"DEATH & DECEIT"
by
Dixon Kinqade
SCENE:
As the live broadcast begins, a local NEWS REPORTER stands alone, cloaked by the shadows of night. In the background, a sprawling mansion is engulfed by flames and ravaged by an explosion.
NEWS REPORTER:
Still no explanation for the mysterious explosion of this mansion in upstate New York, which claimed the lives of two scientists and three industrial capitalists. Among them was Randall Scott, Senior Director of the Department of Energy and founder of the Navitas Foundation, a humanitarian organization dedicated to solving this nation's energy crisis.
SCENE:
Agents BLACK JACK TARR, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU lounge about the room, but are obviously concerned by the local news television broadcast.
CAPTION:
MI-6 Safe House,
New York City, New York.
LEIKO WU:
It doesn't make sense. Why would MI-6 send us to kill American's working with their own government?
CLIVE RESTON:
I don't know, but this entire mission feels wrong. Covert actions have strict rules and this one breaks them all.
There's never supposed to be publicity, but we're ordered to blow the place, which guarantees news coverage.
After an assignment, field agents should travel far and hide deep, but we're ordered to hold up in this safe house and await further instructions.
BLACK JACK TARR:
And considerin' our last two missions failed, I'm beginnin' to think there's more goin' on here than we know.
SCENE:
A six man ASSAULT TEAM hits the safe house, breaking through doors, windows, skylights, etc. The assailants work in tandem. That's two assassins per target. Our heroes battle the ASSAULT TEAM and escape into the night.
SCENE:
Golden candlelight casts heavy shadows as SHANG-CHI practices Tai Chi Chuan in a sparsely furnished room. The only objects of note are a bronze image of Buddha seated in the lotus position, meditating serenely, and before it three sticks of incense smolder in an iron brazier.
CAPTION:
Manhattan's Chinatown,
New York City, New York.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
Even before recorded history, man has wantonly spilled the blood of his enemies.
The reason lies deep within mankind's biology.
Since the dawn of life, a memory has been seared into the genetics of all living things...
...A memory of violence as a means to survival.
Life has always fought for survival.
In the struggle for survival, violence perpetuates life.
Still, humans seek to justify violence in the name of justice and as a means to peace.
In truth, it's the initiation of violence that is deplorable.
An act of self-defense, in response to the initiation of violence, is a pure and honorable act.
The highest goal of kung fu is transcendence of our biological nature and propensity to initiate violence.
There are many ways to avert the violent actions of man. One should master skills to preserve rather than destroy...
...avoid rather than neutralize...
...neutralize rather than injure...
...injure rather than cripple...
...cripple rather than kill...
...for all life is precious, nor can any be replaced!
SCENE:
LEIKO WU, followed by CLIVE RESTON and BLACK JACK TARR, dash through the door.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
Like ripples in a pond, the tranquility shatters.
CLIVE RESTON:
You really should learn to lock the door, Chi!
BLACK JACK TARR:
No tellin' what kinda riffraff might stumble in.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
The arrival of guests is unexpected...
LEIKO WU:
Hello, Shang.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
...but not unwelcome!
BLACK JACK TARR:
Sorry to come bustin' in on ya' like this, Chi.
SHANG-CHI:
How did you know where to find me?
LEIKO WU:
I spoke with my brother, David, a few days ago. He's still with the Chinese Embassy here. He mentioned your passport information had crossed his desk and that you'd be here.
CLIVE RESTON:
Listen, Chi. There's been an operational snag and we need a place to lie low.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Don't worry! We ain't here to drag you back into the game. It's just that our ticket home is gonna take a couple hours.
LEIKO WU:
In the meantime--
--why not tell us what brought you to New York?
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU move in stealthy bursts, from one shadow to the next, through a labyrinth of shipping containers, cautiously heading for the hulking cargo liner anchored at the dock.
CAPTION:
New York Harbor,
New York City, New York.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
Hours later, I had shared my tale...
..They had recounted details of their current predicament.
And together...
...we approach our destination.
SCENE:
As the labyrinth of cargo containers ends, BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU find an exposed fifty foot expanse between them and the docked ship. This area offers little protection, few places to hide (maybe a few wooden crates), and the possibility of an ambush.
BLACK JACK TARR (WHISPER):
There she is. That's our ticket home.
SCENE:
As the group makes their way toward the ship, a twelve man ASSAULT TEAM hits. Our heroes battle the assailants and flee.
(NOTE: I would suggest allowing SHANG-CHI to incapacitate no less than 1/3 and no more than 1/2 of the ASSAULT TEAM. After all, he is our title character and Kung Fu is the gimmick. The target audience wants to see elegant martial arts combat action, not a crude gun battle. Consider this a general guideline for fight sequences. Of course, there's always room for exceptions to the rule.)
SCENE:
LEIKO WU pops the lock, then proceeds to hot-wire a nondescript four door sedan. BLACK JACK TARR, CLIVE RESTON, and SHANG-CHI dash from a dark alley. They climb in as the car drives away.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Bloody hell! Two hit teams came after us and both within a few hours. That ain't coincidence.
CLIVE RESTON:
Obviously, someone wants us dead. The question is who and why?
SHANG-CHI:
Who knew you were at the safe house?
BLACK JACK TARR:
We got this mission directly from Philip Langridge, Director of Counter-Intelligence at MI-6.
SHANG-CHI:
And who knew the location of your extraction point?
LEIKO WU:
I called Langridge to arrange our extraction, but I don't think he--
CLIVE RESTON:
Why not? It makes sense. He knew the operational details of our last two missions as well!
BLACK JACK TARR:
Not to mention, the equipment and tactics used by both hit teams were British Black Ops.
LEIKO WU:
Alright, let's assume Langridge set us up for the Navitas hit, then sent our own people after us. The remaining question is why?
BLACK JACK TARR:
Obviously, we can't ask Langridge.
SHANG-CHI:
So we go around him for answers.
CLIVE RESTON:
Well, I have one contact that might be willing to provide some assistance. Tomorrow, we can do some reconnaissance and make certain it's safe to approach. Unfortunately, we'll have to lie low 'til then.
SCENE:
CAPTION:
Langridge Manor,
Northwest of London, England.
PHILIP LANGRIDGE:
Incredible! The second team failed!
We certainly can't claim Saudi Arabia is responsible for the Navitas hit with Tarr and his team still alive.
By now, Tarr's team has probably figured out they've been set up and they'll be planning their next move.
ASSISTANT:
What will they do next?
PHILIP LANGRIDGE:
They'll be coming after me.
ASSISTANT:
And what shall we do about that?
PHILIP LANGRIDGE:
We call in the dogs. Send a burn notice to all intelligence networks, CIA, FSB, DGSE, Mossad, everyone!
Black Jack Tarr, Clive Reston, Leiko Wu, and Shang-Chi have been identified as rogue agents. MI-6 requests these operatives be terminated on site.
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU stand in the hallway of an up-scale apartment building.
CAPTION:
Late the next evening,
New York City, New York.
CLIVE RESTON:
I'll go in and make contact. Black Jack, you cover me but stay out of sight. Leiko and Shang, keep an eye out for Mossad Security Personnel.
SCENE:
CLIVE RESTON, followed by BLACK JACK TARR, enters the apartment and makes his way to the bedroom where ELIANA BRACHA is sleeping. Sensing an intruder, she awakens. In a flash, she flicks on the bedside lamp and bolts upright, gripping a small pistol, only to find CLIVE RESTON casually leaning against the doorway, hands in his pockets, grinning mischievously.
ELIANA BRACHA:
You must be insane! Every agency in the world is after you. MI-6 issued termination contracts on your entire team.
CLIVE RESTON:
It's all so exciting, isn't it?
ELIANA BRACHA:
You know that I'm still an agent for Mossad. Do you not?
CLIVE RESTON:
An agent? That's an understatement! You're Director of Operations for all North America.
ELIANA BRACHA:
So why risk your life by coming here?
CLIVE RESTON:
Something big is going on--
--something that makes us expendable.
We're just tryin' to figure out exactly what that something is.
ELIANA BRACHA:
What are you talking about?
CLIVE RESTON:
Listen! I know it sounds absurd, but Langridge assigned us to hit Navitas. Then he sent two assault teams after us.
ELIANA BRACHA:
Navitas was an MI-6 operation? That explains the termination order! If the Americans knew--
CLIVE RESTON:
Exactly! Even if they weren't trying to kill us, we can't go to the CIA and we can't trust MI-6. We need your help--
--I need your help, Eliana.
SCENE:
SHANG-CHI and LEIKO WU stand in the hallway outside ELIANA's apartment.
CAPTION:
Meanwhile...
LEIKO WU:
I'm truly sorry that we've dragged you into these games of death and deceit, once more.
SHANG-CHI:
It was my choice to get involved, Leiko. No person or circumstance forced these events upon me.
But since you brought it up, I've been thinking--
--that maybe it's time--
SCENE:
A twenty man ASSAULT TEAM hits, crashing through windows, emerging from the elevator, stalking the stairwells. Once again, our heroes battle with and escape from the assassins. As the group vacates, ELIANA BRACHA pulls a fire alarm in the hallway outside her apartment. They proceed to her car, in the basement parking garage, and drive off into the night as a crowd of residents exit the building.
(NOTE: Again, I would suggest allowing SHANG-CHI to incapacitate no less than 1/3 and no more than 1/2 of the ASSAULT TEAM.)
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU lounge about the room. ELIANA BRACHA enters, carrying a package.
CAPTION:
Early the next evening,
Mossad Safe House,
New York City, New York.
LEIKO WU:
Now Langridge has us running and hiding, because he's out-thinking us.
ELIANA BRACHA:
Here you go! New alias identifications for the whole team, complete with passports, and 50,000 US Dollars. Just as you requested.
BLACK JACK TARR:
And gettin' all this isn't gonna raise any red flags at Mossad?
ELIANA BRACHA:
Give me a little credit! You don't rise to my position without knowing how to get things done off book.
Now assuming Langridge has done everything you claim, who at MI-6 would know what he's up to?
CLIVE RESTON:
Most likely, nobody.
ELIANA BRACHA:
Surely, someone must know about his operations.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Only what he wants 'em to know.
LEIKO WU:
Langridge has been at the agency longer than anyone else. He has systems and entire departments that report only to him.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Even "M" lets him be, for the most part.
ELIANA BRACHA:
Regardless of how powerful Langridge may be, he certainly can't shut down information completely!
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
From Leiko's expression, it's apparent this discussion has presented no solution, nor has it suggested any suitable course of action.
SHANG-CHI:
Seek not to know the answer, but to understand the question.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Could you be any more enigmatic, Chi?
SHANG-CHI:
To genuinely understand a man, speak with his enemies.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
Only a heartbeat passes before Clive's expression brightens with a mischievous grin of comprehension.
CLIVE RESTON:
Of course! The enemy of my enemy is my friend! Why didn't we think of that?
BLACK JACK TARR:
For somebody only interested in questions, Chi, you sure have plenty of answers.
SHANG-CHI:
That, old man, is entirely the point.
LEIKO WU:
So who do we know that despises Langridge more than anyone else?
SCENE:
CAPTION:
Langridge Manor,
Northwest of London, England.
PHILIP LANGRIDGE:
It was inevitable that Reston would go to the Mossad woman, given their past association.
ASSISTANT:
What will they do next?
PHILIP LANGRIDGE:
If I was in their situation, I'd learn as much as possible about my adversary. That means they'll reach out to my enemies for information--
--but who will they go to first?
SCENE:
FLYNN, an obvious drunk, sits in a well-worn armchair. This dingy low-rent apartment, like the man, is shabby and disheveled.
CAPTION:
Dublin, Ireland.
FLYNN:
Look, fellas! I really need a drink.
SCENE:
CLIVE RESTON hands him a flask and FLYNN takes a swig. BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, and LEIKO WU are casually dispersed about the room.
FLYNN:
Ugh, That's awful. What is it?
BLACK JACK TARR:
Just somethin' to take the edge off.
FLYNN:
Where'd you guys learn this kinda torture?
CLIVE RESTON:
We need you sober, Flynn.
FLYNN:
For what?
LEIKO WU:
Tell us about Philip Langridge.
FLYNN:
Langridge? After thirty years of service, that bastard ruined my career!
BLACK JACK TARR:
That's why we're here. We're gonna take him down, but to do that we need whatever you got on him.
FLYNN:
What exactly do you mean by "take him down"?
LEIKO WU:
Termination--
CLIVE RESTON:
--with extreme prejudice!
FLYNN:
I'll drink to that!
From day one, Langridge and I were rivals. I was a kid from the Irish slums competing against the silver spoon son of Lord Percival.
I gave him a good fight, though.
He was Deputy Director of Counter-Intelligence and I was a Deputy Director of Positive-Intelligence. That's when I uncovered particular things about him and why he had me blacklisted.
LEIKO WU:
What particular things?
FLYNN:
Langridge keeps files on anyone that may be a threat or of use to him. Files that contain all manner of dirty little secrets, illicit affairs, drugs, tax evasion, conflicts of interest, kickbacks, bribery. You name it!
He has files on royal family members, Parliament, MI-6 department heads, everybody who occupies any position of power. Whenever somebody causes a problem, he simply shows that person their file. Problem solved!
SHANG-CHI:
How do you know about these files?
FLYNN:
I secretly investigated Langridge for years. You see, whenever anything went wrong with an operation, Langridge would insist there was a mole in the agency. He had everybody so busy searching for a mole that we never got any work done. That's a clever way to paralyze operations, which is exactly what a skilled mole would do.
LEIKO WU:
You think Langridge is a mole?
FLYNN:
Something's certainly off about him.
Follow this! John Alexander and Percival Langridge worked closely together during WWII and trained under Jim Philby at MI-6. Many years later, Philby was exposed as KGB. His real name was Vladimir Lazarev.
Before Philby was uncovered as a double agent, John Alexander brought his adopted son, James Abbott, into the CIA. Lord Percival Langridge brought his son, Philip Langridge, into MI-6.
Furthermore, it's common knowledge that Phillip Langridge has very good liaisons with Russia.
Hence, Abbott could be a mole in the CIA, Langridge a mole in MI-6.
CLIVE RESTON:
Do you have any evidence?
FLYNN:
If I did, I'd be dead!
But if you want proof, ask the FSB courier, Yuri Novikov, in Paris.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Novikov? He defected from Russia decades ago.
FLYNN:
The defection was a sham. He's always been Russian FSB. The entire world believes the fiction and Novikov has a brilliant cover.
On more than one occasion, he's passed messages between Langridge and his counterpart at FSB, Victor Kasinov.
Whatever's going on, Langridge is in the middle of it. You wanted dirt on Langridge. What I just told you was enough to get me fired!
SCENE:
YURI NOVIKOV exits the Paris Opera House, looking dapper in a tuxedo. As the crowd files out into the night, LEIKO WU steps close and joins his side. Taking him by the arm, she surreptitiously thrusts a small pistol into his ribs.
CAPTION:
Paris, France.
LEIKO WU (WHISPER):
Smile like you've just accepted an invitation. Walk with me around the corner and get in the van.
SCENE:
YURI NOVIKOV and LEIKO WU turn into the dark alley, then climb into the van. As it drives away, proceeding through the narrow alley, a large tanker truck parks at the far end, blocking the path. A large garbage truck stops at the other end of this alley, blocking any possibility of retreat.
BLACK JACK TARR:
It's a trap! Everybody out!
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU leap from the van, taking YURI NOVIKOV with them. An FSB ASSAULT TEAM strikes and our heroes put up a valiant fight. In the chaos of battle, FSB SNIPERS incapacitate them using tranquilizer darts. One by one, our heroes fall.
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU sit at a large table in a warm and cozy library. In the center of the table is coffee and croissants. At the head of the table, stands the smiling and friendly SASHA ROMANOV.
SASHA ROMANOV:
I trust you've slept well. It's 8 AM. The drug leaves a remarkable headache, but otherwise no ill-effects. Coffee helps. If you don't usually drink coffee, this would be an excellent time to start. Would you like some breakfast? Don't worry, it's not drugged. That never works properly.
Oh, allow me to introduce myself--
CLIVE RESTON:
You're Sasha Romanov, Paris Station Chief, FSB and probably the best intelligence theoretician this side of the Atlantic. Any operative who doesn't know that should be relegated to the mail-room.
SASHA ROMANOV:
Very well, then! You know who I am and I know who you are. We are in a private chateau about two hours outside Paris. It's owned by the FSB and is used for operational purposes.
LEIKO WU:
Ok, you've removed our restraints, identified yourself, offered us sustenance, indicated the time and location. Not the typical FSB interrogation routine, is it?
SASHA ROMANOV:
No, it is not. However, this is not an interrogation.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Then what exactly is this?
SASHA ROMANOV:
That depends--
--Shall we discuss things like professionals? After all, I could easily have killed you anytime in the past eleven hours.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
A moment of silence passes...
...allowing the implications of his words to simultaneously threaten and reassure.
SASHA ROMANOV:
Care to guess how I knew you'd come after Novikov?
CLIVE RESTON:
I've no clue.
SASHA ROMANOV:
Langridge notified me.
LEIKO WU:
Naturally, he's a mole.
SASHA ROMANOV:
Oh, don't we wish! Langridge is one of the few geniuses that intelligence has produced. Not only has he managed to accumulate power by arranging for more agents to be responsible to him and extending operations everywhere, but he's kept the number three slot at MI-6 longer than anyone.
SHANG-CHI:
The number three slot?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Yes! Langridge climbed high as he dared. In fact, he was offered the directorship, but turned it down.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Why?
SASHA ROMANOV:
How many directors and deputy directors has MI-6 had over the years?
CLIVE RESTON:
So many I can't remember them.
SASHA ROMANOV:
Precisely! Those positions are appointed. They change with the political wind.
Real and consistent power in the agency lies just below the deputy director.
Number three positions are non-political, non-appointed, based on merit and on experience within the agency. It's so brilliant, the strategy has been adopted by the others!
LEIKO WU:
The others?
SASHA ROMANOV:
I thought you had this all figured out and that's why Langridge issued the termination order on your team.
BLACK JACK TARR:
No, we're tryin' to get Langridge before he gets us! Novikov is the key.
SASHA ROMANOV:
Novikov is inconsequential. Langridge, however, I want him neutralized as badly as you do.
CLIVE RESTON:
If he's passing information to the FSB, why would you want him neutralized?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Langridge is an active participant in a diabolic conspiracy. It's taken me years to put this all together.
The conspiracy involves James Abbott of CIA, Philip Langridge of MI-6, Victor Kasinov of FSB, Werner Strauss of German BND, and Adrien Geraurd of French DGSE.
LEIKO WU:
What, exactly, is this conspiracy?
SASHA ROMANOV:
What do you know of the Albus Convention?
BLACK JACK TARR:
At the end of WWII, a secret meeting occurred between five deputy directors of Intelligence. This clandestine gatherin' took place at Albus Castle, located somewhere in Europe, and established ground rules for modern espionage.
SASHA ROMANOV:
Well, that's the official account at any rate.
SHANG-CHI:
And unofficially?
SASHA ROMANOV:
In attendance was Wilhelm Schwartz from Germany, Vladimir Lazarev from Russia, Anton Gaston from France, John Alexander from the United States, and hosting the summit was Lord Percival Langridge from England.
Those five men made a sinister agreement and designed protocols to ensure the conspiracy continues generation after generation. In short, they shifted allegiance to Albus first and their country second.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Why?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Power and control. Having witnessed the devastation caused by war, the conspirators took it upon themselves to maintain the balance of power. Each would watchdog his own government. They would trade information and even sabotage their own government's operations when necessary!
LEIKO WU:
How could just five conspirators do all that?
SASHA ROMANOV:
With a small group of loyal operatives that answer only to their boss, ask no questions, and do whatever they're told.
CLIVE RESTON:
Like destroying Navitas?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Yes! The Navitas Foundation had nearly finished development of a new technology that would virtually eliminate America's dependency on foreign oil. That would upset the balance of power in the Middle East.
Since the CIA cannot lawfully operate in the US without congressional approval, James Abbot reached out to Langridge. Langridge sent you to destroy Navitas.
LEIKO WU:
But why kill us afterward?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Because you could reveal that Langridge gave the order. That would expose the conspiracy. With you dead, anyone could be blamed for the Navitas hit. You're all expendable. Operatives must be for the system to work!
BLACK JACK TARR:
Why are you tellin' us all this? What's in it for you?
SASHA ROMANOV:
I want the conspiracy broken.
CLIVE RESTON:
Why?
SASHA ROMANOV:
These men are betraying their own countries! They're playing god! A handful of men should not control the fate of entire nations!
SHANG-CHI:
And you want us to terminate them, all five, while protecting you in the process?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Heavens, no! They never meet all together. So you can't kill them all at once and you couldn't kill them one by one.
After the first two, the others would know what's going on. They'd hold up somewhere safe and you'd never get them. In fact, they'd send even more assassins to hunt you down.
Regardless, there are protocols to ensure the conspiracy will continue. Remember?
LEIKO WU:
So what do you suggest?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Cut the head off the snake! Eliminate the source of their power and the whole thing crumbles.
SHANG-CHI:
What is the source of their power?
SASHA ROMANOV:
The secret files.
CLIVE RESTON:
What does Langridge's dirty little files have to do with it?
SASHA ROMANOV:
Not just Langridge, all of them have files!
It began with their predecessors. That's how these men rise to power and how they maintain power. After hand-picking their successors, access to these files is passed on.
Each generation must continue investigating potentially useful or threatening individuals and gather information to be used as leverage.
BLACK JACK TARR:
And I'm guessin' you know where they keep these bloody files?
SCENE:
At the head of the table, SASHA ROMANOV stands before a very large viewing screen flashes a knowing smile.
SASHA ROMANOV:
They're at Ablus Castle. Of course, it's precise location has never been uncovered--
--until recently.
I've discovered that "Albus Castle" is simply a code name for--
SCENE:
SASHA ROMANOV presses a button and a photo looms large on the screen.
SASHA ROMANOV:
--Rothwell Fortress!
CLIVE RESTON:
You must be joking!
BLACK JACK TARR:
How in bloody blazes are we supposed to infiltrate that?
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU sit in the hold of a small, black ops, stealth jet as it cuts through the night and a snow storm.
CAPTION:
Above the Swiss Alps,
South of Lucerne, Switzerland.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
Since leaving Paris, something has been gnawing at Tarr. Just below the surface fumes a seething anger...
BLACK JACK TARR:
You were right all along, Chi! It's nothin' but "Games of Death and Deceit"!
Everything we've done - for Queen and Country - for the free world - to make it a better and safer place - it's all been for nothing!
How many times have we risked life and limb? All 'cause we believed that we were doin' our part - fightin' for what's right - to protect our way of life. It was all a lie!
Well, I've had enough! Once our names are clear and this mission is finished, so am I! I'm leavin' MI-6 and gettin' out of this bloody business once and for all!
CLIVE RESTON:
We all feel used and betrayed, Tarr, but we can't dwell on that now. We need to focus on the task at hand.
LEIKO WU:
Clive is right! After we get out of this mess, then we can figure out --
SCENE:
Lights extinguish in the hold. A dim red light flashes and the pilot's voice crackles over the speaker.
FSB PILOT:
We've reached White Mountain. Cloud cover from this snow storm will block most of the moonlight. That should help conceal your descent. Good luck, comrades!
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU leap from the jet, parachute to the snow capped mountain peak, and locate the large satellite communication dish. CLIVE RESTON conceals a small black box in the circuitry housing.
CLIVE RESTON:
Alright, the signal jamming device is active. That'll prevent any external communication. They can't call for reinforcements and they can't backup the files to any off-site servers.
SCENE:
Accessing a concealed hatch at the base of the satellite dish, our heroes descend through a narrow maintenance conduit. This passage penetrates deep into the mountain and leads to the fortress below.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Reston and Wu get to the data center as quickly and silently as you can. I'll get to the hydro-electric generator an' rig it to blow.
Chi, do what you do best--
--let those deadly hands of kung fu rain destruction and confusion on the enemy!
An' remember when the lights go out, that's everyone's signal to high-tail it to the nearest exit. We'll rendezvous with Sasha's extraction team and get the hell outta here.
SCENE:
CLIVE RESTON and LEIKO WU stealthily move toward the data center, silently dispatching the few guards they encounter along the way.
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR stealthily moves toward the generator room, silently dispatching the few guards he encounters along the way.
SCENE:
GENERAL TYNDAREUS lies sleeping. The military-band, hand-held, two-way radio beeps. The man awakens and grabs the handset.
GENERAL TYNDAREUS:
This better be important!
UNNAMED SOLDIER:
General Tyndareus, all external communications are down and a dozen patrol guards have failed to report in.
GENERAL TYNDAREUS:
Place all guards on high-alert. Order Alpha Team to central communications, Beta Team to the armory, Delta Team to the generator room, Epsilon Team to the data center, and send the Twins to me immediately!
SCENE:
SHANG-CHI moves silently through the shadowy rooms and corridors of the fortress, swiftly dispatching any guards he encounters along the way. As he cautiously enters the Great Hall, heavy oak timber doors unexpectedly thunder closed, sealing all exits.
SCENE:
CLIVE RESTON and LEIKO WU arrive at the data center and begin setting explosive devices.
LEIKO WU:
I'll get the main server. You locate the backup system.
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR arrives at the hydro-electric generator room and sets explosive devices.
SCENE:
SHANG-CHI, GENERAL TYNDAREUS, CASTOR, and POLLUX all stand in the Great Hall
GENERAL TYNDAREUS:
Welcome to Rothwell Fortress! My name is General Tyndareus and you--
--are now my prisoner!
I'm guessing you're not here alone. I would inquire as to the whereabouts of your accomplices and to the details of your mission, but I doubt you'd willingly divulge that information.
It is no matter. My security team will soon apprehend your compatriots. In the meantime, I'd like you to meet the Gemini Twins.
Castor and Pollux are my most trusted soldiers. They've been scientifically engineered with surgical induced analgesia.
They're completely impervious to pain--
--and--
--they shall be your executioners!
SCENE:
CASTOR and POLLUX pull tactical blades, British commando knives (Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife), from their sheaths and viciously attack SHANG-CHI with military efficiency.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
When engaging multiple assailants, always take a position that places the nearest opponent between oneself and the others. With such a strategy, one's opponents are constantly in each other's path.
In this way, one may neutralize the most immediate threat, while forcing the others to wait their turn. This is how one controls the flow of battle.
By redirecting the force of an opponent's attack toward his allies...
...I flow with the winds of their hatred...
...leading them to the very destruction they seek.
But how does one defeat an assailant who feels no pain?
Destroy his structure.
SCENE:
Finished setting explosives on the massive turbine generator, BLACK JACK TARR's ear piece crackles.
LEIKO WU:
All finished here. We're ready to ex-filtrate whenever you are.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Alright, you an' Clive move out. We'll meet at the extraction point.
SCENE:
SHANG-CHI breaks CASTOR's arm.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
Muscles can not function properly when the bones to which they're attached are shattered...
SCENE:
SHANG-CHI breaks CASTOR's leg.
CAPTION (SHANG-CHI):
...and a man who can not stand, can not fight.
SCENE:
An explosive rumble echoes down the stone corridors and sends concussive tremors through the fortress. GENERAL TYNDAREUS draws his service pistol.
GENERAL TYNDAREUS:
Enough of this foolishness! Playtime is over!
SCENE:
A second explosion extinguishes the lights as GENERAL TYNDAREUS fires at SHANG-CHI.
SCENE:
As a backup generator sputters to life, the emergency lights spark a dim and eerie orange glow.
SCENE:
CASTOR lies in a pool of blood. An expression of horror seizes POLLUX.
POLLUX:
NO!!!
SCENE:
POLLUX's expression shifts to murderous rage. He turns to face GENERAL TYNDAREUS.
POLLUX:
You murdered my brother!
SCENE:
POLLUX expertly throws his knife. With a sickening gush, the weapon buries itself to the hilt in GENERAL TYNDAREUS' throat.
SCENE:
Damaged heavy oak timbers of the door hang precariously askew from mangled black iron hinges and SHANG-CHI has vanished.
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR pulls out a satellite phone and makes a call.
SCENE:
CAPTION:
Langridge Manor,
Northwest of London, England.
ASSISTANT:
Sir, I think you'll want to hear this. It's a voice-mail message from Black Jack Tarr!
BLACK JACK TARR:
Killin' ya' off would be too merciful. You corrupted everything I've done for MI-6--
--everything I've done for England--
--for the free world!
Only God knows how many lives ya' manipulated and destroyed with your bloody dirty secret files!
To lose them--
--is to lose everything.
SCENE:
BLACK JACK TARR, SHANG-CHI, CLIVE RESTON, and LEIKO WU sit aboard a FSB helicopter as the flaming Rothwell Fortress fades into the distance.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Now we just have to get MI-6 to cancel that bloody termination order!
LEIKO WU:
Maybe these will help.
CLIVE RESTON:
You pilfered those hard drives from the server?
LEIKO WU:
I figured we might need some leverage.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Good thinkin', darlin'!
LEIKO WU:
Do you still plan to retire, Tarr? Were you serious about leaving MI-6?.
BLACK JACK TARR:
Bloody damn right, I'm leaving!
But who said anything about retirin'?
CLIVE RESTON:
What exactly did you have in mind?
SHANG-CHI:
A return to freelance work?
BLACK JACK TARR:
Not quite. I was thinkin' more along the lines of startin' a private security firm.
SHANG-CHI:
I suppose you'll need to find a few experienced personnel and put a team together.
BLACK JACK TARR:
I guess. Why? You looking for a job, Chi?
SHANG-CHI:
Since you brought it up, I've been thinking--
--that maybe it's time--
CAPTION:
FIN.
APPENDIX I
THE CAST:
EXISTING CHARACTERS
BLACK JACK TARR
CLIVE RESTON
LEIKO WU
SHANG-CHI
NEW CHARACTERS
ASSISTANT
Assistant to Philip Langridge.
CASTOR
Genetically engineered soldier. Impervious to pain. Twin brother to Pollux.
ELIANA BRACHA
Director of Operations for Mossad (Israeli Intelligence Service) in North America. Once had a love affair with Clive Reston.
FLYNN
Alcoholic Irish bum. Once served as Deputy Director of Intelligence at MI-6. Blackballed by Philip Langridge.
GENERAL TYNDAREUS
Ex-Italian military turned mercenary. Head of security at Rothwell Fortress.
NEWS REPORTER
Local television news reporter.
PHILIP LANGRIDGE
Director of Counter-Intelligence at MI-6.
POLLUX
Genetically engineered soldier. Impervious to pain. Twin brother to Castor.
SASHA ROMANOV
Paris Station Chief, FSB. Probably the best intelligence theoretician east of the Atlantic.
YURI NOVIKOV
FSB courier.
APPENDIX II
SPLASH PAGE:
STANDARD PROLOGUE CAPTION:
Call me Shang-Chi, as my father did when he raised me and molded my mind and my body in the vacuum of his Honan, China retreat. I learned many things from my father: that my name means 'The Rising and Advancing of a Spirit', and that my body could be forged into a living weapon through the discipline of Kung Fu. Since then, I have learned that my father is the most insidiously evil man on Earth... and that to honor him would bring nothing but dishonor to the spirit of my name.
(NOTE: This prologue should appear in a full-width caption box at the top of every splash page, preferably with a yellow background, as a throwback to the original MOKF series.)
Note to Artist:
Every graphic novel or issue in a series should begin with a splash page. This is an opportunity to showcase the artist's creativity and talent. Additionally, it's eye candy for the consumer. This is, after all, a visual medium!
The splash page, like the front cover, should be reminiscent of iconic movie posters from the past. Think James Bond, Indianna Jones, and Star Wars. For some outstanding examples from the original MOKF series, see the splash page in issues: 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 38, 39, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 54, 76, 102, 114.
With that in mind, what images does your imagination conjure, having read this story? Whatever your mind conjures, draw it as a movie poster!
Audience Considerations:
This maybe a reader's first introduction to our heroes. Such a person would be unfamiliar with our main cast. As I have chosen not to introduce each of them by name within this story's dialogue, it would be beneficial to do so on the splash page or on the inside front cover. Perhaps by integrating an image of the "burn notice/termination order" featuring photographs of BLACK JACK TARR, CLIVE RESTON, LEIKO WU, and SHANG-CHI labeled with their names.
(NOTE: See Appendix IV).
Binding Considerations:
This story is designed to accommodate multiple publishing formats. It can be printed as a single binding (graphic novel) or as multiple bindings (mini-series). If the story is published as a mini-series, each issue would require a unique splash page.
Final Considerations:
This page should include the standard "Story Title", "Credits", and "Publisher's Copyright Notice".
APPENDIX III
ARTISTIC CONCEPTS, DIRECTION, AND STYLE:
Back in the day, MOKF was the third highest selling Marvel title! Only Amazing Spider-Man and Ghost Rider sold more copies each month. Unarguably, the quality and style of art was a major factor driving that success.
Panel Layout:
The original MOKF series was known and loved for its smooth, flowing, cinematic sequential panel layouts and fight scenes. The reading experience was more like watching a film than reading a book. Ideally, one would hope to reproduce that experience.
Inked Linework:
Preferably, linework should resemble the iconic 1970s-1980s Marvel style. Think Paul Gulacy, Justin Murphy, Mike Zeck, Gene Day, David Day, Dan Day, Michael Golden, Brian Bolland. At minimum, linework must be relatively realistic, tight, clean, bold, confident, and finished, not cartoonish, busy, thready, loose, sketchy, unfinished, messy, or scribbly!
Mood and Tone:
The original MOKF series was known and loved for its noir-esque mood, tone, atmosphere, and ambiance. Noir style is a naturally perfect fit comic book art. It can be easily achieved by employing generous use of black ink and shadows. Doing this makes the artist's/inker's job a little easier because shadow and darkness covers space that might otherwise require detailed linework or texture. Additionally, darkness and shadow compliments and enhances any sense of mystery, intrigue, suspense, danger, fear, or uncertainty created by the plot.
Color:
The use of saturated, bright, vivid, primary colors provide strikingly interesting contrast to the generous use black ink for darkness and shadow. Some of those digitally re-colored pages, in the multi-volume MOKF Omnibus and Epic Collection, are breathtakingly stunning! Generally, one should avoid unsaturated, dirty, muddy, washed out, faded, pale, pastel colors.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Unsaturated, dirty, muddy, washed out, faded, pale, pastel colors work well, if you are going for a dull, dreary, dingy mood or tone. Often, they're quite suitable as background colors, particularly for panels, caption boxes, and such.
Martial Arts:
Martial arts style fight scenes are tricky and challenging to successfully illustrate in comics or graphic novels. Kung fu is far better suited to motion pictures than to still art forms. Nevertheless, martial arts style fight scenes can be accomplished in a visually impressive and pleasing manner.
In a perfect world, the artist would be an expert in multiple martial arts styles and a fan of kung fu flicks. At minimum, the artist should be able and willing to research iconic poses and choreographed fight scenes, then replicate them. Fight scenes should exhibit particularly smooth, flowing, cinematic motion and sequential panel layouts. They should resemble time lapse photos, step by step instructions, or select, sequential, single frames of 8mm projector film.
APPENDIX IV
Sample Burn Notice:
85 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDON SE1, ENGLAND
BURN NOTICE
ATTENTION: All Intelligence Networks,
Black Jack Tarr, Clive Reston, Leiko Wu, and Shang-Chi have been identified as rogue agents. MI-6 requests these operatives be terminated on site!
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