VOLUNTEERS: Parallel Lines Dialogue Sample #1

SCENE: SERGEANT O'NEILL is field training a bunch of young recruits, new to the 25th Ohio regiment. One of the recruits, COLLINS, seems to be having a hard time getting used to things. Finally, LIEUTENANT RIDGEWAY, steps in.

EXT. DRILLING FIELD – DAY

Sergeant O’Neill is wrestling with Private Collins in a hand-to-hand combat drill. The two struggle, each with their hands firmly grasping each other’s shoulders. O’Neill is showing no signs of struggle on his face. Collins, on the other hand, is having a bit of a harder time of it, and the strain is showing.

O’NEILL
Is that all you’ve got, Collins? I’ve gotten better workouts wrestling with my sister!

The other assembled recruits stand watching the action, shouting encouragement at their comrade. Collins tries to shove O’Neill to the ground but only ends up twisting himself and O’Neill around 180 degrees, still locked in each other’s grasp.

O’NEILL
Come on, boy!

The other assembled men continue cheering Collins on. Ridgeway comes up to the front of the group and observes the action. The young men simmer down slightly at his appearance, but when he makes no gesture to silence them, they continue with the shouting.

O’NEILL
Only half the battle is knowing your opponent. The other half is knowing yourself.

COLLINS
I can’t do it, Sarge! I’m not strong enough to take you down!

RIDGEWAY
You don’t have to be stronger, Private. Be smarter.

O’Neill turns to his head to catch Ridgeway’s eye. This is all the distraction Collins needs to get his leg behind O’Neill’s. With one last shove, Collins is able to trip O’Neill up enough to send him sprawling backwards to the ground. The men cheer. Caught up in the heat of the moment, Collins straddles the fallen O’Neill and holds his hand up to slug him but good.

RIDGEWAY
That’s enough!

Collins is still heaving with rage, but Ridgeway’s words seem to have stopped him before he does anything stupid. O’Neill remains stony and impassive.

O’NEILL
Not bad, Private. You’re learning.

While not completely calm, Collins pulls himself off O’Neill. O’Neill rises to a seated position. Collins offers O’Neill a hand up. After a moment’s hesitation — as he swallows his pride a little — O’Neill clasps Collins’ hand. And with one great shove, flips Collins over him onto his back. With Collins sprawled to the ground, O’Neill straddles his supine body so that now, their positions have reversed.

O’NEILL
Lesson two: never drop your guard.

RIDGEWAY
When I said “Enough” Sergeant, I wasn’t just referring to him!

©1998, 2004 David W. Dietz III