PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN SLAVE SHIP

PIRATE CALICO CRISS is a fictitious pirate that sails the Cayman Islands. All characters appearing in my screenplays are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.Any resemblance to Captain Jack Sparrow the Disney character is purely coincidental PIRATE CALICO CRISS is better looking, stronger, younger and smarter, he also likes magic and wears calico skullcaps or calico bandannas at times more like the known real pirate Calico Jack. Then again their were many many pirates. My screenplays are registered with the Writers Guild of America, West as well as the U.S. Copyright office.

With this blog -- it will NOT print in the screenplay format. Sorry.

SLAVE SHIP
by RONALD KAISER

RONALD KAISER
4346 WEST 63 STREET
CLEVELAND OHIO 44144
© 2007,2013 RONALD KAISER
(216) 862-3166

All my screenplays are 120 pages long, sorry if some of the format is off on this blog, it's from Script Ware.

FADE IN: INT. QUEENS ROSE BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - NIGHT 1711   High seas rain and wind are what the "QUEENS ROSE" British war ship is struggling thorough. Inside the Captain's quarter's, CAPTAIN QUINTER and LIEUTENANT NORTON are having a debate with REVEREND JOSEPH on what to do with their prisoner. Reverend Joseph has a large wood cross tied with rope around his neck.   REVEREND JOSEPH We just can't kill this prisoner there are laws.                                                               CAPTAIN QUINTER I know of this man, he's a devil.                                                               REVEREND JOSEPH We're only two weeks away from Port Clay.                                                               CAPTAIN QUINTER Look even the seas have turned  against us since we brought him on board.   REVEREND JOSEPH A fair naval trial for the man at Port Clay.   LIEUTENANT NORTON Sir stories are spreading, he has nine lives and any ship he's on goes down.   REVEREND JOSEPH I can't let you do this, there are laws.   CAPTAIN QUINTER There are naval laws and laws of the sea... I've made my decision.   INT. QUEENS ROSE BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MOMENTS LATER   Below deck its dark. Water is dripping in from above. A single lantern is swinging from the waves. Three sailors sit near an iron cage with pistols ready, GUARD HARVY, GUARD TOMMY and GUARD SIMSON.   GUARD HARVY He doesn't look that tough to me.   GUARD SIMSON Oh he is.   GUARD TOMMY He looks like a rat in a trap to me.   GUARD SIMSON Don't be fooled. He's the most treacherous pirate there is. That's Pirate Calico Criss.   The men look at the cage as Calico's face comes out of the dark up to the iron slats.   EXT. QUEENS ROSE BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MORNING   A drum roll is heard for the short sea trial of Calico Criss. A clear day as the sailors line up on deck. Captain Quinter stands near Calico as crewmen drape chains from both shoulders like suspenders and around Calico's waist and between his legs. A vest and belt of chains. A chained cannon ball is handed to Calico to hold. Another sailor puts Calico's sword in his belt. A sailor puts a large lock on the chains fixing them all together then hands Captain Quinter a skeleton key. Captain Quinter locks the lock, puts the key in and locks it. There is a barrel near the plank and Captain Quinter places the key on it. Reverend Joseph, bible in hand, watching Calico.   CAPTAIN QUINTER You, Pirate Calico Criss have been found guilty of piracy on the high seas. Any last words sir?   CALICO I would have preferred the trial in Port Clay.   CAPTAIN QUINTER A pirates death for you, to be chained and walk the plank. Take him.   Sailors start moving Calico toward the plank. Lieutenant Norton takes out his sword. Reverend Joseph steps between the plank and Calico.   REVEREND JOSEPH Sir I must give this man my blessing before you send him off.   CAPTAIN QUINTER Make it fast.   Reverend Joseph gets near Calico and whispers in his ear.   REVEREND JOSEPH Break the cross.   Reverend Joseph takes his cross off and places the rope around Calico's neck, then putting the cross in Calico's hand, he steps back. The sailors lift Calico up on the plank. Lieutenant Norton follows poking Calico with his sword in the back. Calico's feet slowly slide down the plank until his feet are on the edge. Calico looks up to the heavens. Lieutenant Norton looks back at Captain Quinter who nods his head. Norton gives Calico one last poke in his back. Calico falls through the air then hits the water with a splash. Everyone on board watching.   EXT. UNDERWATER - MOMENTS LATER   Calico sinks down into the water, eyes wide open as he hits the bottom. He drops the cannon ball.   EXT. QUEENS ROSE BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MOMENTS LATER   Everyone looking at Calico's bandanna floating in the water. The silence is broken when a pistol shot rings out from up above in the crow's nest. Everyone looks up at the sailor in the crows nest.   CROWS NEST SAILOR A pirate ship off the port bow!   The sailor in the crows nest points to the pirate ship. Captain Quinter quickly moves to the upper bridge deck. Reverend Joseph rushes to go below deck.   CAPTAIN QUINTER Battle stations!   EXT. UNDERWATER - MOMENTS LATER   Calico's holding his breath, looking at the cross he starts to crush it with his hands the cross starts falling apart. He's breaking it apart and sees the skeleton key in it. He grabs the key, puts the key in the lock, unlocks it then fights to free himself from the chains. He swims off toward the surface.   EXT. QUEENS ROSE BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MOMENTS LATER   On deck the crewmen are rushing to their battle stations.   INT. QUEENS ROSE BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MOMENTS LATER   Below deck Reverend Joseph is rushing towards the back of the ship, sailors are loading the cannon. The reverend pushing sailors out of his way, but also saying "Bless you my Son" to men going the opposite way to get on deck.   EXT. OCEAN OPEN SEA - MOMENTS LATER   Calico's head pops out of the water. He takes a big gasp of air, treading water for dear life. He sees the ship leaving.   INT. QUEENS ROSE BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MOMENTS LATER   Below deck Reverend Joseph makes it to the back of the stern up to a back door for supplies. He pulls open the door. He grabs an empty barrel and shoves it out the back door. It drops into the water. He spins over another barrel sees some rope, takes the rope and quickly wraps it around the barrel tying it firmly. He shoves that barrel out the back door. Looking around he spots some wood planks and throws them out as well. Now out of breath, he looks out the back door  grasps his hands together looks up to the heavens then down to the barrels floating in the ocean.   REVEREND JOSEPH If this man is innocent let him find his way.   Reverend Joseph closes the door. EXT. THE DOVE MERCHANT SHIP - AFTERNOON   ANNE BONNEY, ZAK SLATER, CAPTAIN MILLTON the "DOVE'S" captain, and beautiful MARY BROWN, who's father Lord Brown is from a wealthy family. She has her hair up with a red bow in it. They are eating some fruit on deck, talking about a new port town. Her majesties war schooner the "QUEENS KNIGHT" sailing near the "Dove" Merchant ship protecting her. It's a beautiful day.   MARY BROWN Anne what are your thoughts of the land my father is giving you?   Mary Brown shows her and Zak a small map of the new port town. She points to a marked off area.   MARY BROWN Right here. The best plot of land I could find for my best friend. It's near town. I can't wait to show it off to you and Zak tomorrow.   ANNE BONNEY Mary you and your father are far too kind.   MARY BROWN And Zak wait until you see the merchant shop I have picked out for you.   Zak gives her a smile.   ZAK SLATER And how did your father arrange this naval escort?   MARY BROWN You know my father.   Crewmen of the "Queens Knight" yelling and pointing starboard grab Zak's attention. Zak looks back and sees it, a large ship barring down on them.   EXT. "THE VULTURE" MAN O WAR SHIP - MOMENTS LATER   A kettledrum is THUMPING. A large pirate flag is waving in the wind. The large man-of-war pirate ship "THE VULTURE" painted tar black is at top speed cutting through the water. The sails are gray and there are skulls hanging by their hair from the masts poles. One small mast has a flag with a Vulture head on it. The bow has extra iron plating on it for ramming. On the stern below the beautiful stain glass windows near the nameplate is a skeleton tied to the back of the ship dressed in pirate rags. The crew on this ship is a mean nasty lot. Everyone who knows of the "VULTURE" fears it. Up in the crow's nest a pirate PHILIP on lookout yells down to his crewman.    PHILIP Two ships off port bow!   Pirate Philip is making hand signs to the men below, pointing and showing two fingers.    PHILIP One a war ship! British class!   Hes showing one finger.    PHILIP One merchant!   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD on the bridge, a nasty looking man with a very long gray beard. He's consumed by the curse that's on him, he also knows half his crew is ready for a mutiny. He takes his spyglass looking in the direction the crewman pointed.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD After them! Full speed, Come up from behind them. Load them cannon you dogs!   A pirate on deck is pounding their war beat on the kettledrum. The Vulture cuts through the sea heading for the two ships.   EXT. QUEENS KNIGHT BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MOMENTS LATER   The British sailor in the crows nest yells down.   CREWMAN JAMES Large ship coming up fast starboard.   On deck the older and not so swift anymore CAPTAIN HOLLY takes his spy glass and looks back at the approaching ship.   CAPTAIN HOLLY Ready your battle stations.   A bell is ringing and ship crew is making ready for battle.   EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - MOMENTS LATER   Below the crews are loading their cannons. On deck crew are loading their pistols and muskets, making ready their swords, knives and swivel guns. On the side of the "Vulture" the cannon are starting to poke through the side cannon port holes. The "Vulture" is now right behind and to the left of the "Dove". The "Vulture" starts to pass the "Dove".  Anne, Zak and Mary look up to see the pirate flag and the Vultures crew is looking down at them. From his high Captain's deck Captain Long Beard looks down at them tipping his hat. He yells down to them.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Prepare to be boarded!   On the "Queens Knight" soldiers are lined up on deck with their muskets ready. A young officer has his sword up in the air ready. As the "Vulture" pulls aside the "Queens Knight" British war ship, Captain Holly looks up to see the pirate flag. Too little to late.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Fire!   The cannons on the "Vulture" all shoot off in a cloud of smoke. At the same moment the swivel gun on the deck rails shoot off. A line of pirates with muskets and blunderbuss, their guns all fire spraying the British soldiers and deck with shot. Before the young British officer can yell fire he is shot several times and falls as do many of the soldiers.   EXT. QUEENS KNIGHT BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - MOMENTS LATER   Below deck sailors at their cannon stations a cannon ball rips through her side leaving a large hole. The sailors that were standing there disappear from the blast. Water is rushing in. On deck the British soldiers start shooting back hitting a few pirates. Below deck fire and smoke. There are several large holes and water is pouring in.   EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - MOMENTS LATER   Captain Long Bread screaming orders to his crew.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Port side turn port side! Turn into the wind! Reload men reload!   The Vulture turning to make another pass. The pirate SNAKE is walking down the deck yelling orders to the pirates. He's a muscular young man with snake tattoos covering his body. Captain Long Beard's loyal enforcer.   SNAKE Reload, you dogs, reload! One more pass and she's done.   Below deck the pirates are reloading their cannons. On board the "Queens Knight" British warship panic is breaking out. Sailors are taking up there sails trying to slow the ship down. The soldiers are reloading their guns and look to see the "Vulture" turning for another pass.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Steady men don't get to close, this time we'll hit em long range. Site your cannon!   Snake yells down a hatch to pirates below deck.   SNAKE Ready your mark at this range!   Next to Captain Long Beard, PIRATE WINSTON  is looking through his spyglass at the "Queens Knight".  WINSTON Looks like they're dead in the water Sir.   Captain Long Beard is pacing along the side rail looking at the wounded "Queens Knight". A hatch opens on deck and PIRATE JONATHAN'S head pops out.   JONATHAN Captain the cannon and range are set.   Captain Long Beard takes a deep breath.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Fire!   All the cannon on the "Vulture" fire with a cloud of smoke. You can hear the shells WHISTLE through the air then they crash into the "Queens Knight" and her rigging. The "Queens Knight" is listing to one side. Water is pouring in below deck. The British crew and soldiers are taking off some of their clothing getting ready to abandon ship. Some sailors are jumping off the ship.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Fire!   The cannon on the Vulture fire off again. The shells are WHISTLING through the air and strike the "Queens Knight". Captain Long Beard and his crew on the decks rails are looking at the British war ship as she goes under.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Lets get the other one!   The crew all cheer.   EXT. THE DOVE MERCHANT SHIP - MOMENTS LATER   The "Dove" merchant ship is being tied to the "Vulture". Pirates scramble onto the "Dove". Captain Millton pulls out his pistol then takes a shot at Long Beard, he misses. Long Beard Shoots back, Captain Millton falls dead at the women's feet. Mary is holding onto Anne, Anne onto Zak. They all know they're out numbered. A few pirates have pistols trained on them. Zak looks at the Vulture, marksmen have their muskets pointed at them. Pirates are taking supplies off the merchant ship onto the "Vulture". Captain Long Beard looking down at the women. Mary looks up to see Long Beard. Mary thinking she has clout.   MARY BROWN Sir, My name is Mary Brown and my father is Lord Brown.   Long Beard with a smirk, tips his hat to her.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (forceful) Missy my name is Captain Long Beard and my father was hung by your father.   Mary is set back.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Take the two women.   ZAK SLATER Sir. If I may. The ladies responsibility is mine for safe passage.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (sarcastically) You're not doing a very good job of it.   A pirate hits Zak on the head with his pistol Zak falls to the deck. Two pirates tie his hands and feet pick him up and throw him overboard. Anne seeing this starts fighting like a wild cat, screaming.   ANNE BONNEY (frightfully) Zak....Zak!   The pirates wrestle with her. It takes three to hold her, one grabs one legs another her arms. They carry her toward the "Vulture". She is still kicking and screaming. Mary is led away by a pirate   INT. UNDERWATER - MOMENTS LATER   Zak now conscious looks at his tied hands, he bends over and pulls a dagger from his boot. Cuts the ropes on his feet then his hands. He swims away under the "Dove".   EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - MOMENTS LATER   Pirates force Anne and Mary on board the "Vulture".   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Tie and gag them.   SNAKE It's bad luck to bring them women on board.   Long Beard grins at him.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Bad luck, I have a curse on me. I'm bad luck.   Anne still struggling with the pirates as they tie and gag her. She falls to the deck making it harder for them. As Mary is being gagged she takes a quick glance back at the "Dove", crewmen are helping Zak out of the water. The pirate holding her turns her around. The lines are being freed from the "Dove". The two ships are drifting apart.   CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Set sail.   Crewmen from the "Dove" are helping sailors from the "Queens Knight" out of the water. Sails are dropping as the "Vulture" moves away.   EXT. MAROONED ISLAND - AFTERNOON   The "VICIOUS DOG" Merchant ship is anchored in a cove. Men in longboats are headed towards the beach. A party of eight men are walking across the narrow island toward the other side. MR. SHARP the mapmaker is holding some maps and charts. As they clear the jungle brush they notice a flimsily made hut of palm leafs.                               They see a man with his back towards them leaning over a fire cooking a fish on a stick. He is surrounded by a pile of smashed coconut husks. They approach him with Pistols drawn. The man looks ragged and dirty then starts talking to himself.   CALICO How long have I been here? A few weeks. A few months? What year is it?  Not one ship passed here.   Calico takes a bite of the blackened fish.   MR. SHARP Mate are you in need of assistance?   Calico startled turns around and seven sailors from the "Vicious Dog" are standing there behind him, pistols pointed at him. Calico can't believe his good luck.   CALICO Sir, yes. I need assistance.   MR. SHARP You're in luck today. Our ship is on the other side of the island. I just finished charting the island. Would you care to set sail with us?   CALICO Yes Sir. I would.   Calico stands up and the men walk away together.   EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - AFTERNOON   Calico Criss is being helped on board by crewmen and welcomed on board by CAPTAIN TIBITS a fancy dressed arrogant man. He wears power make up and a light colored wig. Everything appears to be fine. A merchant ship with crates stacked and tied in the center deck.   MR. SHARP Captain Tibits I would like you to Meet Calico Criss. We found him on the island.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Welcome aboard the "Vicious Dog" Sir. Captain Tibits at your service.   CALICO Thank you Sir. I'm Calico Criss.   CAPTAIN TIBITS And may I ask Sir. How did you end up here?   CALICO My ship was sunk, I was the only one to make it. A bad storm.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous) Men get Calico Criss some water and freshen him up, some new clothes. Please join us for dinner tonight. Tonight we'll make you a good meal and talk and drink all night.   INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - EVENING   The Captain's cabin door opens. Mr. Sharp and Calico enter. Calico dressed in a clean outfit, is all smiles. He is ready for his first good meal in awhile. Calico takes a look around. At the table is Captain Tibits and FIRST MATE HAMMER a ruff looking man who runs the day-to-day work on board ship. Captain Tibits is a bit drunk.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous) Calico Criss. Please do come in. Have a seat. Lets eat drink and talk.   Calico and Mr. Sharp sit at the table.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Calico Criss I would like you to meet first mate Hammer. He runs the ship for me and of course you know our navigator Mr. Sharp. Tell us again Calico Criss how did you find yourself way out here Sir?   CALICO I was running a small merchant ship when a bad storm blew up. It took us down, I was washed up and have been here about four months.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Well good luck for you we came by, and I'm sure you would have done the same for us.   CALICO Of course I would. Sir. The name of this ship, "Vicious Dog"? I was just wondering.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous) Oh the name Sir, when I was a child I was attacked by a large dog. I still have dreams about it. So the name. But I be a trader, I trade in cloth, silk, spices, tobacco, tools, muskets, swords, grain, whale oil anything I can make money with.   FIRST MATE HAMMER More rum Sir?   Calico holds out his mug. Hammer pours him some rum. Calico drinks it down, Hammer pours him some more, grinning at him.   FIRST MATE HAMMER (feeling him out) Drink your fill CAPTAIN.   CALICO (startled) Captain. How did you know I was a captain?   CAPTAIN TIBITS A captain you say? Captain Calico Criss? When? What ship?   Calico's mistake in saying captain, has him choking for words.   CALICO (nervous) Years ago. A small ship. A small merchant ship. Nothing like this. A small ship.   CAPTAIN TIBITS And her name? Maybe I know of her.   CALICO Aye, the Dutch. The "DutchBoy". A small ship that sunk.   FIRST MATE HAMMER (curious) The ship you were captain of when down?   CALICO Not my fault. Poor workmanship. Sank yards from the harbor. Leaks all about.   CAPTAIN TIBITS And pirate stories. Pirates everywhere. That's why were headed back to England. We hear tale about a Captain Long Beard and his crew, absolute savages. Have you heard of him? Or his ship the "Vulture"?   CALICO No Sir I have not.   A face appears at the cabin door window. A sailor is trying to get the attention of first mate Hammer. First Mate Hammer acknowledges him.   FIRST MATE HAMMER Excuse me gentleman I'm called on deck.   First Mate Hammer walks out to the sailor. Captain Tibits passes a bowl of chicken to Calico, the men start to eat.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous) The Queens navy has to stop them. How can you trade and make a living, when pirates are running about loose. Killing everyone.   Calico half listening, eating and drinking.   CAPTAIN TIBITS I told you I was a trader. But this is my final voyage. It's back to England and sell this ship.   MR. SHARP Here here I'll drink to that.   Mr. Sharp gives a toast.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Did I tell you our Mr. Sharp also makes maps for the Queen's navy. He's the best they have. That's why we stopped at this island. He was charting it. And he draws, and is very good at it I may add. He is the ships navigator as well. Only "sharp" man I have.   MR. SHARP And that was my last map. Get me back to England.   CAPTAIN TIBITS And believe this. He's the only one on this ship who knows how to navigate it. I don't. I have no idea were we are. This is my first and last voyage out here. I had to do this just to get my ship back home.   Calico is eating and drinking voraciously.   CAPTAIN TIBITS The crew can't. Why they can even read or write. I own four ships but from now someone else will sail them. Not me. I'm going to sell them off. I'm with you Mr. Sharp the sooner we get home the better.   The men raise their mugs. And toast.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Calico did I tell you. Pirates killed one of my brothers four years ago.   Calico looks at the window of the cabin door watching First Mate Hammer and the sailor talking. He looks back at Tibits.   CALICO I'm sorry to hear that.   Captain Tibits pours Calico Criss more rum.   CAPTAIN TIBITS A toast to my brother John.   The men click mugs and drink. First Mate Hammer and two other crewmen return into the cabin. Hammer goes over to Captain Tibits the other two men get behind Calico. Hammer whispers into Tibits ear and hands him something under the table. Captain Tibits looking on his lap at what first mate Hammer handed him. Calico reaches into a bowl for another piece of chicken and starts to eat it, the two crewmen are standing behind him. Captain Tibits quickly pulls out his pistol and points it at Calico's face.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (forceful) Take him!   The two crewmen grab hold of Calico and stand him up. Tibits stands up.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (angry) How dare you!... How dare you!   Tibits is angry. Calico is looking down the barrel of Captain Tibits pistol.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (angry) You're a pirate, you ate my food. Drank my rum and you're a pirate. Pirates killed my brother!   Calico is looking worried. Tibits's hand with the pistol is shaking.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Look at this!   The two crewmen holding hard on to Calico as Captain Tibits holds up a wanted poster of a likeness drawing of Calico Criss. Captain Tibits reads it.   CAPTAIN TIBITS WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. Pirate Calico Criss. 5000 pieces of eight. That's you!   Calico looking guilty knows he was just caught.   CALICO (nervous) I can explain.   Captain Tibits moves around to Calico and takes his sword. Then gets in his face.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (angry) YOU'RE A STINKING PIRATE! AND I'M GOING TO HANG YOU!   The crewmen take Calico Criss from the cabin.   EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - LATER   On deck Calico is tied up standing on a barrel with a noose around his neck. Captain Tibits is holding a sword to Calico's neck, striking a pose. The whole crew is watching. Mr. Sharp is making a drawing of the hanging event.   MR. SHARP You will be famous Sir. The man who single handed captured the notorious pirate Pirate Calico Criss and hung him. The Queen will make you a knight.   Captain Tibits striking his pose for the drawing.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous) I'll be a hero.         CAPTAIN TIBITS (addressing First Mate Hammer.) Get the slaves up here to witness this, they to will know who to fear. This will teach them all a lesson.   Mr. Sharp is adding the final touches to the title of the drawing. "PIRATE CALICO CRISS CAPTURED AND HUNG BY SIR EDWARD CAPTAIN TIBITS". The ragged looking slaves are being brought on deck by first mate Hammer and some crewmen. The slaves are in shackles. Calico looks at them as they pass. A international group of slaves. There are men and women from Africa. One woman is KIAA. Three Japanese women. A big muscular man from Africa, GAMBA. Chinese men, one is MING LEE. A blind, older pirate with SCARS down his closed eye lids SEADOG. Two large Japanese sumo wrestler type men. Three Polynesian men and three Polynesian women one is beautiful TIKA. None of them speak and are seated on the side to watch the hanging.   FIRST MATE HAMMER Sir about that reward?   CAPTAIN TIBITS Yes I know. You me and your man split the reward when we get it. And the glory?   First Mate Hammer grins.   FIRST MATE HAMMER Sir the glory is all yours.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Mr. Sharp, is the drawing finished yet?   MR. SHARP Yes Sir its done.   Mr. Sharp holds up the drawing so Captain Tibits can see it.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Very well. Well done, I like it.   Captain Tibits addressing Calico.   CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous) As Captain of the Vicious Dog I sentence you to death by hanging for piracy.   Calico looks worried as First Mate Hammer tightens the noose. Mr. Sharp interrupts.   MR. SHARP Sir if I may say. If we hang him now. His body is going to stink and were two months from England. If you keep him tied with the slaves, you can take him back alive.   Calico choking a bit from the tight noose.   MR. SHARP The court in England would love to have a real pirate to put on trial. What do you think?   Captain Tibits looking at Calico thinking about it.   CAPTAIN TIBITS That may be a good idea. What do you think Mr. Hammer?   FIRST MATE HAMMER (cold hearted) I say hang him now sir.   Calico's eyes roll a bit.   CAPTAIN TIBITS But then again, If we could bring him in alive. A real wanted pirate to be put on display could be worth a lot of money. And we haven ever had a slave escape.   FIRST MATE HAMMER I'll agree to putting him with the slaves but only if you let me take the wind out of his sails. I don't trust no pirate.   CAPTAIN TIBITS Then its settled. Mr Hammer. I in trust him into your care, do what you have to do.   First Mate Hammer removes the noose from Calico's neck. The crew helps take him down. Calico breaths a sigh of relief.   FIRST MATE HAMMER We'll give him twenty lashes with the cat o nine tails.   Calico's face tightens.   CAPTAIN TIBITS I can't watch this.   As Captain Tibits and Mr. Sharp return to the Captain's quarters, Calico is being tied to a whipping grid station. His shirt is ripped down from his back. First Mate Hammer whispers into Calico's ear. Grinning at him.   FIRST MATE HAMMER (cocky) You ain't no captain.. no more.   The slaves squatting around the deck are watching Calico Criss take his whipping. Their faces flinch each time the whip stings Calico's back. When Hammer is done whipping him a sailor hands him a RED-HOT branding iron. It has a "V" on it.   FIRST MATE HAMMER This is going to hurt. Captain my....   He rams the branding iron into Calico's shoulder. Calico's face tightens from the pain. They untie him and he falls to the deck.   FIRST MATE HAMMER Take him below. Chain him, no water no food until I say.   Hammer eyes the slaves, they lower their heads.   FIRST MATE HAMMER This should be a lesson for the rest of you. Take them all down.   The crewmen drag Calico away as guards are taking the rest of the slaves below deck.   INT. PORT CLAY NAVAL BASE - DAY   CAPTAIN FLOWERS an older British naval officer in command of the naval base and the ship the "QUEENS EAGLE". He sits at his desk arranging documents, waiting for his guests to arrive. There is a knock on the door. It opens. A LIEUTENANT FIST shows Zak into his office. Zak and Captain Flowers shake hands and introduce each other.   CAPTAIN FLOWERS What news do you bring me?   ZAK SLATER Sir, your ship the "Queens Knight" was sunk. They took Anne Bonney my bride to be and Mary Brown, Lord Browns daughter hostage.   CAPTAIN FLOWERS Yes Sir sailors reported this to me.   ZAK SLATER The pirate ship was the "Vulture". The captain introduced himself as Captain Long Beard.   CAPTAIN FLOWERS I know of him Sir and of his ship. He is the Queens Navy's most hated outlaw. A fleet from England is on its way to take care of that pest. They should be here in a month or so.   ZAK SLATER A month or so. Sir did I not say my Anne and Mary Brown, Lord Browns daughter were taken by them?   CAPTAIN FLOWERS Yes. You did. But at this time there is nothing I can do about it.   ZAK SLATER Sir, you have a war ship. I saw it. The "EAGLE". Sir send it after them.   CAPTAIN FLOWERS Son, the "Eagle" is in need of repair. And as you can see its the only ship I have for the defence of Port Clay.   ZAK SLATER The Dove has gone back to get Lord Brown. He'll be here in three days. Is there noting we can do today.   CAPTAIN FLOWERS I shall hurry dispatch to all the ships in the area. and get word to the Admiralty.   ZAK SLATER That's all! That's all you can do? Send word!   CAPTAIN FLOWERS At this time. Yes. Did you say Lord Brown is coming to Port Clay?   ZAK SLATER Yes the crew on the "Dove" are going to get him as we speak.   CAPTAIN FLOWERS Lord Brown. I hear he is very wealthy. Is that still true?   ZAK SLATER Yes he's wealthy and a man of action. He'll do everything necessary to rescue his daughter. Even if he has to he'll buy a warship.   CAPTAIN FLOWERS I'm very sorry for the loss of your beloved Anne. I know you're distraught. But Lord Brown ....buy a war ship?   ZAK SLATER Sorry for my loss?! And all your willing to do is send word

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
If you will excuse me. I have work to do. And I'll see you in a few days with Lord Brown. That is all.

ZAK
That is all?

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Yes Sir. That is is all. If you can please show yourself out. I'll see you in a few days.

Zak gets up and stomps out of the office. Slamming the door as he exits. Outside on the dock Zak is passing by the ship The "Queens Eagle" he pauses. Looks at it, the crew, and guards around it then continues on.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - EVENING

On the main bridge PAN a wise older sailor who is the speaker for all the pirates on the ship. Mary and Anne are tied to posts and gagged. They look exhausted. Pan is finishing giving Mary a drink of water. Pirate guards are at their stations. Pan puts Mary's gag back on. Long Beard and Snake are looking at maps. Pan approaches them.

PAN
Sir. if I may. The crew dose not like the way you're treating the ladies. It's upsetting to a lot of the men.

Long Beard looks at him.

PAN
Sir half the men think you should drop them off. It's bad luck to have them here.

Long Beard walks over to Anne intending to intimidate her. He takes the gag from her mouth down.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Tell me my "Lady". Is it bad luck having you here?

Anne spits in his face. Long Beard is outraged. He looks at two near by guards. Screaming at them.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD(angry)
Tie her to the rack! Where is my Goon? I'll teach her to spit in my face! Ten lashes for this!

The pirate guards take Anne to the front rails tying her up for a whipping. The GOON a large pirate wearing a leather mask walks up near her with his cat of nine tails.

PAN
Sir you don't have to do this. She doesn't know what shes doing.

Word spreads fast among the crew as they begin gathering to watch. Pan moves over to Anne.

PAN
Miss tell him you're sorry.

Anne jerking at the ropes trying to free herself, shes angry.

ANNE (upset)
He killed my Zak! He killed him!


ANNE(sobbing)
You didn't have to kill him. You beat him, you didn't have to kill him.

Long Beard moves closer to her in a shouting match.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
There's the one to lay blame on! Missy Mary Brown there. I don't take prisoners or hostages. But she had to open her trap. Boasting of her father. Now shes the bait! Her father killed my father.What's a good son to do?

Long Beard regains his composure, tugs his coat down. Mary is tugging at her ropes trying to free her hands. Upset crewmen gather chanting.

THE CREW
No.. no.. no.. no.

A young crewman Pirate GEORGE runs up the stairs with his pistol aimed at Long Beard.

GEORGE
Let her go!

He fires, the bullet SCREAMS past Long Beards face. Long Beard quickly pulls his pistol and shoots the young sailor, he falls dead down the stairs. The crew quiets. A pirate guard quickly hands Long Beard another loaded pistol. All the pirates start taking out their pistols and swords.

It looks like a civil war is about to break out. Guards on the bridge move to the front pointing their guns at the crewmen on the main deck. Crewmen on the deck pointing their guns back at the guards. Crewmen split between loyal Long Beard followers and Pan's men fed up with Long Beard.Long Beard addresses the goon.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
What are you waiting for? Rip her shirt down and take the flesh off her back!

THE CREW
No.. no.. no no.

The Goon just looks back at Long Beard. Long Beard aims his pistol at him.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
I said ten lashes.

A rope drops down from the rigging not far from Long Beard. Followed by SPIDER sliding down the rope. A handsome younger pirate covered in spider tattoos in charge of the sails, his web.

SPIDER
Sir I'll take her beating.

Long Beard looking around realizes the situation is way out of control and full scale mutiny could start.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Chivalry is alive! Cut her down! Put Spider in her place.

The Goon cuts Anne down, Snake moves over to take her place. Anne notices a near by half asleep guard pirate without his hand on his sword. She makes her move. Pulling the sword from the pirate’s sword belt. Long Beard pulls his sword out to hold her back. A few pirates including Snake are ready to pounce on her. Long Beard is staring her down.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Hold on men...Miss what do you think your going to do with that?

ANNE (angry)
You killed my Zak and I'm going to kill you.

Long Beard busts out laughing. Then the pirates.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You are?

ANNE (shaking voice)
Yes.

Long Beard laughs again. Then looks stern.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Little girl you should never take a pirates sword. Put the sword down now. I'll not ask you twice.

The sword in her hand is trebling she looks scared.

ANNE
No.

Captain Long Beard looking around for a moment thinking. The other pirates on deck can't believe she doing this. Long Beard looking for help.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Pan, make her drop it
.
PAN
Miss please drop it. He'll kill you.

Anne holds fast. A few pirates move near her. She waves them back with the sword.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Missy can you use that?

ANNE
Yes I can.

Long Beard laughs again. Wipes his nose, then shoots her the eye.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Tell you what Miss. We'll have this duel if you wish. Just you and me. Winner take all. If you win and kill me the crew and ship are yours. You're free. What say?

Her sword still shaking still looking nervous. A little sweat on her brow. She shakes her head yes.

ANNE
The ship and crew would be mine? We can go?

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You heard right. Men did you hear this?

The men acknowledge they heard him.

SNAKE
Fight on deck! For the ship and crew.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
If anyone can't stomach this go below, I won't back down from a witch.

The men start passing word of the fight. Men from the rigging's are sliding down ropes for a better view. Men coming up from below to the main deck.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Last chance, I'll give no quarter.

She doesn't waiver but steps back a little. In a ready stance. Long Beard touches the tip of his sword to hers.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
On guard.

He backs then lunges at her. She moves out of the swords way and the fight is on. He being a good swordsman puts her on the defensive. Driving her back down the stairs to the main deck. The crew is cheering. He is overpowering, backing her up.

PIRATE HOPPER
If she kills him she's our new captain!

The men cheer, as Long Beard is backing her down the deck side. Crewmen are still coming from below. Crewmen still coming off the rigging's. Half the men are cheering for her half for him. She backs into a pirate on the side rail.

PIRATE CHARLES
Kill him Miss.

She spins off him to dodge a thrush by Long Beard's sword. It lunges into the pirate Charles gut. Long beard puts his boot on the man's chest and frees his sword. He pulls it out of the pirate, who falls dead to the deck. The crowd cheers as Long Beard stalks her.

PIRATE CHASE
Kill her Captain! We'll put her pretty little head on the main mast.

They have worked their way to the bow and are now fighting down the other side. The men love it. Cheering them both on.

PIRATE THOMAS
Kill him Missy! We would love you to be our new captain!

The men cheer. Then with a hard blow Captain Long Beard knocks the sword from her hand. It flies into the air and lands to the side. The crowd is silenced. You can hear a pin drop. Captain Long Beard gleams at her. A pirate COTTON near her, hands her his sword.

COTTON
Take this Miss. Kill him!

The crew goes wild. He stabs at her cutting a piece of her dress off.Holding it in the air to show all he flips its up into the air. She's exhausted but is determined to put one last rally together. The Captain backing up a bit stumbles and she seizes the opportunity. Quickly she runs her sword into the Captain's heart, clear to the handle. She lets go of the sword.

He stager’s back and falls, landing on some crates his head down, his sword still in hand. Everyone is stunned and silent. One pirate lifts Long Beard's head, looks at him lets go of his head and it drops.

COTTON
She's killed the Captain!

A loud cheer goes up. Even Anne is surprised. Without notice like a JACK IN THE BOX the Captain springs to his feet and puts his sword to the base of her neck.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Not so fast Miss. You lose.

The men cheer. Anne is scared stiff with the site of Captain Long Beard with the sword still sicking from his chest. The crew is stunned as well. The Captain slowly turns around to display the sword stuck in him.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Look here men. She broke my heart!

The men laugh and cheer as the Captain walks slowly past them making his way to the top bridge. Anne is dragged behind him by a couple of pirates. The captain stops at the top of the stares. Yelling back to the crew.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
She can sure use this sword......But can she cook?

The crew laugh and cheer.The Captain moves to the Captain's spot on deck by the wheel. Mary Brown at last frees her hands and removes the gag. She runs to Anne almost tackling her. The two women fall to the deck Mary on top of her trying to protect her. Long Beard showing off the sword stuck in himself to Snake.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Now how does this look?

Snake looking at the wound and stuck sword.

SNAKE
Sir. It looks good, it looks good. Should I pull it out Sir?

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
No I think I'll leave it in for a time. To remind me what a beauty can do to a pirate.

whispers to Anne

MARY BROWN (whispers to Anne)
Zak is alive. Listen to me Anne! Zak is alive. I saw him.


ANNE (whispering back)
What are you talking about?

MARY BROWN (whispering)
When this ship moved away from the Dove I saw crewmen pulling Zak out of the water. He's alive.

ANNE
Are you sure?

MARY BROWN
I swear.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Who's sword did she take?

Long Beard looking around at the crew their. He notices three pirate guards standing together near by a deck rail. One is missing his sword in his sword belt.

PIRATE PETER
It's me sir. She took my sword.

The Captain grabs a blunderbuss from a guard levels it at his chest and fires. A loud BOOM and blast of smoke. The pirate is hit in the chest and is hurled over the railing overboard. Part of the rail flies apart. The pirates on ether side of him are also wounded by stray shot in the arms and sides. They go down screaming in pain, from their wounds. This silences everyone. Anne and Mary still whispering to each other lying on the deck.

ANNE
Mary he can't hurt your father, your fathers not here. We can outsmart him. Follow me.

Anne half crawling and Mary move over to Pan. She grabs hold of him.

ANNE
Sir please stop him. Make a truce with him. A deal.

The women get behind Pan, he's not sure what to do.

ANNE
Captain Long Beard please, please stop. Hear me out, please.

Long Beard approaches them.

ANNE
We don't have to kill each other,my Zak's alive and Mary's father is in England. You have no reason to fear us.

Long Beard busts out laughing.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Pan what is she talking about? Fear her I was going to have their heads cut off. And put up there.

He looks up in the rigging. Skull heads sway in the breeze.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Did any one else see that man get out of the water?

About five men in the rigging's raise their hands. Long Beard points at Pirate GILBERT.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You there. What did you see?

GILBERT
Sir I saw the man we tied get out of the water near the Dove. Their crewmen pulled him up.

Anne gives a sigh of relief. Mary hugging her.

PAN
What they mean Sir is. We strike a deal. They behave themselves. And you treat them better.

Long Beard is confused.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You want me to strike a deal with my hostages. She spit in my face and look at this.

He shows off the sword stuck in his chest.

PAN
Sir any other man would be dead...You're not.

Long Beard thinking about his near mutiny. The whole crew really paying attention to this, staring at him.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
What are the terms?

The whole crew cheers. Pan starts winging this.

PAN
First no man on this ship will lay a hand on them. They in turn will not harm this ship or anyone on board. They will not be tied up and can freely walk the ship.

The crew cheers.

PAN
They shall sleep in you quarters Sir. They can't sleep out here with the men.

The crew boos.

PAN
They shall eat what you eat in your cabin. This way you can keep a eye on them.

SNAKE (nasty)
Just throw them overboard.

Long Beard grabs Snake and whispers in his ear.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
We can do that anytime. Stand down.

Pan doesn't want to push his luck.

PAN
That's it Sir, that's it.

Long Beard looking to his crew, then to the ladies.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Agreed.

The crew cheers. Long Beard takes off his hat and bows to the women.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
And no hard feelings about the past ladies. Welcome aboard the "Vulture".

The crew cheers as the "Vulture" sails away.

EXT. PORT CLAY NAVAL BASE - AFTERNOON

Captain Flowers sits at his desk arranging documents waiting for his guests to arrive. Their is a knock on his door, it opens.

LIEUTENANT FIST (O.S.)
In here gentlemen.

Zak and Lord Brown enter the room. Captain Flowers stands and greets the men. Lord Brown is carrying a good size pouch of coins and a bottle of brandy.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Gentlemen come in please.

Flowers offers his hand across the desk. The men shake hands.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Sit, please sit. We have much to discuss.

Lord Brown places the money stack and brandy on the desk.

LORD BROWN
Thank you Sir.

Zak nods his head.

ZAK
Sir.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Sir I've heard so many good things about you. And all the good work you are doing in the region.

LORD BROWN
Thank you Sir. But to get to the meat. We are here for the matter of my daughter being taken by pirates.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Yes, yes of course Zak filled me in on the details. The "Vulture", Captain Long Beard. Sir I'm sorry for you loss.


ZAK (angry)
Have you done anything!

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Well yes of course I have. My troops are alerted, I have sent dispatch to the admiralty. And dispatch to all the Queens ships in the area.

In anger Zak slaps his hand on the desk.

ZAK
You have a war ship right there.The "Eagle" and you do nothing!

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Gentlemen the "Queens Eagle" is in for repairs.

Zak stands up.

ZAK
I think you're a coward! (angry)

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Sir, with that remark and that tone I can very well have the two of you thrown out of here. Or arrested for insulting a British officer.

Lord Brown stands to calm Zak down, and then sits him back down. He reaches in his coat and hands Captain Flowers a document. Captain Flowers unfolds it and reads it.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
What is this?

LORD BROWN
That Sir is a deed to one hundred acres of land in England. And what I need from you is a war ship, a crew, arms, and for you to make Zak a captain.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
I see.

LORD BROWN
If you can't do it I'll pay someone who can. The Spanish the French, I don't care if I have to pay pirates to do it.

Lord Brown opens the brandy and pours the men drinks.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
I have to make sure its within the law, but yes I can do this. We'll go over my plan.

The men make a toast with their glasses.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - EVENING

The slaves in shackles are up on deck, women on one side, men on the other. A slave is walking down the line handing each one a hard tack biscuit, another follows him giving each one a cup of water under the watchful eyes of guards. The night shift guards are coming out from below, guard HENRY carrying a Blaine pin as a club approaches Hammer.

HENRY
Sir.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Have the slaves sleep on deck tonight. It stinks below, take two men below to clean that mess. Those two.

Hammer points to Calico and Gamba shackled together. Calico is dressed in slave rags not looking well, hunger gnaws at him.

HENRY
You two, come with me.

Calico and Gamba stand and follow Henry. They start to head below.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Henry make sure you work them all night, I have to get some sleep.

Hammer makes his way to his hammock, Calico and Gamba are led below. The slaves lay down to sleep. Below deck in the slave quarters Calico and Gamba are washing the floor.

GAMBA
The blind man Seadog tells us if anyone can free us its you.

Calico looks at him, he does not respond.

GAMBA(continuing)
When you make a plan you can count on me.

Calico looks at him, he does not respond. Gamba reaches into his pocket and hands Calico a half eaten apple. Calico wolfs it down. They hear Henry coming back and start washing again. Gamba looking at Calico not sure he's "the one".

The Vicious Dog sails away.

INT. PORT CLAY NAVAL BASE - AFTERNOON

Tied to the dock is a badly beat up pirate schooner. A few cannon ball holes through her side, a few of the masts are missing, no sails, deck rails missing, no cannon and it could use a paint job. It needs a lot of work. Captain Flowers, Zak and Lord Brown are on deck inspecting it. The men are disappointed in her.

ZAK
She looks on the poor side.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Not really. She has solid oak timbers and what you see is solid as a rock.

The men walk down the plank, leaving the ship.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
I have listed the correct materials and your line of credit... Well Sir, I took the liberty to talk to local merchants. And you have a free hand to sign notes of payment I bet in two weeks with my help of course, we could have her seaworthy.

Zak and Lord Brown look in agreement with Captain Flowers.

ZAK
Sir I have a question. What about the man power to do all this work. And a crew.

Captain Flowers puts his hand to his ear "A signal" As if to be listening to something. His head turning left and right.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Do you hear that?

Everyone stops talking and starts listening.

ZAK
I don't hear anything.

Captain Flowers still acting to be listening.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
There. There it is. The sound of troops marching.

Everyone looking around confused. Then the silence is broken. A guard sailor NATHANIEL counting out their marching steps.

NATHANIEL
Hep. Two three. Hep two three.Hep. Hep.

Then everyone see them. Sailor guards with muskets. Marching around the corner of the building. A long line of rag tag pirate prisoners. Around two hundred men are following the head guards. Zak is wide eyed at the site. The guard sailors and prisoners march right up near the ship.

NATHANIEL
Halt! You men sit here on the ground in rows.

The guard sailor points to an area of ground and the prisoners hustle to sit in rows. The other naval guards take their guarding positions around them. The guard sailor address Captain Flowers, and salutes.

NATHANIEL
Sir.

ZAK (disappointed)
These aren't sailors, these are pirates.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
I thought pirates were good sailors.

ZAK
These men are cut throats and murders.

Zak looking at the rag tag pirates sitting.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
No their not. We hung all the cutthroats and murders.

Captain Flowers has a document he holds up to read out loud for everyone in the area to hear.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
By order of the Queen. It is hereby proclaimed that any convicted pirate serving a sentence of less than ten years,and who swears loyalty to the Queen and country, can serve three years on a Queens vessel for small wage. After time is paid, said pirate will be granted full pardon. Records of said pirate's name, dates and time served will be kept. The Queens naval base commander shall have full passage on these proceedings. In best interest of Queen and country. Signed Duke of Longsworth, Lexington England.

The rag tag prisoners cheer.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Zak, here are your privateer papers making you a captain in her majesty's privateer navy.

Captain Flowers hands Zak the privateer document Zak looks at it.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
You're a Captain now.

LORD BROWN
Thank you Sir.The men shake hands.

Captain Flowers bids farewell to all. Tips his hat, with a little bow and walks away from the work site.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - AFTERNOON

Captain Long Beard, Snake and the upper crew are on the main bridge. Two British schooners have followed them for two days. The schooners are about to go on attack. The schooner port side is getting closer. Captain Long Beard is thinking about going on the attack as well.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
The ship port side is getting a little to close. She's going to test us. Snake have the port side fire a volley at them to see what they want to do.

Snake moves to the rail and yells down to GUNNIE, he's in charge of the gun crews below. A crazed pirate with concussion symptoms from working with cannons his whole life.

SNAKE
Gunnie port side on the ready, aim. You call the mark.

GUNNIE
Yes sir.

The pirate on the kettledrum starts POUNDING the war beat. This alerts all the crew to battle stations. Captain Long Beard now behind the wheel spins it towards the schooner. Anne and Mary Brown are standing at the foot of the bridge on the deck near the stair well leading below deck. The British schooner now rapidly approaches the Vultures side. The British ships are in range and ready to fire.

EXT. PRINCESS ANN BRITISH WAR SCHOONER - CONTINUING

CAPTAIN SALTER is watching from the bridge, their range and speed as they approach the "Vulture". Captain Salter addressing his bridge staff.

CAPTAIN SALTER
We'll just fire our three front cannons. We'll go after the rudder. Then move away. We don't want their full side cannon baring down on us. On my command quickly'. Man your stations.

The men disperse to hand down the quick fire and turn commands. The bow of the schooner is now reaching the back end of the "Vulture". As she cuts through the waves, she’s at the tail end side of the "Vulture".

CAPTAIN SALTER
Fire!

Crewmen quickly relay the fire command below. The three front cannon shoot off with loud EXPLODING sounds and smoke. Swivel cannon on both ships fire at each other.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Captain Long Beard and the crew brace themselves for the in coming cannon balls. One cannon ball SCREAMS past the center of the ship a near miss. The second hits the top bridge near the top of the staircase and EXPLODES. Parts of the bridge fly apart. Anne and Mary are barley missed by flying wood. They duck to get out of the way of flying timbers. A pirate GEORGE near them grabs Anne's arm. Leading them to the stairway below, he guides them down.

GEORGE
You'll be safer down below Miss.

Mary shaken is hanging on to Anne. The two huddle together. Looking around they see they are in the smoke filled world of the cannon gunner crews. One of the gunner crewmen motion to the women to cover their ears. Gunnie is looking out the porthole near gun crew number forty. He stands up.

GUNNIE
Fire!

Cannons thirty-eight, thirty-nine, and forty all shoot off. Three loud EXPLOSIONS. A pirate yells down the stairwell to Gunnie.

GEORGE (O.S.)
Gunnie the other one is coming on the starboard side. Get ready!

Gunnie moves to the starboard side port hold and is watching the other British schooner coming in to attack the other side. Everyone below deck hears the first cannon shot THUMP from the second schooner, they hear the cannon ball SCREAM in, it EXPLODES above deck almost were the first on hit.

Two dead pirates tumble down the stair well forcing the women to move farther in to the main alleyway. A few pirates coming down the stair well onto the main alleyway move the women farther down near Gunnie who is at gun crew four.

GUNNIE
One , two, three ready! Ladies cover you ears... Fire!

The ladies just get their hands to their ears when three BLASTS go off from cannons one, two and three. A smoked filled area forces the women farther down the alleyway. The smoke is so thick they can barely see or breathe. Some crewmen coughing are fanning the smoke with rags. The smoke is forcing the ladies even farther down the alleyway. The distant THUMP of the schooners cannon's blast followed by sharp WHISTLE sound of a cannon ball as it EXPLODES on gun crew two sending the gun crew and cannon flying apart.

The wood from the siding is flying like missiles everywhere. The men of gun crew three are sprayed with timber pieces. The impact knocks the men down. Instinctively the women try to move. The impact lifts them off their feet and tosses them into the men of gun crew five. The area is covered in thick smoke, pirates are moaning in pain and asking for help. Anne is slowly getting to her feet helped by the men around her. Anne looks at the gaping hole and the damage down around gun crew two's area. Mary is being helped up. Wounded pirates are staggering around. Everyone is dazed from the blast.  Pirate PARKER shows Anne a timber piece stuck in his side.

PARKER (pleading)
Miss. Can you pull this out?

She looks at the man’s wound. She grasps the wood piece and with shaking hands, pulls it out of his side.

PARKER
Thank you Miss.

Another limping wounded pirate GILBERT takes hold of Mary.

GILBERT
Miss. Can you help me to the galley?

The whole group of wounded pirates moves farther down the alleyway toward the galley. The women are swept away with them. Snake makes it down the stairs into the alleyway looks at the hole in the ship and sees Gunning getting to his feet. Gunnie is looking at small fragments of wood stuck in his leg, he's wounded but fine.

SNAKE
Gunnie we on fire?

GUNNIE
No. Its that no good power the Captain got us from that German trader. Its half smoke.

Snake turns around and heads back up the stairs. Gunnie starts down to the galley. Gun crews are reloading.

GUNNIE
Reload men! Reload!

Up on the bridge deck Captain Long Beard is watching, as the two schooners are getting ready to turn back and pass again. Down in the galley, wounded pirates are being helped. Anne sees a nice dagger on one of the pirate’s belts and takes it. The pirate does not protest. Mary sits on the floor. Anne lifts up Mary's dress to cut some strips of cloth to wrap the wounds on the men. She hands the dagger to Mary.

ANNE
Cut some strips from your petticoat.

A wounded pirate with a cut on his hand holds it out to Anne. She wraps the wound for the man. Pirate JOSEPH carries a very badly hurt young man with red hair in. He sets him down almost on top of Mary.

JOSEPH
Miss. He's hit bad. Real bad.
Can you just hold the young lad so he don't die alone.

The pirates walk away. Mary is frozen. The young man is looking up at her. She slowly cradles his head and holds him. Gunnie is limping into the galley holding his leg. He's watching Anne patch up some men but then is interrupted by pirate BENJAMIN who runs in.

BENJAMIN
The Captain sent me to tell you. Their turning at us to make another broadside. Get your guns ready. Fire at your command. Sir.

Gunnie looks angry, he limps over to Anne.

GUNNIE
Miss. You have to help me now! You have good legs. Come on.

He takes her by the arm. They hurry out of the galley back into the alleyway. Gunnie points to some cloth covered cannon powder bags.

GUNNIE(continuing)
Take one of those Miss. The one with the French mark on it. Now hurry with me. Please hurry.

She grabs a powder sack and follows him. As they're coming to the next gun crew he tells her.

GUNNIE(continuing)
I can't do this I'm to weak. So you have to do it for me. Listen to me good, real good. Tell each of the crews, reload with the bags with the French marks. And fire at your command. All our lives depend on it Miss.

ANNE
I'm not going to help you.

GUNNIE
Well Miss you have a choice here. Help me do this and maybe live to see the sun rise tomorrow or drown down here with the rest of us rats. Those schooner will be here real soon trying to kill all of us. Take your pick.

She thinks for a second.

ANNE
Reload with this good French stuff and fire at my command?

GUNNIE
That's it Missy. Here, this crew first then the next on each side hurry do it.

Anne goes over to the crew.

ANNE
Gunnie says reload with the French marked bags. Do it now. And fire at my command.

The men look at Gunnie. He nods his head "yes". She moves down to the next gun crew.

GUNNIE
Do it. Do as she says boys and fire on her command.

He yells to Anne.

GUNNIE
Don't forget cover your ears!

Gunnie hands the crewmen a few short fuses.

GUNNIE
Use the short fuse on the next one. Pass the word down. Reload with the French marked bags, use the quick fuse. And we fire on her command. Make sure she didn't miss anyone.

He walks down the line following Anne making sure his gun crews understand the orders. Above deck Captain Long Beard and Snake are watching the schooners turning about. Ahead of them getting into position. Below deck Gunnie has positioned himself and Anne about midway in the alleyway.

He moves over to one of the port holds where the crew backed up the cannon so he can see out. Sticks his head out to look for the incoming schooners. He sees them getting much closer. He walks back to the center aisle and yells to the gun crews.

GUNNIE
Boys! Here they come! Get ready!

He whispers to Anne.

GUNNIE
Here's how this works. When you hear me yell port side. You quickly yell fire. Then I yell starboard side, you yell fire. You have to say it twice today. Don't forget yell it as loud as you can. Two times. Get ready Miss.

He walks back over to the porthole looks out; the schooner is ready to pass. The crew rolls the cannon back in place. Gunnie is hugging it looking out the porthole.

GUNNIE
Steady...steady.

They can see the schooner next to them. Gunnie yells and points to Anne.

GUNNIE
Port side!

ANNE
Fire!

All the port side cannons fire in a loud RUMBLE. Smoke blows out the cannons. Gunnie scrambles to the starboard side. He kneels by porthole. Turns and points to Anne.

GUNNIE
Starboard side!

ANNE
Fire!

The starboard side cannons all fire. The loud RUMBLE blast sound and flash then the smoke. The crew on the port side are cheering.One of their cannon balls has hit its mark.Gunnie moves quickly back to the port side. Looking out the port hole he sees the schooner smoking with a large hole in its side. Its turning away. He walks over to Anne. She looks distraught thinking about what she just did.

GUNNIE
Miss you did just fine.

ANNE (upset)
Did I help kill those sailors?

GUNNIE
No Miss you didn't kill anyone. We just put a small hole in her. That's all Miss. That's all.

ANNE
I'll not do that again. You just used me. You were walking and yelling just fine.

GUNNIE
Miss don't hate me. There's a reason. You don't know it yet butt there's a reason. I'm sorry Miss.

Anne slaps Gunnie in the face and walks away down the aisle.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - AFTERNOON

Slaves are working. Two slaves are on their hands and knees scrubbing the deck. Hammer is walking toward them. A pistol in one hand a cup in the other. Another slave is behind him carrying a bucket of water. Hammer stops by the two slave men; they crawl over to him on their knees. They have their mouths open like baby birds waiting for a drink.

Hammer dips the cup into the bucket of water then pours the water into the mouths of the two men. He continues towards the stern of the ship where Gamba and Calico are polishing brass fittings on a large WHALE GUN. A guard is watching them.Calico looks terrible. He's dehydrated and his lips are cracked.

The men on their knees with mouths open like baby birds watch as Hammer approaches them. Hammer dips the cup in the water and pours the water into Gamba's mouth. Calico waiting for his drink but Hammer drops the cup in the bucket. The slave with the bucket hands Hammer a rag that he dips into the water. Hammer puts his boot on Calico's knee and hands him the wet rag.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Clean my boots.

Calico takes the rag and wipes down the boot. Hammer puts his other boot up. Calico wipes it down. Hammer takes his foot off Calico and looks down at him.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Your drink is in the rag.

Calico can only look up at Hammer as he walks away. Calico takes the rag and squeezes the last drops out of it into his mouth.

EXT. PORT CLAY NAVAL BASE - CONTINUING

On horseback Captain Flowers is making his way down the path to the ship being worked on. He's leading six wagons with covered goods. The new pirate crew, Captain Zak Slater, Lord Brown, and the Lieutenants are all working on the ship. They have made great progress on the ship it looks good. As Flowers reaches the site, he dismounts and greets everyone.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
She looks good. She looks very good indeed.

CAPTAIN ZAK SLATER
I give the men credit. They have been working day and night.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Good good. And look what I have for you.

Captain Flowers walks to the back of the first wagon and pulls off the canvas. Under it is the new looking refitted cannon on wheels.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
What say now.

The men walk around the wagon inspecting the new cannon.

CAPTAIN SLATER
You did it Sir. You did it.

LORD BROWN
Captain Flowers you delivered again. Five weeks, thank you Sir. Thank you.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Lieutenant Howard help me with this please.

He reaches into the side of the wagon with Lieutenant Howard helping him. They pull out the nameplate for the ship. The "TRACKER".

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Seeing you will be tracking down the "Vulture". Sir.

LORD BROWN
Sir you have earned your salt. Everyone is in a good mood at the site.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Lieutenant Fist how is the progress?

LIEUTENANT FIST
Good Sir very good. With the cannon in place a day or two at most, she's ready to sail.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
At first light two more wagons with the powder and cannon balls will be here. And that should do it.

Captain Flowers mounts his horse.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Gentlemen carry on.

Captain Flowers slowly rides off.

INT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - EVENING

In the captain's quarters Captain Long Beard and the ladies are finishing up dinner. The women look frazzled and hardly touched a thing to eat. They are exhausted from this afternoons battle. The mood is somber.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Not eating much Missy.

MARY BROWN (depressed)
No Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (sarcastic)
Your first high seas battle. After about twenty, you'll get used to it.

The captain laughs. There's a knock at the cabin door and Snake enters.

SNAKE
Sir the men are ready for reward.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Lets go ladies, take you spots on deck.

They all get up from the table and exit the room.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

They continue onto the main bridge. The site is beautiful, a nice star lit night. The crew sitting below them on the main deck. Lanterns and candles light the area. The crew is quite as the captain approaches the main staircase to address the men for battle rewards.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Men we had a battle today. Two British schooners. The best they have. We got pushed around. But in the end we beat the snot out of them!

The crew cheers in victory, then quite down. The Captain has a few small coin pouches in his hand to throw out to men who performed well from each crew during the fighting.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Mr. Smith your crews on the main deck. Who gets the pouch?

CREW LEADER SMITH
Sir Mr. Hanson did a fine job on his swivel cannon.

THE CREW
HERE! HERE! HERE!

Mr. Hanson waving his arm. The Captain spots him and throws him a coin pouch. Hanson catches the pouch, and proudly holds it up in the air to show the crew.

MR. HANSON
Thank you Sir!

Captain Long Beard looks up in the rigging's near by and spots Spider. He points to Spider.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Spider who in the webs was a brave man today?

SPIDER
Well sir today, young Thomas Sir.The short jib sail up front was hit. Thomas ran up there. Hanging from a line, while under fire, he tied it back in place.

THE CREW
Here! Here! Here!

Young Thomas in the rigging waves his arm to the Captain. The captain sees him and tosses him a coin pouch. The men cheer and then quite down. Captain Long Beard addressing the crew again.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
As we all know boys most of the bitter fighting took place below with the big guns. Where is my old friend Gunnie?

Gunnie makes his way to an open spot at the bottom of the stair well.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Gunnie your crews below deck what man gets the pouch.

Gunnie looks up to the captain.

GUNNIE
Well sir today I believe this person saved the ship.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (sarcastic)
Oh Sir do tell. What brave man saved the ship. The rest of us up here on deck must have missed it. Cause we were fighting for our lives!

The crew laughs, then quites down. Captain Long Beard with his hand is playing with the coin pouch.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD(sarcastic)
Come on. Please tell us what brave man saved the ship.

GUNNIE
Well Sir. It be no man. It was her.

Gunnie points up to Anne. Everyone looks at her. Stunned at first Captain Long Beard then starts to laugh. The crew joins in. Everyone in disbelief at what he just said. They all quite down. Captain Long Beard now tries to down play it.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Gunnie I think you had to much thick smoke today.

The crew chuckles. Gunnie looks at the captain in all seriousness.

GUNNIE
No Sir all the gun crews voted for her. She got all the votes below deck.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You're serious?

GUNNIE
Yes Sir.

Everyone is silent on the deck.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (angry)
So you're telling us our lady prisoner saved the ship?

GUNNIE
Yes Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (sarcastic)
Well then why don't you tell us all how she saved the day.

GUNNIE
Its a long story Captain.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
That's fine, we have all night, and speak loud and clear so all can hear.

GUNNIE
Yes Sir. As all you men know we had a lot of smoke below. We had just fired a volley when I stepped through the smoke there they were.Both ladies. I don't know how they got below deck. But there they were standing by gun crew three.The next thing I see is a British cannon ball explodes killing all three men.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
But the women were not?

GUNNIE
Well no. Our cannon was destroyed and timbers flew in all directions like arrows. That's when I saw it, the two ladies went floating through the air, the blast must
have hit them.


CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
So Gunnie how far did you see them flying through the air?

GUNNIE
Well sir gun crew two is about here.

Gunnie points to a spot on the deck.

GUNNIE
And they floated through the air like angles down to about.

Gunnie points to a spot farther down the deck.

GUNNIE
There where gun crew twelve is. All the men saw it Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Like angles you say. That's a long way to float in the air... please continue.

GUNNIE
Yes Sir. Well then they landed.And started to help the wounded men. It was a site to see. Them pulling timber from the lads arms and sides and backs and helping to patch the boys with cuts using pieces of their dresses for cloth. A site to see.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
So Gunnie how many would you say she helped?

GUNNIE
Around a hundred or so ...maybe more.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Snake how many wounded and dead today?

SNAKE
Sixteen dead, thirty five wounded.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Well. well. that was quite brave of them.

THE CREW
Here! Here! Here!

Gunnie waving his arms to quite everyone.

GUNNIE
Sir that's not the end of the story.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Its not?

GUNNIE
No Sir the best part is yet to come.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (sarcastic)
Sir. Please do.... were all ears.

GUNNIE
So Sir the women are down at the galley helping the wounded.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (disbelief)
Stop. Your telling me our lady prisoners started here at the foot of the steps and now have made their way down their to our galley?

GUNNIE
Yes Sir.

Captain Long Beard wants to validate this story.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Where is Cooker, Cooker did you see any of this?

COOKER the galley head cook steps forward in the crowd.

COOKER
Yes Sir the two ladies were in my galley patching up the wounded. I saw it with my own two eyes Sir. All the men below saw it Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Gunnie please do continue.

GUNNIE
Well men. This part of the story is hard to tell. I get choked up just thinking about it.

Gunnie is choked up and emotional telling this part.

GUNNIE
You men all remember the young lad with the red hair. He runs powder for us below. A good mate. He's wounded bad, real bad. With some iron in his side. The cuts are bad, all of us know he won't make it. Then I saw the most beautiful death a man could ever want. That one.

Gunnie points to Mary Brown.

GUNNIE
Her. Mary Brown takes the dying lad in her soft arms. Helps him down. The poor boy is dying. And shes holding him in her lap. Has her beautiful hand on his face. He looked up at her angel face. And then he passes on.

Everyone is staring at Mary, big tears are rolling down her face. then the crew starts to chant HERE! HERE! HERE! Cooker wipes tears from his face. The captain puts his hand up to quite the men.


CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Missy I must tip my hat to you.

The captain removes his hat and gives her a bow. The crew all start to cheer. Gunnie waving his arms quite the men.

GUNNIE
Sir that's not the end yet.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Its not?

Everyone on the ship is quite to hear the rest of this story.

GUNNIE
No Sir. Boys, then what happened next is. I lost my voice from yelling orders all day. And It wisted my leg real bad from the explosion see. And I know were all in real trouble cause of the bad powder in our gun sacks. Then I see her. Anne, and I call her over to me. And I say Miss you have to help us. I say Miss you have to run these powder sacks. The ones with the French marks, down to our boys at each cannon station. She says to me I'm not going to help you. So then I look her in the eyes.

Gunnie pauses for affect to make sure everyone is listening to him. He looks around at the crewmen then back to Long Beard.

GUNNIE
I say to her. Miss the two British schooners are making their turn.There coming back at us and there going to try to sink us. Then I say to her Miss you have two choices. You can run these powder sacks up to the boys, or you can stand here with me and drown with the rest of the rats.

Gunnie pauses to look the crew over. Long Beard rubbing his hand on his face in disbelieve, slightly shaking his head no.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Then what?

GUNNIE
Well she ran like a rabbit with a wolf chasing her. She took the bags of powder. Telling them to reload with the good French powder and gave each crew short quick fuses. And told them to stand ready.

Gunnie pauses again to hold the crews attention. Long Beard has both hands on his head rubbing his temples as if he has a bad headache.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Then what?

GUNNIE
Then she looks out the port side hole sees the schooner barring down on us. She runs to the starboard side sees the other schooner. She's in the main aisle and yells fire! All the cannon fire off in a blaze. Anne timed it just right. She caught the schooner right on the high wave and we put a hole at her waterline. It was a site to see Sir.

THE CREW
Here! Here! Here!

Captain Long Beard not wanting to believe this story quites the crew.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Armstrong. Where is Armstrong?

Pirate Armstrong steps forward.

PIRATE ARMSTRONG
Here Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Armstrong I've sailed with you for over ten years. Is what Gunnie telling true?

PIRATE ARMSTRONG
Yes Sir. The last part of his story I saw. She ran us the powder bags and quick fuses. And yes she gave the fire command.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
I just find it quite odd that a prisoner on our ship a hostage and woman, would give the fire command. Pitt. Where is Pitt?

Pirate Pitt steps forward.

PITT
Here Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Pitt I've known you over six years now. Is that what you saw as well. Or is this a tall tail?

PITT
We all saw it Sir. We all voted for her.

Captain Long Beard turns and looks at Anne.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (sarcastically)
Miss do you think you can catch this?

He tosses her a coin pouch. She catches it. The crew go wild cheering her. When they settle down he looks at Mary.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Missy can you catch this.

The captain gently tosses her a coin pouch. Once again the crew cheer.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
All salute!

The captain and all the crew tip their hats to the ladies and bow. The captain now ending rewards.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Cooker! An extra mug of rum for each man!

The crew cheer.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
I want all my crew leaders in my cabin now!

The captain walks back to his cabin, as he passes the ladies,he stops in front of Anne. Sarcastically.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD(sarcastically)
Miss. Thank you once again for saving my ship.

She nods her head. He steps over to Mary.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
And you Missy. I can only pray to die in your arms.

He continue in the Captain's quarters.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - AFTERNOON

On deck, guards are watching the slaves while they are doing their work. The female slaves are cooking stew. Some of the slaves are unshackled, except for Calico and Gamba who are shackled together scrubbing the deck, they are suffering from exhaustion and dehydration.

One of the male slaves grabs a knife from a guard and is struggling with him. He breaks free and runs near the Captain's quarters pressed up against the closed door. First mate Hammer has his pistol trained on the slave.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Steady, drop the knife.

The slave fed up with life on the slave ship holds the knife in a stabbing position ready to fight speaking in his native tongue, Hammer doesn’t understand what is being said.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Drop the knife.

The door starts to push open from behind. This startles the slave. He lunges toward Hammer. Hammer's pistol goes off BANG. The shot misses the slave but goes through the center of the cabin door. Hammer wrestles the slave to the ground. Other crewmen help hold the slave down. Hammer looks up to see the cabin door slowly open. Mr. Sharp a blank look on his face. He falls dead to the deck with a wound to the stomach.

INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - AFTERNOON

In Captain Tibits quarters.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
What the hell happened out there!

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Sir the slave was trying to escape fighting us with a knife, the pistol went off and, it was an accident Sir.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
I want that slave hanged. Mr. Sharp was a fine man. But more than that he was our navigator. Can you get us back to England?

FIRST MATE HAMMER
No Sir.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
Do you know where we are?

FIRST MATE HAMMER
No Sir.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
Neither do I.

Tibits moves to the table with maps on it, picks one up looking at it. He sets the map back down.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
I have an idea... bring up Calico.

FIRST MATE HAMMER (worried)
Sir, If I may say that doesn't sound good.

CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous)
Hammer never question me, you work for me remember.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
Yes sir.

Hammer leaves the Captain's quarter's.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - MOMENTS LATER
On deck Hammer sees Calico and Gamba scrubbing the deck. Pointing at them.

FIRST MATE HAMMER
You two come with me.

As Hammer takes the two men into the Captain's quarter's he grabs SEAMAN JOHNSON by the arm. Johnson is armed with a musket.

FIRST MATE HAMMER(forceful)
You stand guard by this door.

SEAMAN JOHNSON
Yes Sir.


INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - MOMENTS LATER
Hammer leads the two into the Captain's quarter's where Captain Tibits is standing.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
Calico  I have a deal for you. As you saw, our navigator Mr.Sharp is dead. So if you help us navigate to a friendly port I'll double your rations all the way back to England, You have my word.

Hammer looks upset.

FIRST MATE HAMMER (upset)
Sir, I'm sure we can find a port.

CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous)
Hammer don't speak again and lower that pistol. Calico Criss does that sound fair?

Calico nods his head yes.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
Good. Very good. Can you tell us were we are?

CALICO
Do you know what direction were headed? How many knots were going?

CAPTAIN TIBITS
No.

CALICO
I'll have to wait until tonight so I can get our bearings from the stars. Let me see these maps.

Looking at the maps and instruments on the Captain's table.

CALICO
Do we have star maps here?

CAPTAIN TIBITS
I'm not sure. Look through them.

Calico looking through the maps flips one on top.

CALICO
Can I use that compass?

Calico holds up his hands showing Captain Tibits his hands are shackled.

CAPTAIN TIBITS (pompous)
Mr. Hammer remove his cuffs.

Hammer reluctantly removes Calico's cuffs. He rubs his wrists. Then acting to read the maps, moving his finger across the map.

CALICO
Well we're in this area.

Captain Tibits and First Mate Hammer bend over the table to get a better look. Hammer puts his pistol on the table but leaves his hand resting on it. Then puts his other hand palm down. Calico picks up the SHARP pointed caliper-measuring tool. Looking at it. Then quickly stabs Hammer's hand to the table. In the same quick move he grabs Hammer's pistol and cracks Hammer in the head with it, Hammer falls to the floor. Calico quickly spins the pistol around.

Tibits struggling to get his pistol out. Calico bashes Tibits in the face with his pistol. Tibits falls to the floor. Calico moves around the table dragging Gamba with him over to Hammer. Calico finds the key on Hammer's belt and unlocks his leg shackles. Calico unlocks Gamba's shackles

CALICO
Keep an eye on him.

Calico moves over to Tibits who is still dazed and helps stand him up. Taking Tibits sword and pistol from his belt, he pushes Captain Tibits to the wall and puts his sword tip to his neck. Hammer in pain starts to get up, Gamba hits him in the head with his shackles. Hammer falls to the floor. Calico flicks his sword tip in Captain Tibits face.

CALICO (very serious)
NEVER... EVER TAKE A PIRATES SWORD.

Tibits now turning quite the coward.

CALICO CRISS
Shackle Hammer.

Gamba is cuffing Hammer. Gamba stands and spots a tin cup of water. He drinks some and hands the cup to Calico . Calico quickly drinks it. Calico with pistol ready grabs Tibits by the arm moving him toward the door with the pistol at Tibits head. Calico talks into Captain Tibits ear.

CALICO
Ask the guard to come in here. And don't do anything stupid.

Tibits slowly opening the door.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
Seaman Johnson inside here please.

SEAMAN JOHNSON (O.S.)
Yes Sir.

As seaman Johnson comes through the door he is greeted by Calico's pistol to his head. Gamba forces him to the floor disarming him. Then shackles him to First Mate Hammer who is just waking up to find he’s shackled on the floor. The caliper still stuck through his hand. Gamba spots a shirt and rips it into pieces and gags the two men on the floor. Calico looking through the window in the door spots another crewman near by.

CALICO
Call him in.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
Seaman Klick can I see you a minute.

SEAMAN KLICK (O.S.)
Yes sir.

As seaman Klick enters, Calico's pistol is aimed at him Gamba takes Klick to the floor disarming him.

CALICO
Gamba take the keys and free some good men and bring them up here.Gamba takes the keys and leaves the Captain's quarter's.

EXT. MOSQUITO ISLAND - AFTERNOON

Captain Tibits and his crew shackled together are standing on the deserted island beach watching the "Vicious Dog" sail away. Tibits tears in his eye’s.

CAPTAIN TIBITS
Don't leave us here!... He took my ship.

FIRST MATE HAMMER (angry)
If its the last thing I do Calico. I'll find you. I'll find you.

Behind Tibits and his men. At the jungles edge. A mosquito on a leaf is looking at the men. Behind the mosquito is a large marsh with thousands of hungry mosquitoes BUZZING and old pirate skeletons lying about.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - SUNRISE- next day.

Calico is at the wheel of the ship drenched in sweat; he looks ready to pass out. Calico shows Gamba there heading north. He ties the wheel into a fixed position. The slaves are all sitting on the deck waiting for a ships meeting with Calico .

CALICO (weak)
Gamba this will be a long hall.The next few days going North North East. Gamba try to translate for me if you can.

Calico and Gamba move over to the sitting crew to make an announcement.

CALICO
Men and ladies as of now you are free. Free men and women.

In African GAMBA translates.

The new crew is overjoyed. They cheer and hug each other and are all smiles with their new found freedom.

CALICO
As most of you know by now I'm a pirate.

In African GAMBA translates.

CALICO
At any port we stop in. You can go as free men.

In African GAMBA translates.

CALICO
And if you have nowhere to go you can stay with me as part of my crew. Gamba is my new First Mate and what he says goes.

In African GAMBA translates

Calico looking dizzy grabs Gamba's arm, then falls to the deck unconscious. Gamba and a few men pick Calico up and carry him to the Captain's quarters. Gamba calls to one of the women named Kiaa to come and help.

GAMBA
Kiaa come and help.

The new crew of ex slaves looks upset at what they just saw.

INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - CONTINUING

In the Captain's quarter's Gamba, Kiaa and a few men clear the table and lay Calico down to give him an examination to see if they know what is wrong with him.

KIAA
Turn him over.

Kiaa has a knife and tears open the back of his shirt. She realizes the wounds from his whipping are now infected.

KIAA
Gamba we must find medicine. We have to heal this.

They start looking through the captain's quarter's. Gamba leaves and goes on deck to report to the crew.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - CONTINUING

On deck Gamba trying to calm everyone down.

GAMBA
The captain is a little sick. Some of you come below with me. We will bring up some food and water for everyone.

SEADOG
Aye, Gamba we have to slow this ship down. I will show some of the men how to take the sails up.

GAMBA
Yes. You tell them to do what you think is best.

SEADOG
Aye, Sir. I'll handle it.

Gamba and few men to go below deck as Seadog is gathering a few men to help him.

SEADOG
If any of you men understand English come over here.

The new crew is eager to learn everything Seadog has to teach them.

INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - EVENING

The Captain's quarter's dimly lit with candles; Kiaa and Tika are putting a nightshirt on an unconscious Calico. His infection has caused a high fever. Kiaa has to get some sleep so she has Tika lay on the table with the Captain to keep him safe.

KIAA
Tika lay up here with the Captain so he don't fall off the table or get hurt or in case he wakes up.

TIKA
Yes Ma'am

Tika lays next to him putting one arm around him. Tika closes her eyes.

INT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - EVENING

In the Captain's quarter's, Long Beard, Snake, Anne and Mary are finishing dinner. Long Beard retrieves the "PUZZLE MAP" a twelve inch by twelve inch piece of leather with random letters and numbers burned into it and places it in front of
Anne.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
I have a deal for you two. If you can figure out this puzzle map.

Anne picks the map up and looks at it. It has random letters and numbers on it

ATNGOCXRTWHMACTOREVEEWATERKISETPDAKER
WOTTZTANTISOBLAENDD19FMENLATATWOMENRN
EORATCKR553320AVPCRACMRES56PIRATENYWLAA
RGUNSODOGUANADBIRRWOC75KBEX

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
I'll set you both free and my word I won't harm Lord Brown.

ANNE BONNEY
Why do you call it a map? Its not a map.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
The old lady that gave it to me called it a map.

Mary moves over to look at it. There's a knock at the door.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Enter.

The door opens and PIRATE PARA enters carrying a beautiful tea set on a silver platter. Four other pirates bring in buckets of hot water and clean cloths. Para places the tea set in front of the ladies. The other four put down the buckets and leave.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
What's this?

PARA
Sir Cooker thought the ladies would like some hot tea and some clean hot water to clean up with Sir.

Pirate Para pours the ladies tea. Long Beard picks up a teacup and examines it.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (sarcastic)
Snake did you know we had tea cups on board?

SNAKE
No Sir.

Long Beard looks disgusted with it.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Little tea cups on my pirate ship.

Long Beard sets the cup back down.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
We'll let you ladies study the map, drink tea, and clean up if you wish, I'll sleep outside with the men tonight.

The men leave the room and shut the door. Anne and Mary start studying the map. Off near the corner of the room there is a trunk. The trunk has an eye peephole in its side covered from the inside with a piece of cloth. The cloth moves aside and an eyeball is watching the ladies.

INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - EVENING

Below deck Gamba, Seadog, and some men have been opening crates and are looking at all the goods. Inside one crate are pistols another has muskets. Gamba hands Seadog one of the pistols. Seadog runs his hands over it, puts it to the side of his ear to hear the action as he cocks the gun. He smells it and smells down the barrel.

SEADOG
Aye, good good this is a new French Pistol. Solid and good action.

GAMBA
We have four crates of these.

SEADOG
Good good I'll fit every man woman and child with one and I'll teach them how to load and shoot it.

Gamba then hands Seadog a paper powder shot cartage.

GAMBA
Are these good?

Seadog feels the cartage and smells it with his teeth he bites off the end and pours a little of the powder into his hand and smells it.

SEADOG
Aye, this is good quality gun powder.

Seadog rolls the lead shot in is hand. Then he bites it.

SEADOG(continuing)
And good solid lead shot. Did you know I was born on a pirate ship?

Other men open a crate with a new swivel cannon in it. Gamba
hands Seadog a blunderbuss.

GAMBA
Here have this one, you know a lot about guns.

Seadog runs his hands over the blunderbuss

SEADOG
Yes I know guns, I was raised by pirates. A new blunderbuss. Very good quality, this is good, how many?

GAMBA
About twenty. Here look at this musket.

Gamba hands him a musket. Seadog feels the musket from top to bottom. He puts his ear near it and cocks the musket.

SEADOG
This is a English military musket. Not the best. But new and it will do the job. How many?

GAMBA
Eight crates.

SEADOG
I'll teach every man woman and child how to use these. Gamba we need to teach some of the folks how to speak English.

Gamba hands Seadog a crossbow.

GAMBA
What do you think of this?

Seadog inspects the crossbow with his fingers.

SEADOG
Aye, this is a good quality Spanish crossbow, How many?

GAMBA
Only six and about one hundred arrows.

Seadog hears a parrot make a sound.

SEADOG
Is that those parrots?

GAMBA
Yes their are ten cages with them.

SEADOG
We'll take them top side. Their good luck on a pirate ship. What else is down here.

Gamba takes Seadog by the arm. They go over to some crates.

GAMBA
All kinds of goods in boxes and crates. Different cloth and silk. Dresses and britches, rum and wine, and fine leather boots. Let me take you over here.

The men walk over to the other crates. The top one is open and inside is a swivel cannon.

GAMBA
In here feel these big guns.

Seadog inspects the swivel cannon with his Hands.

SEADOG
Swivel cannon. How many?

GAMBA
About twenty.

SEADOG
Aye, we'll fit all twenty top side. We have to start making this look like a pirate ship. Let's get to work.


INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - NIGHT

In the Captain's quarter's, Tika is lying next to Calico Criss patting his brow with a damp cloth. Kiaa lays down on the floor then blows out the candle.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - EVENING

In the Captain's quarter's, Anne and Mary are studying the puzzle map. The tea pot is steaming over a warmer.

ANNE (flustered)
This puzzle map is wearing me down.

MARY BROWN
I don't understand it. I bet this is what is driving Long Beard mad.

ANNE
The other half has the key to this. I think we have been here seven weeks.

There's a knock at the door Anne gets up and opens it.

Pirate COSBY in the door way hands Anne something wrapped in a cloth pouch.

COSBY
Its from the men below deck.

Pirate Cosby quickly walks away. Anne shuts the door and returns to the table where Mary is. She opens the pouch and to their delight there’s a hairbrush, mirror, some ribbon, and a small bottle of perfume in it.

ANNE
I think a lot of the men on board like us. Were going to have to use that to our advantage.... Did you hear that?

Anne perks up and she and Mary look around the room. Anne spots the pieces of cloth pop over the peephole in the trunk in the corner. She takes the hot tea pot and moves over to the trunk where she notices the air holes in the top of it.

She sits on the trunk and starts pouring the hot tea into an air hole. Someone inside the trunk starts yelling and shaking the trunk trying to get out. Mary screams. Captain Long Beard opens the door and enters.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
What is going on in here?

ANNE (angry)
You tell us.

Anne gets off the trunk. A little pirate hops out of the trunk, he's upset and burned. He's hopping around the room and quickly makes his way toward the door.

ANNE
Oh look. One of your little spy's.

As the little pirate passes Long Beard on his way out Long Beard slaps him on the head.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Must be a stowaway. I'll take care of it.

Long Beard closes the door as Anne and Mary just look at each other.

EXT. PORT CLAY NAVAL BASE - AFTERNOON

As the "Tracker" starts on her maiden voyage. Captain Zak Slater is at the wheel. The sails are coming down. The crew is doing their work. The ship is moving out of Port Clay. On the dock Captain Flowers, Lord Brown, and the Lieutenants are watching her pull away.

LORD BROWN
A grand site to see Sir. A grand site.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
We wish them the best. Lord Brown if you will excuse us.

Captain Flowers and the Lieutenants walk away from Lord Brown. Lord Brown still watching the ship moves away. When Captain Flowers and the Lieutenants are farther away from Lord brown, they stop and look back at the ship.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
I can't believe we pulled it off.

LIEUTENANT FIST
Pulled off what Sir?

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
How we got rid of two hundred filthy prisoners. And turned a good profit for the Queen's Navy.

LIEUTENANT FIST
Sir that was your plan all along?

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Yes it was. Wave farewell to them gentlemen.

The three officers wave goodbye to the ship.

LIEUTENANT FIST
That was brilliant Sir.

CAPTAIN FLOWERS
Yes it was. And with any luck they will track down the "Vulture". And the "Vulture" will send two hundred filthy pirates to the bottom.

The officers watch the "Tracker" sail away.

INT. The VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - EVENING

Captain Long Beard, Snake and the ladies are finishing up dinner. The cabin door is closed when they hear a low chant coming from the crew outside on the main deck.
The crews chant is getting louder "vote" "vote" vote".


CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Do you hear what I hear?

SNAKE
Yes Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Do you have any idea what this is about?

SNAKE
No Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
A vote. The men want a vote. Don't they know there is no vote on this ship.

SNAKE
Sir with all due respect. Pirates can vote on things.

ANNE
Sir It's in the pirates act of 1700. Pirates can get a vote.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (menacing)
Who asked you?

Then he directs a question to Mary.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD(sarcastically)
And you Missy. Can pirates vote?

She starts to cry a little. She's scared of him.

MARY BROWN (sobbing)
I don't know Sir. I just don't know. I really don't.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (angry)
Oh Missy by the way there's a rule on this ship. No crying! So stop it now!

He slams his fist on the table.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (angry)
And this is not a common pirate ship. With a Captain walking around with a sword stuck in his chest. Is it Snake?

SNAKE
No Sir.

Captain Long Beard is thinking about the pirates vote.  The crew outside chanting "vote" 'vote" "vote".

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
So then what would my merry crew want? More wage. More food. More rum. Or maybe some time with our lady guests.


SNAKE
I don't know Sir.

The captain gets up form his seat.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Lets go find out. I tell you this,heads are going to roll. Ladies after you. You know where to stand.


EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - MOMENTS LATER

A beautiful site all the crewmen on the main deck, candles and torches light the rails and the rigging. Captain Long Beard, Snake and the ladies appear on the main deck. The captain approaches the main rail to address the crew.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
So ye want a vote. Vote for what? Who's your talker?

Pan steps out of the crowd. He's the speaker for all the pirates on this vote.

PAN
I'm sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Out with it man. What do the crew want vote on.

PAN
Sir. We vote to make the two women pirates.

Captain Long Beard breaks into a wild laugh. Slapping his leg. When he stops laughing all is silent.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You be pulling my leg.

He laughs again. The crew is silent. He looks over the crew. He is angry now, screaming at them.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD(angry)
Don't you men see what is going on here! They are a witches and we should burn the two of them at the stake!

The crew is silent.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You men have gone sick! The sun has baked your brains!

The crew silent looking at him.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
How many ears have they cut off? How many noses?

The crew silent looking at him. He jesters to the sword stuck in his chest.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
What about this. She tried to kill me. They're our prisoners you fools!

The crew just staring at him.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You men are fools. I'm on a ship with fools.

He walks over and grabs Anne by the arm taking her to the top of the stair case. Front and center he pulls out his sword and puts the tip of it to her neck. He screams to the crew.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
I can end this right now!

The crew silent still watching his every move.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Pan, are all the men still loyal to me?

PAN
Yes Sir. The men will fight and die for you.

Captain Long Beard lowers his sword.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Pan the men know only a Captain can make one a pirate. Correct Sir?

PAN
Yes Sir. They will have no rank. And only you can make them pirate.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
And all the crew want this?

PAN
Yes Sir.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Pan, I have to ask. Why? Why would the crew want to make the hostages pirate. I don't understand.

PAN
Well Sir the crew has taken a liking to the both of them. And the men would like it if they could walk free around the ship. Still your rule no man shall touch them.

Captain Long Beard gives the crew the evil eye.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
So you men wish the two witches be pirate. You men know she can't hurt me. They can't hurt me!

He takes hold of the sword in his chest and slowly starts pulling it out. He's making a bone chilling WOLF CRY as it comes out. Just then a huge summer heat lighting bolt
flashes and CRACKS in the night sky above the ship as the thunder RUMBLES. Everyone on board is awe struck by the site. The wind blows out the candles. Captain Long Beard with a sword in each hand screams.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Ladies for my crew! I make thy pirate!

Another lighting bolt CRACKS above the ship with a soft low RUMBLE of thunder. The crew goes wild cheering. After a moment Captain Long Beard quiets them down.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
And seeing I'm so generous tonight. I bestow on both of them the rank of Captain. Now the two of them both out rank you fools! Snake in my brown trunk. Find them both captain hats. Captain's swords, pistols and what ever else you can find on this ship to make them look dandy.

He drops the sword that was stuck in his chest.  Mary moves over to Long Beard.

 MARY BROWN (sobbing)
But I don't want to be a pirate.

Long Beard wiping tears from under her eye.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
To late Missy, you should have spoken up a little sooner.

He gives her a evil grin. Anne and Mary both have a strange look about them. Their eyes, its a lot darker around their eyes and their lips are darker. Did the Captain's curse rub off on them? Another lighting bolt CRACKS above the ship with RUMBLING thunder.

EXT. THE TRACKER WAR SHIP - EVENING

First mates Kelly and Bell approach Captain Slater who is behind the wheel.

FIRST MATE BELL
Sir may we have a word with you.

CAPTAIN SLATER
Of course, you two can anytime.

FIRST MATE BELL
Well Sir its a matter of trust. We trust your sir, and we pray you trust us.

CAPTAIN ZAK SLATER
We have to trust each other. I'm depending on you two men with my life. Lets be frank here. You both know I must have your help. I'm new at this captain's business.

FIRST MATE BELL
Yes sir. Thank you Sir. Its a matter of the papers you have.Those so called documents that Captain Flowers gave you. Three months ago before we were sent here. Kelly and I were prisoners at Fort Thomas. And the Major at the base there had two young privateers hung. He read us all the same documents like Flowers had.

FIRST MATE KELLY
He said they had new orders from the Queen. That there be no more privateers and anyone caught be hung. And no more pardon of pirate prisoners. That's the truth Sir.

CAPTAIN SLATER
Are you sure of this?

FIRST MATE KELLY
Yes sir. We heard it and we watched them hang those two young so called privateers as pirates Sir.

FIRST MATE BELL
We had to tell you Sir. We are pirates on a pirate ship and so are you.

Captain Slater is taken back by what he just heard.

CAPTAIN ZAK SLATER
All I care about is getting Anne and Mary back.

Zak has a stern look on his face as the "Tracker" sails away.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - MORNING

On deck Seadog though blind is showing the men and women how to load and shoot a pistol. Men in the rigging are helping the Chinese men working with the sails. Some of the women are sewing others cooking.

INT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - CONTINUING

The Captain's cabin is dark with a few candles still burning. Curtains cover the windows. Tika is half on top of Calico. His eyes open and he slowly moves Tika's long hair from his face. His eyes move slowly back and forth looking around not sure where he is. He takes her arm off his chest and moves it to her side. He slowly tries to slide out from under her. She awakens.

TIKA (surprise)
Captain!

She startles him. Gamba and Kiaa on the floor get up quickly. They go over to Calico and help him stand up.

GAMBA
Captain, sir are you ok?

KIAA
Captain. My Captain. Your alive!

Calico is still looking weak and confused.

GAMBA
Here Captain sit on this bench.

They help Calico sit on the bench.

CALICO
Something to drink?

Tika grabs a mug of water and hands it to Calico, he takes a drink then spits it out.

CALICO 
Any rum?

Gamba pours some rum in Calico's mug. He sips it.

CALICO 
That's better.

Calico looks at the three of them.

CALICO 
It's Gamba correct?

GAMBA
Yes Sir Your first mate Sir.

CALICO
May I ask you who these lovely ladies are?

GAMBA
Yes Sir. This is Kiaa she tended the wounds on your back with infection and this is Tika she slept with you each night to help break the fever, I mean stayed by you so you would not fall off the table. Both are part of your crew.

CALICO
My crew?

GAMBA
Sir remember you took over the "Vicious Dog" with Captain Tibits?

CALICO
Yes... we have to rename this ship. How long was I out?

GAMBA
Five days and five nights.

KIAA
I'll get you something to eat.

Kiaa leaves the cabin as she does she moves back a set of curtains that were hung to block out the daylight. As she opens the door bright rays of light come in. As she shuts
the door we can hear her yelling "the captains alive, the captains alive". Calico in his nightshirt smells his armpits.

CALICO
Gamba why do I smell so good?

GAMBA
Sir Tika gave you sponge baths to keep you cool and clean. And Sir before you go on deck let me get the crew ready for your inspection. I'll tell Seadog.

CALICO
Who's Seadog?

GAMBA
I made Seadog our Sergeant at Arms. He was born on a pirate ship.

CALICO
Was he. I don't recall him.

GAMBA
The blind slave with the scars down his face. The pirate man.

Calico nods his head yes. Kiaa returns with the food, Calico starts to eat.

GAMBA
Kiaa. Tika get ready for inspection. Kiaa tell Seadog to get everyone ready.

KIAA
I will.

Kiaa and Tika leave the cabin.

CALICO (confused)
So my Sergeant of Arms is blind?

GAMBA
Yes sir. He taught the crew how to shoot and dress as pirates. He is teaching us the pirate way. He was raised by pirates.

A bell rings outside and they can hear Seadog barking orders to the crew.

SEADOG (O.S.)
All hands on deck. Attention the Captain Calico Criss is alive and will be coming out here in a few minutes. Everyone get ready. To your stations in full dress.

A cheer from the crew goes off.

CALICO
So let me get this straight, the blind man. He was born on a pirate ship and was raised by pirates?

GAMBA
Yes Sir.

Calico is eating and drinking.

GAMBA
Sir we were hungry and killed some of your chickens and also took some of the other food and drink. Was that ok?

Calico nods his head ok.

GAMBA
We opened crates and boxes to get things we needed, Seadog and I kept inventory of everything for you.

Calico gets up and moves to his Captain's desk and sits down. Gamba retrieves two sacks of coins and puts them in front of the Calico .

GAMBA
Pirate booty we found Sir.

Calico looks into the sacks of coins.

CALICO CRISS
This is good.

Gamba moves to a bench near the desk where clothes are laid out and with his arms outstretched lets Calico known these are for him.

GAMBA
Sir can I help you get dressed here are your new clothes.

Calico gets up and starts looking at the new clothes. There are silk blouses, new trousers, silk sword belt, new silk headgear, leather hats, and an ivory handled sword. A new pistol with ivory grips. And leather boots. He holds up a puffy silk blouse.

CALICO
I'm not wearing this, where are my old clothes?

GAMBA
Tika had to throw them overboard sir, they were rags. They were soiled and stunk. Sir she hand picked and fitted you for these, when you were sick with fever. Every day she dressed you as you were sleeping.

CALICO
Do we have anything else? Why aren't you dress like this?

GAMBA
I have new clothes too, I'm going to change. The whole crew wanted to wait for you to come alive again, before we started our new lives as pirates with you. And Sir, You would break Tika's heart if you didn't wear the outfit she picked for you. She picked only the best for you Sir.

Calico looking down at the different clothes to choose from.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

The Captain's door opens and out walks the WICKED looking Captain Anne. Her eyes are dark and she’s dressed in her new Captain's outfit. She taps her hand on her new pistol and the sword in her belt. She then grins. Captain Mary walks out, her long hair now braided pirate style, her are eyes dark. She as well wearing a new Captain's outfit, with pistols and sword as well. Crewmen in the area stop in their tracks to look at the women.Captain Long Beard walks out. His beard has been braided and has small bows in it made from pieces of Mary's red bow. He stands near the ladies to show he's with them.

The ladies grin at each other and walk away to take a stroll around the ship. As the ladies walk past pirates on deck they say "Miss" and give the pirate salute in respect. As they pass one pirate who is about to take a bite from his apple Mary grabs it and starts eating it as they continue on. The ladies approach two pirates PIRATE RED who wears a red skullcap and PIRATE BLACK who wears a black skull cap. The men say "Miss" and salute. The women just pass them when Anne darts back to them.

CAPTAIN ANNE (forceful)
Stand tall.

The men stand at attention. Anne slowly circles them sniffing the air. On the bridge Long Beard and Snake are watching.

CAPTAIN ANNE
I smell treasure.

Anne eyeing both men from head to toe.

PIRATE RED
We have nothing "Miss", no treasure.

Anne and Mary turn to walk away when Anne quickly turns back and grabs hold of a thin leather necklace on Pirate Red's neck.

CAPTAIN ANNE
What's this?

Anne pulls up the necklace and on the end of it is a silver skull and crossbones ring. She rips it off his neck, holding the ring looking at it with a grin on her face.

PIRATE RED
That is a gift from my woman.

CAPTAIN ANNE
It's mine now.

Anne and Mary turn away, as Anne slides the ring on her finger. Anne grins as she is admiring her new ring then takes a step. Pirate Red reaches behind his belt and pulls out a dagger. His arm rises to throw it into Anne's back. Mary quickly turns back at him. Pistol in hand, she fires the gun. Pirate Red is frozen as the shot hits him in the chest, his arm still up with the dagger in hand. He falls backwards dead. Anne and Mary grin at each other.

CAPTAIN ANNE
Nice shot princess.

Mary hands that pistol to Pirate Black.

CAPTAIN MARY
Reload this.

Pirate Black takes her pistol and hands her his loaded one. The women continue their walk. Anne holding her hand up. She is admiring the ring. Crewmen moving out of their way and are saluting them. Snake and Long Beard are keeping an eye on the changed women.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
I can't believe our little Miss Mary just shot that man.
Our hostages are killing our crew.

Long Beard and Snake see Spider slide down a line from the rigging near Mary and Anne and starts talking to them.

SNAKE
I don't like the look of that.

Long Beard laughs.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You can thank your crew mates for that.

Snakes eyes are fixed on the ladies.

EXT. THE VICIOUS DOG MERCHANT SHIP - CONTINUING

On deck In the bright daylight the Captain's doors open. Gamba appears first, looking good in his fancy new bright pirate outfit. Then Calico looking dashing like he just walked out of a pirates catalog comes out. The men stand there letting their eyes adjust to the bright light. As Calico looks around the ship he sees his new international crew in different places on the ship all dressed up in their new pirate outfits.

All the new pirates are over armed. Many carry as many as four pistols, two in their belts and two on a leather cord draped over their necks. Swords and knives in their sword belts. Long skinny different colored silk dandy flags are waving in the breeze. Bright colored parrots about the deck. Seadog is also dressed to the hilt, he walks over to the Captain.

SEADOG
Sir Sergeant Of Arms at your service Sir. The crew is ready for your inspection. May I walk the deck with you?

CALICO
Please do.

Sergeant.Seadog takes Calico's arm, Gamba follows as they walk, and they stop at a line of fancy pirates with muskets ready. They're eager to display their firing ability.

SEADOG
Sir if I may.

CALICO
Please do.

SEADOG
At the ready!

The pirates ready their muskets

SEADOG
Aim! Over the side.

The men point the guns overboard.

SEADOG
Fire!

The guns all go off.

SEADOG
Reload.

The men start to reload there guns.

CALICO
Very good Sergeant.

SEADOG
Thank you Sir, we work on shooting day and night.

Moving down the deck they approach  pirate NOTA pulling up the rope with knots in it.

SEADOG
Sir this is Nota I taught him how to measure our speed and read the compass.

Nota stands and salutes the Captain.

NOTA
Sir, speed five knots North North East.

SEADOG
Thank you Nota.

Seadog pointing up into the rigging and high mast.

SEADOG
Sir if I may.

CALICO
Please do.

SEADOG
Ming Lee!

Calico looking up at the crow’s nest sees the Chinese pirate Ming Lee, smiling waving down at them. As he looks lower down the rigging the other two Chinese pirates are up on the top rigging smiling down and waving as well. They have put Chinese lettering on the back of their shirts. They speak a few words in Chinese to each other.

SEADOG
Sir I had to teach Ming Lee hand singles to report to us for now.Those three are just learning English, but they are the only ones willing to go up that high in the rigging's. They're the best three pirates we have. And might I add very good fishermen as well Sir.

CALICO
So my three best pirates are Chinese and they don't speak English?

SEADOG
Aye, Sir.

They walk a little farther and approach Tika who is dressed in a matching outfit as Captain's Calico's. She has the same matching sword and ivory handled pistol as Calico's .

SEADOG
Sir you have to tell me. How does she look Sir?

CALICO
She looks good.

SEADOG
The ship and the crew. I worked hard at it. To make it right.

CALICO
Oh, the ship. It looks grand. Just grand.

SEADOG
That's what I wanted for you Sir. That's good news. I wish I could see it.

They walk by the Japanese pirates who bow as they pass. They have put dragon artwork on the back of their shirts. They speak a few words in Japanese to each other.

CALICO
But I have to ask you. Why do these people think they be pirate?

SEADOG
Well they are Sir. Pirates.. and your crew sir.

CALICO
Seadog you know the pirates act of 1700. Only a Captain can make one a pirate.

SEADOG
True Sir true. So I did it for you.

CALICO
You did what? You're not a Captain.

SEADOG
Aye, Sir I was for five days when you were down. I took over the ship. Pirates act of 1700 states.

Calico interrupts.

CALICO
I know. I know.

SEADOG
So with the Captain's powers I had. I swore them all in. They all took the blood oath. Each and every one. Then they each took oath to be loyal to you or in your passing... me.

SEADOG
And Sir, you know I can't see. But I can still draw. So I drew drawings. Drawings of how the ship should look and how they should dress like pirates.

CALICO
That explains a lot.

GAMBA
Sir. See the new jolly roger.

Gamba points up to the flag. Calico looks up. Its a beautiful silk jolly roger but the skull head is leaning to one side and the bones are crossed off center.

GAMBA
Seadog drew them the jolly roger to make that.

Criss grins and shakes his head.

GAMBA
The women added the tiger to the jib sail.

Calico looks over to the front jib sail and sees the beautiful silk image of a tiger on it.

SEADOG
Sir. I took it upon myself. Well when I was captain. I renamed her. The ships new name. "THE FREEMAN"...The "Freeman" I hope you like it Sir.

CALICO
That's a fine name.

SEADOG
And I armed everyone to the teeth, they'll die fighting, never to be made slaves again.

GAMBA
Seadog showed us where to mount the swivel cannons and how to use them. Sir did you know Seadog's father was a cannon?

CALICO
I did not know that.

SEADOG
It's true sir. When I was born, a new born baby, the first thing I saw in life was my beautiful mother looking down at me. The second thing I saw was a cannon next to her. Born on a pirate ship. That's way they call me a "son of a gun".

Seadog starts laughing.

CALICO
And here I thought you were just a loose cannon.

With her new name plate the "Freeman" sails away.

EXT. CARIBBEAN COVE - MORNING

The pirate ship the "DEMON" is at anchor. The sun is just rising.

EXT. THE DEMON WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Some of the crewmen are sleeping on deck. All seem very peaceful. Then they hear the pounding sound of a few cannon going off, then the WHISTLE of incoming cannon balls. They EXPLODE in front and behind the ship as warning shots.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL jumps up to look. To his horror he sees the "Vulture" positioned to nail him if they try to drop sail and run for it. He and the crew know they're trapped. Then he hears the THUMPING  sound of the kettle drums slowly beating out their war cry from the "Vulture".

CAPTAIN SAMUEL
Men they got us. That is the "Vulture". Captain Long Beard will show no mercy. We drop sail and they sink us right here. We have treasure to hand over. He may not kill you men. But my head will be on his mast.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

The "Demon" is tied to the "Vulture" stern to bow. Captain Samuel is being escorted across a plank. He is holding his sword. As he arrives at the Captain's quarter's he sees Captain Anne and Captain Mary. He thinks they're the Captain's and offers his sword.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL
Captain's, my sword of surrender.

Captain Long Beard at his door interrupts with a cough.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (disgusted)
In here.

Captain Samuel enters the Captain's quarter's followed by the ladies. Snake is in the room.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL
Captain my sword of surrender.

Captain Samuel hands Captain Long Beard his sword. He takes it.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
John, John, John, my old friend Captain John Samuel.

Anne is moving around Samuel sniffing the air.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
John I'm sorry it's you. Truly sorry. But I did catch you today with your britches down. Now didn't I.

ANNE
I smell treasure.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL
We have a small treasure on board the "Demon" Miss.

ANNE
No I smell treasure on you.

Mary takes out her pistol aims it at Samuel's head and cocks it. Anne grins at Samuel then runs her hands down his chest searching him. Anne drops down and reaches into Samuel's boot pulling out the rolled up leather puzzle map.

CAPTAIN ANNE
Oh my. What's this.

Anne unrolls it. It has the same fringe as the other map. It has square holes cut in it. Anne is examining it. Long Beard retrieves his part of the map and places it on the table. Anne takes her part and places it on top of the map he had. It reveals letters and numbers. It is hidden message. Looking through the holes in the top piece. Now she can read it. She reads it out loud slowly.

CAPTAIN ANNE
N O RT H C O V E P A R O T T IS LA N D F L AT R O CK 20 P AC ES R O U N D R OC K X

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
North cove Parrot Island flat rock twenty paces round rock X. So that's it. That's where the treasure is buried. Snake show me Parrot Island on the map.

Snake grabs some maps and puts them on the table. While the men are looking at the maps, Captain Anne and Captain Mary slip out of the cabin.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Snake grab those the maps. Where is Parrot Island? John have you heard of it?

CAPTAIN SAMUEL
No. Let me see a map.Snake puts a stack of maps on the table. All three men are studying the maps looking for Parrot Island.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
So John tell me how did you come upon this piece of the map?

CAPTAIN SAMUEL
In Jamaica. An old Jamaican woman gave it to me. Said another captain would track me down for it. Said he would pay greatly for it. I didn't know it was you. And if I didn't do it she was to curse me. I just took it and left.

The men are looking at maps when pistol shots RING out. They perk up. Then a few more shots RING out. Long Beard walks toward the door. Many more shots are firing.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
What is going on out there?

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUOUS

As Captain Long Beard and Snake step on to the main bridge, a battle has broken out. Some of his crew is firing at some of his now ex crew on the "Demon". MUTINY. There are crewmen on the "Demon" dropping sails, she’s moving away from the Vulture. He looks over at the "Demon" and sees Captain Anne at the wheel turning it to escape. Long Beard pulls out his pistol, taking aim at her when out of the corner of his eye he sees Gunnie on the "Demon" ready to fire a swivel cannon at him. Long Beard dives for cover.

On the "Demon" the swivel cannon fires BOOM, the shot rips the siding off the bridge and railing. Captain Long Beard tumbles down the stairs to avoid getting hit. Snake on the bridge looks over at the "Demon" and sees Spider up in the rigging's with his crew letting more sails down, as the "Demon" is pulling farther away from the "Vulture". Mary on the "Demon" has a pistol in each hand. She fires both guns and two pirates on the "Vulture" fall into the water. The fighting between the two crews is still raging. Snake draws his custom pistol with a nice snake design going down the barrel. He see Spider in the rigging and aims it at him.

SNAKE
Spider!

Spider sees Snake about to fire, grabs a line and as Snake fires Spider drops down the line. The shot misses. Gunnie who has now moved to a different swivel cannon and is about to light the wick, looks over to Snake. Aims the cannon.

GUNNIE
Snake!

Gunnie fires the cannon. Snake like the Captain dives and tumbles down the stairs as the cannon shots hit the area. Snake falls right on top of Captain Long Beard who was just trying to get to his feet. A nice breeze kicks up and the "Demon's" sails fill with air, the "Demon" pulls away from the "Vulture" .Captain Long Beard and Snake get to their feet, watching the "Demon" pull away. Long Beard addressing Pirate RICHARD who just fired a round at the "Demon".

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Did you see what happened?

RICHARD
Yes sir. We were bringing the crew from the "Demon" over here. When I noticed a lot of our crew was going over there. I saw your two lady Captains board the "Demon". Next thing I know the shooting started.

Captain Long Beard is visibly angry.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (angry)
They took my ship! They took my ship! Snake find out how many of my men. Did do mutiny!

RICHARD
Sir, it looked to me a lot. Half...Half our crew boarded the "Demon".

Long Beard walks over to the "Demon" crew prisoners guarded by his men.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You men swear loyalty to me and this ship. You're part of my crew.Snake if they don't throw them overboard.

Captain Long Beard can only look at the stern of the "Demon" picking up speed moving away.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Drop sail, lets catch them. They can't out run us.

Up in the rigging Pirate Armstrong and others release lines on the main sail. As they do the large sail FALLS to the deck below hitting some pirates on deck. ARMSTRONG Stop! Stop! Someone has cut lines on the sails! CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Stop! stop! Men get up there and check all the lines, and get this main sail backup there. Below deck a power fuse is SIZZLING making its way to a power keg. The keg EXPLODES. On the rear deck the explosion sends part of the decking and pirates flying into the air. The blast rocks the ship.             CAPTAIN SAMUEL (smiling at Long Beard) Those two little girls are "your captains".             SNAKE Their our hostages.             CAPTAIN SAMUEL (smiling) A fine pirates tail that..... Before Captain Samuel gets the words out Captain Long Beard hits him on the head with his pistol. Captain Samuel falls to the deck knocked out. CAPTAIN LONG BEARD Snake have the men work on repairs. Have crews find timbers on this island. Let me know the damages. Put those fires out! Smoke is coming out of the hole blown in the "Vulture's" rear deck, as pirates with wood buckets try to put out small fires.

EXT. THE FREEMAN WAR SHIP - AFTERNOON

On deck Calico is training some crewmen the fine art of sword fighting. Tika dressed in the same matching colors as Calico is walking toward the men practicing, she gets in with the group watching. Calico , finishing off training the pirate he's working with puts his sword tip on the mans chest.

CALICO
That's how it's done. Who's next?

Tika steps forward.

TIKA
Me Sir.

Calico being a good sport welcomes her to the fighting area. They tip swords. They go at it and Calico being an excellent swordsman quickly backs her up. Calico gives her another try.Again he quickly backs her up, Tika looks flustered. Calico gives her another try but this time he's going to tease her. Their swords lock and handles meet they are face to face.

CALICO
You're not a pirate.

TIKA
Yes I am.

They break and fence some more. Once again they lock swords at the handle, face to face, but this time Calico with his other hand has put a dagger up to her neck, she looks at the dagger.

CALICO
You're not a pirate.

TIKA
Yes I am.

They break and go at it again. Calico pours it on, forcing Tika to backup as she does she slips and falls to the deck. Calico standing above her with his sword tip on her.

CALICO
You're not a pirate.

She looks up at him.
Tears in her eyes then she turns her back to him and starts to pull up the back of her blouse to reveal whip scars, then up to her shoulder revealing the "V" brand from the Vicious Dog.

TIKA
Just like you.

Calico's eyes zoom in on her "V" scar.

INT. THE FREEMAN WAR SHIP - LATE

Calico's eyes are still focused on the "V" scar. Only this time its not Tika's scar, it's Seadog's. Both men have been drinking too much rum and are drunk.

SEADOG
See Sir we all have them. The "V" scar from that rat Tibits. We should have hanged him.

CALICO
I'm sure they're having a good time on Mosquito Island.

SEADOG
Hey. They tell me you're a handsome devil. Is that true? Let me see.

Seadog takes his hands and runs them over Calico's face.

CALICO
See they were correct.

SEADOG
I can't tell from doing that. I just like doing it.

Seadog chuckles.

CALICO
Well then let me do it to you.

Calico runs his hands over Seadog's face. And is most interested in the scars over Seadog's eyes.

CALICO 
These scars on your eyes?

SEADOG
Aye, Sir. About ten years ago two young British sailors did that to me. With a hot dagger. Burned my eyes. I had it coming. I didn't know she was their mother.

Seadog chuckles.

CALICO
It just seems to me there is an eye ball under there.

Seadog feeling the scars over his eyes.

SEADOG
There is something under there.

Calico pours them more rum.

CALICO
Well if it were me.

Calico starts drinking.

SEADOG
If it were me. What Sir?

Calico brushes him off.

CALICO
Never mind.

SEADOG
If it were me. What Sir? Tell me.

CALICO
Well if it were me. I'd have a good friend cut it.

Calico runs his finger across the scar of one of Seadog's eyes in a cutting motion.

CALICO 
Right there. But that's just me.That's what I would do.

SEADOG
So your saying if I have it cut open a good eyeball is going to jump out?

CALICO
Maybe. Maybe not. How should I know. I'm not a doctor, no one knows.

Both men take drinks.

SEADOG
Sir. You have to do it. Cut it open Sir.

CALICO
I'm not doing it.

SEADOG (pleading)
You have to Sir. You're the only one I trust, in the pirate ways.

Seadog pulls out a sharp dagger and hands it to Calico .

SEADOG
You have to do it Sir. I'm begging you. Please Sir open it up. Please Sir.

Seadog puts his head in Calico's lap.

CALICO
This is going to hurt.

SEADOG
I can take the pain Sir. Do it please. For me Sir. Do it Sir.

Calico looks at the dagger. Holds Seadog's head with the other hand.

CALICO
Don't move.

Calico's hand moves down to do the surgery. Seadog lets out a blood curling SCREAM. Below deck everyone hears the scream .

EXT. THE TRACKER WAR SHIP - EVENING

On deck Zak, Seaman Kelly and First Mate Bell are looking at the compass. Bell is holding a map.

CAPTAIN ZAK SLATER
I knew this wasn't working.

Zak taps the compass. It spins and sticks. Zak taps it again,it spins and sticks.

FIRST MATE BELL
On this map were one day out. Port Faircloth. We can see if they have one.

Bell hands the map to Zak, he looks at it.

FIRST MATE KELLY
We can get fresh water and find out if anyone has seen the Vulture.

Zak looks disgusted.

CAPTAIN SLATER
Get us to Port Faircloth.

The Tracker sails on.

EXT. PORT FAIRCLOTH - AFTERNOON

Port Faircloth a nice trading port town busy with business. Tika and a few women are on shore buying a few goods at a merchant shop. As they leave the shop they notice ten young sailors following them. The ladies are nervous and make their way to the town pub where they know most of their crew is.

INT. PORT FAIRCLOTH PUB - CONTINUING

Calico is sitting at a table facing the door. Calico is wrapping up a deal with TRADER SLIM sitting next to him. Gamba is on Calico's other side. Seadog is across the table.He has a large BANDAGE around his head covering the eye surgery. Even though the pub is crowded with their crew it looks like the men are alone. Tika and the women hurry into the pub. Tika goes up to Calico's table and sits at the end.

TRADER SLIM
The cannon and balls are all loaded on your ship.

Calico puts a money pouch on the table for payment. Trader Slim looks in the pouch.

CALICO
We made a good deal.

Calico takes a sip of rum.

SEADOG
Aye, we'll have the cannons fitted by tomorrow sir.

Calico looks at Seadog's plate and sees two weevil worms crawling on it, next to a biscuit.

CALICO
Gamba see those two worms on Seadog's plate?

SEADOG
Where?

Seadog's hand makes a fist and he smashes it into the plate,everything goes flying into the air.

CALICO
Never mind.

Calico looks at the door to see the ten young sailors strut into the pub. They look around and spot Calico's table and start to push their way over to it.  The two leaders are HENRY LAD he gets behind Seadog. The other SAILOR LOUIS gets next to Calico.  Calico's one hand drops below the table. Calico gives Seadog the pirate tip off word.

CALICO 
Sharks.

SAILOR LOUIS
You the trader?

CALICO
Yes I'm Calico Criss at your service.

SAILOR LOUIS
I have a trade for you.

Sailor Louis puts a small coin on the table in front of Calico .

SAILOR LOUIS
This for her. That tart.

He looks at Tika.

CALICO
She's not for sale.

SAILOR LOUIS
And why is that?

CALICO
Well Sir. She's my beautiful wife.

Sailor Louis pulls out his pistol and aims it at Calico . The other young sailors pull out their guns as well. Henry Lad pulls out his pistol holds Seadog's head and puts the barrel on his temple. Trader Slim and Gamba have their hands up

SAILOR LOUIS
Sir I just called your so called wife a tart. Are you not to defend her honor sir?

CALICO
A tart you say....no. Sometimes she does act like a tart.

The young sailor not amused by Calico .

SAILOR LOUIS
Well then Sir. What about scum?

Tika pulls out her ivory handled pistol aims it at sailor Louis and cocks it.

CALICO
Scum. I don't think I would call her scum, she might blow you head off.

Seadog plays stupid. He turns around in his seat and grabs Henry Lad's belt and trousers with one hand, then shoves his pistol into his belly with his other. Henry looks down at it and freezes.

SEADOG (dead serious)
Don't move son or it will go off and rip a hole in your guts. I can't see. I can't see. What is going on Calico ?

CALICO
Young Lad there, has a pistol to your head.

Seadog tugs the lad's belt.

SEADOG
See here. Calico see here I have my pistol in his belly. Calico you know what this is called?

Calico thinking about it.

CALICO
A Caribbean standoff?

SEADOG
No. No. No. This is called dead man's thumb. He shoots me in the head, my thumb slides off the hammer, I shoot him in the guts and were both dead. See how my thumb is on the hammer? My other hand holds his belt my finger and thumb on the barrel so if he pulls back it pulls the gun away from my thumb and I shoot him.

Young sailor Louis leans over to take a peek at Seadog's pistol.

SEADOG
Calico was that your pistol I just heard cock under the table?

CALICO
Yes it was.

SEADOG
Where's you pistol Calico ?

Calico with one hand under the table.

CALICO
Right here aimed at this young man's crouch.

Calico looking at sailor Louis.

SEADOG
You would shoot his little thing off?

CALICO
Right now it's the only shot I have.

SEADOG
Aye, Calico . Gamba where is you gun?

GAMBA
Mine is still in my belt.

SEADOG
Gamba if you're going to be a pirate you always have to be on guard. Did I just say pirate?

CALICO
Oh good. Now the cat's out of the sack.

SAILOR LOUIS (authoritative)
So you are pirates.

CALICO
Yes we are.

Sailor Louis and everyone else hear about thirty pistols COCKING behind them.

CALICO 
And so are they.

Sailor Louis and his boys slowly turn their heads to see all of Calico's crew behind them with their pistols aimed at them. Seadog starts his diversion.

SEADOG
I want everyone here to look at Ming Lee. Ming Lee where are you!

Ming Lee in the crowd, his hands shaking, holds a loaded crossbow.

MING LEE (nervous)
Here Seadog! Here!

SEADOG (O.S.)
See that crossbow Ming Lee Has. Well when he shoots that arrow. See that arrow. Look at that arrow.

Everyone turns to get a better look at Ming Lee and the crossbow.

SEADOG (O.S.)
That arrow will go in a mans ear and come out the other ear. What a sight to see. And I bet you if you look back over my shoulder Calico is gone.

Everyone looks to where Calico was sitting and yes he's not there. Gamba and Trader Slim look at each other. Young Sailor Louis is aiming his gun at an empty chair.

SEADOG
I bet that sly dog is back on the ship drinking rum. Thinking about who here is going to die and who will make it back to the ship alive.

Seadog tugs on the Henry Lad's belt.

SEADOG
Well lad are we ready to die? You shoot me. I shoot you.

Henry Lad looks down at Seadog's gun pushed into his belly.

SEADOG
Or son, do you want to leave now?

HENRY LAD (scared)
I want to leave.

Seadog lets go of his belt. Henry Lad retreats out of the pub. Seadog lowers his pistol. Sailor Louis aims his pistol at Seadog.

SAILOR LOUIS
I have the drop on you blind man.

SEADOG
Son you don't have to worry about me. I'd be more worried about Gamba's big gun.

Sailor Louis looks across the table to see Gamba aiming his blunderbuss at his chest.

SEADOG
That big gun of his will splatter you all over this pub, thirty pieces of small shot in it. Even when they pick up the small pieces of you, your dear sweet mother won't know its you.

Sailor Louis and his boys lower their guns.

SAILOR LOUIS
Sir. May we leave now?

SEADOG
And not bother us again?

SAILOR LOUIS
Sir I swear you'll never see us again.

SEADOG
Let them out. Go on..... get.

The young sailors scamper out of the pub.

SEADOG
We best be going back to the ship. The word pirate will spread. Gamba get everyone.

All the crew starts leaving the pub. Trader Slim still sitting at the table taking this all in, slides his chair back and looks under the table for Calico . No Calico . Just floor. He looks at the crew leaving, no Calico . He picks up his money pouch, looks under the table again, no Calico . He grins shaking his head. A vanishing act.

EXT. PORT FAIRCLOTH - CONTINUING

Outside an angry mob has gathered to force the pirates out of their town. Calico's crew sticking together, pistols and swords ready. Town’s folks and sailors armed with pistols, swords and pitchforks. The crews making their way down the street toward the ship. A group of town’s folks blocking their path, shouting at them. The Polynesian men are carrying drums they purchased; they're ducking gunshots. No one really trying to kill anyone, just warning shots.

TOWNS PERSON 3
You're pirates. Leave our town!

SEADOG
Fire a few warning shots to move them.

A few crewmen fire warning shots. The town’s folks make a path through, but fire warning shots as well. A group of old European towns folks light torches like they're going after Frankenstein.

TOWNS PERSON 1
Get out of our town!

TOWNS PERSON 2
We don't want your kind here!

On board the Freeman crewmen see and hear their crew mates making their way toward the ship. A crewman fires a warning shot above the mobs head from a swivel gun. This buys the time crew to make it to the dock and start boarding the ship.

SEADOG
Anchor up, start dropping the sails.

Town’s folks firing at the ship. Crewmen on the ship retuning fire. Crew working on the anchor device, as the anchor chain is coming up. In the rigging sails are coming down. More swivel guns fire from the ship. The ship is about ready to set sailing.

EXT. The FREEMAN WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

On deck. Calling out for Calico .

GAMBA (urgency)
Calico!

Gamba is looking around for Calico .

SEADOG
Do you see him?

Gamba calling out for Calico looking around.

GAMBA
Calico!

Then he turns and spots Calico on a different pier being held by two sailors with pistols pointed at Calico . Gamba turns to Seadog.

GAMBA
They have him.

SEADOG (frantic)
Who? Where? Where? I can't see.

GAMBA
Guards have him on the other pier.

Seadog so flustered starts ripping off his bandage.

SEADOG
We can't leave Calico behind.

Pulling off the last bandage. Squinting his eye, it is black and blue but he can see.

SEADOG
Where is he?

Gamba turns Seadog in the direction of Calico. From Seadog's eye, Calico on the pier is BLURRY. He squints his eye then Calico and the pier come into focus. Seadog's excited he can see. He yells to Calico .

SEADOG(excited)
I see you Calico Criss! I see you!

The "Freeman" is slowly making its way from the dock. Seadog moves quickly down the side rail to the stern looking around what should he do. He spots the whale gun, harpoon loaded. He gets up to the gun and starts aiming it in Calico's direction. Calico and the two sailors watching Seadog pointing the whale gun at them. Calico yells to Seadog.

CALICO (fearful)
Don't shoot that thing at us!

Seadog through his eye aims the gun at Calico and pier, vision going in and out of focus. A crewman hands Seadog a lit wick stick. He holds it over the whale gun ready to fire. Calico yells to him.

CALICO (fearful)
Don't shoot that gun! You'll kill us!

SEADOG
Don't worry I was born on a whaling ship!

CALICO
Thought you were born on a pirate ship?

Calico and the sailors watching as Seadog lowers the wick. The gun fires with a big flash and BOOMING noise. The WHOOSH sound of harpoon and rope ripping through the air. They see the harpoon heading their way. The two sailors jump off the pier, Calico can only dive down onto it. The harpoon sticks into the mooring post with a THUMP in front of Calico . He looks at it, and then the rope as the "Freeman" starts picking up speed. The rope is coming out of the water as it SNAPS tight from the force of the moving ship. The pier starts to CRACK and RIP apart.

The harpoon holds fast and the pier starts to pull away form its mooring with the wood CRACKING and RIPPING apart. The front of the pier with Calico on it crashes into the water. Seadog watches as the rope from the gun tightens again and pops out of the water, then the front part of the pier, then Calico's head, then his body. Calico is hanging on for dear life as the ship picks up more speed. First time a pirate was on a boogie board. The "Freeman" pulls away with Calico being pulled behind it.

EXT. The DEMON WAR SHIP - EVENING

On deck Anne, Mary, Gunnie and Spider are having a meeting.

GUNNIE
We make you pirate. We made you Captains.You're the one who came up with this idea to jump ship. My men and I will stick with you.

SPIDER
My men as well. The two of you Captain this ship. We follow what you say.

MARY BROWN (angry)
He wants to kill my father. My father has no son. So I have to try to stop him.

ANNE
So many people back home are worried about us. But were so close to him.

The three of them wait for Anne to make up her mind.

ANNE
I say we follow them. No more than two weeks. We might run into a naval ship and let them know. And there's the treasure on Parrot Island.

Anne starts sniffing the air.

ANNE
I smell treasure.

GUNNIE
Done.

Anne looks at Gunnie.

CAPTAIN ANNE
When we get back to Port Clay this ship is yours and Spiders.

SPIDER
Our ship is faster than his, we'll dog him from a safe distance.

GUNNIE
Enough talk of Long Beard tonight.Ladies the crew put a doing together for you. To celebrate our new Captains.... Ladies.

Gunnie, arm's extended shows them the main deck. Two sailors have fiddles and start playing an Irish dance song. Crewmen below deck are coming out with food and drink. The mood turns festive. Sailors are dancing and having a good time. Anne and Mary dancing with the men as well. The fiddles are playing.

EXT. The FREEMAN WAR SHIP - EVENING

Polynesian and Tahitian DRUMS are beating "Tiare Tahiti". High standing torches light the deck. The crew on the "Freeman" are celebrating, eating, laughing and dancing. Criss at the wheel proudly watches his new crew. He smiles at Tika who is dressed in her native Tahitian outfit. She smiles back. Then to show him she can dance with the best of them, she does an enticing Tahitian dance for him. All are having a good time, as the "Freeman" sails into the dark.

INT. PORT FAIRCLOTH MERCHANT SHOP - MORNING
In the MESSY merchant shop First Mate Bell and sea mate Kelly are looking at supplies. A compass is being tapped on by Zak.

CAPTAIN ZAK SLATER
This cost us an arm and a leg.

The SPOOKY looking junk shop keeper MR. CHARLES looking at Zak, Bell and Kelly.

MR. CHARLES (spooky)
It's the only compass for a thousand miles.

CAPTAIN SLATER
And what do you know of the Vulture?

MR. CHARLES (spooky)
Oh it was here. Not more than a week ago. They took on water...then West. She when West.

Kelly takes the compass and he and Bell turn to leave when they spot the DRAWING of Calico being hung on the wall. They get up near it.

FIRST MATE KELLY
Well look at this, they hung Calico Criss.

Zak turns and approaches it. Looks at the drawing and pulls it down. He studies it for a moment, then walks to Mr. Charles and puts a coin in his hand.

CAPTAIN SLATER
I just bought this drawing.

MR. CHARLES
Sold!

CAPTAIN ZAK SLATER
How did you come upon this drawing?

MR. CHARLES
A blind Chinese sailor dropped it here only a few days ago. Let me tell you of Pirate Calico Criss.

The men gather near him to listen.

MR. CHARLES(spooky)
Towns folk here tell a tale. Just the other day they see his ghost, running through town. Then on a phantom pirate ship. Manned by a blind Chinese crew.

Mr. Charles GRINS  at the men.

MR. CHARLES
Can you imagine that.. a blind Chinese crew.

Mr. Charles LAUGHS.

EXT. THE FREEMAN WAR SHIP - AFTERNOON

Calico , Seadog, and Gamba are on deck. Gamba is looking at a ship through his spyglass.

GAMBA
Slave ships roam the seas. Look there Captain.

Gamba hands the spyglass to Calico, he takes a look.

CALICO
We don't like slave ships do we dog?

SEADOG
No we don't.

GAMBA
That's the "RED MOON" I saw it last year, its a slaver.

Calico has a angry look on his face.

CALICO
Raise our colors, tell everyone to get ready for a battle.

EXT. THE FREEMAN WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

The "Red Moon" slave ship is tied to the "Freeman" stern to bow. Calico is looking down at CAPTAIN TOTTER the Red Moons captain who is in a longboat with his crew. They are rowing away from the two ships.

CAPTAIN TOTTER
Calico you'll pay for this.

CALICO
Please Captain Totter have your men row faster. I don't know how much longer I can hold my young crewmen back.

Captain Totter looks over at the "Red Moon" and sees a line of Calico's crewmen the ones from Africa with their muskets all pointing at him and his crew. His crewmen start rowing real fast. Calico looks over to the "Red Moon" and spots Gamba who is now wearing a Captains hat.

CALICO 
Captain Gamba are you about ready to set sail?

Captain Gamba looks around his ship; he sees part of his crew helping the slaves take off their shackles. Other crewmen are in the rigging's getting ready to drop sail. Most of Calico's crew from Africa are now on the "Red Moon" with Gamba and Kiaa.

GAMBA
How can I ever thank you?

CALICO
Two things. Don't get lost, follow the maps I gave you to Africa,and take care of Kiaa.

SEADOG
You better remember everything we taught you. The Pirate code.

GAMBA
I will Seadog, remember I was raised by pirates.

Seadog smiles at him as crew from both ships gather to wave good-bye to each other.

TIKA
I will miss you!

Tika and Kiaa have tears in their eyes as they wave goodbye to each other.

SEADOG
Gamba you are pirate. Remember that.

Criss looks at Seadog.

CALICO
This is getting sappy. As my new first mate. Give your first orders, cut the lines and drop sail.

SEADOG
Aye sir. You heard the Captain cut them free. Then drop the sails.

Axes cut the lines holding the two ships. Ming Lee and his men free the sails on the "Freeman". Over on the "Red Moon" the sails are coming down as well. The two ships move away from each other. Tika is on the stern watching and waving as the Red Moon pulls father away. Calico and Seadog approach her.

CALICO
They'll be fine.

The three of them watch the Red Moon sail away.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - AFTERNOON

The "Vulture" is making its way to Parrot Island. Captain Long Beard and Snake are on the stern bridge looking back at an approaching ship through their spyglasses.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
They have been dogging us for a few hours.If they think they are going to beat me to the treasure I sing them a sad song.

EXT. THE DEMON WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Captain Anne and Captain Mary are on the bridge looking ahead watching the "Vulture".

CAPTAIN ANNE
Well we know he's on his way to Parrot Island. For now we'll just have to follow him.

CAPTAIN MARY
We have to stay on him. He's threatened to kill my father and he's a killer. Maybe with his lust for treasure he'll let his guard down and we can stop him.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP

Spider up in the rigging keeping an eye out sees another ship on their port side heading their way.

SPIDER
Ship approaching from the North.

EXT. THE TRACKER WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Captain Zak Slater and First Mate Kelly spot two ships through their spy glass. The "Vulture" and another ship.

ZAK SLATER
That's the "Vulture" alright. What do you make of that one following her.

FIRST MATE KELLY
Its a schooner. War class. And I think their dogging the "Vulture".If they were with the "Vulture" I would think Long Beard would have them along side as a shield.

ZAK SLATER
Were going to get closer to that one. Get a better feel of what their up to. I pray Anne and Mary are safe.

The "Tracker" sails toward the second ship.

EXT. THE FREEMAN WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

An eyeball is looking through a spyglass. As the spyglass is lowered it reveals Seadog looking ahead. He can now see well through the eyelid Calico cut open for him. Calico is also on the bridge. Ming Lee is in the crow’s nest. He has spotted the "Vulture" and two ships behind it. He yells down to Calico .

MING LEE
Captain! Captain! Ahead!

Ming Lee, using hand signals for ahead and large and one ship. Calico looks through his spy glass and sees the "Vulture" heading their way.

SEADOG
Two more behind it.

 Calico looks again, sees the "Vulture", looks around it, then behind it and sees the two other ships. He hands the spy glass back to Seadog.

CALICO
There you see it. At Port Faircloth they spoke of it. The devil ship of the ocean. The Vulture. Captained by no other that Long Beard himself.

SEADOG
And two ships behind it.

CALICO
Now the questions are. What is Long Beard doing this far West? Why are these two ships following at a safe distance?

SEADOG
Treasure Sir. They're going to get treasure.

Calico takes the spy glass and looks at the ships.

CALICO
Treasure. It could be treasure. We'll wait for them to pass. Then we'll fall behind. See what they're up to. No colors.

As the "Freeman" and the "Demon" get closer Captain Slater through his spyglass spots Anne looking through her spyglass at him. Both of them do double takes. Anne knows its Zak and starts to wave at him. He realizes it’s her and waves back.

ZAK SLATER
Kelly take us closer. I can't believe my eyes. Its Anne.

Captain Slater looks again through his spy glass and sees Mary as well.

ZAK SLATER
It's Mary. Both of them. Get closer. They look tired.

FIRST MATE KELLY
Are you sure sir?

ZAK SLATER
It's them.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Captain Long Beard and Snake watching the two ships behind them.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
They're getting very close together and not shooting at each other.

Snake turns looking ahead.

SNAKE
Another ship ahead. Has some dandy flags flying.

Long Beard Turns and looks at the ship ahead.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Don't think their pirates, Spanish silver ships are way South of
here. With their colored flags it looks like a gypsy wagon.
Keep an eye on all of them. Looks like a storm is heading this way. Parrot Island shouldn't be that much farther. Show our colors.

Long Beard looking ahead at the approaching storm clouds. The "Tracker" and "Demon" are close enough that Zak and Anne can see each other and are falling in love again. A crewman on the "Demon" throws a line over to the "Freeman", Spider takes the line and goes up the rigging with it. He attaches a wooden message box to the line. The message box slides down the line to the "Tracker".

Zak opens the message box and reads the note from Anne. Parrot Island-north cove- treasure. Zak gives her the ok sign. The message box is sliding down the line to the "Demon". Anne opens it and unfolds the hanging drawing of Calico , she's saddened and upset looking at it.

EXT. THE FREEMAN WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

The "Freeman" is catching the two ships ahead of them. Calico looking through his spy glass now sees Anne on one ship and Zak on the other.

CALICO
I don't believe it. I know those two. Seadog full speed ahead we'll go right between the two of them.

EXT. THE DEMON WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Anne looking back with her spyglass now sees Calico. She motions to Zak to look back. He does and he spots Calico , both are happy to see their old friend. They wave him on. At last the "Freeman" gets between the "Tracker" and "Demon" ships. All three friends welcome each other as best that can as they are on three different ships.

The crews are checking each other out as well. Anne is happy to see Calico , alive and waving. Tika in a matching outfit gets next to Calico holds his arm, striking a pose, like he's my man girlfriend. The wind is blowing in their hair. They look so good together this pose could be on the cover of any romance novel.

The message box slides down the line to the "Freeman". Calico opens the note from Anne and sees the hanging drawing. He acknowledges the Parrot Island note. Calico showing off a bit has his Jolly Roger flag hoisted. Not to be shown up Zak has his pirate crew hoist their jolly roger. To both their delight Anne has her crew hoist their Jolly Roger flag.

All three glad to see each other, but its back to the task at hand. All three see the "Vulture" is heading into the fog of the storm. The "Vulture's" jolly roger is going up. The seas are picking up. So is the wind and rain. Four pirate ships head into the storm. Parrot Island cove is just ahead.

CONDITIONS WORSENING.  Storm clouds, lightning CRACKS and the
thunder RUMBLES.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Captain Long Beard and Snake are trying to find a sheltered spot in the cove.Checking their maps and charts. They are looking about. The "Vulture" is starting to feel the affects of the storm, rocking. Long Beard points to a spot in the cove.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
There. There. Have them turn us North into the wind. Not too close. There are sand barges on this side and reefs on the other.Right in here. Anchor her. Get those sails up!

The "Vulture" turns its bow away from the beach, nose out to sea. No sooner than they drop anchor the "Tracker" comes out of nowhere being pushed by the storm. The "Vulture" and "Tracker" now are side by side. The two ships FIRE on each other. The "Tracker" turns starboard and moves away from the "Vulture". The drummer on the "Vulture" is POUNDING the war beat.

EXT. THE TRACKER WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Below deck on the "Tracker" very damaged, water is pouring in.The crewmen scramble to get out. The "Tracker" leans to one side, Zak slides down the deck.

EXT. THE DEMON WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

Anne and her crew look ahead pushed by the storm to see they're headed right towards the "Vulture". They prepare to fire on it. They move next to it.

CAPTAIN ANNE
Fire!

The cannon on the port side all fire at the "Vulture". The "Vulture" fires back. The mast on the "Demon" is hit and comes CRASHING down. Below deck water is coming in from some cannonball hits. The "Demon" turns starboard away from the "Vulture".Anne looking ahead sees the "Tracker" in trouble, listing, heading toward the beach.

EXT. THE FREEMAN WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

The "Freeman" on the same course as the "Demon" pushed by the waves and wind has to pass the side of the "Vulture". The rain is coming down in sheets, the wind is howling. As they side the "Vulture" Ming Lee up in the rigging with his crossbow sees Long Beard. Ming Lee aims and shoots, the arrow speeding through the rain is right on target, Long Beards chest. It strikes Long Beard in the chest. He grabs his chest.

CALICO
Fire!

Cannons and guns on both ships are firing.

EXT. PARROT ISLAND COVE - MORNING

The sun is out, the sky is clear. The top dandy flags of the "Freeman" are waving in the breeze, but the rest of the ship is underwater. Near it is the "Tracker", broken up on the reefs. The waves now calmly slapping the ship. Near the "Tracker" is the "Demon" on its side. Visible holes in its side from the cannon ball hits. Its wrecked on the reefs.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (cheerful)
What a beautiful day it is. Well,at least for some of us it is.

Long Beard laughs because he's addressing Calico , Zak, Anne, Captain Mary, Spider, Gunnie, First Mate Kelly, Tika, and Seadog. They are all BURIED up to their necks in the sand on the beach. The rest of their crews are sitting behind them being guarded by Long Beards crew. Ming Lee's arrow is still in Long Beards chest.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
See there.

He points to the "Vulture". It looks to be in good shape. It's stuck on a sand bar. Crewmen are digging out sand around it with buckets and making repairs.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
My men tell me they'll have her dug out by this evening. And the high tide will pick her up. A nice North breeze and away we'll sail. Oh yes talking about high tide.I'll have my dinner here with you. So I can make sure this is where you'll all stay. And treasure, don't let me forget the treasure.

PIRATE RICHARD (O.S.)
Sir we found it. A treasure chest.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Bring it over here! .

A treasure chest is dropped at Long Beards feet. He shoots the lock off it. As his crew watches he slowly opens it, then reaches into it.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Here it is.

Long Beard holds up a Voodoo Doll in his likeness with a stake going through it.

SNAKE
A doll?

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Not just any doll. This is the doll, I have to take back to the Jamaican woman for the curse to be lifted. This is what we came for.

Snake looking disappointed.

SNAKE
We came for treasure.

The rest of his pirate crew are upset that there is not treasure.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (forceful)
Don't you men be giving me the evil eye.

Long Beard puts the doll in his sword belt and draws out his sword. Addressing the upset crewmen.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
Any man wants to challenge me. Make your mark now.

The crew knowing he's half mad, back down and look away not wanting to challenge him.

CALICO
I'll challenge you to a duel.

Captain Long Beard gets down near Calico who is buried in the sand.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (cocky)
I wasn't talking to you.

Long Beard stands back up.

CALICO (menacing)
I was talking to you.

Everyone now watches to see if Calico can aggravate Long Beard into a duel.

SEADOG
I know you could beat him Calico. Calico Criss is the best swordsman in the world.

Long Beard looking at the men mocking him.

ZAK SLATER
He's afraid of you Calico .

ANNE
Calico you could beat him. Even I did.

SNAKE
Sir I've never seen you turn down a duel.

Long Beards expression is turning angry.
All the people buried in the sand start to chant. Calico ! Calico ! Calico !

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (angry)
Dig him out! And her.

Pointing to Captain Anne.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
And that one.

Pointing to Captain Zak Slater. The stage is set on the beach in front of those buried in the sand. The prisoner crews and Long Beard's crew look on. Long Beard is toting a sword in one hand and a cutlass in the other. Calico , Anne and Zak all have swords. Their sizing each other up.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (arrogant)
This will be for crews, the "Vulture" and of course bragging rights.

SNAKE
Sir I never saw you take on three.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You will today.

Long Beard addressing them.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD
You ready to die?

Long Beard rushes Calico and the fighting is on. Three against one. Calico defends off Long Beards rush. Zak attacks from the other side. Long Beard and Zak have at it. Long Beard turns to Anne and they go at it.

CAPTAIN LONG BEARD (nasty)
No playing today Miss.

Long Beard pours it on. Anne trips to the ground. As Long Beard goes to stab her, Anne shoves her sword into Long Beards belly. Calico and Zak on either side of him plunge their swords into his sides. Long beard freezes for a second. Anne rolls out of his reach. Calico and Zak pull out their swords. To their amazement it had no effect on Long Beard. He pulls Anne's sword out of his stomach. He turns to fight Zak. Zak and Long Beard duel it out. Zak's sword tip snags the Voodoo Doll and flings it in the air. Calico catches the Voodoo Doll.

CALICO
Long Beard!

Time freezes as Long Beard looks at Calico holding his Voodoo Doll. Calico holds the doll out in front of himself, showing Long Beard.

CALICO 
This is how it works.

Calico takes hold of the spear stuck in the doll and slowly pulls it out. At the same moment Long Beard starts to GROWN in pain. Calico removes the spear. All eyes are on Long Beard. He's shaking in pain, his skin starts to dry out. More and more pieces of flesh start to drop from his body until all that is left standing is Long Beard's skeleton.

Calico strolls up to the skeleton then examines it and puts the tip of his sword to its breastplate. Calico gives it a tap and the bones fall to the ground. All the crews start to cheer. Snake approaches Calico and takes out that custom snake barreled pistol of his. Calico is looking at him. Not sure if he's going to shoot him. Snake flips the gun,  handle facing him.

SNAKE
Sir What are my orders?

CALICO
Could you please dig these people out.

Snake puts the pistol back in his sword belt and addresses the crews.

SNAKE
You hear the Captain! Lets get them out.

All the crews begin to dig the people buried in the sand out.They know they are all under one Captain now. Pirate Calico Criss.

EXT. PARROT ISLAND COVE - DUSK

The evening tide brings the waves that cover the bones of Captain Long Beard. The discarded Voodoo Doll is washed up by a wave and dropped into a hole on the beach and buried by the sand.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

The crews from the "Vulture", "Tracker", "Freeman" and "Demon" are all on deck introducing themselves to each other. Anne and Mary returned to their former selves and talk to Zak.Spider with mixed crewmen in the rigging's are cutting down the skull heads and tossing them into the sea. Others are letting down the sails as the Vulture begins the journey away from Parrot Island cove. The goon walks by Anne. She takes his mask off and throws it over board. Mary spots the little pirate, he waves to her  then lost is the crowd.

INT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

In the Captain's quarters lit by latrines. Calico, Seadog and Snake are discussing the situation.

SNAKE
Sir, we didn't have any food or water when we got here.

SEADOG
We'll have to stop at the closest sea town. We have to get food and water. The treasure on the Demon went down when she was ripped open. So I think between all of us we have about nine pieces of eight left. That's all.

SNAKE
Sir the crew is waiting for you to say a few words.

CALICO
I know. I know. Give me a few minutes alone. I'll be right out.

Seadog and Snake leave the Captains quarters. Calico now sits at what was Long Beards desk just looking around the room. His hands are playing with the end edge of the desk when he feels something. Looking under it he sees a skeleton key fixed to the bottom of the desk. He removes the key and studies it for a second.

Looking around the room his eyes fix on a rug in front of the desk. He moves over to the rug. He kicks it aside revealing a trap door and lock. He kneels down and puts the key in the lock. It fits and he unlocks it. He slowly opens the trap door, and looks in.

EXT. THE VULTURE MAN O WAR SHIP - CONTINUING

The Captains door opens and Calico walks out onto the main bridge. Seadog rings a bell to get all their attention. Calico is going to give a message to his new crew. The crew gather to hear the speech.

CALICO
First off there will be no fighting amongst crews. We are one crew now. Captains Zak, Anne and Mary are our guests and will be treated as such. We will get them back to Port Clay. The "Vulture" is no more.

The crew cheers. Calico is looking up into the star lit night sky.

CALICO
Her new name is the "STARLIGHT". And as your new Captain, as my old crew knows I always share the spoils fairly.

The crew cheers

CALICO 
Food and fresh water. We need food and water and of course rum. If we sail all night, by day break we will arrive at the small port town of Port Cherry. We'll head for that.

Tika has some how, some way, managed to find a matching pirate outfit as Calico's.

TIKA
Should we prepare to raid Port Cherry the pirate way?

Calico gives her a grin. He walks back to his Captains quarters. Bending in the doorway he retrieves the rug now balled up with something in it. He drags it back to the top of the stair well.

CALICO
We won't have to raid Port Cherry.

He bends over and flips the contents of the rug onto the stairs. Gold bars and silver coins roll down the steps. The crew cheers. Calico picks up one of the gold bars and holds it to his face.

CALICO 
That's why they call me lucky Calico Criss.

The gold bar sparkles and so do Calico's eyes.

THE END.

also visit

http://ronkaiser.blogspot.com

CALICO MEETS A FAMILY OF PIRATE VAMPIRES

RON KAISER

216-862-3166

© 2007,2013 RONALD KAISER