Carry On S1 E11 • Maximum Comfort

FADE IN

EXT. FLIGHT DECK -EVENING

INT. HALLWAY OF AIR FORCE FAMILY AREA - NIGHT

FINNEY walks with a family from the cold December night into the vestibule. A young man aged six goes over to the candy dish and selects all three kinds of sweets to FINNEY’s satisfaction.

FINNEY

Ma’am and sir, your son will be in the best of care. I know that this is an extremely difficult time for you, but trouble doesn’t always last….

MRS. McCARTNEY shows a face of utter devastation. Her dark curls surround her dark face. She is small in stature but somehow gives off a formidable air. MR. McCARTNEY, light skin, of medium build, puts an arm around his wife and rocks her gently.

FINNEY

Depending on your faith, we will have all the materials ready for the funeral director to use. All of Kenyon’s awards and decorations will be provided and they will prepare him for his service and burial.

MR. McCARTNEY

I guess we just wait for the one hundred thousand dollars to be dropped out of the sky.

FINNEY

Yes, about that. You will be granted a gratuity with the proper amount in the coming weeks. The Marine Corps will be paying for the service and interment at the Veterans Cemetary.

MRS. McCARTNEY rocks slightly. And then—

MRS. McCARTNEY

I don’t care about the money. We’re a family of means. Never mind my husband. I want my son. He’s never going to call after me. I’m neve going to wash his hands after playing in the yard. What I want to see is a day where I will be better. But I won’t be—

MR. McCARTNEY

We don’t have to be—

MRS. McCARTNEY [slowly but with intent]

Let me finish, Belfort.

MR. McCARTNEY

Absolutely, Ressa.

MRS. McCARTNEY

You see, Kenyon graduated from a four year college but didn’t go the officer route. We were already upset he chose the Marines to serve his country, but accepted it. He was old enough to know the dangers. He kept telling us he was making a difference in the world. I think that’s true. No offense, though.

FINNEY [he flashes a slight grin]

None received. That’s why we’re sitting here right now. This isn’t always pleasant. And I know for the both of you, there is nothing I can say or do that will provide maximum comfort. I do say, however, that you will never be the same. I can assure you that nothing will change your emotions, nor should anything. [He hands them tissues]

FINNEY [cont.]

I will do everything I can to ensure that you at least have an outlet for discussion, if you want to go to counseling, if you want to meet up with other families in similar situations. I can arrange for that.

MRS. McCARTNEY

Thank you.

CUT TO

The family stands and Kenyon’s younger brother darts towards his mother and father.

FINNEY

There will be enough professionals at the funeral home to carry out the duties that are necessary. Like I said, this will only be a light salve for a wound that will never heal. Kenyon was a good Marine. Even though you may have had your misgivings about him becoming one, it’s important to note that he chose to be part of the Corps because of the values you instilled in him.

THE McCARTNEYS exit.

FINNEY breathes in sharply and exchales slowly.

INT. FINNEY’S OFFICE - NIGHT

FINNEY looks around his space. He sees the pictures of the fallen Marines that he got to know through their families. His gaze goes on the last picture, Lance Corporal Kenyon McCartney. He pulls out a stylus and uses his tablet to arrange for the various amounts of data he would have to include for the family.

A knock at the door. BARTHOLOMEW enters.

FINNEY

Enter!

BARTHOLOMEW

Hey, sir. I just wanted to see how the latest intake went.

FINNEY

Goddamn, Staff Sergeant. You should have been gone hours ago.

BARTHOLOMEW

I didn’t want to clock out until I was sure everything went smoothly.

FINNEY

Alright, Bartholomew. Everything went well. The family was like most of them. What’s curious about this Marine, though, is he had a bachelor’s degree but never went to a war college or OCS. It’s weird but kind of special in a way.

BARTHOLOMEW

The E side has the most Medals of Honor and other awards by far. Maybe he figured he would get decorated. Did he have any awards for being in that firefight?

FINNEY

There’s some talk about the Bronze Star and maybe even the Navy Cross.

BARTHOLOMEW

Goddamn.

FADE OUT