ACT I

8. EXT. - AT SUNIUM - MID MORNING

The arrow wings its way towards Gabrielle. It is just feet away as the bard hears it and turns her head. Her hand goes up. The arrowhead is just inches away from Gabrielle's nose when a leather clad arm grabs the arrow in mid-flight.

Takin' pot shots at my best friend is playin' dirty.

Xena! I had it covered! You're doing it again. I can take care of myself you know.

I know. Force of habit, sorry. I just thought...

The trouble Xena, is that you don't think, you just butt in. You are so stubborn sometimes.

CUT TO:

9. INT. - IN A HUT IN THE VILLAGE - MID MORNING

Several of the villagers are working busily when Gabrielle enters the hut.

Ah, Gabrielle. There you are. Are we doing these things right?

Yeah, tie the tops off all the same and when everyone has an armful we'll all get in position.

Okay. Skeiron and Agix have almost finished their lot. We'll be ready soon.

Good work...

She pats him on the arm.

Be careful with the torches huh?

CUT TO:

10. EXT. - SUNIUM - NOON

Xena crouches behind an upturned cart as Gabrielle, behind the barricade, runs towards her, dodging more flying arrows.

That's the last of the firebombs given out. The villagers know what they have to do.

The warrior nods her approval. She sticks her head out from behind the cart, and is greeted by another hail of arrows.

Great. Give us time to get back, then lob 'em all at the same time. With any luck the surprise'll finish them off. Go get me my army.

Gabrielle pats her friend on the shoulder and darts away again. Xena, peers between the cart's wooden planking.

Okay, Acanaus, get ready for a shock.

CUT TO:

11. EXT. - THE VILLAGE OF SUNIUM - NOON

Xena and her small contingent of fighters move out from behind the barricade, shields raised They advance slowly, Xena at their head. She draws her sword, giving a deft twirl of her wrist.

Okay, let's go get 'em!

Xena's bowmen form a line behind the advancing villagers, sending off a shower of arrows into the trees.

Soon as I give the word, retreat.

The villagers shuffle onward.

He's on the move.

Acanaus's soldiers burst out of the wood.

Everybody back!

The villagers turn tail and retreat behind the barricades.

Now, Gabrielle.

NOW!!

Xena watches the shower of firebombs passing overhead. The bright balls of flame glow strikingly against the darkening skies. The barrage of bombs finds their mark and explodes spectacularly, scattering debris throughout the woods.

Yeah! Get 'em.
Let 'em have it!

As the dust settles, plumes of smoke drift slowly through the woods. Much of the army has been decimated but a few of the soldiers are still standing, Acanaus amongst them.

He rams his leather helmet more firmly on his head but with less resolve than before, urges the remains of his army forward.

Come on, we can still finish 'em! Charge!

The soldiers gather themselves and half-heartedly push forward. Xena steps from behind the cart, drawing her sword and strides towards the advancing soldiers.

Let's get 'em!
We'll show 'em whose boss around here!

The villagers charge past Xena and the reluctant soldiers turn and fly back into the woods. Acanaus stares after them in disbelief.

Where are you going?! Come back! We got 'em, we got 'em!!

Hey! Come back. Oh no, wait for me!

The villagers are close behind. Xena calls out to them.

Let 'em go. They won't be back, we stung 'em pretty good.

Gabrielle joins Xena.

Well, another warlord wannabe bites the dust. No idea of tactics huh?

Wanna know something? Pretty soon we're not going be needed. These villages are starting to look after themselves.

Yeah, well they had the best teachers in Greece.

You know, for a while I thought he had us but it's amazing what a few well-aimed firebombs can do.

Together they walk back to the village elder who is standing smiling at the retreating soldiers. He watches with deep satisfaction as they disappear through the ripening cornfields.

Look at 'em go. Just look at 'em go!

He turns as they approach, takes off his hat, clutching it to his chest and extends an arm towards Xena.

Thank you!

... both of you. How can we repay your generosity?

Xena clasps his arm, smiling broadly.

Ummm... 5,000 dinars and...

Hyllos blenches in shock, his eyes big and round. Gabrielle elbows her friend.

XENA!!

Just kidding...

Hyllos smiles weakly.

That is as well, for we have little other than the few dinars we will get for the corn.

The three turn, walking back inside the palisade.

That warlord came here just last week, asking a price for the corn and if he could buy it when it's ripe.

Maybe he wanted to sell it at inflated prices in Athens?

Mmm... ...he looked shifty to me. Guess it was a ruse to scout out the strength of the village before he came to steal it. It's just lucky you two showed up at the same time.

What's lucky is that he didn't know about the Greek Fire or the grain crop would've been the last thing on his mind. It just goes to show the importance of doin' your homework and remembering things you learned from the past.

So, how can we pay you for your services?

Well you can't let worms like Acanaus rule your lives so for a start you can remember what you learned from us today.

You have much more than corn here worth protecting.

Just some provisions to see us on our way would be Okay...

Xena's eyes glint.

... and throw in a couple of fishing lines as well.

Gabrielle looks puzzled.

We could do with a break. What do you say to a boat trip back to Athens? I fancy a spot of sea fishing.

Do you think that's wise? It looks like there's a storm brewing.

Xena glances at the sky.

Nah, that's days away yet. We could use some relaxation. I'd like to fish!...

Well... I'm not that keen. If there's a storm coming I think we should wait.

Don't worry Gabrielle. Like I said, it's days away yet.

Looks like we'll be on our way. We'll pick up the stuff and be off...

Let's go find us a ship.

CUT TO:

12. EXT. - THE QUAYSIDE AT SUNIUM - LATE AFTERNOON

Xena and Gabrielle push through the market stalls set out along the quayside. Most of the big trading vessels have left the port, leaving only smaller fishing boats and a few rowboats.

Only one ship docked huh!

Well that narrows it down a bit...

She notices the ship's nameplate hanging from the bow rail.

Charybdis... hmmm... ominous!

I don't much like the look of it but as it's the only one big enough to take to open waters, it looks like this is it.

She spots a sailor standing by the rail, tying a rope.

Hey, sailor! Where's your captain? I want a word with him.

The crewman ties off the rope and runs nimbly along the rail; jumping to the deck at the head of the gangplank.

He's not here right now. Are you looking for passage?

Yeah, we are. You have room for two more?

Sure, come aboard. We're waiting for him now. Soon as he's back we'll be off. Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.

He thumps the rail with a callused hand. Xena and Gabrielle exchange a quizzical look but mount the gangplank anyway.

What's so funny about that?

Search me...

Take your gear below. Through that door, down the steps, along the passage; there's an empty cabin on the right.

Thanks. You sure your captain won't mind?

The crewman waves a hand breezily.

Nah... we take passengers all the time. Ha, ha, ha.

He turns away to continue his duties, murmuring to himself.

Suckers.

C'mon Gabrielle. The sooner we get settled the sooner I can fish.

Xena pushes open the door and the friends descend the stairs into a dimly lit passage, strewn with nautical equipment.

Ouch! Watch those boxes there.

I see 'em.

The cabin door opens into a small square room housing a double bunk, a small table nailed to the floor and a couple of stools.

I want the top bunk.

You always sleep on top. How 'bout giving me a go for a change?

Xena slings up her pack.

Too bad......err......how's the stomach?

Xena, it's been ages since I felt the need to eat exotic meals. Just give it a rest.

She walks over to the small porthole, standing on her tiptoes to see through.

Huh, can't see much. Grey sea and even grayer sky.

There is a sudden jolt. Gabrielle staggers then steadies herself against the bunk.

We're away. Captain must be back, let's go check him out.

Gabielle dumps her gear on the bottom bunk and they make for the door. Xena stops and returns to the bunk, rummaging through her pack.

While we're up top, might as well see if I can catch us some dinner.

CUT TO:

13. EXT. - ON BOARD THE CHARYBDIS - LATE AFTERNOON

Emerging from below Xena spots the sailor they spoke to when they boarded.

Say, where's the captain?

Oh, he's gone to his cabin......errr......ill.

He roars with laughter.

Make yourselves at home, he'll come round shortly.

CUT TO:

14. EXT. - ON BOARD THE CHARYBDIS - LATE AFTERNOON

Xena flings the fishing line over the side yet again. Gabrielle wanders over.

Any luck yet?

Not a bite. Now the wind's getting up a bit, maybe the swell's too much for 'em.

Looks like ship's biscuits tonight then.

Xena glances skywards.

Looks like a storm's brewing.

CUT TO:

15. EXT. - ON BOARD THE CHARYBDIS - EARLY EVENING

Xena is still busily slinging the line overboard. The waves are higher and Gabrielle hangs on to the rail to stop herself falling over.

Xena, why don't you give it up, you're not going to catch anything now. You're being really pig headed about this.

I might yet. I have night fished before you know.

Xena, no fish with half a brain would be anywhere near the surface in this weather.

A door bangs amidships. Gabrielle turns around.

Hey Xena, the captain's here!

Huh? Hang on a minute, I think I got something.

The captain makes his way aft, stopping to speak to the sailor at the helm. The sailor points over to Xena and Gabrielle.

Oh great, just what we need. Drunk as a Bacchanalian reveller!

Xena!

Huh?

Oh my, will you take a look at his hair! I've seen better hair on a flea-infested rabbit!! Xena!

The captain turns to follow the sailor's pointing finger. He staggers forward to meet his passengers.

Xena, quick! He's coming this way!

Xena, still messing with her fishing line, ignores her friend.

Greetings fellow travelers...

He extends a hand towards Gabrielle but misses as a pitch from the ship propels him past her and into the rigging behind.

And that smell! Why, he... he... stinks, eeewww!

The captain grabs a handful of rigging, turns himself around and drags himself back along the rail.

Well, well, well......what have we here?

He sidles up to Gabrielle, waggling bushy eyebrows at her.

Tocis is the name, Hal E. Tocis......at your service.

He guffaws. The noxious blast sends Gabrielle backing into her friend.

Xena!, Xena! Quit messing around and pay attention!

Xena turns to see what all the fuss is about.

Huh! What! Stop poking me Gabriiii... Hell!

Xena, this is Captain Tocis.

What is that... pheewwwwww...

Captain Tocis!! I'm sorry......this night air is very bad for my friend's chest.

Cough, cough, cough.

I'd better get her below. Catch ya later...

C'mon Gabrielle...

CUT TO:

16. INT. - CABIN ABOARD CHARYBDIS - NIGHT

The storm finally breaks just after midnight. Xena, illuminated in the lightning's glow is sitting on a stool in a corner of the cabin, feet braced against the table. The ship pitches and heaves and groans. Gabrielle stirs in her bunk and opens an eye.

You haven't been sitting there all night have you? I could've slept on top after all.

No, only since the storm broke. I don't like the noises this bucket's making. I'm goin' up top.

Xena makes for the door, fighting against the rolling ship. Pulling it open, she enters the dark passageway.

Watch out for the...

Ow!!

... too late.

CUT TO:

17. EXT. - THE DECK OF THE CHARYBDIS - NIGHT

Xena steps out into the teeth of the gale. The wind is howling and huge waves are breaking over the bows. In the flickering lightning she sees two sailors grappling with the helm.

Keep her steady...we gotta keep her facing into the wind.

Xena struggles over to them.

What's happening? Where's Captain Tocis?

He's taken to his cabin...

Don't tell me... he's sick.

You got it.

Are we gonna stay afloat in this?

There is a blinding flash and crack. The masthead is struck, sending its top crashing to the deck in a tangle of sailcloth and rigging. The whole ship shudders.

The sailors fall to the deck as the ship's wheel spins uselessly on its spindle.

That's it! We've lost the rudder as well!!

Xena scrambles over the wreckage, hauling sailcloth off the top of the cabin block. She flings open the door.

Gabrielle! Gabrielle!

I'm here! What was that?

We lost the mast and the rudder...

The tempest howls its fury, whipping plumes of salty spray and sea spume, lathering the deck of the stricken ship. Its rudder broken, it is tossed helplessly in the seething waves. Flickering flashes light up the sky.

Xena! Over there... a reef!

The heaving waters gurgle around the ship's hull, sucking it downwards until, with a sickening crunch, it breaks its back on the jagged rocks, flinging its contents, cargo, passengers and crew into the churning waves.

FADE TO BLACK

END ACT I

ACT II