CLEOPATRA Vs FRANKENSTEIN -  SCENE 19

 

 

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CUBA, GUANTÁNAMO DETENTION CENTRE - The US military are well established in Cuba. They even have a McDonalds burger restaurant, convenient to a Naval helipad, to keep interrogators happy while they waterboard detainees without trial, and pull out their finger nails.

 

 

 

 

 

WHO'S GOOD AND WHO IS BAD? JOHN RESCUES CLEOPATRA FROM GUANTÁNAMO BAY

 

John, Dan and Charley consider that the behaviour of governments involved, is no better than their Chinese and Russian counterparts. Despite fighting WWII to keep the world safe from eugenics fanatics.

 

The NATO alliance secretly decide amongst themselves to entomb Cleopatra as a potentially dangerous and useful specimen. They intend to put her on ice, in a watery grave, a cryogenic tomb as a modern sarcophagus, until they might have the technology to create super-humans for themselves as weapons, and fully understand the technology involved.

 

John and Dan use their new intelligence and code cracking nano-computer to hack the corridors of power, finding out to their horror that he is being duped, and what is in reality being planned for Cleopatra.

 

The CIA, UNESCO and MI6, know they have been hacked and are powerless to prevent it happening again. They want Nanocomm's super computer for their own nefarious purposes.

 

The CIA and US military place a Catch or Kill order out on John Storm.

 

Knowing their every move John plans a daring raid on the secure establishment who are holding Cleopatra prisoner, taking the fight to them at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. 

 

Out of some misguided loyalty, John thinks to warn Jack Mason to stay out of his way. Thinks, literally, with his new ability to communicate.

 

"Jack." "John. Christ."

 

"Yes Jack. Christ has nothing to do with it. I'm in two minds. Do I take you out, or turn you over to the International Criminal Court?"

 

"I'm just a pawn John. A disposable asset - a pawn. I was duped and threatened if I did not follow orders. They lied to me."

 

"Anyone gets in the way, could end up in the Hague - captors - with their co-conspirators; if they are lucky. This is serious human rights shit. Convince me."

 

John was serious about HR violations, having visited Auschwitz and read Anne Frank's diary: Het Achterhuis (The Secret Annex).

 

"The big shots running this show include British Intelligence, NATO, and our own Advanced Projects Agency. I ran the risk of being retired - and I don't mean a pension. I was told the tests might take a little bit longer than you'd be happy with. To smooth things over. That's it. Blue Shield code of honour."

 

"Yuh. Real smooth ..... Jack, I want your absolute word on this - 'Blue Shield.' Stay out of it. Understood?"

 

"John. I'm gone. Unavailable. I want nothing to do with rotten eggs. Except if you need help from the inside."

 

"I'm counting on you Jack. But do me another favor - and yes - come back afterwards. The good guys are sure to come out shining. A reliable contact would be appreciated."

 

"What else can I say John. You already have my word of honour."

 

"Deal then. You're off my radar. Don't let me down."

 

In January of 2018, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep the camp at Guantánamo Bay open indefinitely. Thus condoning torture and imprisonment without trial, in open violation of all that is sacred in a democratic, free society.

 

 

 

 

Camp Delta, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

 

 

COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT: The chapters of this story are published live for collaboration development purposes, with a sequence derived from the Chapters below, supplemented with other (unpublished) writings and/or illustrations as we progress. The final order for the proposed screenplay or graphic novel may be the subject of additional drafts to suit production of any movie (producers/directors/actors). To be in a position to gain an idea of style and potential box office, please request a copy of our Kulo-Luna (draft) screenplay. See our terms and conditions. The script version of these Chapters will not be published for a period, but will be available as with Kulo-Luna, on request.

 

 

 

 

SCREENPLAY VERSION OF STORY:

 


MASON (TELEPHONE VOICE)
John. I’ve been waiting on your call.

STORM
I said I’d call when I’m ready.
MASON (TELEPHONE VOICE)
Some things can’t wait.

INT. MASON’S LANGLEY OFFICE - DAY

 

Mason in his swing chair, feet on the desk, ankles crossed --
MASON
They want to run some tests.

INTERCUT BETWEEN STORM IN THE TAVERNA AND MASON IN HIS LANGLEY OFFICE

WITH STORM -- Washing his hands, phone tucked between shoulder and chin --

STORM
Tests? What do you mean? What kind of tests?

WITH MASON -- He looks at the man in the office there with him, an ANONYMOUS CIA MAN in dark suit and eyes to match --

MASON
Professor Krafenstein achieved something that continues to elude even our finest scientists, you know that. They’re hungry for the knowledge.

WITH STORM -- Drying his hands.

 

MASON (TELEPHONE VOICE) (CONT’D)
To you she may be a new plaything. But to them she’s a specimen.

Beat. Then reality dawns. Storm bolts -- out the bathroom -- back through the taverna -- back outside to their table -- TWO EMPTY SEATS.

STORM
Where is she?

 

MASON (TELEPHONE VOICE)
If you come after her you’ll put yourself, and her, in grave danger.

STORM
Are you threatening me, Mason?
WITH MASON -- The anonymous CIA man eyeing Mason hard --

 

MASON
Not me, John. Someone much bigger than me.

WITH STORM -- Simmering now...

 

MASON (TELEPHONE VOICE) (CONT’D)
I’ll be in touch.
Line goes dead. Storm crushes his mobile in his hand.

INT. ELIZABETH SWANN FORWARD HELM - DAY

A needle-free anaesthetic applicator jet-sprays the back of Storm’s neck...

He’s sitting in the command chair, hard-faced, wearing the CyberCore headset, Hawk hovering over him like a dentist over his patient, applicator in hand.

HAWK
The anaesthetic will only take a minute to kick in. You won’t feel a thing, Skip.

STORM
Tell me one more time why we are doing this, Hawk.
Hawk removes the headset from Storm’s head -- HAWK
With the data I downloaded from the Venice mainframe I’ve been able to reverse-engineer the CyberCore micro- circuits. They’re housed in this biochip --


Storm watches as Hawk inserts the chip into a surgical microdrill with a bit finer even than a human hair, the chip no bigger than the hair’s follicle --

HAWK (CONT’D)
-- When this chip is connected to your occipital lobe, it’ll interact directly with the nano-computer housed in the wristwatch you’re wearing. No need for the headset. You’ll be hard-wired. You’ll also have a wireless connection to Hal, similar to a bluetooth connection, should you need it. So don’t be alarmed if you hear Hal’s dulcet tones invading your thoughts.

Storm makes a face as Hawk starts up the drill, a faint high- pitched whirring sound --

HAWK (CONT’D)
The serum you were accidentally injected with enhanced you physically. This will enhance you neurologically as well. Hold still.

He drills into the base of Storm’s skull -- the slightest flinch from Storm ... drilling ... whirring ... finally Hawk carefully extracts the drill and swabs Storm’s neck.

HAWK (CONT’D)
There.

STORM
That’s it?

HAWK
That’s it.

HAL
(in Storm’s head)
Welcome aboard, Captain Storm.
Storm leaps up out of the chair, puts a hand to his head --

STORM
(thinking)
Hal?

HAL
Apologies Captain Storm. I didn’t mean to startle you. Just checking the bluetooth’s working.

STORM
Jeez...

HAWK
Don’t worry, Skip. It’s a reversible procedure. We can have you back to normal in no time. But for now it will give you a direct intra-feed to Hal and the CyberCore system. And that will give you direct visual access to their security cameras.

STORM
Security cameras? Whose security cameras?

Immediately Hawk realises he’s spoken out of turn. He looks a little sheepish, not wanting to answer.

STORM (CONT’D)
Hawk?

HAWK
Well, I...

STORM
Whose security cameras, Hawk? Where is she?

HAWK
(nervously)
George called earlier. He said they’ve taken her to the place where they’re holding the baron.

Almost threatening Hawk now --

 

STORM
And where is that, Hawk? Where is Cleopatra?

A long nervous pause, then --

HAWK
Guantánamo, Skip. She’s being held at Guantánamo.

EXT. CARIBBEAN SEA SOME DAYS LATER - DUSK

The Swann anchored off the coast of Cuba, low to the water, in full stealth mode, almost invisible in the dusky light...

SUPER: ‘GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA’

EXT. ELIZABETH SWANN DIVING PLATFORM - NIGHT

Storm suiting up, ready to dive. Notices Hawk packing a micro- breather and mask into a dry bag --

STORM
We’re less than a kilometer off shore. I’m sure I can free dive that distance. As everyone keeps telling me, I’m enhanced now.

HAWK
This isn’t for you, Skip. It’s for Cleopatra.

STORM
She won’t be needing it either.
Hawk looks puzzled --

STORM (CONT’D)
Trust me.

HAWK
Okay well Hal will be on hand should you need any assistance. Your connection is firewalled. It will enable you to communicate in radio silence.

STORM
(thinking)
You ready for this, Hal?
HAL
(in Storm’s mind) You bet, Captain Storm.

HAWK
Be careful, Skip.
Storm disappears into the water...

EXT. GUANTANAMO SHORE - NIGHT

...Storm emerges from the water, clambers up the rocks onto the grassy verge, pulls off his wetsuit and buries it in the scrub. Under the wetsuit he wears a Kevlar bulletproof vest.

He scans the perimeter fence in the near distance, sees --

-- THE SIGN THAT SAYS ‘CAMP DELTA’ -- THE HIGH WIRE SECURITY FENCE TOPPED WITH RAZOR WIRE -- LIGHTS, TOWERS, CAMERAS...

Keeping low, Storm starts towards the perimeter fence.

EXT. GUANTANAMO PERIMETER FENCE - NIGHT

 

STEEL WIRE CUTTERS SLICE THROUGH A SECTION OF PERIMETER FENCE
WITH ALARMING SPEED -- Storm’s enhanced strength at work --


-- He slides the cutters back inside his Kevlar vest, separates the fence, crawls through, closes it.

EXT. GUANTANAMO COMPOUND - NIGHT

Storm edging his way along the inside of the fence -- an elusive shadow darting between buildings -- to his left a tower manned by soldiers -- ahead, the CIA ops house.

INT. GUANTANAMO OPS HOUSE - NIGHT

Banks of CCTV screens showing various zones within the compound -- a dozen military wearing headsets, monitoring the screens, working the consoles...

EXT. GUANTANAMO OPS HOUSE - NIGHT

Storm peering in through the window -- making his way round to the door. Beat --

-- And Storm explodes into action.

INT. GUANTANAMO OPS HOUSE - NIGHT

SMASH! A dozen military heads swing round as one -- ‘What the?’ -- shock-horror twisting their faces, every eye on the door that has just been smashed in by --

-- Storm. Crashing through the door. Taking out soldiers three at a time. Impossible speed. Too fast for the soldiers to react -- zip-tying wrists and ankles behind backs. In the blink of an eye all personnel are immobilised and Storm is on the console, Hal in his head --

STORM
(thinking)
Where do I look, Hal?
HAL
(in Storm’s head)
We’re looking for Camp Seven, Captain Storm.

STORM
(thinking)
Camp Seven? I thought that had been closed.

HAL
(in Storm’s head) Officially yes. The heat sensor feeds indicate otherwise. Human activity detected.


Storm working the console, frantically punching buttons, talking himself through the process --

STORM
Camp Seven, Camp Seven ... come on, come on ... are you sure, Hal?

HAL
(in Storm’s head -- Hal clears his throat)
I would remind the captain that I possess a super-intelligence level equivalent to...

STORM
Yes, yes, all right, Hal, I was just ... got it!

MONITOR SCREEN IMAGE: Map zooms in on an isolated building some distance from Camp Delta.

Storm locks onto the image, memorising the building’s location. Beat. Then he’s out the door --

EXT. GUANTANAMO COMPOUND - CONTINUOUS

-- Running at blinding speed, taking out any and all military he encounters, catching them unawares, zip-tying and gagging them -- one -- another -- another -- a stream of immobilised military in his wake --

-- Storm pushing forward at incredible speed -- soldiers helpless -- Storm too fast for them to react, a supersonic shadow zigzagging along walkways, building to building, zone to zone, until finally he sees, there, ahead --

-- CAMP SEVEN.

Armed soldiers guarding the entrance -- a high reinforced steel gate -- rolls of razor wire.

The CAMP SEVEN SOLDIERS don’t see Storm coming -- the whirlwind is too fast -- in the blink of an eye he hurdles the gate and the razor wire, and we see -- A MAELSTROM...

-- WHACK! BAM! THUD! ARRGGGHHHH! -- SOLDIERS WINDED, DAZED, BEING KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS -- WRISTS AND ANKLES BEING ZIP- TIED, MOUTHS GAGGED -- SOLDIERS DEFEATED, IMMOBILISED -- STORM STANDING OVER THEM, IMPERIOUS...

...Storm brushes himself down, enters Camp Seven.


INT. GUANTANAMO CAMP SEVEN - CONTINUOUS

Storm inside Camp Seven now, moving stealthily, instincts honed -- crossing a cold steel communal area -- steel floors, steel seats, steel doors -- looking up at the wire mesh floor of a second level landing, then --

CAMP SEVEN SOLDIER#1
Hey!

-- He spins, sees the rifle pinning him, the soldier aiming it, straight at him -- the soldier about to fire, but --

-- Storm is on him faster than he can squeeze the trigger. The brief whirlwind of activity that follow sees the soldier zip-tied and gagged, his RIFLE BENT INTO A USELESS U-SHAPE and Storm kneeling over him.

STORM
Careful where you point that thing. It might come back to bite you.

Storm moving again, edging his way along an iron and steel corridor -- steel-mesh gates at the end of the corridor -- Storm slicing through the mesh with his wire cutters -- stepping through the gate into --

INT. GUANTANAMO CAMP SEVEN CELLBLOCK - CONTINUOUS
-- THE CELLBLOCK.

Rows of cells to left and right, each numbered ‘7-101’ and ‘7- 102’ and ‘7-103’ and so on. Glaring back at him from the end of the block a standalone isolation cell marked ‘7-001’. Is Cleopatra being held in that cell?

-- ENHANCED EYES ZOOMING IN ON THE CELL DOOR -- ENHANCED EARS LISTENING FOR SOUNDS -- WAS THAT A WHIMPER, A WOMAN SOBBING?

Storm edges closer to the isolation cell, but then --
-- FOOTSTEPS ... a CELLBLOCK SOLDIER approaching the cells
... a routine patrol ... peering in the cells ... the jangle of heavy keys ... the soldier opening a cell door, then --

-- CELLBLOCK SOLDIER HURTLING THROUGH THE AIR AND SLAMMING
INTO THE CELL WALL -- the result of an enhanced carotid chop from Storm. The PRISONER in the cell leaps up from his bed in shock as Storm blazes in and rips a bed sheet to shreds then uses the strips to tie and gag the barely conscious soldier --

STORM
(to the prisoner)
Keep an eye on him for me, would you?


-- Storm takes the soldier’s keys and locks the cell door on his way out.

Storm at the isolation cell now, desperately trying every key
-- wrong key -- wrong key -- wrong key -- but finally --
-- CLUNK! Cell door opens to reveal --

-- Cleopatra, so relieved, dressed in orange coveralls, throwing herself at Storm, moulding herself to him --

CLEOPATRA
John! I knew you would come for me. I was so worried they would keep me here forever in this horrible place and I just kept thinking of you...

STORM
It’s okay. It’s okay now. I’m taking you out of here.

He pushes her up from his chest, takes her eye --
STORM (CONT’D)
We don’t have much time. You must trust me. Okay? Whatever happens you have to trust me.

CLEOPATRA
(full sincerity) With my life.

A lingering look between them, a lovers’ look, then --

STORM
Come on.

He takes her hand and starts back out the way he came in, but Cleopatra cannot keep up with him.

STORM (CONT’D)
Here.

He lifts her off her feet and carries her, with ease, as though she were a feather-light child -- to the end of the cellblock -- along the steel corridor -- across the steel-on- steel communal area and out through the door into the night --

EXT. GUANTANAMO COMPOUND - CONTINUOUS

-- Storm scanning the night, looking back at the way he came in -- zip-tied and gagged soldiers as far as he can see...

STORM
Are you there Hal?


HAL
(in Storms head)
Approaching the rendezvous point as we speak, Captain Storm.

INT. ELIZABETH SWANN FORWARD HELM - SAME TIME

The neural light show on the console tells a worried looking Hawk that Hal is in comms with Storm. Hawk snaps at him --

HAWK
Speaker mode, Hal, if you don’t mind.

HAL
Oh, yes, of course Chief Engineer Hawk. Speaker mode activated.

HAWK
Skip? Everything okay?

EXT. GUANTANAMO COMPOUND - SAME TIME

 

Storm still cradling Cleopatra --
STORM
All good so far. What’s your ETA?
HAWK
(in Storm’s head)
Two minutes, Skip. Five hundred metres offshore as arranged.

STORM
See you there.

Storm heads off in the opposite direction to the way he came in.

INT. ELIZABETH SWANN FORWARD HELM - NIGHT

 

Hawk berating Hal --
HAWK
No more private conversations, Hal. When the Captain calls in I want ears, okay?

Hal blushes, glows red, suitably chastised.
HAWK (CONT’D)
Good. Proceed in stealth mode.
HAL
Stealth mode, check.


Hal notices Hawk’s unease --
HAL (CONT’D)
Don’t worry, Chief Engineer Hawk. The captain’s enhanced status can cope with a five hundred metre free dive with consummate ease.

HAWK
On his own, yes. But he has a passenger. And it’s pitch black out there.
(beat)
Prepare to overrule the captain’s orders, Hal. We’re going in closer.

EXT. CARIBBEAN SEA - CONTINUOUS

Elizabeth Swann glides silently through the dark night, low to the water, the lights of Guantanamo drawing ever closer...

EXT. GUANTANAMO COMPOUND - NIGHT

Storm on his toes now, hurtling through the night, Cleopatra in his arms, her arms tight around his neck --

-- A soldier -- Storm leaps -- a high kick -- soldier knocked cold -- Storm lands and continues running, all one seamless action. He does not break his stride.

EXT. GUANTANAMO PERIMETER FENCE - CONTINUOUS

Storm slicing through the steel fence with his wire cutters -- climbing through the gap with Cleopatra --

EXT. GUANTANAMO SHORE - CONTINUOUS

Storm hurtling towards the shore, across craggy ground -- rocks, weeds, cacti -- Cleopatra in his arms -- halts at the edge of a high cliff, peers down on the inky black Caribbean Sea 200ft below.

STORM
Okay. This is where you need to trust me.

Cleopatra looks down at the black sea crashing against rocks so far below -- looks back at Storm, nods --

STORM (CONT’D)
Hold on.

Storm steps to the edge ... beat ... then he leaps, still clutching Cleopatra -- down ... down ...


into the unknown -- the dark night enveloping them, the dark ocean rushing up to swallow them --

-- An intake of breath --

-- And they are under, swallowed by the inky wet black -- momentum forcing them down ... down ... until finally Storm’s enhanced strength reverses the descent and he swims for the surface, one arm still clutching Cleopatra tightly, until --

-- GASP! They break surface, suck in a huge lungful of air, then another, another, then, ‘What the?’ --

-- BAM! SUDDENLY THEY ARE BLINDED BY THE BEAM OF AN INTENSELY BRIGHT SEARCHLIGHT THAT ENCIRCLES THEM -- is it military?

The answer comes from Hawk --
HAWK
Skip! Over here!

Storm turns, scans -- through the intensity of the searchlight’s beam he is just able to make out Hawk’s silhouette yelling at them from the Swann’s diving platform --

STORM
I thought I told you to wait half a kilometer offshore.

HAWK
Err ... we miscalculated, Skip. Accidentally on purpose. I take full responsibility.

-- Storm swims over, lifts Cleopatra up onto the diving platform then follows her out of the water --

EXT. ELIZABETH SWANN DIVING PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS

-- Hawk hands Cleopatra a towel and she starts towelling her hair.

STORM
It was a good call, Hawk.
CLEOPATRA
Hawk? Like the bird?
HAWK
Yes. Dan Hawk, first mate, chief engineer and general right hand.

CLEOPATRA
General Right Hand?
HAWK
Figure of speech.


STORM
It means he’s indispensable.
CLEOPATRA
Oh. General Right Hand ... you would make a fine genera
l, Hawk.

Hawk blushes, then JUMPS AS THE SWANN’S ALARM SUDDENLY STARTLES HIM -- SCREAMING SIRENS AND URGENTLY FLASHING LIGHTS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM HAL --

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUANTÁNAMO BAY - Of serious international concern, because of the Human Rights violations that echo the Gestapo and Nazi Germany. This installation represents a challenge to John Storm. Except that John has access to the whole installation, cameras, staffing levels and positions. Thanks to the CyberCore nano-super-computer.

 

 

 

Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti, map of the Caribbean

 

 

ESCAPE ROUTE - Having neutralized the CIA's missile and drone attacks, the Elizabeth Swann cruises between the islands of Jamaica and Haiti.

 

 

 

 

Dusk fell, darkness shrouded the cost of Cuba. This is what John had been waiting for.

 

"Hal, full stealth mode, sea anchors, the works."

 

"Compliance."

 

The hulls of the Swann were flooded, lowering the vessel into the water, so reducing the visible profile of the ship. Then the solar wings were tilted down as low as they could go below horizontal. Almost touching the surface of the sea. In this position, the vessel was invisible to radar. John guessed they'd have the camp looking out for intruders, while they had such a high value asset in captivity.

 

The Swann came in from the east, heading to Kittery Beach, panel on to the coastal sensors. 

 

"Hal, full actions stations. Let me know the moment you see any activity that gets in my way."

 

"Compliance."

 

"I'll be coming in hot, with a guest. Dan, full support please."

 

"Nothing but. Suit and underwater scooter and scuba gear all ready."

 

John smiled at Dan. "Thanks Dan."

 

He pulled on a tight fitting dark coverall, then deftly slipped down the boarding hatch, into the surprisingly warm Caribbean waters, jetting to shore just below the surface, frogman style, with the help of the electric power scooter, and sub-aqua breather.

 

On reaching the shore, John scurried up to a weeded area, and stashed the scooter and breathing sets. Noting their position, for the return run.

 

The Elizabeth Swann is kept on standby in stealth mode, all hands on red alert, conveniently anchored offshore for a fast retreat.

 

John slices through the steel fence wire, gaining access to the compound, and rushes the CIA's safe house, disabling the military personnel one after the other with nylon cable ties, without inflicting any terminal casualties. He has access to all of their security cameras. It is almost too easy.

 

The night staff were caught completely off unprepared.

 

He goes through the guards like a knife through butter in Rambo, 'First Blood,' fashion. They do all they can to kill him. John is not only superhuman in terms of strength and speed, but is also wearing the lightweight aramid-kevlar composite, bullet-proof armour, captured from the Nazis in Brazil. He is Captain America for real, with Batman's suit - so no need for a shield. As long as he is careful and moves fast.

 

Cleopatra is located locked in a cell. John kicks the door in to effect a rescue. The frame gives way. Once inside, john sees that she is bruised and cut. But freed of her shackles, she can walk - just.

 

"You're doing good," he lied.

 

She gasps in relief. "My gladiator." Involuntarily shedding a tear of joy. John throws the slightly limp Cleopatra over his shoulder, for speed. She is still somewhat under the weather from being drugged, so gratefully accepts his help.

 

They head for the cut in the fencing. A guard has just found the breach and is about to call it in, when he sees stars and slumps to the ground. John crept up at high speed and hit him a powerful chop to the neck, then nylon cuffed him.

 

"Okay beautiful, time to get wet."

 

"I could do with a bath."

 

"I'm going to introduce you to a gadget that allows you to breathe underwater. Trust me?"

 

"That sound like magic, but I'm with you implicitly. 

 

John puts a demand valve in Cleopatra's mouth, halting her speech. "Just breathe as normal."

 

After a brief moment of familiarity, the Pharaoh queen sucks in through the uncomfortable mouthpiece. Finding she can breathe, though having to suck harder than normal; mechanically. 

 

"Don't try to talk. Just give me a thumbs up, if you are happy to go. It will be a short journey."

 

Cleopatra had no idea what 'go' meant, but she waved a thumb in the air.

 

"I'll need to borrow the mouthpiece occasionally, but I will give it back to you, to catch your next breath. It's called buddy breathing. You have to trust your buddy. A 'buddy' is a very, very, good friend. Your life depends on them, and they on you."

 

Cleopatra nodded, not fully understanding. But she trusted John completely.

 

"So, we are now buddies, and here we go." 

 

John grinned, knowing she'd feel some disorientation. Cleopatra noted the grin and braced herself. John carried her again, walking into the sea crouched somewhat, also carrying the water scooter.

 

Then he launched them both, and dived below the sea surface. Cleopatra's mumbles were lost in the bubbles, as they whooshed along silently. John grabbed the demand valve from Cleopatra. She let go. He took a couple of good breaths, then handed in back. She clamped her mouth onto it, gratefully. Suddenly realising that while she had the demand valve, he did not.

 

John steered to the Elizabeth Swann, using his all singing and dancing diving watch. A minute and a half later, Cleopatra pushed the demand valve into his mouth. John grabbed her tighter, to say thanks. She squeezed back.

 

Again he breathed deep, then returned the mouthpiece. He could see the Swann as a blur, so surfaced to come in on the stern. John hauled Cleopatra up the boarding ladder, urging her to climb.

 

They both ended up on the open rear deck, laughing. Very wet and now a bit cold.

 

"Hal, take her out to sea please. As quick as you can. Stealth mode."

 

"Okay skipper," replied the unswerving AI. "All haste and as silent as a cat wearing socks on a velvet carpet."

 

"Quick, let's get into some dry clothes, said John to Cleopatra."

 

"Thank you John, that was some ride. But not the kind of bath I had in mind."

 

Helpfully, Dan came to their rescue with two insulated, breathable one piece sailing suits.

 

"Dan, you marvel, you."

 

Cleopatra was shivering. John toweled her off, then gave her a big warm-up hug. Well done you marvel, you. "Now get into this quickly, and have something to eat and drink."

 

The Elizabeth Swann sailed away from Cuban waters in stealth mode, her hull low in the water, hoping to find a remote island location where Cleopatra might be safe. She had been tortured, physically and mentally, but the lovers were once again united. For now. John would have to be smarter from now on.

 

True to form, the US military try to track and hack the Elizabeth Swann, ready to take the ship out with a single missile. John is forced to use his supercomputer to plant a virus, with the grateful assistance of Dan Hawk.

 

"Dan, can we link the CyberCore to Hal?"

 

"I can try. Why?"

 

"Hope I'm wrong, but almost for sure they'll try to take us out. I am picking up messages to that effect - and the hack more or less confirms it."

 

"You can't be serious," said Dan, with a puzzled look on his face.

 

"These boys play rough where homeland security is involved, at presidential level."

 

Dan knows John is right. Feverishly, he links the CyberCore wristwatch to Hal. Their lives depend on it.

 

As the link goes live Hal chimes in, "Wow, what a rush."

 

John and Dan laugh. John knows exactly what Hal has just experienced. Dan can only guess from seeing John go cold turkey on their way back to the Mediterranean, and afterwards, where John became a walking dictionary, with feeds from anywhere he is thinking about.

 

With Hal's new hacking abilities, Dan plants a virus to disable NORAD's firing and targeting systems, "that should give them something to think about."

 

Hal was already the most advanced AI money could buy, but with Nanocomm he was turbocharged to the ying-yang. He, could become she when it suited. But the crew preferred he for now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEALTH MODE - Stealth mode helps the Elizabeth Swann get close to Guantánamo Bay camp, but not to evade missiles approaching from high above. If it was not for the quick thinking of John Storm, and technical prowess of Dan Hawk, they would have been toast.

 

 

 

 

True to form, the US fire a missile at the Elizabeth Swann.

 

"Incoming," said Hal, and directs the airborne threat back to a deserted section of the US military base, where the detonation all but levels the installation.

 

Another is fired, and deflected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSILE ATTACK - Having rescued Cleopatra, the CIA make an unauthorized attack on the Elizabeth Swann. Dan connects the CyberCore super computer to the onboard AI, Hal, who is then able to hack NORAD, and re-program the missiles to target un-occupied buildings at Guantánamo Bay.

 

 

 

 

John made an urgent call to Jack Mason. "Jack, what the  - in hell is going on. Did you know they were going to freeze Cleopatra?"

 

"No John, it's not me, our chief seems to have lost the plot. You are the fall guy, and I'm for the chop for helping you. They want you dead. Out of the equation. It's Jason Bourne time."

 

'Dead men tell no tales,' thought John to himself. "Okay Jack. Be cool."

 

Jack is cut off. He knows John is about to do something radical.

 

John hacks into NORAD, appearing on the screens at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs. "Gentlemen, if you try that again, you'll be the next target."

 

The station base feigns ignorance. "Don't give me that, we're tracking two Raptors coming from the north."

 

Off mike John lets off steam. "Jeeze," John looks to Dan. "I'm a pacifist. This cannot be happening."

 

Back on mike, "we're waiting." The two Raptor drones sent out to attack again were rapidly recalled, changing course to head back to base. "Confirmed returning to base."

 

Hal thanked US Defense Command. "Thank you for complying." They base does not respond.

 

At USAF Peterson, the top brass wondered how the crew of the Swann would know their Raptors were turned back, so far out. They are forced to call the President to advise that their security network is breached. 

 

"Mr President, this is Lieutenant General Taft, calling to advise of an abortive attempt to sink a civilian ship in the Caribbean."

 

"Pardon. Could you repeat that please Lieutenant Taft? Very slowly please"

 

"Mr President, we fired a missile at a ship called the Elizabeth Swann, believed to be involved in a covert operation to undermine our national security."

 

"Then how did you miss, and how is it that I was not asked to authorize?"

 

"Well, er, um."

 

"This is not an 'um' issue Lieutenant. Speak plainly please."

 

"Er, well Mr President, a vigilante broke into Guantánamo Bay and took a detainee. Making off in a civilian vessel."

 

"Who is the detainee and why is that camp still there?"

 

"I don't know sir. I'm told the detainee is a dangerous human clone, a potential military weapon, who was being debriefed."

 

A clone? That made no sense. The President took the unprecedented step, deciding to hail the Elizabeth Swann in person.

 

"Patch me into that feed General Taft. Who is this guy again?" 

 

"His name is John Storm, and he's on the Elizabeth Swann," responded the Lieutenant General.

 

"President Lincoln Truman calling the Elizabeth Swann. Come in Elizabeth Swann."

 

Hal took the call. "Thank you President Truman. Confirmed identity. Patching you through." "John, the US President wants a chat."

 

"Really, Hal?"

 

"Yes captain; really." John and Dan looked over at the recovering Cleopatra, who was dozing off in a, now, fully reclined helm seat.

 

"This may take some explaining," quipped Dan.

 

"John Storm, Mr President. Is this about your missiles?"

 

"Hello Mr Storm. Please tell me what you want from us?"

 

"Mr President, we don't want anything from your country, but to be left alone.

 

"Copy that. But who were you taking from Guantánamo Bay?"

 

John and Dan are puzzled. Why would they keep this stuff from their Commander in Chief?

 

"Sir, if you are not in the loop, we are grateful for your intervention. We rescued a woman from extremists in Egypt, then she was kidnapped by your military or CIA, or both - we think. To be tortured and possibly frozen."

 

"Uh, huh. Who is this woman, and why is she such a security risk?"

 

"Sir, you may find this hard to swallow, but we believe she is a clone, er, descendent, of Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt."

 

"Right. You did just say clone?"

 

"That I did sir."

 

"Have you any proof of that?"

 

"Funny you should ask. Yes, we seized a cache of cloning equipment from a former Neo-Nazi laboratory near Manaus. Sir, we've seen a man running at over 30 miles per hour, and I fought him. He is a DNA enhanced clone. Now I'm infected somehow, and am three or four times stronger than I was, and he was beating the crap out of me. We saved the woman from an occult ceremony, and we know the sect had recovered a mummy from near Alexandria." John blurted that out.

 

"Are you saying the woman is a clone from a mummy!"

 

"Hard to believe, sure. Sounds crazy even, but all verifiable." There was a long pause. A very long pause.

 

John broke silence, "Mr President, are you there?"

 

"Damn right. It sounds impossible, implausible at best. How did you avoid the missiles, and whose mummy was it?

 

"Oh dear," said Dan.

 

"Er, well, Mr President, you won't like the sound of this. But we also recovered a very powerful computer that can hack your military machines and take control of your air strikes. We were only defending ourselves, Sir. Or, we'd not be having this conversation. But we are friendlies, and some faction of your secret service seems to want the technology for themselves, unless you gave the kill order, Mr President? "

 

"I most certainly did not." The President was hastily reading the result of a search on John Storm. On seeing the media report of him scaling The Shard in London, he allowed himself a wry smile.

 

President Truman turns to his aides off mike, "why haven't we hired this guy?"

 

John continued. "We didn't believe that for a moment. Then sir, Mr President, you may have a rogue element in the mix, or may have been infiltrated by Russian or Chinese spies, or drug warlords. Or some such permutation."

 

"Mr Storm, John, I'm just reading about your exploits. You seem to check out. Far fetched though your story may be. I'm willing to take at least some of it on good faith."

 

"Thank you Mr President."

 

"Now John, who is the mummy?"

 

"Sir, we believe the mummy is, or was, the long lost Cleopatra."

 

The President spluttered in disbelief, "no shit! And I'm Mickey Mouse. Okay John, that's one heck of a stretch. I'll come back on that one."

 

The President regained his composure. "Okay. Wowzer. But, I must insist détente in on the proviso that you won't attack US soil with our own missiles. Is that clear John, Mr Storm?"

 

"Goes without saying. But please will you do me something in return?"

 

"Shoot."

 

"Sir, with respect, something is not right in your camp. Please, take a moment to investigate. For your own protection. You don't have to worry about us. Our agenda is echoed in your own policies, Sir. We are brothers in arms, but if fired upon by a rogue faction, we have the right to defend ourselves. If fired on first."

 

"Mr Storm, John, that is accepted. Is there any chance that the United States might purchase this super computer legitimately?"

 

John gave a considered reply, "not unless we could be absolutely sure that a scoundrels in the ointment could not gain control, and perhaps sell to a foreign power. And, with respect Mr President, you did not know about this incident until they were forced to bring it to your attention."

 

"Hmmmm. You have a point there Storm. It may be safer with you for now. If, your AI is as potent as you are leading me to believe."

 

"Mr President, I can only tell you what I have seen for myself. But, as I say, we are brothers in arms."

 

"So it seems. But I can't promise anything either, other than proceeding in good faith. I have a duty as President of the United States, to take precautions. That may include ensuring your protection, as far as that goes. Let's agree to leave it there for now. Stay safe, we may need you."

 

"Understood Mr President."

 

"To be clear, when I say 'we' may need you, I mean, I may need you. And that is between us."

 

"Understood Mr President. My crewmate and AI just heard that - so it is between us. Dan is more pure that I am Sir. Our AI is ultra dependable Sir."

 

On screen, Hal salutes.

 

John turns to Dan, a big smile on his face. "How's our patient doing?"

 

"Sleeping like a baby. Pure?" 

 

"Remarkable. You?" 

 

"I'm a nervous wreck."

 

"Yes pure, as in less tainted by life. Take a break.  Hal, I'm shot too, better keep a weather eye open for us, just in case."

 

The computer image of Hal on screen, winked. "Affirmative."

 

The Elizabeth Swann leisurely continued on a heading south away from Cuba, then south-south-west heading past the Navassa Island National Wildlife Refuge, through the Caribbean sea, between Jamaica and Haiti.

 

John reposed in an extremely ergonomic helm chair, dozed off, finally falling into a deep REM sleep.

 

While the crew were resting, Hal was hailed by Blue Shield International. Tremors had been recorded in the Caribbean, with Jamaica uncomfortably close to indications of the epicenter, of an earthquake similar to the one that sank Port Royal in 1692.

 

As these were only rumblings, Hal did not consider them important enough to wake the crew from their slumbers.

 

 

 

 

3RD DRAFT - SAMPLE: THE PERFECT PLOT (SHORT STORY)

 

 

SCENE 1. Cleopatra's tomb lay lost for centuries. Then one day a shift in the tectonic plates triggered a tremor off the coast of Alexandria, causing alarm in Paris. (Flashback: The destruction of Thonis & Alexandria by a tsunami, sinking the great civilization and port in 365 AD.)

 

SCENE 2. As an agent of Blue Shield, John Storm, surveys Egypt's coast off Alexandria, finds Cleopatra's tomb, verified using the Ark and Hal, keeping location a secret, pending salvage and Blue Shield site protections.

 

SCENE 3John reads a letter from Cleopatra to Mark Antony from Cleopatra’s mausoleum, 30 BC, the combined suicide of Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra, a death wish love pact. 

 

SCENE 4. William Bates auctions his CyberCore Genetica nano-super computer. Secretly purchased by the wealthy Professor Krafenstein, via an anonymous sealed bid.

 

SCENE 5. A team of European scientists, including Franco Francisco, are gathered together and funded by the wealthy Baron as cloning technology champions, regardless of potential illegality or ethical consideration. Though, Replication and gene manipulations treatments are held to be legal by the cohort.

 

SCENE 6. As part of their human enhancement regime, ingredients of the CRISPR virus, a bacterial DNA Cas9 enzyme delivery system, that allows precisely targeted DNA enhancement in adult subjects, is developed as cousin technology. The team realise that this could form the basis of a cure for cancer.

 

SCENE 7. Charley Temple alerts John Storm to the consequences of the joining of dots of the technology that Professor Krafenstein and his partners are working on. She is being fed information from, and nurturing contacts at the ETH university in Zurich. With Sam Hollis being in contact with Colonial athletes in attendance. Some of which have given blood samples, in connection with the Baron's research.

 

SCENE 8. John is courted by Jack Mason, purporting to represent the USA, asking for his help in their investigations into cyber crime, and technology that might one day pose a threat to international stability.

 

SCENE 9. Storm is asked by Professor Krafenstein to relinquish a small Cleopatra tissue sample. The carrot is that their cohort will share their DNA archive, to add to John's collection. 

 

SCENE 10. John relents, persuaded by Blue Shield. The knowledge transfer (swapsie) proves to be irresistible to John.

 

SCENE 11. Having taken delivery of a sample of Cleopatra's DNA, Professor Krafenstein perfects his replication technique, after one or two costly mistakes.

 

SCENE 12. The scientists develop a prototype biological implant, an interface for the human brain, which they call BioCore™. This flexible microchip communicates wirelessly with the CyberCore Genetica, and from there to the internet. They are streets ahead of a system developed by Elon Musk, some years earlier.

 

SCENE 13. The Birth. Replication work proceeds, with Cleopatra grown and her brain programmed (conditioned) with her past, to include simulation of her synapse firing sequence, based on the fact she spoke nine languages, and was a mathematician and an accomplished political and military strategist. Other elements are included to soften the culture shock, as the reincarnated queen re-enters life in the 21st century, the prophesy comes true.

 

SCENE 14. John requests a visit to see the progress for himself, but is given the brush off, and shown a facility that does not seem to have all the equipment necessary to have recreated Cleopatra. Then he is denied access to the subject with various excuses, that do not gel. His suspicions are aroused, and he investigates further with help from Dan (hacking) and Hal.

 

SCENE 15. Charley persists with her own investigations, agreeing to meet with John, where she thinks the real work is going on convenient to the ancient port of Genoa, Italy. She is captured, and John has to effect a rescue, with some background help from the CIA's Jack Mason. During the struggle to overpower Charley's captors, John is injected with an experimental CRISPR virus. Dan manages to make off with the CyberCore Genetica and Biocore, equipment, plus a download of all the experimental files. Jack Mason turns a blind eye, at the time, biding his time.

 

SCENE 16. From the recovered data, Dan and Hal work out that Cleopatra is being repatriated in a secure facility in Rome, where the former queen had visited with Julius Caesar in 46BC. John raids their sanctuary just outside the city, rescuing/freeing Cleopatra in the process, with Interpol questioning all the wrong people, on suspicion of kidnap. Cleopatra expresses a wish to be with John Storm, who she instinctively trusts implicitly, leaving Interpol and Blue Shield, little choice in the matter. And Jack Mason with a problem. He was hoping to acquire Cleopatra in all the confusion. But Cleopatra reveals that Dr Krafenstein had given her, her freedom. She was free to leave when she felt ready.

 

SCENE 17. Jack Mason continues to plot to part John Storm from the CRISPR technology, and kidnap Cleopatra on grounds of homeland security, looking to take control of the replication technology. As the US representative, he talks John and Cleopatra into the replicant queen having a check up at Uncle Sam's expense at a private hospital in Egypt, to coincide with the unveiling of the Cleopatra VII mummy exhibits in Cairo and Giza. Though a disingenuous ruse, Cleopatra agrees, just to please John. She is curious to see what her own mummy looks like as an exhibition of her past glory.

 

SCENE 18. Storm is double crossed by Jack Mason, who spirits Cleopatra overseas to the secure US facility at Guantánamo Bay. Way off the beaten track, and extremely well guarded. Such military location eliminating any chance of a rescue.

 

SCENE 19. Despite the obstacles, John rescues Cleopatra from Guantánamo Bay in a daring night raid.

 

SCENE 20 CIA, covertly try to terminate the Swann and crew, including the reborn Cleopatra, who is now a witness to their evils.

 

SCENE 21. John does a deal with US President Lincoln Truman, Jack Mason is chastised.

 

 

 

 

He and John agree, to cooperate, as far as he can officially as the President of the United States of America. John refuses to allow the US access to the CyberCore nano-computer, despite being offered $Billions of dollars. President Linc Truman agrees to call off the dogs, and offer John more assurances.

 

UNESCO arrange for the CIA to agree to return the stolen mummy of the Egyptian Queen, to Cairo. Where their Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities graciously accept the find of the century. They agree to place Cleopatra VII's mummy on display for a wowed public, oblivious to the espionage machinations behind the scenes. There are extraordinary levels of security at the Museum of Antiquities and a great fanfare attaching to the opening ceremony, the increase in protections arising from the theft of Cleopatra from her resting place in Aboukir Bay, and the ever present threat of another secret society deciding to reincarnate the dead. What is dead should stay dead, in the afterlife. That includes dinosaurs.

 

But there was no mention of John Storm, Dan Hawk or the Elizabeth Swann, as being the heroes who saved the day. There was no mention of Cleopatra being replicated - alive and well.

 

 

 

 

Map of the Caribbean Sea, showing the Greater and Lesser Antilles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN STORM: CLEOPATRA & THE MUMMY

 

Cleopatra - The Mummy - A John Storm adventure with the Elizabeth Swann

 

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