INT. COFFEE SHOP – EVENING
The atmosphere is warm, a stark contrast to the heavy topic of conversation. G.I. Joe, in his crisp military jacket, sits across from Nadya, whose punk rock energy is unmistakable. She wears a bold t-shirt with a clenched fist graphic, sipping black coffee. The two share a mutual respect, though their paths to this table couldn’t be more different.
G.I. JOE
(leaning forward, his tone measured)
Nadya, I’ve been in enough war zones to know one thing: dictatorships and monarchies don’t work. Power concentrated in one person’s hands always leads to abuse.
NADYA
(nodding, her voice sharp and passionate)
Exactly. I’ve lived it. I’ve been jailed for singing about it. When one person or a small group controls everything, dissent becomes a crime.
G.I. JOE
(smiling faintly)
That’s why I believe in a republic. A system where power is distributed, checked, and balanced. The people elect their leaders, and no one’s above the law.
NADYA
(raising an eyebrow)
A republic sounds good on paper. But what happens when the people elect a tyrant? When the system is rigged before the first vote is cast?
G.I. JOE
(sitting back, thoughtful)
That’s where vigilance comes in. A republic isn’t perfect, but it’s adaptable. When the people stay engaged, when they hold their leaders accountable, the system works.
NADYA
(leaning forward, her voice intense)
But that’s the problem. Too many people give up. They think their voice doesn’t matter. In Russia, we’ve seen how apathy lets dictators thrive. How do you fight that?
G.I. JOE
(meeting her gaze)
Education. Transparency. Empowering local communities. When people understand their rights and see the impact of their choices, they’re less likely to let corruption take root.
NADYA
(nodding slowly)
I agree. But it’s also about culture. Art, music, protest—these are tools to wake people up, to show them what’s possible. That’s why Pussy Riot exists.
G.I. JOE
(grinning)
And that’s why I respect what you do. You fight with words and ideas. You remind people that freedom isn’t given—it’s taken, earned, defended.
NADYA
(smiling back)
And you remind me that sometimes, defending freedom means more than just words. It means action.
G.I. JOE
(raising his coffee cup)
To the republic. A government of the people, by the people, for the people.
NADYA
(clinking her cup against his)
To the people. And to never letting them forget their power.
The two share a moment of camaraderie, united by their shared belief in freedom, even as their methods differ. Outside, the city hums with life—a reminder of the world they’re fighting for.