The Writer’s Corner features poetry, essays, short stories, satire and various fiction and non-fiction from SCAD Atlanta students. To submit your own work for the Writer’s Corner, email features@scadconnector.com.
by Rob Meridy
FADE IN:
INT. BERLIN FRIEDRICHSTRASSE RAIL STATION – NIGHT
VIRGINIA, 26, weaves through the late-night crowd to stand next to EVA, 38. They are wearing designs by Mary Katrantzou. Passengers are boarding the final TRAIN of the day.
SUPER: BERLIN, 1998
EVA
Fate whispers to the warrior, “You cannot withstand the storm.”
VIRGINIA
The warrior whispers back, “I am the storm.”
EVA
You’re late. I expected a serious operative, not a peacock in chiffon.
VIRGINIA
The lady with the sheer top and visible nipples is critiquing my fashion? Funny. Do you have the data?
Eva produces a 3.5 inch floppy disk. Virginia reaches to take it, and Eva pulls back.
EVA
I’m boarding the train to take it to my people in Frankfurt. You may fly back to Munich.
VIRGINIA
Do you not understand what “drop off” means? You drop the package then you — off.
EVA
It’s astounding. Every American I meet is somehow more obtuse than the last. I will not deliver the data to your custody. That would be the same as handing it to the Russians.
VIRGINIA
I’m not a double-agent.
EVA
Maybe, but you reek of incompetence.
VIRGINIA
“Incompetence” is thinking you have the authority make that decision. MI-6 keeping the disk wasn’t the agreement.
EVA
We aren’t trained dogs like your CIA. I have discretion.
VIRGINIA
You have delusions. If I don’t get those files, Americans will die.
Tonight.
EVA
And Brits will die tomorrow after you inevitably lose it or sell it or whatever you’re up to. You’ve come here dressed like a party clown, drawing attention to the both of us for God knows what reason. I don’t trust you. The data leaves with me.
VIRGINIA
Great argument. Here’s my rebuttal.
Virginia discreetly draws a PISTOL.
EVA
Oh, good Lord, why did anyone ever clear you for work in the field?
VIRGINIA
Hand it over.
Don’t make me say it twice.
EVA
I chose to meet here because it affords the best vantage for my overwatch. From the moment you walked up to me, I’ve had a sniper trained on you. It’s done, love.
Jog on. Don’t make me say it twice.
The BLAST OF A TRAIN WHISTLE marks the final moments before departure.
VIRGINIA
I almost believe you.
EVA
That’s promising. Perhaps you’re smarter than you look.
Eva passes through turnstiles and boards the departing train. Virginia holsters the pistol and dials a cell phone.
VIRGINIA
(In Mandarin)
It’s on the train. (Pause)
No, I was too exposed. Do we have assets in place onboard?
(Pause) Understood.
CUT TO: Black.
