The Group

DECISION MAKERS 4: THE GROUP

INT. SAMUEL’S APARTMENT
Samuel is ironing clothes, with the news on in the background.

Reporter

I’m here at what is called JFK peninsula. Many people here ignored the mayor’s mandatory evacuation. The outcome was tragic. First responders are still rescuing some of those people today. We have to wait until the water subsides completely before a casualty count can be given. The mayor released a statement.

“Our hearts go out to the families of anyone harmed or killed by this storm. We provided the necessary means to evacuate early. We are in discussions with the governor to declare the peninsula a no permanent residential zone.”

END SCENE

EXT. MONTAGE
Samuel travels to hospitals across the country. He is shaking administrator’s hands. Samuel is smiling as he leaves administrators offices. Samuel returns to headquarters. He rides the elevator. The elevator door opens, Mystery Man is standing, waiting.

Mystery Man

The group wants to see you Samuel.

Samuel

How long have you been waiting there?

Mystery Man

You have other matters to worry about.

Samuel

You are a creepy man. Do you know how creepy you are?

Mystery Man

I assure you that this is not an amusing matter Samuel.

Samuel walks into a large room. He sits at a large business table at one end. Mystery Man sits in the corner. A group of men and women sit around the other end of the table. Every individual speaks for the group.
 

The Group

How are you today Samuel?

Samuel

I was fine before I was dragged into this room.

The Group

We want to know what happened in the field with the storm.

Samuel

Everything I did is in the report, but I have no problem repeating what you read.

The Group

Samuel, we want to acknowledge your work in this short period of time. When people die by the hundreds, we must be clear on what happened.

Samuel

We killed people ladies and gentlemen. I did not know that I was hired to be soft.

The Group

You were hired to carry out directives.

Samuel

That’s what I’ve done since I’ve been here but if I am not welcomed, I can leave.

The Group

Samuel, there is no need to be confrontational. This is a fact-finding meeting.

Samuel

You wanted the land around the airport, now you have that land. Those are facts.

The Group

Samuel why did you kill so many people?

Samuel

Those people were deeply entrenched in that neighborhood. They were never going to leave.

The Group

How could you know that Samuel?

Samuel

I was there before, during and after the storm. I saw how people walked around days before the storm, like sun showers were coming, even though the mayor sent buses for them. I helped to rescue some of the living, I saw their conditions.

The Group

Do you believe killing innocent people is justified?

Samuel

I showed them mercy. You are rulers, but you shrink from your responsibilities. You have sat by, while all kinds of abominations take place. People’s fathers are their uncles or grandfathers. There are millions of souls trapped in situations they will never escape from. Wonderful children are stuck with brain dead parents and enslaved in foster care systems.

The Group

We did not create these situations Samuel. You give us too much credit.

Samuel

Horrible things happen when there is an absence of leadership. You should either lead or open everything up and let the masses make their own decisions.

The Group

You know that we cannot do that Samuel. These people would rip each other apart and destroy everything around them.

Samuel

Then it sounds like we agree, but if you’re not ready to take the wheel I will walk out of here and forget I knew you. I will return your property.

The Group

We are curious Samuel, in this scenario, are you one of the persons at the wheel?

Samuel

I am one of the vehicles that carry you there.

The Group

Samuel, whatever you gain from us stays with you, no matter what happens to us. Carry on Samuel. This meeting is adjourned.

END SCENE/EPISODE

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