FADE IN.
INT. CAMPUS, HKUST - MORNING
Robing room. A robed PETER chats with a robed PROFESSOR (50s).
PETER
Your faculty's students
are graduating...
PROFESSOR
They're master degree
self-financed students.
So...this morning's
ceremony should be
better.
Then a CAMERAMAN takes group photos of the robed LADIES and GENTLEMEN and the SUPPORTING STAFF.
PETER
Let's begin in good
mood.
EXT. ATRIUM, HKUST - MORNING
Congregation ceremony. A big CROWD including robed GRADUATES gather. PETER, alongside other robed LADIES and GENTLEMEN are on stage.
MC
The national anthem.
The robed party stands and takes off their hats. We hear the the national anthem, and after that, a big round of applause.
PETER (V.O.)
That's a good start.
As names are called, the graduates come up on the stage one by one, as GUESTS look on.
PETER (V.O.)
I'm sitting here to
show support as a
Council Member,
even though the
situations may
become unpleasant.
I've the positive
force in me.
Watching the PRESIDENT (60s), Peter notices something.
PETER (V.O.)
The President is
distracted by an
urgent message...
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I suspect...
The PRESIDENT leaves his chair to the podium to intervene.
PRESIDENT
Our student who suffered
a brain injury the other day
has passed away. Let's
have a moment of remembrance.
All rise and a moment of silence observed.
PRESIDENT (Cont'd)
I've to leave and the
Provost can take over
my role.
Then, a PARTY of about a dozen SECURITY STAFF escort him leaving the venue. A big round of applause.
Later, among the graduates coming up on stage, Peter sees two wearing masks. One suddenly shouts like a lunatic.
PETER (V.O.)
I don't know what he's
shouting but he look's
quite sick.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
They play with fire. Do
they now know fire is
hot? They assume the
risk voluntarily. One has
died.
Then, GRADUATE#1 (20s) delivers a thank-you speech, followed by GRADUATE#2 (20s). Rounds of applause.
PROVOST
I declare the ceremony
is closed.
All rise, as the robed ladies and gentlemen goes down the stage and leave the atrium.
INT. ROBING ROOM - AFTERNOON
A STAFF shows Peter a phone message.
PETER
Okay, the afternoon
and evening sessions
are cancelled.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Safety for all is the
primary consideration,
as the rioters' behaviour
are irrational and negative.
INT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - AFTERNOON
As he walks uphill alone, Peter sees a STUDENT lying on the grass under a tree, focusing on his laptop computer.
PETER (V.O.)
What a good place to
learn!
Peter takes a photo.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
But there're a few who
choose to do bad.
Although they mourn
for the deceased
student, they and those
supporting them are all
morally responsible for
his death!
FADE OUT. The End