World War III

[Legend]

World War III

Director
Legend

Genre
Action/Drama

Cast
Shia LaBeouf as Sean McRoberts
Nestor Carbonell as President David Garcia
Michael Mantenuto as Jake Faber
Grant Bowler as Captain Ray Patterson
Kevin Durand as Frank Abbadon
Pierce Brosnan as Captain Patrick Lind
James Cromwell as Vice-President Jack Faber
Jay Karnes as John Nelson, US Secretary of Defense

Plot
It is the year 2012, and a new war has engulfed the entire world, already being named "World War Three" by the press. With almost every nation being forced to choose sides, the conflict turns literally global. Sean McRoberts joins the Mairnes to fight for the United States and is a part of a special integrated/allied-unit sent after the former Marine and traitor, Frank Abbadon. President David Garcia works his hardest at home to try to keep nuclear weapons from being used by both sides.


Release Date
August 2nd, 2008

MPAA Rating
Rated R for strong language and graphic violence.

[Legend]

Coming Attractions

Eleanor Rigby, releasing August 15th.

RATED PG-13 for Language and Adult Content.


BLACK SCREEN.

ELEANOR (V.O.)
Families are screwed up. That's just the way it is. You can't change it, you can't fight it. It's just a fact. Some more than others, all in different ways. My family....yeah, my family is screwed-up.

FADE IN:

At an airport terminal a large family waits anxiously. The grandmother, sitting in the middle holds an absurdly large sign that reads:

WELCOME HOME ELEANOR RIGBY!!!

CUT TO:

James, the Father, sits on his bed looking through an old photo album. His eyes are painfully sorrow.

In another room is the rest of the family. Three brothers: Martin, Carl and Thomas and their sister Natalie.

The seventeen year old step-sister, Kira, lounges in a recliner.

KIRA
Me and Eleanor are gonna' be best friends! We've already got something in common...

NATALIE
What's that?

KIRA
Both of our mom's are dead.

The father has just entered the room.

JAMES
Kira Michelle!

She shrugs.

CUT TO:

AIRPORT again. The people are filing out. Near the end we see ELEANOR, carrying a red backpack around her arms. She is a stunningly gorgeous sixteen year old girl. Her golden hair rests perfectly on her shoulders.

The family all jump in excitement and angst.

CUT TO:

HIGH-SCHOOL PARTY.

Eleanor sits against a railing of the balcony drinking beer out of a plastic cup. An ogre-ish football player, sporting his jersey, approaches her.

THAD
So, what kind of a name is Eleanor Rigby?

ELEANOR
(sharp as a tack)
The traditional kind. First name closely followed by the last.

Thad looks impressed.

THAD
Touche.

ELEANOR
(sarcastically)
Impressive. How culturally diverse of you.

THAD
(not getting it)
Okay....so did they like name the song after you?

She hesitates a BEAT, wondering if he's serious....he is.

ELEANOR
I'm sixteen.

THAD
(completely in the dark)
Of course...

CUT TO:

Dining room. The family is all yelling at the top of their lungs at each other, specifically Thomas. Eleanor sits at one end, the noise drowned out as she stares into space.

ELEANOR (V.O.)
A great author once wrote "Happy families are all alike. Every unhappy family is unhappy in it's own way."....he never met my family. My family is unhappy in EVERY way.

FADE OUT.

[Legend]

Voice: Werewolf? What's that?

Female Voice: It's a man that turns into a wolf when the full moon is bright.

THIS SEPTEMBER

Larry: Well, I'm home.

*Shot of the huge Talbot Manor, gleaming in the sun*

*Shot of a royal looking man facing the freplace*

Voice: Your brother's death was a blow to all of us

*Shot of the full moon*

SCF FILMS PRESENTS

*A wolf howls*

Maleva: Whoever is bitten by a werewolf and lives, becomes a werewolf himself...

*Shot of the London cityscape at night, during a full moon*

*Shot of a newspaper with the words "RIPPER STRIKES AGAIN" plastered on it's front page*

*Shot of a detective investigating a scene, a sick grimace on his face*

Larry: Father, I've got to leave!

Sir John: You're a Talbot!

*Shot of a brunette running through the forest*

*Shot of a carriage riding through the countryside in the twilight*

*Shot of a blacksmith pounding on an anvil*

Lloyd: Whether you like it or not, he already is caught up in this.

*Shot of a man aiming his rifle in the darkness*

*Shot of a young man grasping a girl*

Gwen: Larry?

*The Wolf Man is seen through the shadows, crouched on top of a rock, letting forth a howl*

THE WOLF MAN

Benicio del Toro Anthony Hopkins Emily Blunt

[Legend]

And now, our featured presentation...

EXT. - WASHINGTON D.C. CITYSCAPE - DAY

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA. DECEMBER 21ST, 2012

We PAN through the cityscape of downtown Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. We see the White House, with its beautiful landscaping and trademark pillars springing from the ground.

GARCIA

(O.S., narrating)

My name is David Garcia...the President of the United States of America. I was elected into office in 2008, and that is where this...this war, World War Three, all began.

We now continue through the city and see the Pentagon from above, the headquarters of the US Department of Defense.

GARCIA

(O.S.)

No, that isn't entirely true. It all started with Iraq...what a mess we got ourselves into there. I was elected by the people who overwhelmingly wanted to get out of there as quick as possible, and I agreed. We left the new Iraqi government to fend for itself. The truth is, we never should have been in Iraq, but once we were, we had to be one-hundred-percent committed, and we weren't. Weeks after we left, the Iranians, who bitterly opposed the new government, moved in and claimed the country as their own.

We continue to PAN over the city, now seeing the Lincoln Memorial, which features a large statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting on a throne.

GARCIA

(O.S.)

At this, we had no choice but to intervene. We sent our troops right back into Iraq, the place we had just spent years trying to leave. The mission was a failure, which is something I can live up to. We fought in Iraq for months until the Russians, backing their Iranian allies, threatened to move in. At the risk of starting a war with Russia, we backed out of Iraq, humiliated.

A beat passes. We look out from the point of view of the statue, now seeing an extremely long pool, the Reflecting Pool.

GARCIA

(O.S.)

In North Korea, it was much of the same. They developed nuclear weapons, despite out best efforts. They flouted every agreement they had ever made. As much as I opposed the appeasement of mad dictators, others seemed to think that this was the only way of preventing a war-a nuclear war. Eventually, Korea was "united," under one flag, and under one dictator.

The view continues to rise and the the tall, sand-colored obelisk-the Washington Monument, is revealed.

GARCIA

(O.S.)

Most Americans had feared war with China long before I even stepped into office. None of us believed that our relations with China could have deteriorated so quickly. Taiwan surged for independence, and the UN backed them-to some extent. The world watched the Chinese demonstrate their military strength and ruthlessness in establishing their authority. Horrified faces around the world wondered how this could be allowed to happen in our modern, "civilized" world. These powers-Iran, Russia, Korea, and China, had been threats to democracy ever since.

We now return to the same spot near the Washington Monument, moving closer to the monument as Garcia talks. As we finally reach the monument,we PAN to the left, revealing, once again, the White House.

GARCIA

(O.S.)

For months, we strove for peace, but there was none to be had. On July 11th, these four easter powers formed a union, calling themselves the "Eastern Alliance." They openly flouted the United Nations and everything that came from the West. Almost a week later, on July 17th, we were suddenly attacked by their forces...war was finally upon us.

We see the Chicago skyline at night, illuminated as always, when the Sears Tower and surrounding buildings suddenly explode and burst into flames. An inferno engulfs the entire city.

We now return to Washington D.C., showing a full shot of the White House.

GARCIA

(O.S.)

We were crippled, but still optimistic. I felt we could defeat these extremists of the east...so on July 18th, I made my way to Congress to ask for a declaration of war...

CUT TO:


EXT. - UNITED STATES CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA. JULY 18TH, 2012

We see the outside of the capitol building, with its rising dome and massive pillars. The President of the United States, DAVID GARCIA, steps out of the presidential limousine and walks up the steps to the capitol building, secret service guards and various aides walking alongside him.

CUT TO:

INT. - UNITED STATES CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY

We now see the inside of the building where Congress convenes. The members of Congress have taken their seats as Garcia stands at the front of the room, in front of a podium.

GARCIA

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives:

A beat passes as the President waits for the room to become silent.

GARCIA

Seven days ago, July 11th, 2012, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, and the Unified Republic of Korea formed a union with every intention of creating a war with the American nation and its allies. Ever since this confederation was born, we made every effort to ensure peace for this world, but these nations had no hopes of peace. They rejected or stalled all of our negotiators, leaving no chance for a peaceful agreement. Yesterday, July 17th, joint forces of these nations, specifically Russian and Iranian forces, launched a sudden attack on the soil of these United States and the shores of Great Britain.

A beat passes as Garcia looks around the room to catch his breath. JACK FABER, the older, seasoned Vice President, looks on with a grim look on his face.

GARCIA

This surprise and cowardly attack on our soil has left the Sears Tower in utter destruction. The surrounding Chicago area has been physically affected, leaving thousands dead, while the country at large has been hit with not only financial losses, but the loss of one of its greatest symbols, any more importantly, the loss of human life. For this reason, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, I will direct that all measures be taken for our defense. We will not permit attacks on our own citizens such as these. No matter what the price, the American people will strive for and achieve victory. I truly believe that I speak for Congress and for the people of America when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves against such attacks, but will make it absolutely certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. We will send a message to those who wish to attack us that if they do, they will be destroyed.

Bursts of applause are heard throughout the audience of Congress as the President pauses to finish his message.

GARCIA

I now ask that the Congress declare that since the sudden and unprovoked attack by Russia and Iran on July 17th, 2012, and the declaration of war against us by China and Korea, an undeniable and obvious state of war has developed between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, and the Unified Republic of Korea.

As we FADE OUT, various Congressmen stand up, and the room erupts in noise as they debate the declaration of war. The screen is black as the title comes up:

World War III

INT. - OVAL OFFICE - DAY

FADE IN on the oval office. The President, DAVID GARCIA, sits in his desk while various people scatter about the room, yelling into the President's ear or applying makeup to his face.

CAMERA MAN

We're live in fifteen seconds!

Those who have not settled behind the camera quickly make their way out of its vision, leaving Garcia alone at his desk in a suit and tie with his hands folded on the desk, looking squarely into the camera.

CAMERA MAN

Live in three...two...one.

The President pauses and clears his throat before addressing the nation.

GARCIA

Hello, my fellow Americans. As you may already know, seven days ago, we saw an alliance rise that threatens the security of not only our nation, but democracy as we know it. The hostile nations of Russia, Iran, China, and Korea have formed a union. These nations, calling themselves the "Eastern Alliance." Yesterday, July 17th, we were suddenly and cowardly attacked by Russian and Iranian fighters. Many civilian and military lives were lost. Since then, these nations, along with China and Korea, have declared war on America, the European Union, and many of our other allies.

CUT TO:

INT. - FAMILY DINING ROOM - DAY

The face of a young man, SEAN, looking to be nearly 20-years-old, sitting at a dinner table. He has short black hair and a smile of satisfaction on his face as he shovels food off of his plate.

We zoom out to see a family of four sitting at the circular table. Sean sits between his MOTHER and younger sister Jessica. Across the table is an elderly, white-haired main in a sweater, Sean's grandpa CHUCK. The television is on at the counter, muted.

MOTHER

It's good to have you home, Sean.

SEAN

It's good to be home.

MOTHER

(jokingly)

I still don't see why you had to go "see the world" before even coming home from college. What, are you two good for your own family?

Sean's grandfather, Chuck, speaks in a strong Irish broag.

CHUCK

Ah, leave the boy alone. The European girls are something' that every young lad should experience at least once.

Sean rolls his eyes, laughing, and reaches for a chicken leg off of his plate.

MOTHER

Come on, you're a growing boy! Take some food!

SEAN

Mom, I'm twenty-years-old.

MOTHER

Nonsense, you're not that old. At any rate, I bet my cooking is a lot better than whatever crap they serve in Europe.

Sean pauses to take a bite of the chicken and chews it.

SEAN

I'm not complaining.

JESSICA

(pointing off screen)

Mommy, the President's on T.V.!

MOTHER

Not now, Jessica, we're having dinner-

CHUCK

Dinner can wait, Mary. Turn it up, Sean.

Sean walks over to the television, turns up the volume, and returns to his seat. A close shot of the television reveals the President in the same message he was previously giving to the American people.

GARCIA

(on television)

-and for this reason, upon my request, the American nation declared war on Russia, Iran, Korea, and China this morning at this points of yet, those who intend to fight with us include Turkey, Israel, Japan, and the entire European Union. This may not be easy to bare, but it is a reality that our very beliefs are under attack from hostile nations. We will not back down to terrorists, we will not appease dictators, we will not let madmen spit on the very foundations of our country. We will stand together in the face of war and we will achieve victory.

Sean simply stares at the T.V. in awe of this grave news.

CHUCK

Christ...a world war, that's what this is...the third world war, and the last.

Sean's mother looked shocked and looked at Chuck angrily, not wanting her children thinking that the world was going to end.

MOTHER

Chuck!

GARCIA

(on television)

In order to achieve victory, however, we need the strongest military possible. The enemies that are attacking us are, for the most part, run by dictators who force military service upon their people. We have, for so long, relied on volunteers to protect our nation...that isn't enough anymore. We need every able-bodied soldier we can get, and this is why a national draft has been re-instated.

Sean's mother bursts into tears and begins to weep, looking towards Sean. Sean walks over to her and comforts her with a hug.

MOTHER

(sobbing)

Sean...Sean...promise me, promise me you won't go...I almost lost my own father to that damned army, I lost my husband, and I'm not going to lose you, too.

SEAN

Mom, it's a draft, and the draft is law. I get picked or I don't get picked, it's that simple.

MOTHER

(frantically)

No, you don't just accept it! There are plenty of things you can do to get out of this! We can go, we can get out of the country! We've all got dual citizenship in Ireland, we'll go, and we'll live there until this whole war is over!

SEAN

Mom, I'm not running. I'm no coward.

Sean's mother rises from the table in anger and pleads to her son. Sean's younger sister, Jessica, begins crying in the background, but goes unnoticed by the rest of the family.

MOTHER

Sean, this isn't about bravery or courage, this is about your life!

CHUCK

Sean, lad, I fought in Korea...I fought against these kinds of men. They're relentless, they're brutal, and they won't hesitate to do anything that keeps them alive and you dead. It's a reality that nobody can ever understand-

Chuck is interrupted by the loud BANG of Sean slamming his hands on the table, shaking all the plates, silverware, and glasses on it. The room falls silent and Sean rises from his seat.

SEAN

I'm not running away...I'm not like my father.

With this, Sean gets up to leave the room, leaving his mother and grandfather in shock. As he walks past his sister, he notices her crying and gets her up out of the table.

CUT TO:

INT. - LIVING ROOM - DAY

The two go into another room, the family living room, and sit on the couch. Sean grabs the remote and turns on the television.

JESSICA

(attempting to hold back tears)

Sean, d-don't go! Mom is right, you're going t-to get k-killed out there!

Sean puts his arm around his little sister to comfort her.

SEAN

Jessica, this is something you can't understand. I have to do this.

Jessica begins crying and sobbing harder. Sean picks up her chin and points her face toward his.

SEAN

It's going to be alright. I promise.

Sean looks into her face but nothing has changed.

SEAN

You know, now that there's a draft, there will be a lottery, and there's a good chance I won't even get picked. We're probably getting all worked up over nothing!

JESSICA

A lottery?

She stops crying and her face clears up a bit. As Sean explains, a faint smile can even be seen.

SEAN

Yeah, a lottery. It'll be on T.V. and everything; we can watch it right here. Every date of the year is placed into this capsule, and then there's another capsule with 365 numbers, one for every day-

JESSICA

(interrupting)

-but it's a leap year, Sean, wouldn't there be 366?

Sean looks a bit shocked that his little sister knew this and laughs.

SEAN

(laughing)

I guess that's why you were never the one getting yelled at for grades. Anyway, about that lottery-so, they match each day of the year with a number randomly. Now what's my birthday?

JESSICA

March third!

SEAN

That's right, March third. So, say that March 3rd got paired up with the number 300. I'd be put in the 300th group with all the other people born on March 3rd. The only way I'd even have to go would be if they used the other 300 groups and still needed more.

JESSICA

And then you'd get to stay home?

SEAN

(laughing)

Of course I would.

EXT. - US Naval Observatory - DAY

The observatory is a complex of buildings spread across what resembles a park, all connected by roads, almost set up like a suburb. We PAN through the complex to Number One Observatory Circle, a large, white mansion (the traditional residence of the Vice-President of the United States) surrounded by a massive lawn.

CUT TO:

INT. - Number One observatory circle - day

Everything about the homo screams expensive: the large, plasma television hanging on the wall, the elaborate staircases, and the expensive paintings on the wall all decorate the house of the "second family" of the United States. Jack Faber, the Vice President of America, stands near the phone in the kitchen, speaking to somebody on the other end.

FABER

(on phone)

Alright, I'll talk to him about it.

A beat passes.

FABER

(on phone)

Alright Ray, thanks once again. I'll talk to you later.

A beat passes.

FABER

(on phone)

Okay, bye.

Faber hangs the phone up against the wall and quickly walks over to the staircase with a pissed-off look on his face.

FABER

(screaming)

Jake! Jake, get down here, now!

Footsteps are heard as Jake, Faber's son, comes running down the stairs. He looks to be in his early 20s and has blond hair.

JAKE

(irritated)

What?

FABER

What the hell is this about you joining the Marines?

Jake hesitates and looks away nervously.

JAKE

What about it?

FABER

You didn't think this was something you should discuss with me first?

JAKE

No dad, I didn't. This was my decision and I made it...I wasn't gonna' let you try to stop me.

FABER

(raising his voice)

Stop you from getting yourself killed in some foreign hellhole-

JAKE

Oh, right, you can't let your precious son get killed, but the other hundreds of thousands of faceless kids just like me that you're sending off to die, that's fine for them?

FABER

Jake, come on, it isn't like that, you know that if I thought about the individuals in my position, I wouldn't be any good at my job. There are sacrifices in war that are necessary-

JAKE

Yeah, sacrifices, but those are only for the ordinary people, right? Not your son, no, he's going to keep himself right by your side?

FABER

Jake, I don't want you going out there and getting yourself killed, that's all!

JAKE

There are sacrifices in war that are necessary...it's time you start making them.

Faber is speechless as Jake quickly walks out of the room. After he does, Faber pulls a cellphone out of his pocket and dials a number.

FABER

(on phone)

Howard?

A beat passes.

FABER

(on phone)

This is Jack Faber. Get me Captain Ray Patterson on the phone immediately.

CUT TO:

EXT. - THE PENTAGON - DAY

An overhead shot of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. The five-sided building isn't extremely tall, but covers a massive amount of space with a large courtyard in the center of the five sides. We slowly descend towards the center courtyard while various sleek, white fighter planes (F-22 Raptors) ZOOM just above the building.

EXT. - PENTAGON COURTYARD - DAY

In the grassy courtyard surrounded by the five massive walls, RAY PATTERSON sits on a vacant bench near some small trees in a full Marine uniform. As the Jack Faber begins to approach him, he stands up and salutes the Vice-President.

FABER

At ease, Captain.

Ray reverts back to his normal stance and looks towards Faber.

RAY

It is good to see you again, Jack.

FABER

Likewise, Ray. It seems like just yesterday I was making you run laps around the barracks for referring to yourself in the first person.

Ray and Faber both laugh and sit down at opposite benches from each other.

RAY

So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about today?

FABER

It's my son, Jake. He's went off and signed himself up to join the Marines.

RAY

Well, if he's over 18, I don't know if there's much you could do besides talk to him-

FABER

(interrupting)

I don't want to stop him...the time when I could stop him is long gone. I'm requesting that he be placed directly under your command.

RAY

I am honored, sir.

FABER

Just one thing, Ray.

A beat passes.

FABER

Try to get him home to me in one piece.

CUT TO:

INT. - LIVING ROOM - DAY

JULY 23RD, 2012.

The entire McRoberts family sits on the couches around the television.

NEWS REPORTER

(on television)

Today, July 23rd, is the day when the government will reveal the results of the draft lottery, telling us who will go off to fight in World War III. Those who are age 20 will be primarily called upon, and the first birthdays will be the ones sent to boot camp for their respective branches. The others, who will most likely not be needed, will still be the reserves in case the need is more than expected.

Sean's mother puts her arm around him, hugging him on the couch. Sean's sister, Jessica, sits on his other side, with his grandfather Chuck on a chair.

SEAN

(to Jessica)

You do remember my birthday, don't you?

JESSICA

Duh! It's May 22nd!

SEAN

That's right, May 22nd.

MOTHER

You won't get picked, Sean, I just know you won't.

SEAN

(checking his watch)

Right...the list should be announced any minute now-

NEWS REPORTER

(on television)

And this just in, here is the official list!

On the television, a list of dates appears: November 10th, March 14th, August 19th, January 29th, October 2nd, November 3th, March 3rd, and December 21st.

NEWS REPORTER

(on television)

And there it is! Those born on these dates will go off to serve their country in battle.

Sean's mother and grandfather looked shocked at the television as Jessica begins to cry.

SEAN

It's okay...I promise, I promise you all...I'll be back, okay? I'll come back when this is all over, do you understand that?

EXT. - Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island - NIGHT

PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA. AUGUST 1ST, 2012.

Sean slowly steps off of a large bus, in line with other draftees. He carries nothing but the gray duffel bag strapped around his shoulder. The rain pours down on his back as a drill instructor steps forward, addressing the soon-to-be Marines. In front of the entrance to the building are dozens of yellow footprints, painted onto the ground.

MCDONALD

Stand in your positions, recruits!

The recruits slowly and awkwardly walk to the yellow footprints, stepping directly on them and looking at the drill instructor.

McDonald

(shouting)

I am Sergeant McDonald, your senior drill instructor. Get used to those footprints, because you'll be standing at them for the next ten weeks! As of this moment, you are no longer civilians.

(addressing Sean)

What does that make you?

SEAN

(slowly)

That would make us...Marines.

McDonald

(shouting)

Marines, sir!

SEAN

That would make us Marines, sir.

McDonald

(shouting)

No it would not! You are not Marines and you will never be Marines if you do not do as you are told, is this understood?

There is a low mumbling of "yes" and "yes, sir."

McDonald

(shouting)

I said, is this understood?

RECRUITS

Sir yes sir!

McDonald

That's more like it. Now, men and women, prepare for the most excruciating eight weeks of your life!

MONTAGE - SEAN IN TRAINING

A) Sean sprints through a muddy grass field in the rain, his Marine uniform completely soaked in rain and mud. He trips and falls flat on his face into a pile of mud as the drill instructor screams at the top of his lungs at Sean. Jake Faber, running alongside him, stops and helps him to his feet as McDonald looks on with approval.

B) In a gym, Sean struggles to do pull-up after pull-up on a rusty metal bar.

C) Crouched on the ground, Sean fires a rifle at a target a long way off, letting off a few rounds. Sean smiles, indicating that he has hit his target.

D) Sean crawls on his stomach through a field, rifle in tow. He reaches a cone and suddenly springs up, running across the field until he reaches a large cluster of cones, which he dives behind. He then aims his rifle at a target in the distance, hitting it square on.

CUT TO:

INT. - MARINE BARRACKS - NIGHT

OCTOBER 10TH, 2012

Drill Instructor McDonald walks into the Barracks, which is a long cabin with a narrow path between the perfectly neat bunk-beds which face each other towards the center. McDonald stops in the center of the cabin and addresses the Marines, shouting as usual.

The various Marines stand near their beds, changing into sleeping clothes, writing letters to home, or on their knees in prayer. Upon seeing McDonald enter the Barracks, they rush to the space in front of their bunks, standing at attention in the narrow path and leaving a small space for McDonald.

McDonald

Recruits! Today marks ten weeks of your lives as Marines-in-training! You have spent the past ten weeks in a boot camp that only half of those who come through here will endure! You are the ones who have stuck it out and you are the ones who will now become Marines!

Many of the recruits smile, including Sean, who yawns with a large grin on his face. McDonald walks directly in front of Sean, who quickly looses the smile, and yells into his face.

MCDONALD

Why are you smiling, recruit?

SEAN

Sir, I am smiling because boot camp is over, sir!

MCDONALD

(looking around at all the recruits)

Now, what do you know? Boot camp is over, so everybody's happy, aren't they? It's been a long road, and this is where you are done with all that tough training, right?

RECRUITS

Sir, yes sir!

MCDONALD

Wrong! What you now have ahead of you is the most excruciating three days of your lives-the Crucible!

The smiles vanish of the faces of the recruits who stare at McDonald in awe.

MCDONALD

What's the Crucible? It is a fifty-four hour, rigorous test of your endurance, a culmination of everything that you have learned in the past ten weeks! You will be split up into teams of 12 recruits and if one recruit fails, the group fails! You will be on your own with enough rations that should last you all three days if you use them wisely. You will be forced to navigate through multiple obstacle courses which will simulate real battlefield life. For three days, you will experience the true life of a Marine, and those who are up it will move on and receive the honor of being a Marine!

A beat passes as McDonald looks about the room, studying the faces of the recruits.

MCDONALD

Now, men, get a good night's sleep, because once you're Marines, you will not sleep, you will rest when permitted! Is this understood?

RECRUITS

Sir, yes sir!

After McDonald leaves the Barracks, the recruits break away into small groups or head to their beds. Sean walks to his bed, the bottom bunk, and Jake sits on the bed to the right of his.


JAKE

Guy's an asshole, ain't he?

SEAN

Tell me about it, man.

JAKE

I don't think we've been introduced yet-

(extends his hand)

Jake.

Sean shakes his hand and studies his face, looking as if he has seen him before.

SEAN

Nice to meet you, Jake, I'm Sean.

(pauses)

Hey, do I know you from somewhere?

JAKE

(putting some clothes in a box)

I don't know, you ever heard of Jack Faber?

SEAN

Jack-Vice-President-of-the-United-States Faber?

JAKE

(laughing)

Yeah, that one. He's my dad.

SEAN

(suprised)

Shit, what the hell are you doing in the Marines? I mean, uh, Mr. Faber, what-

JAKE

(laughing)

Calm the fuck down, Sean, I don't care that my old man's the V-P right now. I'm here because I wanted to be. My dad didn't like it, but it was either this or the Navy, and God knows I'm not come out to be one of those Navy pansies.

Sean laughs and lays down on his bed.

SEAN

So...have you heard anything? About the war, I mean?

JAKE

Sean, chances are you know more than I do about this whole thing, but I did pick up on a few things along the way before coming to this hellhole.

SEAN

Here's one thing I wanna' know-every country in this war has enough nukes to destroy the goddamn planet, but why the hell is nobody using them?

JAKE

Third-party agreements. We went through some country not involved like Sweden or Canada and they talked with the Russians or Chinese or the other bastards and made sure that we would stick to "conventional" warfare or something like that...for the common safety, ya' know? I mean, sure, we hate each others' guts, but we're trying not to get ourselves killed along with them, right?

SEAN

Yeah, I guess that makes since, but what happens when one side realizes they're gonna' lose and-

JAKE

You mean when they realize they're gonna' lose.

SEAN

Yeah, whatever. But I mean, when they figure out they got no shot and we're trying to force a surrender, who's to stop them from just throwing everything they've got at us?

Jake pauses, searching himself for an answer.

JAKE

Well shit, Sean, I don't know. We got no control over that, but what we do got control over is this war and how we're win it. I guess my old man and Garcia will just have to make sure that don't happen, won't they?

SEAN

I sure as hell hope so.

INT. - CABINET ROOM - DAY

WHITE HOUSE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA. OCTOBER 11TH, 2012.

The cabinet room features a large, elliptical, mahogany table in the center with elaborate chairs surrounding it. David Garcia sits at the head of the table with Faber and many more cabinet members in attendance. Notably, JOHN NELSON, the young Secretary of Defense, sits directly across the table from the President.

GARCIA

Alright, John, what have you got for us today?

NELSON

The draftees and the unexpected amount volunteers will be in action in less than two weeks. Until, we should perform ably with the soldiers we have, but to achieve victory quickly, we'll need those recruits in battle as soon as possible. If everything goes as planned, they'll be the turning point in ending this.

FABER

What's the situation in Tianjin?

NELSON

The Japanese invasion of Tianjin commenced yesterday at o-six-hundred and has been a success. With our coming support, it's likely that we'll reach Beijing in the next two weeks.

GARCIA

Good, but if that's the case, why do you sound so down?

NELSON

Unfortunately, Japan has been taking heavy hits at home, being so extremely close in distance to three of our four enemies. They are requesting an additional troops for assistance.

GARCIA

And what do you think, John?

NELSON

Mr. President, with all respect to the European Union, Japan's proximity and strategic location just to the east of Russia, Korea, and China makes them, in my opinion, our most important ally. If they were to be conquered, this war could go on for another twenty years or twenty days...depending on whether it escalates into a nuclear conflict.

GARCIA

Alright, we'll give 'em all the help they need. If nobody has anything else to say, I think that's all?

Nobody objects and the President walks out hurriedly. Nelson follows, trying to catch up to him.

CUT TO:

INT. WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATER

The hall is empty save Garcia, who is now trailed by Nelson.

NELSON

(walking fastly)

Mr. President!

Garcia looks over his shoulder, seeing Nelson, and stops in the hall.

GARCIA

Yes?

NELSON

There's something I should tell you.

GARCIA

Something that you couldn't tell me in front of the cabinet?

NELSON

Maybe not. It's about that...investigation that you had me run.

Garcia looks around for anybody listening and the two continue to walk hurriedly down the hall.

GARCIA

Looking into the nuclear capabilities of our enemies? What about it?

NELSON

Sir, you should know that none of this is officially confirmed and more evidence must be acquired to be 100% sure, but I know what I have seen...

GARCIA

What is it?

NELSON

(hesitating)

It's just that, well, from what I can tell, every one of them by themselves has enough to cause a nuclear holocaust and cripple us and our allies to the point where we'd be reduced to survivors living in their homes, trying to survive...the government would be destroyed.

GARCIA

We will not let this escalate that far, I will not be responsible for-

NELSON

(interrupting)

Do you know what Einstein said about World War Three?

Garcia stops walking and looks at Nelson, annoyed.

Garcia

No, John, I don't know what Einstein said and I don't have time for this-

NELSON

"I know not with what weapons World War Three will be fought, but I do know that World War Four will be fought with sticks and stones."

A beat passes.

GARCIA

Well, we'll just have to prove one of the smartest men in history wrong, now, won't we?

CUT TO:

[Legend]

EXT. - FIELD - DAWN

PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA.

A group of twelve recruits in uniform stand at attention in an empty field of grass just outside of a forest. The group contains Sean and Jake along with ten other recruits. Drill Instructor McDonald approaches and stands in front of the group.

MCDONALD

Alright, men, we are here! This is the Crucible! Now, for the next three days, you will rely on each other and only each other for survival. These three days will simulate the Marine experience and show you once and for all what it means to be a Marine-Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Honor, Courage, and Commitment, men. If you haven't gotten that into your head over the past ten weeks, there is nothing I can do for you. This is your test. In three days-if you survive-you will join the ranks of the few-the proud-the Marines. Now, head through the tree-line and set up camp exactly one mile in. Wait for radio instructions.

RECRUITS

Sir, yes sir!

The recruits gather multiple large packs and sling them over their backs, walking towards the tree-line. They also carry their large, M-16 rifles.

MCDONALD

Oh, and one more thing?

The recruits stop and turn to McDonald.

MCDONALD

You have ten minutes.

Sean looks on at McDonald in awe as the rest of the Marines do before sprinting off into the forest. Sean suddenly looks around and realizes everybody is gone.

SEAN

(screaming jokingly)

Hey, what ever happened to no man left behind?

JAKE

(O.S.)

Get your ass your ass up here and maybe we'll think about not leaving you behind!

"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKyLgRzOTsY&feature=related) begins to play as Sean laughs before sprinting off into the dark forest with a massive pack on his back and his rifle in tow.

CUT TO:

INT. - Forest - MOMENTS LATER

Sean catches up with the rest of the recruits, who slow down just a bit to let him catch up.

MONTAGE - RECRUITS IN FOREST

A) The recruits begin a full-out sprint, jumping over the rocks and dodging the trees that stand in their way.

B) While sprinting, Sean holds out a small electronic GPS device. It reads ".8 miles to destination." He then looks at his watch, which is counting down, reading "7:39" Upon seeing this, he looks desperate, but continues the sprint, yelling at the top of his lungs at the others.

C) The recruits reach a steep rise in the floor. Several of them try to walk up it, but lose their footing. They then notice several ropes encased in the mud, tied to something on the top of the hill. As they begin to climb up the hill with the massive packs on their backs and their rifles in hand, rain begins to pour on their backs.

D) Still being poured on by rain, they run through the forest again at breakneck speed, running in and out of trees. Sean holds out the GPS and his watch, which read ".3 miles to destination" and "4:35."

E) The recruits continue running until reaching a small clearing where orange flags are tied to a few surrounding trees. A hand-held radio sits, leaned next to one of these marked trees. Sean pick it up and looks at his GPS device and watch, which read "At Destination" and ":39."

"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" stops playing as the Marines settle down in the forest clearing. The rain also lets up, leaving a slight drizzle as they unload their packs and sit, catching their breath. After a few moments, a voice comes from the radio.

MCDONALD

(on radio)

Hello, recruits. I sure as hell hope you're listening to this right now, because anything else-

SEAN

Yo, sarge, we're here!

MCDONALD

(on radio)

Just for that language, you can give me two-hundred push-ups when you get back, McRoberts.

The rest of the recruits, standing around Sean, laugh as Sean also lets out a small laugh.

MCDONALD

(on radio)

Alright, recruits, listen up now. You have enough food that should last you one day-only eat what you need-I cannot stress this enough. Treat that food like it's all you'll be seeing for the next week. You will set up camp and await for further instructions-be prepared at all times to pick up and leave. Do not leave any man behind. If one of you fails, you all fail. Success of the individual means nothing; success is a group effort and a group effort alone. This is the closest thing to war you'll see before being in a real one.

The transmission ends and Sean drops the radio to the ground. The group begins setting up tents and resting their packs against trees. Sean sits on the ground, eating some of his ration packets, across from Jake, who begins setting up a tent.

SEAN

(eating)

Well, so far, nothing tobad. I mean, besides running at top speed through a forest for ten minutes with 100 pounds on your back, I'm having the best day of my life.

JAKE

You know, it might be a good idea to save some of that, for later. McDonald said to only eat what you need-

SEAN

Since when have you listened to him?

JAKE

I'm not saying it because he said so, just because I don't want you coming to me begging for food in two days time-

Jake is interrupted by a large and sudden BOOM of mortar explosion of flame and smoke less than two hundred yards away from the camp.

Sean stands up as the rest of the recruits look on at the explosion.

SEAN

What the hell was that?

JAKE

I think it's time to leave-

BOOM. Another explosion, twice as close, startles the recruits. They gather up as much as they can, leaving the tents and packs behind. Sean tries to stuff his food into a pocket, picks up his M-16 rifle, and runs off with the others as the explosions get closer and closer.

SEAN

(running and screaming)

What the hell is going on?

JAKE

(running)

I think they're trying to put us under stress! You know, simulate the battlefield experience?

SEAN

(running)

Well it's working for Christ's sake!

Another BOOM as a mortar explosion comes even closer to the recruits, who now sprint faster than ever. They reach the edge of the tree-line and exit into another field where McDonald waits for them, smiling.

MCDONALD

Congratulations, you're not dead.

SEAN

What the-um, sir, what was that, sir?

MCDONALD

You've got a lot of spunk, kid.

(lighting up a cigar)

Too much spunk.

MCDONALD

That was a test. You were just beginning to feel safe and settled-down, weren't you? Then, BOOM, you're being attacked by the enemy. That is war. The knowledge that at any given moment, you must be prepared, or it will cost you your life.

The recruits look on solemnly at McDonald and wait for instructions.

MCDONALD

Now, here is what will actually be happening. You will be hiking through enemy grounds carrying a wounded soldier, represented by Mr. McRoberts over here. He will lay in this stretcher-

(indicating a heavy, padded stretcher next to him, then looking at Sean)

-and will act as if he is completely incapacitated and will not assist in anything during the mission. Is this understood?

SEAN

Yes sir.

MCDONALD

Good. While you are on this hike, you must watch out for any red spray-paint on the ground-this is a simulation of a booby trap. If you step on this, we will know and you will be reprimanded. If you step on this in war, you and everyone near you will die. It is up to all of you to ensure the safety of the entire group. Now, you will hike up this slope until reaching the very top where your food rations await. There, you will actually set up camp for the night. The faster you get there, the longer you get to sleep, because you're to be up and ready to leave at o-five-hundred tomorrow morning. Move out!

They begin walking quickly up the slope, grudgingly carrying Sean in the stretcher, who lays with his arms extended, resting contently.

CUT TO:

EXT. - TOP OF HILL - SUNSET

Sean sleeps in the stretcher in peace as the recruits reach the top of the hill. As they do, they roughly drop the stretcher on the ground, waking Sean up.

SEAN

Nice way to treat an injured soldier!

They again begin setting up a camp, this time without tents, which were left behind. Sean starts a fire and keeps watch over it.

SEAN

Hey, wait a second, isn't our food supposed to be up here?

SOLDIER

Yeah, that's what McDonald said...

Jake walks over to a number of boxes in a cluster of bushes.

JAKE

(sarcastically)

I think I found our food, boys.

Jake reveals the inside of the boxes: nothing.

SEAN

Son of a...I already ate all my food, what the hell am I supposed to do?

JAKE

Aw, don't tell me you're gonna' cry your eyes out after wasting your food when I told you not to and then sleeping the whole way up here while we carried your ass-

SOLDIER

Hey, guys, calm down, alright? This is just another test of our teamwork, right? This whole thing is a test. We just have to get through this and we're Marines. Just think about that.

Sean and Jake walk away and begin working on different things.

CUT TO:

EXT. - TOP OF THE HILL - DAWN

OCTOBER 12TH, 2012.

The soldiers begin to wake each other up as the second day of the Crucible begins. As they are all woken up, a helicopter flies through the air and lands on the top of the hill, next to their camp. Instructors inside signal for them to get in and they all do. McDonald waits inside of the helicopter.

MCDONALD

Alright, men, this is day two-the worst part is over. I don't have much for you today-you will be dropped in the ocean surrounding the Island with the proper gear and you will make your way to dry land. There you will set up camp and stay on guard until twenty-three-hundred, when you will be allowed to sleep. You will work out a schedule, always keeping 2 men on patrol. How you do this is in your control. Now, grab your 'chutes and get out of here!

The recruits strap on their packs and life-gear and drop from the helicopter, waiting moments before deploying their chutes. When they hit the ground, they take off the parachute gear and swim towards the sandy shore.

EXT. - SHORE - DAY

The shore is rocky and, more inland, a beach. The recruits set up on the beach and begin to relax. Sean and Jake lay next to each other on the sand.

SEAN

Man, I'm sorry about what went down the other day-

JAKE

It's cool, man. That bastard McDonald is the one we were really pissed at, we just started taking it out on each other.

CUT TO:

EXT. - SHORE - NIGHT

Sean sits on patrol with his M-16 in hand, looking from the shore to the forest. He looks towards the fire and begins to stare at it, drifting into sleep...

WHACK. Jake whacks him on the back of the head with his hand.

JAKE

Go to sleep, Sean, I'll take the rest of the night.

SEAN

(slurring words)

Thanks...man...tired.

Jake guides him to his sleeping spot and to the ground.

JAKE

Yeah, yeah, you're tired, but most of us can still speak English when we're tired.

Jake sits back at his post with his rifle pointed inland at the forest.

CUT TO:

EXT. - SHORE - SUNRISE

As the sun rises, drill instructor McDonald walks up to the beach. Jake and another recruit wake the others upon seeing him. Sean looks around confused in his exhaustion and staggers to his feet.

MCDONALD

Alright, Marines, this is it-the last day. You have one last test-you will hike fifteen miles in full combat gear back to camp. There, you will finally become Marines.

A beat passes as McDonald looks around at the recruits' exhausted faces.

MCDONALD

Do not give up now. This is everything you have worked for for over ten weeks-one last hike. Make it back to camp and you will be Marines. We will be behind you, making sure you travel at an...acceptable pace. Don't make me have to even come near you, you got that?

RECRUITS

Sir, yes sir!

They gather their belongings and the new gear brought by McDonald and head off into the forest, walking as quickly as possible.

CUT TO:

INT. - FOREST - DAY

The recruits walk quickly through the forest in two lines of six. Jake and Sean stand side-by-side.

SEAN

You know, I heard that when you get back, after the ceremony where they give us some badge, we get a breakfast...they call it the Warrior's Breakfast, and it's everything you could ever want, steak and eggs...just think about that.

JAKE

Food and sleep really is all you think about, isn't it?

SEAN

Well, my mom would probably tell you that I'm a growing boy.

JAKE

What, haven't hit puberty yet?

SEAN

Man, I've been 5'11 since the tenth grade, I think I'm done growing.

Jake laughs as the march continues. The recruits ache in the intense heat and with the heavy packs on their backs, but continue as fast as they can.

JAKE

You know, you talk about your mom a lot...but never your dad.

Jake pauses and looks at Sean who looks at the ground, still walking.

JAKE

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that.

SEAN

No, it's alright.

SEAN

(walking)

My dad was a Marine... and a coward. He fought in Lebanon in the '80s. He was stationed in Beirut on sentry duty. A truck came into the barracks, disguised as a stolen water-supply truck. He was held at gunpoint by one of the terrorists and was told that if he tried anything, he'd be killed...he had the shot, he could have saved over 200 lives and sacrificed his own. Instead, he just sat there and the truck, with suicide-bombers inside, let off their TNT...he died in the explosion.

JAKE

Sean, I'm really sorry, but your dad acted-

SEAN

I'd rather not talk about it.

CUT TO:

EXT. - RECRUIT CENTER - DAY

The recruits, barely walking upright, exit the forest and reach the familiar site of the yellow footsteps where they first arrived at Parris Island. They stand at attention at the footsteps as McDonald comes to greet them.

MCDONALD

Congratulations, men! You have survived the Crucible and you are now ready to join the most elite armed forces division in the world-you are Marines!

Sean and Jake exchange smiles.

MCDONALD

And now, you will be presented with the customary Warrior's breakfast in the mess hall. Be there in exactly half-an-hour.

Jake laughs and looks over at Sean, remembering what he had heard about the breakfast. McDonald now speaks in a more personal tone instead of the harsh one he has always used to address them:

MCDONALD

Congrats, Marines. You've earned it.

As McDonald walks away, the Marines, exhausted, turn to each other and begin to celebrate like children, jumping up and down and hugging each other.

INT. - MESS HALL - DAY

The large mess hall is packed with the now-Marines, who stuff themselves with a buffet of steak and eggs, among other things.

SEAN

(to Jake)

I told ya', there'd be steak and eggs, steak and eggs, Jake!

JAKE

Enjoy it now, because I bet at the rate this war is going they'll have us overseas in a week.

INT. - OVAL OFFICE - DAY

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA. OCTOBER 13TH, 2012

Garcia sits at his desk in the Presidential office of the White House as the Secretary of Defense, John Nelson, walks in.

NELSON

Sir, I wanted to talk to you about something...something that we should've talked about a long time ago.

Garcia looks up from the files on his desk and at Nelson curiously.

GARCIA

What is it?

NELSON

It's...Abbadon. Frank Abbadon.

GARCIA

Frank Abbadon is dead, John.

NELSON

I'm sorry, sir, but with all due respect, my predecessor might have considered being missing for five months as dead, but I don't. Frank Abbadon is alive and operating with our enemies as we speak.

GARCIA

Are you sure?

NELSON

Absolutely.

GARCIA

And what do you wish to do about it?

NELSON

Abbadon is a major threat to us and must be either captured or killed. He is leading a Russian task force, currently being tracked in Poland...they've been attacking European Union bases all over the continent over the past month.

GARCIA

So, you obviously have something in mind?

NELSON

I'm asking for authorization to form our own task force, preferably an integrated unit, with the sole mission of tracking Abbadon and bringing him to justice.

GARCIA

That's fine with me. Have you got anybody in mind?

NELSON

Yes, sir. Ray Patterson.

Garcia reaches to the intercom and switches it on.

GARCIA

Westover, I need you to get Captain Ray Patterson in my office as soon as possible.

INT. - OVAL OFFICE - LATER

Garcia still sits at his desk with Nelson sitting in a chair on the other side of the room as Ray Patterson enters the room.

RAY

Hello, Mr. President, it is an honor to meet you.

GARCIA

I'm going to get right down to it, Captain. I'm sure you remember Frank Abbadon.

RAY

Of course I do, but I don't see what he has to do with anything, he's dead-

NELSON

Frank isn't dead. He's currently operating with our enemies.

Ray pauses before answering, slightly shocked by this revelation.

RAY

And what does this have to do with me?

NELSON

I want-we want you to captain a special task force with the goal of capturing Frank, or if need be, eliminate him.

RAY

Why me? There are plenty of other captains who aren't so emotionally involved with the subject, I'm not too close-

NELSON

I chose you exactly because you are emotionally involved with this. Nobody in the world wants to catch Frank as much as you do, and I know that. This isn't an offer, this is an order.

RAY

Will I be able to hand-pick my unit?

GARCIA

I don't see why not.

INT. - MARINE BARRACKS - NIGHT

PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA.

Sean sits in his bed to the side of Jake's as the two prepare to sleep. McDonald enters the room and walks directly between their two bunks.

MCDONALD

Well, I don't know why, but for some reason, you two were specifically requested to be in a special unit by Captain Ray Patterson. He's a great Captain, maybe even great enough to keep you alive through this damned war. You're going to Washington first thing in the morning.

Sean and Jake exchange confused glances and wait for McDonald to leave.

SEAN

Who the hell is Ray Patterson and why does he want us of all people?

JAKE

No clue, but I guess we're about to find out.

INT. - PENTAGON - DAY

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA. OCTOBER 14TH, 2012.

In an empty conference room, Ray sits on a table as Sean and Jake enter.

RAY

Why don't you boys take a seat?

JAKE

(mumbling to Sean)

What is this guy, fucking Chris Hansen?

Sean lets out a loud laugh and Ray looks at him suspiciously. Sean quickly looks away and sits down at a table with Jake.

RAY

You're probably wondering why you were chosen. Jake, your father was once my Captain, a long time ago. He was a great man and a great Marine. I have done my homework and realize that you are much like your father...although, maybe a bit more cocky...

RAY

And Sean...you might be surprised to hear this, but your drill instructor told me nothing but great things about you...I also fought with your father...he was a good friend of mine.

A beat passes as Ray looks down before addressing them yet again.

RAY

You two both are qualified and will join a number of other hand-picked soldiers in London. There, you will be briefed on our mission. Is this clear?

SEAN/Jake

Yes sir.

RAY

Alright, now rest up. Tomorrow we leave for London.

INT. - HELICOPTER - DAY

OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. OCTOBER 15TH, 2012.

Sean, Jake, and a number of other Marines sit in the helicopter which flies over the ocean. Sean looks out, amazed at the vastness of the ocean below him. A small spec of land can be seen up ahead.

JAKE

That'd be England, right?

SEAN

Nope, that beauty is what we call Ireland. We'll be going just past that to London, I think.

The helicopter soars over the vast green land of Ireland, over a stretch of more ocean, and then arrives over England. It flies for some time before slowly descending on a landing pad located on the top of a building in London.

RAY

(exiting helicopter)

I'll meet you all at the briefing.

INT. - MILITARY ROOM - DAY

LONDON, ENGLAND. OCTOBER 15TH, 2012.

Sean and Jake sit in silence among other soldiers from around the globe in military gear. After a moment, Ray enters with another older, British man, PATRICK LIND. Lind walks to the front of the room and addresses the group in a strong British accent.

LIND

I am Captain Patrick Lind of the British Army. You have been chosen from around the world based on your aptitude in certain aspects of war. You will each be a part of a special, integrated unit which will function as one team with one common goal.

The Marines and other soldiers continue to focus on Lind.

LIND

This goal is simple-the capture, or if necessary, elimination, of this man-

Lind clicks a button on a remote in his hand and a large image of FRANK ABBADON projects onto a large screen on the wall. Frank is dressed in a standard Marine uniform and points an M-16 rifle at a woman's head with a look of hatred on his face.

LIND

Frank Abbadon- murderer and traitor to America. He is one of the most ruthless and despicable men in the world. From what I gather, he was once the second-fastest rising Marine in the states.

Lind quickly glances at Ray, who stares at the image of Frank intensely.

LIND

Once thought to be dead, he has now joined our enemies, specifically the Russians, and has been terrorizing the European Union for months. So far, all of our efforts to capture or stop him have failed-you will change this. Our best information is that he is currently in Poland, and that, my friends, is where we are headed.

LIND

That is all, soldiers. Get a good night's sleep, because we head for Poland tomorrow.

Lind and Ray exit the room.

SEAN

Christ, it seems like every day we're being told to get a good night's sleep because we're traveling halfway across the god-damned world the next day!

JAKE

Welcome to the life of a Marine, Sean.

[Legend]

EXT. - OUTSKIRTS OF WARSAW - DAY

WARSAW, POLAND. OCTOBER 16TH, 2012.

The unit exits a British helicopter onto a landing pad. The helicopter flies off once they have left. They continue through a wide-open field before reaching the outskirts of a large city-Warsaw.

LIND

Warsaw, Poland. As of three days ago, this city was in Russian hands, but our joint forces have helped to push them back a few miles.

SEAN

And Abbadon is...

LIND

On the other side of the city, we believe. Recent info. suggests his team is headed towards Branicki Palace, which houses the government, and is located directly in the center of the city. They've been doing similar things for months, assassinating leaders of cities throughout the European Union, throwing the cities into chaos.

JAKE

And nobody's been able to stop them yet?

RAY

That's because nobody's been looking to stop him. For the past month, our forces have been concerned with liberating Poland. Nobody had focused in on this one small unit, until now. We treated them like a fly on our leg, not paying much attention until we decided to swat it...the only thing is, Frank is the kind of fly that will get back up and bite you again and again until he's had his fill.

The soldiers are silent and continue looking at the city.

LIND

Alright, men, we're moving out. We'll enter the city through that bridge to the east and continue. The Palace is thirty blocks in. It's possible that Abbadon will already be there when we arrive. If this is the case, we must act quickly. Johnson, Weston, Blagden, and McRoberts: you three are our sharpshooters and will position yourselves in the surrounding buildings, one from each direction. If you see the enemy, you will immediately radio us and then proceed to take out as many targets as possible. If necessary, you will take out Abbadon himself.

The soldiers begin walking through the streets of Warsaw towards the Palace.

CUT TO:

INT. OVAL OFFICE - DAY

The President is alone in his office until Faber and Nelson enter the room.

GARCIA

You know, somebody ought to check out the state of those doors, I wouldn't doubt that they get opened three-hundred times a day.

NELSON

Well, sir, that can happen during a war.

GARCIA

I suppose so. Have you got anything for me on Warsaw?

NELSON

Yes, Warsaw. Patterson's unit has entered the city and is nearing the Palace. They should be coming into contact with Abbadon within minutes.

GARCIA

And...this is news?

NELSON

Sir, we have reason to believe that there is a trap planted for the unit.

GARCIA

What the hell do you mean, a trap?

FABER

Will we hurry this up, for Christ's sake? My son is out there and they're waiting for us to tell them whether to proceed or not, they could be sitting right in the enemy's cross hairs as we speak!

GARCIA

There are forty lives at risk, Jack. Your son isn't the only one.

(to Nelson)

What suggests this?

NELSON

Satellite evidence shows that Abbadon is nowhere in the area...and may have left the city completely hours ago.

GARCIA

And we're just learning about this now?

NELSON

I'm sorry, sir, I was just informed-

GARCIA

Get them the hell out of there. I want them pulling out the same way they came in, you got that?

NELSON

Yes sir. I will give the order immediately.

CUT TO:

EXT. - STREETS OF WARSAW - SUNSET

The entire unit of nearly forty soldiers from across the world cautiously approach each street corner with their rifles pointed in all directions. The metropolis is war-torn and many of the buildings are either partially-destroyed or completely rubble. The city has long since been evacuated by civilians and is empty. Ray holds a radio which begins to buzz with a voice.

NELSON

(on radio)

Captain, do you hear me? Over.

RAY

Yes, this is Captain Ray Patterson.

NELSON

(on radio)

This is John Nelson, you and your entire unit must stop immediately and turn around, I repeat, stop immediately and turn around!

RAY

Everybody, over here!

The soldiers gather around Ray, who still holds the radio in his hand. Several of the soldiers keep their rifles pointed at the tops of the buildings above.

RAY

We've received orders from Washington, we are to turn around and head out of the city.

SEAN

Head out of the city? We just spent ten minutes walking through the city, and now they want us to turn back?

RAY

Yes, private McRoberts, that is exactly what we are to do. If you have any objections, you can take them up with the President.

Sean relents as the soldiers turn around and head back the way they came. They walk until they are within about a hundred yards of the edge of the city and all is silent when the BOOM of a gunshot rings above their heads. One soldier suddenly falls to the ground, dead.

RAY

(running)

Evasive action! Move, move, move!

The rest of the unit quickly scatters to various spots behind buildings on either side of the street, pointing their weapons all around them. Sean and Jake are positioned next to each other on the side of a five-story brick building that is partially-destroyed at it's top.

Another gunshot is heard and a bullet hits the ground feet away from Jake and Sean, who quickly run in the opposite direction. They then turn the corner through a doorway with a kicked-down door into the building, pointing their weapons at the stairs that lay in front of them.

CUT TO:

Ray crouches behind the corner of a building, his eye in his rifle, pointed at the rooftop of the building across the street which Sean and Jake have entered. Lind sits next to him, tending to an injured soldier. A figure can be seen, walking across the roof with a rifle. Ray concentrates and lets off one bullet, which hits the figure in the head, knocking him off of the rooftop, where he falls to his death. He then falls back behind the building and pulls the radio out of a pocket. Lind takes his position aiming at the rooftop.

RAY

Hello? Hello, this is Captain Ray Patterson, we have a UA near the east outskirts of Warsaw-require assistance, over!

NELSON

(on radio)

You've been ambushed?

Lind turns around and yells into the radio.

LIND

Yes, we've been bloody ambushed, send as much help as you can spare!

Ray turns back to his position and looks into his scope: he sees a number of enemy soldiers across the street, including Abbadon. They are looking directly at the building where Sean and Jake are in. Ray begins to fire at them as they sprint across the street towards the building-he takes out two of the five soldiers, but the rest continue on, unshaken, and leave the injured.

Ray and Lind then immediately sprint across the street towards the building.

CUT TO:

Outside of the brick building, Abbadon quietly approaches. Only a small hole exists on his side of the building, and he can make out the two soldiers. He lets out a wide smile and pulls a grenade from his belt, pulling the safety pin and tossing it through the hole towards Sean and Jake. He then sprints back across the street and takes cover on the ground.

CUT TO:

Inside the building again, Sean and Jake peer out of the holes in the brick, looking at the small battles going on outside. Sean points the barrel of his rifle through a hole, taking aim at an enemy soldier.

effect: Slow motion

Jake turns to the right and sees Abbadon's grenade land on the ground, yards away from Sean. He looks at Sean and runs towards the grenade.

Sean turns his head after shooting an enemy in the head-his first kill. He then sees Jake sprinting near him and sprawling into an all-out dive. Jake dives onto the grenade as Sean's screams are drowned by the BOOM of the grenade exploding immediately underneath Sean.

EFFECT: End slow motion

Sean stares at the lifeless body of Jake, which flies through the air and lands on the ground where the grenade exploded. He runs towards him, shaking his body.

SEAN

(shaking Jake)

Jake, get up, get the hell up!

Sean feels for Jake's pulse and a look of horror comes across his face. He then looks at the wall where the grenade came from, where Abbadon is crouched across the street. As Ray and Lind arrive next to him and come into the building, Sean sprints out at Abbadon.

Ray and Lind grab Sean by his shoulders and hold him back from running into the open. Sean tries to swing free, but Lind pins him against the brick wall. Ray turns towards the other wall and sees Abbadon and his few surviving soldiers retreating in the distance and walks out of the building. He points his rifle at them and hits the soldier next to Abbadon in the back of the head, sending him to the ground.

Abbadon looks back before turning a corner and for one moment makes eye contact with Ray-as he does, a smile comes over his face. He then exits the city as Ray goes back into the building to Jake.

Sean sits at Jake's body, with the stomach-torn apart by the grenade-facing the ground.

SEAN

It...it was him. Abbadon, he tossed a grenade in here, I was facing the other way...I forgot to clear our rear...Jake jumped on the grenade, he saved me...and Abbadon, he-he just smiled.

A convoy of tanks and armored jeeps arrives near the building.

MONTAGE:

A) Sean, Ray, and Lind carry the body of Jake on a stretcher and place it in one of the cars.

B) Sean sits in the back of a US transport with the other soldiers, staring off into the distance, where the sun has set and night has fallen.

C) Nelson approaches Faber, puts his arm on his shoulder, and tells him something. Faber just stares at Nelson, shocked, before putting his fist into the wall beside him.

CUT TO:

EXT. - ARLINGTON CEMETERY - DAY

OCTOBER 23RD, 2012.

A coffin rests just above the ground in front of a white, marble grave, which reads "Jake Faber." It is one of the thousands of these in the giant military graveyard.

PRIEST

Although Jake is now gone from our lives, he now lives with the Lord in Heaven. We must not grieve, but rejoice, for one of the Lord's children has returned to him.

Jack Faber looks on, biting his lip, his eyes fixated on the coffin. A number of men in military uniforms stand behind him, including Sean.

PRIEST

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and through the mercy of God, may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

ALL

Amen.

The coffin lowers slowly into the ground and most of those at the funeral begin to disperse and leave. Soon, only Garcia, Faber, Sean, and a few other family members remain, watching as Jake is lowered to the ground.

Sean walks away and catches the eye of Faber. The two give each other a short nod and part their different ways. Sean continues down one path where Ray waits for him.

RAY

I'll understand if you don't want to go back, Sean. Go home to your family.

SEAN

The only place I'm going is where Abbadon is.

RAY

Sean, I don't want you getting a personal vendetta again-

SEAN

Captain, you gave me a mission, and that mission was to bring Frank Abbadon to justice. That is exactly what I intend to do.

RAY

Alright, Sean. We'll meet up with the rest of our unit as fast as we can.

The two walk in silence down the path for a few moments before Ray stops. Sean looks at him and also stops. Ray stares off into the countless white graves in the distance, looking in a specific spot.

RAY

You're a good man, Sean. I'm proud to have you with me.

Ray puts his arm around Sean's soldier and the two continue down the path.

CUT TO:

We ZOOM in on the grave that Ray was staring at, revealing the name "Tom McRoberts."

CUT TO:

EXT. - HELICOPTER LANDING PAD - NIGHT

TOKYO, JAPAN. NOVEMBER 1ST, 2012.

Sean and Ray exit the military helicopter in Tokyo. They look out on the large skyline from a high rooftop of a military building.

SEAN

Abbadon got from Warsaw to Tokyo in that amount of time?

RAY

He's resourceful...I'll give him that.

SEAN

Captain, if you don't mind me asking...what is it between you and him?

RAY

What do you mean?

SEAN

I saw the way you looked at him, you know the guy...

Ray looks down at the ground beneath them and pauses.

SEAN

I'm sorry, if you don't want to tell me, that's fine-

RAY

Frank and I were in the same company, years ago. We were both two of the best young Marines that had been seen in years, and we spent a lot of time together in Iraq...and Lebanon before that.

Sean's eyes light up at the mention of Lebanon, the place of his father's death.

RAY

We were much like you and Jake...I was more like your self, quiet and reserved, and Frank was always the cocky, showy one...I don't want to compare him to Jake, but before he turned, he was...different. I guess you could say I was the closest thing to a friend Frank ever had.

SEAN

You knew my father.

RAY

Hell, he was the closest thing to a friend I ever had. Tom was a great soldier. He might not have been as talented as Frank or I, but he had the willpower of something else, it was almost superhuman.

SEAN

Then why did he let a whole barracks full of Marines die instead of sacrificing his own life?

RAY

Sean, you have to realize, the circumstances-

SEAN

Look what Jake did, he sacrificed himself just to save me, one life! And my dad couldn't take a bullet for more than a hundred people?

RAY

Sean, I'm going to tell you something...something you must never repeat.

Sean looks at Ray curiously.

RAY

Your father...he wasn't shot down by any random terrorist.

SEAN

What?

RAY

We didn't know it at the time, but we found out four years ago...after Frank turned.

SEAN

(screaming)

What happened to my dad?

RAY

Your father was murdered by Frank Abbadon.

SEAN

What the hell-Abbadon-you said you fought with him in Iraq, that was years after my dad died!

RAY

The events are a bit hazy, but we figured out that Frank had been aiding our enemies for quite some time...it likely began right around the time of your father's death-that's when he was sloppy. He killed your father personally, we discovered, and escaped the barracks. It wasn't until years later that he finally deserted the Marines and defected to Iran, telling them everything he knew. He did a lot of damage before we even realized it.

Sean pauses, staring out into the skyline, soaking in the revelation.

SEAN

Why? I mean, why did he do all of this? One day he's the hot-shot Marine and the next day he's betraying us and helping our enemies?

RAY

Money. Frank was born in poverty and envied the rich. I don't know how, but he was somehow enticed by a group with making much more than a Marine could ever make and he took the offer.

SEAN

So he chose money over his brothers in arms...well, you were wrong.

RAY

Excuse me?

SEAN

He's nothing like Jake was.

CUT TO:

INT. - Number One observatory circle - NIGHT

NOVEMBER 14TH, 2012.

Faber walks around his empty house, the same place where he learned before that Jake had joined the Marines behind his back. He walks about the room and picks up a recent photo of he and Jake smiling at the White House with Garcia. He sheds a single tear and puts the photo down.

He slowly ascends up the stairs where Jake's room is. He enters Jake's room and begins to weep. A loud knocking can be heard from the front door, followed by the voice of the President, Garcia.

GARCIA

Jack? Jack? I just saw you get home five minutes ago, I know you're in there! Jack!

CUT TO:

Garcia stands outside the door wit, pounding on it. Four secret service agents dressed in black stand behind him. After he hears no answer, he takes out a key from his pocket.

GARCIA

Alright, Jack, I'm coming in!

He turns the key in the door and slowly opens the door, looking around for Faber. The secret service guards enter, alerted, with their 9mm pistols held in the air.

Garcia

Jack!

No answer.

Garcia continues up the stairs to where Faber went, into Jake's room. Two of the agents enter before him with their guns drawn. Upon entering the room, they look shocked and put down their guns.

AGENT

Sir, I don't think you want to see this-

Garcia walks through the guards and into Jake's room and finds Faber hanging on a rope from the ceiling fan by his neck. One of the guards feels a point in his neck and checks his pulse.

AGENT

He's gone, sir.

Garcia looks, shocked, at the body of his Vice-President.

CUT TO:

INT. - OVAL OFFICE - DAY

NOVEMBER 30TH, 2012.

Garcia sits once again at his desk in the Oval Office as Nelson enters the room.

GARCIA

Any good news?

Nelson simply smiles and turns away, walks to a chair, and sits down.

NELSON

It's not as bad as you might think. Patterson's unit has been waiting in Tokyo for word of Abbadon for a while now, but none has come...until now.

GARCIA

They've spotted the bastard?

NELSON

More than spotted him...the war in the Pacific has been going great for us lately, and apparently they have launched one desperate attack at Tokyo...a large enemy army has gathered on the shores of Tokyo, preparing for an invasion, likely in three or so days. If they do take the city, they might have some life again in the war...if not, the war will literally be ours to lose.

GARCIA

And Abbadon will be with them?

NELSON

Yes.

GARCIA

Alright, have we got enough defense over there?

NELSON

The city has been fortified like never before...they won't take the city, sir.

GARCIA

God Almighty, I think I see an end to this this...

Garcia pauses and looks at a space next to Nelson.

GARCIA

This would usually be when Jack would tell me that we've still got a war to fight and not to get too sure of ourselves.

NELSON

Mr. President, we've still got a war to fight...let's not get too sure of ourselves.

GARCIA

Thanks, John.

Nelson pauses before responding.

NELSON

Sir, if we are successful, our enemies will know that they are done for...they won't go down peacefully, and I think you know that.

GARCIA

They will not use nuclear weapons, they won't risk the end of life-

NELSON

David, I think it is time to get you into a bunker for the time being.

CUT TO:

EXT. - STREETS OF TOKYO - SUNSET

DECEMBER 9TH, 2012.

The streets are empty besides the large military forces-the city has been evacuated for days. Ray and Lind stand in front of Sean and the other soldiers.

LIND

Alright, men, this is what we've been working towards. Frank Abbadon and a large army will be coming at us in less than one hour, and we will be here to send them right back!

A loud cheer is heard from the soldiers, who raise their rifles in the air.

Ray walks over to Lind and pulls him off the the side. Sean looks on curiously from afar.

LIND

What is it?

RAY

I just got a call...Frank Abbadon is nowhere near that army.

LIND

What?

RAY

I have reason to believe that he is...well, he's not coming from the shore like everybody else, but that's more or less a diversion...he's coming from the northwest, at the Imperial Palace...which will of course be minimally guarded due to all the soldiers defending the city.

LIND

And Abbadon will sneak into the city through the back door and-

RAY

Destroy the Imperial Palace, crippling Japan's government and plunging the nation into chaos. It's their last shot at taking Japan out of the war and giving themselves a free hand to fight us.

LIND

So, we wait for him outside the palace and ambush him when he least expects it?

RAY

Exactly.

Other captains begin shouting orders at the soldiers to begin marching. Ray's unit looks at him and begins to get ready to march with the others before Ray stands in front of them.

RAY

Men, we are not heading southeast with the rest of the city's defense army. We have discovered that Abbadon has used the invasion as a diversion to sneak into the city from the northwest and destroy the Imperial Palace.

Most of the soldiers mutter some words of surprise as Ray continues.

RAY

Therefore, we will wait for him. He has no idea that we will be here, but he will find out-right when we start gunning down his troops left and right! The castle has been evacuated and this time, he will fall into our trap!

The soldiers, including Sean, again get enthusiastic, raising their weapons in the air and screaming.

CUT TO:

EXT. - IMPERIAL PALACE - NIGHT

The Imperial Palace is a massive, oriental-designed castle, rising far above the ground. It is guarded by large, 20-foot-high brick walls with barbed wire. The only people in sight are those of Ray's unit, who wait just beyond one of the walls. One of the soldiers shines a red laser near them-the signal that Abbadon is near.

The soldiers rise and ready themselves, alerted, rising their rifles in the air.

A loud BOOM is heard and bricks fly through the air as a large bomb explodes down the wall to the right of the unit. They sprint towards the explosion and the large gap in the wall as Abbadon's men quickly run through. Lind raises his rifle and picks off two of the enemies with shots to the head.

Screams are heard across the small battlefield as Ray tosses a grenade near the previous explosion, sending two bodies sprawling through the air.

Sean sprints alongside the wall and comes up on an enemy, harshly whacking him in the back of the head with his rifle and watches the man fall to the ground. He then continues running and sees a man running at Ray's back, who is busy with another one of Abbadon's soldiers.

Sean raises his rifle and pumps nearly a dozen bullets into the attackers back, who quickly falls to the ground behind Ray. Ray finishes off a soldier and looks back at Sean, comically nodding his head at him.

Sean now sits outside of the destroyed portion of the wall with Ray and Lind. They carefully peer their heads around the corner, looking for Abbadon, but he is nowhere to be seen.

RAY

He never came through, did he?

LIND

No, I was watching the whole time, he wasn't with any of them!

Ray looks at Sean who is looking further down the wall which surrounds the palace-Sean is staring at a group of men climbing over the wall in the dark and dropping down stealthily. They then look around before quickly moving towards and entering the palace.

Ray quickly surveys the small battle, seeing many more enemies than allies outside of the castle.

RAY

Son of a bitch-Lind, stay here and do what you can.

(indicating Sean and three other soldiers)

You come with me.

Lind rejoins the battle outside, pumping an enemy full of bullets as a US soldier falls to his knees in front of him. Lind drags the body of to the side while still firing upon the enemy with his free hand.

CUT TO:

INT. - IMPERIAL PALACE - NIGHT

Sean enters the palace first with his rifle raised cautiously, looking around the corners of the ancient, dusty palace. It is a maze of corridors, lit only by the lamps on the walls. Ray and the others enter behind him.

RAY

(whisper)

Use lethal force on Abbadon unless capture is in sight. Kill the rest if they do not surrender.

SEAN

(whisper)

What if Abbadon surrenders?

RAY

(whisper)

Trust me, he won't surrender.

They continue around a left corner and keep walking until Sean suddenly and silently sticks his arm out in front of the rest of the group. Although no body is in sight, the lamp on the wall reveals a large shadow just around the corner, holding a rifle and pacing down the hallway. Sean looks to Ray, who nods at him.

Sean cautiously pulls a grenade from his belt and grasps it in his hand. The rest of the group back up as far as possible, a safe distance away from the target as Sean pulls the pin and lets it fly.

effect: SLOW MOTION

The grenade slowly glides through the air towards the wall and past a soldier dressed in black. It ricochets off of the wall and slowly continues directly at the soldier. He throws his arms up in defense and tries to cover his face, but it is of no use-the grenade explodes in his face, leaving nothing but burnt remains behind from the shoulders up.

EFFECT: END slow motion

Sean walks around the corner and immediately walks over to the body, leaning over it.

SEAN

It's not him.

RAY

Well, only four men came over that wall, so one down, three to go, eh?

Sean, Ray, and the other soldiers continue down the hallway until reaching a flight of stairs. They keep alert as they walk up, sweeping the air with their rifles. They enter into a small kitchen area, which appears completely empty. Sean looks at some of the food, tempted, but continues to walk down the path.

As they continue up another flight of stairs, a small spec flies right at them-a grenade. Sean, Ray, and two of the soldiers sprint to the top of the stairs. As the third soldier tries to reach the next floor, a gunshot rings from the darkness and connects with his kneecap, sending him down the stairs feet-first on his chest, his face smacking each stair on the way.

Sean and Ray try to grab his arms, but quickly falls to the bottom. The grenade overshoots them and falls into the room below, but so does the other soldier-the grenade lands feet from his body.

Covering himself, Sean now points his M-16 rifle in front of him, looking for the attacker-he finds him in the room on the other side of the hallway.

He quickly sprints at his enemy and goes for his legs, slamming his back into the far wall of the room. Sean then grabs him by the neck and twists as hard as he can, snapping his neck completely. Sean lets go and the body falls to the ground on its own.

SEAN

Make that two.

Sean rejoins Ray and the other two soldiers who continue cautiously through the palace, walking up a few flights of stairs without being attacked. Sean looks out an elaborate window and sees that they are only two floors away from the top floor.

The other two soldiers walk in front, followed by Sean and then Ray. The group reaches another staircase and begins to slowly walk up it, the barrels of their rifles fixated on the top.

All is silent as a body suddenly appears at the top of the stairs, letting off a burst of bullets at the group on the stairs. They all attempt to duck, but the first soldier is hit in the head multiple times before he can respond and drops immediately to the ground.

Sean begins to fire back, missing just over the enemy's head as the faceless Russian soldier fires one bullet from a pistol square into the head of the other soldier in front of Sean.

Ray now fires six pistol rounds into the soldier at the top of the stairs.

EFFECT: Slow motion

We follow one of the bullets through the air-it slowly releases from the pistol and flies directly over Sean's shoulder at the soldier, getting closer and closer by he second. It then reaches him and hits him square on in the forehead, spraying blood all over the wall behind him.

EFFECT: End slow motion

The other bullets also hit the soldier, three hitting him in the chest and one in the shoulder. His body falls limp on the ground, forming a large puddle of blood which flows down the stairs like a waterfall.

Sean and Ray each take one of the bodies of their fallen allies and drag them into a side-room and out of sight.

RAY

We'll come back for them. I promise.

CUT TO:

EXT. - IMPERIAL PALACE - NIGHT

On the outside of the Palace, Lind runs through the battlefield and dives behind a short brick wall. We crouches behind it and reloads his rifle. He then turns his body over the wall and picks off three enemies.

One approaches him from behind, unseen, and Lind purposely drops to his back. He quickly takes out his enemy's legs with his own and jumps on top of his body. Lind throws the soldier's rifle out of his hands and brings his own pistol to the man's head, who still claws at Lind, trying to break free.

BOOM. One shot to the head and the man is silenced. Lind Gets up and runs, nearing the Palace entrance.

CUT TO:

INT. - IMPERIAL PALACE - NIGHT

Sean and Ray continue up one last flight of stairs and a door stands in front of them. They CLICK more ammunition into their rifles and slowly approach the door.

RAY

Listen, Sean-Abbadon is in that room. He will do whatever it takes to survive-don't let your guard down for more than one second. Odds are he has a bomb set up and planned to escape before detonating it, but then we showed up-he'll threaten to use it and kill us all, but don't fall for it. He won't take his own life just to blow up a building. If you get the opportunity, take him out.

SEAN

(panting from exhaustion)

Yes sir.

Sean backs away from the door as Ray places charges on the ground in front of it. Sean and Ray then each back into either side of a hall that branches off the one they are in, Sean on the left and Ray on the right.

The charges explode, creating a large hole where a door once stood. Sean and Ray quickly move, crouched, through the hole with their rifles pointed dead ahead.

CUT TO:

INT. - PALACE THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

Sean and Ray enter the palace throne room, an elaborate, dark room with oriental designs and many ornamental weapon hanging from the walls, including spears, swords, and daggers. The two Marines scan the room for Abbadon, but there is no sign.

While looking around a corner, Sean is suddenly hit with a gunshot in the ankle. Abbadon springs up from behind a pillar and knocks Sean's rifle out of his hands and continues to kick him in the chest.

Ray runs over with his rifle pointed at Abbadon, who takes Sean by the neck and uses him as a hostage, placing Sean between himself and Ray with a knife to Sean's throat.

RAY

Frank, don't do this, you're not that kind of person-

ABBADON

You know, Ray, in the five years we spent together, I thought you would have gotten to know me.

Abbadon begins walking closer to Ray with Sean still between the two, bleeding at the ankle from the bullet wound.

SEAN

Ray, just fucking shoot him, shoot him already!

Abbadon brings down his arm and brutally punches Sean in the ribs. Sean gasps and almost falls to the ground, held up only by Abbadon, who uses him as a shield.

ABBADON

Ray, if you don't put that gun down in ten seconds, this little boy is dead.

RAY

Frank, you wouldn't-

ABBADON

Ten...

Ray raises his rifle, pointed directly at the sliver of Abbadon's face he can see behind Sean.

ABBADON

Nine...eight...

Sean, barely standing up, looks into Ray's eyes, urging him to shoot.

ABBADON

Seven...six...five...

Abbadon looks directly at Ray with an emotionless face, his knife still pressed against Sean's throat. It digs in a bit into his skin, causing some blood to drip down his neck.

ABBADON

Four...three...two...

Abbadon begins moving his arm, ready to slit Sean's throat. Ray looks on in horror.

ABBADON

One-

RAY

Stop!

Abbadon looks at Ray, who sets his rifle on the ground. Abbadon then grabs Sean by the neck and brutally tosses him down the staircase, sending him sprawling to the bottom, crawling on the ground in his own blood.

Ray starts to go to Sean, but Abbadon suddenly lunges at him, tackling him to the ground. He tries to bring his knife on Ray's throat, but Ray kicks him in the chest, separating the two. Ray's knife goes flying out of his hand and sticks into a pillar across the room.

Ray and Abbadon are on opposite sides of the room, weaponless. Abbadon stands directly in front of the stairs where Sean lays.

Abbadon looks towards the wall where a number of Japanese weapons are mounted as trophies. Abbadon grabs a Katana sword and stares at Ray, who then looks to the wall and grabs two Sai daggers.

Abbadon and Ray charge at each other, screaming. As they collide, Abbadon brings his sword down on Ray's arm, but is partially blocked by Ray's dagger. Ray lets out a scream of pain but continues fighting, thrusting his daggers at Abbadon.

Ray falls to the floor and kicks out Ray's legs, sending him to the floor as Ray gets up again. Ray nears Abbadon and lands two punches on his face. Blood runs out of Abbadon's nose and onto the ground.

Abbadon raises his sword at Ray to block the blows and is blocked by Ray's arm, catching the side of the sword. Abbadon springs up and is soon met with a kick to the face from Ray, who drops his sword and is sent into the wooden wall.

Abbadon slowly struggles to rise to his feet, coughing up blood and dripping blood from the nose.

ABBADON

Is that all you got?

Abbadon suddenly charges at Ray, tackling him to the floor. He holds Ray by his neck to the ground, choking him. Ray tries to escape, but is being held down to hard. He then reaches for the pistol a few feet to the side of him, but cannot reach. He instead takes his dagger and feebly stabs Abbadon, who reacts in pain by falling back from Ray, allowing him to get up. He stands right in front of a large window.

Sean struggles at the bottom of the stairs, the bullet still in his ankle. He limps up the stairs, holding onto the railings for support.

Abbadon again charges at Ray, pushing him backwards. Ray is sent sprawling over the window and his body vanishes from sight.

Abbadon continues towards the window, where he finds Ray hanging by one hand, a dozen stories up from the ground. Abbadon smiles as Ray looks at him pleadingly.

ABBADON

You knew this was coming, Ray. Say goodbye.

RAY

Frank, look at yourself! You've become a mass murderer, killing many of your friends, just for money! Is it worth it?

Abbadon looks into Ray's eyes, considering the question.

ABBADON

Every goddamn penny, Ray.

Ray's eyes widen as Abbadon grabs his hand and drops him from the railing, sending him down the deadly drop to the ground below.

Sean looks on in horror at Abbadon, who watches every second of Ray's fall, watching his body hit the ground with a CRUNCH.

Sean simply stares a few seconds before realizing where he is at and picking up the pistol on the ground beneath him. He points it at the back of Abbadon's head, his finger on the trigger.

Abbadon slowly turns around, facing Sean. He stops at the sight of the gun.

Abbadon

What are you gonna' do, kid, shoot me?

SEAN

No, I'm going to take you back to America where you'll be hung like a dog for the shit you've done.

ABBADON

Well, kid, that sounds fun and all, but I've got other plans.

Abbadon rushes at Sean who fires one gunshot into his leg. Abbadon slows down in pain but still runs at Sean, who then punches him with all his force in the face.

SEAN

That's for Ray.

Sean turns around and kicks Abbadon in the face, sending him to the ground.

SEAN

That's for Jake-

Abbadon doesn't let up and again comes at Sean, who stands calmly in place before the BOOM of a single bullet escapes his gun, connecting directly with Abbadon in the head.

For a brief second, Abbadon's face looks stunned before he falls to the ground in death.

SEAN

And that's for my dad, you son of a bitch.

Sean stands over Abbadon's body for a few seconds before running over to the window and looking down. The battle below is over as a dozen soldiers stand with Lind near Ray's body. Sean looks down at them solemnly and walks towards the stairs.

CUT TO:

INT. - HELICOPTER - DAY

OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN. DECEMBER 21ST, 2012.

Sean, Lind, and a few other soldiers fly in the helicopter coming to America. The ride is silent and Sean looks out into the ocean. Lind quietly approaches him.

LIND

You did good, Sean. Frank...Frank took a lot of people who were close to you away from you, and nothing can make up for that. But you should know that Ray...Jake...and your father...they'd all be proud of you.

A beat passes as Sean continues to stare out into the ocean.

SEAN

Thanks, Captain.

CUT TO:

INT. - PRESIDENTIAL BUNKER - DAY

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA.

Garcia sits in the bunker with Nelson. They are surrounded by military personnel sitting at computers.

GARCIA

From the way you described it, we would have gotten hit with hundreds of nukes by now.

NELSON

I wouldn't get too complacent, sir, at any moment-

Nelson is interrupted by a military man at a large, complex, computer.

MAN

Mr. President, Mr. President!

Garcia and Nelson quickly walk over to the man, looking at the computer screen.

MAN

Sir...they've been deployed.

GARCIA

What?

MAN

The enemy has launched massive amounts of nuclear weapons.

The room begins buzzing with many men running around and screaming into each others' ears.

GARCIA

Will we be able to shoot them down?

NELSON

David...there's no way. We might be able to shoot down half of them if we're lucky.

Garcia pauses with his hand on his chin before responding.

GARCIA

Alright. Active pre-recorded launch sequence Omega-Nine, I want every available warhead we can thrown at them!

(to the man at the computer)

I want you working as fast as possible at shooting down those nukes, you hear me?

MAN

Yes sir!

NELSON

I guess Einstein was right after all.

GARCIA

Not if we have anything to say about it. However torn apart we The will be, by God, we will endure.

CUT TO:

INT. - HELICOPTER - DAY

Back inside the helicopter, Sean paces back and forth nervously. He looks out into the ocean again and sees something.

SEAN

Lind! Lind, you're gonna' want to see this!

All of the soldiers on the plane stare shocked where the coast of California can be seen in the distance. A number of missiles fly through the air, hovering for one last second before dropping.

LIND

Dear god...

The bombs hit the ground and the city erupts into one large mushroom cloud, completely wiped off the map. Faint explosions can be seen even farther inland as the soldiers look stunned.

SOLDIER

There's one behind us!

The helicopter swerves sharply to the left and a large missile is seen just hundreds of feet from the plane, heading towards the coast. Sean rushes to the cockpit and sees the pilot.

SEAN

What are you doing, fire on that missile or it'll wipe out the whole goddamn city!

PILOT

Sir, with how close we are to the missile, we will all-

SEAN

I don't care how close we are, it's us or another three-hundred-thousand Americans!

The pilot hesitates and looks at Sean before reaching for the trigger and firing a smaller missile at the nuclear warhead. The missile streaks directly at it as the helicopter sharply dives towards the water and away from the missile.

The explosion above the ocean is massive, flames and smoke covering everything in sight. The helicopter tries race away from the explosion, but the flames catch its tail, sending it to the water below.

Inside the helicopter, Sean stares at a picture of his father in his hand, holding onto the helicopter as it plunges into the ocean. Flames soon cover the entire helicopter and it crashes into the water, exploding into nothingness.

CUT TO:

INT. - PRESIDENTIAL BUNKER - DAY

Garcia again sits with Nelson, waiting for news on the attack. The man at the computer turns to them.

MAN

Sir...across the nation, everywhere, missiles are being shot down...but there are just too many...impact is estimated here in thirty seconds. It appears the western cities have already been hit.

Garcia and Nelson exchange sad glances as the bunker begins to shake-computers fall from desks and lights flicker on and off before staying off-complete darkness surrounds the room. After minutes of shaking, silence has fallen.

Garcia finds a video camera nearby, looks at it for a few moments, and picks it up. He turns it on and points it at himself.

We see the city of Washington D.C. as we did at the beginning of the film, only now in complete destruction.

GARCIA

(O.S., narrating)

If you have just watched this video, that means that humanity has survived. Do not forget our past. Remember what you have seen today-what humanity is capable of in our darkest hour.

A beat passes as we see a large mushroom cloud rising over the city.

GARCIA

(O.S., narrating)

I made this video with hope-hope that one day, humanity will rise from these ashes and learn something. Hope that we can start anew with experience...hope that we will never let this happen again. Hope that somewhere, in one of the third-world countries that was smart enough to stay out of this war, there will be life.


GARCIA

(O.S., narrating)

My name is David Garcia and I am responsible for the deaths of billions.

We now see Garcia again as he grabs a pistol, points it down his throat, and pulls the trigger.

FADE TO BLACK

WORLD WAR III

A Legendary Productions Film

Shia LaBeouf - Sean McRoberts

Nestor Carbonell - David Garcia

Kevin Durand - Frank Abbadon

Grant Bowler - Ray Patterson

Michael Mantenuto - Jake Faber

Pierce Brosnan - Patrick Lind

James Cromwell - Jack Faber

Jay Karnes - John Nelson

[Legend]

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