                            
The door opens, and two guards enter, trailed by DAVID RUSH,
42. The entire room gets silent as they begin to walk
between the beds. David looks closely at each prisoner and
picks a few as he continues to walk towards Aurélien and
Dimitri.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
      (whispers)
What's going on?
                                                            
                       PRISONER
      (whispers from
       beside him)
Experimentation.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
      (whispers)
What?
                                                            
David stands in front of Aurélien and Dimitri and gives
Dimitri an odd look, then puts a hand on top of his head.
                                                            
                       DAVID
You.
                                                            
David exits. One of the guards pulls out a whip and cracks
it. All prisoners jump.
                                                            
                       GUARD 1
All who were selected are to come.
Immediately.
                                                            
Dimitri looks at Aurélien fearfully, who keeps his
expression stoic.
                                                            

103.

                       PRISONER
      (to Dimitri)
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
      (to prisoner)
What for?
                                                            
                       PRISONER
Those who are selected by that
man... they all go into a room...
and no one has ever come back.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (hushed)
Dead?
                                                            
                       PRISONER
I'm not sure.
                                                            
Aurélien's jaw clenches. Dimitri runs a hand through his
hair and stands up.
                                                            
Aurélien looks at Dimitri in alarm.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (strained)
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       DIMITRI
I have to.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
      (voice cracking
       slightly)
You can't.
                                                            
Aurélien and Dimitri exchange sad looks.
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
You'll die.
                                                            
Dimitri smiles sadly.
                                                            

104.

                       DIMITRI
Whether I submit myself to
experimentation or continue to
work, I'll die either way.
      (nods, then looks
       away)
You'll get out of here, Aure, I
know you will.
      (locks their eyes)
Tell Josef I'm sorry.
                                                            
Dimitri exits.
                                                            
                       PRISONER
How old is he?
                                                            
                       AURELIEN
Nineteen.
                                                            
 
EXT. EXPERIMENTATION ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
All selected prisoners line up outside the door. Dimitri
rounds out the back.
                                                            
 
EXT. WAREHOUSE - MORNING
                                                            
Jack and Bobby sit on the ground against the wall of the
warehouse and eat a small breakfast.
                                                            
Josef sits next to them.
                                                            
                       JACK
Mornin', bro.
                                                            
                       JOSEF
What's a bro?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (rolls his eyes
       and holds out
       some bread)
Food, dude. You eat yet?
                                                            
Nicholai joins them.
                                                            

105.

                       NICHOLAI
Morning, gentlemen.
                                                            
Jack spots LISE MYHREN, 20, walking past and carrying a few
boxes. Jack hits Bobby on the chest and smiles.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
      (rubs his chest)
Man, what gives?
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you see her or am I just
dreaming?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
See who?
                                                            
                       JACK
Beautiful blonde, three o'clock.
                                                            
Bobby looks over at Lise. Jack groans and leans backwards,
hands braced on his knees.
                                                            
                       JACK
Man, I would so hit that.
                                                            
                       BOBBY
Jack, please, I'm eating.
                                                            
                       JACK
Shut up, you're just jealous that
I could totally get with her.
                                                            
Nicholai and Josef look in Lise's direction, then give Jack
and Bobby confused looks.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
Why would you want to hit that
poor woman?
                                                            
Jack grins, then stands up.
                                                            
                       JACK
Watch and learn, my manly men.
                                                            
Jack exits.
                                                            

106.

                       JOSEF
What is he doing?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
He's going to get himself killed.
                                                            
                       NICHOLAI
      (alarmed)
Should we help him?
                                                            
                       BOBBY
      (grins)
No, no, this'll be fun.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEXT TO WAREHOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
                                                            
Jack runs a hand through his hair and smiles experimentally.
He checks his breath and approaches Lise.
                                                            
Lise walks with two crates in her arms, one stacked on top
of the other, and upon seeing Jack approaching her, rolls
her eyes.
                                                            
                       JACK
Hey, beautiful. Is your dad a
baker? Because, seriously... you
have a nice set of buns.
                                                            
Lise's jaw tenses, and she doesn't stop walking. Jack chases
after her.
                                                            
                       LISE
My father's dead, and I'm not
interested.
                                                            
                       JACK
Seriously, though. I really like
your face.
                                                            
Lise lip twitches up into an amused grin. Jack keeps up with
her pace.
                                                            
                       JACK
Are you really not going to say
anything to me?
                                                            

107.

Lise goans, then stops walking and sets the boxes onto the
ground in front of her. Jack's smile falters when she looks
him full in the face for the first time, realizing just how
beautiful she really is.
                                                            
                       LISE
I'm working.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From tina kenney Date 11/11/2012 ***
Very well done. This must not be your first rodeo. Keep up the good writing.


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