humberbookshome.files.wordpress.com€¦ · web viewwithout borders. written by. alex...

Without Borders

written by

Alex Humberstone

AddressPhoneE-mail

FADE IN:

INT. KHALID'S TENT - DAY

CARD: 53km east of Makanza, Nahr (formerly southern Sudan)

KHALID ASHRAFI (early 30s) sits at a table, cigarette in hand, perfectly still. He resembles a lion: a tall, slender, athletic frame, with a mane of thick black hair extending into a shaggy beard.

The sound of men chattering outside is drowned out by the sudden buzz of a tsetse fly. It settles on the table under the glow of a lamp and Khalid's watchful eyes. We see the tribal patterns engraved in his forehead, the missing fourth and fifth digits of the hand holding the cigarette.

The tsetse fly skitters across the table before...

Thwack!

Khalid crushes it with his spare hand. He wipes his hand, relaxes.

A phone buzzes, he swipes it from his pocket, reads the message.

KHALIDKiri!

He stands up, strides out of the tent.

EXT. REBEL BASE CAMP - DAY

Khalid emerges into what looks like a refugee camp: makeshift tents, wooden and corrugated metal huts piled on top of each other. Black men clad in khaki uniform (some as young as teens) rush around carrying military equipment.

A short stocky man with the same tribal scars as Khalid rushes up to him. This is KIRI (late 20s), his younger brother and second-in-command.

KIRI What is it, brother?

KHALIDIt is time.

Kiri nods, starts running towards two off-road trucks parked in a clearing. Two dozen soldiers, dressed in more casual attire, cradling AK-47 rifles, stand nearby, waiting.

KIRIEveryone get moving! Now!

The soldiers snap into action, clambering into the rear of the two trucks, splitting themselves evenly between them. Several heavy looking sports bag are passed up to them.

Kiri returns to his brother's side.

KIRIAre you sure the intel is correct?

KHALIDYes, I am sure.

KIRIYour man can be trusted?

KHALIDOf course.

Kiri hesitates, still unconvinced.

KIRIIf he's wrong and this is a government trap, you know it will be the end of us. After all we've fought for, all the lives sacrificed, we cannot lose the war now. Not that I'd ever doubt you, Khalid.

Khalid gives Kiri a threatening stare. Kiri does not cower.

KHALIDThen do not doubt me, brother. You think I would go myself if I wasn't certain of its validity, of its importance?

KIRII do not doubt it's importance, Khalid. I just ask myself whether it seems too good to be true.

KHALID

The Rabaks who run our country are fools, Kiri. You know that. President Mukhtar and his board of idiots were bound to make a mistake at some point. This is it. Now enough talk. I'm done with talking.

Kiri nods reluctantly, leaves to join the others in one of the trucks.

Khalid is handed a pistol by a YOUNG BOY (13). He expertly checks the weapon, tucks it into his waistband.

YOUNG BOYWe'll protect the camp until your return, General. We'll defend it with our lives.

Khalid rests his disfigured hand on the boy's shoulder.

KHALIDWhen all goes to plan, brother, we will not need to reduce ourselves to this goat farm any longer. We were born eagles. And finally we shall spread our wings.

He ruffles the boy's hair then swings himself effortlessly into the truck.

INT. REBEL TRUCK - DAY

He sits opposite Kiri who bangs loudly on the back of the cabin.

KIRILet's roll!


The two trucks pull away, rolling through the chaotic crowded camp.

EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY

The trucks turn off a dirt track onto a tarmac road. Pass a sign reading 'Makanza 50km'.

They roll noisily through a remote village: malnourished children chase them excitedly from the side of the road; adults stare after them stony-faced, caught frozen amidst their normal routines.


The soldiers sit with their heads bowed, focused, swaying with the frequent bumps in the road. Khalid stares at each of them in turn, searching for weakness.

TRUCK DRIVERWe are approaching, General!


A large city appears on the horizon, a sprawling concrete mass with tower blocks in the centre, surrounded by arid scrubland.


KIRIPrepare to move!

The soldiers switch on, check their weapons, slide them into shoulder bags to conceal them.

EXT. SUBURBAN STREET, MAKANZA - DAY

The trucks pass through a residential suburb, surrounded by scenes of destruction and fighting: crumbling buildings, bullet holes, abandoned belongings, debris. The few pedestrians that walks the pavements look uneasy, on-edge.


KHALIDYou all know what you need to do... where you need to be... at what time... Remember why we're doing this. Let God be your guide.

The soldiers nod, fully focused.


The trucks turn into a side street and jar to a stop.


KHALIDIf all goes to plan, we'll meet back here. But one way or another, my brothers, I'll see you on the other side. For Kajok rule!

REBEL SOLIDERSFor Kajok rule!


They disembark.

One of the large sports bags is thrown down to Khalid. He catches it. It sounds heavy.

He leads Kiri and a dozen of the rebels into the narrow residential backstreets.

EXT. BACKSTREETS, MAKANZA - DAY

They move quickly, without hesitation, staying out of sight. The backstreets are dark, dirty, piled with rubble. Their boots thud, dogs bark, locals cry out at their fleeting presence.

They reach a clearing, wait as an army patrol rolls by: three armed soldiers in olive military uniform standing in the back of a pick-up.

The patrol rounds the next corner.

KHALIDMove!

They cross the deserted street, plunge back into cover.

They quicken their pace. The buildings grow progressively higher, from two-tiered houses into multi-storey tower blocks. The noise of traffic and civilisation intensifies.

Without speaking, half of the group peel off, disappear down another alley.

The rest pass between two blocks of high-rise flats. A few of the men break open a door with their shoulders and disappear inside. Again, no command is necessary.

Khalid gestures to stop at the next clearing, pokes his head round the corner, checks the coast is clear.

He waves the remaining men ahead of him and they step out into the open until just Khalid and Kiri remain.

Khalid looks round the corner again.

EXT. MAIN STREET, MAKANZA - DAY

A long street with rundown three-storey apartment blocks closing in from both sides. At the far end, a T junction and a pair of closed metal gates, several metres high and topped with barbed wire, concealing an unremarkable government building inside. Visible through the railings are half a dozen soldiers milling by the entrance, also armed and in olive green.

One of the plain-clothed rebels has crossed the street; he opens a door and hurries in.

Another approaches a roadside food stand where a young boy is being served grilled meat by a vendor. Once the boy leaves, the two men exchange words and swap positions.

EXT. BACKSTREET - DAY

Khalid ducks back into the alley, takes out a walkie-talkie.

KHALIDAthir, you all set?

INT. LORRY CABIN - DAY

A rebel soldier, ATHIR, clambers into the cabin of a lorry. He picks up his radio.

ATHIRReady, General.

He starts the engine.

EXT. BACKSTREET, MAKANZA - DAY

KHALIDDenis, Farouk... anything?

EXT. ROOFTOP, APARTMENT BLOCK - DAY

Another rebel soldier, DENIS, lies at the edge of a high rooftop, peering at the street below through binoculars.

DENIS Nothing yet, General.

INT. APARTMENT - DAY

The front door falls inwards with a loud crunch and FAROUK enters, rushes over to the open window, looks out onto the street.

FAROUKNothing here either, General.


KHALIDFine. Stay alert. Let me know when you get something.

Khalid puts the radio away while Kiri bristles with restless energy beside him.

KHALIDRelax. He'll come.

KIRIYou'd better be right, brother.

KHALIDI'm always right.

EXT. MAKANZA SKYLINE - DAY

The sun rises in the sky. A lone eagle circles. The Islamic call to prayer sounds out across the city.


Kiri is peering down the street while Khalid leans against the wall, smoking calmly.

KIRISomething's happening.

Khalid drops his cigarette, looks round the corner too.


The barbed gates at the far end swing open and another patrol car drives out, speeds past them up the road. A dozen armed soldiers then appear, start ambling down the street towards them. One pauses to inspect the produce on the food stand.

There's a crackle of static.

DENISGeneral, we have a visual.

KHALIDWhere?


Denis looks down at the street below. A convoy of three identical sedans with blacked out windows makes their way down the road towards him, moving quickly, other vehicles parting intuitively for them.

DENIS Heading your way.


KHALIDCopy. Athir, you'd better be in position.

INT. LORRY CABIN - DAY

Athir restarts the engine.

ATHIRI am, General.


KHALIDThen prepare to move. Remember... this may be our only chance.

Khalid puts away the mike, drops to one knee, unzips the sports bag... Revealing a pair of RPG-7 rocket launchers. The brothers take one each.

FAROUK (via radio)

They're turning into the target zone.

Khalid moves to the clearing...


...Watches as the convoy appears at the far end of the street, starts speeding towards them.


Kiri twitches impatiently beside him, starts raising his weapon. Khalid puts out a hand.

KHALIDNot yet.


The barbed gate is now fully open, soldiers forming a protective guard of honour down both sides of the road, weapons raised attentively.


The convoy speeds past the alleyway the two brothers are hiding down.

KIRIKhalid...

KHALIDWait.


The convoy approach the gate, are acknowledged by the waiting soldiers, are about to pass straight through-

When a lorry suddenly pulls out at the T junction, skids to a halt in front of the gate, blocking them.

The lead sedan slams on the brakes, careers into the side of the lorry with a screech of tyres and crunch of buckling metal.

The other two sedans stop in time, the middle car right alongside the food stand. Suddenly the food stand explodes, encompassing the rebel soldier and the middle car, which explodes too in a massive fireball.


KHALID (into radio)

Now!


Khalid and Kiri run out into the road as gunfire starts raining down on the convoy and remaining soldiers from rebels positioned up in the surrounding flats and rooftops. Some soldiers are peppered and twist to the floor, some run for cover, others start shooting back.

Kiri cackles with manic laughter, Khalid is stony faced and focused as they take aim at the rear sedan. As the car doors open, they fire the rocket launchers- both rockets hit the target, the car erupting into smithereens.

Kiri whoops ecstatically as they both drop the launchers, pull out their pistols. An army soldier runs out from behind the lorry- Khalid picks him off surgically.

Gunfire starts sounding from behind. They turn and see two army patrol vehicles haring towards them, soldiers standing upright in the

rears and multiple weapons firing. Ahead of them, a further group of soldiers spill out from inside the government compound.

Khalid grabs Kiri by the arm, drags him under a nearby doorway as bullets spatter around them.

KIRILet me at them! I'll kill every bastard one of them.

KHALID Our fight is won, brother.

Khalid aims at the door handle, fires twice to break the lock, kicks the door open with a clang of metal.

KHALID Come!

He rushes inside, Kiri on his heel as the stone doorway crumbles from incessant gunfire.

INT. STAIRWELL, APARTMENT BLOCK - DAY

They race up a dirty concrete stairwell, leaping up the steps three at a time, panting.

Two floors up they look down... As the first of the soldiers bursts through the front door, aims his rifle up at them. Kiri shoots. The soldier crumples to the floor.

Kiri hoots as the brothers resume running. More soldiers fill the entrance and start racing up the steps after them; their angry cries and stomping boots echo off the walls.

Khalid and Kiri burst through a door at the top of the staircase...


...And emerge onto a rubbish-strewn rooftop, smoke from the destroyed cars billowing around them. They look across the surroundings rooftops as the noise of the approaching soldiers grows louder.

Kiri throws his head up at the sky and fire his pistol thrice at the sun.

KIRI(howling)

Suck this Rabaks!

Khalid starts running towards the edge of the rooftop... launches himself through the air... lands effortlessly on the next rooftop along.

As Kiri hurries to catch up, Khalid ducks behind a plastic water tank, aims back at the doorway they just vacated.

Two soldiers skid into view... BAM! BAM! Khalid silences them expertly.

Kiri lands on the roof beside him, sweating, not as fit.

KIRINow this is a revolution!

KHALIDLess talking. More running.

Khalid resumes moving and drags his brother after him, continuing to hurdle between rooftops.

Gunfire from behind them. Khalid turns and sees two government soldiers giving chase. He fires blindly behind him.

They reach a drop and make the jump without hesitating. But at the last second, Khalid is hit in the thigh by a bullet... He grunts, lands awkwardly on the rooftop ten feet below, but cushions the blow with a forwards roll and gets up immediately. Blood seeps from the open wound. He grits his teeth and hobbles after Kiri.

The first soldier appears at the top of the roof, starts shooting. Khalid and Kiri shoot back- the soldier is hit and topples forward, disappearing down the gap between buildings.

They jump to the next building, hurdling a low wall, Khalid grimacing. They look across the skyline- two more soldiers approach them from a neighbouring rooftop.

There's an unmarked red metal barrel lying on the roof ahead of them, next to a roof hatch. As they near it, a stray bullet suddenly catches the barrel and...

BOOM! The gas-filled barrel explodes, throwing Khalid and Kiri off the side of the building.

EXT. ALLEYWAY, MAKANZA - DAY

They fall twelve feet, hitting the earth hard in a narrow alleyway. As debris rains down around them, they scramble sorely to their feet.

From above comes loud indistinguishable voices and the hammering of boots, but in the alleyway it is eerily silent. Khalid and Kiri start moving down the alleyway, weapons raised, turning constantly to cover all angles of attack. A flicker of movement on the wall- Kiri shoots, but it's just a shadow.

Khalid breathes heavily from his wound, lagging behind Kiri. The face of a soldier pops out from above and a rifle fires... Khalid dodges out of the way, fires back, shoots the soldier straight through the forehead. Two left.

KIRILet's fucking take them.

They continue edging down the alleyway.

KIRIBrother, we've got this.

KHALID Quiet...

A second of silence, then a shape suddenly flies through the air- the soldier lands behind Khalid, facing Kiri. Kiri fires instinctively but his pistol clicks uselessly, magazine empty. He throws a kick instead- the soldier catches his boot, throws Kiri backwards against the wall, winding him.

As the soldier prepares to fire, Khalid throws himself at him- grabs the gun-wielding arm, yanks it upwards. The soldier fires, but the bullets only pepper the wall. The two men struggle, dragging each other to the floor, elbows and knees being swung. The final soldier drops down into the alley- Khalid pulls the gun around, is able to shoot him twice in the chest.

Still the two men struggle. The gun is spilled. The soldier grabs Khalid by the face and beard, tries to twist his neck- Khalid sinks his teeth into the soldier's hand, bites down till bone crunches. The soldier shrieks, his grip loosening. Khalid is able to turn around, pins the soldier to the earth with his knees, rams his elbow into the windpipe. The soldier chokes, splutters, writhes desperately. Khalid's eyes are empty and

merciless. He applies further pressure, another sickening crunch. The soldier finally goes limp, head rolling to one side.

Khalid rocks back onto haunches, stands, still staring without remorse at the body. His eyes move to the soldier's limp, splayed hands... at the grenade nestling there, pin-pulled.

A brief flicker of recognition across his face. Then, as he turns to leap away...

BANG! Khalid is thrown into the air, a fountain of blood, dirt and body parts. He lands heavily on his side, looks down, roars through gritted teeth: his right foot has been torn off, his trousers shredded, every inch of exposed skin charred and smoking.

Kiri rushes over, throws himself down beside him.

KIRIBrother, brother, I've got you...

He tries to hold him. Khalid groans loudly, clearly in agony. Kiri looks both ways along the alley but they're alone.

KIRIWe need to get you back to camp. Come, let me help you.

He tries to lift him up.

KHALID No!

Kiri falters, grip weakening.

KHALIDThere's no time. I won't make it.

Khalid takes a moment, tries to work through the pain, his breathing more rapid. He has an idea.

KIRIBrother, you can't...

KHALIDI've heard stories... about a foreigner... a white-boy doctor... over at the city hospital. They say... they say he can perform miracles.

Khalid stares at his brother.

KHALIDTake me to him.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MOSES' BEDROOM - DAWN

CARD: 3 Months Earlier...

The thunderous roar of an explosion; loud, close, rising...

MOSES SAMUEL (mid-40s) jolts upright in bed, dripping with sweat from his head and chest. He's black, bald, with tired eyes and stress lines in his face. It's dawn, the first rays of sunlight just creeping in through the curtain cracks.

He looks across at his wife, CHRISTINE (early 40s), also sat up in bed, staring blankly at the TV screen mounted on the wall across from them. Moses looks: an action movie is playing, the explosion just disappearing from the screen.

Christine turns, notices Moses looking at her.

CHRISTINE Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.

Moses waves a hand dismissively.

MOSESCan't sleep, huh?

He reaches for the alarm on the bedside table, checks the time, props up the pillows so he can sit comfortably.

MOSESI've told you, honey, you don't need to worry.

CHRISTINEI know. But I still do.

MOSESIt hasn't got any easier?

CHRISTINE

No, it gets harder every time.

Moses sighs, places a hand on hers. She ignores it.

MOSESI've told you why I need to do this, right? Why I need to go?

CHRISTINEYou have, many times. But that's no comfort to me. You wouldn't understand.

MOSESOf course I understand.

CHRISTINEYou don't. How could you? If you did, you wouldn't keep on going.

She picks up the remote, switches the TV off.

CHRISTINEI've got a bad feeling about this one.

MOSESHoney, you said that about Burma, and Yemen before that! God will watch over me. You know he will.

CHRISTINEYou can’t keep asking God to protect you, Moses. You need to be responsible for your own actions. I mean, at least I knew something about Burma. At least the dangers were clear before you went in. But this time...? Nahr...? I couldn't even tell you where it is.

MOSESIt's a new country, formerly southern Sudan, formed after the end of the Sudanese Civil War two years ago. It...

He catches his wife's glare, realises he shouldn't have answered. He coughs.

MOSES

They've assured me that every attempt at safety will be made.

CHRISTINEWell of course MSF would say that, Moses - they want you to go there! Hasn't another civil war broken out already or something?

MOSESYes, dear. And that's why they need me there.

Christine shakes her head.

CHRISTINEIt sounds dangerous, unstable. Why can't everyone just get along for once?

She glances at her alarm.

CHRISTINEI'd better get up. You're gonna want breakfast before you leave.

She slides out of bed, pulls on her dressing gown, walks out the bedroom without looking back. Moses sighs, takes a moment to gather his thoughts then swings himself out of bed too.

INT. MOSES' BATHROOM - DAWN

Moses showers, revealing a toned build on the verge of becoming overweight. He looks glum as he splashes water onto his face.

INT. MOSES' BEDROOM - DAWN

Moses is dressed in a fresh polo and chinos. He looks down at two pre-packed suitcases lying open on the bed in front of him: a stethoscope, pen torch and blue scrubs lie visible on the top.

He zips up the suitcases and carries them out.

INT. CHILDREN'S BEDROOM, MOSES' HOUSE - DAWN

The door creaks open and Moses pokes his head into a dark bedroom. He puts the suitcases down in the doorway and turns the lights up a fraction as he walks in. The walls are adorned with animal kingdom wallpaper and JOSEPH (10) and AMBER (6) slumber in separate single beds with coordinating quilt covers.

Moses creeps over and kisses Joseph on the forehead.

MOSESBye bye, Joe. Be on your best behaviour for mummy while I'm gone, please.

He then walks over and kisses Amber; she stirs as he does so, but doesn't waken.

MOSESBye bye, princess. Try not to miss me too much.

He walks back to the door, switches off the light.

MOSESLove you both.

He closes the door.

INT. HALLWAY, MOSES' HOUSE - DAWN

Moses carries the two suitcases down the staircase and dumps them by the front door.

He trudges into the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN, MOSES' HOUSE - DAWN

Christine has laid out buttered crumpets on a plate on the kitchen table and is sat nursing a mug of coffee. Moses sits opposite her, starts eating.

MOSESThanks for this. Don't know the next time I'll be able to have crumpets again.

CHRISTINEI thought you'd be back in six months?

MOSESHopefully, but I could be there for as long as they need me. You know how it works.

Headlights roll past the window and there's a crunch of gravel as a vehicle stops outside.

MOSESThat'll be the taxi.

He stuffs the crumpet into his mouth. Together they head into the hallway.

INT. HALLWAY, MOSES' HOUSE - DAWN

Moses opens the front door, raises a hand at the waiting taxi. Christine stands arms-folded by the stairs, unable to bring herself to help.

MOSESI'll phone home every day, I promise. Come here.

Christine doesn't move so Moses goes to her. He embraces her tightly, kisses her lips once her resolve softens. When they part, he can see the tears forming in her eyes.

CHRISTINEPlease don't go. Say no to them this one time. Just for once, say no.

MOSESI can't, Chris. I'm sorry.

He kisses her again, then picks up his bags and walks out the front door.

EXT. DRIVEWAY, MOSES' HOUSE - DAWN

It's drizzling outside. Moses looks back and waves as the taxi driver takes his bags, loads them into the boot. Through the open door Christine doesn't wave back- she buries her teary face in the sleeve of her dressing gown and closes the door.

Moses sighs, gets into the cab.

EXT. MOTORWAY - DAY

The taxi speeds along the motorway following the signs for Heathrow Airport.

EXT. HEATHROW AIRPORT, TERMINAL 4 - DAY

The taxi pulls up outside 'departures'. Moses and driver get out, Moses is handed his luggage from the boot and he walks into the terminal building.

INT. CONCOURSE, HEATHROW AIRPORT, TERMINAL 4 - DAY

Moses spots a man and a woman huddled together in the middle of the quiet concourse. The women is wearing a white t-shirt with the red MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres) logo on, so Moses heads towards them. Her name is HOPE ASILO (early 30s), a qualified nurse with a fluffy afro, kind eyes and a toothy smile that dazzles white against her dark skin.

The duo turn towards Moses as he approaches. The man is an MSF official and wears a suit jacket with the MSF logo emblazoned over the pocket. His name is MICHAEL.

MICHAEL Here he is!

Michael strides up to Moses, takes his hand and shakes it firmly.

MOSESAlways good to see you, Michael.

MICHAELLikewise! Likewise! It's been too long. Come, let me introduce you.

He beckons Moses over.

MICHAELHope, this is Dr Moses Samuel, consultant in emergency medicine at University College Hospital, London. Moses, this is Hope Asilo, A&E nurse from Birmingham. You'll be heading off and working in Nahr together.

Moses and Hope smile at each other and shake hands.

HOPEYour reputation proceeds you, Dr Samuel. I've heard a lot about you.

MOSESPlease, call me Moses. And I hope all of it is good?

Michael laughs raucously.

MICHAELHow can it not be? This is your fourth mission with us now, is it not?

MOSESFifth mission. You’re probably forgetting Haiti.

MICHAELThere you go! Incredible, just incredible! I can't thank either of you enough for volunteering. I'm afraid the situation in Nahr at the minute is worse than we feared.

MOSESHow do you mean?

MICHAELCome. Let's find a seat in the VIP lounge. We'll grab something to drink and we can talk about this properly.

INT. VIP LOUNGE, HEATHROW AIRPORT, TERMINAL 4 - DAY

Moses, Hope and Michael sit around a table next to a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the aircraft gates. A waiter places glasses of orange juice in front of them.

HOPE Thank you.

She takes a sip of her juice, in awe of her surroundings. Michael leans forward, suddenly serious.

MICHAEL

As you already know, you'll be stationed at the general hospital in Makanza, in the north of Nahr. Over the last few weeks, I'm told that the government army have been pushed back by rebel forces. Makanza is now the epicentre of the insurgency.

HOPEHow is that possible? I thought the government army outnumbered the Liberation of Nahr forces three to one?

MICHAELThey used to, but not anymore. The Ashrafi brothers have been recruiting.

MOSESAshrafi... They’re the leaders of the rebellion, right?

Michael nods.

MICHAELKhalid and Kiri. Both nasty pieces of work and almost certainly as crooked as any existing tyrannical government I'd wager. Apparently Khalid once beheaded a man and hung- actually no, maybe we shouldn't talk about that right now.

Michael quickly reaches for his glass and takes an intentionally long gulp.

MICHAELAll you need to know is, a lot of innocent civilians are dying as a result of the ongoing fighting. Since the Nahrese civil war began a year ago, there have been over a hundred thousand fatalities and only half are due to direct violence. The rest are dying of famine, dehydration, infectious diseases... and these are the things we can help with. Try not to trouble yourself with the politics. They'll sort things out between themselves eventually.

Michael glances at his watch, downs the rest of his juice.

MICHAELYou'd better get going or you'll miss your flight.

He stands up, shakes their hands again.

MICHAELI wish you both the best of luck out there. The world owes you a great debt.

EXT. AEROPLANE - DAY

The passenger jet takes off from the runway with a loud roar of the engines.

INT. AEROPLANE - DAY

The plane is airborne and Moses and Hope sit side-by-side in economy class, the latter flicking through a paperback. Moses shifts in his seat, glances at her and clears his throat.

MOSESSo is this your first foreign aid mission?

Hope looks at him, closes her book, smiles shyly.

HOPEYou got me. I'm a newbie. Sorry if you were hoping for someone a little more experienced.

MOSESNo, no, it's great! I'm glad to have you with me. And good for you as well. I probably wouldn't go as far as Michael and say the world owes you a great debt, but it's definitely rewarding, something to be proud of. What was it that swayed you?

HOPEThe country. Nahr.

MOSES

What about it?

HOPEIt's my motherland. My parents were born there before they emigrated to Britain in search of work. And I couldn't just sit there at home in front of the TV and bear seeing it in such a terrible state.

MOSESGosh, I had no idea. Do you still have family there?

HOPEYes, a few, and it seems as bad as Michael says. We lost my cousin, Simon, to gunfire just a few weeks ago. He was the third of four brothers to be killed in the war.

MOSESI'm so sorry.

HOPEIt's okay. If I think about it, I guess I never really knew any of them. But there are thousands, millions more out there who we can still help, who we can still save. That's why I volunteered to come.

MOSESYou must know a fair bit about the country then?

HOPEI’ve been before. I know enough.

MOSESWhat can you tell me about the Ashrafi brothers then? Michael seemed quite... passionate about them.

HOPEAh, the 'cold killer' and the 'hot head'. They fight for what they believe in, like any soldiers worth their salt. It's just

some of their methods are a little... brutal shall we say.

MOSESMichael said Khalid once beheaded a man...

HOPEAnd hung his corpse from the front gate of the parliament building. That's how the story goes. And it wasn't just any man, but the Prime Minister's Commander of Armed Forces.

MOSESOh my word, that's vile. And what happened to the head?

HOPEThere are theories, but the truth is no one really knows. The only way to be sure would be to ask Khalid face-to-face.

A STEWARDESS stops the food trolley in the aisle next to them.

STEWARDESSChicken curry or vegetable pasta?

Moses suddenly looks unwell.

MOSESI think I'll pass, thanks.

To Hope:

STEWARDESSFor you?

HOPE The pasta, please.

Hope stifles a smirk as the stewardess hands her a tray of food and carries on forward.

HOPE I thought you'd be used to a little blood and gore.

MOSESIf you think that's what I see on a daily basis in central London then you're very much mistaken. What are the brothers fighting for?

HOPEThey claims it's justice and equality, but everyone can see it's about revenge.

MOSESRevenge?

Hope nods, puts down her fork.

HOPEYou see, the two brothers come from a minority ethnic group, the Kajok tribe, hailing from the east. And like a lot of minorities in Nahr, they were angered by the perceived monopoly of the inaugural government by the Rabaks - the most populous tribe in Nahr.

MOSESAnd did they monopolise the government?

HOPEYes, that I cannot deny. But the feud not only revolves around that. Not long ago, Khalid was a high-ranking officer - a General, no less - in the Sudanese army. Following the conclusion of the Sudanese civil war and the formation of Nahr, he no doubt expected to be made Commander of the Armed Forces. Instead, President Mukhtar gave it to a friend, a political ally, a fellow Rabak - even though he was far less worthy of the position than Khalid had been. It's safe to say he didn't take it well.

MOSESThe beheading...

HOPE

And now you understand why he wanted to string the corpse up in front of parliament.

MOSESAnd you? What tribe do you hail from?

HOPEYou mean my parents? They were both Rabaks.

MOSESSo you must really loathe the rebels then?

HOPEI don't loathe anyone. I'm not heading to Nahr to join political protests or fight in the streets. I'm not judgemental towards either side. I'm there for the victims, the innocents. They're my tribe now.

Hope turns to her food, starts eating. After a thoughtful pause, Moses puts on his headphones.

EXT. AEROPLANE - DAY

The plane lands.

INT. CAIRO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

CARD: CAIRO, EGYPT

Moses and Hope hurry through the terminal building checking the various information boards.

MOSESWe're looking for Khartoum... Khartoum...

EXT. AEROPLANE - NIGHT

A smaller aircraft than the one that brought them to Cairo takes off.

EXT. AEROPLANE - NIGHT

The plane lands.

INT. KHARTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

CARD: KHARTOUM, SUDAN

Moses and Hope lie exhausted on separate benches in the rudimentary departure lounge, awaiting their next flight.

TANNOYPassengers of the 07:20 flight to Makanza, please make your way to Gate 3.

MOSESThat's us.

HOPEFinally.

EXT. KHARTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

Moses and Hope trudge out of the departure gate with their luggage towards the waiting plane. It's a tiny DHC-6 Twin Otter and looks like it's seen better days.

HOPE Tell me we're not getting into that washing machine?

MOSESDon't worry, I'm sure it'll just be a quick spin.

INT. DHC-6 TWIN OTTER - DAY

Moses and Hope sit squashed up next to each other in the tiny passenger plane. Beside them, a large man picks loudly at his teeth with his nails and balances a boisterous chicken in a metal cage on his lap. The chicken squawks at Hope and flaps its wings. Hope and Moses exchange disparaging looks.

EXT. MAKANZA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

CARD: MAKANZA, NAHR

Moses and Hope walk out of the terminal building looking thoroughly exhausted. The terminal building itself is barely more than a decrepit annexe surrounded by acres of dry scrubland.

A black woman, NAOMI (late-30s), wearing traditional brightly-coloured dress, approaches them from the rundown taxi she'd been waiting by.

NAOMIMoses? Hope?

MOSESThat's us.

Naomi embraces each of them warmly.

NAOMIMy name's Naomi. I'm the manager at Makanza hospital and I'll be your handler for the duration of your time with us. I cannot begin to describe how grateful we are for you coming here.

MOSESIt's no problem at all. Glad we can do something to help.

NAOMIYou both work in emergency medicine?

They both nod.

NAOMIThen you'll feel right at home. Our A&E department has been at maximum capacity for the last six months. We have seriously ill patients spilling out the door. Come.

Naomi beckons them towards the taxi. The taxi driver takes their luggage to put in the boot and they all clamber in.

INT./EXT. TAXI, MAKANZA OUTSKIRTS - DAY

The taxi takes them along a deserted poorly-laid road towards Makanza in the distance. They drive quickly despite the numerous potholes jarring the suspension.

MOSESIs it not safe to be out in the open?

NAOMINo less safe than anywhere else in Makanza unfortunately. I presume you're aware of the political situation at the moment?

MOSESWe've been informed.

NAOMIIt'a terrible state of affairs, and the people of Makanza are the ones paying for it. We're putting you up in neighbouring apartments close to the hospital so it should be quick getting back and forth. The apartments are also as secure as you're going to find anywhere around here. But I won't lie to you, it's hardly Beverley Hills. I recommend you keep your wits about you at all times.

They near the outskirts of Makanza, a wall of sand-coloured concrete huts appearing on the horizon.

Up ahead is a temporary roadblock, concrete bollards funnelling the arriving traffic into a lay-by where an armour-plated vehicle is parked. Government soldiers stand around it, all heavily armed, staring fearsomely as the taxi approaches.

Hope notices them, points through the windscreen, alarmed.

HOPELook out!

The taxi slows between the bollards and a SOLDIER beckons them to pull over.

NAOMI

Don't worry, it's just a routine checkpoint. Say nothing, avoid eye contact and you'll be fine.

The taxi stops and the solider raps on the driver's window using the barrel of his AK-47. The driver winds down the window and the soldier leans down to look inside, resting his rifle on the ledge.

SOLIDERDocuments.

The driver gives the soldier his ID - the soldier barely looks at it before handing it back. Meanwhile, another solider opens the boot and starts examining the contents.

SOLDIERYou come from airport?

NAOMI That's right.

SOLDIERWho for?

NAOMIThe two in the back.

Moses keeps his head down as the soldier stares towards him, the barrel of the rifle twisting in the same direction.

SOLIDERThey foreign?

NAOMIYes.

SOLDIERWhy they here?

NAOMIThey're volunteers working at the hospital. They're here to treat people, to save peoples' lives.

SOLDIERWhat people? Rabak people?

NAOMI

Whichever people need help the most.

The soldier scowls, continuing to scrutinise Moses in particular. The second soldier examining their luggage slams the boot lid close and nods at his colleague. Finally, the first soldier grimaces and looks away.

SOLDIEROkay. You can go. But you treat Rabak people only from now on, yes?

Naomi nods obligingly and as soon as the solider has stepped away, the taxi starts moving again.

MOSES Does that happen often?

NAOMIAll the time. There's at least one roadblock on every route in and out of the city, and several more inside. It's to try and stop rebel soldiers from infiltrating government territory.

MOSESAnd are they all that friendly?

NAOMIWorse. If you want my advice, don't give them any more reason to point their guns at you than they have already.

EXT. MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

The taxi stops outside the hospital, a large ugly cuboid building made from grey concrete. The ground surrounding it is littered with rubble, blood stains and discarded possessions. The queue for A&E snakes out of the entrance.

NAOMIThere was a big attack yesterday in one of the suburbs - a lot of civilians caught in the crossfire. We're still dealing with the backlog now. Come, I'll show you round, then I'll take you to your accommodation.

Moses, Hope and Naomi step out to a cacophony of raised voices, wailing sirens and blaring horns. They hurry towards the entrance for A&E while the taxi sits idly.

INT. A&E, MAKANZA HOSPITAL

The trio push their way through the crowds into the busy hospital.

NAOMIExcuse me, staff coming through!

They emerge into A&E and take in the scene of chaos: patients crammed into every available floor space, many standing or sharing beds, some screaming while others weep; staff rushing around frantically carrying various medical equipment; the floor littered with spatters of blood and other assorted bodily fluids.

NAOMI As you can see, we're really in need of your help. And it's not just manpower we're short of, but beds, medication and basic supplies too.

Naomi turns to them.

NAOMIYou both able to start tomorrow?

But Moses is already rolling up his sleeves.

MOSESNever mind tomorrow, I think we're needed now.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MOSES' APARTMENT - DAY

CARD: PRESENT DAY

Moses walks out of the bedroom dressed in stained scrubs and slumps at the kitchen table. He looks like he's aged a decade over the three months; his face is battle-weary, his jaw thick with stubble, the hands that peel an orange for breakfast worn, scarred and stained with dirt. The apartment itself is small, open-plan and startlingly basic with a third-floor view over much of downtown Makanza.

Moses props up an iPad and attempts to video call his wife as he pushes orange segments into his mouth. The quality is grainy and hesitant, but Christine's face pops up on the screen after several seconds.

Moses’ eyes light up and he musters a smile.

MOSESHey, honey! How's everything going?

CHRISTINEKids! It's daddy! Come and say hi!

Moses watches as Christine turns the camera and Joseph and Amber rush into view, both dressed in school uniform and carrying half-eaten jam on toast.

JOSEPHHi, daddy!

AMBERDaddy, we miss you so much!

MOSESAnd I miss you too, princess. Did you finish that painting for art class like mummy told you?

AMBERYesss...

MOSESGood girl. They'll be hanging it up in the National Gallery before you know it.

CHRISTINEJoseph came first in his swimming gala yesterday.

MOSESNo way, that's amazing! Well done, kiddo. Long distance high-five!

Both Moses and Joseph pretend to high-five the camera.

CHRISTINE

Come on now, kids. Finish your breakfast and go and brush your teeth quickly or you'll miss the school bus again.

JOSEPHFine... Bye, daddy!

AMBERBye, daddy!

MOSESBye, kids! Have a fab day at school!

The kids vacate the screen and Christine turns the camera back to face her.

CHRISTINEYou look tired, Mo. You sleeping okay?

Moses subconsciously moves his face slightly from the camera.

MOSESYeah, yeah, fine. Just working long hours at the moment. Don't worry yourself about it.

CHRISTINEAre you sure? Because if you're struggling you know you can just tell them and they'll pull you straight out?

Moses sighs.

MOSESLook, I'm good, honey, honestly. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up for this.

(beat)Next time I have some time off I'll book myself in for a nice spa session, how about that? I'm sure there must be one around.

Christine doesn't smile.

CHRISTINEYou need to make sure you look after yourself, Mo, especially with me not

around to watch your back. You're not the spring chicken you once were. Promise me that-

Suddenly the sound of a massive explosion cuts through the apartment. A split second later, the whole room shakes as the blast hits the building. The plates and utensils in the kitchen jangle and a glass of fruit juice on the table sloshes everywhere.

Moses stands up and hurries to the window as another explosion rocks the building.

CHRISTINEMo? Mo, what's going on? What was that sound?

Moses stares out the window - less than half a kilometre away, amid the labyrinth of buildings, two large columns of smoke rise into the sky. The chattering of distant gunfire has also started up.

Moses hurries back to the table and picks up the iPad; on screen, Christine is looking frantic.

MOSESThere's been an explosion nearby and I can hear gunfire. There'll be casualties. Lots of them. They're gonna need me at the hospital ASAP.

CHRISTINEPeople are shooting? You can't go out there!

MOSESSorry, it's not a choice. I'll be fine. I'll speak to you later.

Moses ends the video call, drops the iPad and snatches up his work bag. He races out of the apartment.

EXT. STREET OUTSIDE MOSES' APARTMENT - DAY

Moses hurries out onto the street and is immediately surrounded by chaos: civilians run past him screaming or taking shelter in shop windows, whilst several cars smash into each other in their desperation to flee the fighting.

Moses spots a young girl separated from her family and is able to whisk her out of harm's way just in time as a speeding motorbike flashes past.

The girl's family rushes to him and Moses hands their daughter back.

MOSESGet inside! Stay under cover until it all dies down!

He then spots a brief gap in the traffic and sprints across the road towards the hospital.


Moses turns a corner and reaches the front of the hospital. The drop-off point is gridlocked with honking traffic and the queue for A&E is already out the door, patients jostling to get inside first. A battered ambulance hurtles past, sirens wailing.

Moses fights his way into the department...

INT. A&E, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

...And sees Hope is already there, tending to a civilian with multiple puncture wounds to his body from flying debris. Naomi is also present, standing in the centre and trying her best to control and direct the rapid influx of patients.

She spots Moses and sighs with relief.

NAOMIOh Moses, thank God you're here. We're being overrun.

MOSESWhat's happened? I heard an explosion!

NAOMINo one's sure, but it sounds like a bomb went off near the government building. Some shots have been fired too cause we've already had one soldier brought in with bullet wounds.

MOSES

The rebels?

NAOMIIt has to be.

Moses nods, rolls up his sleeves and looks around.

MOSESTake me to the soldier. I'll check how bad the wound is.

NAOMIRight this way.

As they're about to move, suddenly there's a fresh commotion from the A&E entrance. The vocal displeasure grows and angry fists are waved as someone in the middle tries to elbow their way through.

KIRIGet out of the way! Fucking move! I've got a gun!

Moses tenses as the crowd finally disperses and Kiri staggers into the entrance hall, covered in blood and dust and wielding a pistol. Beside him he supports the limp, bloodied body of Khalid who teeters weakly on his one remaining foot, head slumped forwards, eyes half-closed.

NAOMIOh my god, it's them.

MOSESWho?

NAOMIThe Ashrafi brothers.

Kiri looks round and spots Moses standing gaping at him. He jabs the pistol in his direction.

KIRIOi you! You the white boy doctor?

MOSESThe what?

KIRIThe white boy doctor? You come from England?

Moses exchanges a nervous look with Naomi who tries to subtly shake her head. Kiri notices and turns the gun on her.

KIRIOi! Stay out of this, bitch, or I'll shoot you right here!

He turns back to Moses.

KIRII'll ask one more time before I get real angry. And you'll like me even less when I'm real angry. You the white boy doctor?

MOSESYes, that's me. The name's Moses.

KIRIMoses, huh? Well, Moses, fuck all your other patients, because the only person you need to worry about is right here.

Kiri steps forward and slings Khalid's slumped body into Moses' arms. Moses is so shocked he almost drops him immediately; he staggers under Khalid's considerable frame.

KIRIMy brother tells me you're the best - a miracle worker. So save him. Now. Otherwise...

Kiri looks to the side, lunges and drags a young woman who'd been having a splint wrapped around her arm towards him. He presses the barrel of the pistol against her forehead and she shrieks.

KIRIOtherwise I start shooting patients. One by one. Until you do.

Naomi steps forward.

NAOMI We don't comply with the orders of a terrorist.

Kiri turns the gun back on her, the young woman still trembling in his grip.

KIRIYou want to reconsider that?

MOSES(calmly)

It's okay, Naomi, I've got this. (to Kiri)

Your brother needs urgent medical attention so yes I'll treat him, no questions asked. But only if you stop pointing that gun at our patients. If you don't, your brother will die.

Kiri breaks into an amused smirk before turning the pistol on Moses instead. At the same time, he lets go of the young woman and she quickly rushes out of shot.

KIRIVery well, whitey. No patients. But you'd better be as good as people say. Otherwise it won't just be my brother who dies today.

MOSES(to Naomi)

Find me a clear bed. This man's in a very bad way.

(to everyone else)I'm gonna need some help over here! Anyone?

Hope and two other STAFF MEMBERS rush over and help Moses lift Khalid off the floor. Naomi beckons to them from a free bed across the room and they hurry over, dumping Khalid on top of the stained sheets.

MOSESRight I need oxygen on, bags of fluid and blood ready, all the vitals done... And can someone get a line in for me?

HOPE I'm on it!

Moses turns to Khalid's ravaged right leg and tears back the shredded trouser leg, revealing a bloody oozing stump halfway down the shin. Fresh blood seeps out over the bed sheets.

MOSESShit!

Moses grabs a nearby towel and clamps it over the wound, trying to stem the bleeding. Khalid howls from the sudden pressure and starts writhing frantically, flailing his arms. A staff member about to apply the oxygen mask is hit across the midriff and sent flying backwards.

HOPEI can't get the cannula in! He's moving too much!

MOSESSomeone restrain him!

Two STAFF MEMBERS grab Khalid by the arms and try to pin him down, but they struggle against his raw strength.

MOSESLet's hit him with some pain relief before he knocks us all out. Can someone prepare me IV morphine?

STAFF MEMBER 1How much?

MOSESWe'll start with 10 milligrams.

STAFF MEMBER 1On it.

STAFF MEMBER 2He's in shock, Moses. Pulse is through the roof and BP is plummeting.

MOSESRight, that's not good. Hope, do we have venous access yet?

Hope finishes sliding in the cannula and hastily sticks it down with tape.

HOPEWe do now.

MOSES

Excellent. Start 500 millilitres of saline STAT for me. Is there a tourniquet anywhere?

STAFF MEMBER 2Here, Moses.

A staff member offers him a tourniquet and he grabs it, clipping it around Khalid's leg above the wound and yanking it tight. The bleeding from the wound quickly tapers.

MOSESHe's going to need surgery. The wound is too severe to leave it as it is. Naomi, do we have a theatre free?

NAOMIRoom two's free when you need it-

MOSESI need it now. We'll take him straight in.

NAOMI-But we don't have an anesthetist. He's at home after doing a night shift.

MOSESForget it, I'll do it myself. Where's that morphine?

STAFF MEMBER 1Right here.

Moses grabs the syringe of morphine and plungers it through the top of the cannula. He chucks the empty syringe aside.

MOSESRight, team, prepare to move the patient.

Kiri suddenly steps forward accusingly.

KIRIWhere are you taking him?

MOSES

Surgery. If we don't seal off that wound properly he's going to die of blood loss before the hour's out.

Kiri starts aggressively waving his gun again.

KIRINo! No surgery!

MOSESYou told me to save your brother - now I'm saving him. Let's move, team! Quickly!

KIRIFine, but I'm coming in with you.

The team release the brakes on the bed and hurriedly wheel Khalid out of A&E with Kiri striding after them.

INT. THEATRE, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

The team burst into the empty theatre room, stopping the bed in the centre. The room is old and basic, with no windows and stained walls and flooring. Khalid is lying still on the bed, the morphine having kicked in. The bag of saline rapidly drains from the hook above him.

Half of the team wire Khalid up to the clunky monitoring machine, while the other half set up a trolley with the necessary surgical equipment: scalpels, sutures, forceps etc. Someone rushes in with a bag of O negative blood and hangs it up next to the saline.

He then takes a small glass vial out of the medication fridge, pops off the lid and draws the contents into a 20ml syringe via a needle. Kiri stands closely over his shoulder.

KIRIWhat's that?

MOSESFentanyl. It's like morphine, but about a hundred times stronger.

KIRIStronger? You trying to kill him?

MOSES

No, I'm trying to make sure he doesn't wake up screaming when I start poking around in his leg.

Moses then draws up a second milkier solution - propafol - and carries it over to the bed. Hope is standing at the head of the bed, holding down an oxygen mask over Khalid's mouth.

MOSESTeam, we all set? Hope?

They all nod.

MOSESThen I'll give the anaesthetic.

Moses administers the medication into the cannula and they watch as Khalid's eyes close and his body visibly relaxes. Moses claps his hands together.

MOSESRight, we're on the clock now, guys. Let's do this.

MONTAGE:

Moses hurriedly pulls on a surgical gown, mask and pair of sterile gloves.

Hope removes Khalid's oxygen mask and pushes an i-gel airway into his mouth and down his windpipe. She attaches the i-gel to the ventilator.

Moses lays a sterile blue drape over Khalid's right leg with a hole in the centre to expose the wound.

Hope connects the bag of blood to the cannula and opens the tap.

HOPE I-gel's in and the blood bag is flowing.

MOSESThank you.

Moses sloshes sterilising iodine solution over the wound using a thick swab-

Places a metal clamp just above the exposed artery-

Picks up a pair of forceps and a locking needle holder-

Uses the needle holder to pick up a curved needle and thread-

Hovers the needle over the exposed artery as he prepares to make his first suture.

CLOSE ON Moses' wide eyes and sweaty forehead as he makes the stitch.

CUT TO:


Dusk. The clunk of a lock then the front door swings inwards. An exhausted Moses trudges in, flicks on the main light, closes the door behind him. His scrubs are streaked with dried blood.

He wanders over to the sofa, sits on the arm, allows himself to topple backwards onto the cushions. He breathes out a prolonged sigh, continues to lie there for several seconds with his eyes closed.

Eventually he opens his eyes, leans across to pick up the TV remote. The TV switches on to BBC World News and a FEMALE NEWSREADER.

FEMALE NEWSREADER...the hurricane has continued to batter the Bahamas overnight, leaving much of the country without electricity...

Suddenly Moses' phone buzzes. He takes it out, looks: a new message from Christine along with multiple missed calls and other messages.

Moses pauses, weighs up calling her, then quickly types: 'I'm fine, don't worry. Very tired now. Will speak tomorrow XXX'

He drops the phone on the worn coffee table and notices some dried blood underneath a fingernail. He stares at it.

FEMALE NEWSREADER (O.S.)Now we bring you some breaking news from the African nation of Nahr, which has been in the grip of a civil war ever since its inception.

Moses suddenly looks up at the TV, interest piqued.

FEMALE NEWSREADERWe are hearing that the rebel group LNA - so called the Liberation of Nahr Army - this morning launched a planned attack on a government convoy as they passed through the northern city of Makanza. It is widely believed that the Nahrese President, Ahmed Mukhtar, was the target.

An image of President Mukhtar appears on the screen: thick greying hair, a bushy moustache, green military uniform.

Locals report witnessing several government vehicles explode under heavy shelling before gunfire between the opposing forces spilled into the surrounding streets. So far there has been no word from the Nahrese government confirming whether President Mukhtar was a passenger in the convoy or not. However, any survivors of the attack are, at this moment, considered unlikely.

FADE TO:

EXT. STREET OUTSIDE MOSES' APARTMENT - DAY

Moses walks out of the apartment block dressed in clean scrubs, but looking no better than the previous evening.

There's a strong military presence outside; a tank rolls past with its barrel swinging side to side whilst a dozen government soldiers patrol the pavement, prompting civilians to scramble out of their way.

A WOMAN waves her fist and yells at them from a shop doorway.

WOMANNo more! No more fighting! Just let us live in peace.

The nearest SOLDIER strides up to her and jabs the muzzle of his AK-47 into her chest.

SOLDIERTell that to the Kajoks.

Moses crosses the road behind the tank and breaks into a jog.


Several ambulances are parked outside and the usual long queue snakes out of A&E.

INT. STAIRWELL, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

Moses walks up a grey concrete stairwell taking the steps two at a time.

INT. CORRIDOR, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

Moses emerges into a bland corridor, starts walking down it. At the far end, two armed rebel soldiers stand guard outside a pair of closed double doors - they are clearly rebel soldiers from their desert camo trousers and black vests. A sign above the door reads: INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.

As Moses approaches, the rebel soldiers (SAEED, YONIS) step forward so that they're barring his way.

SAEEDNo entry. Turn around.

MOSESBut I work here.

SAEEDTough. It's restricted access only.

MOSESMy patient is in there. I'm the- the doctor from England.

The soldiers hesitate.

YONISYou're looking after the General?

MOSESYou mean Khalid Ashrafi?

YONIS

He is called the General.

MOSESRight, the General, fine. And yes I am. I operated on him yesterday and I need to check he's okay.

The soldiers look at each other before eventually, reluctantly standing aside.

Moses pushes through the double doors...

INT. INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

And into the comparatively bright, clean entrance of the Intensive Care Unit. The room is long and narrow, and every bed lined up along one side is occupied by critically ill patients. The life-preserving machinery pings and hums in the background as several ICU staff bustle between patients.

At one end, there's a private room separated off from the rest of the unit. Two further rebel soldiers (HASSAN, ANWAR) stand outside, heavily armed despite their surroundings.

Moses approaches them.

MOSESI'm here to see the General.

He brandishes his ID badge. The soldiers don't even look at it.

HASSANYou're not welcome here. Go away! This is your only warning.

MOSESNot this again... Listen, my name is-

Suddenly the door to the private room opens and Kiri appears in the doorway, stone-faced.

KIRILet him in. He's the whitey.

The soldiers part immediately and Kiri beckons him in with a jerk of the head. Moses is obliged to do so, carefully avoiding brushing Kiri as he passes him.

INT. KHALID'S ROOM, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

Khalid lies in a hospital bed, eyes-closed and with his chest rising and falling in time with the ventilator that he's attached to. The curtains are drawn over the window despite the bright sunshine outside and two additional soldiers (IBRAHIM, FAHAD) sit silently in the corner, rifles balanced on their laps.

Kiri closes the door and folds his arms.

KIRIWhy is he still sleeping?

MOSESHe's not sleeping. He's in a coma.

KIRIThen get him out of it. We have work to do.

MOSESI'm afraid it's not that simple.

Moses wanders to the side of the bed, looks at the readings from the outdated machinery.

MOSESYour brother lost a lot of blood from his injury. There's a chance his brain may have been starved of oxygen and to try and wake him up now would risk further damage.

Moses now turns to Khalid and lifts the blanket from around his legs. One of the soldiers makes to stand up, but Kiri puts out a hand and pushes him back down. Moses starts unwrapping the bandage from around Khalid's stump.

KIRIHow long will it take?

MOSESFor him to wake up? It's impossible to say. Perhaps days. Perhaps weeks. Perhaps never.

The bandage falls away revealing a healthy-looking skin graft over the area where the wound had been.

KIRINever is not an option. You have two weeks.

With his head down:

MOSESDid you not hear? There is no timescale. If you want him to make a full recovery, you'll let things happen at their own-

Kiri suddenly speaks very loudly and very close into his ear, making Moses jump:

KIRII said two weeks. Not a day more. Or your next job will be in the morgue, whitey.

Moses drops the bandages and glares at Kiri, as if about to retort. The look of pure menace on Kiri's face persuades him otherwise.

Kiri steps back, pulls his pistol from his waistband, checks it over expertly.

KIRIIt's not safe for me here. Government soldiers crawl the streets like rats and I need to get back to our people. The war will go on with or without my brother. It's what he would want.

Kiri nods at the two seated soldiers.

KIRII'm leaving six of my best men here to keep guard. They will make sure nobody gets in or out that shouldn't be here. All you have to do is the rest.

Kiri opens the door, pauses halfway across the threshold to look at Moses one last time.

KIRITwo weeks. I'll be watching.

Kiri disappears, slamming the door behind him.

INT. A&E, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - NIGHT

The final few patients are being tended to as Moses wearily washes his hands at a sink and tucks his stethoscope into his bag. Naomi waves at him from across the room as he heads for the exit.

Hope is sat off to one side trying to reduce a man's fractured forearm; the man turns away and grimaces in pain as Hope manipulates the bone.

MOSESYou nearly finished, Hope?

HOPE Just a few more jobs.

The bone suddenly shifts into place and the man lets out a stifled shriek. Hope looks up at Moses and smiles.

HOPEIt's fine, don't wait up for me. Head back while it's still quiet.

Moses nods and smiles back.

MOSESI'll see you tomorrow then.

HOPEYeah, I'll see you tomorrow.

EXT. MAKANZA HOSPITAL - NIGHT

For once the hospital entrance is quiet as Moses heads out into the night, a single flickering street light illuminating his path. He looks down at the floor, watching his footing as he walks.

Suddenly, a MALE VOICE from the shadows:

MALE VOICE (O.S.)Dr Samuel?

Moses freezes, looks up and around him in a panic. He can see no-one.

MOSESYes. Who's there?

Silence.

MOSESI said who's there?

A man suddenly steps out in front of him; he's thickset, stony-faced, dressed like a bodyguard. His name is OMAR.

OMARDr Samuel, my name is Omar. I apologise for ambushing you after work like this, but I've been sent to collect you. Would you come with me please?

MOSESCome with you where?

OMARI can't tell you that.

MOSESAlright, then who sent you to collect me?

OMARI'm afraid I can't tell you that either.

An engine starts and a pair of headlights blink on nearby. The saloon rolls up alongside them and Omar opens the back door.

OMARWe're not here to hurt you, Dr Samuel. Please, just get in.

MOSESYou must be joking.

OMARI do not joke. And my boss does not like to be kept waiting. He's a busy man.

Moses looks around, hoping someone has left the hospital after him, but they're alone.

Omar un-subtly pulls back one side of his jacket, revealing the pistol tucked into the waistband.

OMAR

Please, doctor. All your questions will be answered soon, I promise.

MOSESJust not by you it seems.

Moses hesitates for a further second then, with no other choice, reluctantly slides onto the back seat.

INT. CAR - NIGHT

Omar closes the door on him then moves round the car to climb into the passenger seat. As soon as he's in, the car moves off.

EXT. MAKANZA - NIGHT

The car quickly navigates the deserted streets, heading towards the outskirts of the city.

INT. CAR - NIGHT

Moses sits nervously on the back seat, glancing between the window and his captors in front. Neither Omar nor the driver speak another word to him.

EXT. MAKANZA - NIGHT

They finally stop outside a dilapidated rusting warehouse. The driver kills the engine and Omar gets out to open Moses' door.

OMARCome. He's waiting inside.

MOSESWho's waiting?

Omar doesn't answer; while the driver waits in the car, he walks up to the warehouse door and knocks thrice against the corrugated metal. A second later the door is opened from inside.

OMARIn. Quickly.

Moses obeys.

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

Illuminated by weak strip lights high up in the ceiling, the warehouse is vast and empty save for a single table set up in the centre with a chair either side. One chair is free. The other is occupied by a smartly-dressed man (mid-50s) in a suit, sporting a thick handlebar moustache and a full head of greying hair. His skin is lighter than Moses' reflecting his North African heritage. This is PRESIDENT AHMED MUKHTAR.

He is surrounded on all sides by half a dozen armed government soldiers, all standing to attention. Moses tries not to look intimidated as Omar shows him to the free seat and sits him down in it.

PRESIDENT MUKHTAR(to Omar)

Thank you, Omar. (to Moses)

Dr Samuel, it's a pleasure to meet you at last. I've heard many a story coming out of Makanza Hospital about the tremendous work you're doing there. I thank you - on behalf of all Nahrese people.

He extends his hand across the table. Hesitantly, Moses shakes it.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARDo you know who I am, Dr Samuel?

MOSESYes. How can I not when your face is all over world news? You're President Mukhtar.

President Mukhtar smiles.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARCan I offer you a drink, Dr Samuel? Some water perhaps?

MOSESI'm fine.

(beat)So, you're not dead. The explosions yesterday missed you.

PRESIDENT MUKHTAR

An astute observation. Yes, I am quite clearly very much alive and soon a public announcement will be made to reassure the Nahrese citizens of this fact. But no, the LNA's terrorist attacks did not miss me. In order for them to miss me, that requires me to be there in the first place.

Moses pauses for a moment to think.

MOSESThere was a decoy. The rebels attacked the wrong convoy.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARPrecisely. While Khalid Ashrafi and the rest of his band of invalids no doubt thought they'd outwitted us by ambushing the convoy, I was in fact in another vehicle, approaching the government facility from the complete opposite direction. I arrived for my meeting on time and, most importantly, unscathed.

MOSESDid you know they were going to ambush you?

PRESIDENT MUKHTARI had my suspicions. You don't get to where I am today without being overly-cautious and, the truth is, I've been suspicious about a rebel informant in my midst for a while now. The LNA finding out about my spontaneous visit to the front-line confirms it. But that's a problem for me to take care of, not you - and, as sure as night turns into day, take care of it I will. No, Dr Samuel... you're here because of another matter. I apologise, by the way, for bringing you all the way out here so unexpectedly like this - I know you must have just worked a very busy shift.

MOSESI did. Very busy. I suppose I have you to thank partly for that, Mr President.

PRESIDENT MUKHTAR(icily)

Why do you say that?

MOSESThere's at least two sides to any war. Everyone knows that. You’re as much to blame for the civilian casualties as the LNA. I've seen the tanks, the armed soldiers you have everywhere - do you think that makes your people feel safe?

PRESIDENT MUKHTARIf they attack us with fire, then we must respond with fire also. I regret that the people of Nahr have become ensnared in the conflict, but do not forget who really started this war, Dr Samuel. The Rabaks are not the criminals here. But this is, perhaps, exactly where you can help me. Today I heard an interesting rumour... a very interesting rumour indeed. Do you know what I heard?

Moses says nothing.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARI heard that Khalid Ashrafi - the General, the slayer of innocents - is currently under your care at Makanza Hospital. Intensive Care Unit, is that right? Apparently you performed emergency surgery on him for a severe leg wound. Saved his life or so I'm told.

MOSESI don't discuss the details of my patients.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARVery noble, Dr Samuel. I completely understand - patient confidentiality and all that. But here's the thing: you are now in a unique position of immense

power. For two years, government forces have been trying to track him down, to end him, to banish his terrorist agenda for good. Regrettably, before today, all our efforts have been in vain. But now we know exactly where he is - and, what's more, that he is in a position of extremely ill health. There may be no better chance for us to finish him off.

President Mukhtar pauses to sip on a bottle of water.

PRESIDENT MUKHTAROf course, there are many ways we could do it. I could ask some of my soldiers to storm the ward. I could drop a barrel bomb on top of the hospital like Assad. I could ask a sniper to pick him off through the window as he sleeps. But all of those options are a little too... messy. You see, as president, I have a reputation to uphold - to my people, and to the rest of the world. The United Nations, for example, are keeping a very close eye on me right now. Killing my opponent in cold blood would not fit in well with the image I am trying to create, no matter how justified the act. That, Dr Samuel, is where you come in. Khalid Ashrafi is already in a critical state, is he not? Would it be too much to speculate that he may ultimately... succumb to his injuries?

President Mukhtar allows the question to hang in the air.

MOSESYou're asking me to kill him.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARNo, Dr Samuel, not kill him. More like... euthanise. Withdraw whatever life-preserving treatment you currently have him on, and allow him to die a natural painless death. You see, really my proposal is quite merciful. Lord knows he deserves far worse.

MOSESIt's murder, Mr President, no matter what slant you try and spin on it.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARIf that is your interpretation, I cannot change that. But consider if it would be worth it to save the lives of hundreds, potentially thousands of others? For if Khalid Ashrafi dies, the LNA falls - of that I am in no doubt. My father once taught me that the only way to kill a snake is to chop it off at the head. A rebellion is no different. You kill Khalid Ashrafi, Dr Samuel, and the war is over.

President Mukhtar takes another sip of water.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARThink about it, Doctor. No more unnecessary deaths. No more appalling suffering. You can be on a plane home before the week is out... back to your family, your loved ones. If ever there was a prize worth paying for, surely it is that?

President Mukhtar finishes speaking and leans back in his chair. A few moments of tense silence follows as Moses considers the proposal.

MOSESI’m sorry, Mr President, but when I became a doctor I swore the Hippocratic oath. Primum non nocere - first, do no harm. Whatever your intentions are - good or otherwise - I cannot do what you ask of me.

President Mukhtar leans forward.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARYou value your Ancient Greek morals over the lives of innocents, Doctor?

MOSESWhether more innocents die in this war is on your head, Mr President, not mine.

I cannot betray who I am as a person. Not for you. Not for anyone.

President Mukhtar strokes his bushy moustache and sits back once more.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARThat’s a great shame, Dr Samuel. I had hoped a man of your obvious intellect would be able to view the bigger picture. But if that is your decision, then I will, of course, respect it.

President Mukhtar stands up and the surrounding soldiers all snap to attention.

PRESIDENT MUKHTAROmar, please escort Dr Samuel back to his accommodation. We wouldn’t want anyone to think him missing.

(to Moses)I strongly advise you reconsider, Dr Samuel. Until then...

He nods curtly, turns and starts walking towards the opposite end of the warehouse, the half a dozen soldiers encircling him like a forcefield.

Omar guides Moses back the way they came.

EXT. STREET OUTSIDE MOSES' APARTMENT - NIGHT

The saloon stops outside the apartment block and Moses gets out. As soon as the door is closed, the saloon pulls away and disappears.

Moses turns around and lets himself into the building.

CUT TO:

INT. LIME LOUNGE - DAY

A street-side cafe - Lime Lounge - with colourful green and yellow paintwork and a small compact interior. Normally the cheap plastic chairs and tables would spill out onto the pavement amongst the passersby, but today they are crammed indoors and the street outside is deserted. Moses and Hope sit at one such table, dressed in casual

clothes and sipping on freshly-made juices, while the middle-aged storeowner stands idly behind the counter.

Moses takes a long sip of his drink through a straw.

MOSESEven in the middle of a civil war, the fruit is so much better here than anything you can get back home.

HOPEAgreed. It’s just a shame there’s no one left to enjoy it. This war's got a stranglehold on the whole city.

MOSESI wish I could have seen it as it once was, before all the violence broke out.

HOPEI won’t lie, the city was nothing to write home about. If you want to observe beauty, go to Lake Victoria or the Simien Mountains. But it was the people who made it special. And I fear they may never recover either.

MOSESWhen you came here before was it with your family?

HOPEYes, my parents, and only a few years ago. They were against me coming this time.

MOSESSo was my wife. She makes sure I call her every day.

HOPEMy mother is the same. It’s crazy to think how quickly everything can fall apart. I remember sitting here in this very square, and everything was so joyous, so vibrant, so full of hope.

Hope looks out into the square as a crowd of locals with placards starts to gather in the centre.

HOPENow they want to flee, but no one here has the wealth for that. Everything they own is in these bricks. All they can do is pray that they make it to see another morning.

MOSESI’ve been to war-torn countries before, Hope. It gets better, I promise.

HOPEI know it will. It has to... eventually. The question is: when? In what state will the country find itself in when it does? How many more loved ones do people have to lose?

MOSESYou said you had relatives here.

HOPEThat’s right. A distant aunt, uncle, and their one remaining son. I think he’s called Jonas.

MOSESHave you been to see them?

Hope shakes her head.

HOPEBeen too busy. Haven’t had the time.

MOSESYou should go. While you still have the chance. Take a morning off or something.

Hope pauses, nods.

HOPEYeah. Maybe I will.

The store worker takes out a cigarette and disappears out the back to smoke.

Out in the square, the protestors are continuing to gather.

Moses bites his lip, sighs and sets aside his drink.

MOSESHope, I met the President yesterday.

HOPEWhat! When? We were working all day!

MOSESLate evening, after I left the hospital. A car rolled up and brought me to him.

HOPEWithout any warning?

MOSESYeah. He knew who I was, of course. Had sought me out specifically.

HOPEWhy? What did he want from you?

MOSESHe asked me to let Khalid Ashrafi die.

A tense silence. The drinks are forgotten.

HOPEAnd... what did you say?

MOSESI said no of course!

A flicker of emotion across Hope’s face: a mixture of relief and disappointment.

HOPERight! Obviously. Sorry, that was a stupid question.

(beat)I suppose he thinks that killing Khalid will end the war?

MOSESHe’s convinced by it. And, I don’t know, maybe he has a point. Everything I’ve heard since being here suggests Khalid is the mastermind behind the rebellion. I guess that’s why he was here in the city when the attack on the convoy went down.

HOPEHow did the President take your answer?

MOSESNot well, as you’d expect. He told me in no uncertain terms that I should reconsider.

HOPEHmm. It does ask the question though, doesn’t it? Is one man’s life really worth saving if it means putting thousands of others at risk?

MOSESYou’re dealing with hypotheticals. No one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. Yes, regrettably, he may go on to harm more people. But equally, he may not. It is not our position to call what will happen. That is a job for God. All we know is, if we pull the plug on him now, Khalid Ashrafi will surely perish.

HOPEDo not take revenge, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay’, says the Lord. Romans 12:19.

MOSESExactly. God will decide whether Khalid warrants capital punishment, not us.

HOPEAnd who knows? Maybe the knowledge that his life was saved by peace-seeking

individuals will make him a better person? If he wakes up...

MOSESWhen he wakes up.

EXT. MAKANZA MAIN SQUARE - DAY

The square is about the size of a half football pitch, paved with dusty concrete slabs and scattered with debris. A fountain that had once stood in the centre is now reduced to a pile of rubble.

The crowd of protesters has grown to several hundred and they huddle in front of the town hall, chanting loudly and waving Nahrese flags and homemade banners made out of cardboard and bed sheets. Slogans read: SAVE OUR CITY, PEACE NOT WAR, and ALL TRIBES ARE EQUALS. A line of government soldiers stand shoulder-to-shoulder, separating the protestors from the building.

Moses and Hope leave the juice stall and start to wander across the square, watching the increasingly rowdy protest.

CROWDPeace not war! Peace not war!

The placards continue to wave. A YOUNG WOMAN balancing on the shoulders of a similarly-aged man shouts out over the rest of the crowd:

YOUNG WOMANKajok, Rabak - we are all the same people! We are all Nahrese! Do not kill our brothers and sisters!

The people at the front of the crowd stumble against the line of soldiers as more protestors arrive from behind. The soldiers shove them back using their elbows or the butt of their rifles.


A HIGH-RANKING SOLDIER appears on the steps of the town hall with a megaphone.

HIGH-RANKING SOLDIER

Go home! Leave! All of you! You are not wanted here!

This galvanises the crowd further and the chanting grows louder, more rapid. They continue to jostle against the line of soldiers who continue to repel them forcefully.


Moses and Hope have stopped to watch. They exchange concerned looks.

Someone in the crowd hurls a plastic bottle and it lands at the feet of the high-ranking soldier.

HIGH-RANKING SOLDIERI said leave! Get back! Or we’ll have to use force!

HOPEMoses, maybe we should go.

Hope turns to leave but Moses stays where he is, watching.


The crowd pushes forward again and this time one of the soldiers is accidentally knocked to the floor.

Suddenly there’s a loud gunshot and a man at the front of the crowd crumples. The surrounding protestors scream and start panicking, charging blindly in any direction they can. The protestors at the back of the crowd either turn and flee or throw themselves to the floor.

More shots ring out as several more soldiers are confronted in the melee.

Moses takes a step forward only for Hope to grab his arm.

HOPEMoses, let’s go.

MOSESBut they need our help!

Half a dozen protestors now lie on the floor amid pools of blood, some writhing in pain, others deathly still.

HOPEWe can’t get involved. You know the rules: our safety comes first. We’ll see them at the hospital.

Moses continues to stare. The protest is now complete chaos.

HOPEMoses!

MOSESAlright, I’m coming!

Moses turns and they hurry towards cover.


Moses unwraps the bandage from around Khalid’s stump and inspects the wound site. Compared to the previous time, the skin now has a lot more colour and the edge of the graft is starting to merge with the original tissue.

Moses turns to the ICU nurse standing next to him.

MOSESCan you apply some moisturiser and then redress it for me? Thanks.

MALE VOICE (O.S.)Well?

Moses turns to the source of the voice: one of the rebel soldiers, IBRAHIM, still sat in his position in the corner.

MOSESIt’s continuing to heal well, no signs of infection or ischaemia. Progressing as intended.

IBRAHIMAnd what about that?

He points towards the head of the bed, at the ventilator machine still humming away and the intubation tube still jammed down Khalid’s throat.

MOSESThat I’m afraid I don’t know. No one does. Khalid will wake when his brain decides it’s okay to wake.

He turns back to the nurse.

MOSESContinue four-hourly neuro obs. I’ll check on him again later.


An army truck roars down the street and the sound of distant gunfire can be heard in the background. Now immune to such noises, Moses unlocks the front door to the apartment block and steps inside.

INT. STAIRWELL, APARTMENT BLOCK - NIGHT

Moses heads upstairs in the semi-darkness, his shoes rapping against the concrete steps.

INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MOSES’ APARTMENT - NIGHT

Moses heads down the dark corridor towards his room, the gunfire muffled but still audible. He reaches his door, unlocks it, and goes in.

INT. MOSES' APARTMENT - NIGHT

Moses closes the door behind him, the apartment pitch black. He fumbles for the light switch and flicks it on.

Moses yelps as, standing there in the middle of the room, is Kiri, holding a pistol aimed directly at his head.

KIRIDon’t scream. Don’t scream or you’re dead.

Moses lowers his hand from the light switch but otherwise stays still.

KIRI Move away from the door. Now. Go sit at the table.

Trance-like, Moses moves over to the kitchen table and sits down so that he’s facing Kiri.

MOSESWhy are you here? How did you get in?

KIRII broke in. Security’s not as tight as I’m sure you’re used to back in England, whitey. And it was easy enough to find out where you lived. As for why I’m here?

Kiri sits down at the table opposite Moses, resting the pistol in front of him.

KIRIIt’s been a week now and my friends at the hospital tell me Khalid still hasn’t woken. You’re trying my patience, whitey. I’m not sure I have much left.

MOSESIf you wanted an update, couldn’t you have come during visiting hours like everyone else?

Kiri slams his fist down on the table and Moses flinches.

KIRIThis isn’t a fucking game, you piece of shit. I’ve already told you what I want.

MOSESAnd I’ve already told you, we can’t rush your brother’s recovery. Do you want him a brain-damaged eggplant?

Kiri starts shaking his head, tic-like. He suddenly looks stressed.

KIRINuh uh... not good enough, whitey.

Moses stares at him and something clicks.

MOSESI know why you’re so impatient. It’s because you’ve heard the President’s still alive, isn’t it? Your attack on the convoy failed and, presumably, the army are now retaliating. But with Khalid in hospital, you have no defence strategy.

KIRIWe have a strategy!

MOSESBut not a good one, I’d wager. Your brother is the mastermind after all - the General, as you call him. What’s an army without its leader? They have you running scared.

KIRIIt is not us who should be scared, whitey.

Kiri suddenly pulls something from his pocket and slams it on the table. Moses looks down and gasps in horror: it’s a picture of Christina and his two children, staring happily into the camera during a summer holiday.

MOSESWhere did you get that?

KIRIIt doesn’t matter where I got it, whitey. All that matters is I have it. And that’s not all...

Kiri grins maliciously and turns over the photograph: there’s a line of messy handwriting on the back.

KIRITwenty-three Woodbury Street. Did I pronounce that correctly? Woodbury? That’s right, we know where your lovely wife and children live too. And I have a contact, over in the UK, who is just dying to pay them a visit.

Kiri raises an eyebrow as Moses' face continues to fall.

KIRIHow’s that for no strategy?

Moses looks up, stares at him pleadingly.

MOSESPlease, Kiri- please don’t hurt them. I beg you. What do you want? I’ll do anything.

KIRIYou know what I fucking want, whitey. I’m just making sure you get the message this time.

MOSESI’ve got the message. One hundred per cent.

KIRIThen he’ll be awake and ready to return to business before the week is out.

Kiri stands up sharply, swipes the pistol and the photograph from off the table.

He walks to the door, turns, taps the photograph.

KIRIRemember what’s at stake here, whitey. For both of us.

He strides out of the room.

Moses lets out a held breath, gasps, chokes with built-up internal terror. He wipes his eyes then rushes over to the front door, slams it shut, locks it.

He turns his back to the door, slumps against it. The he has a thought, eyes widening.

He rushes back to the table, grabs his phone, makes a call.

MOSESPick up, pick up, pick up...

The call is answered:

CHRISTINE (O.S.)Moses?

MOSESChris! Are you okay? Tell me you're alright!

INT. KITCHEN, MOSES' HOUSE - NIGHT

Christine is stood at the hob, stirring a saucepan.

CHRISTINEHoney, I'm fine! I'm just in the middle of making dinner.


MOSESAnd the kids? Where are they?


CHRISTINEThey’re right here in the kitchen with me, waiting impatiently as usual.

Joseph and Amber sit at the kitchen table pretending to have a sword fight with their knives.

Christine suddenly frowns, lowers her voice.

CHRISTINEHoney, is everything okay? You sound panicked.


Moses leans back, tries to play it casual.

MOSESNo, no, everything’s good. I’m just checking up, that’s all.


CHRISTINE Right. Except we only just spoke this morning.


MOSESDid we? Oh, I must have forgotten.


Christine puts her spoon down, folds her arm.

CHRISTINEMoses, we’ve been married twenty-one years - I can tell when you’re acting strange. Is there something you’re not telling me?


Moses swallows nervously.

MOSESNo, nothing.


CHRISTINEAre you in danger?


MOSESNo, not at all! Don’t be ridiculous.


CHRISTINEThen what?


Moses pauses, weighs up whether to tell her the truth.

MOSESThen nothing, Chris. There’s nothing going on. I don’t know what you want me to say.


Christine purses her lips.

CHRISTINE Alright then, Moses. You have a good night.

She ends the call.


MOSESI love you.

But the line is already dead.

Moses puts the phone down and buries his head on the table.


Moses approaches the doors to ICU. This time, the rebel soldiers part without question to let him in.


Moses walks into the side room and the pair of soldiers immediately turn and stare at him intently.

A female NURSE is at the bedside, about to administer another syringe of sedatives through Khalid’s cannula.

MOSESDon’t give that to him. I'm stopping the induced coma.

NURSE Are you sure?

MOSESYes. No more sedatives. Just pain relief and antibiotics.

The nurse nods and puts the syringe back in his tray.

NURSEDo you think he’s ready?

Moses puffs out his cheeks.

MOSESHe’s had a week for his brain and body to recover, but I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out soon.

The two soldiers have stood up by the time Moses turns to them.

MOSESWe’re going to try and wake up the General. We’ve stopped giving him the sedatives so, if all goes well, he should start coming to in the next few hours as the remaining drugs leave his system. You can pass that message onto your boss.

IBRAHIMWhat do you mean ‘if all goes well’?

MOSESI mean ‘if all goes well’. We won’t know until he wakes up what damage the blood loss and the shock have done to his organs, but we’ve given him every fighting chance. Ideally we might have kept him under for longer, given him more time to heal, but unfortunately that decision was taken out of my hands.

Moses turns back to the nurse.

MOSESWhen he starts trying to breathe independently let me know. I’ll be down in A&E.

NURSEYes, Dr Samuel.

The two soldiers return to their seats and Moses walks out.

INT. A&E, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

A young man writhes on the bed screaming, one half of his face and body covered by severe blistering second-degree burns.

Hope is trying to rub an ointment over the affected skin whilst Moses inserts a cannula.

MOSESI know it’s painful, but you need to try and keep still, just for a few seconds.

The patient continues to thrash and starts a new wave of howls as Hope starts to apply ointment to his chest.

MOSESCan you give him some more morphine.

HOPE Sure thing.

Moses looks up as Naomi suddenly appears in front of him.

NAOMIMoses, he’s starting to wake up.

MOSESRight now?

NAOMIThat’s what I’ve been told.

Moses looks to Hope.

HOPEDon’t worry, I’ve got this. You go.

Moses nods and puts down the cannula.

MOSESThanks, Hope. I’ll be back as soon as I can.


As Moses walks in, he can hear Khalid starting to breathe against the tube in his trachea, a soft wheeze emanating from the bed.

MOSES(to the female nurse)

Can you switch off the ventilator, please.

The nurse nods and, while he does that, Moses carefully withdraws the endotracheal tube from Khalid’s mouth. Khalid’s body twitches slightly as it comes out, but his eyes remain still.

Moses sets the tube aside and folds his arms, watching Khalid intently.

MOSESAnd now we wait and see.

Suddenly there’s a knock at the door. The two rebel guards (IBRAHIM, FAHAD) stand up and grab their rifles as the door opens and one of the other soldiers (ANWAR) leans his head in.

ANWARGuys, we have a bit of a situation out here.

IBRAHIMWhat kind of situation?

ANWARThere’s a woman at the entrance asking to see the General. She claims to be his lover.

The other two soldiers exchange confused looks.

IBRAHIMI did not think he had a lover.

FAHADNor I. I thought his only love was killing.

ANWARWell, there’s someone standing there now claiming different. We’re not hallucinating.

Ibrahim chews his lip.

IBRAHIMAlright, we’ll come and take a look.

He turns to Moses and the nurse.

IBRAHIMYou two wait here.

Moses watches as the three soldiers hurry out of the room, then creeps over to the door.

NURSEThey told us to wait here!

MOSESThey don’t tell me what to do.

INT. INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

Moses slips out onto the ward and looks through the open double doors into the corridor.

The six rebel soldiers are surrounding a young woman, MARY, (mid-20s) with long untidy hair, wearing a simple dress and worn sandals. One of the soldiers jabs her accusingly in the shoulder with his rifle.

IBRAHIMWe don’t know who the fuck you are.

MARYI've told you who I am. Now let me see him!

IBRAHIMNot a chance.

MARYIf you just asked him he could vouch for me.

IBRAHIMHere’s a better idea: why don’t you turn around, walk away, and never come back.

MARYAt least tell me how he is?

IBRAHIMHe’s going to be a lot better without you here, that’s for sure. Now off with you!

As the group squabble, a male nurse dressed in uniform slips past them onto the ICU ward. He looks in both directions, spots the private side room and makes towards it.

As he passes Moses in the corridor, Moses suddenly focuses on him properly... and realises, with a start, that he recognises him: Omar!

Moses reacts instantly, turning and chasing after Omar just as he is about to enter Khalid’s room.

MOSESNo! Stop him!


Omar bursts into the room and whips out a semi-automatic pistol from underneath his nursing uniform. He takes aim at Khalid from the foot of the bed, starts to squeeze the trigger...

Out of nowhere, from the doorway, Moses throws himself at Omar, tackling him around the waist and wrestling him to the floor. The pistol fires twice, taking out the ventilator machine and the headboard of the bed. The female nurse screams and cowers in the corner.

Moses grapples with Omar on the floor, trying to prise the pistol out of his hand. He grabs Omar by the wrist and repeatedly whacks his hand against the ground, each impact provoking a grunt of pain, but Omar somehow holds on.

MOSESHelp me! In here!

Omar retaliates, catching Moses sharply in the face with the point of his elbow, and Moses' nose erupts with blood. However, he is able to continue pinning Omar’s shooting hand.

Alerted by the gunshots and the screams, three of the rebel soldiers charge in. Ibrahim rushes over and tears the pistol from Omar’s grasp. Meanwhile, Fahad and Anwar dive on top of Omar and flatten him to the ground.

OMARNo! Get off me! No!

Moses scrambles out of the way and gets shakily to his feet. He tenderly touches his broken nose and when he looks at his fingers there is fresh blood.

Omar is dragged up onto his knees by the two soldiers, his face a similarly bloody mess. Moses stares at him and Omar glares back.

OMAR(to Moses)

Do you realise what you’ve just done? You’ve killed this country.

Fahad strikes Omar across the face.

FAHADSilence!

Ibrahim, holding Omar’s pistol, moves round to stand in front of him. He aims the barrel at his head.

IBRAHIMWho the fuck are you?

Omar stays silent.

IBRAHIMWho fucking sent you? Was it Mukhtar?

OMARWouldn’t you like to know.

Suddenly Ibrahim turns on Moses, aggressively.

IBRAHIMDo you know him?

Moses hesitates long enough to raise suspicion.

MOSESNo...

Ibrahim grabs him by the scruff of his scrub top and turns the pistol on him.

IBRAHIMYou’re lying! He spoke to you! Who the fuck is he?

Moses’ eyes widen with panic.

MOSESOkay! He’s... he’s government. His name is Omar.

Omar shakes his head in dismay.

OMARYou’re fucking dead, Doc...

Ibrahim turns back on Omar.

IBRAHIMOnly one person is fucking dead here, boy. You thought you could just sneak into the room like this and get away with it?

OMAR(bitterly)

The plan was never to get away with it. I always knew I was going to die, and I was perfectly prepared to pay that price if it meant killing the son of a bitch in that bed.

IBRAHIMWell, so sorry to disappoint.

Omar wipes some of the blood from his face.

OMARSpeaking of disappointments, I’m sure your boss will be thrilled to find out just how easily I was able to distract you all and slip past into his room. I’m sure you’re all in line for medals.

IBRAHIMDistract us?

(realising)The girl... the fucking girl! Where is she?

ANWARI dunno... outside still?

IBRAHIM

Well, fucking get her then!

Anwar bolts towards the door and the others watch him go.

Omar spots his moment and leaps to his feet. He lunges towards Khalid on the bed- as Ibrahim instinctively reacts and shoots twice with the pistol.

Both bullets hit Omar in the chest and he falls to the side of the bed with an undignified thud.

Moses stirs from his stupor, rushes over to check on the body: Omar is motionless, blood pouring through his nursing top, clearly already dead.

Anwar hurries back in, dragging behind him a terrified-looking Mary, Hassan marshalling from behind.

ANWARI heard shots. What the fuck happened?

They spot the dead body.

IBRAHIMHe lunged at the General. I did what was needed.

Anwar runs a hand through his hair, apprehensive.

ANWAROh, he is not going to be happy about this.

KHALIDYou can say that again.

Everyone turns to look, shell-shocked, as Khalid musters the energy to raise his head off the pillow. He stares around the room with piercing eyes, his eyes first settling on Moses and then a trembling, cowering Mary.

IBRAHIMGeneral! You’re awake!

Ibrahim rushes to the bedside.

IBRAHIMPraise be to God, this is wonderful-

KHALIDWho is she?

He raises a finger at Mary, slowly but steadily.

IBRAHIMShe’s a government spy, General. She was sent here with another man with orders specifically to kill you. We managed to stop them.

MARYWhat? No! Please! I'm not a government spy!

IBRAHIMShut it!

KHALIDNo, let her speak...

Mary drops to her knees, her face now streaming with tears.

MARYPlease... I was on the streets... so poor... home destroyed... no money to feed my family. They approached me... offered me money... good money... and all I had to do, they said, was one thing for them.

IBRAHIMTo kill the General!

KHALIDI said let her speak!

The iciness in Khalid’s voice silences the soldier.

MARYAll they said I had to do... was to go to the hospital... and ask to see Khalid Ashrafi... and to keep on asking until I was forced to leave. That’s it! There was nothing else, I swear!

She throws herself before Khalid in desperation.

MARY

I beg of you, sir... you have to believe me - I had no idea anything was going to happen. If I did, I would never have taken the money. On my children's lives!

Khalid pushes himself more upright in bed. Everyone else remains silent, watching him, waiting for his next move.

KHALIDYou had no idea who this man was?

Mary briefly looks up. Khalid gestures down at Omar’s lifeless body.

MARYNo, sir, I swear! I’ve never seen him before in my life.

KHALIDAnd you had no inclination of what the government’s motives might be behind their request?

MARYNo, sir. I asked no questions. I was desperate and foolish and I thought only of the money and of my poor family.

Mary tries to stifle an eruption of sobs.

MARYPlease, sir... please let me go. My children need me. You will never hear or see of me again, I promise.

Moses suddenly musters the courage to step forward.

MOSESGeneral, I think she’s telling the truth. She never intended to harm you.

KHALIDI know she’s telling the truth, Dr Samuel. I knew from the moment she opened her mouth.

Moses visibly relaxes and Mary looks up from the floor, relief spreading across her face.

KHALID But she must be punished nonetheless. Intentional or not, she conspired with the enemy. And that means she must pay the same price.

Mary’s eyes widen in horror and she starts to thrash around in desperation. Anwar pushes down on her neck, keeping her on her knees.

MARY No! Please, no! Have Mercy!

KHALIDDo it.

Before Moses can do anything, Ibrahim turns and fires.

The bullet passes straight through Mary’s head and she slumps forward, body thudding against the floor. The blood starts to spill out over the white tiles.

Moses puts his hands over his mouth and retches.

KHALIDIbrahim, clear up this mess. The rest of you, back to your positions.

THE SOLDIERSYes, sir!

As Anwar and Hassan file out of the room and Ibrahim and Fahad bend down to pick up the dead bodies, Moses feel his legs weaken and he slumps against the wall, sliding down slowly to the floor.

The corpses are dragged noisily out of the room leaving trails of blood. Khalid takes a moment to examine the condition of his body then looks at Moses.

KHALIDYou’ve done a good job, Dr Samuel. You’ve saved me. I always knew you would.

Moses puts his head in his hands, muffles through his fingers.

MOSES

She was innocent... She was just trying to save her children.

KHALIDNone of us are innocent anymore, Dr Samuel. None of us.

Moses stares at him and Khalid stares back, unblinking. Moses looks away, scrambles to his feet and hurries out the room.

INT. CANTEEN, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

Moses sits at an empty table, a tray of untouched food sat in front of him. He stares blankly into the distance, his mind adrift, as people move, buzz and chatter all around him.

Suddenly someone speaks to him through the stupor:

HOPE (O.S.)Moses... Moses... Moses!

MOSESHuh?

Moses snaps to as Hope sits down opposite him at the table, placing down her own tray of food. She stares at him with a look of concern.

HOPEYou were a million miles away. Are you feeling alright?

MOSESYes. I mean, no... not really.

HOPEWhy? What happened? Don’t tell me Khalid died during extubation?

MOSESNo, no, he’s awake. He's fine. In fact, he’s more than fine.

HOPEWell, that’s great news!

(beat)Wait, what do you mean ‘more than fine'?

MOSESWell, despite all my concerns of hypoxia to the brain, there’s no evidence of any damage so far. He’s moving. He’s talking. And, most significantly of all, his personality hasn’t changed a bit.

HOPEMoses... what did he-?

Moses suddenly breaks down in anguish, thumping his fists on the table and drawing startled looks from those nearby. Tears stream down his face as he finally looks Hope in the eye.

MOSESHe murdered her in cold blood, Hope - that’s what he did! An innocent young woman! A mother! She didn’t know what she was doing. She was begging on the streets and the government offered her all the money in the world to simply visit him in hospital. She was only thinking of her children, of a better life for them. And he killed her for it.

Moses hangs his head, sobbing, and Hope leans over, rests a comforting hand on his, remains tactfully silent.

MOSESI tried to save her. I tried to stop him. But I couldn’t.

HOPEInnocent civilians die every day in war zones. That’s why we’re here, remember?

Moses sniffs, wipes his eyes, looks up.

MOSESNot like this. No one should die for trying to protect their family.

They look down at their food but neither is still hungry.

MOSESDo you ever question your faith in God?

HOPESometimes, when I’m at my lowest. Why? Do you?

MOSESI never used to. Now I seem to every day.

HOPEWhat about Him are you questioning?

MOSESJust... if he’s all-knowing, all-powerful and all-loving as I believe he is, then how can he ever allow monstrous acts like this to happen?

HOPEIt’s a test. God has granted us free will in this life so that we can demonstrate through our actions whether-

MOSESWe’re worthy enough to enter Heaven - yes, I know. But what about that woman? What happens to her? What happens to her children now that she’s gone? Must others really suffer for one man to prove his callousness?

HOPEGod will watch over her children, I’m sure of it.

MOSESWill he? Or will they die one-by-one like each of your cousins?

Hope flinches, her expression pained.

HOPEI’ve tracked them down by the way - my aunt and uncle. It took a while, but I managed it.

MOSESWhere are they?

HOPEIn a tiny shack in Northern District. I was planning to head there tonight.

MOSESIt’ll be dangerous.

HOPEI was going to go at night, under the cover of darkness.

Moses shakes his head.

MOSESIt’s too risky. I’ll come too.

HOPENo, Moses, you don’t have to.

MOSESI want to. I need a break from this place. And enough blood has been shed for one night.

Hope nods slowly.

HOPEVery well. I’ll meet you at ten.

MOSESGreat.

HOPEAnd Moses... don’t let this get to you, okay? You tried your best. You really did. But this is the reality of war isn’t it - sometimes these things happen and there’s nothing we can do to stop them.

Moses doesn’t acknowledge her, picks up his untouched tray of food and stands up to leave.

MOSESI’ll see you at ten.

He turns and quickly walks off.

FADE TO:


Hope is already waiting outside and a taxi sits idly on the curb, exhaust billowing smoke, as Moses steps out of the apartment block. They are both dressed inconspicuously in plain clothes.

HOPEHey, you feeling any better?

MOSESFantastic. Shall we go?

INT. TAXI - NIGHT

Moses clambers into the back of the taxi and Hope sits alongside. The TAXI DRIVER looks at them curiously via the rear view mirror.

TAXI DRIVERWhere to?

Hope leans forward and slides him a scrap of paper.

HOPEHere.

The driver unfolds it and reads the address.

TAXI DRIVERThis is far. Dangerous. You sure you want to go there?

Hope looks at Moses then nods firmly.

HOPEWe’re sure.


The taxi pulls away from the curb and moves off into the darkness.

EXT. STREETS OF MAKANZA - NIGHT

The taxi crawls down a deserted street, dark and unlit save for the weak beam from the headlights. The buildings are high and close, pressing inwards on them. There are no other cars and only a few

pedestrians scurry about in the shadows between buildings, illuminated fleetingly as the headlights pass.

The headlights sweep over the remains of a building, now reduced to a mound of rubble that obstructs most of the road. The taxi slows and has to edge onto the gravel to bypass it. It rejoins the road and continues on.

INT. TAXI - NIGHT

Moses and Hope exchange apprehensive looks. The taxi rocks from side to side as it negotiates the potholed road. The radio plays a tinny eerie tune that is mostly overwhelmed by static.

EXT. TAXI - NIGHT

The taxi finally stops in front of a small one-storey shack, made out of concrete, no larger than two rooms in size.

INT. TAXI - NIGHT

TAXI DRIVERWe’re here.

HOPE Thank you.

She goes to hand the driver some money then hesitates.

HOPEYou’ll wait for us while we’re in?

The driver looks pained.

TAXI DRIVERIt is dark. Late. Big risk for me waiting here.

HOPEWe’ll give you more money.

She slaps some extra notes into her hand.

The taxi driver gazes at the money greedily. He quickly swipes it from her.

TAXI DRIVEROkay, I’ll wait. But no more than ten minutes. After that, I leave.

HOPEWe’ll be quick.

EXT. RUNDOWN SHACK, MAKANZA - NIGHT

Moses and Hope step out of the taxi and make their way towards the shack. They glance to the side nervously as a local watches them from a neighbouring balcony, puffing on a cigarette.

They reach the front door: a sheet of corrugated metal twisted partially out of shape. Hope raps softly on the door.

Footsteps from inside. Then, cautiously, the door opens ajar. The face of a middle-aged woman, RUTH, pokes warily through the gap.

RUTHYes?

HOPERuth? It’s me- Hope!

Ruth shakes her head, looks keen to close the door.

RUTHI’m sorry, I don’t know anyone of that name.

HOPEHope Asilo, your niece from the UK. I’ve come to Makanza. I wanted to visit you.

RUTHHope?

Ruth opens the door further and light from inside spills across Hope’s face. Ruth peers at her closer then suddenly breaks out in a smile.

RUTHMy word, it really is you! Praise the Lord that your mother always sends me pictures!

She steps forward and pulls Hope into a warm embrace.

RUTHAnd who is this with you?

HOPEThis is my friend, Moses. We’re both here volunteering at the hospital.

RUTHWell, my do we need it. That place has been on its last legs ever since the war begun. Oh, where are my manners? Please, come in both of you.

Ruth stands aside to allow them to enter.

INT. SHACK, MAKANZA - NIGHT

Ruth closes the door behind them as Hope and Moses look around and take in the house. The entrance opens straight into a cramped kitchen-cum-living room, and a single doorway leads off into the lone bedroom. The walls are bare and crumbling and all the furniture is old and perished.

RUTH I’m afraid it’s not very much. Our previous home was destroyed twelve months ago by a rebel bomb blast. Most of us were out at the time, but Jacob and Paul... well, I’m sure you must know already, Hope.

Ruth leads them to a rickety dining table in the middle of the room and they sit down.

RUTHCan I get either of you anything? Food? Water?

HOPE We’re fine, thanks, Ruth.

Suddenly there’s a noise from the adjoining room and two people appear in the doorway: a man, JUMA (late-40s), and a young boy, JONAS (10). They stare at the new arrivals with confusion.

Ruth notices them.

RUTHJuma, Jonas - this is your relative, Hope, from the UK. She's Esther’s daughter. Do you recognise her? She’s working here at the hospital with her friend. They’ve kindly come to pay us a visit.

Juma walks over and shakes their hands before sitting at the table opposite them. Jonas lurks nervously in the background, too scared to approach.

JUMAEsther’s daughter, huh? We haven’t seen her in years. She keeps us informed though, and us likewise.

Hope nods, turning solemn.

HOPEI was so sorry to hear about Simon. It came as a shock to us all, especially so soon after Paul and Jacob.

RUTHThank you. I wish I could say it was a shock to us too. But people are dying every day here. We tried to protect him, like we tried to protect Paul and Jacob, but in the end we couldn’t do enough. He was taken from us by a sniper as he returned home from work.

JUMASome days, if it’s very bad outside, we don’t leave the house. We can’t even let Jonas go to school.

MOSESAre you all Rabaks like Hope?

RUTHIt doesn’t matter what we are anymore. Rabak, Kajok, Akobo - anyone is expendable to those on the battlefield. The war’s no longer about equality or justice. It’s not about a better future for our country. It’s about personal pride

and power. It’s about winning at all costs.

JUMAVery soon there could be nothing of Nahr left to rule over and the government and rebels would still be fighting.

Moses looks over at Jonas, standing there in his dirty, tatty clothes.

MOSESWhy haven’t you left? Why don’t you just pack up your things and go?

RUTHWe have no money. We lost everything when our home was destroyed and with the city as it is we can barely work. Do you know how much it would cost to get us to the border, with this number of checkpoints and this level of security?

JUMAWe could walk, but soldiers from both sides line the streets heading out of the city. It would be just as dangerous as staying here. And we have Jonas to think of. He’s only ten. We cannot ask him to make the journey.

MOSESI’ve heard a few Nahrese refugees have settled in Kenya and Uganda, that they’re living good lives there.

RUTHWe would go if we could, believe me. All we want to do is keep our boy safe.

Moses pauses for a second then pulls out his wallet. He takes out a thick wad of local currency and places it on the table.

MOSESThat’s roughly five thousand Nahrese dollars, enough to get you to the border. Take a car, take a taxi... heck, take a

plane if that’s what is necessary. Just get yourselves out of here.

HOPEMoses, no...

MOSES(to Hope)

They need the money far more than I ever could, Hope.

(to the others)Just take it, please. Get away from all this. Give yourselves a fresh start.

Suddenly the beep of a horn sounds from outside.

HOPEThat’ll be the taxi.

MOSESWe need to go.

He stands up, leaving the money on the table.

MOSESLeave first thing in the morning. Pack now and don’t wait. Khalid Ashrafi is back and will be on the warpath looking for revenge. Things are only going to get a lot worse here.

The others stand up too and Juba and Ruth move round the table to see them off. Juba extends his hand and Moses shakes it. Ruth then pulls him into a warm embrace, her eyes watering.

RUTH(whispering)

Thank you. Thank you so much.

MOSESDon’t mention it. Stay safe, all of you.

RUTHWe’ll try.


Moses and Hope leave the shack, waved off at the door by Ruth and Juba.

They clamber back into the taxi.

INT. TAXI - NIGHT

TAXI DRIVERHome?

MOSESHome.


The taxi turns around and dissapears into the night.


Early morning, the dawn just about to break on the horizon.

Moses sits at his kitchen table, already dressed for work, a bible open in his hands.

FOCUS ON: Leviticus 24:17: Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.

Moses looks up at the ceiling, closes his eyes.

MOSESOur Lord, please show me the way. Amen.

He looks back down at the bible, closes it. He stands up, grabs his work bag and leaves the apartment.


It’s still early morning, the first rays of sunlight peeking through the closed curtains.

Moses stands in the corner of the room, arms folded, watching Khalid as he sleeps. The two soldiers glance up at him uninterestedly, comfortable with his presence now, and return to their doze. The room is silent apart from the noise of their breathing.

Moses glances to the side, at a tray of medical utensils sitting on the worktop. Among them is a scalpel.

Khalid suddenly opens his eyes, spots Moses standing in the corner.

KHALIDI was afraid you wouldn’t come back.

Moses looks away from the scalpel, at Khalid.

MOSESYeah, well, it’s difficult not to when your family is being threatened.

Khalid smirks.

KHALIDAh, my dear brother. He does have a certain way of doing things.

MOSESAs do you.

KHALIDYes, as do I.

(beat)I hope you understand why I had to kill her. I know it’s in your nature, your very being, to save people, but I simply couldn’t take the risk.

MOSESYou don’t have to kill anyone. We always have a choice.

KHALIDNot I, Dr Samuel. Did you know that I was raised a soldier from a young boy, that I had a gun in my hand before I could recite the alphabet? I fought frontline during the Sudan Civil War in the battle for independence. My purpose is to take lives as much as it yours to save them.

MOSES

You’re wrong. What the government did to your people was shameful, I agree, but violence isn’t the way to solve it.

KHALIDYou’re a foreigner, Doctor. I wouldn’t expect you to understand. In your country, crises might be solved with diplomatic discussions and signed sheets of paper, but not here. In Africa, nothing is achieved without action.

MOSESBut when does it all stop? When do you say that enough is enough?

KHALIDWhen we win. When the Rabak government is defeated. It is the only ending I know. You know, in my culture - the Kajok culture - we have our own saying: beware the wounded beast. It comes from our ancestors when we were all hunter-gatherers. If you injure a beast, you might think it easy to finish the slaughter. But it’s not. A wounded beast has nothing to lose. It will do everything in its power to survive. They say a beast is only its most dangerous when it is staring death in the face. That is me now. I am a wounded beast. And the Rabak government will not know terror like it.

Moses nods solemnly, resigned to the fact that Khalid will not change his mind.

MOSESCan you just tell me one thing?

KHALIDFor you, doctor, who nurtured the beast back to health - anything.

MOSESI was once told a rumour about you - how you beheaded the former

Commander of the Armed Forces and hung his corpse from the gates of parliament. Is it true?

KHALIDAs true as you stand before me now.

MOSESAnd what happened to the head?

Khalid smirks cruelly.

KHALIDPosted to the President’s front door.

Moses nods slowly.

MOSESThat’s what I thought.

Suddenly there’s the hammering of heavy approaching footsteps and, a moment later, Kiri bursts into the room. He’s dressed in khakis and carrying an AK-47.

The two brothers look at each other and grin.

KIRIIt’s good to have you back, General.

KHALIDIt’s good to be back, brother. We have a lot of lost time to make up for.

KIRIAgreed. But not right now. Now we need to move.

KHALIDWhy?

KIRIOur source has just informed me that government soldiers are advancing on the hospital as we speak. They're to storm the building and won’t stop till they reach you.

KHALID

And I doubt it’s to give me a ‘get well soon’ card. How many?

KIRISeveral dozen at least.

KHALIDAnd how long have we got?

KIRIMinutes, if that.

Khalid nods, his face dark and serious. He jabs a finger at his two guards who have suddenly woken up since Kiri’s arrival.

KHALIDYou two, find me something to get me out of here. Hurry!

The two soldiers leap to their feet and race out the room.

KHALIDAnd you-

Khalid now jabs his finger at Moses.

KHALID-grab whatever medicine and equipment you need to keep treating me. You’re coming with us.

Moses’ face drops, aghast.

MOSESWhat? I’m not coming with you!

Kiri lunges up behind him and presses the AK-47 into his spine. He hisses into his ear:

KIRIYes, you are, whitey.

The two soldiers rush back into the room with an empty wheelchair. They line it up next to the bed and lift Khalid up off the mattress.

Khalid looks back Moses’ way as Kiri digs the barrel in harder.

KHALID

Don’t make me ask again, Doc!

Moses has no choice but to leap into action: he snatches an empty bag off the nearest table and rushes over to the medicine cabinet. Into the bag he throws handfuls of pill packets and ampules, then he moves onto the equipment cupboard; in go syringes, needles, dressings, and cannulas.

The two soldiers have succeeded in getting Khalid into the wheelchair and they wheel him hurriedly to the door.

KHALIDCome on, we’re going!

MOSESI need more time!

KIRITough.

Kiri jabs him sharply in the back and Moses stumbles towards the door. Again, he has no choice but to tie the bag shut and follow the wheelchair out.


The group hurry down the corridor towards the staircase at the far end: two soldiers leading the way, another two behind them pushing Khalid in the wheelchair, and two more with Moses and Kiri bringing up the rear.

They reach the staircase door and burst through.

INT. STAIRWELL, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

They race down the stairwell, the two soldiers now carrying Khalid and the wheelchair up in the air.

INT. MAIN ATRIUM, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

The group emerge through a metal door and into the main atrium: an open concourse connecting the various rooms and departments on the ground floor. The atrium is starting to busy, hospital staff and civilians alike pacing quickly across it.

There’s a clear view into the A&E department where Hope is bent over a desk filling in some paperwork. She looks up, notices them and decides to approach.

HOPEWhat’s going on? Where’re you all going?

KIRINone of your concern, missy.

HOPEActually, you’re wrong. It is of my concern if you’re-

Suddenly there’s an almighty crash from the direction of A&E. They all stare as the entrance doors fly open and a dozen fully-armed government soldiers charge in. As the A&E occupants scream and dive for cover, the LEAD SOLDIER looks up and spots the rebel group up ahead.

LEAD SOLDIERThere they are!

KHALIDGo!

The group start running in the opposite direction, Hope in tow, as the government soldiers open fire. Hassan is hit immediately and loses his footing, twisting out of sight.

Bullets pepper the ground behind their feet. A medic who happens to be crossing the atrium is caught in the crossfire and crumples to the floor.

Saeed and Yonis hold back and return fire as the others move on into the next room. They are able to take out several government soldiers before they’re mowed down by gunfire themselves.

INT. PHARMACY, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

The group race through the pharmacy, searching for another way out.

INT. MAIN ATRIUM, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

The government soldiers continue to pursue them, quickly gaining.

INT. WAITING ROOM, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

The rebel group emerge into an empty waiting room and search around desperately for an exit. Khalid spots a fire exit off to one side and points.

KHALID Through there!

They hurry towards it, Kiri firing off pot-shots behind them to try and keep the approaching government soldiers at bay. Despite this Anwar is hit in the back, grunting softly before slumping to one side.

The others burst through the door-

EXT. LOADING BAY, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

-and stumble outside into the loading bay at the rear of the hospital. The group look around wildly, taking in the empty stretch of concrete and the gunfire resonating through the wall behind them.

KHALIDWhere are they? Kiri, where are they?

A screech of tyres and the roar of an engine. Two battered 4x4s suddenly swerve round the next corner at high-speed and hurtle in their direction, skidding to a noisy halt directly in front of them.

Ibrahim and Fahad throw open the passenger door of the lead 4x4 and lift Khalid into the passenger seat before jumping in themselves. Meanwhile, Kiri glares at Moses and Hope and aims his AK-47 at the second 4x4.

KIRI Get in! Both of you!

INT. REBEL 4X4 - DAY

Moses and Hope clamber hastily onto the back seats while Kiri leaps into the front.

KIRIGo!


Before the doors are even closed, the two 4x4s lurch forward. As they pull away, the fire exit door bursts open behind them and half a dozen government soldiers spill out into the loading bay. They look at the abandoned wheelchair, at the retreating vehicles, raise their weapons and take aim.


KIRIGet down!

Everyone ducks as bullets spray the back of the 4x4, shattering the rear windscreen and peppering the back of the headrests. Hope screams as shards of glass rain down on her.


A second later, the 4x4s reach the end of the alley and swing out into the street, cutting off the oncoming traffic in both directions and receiving a blast of angry horns.

The government soldiers try to keep up on foot, firing at the disappearing vehicles until the very last. But then the 4x4s are out of sight and they slow up, quickly turning back towards the hospital.

LEAD SOLDIERBack to the trucks! Back to the trucks!

The government soldiers sprint back the way they came.


Kiri hoots manically and thumps his fists on the dashboard.

In the back, Moses and Hope hold on for dear life.


The two 4x4s speed through the early-morning traffic, weaving perilously between cars and motorcycles.


Kiri takes out his phone and dials a number.

KIRIRashid...

(beat)Yes, we’re out...

(beat)Well, the important ones anyway...

(beat)Okay, I hear you, now just shut up and listen. We need you to meet us...

(beat)No, not here. Back at the camp...

(beat)I don’t care, you’re going to be there. The General has plans and you need to hear them...

(beat)Alright, just make sure you get there.

Kiri shoves the phone back in his pocket, stretches out, rests his dirty boots up on the dashboard.

Moses is still clutching the plastic bag and he looks down into it, at the jumbled assortment of medication and equipment. He continues to stare.

FADE TO:


The two 4x4s speed along a dusty rural road surrounded by arid scrubland, the only inhabitants for as far as the eye can see.

EXT. TURNING TO REBEL CAMP - DAY

The arid scrubland gives way to tall lush grasses and trees as a dirt road turning suddenly appears within the foliage. The 4x4s take the turn and head up the uneven track.


Moses stares out the window as the dense vegetation seems to close in on all sides.


The 4x4s reach a clearing and the sprawling rebel base camp suddenly appears before them. There’s a barricade at the entrance but the soldiers manning it manually lift up the barrier and wave them through without question.


The 4x4 rocks from side-to-side on the uneven terrain as they slow to a running pace.

Moses looks out the window again as Kajok children run alongside, slapping the sides of the vehicle and waving sticks. Some of them, aged as young as 5, wear military uniform.


The two 4x4s pull up outside the largest and grandest tent in the centre of the camp; it’s the size of a tennis court, made from brown tarpaulin draped over a frame of wood and metal. There are a few slits for windows and the ‘door’ hangs over the entrance, flapping gently in the wind.


KIRI Get out. We’re here.


Kiri leaps out and slams the passenger door shut; Moses and Hope reluctantly follow suit. Ibrahim and Fahad help Khalid out from the lead car and carry him between them into the tent.

Kiri points his gun after them.

KIRIIn.

Moses looks around him at the camp but there is no possibility of escape. Moses and Hope head into the tent and Kiri follows them.


A group of about a dozen people has assembled inside the tent. One of them is the informant, RASHID (late 20s), dressed in casual clothes and whom Moses recognises as one of President Mukhtar’s security guards from their meeting. The rest are rebel soldiers carrying AK-47 rifles. The youngest is 13 and sits off to one side, rifle resting on his lap, picking bits out of his teeth with grimy nails.

Moses stares at the child soldier as Kiri ushers them deeper into the tent then closes the flap behind him.

A simple bed has been erected in the centre of the tent and Khalid is placed upon this by Ibrahim and Fahad. Khalid screws up his face as he’s released.

KHALIDAgh careful! Can’t you see I’m in pain?

Kiri turns to Hope.

KIRIOi, you! Nurse! Give him something.

Kiri snatches the bag out of Moses’ grasp and thrusts it at Hope.

MOSESDon’t worry, I’ll do it.

He makes to take the bag back, but Kiri smacks his arm out of the way.

KIRII said she can do it, whitey.

Moses nods timidly and backs away. Hope looks terrified as she peers into the bag and pulls out an ampule containing a clear solution. The label reads: MORPHINE SULPHATE.

She attaches a fresh needle to a syringe and pops the dust cover off the ampule. She then draws up 5ml of the solution and removes the needle.

She walks shakily over to where Khalid is lying.

HOPEThis is just some morphine.

Khalid looks at the syringe and nods.

Hope inserts it into his cannula and pushes down on the plunger until it’s all gone. Then she hastily retreats back to where Moses and Kiri are standing. Moses gives her a reassuring look but says nothing.

KHALIDComrades! We need to make up for lost time. While I’ve been incapacitated in hospital, the government have spotted their chance and tried to seize the initiative. They believe our territory is theirs for the taking. They believe I- we are frail and weakened. We need to show them that that is not the case. I may have lost a leg, but my mind is as sharp as ever. And it is that, not brute force, that is going to win us this war. I believe we need to make a show of strength, to attack them when they think us on the back foot. And we need to do it now.

Khalid looks at Moses.

KHALIDWe are joined today by several guests. Dr Samuel, a British physician, has been treating me at the hospital and will remain with us for as long as it takes for me to return to the field. We also have Rashid, who has been embedded in the heart of the enemy government for the past year, close to the President’s side. He believes they have a weakness.

RASHIDThat’s right. I’ve worked alongside many of the government troops and believe me when I say their spirits are dropping. This war has been long and arduous and their motivation to continue is waning. They are not driven by injustices as we are. I believe if we can strike them hard and pin their forces back, then they will quickly succumb.

KHALIDAnd what of-

Khalid abruptly pauses and appears to swoon, his head swaying momentarily before he regains control.

KHALIDSorry, ahem. What of President Mukhtar?

Kiri flashes a suspicious look between Khalid and Hope.

RASHIDHe grows ever more desperate, General. I believe the recklessness of his assault on the hospital demonstrates that. He is prepared to take more and more risks which we must be wary of. But it will make his defences vulnerable and that we can exploit.

KHALIDYes, exactly. Um...

Khalid is now breathing laboriously and he swoons again.

KIRIBrother, are you alright?

Ibrahim steps forward to offer assistance but Khalid waves him away clumsily.

KHALIDI’m- I’m fine, just- just...

Khalid’s eyes suddenly close, his heads lols and he slumps back against the bed.

KIRIBrother? Brother!

Several rebel soldiers race forward to the bedside and shake Khalid by the shoulders, but he refuses to wake. They shake harder. Still nothing.

Kiri turns on Moses.

KIRIDo something!

Startled, Moses takes several moments to process things before he hurries over to the bed. He puts his fingers to Khalid's neck and leans over him, positioning his cheek close to Khalid’s mouth.

MOSESHe’s not breathing. And he doesn’t have a pulse.

KIRIWell, fucking save him!

Moses stands upright.

MOSESI can’t. He’s gone.

A deathly silence fills the room as they watch in horror the last traces of life ebb out of Khalid’s body.

Then Kiri turns angrily on Hope.

KIRIThis was you, you bitch!

HOPEWhat? No!

Kiri strides up to her and grabs her by the hair, yanking her head back.

KIRIWhat did you give to him? What the fuck did you give to him?

Moses can only stand and watch helplessly.

Tears pour down Hope’s cheeks as she struggles to get her words out:

HOPEIt was just morphine, I- I swear! Look- look at the bottle! Please!

KIRIYou’re a lying whore!

Kiri pulls out a knife and holds it to her throat. Moses holds his breath.

KIRII’m going to make this slow and painful.

Suddenly, in the background, there’s the distant sound of gunfire.

RASHID

Kiri, wait!

KIRIWhat!?

RASHIDListen...

Kiri withdraws the knife a fraction, the sound of muffled gunfire now clearly audible. Rashid slowly creeps towards the entrance to the tent. He reaches the flap, hesitates, slowly draws it back.

BOOM!

Out of nowhere, a huge explosion rips through the tent. Rashid is instantly vaporised whilst Kiri, Hope, Moses and the rebel soldiers in close vicinity are thrown off their feet.

Daylight spills into the remains of the tent, illuminating the plumes of smoke and dust. Moses lifts up his head, ears ringing, vision out of focus. Fresh blood mats his hair and oozes down his temple from where he has just hit his head.

Around him, several of the rebel soldiers are staggering to their feet, covered in blood and dust. Several lie still, whole body parts ripped off. Moses then spots Hope sprawled out several metres away, not moving.

The ringing sound suddenly gives way, replaced by the incessant chatter of gunfire.

Bullets spatter above Moses’ head and he ducks back down. The rebel soldiers that have just got to their feet are thrown back to the ground.

Moses spots Khalid’s bed nearby, drags himself towards it. As he does, he notices Kiri off to one side, taking cover behind an upturned table.

The silhouette of an assailant suddenly appears through the smoke. Kiri leaps up from cover, takes him out with a three-round burst.

KIRIDie you Rabak scum!

Moses pulls himself under the bed, lies flat, watches on as Kiri ducks down to reload before popping up again.

Several more assailants rush into the tent. Kiri picks off the first two, but the third swivels and shoots before he can make it three. Two bullets slam into Kiri’s chest and he crashes backwards against the

ground. The ASSAILANT walks over, kicks the fallen AK-47 out of Kiri’s reach.

Kiri, coughing up blood, and with two rapidly expanding patches on his chest, looks up at him.

KIRIFuck you, you Rabak-

The assailant shoots him in the forehead and Kiri slumps dead to the ground.

Almost at once, the gunfire settles and relative silence returns to the rebel base camp. The smoke begins to clear through the hole in the tent and the dust settles on the ground.

The assailant picks his way through the rubble and dead bodies towards the bed. He notices Moses’ leg sticking out from underneath and quickly aims his rifle.

ASSAILANTWho is that? Come out where I can see you!

MOSESDon’t shoot! I’m not a Kajok! I’m a doctor!

Moses quickly scrambles out from underneath the bed, stands up in front of the assailant with his hands up in surrender. The assailant looks at him quizzically, lowers the gun.

ASSAILANT Dr Samuel?

MOSES(with surprise)

Um, yes.

Moses lowers his hands.

MOSESHow do you know?

ASSAILANTYou saved my wife from a bullet to the abdomen about a month ago. I never got

to meet you, but I was told it was a doctor with a British accent.

He offers his hand.

ASSAILANTThank you.

Moses shakes it.

The assailant looks down at Khalid’s body, now covered in a fine layer of dust.

ASSAILANTIs he dead?

MOSESYes.

ASSAILANTAre you sure? He hasn’t been shot.

MOSESI’m a doctor, remember? I’m quite sure.

The assailant feels for the carotid pulse, waits a second, then nods. He takes out a radio, puts it to his mouth.

ASSAILANTThis is Alpha-5. Target down. I repeat: target down.

Moses rushes over to where Hope’s body still lies. He turns her over so that she’s facing upwards, brushes hair strands and some congealed blood from her eyes, shakes her gently.

MOSESHope? Please wake up for me. Hope?

Hope opens her eyes, looks round confused. Her eyes settle on Moses.

HOPEI’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to kill him, I swear!

Moses lifts her up by the torso, pulls her into a hug.

MOSES

I know, Hope. I know.

FADE IN:

INT. MOSES’ ROOM, HILTON HOTEL, NAIROBI - DAY

CARD: 5 days later - Nairobi, Kenya

A clean modern hotel room with a double bed (newly slept in) and views over the city and the distant savannah.

Moses sits on the edge of the bed, a phone to his ear. On the bed beside him is a suitcase, already fully packed.

MICHAEL (O.S.)I’m so sorry again for what happened to you, Dr Samuel. MSF will be drastically reviewing its safety protocols ahead of our next mission.

MOSESIt’s alright, sir. You weren’t to know.

MICHAELNaomi has filled us in a little about everything that went down, but obviously we’re going to need you in for a full debrief once you get back to London. I also suggest a recuperation period of at least six months before you’re considered for volunteer work again.

MOSESThank you, sir, but I won’t be coming back.

MICHAELI’m sorry?

MOSESI said: I won’t be coming back. This mission has made me realise that some things are too important in life to keep putting on the line. I’ve got my family, my career, my health to think about now.

There’s a long pause.

MICHAEL I understand, Dr Samuel, and I of course respect your decision. You’ll still need to come in for the debrief, but after that we’ll be sad to see you go.

MOSESCopy that, sir.

MICHAELSafe journey, Dr Samuel. We’ll be in touch when you get back.

Moses puts down the phone and bows his head, hands clasped together, in silent prayer. He takes deep breaths, his chest rising and falling.

There’s a knock at the door. Moses looks up and we see the scar that is forming at his temple. He walks to the door, opens it.

In the corridor stands a GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL; black suit, earpiece.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALDr Samuel, are you ready?

Moses nods. He goes back to pick up his suitcase then they leave together.

INT. ELEVATOR, HILTON HOTEL, NAIROBI - DAY

Moses and the official stand side-by-side in silence as the elevator descends. It slows, there’s a ping, and the doors open. The official steps out.

MOSESHang on, this isn’t the lobby.

OFFICAL I know. It’ll only be a few minutes. This way, please.

The official continues walking down the corridor. Confused, Moses follows.

INT. CORRIDOR, HILTON HOTEL, NAIROBI - DAY

They stop outside a door marked ‘conference room’. The official knocks then opens the door, ushers Moses in.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, HILTON HOTEL, NAIROBI - DAY

The conference room is large, the table big enough to seat at least two dozen, one wall with windows overlooking the hotel turning-circle, the others decorated with framed photos of Kenya. Only two people occupy the table: at the head, President Mukhtar, and in the first chair on his right, Hope.

The official guides Moses over, sits him down in the chair on the President’s opposite side. The President regards him warmly.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARDr Samuel. It’s good to see you again.

Moses pretends to look around.

MOSESI think I preferred the abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere.

The President smiles.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARSorry again for having taken such drastic precautions, but as you will have no doubt seen first-hand now, we were dealing with the most brutal of enemies.

Moses nods slowly.

MOSESI noticed.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARI was just telling your colleague here, Hope, that I must personally apologise for you both getting caught up in the assault on the hospital. It was never meant to become the firefight that it did. But the Ashrafi brothers had been tipped off and we were left with no choice but

to engage. It must have been terrifying for you.

MOSESYour men killed an innocent hospital worker. That’s what terrified me most.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARAnd it will haunt me for the rest of my life, believe me. But would I do it again if it meant defeating the Ashrafi brothers - if it meant saving our country? Every time.

Moses chews his lip, far from satisfied.

MOSESI have some more questions.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARPlease, go on.

MOSESHow did you find us - at the rebel base camp? We’d been driving for hours. We were miles from anywhere.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARAh, did I not say last time that I would flush out the rat in my midst if given long enough? Rashid had been working as one of my personal security guards for over a year and it took me a while before I started suspecting him. But the leak of our assault on the hospital to the Ashrafi brothers confirmed that it was him. I already had a tail on him just in case and when he suddenly fled the city immediately after Khalid Ashrafi escaped the hospital, I knew they would be meeting. I knew that’s where we would have our chance.

MOSESHow many people died that day at the camp?

PRESIDENT MUKHTARHundreds, maybe thousands - and, yes, unfortunately some were civilians. But that is the price you must sometimes pay to achieve peace. I hear, however, that Khalid Ashrafi himself was already dead by the time my men arrived. Can you explain that?

Hope looks down at the table and Moses shoots her a fleeting glance.

MOSESNo, sir. I can’t.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARHmm. Well, no matter. The important thing is he’s gone.

An uneasy silence.

MOSESSo what happens now?

PRESIDENT MUKHTARNow? For us? Well, you return home and I get back to what I should have been doing these past two years - leading Nahr to a brighter and more prosperous future. Lord knows it needs it.

President Mukhtar stands up.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARAnyway, I’d better let you go. Don’t want you missing your flight.

He extends out his hand.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARThank you for everything you’ve done for me, Dr Samuel. For treating my people and for bringing some hope back to the country. I hope all can be forgiven.

Reluctantly Moses shakes it, but whilst their hands are still clasped he says:

MOSESI didn’t do it for you.

President Mukhtar nods curtly.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARHave a safe flight, Dr Samuel.

He turns to Hope and shakes her hand as well.

PRESIDENT MUKHTARYou too, Miss Hope.

EXT. HILTON HOTEL, NAIROBI - DAY

The government official guides Moses and Hope out of the hotel towards a waiting black saloon with tinted windows - a classic government vehicle. The official takes their luggage, puts it in the boot, opens the doors for them.

Moses and Hope get in.

INT. GOVERNMENT VEHICLE - DAY

There's a glass partition between the front and the back and the suited driver says nothing as they pull away.

Moses and Hope sit awkwardly next to each other, unsure of what to say.

MOSESYou ok?

HOPEYeah, I’m ok. You?

MOSESOkay as well.

Hope points to her temple, mirroring Moses’ scar.

HOPEDoes it still hurt?

MOSESIt’ll mend. With time.

EXT. STRETS OF NAIROBI, NAIROBI - DAY

The saloon joins the main road, following a sign towards the airport.

INT. GOVERNMENT VEHICLE - DAY

HOPEI’ve been turning it over in my head for days. I still can’t work it out.

MOSESWork what out?

HOPEThe General. The morphine. I gave him the right dose, I know I did. Yet still it’s haunting me.

She looks at Moses solemnly.

HOPEAm I a murderer?

Moses stares at her aghast.

MOSESNo! No, not in the slightest! How can you even think that?

HOPEI killed him, Moses. That’s the reality here. The most abhorrent of all Exodus’ Ten Commandments and I committed it.

MOSESDo not say that, alright? It wasn’t your fault. You can’t blame yourself for this.

HOPEBut I do, okay? And nothing can change that. What’s done is done. He’s dead and I killed him.

Hope turns to stare out the window, eyes watering.

HOPEI just want to go home.

EXT. NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

The government vehicle stops outside the terminal. The driver gets out, opens the passenger doors, fetches their luggage. Moses and Hope take their suitcases, thank the driver and head inside.

INT. DEPARTURE LOUNGE, NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

The departure lounge is busy, but Moses has found a row of empty seats and sits by himself, iPad open on his lap. On the screen, Christine, Joseph and Amber wave excitedly at him via FaceTime.

MOSESOh I can’t wait to see you all. You have no idea how much I’ve been missing you.

AMBERYes we do! You say it every time!

MOSESAlright, clever-clogs. How much do I miss you then?

Amber spreads out her arms as wide as she can.

AMBERThis much!

Moses laughs.

MOSESYou’re damn right I do.

CHRISTINESo when should we expect to see you back?

MOSESWell, we’re supposed to be boarding within the next few minutes, so if everything goes as scheduled I should be home by this evening.

The children cheer and jump up and down, making the camera shake.

AMBER

Can we watch a movie?

JOSEPHCan we make a train set?

CHRISTINEKids, I’m pretty sure all Daddy will want to do is go straight to bed, isn’t that right, Daddy?

MOSESAbsolutely not! Of course we can do both, kids!

The kids cheer in the background.

The tannoy suddenly chimes overhead:

TANNOYWill all passengers on the 10:20 flight to London Heathrow please make their way to Gate 12 for boarding.

MOSESOoh, that’s me, I’d better go.

JOSEPHBye, Daddy!

AMBERWe love you!

MOSESAnd I love you too, sweetheart! You mean everything to me!

CHRISTINE We'll see you this evening then, Mo. Safe travels!

MOSESBye, honey! See you soon!

As Moses closes his iPad, Hope walks up to him from across the departure lounge.

HOPE

I’ll just nip to the toilet then we’ll go, yeah?

MOSESSounds good to me.

Hope disappears off again and Moses sits back in his chair, relaxes. He starts off smiling, gazing around the departure lounge, then his smile slowly fades, turning sombre.

He digs into his pocket, pulls out a small slip of printed paper, lays it flat on his thigh. We ZOOM in: FENTANYL CITRATE Injection 2500mcg/50ml.

We FOCUS ON Moses’ face as...

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. THEATRE, MAKANZA HOSPITAL - DAY

Moses carefully draws up the syringe of fentanyl to anaesthetise Khalid, Kiri standing close over his shoulder.

KIRIWhat's that?

MOSESFentanyl. It's like morphine, but about a hundred times stronger.


Moses sits at the kitchen table with the bible open in front of him. We FOCUS ON the passage: Leviticus 24:17: Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.


Moses sits in the back of the 4x4 next to Hope, bag of medicines on his lap, as they speed through the city streets.

We FOCUS inside the bag as Moses silently picks up two glass ampules: one reading ‘Morphine Sulphate’, the other reading ‘Fentanyl Citrate’. He removes the Fentanyl label, slides it into his pocket, then

peels off the Morphine label and sticks it carefully over the Fentanyl ampule instead. He then nestles the two ampules back in the bag.


FOCUS ON the glass ampule as Hope shakily draws up the clear solution into the syringe. The ‘MORPHINE SULPHATE’ label that Moses stuck over it is clearly visible.


FOCUS ON Moses’ face - steely, remorseless - as Khalid collapses on the bed and the rebel soldiers rush to his aid. The look of a man who knows exactly what he’s done and what is about to happen.

BACK TO PRESENT

INT. DEPARTURE LOUNGE, NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY

We REFOCUS ON Moses’ face. He looks down at the Fentanyl label, ponders what to do with it.

HOPE (O.S.)Ready?

Moses hastily scrunches up the label, holds it in his fist, as Hope returns from the toilet. He nods and she bends down to pick up her suitcase.

MOSESHope?

HOPEYeah, Moses?

Hope stands upright with her suitcase, looks at him expectantly. Moses open his mouth to say something, then hesitates, changes his mind.

MOSESNothing.

HOPERight.

(beat)Shall we go home?

Moses nods resignedly.

MOSESYeah, let’s go home.

He stands, picks up his suitcase. As they cross the departure lounge, he drops the scrunched-up label into a bin, then follows Hope silently towards the gate.

FADE OUT.

END