honolulu episode 1 by nathan warren · pdf fileepisode 1 by nathan warren nathan warren...
TRANSCRIPT
TEASER
EXT. PACIFIC - SEALINER - NIGHT
A terrible STORM rages. A sealiner bobs against the crashing waves as the volcano KILAUEA churns red lava into the sea a short distance away.
SUPER:
THE PACIFIC OCEAN1886
INT. SEALINER - GRAND HALL - SAME
JON GEIST (35) pulls his bowler hat hard over his ears. It’s no use. The deafening CRIES and WHIMPERS of men, women, and children flood the sealiner’s grand hall as tables, chairs, and people rock to-and-fro with the menacing waves outside.
Standing above Jon, a facial-tattooed MAORI man in a TOP HAT looks out a porthole, watching the volcano blow.
MAORIThe Red Goddess is angry.
LIGHTNING flashes followed by deafening THUNDER. Jon grimaces. A young woman staggers toward him in the darkness. She is VICTORIA (19), Native Hawaiian, in servant attire.
VICTORIADoctor? Doctor!
Jon sits up. He has a slight Dutch accent.
JONYes, yes, damn you, what is it?
VICTORIAMiss Ella is gone!
Jon sees a young BOY wretch onto the floor. The boy’s MOTHER pats him on the back.
VICTORIA (CONT’D)Did you hear what I said?
JONYes, and... Never mind her.
VICTORIABut sir!
JONWe’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Where can she go?
Victoria points out a porthole.
VICTORIAThere!
Jon’s head spins around.
Through the window, Jon sees a raggedy figure wearing a poncho rowing a dingy away from the sealiner.
EXT. PACIFIC - LIFEBOAT - NIGHT
A determined young woman looks up from under a leather broad brimmed hat as she rows defiantly through the piercing rain and sloping waves. She is ELLA KALIOKALANI (18), a beautiful native Hawaiian, dark in complexion with soulful green eyes.
EXT. SEALINER - DECK - SAME
At the front of the ship, a SAILOR blows his whistle next to the FIRST MATE, standing by watching Ella through Navy binoculars.
Jon staggers to the railing from below deck with Victoria at his side. The First Mate bristles as Jon leans toward him.
FIRST MATEWhat are you doing up here? Get back below!
JONWho is that?
Jon points in the direction of Ella’s dingy. The First Mate scowls.
FIRST MATESome girl stole a life boat. Now, clear the deck, I said!
Jon’s eyes widen at the mention of a girl. He grabs at the First Mate.
JONYou have to go after her!
The sea man pulls away.
2.
FIRST MATEAre you daft? We’re in a squall!
Jon grasps the railing.
JONYou don’t understand! She’s the future Queen of Hawaii.
In the distance, the volcano rumbles and offers another explosion of lava.
EXT. PACIFIC - LIFEBOAT - NIGHT
Ella pushes down on her oars, the flowing lava behind her spitting and sputtering through the black of night.
END TEASER.
3.
ACT ONE
EXT. NUUANU STREAM - DAY
A RAINBOW arcs over a green mountain. The sky is a brilliant blue except for a few dark clouds still retreating beyond the horizon.
Below, palm trees shade the stream that serves as Honolulu’s toilet, a putrid swamp where citizens empty their piss pots and refuse. The shores are lined with outhouses and balconies that allow locals to relieve themselves directly into the tepid water.
EXT. NUUANU STREAM - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
A stone bridge straddles the stream, its underside cased in green moss and black barnacles. A grey rope wrapped around a bridge’s column ends in a noose hanging a naked plum-faced DEAD MAN, Japanese, (35), with his hands and legs bound behind him.
EXT. NUUANU STREAM - PIER - CONTINUOUS
On a short pier adjacent to the bridge stands MARSHAL HALBERT WILHELM (55), tall, born British, holding a kerchief over his mouth. His blue Honolulu Police uniform is stark and artificial next to the soiled landscape. His right ear and left thumb are missing from old Boer War wounds.
Halbert watches closely as two WORKING MEN in bandanas hoist the body onto the bridge.
Appearing at Halbert’s right is DEPUTY LARS TUTTLE, an oily lawman with interminable sweats. His shirt is wrinkled. He chews tobacco.
LARSMorning, Marshal. Didn’t know you’d be here.
Halbert offers an unenthusiastic greeting.
HALBERTGood morning, Deputy.
Lars spits.
4.
LARSCouldn’t have picked a more public spot. Someone will have seen something.
Halbert is less optimistic but says:
HALBERTIndubitably.
LARSShould I fetch the Sheriff?
HALBERTAnd interrupt his black out? I wouldn’t dream of it.
Halbert walks up the shore toward the bridge. Lars follows closely behind.
EXT. NUUANU STREAM - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
The Working Men plop the dead man onto the stone bridge. Lars kneels to examine the body.
LARSAlright then, let’s see what we got.
Halbert leans over Lars’ shoulder as Lars pulls the noose off of the dead man.
Lars spits, then places his hands on the man’s neck.
LARS (CONT’D)His neck ain’t broke.
HALBERTPoor bugger.
Rushing to Halbert’s side is CONSTABLE WADE MAHUIKI (21), also dressed in a Royal Police uniform. Though Native Hawaiian, Wade has an American accent. He’s shorter than Halbert but more fit; A young proud copper still unnerved by the sight of a dead body.
WADEMarshal, the King--
Halbert nods. He turns to Lars.
5.
HALBERTThank you, Deputy. You’ll keep me informed.
LARSSure thing.
Halbert walks off with Wade toward a pair of horses, leaving Lars alone with the dead body.
EXT. HONOLULU - MERCHANT DISTRICT - DAY
Marshal Halbert Wilhelm and Constable Wade Mahuiki ride alongside one another through the dirt streets of the port town’s busiest enclave. Hundreds of Honolulu’s CITIZENS make their way up and down the road. A handwritten sign hangs in a window of a general store declaring “NO-ORINTLS-BLKS-OR-IRISH-WELCOM.”
As the lawmen pass, the citizens take notice-- A tattoo ARTIST wiping blood from the back of a grimacing CANVAS-- A local VENDOR selling samurai swords and shark tooth jewelry --A few members of a crowd watching two GOLIATHS bare-knuckle box in a pit.
WADEThe merchant marines are on the look out, especially around the Big Island. But the storm means she could be anywhere.
HALBERTI want the docks watched, day and night. She won’t be rowing to San Francisco.
They come in sight of IOLANI PALACE, towering over every other building in Honolulu. Its architecture is uniquely beautiful and imposing.
EXT. IOLANI PALACE - COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS
Halbert dismounts his horse and hitches it to a post.
WADEWill the “homecoming” festivities still...?
HALBERTI’ve never known the Merry Monarch to cancel a luau.
6.
WADEThen I’ll see you tonight, sir.
Wade tips his cap. Halbert salutes him back.
HALBERTConstable.
Halbert turns and faces the palace.
INT. IOLANI PALACE - MAP ROOM - DAY
The PAINTED WATERS of the Pacific are crisscrossed with longitude and latitude, arrows for currents and trade winds, green specs of land. The whole Ocean is laid bare, covering an entire wall like a tapestry. Beholding the grand map is KING DAVID KALAKAUA, (50), a Native Hawaiian.
David is a bit chubby, but he wears his blue uniform with pride as though he designed it himself. So many medals hang over the King’s heart that the fabric sags on the left. His voice is low. His accent is thick and British. Like his muttonchops.
Halbert enters. David turns.
DAVIDMy niece?
HALBERTNot yet, Your Majesty.
David makes his way to a drafting table.
DAVIDHave you seen this, Halbert?
David pulls open a rolled map. A dark blue border conspicuously surrounds several islands in the Pacific, Hawai’i, chief among them. In the corner are the words: “UNITED POLYNESIAN EMPIRE.” The map is a piece of art.
Halbert looks it over.
HALBERTIt’s a beautiful map.
David pulls out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.
DAVIDWell put. A map. A dream, like as not.
7.
David pours the bottle and offers Halbert a glass. Halbert accepts. David forces a smile.
HALBERTWe’ll find her, Your Majesty.
DAVIDIf you don’t soon, I’m liable to kill her myself.
A KNOCK at the door. David is annoyed.
DAVID (CONT’D)Enter!
A small STEWARD sticks his head inside.
STEWARDYour Majesty, the emissary--
HALBERTTell him to wait.
David shakes his head.
DAVIDNo, bring him in.
STEWARDYes, Your Majesty.
David swallows down the rest of his whiskey.
DAVIDNo sense delaying the inevitable.
Halbert throws back the rest of his glass.
A short Japanese man enters wearing a tailored suit, his sharp eyes smiling. He is REN HAGA, Emissary of Japan to the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Ren bows to David, low as he can muster, then to Halbert.
RENYour Majesty, I was most grieved to hear of your niece’s disappearance. If there is anything my government can do--
David cuts Ren off.
8.
DAVIDAppreciated, but my niece has not disappeared. She’s only gone on a cruise around the islands to better tour her inheritance.
Ren breathes an overt sigh. Halbert watches him with suspicion.
RENSuch a relief. Then I should look forward to meeting her tonight-- at the banquet?
DAVIDOf course!
Ren smiles wide and gracious.
RENIn light of her arrival, then, may I propose we sign to the terms of the dowry? The Emperor has already given his seal.
Ren pulls papers from his bag. David’s smile turns into a sneer as he takes the documents from Ren.
After a cursory glance, he hands them to Halbert. David turns back to Ren.
DAVIDDo you take me for an idiot?
RENYour Majesty?
David scowls.
DAVIDYou’re not getting the dowry without the girl.
Ren acts taken aback.
RENI didn’t mean to suggest--
DAVIDOf course you did. No girl, no dowry! For all I know it was you lot who had her kidnapped.
Ren feigns surprise.
9.
RENThen she is missing...
DAVIDListen here, my Jap friend. The deal remains the same. You’ll have no dowry until Ella’s married to your Emperor’s firstborn son. No marriage, no dowry! I’ve waited ten years to join our families. There will be no deal without a marriage!
David tosses the documents into Ren’s face. Ren does not collect the papers. He only bows and retreats toward the door.
RENAs you say, Your Majesty. Then... tonight?
DAVIDWhat did I say?!
RENYes, Your Majesty.
Ren steps out of the room. Halbert waits for the door to close, then addresses the king.
HALBERTWe need an alliance with Japan to be as strong as possible if we’re to maintain our independence from the West.
DAVIDIf the Emperor was half as bold as his ambassador, he’d have conquered China by now. This is how it began with the Americans. You offer an olive branch and they beat you to death with it.
HALBERTEven so...
DAVIDYou said it yourself. We need as strong an alliance as possible. Ella is the other half of that equation.
HALBERTAnd this dowry we’re giving them--?
10.
DAVID--The other half.
David gazes upon his giant map of the Pacific.
DAVID (CONT’D)But without Ella, we’re lost.
EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN - DAY
A SPYGLASS follows Ella Kaliokalani and her lifeboat from a distance. She yells and waves her arms about emphatically.
EXT. CASSIOPEIA - SAME
Tracking her with their spyglasses are two men-- one, of Middle Eastern descent, the other Japanese.
The Middle Eastern man is ORION NASSIR, (30) a smuggler. He wears loose-fitting clothes practical for sailing and an Australian fedora to keep the sun out of his dark eyes. He has a Lebanese-Australian accent.
ORIONWhat are you thinking?
Orion’s shipmate, TOMI GENSAI, Japanese-American, (28) is more of a dandy. His Panama hat is stylish, yet practical. He wears the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled to the elbows and his suit jacket slung over his shoulder.
Tomi shrugs, puts away his spyglass and turns his attention to a bowl of rice and steamed fish.
TOMIThere are stranger ways to meet women.
Tomi pulls out a slender jade cigarette holder and lights himself a smoke with a match. He pulls out a little notebook and writes in it.
ORIONWhat are you doing?
TOMIMath. I’m seeing how much cargo we’ll have to sell for me to pay my debts to the Kraken.
ORIONThat’s a lot of numbers.
11.
TOMIIt’s a lot of debt.
Orion puts away his spyglass but keeps his eyes on Ella’s boat bobbing in the distance.
EXT. PACIFIC - CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Orion’s boat, the Cassiopeia, is a medium-sized schooner, with wide sails and a clip pace. It comes about Ella’s lifeboat with ease.
EXT. PACIFIC - LIFEBOAT AND CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Ella keeps her balance on the lifeboat as it bobs next to the much larger Cassiopeia.
In spite of her disheveled appearance, Ella has a refined demeanor and a posh British accent. Orion gives her a glance as he tends to the sails. She’s clearly been out in the sun too long without food or water.
EXT. CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Tomi offers his hand and helps Ella cross over to the Cassiopeia.
ELLAI can’t thank you enough, Mr--
TOMIGensai. Tomi Gensai. And my esteemed colleague manning the sails is Captain Orion Nassir.
ELLADoes he speak English?
Tomi shrugs.
TOMIOnly when he feels like talking.
She takes off her hat and wipes the sweat from her brow.
ELLAMr. Gensai, I wonder if I could trouble you for some water?
Tomi snaps to.
12.
TOMIOh, of course. Right.
Orion already has a CANTEEN for her.
ELLAThank you, Mr. Nassir.
Ella drinks from the canteen greedily. Tomi gestures to the empty lifeboat.
TOMISo you’re all on your own, Miss--?
Ella chuckles as she comes up for air.
ELLAElla. Sorry. And yes, quite alone, unfortunately. I’m dreadfully embarrassed to be in this situation.
TOMISo you weren’t shipwrecked, I take it.
ELLAOh, no.
TOMIOn the run?
ELLAIn a manner of speaking. Am I right to assume the two of you are on your way to Honolulu?
TOMIThat’s right.
Ella frowns.
ELLAI was afraid of that.
She pulls a small DERRINGER pistol from her waistband and points it at Orion and Tomi.
ELLA (CONT’D)You see, I’m headed in the opposite direction.
13.
TOMII thought you and I might have had something.
ELLANo. I’m stealing your ship.
Tomi turns to Orion.
TOMIDo you suppose if we rush her at the same time she can shoot us both?
Ella cocks the gun and takes a step forward.
ELLABy all means, lads. Let’s find out.
EXT. PACIFIC - LIFEBOAT AND CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Tomi steps onto Ella’s lifeboat with care. Ella stands by a few feet away, her eyes on Orion, her finger on the trigger.
ELLAThere’s an island not more than a day’s row south. I’m sure the two of you will manage.
Before Orion steps onto the lifeboat, he pauses.
ORIONYou know sailing isn’t like rowing a boat?
ELLAI’m well aware, Mr. Nassir.
Orion discreetly kicks a rope tied to the Cassiopeia over the edge.
ORIONWell, good luck to you. You’re going to need it.
Ella smiles.
ELLAI appreciate that, Mr. Nassir. The same to you.
14.
EXT. PACIFIC - LIFEBOAT - DAY
Orion and Tomi watch as Ella sets sail. Tomi grumbles. Orion pulls the rope from the water. He wraps it around his forearm.
TOMINow what?
ORIONI’ll come back for you.
As the Cassiopeia picks up speed the rope around Orion’s arm tightens fast.
TOMIWhere are you going?
Orion leaps out of the lifeboat, dragged by the rope attached to the Cassiopeia.
EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN - CASSIOPEIA - CONTINUOUS
The Cassiopeia accelerates as Orion pulls himself toward the boat one slippery grip at a time.
EXT. CASSIOPEIA - SAME
Ella is perfectly at home on the schooner. She mans the sails in a hectic, but fluid show of skill.
EXT. PACIFIC - CASSIOPEIA - SAME
Orion painfully pulls himself over the edge of the Cassiopeia onto the stern of the ship. Ella is distracted and doesn’t notice.
EXT. CASSIOPEIA - CONTINUOUS
He opens a compartment to reveal a small armory of weapons. He pulls out a sawed-off SHOTGUN and sneaks up behind Ella.
As she tends to the wheel, Orion presses the gun against her spine.
ORIONHands up.
Ella slowly turns around.
15.
ELLAHow did you--?
Orion rips her gun away and tosses it overboard.
ELLA (CONT’D)It wasn’t loaded.
This makes Orion even more annoyed. He grabs her by the arm and sits her on a nearby hammock. He gestures to his shotgun.
ORIONWell, this one is.
Orion returns to the ship’s wheel and turns back in the direction of the lifeboat. Ella leans back, defeated for now.
16.
ACT TWO
EXT. PEARL HARBOR - ROWBOAT - DAY
Beams of sunlight bounce off the lagoon’s waters as a rowboat bobs gently in the soft wake. In the back of the boat are charts and maps, sketches and depth figures.
A tall man stands on the rowboat, pulling a thin ROPE out of the water. Every yard of the rope is knotted; a LEAD WEIGHT, tied to its end.
The tall man counts the yards under his breath. His name is JOSHUA STERN (34).
Across the harbor, a few frigates dock and disembark peacefully.
Ashore, a young woman calls out. She is BETHANY KRUG (29), timid and pious-- dark hair, African descent.
BETHANYMr. Stern! There’s a man come to see you!
Joshua shouts back.
JOSHUAWho is he?
BETHANYHe won’t give his name. He has a pistol. And he’s started eating your lunch.
Joshua furrows his brow.
JOSHUAI’ll be right up.
Bethany nods and makes her way up the hill. Her hips are misaligned and one leg is significantly shorter than the other, but she manages.
Joshua pulls up his suspenders, and picks up the oars.
INT. VICTORIAN HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY
Joshua enters the dining room and places his tools and charts aside without acknowledging the stranger at the table. The stranger is SHEPHERD QUINN, (40), haggard and unkempt-- a Yank with the bravado of a lawman and the look of an outlaw.
17.
Shepherd pushes a plate toward an empty chair as he devours the steak, grits, and hardboiled eggs off of Bethany’s expensive china.
Joshua doesn’t move. Shepherd shrugs.
SHEPHERDThe princess is missing.
Joshua furrows his brow.
JOSHUAPlease, have a seat. Help yourself.
Shepherd hesitates for a moment, then digs back into his bloody steak.
SHEPHERDYou said to keep you informed.
Joshua takes a seat across from Shepherd. Bethany returns from the kitchen with a kettle of coffee. She takes her time waddling over, her limp more pronounced than ever, then pours each man a cup.
Shepherd gives Bethany a wink.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)Such a meal. How many lodgers have you got, Missy?
BETHANYOh, Mr. Stern’s the only lodger. Rented out the whole house.
SHEPHERDDid he?
JOSHUACould we have the room, please, Ms. Krug?
Bethany gives a nod.
BETHANYYes, Mr. Stern.
Shepherd watches as Bethany awkwardly waddles up the stairs.
SHEPHERDIf it weren’t for the leg she’d be a pretty thing.
Joshua disregards the comment.
18.
JOSHUAWhat happened?
Shepherd shrugs.
SHEPHERDIt’s not clear. Servant girl says she jumped ship in the night.
Shepherd smiles and takes a big bite. Joshua stares.
JOSHUAWhat about your man on board?
Shepherd stops his bite. Takes a sip from his mug of coffee.
SHEPHERDMissed his opportunity.
Joshua furrows his brow.
JOSHUAYou don’t seem upset.
SHEPHERDI agree it ain’t ideal, but on the bright side, as long as she’s away, you can keep dredging the harbor--
Joshua’s eyes meet Shepherd’s. Shepherd smiles.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)--and maybe find whatever down there.
Joshua watches mirthlessly as Shepherd eats his steak.
JOSHUAAnd what might that be?
Shepherd grins.
SHEPHERDI’ve seen you on your boat. You ain’t fishing and you ain’t collecting pearls. I figure you’ve heard the same rumors I have-- that Good King David has hidden the princess’ dowry somewhere near here. My guess is you plan on stealing whatever it is before it changes hands to the Japanese.
19.
JOSHUAAn interesting theory.
SHEPHERDMy men will keep watching the docks. If she comes back up for air, you’ll be the first to know.
Joshua nods.
JOSHUAAnd what do you want in return?
SHEPHERDHalf. Whatever you find, I want half.
Joshua thinks it over.
JOSHUAAgreed.
Shepherd is surprised.
SHEPHERDI guess you’re not the sort to haggle.
JOSHUANot when it won’t do any good.
Shepherd smiles and takes another bite.
EXT. RURAL OAHU - VICTORIAN HOUSE - DAY
Shepherd breathes in the fresh air and pats his belly.
SHEPHERDThank the girl when you see her for the steak.
Shepherd tips his hat. Joshua closes the door behind him.
INT. VICTORIAN HOUSE - FOYER - DAY
As Joshua closes the door, Bethany approaches from behind.
BETHANYWho was he?
Joshua turns and offers her a reassuring smile.
20.
JOSHUAThe sheriff.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CASSIOPEIA - DAY
The Cassiopeia passes ships of every size and origin as it slices its way toward the bustling port.
Ella watches anxiously as the dry land approaches.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Ella looks inside a silver LOCKET she has chained around her neck. Inside is a small sepia photograph of two young Hawaiian girls, ELLA (10) and her cousin, LANI (8).
Orion approaches Ella as she leans against the Cassiopeia.
ORIONYou’re free to go.
ELLAWhere? You brought me to the one place I was avoiding.
Orion turns away.
ORIONWell don’t go crying about it.
He and Tomi work together to unload a large crate from below deck.
TOMIYou know you’re lucky you didn’t try stealing from someone who holds a grudge.
Tomi and Orion place the crate snuggly onto a wheelbarrow.
ELLAYeah you’re a couple of saints. What’s in there, anyway?
TOMIMedicine.
ELLAOpium?
Tomi scoffs.
21.
TOMINo, not opium. It’s a new drug from the states.
Ella thinks for a moment.
ELLAI suppose you’ll be going back to get more, then.
TOMII suppose we will.
ELLATake me with you.
Orion interjects.
ORIONNo.
ELLAI wouldn’t be dead weight. You’ve seen me sail.
ORIONNo.
ELLAPlease.
ORIONYou don’t get to ask for favors.
TOMIBesides, we’re dangerous men.
ELLAI’m not afraid of danger.
Orion bends to pick up the wheelbarrow.
ORIONYou’re afraid of something.
Ella hesitates, then reluctantly turns away--
ELLAFine.
-- and marches toward the shore.
22.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - SAME
Ella is halfway to dry land when she spots the first POLICEMAN. She instinctively ducks behind a BARREL.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - SHORE - SAME
Ahead, there are a dozen BLUEBACKS -- the King’s royal uniformed police -- securing the wharf, prying crates open with crowbars and roughing up sailors. Standing idly by watching, are a few of the sheriff’s DEPUTIES, wearing plain clothes and silver stars, rifles at the ready.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - SAME
Ella turns around quickly, she bumps into Constable Wade Mahuiki as he talks to a MERCHANT SAILOR. They make eye contact. Ella sprints back toward the Cassiopeia. Wade breaks away and chases after her.
WADEHey, you! Stop!
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - CASSIOPEIA - CONTINUOUS
Ella disappears onto the boat. As Wade approaches, Orion drops the wheelbarrow and he and Tomi raise their hands in submission. Wade turns to them.
WADEWho is that?
ORIONShe’s not with us.
Wade pushes Orion aside.
WADEGet out of the way.
Wade climbs onto the boat.
EXT. CASSIOPEIA - CONTINUOUS
Wade pulls himself aboard and looks into the cabin.
A BLAST nearly takes off Wade’s head, and blows a hole across the bow.
23.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - CASSIOPEIA - CONTINUOUS
Wade falls off the boat onto his back. Tomi and Orion shuffle behind wooden pillars.
TOMIJesus Christ!
Wade pulls himself up and yells at Orion.
WADEWhy didn’t you say she had a gun?
Orion shouts back but stays put.
ORIONShe’s not with us!
Ella pops up from the Cassiopeia with the sawed off shot gun in hand, her nose and mouth covered by her BANDANA. She aims the gun at Wade’s back.
ELLAOn your knees!
Wade turns slowly with his arms open.
WADEPrincess--
Orion and Tomi exchange a look.
WADE (CONT’D)Ella, it’s me, Wade Mahuiki. Our fathers were friends, remember?
There’s a glimmer of remembrance, but Ella strengthens her resolve.
ELLAOn your knees, Wade Mahuiki!
Wade reluctantly kneels. From the direction of the shore, Ella sees six uniformed police running up the dock.
ELLA (CONT’D)Don’t move!
Ella hops onto the pier and lands with a THUD.
She scrambles across one boat to another, leaping from ship to ship. Wade jumps to his feet and yells at Orion and Tomi.
24.
WADEYou stay here!
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - SAME
Ella leaps from one boat to the next as Wade chases after her.
Ahead of them, a large WHALING SHIP is setting sail.
As Wade closes in, Ella tosses the shotgun aside and grabs rigging of the departing whaling ship. Wade jumps after her but lands in the WATER.
He looks up. The whaler turns into the sun. Ella is out of sight.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Wade steps onto the pier soaked through. Orion and Tomi are on their knees with their hands on their heads surrounded by Bluebacks.
Orion looks up at Wade. He’s dripping with rage.
ORIONI believe there’s been a misunderstanding...
Wade punches Orion across the jaw.
EXT. HONOLULU - MERCHANT STREET - DAY
PEDESTRIANS rush to make way as Sheriff Shepherd Quinn rides his horse through the street at a brisk pace.
Matching Shepherd’s speed, Deputy Lars Tuttle pulls his horse alongside the sheriff’s.
LARSSheriff!
Shepherd slows his horse.
LARS (CONT’D)Got a moment?
SHEPHERDIf you can keep up.
Shepherd spurs on ahead. Lars pushes his horse to keep pace.
25.
EXT. MERCHANT STREET - WHARF - CONTINUOUS
The closer to Honolulu Harbor they ride, the more wet the earth becomes. Shepherd’s horse trots carefully through the mud passing HARD MEN, FLEABITTEN CHILDREN, and GAUDY WOMEN living alongside CRABS, WHARF RATS, and GREEDY FELINES.
LARSI thought you should know, the Marshal’s taken an interest in my murder.
SHEPHERDI didn’t even know you had enemies.
Shepherd pulls his horse toward the docks.
LARSThe stiff was a land surveyor for the Japanese Navy.
SHEPHERDWhat was he doing in Hawaii?
LARSI don’t know but I wager the Marshal does.
Shepherd ponders.
SHEPHERDAlright. Keep this under your hat. Find out what you can. Not another word to the Marshal or any Bluebacks.
Shepherd and Lars stop as they arrive at the cargo marina. Lars tips his hat--
LARSYou got it.
--and rides away.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - HARBOR MASTER STATION - CONTINUOUS
Shepherd dismounts and hitches his horse to a post. A pair of Bluebacks stand guard outside the Harbor Master’s Station, a wooden shack at the end of the cargo marina. Shepherd turns to no one in particular.
SHEPHERDWhere are they?
26.
EXT. HARBOR MASTER STATION - DAY
A shadow passes over Orion and Tomi. Their hands are shackled above their heads to a pair of iron rings bolted to the outside of the station.
They look up and see Sheriff Shepherd Quinn looking down at them.
SHEPHERDWell, look who it is: Cowboy and Indian.
ORIONI’m not Indian.
SHEPHERDShut up, Cowboy.
Leaning against the wall is a damp Constable Wade Mahuiki. He’s hung his blue jacket out to dry in the sun.
WADEYou know them?
Shepherd ignores Wade. He turns to Tomi.
SHEPHERDYou want to tell me what happened?
TOMISure thing. Some girl shows up, starts blasting away. Nearly took my head off.
SHEPHERDYou get a good look at her?
TOMII was at a bad vantage point. I could only see my life flashing before my eyes.
DEPUTY CLARENCE WHITE, a bald and pale Anglo-American, wheelbarrows Orion and Tomi’s crate into view. Shepherd looks over his shoulder and gestures to the crate.
SHEPHERDHow about what’s in the crate? Orion?
Wade walks over to the box and examines it.
27.
ORIONIt’s medicine.
Shepherd reaches down and uncuffs Tomi from the ring.
WADEWhat are you doing?
Shepherd leads Tomi to the crate and hands him a crowbar.
SHEPHERDOpen it.
Tomi gives Orion a look, then opens the crate. Shepherd looks inside:
Dozens of BOTTLES of brown liquid. Tomi pulls one out and hands it to Shepherd.
TOMIWe bottle it ourselves. It’s an effervescent twist on a medical innovation.
SHEPHERDWhat’s effervescent mean?
ORIONBubbly.
Shepherd examines the contents in the light.
SHEPHERDLooks like dysentery.
Tomi pulls out another bottle, cracks it open against the crate, then takes a swig.
TOMIGive it a try.
Shepherd opens his, takes a long gulp. He spits some out.
SHEPHERDThere’s a bitterness...
TOMIThat’d be the cocaine. It’s a stimulant that “revigorizes,” rejuvenates, and revitalizes the senses. It’s known stateside as the finest drug known to science. It’s called Coca-Cola.
28.
Shepherd hands a bottle to Wade.
SHEPHERDHere. Maybe it will “revigorize” your reflexes, Constable.
Wade declines the soda. Shepherd takes another sip.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)Uncuff ‘em.
Clarence kneels down and unlocks Orion’s handcuffs.
WADEYou’re letting them go?
SHEPHERDIs that alright with you, Constable?
Wade grits his teeth. He looks Orion in the eye.
WADEDo not leave Honolulu.
Wade pushes past a sheriff’s deputy as he walks toward the shore.
Shepherd steps toward Orion.
SHEPHERDYou see that girl again, you come to me first.
Orion nods.
ORIONFair enough.
Shepherd looks Orion and Tomi over and feigns satisfaction.
SHEPHERDNow git. Before that copper realizes what else you got in there.
Tomi tips his hat.
TOMIThankye, Sheriff.
Orion tips his hat as well, then picks up his end of the wheelbarrow and follows Tomi to the shore.
29.
Shepherd turns to Clarence.
SHEPHERDFollow them.
EXT. BEACH - DAY
Beneath the palm trees on a pristine beach, Ella pulls herself out of the surf, wheezing and breathless.
EXT. DOLE-SEYMOR PINEAPPLE PLANTATION - DAY
A sharp SICKLE hacks the stem of a PINEAPPLE plant.
The sickle wielder is MOMILANI “LANI” ALANA, (17) a hardened hapa (half White/half Native Hawaiian) woman wearing a thatched sun hat. She collects the fruit into a basket.
Lani is only one of a hundred or so WORKERS in dungaree overalls, picking fruit. Elsewhere in the field, a WHITE MAN on a horse blows a WHISTLE.
EXT. DOLE-SEYMOR PINEAPPLE PLANTATION - BUNGALOW - DAY
A line of raggedy pineapple harvesters-- mostly of Chinese descent, but some Japanese, ethnic Hawaiians, and even a few Whites-- wait patiently for a GREASY MAN at the head of the line distributing wages. He’s protected by two tobacco chewing RIFLEMEN.
The line moves up. Lani takes a step forward. There’s a rumble of THUNDER.
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
Through DOWNPOURING RAIN, carrying a bindle, Lani walks alongside GIDEON ALANA (40), her uncle, a Native Hawaiian. They turn down a path into the rainforest.
EXT. RAINFOREST - CONTINUOUS
Lani and Gideon trek through the rain.
EXT. GIDEON’S KAUHALE (COTTAGE) - DAY
Lani and Gideon come to a clearing. In the distance-- only a mile or so-- are the countless ships of Honolulu Harbor.
30.
Gideon’s cottage is a large traditional hale hut that has been retrofitted with wooden walls to help guard against flooding and wind.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DEN - DAY
Gideon steps inside, followed by Lani. They immediately spot a drenched young woman in the center of the room tending a fire. She turns around. It’s Ella. She gets up to greet them.
ELLALani! Uncle Gideon!
Gideon drops his bindle and rushes to hug her.
GIDEONElla! I don’t believe it!
As Gideon and Ella embrace, Lani is in shock.
31.
ACT THREE
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DAY
The rain continues to fall outside.
Gideon stomps on a trail of fire ants attempting to crawl inside from under the front door. Ella and Lani sit by the fire getting dry and drinking whiskey from metal mugs.
GIDEONDamn ants. Always trying to get inside when it rains.
LANIGrandmother always used to say, “Haoles brought ants to the islands... but then, they also brought whiskey.”
Lani cheers Ella. Lani takes a swig. Ella half-heartedlytakes a painful sip.
ELLAWhere is grandmother?
LANIShe died two years ago.
Ella is surprised.
ELLANo one told me.
Thunder rumbles as Lani pours another drink.
LANIIt’s good to have you back, coz’.
ELLAHonestly, I don’t know how long I’ll be staying.
Gideon crosses the room and sits down in a comfortable rocker.
LANINo?
ELLAMy plan is to visit for a spell, but soon make my way to South America.
32.
LANISouth America?
ELLAIt’s the last place the King will look for me.
Gideon and Lani exchange a look. Ella’s attention is diverted toward a framed lithograph of her mother, ELIZABETH (19).
GIDEONThen, the King doesn’t know you’re here?
ELLAI should hope not.
Ella continues to examine the lithograph.
ELLA (CONT’D)This is my mother?
Gideon nods.
GIDEONIt is-- from when she was about your age. No one expected her to marry a Noble, let alone a Crown Prince. Yet here you are.
ELLAYou make it sound like a fairy tale.
Ella puts the framed lithograph back in its place.
ELLA (CONT’D)Fairy tales should have happy endings.
LANIAnother cup?
Ella forces a smile.
ELLANo. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to dampen the mood. It’s been days and I’ve hardly slept. I should probably lie down.
Gideon stands up.
33.
GIDEONOf course. Lani will show you a room.
EXT. CHINATOWN - FANG’S BAR & CASINO - DAY
Bald and pale Deputy Clarence White stands out among the bustling busy RESIDENTS of Honolulu’s Chinatown. Orion and Tomi watch him from the warmth of a bar’s doorway. They’re drinking Coca-Cola. Tomi smokes a cigarette from a jade holder.
TOMII almost feel bad for him.
He and Orion step inside the bar.
INT. FANG’S BAR & CASINO - CONTINUOUS
A genial old man with a long beard stands at the bar. He is MR. WU FANG (60).
TOMIMr. Fang, we need to use your back exit.
Mr. Fang nods and motions for them to follow him.
EXT. CHINATOWN - HIDDEN ALLEY - DAY
Orion and Tomi wheelbarrow their prized crate through a vermin infested side street. They are watched with suspicion by every Chinese RESIDENT they pass. Tomi’s a bit coked up.
TOMIDo you think she really was a princess?
ORIONWith any luck we’ll never know.
They press on until they come to outside a meat market. A burly man with a queue-top hair style stops them. His name is HAN, (26).
HANWhat’s your business here?
TOMIWe’ve come to sell the Admiral some guns.
34.
INT. CHINATOWN - MEATHOUSE - DAY
DEAD PIGS on hooks and chains swing from one end to the other. Blood-coated BUTCHERS cut them down and apart.
Orion and Tomi are led through by Han. BAO, (28) a menacing hare-lipped Chinese bruiser walks behind them.
EXT. CHINATOWN - PIG WALK - CONTINUOUS
Hundreds of PIGS run through a maze of wooden cages toward the slaughterhouse. Honolulu Bay looks peaceful in the distance.
Han leads Orion and Tomi to Admiral XHANG CHEN (44) who stands facing away, watching the pigs. He is a tall bald brute of a man with a long frown, clad in black. He has suspicious eyes and a hoarse voice.
Xhang is shadowed by his right hand, PENG, (50), a short man with a long moustache. As they approach, Peng whispers to the Admiral. Xhang turns around. Peng’s voice is deep and faintly British. He acts as Xhang’s translator while Xhang’s words are never heard or understood.
PENGThe Admiral expected you last week.
TOMIPlease convey our sincerest apologies.
Peng whispers to Xhang, who nods.
PENGYou brought the weapon?
TOMIRight here.
He and Orion open the crate, and clumsily remove the outer layer of coke bottles. Xhang watches idly without discernible emotion.
Finally, Orion and Tomi lift the machine out of the box, and Orion starts putting it together:
TOMI (CONT’D)Gentleman, I present to you the Gatling Gun.
Orion sticks the sixty pound MACHINE GUN on a tripod and rests it pointed directly at the Admiral and Peng.
35.
The Admiral doesn’t say anything but Tomi kicks the gun to face another direction.
TOMI (CONT’D)Ain’t she pretty? Six barrels of hot steel primed and ready to fire over Twelve. Hundred. Rounds-- A minute. With the right operator, she can depopulate Hong Kong in an hour.
Tomi lets that sink in. Peng and Xhang exchange words as Tomi continues to deliver his pitch.
TOMI (CONT’D)Bullets are 45 caliber, cheap, nothing fancy--
Peng interrupts.
PENGStop.
TOMIThere a problem?
PENGThe Admiral requires a demonstration.
Tomi glances back at Orion.
TOMIRight.
EXT. OUTSKIRTS - HILLSIDE - DAY
The rain has stopped.
On the outskirts of Honolulu’s Chinatown, twelve blindfolded DEAD PIGS, are dressed in British uniforms, impaled upon wooden stakes and propped up against the hill. Thirty yards away, Tomi and Orion put the Gatling gun back together. Tomi leans in next to Orion.
TOMIPlease tell me you know how to shoot this thing.
Orion hesitates.
ORIONI’ve seen it done.
36.
He swings the gun in the direction of the twelve dead pigs.
TOMIOn the count of three?
Orion takes a breath.
TOMI (CONT’D)One... Two...
Orion starts FIRING. Tomi covers his ears. Xhang doesn’t flinch.
The blindfolded pigs rip to shreds. Limbs, blood, and fabric go flying. Orion swings the gun side to side like a pendulum. When he is done, not one of the pigs is left standing. Peng confers with Xhang.
PENGHow many of these do you have?
Tomi is dumbfounded. Orion speaks for him.
ORIONFourteen.
Peng confers with Xhang.
PENGWould you prefer cash or opium?
Across the clearing, flies hover over the pig remains.
EXT. IOLANI PALACE - COURTYARD - DUSK
King David pulls an ear off of a ROASTED PIG, then chews it like bacon.
In front of him are several pits lined with wood and lava rocks roasting over a dozen pigs.
He eyes his young SERVANTS tending to the meat-- girls the same age as Ella. The courtyard is alive with activity.
Flowers adorn the grounds-- hibiscus, pink frangipani, and a rainbow of others. David chews his pig ear in silence watching NOBLES, BUSINESSMEN, and DEBUTANTES mingle in the shadow of his palace.
David’s sister, LYDIA “LILUOKALANI” KAMAKA’EHA, (48), approaches. She is a large woman, and strong. Her Victorian gown teases her ankles rather than drag behind her.
37.
LYDIA(in Hawaiian; subtitled)
Don’t eat the pig, Your Majesty. It only reminds the Haole your ancestors were cannibals.
David replies in English.
DAVIDYou mock your own people, woman.
LYDIANo, my dear brother, I’m mocking you. I’ve heard Ella won’t be joining us.
DAVIDWe shall see.
LYDIAOf course you would hold a homecoming luau for your niece without your niece in attendance. Is this some European tradition I’ve never heard of?
David sneers. A troop of FIRE DANCERS perform a short distance away.
DAVIDWe have enough traditions here at home. For example, I could have you thrown into the volcano... but I doubt Pele would consider it a virgin sacrifice.
LYDIANo, you’ve reserved that honor for our niece.
A performing FIRE-EATER blows a FIREBALL.
LYDIA (CONT’D)David, I want you to announce I’m next in line for the throne.
DAVIDYou are my sister and the wife of the Governor of Oahu. You would think that would be enough influence for one woman.
38.
LYDIAThe Kingdom can’t afford another drawn out royal election. The nobles must be united, not scrambling and fighting for scraps. Name me Crown Princess and the nobles will unite behind us.
DAVIDI can see you’ve given this some thought.
LYDIAAnd that’s all I ask of you.
Lydia walks away, joining a group of nobles and their wives watching the dancers. David turns back to the roasted pigs.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
As Ella lies asleep, Gideon closes the door softly.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - CONTINUOUS
He locks the door behind him and pockets the key.
LANIWhat are you doing?
He grabs his coat and hat heading for the door.
GIDEONDon’t let her leave.
LANIAre you turning her in to the King?
Gideon stops, turns around.
GIDEONIt’s for the best. This is what her mother would have wanted.
Lani acts stoic.
LANIMake sure you claim the reward.
Gideon nods, then walks out of the cottage.
39.
EXT. IOLANI PALACE - COURTYARD - NIGHT
As a band plays traditional Hawaiian music and the POLITICIANS and the NOBILITY eat their full, David unbuttons his trousers and starts to relieve himself on the flower garden lining the palace. GEORGE, (60), David’s senior valet keeps watch.
DAVIDAnyone coming?
George shakes his head. David turns away from the party and starts to pee.
LYDIA (O.C.)David...
DAVIDOh, for god’s sake, George!
David buttons his trousers and turns around. On Lydia’s arm is Joshua Stern.
LYDIADavid, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.
Joshua gives a polite bow.
JOSHUAYour Majesty.
LYDIAMr. Stern is a geologist, come to find “gold in them hills.”
Joshua smiles broadly.
JOSHUAIn a matter of speaking, diamonds are more likely given the volcanic terrain.
DAVIDNo wonder you’ve charmed my sister. She has a weakness for young men and big diamonds.
JOSHUAI’m sure it’s she who’s charming me.
David smiles.
40.
LYDIAI was thinking that Joshua might be able to appraise some of the items in our father’s mineral collection at the palace.
David nods enthusiastically.
DAVIDI don’t see why not. I’d love to chat more, but I have some nature of my own to attend to.
Joshua bows again, politely. David rushes away.
As David marches away, George follows. They make it to the palace steps when--
GEORGESenator Dole, Your Majesty.
David turns. Senator SANFORD B. DOLE (42), is a pale white man with a long and untidy gray beard. He’s not outwardly intimidating, but a social puppeteer.
SANFORDAnother successful luau, Your Majesty. A shame not everyone is here to appreciate it.
DAVIDAh, Sanford. Good of you to come.
Sanford smiles.
SANFORDI’ll want to discuss your niece’s dowry when you have a moment.
DAVIDTomorrow.
David motions to George.
DAVID (CONT’D)George, schedule a meeting with the Senator. Sanford.
SANFORDYour Majesty.
David marches up the stairs and into the palace. George pulls out a pen and planner.
41.
EXT. IOLANI PALACE - GATE - NIGHT
An annoyed and slightly inebriated Halbert marches to the palace gates led and trailed by a couple ROYAL POLICE.
He finds a tough old SERGEANT holding fast to the collar of a raggedy man in a grey cap.
HALBERTAlright, I’m here. Who is he?
SERGEANTSome ruddy drunk, Marshall, spouting tall tales.
The Sergeant slaps the man aside the head. Halbert eyes him suspiciously.
HALBERTAnd who are you?
The man is RANDAL YOUNG, (45), a leathery Caucasian.
RANDALI’ll speak only to the King.
HALBERTYou’ll do no such thing. You’ll speak to me or you’ll be interrogated in a jail cell.
RANDALI’ll only speak to the King.
HALBERTGet him out of here.
RANDALNo!
Randal pulls a gun from his belt.
RANDAL (CONT’D)“Sic Semper Tyrannus!”
Halbert punches Randal across the jaw. Wade and the other Bluebacks swarm the gunman and wrestle him to the ground.
INT. SHERIFF’S STATION - NIGHT
A knife cuts into a raw white POPPY plant. Creamy latex pusses from the wound.
42.
Shepherd collects the liquid opium and dries it over a lamp. When the enamel has hardened, he breaks it up and sticks the OPIUM into an American pipe.
A KNOCK. Shepherd delays lighting his pipe, sighs.
SHEPHERDEnter!
Gideon steps inside. Shepherd lights his pipe.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)What do you want?
GIDEONI heard you know people who are looking for the Princess.
Shepherd is careful.
SHEPHERDDo you know where she is?
GIDEONIn my home. I’m her uncle.
Shepherd’s interest is piqued. He passes the pipe to Gideon who accepts.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
A foot collides with the door, but the door doesn’t budge. Ella picks herself up, and tries a running start. She SLAMS into the door, but only hurts her shoulder.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DEN - NIGHT
Lani attempts to read GULLIVER’S TRAVELS but Ella’s banging is distracting.
LANIWould you stop that, please?
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - BEDROOM
Ella wrestles with the locked door. She screams.
ELLALet me out of here!
43.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DEN - SAME
Lani scoffs and turns a page.
LANIWhy would I? So you can go to South America?
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - BEDROOM - SAME
Ella looks around the dark wooden room. She picks up a soft burning OIL LAMP. She opens her locket, examines the photo inside.
ELLAYou could come with me.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DEN - SAME
Lani looks up from the page. It’s an illustration of a“YAHOO” killing another Yahoo for a shiny stone.
LANIHawai’i is my home.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - BEDROOM - SAME
Ella shakes her head and pulls her bandana over her mouth and nose. Then she hurls the oil lamp at the door. It explodes and sets the doorway ablaze.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DEN - SAME
Smoke seeps from under the door. Lani jumps up.
LANIElla! What are you doing in there?!
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - BEDROOM - SAME
Ella remains calm with her eyes closed, waiting patiently as the room fills with SMOKE and FIRE, the SPLINTERING and CRACKLING filling her ears.
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DEN - SAME
Lani rushes from the room.
44.
LANII’m getting the key!
INT. GIDEON’S COTTAGE - BEDROOM - SAME
Ella’s eyes open and she dashes toward the door. Amazingly, she crashes through it. The fire escapes with her and tears through the cottage.
EXT. OAHU RAINFOREST - GIDEON’S COTTAGE - NIGHT
Ella stumbles out singed, but no worse for wear. Lani runs up behind her, and yanks her around.
LANIElla!
Ella looks at Lani. There are tears in their eyes. Ella takes off her locket and hands it to Lani. Then without a word, she runs away down the path.
Lani is left alone, stricken with grief, her home burning down behind her.
EXT. FANG’S BAR & CASINO - CHINATOWN - NIGHT
While Tomi and Han drink at the bar, Orion and Bao play a game of “War” with a deck of cards. The bar is lively and filled with smoke. Here and there CHINESE MEN in robes play mahjong with scantily clad EAST ASIAN WOMEN smoking cigars and opium.
Han takes a big swig of Coca-Cola. He looks sick. Tomi places a glass in front of him and pours some rum.
Orion and Tomi each have a burlap DUFFLE BAG. While he’s talking to Han, Tomi discreetly slides his bag to Mr. Fang, who takes it into a back room
EXT. CHINATOWN - FANG’S BAR & CASINO - NIGHT
Orion and Tomi stumble out of the bar, follow closely by Han and Bao. The night air is thick with a gray fog.
Tomi looks at the fog, shudders.
ORIONWhere did this fog come from?
45.
TOMIVolcanoes on the Big Island. Pele must be angry.
Tomi tips his Coke bottle. Orion taps it with his.
EXT. MERCHANT STREET - NIGHT
Ella keeps her hat low over her eyes as she passes drunken SAILORS, PROSTITUTES, and THIEVES. The FOG is thick as smoke. Ella quickens her pace, passing a BLUEBACK CONSTABLE beating a dead man and a WORKING GIRL on her knees servicing the facial-tattooed Maori man from the sealiner. Ella averts her eyes and descends to the harbor’s pier.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - CONTINUOUS
Sailors check in with the NIGHTWATCHMAN on duty, while a gaggle of prostitutes enter the marina without question. Ella hides among them.
Ella veers from the group and rushes up the dock. She unties a rope and tosses it aside, then climbs aboard the Cassiopeia.
INT. CARGO MARINA - CASSIOPEIA - CONTINUOUS
Ella uses a long oar to push the ship away from the pier.
She sets her sights on the horizon. Below deck, Orion and Tomi’s cargo lays stacked and forgotten.
EXT. OAHU RAINFOREST - GIDEON’S COTTAGE - LATER
Lani stands outside the crumbling cottage in a sea of fog.
She opens Ella’s locket and examines the young sepia faces.
Behind her, the RUMBLING of HOOVES grows closer and closer. A SHADOW in the fog approaches. Lani looks over her shoulder.
46.
ACT FOUR
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - SHORE - DAWN
FOUR figures stagger in from the fog-- Orion and Tomi, followed by Han and Bao. Orion still carries his burlap duffle bag.
TOMIThere’s more Coke on the boat!
Han is jittery and sick. No one has gotten any sleep.
HANHurray for Coke.
Orion and Tomi rush ahead.
EXT. HONOLULU HARBOR - CARGO MARINA - DAWN
Orion and Tomi’s moods sink as they approach the empty patch of water where their boat used to be.
Orion looks at Tomi. Han approaches from behind.
HANWhat’s the hold up?
Tomi turns to Han.
TOMIThe guns were stolen.
HANThey were what?
TOMIStolen.
Han notices the empty dock.
HANWhere’s your boat?
TOMIAlso stolen. I have reason to believe the thefts are linked.
Han adjusts his gun belt.
ORIONWe’ll give you the opium back.
47.
TOMIWe’ll what?
Orion tosses his fifty pound burlap duffel bag in front of Han.
ORIONYou take the opium while we go after the guns.
Orion looks at Tomi and notices he doesn’t have a bag.
ORION (CONT’D)Where’s your bag?
TOMII gave Mr. Fang half to pay my debt with the Kraken, and the other half for safekeeping.
Han removes his gun from his belt.
HANEnough talk!
Orion grabs Bao’s gun from his belt and jams it into his face. Immediately, Han aims his gun at Orion. Orion doesn’t flinch.
TOMIWhoah! Whoah!
Han re-aims the gun at Tomi.
HANPut the gun down or your friend dies.
Orion pauses.
ORIONI can’t do that.
HANThen he’s dead.
ORIONAnd how is that going to look, Han? You shoot him, I shoot Bao, you shoot me. You live, but for how long? Either way, the Admiral doesn’t get his guns. And who is he going to blame for that?
48.
Han relents.
HANWhat do you want?
ORIONTwo days. I’ll get the guns back, and the Admiral will never be the wiser.
Han thinks it over.
HANThe Jap stays with us.
ORIONFine.
TOMIThat’s it? You’re not going to negotiate?
HANYou have 48 hours. Then the Admiral will start asking questions.
Orion nods.
HAN (CONT’D)Forty-eight hours. Then we kill your friend. Then we find you. Then we feed you to the pigs.
ORIONIt’s like you’ve done this before.
(he gestures to the gun)I’m keeping this.
TOMIOrion--
Orion pats Tomi on the shoulder as he passes him--
ORIONI’ll come back for you.
--then jogs toward the shore. Tomi is left alone with Han and Bao.
TOMII hate it when he does that.
49.
EXT. OAHU RAINFOREST - GIDEON’S COTTAGE - DAY
A team of BLUEBACKS sift through the ashes and burnt wood of Gideon’s cottage.
Among the Bluebacks is Wade Mahuiki, digging through the debris. Wade finds Ella’s locket.
WADEMarshal, I found something.
Marshal Halbert Wilhelm walks over.
WADE (CONT’D)She was here.
Wade opens the locket and shows the Marshal the photo of Ella and Lani.
Halbert marches over to a man lying asleep on the rocker with his hat over his face.
HALBERTI thought you said she wasn’t here.
Halbert tosses the locket onto the sleeping man’s lap. Shepherd looks up from under the hat.
SHEPHERDShe wasn’t. Place was empty.
HALBERTThen what’s that?
Shepherd shrugs and puts the hat back over his face. Halbert turns to Wade.
HALBERT (CONT’D)Constable, spread the word. I’m issuing a warrant for the apprehension and arrest of Gideon Alana, the Princess’ maternal uncle... and anyone who may be hiding him.
Halbert turns away. From under his hat, Shepherd watches Wade and Halbert talk in hushed voices.
EXT. RAINFOREST - PATH - DAY
Shepherd shakes himself awake as he quickly walks down the beaten jungle path toward his horse.
50.
Deputy Lars Tuttle walks up the path to meet him.
LARSI got something you’ll want to see, Sheriff.
Lars hands Shepherd a ledger. He opens it.
SHEPHERDWhat is it?
LARSA ledger I found at the dead Jap’splace.
SHEPHERDSo what’s in it?
Lars spits his tobacco. He turns the page for Shepherd.
LARSThis is a map of the Princess’ dowry and its coordinates.
The page is a MAP OF PEARL HARBOR. Lars turns the next page.
LARS (CONT’D)And here’s a draft of the lease.
EXT. PEARL HARBOR - SHORE - DAY
Joshua steps out of his rowboat and pulls coils of long thin weighted lines of rope onto the shore. Shepherd is waiting for him a few feet up the hill.
SHEPHERDThere isn’t any treasure. The King’s giving Pearl Harbor to the Japanese to build a naval base.
Joshua doesn’t look up, continues his work.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)And you’re not dredging the harbor. You’re measuring it for the Americans... who want it for themselves. Which is why you wanted the princess out of the picture.
Joshua doesn’t answer.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)Well, where is she?
51.
Joshua sighs and squints into the sun.
JOSHUAThe world is erupting beneath your feet and you’re worried about kindling.
Joshua walks past Shepherd. Shepherd pulls one of his pistols and aims it at Joshua’s head. Joshua stops fast.
SHEPHERDThis is the last time I’m asking. Where’s the girl?
Joshua turns and faces Shepherd. Another gun COCKS. Bethany stands on the hill aiming a shotgun at Shepherd.
As Shepherd turns his head toward Bethany, Joshua grabs him by the forearm. Joshua’s strength and speed comes as a surprise. With a SNAP, Joshua breaks Shepherd’s arm.
Shepherd SCREAMS and drops his gun.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)Augh!
Joshua kicks Shepherd’s gun away, and pulls Shepherd’s other from his belt. Shepherd holds his arm tight to his chest. He breathes quick shallow breaths, fully expecting to die.
SHEPHERD (CONT’D)Go on. Do it.
JOSHUAI don’t want to kill you, Shep. You still have a job to do.
Shepherd looks at Bethany, then back to Joshua. He backs away slowly. Bethany keeps her eyes and her aim on Shepherd.
INT. IOLANI PALACE - MUSIC ROOM - DAY
In a bright room filled with instruments and music sheets, King David Kalakaua plays a masterful UKULELE DUET with his Portuguese instructor, MIGUEL SPINOZA.
MIGUEL(in Portuguese)
Good! Very good, Your Majesty.
A loud KNOCK on the door ruins the King’s song.
52.
DAVIDDamnation.
David’s wife, KAPIOLANI KALAKAUA, (52), opens the door. She’s an attractive older Native Hawaiian woman with a warm personality. Though she understands English, she never speaks it.
KAPIOLANI(in HAWAIIAN)
Your sister is here.
DAVIDWhy?
KAPIOLANIShe came to see you were alright, Kalakaua. You can learn Beethoven on the Ukulele another time.
David turns to Miguel and hands him the instrument.
DAVIDI apologize, Senhor,
(in Portuguese)Please, excuse me.
INT. IOLANI PALACE - MAP ROOM - DAY
David enters the study impatiently.
He finds Lydia unrolling his maps. David disapproves. Caught red handed, she rolls the map back up quickly.
LYDIAYou were always so taken with cartography. Especially the parts of the maps labeled “here be monsters.”
DAVIDTwo hundred years ago, they would have been talking about us.
David crosses the room and re-rolls the maps to his specifications.
DAVID (CONT’D)Now what’s this about, Lydia?
He sits down across from Lydia.
53.
LYDIAI want you to announce I’m next in line for the throne.
DAVIDI said I would think about it.
LYDIAYou were nearly assassinated.
DAVIDThe bugger never came close.
LYDIAThis is our country’s survival we’re talking about.
David crosses his arms.
DAVIDIt has made me wonder.
LYDIAAbout what?
David sneers.
DAVIDHow Ella could have known what was waiting for her.
Lydia is taken aback. She plays dumb.
LYDIAI don’t know what you mean.
DAVIDI think you know exactly what I mean.
Lydia knows she’s been caught.
LYDIAI did what any loving aunt would do.
DAVIDYou jeopardized an alliance that was ten years in the making for your own petty desire for power!
Lydia is livid but doesn’t move. Lydia leaves some papers on the table in front of David, then walks out.
54.
DAVID (CONT’D)Lydia. Stop.
Lydia does not.
DAVID (CONT’D)Lydia!
She’s gone. David finds his map of the “Polynesian Empire” and chucks it across the room.
The young steward pokes his head inside.
STEWARDSenator Dole is here.
DAVIDReschedule.
STEWARDHe says it’s urgent.
DAVIDTell him I’m sick. Tell him whatever you want. Do you think because the Doles own half the plantations in Hawai’i I can’t reschedule a meeting?
STEWARDOf course, Your Majesty.
The steward leaves quickly.
EXT. IOLANI PALACE - HALL OF KINGS - DAY
Sanford waits patiently examining portraits of the dead kings and Chiefs to come before. The steward is extremely apologetic.
STEWARDSenator Dole, I’m afraid the King will be unable to--
Sanford cuts the steward off.
SANFORDIt’s alright. I know my way out.
55.
EXT. HONOLULU - LITTLE TOKYO - DAY
Orion moves quickly through a crowd of predominantly JAPANESE migrant workers. He comes to an upscale bathhouse with a courtyard.
INT. JAPANESE BATHHOUSE - DAY
Orion makes his way past several intimidating JAPANESE GANGSTERS, all of whom have extensive YAKUZA tatoos.
He finally finds the entrance to the courtyard.
EXT. JAPANESE BATHHOUSE - PHYSICAL TRAINING COURTYARD - DAY
TWO bloody MEN wrestle. Others do exercises with heavy melee weaponry.
In the corner of the courtyard, one Yakuza with a wooden sword fights off three others. He is TETSUO KOJIMA, (30).
As Orion approaches, Tetsuo defeats the other SWORDSMEN handedly in a flurry of skill that leaves them on their backs.
Orion applauds uncomfortably. Tetsuo is offered a towel. He wipes his brow. His Japanese accent is virtually undetectable.
TETSUOOrion. I warned you not to come back.
ORIONI know.
Tetsuo sighs.
TETSUOWhat is it you want?
ORIONIt’s not what I want. It’s what you want that the Chinese have.
Tetsuo’s raises an eyebrow.
TETSUOAnd what’s that?
Orion shrugs.
56.
ORIONYour brother. Alive.
INT. SHERIFF’S STATION - CELL - DAY
In an open cell, Gideon lays asleep on a cot when a LOUD door opens. There’s an influx of sunlight. Gideon turns around.
GIDEONSheriff?
Shepherd’s arm is in a sling. He takes a swig from a flask and sucks a long drag from his pipe.
SHEPHERDSleep well?
GIDEONYes. Thank you for letting me lie down.
SHEPHERDDon’t mention it.
GIDEONWhat happened to your arm?
Shepherd grips the cell’s gate with his good arm.
SHEPHERDThere’s been a problem.
GIDEONWhat do you mean?
Gideon sighs and with his one arm, closes the gate, locking Gideon inside.
SHEPHERDYou’re a wanted man.
GIDEONMe?
SHEPHERDYeah. And because I can’t turn you over to the bluebacks, I’m in a bit of a bind.
GIDEONBut, Sheriff, I didn’t do anything wrong!
57.
SHEPHERDBe that as it may, I can’t have you waltzing down Merchant Street as a fugitive.
GIDEONThen what’s going to happen?
Shepherd sighs and walks toward the exit.
SHEPHERDJust make yourself comfortable.
GIDEONSheriff, no, you can’t do this!
Shepherd stops and turns.
SHEPHERDIf it makes you feel any better, this isn’t the easiest solution. The easiest solution is a heck of a lot less work and whole lot more final. If I were you, I wouldn’t push my luck.
Shepherd closes the door, locking Gideon away in the darkness.
EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN - CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Ella wakes up from a nightmare. She gasps and claws at her throat frantically. Only when she looks over her surroundings, is she able to breathe. She touches her neck and misses her locket.
At the stern of the ship, Ella’s bandana has been tied around the wheel to keep it moving in one direction.
Ella holds the wheel for a moment to feel that the rudder is still in place. Satisfied she looks at the sky.
The sky is a bright blue. Ella’s stomach GROWLS.
INT. CASSIOPEIA - CABIN - DAY
Ella cases through papers, charts, socks, and eating utensils until she finds what she’s looking for.
Two FISHING POLES.
58.
Ella smiles. She also finds a compass and out of the corner of her eye, a stack of CRATES. She sets the fishing poles aside.
Ella cracks open a crate and finds hundreds of bottles of Coca-Cola.
EXT. OAHU RAINFOREST - DAY
A WINGED RED ANT climbs the length of a tree branch.
The Red Ant stops, cleans its antennae methodically.
NOAH WOODWARD, (25) a young naturalist in khakis sketches the ant carefully.
PROFESSOR ARTHUR FRANK, (65) is an elderly professor equally dressed for the rainforest kneeled over
ARTHURSolenopsis invicta, the Red Imported Fire Ant. There’s not a species more vile or invasive.
Noah scribbles words into his sketchbook next to the incomplete SKETCH of the ant.
EXT. OAHU RAINFOREST - CLEARING - DAY
He leads the way, hacking the woods with a machete. Noah lags behind, carrying an assortment of living samples in mason jars. They come to a clearing.
ARTHURHurry it up, lad. We haven’t got--
Arthur stops dead in his tracks and backs away. Noah looks up and is horrified.
Hanging dead from a mangrove tree is the graying corpse of Lani Alana, a tight noose around her neck, a trail of ants crawling up her legs.
Noah drops his jars and rushes to the body to lift it.
NOAHProfessor, help me!
The professor composes himself and cuts the rope around Lani’s neck with the machete. The body falls to the ground.
59.
Noah tries to revive Lani by shaking her, but she’s a limp bag of meat. Arthur puts his hand on Noah’s shoulder.
Noah reluctantly lies Lani’s body onto her back. Her eyes are open yet lifeless.
EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN - CASSIOPEIA - DAY
Ella sits with her feet hanging off the ship staring into the horizon. Orion’s fishing pole leans idly against the rail, with four healthy sized fish hung beside it. A half constructed Gatling gun lies abandoned on the deck.
Ella finishes a bottle of Coca-Cola and tosses it off the boat. She then lights a match and watches it flicker. After a moment, she pulls out a stick of dynamite and lights it.
She waits, staring at the explosive in her hand. Finally, at what could be the last second, she casually tosses it a fair distance from the boat, then watches it go BOOM.
A soft mist of water sprinkles Ella like glitter. She smiles-- Then furrows her brow.
END.
60.