Gene Baird writes

Another One Bites the Dust (part two)

FADE IN

The screen gently fades from black to flashing colors of lights in an arcade and the sound of various games. Then voices are added in and the laughter of two teenagers.

INT – ARCADE - DAY

One particular game –SNIPER- (gunfire and enemies dying) is then heard above all others and a soldier in Class “B” uniform can be seen  at a game, using a mock M4 to eliminate virtual enemies. After a minute of laudatory automated scores being broadcasted ( i.e. you’re on fire, another kill, you’re a machine), a crowd forms behind the soldier. When his game is finally over, the automated voice gets louder.

GAME

Nice shootin’ sniper! You just set a new record for consecutive kills and another for highest score. Would you like to play again?

The soldier places the weapon down and steps back, smiling as he makes his way through the crowd and to the exit. One of the watchers, Eric Johnson, jaunts after the soldier.

ERIC

            Sir! Sir!

SSG JONES

            Hey bud, what’s up?

ERIC

            Damn, dude! That was awesome. Did the army show you how to do that?

SSG JONES

Here, take my business card and give me call or stop by my office, so we can talk about it. I’d love set you on the path to achieving high scores in everything you do, including that video game.

The kid takes the card and begins to stare at it. Meanwhile, the SSG turns and walks out hurriedly towards the door.

INT – RECRUITING OFFICE – NEXT DAY

SSG JONES is headed to his desk with a cup of coffee and begins to do paperwork. Just then the office door chimes ring, and the SSG looks up.

Cameras focus on Eric, who is coming in through the door. The SSG gets up and moves towards the door to shake Eric’s hand.

SSG JONES

Wow! It’s good to see you again, bud. How’d the arcade treat you? Is there a new high score?

ERIC

            Not while I was there.

Cameras focus on the handshake before the two walk towards the desk and sit down.

SSG JONES

I’m not gonna beat around the bush, bud. Only a man would’ve stepped up and admitted his game needed some improvement. You quickly came to me yesterday, after seeing me in action, and began asking questions. I’d say you’d make one hell of a sniper.

ERIC

            You really think so? Wow! That’s something, coming from you.

SSG JONES

Well, hell yeah I think so, and I’d be willing to represent you in your efforts to become a sniper, assisting you with all the necessary paperwork and ‘how to do’s’.

ERIC

            Wow! Thanks man! When can we start?

SSG JONES

Well, we can start right now if you want. I have a little time right now, and throw lunch in when you’re done so that you won’t miss it. What are friends for?

EXT – RECRUITING OFFICE – NEXT DAY

Another prospect can be seen shaking hands with SSG Jones and they begin to sit.

Skip to the end of their conversation where they stand, shake hands and the prospect leaves. As the door closes, Jones begins singing “Another One Bites the Dust” while looking in the mirror and smiling at himself.

EXT – RECRUITING OFFICE – NIGHT

Another prospect is shaking hands with SSG Jones before leaving, both smiling. SSG Jones waits and goes to the mirror to repeat his singing ritual.

Background music from Queen can be heard.

SSG JONES

            And another’s down… another one bites the dust ……. Yeah!

           

EXT – RECRUITING OFFICE – DAY

A different prospect can be seen walking out of the recruiting office before the camera is inside the office focusing on SSG Jones at the mirror again.

Instrumental from Queen’s song plays.

SSG JONES

            “Hey! I’m gonna get you too; another one bites the dust”

EXT – LOCAL BAR – NIGHT

Sounds of people laughing and having a good time can be heard until Army recruiters fade into sight, sitting at a bar celebrating their accomplishments.

SFC BARNES

So hey, a toast, this is to the most accomplished recruiter we have: SSG Jones. He might not become a full time recruiter because he wants to go back into the mainstream Army, but may he continue all of his successes while he is here.

They all drink, laugh, and nod towards Jones as he smiles cockily.

SSG BROWN

            How do you do it man? You bagged 11 this quarter alone. I only get seven if I’m lucky.

SSG JONES

You tell them what they need to hear, bud. A few months ago, a guy named Eric needed to hear that he could be a sniper. We all know that snipers are recruited from our infantry; one has to prove himself there first, but don’t say it like that. Tell him all infantrymen are snipers and that you will help him with all the required paperwork needed to go to the sniper school. Then, let him know he has to pass infantry school first. He’ll be in the Army for six months before he figures out the whole deal. By then it’s too late.

SSG BROWN

            That’s cold, man, but I guess it works.

SSG JONES

Damn skippy! You know what I always say: “Another one bites the dust”…. Yeah! “And another one’s down and another one’s down. Another one bites the dust.”

EXT – RECRUITING OFFICE – DAY

The camera is inside the office with a view of SSG Jones closing the door behind an outgoing recruit. Jones then heads to the mirror.

The instrumental of song in background.

SSG JONES

“another one bites the dust”

EXT – LOCAL BAR – NIGHT

All drinking in uniform at the bar, shot glasses in hand with the sound of others

SFC BARNES

            And for the third quarter in a row, our top dog in this station…..SSG JONES

They all toast.

EXT – RECRUITING OFFICE – DAY

Smiling recruit leaves.

Jones is at the mirror with the door closing and song in background.

SSG JONES

“Hey, I’m get you too”

EXT – RECRUITING OFFICE – NIGHT

At the mirror with song playing and prospect leaving

SSG JONES

“Another one bites the dust” … Damn I’m good.

Screen turns black.