Critical Assignment

CLANKING

CAMERA SHUTTER WHIRRS

GUNFIRE Argh!

It seems certain that the militia will gain the upper hand in these hostilities...

The militia have taken over the main road leading into town...

GUNFIRE DROWNS OUT SPEECH

..Shows no sign of abating.

Reporting form the front line - this is Ed Johnson for GSN.

GUNFIRE

GUNFIRE RICOCHETS Argh!

Go! Go!

SHOUTING AND SHOOTING

GUNFIRE

-Come on, come on, come on.

-You've gotta move!

-I've been hit.

-There's a bomb.

Go, go, go! Get out of here.

BEEPING

The recipient has gone beyond the realms of journalism,

by showing that there is more to our sense of purpose

then just getting the scoop.

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow journalists,

the special Journalist Of Merit Award

goes to Africa's own... Michael Power.

WHISTLING

Congratulations.

Well done.

APPLAUSE Well deserved.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Most of us, not just journalists,

everyone, we look, but we do not see.

We listen, but we do not hear.

We talk, wow!

How we talk...

but we do not always communicate.

To communicate what is true, what is valuable and right,

to believe in that -

that is the challenge we all share.

I'm very proud to be a journalist.

To be rewarded for it, well...

that's a wonderful and unexpected bonus.

I thank you all so very much.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Congratulations. Good to see you.

Laura and I were hoping you'd stick around long enough to come over for dinner.

-I'd love to, but...

-Another story?

-Always.

-Are you gonna tell me what?

Global water crisis, Time magazine.

That's some story, eh?

You know, half the world's population's affected by it.

The other half ought to do something about it.

So where do you start?

Hmm, a wonderful land.

A place with a future.

My own backyard, Africa.

# I've been away for so long I wonder

# If the sound of the drum still has its power

# Bam, bam, bam, bam

# I've been away for so long I wonder

# Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam

# If the sound of the drum still has its power

# Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam... #

MUSIC CONTINUES: "The Sound Of The Drums" by Angelique Kidjo

Now we come to the final matter on the agenda -

the defence budget contract...

..with a total of five hundred million US dollars.

Minister for Defence, honourable Patrick Lambert.

Mr President, after carefully assessing the tenders submitted,

the most competitive are from the companies De Facto and Arms Link.

However, as I explained to Secretary Ojuka,

I favour Arms Link due to their additional seven year service agreement.

I do endorse the view of the Minister.

What a travesty!

Five hundred million dollars...

to spend on stockpiling arms and weapons of destruction

when 60% of our population lacks clean water.

I have with my own eyes

seen the suffering of our people, the lack of basic amenities

such as drinking water...

causing illness, death and untold hardship.

At any one time, half of our people are suffering

from illnesses that come from the basic lack of clean water

and proper sanitation.

Minister, would you want to elaborate?

We simply haven't enough funds to meet the medical demands.

This is preventable.

Do you realise that for every ten armoured tanks that you have,

we can buy 50 bulldozers,

every fighter plane, we can lay 10,000 miles of pipe work

and for all the thousands of rifles that we have,

we can provide 10,000 water pumps?

In the absence of any threat to this country's stability,

I refuse to waste millions of dollars on arms.

As of now, the defence budget is shelved.

We'll reallocate the funds

towards the commissioning of the Water For All project.

Ladies and gentlemen, we can fill

our own glasses of water whenever we want.

Let's not take that for granted...

ever.

'Africa Airlines flight 343...'

-Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome.

->

-It is a great honour for me to address you this afternoon.

->

-My corporation is bringing the world together

->

by making technology available that will breach the gap

between cultures, peoples and languages.

When launching my scheme...

-Michael!

-How are you doing?

Great, how was Chicago?

It was good. Ed sends his love.

-Oh!

-I noticed Thomas Rhines

has managed to slip quietly into the country.

Quietly doesn't get you headlines, does it?

..The shortest distance between people.

-Where's Jomo?

-One guess.

-Football?

-Hh-hmm.

-Listen, I'll catch you later.

-See you, baby.

..Will be the National Grammar School here.

I've always loved Mother Africa.

-She's always given me so much pleasure.

->

-And indeed, it feels good to give back.

->

I often say that in my heart,

I'm an African in European skin.

APPLAUSE

Michael, you're back!

Jomo, you're late.

Sorry, the match went into extra time and you know what?

-It was still a draw.

-Oh, come on! You're telling me

-that I had to listen to Thomas Rhines for the sake of a draw?

-No, no, no!

You had to stay and listen to Thomas Rhines in expectation of victory.

Mango Bar tonight, you, me and Anita.

-Six o'clock, OK?

-Cool.

HE SINGS

# Oh, baby

# Do you really wanna fight?

# Are you sure you wanna see it?

# Ah, ah, oh-oh... #

Oh, no, welcome home.

CHEERING

You and Jomo set this up?

You have no idea how much trouble you're in.

You didn't expect to get away without a celebration, did you?

No, but didn't you guys ever stop and wonder what the hell you were doing

when all these bullets were zipping around?

-There were bullets zipping around?

-Yes!

You should have told me.

The danger, you don't really feel it when you're in the middle of it.

Michael, I know the feeling, it's just like being an accountant.

THEY GUFFAW

If your time is up, it's up. Accidents do happen.

I never see them coming.

I'm so pleased you're here.

-You know Jomo.

-Nice to see you again, Madam.

Guys, excuse us just a second.

And how's my favourite protege?

I'm fine. I've even brought you something back.

Chocolates?

This is for you.

Oh, no, Michael, I can't!

-You earned it.

-I insist.

Anita, I sometimes worry that you guys are not coming back.

We will always come back, this is our home.

Yeah, I know it's our home but...

What if something happens to him?

-Or you?

-Michael knows what he's doing.

Let's celebrate that.

Cheers!

So how are things at the Editor's desk?

Hectic.

The President's water project has caused quite a stir.

And so your water story could become quite controversial.

That's what makes headlines.

It's uncanny.

You're always in the right place at the right time.

A good teacher.

SHE CHUCKLES

I have been inundated with e-mails and phone calls

from all over the world.

I even got a call from some stressed-out American

demanding a meeting.

HORN BEEPS

-Benjy!

-Michael!

Jump in.

-Uncle George.

-Welcome home, Michael.

Oh, Michael.

Oh, you haven't been eating, you've lost weight again.

Auntie Comfort, I eat all the time, honestly.

No, no, no, you're way too thin.

You know I'm never happy if I can still get my arms around you.

-Welcome home.

->

-Chief.

-Michael Power.

-How are you, sir?

-Welcome...

-Thank you.

-..welcome home.

Mr Marshall?

Mr Marshall?

Mr Marshall?

Huh!

Be good. Children, don't forget to wash your hands.

-Nothing changes.

-Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

So it is, can we eat?

Let us honour Comfort by eating well.

-Thank you, Chief.

-This is great, Aunt Comfort.

-Thank you, Michael.

-Your work takes you further and further away these days, Michael.

I follow the stories. It's not often that they come to you,

but you'll be glad to know that my present assignment starts here.

-Right here.

-Then you will be able to attend the village bazaar?

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Ah! Good.

No matter how long the tortoise's head is out,

it must go back inside its shell.

CHILDREN CHATTER

Michael, the President's water thing...

what does it mean?

Basically, the government will buy the equipment,

pipelines, water pumps, whatever's needed.

But the key thing is, it's to be driven by the local communities.

At last.

You know who fetches the water in the dry season? Us women and the children.

-It brings back memories.

-Oh, not good ones.

-MOBILE RINGS

-Oh, who is that?

He is eating with his family.

Excuse me, please.

I want one of those.

Anita!

What?!

SIREN BLARES

MONITOR BEEPS STEADILY

The doctor said she's in a deep coma.

And the American guy's dead.

Michael, what on earth was Madam Baka working on?

(I don't know...)

but I'm going to find out.

Mr John Marshall, 33 years old, a single bullet wound to the forehead

from a .22 calibre gun.

Single entry wound to the front indicates that the gun was fired

at point blank range.

Professional hit, I'd say.

He's lived in Africa for several years.

You can tell that from his body?

No, from his entry visa stamps.

-There's a lot of Air Miles there.

-Do you know if this is all there was?

That's all there is.

Secretary Ojuka!

This is a government restricted area.

Michael Power, African News Bureau. I'm expected.

Thank you very much.

Mr Power, this way, please.

Thank you very much.

Excuse me, I didn't realise anyone was here.

I'm here to see Secretary Ojuka.

-I'm Michael Power.

-Oh, the journalist.

-Yes.

-It's good to finally put a face to such a renowned name.

-I'm Sabina Siko.

-Sabina...

-Sabina means princess, doesn't it?

-No, that's Sabrina.

I'm Secretary Ojuka's intern. He should be down shortly.

-Please, make yourself comfortable.

-Thank you.

I've read some of your articles.

-Only some?

-Well, between work here and my postgraduate studies

-I hardly have enough...

-Time?

-..time. Exactly.

Mr Power, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting.

I can see that Sabina's kept you entertained.

Sabina, are you sitting in on this?

No, Uncle, I have a lecture to attend,

but I'll be seeing you later.

Goodbye, Mr Power.

A pleasure meeting you.

Oh, congratulations on your prestigious award.

Thank you.

For a son of our soil to receive such a thing,

it sends a positive message about our country.

It wasn't lost on the President either.

But that is not why you're here.

No, I'm here regarding the John Marshall murder story.

Oh, the murder of an expatriate.

It's not good for tourist trade.

We all know how important the foreign exchange is...

to the country.

Yes. I was wondering, Secretary Ojuka...

How well did you know John Marshall?

Forgive me for saying, but you sound more like a detective than a journalist.

My apologies. It's just that one of your business cards

was found among John Marshall's personal effects.

I see.

But then...I AM a politician.

I meet different people all the time.

It wouldn't be unusual for my business card to get in the hands of...

relative strangers.

More importantly, how is Madam Baka?

Unfortunately, she's still in a coma.

Oh, sorry to hear that.

My thoughts are with her.

Mr Secretary, your next appointment, Mr Le Trois, has just arrived.

Thank you.

If that is all... I do have another pressing engagement.

I thank you for seeing me at such short notice.

Mr Power, this administration fully supports the freedom of the press.

Maybe these matters are best left in the hands of the police.

They investigate the crime and you write the story.

In my experience, sir,

sometimes the story solves the crime.

Good day.

I'm afraid you wasted your time coming here.

An American citizen's been murdered. Are you not concerned?

I've already been through this with the local police.

I'd be more concerned if Marshall was one of ours.

Fortunately, he wasn't. We ran his photo and prints through our system and came up with nothing.

-Marshall was not an American.

-But he had an American passport.

Correction, he had a fake American passport.

As far as we're concerned, he doesn't exist - someone else's problem.

I'm sure he was stone-walling me. I need your help here, Ed.

You've got a dead body and a business card,

what do you want me to do? Call the marines?

When the US vice-consul tells me someone doesn't exist,

you can be sure of one thing - they exist.

Madam Baka wasn't just my editor-in-chief, she was my mentor.

I'll see what I can do.

How's your water story?

Under pressure.

All right. I'll get back to you.

ARGUING VOICES

Look, take Ojuka, for instance...

I'm not so sure. I took a photo of him during the primaries and let me tell you,

some overzealous intern faxed me,

accusing me of photographing him in a bad light.

Anita, come on! Ojuka's done a lot of good for this country.

Like getting the national youth squad sponsorship to compete in the Junior World Cup.

-That's true.

-So he's OK in my book.

Anybody interested in football's OK in your books.

Besides, is there a good light in which to photograph a politician?

-Same again, guys, yeah?

-No thanks, I'm driving.

-We're flying in the morning. I'll catch you later.

-See you later.

Oh, and Anita...

Soccer is the thing cos soccer is the king, OK?

CLATTERING

Hey! Hey!

-Hey!

-Careful, Michael.

METAL CLANGS

DRUMMING ON ROOF

CAR REVS

TYRES SCREECH

TYRES SQUEAL

They didn't take anything.

My laptop computer, TV, video, stereo...

is all here.

BLADES WHIRR

INAUDIBLE

What have we here? City dwellers in their big flying machines.

Harry Mogaji, Michael Power.

-Nice to have you here, Michael.

-This is my photographer, Anita Chiama.

Mr Mogaji, it's a pleasure to meet you. How are things?

This is what I was talking about.

If we head right over here.

Do you see the scale of what I'm dealing with here, Michael?

This village is not unique...

at all.

In fact, the problem isn't even isolated to Africa.

It's a tragedy that's being repeated all over the world.

Disease is endemic, you name it,

malaria, diarrhoea, dengue fever...

hookworm, and they all originate from what?

Unclean water.

This is Cocoa Stream, the village's nearest water supply.

Only the water here is a cesspool of disease.

I wouldn't let wildlife drink it, let alone human beings.

-Good morning, ma'am.

-Hello. How are you?

-How long has it been like this?

-Too long.

And it just keeps getting worse over the years.

But this is their homeland.

This is the hard life they have become used to.

Did you know, every eight seconds somewhere in the world

a child like this dies from a water-related disease?

-How do you feel?

-What?

How does it feel holding her?

She's only four years old.

There aren't words.

It's not much further now.

It took me more than a year to discover this place.

Come on.

Here it is.

Enough clean water to cater for communities within a 50-mile radius.

How long has this been under construction?

About five months.

We're planning to redirect a substantial amount

of the spring water through pipelines nearer to the villages.

That must be, what, ten miles?

About that.

We obviously don't have enough funds to make it all the way,

but we'll take it as far as our small funds can go.

Every mile we achieve is one less mile for the people around here to walk.

If we can save one life, we can save a generation.

It's beautiful here, Harry.

Peaceful, too.

And despite the hardship

there's a strong sense of community.

Do you miss the city life at all?

Like a fish misses dry land!

Years back I used to be an engineer with the Ministry of Works and Housing in the capital.

I couldn't get one damn thing done in that place.

But at least here I feel I can make a contribution.

This article you're writing...

will it really make a difference?

Well, the timing is right.

The President is launching his Water For All project

and it is an international issue.

So, you know, I really do believe the story will make a difference.

I hope you're right.

TURNS OFF TREADMILL

< DOOR OPENS

OK, I'll see you tomorrow. Take care! Bye!

-You know, when you concentrate your tongue sticks out between your lips.

-Hey!

-Are you spying on me?

-I graduated here.

-Oh, really?

-I've got a soft spot for the gym.

-Erm... Any of your old teachers still around?

-One or two.

My old English teacher's about to retire.

She's finally given up on trying to mark my articles.

Listen, can I buy you a drink?

Erm, yeah, sure.

-Anyway, it's a habit I've had since I was a kid.

-What is?

My tongue.

Your articles are oddly optimistic.

It's inspiring.

Most journalists are cynical, like they've seen it all before.

Just because you've seen it all before doesn't mean things can't change.

If I didn't believe things could change, I wouldn't write.

It's about belief and believing.

Imagine if we all did it. Believed.

The world would be a better place,

and there'd be no need for journalists.

-I think I could cope with that.

-Really? Hmm.

Then why do you write?

-I graduated here, went to America...

-Harvard, I imagine.

-You can tell?

Mm-hm.

I used to write home to my mother and father from America,

before they died in the drought.

Oh...

Sometimes I think I write as though I'm still writing home.

The articles? They're just letters that happen to be published for everyone to see.

And you? Why an intern?

Sure. Well, erm...

Secretary Ojuka was a really close friend of my parents.

-They died too, in a car crash.

-I'm sorry.

And he took me in, raised me as his own daughter.

He even sponsored my studies overseas.

-I'm only working as an intern until I finish my postgraduate studies.

-We have a lot in common.

And so after you graduate?

I'm hoping to join the Foreign Service

and if everything goes my way,

I'll get a post with our embassy in London.

Look, I know you're very busy,

but do you ever have an evening free?

You mean...for a date?

LAUGHTER

-You look stunning.

-Thank you!

Now, have yourself a wonderful evening.

-Great. And don't work too hard.

-Oh, not at all.

Good evening.

Bye, Uncle!

SHOUTING

TYRES SQUEAL

Michael, are you OK? Are you hurt?

-Talk to me, my brother.

-Jomo, stop shouting in my ear.

-It's just my shoulder.

-You've been hit!

-It's nothing. Just glass.

Michael! Michael, are you OK?

-I'm fine.

-No, he's not fine. Somebody tried to kill him. I'm calling the police.

-No, Jomo.

-Look, Michael, we need to go to the hospital. You're bleeding.

-No, I can take care of it. OK?

I'm OK. Really.

-We'll do whatever we can, Mr Power.

-Thanks, officers.

-Take care.

-Cheers.

I'm lucky they were bad shots.

Some first date, huh?

Sorry...

Anita...

I heard what happened.

Sabina, meet Anita Chiama, a photographer friend of mine.

This is Sabina Siko. She works in Secretary Ojuka's office.

Hi.

Hello.

A drink, anyone?

No, I'm still busy. If you're fine, fine.

You can come and check out the photos when you're ready.

-Nice meeting you.

-You too.

I'm sorry about that.

We'll get it right next time, huh?

-I'll call you?

-Do that.

Look, I'm sorry if Anita felt a little like...

She gets over-protective.

And?

And she's a dear friend and my photographer.

That's it.

OK.

-Talk to you soon, then.

-OK.

-Bye.

Hi.

I'm sure spending too much time in this red light makes you crazy.

So you're seeing Sabina now?

We're just friends.

SHE LAUGHS

What?

-You could have told me.

-Tell you what?

Don't get me wrong - I'm very happy for you,

but if you're falling for her when people are clearly trying to kill you...

-We don't want you losing concentration, do we?

-There's nothing to tell.

-Your new friend?

She's the one who sent me the fax. You know what that is?

That is manipulation of the press. I almost got fired.

So is kissing you. That's manipulation of the press.

Anita, don't shoot the messenger.

She was probably just following instructions.

With the fax, I mean.

Obviously.

Obviously.

The number of times I've complained to editors about the photos they select.

Let me see that one.

-Are these the photos you took at the airport?

-Yes.

I know who that is.

It's Jon Marshall.

Sorry, sir, you have a visitor.

-Mr Power! It's a great pleasure to meet you.

-Thank you.

You write inspiring articles. When my Log On Africa project is launched I hope you'll cover it.

It's in my diary.

-What's your handicap?

-That I've never played.

-You should, my friend.

All the best deals are done on the golf course.

You know, if you get your swing right, you use every muscle in your body.

So I understand Jon Marshall worked for you.

He was a consultant on African business affairs.

-Was he with you long?

-On and off.

If it's important you can get the office to give you the exact dates.

-I spoke to the US embassy and they have no record of a Jon Marshall ever existing.

-Really?

-Yes.

-Extraordinary.

Well, whoever he was he had a wealth of experience in Africa,

which is why we hired him.

It's, er...

-It's all in the grip.

-Oh. Yes. Course.

What sort of person was he?

Michael, do you know what a consultant does?

Basically, they borrow your watch and tell you the time.

But the fact still remains that a member of your staff has been murdered.

You can't write that, Michael.

It's inaccurate.

Was that a good swing?

Perfect.

At the time of Marshall's death, his contract had expired.

Strange.

This is a picture of him with you at the airport last week.

He was there, but he wasn't with me.

-Didn't he talk to you?

-I was busy dealing with a more important matter,

like my Log On Africa project.

Oh, right!

-You don't have to mention it...

-Of course not!

..but if you do, it's L-O-G...

I'm there, Mr Rhines.

Every muscle in your body, you say, huh?

INDISTINCT CHATTER

..It's just about... just about a week or so.

..I think we're doing well...

Madam Baka...

Oh, they're lovely, Michael.

Thank you.

Sssh.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

..You're where?

Halfway round the world for a few days?

-Come on, Ed!

-Give me a break!

I got a call from Anita.

-Look, I'm fine.

-Yeah! Yeah, right(!)

Your guy Jon Marshall gets killed,

your editor gets put in a coma, you get shot at, all in one week.

And...?

And you're fine?

-You got shot at, Michael.

-Well, I must be doing something right.

That's why I'm here.

'Jon Marshall's passport.'

He's the real McCoy.

It had a secret code number.

It's standard issue to deep-cover agents.

These guys...Michael, they live and breathe in the shadows.

It was under the radar.

So when things go wrong, no-one holds up their hand.

What I do know is that Jon Marshall worked as a consultant for the Rhinestone Corporation.

Rhinestone, as in Thomas Rhines, the millionaire philanthropist?

THUNDERCLAP

Apart from you, who else knew Bucker was meeting with Marshall?

Someone must have known.

Jon Marshall wasn't just murdered. He was silenced.

Listen...

we both know Jon Marshall was an agent.

What I need to find out is what got him killed.

The case is closed, it's ashes. Forget it.

Forget it?

You know Michael Power?

He won't let it go, Colonel - not gonna happen.

Off the record.

OK.

Listen,

recent events changed everything.

Marshall focused on tracking financial transactions

to do with arms deals to terrorists.

-What was he doing in Thomas Rhines' corporation?

-Come on, Ed.

Hey, you tell me, there's a chance this information can be controlled.

It was just a cover to keep him in Africa.

-That cost him his life?

-Can't confirm that.

HE SIGHS

Unfortunately,

he was killed before he could be debriefed.

To tell you the truth, Ed, it's one hell of a mess.

To compound the problem,

vital information was missing from his personal effects.

-Like what?

-Classified.

HE LAUGHS

One thing for sure...

Marshall got caught in the firing line.

So, you warn your friend Michael Power

to walk away.

This is a story he doesn't want to write.

Good evening, Mr Power. You're expected.

Wow! You look great!

Thank you!

-So, where are we going?

-Surprise.

I love surprises, but just not like the last time.

Look, you're quite early. Can I show you around?

OK.

Secretary Ojuka's a great patron of the arts.

He has one of the largest private collections of African art.

Quite unique.

This is exquisite. It must be priceless.

Not too close, though - you'll set off the alarm.

The only way we could insure this

was to install a new state-of-the-art security system.

Excuse me, ma'am. You have a phone call.

Oh, thanks. I'll take it in the drawing room.

Excuse me, Michael. I won't be long.

But, please, take a look around.

Hm!

..The funds will be transferred a week before the troops are deployed.

And the artillery?

We'll need enough to overcome any federal forces.

I have already taken care of that.

They will be transferred from airport hanger four.

It is imperative that my name is kept out of this whole affair.

We can't afford any further mistakes,

like Marshall.

I'll make sure that he can never talk again.

So sorry to have kept you waiting.

-No problem. Shall we go, then?

-Um, yeah.

AFRICAN MUSIC PLAYS

'We'll need enough to overcome any federal forces.'

'It is imperative that my name is kept out of this whole affair.'

'We can't afford any further mistakes...

'like Marshall.'

INAUDIBLE

APPLAUSE

The piece on the water crisis is gonna have to wait.

-What?

-I think there's gonna be a coup.

You sure about this?

-Uh.

-You OK?

-Yeah, I'll survive.

-Come on, let's go.

Michael, there's not much security for an armoury.

Sh, keep it down, Ed.

Let's go.

WINGS FLUTTER

Oh, shit.

They've already moved out.

They are going for the coup sooner rather than later.

The only way to stop it now is to blow the conspiracy wide open.

'OK.'

OK, maybe we've got something.

This guy... This guy Will Le Trois is a rogue financer

currently involved in negotiating deals

for an arms firm called Arms Link.

Arms Link is a major supplier here in Africa.

Are you sure it was Ojuka you heard?

Yes, I recognised his voice.

They were meeting as I left Ojuka's house the other day.

Well, if Ojuka's involved, we don't know how far this reaches.

What is it, Michael?

Something doesn't feel right...

but I need to be sure.

Why don't you check out this photo of Jon Marshall

from the press conference the other day.

Can you zoom in a little closer?

Marshall's on a cell phone.

That certainly wasn't among his personal effects.

I am going to give the President's first secretary a chance to respond.

Michael,

exposing a coup and naming names will have serious repercussions,

so you should keep a low profile until you hear from me.

Hm?

Well, as it happens, we plan to be out of town.

Good.

We'd better be going.

Good luck.

Nurse...

I need a phone that works.

MAN SINGS IN DIALECT

WOMEN SING IN DIALECT

THEY SING IN DIALECT

This is a speciality of the country. You're gonna love it.

LAUGHS

SINGS IN DIALECT

SINGING DROWNS SPEECH

You're gonna love it. You're gonna love it.

-Oh!

-What's wrong?!

Ahh!

You've got to be kidding me!

Woah!

SHE LAUGHS

LAUGHS

Woo-hoo!

It's a great atmosphere here.

Ah!

This is my family.

They mean everything to me.

Cheers.

If Laura could see this... she'd love it.

Next time, bring her. You know you're always welcome.

She wants a divorce.

I'm sorry.

No, it's...

You know, er... the real problem...

there have been three of us in our marriage.

Her and me and...

and GSN.

But do you know what you want, Ed?

I still want Laura.

But...Michael, it's easier said than done.

We've already separated.

I moved into an apartment on Westside.

Ed, if it's Laura you want,

go for it.

It's never too late.

GSN can look after itself.

BELL CHIMES

Mr President, I was with you in Bahrain yesterday.

I could never be party to a rebellion against your government.

If William Le Trois being a guest at my house is a problem,

-you're sure to get my resignation in the morning.

-Charles...

I don't want your resignation...

and I do not doubt your loyalty.

I need answers about William Le Trois.

I've known William since I served in the Ministry of Defence.

He's the financial advisor to Arms Link.

But I had no idea what he was planning.

HE SIGHS

Mr President,

I can order William Le Trois' immediate arrest.

Mr President,

apprehending William Le Trois may stop the coup in this instance,

but our armed forces are presently ill-equipped to counter an attack.

SIGHS

What was the name of the other arms company that submitted a tender?

De Facto.

Hm.

PHONE RINGS

Excuse me.

AFRICAN MUSIC PLAYS

Michael.

Michael.

'I just received a phone call from the President.'

I'm afraid I'm going to have to kill your story.

I'm sorry.

Come on, let's not beat ourselves up here.

The only part of our story that was questionable was Secretary Ojuka's involvement.

We were right about William Le Trois.

But how did Ojuka manage to be in two places at the same time?

Come on, let's look on the bright side, huh?

By exposing the coup, at least we saved some innocent lives.

OK, so we foiled a coup.

But now the President is going to reinstate the defence budget,

at the expense of what? The water project.

-People still lose.

-Anita.

-Are you ready to go?

-Yeah, Jomo.

-Hey, Benjy!

-Hey, Mr Jomo.

You've done a great job on this car, huh?

OK, listen.

Now, don't spend this all at once, OK?

Thank you, Mr Jomo.

My pleasure!

-Michael, great party.

-Thanks for coming.

Hey, stay strong, my brother.

Ed, I'll see you soon.

All right.

Mr Ed.

Yeah, Benjy!

Show us the shots the video took.

Yeah. Yeah, I remember.

I thought I'd show him the stuff I shot at the party.

Sure, go ahead. I'm gonna go and break the bad news to the chief.

Come on, let's go.

INAUDIBLE

MUSIC PLAYS ON LAPTOP

That looks like you.

I can tell.

They're loving it.

Look! There's me from yesterday.

Play it again, Mr Ed, play it again.

OK.

There you go.

CHILDREN LAUGH

It was recorded!

You've lost me.

It was pre-recorded.

That's how Ojuka was in two places at the same time.

Run... Run that by me again.

-The meeting.

-Yeah.

Ojuka pre-recorded it for my benefit.

What better alibi to have than the President himself?

Michael, why would they want you to know about the coup?

There never was a coup, Ed.

Look at the facts.

My apartment gets burgled.

Hey! Hey!

Nothing taken.

I get shot at.

They miss.

TYRES SCREECH

Then I see the meeting on the security screen.

'That makes me believe there's a coup.'

'I've taken care of that. They'll be...'

That leads us to hanger four, and what do we really find there?

Nothing.

Ed, it's been a set-up.

I've been the right man in the right place

at the right time.

But for who?

So, we have all been victims of an elaborate conspiracy

to manipulate the press.

But why?

You know, initially, I thought this was all about power.

But now I'm convinced it's about money.

How did you figure that out?

Hear me out.

It's all connected to the President's decision.

William Le Trois is involved with Arms Link.

Arms Link lost a defence contract

when the President opted for the water project.

Now, they wanted me to write the story about the coup

in order to scare the President into believing the country was in danger

so he would reinstate the arms deal.

The President's won't give a contract to Arms Link

if they're implicated in the coup.

He's already offered the contract to De Facto.

Mm.

A rival arms company.

Michael,

your instincts are usually right.

But I simply can't afford to get it wrong twice.

If you think it's about the money, it is the money!

Can I use your phone? I don't think this one is mine.

The police must have returned the wrong one to me.

When is a phone that looks like a phone not just a phone?

When it belongs to the CIA.

Jon Marshall's phone.

I'll bet every piece of information that Silverman wants is in my hand.

CAR DOORS SHUT

Let's get this over with.

Our information first.

Let's see it.

I don't have to remind you that it's US Government property.

Who was Marshall investigating?

That's classified. You should know better, Ed.

-That's not what we agreed, Colonel.

-Next time,

make sure you get your information first.

It won't be much use to you without the SIM card.

New deal, Colonel.

No information, no SIM card.

You told me that Marshall working for Rhines was just his cover.

So I lied. Shoot me.

The card.

Just one more thing.

The connection between Thomas Rhines and William Le Trois.

What do you think?

Le Trois deals for Rhines.

You're saying Rhines owns Arms Link?

Now give me the card.

It's in the phone.

So I lied.

Shoot me.

Son of a...!

HE SIGHS This is crazy.

Everybody's connected to Arms Link.

But where is the payoff?

Look...Rhines is launching his scheme this afternoon

at the National Grammar School.

Stick with him until you hear from me.

No problem.

Where are you gonna be?

There's a girl I gotta see.

Right.

Hey! What are you doing here?

At last... HE SNIFFS

..some peace and quiet.

You can't come in here.

I don't have any books overdue,

and somehow I think that the gun pointing at you under the table

counts for more than some petty library card, don't you?

What do you want?

If Ojuka thought he could double-cross me, he thought wrong.

When I get my money,

he might see you again.

Michael.

What are you doing here?

-Surprised to see me?

-Um, yeah.

I'm afraid you caught me at an awkward time.

I've got a tutorial in five minutes.

Look, I'm sorry, but can we meet up later?

Michael?

What were you promised to set me up?

The posting in the London embassy?

Sorry?

You know, I can understand Ojuka, William Le Trois...

and even Thomas Rhines.

But you.

-Why you?

-I don't know what you're talking about.

-You set me up.

-I don't need to listen to this.

Michael, will you leave?

Now.

I want you to leave, Michael. Please just leave.

You are going to serve just as many years in prison...

as Secretary Ojuka, for murder.

-I didn't kill anyone.

-You're an accessory.

It's just as good as murder.

And for what? For what, Sabina?

Arms Link has lost out on the contract to De Facto.

That means no money for Rhines,

no money for Ojuka, no money for you.

You've won nothing.

And who do you think owns De Facto?

Thomas Rhines.

Thomas Rhines.

Why did you have to get so involved, Michael?

Give me your car keys.

No!

GUNSHOT

SCREAMING

GUNSHOTS

MAN SHOUTS

Let go of me.

Let go of me.

SHE GROANS

Somebody stole my car.

..Black jeep, registration...

TYRES SCREECH

HORN BLARES

Aaah!

You'll get us killed! Aaah!

Don't!

ENGINES REV

DRUMBEATS PLAY

HORN BLARES Oh!

ENGINE REVS

CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYS

Come on.

BLOWS WHISTLE

Move!

Move!

Move.

INAUDIBLE

HONKS HORN Come on!

Off the car!

Come on! Dance with us.

Move!

No, no.

Ah, ah, ah!

Shit! Shit!

HE GRUNTS

HE SCREAMS

Michael!

Michael, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I had no idea they'd kill someone.

Michael, you've got to believe me. Ojuka told me

-it was a matter of national security.

-I need that videotape.

How many more people must die before enough is enough?

The availability of these computers

in high schools across the country is sure to encourage

literacy among the young generation...

-MOBILE RINGS

-..who are Africa's future. Log On Africa!

Yeah, Michael?

OK, no problem. It's what I do best.

-Give me time for a couple more.

-OK.

Any questions?

REPORTERS ALL SHOUT

Ed Johnson, GSN. Are you aware, Mr Rhines, that as of today,

the President has recommissioned the Water For All project?

With this putting a definite end to speculation regarding the defence budget being reinstated,

what are your thoughts on this?

Well, I... I think it's good.

It shows that the President and I are on the same page,

bettering the lives of the ordinary people in this country.

And...are you also aware that a conspiracy's been unearthed,

in which the banker, William Le Trois,

Federal Secretary Charles Ojuka, and an international businessman

have attempted to defraud the government?

Excuse me, I have to leave.

REPORTERS SHOUT

Mr Rhines!

Michael?

-'He's on the move.'

-Thanks.

-ON TV:

-'What took you so long?

-The traffic was horrendous.'

'Monsieur?'

HE LAUGHS

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

'I hope there won't be any delays

-'with the money.

-The funds will be transferred

'a week before the troops are deployed.'

'It is imperative that my name is kept out of this whole affair.'

'We can't afford any further mistakes like Marshall.'

'Ensure that he won't talk again.'

DOOR SLAMS IN DISTANCE

Sabina! You home early.

Yeah, I'm just studying.

SAFE BEEPS AND OPENS

-I'll be at Rhines' house.

-OK.

Sabina?

Are you all right?

Yeah, I'm just a little bit tired.

Take care.

Here it is.

Thank you.

-You OK?

-It wasn't easy betraying Ojuka.

Where's he gone?

I'm sorry, but you don't understand everything about me, you know.

Where's he gone?

Where's he gone, Sabina?

Thomas Rhines' house.

Prove to me I'm not crazy for believing in you.

I warned you that William could become a liability!

But you...you didn't listen.

Shut up. You were supposed to make sure he was paid his cut.

There were delays in the transaction!

Did you think he would leave without his money, you idiot?

Be careful how you talk. I'm the Federal Secretary to the president!

Presidents! They are only as powerful as men like me allow them to be.

You're just another corrupt politician.

HE DIALS PHONE

Hello? Police Commissioner?

You have lost nothing. You don't come from here.

You can simply pack your bags and move on to another deal.

But me? This is my home.

My life. I've lost everything.

Everything.

SIRENS WAIL OUTSIDE

Open the door! Open the door!

What are you doing? Open the door, you piece of shit!

VOICE DROWNED OUT BY HELICOPTER

Get me out of here, quickly!

Let's go!

Do your job. Do it now!

Shit. Don't shoot!

-Don't shoot! I'm Secretary Ojuka.

-Hold fire! >

Hold fire!

I've been held hostage.

Secretary Ojuka, we received information that William Le Trois was hiding here.

I need a police escort. Immediately.

This is a matter of national secur...

Sabina?

Secretary Ojuka,

I am arresting you for murder, and grand conspiracy

to defraud the government.

This...

This has got to be a big mistake.

I need to contact the President now!

What have you done?

Sabina.

What have you done?

Kelvin, this is not the way to the coast, we're circling around.

Kelvin.

Kelvin!

Michael Power.

OK, let's talk business. What's your price?

-Sorry?

-Everyone has a price, my friend.

I need you to fly me to the coast, what's your price?

A million dollars, two? Give me a number.

You know, I've often wondered how people like you sleep at night,

-but I don't suppose you have a conscience.

-I'm a traitor,

there's no profit in a conscience.

-I'm a journalist, a conscience pays my rent.

-What's your price?

What's my price(?)

I have covered wars all over the world,

I have watched people die just feet away from me,

staring at me with their last gaze,

hoping...praying for an answer,

an explanation as to why it was necessary for them to die.

That you, Thomas Rhines, stood to make vast sums of money

was just not an answer I could bring myself to give them.

You can't afford my price.

I think you'll find my previous offer was a lot more attractive.

Oh, you're a very smart man, Mr Power.

Perhaps smarter than I am.

But I have wisdom, that's what age gives you.

At my age I know I'm far too old to go to prison.

I don't see you have a choice.

Oh!

I've just made my choice.

-Michael Power.

-Mr Commissioner.

Odd that an anonymous tip-off about an alleged sighting of

William Le Trois led to all this.

Thank you.

I knew I wasn't a fool.

Well, it's the least I could do.

It's over between us, isn't it?

We didn't exactly start off on the right foot.

Mitigating circumstances?

If things were different...

I understand.

Goodbye, Michael.

Don't forget to write to your parents.

So, Michael, are you telling me you wrote this?

No, seriously, good work, my brother.

-Thanks, man. Is our surprise ready?

-Yeah.

-Cool.

I can't believe you put in a good word for the intern.

It's an inspiring piece of work - arms and water.

Too much of one, too little of the other. Well done.

Thanks ma'am.

A toast. Well, unfortunately Ed is leaving us tomorrow.

ALL: Ah, Ed!

Please join me in raising a toast to the man from GSN.

A colleague and a true friend.

He'll be sorely missed. Ed!

-ALL: Ed!

-Speech.

Thanks, thanks. It's, er... It's been some trip.

-I feel like part of a family now.

-So listen, um...

as a member of the family why don't you get the rest of your family...

a round of drinks, hey?

-JOMO LAUGHS

-There's me thinking I could slip away quietly.

-Oh yeah, you think so.

-Mike.

I talked to Laura last night,

-Yeah?

-Yeah, she's picking me up at the airport, so...

-Really?

-Yeah.

Well, have I got a surprise for you.

Laura.

CHEERING AND CLAPPING

You're something else, Michael.

Jomo will be driving you down to my village,

my family will take care of both of you for the next couple of days.

Enjoy it, OK.

Hey, guys, we have a long journey, so let's make tracks, hey?

Oh, by the way,

give this to George, he'll understand.

-You not coming?

-Are you kidding? I still have to write my water story.

-Good morning, Mr President.

-Hello, Harry.

-Welcome to our small town.

-Thank you

Mr President, Michael Power.

-Mr President.

-Michael.

-Thank you very much, Mr President.

-No, Michael, thank you.

You were formidable this day.

Thank you very much, it's been my honour.

My people,

I am proud to be in your village,

proud because I stand among my people

who have shown the inner strength of Africa.

Ordinary people have managed an extraordinary achievement.

I may be your president,

but I am also an ordinary African man,

and I'm inspired by what I see.

If anyone ever doubts whether we can triumph over adversity,

let them come to this village. The whole of Africa

will look to you, and, for that, I'm eternally grateful.

not just as your president, but as an African man.

What you have achieved here today is just the beginning,

together we can, and together we will

build a bright new future for our country...and our people.

APPLAUSE

I now declare stage one

of the Water For All project

officially open.

CHEERING AND WHOOPING

MUSIC: "Goddess Of The Sea" by Angelique Kidjo

# Spread out the water

# Give out the water

# Spread out the water

# Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh... #

Michael!

Michael!

# Give out the water

# Spread out the water! #

# Give out the water

# Spread out the water

# Give out the water

# Spread out the water

# Give out the water

# Spread out the water

# Give out the water

# Spread out the water... #

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd 2006

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