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Screenplays

The Code of Silence

Colonel Sebastian Rook's life is shattered when a fabricated traitor claim drags him into a deadly web of espionage, betrayal, and heart-wrenching loss. Haunted by a tragic past and the ghost of a forbidden love, he must navigate a maze of dangerous secrets and ruthless enemies to reclaim his honor.
Genre: Drama / Thriller                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Time Period: 1980s, Flashbacks to 1950s-1970s

Short Summary-Form Screenplay

Act 1: A Life Shaped by Tragedy

INT. FRENCH MILITARY PRISON - CELL - NIGHT

The camera focuses on COLONEL SEBASTIAN ROOK, early 40s, rugged but worn, his face reflecting years of suffering and loss. He’s hunched over on a cot, an unread letter in hand. His gaunt expression contrasts with the formidable, intelligent man he once was.

Sebastian's voiceover (gravelly, reflective):
"Patriotism was never a choice. It was all I had left after the wars at home took everything. My mother... my father... my sister. They all left. The world always takes, but it never gives."

Cut to:

FLASHBACK - 1958 - FRENCH ARMY RECRUITING OFFICE

Young Sebastian Rook (18) stands in a worn military office, eager and determined. He signs a recruitment form with a steady hand. The promise of something greater than the world around him beckons.

Voiceover:
"The army offered an escape. A chance to fill the void. At 18, I was a boy. By 28, I was someone else."

EXT. FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE - 1965 - DAY

A brutal scene unfolds: Sebastian's father and sister are victims of a car bombing, orchestrated by the Russian mafia in retaliation for Sebastian's covert work. The explosion is sudden, jarring. Sebastian watches in horror, powerless to save them.

INT. FRENCH INTELLIGENCE - OPERATIONS ROOM - NIGHT (LATE 1960s)

Sebastian has risen to the rank of captain. A cold, calculating professional, he processes confidential documents with precision. His eyes, however, betray an inner conflict—grief. He’s fighting on multiple fronts.

Cut to:

INT. COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT

Sebastian meets ISABELLE (late 20s), a striking woman with an air of mystery. She’s half-French, half-Russian, and her beauty is matched by her complex heritage. Her gaze challenges him, and an electric tension fills the space. They exchange a few words, the chemistry undeniable.

INT. PARTY - NIGHT (1970s)

Sebastian and Isabelle meet again, this time at a lavish party. The two connect over whispered conversations, shared drinks, and stolen glances. Isabelle's charm entices him, and their romance blossoms, despite the dangerous world that surrounds them.

ACT 2: A Love Torn Apart

INT. FRENCH MILITARY HQ - DAY (Early 1970s)

Sebastian is preparing for a mission to China, one that will separate him from Isabelle for what he believes will be a short time. He promises to return and marry her. There’s hope, a vision of a future together.

Cut to:

INT. MILITARY PLANE - NIGHT (1970s)

Sebastian looks out the window as the plane ascends. Isabelle’s last words echo in his mind: “Come back to me, Sebastian. Promise me.”

EXT. MILITARY AIRBASE - NIGHT (1974)

Three years later. Sebastian returns from China, weary and changed. His mission was extended, the wait longer than expected.

INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT

A police officer hands Sebastian an envelope containing the tragic news: Isabelle has died. Sebastian’s world shatters. He stumbles back, struggling to make sense of it.

EXT. PARIS - NIGHT (1974)

Sebastian stands alone, clutching a picture of Isabelle. His face is a portrait of devastation as he contemplates the truth—her death was no accident. The connection to her father, the Russian mafia, and a web of betrayal slowly unravels in his mind.

ACT 3: Descent into Darkness

INT. PRISON CELL - NIGHT (1982)

Sebastian sits motionless in his solitary confinement, the walls closing in. His PTSD and depression plague him. He revisits his past memories—his first meeting with Isabelle, their love, his lost family.

Voiceover
"I have always been a soldier. But this war, this one inside me... is the hardest to fight."

INT. MILITARY INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY (1985)

Sebastian is interrogated, framed for treason by an envious colleague. His faith in everything he once believed in is shattered. He is accused of betraying his country, a scapegoat for the crimes of others.

INT. PRISON CELL - NIGHT

The door creaks open. A shadowy figure enters—CAPTAIN REMY DURAND, Sebastian’s old friend and confidant. Durand reveals the unthinkable truth: Sebastian has a daughter, born from his romance with Isabelle. She was hidden, adopted, and now, the knowledge of her existence is a lifeline for Sebastian.

EXT. PRISON COURTYARD - DAY

Sebastian and Durand speak in hushed tones. Durand offers an escape plan, but Sebastian hesitates. The idea of leaving, of abandoning his daughter to a dangerous life, haunts him.

Sebastian:
"I have lost everything. How can I bring her into this life of shadows?"

Durand’s eyes harden.
"She deserves to know you. To know the man you were."

ACT 4: Redemption and Escape

INT. PRISON CELL - NIGHT

A letter arrives, hand-delivered. It’s from his daughter. In it, she pleads for her father, the father she never knew. The letter is simple, raw, a cry for help.

Voiceover
"I will not let the ghosts of the past destroy her too."

INT. PRISON - NIGHT (FINAL ESCAPE)

With a sense of urgency, Sebastian and Durand break free. The tension builds, every footstep a risk. As they make their way through the prison corridors, Sebastian’s resolve strengthens.

EXT. ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY (1985)

Sebastian stands at the edge of a secluded farmhouse, a safe haven. Durand watches from the car. They are free. The world behind them is a blur of old enemies and unfinished business.

As Sebastian enters the house, a young girl, around 10, opens the door. Her eyes are Isabelle's, but softer, less burdened.

INT. FARMHOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Sebastian sits, staring at his daughter. He reaches out, his hands trembling.

Sebastian:
"I’m here. I’m here now."

The camera lingers on his face as a tear slips down his cheek. Redemption, however small, is still possible.

FADE OUT.

THE END.

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Detailed Screenplay


Part 1: The Beginning of Loss

Time Period: 1940s-1950s
Location: Rural France, French Army Office

Scene 1: Childhood Tragedy

Setting: The rural French countryside. It’s a crisp morning, and the camera pans over a quaint farmhouse. Inside, young Sebastian Rook (18) is in a small bedroom, surrounded by pictures of his late mother. The silence is heavy, thick with the grief of loss. The year is 1956.

Sebastian's Voiceover:
"I was never meant to have a mother, or a family. By the time I was a teenager, I learned to let go. Loss wasn't something you recover from; it was something you learn to live with."

Flashback: A tender moment between Sebastian and his mother before her death. They share a quiet moment as she tells him how proud she is of him. A soft smile on his face contrasts the later devastation.

Cut to: The day of her death. A brief, intense flash of the moment Sebastian loses his mother—perhaps due to an illness or accident—leaving him with only distant memories of her. His father, distant and cold in the aftermath, becomes emotionally unavailable.

Scene 2: A Decision to Escape

Setting: A small French town. The year is 1958. Sebastian now 18, walks down a dirt path leading to the French Army recruitment office, his face resolute, yet burdened with quiet sorrow. He wears a stiff uniform, signaling the first step in a long journey.

Sebastian's Voiceover:
"The army offered an escape. I wasn't running from something; I was running toward a purpose. A soldier has no room for grief. Only duty."

Inside the office, the recruiter greets Sebastian with a warm handshake, but the young man’s eyes are cold, hardened by personal loss. He signs the papers without a second thought. The camera lingers on the pen in his hand, the way his fingers tighten around it.


Part 2: The Early Years in Service

Time Period: 1958-1965
Location: French Army Base, Training Grounds, The Barracks

Scene 1: A New World

Setting: A military training camp. The year is 1959. Sebastian is in his early 20s now, intense, driven, yet a little naive in the ways of the world. He runs with his fellow recruits in a dusty field, the physical exertion an outlet for his emotional pain. There’s camaraderie here, but it’s clear Sebastian is a loner.

Voiceover:
"In the army, no one cared about your past. You were just a number. A cog in the machine. I learned to focus on what was ahead, not what was lost."

In a series of training sequences, we see Sebastian’s rise through the ranks, excelling in strategy, leadership, and combat. His mind is sharp, his discipline unmatched. The camera catches brief flashes of him looking at family photos tucked away in his locker, a reminder of the life he’s trying to escape.

Scene 2: Recognition and the Call to Intelligence

Setting: A French Army office, two years after Sebastian’s training. Sebastian stands in front of Colonel Dupont, who assesses him with a critical eye.

Colonel Dupont:
"You’re more than just a soldier, Rook. You’ve got a mind for strategy, an understanding of foreign affairs. We need people like you. It’s time for you to be more than just a soldier. Ever considered intelligence work?"

The offer is clear, and Sebastian agrees without hesitation. He’s recruited into French Intelligence, marking a shift from soldier to covert operative. The camera focuses on his face, which expresses a mixture of pride, resolve, and the first stirrings of something darker, as he steps into a world of secrecy.

Part 3: The First Steps in Intelligence

Time Period: 1965-1969
Location: French Intelligence Headquarters, Foreign Embassy

Scene 1: Into the Shadows

Setting: French Intelligence headquarters in Paris. Sebastian, now in his late 20s, is working alongside an experienced team of spies. The work is covert, and the stakes are high. He spends long hours poring over documents, watching surveillance footage, and meeting with foreign agents.

Voiceover:
"I was good at what I did. I could read people, make them believe what I wanted. But the lies... the secrets... they didn’t sit well with me."

The camera shows Sebastian negotiating with a foreign agent—a tense, strategic meeting. His intelligence shines through, his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage apparent. But as the mission ends, his conscience weighs heavy.

Scene 2: The Price of Loyalty
Setting: Paris, 1967. Sebastian is in a high-end bar when he meets Isabelle for the first time. She’s sitting alone, her beauty striking, her gaze unreadable. Their conversation is subtle but electric, with Sebastian drawn to her intelligence and mysterious allure.

Isabelle:
"What does a man like you seek in a world full of deception?"

Sebastian smiles but doesn't answer, his eyes lingering on her. There’s an unspoken connection between them. A rare moment of vulnerability for a man who’s spent so long hiding his emotions behind the facades of his career.

Voiceover:
"She was different from the others. She saw through me. But I didn't know then how dangerous it would be to let someone in."

The camera pulls away, showing Sebastian and Isabelle walking out together, the promise of something more beginning to take shape.

Part 4: A Love Between Shadows

Time Period: 1967-1970
Location: Paris, Various Locations

Scene 1: The Escalating Affair

Setting: The camera opens to a Parisian night—a city of secrets and romance. The Eiffel Tower gleams in the distance, a contrast to the darker world Sebastian inhabits. Sebastian and Isabelle sit at a quiet café on a cobblestone street, laughing softly, the world around them unaware of the internal battles they both fight.

Voiceover:
"I’d never believed in love—at least not in the sense that others did. But Isabelle... she made me forget everything. For a few moments, it was just us, no secrets, no lies, only the kind of quiet love you read about in novels."

Their romance is passionate yet delicate. Sebastian tries to keep the walls he’s built around his heart intact, but Isabelle’s presence, her gaze, her warmth, chips away at the fortifications. They meet in secrecy, always on the edge of the forbidden. Each moment with her is a risk, but it’s one that Sebastian is willing to take.

In a passionate scene, they share a quiet kiss in her apartment, surrounded by items that reflect her unique, mixed heritage. The camera lingers on their hands intertwined, a symbol of their growing connection.

Scene 2: Tensions Rise

Setting: A high-society party in Paris. Sebastian and Isabelle attend separately at first, glancing across the room at each other through the crowd. The tension between them is palpable, a mix of attraction and unspoken danger.

Isabelle’s Voiceover:
"You’re good at hiding, Sebastian. But I see the man you’re afraid to become."

Sebastian's Voiceover:
"She was too smart for her own good. She knew things about me I didn’t even want to acknowledge. But it was impossible to walk away from her."

Later, Sebastian pulls Isabelle aside into a quieter corner of the venue. They argue, heated but with a sense of mutual respect. Sebastian’s work is becoming more dangerous, and Isabelle warns him about the people she’s connected to, particularly her father, a powerful figure in the Russian mafia. But Sebastian insists that he can protect her from whatever danger may come.

Sebastian:
"No one can touch you. Not while I’m around."

Isabelle:
"You don’t understand, Sebastian. There’s a price for everything, and I’m afraid you’re about to pay it."

The intensity between them is palpable, the stakes clear. Isabelle’s world is darker than Sebastian had imagined, and it’s pulling him deeper into a web of danger.

Scene 3: Departure for China

Setting: An airport, 1970. Sebastian stands in front of a plane, suitcase in hand. He’s about to embark on a mission to China—a task that could span several years. His face is conflicted as he waits for his plane to board, Isabelle by his side. She’s wearing a coat, her expression tense but controlled. There’s no denying the sorrow in her eyes.

Isabelle:
"Promise me, Sebastian... promise me you’ll come back. No matter what happens."

Sebastian:
"I swear. This mission won’t last more than two years. I’ll come back. We’ll make it work."

Isabelle reaches for his hand, holding it tightly, as if trying to hold onto him physically and emotionally. The moment lingers, their hands parting slowly as Sebastian steps back to board the plane.

The camera focuses on Isabelle’s face, a mixture of love, concern, and something deeper—something she’s afraid to express. As Sebastian walks away, a shadow crosses her face. She knows the risks, but she’s willing to take them for him.

Part 5: The Long Absence

Time Period: 1970-1972
Location: China, Various Locations

Scene 1: The Cold World of Espionage

Setting: Sebastian is now in China, his life consumed by espionage and covert operations. We see brief glimpses of the complexity of his work: shadowy meetings in dark alleys, encrypted messages, intercepted phone calls, and tense exchanges with foreign agents. He spends long nights hunched over reports, calculating every move. His interactions are cold, calculated—his emotions buried under layers of professional duty.

Voiceover:
"I told Isabelle I’d come back, but I didn’t realize how deep this world would pull me. A few months turned into years. And soon, I forgot what I was fighting for. The mission consumed me."

Scene 2: A Flicker of Hope

Setting: A small, dimly lit apartment in China. Sebastian sits alone at a desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He looks worn, aged beyond his years. A letter from Isabelle lies on the table before him.

The camera focuses on the letter—Isabelle’s handwriting elegant, but the words, blurred through the passage of time, feel like a distant plea for him to return. There is a small photo of her tucked in the corner of the letter—a reminder of what’s at stake.

Sebastian's Voiceover:
"I kept telling myself I’d finish the mission. Just one more day, one more report. But deep down, I knew I was breaking a promise. She needed me. But I couldn't get out."

Scene 3: A Haunting Phone Call

Setting: Sebastian is in his apartment, late at night. He receives an encrypted phone call. The voice on the other end is unrecognizable, but the words shake him to his core.

Voice on the Phone (cryptic, distorted):
"She’s gone, Rook. She’s dead. Your mission... it cost her life."

The phone call abruptly ends. The room spins as Sebastian drops the receiver, his face pale with shock. His world has shattered. Isabelle is gone, and the woman he loved is now nothing more than a cold memory.

The camera lingers on Sebastian’s face, his anguish clear. The man who once promised to return now faces the deepest betrayal of all: the loss of the love he cherished, and the weight of the promises he couldn’t keep.

Voiceover:
"I wasn’t a soldier anymore. I wasn’t a spy. I was just a man... broken by the weight of his own choices."


Part 6: The Aftermath of Loss

Time Period: 1972-1975
Location: Paris, Various Locations

Scene 1: The Return to Paris

Setting: Sebastian returns to Paris after a prolonged mission. The city is just as he left it—alive with vibrance, yet he feels like a ghost drifting through the streets. The camera follows him as he walks through the familiar yet distant landmarks of his city—cafes, bridges, bustling streets—all in sharp contrast to the turmoil inside him. He carries a briefcase, but his posture is slumped, his eyes vacant.

As Sebastian approaches his apartment, he halts for a moment, staring at the door as if contemplating whether to walk in. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself, and enters.

Scene 2: The Unraveling

Setting: Inside Sebastian’s apartment, everything is still—the dust of abandonment lingering in the corners. Sebastian throws his briefcase on the couch and sits down, burying his face in his hands. The room is dim, the only light coming from a small desk lamp. The weight of the world is on his shoulders.

His mind races with thoughts of Isabelle—of their final moments together, the promises, the love. But the image that haunts him is that final, cryptic phone call. Was it true? Was Isabelle really gone? Sebastian has been left with questions that will never have answers.

Voiceover:
"I’ve lost count of the nights I’ve spent like this. Alone. Haunted by what-ifs and the ache of betrayal. I told myself I’d go back to her, but I never could. The world was too much—too many enemies, too many secrets. And now, all I have is this empty silence."

His emotions begin to fracture, and in his grief, he starts to unravel the pieces of the past. He looks at the framed photograph of Isabelle on the desk—a memory of their life before the storm. He stands, pacing the room, mumbling to himself. It’s clear that he can no longer separate his professional life from his personal one.

Scene 3: The Letter

Setting: The camera lingers on Sebastian as he sorts through a pile of documents on his desk. Amidst the clutter, he finds another letter from Isabelle—this one, unopened. He stares at it for a moment before tearing it open.

The words are simple, yet deeply personal—an expression of her own internal turmoil, written just before her death. Isabelle knew what was coming, but she didn’t want Sebastian to feel responsible. She had her own battles, her own family secrets. The letter is both a plea for forgiveness and a farewell.

Isabelle’s Voiceover:
"Sebastian, you will never understand the things I’ve had to live with. But I hope you know that I loved you... and that I always will. You deserve better than what I could give. You deserve the truth. But this world... the one we are both trapped in... it doesn’t allow for happy endings."

As Sebastian reads her words, tears well in his eyes. The camera tightens on his face as he fights back the flood of emotions—grief, regret, and an overwhelming sense of guilt. The woman he loved is gone, but in some twisted way, the truth of her message gives him a shred of closure.

Scene 4: The Call from the Past

Setting: The phone rings, breaking the silence in the apartment. It’s an unknown number. Reluctantly, Sebastian answers. The voice on the other end is gruff, but familiar.

Voice on the Phone:
"Rook. It’s time to come back. The agency needs you. This isn’t over."

Sebastian:
"I’m done. I don’t want any part of this anymore."

Voice on the Phone:
"You don’t get to quit. Not now, not ever. We’re all in this until the end. But there’s something you need to know—about Isabelle. It’s bigger than you think."

Sebastian:
"What are you talking about?"

The voice on the phone tells Sebastian that Isabelle’s death was no accident—it was part of a much larger conspiracy. Her father, the Russian mafia figure, had framed her, manipulating events to make it appear as though she was a traitor. The truth about Isabelle’s loyalty had been buried by those who wanted to destroy her—and now, Sebastian is the only one who can uncover the truth.

The camera zooms in on Sebastian’s face, his expression hardening with a mix of anger and determination. His mission to China had cost him Isabelle’s life, but now he has a chance to avenge her. He may be lost, but he knows he cannot turn his back on the truth.

Scene 5: The Investigation Begins

Setting: Sebastian leaves his apartment in a rush, his briefcase now filled with new documents—records, intel, and a list of people to question. He walks through the darkened streets of Paris, the weight of his past and present pressing down on him. As he steps into a shadowy alleyway, he meets an old informant—someone who used to work with Isabelle.

Sebastian:
"I need to know everything. Isabelle... she didn’t betray me. She was framed."

Informant:
"I don’t know if I should be telling you this, Colonel, but there’s something you should see. There’s more to her story than you can imagine."

The informant hands Sebastian a small, weathered photograph—one that Isabelle had kept hidden. The image is blurry, but it shows a young Isabelle standing with a man—a Russian operative. It’s clear that the man is someone powerful, someone connected to the very enemies that Sebastian has been hunting.

Sebastian’s Voiceover:
"Isabelle’s life was more complicated than I ever understood. She was never just a victim... She was a player in a much darker game. And now, I’m forced to play it too."

End of Part 6

The screen fades to black.

Part 7: The Ghosts of the Past

Time Period: 1975-1978
Location: Paris, Moscow, and Various International Locations

Scene 1: The Journey to Moscow

Setting: Sebastian boards a flight from Paris to Moscow, the weight of his quest heavy on his shoulders. The airplane cabin is dimly lit, the hum of the engines almost a lullaby. Sebastian stares out the window, the cold, grey clouds matching his inner turmoil. He’s looking for the truth—about Isabelle, her family, and her mysterious death—but he knows that each step forward only takes him deeper into a world of danger and deception.

Voiceover:
"Every mission, every turn in my life, has brought me to this moment. But I can’t shake the feeling that the truth won’t set me free. It will only bury me further."

The scene shifts as the plane lands in Moscow, the city’s imposing architecture a reminder of the power and danger that lurk within. Sebastian exits the airport, immediately being followed by two men who maintain a discrete distance, a clear indication that he’s already being watched. The ever-present paranoia of espionage is palpable.

Scene 2: The Meet with Arkady

Setting: In the darkened corner of a dimly lit café, Sebastian meets Arkady, a former Russian intelligence officer who once worked with Isabelle’s father, and who now lives in the shadows, hiding from his past. Arkady is an enigma—pale, disheveled, and nervous. He speaks with a heavy Russian accent, his eyes darting around the room.

Sebastian:
"I need to know everything about Isabelle’s father. The man who framed her—he’s part of the network I’ve been trying to uncover."

Arkady:
"Isabelle... She was never meant to be part of this world. Her father—he was a powerful man in the Russian Mafia, and he made sure she would follow in his footsteps. But she wanted out. She didn’t belong there. She was trying to leave all that behind."

Arkady’s words are filled with regret, as though he’s mourning the loss of the woman who once tried to navigate a treacherous life with integrity. Sebastian leans in, desperate to understand what happened that led to Isabelle’s downfall.

Sebastian:
"Why didn’t she tell me? Why didn’t she reach out to me? I could’ve helped her."

Arkady:
"She couldn’t. Her father had eyes everywhere. But there’s more. Her death... it wasn’t just about betrayal. There’s a deeper conspiracy at play. Someone wanted her out of the picture—someone very powerful."

The conversation is abruptly interrupted when Arkady gets a call. His expression changes as he listens, and then his eyes shift nervously toward the door.

Arkady:
"You need to leave. Now. They know you're here."

Before Sebastian can ask more, Arkady slips into the shadows, disappearing into the crowd. Sebastian stands frozen for a moment before he too disappears, leaving the café in haste.

Scene 3: The Secret Meeting

Setting: A cold, empty alleyway in the outskirts of Moscow. Sebastian meets with his Russian contact, a woman named Nadia, who has been providing him with information from within the Russian intelligence network. She is well-connected but remains cautious, wary of Sebastian’s intentions.

Nadia:
"You’ve been asking questions about Isabelle. But I don’t think you understand the danger you’re in. Her father wasn’t just a criminal—he was an agent of the state. His actions were sanctioned by the Kremlin. Isabelle’s death was no accident. It was orchestrated by forces much higher than you can imagine."

Sebastian:
"What do you mean? Who’s behind this?"

Nadia:
"I don’t know all the names, but there is a powerful syndicate, a shadow network that pulls the strings in both Russia and the West. Your country—France—was complicit in it. They wanted to control the information Isabelle had, and your relationship with her made you a liability."

Sebastian:
"You’re telling me this was all planned? The betrayal, her death, everything?"

Nadia:
"Yes. But it’s bigger than you think. Isabelle knew too much. And someone from your own side wanted her silenced. There are forces at work that you don’t fully understand."

Sebastian’s mind races. Could there really be a French connection? Was he being manipulated all along?

Scene 4: A Dangerous Revelation

Setting: Sebastian confronts his former colleague in the French Intelligence Service, Jean-Paul, who had been a close confidant throughout his career. The two meet in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Paris, where the flickering lights only add to the tension in the air.

Sebastian:
"Jean-Paul, I need answers. Isabelle’s death wasn’t just an accident. Someone on the inside is responsible, and I need to know who."

Jean-Paul:
"You’ve been too deep in this, Sebastian. You’re digging up things you’re not ready to understand."

Sebastian:
"I’m ready. You think I don’t know? You think I haven’t seen the signs? Isabelle’s father wasn’t just a criminal—he was a pawn. A tool for something much bigger. The truth is... you were involved, weren’t you?"

Jean-Paul looks away, his jaw tightening. For a moment, there’s a palpable silence between them before he responds.

Jean-Paul:
"I didn’t have a choice, Sebastian. It wasn’t just the Russians. The Agency was involved too. They knew what Isabelle’s father was planning, and they had their own interests to protect. It was never about her—it was about the information she had."

Sebastian takes a step back, the betrayal sinking in. Jean-Paul wasn’t just complicit in Isabelle’s death—he was part of the larger network of corruption and deceit. The truth, it seems, is even more twisted than Sebastian had imagined.

Sebastian (quietly):
"So, all of this... the lies, the death, Isabelle’s suffering... it was all part of the plan. A game. And I was just a pawn."

Jean-Paul’s expression falters as if he regrets his involvement, but he says nothing more. He turns away, unwilling to offer any further explanation.

Scene 5: The Return to France

Setting: After his harrowing meeting with Jean-Paul, Sebastian returns to France, his heart heavier than ever. His world has shifted irreparably. As he walks through the familiar streets of Paris, now marred by the truth, a series of flashbacks flood his mind—memories of his time with Isabelle, their love, their shared hopes for the future.

In the distance, the Eiffel Tower looms, a symbol of the city that once represented freedom and love for Sebastian. Now, it feels like an unshakable monument to his broken dreams.

*Voiceover:
"The world I knew has shattered, and the people I trusted have betrayed me. I’m alone in this. But I can’t turn back now. The truth is out there, waiting to be uncovered, and it’s up to me to see it through. Even if it means losing everything."

End of Part 7

The camera lingers on Sebastian as he walks into the night, the city lights flickering like distant stars. The sound of his footsteps fades as the screen cuts to black.

Part 8: The Fractured Heart

Time Period: Late 1978 - Early 1980
Location: Paris, Moscow, and Various International Locations

Scene 1: A Desperate Search

Setting: Sebastian is alone in his apartment, surrounded by piles of files, old photographs, and surveillance footage. The room is filled with an oppressive sense of frustration as he reviews every detail again and again, desperate for any clue that might lead to the truth about Isabelle’s death. A photograph of her, smiling at a party, is the centerpiece of his desk—her eyes frozen in a moment of happiness, contrasting sharply with the cold reality he now faces.

Voiceover:
"It’s funny. The more you look for the truth, the more elusive it becomes. Isabelle was my anchor, but now she’s just another puzzle I can’t solve. And every day, it feels like I’m losing myself in the search."

Sebastian mutters to himself, flipping through a folder containing reports about Isabelle’s father’s ties to various criminal and political organizations, when the phone rings, breaking the silence. He answers, his voice weary but tinged with hope.

Sebastian:
"Yes?"

The voice on the other end is cold, but familiar—it’s Nadia, his Russian contact.

Nadia:
"I have more information for you, but you must come to Moscow again. It’s urgent."

Sebastian:
"Tell me what you know now."

Nadia:
"The death wasn’t a simple mafia hit. Isabelle’s father was under direct orders from someone within the French government. There’s a chain of command that leads straight to the top. You need to know this before you dig too deep, or you might find yourself buried with the truth."

The line goes silent for a moment before she adds:

Nadia (softly):
"Be careful. You’re not just fighting ghosts now. You’re fighting the system that protected them."

The call ends abruptly, leaving Sebastian reeling from the weight of her words. He stares at the phone for a moment before slamming it down onto the table. This was no longer just about Isabelle. This was about exposing a conspiracy that could bring down governments.

Scene 2: Shadows of Betrayal

Setting: Sebastian makes his way to Moscow once again, though this time, there is no hope in his eyes. His mind is clouded with betrayal, both personal and professional. As he walks through the icy streets, the weight of Nadia’s words continues to echo in his mind.

As he steps into a dingy, run-down hotel, he is greeted by the familiar face of Arkady. His once-reliable ally is now a shadow of the man he once knew, haunted by the choices he made during his time in the Russian intelligence apparatus. Arkady’s movements are sluggish, as though his entire being is burdened by guilt.

Sebastian (coldly):
"I’ve been to the edge of this conspiracy, Arkady. I know too much now. But I still don’t know who gave the orders. Who pulled the strings from the French side?"

Arkady:
"It’s worse than you think, Sebastian. The man behind it—he’s someone you know. Someone from your past. A mentor. Jean-Paul."

Sebastian (shocked):
"Jean-Paul?"

Arkady:
"Yes. He’s been playing both sides for years. He was the one who helped cover up Isabelle’s death. His influence runs deep, even in the highest echelons of the French government."

The revelation hits Sebastian like a hammer. Jean-Paul, the man he once trusted with his life, was not just involved in Isabelle’s death—he was the architect of it.

Scene 3: The Confrontation

Setting: Back in Paris, Sebastian confronts Jean-Paul in a secluded meeting room of a luxurious building. The once-friendly air between them has been replaced by a suffocating tension. Jean-Paul is dressed sharply, but there is a coldness in his demeanor, an edge that wasn’t there before.

Sebastian:
"You don’t have to pretend anymore, Jean-Paul. I know everything. Isabelle’s death, your betrayal—it was you all along, wasn’t it?"

Jean-Paul (calmly):
"I never wanted it to go this far, Sebastian. But when the government gives you orders, you follow them. Isabelle was a liability. She knew too much. And you—well, you were the biggest threat of all. You were too close to the truth."

Sebastian:
"I never asked for this. All I wanted was to be with her."

Jean-Paul:
"You should’ve known, Sebastian. People like Isabelle don’t belong in our world. You were always too idealistic for your own good. That’s why you’re here now. And that’s why you’ll never be free."

In an instant, Sebastian’s anger erupts. He slams his fist on the table, the years of frustration boiling over. Jean-Paul remains unfazed, his eyes cool and calculating.

Sebastian (low, almost pleading):
"You don’t get it, do you? It wasn’t just about her. You ruined me. You ruined everything we were fighting for."

Jean-Paul:
"I did what I had to do, Sebastian. For the greater good."

The two men lock eyes, each fully aware of the chasm that has grown between them. What was once camaraderie has become irreparably damaged. Sebastian turns away, disgusted.

Scene 4: The Final Piece

Setting: Later that night, Sebastian sits alone in his apartment, staring at a newly discovered file. This one is different from all the others—this is the final piece of the puzzle. It’s a letter, written by Isabelle herself, smuggled out of the clutches of her father’s network. In it, she confesses her knowledge of the conspiracy, and the names of those who were involved. It ends with a plea for Sebastian to take care of herself and to keep fighting for the truth.

Voiceover (Isabelle’s voice, reading the letter):
"Sebastian, I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to be part of this world. But it’s too late now. You’ve crossed a line, and there’s no turning back. They’ll come for you, just as they came for me. But you mustn’t stop. You must finish what we started. I believe in you."

Sebastian holds the letter in his hands, tears welling in his eyes. This was the last message she ever left for him. A final call to arms.

Sebastian (whispering to himself):
"I will. I will finish this for you, Isabelle. I will make them pay."

Scene 5: The Reckoning

Setting: Sebastian meets with Nadia once more, this time with a sense of urgency. He knows that the truth is too dangerous to keep hidden any longer. The government, the Russian mafia, and the intelligence agencies—they all need to answer for their crimes.

Nadia:
"You can’t keep fighting, Sebastian. There are too many people watching you now. It’s too late to stop."

Sebastian (determined):
"I don’t care. I’m going to make sure they pay for everything. Isabelle didn’t die for nothing."

The scene cuts to Sebastian walking out of the shadows, prepared to bring down the corrupt system that has controlled his life and stolen everything from him. His steps are heavy, but his resolve is unwavering.

End of Part 8

The camera lingers on Sebastian as he walks into the darkened night, the weight of his mission heavier than ever, but a newfound sense of purpose in his stride. The screen fades to black.

Part 9: The Breaking Point

Time Period: Early 1980s
Location: Paris, French Military Headquarters, Moscow

Scene 1: Whispers in the Dark

Setting: In the dimly lit corridors of the French Military Headquarters, Sebastian is walking with purpose, a shadow of his former self. His footsteps echo, a rhythmic reminder of the weight he's carrying. He’s been summoned for a final meeting with General Leclerc, an influential figure in the French intelligence network who was once a mentor and ally.

As Sebastian approaches the office, he can feel the tension in the air. Leclerc stands at the window, overlooking the Paris skyline, his back turned. The silence between them is palpable as Sebastian enters the room.

Leclerc (without turning around):
"You’ve come a long way, Colonel. But I fear you’ve lost your way."

Sebastian (coldly):
"No, General. I’m just starting to find it."

Leclerc:
"You know what will happen if you continue this, don’t you? You’re digging your own grave, Sebastian. You’re crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed."

Sebastian:
"I’ve crossed it long ago. Isabelle is dead because of this, and so many others. You can’t stop me now."

Leclerc (turning around, his face darkening):
"I’m trying to save you from yourself. I know what you’ve discovered—about Jean-Paul, about the others. But this isn’t just a game. You’re not just a pawn in a chessboard. You’re playing with fire, and you’ll burn everyone around you, including yourself."

Sebastian:
"Then let it burn."

There’s a long, tense silence as Leclerc watches Sebastian, disappointment and pity mixing in his expression. Sebastian is resolute, not swayed by the looming threats. He knows what’s at stake now—this is bigger than himself.

Leclerc (softly, almost a whisper):
"You’ve always been idealistic, Sebastian. It’s your strength, and your curse."

Sebastian:
"Maybe. But it’s the only thing that keeps me alive."

Leclerc (sighing):
"I hope you understand what you’re about to lose."

Sebastian:
"I’ve already lost everything."

Scene 2: The Silent Betrayal

Setting: Later that evening, Sebastian receives a letter from an unexpected source: Nadia. The letter is a cryptic warning, urging him to leave Paris immediately, that there’s a price on his head now. The mention of his “friends” betraying him hits Sebastian hard—he realizes that he can no longer trust anyone in his circle. The enemy is far closer than he ever imagined.

He tears open the letter in a hotel room, hands shaking with a mixture of anger and disbelief. The letter describes a military officer, Lieutenant Fontaine, who has been leaking Sebastian’s every move to both the French government and the Russian mafia. This betrayal is the final crack in Sebastian’s trust in his country’s institutions, as it dawns on him that the very people he fought to protect are the ones who want him dead.

He paces, his mind racing, realizing the full scope of what he’s up against. Nadia has been the only person he could rely on—until now.

Sebastian (to himself, voice trembling with fury):
"They’ve all known. They’ve all been playing me. Every one of them."

Scene 3: The Confrontation with Fontaine
Setting: Sebastian tracks down Lieutenant Fontaine to a secluded French military facility on the outskirts of Paris. The confrontation is swift and brutal. The camera lingers on Sebastian’s face as he steps into the dimly lit office, gun in hand, his face a mask of cold determination.

Sebastian:
"Fontaine. You’ve been feeding them everything, haven’t you?"

Fontaine (smirking, unshaken):
"You think you’re the only one in this game, Colonel? You’re not. I’ve been on their side from the start."

Sebastian (glaring):
"You sold your soul for nothing. What did they promise you?"

Fontaine:
"Everything. Power. Protection. And when you’re gone, I’ll still be here."

Without hesitation, Sebastian steps forward, his finger tightening on the trigger. But before he pulls it, he hesitates. His eyes narrow, and the weight of his next decision presses down on him. He’s lost everything, but there’s still a piece of him that refuses to let go of humanity.

Sebastian (through gritted teeth):
"No. I’m not like you."

Instead of pulling the trigger, Sebastian slams the butt of the gun into Fontaine’s face, knocking him out cold. He steps away, disgusted by what he’s become, but knowing this betrayal must be dealt with.

Scene 4: The Final Phone Call

Setting: In a quiet, abandoned part of Paris, Sebastian receives a call. It’s from Nadia. Her voice is urgent and filled with fear.

Nadia (frantic):
"Sebastian, you have to listen to me. It’s not just Fontaine. There’s a bigger plan at work here. They’re going to make sure you’re framed for everything—the conspiracy, the assassination of Isabelle, the entire mess you’ve been caught in."

Sebastian:
"I know. I’ve been running from it for too long."

Nadia:
"You have to run now. You’re marked, and if you don’t leave, you won’t make it out alive."

Sebastian:
"And where would I go, Nadia? Where could I hide from this?"

Nadia:
"There’s one place. But it’s the last place anyone would think to look for you."

Sebastian:
"Tell me."

Nadia (pauses, voice trembling):
"England. There’s a safe house in London. You’ll be able to vanish there. You and Isabelle’s daughter."

Sebastian:
"Isabelle’s daughter?"

Nadia:
"Yes. It’s the only way you can stop this madness, Sebastian. You need to protect her."

The line goes dead, leaving Sebastian in stunned silence. His eyes widen as the weight of the revelation hits him. Isabelle’s daughter—his daughter—is alive. This is his chance to rebuild, to escape the ghosts that have haunted him for so long.

Scene 5: A Desperate Escape

Setting: Sebastian prepares for his final escape, making the painful decision to leave France behind. He grabs his essential belongings: the letter from Isabelle, the last photograph of her, and his military uniform—symbols of a life he’s leaving behind.

As he walks away from the city that has consumed him, there’s a brief moment of clarity. He has nothing left except the promise of redemption, a chance to protect the one person who could give him a sense of purpose.

The camera follows him as he walks toward the airport, each step heavy with the knowledge that he’s about to leave behind everything he’s ever known.

The screen fades to black as Sebastian enters the airport terminal.

End of Part 9

The haunting image of Sebastian walking away from everything, the last pieces of his identity left behind, lingers in the fading light of Paris.

Part 10: The Escape

Time Period: Early 1980s
Location: Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, London

Scene 1: The Airport Departure

Setting: The camera opens with a panoramic view of Charles de Gaulle Airport. It’s a cold, grey morning. The wind outside is biting. Sebastian walks with determination through the terminal, his face hardened by years of struggle and loss. The cacophony of voices and footsteps blends into a blur as he moves through the airport, almost invisible to the crowd.

His grip tightens around the small bag in his hand—containing just the essentials: a passport, money, and a picture of Isabelle. He walks with a military precision, knowing that his every step could be his last in France. The stakes are higher now. He’s a marked man.

Sebastian (internal monologue):
"A new life. A new identity. But can I ever truly escape my past? Can I run from the ghosts that haunt me? Or am I running toward something—something that can’t heal the wounds, but maybe... maybe offer a chance to fight back?"

He moves toward the gate, the usual checks of security bypassed by his forged documents. He’s been careful, meticulous, but there’s still an underlying fear. Nadia’s warning about the Russian mafia’s reach echoes in his mind—he can’t afford to slip up now.

Scene 2: The Boarding Call

As Sebastian boards the plane, he takes one last look at Paris, his home for so long. The bright city lights appear distant through the airplane window, and for a moment, he contemplates the life he is leaving behind.

Suddenly, his thoughts are interrupted by the sound of a phone vibrating in his pocket. He pulls it out quickly—it’s a message from Nadia. The text reads:
"They know. Fontaine has informed them. They’re watching you. Don’t land in London."

Sebastian’s heart skips a beat. The weight of the message sinks in. He knows the risks, but Nadia’s warning makes it clear: the world is closing in on him faster than he expected.

Sebastian (to himself, muttering under his breath):
"Too late."

Scene 3: Arrival in London

Setting: The scene shifts to Heathrow Airport, where Sebastian disembarks into the foggy, overcast day. London is a stark contrast to Paris—its rain, cold air, and narrow alleyways providing a sense of anonymity that he desperately needs.

He steps off the plane and makes his way to the immigration desk, his face as unreadable as stone. He knows that the real danger lies ahead. The question isn't whether he can escape; it’s whether he can survive.

Scene 4: The Safe House

Setting: A dimly lit street in London. Sebastian arrives at a run-down part of the city. He’s been told that the safe house is hidden in plain sight. The building itself looks like an ordinary, weathered townhouse—unremarkable, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. He rings the bell, and the door opens almost instantly.

A man in his mid-fifties—Victor, an old contact of Nadia—lets him in. Victor doesn’t say much but gestures for Sebastian to follow. They climb the narrow staircase to the second floor, where the safe house is located. It’s sparsely furnished, but it’s enough to hide from the world outside.

Victor:
"You’ll be safe here. No one knows you’re here, at least not yet."

Sebastian (quietly):
"I don’t know if I’ll ever be truly safe."

Victor:
"None of us are, but you’ll find peace. If not for yourself, then for her."

The last words hang in the air—her. The daughter he never knew he had. Sebastian looks at Victor in confusion, but the man only nods, as if confirming what Sebastian doesn’t want to hear yet.

Scene 5: Letters from Isabelle

Setting: That evening, after the silence of the house presses down on him, Sebastian sits alone in the small room he’s been given. He pulls out the only thing that still connects him to Isabelle—the letter she wrote to him, filled with love, hope, and pain. His fingers trace the edges of the paper as if trying to bring her back. But the letter is also a painful reminder of all he’s lost.

Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupts his reverie. Victor enters, holding a package. The package contains a series of documents—everything Nadia was able to smuggle out regarding Sebastian’s daughter, including a birth certificate and adoption papers.

The words on the document are a revelation. Sebastian now knows the truth: Isabelle’s daughter is alive, and she’s been living in an orphanage in London all these years, hidden away from the chaos that surrounded her birth. He takes the papers into his hands, trembling. This child—his child—is the only thing left that can give him a chance to heal.

Sebastian (softly, to himself):
"I will find her. I will protect her."

Scene 6: The First Night in London

Setting: The camera zooms in on Sebastian as he sits in front of the small television in the corner of the room, his mind distant. News reports are playing on the screen—stories of corruption, crime, and political intrigue. As the camera shifts, the audience sees the expression of a man who no longer belongs to his country or his past.

The world around him is foreign, alien even. He’s a man displaced, a ghost looking for a new purpose. But one thing is clear: he’s not alone anymore. Isabelle’s daughter is waiting for him. And Sebastian will stop at nothing to protect her from the same fate that claimed her mother.

He looks out the window, the cold mist of London fog surrounding him like a blanket. He feels the weight of the years, but the quiet optimism of the future now rests on the possibility of a new beginning.

Sebastian (internal monologue):
"Perhaps this is my second chance. Perhaps this is where I start to fight back."

Scene 7: The Letter to Isabelle

Setting: As night falls, Sebastian sits down at the small desk in his room, a pen in hand, and writes a letter. It’s not to Nadia or anyone else—it’s to Isabelle.

Sebastian (writing):
"Isabelle, wherever you are, know that I never gave up. You will never be forgotten. I will find our daughter, and I will keep my promise to you. The world may never forgive me for my sins, but I will not let her live in the shadows as you did. I’ll give her a life, a chance—a chance I couldn’t give you."

The letter is folded and placed carefully inside an envelope. Sebastian looks at the words, the weight of them anchoring him to the present. He’s no longer running from his past. He’s running toward the future—and a family he never knew he could have.

End of Part 10

The screen fades out as Sebastian finishes his letter. The sound of rain tapping against the window is a steady rhythm, like the beating of his heart—a man finally beginning to understand what it means to fight for something greater than himself.

Continues...