Cold Bus Stop

[INT. MINIBUS - EARLY MORNING]

Alessio: What's going on?!

Captain Ajwad: They'd found us.

Alessio: Are you all some sort of criminal or something?

Captain Ajwad: (pleadingly) No, it's not what you think. We're innocent, caught up in a dangerous situation. Please help us out. We'll try to cooperate with those soldiers, but just let the kid leave.

Alessio looks around, conflicted. He tries to shake off his fear and rationalize the situation.

Alessio: (hesitant) The kid? Why should I believe you? What's so special about him?

Captain Ajwad: (earnestly) He's just a young boy, caught up in something he shouldn't be a part of. The rest of us as well. We fought against oppression in Afghanistan. The world turned its back, but we believed in making a difference.

Alessio: (whispering) You were terrorists?

Captain Ajwad: (shaking his head) No, we never harmed innocent people. We fought against those who oppressed and terrorized the innocent. But now we're being hunted, please help us out. We'll try to cooperate with those soldiers, but just let the kid leave.

Alessio: (gritting his teeth) There's a trapdoor under one of the seats. It could lead to the bottom compartment, where the luggage is kept. But next time you better be telling me the truth.

Dollah: Where's it?

Alessio: I don't remember which seat. It's rarely open. I think it's on the left side.

Captain Ajwad: (turn towards Hffyl) Alright, listen here, boy. We'll try talking with the rest, you hide inside the compartment.

Hffyl: And what if they check it?

The elite figures knocks on the door.

Captain Ajwad: If they do, just make a run for it, ok?

Ilhan: And what about us two? What if they found out that we're from Afghan?

Ferhat: Indeed, and Kadir with Afghan passport.

Captain Ajwad: We'll figure all of that out later.

Hffyl nods willing to do whatever it takes to escape capture.

Zul: (looking at Hffyl) Remember, Hffyl, stay quiet and don't come out until it's safe. We'll find you later.

Hffyl: If anything goes wrong and I have to run, I'll meet you in Geneva.

The minibus doors swing open, revealing the masked figures of the DRA10. They step in, their weapons ready, scanning the occupants of the minibus.

Captain Ajwad: (trying to remain calm) Good morning, officers. How can we assist you today?

DRA10 Squad Leader: (in a stern tone) We have reason to believe that there is someone of interest among you.

Alessio: Of course, officers. We're just a group of terro- TOURIST. Please let us know how we can assist.

The DRA10 swiftly take control of the situation, instructing the crew to exit the minibus one by one for further investigation.

[INT. MINIBUS - BACK SEAT]

Hffyl: (hiding) Now where's that hatch?

As the crew members step out of the minibus, they purposefully create a commotion, drawing the attention of the DRA10 away from Hffyl.

With steady hands, Hffyl searches the back seat area, feeling for any sign of the compartment. Finally, his fingers graze a small latch beneath the seat, concealed from view.

Hffyl pulls the latch, revealing a hidden compartment in the floor. The space is just large enough for him to crawl into, providing an ideal hiding spot.

[EXT. MINIBUS - CONTINUOUS]

The crew members, now separated and being escorted for questioning, exchange subtle glances of reassurance, knowing that their plan is in motion.

DRA10 0-4: What do we do now? Captain said that kid be here.

DRA10 0-2: (to Squad Leader) Should we search the bus?

DRA10 Squad Leader: (eyeing the crew members) Yes, but don't take too long. We were given orders to find a boy, and we can't afford any delays.

DRA10 0-3: He should have give us clearer information on this. Who do we got here?

DRA10 0-2: The Italian guy here is Alessio, he's been here before, no criminal records. And the rest are from Malaysia and 3 from Afghanistan.

DRA10 0-4: Afghanistan? Isn't that where the missile was launched on US?

DRA10 Squad Leader: True, but their passport was made in Kandahar. The insurgents are in Zarabad. Though the distance between the two cities is not far.

DRA10 0-3: (returning) No sign of the kid, Sir.

DRA10 Squad Leader: Keep searching, but don't waste too much time. We need to locate him and complete our mission. Detain the ones from Afghanistan for further interrogation. We need to find that boy and ensure we fulfill our orders.

The crew members exchange worried glances as they are led away for questioning.

[EXT. MINIBUS LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT]

Hffyl: (wearing his backpack) "They're taking them away. I can't stay here."

Hffyl, sensing an opportunity, sprints silently from his hiding spot, dodging the searching soldiers. The adrenaline courses through his veins, propelling him forward.

 DRA10 0-4: (spotting Hffyl) There he is! Engage!

 [EXT. ALPINE FOREST]

Hffyl disappears into the dense, snow-covered forest, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. He dove into a pile of snow before running off again to evade the thermal imagery.

DRA10 0-3: (whispering) He's hiding from our thermal.

DRA10 0-4: (nods) Bring out our K9s.

The chase intensifies as Hffyl utilizes his surroundings to stay one step ahead. He uses the thick foliage and rocky crevices to throw off his pursuers.

DRA10 0-2: (radioing) We have a situation. Target is evasive and resourceful. Requesting backup.

Hffyl's senses heighten as he hears the distant barks of the DRA10's K9s, drawing nearer with each passing second. He moves faster, pushing his body to the limit, driven by fear and desperation.

DRA10 0-2: (receiving confirmation) Additional backup is on the way. We will ensure the target is captured, no matter the cost.

Hffyl spots a small cliff ahead, its rocky face offering a potential escape route. He propels himself forward, scrambling up the treacherous slope with aching muscles.

DRA10 0-4: (spotting Hffyl ascending the cliff) We need to cut him off! Move quickly!

Hffyl reaches the top of the cliff, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. He takes a moment to survey the landscape below, planning his next move.

DRA10 0-3: (radioing) Surround the area. We have him trapped.

Hffyl's heart pounds in his chest as he analyzes his options. He spots a narrow crevice leading into a hidden cave system.

DRA10 0-2: (peering into the distance) He's up there! Stay alert! We cornered him!

Hffyl takes the leap of faith, hurtling himself into the darkness of the cave system. The air grows cold and damp as he navigates the winding tunnels.

DRA10 0-4: (cautiously entering the cave) Spread out! We need to flush him out!

Hffyl moves swiftly through the labyrinthine caves, his knowledge of the underground terrain from Afghanistan giving him the advantage. He expertly avoids detection, evading the elite soldiers with each twist and turn.

DRA10 0-3: (whispering) This kid is like a ghost. We need to be patient. He'll make a mistake.

DRA10 0-2: (nodding) Keep your eyes open. We have to capture him alive.

Hffyl emerges from the caves into a moonlit clearing. He scans the area, searching for an escape route.

DRA10 0-4: (tracking Hffyl) He's in the clearing! Move in!

Hffyl's eyes widen as he spots a nearby river, its rushing waters offering a chance at escape. He sprints towards it, his pursuers hot on his heels.

DRA10 0-2: (yelling) Don't let him reach the river! We must capture him!

Hffyl: (muttered) Bismillah, please bring me somewhere safe.

Hffyl leaps into the river, the icy water embracing him as he's carried away by the powerful current. He disappears beneath the surface, escaping the clutches of the elite DRA10 soldiers, at least for now.

The DRA10 soldiers stand at the edge of the river, frustration etched onto their faces. They know the chase isn't over, but for the moment, their quarry has eluded them.

DRA10 0-3: (scanning the river) We lost him, for now. But he can't hide forever. We'll find him.

DRA10 Squad Leader: (clenching his fist) The rest. Bring the rest to the Captain. The rest follow the river.

As the elite DRA10 soldiers regroup, Hffyl continues to get out of the river. The river seems to be moving fast from about, but the waters seems to be much more gentle from below, truly a miracle. He made his way to the other side. He lost one of his item flowing down the river which give the rest an illusion that he might have gone down further on the river.

Hffyl steps out of the frigid river, his body trembling from the bone-chilling cold. As a Malaysian, he has never experienced such extreme temperatures before, and the icy Alps threaten to extinguish his very life.

He scans his immediate surroundings, searching for any signs of shelter, a place where he can find reprieve from the merciless cold. His gaze settles on a cluster of evergreen trees nearby, their branches offering some respite from the biting wind.

Making his way to the tree, his teeth chattering uncontrollably. He uses his wet clothing to wipe away the excess water from his body, desperately trying to conserve whatever heat he can. He removes his backpack, grateful that it is waterproof, and quickly rummages through its contents.

He finds a small emergency blanket tucked away in a side pocket of his backpack. He unfolds it and wraps it around himself, the silver material providing a barrier against the cold and serving as a temporary shield against hypothermia.

Hffyl retrieves a small plastic bag, the kind typically used for storing food. He examines it, formulating a plan to create an impromptu heating pack. With slow, deliberate movements, he begins to gather several items from his backpack:

1. A small packet of instant coffee with instant-heat pack.

2. A couple of thin, plastic sandwich bags.

3. A roll of strong adhesive tape.

Hffyl: What am I suppose to do now...

Carefully, Hffyl tears open the instant coffee packet, releasing its contents into one of the plastic bags. He seals the bag tightly, ensuring the coffee remains contained within.

Next, he takes the second plastic bag and lays it flat, forming a barrier to protect his skin from direct contact with the heat pack. He then places the sealed coffee bag onto the flattened plastic bag, folding it over to encase the contents securely.

With the roll of adhesive tape, Hffyl binds the edges of the plastic bag together, creating a sealed pouch. He inspects his handiwork, satisfied that he has created a crude heating pack.

Hffyl presses the sealed pouch against his bare chest, wincing at its initial heat but grateful for its comforting warmth. He lets out a shuddering breath, feeling his body temperature slowly stabilize as he begins to thaw from the icy grip of hypothermia.

As he waits for his clothing to dry and his body to recover, Hffyl reflects on his dire situation.

Hffyl: (exhaousted) Now... where to go now...?