EXT. tree across from fort on hill -- noon
A few crows are muddling on the ground in front of Daniel. His face is now a little chafed, a bright high noon sun beating down upon his blood rushed brain. Starting to make him delusional.
DANIEL
Want to join the army Ma! Fight! It's about freedom! So much blood. So much blood. Never knew there was that much blood in the world.
InT. vermont family house of the williamsons, vermont 1862 -- day
An 18 yr. old Daniel is speaking to his mom passionately a rifle in his hand as she cuts vegetables in the kitchen.
DANIEL
Ma, there is no arguin' I am joining the army. All my friends already done so and are off fighting. Them southern boys given a mighty beating to the North down in Virginia but the people I talk to sayin' the North about to throw it back at'em. I am going to be there and do my part.
His ma stops cutting vegetables and gives him a hard look.
Mrs. Williamson
No you are not. Mrs. Tucker's already got two dead boys from that war. And many more I will not mention through the territory. I will not see my only child be another name on that list. No sir I won't. And your Pa in the grave not 2 years from the lung rot. I couldn't survive losing you both.
His mom continues to cuts vegetables but Daniel's eyes become flinty hard.
DANIEL
Well Ma, I wanted your blessings before walking as a man but blessings or not I am joining. You and Pa always taught me to stand when a bully be pushin' and that's what I be about doin' I have two more bells to sign up with the Sergeant before they leave to the front. (Steps towards her)so I best be headin'
Daniel stops himself and turns to go. His Ma stops again. Tears are forming in her eyes as Daniel starts to turn away rifle in hand. His Ma grabs him from behind in a desperate hug.
MRS. WILLIAMSON
Why did your Pa and I have to teach you the bible so good. Why was honor and doin' what's right the bread we boarded to you day and night. I love you more then life itself son, more then life itself.
Daniel turns into his mom's hug.
DANIEL
I will make you proud Ma. You and Pa both. I will show these southerners what kind a man you made.
His ma let's the hug go but holds him by the arms.
MRS. WILLIAMSON
You must promise me one thing son!
Daniel nods his head, tears in his own eyes.
DANIEL
Anything Ma! Anything!
His Ma grabs him hard and gives a belly full of fire in her look.
MRS. WILLIAMSON
You kick those southern boys arses back to their momma's skirts where they belong!!!!! Just like your Pa showed ya!!!!
With that his Ma turns him around and swats him on the behind.
MRS. WILLIAMSON (CONT'D)
Now get!
His Ma and him share a wink and a laugh as he rolls out the door. Daniel exits and a short look of tears in his Ma's eyes.
EXT. tree across from fort, current day -- late afternoon
Daniel peels an eye open, delirious. There are now 3 or 4 crows on the ground. He hears a few more above him. His eyes lock into one crow near him picking at the carcass of a field mouse. Zoom in to the crows face and eyes, a piece of gibbet hanging from it's mouth then back to Daniel his eyes raving, the camera spinning in vertigo.
ExT. Vermont 1862 small town conscription table -- afternoon
Daniel runs to the center of town and sees the train already loaded with soldiers making all sorts of rowdy ruckus while towns folks cheer them on while 50 feet in front he sees a the recruiting table. Two other boys are there, neither he knew very well, all his friends having already signed up 6 months earlier, in fact most of the boys in town signed up then. He sees Travis, Mrs. Keller's son already at another table picking up his gear. He sees Daniel and waves. Daniel waves back. Travis gets cuffed and told to board the train. He didn't know Travis very well but his Ma was friends with his own. He looks at the recruiting table and the strange motley of soldiers around it as another of the two boys left walks towards the supply table. What looked to be an officer stood behind the Sergeant at the table. Average height, longer blonde hair with a handlebar mustache a standard pistol side arm, a calvary saber at his side.(Lt. Chuggers) The rifle on his back though was a rare rifle, a spencer. Daniel was fascinated with weapons. A spencer unlike the single shot rifles most had carried 7 rnds. Nothing like his most prized possession, in his hand, his father's, a henry rifle. 16 shots. Next to him was a black man, but a negro like he had never seen. He was dressed like an indian. He had two axe looking things stuffed into his belt (Tomahawks) and another spencer rifle across his back(Digs). He was chewing tobacco. The strangest yet was a man in a disheveled dirty uniform at the table with a few days of beard growth.(Sgt. Johns) The strangest thing was he had blades everywhere you could see, strange forearm sheaths and several fighting knives strapped to his belt. Next to him on the table leaned another spencer rifle. Daniel got behind the one boy left at the table. He thought his name was Chase or Chris or some such. He lived in the outskirts of town.
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Sgt. Johns
Ok son, you are all signed up. You are with the twelfth. That's the rowdy boys over there in the train. Pick up your gear form Corporal Sands who's right over there. He's with the twelfth too and will get you all taken care of.
The boy walks away but before Daniel can move into his place the blonde man looks exasperated while the black man just leans against a fence.
Lt. Chuggers
Damn Sergeant this is the third pisshole we've been in and you still can't find one piece of fodder to fill our ranks. We meet the Captain in three days and have a suare to get to down south my man.
The Sgt. Turns towards the Lt. His hand absently toying with the short blade on his forearm.
SGT. JOHNS
No meaning to yank your britches sir but the Cap'n told me I could do the choosing and I as a yet seen anyone worth bringing to the Misfits sir. Mayhap that change, mayhap it not. Most of the boys been taken' out of this area already.
The Lt. Looks exasperated. Then his eyes light up at the rifle in Daniel's hands. The Lt. Steps forward just behind the Sgt.
LT. CHUGGERS
Is that a Henry? Damn my eyes but it is.
The Sgt. Turns towards Daniel, eyeing him up and down.
SGT. JOHNS
Where did you get that rifle son?
Daniel was sweating feeling this moment to change everything after and the way he answered this question the key to that road.
DANIEL
My Pa sir. He worked for a gun manufacturer up in Springfield for 15 years. It was a gift for time of service.
The Sgt. Looked him up and down.
SGT. JOHNS
And why ain't your Pa here to see you off son?
A moment of remorse drifts into Daniel's eyes.
DANIEL
My Pa died 2 years past of long rut sir.
The Sgt. humphs like death was a long friend.
SGT. JOHNS
You know how to use that rifle son?
Daniel stands all 6'3 of his lanky frame in pride. Now this was something he knew.
DANIEL
Yes sir! I been shooting a rifle since I was knee high. Shoot a squirrel's balls off at 200 yards or at least that's what my Pa used to say.
The Sgt. Let's out a laugh, a larger then life sound. Daniel can tell he's gonna like this man, the same type of zest for life his Pa had.
SGT. JOHNS
With that Henry of yours I'd say that shot would take more off then a squirrel's nuts. Though that piece takes special rounds, we will have to order some.
Daniel pats his knapsack.
DANIEL
I got 500 rounds sir, another gift.
The Lt. Moves up with a total loss of patience.
LT. CHUGGERS
Sounds like our search is over Sgt. Let us get on with this. We must get to the road.
The Sgt. Rolls his eyes so only Daniel can see then winks.
SGT. JOHNS
Mayhap it is Lt. Mayhap it is. Ok Son you are now officially part of the Union Army.
The Sgt. Begins to reach under the table as Diggs steps forward spitting tobacco on the ground. Daniel found him extremely threatening. He was quite a bit shorter then Daniel but stocky, full of muscle.
DANIEL
Should I go pick up gear sir and join the train with the rest of the twelfth?
The Lt. Has a big smile and Diggs spits again. The Sgt. laughs coming around the table carrying a pistol.
SGT. JOHNS
No son. You ain't in the twelfth and you ain't getting on that there train with the rest of the yahoos.
He hands Daniel the pistol who in shock removes it from the holster as he leans the Henry against the table. His eyes go up in shock.
DANIEL
Is this a Colt Dragoon? Damn almighty!!! I hear there's been only a few thousand made of these. And wait, what you'd mean not joining the Twelfth?
The Sgt. puts his hand on Daniel's shoulder.
SGT. JOHNS
Your gonna have to learn to let go of that country boy wide eyed kiddy stare youngster. You in elite company now.
Daniel is still trying to take in all of this.
DANIEL
Elite company?
The Lt. And Diggs walk up and clap him on the back while the Sgt has a big shit eating grin.
SGT. JOHNS
Ya heard me right son. The clarion call of War is soundin' and a river of blood to spill and you just been chosen to make your mark. Welcome to Blackstone's Misfits, the toughest sons of bitches north of the Mississippi.
Diggs tomahawk slams into the table with a grunt.
LT. CHUGGERS
Correction Sgt.
Sgt. John's smile gets even bigger.
SGT. jOHNS
The toughest sons of bitches anywhere.