Heroes Aren't Born

FADE IN:

INT. FIELD HOSPITAL - DAY

SERGEANT NATHAN ATKINS, late twenties, is lying in a hospital bed, with his head half bandaged, and his right leg missing. He is barely conscious.

His uniform blouse is strewn over a chair, with his Ranger Tab visible. Doctor's and nurses are running around the tiny hospital, tending to the wounded.

There is a lot of chatter in the room and you can't really make out what they are saying. A man who is very familiar to Sergeant Atkins walks up to his bedside.

The man is CORPORAL STEVEN BUTLER, early twenties. Nathan can't make out his face. Corporal Butler grabs Sergeant Atkins hand.

STEVEN

Sergeant? Can you hear me? It's Butler.

Nathan just bobs his head up and down.

STEVEN

You'll be alright buddy. You hang in there! You hear?

There is a minimal response from Nathan; only the shaking of his head.

NATHAN (V.O.)

My name is Sergeant Nathan Atkins. U.S. Army. To understand why I am lying here; why any of us are lying here, you first must understand where we have been. Some call me a hero. Am I a hero? No. I don't think so. We are Soldiers and have a job to do. To understand what I mean, I'll take you back to where it happened.

EXT. FALLUJAH - DAY (2004)

Soldiers are seen running across the road. Military vehicles are driving in convoy's down the road. Iraqi men, women, and children are walking up and down the road.

It is a very dusty day. Soldiers are trying to keep the civilians from getting too close to the U.S. Vehicles.

NATHAN (V.O.)

It was April 2004. Four American contractors were just killed and Iraq was the wild Wild West. Fallujah had become a hot spot for insurgent's and we were sent there to eliminate the threat.

INT./ EXT. MILITARY BASE - DAY

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JAMES MASON, late thirties, is standing in his commanding officer's office at attention. The officer, CAPTAIN Will PRICE, early thirties, is briefing James on their responsibilities in Fallujah.

CAPTAIN PRICE

You understand what we are doing here? Right Sergeant?

JAMES

Yes sir.

CAPTAIN PRICE

We need to flush out these guys before we can restore order. Remember the rules of engagement. But, if you spot a threat you have my permission to put one in his head and two in his chest. Got it?

JAMES

Roger that sir.

CAPTAIN PRICE

Alright sergeant. Get your men some chow and some sleep. Mission briefing is at 0600.

JAMES

Yes sir.

CAPTAIN PRICE

Alright. Dismissed.

James renders a salute to Captain Price, and he returns the salute. James executes an about face, walks out of the office, and puts his hat on.

Sergeant Nathan Atkins is waiting for James outside.