7
INT TRAIN - “Slingshot”
ZERO slumps in his seat on the train to Cairo. Rolling dunes pass by his window as he tries to catch some sleep. A commotion interrupts him at the front of the car.
A group of German soldiers are harassing an Egyptisn woman dining at her table. One of them knocks her plate on the floor in a clatter.
GERMAN SOLDIER
Where did you get such a valuable bracelet? You will show me your papers schnell!
DAPHNE
I don't deserve to be treated this way!
ZERO seizes the moment to come to her rescue. He quickly makes his way over to her table when she stands out of her chair to fight back. DAPHNE pushes one of the soldiers and disarms another one.
DAPHNE
You can't bully me like this. I don't care what army is occupying. I'm a free citizen of Egypt. Now go!
The soldiers lean toward her but back off when ZERO draws his gun too. They move to the next car. DAPHNE turns to him while pointing the soldier's gun. ZERO aims back at her.
DAPHNE
Who are you? Leave me alone.
ZERO
Nobody. I’m just a good samaritan.
DAPHNE
I don’t need rescuing.
ZERO
I can see that. Won’t they come back for you?
DAPHNE
They were just boys. He’s more embarrassed that he lost his gun.
DAPHNE lowers the pistol and places it on the table. ZERO puts his gun away and picks up her plate.
ZERO
What’s your name?
DAPHNE
My name is Daphne. You are nobody?
ZERO
It feels that way sometimes. You can call me Zero.
DAPHNE
A strange name for a man. What are you doing out here in the middle of the desert?
ZERO
I’m really not at liberty to discuss.
DAPHNE
We all have our secrets.
ZERO
Is that why you are out here?
DAPHNE
I’m on an archeological trip. I’d prefer it if you would let me get back to my work.
ZERO
Maybe we can help each other. If you let me tag along I can make your job easier. I need someone to show me the area and get supplies for a trip through the desert. I can pay you if your expedition needs funding.
ZERO takes out his silver coins to show her. She looks at him with skeptical amusement.
The german soldiers return and interrupt the conversation. ZERO’S reflexes kick in as he draws his gun and fires through the door of the car. He kicks over the table to block them from getting through and guides DAPHNE to the back of the train.
DAPHNE
Time to go!
ZERO and DAPHNE make it to the end of the train and jump off rolling into the sand.
DAPHNE
I suppose we make a good team. You can come with me to my excavation. Without my help you won’t last ten minutes in the desert.
ZERO brushes the sand of his face and smiles at her.
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