(The scene opens with four, one Sargent and three marines, sitting, facing the audince, in a line. The lights are low, a faint red glow is used to for effect and non-colored lights are used focused on the soldiers. They are center stage, stage left and right are both covered in darkness. They are flying into battle, in a Pelican, it's night, the only thing seen out of the window are flashes of light[from the battle])
Sargent, Steve Willson: This could *cough* be the last time we ever get to talk...(he looks over to the marines for a long moment, then looks toword the window.) I just want you all to know that whatever happens out there...(his voice trails off. He rests his face in his palms.)
Marine, Dave Trent: Stop.(he shifts his position to better see steve.) We're going to be fine....We'll all be fine.
Marine, Sean Worten: Damnit, Dave! We all know that there is no way 'any' of us are going to survive this! Stop trying to make yourself feel better and face the truth! (realizing how blunt he had been Sean turns his head to the window.)
Dave: Come on Sean, you know I was just trying to make us feel better! If you think death is the only choice we have left then that your problem, not mine! Keep your hopeless-ness to yourself!
Sean: You know, as well as I do, that there is no chance in hell that we're going live to see another day! Stop trying to cover the truth with your optimistic lies!
Dave: If you think our death is so imminent the why don't I help you! (Dave reaches for his gun but Sean already has his out.)
Marine, Kathorine Trent: Stop! (She stands up and begins crying) Can't you see that the only way we're going to get out of this alive is if we work as a team!?(She looks at both Dave and Sean.) You two should know better than to aim a loaded weapon at each other!...and to think, you would threaten to kill each other! (She slams her face into her palms and begins sobbing. Dave and Sean both look at each other and relize they went to far.)
Dave: Honey...(He says sorrowfully.)I didn't mean to...I mean, I did....but....
Sean: I'm sorry, I should be more careful about other peoples feelings before I say things. My tounge gets the best of me sometimes.
Dave: It's fine, I'm tense too. Being in this war has been driving me crazy, sometimes I think there's no hope too.
Kathorine
Wipes the tears from her face with her sleave) Thanks.. I've been worrying too. Not about us but about annie...
Dave: She's fine too, your parents are more than capable of taking care of her.
Kathorine: That's not what I'm worried about, I'm afraid of what might happen to her if she has to grow up with..no parents.
Dave: Don't think about that! She's a strong girl, besides we'll be going home in month. (Dave leans over to Kathorine and kisses her on the cheek.)
Sean: Your kid, eh?(Dave and Kathorine both nod.) Lucky. I've never setteled down, never found the right girl, ya know? (Dave nods again in agreement but not completley understanding what Sean ment.)
Steve: We're almost to our landing zone, when we get there...(The sound of an incoming rocket smashes into the side sending the pelican into a rapid decent. The lights suddenly go black, only the screams of the marines and the sound of gunshots are heard.)
END OF ACT ONE