A Serious Professional
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Oct 16, 2020
- 2 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT - STUDY - NIGHT
PETER has eyes on the computer screen, typing at times
PETER (V.O.): I've to complete my draft tonight.
Reading.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): There's always room for improvement though.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Basically, it's a small matter. Why am I so serious?
INT. SLEEPING ROOM - NIGHT
Waking up, Peter checks the time.
PETER (V.O.): Now, it's before six o'clock. I slept at one.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Even so, I'd like to get up to see if I can improve my draft further.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Having checked something on his phone screen, Peter is thinking.
PETER (V.O.): I'd better write a letter to the other side and see if we can agree on some issues before the hearing.
Peter types and prints.
Act 2
INT - OFFICE - DAY
A STAFF (20s) receives Peter.
STAFF: Can I help you copy your papers?
PETER: Sure! That's very kind of you.
After passing some papers to the staff, Peter raises a query.
PETER: After seeking my client's endorsement, I mean to trouble you to arrange the delivery of this letter to the other side.
STAFF: What's this?
PETER: I want to seek agreement with the other side on matters that we can agree on so that the hearing will be confined to live issues.
STAFF: You don't do that unless you're asked to.
PETER: Is that right?
STAFF: The other side may ignore your request.
Pausing.
PETER: But according to the practice direction, I'm supposed to do this.
STAFF: Let me seek instructions.
The staff leaves with Peter's letter.
PETER (V.O.): While the task is new to me, they're providing secretariat support day in and day out.
Waiting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It seems that what is written in the practice direction isn't actually practised.
The staff returns.
STAFF: Since you've quoted the relevant practice direction in the letter, we'll send the letter for you.
Peter looks relieved.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I believe what I do is proper and should facilitate the hearing.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I'm a professional. I uphold high standards of service delivery.
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM - DAY
An INTERPRETER (50s) is interpreting Peter's drafts to a MAN (20s).
INTERPRETER: Do I have to interpret everything to him? The story is the same.
PETER: While the facts are the same, the application of the law on the facts isn't the same as facts.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): I also want him to feel the strength of my arguments.
Nodding, the interpreter continues her interpretation.
PETER (V.O.): The papers crystalize my energy and intelligence in acting on his behalf, advancing his interest in accordance with the law.
Act 3
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
Peter is having a meal with his SON.
PETER: Reading medicine, you know how hard it is to become a professional.
Son nods.
PETER (Cont'd): When I was young, I knew I couldn't be a doctor, as I didn't study science.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): I thought about to become an accountant. I was actually reading estate surveying before taking up law.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): To be a competent, reliable and respectful person makes one a piece of human capital.
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
While watching TV, Peter reflects.
PETER (V.O.): I'm a serious professional. I still have real jobs to do.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Comments