_ACT ONE_ FADE IN INTERIOR SHIP'S ENGINEERING COMPARTMENT - DAY Spit and polish are the watchwords of this steel cavern containing turbines, pumps, machinery and mazes of pipes and wiring. Sailors in the uniforms of a British steamship line stroll along catwalks reading dials of great switchboards. An erect officer surveys his domain. First Officer Bryant appears on the catwalk. Unable to call above the din of the turbines, Bryant shows his watch to his fellow and indicates it's time for a pint. As the other officer agrees: CLOSER The switchboard behind him disintegrates in a ball of fire, blowing him over the catwalk. Sparks shoot from the ruined cables and thick smoke engulfs the cringing sailors. Bryant issues urgent orders, coughing in the acrid smoke. BRYANT Bridge the power to the emergency banks. BRYANT'S POINT OF VIEW - BELOW Sailors who have gone to the fallen man's aid look up from his body sprawled across a turbine and shake their heads. CUT TO EXTERIOR SKY - DAY - THE GOOSE scooting through quiet clouds on a sunny, perfect Pacific afternoon above an open sea. Jake tips the Goose onto one wing and slides her around a one-eighty descending spiral. JAKE'S VOICE OVER Everybody does the same thing the first time he flies an airplane...holds his breath, holds his stomach, and gets ready to fall out of the sky. INTERIOR THE GOOSE'S COCKPIT - DAY Flying through the spiral with one hand, Jake flicks the floating compass over his head, checks his watch and takes a grease pencil from between his teeth and scribbles a note on a plastic clipboard. Corky presses the radio earphones to his head, holding the microphone and looking expectantly ahead. Clouds wisp past the windows. JAKE'S VOICE OVER (continuing) After that, being free as an eagle feels so good it usually takes something...a little different to get your head out of the clouds.... Sunlight floods the cockpit as the Goose breaks out of the clouds. Both Jake and Corky whistle silently at what they see. A terrible British voice filtered through the radio, makes Corky press the phones even tighter to his head. Later we will learn that the voice belongs to a ship's second officer. SECOND OFFICER'S VOICE OVER Cheerio, Cutter's Goose. This is the Queen. We hear your engines. CORKY (into mike) Roger, Queen...I don't think we can miss you. Jake banks and across him, through his window we see: EXTERIOR OCEAN - DAY - THEIR POINT OF VIEW - THE QUEEN - STOCK An ocean liner that seems to go on forever, a resplendent triumph of engineering and luxury dominating the empty ocean. Across her bow she bears the name "Queen Victoria." INTERIOR THE GOOSE'S CABIN - DAY Jack is standing on a seat looking out a window on the low side as Jake banks the plane. Jake smiles back at him. JAKE What's all the excitement? She's not that much bigger than Boragora. Jack barks twice...yes she is. Seated opposite Jack is the Goose's sole passenger, Lord Hedriks, a man nearing forty who calmly expects the deference others automatically show him, attired in a dove grey suit that wouldn't dare wrinkle. Jake gives Corky a nod, so he unstraps and steps into the cabin. CORKY Better brace yourself. Settin' down in open water can sometimes knock your teeth loose... (remembering; studiously polite) Lord Hedriks. That goes for you too, Jack. (sotto; to Jack) All but the 'Lord' part. Corky lifts Jack over the pile of Hedriks' leather-bound suitcases and trunks, checking that they are secured tied. Trim and level, Jake leans back into the cabin. JAKE Ever seen the Queen before? Hedriks' voice is refinement itself. HEDRIKS Yes...when she was still on the ways at Clydebank. Regal, even then. You? Jake shakes his head "no" and adds another touch to the trim. Hedriks dips a watch out of his fob pocket. HEDRIKS (continuing) We're falling a trifle behind schedule, aren't we? JAKE You said noon...it's noon. HEDRIKS Twelve-oh-five... (a smile) Not to put too fine a point on it. Jake thinks twice, then gives in and adjusts his watch. Dealing with Lords can be a bit tiring. JAKE At least we won't have to wait for the captain to put his brakes on. She's already at full stop. I guess his watch works better than mine. Hedriks settles back. HEDRIKS Punctual, yes. I should say. ON CORKY Behind him, out of Hedriks' vision, Corky makes a face and silently mimics Hedriks' rather pursed way of saying, "I should say." He motions "get him," and Jack barks twice, agreeing. Jake can't help grinning. CUT TO EXTERIOR SEA - DAY - THE GOOSE - STOCK settling into the waves, throwing a rooster tail behind. INTERIOR THE GOOSE'S COCKPIT - FROM BEHIND JAKE The Queen looms ahead. JAKE'S VOICE OVER Floating palace...leviathan...call her what you wanted...she was big, too. Lay her up one side of the Great Pyramid and she'd rock down the other like a seesaw. Biggest thing ever made by man. Well, maybe that new building in New York has her by a few feet...but, she's the biggest thing that moves. EXTERIOR SEA - DAY - THE GOOSE - STOCK slowing and settling. CUT TO EXTERIOR TOP DECK - DAY A retinue of ship's officers flank a length of red carpet, striking in their pressed whites, standing to crisp attention. Just arriving to join them is Captain Townsend, master of the Queen Victoria, conducting a hushed inquiry of First Officer Bryant. Captain Townsend would appear to have it all under control. He is almost as old and weathered as the Rock of Gibraltar, and has seen almost as much water flow under his feet. He times his arrival perfectly to be waiting with a slight bow as Lord Hedriks steps onto the deck. Jake and Corky are behind. Corky carries Jack. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Lord Hedriks...on behalf of the Silver Star Line, welcome aboard the Queen Victoria. Townsend...at your service. The Captain leads his officers in a smattering of polite applause. Lord Hedriks beams back at them...all quite jolly. Corky is positioned next, but his offered hand is apparently invisible to Townsend. The Captain does run his eye over Jack like the finger of his white glove. He leads Hedriks aside. Hedriks shakes hands with Captain Townsend. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND (continuing) Pity you missed us in Tahiti... (knowing chuckle) Bit dicey in Parliament, was it? HEDRIKS I'm not sure. Hedriks fishes out his watch while Captain Townsend harrumphs and mutters a useful sound for suggesting it's perfectly clear what a Lord means when it isn't clear at all. The Captain has it down to an art. ON JAKE AND CORKY standing isolated, snubbed by Townsend, they can't miss the message: they have just joined the ranks of the servant class. CORKY (sotto; to Jake) I just guess that puts us in our place. Sorry, Jack. You may be an Egyptian king on Iwa Kona, but here you're a nobody. Jack disagrees instantly with one bark. JAKE Don't worry about it. We'll go in a minute. Jack barks once again, which puzzles Jake. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I'm sure I'll see you this afternoon at the Duke of Windsor's reception. Sir Edward will be happy to see you aboard. But, if you would allow me, M'Lord, just at the moment.... HEDRIKS I'm sure you're busy, Captain...considering that half your main machinery electrical supply has been disrupted by an explosion. Hedriks' casual remark shocks the officers. Captain Townsend's weather eye hardens, sensing trouble ahead. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Most extraordinary you should know about our...mechanical problems. It hasn't been half an hour.... JAKE And that's why you're stopped, not just the rendezvous? Captain Townsend acknowledges Jake with a nod, not taking his eyes off Hedriks, who is now holding the watch constantly in his line of sight. HEDRIKS Only seconds now.... The Captain's genial charm has frosted over. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I'm afraid, Lord Hedriks, we're due an explanation. The fuzzy hum of an electrical overload passes through, and a muffled thud vibrates the deck. ON HEDRIKS He replaces his watch carefully, watching the officers' reactions. Bryant takes a quick step to a phone. HEDRIKS Of course. A small incendiary device...slightly larger than the first, has just destroyed the emergency switchboard in your aft turbo generating room. At the phone Bryant sags and wearily nods confirmation. Captain Townsend is transformed into a towering rage. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I don't know what you've got to do with this, but a man is dead and I _will_ know why! (to Bryant) Mr. Bryant, keep Lord Hedriks in your personal company, and... (re: Jake and Corky) Put these men under guard. ON JAKE AND CORKY Corky gathers Jack more tightly into his grip and takes a nervous step behind Jake. Not certain what's going on, but definitely not liking it, Jake shoulders past Hedriks. JAKE Do whatever you want to him, Captain, but don't count us in. The man chartered my plane. That's all. He sure never mentioned any bomb. Bryant pays little attention to Jake's denial. He steps up, putting a hand on Jake's arm. Jake shrugs loose and Bryant senses he'd better not push it. Instead, he signals for other officers to flank the three men. CORKY I don't get it. What'd we do? JAKE (looks to Hedriks) We came aboard with him. That's probably plenty. Jack looks up from Corky's arms and barks twice. Captain Townsend starts off toward the stairs, motioning to Bryant. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I want damage reports and repair estimates to the bridge on the double. Bring them along. (pauses) Do _not_ alarm the passengers. HEDRIKS By all means, Captain, do your duty. But, do it in something less than five hours, fifty-seven minutes...or you'll be doing it from a lifeboat. CUT TO EXTERIOR THE QUEEN - DAY - STOCK at rest in the open ocean. Captain Townsend's reassuring voice booms from the ship's PA. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE OVER Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Townsend. We've found ourselves such a nice spot of South Pacific, here, I thought we'd stay a while and get a really good look at it. CUT TO EXTERIOR SUN DECK - DAY Fashionable and well-heeled passengers sunning themselves in deck chairs enjoy the Captain's joke. They have no idea of the grave situation he is concealing from them. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE OVER (continuing) Ah, well, you've seen through my deception, and you force me to reveal a dread secret of the Silver Star Line. Once in a very rare while...something breaks. But rest assured, we've stopped here only as a precaution. We'll make up lost time and be in Sydney on schedule. CUT TO INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY In stark contrast to the relaxing passengers, the scene here is one of grim purpose. A pall of smoke from the explosions still obscures the air as officers and crew inspect the damage. Another of the giant switchboard panels has been blown apart, frayed cables dangling uselessly, some still arcing against the scorched metal deck. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE OVER (continuing) That's another secret. Nothing breaks on a Silver Star ship that we can't fix. Two of the officers working on the switchboard trade knowing looks and shake their heads doubtfully. CUT TO INTERIOR BRIDGE - DAY - ON CAPTAIN TOWNSEND He replaces the PA mike and takes a sheaf of reports from the Second Officer. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Thank you, Number Two. Bryant approaches and shares a whispered moment with Townsend. Townsend nods. ACROSS BRIDGE TO HEDRIKS The bridge is fitted with gleaming binnacles and navigational equipment. The giant wheels are idle, though, as the Queen drifts with ocean currents. Lord Hedriks sits calmly in the Captain's chair, a sailor with a sidearm posted close behind him on guard. ANGLE TO BRYANT as he crosses to Jake and Corky. They are huddled in one corner of the bridge under close guard by two sailors wearing sidearms. At a nod from Bryant the sailors fall back a few steps. Bryant holds a pouch of documents out to Jake. BRYANT Everything is in order, Mr. Cutter. Our apologies...but we had to be cautious. You understand. Jake pockets the documents. His reply isn't as light as his expression suggests. JAKE Oh, sure...nothing like a little bomb to make you jittery. Bryant isn't sure how to take this, so he lets it slide. ON JAKE AND CORKY losing Bryant. Jake tries to step toward a nearby navigation table. The guards don't object. Corky follows and puts Jack on a stool in front of the table as Jake inspects a chart pinned to it. JAKE Hard to pick a better place to strand a ship. Nearest landfall would have to be a ship in the Solomons. Jack barks once that he disagrees. Jake picks up a plotting compass and walks it off on the chart. JAKE (continuing) I suppose you'd try for Tuvalu.... Two barks. JAKE Shows what you know. INSERT - NAUTICAL CHART A large scale map showing the open ocean northeast of the Solomon Islands. The Queen's course is plotted in pencil, her position "X'd" well away from any land, heading for Australia via the Santa Cruz Basin. Jake steps the pointers and hits Tuvalu. BACK WIDE Jake and Jack trade looks. Clearly, Jack's right. JAKE Either way, it's not a fun row. Jake realizes how nervous Corky's getting at the prospect. JAKE (continuing) Don't worry...Nobody's rowing anywhere. We're going home on the Goose. Relax. CORKY If I relax, the blood will quit pounding in my ears and I'll be able to hear that bomb ticking. JAKE Even if Hedriks does have another bomb on here, he doesn't want it to go off, because he doesn't want to row to Tuvalu any more that we do. CORKY Maybe he just wants to...you know...go kapow! JAKE You can go...kapow without this much trouble. Uh uh...he wants something else. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE I believe he mentioned the royal jewels. ANGLE TO INCLUDE CAPTAIN TOWNSEND He's standing behind them. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND (continuing) Eighteen million pounds worth...give or take the odd priceless treasure. Townsend has the look of a man who's just been given his death notice. CORKY That's it! A robbery, I'll bet! Captain Townsend gives Corky a long nod suggesting, "I thought that was obvious by now." CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Damn good one, too. We give him the jewels, he tells us where he's hidden his _third_ bomb. Even swap. Jake checks Hedriks, who is placidly watching them. JAKE That's a lot of ice to bring along. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Ice?..A form of gangster vulgate? I presume you mean the jewels. Corky flinches at the Captain's superior glare. Jack barks twice. CORKY Even Jack knows what 'ice' is. JAKE (cautioning) Corky, we've got a situation here, you know.... CAPTAIN TOWNSEND The plan is, once they're worn by the Duke of Windsor's party at the official reception in Sydney, the jewels will be on loan for a year's exhibition. JAKE That was the old plan. ANGLE TO INCLUDE SECOND OFFICER He hands Captain Townsend a message flimsy. Townsend scans the short note, looking back at Hedriks, then to Jake. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND So it seems. The home office has ordered me to cooperate. Townsend utters this line like an unthinkable surrender order he will, nevertheless, carry out. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND (to Hedriks) If you'll accompany me.... Hedriks stands, smoothing his suit. HEDRIKS Pleasure. Jake can't believe the civility of this capitulation. Without thinking, he grabs Townsend's sleeve to stop him. JAKE Wait a minute! This guy has already killed one of your crew and blown the hell out of your power plant. You can't just open the vault. Captain Townsend pries Jake's hand away. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Please, Mr. Cutter. This is difficult enough. I'm obliged to put the safety of ship and passengers first. He moves to lead Hedriks off the bridge. JAKE You don't even know if there is another bomb. Hedriks sighs a little with impatience and gestures forward. HEDRIKS May we? ON CORKY He sidles over to Jake as Jack watches from his stool. CORKY Maybe you ought to let 'em do what they want to. It's no skin off our nose. Jack agrees with two barks. JAKE (to Jack) Speak for your own nose. (to Townsend) Look, Captain...You can give him whatever you want, but I still have to fly him out of here. And, it's a trip I'm not that anxious to make if I don't have to...seeing as it'll probably be my last. Townsend pauses, realizing Jake may be the snag he doesn't need. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND When I verified your documents with the magistrate on Boragora, he assured me I could rely on you. JAKE Not to be a fool. Let's be honest about what's at stake...This man isn't going to let anybody live who can tell you where he's taken your jewels. PAST CORKY TO HEDRIKS Corky absorbs this latest wrinkle, stealing a look at Hedriks. CORKY Tuvalu is sounding better all the time. Townsend senses he'd better ascertain Jake's help before proceeding. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Bryant...Take Mr. Hedriks on ahead to my cabin. The First Officer nods curtly and guides Hedriks into a corridor with gentle pressure on his elbow. Hedriks allows himself a good look at Jake before complying. He exits while producing his watch. The move has its desired effect. Both Jake and Captain Townsend check their own watches. CUT TO EXTERIOR DECK - DAY Moving with Jake, Corky and Captain Townsend. Townsend sorts through the stack of flimsies in his hand and gives Jake several. He adopts the compelling tone of a confederate in need. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND This is all our office in London has been able to unearth about the man. But, it doesn't leave much doubt. Jake reads each flimsy carefully, passing them on to Corky. JAKE Nothing here 'bout his being a Lord. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Hardly. How he managed that pedigree I'm sure I don't know. Our First Class listings are not taken casually. JAKE And all this about being cashiered out of the Army in thirty- one...sketchy. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND You don't know the British military. They won't soil a man's record with words like 'unstable'...or 'deranged.' They use tidy little phrases like... (reading) '...overzealous leadership impulses.' CORKY If that means he got seven of his own men killed...says that right here. Captain Townsend nods gravely and collects the flimsies. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I'm sorry you men are caught in his trap along with us...but that's done. I believe him. I believe he's put another bomb aboard. Even if London hadn't given me orders, I wouldn't risk three thousand souls and this ship to prove myself wrong. JAKE Look, if it gets close, I'll fly him... (looks to Corky) ...alone, and take my chances. But, you've still got five hours to find his bomb. Use them! Tear the Queen apart, and while you're doing it, sweat him a little. A bluff is only as good as the bluffer. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND (through debating) The Queen is a thousand feet long, eighteen decks. I have a Prince of England aboard. I consider every minute that passes with that bomb waiting to explode increases the risk. You must fly him...now! CUT TO INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY - CLOSE ON SAFE Captain Townsend has the safe standing open, and has used his key on a series of internal drawers, sliding them open to reveal case after satin case of jewel-studded rings, pendants, chains...a Queen's ransom. Bryant leans in to Townsend. BRYANT Shouldn't we at least inform the Duke before we --- CAPTAIN TOWNSEND London has given us an emphatic 'no' on that, and I must agree. We can't put Edward at risk. Townsend and Bryant busy themselves removing drawers. ON CABIN - WIDE Hedriks is helping himself to a small taste of sherry from a setup of crystal decanters. He's watching Townsend, allowing himself a delicate smile of satisfaction. The quarters are anything but spartan, darkly paneled and heavily furnished, decorated with model ships and classic paintings of sea battles. ON JAKE AND CORKY to the side. Officers are close by. Corky has again taken Jack into his arms. He leans in to have a private word with Jake. CORKY I got an idea. If that guy can't get away, he'll have to tell 'em where the bomb is, right? What if we break somethin' on the Goose so she can't fly. Smash the fuse box, maybe? JAKE Before we do that we'd better be sure he'll give it up. We're not the only ones on this tub, you know. CORKY But, you can't fly him. You said so. JAKE I said I didn't want to until we'd run out of alternatives. We've got to buy some time...find the bomb...figure another way out of this. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - THE DOOR A steward is just rolling a tea cart into Townsend's cabin. He parks the cart near the door and begins to uncover trays of sweets. Jake studies this new development, then begins to repeatedly smooth down the back of his hair under his hat, brush his nose and squeeze his chin...baseball signals. JAKE You know what just popped into my head, Corky...playing ball with the squadron in China. CORKY Huh...you're startin' to be just like me, Jake. You get tense and your mind dredges up something completely unimportant. JAKE I wouldn't say it was unimportant. Jake catches the eye of the officer. JAKE Ever play baseball? The man shakes his head...talking sports at such a time! JAKE (continuing) Great game...all strategy...secret signs to the players. Now Corky gets with it, watching the sequence Jake is using. CORKY Head...nose...chin. Ah, I know that. Remember, Jack? Jack barks twice. JAKE Don't say it. CORKY How can I?..I don't remember. Head...nose...chin. Let's see. If I'm on base...I got it, Jake! JAKE Then let's play ball. CORKY You want me to 'slide into home?' (realizing) Oh, yeah! Play ball! Jake makes a sudden wide move toward the door. The officers reach to shut him off. Townsend turns from the safe in time to see Corky slide in low under the officers, spilling them into the tea cart. Jake sails a metal tray of rolls toward Townsend and the others, causing them to duck long enough for him to pull Corky to his feet and push him out the door. JAKE (shouting) Hide, Corky! I'll find you. Jake pulls the steward off the cart and swings him around. Then, Jake follows Corky out the door, pushing over the cart. The others follow in a scramble, leaving Townsend and Hedriks behind. ON HEDRIKS Hedriks is unruffled, helping himself to more sherry as Captain Townsend turns in from the door. All the others have joined the chase. Hedriks fishes for his watch. HEDRIKS Well...you might have been more careful, Captain...but, you do have... (checks) ...four hours, forty-one minutes to repair your mistake. FADE OUT _END OF ACT ONE_ _ACT TWO_ FADE IN EXTERIOR SUN DECK - DAY The very top of the deck. A few couples stroll by, enjoying the light breeze and beautiful afternoon. Jake tops an exterior stair and nods at a couple who follow him with their eyes as he passes, no doubt astounded at the contrast between his flight jacket and cap and their own continental attire; sundress and blazer. They trade smiles and forget him, strolling on. ON JAKE His eyes dart around as he marks possible cover and reacts to the open spaces in exactly the opposite way as the passengers. Spotting something, he instantly ducks out of sight around the mass of one of the ship's stacks. ANOTHER ANGLE A pair of officers is approaching, their wary manner much the same as Jake's...part of the search party. One of the officers takes a moment to peer around the same stack behind which Jake has just disappeared. But, he emerges a moment later, obviously none the wiser. The officers descend the stairs at the end of the deck. ANGLE TO STACK The same strolling couple that reacted to Jake returns and steps into what has suddenly become a popular spot. They also are looking for a hiding place. ON THE COUPLE Nestled beside the stack, they quickly embrace and are locked in a kiss when Jake drops out of the blue from a ladder that climbs the stack. The couple springs apart and is greeted by a wide smile from Jake. JAKE This baby won't give us any more trouble. Don't mind me...you kids have fun. Jake slaps the stack like an old friend, tips his cap and walks away from the couple leaving them to wonder. WITH JAKE Out of sight of the couple, Jake checks his watch, wipes his brow and slips around another corner, anxious to find some real cover. CUT TO INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - CLOSE ON JACK He pokes his head through a heavy hatch surrounded by pipes and the dark metal of a working environment. The rumble of machinery is loud. Jack looks both ways, then softly barks twice. He leaps the low sill of the watertight door and waits as Corky follows suspiciously behind. WIDE Miles of pipes and cables run along the walls of this compartment deep in the hull of the ship. The vibration of heavy motors trembles the decks under their feet, and everything seems to be coated with a thin film of water and oil. Corky gulps, more than half convinced he's in big trouble. Jack heads right as if he knows the layout. CORKY Jake ain't gonna be able to find us down here. Two barks. CORKY What makes you so sure? I couldn't find us, and I've been with us every step of the way --- ON JACK He freezes, looking quickly behind, then darts through the tight space between two machines. It's enough to hide him, but Corky's out of luck. ON CORKY He kneels down and peers into Jack's bolt hole, quickly understanding he'll have to fend for himself. A mumble of voices reaches him. CORKY (continuing) Thanks a heap. You ever think I might like a place to hide? Jack sticks his head out long enough to bark once, then ducks back out of sight. HIS POINT OF VIEW - UP ANGLE TO THE BLACK GANG Corky is surrounded by the burly figures of three engine room "wipers"; two African blacks and an East Indian. They bear the greasy signs of their work on their faces and clothes. One of the men, a black named Gabriel, reaches down and easily hauls Corky to his feet. He speaks in the deep, soft rhythms of African patois. GABRIEL If you wish to hide like a rabbit, you should not wave that big white tail, stowaway. His fellows laugh and enjoy Corky's wiggling in Gabriel's iron grip. THE GROUP Corky finally shakes the hand off, a greasy mark left in its place. Corky summons up his bravado. CORKY I am not a stowaway. (more laughter) I'm...I'm lookin' for Jack. For some reason, the three wipers find this to be intriguing. Pandit, the Indian, tweaks Corky's cheek. PANDIT Could it be that we have stumbled on two of these trembling rabbits? CORKY Jack better not hear you call him that. GABRIEL Stowaways do not order...they explain. They always have much to explain. CORKY (remembering) The Goose! You must'a seen the Goose. That's how I got here. PANDIT Two rabbits who flew to us on a goose. We have not had any of them for a while. Corky's getting tired of being made fun of. CORKY It's a Grumman Goose...a seaplane. I flew here today in it with my buddy Jake and this English lord guy who wants to steal the jewels and blow up the ship. And Jack too. That's the whole story, like it or not. Corky crosses his arms. He's had his say. PANDIT I like it. For a stowaway it is very, very good story. CORKY It's the truth! You must have seen us land. Everybody was up on deck. Gabriel dangles his greasy rag in Corky's face. GABRIEL Everybody but the black gang. When you die you will go to heaven. When we die we will go to the deck. Where is the other stowaway? ON CORKY He sees no other option, so he bends to Jack's hiding place. CORKY Might as well come out, Jack. Maybe you can convince these guys. ON THE HIDING PLACE Instead of Jack, a sleek, black ship's cat strolls out of the hole, a satisfied mouser with a full stomach. Pandit stoops and picks up the cat, which dangles lazily. PANDIT You are fatter than ever, my good fellow. I suppose you have eaten this stowaway by now. CORKY He better not have. ANGLE TO JACK Jack barks once from his hiding place, then also strolls out. For all we know, Jack and the cat could have been having a pleasant conversation. ANGLE PAST GABRIEL TO OFFICERS Two white uniformed officers are approaching, still some distance away. One is Bryant. BRYANT (calling ahead) You men, there. No slacking. GABRIEL (urgent) Keep your dog still, man. Pick him up. Corky doesn't move fast enough, so Gabriel unceremoniously scoops Jack up and stuffs him into Corky's arms. He and the other black quickly step on either side of Corky and lift him high into the air by his elbows. Pandit drops the cat and steps behind them, shielding Corky from the officers. The three begin to walk away from the officers, Corky hidden between them. TO THE BLACK GANG coming towards us, Corky dangling in their midst holding Jack. The officers have seen nothing suspicious. CORKY What are you guys doin'? PANDIT Stowaway rabbits should learn to recognize their friends...they need friends. Jack barks twice, muffled behind Corky's hand. CUT TO INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY Hedriks is seated comfortably in the Captain's reading chair, the soul of patience, while Townsend chews up the rug, pacing to a porthole and back. Captain Townsend makes an effort to sit. HEDRIKS Only a suggestion, Captain, but I hope your men are searching for the pilot. Searching for the bomb...quite fruitless, I assure you. Townsend is bearing up better than most men to having his command stripped away by circumstances. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND You've calculated it all quite handily, haven't you? Any leeway in your planning for luck? HEDRIKS None at all. Luck won't help you. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I was thinking of bad luck...should time run out and we haven't found Cutter. What then? HEDRIKS Then you will have reneged on your portion of our agreement. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND (knowing it's futile) You can have the jewels. I stand by my word. HEDRIKS And I. Find the pilot and I'll find you the bomb. Captain Townsend grabs at the arms of his chair to suppress a surge of rage and returns to his pacing. Hedriks smiles contentedly and yawns...the picture of contentment. CUT TO INTERIOR SWIMMING POOL - DAY - CLOSE ON DIVER Swimmers lounge around enjoying the ship's pool. EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - JAKE as he sidles along a wall, trying to look nonchalant, incongruous in his flight jacket. A striped beach ball bounces at his feet and a girl in a bathing dress runs up laughing to retrieve it. She gives Jake a curious look. He notices he's standing next to a door marked "Gentlemen" so he ducks through it. CUT TO INTERIOR LOCKER ROOM - DAY Jake is staring at a long line of lockers. He opens one, then another looking for a change of clothes. The locker room attendant rounds the corner. Jake just has time to flip his cap inside a locker before the man is even with him. ATTENDANT 'Day, guv. Have a towel? Jake nods without turning, tossing his jacket into the locker. He starts unbuttoning his shirt as the attendant holds out a clean towel from the pile he's carrying. Jake takes it blindly. The attendant studies him. ATTENDANT (continuing) Steam bath or a straight swim? Jake shrugs, realizing he can't carry on this charade much longer. He doesn't have any trunks. He sits on the bench running in front of the lockers and begins to roll up his pants legs. By now the attendant is openly skeptical. ATTENDANT I suppose a massage would be out of the question. Jake nods and stands, wrapping the towel around his waist. Not much he can do about his shoes. Slamming the locker, Jake steps past the attendant with a wave, clomping back toward the pool area. The attendant shakes his head. ATTENDANT (continuing; to himself) A quid says he's First Class. EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - JAKE He emerges from the locker room and picks a direction. NEW ANGLE - WITH JAKE On open deck, Jake tries to look casual in his towel. Two officers walk right by him and Jake stretches, enjoying the sunshine. The couple he encountered before stroll by and he gives them a pleasant smile. JAKE Hi there...Nice day for it. Apropos of nothing. ON THE OFFICERS They've turned, looking after Jake, and decide he needs closer inspection. But, before they can call after, Jake scoots to a stairway and goes down. INTERIOR CORRIDOR - DAY Jake screeches around a corner and towards us. The shouts of pursuit are loud behind. Just before the officers turn the corner behind him, Jake steps behind a steward's rack of pressed clothes. ON OFFICERS looking confusedly around for Jake. They've lost the scent. PAST JAKE TO OFFICERS It's going to be close. The knot of officers has stopped at the end of the corridor. Jake blocks his body with an armful of clothes from the rack. He's cut off from retreat by new arrivals coming in his direction. He has no choice but to barge through the nearest stateroom door. INTERIOR STATEROOM - DAY - ON DOOR Jake slips inside, leading his way with the clothes, and easing the door shut behind. He's almost afraid to look at what he's probably blundered into. But, a quick scan of the room and his face relaxes into a relieved smile. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - THE STATEROOM Quite palatial, the room is dominated by a canopy bed, furnished with tasteful elegance, and best of all, empty. Jake only has time to draw a few breaths before the door to the bathroom opens. The owner of this particular room is Melodie LaFontaine, a stunner in her twenties. All her aristocratic breeding can't conceal the wild streak that animates Melodie's every expression. Also, the loose robe she's wearing doesn't conceal much of the rest of her. Melodie is toweling off her face, and doesn't really look. MELODIE Thank you, Emma. You can just put them down. Melodie lowers the towel and cocks her head at the sight. Typically, she is more taken with wonder than she is startled. MELODIE'S POINT OF VIEW - JAKE At first his face is hidden by the clothing, but his bare legs and shoes jut from underneath. He lowers the clothing to see who he is confronting, and Melodie gets the full effect. Now, her wonder changes to astonishment. JAKE AND MELODIE Jake has no time to formulate a convincing explanation before Melodie has opened her mouth for what might be a scream. Jake does the only thing he can. He flings the clothes aside and clamps a hand over Melodie's mouth. JAKE It's all right. No reason to --- CLOSE ON MELODIE She's no trembling flower. She simultaneously gnaws into Jake's hand and sticks an elbow into his gut. He makes more noise at the sudden pain than she has. JAKE (continuing) Damn it, lady! Listen to --- They've opened a few steps between them and Jake never gets to finish because he's busy ducking a handy vase full of roses Melodie is swinging at him. Water and rose petals spray into Jake's face. Temporarily blinded, Jake wipes at his eyes and gropes for Melodie. She's already grabbed up another vase, this one full of tulips, and stands at the ready. The short tussle has dislodged some of her long hair, which has been pinned up, adding to her wild beauty. JAKE AND MELODIE Half his sight back, Jake motions for a truce. JAKE (continuing) You can put that down. I'm not gonna hurt you. Seeing that Melodie has the obvious advantage, the statement is largely comedic. Melodie gives him a wicked smile. MELODIE I'd say you bloody well got that right! And, as Jake wipes the remaining water from his face, he watches as Melodie breaks into peals of laughter. FADE OUT _END OF ACT TWO_ _ACT THREE_ FADE IN EXTERIOR THE QUEEN - DAY - STOCK Sitting quietly. We hear Corky's voice from deep inside the hold. CORKY'S VOICE OVER I don't suppose you guys have any beer stashed down here. CUT TO INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY There is not the shade of difference in this part of the ship between day and night. Corky has joined the ranks of the black gang, wearing a pair of dark coveralls over his own. Already, the oily environment has smeared his face nearly as black as his hosts'. They are busy wiping down some machinery. The ship's cat is curled on a warm ventilator. PANDIT No beer...but we are still in the possession of a most recent batch of raisin wine. Excellent. GABRIEL You are welcome, but I should tell you, it has a certain effect on the eyesight. Corky considers, licking his lips. CORKY I can get used to just about any --- ANGLE TO JACK He's watching the work. Jack barks once, warning Corky off the home brew. Corky winces. CORKY Come on, Jack...this is kind of a special circumstance. Don't ya think Jake would drop the rule? Jack barks once again, and artfully dodges the greasy rag Corky flings at him. ACROSS CORKY - TO PANDIT He sits and strokes the cat. PANDIT It is in any case not the wisest thing for stowaways to be drunk. CORKY You help stowaways all the time? GABRIEL It has happened...but usually our own countrymen. Half of them going to America...for their dreams.... CORKY Why don't you go there? You wouldn't have to do this kind of work, I'll tell you that. GABRIEL (finishing) ...The other half coming back. CORKY (thoughtful) Yeah...I guess any job's a good job these days. I'm just glad I found you down here doin' it. Jack barks once. CORKY (continuing) Okay, okay, Jack found you. I hope Jake can. CUT TO INTERIOR STATEROOM - DAY - CLOSE MIRROR SHOT ON JAKE He's concentrating on trying to hurriedly fasten the studs into a tuxedo shirt, holding his neck stiff above its wing collar. Frustrated with the chore, he shoots a tight shirt cuff to check his watch. JAKE (calling off) Come on, Melodie...Shake a leg. Melodie laughs at the notion, her voice coming from the bathroom. Without seeing her, we know she's enjoying the adventure. MELODIE'S VOICE OVER (mock servility) Shake my leg? If I must. I've never been held against my will by an American before. I don't know the form. JAKE (impatient) The form is for you to cringe with fear and hurry it up. MELODIE Sorry. JAKE (gets the stud) Finally, thank God. WIDER Jake fishes a cummerbund out of the pile of clothes he brought into the room and fastens it around his waist. Then goes to work on his tie. JAKE (continuing; to himself) If Sarah could only see this. MELODIE'S VOICE OVER What? JAKE I said, this has got to be one for the books. I break into your room wearing a towel, you bash me with a vase of flowers...a bomb is ticking away that might sink this ship in less than an hour...and we're going to a cocktail party. ANGLE - TO INCLUDE MELODIE Jake turns to find her in the door admiring him. Her wild beauty of before has been more or less concentrated into a simple, black Paris original that is a devastating fit. She also likes what she sees. The moment transcends the emergency. They close the few steps between them, each getting an eyeful. As natural as can be, Melodie takes over tying Jake's tie. She fits the tone of her voice to their intimacy. MELODIE How can you lose with a handsome man who brings you stories of a mad bomber. I'm either humoring a dangerous lunatic, or helping a hero...And this was getting to be such a dull cruise. Melodie tugs Jake's tie tight, but doesn't stand back. She knows what she wants and Jake isn't about to get away. They embrace in a lingering kiss that leaves them both breathless. MELODIE Sorry, again. This is hardly the time...but are you absolutely certain we have to go find the Duke this instant. JAKE Uh huh... (coming back to Earth) If I don't get Edward's help, I might as well go back and fly Hedriks where he wants. MELODIE Of course he'll help you. Edward will think you're perfectly smashing. After all, you were clever enough to barge into my cabin. Jake grabs his coat off a hanger, holding it. JAKE If they spot me before we get there, it's all over. I'd be a lot happier if you could bring him here. MELODIE (laughing) I'm afraid you don't tell the Duke of Windsor to 'shake a leg.' Melodie spins Jake toward the door. MELODIE (continuing) At the moment, he is no doubt terribly busy brushing up on his protocol. I can't bring him tales of bombs without bringing him the storyteller, now can I? ANGLE TO DOOR Melodie stops. MELODIE (continuing) You're looking too good. Jake takes another peak in the mirror. Melodie dips in her small bag for a comb. MELODIE (continuing) I can't have all the other women wondering how I suddenly plucked such a specimen out of an empty ocean. They'd be much too curious. Melodie parts Jake's hair in the middle, trying for a twenties' look. Jake shakes it out. JAKE That looks stupid. MELODIE You're right. It's perfect. Well...'Once more into the breach....' She levels him with an inquisitive look. JAKE Kipling. I know a little something. It's not good enough for Melodie. MELODIE It's not just...Kipling. It's... (very British) ...Kipling! He's well established in the English pantheon of lesser gods. Most of the old war horses we've got with us used to read Kipling to their troops in _'In_-jah.' JAKE I doubt my inflection is going to get me very far. Melodie holds Jake's tux coat for him and he slips into it. MELODIE Just so long as it gets you to Edward. Anyway, they won't be looking at your face, Jake darling...they'll be looking at your coat of arms.... She pats the lapel of the tux to point out that a coat of arms has indeed been tastefully embroidered. MELODIE (continuing) And at me, of course. Jake tries to read the coat of arms upside down. JAKE They're gonna know this isn't my coat. Who am I, anyway? MELODIE Nobody can read those things. We'll make you up. EXTERIOR CORRIDOR - DAY Other couples dressed for the evening in furs and finery are passing in one direction. And, as Melodie predicted, more than a few of the men are in British regimental dress. Melodie steps out of her room and, when there is a clear moment, signals Jake to join her. They walk arm in arm. DISSOLVE TO EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - WITH JAKE AND MELODIE She keeps him to an upper class stroll. Other couples pass, admiring them. MELODIE Ummm...feel that fabulous tingling sensation along your spine. JAKE You too? MELODIE That's the feeling of jealous eyes on your rear. JAKE Or a gun. Jake cringes slightly as a pair of officers, also in their dress uniforms, pass them going the same way. One is the Second Officer, who touches his cap. SECOND OFFICER Duchess. She smiles at him until they are past. MELODIE You see...this is going splendidly. Jake is taking a new look at her. JAKE Duchess? MELODIE Sort of. JAKE Nobody is 'sort of' a Duchess. MELODIE (mock airs) The Duchess of Fitzhurst...ac-tually. It's really quite a stale title, wouldn't you say? JAKE I would if I hadn't just kissed the Duchess herself. Melodie smiles with private pleasure, nodding at several of the other couples in the corridor. She snuggles into Jake's arm. MELODIE Don't tell Uncle Edward that. He's a trifle over protective. JAKE Uncle Edward? MELODIE He's just like any stuffy, old uncle. Jake stops in his tracks. An old couple behind them are forced to sidestep. JAKE The King of England is not just 'any stuffy, old uncle.' Melodie winces at the volume of his voice. She urges him along with the flow of people. MELODIE You're falling into the habit of repeating me. Besides, he's not king any more. Not since he married that American woman...I'm beginning to understand what he sees in Americans. They continue in the royal parade. CUT TO INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY The Captain and Bryant, his First Officer, are going over a chart of the Pacific on the wall. Both are in their dress uniforms. Hedriks is stretched out on a sofa. Bryant consults some radio flimsies in his hand. ON BRYANT pointing out positions on the map. BRYANT ...A New Zealander sheep transport, the South Star is bound from Darwin...A Chilean packet can steam from Brisbane...Two smallish Dutch spice ships making a run down from Java. Four days...six days...and more than a week for the Dutchmen. Captain Townsend nods his understanding at the slim possibilities of rescue if things don't go his way. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND You told them to stand by? BRYANT I thought an SOS would be --- HEDRIKS Inflammatory? Such good company thinking, Bryant. No need to unstiffen the lip, eh? Bryant ignores this barb. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND You were right. An hour, either way.... (a shrug) BRYANT Rough calculations only, sir, but the ships I've named, plus whatever small fishermen might reach us from the Solomons...I figure fifteen hundred...on decks, mostly. HEDRIKS Desperate people will accept desperate conditions...even peers of the realm. I'd go seventeen. Bryant's grim control snaps and he throws the flimsies, flinging himself onto Hedriks and hauling him off the couch. BRYANT You don't have to enjoy it! Before Townsend can prevent him, Bryant has lashed Hedriks with a backhand. TOWNSEND (pulling him off) Giles! This won't help. With a great yank the Captain separates his First from Hedriks, who finds blood on his hand when he pulls it away from his mouth. He calmly produces a white linen handkerchief and daubs at his lip while Bryant fights for control. Hedriks steps to the map, and we may detect just the slightest notch increase in the tightness of his voice. HEDRIKS I'll finish his report, Captain...with your permission. (pointing) The U.S. Navy is all pulled up around Pearl Harbor...Japan in the Philippines...I suppose Australia has a few old frigates she can get here in...a while. ON TOWNSEND He leaves Hedriks to collect a pipe and pouch from his desk. He takes out a moment to give Bryant a reassuring nod. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Frigates will be most welcome. Perhaps it's time we laid them on. Bryant nods and exits. Captain Townsend stokes his pipe and looks up to see Hedriks checking his watch again. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND (continuing) I shouldn't wonder you did well in the Great War, Hedriks...a military mind...Mountbatten's three rules of attack all perfectly executed: preparation, position, resolution. HEDRIKS All that remains is decision. Townsend puffs his pipe, striding toward the door. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I'm obliged to attend the Duke of Windsor's reception or I'll be missed. You'll be here? Hedriks nods, folding the handkerchief. HEDRIKS For another thirty minutes. The meaning is not lost on Townsend. He pauses. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND (afterthought) By the way, Whitehall has offered you total amnesty in exchange for locating the bomb...if we can't find the pilot, of course. HEDRIKS Decent of them. Captain Townsend nods like this is the most reasonable possible response. He exits. Hedriks walks to a porthole and looks out at the ocean. CUT TO INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - EXTREME CLOSEUP ON EYES panning from one pair of wide, attentive eyes to another. The faces belonging to the eyes are so smeared with grime it's hard to separate black from Indian to Corky. Only the last pair of eyes, belonging to Jack, are easy to spot. WIDER The three members of the Black Gang are kneeling beside Corky, ostensibly working on a array of pipes. Jack is seated with them. GABRIEL This talk of bombs may not just be stowaways after all. CORKY We already looked over there. Can't we tell 'em they're wasting time? REVERSE - THEIR POINT OF VIEW - OFFICERS Three officers are coming toward them, poking around the piping with battery torches. Bryant leads the party. ANOTHER ANGLE More officers are coming from the other direction. The two groups form a vise that can't be escaped. PANDIT (softly) Officers never waste time. GABRIEL We should be honored, so many have come to visit us. CORKY I'd just like to be ignored. Corky rubs more grease from nearby pipes on his face. The officers are getting closer. Corky turns to Jack. CORKY Grease won't do a thing for you, Jack. Better am-scray. Jack barks twice, jumps up on a platform, then turns back. CORKY Yeah...good luck to you, too. ON JACK He spurts through a hole in the pipes too small for a person. He looks back out for the cat. THE CAT is draped over a pipe. He stands and lazily follows. ANGLE - TO THE OFFICERS Their probing lights reach the four men, finding mostly stooped backs as the four furiously wipe. Bryant frowns. BRYANT You men...face this way. Slowly, the four respond to the order. They stand as if in a police line up. ON THE BLACK GANG AND CORKY They squint as the light beams play over their greasy faces. It isn't an easy choice, but one by one the lights select and hold on Corky. CUT TO INTERIOR EDWARD'S SUITE - DAY An intimate reception is in progress for a few couples of British nobility aboard the Queen Victoria. A string quartet is providing the polite music as a waiter off screen passes with a tray of champagne. Several tables are groaning with beautifully presented hors d'oeuvres. At the head of a distinguished reception line stands the Duke of Windsor, Edward VIII. Edward is now forty-four and distinguished. He shuns sashes and other marks of office, greeting his guests in plain formal clothes. The Second Officer introduces each couple as they step forward to meet Edward and Wallis. SECOND OFFICER Sir John Douglas, Baronet and Lady Douglas...Baron Armitage of Bishopston and Lady Armitage...Viscount Foxwell of Pellingham and Lady Foxwell.... (more as required) ON JAKE AND MELODIE He is doing his best to fit in, but standing exposed, stationary in the line has him edgy. JAKE (aside) I'm just gonna walk up there. Why are we wasting time like this? Melodie digs her fingers into his arms. MELODIE Go up there unannounced and start ranting about a bomb, and you won't convince anybody before those officers drag you away. Do it my way. JAKE (fidgeting) The witching hour is six fifteen --- A starched and coiffured matron wearing a fox-head choker turns to Jake. MATRON Did you say dinner was at six fifteen? Before Jake can reply, Melodie reacts with totally manufactured delight. MELODIE What a pleasure. (to Jake) Darling, may I present Agatha Devon, the Honorable Marquessa of Throxhall. Jake is a beat slow, but manages to catch on before it becomes awkward, and taken the matron's hand to kiss. MATRON Where did you ever find him? MELODIE (continuing) Dumbarton, of course. MATRON Forgive me, Earl, I should have known. It's right there on your jacket. (girl-to-girl) I like the silent ones, myself. While we talk, they ponder. That's why they seem so wise. Is that a fair description of you, Earl? Are you wise? The matron seems like the kind who will have an answer, whatever it takes. Jake shrugs. JAKE About all I know is fl --- Melodie brings the heel of her shoe down on Jake's instep and he gags back a pained oath. The matron is still waiting. JAKE (continuing) Flamenco. I study flamenco. Melodie is trying to bear up under Jake's wretched performance. MATRON Flamenco? My, how...different. MELODIE The Earl just returned from Spain, which explains his...odd accent. Jake takes his cue from Melodie, and decides he'd better play the role. What he comes up with is a fairly convincing impression of an English twit. JAKE (English accent) Well, of course I absorbed myself in it...Flamenco day and night and in my sleep...How else is one to fathom the damn dance, I ask you? Not prepared to answer, the matron is relieved to hear her name being called. WIDE SECOND OFFICER The Honorable Marquessa of Throxhall. The matron flounces forward to fawn over Edward and Wallis. Melodie presents her card to the Second Officer and whispers something. ON JAKE AND MELODIE MELODIE You'll have about twenty seconds, so make them count. (beat) What made you think of flamenco? ANGLE TO EDWARD - INCLUDE JAKE AND MELODIE as they are introduced. SECOND OFFICER Lady Melodie LaFontaine, the Duchess of Fitzhurst...and the Earl of Chesterbridge. Jake and Melodie step forward. Edward takes her hand and then gives her an extra hug. MELODIE Nice party, Uncle Eddie. Edward turns his attention to Jake, a bit puzzled. If anyone should, Edward ought to know who's aboard. EDWARD May I present my wife --- Jake cuts him off, but never drops the "charmed I'm sure" smile through his next speech. JAKE I'm the American pilot who flew the seaplane out here today. I brought a passenger with me who has planted a bomb on this ship set to go off in less than half an hour if he doesn't get the royal jewels. The Captain is cooperating all the way. You're the only one aboard who might convince him to stand up to this guy. Not the kind of thing you expect to hear in a receiving line. Edward is stumped, but it doesn't matter, because Jake's time is up. ANGLE - TO CAPTAIN TOWNSEND He has appeared to one side of the suite and has spotted Jake with Edward. A quick signal to several officers and Townsend wastes no time crossing the floor. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Excuse me, Sir Edward. I need to speak with this man --- That's as far as he gets. Jake expertly reaches under the tray of the passing waiter and send fifty glasses of champagne flying toward Townsend and his men. They recoil as the glasses shatter around them. One or two go down on the wet floor. A startled gasp rises from the crowd. ON JAKE AND MELODIE He is running toward the far end of the suite. Melodie is right with him. ON TOWNSEND He has stepped clear of the glass, and waves his men after Jake and Melodie. The astonished guests have stopped to watch in mid-canape. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND My apologies, Sir Edward. The man won't trouble you --- Edward grabs Townsend's arm, speaking in an urgent whisper. EDWARD Is there really a bomb, Captain? (beat) I want to know! EXTERIOR DECK - DAY Jake and Melodie hurtle out of a door and onto the deck. The PA chimes sound loud above them. A metal speaker is only feet away. BRYANT'S VOICE OVER May I have your attention, please. We have a message for passenger Cutter...passenger Cutter.... There's a moment's silence on the PA, but the amplifier's buzz tells us the line is still open. JAKE This is a new approach. INSERT - THE PA SPEAKER After a few metallic bumps, suggesting a microphone is changing hands, we hear: CORKY'S VOICE (rattled) Jake...ah, I hope you can hear this. They say you gotta come in now.... More metallic bumps and we hear Hedrik's voice. HEDRIK'S VOICE That would, of course, be best, but you do have a choice. I understand your mechanic can fly the seaplane if need be. I hate to run the risk, but if you don't come in...you may never see either of us again. EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - ON JAKE AND MELODIE As the PA goes dead, Jake sighs and Melodie buries her head against his chest. She knows what this means. Several officers are just arriving there to seize him. FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY Jake is just entering. He scans the room: Captain Townsend, First Officer Bryant are at the safe. Hedriks turns from the porthole and nods pleasantly. Corky looks up at Jake from the folds of a deep leather chair. His sullen look is visible even through the layers of grease. JAKE Where'd you hide...in the oil bilge? CORKY I don't know where it was. Jack took me down there. Jake looks for signs of Jack. CORKY (continuing) He's still there. Loves it...just squirms in and out and around all those pipes... (beat) I didn't mean to get caught, Jake, honest. JAKE I know. (looking over) I'm your pilot, Hedriks. He stays behind. HEDRIKS Certainly. His purpose is served. Jake flares at this but the door opening stalls his rejoinder. ANGLE TO DOOR - EDWARD AND MELODIE They enter. She has been explaining things to Edward. Melodie quickly goes to Jake, taking his hand. Edward has halted in the door. ANGLE - ACROSS EDWARD TO HEDRIKS Hedriks has transformed his placid expression to one of haughty disdain...just a trace of fear. He pulls himself up to full height. HEDRIKS Hello, Edward. Captain Townsend and Bryant stiffen from this breach of etiquette. Edward hasn't taken his eyes off Hedriks. EDWARD Hedriks...You've found yourself a new career. HEDRIKS Had to M'Lord...if you'll recall. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND You know this man, Sir Edward? EDWARD More than well. The son of my father's friend, the Viscount of Ilford. MELODIE I know you...We were children. We met one summer at Windsor Castle. Hedriks nods. He has suddenly discovered the need for another dram of sherry. He crosses to the decanter setup. HEDRIKS Been back, recently? I haven't. Join me...anyone? His offer isn't serious, and he pours his own glass. ON CORKY He catches Jake's eye. CORKY How'd we get from bombs to castles? JAKE That's what I'd like to know. ON JAKE He steps over to Captain Townsend. JAKE (continuing) Sounds to me like this guy's connected to the royal family. I thought your office in London pegged him as an impostor. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND I'd like a clarification, Sir Edward. Is this man really a Lord of the Realm? Edward hesitates a beat, and Hedriks chokes on a bitter laugh. HEDRIKS Well, you can tell them. You did it. Or have you had a change of heart? EDWARD No. You see, I was on the throne when the Army...ah, suspended his commission. Hedriks takes a few stalking steps toward Edward until they are face to face. HEDRIKS They drummed me out, what? Let's not paint too pretty a picture. It was a sordid business, eh? CORKY He killed seven of his soldiers, remember, Jake? It was in that stuff we read before. HEDRIKS Did you read how...? No? Better you didn't. Grisly business. Edward is tired of letting Hedriks bait them. He wraps up the story in a monotone. EDWARD He was testing explosives with his own men. It was kept quiet, but his father was through with him...disowned him. I agreed, he no longer deserved his title. So...I made it an act of the Crown. Stripped him...left him with nothing. Hedriks raises his glass to Edward. HEDRIKS That you did, my liege... (looks to Jake) Shall we be going? Jake checks his watch. It reads 6:04. ANGLE - FAVORING JAKE Bryant is just shutting two heavy cases full of the jewels. Jake studies Hedriks for a long moment, then turns to Captain Townsend. JAKE A word alone, Captain...with you and Sir Edward? Townsend considers. Hedriks smiles and shrugs. HEDRIKS Some eleventh hour strategizing? The downfall of most commanders...not recognizing when they have already capitulated. Townsend ignores this. TOWNSEND Certainly, Mr. Cutter. Bryant, take him along to the armory. Be quick. ON CORKY He stands up quickly, angry, as Bryant puts down the cases and shows Hedriks the door. CORKY They are gonna give him a gun, Jake. You were right. Melodie wheels on Townsend, anything but reticent. MELODIE You would! You assign suicide missions with the same voice you use to announce a 'spot of rough weather.' Jake gently pulls her back from Townsend, and she stands with him eyes blazing. Hedriks has watched the performance, amused. HEDRIKS Royalty dallying with commoners...quite a trend in your family, eh, Edward? Hedriks barely has this out of his mouth before Bryant has shoved him against the wall, roughly grabbing up the man's coat and lifting. It's the excuse Bryant has been waiting for to vent his pent up frustration. BRYANT Apologize to her Ladyship or I'll make damn certain that's your last bit of cheek. Hedriks has gone a bit purple in the face. Jake jumps quickly to pull Bryant off. The three grapple for a moment. JAKE Bryant! Let him down. There's no time. Jake finds an opening and plants one on Bryant's chin. The man staggers back, shaking his head, the fight gone out of him. Hedriks gathers his wits, his calm returning. HEDRIKS Have your talk, but I so much hope you aren't dabbling with the idea of a war of nerves. Don't expect me to crack at the final stroke. With this Hedriks lets himself out of the cabin. Bryant follows, after a flick of the head from Townsend. NEW ANGLE losing Hedriks and Bryant as they exit. Captain Townsend sighs and leans back on his desk. CAPTAIN TOWNSEND Yes, he has asked for a handgun, as you predicted. I've had my machinist working on one that will misfire. I can't predict he won't ask for another. ON JAKE He takes a few steps away from the group to collect his thoughts. JAKE You've got to admit two things...he's crazy, and he wants more than money. He wants revenge. EDWARD (nodding) Fortunate for everyone you insisted on bringing me into this, or we might not have known. Yes, he's after me. JAKE He's after you, the Peerage, this ship, the whole system. You can count on it. He's not gonna tell anybody where that bomb is. He wants it all. TOWNSEND (going ashen) I have his word. EDWARD You have the word of a fallen noble. Mr. Cutter is right. We realize that Jake is holding something. He lifts it and twirls the stem...Hedriks' watch. JAKE We'll know in eight minutes. CUT TO INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - CLOSE ON A METAL DOOR It slams shut, reverberations echoing with endless finality through the vast compartment. Camera adjusts to find Jake standing just inside the door. He can't help but check his watch. Outside the door, metallic bangs suggest that the great watertight dogs have been shoved home. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - HEDRIKS Partially in shadow, the man looks as dapper as the moment he stepped aboard. Behind him, the great machines are brooding in the gloom. Jake peels the wrapper off a cheroot and tucks it in his teeth, props his foot up on a convenient pipe and fires up the smoke. Once it's going good he tugs open his tux tie. HEDRIKS You have something of mine. Wordlessly, Jake flips Hedriks his watch. JAKE I am right about it being down here near the boilers. Though probably not in one. HEDRIKS Certainly. You'd be surprised at the damage possible with a compact device. Rupture one boiler and you have forty-seven others going off like bombs themselves. When was a much more difficult problem than where. I notice you reset my watch. JAKE What makes you think that? HEDRIKS If this was correct, we would be rather less whole than we seem to be. INSERT - HEDRIKS' WATCH The second hand is sweeping past 6:15. JAKE You're pretty sure about those timers. ANGLE - ACROSS JAKE TO FLOOR The ship's black cat scoots into view, then under a platform of pipes. Jake kneels to look into the space where the cat has disappeared. HEDRIKS Precision nautical time is a British tradition. Darwin sailed around the world in the Beagle a century ago with navigational clocks that didn't lose a second. JAKE But you weren't along to keep an eye on this one...and it's been there weeks at least since she sailed from England. HEDRIKS Four weeks, two days...but, I had no choice. They only allow 'inspectors' to crawl around their boilers in South Hampton...if my watch is to be believed, we have about three minutes. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - JACK He's under the pipes. JAKE (sotto to Jack) Find out anything? Jack barks twice, softly, slips under another pipe and is gone from sight. Jake can't follow that way. ON JAKE AND HEDRIKS Jake stands, dusting his hands off. Hedriks takes Jake's wrist to check his watch. INSERT - JAKE'S WATCH It shows 6:14. JAKE You can't trust that old thing. It's slow, remember? INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - VARIOUS VIEWS Jake vaults sections of pipe and leaps across channels in the floor. He clambers up platforms and finally stands above the area which Jack has staked out. Below are several longish tanks. Hedriks is a few paces behind. JAKE Stop making that awful racket, will you, Jack! It makes my hair stand on end. Jack barks twice that he knows it does, and moves aside as Jake jumps down to the tanks. Jake scans the floor and finds what he's looking for, a long-handled tool for turning open the threaded cover of a tank. With every move, Hedriks is looking more threatened. He studies the watch as Jake fits the tool in the cover and begins to twist it off. JAKE Not in the boiler but...What are these things, anyway? HEDRIKS Pre-warming tanks for the oil. JAKE Not where I'd hide a bomb...oil might get in and gum up the works. HEDRIKS No! JAKE Something's wrong...According to your watch it should've gone off by now. HEDRIKS You reset my watch. JAKE No, I didn't. Jake has loosened the tank cover. He lifts it to the side. Then he reaches in and feels around in the tank. He comes up empty handed, arm dripping oil. He starts for the second tank. Hedriks jumps beside him and snatches the long tool before Jake can prevent him. Jake dances back as Hedriks takes a good cut, then positions himself to protect the third tank. HEDRIKS It doesn't matter. We'll just wait. JAKE Here's what's going to happen. I'm going to jump you and you'll get one swing. Try to hit me where it'll put me out of the action, or I'll take the blow and finish you. Jake gives Hedriks a few moments to consider the problem. The speech has the desired effect. Hedriks is considering when Jake jumps. Hedriks takes a cut, missing. Jake lands harmlessly. When Jake jumps, Hedriks can only manage to whack him across his shoulders. He and Hedriks go down. Jake gets his hands up first and puts Hedriks out with several quick punches. Wincing from the heavy blow Hedriks landed, Jake uses the tool to open the oil tank, fishing his arm to the bottom. He comes up with the prize: a bulky package dripping oil. As the oil runs off, it is revealed as a bomb. INSERT - JAKE'S WATCH BESIDE THE BOMB'S CLOCK Jake's watch shows 6:14, the clock on the bomb shows 6:16 and running...it should have already blown! JAKE Told him I didn't touch his damn watch! Don't trip me, Jack...We've got a live one. Jack barks twice and heads for cover. CUT TO EXTERIOR DECK - DAY Keeping himself just under a run, Jake tries to jostle the bomb as little as possible. He's got the look of a man keeping one step ahead of the Hounds of Hell. EXTERIOR BOW - DAY Jake tears onto the bow and hurls the bomb at the water, cringing back. In slow motion we see the bomb float toward the water from the water from the bow, and just as it hits the water, erupts in a huge explosion. ON JAKE He is hurled back, showered with water and blinded by fire. Debris rains on him as the explosion subsides. He clears his head and looks around, feeling his bones, assuring himself he's still alive. ANGLE - TO INCLUDE JACK He pokes his nose out from cover, coming over to check Jake. JAKE I'm glad you found out where it was. I'll bet that black cat told you. Jack barks twice. JAKE (continuing) How do you do that, Jack? I can't get the time of day out of a cat. FADE OUT _END OF ACT FOUR_ _TAG_ FADE IN INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY - CLOSE ON OFFICERS Camera pans the stolid faces of the Queen's officers standing at attention as they had been when Hedriks arrived. WIDE Jake, Corky and Jack enter and stop, not expecting the reception committee. Captain Townsend leads the round of applause. Corky eats it up. A steward begins to pass a tray of shot glasses. ON CORKY He nudges Jake and stands taller. CORKY We're not nobodys anymore. Jack barks twice, agreeing, and preens. A steward hands Jake a shot glass, and offers one to Corky. Jake nods that Corky can take the glass. Townsend proposes a toast. TOWNSEND Gentlemen...Our deepest gratitude. The officers answer the toast with a hearty "Hear, hear." Jake trades looks with Bryant who rubs his chin and grins. Jake turns, after drinking, at the sound of a "pssst" behind him. ON JAKE AND MELODIE Losing the officers and Corky, Melodie calls Jake back to the door with a crooked finger. She looks radiant, complete with devilish smile. MELODIE How are a girl's chances of...what do you Americans say...bumming a ride? JAKE I'd say they were excellent. Where to? MELODIE We could go to some deserted beachy kind of place.... JAKE I like the sound of that. MELODIE Then you can fly me back to the ship. JAKE That's the part I don't like. MELODIE (really disappointed) I didn't think you would...but give me a chance to persuade you. He's listening. MELODIE I can't just run off forever. I've got responsibilities...People count on me and --- JAKE You're a Duchess and I'm not. A little flush of anger creases Melodie's brow. MELODIE Hurt pride does not suit you. JAKE My pride's not hurt. I'm just stating facts. My home is an island about the size of your rose garden, my friends wear dirty coveralls, and I live in one room with a grumpy old dog. Most of the time I hang around a saloon. I like it. You spend your time bouncing from one royal gala to another and...for some reason...you like that. MELODIE (coy) But, I also like you. JAKE (equally) Good, because there is one thing I'd like us to do before we say good-bye forever. Melodie reacts with the same shocked hurt that a little girl displays when she's told there is a circus but she can't go. MELODIE This is a fine time to think of that! You're just about to leave! JAKE I know, but still have just enough time to...flamenco. Melodie bursts out laughing with Jake as we: FREEZE FRAME FADE OUT _THE END_
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