FADE IN:

EXT. STREET CORNER - DUSK

CHIEN LIN (25-30), a casual but smartly dressed reporter, is being flimed by a CAMERA CREW at the scene of a car accident.

CHIEN LIN (reporting)
The driver claims to have swerved to avoid a large wild animal. The third such claim in this area over the past month. The local zoo insists every animal is accounted for, and local officials have backed their statements. They say they are looking into the incidents, but stress that there is no cause for alarm. No attacks have been reported. For Z2-News, I'm Chien Lin.

ZHONG CHAO (40s), a tough-looking site manager, signals to XUNSU FENG (20s), a casually dressed young camera man.

ZHONG CHAO
Off air, Chien. Great Job, Everyone.

The CREW begin to pack up. Chien Lin hands her microphone to YING YIN (Early 20s), a bouncy rookie gopher.

CHIEN LIN (RE: Zhong Chao)
Thanks, Zhong. Pretty pointless feature, actually. But we're just filler anyway.

YING YIN
You never know. It could turn out to be something. Maybe someone was illegally keeping a cougar as a pet.

CHIEN LIN
I'm pretty sure there would have been more evidence if it was anything like that. Like missing pets - something for it to feed on.

YING YIN
Okay, so maybe not a cougar, but it could still be something like that. Something herbivorous. A panda. Or a primeape.

CHIEN LIN
There would still be evidence, Yin. Somone's garden would have been raided. Or some park trees would have their bark stripped. Something like that.

XUNSU FENG
It's probably just someone's dog they let run loose at night. Makes more sense, right?

Xunsu Feng places his camera in the news van. Ying Yin hands him the cases that hold the wires.

YING YIN
Yes. But it's not as much fun.

Chien Lin hops into the van to collect her purse and jacked. On the way back out she ruffles Ying Yin's hair affectionately.

CHIEN LIN
Report the news, don't be the news.

Zhong Chao and Xunsu Feng laugh at her words. (Note - This is Chien's constance adage, and criticism of other reporters) Ying Yin pouts.

CHIEN LIN
I'm heading home. Zhou said he'd call when he got back from his flight.

XUNSU FENG
Another one? Is he always on assignment?

CHIEN LIN
Yep. Kind-of like me. That's why we're so good for eachother.

YING YIN
Set a date yet?

CHIEN LIN (Laughing)
You're more excited about my wedding than I am! Not yet. Don't worry. You'll get an invite. Goodnight!

Chien Lin waves and walks to her car, passing a statue of a LUDUAN. ZOOM IN on the statue of the LUDUAN.

INT CHIEN LIN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Chien Lin is putting away her dinner. When she finishes she goes into the living room, passing a picture of CU ZHOU (Early 30s), a military pilot. ZOOM IN on picture of Cu Zhou.

CUT TO Chien Lin, who curls up in a chair next to the phone with a book. She begins to read. CAMERA TURNS toward the clock. Two hours pass. ZOOM OUT to Chien Lin, who sets aside the book with a frown. Looking concerned, she picks up the phone and dials a number.

OPERATOR (OS)
I'm sorry. The number you have dialed is currently not in service.

CHIEN LIN (surprised)
Not in service?

Hanging up, she hesitates. Then she dials a different number.

MILITARY OFFICER #1 (OS)
Yangcun Airbase.

CHIEN LIN
Good evening. I'm trying to get in contact with Major Cu Zhou. I was expecting a call from him.

MILITARY OFFICER #1 (OS)
Our records show Major Cu Zhou is currently on assignment.

CHIEN LIN
But he was due back hours ago.

MILITARY OFFICER #1 (OS)
Our records currently list him as on active assignment. Would you like to leave a message?

CHIEN LIN (Reluctant to give up)
No...wait, may I speak with Colonel Dan Shen?

MILITARY OFFICER #1 (OS)
Your name, please.

CHIEN LIN
Chien Lin. He knows me.

MILITARY OFFICER #1 (OS)
Please wait while I clear your call.

Chien Lin sits back, waiting.

FEI XUE (OS)
Chien Lin?

CHIEN LIN
Fei Xue? So good to hear a familiar voice! I was trying to reach Colonel Dan.

FEI XUE (OS)

Colonel Dan is in the middle of a meeting. He couldn't be interrupted.

CHIEN LIN
I understand. I was told Zhou is still out on assignment. He said he'd be back this afternoon.

FEI XUE (OS)
And since Zhou's so punctual you got worried.

CHIEN LIN
Well..yes. I know it's silly. But he never failed to call before.

FEI XUE (OS)
You two must synchronize your watches.

CHIEN LIN (Joking after laughing)
You're so mean! Will the meeting be long?

FEI XUE (OS)
It m ight. I just don't know at this moment. Why don't you get some sleep.
(With an odd note to his voice)
I'm sure Zhou will contact you as soon as he can.

CHIEN LIN (Failing to notice)
I guess it is getting late. Goodnight, Xue.

FEI XUE (OS)
Goodnight.

Chien Lin hangs up and heads into her bedroom

FADE TO:

INT. CHIEN LIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Chien Lin is sleeping. She turns restlessly.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. THE BEACH - DAY

Everything is foggy. Chien Lin moves acros the sand to a figure on the beach. It's Cu Zhou.

CHIEN LIN
I was worried.

CU ZHOU
You never have to worry about me.

Cu Zhou puts his arms around Chien Lin and they look out over the water.

CHIEN LIN
It's beautiful here.

CU ZHOU
No place without you could be beautiful.

CHIEN LIN (smiling)
You always say silly things like that.

An ALARM sounds. Chien Lin pulls out of the embrace - looking around.

CHIEN LIN
What is that?

CU ZHOU
It means the plane is out of fuel.

Chien Lin turns to him, her expression confused.

CU ZHOU
I love you.

FLASH TO:

INT. CHIEN LIN'S BEDROOM - MORNING

Chien Lin sits up.

CHIEN LIN (panicked)
Zhou!

Chien Lin looks around, confused and frightened.

CHIEN LIN (softly)
Zhou?