Summer Job - By Marco Gillings
Written By: Marco Gillings
Category: Screenplay
Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026
Embark on a thrilling journey with Marco Gillings in his screenplay "Summer Job," crafted for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. As an entry in the Creative Writing category, this screenplay intricately weaves an action-packed narrative filled with drama and youth adventure. Gillings' tale follows a young protagonist who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a complex web of abduction and betrayal during what was meant to be a simple summer job. Set against a backdrop of moral dilemmas and rediscovery, this piece explores themes of family, love, and self-realization, promising readers an unforgettable experience.
About the Work
"Summer Job" by Marco Gillings is a captivating screenplay that combines elements of action, comedy, and drama. The protagonist's journey from seeking a mundane summer job to facing life-threatening challenges is richly detailed with humor and suspense. The narrative is driven by dynamic character interactions and unexpected plot twists, creating a vibrant tapestry that questions notions of trust and self-sacrifice. Vivid imagery and well-rounded characters, from the protagonist Marco to his allies and adversaries, enrich the story, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
Summer Job
Original Submission by Marco Gillings
Summer Job full screenplay
By MARCO GILLINGS
Genre: Action-Comedy | Drama | Youth Adventure
Topic (Theme): A brave young man takes on what seems like a simple mission during summer break, only to find himself entangled in a web of abduction, betrayal, and moral decisions while rediscovering purpose, family, and love.
Prelude (Opening Monologue/Voice-over Style):
MARCO (V.O.) I wasn't looking for trouble, or glory, or even love. Just a paycheck, a little peace, and some sleep. But the summer had other plans. Before it ended, I'd rescue a girl, wire a million bucks, fight in a jungle, and come face-to-face with everything I thought I knew about trust. My name’s MARCO... and this is the summer I’ll never forget.”
Main Character Breakdown
1. MARCO (Protagonist) Age: 18-24
Traits: Loyal, skilled, quietly courageous, emotionally mature
Arc: From a low-key young man looking to make ends meet to a selfless hero who makes powerful enemies, wins hearts, and sacrifices comfort for justice.
2. JASON (leader of operation/Comic Relief) Age: 30 PLUS
Traits: Street-smart, witty, resourceful, loyal, militant
Function: Helps MARCO navigate operations and injects humor. He’s the guy who’s always half-serious but comes through when it matters.
3. KEL (Love Interest) Age: 18 -24
Traits: Kind-hearted, brave, innocent but curious
Arc: From a quiet, controlled daughter of a wealthy family to a confident girl who takes charge of her own freedom.
4. KREG (Antihero Ally)
Traits: Charismatic, rugged, morally grey
Function: Plays the wildcard. Initially was the leader of the plan, he became remorseful after mercy was shown towards his comrades and demands trust and later delivers justice by betraying the inside traitor.
5. PAM (MARCO’s Mother)
Function: Voice of reason and emotional anchor. She reminds MARCO of his worth and boundaries.
6. Mary-Ann (Antagonist-Twist Villain)
Role: Housekeeper and mastermind behind the kidnapping. Kept a very low profile
Traits: Deceptive, bitter, manipulative
Arc: Hides her bitterness under loyalty until she’s exposed.
1 – EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – DAY
[: Outside a high school building. Students rush out, cheering and embracing each other.]
JOEY: It’s “Get Laid Summer” bro!
ABI: Get that out of your thick, brainless skull. I'm not getting pregnant until after college.
MARCO: Ambition.
JOEY: You two sound like residential parents. Loosen up.
(Turns to MICAH, wiggling eyebrows)
So, MICAH, you and homeboy got any... plans this summer?
MICAH: Privacy, Joey.
JOEY: This is a safe space.
ABI: You two good?
MARCO: Yeah! We're never better.
ABI: (Looks sideways and whistles) It's confirmed then.
JOEY: When the guy answers first, it’s definitely a problem.
MARCO: We good, right Micah?
MICAH: I guess.
JOEY: Uh-oh.
(ABI hits JOEY on the shoulder.)
JOEY: Ouch!
MARCO: One last time at the park?
ABI: Hell yeah.
MICAH: Sure.
JOEY: Screw this school!
(JOEY Flips the trash and shows middle finger)
Principal Grace (on intercom): JOEY!
JOEY: School's out!You can’t suspend me, Principal Grape!
(Runs off laughing)
2 – EXT. JASON'S YARD – DAY
[JASON plays with his dog, Blake, in a modest yard.]
JASON: Blake! Come here, boy!
(The dog comes running, barking happily.)
JASON: Attaboy. (Rubs Blake’s head)
This summer is all about us. I promise.
(Blake whines and looks toward the house as the home phone rings.)
JASON: Probably the veterinarian.
3 – INT. JASON’S LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS
(JASON picks up the landline phone.)
JASON: Hello?
JONES (on phone): You should consider getting a smartphone. It’s easier to track you that way.
JASON: That’s “exactly” Why don't I have one? (Smirks) Yet you still managed to reach me.
JONES: I’m just checking in on you, soldier.
JASON: A sudden check-up? What are the odds?
JONES: I got a job for you.
JASON: Of course you do. I respectfully decline……I’ve got plans this summer.
JONES: With a woman?
JASON: No. With Blake.
JONES: I’ll keep an eye on Blake for you. This is critical.
JASON: I thought you hated dogs.
JONES: Only when they bite.
JASON: All dogs bite….. and Blake bites. A “lot”
JONES: Well, I’ll get my house in order for our guests.
JASON: What’s the job?
JONES: Kidnapped girl. Ransom situation. She's from a wealthy family. Intel locates her somewhere in Nigeria’s biggest jungle.
JASON: The jungle?
JONES: Yeah, criminals are expanding into the bush now. It’s summer, Jason. Kids should be having fun with their families, not getting kidnapped in some mosquito-infested jungle, spiders and shit.
JASON: Who am I working with?
JONES: This is unfortunately a solo mission, soldier.
JASON: Solo?
JONES: All other agents are with their families right now. They won’t even answer my calls, the caller ID gives me away. I had to turn to the only person who wouldn’t know who was calling.
JASON: I am with my family.
JONES: Your family is my family. Blake’s my boy!
JASON: When do I leave?
JONES: As early as possible, say tomorrow evening. But you’ll need to go shopping first.
JASON: And if I get a partner by then?
JONES: Then you are favored by the Lord.
JASON: Send me the necessities and a shopping fee.
JONES: Already did. Thank you, soldier.
JASON: Thank you, Sir.
(Call ends.)
(Blake barks loudly.)
4 – INT. JASON’S ROOM – MOMENTS LATER
JASON: Eavesdropping, huh?
(Kneels and hugs Blake)
Look, I gotta go get you some dog food from the jungle.You’ll be staying over at Uncle JONES’s. Be on your best behavior and don’t destroy their property.
(Cut to a shot of JASON’s living room. Dog bite marks cover everything chewable.)
Blake: (Barks again)
JASON: Thanks for understanding.
5 – PARK – DATE
[The group enjoys hotdogs. MARCO pulls JOEY aside. MICAH confesses to feelings for Bart. Tension builds as secrets unravel.]
MARCO: Joey, a word?
JOEY: (kisses Abi) Please, miss me for a few minutes.
ABI: (wipes off kiss, smiles) He’s a lot.
(JOEY and MARCO walk off)
MICAH: Marco and I are having problems.
JOEY: Talk to me.
ABI: I noticed.
MARCO: Micah and I are a bit... distanced.
JOEY: I’m aware.
MICAH: I just don’t know how to say this. There’s no easy way. I have a little feeling for Bart.
MARCO: Maybe she’s in love with someone else.
JOEY: Have sex. It solves everything.
MARCO: It doesn’t.
JOEY: If you ain’t doing it right.
ABI: (whispers) Bart?!
MICAH: He’s been eyeing me since before football season. We went on a date
ABI: Shut up!
MICAH: Discreetly. I felt sparks. I want to pursue that.
ABI: But
MICAH: I know.
JOEY: She’s definitely seeing someone else. You got any second options?
MARCO: No.
JOEY: Self-trapped.
MICAH: He’s a great guy, but I have to let him know tomorrow. I need to think it through.
MARCO: I don’t know what to do.
ABI: Think long and hard.
JOEY: Let’s get back before she talks my girl into doing what she did to you.
MARCO: (chuckles) Asshole.
(JOEY and MARCO walked back.)
JOEY: What was the gossip about?
ABI: I should be asking you.
JOEY: Just boy stuff.
MICAH: Just girl stuff.
MARCO: First day on the job tomorrow.
JOEY: Damn, bro.
ABI: At the hardware?
MARCO: Yep.
ABI: Damn!
MARCO: Ready to go?
JOEY: Aye, aye.
(JOEY hugs ABI, walks off. MARCO holds MICAH’s hand and walks off.)
6 MARCO’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
MARCO calculates expenses, texts with JOEY. PAM brings food and emotional support. MARCO checks unread messages from MICAH. [MARCO sits at desk with papers and his phone. Dim lighting.]
MARCO: I can save 90% of my earnings by eating home-cooked lunch.
(Phone chimes – text from JOEY.)
JOEY (text): Bro, I’m flying to Los Angeles with Abi tomorrow. Dad just surprised me with the news.
MARCO (text): Happy for you, bro. Enjoy it.
JOEY (text): You too, bro. If you gotta find another job, do it. But be adventurous. I need feedback and proof.
MARCO (text): Sure thing.
JOEY (text): Peace, bro.
MARCO (text): Peace.
(MARCO checks the message he sent to MICAH two hours ago. Message: "Seen." He sighs deeply, sets the phone down, and returns to calculations.)
MARCO: Extra time can cover my dorm rent for two months.
(PAM knocks lightly, enters with a tray of food.)
PAM: Knock-knock.
MARCO: Nothing to knock on, Mom. (smiles)
PAM: (places down the tray) What are you doing?
MARCO: Just working out some arithmetic to manage college expenses.
PAM: You work hard. I’m proud.
MARCO: Got that from you, Ma.
PAM: I’m sorry you have to. Other kids are enjoying themselves and
MARCO: Hey, hey. I’m different. I’m okay with it. Soon, I’ll get us out of here, big time.
PAM: (hugs him) Love you, son.
MARCO: Love you more, Mom.
PAM: Mr. J says check your email. It'll help prepare you for work tomorrow.
(MARCO checks email.)
MARCO: 900 pages?! And a note: “Know by tomorrow.”
PAM: He’s losing his mind.
MARCO: I better try to go through.
PAM: Eat up, and don’t stay up too long.
MARCO: Alright, Mom.
(PAM exists. MARCO scrolls email, glances at MICAH’s chat again.)
MARCO: Worst summer yet to commence.
7 – JASON’S ROOM – NIGHT
JASON prepares for a dangerous mission in Nigeria involving a kidnapped girl. Blake sleeps. Stakes are revealed.
JASON: Blake, you gonna help me pack?
(Blake snores.)
JASON: A drowsy no, okay.
(Checks the packing list and opens the laptop.)
JASON: Gotta get these at the hardware store.
(Checks file on screen. Read aloud.)
Reward on success : U.S $5,000,000 for rescued girl alive and well
Kidnappers demand U.S $5,000,000
Location: Jungle in Nigeria
Advance lunch and pocket money: U.S $2,000
Failed mission: Free flight home
JASON: Short and informative.
(Closes laptop. Lights out. Music plays.)
8 – MARCO’S HOME – MORNING
PAM sends MARCO off to work with care and encouragement. Family love emphasized.
PAM: Son, you up and ready?
MARCO: Yes, Mom.
PAM: Here. I packed your breakfast and lunch.
MARCO: Thanks, Ma.
(He packs food.)
PAM: Be safe and try to have fun.
MARCO: (hugs her) You too, Ma.
9 – HARDWARE STORE – MORNING
MARCO arrives, meets Mr. J and coworkers. Brief and blunt training. Assigned duties. Nervous anticipation.
Mr. J: Ha! Early bird gets the most worm, right?
MARCO: I’m ready for a lot of worms.
Mr. J: Wrong grounds. Let me show you around.
MARCO: Following you, boss.
Mr. J: You went through the PDF I sent?
MARCO: It’s a lot of pages, I..
Mr. J: So you’re familiar. This is your register. Check it before and after your shift. I don’t have to tell you what happens if it’s short.
MARCO: You don’t.
Mr. J: Good. You serve and cash out. Everybody’s happy, especially me.
MARCO: Alright, sir. About the tour.
Mr. J: This is it. Over and done. If you need help, don’t. My office (points). Your coworkers: Lisa, Michael, Trudy, Shawn. You’ll know them. (he gave Marco his name tag) Ready?
MARCO: I guess s
Mr. J: Good.
(MARCO checks MICAH’s chat, still no response. He types a message.)
MARCO (text): Hi. First day on the job. I miss you. Call me when available. (kiss emoji)
(Coworkers arrive.)
Lisa: New guy!
MARCO: Morning.
Michael: I’m Michael.
MARCO: Marco
Trudy: Gonna be an interesting day for you, Marco.
MARCO: It already is, trust me.
Shawn: She won’t. She doesn’t trust anyone.
Mr. J: Customers approaching! Smiles on people, fake or authentic, I don’t care.
Lisa: (grunts, forces smile)
10 – HARDWARE STORE – DURING SHIFT
MARCO fumbles with customers. A rude customer pushes JASON, who knocks him out. Chaos ensues. MARCO is scolded. [Hardware Store – shifts begins]
Customer 1: Morning. I want a sledgehammer.
MARCO: Good morning. A sledgehammer?
Customer 1: Mhm.
(MARCO runs to Mr. J’s office.)
MARCO: Sir, where’s the sledgehammer located?
Mr. J: In the file. Aisle 2, section 4, left corner.
MARCO: Thanks.
(Fetches item.)
Customer 1: This is the slowest line, and I’m in the front, how ironic.
MARCO: That’s $90.
Customer 1: Here you go.
MARCO: (cashes out) Thank you for shopping. Feel free to donate to this piggy account.
Customer 1: Okay. (walks off)
MARCO: Next
Customer 2: Do you have mountain ropes?
MARCO: Excuse me.. Lisa?
Lisa: Busy. Ask Sir.
MARCO: Give me a minute.
(MARCO rushes to Mr. J again.)
MARCO: Sir, mountain ropes?
Mr. J: On the mountain.
MARCO: (sighs)
Mr. J: Aisle 4, section 1, right corner.
(Fetches, rings up.)
Customer 2: They haven’t trained you, huh?
MARCO: I was.
Customer 2: Not enough. Have a good one.
Customer 3: I need flathead screwdrivers.
MARCO: (turns around)
Customer 3: It’s right there!
MARCO: I’m looking. There’s a lot of screwdrivers.
Customer 3: Supervisor! Hello!
Shawn: Shit.
Michael: I hate that guy.
Trudy: Same.
Customer 3: Supervisor!
(Mr. J rushes out.)
Mr. J: Sir, how may I help?
Customer 3: I’ve been waiting three minutes for a screwdriver. Your guy is lost in space.
Mr. J: Apologies. Here it is.
Customer 3: I have a business to run. Speed this up.
Mr. J: On it, sir.
(JASON joins the line.)
Customer 3: How much is it?
MARCO: $11.
Customer 3: And 12 two-inch screws.
MARCO: (to Mr. J) Screws?
Mr. J: (points below)
MARCO: How many, sir?
Customer 3: 12.
(MARCO counts and Mr J returns to office)
Customer 3: Make it 24.
MARCO: (took a deep breath) Okay. Two dozen.
Customer 3: Make it a dozen.
JASON: Cancel his order.
Customer 3: Excuse me?
JASON: Cancel his order.
Customer 3: And you are?
JASON: You don’t want to know. You’re spiteful, I hate spiteful people.
Customer 3: I’m weighing my mind.
JASON: Do so out of line. I got places to be.
Customer 3: Look, pal (pushes JASON)
(JASON punches him. Customer 3 drops.)
Shawn: God damn!
Woman: (screams)
Mr. J: (rushing out of office ) What happened?!
MARCO: He got knocked out.
Mr. J: Who did this?
JASON: I did. He was rude to your cashier and me. He deserved it.
Mr. J: Sir, this could’ve been handled differently.
MARCO: He pushed him, sir.
Mr. J: Rookie, be quiet.
JASON: I need two regular hammers and some nails.
(Customer 3 recovers.)
Mr. J: Sir, are you okay?
Customer 3: I won’t be shopping here again.
Mr. J: I apologize.
JASON: I don’t.
Mr. J: He (points at MARCO) apologized.
MARCO: I didn’t.
Mr. J: Customer’s always right.
JASON: I’m a customer too. So I’m in the right, right?
Customer 3: You just lost a regular. (storms out)
Mr. J: What did he order?
MARCO: Flathead screwdriver and 20 two-inch screws.
(Mr. J tallies on the calculator.)
Mr. J: Customer lost. Money lost. You lost.
MARCO: But..
Mr. J: No buts! (walks off)
Trudy: Oh boy.
JASON: How much does that cost?
MARCO: $20.
JASON: And his stuff?
MARCO: $15.
JASON: Here.
MARCO: Thanks. Want to donate to the college fund?
JASON: No.
MARCO: So... hammer and nails. You crucifying someone?
JASON: Yes.
11– STORE – DAY
MARCO bags items for JASON. JASON pitches a risky job. MARCO quits dramatically after being insulted. Walk out.
MARCO: (Bagged the stuff) Here you go, sir.
JASON: Appreciate it.
MARCO: Any tips for the assist?
JASON: I won’t get paid until the job is done.
MARCO: Some job.
JASON: Pays well.
MARCO: Wish I could say the same for here.
JASON: I’m looking for a second hand. You could assist. Walk from this shit.
MARCO: What’s the criteria?
JASON: Blood, violence, death... possibly.
MARCO: Wow - uh, hmm... I don’t meet the standards for that. My résumé is just high school credits. I’m merely working toward my savings for college.
I think the smart thing to do is serve disgusting customers and live.
JASON: We do this job, you won’t need to worry about college funds.
MARCO: Sounds dangerously white and adventurous... but I’m Black.
JASON: Black and white. Quite the duo.
Mr. J (O.S.): Hey, MARCO! Assist someone else!
JASON: I’m shopping here, pig. Do your job.
Michael: Pig.
(laughs)
JASON: Guys like him are like certain professors. Tell him to kiss your ass and let’s go make some real dough.
MARCO: I’d have to call my mom first...
JASON: No need to. Surprise her.
MARCO: Sir!
Mr. J (O.S.) What is it now?
MARCO: Kiss... my ass. I quit.
Lisa: God damn.
Mr. J: [Shocked and embarrassed] I’m calling your mom.
[MARCO drops his name tag dramatically.]
MARCO: Bye, guys.
Shawn: Bye.
Michael: That’s a record.
Trudy: Short-listed employee.
Lisa: In the history of the job.
12 – INT. JASON’S CAR – DAY – DRIVING
MARCO and JASON drive away. JASON details the mission: $5M reward or potential death. MARCO regrets quitting, tries to backpedal.
JASON: How do you feel?
MARCO: I don’t know yet... reality hasn’t kicked in.
So this job?
JASON: Client’s daughter was kidnapped. Taken to a jungle in Nigeria. The kidnappers are ransoming $5 million. That said $5 million... is our salary if we succeed.
MARCO: Wow!
JASON: If we fail, they only sponsor our ticket back to the States... or our coffin for the funeral.
Hopefully, we fail and live so you can continue job hunting and forget we ever met.
MARCO: That’s absurd. (starts texting) Reality kicking in...
JASON: What are you doing?
MARCO: Texting my boss.
JASON: The one you just told to kiss your ass?
MARCO: Yes...
JASON: So you’re kissing his ass now?
MARCO: Look, I thought you were being sarcastic. This is serious. This is dangerous. I’m a wannabe thug
JASON: You just need to get out of your comfort zone and take a risk.
MARCO: (messages the boss again) “Sir, I am greatly sorry.” [MARCO stares at his phone] He blocked me.
JASON: That’s expected.
MARCO: My mom is gonna be upset. I let her down.
JASON: Don’t sulk just yet.
13 – INT. VIDEO CALL – PAM’S KITCHEN / MARCO’S PHONE – CONTINUOUS PAM calls and confronts MARCO about the new job. MARCO tries to lie to prevent worries but JASON tells the truth. PAM is shocked, but eventually gives a reluctant blessing after some persuasion.
[MARCO Phone rings.]
MARCO: Shit.
JASON: How bad is it?
MARCO: Very. It’s my mom.
JASON: Shit, Word travels fast.
MARCO: Mom, the breakfast was so good…
PAM: I heard what happened. Is it true?
MARCO: Yes, Mom, but! ... I got another job.
PAM: From who?
MARCO: A customer.
PAM: What kind of a job?
MARCO: Uh... construction.
[PAM calls via video. MARCO picks up and smiles awkwardly.]
MARCO: Hi again mom.
PAM: Let me speak with your new boss.
[MARCO holds the phone toward JASON.]
JASON: I’m driving, I can’t talk right now. Road code.
MARCO: You can! I’ll hold the phone. Talk!
PAM: Sir?
JASON: Hello, parent.
MARCO: Her name is Pam.
PAM: What kind of job did you offer my son?
JASON: A rescuing job, CIA certified
PAM: What!?
MARCO: Architectural job, Mom!
JASON: We are going to Nigeria, three days tops (Marco signals “NO!”) to rescue a girl about your son’s age. The reward is $5 million. Your son has or will develop the skill set to assist me.
PAM: Are you crazy? Son, is he crazy?
MARCO: I think he is.
PAM: Come home now! son.
MARCO: Mom... I think I wanna see this through. I get to travel, be adventurous, and have fun.
I know it sounds absurd, but... I wanna risk it.
PAM: This is real life, not a game, son.
JASON: If it helps I can promise he’ll be safe and scratch-less.
MARCO: I wanna do this, Mom. Gotta take a risk for once.
PAM: It’s dangerous, suicide!. Risks are dangerous. This is not the type of risk to take.
MARCO: I’ll be very careful. I won’t be getting my hands dirty. Just helping with the rescue from behind the s.
PAM: Okay, son. I can’t believe I’m endorsing this but... it’s your call, you're grown.
MARCO: I’ll keep you posted, Mom.
PAM: And Mr. Man?
JASON: Ma’am?
PAM: I’ll find you if even a mosquito harms my son.
JASON: Received, loud and clear.
PAM: Be careful, son. I love you.
MARCO: Love you too, Mom.
[Call ends.]
14 – INT. JASON’S CAR – CONTINUOUS
JASON demands MARCO ditch his phone. A message from MICAH comes in. MARCO reads her breakup message aloud and throws his phone out the window in despair.
MARCO: I did not see that convo going that direction.
JASON: Risk is good, huh?
MARCO: Yeah... risk it for the biscuit. You call that bravery.
JASON: Huh?
MARCO: Masicka lyrics. You wouldn’t know.
JASON: You gotta get rid of that phone. No distractions when you're on a mission.
MARCO: I’ll put it on “Do Not Disturb.”
JASON: It's presence disturbs me. Throw it away.
MARCO: You are mad. I would never do that! This is my tool for everything.
[Phone chimes. “Message from MICAH.” MARCO smiles, opens it. His face slowly fades]
JASON: Girlfriend issues?
MARCO: My business, just drive... and yes.
JASON: Hope it’s good news.
MARCO: Sure you do. (reads message from MICAH aloud)
"Hi love, I got your message and I hope you’re having fun. Fun we haven’t been able to get most of lately because I cheated. I went on a date with Brad. He made moves on me and I’m very interested in him..."
JASON: You're still reading? No way that's good news.
MARCO: (reads on) "...I’m moving on. You should too. Enjoy the holidays. I hope it all works out for you. I love you always, as a friend."
MARCO: AHHHHHH! [Throws phone through the car window]
JASON: Proper attitude for this line of work. By the way, you just dismissed your tool for everything.
MARCO: Fudge!
JASONj: From saint to sinner, what happened, you got dumped?
MARCO: I did, you nosy sir. She dumped me for some football player. “I love you always AS A FRIEND!
15 – EXT. JASON’S HOUSE – DAY
They arrive at JASON’s place. JASON introduces the training ground and timeline: 6 months’ worth of training in 6 hours. The challenge begins.
[They exit the car. JASON unlocks the shed.]
JASON: We leave at 6PM. This is the training ground. It normally takes 6 months to get started, you have 6 hours. And with this attitude, we’re gonna be through in no time.
16 – INT./EXT. TRAINING MONTAGE – VARIOUS LOCATIONS – CONTINUOUS MARCO trains hard, often failing. Shows improvement.]
JASON: Stop trying to pass like it’s an exam. Pass because it’s passable. And get that girl off your mind. Launch an attack on me, instinctively.
MARCO: Okay.
[MARCO charges. JASON flips him.]
JASON: What was that?
MARCO: Instinct.
JASON: No, that was fear. Try to counter my attack.
[MARCO tried and was Flipped again.]
MARCO: So either way I get flipped?
JASON: Focus. Maneuver. Think quickly. Ready? Instinctively, survival is the aim
MARCO: Yeah.
[JASON charges. MARCO runs.]
JASON: What are you doing? Training for the Olympics?
MARCO: Getting out of harm’s way.
JASON: You’re surrounded. You can’t possibly escape by running.
MARCO: I can. I have a lot of stamina.
[JASON pulls out a gun.]
MARCO: That’s not fair!
JASON: Tell that to the bad guys.
[JASON charges. MARCO counterattacks.]
MARCO: Yes!
[JASON stands up, slightly surprised.]
MARCO: I mean... At least I didn’t run.
JASON: Hand-to-hand combat.
MARCO: So we do real punches?
JASON: You don’t see a controller in my hand, do you? This isn’t a video game. Are you afraid of being punched?
MARCO: Yeah. I’m not violent at all.
JASON: Block. Dodge. Strike when the need seems fit. Protect yourself at all costs.
Think of this like unprotected sex. I’m AIDS trying to get you.
MARCO: Then you’ve already failed.
JASON: How?
MARCO: No sex before marriage. And she has to be tested.
JASON: A Black-white lad.
MARCO: I’m sorry?
JASON: I see why your girl left.
MARCO: (grunts) Ready when you are.
JASON: Man talk. I respect it.
[They spar. MARCO does well, fueled by anger.]
JASON: You work well under anger.
MARCO: Don’t we all?
JASON: No. I work well with a heavy salary. That’s my motivation, not a breakup. But I ain't judging. One more round, this time with blades.
MARCO: A knife fight?
JASON: Machetes and swords if necessary, yes.
MARCO: What if I get cut?
JASON: That's where bandages come into play.
MARCO: You have any here?
JASON: No.
MARCO: Why?
JASON: Because I don’t cut myself, that’s why. I say we go by knife.
MARCO: I’ll yell “yield” if I feel too threatened.
JASON: Please don’t.
[They begin knife fighting. MARCO struggles. JASON dominates.]
MARCO: Wait! Wait. I feel like you're trying to hurt me.
JASON: I'm the bad guy here, so yes.
MARCO: This is training!
JASON: What? Do you need props?
MARCO: Yes.
JASON: Go to boot camp. Let's go! We're wasting time. Apply all you've learned and try to survive. You will.
MARCO: Alright.
[Knife attack continues. MARCO performs well.]
JASON: See? You're just fearful. You've got that warrior in you.
MARCO: What's next?
JASON: Driving. You have basic skills, right?
MARCO: No. I was planning on getting some lessons after college.
JASON: Follow me.
[They walk to the garage. JASON opens the door.]
MARCO (in awe): Wow!
JASON: Choose any car.
MARCO (eyeing the vehicles): Any one except that one.
JASON: Good. Anyone except the shiny ones.
MARCO: No, I want to try the Porsche.
JASON: It's insured and I haven’t even driven it yet. I don’t trust you to risk my luxury cars. Take the crazy-looking car and let’s go. You have to start somewhere.
MARCO: Where are the keys?
JASON: No keys. Hotwire it.
MARCO: I don’t know how to.
JASON: YouTube?
MARCO: I don’t own a phone anymore.
JASON: Watch carefully. I’ll do this once.
[JASON hotwires the car, deliberately blocking MARCO's view.]
MARCO: You’re blocking the way!
JASON: Which wires create electricity?
MARCO: Live and neutral.
JASON: You have that knowledge. For cars you need battery, ignition and starter wires bundles. Remember to be more than average, you don’t have to see eye to eye. You saw my hand movements?
MARCO: Yes.
JASON: I’ll give you a minute to figure it out.
MARCO: Roger that.
JASON: In fact 10 seconds.
MARCO: Ten seconds?!
JASON: Nine...
[MARCO hustles and fails.]
MARCO: I need more time!
JASON: That's what your girl said. Take fifty seconds.
[MARCO hustles again and succeeds.]
MARCO: See? Adequate time is all I needed.
JASON: Now that you’ve mastered the art, take five seconds.
[MARCO does it quickly.]
JASON: Good. This is the gas pedal. This is a brake pedal. That’s the steering. Now let’s drive.
[MARCO gets in and buckles seat belt.]
MARCO: Buckle up for safety.
JASON: (pulls out a knife and cuts the seat belt): Now “I” Feel safe.
[JASON presses a button. Obstacles appear.]
JASON: Drive through these in one minute.
MARCO: Everything is a minute with you!
[MARCO starts slowly, braking at every turn.]
JASON: At this speed, you don’t need brakes. Get out.
[MARCO exits the car. JASON tosses him a driving manual.]
JASON: Read. In the meantime, I’ll make some adjustments.
[JASON removes the car’s brakes.]
[Later montage of MARCO excelling in combat, driving, and shooting.]
JASON: Well done. You did well…..too well. That’s the power of focus.
MARCO: I’m fine now.
JASON: Good. Meal time.
[They head inside.]
JASON: Refrigerator’s over there. Help yourself.
MARCO (noticing chewed-up furniture): So… Do you attack yourself here?
[Dog BLAKE charges at MARCO. He instinctively uses defensive skills.]
JASON: Blake!
MARCO: That’s your dog?
JASON: My family. And obviously he's my dog. I'm the only one here in 100 km. Clearly he's not a stray. Blake, he's family. Say hi.
[Blake calms down and approaches MARCO.]
MARCO: Sorry about my reaction, Blake, but you came in hot. [Rubs Blake.] Nice dog.
JASON: Yeah”before” he got to the furniture.
[MARCO washes his hands and eats a sandwich.]
JASON: That was some good defense. What’s your name, by the way?
MARCO: Wow, timely introduction. The name is Marco.
JASON: Jason
MARCO: This should’ve been over with hours ago
JASON: Some things aren't that important until absolutely necessary
17: INT. LIVING ROOM – 5PM
JASON gears up with MARCO, receives a call from JONES, and prepares for the mission.
JASON: Time to gear up.
[He opens a vault.]
MARCO: No… damn way. You’re planning on starting a revolution or an army?
JASON: No. Just my toys.
MARCO: This is some SWAT shit!
JASON: Pack light. Pack smart. I’ll pack the nutrition.
MARCO: This vest alone is heavy.
JASON: Then leave it.
MARCO: And if I get shot?
JASON: Then you’ll regret you left it.
[Phone rings. MARCO picks up a wired house phone.]
MARCO: A wired house phone? Last time I saw one of these was in a museum.
JASON (answered phone): Boss?
JONES: The chopper is on its way.
JASON: I found a guy.
JONES: No shit!
JASON: Young, naive, and partly angry.
JONES: No shit!
JASON: Goes by Marco.
JONES: Let me have a brief intro.
[JASON puts the call on speaker.]
JONES: Mr. Marco?
MARCO: Sir?
JONES: Jones.
MARCO: Sir Jones.
JONES: You are now part of a secret firm. We conduct rescues nobody else dares for money. You know why?
MARCO: I think it’s because you care and love your jobs.
JONES: No. It’s money. We love money. This job pays well. Risk is rewarded, if successful. Be utmost careful. Keep an eye on Jason.
MARCO: I thought “he” was supposed to keep an eye on me.
JONES: He can’t babysit in gunfire. You’ll get home alive and we’ll meet promptly.
MARCO: Okay, sir.
JONES: Jason.
JASON: Over and out.
[Music plays. A montage of them finished gearing up and the 2 Chopper arrives.]
JONES: (exiting the chopper): Mr. Marco, is it?
MARCO: Yes, sir. [Shakes Jones' hand.]
JONES: Rough hands.
MARCO: Hard life.
JONES: Yeah, I don't even wanna imagine. JASON. [Shakes Jason’s hand.] no hard life experience. Go now and be safe.
JASON: Blake [Blake runs out and boards the chopper with Jones. They lift off.]
PILOT: Good evening, gentlemen. We are ready to soar.
JASON: Say no more, Mr. Pilot.
[MARCO smiles.]
JASON: You should be scared.
MARCO: Are you kidding me? The only thing scary is your voice. Besides, this is my first time in the air.
JASON: Embrace it. Hopefully we aren't shot down
MARCO: Go again
JASON: Pretending to not hear doesn't lessen the effect
Pilot: We’ll reach the drop-off point in six hours get some rest if you need to
JASON: Roger.
MARCO: Roger.
JASON: Get some rest.
MARCO: Copy.
18 INT. BREAK ROOM – FAST FOOD RESTAURANT – 7:30PM
PAM opens up about her concerns for MARCO while Sue reassures her he’ll be safe.
.
Sue: Pam!
PAM: Yes? (Checks cooking area, the chicken is burnt) Oh, shit!
Boss: That's right, shit! That's no longer chicken, it's shit. Are you okay, Pam pam?
PAM: Got a lot on my mind, sir.
Boss: Night shift effects. Take a break. Sue, assist her.
Sue: Yes, boss.
Boss (peeks around the corner): Is it burnt badly? I could eat something.
Sue: It’s bad.
Boss: Give me. Recover quickly, Pam, and get frying. I prefer your cooking over Samuel’s any day.
Samuel: What the hell, boss?
Boss: It's not personal, just fry the chicken.
(Sue guides PAM to the break room)
INT. BREAK ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Sue: Talk to me.
PAM: My son.
Sue: MARCO, yeah? What happened?
PAM: He's probably on a flight to Nigeria.
Sue: That’s great!
PAM: To rescue some girl from kidnappers in some jungle.
Sue: That’s not great....
PAM: I'm worried. He was at the hardware store today, told the boss to kiss his ass, and just went off to work with a stranger.
Sue: Sounds weird, but I'm sure he's fine. He's strong. He’s smart. I'm sure he’ll take care of himself.
PAM: It happened so quickly. I didn’t give ear to the depths of the situation. What if it goes south?
Sue: South, like your fried chicken. [Small laughs] He’s fine. You know the guy, right?
PAM: How? I told you he was a complete stranger. I only saw him on video chat. I screenshotted his face.
Sue: Good move. Don’t worry. Don’t think too hard.
PAM: He’s my only son and…
Sue: Go fry the chicken. Stop stressing. It’s weird, but it’s gonna be okay.
PAM: (smiles) Yeah. I trust him. After all, he’s trying to do good, as always.
Sue: As long as he isn’t killed or kills anyone.
PAM: Self-defense?
Sue: Plausible.
19: EXT. SKY OVER NIGERIA – DAY 1
MARCO and JASON jump from a chopper, MARCO panics but manages to land safely.
JASON: Hey, get up! Time to step out.
MARCO: Are we there?
JASON: Yep.
MARCO (looking around): Hmm… I’m seeing only the atmosphere, not trees and roads.
JASON: Good observation.
MARCO: We’re still in the sky!
JASON: Still sleeping. Yeah, we’re eagles. We’re gonna jump.
MARCO: I’m sorry, what?
JASON: You wanna go first?
MARCO: No! I’m afraid of heights! Now!
JASON: Maybe you've slept through everything and appear sober. I'm afraid of heights too, but we can’t land, and we’re running out of time.
PILOT (O.S.): 30 seconds!
JASON: Pull the parachute in 30 seconds.
MARCO: 29?
JASON: Exact 30. Wave your flashlight and I’ll link up.
PILOT (O.S.): 13! Counting down!
JASON: Go!
MARCO: Wait, can I
(JASON pushes MARCO out of the chopper)
MARCO (falling): Jesus, take the parachute! 27… 26… 25…
(JASON jumps after him)
20: EXT. FOREST LANDING SITE – MOMENTS LATER
JASON reunites with MARCO in the jungle; they prepare to head to the target zone.
MARCO: Oh my... I just pulled off a “Tom Cruise” stunt. I'm safe. (Waves flashlight)
(JASON sees signal and makes way to him)
MARCO: Where are you, JASON?
(JASON sneaks up behind MARCO. MARCO defends himself, pulling a knife to JASON’s throat.)
JASON: It’s me!
MARCO: Why you gotta sneak on me, man?
JASON: Testing if you’re ready.
MARCO: Am I?
JASON: I was almost dead so yeah it's more than I expected. For the record, I made myself vulnerable.
MARCO: Where to?
(JASON pulls out a map)
MARCO: No GPS? Drones?
JASON: No. We're going old school. (Taps map) We’re here. Going there. I reckon we’ll reach in 40 minutes before dawn and we will move out at dusk.
MARCO: So why did we land so early?
JASON: Illegal flight... or early bird flight.
21: INT. RENTED APARTMENT – 7 A.M
JASON and MARCO settle in. JASON hands MARCO condoms and discusses surveying the area.
MARCO asks for food and JASON reveals "mission money."
JASON: When you're ready, go around, meet some girls. (Hands MARCO a pack of condoms)
MARCO: These are...?
JASON: I thought you were going to college.
MARCO: I am.
JASON: Those are condoms.
MARCO: I know what they are! and what they're for.
JASON: Figured you can't take care of kids now, so might as well play safe. Lots of nice girls here and you're fresh off a breakup too.
MARCO: I think I’ll just get some rest for the mission later. Girls can come after. What are you doing today?
JASON: Nothing too drastic. Just going for a walk and... act white.
MARCO: Act white?
JASON: Yeah. Pretend to be a tourist, scout out the area before we “the drones” go in.
MARCO: Creepy and cool.
JASON: I have to survey the grounds before... or else. That phrase stuck with me. Your mom, “or else.”
MARCO: Wanna grab something to eat?
JASON: I don’t have any money.
MARCO: Are you serious?
JASON: This is my serious face. Yes, I am.
MARCO: A hungry man can’t help nobody.
JASON: I packed, remember?
(Takes out cup noodles and throws it)
MARCO: Got matches or a lighter?
JASON: I got matches. (Throws box)
MARCO: Noodles aren’t enough energy for me.
JASON:(sighs and pulls out a thick wad of cash)
MARCO: I thought you said you had no cash?
JASON: That’s mission money. For future reference, ask for the mission’s money. Got it?
MARCO: Got it. Gimme some of the mission’s money so I can get food.
(JASON throws the stack. MARCO takes a portion.)
MARCO: This can do, let's go cap
JASON: Any mosquitos bites yet? Asking out of concern for myself
22. EXT. RURAL STREET – MOMENTS LATER – EARLY MORNING 9 A.M .
MARCO: Excuse me.
Girl: Yes?
MARCO: Where are the restaurants around here?
Girl: Huh?
MARCO: Cook shop? Food mart?
Girl: Oh, this is the rural area. No restaurants. Just cook shops.
MARCO: Noted.
Girl: My mom sells food. I’ll take you.
MARCO: Is it far?
Girl: No, right there. (Points across the street)
MARCO: Following you, my fearless leader.
Girl: I’m sorry, I’m not understanding.
MARCO: I’m following you. Go on.
Girl: Okay, got it. Where are you from?
MARCO: Earth.
Girl: Specifically?
MARCO: Some far away place on earth .
Girl: Okay. [Laughs]
23. EXT. COOKSHOP – MOMENTS LATER
MARCO buys food and tips the girl generously.
Girl: Mom, this young man needs some food. Is it ready?
Girl's Mom: Yes, my child. Young man, what can I get you?
MARCO: What do you have available?
Girl’s Mom: (Lists items in native language)
MARCO: Hmm. Do you have any chicken, rice, and peas?
Girl's Mom: Chicken and tofu?
MARCO: Yes, please. How much?
Girl's Mom: 10 naira.
MARCO: Here. (Hands over a $10 bill)
Girl's Mom: Good Lord. I don’t have change for that.
MARCO: It's fine. Thank you.
Girl's Mom: You’re welcome.
(MARCO gives the girl a $100 bill)
MARCO: Thank you for the assistance.
Girl: Thank you, and you’re welcome.
24. INT. APARTMENT – LATER
MARCO returns with food. JASON announces he's going on a date.
MARCO: Boss?
JASON: Rookie.
MARCO: I got some food.
JASON: Okay. I’m going on a date.
MARCO: Congrats, you deserve it. Grumpy as a troll.
JASON: Stay here. Don’t be spending all the free mission money.
MARCO: Isn’t that the purpose?
JASON: Higher authority, rookie.
MARCO: Roger that. Is it possible to get a phone or camera to capture the ry?
JASON: No. There’s no guarantee you’re leaving alive. Any footage good or bad, would devastate your mom. Me? Killed or incarcerated.
MARCO: So what am I to do all day?
JASON: Watch TV. (JASON leaves)
25: EXT. BUSY STREET – DAY
(JASON approaches a local guy standing near a roadside stall.)
JASON: Hey, I’m a tourist here. Can you guide me to the Ondo grounds?
Guy: I’m busy, I can’t, oga. Sorry.
JASON: (Takes out U.S. cash)
GUY: Wait!… is it now or later?
JASON: Now.
GUY: I’m free now. So, we can go!
(JASON pays him $50.)
GUY: Hey!
JASON: Taxi or...?
GUY: No taxis allowed. We walk. Buy a hat.
(JASON purchases a hat.)
GUY: And water.
(JASON purchases water.)
GUY: Maybe snacks?
JASON: I’m good.
GUY: Just looking out for you. Here are some rules you must follow: no cameras allowed once we’re there.
JASON: Not even for tourists?
GUY: Especially tourists. The leader, KREG, rules with an iron fist and is a noble leader. Follow the rules and it’s all good.
JASON: Any other rules?
GUY: No, just that camera rule. They are not photogenic, I guess.
(Music plays as JASON and the Guy walk along a dirt path on the farm’s outskirts.)
27: . EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF THE FARM – DAY
GUY: You like bananas?
JASON: Yeah.
GUY: This is where most of them come from in this part of the country.
JASON: I see.
GUY: We only stay on this path. We don’t go on the other paths for this week.
JASON: Why?
GUY: Construction reasons.
JASON: Yeah...
GUY: Over there is the transport harbor.
JASON: Noted. Wait... That’s a car. Thought you said no cars allowed?
GUY: That’s not a car, it’s a war jeep. For Kreg’s workers.
JASON: What’s over there? (points)
GUY: Don’t point!
JASON: My bad.
GUY: It’s fine. You’re a tourist. I’m sure you meant no harm. Over there, just mountains and forest. That’s the end of the trip. We turn back, and I can start over, re-explaining the attractions.
JASON: That won’t be necessary.
GUY: Nice guy, nice guy.
26. INT. SAFE HOUSE – DAY
(JASON bursts into the room. MARCO, startled, grabs a gun.)
MARCO: You scared me.
JASON: You can stop shaking now.
MARCO: My heart isn’t at ease yet.
JASON: Get that checked out.
MARCO: You could’ve knocked.
JASON: You could’ve bolted the door.
MARCO: Why would I bolt the door? It’s daytime.
JASON: Why would I knock? It’s not my style.
MARCO: So, how was your tour?
JASON: Got a little something-something.
MARCO: That means?
JASON: The place is well secured.
MARCO: Is there a way in?
JASON: It’s an open plantation.
MARCO: You’ll figure it out. I’m gonna take a nap.
JASON: Where’d you buy food?
MARCO: Only pink shop on the left lane.
JASON: How much did you pay?
MARCO: Ten bucks.
JASON: Alright. I’ll be back. Bolt the door. I don’t want you getting all scared again.
(JASON exits.)
43. INT. SAFE HOUSE – LATER
(JASON returns. The door is wide open. He cocks his gun and enters cautiously.)
MARCO: Jason.
JASON: Oh...
MARCO: You look frightened.
JASON: The door was wide open
MARCO: The fan stopped spinning. I need fresh air.
JASON: Okay.
(JASON uncocks the gun and sits to eat.)
JASON: (opens the food) What’s this?
MARCO: (looks) It’s food. You ordered it, right?
JASON: I did.
MARCO: And you’re surprised?
JASON: I am.
MARCO: What did you order exactly?
JASON: Food for Americans.
MARCO: That’s tofu and chicken. It’s very delicious.
JASON: (tries food) It’s good.
MARCO: Apparently, they don’t have any Jamaican food here. But Nigeria’s dishes are bombing.
JASON: It’s really good.
MARCO: Yeah. So, I’ve been thinking. What are you gonna do with your share of the money, when we successfully complete the mission?
JASON: Donate it to charity.
MARCO: That’s great, man.
JASON: Yeah. It’s a great lie. Strip clubs and bars
MARCO: For real?
JASON: No. Asylums and orphanages.
MARCO: You have a big heart.
JASON: I just store it in my vault.
MARCO: So, everything you just said...
JASON: Was a lie, yes. But I am considering it.
MARCO: It’s the right thing to do.
JASON: So, you’re donating your salary to these places the government should be funding?
MARCO: I’m getting my mom a new place. Paying for college. Getting some assets. Investing.
JASON: A man with plans.
MARCO: And if I can donate, I definitely will. It doesn’t have to be a lot.
JASON: I admire your passion and dreams. But hear this advice….
MARCO: I’m listening.
JASON: Try to make it out alive so you can enjoy the spoils.
(Intense music plays.)
44. INT. SAFE HOUSE – EVENING (7 P.M.)
JASON: (gets up) Ready to go.
MARCO: You just woke up, like a robot. (mimics Jason) “Ready to go.”
JASON: Get your stuff, ‘cause we ain’t coming back here.
MARCO: I’m all packed.
JASON: (grabs his stuff) Moving out.
45. EXT. STREET OUTSIDE SAFE HOUSE – NIGHT
JASON: Location’s, 30 minutes from here.
MARCO: Let’s take a cab.
JASON: No cabs can enter the premises
MARCO: Donkey? Horses?
JASON: No. Legs.
MARCO: On foot?
JASON: No. (sarcastic) If you want, I’ll carry you on my back, with this backpack.
MARCO: Can we go now? You wanna make jokes...
(They continue walking.)
46. EXT. EDGE OF BASE PERIMETER – NIGHT
JASON: Put on that black camouflage suit.
MARCO: (signs ) okay
JASON: You heard me?
MARCO: I did. I just signed “okay.”
JASON: Next time say “okay” softly. I don’t know sign language.
MARCO: (signs again, mouthing) Sorry. Okay. Okay.
(They both change clothes. Marco gathers his clothes)
JASON: What are you doing?
MARCO: Taking up my clothes.
JASON: You gonna take them to the laundromat?
MARCO: No. I can wash them myself.
JASON: I was being sarcastic.
MARCO: It doesn’t show.
JASON: Leave the clothes under some bush. That’s just extra weight to carry around.
MARCO: Copy.
JASON: We’re going in
MARCO: Game face on. (tries to look serious)
JASON: What kind of face is that?
MARCO: I’m copying you.
JASON: Looking serious doesn’t mean you are. And I don’t look like that.
MARCO: Damn it. I left that mirror. Would’ve come in handy right now.
JASON: Now, this is real. So be vigilant, discreet, and stick close. Follow my instructions.
MARCO: Yes, sir.
JASON: Come on.
26. EXT. UNDER A BRIDGE – NIGHT
JASON and MARCO sneak under the bridge, heading out on their mission.
[JASON and MARCO slide under the bridge, crawling silently. They exchange tense glances. The distant sounds of crickets and rustling leaves echo around them.]
JASON: Come on quickly and stoutly
27. INT. KIDNAPPERS' QUARTERS – NIGHT
BOLO gives KREG a phone. KREG speaks with Mr. Cash and issues a threat.
[Dim lighting. A flickering bulb swings overhead. BOLO enters the room with a phone in hand, approaching KREG, who sits on a makeshift throne of crates and cushions, smoking a cigar.]
BOLO: Boss. [He hands KREG the phone. KREG answers, smirking.]
KREG: Mr. Cash.
MR. CASH (O.S.): Yes, sir.
KREG: Is everything in order?
MR. CASH (O.S.): As you requested, sir.
KREG: Now, you rich shits don't like to play by the rules. Always trying to do some Bruce Willis [Die Hard] and Liam Neeson stunts. Well, I got news for you, Mr. Cash. Don’t even imagine it, or else “you’ll” be the one dying hard.
MR. CASH (O.S.): No games, sir. I promise.
KREG: Don’t promise me nothing. Deliver the cash, Mr. Cash.
MR. CASH (O.S.): I will.
KREG: Your kid is safe. Living the best life here, five-star accommodations.
MR. CASH (O.S.): Can I speak with her?
KREG: I know what you're gonna say and ask.
"Are you alright? Are you safe? We'll get you out as soon as possible. I love you," right, Mr. Cash?
MR. CASH (O.S.): Ye-yes.
KREG: Then I’ll deliver the message for you in handwriting.
MR. CASH (O.S.): I just wanna hear her voi
[The call disconnects. A long beep echoes from the phone. KREG smirks and tosses it onto a nearby table.]
KREG: (under his breath) Sentimental fool. Double down on our security all aspects
28. INT. SAFE HOUSE – NIGHT
Mr. Cash speaks with a CIA agent about the failed trace and mounting concern.
[Mr. Cash looks anxiously at a CIA agent seated across from him. Tension is high.]
MR. CASH: (urgent tone) What’s the update?
CIA AGENT: We are no longer able to trace their current location. Hopefully, they’re still in the area we triangulated earlier. But now, the call is heavily secured. Let’s hope JONES’ boy delivers.
MR. CASH: He said no funny business. He’ll expect it.
CIA AGENT: He doesn’t, sir. But he wants you to think he does. We’re putting a team together for backup. Don’t worry, we’ll bring your daughter home safe and sound.
MR. CASH: (scoffs) Results, not promises. The doctors told me the same thing... and my grandma died.
[The CIA agent looks momentarily confused.]
29. INT. KIDNAPPERS’ BASE – NIGHT
[KREG walks briskly. He stops as a scout whispers in his ear and sends MUKAand his team to investigate ]
KREG: Word just got in. An unknown bird flew near our vicinity early this morning. If they plan to move, it’s now... under cover of darkness.
MUKA, take your boys. Remove this doubt from my mind, swiftly and discreetly. Keep your eyes and ears open... even for the movement of an ant.
MUKA: (salutes) Sir! [He turns to his team and they all moved out ]
30. EXT. WOODED RIVER BANK – NIGHT
MUKAorganizes and dispatches a team to scout the perimeter.
MUKA: We move under the radar. Thirty minutes out. I want twenty men on each side of the river wide perimeter, Hyena-style communication.
GUYS: Sir!
[The team spreads out stoutly]
31. INT. JUNGLE – NIGHT
JASON and MARCO navigate through the jungle, strategizing and entering the river to avoid detection.
JASON: (whispers) Keep your eyes peeled.
MARCO: I’ve been thinking...
JASON: Yeah?
MARCO: What if they’re expecting us?
JASON: I don't doubt it.
MARCO: In all rescue movies I’ve seen, there’s always a stout team. And when someone’s abducted, an expedition team is inevitable.
JASON: Just because you expect something, doesn’t mean it can be stopped.
MARCO: True.
JASON: Ten minutes. Left or right route, your call?
MARCO: Middle.
JASON: River?
MARCO: Currents will take us faster. We’ll be undetectable while avoiding possible imminent and unnecessary confrontation.
JASON: (testing the water) Think I wanna walk and engage in possible imminent danger. This is ice.
MARCO: You’re militant, right?
JASON: That has nothing to do with temperature. Let’s go.
[They went into the river, avoiding patrols on both banks.]
32 [EXT. RIVER EXIT – NIGHT]
[JASON and MARCO emerge from the water.]
MARCO: We were dead about forty men ago.
JASON: Good thing I thought of traveling by water.
MARCO: You made the right call. What would we do without your wisdom?
JASON: Get down.
[They both crouch low.]
MARCO: Five men outside.
JASON: Get your silencer on.
MARCO: (searches, panicked) Right here...
(realizing) Dropped it in the water.
JASON: You forgot to close your pocket?
MARCO: (under his breath) Damn...
JASON: I’ll take out four. You get the one on the bank.
MARCO: How?
JASON: Strangulation. Anything. But it has to be silent. Hide the body after.
[A guard at the riverbank sees something shiny.]
GUARD: (suspicious) What’s that?
JASON: (whispers) Shit. We go now or we fail before we even get started.
[JASON moves right. MARCO submerges. JASON silently eliminates four guards. The riverbank guard picks up the silencer, preparing to blow a warming horn—but MARCO drags him into the water. They wrestle.]
33 [INT. OUTER COMPOUND – NIGHT]
[JASON notices the struggle.]
JASON : Keep him at bay!
[He rushes inside, taking out three more men. KREG hears a commotion.]
KREG: (to himself) What the hell?
[He runs to the room where KELis kept and grabs her.]
34 [EXT. RIVER – NIGHT]
[MARCO struggles underwater. He’s pinned down. He screws the silencer onto his gun underwater and shots the guy]
MARCO: (softly, to himself) I’m innocent. It was self-defense. I’m not innocent anymore...But it was self-defense. (breathes deeply). I feel much better.
35 [INT. MAIN COMPOUND – NIGHT]
[JASON approaches KREG.]
JASON: Sorry to crash your party.
KREG: You weren’t invited, but I knew you’d come, party crasher.
JASON: Sorry to disappoint you.
KREG: So you’re the Liam Neeson they sent?
JASON: Liam who?
KREG: You American?
JASON: Maybe. British.
KREG: So not Liam Neeson. Slave driver, then? Perhaps.
JASON: Give me the girl. I won’t ask again.
Or I’ll give you these coppers faster than the speed of light.
KREG: Not a good trade. I got something better.
[BOLO steps from the shadows.]
JASON: What the
[BOLO disarms him, grabs his throat, and throws him across the room.]
JASON: (grunts) What’s he eating, rhino?
KREG: Honestly... I don’t know. But certainly not hamburgers and fries. I heard he's on diet, confront his nutritionist if you make it out. BOLO,
Keep him occupied. I’ll check on reinforcements.
JASON: (to BOLO) Let’s go, big guy. I can take you
[BOLO lifts him and slams him. JASON groans.]
JASON: I tap! (struggling) Listen to me, big guy
[BOLO knocks him out and drags him toward the door.]
34 [EXT. WOODED PATH – NIGHT]
[MARCO hides the guard's body behind bushes. He hears voices and crouches behind foliage. He sees KREG with KEL and BOLO dragging JASON.]
MARCO: (hiding the body behind a bush and talking to himself) Reality clicking. That guy is… Focus, MARCO. It’s up to you now. Remember, you’re fully trained...For a few hours, under the influence of breakup adrenaline.
[KREG sees the four bodies.]
KREG: He killed them… The others are probably dead. Let’s go to Location Two. BOLO carried her. Drag him.
[BOLO slings KEL over his back and drags JASON by the arm. MARCO shadows them to another hideout. He counts around 30 men.]
35 [INT. LOCATION TWO – NIGHT]
[JASON regains consciousness but he’s tied up. KREG kneels in front of him.]
KREG: Comfortable?
JASON: I’d be a lot more without my hands tied.
KREG: The hand is the most powerful weapon.
JASON: I guess these banana trees rephrased the saying, the mind is the correct phrase.
KREG: Your mind can’t free you. Can’t do damage. Only your hands. The mind manipulates, but the limbs... they are the true weapons.
JASON: I’ll be sure to share your wise wisdom with the world, when I get back to it.
KREG: Apart from being dumb, you’re confident. I’ll give you that. What’s your favorite animal?
JASON: Dog.
KREG: Mine’s the hyena. Same dog lineage. But hyena clans led by women. No woman here, but she leads us. We’re a fierce pack. A lion’s biggest enemy.
JASON: Everything you’re telling me is in “The Lion King”.
KREG: Lion what?
JASON: It’s a movie.
KREG: You people are truly driven by plotted schemes. Lion King, Bruce Willis, Liam Neeson, Jackie Chan stunts… Welcome to the real world. I’d torture you like in your movies, but we lack the equipment.
JASON: Must be my lucky day. So what’ll my fate be?
KREG: I’m contemplating the harshest of my judgments.
JASON: Sounds good.
BOLO: Boss. What now?
KREG: Feed our guest.
JASON: That’s very considerate. Hospitality is always a plus.
KREG: Not you. You’re not a guest. The girl is mr intruder
JASON: You just hurt my feelings.
KREG: Give him the bones afterward. Get one of our insect repellents to monitor our guest.
[KREG pulls out a phone and dials.]
36 : INT. ABANDONED JUNGLE BASE – NIGHT
Mr. Cash: Hello?
KREG (over phone, smugly): Mr. Cashhh... (clicks tongue)
JASON (muffled): Mr. Cash?
KREG (to JASON, mocking): You're unfamiliar? He's the dad. I guess they don't give out names on these missions. (to phone) Pardon me, Mr. Cash.
Mr. Cash (tense): It's okay.
KREG (mocking): "It's okay"? No. It's not okay. Okay?
Mr. Cash: Yes, ye-s...
KREG: Okay. Congratulations on your failed attempt.
CIA Agent (off-screen, frustrated): Shit!
KREG (sarcastically): Question. Are you that cheap to order this Bruce Willis starter kit? One man to come after us? In our jungle? (scoffs) I'm disappointed. With that much cash, you could’ve sent the army. I prepared for the worst... and it turns out one man was sent. (to Jason) They must really hate you.
JASON: (shrugs): Can’t blame them.
KREG: Suicide is a dummy’s way out.
Mr. Cash: I have no idea what you’re talking about, sir. Believe me.
KREG: I tried to. Believe me. But you're trying to blindside me. (sighs) I thought we had an agreement.
Mr. Cash: We still do.
KREG: Ten million! For conspiracy against our deal. And if you're planning to send a backup team, don’t. Ten million is the new price.
Mr. Cash: Ten million?
KREG: You heard right. Is that a problem?
Mr. Cash: No. No.
KREG (amused): So easy. I feel like ten million is like rat shit to you.
Mr. Cash: I’ll do whatever I must to come up with the cash.
KREG: See, the reason is simple, Mr. Cash. You threatened my life, my men, my operation. I'm just trying to secure their retirement funds, that’s all.
JASON (laughs under breath)
KREG (to BOLO): Silence him.
[BOLO tapes JASON's mouth shut.]
Mr. Cash: Okay. Ten million. Please, just as long as my daughter is safe.
KREG: I’m a man of my word. Your daughter’s safe. Eating roasted Grizelle and drinking alcohol. She’s of age. The only problem she’s having is mosquitoes. (pauses) We can’t catch fire without ignition, so we need the cash, Mr. Cash. Swiftly. In order to keep accommodating our guest. (chuckles). Our mosquito repellent is not one to depend on.
Mr. Cash: Thank you. Thank you. I’ll send it, hasty.
KREG: (serious): No more funny business. Or else.
Mr. Cash: Yes, sir.
[KREG ends the call.]
KREG (grumbling): I hate predictable people. They make my job boring. “Yes sir, yes sir…”
JASON: (muffled, trying to speak)
KREG: Let me hear what he’s saying.
[BOLO removes the tape.]
JASON: Knowing something doesn’t mean you can prevent it.
KREG: You’re going to die. Can you prevent that?
JASON: Maybe.
KREG (laughs): I’m talking to a mad man. (to BOLO) Close that space in his face.
[BOLO tapes JASON’s mouth shut again.]
37 : EXT. JUNGLE – MARCO’S POV – NIGHT
MARCO (to himself, whispering): Twenty-nine men on site... thirty bullets. Got a spare?
(sighs) Who am I kidding? I’m no James Bond or John Wick. This is hard. Think, Marco, think.
[Suddenly, MUKAand his team return 41 more men. Bringing the total to around 70.]
MARCO (shocked): There is no hope now. The past has caught up to me. (panicked, runs off)
38 INT. CAMP – KREG AND MUKASPEAKING
MUKA: Zambru is missing.
KREG (snaps): Missing? This isn’t America. Only missing people are in America. (grits teeth) They’re dead. How many have we lost?
MUKA: 10
KREG (points at Jason): Our killer.
JASON (cheerfully): Hi, fellas.
[MUKA punches JASON hard in the stomach.]
JASON (groaning): Jesus! That’s... anger or tradition? No offense... [breathes heavily]
KREG: We’ll settle the account. For now, he suffers.
39 EXT. JUNGLE PERIMETER – MARCO PLANTING EXPLOSIVES – NIGHT
[MARCO stealthily plants bombs around the camp and remote locations. He returns to a hiding spot.]
MARCO (gritting teeth): Time to make my mark.
[He triggers a set of explosives. Loud bangs erupt from various directions.]
40 INT. CAMP – MOMENTS LATER
MUKA: What’s that!?
KREG (deadpan): Certainly not an earthquake. (to troops) Pursue and annihilate!
[About 40 men rush out to find the source of the explosions.]
INT. MAIN BUILDING - NIGHT
KREG: It seems your accomplices have reached my door. I don’t think you’ll tell me how many are out there.
JASON: Good thinking.
KREG: Bolo, keep an extra eye on him.
BOLO: (saluting) Sir.
JASON: Where are you going?
KREG: To freshen up before your funeral.
JASON: Hygienic and professional. I salute you.
[KREG heads toward the bath area. MARCO intercepts him.]
MARCO: Don’t move. Don’t talk.
[KREG freezes, MARCO signals him to move]
KREG: You said don’t move.
MARCO: I also said don’t talk.
KREG: It’s not a shower, just a bath place.
MARCO: Go in there.
[KREG enters the bath place.]
KREG: First job?
MARCO: Be quiet. Let me think.
KREG: Thinking... Is it your first job?
[MARCO plunks him on the lips.]
MARCO: Shush.
KREG: Yeah, you are nervous. Shaking like a leaf. Thoughts overflowing. Lack of concentration. No solid plan.
[MARCO pulls out rope, ties KREG up, and seals his mouth.]
MARCO: Now, I need you to release the man and the girl unharmed, and I’ll spare your life. Tell your men to stand down and we all go home happy. That’s my offer.
[He removes the seal.]
KREG: Young man, that was a shitty deal. Never use that on another mission. I have a better proposal that works in our favor, for your best interest.
MARCO: Be brief.
KREG: I won’t. You need to hear this full on.
MARCO: Two minutes.
KREG: You are in a foreign country holding a foreign boss hostage in his territory. Do you really think you can make it out alive? Don’t answer, that wasn’t a question up for answers. You seem fresh from college, or high school. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll cut you a slice from the cake. One million dollars to walk away.
MARCO: Time’s up.
KREG: I’m giving you one million for your troubles and free passage out of here, unharmed. If I’m not out in two minutes, Bolo will alert the others. How far will you reach?
MARCO: Two minutes?
KREG: Yeah, I only take five minutes to get cleaned. I’m in the jungle, not going on a date in L.A.
MARCO: I just want them out safe.
KREG: No harm was inflicted, even though that assassin killed ten of my guys and hid one of the bodies. (checks watch) Less than a minute to go. Take the offer for a chance to go home. Live your life.
MARCO: A million is a lot. But they offered me more of the cake. I'm getting icing.
BOLO (O.S.): Boss!
KREG: Two more minutes, Bolo!
BOLO: Okay.
KREG: See? My operation is very oriented. Look, they may offer you more, but what’s the catch? Do you know the middleman?
MARCO: Middleman?
KREG: Who do you think orchestrated the entire thing? Not us. We're just the hospitality team. You and your boys are on a suicide mission. I don’t want you killed. Just like you, I’m just making a dollar. I don’t like the situation but... (clicks tongue)
MARCO: Same here. It's a hustle the right way.
[MARCO tapes KREG’s mouth, takes the key from his waist, and exits.]
INT. PRISON ROOM - NIGHT
[JASON continues getting punched by MUKA.]
JASON : (panting) This is torture. I hope you can take them back.
[MUKA punches JASON again.]
BOLO (O.S.): Enough. Resume your post, Muka.
[MUKA walks off. MARCO nearly bumps into him but hides. JASON sees MARCO and tries to distract BOLO.]
JASON: Hey big guy, for real though. What’s your diet like?
[MARCO tries to free KEL but steps on a tin can. BOLO turns around.]
MARCO: Shit! I stepped on a can. Before you launch, can I get a copy of your workout program?
BOLO: Ah!
[BOLO grabs and tosses MARCO into a wall.]
MARCO: My back!
JASON He does that a lot. Kick his ass already.
[MARCO takes his stance.]
MARCO: Did you get a chance at him?
JASON: Uh, not a fair chance to be honest.
[BOLO glares at him.]
JASON: I was a little jet-lagged and I underestimated him.
MARCO: Do you guys have a fighting class rule? You're over-class, I’m under-class. So we can’t fight.
BOLO: Enough talk.
[BOLO grabs Marco and throws him again.]
MARCO: Okay! I tried to be rational.
[MARCO uses agility to dodge attacks, weakens BOLO with counters.]
JASON: You know pressure points? I didn’t teach you that.
MARCO: A medical doctor to be.
JASON: Well, doc, hurry it up before them hyenas notice.
MARCO: Night-night.
[MARCO punches BOLO in the face.]
BOLO: You piece of shit. That was light
MARCO: Don’t offend me, I'm trying
[BOLO grabs his neck. MARCO sprays mosquito repellent in his eyes, shoots tranquilizer gun.]
MARCO: You left me no choice. Rest in peace.
[BOLO stands back up.]
MARCO: What the f—?
[BOLO charges. Marco screams, fires tranquilizer shots. Bolo collapses.]
JASON: Yes! (Marco peeks.)
MARCO: Is Goliath down? Man, his skin is bulletproof.
JASON: Hurry! Release me.
[MARCO frees JASON quickly]
JASON: How many times did you shoot him?
MARCO: How many bullets fill this clip?
JASON: About six.
[MARCO frees KEL.]
MARCO: Well he got about 5 shots (to KEL) Are you okay? Do you speak English?
KEL: Yes and yes I'm American
MARCO: Okay. That was a dumb question (clears throat) I’m
JASON: She doesn’t care. Let’s go.
[They sneak out. MUKAstands at the door. JASON taps him. MUKAturns, JASON punches him.]
JASON: Told you I’d punch you back.
[JASON punches him out cold.]
KEL(pointing): Vehicle!
[MARCO stares at her.]
MARCO: You are mad beaut
JASON: (pushing Marco) Focus!
[They all rushed into the vehicle. Escape imminent.]
[EXT. DIRT ROAD – DAY]
Guy 3: (speaks in native language)
MARCO: What was that?
JASON: Drive! That's what he's saying!
(Guy 3 makes hyena sounds. A gang bursts from the bush and chases after them.)
MARCO: Run all you want, you can't catch me!
JASON: Girl, guide Marco. I’m reloading these weapons.
KEL: Okay, where are we?
JASON: At the blue circle. We want to be at the red circle.
KEL: Turn right when you see the turn.
MARCO: I appreciate the help, but it's a lot of right turns.
KEL: This is not too accurate.
JASON: Use the landmarks.
KEL: A river ahead. That’s the turn.
JASON: Are you driving or?
MARCO: Clearly, I'm driving!
JASON: Then why are they so close to us?
MARCO: (looks back) What the ? (checks speedometer) I'm going 60 kmph!
JASON: And they're going 50. Step on it!
MARCO: It's a bumpy road they'll tire soon.
[EXT. ROAD – FOUR MINUTES LATER]
MARCO: Is this diesel or hydro-operated?
KEL: I see the river!
JASON: Lose them!
MARCO: (looks left and indicates turns) Turning!
JASON: Man, this isn’t city driving! You gonna look for handicap parking spots too?
MARCO: I don’t wanna hit a lion and have his pack after us. Principle is principle, look out for all pedestrians, asphalt or dirt roads.
KEL (smiles): Good driver.
JASON: We are in danger! I don't understand you law abiding young adults. Give me your bag, MARCO. They took yours at that camp?
(MARCO removes his backpack and hands it to JASON. JASON pulls out tranquilizer darts, reloads, and fires at as many pursuers as possible.)
KEL: Take that left turn!
MARCO: Copy, my Siri-della. (Cinderella in navigation)
JASON: We’re clear.
MARCO: These bullets aren't working.
JASON: It's not gunpowder powered, it's an instant tranquilizer shot.
MARCO: Are their gun tranquilizers too?
JASON: No. If they shoot us, we’re dead for sure.
MARCO: Was it a mistake? You chose the wrong bullets.
JASON: No. I’m just tired of killing people for real.
MARCO: How long do these tranquilizers last?
JASON: Ten minutes.
MARCO: So Goliath ain’t waking up until an hour?
JASON: He’s pretty strong. I don’t know...
[EXT. CAMP – NIGHT]
(BOLO wakes up 20 minutes later, removes tranquilizer darts, and frees KREG.)
KREG: What took you so long?
BOLO: I was shot. (shows tranquilizer darts)
KREG: No, they just gave you sleeping pill shots.
(KREG blows a big horn. The gang hears it.)
MARCO: That ain’t good..
KREG: Get the other vehicle. We’re taking the highway!
(MARCO sees bikers speeding downhill.)
MARCO: Shit just got real.
JASON: Takes a long while for you to notice. It’s been real since I was tossed into those walls.
KEL: Keep right!
MARCO: We gotta lose this vehicle. They’ll eventually catch up.
(MARCO stops and hands keys to a young man .)
MARCO: Look, I got you a car! This pedal goes fast, this one stops the vehicle. Got it?
Guy Driver: I got it. Thank you, uncle.
MARCO: You seem older than me, but alright. Go on, practice... nephew.
(Guy drives off.)
KEL: You’re going to hell.
MARCO: No, I just gave him a gift and encouragement. He’s happy.
JASON: Hand me the map.
(KEL hands JASON the map.)
JASON: Footing again.
[EXT. ROADSIDE – MOMENTS LATER]
(KREG catches up with the vehicle. He questions the driver.)
Guy Driver: Uncle, do you have gas so I can continue my practice?
KREG: Who gave you this vehicle?
Guy Driver: A guy.
KREG: One black, one white, and a pretty girl?
Guy Driver: Yes. Very kind.
(KREG spits.)
KREG: Bolo, give him a barrel.
(BOLO hands over a gas barrel.)
KREG: Where did they give you the vehicle? Where did they go?
Guy Driver: Along the banana stretch, north.
KREG: We’re gonna need this vehicle back. But keep practicing. We could use your skills in the future.
Guy Driver: Thank you, uncle!
KREG: They’re following a regular map guide. We refuel, we rest, we hunt tomorrow daylight
BOLO & Others: Sir!
[EXT. CAVE – NIGHT 1 A.M DAY 2]
JASON: We can stay here for the night. In that cave.
MARCO: We don’t know what’s in that cave.
JASON: Hopefully Iron Man. Or Batman. Any help will do.
MARCO: True.
JASON: We’ll take turns watching. You’re up first, Marco.
MARCO: Why me?
JASON: I’m in charge, so yeah. Also, I’m drained and hungry.
MARCO: There are hundreds of bananas here. (cuts down a bunch and eats one) It’s really good. Care for any?
KEL: Sure, thanks.
JASON: Give me a hand.
(MARCO cuts a hand of bananas and hands it to JASON.)
JASON: So this is our meal until we get out of here?
MARCO: Absolutely. Don’t forget, you packed the food, and you lost the backpack. So we’re going full vitamin mode till we escape.
JASON: Any hydrators, Marco?
(MARCO takes out a water bottle.)
MARCO: My last bottle.
(JASON drinks it all.)
JASON: Surely, you can find a spring to refill it.
KEL: I need something sweet. Like chocolate.
MARCO: You’re in luck. (pulls out a Snickers)
JASON: Where’d that come from?
MARCO: I sneaked it in.
KEL: Thank you so much. One of my favorites.
(KEL takes a bite and gives Marco one. He eats shyly.)
JASON: I’m going to bed. Got any comforter supply, Marco?
MARCO Nope.
KEL: I’m getting cold.
(Marco takes out a thin towel.)
JASON: Is that not a comforter?
MARCO: It’s a towel.
JASON: Goodnight. Wake me up when you’re drowsy.
MARCO: Sure.
(Ten minutes later, JASON is snoring loudly.)
KEL: Wow.
MARCO: Sounds like a lion.
(Kel laughs. Marco tapes Jason’s mouth shut.)
KEL: Problem solved.
MARCO: For now. I didn’t get your name.
KEL: Call me Kel. I’m sure that’s on file.
MARCO: Wanted to hear it from you. I’m Marco.
KEL: I know. Been hearing your name a lot since the rescue.
MARCO Okay.
KEL: So, tell me Marco. How’d you get into all this? How old are you?
MARCO: I’m 23
KEL: Same.
MARCO: Recent high school grad. Enrolled in City College of New York. I did a summer job for like 10 minutes. Then he showed up, I left and joined the cause. He trained me for six hours: driving, shooting, combat. Now I'm here.
KEL: Wow! That’s incredible.
MARCO: Bittersweet summer. My girlfriend dumped me yesterday for some athlete dude.
KEL: I’m sorry about that.
MARCO: It’s good. What’s your story?
KEL: I got kidnapped.
MARCO: Fair.
(They both laughed softly.)
KEL: First time shopping alone. My handmaid encouraged me. I was in the change room... woke up in the bushes. My mom and dad are bank managers.
MARCO: They knocked you out good. Kidnapped you. Your parents hired us.
KEL: I miss them.
MARCO: You should. I miss my mom. She must be worried sick.
KEL: They will be. We’re out here in an unknown place, and it’s definitely not a vacation.
MARCO: Hmm... kinda is. Hostile one though.
KEL: I’m still cold.
MARCO: Want the vest?
KEL: I couldn’t. What will you use?
MARCO: I’m a soldier.
KEL: Maybe... a little cuddle hug will do?
MARCO: (shocked) O-okay... come here.
(They embraced each other).
KEL: I’m feeling better.
MARCO: Glad to be of service.
KEL: You’re a hero.
MARCO: Nope. Just a risky Black guy who’s been through a lot.
KEL: Ouch!
MARCO: Something wrong?
KEL: Mosquitoes.
MARCO: I got repellant.
KEL: Thanks.
MARCO: (hands it over) Here you go.
KEL: Can you help me? Apply it to my back?
MARCO: Sure.
(He applies the repellant.)
KEL: Back to the cuddle. You make it seem awkward.
MARCO: Just trying to be professional.
KEL: Your job is to rescue me and keep me safe... and comfortable, right?
MARCO: From harm, yes.
KEL: Goodnight, Marco.
MARCO: Goodnight... client.
KEL: Huh
MARCO: Kel... l(under breath) the client.
[INT. CAVE – NIGHT – 2:58 A.M.]
(Jason wakes up, yawns, realizes his mouth is taped shut. He peels it off, sees Marco and Kel cuddling.)
JASON: We are good as dead.
(He wakes MARCO.)
JASON: Yo! You scared me, man. I thought
MARCO: You scared me too! I thought
JASON: I woke up with my mouth shut. I had many thoughts. Thought I was caught, then I thought you were on stakeout.
(KEL turns in her sleep.)
MARCO: I... I...
JASON: Your stakeout turned into a make-out, is that what you're saying?
MARCO: No! I just got comfortable.
JASON: Out here? You got comfortable? We're in a danger zone and you're getting comfortable?
MARCO: My bad. Anywhere ladies are... I’m getting comfy.
JASON: You're lucky those nightmares woke me up. Go back to your comfy beauty sleep.
MARCO: (looks at KEL) She is a beauty when she’s sleeping... for real.
JASON: Again? Get some rest!
MARCO: Okay.
EXT. FOREST TRAIL – NIGHT (3:10 AM)
[KREG stands with his group of men, energized and ready]
KREG: City people often get up by 5 or 6 a.m. Early birds looking for worms. We don’t need to look for worms at 3 a.m., they’re in abundance. Are you ready my brothers ?
All: Yes, sir!
KREG: “quotes” "The heights of great men, reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions, enemies! slept, were toiling upwards through the night."
BOLO: I think you kinda rephrased it a bit.
KREG: I think I don’t care. It’s the same concept. We take the shortcut highways and catch up to them by roughly 7 a.m.
[They all move out quickly into the night.]
EXT. CAMPSITE – CONTINUOUS
[JASON breathes in deeply, appreciating the fresh air. He notices something in the dirt.]
JASON: Fresh air. (inhales, then squints) Is that...?
[He picks up MARCO’s binoculars and sees a firestick being extinguished in the distance.]
JASON: They’re hours away.
[He pulls out the map and checks a nearby mountain landmark.]
JASON: About two hours from here. The wider the gap, the more rest we can get.
[He nudges MARCO awake.]
JASON: Wake up.
MARCO: (groggy) Yo… what time is it?
JASON: 3:15 a.m.
MARCO: I just closed my eyes five minutes ago.
JASON: No, you just opened your eyes five minutes ago. We were all sleeping, so get up. They’re on our trail.
MARCO: Right now? So early? They couldn’t wait till daybreak?
JASON: This is the real world. If you were hoping for a text message to start trodding, then you’ve bumped your head harder than I thought when the big guy tossed you in the wall. We’re heading to higher grounds. You can get a few more hours' rest, but I need that gap between us. We don’t know these shortcuts.
[MARCO turns to KEL, gently waking her up.]
MARCO: We gotta go.
KEL: (half-asleep) Huh? I’m tired...
MARCO: (to Jason) She’s tired.
JASON: Of what? Walking to safety or you trying to be nice?
MARCO: (to Kel) Get on my back.
[Kel slowly climbs on Marcos' back. Jason watches.]
JASON: Well, well, well... look at the donkey who was tossed in the well.
MARCO: I got a strong back. Carry my bag, please?
JASON: (looks at him for 5 seconds) No. My back hurts.
[Jason walks off. Marco shrugs.]
MARCO: I can carry it, you know.
JASON: I know.
[They continue the climb uphill.]
EXT. WATERFALL – MOMENTS LATER
[JASON fills bottles. MARCO puts down KEL, lays her head on his backpack, and lies beside her.]
JASON: Get some rest. I’ll watch.
MARCO: Alright.
[He falls asleep beside her.]
JASON: (mutters to himself) That’s gonna be a hard nap.
EXT. WATERFALL – EARLY MORNING (5:00 AM)
[KEL wakes up and notices both MARCO and JASON asleep. She gently shakes MARCO awake]
MARCO: (mumbling) Boss, respectfully... kiss my (sees Kel) Oh. Sorry. I thought...
KEL: (smiling) It’s alright.
[Marco notices Jason asleep.]
MARCO: He has nigger-itis.
[Kel laughs.]
MARCO: I guess we've been hanging for too long. He damned me for sleeping on the watch, now karma.
KEL: Nothing beats tired.
MARCO: (checking his watch) It’s 5 a.m. You’re up pretty early.
KEL: I’m an early walker. I usually exercise at this hour.
MARCO: For real?
KEL: Yep.
MARCO: That’s cool.
KEL: How you stood up against the big guy Bolo, was incredible. Can you teach me a few moves?
MARCO: Sure. When?
KEL: Now.
MARCO: Okay, I’m gonna start with some defensive tactics.
KEL: Yes, Coach.
[Training montage begins. MARCO shows her how to get out of a headlock and disarm a gunman. Music plays throughout.]
KEL: How’d I do?
MARCO: Could work on the headlock, but you got the gun situation sealed.
KEL: Well choke me properly then, you barely had my neck.
MARCO: I don’t wanna hurt your neck.
KEL: Well, bad guys won’t think about that.
(MARCO puts her in a proper headlock. She breaks free.)
MARCO: (surprised) Good job.
KEL: Again. For confirmation.
[Marco headlocks her again. Jason wakes up quietly and watches]
KEL: I can feel your
MARCO: (lets kel out of headlock, flustered) Shit!
KEL: I’m free. You got distracted. (laughs)
JASON: (from behind) He did.
[They both jump, startled.]
MARCO: You’re up?
JASON: I wasn’t sleeping.
KEL: Liar. You were. Both of you. My rescuers are sleep-olics.
MARCO: I was just teaching her some moves. Defensive.
JASON: Yeah, then it turned “sex-ensive.” You can’t train people you love to their full potential.
MARCO: Hmmm?
JASON: Because of feelings. He likes you, KEL.
KEL: I’m gonna take a quick rinse.
MARCO: Okay. Be careful.
MARCO: (to Jason) What was that man?
JASON: Me helping you out.
MARCO: I don’t need help with girls. I’m very specialized in that area.
JASON: Was this before your ex or just now?
MARCO: Today’s agenda is?
JASON: We need to move as soon as Miss "I don’t know but I’m hygienic" freshens up.
MARCO: She learns quickly.
JASON: And you don’t. Focus on the mission first. Then your date life. Deal?
MARCO: You seem jealous.
JASON: She reminds me of my past love.
MARCO: What happened?
JASON: She dumped me for an athlete.
MARCO: (kisses teeth, smiles) I’m gonna pack these things.
[Marco starts packing. Jason offers a banana.]
JASON: Banana for breakfast?
MARCO: I’m packing some. Packing light and smart.
JASON: Principle is principle.
EXT. MOUNTAIN PATH – SAME TIME
[KREG talks to his men.]
KREG: Bolo, you’ll go to the mount. I’ll meet you there. I’m doing this alone.
BOLO: Boss, you sure?
KREG: Yes, my brother. The plan is to stop them from leaving. They’re a bit slippery,
so I think I've adapted to them.
BOLO: You heard the chief.
[The group disperses.]
BOLO: (to Muka) Lead them.
MUKA: Where are you going?
BOLO: After the boss. You’re in charge.
MUKA: Okay.
[Bolo turns back and follows Kreg.]
INT. PAM’S KITCHEN – MORNING
PAM makes breakfast and sits at the table, staring into space. The phone rings. She jumps up, a little frightened
PAM: Hello!
JOEY (V.O.): Hey, Aunty Pam.
PAM: Joey! How are you?
JOEY: I’m okay. Was trying to reach Marco, but his phone’s completely out of service.
PAM: Oh, he’s on a vacation. In Nigeria.
JOEY: That’s great.
PAM: Well... mission, rather.
JOEY: Mission?
PAM: He quit his job and went off with a guy to rescue some kidnapped girl in the jungle.
JOEY: That is mad! Have you heard from him since?
PAM: I was told I would tomorrow.
JOEY: Well, keep me informed. Take care.
PAM: Thanks, Joey. Say hi to the family.
JOEY: Will do.
PAM: Bye.
[Call ends. JOEY stares at his phone.]
JOEY: Marco bro! By adventure, I never meant a suicide mission.
[Abi enters.]
ABI: Sup?
JOEY: Marco’s in Nigeria. On an extraction mission.
ABI: Our Marco?
JOEY: Yes.
(ABI’s phone chimes. She checks it, it’s a photo of Micah and Brad.)
ABI: It’s Micah.
JOEY: You gonna tell her?
ABI: She deserves to know.
JOEY: Okay.
(ABI texts Micah. Micah replies: “He’ll be fine. Brad and I look cute together, right?” )
ABI: Wow!
JOEY: What?
(ABI shows him a screenshot message.)
JOEY: Wow!
ABI: What?
JOEY: She seems unbothered.
ABI: Let’s just hope for the best.
JOEY: Yeah. He’ll be back in one piece.
INT. CIA SAFEHOUSE - NIGHT
MR. CASH: They didn't phone me last night.
WIFE: What does that mean?
CIA AGENT: Hopefully, something good. Maybe Jones' boy pulled it off.
MR. CASH: I hope so. I am getting paranoid.
(Wife breaks down. Mr. Cash comforts her.)
MR. CASH: Believe, and it will be well.
CIA AGENT: All we can do is wait. Our team has landed on the ground and will keep us in the loop.
EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE - DAY
JASON: Check if our client drowned, will you?
MARCO: You never think positively, do you? Girls often take a long time to get ready.
JASON: Not captured girls.
MARCO: Kel!
KEL: Hey.
MARCO: She’s good.
(KREG appears and catches them off guard.)
KREG: Gentlemen!
(They turn. Kreg hits them both in the head with a stick. They fall unconscious. Kreg ties them up quickly. They regained consciousness shortly.)
MARCO: Ouch!
KREG: Where were we?
JASON: We don’t know. You weren’t the one hit in the head. Where are we?
KREG: Clever. (laughs)
(KEL crouches nearby, watching.)
KREG: Young man, you left me in the bathroom, mouth shut to rot!
MARCO: No, it was to soak.
KREG: Did you know there was shit in a hole? It couldn’t be flushed. I had to inhale the scent of men’s feces until Bolo rescued me.
JASON: That’s on you. (gets smacked) Where’s Bolo, by the way?
MARCO: You shouldn’t talk this often, Jason.
KREG: Wise advice, young man. If only you’d accepted the terms of my offer.
(Jason bursts free and fights Kreg. He’s winning until Bolo shows up and throws him into a tree.)
JASON: Shit. Here he is. I was just asking about you.
MARCO: You shouldn’t have.
(Bolo throws him again. Then reties him)
JASON: Damn! I can’t get used to this. You’re so destructive. I’ll send you my insurance bill.
KREG: Bolo, you disobeyed my direct order and followed me here?
BOLO: (head down) I’m sorry, boss.
KREG: I’m glad. He was kicking my ass. (To Marco) Loyalty makes you ignore rules and act off instinct.
(Kel returns, disarms and shoots Bolo in the leg. She’s out of bullets.)
BOLO: Ahh!
JASON: Is he in real pain?
KEL: (still firing) Take that!
MARCO: Reload, or...?
(Kreg grabs the gun from her.)
KREG: You shot Bolo in the leg! Naughty. I don’t want to hurt you. I have daughters, but I am upset that you’ve threatened his life.
BOLO: I can’t walk. I feel drowsy
JASON: Hop. It’s just one leg. It will soon wear off
(All eyes on Jason.)
JASON: Just offering advice. Thank me later.
MARCO: Sure.
KREG: You two might not live for later.
MARCO: Jason might.
(Marco got free in the earlier commotion then lunges and disarms Kreg.)
KREG: You two rats!
(MARCO grabs rope.)
MARCO: This should do. No funny movements, big man.
(He ties up Kreg and Bolo. Frees’ Jason.)
JASON: You’re getting promoted. Saving the day back-to-back.
KEL: Let’s go already!
KREG: Don’t leave us here!
JASON: We can’t carry you, and we wouldn’t.
MARCO: Make your noises and get aid. Whoops, I gotta close those up.
(MARCO wraps their injuries.)
KREG: I didn’t want to kill you... but now it’s all I think about!
MARCO: Well, you’ll have enough time to think it over and over again.
KREG: You two are so dead when I get out!
JASON: Then don’t get out.
KEL: So long.
KREG: Kiss my ass!
(MARCO shoots him in the foot, KREG yells in agony. He taped their mouths)
JASON: Sure, shoot him and dress him.
MARCO: I’m not killing him. I’m after the middle man.
JASON: The middle man?
MARCO: The one who orchestrated the entire thing and used them as a façade.
JASON: Hmm. Where’s that person? I'm not sure if they'd be referred to as the middle person
MARCO: Back home. We’re bouncing.
(They leave towards the mountain peak, the pickup location.)
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - DAY
MARCO: I feel bad for killing that guy.
JASON: You killed a guy!?
MARCO: At the banks. You said bury him.
JASON: Those weren’t real bullets, remember? They just inflict pain and knock people out.
MARCO: So, Bolo?
JASON: That was a real shot. You saw the blood.
MARCO: The nine guys you killed?
JASON: Not killed, unconscious to the point where you can't find a heartbeat. It last for several hours. They should be up any minute now.
(Cut to: Family mourning, ready to bury the men. Suddenly, the men rose up, breathing heavily. Family members scream out of fear, then embrace their loved ones after the panic.)
EXT. HILL - BANANA FIELD - DAY
(KREG and BOLO roll down into the field. The young man they encountered rushes over to their aid)
GUY: Uncle! (removes tape)
KREG: My son! Good to see you. Cut us free?
GUY: Of course.
(He cuts them loose.)
GUY: What happened?
KREG: Training. Got gas in the tank?
GUY: Yes, Uncle.
KREG: You mastered driving?
GUY: Parallel parking is difficult.
KREG: No need for parking. That’s stupid. Let’s go.
(They approach the car.)
MOTHER: Where are you going?
GUY: This is the uncle who gave me gas for the car. He wants to go to Mount [Name].
MOTHER: Uncle, are you hungry?
BOLO: Very.
(She gives them food)
KREG: Thank you
Guy: Bye ma.
Mother: Hurry back. -
(They drove off.)
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - MOVING CAR - Evening hours
KREG: BOLO, what must we do now?
BOLO: Avenge our fallen brothers and get paid.
KREG: You’re right. I’m sick of this.
( KREG looking at a photograph of his family suddenly, the car stops.)
KREG (still looking at image): Why’d you stop?
GUY: The army of the dead.
BOLO: What army? What dead?
(They both look in shock. KREG makes a hyena call. The “dead” men respond.)
KREG: Jesus! They are no longer dead!
BOLO: They were dead, and now not dead... Am I dead or is this a dream?
(Everyone embraced each other brotherly)
KREG: My brothers, I thought you were all dead.
GUY: No. But we woke up in time for the funeral boss
KREG: So, they never wanted to ki…. (KREG reflects on his order: “If they make it there before us kill them all.”)
KREG: Son, drive! I’ll meet you in the evening, brothers. Drive!
(Guy speeds off.)
KREG: Go faster! until the pin jumps off the circle
Youth driver guy: Okay uncle. (maximum acceleration)
BOLO: Boss, you look worried.
KREG: Bolo, they could have killed our men but they didn’t. They just knocked them out with their fancy bullets.We are not killing them. We are not continuing this mission. We have to reach in time to stop the others from carrying out the order I gave.
BOLO: Boss... but they shot us.
KREG: Look at the bright side, we aren’t dead. We were patched up by the youngster.
BOLO: I see that, Boss. So… they’re good guys?
KREG: (pauses) Naa.
(Music plays.)
EXT. MOUNTAIN - PICKUP POINT - LATER
KEL: I can’t wait to go home to my regular life
MARCO: I can imagine
KEL: We passed the first mountain, on to the next. (To Jason) How long?
JASON: 40 minutes. We have to make it on time as scheduled
(Cut to Kreg and crew spotting them on mount. Kreg signals quickly.)
KREG: Turn right!
BOLO: It's the left boss.
KREG: Bolo, I designed these routes! Trust me
(Youth Driver turns left.)
EXT. CLEARING - LATER
MARCO: Our first successful mission, Jason.
JASON: Don’t rush it. Anything can happen.
MARCO: No. We’ve had enough action. We’re in the clear.
JASON: We could walk straight into a trap.
(Men appear. Kel gasps.)
KEL: Jesus!
MARCO: You’re in the wrong profession, Jason. You’re called to be like a prophet.
JASON: I wish I’d just kept that thought to myself.
MUKA: You killed our brothers!
JASON: We did not! they are just sleeping
MARCO: Jason! can you not alter your speech and align it with some expression!. They are grieving unknowingly and you're “you”
JASON: Your comrades are just sleeping
MUKA: Shut up your siren mouth! We will avenge them the old way. A slow and painful death.
(The crew yells in rage. Then they tied them up as a bunch )
MUKA: Time to end this. String them up and start the fire.
KEL: A fire?
JASON: Why a fire?
MUKA: Remember when I said a slow and painful death?
JASON: Yes...
MUKA: That’s what a fire will do.
MARCO: You’re gonna eat us?
MUKA: No! Yuck! Are you an animal?
MARCO: Technically, we are... studies.
MUKA: Shut up! With all your science stuff “studies have shown this, studies have shown that.” Have studies shown how long it takes to burn a man alive using heat?
MARCO: I haven’t gotten to that edition.
[THE FIRE WOOD ARE FIXED TOGETHER BELOW THEIR FEET, THE STRUGGLING BEGINS.]
MARCO: Please! Muka, have mercy!
MUKA: The blood of our brothers cries out! I hear it!
JASON: You’re just paranoid.
MUKA: I’m gonna kill you last.
KEL: Please! We’ll give you money! Anything, just don’t roast us!
MUKA: It’s not my doing.
JASON: You just gave the order!
MUKA: It’s the consequences. In your world, you’d get life imprisonment. I’m doing you a favor.
JASON: That would be a bullet, fast and less painful.
MUKA: That’s too good a favor. (beat) Ignite the firewood!
[ONE OF MUKA'S MEN LIGHTS THE FIRE. SMALL FLAMES RISES QUICKLY.]
MUKA: Dim the flame.
MARCO: Muka! Please! Uncle, please! spare us!
MUKA: Keep it at ear level. If the sun doesn't kill ‘em, the heat will.
KEL: I don’t wanna die like this!
MARCO: You’re not gonna die.
KEL: We’re tied up!... over fire.
MARCO: Yeah. It’s nothing as long as it doesn’t escalate.
[ANOTHER GUY THROWS GASOLINE ON THE FIRE. FLAMES EXPLODE UPWARD.]
MARCO: No!
MUKA: That is gas, not water! Where is the water?!
GUY: I drank it.
MUKA: Lower this flame now!
[MEN THROW MUD ON THE FIRE. FLAMES DIM DOWN.]
MUKA: I don’t want them to die
MARCO : Thank God.
MUKA: ... this fast.
MARCO: Mom, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you... I failed.
KEL: Help! Help! Help!
MUKA: Nobody can hear you. You should’ve yelled earlier.
KEL: Help!
MARCO: Help! (looks at Jason, who stares silently) The hell’s wrong with you, Jason?
JASON: I’m just thinking... of repentance.
MARCO: Right now?
JASON: Yeah. We’re basically in hell. No need to cry for salvation.
MARCO: You do that. Kel and I are optimistic.
KEL: He’s right.
MARCO: I am?
KEL: Not you, Marco, Jason.
MUKA: It’s working. Your spirits are breaking. I hear it.
JASON: You seem to hear everything except your stupid self.
MUKA: I should spare the others and triple your pain for talking?
KEL: He’ll do it! Right, Jason?
JASON: No.
KEL: Your job is to protect and serve!
JASON: That’s the police.
MUKA: Do you hear that, boys?
GUYS: No, boss.
MUKA: Are you all deaf?! It’s those American earbuds you've been wearing! Do you not hear the vehicle!?
JASON: You got a lot of conscience, Muka.
[MUKA PUNCHES JASON IN THE STOMACH. JASON GRUNTS.]
JASON: Okay... I’ll stop talking.
(Everyone hears the vehicle clearly now…)
EXT. FOREST CLEARING – DAY
MARCO: (alert) I hear it.
MUKA: (smirking) See? I have good hearing, not conscience. That vehicle is their calvary we eliminate them on site
Guy: Men! Aim!
(All the men draw AK-47s.)
MARCO: (under breath) Shit. The lord is my shepherd I shall not want
KEL: (super worried and eyes shut ) This is the end.
(Suddenly, a vehicle screeches to a halt. KREG limps out, grinning. Guns withdrawn)
KREG: Miss me?
JASON & KEL: (flatly) No.
MARCO: (smiling) Yes!
KREG: Smart guy. Brethren! Our brothers who we thought were killed... have been resurrected!
(The guys looked around, confused)
KREG: Cut them loose and get them out, it's hot!
( GUYS DID AS COMMANDED)
Youth Driver Guy (to Marco): Hey Uncle!
MARCO: I see you've mastered the art.
Youth Driver Guy: Yes, Uncle.
MARCO: Tell you what, go home and practice.
Youth Driver Guy: I'm already a good driver.
MARCO: Can you reverse all the way home?
Driver Guy: I don't know how to parallel park
MARCO: Let me help you out fast
(MARCO gives him a quick transmission lesson using the wood nearby as barrier)
Youth Driver Guy: Thank you, Uncle!
MARCO: Now go.
KREG: Go on, you heard your uncle.
Youth Driver Guy: Alright, Uncle. Bye, Uncles with guns! (drives off)
JASON: Wow, we don't look like we’re in danger
MARCO: You don't look human
KREG: Where was I, Bolo?
BOLO: Our brethren’s resurrection.
KREG: Ah, yes. Turns out these guys are not permanent killers.
BOLO: They just weakeners, with fancy bullets.
KREG: Your brothers are alive, just sleeping for a long time. They're waiting for us in town. Now, I was thinking of releasing these people and ending this.
JASON: I told them, they didn't believe
MARCO: Forgiveness is the best start.
KREG: They could’ve killed them, us, for that matter. But they didn’t. That speaks volumes.
(says a word in native language men raise guns again)
JASON: (steps forward) Let them go!. Take me. I’m accountable for all this. They’re just kids. They don’t deserve to die out here.
KREG: Take him.
(BOLO grabs JASON. Another guy grabs MARCO.)
MARCO: (to KREG, dropping to his knees) Please!... spare him. We all deserve to go home alive. No casualties. No more hostages.
KREG: Hostage? Hmm... he wouldn’t be worth much, right?
JASON: Nope.
MARCO: If you take him, take me too.
KREG: Okay.
JASON: What are you doing? Your mother would kill me before these guys do. I dragged you into this. I’ll sacrifice myself to get you out.
KREG: Young man, life is about sacrifices. And he made his choice.
KREG: (called) Muka!
MUKA: Boss?
KREG: (referring to the fire ring) This is your doing?
MUKA: Yes, boss.
KREG: I know. You're mentally ill. Is this any way to treat our guest? Give her something to eat and drink, Bolo.
(Bolo gives Kel roast Giselle meat and liquor.)
MARCO: Gonna feed us too?
KREG: Sorry, it's not in my budget. I can only cater to my guest. You two, unfortunately, aren’t guests. When she's done eating, you can get the leftovers.
MARCO: Kel, I’m not rushing you, but could you hurry, or forfeit the meal?
KEL: (looks at Marco, then the meal) No can do.
JASON: I heard that coming from a mile.
(Kel finishes eating and burps.)
KREG: You okay now?
KEL: Yes. (belches) Excuse me.
KREG: That’s fine. That happens when you eat bananas all day.
KREG: (to his men) Give food to the young man.
KEL: Hungry, MARCO?
MARCO: (mocking) “Hungry, Marco...” You could have fed me earlier.
KEL: I had to help me help you. Give him something to eat.
(A guy hands Marco food.)
MARCO: (hesitates)
JASON: There’s no pride out here. Eat up.
MARCO: I’m a little upset.
KREG: What was the scheduled time for pick-up, and where?
JASON: What time do you have?
KREG: 8 Hours.
JASON: Five minutes. Right here.
KREG: Okay. You know I can’t let you go, right?
(Chopper approaches.)
KREG: (shouting in native language) Aim!
MARCO: Noooooooo!
(All fire shots into the air. Kel clings to Marco; both close their eyes, screaming. Gunfire stops.)
KREG: Open your eyes and bear witness.
MARCO: No...
(Kel opens hers and sees Jason lying down.)
KEL: Oh my God!
(Marco peeks. Jason gets up.)
JASON: Lots of miracles happening today.
(Kreg and his men laugh.)
KREG: You’re good men. Go home and find the middleman. We meant no harm. Just carrying out orders.
(Jason shakes hands with Kreg and Bolo.)
JASON: Bolo.
BOLO: Yes?
JASON: I won’t forget you.
BOLO: But I will, you.
JASON: Every time my back aches, your face comes up.
BOLO: Good.
JASON: I’ll find a therapist for your tossing disability.
(The chopper lands. The pilot comes out, scared. Kreg’s men aim at him.)
Pilot: Have mercy! I’m just the pilot. I have kids, a family!
JASON: Me too. And you’re early.
(All laugh.)
Pilot: (nervous chuckle) Ha… what’s going on?
JASON: These guys are our help.
KEL: Can we go already?
KREG: Girl.
KEL: Man.
KREG: How do you rate our roasted Giselle?
KEL: 9 out of 10.
KREG: What’s the issue?
KEL: I wasn’t given my usual cutlery, proper environment and setting
KREG: (smiling) Sorry. We don’t have those here, it takes weeks to ship. Next time.
MARCO: So long.
KREG: One more thing.
MARCO: Be brief.
KREG: You know I can’t…….. My men wasted their time, and the thought of getting paid, squandered.
MARCO: What can we do?
KREG: Take my account number.
MARCO: Sure. (writes it down)
KREG: (to Jason ) Try this. (hands him Giselle meat)
JASON: Appreciate.
KREG: I recommend you eat it now. Long flight ahead.
(They all board the chopper.)
JASON: (eating) Never thought I’d miss the “bad guys.” (bites) Well-seasoned.
MARCO: The bad guy isn’t always the one in front of you.
KEL: Hospitality was good though, not gonna lie. I had this guy acting as my insect repellant. Killing any bug that came near. Way more effective than your spray, Marco.
(Pilot receives a call.)
JONES(V.O.): Report.
JASON: Confirming the pick up of assess alive and well
JONES: Jason! Am I glad to hear from you, soldier.
JASON: We’re all good.
JONES: I knew I could count on you.
JASON: Yeah. This mission was different from the others.
JONES: And your protégé?
MARCO: Alive and well, sir.
JONES: Good. Your reward awaits. Safe flight.
(Jones calls the CIA.)
Mr. Cash: Yes!
Mrs. Cash: Thank God!
CIA: Cancel our boys.
(Call forwarded.)
CIA: Abort mission. I repeat, abort the mission.
Agent: (receiving call) Received.
Agent 1: Yes!
Agent 2: I’ll never get field action…
Captain: We can drop you off. Your call.
Agent 2: Never mind.
Captain: Good.
Mr. and Mrs. Cash: Thank you Mr Jones
JONES: My pleasure to serve
EXT. CASH FAMILY ESTATE USA – EARLY EVENING
(Chopper lands. KEL runs to her parents.)
KEL: Mom! Dad!
Mr. and Mrs. Cash: Honey!
(They embrace. Jones shakes Marco and Jason’s hands. Jason collects his half of the cash. Blake the dog runs to Jason.)
JASON: Blake! Good dog. I’m happy to see you, bud. Was he well-behaved, Sir Jones?
JONES: Yeah… after he wrecked my furniture. Damage totals ten grand.
JASON: (hands over the cash) Good?
JONES: Better.
JASON: You're the best. (walks off)
JASON: Your money's been successfully transferred.
(Turns around. Marco isn’t there. He’s talking to Kel.)
MARCO: So, you're back home.
KEL: Yeah. Thanks to you.
Mary-Ann: Kel!
KEL: Mary-Ann! (hugs her) Marco meets Mary-Ann, my secretary and maid. Monitors all my doings.
MARCO: Hello.
Mary-Ann: Hi. Thank you for returning her safely.
MARCO: Sure thing. I just did my job.
(Kel kisses Marco and walks off. Marco blushes. Mr. and Mrs. Cash approach.)
MARCO: (composing himself) Sir, Ma’am.
Mr. Cash: Thank you for bringing our princess home.
Mrs. Cash: You did well, son.
MARCO: Thank you.
(They shake hands. Jason calls out.)
JASON: Marco, pilot’s ready to take you home.
MARCO: Yes, sir.
JASON: We already split the money. Yours has been wired. Here, take it all. The mission’s success was because of you. (hands briefcase)
MARCO: For real?
JASON: Yeah. I’ve got enough at home.
(They board the helicopter.)
MARCO: Kel gave me her number.
JASON: Nice. When are you going out?
MARCO: Soon, I think. I was thinking
JASON: You think a lot.
MARCO: Kreg said something about a middleman. Said he doesn’t hurt females because he’s a family man and works for one. Of everyone here, Mary-Ann, Kel’s secretary seemed least thrilled by her return.
JASON: Hmm… He claimed his hyena gang is affiliated with the real animal conduct, led by a woman. So…
MARCO: She might be the middleman or woman.
JASON: Let me call Jones.
(Dial Jones phone.)
JONES: Soldier.
JASON: I need a deep intel run on Mary-Ann. She might be the root of this case.
JONES: You got paid and already looking for more work? I’ll have my team on it.
JASON: Remember when I said this was the weirdest mission yet?
JONES: I remember.
JASON: Let me know what you find.
JONES: Roger that.
JASON: Thank you, sir.
(Call ends).
18: MARCO Makes a Big Decision
MARCO: Shit!
JASON: I haven’t in three days now.
MARCO: Kreg gave me his account number. I’mma send him a million dollars.
JASON: A million? You sure?
MARCO: Yeah.
JASON: You got a good heart. Send him 100K from what I gave you. I’ll return it.
(MARCO transfers funds on his laptop.)
19: KREG’s Camp Celebration
(Inside KREG’s base. Bolo approaches Kreg, who is deep in thought.)
BOLO: Boss, what are you thinking about?
KREG: If the guy’s gonna send us the cash.
BOLO: I wouldn’t think about it, to be honest. Americans cannot be trusted. [walks out]
(Kreg’s IT guy walks in with a laptop.)
IT Guy: Boss, you got a Facebook friend request.
KREG: I don’t want any more friends. Decline.
IT Guy: It won’t.
KREG: Let me see. (looks at screen) That’s not Facebook...it's a decoy
IT Guy: There it is. (shows request)
KREG: I don’t give a damn about that.
(Notification pops up. Kreg checks his bank account.)
KREG: Jesus!
(BOLO rushes in.)
BOLO: Boss!
KREG: It came through ! 3.1 million U.S. dollars!
(BOLO runs into a wall in excitement. Everyone celebrates.)
KREG: Thank you, young man. (Blows a horn. The crew gathers.) We’ve been paid! Get your families ready. We are going to the city to celebrate!
Crew: (Cheering)
BOLO: City! City!
KREG: There’s no ATM here, so to the city it is. Thank you, young man!
20: MARCO Returns Home . Day 3
(Early morning. 6:00 a.m. MARCO rings the doorbell.)
PAM: Who is that so early?
(Opens door. Screams in joy.)
PAM: My son!
MARCO: Mom!
(They hug tightly.)
PAM: You're home safe and sound. Are you tired? Are you hungry?
MARCO: Yes and yes.
PAM: Sit, sit. (Calls Sue)
Sue: I know. I’ll tell the boss you won’t be in today.
PAM: My son is here!
Sue: Really? That’s great!
PAM:Tell the boss I won’t be in...
Sue: You tell him.
PAM: ...Until the night shift.
Sue: Okay. Will do. Say hi to Marco for me.
PAM: Aunt Sue says hi.
MARCO: Right back at her.
PAM: Got to go.
Sue: Yeah. Thanks for waking me up.
PAM: Tell me everything.
MARCO: After I eat, sleep, and shower.
PAM: Eat, shower, sleep.
MARCO: Yeah.
PAM: When you have the time, call Joey. He phoned.
MARCO: Okay, Mom.
21: Arrest at the Cash Mansion
(At the mansion. Doorbell rings. Mary-Ann opens)
Mary-Ann: May I help you?
(The Cash family joins. Police on premises and personal securities .)
Police: You are under arrest for the scam you pulled on the Cash family.
KEL: Mary-Ann? It’s gotta be a mistake.
Mrs. Cash: She’s been with us for 23 years.
Mr. Cash: Do you have evidence?
Police: Yes, sir. That’s how I’m able to make the arrest.
(Shows phone recording of Kreg’s confession and proof of plans.)
KREG (on video): Good day, young man. I’m grateful you remembered us. To make your job lighter, I’ll snitch on the middle person. It’s that house servant, Mary-Ann.
We met on Facebook. She orchestrated the entire plan. She promised to marry me but hasn’t. She promised me more money than you sent, but I’m not asking for more unless you feel led.
Show this to the authorities and get her incarcerated. Bolo sends his regards to your friend with the backache. Bye. I’ll send you a pdf of the entire plan. Enjoy the summer and all the best in the future my brother.
Police: I understand she insisted on making Kel shop alone and be given little freedom, with no monitoring? It was a well orchestrated plan, almost perfect
Mrs. Cash: Oh my God...
Mr. Cash: Why, Mary-Ann?
Mary-Ann: You’ve never paid me my overtime.
Mr. Cash: WHAT?!
Mrs. Eve: Take her away.
(Police escort Mary-Ann out.)
22: MARCO and KEL Reconnect
(KEL on speakerphone with MARCO.)
KEL: Just wanted to say thanks for still protecting me. The cops came for Mary-Ann.
MARCO: Well, my unfinished business is finished. I'm pleased.
KEL: What are you up to?
MARCO: Gonna visit my friend and his girl in L.A.
KEL: Taking me with?
MARCO: (pauses) Absolutely, with your parents' permission, of course.
Mr. Cash: I approve, sir.
MARCO: Thank you.
KEL: I’ll get packing!
MARCO: Awesome. See you in a bit.
( of airport preparation. They meet at the airport.)
KEL: MARCO!
(Marco runs over.)
MARCO: Kel, you look amazing.
KEL: City girl again. (Kisses Marco)
MARCO: Was that an official kiss?
KEL: Yeah.
MARCO (smiles): 6 securities
KEL: My parents doubled up. No privacy. Even during sex
MARCO: They are in for a job
KEL: [laughs] Yeah
23: The L.A. Reunion
(Airport lounge. JOEY meets MARCO.)
JOEY: My boy!
MARCO: My boy! (They laugh and embrace.)
JOEY: You're working with secret services now?
MARCO: Something like that.
JOEY: Classified. I get it.
MARCO: Kel, my best friend Joey. Joey, my future wife
KEL: Hi, Joey.
JOEY: Hello. You hit the jackpot, bro.
(Abi, Micah, and Brad walk in.)
JOEY: Guys! Marco and his lady, kel. Kel my lady, Abi. (ABI waves.) Brad. And Micah...
KEL: Micah?
JOEY: Marco’s ex.
KEL: Hi.
MICAH: Hello.
JOEY: You knew that, right?
MARCO: She does now.
MICAH: How’s it going from your trip?
KEL: (with attitude) It wasn’t a trip.
JOEY: (clears throat) Let’s go and rest in the shade. Then we can settle and hear about the last few days. These guys are with you’ll
MARCO: Yes
JOEY: I’m protected then
(At the lounge. They eat, relax. Marco recounts the adventure.)
MICAH: I don’t believe it.
Brad: That’s crazy. I’m struggling to believe it. No one could’ve prepared for that in 6 hours.
MARCO: I’ll show you. Launch an attack on me.
Brad: I don’t wanna hurt you.
KEL: You can’t hurt him.
MICAH: He’ll toss you like a ball, Marco.
Brad: (smiles) You asked for it.
(Brad punches. Marco counters and flips him over like Jason did him)
JOEY: God damn!
MICAH: Brad!
ABI: He needs a medic, might not make pre-season.
(Brad groans. Micah helps him up.)
Brad: (low voice) Good shit.
MARCO: Are you good?
Brad: (thumbs up) Yeah, bro.
KEL: Any more doubts?
Brad: Not even the slightest.
JOEY: I never doubted you, bro.
24: JASON’s Hardware Store Call
(Video call. JASON hands $10K to each coworker.)
JASON: Just sending you live proof... on behalf of your shortest coworker.
Michael: Literally.
Shawn: Appreciate you, bro!
Trudy: Thanks, Marco!
Lisa: (blows kisses)
Mr. J: What about me? My blessing?
MARCO: You blocked it.
Mr. J: I can unblock it!
MARCO: The moment’s passed.
Mr. J: Back to work, people! And no overtime for the rest of the month.
(Jason gets a call from Jones.)
JASON: It’s Jones. Will phone you back.
MARCO: Roger.
25: New Case?
(JASON calls PAM.)
JASON:Miss Pam, it’s Jason
(Call ends. He tries Marco.)
JASON: If your mom calls, tell her you said no.
MARCO: No for what?
(Pam incoming call)
MARCO: I’m gonna take this.
PAM: Son.
MARCO: Mom.
PAM: Did Jason call you?
MARCO: No...
PAM: When he does, say no. You just got back. I can’t do this. I rudely hung up on him.
MARCO: It’s good, Mom. Bye.
KEL: What’s that about?
MARCO: Another case.
KEL: Another girl’s rescue?
MARCO: I don’t know yet.
KEL: If so, sorry you gotta say no.
(Marco calls Jason)
MARCO: What’s the case?
JASON: Kidnapped girl.
(Marco hangs up.)
JASON: Like mother, like son.
26: Conflict and Decision
JOEY: And?
MARCO: He was just checking in. Mission canceled.
ABI: You’re shaking.
MARCO: I’m not.
MICAH: You’re lying.
MARCO: It’s another female case.
KEL: You gotta take it. But don’t fall in love.
MARCO: Mom said no. It’s too soon.
KEL: I’m coming with you.
MARCO: No.
KEL: If you took 6 hours, so can I.
MARCO: It’s because Micah left. I had that rage.
KEL: Okay, so we’re officially separated. Get over it.
MARCO: Only 3 days of the summer anyway.
JOEY: Cheers to adventure. A dangerous summer.
(All cheer.)
(Marco calls Jason.)
JASON: I knew he’d come around.
(Answers call.)
MARCO: About that summer job... Send me the file ASAP.
(Ends call. Music plays.)
THE END
About the Competition
The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in literature. It invites participants worldwide to showcase their creativity across various categories, including poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. This competition serves as a global stage for writers to present their unique narratives and connect with an audience that appreciates rich storytelling and innovative literary expressions.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Marco Gillings for his submission, "Summer Job," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His engaging screenplay takes readers on a memorable journey of adventure and self-discovery. We appreciate his contribution and look forward to seeing more of his creative work in the future.
About Hashtag Kalakar
Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.
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