FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
PETER is reading texts on his phone screen.
PETER (V.O.): It's the 2nd time I've dealt with such unforeseen interlocutory applications.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The 1st time was in early 2004, soon after I was appointed as one of the Panelists in two international trade-related IP disputes at the WTO level.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The WTO Dispute Settlement Rules don't provide for any interlocutory applications.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But one of the ways to delay a possible adverse decision is to make the process as protracted as possible, including making unforeseen interlocutory applications.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): As the Dispute Settlement Panel has no rules or precedent to follow, any decision has to be creative.
Act 2
INT. STUDY - DAY
The TV is on, playing an interview.
PETER (V.O.): Although the interviewer is younger than the interviewee, they both are white-haired.
FLASHBACK
INT. PETER'S OFFICE - DAY (2004)
Lots of files and papers in bookshelves and on the desk. PETER (50) is receiving a GENTLEMEN (40s) who looks shocked when seeing Peter.
GENTLEMAN: Peter, how come you've become white-haired?
Opening his wardrobe, Peter checks his hair in a mirror.
PETER: Oh yes, I don't even notice that myself. I've been working long hours each day.
The gentleman continues to stare at Peter.
PETER: I've been working with my colleagues in GENEVA remotely in WTO dispute settlement cases.
END FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I did exercise a lot of intensive intellectual effort in 2004. The visiting guest's remarks made me feel that I had become white-haired overnight.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): When my young wife began to complain about the colour of my hair, I understood her concern and coped with it by having my hair dyed.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Since the pandemic, she has accepted that I can't look any younger. As a result, the whole of me is real now!
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I believe the true colour of my hair highlights my wisdom somewhat.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): And I believe I've the capacity to resolve any unprecedented legal issues.
Reading the text again on screen.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My decision on this interlocutory application is a fair and just one, all factors considered. I'm setting another procedural precedent.
The TV is breaking news, reporting that a rescue helicopter crashed in the Alps...
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): While the pilot managed to eject, the passengers were killed.
Peter takes a deep breath.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Setting a legal precedent is like how to manage to survive in a plane even when the pilot has ejected.
Peter is in thoughts.
Act 3
INT. NT HOME - LATER
Peter walks upstairs, passing by box files with WTO labels on them.
PETER (V.O.): They evidenced how I had become white-haired.
Relaxing on a sofa in the penthouse, Peter is in thoughts.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Conflicts or disputes happen all the time, especially when one side competes unfairly.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): It can be global, regional or domestic. I've experienced them all, playing my due roles.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Can there be the absence of conflicts?
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): No story would be interesting if there aren't escalation of conflicts before their final resolution.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Not to mention external ones. There're internal ones if we aren't living in accordance with our values.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I believe the process of understanding conflicts or disputes and how to cope with them enhances our qualities of living.
Peter sees a phone notification.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): The secretariat has issued my interlocutory order to all parties. Good.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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