Warstories

Warstories
Watson & Keur

WARSTORIES
NATHANIEL
OH TAKE ME BACK
WHEN THEIR WORDS WERE NOT BURNT BROWN
OH TAKE ME BACK
TO A QUIET PEACEFUL TOWN
OH MEMORIES
BURN MY MIND LIKE FIRE FROM HELL
AND THAT'S WHY WE ALL HAVE WAR STORIES TO TELL
CHARLES
WAR NEVER COULD HEAL THE PAIN OF WHAT WAS LOST
WHAT ABOUT OUR BOY
WHAT WAS THE COST
MAN AND WOMAN
GUNNER
YOU CAN'T FORGET
WHEN YOU GRACE THE PITS OF HELL
ALL
AND THATS WHY WE ALL HAVE WARSTORIES TO TELL
OOH
OOH
NATHANIEL
Tonight I'd like you to join me considering a true story
A story of war
A story of Peace
of Love
Of Hate
Of Brothers
MEREDITH
PEARCE
MAVIS
CHARLES
GUNNER
NATHANIEL
A story from a very long time ago
WOMEN
AND THAT'S WHY WE ALL HAVE WAR STORIES

2.
MEN
AND THAT'S WHY WE ALL HAVE WAR STORIES
ALL
AND THAT'S WHY WE ALL HAVE WAR STORIES TO TELL
SPECIAL
MEREDITH
WHEN I WAS A BOY
THE OTHERS WOULD ALL LAUGH AT ME
CALL ME NAMES
TELL ME I WOULD NEVER BE SPECIAL
NEVER BE SPECIAL
NOW I'M HERE
ON THIS ISLAND NATION CONTINENT
GONNA SHOW THEM
WHERE ALL OF THEIR ASSESSMENTS WENT
SPECIAL
GONNA BE SPECIAL
GONNA FIGHT IN ALL THE GREATEST WARS
AND MAKE A NEW CAREER
WHEN THEY TURN AND LOOK AT ALL I'VE DONE
THEY'LL ALL STAND UP AND CHEER
OHH SPECIAL
I WILL BE
BACK ON THE FARM
THE BIRDS WOULD RUN ACROSS THE LAND
INTO TOWN
ASK ANY WOMAN KID OR MAN
HAVOC
BIRDS WOULD WREAK HAVOC
I SAW THEM
IN ALL THEIR DEVASTATION
I MADE A PROMISE
I FOUND MY MOTIVATION THROUGH HAVOC
I WOULD STOP HAVOC
SO I'LL FIGHT IN ALL THE GREATEST WARS
AND WIN THEM FOR THE KING
I WILL TAG UP INTO EVERY FIGHT
AND STEP INTO THE RING
GUNNER
AND THEY'LL CALL YOU SPECIAL

3.
I WILL BE
MEREDITH
CAUSE I GREW UP A NO ONE
BUT NOW I'LL PROVE
THAT IF YOU'RE IN MY WAY THEN YOU CAN MOVE
I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY
I'M READY TO LEAD
THEY SAY IT'S MAJOR MEREDITH
THAT MAN IS ALL WE NEED
SO I'LL FIGHT IN ALL THE GREATEST WARS
FOR ANY KING OR QUEEN
I CAN STOMP ON EVERY SINGLE MAN
TILL I GET WHAT I NEED
AND THEY'LL CALL ME SPECIAL
I WILL BE
YEAH I'LL FIGHT IN ALL THE GREATEST WARS
CAUSE THAT'S WHAT BROUGHT ME HERE
WHEN THEY TURN AND LOOK AT ALL I'VE DONE
THEY'LL ALL STAND UP AND CHEER
I WILL SHOW THEM WHO I AM WHAT I STAND FOR AND HOW I LEAD
AND SHOW THEM I'M SPECIAL
I WILL BE
I WILL BE
I WILL BE
SPECIAL
ACT I SCENE I
Nathaniel Brown sits at a typewriter reading as he
types
NATHANIEL
I first met sir George Foster Pearce in Perth back in 97'
covering the story of a young man leading a labor strike.
Never before had I seen a drive to rise to the top than I did
in him.
Cutting across to a youthful George Pearce leading a
crew of protesters
YOUNG PEARCE
No man should be worked into the ground! We will rise up
against our oppressors and come through with regulation! With
Law! And with Liberty!

4.
Ensemble ad. Lib cheers and agrees. The crowd
dissipates as the focus goes back to Nathaniel.
NATHANIEL
That was until I was introduced to a young man by the name of
G.P.W. Meredith almost 30 years later. He was a natural
leader, the ambition he had to rise up and make a name for
himself was paralleled only by that young protester who now
serves as Australia's minister of defense. In a series of
articles titled WARSTORIES I will reveal to the public the
untold truth behind The Great Emu War of 1932.
The typewriter dings
SECRETARY
Mr. Brown your presence is requested by the minister of
defense
NATHANIEL
Thank you, I'll be right there.
Nathaniel gives the audience a knowing look before
getting up from his typewriter leaving his desk
We transition to the office of George Pearce who is
already talking to GPW Meredith, Gunner O'Hallera
Meredith, and Charles Williams.
ENTER NATHANIEL
PEARCE
Ah Nathaniel, please come in. Gentleman this is Nathaniel
Brown, an old journalist friend, I've asked him to tag along
and report your progress back to me. He's been filled in on
the task at hand.
The men rise
Mr. Brown, a pleasure
MEREDITH
Meredith and Nathaniel shake hands
NATHANIEL
The pleasure is all mine, and please call me Nathaniel. You
must be Major Meredith
PEARCE
Meredith is a bright young man
NATHANIEL
So I've read, your bravery during the War was more than
respectable

5.
Thank you sir
MEREDITH
PEARCE
Nathan this is Meredith's younger brother Gunner
Good to meet you
GUNNER
they shake hands
PEARCE
Gunner certainly lives up to his name, he was a talented
marksman with the volunteer regiment in Russia
NATHANIEL
You served in Russia? That is certainly impressive.
Thank you sir
GUNNER
PEARCE
And last but not least is Charles Williams
Mr. Brown
CHARLES
They shake hands
PEARCE
Charles served in Meredith's battalion back at the end of the
Great War
Right
NATHANIEL
PEARCE
So now that that's out of the way let's get back into things
The now 5 men take a seat, Nathaniel begins to take
notes, Gunner smokes a cigarette and flicks a lighter
open and closed, and all are quite comfortable in
their environment except Charles who's hands fidget
with the box of a wedding ring subtly
PEARCE (CONT'D)
As you all know the farmers have struggled in the past few
years profiting from their yields. They are threatening a
strike on production and as you could imagine not delivering
their crops to the government would be a loss to everyone
involved. Now the issue is easily fixable, they are just
requesting military assistance against the emu mobs
overwhelming their farmland.

6.
That's where we come in
MEREDITH
PEARCE
thats right. The ministry of defense has allocated a jeep, a
lewis gun and 10,000 rounds of ammunition to solve the
problem.
In and out, easy
GUNNER
PEARCE
Easy indeed, and you three have more than enough experience
to deal with the threat. It shouldn't take you more than a
couple of days and i'll have Margaret send the details to
your flat.
MEREDITH
Thank you sir, we won't let you down
PEARCE
You never do Major, dismissed.
All get up to exit but Charles who remains seated with
an anxious manner
You coming Charles?
MEREDITH
CHARLES
I'll meet you back at the flat.
Exit Meredith, Gunner and Nathaniel
An uncomfortable silence fills the room
PEARCE
If you've got something to say spit it out son
CHARLES
Sir, I want to marry your daughter
PEARCE
Have you already proposed?
CHARLES
No I wanted your blessing
PEARCE
And you've thought about this?

7.
CHARLES
I've known I wanted to marry Mavis since the day I laid my
eyes on her she got me through the war sir. I don't want to
spend another second of my life where she's not mine
PEARCE
You never struck me as a sentimental man Williams
People change I suppose
CHARLES
PEARCE
That they do. I'll tell you what, you help me and I'll help
you. Finish the task at hand and she's yours.
Thank you.
CHARLES
PEARCE
You're a good man Charles I know you've been with Mavis since
before you were deployed and I know This time you'll serve
your country well
Nathaniel appears outside the scene addressing the
audience
NATHANIEL
Pearce's words affected Charles reminding him of the
shortcomings of his past. A past that despite his best
efforts he just couldn't seem to shake.
Don't let me down son
I won't sir
Dismissed
PEARCE
CHARLES
PEARCE
Exit Charles
SECRETARY
Mr. Pearce your daughter is here.
Pearce lets out a sigh and becomes visibly annoyed
Send her in
PEARCE
NATHANIEL
And Mavis had her own problems, between a father who couldn't
hear her and a boyfriend who wouldn't listen, she felt
trapped and she was ready for for someone to listen

8.
Enter Mavis Pearce
Busy Morning?
MAVIS
Not looking up from the papers on his desk peace
addresses his daughter
What can I do for you
PEARCE
MAVIS
I wanted to tell you that I am leaving Charles
(Beat)
I know you like him but things change and people change. I
wanted to let you know beforehand as a courtesy
A courtesy?
PEARCE
MAVIS
Yes, its something ive been thinking about for quite some--
PEARCE
You're not leaving Charles
But I just told you--
MAVIS
PEARCE
You're going to marry Charles.
Dad I--
MAVIS
PEARCE
You're going to marry charles and thats final. You are
getting too old for this and If you think that some white
knight prince charming character is going to come sweep you
off your feet, you're wrong. Besides I've already promised
him your hand and I will not be made a liar out of a little
girl who thinks she's entitled to make up her own mind. Am I
understood?
Silence
Am I understood?
Yes sir.
PEARCE (CONT'D)
(yelling)
MAVIS

9.
PEARCE
Now I have a meeting to get to. Clean yourself up before you
leave, you're a mess.
Pearce with briefcase in hand leaves the room to Mavis
MAYBE
MAVIS
MAYBE MY LOVE LIFE DOESN'T MATTER
MAYBE MY LUCK IS RUNNING DRY
MAYBE OR NOT I COULD MAKE UP MY OWN MIND IF HE'D LET ME
TRY
MAYBE I’LL CITE A SEPARATE CHAPTER
MAYBE I’LL WRITE A DIFFERENT BOOK
MAYBE IF I WIN THIS WAR THAT'S BEING FOUGHT
I CAN MAKE HIM LOOK
CAUSE I WANT HIM TO KNOW THAT
I WON'T LIVE WITH NO RAT
MAYBE I WON'T WEAR HIS FEATHER IN MY HAT
IF ONLY YOU'D CUT ME SOME SLACK HERE?
I KNOW I'D STAND FOR WHAT'S RIGHT
I KNOW THAT I COULD MAKE CHANGES FOR THE BEST IF YOU LET
ME FIGHT
AND I KNOW I'M A FIGHTER
YOU'LL SEE IN A NAIL BITER
ONE DAY GIRLS WILL SAY THAT "I COULD BE LIKE HER"
IT’S NOT LIKE I’M ASKING FOR YOUR BLESSING
IT'S ALWAYS FAR TOO HIGH A PRICE
GIVE ME MY LIFE AND THEN I'M OUT OF YOUR HAIR,
YOUR MOLD YOUR VICE
AND I NEED YOU TO HEAR ME
MAYBE EVEN TO FEAR ME
ONE DAY YOU WON'T EVEN WANT TO BREATHE NEAR ME
MAYBE
MAYBE
MAYBE
MAYBE
MAYBE OR NOT
AND IF NOT?
WELL IF NOT.
YOU’LL REGRET IT.

10.
ACT I SCENE II
Transition to the crews hotel style flat, Meredith is
plotting points on a map, Nathaniel is unpacking and
cleaning a vintage camera, and Gunner is cleaning his
rifle, cigarette in mouth
Enter Charles
Gentleman I have news
CHARLES
MEREDITH
You're back quick and in a better mood, what happened?
GUNNER
Stop in Fortitude valley? You really are quick.
NATHANIEL
For any of you wondering that's Queensland's red light
district
Who are you talking to?
GUNNER
CHARLES
No no nothing like that, I'm getting married
GUNNER
To a prostitute? That's gotta be expensive is it by the hour
or?
MEREDITH
Gunner please, Charles congratulations
So, what's her name?
NATHANIEL
CHARLES
You'll see it on the wedding invitations, you're all invited
I'll drink to that!
GUNNER
Nathaniel reveals a flask and shares it with Gunner
MEREDITH
There will be plenty of time for celebration tonight, lets
review the plans for tomorrow
The crew gathers around a table with a map spread out
over it

11.
We strike at dawn...
MEREDITH (CONT'D)
Meredith contenues addressing the crew as Nathaniel
addresses the audience
NATHANIEL
The plan was simple, elegant. Meredith had the military mind
of a genius as well as the cunning and charm of a fox. He was
the type of man who would jump in front of a bullet for any
member of his betallian. In fact he wouldn't tell you
himself, but he had saved Charles' life in that very manner.
But more on that later.
Nathaniel resumes his place among the crew
The plan was set
Lewis guns and jeeps
In and Out
No man left behind.
NATHANIEL (CONT'D)
MEREDITH
CHARLES
GUNNER
CHARLES
So why is it that we're the ones tasked with glorified pest
control
MEREDITH
When the Minister of defense himself asks you for a favor,
you do whatever he wants
That's fair
CHARLES
NATHANIEL
Major how did you meet the minister?
MEREDITH
I was decorated after the war, we met then. How about you?
NATHANIEL
Covered the story of his first protest back in 97'
MEREDITH
I always looked up to him, he came from nothing and look
where he is now

12.
NATHANIEL
It is a compelling story isn't it. How about you Charles? How
did you meet the Minister?
Call it family friends
CHARLES
GUNNER
You stayed back and talked to Pearce and now you're engaged,
I'd say you're more than "Family friends"
CHARLES
Okay fine you caught me, his daughter is my soon to be wife
GUNNER
Bold. Marry a man's daughter to assert your dominance, I like
it
MEREDITH
Gunner you're out of your element, Charles is that really
what you discussed with Minister Pearce?
It is Major
CHARLES
MEREDITH
Bold indeed,
(A pause)
Well Gunner and I are going to the Pub, you in?
CHARLES
I've actually quit drinking
MEREDITH
Really? We couldn't get you away from the bottle back in
France
CHARLES
We've all got to change sometime
MEREDITH
I suppose you're right. Mr. Brown?
NATHANIEL
I have a bit of writing to finish up
MEREDITH
Alright, see you in the morning. Looks like it's just you and
me kid
GUNNER
Call me kid all you want lightweight, I beat russians in
drinking competitions

13.
Yeah yeah
MEREDITH
Exit Gunner and Meredith
Charles sits in his bed staring at an engagement ring
NATHANIEL
You haven't proposed yet, have you?
No, not technically.
CHARLES
NATHANIEL
You know, proposing to a father isn't the same as the girl
Excuse me?
CHARLES
NATHANIEL
Everyone is always so certain
CHARLES
If you're trying to say something, say it.
NATHANIEL
I'm not the one with the question Mr. Williams, you are.
Nathaniel lights a cigarette
NATHANIEL (CONT'D)
I'm going out. See you in the morning.
Exit Nathaniel leaving behind a silver flask perched
on the table
Charles left in a state of uncertain anxiety looks at
the ring, closes the box sees the flask, considers it,
and following his better judgement doesn't pursue it.
With a sigh he lays down to rest.
ACT I SCENE III
Outside walks Nathaniel smoking the same cigarette
writing in his notebook. Unaware of his surroundings
he encounters a distought Mavis Pearce struggling on
what to do about the current state of her love life.
Uncle Brown?
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
Mavis Pearce, look at the woman you've become

14.
MAVIS
It has been a very long time hasn't it?
NATHANIEL
Indeed it has. What are you doing out this late?
Avoiding my problems
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
You know your mother used to take long walks when she had
something on her mind. Your father would look for her for
hours and get all mad when she finally came home.
They sit together on a stoop
MAVIS
I don't remember much about her
NATHANIEL
She was a good woman, your father got lucky convincing
someone like that to marry him
That he did.
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
So what is heavy on your heart not so little Ms. Pearce
MAVIS
It's my father. He is making me marry a man who I don't love
anymore. He told me to stop waiting around for a knight in
shining armor to sweep me off my feet
NATHANIEL
This man, tell me about him
MAVIS
We were High school sweethearts believe it or not, but he
went off to fight in the war and came home a different man
What do you mean?
NATHANIEL
MAVIS
He used to be gentle and caring, but when he came home... the
light had faded from his eyes. He's short tempered and even
violent at times.
NATHANIEL
So what are you going to do?
MAVIS
I don't know yet. What would you do?

15.
NATHANIEL
Do you remember your aunt Doris?
MAVIS
How could I forget, I must have spent every other weekend
with you guys when I was little
NATHANIEL
That you did. She was my everything
What happened?
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
She got really sick. But let me tell you something;
Every moment I spent with that woman was a gift from God.
Till her last breath I stood by her side and I know that if I
were the one on that bed she would have done the same for me.
That's the thing about love Mavis when you know you know.
What about my father?
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
I've known your father for a long long time and if there's
one thing he knows it's that in the pursuit of love and the
pursuit of war failure is never an option. I have an early
morning so I better go but I know you'll figure it out.
You're just like your mother.
Nathaniel Exits with a warm smile
Enther Meredith & Gunner from the pub
MEREDITH
Excuse me miss are you alright?
MAVIS
What? Oh yes, yes of course
MEREDITH
Its awful late to be out alone
I suppose you're right
MAVIS
GUNNER
You know my brother here is a war hero
Is that so?
I wouldn't say that
MAVIS
MEREDITH

16.
GUNNER
The Australian military would, you took a bullet for one of
your men
MAVIS
And what might your brothers name be?
G.P.W Meredith
Major G.P.W. Meredith
MEREDITH
GUNNER
MEREDITH
Alright Gunner I think you've made your point
GUNNER
You know, he's right it is awful late to be out alone. Maybe
you want a decorated soldier to walk you home.
Maybe I would
Thank me later
MAVIS
GUNNER
(aside to Meredith)
Exit Gunner
MEREDITH
Sorry about my brother, he spent far too long drinking in
Russia
I don't mind at all
So what's your name
MAVIS
MEREDITH
MAVIS
Mavis Pe..., Mavis. Just Mavis.
MEREDITH
Well Mavis, Just Mavis, where am I taking you
Just Up the street,
MAVIS
They begin to walk alongside one another
MAVIS (CONT'D)
So Major Meredith, where did you serve?

17.
MEREDITH
All over, France, Turkey, anywhere I could really
Anywhere you could?
MAVIS
MEREDITH
Well I grew up in a farm town, everyone did what their
fathers did and when they grew up they would teach their sons
the same. I just wanted to be more you know? I wanted to
feel..
Special?
MAVIS
MEREDITH
Exactly. Well War broke out and our dad went to serve and
never came back, I was left with Gunner and he took it really
hard. We were just kids.
Gunner?
MAVIS
MEREDITH
My brother. I wouldn't say it to him because he'd get a big
head about it, but I love him more than anything
That's sweet
MAVIS
MEREDITH
My dad made me promise I'd always look after him and I intend
to keep that promise
MAVIS
You're a good guy he's lucky to have you.
You barely know me
MEREDITH
MAVIS
I don't need to, I can just tell. So Major Meredith what
happened next?
MEREDITH
I knew that there was only one way out, I went to serve like
my father, likewise so did my brother, and now I'm here with
the very lovely Mavis, just Mavis
MAVIS
So you felt like the only way you could become anything, was
to get out of the situation you were in?

18.
MEREDITH
Well I suppose that's one way to think about it
MAVIS
And the change, it was good?
MEREDITH
It brought me here, didn't it?
MAVIS
That it did. I have to go
What?
MEREDITH
MAVIS
Thank you for the escort and... thank you for your service
She gives him a quick peck on the cheek and disappears
into her building, she has a lot to think about
No problem
MEREDITH
(Confused and disappointed
that she left)
ACT I SCENE IV
The crew loads the jeep full of duffle bags and ammo
boxes. The jeep is Nathaniel's desk repurposed
Nathaniel packs his camera into its case entering and
exiting during the scene, Charles carries bags,
Meredith ammo boxes, and Gunner the lewis gun
GUNNER
So how'd it go with that girl last night Meredith?
CHARLES
Major Meredith met a girl?
GUNNER
With a little help from yours truly, yes
CHARLES
What was her name, how was it?
MEREDITH
Her name was Mavis, and we just talked
GUNNER
You came home awful late to have "Just talked"

19.
CHARLES
(suspicious)
Did this Mavis have a last name?
MEREDITH
I went and had another pint, I walked her home and nothing
came of it, and No charles, she didn't tell me her last name
Charles retreats into his own thoughts
GUNNER
Well did you get her number?
Her number?
MEREDITH
GUNNER
Yes or any way to contact her?
I didn't get her number
Figures
Yeah yeah
MEREDITH
GUNNER
MEREDITH
Meredith pushes his brother with a playful manner
Enter Nathaniel urgently
NATHANIEL
Gentleman, the newspaper just came
What about it Mr. Brown
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
The weather calls for heavy rain in the west.
Lets see
MEREDITH
Gunner and Meredith examine the newspaper
This doesn't look good
GUNNER
MEREDITH
Can the jeep handle the mud?

20.
GUNNER
Depends on the rain, I mean we're just sneaking up on a bunch
of flightless birds, how hard could it be
Charles?
Whatever you want Major
MEREDITH
CHARLES
He thinks about it
MEREDITH
We hold off. Nathaniel send a telegraph to the defense
office, Gunner bring everything inside and Charles cover up
the jeep. I don't want to take any chances
Yes sir
Yes sir
NATHANIEL
GUNNER
A pause
Charles?
Yes sir.
MEREDITH
CHARLES
Transition to Pearce
Any messages?
Two sir.
Read them to me
PEARCE
SECRETARY
PEARCE
Pearce leans back in his chair as His assistant reads
him his telegrams
SECRETARY
Due to the harsh weather in the north we have delayed action
in the west STOP. Despite our best efforts the jeep can only
handle so much mud STOP. The major would like to ensure you
that everything will be taken care of STOP. Unrelated to the
mission I spoke to your daughter last night and as a friend
want to remind you that a sympathetic ear can go a long way
STOP. With best intentions, Nathaniel Brown STOP.

21.
PEARCE
Where does he get off telling me how to parent my kid
SECRETARY
Sir you have one more telegram
Read it to me
PEARCE
SECRETARY
I'm in need of change and i'm sorry if you disagree STOP.
Who is it from?
Your daughter sir
PEARCE
SECRETARY
PEARCE
She's going to regret that
Exit Pearce
ACT I SCENE V
Times elapsed to night
Nathaniel is writing as the rain presses on, Gunnar
cleans the lewis gun, Meredith reads a book and
charles glares at Meredith still thinking about the
conversation they had that morning
GUNNER
Hey look, the rain is dying down, let's get out of this place
NATHANIEL
What did you have in mind?
GUNNER
The bar down the street? A night on the town? We've been
stuck inside all day
I'm in
As am I
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
GUNNER
Maybe we can find that girl from last night
Maybe so...
CHARLES

22.
Charles you coming?
MEREDITH
CHARLES
I actually have plans with my fiance
MEREDITH
That's wonderful, Enjoy your night
I'll try my best.
CHARLES
Exit Gunner Meredith and Nathaniel
Enter Mavis
Charles
Mavis.
MAVIS
CHARLES
MAVIS
Charles we need to talk.
That we do.
CHARLES
MAVIS
I've been thinking a lot about it and
CHARLES
You're seeing someone else aren't you
What?
You're cheating on me
No i'm not
Don't lie to me Mavis
I'm not lying
MAVIS
CHARLES
MAVIS
CHARLES
MAVIS
CHARLES
I know what you've been up to

23.
A pause
MAVIS
I am breaking up with you Charles
A more intense pause
I knew it
CHARLES
MAVIS
I can't do this anymore I'm sorry
Charles moves in Changing tactics, he holds her at the
hips and looks at her
CHARLES
(softly)
Don't be sorry, you're just not thinking straight
MAVIS
I'm not thinking straight?
CHARLES
Your feelings will blow over and things can go back to
normal, I promise.
No we're over Charles
MAVIS
Mavis goes to pull away only for charles to grab her
wrists and pull her back in
CHARLES
Im afraid thats not up to you
Let go of me
MAVIS
CHARLES
(exploding)
You don't get to leave, you don't get to leave me behind
Charles!
MAVIS
CHARLES
You belong to me, your father gave you, to me. You and I are
getting married
(Pleading)
Look!
Charles reaches into his pocket and pulls out an
engagement ring and tries to force it on her finger

24.
Stop! Stop!
Marry me Mavis.
MAVIS
CHARLES
MAVIS
I don't love you anymore!
Charles let's go and they stare at each other in
silence
CHARLES
(Slowly)
You take that back.
It's the truth
MAVIS
Charles grabs Mavis by her hair
You take that Back!
CHARLES
MAVIS
(Pleading)
Charles please! please stop! it hurts!
Charles lets go snapping out of his fit of rage
CHARLES
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that I--
Stay away from me.
Mavis!
MAVIS
CHARLES
Exit Mavis
Charles is left with an empty engagement ring not
knowing exactly what just happened.
ACT I SCENE VI
The crew - Meredith, Gunner and Nathaniel walk towards
the bar
NATHANIEL
So Major Meredith, you've been awful quiet

25.
MEREDITH
Well I met that girl last night and I felt like there was a
real connection
How'd you blow it?
GUNNER
MEREDITH
That's the thing, I didn't. She kissed me on the cheek and
left, just like that
GUNNER
Well that's life, tonight we find you a new girl
MEREDITH
I don't want anyone else, I've been thinking about her all
day
NATHANIEL
Fate always finds a way Major
MEREDITH
Here we are, first rounds on me
HIT THE TOWN
MEREDITH
25 YEARS I'VE DREAMT ABOUT
THE DAY I'VE HAD TODAY
STUDYING HARD AND ALWAYS MAKING FRIENDS
NOW THAT IT'S HERE I MUST ADMIT
IT'S LESS THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE
BUT EVERYDAY ENDS
ANOTHER BEGINS
CREW
SO LET'S HIT THE TOWN BEFORE THE NIGHT IS OVER
WE'LL ACT LIKE A FOOL BE CRAZY AS A ROVER
WE'LL TELL THE WORLD THAT WE GOT WHAT WE WANT
MEREDITH
TOMORROW WE FIGHT BUT LET'S DRINK TONIGHT
CREW
TO CELEBRATE WHAT'S TO COME
MEREDITH
YOU KNOW WE DESERVE A GOOD NIGHT OFF

26.
MAJOR OHH
CREW
GUNNER
I STILL REMEMBER OUR PAPA'S WORDS RIGHT BEFORE HE LEFT FOR
THE WAR
WILLING TO SERVE EVEN THOUGH IT COST HIM HIS LIFE
HE SAID TO US "BOYS IT MIGHT SEEM CRAZY THE THINGS I'M
WILLING TO DO BUT EVERY MAN LEARNS"
NOW WE'VE GOT OUR TURN
CREW
SO LET'S HIT THE TOWN CAUSE WE'VE ALL GOT A STORY
ABOUT WHY WE FIGHT THOUGH IT MAY BE GROSS AND GORY
WE'LL MAKE SURE THE WORLD KNOWS WHAT WE'RE DOING HERE
TOMORROW WE FIGHT, BUT LET'S DRINK TONIGHT
TO CELEBRATE WHAT'S TO COME
YOU KNOW WE DESERVE A GOOD NIGHT OFF
MAJOR OHH
Mavis enters the bar looking around unsure what to do
with herself
GUNNER
There she is! That's the girl! What was her name?
Mavis
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
(recognizing her)
Im sorry, did you say Mavis?
MEREDITH
Her name has been in my head all day. Mavis, just Mavis
Well, Go talk to her
GUNNER
MEREDITH
Well what if the other night she left because she doesn't
like me?
GUNNER
What are you four? Go buy her a drink!
What do I say?
MEREDITH
GUNNER
How are we related, don't make me go talk to her for you
again!

27.
That doesn't help me
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
(tipsy)
Tell her you only have an hour and a half to complete the
story arc
What?
MEREDITH
GUNNER
He's drunk, tell her how pretty she is
MEREDITH
TOO AFRAID
TOO MUCH TO SAY
HOW COULD I TALK TO A GIRL LIKE THAT
THIS NIGHT HAS BEEN A CRAZY SPIN
HOW DO I TALK TO THE GIRL OF MY DREAMS
CREW + COMPANY
DO IT NOW
DO IT NOW OR YOU'LL REGRET IT FOREVER
YOU NEED IT HERE
BUT STILL YOUR SCARED
JUST TAKE A CHANCE
MEREDITH
So "Just Mavis" what brings you out again so late
Its you!
MAVIS
She wraps her arms around him
Are you okay?
MEREDITH
She lets go realizing she may have overstepped her
bounds
I don't think so
What can I do to help
MAVIS
MEREDITH
MAVIS
I don't know... I just burnt a lot of bridges and there's
nothing to do
Hey
MEREDITH

28.
MEREDITH (CONT'D)
TOMMORROW YOU'LL FIGHT
BUT LETS DRINK TONIGHT
FORGET ABOUT WHATS TO COME
YOU KNOW YOU DESERVE A GOOD NIGHT OUT
MAVIS
MAYBE HE GETS ME
MAYBE FOR ONCE
I COULD FIND SOMETHING NEW
BE HAPPY FOR US
MAYBE I'M CRAZY
MAYBE I'M OUT OF MY MIND!
MEREDITH
Do you wanna go get some air
Lead the way
MAVIS
They exit to the street where they met and start to
walk
MAVIS (CONT'D)
Meredith, Have you ever been in love?
I'm not sure
MEREDITH
MAVIS
I was
(Beat)
I fell in love with a brilliant brave man
What happened
MEREDITH
MAVIS
He changed... He was a soldier, like you
MEREDITH
War can change a man, It can bring out the parts of you that
you didn't know were there. Many of my men couldn't cope with
coming back
MAVIS
He's so sick and there's nothing I can do
MEREDITH
All we can do is love them for who they are

29.
MAVIS
I broke things off with him, was it a mistake
MEREDITH
That's not what I said, You deserve more than that
You really think so?
MAVIS
MEREDITH
I think you deserve the world
No one's ever said that
MAVIS
SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET
MEREDITH
YOU CLAIM THAT HE'S THE BEST
YOU THINK HES THE GUY
IT'S TIME TO ADMIT
YOU TOLD YOURSELF A LIE
YOU KNOW THAT I COULDN'T WISH TO SCRATCH A DENT IN THE ONE
THE MAN THAT YOU'VE INVENTED, IT'S A LITTLE OVERDONE
BUT IF YOU GIVE ME A REASON WHY YOU SHOULD RUN AWAY THEN
I'LL GIVE YOU ANOTHER REASON WHY YOU SHOULD STAY
AND IF YOU ARE TELLING ME THAT I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND I'LL
SHOW YOU THAT KNOW YOU LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND
THEY SAY EMUS LOST THEIR ABILITY TO FLY
BY EATING TOO MUCH AND FALLING OUT OF THE SKIES
BUT I KNOW THAT THE REASON THEY STAY ON THE GROUND
IS THAT THEY GOT USED TO WAITING AROUND FOR SOMEONE
TO SWEEP THEM OFF THEIR FEET.
MAVIS
SO MAYBE I WAS WRONG
HE'S NOT THE ONE FOR ME
HE DOESN'T REALLY FIT
THE PERSONALITY
YOU KNOW I HAVE SOME OFFERS
YOU KNOW I HAVE A PLAN
AND IF HE'S NOT GONNA BE THE ONE FOR ME
I'LL FIND IT WITH ANOTHER MAN
MEREDITH
BUT IF YOU GIVE ME A REASON WHY YOU SHOULD RUN AWAY
MAVIS
ILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER REASON WHY YOU SHOULD STAY

30.
MEREDITH
AND IF YOU’RE TELLING ME THAT I COULDN’T UNDERSTAND
MAVIS
ILL SHOW YOU THAT I KNOW YOU LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND
BOTH
THEY SAY EMUS LOST THEIR ABILITY TO FLY
MAVIS
BY EATING TOO MUCH AND FALLING OUT OF THE SKY
BOTH
BUT I KNOW THE REASON THEY STAY ON THE GROUND
IS THEY GOT USED TO WAITING AROUND FOR SOMEONE
FOR SOMEONE
IF YOU AND I COULD TAKE TO THE SKIES
IT WOULDN'T BE ENOUGH BUT AT LEAST IT WOULD BE SOMETHING
IF YOU AND ME COULD JUST TAKE A KNEE
WE WOULDN'T HAVE ARRIVED BUT AT LEAST WE WOULD BE RUNNING
ADD COMPANY
IF YOU AND I COULD TAKE TO THE SKIES
IT WOULDN'T BE ENOUGH BUT AT LEAST IT WOULD BE SOMETHING
IF YOU AND ME COULD JUST TAKE A KNEE
WE WOULDN'T HAVE ARRIVED BUT AT LEAST WE WOULD BE RUNNING
(X3)
BOTH
YOU ARE
JUST THE
ONE THAT
I WANT
IF YOU
LET ME
SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET (X2)
AHH
COMPANY
ALL
BUT IF YOU GIVE ME A REASON WHY YOU SHOULD RUN AWAY
THEN I'LL GIVE YOU ANOTHER REASON WHY YOU SHOULD STAY
AND IF YOU ARE TELLING ME THAT I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND
I'LL SHOW YOU THAT KNOW YOU LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND
THEY SAY EMUS LOST THEIR ABILITY TO FLY
BY EATING TOO MUCH AND FALLING OUT OF THE SKY
BUT I KNOW THAT THE REASON THEY STAY ON THE GROUND
IS THAT THEY GOT USED TO WAITING (X2)

31.
MEREDITH
BUT IF YOU
BUT IF YOU
BUT IF YOU
TO SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET
They kiss
Goodnight Meredith
Goodnight Mavis
MAVIS
MEREDITH
As Mavis turns to leave charles stumbles out near the
bar holding Nathaniel's flask. He sees Mavis and
Meredith say goodnight to each other but neither of
them see him
CHARLES
(laughing)
Oh I'm gonna kill him. He thinks he can take the one thing
that I have left? I'm going to make him pay
Enter Gunner
GUNNER
Hey buddy looks like you had a few too many, let's get you
home
Gunner!
CHARLES
(Still laughing)
Gunner takes the flask
GUNNER
Okay, here we go, one foot in front of the other, early
morning ahead.
Im gonna kill em
CHARLES
GUNNER
Yeah were gonna kill all those dirty birds tomorrow but we
have to get home first lets go
Blackout.
ACT I SCENE VI
Enter Meredith bringing coffee to the crew in their
messy flat

32.
MEREDITH
Rise and shine, the suns out not a cloud in sight
GUNNER
Let's go make feathered hats out of these pests
CHARLES
Oh God what happened last night
You drank, a lot
GUNNER
CHARLES
I don't remember anything
GUNNER
You were way out of your mind
MEREDITH
Up and atem charles, I got you coffee, trust me it'll help
Thanks
CHARLES
Enter Nathaniel
NATHANIEL
Morning gents, the jeeps all gassed up and ready to go
MEREDITH
Perfect, lets hit the road
Exit Nathaniel and Gunner with Lewis gun in hand
What happened...
CHARLES
MEREDITH
C'mon Charles you can sober up on the way it's a long drive
Exit Meredith
Meredith.
CHARLES
(realizing)
BATTLE I
EMU COMPANY
CAN YOU FEEL THE FREEDOM THAT IS COURSING THROUGH OUR
VEINS
CAN YOU FEEL THE THOUGHTS ALL RACING THROUGH OUR VEINS

33.
EVERYDAY IS A FIGHT OR FLIGHT AND BEING FLIGHTLESS BIRDS
WELL INFER WHAT YOU MIGHT
BUT WERE FREE
TO ROAM THE LAND AND WONDER
EATING ALL THE CROPS WE SQUANDER
YEAH WERE FREE NO ONE CAN EVER HOLD US DOWN
WE CAN DO WHAT WE WANT AND WHO'S GONNA STOP US?
A QUARREL WOULD SOUND ABSURD
WHEN YOU'RE AS FREE AS A BIRD
EMU SOLO I
THE HUMANS TRY TO ROPE US OFF
AND CALL THIS LAND THEIR OWN
EMU SOLO II
GATHER UP IN GROUPS OF SIX
A WALL OF STONE
EMU SOLO I AND II
AND WHEN THEY SCOFF WE'LL SAY PISS OFF AND KEEP LIVING THE
LIFE THAT WE'RE MEANT TO BE
EMU COMPANY
CAUSE WE'RE FREE
WE'RE FIFTY STRONG AND KICKING
RIPE FOR ALL THE FIGHTS WE'RE PICKING
YEAH WE'RE FREE NO ONE CAN EVER HOLD US DOWN
WE DO WHAT WE WANT AND WHO'S GONNA STOP US A QUARREL WOULD
SOUND ABSURD
WHEN YOU'RE AS FREE AS A BIRD
MEREDITH
MAN THE GUN AND GET THE CAR AND OUT TO SEA WE'LL BARGE
THANK THE FARMERS FOR THEIR HELP AND FOR THEIR CHARGE
PULL THE CORDS AND PUSH THEM FOR'D AND
SET AN ATTACK THEY'LL NEVER SEE
GUNNER
HEY WE'RE FREE
TO CUT SOME BIRDIE HEAD OFF
TEAR EM UP AND--
Music stops
What?
GUNNER (CONT'D)

34.
EMU COMPANY
YEAH WE'RE FREE
THEY DREAM OF POINT BLANK FIRE
SHOOT US UP UNTIL WE TIRE
BUT THEY'LL SEE NO ONE CAN EVER HOLD US DOWN
GUNNER
WE CAN SHOOT WHAT WE WANT AND WHO'S GONNA STOP US
MEREDITH
Here we go make sure you're not heard
Guns fire
MEREDITH (CONT'D)
WE MISSED? BUT HOW? NOT A SINGLE BIRD SHOT?
NATHANIEL
WITH GUNS THIS OLD WE SCARED THEM THOUGH WE GAVE IT ALL WE
GOT
MEREDITH
BUT STILL. WHAT GIVES? CAUSE WE'RE LOOKING KIND OF SLAMMED
GUNNER
IF YOU DON'T MIND ME SAYING CHARLES' LEWIS GUN IS JAMMED
MEREDITH
Charles, are you alright? What happened?
What?
CHARLES
MEREDITH
CHARLES YOU ZONED OUT AND NOW THE BATTLE IS ALL DONE
GUNNER
YOU SHOT TO FAST AND NOW YOU'VE JAMMED OUR LEWIS GUN
Oops
CHARLES
(Smiling)
MEREDITH
Never mind. Let's regroup. We'll be back again tomorrow.
EMU COMPANY
YEAH WE’RE FREE
THEIR HOPES ARE DISSIPATED
BULLETS LOST THEIR PRIDE DEGRADED NOW WE’RE FREE NO ONE
COULD EVER HOLD US DOWN

35.
WE DO WHAT WE WANT AND WHO IS GONNA TO STOP US
A QUARREL WOULD SOUND ABSURD X3
Add Charles and Meredith the second time add rest of
crew third time
EMU COMPANY (CONT'D)
WHEN YOU’RE AS FREE AS A BIRD
END ACT I
ACT II SCENE I
Enter Nathaniel aside
NATHANIEL
Tensions rise as failure looms over an un-united crew
Pearce is in his office
Enter Charles aggressively
CHARLES
You need to get your daughter under control
Who?
Your daughter. Mavis.
PEARCE
CHARLES
PEARCE
Charles, I'm feeling awful generous today so I'm going to
give you the opportunity to come back in to my office and
address me properly.

36.
Not as one of your war buddies but as your high superior and
the father of the woman you are so infatuated with. Then and
only then may you solicit my counsel for whatever you thought
was so important you had to come disturb my morning
Mavis refused me
And?
CHARLES
PEARCE
CHARLES
You promised me that she was mine!
PEARCE
Charles i'll advise you to bring down your tone
CHARLES
She was at the bar with Meredith
Pearce gets up from his chair
PEARCE
She was probably was curious as to what it feels like to be
with a real man
What did you say to me?
CHARLES
Pearce advances Charles getting in his space
PEARCE
I can't blame her, I wouldn't want my daughter marrying a
little boy who can't keep his precious emotions in check
CHARLES
George I swear to God i'll
Pearce is so close that charles is forced to sit in
the chair that is behind him
PEARCE
You'll what? Continue to disappoint everyone you come in
contact with? Desert the army again? You thought i'd forgot
hadn't you? Now before you say another word I want you to
remember that I bailed you out, I covered your messy, lazy,
cowardice tracks because your life was in the best interest
of my daughter.
(a beat)
Tell me about yesterday
Yesterday?
CHARLES

37.
PEARCE
What are you slow? Yesterday, the battle that according to
Mr. Browns reports you messed up
CHARLES
No the gun was 100 years old
PEARCE
(Reading a report)
"while the evasiveness of the flightless birds was more than
the crew accounted for the lewis gun handled by Charles
Williams jammed after firing less than 50 rounds. While no
blame should be cast wholly on one member of the team, Mr.
Williams' ineptitude was unproductive and one of the primary
factors of loss"
It was an old gun
CHARLES
PEARCE
Charles I'm detecting a pattern in you nothing seems to be
your fault.
He takes a drink from a crystal glass sitting on his
desk
Why are you here
PEARCE (CONT'D)
CHARLES
I want to marry your daughter.
PEARCE
God! It's like talking to a broken record. Do you remember
the deal I made you?
Yes sir
CHARLES
PEARCE
And do I strike you as a man who goes back on his word?
No sir
CHARLES
PEARCE
Then why are you still in my office? You do your part, I'll
do mine. Dismissed.
He takes another drink as charles begins to go
PEARCE (CONT'D)
Oh and Charles, for your sake: Failure is not an option.

38.
Nathaniel re enters and looks at charles concerningly
Not an option.
CHARLES
BATTLE II
Charles joins Nathaniel and the crew behind the
writing desk turned jeep. Charles drives Nathaniel
types, Gunner shoots and Meredith stands above them
ready to give orders
As the song progresses Nathaniel should add pages to
his story
COMPANY
TENSION. DISCOVERY. EXPOSURE. AND FAILURE.
Company repeats under the chorus
NATHANIEL
PROWESS COMES AND POWERLESS FALL
THE LAWS OF NATURE ALWAYS STAY
WHEN IT COMES TO THE END OF IT ALL
THE CALMER HEAD WILL WALK AWAY
SOLDIERS KNOW WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
THE BROTHER'S NOT A BONE TO PICK
EMUS FEEL IF THE CLIMATE GETS ROUGH
TOGETHER IS HOW WE SHOULD STICK
CAUSE IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
ALL IS FAIR
IN A FIGHT FULL OF STRIFE
THERE'S NO CARE
AND IF YOU LET EMOTIONS GET TO YOU
GOD FORGIVE THE THINGS THEY'LL DO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE AND
LIVE
MEREDITH
ARE ALL THE FARMERS READY FOR THE SNEAK ATTACK?
GUNNER
THEY'RE STANDING BY WITH BUNDLES TIED ACROSS THEIR BACKS
NATHANIEL
WHEN FEELING INSECURE HATE CAN BE A CRUTCH
THE PROBLEM WITH OUR CREW TODAY IS THEY FEEL TOO MUCH
TENSION
COMPANY

39.
NATHANIEL
THE FARMERS SURROUNDED THE EMUS
PULLING ON THE ROPES HUNGRY WITH HIGH HOPES
TENSION
COMPANY
NATHANIEL
BUT EMUS CAN SENSE ON THE AIR THAT TENSION ISN'T RIGHT
MAYBE WE TAKE FLIGHT?
DISCOVERY
COMPANY
NATHANIEL
WHEN SOLDIERS SET UP AN ATTACK ON UNSUSPECTING FOES, WHAT
DO WE CALL THOSE
AMBUSH
COMPANY
NATHANIEL
RIGHT! AND THE SOLDIERS HAD SET ONE
BY A LOCAL DAM, OFFERING A RAM
COMPANY
TENSION. DISCOVERY. EXPOSURE. AND FAILURE.
Company repeats under chorus
NATHANIEL
PROWESS COMES AND POWERLESS FALL THE LAWS OF NATURE ALWAYS
STAY
WHEN IT COMES TO THE END OF IT ALL THE CALMER HEAD WILL
WALK AWAY
CAUSE IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
ALL IS FAIR
IN A FIGHT FULL OF STRIFE
THERE'S NO CARE
AND IF YOU LET EMOTIONS YOU
GOD FORGIVE THE THINGS THEY'LL DO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE AND
LIVE
GUNNER
I SEE EMUS RIDING IN ONE THOUSAND STRONG
MEREDITH
WAIT TILL THEY'RE CLOSER WE DON'T WANT TO DO THIS WRONG

40.
NATHANIEL
WHAT THEY DON'T NOTICE IS THEIR BROTHER'S ANGER WHISK
IF THEY CAN'T CALM HIM DOWN IN TIME, WELL, THEN THEY RISK
EXPOSURE
COMPANY
NATHANIEL
NOW CHARLES LETS HIS ANGER CONSUME HIM
MUDDLING HIS MIND HITS HIM FROM BEHIND
EXPOSURE
COMPANY
NATHANIEL
LIKE EMUS THAT RUN THROUGH A VALLEY
ALL THE WORLD CAN SEE, WHO YOU TRY TO BE
FAILURE
IS NOT AN OPTION
FAILURE
IS NOT AN OPTION
FAILURE
IS NOT AN OPTION
FAILURE
IS NOT AN OPTION
COMPANY
CREW
COMPANY
CHARLES
COMPANY
NATHANIEL
CAUSE IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
ALL IS FAIR
IN A FIGHT FULL OF STRIFE
THERE'S NO CARE
AND IF YOU LET EMOTIONS GET TO YOU
GOD FORGIVE THE THINGS THEY'LL DO
FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE AND LIVE
GUNNER
WE GOT TWELVE BIRDS
BUT NOW THE GUN IS JAMMED AGAIN
MEREDITH
CHARLES IF YOU'RE GOING TO FOCUS PLEASE JUST TELL US WHEN
FAILURE
COMPANY

41.
NATHANIEL
THE SAD THING ABOUT ANY WAR IS
NEITHER SIDE IS WRONG
TILL WE RING THE GONG
AND MEREDITH'S ABOUT TO LEARN
THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO FAIL.
ACT II SCENE II
Major Meredith addresses the Media in a press
conference format
MEREDITH
If we had a military division with the bullet carrying
capacity of these birds it could face any army in the world.
They can face machine guns with the invulnerability of tanks.
They are like Zulus whom even dum dum bullets could not stop.
NATHANIEL
(To audince)
That's a direct quote
Cameras flash and news reporters are all trying to get
his attention Ad. lib questions chaotically
Pearce replaces Meredith
PEARCE
Gentleman of the press, as we all know war is a tricky thing
to handle, just know the department of defense has it under
control, thank you no further questions.
The mob of reporters ad. Lib questions and
interjections as Pearce leaves the podium
Pearce addresses the crew in private
What the hell happened?
PEARCE (CONT'D)
MEREDITH
They were faster than our jeep
PEARCE
We gave you machine guns
GUNNER
They're resilient I'll give them that
PEARCE
Is this some kind of joke to you son?

42.
No sir
Let me explain
GUNNER
MEREDITH
PEARCE
You speak when spoken to Major, you've embarrassed this
office enough for one day. Your father would be ashamed
GUNNER
Don't you dare talk about our father he was a hero
PEARCE
(to Gunner)
I'm sorry Mr. Meredith was I addressing you?
NATHANIEL
C'mon Gunner let's take a walk
Exit Nathaniel and Gunner
PEARCE
Charles give me a moment alone with the Major
Gladly
CHARLES
Exit Charles
PEARCE
Meredith let me be frank, I know about you and my Daughter
Your daughter?
Mavis Pearce
MEREDITH
PEARCE
MEREDITH
I didn't know that she..
PEARCE
(interjecting)
I'll Remind you one last time to only speak to me when I
speak to you. As I was saying, I've already promised my
daughters hand to another man. Now a question i've had to ask
too many people in the last week, do I strike you as the type
of man to go back on his word?
No Sir
MEREDITH

43.
PEARCE
You will back off and never see her again, am I understood?
Sir I
MEREDITH
PEARCE
If the next words out of your mouth aren't 'Yes Sir' consider
your worthless career over. Am I understood?
Yes sir.
Now go do your job
MEREDITH
PEARCE
Exit Pearce leaving meredith alone on the stage unsure
of what to choose
Enter Charles out of Meredith's sight smiling grimmly,
he has a plan
Exit Meredith
ACT II SCENE III
Enther Nathaniel standing behind his desk, the pile of
papers larger than they were before
NATHANIEL
Charles Williams was a sick man, changed by war his humanity
had been stripped away. Having very little left to lose he
devised a plan of his own. Draft a letter to his beloved
signed by someone she'd trust
Nathaniel steps aside as Charles composes a letter
CHARLES
"Dearest Mavis,
As someone concerned for your well being I can
not stand idly by as you are deceived by those around you.
You and I both know your father to be a Crooked politician
with nothing but his own self interest in mind. I was
suspicious of his wrong doing and upon further investigation
I know for a fact that the man who you believe to be
Mavis reads this same letter as charles types
MAVIS
G.P.W. Meredith is a fraud. Nothing but a spy to infiltrate
your life and collect information for your father. I tell you
this with great confidence.

44.
To me you will always be that beautiful little girl who I met
21 years ago. With discretion and love, Uncle Nathaniel Brown
Charles looks across to Mavis pleased with himself and
exits
MAVIS (CONT'D)
You have got to be kidding me
MAVIS SONG
MAVIS
FIRST I POURED OUT ALL OF WHAT'S INSIDE MY HEAD
SO BY THE WAY IF HE SHARES THAT
YOU CAN BET YOUR CAP HE'S DEAD
THEN I FIND HE'S KILLING OFF AN EMU MOB
WORST OF ALL I MISS HIM AND IT MAKES ME SOB
OH HOW CAN I LOVE HIM,
OH WHY CAN'T HE SEE
HE FOLLOWS HIS ORDERS
THEY DON'T INVOLVE ME
EVERYDAY’S A STRUGGLE BETWEEN WHAT'S WRONG AND WHAT IS
RIGHT
AND WHAT I WANT IS WRONG
WHY CAN'T IT BE RIGHT
TO SIDE WITH HIM WOULD MEAN GOODBYE TO WHAT I KNEW
SENT BY PEARCE TO SPY ON ME? HOW COULD ANY WORD BE TRUE
IS IT TIME TO FACE THE FACTS THAT HAUNT MY HEAD
I WOULD GIVE IT UP JUST FOR SOME LOVE INSTEAD
OH HOW CAN I LOVE HIM
OH WHY AM I HERE
I TRY TO GET OUT THERE
HE BUILDS HIS CAREER
EVERYDAY'S A STRUGGLE BETWEEN WHAT'S WRONG AND WHAT IS
RIGHT
AND WHAT I WANT IS WRONG
WHY CAN'T IT BE RIGHT
AND THE WORST IS WHEN IT'S OVER
I WON'T KNOW
IF THE WAY THE STORY ENDED
IS HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TO GO
OH, HOW COULD I LOVE HIM
MY JOY, ON HIM DEPENDS
OH, HOW COULD HE LOVE ME
HE'LL FIGHT TO THE END
EVERYDAY’S A STRUGGLE GOING BACK AND FORTH AND BACK AND
FORTH
I'M LOSING MY MIND

45.
AND WHAT I WANT IS WRONG
WHY CAN'T I BE RIGHT?
ACT II SCENE IV
Mavis
MEREDITH
MAVIS
I have nothing to say to you
What's the matter?
MEREDITH
MAVIS
You're Spying for my father, Major.
MEREDITH
That's not true, I didn't even know that Pearce was your
father was until today
Then explain this.
MAVIS
Meredith takes the letter and beguins to read it
MEREDITH
Nathaniel Brown? Why would he write this?
Because its the truth
MAVIS
MEREDITH
I dont know whats going on here but I can explain
MAVIS
The letter does all the explaining I want to hear, get out
Mavis!
Get. Out.
MEREDITH
MAVIS
ACT II SCENE V
Meredith crosses to Nathaniels desk and slams down the
letter
Explain.
MEREDITH

46.
Nathaniel reads the letter in confusion
NATHANIEL
I didn't write this Major, that isnt my signature
Then who the hell did?
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
I don't know, but I wouldn't say those things they simply
aren't true.
They share a moment of confusion and anger
Charles
What?
NATHANIEL (CONT'D)
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
It was Charles, He's the only one who knows we're close
MEREDITH
He's the man that she was talking about? Charles isn't a bad
guy
NATHANIEL
Love and War can do a lot to a man
Exit Nathaniel
Enter Charles
You wanted to see me
Have a seat
CHARLES
MEREDITH
Charles sits
Explain this letter
MEREDITH (CONT'D)
Charles reads the letter and smiles
CHARLES
So she really bought it huh?
How could you?
MEREDITH

47.
CHARLES
How could I? How could I? How could you? You stole her from
me, Meredith. You are the one who put lies in her head that
she was unhappy with me, we were engaged!
No you weren't
She was mine
MEREDITH
CHARLES
MEREDITH
She doesn't belong to anyone. Why would you do this?
CHARLES
Meredith let me cue you in on something, as much as you'd
like to think so, the world doesn't revolve around you.
I never said it did.
MEREDITH
CHARLES
You've never cared about anything but your own self intrest
MEREDITH
I took a bullet for you Charles
CHARLES
So what you're some hot shot hero for taking a bullet? Anyone
can do that, your dad sure did
Watch yourself
MEREDITH
CHARLES
Did it ever occur to you that maybe I was in front of that
gun for a reason? Did you ever consider that?
What are you saying?
MEREDITH
CHARLES
Im saying I wanted out and you took that from me, and then
you took away the only other thing worth living for. You're
the villain Meredith not me
MEREDITH
Charles you're off my crew, go get some help
CHARLES
You're The Villain Meredith! I'm the Hero and you're the
villain!
Exit Major Meredith

48.
Charles breaks down
CHARLES SONG
CHARLES
OH TAKE ME BACK TO WHEN SHE WAS MINE
OH IS MY LIFE JUST ONE BIG LIE?
WIN THE WAR SHE’S YOURS,
THAT’S BEEN THE DEAL THE WHOLE TIME.
COULD THIS BE THE WAR STORY I HAVE TO TELL?
WAS A BROTHER IN THE TRENCHES WITH ME
WE WERE ALLIES ON ONE SIDE OF HISTORY
AND WE FOUGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO GO HOME AND LAY DOWN AND BE
FREE
WHEN I CAME BACK FROM THE WAR I WAS LOST
WE HAD WON BUT WHAT WAS THE COST?
I WOULD DRINK, I WOULD CRY, WATCH MY LIFE PASS ME BY, I
WOULD SAY:
MY BROTHER IN ARMS HAD THEN GONE AWAY
PROMOTED, ADVANCED, ALLEGIANCE ASTRAY
ALONE IN AUSTRALIA UNTIL THAT ONE DAY
I FOUND HER MY MUSE
MY MAVIS
OH HOW SWEET
SHE PICKED ME UP AND BRUSHED OFF THE DUST
SHE WON MY HEART AND EARNED ALL MY TRUST
MY SAVIOR THAT DAY MADE THE DOUBT GO AWAY
GO AWAY, GO AWAY
I FELL INTO LOVE HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE
HER WIT AND HER CHARM, THEY PUT ME ON TRIAL
MAVIS OH MAVIS JUST STAY FOR A WHILE
SHE SWEPT ME AWAY MY ONLY
I GAVE HER MY LIFE AND SHE RIPPED OUT MY HEART
I LEFT HER ALONE AND HE TORE US APART
HE MAY HAVE SAVED MY LIFE BUT NOW HE TAKES IT AWAY
MY BROTHER IN ARMS HAS LEFT ME BETRAYED
HE’S DEAD TO ME NOW, MY DEBTS BEEN REPAID
ALONE IN A PRISON CELL UNTIL THAT ONE DAY
I’LL HAVE MY REVENGE
OH MAVIS OH MAVIS
COMPANY
CHARLES
I’LL TAKE WHAT HE GAVE

49.
(OH MAVIS OH MAVIS)
MEREDITH
MAVIS
(SHE WAS THE ONE FOR YOU)
CHARLES
AND HE'LL KNOW MY PAIN
ONE OF US WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
ACT II SCENE VI
Enter Meredith to the crews flat that houses only
Gunner
Get your gear lets go
MEREDITH
GUNNER
What? What about the other guys?
MEREDITH
Charles is no longer working with us and Nathaniel will just
slow us down
But he's our friend
GUNNER
MEREDITH
he can come separately if he really wants to
GUNNER
Whats going on with you? I haven't seen you like this in a
long time
The phone rings Meredith picks it up
MEREDITH
What? Tell the secretary it'll be taken care of. And I'll say
it again. I don't give a damn what he thinks about my
abilities, I have never let him down before and i'm not going
to start now
He hangs up the phone
Are you ready?
MEREDITH (CONT'D)
GUNNER
We're not going anywhere till you tell me whats going on?

50.
MEREDITH
(Snapping)
Gunner you may be my brother but you need to remember that i
am also your commanding officer, and when I tell you to pack
your things that's an order am I making myself perfectly
clear?
Lets go, Major
GUNNER
ACT II SCENE VII
Transition to Mavis on the stoop where she spoke to
Nathaniel
Enter Nathaniel
NATHANIEL
Mavis I need to speak to you
MAVIS
Uncle Nathan I wanted to thank you for your honesty
NATHANIEL
That's just it Mavis, that letter, it wasn't from me
Who was it from then?
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
Charles, he found out about you and Meredith
What?
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
The letter was from Charles, he forged my signature
MAVIS
I have to find Meredith, I have to apologize
NATHANIEL
Him and Gunner already left for the West
What am I going to do?
MAVIS
NATHANIEL
You can come with me, lets go
They exit

51.
ACT II SCENE VIII
Enter George Pearce
PEARCE
I was hoping I'd find you here
CHARLES
I'll do whatever I need to, just give me one last chance
PEARCE
Things aren't looking so good for that team of yours
CHARLES
They're not my team anymore
PEARCE
All the better. Listen to me we're going to bury this, this
silly little war is never going to have happened. Do we
understand each other?
Tell me what to do
CHARLES
PEARCE
I like this new spark Charles, you remind me of me. Have I
ever told you the story of how I got to where I am today?
OUTTA MY MIND
PEARCE
I WAS BORN I WAS RAISED IN A ONE HORSE TOWN
DIDN'T HAVE MUCH GOING FOR ME
THEN ONE DAY IN THE WOOD SHOP A MAN WALKED IN
HAIR DONE UP WITH POMADE AND GHEE
HE SAID "SON WHAT CHA DOIN COOPED UP IN THIS SHED?
I WANT TO SEE YOU COME WORK WITH ME"
I LOOKED UP TO HIS FACE WITH DISGUST IN MY EYE
I SAID "SIR, YOU MUST BE OUTTA YOUR MIND"
AND THOUGH I NEVER EVER
THOUGHT THAT I WOULD GO WITH HIM
JUST TURN AROUND AND LOOK AT ME NOW
SO TAKE ME TO TOWN LEAVE MY OLD LIFE BEHIND
THEY'LL SAY THAT I'M OUTTA MY MIND
JUMP STRAIGHT TO THE TOP RIGHT PAST ALL OF HIS KIND
YEAH, THEY KNOW I'M OUTTA MY MIND
THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I DO RIGHT NOW
THEY'LL HAVE TO WATCH IT ALL ON REWIND

52.
OH NO NO
WHERE DO WE GO
FROM HERE
COMPANY
CHARLES
EARLY TO BED COULDN'T HOPE TO COVER THE NOTION OF HOW
EARLY I'D RISE
PLENTY OF HIGHER UPS LAUGHED AND SAID
MY CAREER WOULD MEET AN EARLY DEMISE
BUT NOW I'M HERE AND WE'RE MEETING TODAY
AND YOU WON'T EVEN SEE A SMIRK IN THEIR EYES
STILL THOUGH I HEAR SOME VOICES BEHIND ME,
“LOOK AT HIM HE’S OUTTA HIS MIND!”
AND NOW SOME PUNK WITH A DREAM THINKS HE CAN TAKE IT BACK
HE TAKES MY GIRL AND THREATENS MY JOB
SO TAKE HIM AWAY
LEAVE THESE DREAMERS BEHIND
COMPANY
CHARLES YOU KNOW YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR MIND
CHARLES
YOU KNOW I'M OUT OF MY MIND
PEARCE
YOU'LL GO STRAIGHT TO THE TOP RIGHT PAST ALL OF YOUR KIND
THEY'LL SAY THAT YOU’RE OUTTA YOUR MIND
COMPANY
YOU TWO ARE OUTTA YOUR MINDS
CHARLES + PEARCE
AND IF THEY CAN'T SEE WHAT WE DO RIGHT NOW
THEY'LL HAVE TO WATCH IT ALL ON REWIND
OH NO NO
WHERE DO WE GO
FROM HERE?
COMPANY
PEARCE
IF MEREDITH IS GIVING YOU TROUBLE
MAYBE WE SHOULD WORK ON THE DOUBLE
I'M GIVING YOU THE LAST OF YOUR CHANCES
CHARLES (SPOKEN)
The foxtrot IS the smoothest of dances.

53.
PEARCE
FOR I HAVE GIVEN YOU THE KEY TO HEIR MY NAME
BUT IF YOU WANT MY KID, YOU'LL HAVE TO PLAY MY GAME
I WILL NOT SURRENDER THE EARNINGS OF MY LIFE
YOU WON'T SCREW THIS UP IF YOU WANT A WIFE
ADD COMPANY
IT'S ALL ON YOU CHARLES
IT'S ALL ON YOUR SHOULDERS
NOW!
CHARLES
YOU GOTTA BE OUTTA YOUR MIND
COMPANY
WE KNOW HE'S OUTTA HIS MIND
TAKE EM TO CHURCH IN A ONE HORSE TOWN
BECAUSE NOW WE KNOW THEY'RE OUTTA THEIR MIND
CHARLES + PEARCE
WE KNOW WE'RE OUT OF OUR MIND
COMPANY
LOCK EM IN WHITE LIKE AN OLD WEDDING GOWN
YEAH WE KNOW THEY'RE OUTTA THEIR MIND
CHARLES + PEARCE
YOU SAY WE'RE OUT OF OUR MINDS
COMPANY
AND IF THEY CAN'T SEE WHAT YOU DO RIGHT NOW, THEY'LL HAVE
TO WATCH IT ALL ON REWIND
OH NO NO
WHERE DO WE GO
FROM HERE
WE KNOW THEY'RE OUT OF THEIR MIND.
LOVE AND WAR SPOKEN
NATHANIEL
ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR
MEREDITH
BUT AS HEARTBREAK AND HANDS GROW SORE
MORAL IS LOW
AND TENSIONS HIGH
GUNNER
MAVIS

54.
CHARLES
HEAD IS RAISED TO MOONLESS SKY
NATHANIEL
BUT WHEN SUN BEAMS DOWN
GUNNER
AND BLOOD BLEEDS RED
CHARLES
UNFORGIVING THINGS ARE SAID
LOVE WAS BLIND
FORCED TO WED
MEREDITH
MAVIS
CHARLES
DARKER THOUGHTS RUSH THROUGH MY HEAD
NATHANIEL
HE'S ON HIS WAY WITH GUN IN HAND
GUNNER
THE CREW MUST MEET THIS GRAND DEMAND
AND MAVIS WELL,
SHE HAS HER PLAN
NATHANIEL
MAVIS
CHOOSE BETWEEN A WORD OR MAN
WHO WILL WIN
WHO WILL LOSE
MEREDITH
GUNNER
CHARLES
ONLY GOD IS BOUND TO CHOOSE
NATHANIEL
THOUGH ALL HAVE SO SO MUCH TO LOSE
LOVE AND WAR THEY CAN'T REFUSE.
BATTLE III
MEREDITH
WELL THIS IS IT THE FINAL BATTLE HAS ARRIVED
NOW COMES AN ENDING TO THIS QUARREL WE'VE CONTRIVED

55.
HERE COME THE EMUS NOW
WAIT WE’LL LET THEM PASS
KEEP FOLLOWING THEIR TRAIL
AND SHOOT THEM THROUGH THE GRASS
ALL
CAUSE IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
I CAN WIN
MEREDITH
ALL
IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
I CAN DO THEM IN
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
BUT IF YOU LET EMOTIONS GET TO YOU
GOD FORGIVE THE THINGS HE'LL DO
FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE FROM HIM
CHARLES
THIS WILL SHOW HIM WHAT WILL HAPPEN
IF SHE EVER LEAVES AGAIN
MEREDITH YOUR TIME IS HANGING BY A THREAD
GUNNER
IT'S BEEN FOUR DAYS AND NOT A SINGLE TARGET HIT
THEY'RE KEEPING WATCH
THEY'RE PRETTY SMART YOU MUST ADMIT
MEREDITH
IT'S CLEAR WITH SPEED LIKE THIS
WE WON'T GET VERY FAR
SO MOUNT THE GUNS ONTO THE DASHBOARD OF THE CAR
I'm sorry what?
GUNNER
GUNNER (CONT'D)
ARE YOU ALRIGHT
ARE YOU SURE YOU AREN'T SICK
MEREDITH
I'VE GOT A BETTER QUESTION
ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU DRIVE STICK?
GUNNER
THE GUNS
THE CARS
ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE THINKING STRAIGHT?

56.
MEREDITH
JUST CALL ME REVOLUTIONARY
YOU THINK I'M IRATE?
GUNNER
I'M JUST TRYING TO CALM YOU DOWN
CAUSE YOU'RE ACTING LIKE A CLOWN
MAJOR YOU'VE LET YOUR FRUSTRATION GET TO YOU
BUT NOW WE HAVE A JOB TO DO
FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE AND WIN
COMPANY
IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
I CAN WIN
MEREDITH
GUNNER
JUST TRYING TO CALM YOU DOWN
ALL
IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
I CAN DO THEM IN
MEREDITH
GUNNER
REMEMBER WHEN WE HIT THE TOWN
(NARRATOR SINGS UNDER GUNNER)
I TOLD
YOU WHAT
NATHANIEL
(UNDER GUNNER)
BUT IF YOU LET EMOTIONS GET TO YOU
OUR DAD SAID
NATHANIEL + GUNNER
GUNNER
LAY ASIDE YOUR LIFE LIKE HIM
COMPANY
TENSION AND TENSION AND TENSION...
CHARLES + NARRATOR
PROWESS COMES AND POWERLESS FALL
GUNNER
THE LAWS OF NATURE ALWAYS STAY

57.
CHARLES + NARRATOR
WHEN IT COMES TO THE END OF IT ALL
GUNNER
YOU WON'T CATCH UP TO THEM TODAY
THAT REPEATS AS MEREDITH STARTS
MEREDITH
GONNA FIGHT IN ALL THE GREATEST WARS
...
I'LL MOUNT THE GUN MYSELF I CLEARLY DON'T NEED YOU
Meredith!
MAVIS
MEREDITH
Mavis you shouldn't be here
I needed to see you
MAVIS
Charles enters
Charles
MEREDITH
CHARLES
Well would you look at that, the flightless love birds have
found their way back to each other
MEREDITH
What are you doing here?
CHARLES
I have orders to kill you, Major.
From who
MEREDITH
CHARLES
Let's not get lost in logistics old friend
Charles, you need help
Let us help you
MEREDITH
MAVIS
Charles pulls his Pistol pointing it at Mavis
CHARLES
Haven't you done enough?

58.
MEREDITH
It doesn't have to end like this
Charles stop! Listen
GUNNER
Charles is taken back by Gunners voice
GUNNER (CONT'D)
I know you feel like there is some sort of justice to be had
but I promise whatever you do here will stick with you way
longer than whatever happened back on the battlefield, we're
your friends
CHARLES
You are my friend Gunner, you are the only one who has been
consistently kind to me, which is why I want to say that I am
so sorry for what's going to happen next
MEREDITH
If you feel like you need to shoot me, go ahead and do it but
leave them out of it
CHARLES
Meredith you took away the only thing I had to live for so
i'm going to do the same.
He points the gun at Mavisony for Meredith to throw
himself in front of her
Charles aim switches from Mavis to Gunner and He pulls
his trigger only for the scene to freeze
No!
MEREDITH
NATHANIEL
(With great Sorrow)
Charles Williams was a sick young man, changed by War his
humanity had been stripped away. Having very little left to
lose he devised a plan of his own; To take the life of a
friend.
Gunfire rings out
Charles drops the gun and walks away pleased
Meredith holds his brother as he takes his final
breath
GUNNER
I STILL REMEMBER OUR PAPA’S WORDS
RIGHT BEFORE HE LEFT FOR THE WAR
HE WAS WILLING TO SERVE EVEN THOUGH IT COST HIM HIS LIFE

59.
HE SAID TO US BOYS IT MIGHT SEEM CRAZY
THE THINGS I'M WILLING TO DO
BUT EVERY MAN LEARNS
NOW IT'S MY TURN
Gunner.
MEREDITH
Meredith weeps
NATHANIEL
CAUSE IN A FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
NO ONE WINS
YOU CAN HOLD THE CAVERN OPEN
OR LET IT CAVE IN
BUT IF YOU LET EMOTIONS GET TO YOU
GOOD FORGIVE THE THINGS THEY'LL DO
FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
FOR YOUR LIFE
FOR YOUR LIFE
FOR YOUR LIFE
WHY WE LOST
NATHANIEL
They Mourn, never forgetting their fallen friend who now lay
at peace lost to the hatred of war. It is said that there is
freedom in victory, however in the face of defeat, that is
when we learn who we truly are
MEREDITH
MY BROTHER REMINDS ME WHAT OUR FATHER SAID
RIGHT BEFORE HE LEFT FOR THE WAR
HE SAID EVERY MAN LEARNS HIS PLACE IN THE WORLD
ONE WOULD HOPE THAT ID LEARNED IT BEFORE
HE WOULD SAY TO US BOYS IT MIGHT SEEM CRAZY THE THINGS
THAT IM WILLING TO DO
YOU'LL BOTH BE SPECIAL UNIQUE AND IMPORTANT
NO MATTER WHAT IT'S TRUE
AND IF I FELT THIS WAY
MY BROTHER'D BE HERE TODAY
BUT I CANT
AND HES NOT
NOW HES GONE
SO IN HIS MEMORY
I'LL TRY TO HELP THEM SEE
WHAT I AM
WHAT THEY THOUGHT
WAS JUST A WEAKNESS IS ACTUALLY
A BRAND NEW BREAKING DAWN

60.
CAUSE NOW I KNOW WHY WE LOST
AND NOW I KNOW WHAT IT COST
IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW REACH OUR GOALS
IT'S NOT IF WE GET THERE AT ALL
NOW I KNOW HOW TO WIN
THE ANSWER HAS ALWAYS BEEN
IF OUR HEARTS AREN'T IN THE FIGHT
WELL THEN WHY ARE WE FIGHTING AT ALL? FIGHTING AT ALL
MAVIS
I FELL FOR A BOY WITH HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE
WITH A DREAM OF JOINING THE CORP
BUT ALL THAT THE MAN WHO CAME BACK COULD ACHIEVE
WAS PUSHING ME DOWN TO THE FLOOR
BOTH
CAN I APOLOGIZE
FOR RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES
WAS A MAN
NEEDING HELP
WHO I IGNORED
NOW IN MY IGNORANCE
MEREDITH
HE SHOT MY ONLY DEFENSE
AND I RAN
AND I CRIED
MAVIS
MEREDITH
BOTH
AND IF I RUN AWAY AGAIN MY LEGACY WILL BE ABHORRED
BOTH (CONT'D)
CAUSE NOW I KNOW WHY WE LOST
AND NOW I KNOW WHAT IT COST
IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW REACH OUR GOALS
IT'S NOT IF WE GET THERE AT ALL
NOW I KNOW HOW TO WIN
THE ANSWER HAS ALWAYS BEEN
IF OUR HEARTS AREN'T IN THE FIGHT
WELL THEN WHY ARE WE FIGHTING AT ALL?
FIGHTING AT ALL
ACT II SCENE IX
Nathaniel sits at his typewriter for the last time

61.
NATHANIEL
Charles Williams was never never charged for the murder of
Gunner Meredith, in fact Mr. Williams was never heard from
again. The Defense office ordered for press to cease print on
any and all stories regarding the war as it was an
embarrassment to the department as a whole. The coverup of
such an even is nothing short of censorship, a crime which I
hold very little tolerance for. History shall not be
silenced.
This is my last report.
In loving memory of Gunner O'Hallera Meredith
-- Nathaniel Brown. 1932
SECRETARY
Mr. Brown the defense secretary is here to see you
One moment please
NATHANIEL
Nathaniel in a hurry gathers his articles to hide them
from Pearce
Enter Pearce
Mr. Brown
George
PEARCE
NATHANIEL
PEARCE
No doubt you know why I'm here
NATHANIEL
You'll have to be more specific
PEARCE
Don't play dumb Nathan, the articles "Warstories"
They're not here
NATHANIEL
PEARCE
What's that on your desk
It's-
Let me see it.
It's nothing
NATHANIEL
PEARCE
NATHANIEL

62.
PEARCE
Then surely you won't mind me taking a look
Nathaniel hands over the files with great reluctance
PEARCE (CONT'D)
Just as I thought, Thank you Nathan your services will no
longer be needed
You can't take that
NATHANIEL
PEARCE
Sure I can, its property of the state
NATHANIEL
What will you do with them
PEARCE
Maybe kindling for a barbeque oh what the hell why wait?
Pearce drops the files into a waste bin lights his
lighter and drops it leaving the papers to burn
One of your men died
NATHANIEL
PEARCE
Not according to history, Mr. Brown
Exit Pearce leaving behind flames
Nathaniel extinguishes the flames however nothing is
salvageable
SECRETARY
Sir you told me to block off your whole afternoon, where
should I say you are if someone asks?
A wedding
NATHANIEL
Transition to the wedding of Mavis Pearce and GPW
Meredith

63.
THE WEDDING (SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET)
NATHANIEL
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a
story of love, a story of hate, of war, of peace, a story of
lovers
MEREDITH
I FEEL SO OVERDRESSED
LET ME FIX YOUR TIE
MAVIS
MEREDITH
(PLAYFUL)
SHOULD WE INVITE YOUR FATHER
MAVIS
ILL GIVE YOU A BLACK EYE
MEREDITH
I KNOW THAT YOU HAD SOME OFFERS
SO TO YOUR PLAN STAY TRUE
YOU'RE ALWAYS GONNA BE THE ONE FOR ME, SO MAVIS, DO...
I DO
MAVIS
ALL
BUT IF YOU GIVE ME A REASON WHY YOU SHOULD RUN AWAY
THEN I'LL GIVE YOU ANOTHER REASON WHY YOU SHOULD STAY
AND IF YOU ARE TELLING ME THAT I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND
I'LL SHOW YOU THAT KNOW YOU LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND
THEY SAY EMU LOST THEIR ABILITY TO FLY
BY EATING TOO MUCH AND FALLING OUT OF THE SKIES
BUT I KNOW THAT THE REASON THEY STAY ON THE GROUND
IS THAT THEY GOT USED TO WAITING
AROUND FOR SOMEONE
TO SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET
MEREDITH
BUT IF YOU
BUT IF YOU
BUT IF YOU
TO SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET