ACT I

FADE IN:

2. EXTERIOR: OCEAN

The pounding rain and waves obscure their vision as they swim vigorously toward the floating basket. Xena climbs up and heaves herself in, then turns and extends an arm to Gabrielle.

Xena struggles to grasp Gabrielle as she disappears and reappears from under the waves.

XENA
(yelling above the storm)

Gabrielle! Give me your hand!

Fighting to keep her head above the waves, Gabrielle pushes her hair from her face with one hand and reaches out to Xena with the other. Their hands clasp with an iron grip, one to the other, and Xena hauls her out of the water.

Both women struggle to tow in the collapsed air bag. They fight against the waves pounding them, water blurring their vision. Their muscles tighten as they drag the heavy balloon as close to the basket as they can, then bind it with the ropes.

With that done, both move to the opposite side of the basket to balance the weight.

They collapse into each other's arms to ride out the storm.

The basket bobs up and down on the white-capped sea.

When the basket dips into the waves, we hear a scraping sound. Xena removes herself from Gabrielle's embrace.

XENA

Did you feel that?

She doesn't wait for an answer. She lifts herself up and peers over the side. Ahead, through the torrent of rain, we can barely see land.

XENA

Gabrielle! Get up!

The bard obeys. She peers in the same direction, eyes straining to see.

Both wipe water from their faces to no avail.

GABRIELLE

Do you think we can make it?

XENA

We've beaten tougher odds! And it's not that far. Come on!

3.EXTERIOR - STORMY SEA:

Waves crash against the sandy beach; wind and water batter the two friends as they struggle free of the basket and jump into the foaming surf.

The waves give them momentum toward shore.

Xena and Gabrielle hold tightly to the ropes and drag the basket behind them, struggling to remain standing in the waist deep, turbulent waters.

On shore, they collapse on the sand. Rain and waves pound them.

They draw several deep breaths, then rise and stagger to their feet. They grasp the soaked basket, struggling to prevent it being taken out with the violently receding waves.

Fighting the strong gusts of wind, they head inland, dragging the basket behind them.

They lash the basket on its side between two sturdy palm trees, forming a small shelter against the wind. The two weary warriors crawl into the opening and huddle against one another.

GABRIELLE
(rubbing her aching arms)

Xena, I'm so tired of all this. I just want to go home.

XENA
(wiping water from her face with her hands)

We are going home...

(beat)

It's just gonna take us some time.

(beat)

Go to sleep, Gabrielle. Nothing we can do now, but wait out the storm.

Gabrielle releases a sigh and sinks into Xena.

GABRIELLE

You have no idea how appealing Ares' offer is sounding right now...

As Gabrielle drifts off to sleep, Xena rests her chin on the top of Gabrielle's head, and closes her eyes.

XENA
(softly)

Oh yes I do...

DISSOLVE TO:

4. EXTERIOR: NEXT MORNING

The raucous cry of seagulls fills the air. Xena and Gabrielle stir at the muffled cries.

Gabrielle suddenly bolts upright, hitting her forehead on the top of their makeshift shelter.

Feeling Gabrielle jolt up, Xena is wide-awake and ready to face down any foe. She pauses and listens.

XENA
(placing a reassuring hand on Gabrielle's back)

It's only birds...

Xena and Gabrielle emerge from under their makeshift shelter. The sun is bright and hot. The sand on the beach, the leaves and soil have dried.

The beach is littered with debris; seaweed, dead fish and bits of palm fronds are strewn about.

The sea is calm, lapping lazily at the shore.

GABRIELLE

Looks like everything is dry but us...

XENA
(arm around Gabrielle's shoulder)

Shouldn't take too long in this heat...

(beat)

Come on, Let's check our supplies... We had them pretty well protected... there's got to be something we can put on while these dry...

Squatting, they methodically go through their gear bags.

Gabrielle looks over at Xena in disgust.

GABRIELLE

Soaked... everything is soaked...

The warrior pats Gabrielle sympathetically on her back.

Gabrielle continues to pick through their things.

Xena picks up several articles of clothing and stands.

XENA

They'll dry.

With one hand shielding her eyes, Xena visually explores the beach, the high hills just east and south of their location.

XENA

Come on, I'll help you put some out in the sun, then we'll look around - find some fresh drinking water and something to eat.

CUT TO:

5. EXTERIOR: SOUTHERN HILLS

Three scantily clad, olive skinned natives, chasing a small animal, break through the foliage.

One spots the strangers on the beach. He stops and motions his companions to be silent, simultaneously pointing westward to the two female strangers on the beach below.

We see Xena and Gabrielle tossing clothing on the shrubbery at the edge of the beach.

YOUNG NATIVE WITH BLUE HEADBAND

(subtitles)

Tuiap should be advised quickly of the strangers!

YOUNGER NATIVE WITH WHITE HEADBAND

(subtitles)

I will go! You stay and watch them!

NATIVE WITH YELLOW HEADBAND

(subtitles)

Go quickly!

The younger native rushes silently off through the brush toward their village.

YOUNG NATIVE WITH YELLOW HEADBAND

(subtitles)

What are they doing?

YOUNG NATIVE WITH BLUE HEADBAND
(shrugs)

(subtitles)

Presenting the gods with gifts in gratitude for saving them from the storm gods.

YOUNG NATIVE WITH YELLOW HEADBAND

(subtitles)

How do you know this?

YOUNG NATIVE WITH BLUE HEADBAND

(subtitles)

Because. That is what I would be doing.

Young native with yellow headband, nods with a grunt as they continue to watch.

We see Gabrielle lay out her armor. It attracts the attention of the native with the blue headband.

YOUNG NATIVE WITH BLUE HEADBAND

(subtitles)

Look! The one with hair the color of the sun... What is that she lays in the sand? See how it catches the light?

CUT TO:

6. LATER THAT MORNING: HILLS

Gabrielle and Xena are traveling inland. The foliage is sometimes thick, interspersed with clearings.

Gabrielle is carrying the water skin and a small pack.

Xena cuts through the underbrush with her sword.

GABRIELLE
(wiping her brow)

Well, I'm definitely dry... definitely hungry... and definitely in need of a bath.

XENA

Yeah, I was going to mention that...

GABRIELLE
(laughing)

Oh, like you smell like honeysuckle?

XENA
(lifting an arm and sniffing - she wrinkles her nose)

You've got a point there!

GABRIELLE
(reminiscing)

I miss the hot baths in Egypt with their scented waters... The ones in Rome... The ones in Japa and Ch'in... I wish we were soaking in them right about now...

XENA

Actually, I could use a nice cool bath.

GABRIELLE
(laughing)

Hmmm... Maybe a nice swim later?

XENA
(gives the bard a hard look)

Maybe...

Gabrielle slides the water skin off her shoulder and uncorks it. She takes a long drink and passes it onto Xena, who does the same.

XENA

But personally, I think we've both had enough swimming for a lifetime...

(beat)

But a dip in some fresh water, instead of salt water would be a refreshing change.

(beat)

I was thinking. When we get back, we'd check out the air bag to see exactly how much trouble we're in.

Gabrielle nods in agreement as they continue to walk.

GABRIELLE

I hope not too much trouble. Building a ship to get home is out of the question. And I don't think a raft will cut it.

XENA
(jokingly)

But Gabrielle, think of the challenge!

GABRIELLE
(laughing)

Oh, it'll be a challenge all right. I can just see us thirty years from now... two hobbling little old ladies trying to lug a log down a hill!

CUT TO:

7. INLAND - BASE OF A STEEP HILL TO THE EAST

Fresh water is rushing down the steep incline of a hill into a river. Across the river, several simians are gathered.

Spotting the two women, they stop and watch them with interest.

The leader, paces back and forth on the embankment on knuckles and feet, pausing every few minutes to stand erect and sniff the air.

Gabrielle and Xena watch them for a few minutes, before they continue on their way.

GABRIELLE

As long as they stay on their side of the river, I'll be happy!

XENA
(arm around Gabrielle's shoulder)

I'll bet they're thinking the same thing!

CUT TO:

8. INLAND: UNDER COVER OF TROPICAL FOLIAGE

Both Xena and Gabrielle move slowly through the flora, watching out for snakes as well as edible fruits and plants. They pause to listen for a bit but the only sounds that reaches their ears, are the sound of birds in the trees.

Xena spies some yellow fruit high above in a tree. She remembers eating some in the Amazon camp.

XENA
(pointing)

Up there. Looks like we've found some breakfast.

As they walk toward it, she fidgets with her leathers.

GABRIELLE

Having a problem?

XENA
(mumbling under her breath)

Let's just say, salt water and leather don't mix...

(beat)

I'm gonna be chafed in places I didn't even know I had!

GABRIELLE
(smiling)

Not to worry. Our supply of salves and oils weren't damaged. I'll be more than happy to apply them in the places you can't reach.

XENA
(grinning knowingly)

I'm sure you would!

GABRIELLE
(innocent smirk)

Hey, what are friends for?

Xena grabs hold of the tree trunk and begins to shimmy up.

At the top, she unsheathes her sword, and with few deft swings, cuts down several of the ripe fruits. The birds in the trees above flutter away.

She sheathes her sword and drops down to land beside Gabrielle, who is picking up as many as she can hold, and stuffing others into her pack.

Xena bends down to pick up the tasty orbs, and her expression once again becomes one of discomfort.

GABRIELLE
(grinning ear to ear)

Looks like I'll have to do you, and your leathers!

CUT TO:

9. CAMPSITE: LATE AFTERNOON

Xena and Gabrielle are walking toward their camp, talking.

Gabrielle is eating one of the fruits, as is Xena.

GABRIELLE

You know, if it weren't for our helping the high priestess in Ma'chu Pi'chu protect the sacred flame of the temple, we wouldn't have gotten this far.

XENA

What makes you say that?

GABRIELLE

Well, when you stop and think about it, if it weren't for the kitchen girls in the temple and the way their garments billowed from the heat of the ovens, I don't think you would have thought of creating that hot air balloon.

XENA
(laughs)

Well, you know what they say, Gabrielle. Necessity is the mother of invention!

The warrior pauses before they go any further.

Xena puts up her left arm, preventing Gabrielle from taking another step.

GABRIELLE
(concerned look)

What's wrong?

XENA
(looking at the ground)

We had company.

GABRIELLE

The monkeys?

Xena looks around the camp, as does Gabrielle, before they cautiously make their way forward.

XENA

Not unless they happen to like wearing clothes...

They both put down their haul of fruit by the still tethered basket. Xena makes her rounds, taking a mental inventory. She bends down by one of the bushes that once held Gabrielle's armor. Gabrielle approaches her.

GABRIELLE

They took my armor...

XENA
(standing)

Not they. Just one person. Small. Around five feet tall.

Xena follows the footprints in the sand. Gabrielle follows her. Xena bends down in the foliage and studies the ground.

XENA

Two more sets of footprints. Whoever it was, wasn't alone.

GABRIELLE

Why would they want my armor?

XENA
(shrugs)

I don't know. But right now that's not our main concern.

GABRIELLE
(agreeing)

Right. First things first. First we take care of our repairs, then we hunt the little thieves down.

CUT TO:

10. CAMPSITE: LATE AFTERNOON

The dried clothing has been packed away.

The air balloon has been hoisted between trees to dry.

The basket has been removed from between the palm trees for closer examination and minor repairs.

Both women are wearing outfits they'd taken with them from the Amazon village; a wrap around halter-like top, a loincloth on either side of their waists, and Roman-like laced sandals.

Xena is fashioning a spear from a branch she's lopped off of one of the smaller trees.

Gabrielle removes a dented pot from their gear bag, and sets it down beside the campfire she's prepared.

The spear completed, and honed to a fine point, Xena stands and looks out at the gentle waves lapping lazily on the shore. A gentle breeze blows their hair softly.

XENA

Well, let's see what I can catch us for dinner.

She glances at the bunch of yellow fruits sitting on a flat rock.

XENA

I don't think we have to worry about dessert.

GABRIELLE

If we were home... I could make us one fantastic pie...with whipped goat's milk on top!

XENA
(smiling as she heads toward the sea)

I'm going to hold you to that.

Gabrielle picks up the dented pot and catches up to the warrior.

She walks along the beach, looking for telltale signs of clam presence.

Xena wades into the water, spear poised.

GABRIELLE
(kneeling in the sand at the edge of shore)

Well, while you're doing your thing out there, I'm going to dig for clams over here.

11. IN THE SURF:

The water is crystal clear. Xena can see easily to the bottom. She pauses and waits. Finally a small school of brightly colored fish swims by.

Xena's arm flashes down, the fish scatter and a flapping fish suddenly lands on an intently digging Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
(combing fish scales out of her hair)

XENA! At least tell me you're sending fish flying my way!

XENA

Sorry Gabrielle, didn't know you were behind me.

GABRIELLE
(muttering)

Yeah, right, tell me another fish story!

XENA
(Smirking)

Uhmmm, you say something Gabrielle?

Gabrielle resumes her digging. She pops a clam into her pot along with the still flapping fish.

Xena's arm flashes down again, another fish goes flying through the air toward Gabrielle.

XENA

INCOMING!

Gabrielle looks up and turns just in time to get a face full of flapping fish.

XENA
(feigning innocence)

Oops! Sorry Gabrielle. But I did call out a warning, just like you asked!

GABRIELLE
(voice dripping with sarcasm)

BEFORE it comes sailing my way, Xena!

Xena gives a chuckle and turns back toward the ocean in time to see a dorsal fin just a few feet away.

She feels something underwater nudge her.

Another fin cuts the surface.

A large fish suddenly jumps out of the water.

Xena steps back. A second fish becoming airborne drenches her.

She hears squeaking sounds as two playful porpoises cavort in front of her.

Gabrielle, on the beach, is laughing at the sight of a sea soaked Xena, hair dripping with water and seaweed.

XENA
(obviously annoyed)

This isn't funny, Gabrielle.

The sound of the two porpoises chattering makes Gabrielle laugh even more.

GABRIELLE
(pointing to the porpoises)

Xena, even THEY think it's funny!

12. EXT. EVENING

Xena and Gabrielle are sitting in front of a glowing fire. The warrior is pensively examining her sword, wiping it down with an oiled piece of chamois, to remove traces of salt water.

Gabrielle, true to her word, is using the leather cleaner Xena had concocted in Chena's village.

An impressive mound of clam shells, crab shells and fish bones are piled in front of Gabrielle. A slightly smaller pile rests beside Xena.

XENA

Tomorrow we'll take a good look at the air bag. It should be dry enough to spread in the open to examine.

GABRIELLE
(looking up from her work)

I hope the damage is something we can repair.

XENA

I'm sure it is. We might have to improvise, which means we might have to do a little exploring tomorrow as well.

GABRIELLE

I don't mind the exploring... it's the thieves who stole my armor I'm worried about.

XENA

I think if they meant us harm, they would have been back by now.

(beat)

I'll take first watch, just in case.

A silence falls between the two women.

Gabrielle looks out at the ocean, then up at the stars and full moon.

GABRIELLE
(solemnly)

You know, as nice as this place is, I don't want to spend my entire life here...

XENA
(looks up at the moonlight gleaming off the ocean)

I know what you mean, Gabrielle. What's that old saying? There's no place like home?

(beat)

Though, this might not be a bad place to retire to when we're older.

GABRIELLE
(following the warrior's gaze)

It is kind of peaceful, isn't it?

(beat)

I think the porpoises were a good sign.

(beat - turning to Xena)

Don't you?

XENA
(lays her sword beside her and lies down)

If I believed in signs, Gabrielle. I'd agree.

(beat)

Now, treat those leathers as gently as you'd treat me and I just might return the favor someday.

GABRIELLE

Oh, I'll treat them with kid gloves.

She starts to rub the leathers vigorously.

CUT TO:

13. DISTANT UNDERBRUSH

Dark eyes watch the two women with interest.

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II