Scene 5.12 - DEA Camp
EST: EXT. Valley - Night
(Shadowy ninja-like figures in a dark, unlit hovel whispering inaudibly, pointing to the mountain peak. Zoom-out to an establishing shot. A glow upon the nearby ridge reveals a fire behind the tallest peak. One ninja-like figure takes out a map. A light-disciplined lamp is brought nearby, dimly lighting the map. The map has the palace in the center, surrounded by mountains and shows several encampments outside the enclosing mountain range. With ink and brush, the ninja-like figure with gross, black fingernails draws a dotted line from their encampment to the fire on the peak and on down into the city, marking an X. The ninja-like figure dries the ink with salt and rolls up the map and hands it off to another who quickly leaves the tent. The ensuing action is of 10 ninja-like figures readying themselves for muster and a road march. Weapons are unstacked, armor is donned, throwing stars and num-chucks are sheathed. The first ten are on the scene and fall in, ready to be inspected by two higher-ranking ninja-like figures. Nothing is said. With this scene, use the entire cast, cameos and anyone not bolted down to suggest hundreds of troops at the encampment, and a dispatched map to be copied and distributed to the other encampments. It is vital to get the point across that the fire set by the guys on the hill has revealed a secret pass to the DEA and that an investigation by scouts is imminent. It is also vital to make sure the audience knows that although these ancient warriors are dressed much like ninjas, they aren't. These warriors are from Nepal, not Japan. We should reiterate that Asians do not "all look alike." We need to delineate the differences between the cultures and also respect the sensitivities of Japanese martial-arts enthusiasts. Sure as I won't ever get in blackface and belt-out "I Wish I Was In Dixie's Land" a cappella at The Apollo, I sure as **** don't need to go pissing-off any ninjas anytime soon -- a guy's got to sleep at night. Look Away! Look Away!)
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