C.M.A.C. - Saga of a Saigon Warrior
Episode 1 - Enter the Monkey
James J. Finnegan
Based on the novel
C.M.A.C., A Vietnam Era Trilogy
by the same author
© 2007 James Finnegan - All rights reserved
SCENE 1. Ext. - C.M.A.C. Main Gate - Night
Lt. James A. Callaghan (JAC) and driver cpl. rosenburg in a jeep. Rosenburg handing ID papers to the guard.
CPL. Rosenburg:
Well Sir, should we sneak up on them this time or give them the usual?
Drives through the gate and into the Le Van Duyet compound
Lt. Callaghan:
We had better give them the usual. I’d hate to get shot by the very MP I’m supposed to be helping.
Turns left towards the C.M.A.C. Headquarters building and screeches to a halt in front of the ‘Duck Bunker’. Two MPs in front of the fence enclosed bunker turn.
Lt. Callaghan:
Well, I can see that they are awake. Then again who could sleep with a screech like that?
CPL. Rosenburg:
It never seems to wake the General Staff Sir so it mustn’t be too bad.
Lt. Callaghan jumps out of the jeep and approaches MPs. MPs chat
MP1:
Here we go again. When will this guy give up?
MPs smile, salute. Lt. Callaghan returns the salute and shakes the cyclone fence. The two ducks quack. Chatter from a monkey.
Lt. callaghan:
What the hell is that?
MPs look through the cyclone fencing and highlight the monkey with their flashlight
MP1:
That’s the C.M.A.C. Monkey, Sir. The Engineering Colonel put him in there early last evening. He said the monkey needed protection from the rats.
Lt. Callaghan:
It’s been bad enough with the ducks. I can’t wait to hear what Lt. Col. Grime’s is going to say about the monkey.
Lt. Callaghan salutes and returns to the jeep. Cpl. Rosenburg screeches away into the night.
SCENE 2. ext. – Streets of Saigon, CMAC to Nhan Vi BOQ – early morning
Lt. Callaghan makes his daily count
Lt. Callaghan: (V.O.)
That’s the start of day number six, and with the two weeks I spent at Bien Hoa waiting for an assignment, that makes nineteen days in country and three hundred forty-six to go.
I wonder if all my days are going to start like this or if this is just a fluke. Somehow, I don’t think so. Oh well, I could be up country where the heavy fighting is happening.
122mm rocket explodes several blocks from them
Or is it?
Cpl. rosenburg screeches to a stop in front of the Nhan vi boq
Cpl. Rosenburg:
See you at 0700 hours Sir.
LT. Callaghan:
Thanks, Rosenburg. By the way, when do you sleep?
Cpl. Rosenburg:
At the wheel Sir, I was a New York City cabbie in the States.
Lt. Callaghan waves him off and enters the Nhan Vi. Theme song starts.
SCENE 3. Int. – C.M.A.C. Signal Office - Morning
Lt. Callaghan standing in front of Lt. Colonel Grimes desk waiting for him to be recognized. Major Dingby lurking behind the partition, waiting to overhear any conversation and ready to pounce on Callaghan when he comes out of Grimes office. Lt. col. grimes raises his head from his paperwork.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Well Lieutenant, what do you have to report?
Lt. callaghan comes to attention and salutes
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, the ducks quacked and the monkey chattered.
Lt. Col. Grimes obviously AGGRAVATED stands and leans over the desk towards Lt. callaghan
Lt. Col Grimes:
What monkey?
Lt. Callaghan:
The C.M.A.C. Monkey, Sir. The one the Engineering Colonel brought back from the Bin Dinh Bridge. He put him in the Duck Bunker compound last evening. It was supposedly for the safety of the monkey, protection from the rats.
Lt. Col. Grimes starts to pace
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Brigadier General Gottard put up with the ducks because Major General Hearns put them there. The monkey is quite a different matter; the General is going to come unglued. (pause) I’m supposed to report to him this morning at 1000hrs with an update on security but I have a toothache so you will have to report in my place. Major Dingby.
mAJ. DINGBY POPS HIS HEAD INTO THE OFFICE and gives Lt. CALLAGHAN the once over.
mAj. dINGBY:
Yes, Sir.
Looks at Lt. Callaghan
I hear you are the bearer of bad news. The general is not going to like a monkey in his Top Secret compound, the one you call the Duck Bunker.
Lt. Col. Grimes waves to get Maj. Dingby’s attention.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Maj. Dingby will brief you on the status of security.
Maj. Dingby ushers Lt. Callaghan out of the office.
Maj. Dingby:
I must go to the dentist as well. Capt. Dennison is in the field so it’s up to you to brief the general.
Maj. Dingby sits down at his desk and hands a paper to Lt. Callaghan.
Read this, memorize it and add your comments regarding the monkey in the Duck Bunker. We should be back by the time you are finished so you can give us an update at that time.
Lt. Callaghan takes the paper, salutes and leaves the signal office.
SCENE 4. Int. – General Gottard’s Office - Morning
THE CHIEF OF STAFF, COL. SHARP, SUMMONS LT. CALLAGHAN INTO GENERAL GOTTARD’S OFFICE.
Col. Sharp:
Where is Lt. Col. Grimes?
Lt. Callaghan:
He is at the dentist Sir. He has a toothache.
BG. Gottard:
Then why didn’t Major Dingby take his place?
Lt. Callaghan:
Major Dingby is at the dentist as well Sir.
BG Gottard:
Then the Security Report must be pretty bad and you’re the fatted calf. Well, let’s have it.
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, all Signal detachments report there were no breaches of security during the past 24 hours. As far as the Duck bunker is concerned, I am glad to report that the ducks quacked and the monkey chattered.
BG. Gottard:
What Monkey? So that’s why Grimes and Dingby played sick!
Lt. Callaghan:
The C.M.A.C. Monkey, Sir. I was told by the MPs that the Engineering Colonel put him in the Duck Bunker Compound for protection from the rats.
BG. Gottard:
My bunker is not there to protect a monkey!
Stands up, VISIBLY upset
This bullshit has to stop! I’m trying to run a war, not a menagerie.
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, if I may interject, the monkey would be a good backup for the ducks.
BG. Gottard stares at Lt. Callaghan.
Then you had better tell the Engineering Colonel that he is responsible for the care and feeding of the C.M.A.C. Monkey. Remember the SCNF bunker, the Duck Bunker as you call it, is a Top Secret installation and it needs something more serious than a menagerie surrounding it. Now get the hell out of here.
Lt. Callaghan salutes smartly, does an about face, MANOEUVRES around the Chief of Staff and exits the office.
SCENE 5. Int. – C.M.A.C. Signal Office – Mid Day
Lt. Callaghan enters and is immediately set upon by Maj. Dingby.
Maj. Dingby:
Well, I see you managed to deliver the report without too much trouble. The General is quick to send people ‘up country’ where all the fighting is if they screw up too badly. That’s why we’ve gone through 30 Artillery Colonels in the last year.
Motions to couch
Take a seat Lieutenant and give me an update so I can tell Colonel Grimes. Then I want you to stay here in case there are any difficult questions to answer.
Lt. Col. Grimes: (O.O.V)
There is no need to go over it twice Major just have Lieutenant Callaghan report to me directly.
Major Dingby enters Lt. Col Grimes partition followed by Lt. callaghan.
Lt. Callaghan:
Good day Sir. How is your tooth?
Lt. Col. Grimes:
My tooth is not a problem. What did General Gottard say?
Lt. Callaghan:
He indicated that something must be very wrong if you and Major Dingby sent me to provide the report.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Well, my tooth was a problem so I couldn’t attend.
Glares at Major Dingby
However, Major Dingby just had his teeth cleaned.
Maj. Dingby:
My teeth are very important to me and…
Lt. Colonel Grimes interrupts
Lt. Col. Grimes:
I am sure the Major is right but it was untimely. Now tell me if anything else happened.
Lt. Callaghan:
The C.M.A.C. Monkey in the Duck Bunker compound was an issue. The General said he was trying to run a war not a menagerie. He instructed that I was to contact the Engineering Colonel to ensure that he takes full responsibility for the care and feeding of the monkey.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
And that’s it?
Lt. Callaghan:
That’s it Sir.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
He didn’t mention the communication problem with the 364th Artillery?
Lt. Callaghan:
No Sir. I was happy he didn’t and I didn’t bring up the subject.
Lt. Col Grimes:
Well, the situation needs to be addressed so you’ll have to visit the base where the problem is occurring and get it fixed.
Looks at his watch
I’ve scheduled you to leave in a half an hour so you had better get packing.
Lt. Callaghan turns and dances around Maj. Dingby to get out of Lt. Col. Grimes partition.
SCENE 6. Ext. – C.M.A.C. Helipad – Mid day
Armed Huey helicopter arrives and touches down. Down draft from the blades creating small dust cloud. Lt. Callaghan hops on, buckles up, puts on the intercom headset and they take off.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V )
Lt. Callaghan, our destination is the 364th Artillery base in the Pineapple. Is that correct Sir?
Lt. Callaghan:
Correct.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
Then I’ll let you know when we are 5 minutes from the base, Sir. Just a few administrative requests: No Smoking; If either gunner shouts ‘ammo’ then pass him a can from under your seat; and most important, don’t you engage in a fire fight, that’s what the door gunners are for. We don’t want to be shooting each other.
lT. Callaghan:
Understood, however that brings up a minor point – Is my seat armoured?
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
No Sir it isn’t. The ammo cans beneath it should stop most of the flack.
Lt. Callaghan:
Thanks, I feel better already. Remind me to attend to that when I get back.
The chopper flies out of the city and over the Pineapple passing canals, shrines and B52 bomb craters. Callaghan takes pictures, sits back and relaxes only to be jarred back into reality by the door gunners test fire their weapons.
Lt. Callaghan:
Is everything OK?
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
We received word that the artillery base you are visiting has been receiving sporadic small arms fire. Just getting prepared Sir. We’ll be there in less than 10 minutes so you should probably start getting ready. It may be a quick touchdown.
Lt. Callaghan starts to gather his gear. The helicopter abruptly changes course and the door gunners open fire into a grove of trees.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
We’ll be touching down in a couple of minute’s Sir. As soon as we touch ground, you need to jump as we will be taking off immediately.
Lt. Callaghan takes off his headset
Lt. Callaghan:
So much for customer service.
SCENE 7. Ext – 364th Artillery, Pineapple - Afternoon
The helicopter touches down and Lt. Callaghan rolls off into the dust cloud created by the wash of the blades. Small arms and door gunner fire in the back ground. Lt. Callaghan low crawls towards the bunkers. Sporadic small arms fire continues. Chopper disappears
SCENE 8. Int. 364th Artillery Operations Bunker - Afternoon
Lt. Callaghan enters the bunker unannounced. Maj. Schwartz looks up from a map board
Maj. Schwartz:
Who the hell are you? Are you the one that just arrived on the chopper?
Lt. Callaghan:
I’m Lieutenant Callaghan from C.M.A.C. Headquarters. I was dispatched by the Signal officer to understand and fix your transmission problems Sir. You should have been informed of my visit.
Maj. Schwartz:
We don’t have any transmission problems.
Lt. Callaghan:
That’s not the way the Commanding General of C.M.A.C. see it. There have been outages logged on a regular basis when the C.M.A.C. Tactical Operations Center has tried to reach you.
Maj. Schwartz:
That’s horseshit. Sergeant Henderson, take this Lieutenant to the radio bunker and show him around that we don’t have a problem.
SFC Henderson escorts Lt. Callaghan out of the bunker
And don’t get shot while you’re out there! (pause) Meddling Saigon Warriors!
SCENE 9. ext. – 364th Artillery, pineapple – top of Radio Bunker - afternoon:
Lt. callaghan and SFC Henderson look at the antennas above the radio bunker.
Lt. callaghan:
They’re not in great shape Sergeant. What’s the problem?
SFC. Henderson:
These were left by C.M.A.C. G2 when the returned to the city. The masts are used by the Viet Cong as reference points for their mortars. We have tried to patch them up as best we can but…
Lt. Callaghan:
Do you have any other antennas? These are a mess! I’m surprised you can get any reception.
SFC. Henderson:
It’s been really bad lately especially with the World Series. However, there are some unopened boxes in the bunker. Maybe they contain antennas.
They enter the bunker
SCENE 10. INT. – 364 Artillery, pineapple – Radio Bunker - Afternoon
As they enter Lt. Callahan looks around the bunker and notices that the bunker ahs been partitioned
Lt. Callaghan:
What’s on the other side of this wall Sergeant?
SFC Henderson:
That’s the Day Room Sir. Where we’ve been trying to watch the World Series.
Lt. Callaghan looks at the wall. There is a hole big enough for the C.M.A.C. radio cable just behind the radio.
Lt. callaghan:
What’s that hole for?
SFC. Henderson:
The antenna cable Sir. We hook it to the TV when the Series is on.
Lt. Callaghan:
So the C.M.A.C. radio has no antenna when you’re trying to watch the Series?
SFC. Henderson:
And the reception is poor Sir.
Lt. callaghan:
That’s one way of trying to stop the war. (pause) Where did you say the boxes are?
FC Henderson walks to the other end of the bunker.
SFC. Henderson:
They are over here Sir. Maybe you could take a look at them while I check with the Major.
SFC Henderson leaves the bunker. Lt. Callaghan checks the boxes and finds a directional antenna. SFC Henderson returns.
SFC. Henderson:
Sir, the Major requests that you keep our problem with the World Series reception to yourself. He doesn’t want any hassle from headquarters.
Lt. Callaghan:
I will if you help me put up this antenna so we will have continuous radio communication.
Lt Callaghan pulls the antenna out of the box and grabs some cabling.
SCENE 11. EXT. 364th Artillery – Pineapple – Top of Radio bunker – early evening
They move to the top of the bunker and put up the antenna in a matter of minutes using the TV reception to get the best signal.
SCENE 12. INT. 364th Artillery – Pineapple –Radio bunker – early evening
Back in the Bunker Lt. Callaghan tests the radio reception.
Lt. Callaghan:
Romeo Romeo One Two Alpha this is Romeo Romeo One two Charlie come in Romeo Romeo One Two Alpha, over.
C.M.A.C. radio Operator: (O.O.V)
This is Romeo Romeo One Two Alpha, I read you loud and clear, over.
Lt. Callaghan:
This is Romeo Romeo One two Charlie, the transmission problem has been fixed and I am ready to be picked up, over.
C.M.A.C. radio Operator: (O.O.V)
This is Romeo Romeo One Two Alpha, I will check with the Sergeant. Will call you in 15 minutes, over.
Lt. Callaghan:
This is Romeo Romeo One two Charlie, out.
Lt. Callaghan and SFC Henderson start cleaning up the bunker and anchoring the wires. Within minutes SFC. Henderson has connected the new antenna to the TV.
Lt. Callaghan:
Sergeant Henderson! What the hell are you doing? I’m waiting for a call from headquarters.
SFC. Henderson:
Sorry Sir, just seeing how well the new antenna works with the TV.
Lt. Callaghan:
Use the old antenna for the TV.
SFC Henderson re-plugs the antenna into the radio.
C.M.A.C. radio Operator: (O.O.V)
Romeo Romeo One Two Charlie, this is Romeo Romeo One Two Alpha, come in Romeo Romeo One Two Charlie, over.
Lt. Callaghan:
This is Romeo Romeo One two Charlie, over.
C.M.A.C. radio Operator: (O.O.V)
Romeo Romeo One Two Charlie, this is Romeo Romeo One Two Alpha, have you been off the air? I could not reach you, over.
Lt. Callaghan:
This is Romeo Romeo One two Charlie, we had a slight adjustment to make. What’s the deal on my transport? Over.
C.M.A.C. Radio Operator: (O.O.V)
Romeo Romeo One Two Charlie, this is Romeo Romeo One Two Alpha, the Sergeant has been informed there will be no available ships this evening. We can get you out at 0900hrs tomorrow morning, over.
Lt. Callaghan:
This is Romeo Romeo One two Charlie, I guess that will have to do. Please let the Signal Staff know I won’t be pulling Duck Bunker inspection duty tonight, over.
SFC. Henderson:
Looks like we’ll have to find you somewhere to sleep Lieutenant. At least you’ll be able to watch tonight’s game with us.
Lt. Callaghan:
I guess it beats the hell out of Duck Bunker duty.
SCENE 13. Int. – C.M.A.C. Signal Office – Next Morning
Lt. Callaghan enters the office
Maj. Dingby:
Well look what the cat just dragged in. Did you have fun on your overnight Lieutenant?
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Major, cut the crap and get Lt. Callaghan in here for a debriefing.
Lt. Callaghan walks into the Colonel’s office and salutes.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
At ease, Lieutenant. Tell me what the hell was going on out there. Is the problem fixed?
Lt. Callaghan:
As long as the TV reception is okay, there should be no problem. I should send another directional antenna to them…
Lt. Col. Grimes:
TV reception? We don’t transmit TV Signals! Now look here Lieutenant…
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, if I may interject, the outage problem was a result of the base using the C.M.A.C. radio antenna for their TV so they could watch the World Series.
Maj. dingby:
And I suppose Lieutenant that we just call a time out for the war while they watch the World Series?
Lt. Col. Grimes:
The General will not be pleased when he hears this.
Lt. Callaghan:
Well Sir, at least we know what the problem is and how it can be fixed. Does the General need to be told now that we managing the problem?
Maj. dingby:
Sir, we could get in a lot of trouble if he found out we didn’t tell him. I for one would not like that on my exemplary record.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
I’m concerned with all our livelihoods, not just yours Major. I say we put a lid on it and if anyone asks then tell them the problem doesn’t exist and that includes you, Major. Do you understand?
maj. Dingby:
Sir, I am concerned. I have my career to protect.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Major, that is enough regarding this subject. Keep a tight lip. Do you understand? (pause) And as for you Lieutenant, you’ve already been put on Duck Bunker Inspection duty for the 6th ARVN signal outage. I don’t know what the General will do if he gets informed of this debacle. We’re supposed to be inspecting all the sites on a monthly basis.
Lt. callaghan:
With all due respect Sir, the problem started after the last inspection.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
I don’t give a damn when it started Lieutenant. We’ve got a problem and it needs covering up. As for the both of you, I want you to get a backup antenna on that site as soon as possible. I don’t want any more outages. Do you both understand?
Lt. Callaghan and Maj. Dingby:
Yes, Sir.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Now get to it!
Maj. Dingby and Lt. Callaghan leave Lt. Col. Grimes office.
SCENE 14. INt. C.m.a.c. radio room – mid day
Lt. Callaghan enters.
Lt. Callaghan:
Where is Sergeant Holstein?
Spec5 Dudley:
He is at the doctor’s today Sir.
Lt. Callaghan:
Does everyone go to the doctors when the shit hits the fan?
Spec5 Dudley:
Pardon Sir?
Lt. Callaghan:
Never mind what I said. Would you go to the CONEX pile, get a directional antenna and have it sent to Sergeant Henderson of the 364th Artillery – Pineapple on the first available flight. Insert a note telling him to use this antenna for the Day Room. He’ll understand. I’ll drop by soon and check it out.
Spec5 Dudley:
Sir, you know that Sergeant Holstein doesn’t anyone in those CONEXs’ without his permission.
Lt. Callaghan:
Just do it Dudley and leave Sergeant Holstein to me.
Spec5 Dudley leaves with the keys to the CONEXs, muttering to himself.
SCENE 15. Int. – c.m.a.c. Signal Office - morning
Lt. Callaghan enters with the Duck Bunker inspection report. Comes to attention in front of Lt. Col. Grimes desk. Maj. Dingby is behind him.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
I hope you have another mundane report Lieutenant. The last several days have been bliss.
Lt. Callaghan snaps to attention and salutes.
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, the ducks quacked, the monkey chattered and the chickens clucked.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Thank you Lieutenant, you’re dismissed.
maj. Dingby:
Sir, I don’t think you heard what Lieutenant Callaghan said.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Of course I did major. He said the ducks quacked, the monkey chattered and (pause) where did the clucking chickens come from, Lieutenant?
Lt. callaghan:
I don’t know, Sir. I asked the MP Guards and they said that they appeared sometime last night before I arrived for the inspection.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
What the hell is the General going to say now?
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, if I could make a suggestion?
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Now what Lieutenant?
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, it might be wise just to remove the chickens and not say anything.
Major Dingby re-enters the office.
Maj. Dingby:
Sir, the Chief of Staff says that the General would like to see you in his office right now. It seems that there is a problem with the Duck Bunker.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
How the hell would he know?
Maj. Dingby:
He recently arrived from Free World Military Forces Command and noticed the chickens.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Major, you knew about the chickens? Why didn’t you tell me?
Maj. Dingby:
I thought it was better left to Lieutenant Callaghan to report the situation, Sir.
Enter Captain Dennison
Capt. Dennison:
Good morning Sir.
lt. Col. Grimes:
What’s good about it Captain. Do you know anything about the chickens in the Duck Bunker?
Picks up a folder from his desk and opens it.
Capt. Dennison:
Yes Sir, I put them in the compound early last evening, from the other side of the Duck Bunker where the guards couldn’t see me.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Can you imagine what the General will think when he hears that one of my people outfoxed the MPs?
Maj. Dingby:
Maybe we could temper the situation by telling the General we were performing additional security checks.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
He’ll see right through that Major. Then again that may be my only explanation. (pause) Captain Dennison, what the hell caused you to do such a thing?
Capt. Dennison:
They are General Minh’s chickens. The rats have been attacking them and General Minh’s cook asked me to put them in the compound for protection.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Does General Minh know this has happened?
Capt. Dennison:
I suppose so Sir. It would be a nice gesture on our part to protect his chickens.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
We’ve got a war on and you’re speaking of nice gestures!
Capt. Dennison:
That’s part of my job as an advisor isn’t it, Sir.
Maj. Dingby re-enters Lt. Colonel Grimes office.
Maj. dingby:
Sir, the General is waiting.
Throws the folder on the desk.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
So I’m the fatted calf. Well you all had just better wait here until I return. Who knows what the General is going to do about this. I’m not going to take this rap by myself.
Lt. Col. Grimes leaves in a huff. Phone rings and Capt. Dennison answers it. Hands it to Lt. Callaghan.
Lt. Callaghan:
Thank you Sir. (pause) This is Lieutenant Callaghan.
SFC. Holstein: (O.O.V)
Sir, this is Sergeant Holstein. Did you forget you were to return to the 364th Artillery? Your chopper is ready on the pad in front of the Capital Military District Briefing Room. You had better get a move on as there is hell to pay for missing a flight.
Lt. Callaghan:
Right Sergeant Holstein. Tell them I will be there in five minutes.
maj. Dingby:
Lt. Callaghan, where are you going?
Lt. Callaghan:
I had a flight scheduled to go to the 364th and it’s on the parade field pad. I had better go as you know how upset the General gets when we miss booked flights.
Lt. Callaghan leaves the Signal Office, drops by the Radio Room, picks up his M14 and helmet and heads for the chopper.
SCENE 16. EXT. C.M.A.C. parade Field – Chopper Pad – Late Morning
Lt. Callaghan jumps on the helicopter and it immediately takes off. He puts on his headset.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
Welcome aboard Sir. You’re 15 minutes late and I’ll have to report the delay to my Operations Center when we return. You may have a reprieve as there are firefights in the area and we may be called in for gunship or Medivac support.
Lt. callaghan:
Has my seat been armored yet?
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
No Sir, we haven’t gotten around to that yet. I am sure the ammo cans will provide a good defence against flack.
Lt. Callaghan:
I’m sure they will as long as nothing hits them. I would hate to be snuffed by my own side’s ammunition.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
We’ll let you know the status when we get closer to the landing site Sir.
Lt. Callaghan sits and watches the countryside pass by.
Lt. Callaghan: (V.O.)
I don’t understand this war. The things that could help humanity are being destroyed by political and military forces. This would be such a beautiful place without death and destruction of the current and historical conflicts. I just don’t understand…
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
Sir, the firefights that I mentioned before are getting worse. We have been called in to support Medivac so your flight to the 364th has been aborted. We will be engaged as we approach, touchdown and leave so I would appreciate your helping the gunners with ammo and the troops when they bring the wounded aboard. We’ll be engaged in about ten minutes so get ready.
Lt. Callaghan looked around for something to do and then simply sat looking DEFENCELESS.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
Sir, there will be two wounded coming aboard. They are in pretty bad shape so do what you can for them.
In the midst of blazing door GUNNERS, the helicopter touches down and four soldiers approach carrying two wounded partially covered in body bags. Callaghan struggles to help them bring the wounded aboard.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
Are they secure Lieutenant?
Lt. Callaghan:
They’re secure.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
Next stop Third Field Hospital
The helicopter takes off, door gunners blazing, makes a sharp turn sending Lt. Callaghan scrambling.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
Are you OK Sir?
Lt. Callaghan:
I guess I’m OK but these guys really need help.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
We’ll be there in twenty minutes. Do what you can for them.
SCENE 17. EXT. Third Field Hospital Helipad – afternoon
Three medics and two stretchers are rushed to the landing chopper.
Helicopter Pilot: (O.O.V)
They need some help getting the wounded in. Can you help them Sir? Either way you’ll have to find your way back to C.M.A.C. as we’ve been called back out.
Callaghan helps the medics move the wounded into emergency.
SCENE 18. INT. Emergency room, Third Field hospital - Afternoon
In the middle of the heightened activity of the Emergency Room Lt. Callaghan feels helpless. Nurse sidesteps him, obviously AGGRAVATED.
Lt. Callighan:
You’re not helping by being in the way Lieutenant.
Takes a good look at Callaghan
It’s you, the bastard that said something in the PX about my ass. What the hell are you doing here?
Lt callaghan:
I just help bring in two wounded and don’t know how I can help.
Lt callighan:
You can help by getting the hell out of the way.
Lt Callaghan:
Okay, Okay! Where’s the hospital entrance?
Lt. Callighan:
Over there.
Lt. Callaghan leaves looking back at Lt. Callighan. She looks up and smiles.
SCENE 19. INT. C.M.A.C. Signal Office – Late afternoon
Lt. Callaghan enters. Major Dingby is in Col. Grimes office.
Lt. Col. Grimes: (O.O.V)
Lt. Callaghan, would you mind stepping into my office?
Lt. Callaghan, a little surprised, makes his way into the office.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
I suppose that there is perfectly good explanation of your absence, especially after I told you to wait until I returned from the meeting with the General?
Maj. Dingby:
You might take the time now to share that with us, Lieutenant.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Major, will you cut the sarcasm and just let him get on with it.
Lt. Callaghan:
Well Sir, as Major Dingby knows, I had a chopper booked today to fly to the 364th and make sure their antennas were installed and working properly. However, about half way there we were diverted to pick up some wounded. Once the pickup was made we flew to Third Field Hospital and I was left to make my own way back. I called for a jeep but there were none available so I took a pedicab. By the way, do I get compensated for the cab ride?
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Compensated? Compensated? You could have taken a blue bus from there to the city and an orange bus to get here. Why didn’t you take the bus?
Lt. Callaghan:
That, as you know, would have taken several hours Sir.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Oh, never mind. We have more important issues to discuss.
The General was furious about the chickens and especially how they got there. The situation has put him in a bind as he doesn’t want to upset General Minh. So the chickens stay. However, because of Captain Dennison’s little manoeuvre he wants you to sneak up on the MPs when you perform your early morning inspection to see if they are really paying attention. In other words, no more screeching to a halt in front of the headquarters. Corporal Rosenburg will have to mend his driving habits.
Lt. Callaghan:
Sir, with all due respect, if this was caused by Captain Dennison why isn’t he performing the Duck Bunker inspections?
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Because, Lieutenant, you started the problem when you let the 6th ARVN go off air. You’re on very shaky ground already so watch your step. Now get out of here and make sure you pull Duck Bunker Inspection duty tonight. I don’t want anymore problems.
SCENE 20. EXT. C.M.A.C. Headquarters parade field – middle of the night
Corporal Rosenburg drops off Callaghan out of sight of the MPs, Whispers.
Cpl. Rosenburg:
Good luck Sir. I hope you don’t get caught.
Lt. Callaghan gets out of the jeep and creeps towards the Duck Bunker. As he approaches the fence and shakes it the two MPs collar and handcuff him.
MP (1)
You’ve had it sucker!
Lt. Callaghan
What are you doing? I’ve been ordered by the General to check up on you guys.
MP (1):
Sorry Sir but we’ve been ordered to apprehend anyone who approaches this compound.
MP (2) grabs the radio microphone and calls MP headquarters
MP (2):
This is Juliet Bravo One, We’ve just caught one. Send over a jeep.
Lt. Callaghan:
I want to see the Chief of Staff, now!
Jeep arrives and Lt. Callaghan is hustled aboard.
MP (1):
Sorry Sir, but you’re going to jail. Orders are orders.
Jeep takes off and leaves the compound.
SCENE 21. INT. C.M.A.C. Signal Office - Morning
Major Dingby enters Lt. Col. Grimes office.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
Why hasn’t Lt. Callaghan reported in, he is two hours late.
Maj. Dingby:
You know Lt. Callaghan Sir. Something always happens to him.
Clerk enters Lt. Col. Grimes office.
Clerk:
Excuse me Sir, there is a phone call from the CO of the 716th MP battalion.
Lt. Col. Grimes:
See what he wants Major. I don’t need any more problems.
Major Dingby picks up the phone.
Maj. Dingby:
This is Major Dingby.
CO 716th MP Battalion: (O.O.V)
This is Colonel Haggard, CO of the 716th MP Battalion. We’ve got a Lieutenant Callaghan who says he is one of your men. He was caught while trying to the SCIF, or as you call it, Duck Bunker compound. It seems he has been hassling, my troops on a regular basis so I gave orders to catch him and stick him in jail. You’ll have to send someone down here so I can release him into their custody.
major Dingby covers the mouthpiece of the phone:
Maj. Dingby:
Sir, Lt. Callaghan is in the MP jail. The MP CO wants us to send someone down there so Lt. Callaghan can be released into their custody.
Lt. Col. Grimes grabs the phone.
Sir, this is Lt. Colonel Grimes. We’ll send down someone right away. Thank you, Sir.
Major send Captain Dennison to the MP Battalion jail and pick up Lt. Callaghan. I need to think about how this needs to be handled. (pause)
Another Callaghan Calamity, I’ll kill that son-of-a-bitch when I get my hands on him.