Teleplay by
Tom Greene
_ACT ONE_ FADE IN EXTERIOR SKY - ON GOOSE - DAY - STORM - STOCK It flies through broken clouds of rain. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER It was the Tibetans, I think, who discovered that your pulse mysteriously drops late in the day. It's supposed to have something to do with God's way of preparing you for the serenity of the sunset. INTERIOR GOOSE COCKPIT - DAY The rain is leaking through the windshield and pouring onto the instrument panel. Jake is doing his best to fly through it. Corky, on the other hand, is entranced, peering through a crescent shaped bottle of rum -- the contents plainly labeled in an extremely old and "ceremonious" purple emblem. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER I'm convinced, however, that none of those Tibetans ever had Corky for a mechanic! Corky puts the bottle down and looks over to Jake. CORKY It's true, Jake! See, the sunlight shines in a perfect circle right through the rum and the bottle. This is real Purple Label! JAKE (losing patience) Corky, would you get back to wiping the underpanel? Jack walks over with a rag in his mouth and hands it to Jake. Jake nods a thank you and does his best to wipe the soaked instrument panel. Over this: CORKY Oh, but Louie said I have to inspect every bottle, and since he and I are sorta partners in this, I can't help you until I've made sure.... JAKE Corky, how many bottles have you already checked? CORKY (thinking hard) Well, ah, this is the last bottle in the case, so that... (suddenly realizing) This is the last bottle, Jake. I can help you now. JAKE Great. Now before anything shorts, would you.... With that, there is a small burst of sparks, and smoke from the radio. Jake immediately tries the radio, and then takes his headphones off. JAKE That's it -- no more radio. (then) I don't care how much Louie paid us to pick up these cases in Tahiti, this is the last time we fly in rain with a leaky windshield. CORKY Okay, Jake, I'll remember that. Corky begins trying to dry the panel with some more "rags." Jake looks down at the rags, and notices what they are. JAKE Wait a minute -- those are our maps. CORKY I can fix 'em. Corky takes the linen maps, and begins to squeeze the water out of them like an old dishrag. Jake takes them from him. JAKE Corky, these aren't your undershirts. When we get back to Boragora, we're going to have to dry them out along with the radio. (then, looking at mess) We're going to be down for at least two days drying this place out. I just don't understand it. I mean how much could that rum be worth? CUT TO EXTERIOR LAGOON - ON DOCK - CLOSE ON GUSHIE as he looks up surprised. GUSHIE Five hundred dollars a _bottle_? Are you sure you can get that much? As we pull back, camera begins to dolly across the pier as Louie walks and Gushie wheels down it. As we follow them we pick up Willie who is talking animatedly with two extremely devoted native girls. Over this: LOUIE My friend, we are talking about one hundred year old rum, made exclusively for Queen Victoria's coronation. After a tip from Corky, I purchased the entire lot for a mere thousand francs. Naturally, Corky will get a percentage, after I see it in Tagataya. By now they have reached the end of the dock. We can see the side of the China Clipper (properly labeled as such) along with its landing float. The pilot, Nick, comes onto the dock, followed by two of his crewmen. They are all in dress whites. Nick has a "ship captain's" aura of importance about him. He hands Louie the manifest. Behind him we can see the Clipper passengers departing. NICK You will find everything in order. Luggage, usual supplies...and we have a sealed crate. As you can see, it has clearance all the way to Shanghai. Two of the boarders are flying with it. Nick points to the clearance papers in the manifest. Louie eyes them suspiciously. LOUIE (very official) The last time I approved 'harmless' custom sealed cargo without my own inspection, I found that the opium market in Hong Kong doubled. NICK Well, if you are questioning my cargo, then talk to the people who came with it. It's your problem now. Louie looks over to the landing float as two rough "outback" types in bush jackets come onto the dock. They are Hargrave and Swag. LOUIE Are those the 'gentlemen' who came with the cargo? NICK (as he walks down pier) Your 'suspects' are _behind_ the two men. (as he turns) Good evening. Louie looks back over to the landing float just as Hargrave and Swag step onto the dock and continue toward the bar -- exposing two other passengers: two nuns in full habit and black veil. They are Mother Agnes, a large woman as old as the hills and twice as stubborn, and Sister Teresa, quiet, sharp features, youthful twenties and beautiful, even though she is wearing a coif and veil. Before Louie can ask them about the cargo document, Mother Agnes speaks up. She talks like a boulder crashing down a canyon with a controlled and purposeful destruction. MOTHER AGNES The man in charge please. LOUIE I am the Magistrate de Justice for this island, and I'd like to.... MOTHER AGNES Good. Then you will be so kind as to put us up in a private room, or if not available, the sister and I may room together, but I must warn you that under no circumstances shall we be placed with secular personnel. We will be ready for dinner in an hour -- boiled vegetables and bread will be quite sufficient -- _after_ our evening prayer and office. ANGLE - WILLIE as he stops talking with the girls and looks up. We can see the panic in his eyes at seeing the Mother Superior. MOTHER AGNES AND LOUIE as the Mother Superior begins to walk down the pier with Sister Teresa. Louie and Gushie are having a hell of a time keeping up with her. MOTHER AGNES Now, I noticed as we were landing that you have a chapel. It is, I pray, graced with the Blessed Sacrament? Louie takes a moment to collect himself, then: LOUIE Well, I'm not sure. Reverend Tenboom would know.... Louie turns to where Willie was standing -- except he is no longer there. Only the two native girls remain. We can see though, the good Reverend in the background making a brisk and quiet exit away from the Clipper and the Mother Superior. LOUIE He _was_ right there. MOTHER AGNES (disappointed) A reverend, you say? We will then have to make do without Holy Communion, but I'm sure the good Reverend would not mind the use of his chapel for prayer and reflection. LOUIE I'm sure not. (then) But in the meantime, may I offer you some complimentary sherry in our Monkey Bar? MOTHER AGNES (thinking it over) Maybe a few sips for medicinal purposes wouldn't harm, but I'm not sure about entering a 'bar' as such. LOUIE (all charm) Oh, I can assure you that I run a most respectable establishment. CUT TO INTERIOR MONKEY BAR A burly local has just been given a hard right from some unseen assailant and he lands hard across a table where two "patrons" are enjoying their dinner. The table crumbles under him like a house of cards. The two "diners" calmly pick up their plates that now rest on the floor and walk to another table. Camera follows them as we pick up the two nuns standing at the doorway. Mother Agnes is in shock at what she sees. Sister Teresa continues to be calm, serene and mute. MOTHER AGNES (crossing herself) May the Saints preserve us. Louie comes in behind them. LOUIE (showing them in) Ladies, if you will. He leads them reluctantly to a table at the far end of the bar. A "wave" comes over the bar as the locals slowly realize what has just walked in. The fights stops, so does everything else. It's like unruly children when the principal walks into their room. Even Nick and his crewmen, who are drinking with Hargrave and Swag, look up. The Victrola, which has been playing a rather bawdy song, runs down as Sarah, watching the nuns, forgets to wind it up. All eyes are on the nuns as they sit huddled next to each other. As the scene continues we can see Gushie going around the bar turning on the lights as night starts to take over the island. CLOSER ANGLE - NUNS as Louie leans down to them. LOUIE I'll have someone bring over your sherries. MOTHER AGNES We shall serve ourselves, thank you. LOUIE (leaving them) As you like. Mother Agnes looks around the room for a moment, then, to Sister Teresa: MOTHER AGNES (in a firm whisper) You must be on your guard. You may go up and get our sherries, but talk to no one, give no cause for scandal, and remember humility at all times. Sister Teresa nods and walks over to the bar, staying close to the walls, looking out at all times. The locals try vainly to stay "respectable." BAR as the bartender sets up two glasses of sherry on a tray. Sister Teresa is about to pick up the tray when Louie stops her. LOUIE Oh please, this is for the locals. Let me pour you our special Chamount. As Louie reaches for the bottle of Chamount sherry we: INTERIOR ENTRANCE OF BAR as Corky and Jake walk to the bar. Corky is holding one of the bottles of Purple Label. As they enter, he stuffs the bottle in the pocket of his overalls. Camera follows them as they pass by the bar -- and Sister Teresa. CORKY I can't wait to see Louie's face when I show him the rum! JAKE Or when he gets my bill for the windshield. CORKY You think the rum's going to be safe in the Goose overnight? JAKE Corky, it's not going anywhere in its present condition.... Jake stops right in his tracks. He shakes his head as if to say, "No, it couldn't be!" CORKY Jake -- are you okay? Jake turns around and faces the bar. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - SISTER TERESA as she stands at the bar, as Louie now pours his finest into two glasses. LOUIE A voitre sante. FULL SHOT as Jake turns back towards Corky and Jack. JAKE (almost to himself) That's her. I know it. (then to Jack) What do you think? Jack looks over to the nun, then barks once for no. Jake bends down to Jack. JAKE Come on, Jack. Don't you remember? She was always putting people on. That time in Rangoon when she dressed up like the Mata Hari to get a free dinner at Casures? Jack barks once for no. JAKE (trying to refresh Jack's memory) That's Brigid! Brigid Harrington. Remember the Alleghenies? We got into Josh White concerts following her in that fake General's uniform she used to wear. (looking over to Sister Teresa; then) I've got to do it. It's her. Jack barks another futile once for no as Jake gets up. CORKY Jake, what'd you gotta do? Jake, his mind made up -- a smile on his face, walks over to Sister Teresa. He gently grabs her by the shoulders and turns her around to face him. Then with a wink: JAKE In this place with every free drink you get something else. Jake gives her a quick kiss. BAR - VARIOUS QUICK SHOTS Trays are dropped, mouths are dropped, and gasps abound. Sarah covers her mouth with both hands, in shock. MOTHER AGNES as she stands up abruptly -- shocked. Louie turns a deep shade of pale. MOTHER AGNES (crossing herself) Jesus, Mary and Joseph! She takes a deep breath, and boiling with anger, storms over to Jake. JAKE Through his laughter he begins explaining to the bar. JAKE Boy you should have seen your faces! This is Brigid Harrington. I've known her for years. Loves to dress up. (to Sister Teresa) Come on, the jig is up. Tell the people. I'll buy the drinks. He is facing a stone wall. JAKE Brigid -- come on. Tell 'em it's all a joke! With that, the Mother Superior pulls Jake around to her. This is the first time he's seen the "other half," and suddenly he's not sure --- MOTHER AGNES Young man, for heaven's sake, what has come over you! To perform such a sacrilege! You are to say an act of contrition immediately! Jake tries to keep smiling. Maybe she's also part of the joke. But we can see his realization that this Mother Superior is anything but a joke. She's real. And if she's real...his face falls. Sarah comes over to him. SARAH Jake, how could you do such a thing? Jake looks at Sarah, then at Sister Teresa incredulously. JAKE (to Sister Teresa) Brigid, would you tell them who you are. (to Sarah) Her father, he was my flight instructor in the Corps. That's where we met... (then to Sister Teresa; angry) It's not funny anymore, Brigid. Sister Teresa continues to look at Jake unemotionally. Jake has turned from frustration to anger. JAKE (to Sister Teresa) You did this to me the last time we met, and I'm not going to let you get away with it. LOUIE (trying to calm) Jake, why don't you have a beer. On me. You were flying all night, and sometimes fatigue plays tricks. JAKE I tell you, I know this woman! Mother Agnes takes Sister Teresa's arm and begins to lead her away, all the time giving Jake steel eyes. MOTHER AGNES Sister, we are late for evening prayer. We shall say an extra rosary tonight. (right at Jake) I know some souls who need help from entering eternal hell! CUT TO CLOSEUP - JAKE Flames are reflected in his face and eyes. JAKE Why won't she say anything? We pull back to reveal: INTERIOR REPAIR SHED - NIGHT An old and squeaking fan is blowing over a small, smudge pot fire which heats the air (hence the reflecting fire). Jake is turning the Goose radio slowly to dry it evenly in front of this makeshift heater. Jack lies on the workbench on top of the drying maps. Jake is talking to him. JAKE You do remember Brigid, don't you? Jack barks twice for yes. JAKE Then why'd you say no in the bar? Jack barks once for no. JAKE Yes you did. I asked you what you thought and you... (realizing) ...you knew I was going to kiss her. _That's_ what you said no to. Jack barks twice for yes. JAKE We've got to come up with a more complicated system of communicating. With that we suddenly hear another voice. SISTER TERESA'S VOICE Hello. Jake turns around. Lit by the smudge pot fire and with her black veil and habit, all we can see is Sister Teresa's face in the doorway. It's an eerie sight. SISTER TERESA May I come in? Jake nods yes as he looks at her suspiciously. JAKE Can I help you? SISTER TERESA I was just taking my constitutional, after evening meditation. There's an awkward moment of silence, then: JAKE I'm, ah, sorry about this afternoon. I didn't mean to upset your...whatever you call her. SISTER TERESA Mother Agnes enjoys a momentary flare-up. I think it keeps her young. And she has been young for a very long time. JAKE Well, you're the one who should have flared up. SISTER TERESA I have always felt that people who fly into a rage often have a bad landing. JAKE (perking up) That's funny you should say that. I used to say the same thing way back when I was in the Air Corps. In fact, my instructor told it to me when we were... (suddenly realizing) It _is_ you! Jack barks twice for yes. Jake stands up, excited. He walks over to Sister Teresa and gives her a careful look. For the first time we see something resembling a smile coming over her face. Jake now talks to her like an old Army buddy. JAKE You old cooter! Did it to me again, didn't you. Boy, did you have me going! I was just saying to Jack that it had to be you. SISTER TERESA (calming) Jake. It's not another joke. The costume is real this time. He stops. Her news soaks in. A moment, then: JAKE (quietly) Let's take a walk. CUT TO EXTERIOR DOCK - NIGHT as Sister Teresa, Jake and Jack walk slowly to the Monkey Bar Hotel which is lit up in the background. As they walk: SISTER TERESA (explaining) ...Mother Agnes and I are taking a shipment of cholera vaccine to our order in Shanghai. The Japanese have bombed virtually all the medical laboratories on the mainland, and the United States in the nearest safe place to get the vaccine. (a pause; then) My new order, the Sisters of Charity, is in Shanghai. We have a hospital. You should see the children, what the cholera does to them. And Lord how fast it spreads. JAKE Brigid, when did all this happen? SISTER TERESA The epidemics have been going on for centuries. JAKE I know that. I've seen what they can do. I'm talking about you. SISTER TERESA (suddenly tight) I have taken the name Sister Teresa along with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. I live for now and the future. JAKE Why'd you do it? Her cool is crumbling. She is trying desperately to hold in any emotions for Jake or the past. SISTER TERESA (suddenly human) Look, Jake, I can't talk about it...In my order it is absolutely forbidden to acknowledge anyone from my past, especially in front of the Mother Superior.... (stops; then) If only you knew how hard it was not to say anything to you in there... (in control) I live a life of sacrifice. In a way, a life against nature. A never ending struggle for self-perfection. JAKE And what does Robby think of all this? SISTER TERESA Robby...You mean my father? JAKE Yeah, I'd love to have seen Robby's reaction when you started talking to him like this. I'll bet he took you over his knee.... SISTER TERESA (evenly) He's dead, Jake. We were shot down over Peking by a group of Japanese Zeros. I was the only one who survived, and... (breaking) ...and on the same day, the very same day, I went to a mother house to give my life to God...for my father. They have reached the stairs to the hotel. Jake is shocked, and stands there for a moment letting the news soak in. Then: JAKE I can't tell you how sorry I am. Robby meant a lot to me. SISTER TERESA (all guards down) He meant a lot to me too. They look at each other. Both feeling the same pain of loss. Jake moves toward her to comfort her. Sister Teresa immediately pulls away. The moment is broken. We can see that she is scared to death of him. She turns and starts up the stairs. Jake looks up at her, then: JAKE Brigid -- wait! He runs up the stairs after her. ANGLE - SECOND STORY as Sister Teresa stops and turns around. They are right outside Nick's room -- and with the door open we can see a smoke-filled poker game inside with Nick, Hargrave, Swag, and a few crewmen, playing. Over this: SISTER TERESA (all cold and business again) In three weeks I take my final vows. (a beat) I came here tonight to see you because I felt -- after what happened in the bar -- you deserved some kind of explanation. JAKE Brigid, will you look at me? This is Jake you're talking to. SISTER TERESA Please, it is Sister Teresa now. (then; without emotion) In the morning the Clipper takes off to Shanghai. And I will never, ever, see you again. (a beat; then) Now, if you'll excuse me, it is time to begin my grand silence. I've broken enough rules for one day. She gives Jake a long look. It is disconcerting. We can sense maybe a bit of pleading. As if she wants him to say something. As if she's not so sure about leaving. But then, she turns and heads to her room. JAKE (calling after her) Brigid! From inside Nick's room, we can see the poker players look up to see what all the shouting is. Nick gets up, goes to the door, and giving Jake a dirty look, closes it. CLOSEUP - JAKE as the light from Nick's room fades across Jake's face. DISSOLVE TO EXTERIOR MONKEY BAR/HOTEL - SUNRISE as all the lights are out --- camera begins pushing towards Jake's window. DISSOLVE TO INTERIOR JAKE'S ROOM - SUNRISE as camera pans around the room, until we see Jake backlit by the first rays of the sun -- he is lying in bed, and has obviously been up all night. CUT TO EXTERIOR MONKEY BAR/HOTEL - SUNRISE as suddenly the door to Nick's room on the second floor blows out in a massive explosion, followed by smoke and fire. Immediately the entire island is awake. Jake and Jack run out of their room, followed by Louie and Gushie. Jake runs up the stairs to the burning room and tries to enter it. Louie sees him, and also runs up the stairs. CLOSER ANGLE - SECOND FLOOR as Louie reaches Jake and pulls him from the burning room. JAKE Louie, get away, I can see him in there. LOUIE Jake, it's too late. We don't need two casualties. (then; shouting down to Gushie) Start the auxiliary generator for the water pump. We'll start a bucket brigade in the meantime. CUT TO EXTERIOR LAGOON DOCK - DAY - CLOSE ON CLIPPER as the two crewmen, awakened by the blast, look out the hatch. Seeing the fire, they quickly jump out of the hatch and begin running towards the Monkey Bar. We hold for a moment -- then we see, from behind some crates, Hargrave and Swag run up and into the now empty Clipper. Hargrave carries a small duffle bag. CUT TO EXTERIOR MONKEY BAR - HIGH ANGLE as we see the entire second story engulfed in fire and smoke. Willie, Corky and Sarah have joined Louie and Jake as they form a bucket brigade up the stairs to try and put the fire out. There are ad lib shouts back and forth as Jake -- who is the final link in the chain -- shouts for more water. The Mother Superior holds onto the back of Gushie's wheelchair as Gushie points the hose up to the fire, sending a rather useless stream of water up to the second floor. Suddenly over all this we can hear the sound of engines starting up. CLOSE ANGLE - SECOND STORY as Jake continues to dump buckets of water on the fire. He hears the sounds. JAKE (to Louie) The Clipper! Someone is taking her! LOUIE (shouting back) That is not our problem now. Keep up with the buckets. We have enough to worry about. As if to answer, we can hear another sound: from behind them -- another engine starting up. This one very familiar. Corky hears it first. CORKY Jake -- do you hear that? It's the Goose! Someone's taking that too! Jake gives Louie a look for a moment, then with Corky and Jack, begins racing down the stairs. CUT TO EXTERIOR GOOSE LANDING The Goose is taxiing to open water. Although the nose rope has been unhooked, the tail rope is still tied to the pilings, causing the plane to strain against it. As the mid-hatch passes by the end of the dock, Jake, followed by Corky and Jack, leap in like hobos on a racing train. Just as they get in, the rope breaks, causing the Goose to jut forward, pick up speed and begin to lift off. It bobs, then juts down hard into the water again. INTERIOR GOOSE CABIN as Corky and Jake are thrown to the floor. JAKE Who's ever up there is taking off without flaps. They make their way to the cockpit, being bounced around like rocks in a cement mixer. Jake makes his way to the cockpit. Jake goes over to the flap selector and pulls them. The "pilot" turns around abruptly, startled by the "intruder." We see who it is: It's Sister Teresa. She retracts the throttles. ANGLE - JAKE as the plane suddenly slows down, and he hits his head on the cockpit's opening. Jake sees, to his shock, who's flying the plane, a second before his eyes roll up from the bump, and he slumps down to the floor, just as she pours the power back on. EXTERIOR SKY - OVER BORAGORA In the distance we can see the Clipper as it climbs in altitude, heading south. In the foreground we see the Goose, shaky, also now fully airborne as it makes its way just over the trees, turning sharply to the south -- chasing after the Clipper. FADE OUT _END OF ACT ONE_ _ACT TWO_ FADE IN CLOSEUP - JAKE out like a light. Suddenly a rather dirty, but wet, rag is thrown over his face. Jake instantly sits up, gagging on the foul rag and looking around for the "culprit." We pull back to: INTERIOR GOOSE COCKPIT - DAY Sister Teresa is calmly flying the plane in the pilot seat. Corky and Jack are over by Jake. CORKY It was Jack's idea. I couldn't wake you up. JAKE (to Jack; dry) Thanks a lot. Jack barks twice for yes. CORKY We were worried about you. Jake rubs his head, and tries to sort things out. JAKE How long have I been out? CORKY I don't know, Jake. It' been about.... He begins counting on his fingers. SISTER TERESA (without looking up) Seven minutes. She looks over to Jake. Although she is still slightly uptight, and careful of her words, we can already sense a loosening up. For Sister Teresa, flying is a world that she was very comfortable with. At five thousand feet, her "holy" world is slowly melting away. JAKE (to Sister Teresa) Did you know that you're flying my airplane? SISTER TERESA I am aware of that, yes. A moment, then: JAKE _Why_ are you flying my airplane? CORKY I was real worried at first, but you know, Jake, she's a pretty good pilot. JAKE (still looking at her) I know. (then) I thought we were never going to see each other again. SISTER TERESA I didn't invite you in. Jake moves over to the pilot's side. JAKE (sterner) Would you please get out of my seat? SISTER TERESA (simply) No. JAKE I'd like to take my plane back home. SISTER TERESA (firmly) We're not going home. Jake gives her a look, then: JAKE What happened to that sweet, gentle nun who talking about 'life sacrifices' and all? SISTER TERESA She's right here. (then looking out the windshield) There she is. JAKE Who? JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - SKY As we can see, just in the horizon another plane. FULL SHOT as everyone -- including Jack, is looking out. SISTER TERESA The China Clipper. I have to follow it. JAKE Why? SISTER TERESA Those two men who came over with us. I was up for meditation this morning when I saw them run into it after the hotel exploded. Before I could stop them, they were starting her up. (a beat) I had to take your plane. What else was I supposed to do? JAKE Oh, I don't know. Wake me up perhaps. Do something foolish -- like ask permission. SISTER TERESA There was no time. Besides, I didn't want to get you involved. JAKE (a statement) You didn't want to get me involved so you just steal the Goose? Makes sense. (then; firmly to Sister Teresa) Now get out of that seat so I can turn her around. SISTER TERESA (not budging) From watching the horizon line, I calculate that the Clipper's going fuel efficient in cruise, which means if she stays there, we can keep up. JAKE Brigid, I'm turning her back. SISTER TERESA (continuing) _But_, if she spots us, it's all over. Even going full tilt twenty- three hundred rpm we couldn't catch her. That's why we have to stay right out of her backsight. As long as they don't know they're being followed, we'll be just fine. CORKY She's right, Jake. And we'd burn up if we had to stay in full takeoff power. JAKE I know that, Corky. (then; to Sister Teresa) Why would anyone want to steal the Clipper? They're not the easiest things to 'fence' you know. SISTER TERESA The vaccine...it's still on that plane, and as you can see, they're not going anywhere near Shanghai with it. JAKE Still doesn't make sense. Vaccine isn't worth anything to them. SISTER TERESA It's not the vaccine they're stealing. JAKE What then? SISTER TERESA There's a group of Chinese-Americans known as the Wah-Sun Society that collects gold from their countrymen and finds ways to have it flown out to China to help in the cause against the Japanese. JAKE (catching on) And you volunteered, because you thought two nuns carrying vaccine would be a safe way. SISTER TERESA (concerned) We tried to be so careful. JAKE When it comes to gold, around here, there's no such word. They can smell it a mile away, like dead fish. SISTER TERESA (with conviction) Let them have the gold...it's just that I must get the vaccine back. Every hour, literally hundreds of children are dying without it...and every hour the epidemic digs in deeper. Jake looks out the windshield, then shaking his head: JAKE Do you have any idea what you're flying at the moment? Come on, you were taught by the best. Look around you. Check your instruments. Do you notice that half of the gauges are giving intermittent readings at best? Or how about the fact that there's the little problem of no radio? Fits right in that big gaping hole there. SISTER TERESA (losing ground) I've flown worse. JAKE Worse huh? Did you also notice in your haste to get up in the air, that we haven't refueled -- that we just came off an all-night mission? SISTER TERESA We'll just gauge our fuel. JAKE _How_! We can't gauge our fuel, because we have no idea how far we're going! And by the way, another little thing -- even if we did know -- you'll notice we don't have any maps! SISTER TERESA (seeing the problem) Anything else? JAKE No...except we've got a windshield that leaks like Niagara, and an electrical system that's been soaking in water half the night. So tell me, have you still flown worse? I mean, am I crazy to want to turn back? SISTER TERESA (giving up) No, you're not crazy. Jake, cooling down, looks over to Sister Teresa for a moment, then: JAKE The hell I'm not. CORKY Jake, I don't think you're supposed to talk to a nun that way. JAKE I'm not talking to a nun anymore -- I'm talking to a copilot. CORKY I don't get it. JAKE (to Sister Teresa) I don't know how long we can stay in the air, but if we're going to get that vaccine back, you better take your position in the copilot seat and keep your eyes glued to the cylinder temp gauge. SISTER TERESA You mean.... JAKE (continuing; to Corky) And you better lean the mixture, then bring us to thirty-four inch manifold pressure and full medo power. If we're going to stay up with that Clipper, then we're going to have to run the Goose hard and thin. (then; to Sister Teresa) Now get out of my seat! Sister Teresa gets up and sits in the copilot's seat. She looks at Jake, and for the first time, gives him a real warm smile. As Corky begins to lean the mixture, she just keeps on looking at Jake. CUT TO EXTERIOR CLIPPER - DAY - ESTABLISHING SHOT as it flies over open water. DISSOLVE TO INTERIOR CLIPPER COCKPIT Hargrave is in the pilot's seat flying the plane. Compared to the crampedness of the Goose, the Clipper seems like its own flying island. Hargrave unwraps a stick of gum and pops it in his mouth, then reaches up for the intercom mike. HARGRAVE (into mike) Swag -- can you hear me? SWAG'S VOICE Yeah. Haven't found it yet. Just be patient. HARGRAVE (half kidding) It would be real perfect if the gold turned out not to be on board. SWAG'S VOICE It's a big cargo bay, what do you want? HARGRAVE (dry) Why not just read the labels. INTERIOR CLIPPER'S CARGO BAY - DAY It is large and dark. Among the crates neatly piled high on both sides of the bay, and secured with large straps, are multicolored layers of rubber tarps, ropes and life preservers. The restraining straps and ropes on all the cargo make it very difficult to find anything. Swag, using a flashlight, is trying to pull the boxes down. He is next to the intercom box. SWAG What -- I couldn't hear you? HARGRAVE'S VOICE I said, read the labels -- It'll make things go faster. SWAG (sour) That's real funny. HARGRAVE Come on, Swag -- with your share you could buy up the entire staff at Oxford to teach you how to read. It's about time -- wouldn't you say? SWAG (changing subject) I'll tell you when I find the gold. He switches the intercom off then grabs his axe. He begins using it to hit at one of the wooden boxes. SWAG (as he swings) He's a funny man. Maybe I should use my share to get him a job on _Burns and Allen_. He swings the axe down hard again -- this time breaking through the wooden lid. The flashlight rolls off the other boxes where he's set it, and falls to the floor. LOW ANGLE - FLOOR as the flashlight rocks back and forth lighting the side of the box that Swag has just smashed through. The stencil on the side reads: FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE - MEDICAL SUPPLIES - CHOLERA VACCINE. CUT TO EXTERIOR MONKEY BAR - DAY The fire is out, and slight traces of white smoke are rising from the burned wood. The damage does not look too bad. CUT TO CLOSEUP - LOUIE'S HAND as he turns a burned out, melted, steel box. Over this: GUSHIE'S VOICE We found it in Nick's room. Pull back to: INTERIOR MONKEY BAR Louie is at one end of the bar with Gushie, while Willie at the other, slowly inches his way across to try and find out what they are talking about. LOUIE (looking it over) It's a gas bomb...a real favorite with terrorists ten years ago. Plan must have been to create a diversion, then steal the plane. GUSHIE What was so valuable? LOUIE Something in those crates must have.... Louie notices Willie, who is almost next to him now. LOUIE (to Willie) Can I help you? WILLIE (caught) No, I was just...going to tell you that I finished the service on that pilot. LOUIE That's good. Don't you have something else to do? WILLIE No, nothing. Sarah comes over to Louie's office and over to the group. She looks concerned. We can see that Sarah wants to talk to Louie, but not with Willie hovering over. The problem is solved. From the doorway, we can see Mother Agnes. She is hesitant to cross over into the inside, and stands just outside trying to muster up the courage. LOUIE (seeing her) Ah, the Mother Superior. Willie immediately turns around. LOUIE (to Willie) She has been looking for you all morning. WILLIE (panicked) I cannot talk to her now. I...I have a very sick parishioner. She needs my prayers. Willie starts through the bar. LOUIE Why are you going the back way? WILLIE I -- ah, need holy water. From the kitchen. Willie is out. SARAH (to Louie; quickly) I've tried all points and no ships have spotted anything. Louie, I'm really worried. LOUIE You are not the only one. CUT TO EXTERIOR GOOSE - DAY - STOCK as it continues on its chase. INTERIOR COCKPIT - JAKE AND SISTER TERESA All seems calm as they fly. Jake begins to drop the plane down. SISTER TERESA Why are you reducing altitude? JAKE There's some cloud cover below us; it might be better to hide in it for a while. SISTER TERESA (shaking her head) Hummmm. JAKE What's wrong _now_? SISTER TERESA Nothing. (then) Except if I was flying, instead of descending, I'd climb a few hundred feet so that we'd be right in his sun. Jake gives her a look. He begins to drop the plane until we can see ourselves blanketed in clouds. SISTER TERESA (quietly) You're still the same stubborn ol'.... She stops herself. JAKE Come on -- what were you going to say? I'd just love to see you use some of your more enduring phrases _now_. SISTER TERESA (trying to change the subject) Where's Corky? Jake starts to laugh. JAKE Corky's in the cabin. He's afraid your takeoff might have damaged some of his valuable cargo. SISTER TERESA It was a perfectly fine takeoff, thank you. JAKE (dry) Oh, it was terrific. I especially like the part with your tie rope -- and forgetting about the flaps. SISTER TERESA I haven't flown in years, for heaven's sakes! Jake smiles, then soberly. JAKE There's one thing I haven't asked you yet. (a beat) Have you given any thought to just exactly what you're going to do when and if we catch up with these guys? SISTER TERESA I'm sure if I can just talk to them, they will be happy to release the vaccine to me. JAKE Just like that, huh? SISTER TERESA Tell a man he's good and you help him to become so. JAKE Brigid, come on. That's wonderful Sunday school talk, but this is the real world. SISTER TERESA There is no hate in their hearts. Just greed. They will listen to me, I'm sure they are good men in the soul. CUT TO INTERIOR CLIPPER'S CARGO BAY - CLOSEUP - CRATE as an axe comes down hard on it. Swag pushes back some packing cotton and straw and we can see the vials of vaccine. He pushes them away, and underneath, we can see through the glare of the flashlight the unmistakable glimmer of gold. We pan up to the satisfied smile of Swag. INTERIOR CLIPPER'S COCKPIT as Swag enters. He is holding one of the gold ingots. SWAG Hargrave -- does the word 'eureka' mean anything to you? Hargrave turns around to see Swag -- and the ingot, then gives out a shout of joy. He takes the ingot from Swag, then gives him a playful slug on the shoulder. HARGRAVE I'll put this one back -- and take a quick look at the whole package. He levels the plane, then stands up. SWAG Hey, what are you doing? HARGRAVE Don't worry, ol' Iron Mike will take the wheel. Hargrave switches on the automatic pilot as he leaves the cockpit. Swag settles into the copilot's seat. SWAG (shouting back) Never fails. The gold was in the very first crate I tried to open. Just didn't look hard enough. We hear another shout from Hargrave as he obviously sees the gold. A second, then Hargrave enters the cockpit again. HARGRAVE How does the sound of the pop of a champagne cork sound to you? SWAG Best sound in the world! Hargrave reaches into his duffle bag and takes out a bottle of champagne, then tosses it to Swag. HARGRAVE You do the honors. I can never get those damned things open. Always afraid they're going to blow up. Swag puts the bottle between his knees as he begins to unwrap the foil. As he struggles with the wires, he swivels in his chair so that his back is to us. Over this: SWAG You're helpless without me, you know that? Evenly, Hargrave reaches into his duffle bag again, this time taking out a pistol. CLOSER ANGLE - HARGRAVE as he points the gun at Swag. HARGRAVE Without you -- yeah. Just as we hear the "pop" of the cork, Hargrave fires. EXTERIOR CLIPPER - CLOSE ON COCKPIT HATCH as we see Hargrave in the window, open the hatch, and straining against the wind, kicks Swag's body out of the plane. The hatch slams shut from the force of the wind. Camera pushes into the window until we are full on Hargrave's face. Without emotion he watches the body fall, then takes out his gun, jams it against the window in front of him, then reaches down and takes a slow long drink from the newly opened bottle of champagne. FADE OUT _END OF ACT TWO_ _ACT THREE_ FADE IN EXTERIOR BORAGORA CHAPEL - DAY The wind is beginning to change from a breeze to something a little more menacing. We can see the once blue sky now dotted with clouds. INTERIOR CHAPEL as camera moves in through the center aisle, we can see Mother Agnes in front of the altar finishing up her noontime office. We hear a sound coming from the altar itself. Mother Agnes stops -- looks up puzzled, then continues with her praying. Again that sound. As is something is moving inside. She hurries through the final section of prayer, then gets up and slowly walks up to the altar. Could this be a miracle? Mother Agnes carefully walks to the side of the altar, just as the door swings open and Willie comes out. She screams -- so does Willie. He has finally been "cornered" by the good Mother. MOTHER AGNES Oh, Reverend. I am sorry. It's just that you startled me! WILLIE (thinking fast) I -- it is quite all right. I was just talking to -- I mean -- mice. Back there. MOTHER AGNES (seriously) You talk to mice? WILLIE Ah, yes, well, they are all God's little creatures. MOTHER AGNES I imagine. (then) It has been hard to locate you. I wanted to thank you personally for allowing me the use of your charming chapel. It is most comforting during this tragic day. WILLIE My chapel is yours. Now if you'll be so kind as to excuse me. We can see the sweat forming again on Willie's forehead. MOTHER AGNES Tell me please, Reverend, what church you are affiliated with so that I may write your bishop and tell him of your kindness? WILLIE We are Reformed Dutch, but please, that is really not necessary. MOTHER AGNES As you wish. (then) Do you get many converts? WILLIE Well, not as many as I would like, no, but ah, I am always trying. Willie tries again to leave. Mother Agnes continues up the aisle to exit with him. MOTHER AGNES Reverend, I know we are not of the same faith, but I was wondering if you would hear me. I have sought comfort in prayer, but I find no solace. My heart is so full that I need to talk about it. I have quite a burden...feeling as I do about the sister, and that I might not have been as vigilant in seeing to our duties as God would have expected. They have reached the doors by now. Willie breathes a sigh of relief as he grabs the handles and opens them. As he does this: WILLIE (reverently) I am sure that is not necessary. God may have given you burdens, but you must remember that He also gave you shoulders. With that, he opens the door. To his shock, one of his "converts," a native girl, stands at the door. Willie has nowhere to go. NATIVE GIRL (to Willie) I am all better. Can we have blessing now? WILLIE No, no -- we don't have time to give a blessing now! MOTHER AGNES Oh please, don't deprive this child on my account. I would be most anxious to observe. NATIVE GIRL (innocently; to Mother Agnes) You observe blessing? WILLIE (frantic; to native girl) I am _very busy_. Please, I'll give you a blessing _later_. MOTHER AGNES (to native girl) Does the Reverend bless you often? NATIVE GIRL Oh yes. Sometimes I get blessed three times a day. MOTHER AGNES You poor child. Are you seriously ill? NATIVE GIRL (not understanding) Only a runny nose. WILLIE (to native girl) Thank you, my child, now if you'll excuse me.... Mother Agnes, very interested in this, bends down to the girl. She puts a hand on her shoulder. MOTHER AGNES Tell me, which blessing does the Reverend use? The native girl smiles up at the Reverend, who looks about ready to explode, then proceeds to whisper in the Mother Superior's ear. EXTERIOR CHAPEL as Mother Agnes storms out. She walks right to camera -- a mixture of silent shock and outrage on her face, and then crosses herself. CUT TO EXTERIOR GOOSE - DAY - STOCK as it continues to fly. The sky is now almost nothing but storm clouds. INTERIOR GOOSE COCKPIT - DAY The atmosphere is even more relaxed and comfortable as Sister Teresa seems to be easing more into her "earlier life." Jake puts a cheroot into his mouth. JAKE Corky, you got a light? CORKY Sure, Jake. Corky reaches into his pocket and takes out a match. He lights it, then moves his hand over to Jake's face. On the way though, Sister Teresa blows it out. SISTER TERESA Don't smoke. Jake looks surprised at the smoking match. JAKE You just blew out my match! SISTER TERESA It's a bad habit, and you shouldn't do it. JAKE (to Corky) Did you see what she did? CORKY Should I light another match? Jake says yes and Sister Teresa no -- at the same time, then: SISTER TERESA Besides -- it's bad for your voice. Who knows when you'll want to enter the Daneburg Songfest again. CORKY Jake used to be a singer? JAKE No, I was not a singer.... SISTER TERESA He got an honorable mention! CORKY Gee, Jake, you never told me that. JAKE (to Sister Teresa) I never sang, and would you just keep your eye on the cylinder temperature. SISTER TERESA He did, and _you_ should reduce your manifold pressure. JAKE I did not sing, and I'm keeping the pressure right where it is, thank you. SISTER TERESA I was there, so I should know, and you're at medo power with an engine leaned to its limit. JAKE Wait a minute -- who's flying this plane anyway? SISTER TERESA Both of us. Your gas is your coolant. Lean it too much at this rpm and you're going to blow a jug. CORKY She's right, Jake. You're starting to red line. JAKE (to Sister Teresa) I know what I'm doing -- and anyway, I thought you weren't supposed to talk about the past. This hits Sister Teresa like a tone of bricks. Suddenly her smile disappears. Jake had to remind her. She stares out the windshield for a moment, then: SISTER TERESA (quietly; and with difficulty) Maybe I'm beginning to like talking about it. Jake looks at her. He can see the dark mood that has overtaken her. JAKE (trying to get her smile back) Hey, Brigid -- do you remember that time in Mozambique with Prince Maurice and those loaded dice of yours? Sister Teresa's smile begins to return. She remembers. SISTER TERESA They were not loaded. I just happen to play a mean game of craps. (suddenly catching herself) Did -- I _did_ play a mean game. Again, we can see her struggle. A moment, then: CORKY Don't you play anymore? SISTER TERESA (dark) I guess not. I haven't given it much thought. (a beat) Until now. She continues to stare out the windshield. Jake can see how upset she's getting. He clears his throat, then with extreme concentration and seriousness: JAKE (singing) 'Down in the meadow in the iddy biddy pool Swam three iddy fishes and the mama fishy too Swim said the mama fishy, swim if you can And they swam and they swam all over the dam!' Jack looks up at Jake as he sings, then walks out of the cockpit, into the cabin. Sister Teresa laughs at this. It's the first time we've heard her laugh, and this time she doesn't try to stop herself. She and Corky join in on the chorus. JAKE ET AL. 'Bop bob diddum dotdum wadum chu Bop bob diddum dotdum wadum chu Bop bob diddum dotdum wadum chu And they swam and they swam all over the dam!' EXTERIOR GOOSE - HIGH ANGLE as their "voices" continue, we can see the beginnings of the storm as rain begins to blur out the Goose. Over this: JAKE ET AL. VOICES (singing) 'Stop said the mama fish or you will get caught The three little fishies didn't want to be bossed The three little fishies went off on a spree And they swam and they swam right out to the sea!' On that we suddenly see bolts of lightning. CUT TO EXTERIOR MONKEY BAR - DAY as Louie and Sarah stand out on the porch looking apprehensively at the downpour and the trees whipping in the tropical wind. LOUIE It's not letting up. SARAH Maybe it's better up there. LOUIE Not in this kind of storm. It's probably worse. They both look up to the sky, worried. Mother Agnes sees them and comes over. She is still "flared up." MOTHER AGNES (angered) I have been looking for you. I have, with all good faith, refrained from speaking of the events of this morning for it's not my place to meddle in worldly affairs. I cannot rashly judge the sister and what she did, and therefore, have held my tongue on her actions. But, my conscience will not allow me to be silent any longer, and I must confess I'm horrified at the exploits of your 'Reverend'.... Suddenly we hear a crack of thunder. LOUIE (to Sarah) Did you hear that? That is a very low storm, and not a good sign for our flyers. Mother Agnes stops for a moment and see the concern on Louie and Sarah's faces. They are both looking up at the clouds. Mother Agnes slowly looks up also. MOTHER AGNES (concerned) 'Flyers?' You speak of the sister and those others? LOUIE Yes, and with the condition the Goose took off in -- and this storm.... MOTHER AGNES (looking up to sky) You mean they are in difficulty? LOUIE I'm afraid that would be putting it mildly. SARAH I feel so helpless. LOUIE There is nothing we can do. Mother Agnes looks at the roaring sky again, then: MOTHER AGNES (quietly) There is something we can do. INTERIOR CHAPEL - DAY as the storm continues outside, we can see leaks in the ceiling -- and Willie mopping up the floor. The doors swing open and Mother Agnes appears. She gives Willie the steel stare, then walks in. When they are face to face, Willie looks down at her -- waiting for the next onslaught. Instead, the Mother Superior walks right by him, and continues down the aisle, then kneels in front of the altar and begins to pray. A beat. Then from the door, two more people appear -- Louie and Sarah. They too walk past Willie, and standing behind the Mother Superior, bow their heads and begin to pray. Willie watches them for a moment, then slowly, carefully, walks over to the altar himself, past Louie and Sarah -- and awkwardly kneels down next to the Mother Superior. She stops praying and looks over to him. They look at each other for a long moment -- then they both look back to the altar -- and begin to pray -- together. CUT TO INTERIOR GOOSE COCKPIT - DAY The rain is smashing against the windshield, and we can plainly see the water leaking in from the top and sides. Corky is busy putting towels, rags -- anything that absorbs moisture -- over the instruments to keep the system from shorting. Jack is busy "handing" him more rags. Sister Teresa and Jake are mopping up water from the floor, using more rags. Although it is cramped, wet and bumpy inside, there still is a light mood. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER It's strange that no matter what a person looks like, or what they wear, you get used to it. Forget about it. It seemed that I was beginning to forget just who Brigid had become. (a beat) And it also seemed that she had too. Sister Teresa picks up the unsmoked, soggy cheroot from the floor and hands it to Jake. SISTER TERESA (kidding) I've changed my mind. You can smoke it now. JAKE (throwing it out the window) You're too good to me. Sister Teresa begins to laugh. As Jake bends down to mop up more water, his eyes spot the fuel gauge. A concerned look comes over his face. Sister Teresa notices this. SISTER TERESA What's the matter? JAKE I know I've been running lean -- but not _this_ lean. Sister Teresa looks at the fuel gauge. SISTER TERESA There's still fuel in there. JAKE That's just it. It's at the same level we were a half an hour ago. Jake hits the gauge hard with his fist. CLOSEUP - FUEL GAUGE as Sister Teresa hits the tube with her shoe. Instantly the gas in the tube disappears beneath the tube, leaving nothing in it. FULL SHOT as Jake begins to pull off the rags on the instrument panel. JAKE There was a compression bubble in the fuel gauge. It was giving us a false reading. SISTER TERESA How much gas is really left? As if to answer, the engines begin to sputter. Jake begins pulling the waddle pump. JAKE Just what was left in the gauge. Corky looks out at the engines. CORKY Jake, they're dying! SISTER TERESA Better land with the cross wind and trough. JAKE Trough? With the little power we have left -- and in this wind? SISTER TERESA We don't have much choice. They look at each other for a long moment. EXTERIOR GOOSE - ON RIGHT ENGINE as it sputters one last gasp, and then stops. Even through the storm, and even with the left engine still turning, the new found silence is deafening. The plane begins to drop, until it disappears below frame, as we: FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN EXTERIOR GOOSE - IN STORM - DAY as it struggles to gain altitude on its one sputtering engine. INTERIOR COCKPIT Jake has the left throttle pushed all the way up as he tries to make the plane climb. JAKE (to Corky, shouting) Feather the right engine! Corky throws the prop control all the way back. EXTERIOR GOOSE - ON RIGHT ENGINE as the stilled blades turn ninety degrees to the wind. COCKPIT as Jake looks out at the engine. JAKE That will give us less drag, anyway. SISTER TERESA Why are you climbing? JAKE Because when the right engine finally goes, I want as much room between me and the ocean as possible. SISTER TERESA (mocking) What difference does it make? You said we're going to 'buy it' anyway when we hit water! JAKE (dry) Oh, that's terrific...That's just great. Is that any way for a nun to talk? SISTER TERESA (right back) I'm your _copilot_, don't you remember? JAKE (thinking) The Clipper has to land soon to refuel. They obviously planned this whole thing in advance, which means they knew the Clipper would have empty tanks when they took her. (then; harder) They must have stashed another plane or boat on some island somewhere. CORKY (suddenly) Then everything's going to be fine! If we stay on course, we'll spot the island and can catch them. JAKE (to Corky) Aren't you forgetting something? CORKY I don't know, am I? (then; realizing) Oh...we don't have any gas, Jake. The Goose juts hard to the right as they hit a strong gust of wind. Corky immediately turns and begins out of the cockpit into the cabin. During the following we can hear the engine getting worse. JAKE Corky, where are you going? CORKY It's getting kinda rough out there. I better secure the straps on the crates. SISTER TERESA The _crates_?! What do they matter now? CORKY Those crates have the only hundred and eighty proof rum in the world! That's worth...ah...a lot of money! JAKE Not in the middle of the ocean in a plane that's about to crash. Even if they were a _thousand_ and eighty proof... (suddenly) Wait a minute. CORKY What? JAKE (thinking) It might run a little hot and rough, but a hundred and eighty proof is pretty potent stuff. CORKY I don't get it, Jake, what are you talking about? SISTER TERESA (catching on) A hundred and eighty proof. You might just have something there. But how would you do it? CORKY Do _what_?! JAKE (a sudden decision) There's no choice. Let's get going! EXTERIOR GOOSE - ON RIGHT ENGINE as it sputters again, and the plane drops hard like an elevator with a broken cable. CLOSEUP - CORKY as he looks helpless. CORKY You can't do this, Jake! We pull back to: INTERIOR CABIN - LOOKING TOWARDS COCKPIT A short time has passed. A case of rum is opened just outside the cockpit door. A small section of pipe has been attached to the fuel mixture valve just inside the cockpit and is sticking through to right outside the door of the cabin. Corky adjusting as he complains. Sister Teresa takes out a large banged-up funnel from Corky's tool box and attaches it to the end of the pipe. Jake looks out from the cockpit. JAKE Ready? CORKY Jake, are you sure.... As if to answer, Jack runs over and takes a bottle of rum out of the case with his mouth, then hands it to Jake. Jake opens the bottle and starts to pour it into the funnel. ANGLE - SISTER TERESA AND CORKY as they watch with different expressions. Sister Teresa with hope; Corky as if he was watching his life's savings being poured down a drain. CLOSEUP - FUNNEL as it fills up with rum and spills over. FULL SHOT as Jake puts down the bottle. CORKY That was crazy. You can't force fuel into your tanks through this line! Suddenly, the right engine coughs its last breath and stops. The plane begins downward. JAKE There's no more power! Instant pandemonium as Jake dashes for the controls to try and dead stick the plane. They are falling fast. Corky is standing by the cockpit door -- the piping and funnel right next to his head -- when suddenly the rum inside is sucked into the pipe. Corky sees it. CORKY Jake! Look! The rum went down! Jake turns from the controls and looks over. He's confused at first, then: JAKE Of course! Centrifugal force! Our falling turn is sucking it in! Start pouring in the rum. I'll try to keep us in a tight spiral. EXTERIOR GOOSE as we see it circling towards the ocean in a corkscrew spiral. COCKPIT - MONTAGE at a frantic pace, bottle after bottle of rum being opened and poured into the funnel which "drinks" it in like a thirsty camel. Jack continues to take bottles out with his mouth as Sister Teresa, and even Corky, open them and pour. Jake keeps the plane in a spiral. STORM as through it, we see the Goose continuing to make its circling descent. Camera pans down until we see, not very far away, the roaring ocean. CUT TO COCKPIT as the exhausted "team" pours in one more bottle. CORKY That's the last of them, Jake. Sister Teresa looks at the altitude gauge. SISTER TERESA (reading gauge) Jake, we're falling! We're at nine hundred feet...eight fifty, eight twenty-five.... JAKE It's just got to work now! Corky puts the line back and switches the tank. Jake gives the waddle lever a few hard pumps, hits the magneto switches, then the starter button, then pumps the throttle. Nothing. Then, a huge backfire and smoke. The plane continues to fall. Again, an earth shattering explosion as the engine backfires -- it stutters -- stutters -- more smoke and fire -- another loud bang -- then: it catches! Jake pushes the throttle forward. JAKE Cross your fingers! CUT TO EXTERIOR SKY as we see, through the storm, the plane misfiring, belching smoke and fire, and making a huge "U" as it suddenly picks up altitude, just missing the ocean. COCKPIT as the group cheers. SISTER TERESA We did it!! In her excitement, she throws her arms around Jake and kisses him. Although he too is cheering, he doesn't respond to her embrace. Then, slowly, she pulls back -- and sits down in the copilot's seat as they continue to climb into the clouds. EXTERIOR SKY - ON GOOSE as it climbs above the clouds. The storm has stopped and the clouds below them are breaking up, exposing the blue/green ocean below. The Goose is flying extremely rough -- but it is flying. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER Sometimes I don't understand myself. Here we were flying in the middle of nowhere, looking for an island that might not even exist, with a tank of rum keeping us in the air -- and all I could think about was why I didn't say anything when Brigid reached out to me. INTERIOR GOOSE COCKPIT as Sister Teresa and Corky scan the waters for an island. Jake looks over to Sister Teresa. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER I was doing the same thing I did in the past. You know, they say you're supposed to learn from your mistakes. I think you just find better ways of making them. Suddenly: SISTER TERESA (excited) There -- there it is! They all look down. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - DESERTED ISLAND Through the clouds we can see a small island -- on one side: the Clipper. JAKE'S VOICE I was right, they did have a stop off point. SISTER TERESA'S VOICE And _there_ -- look -- the other plane. Just then we can see near the shore, in a clearing, the telltale metallic glint of a small plane. COCKPIT as the excitement grows. JAKE I'm not as much a believer in the 'goodness of all folk.' So I think it would be safer if we land on the other side of the island and cross over. (then; to Sister Teresa) Do you understand? SISTER TERESA I'm trying to. They smile at each other. CUT TO DESERTED ISLAND LAGOON - DAY - STOCK as the Goose taxies up to shore. DISSOLVE TO DESERTED ISLAND - CLEARING - DAY as if we are looking through some brush we can see, in the clearing a small aircraft, a few camouflage nets still hanging on it. At the end of the clearing we can also see piled up small crates -- also with camouflage nets, and a small rowboat, that has been recently used. JAKE'S VOICE There it is, but I still don't see anybody. We pull back to: EXTERIOR BRUSH - AT EDGE OF CLEARING as Jake and Sister Teresa crunch down and look through the brush. They whisper to each other. SISTER TERESA Jake, I've got to talk to you about something. JAKE Brigid, I don't think this is the time.... SISTER TERESA (continuing) ...about what happened when we got the engine started. JAKE Don't worry about it. It was just a reflex action. Really, I understand. SISTER TERESA (suddenly angry) Understand? You always think you understand. Maybe it wasn't just a reflex action...maybe I've been wanting to do that ever since.... JAKE You don't have to say anything. SISTER TERESA _Someone_ has to. You never will. I thought I had all the answers. That my life was going to be all right. In three weeks I am going to close the book on everything I've had -- everything _we've_ had. (then) Why'd you have to go and confuse me so much. JAKE I'm not trying to. SISTER TERESA I know. You never 'try' -- and that's what's driving me crazy. Jake looks at Sister Teresa for a moment, then: JAKE Brigid, I want you to go back and tell Corky we've reached the clearing. Will you do that? SISTER TERESA I thought he had to watch the engines to make sure that they don't catch fire from that rum. JAKE I've got to go in there. Alone. SISTER TERESA Then don't give me errands. Just tell me to leave. Jake tries to give her a reassuring look, then turns and goes through the bush to the clearing. EXTERIOR CLEARING as Jake carefully walks around to the other side of the plane. A slant board is propped up to the cargo hatch, and we can see Hargrave at the bottom attaching a rope to a crate labeled on its side: FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE - MEDICAL SUPPLIES - CHOLERA VACCINE. The lid is broken in two places. On one side we can see the glint of gold, on the other the sparkle of glass vials. Hargrave struggles with the box, then reaches into the side with the vials and is about to pull them out when: JAKE Stop! Hargrave, startled, sees Jake. He puts down the crate and runs to the nose of the plane. Jake runs after him. EXTERIOR BRUSH Sister Teresa's head pops up by the camouflaged supplies as she strains to see what's going on, then unable to see anything, she goes through the brush and begins toward the small plane. We can hear the two men talking in the distance. CUT TO EXTERIOR CLEARING BY NOSE OF SMALL PLANE Jake has stopped Hargrave who is beside a very familiar duffle bag. JAKE ...I'm telling you the truth. All I want are the medical supplies. Hargrave slowly bends down to the duffle bag. HARGRAVE Of course -- and I believe you came all this way for some bandages. JAKE You don't understand.... Hargrave quickly reaches into the bag and takes out his pistol. He points it at Jake. HARGRAVE How did you find me? JAKE I followed you in the Goose, staying in your blindspot. HARGRAVE Who else is with you? ANGLE - SUPPLIES as Sister Teresa walks past them. She suddenly stops as she sees in the clearing Hargrave pointing his gun at Jake, who continues to walk backwards toward the crate. She panics for a moment, then looking down at the supplies sees a shotgun. Sister Teresa hesitates for a moment, then reaching down, picks up the shotgun, holds it to her chest and begins out into the open. SMALL PLANE BY CRATE Hargrave has lost patience. HARGRAVE Answer me! He points the gun at arm's length, when: SISTER TERESA Drop the gun. _Please_! Hargrave turns slightly and is startled. Backlit by the sun is Sister Teresa, aiming the shotgun at Hargrave. ANOTHER ANGLE on the tense moment. Sister Teresa keeps aiming at Hargrave -- Hargrave at Jake. The hard, thick silence is suddenly broken. SISTER TERESA (breaking down) I -- I can't do it. She slowly puts the shotgun down, then drops to her feet. Hargrave turns to Jake. Thinking fast, Jake spots the vials of vaccine that glimmer in the sun, and in one motion, reaches down and takes out a small glass vial. He holds it up in front of him. It glistens. JAKE (firm; to Hargrave) There's enough cholera bacteria in this vial to kill a thousand men. Kill me and I'll drop it right here! Hargrave is stopped for a moment. But then: HARGRAVE (not believing) Never seen anyone mixing cholera with gold before. Just as he is about to pull the trigger, we hear a familiar bark, and from behind Sister Teresa jumps Jack. He runs right to Hargrave and begins to attack his leg. Jake takes that split second to throw the vial at Hargrave. It bursts right at his feet. Hargrave screams, and dropping his gun, backs away from the "bacteria." Jake immediately dives for the gun. CUT TO EXTERIOR BRUSH - JUST BEHIND CLEARING as we hear a pistol shot. Then -- nothing. Finally, we see Jack run through the brush, followed by Sister Teresa. She looks pale, drawn. She just continues to walk toward us -- expressionless. A beat, and another figure emerges from the brush: Jake -- still holding onto the pistol -- which is smoking. Jake sees Sister Teresa. JAKE (calling out) Brigid! Wait! He runs to her. She just keeps walking. CLOSE ANGLE - ON JAKE AND SISTER TERESA SISTER TERESA I would have let you die in there. What kind of person am I to allow that to happen? JAKE (softly) Brigid -- it wasn't you. There's nothing more frightening than when your beliefs are tested. _Really_ tested. That's all that happened. You made your choice. (a beat) And you made that choice a long time before you saw me again. Sister Teresa stops, and for the first time looks at Jake. SISTER TERESA (shocked) How can you forgive me? JAKE Why do I have to forgive you? You didn't do anything wrong. They look at each other for a moment, then: SISTER TERESA When I enter my order in Shanghai, I will be unable to speak to you again. But I don't think even God would ask me to take your memories from my heart. JAKE (trying to lighten) If He tried, He'd have to answer to me. They both smile. Jake is still fighting what he wants to say. Finally: JAKE I'm going to miss you, Brigi... (stopping himself; then) Sister Teresa. They look at each other for another moment, tears welling in their eyes. Then, they embrace. They hold each other tightly. FADE OUT _END OF ACT FOUR_ _TAG_ FADE IN EXTERIOR MONKEY BAR - ESTABLISHING SHOT - NIGHT INTERIOR MONKEY BAR - NIGHT as Jake is sitting at one of the tables. Under another table is Jack. He doesn't look very happy. JAKE (to Jack) Jack -- will you listen to me. I'm telling you it was only a bluff! Corky comes over. CORKY Hey, Louie just heard from Pan Pacific. Sister Teresa and the Mother Superior both landed safely in Shanghai -- with the gold and the vaccine.... JAKE Don't say vaccine in front of Jack. CORKY Why not? JAKE Oh, he's got it in his head that it's really lethal, like I told Hargrave, and that he's going to drop dead at any moment. (then; trying again to Jack) Jack, the bacteria in the vaccine is already dead. That's how it works! If it was lethal, why would they use it -- ever think of that?! Jack thinks about that for a moment, then comes out from under the table. CORKY Listen, Jake, you're going to be proud of me. Look what I remembered. From his overall pocket, he takes out a full bottle of Purple Label rum. In the background we can see Louie, who seems to instantly "smell out" the bottle. They continue: CORKY Remember? I put it in my pocket when we came into the bar...when you met Sister Teresa? JAKE (with a smile) Well, what do you know? Louie is now at the table. LOUIE Holding out on me, is that it? Jake takes the bottle and reluctantly hands it to Louie. JAKE A present. LOUIE (disappointed) One bottle. Not really worth selling now, wouldn't you say? (then) I might as well see what all the talk was about. With that, Louie opens the bottle, and ceremoniously pours a small amount into a glass. He swivels it around for a moment, holds it up to the light, then after a careful sniff, drinks it -- rolling it around in his mouth. His face turns red and he immediately spits it out. JAKE What's the matter? LOUIE (confused) My God -- this is hundred and eighty proof rum all right.... CORKY But? LOUIE (horrified) But would you believe it tastes just like -- like gasoline! Jake and Corky look at each other for a moment, then break out in hysterical laughter. FADE OUT _THE END_
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