THE WILL
(by Marc Adrian Reyes)
Chapter 1, Episode 2: "BRAND NEW DAY?"
---
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
Sergeant Jerome Llaguno and Captain Marc SanDiego are sitting together, talking about events that happened a year ago in a village.
JEROME
(sitting down with Marc)
Did you see the news on TV? They were interviewing Major Santos. Sir... do you know Major Santos had an issue a year ago?
MARC
Like what?
JEROME
The whole village... burned.
MARC
Oh... that. Yeah, I remember.
JEROME
Rumor has it Major Santos was covering up the truth.
MARC
That?
JEROME
People say Major Santos and his men killed witnesses and burned the houses to cover it up.
MARC
(raising eyebrows)
Just rumors... I met Major Santos before. He seemed like a decent man.
JEROME
Yeah... just like he looks at your wife.
MARC
Why?
JEROME
He looked at her like he was going to eat her alive.
MARC
Can't blame him... my wife is amazing.
(bites and smiles)
JEROME
(sighs)
Yeah... if you say so...
(They hear the cafeteria radio.)
CAFETERIA RADIO
CAPTAIN SANDIEGO, PLEASE PROCEED TO THE TASK ROOM IMMEDIATELY. I REPEAT, CAPTAIN SANDIEGO, PLEASE PROCEED TO THE TASK ROOM IMMEDIATELY.
MARC
What now? I just got my lunch... I'm starting to hate this job.
(stands up)
JEROME
Well, I guess I got lucky.
MARC
Why?
JEROME
(staring at the food)
Your wife really is a good cook.
MARC
Hey! Don't...!
(takes a big bite and leaves the cafeteria)
---
INT. TASK ROOM - DAY
Lieutenant Kyla sees Marc entering.
KYLA
Sir, Captain SanDiego is here.
GENERAL ALVIN
Finally.
(sits at the table)
Thank you, Lieutenant. Captain may enter.
Kyla bumps into Marc. They stare at each other. Kyla blushes. Marc notices but doesn't react.
MARC
(chewing food, closing the door, mumbles)
Sir...
GENERAL ALVIN
Am I interrupting?
(sees him chewing)
MARC
(mumbles)
Not really, sir...
GENERAL ALVIN
(hands him a bottle of water)
Here.
MARC
(drinks)
Any... good, sir?
GENERAL ALVIN
The President called me an hour ago...
MARC
Oh... I get it. He wants to borrow some of my men again... Go on... let me-
GENERAL ALVIN
No, Captain. Let me finish first.
MARC
Oh... it's not that?
(confused)
GENERAL ALVIN
The President got intel about a hidden Chinese lab in our country.
(stands up)
A huge lab... doing something.
MARC
So... a lab?
(takes a deep breath)
GENERAL ALVIN
Yes. The President wants my best men for a raid mission.
MARC
(smirks, cocky)
Well, thanks... but I accept no compliments.
GENERAL ALVIN
(rolls eyes)
Don't be cocky, Captain. Your mission: find out what they're building-nukes or worse-and capture all evidence and operatives.
MARC
Nukes, huh... if it's nukes, it's good. Finally, something to defend our country.
GENERAL ALVIN
If it's a gift, why the secrecy?
MARC
Just saying... (whispers) bomber...
GENERAL ALVIN
(rolls eyes, hands him a map)
Here's the location. Meet me on the roof at 1600 hours.
MARC
Sir, yes sir!
(salutes and leaves)
---
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
Marc finds Jerome eating his wife's lunch.
MARC
(standing behind Jerome)
Is that my lunch?
JEROME
(mouth full)
Yeah...?
MARC
(grabs Jerome)
I told you not to.
JEROME
But your wife cooks really well!
(holding chicken)
MARC
(takes a bite)
Come on... mission first.
(tastes)
This is really good...
JEROME
Right?
---
EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY
Marc's squad assembles. General Alvin waits. Chopper blades spin.
GENERAL ALVIN
(walking near Lieutenant Kyla, whispers)
Be careful. I know Captain will take care of you.
KYLA
Don't worry. I can take care of myself.
Alvin approaches Marc.
GENERAL ALVIN
CAPTAIN!!
(The chopper noise is loud. Alvin taps Marc's shoulder.)
MARC
(looks at Alvin)
Yeah?!
GENERAL ALVIN
PROTECT MY KID!!
MARC
WHO?!
GENERAL ALVIN
MY KID... KYLA! Look after her!
MARC
(confused, looks at Kyla and back at Alvin)
WHAT?! SHE'S YOUR DAUGHTER?!
KYLA
(smiling)
I wouldn't believe it myself either!
GENERAL ALVIN
(raises an eyebrow)
KYLA
KIDDING!! Love you, Dad!
(sends flying kiss)
MARC
Okay... I promise.
(looks at Alvin, smiles)
LET'S G-WAIT!! WHAT THE?! YNA?!
Marc sees his wife, Yna, an active officer. They have a daughter, Samantha. Marc expected her to resign, but she loves her job. Alvin arranged for her to join the mission secretly.
MARC
YNA!? WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!
YNA
WHAT?! General Alvin called me...
MARC
(looks at Alvin, then Yna)
What about Samantha?!
YNA
Don't worry... I left her with your father.
MARC
WHAT?! You know I hate his guts!
YNA
Babe... he's still your father. I wanted you to pick her up after this mission so you two could finally talk. He misses his son.
MARC
But-
GENERAL ALVIN
Hey, lovebirds... pause your arguments. We're running out of time!
YNA
Yes, sir!
(runs to chopper)
MARC
HEY!! WE'RE NOT DONE TALKING!!
Marc rushes, but Alvin stops him.
GENERAL ALVIN
Let her be... your wife is strong. You know her.
MARC
(realizes)
You're right...
(salutes Alvin, runs to helicopter)
---
As the chopper leaves, General Alvin steps on a strange object: a thick plastic stick with two lines. He sighs in disappointment.
INT. MILITARY CHOPPER - NIGHT
The helicopter hums through the night sky. CAPTAIN MARC SANDIEGO sits across from his wife, YNA, tension sharp between them.
MARC
I can't believe you left our daughter with the one person I hate most in this world.
YNA
She asked for it, Marc. You can't just blame me.
Marc goes quiet for a beat, staring hard at her.
MARC
Then why are you even here?
YNA
I told you-General Alvin sent me.
MARC
Yna... I know you. And I know Alvin. Didn't you file your resignation?
YNA
(angrily)
Fine! I asked Alvin to let me join this raid. I told him not to tell you.
MARC
Why?
YNA
(tears forming)
Because you never would've allowed it. You know how much I love this job... just like you love yours. I can't just let it go.
Marc pulls her gently onto his shoulder.
MARC
I'm sorry.
YNA
(sobbing softly)
I just wanted one last mission... before I walk away.
Marc kisses her forehead.
MARC
I understand.
Across the chopper, LT. KYLA watches, eyes lingering on Marc.
KYLA
(whispering)
What about me? I'd like to rest on your shoulder too...
Marc hears faintly.
MARC
What did you say, Lieutenant?
KYLA
(startled, nervous smile)
N-Nothing, sir.
---
EXT. SKY ABOVE THE FOREST - DAWN
The chopper descends.
KYLA (O.S.)
There it is.
MARC
Where?
KYLA
Three o'clock.
Marc peers through the window. A small, isolated cabin sits below.
MARC
A cabin? That's too small to be a lab.
YNA
(unfolding a blueprint)
From the outside, yes. But look here-this shows an underground facility. That's the entrance.
Marc grins.
MARC
(to pilot)
Bring us down.
PILOT
Roger that.
---
EXT. CABIN CLEARING - MORNING
The squad drops onto the ground. Marc takes command.
MARC
Listen up! There's nine of us in total.
Jerome, Arnel, Jeff-you're with me on the right cabin.
(to Yna)
You take point on the second team. Justine, Sophia, Ella-you're with her.
(into radio)
Lieutenant Kyla, you're my eyes in the sky. Shoot any threats. Copy?
KYLA (V.O.)
(over radio, playful)
Copy, sir. Yes sir.
Yna narrows her eyes at Marc.
YNA
You sure she doesn't have a crush on you?
MARC
(smiling)
Pretty sure.
YNA
(deadly serious)
Because if she does, I'll scoop her eyes out.
Marc laughs. Yna punches his shoulder.
MARC
Ow! Jealous much? Don't worry. You're still the one I married-the mother of my kid. Nothing changes that.
He kisses her cheek.
YNA
(blushing)
You sure?
MARC
Yeah.
(pauses, joking)
But I do find her attractive.
He walks away.
YNA
(outraged)
WHAT DID YOU SAY?!
MARC
(grinning back)
Kidding! Let's move!
---
EXT. CABINS - CONTINUOUS
The two teams split. Marc's squad advances on the right, weapons ready. Yna's squad approaches the left.
The forest is silent, heavy with tension. Every snapped twig makes them freeze.
MARC (V.O.)
(into radio)
Everyone in position?
YNA (V.O.)
We're here. No movement yet.
MARC (V.O.)
Copy. Stay sharp.
---
INT. CABIN - YNA'S TEAM - MOMENTS LATER
Yna kneels by a bed, scanning carefully. Something catches her eye.
YNA
(into radio)
Babe? You there?
MARC (V.O.)
Yeah. What do you got?
YNA
Nothing yet... wait. Hold on.
Her team pushes the bed aside, revealing a large metal hatch built into the floor.
YNA
(into radio)
There's a metal flooring here. Looks like a hidden door.
MARC (V.O.)
Stay put. We're on our way.
---
EXT. FOREST TRAIL - MARC'S TEAM - MOVING
The team advances quickly. Marc's radio crackles.
GENERAL ALVIN (V.O.)
Captain?
MARC
Sir?
GENERAL ALVIN (V.O.)
Status?
MARC
Nothing solid. But my wife found a hatch. We're heading to her.
GENERAL ALVIN (V.O.)
Good.
(sighs, hesitates)
Captain... there's something I need to tell you.
MARC
Don't tell me you've got a crush on me.
GENERAL ALVIN (V.O.)
Moron! ...Captain, your wife is pregnant.
Marc stops cold. His team stares.
MARC
What?! Are you sure?
GENERAL ALVIN (V.O.)
Yes. I saw the test she dropped. Don't let this distract you-focus on the mission. Captain? ...Captain?!
Marc switches off the radio, fury in his eyes.
---
INT. CABIN - YNA'S TEAM - MOMENTS LATER
Marc storms in, grabs Yna's hand, drags her aside.
MARC
We need to talk. Now.
YNA
(shocked)
What?
MARC
(angry, voice trembling)
Do you have something to tell me?
YNA
(frightened)
W-What do you mean?
MARC
Don't play dumb with me, Yna!
YNA
I'm not!
MARC
Is it true? That you're pregnant?
The team freezes. Yna stares at him, speechless.
YNA
(whispering)
Who told you?
MARC
Alvin. He saw your test.
Yna lowers her head, trembling.
YNA
I... I'm...
MARC
How long have you known?
YNA
(through tears)
This afternoon. At camp. I'm sorry...
MARC
(tears in his eyes, furious)
Dammit, Yna! You risked our baby's life?!
YNA
I'm sorry!
---
Justine notices a thin line in the metal hatch. Cold air seeps through. He wedges his knife in-prying it open.
JUSTINE
(to Jerome)
It moved.
JEROME
Sir! The floor!
Marc wipes his eyes, furious but focused.
MARC
(to Yna)
We're not done talking.
He strides over.
MARC
(to Justine)
Open it.
JUSTINE
Yes, sir.
He and Jerome pull the hatch open with a screech of metal.
---
Ella and Sophia kneel by Yna, comforting her.
ELLA
Ma'am... are you okay?
YNA
(hiccups, forcing a smile)
It's fine. Just... a husband and wife thing.
SOPHIA
Don't worry, ma'am. The Captain loves you. He's just scared.
Yna sniffles, nods weakly.
YNA
I know...
The girls help her to her feet.
SOPHIA
Come on, ma'am. They found something.
MARC AND YNA POV
(The team walks toward the large door. Yna lags behind with Ella and Sophia, who are comforting her.)
Ella: So? How does it feel, you and Sir Marc having a second baby?
Sophia: *smiling at Yna* I wonder if it's going to be a girl or a boy.
Yna: *smiles softly* I want it to be a boy.
Ella: A boy?
Sophia: Why a boy?
Yna: Marc and I already have Samantha. She's our princess... so now, I'd like a little prince. *smiles warmly*
Ella: And what will you name him, if it's a boy?
Sophia: I have an idea-Charles.
Yna & Ella: *laugh together*
Yna: Charles? Why Charles?
Sophia: Because I'm Sophia, "Princess Sophia the First." If there's a princess Sophia, there should be a Prince Charles!
Ella: Isn't that from a cartoon show?
Yna: *laughs* Definitely.
(While the girls share a lighthearted moment, Captain Marc SanDiego walks ahead with the men.)
Jerome: *taps Marc's shoulder* Sir?
Marc: *glances back* What?
Jerome: *low voice* I know it's not my place, but... I think you were a little harsh with Ma'am Yna.
Jeff: I saw her hiccuping, and she's been crying since we got here.
Arnel: I think you really hurt her feelings, Sir.
Marc: *voice heavy with guilt* You think I don't feel bad? That was the first time I ever shouted at her... *glances back at Yna, who quickly lowers her gaze*
(They reach a massive steel door with a green-lit monitor. Marc points at it.)
Marc: Arnel... do your thing.
Arnel: Copy, Sir. *hurries forward and begins hacking the system*
(While Arnel works, Marc slowly walks back toward Yna. She notices him and instinctively steps aside, but Marc sits down next to her.)
Marc: *deep breath, voice low* I... I'm sorry.
Yna: *eyes wet with tears* For what?
Marc: For shouting at you earlier.
Yna: *tears fall again, voice trembling* I-it's okay...
Marc: *shakes his head* No, it's not. You know I didn't mean it.
Yna: *softly* I know...
(Marc gently wraps his arm around her. She leans into his shoulder, hiccupping, wiping her tears on his uniform.)
Marc: You know this isn't a towel, right? *smiles faintly*
Yna: *smiles through tears* I love you.
Marc: I love you too. *kisses her forehead* Just... stay close to me, okay?
Yna: *smiles, kisses him on the lips* Okay.
Ella & Sophia: Awwww...
Marc: *gives them a look* Back to work.
Ella & Sophia: Sorry, Sir!
(Arnel finishes hacking. The door creaks open, but his expression is uneasy.)
Ella & Sophia: Good job, Arnel! *pat his shoulder*
Arnel: Thanks... *but looks unsettled*
Sophia: Sir! The door's open!
Marc: *steps forward with Yna beside him* Good. Weapons ready. Stick together. Stay sharp-we're going in.
(As the team moves forward, Arnel suddenly stops Marc.)
Marc: What is it?
Arnel: Sir... it hacked too easily. Something's wrong.
Marc: *firmly, tapping his shoulder* That's why we stay together. Right?
Arnel: *hesitant, nods* Right, Sir...
Marc: Come on. Move.
(The team pushes forward into the dark chamber, scanning every shadow carefully.)
---
SOMEONE'S POV
Man: They're here, sir.
Higher Man: Good. Lock the doors... and take the chopper down.
Man: *into radio* Take down the chopper. *presses the control, sealing the door Marc's team entered*
Higher Man: All done?
Man: Yes, sir.
---
LIEUTENANT KYLA GERONIMO POV
(On the chopper)
Kyla: *humming softly*
Pilot 1: *grins, nudges co-pilot* Looks like someone's got a crush on the Captain.
Kyla: What? No...
Pilot 2: Oh, come on. We've seen how you react around him.
Kyla: *flustered* Is it that obvious?
Pilot 2: Really obvious.
Kyla: Damn... don't tell him!
(Pilot 1 & Pilot 2 laugh. Suddenly, the radar beeps loudly. Pilot 1 stops smiling.)
Pilot 1: Wait... what the-
Pilot 2: What is it?
Kyla: *leans forward, confused*
Pilot 1: Something's following us... fast.
Pilot 2: *squints at the radar* No way...
(Kyla peers out the window. Her eyes widen in horror as she spots a missile streaking toward them.)
Kyla: MISSILE!!!
Pilots: What?!
(The pilots desperately maneuver, but the missile slams into the tail. The chopper spirals out of control, spinning wildly before crashing down.)
---
MARC AND YNA POV
(Meanwhile, inside, Marc's team keeps moving. The heavy doors slam shut behind them without their notice. Suddenly, a violent crash echoes from outside. The ground shakes. Everyone freezes, their eyes wide.)
Marc: What the hell was that?! Jerome! Check it!
Jerome: Yes, Sir! *rushes to the door's system, frantically pressing controls, panic rising in his voice* Sir! The system's dead... I can't open it!
Marc: What?!
(Jerome turns to face them, his face pale, sweat on his brow.)
Jerome: Sir... I think we're trapped.
(The team falls into silence. Ella and Sophia glance at each other nervously. Arnel grips his weapon tighter. Yna gasps, her hand trembling as she grabs onto Marc's arm, clinging to him.)
Yna: *whispers, voice breaking* Marc...
Marc: *pulls her closer, his eyes burning with determination despite the fear around them* Stay calm. Everyone stay sharp. We'll find a way out.
(The dark chamber seems to close in around them, every creak of metal echoing like a threat.)