View Screenplay (PDF) - Babylon Central

ESL Films
1849 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Babylon Central
Screenplay
by
Eric Hilton & Philip Hawken
Version 4.0
Shooting Version
August, 2007

FADE IN:
INT. ESL - NIGHT
(CREDIT SEQUENCE)
A record spins on a player as a hand carefully sets the
needle on the grooves of the vinyl. Analog pops and static
are replaced by the sounds of a grooving dub beat. The hand
belongs to SEBASTIAN JAMES (24), mod hair-cut dressed in
jeans and a loose collared shirt as he stands behind the
controls of the DJ booth.
Seb stands at the decks with his DJ partner, INNOCENT (25),
African-American with short curly locks on his trim frame. He
wears a vintage coat with a wide-collar shirt.
They groove to the music and see the bodies of the crowded
nightclub dancing and bouncing to the music. The bar is
packed with people getting drinks, the dance floor is filled
with men and women of all cultural circles, the energy of the
room is palpable.
Innocent removes the headphones from his ears and turns
toward Seb who hands him a record to consider for the next
mix. He nods his approval. The pair work the controls with
confidence and style as the crowd enjoys the set.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, RUSH HOUR - MORNING
FADE TO:
Washington DC as the sun rises over the Washington Monument
and another day begins in modern-day Babylon. Images of the
city coming to life and the morning commute in progress as a
radio report says:
RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
WPOT traffic and weather together.
Get ready for another scorcher with
record highs for the DC area with
temperatures reaching the high
90's. There is a code red air
quality alert in effect for this
afternoon, so if you don’t have to
go anywhere today folks, please
don’t. WPOT traffic chopper 420
reports a 3-mile back up on I-66
approaching the District.

In international news, the
President has asked for patience
for his troop escalation in Iraq to
take affect. The Vice President
said yesterday that those calling
for a troop withdrawal in Iraq are
endangering the lives of our brave
men and women in uniform. Earlier
today, 6 American soldiers and 116
Iraqis were killed in four separate
incidents in Baghdad; making this
one of the deadliest months since
the war began. The Department of
Homeland Security has issued a code
Orange terror alert for the rest of
the week. It's 10:00am and you're
up to date on WPOT.
Innocent staples a protest flyer to a bulletin board.
Seb weaves through traffic around Dupont Circle on a vintage
blue Vespa. He has a messenger bag slung over his shoulder
and wears a short-sleeve shirt, jeans and mod black boots. He
pulls the Vespa into the middle of the circle and brings it
to a halt near a set of benches.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DUPONT CIRCLE
CUT TO:
Three couriers - Seb, Innocent, and the much older
Rastafarian, ITAL (45), sit on a bench in the park as the
morning rush carries on around them.
ITAL
Look at these rats scurrying to
their holes. Every morning de same
ting mon. Slaving away all de time
mon.
SEB
(continuing to read a
newspaper)
I guess we all have to slave some
way. They stare into computer
screens under fluorescent lights -
we deliver useless packages. There
isn’t a whole lot of difference.
INNOCENT
Man, these Homeland Security
dollars got everybody jumping
around.
2.

ITAL
(As if he didn't listen)
Babylon's little helpers. Pushing
papers, passing legislation...
turning into a police state.
Lawyers, politrixsters... They’ve
sold their souls for trinkets.
(Takes a puff from a
joint.)
'Least I'm my own boss, I don't
have to answer to no downpresser
man.
Ital hands the joint to Innocent.
SEB
(Laughs)
Man we all know the only reason you
do this shit is so you can smoke
that shit 24-7. Let’s be realistic.
INNOCENT
(exhaling a puff)
Whatever gets a brutha through the
day. At least my man’s karma’s in
check.
ITAL
True dat brutha. True dat.
INNOCENT
(Looking at the people
walking in suits)
These sheeple will do anything to
please their masters.
The radio on Ital's side beeps, and then a static voice:
RAMON (O.S.)
Ital! Pick up at The Justice
Department! They’ve been waiting
forty fucking minutes.
ITAL
(with a sarcastic sneer)
Justice...
He slowly takes the radio from his side-clip and connects.
ITAL
Ya Ramon, no problem, mon. Just
cool out.
3.

Seb smiles as he takes a puff of the joint and offers it back
to Ital.
SEB
(with a hint of irony and
amusement)
Downpresser man got you going
again, huh?
ITAL
No escape, mon.
He gets up off the bench and collects his messenger bag. Fistpounds
are exchanged.
ITAL
I see you boys on the streets.
Yes.
INNOCENT
SEB
All right, Ital. Be safe out there
man.
Innocent hits the joint and passes it to Seb as his cell
phone chimes with a new text message. He looks at the phone.
INNOCENT
Yo man, just got a text message
from the Lounge. They say we blew
it up, we’ll be there next Friday.
SEB
Man it would be a great fucking
thing to have that gig on the
regular, huh?
Innocent looks over to Seb, who’s still got the newspaper
open in front of him.
INNOCENT
So, what’s fit to print?
SEB
(reading)
It looks like they’ve killed Ken
Lay.
INNOCENT
Dead men tell no tales.
SEB
That’s what they say.
4.

Seb smiles, and looks to Innocent, who’s sitting next to a
stack of his protest flyers.
SEB
So what’s the mission this time,
man?
INNOCENT
Anti-war protest next month. You
down?
SEB
(putting aside the
newspaper)
Man, you really think any of this
will do any good? I mean how many
thousands of people we put in the
streets around here? Not a fucking
thing has changed.
INNOCENT
You know Seb, your cynicism is
really blowing my high.
SEB
Come on man, all these protests
just seem like a waste of time.
Innocent gives Seb a stern, judgemental look which makes Seb
uncomfortable.
INNOCENT
Karma, Seb. Karma.
Seb shakes his head and looks away.
SEB
I hear that, I hear that. Hey man,
I gotta get going. Donna’s gonna
have a fucking stroke if I don’t
get there.
INNOCENT
I hear ya brutha; I gotta make some
money this week or my landlord’s
gonna change my locks again.
The two exchange the fist pound as Seb turns to leave.
SEB
We don’t want that shit happening.
INNOCENT
Not at all.
5.

SEB
All right, Innocent, be safe.
Seb gets on the Vespa and kicks it to life and revs the
engine. He pulls out of Dupont Circle and onto the streets of
Washington.
EXT./INT. GOLD & THORTON - MORNING
CUT TO:
Seb pulls up on his Vespa and brings it to a stop near the
large office building. He walks through the glass doors and
moves casually through the lobby. He stops at the security
desk and gives a familiar nod to HAILE, the security guard.
SEB
What’s up, Haile?
HAILE
Nice to see you, Mr. Seb.
SEB
You doing all right?
HAILE
All right. Yourself?
SEB
Ah, not too bad. Hey man, I’m gonna
get to work, I’ll see you later.
HAILE
See you later, buddy.
Seb continues walking and narrowly catches an elevator as the
doors are ready to close. TWO BUSINESSMEN in suits give him
looks of suspicion and distaste as the doors close.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, RECEPTION AREA - MORNING
CUT TO:
TOMIKA GRANT, early 20's, African-American, talks on the
phone behind the reception desk in the plush lobby. Her dark
hair is pulled back showing her smooth complexion as she
looks up and sees Seb as he approaches the desk.
TOMIKA
(into the phone)
...we were having a good time.
6.

I just don’t understand what
happened. Oh, let me give you a
call back.
(hangs up - to Seb)
Hey baby!
SEB
How you doing?
TOM
What’d you do this weekend?
SEB
Deejayed as usual. We finally got
that gig at the Lounge, though.
TOMIKA
I gotta come down to that club
sometime. You play hip-hop?
SEB
Not quite, but you might like my
sounds anyway.
TOMIKA
(flirting)
No Jay-Z? No Missy?
SEB
You might get some Tribe if you’re
lucky, but that’s about it.
TOMIKA
Boy, you're still cute. You can
play me anything you want.
Seb smiles and changes the subject.
SEB
So is Doctor Doom in yet?
TOMIKA
Oh he's in alright, and in top
form. He's down the hall with the
Prince. Something's going on Seb;
If I were you, I'd stay clear.
SEB
I was hoping to...
He's cut off as a nervous looking executress, DONNA
MACINTIRE, mid-30's, enters the room in a rush. She wears a
conservative business suit and a frazzled look on her face.
7.

DONNA
Tomika... (seeing Seb) Oh good,
Seb. I need you to take this up to
the Observatory. Get the stamp, and
get it ASAP.
SEB
No problem.
She hands him a sealed envelope and sighs in relief. Seb
throws of look wonder to Tomika.
DONNA
My God! Julian has been freaking
out today...
(leans in - whispers)
He’s driving me insane!
SEB
(playfully)
Donna, you look amazing.
Tomika smirks at Seb and his ass-kissing.
DONNA
(not amused)
Please, Seb. Just get these on the
way so I can get some peace.
Donna retreats back down the hallway as Seb turns to go and
trades a smile with Tomika.
DONNA
(over her shoulder)
Tomika, hold all of Julian’s calls.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD'S OFFICE - SAME
CUT TO:
A pen is flipped in the manicured hands of JULIAN GOLD, mid
50’s, dressed in a tailored suit and perfectly knotted tie.
He sits across from PRINCE WAHLEED, late 50's, a Saudi-
Arabian Prince. The two are in the midst of a serious
discussion.
JULIAN
Wahleed, this position you're
taking is extremely bold and could
easily backfire. Furthermore, I
don't think it's necessary.
8.

The Vice President himself told me
he will never waiver in his support
for you and your family. We go back
too far to jeopardize our special
relationship.
(Beat)
As your advisor, and your friend -
I strongly urge you not to do this.
Wahleed nods considerately and leans forward.
WAHLEED
Julian, my brother, what do you
expect us to do? We’ve been
obediently granting your county's
wishes and we've been good little
Arabs for a long time now. We've
bought your jet fighters, your
guns, your protection, and most of
all, your government bonds. We sent
our children to university here.
We’ve literally underwritten your
precious ‘American way of life’.
JULIAN
(sarcastically)
Certainly mine anyway.
WAHLEED
We cannot continue to be paid in
paper IOU's. When our usefulness is
no more, we shall have nothing to
show for our sacrifices. Inflated,
worthless dollars is not a fair
compensation for our greatest
treasure.
Julian nods and leans across his desk, eyeing Wahleed.
JULIAN
(shaking his head as he
considers the challenge
ahead)
It's going to be a hard sell to the
public. I know you appreciate how
difficult it is to simply maintain
a positive image for you and your
family. Especially since 9-11.
WAHLEED
(confidently)
Julian, you're the master. This is
why we retained your services. You
always find a way.
9.

Julian continues to twirl the pen in his hand as he struggles
with the task before him.
JULIAN
Well, I'll certainly do my best for
you; you can always count on that.
Good.
WAHLEED
JULIAN
(Shaking his head)
If this fails, the consequences
could be severe... for both of us.
WAHLEED
You know I consider you family,
Julian.
(Beat)
I trust your abilities. You will
not fail.
Julian considers the challenge and eyes Wahleed seriously as
they conclude their meeting.
EXT. NAVAL OBSERVATORY - DAY
CUT TO:
Seb eases the Vespa to a stop at the guard station and
removes the envelope from his messenger bag. He holds it in
front of him and studies the delivery slip.
SEB
(sarcastically)
Package for the Vice President.
The SECURITY GUARD shoots him a stern glare.
Cute.
GUARD
Seb hands the package to the Guard, who stamps the delivery
slip and tears it from the package. He coldly holds it for
Seb without a word.
Seb takes the receipt as his ring-tone sounds (Richest Man in
Babylon). He answers.
Yo.
SEB
10.

INNOCENT (O.S.)
Gator’s got it.
SEB
Oh really?
INNOCENT
I know he said today’s the day,
right?
SEB
Yeah, He better not be bullshitting
again.
INNOCENT (O.S.)
He’s not. I saw a truck.
SEB
Yeah, yeah, I'm on the way. Peace.
He snaps the phone shut as the Security Guard waves him on
and he peals away on the Vespa.
INT. GATOR RECORDS - DAY
CUT TO:
Fingers flip through a display of records in a vintage record
store.
A customer stands at the front of the store talking with an
older African American man, THE GATOR, as a few customers
browse the collection.
As the customer turns to the shelves, Seb and Innocent enter
the shop and move to the front of the counter. Gator eyes
them both with a laugh.
GATOR
Ah shit. I knew you two
motherfuckers would be comin’ up in
here today.
(Beat)
Now I ain't sellin' these here
records cheap. These are super-wax
recordings and they bring topdollar.
These records been sittin'
up in Anacostia for damn near fortyfive
years.
Gator is distracted as he eyes an INDY-KID, mishandling a
piece of vinyl with his fingers.
11.

GATOR
Hey! That's a record, not a pizzapie,
motherfucker. What’s up?
Indy-Kid quickly replaces the record as Gator points at him
and then looks back to his customers.
INNOCENT
Yeah, yeah, Gator, it’s always the
same shit with you. The 'prime'
shit, and we always leave here
broke. So you can spare us with the
sales-pitch old-timer.
GATOR
Old-timer? This old-timer can still
put a foot up your ass. Back in the
day, when this place was new, this
place would be crammed with young
bucks like you... now I gotta live
off all you sorry asses. Ain’t that
nothin’.
SEB
Well I'd say it's been a pretty
good fuckin' living. I think I
spent, what, half my pay in here
this year?
GATOR
Probably have, but It's only right.
You making money with these oldtime
originals you pullin’ out'a
here every week. When you two make
a record, I'm the first one to sell
it. Man, I support local artists.
INNOCENT
You would sell more or our shit if
you'd stop filing it under Disco.
GATOR
Sounds like Disco to me, man.
SEB
File it under dub, rock, soul;
anything man, and how about puttin'
one up on the wall.
GATOR
These walls are for collectables
and your shit is not.
12.

Anyway, it's my shop - I'll run it
the way I wanna run it,
motherfucker. Do you want to see
this stuff or what?
SEB
That’s why we’re here.
Gator smiles in anticipation at them and rubs his fingers
together.
GATOR
Enjoy what you see, but just get
your paper out. All right? Let’s
go.
Gator steps out from behind the counter and leads them toward
the back room.
INT. GATOR RECORDS, BACK ROOM - SAME
CUT TO:
Seb and Innocent enter a room stacked with cardboard boxes
filled with old-time records. They pull up milk-crates for
chairs and begin going about the process of evaluating the
goods in each of the boxes.
“RECORD SEARCH SEQUENCE”
Seb and Innocent look through stacks of boxes, filled with
records. As they flip through the records they move boxes
around and start creating stacks to keep.
INT. GATOR RECORDS - LATER
FADE TO:
Seb and Innocent look dirty and exhausted as the boxes are
now scattered around the room and they each hold a pile of
records. Seb's sitting on the floor looking through his loot
while Innocent continues flipping through a box. Seb stops
digging and looks at Innocent.
SEB
I am burnt. Let's call The Gardner.
13.
Innocent nods in agreement and pulls out his cell phone and
begins dialing.
CUT TO:

INT. THE GARDNER'S HOUSE - DAY
ANTOINE, late 30's, African-American with long dreadlocks and
a scruffy beard, holds the phone to his ear as he talks.
ANTOINE
Okay man, two salads with some
juicy carrots. You want some fresh
romaine too?. (waits) Cool. Come by
in twenty minutes and use the back.
(waits) And bring me some new
sounds man, my customers been
askin'. (waits) Cool, cool.
He clicks off the phone and sets it aside on the couch,
casting his eyes toward ANGELICA, early-20's attractive,
earthy. She takes the phone from him and retreats as he hits
a joint and blows smoke into the air as it lingers from his
mouth.
EXT. THE GARDNER'S HOUSE - TWENTY MINUTES LATER
CUT TO:
Angelica walks to the large Gothic-door and swings it open as
Seb and Innocent enter. She leads them to a patio-area filled
with plants and greenery of wide variety. Antoine holds a
watering-can and tends to one of the plants.
ANTOINE
Welcome to the garden, gentlemen. I
see you’ve met my new assistant,
Angelica.
Seb nods politely as Innocent flashes a flirtatious smile.
INNOCENT
Hey there.
Antoine moves to his chair and offers Seb and Innocent a seat
as Angelica waits by his side. He takes her hand and kisses
it gently.
ANTOINE
Hey baby, could you leave us for a
minute and go grab us some of that
supersonic? Thank you.
14.
Angelica nods and turns back to the bar area away from the
conversation. The all watch her go as Antoine breaks into a
wide smile.

ANTOINE
I heard you two dropped a motherfuckin’
bomb at the Lounge last
Friday night.
INNOCENT
Yeah man. We’re gonna be there
tomorrow night. You better come
check it.
Antoine nods and leans forward getting down to business.
ANTOINE
So what'd you two bring me today?
You know it's always gotta be a
fair trade.
SEB
Of course, man. How did you like
that Abassinian's record?
ANTOINE
Super cool dub experience, man.
It's in heavy rotation.
Seb reaches into his messenger bag and removes a CDR. He
passes it to Antoine.
SEB
You got both Cymande albums on one
disc. Very deep UK/Jamaican soul.
Perfect for herbal meditation.
Innocent nods and smiles as Angelica returns with the joints,
handing them to him on a small silver platter.
ANTOINE
Thank you, baby.
He kisses her hand again as she returns to her post.
ANTOINE
I don't think I'll be goin’ to the
record store anytime soon - not
with my own personal selectors.
SEB
Happy to be of service, man.
ANTOINE
What about your own stuff, man?
That last disc was dope; spacey
man. People be diggin' it.
15.

Innocent reaches into his bag and removes a fresh piece of
vinyl and hands it to Antoine.
INNOCENT
Here’s the new single.
Antoine looks at the vinyl and laughs.
ANTOINE
I’m working with 21st Century
technology - What the fuck am I
gonna do with this, gentlemen?
He hands it back to Innocent who smirks and takes the vinyl
back and sticks it in his bag.
INNOCENT
All right, man. I’ll burn you a CD.
Respect.
ANTOINE
They exchange fist-pounds before Antoine lights one of the
joints and puffs up a cloud of smoke. Innocent turns to
Angelica who returns his glance as she rolls a fresh bag of
marijuana for them.
EXT. ESL - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Seb walks up the street now dressed in sixties style blazer -
dark jeans, John Smedley-style shirt, and a large record bag
slung over his shoulder. He slows his pace as he approaches
the club.
SEB
What’s up, Marcus. God-damn I swear
you’re getting bigger.
The extremely large bouncer, MARCUS, smiles and nods.
MARCUS
No motherfucker , you must be
gettin’ smaller,
SEB
Yeah, probably.
(Beat)
All right, man I’ll see you later.
MARCUS
You know it.
16.

Seb nods and pats Marcus on the shoulder as he slips by him.
INT. ESL - SAME
Innocent sits at the bar talking and having a drink with two
friends; THOMAS MURPHY, late 20’s dressed in a Brooks
Brothers shirt and tie, looking like the NSA employee he is,
and STEVE GRIFFIN, mid 20's, a tattooed, bearded construction
worker in a black t-shirt. Seb approaches them at the bar as
Thomas gives a wave.
INNOCENT
Finally. There he is.
THOMAS
We were just talking about you.
Seb and Thomas exchange a soul-shake then he does the same
with Steve across the bar before finishing with Innocent as
he slides in next to him.
SEB
I didn't know you still get out,
old man. Finally taking a break
from catching all those crooks?
THOMAS
There’s so many I had to come
straight from work.
INNOCENT
The classic G-man if I ever saw
one. Man, you used to be so cool in
school, what happened to you?
THOMAS
I’m surprised you still let me hang
out with you, Innocent.
SEB
(lighting a cigarette)
Just please tell me you've called
off the war on drugs.
Thomas takes a sip of his drink and shakes his head at Seb.
THOMAS
Okay, that’s the DEA numb nuts, not
the NSA. We just listen and gather
intelligence. That’s it.
17.

INNOCENT
Intelligence, huh? Why don’t you
gather some intelligence about the
big shot that brings that shit into
the hood; instead of messin’ with
shorty on the corner, right. Try
that.
(Beat)
Come on, what little racist scam
you guys running?
Everyone reels with hesitation at Innocent’s words.
THOMAS
Whoa, brother, I'm not running
anything. Listen, I’ve been
starting to wonder about this shit
myself.
Thomas raises his hands to him as Steve shakes his head.
STEVE
Thomas, I still have no clue what
you guys do, and I don’t think I
even wanna know.
SEB
No you certainly don’t - Otherwise
he’d probably have to kill your
ass.
Thomas makes a gun out of his fingers and pulls the trigger
at Steve’s head.
STEVE
(sarcastically)
Not me, man, I’m just a simple
carpenter.
A group of girls passes the bar and Innocent and Seb both
turn to take notice. Innocent then turns to Thomas, still
wanting to dig.
INNOCENT
At least it's honest work.
SEB
Not when Stevie’s doing it.
Thomas senses he missed something as Seb and Steve share a
look.
THOMAS
What’s up?
18.

STEVE
Man, I'm really fucked. Innocent,
you remember that big condo
renovation I doin for that chick
from the World Bank?
INNOCENT
Yeah, yeah. She rode out to what..
like Sri Lanka or some shit?
STEVE
Yeah, wherever the fuck that is...
Well, I lost the key.
THOMAS
So get another one.
STEVE
From who? The building's empty,
man. Basically I got a late start
on this place. She calls me today
and I tell her I’m finishing up.
She's back in ten days, man and I
can't even get into the fucking
place!
Innocent peaks at the girls seated across the room and laughs
at Steve.
INNOCENT
Damn you are fucked man.
SEB
Very un-professional, Stevie.
STEVE
(shaking his head)
Dude, she is so fucking uptight too
man. I don’t know, I might just
have to break in.
Thomas stops in mid-drink.
THOMAS
I did not hear that.
Innocent continues looking past Thomas at a table across the
room and the girls.
INNOCENT
Yeah, it’s lookin’ good in here,
man. Especially that crew over
there.
19.

SEB
Yeah, I saw them walking in.
Innocent’s glance lingers a bit longer when an idea strikes
him. He waves to the bartender.
INNOCENT
Four shots.
STEVE
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Babies, please.
SEB
All ready? Oh man, It’s gonna be a
long night.
Innocent ignores the protests.
INNOCENT
Okay, here’s the deal. If you
flinch - just a little bit - you
gotta go over and holla at the
girls.
STEVE
(laughing)
Start walking, son.
They all take a glass from the bar and toast before
swallowing the contents. They all look at each other as
Innocent blatantly scrunches his face with the shot.
STEVE
I think I saw a bit of a flinch
there... You wanted to anyway, so
go.
SEB
I know that shit was planned. All
right, brotha, good luck.
Innocent nods and gets off his bar stool and moves across the
bar to the girls.
INT. ESL, GIRL'S TABLE - SAME
20.
MOVE TO:
RANA, early 20's, dark hair, large eyes, beautiful; sits on
the couch in the middle of her two friends, LEILA and WAFFA,
also of arabic decent. They are all dressed for a night out
and smoke cigarettes as Innocent approaches them.

INNOCENT
Hello ladies. My name is Innocent
and I’m your DJ for the evening,
but right now I’m gonna be your
server. Me and my homeboys want to
buy you all some drinks. You
drinking?
RANA
I’ll have a dirty martini, vodka.
LEILA
Vodka-tonic, please.
WAFFA
Champagne, please.
Innocent smiles at Waffa and her order.
INNOCENT
I’ll be right back with your
drinks.
Innocent smiles at them and turns back toward the bar. The
girls all share a smile as he leaves.
LEILA
He is cute. So is that one.
She turns toward Seb and flashes a smile.
RANA
Are you sure they're your type?
LEILA
Well, a little Gucci... a little
Dolce & Gabanna might make them
more appealing; but, they’ll do...
WAFFA
Honestly Leila, you just like
whoever likes you.
Waffa shoots Rana a gotcha look and they all share a laugh.
Leila turns to Rana and changes the subject.
LEILA
Oh please. Rana, how is your
father? Is he unhappy that you’ve
extended your studies?
Rana rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh.
21.

RANA
He knows I’ll do whatever I can to
postpone going back home. I plan on
getting 10 Phd's if I can.
WAFFA
I know what you mean. I wasn't cut
out for the veil and a lifetime
hidden in the backroom. If things
continue as they are, we may not
have to move back at all. You know
the Americans won't allow our
family to control the very last
drops of oil. It's only a matter of
time before we join the list of the
occupied.
(beat)
Maybe it's for the better.
RANA
(shaking her head)
How can you say that? You think
being bombed is for the better?
WAFFA
Yanni, I’m sure our fathers have
prepared for the inevitable.
Leila finally waves a hand and stops the conversation.
LEILA
Yalla! This is far too depressing
for a Friday night.
(looking toward Innocent)
Here come our drinks.
Innocent balances a tray with the three drinks and begins
handing them out.
Thanks.
RANA
INNOCENT
Your champagne.
WAFFA
You’re very sweet.
INNOCENT
You ladies enjoy your night. I’ll
see you again. Cheers.
22.

Cheers.
INT. ESL - LATER
ALL
CUT TO:
Seb is behind the turntables at the DJ booth as revelers now
fill the dance floor. Seb is lost in the music as Rana
approaches the booth. She yells over the sound.
RANA
What do you call this music?
SEB
It’s not your thing?
RANA
On the contrary, it’s great.
(Beat)
Do you have the new Nickodemus
record?
SEB
(he finally looks at her -
very cute)
Hold on one second, I’ll look.
Seb turns quickly and begins digging through the shelf of
records behind him in the booth. He spends some time
searching but can’t find the record. He turns to continue his
conversation with Rana - she's gone. He looks around the
dance floor through the maze of dancing bodies but doesn’t
see her. He slowly turns back to the tables.
INT. ESL - LATER
FADE TO:
The Lounge is clearing out as people exit down the stairs and
the floor is swept up of all the debris from the evening. A
lingering crowd remains finishing their drinks.
Innocent, Thomas, and Steve sit on a couch as Innocent tries
to light a joint. Seb returns to the couch holding a wad of
cash for Innocent.
SEB
Here’s your half of the door, man.
Not a bad night.
23.

Innocent takes the wad of bills and looks the other direction
as the group of girls pass them.
INNOCENT
Hey, hey. There goes your girl.
Seb turns toward the exit and sees Rana leaving with her
friends.
SEB
Man, I slept on that one, huh?
Thomas looks down to Seb.
THOMAS
“Opportunities multiply as they are
seized.” - Sun Tzu
SEB
Fuckin’ Government lawyer by day,
Zen Master by night.
Innocent laughs and blazes the joint and then passes it to
Steve as he talks.
INNOCENT
Yo, your set was nice tonight, man,
but you might want to keep an out
for the ladies. You had that girl
in the palm of your hand.
STEVE
(making a crude gesture)
That’s all right. Now he’ll have a
little something else in the palm
of his hand.
SEB
Man, fuck you, Stevie.
STEVE
Whatever, man.
They all laugh at Seb’s expense as Steve passes the joint to
Seb.
INNOCENT
I’m spent. Who’s down for the
diner?
SEB
(takes a long hit)
Count me in. Definitely count me
in.
24.

STEVE
I can do that.
They all rise from the couch and exit the club.
INT. SEB'S APARTMENT - MORNING
CUT TO:
Music plays from an old-school boom-box which sits on a shelf
in Seb’s apartment. The decor of the loft is sparse but neat
and in its place. Musical instruments line one area of the
room with turntables and stacks of records covering the
surface of the shelving. A RADIO ANNOUNCER begins to speak.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Radio Free DC, listener supported ,
community radio in the nation's
capital. That's Babylon Central to
you and me. Give us a call; we
want to hear your thoughts on a
number of issues: Gas prices, the
war, the housing situation. Man,
just like those levies broke in the
big easy, something's gonna give
with this credit bubble. We can't
go on like this brothers and
sisters. In the word's of DC's
finest Marvin Gaye , "We've got to
find a way to make some changes
here today."
Seb carefully removes a baguettes from an oven and then pours
a cup of coffee from a French-press. He moves to the couch
and sets his breakfast on the table.
He breaks off a piece of his baguette, and eyes the protest
flyer Innocent gave him. He sips his coffee and then gets up
from the couch and grabs his messenger bag. He steals a final
look around the loft before moving out the door.
EXT. SEB'S APARTMENT - SAME
25.
CUT TO:
Seb exits his apartment, throws his bag over his shoulder and
straps on his helmet as he approaches the Vespa. With a
smooth motion, he throws his leg over the bike, fires up the
engine and takes off down the street. The day begins.
CUT TO:

EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - MORNING
A black SUV leads a Mercedes luxury sedan through the streets
of Washington. Wahleed’s Bodyguard drives the SUV with an earpiece
connection to the car behind them.
Rana, and her brother, ALI, late 20's, ride in the Mercedes
500SL with their father, Prince Wahleed. Ali sits in the
passenger seat opposite their driver as it moves through
traffic. Wahleed checks his watch and says something in
Arabic to the driver and then turns his attention to Rana
next to him.
WAHLEED
Rana, where is your Hijab? Please
put it on.
RANA
Really, father.
Rana looks at him with frustration, then removes the scarf
from her bag and tucks her hair into it.
WAHLEED
Why do you have to be so defiant?
Remember, you're not to say
anything when you see the Vice
President. Just shake his hand if
he extends it and show respect.
Rana is still fixing her hair, dis-insterested in the entire
process.
RANA
Trust me, father. I have nothing to
say to your important friend.
ALI
(turning his head from the
front seat)
You could have dressed more
conservatively.
RANA
I'm dressed for school. I didn’t
know I was riding with the cultural
police.
Wahleed lets the moment pass as Ali turns to his father.
ALI
Father? Can I address the Vice
President?
26.

WAHLEED
(with pride)
Of course, Ali. You will one day
continue our bond with his sons;
these ties are essential. However,
today, you must wait for my cues at
all times. This is not just a
cordial visit among friends.
Ali nods in understanding, as Wahleed turns his attention out
the window.
INT. VICE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE, RECEPTION AREA - DAY
CUT TO:
Rana and Ali sit in the waiting area, trading glances at the
closed door to the VP’s office in front of them. Ali looks at
Rana a few times, before finally speaking.
ALI
I know you were out last night.
Smoking, drinking... You're
becoming a disgrace to the family.
Father foolishly thinks you're out
studying every night.
RANA
Can I not have a life? You have
your secrets as well.
ALI
A man is permitted.
RANA
Yes, a man is permitted everything;
so why do you concern yourself with
me? I'm not persecuting you.
ALI
You are persecuting Islam; that is
far worse.
(Long pause)
I should be in there with them. Not
sitting out here with you.
27.
He looks at his watch and then to the door to the VPs office
and wonders what he is missing.
CUT TO:

INT. GOLD & THORTON, RECEPTION AREA - DAY
Tomika types at her computer as the inner-office phone chirps
with a message.
DONNA (O.S.)
Tomika. Hold all of Julian’s calls.
He’ll be in a meeting for awhile.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
CUT TO:
Julian stands at the head of the conference room with three
of his employees seated around the table. He is clearly in
charge of the meeting as the assembly casts all eyes to
Julian Gold.
JULIAN
Prince Wahleed has informed me that
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will begin
to substantially reduce its dollar
holdings. They intend to conduct a
significant portion of their oil
trade in Euros. I'm hoping to
persuade him that it’s not in his
country’s interest; but he has made
it rather clear to me that the
Saudis are willing to take the
risk.
Eyebrows are raised around the room as the employees consider
what such a move might mean. One of the men at the table
twists in his chair at the news.
HENCHMAN 1
Julian, with all due respect, what
are they thinking? I mean, they
know the 'arrangement'. And the
consequences.
JULIAN
It's a bold gamble, no doubt. But
the dollar does look pretty anemic,
and there's a lot of international
liquidity out there.
Henchman 2 stoically makes his point.
HENCHMAN 2
I don't think he can actually do
it. I mean, it’s fucking economic
blackmail.
28.

JULIAN
It’s only blackmail if they were
bluffing.
(sternly)
Need I remind you, Prince Wahleed
is our most valued client? And it’s
our job to protect our clients’
interests - whatever those
interests may be. If The Prince has
a sudden aversion to the dollar...
well, we will assist him in his
efforts, and gladly accept his
dollars for payment.
HENCHMAN 3, a younger suit with an eager look nods
appropriately and waves a hand.
HENCHMAN 3
I have a contact at the State
Department. He can create a press
release for distraction about the
Iranian-backed militants in Iraq.
HENCHMAN 2
A couple of bunker-busters on
Tehran would take care of that
problem.
Julian smirks at the remark as Henchman 1 nods his head in
agreement and tries to recover from his earlier mistake.
HENCHMAN 1
Julian, my guy at Treasury can help
us out. We can spin the falling
dollar as a stimulus for US
exports.
JULIAN
(slight chuckle)
Good one. Go for it.
(turning serious)
Listen, we all know this won't be
an easy sell. You'll need to tap
all reliable resources. The Prince
is counting on this firm and our -
'creativity'.
(somewhat confidently)
I trust each of you will rise to
the occasion.
29.
Julian nods to the men and exits the room, leaving them with
their tasks.
CUT TO:

INT. GOLD & THORTON, BATHROOM - DAY
Henchman 2 stares into the mirror of the bathroom as he
finishes washing his hands. Henchman one stands next to him
doing the same as they consider their previous conversation
with Julian.
HENCHMAN 2
I don’t know about this one. I
think Julian’s losing his touch.
HENCHMAN 1
Yeah. This one’s gonna take more
than creativity.
Henchman 1 turns away to the paper towel dispenser as
Henchman 2 continues to stare in the mirror, serious.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, RECEPTION AREA - DAY
CUT TO:
The Prince’s Bodyguard stands outside the conference room,
leaning on the wall. Seb comes through the door and walks
toward Tomika at the reception desk.
TOMIKA
There's my man! I have a present
for you.
She hands him a package and he puts it in his messenger bag.
SEB
Ah, Tomika. You shouldn’t have.
TOMIKA
Donna needs you to run up to the
Observatory again.
SEB
Let me guess - The Prince?
TOMIKA
Don’t forget to get a stamp.
Just as Seb is turning to leave, Prince Wahleed emerges into
the reception area trailed by his TWO BODYGUARDS, Donna, Rana
and Ali.
As they approach the reception desk. Seb and Rana see each
other and he smiles, intrigued at this development.
30.

WAHLEED
(turning to Rana)
My dear, I know you'll be late for
class, but I must get back to the
embassy. I'll have one of Julian's
cars take you.
Donna, hovering behind them, leans in grimacing.
DONNA
I'm sorry, sir, but all the cars
are out right now. I can probably
have one here in ten minutes.
Rana shoots a look of concern at her father. Seb overhears
the exchange and steps forward.
SEB
I can take her.
WAHLEED
(gruffly)
Who is this boy?
DONNA
(slightly more nervous)
He's an employee of the firm, sir.
Extremely professional.
Wahleed gives Seb the full once-over look. Ali, at his
father’s side, gives Seb an uncomfortable stare.
WAHLEED
***This line is not in there***
DONNA
Absolutely, sir.
Rana nods and moves towards Seb, who escorts her out the door
to the elevator.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, ELEVATOR - CONTINUOUS
The doors close leaving Seb and Rana alone in the elevator.
RANA
Small world. Thanks for offering
the ride. I’m really e late for
this class and I'm already trying
to catch up.
31.

SEB
You may want to hold the thanks
until you approve of my means of
transport.
RANA
Just because my dad’s Mr. Big
doesn't mean I'm spoiled.
SEB
Fair enough. I warned you.
EXT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
CUT TO:
Seb leads her out of the doors of the building and waves to
the Vespa in front of them
SEB
Here you go.
RANA
A Vespa! I haven't seen one of
these since Rome.
SEB
It's okay, then?
RANA
It's perfect. I'm late, remember.
SEB
All right, we can cut through Rock
Creek.
Seb hands her the helmet and gets on the bike.
RANA
My father would have a heart-attack
if he sees me on one of these.
He gives it a kick-start and slides up for Rana to get on
board.
SEB
Okay, hang on.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - SAME
VESPA MONTAGE
32.

Rana grabs hold around Seb's waist as he drives them through
Rock Creek Park and then up some back-streets in Washington
before he brings them to a stop at the gates of Georgetown
University.
EXT. GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY - SAME
As the Vespa comes to a stop on campus, Rana hops off the
back and hands Seb the helmet.
RANA
Thank you, Seb, you're a savior.
SEB
We’re filling in tonight at the
Lounge. You wanna come by and see
me? I got that Nickodemus record
you were asking about.
Rana smiles and starts backing away.
RANA
You gonna pay attention to me this
time?
SEB
Sorry about that, I was working and
I got distracted...
RANA
Well, I'm used to being the
distraction.
She gives him a final flirtatious smile and then turns and
quickly moves up the sidewalk. Seb watches her go with a
smile of his own - his cell phone rings.
Yes.
SEB
INNOCENT (O.S.)
Yo, man, I got a score. I’m down at
Second Chance.
Really...
SEB
INNOCENT (O.S.)
Yeah. You got some dough.
SEB
Yeah, I’ll be there in like ten
minutes. All right, man, peace.
33.

He turns back to the steps and looks to Rana and then smiles
to himself as he returns his phone to his pocket.
INT. THRIFT SHOP - DAY
CUT TO:
Innocent is digging through a box of records, pulling each
one out and admiring the find.
Damn!
EXT. THRIFT SHOP - SAME
INNOCENT
A street performer wails on the saxophone as Seb walks buy
and drops a dollar in his case. A street sweeper sees the
move and does the same thing.
INT. THRIFT SHOP - SAME
Seb walks through the cloudy glass door of a disheveled
thrift shop. An older African-American woman is at the
counter, THRIFT LADY.
THRIFT LADY
Hey, sweetie. Can I help you?
SEB
Have you seen a nappy headed guy?
Got a crazed look in his eyes,
probably going through your
records?
She smiles and nods in recognition, pointing to the back.
THRIFT LADY
Right over there. You'd think he
found the Hope Diamond.
SEB
The things people get excited
about, huh?
Seb walks toward the back room and sees Innocent sitting on a
pile of records, reaching for another box.
INNOCENT
Hey man, check this out - Ramsey
Lewis Live at the Bohemian Caverns.
Mint.
34.

SEB
Easy man. Play it cool or she'll
jack up the prices.
Seb begins to flip through the stack of Innocent's treasure.
INNOCENT
Where were you? I called you at
least five times.
Seb smiles and turns to him.
SEB
Actually I was with that girl from
the Lounge.
Damn!
INNOCENT
SEB
Yeah. I ended up giving her a ride
to school today.
INNOCENT
Damn. Nice, man.
Seb nods to the boxes.
SEB
So, let’s see your big score.
INNOCENT
Check it out. Some dude's old lady
had no idea the treasures he left
her.
Shhhh!
SEB
He looks to the front to make sure the Thrift Lady didn’t
hear them, and then turns back to Innocent.
INNOCENT
Check out my box.
SEB
Let’s see what you got here.
They start flipping through the records as Seb is indeed
impressed with the score.
SEB
Oh man, Jimmy Smith! Nice.
35.

INNOCENT
Dollar a piece.
SEB
What! Talk about a score.
Now Innocent motions him to keep it down.
INT. BOUTIQUE - DAY
CUT TO:
Rana flips through a rack of clothes in a designer boutique.
Waffa begrudgingly trails her through the store as Rana
gathers a stack of clothes to try. A SALES-GIRL approaches
and Rana hands her the stack.
RANA
Hi. Can I try these?
The Sales Girl nods and leads her to the dressing room. Waffa
rolls her eyes in frustration.
Rana returns from the dressing room wearing a new pair of
jeans. She twirls in front of Waffa, asking for her opinion.
WAFFA
Yalla, Rana. Those look excellent.
Just buy them.
RANA
So impatient. I wait for you for
hours on end without any annoying
protests.
(Beat)
The light ones or the dark ones?
Waffa reaches for Rana’s purse and hands it to her, hurrying
the process along.
WAFFA
The dark ones.
Rana frowns at her and turns back to the Sales Girl.
RANA
I’ll take them all.
36.
The Sales Girl scoops up the pile of clothes as Rana fishes
her credit card from her purse and then hands it to her.

SALES-GIRL
Wow. A black-card. I’ve never seen
one of these.
Waffa again rolls her eyes, unimpressed. She pulls out her
cell phone.
WAFFA
I’ll call my driver.
The Sales Girl returns with the clothes in bags as Rana and
Waffa wait in chairs in the middle of the store, Waffa’s
DRIVER stands off to the side.
WAFFA
(nodding to her driver)
You can give those to him.
The Sales Girl does, and the Driver leads them out of the
store to their waiting Mercedes.
EXT. BOUTIQUE - SAME
The Driver opens the back door for Waffa and then walks
around the car with Rana to open the opposite door. He then
gets in the car and smoothly pulls away.
INT. INNOCENT'S APARTMENT - DAY
CUT TO:
Innocent leads Seb into his apartment which is neat, but
filled with a wall of books and another of records and turntables.
His old-school chairs and couch sit around a glass
coffee table in the middle of the room.
INNOCENT
Close my door, there’s a lotta
white folks livin’ around here.
SEB
Yeah, you better watch out.
They each carry a box of records into the room as Seb heads
right for the turntables and Innocent takes a seat on the
couch.
INNOCENT
Yo man, you got any skins?
Seb hands him his messenger bag.
37.

SEB
Yeah. Check my bag. They’re
somewhere in there.
Innocent grabs Seb’s bag and find a package of rolling papers
in the front pocket. He sees a larger envelope - the package -
in the main pocket, and quickly looks at Seb before removing
it and taking it to the coffee table. Seb is still engrossed
in the records.
SEB
Man. I've been looking for this
Johnny Lytle record for like five
years.
(Beat - Drops the needle)
You heard this cut? Man, this guy
never got his proper respect.
Innocent spreads the pages of the document on the table and
begins reading the contents as he rolls a joint.
INNOCENT
(without looking up)
Huh? Oh... yeah. That's a killer
tune.
SEB
Who's your top vibes player? Milt
Jackson or Cal Tjader? Probably
Milt, knowing you.
INNOCENT
Yeah... um, Milt.
Seb looks up from the record and shoots a look at Innocent.
SEB
What’s wrong with you? It’s like
you’re on another planet. Don't you
want to check out the score?
INNOCENT
I'm checking out these papers here,
man; this is some heavy shit.
SEB
What papers?
INNOCENT
Yours. I mean, your delivery, I
guess.
38.

Seb moves over toward Innocent and the papers. Innocent
slides him one of the pages as he goes about rolling the
joint on top of another page.
SEB
What do you mean mine?
Seb quickly walks over to Innocent and realizes what’s
happened.
SEB
Oh fuck!!! I was supposed to drop
that this morning. I gotta deliver
this now!
INNOCENT
You definitely might want to do
that considering it’s addressed to
the Vice President’s office.
Innocent quickly moves the weed away and brushes the remains
off the page before handing it to Seb.
SEB
Man, this is a mess!
Innocent shakes his head and leans back to finish rolling the
joint.
INNOCENT
It's past business hours. Besides,
you can't deliver nothing to The
Observatory at this hour. And I
might wanna make some copies.
Seb snaps his eyes to Innocent and gives him a serious glare.
SEB
Funny. Real funny. This is my job
we're talking about.
(Beat)
I think they have a guard there 24-
7, I gotta at least try.
He stuffs the pages back into the envelope and slides it in
his messenger bag.
SEB
Man, what is your fucking problem?
39.

Innocent smirks as he licks the joint and sits back on the
couch. Seb turns and hurriedly leaves while Innocent lights
the joint and smiles at the situation.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, RUSH HOUR - EVENING
CUT TO:
Traffic plods slowly through the streets of Washington. Donna
sits behind the wheel of her Honda Odyssey mini-van talking
on her cell phone.
DONNA
I know honey, just put it in the
microwave for two minutes, okay?
Mommy’s gonna be home soon. Okay, I
gotta go. Bye.
Frustrated and stressed, she pulls the phone from her ear to
see another call coming in.
DONNA
Yes, Mr. Gold.
(beat)
I don't know, I gave it to him
before noon. I haven’t seen him the
rest of the day.
(beat)
That is very odd, yes sir. I'll
call him right way. Okay.
INT. STEAKHOUSE - NIGHT
CUT TO:
A rare steak is being hacked with a knife on a plate. We see
Julian is talking to two of his HENCHMEN who are seated at
the table with him. The all have steaks, wine and scotch in
front of them as they conduct a truly Washington style
meeting.
JULIAN
You know, frankly, I think they’ve
either gone mad, or the reports
comning from Matt Simmons are true;
they’re running out of oil.
HENCHMAN 2
It happens to everyone eventually.
The US in ‘71, UK in ‘99, Norway
just announced they’ve peaked.
40.

I heard the Saudis are pumpin’
water into the wells. Not good.
JULIAN
Well, there will be plenty of
opportunity on the way down. Jack
at Occidental is calling for a
hundred dollars a barrel by next
summer. And if this bullshit with
Iran escalates... who knows? Maybe
two hundred?
The Henchmen both nod, knowing the situation all too well.
HENCHMAN 3
I heard Chavez is gonna stop all
the Venezuelan shipments if we do
Iran.
JULIAN
He’s so fucking crazy. I don’t know
why they can’t just take him out.
HENCHMAN 2
(taking a bite of steak)
Fuckin’ Castro wanna be.
HENCHMAN 3
Seriously, Julian. How are we going
to sell this Saudi/Euro play to the
masses?
JULIAN
Do you really think the average
prick is even gonna get it?
(Beat)
Look, all Wahleed has to do is
spread the sell-off over a
reasonable period of time and we
should be okay. Right now, his
plan’s a little too aggressive, but
I’ll work on him.
Julian soaks in the appropriate laughter from his Henchmen,
showing they know he’s capable of such mastery. He sips his
scotch, satisfied.
HENCHMAN 2
I’m sure the FED will have
something to say about all this.
JULIAN
Never forget, the house always
wins.
41.

They’ll fire up the printing
presses; inflation will wreak
havoc. What a fuckin’ racket.
HENCHMAN 3
Maybe it’s a good time to buy some
Euros...
JULIAN
Euros, gold, Pounds - anything. I’m
certainly not going to get caught
holding the bag when the bottom
drops out.
The group laughs with enthusiasm and Julian sits back in his
chair with a smile and another sip of scotch.
INT. RANA’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Rana plays with her hair in front of the mirror in her
bathroom, taking her time preparing for an evening out.
Elevator doors open and Leila steps into the hallway of the
spacious loft apartment. The decor is sparse but high-end and
in perfect order. The entire place looks like it was ordered
from a catalog. As she enters the main room of the loft she
sees Waffa sipping wine on the couch.
LEILA
She’s not ready?
Waffa shakes her head and points toward the kitchen counter.
WAFFA
There’s some wine over there.
The two share a look of expected frustration before Leila
turns to the counter and pours herself a glass of wine.
Rana is trying on new earrings and still playing with her
hair in the mirror.
WAFFA (O.S.)
Yalla, Rana! Come on.
Leila takes the wine and returns to join Waffa on the couch.
LEILA
How long has she been in there?
42.

WAFFA
Seems like forever.
Rana is still fixing her hair.
LEILA
Something’s going on.
Finally Rana takes a last look in the mirror and leaves the
bathroom to join the others on the couch.
WAFFA
Alright, Rana, you look great. Why
are you taking this much time to go
to that dive? I'm beginning to
worry about you.
RANA
So if they don’t have a VIP room or
bottle service, it's a dive?
(Beat)
I guess I like dives.
LEILA
No. You like that boy.
Leila and Waffa share a gasp, but Rana smiles at the
accusation and deflects.
RANA
I also like the fact that our
brothers don't go there. It's nice
to be anonymous for an evening.
WAFFA
I love those jeans. Where did you
get them?
RANA
I’m not telling.
Waffa laughs and shakes her head.
LEILA
Okay, you look fabulous.
She waves them up from their seats and they move to leave.
RANA
Did you tell your driver to stay
behind?
LEILA
Of course.
43.

They all walk toward the door ready for the evening.
INT. SEB’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Seb approaches his rack of clothing as music plays from his
turntable in the background. He carefully selects a jacket
from the rack and slips it on over a long-sleeve shirt and
jeans. Funky artwork fills the walls and a table and chairs
sit off to one side of the bed. He checks himself in the
mirror and after a few tweaks is satisfied with what he sees.
He steps toward the door, and then takes one final look in
the mirror before leaving.
INT. ESL - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Innocent and Steve are settled in at a couch as Seb enters
and takes a seat with them. Soul-shakes are exchanged.
INNOCENT
Everything cool now?
SEB
I hope so. I mean we'll see.
STEVE
What's wrong now?
INNOCENT
Postal-Boy over here forgot to
deliver some important papers to
The Observatory.
Seb swipes Innocent's drink and takes a long swig.
SEB
Man, it’s just the usual Gold and
Thorton bullshit. No big deal.
Innocent shakes his head and leans in, serious.
INNOCENT
Man, the shit he was carryin’,
shoulda been stamped classified.
STEVE
Some real top-secret shit, huh?
44.

INNOCENT
The Saudis - they’re threatening to
ditch the dollar and start sellin’
their oil for the Euro.
(Beat)
You know, Saddam tried that shit
and he got jacked. Pretty soon,
we’re gonna hear about weapons of
mass destruction in Mecca.
Seb shakes his head and looks to Innocent.
SEB
C’mon, man. You don't know anything
about that shit.
INNOCENT
I don’t? Seb, you think all those
books at my crib are just
decoration? I do more than listen
to music exclusively 24-7 like you.
I find times to educate myself.
Seb holds up his hands in defense.
SEB
Alright man, relax. I've heard a
little about this stuff, I just
don't see what the hell it has to
do with you or me.
Innocent sits back as everyone relaxes.
INNOCENT
When when gasoline is $8 a gallon
because dollar is weaker...
STEVE
Well I’ll tell you, man, the cost
of construction materials have
nearly doubled in the last year.
These oil prices are definitely
fuckin’ hurting me.
INNOCENT
You know they say money is the root
of all evil - but those roots are
fertilized with oil. Oil runs
everything in Babylon. Without it,
the beast is no more.
STEVE
The beast.
45.

Seb smiles at Innocent, ending the rant.
SEB
Well, I guess it's a good thing
that I got those papers where they
needed to go before the beast comes
looking for us.
INNOCENT
(shakes his head)
Yes, good thing.
Innocent nods and stirs his drink before standing.
INNOCENT
I’m gonna get to work.
He turns toward the DJ booth and Steve and Seb remain on the
couch. Steve takes a long drag of a cigarette.
SEB
You ready?
STEVE
Oh I’ve been ready, man.
INT. CLUB SEVEN - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Ali snorts a line of coke off a glass table. His nostrils
flare as he inhales the powder through a straw.
A private VIP room is filled with four young Saudi men,
including Ali, and a number of scantily clad hookers. A pile
of coke sits on the table as they party with the girls:
-- A hooker pours coke all over her breasts as the crowd
snorts it off her body.
-- Champagne is poured over one of the girls.
-- Two of the hookers rub each other as the men watch.
-- Ali shares a glass of champagne with a girl.
-- Total debauchery as Ali and his friends enjoy.
46.
FADE TO:

EXT. CLUB SEVEN - LATER
Ali and one of the other Saudi men, his COUSIN, stumble out
of Club Seven, obviously coked-up and rambling. The Cousin
looks down the street, and points as he stares. (He sees Rana
and her friends walking into ESL)
COUSIN
Habibi, I think that's your sister.
ALI
C’mon? Are you sure?
COUSIN
No, really. That was Rana going
into that club next door.
Ali looks toward the club, but doesn’t see anything. He slaps
his cousin on the back.
ALI
Not now, Habibi, I’m way too fucked
up. Come on, please. Let’s go.
The Cousin looks at Ali and then back to the door. With a
lingering glance he helps Ali walk away from the club.
INT. ESL - LATER
CUT TO:
Innocent is at the controls of the DJ booth as Seb stands
behind him flipping through records. Rana approaches the
front of the booth, and stops at the wall, waiting for Seb to
turn. Innocent taps him on the shoulder.
Seb approaches and smiles and Innocent gives him a nod. He
steps out of the booth and leads Rana to a table.
RANA
Are you sure you can leave your
post.
SEB
Oh, Innocent's got it under
control. What about you? I don't
want your friends feeling ignored.
RANA
Oh no, they left. This isn't their
idea of fun.
47.

SEB
Why’s that?
I think they like flashing lights
and flashier people. They prefer
the clubs in Dubai.
SEB
Yeah I’d assume they’re a little
bit different here than they are
there.
Quite.
RANA
SEB
So what do you do for fun?
RANA
I study a lot these days. I'm
working on my PHD.
SEB
That sounds like a lot of work.
RANA
It's either that or go back to
Saudi Arabia and become someone’s
wife.
The waitress returns with their drinks and sets them on the
table. Seb takes a sip of his drink and nods to the waitress.
RANA
Frankly, I can’t really relate to
life back in Saudi Arabia. I never
really lived there. I went to
school in Switzerland and London,
and I've been here for three years
studying. I guess I'm some sort of
a cultural exile.
SEB
You don't really fit my idea of a
Saudi girl.
RANA
Yeah? What’s that like?
She smiles and leans closer.
48.

SEB
You know, covered from head to toe
in dark clothing, following
silently behind the man. You're not
even allowed to drive back there,
are you?
RANA
No. Perhaps you understand why I’m
a perpetual student.
Seb takes a sip of his drink and nods.
SEB
I guess I'd do the same thing if I
were you.
RANA
Yeah, but you're a man. You could
lead a dual life. Be all pious and
observant when you’re in the
country; do what ever you like when
you’re not. Anything really goes.
It's quite sad actually.
SEB
I guess I didn’t know it was like
that.
They both take a sip of their drink and gaze at each other
across the table. Rana sets down her drink and flips her hair
before leaning in closer.
RANA
What about you, no double life?
SEB
Pretty one track actually. I mean
my whole life revolves around
music. Deejaying, collecting,
studio production - this Friday
night gig at the Lounge. Oh of
course, and a little messengering
gig I’ve got during the day time,
gives me a little reportable income
and health insurance.
RANA
Gold and Thorton - my father’s
second home.
SEB
It’s actually really not that bad.
It’s a pretty cushy job.
49.

RANA
Sounds good. I'm actually quite
jealous, Seb.
SEB
Why’s that?
RANA
Well, it seems like you’re doing
what you like. You can follow your
passions.
SEB
Honestly I really wouldn’t know
what else to do.
They smile at each other as Seb raises his glass to her.
INT. ESL - LATER
LOUNGE MONTAGE
FADE TO:
Innocent is at the controls of the DJ booth as the party goes
on around the Lounge.
-- Antoine is hanging with a couple girls at the bar.
-- Dancing and revelry fills the room.
-- Seb and Rana stand talking quietly in the corner. Seb
leans in to tell her something as she smiles.
-- People gather near the bar talking and getting drinks.
Seb and Rana stand near the door as the night comes to an
end. One of Seb’s friends taps him on the shoulder and
whispers something. Seb nods and then turns to Rana.
SEB
Nightcap by the pool?
Perfect.
RANA
They both smile as Seb leads her out the door.
50.
CUT TO:

EXT. DUMBARTON OAKS, SWIMMING POOL - LATE NIGHT
Steve climbs over a wooden fence and leaps to the ground
eight-feet below him. He lands a bit awkwardly, but gets up
and unlocks the nearby gate.
RANA
VIP entrance, I presume.
SEB
More like the servants' entrance;
Stevie’s brother here is the night
watchman, tonight he's gonna be
napping.
Steve opens the gate and a stream of people enter the pool
area. Seb carries a bottle of Jack Daniels as Steve ushers
everyone in for the fun.
Seb guides Rana to one end of the pool area as Innocent has
found a lady to entertain as well. Steve and a bunch of the
other revelers head for the pool and start getting undressed.
RANA
Very beautiful club you have here,
Mr. James. Do they allow female
members?
SEB
Certainly. Otherwise it’d be
terribly boring.
RANA
Very progressive.
They toast with plastic glasses of champagne and each take a
drink. Some of the people are now in the pool flirting and
splashing. Steve picks up one of the girls and throws her in.
Seb smiles at the scene and then looks to Rana, nodding over
his shoulder.
SEB
Let’s go sit down.
He leads her to the far end of the pool as the revelry
continues with the splashing party-goers.
51.
Seb and Rana are seated on the ground near one end of the
pool. Seb pours champagne into paper cups and then leans back
as Rana sips her drink. He looks up to the stars as Rana also
looks upward.

SEB
This has got to be one of my
favorite places in the entire city.
RANA
Are you from Washington?
SEB
No. You wouldn’t be very impressed
with my home town... Let’s just say
that military recruiters, fast-food
and chain stores do very well
there. My dad loves it, but he
really doesn’t know any better.
Rana looks at him intently as they hold their glasses of
champagne.
SEB
After high-school, I went to Europe
with my friend Thomas - Started in
Portugal and traveled all the way
down to the Southern tip of Italy.
It was an incredible trip. Two kids
from middle-of-nowhere USA
backpacking, hiking, traveling on
trains. This little town called
Parma - Something hit me. At 4:30
PM on a Friday evening, the entire
square was just full, thousands of
people: Business people having
beer, kids eating ice-cream, old
people hanging out in their little
cafes. You know, I saw more life
that one day than I ever had
before.
(Beat)
After that I came back here
determined to live my life like
that.
RANA
Well, it looks like you’re
succeeding.
Seb smiles and looks at the ground before changing the
subject.
SEB
Thanks for coming back to see me
tonight.
RANA
I really like the music.
52.

SEB
(smiling)
That’s it?
RANA
Well, now you’re putting me on the
spot.
A pause lingers between them before they both move toward
each other for a kiss. They continue to kiss as the revelry
continues in the pool.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, MOSQUE - MORNING
FADE TO:
The City comes to life for another morning as Prince Wahleed,
wearing a full Muslim head-dress conducts his morning
prayers.
INT. SEB’S APARTMENT - MORNING
CUT TO:
Seb is passed out asleep in his bed. The hangover on his face
is evident as he manages to turn and look at the time on his
cell phone. With a look of pain mixed with concern he flops
his head back onto the pillow to steal a few more minutes.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, RECEPTION AREA - MORNING
CUT TO:
The elevator doors open as Seb walks down the hall and into
the reception area. Tomika is seated behind her desk and
looks at him with concern.
TOMIKA
Donna wants to see you in her
office immediately.
Shit.
SEB
53.
He trades a knowing glance with Tomika and then turns down
the hallway toward Donna MacIntire’s office. He knocks gently
on the door and pushes it open.

INT. GOLD & THORTON, DONNA’S OFFICE - SAME
SEB
You wanted to see me, Donna?
Donna is seated behind her desk doing paperwork but nods for
Seb to come in and take a chair. He sheepishly moves into the
room and sets his messenger bag on the floor. She puts aside
the papers and takes off her glasses, looking to him
seriously.
DONNA
What’s going on, Seb?
SEB
What do you mean?
DONNA
I trusted you Seb. I've vouched for
you many times and really stuck my
neck out for you. How could you
betray me like this?
Seb is confused, but then it comes to him.
SEB
I got the papers there Donna. I
just got a little held up. You know
I gave Prince Wahleed's daughter a
ride to school. I just got a little
distracted, I’m sorry.
DONNA
That's not going to cut it Seb.
SEB
It was a mistake; sorry.
Donna looks at him for a long second.
DONNA
Who paid you?
SEB
Paid me? What the hell are you
talking about?
DONNA
Who paid you for the papers, Seb?
Mr. Gold wants to know.
SEB
No one. Why would anyone pay me?
54.

DONNA
Don't play stupid Seb. There's
really no point.
Seb sits forward and shifts in the chair.
SEB
This is a joke right?
DONNA
Cut the charade Seb. The papers
were tampered with. The seal was
broken. They were a mess. You know
it, I know it, Mr. Gold knows it
and the Vice President of the
United-fucking-States knows it. Why
couldn't you just do your job and
mind your business?
SEB
I did do my job. I mean I admit I
was a little late, and the package
was a bit mistreated.
A bit?!?
DONNA
Seb takes a breath and tries another tack.
SEB
Look, Donna, I got distracted. But
I did not betray you or anyone else
for that matter. That's the truth.
I'm just a messenger for Christ's
sake.
Donna sighs and looks at Seb for a lingering moment.
DONNA
For your own sake, I hope your lame
excuse is true. You realize we will
probably have to polygraph you.
SEB
That seems a little extreme, but
all right. While you’re at it why
don't you just put a microchip in
my arm so you can track my every
move?
Donna returns his flippancy with new sense of resolve.
55.

DONNA
Look Seb, those papers are
sensitive. Now there are
suspicions. Many people would like
to see the contents of those
documents, but they are only for
the eyes of a select few.
(Beat)
Why do you think you had to get a
background check and security
clearance to work here? Why do you
think you get paid so well for one
or two deliveries a day? Because
those deliveries are important. If
you screw it up, people will
wonder. They wonder about me too, I
hired you. So you've hurt more than
yourself here, Seb. I have kids to
feed and a mortgage to pay.
SEB
Donna, I didn't mean any harm and I
have told you the truth.
Donna looks at him and then turns back to her notepad.
DONNA
I hope so. You're lucky Julian is
in California at his annual Grove
retreat.
SEB
I’ll make it up to you, Donna. I’m
sorry.
DONNA
Just be on call. There will
probably be others who want to
speak with you.
She goes back to her notes - the meeting is over.
DONNA
Just be on call. There will
probably be others who'll want to
speak with you.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, ELEVATOR - SAME
CUT TO:
Seb steps onto the elevator, visibly sweating as the doors
close and he slumps against the back wall.
56.

INT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
When the doors open, Seb quickly moves past the security
desk, where Haile is at his post. Haile gives him a wave, but
he’s already dialing his cell phone and doesn’t pay
attention.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - SAME
CUT TO:
Innocent is riding his bicycle through the streets of
Washington. He hears his phone ring and picks up his phone
for a look. Smiling, he pulls his bike to a stop, hops off
and takes a seat on a stone wall.
INNOCENT
Greetings!
EXT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
SEB
What the fuck man! Why the fuck did
you have to mess with those papers?
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - SAME
INNOCENT
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Slow down, Seb.
What’s the matter?
EXT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
SEB
My Observatory drop. You were
right. Apparently they are
important, really fucking
important! And you and I were not
supposed to see them. I don't rifle
through your shit, do I?
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - SAME
INNOCENT
C’mon, Seb you should know me by
now. You know I’m gonna take a
peek. (Beat)
57.

Look man, I didn’t mean to cause
any static.
EXT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
SEB
This is way past static. They're
talking about polygraphs and shit.
Man, Donna really freaked me out.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - SAME
INNOCENT
Seb, meet me at the Gardner’s.
He clicks the phone off and ends the call. He gets off the
wall and heads back to his bike with the City of DC behind
him.
INT. NATIONAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICES - SAME
CUT TO:
A sterile hallway of government office life. People move down
the hallway passing papers through a maze of cubicles. We see
an older man, COLONEL PERRY, early 60’s, white shirt, plain
tie leave his office carrying a folder and walk steadily down
the hall.
He approaches an office near the end of the hall and steps
through the door. Thomas is seated at his desk behind a
computer. He is about to get up when The Colonel waves him
down.
COLONEL PERRY
Hey Thomas. I’ve got another
background check for you. I want
you to run a search on a civilian -
a Sebastian James. This comes
directly from the Vice President’s
office so I want you to give it
your highest priority.
The Colonel hands him a folder across the desk.
THOMAS
Of course, Sir. Right away.
58.
Colonel Perry turns and leaves the office as Thomas opens the
folder. He begins looking at the pages and shakes his head.

THOMAS
(under his breath)
What did you do?
EXT. THE GARDNER’S HOUSE - DAY
CUT TO:
Seb cruises up the alley on the Vespa and brings it to a
screeching halt near The Gardner’s rear enterance.
INT. THE GARDNER’S HOUSE - DAY
Angelica carefully rolls joints on a silver platter as she
watches a game of pool in progress. Innocent leans over the
pool table ready to take a shot while Antoine stands behind
him shaking his head.
ANTOINE
You can’t make that shot, man.
There’s no way.
Innocent turns to him.
INNOCENT
I don’t talk when you shoot.
ANTOINE
(laughing)
‘cuz you’re playin’ in my ras-clot
house.
(beat)
Look, you’re already runnin’ a
large deficit...
Angelica goes to the rear gate to open the door for Seb. He
storms past her into the pool room and points an accusing
finger at Innocent. Innocent still makes his shot on the
table.
SEB
Yo, What the fuck is wrong with
you, man?
Antoine steps forward, defending the vibe in his house.
ANTOINE
Easy, Rude-boy! I heard you had
some tribulations but you just
entered a stress free zone. So cool
out, man.
59.

Seb makes his way to the opposite side of the pool table and
leans forward to make his point.
SEB
'Had'? It’s more like ‘have.
Present tense, man, I am fucked.
INNOCENT
Seb, look I'm sorry man. Those
papers were top choice.
(Beat - turning to
Antoine)
Antoine, you can't believe the shit
this dude was carrying around.
Antoine puffs on the joint and casually Innocent.
ANTOINE
Antoine's seen it all man. Nothing
could surprise me.
Seb shakes his head and goes back at Innocent.
SEB
Okay mister fucking Che Guevara,
mister revolutionary wanna-be
mother fucker, what was so god-damn
important in these fucking papers
anyway?
Innocent smiles and prepares to line-up another shot on the
table.
INNOCENT
How about the end of an empire?
SEB
Oh really?
INNOCENT
Like this one.
SEB
You got all that vast of
information from one little set of
documents.
Innocent leans over his shot, but pauses and turns to Seb.
INNOCENT
Seb, if you’d listen, you might
learn something.
60.

He takes his shot, which goes in, and then moves to the other
end of the table holding a joint.
INNOCENT
The House of Saud, which controls a
little oil drilling operation we
call Saudi Arabia is threatening to
divest their dollars and start
selling its oil for the Euro.
SEB
Yeah, no shit. I know that much
from before, big deal.
ANTOINE
Yo homeboy, you obviously don’t
know what that would do.
Seb shakes his head at Antoine’s insertion in the discussion
and snaps up to him.
SEB
Well why don’t you tell me,
Antoine.
ANTOINE
If countries that turn to the Euro,
the US will have to buy back all
those T bills. That’s a big-bet
against the dollar. And that’s some
serious revolutionary business,
man.
Innocent slides next to Antoine and takes the joint back from
him.
INNOCENT
I think the Saudis control
something like 6% of the US assets.
This could be like a death blow for
this wicked ass system. You ask me?
I hope it fucking happens.
(Beat - he puffs the
joint)
Burn it down and start over.
He puffs the joint and smiles and passes it to Antoine in
toast. Seb shakes his head and points to Antoine.
SEB
(with an incredulous look)
Hold up. Just how the fuck do you
know so much about this shit?
61.

Who me?
Yeah.
ANTOINE
SEB
ANTOINE
I read. I like to educate myself.
(Beat - hits the joint.)
Working from home leaves a lot of
time for self improvement, my
brother.
Seb shakes his head and turns his attention back to the
original matter with Innocent.
SEB
Man, I can’t fucking believe this
shit. (Beat - he thinks hard)
You know I really, really didn’t
want to get involved in this
crap... now thanks to this nosey
motherfucker right here I don’t
even have a god-damn choice
anymore.
Seb glares at Innocent, who stands at attention across the
table with Antoine. He points at Seb with the joint.
INNOCENT
You know, Seb, you’re gonna have to
figure out where you’re gonna
stand. I mean you can’t just keep
sittin’ back while the everybody
else does the heavy lifting. I
mean, you say you hate war, but
where were you when half a million
of us were out there outside the
White House?
Antoine looks at Seb accusingly in disapproval.
INNOCENT
What if that crowd was a million?
(hits the joint, passes it
to Antoine)
Two? I mean, what if those idiots
who regret the war now were
supporting us back then? What if
all of us who marched could have
got one of their lazy-ass friends
to come and join us?
62.

Seb holds up his hands.
SEB
Yo, we’ve been down that road
before, man. I got it, all right.
INNOCENT
Look, Seb. I’m sorry I rattled your
little existence, but I got a lot
of other important shit to worry
about than your comfort.
(beat)
I just think it’s up us to do
something collectively while we
still got what little freedom we
have left.
(lines up a pool shot)
I mean I organize against the WTO,
and corporate globalization and
this damn war and can’t get the
average Joe to join me. He’d rather
work his fingers to the bone,
chasing that little mythical
American Dream.
He lines up the shot and takes another one.
ANTOINE
Well, if this shit with the Saudis
and the dollar goes down, that
dream is gonna get severely
downsized.
INNOCENT
Believe that.
Antoine looks at Seb who now seems a little beaten from the
entire exchange. He offers him the joint.
ANTOINE
You wanna hit that.
Seb nods and takes it from him as Innocent stands for a last
statement.
INNOCENT
Seb, now is the time for the peace
and justice movement to kick into
high gear. Right before the shit
hits the fan. C’mon, man. You gotta
get on board.
Seb looks at him for a moment and then nods.
63.

SEB
Yeah, you’re right man.
Seb begins taking a number of long puffs on the joint putting
up a cloud of smoke in front of his face. Antoine leans in
and pats him on the shoulder.
ANTOINE
Hey man. Relax... Go easy on that.
Seb smiles and hands him back the joint.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - EVENING
CUT TO:
Ali drives a Porsche through the streets of Washington as
music blares from his stereo. He pulls the sleek car in front
of his father’s local residence and gets out of the car to go
inside.
INT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE, STUDY - SAME
Prince Wahleed sits behind his desk reading some papers. As
he reads, there is a knock at the door to the room. He looks
up, and sees Ali peering around the door frame, waiting for
an invitation to enter. Wahleed let’s out a sigh, and sets
the papers down as he waves his son into the room.
ALI
I am sorry to bother you, father. I
wanted to speak with you.
WAHLEED
It is fine. Come in, Ali.
Ali carefully steps into the room and moves to a chair across
the desk from his father.
ALI
It’s about Rana.
(Beat)
I do not think she is leading a
pious life.
Wahleed now finally gives him his full attention.
ALI
She claims to be studying when in
fact I know that she is out with
her cousins. It's not right father.
64.

Those girls are not the least bit
observant.
WAHLEED
And you are? You are also corrupted
by the delights of the infidel's
garden.
ALI
You know that it's very different
father.
Wahleed raises his voice to his son.
WAHLEED
Really, Ali. You have trouble
focusing on what’s important.
Shouldn't you be looking for this
spy at Gold and Thorton that’s
reading our communiqués?
(beat - thinking)
I’m sure he’s a Mossad.
ALI
Actually, father, we've found him.
He's a messenger. We're gathering
information on him right now.
WAHLEED
Good. You should share the
information with the Vice
President’s office.
ALI
Of course. But what about Rana?
WAHLEED
I'm afraid she is like your mother.
She's spent too much time away from
our homeland. Her ideas of Islam
have been tarnished by this
country. I’m sure she’ll change
when she completes her education
and returns home.
ALI
Education? At what cost? Father,
it’s far more serious. I have heard
that she is seeing someone, a young
American man.
65.

WAHLEED
Really Ali, not now, not in the
midst of this tempest. I'm sure you
are mistaken.
ALI
I swear upon the Prophet Wahlahi.
This comes from a reliable source.
Wahleed looks to him, seriously.
WAHLEED
I'll need proof before any action
is taken.
ALI
As you wish, father.
Ali rises from his chair and leaves the study and the Prince
alone with his thoughts.
EXT. GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY - DAY
CUT TO:
Rana sits on the steps reading a book near the gates of the
University. Finally, she sees Seb approach on the Vespa. She
closes her book and grabs her bag before going to meet him on
the curb.
RANA
What kind of knight in shining
armor are you?
She smiles and they exchange a quick kiss as Seb gets more
serious.
SEB
I had a really rough day.
RANA
I’m so sorry. What happened?
SEB
You know I’m not that sure.
RANA
Let's just go down the street and
get something to eat; I’m starving.
SEB
Good idea.
66.

Seb nods and gestures for them to start down the sidewalk. He
takes a final look at the Vespa as they go - it’s fine. They
begin walking down the sidewalk through Georgetown as the sun
sets behind them.
SEB
So what are you reading?
RANA
Right now this book on Sufism.
SEB
Sufism, huh? I actually don’t know
much about that.
RANA
Sufism is the mystical, innerdimension
of Islam. You try to
eliminate the duality, or anything
that creates separation between you
and God. The only way you can find
divine truth is to transcend the
material world.
Seb nods, hoping he understands.
SEB
Sounds like some pretty deep stuff.
Is this what you’re studying?
RANA
Actually, my thesis is on the
writings of Khalil Gibran.
SEB
Now that does sound familiar.
RANA
The Lebanese philosopher.
(beat)
If you haven’t read The Prophet,
you should check it out; it's one
of the most beautiful books ever
written. Gibran has such a full
sense of humanity; and a lot like
the Sufis, he’s not bound by
tradition or any rigid doctrine.
SEB
The Prophet. I’ll definitely check
it out.
Rana looks toward the sky and puts a hand to her heart.
67.

RANA
"I was born with an arrow in my
heart, and it is painful to pull it
and painful to leave it."
SEB
(smiles, relaxes)
It really resonates with you.
RANA
I wish I had his strength - because
he embraced life fully; its beauty
and sorrows.
SEB
It definitely seems like you do.
You’ve definitely got the resources
to do it.
RANA
My father's resources.
SEB
That’s not what I was implying
She shakes it off and lets her mind drift.
RANA
I am literally living on borrowed
time. (Beat)
Later, I'll have to make a choice -
to live this comfortable false
secure life, or find my
independence.
(Beat)
'I have too much of my mother';
that’s what they say.
SEB
I take it she's not down with the
program?
Rana looks to the ground, considering how much to say.
RANA
No. She never was. She's not Saudi;
she's Iranian, from a wealthy
Persian family. She couldn’t take
life in Saudi Arabia so she and my
father went their separate ways. It
caused quite a scandal. My father’s
never really forgiven her.
(Beat)
68.

You know, Seb, I'm really afraid of
you.
They stop walking and Seb turns her to him.
SEB
Of me? Why?
RANA
Because I’m really falling for you.
He pulls her face to his and gives her a soft kiss.
RANA
I’m serious, I’m really worried.
SEB
You just gotta try to live in the
moment - Tomorrow will always fix
itself.
Rana smiles and shakes her head.
RANA
We’re very different.
SEB
Come on. Now, I’m starving. Let’s
go.
He squeezes her again and leads her on down the sidewalk.
INT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
FADE TO:
Innocent sits on his couch with no shirt on, his laptop open
in front of him on the table. He intently reads something on
the screen.
EXT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
Two sets of black dress shoes come through a gate and then
shuffle down the alley. We see two guys in suits, looking the
full part of the FBI AGENTS they are.
INT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
Innocent lights a fresh joint and takes a long drag as the
tip glows hot with fire.
69.

EXT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
The pair of suits enters Innocent’s apartment building and
climb the steps in the tight stairwell to his door. The one
in front knocks loudly on the door.
INT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
Innocent looks up from the computer as the joint continues to
burn in his hand.
INNOCENT
Who’s that?
EXT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
The older of the pair, AGENT HENDERSON, late 40’s, slick dark
hair, a bit soft in the middle answers.
AGENT HENDERSON
Agent Henderson and Agent Thompson.
INT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
Innocent looks up from the computer and sags at the news.
INNOCENT
(under his breath)
Shit.
He closes the laptop, turns over his papers and gets up from
the couch.
INNOCENT
Ah, one second.
He takes a final hit off the joint and blows the smoke out
the window before stubbing it out in the ashtray.
EXT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
Henderson looks at his watch as his partner, AGENT THOMPSON,
mid-30’s, short blonde-hair atop a fit frame, chomps on his
gum with impatience. Henderson knocks again.
INT. INNOCENT’S APARTMENT - SAME
70.
Innocent grabs a t-shirt from a chair and quickly puts it on.

INNOCENT
One second, man.
He walks to the door and pauses when we arrives. He takes a
deep breath and then finally turns the knob.
INNOCENT
Gentlemen.
AGENT HENDERSON
What’s up, Innocent, Tidying up a
bit? May we?
Asking to come inside, Innocent eyes them carefully.
INNOCENT
Do I have a choice.
No.
AGENT HENDERSON
Innocent concedes and leads them into the apartment. He moves
back to his spot on the couch as the Agents take a look
around the room.
AGENT HENDERSON
Looks like you’ve done some
redecorating.
INNOCENT
Make yourselves at home, gentlemen.
Want a beer, glass of wine? Or are
we doin’ it strictly by the books
today?
AGENT HENDERSON
That’s up to you, Innocent.
Henderson takes a seat in the chair opposite Innocent while
Thompson remains standing. Thompson reaches for the small box
on the coffee table and opens it, finding a bag of marijuana.
With a smirk, he pockets the bag and puts that box back on
the table.
INNOCENT
Help yourself, man. That’s some of
my favorite shit.
AGENT THOMPSON
Innocent - I always thought that
was a funny name. Ironic in your
case.
71.

INNOCENT
I guess you’ve never heard of Pope
Innocent the tenth.
The two Agents trade a look and then Henderson takes control.
AGENT HENDERSON
So what can you tell me about your
buddy Sebastian James and that
little espionage ring he's been
running out of Gold and Thornton?
Innocent looks squarely at Henderson.
INNOCENT
No, no, man. You got the wrong
person. I’m the one who looked at
the papers. Seb had nothing to do
with this.
AGENT THOMPSON
So, James is now working with you
now.
INNOCENT
No, no - Don't be ridiculous; he's
not even into politics like that.
You should have seen how he reacted
when I looked at the papers; he was
really upset.
(Beat)
Look, this has always been about
me. Seb has nothing to do with
this. I'm the troublemaker;
remember?
Henderson smiles and stars in on him.
AGENT HENDERSON
Oh, I remember. That little stunt
you pulled at the Inauguration;
lighting the flag on fire at that
WTO bullshit. You know we could
take you in for simple possession
any time. Tax evasion, just name a
fucking reason.
Innocent rolls his eyes, unimpressed.
AGENT HENDERSON
You could actually do some time for
this.
72.

INNOCENT
How many times are you gonna come
down here and harass me, man? I
told you all everything I know.
What, you gonna do to me what you
did to my father?
AGENT THOMPSON
You don't need to go there.
INNOCENT
Don’t need to go there? Your
officers kill my father because
he’s trying to feed children
breakfast in the inner city; and
you say I can’t go there?
AGENT THOMPSON
You know what, your father's
political activities are old news.
INNOCENT
Not for me, motherfucker!
Agent Henderson glares at Innocent from his chair.
AGENT HENDERSON
Hey. Watch your mouth!
INNOCENT
Fuck you! What? You gonna tap my
phones, take pictures of me at the
rallies; you can even set up a
camera in here you might get some
good sex tapes. But I'm not going
to let you drag my friend Seb into
this. He has nothing to do with
this.
Henderson gets out of his chair and slowly walks to the
couch, taking a seat next to Innocent.
AGENT THOMPSON
For his sake, I hope that's true.
You might want to tell him not to
stand too close to you.
INNOCENT
Yeah, I’ll do that. Are we done,
motherfuckers?
73.

Without a response, Innocent begins to get up from the couch.
As he does, Agent Henderson throws a forearm across him,
knocking him back to his seat - with the other hand he
smoothly draws his gun and points it directly at Innocent’s
forehead.
AGENT HENDERSON
Listen here you fucking little
prick. I could snuff you out right
here. We struggled, you got shot.
Case closed.
He locks eyes with Innocent as he slowly takes the gun away.
As he moves back, he rubs a finger across Innocent’s cheek.
AGENT HENDERSON
So you might wanna be a little more
cooperative, for your sake.
Henderson nods to Thompson and they move to the door.
AGENT HENDERSON
Have a good night, yo.
The two Agents walk out the door as Innocent stews on the
couch. Once the door closes:
Fuck you!
INNOCENT
He gets up from the couch as we see a picture of him with his
father on the table.
INT. SEB’S APARTMENT - MORNING
CUT TO:
Seb’s cell phone rings. It continues ringing until the
bathroom door opens and Seb runs out to retrieve it, wrapped
in a towel with a wet head.
Yeah.
SEB
THOMAS (O.S.)
Seb, meet me at Ben’s Chili Bowl in
10 minutes.
SEB
Thomas? What’s up...
74.

The phone is dead. Seb looks at the phone but the call has
ended.
INT. BEN’S CHILI BOWL - MORNING
CUT TO:
A basket of fries hits the hot oil of the fryer. A grill
filled with eggs and sausages is tended by a COOK. The sign
above the short-order kitchen says, “Tipping is permitted for
good service.” A team of COOKS in white aprons stand ready to
serve the customers seated at the counter and in the tables.
EXT. BEN’S CHILI BOWL - SAME
Seb walks down the sidewalk and passes by the main window of
the restaurant as he goes to the door.
INT. BEN’S CHILI BOWL - SAME
Thomas sits alone at a table and takes a healthy bite of his
pancakes. He looks expectantly at the door.
Seb walks through the door and past the counter toward the
table where Thomas is seated. Thomas never looks at him as he
approaches, his head buried in a newspaper.
SEB
What’s goin’ on?
THOMAS
(without looking at him)
Wait thirty seconds and then follow
me to the bottom of Malcolm X Park.
Thomas quickly gets up from the booth and slips by Seb as he
moves to the door. Seb stands in place, puzzled, but
understands the plan. He moves to the counter to wait.
EXT. MALCOLM X PARK - DAY
CUT TO:
Thomas waits for Seb at the base of a set of stairs near the
park entrance. Seb approaches and Thomas begins to walk.
THOMAS
Sorry, man. I just wanted to make
sure no one was tailing you.
75.

SEB
You’re kidding me, right?
They continue walking up the stairs and down the path into
the park.
THOMAS
Seb, you’re in some pretty serious
shit. What the fuck did you do,
man?
SEB
What’d I do? I didn’t do anything!
Innocent... Well, actually, I
forgot to drop of a package at the
VP’s office and he took the liberty
of opening the god-damn thing,
and... Apparently that was a bad
idea.
THOMAS
Apparently.
(Beat)
So this has reached my division.
SEB
Anti-terrorism?! Why the hell would
they care about me?
THOMAS
They don't. It's Wahleed. Like
anyone on that level, they monitor
his communications. They've placed
him and his family on the terrorist
watch list - of course what they
really want to know is more about
Saudi oil reserves and potential
trading rivals.
SEB
Rivals? What do you mean, rivals?
THOMAS
The Eurozone. Russia, China... Seb,
this is the new world order version
2.0. The US is totally overextended.
Iraq, the record trade
deficits, the lack of
manufacturing... The dollar is
losing its luster and Wahleed and
others are jumping like rats from a
ship.
76.

SEB
I really don’t understand this,
man.
Thomas leads them up a new flight of stairs and continues to
talk.
ON SCREEN - Images of soldiers at war. Johnson and Nixon with
world leaders. Paper dollars being created. Gold bars. Jets
taking off. Carter with a member of the Saudi Royal family.
Colin Powell with a Saudi contingent. George W. Bush smiling
and waving with a Saudi leader.
THOMAS
Most people don’t.
(beat)
Look, back in the 60’s, the US had
about thirty billion in gold that
backed the US dollar. But then we
spent more than five hundred
billion on the Vietnam War. Johnson
and Nixon tried to pay those debts
with paper dollars.
(beat)
You with me? We were running out of
gold. So in ‘71, Nixon suspended
the US dollar conversion into gold.
Ever since then, the dollar has
"floated" on the international
monetary market.
(beat)
To make matters worse, U.S. oil
production peaked in 1970. Our oil
production couldn’t keep up with
growing consumption. It gets worse
every year. Nixon, in order to
protect the dollar and our super
power status, cuts a deal with
Saudi Arabia. They agreed to price
their oil in dollars, and in
return, we agreed to protect the
House of Saud.
From who?
SEB
THOMAS
Their own people. Saudi Arabia is a
powder keg - one day it’s just
gonna blow. Anyway, the whole
arrangement was fine with the
Saudis when the dollar was king.
But then came the Euro.
(beat)
77.

You know, everyone thought Saddam
was crazy when he insisted on
trading his oil in Euros, just to
get back at the US, right. The
Euro at that time was trading at 85
cents to the dollar. But then the
dollar fell, hard. Saddam made
billions, everybody took note, now
there’s blood in the water. Saudi
Arabia is at a crossroads - pay
for protection with oil priced in
dollars, or put their chips on the
Euro.
As they reach the top of the steps, Seb shakes his head in
amazement at the information. They make their way toward a
bench that overlooks the park.
SEB
Why the fuck isn’t this front-page
news?
THOMAS
C’mon, man. Corporate media? I’m
surprised anyone believes what they
say anymore. They want to keep you
focused on gay marriage, WMDs and
terror alerts.
SEB
That’s for sure.
(Beat - as he thinks)
So, you think they’ll actually make
the switch?
THOMAS
I don’t know... There’s probably a
lot of back channel negotiating
going on. One day the game will be
up and everyone will wonder what
happened.
(beat - he smiles)
It’s gonna be a tough road for us,
but believe me, nobody will even
shed a tear for the United States.
Seb nods, trying to grasp everything Thomas meant.
SEB
I can’t believe I got involved in
all this shit, man.
78.

THOMAS
I should have told you more about
Gold and Thorton when you took the
job.
SEB
I thought Gold was a PR firm.
THOMAS
Okay, hard lesson number two. PR is
just a nice word for propaganda.
Julian Gold's the master. I mean,
shit, he literally sold the last
two Iraq wars.
Seb shakes his head and looks to Thomas - not following.
ON SCREEN - Images of stealth fighters. IV-tubes hooked up to
kids in hospitals. Nurse Nayirah testifying before Congress.
THOMAS
Do you remember the Kuwaiti
incubator story in 1991? That was
Gold.
(beat - explaining)
He got the Emir of Kuwait's teenage
daughter to go before Congress and
claim she was a nurse in a hospital
over there. She said she witnessed
Iraqi soldiers throwing babies on
the floor. It was a lie,
manufactured on K Street.
(beat)
But the networks just repeated it
and repeated it, and it was just
the kind of simplistic bullshit the
American people needed to get
behind the war. The rest is
history. BWho do you think cooked
up all the bogus WMD stories and
spoon-fed it to the media?
SEB
(nodding)
Gold.
THOMAS
Gold has no allegiance to this
country. He’s just after a buck.
SEB
Damn, I had no idea.
79.

THOMAS
I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong
side of Julian Gold, that’s for
sure. He's about as connected and
dirty as they come.
SEB
Connected to who?
THOMAS
Some kind of global power network.
Certainly all of the neo-cons.
Extremely wealthy people who work
behind the scenes.
Seb tries to follow the logic, not sure he understands.
SEB
Great. So if Gold is that powerful,
I’m pretty much fucked.
THOMAS
It’s not just Gold you have to be
worried about. There are a lot of
players involved now.
(Beat)
Look, just lay low. Break up your
routine. Change your path to work.
(Beat)
I wouldn’t take any long walks in
Rock Creek Park.
SEB
Are you serious?
THOMAS
Absolutely.
(Beat)
I’ll try and come see you at the
Lounge on Friday. I’ve got some
ideas, I need a few days.
SEB
All right. Thanks man.
They have a soul shake as Thomas rises from the bench,
slapping Seb on the knee as he goes.
THOMAS
Be safe, man.
80.

Thomas walks away as Seb sits on the bench, shaken by the
words.
I/E. WASHINGTON DC - RICHEST MAN MONTAGE
CUT TO:
Innocent drops a record as music plays over the images:
- Julian Gold in the back of a limo
- The Washington Monument, a military helicopter
- Julian riding by The Capitol and throughout Washington
- The White House, Arlington Cemetery, gravestones, a
homeless man outside the metro station, the Federal Reserve,
closed-circuit cameras, Vietnam Memorial, The World Bank, The
IMF, The Eternal Flame.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - DAY
CUT TO:
Wahleed stands in his garden wearing a dress shirt as he
paces with a cell phone to his ear.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
Julian Gold sits in the luxurious chair behind his large
desk. The phone on his desk beeps and he hits the intercom
button.
TOMIKA (O.S.)
Mr. Gold, it's Prince Wahleed on
the secure line.
Julian picks up the phone and sits back in his chair.
JULIAN
Wahleed. How are you today my
friend? Please tell me you've
reconsidered.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - SAME
WAHLEED
I have not. Our decision is final.
81.

INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
JULIAN
You realize you’ll need to make
some significant campaign
contributions - I’ll get back to
you with the amounts. I have a man
at the Treasury Department that is
preparing to release some economic
data. The news will make your
decision seem all the more
justified.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - SAME
WAHLEED
How are you positioning this with
the media?
INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
Julian leans forward on his desk, thinking harder about the
situation.
JULIAN
We're saying your dollar sell-off
is merely a necessary step in
protecting your assets. Perhaps we
can steer the blame toward the Fed.
After all, they're the deadbeats
that got us into this.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - SAME
WAHLEED
Whatever you feel is necessary.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
JULIAN
I’ll have my people scheduled to
appear on all the major networks.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - SAME
WAHLEED
One last thing - What are you doing
about the messenger?
82.

INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
JULIAN
I’ve learned nothing new on that. I
can tell you he passed all our
security checks when he was hired.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - SAME
WAHLEED
Well, I have some news. He’s been
seen with my daughter, in, shall I
say, social situations... Really,
Julian, I expected you to have more
control over your underlings. He’s
obviously an agent for somebody.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
Julian leans back in his chair, letting out a sigh.
JULIAN
Wahleed, I’m very embarrassed.
There is no excuse for this.
WAHLEED (V.O.)
Well, he needs to be dealt with.
JULIAN
Certainly. He is of no importance
to me or the firm. I know you must
do whatever you feel is necessary.
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - SAME
WAHLEED
That is exactly what I wanted to
hear.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
JULIAN
Fine. Until tomorrow?
EXT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE - SAME
WAHLEED
Be well my friend.
83.

Wahleed clicks off the phone and walks back toward his house.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - SAME
As Julian hangs up the phone, his face turns serious and he
turns back to the window. He shakes his head with concern.
INT. SEB’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Seb sits on his couch listening to music and smoking a
cigarette, the weight of the world appearing on his face. A
copy of ‘The Prophet’ - the book Rana had mentioned - sits on
his table. His cell phone rings and he drags himself out of
his funk.
Yo.
SEB
INNOCENT (O.S.)
Yo man, where you been? Did you
hear?
SEB
Hear what, man? I hear a lot these
days.
INNOCENT (O.S.)
The Friday night gig at the Lounge.
It’s done. They’re bringin’ in some
hot-shot DJ from outta town and
we’re in the cold.
SEB
Well, there goes our dream gig.
INNOCENT (O.S.)
Come on, Seb, we gotta do
somethin’. We’ll find another spot.
I'm ready to send out an email and
let everyone know where we moved
the party. Where, is the question.
You got any ideas? We gotta do
somethin’.
Seb sits up, realizing the gravity of the situation.
SEB
Yeah, even if it's only for this
Friday; buy some time and keep it
going.
84.

INNOCENT (O.S.)
Exactly. Think about it. All right,
peace.
Cool.
SEB
He clicks the phone shut and sets his cigarette in the
ashtray. He sees the book sitting on the table and picks it
up. With a new attitude, he begins to read.
INT. CAFE BONAPARTE - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Ali and his Cousin sit in a cafe as they smoke cigarettes and
sip Turkish coffee. Ali is obviously on edge as a result of
anger and drug abuse.
COUSIN
You need to get a hold of yourself.
ALI
This is a matter of family honor.
She’s a fucking disgrace!
COUSIN
That may be true, but your father
specifically told you...
ALI
(cutting him off)
Fuck him! He’s only interested in
money. I am his son and I care more
about our tradition and culture
than he does. Our wealth is empty
if we do not have any faith or
respect for our cherished heritage.
It’s because of him and his
generation that we live like frauds
in this Godless country.
COUSIN
Yes, I do find myself longing for
home. But Ali, this is no time...
ALI
(diving back in)
Look how they treat their women.
Their music and television, it’s
like pornography. Their women have
no respect for themselves or their
bodies.
85.

Look how easy it is to fuck an
American woman; all you need is a
nice car or wallet full of money.
COUSIN
It appears that they too only value
money.
ALI
Do they value anything? Tradition?
Family? Their faith? Nothing. There
is no God in this land, Habibi. And
now Rana has become one of them. I
refuse to be a spectator as she
whores around with infidels.
Ali slams the table and gets to his feet in a huff.
EXT. INTERNET CAFE - NIGHT
CUT TO:
Thomas walks down a sidewalk near some low-end retail stores.
He eyes a Business Center and walks to the door.
INT. INTERNET CAFE - SAME
Thomas is seated at a computer terminal focused on the screen
in front of him. He types rapidly on the keyboard to input
his messages. He looks around at the person sitting next to
him to make sure he’s alone. Confident no one is watching, he
continues about his task on the computer.
INT. PRINCE WAHLEED’S RESIDENCE, STUDY - DAY
CUT TO:
The Prince is seated at his desk reading the Koran. He looks
up as Rana enters the room.
RANA
Hello, father. Ali said you wanted
to see me.
Wahleed smiles at the sight of his daughter and sets his
papers aside. He waves her into the room and points to a
chair near his desk.
86.

WAHLEED
Yes my dear, please sit down. You
look lovely as usual - even if you
won’t wear your hijab.
RANA
Oh please, father.
Rana moves to a chair opposite her father and sits.
WAHLEED
Are you enjoying your time in
Washington?
RANA
Yes, very much. I especially enjoy
my studies.
WAHLEED
The University is challenging?
RANA
Yes. Much more than I imagined.
Wahleed nods at her words and then his face turns serious. He
pulls a file from his desk and removes set of photos.
WAHLEED
Explain to me. How do have time for
this?
He throws the pictures onto the desk - of her embracing Seb
as they walk together on the street.
RANA
He’s... He’s a friend, father.
Wahleed firmly shakes his head.
WAHLEED
Do not insult me! You’re so
foolish. How could you be taken by
this boy? He’s an imposter!
RANA
I told you, he’s a...
WAHLEED
(cutting her off)
Enough! You go back to your flat,
pack only your essentials. You're
leaving tonight.
87.

But...
RANA
WAHLEED
Hopefully you'll be cured of these
delusions when you get back home.
A rush of anger comes to Rana’s face as she holds back her
tears and emotion.
No.
RANA
WAHLEED
Rana. You do not want to cross this
line with me.
Rana continues to shake her head - defiant. She considers her
words and confidently delivers them.
RANA
Really, father, you leave me no
choice. I'm not going back to your
slave colony. I'm not going back to
a place where love is a delusion.
How do you expect me to live in a
gilded cage?
(beat)
Really, father, I've tried very
hard, but I can not continue to
live as your possession.
Rana gathers her bag and rises from the chair. Wahleed looks
at his daughter, measuring his words. Finally -
WAHLEED
As you wish. I should have known
your mother would corrupt you. If
you leave, I never want to see you
again.
Rana holds her father’s glare and considers his words for a
moment. Then she turns to the door.
RANA
Goodbye, father.
88.
Wahleed watches his daughter leave the room, helpless to stop
her.
CUT TO:

INT. NATIONAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICES - DAY
Thomas gets up from his desk holding a file in his hand as he
walks down the sterile hallway. He approaches the office door
and takes a deep breath before knocking twice then entering.
THOMAS
Colonel Perry, sir?
The Colonel is seated at his desk with papers cluttering the
surface. He looks up as Thomas enters and gives him his
attention.
COLONEL PERRY
Good morning, Thomas. What do you
have for me?
Thomas steps into the office and approaches the Colonel’s
desk. He hands the file across the desk to the Colonel.
THOMAS
I thought you might want to see
this. These are from secure
communications between Gold and
Thorton and the Saudi Embassy. I
was checking on your one Sebastian
James, and it seems that the trail
has led to some interesting places.
(Beat)
This is all quite extensive -
Bribery, extortion, illegal bankwires.
Our signet people monitoring
Saudi communications have
corroborated everything. Gold’s
role in this is particularly
interesting. Apparently, we're not
the only ones following this.
Col. Perry scans the pages, getting more serious as he reads.
He gets to the end and looks up quickly at Thomas.
COLONEL PERRY
Okay, Thomas. I’ll have a look.
THOMAS
Thank you, sir.
89.
He spins on his heels and turns back out the door. As he
steps into the hallway, a look of relief comes over him. He
puts his hands in his pockets and strolls away, visibly
relieved.
CUT TO:

EXT. MALCOLM X PARK - EVENING
Drummers with instruments of all kinds have gathered in the
park. The beat of the music and the energy of the diverse
group pulses through the afternoon. Old men with drums bang
away to the beat. A young mother and daughter dance as the
crowd enjoys the impromptu show.
Seb sits amongst the crowd on a bench. He barely hears his
cell phone ring, but picks it up in time.
SEB
Hello?
(Beat)
Hey. I didn’t recognize the number.
EXT. EMBASSY PARK - EVENING
Rana is at a pay-phone, smiling to herself with her bag of
belongings slung over her shoulder. The sound of the drumcircle
is heard through the phone.
RANA
Ah, no more cell phone. Where are
you?
EXT. MALCOLM X PARK - SAME
SEB
Malcolm X Park. It’s kinda loud out
here, sorry.
(Beat)
You lost your phone?
EXT. EMBASSY PARK - SAME
RANA
That and a few other luxuries.
(Beat)
Can you pick me up?
EXT. MALCOLM X PARK - SAME
SEB
Sure. Where?
90.

EXT. EMBASSY PARK - SAME
RANA
At the small park across from the
Observatory.
EXT. MALCOLM X PARK - SAME
SEB
See you there in ten minutes.
He snaps his phone closed and smiles at the energy around
him.
EXT. EMBASSY PARK - SAME
Rana hangs up the phone, relieved. She begins walking as the
last rays of sun from the evening hit her and warm her face.
The look of a decision made and freedom are apparent as she
walks with a light step.
EXT. MALCOLM X PARK - SAME
Seb pulls away from the park on the Vespa and drives through
the streets of Washington to meet Rana.
EXT. EMBASSY PARK - SAME
CUT TO:
Rana sees Seb parking the Vespa, but waits for him near the
fountain. She smiles as he brings the bike to a stop and
walks around the fountain toward her. As he approaches, she
stands from the bench and meets him. She holds her arms open
and gives him an affectionate hug.
I’m free.
RANA
Seb moves to look at her.
SEB
I’m glad one of us is. What exactly
happened?
RANA
Look. Have you seen this place? Do
you notice where we are?
91.

She motions to the inscriptions on the large tiles. They're
all from Khalil Gibran. The park is a monument to the poet.
Seb looks at some of the quotes and then back to her.
SEB
This is amazing. You know, I’ve
driven past this place a thousand
times. I had no idea this was here.
RANA
Yeah, it’s a good place to come and
think.
SEB
Yeah, I bet.
Seb puts his arm around her and they walk further around the
fountain. Seb looks down at her and her beaming face. He
stops and takes her hands in his.
SEB
So, what's going on with you? I
know it can’t just be this place.
RANA
There's no turning back. I've left
my family.
Seb remains confident and holds onto her hands.
SEB
Wow. Are you sure about this?
RANA
Absolutely.
She leans in and he kisses her on the forehead. They hug and
Seb talks quietly in her ear.
SEB
I guess it’s true then, you
certainly do take after your
mother.
92.
Rana looks at Seb and they begin walking again. He puts his
arm around her shoulder and kisses her as they continue to
enjoy the moment.
CUT TO:

EXT. VACANT LOFT - DAY
Steve and Innocent walk around the corner of a utility shed
on the roof of the vacant building. Innocent is visibly
nervous as Steve carries a crowbar in one hand. Steve is
pointing out the view from the roof.
STEVE
Check it out, you got your
monument, you got your Capitol
right there...
INNOCENT
(cutting him off)
Monument!? We’re not tourists, man,
we live here.
STEVE
Ah, Jesus Christ. When’s the last
time you fuckin’ saw it though.
Innocent shakes his head as they continue to walk.
INNOCENT
When’s the last time you paid
attention to the news, or the
newspapers. They kill bruthas for
tryin’ to catch cabs in DC.
Steve looks to the sky in disbelief.
STEVE
Ah, Jesus man.
INNOCENT
What’re they gonna do when they
find me here?
STEVE
Relax man, relax, relax.
INNOCENT
Yeah, let’s just get this... Whoa,
whoa, whoa.
Innocent puts out an arm to stop Steve and points at a
building across from them.
INNOCENT
Is that someone in the bathroom?
STEVE
Jeez. You fuckin’ kidding me?
93.

Steve turns to the door and back to the task at hand.
INNOCENT
Yo man, I swear. I weed counselor
hears about this and I’m in
trouble.
Steve has the crowbar wedged in the lock but stops.
STEVE
Your weed counselor?
INNOCENT
Yeah, my weed counselor.
STEVE
Your weed counselor?
INNOCENT
Yes. Wait, you still don’t have a
key...
Steve lines up the crowbar and takes a breath before giving
it a strong pull. Thwack! The lock breaks open and Steve
stands aside with a smile.
INNOCENT
Oh, no, no, no.
STEVE
One time, baby. That’s how a
professional does it.
Innocent looks at him and then at the broken lock.
INNOCENT
No, that’s how a criminal does it.
Steve holds the door open for Innocent and shoots him a look
over the comment. He waves into the loft.
STEVE
After you.
INNOCENT
After me? No, no, no.
He holds his ground and waves for Steve to lead as the wind
blows the door closed in front of him. Steve grabs the door
again, undeterred.
After me.
STEVE
94.

Steve enters and Innocent has no choice but to follow. He
carefully pulls the door shut behind him as they enter.
INT. VACANT LOFT - SAME
Steve leads Innocent down a set of wooden steps into a
spacious, unfinished loft space. Concrete floors and walls
with exposed beams and covering over the would-be kitchen
appliances.
INNOCENT
I swear, Stevie, you better be
right about this.
STEVE
Oh, come on.
They get to the bottom of the stairs, Stevie twirls the
crowbar in delight.
STEVE
Feast your eyes, my man.
Innocent looks at the open space and the potential.
Woooo!
INNOCENT
STEVE
I know, right?
INNOCENT
I don’t know, man. You sure we’re
gonna be able to do this in here?
STEVE
The building’s empty, dude. We got
the whole fucking spot.
INNOCENT
You’ve gone above and beyond,
brother.
Innocent spins around in the open space and starts seeing the
place come together.
INNOCENT
Cool, brother. So I guess the only
thing you gotta do now, is build a
club by Friday.
Steve eyes the room with excitement, still twirling the
crowbar.
95.

STEVE
Fear not, man. You got Stevie on
the job. Do it old-school warehouse
style, bro.
The two exchange a soul-shake and then Innocent walks to one
corner of the room and sees the open beams and materials
scattered about.
INNOCENT
Stevie, man. You really are behind
on this job, brother. That lady’s
gonna be pissed.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - DAY
CUT TO:
Agent Thompson puffs on a joint as he sits in the FBI car
with Agent Henderson. They listen to the radio as they sit in
their parked car along the street.
RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
WPOT news time, three pm.
Representatives of the Gold and
Thorton consulting firm stated
there is no truth to the Internet
rumor that the Saudi Government is
planning a dollar sell-off. Julian
Gold could not be reached for
comment, but the Saudi...
Agent Thompson leans in to turn down the volume as Henderson
hits the joint and puffs a cloud of smoke into the car.
AGENT HENDERSON
Wow. This kid’s always got good
shit, man.
Agent Thompson nods from the passenger seat.
AGENT THOMPSON
Good weed.
96.
Agent Henderson hits it again and then drops the roach on the
street as he pulls the car away from the curb.
CUT TO:

INT. GOLD & THORTON, JULIAN GOLD’S OFFICE - NIGHT
The door to a safe opens and Julian is seated in his desk
chair, ready to empty the contents. He shifts in his chair to
reach a stack of cash wrapped in neat stacks. He then pulls a
stack of gold bars from the safe and sets them on the desk.
He looks out his office door but sees nothing. He finishes
the last of the scotch that was in the glass on his desk and
then turns to close the safe.
INT. SEB’S APARTMENT - MORNING
CUT TO:
The sun comes through the window as Seb lies in bed with Rana
beside him. He begins to stir and slowly manages to grab his
cell phone and look at the time. He’s late again.
He brings himself to a seated position on the bed and turns
to look at Rana who is still sleeping. He runs a hand through
her hair and then finally slips out of bed. Rana turns over
as he leaves.
Seb is dressed brushing his teeth in front of the mirror
getting ready for the day. Rana reaches for him in bed, but
realizes he’s not there and goes back to sleep.
Seb gives himself a final once over and then turns back
toward the bed. He moves to Rana and gives her a kiss before
grabbing his messenger bag and leaving through the door.
EXT. SEB’S APARTMENT - SAME
Seb staps on his helmet as he walks out to the door and moves
toward the Vespa. He kicks it to life and pulls it away from
the curb.
Ali sits in the driver seat of a BLACK PORSCHE with
diplomatic plates. The car idles along the brick wall near
Seb’s back entrance. As he sees the Vespa pull out in front
of him, he slips on his sunglasses and eases the Porsche out
after him.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DOWNTOWN - SAME
97.
Seb's weaving through traffic down the street and the Porsche
is having trouble keeping up as Seb slips between parked cars
and buses.
Ali is blocked by traffic and uses the time to pull out his
glock.

He holds it low in his lap as he cocks it and keeps it at the
ready. As traffic opens up, he pulls right behind the Vespa
and gets a little closer to Seb.
Seb turns over his shoulder and sees Ali and the Porsche.
Knowing this is trouble, Seb slams the throttle on the Vespa
and takes off down the street. The Porsche right behind him.
Seb tries to use obstacles to block the Porsche, but Ali
works through the gears and stays right on him. They race
across the Ellington Bridge with the Porsche right on him,
but Seb is able to make a sharp turn and gets a gap of space.
The gap is quickly closed by the much faster Porsche, but Seb
is able to use a car as a blocker and manages to pull into an
alley ahead of the Porsche and Ali is forced to back up to
follow him.
Seb races down the alley and is almost cut off by a truck
backing up into the middle of the road. He skillfully turns
the Vespa just in time, but the pursuing Ali is stifiled by
the truck. He slams the brakes on the Porsche and waves his
gun over the windshield at the TRUCK DRIVER.
ALI
Move your fucking truck!
The truck driver is getting out of his truck as Ali opens the
door to the Porsche and shoves his gun at him.
TRUCK DRIVER
What’s your problem, man!
ALI
Get the fuck back! What’d I tell
you, motherfucker!
The truck driver raises his arms and backs against the wall
as Ali passes him by and chases after Seb.
Ali runs down the alley and sees the Vespa parked along the
wall near the end. Seb gets off the bike and throws his
helmet aside before he begins to run.
Seb races through a parking garage and around a corner,
slowing as he reaches the entrance to the Gold and Thorton
building. Ali chases after him.
INT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
98.
Seb flies through the glass doors and into the lobby. Haile
sees him coming as he runs toward the security desk.

SEB
Haile! Call the cops! Someone’s
chasing me.
Haile immediately dials as Seb continues past him toward the
elevators.
HAILE
There’s an emergency at The Victor
Building, please hurry.
Haile hangs up the phone and quickly walks toward the door.
As he does, Ali comes flying toward the building and runs
smack into Haile’s nightstick. Ali hits the ground with a
thud as Haile jumps on top of him and Ali’s gun goes flying.
A family standing nearby grabs their children and holds them
away from the violence. Haile stays on top of Ali, holding
him on the ground as a Police car comes to a quick halt in
front of the building. TWO OFFICERS get out of the car and go
to assist Haile.
Ali is squirming on the ground as the Officers arrive.
ALI
Get off me! Get the fuck off me!
The officers take over and begin putting handcuffs on Ali.
ALI
You don’t even know who I am. I’ve
got diplomatic immunity! Get your
hands off of me!
The officers drag him to his feet and quickly guide him in
front of the building back to their car.
ALI
My father will take care of all you
all motherfuckers! Don’t even touch
me, man.
The officers are unimpressed and continue dragging him to the
police car.
INT. GOLD & THORTON, RECEPTION AREA - SAME
CUT TO:
Seb walks into the reception area of the office and sees
several FBI AGENTS in the room as Tomika stands behind the
desk. She sees the look in his eye and tries to stop him.
99.

TOMIKA
Seb! No, wait!
Seb looks back to her, but steps quickly down the hallway
toward Donna’s office. As he turns ahead, he runs smack into
an AGENT, who is flanked by ANOTHER AGENT blocking the
hallway. They’re all dressed in conservative suits, the look
on their face confirming they take their job seriously.
AGENT 1
Whoa, whoa! Where are you heading?
Seb recoils at the Agent’s grip and glares at him.
SEB
I’m need to see Donna MacIntire,
right now.
AGENT 1
Sorry. No one goes back there.
Seb looks past the wall of suits and sees Donna standing in
the hallway outside her office.
Donna!
SEB
DONNA (O.S.)
You can let him through, he works
for me.
Donna moves to meet Seb and they wonder into the empty former
office of Julian Gold. The FBI Agents gather outside and
continue their discussion.
SEB
What the hell happened?
DONNA
Julian’s gone.
SEB
With the furniture?
Donna stares blankly at the empty office and slumps against
the wall.
DONNA
He took everything; moved the
entire company last night. They say
he fled to a country with no US
extradition treaty.
100.

SEB
I mean. I've heard stories, but I
thought he was kinda untouchable.
Seb drops his messenger bag and slides down to the floor
along the opposite wall from Donna.
DONNA
So did I. I guess he went a little
too far this time. The FBI say he’s
under indictment for bribing public
officials and passing secrets to a
foreign government.
Seb shakes his head at the news, then turns to her.
SEB
What about you? Are you alright?
DONNA
I think so. He never really told me
anything.
(Beat)
Maybe that’s a good thing.
Seb is hesitant to ask, but can’t help it.
And me?
SEB
DONNA
You’re the least of anyone’s
concern right now.
(Beat)
Seb, I’m sorry you got involved in
all this. I should have trusted
you. I guess my instincts were a
little off.
SEB
Don’t worry about it, Donna, I mean
I understand. You got a lot of
responsibility around this place.
DONNA
Not any more.
(Beat)
It’s so unfair. I work hard, I have
the degree, I play by rules... This
isn’t supposed to happen.
SEB
Hey, none of this is your fault.
You’re gonna be fine.
101.

DONNA
I hope so.
Seb looks around the empty room, visibly relieved, but can
see the pained look on Donna’s face.
SEB
Unbelievable.
DONNA
That’s one way to put it.
EXT. GOLD & THORTON - DAY
CUT TO:
The police officers pick up the scene outside the building,
carefully putting Ali’s gun into an evidence bag. Haile
stands over the scene, proud of his work. As Seb exits the
building, he walks to Haile and pats him on the shoulder.
SEB
Good job, Haile. Thanks, man.
HAILE
All right, sir.
Seb steps away and pulls out his cell phone, dialing.
SEB
Man, what in the hell did you do?
EXT. NATIONAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICES - SAME
Thomas stands outside, smiling as he picks up the phone.
THOMAS
“Opportunities multiply as they are
seized.”
EXT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
SEB
Sun Tzu, huh?
EXT. NATIONAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICES - SAME
THOMAS
Precisely.
102.

SEB (O.S.)
Well, I have to say man, I'm pretty
damn impressed. How'd you do it?
THOMAS
Seb, we’re on a cell phone. I don’t
know what you’re talking about.
Anyway, listen, I'll see you
Friday.
EXT. GOLD & THORTON - SAME
SEB
So you heard about the new spot?
EXT. NATIONAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICES - SAME
THOMAS
I have to see this place.
SEB (O.S.)
We’re gonna have a good time, man.
We can talk then.
THOMAS
All right. Peace
He smiles and clicks off his phone.
EXT. NATIONAL AIRPORT - AFTERNOON
CUT TO:
Plane traffic goes on around the airport as Julian Gold sits
in the back of a limo on his way to his plane. The radio is
on in the background:
RADIO ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
WPOT news time, eleven am. The
Federal Reserve announced a rate
decrease today to jump-start a
slowing US economy. The dollar fell
to a new low against all major
currencies amid speculation that
yet another OPEC nation considers a
dollar sell-off. The Saudi Foreign
Minister has flatly denied that any
of this is true.
103.

The LIMO DRIVER eyes Julian in the rearview mirror as he
turns down the radio. Julian picks up a cell phone and makes
a call.
JULIAN
Yeah, hey, it’s me. Look, I’m not
gonna be in contact for a couple of
days. Once I get established, I’ll
be back in touch. Okay, see ya.
He snaps the phone shut and pensively looks out the window at
the approaching airport. The Limo Driver again looks at him
in the mirror and reaches into the glove compartment for
something.
EXT. NATIONAL AIRPORT - SAME
As a plane flies overhead, we see the car Julian had been in
stopped in a parking lot. We hear TWO GUN SHOTS. The Limo
Driver gets out of the car and quickly opens the back door.
He grabs a briefcase from inside and then quickly moves away.
Another car has pulled in and is waiting for him. He gets
into the passenger seat with the case and the car pulls away.
The back door of Julian’s car is open. He sits motionless in
the backseat as blood trickles down his hand. His eyes are
open, but death has come.
INT. VACANT LOFT - NIGHT
CUT TO:
A DJ booth is created with plywood and a graffiti artist goes
to work creating a design.
A record spins on a turntable and we see the room filled with
party-going dancers enjoying the make-shift venue for their
fun.
Seb, Innocent, Steve, Thomas and Antoine all stand together
with shot glasses as the party rages around them. They toast.
INNOCENT
Okay, fellas. Here’s to Stevie.
Cheers!
Let’s go.
SEB
104.
They all click plastic glasses in the middle and knock back
the shots. Stevie turns and walks back into the crowd.

SEB
That a boy, Stevie!
The party continues to rage as people dance and enjoy the
music. Seb is standing along a wall talking to Tomika as
Innocent approaches, wide-eyed.
INNOCENT
Yo, Seb. You didn’t tell me you
knew any sisters.
SEB
There’s a lot you don’t know, my
friend; got a lot to learn,
apparently.
INNOCENT
Yeah, right.
SEB
(relenting)
Tomika, this is Innocent, a good
friend of mine.
Innocent takes her hand and locks eyes with her.
INNOCENT
Hello Tomika, I’m Innocent. Welcome
to my party.
Seb rolls his eyes and pats Innocent on the shoulder.
SEB
You know what, I think I’m gonna
get to work on this party. Tomika,
you’re in good hands.
Seb slips away as Innocent continues to focus on Tomika.
INNOCENT
(as Seb leaves)
I’m good. Do you dance?
The party continues to rage as Innocent takes Tomika to the
dance floor for a spin. They dance close together and
Innocent’s hands drift a little. Tomika looks at him.
INNOCENT
I can’t help it.
She laughs and they continue dancing with the party.
105.
FADE TO:

INT. VACANT LOFT, HALLWAY - LATER
As the party rages inside, Thomas and Seb stand in the
hallway leaning on the wall sipping cocktails. They’re both
relaxed, enjoying the evening.
SEB
So how did you pull this off, man?
THOMAS
I just set the game in motion.
What’s the one thing people in
power fear the most? Leaks.
(Beat)
Once the information about Gold and
the Saudis appeared on the top
Internet blogs, mainstream media
was going to have to pick it up -
You know they have these
credibility issues.
Thomas looks thoughtfully and leans back on the wall.
THOMAS
I still can’t believe they killed
him, though...
SEB
Killed him? Killed who?
Thomas smirks and looks to Seb.
Gold.
THOMAS
SEB
What?! Julian Gold is dead?
THOMAS
Dead-men tell no tales.
(Beat)
He crossed his superiors without
even knowing it.
SEB
But I thought he was the man.
Thomas pauses and looks around to make sure they’re alone.
THOMAS
The Chairman of the Fed is the man,
Seb. Julian Gold was just a tool.
(Beat)
106.

He challenged the one institution
more powerful than the US
government - the Federal Reserve.
SEB
I thought the Fed was part of the
US Government.
THOMAS
A common misconception.
(Beat)
Anyway, no one messes with the US
dollar without getting beat down.
Not Iraq, not Saudi Arabia, not
even Julian Gold.
SEB
All right, but what about the
incubators and the WMDs? Wasn’t
Gold was the master manipulator.
THOMAS
As long as war and debt were his
top priority.
(Beat)
But by siding with the Saudis, he
betrayed his ultimate master.
SEB
Damn. (Beat - taking it in)
But what about you, man? I mean,
won’t this all come back to you?
Thomas smiles and looks hard at Seb.
THOMAS
I covered my tracks pretty good.
SEB
Man, I can't believe you did all
this.
THOMAS
Once all this calms down, I'm
leaving the NSA.
SEB
(smiling)
Nice.
107.

THOMAS
I figure it’s probably a good time
to get out while I’m just a lowlevel
leaker.
Seb smiles and clicks glasses with him.
SEB
You never cease to impress, my
friend.
THOMAS
Cheers buddy. Hey listen, what are
we doing here? Let’s go to the
party.
SEB
If Stevie doesn’t get arrested
tonight, we might even make some
money. Which is a damn good thing
seeing as I’m currently unemployed.
THOMAS
Which is also a good thing.
SEB
Very true. Let’s get the hell out
of here.
INT. VACANT LOFT - LATER
CUT TO:
The party continues to rage inside as people enjoy the
evening. Seb and Rana dance together amongst the madness as
if they were the only two people in the world.
Thomas sits with Antoine and Ital as they smoke a joint. The
Rastas eye the former NSA suit and offer him the joint. He
shrugs and takes a long hit as the others nod in approval.
Rana and Seb continue to dance as the room celebrates the
evening around them.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC, DUPONT CIRCLE - MORNING
108.
FADE TO:
Ital puffs a joint and the smoke billows from his mouth. Seb,
Innocent and Ital, sit on a bench - Seb is reading a
newspaper as they are watching the morning rush go on around
them. The scene is familiar.

ITAL
Look at these rats. Another day,
another piece of stale cheese.
Mind you don’t get caught in da
trap little rats.
Seb smirks as he reads the newspaper.
SEB
It says here that Julian Gold died
of a heart-attack in his bathtub...
Innocent cocks an eye in his direction, questioning.
INNOCENT
In the bath-tub?
SEB
That’s what it says, man.
Damn.
INNOCENT
Seb smiles to himself and sets the newspaper on the bench.
SEB
We better check on Stevie and that
loft construction. We got a lot to
do before Friday.
INNOCENT
(he laughs)
Yo man, I still can’t believe that
lady ain’t comin’ back until next
year, now. You think Stevie’s got
enough time to finish now?
He looks to Seb and they laugh.
SEB
I just hope she doesn’t mind a bar
and DJ booth as part of the new
decor, you know.
Seb laughs with Innocent and leans back on the bench,
relaxed.
INNOCENT
You gonna help me pass out these
flyers for Saturday? They’re
talkin’ about a half million people
bein’ out there.
109.

SEB
Of course. If we all bring a friend
we’ll have a million, right?
Innocent breaks into a wide smile and shares a look with Seb.
INNOCENT
There you go.
Ital nods as he listens in on their exchange.
ITAL
There will always suff-iration in
Babylon, but the righteous never
surrender.
He nods and puffs a joint as his phone cracks with Ramon’s
voice:
RAMON (O.S.)
Ital! You lazy motherfucker! Where
are you?
SEB
Babylon calling again, huh man?
ITAL
No escape, mon.
Ital sighs and hands the joint to Seb as he rises from the
bench.
ITAL
Peace be with you, my brothers.
He gives them each a fist pound and turns away to work. Seb
and Innocent watch him go but are in no hurry themselves.
Innocent hits the joint and passes it to Seb.
ROLL CREDITS - THE END
###
110.