Ameristan
Written by Charles Welty
Registered WGAw #1012556
ACT ONE
BLACK SCREEN. We HEAR the O.S. ARABIC MORNING SALATU-L-FAJR
or "Call to Prayer" as a SUPERED TEXT CRAWLS UP THE SCREEN:
In June of 1991, Siraj Wahaj, an
African-American convert to Islam
and a recipient of the American Muslim
Communities' highest honors, delivered
the daily prayer at the U.S. House
of Representatives.
Citing the Qur'an, Wahaj prayed that
the "Almighty" would guide American
leaders and "grant them righteousness
and wisdom".
HOLD FOR A BEAT as the text crawls off the screen, then we...
FADE IN:
1 EXT. AL-FAJIR MOSQUE -- EVENING 1
ESTABLISH the modern mosque. SUPER TEXT: Al-Fajir Mosque,
Houston. We might as well be in Medina, except for the
AMERICAN CARS in the parking lot. We HEAR the O.S. SOUNDS OF
TRAFFIC. LOSE SUPER, then we CUT TO:
2 INT. AL-FAJIR MOSQUE -- EVENING 2
MUSLIM MEN are kneeling in prayer. In unison, they move from
their kneeling positions and then sit as ABU KAREEM steps
INTO THE SHOT. He wears a small lapel microphone as he speaks.
KAREEM
My friends. My... Muslim friends. I
have been asked to speak today on
Islam and America.
INTERCUT, as Kareem speaks to VARIOUS MUSLIM MEN who are
listening to the speech. Some of the MUSLIM MEN listen with
skepticism. OTHERS listen impassively.
TOWARD THE BACK, the MUSLIM WOMEN listen from behind an
articulated partition, as all mosques are segregated by sex.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
America, my friends, is the last
challenge for the one true faith.
Kareem pauses, looking around the room at his listeners.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 2.
2 CONTINUED: 2
KAREEM (CONT'D)
What do we see... all around us...
if not lawlessness, immorality, and
disorder? Where does this come from,
if not from a heretical disregard of
Sharia, our sacred Islamic law?
Kareem steps to one side. He pulls out a penny.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
Look at this coin. An American penny.
(looks closely at coin)
What does it say, right here?
(points to coin, reads)
In God we trust. Really? Whose God?
OUR CAMERA comes to rest on TARIG SAEG, handsome, mid-30's,
dressed like a businessman, but not one you would recognize
as a radical Islamist. Kareem continues as Saeg considers
what Kareem is saying.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
God is not allowed... in the
classroom. God is not allowed... in
the courtroom. God is not allowed...
in the city hall. And God is not
allowed... in the Congress, in the
Senate, or even in the local school
board. And I ask myself... Why?
Kareem shuts his palm around the coin.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
To us, the answer is simple. The god
of America is not the god of Islam!
(holds up the coin)
It is not the powerless god of the
Jews that America needs. America
needs... Allah!
The MUSLIM MEN around Saeg WALLA their agreement.
KAREEM continues, still holding the coin.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
If only we Muslims were more clever
politically! We should be running
for every school board, for every
mayoral race, for every state senate
campaign...
SAEG listens to this with caution as Kareem continues.
(CONTINUED)
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Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2) 2
KAREEM (O.S.) (CONT'D)
...and for every state assembly race.
At the national level, we need
candidates for every congressional
contest. And we need to enter every
U.S. Senate race.
KAREEM pockets the coin.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
United, we can legally take over
these "united" states and replace
its constitutional government with a
new government... our own caliphate.
SAEG listens to this last statement with a look of surprise
on his face. Kareem continues to speak as Saeg listens.
KAREEM (O.S.) (CONT'D)
United and strong, we will elect our
own leader and give allegiance...
(his hand slowly moves
to his chest)
...to him.
(then, quickly)
And to Islam!
Kareem's gaze comes to rest on Saeg.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
You can take my word, the word of
Abu Kareem! If the eight million
Muslims now in America unite, we
won't have to pursue America.
SAEG reacts as Kareem speaks.
KAREEM (O.S.) (CONT'D)
With its crime, corruption, and out
of control society, my Muslim friends,
America... will come to us!
KAREEM looks over the assembled worshipers for a beat.
KAREEM (CONT'D)
We don't need bombs or bullets to
bring America to sharia! Ballots
will suffice!
He raises his arm with a now open palm and shouts...
KAREEM (CONT'D)
Allahu akhbar!
(CONTINUED)
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Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 4.
2 CONTINUED: (3) 2
Kareem, still holding his open hand above his head, slowly
closes his hand into a clenched fist again.
THE CROWD OF MEN stand. They begin to shout out "Allahu
akhbar!" with raised, clenched fists.
TARIQ SAEG stands, too, but his fist is not raised at first.
Gaining more confidence as the men continue to chant, he
raises his fist above his head, shaking it in time to the
chants.
KAREEM nods approvingly.
SAEG and the men around him continue to shout "Allahu akhbar!" -
in unison. We HOLD FOR A BEAT on Saeg's face, then we CUT
TO:
3 EXT. SAYHUT DESALINIZATION PLANT, YEMEN COAST -- DAY 3
ESTABLISH an enormous construction compound. SUPER TEXT:
Southern coast of Yemen, north of Sayhut.
Large EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT moves ACROSS THE FRAME. LOSE
SUPER as a LARGE STAKEBED TRUCK pulls INTO THE SHOT. We SEE
cases marked "C-4" and "For Construction Use Only." We SEE
the logo of "Bin-Salem Chemical and Construction Supply" on
the cases of explosives, along with a BIN-SALEM logo.
INTO VIEW -- A LARGE SIGN tells us the name of the project:
Sayhut Desalinization Plant. $10 Billion American tax dollars
at work.
On the sign is the photo of a smiling ALFORD DICKINSON and
with the enigmatic words "Ind-TX" and his name beneath the
full-color photo. (We will meet Dickinson later in our story.)
We also SEE the name "Bin-Salem Construction" on the sign,
along with a logo similar to the chemical logo we saw on the
cases of explosives. Beneath the logo are the NAMES OF THE
CITIES in the East where the Bin-Salem name is known: Riyadh,
Sanaa, Amman. Underneath these cities we SEE names more common
to the West: Berlin, London, New York.
INTO THE SHOT and BLOCKING OUR VIEW OF THE SIGN steps the
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN, wearing a metal hardhat over his Arab
headdress. He holds a small, remote-controlled detonator. He
YELLS in Arabic to a GROUP OF WORKERS wearing hardhats as
OTHER WORKERS in the b.g. scurry into a concrete-block
shelter. We SEE the subtitles in English.
FOREMAN
(in Arabic)
Inside! All of you! It is not your
time to meet Allah!
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 5.
3 CONTINUED: 3
We HEAR a CELL PHONE RING. The foreman pulls out his phone
and we WIPE TO:
4 EXT. BANQUE DE COMMERCE INTERNATIONALE -- DAY 4
ESTABLISH an enormous multistory glass office building. We
SEE the NAME OF THE BANK on a stone marque in front of the
edifice: Banque de Commerce Internationale, Amman, Jordan.
We HEAR the CELL PHONE as it CONTINUES TO RING O.S., and we
HOLD FOR A BEAT, then CUT TO:
5 INT. ALI BIN-SALEM'S OFFICE -- DAY 5
ALI BIN-SALEM sits in an enormous leather-backed chair in
his office in the Banque de Commerce Internationale. He faces
away from us. A large 3-panel computer display screen with
ARABIC FIGURES stretches across the right side of the desk.
Bin-Salem's arm reaches out from behind the leather chair.
The unseen bin-Salem lifts the receiver from the SPEAKER
PHONE from which the RING SOUND emanates.
We SEE an LCD readout on the phone: ENCRYPTION ENABLED. We
CUT BACK TO:
6 EXT. SAYHUT DESALINIZATION PLANT, YEMEN COAST -- DAY 6
The foreman speaks cryptically.
FOREMAN
(in Arabic)
Yes, Mr. bin-Salem. We're right on
time.
(listens for a beat)
The Star of Medina? Next Friday,
before dusk? Yes, sir, the "Light of
Allah" shipment will be on time.
(another beat)
Fine. I'm ready to make the connection
now.
(another beat)
Right away, sir.
The foreman lifts a small cable that hangs down from the
detonator and connects it to a port on the cell phone.
INSERT -- THE DETONATOR
We SEE the words "REMOTE ENABLED" on the LCD display panel
of the detonator. TWO NEW WORDS scroll across the LCD screen:
"ENTER PASSWORD".
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 6.
6 CONTINUED: 6
BACK TO SCENE
FOREMAN (CONT'D)
(in Arabic)
Ready, sir.
7 INT. ALI BIN-SALEM'S OFFICE -- DAY 7
THE HAND of the UNSEEN BIN-SALEM punches a series of buttons
on his desk phone, slowly spelling out the word "JIHAD": 5-4-
4-2-3. He holds for a beat, then punches the "#" button. We
CUT TO:
8 EXT. SAYHUT DESALINIZATION PLANT, YEMEN COAST -- DAY 8
FAVORING THE FOREMAN, who turns to see, in the b.g., an
ENORMOUS EXPLOSION that throws dirt into the air for a length
of about a half a mile.
Satisfied, the foreman TURNS BACK TOWARD CAMERA. He
disconnects the detonator from his cell phone.
FOREMAN
Success! Another kilometer of pipeline
can now be laid. Allahu akhbar!
The foreman closes his cell phone. He places the phone and
the detonator into his pocket as CLODS OF DIRT rain around
him. HOLD FOR A BEAT, then CUT TO:
9 INT. ALI BIN-SALEM'S OFFICE -- DAY 9
ALI BIN-SALEM spins slowly around in his chair so we can see
his face. We SEE an OMAR SHARIF TYPE, dark-skinned and wearing
a graying beard. Bin-Salem is dressed in the clothes of a
conservative Muslim. HOLD FOR A BEAT on his remarkably serene
face, then CUT TO:
10 EXT. BYRON MIDDLE SCHOOL -- MORNING 10
FROM a HIGH ANGLE, we ESTABLISH a typical middle school.
JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS move into the building. SUPER TEXT:
Byron, California.
CAMERA LOWERS as we LOSE SUPER and we FAVOR one particular
student, SANDRA EDMOND, 13 years of age, a slender brunette,
as she COMES INTO VIEW. We SEE EARRINGS hanging from her
pierced ears. A SMALL GOLDEN CROSS hangs from the lobe of
each ear -- modest, not ostentatious. She heads into the
building as OTHER STUDENTS greet her ad lib. She is a popular
student.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 7.
11 INT. BYRON MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM -- MORNING 11
A Social Studies teacher, MR. ABENDROTH, is posting a large
poster that features the Islamic symbol, a crescent moon, to
a bulletin board as the last of the STUDENTS enter the room.
The BELL RINGS indicating that class is in session as Sandra
slips into her seat.
ABENDROTH
Today we begin our studies of one of
the world's great religions -- Islam.
Abendroth slides a copy of the California middle school
history textbook Across the Centuries onto Sandra's desk.
ABENDROTH (CONT'D)
As an added part of your studies, I
am assigning what's called an
interactive role playing module.
From the beginning of this lesson,
you and your fellow classmates will
become Muslims.
(off Sandra's look of
shock)
Well, not actually. It's just a...
game. Your assignment is to study
the material, then write an essay on
what Jihad means to you.
SANDRA raises her hand, already uncomfortable with the
assignment.
SANDRA
(shaking her head)
Mr. Abendroth...?
ABENDROTH sees the cross earrings dangling from her ears. He
looks at her coldly.
ABENDROTH
Sandra Edmond... am I going to have
trouble with you?
SANDRA looks uncomfortable for a beat, then we CUT TO:
12 EXT. U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING -- DAY 12
ESTABLISH the capitol building. We SEE the American flag
flying proudly from its place on top of the triangle-shaped
portico at the front of the building. We HEAR the SOUNDS of
DOZENS OF MOTORIZED CAMERA SHUTTERS and the O.S. AD LIB CRIES
of "Congressman Dickinson!" by the REPORTERS. HOLD FOR A
BEAT, then CUT TO:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 8.
13 INT. CAPITOL HALLWAY -- DAY 13
Dozens of REPORTERS, some with VIDEO cameras, some with FLASH
CAMERAS, and others with MICROPHONES, all try to get a piece
of the action as ALFORD DICKINSON, mid-40s, tall, craggy
good looks, moves down the hallway. The two REPORTERS closest
to Dickinson move aggressively to question him. DARRYL HARB,
a field reporter for the Internet World News, is one of the
two reporters. BECCA JESSON, mid-30s, blonde, with CNN, is
the other. Harb gets to Dickinson first.
HARB
Congressman Dickinson!
Dickinson points to Harb. Jesson and the other sharks relent.
HARB (CONT'D)
As committee chairman, you pushed a
compromise bill through the House
that virtually guarantees a student
exchange program between the U.S.
and the Muslim nations that hate us.
Given the attitude of these countries
toward America, do you really think
your exchange program is such a good
idea?
Dickinson stops. The entourage stops. Dickinson looks Harb
over for a moment.
DICKINSON
Harb, is it? Mr. Harb, how do you
expect these countries to change
their attitudes unless we let their
young people come and see for
themselves what we are all about?
HARB
Congressman, what if the students
they send aren't really...?
Dickinson points to Jesson, ignoring the rest of the question.
DICKINSON
Miss Jesson. Nice outfit.
She doesn't let Dickinson's patronizing attitude faze her
one bit.
JESSON
Ms. Jesson. There's talk that you're
up for nomination as Speaker. Any
truth to that?
Dickinson looks her over as he did Harb, but he turns away
with a deprecating smile. Harb notices the slight and moves
in for the kill.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 9.
13 CONTINUED: 13
HARB
How about it, Congressman? You next
in line for the President's job?
DICKINSON
That's... out of my hands.
JESSON
You backed ten billion in loan
guarantees for the Sayhut plant in
Yemen, a country known for harboring
terrorists.
Dickinson finally takes Ms. Jesson seriously. He turns his
gaze back to her, irritated.
JESSON (CONT'D)
Isn't it true that Ali bin-Salem's
conglomerate is the primary
beneficiary of those funds?
DICKINSON
Ms. Jesson. Those funds were
appropriated with the full consent
of both the House and the Senate. If
you have a problem with any of the
appropriations, go see Senator Kennedy
or Senator Clinton. They're both on
the Senate Armed Services Committee.
(deprecating, points)
That's on the other side, Ms. Jenson.
Dickinson turns and heads into a committee hearing room as
Jesson steps aside.
JESSON
(mutters)
That's Jesson.
CHARLES, the SERGEANT AT ARMS, bars the reporters from
entering. Dickinson claps the Sergeant at Arms on the shoulder
a couple of times before he enters.
DICKINSON
Mornin', Charlie! How's the kids?
Without waiting for a reply, Dickinson heads into the room
as all of the reporters except for Harb disburse. Charles,
offended at the over-familiarity, expresses his disgust under
his breath.
CHARLES
(muttering)
It's Charles, you arrogant ass.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 10.
13 CONTINUED: (2) 13
JESSON hears this. Charles gestures, a tip of a non-existent
hat to Jesson. She shakes her head as she moves away.
HARB hears this, too. A soft smile crosses his face.
HARB
That for publication, Charles?
(gestures to Jesson)
Well, there's something the liberal
press and I can finally agree on.
CHARLES
(fingers to lips,
with a smile)
You after another Pulitzer, Mr. Harb?
(conspiratorial)
Unnamed sources on the Hill...
HARB
(interrupting)
Too late. No investigative prizes
for...
(pantomimes spreading
headlines on masthead)
Dickinson -- An Arrogant Ass.
(then)
It's common knowledge already.
CHARLES
(laughs, then a whisper)
I understand it's already on the
Congressional Record!
(conspiratorial)
Arrogant Ass Makes Speaker...
(louder)
Now there's a headline for you!
They both chuckle at the joke, as we HEAR the O.S. SOUNDS of
a SCHOOL BELL RING, then we CUT TO:
14 EXT. TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL, HOUSTON -- MORNING 14
ESTABLISH the modern facade of the Taylor High School in
Houston. STUDENTS enter and leave the main entryway as the
SCHOOL BELL RING CONTINUES from our previous scene. We HEAR
the O.S. VOICE of PRINCIPAL CASSIE NEELEY:
NEELEY
Ms. Fisher... a moment, please?
HOLD FOR A BEAT, then CUT TO:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 11.
15 INT. TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY -- MORNING 15
CASSIE NEELEY, mid-40s, conservative dress, a woman who has
been a school bureaucrat most of her career, flags down BOBBIE
SUE FISHER, 18 years old, a ditsy but striking blonde with a
figure to die for. As she is not one to take on any sense of
responsibility, Bobbie Sue is not happy to be the center of
Neeley's attention. She steps over to her as a BEEFY MALE
STUDENT wearing a Taylor Lions football jacket hurries past
her.
NEELEY
(to Eliot)
Mr. Eliot, this isn't a scrimmage
line.
Neeley signs some paperwork and hands it off to RICHARDS, a
school administrator, as Eliot slows to a walk.
NEELEY (CONT'D)
(to the administrator)
Three o'clock, Mr. Richards.
Richards takes the paperwork and turns away.
NEELEY (CONT'D)
I knew I could count on you.
(to Bobbie Sue)
A word with you, Ms. Fisher...
Neeley gestures to her office.
BOBBIE SUE
Ms. Neeley, I can explain...
NEELEY
That will do, Ms. Fisher.
Bobbie Sue steps over and enters the office. Neeley closes
the door behind her. In the b.g., Eliot speeds off down the
hallway as Neeley closes the door.
16 INT. PRINCIPAL NEELEY'S OFFICE -- MORNING 16
ESTABLISH. We SEE various AWARDS and DIPLOMAS on the wall.
Stacks of bureaucratic stuff on a very filled desk. Two
institutional CHAIRS in front of the desk. In one of them
sits a tall, handsome young man. This is SHAHID RACHMAN, who
is a few years older than Bobbie Sue. When he speaks, his
English often seems flawed. Shahid stands as Neeley makes
the introductions.
NEELEY
Allow me to present Mr. Shahid
Rachman.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 12.
16 CONTINUED: 16
SHAHID
I've come a long way to meet you.
BOBBIE SUE
(to Neeley)
Then, you're not here about the...
lunch thing? That newspaper
reporter...
SHAHID
Lunch thing?
BOBBIE SUE
(to Shahid)
Mr. Donahue, he got on my case about
our prayer...
NEELEY is not happy to hear this.
NEELEY
Newspaper reporter?
BOBBIE SUE
Took pictures and everything.
NEELEY
(sarcastic)
Good start, Ms. Fisher.
(then)
Mr. Rachman is our new exchange
student from Yemen. He's here on
that new Senate program.
SHAHID
A lunch prayer?
BOBBIE SUE
One of the teachers tried to stop us
from saying a prayer over our lunch.
NEELEY
Just doing his job, Ms. Fisher. Can't
have that sort of thing. Intimidating
the students. Pushing religion on
everybody.
BOBBIE SUE
He says it's gonna make the front
page.
Neeley shudders at the thought of it all.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 13.
16 CONTINUED: (2) 16
SHAHID
(big smile to Fisher)
This would not be allowed in my
country.
Neeley reaches over to her desk and pulls a file folder from
the mess of papers.
NEELEY
See? We have something in common.
SHAHID
You have... how do you say it? Leapt
to the wrong understanding?
BOBBIE SUE
Jumped... to the wrong conclusion.
What do you mean?
SHAHID
In my country, prayers are required
in school.
(to Neeley)
We pray five times a day.
NEELEY
Um-m-m. Well, we've got a long way
to go.
She hands the folder to Fisher.
SHAHID
Indeed... we have.
NEELEY
(to Fisher)
As much as I may disagree, your
parents' application for host family
has been approved. Shahid will be
your guest while he is here at Taylor
High for the rest of the school year.
(to Shahid)
It seems the State Department wants
you with us, Mr. Rachman.
Bobbie Sue squeals in delight.
BOBBIE SUE
Cool!
NEELEY
I've placed Shahid in all of your
classes. Please see that he is
welcomed like one of the family.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 14.
16 CONTINUED: (3) 16
BOBBIE SUE
Oh, I will.
(looks him over)
What does your family do for a living?
SHAHID
We herd goats.
(off Bobbie Sue's
reaction)
What does your father do for a living?
BOBBIE SUE
(after a beat)
He has a flock, too.
(off Shahid's reaction)
He's a minister.
SHAHID doesn't answer her for a beat.
SHAHID
This will be interesting.
BOBBIE SUE smiles. There's more there than curiosity and
hospitality.
MS. NEELEY smiles, too. A doubting smile.
SHAHID SMILES, a different type of smile. There's something
possibly sinister in his smile.
We HOLD FOR A BEAT on all three of them, then we CUT TO:
17 EXT. FISHER HOME -- MORNING 17
ESTABLISH a typical suburban tract home in the Houston metro
area. A study in contrasts with a Cadillac Escalade ESV parked
on the street and a Toyota Prius in the driveway. BIRDS are
CHIRPING as we HEAR the O.S. VOICE of PASTOR ROBERT FISHER.
FISHER (O.S.)
Well, you're up early.
HOLD FOR A BEAT, then CUT TO:
18 INT. FISHER KITCHEN -- MORNING 18
AT THE STOVE is ROBERT FISHER, mid-40s, conservative suit,
tie, white short-sleeved shirt. The man is dressed for church
and it's Sunday. In the f.g. are PLATES with UTENSILS and
NAPKINS for three, along with THREE GLASSES filled with orange
juice.
FISHER
Can I make you some breakfast?
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 15.
18 CONTINUED: 18
FAVOR SHAHID at a breakfast table without breakfast. We SEE
an old newspaper spread out on the table. Shahid is working
on a small, partly completed clay model of Michelangelo's
David, a miniature of what he will build life-size later in
our story.
SHAHID
Actually...
MRS. FISHER ENTERS, fastening an earring to her ear. She is
dressed in a light pink outfit. Skirt way past her knees, it
just screams mid-1980s style. Do they look like Baptists, or
what?
MRS. FISHER
Oh, don't bother, Robert. I'll do
that.
SHAHID gestures to the stove.
CAMERA FAVORS some COVERED PANS on the stove. Fisher lifts
one of the lids. We SEE scrambled eggs and grated cheese
under one lid. ANOTHER LID reveals some toasted, diced
potatoes.
FISHER
Why... thank you, Shahid! That wasn't
necessary.
BOBBIE SUE ENTERS. She wears jeans and a tight-fitting shirt,
an outfit that is definitely not out of the 1980s.
BOBBIE SUE
Any bacon, Daddy?
SHAHID
(beat)
'Fraid not.
FISHER
Bobbie Sue, Muslims aren't allowed
to eat pork. Or drink alcohol.
Bobbie looks at Shahid.
BOBBIE SUE
Oh. Sort of like Baptists and Jews,
huh, Daddy?
MRS. FISHER
Bobbie Sue Fisher!
SHAHID
No offense taken, Ma'am.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 16.
18 CONTINUED: (2) 18
Shahid continues working his model.
FISHER
What'cha makin' there?
SHAHID
A model... for the ... how you call
it? The All City Art Show.
BOBBIE SUE
O-o-o-o! How cool!
She saddles over and peers closely at the miniature clay
model.
BOBBIE SUE (CONT'D)
What's it gonna be?
SHAHID
David.
(off Bobbie Sue's
questioning glance)
Michelangelo's famous statue. I am
going to make my own full-size...
what's the word? Interpretation. Our
school... maybe win first prize.
Make big... impression! No?
(laughs)
MRS. FISHER takes a large serving spoon from a drawer.
BOBBIE SUE
All right, Shahid! Good choice! Who
says Muslim's don't like the Jews?
SHAHID's smile fades at this last remark.
MRS. FISHER dishes out the food onto the plates.
MRS. FISHER
You want to come with us to church
this morning? See how the other half
lives?
Shahid looks up from his work. He puts the clay aside and
wipes his hands on a piece of cloth.
SHAHID
(to Pastor Fisher)
I am... welcome at your American
church?
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 17.
18 CONTINUED: (3) 18
FISHER
Shahid, all sinners are welcome in
God's house. Especially at the
Overhill Baptist Church.
MRS. FISHER smiles as she dishes out the scrambled eggs.
PASTOR FISHER smiles.
BOBBIE SUE smiles.
SHAHID does not smile, as a raised eyebrow does the speaking
for him.
BOBBIE SUE grabs a NEWSPAPER from the counter. She SQUEALS
in delight.
BOBBIE SUE
Daddy, look! We made the front page!
Bobbie Sue pushes the newspaper over to her father.
CLOSE SHOT -- THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Sure enough, we SEE a COLOR PICTURE OF BOBBIE SUE and a GROUP
OF SIX NERDY STUDENTS seated at a lunch table. The picture
is obviously staged. Bobbie Sue's eyes are shut. Her hands
are folded in an exaggerated prayer stance. HOLD FOR A BEAT
so we can SEE the picture as we HEAR the O.S. VOICE of DARRYL
HARB:
HARB (O.S.)
Religion and politics...
We PULL BACK and we SEE that we are in...
19 INT. IWN NEWS ROOM -- DAY 19
CAMERA PULLS BACK and we SEE the PICTURE OF BOBBIE SUE on an
ENORMOUS HDTV COMPUTER MONITOR, which is on a high-tech stand
in the middle of a modern news rooms. THROUGH A WINDOW in
the b.g. we SEE the WASHINGTON CAPITOL BUILDING.
Harb holds a cup of coffee as his editor, BILLY EDWARDS,
late 40's and overweight, finishes up a phone call.
HARB
They're front page every day now, it
seems.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 18.
19 CONTINUED: 19
EDWARDS
(on phone)
I don't want to hear it, Sammy...
No, you tell 'em your editor said
"No!"
(beat)
Look, I'll spell it for you. N...
O... Capisce?
He hangs up without waiting for a response and turns to Harb.
We SEE a bookshelf behind him. One of the books is a QUR'AN
with a cover in Arabic. We barely notice as Edwards gets up
from his desk and addresses Harb.
EDWARDS (CONT'D)
Interns...
(glances at HDTV
monitor)
Yeah, well, maybe the Muslims are
right. They're inseparable.
This causes an eyebrow to raise on Harb's furrowed brow.
EDWARDS (CONT'D)
You covered the Lewinsky matter.
At this, Harb becomes defensive. He shakes his head.
HARB
Been there...
EDWARDS
Puh-leeze. The good ole boy, who
oughtta know'd better...
HARB
Done that!
Harb begins to search for something among the papers in the
file folder he holds.
EDWARDS
Does his Oral Office thing with the
young intern...
HARB
(still searching)
Don't wanna go there!
EDWARDS
Right wingers scream bloody murder
all the way to impeachment.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 19.
19 CONTINUED: (2) 19
HARB
(still searching)
Apples 'n oranges, Billy.
EDWARDS
Was it? So what happens?
HARB
Nothin'! Hot air and disappointment.
EDWARDS
Hardly "nothin'", Mr. Harb. A little
misdirection. Somalia and a couple a
dozen dead GIs. Clinton walks...
HARB
It wasn't a crime, boss.
EDWARDS
In whose eyes? Clinton walks, we
lose a couple a Blackhawks. Not one
fuckin' peep from the pulpits. But
the Muslims...
Edwards notices SHAWNA, a 30-something BLACK REPORTER, as
the PHONE RINGS on Edwards' desk. Shawna tosses a stack of
paperwork onto Harb's desk. She glares at Edwards and his
obscenity.
EDWARDS (CONT'D)
Oops. Frickin' peep. Sorry, Shawna.
(to Harb)
See what I mean?
The PHONE RINGS. Edwards picks up the phone and barks into
it.
EDWARDS (CONT'D)
Edwards! Talk to me!
(as he shuts the door)
I don't wanna hear it, Jimmie! You
track him down...
HARB picks up the papers Shawna has delivered.
HARB
And the rest, they say, is history.
She eyes a PHOTO on Harb's desk. She picks up the photo.
Shawna BRINGS THE PHOTO INTO THE SHOT. We SEE HARB, surrounded
by SAILORS dressed in naval uniforms of the Israeli Defense
Forces. Behind them is the CONNING TOWER of the INS LEVIATHAN,
an Israeli Dolphin class submarine with the number 5708
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 20.
19 CONTINUED: (3) 19
displayed on the tower. Next to Harb is the sub's COMMANDER,
who we will meet briefly later in our story.
SHAWNA (O.S.)
Speaking of history, you still stay
in touch with these guys?
HARB takes the photo from Shawna. He stares at it wistfully
for a beat as we OIL DISSOLVE TO:
20 EXT. BEACH -- NIGHT 20
There is NO MOON and a small rubber boat plows into the beach.
A team of SIX COMMANDOS, all in black, drag the rubber boat
onto the beach and bury it under some seaweed and driftwood.
The leaders step forward, pulling off their masks and
headgear. We SEE a young HARB and an IDF COMMANDER. This
second man is MOSHE. He speaks to Harb in Hebrew, pointing
to an objective that lies OUT OF THE FRAME.
MOSHE
(in Hebrew)
There!
HARB
(in Hebrew)
We're on it!
Two other commandos follow Harb OUT OF THE SHOT. Moshe
gestures to the remaining two commandos. They EXIT, moving
OUT OF THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE FRAME, and we DISSOLVE BACK
TO:
21 INT. IWN NEWS ROOM -- DAY 21
Harb puts the photo back from where Shawna had taken it.
HARB
Oh... now and then.
(looks through the
file)
Whadda ya got for me, Shawna?
Harb looks in the file, then turns back angrily to look at
Edwards. Harb pulls an AIRLINE TICKET from the file.
HARB (CONT'D)
Billy!
(to Shawna)
He wants me on the Fisher story.
(beats on Edwards'
door)
Billy! Open up!
Edwards ignores him. Harb pounds on the door.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 21.
21 CONTINUED: 21
HARB (CONT'D)
Come on, Billy! Open the damn door!
(off Shawna's arched
eyebrow)
Darn... darn door.
Harb looks at the ticket.
HARB (CONT'D)
I can always tell when Billy orders
a flight. He never gets e-tickets.
SHAWNA smiles.
SHAWNA
I hear there's no first class seats
from DC to Houston.
Through the glass door into Edwards' office, Edwards ignores
Harb as he continues to speak on the phone. Edwards extends
his middle finger to Harb.
HARB
No first class seats in there, either.
Shawna chuckles at this as we CUT TO:
22 EXT. SAEG'S CONVENIENCE STORE -- AFTERNOON 22
ESTABLISH a typical corner grocery store, like a 7-11, but
not a chain store. It belongs to Tarig Saeg and the SIGN
outside tells us so. We hear the O.S. SOUND of a CASH REGISTER
RINGING a sale, then we CUT TO:
23 INT. SAEG'S CONVENIENCE STORE -- AFTERNOON 23
Behind the counter is TARIQ SAEG, the Muslim man we saw in
the Al-Fajir mosque at the beginning of our story. He runs
the convenience store with a middle-aged MIDDLE-EASTERN WOMAN,
his wife. At the counter is Bobbie Sue Fisher. She hands him
some cash for some gum.
BOBBIE SUE
Hey, Mr. Saeg!
SAEG
Miss Fisher. Saw your picture in the
paper yesterday. Very... how do you
say it? Courageous.
BOBBIE SUE
Why, thank you, Mr. Saeg!
Saeg rings up the sale and hands her some change.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 22.
23 CONTINUED: 23
SAEG
You know, in my religion, we pray
five times a day.
BOBBIE SUE
I know, silly! We have a young man
staying in our home. Shahid is from
Yemen.
The name causes a reaction of surprise from Saeg, but Bobbie
Sue misconstrues this as interest in her faith.
BOBBIE SUE (CONT'D)
They let you pray in school there.
They won't let us do that here.
SAEG
Maybe you should stand up for what
you believe. Hire a lawyer.
Bobbie Sue barely thinks about this. Then she speaks in a
voice that reminds us of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the
Wind.
BOBBIE SUE
I'll think about that tomorrow.
Bobbie Sue takes her purchase and leaves. Puzzled, Saeg looks
at his wife.
SAEG
But... Shahid?
HOLD FOR A BEAT as they consider this. They know what the
name means. After all, they are Muslims. Then we CUT TO:
24 EXT. OVERHILL BAPTIST CHURCH PATIO -- DAY 24
FROM a HIGH ANGLE, we SEE a very LARGE BANNER stretched across
the patio. The banner proclaims "Overhill Baptist Church
Welcomes Scout Troop 714" and "New Members Eat 'n Greet". As
CAMERA LOWERS, we SEE OVER A HUNDRED PEOPLE, some in Scout
uniforms, lined up in the church patio, which is dressed
with dozens of tables and chairs.
A Boy Scout barbecue is in progress. Pastor Fisher and his
wife are serving, as is Bobbie Sue. Other SERVERS in Scout
uniforms man the serving table, too. Shahid scurries around
the area behind them.
As the CAMERA PASSES DOWN the line of congregants, we come
to local congressman Alford Dickinson, who is followed in
line by his obedient WIFE, ANGELA DICKINSON. Angela seldom
speaks and always appears a few steps behind her husband.
She wears a light scarf.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 23.
24 CONTINUED: 24
FISHER spoons some barbecue beef onto Dickinson's paper plate.
FISHER
Alford Dickinson! Always good to
welcome a member in good standing
here at the church! Keeping yourself
busy on the Hill, I hear.
DICKINSON
Always take time for faith and family.
Oughtta be a law. You remember my
wife? Say hello to Pastor Fisher,
Angela.
MRS. DICKINSON smiles shyly.
FISHER
(a nod to her)
Mrs. Dickinson...
MRS. FISHER
(sees her scarf)
Too chilly for you in the shade,
Angela? Shahid, can you set a place
in the sun for the Congressman and
his wife?
DICKINSON REACTS to Shahid's name.
DICKINSON
Shahid!? You are from...
SHAHID
Yemen. Pleased to meet you.
Shahid and Dickinson shake hands.
FISHER
Shahid is part of that new exchange
program Senator Kennedy put through.
DICKINSON
Ah... perhaps while you're here,
you'll take advantage of our Scouting
program.
BOBBIE SUE
(spooning out food)
They have a Muslim scouting program?
DICKINSON
Ah, Miss Fisher. Saw your picture in
the paper. Very... courageous.
A light comes on in Bobbie Sue's clue-less mind.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 24.
24 CONTINUED: (2) 24
BOBBIE SUE
Hey! Mr. Saeg said the same thing!
Do you think?
DICKINSON
M-m-m. And yes, they do have a Muslim
program. A very popular one.
(to Shahid)
I'll introduce you to the leader.
SHAHID considers this for a beat, then moves over to one of
the tables. CAMERA ADJUSTS. As Shahid, now in the b.g., pulls
a couple of chairs out for Dickinson and his wife, Fisher
offers Dickinson some potato salad.
DICKINSON acquiesces. Fisher spoons some potato salad onto
Dickinson's plate.
FISHER
What's this about Hastert retiring?
DICKINSON
Rumors on the Hill. They come and go.
FISHER
He's pushing seventy.
Dickinson smiles a practiced "No comment" smile. Fisher
doesn't push him.
FISHER (CONT'D)
Well, it's good to see you here on
the Sabbath.
DICKINSON
You know I've been taking Saturday
off for a number of years now.
OFF FISHER'S PUZZLED LOOK, the line moves forward and
Dickinson and Angela approach Bobbie Sue. She holds out a
large spoonful of beans to Dickinson.
BOBBIE SUE
Want some pork 'n beans, Mr.
Dickinson? Mama's family recipe?
Dickinson holds up his hand, stopping her.
DICKINSON
Pork? None for us, thank you.
(confidential whisper)
Special diet.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 25.
24 CONTINUED: (3) 24
BOBBIE SUE
(absent-minded wave
of her serving spoon)
Tell me about it. I could lose five
pounds.
But Bobbie Sue is as thin as a rail, and she poses for a
beat so we can't help but notice.
AT ONE OF THE TABLES, Shahid pulls out a couple of chairs
and offers them to Dickinson and his wife, in the b.g.
Dickinson smiles, accepting the offer. HOLD FOR A BEAT, then
CUT TO:
25 EXT. ISLAND OF SOCOTRA, OFF THE COAST OF YEMEN -- NIGHT 25
A 150-foot motor yacht lies at anchor in the Arabian Sea.
Modern. Twenty-five million dollars of the best yachting
experience money can buy. FROM A HIGH ANGLE, we SEE A
HELICOPTER PAD is at the stern and a CHOPPER is lifting off
from it, heading toward land. We SEE the name of the yacht
in the MOON LIGHT -- Star of Medina -- as we SUPER TEXT:
SOUTH COAST OF SOCOTRA ISLAND, YEMEN. We HEAR the O.S. VOICE
of a MALE CREWMAN speaking in Arabic over a LOUDSPEAKER:
CREWMAN (O.S.)
(in Arabic)
Captain Schlesser, to the bridge.
CAMERA PULLS AROUND THE SHIP and through the massive glass
windows of the bridge, we see the CREWMAN replace his
microphone as CAPTAIN SCHLESSER comes up from below.
26 INT. STAR OF MEDINA BRIDGE -- NIGHT 26
Schlesser is a German man with an uncertain background. He
is about sixty years of age with white hair and when he
speaks, it is with a German accent. Schlesser wears a dark
blue sea jacket.
Schlesser checks his wristwatch.
We SEE a peculiar electronic watch -- a VIGILANT RADIATION
DETECTION WATCH. The semi-circular radiation exposure
indicator on the face of the watch STEPS UP A NOTCH.
Schlesser smiles. He then steps away from the wheel. A
CREWMAN, all spit and polish, takes his place immediately.
Schlesser picks up a pair of IMAGE-STABILIZED BINOCULARS
from a small desk on the bridge. He looks through the
binoculars out to the moonlit sea, adjusting the focus wheel.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 26.
26 CONTINUED: 26
INSERT -- OPTICAL -- A MOTOR LAUNCH
INTO FOCUS: A small motor launch approaches the Star of
Medina. In the moonlight, we SEE TWO MIDDLE EASTERN BOATMEN
at the front of the launch. Behind the boatman piloting the
launch is a large pile of wooden boxes covered by a tarp. An
ELECTRONIC READOUT in the viewfinder shows the distance
closing between the motor launch and the Star of Medina --
200 meters or so, 180 meters, 150 meters.
BACK TO SCENE
Schlesser pulls the binoculars from his eyes. He looks grimly
out to sea for a beat, then sets the binoculars down on the
desk.
Schlesser opens a drawer and pulls out a small detonator and
a remote control device. He examines them for a beat, then
places the devices into his jacket pocket. He speaks curtly
to the crewman at the wheel.
SCHLESSER
All stop!
CREWMAN
All stop! Aye!
As the crewman brings the yacht to a stop, Schlesser pulls a
SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL and a silencer from the drawer. He
screws the silencer onto the barrel.
The crewman at the wheel sees this. He shows no reaction.
SCHLESSER tucks the pistol behind his back and into his belt.
Schlesser's dark sea jacket hides the pistol from view as he
steps away from the desk. Schlesser heads out the doorway to
the deck.
27 EXT. STAR OF MEDINA DECK -- NIGHT 27
CONTINUOUS ACTION. Schlesser strides on to the deck and steps
over to the railing. In the b.g., the motor launch pulls up
to the side of the yacht.
WITH THE MOTOR LAUNCH
THE BOATMAN piloting the motor launch calls out to the crewmen
up on deck.
BOATMAN #1
Star of Medina!
TWO CREWMEN step over to the railing as the SECOND BOATMAN
throws up a tie line.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 27.
27 CONTINUED: 27
THE FIRST CREWMAN catches the tie line and pulls the bow of
the motor launch up to the side of the yacht.
THE SECOND CREWMAN catches a second line and pulls the stern
of the motor launch to the side of the yacht.
SCHLESSER peers over the side of the yacht, looking into the
motor launch. He reaches into an inside pocket and pulls out
a pack of cigarettes. He takes out a cigarette, lights it,
and exhales impassively as he watches the boatmen unload the
cargo.
IN THE MOTOR LAUNCH
The first boatman rips the tarp off the cargo that lies on
the deck of the motor launch, exposing FIFTY or so SMALLER
BOXES and one other LARGE WOODEN CRATE, somewhat larger than
a suitcase.
The boatmen begin to unload the boxes, handing them up to
the yacht crewmen. As one of the crewmen takes one of the
boxes, we SEE the words "Modeling Clay" on the side of the
box.
As they continue to load the boxes, we DISSOLVE TO:
28 EXT. STAR OF MEDINA DECK -- LATER 28
Schlesser finishes his cigarette as the yacht's crewmen take
the last of the small boxes labelled "Modeling Clay" below.
The only items that remains on deck are the large wooden
crate, still draped with the ropes that the crewmen used to
bring it on board, and one of the boxes of modeling clay.
One of the boatmen calls up to Schlesser.
BOATMAN #1
(in Arabic)
His Excellency promised us a reward
for delivering this.
SCHLESSER
(German-accented Arabic)
Indeed, your reward from Allah shall
be very great.
Schlesser turns and flips his cigarette butt overboard.
SCHLESSER (CONT'D)
(German-accented Arabic)
Come on up. Your payment is ready.
The two boatmen from the motor launch begin to climb up a
rope ladder that is draped over the side of the yacht.
(CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 28.
28 CONTINUED: 28
As the first of the boatmen prepares to step onto the yacht,
Schlesser pulls his pistol and shoots him in the head. His
body drops into the water.
Schlesser looks down the rope ladder and takes aim at the
second boatman. He fires once. The second boatman drops into
the motor launch. Schlesser tucks his pistol back into his
waistband.
SCHLESSER (CONT'D)
Allahu akhbar.
Schlesser opens the box of modeling clay. We SEE a number of
bricks of a white, oily clay-like substance wrapped in a
clear plastic wrapper with the designator "C-4" on it. He
pulls the detonator from his pocket and removes a lead with
a short wire on it. He inserts the lead from the detonator
through the wrapper and into the brick of clay. He sets the
detonator into the box and closes it.
Schlesser steps over to the side of the yacht and drops the
box down into the motor launch. He pulls the rope ladder up
and then steps over to the bridge.
AT THE BRIDGE
Schlesser calls out to the crewman at the wheel.
SCHLESSER (CONT'D)
Full ahead!
CREWMAN
Full ahead! Aye!
WIDE SHOT
The Star of Medina pulls rapidly away from the motor launch.
In the f.g., the body of the boatman that fell into the water
SINKS SLOWLY OUT OF SIGHT as the yacht pulls away.
29 INT. STAR OF MEDINA BRIDGE -- NIGHT 29
Schlesser steps into the bridge and pulls a remote-controlled
detonator from his pocket. We SEE the motor launch in the
distance through a window in the bridge. Schlesser pushes a
button on the remote control. The motor launch EXPLODES in a
BALL OF FIRE and DUST. HOLD FOR A BEAT, then CUT TO:
30 EXT. WASHINGTON MALL -- MORNING 30
FROM a HIGH ANGLE we ESTABLISH the Mall. We SEE the WORLD
WAR II MEMORIAL in the f.g. with the LINCOLN MEMORIAL in the
b.g. and, as the CAMERA PULLS BACK, the WASHINGTON MONUMENT
comes INTO VIEW.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 29.
31 EXT. WASHINGTON MONUMENT -- MORNING 31
ESTABLISH the base of the monument. We SEE the tall spire of
the Washington Monument towering OUT OF FRAME as tourists
gather at the base. The morning traffic moves in the b.g.
along Constitution Avenue. In the big., we SEE the WHITE
HOUSE in the distance.
AT THE BASE OF THE MONUMENT
IBRAIM AZIZ and YUSEF ACHIM, a grizzled Middle-Eastern
military type, mid-40s, bearded, step INTO THE SHOT. Aziz is
dressed in a business suit. Achim is dressed in a Scout
Master's uniform. They join a group of TOURISTS as they enter
the monument lobby.
32 INT. WASHINGTON MONUMENT LOWER LEVEL -- MORNING 32
A PARK SERVICE WORKER herds the tourists into the elevator
to take them to the top.
The Park Service Worker gestures to the elevator as Aziz
steps over to the elevator. Achim Looks over to the door
that leads to the stairway to the top.
ACHIM
I should like to take the stairs,
Aziz.
AZIZ
Nine hundred steps, Achim?
The Park Service Worker shakes her head. She points to a
sign that reads "Due to enhanced security awareness, the
stairway is closed to the public."
Achim shrugs. He steps into the elevator with Aziz. The doors
close in our face.
33 EXT. WASHINGTON MONUMENT OBSERVATION ROOM -- MORNING 33
As if tracking the elevator, we MOVE RAPIDLY UP THE SIDE OF
THE MONUMENT. INTO VIEW -- THE UPPER OBSERVATION ROOM.
In a SHOT THROUGH THE TOP WINDOW into the upper observation
room, we SEE AZIZ AND ACHIM looking out over Washington, DC.
CAMERA PULLS BACK AND AROUND. We SEE the CAPITOL BUILDING,
the WHITE HOUSE, the LINCOLN MEMORIAL, and the WORLD WAR II
MEMORIAL as we PULL AROUND THE TOP OF THE MONUMENT. As we
PULL BACK to SEE the entire monument and the Capitol building,
the entire city of Washington lies before us. HOLD AT A HIGH
ANGLE for a beat, then CUT TO:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameristan 2004080379 (written by Charles Welty) -- Act One 30.
34 EXT. REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT IN WASHINGTON, DC -- AFTERNOON 34
ESTABLISH. An AIRLINER sits next to a terminal as various
AIRPORT WORKERS load luggage and equipment into the airplane.
35 INT. REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT IN WASHINGTON, DC -- AFTERNOON 35
We're AT A TSA SECURITY CHECKPOINT and Achim and Aziz are in
line, waiting to be scanned through the checkpoint. Aziz
wears a herringbone coat, gray slacks, and a white silk shirt
and loafers. Achim wears his scout uniform. Nothing about
them looks even remotely Middle Eastern.
In front of Aziz, the SECURITY WORKERS scan carry-on luggage,
purses, and other items from the many PASSENGERS who wait in
line. As the line moves forward, the workers target a WOMAN
in front of him. She steps aside. Another worker waives Aziz
through the metal detector. He tosses his wallet into a
basket. Achim does the same and hands the baskets to one of
the workers, who passes the baskets through the checkpoint,
but not through the metal detector.
As Aziz and Achim step through, an OLD MAN IN A WHEELCHAIR
tries to go through the metal detector. It BEEPS. The beep
distracts the worker. Aziz grabs the baskets as the worker
gestures to an armed NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER. The soldier,
carrying an AK-47, steps over to the old man.
As the SECURITY GUARDS begin to search the old man, Aziz and
Achim grab their wallet from the basket. They turn and step
away. We TRUCK WITH THEM. In the b.g. we SEE other GUARDS
surrounding the old man's wheelchair.
Off to one side, a MALE WORKER waves a METAL DETECTION WAND
over an ATTRACTIVE WOMAN IN THE SCREENING LINE. He pokes her
breasts with the wand deliberately as he scans her.
A small smile crosses their lips while Aziz and Achim walk
TOWARD US as the incompetent TSA workers in the b.g. continue
to hassle the passengers. They walk PAST THE CAMERA and OUT
OF THE SHOT. HOLD FOR A BEAT on the crowd, and then CUT TO:
36 EXT. TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL, HOUSTON -- MORNING 36
ESTABLISH the modern facade of the Taylor High School in
Houston. STUDENTS enter and leave the main entryway. We HEAR
the O.S. VOICE of PRINCIPAL CASSIE NEELEY:
NEELEY (O.S.)
It's out of the question, Mister...
Saeg, is it?
And we CUT TO:
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