INT.

ARENA - NIGHT
A crowd wearing all blue, toting signs with slogans like
Four More Years, Pierce > Maxwell, Pierce Ames 2016
and other celebratory banners. The air is palpable with
excitement.
The theme music of some pumped up eighties epic funnels out
of speakers as Vice President ARNOLD AMES takes the stage.
Hes a little pudgy, but a straight shooter with the kind of
stare down that makes puppies whimper.
He grabs the mic and lets out an unadulterated WOOOOOOOO.
ARNOLD
New York City it is so good to hear
you right now. But its not just in
our back yard but all around the
country, were shouting for four
more years of my man and your
incumbent president John Pierece.
The crowd chants a wash of Pierce and Four More Years in
hysteria.
ARNOLD
Hes in the back, right now making
some phone calls. Doing you know
important president stuff. So he
sent me out here to keep you guys
company. Test the waters for him,
but lets be honest theres no water
out here cause everyone is on FIRE!
The crowd goes nuts. Continues shouting. Arnold could
essentially say anything at all and the place would reach a
Richter level of noise.
ARNOLD
It has been such an honor serving
the people of this amazing country.
We look forward to bringing four
more years of hard work.
INT. BACK ROOM - NIGHT
JOHN PIERCE leans back in a folding chair with his legs
propped up on a small table. He tosses his cellphone back
and forth in his hand, smiling. He picks up the phone that
hasnt rung.

2.

JOHN
Oh Mr. Maxwell, how kind of you to
call. Yes thank you so much.
He laughs.
JOHN
Rat piece of shit probably wontHis phone rings.
JOHN
Perry, how are ya?
INT. PERRYS OFFICE - NIGHT
PERRY MAXWELL, chubby, balding with a red face, hems and haws
as he grips the phone like a vice grip intent on crushing
whatever it is locked on.
PERRY
Mr. President.
A long pause.
INTERCUT LOCATIONS AS NEEDED
JOHN
You there, Per?
PERRY
Dont call me that.
JOHN
Oh lighten up, its not like youre
out of a job. You get to wake up
and continue to make my life a
nightmare by blocking everything I
do. And heck youre still the most
favorable person in your rank and
file. Always 2020, when Im done I
suppose.
PERRY
Congratualations. I concede. I
dont want to keep you from your
moment.
JOHN
Well thanks. Look, lets just put
it all aside and come out of this
bigger and better.
(MORE)

3.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Let me get in a little bit edgewise
and who knows maybe America will
remember you as the great
compromiser who accepted defeat
graciously and did the best for the
country.

PERRY
You and I both know that is not
going to happen.
JOHN
A boy can dream, cant he?
Alright. I gotta go poor Arnold is
probably getting hounded out there.
Your boy smoked him Ill say that
much. He should look into a run...
of course after Ive retired.
PERRY
Good luck.
JOHN
Th- You there.
INT. BACK ROOM - NIGHT
The line is dead.
service agent.

John turns to FRANK SAMUELS, his secret

JOHN
You can judge a mans character by
how they handle defeat.
FRANK
Oh yeah?
JOHN
Hes an asshole through and
through.
Frank laughs.
JOHN
Time to fly. I think thats my
name I hear out there.
He stands and waltzes out of the door.

4.

INT. PERRYS OFFICE - NIGHT

If he could do it, Perry would crush the phone in his hand or
apply enough pressure to literally burst in trying. The news
plays in the background.
ANCHOR
One of the closest races in years.
But, in the end after holding Ohio,
a state where billions were spent
between the two candidates. The
incumbent will hold office. Even
with Florida, Maxwell couldnt
muster enough support to overcome
the turning tide. He had to see it
coming the day he struck out
against the Unions.
He throws his phone at the television. When the anchor
continues he stands and kicks at it until it falls over and
becomes unplugged.
He picks up his phone which has a cracked screen.
number and as it starts to ring he hangs up.

He dials a

He begins to pick up some of the wreckage before him, but

upon struggling lets it drop again, spits on the floor and
walks out.
INT. PERRY OFFICE - DAY
Perry paces back and forth, there are boxes in the corner,
merchandise from his campaign adorn various parts.
As he unpacks things that were set to go to the Oval office,
he gradually becomes less and less careful. When he picks up
a shirt with his name on it, he loses it a little and tosses
the shirt violently.
His phone rings on his desk.

He answers it.

PERRY
Hold my calls dammit.
SECRETARY (O.S.)
Its Mr. Crass.
PERRY
Tell him well reschedule.
SECRETARY (O.S.)
Im afraid I cant do that.
in the room with me sir.

Hes

5.

Perry straightens his suit, slicks his hair back with his
hand as best he can.
PERRY
Well send himBefore he finishes his sentence, he is met face to face with
a husky bronze brick of a man, leather face and veneers,
CHARLES CRASS is the kind of business man who takes no
bullshit, but can sell plenty of it.
CRASS
Dont ever let me hear you try to
duck my calls again.
PERRY
Sorry, I wanted time to get my
shit together.
CRASS
No time for that. You spend time
licking your wounds, you will be
doing nothing but playing catch up
the next four years.
PERRY
I dont have to lift a finger and
hes choked up on anything he wants
to do.
So?
Why?

CRASS
Get out ahead of it.
PERRY
Im not running again.

CRASS
Dont have to. Youre still going
to win in the end.
PERRY
Huh?
CRASS
I have too much money tied up in
this mess to not protect
investments. And since you seem
incapable of insuring success, Im
buying you a second chance.
PERRY
I still dont follow.

6.

CRASS
Ive got you booked through the
week, and your pitch is that he
falsified Ohio. You keep saying
the same thing, and watch poof all
your problems melt in front of you.
PERRY
I feel like Im missing something.
CRASS
Just hammer away at your problems.
Ive got a few people making
headway for you.
PERRY
Whats the end game?
CRASS
Hell be a lame duck faster than
you can say voter intimidation
and impending crisis in Syria.
PERRY
Fine. You seem to be holding more
cards than you seem willing to
divulge.
CRASS
I think you underestimate your
efficacy at this point. Hes been
playing fast and loose for a long
time, Im sure itll bite him in
the ass.
INT. NEWS ROOM - DAY
A red wash on the back drop, a blonde haired reporter, GIGI
MITCHELLS, sits at a desk getting primped and ready for broad
cast.
Across from her receiving the same final touches is Perry
Maxwell.
GIGI
Thanks for coming on.
rooting for you.

We were all

PERRY
I know. It was close. I dont
plan on letting him off so easy.

7.

GIGI
Well youve got all of us ready to
string him up.
PERRY
Lets open that can of worms then,
shall we?
The MAKE UP ARTISTS move back from both. A DIRECTOR shouts
from off screen.
DIRECTOR
Going live again in five - fourMomentary silence, the lights shift.
GIGI
Welcome back to Facts News, This is
Gigi Mitchells and you are watching
Right Now. Tonight we are speaking
with Speaker Perry Maxwell, in his
first exclusive interview since the
election. And just like him were
mad as heck about the sham being
perpetrated by the sitting
president. First Mr. Speaker how
are things?
PERRY
Let me say, thanks for having me.
I know a lot of Americans feel
cheated. Were currently
investigating the potential of
voter fraud in Ohio, a state we
were slated to carry.
GIGI
As you know this network has done
its fair share of looking into the
controversy surrounding voter
intimidation and malfunctioning
booths in heavy republican
districts.
PERRY
But thats not why Im here and you
know it. I want to remind America
that we are going to fight him
tooth and nail, especially when it
comes to dealing with this absolute
mess hes made in Syria.

8.

GIGI
Appointing a known terrorist to be
the leader of a nuclear state.
PERRY
Hes going to hear about it from
us. Weve got people in the state
department willing to look into
whether or not military leaders
acted in the best interest of the
country, or was he simply paying
back favors to extremists who
slaughtered good reasonable people
in Syria.
GIGI
As you know we hear at FNN have a
lot to say about that.
PERRY
And I thank you for being a
tireless voice for the truth. And
I want the American public to know
I will not stop fighting to expose
the truth.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY
John and Arnold sit across from each other sharing a laugh as
they turn off the TV broadcasting Perrys interview.
ARNOLD
Its like they dont get it. They
lost. When do they shut up and
admit they are wrong?
JOHN
Hells going to freeze over before
then my friend.
ARNOLD
I have no doubt.
JOHN
But lets not hang up on them, lets
get cracking.
ARNOLD
Appointments are first up.
JOHN
Well weve filled the cabinet
right.
(MORE)

9.
JOHN (CONT'D)
The judges will have to wait until
we do some back scratching in the
house. What else?

ARNOLD
Theres pro temps and some other
stuff, lesser circuit stuff we can
get someone else to do.
JOHN
And why not get them to do pro
temps?
ARNOLD
I had an idea, I wanted to talk to
you about it.
JOHN
Shoot.
ARNOLD
So lets be real here, even though
its a joke watching Perry squirm
trying to sound tough on Syria, but
he still has a lot of people in his
pocket, and the first hiccup over
there and theyll cream you.
JOHN
Its collateral damage.
untouchable.

But, Im

ARNOLD
You dont think theyll try
impeachment or something stupid if
Houman doesnt keep the place up
right or if god forbid some of AlHasmudi mount something over here.
JOHN
They dont have the numbers.
ARNOLD
But, one hiccup and you can kiss
immigration or anything meaningful
good bye. Syria is the most
important issue on the table.
JOHN
And whats this got to do with pro
temps.

10.

ARNOLD
Well Senator Inglewood is unpacking
right now.
JOHN
Send him a house warming party, we
owe the General a lot.
ARNOLD
This is that.
JOHN
Beg pardon?
ARNOLD
Make him your pro temps, and youve
got a favor from a man who can make
Perry look like an idiot when ever
he opens his mouth about Syria.
JOHN
Well I suppose we could do worse
for fourth in line.
ARNOLD
Well thats the last thing on my
mind.
JOHN
True, but if start grooming him
now, hell make whatever foreign
policy hawk they put up in four
years look like an idiot. Everyone
loves a General.
ARNOLD
Exactly.
INT. NEWS STUDIO - DAY
The backdrop projected off a green screen reads The Public
with appropriate infographic displaying The Election and
Syria.
Sitting behind a desk, makeshift at best is TONY GALT, a
young idealist, the kind of guy who still believes in truth.
He looks dead into the camera.
TONY
Good evening public its Tony Galt
joining you from cyber space.
(MORE)

11.
TONY (CONT'D)
Tonight were going to take a
second to look back, and size up
all the things that have happened.
As you are all aware, assuming you
dont live under a rock, President
John Pierce defeated Speaker Perry
Maxwell in a down to the wire
election. A lot of it had to do
with carrying Ohio, after a massive
gaffe on unions and foreign trade
during the final debate. But, it
was close, and it had a lot to do
with a referendum on the crisis in
Syria.

The graphic changes and Tony changes angles looking at the

camera.
TONY
If you are a regular viewer, you
would know I have a lot to say
about the most recent war in Syria.
It was started by the republicans
and finished by the democrats. With
apointed statesmen who at one time
or another were in opposition to
the United States. But, I suppose
its one of those things where the
enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Because now Houman, who was really
buddy buddy with Assad is the
figure head statesman in Syria.
Hes been combed by General
Inglewood, and seems to be batting
for us now, right? Wrong. Even
if, best case scenario, he doesnt
stab us in the back, hell be put
in a really tough spot when it
comes dealing with what remains of
the rebels who he at one time
supported.
He inhales sharply. He clicks a small camera on his desk.
He pulls out a pack of cigarettes and packs them down. He
removes one from the pack tucks it behind his ear and walks
out of his apartment.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - NIGHT
The sun sets behind tall skyscrapers as Tony walks to the
front steps of his apartment building. Directly across the
street from him is a studio.

12.

He lights his cigarette and watches as a handful of news

personalities including ABIGAIL INGLEWOOD walk out of the
back door.
She is on her phone.
TONY
Must be nice.
His phone vibrates.

He reads it.

INSERT: TONYS PHONE

Someone has liked your new video, log on to find out.
Abigail gets in the back of a cab with a pretty NEWSMAN.
INT. CAB - NIGHT
Abigail continues to stare into her phone.
NEWSMAN
Youve been glued to that thing all
afternoon.
ABIGAIL
Just keeping up with The Public.
NEWSMAN
That kid doesnt know the first
thing about reporting.
ABIGAIL
And I suppose your stunning expose
on womens shoes that wont cause
back problems is really changing
the world.
NEWSMAN
Its a dirty job, but someone has
to do it.
EXT. NEW YORK STREET - NIGHT
Tony watches the cab pull off as he reads his phone smiling.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY
President Pierce sits across from Senator CARMINE INGLEWOOD.
He has stern eyes, and chiseled face.

13.

The only thing betraying his middle age is his receding hair
line. He looks uncomfortable in his suit.
JOHN
I feel like you probably could have
given me a run for my money in the
primaries.
CARMINE
I have no interest in smearing a
sitting president.
JOHN
You were through the roof
favorabilty. Guess everyone loves
a war hero.
CARMINE
I wouldnt call myself a hero. The
boots on the ground. They are the
heros. The Syrians who wanted
freedom above all else. Me, I just
had a good idea.
JOHN
You are the face of everything that
has gone right in the middle east.
And that is a short short list my
friend.
CARMINE
Houman would be lucky to make it
through to the next election cycle
without another round of insurgent
attacks.
JOHN
Im headed over in the next few
weeks. Figure Id sit down with
the man who pulled all the strings
so I dont look like an idiot.
CARMINE
Houman and his people love us. At
least at face value. But you know
how those big families are, theres
gotta be some loose ends. But they
have people more qualified to fill
you in on those things.
JOHN
Well look, I dont want to turn
this into a pop quiz. Were
celebrating.

14.

CARMINE
Celebrating?
JOHN
Ive given it thought, and I want
you to be Pro Temps.
CARMINE
Not Delaney or someone with more
legislative experience.
JOHN
Remember this if I teach you one
thing, the president isnt
legislator.
CARMINE
Fair enough.
JOHN
Now its mostly a ceremonial title.
But you make a big enough deal
about it in three years youre
practically walking into the
nomination. If thats what you
want.
CARMINE
Geez, man. Ive barely unboxed and
broken in these pants, let alone
sat in on a session in the Senate.
Now youre talking about my bid for
presidency.
JOHN
Just vote with the party, and hell
Ill give you some face time down
the line. Let me put it this way,
my legacy will be forming a new
Syrian government for better or for
worse. So its in my best interest
to keep the people who know the
most closest.
CARMINE
Ill do my best. When are you off?

15.

JOHN
End of the week. Its a dinner
celebrating the first election with
a little bit of a talk back, you
know normal statesman chicanery,
pat a few backs, blow a little
smoke, shake some hands, and make
Houman feel legitimate.
CARMINE
Hes gonna need a lot more than a
feeling.
EXT. SYRIAN DESERT - DAY
On the outskirts of a major city, on a small dusty road an
expensive European roadster pulls up next to a worn down van.
From the roadster steps MOHAMMED AL-PISO.
HARAM, an arms dealer, jumps from the van and opens the back
door. He pulls two silver cases with the label C.A.D. and
an eagle on them, he lays them out before Mohammed.
MOHAMMED (SUBTITLE)
Its all here?
HARAM (SUBTITLE)
The police do not seem to like
weapons smugglers these days. It
took some work.
He opens the case.
HARAM (SUBTITLE)
Two submachine guns, one rifle and
two silenced pistols.
MOHAMMED (SUBTITLE)
With all identification and serial
numbers removed?
HARAM (SUBTITLE)
You are not working with amateurs.
MOHAMMED (SUBTITLE)
Do not take your position so
lightly, you are the first to go if
my men get any backlash.
The two men laugh.

They take the case from Mohammed.

HARAM (SUBTITLE)

Unmarked?

16.

MOHAMMED (SUBTITLE)
Of course.
They shake hands. Masan loads the guns into the back of
Mohammeds sportster.
INT. DESOLATE SHACK - NIGHT
The sportster pulls up to what would appear to be an empty
shack. Mohammed steps out of the car, he takes a quick sweep
around the house, looking for signs of life. He produces a
ring of keys and unlocks a squeaky door
He lugs the guns to the door and lays them just inside the
shack.
He closes and locks the door and then picks up the phone and
dials a number. It rings several times, then he hangs up.
He hops back in his car and drives down a dirt road. After a
few moments of silence, another car, much more clandestine
and worse for the wear pulls up.
Two bearded men, AZIZ and MAHMOUD exit the car and take a
moment to survey the area.
When they determine the area is clear, Aziz unlocks the door
and grabs both of the cases he hands one to Mahmoud. They
lie them on the hood of the car, open them and inspect the
various weapons in them.
AZIZ (SUBTITLE)
I should hope we will not be
working our way through security.
Otherwise we will need a lot more
bullets.
MAHMOUD (SUBTITLE)
I am sure if Mohammeds man is who
he says he is, he will know the
best way to skip past the front.
AZIZ (SUBTITLE)
I do not like relying on the word
of an American who will not be
there to keep it.
MAHMOUD (SUBTITLE)
You worry too much. In and out.
No more than three bullets.

17.

AZIZ (SUBTITLE)
I hope you are right, Ive grown
quite fond of my neck.
They lock the cases and throw them in the back seat.
INT. MOHAMMED AL-PISOS HOUSE - NIGHT
The plush elegance of the super rich stands out like a sore
thumb in what would be otherwise a war torn and destroyed
part of a major metropolitan area.
Its the kind of place where someone is likely to have a pet
tiger. Lush greenery, fancy furniture, fountains, the whole
nine yards.
Mohammed is reclined on a velvet sofa, with a hooka hose in
one hand and a beautiful woman in the other. He looks into a
lap top as part of a skype call.
MOHAMMED
We are ready, assuming your
information is not going to get us
killed.
A scrambled and indistinguishable voice.
VOICE (V.O.)
They will be at the hotel the
entire time. Between the
conference and the banquet, there
will be no need to trail anyone.
MOHAMMED
But, how many men with weapons, how
many cameras.
VOICE (V.O.)
If you have men who know the back,
he will only have two on the floor.
MOHAMMED
If they finger me, I finger you.
VOICE (V.O.)
That is, I suppose a risk we will
both have to take.

18.

EXT. TARMAC - NIGHT

Airforce One is being loaded by a number of AIR TRAFFIC
workers, two secret service men flank the president on both
sides.
A CROWD is barricaded off cheering him.
to his wife SYLVIA PIERCE.

The president turns

JOHN
Makes you feel like a Beatle, huh?
SYLVIA
Fairly certain you are far more
important.
JOHN
Blasphemy.
They share a laugh.

John turns to the crowd and waves.

INT. SYRIAN EMBASSY - NIGHT

A gala of sorts with DIGNITARIES and CONSULATES, a swirl of
suits and simple black dresses mingling with the nonchalance
of the self important.
The buzz is evident as President Pierce, stands from a table
at the front of the room. Pierce is grey haired with the
half smile only worn by those who have the weight of the
world on their shoulders.
Shadowing behind him are two secret service agents, BARRY
GIBBONS and Frank Samuels. The usual attire and stonewall
gesture adorns them.
Next to him is his wife and various Syrian statesmen,
including the president of the fledgling democracy, ANAS
HOUMAM, a young man trying his best to fit the pants of
someone formerly twice his age.
President Pierce clears his throat and the room silences.
JOHN
Didnt expect that to work so well.
Ah well, I suppose I would like to
thank everyone here for the hard
work weve all put in over the last
week. I know Mr. Houman is up for
the task, and I am eager to work
with you in making this beautiful
country whole again.
(MORE)

19.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Please know that we in America want
nothing more than to see Syria
stand as an example of the new
Middle East. Now then, shall we
eat.

Applause, whistles and some laughter as the president sits

down.
ANAS
Mr. President, youJOHN
Lets not be too formal Anas.
After all we are amongst friends.
ANAS
Okay, John. Please enjoy the
Baklava. The chef is amazing.
JOHN
I intend on it. Im really
starting to like it over here.
Definitely easier to get work done
than back home.
His wife nudges him.
SYLVIA
Dont scare him John.
JOHN
I wouldnt wish our congress on
anyone.
ANAS
I know everyone is ready for
change. Its been a long time
coming and you and General
Inglewood and everyone has been so
helpful.
JOHN
Hes Senator Inglewood now.
ANAS
Well send him my congratulations.
Shall we drink?
After moments of frivolity, music and lightheartedness the
party subsides, people leave and the president and his wife
are escorted by secret service out of the back of the room.

20.

INT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT

A decadent throwback to the more palatial past of a once
beautiful country. The president is escorted past BELLHOPS
and a CONCIERGE who smile, wave and snap pictures on their
phones.
INT. SYRIAN HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
The president removes his jacket.
hallway.

He peaks out into the

JOHN
Feel free to do this in shifts, no
need for both of you to not get any
sleep.
FRANK (O.S.)
Yes sir.
He closes the door behind himself and turns to his wife.
JOHN
Get some sleep, its a long day
tomorrow.
SYLVIA
This room is impressive, are you
going to snore?
JOHN
I still contend that I dont, ever
SYLVIA
Ill be in the other room then.
She kisses him on the cheek and opens a side door in the
suite.
SYLVIA (O.S.)
This place is so pretty.
She closes the door behind her.
EXT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT
As several employees walk out of the back of the hotel, a
handful of MEN dressed entirely in black slip in behind them.

21.

INT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT

Several guards stand near the front, there is one overlooking
the back exit. The men, including Mahmoud and Aziz, and two
other TERRORISTS.
AZIZ
The room with the camera bank is
this way.
They are feet from the man who is guarding the back exit.
Aziz flashes a grin and Mahmoud.
Mahmoud leaps and snaps the neck of the man, muffling his
mouth and dragging him into a closet.
None of the other guards react.
AZIZ
We should have five minutes before
they rotate shifts. You two
disable the cameras.
Two of the men in the party dart down the hall way, when they
reach the open area. They motion to the Concierge. There
are more than five agents in and around the lobby and
standing near the elevator.
The concierge walks to one of the guards and begins talking
his ear off. This causes serveral of the others to approach
him hastily.
By the time he relents surrounded by men with guns, the two
are down the hall.
INT. COMPUTER ROOM - NIGHT
A lone TECHNICIAN sits infront of a bank of computers
displaying floor after floor of nothing. On one of the
screens there are two guards near the elevator and two
standing in front of a large suite door.
One of the two men discharges a bullet into the back of the
Technician.
TERRORIST #1
He was one of us.
TERRORIST #2
I am not taking chances.
TERROIST #1
Rather murder your own people.

22.

TERRORIST #2
He is not my people.
Man #2 pulls the plugs from as many things as he can, and
watches as the monitors go dark.
He dials a phone and when it reaches the sound of a voice
mail he hangs up.
They drag the body out of sight and quietly walk out of the
room.
INT. HOTEL STAIRWELL - NIGHT
Aziz and Mahmoud have relocated the a stairwell and are
slowly making their way up the stairs. Azizs phone rings.
He looks at it, then hangs up.
AZIZ
Time to move.
MAHMOUD
Do you know how many men are on the
floor?
AZIZ
He assured me that protocol is two
in front of the door.
MAHMOUD
Seems a little loose for the most
powerful man in the world.
AZIZ
Just do as you are told.
move.

Lets

He opens a door from the stairwell out toINT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT
The two men move out into the hall. On one end are two
guards standing directly in front of the door. About half
way up next to an elevator are an additional two guards.
MAHMOUD
Only two.
AZIZ
Just wait.
He dials a number waits a moment and hangs up.

23.

Frank, the secret service agent, looks at his phone.

looks at Barry.

He

FRANK
Im going to step out, I gotta take
this call.
BARRY
Ill come get you if anything
exciting happens.
FRANK
Im sure itll be a slow night.
Damn.
BARRY
What?
FRANK
My phone is dying
BARRY
I can never plan far enough ahead
to get reception.
FRANK
You have to talk to the desk they
got me set up with some people.
BARRY
Oh yeah?
FRANK
Gimme ten minutes.
Frank walks down the hall. He hesitates looking back at
Barry, then proceeds forward. He approaches the two other
agents.
FRANK
Evening fellas, just stepping out
for a second to make a call.
Barrys got the door.
The two guards look at him, then produce a card and hand it
to Frank.
FRANK
How do you get this thing to work?
The two guards walk into the elevator. Frank presses buttons
and the door closes. During that brief second, Aziz and
Mahmoud run down the hall past the elevators and duck into a
small hallway.

24.

MAHMOUD
There is still the one at the door.

AZIZ (SUBTITLE)
Be quick about it.
Mahmoud cocks a silent pistol.

They peak around the corner.

Fifty feet from the stairwell is an unsuspecting secret

service agent.
Mahmoud pulls out his pistol and before the agent has time to
turn and look a single silenced round is discharged into his
head.
AZIZ(SUBTITLE)
No one else.
Mahmoud nods, he discharges a single round from a silenced
pistol into the agents head. They look back to the
distracted guards and slip in, with a key card from Aziz.
INT. SYRIAN HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
The sound of snores resonate loudly through the room.
MAHMOUD (SUBTITLE)
The wife?
AZIZ (SUBTITLE)
Leave her.
They creep to the bed of the sleeping President. Aziz rouses
him from his sleep. Startled he looks about, and comes to
focus on the silenced pistol in his face.
JOHN
WhatMahmoud silences him.
AZIZ
A message from a friend, it seems
your moment has passed.
Mahmoud discharges three bullets.
bedside.
They run out of the door.

They leave a note on his

25.

INT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT

When they step out they see the two guards running towards
them brandishing pistols.
GUARD #1
Check the eagle, check the eagle.
Guard #2 pulls out a radio. Frank looks at the potential
unfolding chaos. The two assassins look back at them and
pull out guns.
Frank opens fire, the assassins open fire, the guards try to
produce pistols but before they do, they are shot dead.
Frank takes a long look at the men.
FRANK
You have two minutes before I have
to kill you. Shoot me.
Aziz looks at him, wary.
AZIZ
As you wish.
He shoots Frank in the foot. He collapses in the hall.
two men dash to a window and shoot it open.

The

EXT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT

Below the two men three stories down are the others they
unbind a safety net. Both men jump instantly. They discard
the fire arms in the dumpster.
INT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT
Frank speaks into his radio the only man alive on the floor.
FRANK
Eagle is down, I repeat eagle is
down, the suspects have fled. All
points on the look out for a blue
sedan.
EXT. SYRIAN HOTEL - NIGHT
All of the men load up into a white van and drive off.

26.

INT. VICE PRESIDENTS MANSION - DAY

A grief stricken vice president, ARNOLD AMES,
by STAFF and a JUDGE.

is surrounded

JUDGE
Its important that we move this
along.
ARNOLD
I understand, I just need a second.
Its a lot.
JUDGE
I understand sir.
The judge produces a bible. Arnold puts his hand on it.
JUDGE
Repeat after me.
A Secret Service agent, STEVE TAYLOR, whispers in the vice
presidents ear, after listening to a report on his headset.
Now?

ARNOLD
Why now?

STEVE
Given the recent events I wouldnt
chance anything.
ARNOLD
We are going to have to put this on
hold for a while, everyone be safe
and follow the agents, stay calm
but someone has called in a bomb
threatGasps and panic.

Arnold raises his hand.

ARNOLD
We wont let them take this from
us.
STEVE
Sir follow me. Your family and
everyone else will need to go
separately.
Arnold nods solemnly.
ARNOLD
For the best.

27.

He is escorted by the Agent toEXT. VICE PRESIDENTS MANSION - DAY

The agent hurries Arnold along to a smaller unmarked
presidential detail car.
STEVE
Best to not travel in the usual
car, the threat was for the area
and your limo is quite
recognizable.
Arnold nods. The agent opens the door Arnold gets in and the
agent closes the door and taps the back twice.
The agent grimaces as he watches the car drive off.
INT. VICE PRESIDENTS CAR - DAY
Arnold is alone in the backseat of a Lincoln town car. There
is an armed SECRET SERVICE AGENT next to him and another
driving the car.
STEVE
Were going to take the long way to
the safe point.
ARNOLD
Im not entirely sure thatsProtocol.

STEVE
Now drive.

The DRIVER pulls out rapid.

INT. VICE PRESIDENTS CAR - DAY
Speeding down the highway, the car passes an exit.
ARNOLD
Isnt that theThe secret service agent elbows him sharply in the side of
the head, knocking him out.
No.

STEVE
Now be quiet a while.

After a mile or so the car pulls off the freeway and pulls
off the edge of the road into a secluded spot.

28.

The secret service agent produces a pistol and shoots both

the vice president and the driver.
STEVE
Sorry, Im not chancing my neck
for anyone else.
He gets out of the car, removes various pieces of
identification and leaves them in the car. He walks to
another car parked about five hundred yards from the other
and gets in a drives off.

INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY

There is a crowd of people surround PERRY MAXWELL, late 50s.
He is chubby with a bald spot, a blustering man with an
opinion about everyone.
Amongst those watching is a slightly younger man, in great
physical shape. CARMINE INGLEWOOD, 45, a man whose hand
shake is as firm as his pectoral muscles, a receding hair
line is the only thing betraying his age.
The two hold eye contact in a show down as a judge murmurs
through a swearing in proceeding where Perry holds his hand
over the bible.
PERRY
To uphold the office of the
presidency.
After some lack luster applause, Perry clears his throat.
One of the few cameras in the room focuses in on him.
PERRY
I realize I have inherited an
incredible burdon and challenge
after the tragic instances of
terrorism that have left us with
our two cheif executives
assassinated in a matter of days.
But I will stop at nothing to
continue both the tireless service
to the American people and the
quest to bring to justice any and
all who would seek to undermine
America.
After everyone clears out, Perry turns to Carmine.

29.

PERRY
Hold up a second.
Carmine turns to him.
CARMINE
Yes, sir?
PERRY
This is a lot I know. Im in the
same boat you are, and sure having
a Republican president and
Democratic vice president is
probably going to be- interesting.
CARMINE
To say the least.
PERRY
It is up to you and up to me to
prove to the rest of the world that
America is stronger than this mess
we are in.
He extends his hand to Carmine, who in a display of force
nearly crushes his hand with his grip.
CARMINE
Lets get some work done.
PERRY
Start with Syria, I understand you
have some clout with the region.
CARMINE
I was one of the chief commanders
involved in setting up the regime.
Theyve been very instrumental in
slowing down the rocket fire in
Lebanon and are even helping us get
to the table with Iran.
PERRY
And yet it was in their company
that our president was killed.
CARMINE
Before we press the button on
anyone, can we please allow the
situation to play out.
PERRY
Absolutely, but mark my words, I
will not look weak here.

30.

CARMINE
Do not take a chainsaw to solve
problems best suited for the
scalpel though.
PERRY
The public craves justice, so if a
little show of force is in order.
CARMINE
It is your administration, sir.
Carmine walks out.
INT. CHARLES CRASS OFFICE - DAY
CHARLES CRASS is a businessman in his late 60s, his leather
skin the shade of bronze only bestowed upon the rich and the
laborer, he smokes a cigar and laughs.
CHARLES
I tell you what, you keep your
short game looking like that, Ill
keep skinning you alive on the back
nine every time, you son of a
bitch.
He laughs again.
CHARLES
If you want to talk shop you better
come ready to keep up. I dont do
business with someone who slices
like that.
He laughs again.
CHARLES
Sure thing buddy. I know were
trying to push some paperwork
through on the hill so that we can
move into production. Give me a
week, we can talk again.
He hangs up the phone. He twirls a pen around in his hand.
He presses the intercom.
CHARLES
Can you get Perry on the line.
SECRTARY (V.O.)
You would like me to direct dial
the white house?

31.

CHARLES
Do you not have his private number?
SECRTARY (V.O.)
I believe that was cancelled.
CHARLES
Guess Ill have to make the trip
myself. Get the jet ready.
SECRTARY (V.O.)
Yes sir.
INT. SITUATION ROOM - DAY
Loosened ties and rolled up sleeves. Paper work spread
across the desk, a computer display on the wall has a map of
Syria.
In the room is Perry, Carmine and a GENERAL, 45 with the same
chiseled look of Carmine, a scowl plastered across his face.
Other OFFICERS and ADVISORS flank either side of them,
including MARK BRUTUS, Carmines number one, a young man with
the twinkle of ambition in his eyes. He hovers over
everyones shoulder constantly looking for a way to get a
word in.
PERRY
It is very important that we dont
walk away from this looking weak.
GENERAL
But we just dont have the
information to make a move yet.
PERRY
I kind of feel like if we walk out
of this week having not made some
sort of decisive action, this
government, our administration is
dead in the water. We are not war
mongers.
CARMINE
All due respect- Im sure that were
we to hang a straw man, being
called monger would be the least of
our worries.

32.

GENERAL
Everyone is on your side Mr.
President, we just dont want to
act. In fact most of the early
intelligence shows that it may even
be Syrian rebels who were to blame.
After a pause.
PERRY
My gut tells me now, a lot of your
career and his too rides on you not
putting into power the monsters
that killed the president.
CARMINE
Are you suggesting we would mislead
the public, and you to save our
skins.
PERRY
I can only imagine what the public
would cry out for if they found out
you were indirectly responsible for
the death of our president.
CARMINE
I really dont like what you are
suggesting.
PERRY
That a fact? Then do the right
thing, take action and distance
yourself from people you obviously
cannot trust.
CARMINE
I still think we should wait.
PERRY
Thats not your call to make.
Carmine throws his hands up in the air, flabbergasted.
CARMINE
Well then why even bother talking
it out. Just do the damned thing.
Perry stares him down, coldly.
PERRY
Anything else?

33.

CARMINE
Not if youre just going to ignore
council of people who have been
working on these issues for the
better part of the last decade.
PERRY
I appreciate your candor, and
believe me I understand the
delicate nature of the situation,
but the writing is on the wall.
The days of the Houman dynasty are
numbered.
Carmine begins to speak, but stifles what would probably be a
yell.
CARMINE
Its - Let me know what you need.
He straightens some papers and walks out.
PERRY
Anyone else?
Murmurs and whispers.
INT. WHITE HOUSE PRESS ROOM - NIGHT
Perry stands in front of a small crowd of reporters. In the
crowd is ABIGAIL INGLEWOOD, Carmines sister and a junior
reporter for a major syndication in Washington D.C. She is
young and pretty with thin lips constantly displaying a wry
smile.
PERRY
-Because you hit us when we werent
expecting it that you have somehow
won. It has been brought to my
attention that there is a real and
credible threat within the Houman
regime currently governing Syria.
Reporters jump up in a frenzy.
with a look of chagrin.

Perry motions to Abigail,

PERRY
Ill only take a couple of
questions, so Ms. Inglewood youre
up.
Abigail stands and straightens her dress.

34.

ABIGAIL
Are you implying that the
government supported and backed by
President Pierce, that was hand
picked and sculpted by our Military
is responsible for his
assassination?
PERRY
It is too early to point fingers,
but we are moving aggressively- and
thanks to sources in Syria, we have
credible information that seems to
be leaning that way.
ABIGAIL
Will you reveal thisPERRY
One question per person. But thank
youAnother REPORTER stands.
REPORTER
Yes IINT. ABIGAILS HOUSE - DAY
Abigail wears pajamas and drinks a cup of coffee watching the
morning news. The program goes on and on about the
presidents speech. She holds the same wry smile.
TELEVISION (O.S.)
-awaiting a statement from the Vice
Presidents office.
She picks up the phone, and turns down the volume on the TV.
Carm?

ABIGAIL
Hello?

INT. CARMINES OFFICE - DAY

Brow beaten and reviewing a pile of documents is a stressed
Carmine, he picks up his cellphone.
Hey, sis.
INTERCUT:

CARMINE
Nows not the time.

35.

ABIGAIL
Im just calling to see how you are
doing at the new job.
CARMINE
I know that tone, I dont have
anything for you.
ABIGAIL
What would make you think thats
why Im calling.
CARMINE
Thats about the only reason you
call.
ABIGAIL
Thats not entirely true. Plus
youre under a lot of stress, I
just wanted to see if you were- you
know okay.
CARMINE
For being a journalist youre a bad
liar. Ill tell you this much if
it will make you happy, neither I
or the president or anyone at the
joint cheifs had any reason to
suspect Houman or anyone in his
administration.
ABIGAIL
Now just go tell that to the press
and all of your problems subside.
CARMINE
I doubt it.
ABIGAIL
Whys that?
CARMINE
Wouldnt you like to know, for that
matter so would I.
ABIGAIL
Whats that mean?
CARMINE
I dont think hes going to stop
until he has someones head. And I
think hes already made up his mind
as to who that person is, whether
or not its the right person.

36.

ABIGAIL
Just keep your head down, dont get
tied up in the mess. I know he was
a friend of yours, but its not
worth the heart attack.
CARMINE
Or the treason charge.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY
Perry sits across from Crass.

Crass enjoys a cigar.

PERRY
Id tell you to put it out, since I
dont think youre supposed to
smoke in here, but I know you dont
give a damn.
CRASS
And Im pretty sure neither do you.
PERRY
That is neither here nor there.
How can I help you.
CRASS
Im sure you know pretty damned
well why I am here.
PERRY
To check out the office?
a house warming gift?

Bring me

CRASS
When have you known me to be the
house warming type.
PERRY
Look, fine. Its taking a little
longer than I had hoped. Hes not
quite on board, and I cant have
someone who knows people over there
making a stink. I mean god forbid
he talks to the wrong person.
CRASS
Turn the heat up then?
PERRY
How do you mean?

37.

CRASS
Make it uncomfortable for him.
Youve got all the kindling you
need, just let me know and Ill
make the call and before he wakes
up tomorrow everyone will be asking
a whole lot of questions about his
relationship with Houman.
PERRY
I suppose people are already
wondering.
CRASS
Leave nothing up to the
imagination, then when hes
scrambling offer him the only way
out.
PERRY
Do it, then.
CRASS
This will cost of course.
PERRY
Of course.
INT. NEWS ROOM - NIGHT
A well dressed ANCHOR sits behind a desk.
ANCHOR
Over the last twenty four hours new
evidence is coming out that
potentially links the vice
president Carmine Inglewoods
office to the now suspected cell of
terrorists operating within the
Houman administration that plotted
the assassination of former
president Pierce.
INT. MARK BRUTUS HOUSE - NIGHT
Mark smokes a cigarette exhaling out of a screen door. The
news plays. He types on a laptop, composing an e-mail. His
phone vibrates.
INSERT: TEXT ON PHONE - Carmine - Are you watching this???
He types into his phone.

38.

INSERT: TEXT ON PHONE - Its almost certainly Perry, Ill

make some calls. Lets talk tomorrow
Mark dials a number.
MARK
Hey. I need you to look into
something for me. I need you to
find out who is backing Perry in
all of this. Ill make it worth
your while.
INT. SMALL RESTUARANT - NIGHT
Mark sits alone in a casual restaurant.
approaches him.

A WAITRESS

WAITRESS
Are you ready to order?
MARK
Just water is fine.
He considers for a moment.
MARK
How about scotch?
scotch?

Do you have

WAITRESS
This is a family restuarant sir.
We have some domestics on tap
though.
No thanks.
someone.

MARK
Im waiting for

A smoking hot young woman with brown hair and a slender

figure walks into the restuarant clutching a manilla envelop.
HARRIET TENSIA speaks to a HOSTESS briefly who points to the
table that Mark sits at.
She stands above him.
HARRIET
Are you going to eat?
MARK
Id rather choke myself.

39.

HARRIET
Fair enough. Here.
She hands him an envelop.
MARK
Break it down for me?
HARRIET
Charles Crass. Hes directly in
charge of Crass Corp, basically the
newly appointed largest weapons
manufacturing company supplying
arms to the United States and most
recently parties in Syria.
MARK
Parties?
HARRIET
Specifics were blacked out in what
I could find, but destinations were
evident.
MARK
So this is his man?
HARRIET
And hes got a lot of friends in a
lot of places. Including major
media outlets.
Huh.

MARK
Good to know.

HARRIET
So, worth my while?
MARK
How about a chicken fried steak?
HARRIET
Youre hilarious.
MARK
What, money?
HARRIET
I dont need your charity.
in on the administration.
MARK
I cant put you on paper,
considering your record.

I want

40.

HARRIET
Well let me do your dirty work.
Im tired of tabloids and table
scraps.
MARK
Youve got my word, Ill be in
touch with you. But please take
this as a sign of faith.
He hands her an envelop filled with cash.
stuffs it in her purse.

She sighs and

INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY

Perry signs some documents squinting down a pair of reading
glasses.
His office phone rings.

He presses a button.

SECRETARY (V.O.)
Are you ready for your statement.
PERRY
Im still working. Can you send
Albert to comment. Maybe get me a
one on one with someone later this
week.
SECRETARY (V.O.)
Anyone specific?
PERRY
Put me on with the Inglewood girl.
SECRETARY (V.O.)
Yes, sir.
INT. NEWS STUDIO - DAY
Two chairs and cameras pointed opposite directions. Fake
trees and plants give the room the ambiance of intimacy set
in a gigantic open spaced studio.
Abigail Inglewood sits across from the president.
ABIGAIL
Thank you for agreeing to speak
with us.

41.

PERRY
With you. I want to make sure
everyone is on the same page.
ABIGAIL
Im not going to leverage him.
PERRY
Journalistic integrity would have
you not do such a thing.
ABIGAIL
You really have a way with words.
PERRY
And your work speaks for itself.
dont care who your brother is.

ABIGAIL
Dont be coy with me.
Perry coughs.
ABIGAIL
Mr. President.
PERRY
Its good politics. I want this
thing over too, its not good for me
to have him mired in controversy.
ABIGAIL
Look, I know youre playing an
angle. Trying to throw some weight
around, I also know hes not the
kind of guy to buckle, nor the kind
of guy to back terrorists.
PERRY
Then lets make this peaceful. And
who knows, if this goes well maybe
I can help you make a name for your
self on keeping the executive
branch open to the public.
Abigial squints, considering the implications of the
proposal.
A DIRECTOR interrupts their conversation.
DIRECTOR
You guys ready?
Abigail dons an ear piece.

42.

ABIGAIL
Any questions about the material?
PERRY
Nice and easy, and no one gets
hurt.
INT. CARMINES OFFICE - DAY
Mark paces back and forth in front of a seated Carmine.
MARK
You cant say nothing.
CARMINE
He seems like hes got something up
his sleeve.
MARK
Talking to your sister.
know what he wants.

I dont

CARMINE
Heart strings. You know and I know
Houman and his people didnt kill
Pierce.
MARK
But the rest of the world has
wrinkled brows when you try that
line.
CARMINE
So hang the man who made my career
on a lie.
MARK
Or yourself.
After a long silence.
CARMINE
Fine. Get me in with him tomorrow.
MARK
One thing you should know.
CARMINE
Whats that?

43.

MARK
Hes working pretty close with
Crass Corp and got a lot of his
money for his last race from
Charles Crass. So, hes gonna want
to push for conflict cause more
conflict means more gun sales,
means more money for the people
hes backed by.
Huh.

CARMINE
Howd you find that out?

MARK
I have your back. Its one of
those the less you know situations
though.
CARMINE
Fair enough. Im already marred in
the abetting terrorist bush, might
as well not get stuck in the
espionage against the president
party.
MARK
Not sure how you went from a bush
to a party, butCARMINE
You get the idea. Thanks for the
heads up, Ill try to fish
something out of him though. I
think we can still all be on the
same side on this one.
INT. PERRYS OFFICE - DAY
Perry is on the phone.
PERRY
I think you were right about this
one. I know you are right about
everything, but hes gotta be
squirming now. Did you see the
piece on the twenty four hour? Not
even your people and they are
asking all the right questions.
INT. CHARLES CRASS OFFICE - DAY
Charles smokes a cigar and speaks to Perry on speaker.

44.

CHARLES
Dont alienate him though.
the good guy here.

Youre

PERRY (V.O.)
Right. I got a few meetings, gotta
check the books. Talk next week
once the boy buckles.
INT. PERRYS OFFICE - DAY
A knock on the door cuts Perrys phone call short. His
SECRETARY peaks her head in when he beckons her with
something like a grunt.
SECRETARY
The vice president is here.
PERRY
Is he on the docket?
SECRETARY
No sir, but he claims its urgent.
PERRY
Send him in.
He mutters to himself.
PERRY
Put this thing to bed sooner than I
thought.
He stands, brushes his suit down, picks his teeth and coughs
as he heads to the door.
Carmine lets himself in. After a brief and volatile silent
stand off, the two shake hands.
PERRY
Have a seat. Wasnt expecting you.
CARMINE
I wanted to see how the news landed
on you. Ive really no idea where
all this mess is coming from.
PERRY
Suppose you can never know a person
completely.
CARMINE
You talking about Houman?

45.

PERRY
I wont play games with you. I
dont think you are of the mind to
play games on this one. Its time
to put the blame on someone, and
clear the collateral damage and
start over.
CARMINE
You seem to be holding some cards
Im not privy to. I think you
would get a lot more support from
myself and the hillPERRY
What more proof do you need than a
dead man surrounded solely by his
own men and those of Houman.
CARMINE
There are more forces than the
Syrian government pulling strings.
A three year civil war and an
exiled despot doesnt exactly make
things crystal. You are completely
ruling out Al-Hasmudi and well
anyone associated with Assad based
on what?
PERRY
Why would you bring Al-Hasmudi into
this conversation. They have been
all but nonexistent for several
years.
CARMINE
Silent is not non-existent.
Besides they supported Assad and
when they saw it a losing battle
put all their resources into
Lebanese organizations. They are
still very relevant in local
politics. Ask any Syrian who he
thinks the real power player is
hell point to AlPiso long before
Houman.
PERRY
I think youre just making a stink
because you dont like being wrong.

46.

CARMINE
Give me one shred of proof, one
scrap, and I walk away from this
office with my name behind anything
you want.
PERRY
Im pretty certain I dont need
your name on anything. If you
recant on Houman, you may still
have a neck though.
A long palpable silence.

Carmine starts to walk out.

PERRY
Ill give you forty eight to think
about it. At this rate they may
eat you alive anyway.
When Carmine nearly slams the door behind him, Perry picks up
the phone.
Charles?

PERRY
Burn him alive.

INT. NEWS ROOMS - VARIOUS

A rapid fire series of scenes. Different reporters in
different studios all talking about Carmine Inglewood and
Anas Houman.
SERIES OF SHOTS
1 - A female REPORTER sits at a desk
REPORTER #1
Houman is being directly tied to
the assassination of the president.
2 - A male REPORTER stands in front of an infographic
REPORTER #2
Appointed as the first leader of a
free Syrian democracy, vetted by
military leaders including General
Carmine Inglewood.
3 - An older REPORTER rages nearly red in the face.

47.

REPORTER #3
And if you think for a moment this
was not a deliberate move to weaken
America by giving control of a
whole regime to a known terrorist4 - A young hip REPORTER adjusts his glasses.
RERPORTER #4
It seems as though all the signs
point to the involvement of the
Houman administration, raising a
number of questions on what General
Inglewood knew.
5 - A reporter interviews an older WOMAN
WOMAN
If Vice President Inglewood doesnt
make his position clear soon
enough, hell be in some hot water.
INT. ABIGAILS HOUSE - NIGHT
Abigail sits across from a brow beaten Carmine.
ABIGAIL
You really how dangerous it is for
both of us that you are here.
CARMINE
Not much choice right now.
ABIGAIL
I told you to just let it go.
CARMINE
Do you understand what that means?
It means war, more death, just the
end of anything we worked for in
that region, because hes got
someone making a stink about an
accusation he has no facts to back
up.
ABIGAIL
We do not need facts to go to war.
CARMINE
Oh how I wish that were not true.
ABIGAIL
Its your neck or his.

48.

CARMINE
I am not in the business of
crucifying innocent men.
ABIGAIL
Do you want to be remembered as the
man who plotted the death of the
president with terrorist leadership
or the man who saved the world from
Muslim extremists.
CARMINE
When either of those things happen,
let me know.
ABIGAIL
Far too often are the facts
dictated by the feelings of those
who remember them.
CARMINE
A shame the feelings of those who
remember, are so easily strung like
marionettes by the deft hands no
one sees.
A long silence.
ABIGAIL
On the bright side, with a few
choice phrases, and a few bold
actions, you are the hero again.
Do you honestly think Maxwell has
the first clue about how to fight a
war.
CARMINE
Im certain he has the first clue
on how to get guns.
ABIGAIL
How do you mean?
CARMINE
A friend of a friend followed his
money. Hes in the pocket of
Charles Crass.
ABIGAIL
The arms manufacturer?
CARMINE
Everyones a winner when you go to
war.

49.

ABIGAIL
Everyone but Houman.
EXT. VICE PRESIDENTS MANSION - DAY
Still somewhat unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the
building, Carmine makes his way through the front door, where
he is swarmed by REPORTERS.
REPORTER #1
Do you have a statement regarding
your relationship with Houman?
REPORTER #2
Were you aware of any imminent
danger leading up to the
assassination?
REPORTER #3
Do you feel responsible for the
death of the president because of
your putting a terrorist in charge
of a rouge nation.
This causes the otherwise stoic Carmine to pause. The blood
pressure raises through roof, his veins looking like they may
burst.
CARMINE
You better take that god damned
question back before I give it back
to you down your fucking throat. I
mourn the loss of the president
like the rest of the country, he
was my friend. For that matter so
was Houman.
The reporter begins to busily scribble. Carmine rips the
paper out of his hand and shoves him back.
REPORTER #3
Oh youre in deep shit now buddy
boy.
CARMINE
Dont test me, son.
The reporter backs off licking his wounds. Carmine gets into
the car. Reporters attempt to swarm yet again with a barrage
of photos as agents force them back and the car speeds off.

50.

INT. TONYS APARTMENT - NIGHT

Tony stares into the camera, blinking silent, there is no
backdrop.
TONY
Im sorry for the lack of
preparation, but I feel like
photoshop generated backdrops dont
do justice to tonights Public.
Its been four days since we
learned of the Presidents
assassination. And for once I feel
like I might have been wrong. As
you know, Ive been very critical
of Anas Houman, because it seems
like hes just a puppet of
something much worse, now FNN and
the rest of the right are saying
this very thing. The country is
thirsty for a head and it looks
like it might be his. That being
said, Im starting to think this
goes deeper. Heres a little sound
byte of Gigi Mitchells.
GIGI (V.O.)
Were mad as a hell and ready for
war. We know its you president
Houman. And our President Perry
Maxwell will stop at nothing to get
your head.
TONY
You may think Id be ecstatic,
finally the mainstream agrees with
something Ive been saying, sadly
based on the fact that Ive been in
opposition to them for so long, Im
starting to wonder if maybe I
didnt look hard enough into this.
That is why dear public, that I am
taking tonight to say I dont think
Anas Houman killed President John
Pierce, and it would be a fools
wager to trust anything anyone at
FNN says about this issue. I have
nothing to support the claim, but
my hunch is Al-Hasmudi will come to
power shortly after they serve up
Houman on a silver tray, and well
get to see who really pulls the
strings over there.

51.

He sighs and clicks off his camera.

INT. VICE PRESIDENTS OFFICE - DAY

An eerie silence held between Mark and Carmine. The only
noise is the drone of the TV, any station you flip has
Carmine in various states of rage.
MARK
This- is not good.
A long and painful silence.
CARMINE
Tell me what you think I should do.
MARK
Whether you want to or not, you
have to condemn him. Do what you
feel you have to do to make
penance, but youve got to do it
now.
CARMINE
You know when I die, and have to
look back at the summation of all
thats gone here, I know deep down
I will remember this as the most
powerless I have ever felt.
MARK
Its a shit sandwich sir.
CARMINE
I need to tell him its coming.
MARK
I would be very careful about that.
CARMINE
At the very least, let him save his
family, have their assets
protected.
MARK
Do what you feel is right, but put
it out there that hes public enemy
number one or whatever phrase they
want to spin about it. I will get
you ready to come out ahead in
this.

52.

CARMINE
Hows that?
MARK
We know why Maxwell is eager for
this, if we track his movements,
wait for him to get greedy, then
you can string him up, down the
road for being a war profiteering
blunderbuss, who is no more
interested in the preservation of
sanctity of the American way of
life than that of Al-Hasmudi.
CARMINE
You do what you have to do. Dont
get me tied up in it. If you will
excuse me, I have a phone call to
make.
MARK
Use this phone, its one of my
burners.
He produces a cheap cellphone sets it on Carmines desk.
CARMINE
Thank you.
Mark walks out of the room. Carmine examines the phone and
dials a long string of numbers.
INT. SYRIAN PRESIDENTIAL PALACE - NIGHT
Out the window the war torn wasteland has an air of peace, a
tension fills the room as Anas paces back and forth while
several ADVISORS try to get a word in.
ANAS
I dont get it.
ADVISOR #1
They need someone.
ANAS
I have been nothing but helpful.
can give them Mohammed Al-Piso.

ADVISOR #2
I doubt anyone over there has half
the mind to listen.
A phone rings, an advisor answers it.

53.

ADVISOR #3
Sir, its General Inglewood.
ANAS
Will you all excuse me.
They file out as he picks up the phone.
INT. VICE PRESIDENTS OFFICE - DAY
Carmine has cleared a spot on his desk, one which he now
sits. He has loosened his tie completely, alone in his
office.
He speaks hesitantly into the phone.
CARMINE
Anas?
INTERCUT LOCATIONS AS NEEDED:
ANAS
Hello, general.
CARMINE
I suppose youve been keeping up
with whats been going on.
ANAS
Rebels with ties to foreign money
kill your president in my back
yard, and nowCARMINE
Now they need someones neck.
ANAS
You have to know deep down
somewhere that it wasnt me, it
wasnt any of my people.
CARMINE
Even if I told you yes, even if I
knew it was Al-Hasmudi, even if I
told you Im sure there is some
American money from god knows what
special interest group, I cannot
change the mind of the people, I
cannot woo the public when there is
already a machine that has decided
for them how to think, I cannot do
a god damned thing to save your
life except to tell you to run.
(MORE)

54.
CARMINE (CONT'D)
Maybe on the other side of this,
once Perry Maxwell has completely
flattened out Syria, if you can
stay alive in Turkey or somewhere,
where you have a safety net, maybe
I can have you exonerated once we
dig a little deeper. For now my
friend, I have to play ball, Im
sure youll see enough in the next
few days. But, I want to tell you
now, that I am doing what is in the
best interest of the country-

ANAS
I assume you mean the best interest
of your neck.
Carmine is silent.
ANAS
I understand you. Do not mistake
me there. Self preservation above
all else, and I can see the future.
My people will die, your people
will die. But you, you will be
able to live on in your pretty new
mansion, suckling off the teet of
that pig you call a president.
CARMINE
I gave you the courtesy to let you
know. I go on television tomorrow,
and in forty eight hours, Marines
will break through the ceiling in
your house, shoot through everyone
and try to find you. So leave, get
out. And when the dust settles and
he has worn himself out, and
America feels like they have done
enough damage for retribution, I
can start dealing with the real
enemy, and believe me I will need
your help to do so.
ANAS
You are asking a lot.
CARMINE
It is the only way.

I am sorry.

INT. CARMINES OFFICE - DAY

He hangs up the phone.

He buzzes his secretary.

55.

CARMINE
Put me on with a couple of people
this weekend, and tell the
president I want the podium. He
knows no one bites unless I
legitimize it.
SECRETARY (O.S.)
Yes sir.
Carmine sighs.
INT. PRESS ROOM - NIGHT
Carmine stands in front of a podium with a logo reading The
Office of the Vice President
CARMINE
I stand before you tonight, like so
many, still in shock and grieving
the loss of a great American
leader, at the hands of a ruthless
enemy who will stop at nothing to
watch the United States crumble. I
am also here to serve as a reminder
that though you may have watched us
weaken, you may have laughed at the
struggle we underwent, but now with
the power of the full support of
the American people, myself and our
dedicated president, are ready to
take steps to crush the enemies in
Syria who think they may have won
some sort of victory. Anas Houman
your days are numbered, and know
that though you may have brought
darkness and momentary weakness to
your enemy, we will rise and we
will take vengeance, and you will
know that the United States of
America has no compunction for
terrorists and extremists who seek
only to destroy. I hope you pray
to your god for mercy, because I
know we will have none for you.
Good night and God bless America.
He walks off as reporters jump to their feet trying to ask
questions.

56.