"As we sit on this star, I wonder how you are..."
Vince Circa XXLIV
For a game. For a world.
-
Chapter 1 - "I told you not to dream."
We are looking up, at a soon to be night sky full of twinkling and shooting stars. A few clouds obscure a billion stars.
They look like art.
A flock of birds fly past the setting sun.
We pan around to a man, Vince Neptune, turning around towards his friend, Ji Stellar.
Vince
A thousand nights, like this...it would still not be enough.
JI
It is your duty. You are honour bound.
Vince
To fight a war I do not believe in? For what?
JI
I can not argue on such a beautiful night. Walk with me...
Vince
I can not argue with you ever. Lets.
We follow them as they walk amoung the tall grass, blowing in the wind.
JI
It would be a shame to let tonight go without a quiet thought or two.
Vince
And come the morning, when those destroyers, those frigates, those star ships. They'll be here, and then I won't be. I'll be fighting a war and not a good war. A very bad war.
JI
I would walk on this sun's (Gestures at sunset) harsh lands, if it were to keep you here, with me.
Vince
Don't pine. Don't feel bad. Just keep dreaming.
JI
And if you do not return?
Vince
My heart will not be leaving.
They hug each other. As a giant Orion class starship flies through the sun's glare.
Vince
I hope...
JI
Do not hope...just come home.
Vince
We could leave. Just get on a ship and leave on a outter rim world.
JI
And become outlaws? I'm sure you would have fun Vince, but I have..
Vince
(Shakes head) I'm reaching...
JI
I know you. And you know me. That is not to change, be it a war of the empires or a winter's night alone without each other.
Vince
I know. I know you.
JI
Life's a journey you know. You would get bored staring at my tired face all winter anyway. (She tries to laugh)
He wipes away a tear from her eye.
Vince
This isn't over.
JI
It's just starting.
Vince
The wind is picking up, let's change and eat. One more good meal before I must endure
the squadron's gruel.
JI
I thought you liked Gruel?
He smiles and puts an arm around her as they walk back towards the house.
They walk for several beats
VINCE
Don't worry.
WE FADE TO WHITE
TEXT FADES IN : "A hundred days later"
We are on the great Mountains of Tibia, fifth world from the sun.
It is Vince. Is wandering upward, clutching a photo. His clothes are torn and ragged. He's been in a battle.
Another man comes running up behind him, Luke Skylight
LUKE
Vince! Hold up!
VINCE
For what!? They wiped us out.
LUKE
The Commander is alright! Come on!
VINCE
NO!!!
LUKE
Don't be silly Vince!
VINCE
Silly was leaving my home for this...Silly was learning how to fight.
Silly was dreaming I'll ever see her again.
LUKE
Ji will wait! Vince I'm not trying to fight but the commander needs you!
VINCE
I am out of this unit, and out of this war. Let them fight over the bones of the dead. I will fight for life.
LUKE
You're running away? Like one of those cowards you read about?
VINCE
I am no coward. I am no warrior.
LUKE
Vince!
VINCE
Save your breath. If you're my friend, tell the Commander I was gut shot. If you're not...
LUKE
Great...just great Vince. After all this, after we lose most of our men...you just run!
VINCE
I'm not fighting this war anymore!
LUKE
Then leave. You ass!
VINCE
We the calm finds you again, try to remember what you're fighting for Luke.
LUKE
Oh I do buddy! I really do. Like the freedom of our people!
VINCE
We can never be free like this. Never.
LUKE
Forget you! Forget you buddy!
Luke goes running off.
