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I SPY
written by Phil Gee
Based on the television series "I SPY"
Created by
Morton Fine
&
David Friedkin
Revised first draft
August 1, 2001
FADE UP:
EXT. HONG KONG - DAY
The most amazing city in the world. We see the beautiful sights of the
HARBOR, bustling about with ships large and small. Famous BUILDINGS.
LANDMARKS, etc. People in the streets going about their daily business.
We MOVE towards an OPEN AIR TENNIS STADIUM. The place is packed in
anticipation of the afternoon's top match.
INT. TUNNEL - DAY
We are MOVING through the entrance tunnel towards the distant TENNIS
COURT. As we get closer to the opening, TWO TENNIS PLAYERS come into
frame. Their backs stay to us as they enter the…
EXT, TENNIS COURT - DAY
The CROWD goes wild as the two players enter the court area. Their
backs to us, the both raise their hands and wave to the fans. The men
turn to face one another. They are…
CHAN
the local hero. He's thin, wiry.
KELLY ROBINSON
lean, athletic. The world's idea of what a movie star should look like.
His real job -- U.S. Intelligence Agent.
The adversaries exchange a handshake, and then walk over to the UMPIRE,
who is seated in his high chair. Both players shake hands with him,
then move towards their designated sides.
Robin sits on the bench, puts is equipment down, reties his shoes. He
LOOKS off into the distance towards a HIGH TECH BUILDING.
INT. HIGH TECH BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY
A stunningly designed building, dripping with style from every angle.
A STEALTH FIGURE moves into frame. He obviously doesn't belong here,
because he's trying his best not to be noticed. He is ALEXANDER SCOTT -
- or SCOTTY -- partner to Kelly Robinson. African American. Muscular.
Quick witted. Rhodes scholar. Master of eight languages. His knowledge
of chemistry would put Carl Sagan to shame. He's a man you'd always
want to cover your back.
Scott stops at a locked door. He examines the key pad lock, trying to
figure out the best way to gain entry without setting off any alarms.
From his shoulder he slides a black bag. Opening it, he selects the
proper tool for the job. Deftly, he starts to work.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
Robinson is stretching, warming up, etc.
INT. HIGH TECH BUILDING - DAY
Scott silently opens the locked door and enters a…
ROOM FULL OF COMPUTERS
Scott walks to the third computer and puts his bag on the desk. Pulling
out a small disc, he puts it into the hard drive. Then, he begins
tapping away furiously at the keyboard. He's good.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
The Umpire looks to both men.
UMPIRE
Gentlemen, are you ready to begin
play?
ROBINSON
Sir, I'm still not ready. I need a
few more minutes to warm up.
INT. ROOM FULL OF COMPUTERS - DAY
The process of getting the information loaded is taking longer then
expected. Scott is starting to sweat. Any minutes a squad of goons
could burst into the room.
SCOTT
C'mon, baby. Don't make me wait
for it.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
Robinson is trying his best to stall the beginning of his match.
UMPIRE
Mr. Chan, are you ready to begin?
CHAN
Yes.
UMPIRE
Mr. Robinson, are you ready to
begin?
ROBINSON
Sir, I have this kink in my
shoulder…Last night, well, I slept
kinda funny. And my trainer isn't
here to help me get it loosened up.
UMPIRE
I must call for play in five
minutes, Sir.
Robinson nods, understanding.
ROBINSON
(under his breath)
Scotty, where are you, buddy?
INT. HIGH TECH BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY
FOUR UNIFORMED SECURITY GUARDS are headed towards the door which leads
to our anxious hero. Scott must have triggered a silent alarm. The
Guards talk fast in CANTONESE. The one who is THE LEADER gives rapid
fire commands to get the door opened.
ROOM FULL OF COMPUTERS
Scott HEARS the noise coming from the other side of the door. He knows
it's now or never.
SCOTT
Man, you are slower then Fat
Albert!
The computer gives a resounding BEEP, which brings a smile to Scott's
face. Quickly, he ejects he disc and puts it in his bag. At that
moment…
The door FLIES OPEN, and in pour the Security Guards.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
UMPIRE
Four minutes until play, gentlemen.
INT. ROOM FULL OF COMPUTERS - DAY
The Security Guards grab Scott's bag, pull him up by the collar. They
march him towards the exit.
SCOTT
I was just trying to email my
mother back in Philly. You know,
send her a letter?
No response from the stone faced Security Guards.
SCOTT
My mother worries about me when
I'm away from home for so long. I
try to write her once a week.
Scott makes a swift move, and pushes the WIND BUTTON on his watch. No
one sees it.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
Robinson is making a good show of pretending he's having the worst pain
in his shoulder.
ROBINSON
(to Chan)
You don't have any "Icy Hot", do
you?
Chan looks at him in disbelief.
UMPIRE
Three minutes, gentlemen.
INT. HIGH TECH BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY
We are MOVING towards an elevator as the Security Guards hustle Scott
to it.
SCOTT
Any of you guys ever get to Philly?
There's this little place I know of
that makes great cheese steaks.
Ever have a cheese steak?
No answer from anyone.
SCOTT (CONT)
Bagel and cream cheese? See, Philly
is famous for cheese…cheese steaks,
cream cheese…
It's no use. They won't break for him. But a woman is a different
story.
At the elevator station stands a BEAUTIFUL ASIAN WOMAN. She is decked
out in tight leather pants and an even tighter t-shirt, which leaves
nothing to the imagination. She's all smiles, winking at the Security
Guards.
The Security Guards smile back -- relaxing a bit.
The Leader moves closer to Beautiful Asian Woman, begins to speak to
her. She smiles the biggest smile, whispers into Leader's ear. Whatever
she said brings a wicked grin and dirty laugh.
Leader turns to the other Security Guards, informs them of the
impending wild night that she's just promised him.
POW! Beautiful Asian Woman knocks Leader out cold! We now realize she's
with Scott. Before we know it, she's taken out a second Security Guard.
Scott is no slouch -- he's banging away at the remaining two Security
Guards. A second later, all of them are sprawled on the deck in various
prone positions.
BEAUTIFUL ASIAN WOMAN
Take the stairs. There's a car
waiting for you outside.
Scott reaches down to retrieve his bag and the valuable disc within.
Beautiful Asian Woman pulls out a PISTOL from her purse, offers it to
Scott.
SCOTT
No thanks. Those things make loud
noises.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
Chan is growing tired of waiting.
UMPIRE
Two minutes until play, gentlemen.
ROBINSON
Sir, I must protest the start of
this match without my trainer
present. You must realize that
simple courtesy, nay precedent --
UMPIRE
(cutting him off)
Two minutes!
Robinson knows he can't delay much longer.
EXT. HIGH TECH BUILDING - STREET LEVEL - DAY
It's the busiest time of the day. A lot of TRAFFIC present.
From an EXIT DOOR, Scott EXPLODES out into the CROWD!
WAITING NEAR BY
is an ASIAN DRIVER, leaning casually against a SPORTS CAR. He spots
Scott exiting the building, runs towards him, waving to get his
attention.
ASIAN DRIVER
C'mon! Over here!
Scott gets the message, makes a beeline for his only means of escape.
Before he is halfway to the car…
MORE SECURITY GUARDS arrive on the scene! These guys, though, are
ARMED! It only takes them a second to zero in on Scott. One of them
talks into a RADIO, yelling instructions.
Asian Driver ducks behind the wheel, slams the door shut. Scott reaches
the passenger side, starts to get in.
BANG! BANG! BANG! Shots explode next to him!
SCOTT
Hey, no fair! I gave back my gun!
I thought we had an agreement!
More rounds pound into the car as Scott finally gets inside. Like that,
Asian Driver puts it into gear and peels out, tires smoking.
ON THE SIDEWALK
Another car SQUEELS to the curb, picks up the New Security Guards. The
pile in and take off in pursuit of Scott.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
With nothing else he can think of, Robinson sits down and reties his
shoes again.
UMPIRE
The match begins in one minute, Mr.
Robinson.
Robinson doesn't look up. He continues to tie his shoes.
EXT. HONG KONG STREET - DAY
A wild chase is taking place. Both cars DART THROUGH TRAFFIC, doing
their best to avoid crashing into anything -- or run over someone.
BANG! CRASH! A BULLET catches the rear view mirror. SHARDS OF GLASS
fall into Asian Driver's lap.
ASIAN DRIVER
(pissed)
There goes my deposit! Rental car!
SCOTT
Listen, I'm grateful for your help,
but I really need to be somewhere
else five minutes ago. You think
you can figure out a way to shake
Ghingis Khan and his army before I
get sent back to Philly like Swiss
cheese?
ASIAN DRIVER
No sweat, Fresh Prince. We got help
around the corner.
Scott raises an eyebrow.
SCOTT
Fresh Prince?
As the chase continues, the road becomes wider. Suddenly, TWO OTHER
CARS pull up behind the Bad Guys. This must be the help Asian Driver
was talking about.
ASIAN DRIVER
Yeah. Fresh Price. Great American
TV show. I watch it every Sunday
night! You look just like him. Hey!
You from Philly, too? Just like
Fresh Prince!
From behind Scott's car, the two Friendly Cars are doing their best to
take car of the Bad Guys. Finally, the Bad Guys are forced off the
road.
CRASH! They plow into a STREET VENDOR'S CART! Debris flies everywhere.
A CROWD gathers to see the accident.
The two Friendly Cars make good their escape, vanishing into the busy
traffic.
WRECKED CAR
The Security Guards slowly step out, rub their heads, etc.
HIGH ABOVE
Scott and Asian Driver speed towards the Tennis Stadium.
EXT. TENNIS COURT - DAY
UMPIRE
Gentlemen, I must call for play
to begin at once.
CHAN
Yes, Sir!
Chan is anxious to get going. He heads onto the court.
ROBINSON
(dejected)
Yessir…
Slowly, he grabs his racket, lumbers to his side of the court.
EXT. ENTRANCE TO TENNIS STADIUM - DAY
The car with Scott pulls to the entrance, Scott leaping out of the
vehicle before it even stops. He has the bag in hand, races to the…
GATE
From around his neck, Scott pulls out an ACCESS PASS tied to a string.
He flashes it at the slow moving GATE ATTENDANT, who couldn't stop
Scott even if he wanted to.
TENNIS COURT
Robinson looks around one last time for his trainer.
ROBINSON
Guess I gotta do it without you
this time.
TUNNEL TO COURT AREA
Scot continues his breakneck pace past several SLOW STADUIM ATTENDANTS.
Finally, he bursts into the…
TENNIS COURT
At this entrance, Scott is stopped by TWO GUARDS. These guys are quick.
He knows he just can't run past them.
SCOTT
I'm his trainer! He can't begin
the match without me! I'm something
of a good luck charm!
Scott pulls the access card from around his neck, shows it to them.
SCOTT (CONT)
See? Standard issue "Good Luck
Charm" card. All the rage back
home.
Scott's arrival has caused a bit of a scene. Several FANS in the stands
get up to look at what's going on.
One of the Guards inspects the pass.
From the corner of his eye, Robinson notices the commotion. He starts
to turn his attention back to the impending match -- and then looks
back again.
IT'S SCOTT!
The two partners make EYE CONTACT.
Robinson smiles.
ROBINSON
The wonderfulness of your timing.
Scott gives him a "thumbs up" as the Guards let him pass. He makes his
way to Robinson's side of the court, sits down on the bench. With a
sigh, Scott pats the bag.
The danger to his partner over, Robinson is ready to destroy his
opponent in straight sets.
Bouncing a tennis ball a couple of times on the court, he throws it
high in the air. Just as he makes contact with the ball, we…
ROLL MAIN TITLE
INT. SECRET AGENT OFFICE - DAY
As SMARTLY DRESSED WORKERS go about their business, we see that this
place is really a cover for out two spy guys. It looks every bit the
normal work environment.
From one end of the hallway, and elevator opens. Out walks Robinson and
Scott. They are very well dressed -- looking might cool in a 60's sort
of way.
ROBINSON
My man, this time I thought I was
gonna go solo.
SCOTT
I was just trying to make a date
with the babe in the tight pants.
ROBINSON
What babe in tight pants?
SCOTT
The one who got me away from the
goon squad back at the plaza.
ROBINSON
Does your mother know that you have
such thoughts of impurity? I'm
gonna have to email her with the
news of your latest transgressions.
SCOTT
I was trying to do the very same
thing when I was interrupted by
the last of the Mohicans.
The men have reached a SECRETARY seated at a desk in front of a large
door. She smiles as they approach her.
SECRETARY
Congratulations, Kelly. You looked
great out there yesterday.
ROBINSON
(the womanizer)
You great right where you are. But
you'd look even better tonight back
at my place, over a candle light
dinner. A little wine, some soft
music…
SECRETARY
I don't think the boss would like
that idea very much.
ROBINSON
Why does he need to know?
SECRETARY
My father is very good at finding
these things out. I'm his only
daughter, and he's very protective.
Robinson jumps back. Scott smiles to himself.
ROBINSON
Well, sure, Miss…uh…we could take a
rain check…
SCOTT
Okay, Valentino…let's get to work.
Could you buzz us in, please?
With a smile of victory, Secretary pushes a button under her desk. A
second later we HEAR a CLICK as the door unlocks itself.
The two men start to enter.
SCOTT
My friend has a trick brain. Some-
times when he tries to use it, it
falls out on the floor.
Secretary waves good-bye as our heroes enter their…
SUPERIOR'S OFFICE
A large room with many decorative items from all over the world hanging
on the walls.
Behind a massive oak desk sits HOBY GILMAN -- the Man In Charge. He's
in his late 60's, silver hair, still showing his good looks. He's a
Texan.
To his side is his Number One -- CHET KINCAID. Also in his 60's, Chet
is an African American from Los Angeles. Perhaps Kincaid and Gilman
were partners thirty or so years ago, like Robinson and Scott.
The four exchange handshakes and greetings.
Scott takes the disc he pirated the day before and hands it to Kincaid.
Kincaid studies it a moment, then hands it to Gilman.
GILMAN
Gentlemen, have a seat please.
They each take a chair.
Gilman plays with the disc for a beat. Then, he punches some buttons on
his computer keyboard.
The wall behind him -- which is decked out with LARGE PAINTINGS --
suddenly MORPHS INTO A MASSIVE FULL WALL MONITOR SYSTEM. The paintings
were only computer generated images.
Gilman taps a few more keys. The wall FILLS UP with FACES AND NAMES.
GILMAN
The people behind me were all
agents that have been killed or
gone missing over the past six
months. They all had good covers.
Solid. Almost impossible to be
discovered.
KINCAID
But each of these agents were kill-
ed or came up missing within a
month of entering Asia.
Robinson and Scott take in the information silently.
GILMAN
Now, look at this.
He hit's a couple of keys. FRESH FACES AND NAMES appear on the wall
monitor.
KINCAID
These agents are set to start their
covers even as we speak. Some of
them may already be in place by now.
Gilman puts the disc into his computer. Taps the keys again.
The wall monitor SPLIT SCREENS. Both sides show the identical images.
GILMAN
We're about ninety percent sure of
our leak. They've been getting a
little suspicious lately, so we've
decided to pluck them up before any
advance warning can be given.
SCOTT
(remembering a face)
Leonard…
KINCAID
What?
SCOTT
Leonard…One of the agents who was
killed. We went through indoctrina-
tion together.
KINCAID
A lot of good people got killed.
ROBINSON
Where do we fit in?
GILMAN
You're gonna baby sit them back to
D.C. We're sending the three of you
back for your own good, so you'll
all have the same orders. With
everyone dancing to the same beat,
there shouldn't be too much
suspicion.
ROBINSON
When do we meet him?
A BUZZER SOUNDS. Gilman swiftly punches the keyboard. The wall monitor
MORPHS back to it's original images. When the change is finished,
Gilman presses another button to signal the all clear.
GILMAN
Right now.
The door opens. In steps the beautiful TATIA LORING. Female agent.
Femme fatale. Drop dead knock out. She scans the room, checking out the
company she's keeping.
Robinson looks like he's seen a ghost.
Scott takes a glance at his partner, but says nothing.
Finally, Robinson and Tatia make EYE CONTACT. It's a very powerful
look.
KINCAID
I think everyone knows one another.
GILMAN
Yes, we're all brothers and sisters
in arms.
Tatia takes the seat furthest away from Robinson.
GILMAN (CONT)
Kelly and Scotty got here early,
but I was just getting ready to
hand out your marching orders.
All three of you are getting ship-
ped back to D.C. tomorrow. We
can't take any more chances on
your covers.
Tatia looks straight ahead, unemotional.
Robinson sneaks a sideways glance at her.
KINCAID
Your tickets will be at the air-
port, and vouchers can be picked
up later tonight. Get packed and
get home safe.
(beat)
That's all.
With that, Robinson and Tatia bolt from their seats in order to beat
each other out of the office.
Scott gets up slowly, thinking.
SCOTT
I still haven't picked up my Per
Diem yet for today! If this is
gonna be my last night in Hong
Kong, I wanna do some serious
damage! I'm not leaving here until
one of you coughs up some scratch
in my hand.
Scott has been trying to talk long enough for Robinson and Tatia to
leave the room. Kincaid and Gilman understand what he's doing.
KINCAID
You know policy, Scotty. You have
to fill out a request form, like
everyone else.
SCOTT
Yeah, and wait until I'm back on
U.S. soil before I see a dime? No
way. I'm not leaving here without
some Do Re Me in my palm.
By this time, Robinson and Tatia have exited the room. The door swings
shut behind them.
AT SECRETARY'S DESK
Robinson and Tatia look coldly at each other. Robinson takes out a
cigarette and lights it.
SECRETARY
There's no smoking in the building,
Mr. Robinson.
Disgusted, Robinson walks away, looking for a place to get rid of his
cigarette. Tatia slowly follows behind him.
GILMAN'S OFFICE
Scott is about to explode.
SCOTT
Have you both lost your minds?
GILMAN
She's the leak, Scotty. No doubt
about it.
SCOTT
I'm not talking about that! I'm
talking about them!
KINCAID
(he already knows)
What do you mean?
SCOTT
Them! Five years ago in Greece. She
tore his heart out. Left my man
standing at the proverbial altar,
holding his tennis racket in hand.
Gilman sees Scott's anger.
GILMAN
We know, Scotty, we know. That's
the reason you both drew this
assignment. She may relax, let her
guard down just enough…Slip up and
give you a name. You're the point
man. You've got the reins.
FURTHER DOWN THE HALLWAY
Robinson's fuse is almost at it's end.
Tatia approaches him.
TATIA
How've you been, Kelly?
With measure, he turns to look at her fully for the first time. A range
of emotion spills over his face. Just as he looks like he'll never get
it under control, the cool tennis bum returns to the surface.
ROBINSON
(silently)
Swell. Just swell.
TATIA
I see you made it out of Greece
in once piece.
ROBINSON
Yeah, well, if you don't get beat
up every once in a while, you get
soft.
GILMAN'S OFFICE
SCOTT
I'm telling you, he's never gotten
over this thing.
KINCAID
In our business, there are no
"things". Only business.
GILMAN
If your partner can't handle his
affairs, we'll just drop him off
in Cincinnati on the way to D.C.
He hasn't been home for a long time.
I hear the Reds have a new stadium.
He was always the baseball fan. He
can take in a few games, drink a
few beers, enjoy himself.
FURTHER DOWN THE HALLWAY
TATIA
(almost pleading)
You would have done the same thing
in my place, Kelly…
The remark hits deep. He gets right up to her face.
ROBINSON
(angry)
No way, baby. No way.
TATIA
Yes, you would. That's what makes
you so bitter, because you know
it's true. I had no choice. I had
a job to do.
ROBINSON
Well, now so do I. We get back to
D.C. and go our separate ways. And
until then, you just stay the hell
outta my way!
GILMAN'S OFFICE
Scott is resigned to the fact that these men are his bosses. No matter
what he feels, he has to do as they say.
SCOTT
Well, if Kelly's the bait, I better
bring my fishing gear.
Scott walks towards the door.
KINCAID
Don't let either of them out of
your sight.
Remembering his ruse to stay behind, Scott turns around.
SCOTT
I can't leave here without some
cash. They probably know it was a
sham, but I have to make it look
good for the cameras.
GILMAN
I'll call in a voucher for you…
He picks up the phone, starts to dial.
SCOTT
No good. I need it now, or this
little pow wow is gonna fail when
I walk out that door.
Gilman puts the receiver down, looks to Kincaid.
GILMAN
(sheepish)
I don't have my Per Diem either.
Kincaid rolls his eyes, digs into his pocket.
KINCAID
You'd think after thirty-five years
some things would change…
AT SECRETARY'S DESK
Scott exit's the office, counting his newly gotten gains. He SEES
Robinson and Tatia…
FURTHER DOWN THE HALLWAY
SCOTT (O.S.)
Hey! Dinner tonight on my old
Uncle Sammy!
Robinson is glad to see his partner. Quickly, he makes his way towards
Scott.
ROBINSON
Let's get going…
Robinson walks past Scott. Tatia approaches him.
TATIA
Scotty…I need to --
SCOTT
(curt)
We have a dinner date tonight. Be
at out hotel at seven-thirty. We're
at the --
TATIA
(cutting him off)
I know where you're staying. I'll
be there.
Distantly, she heads off in the same direction as Robinson.
Scott takes a deep breath. What is he in for over the next few days?
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Robinson and Scott's large suite; more like an apartment, really. Two
master bedrooms, two full baths, kitchen, wet bar -- these guys know
how to live the good life.
ROBINSON'S ROOM
He is almost finished getting dressed.
SCOTT'S ROOM
Scott has just finished taking a shower. He's in his robe.
SCOTT
I'll be ready in a shake, Kel.
Scott takes his evening's attire out of the closet, lays it on the bed.
ROBINSON'S ROOM
Robinson ties his tie, face blank.
SCOTT'S ROOM
SCOTT
I called down for room service to
bring up something to drink. I'm
dry. Only diet coke. Gotta stay
sharp!
He listens for a remark. There is none. Scott sighs. He's a
professional, but his heart still goes out to his buddy.
ROBINSON'S ROOM
Robinson is done dressing. He takes a long, deep look into the mirror.
A CHIME sounds O.S. It breaks him from the gaze.
SCOTT (O.S.)
You get that, Kel?
ROBINSON
Right, right.
He heads into the…
LIVING ROOM
The door CHIMES again.
ROBINSON
Coming, coming…It's only diet coke.
Robinson opens the door, lets in the ROOM SERVANT, who pushes a cart
full of cans of diet coke, a bucket of ice, and drinking glasses.
ROBINSON
Just leave the whole thing.
Room Servant puts the cart to the side of the room. Robinson hands him
a tip.
ROOM SERVANT
(in Cantonese)
Thank you, Sir.
Room Servant exits.
As Robinson returns his wallet to his pocket, he spies the tray of
carbonated drinks. Sure, he's down; but that's no excuse for not
playing a trick on his friend.
ROBINSON
Scotty, your drinks have arrived
to save you from Sahara of the
mouth.
Robinson takes each can and furiously shakes the daylights out of them!
SCOTT (O.S.)
Thanks. I'll be right out.
In the nick of time, the last can is put back in place. Scott is in for
a serious soaking!
Finishing the touch on his tie, Scott enters the living room, heads
straight for the drinks.
ROBINSON
How can you drink that stuff, man?
Scott takes a glass, fills it with ice.
SCOTT
He of rum and coke asks me how I
can do without the rum?
ROBINSON
Not coke…diet coke. All that acid…
SCOTT
You gotta be kidding.
The fun is over for Robinson. His brief respite is gone. Tatia's on his
mind again.
Scott puts the glass down.
SCOTT
You gonna make it?
ROBINSON
(defensive)
I'm gonna make it! I can handle it,
no problem!
SCOTT
If you say so.
ROBINSON
I say so, Jack.
The door CHIMES again. Scott looks at his watch.
SCOTT
Early…
Both men react instinctively. Robinson pulls a PISTOL from under his
jacket. Scott goes to the door and stands to the side.
SCOTT
Tatia, is that you?
MALE VOICE BEHIND DOOR
Tatia who? Open up, guys, it's
your old pal Stevens.
It takes a moment for the name to get matched up with the voice, but
both men recognize their friend at the same time.
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
Chris Stevens?!
MALE VOICE BEHIND DOOR
In the living flesh…but that may
change if you don't open this door
and let me in!
SCOTT
You sound like the big bad wolf! I
saw what you did to those pigs,
man!
Scott opens the door, and in steps CHRIS STEVENS. He's tall, blonde, a
little younger then our heroes. The trio exchange greetings.
Scott walks him to the couch, where Robinson and Stevens take a seat.
Scott heads back to get his drink finally opened. Robinson holsters his
pistol.
SCOTT
Want a soda?
STEVENS
(noticing the only
choice)
Diet coke? How do you drink that
stuff?
Scott shoots him a dirty look.
ROBINSON
What brings you to old Hong Kong?
STEVENS
Assignment. Someone has to plug up
the dam.
SCOTT
We heard. We're on our way out
tomorrow. It's getting too hot for
my tastes.
Scott grabs a can, gets ready to pop the top.
Robinson winces.
The tab comes off in Scott's hand! He escaped the first round.
STEVENS
Yeah, I heard that some of the old
timers were asking to be let out
of this gig.
ROBINSON
Hold it there, Duke! We're on an
assignment, too!
Scott shoots his partner a "shut up" glance.
SCOTT
(quickly)
Yup. Gotta take a beautiful lady
out on our last night in civiliza-
tion. Hey, why don't you tag along,
help me keep Kelly in line?
Robinson gets angry over the remark, but lets it pass.
STEVENS
Sounds good. I haven't eaten since
breakfast.
Scott has picked up another can of soda. Any second he's going to be a
mess.
The door CHIMES again.
Scott slams the can back into the tray very hard.
STEVENS
You're gonna make it explode!
SCOTT
At least I won't be dry anymore!
(reaching the door)
Tatia, is that you?
TATIA
(behind door)
It's me, Scotty.
He opens the door, and she steps in. She is even more stunning then
before, now that she is dressed for an evening out.
Stevens stands up in awe. Robinson stays on the couch, chin resting
squarely on his fist.
STEVENS
(under his breath)
Assignment my ass!
SCOTT
Tatia Loring, meet Chris Stevens.
Chris dabbles in the world of
motion pictures. He's here to scout
out a location for another one of
those old TV shows they make into
a modern day piece of trash.
Tatia does not know what to say.
STEVENS
It's not really like that, Scotty.
This is more the start of something
big in my career.
(to Tatia)
Have a seat?
He gestures to the space next to Robinson. Tatia looks at who she would
be seated by, and chooses a chair away from Robinson. This does not go
unnoticed by Stevens.
TATIA
What film are you working on, Mr.
Stevens?
STEVENS
One of those old baby boomer shows
from the 60's. Doesn't anyone know
that this is a new century? C'mon,
let's get some fresh blood pumping!
Scott has gone back to get a soda again.
STEVENS
Don't take that one! You slammed it
down, remember?
SCOTT
Right, thanks. I don't want to take
another shower.
Scott grabs a different can. Grips the tab. Pulls.
SWOOSH! He's soaked from head to toe!
ROBINSON
I told you, Herman, that stuff is
bad for you.
Scott is pissed. He'll have to take another shower and change. His
anger makes him forget his orders to keep an eye on his two companions.
SCOTT
You all go ahead. It'll be twenty
minutes before I'm ready.
Having noticed the tension between Robinson and Tatia, Stevens doesn't
feel like sitting between two stone monuments by himself until help
arrives.
STEVENS
That's okay, Scotty. I'll wait for
you. Why don't you two love birds
get us a good table?
Robinson rolls his eyes. This is the last thing he wants -- to be alone
with Tatia. But he is itching to get some fresh air.
ROBINSON
(dully)
Let's go…
He gets up from the couch, not waiting to see if Tatia is coming or
not.
TATIA
(polite)
It was nice to meet you…
STEVENS
Stevens. Chris Stevens…from Holly-
wood.
Tatia crosses to Scott, whispers in his ear.
TATIA
I need to talk to you, Scotty.
Alone.
Scott makes no comment.
Tatia heads for the door. She and Robinson exit.
STEVENS
(exhaling)
Whew! What's the story between
those two?
SCOTT
You noticed, huh?
STEVENS
Why do you think I waited for you?
Scott heads for the shower.
SCOTT
Give me five, and I'll fill you in.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
A very stylish place to see people and to be seen.
Robinson is alone at the table, which is set for four. He's
nervous…rapping his fingers on the table top, folding and unfolding his
napkin.
Tatia arrives. She sits in the seat opposite Robinson. Usually he is a
gentleman when a lady seats herself. This time he remains on his
behind.
A moment of deathly silence. Neither one wants to be the first to
speak. Finally, it's too much for Robinson to take.
ROBINSON
For what it's worth, I just want
you to know I was this close to
chucking it all for you. This
close.
Tatia can't answer.
ROBINSON
Does that mean something to you?
Does that revelation do anything
to shake up that heart of yours?
TATIA
Would it make a difference if I
said yes?
Robinson thinks a moment.
ROBINSON
Not a damn bit.
TATIA
Then no, it doesn't.
A WAITER brings their drinks, sets them on the table.
TATIA
I did what I did. I can't change
that fact. And I guess can't change
the way you feel, either.
Robinson takes his drink and pounds it down in one gulp.
The Waiter is still at arms length.
ROBINSON
(to Waiter)
Bring me another.
EXT. HOTEL BALCONY - NIGHT
Stevens is standing in the cool evening air, polishing off the last of
his beer. He pauses to look at the beautiful sights of the harbor.
Crushing his empty can, he returns to…
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
As he enters the room, the CURTAINS BLOW behind him. He has left the
sliding door open.
SCOTT'S ROOM
Scott has taken a quick shower, and is in his robe again. He takes a
new jacket from his closet, heads to the…
LIVING ROOM
SCOTT
This okay?
STEVENS
(joking)
Are we going to a funeral?
SCOTT
One of them may end up killing the
other, but not on my shift.
STEVENS
You never told me the story behind
all that angst.
Scott returns to…
SCOTT'S ROOM
SCOTT
(loudly)
They met up about five years ago
in Greece. Rockets, stars, the
works. Kelly was flipped out over
her. I've seen him in lust before,
but this was as real as it gets.
Scott has been looking through is closet for another jacket. He selects
a more outlandish coat, and grabs both.
SCOTT (CONT)
You really think it looks that bad?
He heads for the…
LIVING ROOM
SCOTT (CONT)
What about this? I could wear my…
He stops cold in his tracks.
ON THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF HIM IS THE DEAD BODY OF CHRIS STEVENS! A
LENGTH OF TWINE WRAPPED AROUND HIS NECK!
Scott drops the jackets, goes to his room, returns in a flash with a
PISTOL. Eyes wide. He's a wire.
The CURTAINS billow in the breeze. Scott runs out to the…
EXT. HOTEL BALCONY - NIGHT
He looks everywhere. There's not a soul around. For Hong Kong, this is
a pretty quiet night.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Scott slowly returns to Chris's body, bends down, takes the twine from
his neck, throws it across the room. Dejected, he slumps to the floor,
not knowing what to do. After a beat, he picks up the phone and starts
dialing.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Robinson is on his third drink. Tatia still nursing her first.
Robinson looks at his watch. They should have been here by now.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! His PAGER goes off. He takes it from his belt, checks
the message. His reaction tells us Scott's in trouble.
ROBINSON
Give me you phone!
TATIA
What…?
ROBINSON
Your cell phone! Give it to me!
TATIA
I don't have one…
He bolts from the table, heads for a…
PAYPHONE
Taking out a CALLING CARD, he swipes it and places his call. It seems
like ages, but finally Scott picks up.
ROBINSON
Scotty, what's the --
SCOTT (on phone)
Get the girl and get back here!
Now!
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Scott is seated on the floor, writing in a small notebook. He's got a
sweat suit and sneakers on. The body nowhere to be seen.
The door swings open slowly to reveal an empty hallway. A PISTOL comes
into view, followed by the arms and then the whole body of Robinson.
ROBINSON
Scotty? You okay?
Robinson motions for Tatia to enter the room. He locks the door behind
them.
ROBINSON (CONT)
What's goin' on? Where's Stevens?
Why didn't you show up at the
restaurant?
He puts his pistol away.
SCOTT
Chris Stevens is dead, man. He was
strangled right here while I was
getting dressed. I smuggled his
body out into the alley so we
wouldn't have to deal with the
police. He couldn't have been dead
more then thirty seconds before I
found him.
Robinson is stunned. Tatia surprised.
TATIA
Why…? Why would anyone want to
kill him?
ROBINSON
He was one of us…
Tatia realizes the implications now.
TATIA
He must have just gotten into his
cover.
The three agents look to one another. This is a life or
death situation for each of them.
SCOTT
I called Gilman right after I spoke
to you.
ROBINSON
What did he say?
SCOTT
Stay here.
(beat)
We all stay here.
ROBINSON'S ROOM - LATER
Tatia is asleep in Robinson's bed. Despite the grim news, she's out
cold.
From the doorway, Scott is looking in on her.
LIVING ROOM
The TV is on, volume low. Robinson is watching an old BRUCE LEE MOVIE
on the late show while sucking down a beer.
Scott comes up behind him. Quiet. The two men are so used to their work
-- and working together -- that no words need to be said.
When the movie goes to commercial, Robinson flicks the TV off with a
remote. While Scott stands silently, Robinson heads for another cold
beer. After he's popped the top, he heads for the…
EXT. HOTEL BALCONY - NIGHT
Taking a deep pull on his suds, Robinson gazes out at the beautiful
city below.
Scott joins him, walks to the railing, looks out as well.
ROBINSON
Is that how it really went down?
SCOTT
The very same way. In and out.
Professional. They knew he was
here.
Scott turns and looks hard at his friend.
SCOTT
Did she make a phone call?
ROBINSON
(distant)
…What…?
SCOTT
Did she make a phone call? Leave
you for a moment? Go to the bath-
room? Have anything she needed to
do by herself?
It dawns on Robinson where Scott is headed.
ROBINSON
Hold it, Jack. We don't know if…
SCOTT
(angry now)
Was she with you the whole time or
not?!
ROBINSON
(slowly)
When I was getting the table, she…
His voice trails off, not wanting to finish the sentence or thought.
SCOTT
(picking up)
…She called it in that Stevens was
with us! She fingered him out, Kel!
Gilman was right, all the way on
this one.
ROBINSON
No…no way, man. I know her. She
couldn't…
SCOTT
You knew her! Five years ago! She
could have been a double agent back
then, too. Playing you like a drum.
ROBINSON
Something's just not right.
(reaching)
She didn't even have a phone with
her! I asked her for one when you
paged me…She didn't have one…
Scott is sullen. It's going to take some time convincing Robinson of
the truth.
SCOTT
You better know one thing: I'm not
the enemy -- she is. Get you head
on straight and figure it out. I'll
do what I'm ordered to do…to anyone
who gets in the way.
The two men exchange looks, then Scott goes back inside.
Robinson thinks on what his partner just told him. He knows what Scott
meant.
FADE
EXT. AIRPORT - DAY
The trio are getting out of a taxi. They take what little luggage they
have and start towards the entrance.
As they make their way, they are followed by TWO SHADY CHARACTERS.
INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - DAY
As Robinson, Scott and Tatia walk casually down the ramp, the Shady
Characters stay with them.
TICKET DESK
Robinson is standing in a long line, waiting to pick up their tickets.
SEATING AREA
Scott and Tatia sit side by side, waiting on Robinson to come back with
their passes to safety. Scott is randomly looking through a Chinese
newspaper.
SCOTT
No mention of Stevens' body being
found. No reports of any murders
last night.
TATIA
(distant)
Business was slow, I guess.
TICKET DESK
Robinson is a little closer in the line.
SEATING AREA
Scott finishes with his newspaper, puts it away. They sit silently for
a beat.
TATIA
What did Gilman tell you?
Scott is surprised, but tries not to show it.
SCOTT
What do you think they told me?
TATIA
That they know who their leak is.
Almost one hundred percent sure of
their man.
Tatia can see that Scott doesn't want to talk too much about the
subject.
TATIA
It must have come as quite a shock
to you, drawing the short straw
this way. Usually they won't let a
partner get involved in something
this deep…clouds the judgment…makes
you biased for all the wrong
reasons.
Scott has no idea of where she's headed, but pretends to, so she'll
keep talking.
SCOTT
It's like what they tell all of us;
if you can't handle your affairs,
you have no place being an agent.
TATIA
(smiles)
I'll be there for you, Scotty. When
you have to do it.
(beat)
I can't believe it, not even after
Gilman showed me the files.
TICKET DESK
Robinson is picking up the tickets, very stone faced.
SEATING AREA
Scott SEES that Robinson has finally gotten the tickets, and SEES him
put them in his pocket.
TATIA (CONT)
I can't believe that Kelly is the
leak.
Her remark hits Scott like a lightning bolt! He takes his attention off
Robinson, gets right next to Tatia's face.
SCOTT
What?
TATIA
I was there an hour before you
showed up. Gilman laid it on the
line for me. I told him I didn't
think I could go through with it,
but he gave me the same speech
about business, personal matters…
Scott silently drinks it all in. Could this be true?
Tatia sees now that Scott has no idea what she is talking about. This
is all news to him.
TATIA (CONT)
They didn't say a word to you, did
they? Just sent you out into the
jungle…like usual.
(beat)
It's all true, Scotty. I saw the
proof. Haven't you noticed that
there are times when Kelly wanders
off for a few minutes? Not much,
and not often, but he leaves you
in public, so he can make his drop?
Scott's mind is turning. Does this fit into his partner's behavior as
of late? Come to think of it, where is Robinson now ?
Lifting his head up slightly, Scott searches the terminal for Robinson.
He should have been back with the tickets by now!
From the Ticket Desk to the Seating Area there is no sign of Robinson!
Scott rises from his seat, starting to get up and look for his partner.
He thinks better of it, slowly eases back into his chair. He has to
digest all that Tatia has just told him. He can't appear to be in a
panic.
SCOTT
(keeping cool)
Every agent gets a job that's down
and dirty. This isn't a country
club. If you don't have the guts
for blood on your hands, then you
don't have what it takes to do the
job. If you can't do the job, you
get real dead real fast. I'm gonna
be around for a long time, lady.
From nowhere, Robinson appears! It gives Tatia a start. Scott does not
take his eyes away from her.
SCOTT
Let's go. I'm getting tired of
old Hong Kong…
The three agents gather their bags and start towards the boarding area;
Tatia in the lead, followed by Robinson and Scott walking side by side.
Scott looks at his friend with a whole new set of questions in his head
waiting to be answered.
In the distance, the Shady Characters resume their pursuit.
MAGAZINE STAND
Robinson motions for the group to stop. He casually picks up a
newspaper, thumbs through it.
ROBINSON
After I picked up the tickets, I
noticed Tweedledum and Tweedledum-
mer back there.
SCOTT'S P.O.V.
He SEES the Shady Characters stop, try not to be observed.
ROBINSON
I went to the bathroom, and one of
them followed me. The other stayed
with you. When I came out, he tail-
ed me right back home.
SCOTT
Ours or theirs?
ROBINSON
Don't know, don't care. I hate any
perp.
SCOTT
How do you wanna play it?
ROBINSON
Surprise me…
With that, Robinson puts the paper back in the rack. He grabs Tatia by
the elbow, takes off at a quick pace.
ROBINSON
Keep moving. We picked up a
shadow.
Tatia spots he Shady Characters, moves out with Robinson.
Scott has remained at the Magazine Stand, pretending to be interested
in a book. He strikes up a conversation with the MAGAZINE VENDOR.
SCOTT
I'm looking for a gift for my
mother. The problem is, she can
only read in English. Now, I could
translate for her, but that would
take up a lot of my time.
The Shady Characters again pursue our heroes; one going after Robinson
and Tatia, the other heading for Scott.
As Scott keeps talking, Magazine Vendor gives him a look.
SCOTT (CONT)
So, I guess, I wonder if you have
anything in English? My mother
really likes Jerry Springer, but I
keep telling she should watch Oprah
'cause she at least has her own
book club, and no one hits anybody
on her program. You don't have any
Oprah books, do you?
Magazine Vendor can't make heads or tails of what Scott is saying.
Shady Character #1 is very close to Scott now.
Scott SEES a HARD BACK BOOK on a table. He slips it into his hand.
SCOTT (CONT)
I mean, my buddy likes Springer,
but he's from Cincinnati, so there
you go. The only thing he likes
about that show is when they --
With a big SWING, Scott BASHES Shady Character #1 square in the temple!
SCOTT (CONT)
-- hit people!
Shady Character #1 falls down in a heap! He's dazed, but not out.
FURTHER UP
Shady Character #2 has seen his partner get whacked. With a start, he
goes for Robinson and Tatia.
SCOTT
I'll just pick up something in
Vegas!
Scott gives his attacker a swift kick to the gut, then runs towards
Robinson and Tatia.
Shady Character #2 has decided to go after Tatia first. He grabs her by
the arms, tries to subdue her. She drops her bags to the floor,
including her purse.
C.U. ON PURSE AS IT HITS THE GROUND
The contents spill out all over the place -- including a CELL PHONE.
Robinson spots he phone as it tumbles around. You can see the question
in his eyes. It lasts for a split second -- then he throws himself into
the fray.
Scott arrives, as well as Shady Character #1. It becomes a free for
all. The Shady Characters are clearly experienced Martial Artists, but
Robinson and Scott are not bad, either.
Tatia catches a fist to the chin, goes down in a daze.
A SHRILL WHISTLE sounds in the distance.
Scott looks up to see…
TWO AIRPORT SECURITY GUARDS headed their way.
SCOTT
We gotta get outta here now!
Robinson nods. The two put on a terrific display of power, and finally
overcome their assailants. Robinson goes to Tatia, tries to help her
up.
Too late! The Airport Security Guards have arrived!
ROBINSON
(to Scott)
If I ever needed your gift of gab,
I need it now!
AIRPORT GUARD #1
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
What's going on here? What are you
men doing?
SCOTT
(fumbling in Cantonese;
subtitled)
Well, Sir…you see my friend here…
Famous American tennis player…
Maybe you saw his match the other
day…He defeated Mr. Chan in
straight sets --
Robinson has gotten Tatia half awake. But Scott is not doing too well.
AIRPORT GUARD #1
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
I had money on Chan! He is my
brother-in-law! I told my sister
that he would not win! But she
insisted he would! Your friend
cost me a weeks pay!
Scott can't believe his luck!
Tatia is now almost fully alert. She grasps the situation, reaches into
her pocket. She pulls out a can of PEPPER SPRAY, holds it out to
Robinson. He takes it, nods.
ROBINSON
Get ready to run…
With Robinson's help, Tatia gets to her feet. Robinson then makes a
show of straightening his appearance, struts over to help Scott.
ROBINSON
Gentlemen, gentlemen, is there any
way I can be of assistance?
SCOTT
Don't do it! The man's already lost
a weeks pay because of you! Seems
it was his brother-in-law you whip-
ped at your last match. You're only
gonna make things worse.
Robinson gives Scott a peek of the pepper spray in his palm.
Scott rolls his eyes. This will never work!
ROBINSON
Why, my dear Scotty, I would never
dream of making trouble for this
unfortunate soul after the obvious
embarrassment I gave his brother-in-
law in front of a nation of such
proud people as the Chinese are so
noted to be…
Robinson has positioned himself between the Guards. It's now or never.
ROBINSON (CONT)
…No Sir. Three fingers high, cross
my heart and hope to die right here
at your own two feet. After this
little goof, I will never give you
another second of trouble so long
as we both shall live.
In a swift motion, Robinson PULLS UP THE PEPPER SPRAY, LETS BOTH GUARDS
HAVE A FULL BLAST RIGHT IN THE EYES!
ROBINSON
Okay -- after this goof!
The Guards are down, tears streaming, pawing at their burning eyes.
Robinson, Scott and Tatia bound off, leaving their belongings at the
feet of their foes.
ROBINSON
(philosophical)
Into each life, some goofs must
fall.
SCOTT
But so many in one day?
Tatia looks at both of them -- are they for real?
In a flash, they make good their escape.
EXT. KOBE, JAPAN - ESTABLISHING - DAY
TITLE UP:
KOBE, JAPAN
Under the title we SEE the sights of the populated city.
EXT. WARLORD'S MANSION - DAY
A HIGH ANGLE of a small but comfortable palace of sorts. We see it is
well maintained, and also well guarded. There are many GANGSTERS pacing
about with AK-74's and TWO-WAY RADIOS.
Near the MAIN HOUSE, the HEAD GANSTER is talking to a LACKEY. It's
obvious the news is not good. Head Gangster waves off Lackey, walks
towards…
THE WARLORD
He is not too intimidating physically, but the man is death incarnate.
Presently he is clipping away branches from a small tree, humming
almost silently to himself.
Head Gangster approaches him cautiously, waiting for permission to
speak. He knows his place.
The Warlord makes him stand for a beat, then turns to him.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
You have some news for me?
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
I have just received word from
Hong Kong, Warlord…
The Warlord continues to prune his tree with zest.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Very distressing that your tongue
is halted. Could it be that your
men have failed me in my quest to
return to my rightful place?
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
They were not able to capture our
operative at the airport.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Most unfortunate.
The Warlord keeps trimming branches. Head Gangster shifts from one foot
to another, not sure of what to do next. The Warlord sees him fidget.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
To make way for the new shoots to
blossom, it is necessary to cut
away the limbs that block the
growth of whole body. Each branch
comes into it's own, but there will
be a time when a growth can only
stunt the tree…and it outlives it's
usefulness. Then it is time to --
He CUTS a branch with a loud CLIP.
WARLORD (CONT)
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
-- remove the problem before it
endangers the entire tree. I have
waited too long to take back my
riches. I do not intend to wait any
longer. This agent must be taken
care of, now. No excuses. No fail-
ures. It must be done before any
more harm can be done to this body.
(beat)
See to it.
Head Gangster bows before his master.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
You may take your leave of me.
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Yes, my lord.
Head Gangster walks away, as the Warlord continues to trim the
branches. He hums once more -- this time loudly.
EXT. SEEDY TEA HOUSE - DAY
A CAB pulls up to the run down establishment. Scott exits. Looks the
place over to see if there is any immediate danger. Seeing none. He
motions for Robinson and Tatia to get out.
Scott throws a couple of coins at the DRIVER, slams the door.
INT. SEEDY TEA HOUSE - DAY
Scott enters, gives the small room the once over. It looks good. The
other two close ranks behind him.
The OWNER approaches them warily.
OWNER
Welcome, welcome kind visitors…
SCOTT
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Thank you for taking us into your
honored establishment.
Owner is impressed with Scott's Cantonese, softens up a bit.
OWNER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
You honor us by your presence. How
may we humble serve you?
SCOTT
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Might we have your most private
table -- secluded from the eyes
of the world?
OWNER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
The Ancestors bless you today! Our
most private table is also our best!
Scott reaches into his pocket, grabs a few bills, hands them to Owner.
SCOTT
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Our kindness cannot be measured.
Owner takes them to a table in the back. It is behind a PARTITION, with
just enough of a view to keep an eye on the front door.
OWNER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Will this suit your purpose?
SCOTT
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
You spoke the truth. Yes, thank
you.
A WAITRESS appears, ready to take their order.
OWNER
What may we offer our guests?
ROBINSON
Jack Daniels.
Owner turns his head, not understanding.
SCOTT
Three orders of tea, please.
OWNER
(to Robinson & Tatia)
You will be most pleased! Our tea
is the best in all of Hong Kong!
Owner relays the order to Waitress, who leaves. With a proud smile,
Owner turns on his heel and walks away.
SCOTT
Nine times out of ten, a guy like
that would want to throw you out
the door because you're a foreigner.
You just gotta know how to talk to
these old timers.
ROBINSON
The wonderfulness of your
linguistics.
TATIA
(edgy)
What do we do now? I mean, some-
one knows who we are. Somebody
pointed us out -- right?
SCOTT
I'd say that was a pretty good
guess.
Scott takes a look at both of them. Is it Tatia? Or is the unthinkable
true?
The Waitress brings their tea, places it on the table.
SCOTT
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Thank you.
She leaves.
ROBINSON
Over the most famous and delicious
tea in all of Hong Kong, I must
ask the gentleman to my right the
same question. What are we going to
do?
SCOTT
Not get killed is what.
Scott takes a sip of his tea.
ROBINSON
True, true. My man is brilliant.
TATIA
(starting to panic)
What do you have in mind? Who do
you think…?
SCOTT
(serious)
The only way we can stay alive is
if we keep our cool. I'm not about
to blow it because you're about to
come unglued. If you don't have
something to put on the table, then
keep you mouth shut!
Robinson starts to speak.
SCOTT
(cutting him off)
Both of you! I didn't ask to be
put in the middle of your old
battlescars. I've got half a mind
to walk out that door and save my
own skin. Let you two slit your
own throats.
The three of them gather their wits.
ROBINSON
Okay.
TATIA
(exhaling)
-- Okay --
Now that everyone is a little more relaxed, Scott lays out his plan to
them.
SCOTT
We know we've been made. We can't
go back to Gilman, because if they
found out about this shindig,
they'll find out about the next one.
(beat)
We make our way out of Hong Kong,
with no one but us in on it. We get
out of Hong Kong -- maybe to Japan.
From there we try and make it back
to the States.
Scott looks to Robinson and Tatia for their approval. All three nod to
each other. Agreed.
SCOTT
Next point of business: how do we
get out of Hong Kong undetected?
INT. OLD CHURCH MISSION - DAY
ROBINSON (V.O.)
Sam-Than McLean.
We are in a Mission run by SAM-THAN MCLEAN. She is in her late 50's,
born of Asian and American parents. Her father founded this Mission,
and she now runs it on her own after his passing.
Sam-Than is busy serving a modest meal to those who pass through her
door. After a beat, she lets a HELPER take her place in line. She then
makes her way back to her…
OFFICE
A sparse room, with a large PICTURE of her parents the center piece on
the wall behind her desk.
With a tired walk, Sam-Than enters the office, taking her hair down
from it's long salt and pepper pony tail. She stands silently, her back
to the door.
Slowly, the door seems to close by itself. With a start she turns to
see..
Robinson behind the door, gently pushing it closed.
At first she doesn't recognize him. There is fear in her eyes.
SAM-THAN
What do you want?! Who are you?!
She finally realizes who it is.
SAM-THAN
Kelly!
She runs to him. They share a warm embrace.
ROBINSON
Sam! My dear old friend. How are
you? How's the mission?
SAM-THAN
Exhausting, as always.
She goes to her desk, sits in the chair. Robinson stands.
SAM-THAN
What bring you here, Kelly?
ROBINSON
I have to get out of the country.
Me, and Scotty. And someone else
with us. Tonight.
Sam-Than knows who and what Robinson is. His request doesn't surprise
her.
SAM-THAN
Where to?
ROBINSON
Japan, if possible.
SAM-THAN
Boat? Plane?
ROBINSON
As long as we arrive vertically.
SAM-THAN
(thinking)
Perhaps a man I know can help you.
EXT. WAREHOUSE DISTRICT - LATE AFTERNOON
From a distance we SEE Sam-Than engaged with an OVERWEIGHT FOREMAN,
trying to get him to agree to a deal. She holds up two fingers.
He shakes his head NO, then holds up five fingers.
Sam-Than counters with three fingers.
Overweight Foreman laughs, shows her five fingers again.
Sam-Than sighs, raises four digits.
Overweight Foreman thinks a minute, then nods his head YES. The deal is
done. She gives him the money, which he counts just to be sure. Once he
is satisfied, he walks away.
BEHIND SOME CRATES
Our heroes have been watching Sam-Than make their arrangements. They
are now dressed in LOCAL CHINESE GARB, which Sam-Than has provided for
them.
Sam-Than approaches them. They all huddle behind the crates.
SAM-THAN
In half an hour, that truck will be
leaving on it's delivery route.
She points to a MID SIZED DELIVERY TRUCK that is being loaded up over
in a FENCED IN AREA.
SAM-THAN (CONT)
He's going to stop at that corner
two blocks down…
She points to the CORNER.
SAM-THAN (CONT)
The gate will be up half way up.
Get on the back. The truck will
take you to the docks. Look for
TIGER OF HEAVEN. Captain Ito will
meet you at the gangway and let
you on the ship. When you dock in
Japan, find a woman named Mei-Li.
She will take you to a safe place.
From there, you're on your own.
SCOTT
Half an hour…The sun won't be down
for at least forty-five minutes. We
better split up until it's time to
go. Draw less attention that way.
ROBINSON
Is there anything we can do for you?
Anything your mission could use?
SAM-THAN
(thinking)
When you get to Japan -- please
take those clothes off! You look
terrible!
She laughs, gives Robinson a hug and kiss.
SAM-THAN
Don't get yourself killed.
Scott embraces her.
SCOTT
Thank you.
Tatia shakes her hand.
TATIA
Thank you.
Sam-Than departs, waving to them discretely.
Scott takes a look around at their surroundings
SCOTT
There's an alley up ahead. Let's
spread out in there until it's time
to leave.
ENTRANCE TO ALLEY
The alley is about twenty-five yards deep, full of STREET VENDORS and
their goods.
Scott walks in a few feet, assesses the best hiding spots.
SCOTT
I'll stay up front. Kel, you get
the middle. The rear is all yours.
When the truck gets into position,
I'll give you a signal.
Robinson nods to Tatia. She heads for the rear of the alley.
ROBINSON
Who do you think is after us?
SCOTT
The bad guys -- take your pick. I
can't remember all the people you
dissed lately.
Normally, this would be a joke for Scott. This time, he's not laughing.
SCOTT
You better go blend in, man.
ROBINSON
You don't trust her, do you?
SCOTT
Right now, I don't trust anyone.
A beat.
ROBINSON
What about me?
Scott exhales deeply.
SCOTT
Blend in…
Scott walks to his place in the front of the alley.
A little stunned, Robinson shuffles to his spot in the middle.
ALLEY - TEN MINUTES LATER
SHADOWS have started to fall long across the pavement. Some of the
Vendors are getting ready to close up their booths.
TATIA
is buying a drink from one of the booths. A SILK TIE VENDOR walks past
her.
SCOTT
is brooding over his situation, but still keeps a lookout in both
directions.
ROBINSON
is being confronted by Silk Tie Vendor, who is covered head to toe with
gaudy ties. He is trying to impress Robinson with his wears.
ROBINSON
(broken Cantonese;
subtitled)
No thank you…no thank you…
Silk Tie Vendor won't move away. He is sure Robinson would look great
in one of his ties.
TWO STREET CHILDREN -- who have been playing nearby -- suddenly RUN
INTO Silk Tie Vendor, knocking him right into Robinson.
BOOM! They both fall to the ground.
Tatia SEES the accident, starts to go to Robinson's aid.
Scott has witnessed the event, too. He catches Tatia's attention,
shakes his head -- DON'T MOVE.
She stays put.
Robinson gets up quickly, helps Silk Tie Vendor to his feet. The man
still won't take no for an answer! To avoid attracting any more
attention, Robinson pulls out some bills from his pocket, hands them to
Silk Tie Vendor.
With a smile, he gives Robinson his worst tie, walks away.
Scott laughs at his misfortune. Tatia isn't amused. She looks very
serious.
ALLEY - FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER
It's dusk. The Vendors have almost all vanished by now.
The area where Tatia was camped out is busy with the few remaining
Vendors closing their tents, boarding up shop windows, rolling carts
back home, etc.
When the view becomes a little less cluttered, Robinson tries to make
out Tatia among the crowd. To his surprise -- SHE IS NOWHERE TO BE
SEEN!
FENCED IN AREA
The DRIVER of the mid-sized delivery truck heads to the cab, opens the
door. He starts the engine, shuts he door.
ALLEY ENTRANCE
Scott SEES what's happening. It's time to go. He walks a few feet back
into the alley to signal the others.
ROBINSON
is in the rear, searching for Tatia. He can't find her anywhere.
SCOTT
notices that Robinson is in the back of the alley, runs towards him. He
then realizes that Tatia isn't there. They exchange EYE CONTACT.
SCOTT
Where is she?
ROBINSON
I don't know! She didn't get past
me, it's a dead end.
SCOTT
The truck's leaving! We gotta go
now!
FENCED IN AREA
The Driver puts the truck in gear, heads out of the yard.
ALLEY ENTRANCE
SCOTT
(yelling back)
Kelly -- move it!
FENCED IN AREA - AT THE GATE
The truck stops. The Driver takes a clip board and hands it to
Overweight Foreman, who checks it.
ALLEY ENTRANCE
Scott is making his way to the corner where they are supposed to meet
the truck. He looks back for…
ROBINSON
in a dilemma. Does he try to find Tatia, or save his own neck by
getting on the truck with Scott? He realizes he has to go back for her.
It's still his job to bring her in.
FENCED IN AREA - AT THE GATE
Overweight Foreman signs off the load. He waves the all clear. The
truck departs the yard.
IN THE ALLEY
Robinson is frantically looking for Tatia.
AT THE STREET CORNER
Scott has reached the pick-up spot. He's biting his lip -- Robinson is
about to do something stupid.
IN THE ALLEY
Robinson has his back to us, still searching the area.
A HAND reaches for him, touches his shoulder. Like lightning, he whirls
around -- fist balled up, ready to take a swing.
IT'S TATIA!
ROBINSON
COME ON!
He grabs her by the wrist, and they take off in a sprint.
ALLEY ENTRANCE
Robinson and Tatia come flying out of the alley!
AT THE STREET CORNER
Scott is relieved. But only for a second. The truck has reached him now
-- but it looks like his companions aren't going to make it in time!
SCOTT
MOVE IT!
Scott runs to the cab, tries to talk to the Driver.
SCOTT
Hang on just a second…the other
two are coming!
DRIVER
No speak the English.
SCOTT
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Don't leave for a minute!
DRIVER
Don't speak the English.
Scott knows they he won't wait a minute longer for the other two. He
runs to the REAR OF THE TRUCK, climbs into the bed.
Driver LOOKS into his mirror, SEES Scott climbing into the back.
Robinson and Tatia are just a few yards away now.
Driver puts it in gear. The truck begins to roll forwards.
Scott leans out of the open gate as much as he can, extends his hand.
Tatia is the closest. Robinson grabs her by the waist, boosts her up.
She takes hold of Scott's hand, and he pulls her into the bed.
The truck has picked up more speed now. Robinson is having a hard time
keeping up with it.
Scott reaches out his hand. Tatia does so, too.
SCOTT
Run, Kel!
Grunting, Robinson makes a JUMP/DIVE for their hands. THEY'VE GOT HIM!
Feet dangling on the pavement, he is hauled into the bed. He falls down
in a heap.
Scott closes the door. He goes over to Tatia.
SCOTT
Where were you?! What were you
doing?! You nearly lost it for all
of us!
She is almost too afraid to answer.
TATIA
…I had to go to the bathroom. Ever
since we left the airport. I'm
sorry. I couldn't hold it any long-
er, Scotty.
It's such a lame excuse, it has to be true.
ROBINSON
I remember those nights on the
dance floor. You couldn't hold
your water for more then fifteen
minutes.
Scott is not amused, but it looks like he believes her. He spots a
LARGE CUP on the floor, picks it up, hands it to her.
SCOTT
Here. Don't let go of this the rest
of the way.
FENCED IN AREA - AT THE GATE
Overweight Foreman watches the truck turn the corner and head out of
sight. He then walks over to the…
WATCHMAN'S BOOTH
Opening the door, he enters the small, closet-like room, picks up the
phone, starts to dial.
Silk Tie Vendor approaches the Watchman's Booth, leans inside the door
frame.
Both men exchange a few words in Cantonese.
Overweight Foreman's connection finally comes through. He speaks very
fast in Cantonese. After a few brief sentences, he hangs up.
They exchange evil grins.
INT. TRUCK BED - NIGHT
The trio sit silently. Robinson takes his new silk tie out, examines
it.
SCOTT
He sure gave you the ugliest one
in the bunch.
ROBINSON
It's all in the way you present
yourself in public.
Tatia eyes him suspiciously.
TATIA
How much did you pay him?
ROBINSON
I dunno. A few bucks. I didn't
count it. Whatever was in my
pocket.
Tatia gives Scott a glance, as if to say "you see?"
Scott tries not to look worried, but the seed is sewn.
INT. WARLORD'S STUDY - NIGHT
A meeting is in progress. Several HIGHER UPS are scattered on either
side of a LONG POLISHED TABLE. At the head is the Warlord. Presently, a
heated debate is taking place.
Head Gangster walks into the study, conferring with the TWO POSTED
GUARDS at the door. After a brief exchange, they let him pass.
Head Gangster goes to the table, stops about five feet from the
Warlord.
When the Warlord is ready for him to speak, he motions for Head
Gangster to approach. The Higher Ups continue with their discussion.
When Head Gangster reaches the Warlord, he leans over and whispers into
his ear. What the Warlord hears brings a smile of victory to his lips.
The Warlord waves Head Gangster away, joins the meeting again.
EXT. PORT - NIGHT
The truck rolls to a stop. The Driver gets out of the cab, heads
towards the rear.
Several PEOPLE pass by -- SAILORS, DOCK WORKERS, HOOKERS, etc. When the
coast is clear, Driver POUNDS THE SIDE OF THE TRUCK.
INT. TRUCK BED- NIGHT
The pounding alerts everyone inside that it's time for action.
ROBINSON
Get ready.
They make their way to the door.
EXT. REAR OF TRUCK - NIGHT
The Driver gives one last RAP, then departs.
A beat. Then, the door rolls up a few inches. Robinson's EYES peer out.
Satisfied, he rolls the door up just enough for Scott and Tatia to slip
out. Then he jumps down, rolls the door closed. Swiftly they abandon
the truck and make their way towards…
ROWS OF DOCKED VESSELS
Several LARGE FREIGHTER are lined up to the dock.
The three fugitives cautiously make their way, looking for the right
ship.
SCOTT
Tiger of Heaven…Tiger of Heaven…
TATIA
(pointing)
There!
In the distance we SEE a ship bearing the name TIGER OF HEAVEN. It's a
modest cargo vessel that has seen many years on the open seas.
ROBINSON
C'mon.
They quicken their pace. Soon they reach the…
GANGWAY
CAPTAIN ITO is standing at the bottom of the gangway, talking to TWO
MATES. Ito is in his late 50's. He's a distinguished looking Japanese
fellow, dressed in a turtle neck sailor's sweater, smoking a pipe.
Robinson, Scott and Tatia approach carefully.
From the corner of his eye, Ito SEES them. He makes the slightest nod
in their direction.
Scott gives a similar gesture.
Ito orders his Mates up the gangway. As soon as they are gone from
sight, he motions to the trio.
ITO
Let's go. Move, move!
Robinson, Scott and Tatia hurry up the gangway. Ito right behind them.
INT. HOLDING ROOM - NIGHT
The hatch opens, and our party of escapees enters. Ito follows, closes
the hatch. The room is half full of cargo.
ITO
Welcome to the Tiger of Heaven. We
are honored to help you in the name
of our mutual friend Sam-Than
McLean.
ROBINSON
Thank you, Captain. She's a special
lady, indeed.
ITO
We shall be underway momentarily.
Once we set sail, I will send for
you to join me for dinner, if that
will be to your satisfaction.
SCOTT
Much appreciated, Captain. We could
use a good meal.
ITO
My chef is one of the finest in all
of Asia. He has been with me for
many years.
Ito makes opens the hatch, then turns.
ITO
Two things: you must stay here
until someone comes to collect you.
It will be safer. And -- please --
take off those clothes. You look
silly.
The trio examine their attire, embarrassed.
ROBINSON
Aye, Captain.
Ito has almost closed the hatch. Scott runs to him.
SCOTT
Could we please get something to
drink in the mean time? I'm dry.
ITO
Certainly. Diet coke? I know how
much you Americans love the stuff.
Me -- I can't stand it. Too much
acid…
Ito smiles, then exits. The hatch locks with a CLICK.
ROBINSON
See? I'm not the only one.
SCOTT
Very funny, Agent Maxwell.
They start to remove their borrowed garb, revealing their own clothing
underneath.
INT. BRIDGE - NIGHT
Ito enters the Bridge. His CREW reacts with respect due any ship's
captain.
Ito checks a few gauges, looks at some written reports. Finally he is
satisfied with his crew's work.
The FIRST MATE brings him a steaming CUP OF TEA. Ito takes his pipe
out, inhales the tea's aroma.
FIRST MATE
(in Japanese; Subtitled)
Captain…
ITO
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Very good.
(blows tea)
Cast off, Helmsman.
HELMSMAN
(in Japanese; Subtitled)
Aye, Captain.
EXT. PORT - NIGHT
The Tiger of Heaven starts to back away from the dock, with the help of
a small TUG BOAT at it's side.
INT. BRIDGE - NIGHT
ITO
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Have the galley send them something
to drink. Collect them in a half
hour.
FIRST MATE
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Aye, Captain.
First Mate departs. Ito sips his tea.
INT. GALLEY - NIGHT
The GALLEY CREW is preparing the evening meal. The HEAD CHEF is singing
a SEA JAUNTY in Japanese as he tends to several flaming woks at once.
First Mate enters, goes to a young POTATO PEELER, who has several
TATTOOS up and down his bare arms.
First Mate looks to Head Chef.
FIRST MATE
(in Japanese; subtitled)
I need to borrow your man for a
few minutes.
HEAD CHEF
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Go! Go!
(to Potato Peeler)
Don't waste time! Come right back!
Potato Peeler nods to Head Chef, then puts down his knife, takes off
his apron, sets it on the counter.
First Mate and Potato Peeler make their way to the…
GALLEY STORAGE
The two men gather what they need to take to Scott and Company.
Glasses, ice, etc. Except instead of diet coke, Potato Peeler sets a
POT OF TEA on the cart.
First Mate inspects the cart, nods his approval. Then, he reaches into
his pocket and pulls out a SWITCHBLADE KNIFE, snapping it open.
FIRST MATE
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Be quick. Don't mess up.
POTATO PEELER
(in Japanese; subtitled)
I will not let you down!
FIRST MATE
(in Japanese; subtitled)
We will show the Warlord just how
strong the Yakuza really are!
INT. HOLDING ROOM - NIGHT
Back in their own clothes, everyone is sitting on the crates.
TATIA
How long do you think it'll take us
to reach Japan?
ROBINSON
I don't know. We'll have to ask our
good friend the Captain at dinner.
Scott rises, begins to inspect the room.
ROBINSON
What ya doin', Duke?
SCOTT
Taking inventory.
Scott comes to a stack of crates marked "COD FISH IN DRY ICE". Nearby
are smaller crates marked "AMMONIA".
ROBINSON
Looks like you found the smelly
end of the store.
SCOTT
I think you beat me to it. Check
out your chair.
Robinson looks between his legs. The crate he's sitting on is marked
"FERTILIZER".
ROBINSON
Oh, shit!
SCOTT
Right again, chief.
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
Potato Peeler is rolling the cart towards the hatch. He stops at the
entrance, RAPS sharply on the plating.
HOLDING ROOM
Scott crosses to the hatch, BANGS OUT a response.
The hatch CLICKS, starts to open. Potato Peeler slowly makes his way
into the hold with his cart.
ROBINSON
Thank you ,kind Sir. My partner and
I have been at odds for several
days concerning these beverages we
are about to partake in.
Scott goes to the hatch opening, peers out. He notices that the hatch
can only be unlocked from the outside. He comes back to the group,
which has gathered around the cart.
ROBINSON
Hey, it looks like the Captain let
you down.
SCOTT
What do you mean?
ROBINSON
Look for yourself -- nothing but
tea.
SCOTT
Tea?!
Potato Peeler slides the switchblade knife out of his back pocket,
opens it silently.
SCOTT
(to Potato Peeler)
Hey, Jackson, this isn't what I
ordered!
Scott turns to Robinson.
SCOTT (CONT)
You did this on purpose! I can't
believe you, man. You musta learned
enough Japanese to tell Ito to give
me this instead!
Potato Peeler makes his move! Scott is closest to him, but he tries to
get around to Tatia -- or Robinson. Scott wrestles with him, but he's
intent on getting to the others.
POTATO PEELER
(to Scott -- in
Japanese; subtitled)
You are not important!
Potato Peeler slashes out wildly, but finally Robinson and Scott subdue
him.
Tatia finds a length of rope, brings it over. Potato Peeler is quickly
bound up.
SCOTT
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Who sent you?!
Potato Peeler doesn't answer. Scott grabs him by the collar, slams him
hard against the bulkhead.
SCOTT
(in Japanese; subtitled)
WHO SENT YOU?!
Potato Peeler grins. He will not talk.
TATIA
Forget it. He isn't gonna say a
word. Look at his arms.
Scott studies the tattoos.
TATIA (CONT)
Yakuza -- Japanese mafia.
Scott lets go of his collar. Potato Peeler smirks in defiance.
TATIA (CONT)
He's not so high up. He doesn't
have that many tattoos.
Robinson and Scott look at her.
TATIA (CONT)
The more tattoos they have, the
higher their rank. He's been inside
maybe a year. Probably trying to
work his way up the ladder by kill-
ing us.
SCOTT
We better get outta here. Someone
is sure to check up on his work,
especially if he's missing.
TATIA
You think Ito's in on it?
ROBINSON
I don't think Sam would have put
us in his hands if she thought he
was a threat.
SCOTT
Agreed.
Robinson looks at Potato Peeler.
ROBINSON
What about him?
SCOTT
You could always give him the old
"Vulcan Nerve Pinch".
Robinson goes over to Potato Peeler, jokingly puts his hand on the nape
of his neck.
ROBINSON
I was never any good at that, even
when it was in fashion.
Scott walks up to Potato Peeler.
SCOTT
No -- I guess not.
(beat)
Let me try.
SOCKO! Scott K.O.'s Potato Peeler with a right to the jaw. He's out
cold.
SCOTT
That's the way we did it in my
neighborhood!
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
The hatch opens a few inches. Robinson looks out. All clear.
ROBINSON
Okay.
The three make their way from the holding room. Robinson closes the
hatch, locks it.
SCOTT
Any idea which way the bridge is?
ROBINSON
Up.
SCOTT
The wonderfulness of you sense of
direction.
Robinson and Scott take the lead, Tatia a few feet behind them.
ROBINSON
(quietly)
What was he yelling back there?
SCOTT
(quietly)
He said I was not the important
one.
Robinson waits for Scott to elaborate on what that meant. Scott
continues to walk ahead without looking back.
C.U. ON ROBINSON - FLASHBACK
He is remembering the attack at the airport. The Shady Characters
grabbing Tatia. Her purse spilling out onto the floor. The cell phone
spinning slowly to a stop.
ROBINSON (V.O.)
Give me your phone!
TATIA (V.O.)
What?
ROBINSON (V.O.)
Your cell phone! Give it to me!
TATIA (V.O.)
I don't have one…
RESUME LIVE ACTION
Robinson treads silently beside Scott.
C.U. ON SCOTT - FLASHBACK
Scott is thinking of what Tatia told him -- while replaying in his head
the incident with the Silk Tie Vendor in the alley. Robinson putting
the money in his pocket.
TATIA (V.O.)
Haven't you ever noticed that there
are times when Kelly wanders off
for a few minutes? Not much, and
not often, but he leaves you out in
public so he can make his drop…?
RESUME LIVE ACTION
The trio move quickly in silence until the come to a…
LADDER ON THE BULKHEAD
SCOTT
The man said up, so up it is.
They start to climb the ladder.
UPPER DECK
The fugitives exit the ladder and make their way forward.
HOLDING ROOM
From inside we SEE the hatch open slowly. First Mate looks in,
surprised by what he sees. No dead bodies -- his would-be assassin
bound up and out cold.
FIRST MATE
(in Japanese; subtitled)
DAMMIT!
SOMEWHERE ON THE UPPER DECKS
Our heroes are hiding behind machinery to avoid being spotted by some
passing CREWMEN.
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
First Mate bursts out of the hold, runs to a WALL ALARM. With a hard
SLAP he punches the button.
BRIDGE
The Crew is casually going about their business. Ito smiling as he
puffs on his pipe and talks in Japanese to Helmsman.
BRRING! BRRING! The alarm suddenly sounds.
The Crew react immediately. Ito shouts orders in Japanese.
SOMEWHERE ON THE UPPER DECKS
With the element of surprise over, there is not much use in trying to
remain unseen.
ROBINSON
C'mon! We have to get to Ito, now!
They leave their hiding place, take off at a breakneck pace towards the
bridge.
SOMEWHERE AMIDSHIP
First Mate is running madly, trying to find the escaped captives. He
shouts to SEVERAL MEN in Japanese as he runs, ordering them to help him
in his pursuit.
MAIN DECK
Robinson, Scott and Tatia have made it safely to the top. They discover
they are aft of the vessel.
SCOTT
This way!
They scramble onward. A beat later, First Mate and his Men come out of
a hatch directly behind out heroes. It becomes a race towards the…
BRIDGE
The NAVIGATOR is on the intercom, trying to find out what the emergency
is.
The rear hatch suddenly FLIES OPEN! It's Robinson and Company, out of
breath.
SCOTT
(panting)
Captain…we were attacked…in the
hold…
Ito is visibly surprised by the news.
First Mate and his Men spill into the bridge, very anxious. Blood in
his eyes, First Mate makes a LUNGE at his targets…
POW! POW! TWO GUN SHOTS RING OUT!
Ito is holding a SMOKING REVOLVER!
ITO
Kobayashi. I should have known. He
always was too impulsive for his
own good.
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Throw this dog over the side. Take
his accomplices below and tie them
up. They will all pay for their
stupidity.
Ito's orders are carried out.
ITO
I am sorry. This should not have
happened. The shadow of the Yakuza
invades every area of our lives.
SCOTT
It's not your fault, Captain. He --
Ito turns the gun on them.
ITO
I suppose Kobayashi thought he
could impress his master if he
killed you before we turned you
over in the morning.
It hits them like a bomb! Ito has been in on this from the start.
Slowly, they put their hands up.
ITO (CONT)
My debt to Sam-Than McLean is great.
But my debt to the Warlord is
greater.
THE WARLORD! Robinson, Scott and Tatia each react to hearing his name.
Now they know who they're really up against.
Robinson and Scott give each other a look. This is beyond serious!
ITO
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Return them below. Post a guard.
We must deliver them safely.
INT. GILMAN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gilman is seated at his desk, signing papers.
Kincaid enters.
KINCAID
We just got word. They never got
off the plane in Hawaii.
Gilman stops writing.
GILMAN
No sign of them at all?
KINCAID
We're not even sure if they left
Hong Kong.
Gilman rubs his tired eyes.
GILMAN
Okay…Send out sweeper. Check the
ports, private planes -- anything.
We don't need any more dead agents
on our hands.
INT. OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM - NIGHT
Robinson, Scott and Tatia are being led at gunpoint back to their jail.
At the hatch, the dead body of Potato Peeler is being drug through the
opening by a SAILOR. He paid the price for his decision.
A man with a deed CHEEK SCAR motions for them to get into the hold.
SCOTT
In there?
Cheek Scar yells at him in Japanese.
SCOTT
It's dark in there.
Cheek Scar cocks his REVOLVER.
SCOTT
My eyes adjust real quick.
As the trio enter the hold, Cheek Scar gives instructions to his men in
Japanese.
Scot listens intently. They aren't aware he understands them.
Cheek Scar shoves Scott in, locks the hatch.
HOLDING ROOM
ROBINSON
Well -- you blew it!
SCOTT
I blew it?!
ROBINSON
Yeah, you! If you would have just
had the tea in the first place,
none of this would have happened!
TATIA
Enough! I'm tired of you two mak-
ing everything out to be a game!
The Warlord is not a joke! He's
very real, and very deadly.
SCOTT
How do you know so much about him?
And the Yakuza, too?
TATIA
When the British pulled out of Hong
Kong in '97, the first priority of
the Chinese government was to get
rid of the Warlord. He was the big-
gest Triad boss the Orient had ever
seen. He had his hand in everything.
Drugs, prostitution, politicians,
even the film industry. The Chinese
thought if they could get rid of
him, it would send a message to all
the other Triad leaders. Make it
easy for the government to take
back Hong Kong.
ROBINSON
They tried to kill him?
TATIA
Um-hmm. But he was able to get out
of Hong Kong alive. He escaped to
Japan somewhere. Been running his
operation patiently, biding his
time until he can get back what he
feels is rightly his.
SCOTT
Why does he want so many of our
agents dead?
TATIA
The one's he's had killed were in
a position to block his return.
SCOTT
He can't be crazy enough to think
he could kill everyone who was in
his way?
TATIA
No -- just make ops run behind
schedule -- cause delays, make
problems so he could get his men
into position. Then, he'd come
back to Hong Kong.
ROBINSON
How do the Yakuza fit in?
TATIA
He promised a percentage of all
future dealings to any Japanese who
would help him. The Yakuza fear
he'll eliminate all their
territories.
SCOTT
That still doesn't answer my
question; how do you know so much
about all this?
TATIA
(quiet)
At the request of the British
Prime Minister and the President
of the United States, I was assign-
ed to assist the Chinese government
as a special operative. Both
countries wanted the Warlord dead
as badly as the Chinese. I left
Greece -- infiltrated the Warlord's
organization -- helped the Chinese
try to get rid of him. They almost
had him. But he didn't rise to
power by being stupid. He discover-
ed that there was someone on the
inside -- got out before they could
kill him.
(beat)
Looks like I got us all a death
sentence.
Robinson has been listening to Tatia -- stunned. It all makes sense to
him now.
SCOTT
We're not dead yet. We still have a
few hours before morning. We'll
find a way to escape by then.
Scott looks at Robinson. He's in a daze from the news he just heard.
SCOTT (CONT)
Right, Kel?
Robinson snaps out of it.
ROBINSON
You get an "A" in "Stiff Upper
Lip" again.
EXT. WARLORD'S MANSION - GARDEN - NIGHT
The Warlord is taking an evening stroll through his garden, with Head
Gangster a few paces behind him. He stops at a flower, smells it's
fragrance. He seems restless, edgy.
INT. WARLORD'S MANSION - HALLWAY - NIGHT
The Warlord enters through a set of glass doors. The elegant floors are
highly polished marble. On the wall are several paintings -- each very
beautiful in detail.
With Head Gangster behind him, the Warlord goes into a…
SIDE ROOM
It's dark. With a CLICK the Warlord turns on the lights.
Now we SEE the room's contents. It looks as though it is woman's
bedroom, due to the many female touches that are present. CERAMIC
DOLLS, HARLEQUIN MASKS, SOFT CURTAINS, DELICATE BED LINENS, etc.
Crossing to a dresser, the Warlord picks up a framed PHOTOGRAPH, brings
it nearer to study it.
C.U. ON PHOTOGRAPH
It is a candid picture of Tatia, somewhere in the Orient. She looks
very happy, dressed in simple Asian garb.
C.U. ON WARLORD
He is deeply moved by the shot of Tatia. Whatever her relationship was
to him, it's obvious that her face still stirs emotions in him.
Placing the photograph back on the dresser, the Warlord picks up a long
match. Striking it, he in turn lights a candle beside the picture.
We stay CLOSE on the candle and photograph as the Warlord starts to
exit the room. He turns out the lights with a CLICK.
The candle shines dimly, framing the photograph in a soft, golden glow.
EXT. OPEN SEA - TIGER OF HEAVEN - NIGHT
An establishing shot of the vessel.
INT. HOLDING ROOM - NIGHT
Tatia is leaning up against a crate, eyes drooping. She's almost
asleep.
Scott is making another pass around the hold, trying to find anything
that will help them escape.
Robinson is sitting on the deck, trying to come to grips with what
Tatia just told him. He looks to her now. She's fully asleep.
ROBINSON
(to himself)
I always told you, you were part
narcoleptic.
C.U. ON TATIA
Off this C.U. we…
DISSOLVE TO:
ROBINSON'S FLASHBACK
EXT. ALONG THE GREECIAN SEASHORE - FILTERED - MAGIC HOUR
This is the night Tatia told him she had to leave him behind. They are
walking arm in arm along the shore, looking very much in love. They
stop amid the rolling waves to look at the BEAUTIFUL SUNSET.
TATIA
There's nowhere on earth that has
a sunset so breathtaking.
They share a long, passionate kiss. The dim rays of daylight glows
around them.
ROBINSON
I would give it all up, just to
stay here with you, Tatia, my
darling.
His words bring a reaction to her face. She takes him by the hand. They
continue their stroll.
TATIA
Is what we share real to you,
Kelly?
ROBINSON
I've never felt so happy, or as in
love as I have since we've been
together, Tash. I think I'm
finally ready…
TATIA
For what?
ROBINSON
You know…ready. To stop this mad
business we're both in. To get my
feet planted. Do something for
once that doesn't put a target
right here.
He taps his finger to his forehead.
ROBINSON (CONT)
I think I've finally found what
I've been waiting for.
Robinson gently pulls Tatia to a stop, looks deeply into her eyes. She
has trouble meeting his gaze.
ROBINSON
Tatia -- I want to--
She puts a finger to his lips.
TATIA
Kelly -- don't say what you're go-
ing to say just yet. I have to tell
you something first.
Robinson nods.
TATIA (CONT)
I have never know a man like you.
You're so warm, so handsome. You
make me laugh until I cry some-
times. If ever there was a man I
could spend the rest of my life
with, it's you.
She can't continue.
ROBINSON
And…?
TATIA
Believe me -- I love you.
ROBINSON
I do believe you, Tash.
TATIA
Can you promise me that this love
will last? Will you still feel
this way in ten years?
ROBINSON
In ten thousand years.
TATIA
Then…
(beat)
Kelly, I can't stay with you any
longer. I have to leave.
It's a knife to his heart.
ROBINSON
Tash, what are you saying? I don't
understand --
TATIA
I have to go. Tomorrow morning. I
have a new assignment.
ROBINSON
Where?
TATIA
I can't tell you.
ROBINSON
Then I'll go with you. Two agents
are better then one. It's in the
handbook somewhere.
She shows a half smile.
TATIA
Kelly…dear Kelly…you know it isn't
possible.
Robinson is at a loss for words. He knows the rules of the game they
play.
ROBINSON
Quit.
TATIA
What?
ROBINSON
Quit. Resign. Walk away. Don't take
the job. We'll both quit. Move to
Ohio. Have kids. Take them to
school every day. A dog named --
TATIA
Kelly, no! I can't! It's not easy
for me to stand here and tell you
this -- please --
ROBINSON
You think it's any easier for me to
stand here and listen?! Tash, I love
you! You've become everything I'm
about!
TATIA
And you to me, Kelly.
ROBINSON
(an edge to his voice)
So how can you stand there and tell
me that you have to go? That you're
ready to just walk away from all
that we share?
His tone hurts her, but she matches his pitch.
TATIA
How can you do what we do and not
understand?
ROBINSON
Because I've never had to -- leave
someone like you.
She takes his hand.
TATIA
If what you feel is real, I'll
still be in your heart. In your
soul. Always.
Robinson jerks his hand from hers.
ROBINSON
Spare me the hearts and flowers,
Tash. I'm not some kid that has a
crush on you. You could get out of
it if you really wanted to. What,
you got bored with me? Or maybe I'm
too much of a good time, is that it?
Pain starts to fill her eyes.
TATIA
Oh, Kelly…how can you mean that?
ROBINSON
You don't even begin to know what
it is I feel for you, lady. Let's
go! Now! Save ourselves from the
shit we have to deal with every
day! Before we both wind up dead!
Tears are flowing down her cheeks.
TATIA
(sobbing)
Kelly -- I can't!
(beat)
I love you, Kelly…
ROBINSON
You love me, huh?
She's crying uncontrollably. She really does love him, but there's no
way out of her task.
His next remark turns her stomach to ice and her face to stone.
ROBINSON
(voice shaking)
The tears are a nice touch. They
almost make me believe you. But,
somehow, I just don't buy it,
sweetheart. I just don't buy it
at all.
Robinson turns on his heel, marches away, leaving DEEP FOOTPRINTS in
the sand.
ROBINSON (V.O.)
Pete Rose: third base. Ken Griffey:
right field. Joe Morgan: second
base. George Foster: left field.
Tatia crumbles into a heap on the shore.
ROBINSON (V.O. CONT)
Johnny Bench: catcher. Tony Perez:
first base.
The incoming tide starts to ROLL OVER Robinson's footprints, erasing
them from the sand.
INT. HOLDING ROOM - NIGHT
ROBINSON (CONT)
Dave Concepcion: shortstop. Caesar
Geronimo: center field. The Big
Red Machine, ladies and gentlemen.
The greatest team in the history of
baseball.
Robinson is looking at the sleeping figure of Tatia. He wonders if
perhaps she is dreaming of that last moment together, too.
Scott is still searching through the supplies.
SCOTT
What do you mean, the greatest
team ever?
ROBINSON
Oh, come one now. Who could you
possibly throw out as a better
team then the Big Red Machine?
SCOTT
The 1980 Phillies!
ROBINSON
The Phillies?! Now I can die,
'cause I have truly heard every-
thing. Give two good reasons.
SCOTT
Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton.
ROBINSON
I didn't know Abbott and Costello
played baseball. I thought they
only did that "who's on first?"
routine.
SCOTT
Mike Schmidt: 1980 -- lead the
National League with 48 home runs
and 121 R.B.I.'s. Was the M.V.P. in
both the National League and the
World Series -- which, by the way,
the Phillies won that year.
Schmitty is also one of only a
handful of players to ever hit
four home runs in a single game.
ROBINSON
That game went ten innings. It
doesn't count.
SCOTT
Steve Carlton: 1980 -- lead the
National League with 286 strikeouts.
Won the Cy Young award.
ROBINSON
Steve Carlton: lifetime -- 244
career losses. 414 home runs
allowed -- second only to Nolan
Ryan on the all time list. Now, let
us examine a real pitcher: Jack
Billingham. Lowest E.R.A. in World
Series history -- 0.36! That's
lower then Babe Ruth, or even Sandy
Sandy Koufax! The '75 World Series,
game six -- the greatest game ever!
SCOTT
The Red Sox won that game in
extra innings…
ROBINSON
The Reds still won the series.
Swept the Yankees in '76. Pete
Rose: N.L. record 44 game hitting
streak and all-time hit leader
with 4,256.
SCOTT
Signed the biggest free agent deal
at that time with -- you guessed it,
the Phillies!
Scott has reached a PORTHOLE, opens it.
ROBINSON
I guess the only thing we can agree
on is…
ROBINSON & SCOTT
Pete Rose!
Scott LOOKS OUT the porthole.
SCOTT'S P.O.V.
There's a LAUNCH hanging over the railing, vary close to their
location.
Scott pulls his head inside, closes the porthole. He notices Tatia
sleeping, and the way Robinson is looking at her.
SCOTT
You still love her, don't you?
ROBINSON
I don't know, Scotty. Things I said,
things I did -- I wasn't very kind
to her in the end. Now that I know
why -- she probably hates me to this
very day. I don't think it could
ever be the same again.
Scott starts to move some crates around, making noise.
Tatia doesn't move a muscle. She's really out deep.
SCOTT
Is she okay?
ROBINSON
She can't hold her water, but she
sleeps like a log. I don't know why
she hasn't wet her pants yet. I
never could wake her up. She can
sleep through a bomb.
SCOTT
She better not sleep through this
one.
ROBINSON
What…?
Scott hold up his hand. We HEAR MOVEMENT O.S.
The hatch unlocks with a CLICK.
Cheek Scar peers in at them.
Robinson WAVES.
ROBINSON
Hello there.
SCOTT
We were just talking about base-
ball.
Scott SEES that there are TWO GUARDS just outside.
Cheek Scar looks for Tatia, SEES her sleeping in the corner. He laughs,
then exits.
The hatch CLICKS, locked again.
Scott checks his watch.
SCOTT
Okay, it's seventeen after. We've
got one hour.
ROBINSON
One hour for what?
SCOTT
When they posted the guards, my
friend with the scar told them he'd
be back every hour to check on us.
that gives us enough time.
ROBINSON
To make a bomb?
SCOTT
You got it, man.
ROBINSON
Beautiful, beautiful!
SCOTT
Gimme a hand over here.
Robinson crosses to Scott's location.
SCOTT (CONT)
Find a small crate, or box, about
the size of a phone book. Empty it
out. Then bust open the cod fish.
ROBINSON
We're gonna make a cod fish bomb?
SCOTT
I need the dry ice. You can keep
cod fish.
Robinson goes about finding the proper box. He finds one, holds it up
for Scott to see.
SCOTT
Perfect. Put it over there. Now get
the dry ice.
Scott has been working on getting the fertilizer open.
SCOTT
Outside, almost directly above us
is a launch. It looks pretty tame,
but I'm willing to bet that Ito has
done his fair share of smuggling
over the years. Those are probably
heavy duty engines under the hood.
If we can blow the door when they
open it in another hour, we got a
pretty good chance at making it to
the launch and getting off the ship.
ROBINSON
The wonderfulness of your chemical
expertise.
Scott has put some fertilizer into the empty box.
Robinson opens the cod fish crate, thinking.
ROBINSON
One question, Mr. Wizard: how are
we gonna detonate this masterpiece?
SCOTT
Take out a cigarette.
Robinson looks surprised, but does it anyway.
Scott looks at his watch.
SCOTT
When I tell you, light it and
take one drag.
Robinson puts it in his mouth, pulls out a book of matches.
SCOTT (CONT)
Now.
Robinson strikes the match, lights the cigarette, takes a single
inhale.
SCOTT (CONT)
Let it burn until I tell you.
Robinson takes it from his mouth, holds it outwards from his body.
ROBINSON
Cod fish and cigarettes. Sounds
like an episode of "Mannix" or
something.
Scott brings the crate of cod fish over to the box filled with
fertilizer. Quickly, he takes several blocks of dry ice out and puts
them in the box.
Robinson -- still clutching the cigarette -- watches his partner go to
town.
FIVE MINUTES LATER
Scott has finished with the dry ice. He's checking his watch.
SCOTT
Give it here. And give me a new
one.
Robinson hands them over as Scott requested.
Scott holds both side by side. He makes a MARK WITH HIS FINGERNAIL on
the new cigarette, equal to the distance the old one has burned down
to. Then he stubs out the smoldering butt, tosses it to the deck, hands
the new one to Robinson
SCOTT
Here, don't lose it. That's our
timer.
Scott goes over to the ammonia, opens the small crate. He takes a
couple of bottles out, starts to pour them over the dry ice and
fertilizer.
The odor is strong. It wakes Tatia up.
TATIA
What's for dinner? Something smells
awful.
She gets up, goes over to check it out.
TATIA
What's that?
SCOTT
We have just boxed up a substance,
the constituents of which -- even
as we stand here at this very
moment -- are being acted upon by
heaping dashes of ammonia at ten
degrees centigrade. Thus, generat-
ing a highly combustible gas. It
may not blow the door down, but it
should cause enough smoke and fire
so that we can get outta here.
Robinson smiles at his partner.
ROBINSON
My man! Isn't my man a real piece
of work?
Scott grins, embarrassed.
SCOTT
If we had some chicken and rice
I'd make stir fry.
INT. GILMAN'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gilman and Kincaid are getting ready to call it a night. They both look
tired, disheveled. They've been giving it all they've got.
A KNOCK on the door. Gilman buzzes them in.
A JUNIOR CLERK steps in, carrying a sheet of paper.
JUNIOR CLERK
Here you go, Sirs. The latest
report.
Junior Clerk hands it to Gilman.
GILMAN
Thank you.
Junior Clerk exits.
KINCAID
Well?
GILMAN
(looking it over)
Nothing. Not a trace.
KINCAID
They're the best. When they want to
vanish -- they vanish.
GILMAN
I can't believe they'd stay in Hong
King. Figure they'd try to get some-
place safe until they could find
out who the opposition is.
KINCAID
Would you wanna know who you were
up against?
GILMAN
In this case -- no way.
(beat)
Contact Japan. Get some men to the
Warlord's compound. There's a good
chance we'll have to take him out
if they do end up there.
KINCAID
I'm on it.
INT. HOLDING ROOM - NIGHT
Tatia is seated by herself in a corner.
Scott is looking over the contents of his home made bomb.
Robinson slowly walks over to Tatia.
ROBINSON
Can I sit down?
She looks up at him, doesn't respond for a beat. Then she nods her head
YES.
Robinson sits beside her -- careful not to get too close.
ROBINSON
Tash…I'm sorry. I didn't know…
TATIA
Well now you do. Does that revela-
tion do anything to shake up that
heart of yours?
He hangs his head in shame. He knows those were the same words he said
to her.
ROBINSON
Even if it wouldn't make a
difference -- yes it does. It makes
all the difference in the world now.
TATIA
Now.
ROBINSON
I was just -- so in love with you.
I didn't believe anything would
ever come between us. Not the job,
nothing. I was so convinced in my
mind that we were going to be
together -- it just killed me.
TATIA
Do you really think I wanted to
leave you?
He shakes his head NO.
TATIA (CONT)
Kelly, we were in paradise. You
were my life. How could I tell the
President I wanted to stay on the
beach, drinking ouzo, making love
to the most beautiful man I'd ever
known? I don't think he'd have
taken it very well.
ROBINSON
I know.
TATIA
If you had been willing to under-
stand, Kelly. I mean, I really
thought you would. We have the
same boss, right? I would have
told you everything as soon as I
could -- filled you in -- when it
was time. I was trying to get you
to see that. I never wanted it to
end, Kelly.
(beat)
But it did.
Scott has been keeping his head turned, pretending to be busy. But he's
heard every word.
ROBINSON
Tash…back in the restaurant. You
told me you didn't have a phone.
TATIA
I didn't.
ROBINSON
I saw it when we were attacked at
the airport. It fell out of your
purse.
TATIA
Well, Kelly, when you leave your
phone at home to charge, you can't
bring it along on a date, can you?
I thought I wouldn't need it. I
didn't see you with one, either.
Since when is it required in Hong
Kong to have one at all times?
Robinson is dejected. He really believes she is telling the truth. But
in his head, he knows she is marked by his superiors as a traitor. He
still has to bring in, no matter what.
Scott looks as if he doubts her story. At least parts of it. He checks
his watch.
SCOTT
Listen, we got maybe eight minutes
before that door opens again. Let's
get going.
Scott walks to the bomb, takes a look at it.
SCOTT
Kel, give me that cigarette I
marked. And those matches, too.
Robinson reaches into his pocket, hands both items over to Scott.
SCOTT (CONT)
This is set to burn for five
minutes. We'll light it, and hope
they're punctual.
He takes out a match, then puts the cigarette into the book of matches.
Holding onto the single match, he puts the crude fuse on top of the
bomb, trying to find the best spot for it.
SCOTT
We'll need some cover for when this
thing blows.
ROBINSON
Tash, help me move some of these
crates.
Robinson and Tatia go about moving the crates into position to protect
them from the blast.
Scott is watching them. Suddenly, he gets an idea. He says something
quickly to Tatia in Cantonese.
She looks at him, confused by his question.
TATIA
Your name is Scotty -- why?
SCOTT
Sorry -- I was thinking out loud. I
meant to tell you to leave some
space between those two.
TATIA
Oh, okay.
Scott has just made a powerful observation.
Robinson has moved the last crate into position.
ROBINSON
How's this, Scotty?
SCOTT
Good. Now, pay attention; when the
door opens, even if that thing
hasn't popped, stay put. It all
depends on the diversion it will
create. Once it blows, run like the
the wind. Head for the ladder, and
go straight up. The launch is right
above us.
TATIA
How many guards were out there?
SCOTT
I saw two. With Scar Face, that'll
make at least three.
ROBINSON
One a piece.
(to Tatia)
Can you take one out?
TATIA
Just watch me.
Robinson smiles.
SCOTT
Everybody grab a weapon if you can.
Scott looks at his watch.
SCOTT (CONT)
Find some cover. I'm gonna light
it.
Robinson and Tatia move behind the crates.
Scott lights the match, pulls the cigarette out of the book of matches,
puts it in his mouth and takes a puff. Once it's lit, he places it back
into the match book, then puts the match book back into the boxed up
bomb.
He takes one last look at the device, then moves into position by the
hatch.
SCOTT
Good luck, everyone.
With that, he scrambles into a hiding place.
Robinson and Tatia are hidden side by side, opposite Scott. Robinson
looks at her.
ROBINSON
We'll get out of this, Tash.
He takes her hand.
TATIA
I know we will, Kelly.
The gaze at each other for a beat, then share a brief but passionate
kiss.
Scott glances at his…
WATCH
It reads fifteen minutes past the hour.
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
The Two Guards are in place beside the hatch, smoking cigarettes,
talking casually. They both have AUTOMATIC RIFLES slung over their
shoulders, and PISTOLS tucked into their belts.
HOLDING ROOM
SCOTT'S WATCH
Now it's seventeen past the hour.
SCOTT (O.S.)
Okay -- any time now.
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
Cheek Scar is walking towards the hatch, looking like he may have had
one too many in the last hour.
CHEEK SCAR
(in Japanese; subtitled)
No trouble?
Both Guards shake their heads NO.
Cheek Scar smiles, pulls a FLASK from his pocket. He opens it, takes a
sip, offers it to them.
They smile, take a drink in turn. They begin to talk in Japanese,
laughing, drinking.
HOLDING ROOM
Something's wrong. The hatch should have opened up by now. Any second
the bomb will go off!
Scott thinks madly for a minute, then bolts up from his hiding spot. He
goes over to the hatch, starts BANGING on it.
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
Cheek Scar hears the banging, pays it no attention. He takes another
drink.
HOLDING ROOM
SCOTT
(in Japanese; subtitled)
HEY! There's a fire in here!
He pounds HARDER.
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
SCOTT (behind hatch)
(in Japanese; subtitled)
I'm not kidding! You want the War-
lord to find out we died because
of you? There's a fire inside! You
better get us out now!
HOLDING ROOM
Scott stops banging, ducks behind the crates --
JUST IN TIME! BABOOM! THE BOMB EXPLODES!
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
The men HEAR A MUFFLED EXPLOSION! A second later, SMOKE starts to
filter out from around the hatch seam.
Cheek Scar looks worried! He thinks of what Scott just said. Fear of
retaliation from the Warlord spurs him into action.
CHEEK SCAR
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Open it up! Now!
The Two Guards do as they're told. The hatch swings open. SMOKE AND
FLAMES billow out all around them. They dash into…
HOLDING ROOM
SMOKE AND FIRE EVERYWHERE!
Cheek Scar and the Guards try their best to find the captives.
POW! Robinson K.O.'s a Guard! He takes his rifle and pistol.
Tatia is engaged with the other Guard! She's easily losing the match.
Robinson fires the pistol! Hits his target! The other Guard drops to
the deck! Dead!
Scott is left with Cheek Scar. Even being a little tipsy, Cheek Scar is
no push over. He looks like he knows all of Jackie Chan's moves by
heart! Scott gives him a terrific contest, but it appears that Cheek
Scar will be the Victor.
Robinson dives into action! He and Scott double team Cheek Scar, but
without much luck.
Tatia goes to the dead Guard, takes the PISTOL from his belt. She turns
to the fight before her. It's difficult for her to see clearly amid the
fire and smoke, but she takes aim -- fires -- POW! POW!
Cheek Scar drops -- very dead.
SCOTT
Thanks…
Between the three of them, they gather up all the weapons.
ROBINSON
COME ON!
OUTSIDE HOLDING ROOM
From the smoking hatch, our heroes dash out! They retrace their earlier
path to the…
LADDER
SCOTT
Up two decks!
They make their way up the ladder.
HOLDING ROOM
The flames have finally caused the FIRE ALRAM to go off!
ON LADDER - UPPER DECK
As the trio make their way, the fire alarm RINGS!
ROBINSON
Terrific!
SCOTT
Keep moving! We're almost there!
BRIDGE
Ito is very pissed to have to go through this again. He grabs the
intercom mic.
ITO
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Attention! Attention! The prison-
ers are to be taken alive! I
repeat, they are to be taken alive!
Do not shoot to kill! Do not shoot
to kill!
VARIOUS DECKS
CREW MEN scramble to try and find the escapees.
STARBOARD SIDE
Robinson and Company have finally made it to where the LAUNCH is.
Robinson tries to release the lever, but it's jammed! It won't drop!
TATIA
What's wrong?
ROBINSON
I can't get it to drop! It's jammed
on top! We have to untie it before
we're seen!
As if to punctuate his statement, MACHINE GUN FIRE EXPLODES AT THEIR
FEET!
Robinson pulls his rifle from his shoulder, returns fire!
Tatia takes her pistol, opens fire as well!
Scott tries his best to untie the lines, but it's tough when you're
dodging live ammo!
SCOTT
Get inside! Both of you!
ROBINSON
NO WAY!
Robinson lets another few blasts erupt from his rifle.
Tatia has jumped into the launch. She takes a quick look around --
IGNITION SWITCH -- THROTTLE -- she can handle this rig.
SCOTT
Jump in! We'll shoot out the lines
and let 'er drop!
ROBINSON
Okay!
They bound into the launch, rounds just missing them!
ROBINSON
(to Tatia)
START IT!
She hit's the ignition switch. The motor ROARS to life.
SCOTT
NOW, KEL!
POW! POW! POW! POW! They each take a pulley out with their rifles!
WOOSH! The launch drops like a brick! WATER flies everywhere.
SPLASH! They hit the surface at full speed! With a lurch, they shoot
forward violently!
FROM THE STARBOARD RAIL
Crew Men lean over the side, firing at the launch's motor.
ON THE LAUNCH
Robinson and Scott return fire as best they can as rounds PING off the
engine casing.
In a few seconds they are out of reach of Ito's men.
Tatia looks behind her at Robinson and Scott.
TATIA
Kelly -- you okay? Scotty? Either
of you catch a round?
ROBINSON
I'm okay. Scotty?
SCOTT
Not a scratch.
They look at each other -- THEY DID IT! Nervous laughter spills out.
Scott heads up to Tatia.
SCOTT
Thanks for making that shot back
there. I don't know if I could have
taken him.
TATIA
It's okay, Scotty. Any time.
Scott notices the way she handles the launch.
SCOTT
You sure know how to sail this
thing.
TATIA
That was part of my cover with the
Warlord. I did a lot of weapons
running for him.
SCOTT
You have any idea where we're at?
Can you get us someplace safe for
a while?
TATIA
I think we're about twenty minutes
from a drop point I used to use.
We can head there and check it out.
SCOTT
Good enough.
Scott takes the pistol from the seat beside Tatia. He checks the clip,
slaps it back into the grip. With a sullen look, he heads back to…
ROBINSON
who is checking out the motor casing for any damage. He's bent over,
back to Scott.
ROBINSON
(over his shoulder)
We're in luck, man. Those guys were
lousy shots. Not a nick.
(turning)
So, what's the plan…?
He SEES Scott pointing the pistol straight at him!
SCOTT
Turn you over to Gilman.
Robinson is stunned!
SCOTT (CONT)
Lose the hardware, Kel.
Robinson tosses his rifle and pistol over to Scott's feet. Scott bends
down, picks them up -- keeping Robinson in his sights the whole time.
Tatia sees what's going on. She puts her head down on the steering
wheel, pain on her face. A beat. Then, she lifts her head and continues
to watch.
SCOTT
(to Tatia)
Just stay up there. Get us to
shore. I'll take care of the rest.
ROBINSON
You gotta be outta your mind, Jack.
SCOTT
I don't think so. It took me a
while, but I finally put the
pieces together. You tipped us
off in the alley. Probably set us
up with Sam-Than, as well. That
was your idea to go to her.
(beat)
How long have you been on the take?
Two years? Three?
ROBINSON
You think I'm the leak? Is that it?
SCOTT
Tell him, Tatia. Tell him what you
told me.
Tatia can't respond.
SCOTT
She saw it all. In Gilman's office.
Right before we got into this mess.
Tell him about the files they've
been keeping on him.
TATIA
(quiet)
It's true, Kelly. You were the
assignment -- from the start.
ROBINSON
You too, huh? Played me twice. Well
you're batting 1.ooo, Tash.
SCOTT
Too bad her name isn't Pete Rose.
ROBINSON
More like Tokyo Rose.
SCOTT
Not everyone can be a free agent.
Some of us are still team players.
Robinson and Scott exchange a deep look.
Scott cocks the hammer on the pistol, points it at Robinson.
Dejected, Robinson slumps down onto the deck.
Tatia takes a last look at them, then continues to sail the launch
towards the shore.
HIGH ABOVE
The launch jets into the distance as the SUN BEGINS TO RISE.
EXT. SECLUDED COVE - DAY
The launch is making it's way down a narrow channel.
Tatia throttles back the engine as she guides them slowly, looking
around the area.
TATIA
This is it. There's a cave up
ahead.
SCOTT
You think someone's inside?
TATIA
I doubt it. We never used a drop
more then once or twice.
We SEE a CAVE OPENING in front of us. Robinson looks to Scott, who
still has the pistol trained on him.
Tatia turns the engine off, lets the launch drift until it stops on a
SMALL BEACH AREA.
TATIA
Let me check it out just in case.
Tatia alights, makes her way towards the cave.
Robinson looks hard at his partner.
ROBINSON
You sure you wanna play it like
this?
SCOTT
It's the only way to go.
INSIDE THE CAVE
Tatia is cautiously making her way through the mouth of the cave. There
is enough light coming in for us to see that the small chamber is
deserted. A few shelves still stand against the cave walls. BROKEN
MUNITIONS CRATES lie scattered on the ground.
Quickly, she searches the crates in hopes of finding a weapon. They're
all empty. She SEES some boxes on the shelves, goes over to them. All
that's inside are M.R.E.'s. She checks the date -- they haven't expired
yet.
CAVE OPENING
Tatia appears, carrying a box of M.R.E.'s. She brings them to the
launch, sets them on the deck.
TATIA
Cleaned out. But I found these.
They're still good.
Scott picks one up, inspects it.
SCOTT
M.R.E. U.S. Army issue.
He tosses it to Robinson.
SCOTT (CONT)
Eat up.
Tatia gets back into the launch, grabs one for herself.
Scott looks at the pistol in his hand.
SCOTT
(to Tatia)
Here. You might need this.
He hands her the pistol. She takes it without hesitation. He pulls the
other pistol from his belt.
TATIA
Thanks.
She heads to the cockpit, tears into her M.R.E.
Scott takes one for himself. They all share an unhappy breakfast.
TEN MINUTES LATER
Everyone has finished eating. Robinson is pacing the deck.
ROBINSON
Listen, I hate to make such an
unusual request, but Mother
Nature is paging me at this time.
Scott slings a rifle from his shoulder. The other rifle is still
strapped to his back. He tucks the pistol into his belt.
SCOTT
Okay. Let's go. Slowly.
Robinson jumps over the side, followed by Scott. They start towards a
mound of rocks.
Tatia watches them for a beat, then looks down at the pistol in her
lap. Another beat. Then, she takes it in hand,
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
are walking towards us. Robinson looks out of the corner of his eye,
trying to catch a glimpse behind him. Scott has a rifle trained on him.
TATIA
slowly raises the pistol into firing position.
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
continue at a steady pace -- backs still to Tatia.
TATIA'S P.O.V.
She's SIGHTING SCOTT in the back of the head.
SCOTT
knows it's coming.
ROBINSON
is sweating heavily.
TATIA
has Scott dead to rights.
C.U. ON PISTOL
She COCKS THE HAMMER
A beat.
SQUEEZES THE TRIGGER…
CLICK! IT'S EMPTY!
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
both HEAR the CLICK. Robinson closes his eyes. There can be no doubt
anymore.
TATIA
tries to fire again. CLICK! CLICK! It hits her -- SHE WAS SET UP!
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
turn to face Tatia. They all exchange EYE CONTACT.
TATIA
stands for a beat. Then -- jumps behind the wheel and starts the
engine!
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
react just as swift. Scott throws Robinson a rifle, and they race
towards the launch.
Robinson tries to draw a bead on her while he is running. It looks as
if he's ready to close the book on her right now!
SCOTT
What are you doing?
ROBINSON
I'm trying to stop her!
SCOTT
We gotta bring her in alive!
Tatia has gotten the launch up to speed, makes a sharp turn -- which
sends a LARGE WAKE in their direction. Temporarily blinded, Robinson
can't take a shot.
With nothing in her way, Tatia heads down the short channel leading top
the open sea.
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! FROM ABOVE, MACHINE GUN FIRE ERUPTS! SAND ERUPTS
AROUND THEIR FEET!
VROOM! A CHOPPER DIVES DOWN ON THEM! THERE'S A MACHINE GUNNER HANGING
OVER THE SIDE, LETTING ROUNDS FLY FAST!
Robinson and Scott scramble for cover!
Tatia looks around, SEES the chopper pull around in her direction.
WATER SPLASHES UP as gunfire comes close to striking the launch.
Robinson and Scott drop to the sand, open fire on the chopper.
Tatia turns the wheel sharply, trying her best to stay a moving target.
She's almost to the channel opening.
AT THE OPENING
TWO CIGARETTE BOATS pull up from wither side, blocking her escape!
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
SEE the boats cutting her off. They stop firing.
FROM THE CIGARETTE BOATS
Several ARMED MEN train AK-74's on her.
THE MACHINE GUNNER
has stopped firing, and the chopper circles around towards…
ROBINSON AND SCOTT
Looking at each other, the two spys drop their weapons, raise their
hands.
HIGH ABOVE
We SEE the chopper land near Robinson and Scott. TWO ARMED CHOPPER
CREWMEN get out, quickly take them into custody. With force, our heroes
are shoved into the chopper, which wastes no time in becoming airborne
again.
INSIDE THE CHOPPER
Robinson and Scott are seated in the center of the holding compartment
-- with AK-74's covering them from every angle.
SCOTT
I guess we're about to meet our
host.
ROBINSON
What makes you think so?
SCOTT
Just a hunch.
Scott looks out the open side door. Below he SEES…
TATIA
being helped into one of the cigarette boats.
OPEN SKY
The chopper ZOOMS OFF, headed north.
EXT. WARLORD'S MANSION - GARDEN - DAY
The Warlord is seated at an elegant glass table, sipping a cup of tea.
TWO GUARDS are behind him.
Head Gangster rushes to the table, slightly out of breath.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Yes…?
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
My lord, the two American agents
will be here within half an hour.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
At last. Have them brought to my
the moment they arrive. And the
woman?
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
She is safe.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Excellent.
(beat)
Well done, my servant.
Head Gangster smiles quickly, sighs. He knew trouble was headed his way
if he failed this time.
The Warlord sips his tea, thinking.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Prepare my wardrobe. I will look
appropriate for our guests.
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Yes, my lord.
INT. CHOPPER - DAY
Robinson and Scott have tried their best to get their bearings by
sneaking a look through the glass. The Armed Chopper Crewmen aren't
anxious to let them have a peek.
CREWMAN #1
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Eyes forward.
Robinson ignores him, cranes his neck to get a better look.
Crewman #1 points his AK-74 at him.
CREWMAN #1
(in Japanese; subtitled)
Eyes forward!
Robinson puts one finger into the tip of the barrel, gently pushes it
aside.
ROBINSON
What did he say?
SCOTT
Something about your manhood.
ROBINSON
No! Now, see here, Sir…
Scott puts a hand on his friend's shoulder.
SCOTT
Do me a favor -- let it go. Right
now, his gun is bigger then yours.
ROBINSON
If it'll make you feel better --
SCOTT
Beyond measure.
EXT. OPEN SKY - DAY
The chopper thunders overhead. In the distance, we SEE it is headed
straight for…
THE WARLORD'S MANSION
The chopper circles over a HELIPAD -- finally coming to rest on the "H"
in the center.
Immediately, ARMED GANGSTERS rush in from all sides. The chopper doors
open. Robinson and Scott step out from either side.
ARMED GANGSTER #1 waves his AK-74 towards the mansion.
ARMED GANGSTER #1
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
This way! Go!
Slowly, Robinson and Scott tread towards the entrance.
INT. WARLORD'S MANSION - HALLWAY - DAY
At gunpoint, the duo march down the highly polished floor. They observe
the objects that adorn the walls.
ROBINSON
Who says crime doesn't pay?
They round a corner, stop in front of a LARGE SET OF DOORS. Armed
Gangster #1 opens the doors, ushers them into the…
WARLORD'S STUDY
The room is dimly lit -- especially for so early in the day. TWO CHAIRS
sit facing a DESK. A HIGH BACK SWIVEL CHAIR is behind the desk, turned
so we can't see who is occupying it.
Robinson and Scott walk to the chairs, stand on either side of them.
The high back chair slowly turns, revealing the Warlord. He's dressed
elegantly. Taking his time sizing them up, he looks from one to the
other. Finally, he speaks.
WARLORD
(perfect English)
Sit. Please.
After a beat, they sit.
The Warlord CLAPS HIS HANDS. In a flash, SEVERAL SERVANTS enter the
study, rolling in carts of food and drink. The carts are set before
Robinson, Scott and the Warlord.
WARLORD
I have always enjoyed a late break-
fast. Or an early lunch, if you
prefer. You are just in time to
join me.
SCOTT
No thanks. I make it a rule to
never eat after I've been dodging
gunfire and flying around in a
helicopter with ten AK-74's up my
nose. Call me picky.
WARLORD
The choice is yours.
The Warlord begins to eat.
WARLORD
My chef is quite good. It is a
shame to let such a delicious meal
go to waste.
Neither of them move.
WARLORD (CONT)
As you wish.
The Warlord continues to devour his food, obviously savoring it.
Robinson and Scott look at one another, wondering how long the game
will go on.
WARLORD
Mr. Kelly Robinson. Mr. Alexander
Scott. You present a very delicate
problem. What are we to do with you?
ROBINSON
Give us all the water we can carry
and let us wander into the desert?
SCOTT
The Ten Commandments was on cable
last week. It's his favorite movie.
WARLORD
Levity is not my forte, gentlemen.
I would caution you to govern your
tongues when in my presence.
Head Gangster enters the study, goes to the Warlord's side, whispers in
his ear. The Warlord nods, then waves Head Gangster off.
As Head Gangster walks to the rear of the study, he takes a long look
at Robinson, smirks to himself.
WARLORD
Back to your dilemma. What is to be
done with you? I am a businessman,
Mr. Robinson, Mr. Scott. I deal in
trade all the time. Drugs for
weapons -- currency for political
favors -- the options are endless.
Everything has a value. Everything
has a price.
(beat)
At what price do you value your
lives?
Both remain silent.
WARLORD
The hard sell, I see. There is no
question as to whether you will
leave here or not. The only ques-
tion is if I will let you live. And
then for how long? Two men of your
station could do quite well within
these walls. Information is a
commodity like any other I deal in.
I always have use for what you
could provide.
The study doors open. Robinson and Scott hear FOOTSTEPS slowly walking
in their direction.
WARLORD
I have two things you want. The
first being each of your lives. The
second being Miss Loring.
Tatia walks up to the Warlord's side. She's wearing a beautiful Asian
dress. The Warlord extends a hand -- she takes it.
Robinson's stomach hit's the floor.
WARLORD (CONT)
I'm afraid there is little hope of
your achieving either. However, I
am willing to give you time to
present an offer to me in exchange
for your lives. Consider this,
gentlemen. It is the only time I
will extend this arrangement.
Head Gangster walks to the chairs, holds his hand out, ordering them to
get up and leave.
Robinson and Scott share a glance, then stand up. As they depart the
study, Robinson and Tatia have a moment of STONE COLD EYE CONTACT.
HALLWAY
They are led through the doors by Head Gangster. Sullenly, they walk
down the corridor.
STUDY
Tatia walks behind the chair, comes to the Warlord's side, sits in his
lap.
WARLORD
It is good to have you in my
presence again.
TATIA
I've missed you…
She starts to run her hand up his arm. Striking like a snake, he GRABS
IT QUICKLY, holds it with an iron grip.
WARLORD
Is that why you fled without a
word, like a thief in the night?
TATIA
I was afraid I would be compromised
by spending so much time here. I
didn't want to draw attention to
you or your operation by going back
and forth from Hong Kong so much.
The Warlord tightens his grip. Tatia winces.
WARLORD
You already were compromised! Your
agency knew you were working for
me. The safest place to stay would
have been here, where I could have
protected you!
His fingers dig into her skin. She lets out a moan, drops to her knees.
TATIA
Please…
WARLORD
You tried to leave me, Orchid.
Surely by now you realize that you
are my prized possession. The most
beautiful flower in my garden…
TATIA
Let me go -- you're hurting me…
WARLORD
Never again will you leave this
place.
HALLWAY - BY GLASS DOORS
Head Gangster stops to look out the doors. There is a lot of ACTIVITY
going on in the yard. Armed Gangsters are running back and forth.
Armed Gangster #1 rushes into the hallway, runs to Head Gangster. They
talk very fast in Cantonese, with Head Gangster looking grim at the
message he hears. He turns Robinson and Scott over to Armed Gangster
#1, then starts back to the Warlord's study.
SCOTT
Something's going on.
ROBINSON
Yeah. I wonder what.
Armed Gangster #1 orders them to keep walking. They continue down the
hallway, until they come to a…
SET OF DOORS
The servants quarters are located in this section of the Warlord's
mansion -- which is positioned in the rear of the house.
Armed Gangster #1 opens a door, waves his rifle, motions for them to
enter. Slowly they shuffle in. Armed Gangster #1 closes the door, then
SLIDES A BOLT INTO A LATCH. They are locked in from the outside.
Satisfied that the door's secure, he walks away.
INSIDE SERVANT QUARTERS
The duo make a quick inspection of their surroundings. A simple room --
bed, table with one chair. Not much else. A WINDOW gives them a view of
the YARD.
SCOTT
Nothing?
ROBINSON
Mother Hubbard had better digs
then this place.
Robinson checks the window. It's locked. He SEES the commotion going on
in the yard.
ROBINSON
Come 'ere for a second.
Scott crosses to the window, gazes at the scene.
SCOTT
They're worried about something.
Robinson doesn't comment. Scott studies him.
SCOTT
I'm sorry, Kel.
ROBINSON
For what?
SCOTT
You know -- I wish it would have
turned out differently.
Robinson looks at his friend.
ROBINSON
The only thing that matters now is
grabbing her and then getting the
hell outta Dodge.
STUDY
Head Gangster bursts into the room, surprised to see the Warlord almost
breaking Tatia's arm. His entrance causes the Warlord to snap out of
his rage -- which he now transfers to Head Gangster.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
What do you want?!
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
I beg your forgiveness, Master. We
just received word that the
Americans are preparing to invade
the mansion.
The Warlord release his grip on Tatia. She quickly separates herself
from him, heads towards the door.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Make the necessary arrangements.
The Warlord notices Tatia trying to slip out of the room.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Take her to her quarters. Post a
guard.
Head Gangster grabs her by the elbow, starts to force her out of the
room.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
When she is safe, return with your
top men.
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Yes, my lord.
Tatia stares daggers at the Warlord. He is not moved by her actions. He
starts to shuffle some papers around his desk.
TATIA'S ROOM
Head Gangster throws the door open violently, shoves her inside. She
lands very violently on the floor.
From the door, we SEE him give instructions to a POSTED GUARD.
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
If she gives you any trouble, call
me at once.
POSTED GUARD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Yes, Sir!
WARLORD'S STUDY - FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER
The Warlord's TOP MEN are standing around the room, holding rifles, two
way radios, etc. They're all business.
Head Gangster is pacing the floor, while the Warlord sits behind his
desk.
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
The Americans will be here shortly.
Their goal will be to take the
agents and the woman. They must not
enter the compound.
TOP MAN #!
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Where are the two being kept?
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Locked in the servant's quarters.
TOP MAN #2
Perhaps we should move them below.
it is more secure.
Head Gangster looks to the Warlord.
WARLORD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Agreed. It will be harder to find
them there if the American's do
enter the mansion.
(beat)
The two agents must be kept alive
at all costs. If we are over come,
they will be our only means of
negotiation.
HEAD GANGSTER
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Everyone, to you positions.
(to TOP MAN #3)
You, come with me.
Top Man #3 jumps to attention.
TOP MAN #3
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Yes, Sir!
Head Gangster and all the Top Men exit the study.
The Warlord sits in silence, pondering his fate.
TATIA'S ROOM
She is pounding on the door, trying to get Posted Guard to open it.
TATIA
Open this door! I have to see the
Warlord!
Nothing. She bangs harder.
TATIA
I mean business, buddy! Open this
damn door before I break it down!
OUTSIDE TATIA'S ROOM
Posted Guard listens to her ranting. She's still pounding violently.
TATIA (behind door)
I know what the Americans are up to!
I have to tell the Warlord!
Posted Guard has heard enough. He remembers what Head Gangster told
him, sets off to tell his superior.
BASEMENT CELL
A dark room -- possibly an old wine cellar. It has been converted to
suit a man like the Warlord: reinforced walls, steel bars over the
windows, etc. Not much of a chance for a prisoner to break out of this
place.
The door opens, Robinson and Scott are pushed into the cell by Head
Gangster. With all he's been through, Robinson is almost at his
breaking point.
ROBINSON
Care to try that again on this side
of the door?
Heag Gangster coolly walks over to Robinson, looks him straight in the
eye.
HEAD GANGSTER
Ordinarily, I'd have no problem
with it. But right now, I'm a
little busy. Perhaps later?
ROBINSON
I'll be counting the minutes.
Head Gangster sarcastically pats Robinson on the cheek several times.
HEAD GANGSTER
High noon, cowboy? Isn't that what
they say in your American movies?
ROBINSON
I was always partial to Dirty
Harry myself. He didn't care what
time is was when he wanted to kick
the shit outta someone.
Head Gangster smiles, gives Robinson one last pat on the cheek. Then he
exits, bolting the door behind him.
OUTSIDE THE CELL
Head Gangster still has a smug grin plastered on his mug as Posted
Guard runs up to him.
POSTED GUARD
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
Sir! The woman is causing a disturb-
ance in her room. Please make sure
that she is not in trouble.
The mention of Tatia causing a problem makes him forget his exchange
with Robinson. He nods, then follows Posted Guard to her room.
EXT. WOODED AREA - DAY
A group of U.S. SPECIAL FORCES is preparing to mount their invasion of
the Warlord's mansion. They are dressed in fatigues.
The LEADER is listening to instructions and talking on a HEADSET with a
MICROPHONE attached to it.
The Special Forces soldiers are loading clips into M-16's, checking
tracking equipment, etc. When they're all set, they, look at Leader --
awaiting final orders.
LEADER
Confirmed! Invasion is a go! Move
out!
Immediately, the Special Forces split into two groups and scramble into
TWO HUMMERS.
The Hummers' engines ROAR to life, and the Special Forces pull out.
INT. TATIA'S ROOM - DAY
She's sitting on the floor, back to the door. She gave up on pounding
and just sat down where she was.
We HEAR a KEY turning in the lock. Tatia jumps off the floor, ready to
spring into action.
Head Gangster opens the door, steps in with Posted Guard right behind
him. Posted Guard closes the door.
HEAD GANGSTER
What's troubling you, Miss Loring?
TATIA
I have to see the Warlord. It's
very important that I speak to him.
HEAD GANGSTER
Why?
TATIA
I can give him some information
that will help him when the
Americans get here.
HEAD GANGSTER
Tell me. I'll make sure he is
notified.
TATIA
Listen, you dumb shit! I have to
see him right now!
HEAD GANGSTER
(slow burn)
Miss Loring, you are about this
close to outliving your usefulness.
My master may be blinded by your
ways, but I am not!
TATIA
Whatta ya gonna do about it? You're
nothing more then a glorified
errand boy to him.
That hit's the right button. He grabs her by the arm.
HEAD GANGSTER
I think you should be moved some-
where else, where you will be
safer.
Tatia starts to pummel him with both fists. Head Gangster gives her a
VICIOUS BACKSLAP. She staggers, stunned .With Posted Guard's help,
Tatia is carried out of the room.
BASEMENT CELL
The door flies open, catching Robinson and Scott by surprise. They are
shocked to see Tatia thrown forcibly into the cell by Head Gangster and
Posted Guard.
Tatia falls to the floor by Robinson's feet. She's starting to come
around now, and makes EYE CONTACT with Robinson.
He doesn't know what to do.
TATIA
You just gonna stand there?!
ROBINSON
What else did you have in mind?
TATIA
You're a bastard…
She helps herself up, brushes off her dress.
ROBINSON
Oh, I'm a bastard?! Like you didn't
try to blow me and my partner away
this morning?
Scott slides towards the door slowly.
SCOTT
(to Posted Guard)
You might wanna stand back. I
think they're gonna explode.
Posted Guard moves toward Robinson and Tatia, his back now to Scott.
TATIA
My luck it was empty.
Head Gangster smiles. This is a good show. He's paying no attention to
Scott.
ROBINSON
(to Head Gangster)
Whatta you looking' at?!
HEAD GANGSTER
Please, don't mind me. Continue.
Scott is moving into position behind Posted Guard.
TATIA
(to Head Gangster)
Listen -- I'm sorry. I won't make
any more trouble. I don't wanna
stay in the same room with this --
person -- for another minute.
HEAD GANGSTER
Too bad, Miss Loring. I think you
two were made for each other.
Scott clasps his hands together, raises a double fist high above his
head.
ROBINSON
I'd rather be whacked in the head.
WHAM! SCOTT SMASHES HIS FISTS DOWN ON THE BACK OF POSTED GUARD'S HEAD!
BOOM! HE FALLS ON HIS KNEES TO THE FLOOR! SCOTT GIVES HIM A KICK TO THE
FACE! K.O.!
Head Gangster WHIRLS AROUND and SEES Posted Guard getting run over by
Scott.
Scott picks up Posted Guard's rifle, point's it at Head Gangster.
ROBINSON
I think your schedule just opened
up.
Head Gangster smiles at Robinson. He looks like he's going to enjoy
this. Smoothly, he takes his shoes off to his bare feet, always keeping
Scott in his eyes.
Robinson loosens up his collar, sizing up his opponent.
Head Gangster removes his jacket, tosses it to the floor.
WHACK! Scott has SMASHED Head Gangster over the head with the butt of
the rifle. BOOM! He drops to the floor like a brick.
Tatia edges towards the door.
SCOTT
We don't have time for this, man!
ROBINSON
I can't believe you did that!
SCOTT
Ever see "Raiders of the Lost Ark"?
Tatia has slipped out of the cell. Robinson SEES her leaving, runs
after her. Scott quickly follows.
OUTSIDE THE CELL
It only takes a second for Robinson and Scott to reach her. Robinson
grabs her hard, throws her up against the wall. He puts his hand to her
throat, murder written on his face.
ROBINSON
I oughta kill you right now…
SCOTT
Easy, man --
Robinson looks at his partner, fire in his eyes.
ROBINSON
BACK OFF! This is personal…
Tatia tries to break his grip. It only makes him choke her harder.
TATIA
…Kelly…
(cough, cough)
ROBINSON
You set us up in that alley, didn't
you? That guy with the ties -- he
worked for the Warlord, right? You
told him who we were.
TATIA
…Yes…
ROBINSON
You never were assigned to the War-
lord, were you?
She shakes her head NO.
ROBINSON (CONT)
Why did you turn you back on me?
On us?!
TATIA
(gasping)
I was in too deep…I had to get out
of Greece…I was almost caught giv-
ing away classified documents…Hong
Kong was the only place I could get
to on short notice…I hooked up with
the Warlord by accident…blind luck…
ROBINSON
Your luck's about to run out.
Scott is getting worried about his partner.
ROBINSON (CONT)
Gimme one good reason why I
shouldn't snap you neck right now.
SCOTT
(quietly)
Because we have to bring her in
alive…
The rage inside Robinson begins to fade. His emotions start to subside.
The professional in him returns to the surface. Slowly, he releases his
grip.
She slides away from him, her back still to the wall. She puts her hand
to her throat, rubs it.
Scott reacts quickly. He grabs her by the arm, looks hard into her
eyes.
SCOTT
We're even. Now, help us get outta
here.
Scott takes the lead, keeping Tatia in front of him. Robinson leans on
the wall for a beat. Finally, he clears his head, and follows after
them.
EXT. ROAD TO WARLORD'S MANSION - DAY
The two Hummers are flying down the road at full speed. They are almost
to the mansion.
INT. WARLORD'S MANSION - MAIN FLOOR - DAY
A DOOR OPENS a few inches. Scott peers inside. Several Armed Gangsters
run by. When the coast is clear, he opens the door all the way.
SCOTT
Let's go!
Scott, Tatia and Robinson run from the doorway, trying to locate any
kind of cover.
SCOTT
(to Tatia)
How do we get outta here?
TATIA
This way!
EXT. WARLORD'S MANSION - ALONG THE PERIMITER - DAY
Armed Gangster are getting into sniper positions. They are entrenched
on the walls, in windows, etc.
Armed Gangster #1 looks…
DOWN THE ROAD
The Hummers skid to a stop right in front of the gate.
ALONG THE PERIMITER
ARMED GANGSTER #1
(in Cantonese; subtitled)
FIRE!
All of the Armed Gangsters OPEN FIRE!
INT. WARLORD'S MANSION - MAIN FLOOR - DAY
Robinson, Scott and Tatia HEAR the gunfire, look to one another.
SCOTT
Well, now we know what they were
worried about.
Robinson listens intently.
ROBINSON
Those aren't just AK-74's -- it
sounds like M-16's, too!
Another Armed Gangster runs towards them. They are hidden from his
initial line of vision. Robinson jumps out as he passes, gives him a
CHOP TO THE THROAT! Armed Gangster goes down, Robinson finishes him
off, takes his AK-74.
TATIA
Who do you think is out there?
SCOTT
With any luck, it's John Wayne.
ROBINSON
MOVE!
EXT. WARLORD'S MANSION - DAY
The Special Forces are taking fire from all over. Shots PING off the
armor plated Hummers. Rounds hit the bulletproof glass with no effect.
A SLOT OPENS from the ROOF of one of the Hummers. A SMOKE GRENADE is
launched, quickly followed by several more.
INSIDE THE WALLS
The smoke grenades begin to bounce all over the ground. Within seconds
the place is covered with THICK CLOUDS.
The Armed Gangsters on the ground are over come by the smoke fast. They
stop firing, cover their faces, claw at their burning eyes.
OUTSIDE THE GATE
SPECIAL FORCES #1 gets out of the Hummer carrying a STINGER MISSLE
LAUNCHER. He gets down on one knee, aims at the gate, squeezes the
trigger.
WOOSH! THE MISSILE FLIES OUT OF THE LAUNCHER!
BAAABOOOM! THE GATE EXPLODES!
Special Forces #1 returns to the Hummer. One after another, the
vehicles enter the compound.
INT. WARLORD'S MANSION - STUDY - DAY
The Warlord has heard all the explosions going on outside. He starts to
panic, because Head Gangster has not returned. He goes to his desk,
opens the drawer, pulls out a PISTOL.
Checking to make sure it's loaded, he then makes his way to the door.
MAIN FLOOR
Robinson, Scott and Tatia are passing a WINDOW and get a good look at
what's happening at the gate. They SEE the Hummers roll through amid
the smoke.
SCOTT
Hummers?
ROBINSON
The Duke has arrived!
Several Armed Gangsters start to re-enter the mansion in an attempt to
escape the smoke. They are surprised to see the trio in front of them.
They start to raise their weapons --
TOO LATE! Robinson and Scott open fire! A couple of Armed Gangsters are
hit, fall to the floor. The remaining Armed Gangsters retreat down the
hall -- AWAY from our heroes.
Robinson, Scott and Tatia walk over to the fallen men, pick up more
weapons. Tatia leans over and picks up a pistol - then LOOKS AT
ROBINSON, RAISES THE WEAPON TOWARDS HIM!
Robinson's eyes OPEN WIDE! He thinks she's intent on shooting him!
SHE FIRES! BLAM! BLAM!
Robinson is still standing. He turns around.
An ARMED GANGSTER drops to the floor! Tatia had seen him from the
corner of her eye, trying to blow Robinson away with his AK-74.
Robinson realizes she just saved his neck!
Scott SEES his partner freeze for a second. He grabs him by the
shoulder, shakes him.
SCOTT
C'mon! We gotta get outta here!
Scott goes to Tatia, violently takes the pistol from her.
SCOTT (CONT)
Gimme that! Get going!
TATIA
I saved his life!
SCOTT
I'm trying to save us all! GET
GOING!
Scott points his rifle at her. She sees the determination in his eyes.
She starts walking.
Scott looks to Robinson.
SCOTT
You stick with her. I'll bring up
the rear.
Robinson and Tatia move out. Scott follows.
EXT. GROUNDS - DAY
The Special Forces have exited the Hummers and are taking up positions
throughout the area. They PICK OFF SNIPERS in the WINDOWS as they
advance towards the main doors.
INT. WARLORD'S MANSION - HALLWAY - DAY
The Warlord creeps around a corner, trying to stay hidden from view. At
his side is the pistol, cocked and ready.
OPPOSITE END
Robinson, Scott and Tatia are unknowingly headed towards the Warlord's
position.
INTERCUT
The Warlord SEES them coming in his direction. His EYES NARROW.
With Tatia in the lead, the trio are almost to an exit.
THE WARLORD RAISES HIS PISTOL -- AIMS IT AT TATIA!
WARLORD
I told you you'd never leave this
place again!
TATIA
looks up -- freezes in her tracks.
THE WARLORD FIRES -- BLAM! BLAM!
TATIA FALLS TO THE FLOOR!
Robinson and Scott open up on the Warlord! POW! POW! POW! They give him
all they've got!
The Warlord's body twists and jerks as each round tears into him.
Slowly, he collapses to the floor in a heap. He's dead.
Robinson runs to Tatia, cradles her in his arms.
ROBINSON
…Tash…
Her eyes flutter. She's alive -- barely.
Scott checks her wounds. Her chest is RED WITH BLOOD. He turns to
Robinson. His face says it all.
ROBINSON
She's gonna make it!
Scott doesn't speak.
The GUNFIRE that has been going on OUTSIDE has begun to slow down.
ROBINSON
Hang on, Tash…you're gonna be okay…
The Leader bursts through the door, waving his M-16 around. He spots
the Warlord sprawled out on the floor, quickly goes to check on him.
Satisfied, he goes to our heroes, notices Tatia's serious condition.
LEADER
How bad?
ROBINSON
SHUT UP AND HELP ME GET HER OUTTA
HERE!
A few more Special Forces enter the mansion. They've taken out all of
the Armed Gangsters by now. There's no more gunfire.
Scott bends down to help Robinson lift up Tatia. Leader lends a hand
also. They carry her…
OUTSIDE THE MANSION
Quickly they load her into one of the Hummers. Robinson and Scott
scramble in and sit on either side of her.
The doors SLAM SHUT, and like a rocket the Hummer PEELS OUT. It plows
through the gate, disappearing in a cloud of dust.
INT. INSIDE THE HUMMER - DAY
Robinson is holding Tatia in his arms. Leader is trying his best to
stop the bleeding with a compress.
Tatia is fading fast. She lifts a weak hand smeared in blood. Robinson
grabs it tight.
ROBINSON
Tash -- hold on. We're getting you
to a doctor…
TATIA
(coughs weakly)
…Kelly…I'm sorry about everything…
Scott watches, pain on his face.
ROBINSON
You're not leaving me, Tash. I
won't let you.
She smiles faintly.
TATIA
(almost gone)
I really did want to marry you,
Kelly…you are the most beautiful
man I've ever met…I love you,
Kelly…
Her eyes close. She's dead.
ROBINSON
…Tash…TASH!
He shakes her gently.
Leader stops attending to her. Scott gives him a look -- scram. Leader
heads for the front of the Hummer.
Robinson pulls her face to his chest, puts his head against hers, rocks
her back and forth.
ROBINSON
Tash…Tash…Tash…
EXT. HIGH ABOVE THE ROAD - DAY
The Hummer eats the pavement as they head off into the distance.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. GILMAN'S OFFICE - DAY
Gilman is seated at his desk, Kincaid leaning against the wall behind
him. Scott is in a chair, facing Gilman, while Robinson is looking out
a window. They are in the middle of a heated debriefing.
SCOTT
You make me sick! Both of you! This
stinks, top to bottom.
GILMAN
Scotty, listen to me…
SCOTT
No, you listen to me! You really
did think there was a chance Kelly
was the leak. You set him up -- set
me up! We all coulda been killed!
KINCAID
There was only a small chance it
was him. We always felt it was
Loring the whole time. We just had
to make sure.
Robinson isn't paying any attention to their conversation. He continues
to stare out the window.
SCOTT
Well, you can be sure of this:
you'll never get me or my partner
into a mess like this again! Find
yourselves another set of tools
next time!
GILMAN
I'm not going to apologize for
doing my job, Scott.
Scott gets up from his chair, puts his hands on the desk, leans into
Gilman's face.
SCOTT
Doing your job does not include
putting my partner's reputation,
his sanity on the line.
(beat)
You know, it's taking all I've got
to keep from reaching across this
desk and choking the life outta you.
Robinson finally turns away from the window, walks to Scott's side.
ROBINSON
Forget it, man. It's not worth it.
Scott stands up straight. He and Robinson exchange EYE CONTACT.
Robinson takes a hard look at Gilman and Kincaid, then heads for the
door.
ROBINSON
I'm outta here…
KINCAID
Where are you going?
ROBINSON
Home…
He reaches the door, opens it. Scott's following him.
ROBINSON (CONT)
Gonna watch some baseball. Drink a
few beers. Relax.
He and Scott are gone -- leaving the door wide open.
HALLWAY
Robinson is a few steps ahead of Scott, who hurries to catch up with
him. They walk in silence, until they reach the…
ELEVATOR
Robinson punches the call button.
SCOTT
Mind if I tag along?
Robinson doesn't respond. The elevator doors open, and both men step
inside.
ROBINSON
(finally)
Why not?
EXT. CINCINNATI SKYLINE - ESTABLISHING - DAY
We SEE the riverfront, favoring…
THE GREAT AMERICAN BALLPARK
We MOVE in from OVERHEAD towards the stands. A game is just getting
underway. The Reds are playing the Phillies.
We continue to MOVE IN until we SEE…
ROBINSON IN THE STANDS
He's seated by himself, oblivious to what's taking place on the field.
Scott arrives, carrying a tray full of snacks and drinks. He sits
beside Robinson.
SCOTT
Did I miss anything?
Robinson shakes his head NO.
SCOTT
Here ya go.
He passes Robinson a beer and a hot dog. With a HUGE GRIN, Scott lifts
up THE BIGGEST CUP OF DIET COKE WE'VE EVER SEEN! AT LAST! He takes a
long drag on the straw, which seems to last forever. Finally, he stops,
lets out a sigh of satisfaction.
SCOTT
AHHH!!!
Robinson raises his beer in a mock toast.
ROBINSON
Salud, my friend. You've waited
long enough for it.
Scott takes out a program, begins to thumb through it.
Robinson takes a sip of his beer. He looks uneasy. Something's on his
mind.
ROBINSON
Did you really think I was the one?
SCOTT
(thinking)
She was good at what she did. She
put some doubt in my mind, but I
remembered two things that
convinced me you couldn't be guilty.
ROBINSON
What was that?
SCOTT
When you told me five years ago in
Greece how she left you, you said
you didn't buy her story. Now, I
know you weren't too clear headed
at the time, but your instincts
were right. You didn't believer her
not because you were in love with
her -- but because your gut told
you it was the right thing to do.
You just didn't realize it at the
time.
ROBINSON
And the second?
SCOTT
My linguistics instructor from
indoctrination was an elderly
gentleman from Liverpool, England.
Way back before they were the Fab
Four, his family lived next door to
the McCartney's. Knew Paul quite
well. My instructor gave all of his
students the same lessons, year
after year. The first words he
taught his Cantonese classes were
from an obscure Beatle's song that
was the B-side to "Let It Be".
ROBINSON
And?
SCOTT
The song only had two lines: "You
know my name", and "Look up the
number". That's it, over and over.
He used it as sort of a code in the
field. If you said "You know my
name" to someone, and they didn't
reply "Look up the number", you
knew you were in trouble. They
might know some Cantonese, but they
hadn't gone through indoctrination.
If they didn't have indoctrination,
then they weren't going to get a
field assignment where they had to
speak Cantonese. I said it to her
on Ito's ship. She didn't tell me
the answer. I knew her whole story
was bogus.
ROBINSON
The wonderfulness of your memory.
SCOTT
I had faith in you, man. The
picture was a little hazy, but
we've been partners for too long.
I knew you didn't have it in you.
Robinson looks at his pal, smiles in relief.
ROBINSON
Thanks, buddy.
A beat.
SCOTT
On the other hand, it's time we
get down to some serious business
here…
Scott lifts his huge cup high in the air.
SCOTT
(loud)
May I please have your attention
for a moment? My partner and I
are about to renew our rivalry
concerning who is the better team
playing today. This dispute goes
back over a number of years, so
everyone -- for your own personal
safety, you would be advised to
move to another location.
We start to PULL BACK slowly as Scott continues his speech.
SCOTT (CONT)
I'm sure there will be a lot of
screaming and shouting, drinks
spilling, peanuts flying -- after
the third inning, all bets are off
as to whether I can contain this
man or not.
Robinson raises his beer as well. We continue to PULL BACK SLOWLY.
ROBINSON
Yes, indeed, ladies and gentlemen.
My hometown team -- so near and dear
to my heart -- is about to put a
tail whippin' on that other so-
called team out there who's name I
can't even mention, because it
leaves such a bad taste in my mouth.
The two continue to exchange barbs. A few SPECTATORS actually do get up
and leave!
As we continue to PULL BACK, we…
FADE OUT
THE END.
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