The Murder Gram

THE MURDER GRAM1

“Awakening”2

TEASER3

FADE IN:4

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - MORNING5

Carissa Sanchez-Pierre walks out of her apartment. She heads towards a small car. She opens the car’s door.6

INT. CAR - MORNING7

CARISSA sits in the driver’s seat, places both hands on the steering wheel and closes her eyes. She takes a deep breath, exhales, and then opens her eyes. She adjusts the seat, the rearview and side mirrors, then pulls the seat belt over her and SNAPS it over her swollen stomach. She reaches in to her purse, on the passenger seat, and retrieves a cellular phone. She begins to dial a number, and then presses the end button. She stares at the phone and then tosses it onto the seat beside the purse.8

EXT. CARISSA’S APARTMENT - SIDE STREET - CONTINUOUS9

Carissa pulls the car out onto a small side street in front of her apartment.10

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - MORNING11

A large SUV is traveling at a high rate of speed.12

INT. SUV - CONTINUOUS13

The DRIVER has one hand on the steering wheel, and with the other hand, he is changing the radio stations on the vehicle’s stereo.14

EXT. SIDE STREET - MORNING15

Carissa’s car is traveling a side street. She merges into a wider one-way residential street.16

INT. CARISSA’S CAR - CONTINUOUS17

Carissa looks over at the phone. She reaches over and picks up the phone. She dials a number and places the phone to her ear.18

CARISSA19

(annoyed, into receiver)20

Where are you?21

(Listens)22

What? You’re where? Haiti?23

Carissa’s eyes widen. She has a look of disbelief on her face.24

CARISSA (CONT’D)25

Are you freaking crazy, Claude? You knew we had this appointment.26

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - MORNING27

The SUV is barreling down the empty street. MUSIC is blaring through the windows. The DRIVER is bobbing his head to the music and singing aloud.28

INT. CARISSA’S CAR - MORNING29

Carissa is still on the phone. She isn’t paying attention to the speed she is traveling or to her outside surroundings. From inside the car, a traffic signal can be seen two blocks up ahead. The light is green. The car zooms toward the traffic signal. The light changes to yellow.30

CARISSA31

(angry, screaming into the receiver)32

I need your ass, HERE! What could be more important than your pregnant wife?33

EXT. ONE-WAY RESIDENTIAL STREET - CONTINUOUS34

Carissa’s car is rapidly approaching the traffic signal. She doesn’t notice that it has changed from yellow to red.35

INT. CARISSA’S CAR - MORNING36

Carissa glances up and realizes that the traffic light is red. She screams as she drops the phone. Simultaneously, she grabs the steering wheel with both hands and quickly slams on the brakes. The tires SCREECH.37

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - CONTINUOUS38

The DRIVER of the SUV is pressing buttons on the stereo. He raises his head and looks out onto the street. His eyes widen and his mouth opens. He inhales audibly.39

EXT. INTERSECTION - SECONDS LATER40

The SUV crashes into the drivers side of Carissa’s car. The driver of the SUV slams through the windshield. His hips and torso protrude from the window. The rest of his body hangs limply onto the dash board. As blood cascades from his stomach and mouth, he is not breathing. The MUSIC from the SUV’s stereo is still BLASTING.41

INT. CARISSA’S CAR - CONTINUOUS42

The seat belt has Carissa strapped into the driver’s seat, but her body is leaning grotesquely towards the passenger seat. Her face is bleeding and covered with lacerations from the explosion of the window. Carissa, deathly still, slumps in the seat.43

DISSOLVE TO:44

SOUNDS of hospital equipment sing out: CLICKING, WHIRRING, BEEPING, people MOVING hastily, voices SHOUTING orders, AD LIBS, this goes on for several seconds...45

VOICE #146

I’ve got two heart beats... but one’s really weak.47

VOICE #248

It’s twins!49

More background SOUNDS emanate , people WORKING hurriedly, machinery BEEPING.50

VOICE #351

Dammit... She’s bleeding internally. I can’t stop it.52

More SOUNDS of hurried action, labored BREATHING.53

An electrocardiograph emits a long MONOTONE BEEP. A BABY wails. 54

FADE OUT.55

END TEASER56

ACT ONE57

FADE IN:58

EXT. SANCHEZ’S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING59

SUPERIMPOSE:60

“10 YEARS LATER”61

A cat PASSES in front of the house.62

INT. SANCHEZ’S HOUSE - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS63

The room is decorated in an explosion of pink and white. There are several photographs of Carissa on top of a bureau. In one of the pictures, Carissa is pregnant and kissing an attractive black man. There are two beds in the room. One bed is unoccupied. Lying on the other bed is a YOUNG GIRL. She is asleep, but her sleep seems to be turbulent. She appears agitated. She moans and whimpers, as she tosses about the bed.64

A SMALL BOY65

walks into the FRAME.66

He and the YOUNG GIRL share a close resemblance. He stands over the YOUNG GIRL and watches her as she sleeps. Appearing to be concerned about her uneasiness, he gently extends his hand, as if, to comfort her. The bedroom door opens.67

THE SMALL BOY68

looks up at the opening door.69

A WOMAN 70

quietly enters the room, leaving the door open behind her. She is an older, stockier version of Carissa. She crosses to the YOUNG GIRL’s bed and pulls the covers up and around the YOUNG GIRL. The WOMAN strokes the YOUNG GIRL’s hair. 71

The YOUNG GIRL 72

has stopped writhing and is no longer whimpering.73

The WOMAN kneels next to the bed. She folds her hands together; her eyes close. Her lips begin to move in a silent prayer.74

THE SMALL BOY75

places his hands on the WOMAN’s shoulders.76

WOMAN77

Amen.78

THE WOMAN makes the sign of the cross over herself and then gingerly stands. She straightens her clothes, and then bends forward to kiss the YOUNG GIRL on the forehead. 79

The SMALL BOY is no longer at her back. She exits the room looking back at the YOUNG GIRL once more.80

The SMALL BOY is no where in the room.81

INT. SANCHEZ’S HOUSE - KITCHEN NOOK - MORNING82

A MAN and the WOMAN sit at the kitchen table.83

BENITA (WOMAN)84

I don’t know. I think we should get her some professional help.85

Benita stands and starts to remove dishes and silverware off the table.86

CARLOS (MAN)87

No, Nita. That’s not what she needs.88

Benita has started washing the few dishes.89

BENITA90

Carlos, she NEEDS help. She has been this way since she was a baby and now it’s gotten worse.91

CARLOS92

I know. But we tried that. I will not put her through that again.93

Benita sits down. She looks stoically at her husband.94

BENITA95

Carlos... We took her to Reverend Ortiz. That’s not the type of professional I’m talking about.96

CARLOS97

You know the church has always been a major part of our lives. It was the best thing for our family.98

BENITA99

You may be right. But was it the best thing for Cassie?100

Carlos looks at his wife, Benita, and then down at the table.101

CARLOS102

I don’t know, honey. I just don’t know.103

EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND - AFTERNOON104

Children run and shout all over the playground in various modes of play. THE YOUNG GIRL sits alone on the ground, under a tree. A TEACHER approaches her.105

TEACHER106

Cassie, are you okay today?107

The YOUNG GIRL doesn’t acknowledge the teacher’s presence. She sits and stares out at the other children.108

TEACHER (CONT’D)109

Cassie?110

The YOUNG GIRL, startled, jerks her head in the direction of the teacher. There are tears cascading down her cheeks.111

TEACHER (CONT’D)112

Cassie, why are you crying? Is something the matter?113

CASSIE (YOUNG GIRL)114

I wanna go home.115

The teacher sits on the ground next to Cassie. She tries to soothe her by smoothing back her hair.116

TEACHER117

Baby, did someone hurt you? Why do you want to go home?118

With tears in her eyes, Cassie looks directly at the Teacher.119

CASSIE120

You won’t believe me.121

The teacher takes Cassie’s hand in hers.122

TEACHER123

Sweetie, I’ll believe you. What makes you think I wont believe you?124

CASSIE125

No one does. Everyone thinks I’m crazy.126

TEACHER127

You’re not crazy. No one thinks that, Cassie.128

The teacher pulls Cassie onto her lap and continues to stroke her hair.129

TEACHER (CONT’D)130

Tell me what’s wrong, baby.131

Cassie hesitates, then she leans back onto the teacher.132

CASSIE133

Timothy is glowing.134

TEACHER135

What?136

CASSIE137

Timothy Stewart is glowing. That means he’s gonna die.138

The teacher, wide eyed, stares down at Cassie. 139

INT. SANCHEZ’S HOUSE - KITCHEN NOOK140

A telephone hanging on the wall begins to RING.141

Benita enters the kitchen and lifts the receiver to her ear.142

BENITA143

Hello?144

(Listens)145

Yes?146

Benita closes her eyes. Sadness washes over her face.147

EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - LATER148

Carlos and Benita are walking to the School parking lot with a somber Cassie in tow. The school buses are arriving in front of the school. Children run around in a melee as teachers try to instill order to the end of the school day.149

One of the children breaks free of the orderly regime of the teachers. HE runs towards the buses to be the first aboard. As he reaches the curb he stumbles and falls onto the asphalt. The rear wheel of the last arriving bus, crushes the little boy.150

TEACHER151

TIMMY!152

FADE TO BLACK.153

INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT154

SUPERIMPOSE:155

“16 YEARS LATER”156

A YOUNG MAN, 30 something, is sitting on a sofa, leaning back. A YOUNG WOMAN, 20 something, is lying on the same sofa with her head on his thigh.157

YOUNG MAN (ALEX)158

So, after little Jimmy died, you thought you had this... special power?159

The YOUNG WOMAN rolls her eyes.160

YOUNG WOMAN (CASSIE)161

Timmy.162

ALEX163

What?164

CASSIE165

His name was TIMMY... and It’s not a special power.166

ALEX167

Well, you claim you can see these auras around people. That’s not normal. So, to me, it’s a special power.168

Cassie stares at Alex.169

CASSIE170

I claim?171

ALEX172

Well...173

Cassie adjusts her position and looks Alex in the face.174

CASSIE175

Whatever, Alex. Let’s just drop it. 176

ALEX177

No. I wanna talk about this. I’m trying to understand.178

CASSIE179

Oh, please.180

Cassie stands and walks OFF SCREEN into the kitchen.181

ALEX182

Aw, come on.183

CASSIE (O.S.)184

Do you want anything to drink?185

ALEX186

No, I’m good.187

Alex sits up and straightens the pillows on the sofa. He situates himself so that he is looking directly at the entrance to the kitchen. His back ramrod straight. 188

Cassie enters the room carrying a soft drink. She stops and places her free hand on her hip.189

CASSIE190

What are you doing?191

ALEX192

Tell me how my aura looks.193

Cassie rolls her eyes. She walks into the room. She places her drink on a coaster on a table that separates the chair and sofa. She drops down into a chair opposite the sofa.194

ALEX (CONT’D)195

Come on, Cassie, tell me.196

CASSIE197

I should’ve never told you anything.198

ALEX199

Oh, baby don’t be that way. I was just having fun with you.200

CASSIE201

That’s just it, Alex. It’s not funny to me.202

Alex stands. He walks over to Cassie, sits on her lap, and brushes her hair away from her face.203

ALEX204

I’m sorry.205

He kisses her several times, gently on her forehead. Cassie closes her eyes.206

He lifts her chin up. Her eyes are still closed. He leans in close to her, his lips millimeters from hers.207

ALEX (CONT’D)208

Forgive me?209

She opens her eyes.210

CASSIE211

Always.212

They kiss passionately and, then, Alex stands and lifts Cassie into his arms. He carries her through the living room, off camera into the bedroom.213

Left in the living room is a YOUNG MAN, who closely resembles Cassie, standing near the sofa. He is looking in the direction where Alex and Cassie just entered. He has a look of concern on his face.214

INT. APARTMENT - BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING215

Alex and Cassie are in bed, asleep. Cassie shifts in her sleep and starts to awaken. She notices the YOUNG MAN standing at the foot of the bed staring at her. Cassie sits up in the bed, holding the sheet to her breasts.216

CASSIE217

(she mouthed the word)218

What?219

The YOUNG MAN says nothing. He responds by raising his arm and pointing directly at Alex. Cassie looks over at Alex, briefly, and then looks back at the YOUNG MAN.220

CASSIE (CONT’D)221

(frustrated, mouthing the phrase)222

What, Casey?223

CASEY (YOUNG MAN), with his arm still raised, shakes his head slowly from side to side. Cassie opens her mouth to reply once more, but is interrupted by two electronic devices on the night stand that resemble cellular phones. Both devices light up and start VIBRATING simultaneously.224

Cassie reaches over and retrieves one of the devices. She looks at the lighted screen and then back to Casey. Casey is no longer in the room. She then looks at Alex and begins to shake him awake.225

CASSIE (CONT’D)226

(holding the device)227

Get dressed. We’ve got an assignment.228

EXT. ROOFTOP OF HIGH RISE BUILDING - LONGSHOT - LATER229

We see SIX PEOPLE in black combat fatigues and black masks, carrying an assortment of weapons, entering the bay doors of a helicopter.230

INT. HELICOPTER - CONTINUOUS231

The SIX PEOPLE sit three to a side inside the rear of the helicopter. One of the SIX points over at another of the SIX and then motions towards their shoulder. A lock of hair is protruding from the mask onto their shoulder. The other removes the mask. It is Cassie. She repositions her hair and replaces the mask.232

DISSOLVE TO:233

EXT. HERAT - AERIAL SHOT - NIGHT234

SUPERIMPOSE:235

“HERAT, AFGHANISTAN”236

The city is dimly lit, except for a few buildings on one block, where there are numerous cars and people milling around. There are several armed guards situated around the buildings. 237

EXT. JUMAH MOSQUE - NIGHT 238

A GROUP of men, dressed formally, and wearing turbans, exit the building. Citizens gathered outside the building begin to approach the group. Three of the group members step forward. Two of the three, armed with semi-automatic weapons, strategically place themselves at the front and rear of a limo, parked directly in front of the building. The third opens the rear door of the limo. Just then, four other similarly clad MEN, exit the building surrounding a fifth MAN. The rest of the group members use their bodies to form a barricade around the MAN. The crowd of citizens begin to wave and cheer. The MAN maneuvers through his human barricade to shake hands and greet the onlookers. 239

EXT. DISTANT ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS 240

Two black clad figures, lying in a prone position, hide in the shadows. One is positioned behind a high caliber rifle, peering through the scope. 241

EXT. SECOND DISTANT ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS242

Two figures are on this roof, as well, lying in the darkness in similar positions.243

EXT. THIRD DISTANT ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS 244

Similar to the first two roofs, there are two prone figures in all black. One lying with a rifle. 245

The figure with the rifle raises his hand to his covered ear and presses something beneath his mask.246

BLACK CLAD FIGURE 1247

Falcon has no window. Eagle, Hawk... terminate. 248

TELESCOPIC view of the crowd in front of the building, with cross hairs trying to position on the MAN shaking hands. There is not a clear shot. 249

BLACK CLAD FIGURE 2250

Eagle... no window.251

BLACK CLAD FIGURE 3252

Hawk... no window.253

EXT. JUMAH MOSQUE - NIGHT 254

We see Casey standing near the MAN. Casey looks up in the direction of two of the black clad figures. 255

EXT. DISTANT ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS256

The black clad figure, with the rifle, slowly nods their head. 257

EXT. JUMAH MOSQUE - NIGHT 258

Casey turns and looks at the MAN. He, then, walks into the Man, merges with him, possesses him. The MAN’s body elicits a small imperceptive jerk. 259

He immediately walks out past the onlookers, shoving the ones that are still seeking handshakes. The men from the GROUP rush towards him, grabbing at him. He side steps one of them and shoves another so hard, that he stumbles backward and slides across the trunk of the limo. A third group member grabs his shoulder, the MAN lifts him off his feet and effortlessly tosses him aside. A fourth approaches him, the MAN’s head snaps back violently. He falls to the ground. 260

The MAN’s face looms. There is a small hole in his forehead. The ground beneath his head quickly becomes flooded with blood. 261

EXT. DISTANT ROOFTOP - CONTINUOUS262

The rooftop is empty, vacated. Loose debris blows lazily across the rooftop. 263

AERIAL SHOT 264

A series of shots of the three distant rooftops. They are all deserted. 265

Then, a series of shots of the city is shown. 266

FADE OUT.267

END OF ACT ONE268

ACT TWO269

FADE IN:270

EXT. PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL - DAY271

SUPERIMPOSE:272

“TEN YEARS AGO” 273

Ominous thunder clouds litter the sky above the school. 274

INT. PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL - OFFICE - CONTINUOUS275

Sitting on a bench along the inner wall of the office, are three female students. All three have a disheveled appearance. 276

INT. PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE - DAY277

There are military documents and awards hanging on the walls. Several photos on the walls, the desk, and on a bookshelf, show the PRINCIPAL, with three men and a woman, all dressed in fatigues, holding weapons. The PRINCIPAL is sitting behind a huge oak desk that’s covered with mounds of paper. He is holding his chin in his hand, as he looks at Cassie with concern. With his other hand, he is tapping a pen on a note pad. Cassie is sitting across from him. Her head is down and she is fiddling with a rip in her jeans. The PRINCIPAL drops the pen onto the note pad and leans back in his chair. He folds his arms across his chest and sighs. 278

PRINCIPAL279

What am I going to do with you, Cassie? 280

Without looking up, Cassie shrugs her shoulders, and continues to play with her jeans. 281

The PRINCIPAL takes his arms from his chest, clasps his hands together, and places them on his desk. 282

PRINCIPAL (CONT’D)283

Cassie... look, you are one of the top students here. One of the best athletes. You have so much potential. But you have this temper. This... this anger inside of you. 284

CASSIE285

I didn’t start the fight.286

PRINCIPAL287

No you didn’t. Not this one. But what about the others? 288

CASSIE289

Mr. Williams, what do you want from me? I’m NOT gonna just sit there and let people make fun of me. 290

MR. WILLIAMS (PRINCIPAL)291

I WANT you to take responsibility for your actions. In a few months from now you’ll be graduating. What are you going do after that? 292

Cassie looks down at her jeans again and shrugs her shoulders.293

MR. WILLIAMS (CONT’D)294

You don’t know? You’re spiraling out of control, Cassie. At the rate you’re going, you’re headed for jail or worse. 295

CASSIE296

Who cares?297

MR. WILLIAMS298

I care. Your teachers care. Your grandmother cares. And even though you try hard not to show it... you care. 299

Cassie just looked at Mr. Williams and said nothing. Mr. Williams picks up a business card off his desk and twirls it between his fingers. 300

MR. WILLIAMS (CONT’D)301

I have a friend I’d like you to speak with. She’s a special tactics instructor for the C.I.A. We were in the Army Rangers together... 302

CASSIE303

(interrupting)304

You were a Ranger?305

Mr. Williams chuckled.306

MR. WILLIAMS307

Yes. Is that so hard to believe?308

Cassie was about to speak, when Mr. Williams held up his hand to cut her off.309

MR. WILLIAMS (CONT’D)310

Anyway... I’d like you to give her a call. 311

Mr. Williams hands the card to Cassie. Cassie looks closely at the card.312

CASSIE313

So that’s it? Just call her?314

MR. WILLIAMS315

That’s it.316

CASSIE317

No cops? No suspension?318

MR. WILLIAMS319

Call her and we’ll see. 320

Cassie picks up her bookbag and walks out of the Principal’s office. 321

INT. PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL - OFFICE - DAY322

Cassie walks into the outer office from the Principal’s office. The girls are still sitting there, waiting for the Principal. They look at her coldly and sneer. Cassie walks past them without a glance. 323

GIRL IN OFFICE324

Weird Bitch.325

Cassie stops. She hesitates, begins to turn her head in the direction of the girls and then stops. She looks down at the card in her hand and continues to walk out of the office. 326

EXT. MILITARY TRAINING FACILITY - DAY327

SUPERIMPOSE:328

“ONE YEAR LATER”329

A TALL MAN and a WOMAN, in civilian attire, stand in the shade of a tree cluster. The WOMAN is the soldier in the photographs from Mr. Williams office. In the distance, trainees are in various modes of exercise. 330

TALL MAN331

So this is the one you wanted me to consider. The famous Cassandra Pierre. 332

WOMAN333

Just watch.334

Cassie, oblivious to her audience, is participating in an obstacle course along with other trainees. She is the only female in the lead group. There are five MARINES at the end point. They are the last obstacles of the course. 335

The MARINES are all well muscled physical specimens. They are positioned in various defensive stances three yards apart. The first trainee reaches the MARINES. He tries to over run one of them by dropping his shoulder. The MARINE pivots and spins just before contact. He wraps his arm around the trainees neck, performs a choke hold and brings the trainee down. 336

The second trainee approaching the MARINES, dives headlong at his subject. The chosen MARINE launches himself into the air, aimed directly at the trainee. He grabs the trainee mid-air by his shoulder and waist and slams him onto the ground.337

Cassie is the next trainee to advance upon the MARINES. She is running at full speed, all out. At the last possible moment, she tucks her head, drops into a tight ball and tries to roll into the legs her chosen MARINE. The MARINE tries to counter by leaping over Cassie’s roll. His jump is well timed but his legs don’t quite clear the Cassie ball. The MARINE tumbles in the air and lands on his chest. Cassie springs to her feet and leaps backward planting her elbows into the MARINE’s back. The MARINE grunts and attempts to rollover. But Cassie is faster. She rolls off the MARINE and races a few yards to the end point. The other MARINES help the fallen MARINE to his feet and then reposition themselves for the rest of the oncoming trainees. 338

The two trainees, that went before Cassie, look at her begrudgingly and leave the course. Cassie is bending over, with her hands on her knees, catching her breath. She smiles to her self, stands, and then walks away. 339

TALL MAN340

Impressive. A lot of rage there. That’s a sign of emotional baggage. 341

WOMAN342

Yeah. The best one’s usually have that. 343

TALL MAN344

You WOULD know. 345

INT. FEMALE BARRACKS - SHOWERS - DAY 346

The WOMAN walks inside. Cassie is draped in a towel and drying her hair with another one. 347

WOMAN348

Good job out there.349

Cassie is startled. 350

CASSIE351

Amanda! What are you doing here?352

AMANDA (WOMAN)353

My job. Get dressed and report to your company commanders office. 354

CASSIE355

What’s wrong?356

Amanda turns to walk out, stops, and then turns to face Cassie, smiling. 357

AMANDA358

I don’t recall saying anything was. See you in ten minutes. 359

Amanda turns and exits the showers. Cassie looks befuddled. 360

INT. COMMANDERS OFFICE - LATER 361

The TALL MAN and Amanda are sitting at a table with the door open. There are several manila folders on the table. 362

Cassie, in uniform, approaches the opened door. She knocks on the door, comes to the position of attention, and salutes.363

CASSIE364

Private Pierre reporting as ordered. 365

TALL MAN366

No need for that. Come in and have a seat. 367

The TALL MAN nods toward an empty chair. Cassie is a little confused. She lowers her hand slowly and hesitantly enters the room. 368

TALL MAN (CONT’D)369

Close the door.370

Cassie closes the door, softly, and sits down in a chair facing the man and Amanda. She glances from the TALL MAN, to Amanda, and back to the TALL MAN. She notices the manila folders. They all have the same name on their upper left tab: CASSANDRA PIERRE. 371

CASSIE372

What is this all about?373

TALL MAN374

Relax. Don’t look so nervous. This is a good thing. 375

AMANDA376

A very good thing, Cassandra. 377

DISSOLVE TO:378

EXT. COMMAND BUILDING - LATER 379

Cassie exits the building. She looks skyward, inhales deeply, closes her eyes, and then loudly exhales. Opening her eyes she notices three of her fellow trainees, across the courtyard, waving, beckoning her over. 380

EXT. COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS 381

The two recruits sit atop a table. Cassie strolls over. 382

TRAINEE #1383

Brown nosing already? 384

Cassie shakes her head in disbelief.385

CASSIE386

Is that why you called me over?387

TRAINEE #2388

Why else would you be in the command building on off-duty hours? We know YOU aren’t in trouble. 389

TRAINEE #3 390

Not the golden girl.391

Cassie begins to walk away from the table. Trainee #1 reaches out and grabs her wrist. With blinding speed, Cassie seizes his wrist. She quickly twists her hand outward, causing his elbow and shoulder to contort in unnatural positions and forces him to lose his balance. Deftly, she pulls the man off the table and onto the ground. He lands with a thud and air rushes from his lungs. While he is on his back, dazed, Cassie places her foot on his Adam’s apple. The other trainees look on, stunned. 392

CASSIE393

Don’t touch me. Don’t ever touch me. 394

The trainee on the ground manages to catch his breath and tries to save face. 395

TRAINEE #1396

Yeah... you prefer the top brass type. 397

The other trainees roar with laughter. Cassie removes her foot from his throat, drops his hand and storms off. 398

CASSIE399

Grow up!400

The trainee picks himself off the ground and joins in on the laughter, while massaging his wrist. 401

EXT. COMMAND BUILDING - DAY402

Behind the transparency of the entrance doors, the TALL MAN stands with his arms folded across his chest. He smiles, slightly, and then nods his head. 403

EXT. COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS404

Cassie continues to walk away from the courtyard in the direction of the female barracks.405

INT. FEMALE BARRACKS - LATER406

Inside, there are several females involved in different activities: playing cards, reading, listening to music. Cassie walks in and heads straight to her bunk. She drops onto the bunk, staring up at the lights. 407

FEMALE TRAINEE408

Is everything okay with you?409

CASSIE410

I’m fine. I’m just... killer.411

FADE412

INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT413

SUPERIMPOSE: 414

“A FEW YEARS LATER”415

Cassie and Alex are walking with four other men. They are all dressed in camouflaged uniforms. 416

ADRIAN417

Hey, I’ll catch you guys later. I have to go take the browns to the superbowl. 418

CASSIE419

Ew, was that necessary, Adrian? 420

Adrian pushes open a door designated: MEN. He smiles at Cassie and walks inside. 421

ERIC422

Yeah, later guys. I gotta go drain the monster. 423

Eric playfully shoves Cassie. Cassie has a look of disgust on her face. 424

CASSIE425

Men!426

FADE OUT.427

END OF ACT TWO428

ACT THREE429

FADE IN:430

INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT431

Alex and the other men wave bye to Adrian and Eric, without looking back. The four of them continue walking down the corridor. 432

ALEX433

That was the shortest debriefing I’ve ever seen. 434

JASON435

Yeah, me too.436

DAVID437

I think they’re planning another assignment. 438

CASSIE439

Ya think?440

JASON441

As long as it’s not Afghanistan or the Ukraine, again, I don’t care. 442

ALEX443

Yeah, I’m so sick of sand and snow in my ass. 444

They all chuckle; but shut it down quickly when they see the TALL MAN approaching from the opposite end of the hall. 445

The TALL MAN nods his head.446

DIRECTOR STABLER (TALL MAN)447

Good evening.448

EXT. BUILDING - PARKING LOT - NIGHT449

Alex, Cassie, David, and Jason exit the building and walk into the parking lot. They all head for different vehicles.450

JASON451

You guys have a nice one.452

ALEX453

Yeah. Drive safely. I’m going home to fall into a coma.454

CASSIE455

Likewise.456

David reaches his vehicle and turns around. 457

DAVID458

So no one’s gonna mention it? 459

ALEX460

Mention what? 461

DAVID462

Come on, Alex, you know exactly what I’m talking about. All of you do. The god-damned assignment. 463

JASON464

Dave! Not here, man. 465

Alex and Jason walk briskly over to David. Cassie stands at her car, looking.466

DAVID467

I understand keeping it hush-hush in the debriefing. But that was just weird, man. 468

Alex grabs David by his uniform top and shoves him onto the fender of the car.469

ALEX470

Nothing outside of the debriefing room... NOTHING! 471

Alex slams David against the car again. He, then, points his finger in David’s face. 472

ALEX (CONT’D)473

And you know that, Dave. 474

David looks angrily back and forth from Alex to Jason. 475

DAVID476

Whatever!477

David hops into his car and speeds off. 478

Alex and Jason gaze at each other. Jason shakes his head slowly from side to side. 479

JASON480

I’m outta here. See you later. 481

ALEX482

Yeah... later.483

Both men walk toward their vehicles. 484

INT. CASSIE’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT485

Cassie and Alex are lying in bed. Alex has his hands behind his head and is staring up at the ceiling. Cassie is curled in a ball under the covers. 486

ALEX487

You know... Dave was right.488

CASSIE 489

(mumbles)490

Mmhmm.491

ALEX492

That was crazy out there. Why would he do that?493

CASSIE494

(barely audible)495

What?496

ALEX497

The assignment. Why would he fight against his protectors like that? 498

Cassie tosses off the covers in a huff. 499

CASSIE500

Alex, let it go. Get some sleep... or at least let me get some. 501

Alex turns to face Cassie.502

ALEX503

That doesn’t bother you? You could have never made that shot if he hadn’t fought to get into the open. 504

Cassie glares up at Alex.505

CASSIE506

Nothing outside of the debriefing room, Alex. Didn't you tell Dave that? So drop it. 507

Cassie grabs the sheets and covers herself again. Alex smirks while staring down at Cassie. 508

ALEX509

You’re right. Besides, there are other things we need to discuss. 510

Alex leans in to kiss her.511

CASSIE512

Yeah, right.513

Cassie quickly covers her head and turns her back to Alex.514

ALEX515

What did I do now? 516

BLACK OUT.517

END OF ACT THREE518

ACT FOUR519

FADE IN:520

INT. CASSIE’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - MORNING521

Cassie is standing at the stove cooking breakfast. Alex walks into the kitchen, nude. Cassie looks at him and giggles. 522

CASSIE523

Good morning, pervert. 524

Cassie places a hand on Alex’s arm. She tilts her head to deliver a kiss. Alex gently pushes her away. Cassie, confused, looks at Alex. Then she squints, and looks into his eyes. 525

CASSIE (CONT’D)526

Casey?527

Alex/Casey nods his head. 528

CASSIE (CONT’D)529

What the hell is wrong with you? 530

ALEX/CASEY 531

I needed to speak with you.532

CASSIE533

Through my boyfriend? 534

Alex/Casey looks away as if in thought. He then looks down at Alex’s nude body. 535

ALEX/CASEY536

It’s best I use the nearest available body. I can not maintain the union for very long. You know that. 537

He places a hand on her shoulder.538

ALEX/CASEY (CONT’D)539

He wont be harmed. He’ll just be extremely exhausted. When I leave him, he’ll sleep. 540

Cassie places her face in both her hands and then moves her hands over her head, running her fingers through her hair. 541

CASSIE542

God, this is weird. 543

Cassie removes the skillet from the stove and turns the stove off. She turns around and looks down at Alex’s nude body. 544

CASSIE (CONT’D)545

Let’s get you dressed. 546

INT. CASSIE’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - LATER547

Cassie is sitting on the sofa with her legs folded underneath her. She is sipping from a glass. There is a bottle of cognac on the table in front of her. Alex/Casey is standing on the other side of the table directly in front of Cassie. 548

ALEX/CASEY549

I’ve been spending time with grandmother. 550

CASSIE551

Yeah?552

ALEX/CASEY553

She has changed much since grandfather died. 554

Cassie sits the glass onto the table. She looks up at Alex/Casey. 555

CASSIE556

Have you seen him?557

ALEX/CASEY558

No. He’s moved on. 559

Tears glisten on the rims of her eyes. Cassie lowers her head. 560

ALEX/CASEY (CONT’D)561

Grandmother needs you. You must go to her now. 562

Cassie wipes the tears from her eyes.563

CASSIE564

I can’t just leave, Casey. I have responsibilities here. 565

Alex/Casey turns his back to Cassie.566

ALEX/CASEY567

Her aura is not... it’s not well.568

CASSIE569

Her aura? What color is it? 570

ALEX/CASEY571

The color varies. But it is always heavily tinged with yellow. 572

CASSIE573

Oh my God! Why are you just now telling me this? 574

ALEX/CASEY575

That’s inconsequential. She needs you now. 576

Cassie lies her forehead into the palms of her hands. Alex/Casey turns around to face Cassie. 577

ALEX/CASEY (CONT’D)578

There is one other thing I need to tell you. 579

Cassie raises her face to her brother. Tears are streaming down her cheeks. 580

ALEX/CASEY (CONT’D)581

Our father has visited grandmother frequently in the past month. He’s searching for you. He’s afraid of you... of us. 582

CASSIE583

Afraid? Why would he be... 584

Alex/Casey falls to the ground. Cassie hops up and rushes to him. 585

CASSIE (CONT’D)586

Casey!587

FADE TO BLACK.588

END OF ACT FOUR589

ACT FIVE590

FADE IN:591

INT. CASSIE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT 592

Alex is lying on the sofa. He awakens, disoriented. He shakes his head to dislodge the grogginess and tries to stand. He stumbles a little, and then, grabs the sofa for support. He notices a folded sheet of paper, with his name on it, lying on the table. He retrieves it and reads it. He looks up from the paper, puzzled. 593

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - DAY 594

Cassie is sitting at the dining room table. She is thumbing through a photo album and fighting back tears. She comes across another photo of her grandfather. In the photo, he is pushing a young Carissa on a bicycle. Cassie lightly traces her finger over the image of her mother. Cassie tries to take the photo out of the album. It snags on another photo and rips. The tears start to flow. 595

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ VEHICLE - DAY596

Benita is driving a pick-up truck. She is steering with both hands. Her back is ramrod straight. She appears to be a little uncomfortable driving. 597

Casey is in the passenger seat staring at his grandmother as she drives. His features show sorrow etched in his face. 598

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - DAY 599

Cassie is still at the table, resting her forehead in her hand. Casey appears in front of the table. Cassie raises her head. She notices it’s Casey and starts to wipe her wet eyes. Casey puts a finger to his eye and drags it down toward his cheek and then points at Cassie. 600

CASSIE601

No. I’m just tired. 602

Casey looks from Cassie to the torn photograph and back at Cassie. Casey points to a photo of Benita and then points to the front door.603

Cassie nods her head. 604

CASSIE (CONT’D)605

Okay.606

Cassie removes the piece of the torn photograph from the album and then closes the album. She then puts both torn halves into her pocket. 607

A key is HEARD in the lock. 608

Cassie looks toward the door and then back at Casey. 609

Casey is no longer there. 610

EXT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - PORCH - CONTINUOUS611

Benita opens the door and begins to step through, but stops when she notices Cassie. 612

BENITA613

Cassie? 614

Cassie looked at her grandmother. She noticed her aura was BLUE with a hint of YELLOW pulsing at the edges. 615

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - LATER 616

Benita and Cassie are at the dining table finishing dinner. Cassie hasn’t eaten much of her food. 617

BENITA618

You are too skinny. You need to eat more. 619

Cassie giggles and shakes her head. She picks up her glass of water and finishes it. 620

BENITA (CONT’D)621

There was a time when you’d ask for seconds even before you finished your first plate. 622

CASSIE623

Yeah, I remember that and I’m paying for it now. 624

Cassie stands and starts to clear the table.625

BENITA626

The Army doesn’t allow you to eat well? 627

Cassie grabs her butt cheek and shakes it.628

CASSIE629

I’m talking about this. 630

They both start to laugh. 631

BENITA632

Honey, you got that honest. You should have seen your mother’s. 633

Cassie reaches over, picks up the photo album and taps it on the cover.634

CASSIE635

Oh, trust me... I have. 636

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - BENITA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT 637

Benita is sitting up in bed with her back to the headboard. She is wearing glasses and reading the Bible. 638

There is a KNOCK at the door. 639

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS640

Cassie is at her grandmother’s bedroom door. 641

CASSIE642

Grandma?643

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - BENITA’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS644

Benita places her glasses on the top of her head. 645

BENITA646

Come in, Sweetheart. 647

Cassie opens the door and walks into the room. She sits down onto the bed. Benita places a bookmarker in the page she was reading, closes the Bible and lies it onto the bed. 648

CASSIE649

I just came to say good night and see if you needed anything before I go to bed myself. 650

BENITA651

No, I don’t need anything. I’m fine. 652

CASSIE653

Are you sure? You know I don’t mind. 654

BENITA655

Yes, I’m sure and I know you don’t mind. But I am perfectly capable of getting up and getting things for myself, Young Lady. 656

CASSIE657

Oh, Granny... 658

Cassie waves her hand dismissively. 659

CASSIE (CONT’D)660

I know you are capable but I’m here now and I want to help if I can. 661

BENITA662

Really?663

CASSIE664

Yes.665

BENITA666

So that’s why you’re here? To help? 667

Cassie looks at her grandmother, puzzled.668

CASSIE669

I’m here because I’ve missed you and wanted to spend some time with you before I get shipped off to Germany.670

BENITA671

So your being here has nothing to do with your father? 672

Casey appeared on the other side of the bed. He looked directly at Cassie, shaking his head slowly left to right. 673

CASSIE674

My daddy was here? 675

BENITA676

He’s been here three times in the last week. He was here yesterday. He says he needs to speak with you. 677

CASSIE678

Speak with me?679

BENITA680

Yes. He says it’s important but he wont say what it is. 681

Cassie looked over at Casey. He shook his head again.682

Benita reached over and held Cassie’s hand.683

BENITA (CONT’D)684

I think it is time you two sat down and talked. 685

Cassie looked down at her grandmother’s hand wrapped around hers. Then she looked up to Casey. He was no longer there.686

Cassie remembers the words Casey spook with Alex’s voice; HE IS SEARCHING FOR YOU... HE IS AFRAID OF YOU... 687

FADE TO BLACK.688

END OF ACT FIVE689

ACT SIX690

FADE IN:691

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - MORNING692

Cassie walks into the kitchen as Benita is preparing to wash her breakfast dishes. Cassie kneels down and ties her running shoes. 693

CASSIE694

Good morning. 695

BENITA696

Good morning, sweetheart. 697

Cassie walks over and kisses her on the cheek.698

BENITA (CONT’D)699

Your food is in the microwave. You were sleeping so nicely, I didn’t want to wake you. 700

CASSIE701

Thanks, grandma, but I’m not hungry. I’m going for a run. I’ll grab a banana on my way out. 702

Benita slaps her hand onto the counter and points at the microwave. 703

BENITA704

Cassie! Sientese! Eat!705

Cassie is startled. She looks at her grandmother and smiles. She reaches into the microwave, takes the plate out, and takes a seat at the table. 706

CASSIE707

Okay. Okay. You sound like a drill sergeant. 708

Benita flicks water onto the back of Cassie’s head. 709

BENITA710

Your drill sergeant is a puppy to me.711

CASSIE712

I know.713

Benita grabs a spoon from the soapy water. Cassie hears the SPLASH and flinches and looks back at her grandmother. Benita waves the spoon and splashes Cassie again. They both start LAUGHING. 714

INT. BENITA SANCHEZ’ HOME - LATER 715

Cassie is at the sink washing her plate. Benita walks into the living room. She looks down at a small black pouch. 716

BENITA717

Are you leaving now?718

CASSIE719

Yeah. I’ll be back in about thirty minutes. 720

Cassie walks over and fastens the black pouch around her waist.721

BENITA722

You should wait to see if your father comes over this morning. 723

CASSIE724

Thirty minutes, Grandma. If he comes before I make it back, let him wait. 725

Cassie starts to walk towards the door. A BUZZING comes from the small black pouch she is wearing. As her grandmother looks on, Cassie unzips the pouch. Her fingers glide over a small caliber gun in the pouch and retrieves a small electronic device. She looks down at the device. 726

CASSIE (CONT’D)727

(under her breath)728

Dammit.729

BENITA730

What’s wrong?731

CASSIE732

This is my Commander. I have to go back. 733

BENITA734

Today?735

CASSIE736

More like yesterday... 737

INT. TAXI - LATER 738

Cassie is in the back seat of the taxi. The taxi ZOOMS past a sign that reads: HOMESTEAD AIR FORCE BASE. 739

FADE TO BLACK.740

THE END741