FADE IN:

2. 1945: DESERTED ROAD - SOUTHWEST ENGLAND - FOGGY NIGHT - CLIFFSIDE

A dark car is parked on the side of a road. Its lights are off. A man wearing a long dark wool coat and a fedora leans against the hood, a cigarette pinched between his gloved fingers. Farther down the road, the sound of waves crashing against rocks can be heard. A motorcycle engine throbs in the distance, getting closer and closer.

The solitary light of a headlamp appears through the light fog, approaching from the opposite direction.

A leather-capped rider comes to a stop in front of the man and shuts off the headlamp.

The rider lifts the goggles from his eyes, and places them on the top of his leather hat.

The man in the fedora pushes himself off the hood of the car and nervously flicks his cigarette to the pebbled road.

It's bad enough I had to hold onto this for a week with Scotland Yard and British Intelligence swarming around the museum and asking a million questions... you have to show up late!

I am on time, Doctor Warner.

You on the other hand, are too early.

Do you have...

Yes. Yes. But first. My money.

The Fatherland has not raised fools, Warner. Let me see it and then you'll get what's coming to you.

Annoyed, Warner turns and leans into the window of his car.

We see a close-up of his black leather gloved hand as it reaches for a long, tubular object.

He grabs it and pulls it out of the window and then turns to the rider. He opens the tube and very carefully pulls out a rolled piece of parchment. He very gently unfurls it and holds it up.

The rider clicks on a flashlight and aims the light onto the parchment and examines it.

You are positive this is not a hoax?

Warner gingerly rolls the parchment up and places it cautiously in the tube.

Of course I am!

Of course, if you're not interested, Herr Klaus, I'm sure that the Fuehrer will be interested in knowing that his own Gestapo would like to see the Third Reich fall. And I'm sure Stalin would be more than interested in this find!

I did not say that I was not interested, Herr Doctor.

Then, where's my payment?

Klaus reaches into the inside pocket of his leather jacket.

It's right here...

He pulls out a Luger and fires two rounds at point blank range.

Warner falls in a heap. A startled look on his face.

Klaus dismounts from his cycle and sets the kickstand.

Fool!

He places the tube into a leather bag on the back of his cycle and folds the flap over and buckles it securely.

But you know the old saying...

He turns, reaches down and lifts Warner under the armpits, then drags the body to the car, dropping it to open the car door.

... all good things ...

Klaus struggles a bit to raise the body and hoist it into the front seat of the car. He props the body up behind the steering wheel. He reached down to the gravel road and picks up Warner's fedora and props it on the dead man's head, and then he releases the brake.

He slams the door shut, and places his left hand on the window frame and leans in to put the other on the steering wheel. With his feet planted firmly, he pushes with all his might.

The car begins to roll slowly down the slight incline of the road, picking up speed as it moves.

He stops pushing and watches, hands on his hips, as the vehicle seems to disappear into the mist.

... must come to an end ...

Klaus walks confidently back to his motorcycle and mounts it. The ignition is turned on, he hops on the starter several times before it kicks in, and then revs the engine.

CUT TO:

3. DARK DESERTED ROAD - CLIFFSIDE

The vehicle carrying the body of Warner speeds down the hill. It crashes through the white wooded barricade along the cliff edge and over the side.

We see it as it tumbles down, hitting jutting rocks as it turns halfway in the air. It lands on its rooftop crashing on the rocks below.

Moments later it explodes into flames.

CUT TO:

4. DARK DESERTED ROAD - KLAUS

Klaus lowers his goggles to his eyes. There is a smirk upon his lips.

Auf Wiedersehen, Herr doctor.

He revs the engine and speeds off into the mist toward the seacoast.

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

5. INT. MEL AND JANICE'S ROOM - DUSK

Mel is seated at a small desk. A lamp illuminates several journals spread out on the desktop. She adjusts her dark rimmed glasses before continuing to read.

Janice, in wool trousers and a pullover sweater, is sprawled on the bed, her back resting against the headboard and her legs crossed at the ankle.

A newspaper hides her face and we can see a swirl of cigar smoke gently wafting over her head.

It's in the papers.

"British Museum loses priceless scroll... Scotland Yard is baffled by the mysterious disappearance of what is purported to be another cache of scrolls written by the companion of Xena, Warrior Princess made famous by the discovery of the Xena Scrolls in 1942 by Doctors Covington and Pappas..."

There is a knock at the door. Mel gets up from the desk and walks over to the door.

I guess they're keepin' it pretty mum an' not lettin' anythin' slip that they shouldn't.

Who is it?

A familiar British accent responds.

I was told I could find you here.

Mel opens the door.

I'm afraid we have nothin' to say to you, Mister Thomas... unless of course, you have something that we'd like to hear...

Thomas smiles broadly and pats his breast pocket.

I'm quite sure that you'll like what I have to say, Miss Pappas.

May I come in?

Mel opens the door wide and motions him in. Janice puts the newspaper down, cigar between sneering lips.

This better be what we wanna hear, Thomas...

Thomas smiles weakly and removes an envelope from the inside breast pocket of his jacket.

Oh, I'm sure you'll like what I've brought you both, Doctor Covington.

Mel glances briefly at Janice and then opens the envelope and removes a letter. She unfolds it and adjusts her dark rimmed glasses before she looks it over. Her eyes go bright and she turns with an excited smile to Janice.

It's a full pardon for our little indiscretion, Janice! No charges will be brought against us. All charges have been dropped!

Excited, she hugs Thomas, who blushes slightly.

It took a bit of convincing on my behalf, but our governments feel that with Hitler's days numbered... as is the Third Reich's... We're confident that you will be able to assist us. And because of this, both our countries were willing drop the charges!

After all, as you said... we need your help, not the other way around.

Janice gets up and walks over to Mel to examine the document. She turns to Thomas and pats him on the back.

I knew you'd see things our way, old boy.

So, when do we leave?

Well... there's been a slight change of plans, ladies.

Mel and Janice exchange a concerned look.

Don't tell me they're gonna try and weasel out of this pardon, 'cause I'm gonna be awfully mad. And you won't like me when I'm mad.

Oh, no-no, nothing like that. It's just that we've received word from one of our operatives that there has been a steady influx of "so-called" archeologists taking holiday in the islands... just off Bimini... one of our operatives believes that one of the men is a long time supporter of Adolf Hitler.

So, instead of our heading to England, we'll be off to the Bahamas. A much nicer climate than this cold, wouldn't you say?

Janice and Mel exchange looks and a shrug.

As long as your operatives know what they're talkin' about, guess we should follow their lead.

So, when do we leave?

We'll be on a plane tonight.

CUT TO:

6. INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Mel and Janice are outside of Thomas' hotel room. Janice takes out a small tool kit from the back pocket of her trousers, opens it and removes a small metallic instrument, then proceeds to pick the lock.

Now, tell me again why we're doin' this?

Because something doesn't ring true with what Thomas said.

The door lock clicks. Janice turns the knob and the door opens. She enters and yanks Mel into the darkened room. A moment later, a flashlight is scanning the room.

You sure you saw him go out?

Mel is close to Janice, nearly at her elbow.

Yes. I saw him leave about fifteen minutes ago.

Okay then... I'll start searching for the plane tickets in his luggage...You check the desk.

Mel nods and turns on her flashlight as Janice heads to the closet and pulls out a briefcase and a small suitcase.

What doesn't sound right to you?

The fact that he said they aren't sure the scrolls are authentic... that they needed us to verify that they were...

After checking that neither piece of luggage contains the tickets, Janice starts to go through the pockets of the suit hanging in the closet.

And with no verification... we're suddenly headin' to the tropics...

Mel is going through the few papers in the desk drawer.

Exactly. Isn't that just a little strange? I mean, why go there if they're not even sure the scrolls are for real?

I suppose. But if they're really scared the Nazis are after that fountain of youth, can't say I blame 'em for not taking up a lead like that...

Both women rummage through all of Thomas' drawers and even under the mattress.

You find the tickets yet?

They stand there, flashlights scanning the room, that is now in a shambles.

Nothing! Where could he possibly have put 'em!

They hear a squeak. They hear a click. And suddenly the room is filled with light.

Oh-oh.

Slowly they turn, and there in the door, stands Clive Thomas.

Are you ladies looking for something?

Yeah, we were. Uhmmm.

Yes, we were looking for the scrolls. We figured you must have them with you. We just wanted to check them out.

Oh you just couldn't wait until I returned? Which reminds me, how did you get in?

The maid let us in. For a small tip of course.

Well you could have saved yourself the trouble; they aren't here. Now if you ladies will excuse me?

He motions both of them to the door. As Mel starts forward she trips. Thomas instinctively reaches out to catch her. Janice picks up a brass vase and bashes him over the head. Groaning, he sinks to the floor.

Janice! Did you have to hit him so hard?

Awww, he'll be fine. These Brits have hard heads.

She bends down and searches him. Inside his jacket she finds a folder with three plane tickets.

Bingo! Here they are. Okay, give me a hand and we'll put him on the bed.

Mel lifts his legs and Janice lifts under his arms carrying him over to the bed. Janice goes to the closet and pulls out a couple of ties. Working quickly she binds his wrists and ankles together. Pulling his handkerchief out, she twirls it and forces it into his mouth, tying it snugly behind his head.

That should hold him for a while. Let's go.

Mel glances over at Thomas and then gently lifts his head and puts a pillow under it then covers him with a blanket. The two friends turn out the lights, lock the door and leave quietly.

CUT TO:

7. HOTEL CORRIDOR - NIGHT

In the corridor, a young couple is returning to their hotel room. A pleasant nod is exchanged and Janice picks up her pace as does Mel. As they turn the corridor Mel puts her arm into Janice's.

Any sooner and they would have heard you clunk him over the head!

Janice merely smiles as she opens the door to their room and enters.

Let's just hurry up before we miss the bus to the airport. You signed us out, already, right?

Right after dinner. I told them we'd be leaving and paid our tab.

Janice grabs her duffle-bag as Mel reaches for her suitcase. They give the room a quick once over and turn off the lights as they leave.

CUT TO:

8. EXT. ROAD - NIGHT

The bus is winding its way on the dark road down the mountain from the resort to the airport. A light snow is falling. Mel and Janice are just two of the six people in the bus. They are seated by the window closest to the front exit. Janice has her head back and her fedora propped over her face. Mel is absorbed in reading her journals.

CUT TO:

9. AIRPORT - NIGHT

Luggage is being removed from the bus. Mel and Janice are standing and waiting for their baggage. The snow is coming down a little harder.

Mel gives a shiver and lifts her coat collar up around her ears.

This was a nice place to visit, but to be honest, I am so lookin' forward to bein' in some warm weather again.

The bus driver is on the roof of the bus tossing down everyone's luggage and taking his sweet time of it.

Hans! What's with you? You have two speeds? Slow and reverse? Come on already, where's our bags!

You Americans. Always in a hurry.

Yeah, well... we've got a plane to catch, so let's move it.

You'll be lucky if the plane takes off tonight.

Well, you move any slower and you may be right!

After several seconds, Hans tosses their two bags from the rack.

Janice double checks the inside pocket of her jacket to ensure she's got the tickets.

You've got them, right?

Right here. You got our passports?

Yup, right here.

Then let's get a move on before this storm gets any worse, and Hans' prediction proves right.

Janice swings her duffle bag over her shoulder while Mel takes her suitcase. They check their luggage in and head for the gate, Mel with her briefcase in hand.

Just exactly how long is this flight gonna be, Janice?

Long enough for you to catch up on your reading, and me on some sleep, that's for sure.

CUT TO:

10. INT. HOTEL ROOM - LODGE - A FEW HOURS LATER

Clive Thomas has managed to undo his restraints and is in the process of untying the binding on his legs. As soon as he's done so, he turns on the light on the end table and picks up the phone.

Hello, yes please. Can you put me through to Doctor Covington's room.

They have? How long ago?

I see. Give me an outside line please. And I'll need a car to get me to the airport. I'll be down in five minutes!

11. EXT. AIRPORT - NIGHT

The propellers are revving up and the small commercial aircraft, with only six other passengers begins to taxi down the runway. The wipers of the plane are swishing back and forth quickly.

It pauses there for several minutes before it begins to taxi again and pick up speed as it cruises down the runway.

It begins a slow and bumpy rise.

FADE OUT: