State Craft

Written by
/u/talkingbook
Copyright (c) 2014
cinefantastic@gmail.com
All The World's A Stage
Draft
07/09/2014
EXT - SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF GENEVA - DAY
A black Mercedes slices through the icy roads, barely
slowing for the snow banked twists and turns.
Far ahead a massive Swiss chalet' tucked deep in the valley.
EXT - GUARDS POST
The Mercedes stops at a foreboding looking guard station.
An ARMED GUARD steps towards the idling vehicle.
Unless indicated all parties speak Swedish throughout.
GUARD
Swedish ( )
Welcome to Chalet Slutet av Vagen.
The drivers side window rolls down revealing a beautiful
woman, ANABEL.
GUARD (cont'd)
You have an appointment?
She nods and hands over two passports.
The guard quickly checks the details.
GUARD (cont'd)
Would you mind putting down the rear
window?
ANABEL
Of course.
The rear window slides down revealing an older gentleman
dressed appropriately for being shuttled around Sweden in a
luxury automobile, REINER.
GUARD
Sir.
Reiner nods respectfully. The guard turns back towards
Anabel.
GUARD (cont'd)
One moment please.
The guard returns to his post.
INT - GUARDS POST
He places the passports on a scanner. Instantly Anabel's and
Reiner's identity's appear on a computer screen.
On a second screen a full spectral analysis of the car and
it's passengers appears.
A message flashes, "No Weapons."
The guard grabs their ID's and enters back in the cold.
EXT - GUARDS POST
The guard smiles and hands the passports to Anabel.
GUARD
Thank you. Just follow the road up to
the house. Someone will be there to
meet you.
ANABEL
Thank you. Not a moment too soon.
Looks like nasty weather.
GUARD
We have an expression here, "There is
no such thing as bad weather, just
bad clothing."
ANABEL
Leave it to the foot soldiers to find
the bright side.
She rolls up the window and pulls ahead.
The guard watches them go suspiciously.
INT - CHALET SLUTET AV VAGEN, PARLOR
Anabel and Reiner are greeted by the valet, HANS.
HANS
Welcome! How was your journey?
ANABEL
Chilly.
HANS
We have an expression here about the
cold--
(CONTINUED)
2.
REINER
Forgive me for being direct but it's
not everyday I'm summoned, so,
enthusiasticly.
HANS
No need for apologies. Mr. Molesworth
is in his office. If you prefer to
skip getting settled, you can see him
right away.
REINER
Yes, that would be fine.
HANS
Follow me then.
INT. CHALET SLUTET AV VAGEN, HALLWAY
Hans leads Anabel and Reiner through the lavish, museum-like
chalet.
REINER
What did you say your name was?
HANS
Hans.
REINER
Well, Hans, I can't help but notice
the smell of something delicious
cooking. What is that?
HANS
The chef is preparing her world
famous surstromming, herring.
REINER
Considering my traveling companion
and I have been on the road for the
past several hours with nothing to
eat, if it was possible to arrange to
eat, I would appreciate it.
HANS
I shall have something brought right
in.
REINER
Wonderful.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
3.
They stop at a massive oak door with a high tech lock/
scanner.
Hans looks into a sensor and the door instantly unlocks.
HANS
Right this way.
Reiner pushes past Hans and holds the door for Anabel.
REINER
Think we've got it from here. Thank
you.
He slams the door on Han's face.
INT. MOLESWORTH'S OFFICE
A very large study filled with antiques. Were it not for the
computer screens they could be stepping into 1700's.
MEL MOELSWORTH rises up from his massive desk and walks to
greet them.
MOLESWORTH
Reiner. So good to see you! Glad you
could make it.
REINER
You make it sound as if I had a
choice.
MOLESWORTH
There's always a choice, friend. I
only wish my humble requests were
greeted with the same level of
importance you show.
REINER
All the worlds a stage friend, my
roll is but a sad one.
MOLESWORTH
Your Swedish has improved
exponentially.
REINER
Thank you. If this is about what I
think it's about then I wanted to be
sure I could communicate effectively.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED:
4.
MOLESWORTH
Communicate and listen as well, am I
right?
REINER
That too.
The office door opens as Hans carries a serving tray topped
with food.
Reiner motions for Anabel to intercept the tray and get read
of ole' Hans.
She smiles, takes the tray and shoes him out.
MOLESWORTH
So, Reiner, what do you think this
meetings about?
Reiner sighs and eats a cookie off the tray.
REINER
What it's always about, Mel. World
domination.
-- -- --
CONTINUED:
5.