THE WAR ZONE
Short Film
Email: anthonykirkwood@hotmail.com
This short film is set in the fictional country of Castopa, where civil war has recently broken out. The government is under attack from a rebel faction, which is trying to retake power, having been deposed twenty six years before. The rebel fighters are led by General Hastel, who is in charge of the government takeover, along with other unnamed generals. Ocania, a foreign power, is alleged by Hastel to have political interests in Castopa.
THE WAR ZONE
FADE IN:
INT. BROADCAST - DAY
Live television news broadcast
PRESENTER
As the war in Castopa reaches its fourth month the battle continues in the streets of the capital. Factional militia continue to prowl the streets, hunting down any remaining officials from the deposed government. Today, for the first time, General Hastel, one of the insurgent rebel leaders has made a public broadcast. We now bring you that broadcast.
SCREEN CHANGES TO IMAGE OF GENERAL HASTEL ON A PODIUM ADDRESSING REBEL TROOPS
EXT. CASTOPA - DAY
GENERAL HASTEL
My people, this is a war we must win. And this is a war that we will win. We are coming closer each hour to securing the freedom of Castopa from the hands of those that have controlled us for twenty six years. We are the rightful rulers of this country are we are taking back our right to rule. To those who will try to stop us, let me say to you, that you will fail. You will be found. To those watching events from afar, let me say to you, that we will not tolerate your interference anymore. We will find you too, and you will soon discover that it is futile to try to stop us.
INT. BROADCAST - DAY
JOURNALIST
This broadcast has raised concerns around the world. Government leaders have questioned the intent in General Hastel's warning. As they have insisted, their governments have no presence, interest or influence in any sectors of the Castopan government. Claims by Hastel that operatives are active in Castopa have been vehemently denied.
TELEVISION STATEMENT BY TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL FROM OCANIA
We have made it clear before and we will continue to make it clear, if General Hastel and his comrades will listen, that we have no reason or motivation to interfere in the events unfolding in Castopa. Whatever side you choose to be on, and that is a matter for each individual, we have not, and will never, play any part in the politics of Castopa. Accusations by the rebels that foreign intelligence missions are being undertaken in that country can be dismissed as lies.
EXT. THE JUNGLE SURROUNDING CASTOPA - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: 14 March 2005, Somewhere outside Trapworth, Capital city of Castopa.
Dense jungle. Two covert operatives sit in wait, blending into the jungle. One has a sniper rifle aimed at a road that runs through the jungle. They are waiting for a convoy of rebel soldiers to pass, their target is a rebel general and their mission is to eliminate him. These coverts are known as Covert 1 and Covert 2.
COVERT 1
Any minute he should be coming down this road. The convoy will stop at this point down there.
(he points to the track)
They will visit a small encampment about a mile into the jungle. As soon as he is clear we take him down.
COVERT 2
No problem. I can't believe a mile away the jungle's crawling with rebels.
COVERT 1
Do not hesitate. As soon as you have a clear shot, you take it.
COVERT 2
I'm a trained officer like you. I know what I'm doing.
COVERT 1
Just keep your eyes open.
COVERT 2
I can't wait to get out of here. I've had just about enough. We must have covered two hundred square miles so far. And I haven't taken a single shot yet.
A voice on the coverts' radio announces a change of plans. General Hastel is no longer due at this point. Rather, he has skipped the encampment inspection and has arrived in Trapworth. The coverts have new orders.
RADIO VOICE
The general is no longer expected at your location. He has just arrived in Trapworth, we think to boost rebel morale. Move directly to Trapworth. Your objective remains the same. Eliminate the general. More orders will follow.
COVERT 2
Finally we can get out of this jungle.
COVERT 1
The jungle gives us cover. How hard do you think it's going to be to hide and move in the city?
COVERT 2
We've done it before.
At this point a small group of civilians, leaving the besieged city, pass by slowly on the track below. The coverts attention is suddenly fixed on them.
COVERT 2
What do you think?
COVERT 1
Not sure. They could be civilians. I don't see any weapons.
They scan the rest of the track as far as they can see, as well as the surrounding jungle. They don't see anything. Apart from the slowly walking civilians, the jungle is quiet.
COVERT 1
Fire a warning shot. We'll soon see.
Covert 1 takes careful aim and fires a single shot past them. The civilians react and duck.
COVERT 2
No guns. I think they're friendly.
COVERT 1
They're friendly. But that shot won't go unnoticed. I think we should move.
INT. REBEL ENCAMPMENT - DAY
This is a small military encampment hidden in the jungle just beyond the track that runs through the jungle. Following the shot from the covert agent the rebels, who have heard the shot, are picking up their guns and shouting orders to each other. Two rebels are instructed to check on the source of the gunshot. They run from the encampment.
EXT. THE JUNGLE SURROUNDING CASTOPA - DAY
As the two covert agents are crawling away, the two rebels appear from the jungle on the other side of the road. They accost the civilians and demand to know where their guns are. The innocent civilians can do nothing, and are unarmed. The two coverts are still and watching this. The two rebels produce binoculars and scan the jungle where the two coverts are hidden.
COVERT 2
(quietly and cautiously)
I'm taking a shot.
He aims and fires and kills one of the rebels. The other rebel pulls out a gun and fires at the jungle. Covert 2 reloads and shoots again, killing the second rebel. The civilians have fled and as the sound of the shot disappears the jungle is quiet again.
COVERT 1
Come on, this place is going to be crawling with rebels in about two minutes. Let's get the hell out of here.
The coverts are up and gone in seconds.
EXT. CITY OF TRAPWORTH, CASTOPA - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: TRAPWORTH, CASTOPA
The decimated capital city of Trapworth in Castopa. The government has been toppled and the empty streets are now patrolled by rebel insurgent military personnel and vehicles such as military jeeps, tanks etc. Rebel soldiers march the streets, armed and on the lookout for any enemy activity, as they search out the rest of the fleeing or hiding government officials and soldiers.
Military vehicles drive past and bands of armed soldiers are marching. A helicopter passes overhead. A jeep passes with three soldiers. They are on their way to the command post of General Hastel. It passes through the streets of the city, and the three armed soldiers watch the action taking place. The jeep eventually reaches its destination, a run down building that houses Hastel's command post. They enter the building, ascend a flight of stairs and find a door in a corridor. They knock and the door is opened by another soldier. Two of the soldiers wait outside while the third enters. Hastel is standing at the window overlooking a devastated city street.
SOLDIER
General Hastel?
GENERAL HASTEL
Yes?
SOLDIER
Reports are in. The city is almost entirely under our control. All we need to do now is search out the remaining government troops, a handful of government officials who have not left, and then we can claim certain victory.
GENERAL HASTEL
What are the estimates so far?
SOLDIER
Sir?
GENERAL HASTEL
How many men have we lost?
SOLDIER
I can't answer that at this point sir.
GENERAL HASTEL
Do you know how important this is? How long we've waited for this opportunity? The opportunity to right the wrongs that have been done against this country and its people?
SOLDIER
Sir?
GENERAL HASTEL
We've sat back and watched this government for twenty six years. Its ridiculous policies, its attempts to integrate itself into the global community. While the true issues remain hidden under mountains of rhetoric.
SOLDIER
I understand the importance of what we're doing as much as you do. So does every other soldier. Our allegiances are unquestioned. But the issue at hand is the war out there. We're close, but some of the government forces are proving to be elusive. There are still over twelve unaccounted for officials, and small bands of troops. But, eventually, they will be found.
GENERAL HASTEL
You know the orders.
SOLDIER
Yes sir. And the question of the foreign officials. Is the command the same?
GENERAL HASTEL
If they refuse to withdraw then you know what to do. That is the order. We will teach these oppressors that we are not a country to be meddled with. For too long they have been clawing their way into this country through the weakness of the government.
SOLDIER
I have good news. We've received important information that may be significant to our cause.
GENERAL HASTEL
And what is that?
SOLIDER
I have no specific details yet, sir. But I believe a defector from the Ocanian government has classified information that he wishes to share with you. He will not reveal his identity, and it is his condition that he speaks to you, and you only.
INT. GOVERNMENT BROADCAST STUDIO - DAY
A high ranking government official from Ocania is delivering a solemn 'factual' speech to the nation on the outbreak of civil war in Castopa.
HIGH RANKING GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL
It is with great relief and thanksgiving that I announce today the full-scale evacuation of all personnel and citizens from the country of Castopa is almost complete. Some 2000 persons have already left the country and the rest will be evacuated within two days. This task has been successfully accomplished with the support of a military contingent dispatched to Castopa solely for this reason. As you are all aware this civil war is a sad and tragic chapter in the development of the great country of Castopa. Yet, despite the threats that the rebels present, our country will remain staunchly neutral in this conflict, as has been our official policy for the last twenty six years. We can only hope and pray that this civil war is soon ended, and that peace prevails.
EXT. COUNTRY FIELDS SURROUNDING THE CITY OF CASTOPA - DAY
Two covert intelligence agents are traversing the countryside to reach Trapworth in Castopa. They have secret instructions to assassinate the rebel leaders. They are dressed in semi-military gear, and are carrying firearms and weapons. One is reading a map.
COVERT 1
How far?
COVERT 2
Two miles from the outskirts of Trapworth. Our target is another mile from there.
COVERT 1
I don't need to remind you, that from here on, we become invisible. We'll wait until night, and then we move. Our target is General Hastel. You see a rebel patrol, you don't hesitate. We go in, we hit, and we get out. Then we wait for our next instructions.
COVERT 2
You think we'll make a difference in this civil war? You think killing one general is going to make any difference? They can find someone else to take his place.
COVERT 1
It's not our place to make those judgments. We follow our orders.
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
The two coverts are taking cover. They have painted camouflaged faces and their weapons.
COVERT 2
The general should be appearing any minute. Our man, acting as a defector with important information for the General, will come from over there. As soon as we get our signal we move in.
Shortly afterwards the general flanked by two rebel guards pulls up in a car and they emerge.
GENERAL HASTEL
Where is our man? He said to meet here at two o'clock. He said he had important information. I don't like to be kept waiting. If he tries anything you know what to do.
Soon, a man emerges from the darkness and approaches the General. He salutes.
GENERAL HASTEL
You're late.
DEFECTOR
My apologies general.
GENERAL HASTEL
What information do you have? I want all movements of your government. I hear their assertions of neutrality, but somehow I am not convinced.
DEFECTOR
You're correct. My government is not neutral. And as you well know, it is not a position I support. I believe in the freedom of this country and its people. I have a folder here.
The defector holds out the folder.
DEFECTOR
These are classified military documents. Don't ask how I got them.
GENERAL HASTEL
How do I know this is genuine? How can I trust you?
DEFECTOR
I assure you that I can be trusted.
The defector makes a subtle signal that is immediately seen by the two coverts. The coverts move quickly and quietly to General Hastel with their guns. The startled general and his two guards are too slow and before they know it they have been shot. The coverts stand over the three bodies.
DEFECTOR
I thought you'd never come.
COVERT 1
Okay, let's get the hell out of here. You're out of here tonight, okay?
The three disappear into the darkness.
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
The deserted streets of the city. These streets are ugly and run down - abandoned factories and buildings, the shells of broken cars, etc. Squads of 'rebel fighters' patrol these streets. Those who meet them do not live.
The streets are quiet. Two journalists appear. One is a reporter, the other a cameraman. They are walking the streets, covering the war, and looking for images of bodies, ruins etc. The cameraman is carrying a camera.
REPORTER
It's hard to believe people once lived here. It's far too dangerous to be here now.
CAMERA MAN
Then what the hell are we doing here?
REPORTER
It's our job. We need images. We need to show the people back home what's really going on here.
CAMERA MAN
But what if the rebels find us? We're as good as dead.
REPORTER
We're neutral observers. They won't kill us. They'll use us. They'll tell us why they're trying to topple the government.
CAMERA MAN
Their politics?
REPORTER
Everything. Everything they want to say, we can broadcast to millions.
CAMERA MAN
So we're safe.
REPORTER
For the moment anyway.
CAMERA MAN
This government has been in power for twenty-six years. Since the day they came to power, these rebels have waited and prepared. Twenty six years of waiting, of thinking, of hating this government and everything it stands for. We're trespassers. The rebels don't care about a message. They don't care about us. They want power back. And they'll kill anyone that tries to stop them.
REPORTER
We're standing here now aren't we? As long as we have a camera and our freedom we're going to report on this war.
CAMERA MAN
I can feel them. They're in the buildings. They're looking at us, wondering - who the hell are these clowns?
REPORTER
What we need are images. That's why you're here. Bring images of this war back home and you'll be a hero. They'll pin a medal on you. And they'll buy you a new camera.
CAMERA MAN
How many situations like this have you been in? You've been a journalist for what - twenty years?
REPORTER
Twenty-two.
CAMERA MAN
How many wars have you reported on?
REPORTER
Three. Not including this one. So I know what I'm talking about.
CAMERA MAN
Well this is my first, and I'm scared. Okay. I'm scared. Our country said get out. It's not safe to be here. As everyone was getting out, we came in.
There's silence for a moment.
CAMERA MAN
What are we looking for anyway?
REPORTER
Just get some shots of this. Images from the centre of the war zone.
The camera man starts filming.
CAMERA MAN
I thought there'd be bodies. I mean, where are the bodies?
REPORTER
Already taken away. The rebels clean up after their kills.
CAMERA MAN
Bodies are powerful images.
The sound of a car engine approaching breaks their conversation. The camera man, by instinct, raises his camera to catch the approaching car. A jeep veers round a corner and speeds towards them. Three armed rebels are in the jeep. The three rebels start yelling at the two journalists, who talk back, explaining who they are and what they're doing. The rebels don't believe or trust them, and make the two journalists raise their arms.
REPORTER
I'm a reporter. We're here to document the civil war. We're not armed. We're not part of the war.
The two journalists are shot where they stand.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
The office of foreign officials in charge of evacuating their citizens from the country. Two officials are in the office, discussing their plans for evacuation.
OFFICER 1
It's eleven o'clock. We leave in one hour.
OFFICER 2
What about them?
He gestures to five government civilians waiting in a group at the end of the office. There are three men and two women. These are the last to be evacuated.
OFFICER 2
They should be gone by now. They shouldn't even be here.
OFFICER 1
They're important. They had to stay.
OFFICER 2
But they should be gone. We should be gone. We should all be gone. It's insanity that we've waited this long.
OFFICER 1
Look, you know the situation. We wait another hour. They'll be back. Trust me.
OFFICER 2
Trust you? Are you out of your mind? This is not our war, yet we send spies to gather intelligence.
OFFICER 1
I'm the one in charge here. I make the decisions.
OFFICER 2
Wrong. You should have been relieved of your command in this country weeks ago. You have no authorization to do what you're doing.
OFFICER 1
If we can get that information, we can help stop this war. We can return the government to power. It's worth the risk. If they're not back in an hour, I give you permission to go. I'll stay and wait. I'll get that information.
OFFICER 2
There are five innocent people waiting out there - wondering what the hell they're still doing in the war zone. You've kept them here long enough.
OFFICER 1
One hour. If they're not back in an hour, you go.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Five civilian government officials, low ranking, are huddled together, discussing their situation. There are three men and two women.
MAN 1
What the hell is going on? Why are we still here? We should be gone. Everyone's gone but us.
WOMAN 1
Our orders were to wait.
MAN 2
For what? Wait for what? We have no reason to be here. And it's getting too dangerous.
MAN 1
The military is here. They're waiting. I've seen them. Why don't they evacuate us?
MAN 3
I agree. We've waited too long. I don't like it either. I say we go now, on our own. We can find our own way out.
WOMAN 2
Are you nuts? Go out there? Into the war zone? Who's going to protect us? We're not soldiers. We don't stand a chance.
MAN 3
How much safety have we got here anyway? What if the rebels come? We've got more chance of escaping on our own than we do staying here. I say, we go, and we go now.
MAN 1
I agree.
MAN 2
Me too. I say let's take our chances.
WOMAN 1
If we go together we might have a chance.
WOMAN 2
No, it's suicide. They'll find us.
MAN 2
Then you stay if you want. We'll go.
WOMAN 2
You can't leave me here.
MAN 1
Then come with us. You'll be safer with us.
WOMAN 2
So what's your plan?
MAN 1
We navigate the city. We stay hidden. We get as far as way as we can and then call for help.
WOMAN 1
That's your plan. We get far away and call for help.
MAN 1
Do you have a better plan?
WOMAN 2
I know something.
The others fall silent.
MAN 1
What do you mean? What do you know?
WOMAN 2
I used to work in military intelligence. I know a bit about it. I only stayed for two years. Our government is keeping a secret from its public.
MAN 1
What secret?
WOMAN 2
We're not supposed to be involved in this war, right? All our personnel and civilians have been pulled out, right? But we have spies here, gathering intelligence. We're just pawns. We're a cover while these officials figure out how to get their information. Our government is supposed to be neutral. But we're not. This government falling and the old rebel group regaining power is bad news for us. In many ways. Ways our government won't reveal. Our government is keeping many secrets.
MAN 1
Well, secrets or no secrets, I say we get the hell out of here now. We'll deal with the government later.
WOMAN 2
I shouldn't even know this. They'll try and keep us silent. I know the secrets.
MAN 2
Look, we're running out of time. If our government is using us as pawns then we have even less of a reason to stay and help them. I agree, let's get out now, and think about that later.
WOMAN 2
I just thought you should know.
The group glance at the two officials, still arguing in their office, and creep out. They head down the stairwell several flights to the ground floor. At the door two military officers are on guard.
EXT. STREET - DAY
The two military officers see the group of five approaching. They step in their way.
SOLDIER 1
Sorry, no one leaves except under order.
MAN 1
We're going. You want to stop us, shoot us.
SOLDIER 2
Sorry, we can't let you go. We have orders. And it's not safe.
WOMAN 1
It's no safer here than out there. We're leaving.
SOLIDER 1
We have orders.
The five push past and ignore the soldier's orders.
SOLDIER 1
Hey.
They all turn.
SOLDIER 1
Take this.
Soldier 1 produces a revolver and hands it over.
SOLDIER 1
You'll need it.
They take the gun and leave.
MAN 1
We stay hidden. We make sure everything is clear before we move. We need to avoid open spaces if we can. There are rebel patrols around.
WOMAN 2
This plan is crazy. I can't even believe I'm doing this.
MAN 1
We'll be okay. We just need to keep our eyes open. We'll make it out.
WOMAN 1
How far is it out of the city?
MAN 3
I'd say about three miles. It's not far. If we can get there, we can get to safety.
WOMAN 1
Three miles? That's not far. Maybe we'll make it out after . . .
A sniper rifle rings out and Woman 1 is hit. The four others, seeing she is dead, scream and make a run for it. Other sniper shots follow but miss their targets. The four run across open spaces, through an empty building and into another open space. There is a burnt out car there. A second sniper spies them and drops one of the men, leaving just three. At the sound of the second sniper, the three remaining dive behind the car to take shelter. Man 1 and 2 and Woman 2 remain. The woman is screaming. The men try to keep her quiet.
WOMAN 2
What sort of plan was this?
MAN 1
Shit, there are snipers in the buildings.
MAN 3
How many? I only heard one shot.
MAN 1
One shot will do it.
WOMAN 2
We're in the open.
MAN 1
If we move, he'll fire.
INT. BUILDING - DAY
A sniper is in a building and has his weapon pointed at the car in the open. The three people are on the other side and cannot be seen. He fires a shot anyway. It hits the car.
EXT. STREET - DAY
The three people still have their revolver.
WOMAN 2
Does anyone know how to fire that thing?
MAN 1
I spent a year in the army. I'm pretty good with weapons.
WOMAN 2
Then shoot it. Kill the sniper.
MAN 1
I can't hit the sniper from here. I don't even know where he is.
MAN 3
What are our chances from here?
MAN 1
Not good.
MAN 3
Can we make a run for it?
MAN 1
I doubt it.
MAN 3
I'll head for that building over there. I'll distract the sniper and you make a run the other way.
MAN 1
No. That's crazy. You'll never make it.
MAN 3
If I have the gun, I might have a chance. I could fire a few shots at him and run.
MAN 1
No, I can't let you do that.
MAN 3
Please. You can get away. We'll meet up somewhere.
Man 3 is given the gun. They all sit in silence.
MAN 3
Okay, on the count of three. I'll fire and then run. As soon as he starts shooting you go. Both of you. It's your only chance.
Man 1 nods.
MAN 3
One . . . Two . . . Three.
On 'three' Man 3 is up and firing in the direction of the sniper. He runs as he fires. The sniper sees and takes aim. He fires and misses and then fires again and hits Man 3 in the leg, but he manages to get to cover. But he is hurt and cannot move. Meanwhile, Man 1 and Woman 2 have started running for cover. The sniper swings around and takes aim and shoots Man 1. Woman 2 screams and keeps running. She runs into an empty warehouse and collapses crying and screaming. Man 3, who is hit, sits with his gun. He looks around, expecting to see approaching rebels. He is sweating. He looks at the gun. He hears footsteps approaching and shouts. He knows it is rebels attracted by the sound of gunfire. He takes a quick look at the gun, puts it to his head, and pulls the trigger. Woman 2 is still hysterical. She scrambles through the warehouse and out into the street again. She runs blindly, crying and calling for help. She runs and runs, and then stumbles across the body of the journalist and cameraman. She screams louder and collapses again crying. She then sees the camera and picks it up. She runs for cover inside a building.
INT. BUILDING - DAY
Woman 2 sets up the camera and faces it. She wants to leave a message. She is sobbing and hysterical as she talks into the camera. She starts yelling about the spies, the government's secret and how her friends are all dead.
WOMAN 2
My name is Leya Danacay. I'm in a warehouse in Trapworth. I don't know how to get out. There are rebels everywhere. All the others are dead. They're dead. I can't get away. The rebels are going to find me here. The rebels want to kill us all. They know about the spies and the attempts to kill the general. The government is killing us all. They've used us. I can hear the rebels . . . Help me, please help me.
Woman 2 hears rebel footsteps. She turns around in fear and finds a gun pointed at her face and three rebels facing her. One rebel hits her in the face with a gun and it goes black.
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
Woman 2 wakes up in a rebel interrogation room. She is surrounded by three rebel mercenaries, who are armed. The rebels have a video camera. The rebels want to record a statement from her in which she admits her government is guilty of espionage and political maneuvering in Castopa. She has a bloody nose and is afraid.
REBEL 1
Who are you?
WOMAN 2
I work for the government.
REBEL 1
Why are you here?
WOMAN 2
I work for the government. We're neutral. We're not supposed to be here anymore.
REBEL 1
Are you a spy?
WOMAN 2
What? No. I'm not a spy.
REBEL 1
Why did you run?
WOMEN 2
We were trying to escape.
REBEL 1
Why is your government sending spies here?
WOMAN 2
They want information about your activities, your plans. They want to know who has power. And they want those people eliminated. They want to crush the revolt.
REBEL 1
What does your government want with Castopa?
WOMAN 2
I don't know. I just know this country matters. We're not really neutral. They government is lying to the public about everything.
REBEL 1
Who are they? I want the names of all spies, and their plans.
WOMAN 2
I don't have that information. I'm just a government official. I used to work in military intelligence. That's all. I'm not a spy. I don't know who the spies are or how many there are.
REBEL 1
When and where do they plan to attack us?
WOMAN 2
I don't know.
REBEL 1
You see this camera. You tell this camera everything you know.
WOMAN 2
Please, let me go.
REBEL 1
You talk first. You tell us everything you know. What you tell us may decide your fate.
INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY
A journalist in Ocania is reporting on the civil war in Castopa. She is delivering the end of her report.
JOURNALIST
The slaying of five government officials by rebels in Castopa has sparked outrage and consternation among government officials responsible for the evacuation of personnel from the city of Trapworth. They say the attack was entirely unprovoked and without justification. The government has not yet commented on whether or not this rebel action will provoke military retaliation. In response, the rebels in Castopa are alleging that foreign spies have been attempting to infiltrate the rebel elite, and that various covert military actions have been carried out against their members. The government denies these allegations and asserts that the rebels have no evidence by which to support this claim. The government has restated its position of neutrality. In a related story, the disappearance of two journalists in Castopa is also being investigated.
INT. GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN OCANIA, - DAY
An assistant official enters the office of a high ranked government official, the same official who delivered the media statement at the start of the film. The assistant is carrying a tape.
HIGH RANKED OFFICIAL
What is it?
ASSISTANT
You might want to take a look at this.
The government assistant holds up the tape.
HIGH RANKED OFFICIAL
What is it?
The high-ranked official takes the tape.
ASSISTANT
This tape was discovered in Castopa. It was found in an empty warehouse. There was nothing else, no camera, no people. We took a look at it anyway. We need you to have a look at it straight away. We need to know what our official position on this matter is.
HIGH RANKED OFFICIAL
We have no idea where it came from?
ASSISTANT
Well, we have a pretty good idea. Watch the tape, you'll get the idea. Let me say this - if it ever gets out, it could affect our official position on Castopa.
HIGH RANKED OFFICIAL
Our position on Castopa? Okay, let me have a look at it, and I'll let you know immediately. But our position on Castopa doesn't change.
SUPERIMPOSE: TWO DAYS LATER
INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY
The journalist is delivering a news report.
JOURNALIST
A startling new development in the civil war that continues in Castopa. A tape, allegedly made by the rebel insurgents themselves has been sent to major media agencies throughout the world. It depicts a government official, captured by the rebels, delivering a speech in which she states that several neutral countries are currently conducting secret intelligence gathering and assassination missions in Castopa. Experts are currently examining the tape to determine whether or not it is genuine. The government is yet to comment. The following images may be distressing to some viewers . . .
THE END
Anthony Kirkwood, May 2006
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