THE GREAT DINOSAUR EXTINCTION
TOUR OF DUTY/PRE FATHER JOHN WALKER
BY
HENRIETTE MOUSTAKIS
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. LT. MYRON GOLDMAN'S OFFICE. MORNING
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN is standing by two men. They are SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR and PRIVATE JOHN WALKER. SGT. ZEK ANDERSON enters and L.T. notices him.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
You wanted me, Myron?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
Yes. I've got your next mission.
(points to men)
These men will be going with you. This is Sgt. Lionel Taylor and his medic Private John Walker. They're on loan since we're short-handed. Men, this is my best man Sgt. Zek Anderson.
They all salute.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
What is the mission?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
We're blowing up another gas station.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
We've been doing a lot of those lately.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
And for once we're slowing Charlie down. They're pretty ticked with us.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Where's this one?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
A few miles up river.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Sounds simple enough. Who do I use?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
Taylor and Ruiz.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Taylor? Two Sgt. Taylors?
(looking at Taylor)
Excuse me but there's no difference between the two men. They're both black.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
I've thought of that. You guys go out in two days. You have that time to figure it out. Show them to their quarters. They bunk with Taylor.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
All right. Come with me.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
SCENE ONE
INT. BARRACKS. MORNING - MOMENTS LATER
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR and PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ are lying on their bunks. They are very hot and fluffing their shirts to cool off. It is no use.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Damn! It's hot today.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Hotter than yesterday. I would kill for air-conditioning.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Then you better become Jewish. L.T. is the only one who has it.
The door opens. Sgt. Anderson and the two men enter. Sgt. Marcus Taylor and Private Ruiz start to stand.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
At ease, men.
They both sit down.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
What's up, Sarge?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I've got your next mission and two new people to help.
(points to men)
This is Sgt. Lionel Taylor and our temporary medic, Private John Walker. Men, these are what's left of my best guys. Sgt. Marcus Taylor and Private Ruiz.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Did you say Taylor?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I'm afraid so.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
We have two Taylors? Sarge, we got a problem.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Which you two will solve. I'm staying out of this. You have two days to figure it out.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
What's the mission?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
We're blowing up another gas station. Something wrong, Ru?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
That ain't so easy. Charlie is getting pretty mad at us. Last time, we lost two men.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Which is why we're keeping it small. They won't expect a few men. We won't look dangerous.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Like a mosquito. You never know they're there till they bite.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Exactly.
(looks at new men)
I told you these guys were good.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
We had a good teacher.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I'll leave you four alone.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What do we do for two days?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
L.T. gave you R & R in town. Get to know each other. The bus leaves at five. By then you should figure out the Taylor problem. Don't get too drunk. Missions and hangovers don't match. Remember China Beach? I'll see you later.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Why don't you join us?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Not tonight. I've got reading.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You're always reading. How come?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
This is my last tour and I intend to go back educated. I will not work in the mailroom. I'm going back smart.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You want to impress your lady?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
You might say that.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Sarge, you don't need to be smart for her. She loves you. That's all she needs.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I know that. I'm doing this for me. Enjoy tonight.
Sgt. Anderson leaves.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Which bunks are ours?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Take your pick. It's only us. All the others have gone home.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
A few in body bags.
Private John Walker picks a bunk, puts down his gear, lies down and starts to go to sleep. Sgt. Marcus Taylor and Private Ruiz look at Sgt. Lionel Taylor.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What's with him?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
It was a long trip. I guess he's tired.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Without even a hello?
Sgt. Lionel Taylor picks a bunk, puts down his gear and sits down. He fluffs his shirt.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I see you have central air.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Welcome to Vietnam.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Why is this place so empty?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
We're in-between recruits.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
You mean draftees?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Look who's not asleep yet? What do we do with you, Taylor? We can't have two Taylors in the bush.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
We have to figure out a difference. What's your name?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Lionel.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Too long. Something else. We're both Sergeants and brothers so that won't work. What's your middle name?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Alister.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
No way. Even I would admit to that name.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I don't.
Sgt. Lionel's stomach grumbles.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Can we figure it out at the mess hall? I'm hungry.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
It's about time. Let's go.
The three men rise and turn to Private Walker.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You coming, Sleeping Beauty?
There is no response.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
He's gone. Let's go.
The three exit.
CUT TO:
SCENE TWO
INT. MESS HALL. MORNING. - MOMENTS LATER
The three have trays in front of them. A radio is playing by them.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Okay, Taylor. How do we fix our problem? We don't have much time.
A Lydia Lane song comes on the radio. Ruiz starts to turn it off when Marcus stops him.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Leave that on.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Why?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Because that is a real lady. No one shuts off Lydia Lane when I'm around.
(to Lionel)
You like Lydia Lane?
Sgt. Lionel Taylor smiles.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Why are you smiling?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
That's no lady. That's my grandmother.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
And my father is Mohammed Ali?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I'm not joking. Lydia Lane is my real grandmother. She is the only mother I've ever known. She raised me after mama died.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
(excited)
For real? Hey, Ru, we got a celebrity here. What's she like? Is she still foxy?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
She's my grandma and looks it.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I thought she died.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
She's very much alive. She just quit music and now works in a church. No one knows where she is, except me and a few friends.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
What's it like growing up with a celebrity?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Hard. When she left music, the money disappeared. I grew up in the worst part of town. She had a handful keeping me out of jail. Most of my friends are jailbirds or dead.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
So what saved you?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Grandma would like to say it was God. She always had me in church. But that wasn't it. It was music. She worked hard to pay for my piano lessons.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You any good?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Damn good. I was born with it in my blood. Jazz is my favorite. If you had a piano on the base I could show you.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
No luck. All we got is a bar and a pool table.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I'm not bad at pool either. Grandma was always dragging me away from pool halls. A few times by the ears. She wanted to keep me away from the devil's influence.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
I could go for some evil.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I wouldn't mind. What about Walker?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
He's in dreamland.
Sgt. Anderson comes in and sees them.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
There you are. I was looking for you.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Have a seat, Sarge.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
What can we do for you?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I went to the bunkhouse to give you maps of our mission. I left them on your bunks.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Walker there?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
He was asleep. He was snoring so loud the walls were vibrating.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
And we thought Percell was bad? Did you know about this, Taylor?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I never slept with him. Got any earplugs, Anderson?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I'll check into it. Have you fixed your problem yet?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
We're working on it.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
We'll have the answer real soon.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I have to go. See you later.
Sgt. Anderson leaves.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
That's some medic you brought us, Jazz.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Jazz?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Short for Jazzman.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Not bad, Ru. How about it?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I like it. Jazz it is. I wish this place had a piano. I could show you. Changing the subject, what happened to your last medic?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
We don't like to talk about Doc.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
What did he do?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
He turned yellow and a man died because of it.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
A lot of men freeze. We're not born killers.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
It's what he did after that made it worse.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
He showed his true nature.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
He was a pervert. There's a farmer that lives a few miles from base. He had a daughter. She was a kid. One night we were in town having some drinks. Ru and I were with some friends and Doc was alone. The local pimp came in with a young girl and Doc bought her.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
It was the girl we knew.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Did he know her?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Sure did.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
What happened?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Don't know. She disappeared. We told L.T. and charges were made. When he was asked what happened he said he couldn't remember.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Claims he was too drunk. The army sent him home.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
And not too son. We already had one serial killer.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Only this time they didn't find the body.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
You think she's dead?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
How else do you explain it? How about hitting the pool table?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I'm game.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Let's go.
The three exit.
CUT TO:
SCENE THREE
INT. SAIGON BAR. NIGHT. - LATER
The four men are in a crowded bar. Prostitutes are hanging around the bar while American GI's slowly approach them. The four men are sitting and drinking beers. Sgt. Marcus Taylor looks at the bar.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Now that's what I call entertainment.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You got that right. Which one you want?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
The one at the end. She's got the right curves.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
I'll take the one in blue.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I wouldn't take any.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You like boys, Walker?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
It's a dirty house.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
How do you know?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Personal experience.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Then why did we come here?
Private Walker points to the jukebox.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Because of that. It's the only box in Saigon with my favorite song. Now, if you'll excuse me.
Private Walker goes to the jukebox and plays the song "Tequila".
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Tequila?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Walker plays saxophone. His nickname at the base is Tequila.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
He any good?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Damn good. One night we even jammed. If we were free, we'd be a hot team. He has music in his blood too.
A YOUNG PROSTITUTE approaches Private Walker as he gets into the song.
PROSTITUTE ONE
Hello, G.I.? Want a date?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
(putting arm around her)
Sure, but not with you.
PROSTITUTE ONE
Why not? You'll never forget it.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I already did. The last time I needed shots. Find someone else.
Private Walker walks back and sits down.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
That was cold.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I hate needles. I'm also not prepared.
Sgt. Lionel Taylor pulls out a condom from his pocket and puts it in Private Walker's face.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
You mean this?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
(surprised)
Yeah. You must be part Boy Scout.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Want it?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Isn't it yours?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I have more in my pocket. Go ahead. Consider it a present.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
How many more you got, Jazz?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Three more. I stocked up at the base. You want it, Walker?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
(smiling)
Hell yes!
He grabs it and checks out the bar.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'll see you later.
He goes to the bar and picks out a girl. Sgt. Marcus Taylor smiles.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You made him happy.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
He likes his women.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
So do we all. Let's go to another place. The music is better and the girls are cleaner.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
What about Walker?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Long as he makes the bus, that's all that matters. Let's go. We don't have much time.
The three get up and go to the bar. Private Walker is romancing ONE GIRL. Sgt. Marcus Taylor taps him on the shoulder and he turns.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
The bus leaves at eleven. Be there.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
See ya.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Enjoy, Private.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I intend to.
The three walk out.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
SCENE ONE
EXT. JUNGLE. MORNING
The five men are cautiously walking by a stream. They are maintaining silence. Private Ruiz walks over to Sgt. Anderson and taps him.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
What is it, Ru?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
I gotta go.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Make it quick. We'll take five. Men, stay alert.
The four men stand alert as Private Ruiz goes behind some trees. The men are tense.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I hate this. We're target practice.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
We all gotta go sometime, Taylor.
They hear Private Ruiz cry out in pain. He speaks off-screen.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You okay, Ru?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
There's a leech on me.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Can you get it off?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
I can't. It's on my butt.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Why did you have your pants off?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Guess.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
(to Walker)
Doc, can you help?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'll be right back.
He goes to Private Ruiz. Their voices are heard off-screen.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Can you get it, Doc?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
No problem. He's getting a sweet kiss, all right.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Knock it off. Just get rid of it.
Sgt. Anderson turns to the other men and they are enjoying this. They are smiling. They will never let him forget this.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'm putting some alcohol to sterilize it. This will sting.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Just get it over with.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'll do better at the base. I wouldn't try sitting down for a few hours.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Sorry, Doc. My butt is mine from now on.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Here goes...There, all done. I'll wait with the others.
He goes back smiling to the laughing men.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
(whispering)
How big was it?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
(whispering)
Huge.
Private Ruiz comes from behind the trees. The four men are trying not to laugh. Private Ruiz notices and is not pleased.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You can stop laughing. This didn't happen to you. There is not a more embarrassing place.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I can think of one.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Where?
Private Walker looks at Private Ruiz's crotch.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Don't even think about it.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
(still smiling)
Let's continue.
Private Ruiz walks ignoring the four men, quietly giggling at him.
CUT TO:
SCENE TWO
EXT. JUNGLE. MORNING - LATER
The five men are still quietly walking. Private Ruiz is doing point. Sgt. Anderson walks up to him.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
How's the butt?
Private Ruiz ignores him.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Ignoring a superior officer? I could report you for this.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Did you say something? I didn't hear you, Sarge?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
How does it look for lunch break?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Looks clear enough.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I'll call it.
(to men)
Lunch break. Let's keep it quiet.
The men stop and open up their packs and begin eating. Private Ruiz stands by a tree as Sgt. Marcus Taylor sits on the ground.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Have a seat.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
No thanks.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Oh, I forgot.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You're not going to forget this?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Nope. I'm going to tell my grandchildren.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Not if I have anything to do with it. You won't live long enough.
Sgt. Marcus Taylor looks at Private Walker who is by himself eating. Private Walker always looks up.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What do you think about Doc?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
What about him?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
He makes me feel weird. He's not what he seems.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You think all medics are strange?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
That's not it. There's something very different about him.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Like what?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
He doesn't talk much. What do we know about him?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
He's not talking to maintain silence. We all are.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
That ain't it. Something about him seems almost...holy?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Now I know you've flipped. He partied with us. We left him with a woman. There is no way that man is holy.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I tell you, he is. Look at him. He's always looking up. Why?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
He probably thinks it is hot.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What do you think he's thinking?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
The same thing we are. How do we get out of here alive? At least this medic carries a gun.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
But will he use it when the time comes?
Private Ruiz shoots him a look. Sgt. Anderson sits alone eating out of a can when Sgt. Lionel Taylor approaches.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
How we doing, Sarge?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
We're almost there. It's about a mile. We should be seeing traps very soon. Charlie doesn't like our raids. We lost two men the last raid. We were only a mile away. Will Doc be ready?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Don't worry about him. He knows his job.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
At least he carries a gun.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
That's true. But, I've never seen him use it. Excuse me. I'll check on him.
Sgt. Marcus Taylor goes to Private Walker.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Hey, Doc.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Taylor?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You ready?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I have to be. I have a question.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Shoot.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
What happened to your last medic?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
We don't talk about him. He turned on us.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
The little girl?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Yeah.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I don't think he did it. It doesn't make sense. People don't turn over night. How well did you know him before it happened?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Pretty well. That's why it doesn't make sense.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
And that's why I think he's innocent. Sexual deviants come out early. They are proud of their beliefs.
Sgt. Lionel Taylor walks over.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
That's where you're wrong, Doc. He changed and that's the truth.
Sgt. Marcus Taylor rises and turns to Sgt. Lionel Taylor and then to Private Walker.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I'd be careful, Walker.
(to Lionel)
Your man is too much of a preacher. If he doesn't watch it, Charlie won't get him. His own men will.
Sgt. Marcus Taylor walks away and Sgt. Lionel Taylor sits next to him.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Preaching again, Doc?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I wasn't preaching. I just think the guy got a bad rap.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Well, he's a sore point with these guys, so lay off.
Sgt. Anderson walks over.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Lunch over. Let's clean up.
(motions to all men)
From now on, watch for everything. We don't know what to expect.
Sgt. Anderson walks away and they start cleaning up.
CUT TO:
SCENE THREE
EXT. JUNGLE. MORNING - AFTERNOON
The five men are walking cautiously. They come upon an opening. Private Ruiz spots a mine and motions. Sgt. Anderson walks over.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
It's almost too easy. They never put it in the open.
Sgt. Lionel Taylor walks over.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
What's the catch?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
That is.
A YOUNG BABY comes out crawling out of the bushes.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Where's momma?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
She's watching.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What type of mother uses her kid as bait?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
The kind that has a gun against her head.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Where?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
There's a shadow behind her. The sun gives him away.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
How do you know?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I know mothers.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What do we do, Sarge? It's a trap.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
One of us takes out the shadow.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
And the kid?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'll get him.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
No way. If we step out we're dead. They're counting on that.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
He's right, Walker. It's a death wish.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Which is why it should be me? You know me, Sarge. I don't use my gun. I can't kill. I also can't see that baby get it.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Who takes out the shadow?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
I will, Sarge.
Private Ruiz disappears behind them and into the bushes. Private Walker takes off the cross from his neck.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What are you doing, Doc?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Babies like shiny things. That's why he's going to the trap. This will distract him.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Good luck.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I won't need it. God will protect me.
Private Walker steps out as Sgt. Marcus Taylor talks to himself.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I told you he was holy.
Private Walker goes into the opening. He crouches down as the baby turns and sees him. He holds the cross dangling in his hand.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Hi there. Taking a walk without your mom? That's not safe at your age. You want to see something? It's shiny and much more fun than that string. If you come here, I'll let you play with it.
The baby sees it and smiles.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I knew you'd like it. Come and see it closer. Just come to me.
Private Walker opens up his arms as a disturbance is heard in the bushes. The baby crawls over and he picks it up and stands. He takes the cross and puts it around his neck again as Ru and the mother run out. He walks over to her and gives her the baby. She spits at him and runs away. Sgt. Marcus Taylor comes over.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Well, look at her. Not even a thank you?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I didn't expect one.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I don't get these people. You saved her baby and all you get is spit.
Sgt. Lionel Taylor walks over the Sgt. Marcus Taylor.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
They're scared, Taylor. Even we are the enemy. Ru, can you break the toy?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Give me five minutes and we'll be on our way.
Sgt. Anderson walks over to Private Walker.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Good work, Private. You took a chance. I'll put that in my report.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I love life, Sarge. I would do it again.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
If you hadn't, it would be me.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I knew that. That's why I volunteered. You're much too important to loose. I'm not.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Private, every man is important in this war. You remember that.
Private Ruiz stands.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
We're done.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Let's move.
CUT TO:
SCENE FOUR
EXT. JUNGLE. AFTERNOON. - LATER
The men approach a stream.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
This is it?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
Where is it?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Look for disturbed ground.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
It all looks disturbed. The ground is wet.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
I have an idea.
Private Ruiz picks up a small stone and throws it.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What did you do that for?
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Metal pings.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Good, Ru. Let's start pinging.
The men start throwing small stones until they hear a ping and stop.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Where was that?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
By the reeds.
The men approach. Private Ruiz uncovers a drum with his hand. He points all around as Sgt. Anderson pauses.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
Something wrong, Sarge?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I was reading about this stuff. We have oil because of dead dinosaurs. Their bodies are what we are about to blow up. It's estimated we only have about 200 years of oil left. One day we're going to cry over every wasted drop. And here we are blowing it up because it belongs to the wrong side.
Sgt. Lionel Taylor walks up to him.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
It's why we're here.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I know. Let's do it.
They start to plant the C4. A few men are hiding in the bushes. Private Walker notices.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Charlie, two o'clock.
A battle breaks out as Sgt. Marcus Taylor gets hit. Private Walker runs to him. Sgt. Taylor is badly hit and bleeding heavily. Private Walker puts his hand on the wound to stop the bleeding.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I got you, Sarge.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Who has got you?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
You'd be surprised.
The battle goes on around them as a bullet hits Private Walker in the shoulder. Sgt. Marcus Taylor sees the look of pain in Walker's face.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You're hurt.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'll survive.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
That bullet was meant for me.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Bullets don't have names.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You're really bleeding. What can I do?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'll take care of it. You just stay calm.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You're crazy, Doc.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Tell me something I don't know.
The shooting stops as the men in the bushes run off. Sgt. Anderson goes over to them.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
You guys okay?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
He's hurt bad. He could bleed to death if we don't get him out.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
(to Ruiz)
Ru, call for a medevac. Everyone else, let's blow this gas station.
(to Walker)
How's the shoulder?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'll live.
Sgt. Anderson leaves them as Sgt. Marcus Taylor turns to Private Walker.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Thanks, Doc. You're a lifesaver.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I'm just doing my job.
Sgt. Anderson comes back.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Let's move. This place will rock.
The three move and the bombs go off. They cover their ears till it's over. The air is full of smoke and fire.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Time to go home, men.
(to Walker)
Do what you can. The bird is on the way.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
SCENE ONE
EXT. OUTSIDE STORAGE AREA. DAY
Sgt. Anderson sits on some crates reading when L.T. sees him and walks over.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
What are you reading?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
A science book.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
You and science? That's a scary thought.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I'm not going back stupid.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
And for that we're all proud of you. What's the book about?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Dinosaurs.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
I always like them. The T-Rex was always my favorite.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I liked the brontosaurus. They were big but very gentle.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
So, that's what you are.
Sgt. Anderson glares at him.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
Just kidding.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
You know those guys were big and they ruled the world. And then one day, a rock falls from the sky and boom, they become extinct. All that's left of them is the oil we destroyed today. We're just like them.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
How so?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
We're here fighting a war we both know we're loosing, for nothing. Our lives and our actions mean nothing. When we go back to the real world it will be like that rock hitting the earth. We won't even be a memory. At least the dinosaurs gave us oil. It will be like we were never here.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
I see your point.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Have we changed anything? Is anything better? Why today we almost saw a baby killed for nothing? He was only bait. His life wasn't important. If Walker didn't get him that baby would be dead. And after it was over, his mother spat on Walker and ran away. Not even a thank-you. Myron, what the hell are we doing here? We're just a bunch of dinosaurs.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
I know it seems like that but we ARE making a difference. That baby is alive because of us.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
He was in danger because of us. Is human life so worthless here?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
You're thinking about the bus and China Beach?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
You didn't see the inside of that bus. I saw that baby and it all came back. If Walker didn't go for him, I was going to. Someone had to save him. Even if it was a dinosaur.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
Interesting analogy. I'll leave you to your reading.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
(closing book)
I've read enough for tonight. How about a beer?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
You've got a date, Bronto.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Okay, Mr. Rex.
The two walk off.
CUT TO:
SCENE TWO
INT. HOSPITAL WARD. DAY.
Sgt. Marcus Taylor is sleeping on a bed. Private Walker watches him from the next bed. He has his arm in a sling. Sgt. Taylor wakes and sees him for the first time.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Good afternoon.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What am I doing here?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
You passed out in the plane. You've been asleep almost all day. How do you feel?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Like shit. And you?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I can't play baseball for awhile.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You play?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I hate it.
L.T. Goldman, Sgt. Zek Anderson, Sgt. Lionel Taylor and Private Ruiz enter and walk over.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Well, if it isn't our heroes.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Hey, Sarge.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
How do you feel, Taylor?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Like shit.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
You were very lucky. If you lost more blood, you'd be in a body bag right now.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
I had a good doctor.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
How's the arm, Doc?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Sore.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
(pulls out cross)
I believe this is yours.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
(taking it)
When did you get it?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
You passed out in the plane.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
(smiling)
So, I wasn't alone?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
That cross saved your life. I take that it had two arms before.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Yes, it did.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
The bullet hit the arm and broke it off, causing it to move just off enough to skip your heart and hit your shoulder. They found the arm in the wound. You had someone watching over you.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Looks like you owe the Big Guy.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
(to Zek)
Big Guy?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
Well, God is the Big Guy.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
He has a point, L.T.. How are you gonna pay him back, Doc?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
(looking at cross)
I'll have to think about it.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
We can get you a complete one.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
No, I think I want to keep it. It saved my life. It wants to belong to me.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
How does it feel? Someone was watching over both of you.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Weird. Maybe your grandma was right, Jazz.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
Jazz?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
I'm a piano man. I love Jazz. Jazzman is the real title. I don't know why but I like that name. How do you feel, Doc?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I don't know. Maybe this is a sign.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
So, when do we get out of here?
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
Doc gets out tomorrow. You're staying a few more days. Doc and Taylor are moving on.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
That ain't fair. We just broke them in.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
We were only here on loan.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
The new recruits come in tomorrow.
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
And I go home next week. That leaves only you, Taylor and L.T..
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
In six months I go home.
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
It's four for me.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
What's the first thing you're gonna do when you get back, Sarge?
SGT. ZEK ANDERSON
I'm gonna marry my lady, if she'll still have me.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
Judging by the care package you got this morning, she still wants you. You should see this box. It was big and heavy.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Where are we going, Sarge?
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
A little place called China Beach.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
All right! Nurses!
PRIVATE/SPC ALBERTO RUIZ
You can play Doctor, Doc.
SGT. LIONEL TAYLOR
And this time come prepared. It pays to be a Boy Scout.
L.T. MYRON GOLDMAN
I'll leave you guys now. Let's go. I can't wait to see what's in that care package.
The men leave the two patients alone.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Man, I envy you. I was there. The nurses were unbelievable.
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
Did you get lucky?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
No, the last Doc did. Sarge came close. There is this American girl. Her name is K.C..
He notices Private Walker playing with the cross and ignoring him.
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
You there, Doc?
PRIVATE JOHN WALKER
I was just wondering. Maybe there's more to life than nurses. At least for me. Ah, the hell with it. Girls are nice. Right, Taylor?
SGT. MARCUS TAYLOR
Damn right, Walker. Let me tell about K.C..
FADE OUT: