FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. BUSINESS SCHOOL, HKUST - DAY
Sitting area. With a drink in hand, PETER watches the harbour.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, there's a helicopter flying in.
We see a helicopter flying across the harbour and is about to land at a heliport on the Hong Kong island. Peter takes a photo of his sight.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I used to take it once in a while when I was an official Justice of the Peace (JP). Yes, all good things must come to an end or we won't know it's good.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): From 1999 to 2014, I partnered different unofficial JPs and did 4 JP visits a year to Hong Kong prisons For visits to prisons in outlying islands, we'd use government's helicopter services.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): For 15 years, I dealt with dozens of prisoners' complaints and also had incredible engagements with non-official JPs from all walks of life.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Six years ago today, it was my last day of active civil service. I ended my career on a high note as I had to attend an international conference's Gala Dinner in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Those were precious moments.
Act 2
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Life was hell immediately after retirement. I wasn't patient and jumped at whatever possible opportunities.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I forgot that there was a reason why I retired. While I thought I was no different, the fact was that I turned 60.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Then came the idea: travel as work. I made it my discipline to travel at least once a month. Looking back, I'd be contented with my some 70 trips made before the pandemic.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In 2016, something right happened to me. I can still recall when I was approached to do volunteering work for HKUST.
FLASHBACK
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
LADIES and GENTLEMEN gather around a long table.
As Peter enters, a GENTLEMAN #1 (40s) presents his name card to Peter.
GENTLEMAN#1: I'm the new Secretary to the Committee.
Peter nods, reciprocating with his name card.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.): I was often given a set of papers at the meeting. Where's the executive officer?
Pausing.
CHAIR (50s): We've a new executive officer to assist our work.
Peter studies the powerpoint slides on a big screen.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That's fine. I was spoiled to get additional printed copies.
The Committee transact its businesses.
CHAIR: This is my last meeting...
Peter looks surprised.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Time flies. When I joined in 2016, he was already serving HKUST. As the Committee Chair, he has contributed a lot.
We hear hands clapping.
END FLASHBACK
Pondering.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): He was one of the HKUST volunteers that I met before I became a volunteer too. Now, he's leaving.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): And in Sept 2017, I began private practise as a Barrister. Apart from criminal and civil cases, I act for torture claimants too. Sometimes, I've to see clients under detention.
FLASHBACK
EXT. PIK UK PRISON - DAY
Peter, a LIAISON OFFICER (20s) and an INTERPRETER (40) walk together.
LIAISON OFFICER: I don't like to visit clients being detained in outlying islands.
INTERPRETER: Me too.
PETER: How do you both travel there?
LIAISON OFFICER & INTERPRETER: By public transport.
Pausing.
PETER: How long does it take for a round trip?
Both the liaison officer and the interpreter look at Peter curiously.
PETER (Cont'd): I'm interested to know, as I used to take helicopter rides there.
They observe Peter from head to feet.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I was then a JP. If I get an assignment to visit a client being detained in a faraway prison now, I'll take public transport.
END FLASHBACK
We hear the sound of Peter's exhaling.
Act 3
INT. BUSINESS SCHOOL, HKUST - CONTINUOUS
Peter checks the helicopter photo that he has just taken.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yes, I knew what a helicopter ride was like.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Even my kids knew. I made use of my travelling allowance to enable them to have the new experience. They took helicopter rides from Hong Kong to Macau and return.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Those were precious moments.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When good things do come to an end, they hurt. But something new awaits.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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