"Rescue Mission"

Sample Script
Written by

Xetor

Febuary 21th, 2019

EXT. ROMAN ENCAMPMENT - HADRIAN’S WALL - DAWN
We see the ashes of a campfire still smoking, as the sun
rises on the main outpost to Hadrian’s wall. A few soldiers
are partolling the camp, as centurion FESTUS (35) runs to
his superior’s tent. He raises the red curtain to enter in:

INT. GENERAL VALERIUS’ TENT - DAWN

Dux Bellorum VALERIUS (50s) is sitting at his desk, behind a
large gallic shield, scribbling notes on a yellow wax
tablet. His centurion is standing at the entrance,
breathless.
FESTUS
(raising his hand)
Ave, General Valerius.
Valerius looks at him, sighing. He gives a moment to his
aide to let him catch his breath.
VALERIUS
So, any news from the front?
FESTUS
No, still no sign from Publicus and
his men. I sent scouts at the rally
point last night, but there was no
traces of battle. Nothing.
The general clenshes his fists, just before trowing his pen
on his desk.
VALERIUS
He can’t just have vanished!
FESTUS
You think the Saxons may have got
to them first?

VALERIUS
I don’t know... It’s been almost
two days now. Anything could have
happened.

The young centurion scratches his head, and gulps before

continuing.
FESTUS
There... there have been some
reports of mouvement from the east
in the last week. This could be
 2.

FESTUS
nothing, but... maybe it could be
linked to Publicus’ disappearence.
VALERIUS
Why wasn’t I notified?
FESTUS
I... it seemed perfectly normal at
first. We get those kind of reports
all the time, sir.

VALERIUS
If they were ambushed, I swear by
Mars that I will crucify the
bastards who did this!

He stands up fiercely, a burning fire in his eyes. He starts

to walk in circles, his hand on his chin. Festus stays put,
looking down.
VALERIUS
Let’s send them a message. We will
burn a few villages, make some
noise while we look for them. We
need an appropriate response to
this insult.
FESTUS
But... we don’t have any proof yet.
VALERIUS
I don’t need proof to romanize
those filthy barbarians.

FESTUS
Sir, with all due respect...
Senator Javentius warned us not to
try anything bold on the other side
of the wall. This could backfire.

VALERIUS
Senator Javentius is not here, is
he? I am a soldier of Rome,
centurion, and I will not let my
men die for nothing, do you hear
me?
Festus frowns, finaly decided to stand his ground.
FESTUS
Many will die if we provoke them.
The moment they unite against us,
 3.

FESTUS
we don’t stand a chance. We should
let them kill eachother while we
guard the wall, and strike when the
moment comes. The senator was very
clear on what Rome wants for this
campaign.
Beat. Valerius glares at him with even more anger.

VALERIUS
I don’t remember asking for your
opninon...
The general grabs his silver helmet on his deak and takes it
with him while he walks past Festus. The centurion stays
there, mortified by his superior’s attitude.

EXT. ROMAN ENCAMPMENT - HADRIAN’S WALL - DAWN

A few dozens legionaries assemble in line before Valerius,
armed and ready.
VALERIUS
This needs to be quick. I want the
close coast villages at east to be
teared down as fast as possible. We
have information suggesting that
centurion Publicus has been made
prisoner by the Saxons. Investigate
in every district, every house,
until you find him and his
squadron. Burn the rest. Have I
made myself clear?
The legionaries chant together in affirmative.
LEGIONARIES
Yes, general!
Valerius approaches the commanding OFFICER and gives him a
scroll before taping his shoulder.
VALERIUS
Good luck.
The officer nods and raises his hand to lead the legionaries
to the camp’s exit. Festus, next to Valerius’ tent, looks at
them in disdain before going back to his own quarters.
Valerius notices him as he passes in the central area,
giving him an annoyed stare.