_ACT ONE_ FADE IN EXTERIOR THE PAVILION AREA - DAY as we see two arrows quickly released by two different sets of hands. Camera adjusts to discover two of Koji's warriors, on horseback, doing battle with bow and arrow. They wear blindfolds, but immediately raise them as they charge past each other to the ends of the field to ready themselves for another pass. On their shoulders we see large bells, worn much as one would wear epaulets. There are several people sitting at tables along one side of the field of combat. Most would appear to be the Japanese "business associate" types who would be Koji's friends, but we take particular notice of three of the guests: General Anago, a Japanese officer in his mid-fifties; Rene Bolivar, a Latin type of thirty-five; and Shannon Flynn, a stunning auburn haired beauty of thirty. Also sticking out are Jake, Corky, Sarah and Willie, at a table together. Koji sits at the "fifty-yard line" thoroughly enjoying the action, the faithful Todo at her side. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER It's hard to imagine the larger-than-life villains of the world ever enjoying a simple childlike pleasure...I mean, try to picture Hilter hanging up his stocking for Santa, or Tojo playing marbles...or Princess Koji having a birthday party. But, it was happening, Louie got himself tangled up in Tagataya, so our little delegation from Boragora was here on his behalf to pay our diplomatic respects...and survive the entertainment...a deadly variation of 'pin the tail on the donkey!' ON THE WARRIORS at opposite ends of the field, their blindfolds raised, glaring at each other, affixing their arrows in their bows. JAKE AND THE GROUP at their table, watching uncomfortably. Sarah is outraged. SARAH They can't see what they're doing! Someone is going to get hurt! WILLIE They must see with their ears. THE WARRIORS Their horses dancing nervously as the make final preparation for the next charge. They brace their arrows, pull down their blindfolds. JAKE (off camera) They aim their arrows at the sound of their opponent's bells. RETURN TO SCENE WILLIE The archer with the less acute sense of hearing...well.... He shrugs. SARAH It's barbaric! JAKE (quietly; urgent) Sarah, of course it's barbaric...it's Matuka! Now close your eyes and be quiet before Koji decides to put the bells on you! THE WARRIORS as they charge once again. We watch their advance grow, as they gallop even faster, the bells jangling wildly. Just as they are within a few feet of each other, they lift their blindfolds, turn and fire directly at Koji. KOJI AND TODO Todo instantly leaps in front of her, taking one of the arrows deeply into his side, and falling to the ground. The other arrow sticks in the back of Koji's chair, inches from her head. The gathering reacts and scatters. Attendants madly rush to the assistance of Todo. Koji stares in the direction of the assailants. THE WARRIORS seeing that they have failed, wheel their horses and try to escape. They are cut down by the arrows of Koji's guards before they can do so. KOJI AND TODO as he lies unconscious. Koji still looks with a troubled stare in the direction of the now dead warriors. CUT TO INTERIOR TODO'S ROOM - DAY as we see the unconscious Todo in bed, attended by doctors. Koji and Jake stand to the other side of the room. Koji is still Koji, but there is a certain vulnerability about her that we have never seen before, and an unusually genuine concern for Todo. KOJI He may not survive. She looks at Jake, sensing the difference that he notices in her. KOJI (continuing) ...You find it strange that I can actually show compassion? JAKE Princess Koji, look, I...I know how much Todo means to you...and I hope he makes it. I just don't understand why you asked to see me. KOJI (matter of fact) You're going to replace him. JAKE (loudly; shocked) I'm going to what? Koji places a finger to Jake's lips to quiet him, looks at Todo, then takes Jake to the farthest corner of the room. KOJI I'll pay you well. JAKE Princess, no, now wait a minute. Why would you need my protection? I mean, you're living in a fortress! You, you've got hundreds of guards running around --- KOJI Any of whom may be ready to take my life!..Jake...someone in my own organization is trying to assassinate me! Jake studies her for a moment, a bit surprised by the comment. KOJI (continuing) I discovered the plot a few weeks ago, but not the source. This birthday party was a device for bringing all of my top people here, and trying to force their hand. JAKE Yeah, well, I'd say they raised and called you this afternoon! KOJI But I have an 'ace!'...yes, I shall go ahead with my party plans for this evening, since Jake Cutter will be my bodyguard! JAKE Princess, no! There isn't enough money --- KOJI Jake! Do not refuse me!..unless you want your babbling little skeleton Sarah revealed as an American spy! Jake is thrown, but recovers quickly, tries to bluff. JAKE (labored laugh) Wait a minute! Sarah? A spy? That's ridiculous! KOJI I couldn't agree more, but we both know that it's true. I have in my possession some papers recovered from a downed American plane. Fortunately, my mercenaries 'salvaged' the wreckage before the Japanese government could find it. There was a secret communique...a very _revealing_ communique.... She shows him the paper. JAKE (resignedly) All right.... KOJI ...addressed to Miss Sarah White! JAKE (angry; frustrated) I said 'yes!' I'll be your damned...bodyguard! KOJI No one must know of this...particularly the babbling little skeleton. JAKE Koji. I've got to tell that skele -- I've got to tell Sarah. Then at least one of my friends will know --- KOJI (firmly) No one must know! Jake...General Anago, chief of Japanese intelligence, will be at the party this evening. Cross me for one instant...and he gets the papers! CUT TO EXTERIOR THE WATERFALL AREA - DAY As Jake hurriedly makes his way along the path between the waterfall and a small bridge which leads to the pavilion area. He is pursued by Sarah, Corky and Willie who are trying to reason with him. SARAH Jake, please --- JAKE (testily) Sarah, no! I've taken a job, and a darned good one! Now all of you go get dressed for the party! WILLIE Jake, you can't be serious! JAKE (flip) I'm real serious about ten grand, Reverend. More money than I'll ever get a shot at again. And all I have to do for it, hopefully, is keep Koji safe at the party tonight! Willie stops Jake as they reach the bridge. WILLIE Jake, no, please. One is always at risk on Matuka, but now...to stay, under the circumstances.... SARAH Willie's right. You are putting us all in danger. JAKE Yeah, well, it's worth the risk! CORKY Maybe to you, but not to the rest of us. I insist that we leave immediately. All four, including Jack, look at Jake with hurt feelings, as though he has lost his mind. Jake tries to regroup, apologize. JAKE (continuing) Hey, look, no, I didn't mean...come on, tomorrow, or...very soon, we'll be on the Goose, headed home...and a lot richer! What's the problem? Corky and Jack walk over to Jake. Corky looks him straight in the eye. Hurt and confused, Corky speaks softly but bluntly. CORKY You're the problem, Jake. None of us know what you're doin'. (a quiet plea) Why you holdin' out on me? What's goin' on? JAKE Corky, I am not holding out on --- CORKY Yes, you are! Yeah, okay, okay, ten thousand bucks! More beer and big times than I can even dream about! But takin' it from Koji? Sorry, Jake...I don't want a nickel of it! SARAH (softly) And neither does Jake Cutter! WILLIE Why are you really doing this? Jake looks at them, frustrated, torn. He wants to give an answer, but of course, cannot. JAKE You're all wrong! I'm doing it because...because I need the money! Jake stalks across the bridge. Jack gives and follows him. The rest of the group is left standing there, rather pathetic confused figures. CUT TO EXTERIOR PAVILION AREA - PARTY IN PROGRESS - NIGHT first on lit lanterns. Party noises are heard, laughter, etc. Then we see Koji, sitting in the pavilion, surrounded by most of the small group of guests, including Anago, Rene, Shannon, Willie, and a few more of the guests seen at the field of combat earlier. On a table beside her sit several opened gifts, all with a slightly macabre flair; a diamond studded dagger, a tarantula in a bottle, reptile skin gloves, etc. A servant hands her another gift, a small package which she begins to open. Jake stands a few feet from Koji, but near enough to "guard" her. We see Sarah and Corky a bit away from the pavilion, at a sushi buffet. Jake gives them a sheepish and embarrassed look, as they stare back at him, trying to conceal their displeasure and awkwardness with, and confusion about, the entire situation. Jake and all of the Boragora group are in evening dress. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER Yeah, I had certainly known classier moments in my life. It wouldn't have been so bad, of course, if the others, particularly Sarah, could have known why I had no choice in the matter...but, all I could do was stand there, 'protecting' my 'birthday girl' while she opened her presents. I almost felt like I should grin like Todo! Koji finishes opening the gift. It is a pair of gold earrings in the shape of scorpions. There are "oohs" and "aahs" from the guests as Koji responds favorably to the gift, and smiles at Rene. Rene looks a bit embarrassed, smiles back a "you're welcome" as we realize that she has opened his gift. She beckons him over to put one of the earrings on her, and he comes over to her and does so. SARAH, CORKY, JACK at the buffet table, attentive to the action, making a good pretense of enjoying the gift opening. Sarah's expression more openly shows her disdain for the goings on. Corky is busily eating from the buffet. SARAH (forced smile) I hate pretending I'm having a good time. None of them are smiling at us. A JAPANESE GUEST perhaps two, staring at the trio. RETURN TO SCENE at the buffet. CORKY (nervously; as he eats) Yeah. I feel like a P-40 in a sky full of Zekes. SARAH That woman! CORKY Yeah! If I wasn't so hungry, I wouldn't eat this great food! A servant offers him sake. CORKY (continuing; reaching for the sake) ...or drink this --- Jack barks once. The servant bows and moves away. Corky gives Jack a disgusted and frustrated look. KOJI as the servant hands her another gift, which she begins to open. SARAH AND CORKY Corky, still eating, looks longingly at the servant with the sake, looks down at Jack, gets an idea. CORKY (overdone; a con job) Gosh, Jack, this is good sushi! I mean, there's good sushi, and bad sushi, and so-so sushi, and this is gooood sushi! You'd just love it, Jack! Jack requests a plate of food. Corky jumps on the opportunity. CORKY (continuing to Jack) A plate of sushi for a shot a sake? Come on, Jack! We're not flyin' tonight! Jack barks twice and Corky starts fixing him a plate of food. KOJI as she finishes opening another gift. There are more "oohs" and "aahs" and applause, as we see a beautiful pearl-handled revolver. Rene suddenly is attracted, agitated by off-camera action, rushes from the pavilion. CORKY, JACK, RENE as Corky is setting the food down for Jack, Rene reaches the scene, violently kicks the food away just as Jack is about to eat it. Rene wheels on Corky. RENE We do not serve dogs from the table of the Princess! Jack growls, grabs Rene's pantleg. Rene kicks at him viciously. Jack barely dodges the attack. Jake rushes into the scene, as Rene starts to go after Jack. Jake grabs him by the shoulder. There is heavy tension as the guests watch the action. Koji rises. Under the circumstances, Jake tries to react as coolly as possible. JAKE Hey,, wait...wait a minute! The dog is about ten inches tall... you're over six feet...now that's not a very fair match is it? RENE (angrily) I do not like mongrels!.. (obvious reference to Jake) ...of any size! KOJI As she stands looking down at the two men, she stops further action with the command in her voice. KOJI Rene! Jake! She slowly moves down to the two men as they hold on each other. She comes between them, takes an arm of each, speaks to them with menacing sweetness. KOJI (continuing) This is my birthday party...and I shall not tolerate fights between my employees on such a festive occasion. RENE Employee? KOJI Yes, Rene...I've hired Mr. Cutter. RENE (heated) For what position? KOJI (suggestively) Whatever position I may choose! Rene looks at Jake for a moment, then moves back to the pavilion in a huff. After he leaves, Koji speaks quietly to Jake. KOJI Rene is one of my 'managers'...unfortunately cursed with that hot Latin temper...but a trait that often serves my purposes. Koji turns and moves back to the pavilion where the servant awaits her with another gift. She sits and begins to open it as the group relaxes and chatters once again. Jake starts back in the direction of his position at the side of the pavilion, when he is stopped by General Anago. Anago speaks to Jake in a gregarious manner, but there is an undertone of animosity in his every word. ANAGO Excuse me, please...Cutter...yes, Jake Cutter, I believe? JAKE We haven't met. ANAGO No...but I know your name from your...involvement in the China conflict. JAKE (nervously) I, uh...yeah, I was a Flying Tiger for a short time, but --- ANAGO (chuckles) A short time, yes...but an admirable record...you personally removed five of our planes from the sky. JAKE How do you know --- ANAGO I am General Anago...Director of Japanese Military Intelligence... (less friendly tone) It is my job to know the enemies of my country! Anago moves away. Jake is a bit taken aback by the meeting. KOJI as she finishes opening the newest gift, exposing the latest gift. It brings an unusual amount of favorable response, being a beautiful music box, with a mechanical cupid figurine on the top with bow posed. Koji causes it to start, and as gentle music plays, the cupid, which had had its arrow pointed at her, turns ninety degrees and stops. KOJI (looking around the gathering) No card? Who must I thank for this beautiful gift? There is no response, as Koji sets it aside on the table and takes another gift from the servant. Koji looks at the attached card, looks up, says in a sickeningly sweet tone: KOJI From you, Shannon? I can hardly wait! SHANNON (just as saccharine; slight Irish accent) It isn't much, dear sister...but then what does one get for the woman who has... (looks at Jake) ...everything. Jake reacts to the look self-consciously. Koji gives an icy introduction as she finishes unwrapping the present. KOJI Jake Cutter, you have not met my _half_-sister...Shannon Flynn...here on a visit. Before Jake can acknowledge the introduction, Koji has opened the present, once again to a surprised and favorable response. It is an ornate chess set. One set of pieces is distinctly Oriental. The others are Irish leprechauns. Koji gives Shannon a look, then picks up the "knight" from the Irish side, a vicious looking little elf on horseback. SHANNON (a smile) I had it specially made...I knew you liked novelties! Koji, without a word of thanks, sets it aside, as the servant brings her yet another gift to open. She ignores it, turns back to the cupid music box, picks it up. KOJI (lightly) Someone must acknowledge this beautiful gift. It's my favorite! She starts the music box once again. The music plays, and the cupid very slowly moves back around to face her. We see the reactions of the guests, smiling, except for Anago, who wears a motionless stare. THE MUSIC BOX as it slowly turns. KOJI smiling, admiring the toy. THE MUSIC BOX As cupid's arrow faces Koji, the music stops, and the tiny arrow is released. KOJI As we see the arrow plunge into the skin of her left breast. She shudders, gasps for breath, falls to the ground. Jake and the others rush to her side with much noise and concern. Jake lifts her limp lifeless body, and, in shock, turns to Sarah, who has come to his side. JAKE (quiet, stunned) She's dead, Sarah...Koji's.... ON REACTIONS of the group standing looking down at Koji's body, including Sarah, Rene, Anago, Shannon. THE DEAD BODY OF KOJI AND JAKE Focus on Jake's reaction as: FADE OUT _END OF ACT ONE_ _ACT TWO_ FADE IN EXTERIOR THE PAVILION AREA - LAKE - DAY First on the face of the corpse of Koji, covered by a film of gossamer material. We then see that the body lies in state atop a bier which floats on a barge in the middle of the lake. Among the mourners gathered at the lakeside are Rene, Shannon, with two burly Irish male friends, Anago, with his aide. Two soldiers serving as sentries (one of whom is Sergeant Maguro), Sarah, Willie, Corky are there. Some Japanese go through the "nine bow" ritual, and place gifts, fruit, sandalwood and flowers at the lakeside. If possible, there should be a few more Irishmen. There is a macabre air of comedy about the entire affair, with the Orientals practicing the rituals of their Shinto religion, while the Irishmen stand around nipping out of whiskey and beer bottles, quite festive. Certainly no one is actually "mourning" Koji, rather going through the motions. As the scene opens, a portable bridge is being drawn away from the bier, and we presume that it has just been put into place. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER Koji had lived on Matuka as a distant and protected mystery. So it seemed very appropriate that she lie in state on an island pyre, protected by an honor guard of her beloved piranha. We were now suffering through the third day of Koji's wake...that's right...a wake! Koji was half Irish and half Japanese, and the Shintos and Anglos gathered for the funeral were having great fun fighting over the last rites.... ANAGO AND RENE as Anago gives one of his soldiers an unheard order, looks in the direction of Shannon. SHANNON standing in the midst of her Irish bodyguards, returning the look with a defiant smile. JAKE'S VOICE OVER (continuing) ...I was busy trying to fathom the bigger and more dangerous battle being waged...for the rights to Koji's empire! JAKE As he enters the area, moving in the direction of Sarah, Willie and Corky, he passes Anago and Maguro. Maguro steps in front of Jake, menacingly. Jake chooses to ignore the affront. Maguro moves over to say something to Anago about Jake, obviously not a complimentary remark. Anago seems disinterested, as he busily looks around, and intermittently checks a small ledge-type book that he carries. WILLIE AND CORKY standing at several yards' distance from the other mourners, watching. WILLIE (quietly to others) Shannon Flynn has asked me to conduct the services for the Protestants...but which ceremony is more appropriate? 'Cremation' or 'Burial At Sea?' CORKY Just do a little of both, Willie. It doesn't matter much. I don't think they listen to prayers where that woman went! REVEALING SARAH She is approaching to overhear the last. SARAH At least she got to leave! (to Jake; pleading) Jake, please...I'm frightened, I'm tired, and this is my third day in the same dress! Can't we just --- JAKE Don't start that again! We have to stay! Sarah deliberately unfolds a telegram flimsy. SARAH You are so stubborn! Well, for your information, we have been ordered to leave by the French government! JAKE (takes the flimsy) The French government meaning Bon Chance Louie! SARAH When I told him the situation he was horrified. CORKY Told him? Where'd you get your hands on a -- (realizes) Sarah! Did you sneak on the Goose? JAKE Of course she did. (tight; whispers) Do you see those guys? Do they look like they've got a sense of humor? What if they'd caught you? JAPANESE SOLDIERS on duty as sentries, pushing the mourners along. RETURN TO SCENE Sarah looks defiant. SARAH It's a free country. WILLIE No, it's not. It's Matuka. SARAH Nevertheless, I see no reason why we shouldn't use our own radio. JAKE You're being 'sensible' again. Those are Anago's troops and he's a security nut. They don't need a good reason. SARAH I just thought Louie might talk some _sense_ into you! JAKE I took responsibility for Koji, and I am not leaving here until I find her killer! SARAH What will that prove? That some...some murderer murdered a murderess? (worried) Why do you care at all? Louie wants us to leave...we all want to leave but you! MAGURO (off camera) Listen to her, Flying Tiger...Leave Matuka. MAGURO as he spits at the back of Jake's jacket. JAKE as he arcs, reacting. He restrains himself, does not turn around. MAGURO angrily taunting Jake. MAGURO Face me, coward Tiger! JAKE AND THE GROUP as Jake continues to try and control his temper. Maguro pushes Jake a bit more forcefully, nearly knocking him off balance. MAGURO Remove the jacket of the murderers! Jack growls at the soldier. CORKY Jake! You can't just --- JAKE (quietly) Easy, guys...they've got the home field advantage! MAGURO (tugging at Jake's jacket viciously) I shall remove it, coward! Jake still tries not to react pugnaciously, under the circumstances, but the soldier gets more violent, tearing at the jacket. Frustrated, Maguro pulls out a dagger, and starts to rip the stitching holding the insignia to the jacket. Jake cannot tolerate any more. He wheels and pops the soldier, knocking him to the ground. The other two soldiers join the fight, bringing Corky and Willie into the fracas. SHANNON reacting to the scene. She rushes over to Anago. SHANNON (urgently) Why don't you stop this? ANAGO (flip; casual) Why should I? My men appear to be doing their duty. I don't wish to interfere. THE FIGHT Willie has been thrown aside and is pinned, staring at a bayonet. Jake and Corky are getting the worst of it from the soldiers. Corky is hit in the eye with a rifle butt, grabs his eye and goes reeling. All three jump Jake. Only Jack remains to help him. SHANNON AND ANAGO as Shannon looks at him in a fury. She motions to the two burly Irishmen to join the fight. THE TWO IRISHMEN as they rush to Jake's rescue. SHANNON AND ANAGO Anago looks at her angrily, then stalks away. She turns to enjoy the fight, now going in favor of Jake and the Irishmen. THE FIGHT as Jake and the two Irishmen now quickly overpower Maguro and the soldiers. Jake knocks one of the soldiers out cold. One of the Irishmen picks up the other soldier, spins him around in a "Flying Dutchman" wrestling hold, and slings him to the ground. Jake turns to see Maguro, on the ground, just as he pulls his revolver on Jake. The two Irishmen grab up the rifles of the soldiers and point them at Maguro. Maguro, the worse for the fight, gets up slowly, looks at Jake. MAGURO You had best run away now, coward...as you do in the sky! He walks away. Jake looks at the two Irishmen, who smile at him, hold out a whiskey bottle. Jake takes it with a smile. JAKE Thanks.... He takes a swig from the bottle, grabs his mouth in pain as he realizes that he has a bad cut on his lip, which the whiskey smarts terribly. The two Irishmen laugh good-naturedly, slap Jake on the shoulder, and depart. Jake looks up to see Shannon, still standing where she spoke to Anago. She smiles and turns, goes. Jake goes over to Willie, who is still getting his head back together from the hit he took, and Corky, who is comforted by Sarah, as he holds his bloodied eye. JAKE Corky, you okay? CORKY Yeah, it's nothin', Jake. JAKE (urgently) Okay, Sarah, you're right! You've got to fly the Goose out of here...now! CORKY Without you? Not a chance! JAKE Don't argue! Do it! Jake starts to leave. SARAH Where are you going? Jake turns back to answer, a few yards from them. JAKE To see Anago! Jack starts to follow him. JAKE (continuing) Jack, please! This is no time for the bravery bit! Go with Corky! CORKY But, Jake --- JAKE (heartfelt) Please, Corky...all of you...take off! Jake leaves as the others stand watching his departure, worried, torn, stunned by the idea of flying away without Jake. CUT TO INTERIOR KOJI'S OFFICE - DAY It is a rather ominous long room, with a table at one end, where Anago and Shannon sit. The table is covered in legal looking forms and papers, which Anago is concentrating on going through. Jake leans across the table, angrily talking to Anago. JAKE No, I think I deserve an answer! Why did you let your men provoke me into a fight? ANAGO (a bored exasperated sigh) Mr. Cutter, I am very busy! I hope you can understand that I cannot investigate every police action that my soldiers undertake...good day. (turns his attention to Shannon; referring to a paper) We have a ship that's run aground near the coast of Ceylon --- JAKE _We_ have a ship? ANAGO Mr. Cutter, either leave or I shall have you bodily removed! SHANNON (with subtle enjoyment) You've already tried that, General...It didn't work. Rene enters, carrying some papers, obviously very busy. RENE (to Shannon and Anago) I've sent the message that the casinos are to operate as usual. Now, we must decide on the Egyptian gold purchase. JAKE (shocked) Wait a minute! Are you three actually trying to...take over Koji's entire operation? Rene glances up briefly, continues to Shannon and Anago. RENE It's bullion, and the Wrzala Report shows gold on an upward trend --- JAKE (angrily) I asked a question! RENE (casually annoyed) And why should you have an answer? (to Anago) What is he doing here, anyway? JAKE My God, Koji's lying out there --- ANAGO (exasperated; rolling it off) Rene Bolivar was a valued assistant of the Princess, Miss Flynn was her sister, and I am nothing but an Army officer, trying to maintain order. When the funeral is over, my men and I shall depart... (a look at Rene and Shannon) ...leaving others to decide the future of the Princess' fortune. JAKE And 'maintaining order' includes letting your men try to kill me? ANAGO (as to a child) Mr. Cutter, I'm sorry but I have no more time. You are a nuisance. I think it would be best if you leave Matuka immediately. JAKE No!...I, uh...I just want to stay until after the funeral. RENE (still concentrated on papers) You heard the order. SHANNON Wait! What the hell can he hurt by staying... (a smile) He was obviously a favorite of my sister.... Anago gives Shannon a glance. It is not worth the confrontation. ANAGO (disinterested) Very well...stay...but remove that jacket. JAKE Sorry...I didn't come with much of a wardrobe. ANAGO I can't be responsible for my men's actions when you wave a red flag in their faces. They resent your meddling in a war that is not yours as much as I do. JAKE Sounds to me, General, like you've got more on your mind than 'meddling!' ANAGO (considers) Yes, Mr. Cutter...my brother was lost in the skies over Hang Chow. Your fellow American bandits claimed the kill. You will _not_ flaunt your pride in being a murderer here...remove that jacket! Jake and Anago stare at each other for a moment. CUT TO INTERIOR JAKE AND CORKY'S ROOM - DAY as Sarah attends to the cut over Corky's eye which he received in the earlier fight. Willie is pacing. CORKY (pushing her away) The eye's fine! Leave me alone! SARAH (a bit miffed) So sorry.... CORKY Aw, forget it, it's just... (gently; pathetically) You wouldn't ask me to fly the Goose out of here without Jake... would you? WILLIE Nein. SARAH (understanding) Of course not. I thought that was obvious. CORKY (a relieved laugh) Yeah, right... (sudden change to frustration) Hah, what does it matter? As soon as Jake gets back, he'll just get mad, and make us go away! If there was just some reason that I couldn't fly the Goose.... ON JACK as he places his paws over his head, trying to remove his patch. CORKY Maybe I could fake gettin' drunk! SARAH (gentle protest) Corky.... CORKY Naw, you're right. Jake knows when I'm drunk. Hey, maybe I could really get drunk! (with a smile) Now there's the answer! WILLIE Nothing to drink.... JACK from an angle, so that we only see his "good eye" side, dropping his patch at Corky's feet, barking twice. CORKY (off camera) Yeah...Jack! Corky sees that Jack has put the patch at his feet. CORKY (continuing) Ah, Jack, whatta ya wanta take the patch off for? As Corky reaches down to put the patch back on him, Jack scampers away and hides, barks again twice. CORKY Jack! WILLIE Perhaps he wants you to know that he sympathizes with your damaged eye. CORKY (realizing) Wait a...my eye! One eye! Is that it, Jack? Jack barks twice. CORKY (continuing; gleefully) That's it! That's the answer! Why didn't I think of that? (looks at Jack) Jack, why are you always smarter than me? Willie looks confused, as: CUT TO EXTERIOR THE BRIDGE - WATERFALL - DAY The bridge has been decorated with black funeral flags on six-foot pointed poles. We see Shannon on the bridge, looking at Koji's bier. Jake walks up, they look at each other for a moment. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER You have to fly through a violent storm to experience one of nature's most awesome moments...Lightning departs and leaves a vacuum...angry air rushes in from all directions to fill the void...I was in just such a storm but on solid ground...Koji was the departed lightning, Rene, Anago and Shannon the air rushing in...and a thunderous explosion was inevitable! JAKE (mild sarcasm) Sorry to interrupt your moment of grief! SHANNON (intentionally flip) Yes...we were very close. JAKE Yeah, so I noticed at the party. Look, Shannon, I've got a couple of questions. SHANNON (suggestively) Really...I've only got one! JAKE (ignoring) Why are you so concerned about my welfare? I mean...Rene and Anago don't consider me one way or the other...why should you? SHANNON Koji obviously thought of you as...valuable. I want to know why. (playfully) Idle curiosity, that's all. JAKE Sorry...not very convincing. SHANNON Right, lad, well, like you said your own self...what you think or don't think doesn't matter around here. I've got to go. JAKE Afraid Rene and Anago might get the upper hand? SHANNON Cutter...I've tried to be your friend...I've got reasons that stay with me...but stay out of what's happening between the three of us...you're here under the worst of circumstances...I might not be able to help you so easy the next time. JAKE Well, since we're giving warnings, let me throw one out. Someone that I talked to in that office today is the person who killed Koji...if it wasn't you, then be careful...if it was you...well, then you're lucky...you don't have anybody to worry about but insignificant Jake Cutter. Jake and Shannon stare at each other for a moment. CUT TO INTERIOR TODO'S ROOM - DAY Todo is conscious, sitting up in his bed, staring into space with no discernable expression, but he is still terribly weak. JAKE'S VOICE OVER One little piece of thunder definitely not in the vacuum was Todo, so I decided to talk to him...Todo and me, now there was a strange alliance...but at the moment, I'd take whatever help I could get! Pull back to see Jake standing in the room, talking to Todo. JAKE (continuing; urgently and awkwardly) Look, Todo, I...I know that things are pretty tough for you right now, and...and I wish that I could change everything, but...there are several elements trying to take over Matuka, and I've got very good reason to think that one of them is Koji's kill --- Todo is still staring with no expression. Even in his weakened condition his samurai skills allow him to pull a dagger from behind his back, and throw it at Jake, with lightning speed. Jake just manages to dodge it. TODO _You_ are the killer of my Princess! Jake looks at the menacing guards, standing beside the bed, then back at Todo. The effort of the dagger throw and the accusation have taken all Todo's fragile strength. JAKE Todo, wait! Yeah, I was with her, and I did my best to protect her. Todo, I understand how you feel --- TODO (tears in his eyes) You know nothing of what I feel! You let her come to harm, Jake Cutter, and now we must both pay the price of that shame...we must die! Jake reacts, as: CUT TO INTERIOR JAKE AND CORKY'S ROOM - NIGHT Corky lies on the bed, his patch in place over his eye. Music from a Japanese string instrument can be heard throughout the scene. Jake enters, stops in shock when he sees the room is still occupied and Corky's clothes are still strewn about. JAKE (angrily) Corky! Why the hell aren't you --- Jake stops as he sees the patch over Corky's eye. Corky says nothing, but is prepared for anything. Jake comes over to Corky, staring at the patch. JAKE (continuing) Why are you wearing that patch? CORKY (convincing but a bit overdramatic) Jake...when that soldier hit me in the eye today...it's bad, Jake. Jack barks twice. JAKE (concerned; going for patch) How bad? Let me see. CORKY (grabbing the patch) No light, Jake! JAKE But it's gonna be okay? CORKY Maybe...probably...I really wish Louie could look at it. JAKE What's wrong with it? CORKY (prepared for this) I can't see anything on my left side. I got tunnel vision. I guess I can't fly the Goose, huh? JAKE Corky, this is kind of an emergency. You've still got your other eye, and you can fly without all your peripheral vision. CORKY (not very convincing) Yeah, I know, Jake, but I'm kinda scared, ya know? Honest, Jake, I don't mean to let you down, but I don't want to take a chance. I'm not that good a pilot and I won't be able to watch the port engine and the horizon at the same time. JAKE Corky.... CORKY Come on, Jake! You gotta fly all of us outta here before it's too late! JAKE (sincerely) I can't, Corky. I've got to convince Rene, Anago and Shannon that one of them is out to get the other two. The killer will make a move! CORKY And what if you're wrong, Sam Spade? Jake sits down on his bed. JAKE Yeah, well then I got a problem. CORKY Uh huh...well I don't see that as the big problem, Jake. My eye is the big problem! Get me outta here, to Louie, or...I may have to go through life lookin' like Jack! Jack suddenly runs to the door, growls, runs back in the direction of the beds. CORKY (continuing) Sorry, Jack. I didn't mean anything. A SHADOW OUTSIDE THE DOOR we see a crossbow and an arrow being affixed. JACK as he goes berserk, rushing back to the door, rushing to Jake's bed, jumping on him. JAKE Come on, Jack, cut it out. Corky said he was sorry! THE SHADOW pulling back the bow. RETURN TO SCENE Jack grabs hold of Jake's trouser leg, Jake gets up, pulled by Jack. JAKE Jack! Why are you mad at me? I didn't say anything! Just as Jake gets up, an arrow zings through the area where Jake was sitting. Unstopped, it goes through the screen separating Jake and Corky's room from the next. Jake rushes over, moves the screen separating the two rooms. The arrow sticks in a wall above a terrified Willie's head. He is being entertained by two lovely young geishas. One holds a musical instrument, and we now realize that this was the source of the music; Willie jumps up. WILLIE (frantic) Jake! The blessing! Consolation! I was giving them...Jake, the poor girls grieve so, for their mistress, they...Jake, please tell them I was doing nothing wrong. Jake is totally disinterested in Willie's explanation. He walks over to the arrow, studies it. Willie hurriedly pushes the half-dressed geishas out the door. JAKE (quietly; looking at arrow) This wasn't meant for you, Willie. It was meant for me...from Todo! Willie and Corky react. Jake studies the arrow with a worried look, as: FADE OUT _END OF ACT TWO_ _ACT THREE_ FADE IN EXTERIOR MATUKA DOCK - DAY - ON GOOSE as we see the Goose docked by the water. We can see Sarah, Willie as they are getting into the Goose through the cabin hatch. The dock itself is loaded with a large assortment of crates, boxes and pails of packing straw. Over this: JAKE'S VOICE OVER It's almost frightening how many things can go through your mind in a split second...in the time it takes for an arrow to whiz by your head. Things like the safety of your friends, or if they were meeting with the same fate, and weren't as lucky. It was in that same split second that I made up my mind that before I did anything else, I would get them off the island...before my split second of fear became a lifetime of regret. INTERIOR GOOSE COCKPIT - DAY As we continue to hear the group coming into the cabin we can see Corky in the pilot seat. His right eye is "patchless." The eye patch has been moved over to his temple, exposing his naked eye to the world. Jake is in the copilot seat, a large map on his lap. Jack is next to him. Corky is shaking his head. JAKE (changing his mind) On second thought you better go north through the mountains so that you'll be heading out to sea towards Boragora's south side. That way you'll avoid the headwinds. CORKY Well that's even worse, Jake. You got me flying through those canyons with the whole left side of vision on the blink. JAKE It's been done before. CORKY Not by me. I have enough trouble with both eyes working! Willie sticks his head in. WILLIE Everything all right? CORKY JAKE No. Yes. WILLIE That is most comforting. CORKY Would you tell Jake this is hopeless. WILLIE (to Jake) Maybe this idea of yours is not the very best. Maybe we should stay here with you. JAKE Look, this is my business. If anything happened to any one of you...I just couldn't take it. Now Corky's not going to have any trouble flying...well, it's going to be a _little_ rough, but.... Sarah looks in. SARAH You sure we wouldn't actually be safer here, in the long run? Jack barks twice for yes. CORKY You know, with my eye and all.... Jake looks at the group. All of whom look at him, almost pleading to let them stay. Casually he reaches into his pocket and takes out a chocolate bar and just as casually "stretches" his arms out so that his left hand holds the bar by the right side of Corky's face, resting his hand on the instrument panel. Over this: JAKE I guess you got me outnumbered. Maybe it isn't that good an idea to fly with a pilot with only one good eye. CORKY Now you're making sense, Jake, we'll just.... Corky, without turning his head, notices the chocolate bar. With childlike excitement he takes it from Jake's hand. He quickly unwraps it and begins to eat it hungrily. Over this: CORKY Jake! Where'd you get the chocolate? Gosh, I haven't had a real bar of chocolate since...since.... He stops, looks over to Jake's hand. He realizes what he's just done. The group looks at one another. Their little plan to stay with Jake has crumbled before their eyes. Corky looks up at the group, embarrassed. CORKY (taking eye patch off) I'm sorry, guys. I wasn't thinking. WILLIE It was a good try. SARAH (to Jake) We almost had you convinced. JAKE Not really. I know Corky too well. It was just the only way I could get you all to stop this, and get out of here. WILLIE Why don't _you_ start her up, and we'll all get out of here together? JAKE I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I'll be fine. Really. I'm just going to stay long enough to find Koji's killer, and then I'll be on the next thing smoking. They all look at him concerned. JAKE If you really want to help, you'd leave on the Goose. Please, do it for me. We hold on them for a moment, then: CUT TO as they start up. Camera pulls back to: EXTERIOR MATUKA DOCK as we see Jake and Jack on the dock, as Corky is starting up the engines in the cockpit. We can see Willie and Sarah through the portholes in the cabin. Jake yells over the noise. JAKE (to Corky) Remember. Head in toward the south side. It will be smoother. CORKY (yelling back) Don't worry, Jake, I'll keep both eyes on the road. CLOSER ANGLE - CORKY as he looks down at Jake. He holds up the rest of the chocolate bar in a "thumbs up" gesture, then takes a big bite from it. CORKY'S POINT OF VIEW - DOCK as we see behind Jake, Sergeant Maguro and two other soldiers as, rifles pointed, they run up to Jake, whose back is to them. DOCK as Corky sees the soldiers, then shouts down to Jake. We can also see as Willie and Sarah see them, but through the noise of the engines and the glass of the windows, their shouts of warning go unheeded. CORKY Jake...watch out! JAKE (misunderstanding) I'll be fine, just get out of here! Just then Sergeant Maguro reaches Jake. Maguro grabs him as the two soldiers take deadly aim. They all shout over the noise of the Goose. SERGEANT MAGURO (addressing them all) You are all under arrest. JAKE Arrest? What the hell for? SERGEANT MAGURO No one is to be out in the street without express permission from General Anago. JAKE What does he have to do with this? SERGEANT MAGURO General Anago has declared martial law. Jake lets this new turn of events sink in for a second, then turning to Corky: JAKE (yelling up to cockpit) Corky, run 'em up! CORKY But we got no oil pressure. JAKE (stronger) Just for a second. Corky catches on and quickly revs up the motors. ANGLE - JAKE AND SOLDIERS as the wind from the engines whips over to them. JACK as he runs to a bale of packing straw and quickly bites through the thin twine holding it together. The loose straw immediately rips free and flies out. FULL as the dust, wind and straw whip across the soldiers' faces causing them to grab their eyes, and in the process, dropping their rifles. In a quick move, Jake kicks the rifles into the water. Then: JAKE (to Corky) Now go...quickly! CORKY Jake, what about you? JAKE Get out of here! HIGH ANGLE The soldiers continue to be belted with the debris and Jake and Jack run like hell in the direction of Koji's compound...and the Goose begins a quick taxi out to open waters. CUT TO EXTERIOR KOJI'S COMPOUND - DAY - ESTABLISHING SHOT INTERIOR KOJI'S HOT TUB ROOM - DAY The quiet and serenity of the room is a stark contrast to the roar of the Goose engines. The room is filled with traces of steam, slight shimmers of sunlight through the Shoji screen, and candlelight from dozens of large, thick green candles situated around the hot tub. As camera pulls in slightly, we can see Shannon in the tub, her head back, eyes closed enjoying the serenity. Suddenly the screen opens and shuts quickly, and a figure stands there, just outside the light of the candles. Shannon does not move. The figure is out of breath from running. SHANNON (aloud) The custom is called Braugn O'Micht. You place green candles all around your tub to make sure leprechauns don't sneak in and kidnap you. The figure does not move. SHANNON (slightly annoyed) Well if you're going to 'kidnap' me, you better do it now while the water's still warm. The figure comes closer. It's Jake. Shannon continues to lie still, her eyes closed. SHANNON I knew it was you, Jake. Your breathing is very distinctive. She finally turns to him and opens her eyes. Jack trots over to the edge of the hot tub. SHANNON ...and so is your dog's. Jack barks once for no. During the following we begin to hear the shouts of soldiers outside, and also see their shadows through the rice walls as they go back and forth in the corridors looking for Jake. Over this: JAKE (acknowledging guards) You're going to need more than candles to keep _them_ away. SHANNON It's not me they're after. JAKE You've been in too many hot tubs if you think what's going on out there is for my benefit. SHANNON Then what is going on? JAKE While you've been soaking, your 'friend' Anago has carried his pledge for temporary order all the way. He's dropped all pretense about what he's after. Which is everything. SHANNON (agreeing) I used to think Anago was just a two-bit general. He's obviously far more deadly than that. He must be the one who gave my sister the deadly cupid. Just then we can see the forms of three soldiers as they stop right outside the hot tub screens. SHANNON (with urgency) Jake, get in the hot tub. JAKE Shannon, I don't think this is the time to be.... Jack growls, making Jake turn around and see what Shannon sees: the soldiers' shadows. In one quick move he jumps up on the hot tub platform and gets into the tub. Clothes, boots, and all. CLOSER ANGLE - HOT TUB as we see Jake get in, then holding his breath, go all the way down underwater. As his head disappears underwater, his hat continues to stay on the surface -- floating. As the soldiers slide open the screen we see Shannon, in one quick motion, pick up the hat and throw it behind her. ANGLE - JACK behind the hot tub. As he grabs the hat and pulls it with him out of sight of the guards. FULL as Sergeant Maguro comes in with two more soldiers. Shannon looks over to them, then screams, covering her chest with her hands. SERGEANT MAGURO I am sorry to barge in, Miss Flynn, but we are looking for.... SHANNON This is a complete outrage! I demand you leave these quarters at once. CLOSER ANGLE - HOT TUB as we see Jake try to come up for air, and Shannon push his head back down. SERGEANT MAGURO We have orders to find.... SHANNON I doubt, sir, that whatever you are looking for is hidden on my person. And I am sure General Anago would be most unpleasant if he were to hear that you have tried to search for it! The Sergeant thinks for a moment, then: SERGEANT MAGURO I am most sorry...we shall leave you to your bath. He shouts to the others in Japanese to leave. As soon as they are out and the screen is closed, Jake comes up gasping for air. As he tries to catch his breath: SHANNON I just bought you a little time. You can hide in here until.... JAKE (between breaths) I didn't stay on this island to hide in closets. I came here to find your sister's killer. SHANNON What more do you have to prove? It's got to be Anago. JAKE All I've got's a theory. I've got to make it fact. And to do that, I've got to keep an eye on him. SHANNON (thinking) Anago is probably on his way to the funeral. It starts in less than an hour. I'll get you some clothes. Some kind of disguise. You can come with me...okay? Then, you're on your own. JAKE What kind of disguise? SHANNON How are you at playing a stubborn Irishman? Jake gives her a smile, as we: CUT TO CLOSEUP - JAKE dressed now as a "stubborn Irishman" complete with a wide-brimmed hat to cover his face. Camera pulls back as he wanders through the crowd as we see we are at: EXTERIOR PAVILION - DAY - ON FUNERAL PYRE as we see the funeral in full swing. Around the lake which holds Koji's pyre, are large, thin, snake-like banners that flap violently in the wind. Besides Jake, we see the Matuka locals, Koji's servants, guards and geishas, two Shinto monks in brown hooded robes and other assorted people. There are enough Irishmen (the ones we saw in the brawl) to allow Jake to blend in. Near a small platform at the edge of the lake we can see Shannon, Anago and Rene talking to each other. We can hear the powerful, eerie sounds of the Awboon drums pounding out the funeral Iketuzu. CLOSER ANGLE - JAKE as he goes through the crowd towards the threesome. In the background we can see Jack who purposely stays back, away from Jake, so as not to give him away. As Jake gets closer to the platform, two guards put up their guns to keep him (and others) from going any further. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - THE THREESOME as, through the crossed guns of the guards, he sees Anago, Shannon and Rene. Shannon looks over to Jake, and gives him a wink, then turns back to the group. FULL as Shannon breaks from the group and steps up onto the platform. She turns to the crowd. The wind whips through her hair as she looks out. The drumming stops and the crowd is silent. Only the sharp slapping of the banners against the wind can be heard. Anago hands her the ceremonial funeral sword. LOW ANGLE - SHANNON as we can see her in forced perspective, the funeral pyre jutting up behind her. SHANNON (to the crowd) Rituals are for the living...to give us something to do, like making the father boil water while his wife's in labor. It is for our conscience, and our hearts, to give some kind of bittersweet finale to a tragic end. She turns to the pyre, and holds the sword out to it. SHANNON (stronger) To Princess Koji. May she be in heaven three days before the devil knows she's there! The crowd shouts out "Yekoto!" as the pyre suddenly bursts into flames, sending up a huge fireball of red and yellow, along with massive clouds of gray smoke. Shannon is about to step down, but then almost as an afterthought: SHANNON But there is something I can give my sister. I can give her the gift of peace in knowing the name of her _killer...Jake Cutter_! She points the sword at Jake. JAKE as he looks at her in shock, then looking around tries to run in the other direction. He is immediately grabbed by the two soldiers. The crowd is in chaos, shouting at him as he pulls the soldiers and himself toward the platform. Over the shouts of the crowd: JAKE That is a lie! SHANNON He confessed the murder to me this afternoon, in the serenity of Koji's baths. (then stronger) I demand that he be executed at once! Jake looks around. He is faced with an extremely hostile crowd. JAKE (thinking fast) Ah...and I demand the right to seppuku...the right to end my own life. SHANNON What is he talking about? ANAGO Seppuku...I'm afraid, Shannon, his demand is one we must honor...what you Westerners call hari kari. SHANNON I object to such things...I want him killed _now_. ANAGO Why? Shannon looks out at the crowd. She has no choice. Frustrated at the delay, she looks back at Jake. SHANNON All right. Then take him away and prepare him. Quickly! Jake looks up at her with a strange mixture of satisfaction at winning the round...and fear of what the price is. Sergeant Maguro and another soldier begin to lead him away. He passes by the monks. For a moment the soldiers let loose of him as they push back the crowd. Jake is face to face with one of the monks. CLOSEUP - JAKE as he looks at the monk. His face is surprised for an instant, but then settles back. He talks to the monk in a hard whisper. JAKE (dark) This isn't working out the way we planned...is it? One of the soldiers grabs him again, and pulls him away so that we now are in a closeup of the monk he has just talked to. Camera pushes in even closer as we see from the flickering flames of the funeral pyre, that under the hood is...Princess Koji. She looks out at Jake as he is led away. FADE OUT _END OF ACT THREE_ _ACT FOUR_ FADE IN INTERIOR SHINTO TEMPLE - DAY - MONK hands folded, bowed, features hidden inside his cowled, saffron robes. He's walking through the slices of shadow and light formed by the high window slits cut in the temple's stone walls. (Note: Shoot this so the brilliant light never illuminates the monk's face, leaving the circle formed by the cowl as a mysterious, empty blank.) WIDER The temple is a hushed, ancient place, dominated by a golden Buddha. Joss sticks are burning in polished brass censers on a low altar, incense smoke creating a soft haze, and giant candles flicker from niches. The monk's sandals scuffle audibly on the stone floor, the only sound except for the suggestion of Gregorian-like chanting in Japanese off screen. A sonorous gong announces an arrival as the monk centers himself in front of the Buddha and stops. ANGLE - OVER THE MONK'S SHOULDER TO ENTRANCE Jake is led into the temple through an arched door, flanked by two of Anago's soldiers. Jake is now wearing a plain, black Japanese garment closed across his chest and cinched at the waist. Anago enters behind, offering a bow to the Buddha. Belatedly, Jake follows suit, then starts for the altar. Sergeant Maguro immediately hisses and swings his rifle around on Jake. SERGEANT MAGURO Tonde monai! (The insult!) ON JAKE He freezes, not knowing what he's done wrong. Anago smiles like a man catching his unfaithful wife in a lie. ANAGO Perhaps you are not such a devout Buddhist as you claim? JAKE I resent that. I take my religion very seriously. A muffled, single bark echoes quietly through the temple. Somewhere, off screen, Jack is disagreeing. Jake rolls his eyes. Not now. Anago and the soldiers scan the temple for the source of the bark, but there's nothing to be seen. The monk steps forward and gestures Jake should sit at a bench. Jake gingerly goes over to it, one eye on the rifle. JAKE (continuing) How's a guy supposed to atone with all the noise in here? ANAGO I hope you can be as flip the moment you plunge the hari kari knife into your belly. ON JAKE AND MONK JAKE (to himself) I'll bet you do. (to monk; quietly) We've got to talk. The monk is pouring water from an earthen jar on Jake's feet, washing then toweling them off. ANAGO (overhearing) By all means, do talk...but speak of your next life only. The monk's head flicks toward the voice as Anago reaches forward grabbing his cowl. A tense moment, then Anago tugs the cowl back revealing the shaved head of a wizened Japanese man...not Princess Koji. The monk glares at Anago, and even the haughty General shrinks before the patriarchal scorn. ANAGO (continuing) Sumimasen. (I'm sorry.) JAKE (forced derision) Who'd you expect...Princess Koji? ANAGO No, her reincarnation will be as something that slithers in the dark. But, I wouldn't want you receiving any help that wasn't spiritual. WIDER Anago turns toward the arch, motioning his soldiers with him. ANAGO (continuing) Now that you have cleansed your feet, you have ten minutes to cleanse your soul. I doubt it shall be sufficient. Anago strides from the temple. When the soldiers are gone, the monk replaces his cowl. He offers a deep bow to the Buddha, steps up on the altar, and kneels in front of the idol, putting his head to the floor. Jake looks back toward the arch, but they have been left alone. For good measure, he mimics the monk and kneels beside him. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - JACK The dog scoots out from under the Buddha and starts licking Jake's lowered face. JAKE Not now, Jack, for God's sake. PRINCESS KOJI (off screen) In this case, My Lord Buddha would be a more appropriate invocation. Camera adjusts to find her standing in the shadow of the Buddha statue, her own monk's cowl thrown back. She takes a few steps forward, as close to Jake as possible without fully revealing herself to any other prying eyes. JAKE What would be appropriate is a way out of this mess. Jake sits up from his supplicant position, but Princess Koji motions him back down. PRINCESS KOJI It would be better, should General Anago look back in, that he see you seriously working for a good seat on the wheel of life. You wouldn't want to come back as, say...a dog. Jack barks twice that Jake could do worse. Jake shoots him a look, but lowers himself back down. JAKE You're both being very funny, but I don't see anything to laugh at. ON PRINCESS KOJI PRINCESS KOJI Your face, for one thing. You should have seen it when Shannon accused you of my murder. If she only knew how right she was, the surprise would be on her face. JAKE That was a helluva risk you took. Why'd you change the plan? You were _supposed_ to be hiding in the monastery. PRINCESS KOJI How could I miss my own funeral? (sighs) Not at all to my expectations, I'm afraid. I must do better next time. That terrible wax dummy, for one thing. And it lacked the appropriate tone. My sister and the General were barely able to contain their glee --- JAKE (cutting her off) Could we please talk about my funeral...or lack of one, I hope. Those two are really looking forward to it. PRINCESS KOJI At least they still have something to look forward to. Your lovely head could already be grinning down from a pike atop a palace gate. BESIDE THE BUDDHA JAKE It may be, yet. PRINCESS KOJI I was hoping you would identify my assassin, but -- I hear seppuku isn't so bad if you listen to the farthest sound and move very fast. JAKE Kind of like pulling a loose tooth? PRINCESS KOJI I wouldn't go that far. JAKE I'm not going there at all. I found your assassin, arrest her and give me what you owe me. PRINCESS KOJI I will honor my end when you honor yours. JAKE Shannon set me up, what more do you want? PRINCESS KOJI She is not acting alone, Jake. I will not be safe until I know who has betrayed me and who is loyal. The enormity of this request stalls Jake's demand. JAKE There may be ten or twenty -- more. PRINCESS KOJI Exactly. You've done so well this far, I know you can finish the job. Jake thinks for a long beat. JAKE There is a way, but you're going to have to back me up. PRINCESS KOJI Of course, dear Jake. Right to the end...or very nearly. Princess Koji smiles poisonously and puts her monk's cowl back over her head, again shadowing her face into an opaque blank. DISSOLVE TO EXTERIOR PAVILION - DAY - CLOSE - KNIFE BLADE turning and reflecting the fire of the sun. The hands holding the short, ornate blade slap it home into a lacquered bamboo sheath. WIDE One of Anago's men bows and leaves the knife on a woven mat arranged with a prayer shawl and a small ceramic service of sake, set out in front of the pavilion where Princess Koji had judged the archery contest earlier. A group of spectators is in attendance, including: Shannon and Rene, Koji's ninja and samurai, Koji's handmaidens and servants, Anago's soldiers and Shannon's bodyguards. (Note: Koji's people are in subservient positions, waiting on the others.) ANGLE TO INCLUDE JAKE being escorted toward us by Anago and the soldiers. Trailing them is a cowled monk, face hidden in shadow. Several other monks are in the audience. As Jake approaches, we hear: JAKE'S VOICE OVER Underneath all our colors and cultures and customs, people everywhere have the same nightmares...at least that's what my mother used to tell me. This was one of each. We all dream about rescuing a princess, and we all have nightmares about walking the gangplank. And, we all know when we're not dreaming. ANGLE TO JACK Unseen by the others, Jack scoots from beneath the monk's robes and darts to the feet of Koji's servants. ANGLE - ACROSS JAKE TO PAVILION He's standing on the mat arranged for his self-execution, immediately in front of the pavilion. Anago steps up beside Shannon. ANAGO The assassin is ready. Anago leaves Jake by the mat and joins Shannon on the raised pavilion. For a moment we think he is about to sit on a small "throne" chair central to the pavilion, but he kneels and bows to Shannon instead. She has the power. Returning his bow with a slight inclination of her head, she sits on the throne. Anago relaxes and steps beside Rene who is looking nervous. SHANNON (to everyone) With this murderer's death will come a new order to Matuka. Koji is gone. I am and I will always be your princess. RENE Absurd. You have no right to Matuka, the business, these lands and property. You cannot take what is rightfully Princess Koji's. JAKE Better mind your manners, Rene. She means it. And, take it from me, there's nothing more dangerous than a rookie monarch. Shannon half comes out of her chair, then regains her composure. SHANNON (to Jake) There are less pleasant ways to die than slicing out your own vitals. Much less. RENE Anago. Are you going to stand for this? ANAGO I am a military man. It's no concern of mine who sits on this throne. My job is the same. So is yours. Rene is not certain, but he presses no further. Satisfied, Shannon sits back in her chair. She affects the relaxed slouch of a bored monarch. SHANNON You may proceed, Mr. Cutter. As if by prearranged signal, Anago steps forward. Jake kneels on the mat arranged for the ceremony. JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - ANAGO The sinister rasp of steel on steel causes Jake to look up as Anago pulls his ceremonial sword. JAKE I don't need your help. ANAGO It is the ceremony. I will administer the coup de grace after you have given yourself a mortal wound...or if your nerve fails.... He leaves the rest unsaid. JAKE I know the ceremony.... Jake pours himself a small cup of sake and holds it out in a salute, not to Shannon, but to Koji's people looking on. JAKE (continuing) I offer a salute. To the woman whose blood stains that throne. To the rightful ruler of Matuka, Princess --- SHANNON Silence! I should have followed my instincts and had you killed before. Do it now, Anago! JAKE I have a right! This is seppuku and before I die I can salute my ancestors, Princess Koji, and the King of England...anybody I damn well please! Anago raises the sword over Jake but pauses. ANAGO You have the right, but not much time. Be brief. SHANNON I won't allow it. I know what he's up to. (to Jake) You tricked me, Cutter, but I'm not about to let you divide their loyalty. JAKE You've done that already...And, I think one good trick deserves another, don't you? ON JAKE Not the most comfortable position, with Anago's sword poised a foot behind his neck. But, Jake calmly pours another cup of sake. JAKE Those of you who still count yourselves as Koji's loyal subjects, salute her. SHANNON (to crowd) Do it and you choose to commit seppuku with him. JAKE I have been told the simple beauty of seppuku is that a man may decide for himself when he can no longer live without shame. Salute Koji and die with honor. Jake raises the cup. One by one Koji's people step forward and kneel in supplicant positions, leaving only a few soldiers and Shannon's Irishmen standing. JAKE (to Shannon) It's easy to live for somebody...it's damn hard to die. (beat) To Princess Koji. The kneeling people raise their voices in a simultaneous shout, "Princess Koji." ON SHANNON She surveys the tableau, all the people ready to die with Jake, and accepts it. She sits again. SHANNON (a general order) Give them all knives. First Cutter, then the rest of you fools. (to Jake) No more delay. Seppuku. WIDE Some of the kneeling are samurai. They have their own knives, and hand knives to others. Anago's soldiers hand out knives and bayonets. During this, Jake opens his garment, bares his stomach, then he fiddles with the knife left on the table in front of him. He tosses the sheath, takes out the knife, replaces it, and takes it out again. We lose track of this exact action until Jake is positioned with the bare knife between his two hands, point poised in readiness. Around him, the others are preparing themselves for their own mortal strokes. ON JAKE He builds to the moment, Anago readying his sword. Then, with all his power, he drives the knife into his stomach. The crowd lets out a collective gasp, and Anago involuntarily pauses, mesmerized by the frozen grimace of agony on Jake's face. Shannon nods to Anago to deliver the killing blow. But, at the moment of Anago's swing, Jake falls backwards and raises his knife he had been holding against his belly to block the sword. The sword chops the knife out of his hands. Jake rolls over and springs to his feet. INSERT - JAKE'S ARM The real seppuku knife drops out of his sleeve into his hand from where Jake has concealed it with slight of hand. WIDE Anago's soldiers swing their guns up on Jake, but Anago whirls to him, sword at the ready. ANAGO No! Leave him to me. (to Jake) For my brother. WIDE - THE FIGHT Ringed by the onlookers, Jake and Anago circle in the middle of the pavilion. Jake is in trouble right from the start, because his only weapon is his short seppuku knife. Almost leisurely, Anago swipes the air around Jake, not intending to strike, but demonstrating a fearsome command of the sword. Jake makes himself as small a target as he can, but he is a long reach away from being able to strike with his dagger. ANAGO AND JAKE Anago shifts one of his strokes a fraction closer to Jake and slices right through Jake's sleeve. A flash of the blade later, he has done the same to the other sleeve. It appears Anago can slice pieces off Jake at will. Jake finds the small "throne" chair at his back and picks it up, using it as a shield. Anago laughs and splinters the chair with several quick whacks. Sensing that Anago's next swing will be the last one for him, Jake flips the knife in his hand to hold the point and throws it. ON ANAGO The knife goes into Anago's shoulder. He winces only slightly, and pulls the knife out like an annoying thorn, throwing it to the ground. ON JAKE He uses the pause to deliver a stunning right cross to one of the soldiers ringing the pavilion and leaps off the platform finding his only path toward the red bridge. Anago follows him at a walk, blood seeping across the shoulder of his uniform. ANOTHER ANGLE - BRIDGE as Anago, his strength increasing, slices his sword inches from Jake. Jake turns, and seeing one of the large poles holding the funeral flags, runs to the closest one and rips it from the bridge's railing. He begins to fight back. Anago makes one more powerful swing, entangling his sword in the material of the funeral flag. Jake rams the pole into him. He pulls the pole out of Anago, and Anago reels backwards, plunging off the bridge. ANGLE - WATER as Anago falls in, then floats dead on the surface. ANOTHER ANGLE - JAKE He takes a long look at the body. Then turns back to the pavilion. All eyes are on the bridge, the spell surrounding the end of the fight not yet broken. From off screen we hear a single person applauding slowly. PRINCESS KOJI'S VOICE Bravo, Jake! As always. ON THE PAVILION Koji has thrown back the cowl of her monk's robes, and now she lets them slip off her shoulders like a butterfly emerging from the chrysalis. Before anyone can respond, her loyal soldiers have placed their weapons at the throats of all of Shannon's supporters. She is without any power. JAKE What the hell were you waiting for? We weren't supposed to get as far as a fight. Princess Koji stoops and picks up the knife Jake "stabbed" himself with. PRINCESS KOJI It was such a wonderful drama, I couldn't bear to interrupt. She pushes the blade into the hilt and we realize it's a trick knife. KOJI AND SHANNON In a sudden, desperate act, Shannon grabs a gun from the holster of a nearby soldier and swings it toward her own temple but Koji pushes her arm down and the bullet goes harmlessly into the floor. Jake climbs back up on the pavilion. Shannon snarls. SHANNON Kill me quickly, please. I would have done it for you. I tried to do it quickly. But, Koji shakes her head while she absently pulls a paper literally from between her breasts, handing it to Jake. Then she steps very close to Shannon who is panting like a cat. Koji fools with the gun, but drops it to the floor. KOJI I cannot kill you quickly, sister. I cannot even kill you lingeringly...because, you are already dead...from this moment, forever. Mura hachivu, the living dead. Here but not here. Seen but not seen. Nothing. With this pronouncement, Koji walks away from Shannon. Her samurai bring the prisoners, and Shannon might not even exist. There is a moment of quiet, then a slightly shaky battle cry comes from off screen. ON TODO in his armor, hardly able to lift his sword, standing behind Jake. TODO You will die now, Cutter-san. Todo takes a limp swing with the sword which Jake easily sidesteps. The effort almost makes Todo fall down, but he regains his footing for another try. It is a parody of the serious fight which preceded. JAKE Todo! Cut it out -- I mean, stop it. Your Princess is alive. Look over there. Come on! Koji laughs, more amused than Jake at the situation. TODO Enough lies. PRINCESS KOJI Todo. I'm over here. Todo is startled by the voice and looks as he takes his second swing. The momentum of the chop takes him right off his feet and he swoons on the floor of the pavilion. JAKE You explain it to him. I'm leaving before he gets his strength back. FADE OUT _END OF ACT FOUR_ _TAG_ FADE IN INTERIOR MONKEY BAR - NIGHT - CLOSE - CUPID STATUE It turns as the music box plays, the bow loaded with another arrow. WIDER The cupid is on the bar. Jake winds it some more to keep it playing. Standing next to him are Corky and Sarah, Jack on the bar. The cupid turns so that the arrow is sweeping past Jack. He ducks out of range. CORKY Why do you have to play that thing, Jake? It gives me the heebie jeebies. Jack barks twice and jumps off the bar. The cupid turns so that now Corky has to duck. JAKE You better get used to it. That's a ten thousand dollar waltz you're listening to. SARAH Why don't you just sell it to somebody. I'll bet you can find a buyer on the Clipper. JAKE Most of its value is sensational, Sarah. Now, Sarah must duck. CORKY We'll keep it someplace else. This is like playing Russian roulette. Now the cupid swings past Jake and he stands fast, spreading his arms, inviting it to shoot him. It goes on by. JAKE It's perfectly safe. Princess Koji's watchmaker removed the spring that fired the dart. SARAH Why did you choose that thing to fake her assassination? JAKE Just like Princess Koji. It intrigued her to be killed by the arrow of love. CORKY I thought she was dead. I'm beginning not to trust you at all, Jake. You were playin' it pretty fast and loose with us. I do not appreciate being lied to. Jake covers his eyes with his hand. JAKE Neither do I. (beat) Okay, I'm sorry but it was the only way. The more people who knew Koji was still alive, the more danger we'd have been in. It was necessary. But, if your feelings were hurt, I apologize. And, I'll buy you a round. Ahmed. CORKY Now you're talkin'. My feelings were hurt way worse'n Louie's. Two rounds at least. Ahmed, the bartender, brings over three mugs of beer just as the cupid turns to face the back of the bar. He hasn't seen the thing work, so he is easily startled when the dart suddenly fires and sticks in the eye of a wooden monkey behind the bar. He drops the beers and they shatter on top of the bar, spraying them all. CORKY (beat) Three rounds. FREEZE FRAME FADE OUT _THE END_
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