Lesson 12

[Jan Fantl]

Jan’s Description 1

WIL: I continue to work on the script as whole. Potentially a bad pupil, I work not on ten, I worked on all descriptions on all scenes. This version – I tend to label it 3rd draft contains all development of assignments 5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12.

EXT. WAR ZONE VILLAGE – DAY

SOLDIER 1, in full armored combat, drinks from his canteen.

Desert heat. A child approaches, mimicking the drinking sign.

SUPER: 2021 AFGHANISTAN

EXT. WAR ZONE ROADSIDE – DAY

In a distance Major OLIVER WIND, in full German combat gear, sits on the roof of an armored car, grabs for his mouth piece

OLIVER

(in mike)

Falcon One for nest. Keep the kiddo away. Don’t let it come near to any of you.

Oliver scans the surrounding of the village. His special unit of fifteen German soldiers cover the activities as an inner ring.

EXT. WAR ZONE VILLAGE -DAY

Soldier 1, sitting on a semi armored pick up truck, waves with his hand towards the kid to stay away.

The kid in an Arabic Burka stops, signals too, makes the international sign for drinking

OLIVER

(O.S.)

Soldier in nest, do not let the kid approach, it could be an asset. Copy

The kid waves with both hands. The soldier ignores the warning ..

The Kid approaches the truck…

SOLDIER 1

I think he really asks for something to drink. He looks thirsty

OLIVER

(O.S.)

Shoo him away. This is an order.

EXT. WAR ZONE ROADSIDE – DAY

OLIVER

Any team near the kid and nest?

AIDE

(over intercom)

I am 30 sec away

VOICE

(over intercom)

On my way, in 20

… the kid is only 18 sec away.

Oliver shoots into the air to raise attention.

The working soldiers turn. The kid turns… and starts running the last meters towards the truck

Soldier 1 understands the situation. He lifts his weapon

SOLDIER 1

Stop. Do not come close! Stop now!

Oliver aims at the kid through his special rifle’s scope… the kid … nothing in his hands

OLIVER

Somebody has to be around. All ring one check visuals, somebody must have an eye-line on him.

Oliver is searching the windows and roof tops from his PoV

VOICE

(over intercom)

Suspect on my eleven o’clock, your eight.

Oliver swings around, backwards

VOICE

Window, first floor, zero25 clicks.

Oliver sees through the scope a man watching the boy. He swings back

OLIVER

Stop the boy, shoot in the sand in front of his feet, or his feet, stop him. NOW

SOLDIER 1

Stop. Do not come Close! Stop now!

The kid is in reach of the truck.

Oliver swings around with his scope. The man behind the window speaks. Is this praying? The man bows. Yes!!!!!

Oliver swings back, the kid touches the truck

ARABIC KID

Allah is great

BOUUMMMMHH

Everything explodes, a fireball, the truck is lifted several meters, no kid, a soldier body flies burning through the air …, fire and dust.

Oliver watches, his face covered, speaks same time.

OLIVER

(intercom)

All team Falcon. Outer ring: nobody leaves the village. Inner ing : Swarm and find his accomplices, the kid didn’t trigger it by himself. Somebody nearby did. Find these fuckers!

Oliver jumps off his jeep and runs

OLIVER

Medics, stay back, wait for orders.

Soldier 1 lays 30 meters away from where his truck was. Oliver knees next to him

Oliver checking the area, with scope and without.

OLIVER

Medics come in

He opens the Kevlar vest, a lot of blood gushing.

OLIVER

Falcon One for Camp M, copy

VOICE CAMP

(O.S.)

Come in Falcon One.

Two medic soldiers arrive, take over solder 1.

OLIVER

We have been ambushed. One man wounded, one seriously. We are 45 clicks out, preparing for transport. Send Medvac for air transport, prepare hospital. Copy that.

VOICE CAMP

(O.S.)

Copy. Two injured, one for immediate surgeries. Forward Id and we’ll prepare for blood preserves at al.

OLIVER

ID is on daily sheet …. With …

Oliver grabs Soldier 1’s dog tag

OLIVER

Unicorn-Bravo-Delta-One-One-Zero-Seven-Nine-Zero-Six

VOICE CAMP

(O.S.)

Recorded. Will forward. ESTA us once airborne. Copy that

OLIVER

Cop..

The Medic soldiers try to keep Soldier 1 alive. .

VOICE CAMP

(breaking up, white noise)

Falcon? Copy…….Falcon Cop

SCREEN GOES BLACK

EXT. MILITARY CAMP – IN FRONT OF POLICE BUILDING – DAY

OVER BLACK

AIDE

(O.S.)

Oliver…Oliver, common, Oli for God’s sake.

ON: Oliver wakes up from a dream, disturbed and agitated.

OLIVER

You can make … What. Ohh. What. ….Fuck… Again.

AIDE

Yo bro. You need to wake. Here.

Aide holds a bottle of water. Oliver goes from something to nothing, starts shaking, breathing.

OLIVER

No. Ohhhhh. W…what….hm Hm hm

It’s a panic attack.

Aide, not surprised, slaps Oliver’s face.

AIDE

Yes, you can…, come back, I am here, ….common…

It does not work. Aide grabs a grocery bag from one of his many soldier pants pockets and pulls it over Oliver’s head. Pulls it tight.

Oliver defends himself, wriggles and squirms. Aide holds tight and Oliver faints and slumps in his seat.

Aide releases the grocery bag instantly.

… Oliver gains consciousness and returns to this side of the universe.

Aide hands him a can with a power drink.

AIDE

Welcome back, boss. Are we ready to continue with that prick?

OLIVER

In a sec.

Takes a sip. Inhales. Another sip.

OLIVER

Ok, Allah is great. Let s see

Oliver gets up. He and his aide walk into the building marked MP.

END OF TEASER

ACT 1: TRAVEL

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM – DAY

Oliver leans over the table – some time has passed – and positions a plastic cup of water in his third of the table.

OLIVER

(in English)

Ok, let’s look at it this way. Here is some water. What do you want to put on your side of the playfield? A name, a name of a village? Tell me.

The TRANSLATER in uniform next to Oliver points at the cup.

TRANSLATOR

Bāshe, bīāyīd īnja bengarīm. Īnjā ye kam āb hast. Mikhāy chīzī rūy-e zamin-e bāzi begzāri? Ye nām, yā nām-e yek dehkade? Behem bego.

MAHMOUD

Nāme man Mahmūd Khālid ben Khālid Al Masmoorī ast va man yek jangjū-ye Khodā hastam.

TRANSLATOR

My name is Mahmoud Khalid ben Khalid Al Masmouri and I am warrior of Allah.

OLIVER

Yes. But even warriors have knights, servants, chieftains. Allah would accept apologies if we’d knew who ordered you to trigger.

TRANSLATOR

Baleh. Amma hattā jangjūhā ham shavāliyehā, khādemhā va rūesāyi dārand. Agar bedānim kī dastur-e to rā barā-ye eqdām dāde ast, Khodāvand ‘ozrkhāhī rā qabūl mīkonad.

MAHMOUD

Khodā hekīm ast. Ū hameh chiz rā mibīnad.

Oliver responses before Translator

OLIVER

Allah is wise. He sees it all. I have heard this one before.

Yes, he does. And he will see that the kid does not know what to do with 99 virgins. Too…

A YOUNG SOLDIER enters the room, salutes and walks over to Oliver, whispers discreetly in his ear.

OLIVER

Thank you soldier. (turns) Now we’re heading to new playgrounds. Death row, Mahmoud. One kid, two body counts on our end. Murder.

TRANSLATOR

Hālā be so-ye zaminhā-ye bāzi jadīdī mīravad. Rū be marg, Mahmūd. Yek bachcheh va do jasad dar entezār-e mā. Qatl.

Oliver hangs in silently.

Patient.

MAHMOUD

(under his breath-in English)

Allah is wise. One of our child heroes took two of your well trained men. (looks at Oliver). We have more children and women than you soldiers.

Oliver looks at the translator.

OLIVER

So we do speak, good.

breathes to calm himself ..turns to soldier

OLIVER

Thank you soldier, dismissed.

The young soldier salutes, turns…the wrong way around … Mahmoud checks and jumps… Oliver realizes same time but is on the wrong side. Mahmoud grabs the long knife on the young soldiers hip and re surfaces with the deadly blade in his hands.

Oliver pushes the young soldier out of the eye-line and signals the guard by the door to not use his weapon.

MAHMOUD

(in English)

Allah will show me the way. Allah is wise.

OLIVER

He will show you no exit Mahmoud. Nothing will happen here. Nothing.

He signals the guard by the door. Oliver stays behind the table.

OLIVER

Nobody is armed here but the guard and you. Not me and not the young stupid walking in here with a knife to his hip.

What do you want to do? Want to debate with Allah?

I tell … stop, don’t move – listen. I am giving now orders to the guard:….

Sergeant, you are going not to kill the suspect. Train at his thighs, calves and ankles. Shoot until he cannot get off the ground. Copy.

GUARD BY THE DOOR

Sir, copy that, I will shoot not kill, sir.

OLIVER

That’s for that, you will not die through the enemy. So, what now? My comrades will stay back in the far corner, watch and hope to survive this. And they will. And you will.

Oliver moves slowly.

OLIVER

Leaves you with me. Hmm. No dying, no virgins, no honor.

Mahmoud reacts to Oliver’s negotiation.

MAHMOUD

(agitated)

These kind of fairy tales do not work with Allah. We don’t have to listen to infidels.

OLIVER

Fine, Allah may stay out of it. Leaves us with just you. And this interrogation about a cowardly set ambush. And your trial. No honor… but death row, yes, depends. Honor… No. Certainly a No

Mahmoud steps back into his corner, raises the knife ….against himself, to cut his own throat.

Oliver knew it, steps on the chair , grabs the cup of water from the table… flies into Mahmouds corner …

Mahmoud for a split second irritated wether to turn the knife against Oliver or himself … looses time … and Oliver gushes the water into the face of Mahmoud and split seconds later has his wrist. Knife gone, Oliver lays on him

OLIVER

Guard, take him. And to his cell..

Done. No fight.

The guard rushes into their corner of the room and fixes one hand and with Oliver getting up, the other one.

OLIVER

24 hours no contact. Food and water based on human rights, nothing more, nothing less.

Mahmoud spits on the floor in front of Oliver.

OLIVER

How does this gets any better than that?

Mahmoud is led away. In the opened door AIDE arrives.

AIDE

(formal)

Major Wind, Lieutenant Colonel Brauen request your presence.

Oliver looks at his buddy, they are comrades and soldiers, knowing every tone between the lines.

AIDE

… Instantly

Oliver reacts …

EXT. MILITARY CAMP – DAY

… and they – Aide and Oliver – walk together through the German camp in the midst of the desert.

OLIVER

What is it? You know?

AIDE

Nope, nothing. But he looked like ..calm

OLIVER

Calm? That sounds dangerous. About my latest complain back home?

AIDE

I have checked mail and IT, not a word. Not what I have access to.

OLIVER

(suddenly agitated)

Really I have enough. We have a different mission than protecting drug transports on behalf of the government. And watch our people get killed

AIDE

Or it’s something about your nightmares. It won’t take long and the team will know. You re having them now in open daylight.

OLIVER

(uninterrupted)

It’s not our job. Even if our pharmaceutical industry really needs it…….I spend my time with the wrong killers.

AIDE

I m with you, but now cool it. Let’s be business now.

OLIVER

Right.

Walk away into the HQ building.

INT. CAMP HQ – OFFICE – DAY

Oliver stays in front of a desk.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel BRAUEN looking at a map.

LT CL BRAUEN

Sad afternoon, Major Wind. Stay at ease.

OLIVER

Yes Sir, losses. Triggered by an individual misinterpretation. A fault – led to own death and casualties. If I may ( he is not interrupted) We had 15 minutes left packing the trucks. It wasn’t really the mistake of this unexperienced …

LT CL BRAUEN

I appreciate your instant report, Major but has to interrupt it. This meeting has a different topic.

Oliver stops, waiting for the bad news.

LT CL BRAUEN

You are flying home. You are released for an undetermined window of time.

….

OLIVER

Sir. I had to send this. Too many of my men are dying because of …

LT CL BRAUEN

..and it is not about your petition either. Please have a seat.

Oliver does

LT CL BRAUEN

It is my sad duty to send you home because … You are flying home to assist your mother as your father has passed away last night.

Oliver looks at LT CL Brauen.

Stone faced. Stare. Nothing.

LT CL BRAUEN

Nothing soothers this. Death is different in the family than here. Please do not become a stranger, we are here for you.

Oliver gets out his chair.

OLIVER

I appreciate Sir. With your permission?

Lieutenant Colonel BRAUEN gets up as well. Offers a handshake.

LT CL BRAUEN

With all respect due, Major Wind. Be strong, be back. Dismissed.

INT. CAMP HQ – TRAVEL MANAGEMENT – DAY

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER LT.

Yes and Yes. YES, you have travel status. And Yes, you have the next available seat in 42 hours

AIDE

Common there must be a better option, this is a sad thing and he ….

Oliver is not part of this conversation, stays behind in the back

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER LT.

No, .. he has already prio 2 from Lt.Brauen. We ….

AIDE

… Prio 2? How about Prio 1 then? Can’t you put him on prio one??

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER LT.

One? That’s a flightcode to report to the Chancellor and the minister.

OLIVER

(from the back)

Really? Any other short cut?

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER LT.

Yes Major. In two days.

EXT. CAMP – DAY

OLIVER

I want you to find something to take me out of here. Not 49 or 44. In six hours the latest. A flying carpet, an elephant, anything.

Aide leaves.

INT. TENT/BARRACK – OLIVER – DAY

Oliver sits on his bed, next to minimal packed backpack. He tries to reach his mother on his satellite phone.

No answer.

Aide enters.

AIDE

Oli, let’s run. No flights other than the one fucking cargo leaving in six minutes.

OLIVER

(wakes alert)

Now? Where?

AIDE

Now-Now. I’ll tell on the way, c’mon

Oliver grabs backpack while already moving.

They run.

EXT. AIRFIELD – DAWN

Oliver and Aide running

AIDE

You have probably no seat or so. Stuff flying back for repair

OLIVER

That ok, haven’t slept since days anyway……You make sure when our American friends pick him up, that Mahmoud is alive and still around when I’m back.

AIDE

Oli, c’mon? We have to hand him over

OLIVER

That is not an order, I want you to promise

AIDE

Yes, will be alive and waiting.

OLIVER

You will talk in person to our US commies and tell them, we have a witness. I am the witness, what ever it needs, he does not go Guantanamo. ……Promise.

Oliver grabs him by the shoulders.

OLIVER

I’ll do the funeral and will be back. Days may be a week ….

It’s loud. Oliver phone rings.

EXT. AIRFIELD – NEAR CARGO PLANE – DAWN

Aide sees the blue light flashing through Oliver’s breast pocket, points at it. Oliver grabs his ringing satellite phone and it shows MAMMA

OLIVER

Mum? I am on..

THE SCREEN OPENS TO A SPLIT OF OLIVER AND FREDDIE

FREDDIE

Oliver, Are you coming? I need …

The connection is noisy,

OLIVER

Yes Mum, I am just running to catch the plane and …

FREDDIE

I need to tell you something urgent. Can we speak for 5 minutes?

OLIVER

Mum, this is the only plane. I need to go on board ….

FREDDIE

But it’s urgent. Your dad. The family is going out ….

The cargo officer is waving him in….. Oliver is running towards the open hatch of the cargo…

From the other side a semi truck speeds into frame. Two soldiers bringing a body bag, running towards the open hatch.

OLIVER

I can’t hear you well. We talk in the morning ok? We’re flying out now. I ‘ll call you when landed

Oliver hangs up, turns, waving to Aide

AIDE

(signs and mouth moves)

Call me, weirdo.

Making the idiot moves

Oliver smirks, nods. Closing hatch interrupts their eye line..

INT. CARGO PLANE – DARK

(Optional)

Oliver sits between damaged jeeps and trucks, weaponry. Unable to take his eyes away from the body bag with the small German flag on it. He shakes like a baby – no tears though.

EXT. AIRFIELD GERMANY – NIGHT

Rain, wind, fall.

Oliver in his sand uniform disembarks down the open hatch. Soldiers wait.

Oliver checks the situation, approaches the officer who supervises the procedure

OLIVER

Sergeant.

AIRFIELD OFFICER

(checks, salutes)

Major

OLIVER

Save it, at ease. Do me a favor? There is a bag on the flight? One of my mates returning. Please pick some of your sensitive guys when they go to see his parents.

AIRFIELD OFFICER

A Comrade? Fuck… Sorry Major, we will. We will look after him on his way home.

An airfield soldier comes from the pilots door, holds a midsized metal briefcase. He salutes, unlocks the briefcase

OLIVER

Appreciate. Is driving service around?

Oliver takes his handgun and the magazine out, checks, loads and puts in his sidearm holster.

AIRFIELD OFFICER

Yes sir, No sir. We got information your driver will be about 3 to 4 hours late.

Oliver signs for his weapon, the soldier is dismissed.

OLIVER

Why?

AIRFIELD OFFICER

We have no intel on this, sir.

OLIVER

I need to sleep, any bunk free here.

AIRFIELD OFFICER

Sorry no Sir. This is an airfield only, no barracks no nothing other than trucks and gasoline.

OLIVER

Next exit?

AIRFIELD OFFICER

The 9Inn, I can get you a lift. Best option around.

Oliver nods.

OLIVER

And let my transport know where to p.u. me.

INT. THE 9 INN – NIGHT

Oliver looks at..

CONCIERGE 9INN

…not kidding. 360 €uro it is until six o’clock. We charge by the 30 minutes, you’ll do the math.

OLIVER

I really want to sleep, nothing else.

CONCIERGE 9INN

Got it, but then room is blocked, dude.

OLIVER

How does that get any better? Look, I just return from war, brought back a buddy home. Dead. A rebate maybe, for just a shower?

CONCIERGE 9INN

Your a real soldier? Not from the airfield? Ok, here’s my hero rebate.

He turns the sign paper, with a scribbled number on it

OLIVER

Hm, seems I AM a hero.

Grabs the pen and signs.

CONCIERGE 9INN

But maybe one of the girls needs to take a nap on the other side of your bed, just a nap.

OLIVER

Man, I am so dead, haven’t slept for more than 40 hours. As long as she doesn’t shoot at me.

CONCIERGE 9INN

No extra service. Right.

OLIVER GRABS THE KEY CARD. THE CONCIERGE SALUTS.

INT. ROOM WITH A BED – DARK

Oliver emerges from the in-room-shower, his tiredness evident.

It’s a tiny room. Oliver steps over his backpack, more present than several tattoos are his scars from heavy wounds on back, tighs and his arm, remembrances to past experiences.

Exhausted, Oliver grabs his satellite phone. He glances at his watch,

Watch 2:25am.

He puts the phone back on the nightstand

Rubs his face, and …

falls asleep before he hits linen.

INT. ROOM WITH A BED – DARK

Oliver is restless in his sleep, bumps into Xenia’s arm and

immediately on alert, he startles, looks, ready to fight…

XENIA, a semi-attractive pro with wit, wakes too.

XENIA

What?

Sees his hands ready for combat

OLIVER

I said, no services, did I?

XENIA

Right but boss told you, I might need a rest too.

OLIVER

Yes?

XENIA

Yes. Man, sex worker, sleep, peace.

She looks at the bedspread

XENIA

But maybe you wanna reconsider, regulate some pressure before going home seeing Mutti.

Wrong button. “Mutti” rings the bell. Oliver looks at his wrist

OLIVER

Shit, it’s eight? Man.

He jumps out of bed, forgetting he is totally naked. Xenia looks at his/him

XENIA

(sarcasm yet motivating)

You sure you don’t want to regulate a bit?

Oliver looks out of the window, no car outside.

OLIVER

What are you doing this mornin’? I’ll give you 50.

Conversation goes sideways.

XENIA

Changed your mind quickly. Sure.

OLIVER

Surely not. Drive me to the next car rental

XENIA

Oh, ok. 70 then.

Oliver stepping naked over his back pack towards bath room, looks at her in her exotic call girl underwear

OLIVER

Need a t shirt or so?

Xenia kind of likes his humor but mostly looks at his/him

XENIA

Got two… or so. In case you ever need to regulate pressure, lemme know.

Xenia totally openly smiles at Oliver. Oliver first time realizes he stands in front of her with an erection

OLIVER

Can we?

END OF ACT 1

ACT 2: ARRIVAL

EXT. COTTBUS STREETS – DAY

Oliver drives into town, still in his sand uniform. He takes in the sights of places he has not seen for quite a while.

A public bus honks from behind, Oliver drives on a bus lane. He hasn’t noticed

The car GPS guides him and announces

SIRI

(O.S.)

In 200 meters take a right. The location will be on your right hand side

EXT./INT. HOME STREET – OLIVER

Oliver arrives at the house of his parents.

He has to give way to a grey minibus transporter which comes out of the parking spot in front of the house.

Oliver passes the house, finds a parking spot nearby.

Oliver walks back.

EXT. IN FRONT OF THE WIND HOME – DAY

Oliver walks up the small driveway. He sees a woman – PETRA – locking the main door.

Oliver addresses her

OLIVER

Hi there, good morning.

PETRA

Good morning. Are you a relative?

OLIVER

Yes. I am his son.

They are on different stages of information.

PETRA

His son? OK then, where is the husband, your father?

OLIVER

Bad timing for jokes. I am just arriving for mourning. Is she home?

Oliver moves to walk around Petra to ring the doorbell.

PETRA

I am not into jokes. Fredericke Wind passed this night and if you know where to contact her husband I’d appreciate you give me the information.

Oliver stops in his motions

OLIVER

There must be a misunderstanding. I believe my father died 49 hours ago. And who are you, actually?

Petra pulls her detective ID and holds it in his direction.

PETRA

Petra Müller, Homicide Cottbus. I am sorry for your loss but I don’t know of any misunderstandings. And I would like to see your IDs.

There is a brief, difficult moment for Oliver. He could loose his calm within this three secs of dangerous blink in his eyes.

Oliver stays calm, pulls out his military ID and hands it over.

PETRA

(checks)

Oliver Wind. Major with the Saxonian hunter brigade. You have any other ID?

OLIVER

If rules haven’t changed since I got on the plane 36 hours ago, officer, soldiers don’t fly in and out of war zones carrying ID’s on them but this one.

Petra sees that Oliver carries a handgun on his hip.

PETRA

But the registration to carry a weapon in Germany you do have?

Oliver leans forward and Petra overreacts a bit as if he would attack.

Oliver points to a certain line on his ID

Petra reads.

PETRA

Soldier is authorized to carry weapons in all territories world wide.

OLIVER

Actually it is Major, Military police, at the Nato Response Force.

So please fill me in.

PETRA

I am not filling you in, you have no jurisdiction here.

Oliver takes a deep breath. She is right.

OLIVER

Ok. You mind I give you the answers inside?

Petra looks at Oliver ..2..3..4.. turns and unlocks the door.

INT. THE WIND HOME – DAY

Oliver looks around, it is very silent. He turns to Petra.

OLIVER

For what I know, we received message via the family intel center that my father has passed. I have been released from duties to travel and to assist my mother with the funeral and all what comes with it. And mourning. This happened Tuesday late afternoon local time Camp Marmal, North Afghanistan. Now it’s Thursday morning and you are telling not my father passed but my mother?

Petra hits a different tone as well, recognizes that Oliver co-operates.

PETRA

Then it’s my sad duty to inform you that your mother passed this early morning, here at her home. I don’t know about your father. I hear this from you first time. Who gave this information?

OLIVER

I assume my mother informed the FIC, which is the contact hub for all relatives of army personnel …..

…. And my mother and I spoke on the phone before boarding. What happened to her?

Oliver walks around, Petra follows him, always watches what he does or touches.

PETRA

Police received a call by neighbors that a window was constantly slamming open and close in the weather. Which seemed unusual for them.

Oliver reaches the bedroom of his parents. His brain takes pictures.

PETRA

A patrol car stopped by, checked and opened the door after nobody responded. They found your mother on the bed at 3:11 and called us.

Oliver looks at bed, loneliness begins to dawn.

PETRA

Your mother died peacefully during her sleep.

This is not so rare in very long relationships. Sorry.

Oliver leaves the bedroom, strolls to his mothers home office.

OLIVER

(back to this world)

No. The other way round? Maybe. My mother? No. And my father would wanted that too ….

would want her continue to live on. Something is wrong.

Petra is not impressed by his analyzes.

PETRA

I understand your grief. No signs of external circumstances. No indication showed to start to investigate.

We looked carefully, the open window nor the door show any signs of outside intrusion.

Oliver strolls by the desk and sees an open calendar on the desk. Without stopping his brain takes picture despite the writing is upside down.

FLASH OF CALENDAR: 16:00 NOTARY

PETRA

It’s tough, sure. You just arrived, you must be tired. Maybe you should touch base with the other relatives first.

OLIVER

Yes, the other relatives. (sarcastic) That should be great help.

PETRA

Yes. Shall we?

Oliver looks at Petra.

OLIVER

Shall we what?

PETRA

Leave?

OLIVER

Where?

PETRA

I don’t know. You are not registered under this address, you have no own keys as I understand. You can’t stay. Officially this is not your home. And I don’t know if you are in charge or somebody else from the family. Siblings or so.

OLIVER

You are kidding me. I m flying 8.000 kilometers to have no access to my parents home? What do you want me to present?

PETRA

I don’t know. To hand you the keys I need to see something, Mr. Military police Major Wind, correct? Confirmation of registration, power of attorney, last will.

Oliver knows she is – inhumanly – right, he follows her to leave the house.

EXT. IN FRONT OF THE WIND HOME – DAY

Oliver passes by Petra. She locks the door.

PETRA

(with a slight tone of sarcasm)

You actually should thank me. A minute ago you claimed this to be a crime scene.

Petra hands him a business card.

PETRA

Bring me anything that proves your authorization to enter and stay at this house and I will hand you the keys.

Petra leaves leaves Oliver stunned.

OLIVER

Be sure I will. Make sure to be reachable. Something is off. And this will be sorted.

Petra doesn’t turn.

END OF ACT 2

ACT 3: DOORS WIDE SHUT

EXT. IN FRONT OF THE WIND HOME – DAY

Oliver sits in his sand uniform, alone on the doorsteps, helpless for the moment, contemplating.

Phone rings.

Oliver pulls the satellite phone, answers it.

OLIVER

Wind.

SPLIT SCREEN OPENS -ZOOM/FACE TIME LIKE BOTH ARE ON-SCREEN

BRIGADIER GENERAL

Major Wind. I am just popping in to see how you are holding up.

OLIVER

Brigadier General. Thank you for calling.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

Are you in a private situation?

OLIVER

Yes, sir. I am alone.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

Skip the sirring. Oliver please accept my dearest condolences. I wish for lot of strength for the up coming time. And please say high to your mum and give her my best, will you?

OLIVER

Thank you Paul, but it’s worse than that…. My mother passed away too, few hours ago while I was still in the air.

…..Paul says nothing for a couple of seconds.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

You know I, no…. words are not sufficient. I want you to know …shit. Rest if possible. Oliver I have your back when you need me, right?

OLIVER

I appreciate, that’s is good to know. Thank you.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

Is there anything you need right now?

Oliver gets up walks of the premise, towards the car.

OLIVER

I think it was not as peaceful for my mom as the local police sees it. But I need to clear my head first.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

Take it slow, Oliver. We are all afraid when you start to investigate. But you are in civilist public. And family stuff is different. Will you listen to me, Major Wind?

OLIVER

Aye sir, General brigadier, I will. But there is a truth that needs to be uncovered, I can smell it, Paul.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

You will let me know, promise?

OLIVER

Yes, Sir.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

And get you a cell phone, no need to call via satellite for the moment.

Oliver hangs up, packs satellite phone into the sand jacket

EXT. COTTBUS STREETS – DAY

Oliver looks on screen of a smart phone. A map shows how to walk. Oliver looks up, unfamiliar with the buildings of his former home town.

INT. RESIDENTS’ REGISTRATION OFFICE – DAY

SUPER: A NUMBER BLINKS

Oliver walks to a desk, shows his military ID.

OLIVER

Hello Madam, I hope you can help me. I just flew in and active soldiers carry this as only identification available. I need registration at my parents house, what do I need to fill?

LADY AT REGISTRATION

Sure. Where are you registered currently.

OLIVER

At the barracks address of my regiment. FJR One, 13405 Berlin.

LADY AT REGISTRATION

Have you been registered here in Cottbus as well?

OLIVER

Yes, but that was eighteen years ago. Before I joined the army. Not since.

LADY AT REGISTRATION

Then we have a problem.

OLIVER

Becuase I am with the army?

LADY AT REGISTRATION

No…. But

She turns towards her screen and types stuff. Oliver looks at her name tag on her desk, it shows Mrs. Wind.

LADY AT REGISTRATION

…Yes. We are digitizing all paper files and documents. And we progressed only into year 2009. I can’t find you.

OLIVER

But then you have it on paper?

LADY AT REGISTRATION

No, unfortunately. They have been outsourced for digitization.

OLIVER

What else is possible? I see we have the same name. Did you know Friedericke and Harry Wind?

LADY AT REGISTRATION

Freddie? Sure we are from the same family tribe. Her father is my mums cousin. Say hi to them. But then the solution is simple. (lowers voice). Have one of them join you and see me, sign for you and I’ll register you, right then and there. (she whispers even more) We don’t need to make a big fuzz then, do we?

OLIVER

That actually is the problem. My parents passed away the last two days. Nobody to show up here.

The Lady with the name Wind looks at him in pain.

LADY AT REGISTRATION

OMG, I am so sorry. Please accept my condolences for this hard situation in life.

…. But then I am afraid I have no solution to offer.

Oliver looks stunned.

EXT. COTTBUS STREETS – DAY

Oliver on the steps of the local registration office. He pulls out his new smartphone and types a number from the top of head.

OLIVER

Major Wind, FJR One, 3456789. Staff office 1 please. ….. Holding.

Listens.

OLIVER

Yes, hi. Major Wind, FJR One, DeltaOceanZulu3456789.

I do need your assistance please. I have been released of duties for short period of time. I am in Germany and need you to check my files. Is there a copy of certificate of birth? Or my last address before joining the army? Please check for anything to document where I lived before 2002.

Listens.

OLIVER

Yes, I understand. Check with the commanding officer of staff office. And when in doubt, he should double check with Brigadier General Paul Flut in Hannover HQ of MP.

Walking the street, Oliver recognizes a man – Uncle Hans (not sure) – on the open air terrace of a restaurant next to the town hall. The man sits opposite an attractive young woman (32ish) in business apparel.

OLIVER

I appreaciate your assistance, please make it urgent. Do you see the number on your screen. Yes. This is …while I am in Germany. Thank you Master Sergeant Baum. …Ah, and please inform Staff One, my transportation yesterday night never appeared.

No, never did, just for the records.

Oliver sits by an ugly monument on the square, pulls his satellite phone, finds and types a number into the smart phone. Dials.

He sees in the distance UNCLE HANS grabs the phone and picks up.

SPLIT SCREEN OPENS -ZOOM/FACE TIME LIKE BOTH ARE ON-SCREEN

UNCLE HANS

Wind?

OLIVER

Yes, me too. Oliver Wind.

UNCLE HANS

Oliver. I am so sorry about your father. What a terrible accident. Where are you? Still in Afghanistan?

Oliver packs the satellite phone. He gets up and starts to walk towards the terrace of the restaurant where his uncle, HANS WIND, sits.

OLIVER

No, I just arrived in Cottbus. I thought I call you, his brother first and we can talk …

UNCLE HANS

yes. Absolutely. The right thing to do. ..It’s just..

Oliver closes in on Uncle Hans

UNCLE HANS

…I am not in town today. .. I am on a business trip and will be back tomorrow.

Oliver looks at the man speaking clearly into the phone while looking at the young lady. Oliver stops

UNCLE HANS

You must be tired. Why don’t you take a rest. And be with your mother, I m sure she will need you in these tough hours. Surely she feels a bit better, you holding her.

Oliver realizes he obvious doesn’t know the actual situation.

UNCLE HANS

…and you come by tomorrow. And we’ll talk all things through. Funeral and so.

OLIVER

Ok, thank you. I will call tomorrow.

Oliver decides and walks by the terrace to see if Uncle Hans traps himself in his lies. But Uncle Hans doesn’t look at the people passing by. He addresses the young woman -CLARICE- .

UNCLE HANS

(O.S.)

He is already in town.

CLARICE

Then we have not much time left.

Oliver can hear their conversation

CLARICE

I will discuss with my father next steps.

UNCLE HANS

Let’s do that. Family Urgencies.

Oliver walks out of eavesdropping distance. Question marks on his face.

INT. REGISTRY OFFICE – DAY

Oliver meets with the registrar.

OLIVER

Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. The situation to sort is as follows. My parents passed away within the last couple of hours. I have no access to their home and I would need a copy of my birth certificate. What do I have to do?

REGISTRAR

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Have you and your parents lived here in Cottbus?

OLIVER

Yes. I am born in Cottbus to Fredericke and Harry Wind.

REGISTRAR

No way. I am so sorry. Then you are Oliver. I am so so sorry. What happened?

OLIVER

My father had an accident two days ago and my mother was found … not sure dead, this morning in her bedroom.

Without papers it seems tough to get more informations here, as long it’s not documented that I am the only child alive.

REGISTRAR

You are. Your older brother has been declared dead and missing, 10 or eleven years ago.

But your situation sounds indeed difficult. What papers have you got?

Oliver sighs, he has explained this a couple of times already.

OLIVER

Soldiers carry no official papers on them other than their military ID. And I live in the barracks when in Germany and therefore registered nowhere outside.

REGISTRAR

I have a solution for you. You come back with Harry’s brother, Hans or your grandmother Granny Lehner and one testifies you are you and I will expedite a Birth certificate for you.

OLIVER

Is that the simplest way?

REGISTRAR

Yes, and I am already bending the rules there.

OLIVER

And it will take how long?

REGISTRAR

A couple of days. Two weeks tops.

Oliver looks stunned.

EXT. COTTBUS STREETS – DAY

Oliver takes the ringing smart phone out of his pocket.

CORONER’S CLERK

Mr. Wind? Mr. Oliver Wind.

OLIVER

Speaking.

CORONER’S CLERK

This is regarding your call this morning. You left messages about your mother’s body and her whereabouts.

OLIVER

Yes. Have you spoken with your boss?

CORONER’S CLERK

Yes. And he asked me to give you the following information and message.

Do not call again unless you have some kind of authorization or power of attorney.

OLIVER

Listen. I did explain …

The call is abruptly ended

Frustrated, Oliver takes a deep breath, shakes his head.

OLIVER

This city, friendly as it was.

NT. BANK – DAY

Oliver sits opposite a BANK CLERK, whose name tag again bears the name Wind.

BANK CLERK WIND

(repeating)

I am sorry to sound repetitive yet as said, the policy of the bank is individually set a bit differently.

The power of attorney needs not only be signed by the both of you. It has to be notarized as well.

OLIVER

And if I can’t present it. What will happen then?

BANK CLERK WIND

We will need to wait for the Death certificate and the confirmation administrator of estate. He, she or them will be authorized to request the bank to act.

OLIVER

And til then? What about standing orders, direct debits? Other responsibilities of my parents.

BANK CLERK WIND

I am not entitled to speak about this in detail but rest assured, I will be taking care that things continue smoothly.

OLIVER

But you are family too, correct? Shouldn’t that be overlooked by somebody else?

BANK CLERK WIND

(gets up)

Mr.Wind, Please, again accept my deepest condolences for your losses but there is actually nothing more to discuss. Don’t misunderstand me yet things are regulated and my hands are tied.

EXT. COTTBUS STREET – NEAR TOPPER CAR COMPOUND – DAY

Oliver walks and grabs the ringing phone

a call from the military HQ,

OLIVER

Major Wind

SOLDIER STAFF OFFICE 1

Staff Office One, Master sergeant Baum, sir. We spoke earlier.

OLIVER

Yes, Master Sergeant. You have intel for me?

SOLDIER STAFF OFFICE 1

Yes, sir. Actually no sir. We checked all your files. There is no home office registration nor other documents. There is your signed application to join the army; later co signed by your mother and your high school diploma. Nothing more.

OLIVER

Nothing else?

SOLDIER STAFF OFFICE 1

No, sir. There are all your diplomas and course certificates within the army and your promotions and order of merits. But nothing from the outside world. Sir.

OLIVER

(speak-thinks)

Is there an address printed on my mothers confirmation letter? An address in Cottbus or Goyatz?

Oliver’s attention is caught by a large car dealer compound with big marketing adds “Toll, Top, Topper.” He looks at it with disdain…

SOLDIER STAFF OFFICE 1

Let me check sir. … It’s on letterhead of a Wind shipyard in Goyatz. Sir.

….particularly at a man – JÜRGEN – who appears to be involved with the customers.

OLIVER

On the diploma, is there an address of the high school?

SOLDIER STAFF OFFICE 1

There is an address, in Cottbus, sir.

Oliver watches the man, with a sense of disgust.

OLIVER

Send scan copies to my army mail address. And prepare them as hardcopies, I will call and give you an address for landmail too. Copy.

SOLDIER STAFF OFFICE 1

Will send scans via email now and prepare landmail, sir. You will provide an address tomorrow, sir.

OLIVER

Copy that. And have them confirmed or stamped by an authorized or officer. Thank you

SOLDIER STAFF OFFICE 1

Yes, sir.

Oliver hangs up. Disheartened, Oliver looks at Jürgen and the car dealer compound.

OLIVER

Will not work in this shit whole.

Oliver contemplates his next steps

OLIVER

Worth a try

Oliver turns away form the car dealership.

EXT. IN FRONT OF SHIPYARD WIND – DAY

Oliver gets out of the rented car. He walks and rings a bell at the closed gate.

A Man looks around the corner of the big shipyard hall.

SIGGI

We are closed. Family reasons. Please call Saturday.

OLIVER

(shouts back)

Siggi! It’s me. Oliver

Siggi does not react, turns the corner, off ….. Oliver is not in his toolbox.

OLIVER

Oliver Wind. C’mon.

…

SIGGI

Jessus Maria, Oliver. Baby Oliver? I am coming.

Siggi re appears.

The gate begins to open automatically. Siggi appears running.

Siggi hugs Oliver instantly, tears running down his face.

SIGGI

Oh my God, Oliver I am so sorry. Your dad, he was always such a nice fellow. And my boss. And …

OLIVER

Siggi. Yes, he was a good boss. And a strong boss.

Oliver creates a bit of a distance between the two guys. Siggi looks at im.

SIGGI

For how long haven’t I seen you, years, no?

OLIVER

Many years. Eighteen to be precise.

Oliver looks around

OLIVER

.. and many things have happened since, I can tell.

SIGGI

We are quite big yes. Not only repairing, we are mainly in house boats now.

OLIVER

My father hated house boats. Shit houses for tourists he called them.

SIGGI

I know, but house boats sell well. and for good prices. We deliver them to Potsdam or even Berlin. Customers paying up to half million.

OLIVER

(surprised)

Really?

SIGGI

Yep. Your father was the boss but he focused on the big boats and yachts. And me on the houseboats. I brought more workers from Poland. Good business. I was surprised he decided to sell.

OLIVER

The shipyard is sold?

SIGGI

I don’t know. Your mum said no, he said yes. They discussed for weeks. I don’t know. This went on and on.

OLIVER

(turns interrogator)

Ok Siggi. Can you tell me the whole story? What happened to my dad?

Siggi presses the remote, the gate begins to close

SIGGI

Common, I show you. There is not much of a story

Together they walk towards buildings at the lakeside

EXT. SHIPYARD – YACHT & SAILING CLUB – DAY

Oliver appear between typical white buildings of a private sailing club.

Siggi leads Oliver towards the jetties

SIGGI

He asked me if and how I would continue with the house boats in case he would retire. I told him I couldn’t buy a share of the company but he was fine with it; it would just have new owners.

OLIVER

He said who? Did they show up?

SIGGI

I never met them. Nor did he said who.

OLIVER

And my mum?

SIGGI

She was against it. Last thing was, she requested to divide the shipyard in the will, he would do what he wants, she would keep her part. …For you.

OLIVER

Me? The shipyard. No way.

Siggi walks a jetty, two thirds out he shows Oliver around.

SIGGI

This is where the accident happened, police says.

OLIVER

What happened here?

SIGGI

He was…. They say probably…Do you need to hear this, really?

OLIVER

…. Yes.

SIGGI

(swallows)

He fell from a ladder,.. broke both legs before he slipped into the lake. Unfortunately the ladder fell on top of him, hit him on the head, made him dizzy. Trying to stay afloat, he must have tangled with the ladder…. And drowned only a meter away from the jetty.

OLIVER

Nobody around?

SIGGI

The club is closed on Tuesday’s. At the shipyard Mondays and Tuesdays are our days off. He was alone, why , Jesus knows.

Oliver looks around, his brain takes picture. The jetty, the boats. A few lamppost with lights and a garland with colored light bulbs. While he is looking around, Siggi recognizes a boat coming in

CLARICE

Hey, can you assist please?

A midsized nice motorboat, driven single handed by Clarice.

She manages to steer the boat slowly alongside to the jetty and wrap the stern rope around one of the posts.

Siggi assist with the bow rope

CLARICE jumps on the jetty,

identifies herself

CLARICE

Hey there, thank you for a hand, appreciated. Are you Siggi?

SIGGI

Yes, Madam….

CLARICE

Siggi, my father and I we would like express our gratitude and say sorry that Wind shipyard has lost such a great …

SIGGI

Maybe better tell the son?

Clarice switches tone and style – a real hydra

CLARICE

O? … uh, I am sorry.. you are Harry’s son? …I am so sorry, I didn’t know

Oliver well remembers what she said a few hours ago to Uncle Hans.

CLARICE

You are Oliver, Oli?, Right?

Clarice walks towards Oliver, offers her hand for a handshake, then decides to hug Oliver.

CLARICE

I am soo sorry. I wish you all the strength you will need.

Clarices unhugs herself from almost no reaction, and offers her hand again

CLARICE

I am Clarice, your cousin Clarice… Wind-Feuer.

OLIVER

Oh, cousin Clarice? Must have been a while we met.

CLARICE

Ah, not more than 15-16 years. Maybe.

OLIVER

Maybe 18. But my mum told me here and there over the phone how pretty you become.

CLARICE

Aunt Freddie? Yes, she had so much fun pulling my leg. Please say high to her…or better why don’t you both come over. My dad will certainly be glad to …

OLIVER

Thank you. But …

CLARICE

No, I insist. I am sure my mother wants me to insist, her sister be treated well.

OLIVER

Aunt Freddie … (has to bite and clears his throat) .. my mother. died this morning.

Clarice stops in her motions, prepared to speak, stares at Oliver.

SIGGI

(hands over mouth)

Jessus Maria. That ain’t true. Jessus. What are you saying, Oliver?

Clarice looks at Siggi, back at Oliver

CLARICE

(tears dwell but don’t flow)

My Aunt died? What? When ? How? This morning. What happened?

OLIVER

(no tears, coarse voice)

She was found in her bed, early morning by police. Neighbors called because of a clashing window in the wind.

SIGGI

(deep emotional)

Only one day after?

CLARICE

Does my mum know? …. Guess not. Must call her. I don’t want her to hear it from Swiss police.

Clarice jumps back on her boat, revs the engine. Siggi helps with the bow rope. Clarice uses engine and steern rope to turn around.

Oliver watches her depart, CLARICE fumbling earpieces into her ear. Siggi wraps an arm around Oliver.

SIGGI

Only one day and she follows him? I am so sorry Oli.

Frozen in time and emotion Oliver – no tears – has no ida what to think, who to believe, what actually happens.

He kind of wakes up….checks his watch and realizes the time.

OLIVER

I need to go back to town, my mother made an appointment for this afternoon.

They walk back on the jetty

SIGGI

You should return the rental in town. I’ll bring you dads car tomorrow. No need to pay for a car.

OLIVER

Shall do, Thank you Siggi.

SIGGI

What ever you need.

Oliver turns and checks the jetty again with a thoughtful look.

INT. OFFICE – NOTARY WAITING ROOM – DAY

Oliver enters the room, still in his dune jacket approaches the secretary who looks at her wrist watch.

SECRETARY NOTARY

It’s after four, we don’t take appointments this time of the day.

OLIVER

Excuse me, yes. I am here on behalf of my mother, Friedericke Wind.

SECRETARY NOTARY

You cannot be her “on her behalf”. She has requested a personal appointment with Dr. Nebel. And ..

OLIVER

.and it will stay personal. Please tell Dr. Nebel, her son is asking to see him.

Please.

SECRETARY NOTARY

I don’t think he has time, he is in an appointment.

Oliver looks at his watch.

OLIVER

Yes, with my mother. Since six minutes. Tell him I am sorry for being late and that I will be patiently waiting in his waiting room.

The secretary is surprised by this attitude, walks back to her desk.

She looks into the semi-connected waiting room.

This soldier in his sand dune combat gear has leaned back, closed his eyes and doing nothing.

She peeks again. Unchanged. She gets up and walks into the notary’s study.

TIME CUT:

NOTARY NEBEL

What is it you are asking for? Your mother is not in my office.

Oliver opens his eyes and gets up. He has spoken with so many people the last hours. He’s had it.

OLIVER

My mother died. Last night, this early morning.

And looks for the reaction. The notary’s body language speaks, the notary does not.

Notary Nebel looks Oliver in the eyes.

NOTARY NEBEL

In my office, please.

He turns and walks.

NOTARY NEBEL

Mrs. Singer, and a clients warrant for Mr.Oliver Wind.

Oliver follows the notary. Turns

OLIVER

And no condolences?

Closes door.

INT. OFFICE – NOTARY STUDY – DAY

Oliver closes second door.

NOTARY NEBEL

This city is so fucked up.

Oliver surprised

OLIVER

No condolences either.

NOTARY NEBEL

I told her yesterday, to leave town for a couple of days. But she wouldn’t listen.

It’s getting weird, Oliver takes a deep breath … Knock on the door.

NOTARY NEBEL

Yes

Secretary comes in, puts the two pager in front of Nebel and leaves.

Oliver is about to speak, the notary lift his hand with his fist clenched.

Second door closes.

NOTARY NEBEL

You must have many questions, I am sure. Therefore I suggest you let me tell you what I am allowed to tell you. And after that we’ll see which questions I may answer. Does that sound?

OLIVER

Might be a good short cut.

Oliver sits opposite Notary Nebel.

NOTARY NEBEL

Well then. Let me start with a short cut too.

Do you know the expression platonic lover, Oliver?

OLIVER

Go on.

NOTARY NEBEL

I was at your house yesterday evening until eleven or so. After what happened the day before …..

Fade

INT. OFFICE – NOTARY – DAY

The door opens from the study, notary Nebel walks out with Oliver.

NOTARY NEBEL

Please stay in contact with me or ..(turns to his secretary, stressing it).. with my office.

He turns again

NOTARY NEBEL

Mrs. Singer, hand me the envelope we signed yesterday with Mrs. Wind.

Secretary Singer opens a cabinet and selects from files.

NOTARY NEBEL

… there are way more details that I am not entitled to speak about before the will is opened to the family.

I urge you yet, to stay for the time being, I will send out the invitations and announcement first thing tomorrow.

Secretary returns with an envelope, hands it, Nebel opens it and puts it on the table.

NOTARY NEBEL

Please sign here…. And here.

OLIVER

What is this?

NOTARY NEBEL

Once you signed, it will be a fully notarized Power of attorney, signed by your mother yesterday afternoon.

This time Oliver is really stunned.

EXT. OFFICE – NOTARY – DAY

Notary Nebel lets Oliver out. Oliver still in combat and piece of paper in his hand.

NOTARY NEBEL

Please stay. And dig. Some of your questions will be sorted before the funerals.

END OF ACT 3

ACT 4: BRAWL & SEX

EXT. LAKE DISTRICT – HIGHWAY – DAY

DRONE:

Oliver’s rented car in a nice landscape of the Lake District.

SOUND ONLY: CAR DOOR IS SHUT, STEPS WALKING AWAY

INT. GOYATZ POLICE STATION – DAY

Oliver approaches the high bar with a police officer behind it.

OLIVER

Hi. My name is Oliver Wind, son of Harry Wind…

Oliver takes out his military ID and puts it next to the PoA.

OLIVER

…who had a lethal accident three days ago in the Yacht Club.

POLICE OFFICER 1

(looks Oliver up and down)

And you are here for a war or so? Is this a loaded weapon, sir?

The police officer has his hand to his own handweapon. Oliver had these looks all day long, inhales to stay calm, points at a line on his ID

OLIVER

And I am entitled to carry it. I flew in this morning. From Afghanistan.

POLICE OFFICER 1

From … the Afghanistan War?

OLIVER

Yes, Camp Marmal, in case this sounds familiar. And I would like to talk to the officer in charge about the accident.

The Officer looks at the military ID

POLICE OFFICER 1

We don’t see these here often… actually it’s the first I see ever. Don’t you have some different document? Like personal ID?

OLIVER

We don’t carry other IDs in war zones as a matter of fact.

Officer looks into PoA.

POLICE OFFICER 1

Hmh….Hmh. This PoA is for your mothers business not your fathers. I doubt it is valid for this case.

OLIVER

(inhales again)

My mother passed this morning. You can check with Cottbus homicide. Would actually be good, cause they don’t know about my fathers accident.

As my mother was the only widow of my father means I am in charge now, right?

That is too much of information at the same time. The police officer walks away.

POLICE OFFICER 1

Please wait.

TIME CUT:

POLICE OFFICER 2

That sounds unusual

OLIVER

Sir, is that a question?

POLICE OFFICER 2

Yes.

OLIVER

Which part? Sounds or unusual?

POLICE OFFICER 2

Sir, can we please stay civilized and polite.

OLIVER

Look. I heard all day I need a proof of authorisation. Here it is. A Power of attorney. Please, I request …. politely .. to know if this authorizes me to hear details of my fathers accident. Do I?

POLICE OFFICER 2

We don’t know you. But probably yes.

OLIVER

Have you been here 18 years ago?

POLICE OFFICER 2

No

OLIVER

You?

POLICE OFFICER 1

No

OLIVER

See. I have left 18 years ago. Until then I was here with my parents almost every day. Therefore it has no meaning. What do you know about the accident?

POLICE OFFICER 2

It was an accident. I don’t want sound rude but the club was closed, your father slipped, fell, entangled with the ladder, drowned.

OLIVER

That is what’s on file?

POLICE OFFICER 2

Indeed

OLIVER

Would you please write down for me who and where I can find the prosecutor in charge. And the morgue where my father is.

POLICE OFFICER 2

Prosecutor? Why?

OLIVER

Because I will file for an autopsy.

POLICE OFFICER 2

Ok. But there was nothing, just an accident.

He pulls his military ID again out,

OLIVER

I understand your point of view. and it’s nothing personal guys

shows the officer a detail.

OLIVER

See this. I am police too. We are kind of colleagues, and I have a different point of view.

Officer 1 hands Oliver a piece of paper.

POLICE OFFICER 2

We are not colleagues. From what I know, MP manages traffic and checks that soldiers go to bed without being too drunk or loud.

OLIVER

Thank you (turns) Like you manage traffic and check pubs closing on time, right?

Oliver leaves.

OLIVER

Only that you do not manage one hundred percent educated killers.

Make sure you give the morgue a correct notice in writing that I will be back tomorrow.

EXT./ INT. CAR/ LAKE DISTRICT -View at SHIPYARD – SUNSET / BLUE HOUR

Oliver drives by the lake. He stops the car.

On the opposite lakeside is the yacht club and the shipyard in sun down. Oliver just stares. Other pictures in his head than what he sees. No tears.

Suddenly he opens the door and vomits.

Oliver gets out of the car and starts kicking and fighting trees.

INT. CAR – NIGHT

Oliver punches in a number into his smart phone, starts driving.

PETRA

Homicide Cottbus, Miller speaking.

OLIVER

Oliver Wind here. Where can we meet?

PETRA

You found authorization?

OLIVER

Yes, Power of attorney, notarized. I would like you hand me the keys to the family’s house.

PETRA

So it’s not a crime scene anymore? Glad to hear that.

OLIVER

It’s a crime scene more than ever, and I am happy to fill you in.

PETRA

We can meet tomorrow. I am out to a different crime scene, a real one. Tomorrow ten in the police Headquarter, homicide, 2nd floor.

OLIVER

No, I would like to …

PETRA

Other than you, I am working, not hallucinating. Tomorrow, ten.

Hangs up on him.

EXT. CAR RENTAL COTTBUS – NIGHT

Oliver throws the car keys into the night-box, picks up his backpack.

Oliver walks tired and angry, ponders his options. He triggers his earpiece.

OLIVER

(into headset)

Hey, show me simple hotels nearby

Oliver pulls the phone and looks on the map.

Oliver turns and walks into a side street. Walks.

Oliver sees a nightlife pub BACK SALON.

OLIVER

BACK SALON, really.

INT. BACK SALON – NIGHT

Oliver among a few guests, calm.

He sits at a table across the bar. A glass of beer on the table.

Marie 26ish, attractive, tattooed on one arm, walks over checks over the bar, Oliver’s glass is almost empty.

MARIE

Another one, soldier?

OLIVER

Yes, in uniform two beer rule is on.

MARIE

Two beer rule? Certainly not known to many around here. Is up and coming.

New guests arrive, walk past Marie and greet.

TOUGH GUY 1

Whats up, Marie? Half empty tonight.

MARIE

It’s football tonight. And we have no streamer.

TOUGH GUY 1

Four tanks on my neck.

MARIE

Coming. (turns to Oliver) See?

The four guys begin to play of dart, having fun.

In one corner three guys are in an excited debate.

In one booth a guy is heavily working to impress his target girl for the night.

Oliver takes it all in, he shakes his head from time to time, obviously thinking about stuff.

The dart guys squeak. A dart arrow glides over the floor, stops near to Oliver’s foot.

TOUGH GUY 1

Sorry man, sergeant. It bumped backwards

OLIVER

No problem, things happen.

Tough guy walks back, they play.

Oliver watches how one guy throws towards the dart and another one throws his dart hiddenly backwards.

Another guy walks to Oliver.

TOUGH GUY 2

Sorry, again it bumped.

OLIVER

Yes sometimes a dartboard seem the be full of metal.

TOUGH GUY 2

You wanna play with us man? It’s one beer per round only.

OLIVER

That’s kind. But no, was a long day.

TOUGH GUY 2

Got it, must be back at the barracks

OLIVER

Yes, no. Kinda

TOUGH GUY 2

Yes, no, kind of. You don’t want to talk to me, right?

OLIVER

I’m just tired.

TOUGH GUY 2

Hey guys, he is tired talking to me. While I am paying for his uniform, his gun and his pay check.

TOUGH GUY 1

Really, that’s arrogant, isn’t it.

The other three walk back from the dart to Oliver.

TOUGH GUY 2

Look, we pay taxes for you, you are sitting in your barrack, playing with war toys and rocking your balls.

Oliver gets up

OLIVER

I believe you talking to the wrong man. I left a war zone yesterday afternoon far away from here. I believe it’s ok to be just tired

TOUGH GUY 2

You left a war zone? Uhhh now I am afraid of you. What are you doing in a war zone?

Oliver puts out a hand to his shoulder, to find a space to walk towards the bar.

OLIVER

My team and I watch and protect other soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

TOUGH GUY 1

Protecting other soldiers. Sounds like a luxury job.

OLIVER

Would you mind? Please.

He waves for Marie

OLIVER

I’ll check out my tab.

Marie comes closer

TOUGH GUY 2

You re turning your back on me? That’ll cost you.

Marie put another 8 beer on his tab, the soldier wants to say he his sorry for being disrespectful.

Oliver doesn’t turn

OLIVER

No, the major doesn’t invite these gentlemen.

Now he turns.

OLIVER

In respect of respect. Have one of you served in the army? Anyone a reservist?

TOUGH GUY 2

No. We are not part of your fucked up country. We don’t accept this, we have our own Reich. And own army.

Oliver dawns who he is talking to.

OLIVER

Your own Reich, own army, got it. So who is the highest ranking one here?

Looks at Tough Guy 2. He doesn’t answer.

TOUGH GUY 3

I am, soldier.

OLIVER

Ok, what are your men calling you?

TOUGH GUY 3

Sergeant Major.

OLIVER

Right. Sergeant Major. I request you make your men listen to you.

I am Major of the military police, 2. Greandier Battalion, actually in charge as NATO Response Care. I don’t know if you have ever heard of this. And I don’t care.

We are called the bad guys watching over good guys. We are even taking the trash out when needed.

Now tell your men to step back, let me pay, end this useless provocative conversation and then we walk in two different directions. Like nothing happened. Copy?

Tough Guy 3 looks embarrassed but amused

TOUGH GUY 3

Is there a plan B to your suggestion?

Oliver knows, he can’t talk himself out of this smoothly.

OLIVER

Marie? Marie was it, right?

MARIE

Yep

OLIVER

Would you mind to have my backpack? I am traveling light. And I don’t want my toothbrush broken.

TOUGH GUY 2

You might not need a toothbrush for a while.

Oliver does not even react to this.

OLIVER

(to tough Guy 3)

You want Plan B described in detail or is a brief description enough

TOUGH GUY 3

Brief is enough

OLIVER

All four of you will be fucked up, and no one of you will make it alone to the hospital.

Now let’s get outside or I will charge you afterwards for everything that will be broken in here.

The guys look at each other. Yes. This will be fun.

Oliver hands his backpack over and in the last moment rips one of the zippers open and pulls out a Tonfa.

Turns. With his back to the bar he faces all four guys.

OLIVER

Now would be the best time to end this.

TOUGH GUY 3

Yes Major, Mister special forces shit. But we finish it our way, guys.

And of we go (rough choreography). Two gyus attack Oliver, he responds by hitting one against the throat, backing the other guys arm, kick against his ankle. He turns and twist, away from the bar, breaks the third guys arm and facing Tough Guy 3

OLIVER

Again, you are still up and could drive them to the hospital.

Tough Guy 3 grabs a bottle from the bar and breaks it. One other gets up and attacks again. Oliver throughs TG 3 over, unrests his arm and falls with the bottle into TG2. Done. Up again there its one left who is like a ragging bull. Oliver stops him with the Tonfa, not hitting yet.

Mistake, the other guy left, attacks from behind and strikes Oliver’s arm with a knife.

TOUGH GUY 3

So, Mr. war zone, how about respect now, German soldier pussy?

Oliver has enough, briefly looks at his arm. He unwinds 4-5 fast kick, hits and moves. Done.

OLIVER

Didn’t I tell, we even take the trash out from time to time?

Oliver kneels down on him, his eyes burn. He could easily take the whole day out on this guy, he is close to kill.

Oliver breathes…. and empties the pockets of TG3 and TG2, no other weapons. He grabs a couple of bills, all hundreds out of their pockets, hands them to Marie

OLIVER

For the broken stuff. I’ll keep one, my sand jacket needs to see a seamstress.

And you guys out. Or do you want another round on my dance card.

Marie looks over the bar.

MARIE

Or I call 110.

The other guests leave as inconspicuous as possible

MARIE

Not you, you may stay.

LOVERBOY

Thank you. But no thank you.

He drags his girl outside.

The Tough Guys leave, everybody else too.

Marie passes Oliver, heading for the door

MARIE

And I complain we have no streamer tv?

We have live action.

END OF ACT 4

ACT 5 RESTLESS NIGHT

Marie locks the door and returns. Oliver packs the Tonfa back into his back pack.

MARIE

You are one of the bad guys. Fuck

OLIVER

Is there a small hotel nearby you would recommend?

MARIE

Yes. But let me look at your arm first.

TIME CUT:

Marie sits behind Oliver and putting some med on his wound. Oliver’s sand tee is ripped open at the arm, covered with blood. He is not a muscle guy but very ripped and trained sleek with scars and some tattoos.

OLIVER

…. I arrived last night in Germany, this morning in this town. Mhhh -grins his teeth. –

Marie continues to bandage his upper arm.

MARIE

Hurts a lot?

OLIVER

Yes. A lot is different.

Marie locks eyes with Oliver.

MARIE

Go on, stranger.

OLIVER

Nobody seems to know about the war were in nor like German soldiers … if I tell you everything what happened since, I’d sound like whiner…and you wouldn’t want sex with me.

Marie doesn’t stop

MARIE

Do I want sex with you?

OLIVER

From what I see ….

MARIE

Actually, yes.

OLIVER

So you won’t give ma a suggestion for a Hotel nearby?

MARIE

No

OLIVER

Seriously?

MARIE

Yes

Marie finishes lousily the bandage, comes up and turns in for a kiss

INT. APARTMENT – MARIE – NIGHT

Oliver and Marie bump through the door already kissing

…. and wildly into each others undressing

Marie bumps into the fresh bandaged wound which makes Oliver groan.

MARIE

Don’t be such a whiner, you pussy

OLIVER

I forgot, your the pussy

On they go, they engage in a passionate and wild encounter of sex,

Find joy and temporary solace in each other’s arms.

INT. APARTMENT – MARIE – NIGHT

After their encounter. Marie naked has her head on Olivers naked chest, purring like a cat.

MARIE

How long did you say you had no sex.

OLIVER

Four, four and half month.

MARIE

Can we do this again, like in the morning?

OLIVER

(smiles)

Guess so.

MARIE

(sleeping away)

Mhmmm.

OLIVER

So you still won’t suggest a hotel nearby?

MARIE

Nooo wayyy

Marie sleeps. …..Oliver does not fall asleep. …..He looks at the ceiling. …..He dims the lights.

He is restless. Oliver walks up and down the room.

He gets dressed, about to leave the apartment. Too late, the attack is on it’s way.

OLIVER

(under his breath)

We have to wait for the morning, Mum.

Oliver makes it to an armchair next to the bed. His hands start to tremble. Oliver tries to be silent, his arms and knees, then his head and neck, everything trembles, goes out of control.

Oliver looks at the ceiling, bites not to make noises. The pictures come. Flashy. No story, just flashes of his soldier life, watching others die.

Soldiers being shot, running, falling. Soldier 1 in his arms, the water canteen, the truck exploding,

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>END OF PILOT