EXT. LANDING STRIP - MID MORNING

Super: “Fifth Anniversary of

        Manfred von Richthofen's Death”

Single story gray wooden buildings.

WALLIE (V.O.)

April 21, 1923. Make sentimental visit to the old JG1, Richthofen's Squadron. War ace Hermann GOERING also visiting.

Goering, wearing leather flying jacket and cap, is alone walking around remembering the days of adventure during the 1914-1918 War. In the distance he hears a plane engine and looks up to see Wallie’s Fokker D7. Goering with a look of astonishment...

GOERING

What in the world?

The plane circles rapidly and lands abruptly with no wasted motion. Wallie, cheeks rosy from the cold, springs deftly from the plane. Goering advances to meet him.

GOERING

You fly very well.

WALLIE

Thank you. That means a good deal, considering... My name is Wallie Valdison. You're Hermann Goering, aren't you?

GOERING

Yes.

They shake hands, smiling warmly as those who immediately trust each other. Goering gestures towards the plane.

GOERING

Quite a paint job.

WALLIE

Yes. I fly all over Europe. It keeps farmers from shooting at me when they're out crow hunting.

Goering chuckles, and then is suddenly serious.

GOERING

You know, I've always felt it was one of those fellows on the ground who actually nailed Richthofen, angle of the bullet and other factors. Ever do any stunt flying?

WALLIE

No. I've been busy with studies and travel. I want to help in some way with the rebuilding of Germany, but I'm torn between that and my interest in archeology.

Goering looks thoughtful.

GOERING

It may happen that in the future you will be able to combine the two. Will you be going to the Nuremberg Rally this autumn?

WALLIE

I've thought of it from time to time.

GOERING

If you decide to go, I can introduce you to people who can help you fulfill both your goals. In preparation you should bone up on German anthropology, history, ancestral religion, and archeology.

The two men walk around together. Hermann shows Wallie the entire squadron layout. They begin to get hungry.

GOERING

Will you join me for lunch? I brought Jägerschnitzel and a good Riesling.

(Jägerschnitzel - pork cutlet "hunter style" topped with mushroom sauce, bacon, onions, served with buttered spätzle)

WALLIE

Yes. How can I refuse? Thank you.

The food is hot in thermal containers. Goering dishes it out. They sit down at an old outdoor picnic style table on opposite benches and begin to eat.

GOERING

So, Wallie, have you heard about the Ruhr being occupied by France and Belgium demanding reparations?

WALLIE

Yes, the German reaction is understandable, but the inflation isn't helping, is it?

GOERING

Stresemann is planning something. Are you aware that I've reformed the Luftwaffe?

WALLIE

I had heard rumors.

GOERING

How would you like to join us?

Wallie pauses to phrase delicately.

WALLIE

I'm very honored that you would ask, but relative to my goals as a non-German, I think it's just too dangerous, like being a duck with too many hunters.

(pause)

This Hitler is certainly an energetic man, isn't he? Do you think he'll succeed with his National Socialism?

GOERING

He will succeed ultimately. It won't be easy, but I’ll follow him to Hell and back if need be.

___

Roy C Peterson

November 19, 2013