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At the Security office:
Portsmith *looks at George.
Did he just call her a babe?* I
can help you with the divorce process if you two make a promise to marry each other. Remember,
order, security, purity and truth! And, futhermore, I do require ...
Don
Juan *saunters casually in and gives Portsmith The Look that he has used on women, and Portsmith stares at him, losing her
trail of thoughts.* Commander! *His
eyes go downwards to her cleavage, he sighs* I have been unjustly accused and
hunted like a criminal because of this woman … *He throws Ava a compassionate gaze* … and I see no other option
than to divorce the one who once was my great love but decided to scorn me. I
am not accountable for her jumping on my sword. I have not committed any crime.
Constable Crane, as we all know, is very much alive. Therefore, my only crime was to withhold myself from all the women of the world and dedicate myself to only
one. I understand now my error, but there is one problem. My children, my ... my .. *he stops his eloquent speech, trying to remember what the kids were called* My little innocent children do need a stable home and a father who takes care of them.
A sad and deranged woman cannot be trusted with my babies, Commander! *then he pretends to see George for the first time* Fancy seeing
you here with her, but then, some guys have to be content with leftovers …
George: You know what Commander I will marry her and you know why *looks at Don* because I love her more than life
it's self. I want to show her how beautiful life can be unlike him over there all he showed her was pain.*George can
no longer kept his feelings about fatherhood closed* Don those babies are mine not yours Don. *stands up and goes next to Don face to face* Well at least
I can keep a woman, unlike you. What will people think when they here that the worlds greatest lover can’t
keep the woman he loved satisfied. They will laugh in his face and you know what Don they all ready are
Ava: George let me sort
him out * She walks to him just like the Goddess did to him her lips close to his* Ah Don we meet again I see *his lips
follow Ava's* A lot has changed since I left you I am a free woman full of supreme power over you. *Ava gets close their lips
nearly touching* Ah Don *laughs she draws herself away and sits back down* Commander what is it you need or should I say require.
Don Juan *looks gravely at
George* You are just trying to claim as yours what is mine. Love is mine, not yours. You are just a thief and a beggar
in the garden of love. Maybe you may be able to keep one woman for a while, but
I will have all of them. *he falls silent for a moment* To be exact, it's 1605 till this moment. People will only
remember me, not her. *he grins at George, then gets serious again when
Ava moves close to him, listens to her without a word*
Portsmith: Stop that. I can't have folks arguing in my Office. And
if you really think you are a father, George, you need proof for it. Take
the tests. As for you, *she looks at Ava, then at Don Juan, her brain working fast, then she grins to herself, satisfied
with her solution* … just sign the papers for annulment of the marriage. You
will get it fast, because you can both show that the other part is or has been out of his/her mind. *she smiles brightly* That settles it. *Then she adjusts her shirt, giving Don Juan a look he knows so well from the eyes of hundreds
of women.* Satisfied, Don Juan?
Don Juan: Almost. How about those reward posters?
Portsmith: Ah, I'll order them taken down, but as for the arrest, I am not sure about letting you go, if you don't
mind ...
Don Juan *gives her a conspiratorial
smile* Yes. I am ready to suffer
my punishment, Commander...
Portsmith *nods slowly, staring
him in the eyes, then her gaze wanders over to the couple* What? Are you still here? *she takes a form, fills in the reason
for annulment as 'Both-sided insanity' and signs her name on it* This is the plea for annulment supported
by me, you will have no problems with getting your divorce. Sign it and
leave it with Charlie. *then she turns again to Don Juan* You should not be breaking the law, the law will finally get you.
Don Juan: I do hope so, Commander...
George: You can keep your type of love, what use is yours when you hurt the one you supposedly loved the most. I
will keep her Don and you know why because she loves me and you know what when your elderly Don what will you do then
no woman would want you then. I will do the test although I know that they are mine Commander they are not his he cant look
after himself never mind children. Tell me one thing Don why would the *sarcastically* great Don Juan want his children they
would only hinder his progress in sleeping with woman
Ava: what
is in it for you Commander I wonder Commander I believe you will be greatly disappointed in what he has to offer the same
old same old. At first it's good but then it's just history repeating it's self. *Ava takes the papers and reads it slowly
* Ava does this on purpose to keep them waiting she knows Don doesn't like waiting*
Don Juan: George, you petty thief drug dealer, you know nothing of love! It's
your selfishness speaking in you! *snaps to Ava* Can't
you sign it already?
Portsmith *rising up,
tiring of the arguing* You two, get out. I
have some.. er ... important matters to discuss with Don Juan concerning his
release. *yells* Charlie, the guests
are ready to leave, will you see them out!
Charlie *appears suspiciously
fast, snapping close his notebook where he jotted down the divorce matter of DeMarcos beneath an entry with a description
of the latest Pirate Wench centerfold for the Vice-Mayor (you never know what may turn out to be important..)* Sure, please, follow me.
Ava *rolling her eyes* have
fun Commander I'll suggest you will want to get your self checked out afterwards *laughs* No you know what I am going to take
it home with me and sign it there. *Snapping at Don* Listen here he knows a hell of a lot about love than what you know it's
not just about getting a woman into bed Don. *she turns taking George’s hand* We shall discuss this after you have finished
with Don Commander now I will be at my shop. Goodbye.
On The Apparition:
Abberline *hears Manouche
and looks up, colors slightly, takes her hard by the arm and pushes her into the cabin, locks the door and hisses* Very funny, indeed, Manouche. *He throws away the stupid hat
and rips of the bandana, hurls her on the berth, not listening to her protests* So,
that's where your loyalties lie, with Kidd and not with me and Kat. I didn't
know that you were involved with this, helping Kidd take Kat away from me. You
knew that I was handcuffed and under surveillance at the lockup. *he looks very
hurt* And here you are on Kidd's ship ... Why such a lousy dirty trick from someone
I counted as a friend, someone who promised to help. You just didn't care to
mention that you wanted to help Kidd! It must have come as a big surprise to
you that Kat didn't want to leave me behind and smuggled me on board. *he crosses his arms* So, now you can tell Kidd where I am to be found. Go ahead,
mate. *he spits out the last word*
Manouche *lands
roughly on the berth, stares at him, eyes wide as she listens to his tirade. Then
she frowns, reaches up, grabs him by the collar, pulls him hard, down on the berth beside her.
She spins around, jumps to the floor, grabs him by the shoulders, pulls him up and pins him against the headboard,
holding him fast. She leans close, speaking quietly, eyes flashing* If yer goin’ to turn pirate, luv, I suggest ye take on a few o’ the more desirable qualities
an’ a few less o’ the undesirables, savvy? This immediate suspicion,
assumin’ th’ worst, an’ lack o’ trust fer a mate, most unbecomin’. I’ll ‘ave ye know that I ‘ad no idea what Kidd were up to. I knew she were goin’ to sea, that much is true. So
when I saw ye peekin’ out o’ that door, I reckoned she’d decided t’ take ye along, to appease Kat. She left instructions fer me t’ take care o’ Chiana an’ Raven, an’
she were most adamant about Raven stayin’ put. I’ve seen to it that
they’re bein’ looked after, I sent Alifi. I didn’t do it meself
‘cause I ‘ad a bit o’ highly important business to tend to … business that concerns th’ pair
of us, as it turns out. *she continues to hold him down with one hand as she
reaches in a pocket with the other hand, finds the recording device; holds it up, clicks it on, plays the video so Abberline
can see and hear Ackerman’s boastful confession about the photographs. She
watches Abberline’s face carefully as he listens; then when it’s finished, she clicks it off, puts it back in
her pocket* I’ve dealt with that bastard th’ only way I know how
… as a pirate. Suffice t’ say he ain’t likely to be tormentin’
anyone no more. I were on me way back from this little transaction when I saw
th’ Apparition, an’ decided to board, t’ see if I could offer me assist.
If ye look out starboard, ye'll see th' Libertine Trailer, an' ye'll know I'm tellin' th' truth. As fer me sidin’ with Kidd against ye an’ Kat … first, after all we been through, ye
should know better. Second, ye know as well as anyone that there’s no arguin’
with Kidd. Or Kat, fer that matter. Do
ye really think I ‘ave any influence over either of ‘em? Yer wife
is in a never-endin’ an’ terrible struggle, with a beastie within … her own counter-personality, as it were. It’s ‘er curse, an’ she faces it every wakin’ moment. As her husband, I suggest ye focus on that, an’ try to help ‘er in any
way ye can. *a sudden wave of weariness comes over her, from having felt Kat’s
struggle dreamer-like firsthand, to all her efforts dealing with Ivan and Ackerman, boarding The Apparition, and now this. She loosens her grip on Abberline, steps back, sighs, her voice softer* If Kidd’s at th’ helm, I’m sure she already knows yer ‘ere, an’ what yer
about. However, ye can count on me t’ keep mum about ‘avin’
seen ye, all right? Now, I’m off to go look for ‘er, an’ if
I ain’t needed, I’m goin’ home. *she looks down to the floor,
sees the hat that he tossed off; picks it up, puts it on his head. Stands back,
eyeing him critically, nods* Not so bad.
*grins, turns to leave*
Abberline *not trying to
pull himself free of Manouche’s grip, listens quietly, nods finally, knows better than to offer the apologies once again*
I think I won't trust anyone. I
am accused of everything criminal that ever happened in Deppville, I am attacked on many sides, now, if that doesn't make
one paranoid, what then does? I have no wish to be a pirate. I don't want to be here. I hate the sea. I hate all ships. I just want Kat home with me again.
You are the only one who can influence Kidd, and I’d rather stay low. She
wasn't exactly thrilled when she found I was on board. Oh, and one more thing
before you go *he fidgets with the brim of the hat, not looking at her* What
happened to the photos?
Manouche *nods* I understand why ye feel th’ way ye do about everyone around ye, mate. *glances toward the door, shakes her head* I can’t influence
Kidd. But I’ll at least ‘ave a talk with ‘er, see what I can
find out. Th’ photos … I couldn’t say. I ‘ave one at home, I were keepin’ it fer a time in case I needed it. Now I ain’t so sure I’ll need it. *pauses* I’ll see if I can find Kidd. Not
sure I’ll be back. Y’know how she is, if she don’t want me
about, she’ll insist I shove off right quick. *unlocks the door, opens
it, looks at him* Things ‘ave a way o’ workin’ out, savvy? Jus’ try not t’ do anythin’ … stupid. *she leaves the cabin, closes the door behind her*
Abberline: Stupid? *he takes the bandana again and puts it on, as low
as he can, hoping it can disguise his face somewhat, then he puts the abominable hat back and opens the door to a crack,
and when no one is seeing, he slips out and heads downward to the gun deck, trying to find a good place to hide in, and finally
he reaches the cargo room, tries a big box, and when it opens and shows to be almost empty, just some pieces of
cloth in it, he steps into the box and closes the lid. Yes, Manouche may
be a friend, but she is also a mate to Kidd. And she knew that Kidd was taking
off, and didn't try to prevent*
On The Apparition – upper deck:
Kidd *Ascends to the deck after almost interrupting what seemed an incriminating tryst between Manouche and Abby, in
her own quarters no less. Pity she'd not been quick enough to block Kat's awareness;
or was it. Perhaps this might make things easier. Wondering how Manouche came to be aboard, she spots
the Libertine Trailer at starboard point.*
Manouche *makes her way up
to the upper deck, looks around, brightens as she sees Kidd walking away; calls out as she runs toward her* Kidd!
Kidd, mate, I've come t' see if ye need assist in ... well, in whatever yer on about. *smiles, shrugs* I were
... in th' neighborhood, as it were ...
Kidd: So it would seem. I want ye to take Abberline
and return him te Deppville. Don't go givin' me none of yer gab, neither. *Looks out to sea.* I once queried True
Dreamer 'bout my future. She told me there'd come a day of 'ealin' and the wall
‘tween Kat and me would fall, then both Kat and I would be one. *Sighs* Tell me, Dreamer, what do ye think Abby would do then?
The Kat 'e accepts now wouldna be the same. 'e'd ne'er accept it, as 'e
ne'er accepted me. Then there be Ichy who 'as ne'er turned fro' either. *Looks sternly at Manouche* What be yer
thoughts, Dreamer, eh??
Manouche *startled,
starts to speak, then stops herself. She looks at her carefully, concentrates,
sees and feels only the tiniest glimmer of Kat. She swallows, considers Kidd’s
words* A healin’ that would bring ye an’ Kat together … that
must be somethin’ ye both ‘ave prayed for, at one time or another. *she
looks out at her ship, continues* Kat an’ Kidd ‘ave a lot in common
… both love th’ sea, both thrive on piracy. Both ‘ave little
use fer propriety an’ th’ starchy, strait-laced way o’ life. *looks
at Kidd* One is particularly keen on adventure … while one is married an’
th’ mother of two exceptional children. One has been very much in love
with Inspector Abberline, a fine man. Both ‘ave felt an attraction fer
a certain Constable Crane … also a fine man, a bloke who’s shown ‘imself t’ be brave an’ devoted,
an’ has indicated he’s more than willin’ to accept Kat an’ Kidd together. It’s me guess that th’ Inspector most likely wouldn’t accept a merger o’ Kat an’
Kidd. I believe he’d try, fer th’ sake of his family, which he’s
longed for all these years. *pauses* But
be careful what ye reach for when tossin’ somethin’ aside, mate. Crane’s
love is true, I don’t doubt that. How it would hold up in th’ trenches
is another question. Remember, he fancies an orderly life jus’ as much
as th’ Inspector, in his own way. He’s a man o’ th’ law,
an’ he’s not a hard drinker, if drink he accepts at all … an’ he’s got a prim side to ‘im
that allows ‘im to be attracted t’ a woman till she’s mad fer ‘im, at which time he withdraws to th’
point o’ turnin’ up that handsome nose o’ his in disdain. Now
granted, much o’ that may be due t’ his unrequited love fer *arches an eyebrow at Kidd, still sensing a bit
of Kat* … well, fer th’ pair o’ ye. Still an’ all, search
yer heart, mate. Can ye honestly picture Crane stayin’ with th’ pirate lifestyle fer long? *looks out toward the horizon, notices less stars, sees just the slightest lightening of the sky as the
dawn approaches. She turns to Kidd, her eyes filled with sympathy* Th’ healin’ … th’ very thing ye an’ Kat desire so much … it’s
possible ye’ll lose both men in th’ process. But what can ye do but
let th’ chips fall as they will? With th’ healin’ would come
peace an’ balance, right ‘ere … *she reaches out, places her hand gently over Kidd’s heart for just
a moment* … where it counts most. Once ye ‘ave that, all th’
right things’ll follow natural. Then ye’ll find th’ man who
deserves ye, th’ man who’s strong enough fer ye … *smiles* … strong enough fer BOTH o’ ye.
Kidd *Turns away. Retorts bitterly.*
No female wants te be merely tolerated by a 'usband. When this voyage begun, the idea was that Portsmith would
vanquish Abby's problems iffen she found 'im unencumbered. That still 'olds true. Though the reason be now of a differin' nature.
Take 'im and go, Manouche.
Manouche *puts a hand on her shoulder to stop her* Ye ferget somethin’,
luv. What makes ye so certain yer Abby’ll come with me? If ye really think he’ll leave ‘ere without Kat ‘erself sendin’ him away, then
ye don’t know ‘im at all. Now I’ll be all too happy t’
acquiesce t’ yer request, an’ take ‘im back t’ Deppville. But
not until ye face 'im, an’ tell ‘im that’s th’ plan. He
were shanghaied onto th’ Apparition … I ‘ave no desire t’ shanghai ‘im OFF of it. *leans closer, murmurs* Ye know his temper, mate. There’d be no livin’ with ‘im th’ entire journey home.
Kidd *Angered*
I be owin' 'im no 'splanation!!! The
onliest bloody thin' I'll give 'im be a choice!!! Board yer ship or be tossed
o'erboard and be swimmin' back te Deppville, savvy???
Manouche *ducks
slightly, then smiles triumphantly* Ahhh, so ye ARE willin’ t’ give
‘im a choice in th’ matter! Good.
That I can live with. *steps to the side of the ship, climbs up on the
railing* Ye run along an’ give ‘him th’ word, an’ I’ll
be waitin’ at me ship. I can’t promise how long I’ll be able
t’ keep Perhan ‘ere, though, so try an’ speed things along, savvy?
Perhan’s got a girl back home, he’s right keen on returnin’ with all haste— *winces as Kidd gives her an angry glare; holds her hands up appeasingly*
Aye, well, I reckon I can pull rank on ‘im, given th’ import o’ yer request. I AM Captain, after all. *turns to climb down to the small
boat, stops, looks back at Kidd; reaches in her pocket, pulls out an object, tosses it to her*
‘Ere ye are, mate. It’s an aquamarine … represents Ocean
o’ Love an’ Mercy. Use it in good health. *winks, slips down the side of the ship, lands a little roughly in the boat; shakes her head, grabs
the oars, starts rowing back to The Libertine Trailer*
At the Security office:
Donnie *frowns, looks hard at Hanson* His dirty work? And are you seriously trying to tell me that Abberline tried to shoot Kat?
His wife, who he loves? Do you actually believe that Abberline would’ve
stayed with a pirate if he didn’t love her? *Shakes his head* I’m sure that you’ll make a good investigator some day, but you really have a lot to learn! I bet you’ve heard all those things either from den-owners or from some unknown
source provided by the Commander. And don’t mention those tapes or any
of this to Portsmith; she most likely knows about the tapes and if she wanted them exposed, she would have done so already. We won’t find them here, they’re hid somewhere only she knows. I’m going to go look for Abberline. *Dryly* In the meantime, try not to find more charges against him.
Hanson *a bit offended* But that is true, he tried to shoot her at the hospital, and they were not married
then. Look, there were many eyewitnesses. Kat
survive only because of Manouche's sixth sense - she didn't have any real bullets in her gun. Otherwise, Kat would have been dead. It's all on
a tape, too. I am not cooking anything up, but I just can't close my eyes to
evidence, can I? If you don't believe it, I can go to the hospital.
Donnie *sighs heavily* I wasn’t trying to offend you, Hanson. And of course you shouldn’t ignore evidence, but you still need to consider the
source. Not everyone are honest in their statements … people will make
up things if it serves their own interest. All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t
take it for granted that everything people say are true. Abberline is a friend
of mine and it is hard to hear all the allegations against him, I’m sure you can understand that. I only want to be sure that we don’t judge him for something he didn’t do…
Hanson *sullenly* But why did he disappear now instead of clearing his name? Wasn't
that suspicious behaviour? I feel you have already decided the outcome of the investigation because he is your
friend. Are you going to do something to find him now?
Donnie *angrily* I already told you that I’m going to look for him!
Did it ever occur to you that he didn’t leave voluntarily? Did that even cross your mind? You said yourself that you were
knocked out, so you couldn’t have seen what happened between Abberline and those men.
Hanson *Stubbornly looks
down at his papers, and mutters* No, I don't seem to understand nor know
anything, Officer.
Donnie *a little friendlier* You’re young, you’ll learn. *Smiles a little* And it’s Donnie
… you don’t need to call me officer. I will go look for Abberline,
starting at his home … it’s unlikely that he’s there, but Kat might know something. You have my cell number if anything happens. *Leaves the Security
Office heading for Bournemouth House.*
On The Apparition:
Kidd *Glares
at the gem. Mutters.* Love an' mercy
be 'anged. Neither of 'em e'er brung me no profit!! *Goes below to her cabin in search of Abby, but there's no sign of him.* BLAST!!
*Shouts* ABBERLINE!! *Beneath her breath* Ye mangy cur. *Louder* Where be ye?? Show
yerself now and sail for 'ome with Manouche, else when I find ye there'll be a long swim in store for ye, savvy??
Abberline *after
thinking about his options, emerges out of his hiding place, swearing as bad as any pirate. He hates the feeling of the deck swaying under his feet, and even more that he does not know what Kidd intends
to do and where she is about to sail. And why ... He listens carefully, but the
only sound he hears is the creaking of the ship. He sits down on the box and
lights a cigarette, wondering whether Manouche was still on board, and on whose side she really is.*
Kidd *Turning the corner spots him. Stalks toward him and spies the cigarette.
Spits* Be ye daft?? 'ave ye no notion what a fire fro' a carelessly flicked cig might mean on a ship??? I could order ye 20 lashes for a needless flame aboard ship!! *Frowns*
Look at ye! *Calmer* This be no place for ye, luv. Manouche awaits ye on the Libertine
Trailer. Ye can be safe and sound back on dry ground in no time a'tall. Savvy??
Abberline *starts
and stops the cigarette* What? I
agree, this is no place for me, but I am not leaving the ship without Kat. *looks
at her defiantly* Let Manouche wait.
Kidd *Raising
a clenched fist* Blast it man ye be standin' in the way!! *Draws a breath, lowers her hand.* What iffen I were te
tell ye the time may be at 'and when the Kat ye know may well cease te exist. Face
it, we be two sides of a coin, she and I. If we become whole, ye most apt te
not be likin' the result, savvy?? Think of that darlin' daughter of yern
that ye love so well. Then recollect what she be, eh?? Think ye she 'as na been 'ard at work on 'er mam since the day she were conceived??? Aye, Kat fights agin it with e'ery passin' moment cause of ye.
*Pauses* This voyage could set ye free of Portsmith's plots. But not iffen I 'ave te fight Kat e'ery step of the way. Think
of it, luv. Ye could be rid of Portsmith and what e'er we become. What say ye now???
Abberline:
You can tell me anything you like. That's what you have been always trying, getting
in the way, separating me and Kat. I don't believe you. If Chiana were to heal her mother, it would mean that Kat would be free of you. No, Chiana would not
destroy her mother, she wouldn't. *he lights another cigarette* No. I won't have it. I won't let you do that to Kat. I don't care about Portsmith a bit. And I don't care about you. So, what are you going to do with me? Throw me overboard? Wonder how much that would help 'becoming whole'? *he
touches the gun in his pocket, remembering Kat's words of shooting Kidd.*
Kidd *Exasperated*
Ye know naught, ye understand less and ye be listenin' with deaf ears!! One, I be nay some ghosty possessin' Kat. Two, I
stood down so Kat could 'ave 'er druthers. Three, we can ne'er be freed of one
'nother cause we be one and the same. Can ye e'en begin te imagine yer mind torn
in two. With constant war bein' waged betwix the two halves. One side or t'other 'as te give in or live in torment and madness. Kat wasna capable of lettin' go. Don't ye see? I've always done that which she couldna. And yer right, Chiana
would ne'er destroy 'er mother. But the babe knows what ye refuse te comprehend.
*In a cold voice* We are 'er mother.
Now be a good lil’ boy and run along 'ome.
Abberline:
One and the same! No! *but as he speaks he knows that Kidd is not
lying.* Then it means that the woman I love, the woman I married, should
be no more. *he is about to light another cigarette, but then he gets up
and looks her straight in the eye* Kat told me to shoot you if you threaten
me, Kidd. If it is as you say, then she will be gone forever, and there's no
reason why I shouldn't do as she said ... I'd rather be a widower again ... *he takes out the gun slowly and looks at
it* Just tell me one thing before I make any decision. Why is it that you dislike me so much? What's wrong with me
in your eyes?
Kidd: The woman you claim to love, mate. Keep the facts straight. Yer hatred of me be far stronger.
E'en now yor provin' my point. She'd still
be 'ere and 'er mind would be whole but ye'd rather see 'er dead than risk that. She
loves ye mate. Why do you think that'd change at all. But yer watered-down version of love would break 'er 'eart cause ye only e'er loved a part of 'er. I donna dislike ye mate. I fear ye, savvy??
So if ye intend to shoot get it o'er with. Just
be sure yer aim be true. Then we'll all be free.
Abberline *lowers the gun* It wouldn't be her anymore. You
say that I only loved a part of her. In that case, only a part of her ever loved me. *he tucks the gun away* Is Manouche still waiting? It’s time to return to Chiana. She needs me. Tell Kat that I did love her. *he turns
to find out the way up to deck*
Kat *Watching
him go, she lets the tears come. Speaking softly.* Kidd was right. Ye don't e'en know me no more. Manouche didna e'en catch on. Be safe, my love.*
Wiping her face with her sleeve, she turns toward her cabin thinking Manouche
was right about one thing. She should have sent Ichy as well.* Maybe a
new life somewhere else where she wouldn't have to watch Abby find another love. Kat,
with her hand near the door knob of her cabin, suddenly needs to see him at least one last time. She returns to the deck. Remaining carefully out of sight,
she watches Abby, knowing this will be the last chance she'd ever have to see him.*
Abberline *smokes yet another cigarette. The woman he married ceases to
exist. Is that not just like death? He won't ever more see her as she was ... He feels the dull pain still in his chest when
he takes off the wedding band and wraps it in the bandana. It would have been better for them both if he hadn't
asked her the question, just let her remain free, but that's not his way ... It started all on this ship back in Fiji
years ago, when she took him into her cabin where they made love. And now, it
ends all here again ... *
Ichy *walks silently to Kat, speaks softly* You can't let him go?
Kat *Whispers* I have te and ye ought te go with 'im.
Ichy: *nods thoughtfully* And what happens to us if I leave now? I can wait as I have done before. But will there ever be a Tortuga for us? know you too well not to ask more about your plans. *he smirks* I don't think it would be very sensible of me to walk to him and tell him that
he can share the voyage home with me. You know how jealous he is of you. *he shakes his head* Will you ever get
over him?
Kat: Ne'er, but I must survive it but it wouldna be fair te
ye. 'e cared for what I was, not for who I am now and I canna live with that.
When Manouche returns, present yerself and ask 'er leave te sail with 'er. She'll understand.
At Grape’s:
Jake *pulls into the parking lot and turns off the engine; he digs out the shopping-list from the glove-compartment
and jumps out of the van. In Grape’s Grocery he quickly fills a shopping
cart with a big bag of carrots for the horses, sugar cubes, food and beverages for the kitchen, a few items for his own little
refrigerator, and a tube of disinfectant ointment for one of the horses that got a scrape. He
goes to cash-register, pays for the few items for himself and puts the rest on Luc’s account. Outside he pushes the shopping cart over to his van, places everything in the back of the van, and then
returns the cart to the store. While doing all this, he never notices the two
men watching his every move … both heavily built and wearing dark suits with sunglasses; from afar they might look like
two businessmen, but up close even with the sunglasses hiding their eyes, you can’t help noticing that these are tough
men doing the sort of business that doesn’t require nice suits. Jake returns
to the van, but as he opens the door one of the men slams it shut. Jake instantly
turns around wanting to run away, but the man slamming the car-door keeps his hand on the door letting his right arm block
Jake’s escape and his associate is blocking Jake’s left side. Jake
looks from one to the other; he doesn’t say anything; he knows what’s coming.*
Simon *the man holding his right arm on the door takes off his sun-glasses with his left hand and looks hard at Jake*
Do you have the money?
Jake *swallows hard, wondering what they’ll do to him … if they’ll “only” cause a whole
lot of pain or kill him; stammering* You know that I don’t.
Simon *sighs dramatically* What are we going to do with you? Mr. Clarkson has been very patient with you, but I’m sure you can see how he loses trust in you when
you disappear without paying him first.
Jake *glances around the parking lot looking for someone to help him, but no one is there. Speaks quickly* I’m sorry, I just need a bit more time.
Clarkson will get his money, every penny. I
swear!
Gary *The man on Jake’s other side* Oh, he will … but unfortunately
for you, Mr. Clarkson is tired of waiting and a little afraid that you might have forgotten about those twenty grand you owe
him. So he sent us to give you a little reminder of what will happen if you don’t
pay.
Simon *removes his hand from the van and puts his arm around Jake’s shoulders* Come,
let’s take a walk … *He leads Jake across the parking lot with Gary on the other side to make sure Jake doesn’t
make a run for it.* Your mother really should’ve taught you that gambling
is wrong … especially when you’re as bad at it as you. *They lead
Jake off the parking-lot and into a narrow alley nearby; Simon moves behind Jake and holds him by his arms* Maybe this will teach you. *Jake, knowing what’s coming,
tries to wrestle himself free, but Simon is too strong and before he can manage to escape, he feels a hard blow on his stomach
knocking the air out of him; struggles to catch his breath again. Gary connects his fist with Jake’s face before delivering
another blow to his stomach and then another couple of blows to his face. Jake,
buckling down, trying to breathe and avoid throwing up at the same time; Simon releases his grip and lets him fall to the
ground.*
Gary *takes out a handkerchief, carefully and nonchalantly wipes the blood off his hand; replaces the
handkerchief in his pocket. As he and Simon leave* You have two days to come up with the money.
On The Apparition:
Perhan *approaches
The Apparition later in the small boat, secures it, climbs up the side, calls out* Kidd! It’s Perhan … Manouche has sent me to find out about whether Inspector
Abberline is coming back to Deppville with us. Where are you, Captain?
Kat *Stiffens* Ichy, go. I canna. *Turns and returns quickly below deck.*
Ichy:
*nods thoughtfully and remains on his watch*
Abberline: No need for Captain. I am here and I
am ready to leave. *he stuffs the bandana with the ring in his pocket* Let's
go.
Perhan
*looks around, puzzled, then shrugs* Follow me, Inspector. *he brings Abberline to the side of the ship, he climbs down first into the small boat. He stifles a grin watching Abberline deal with slowly making his way down to the boat, then once he’s
settled, Perhan takes up the oars, heads back to The Libertine Trailer*
Ichy *watches Abberline leave,
then he goes to Kat* He is gone now. I
decided to stay, but if you want to be in peace, I will leave you alone.
Kat: There be no peace. Ye should have gone.
Tortuga will not be te yer likin'.
Ichy: There will be peace. Tortuga may not be to my liking, but I want to
see it for my own eyes. I am ready to give it a chance. *looks at her very concerned* Can I get you something? Rum?
Kat *Hesitates briefly* With this crew of miscreants, t'would not be wise. I'll rest a bit. Then 'ave a look, see
what they're 'bout. *Ichy
nods, then leaves and goes up on deck to watch the Libertine Trailer depart.*
At Godley’s house:
Godley
*picks up the phone and starts to listen to a rant from Cavalcanti about funeral organizations, then he interrupts* Mister Cavalcanti, I do understand your wish about having the funeral and getting
Salome into peace finally, but we can't release the body. Not yet. You have to be patient. *he listens for a while again and
his eyes bulges and he almost drops his coffee mug* Sure. Of course you will get to dress her, but can't give you permission to take her out for fitting
gowns. She's dead, Cavalcanti. A
dead body. And no, as far as I know she has not turned green or blue or any other
hue, and I don't think that a solarium is a good idea. Goodbye, Mister Cavalcanti. *He shakes his head in disgust at Cavalcanti's plan of turning a funeral into a fashion
show with a catwalk* Horrible man ... *as he is about to go out, he hears
a knock on the door. He doesn't often get visitors. He raises an eyebrow and peek cautiously out through the kitchen window. What he sees is a pirate
lady standing at his door, so he hurries to open for her* Hello, Grace, please
step in and tell me what's on your heart? I don't think you are just
paying a social call to a friend? No, let me guess *he wrinkles his brow
as if in deep thoughts* I know, maybe you suddenly found out how irresistible
I am? *and he grins and leads her to the kitchen* Coffee?
Grace
*laughs* Now I almost feel bad tellin' ye that I'm lookin' fer my husband.
Coffee would be nice, thanks mate. Hanson told me Donnie were plannin' on payin'
ye a visit ... obviously, iffen he were here, he's left again. Do ye know where
he might have gone after leaving you?
Godley: I should have known that ... *he brews the coffee and hands her a mug,
takes himself another* Yes, Donnie was here talking with me about the ... the
investigation Portsmith has launched. Sensible chap, your mate. He doesn't take anything as granted. So, I suppose he
left for the Office, I believe.
Grace
*frowns; concerned* Aye, I reckon he did ... 'cept, the office thought he
were still here. Is it long since he left here? *Hopeful* Perhaps we jus' missed each other on our
ways back an' forth from the security office.
Godley:
I regret to say it's quite a time since he left. Is something wrong?
Grace:
I bloody hope not! But the fact
that no one seems te know where he is, is worryin' ... *puts the mug down, shakes her head and smiles* I'm really a bit o' a fool ... I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. Could I use yer phone te try an' call Donnie's cell phone?
Godley: Of course. *Brings her his ancient land
phone, but when he tugs the cord, it comes loose and they both look at the neatly cut stump* What the heck? *he scratches his head* But you can use
my cell phone, the one we all got from the Commander. The cheapest model
and the cheapest service provider, Armacost Avionics. Not that I know why
they mess with cell phones, they are lousy. *he hands her the phone and colors
slightly when she sees the model and the wallpaper with Commander Portsmith and the text 'We are just one happy family!'*
At the docks / Chez Roux:
Blake *stands
near the slip where The Libertine Trailer is usually moored, gazes out to sea. He
strains his eyes toward the horizon, sees no sign of Manouche. He watches for
nearly an hour, then sighs heavily. He reaches in a pocket, pulls out an envelope,
removes the letter inside. He reads it for the third time, shakes his
head; folds it, returns it to his pocket. He watches for a few more minutes,
then finally turns, steps into Chez Roux for a drink. He walks through the dining
room to the bar, takes a seat, looks at Ross* Whiskey, Ross, please.
Ross *pours
a shot, sets it in front of Blake* What brings you out this time of night, Blake? And where’s Manouche?
Blake *drinks
the shot, motions for another* She’s off on some errand, I guess you could
call it. I thought she might be back by now, figured I would meet her at the
dock an’ take her home, but ... *shrugs* Stupid of me, really. I don’t have any idea when she’ll be back.
Ross *smiles
sympathetically* Pirates. They’re
gonna do what they do, no matter what, eh?
Blake *nods* Go ahead and leave the bottle.
Ross: Sure. *pauses, leans closer* Don’t worry about her, Blake, she’s got a good head on her shoulders. She’s nobody’s fool. *turns to tend another customer*
Blake *says
nothing, drinks the shot, pours a third. He takes out the letter again, reads
it, then puts it back in his pocket. He finds cigarettes, lights one, lets his
mind wander, his thoughts far away*
Daphne *enters
the bar, almost takes one of the small tables, then sees Blake; approaches him* You’re
William Blake, aren’t you? Isn’t your wife that friend of Malachi’s,
Manouche?
Blake *looks
at her as if he doesn’t see her for a moment, then snaps to attention* Oh! Sorry, miss … yeah, that’s right.
*holds out a hand* William Blake.
*he looks at her more closely* You, you used to work at the hospital,
right? I’m sorry, I remember seein’ you, but I don’t recall
if we met …
Daphne *shakes
hands with him* I’m Daphne, I was a nurse there for awhile. I don’t mean to interrupt you, I just wanted to tell you I’d seen some of your poetry a few
months ago in a magazine, and I really liked it, it was beautiful.
Blake *smiles
slightly* Thank you. You don’t
live here anymore?
Daphne *shakes
her head* No, I came back for … family.
Just visiting, I'm staying here at Chez Roux. My cousin works for the
Abberlines, her name’s Candy.
Blake: Oh, of course, I see the resemblance! I
hope you have a good visit. *he motions toward the seat next to him* Would you like a drink? Or were you on your way out, or meeting
someone …
Daphne *sits
down* No, I'm in for the night. *waves
a hand at the door* I just got back from a walk outside and thought I’d
have a nightcap. Thank you, that’s very kind of you. I’ll have what you’re having. *she motions for
Ross; he brings her a glass, pours a shot for her, another for Blake*
Blake *glances
out the window* It’s a nice night for a walk. *they drink, he looks at her* If you’re Candy’s
cousin … you must be here for … I’m sorry, my sympathies to you and Candy.
Daphne: So you’ve heard. *bitterly* The cops said they were gonna keep it quiet while they investigate.
Blake *smiles
wanly* There aren’t too many secrets in this town, I’m afraid. But don’t worry, I don’t think it’s in the papers, or anything like
that. Manouche an’ I know the Abberlines, an’ we know Sergeant Godley,
too. Because of that, we often hear what’s goin’ on around here before
it’s news. So for what it’s worth, I haven’t read or heard
anything about it other than that. *offers her a cigarette*
Daphne *takes
the cigarette, nods* Thanks. *she
finds a lighter in her purse, lights the cigarette, looks at him* You look like
you’ve got something on your mind.
Blake: I guess I do. I got some news today …
an’ I’m not sure how I feel about it. *lights another cigarette,
pours another round*
Daphne: I’m sorry, I don’t mean to pry.
I guess we’re both a little down, aren’t we? *she sips at
her drink, then brightens* Listen, I don’t know about you, but I have the
most terrible sweet tooth, and it always flares up right before I turn in for the night.
The dessert crepes here at Chez Roux are outstanding. I’d like to
return the favor of the drink. How about we go to the dining room, I buy us dessert?
Blake: Oh, no, you don’t have to do that. I
was leavin’ soon anyway …
Daphne: Come on, we won’t be long. Just
a little dessert and coffee, then you can be on your way, and I’ll get some sleep.
*grins* If you do, I’ll tell you a very funny story about Dean Corso. I dated him for a little while when I lived here.
I guarantee it’ll cheer you up.
Blake *runs
a hand through his hair, smiles* I guess I can't say no to that combination. Okay, Miss Daphne, it’s a deal. *he
leaves some money on the bar, steps down, offers his arm to Daphne, escorts her into the dining room*
On The Libertine Trailer:
Perhan
and Abberline *soon reach the ship, board, stand on deck*
Manouche
*approaches them, frowning* What’s all this, then? *looks at Abberline, surprised* Y’ mean to tell me this
were yer choice?
Abberline *nods* That's what she wanted. It's over, Manouche. Just give me a bottle of rum and some place where I can shut the door after me.
Manouche *arches
a brow* Ye didn’t answer me question, luv. *she
stops, notices how miserable he looks. She turns to Perhan* Get us under way, mate. I’ll join ye momentarily, after
I get th’ Inspector settled. *Perhan nods, Manouche leads Abberline to
one of the cabins on the upper deck, opens the door* We ain’t expectin’
foul weather, but ye’ll find an upper cabin is a bit more of a smooth ride than down below. *She passes him, goes over to a small cabinet near the berth, finds a full bottle of rum; holds it up,
smiling* ‘Ere ye are, Fred. Unopened,
fresh an’ ready fer pillagin’ by a thirsty pirate such as yerself. Ye’ll
note I didn’t say blood-thirsty. *she looks at him, he says nothing; her
smile fades, she sets the bottle on the shelf next to the berth. She walks up
to him* It ain’t platitudes yer needin’ at this particular juncture,
but I’ll leave ye with one thought. If ye offer love an’ it’s
met with snappin’ an’ snarlin’, best not take personal offense, savvy? That's often what happens
when ye try an’ be tender with a badly wounded creature, an’ it can hold true with humans, as well. Kat carries an ancient injury that won’t be healed, mate, an’ it scares ‘er more’n
words can say. Partin’ with ye only adds to ‘er pain. Th’ result … Kat’s half o’ th’ heart is filled with sorrow, while Kidd’s
half carries on as th’ warrior, guardin’ th’ vulnerability from potential enemy eyes that may be watchin’. *she turns away from him slightly, looks out the porthole, out to the sea; takes a
small coin from her pocket, holds it at an angle, nods slightly as it catches a glint of fading starlight. She puts it back in her pocket, turns to Abberline* It
ain’t over between th’ pair o’ ye. I don’t ‘ave
to tell ye how I know. I jus’ know.
Kat’s in a very dark place right now, but … there’s an old Rom sayin’ … May kali i muri may gugli avela. 'The darker th’ berry, the
sweeter it is.' *grins* Ye’ll
come t’ that sweetness someday, mate. *she embraces him quickly, kisses
his cheek; releases him, walks to the door. Turns, nods toward the bottle* There are times when settin’ a course fer oblivion is th’ optimal procedure. Get drunk as a bloody lord if ye wish, luv, no one’ll disturb ye. I’m off to fulfill me duties as captain. Perhan, though a fine crewman he be, can't bring
this ship into Deppville on his onesies. So jus’ holler if ye need anythin’,
savvy? *gazes at him sympathetically; turns, leaves the cabin, closes the door
softly*
Abberline *after she's gone,
opens the bottle* Rum is all I need, thank you ... *Not caring to find a glass,
he drinks directly from the bottle, drinks deeply from it, then he throws himself on the berth and lights a cigarette,
looking at the ceiling, talking to Manouche as if she were there.* You don't
see it still, Manouche. You are talking about Kat, but there will soon be no
Kat, just someone else I don't know ... Manouche, you still don't understand. It's definitely
over, not because of any choice I made. The half of her that has no feelings for me will take over ... And you call
that healing. *he drinks some more, spilling some on the shirt he found in Kidd's?
Kat's? cabin. He left his own there, and his jacket ... He feels himself suddenly
suffocating and rips open the soaked shirt, winces from the sting in his chest and drinks more until it fades. He lights a cigarette, but his eyes shut, the burning stump falls from his fingers
on the floor where he spilled some of the rum*
At the Security office:
Hanson *after Donnie has
left, starts to have doubts about the evidence. It is true that he has not been
able to verify all sources as he should have done. He decides to concentrate
on the gravest of the accusations, the murder of two men. He reads thoroughly
what the Commander has reported over the incident. She refers sometimes
to the tape with the whole scene filmed by the help of a microchip. Hanson
starts to locate the most important evidence, but such a tape or microchip is not to be found anywhere. Maybe the Commander has it still in her possession? Hesitantly,
he walks to her office past Charlie, who pays no notice to him, and he is about to knock the door when it flies open and Don Juan
stands in the doorway, turns his back to Hanson and makes a flamboyant bow to Portsmith*
Don Juan: Thank you, Commander! A man turned outlaw against his will
appreciates the newly found freedom. Adios. *then
he brushes past Hanson, snatches the mag Charlie has been reading, frowns at the centrefold girl* Don't waste time with centrefold girls, Charlie, they are fickle and they don't love anyone except
themselves. *he throws the mag away* And
who needs dead pictures, when the town is full of beautiful women seeking love!
Hanson *goes into the office*
Beg your pardon, Commander, but I was looking through the files and there's
something missing.
Portsmith *stares after Don
Juan long after he left* And what would that be? If
something is missing, how do you know that it is missing, if it is missing?
Hanson *continues patiently*
The tapes. The microchips from the
warehouse.
Portsmith *glares at him
suddenly seeming to be angry* Of course they are there. And if they weren't, they are not needed, because I was there. You can read all about it in my report.
Hanson *uneasy, fidgets with
his cap, not daring to say that in this case her testimony doesn't qualify* But
the tapes. Nothing can be proved without them.
Portsmith *now getting really
angry thinking about those chips Manouche stole from her, bloody Gypsy wench* What?
Do you dare to doubt my word!
Hansons: No, of course not. Sorry, Commander. I will look after the tapes.
Portsmith: Stop rambling about any bloody tapes and get to your work, you insolent puppy! Dismissed!
Charlie *smirks to poor Hanson
when he returns from the office red in the face* You weren't as successful as
Don Juan, I see ..
Hanson *rips the mag from
his hands and rips it in two* Shut up!
On The Libertine Trailer:
Manouche *having
worked with Perhan to get the ship under way, stands at the wheel, suddenly has a feeling that something is very wrong. She locks the wheel in place, calls out* Perhan,
where are ye?
Perhan *comes
up the stairs to the deck* Right here.
What’s up?
Manouche *uneasily* I’m not sure. Come with me. *she
motions for him to follow, starts toward the cabin where she left Abberline, quickens her pace as they draw nearer. They round the deck and stop in their tracks as they see smoke billowing from the cabin* Oh my god … *they run to the door, fling it open, start coughing as they make their way into the
cabin, the thick smoke stinging their eyes* Perhan, help me, we ‘ave to
get ‘im outta ‘ere! He’s passed out … *she and Perhan
manage to pick up Abberline, bring him out of the cabin as the flames increase. They
carry him to the deck, lay him down gently, coughing and slapping at cinders on their clothes.
Manouche wipes her streaming eyes, looks back at the cabin, then turns to Perhan*
Help me get ‘im in one o’ them boats. *Perhan looks at her
questioningly, but follows her lead as they pick up Abberline again, carry him to one of the smaller boats suspended at the
side of the ship, place him inside*
Perhan *looks
at him anxiously* Why do you suppose he’s not wakin’ up?
Manouche *wipes
the sweat from her face with a sleeve* He must’ve had a lot o’ rum
… an’ th’ smoke may ‘ave gotten to ‘im. *brings
a hand to Abberline’s chest, presses it gently against his heart, then feels for a pulse at his throat; nods* I think he’s sound. *looks at Perhan* Right, yer next. *Perhan climbs into the boat with Abberline;
watches, surprised, as Manouche moves away to lower it*
Perhan: Wh-what’re you doing? Get in!
Manouche *shakes
her head* I’m goin’ to try an’ put th’ fire out. *nods toward Abberline* Ye ‘ave
to get him away from ‘ere, savvy? *glances back at the flaming cabin, turns
back to Perhan* ‘Ave ye forgotten th’ ammo? Everythin’ I loaded into th’ ship, in case somethin’ went wrong with Ivan an’ Ackerman? Th’ bloody ship’s a powder keg.
Kidd trusted me t’ get th’ Inspector home safe, an’ that’s what I intend to do. That is, that’s what I intend to ‘ave YE do. As me crew.
Perhan *points
toward the cabin* Don’t be daft, you can’t put that out by yourself!
Manouche: I’m gonna try, jus’ th’ same.
Mr. Blake built this ship fer me, luv. I ain’t goin’ to let
‘er go down without a fight. *smiles slightly* A fool’s errand don’t call fer nothin’ but fools to carry it out. Now, off ye go. Once ye get down there, row like mad, get
as far away from th’ ship as ye can, FAST. This is a fine lil’
craft yer in, th’ best we ‘ave at our disposal. *she waves a hand
out toward The Apparition, which is farther away now* It could prob’ly
get ye to Deppville, but if not, it’ll surely get ye to th’ Apparition with no trouble at all. Now, off ye go. *she starts to lower the boat*
Perhan *eyes
wide, stands up* Captain, I must protest, this is mad! I knew you should’ve brought Blake. *starts to climb
out* I won’t leave you alone.
Manouche *scowls,
quickly lowers the boat farther; Perhan yells, hangs on to keep from falling out, looks up at her* I thought that might get yer attention. Now listen t’
me, Perhan. Ye ‘ave no choice in th’ matter. I’ve given an order, an’ I expect ye to follow through.
I didn’t bring Mr. Blake ‘cause I were worried ‘bout his safety, ye know that. I knew if there were trouble, he would do somethin’ stupid … like fall behind, face any an’
all consequences with me. You, on th’ other hand, are me crew. An’ I’m responsible fer yer welfare, as well as that of any passengers on board. *looks at Abberline, then back to Perhan, sternly* Ye’ll
follow me orders, savvy? Kidd trusted me ... KAT trusted me. *she pauses, looks out at The Apparition; then turns to Perhan once again, her expression softens* No worries, mate, I’ve faced far worse than this. There are other boats ‘ere, I’ll catch up t’ ye.
If I find that it’s a lost cause, I’ll let it go, all right? Now
GO – th’ longer we stand ‘ere babblin’, th’ more head start that blasted inferno has.
Perhan *stares
at her, swallows* Malachi is right … you are stubborn. *pushes his hair back, nods* Very well, Captain. I’ll do as you say. Don’t worry about Abberline,
I’ll get him to safety.
Manouche *nods* Cheers, mate. *she lowers the boat more
gently this time, it finally settles in the water. She watches Perhan take up
the oars and start rowing for all he’s worth, to get away from the ship. She
turns and quickly runs to find anything she can to extinguish the fire*
Perhan *rows
and rows until his muscles ache; once he’s put a good distance between the small boat and the ship, stops to rest a
few minutes. He looks down at Abberline as he hears him stir and mumble a little,
then looks again to the ship. He hopes that it’s just his imagination,
but the flames look worse. He grasps a small talisman around his neck, murmurs* C’mon, Manouche, c’mon …
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