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INT. NATE AND MOLLY'S 3 room "Soviet-style" APARTMENT -BEDROOM
Molly is hurriedly packing, half-dressed and frazzled.
MOLLY
(loud)
We have to get going soon!
Getting no answer.
MOLLY
(louder, visibly distraught)
Nate! did you call the taxi?
CUT TO:
INT. - KITCHEN
NATE is dressed, drinking tea and eating a bowl of yogurt.
CLOSEUP: an opened fanny pack is on the kitchen table.
Inside the fanny pack is an opened envelope.
After a hesitating, NATE fingers the letter.
NATE
The taxi is waiting for us outside. I am already dressed and packed.
MOLLY
Do you have the tickets?
NATE coaxes the letter out, opens the letter.
A second note falls out of the letter.
NATE
Yes. I have both yours and mine.
MOLLY
Dammit! Have you seen my fanny pack?
NATE reads the note.
NATE (V.O)
(AS NATE IMAGINES MOLLY'S FORMER BOYFRIEND'S VOICE)
Hey Babe!
Come home, all is forgiven! (Ha Ha! I hope so anyway). This is Krazy!!! Becky says you will be home soon. For good! (Right?)
I was wrong, Babe, I am sorry. I just want to see you. I want my "cowgirl" back! You know what I am saying! See you soon! Caleb
NATE
(whispers to himself)
Cowgirl?
NATE stuffs the letter and note back into the envelope, then into the fanny pack, and zips it.
NATE
(Aloud TO MOLLY)
Your fanny pack is here, on the kitchen table. Are you ready to go yet?
MOLLY
Yes - let's go!
CUT TO:
INT. TRAIN STATION
SUPERIMPOSE: Beijing Train Station
NATE and MOLLY are sitting on a bench with their luggage nearby.
MOLLY
I thought we were lost when he turned into that alley!
NATE
I wasn't worried.
MOLLY
I didn't expect to be ravaged this morning! (She leers, and leans in and kisses him)
NATE
You were the ravager - Buckaroo style.
MOLLY looks at him and starts to say something and stops.
(beat)
MOLLY
I got a letter from my sister.
NATE
Oh, what did she say?
MOLLY
Dad is recovering, and is almost back to his annoying self.
NATE
I hope he feels better. He'll be glad to see you.
MOLLY
Mom is upset that you aren't coming back with me.
NATE
If we went back together, we probably would not come back.
MOLLY
So what if we didn't?
NATE shakes his head.
NATE
Molly, I don't want to leave yet. Business is about to break open here.
MOLLY
I know, I'm just...
NATE
We have the best Chinese word processor on the market. Chinese market - think about those two words.
MOLLY
Yeah - you are right - its big.
She leans over and kisses him.
MOLLY
Remember the night we meet?
NATE
(laughs)
I still don't understand what happened.
MOLLY
You had this - aurora - or something.
INT. FLASHBACK - loud, crowded college bar. A blues musician is playing the harmonica
NATE is leaning on a post, talking to a couple of men.
MOLLY is slowly dancing toward him. She bumps into him.
NATE looks at her. Smiling. She looks at him.
NATE and MOLLY slowly begin gyrating together to the music.
INT. BEIJING TRAIN STATION
MOLLY
I had been bar hopping with some friends. And then I saw you. I swear you had a glow about you. Like you knew something nobody else did.
NATE
I had just learned my life was about to change.
MOLLY
I guess that is what I felt.
NATE
I had escaped! I had only just told the head of the Asian history department I had received the invitation to teach here. Beijing!
I was on top of the world! I was free after two years of teaching stupid undergrads for slave wages.
Free from the endless, nitpicking criticism of my proposed history thesis. I was happy for the first time in a long time.
MOLLY
Yeah. I guess I could tell. And then I went back with you to your disgusting apartment, and the next morning you asked me to come to China with you.
NATE
Yeah.
(beat)
Why did you say yes?
MOLLY
Why did you quit graduate school to come to teach English for $40 a month?
NATE
Plus housing - occasional banquets, with drunken toasts of eternal friendship.
I said yes and quit graduate school because - China - it had been practically closed off for almost 40 years. I wanted to be history, not study it.
MOLLY
Yeah.
You're right, its pretty cheap to live.
Shit! its almost time. I'm gonna miss you - be good!
NATE
You too. My train's right after yours.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
(in Chinese)
"THE TRAIN TO GUANGZHOU IS READY TO BOARD."
MOLLY
This it?
DEXTER, lurking in the crowd, is watching MOLLY and NATE.
NATE
(Standing up)
Yep. This is it.
CLOSEUP:Molly - Fear, sadness, and begrudging mirth.
MOLLY stands - They kiss.
NATE (CONT'D)
Keep your money and passport tucked in there safe.
MOLLY
Write me how its going!
MOLLY heads for the departure exit.
NATE makes a face as he watches her go.
A young Chinese woman catches his eye, and smiles at him. NATE smiles back. She walks on.
NATE becomes thoughtful.
NATE (V.O.)
Now - Two years later - I am making money - I know the language - I am connected - and its summer time. And with no drama - single - for the summer anyway.
I know she is going to see what's his name - Caleb. Its OK. Being halfway around the world puts it in perspective.
Yeah - this is my summer. Her's too. She might come back - and she might not.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
(in Chinese)
"TRAIN TO XIAN IS READY TO BOARD."
NATE gets up and walks out of the waiting area in the station.
CUT TO:
INT. (DAY) - TRAIN SLEEPING COMPARTMENT
NATE is looking out the window. Chinese countryside is rushing by. The compartment door is open.
DEXTER walks by and looks in at NATE, then continues.
NATE does not notice DEXTER.
CUT TO:
EXT. day crowded STREET IN XIAN China
NATE is lugging his heavy suitcase computer and backpack.
ZHANG and QUAN walk by NATE
QUAN stops and looks at NATE just as NATE notices him.
QUAN
Mr. Nate! Zhang look! It's Mr. Nate!
QUAN and ZHANG approach NATE.
NATE
Ni hao, Quan! What a coincidence!
NATE puts down his computer and shakes hands with QUAN.
QUAN
You are here! What is the word you used?
NATE
A coincidence!
ZHANG
(petulantly)
Pengqiao.(碰巧.)
QUAN
Yes! We don't expect you here. A colleague tell me that you left the Kone company?
NATE
I sell computer software now, and am here for a business conference.
QUAN
Software! No more medical equipment? Are you still teaching at the Foreign language Institute?
NATE
(Nods)
Its summer vacation, no classes to teach. Trying to make a little money...
(NATE raises his voice)
Hello Zhang.
ZHANG
Ni hao Nate.
NATE and ZHANG stare uncomfortably at each other.
NATE
On vacation?
ZHANG
Yes, We are tourists this week.
QUAN
Time too short! I am flying to return to Los Angeles next week. Because of your help from the Kone company, I get this chance for advanced training on the latest imaging technology.
NATE
We should meet and visit some of the attractions together in Xian. I will have time tomorrow afternoon. I am at the Golden Flower Hotel.
QUAN
I will contact you there tomorrow.
NATE
I look forward to it.
QUAN
Zhang's English has improved more than mine. How that possible? I live in America for six months and she speak better than I do!
I think your English lessons have great success.
ZHANG
Yes. Nate has prevented me from forgetting what I learned in class.
QUAN
We will let you rest now. Bye.
NATE
Zaijian.
Deep look from ZHANG as they leave. NATE is a bit shaken as they depart.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL BAR
NATE is sitting at the bar. IRINA sits two stools down.
DEXTER, sitting at a table behind them, glances up, then unobtrusively stares at a menu.
IRINA
Need change in your luck?
NATE smiles and nods
NATE
What are you drinking?
IRINA
Screw driver. Strange name for drink, no? (smiles). I'm Irina.
Nate looks at the bartender and points to her glass.
NATE
I'm Nate.
IRINA
American.
NATE
Yes - Russian?
IRINA
(Makes a face)
No. I am from Ukraine, Not Russian!
ZEV, late forties, tall and fit, casually dressed, comes into the bar spots IRINA and sits down. IRINA lets ZEV peck her on the cheek.
IRINA
This is my old American friend Nate.
Zev is a soldier of fortune.
ZEV
Former soldier seeking a fortune. Not quite the same thing Luv. Pleasure!
ZEV extends his hand which NATE shakes.
NATE
What fortune do you seek?
ZEV
Whoa! Direct questions! I like that. What are you drinking Mate?
NATE
Vodka and lime.
ZEV
You mean a gimlet? Tommy -
ZEV points to NATE and IRINA (who chugs) then himself.
BARTENDER
Johnny Walker?
DEXTER strains to listen while reading the menu and is still not noticed by NATE.
ZEV nods to BARTENDER
ZEV
(To NATE)
I am in antiquities. Checking out a dig nearby.
NATE
So you're a tomb robber! Where you from Zev?
ZEV
(laughs heartily)
Last known address in Brisbane. And before that - well - we all have a past, don't we?
ZEV and NATE exchange business cards.
ZEV
As to tomb robbing, no funny business. I represent a small museum. Chinese archaeologists are running the show and are pretty sharp.
NATE
So nearby you say? Let me guess. Xianyang - Near Qin's tomb right?
ZEV
(Smiles, nods)
Yeah. That's where the action is for sure. I am just - an expediter. A little muscle, a little hustle. What do you do?
NATE
I sell software that writes Chinese on a PC. And teach English on the side.
ZEV
Oh, computers! That's a comer! Irina, why don't you find that friend of yours to join us.
IRINA downs her 2nd drink and leaves.
ZEV
You interested in Irina? She'll be back.
NATE
Not really.
DEXTER leaves, still not noticed by NATE.
ZEV
(laughs, waves off)
So, you teach English, huh? They take care of visas and the like?
NATE
Yeah, and housing too.
ZEV
Really?
NATE
So what are you finding at the dig?
ZEV holds his finger to his lips, and then pantomimes headphones with his hands and points up.
ZEV
Are you staying here?
NATE
Yes.
ZEV looks at his watch.
ZEV
Buggers! Sorry, previous commitment. Have to drink and run. Here.
ZEV writes "710" on a napkin.
ZEV
Room number. Come up about tenish. Hope you make it.
They shake and ZEV leaves.
NATE introspectively nurses his drink.
NATE looks at the napkin.
CLOSEUP: Napkin with "710" written on it.
dissolve TO:
INT. HOTEL DOOR #710
NATE knocks, ZEV answers.
ZEV
You made it! Come in, come in.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM
ZEV is wearing an Australian Slouch hat and boxer shorts. IRINA and an Asian woman, in short dresses, lounge on the couch.
ZEV
You remember Irina. And this is Anna.
NATE
Hello again Irina. Hi Anna. Ni shi Zhongguo ren ma? (你是中国人吗?)
ANNA
Shi. (是.)
ZEV
Let's keep it clean now.
NATE
I was asking if she was Chinese.
ZEV
What did she say?
ANNA
(Laughs)
Yes, ZEEV - I am Chinese!
ZEV
Just pulling your leg luv.
ZEV reaches toward Anna and she brushes him away.
Nate and I are going out on the balcony. Relax girls. Go ahead out Nate, I need to grab drinks.
CUT TO:
EXT. NIGHT HOTEL BALCONY
NATE is looking out as ZEV joins him and hands him a drink.
ZEV
Interested in either of the ladies?
NATE
Thanks, but no.
ZEV
Oh, OK. Thinking about somebody else?
NATE
I just saw her with her fiancé.
ZEV
Well good luck with that.
(They ironically click glasses)
You said you teach at the Foreign Language School?
NATE nods
Do you know a German woman named Erika?
NATE
Yeah. Erika Neubender. She an English teacher.
ZEV
You mean German?
NATE
(LAUGHS)
No. She teaches English.
ZEV
Really?
NATE laughs.
ZEV
I met her up in Harbin.
NATE
Pretty thick German accent to teach English, right?
ZEV
Yes. She - seems - I don't know...
NATE
I kinda think she's...
ZEV
Barmy?...a bit troppo? Maybe. A bit. Refreshing in a way. A stunner though, a regimented, yet uninhibited beauty. A very alluring mix.
NATE
Yeah - (in German accent) und bery Korrect.
ZEV (LAUGHING)
(Brit accent) With a touch of the Prim and proper.
NATE and ZEV laugh together in agreement.
ZEV
Well, maybe I'll see you in a few weeks. She gave an open invitation to come visit, so...
NATE
...So tell me what you found in Xianyang?
IRINA opens the sliding door, and sticks her head out
IRINA
Are you guys coming in?
ZEV
Just a sec luv.
IRINA exits, closes sliding door
ZEV hesitates.
The diggers found a terracotta stele. Ancient stuff, before Christ even. But now you see it, now you don't! Seems to have disappeared.
NATE
Disappeared?
ZEV
The new word from on high denies they found anything. But somebody is hiding something - or missing something.
NATE
Or someone wants to make it easy to steal.
ZEV
There you go Mate. Can't steal what doesn't exist!
But - I know they found human remains - buried alive apparently 2400 years ago. Below that clay fragments with inscriptions - One piece though, is dead on, perfect. I mean unbroken, legible. Somebody said the skeletons were scholars that the Emperor buried alive, supposedly...
NATE
Burning books and burying scholars. That is how Qin, the first Emperor, is remembered. By scholars and poets anyway.
ZEV
Right! That's what they said! He destroyed all the evidence! Or so they thought. It is all rumors, so far - but the stele is missing!
NATE
Wow. So you...
ZEV
...I'm just trying to keep track for - my employers. I figure it will pop up, eventually. Keep this under your hat...but, ah - you seem to get around. Know a lot of foreigners in Beijing, right?
NATE
I drink in public places occasionally.
ZEV looks around into the dark. He takes off his slouch hat and from the inside brim, hands NATE a photo.
NATE stares at the photo.
NATE
Its old - The characters look like those on those Zhou dynasty ceremonial caldrons.
ZEV
Can you read it?
NATE
No.
NATE give the photo back to ZEV.
ZEV
It must still be in China - it will probably end up in - Beijing.
NATE nods.
NATE
I'll listen for any word about it.
I have a long day tomorrow. Should I mention you to Erika?
ZEV
I'd rather you not. Spoil the surprise.
ZEV lowers his voice.
Yes - please keep an ear out. Maybe we can do some business if it turns up.
NATE
OK. I am going to go.
ZEV
Good meeting you.
NATE
Thanks for the drink. Maybe see you in Beijing.
ZEV
Yeah, you will.
NATE shakes ZEV's hand.
SCENE