Syriana

The game of oil and power has no winners, only losers.

Watch the original version of Syriana

Prologue:

The sun beat down on the dusty streets of Dubai, as Bennett Holiday stepped out of the air-conditioned car and into the sweltering heat. He tugged at his tie, cursing under his breath at the sweat already starting to pool in the small of his back. It was his first time in the Middle East, and he couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by the chaos that surrounded him.

Holiday was a young American lawyer, fresh out of law school and eager to make a name for himself. He had landed a high-paying gig with a prestigious law firm, tasked with facilitating the merger of two oil companies in the region. It was a big deal, and he knew he needed to get it right. But as he made his way to the conference room, surrounded by men in sharp suits and expensive watches, he couldn’t help but feel like a fish out of water.

The room was filled with the sound of hushed voices, as the executives from both companies sat around the table, exchanging pleasantries and discussing the details of the deal. Holiday took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand. He had spent weeks poring over contracts and legal documents, preparing for this moment. He knew the ins and outs of the deal better than anyone else in the room.

As the meeting wore on, Holiday started to feel more confident. The executives seemed impressed with his knowledge, and he could tell they respected him for his hard work. But as the meeting came to a close, Holiday sensed something was off. There was an unspoken tension in the air, and he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

It wasn’t until he returned to the law firm’s office later that day that he found out what had been going on behind the scenes. His boss, Dean Whiting, called him into his office and shut the door behind him.

“Bennett,” he said, his voice low and serious. “We need to talk.”

Chapter 1: The Deal

Holiday sat in Whiting’s office, his heart pounding in his chest. He had a sinking feeling he knew what was coming.

“I’ve just had a call from the other side, Bennett,” Whiting said, his eyes fixed on Holiday’s. “It seems there’s been a problem with the deal.”

Holiday’s stomach dropped. He had worked tirelessly on this merger, and the last thing he wanted was for it to fall apart.

“What kind of problem?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Whiting leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily. “It seems there’s been some pushback from the local government. They’re not happy with the terms of the deal.”

Holiday felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. He knew the government had the power to scupper the deal altogether, and he had no idea how to navigate the complicated politics of the Middle East.

“What do we do now?” he asked, his words trembling slightly.

Whiting leaned forward and fixed him with a steely gaze. “We do whatever it takes to make this deal happen, Bennett. No matter what.”

Holiday nodded, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He knew what his boss was saying, but he couldn’t help feeling uneasy about it. He had always prided himself on his integrity, and he didn’t want to compromise that now.

As he left Whiting’s office, his mind whirring with thoughts and questions, Holiday knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger. The Middle Eastern oil industry was a complex beast, and he was just a small player in a much bigger game.

But he was determined to see it through, no matter the cost. He had a job to do, and he wasn’t about to let anyone stand in his way.

Chapter 2: Arabian Nights

Bryan Woodman had always been fascinated by the Middle East. As an energy analyst for a Swiss trading company, he traveled to the region often on business. But this trip was different. He had decided to bring his wife, Julie, and two young sons along to show them the beauty of the region. However, things didn’t go as planned.

The Woodman family had been invited to a lavish dinner hosted by Prince Nasir Al-Subaai, a member of the ruling family of an oil-rich Middle Eastern country. The prince had taken a liking to Bryan and was impressed by his extensive knowledge of the oil industry. He was eager to discuss his country’s plans to nationalize its oil industry, a move that would have significant impacts on the global market.

Despite his misgivings, Bryan agreed to attend the dinner. Julie was excited to dress up in a traditional abaya and experience the luxurious lifestyle of Arabian royalty. Their two boys were excited to see a palace and meet royalty. The dinner was lavish, held in a grand ballroom with glistening chandeliers and a marble fountain at the center.

The dinner was filled with exotic delicacies and lively music. Prince Nasir sat at the head of the table, with Bryan seated right next to him. Throughout the dinner, Nasir grilled Bryan with detailed questions about the oil industry, and Bryan felt honored to have his expertise valued by a member of the royal family.

But as the night wore on, Julie started to feel uncomfortable. She was unused to the opulence and excess, and the attention the prince was lavishing on her husband was making her uneasy. She kept her feelings to herself, not wanting to ruin the moment for her husband.

After dinner, the prince invited the Woodmans to his private quarters for coffee. As they settled in for a nightcap, Bryan noticed the prince’s mood had shifted. He was no longer interested in talking about the oil industry but was more focused on Julie. Bryan started to feel uneasy and suggested they leave.

But before they could leave, the prince’s bodyguard entered the room and announced that they were not to leave. Julie started to panic, and Bryan tried to reason with the bodyguard, but he was ignored. The prince’s intentions became clear. He wanted Julie to stay with him, and he would not take no for an answer.

Bryan was shocked and furious. He tried to grab his wife’s arm and pull her towards him, but the bodyguard stepped in between them. Bryan was no match for the heavily built man who had a pistol tucked in his belt.

“I won’t let you take my wife!” Bryan shouted, his voice cracking with emotion.

But it was too late. The guards forcefully removed both Bryan and Julie from the palace, leaving their two boys behind. Without their passports, they were stranded in a foreign country with no way to get back home.

Bryan felt helpless and betrayed. The prince’s hospitality was a facade, and he had allowed his wife to be placed in harm’s way. He swore to himself that he would do whatever it takes to get her back. He tried to calm Julie down and convinced her not to panic.

“We’ll figure something out,” he said, his voice shaking with emotion.

The next few days were a blur. Bryan contacted the Swiss embassy, but they were of little help. They advised him that he should not seek help from the US embassy due to the delicate political situation. Bryan was at a complete loss. He had no idea what to do.

The days turned into weeks, and the Woodmans were still stuck in the Middle East. Bryan was desperate and began to think about extreme measures. He knew that he had to do something to get his wife back.

Finally, he met with a man named Wasim, who was known to be a fixer in the region. Wasim was a shady character, but Bryan was desperate enough to take the risk. Wasim promised to get the Woodmans out of the country, but it wouldn’t be cheap.

Bryan agreed to pay the hefty sum Wasim demanded, and soon they were on their way out of the country. As they boarded the plane, Bryan breathed a sigh of relief. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that they had narrowly escaped a dangerous situation.

It wasn’t until they were safely back home that Julie revealed the extent of what had happened in the palace. She had been coerced into staying with the prince, and it wasn’t until Bryan threatened to expose the situation that she was finally allowed to leave. She was traumatized and Bryan could see the fear and pain in her eyes.

Bryan knew that this experience had changed them forever. He had been reckless, and it had almost cost him everything. He vowed to never let his guard down again and to always put his family’s safety first. The incident in the Middle East had left him with a newfound respect for the region’s power brokers, and he knew that he had to tread carefully in this dangerous game.

Bob Barnes was a veteran CIA agent who had spent decades serving his country in various covert operations around the world. He was a man who had seen it all, or so he thought. Bob had always believed in the nobility of his work, but the longer he had been in the game, the more he realized that it was just that – a game. A dangerous one, with high stakes, but a game nonetheless.

Bob was currently stationed in the Middle East, where he had been working undercover for the past four years. His job was to keep an eye on the oil industry, monitoring any activity that could potentially threaten America’s interests in the region. He was a man who had become very good at reading people and situations, and he had a sense that something was about to go down.

Bob was sitting in a café in downtown Beirut, sipping on a cup of coffee, when he overheard two men at the table next to him talking in hushed tones. They were speaking in Arabic, but Bob had become fluent in the language during his time in the Middle East. He leaned in a little closer, trying to catch every word.

“What do you mean the plan has changed?” one of the men asked.

“The target has been identified,” the other man replied. “It’s an American oil executive.”

Bob’s heart skipped a beat. As a CIA agent, it was his duty to prevent attacks on American citizens overseas. He had to find out more.

He followed the two men as they left the café, staying a safe distance behind them. They entered a nondescript building, and Bob knew he had to act fast. He took out his cell phone and called his contact at the CIA, a man named Stan. “I need backup,” he said. “Something big is about to go down.”

Bob then slipped into the building behind the two men. He pulled out his gun and made his way up a flight of stairs. He could hear muffled voices coming from a room at the end of the hallway. He approached the door slowly, gun at the ready.

As he barged into the room, he saw two men standing over a tied-up American executive. He recognized the man as one of the oil executives involved in the merger that Bennett Holiday was handling. Bob knew that the stakes had just gotten higher.

He aimed his gun at the two men, but before he could say a word, they lunged at him. The ensuing struggle was fierce, but Bob was determined to come out on top. He managed to subdue both men, but not before taking a few hits himself. He untied the executive and helped him to his feet.

“Who are you?” the executive asked.

“I’m a CIA agent,” Bob replied. “I was sent here to stop this.”

“How did you know?” the executive asked.

“I overheard a conversation in a café,” Bob said. “I knew something was about to go down.”

Bob’s instincts had been right, but he knew that this was just the beginning. He had to find out who was behind the assassination plot and put a stop to it before it was too late. He called Stan to update him on the situation.

“What do you need?” Stan asked.

“Anything you can give me,” Bob replied. “I need to find out who’s behind this.”

Bob had been in the game long enough to know that he couldn’t do this alone. He needed backup, and he needed it fast. As he waited for the CIA to respond, he knew that he had just uncovered a much bigger conspiracy than he ever could have imagined. The stakes had just gotten higher, and he was in it for the long haul.

Chapter 4: The Players

Holiday, Woodman, and Barnes were all brought together by the intricate web of the oil industry. Unbeknownst to them, they were all pawns in a much bigger game.

Bennett Holiday sat in his office, his head spinning from the meeting he had just left. He had just met with the executives from two oil companies, and the deal they were proposing was highly questionable. He knew that he was being used as a pawn in a much bigger game, but he couldn’t figure out who the players were.

As he sat at his desk, he received a call from Bryan Woodman. Woodman, a Switzerland-based energy analyst, was in the Middle East on business. He had heard about the merger and wanted to meet with Holiday to discuss it further.

The two men met for lunch at a local café. As they sipped their coffee, Woodman shared his own experiences in the Middle East. He had just met with Arabian royalty and had experienced both personal tragedy and opportunity.

Holiday couldn’t help but feel that there was a connection between Woodman’s story and the dubious merger he had just been pitched. But he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Meanwhile, veteran CIA agent Bob Barnes was on the ground in the Middle East, trying to uncover an assassination plot with unsettling origins. He had stumbled upon some disturbing information, but he couldn’t quite piece everything together.

As the three men continued to navigate their own personal and professional challenges, they started to realize that they were in over their heads. The web of deceit and corruption surrounding the oil industry became more complex with each passing day. Loyalties were tested, and alliances were formed, as they tried to navigate the dangerous waters surrounding the oil industry.

Holiday, Woodman, and Barnes crossed paths from time to time, but they didn’t realize that they were all players in the same game. They were all being used by various parties to further their own interests.

The tension between the three men continued to build. They were all desperate to uncover the truth, but they were unsure of who they could trust. Holiday had to decide whether to continue facilitating the dubious merger or to blow the whistle on the shady deal. Woodman was still reeling from the personal tragedy he had experienced, and Barnes was risking everything to uncover the assassination plot.

As the three men continued their separate journeys, they were unaware of how closely connected their paths were. The players in the game were becoming more and more intertwined, and the tension was reaching a boiling point.

Holiday, Woodman, and Barnes would soon realize that the Middle Eastern oil industry was not just another business opportunity. It was a dangerous game, and they were all playing for high stakes. As they approached the tipping point, they would have to make decisions that would have far-reaching consequences, and not everyone would make it out unscathed.

Chapter 5: The Web

The web of deceit and corruption surrounding the oil industry becomes more complex as the characters start to uncover shocking truths. Loyalties are tested, and alliances are formed, as they try to navigate the dangerous waters surrounding the oil industry.

Bennett Holiday was beginning to feel the weight of the deal he was facilitating. He had a knot in his stomach that wouldn’t go away. As he dug deeper into the merger of two oil companies, he realized that something was off. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he knew that what he was doing wasn’t entirely ethical.

Meanwhile, Bryan Woodman was continuing his work as an energy analyst. He was still reeling from the personal tragedy that had befallen him, but he was determined to soldier on. During his stay in the Middle East, he met with various influential figures in the oil industry. Some seemed genuinely interested in his work, while others were clearly more interested in what he could do for them.

Bob Barnes was still investigating the assassination plot he had stumbled upon. He was uncovering more information, but he didn’t know who to trust. He was caught in a web of deceit and didn’t know how to get out.

The three main characters were about to find out just how closely their fates were intertwined. One night, they all found themselves at the same party. It was a lavish affair, hosted by one of the most powerful men in the oil industry.

As they mingled with the other guests, they began to notice something odd. People were whispering, and glancing around nervously. It was almost as if there was something they weren’t supposed to know.

Bennett started to get a sinking feeling in his stomach. He realized that he was in too deep. He tried to make his way out of the party, but he was intercepted by one of the other guests.

“Mr. Holiday, I’ve been wanting to talk to you,” the man said, smiling. “I hear you’re in charge of the merger between our companies.”

Bennett swallowed hard, trying to keep his nerves under control. “That’s correct,” he said. “I’m just doing my job.”

The man’s smile widened. “Well, I hope you’re doing it well,” he said. “There’s a lot at stake here.”

Bennett nodded, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. He wanted nothing more than to get out of there.

Meanwhile, Bryan had struck up a conversation with a woman he had met earlier in the evening. She seemed nice enough, but there was something about her that put him on edge. As they chatted, she kept dropping hints about his work and what he could do for her.

Bob was trying to blend in with the other guests, but he was finding it increasingly difficult. He kept seeing people who he recognized from his investigation, but he didn’t know how to approach them without blowing his cover.

As the night wore on, the tension in the room began to mount. The three main characters all knew that something was about to happen, but they didn’t know what.

Suddenly, there was a commotion at the other end of the room. People were shouting, and glasses were shattering. Bennett, Bryan, and Bob all looked at each other, wondering if this was it.

Then, they saw him. A man was making his way through the room, brandishing a gun. People were running and screaming, and chaos reigned.

Bennett knew that he had to get out of there. He saw Bryan and Bob trying to do the same. They all made their way to the exit, dodging the panicked guests.

As they ran out into the night air, they heard the sound of gunshots ringing out behind them. They didn’t know if they were going to make it out alive.

Eventually, they reached a safe house where they could regroup. They were all shaken up by what had happened. They knew that they had been caught in a web of deceit and corruption, and they didn’t know how to get out.

As they sat in the safe house, nursing their wounds, they began to realize that their lives would never be the same. They were caught in a dangerous game, and they didn’t know who to trust. The web of deceit and corruption was closing in around them, and they were powerless to stop it.

Chapter 6: The Tipping Point

The tension between the characters finally reaches a boiling point in chapter 6. The events that have been brewing throughout the story come to a head as the players are forced to make decisions that will have far-reaching consequences.

Bennett Holiday has been struggling with his conscience throughout the entire deal. As he’s dug deeper into the merger, he’s realized just how corrupt the entire system is. He’s been faced with choices that go against his morals, but he’s always managed to justify them to himself. However, when he’s presented with a choice that could harm innocent people, he finally snaps.

Holiday’s bosses have come up with a plan to sabotage a rival oil company’s pipeline. It’s a dangerous plan that could result in a catastrophic oil spill and potentially kill thousands of people. They believe that this is the only way to ensure their own company’s success. However, Holiday knows that this is wrong. He knows that innocent lives are at stake, and he can’t justify it anymore. He confronts his bosses, telling them that he won’t go through with their plan. They threaten to fire him, but he stands his ground. Eventually, they back down, realizing that they need him to ensure the merger goes smoothly.

Meanwhile, Bryan Woodman has been struggling with his own personal demons. After the tragic death of his son, he’s had a hard time coping. He’s turned to alcohol to numb the pain, and it’s started to affect his work. During a meeting with Arabian royalty, he’s drunk and belligerent, causing a scene. It’s a momentary lapse in judgment, but it’s enough to cause him to lose his job.

Woodman is devastated. He’s lost everything he’s worked so hard for, and he doesn’t know how he’s going to pick up the pieces. However, it’s during this moment of weakness that he finds a glimmer of hope. He meets a woman named Leyla, who is also going through a tough time. They bond over their shared struggles, and it’s clear that there’s a connection between them. Woodman starts to realize that there’s more to life than just his job, and he starts to regain some sense of purpose.

Bob Barnes, on the other hand, is on the verge of uncovering the truth behind the assassination plot. He’s been working tirelessly to piece together the clues, and he finally manages to get a breakthrough. He discovers that the plot was set in motion by a high-ranking government official, who was being paid by the oil companies to ensure the merger went through smoothly. However, when Barnes confronts the official, he’s met with resistance. The official threatens Barnes, telling him to drop the investigation or risk losing everything he holds dear.

Barnes is faced with a tough decision. He knows that he can’t let this go, but he also knows that his life is in danger. He decides to keep digging, but he takes precautions to protect himself and his loved ones.

The tension between the characters is palpable as they all navigate their own personal and professional challenges. They’re all on the brink of collapse, and it’s clear that something has to give.

As the chapter progresses, the events start to spiral out of control. The players become entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and corruption. Tensions rise, and alliances are tested. It’s clear that the outcome of this story will be anything but predictable.

By the end of the chapter, the characters are all at a tipping point. They’ve each been pushed to their limit, and they’re forced to make decisions that will shape their future. The stakes are higher than ever before, and not everyone will make it out unscathed.

Chapter 7: The Fallout

The deafening silence that followed the events of the previous night was almost unbearable. Holiday, Woodman, and Barnes all sat in their separate hotel rooms, reeling from what had transpired. The air was thick with tension, and each of them knew that things would never be the same again.

Holiday had always prided himself on being a skilled negotiator, but the deal he had facilitated had resulted in a devastating explosion that took innocent lives. He couldn’t shake the guilt that consumed him, and the thought of facing the families of those who had perished was too much to bear.

Woodman, on the other hand, was still in shock from his encounter with the Arabian royalty. He had never felt so powerless in his life, and the thought of being at the mercy of such powerful people made him feel sick to his stomach. He knew he had to get out of the Middle East as soon as possible.

Barnes sat alone in his dingy hotel room, nursing a glass of whiskey. He had always been a loyal CIA agent, but the events of the previous night had shaken him to his core. He couldn’t help but wonder if the government he had dedicated his life to serving was truly as righteous as he had always believed.

As the hours ticked by, each of them became increasingly isolated in their thoughts. They knew they had to face the consequences of their actions, but they didn’t know how.

It wasn’t until the morning that everything came to a head. The hotel was swarming with reporters, and the trio knew they had to face the music. They met in Holiday’s room, all of them looking worse for wear.

“We need to come clean,” Barnes said. “We can’t keep hiding this.”

Holiday nodded in agreement. “I’ll call the authorities and tell them everything.”

Woodman spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper. “What about me? What do I do?”

Barnes put a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll make sure you’re protected. But you can’t run away from this.”

As they spoke, there was a knock on the door. Holiday answered it and was greeted by a team of law enforcement officials. They were taken into custody, and the reality of what they had done hit them like a ton of bricks.

The trial was quick and brutal. The evidence against them was overwhelming, and they were all found guilty of their respective crimes. The fallout of their actions had far-reaching consequences, and they would all spend years paying for what they had done.

Holiday was disbarred, and his reputation was ruined. Woodman was forced to testify in court, and he became a pariah in the energy industry. Barnes was quietly dismissed from the CIA, his years of service ending in disgrace.

But in the end, they all found redemption in unexpected ways. Holiday started a non-profit organization that worked to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the oil industry. Woodman became an advocate for human rights, dedicating his life to helping those who had been wronged by the very industry he had once worked for. Barnes retired to a quiet life in the countryside, content to finally live a life free from the government’s shadow.

As the years went by, the memory of what had transpired in the Middle East faded into obscurity. But for Holiday, Woodman, and Barnes, it would always be a reminder of the price they had paid for their sins.

Chapter 8: The Resolution

Bennett Holiday, Bryan Woodman, and Bob Barnes all found themselves in different places, physically and emotionally, after the events that occurred during the merger of the two oil companies in the Middle East. Each of them had been changed by what they had seen, heard, and experienced. None of them could go back to being who they were before.

Bennett had returned to the United States, but the person who had left months earlier was different from the one who came back. He was no longer a naive young man who believed in the justice system and the law. The truth he had discovered about the corruption that existed in the oil industry had shaken him to his core.

Bryan had returned to Switzerland, but the tragedy he had experienced in the Middle East had left him with a void that he couldn’t fill. He had become disillusioned with his work and his life. He couldn’t find joy in anything, not even in the things he had once loved.

Bob had returned to the United States as well, but his situation was the most complicated. He had been fired from the CIA, abandoned by his government, and left to fend for himself. He had lost everything he had ever known and was now living on a farm in the middle of nowhere. His life was simple, but it was lonely.

They hadn’t spoken to each other since the events in the Middle East, but they knew that they were forever connected by what they had been through. They had all played a role in what had happened, and they were all haunted by it.

One day, Bennett received a call from Bryan. It had been months since they had spoken, and Bennett was surprised to hear from him. Bryan told him that he had been doing some research and had found out some information about the merger that he thought Bennett should know. He asked Bennett to meet him in Geneva, Switzerland, so that they could talk in person.

Bennett agreed, and he made the trip to Geneva. When he arrived, Bryan was waiting for him at a cafe. They sat down, and Bryan told Bennett everything he had found out. He had discovered that the merger was part of a larger scheme to control the oil industry in the Middle East. The companies involved had colluded with governments, spies, and terrorists to manipulate the market and gain power.

Bennett was shocked by what he heard. He had suspected that there was more to the deal than what he had been told, but he had never imagined that it was part of something so sinister. He thanked Bryan for sharing the information with him, and they parted ways.

Bennett couldn’t sit still after he left the cafe. He felt a burst of energy and a sense of purpose that he hadn’t felt since before the merger. He knew that he had to do something with the information Bryan had given him. He couldn’t let the people responsible for the corruption get away with it.

He called Bob, and he told him what Bryan had discovered. Bob was skeptical at first, but he agreed to help Bennett investigate. They spent months gathering evidence, tracking down leads, and piecing together the puzzle.

Eventually, they had enough evidence to take down the people responsible. They contacted the authorities, and a massive investigation was launched. The companies involved were exposed, and their executives were arrested. The governments and spies involved were also exposed, and many of them lost their jobs.

Bennett, Bryan, and Bob had succeeded in bringing justice to the Middle Eastern oil industry. They had exposed the corruption, and they had put an end to it. They were hailed as heroes by some and criticized by others, but they didn’t care. They had done what was right, and they had made a difference.

After the investigation was over, Bennett, Bryan, and Bob met up one last time. They sat on a bench in a park, watching the people go by. They talked about what they had been through and how it had changed them. They also talked about what they were going to do next.

Bennett said that he wanted to use his legal expertise to help fight corruption in other industries. Bryan said that he wanted to start a new career and do something that would make a positive impact on the world. Bob said that he was content to live a quiet life on his farm, but he would help them if they ever needed him.

They sat there for a while longer, enjoying each other’s company and the peacefulness of the park. They knew that their lives would never be the same, but they were grateful for the experience. They had gone through a harrowing ordeal, but they had come out the other side stronger and more determined than ever.

As they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, they knew that they would always be connected by the events in the Middle East. They had been brought together by chance, but they had become friends and allies. They had fought against corruption and injustice, and they had won. They may have been changed by what they had been through, but they were proud of who they had become.


Some scenes from the movie Syriana written by A.I.

Scene 1

INT. LAW FIRM OFFICE – DAY

BENNETT HOLIDAY sits at his desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and file folders. He rubs his tired eyes and takes a deep breath before picking up the phone.

BENNETT

(into phone)

Hey, it’s Bennett. I need to speak with Roger about the merger. Can you connect me?

As he waits, he looks out the window and sees the bustling city below. He’s always loved the energy of New York, but lately, something’s been off.

ROGER (V.O.)

(on phone)

Bennett, what’s up?

BENNETT

(on phone)

Roger, I need to talk to you about the merger. I’ve been going through the files and there are some discrepancies that I’m not comfortable with.

ROGER (V.O.)

(on phone)

What kind of discrepancies? We can’t afford to delay this any longer.

BENNETT

(on phone)

I understand, but I need more time to look into this. There’s something fishy going on.

ROGER (V.O.)

(on phone)

Bennett, you know this deal is important for the firm. Don’t let your personal feelings get in the way.

Bennett hangs up the phone and stares at the files in front of him. He knows he needs to follow his instincts, but he’s not sure where they’ll lead him.

Scene 2

Genre: Thriller/Drama

Logline: When a high-stakes oil merger is on the horizon, three strangers become players in a dangerous game of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy them all.

Characters:

Bennett Holiday – A young and ambitious American lawyer charged with facilitating a dubious oil merger.

Bryan Woodman – A Switzerland-based energy analyst who experiences both personal tragedy and opportunity during a visit with Arabian royalty.

Bob Barnes – A veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot with unsettling origins.

Setting: Middle East

Dialogue:

INT. LUXURY HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Bryan, who is still recovering from a tragic incident, is in a hotel room with Arabian Prince, Nassir, and his entourage. Bryan is visibly uncomfortable but tries to keep his composure.

NASSIR

(smiling)

I want to thank you for coming, Bryan. It’s not often we get visitors from the West.

BRYAN

(courteous)

It’s my pleasure, your highness.

NASSIR

(somber)

I was saddened to hear about your wife. She was a beautiful woman.

BRIAN

(nodding)

Thank you. It’s been a difficult time for me.

NASSIR

(sympathetic)

I understand. That’s why I feel compelled to offer you a new beginning. A fresh start.

BRYAN

(skeptical)

What do you mean?

NASSIR

(smiling)

I have an opportunity for you. An exclusive contract to analyze our oil reserves. It’s a highly lucrative deal, and I have faith in your abilities.

BRYAN

(surprised)

I don’t know what to say. I’m honored, your highness.

NASSIR

(leaning in)

And all I ask in return is your loyalty. I expect nothing less from my associates.

BRYAN

(uneasy)

Of course, your highness.

NASSIR

(rising from his seat)

Excellent. We’ll have the paperwork drawn up shortly. Enjoy your stay in the meantime.

BRYAN

(nodding)

Thank you, your highness.

Nassir exits the room, leaving Bryan alone with his thoughts.

End scene.

Scene 3

Character Development:

Bennett Holiday – A young, ambitious lawyer who’s willing to do whatever it takes to further his career.

Bryan Woodman – A suave and charming energy analyst who finds himself in a compromising situation in the Middle East.

Bob Barnes – A veteran CIA agent who’s been around the block and knows the ins and outs of the oil industry.

Fatima – A young Muslim woman who becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of oil politics.

Setting: Middle East, CIA headquarters

INT. CIA HEADQUARTERS – DAY

Bob Barnes is sitting in a dimly lit room, pouring over documents with his team.

BOB BARNES

(to his team)

I need everything you have on this assassination plot. The clock is ticking.

AGENT

Sir, we’re hitting roadblocks left and right. I’m not sure we’re going to find anything concrete.

Bob slams his fist down on the table, frustrated.

BOB BARNES

We have to find something. We can’t let this go unchecked. Who knows how many lives are at stake?

The door bursts open, and Bennett Holiday walks in.

BENNETT HOLIDAY

(excitedly)

Bob, I got it. I figure out who’s behind the merger.

Bob looks up, curious.

BOB BARNES

Who?

BENNETT HOLIDAY

(slyly)

It’s a group of shadowy figures known as the “Great Game.” They’re the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes. They have their hands in everything, including this assassination plot.

Bob’s eyes narrow, realizing the gravity of the situation.

BOB BARNES

I knew it was bigger than we thought.

Suddenly, the phone rings, interrupting their conversation. Bob picks it up, answering it warily.

BOB BARNES

(on phone)

This is Barnes.

VOICE ON PHONE

(sinister)

Hello, Bob. I’m afraid I have some bad news.

Bob’s blood runs cold as he listens to the voice on the other end of the line. He hangs up the phone, an unsettling feeling settling in the pit of his stomach.

BOB BARNES

(to team)

We need to act fast. They know we’re onto them. And they won’t hesitate to take us out.

The team nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. They head out, determined to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 4

FADE IN:

INT. LUXURY HOTEL BAR – NIGHT

Bennett Holiday sits alone at the bar nursing his drink. He glances over at a table in the corner where Bryan Woodman and Bob Barnes are deep in conversation.

BENNETT

(to himself)

What are those two up to?

Suddenly, he’s approached by a woman, SARA, who takes the empty seat next to him.

SARA

Hi there.

BENNETT

(surprised)

Hi. Can I help you?

Sara smiles slyly.

SARA

I couldn’t help but notice you sitting here all alone.

BENNETT

(chuckles)

Yeah, well, it’s been a long day.

SARA

I’m sure it has. But I can make it more interesting for you.

Bennett raises an eyebrow.

BENNETT

Go on.

Sara leans in closer.

SARA

I have some information you might be interested in. About the merger.

Bennett’s interest is piqued.

BENNETT

Really? What kind of information?

SARA

(smiling)

Let’s just say it involves some key players.

Bennett nods thoughtfully.

BENNETT

I’m listening.

Sara leans in even closer, her lips almost touching his ear.

SARA

Meet me tomorrow at noon, at the souk. I’ll have everything you need to know.

She slips him a piece of paper with an address on it, then gets up and walks away, her hips swaying seductively.

Bennett watches her go, then looks over at the table in the corner where Bryan and Bob are still deep in conversation.

BENNETT

(to himself)

Looks like I’m not the only one with secrets.

FADE OUT.

Scene 5

INT. HOLIDAY’S OFFICE – DAY

Bennett Holiday is deep in thought as he stares at his computer screen. He’s been digging through mountains of paperwork trying to uncover the truth behind the oil merger. Suddenly, his phone rings.

Holiday: (answering) Hello?

Woodman: (on the other end) Bennett, it’s Bryan Woodman. We need to talk.

Holiday: (sighing) Bryan, I’m in the middle of something here…

Woodman: (interrupting) This is important. I’ve uncovered something big. Meet me at the hotel bar in an hour.

Holiday hesitates for a moment, but his curiosity gets the best of him. He gathers his things and heads out of the office.

INT. HOTEL BAR – DAY

Holiday walks into the dimly lit bar and sees Woodman sitting alone at a table, looking worried.

Holiday: (taking a seat) Okay, what’s going on?

Woodman: (speaking quickly) I’ve been doing some digging of my own, and I’ve found evidence of collusion between the oil companies and the CIA. They’re working together to destabilize the region and increase their profits.

Holiday: (shocked) Are you sure?

Woodman nods his head, looking more serious than ever.

Woodman: (continuing) I think we need to confront Barnes about this. He’s the only one with the power to stop it.

Holiday: (pausing for a moment) Are you sure that’s a good idea? If we go up against the CIA, we might be putting ourselves in danger.

Woodman: (firmly) We can’t just sit back and let this happen. We have a responsibility to do what’s right.

Holiday nods his head, knowing that Woodman is right. They make a plan to meet with Barnes the next day and gather as much information as they can.

As Holiday leaves the bar, he can’t shake the feeling that they’re about to uncover something big – something that could change the course of their lives forever.

Scene 6

FADE IN:

INT. CIA OFFICE – DAY

Bob Barnes is sitting at his desk, staring at his computer screen. He’s clearly troubled by something. Bennett Holiday enters the room.

BENNETT HOLIDAY:

Hey, Bob. You okay?

BOB BARNES:

No, not really. I’ve been digging into this assassination plot, and I think I’m onto something big.

BENNETT HOLIDAY:

What do you mean?

BOB BARNES:

I think there’s a connection between the assassination and the oil companies we’re working with.

BENNETT HOLIDAY:

That’s a pretty big accusation.

BOB BARNES:

I know, but I’ve been following the money, and it all leads back to them. I think they’re trying to eliminate anyone who stands in their way.

BENNETT HOLIDAY:

Okay, so what do we do now?

BOB BARNES:

We need to gather more evidence. I’m going to keep digging, but I need your help.

Bennett nods.

BENNETT HOLIDAY:

Whatever you need, Bob. I’m with you.

BOB BARNES:

Good. Because we’re going to need all the help we can get.

FADE OUT.

Scene 7

FADE IN

EXT. AMERICAN EMBASSY – DAY

Holiday steps out of the embassy building, his face contorted with fury, and slams the door behind him. He paces back and forth, his mind reeling with anger and frustration.

CUT TO:

INT. HOLIDAY’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Holiday sits at a desk, staring at the phone in front of him. He picks it up and dials a number.

HOLIDAY: (on the phone) It’s Holiday. I need your help.

CUT TO:

INT. CIA HEADQUARTERS – NIGHT

Barnes sits at his desk, his eyes glued to the blinking red light on his phone. He picks it up and answers.

BARNES: (on the phone) What do you need?

CUT TO:

INT. WOODMAN’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Woodman pours himself a drink and sits down on the bed. His phone rings, and he answers.

WOODMAN: (on the phone) Hello?

CUT TO:

INT. HOLIDAY’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

HOLIDAY: (on the phone) Woodman, it’s Holiday. We need to meet.

WOODMAN: (on the phone) What’s going on?

CUT TO:

INT. WOODMAN’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

HOLIDAY: (on the phone) Barnes uncovered something big. We need to talk.

CUT TO:

INT. CIA HEADQUARTERS – NIGHT

BARNES: (on the phone) I’ll meet you both at the café on Al-Mutanabbi Street in an hour.

CUT TO:

INT. CAFÉ ON AL-MUTANABBI STREET – NIGHT

Holiday, Woodman, and Barnes sit at a table, their eyes darting back and forth as they speak in hushed tones.

HOLIDAY: What Barnes uncovered is bigger than any of us could have imagined.

WOODMAN: What are we going to do?

BARNES: We have to take action. We can’t let this corruption continue.

HOLIDAY: But how do we do that without risking our own safety?

BARNES: We’ll have to be careful. But if we don’t do something, the consequences could be catastrophic.

As they continue to discuss their plan of action, the camera zooms out to show the bustling streets of Baghdad, a stark contrast to the dangerous world that these characters inhabit.

FADE TO BLACK.

Author: AI