Copyright by Doug Hepburn

EXCERPT, screenplay  [ magnificent journey ]

       BROAD  PANORAMIC  view of the Andes range centered on snowy pinnacle of  ACONCAGUA . Pilots hands fixed on controls, eyes glued to instrument panel. Reaffirm coordinates now appears on panel monitor. Pilot to co pilot “ coordinates please. “ Camera swings to co pilot, [ lower legs, slowly inching upward revealing the breath taking beauty of Diana Kim ] She turns to answer, “ 44, 15, 22, 51, compute and set.” Her voice rich, tempered with the effect of an indefinable husky undertone, once heard, never forgotten, a tenderness yet with a ring of command. When she looked at you she looked through you. There was no hiding, no escape and you knew the she knew… everything.

       CLOSING IN, Foothills of  ACONCAGUA .

      The intensity of the copter blades biting the air increased as the great silver bird ascended. Above, but closer now, was the heavy mist surrounding the great mountain’s summit. Abruptly, the copter leveled off and decreased speed slowing to a stationary position. “Recheck coordinates” flashed on the monitor. Pilot, “OK”, bringing you in. “Pilot eases back on his seat, lights a cigarette. Slowly, the copter climbs upwards, into an impenetrable mist.            

BANK HEIST  [  Magnificent Journey  ]

         “ Your attention please ,  as you probably surmised it is our intention to rob this bank. None of you will be harmed provided you don’t interfere, Myself and my associates are in the final stage of a terminal disease,  need I say more. “ Operative [ on desk  ] points to a young woman, “ would you come here please. I am going to let you out so you can explain the situation to the authorities. I have one final message. Myself and my associates are armed with high explosives. If detonated  it will remove this bank and the outside surrounding area. The detonation will be activated by remote control  by our commander at option . You can go now ma’m . [ operator motions bank manager ]

“ Should you entertain the option of disobeying our instructions I’m informing you now that we presently have your wife and family, should you choose to disobey rest assured you will never see them again. “

         MAGNIFICENT JOURNEY     [ scene clip  ]

Int. south London, 4 a.m.

          30 story commercial building. Oversize desk, darkened office, glow of monitor. Seated figure, swivel chair, hunched, intent on screen. CLOSE UP,  Labored breathing , face contorted with pain.. Monitor..

Operative 17, operatives 79, 42 , 17,…..ALERT!

Ext.   South America , location unknown , 6 a.m. Tuesday

          Huge chopper, sea below, approaching lush forest. [ expansive ] panoramic view, beach, white sand, lush forest. In distance, foothills, Andes range, ACONCAGUA mountain in distance. Chopper climbs to maximum elevation 24,000 feet. Pilot, co-pilot , preliminary landing procedure activated….

WOUNDED OPERATOR 2154  [ after helping lady and child to safety ]

Magnificent Journey

The man appeared to be near death. The officer lowered his gun, knelt  down then tore the mask from the man revealing a NEGRO’S TORTURED FACE. [ police call ambulance ]

 [ emergency ward to staff ]  Just in case you don’t know, I am terminally ill so get me into ‘ Operating ‘ right now . If you don’t  I’m going to flatten this hospital right now!  If you do I’ll leave the hospital and you people alone. It’s your choice, I’ve got nothing to lose either way..

OPERATING ROOM. OPERATIVE…” I know I’m hurt bad but I  don’t think I’ll die just yet. All I want you to do is stop the bleeding and help me to a taxi. He slowly raised his arm. A SURGEON EXCLAIMS LOOK AT HIS HAND, HE’S GOT A DETONATOR !…. “ You got it and I’LL USE IT so don’t try anything, I’ll take out the whole hospital now get me a telephone right now.  Doctor nods to nurse then operator tells nurse to phone. Operator [ nurse holding phone  ]  2154, pause 72, 94, 62, 79, 86, 200, 416, 249, then tells nurse to hang up……..

                                        To be continued      

BANK HEIST [ magnificent journey ]

OPERATIVE, “ what we are taking will be distributed and used to alleviate the suffering of the impoverished worldwide. Your funds and valuables are covered by insurance. You need not worry. Anyone handicapped may sit or lay down if need be. The rest of you may sit if you wish. Those of you who are bank staff please be aware that myself and associates are in the final stage of terminal cancer. We are prepared to die here and now if the police or anyone attempts to interfere. “    

MAGNIFICENT JOURNEY  [ RAND contacts  operatives , London ]

         Int.  Wednesday 10 p.m.   Darkened room, large ornate desk, upon which, a computer hummed. Monitor  displaying a series of co-ordinates. Door to room opens, the hallway light silhouetting the bulky figure of a man approaching the desk. Seating himself he fingered the motherboard quickly opening the secure E mail message. The message reads, “ 48 hours, constant surveillance, operational program forthcoming. Memorize and destroy. Operative 42 eases back on the heavily padded swivel chair and lights a cigarette…  [ fade out ]

  LONDON  11p.m.[ Sax Rand ]

Int. Hotel room, subdued light, computer on table, monitor glowing, displaying large letters, ON ALERT, MAY ABORT.. Operative 79 in shadows, seated, eyes fixed on monitor, labored breathing, face contorted, rasps “ Jesus, let’s get it on.” Reaches for a flask and cup, pours then mouths a capsule, grimaced and downed it.

Excerpt , HEIST…. Magnificent Journey

          Commander [ to operatives ]  “ all of you have been thoroughly briefed, however, you were not informed about the vault time-lock  which will activate in five minutes, you know all the rest. Now send in the manager [ manager enters and seats himself ] Commander, “ now listen to me carefully, I’m only going to say this once. At this point in time nobody on the outside knows the situation in here. I receive outside reports every five minutes… Your vault is due to open in three minutes. Any monkey business on your part and you will all suffer the consequences. …

OUTSIDE VAULT DOOR..  Commander, with manager.. Whirring , metallic clicking, …. Vault lock de-activated.. “ I want this place cleared in twenty minutes.” Three operatives enter with manager.. Commander, into small pocket phone, “ 14783C…READY TO ENTER LOBBY ELEVATOR…CLEARANCE REQUESTED.” REPLY, “ ALL OK.. LOBBY CONTAINED.”                                   

HEIST (Magnificent Journey)

          Preamble.. A telephone service representative, (unbeknown to the heist team) had entered the bank prior to opening and was engaged in re-routing communication cables situated in a crawl space directly above the bank ceiling and overhearing the commotion notified the authorities…

          To be continued…

HEIST continued… (Screenplay)

          Preamble (lobby elevators, Commander points to entrance door..

“ We’ve got trouble outside, they have surrounded the building and what is worse, the fog is drifting, there’s only ten minutes left. The chopper is due in eight minutes. We’re still on schedule but it could hit the fan any time.. You all know your assignments, good luck..”                                                                                        

HEIST (Roof of bank building)

Stationary chopper overhead, obscured in the dense fog. Lowered container with operator thumps to a stop on roof. Commander, pointing to a huge pile of canvas sacks, God, this is the mother lode, there’s millions here, most of the currency is large denomination. BURST OF GUNFIRE FROM BELOW.. I’m not surprised; they’ve brought in the military. I think we’ve taken some items belonging to a subsidiary of the royal treasury, there’s also pieces of jewelry and artifacts in those bags

The loaded container rises and disappears in the fog……

          SIX OPERATIVES DEFEND BANK AND PREVENT OUTSIDE INTERVENTION. (Preamble)

          During the final stage of the robbery six operatives defend and are committed to die, if need be, to allow time for a full removal of the vault contents from the building. All operatives and commanders are masked, unknown to each other as are the particulars of their assignments and identified only by number, excepting their supreme

Commander, known to them only through a code…

          THE PICKUP  (Magnificent Journey screenplay )

LOS ANGELES HOSPITAL ROOM , 3 P.M.

          Doctor “ How long have you been experiencing the pain.?” About three years.” “ Why didn’t you see us sooner?” “ O.K. doc, let me have it.” Doctor, “ I received the results of your exploratory this morning. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, it’s malevolent cancer and it has pervaded your entire system. There’s nothing more we can do “ How long. “ Three months, six months at the outside. I’m very sorry for you and your family..( continued )

LOS ANGELES BISTRO, 3:30 P.M.

          Bartender, “ Well, long time no see. You don’t look too good, anything wrong ?”….. “ Ya, there’s plenty wrong.” ( pushes the medical report across bar. )

  Bartender, “ Jeez , I’m real sorry.” “ I don’t know what to do…. The wife and kids.” Bartender, “ You’re a vet aren’t you.” “ There’s nowhere near enough.” Bartender, (softly)..” This may be a bunch of crap, ( reaches in register and removes a small card ) Take it, it’s worth a try…HELP UNLIMITED  928 4711

NOTE  The previous and foregoing  sequence ( The Pickup ) as seen on screen by “ the operator “… 

Continued…( The Pickup )

LOS ANGELES boulevard telephone booth  5 P.M.

          Is this 928 4711 ?.. “ yes “ I was given a card with this number,  “where do we go from here?” “ Phone 659 2000 tonight , 8 P.M. sharp.”

( phone clicks, then a buzz )…. ( man in car observing with phone and camera )       

LOS ANGELES  (  public phone booth )

          “ I was told to phone this number. “  “ Thank you, we now have your I.D. and background. We would like to set up an interview for tomorrow at 3 P.M. at the Bayshore Hotel, room 314.” “ I’ll be there.”

BAYSHORE HOTEL 3 P.M.

Room 314. , card on door, “ Please come in.” ( enters room, closes door, pauses, surveying the room, bed, table and chair centering the room, speaker/monitor on table, drapes drawn, pedestaled monitor camera in corner. Speaker, “ please be seated”, he was alone in the room. Speaker,

“ We understand you have a terminal illness and that your life expectancy, at the most, is six months. We also are aware that your present financial situation is insufficient to provide for your family. We have obtained your military dossier and have noted  your expertise in combat, especially use of firearms and demolition.

          We are prepared to extend to you this proposition. If you oblige we guarantee that your family will be provided for in the event of your demise, upwards of five hundred thousand dollars. Each assignment you fulfill entails a payment of one hundred thousand minimum in the instance of your death. Assignments are available weekly or monthly, as  you prefer. If you accept, and we are fully satisfied in respect to your genuine-ness and candor, financial assistance would be made available immediately. You are not an unintelligent man and I am sure you already are aware of what we require of you. I will say this before you go that we ask nothing of you that would harm the world, rather the reverse, only good will come from your actions. Do you wish to continue with us?” YES…….

“ We have arranged a final discussion with you at this location
tomorrow at 10A.M.”

10A.M. JUNE 16

          Speaker, “ It is our intention to provide assistance to the impoverished financed by the non lethal confiscation and redistribution of wealth presently residing in depositories world wide.

 PICKUP ( continued )

          Speaker, “THERE ARE THOSE , SO POSSESSED BY THEIR INSATIABLE DESIRE FOR WEALTH WHO HAVE USURPED THE MIND OF MAN THEREBY GAINING CONTROL OF THE EARTH.” “ WE HAVE DEDICATED OURSELVES TO THE TASK OF CONFISCATING AND DISTRIBUTING ALL WEALTH

 EQUIVALENTLY BY THE USE OF NONE LETHAL FORCE.”   

        “ ARE YOU IN OR OUT?”……” I’M IN!”

          Speaker, “ Good, now listen carefully. This room is completely private, only you and you alone have the key. There is a confidential pager under the bed pillow. Keep it with you at all times. Your operator code number is 2078, commit it to memory , from this point on this is your only identity. Remember, even the most insignificant breach of discipline and you are subject to immediate dismissal. You are to tell no one what has transpired since you first received our card. You are under constant surveillance from this moment on. If all goes well, as we expect it to you will receive a retainer the will be more than sufficient for your living expenses. In seven days we require that you discontinue your present employment. You will be contacted within the next twenty four hours.”                             

PICKUP continued

          Beeper, “ Be at your room 2 P.M. You will be notified when a taxi will pick you up, wait in lobby.” Operator driven to a large industrial complex, stops at a large warehouse. Enters warehouse, notes that interior appears empty, unused. Sound of door opening, masked man beckons, “ Follow me.” Enters freight elevator, descends to lower floor level and stops at entrance to a room compassing the entire building floor that was proliferated with the latest advanced military hardware on walls, cupboards and benches.

          “I am your immediate commander # 4678, you have been brought here so that we can test your expertise with weaponry . You will note the firing range at the far side of this room. Let’s go and see what you can do.” ( at range ) “ This is the updated issue of an  Russian assault rifle. Are you familiar with it?” “ Yes” Commander, pointing to a box on a nearby bench, “ The gun is dissembled , assemble it, ready for firing.” Operative goes to bench and prepares the gun, quickly, deftly. Commander, “ Very good, as you know …,that clip was loaded, take a crack at that target ( points to far end of lane ) The operator aims the gun, fires a short burst shattering the bulls eye dead center. “Good, very good, now we are convinced that you are capable of     fulfilling our needs.” Shakes operators hand, “ welcome to the club.” Now I must point out certain instructions that you must follow to the letter, no ifs or buts “ We like to get this straight the first time. UNDER NO CONDITIONS WILL YOU EMPLOY LETHAL FORCE, ONLY IMMOBILIZE, EVEN IF YOUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE. If any killing occurs it will be done by our attackers. Do you understand?” Yes…. Commander. “ Your initial payment voucher is at your room. You will receive one every week. BY THE WAY, IN REGARD TO KILLING. WE CAN NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AS THE ENTIRE OPERATION IS VISUALLY RECORDED AND FILED BY US AND IF NEEDED WILL BE CIRCULATED WORLD WIDE VIA WEB.” Also, when on actual assignment duties you carry an enormously powerful which can be activated only by our supreme commander. However, such an event has never occurred ,circumstances never required it and we all feel it never will. I CANNOT IMAGINE A SITUATION WHERE CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD WARRANT IT”

          Commander, “ This is all for now and remember that you will be thoroughly briefed in every aspect of your operation beforehand. There is a prepaid cab out in front , continue on as normal, you will be contacted for your services shortly. “

To be continued….

THE CHASE ( Screenplay )

NEW YORK CITY  June 5/ 2000,  Central Division Police Headquarters 3 P.M. ( preamble )  Main boardroom, packed with news media. District Attorney ( standing on dais with microphone ), “ The Mayor has requested that I speak to you in regard to the outbreak of

 robberies involving major cash depositories throughout the entire state. The monies and collateral taken in the last four months is in excess of five hundred million dollars.”  

PLEASE NOTE, The written material regarding, ( Screenplay and Magnificent Journey ) is in rudimentary form and is therefore not conducive to continuity..

THE CHASE continued..

          Reporter, “ I was informed, via our media, that this is occurring worldwide, can you confirm this?” D.A., “ It certainly looks that way. I have received a communication from Inter-pole this morning. They believe that such is the case and to make matters worse, they are convinced that all the robberies are interconnected , controlled by an organization. We are of the same opinion. They further state that the entire operation is the work of one person, presumably a man. We are concerned about the possibility of the whole situation enlarging internationally. If it does we will be unable to contain it.”

          T.V. Rep. “ Have you any plan at this time?” D.A. , “ Yes, I cannot divulge the particulars at this time. I can say that we are working closely with inter-pole to identify the individual behind all of this. We already have very promising leads. Most of the information was acquired by an exceptional investigator with the Surete in Paris Damian Dupois, whom the French government has commissioned, with full powers to track down the head of the organization….”

Reporter, “ Can you tell us anything more about this French investigator?” D. Attorney, “ From what I gather from international sources he is recognized as the most brilliant detective in the world! If anything further breaks you all will be the first to know. Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that this man Damian disclosed his impression of the person directing the organization. Quote,” An extraordinary man with an exceptional mind, an intellect of the highest caliber. This is dangerous enough, however it could be considerably worse. I am convinced that this person is completely possessed and directed by the highest idealistic principles

Excerpt from screenplay by Doug Hepburn

          “ Every man has got to “ paint himself into a corner,” to see if he can still hold his shit together. It’s the only way your gonna know what you really are, what your really made of. He must subject himself to adversity , come hell or high water. That’s what puts the bark on your hide.”                   

SOUTH AMERICA 3 P.M.

RAND’S HEADQUARTERS.

Rand, seated behind an enormous teak desk, artifacts everywhere, masterpieces, paintings, sculpture, jewelry strewn throughout the room. Huge floor to ceiling shelves covering the walls, jammed with rare books, science, philosophy, theology, everything reflective of the man himself. Rand represents that portion of a man that is cognizant yet revolted by the overriding indecency inherent in all organized structures involving a socialized conglomeration of people presently existent, He exhibits little patience with those interacting with him possessed with a phlegmatic disposition as evidenced by this following conversation with a member of his staff, “ You are like a pinball machine. If the conversation is elevated to an intellectual level you invariably tilt thus confounding you and irritating me. In order to preserve our friendship I am obliged, in any discussions with you to maintain a level well within the perimeters of platitudes.”

          Member of staff enters Rand’s office. “ I just received a communication from Paris sir. They have just commissioned their finest investigator, a man named Damian, to hunt us down.” Yes, I know of him, a very clever man. He could pose a real danger to us and must be watched closely.” Staff member, “ He was interviewed recently and stated that the person behind the robberies is in over his depth and poses no real threat at all.” Rand, “ Well, all I can say to that is we were both errant in our opinions of each other. Call a meeting, I want to check this man out right away. I’m going to put my best man on it. He is to leave in four hours, immediately after briefing. I want an absolute identification of this man, prints, the works! He may be disguised so they will have their work cut out for them. I want a rundown of his activities, round the clock. From now on I don’t want him out of our sight. You understand?” “ Yes sir.” “ Well, get on with it. I’m putting you in charge.” Rand settled back on his chair, lit a large Cuban cigar, eased all the way back on the swivel chair and blew a huge smoke ring then remained motionless, staring at the ceiling , musing…..

( voiced on screen ) “ Smart, real smart. That bastard set me up, he’s challenging me to come to him. He’s intelligent all right, no doubt about that but there’s one thing he’s not aware of, his bird dog intellect and that’s how I’ll trap him. I’m going to set him up. I’ll make him play my game, I’ll make him come to me.”

HEIST (  they come to die ) screenplay Magnificent Journey

3:30 A.M., Faint sound of a beeper. Bill rolls out of bed and pads to the study. “ Operator # 4738.” “ Go to the room, you will be contacted there at 5 A.M.” Returns to the bedroom and dresses, leans over the bed,

“ Goodbye Mary, I’ll always love you.” Billy’s room, “ I want you to always take care of your mother.”  4:55 A.M.,  seated at center table, eyes glued to the monitor. Monitor flashes, You are now on alert standby, you’ll find coffee and sandwiches in the fridge. Bill flinches, reaches into his jacket pocket, face contorted, “ Jesus it hurts, I can’t take much more, returns from the sink with a glass of water, downs a handful of pills. The night wore onto dawn, a front of heavy fog pervading the area. Visibility confined to a matter of feet,   imperceptibly thickening into a “ pea soup. “ Bill parted the curtains and muttered, “ so that’s what they were after, and it’s Friday, late bank closing hours.” He stretched out on the bed and closed his eyes.

Somewhere between wakefulness and sleep his thoughts drifted to his wife and child, ( the following dreamlike sequence presented on screen )

That unforgettable day on the beach. Teaching Billy how to swim,

Sunning side by side until sundown, planning our future together. He felt the tears well , sat up and rubbed the back of his hand across his eyes, swung his feet to the carpet, hunched, chin on chest.

HEIST, screenplay ( They came to die )

          LONDON, FRI. 7 P.M.

          Insistent beeping. Bill shakes his head and rushes to monitor, “You are scheduled for a pickup, we will confirm the time in ten minutes.” Bill, “ OK” It was dark outside, this, coupled with the thick fog would have been virtually visibility “O” but for the bright street lighting. He had been thoroughly briefed and had no qualms regarding the ability to carry out his part in the operation. However, he did have some reservations concerning the ability to handle their end in this bloody fog…7:15 P.M., Monitor speaker, “ take the elevator to the roof, your gear is in the satchel, You know the rest.” The elevator was open,

empty as if waiting. Bill entered, buttoned “roof” then quickly opened the large zippered satchel, retrieved a mask and donned it.

          Steps out onto the tarred roof of the hotel. Six masked operators and their commander raise an arm in acknowledgement. Commander approaches, “ we will be taken to the operation site by chopper which is scheduled to arrive in six minutes. When you have dressed, meet us at the rear of the roof, ”then disappears, enveloped in the fog. Bill opens the satchel, withdraws a zippered black jumpsuit and matching soft soled runners then makes his way to the group. ( to be continued )

SOUTH AMERICA, ( Rand’s headquarters, Central Control )

          Large office complex, brilliantly lighted, aligned rows of desks with computers, the hum of which intermingling with voices. ( fade in )

RAND’S PRIVATE OFFICE. Rand, seated at his desk, eyes glued to a giant monitor on the office wall, constant incoming and exiting staff reporting and receiving directives from Rand.      

          Diana Kim entered and approaches the desk. Rand, “ How do things look in Operations?” Diana, “ No hitches so far, however,

Coordinating large edition helicopters over an area as large as London working from coordinates is pretty touchy, the staff is due for a congratulation when this is over.” Rand, “ I go along with you on that one, I am especially pleased that all fifty targets have been contained and loading should be completed in ten minutes if all goes well.” Rand beckons Diana closer, he spoke softly, personally, “ I have a very important assignment for you when this is over.” He draws Diana to him, kisses her then leaves the room.

       ( to be continued )

SOUTH AMERICA ( RAND’S HEADQUARTERS )

Rand had remained at his desk throughout the night, he appeared remarkably fresh considering the pressure he had undergone. All helicopters had returned unscathed, loading at all targets had been

Successful. However his concern centered on the final count of his operatives forthcoming momentarily.

          Staff coordinator enters. Rand, “ How many down?” “ fifty sir, forty were killed defending, the others shot themselves afterwards avoiding capture. Rand, “ Do you have a ballpark on the tally?” “ One hundred and fifty million cash and twenty million in negotiables give or take.” Rand gestured a dismissal, eased back on his chair and closed his eyes.

HEIST ( They came to die ) continued

          Swish of the huge copter blades biting the air. Commander, “Center that beeper in the middle of the roof.” ( radio to chopper )

“ Looks good from here, ready to load.” Large webbed aluminum box appears, thuds on the roof. Operative opens a latched gate, admitting six men, box rises and disappears, the muffled sound of the blades diminishes, then stillness.

          Bill, surprised and concerned at the speed of elevation stared upward as they entered a bay centered in the helicopter their carriage conforming, locked into position allowing the occupants to vacate,

seating themselves amongst the men on the opposed long low benches.

          The men sat in silence, deep in their thoughts. For the first time Bill felt the grip of fear, he knew the feeling well, the imminence of action. He felt the forward pace diminish and cease signaling stationary position. Loudspeaker, “ Operators, target 21, prepare for decent.” Six men left the bench, headed to the bay and boarded. Commander,

“ Lower away.” The high pitched whine of the winch as the men dropped into the fog. A minute passed, momentary silence, then the pull of movement as the helicopter proceeding to the next “ drop” the sound of the winch returning the gear to it’s initial position….           

           Bill glanced at his watch, four minutes had elapsed since the drop.

Speaker, “ Operatives, code 26.” Bill stands up, “ now it begins, the beginning of the end,” then joins his comrades, the cage descends disappearing in the fog. A sudden jolt as the cage contacts the roof. Bill unlatches the gate, retrieves his satchel removes the weaponry and proceeds with his group to the steps adjoining the elevator entrance.

Commander, “ Gentlemen, from this point on you are basically on your own. Each of you have your part to fulfill , your co-partners will assist if the unforeseen should occur, you are a part of a team, don’t forget it. Good luck and God bless you all,……..GO!”

          Bill entered the freight elevator with the others, pushed the

“ In Service “ button that would “ none stop” to the lobby adjoining the bank entrance. The elevator doors part, revealing the lobby hallway to the street. Bill sprinted to the doors leading to the street and shouted,

“ nobody in or out.” The bank guard at the rear of the hallway froze then, almost imperceptibly, his hand edged toward his pocket. Bill aligned his AK with the guard’s crotch. “ One more move Sir and your going to have to squat to pass water, as for your love life, forget it!, I want you face down on the floor, arms spread NOW! “ In the meantime the Commander, with his men had entered the bank proper, contained it and were engrossed in removing the vault contents preparatory to loading.

          Bill positioned himself by the entrance door so as not to be seen from outside. All those who entered would be contained until the helicopter had left. He grimaced fighting to control and hide the pain, it had become unbearable, even with the strongest medication. There was only one way out, he reached into his pocket for a bottle of morphine based pink liquid, a weeks supply, and downed it. The Commander and an operative emerged from the bank pushing  a loaded airport trunk dolly brought from the copter and headed for the elevator.     

Commander, “ It was understood that you all would remain and harass in order to assure our departure.” The three men nod. “ You are all brave  men, Heroes, you will be remembered in the time to come.” Places his hand on each operatives shoulder, “ Goodbye my Comrades,

The Commander and his aids turn and leave for the roof.

          ( Bill to captured telephone repair man )  “ That was a nifty move you made you stupid bastard, you may have caused the deaths of a lot of people. If they attack the crossfire will be wicked. Your just another fucking Toady, every time I meet one of you guys I get a real bad feeling in my guts. Go on, get over there and sit on the floor.” Bill glanced at his watch, his radio phone beeped. Commander from roof, “ How does it look?” Bill explained the capture of the repair man and that he had phoned the authorities. “ Hold on, the chopper is due in two minutes.”

Bill, “ we’ll handle it down here.” Suddenly, a figure appeared out of the fog in military dress bearing the insignia of a full Colonel. Bill steps aside allowing the man to enter. “ What in the hell do you think you are doing.” “ We’re robbing your bank sir.” You must be out of your bloody mind.” “I don’t think so sir.” Colonel , “ Do you know why I am here. Bill, “ I am aware that some artifacts taken are the property of the Crown.” Colonel, “I have been commissioned to recover the items taken. Now there are two ways we can do this, the hard way or the easy way.” “ I’m afraid you will have to do it the hard way sir. If you take action myself and my associates are carrying detonators. We have been instructed to use them, upon our option, if you resort to lethal force and injure any of those held by us. I have just received a communication from our commander, I will repeat it to you sir verbatim, “ We are prepared to return all crown property if those concerned will oblige with an agreeable cash reimbursement , we are not greedy sir, we want to be fair.” The colonel’s face was livid, “ Who in the hell do you think you are!”. Bill ignored the colonel’s outburst, “ I’ve got some things to do here, I suggest you talk to your superiors before you do something rash. For your information sir , everything that has occurred since we entered this bank has been recorded on film, if need be we are in a position to broadcast it Worldwide!” The Colonel commenced to move toward the inner bank door, Bill seized his shoulder, spun him around, looked him squarely in the face, “ Uh, uh, that’s a no, no sir.” The colonel wheeled, fists clenched, muttering, burst open the street door, enveloped in the fog.

          Bill’s beeper sounds, Commander, “ All OK here, we’re down, everything is en-route to our depository. You fellows can leave if you wish, it’s your prerequisite , if, however you choose to stay it will assist us by harassing our antagonists preventing further interference to those who are still proceeding with operations in other locations. Bill, “ Thanks, we will see it through here.” Bill pockets his radio, He had been thoroughly briefed as to the make up of the bank building, viz. , no rear entrances or basement, there were windows in the offices above , no stairways, the obvious approach militarily would be a direct engagement, in force from the street concentrating on the entrance and the large street level windows. The bank phone rings and is answered by one of his aids, who motions to Bill, “ It’s for you, “ Yes” “ You’ve got fifteen minutes, if you don’t come out we’re coming in.”

           Bill removes a small box from his inside pocket, opens it, exposing a row of dart like vials. “ Are you carrying?” They nod.  “When I give you the signal, use them but not until, you understand.” They nod. “ They are going to approach from the front, deploy yourselves accordingly, you know what is needed of you. We have enough firepower and the finest weapons in the world, supplies to hold for at least three days, let’s show them  what men, really dedicated men can do. Our beliefs are stronger than theirs, lets show this to the world, this is our mission.”

Are you part of an organized group?” Bill, “ You could say that.” In what way?” “ We are all dedicated to a cause.” “ What cause?” “ To remove from this earth the indecency inherent in all major organizations of people.” “ What are you driving at?” “ Inequality, that’s what I’m driving at!” Reporter, somewhat vexed, “ I just can’t figure you out, what are you trying to say?” Bill, “ Of course you can’t figure me out, how could you with your upbringing, your head is plugged up with fly shit, look I’ve got a problem here, will you tell Conan out there to give me another fifteen minutes.” The reporter interrupts, “ Who in the hell is Conan?” Bill, “ It’s that stunned Colonel out there , that’s who, tell him I’m releasing everybody in here, phone his answer.” Bill unlocks the door, “ Do it now!” The reporter nods his head and heads into the night. Phone rings, “ You’ve got the fifteen minutes, “ Slam!. Bill, confronting the captives, “ I’m letting you go, one thing more, myself and my men are going to die here today. We’re doing it for you, we’re giving you all the opportunity to make something of yourselves, to elevate yourselves and your children to what your maker intended you to be. Now please assemble at the street entrance.”

Bill opens both doors and waves them out.

          As they were leaving a young man hollered , “ I hope they get you real good.” Bill, “ I’ve got news for you,  Come over here, I think you’d better stay with us, I’m going to put you out in front of me so I can watch you.” The man’s face paled, “I thought so, you’re a gutless wonder, go on, get the hell out of here.” Bill re-locked the doors and returned to his associates, checked his watch, “ Twelve minutes left, they’ll probably use gas, sooner or later, keep your masks within reach, the best place for us  is backing the rear wall, a barricade of desks should do the trick, the area is too limited for grenades although they could throw them from outside, watch yourselves.” They set about upending the desks, gun clips, etc., were piled behind them within access. It was time, they waited in silence.  Thirty minutes passed. Bill felt the tightening of his stomach, sensing the imminence of action.

An old experience, it had never been wrong before. The fog was dissipating revealing a faint glow of the street lights.

          Bill pieced together the events leading to the final resolution of his life soon to take place. He was relieved to know that he had given a purpose to his life, a meaning. He was proud to be a part of it, he was proud of his comrades. “ Let them all come on, we have the finest weapons money can buy. Our defense is as sound as it could be, three dedicated men against a hundred, they will not easily forget this day!”

          Bill’s eye caught the furtive movement of blurred figures outside,

“ It’s going to be right now, get ready!, if I were you I would “ dart”, your going to need it,” They all reached for the box in their pocket.

          The smashing of plate glass in the semi-darkness,           commands reverberate in the night, then partially obscured faces appear above the front window sills, smashing of glass with gun butts widening the openings. “ Get ready, their coming in!” Six, on their bellies slithering through the openings, “ get them all now before they can return fire! “ A simultaneous burst of rapid gunfire rends the air, the sound was deafening! Crumpling , dropping back out of the bare window frames, then stillness.

          The Colonel blurted, “ I don’t know what kind of gun they’ve got, I’ve never seen anything like it.” Private, “ I heard about it, it’s the new version of the AK 47, Sir, if I’m right we’re all in deep shit, we haven’t  got a thing to match them.”  “ There are only three men in there, I don’t care what they’ve got, this is bloody ridiculous, we’re going to attack in force, overpower them, a frontal engagement.” “ I wouldn’t do that sir.” Enraged, “ What would you have us do, sit here and make an ass of ourselves, I want them all ready to go in fifteen minutes.” Private, about to speak, interrupted , “ Get on with it! “ Private, saluting, “ Yes sir, right away sir.

          Bill, “I’ve got that man pegged, I can read him like a book, he’ll come out in force from the front, and soon, keep those clips within arms reach and stay low.”            

          ONE HUNDRED MEN CHARGE THE FRONT, FIRING AND CONFRONTING AT WILL, THE BANK INTERIOR METHODICALLY, REDUCED TO RUBBLE. THE CONSTANT ROAR OF THE AK’s , CLIP AFTER CLIP. A CHARNEL HOUSE,

BODIES STREWN THROUGHOUT, BLOOD SLOSHED WALLS,

FRAGMANTS OF ORGANIC MATTER EVERYWHERE, THE AIR FOGGED WITH THE BLUE HAZE OF CORDITE.

               (  camera surveys the area, slowly sweeping the perimeter  displaying a classic scene of unrestrained butchery, elapsed time of combat, twenty minutes. )

 THE PHONE SOUNDS, Bill grimaces as he struggles to retrieve his hand phone, luckily intact, “ You had better get over here and take care of your men!” Slowly replaces the phone. He had difficulty moving, his entire body covered with massive bruises from the sledgehammer impact of bullets throwing him , pinball-like , in all directions, at times during the height of the attack lifting , pinning him against the wall. Both his co-partners, unconscious, lying grotesquely, nearby on the littered floor. Bill struggled to his feet, bracing himself against the shattered wall.

          VOICES, Colonel enters with medic, his face paled, blurting, “ I can’t believe it, this didn’t happen!” Bill, angry, “ It did happen, what the hells wrong with you, get your medics in here, men are bleeding to death. I think you’re too late, this is a hell of a price to pay for self importance!” Perplexed , one of the medics had made a cursory examination of the unconscious operatives then accosted Bill. “ This doesn’t make sense, it is very possible that you three will be the only one’s left alive. Can you explain this to me?” Bill, “ I’m surprised you didn’t notice, we are all wearing re-enforced hooded  KEVLAR JUMPSUITS including transparent face shields which we have discarded.

          THE COLONEL, overhearing the conversation, approached, attempting to calm himself, his demeanor indicated otherwise. “ You guys are in deep shit.” Bill, “ No, you are in deep shit, the contents of this vault have been removed and safely tucked away. For your information sir the pre-mentioned contents were gone long before you arrived, we were ordered to remain and harass occupying your men, assisting our main objective, confiscating the contents of the other forty nine banks in the greater London area.” The colonel stood back aghast , “YOU WHAT!” Bill continued, “I’d give my right arm to be there when you explain to your superiors why one hundred and six men under your command were annihilated. For our part in your fiasco, you and your medics will note that all your personnel expired by hemorrhaging , the majority would have lived had there been prompt attention, your examination will disclose that they had been immobilized by injury to only the arms, legs and shoulders as was our intention in fulfilling our assignment.

          IN THE MEANTIME Bill’s two cohorts regained consciousness and had managed to seat themselves. Bill, “ I suggest you get on with it sir, the medics will stay and remove ( interrupted by phone ) “ It’s for you Colonel” “ Yes sir, right away sir. “ Now here’s the deal, right from the top! We’ll have a car here to take you to Heathrow in ten minutes. There’s a plane waiting for you to get you the hell out of this country, you name it! We want to forget all about this, we don’t want exposure, you understand?” A SHORT HIATUS, ALL THREE NOD THEIR HEADS IN ACQUIESCENCE……..

RESOLUTION  ( screenplay, The Trip  )

          9:30 A.M. SATURDAY   Brown military staff car slides to a stop, ATTACHE` OPENS REAR DOOR,  THREE MEN CARRYING

AK ‘S APPROACH CAR, “ We request that the guns be placed in the rear of the car.” The men hesitate then deposit them in the boot, enter the car, seating themselves in the rear. Car pulls away……..

          APPROACHING the outskirts of London, turn off at side road proceeding to a heavily wooded area ahead. “ So this is the way they want to play it.” Bill had been suspicious right from the start. Suspicious, but curious , whatever, better here than the bank. He felt the tug of the hand gun and clips under his arm, then he glanced at the rear view mirror, the faces if his aids told the story, THEY KNEW! Bill lowered his eyes to his left armpit, they nodded imperceptibly, then he saw the three parked cars ahead, noting the five occupants in each car.

          THE CAR slows to a stop, Bill, “ Can you explain to us what is going on?” ( no answer ) I should have known, when did you guys ever keep your word? That’s your entire history in a nutshell, what a sick bunch of bastards.” ( gun in hand, his companions follow ) “ Give us the bloody keys right now or we’ll be forced to do it the hard way and convert the bunch of you into basket cases.”

          ATTACHE, “ Give them the keys you bloody idiot.” Driver, mumbling a curse, flings the keys at Bill. “ Everybody out!” The operatives, shielding themselves with their captives, force the driver to open the boot. Bill, “ I thought you guys had enough at the bank, take off and join your buddies MOVE IT!” Bill, “ This is the last kick at the cat , what do you say?”  “ LET’S DO IT ! “ OK, obviously we have been set up. They have no intention of letting us leave. We still have the advantage in firepower and we have extra clips. However, we are in a poor position defense-wise , the solution of which is to get the hell out of here right now, we’ve got to make the first move, GO ! They enter the car, start it. A VIOLENT GUNBATTLE ENSUES, HIGH SPEED CHASE, knock out one pursuant car ( spectacular crash ) Bill, “ We’ve got to get off this highway, they’re bound to have a road block.”

TOO LATE !  , entrance to a bridge, concrete abutments either side, BLOCKED BY A GIANT BULLDOZER. Car stops, operative turns, looks at Bill, who says, “ let’s sit for a while.” They all ease back, lost in their thoughts. Several minutes pass, Bill straitens up, removes his mask, ( hood ), the others follow suit. Bill extends his hand, “ William Johnson, Jim Davis, Joseph Lain, they grasp each other firmly, Bill placing his other hand over each grip, holding for a time, their eyes met and held. BILL, SOFTLY, “ I GUESS IT’S TIME…….” All three withdraw a photo of their family, pressing it to their chest, whispered good-byes , a minute passes, BILL JAMS THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR,…..FISHTAILING , TIRES SMOKING, SCREECHING, A BOMB-LIKE EXPLOSION, SHEETS OF FLAME, FRAGMENTS ROCKETING SKYWARD…..( helicopter view of scene, police cars, ambulance, etc, )  FADE OUT

DAMIAN Screenplay, ( Magnificent Journey )

          RAND,  ( in his thoughts )  “ Damian, Damian, Damian, the man intrigued him, his antithesis, no doubt about that, a man to be studied, not just the conversation, more, much more, to probe his mind, his being, to dissect his mind, to know this man, a composite of my enemy in every respect, in order to conquer the all.”

          DIANA entered, her charisma filling the room, intelligence, beauty, grace, she had it all. Rand welcomed her with a warm hug, kissing her forehead. She seated aside him, waiting. “ I want you to go to Paris, take all the help you need.” ( hands her a photo ) “ I want you to bring him here.” “ Why.” “ He could pose a major threat to our entire organization , I want him to disappear permanently.” Hands Diana a bulky dossier , it’s all there, psychological profile, habits, the works. Time is short, do this as quickly as you can, you know the procedure. When you return I’ll lay the whole thing out to you, I want you to understand everything.” Diana stands. “ Be careful, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.” She blows a kiss and leaves….

DAMIAN continuation

PARIS, FRANCE, Monday 10 A.M.

          SURETE headquarters, Commissioner, “ This situation has reached unacceptable proportions, it’s got to be stopped NOW! They confiscated three hundred and fifty million cash and valuables from, now get this, fifty banks in London Friday , it will be even more when the full amount is disclosed. The British government is furious, to make matters worse, there are no leads. Whoever these people are they sure

“ know their onions”, not one slip up, we’ve got zilch to go on.” Damian,

“ I’ll need full cooperation , full control.” “ Inter-pole has given you carte blanche on this one, you’re the man, they all agree, whatever you need, get on with it.” Damian wheels and heads for the door, returning to his cubbyhole office, dials phone, ( alters voice  )“ Air France, next flight to London.” “ 1 P.M. sir” “ Book me”, pause ,  Armand Dupois, thank you.”

          LONDON, 3 P.M. , SCOTLAND YARD

          Damian enters , heads for superintendent’s office, seats himself momentarily, “ He will see you now.” “ George Macdonald ( shaking hands ) it’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” “ And I you, any clues?” “ The three men are beyond identification at this point. “ No rings, chains?”

“ Nothing, forensic is working on this clock round, were still hoping for a break.” Phone rings, “ Macdonald, WHAT, ARE YOU SURE, speak of the devil, forensic, ALL THREE MEN HAD TERMINAL CANCER.” “ I understand that the weapons used were a new type assault rifle ?” “ A new version of the Russia AK, you’d have to see it to believe it!” “ Can you get the serial numbers of the guns?” “ I’ll check, it’s possible.” “ I’d like to talk to the survivors of the bank incident . “

“ I’ll set it up for you tomorrow.” “ Thanks, ( to himself ) “ All three, co-incidence perhaps, I don’t buy it, are there further similarities, a link

between them, an interconnection leading to the solution, a platform to work from. We must identify two of the three men.” ( phone in hand )

“ Macdonald please, private line, ( to Macdonald ) “ I have concluded that identification of those men is all important, at the least two of them. I’d like to see the site, I’ll need twenty men, we’re going to fine comb the entire area. Tomorrow 10 A.M., Thanks…

TUESDAY ( AT SITE, IMPACT AREA )

          DAMIAN, instructing the group of investigators, “ You are here to search this area thoroughly, I mean thoroughly! The high speed impact of the car is bound to cause fragmentation which would cover a large area. Forensic notified me that the three victims are missing bodily parts. The wreckage from the car covered an extensive area also with a shower of minute particles, any one of which may be a clue. A door handle, for example may carry fingerprints, bits of paper, rings, etceteras. Spread out and find them,”               

          “ HELLO….DAMIAN, get me forensic ( pause )  I’m at the site.

I’d like a thorough investigation of all wreckage, especially the car contents, could you put your people on this full time. Concentrate on the car interior, we may get lucky and find prints, put me up to Macdonald,

Could you check missing persons, I’m almost certain that all three were residents of London….Great.” The scouring continued without respite  as the day wore on, the bits and pieces placed in a cardboard box for Damian’s perusal, some nondescript so it would seem, but not to him.

A frazzled, singed portion of a photograph caught his eye, then another

fragment similar to the first…he produced a pair of tweezers and  carefully placed them in an envelope… ( to be continued )

___________________________________________    

DAMIAN, ( continuation, screenplay, Magnificent Journey )

          Damian returns to his small room, dog tired physically, his mind racing. He enters, something piqued him, his senses still keen, something was there. He rummaged through his desk, skirted the room, nothing, the perfume, it’s perfume, exotic, undefined. Somewhere in his psyche an unrevealed answer, unraveled in his pursuit of the solution.

(  to be continued )

DIANA, ( CONTINUATION, screenplay )

LONDON, Air France Terminal, waiting operative, incoming flight exit.

Diana Kim, with flight bag appears, “ Do you have the particulars?”

“ Yes Mam.” ( hands her dossier ) “ Is my flat ready for occupancy?”

( affirmative ) “ Take me there.” All eyes were upon her as she vacated the terminal with grace of a princess, there was no denying it, some women are beautiful, need I say that Diana was stunning, breathtaking!

          Operative opens car door, seating her, proceeds to the flat whilst she questions him, ( Damian’s address, returns late to retire ) .

DIANA, “ You were chosen for your versatility, your expertise. Pick me up, 7: 30 to night, take me to his flat, be ready to let me in, clean, no marks.”………….

LONDON 7:30 P.M.

DIANA’S FLAT, ( Operative in lobby, intercom ) “ Be down in five minutes.” ( leaves in limo ) “ Everything O.K.” “ Yes, be there in ten minutes.” Diana enters Damian’s apartment, gloves her hands, proceeds to rummage the area, produces a vial , scents gloves thoroughly, continues scenting throughout the room. Five minutes elapse then she vacates, returning to limousine and to her apartment. Diana, fully cognizant as to Damian,s social activities, has chosen one of his haunts to establish  contact, a bistro on London’s east side, Mancini’s that he frequents, planning to locate an operative there nightly until she is notified of his presence. She is convinced that he is already aware of the machination and will comply in order to infiltrate Rand’s headquarters in one fell move, convinced he can extricate himself when need be, “ Come into my parlor” indeed!

FRIDAY, 10:45 P.M. ( Diana’s flat ) “ He’s there, mark him, I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” “ Have the jet ready in thirty minutes, full trip, one passenger." "”Yes Mam.” “ Five minutes.” “ Limo here for you .” “ Thank you.” Diana awaits in the rear of her curbed limo, front of Mancini’s . Her associate, seated inside, signals waiter who brings him his preferred libation. Run of the mill bevy of strippers entertaining on stage, withdraws a cellular , “ Now.” Approaches and accosts Damian. “ A lady outside wishes to meet you “ Hands Diana’s card, Roberta Bromley, private investigator. “ Follow me Sir.” 

          ( CONTINUED )

DIANA, ( SCREENPLAY continuation )

          Aid opens rear door of limo, closes, returns to driver’s seat. Damian, overwhelmed by her beauty, remains silent, reasserting his composure then grasps the door handle, locked, driver intent, eyes glued to the rear view mirror, side arm on his lap. Starts car, pulling slowly away from the curb. “ I am very pleased to make your acquaintance .” Limo increases speed, ( car slides in behind , car in front appears likewise…boxed! ) “Do you mind if we talk awhile?” Her voice soft, compelling.” “ Of course not.” “ Where are you taking me.?”

“ There’s someone wants to meet you. You will not be harmed.”

          Limo now proceeding at maximum speed, heads for the outskirts of London, the two support cars retain their positions. ( thirty minutes elapse ) the level of conversation well within the perimeters of platitudes. ( limo vacates main thoroughfare ) turning off, proceeding

much slower now along the narrow road. Damian notes that one of the following cars remained at the turnoff. A small hanger and runway appear offside. Limo turns in, slowing to the hanger. A group of awaiting men open hanger doors revealing a high speed Lear jet, now moving to runway. ( limo approaches jet , now in take off position, Diana and Damian board ( jet commences takeoff …. Jet climbs to maximum altitude and speed, extinguishes all running lights.

          DIANA escorts Damian to superbly furnished quarters situated in the jet’s rear section. “ Freshen up” points to an ornate cabinet bar,

“ Help yourself, we’ll snack in twenty minutes, enjoy, see you in an hour.” She leaves, locking the port door. Damian, “ once overs “ his quarters, “ real class but no windows, sound proof too!” ( pours drink, downs it then stretches out on couch, JET SPEAKER, “ landing in ten hours.” Glances at his watch, “ twelve p.m. , arriving late morning.” Rolls on his side, facing the wall, falls into a shallow sleep…

SOUTH AMERICA, SUNDAY 10:A.M.

          ( Foothills, Andes )  Jet lands, taxis to hanger, surrounded by heavy jungle, ANDES RANGE IN VIEW, CENTERED ON ACONCAGUA! Hanger doors opened, revealing a helicopter, jet pulled into hanger, copter maneuvered to outside pad, rotors activated. DIANA, knocks, opens the port door, “ Another short trip, I apologize, we will blind you during the transference , just a minute or so ( aid positions a knotted sack hood, guiding him to the chopper, on board,

seated in a sealed compartment, hood removed. Aid, “ We will arrive in twenty minutes.” An acceleration of the rotors accompanied with the pull of lift, airborne . To whence would he ever know, sealed in a labyrinth, inside of labyrinths, Aconcagua, still Damian felt the rush of exhilaration, the hunger of his curiosity impelled him into entrapment, he had accepted the ultimate challenge….

 RAND, Seated at his desk, ( staff member enters, “ He’s on his way, twenty minutes.” Rand smiled, “ Get him settled in, I’ll see him tonight at dinner.” His aid nods and leaves..

THE DINING ROOM, an ever more lavish counterpart of his private office, paintings worth immeasurable millions walled, artifacts everywhere, equal in value. Adjoining the expansive area literary masterpieces piled, cupboarded everywhere representing virtually the knowledge of mankind…..

THE DIALOGUE ( CONTINUED )

SUNDAY 6 P.M

          The ornate table glistening with silver, Rand at the head, Diana beside. Damian enters and is seated across from Rand. ( an extended hiatus, they simply stare, at length. Rand nods at his aid with tray and towel, approaches Damian, “ Your preference sir. “ “ A fine wine, if you please.” “ Yes Sir.” Returns with the ultimate vintage, pours, leaving the bottle, and retires. Damian savors wine, “ Exquisite.” Again, the hiatus, Rand, immovable, his eyes, studying, analyzing. Damian maintaining his composure, leaning back, sipping, watching. Diana caught his eyes and smiled. RAND, “ WE KNOW THAT YOU PURPOSELY COOPERATED assisting the abduction. Damian,” I KNEW THAT YOU KNEW, I assumed as much…… where am I?”

Rand, “ That’s a NO NO” “ Why am I here?” “ For the conversation,

I enjoy your conversation, besides, you represent a major threat to our organization, I’m sure you are aware of this, you had to be “ shelved”

Permanently it would seem. I can say this, your candor and cooperation could buy your freedom.” “ I am not divulging any information that would jeopardize the possibility of your capture.” “ Fair enough, now enjoy the dinner, later, if you wish to converse, signal my aid, presently I have been called elsewhere, my apologies, we will return shortly, enjoy.” ( Neither Diana or Rand had supped. The dinner was excellent , afterwards he browsed through the library, impressed with Rand’s choice of literature, an extraordinary man indeed. An aid approaches, hands an envelope, “ Will meet you tomorrow night. The bearer of this message is your personal aid during your stay, page him when needed.”

“ Will there be anything else Sir?” “ No thank you.” “ The envelope  please.”……….

NOTE (  The foregoing dialogue, for reasons of continuity , is uninterrupted, the location remains constant )

DINNER

          Rand signals waiter who approaches with a tray of cigars, removes one, lights it, draws, then exhales an immaculate bluish smoke ring. “ Cuban.”

RAND, “ Give me an in depth explanation of the terms, theft and thief?” Damian, “ Firstly, you are the personification of both terms.”

“ How so?” “ You have purloined millions worldwide.” “ From whom?”

“ Why, the people, population, the masses.” “ But banks insure and protect their investors, their depositors , do they not? There is no theft in their instance, they are reimbursed !” “ Theft is theft!” ( his voice elevated ) “ Then why all the concern?, you and I know who ultimately owns all that money don’t we? Would you kindly inform me who they might be? I mean those enraged over my activities, the same persons who pay you to do what your doing right now!” “

“ I think you are playing with a short deck.” Oh, by the way, where and how did they get their immeasurable wealth in the beginning, the same way I did THEY STOLE IT, TOOK IT BY FORCE! SO YOU SEE MY DEAR FELLOW IT’S SIMPLY A MATTER OF INTERPRETATION.

I HAVE DEDICATED MY LIFE TO THE TASK OF TRANSFORMING THE GLOBE’S ECONOMICAL STRUCTURE. The present structure is entering it’s final stage of decomposition!

The capital I acquire will be returned to the populace in the form of mass production facilities throughout the world.” “ Oh, I see, so that’s your game, pretty cute, hell, you’re the same as all the rest, I mean the ones you are attacking.” “ Not so. “ “ Because of what?” “ I’M GOING TO GIVE THE FACTORIES TO THEM!” ( Rand, chuckled ) ISN'T THAT A DOOZIE.” “ “ It will never happen!” ( This time Rand openly laughed ) “ Come with me, I wish to show you something. They walked down a long hallway aligned with offices ( constant hum of computers throughout ) Damian is dumfounded. “ Welcome to my city.” ( they turn off into a circular subterranean tunnel terminating at a ponderous vault door, ( loud metallic clicking, whirring as it opens ) revealing an immense cavernous room, skirted by a giant computer and centered screen monitor, ( they were alone! ) "“This is the heart, the center of my world, he fingers an oversize keyboard, LOOK ( A SCHEMATIC OUTLAY OF THE UNITED STATES DOTTED WITH FLASHING MARKERS ) “ MY FACTORIES, come, let’s get something to eat….

RAND, “ WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Damian, “ I must say you are to be complimented but to what avail ?” Rand, “ At this point in time I am establishing one hundred manufacturing complexes monthly on a bilateral bases, my projections indicate, in six months, the figure will escalate to two hundred. Surely, you can visualize the inevitability, the consequences if I am allowed to continue.”  

“REALITY IS A DREAM CONCOCTED BY THE SENSES ENTRAPPING THE MIND OF MAN.” Sax Rand

          Rand remained silent, eyeing Damian as though studying, dissecting , reviewing all that was said by him since first they met, he was sure he knew the man, to verify his surmising he would now probe the core of his being….. Rand, “ Damian, you know as well as I, if we continue on as we have in the long past, the earth, as we know it, will cease to exist. WHAT DO YOU INTEND TO DO ABOUT IT?” Damian,” What can I do about it, besides, things are as they were always meant to be, the cause and the solution lie in the hands of the creator. Man is man, and as far as I can see, will never change, we all have to make the best of it, accept it!” Rand, “ That’s just about exactly what I thought you’d say, Go along with it, it’s easier that way. Submit, submit, submit, your performing like a trained seal, they really did a job on you. Well, your really not to blame, your training started at the tender age of three, helpless, overpowered. It was here when the fear was implemented.”

          Rand, “ You know, I’m sure that most probably you will spend your life here, ( Rand , looking away, appeared disinterested ) I have instructed your aid to introduce you to our amenities, dining hall, recreation facilities, entertainment, we have it all, we will meet again many times, ( Damian’s aid appears, motions, ( as they leave ) Rand,

“ Enjoy, see you soon.” ( to be continued )

SOUTH AMERICA, THE JUNGLE.

          ( RAND, IN THE MIDST OF A LECTURE TO A GROUP OF HIS MILITANT’S ) They are rapacious, decimating the jungle, unimpeded, hundreds of acres daily, they are insatiable, countless life species forever lost to our world, irreplaceable, culminating in an unimaginable wasteland, death and destruction their trademark, it’s after effect, altering, subtly , the delicate equilibrium of the entire solar system, while the unconcerned world watches.”

          ( to be continued )

U.S.A. FORT KNOX ( HEREINAFTER , KNOX )

          RAND, “ WHAT MAN CAN MAKE, MAN CAN BREAK!”

“ Gentlemen, it is my intention to rob Fort Knox! The initial phase of this operation was activated last year, that is the accumulation of essential data. I have assigned fifty members of my staff, full time, to this end, time- wise we should be prepared to move on preliminary deployment in sixty days. We now require your expertise in certain specialized areas, to assure that we don’t make any mistakes from this point on, your briefing will commence tomorrow. Thank you gentlemen, you are now on call.” ( they file out )

THE NEXT DAY,

          Rand’s study, ( oversize photographic light table, Rand, with six engineers  surrounding , pouring over a series of negatives, plans, foundations of the immediate area and base of the vault floor. “ Gentlemen, if you knew what I had to pay for this information you wouldn’t believe it! If a man is given to insatiable greed you can be sure that he’s got a price. If I told you who this man is, ( Rand stopped and chuckled. )

          RAND, “ Three years ago I purchased a parcel of land approximately fifteen miles outside of Fort Knox, ostensibly a dairy farm, we constructed an oversize barn and modest house nearby, fruit trees, the works. Quite inconspicuous in the surrounding country side, outwardly quite acceptable, quite normal, including the well liked young couple living there. Inwardly, quite another matter, in the center of the barn floor, a one half mile vertical shaft was sunk, continuing horizontally , oriented to a point directly below the Knox vault complex. Our men are presently within five hundred yards of the vault base.” 

( RAND, ADDRESSING A GROUP OF HIGHLY  TRAINED TECHNICIANS )  “ Most of those, toil driven, deluded by the conclusion that they must do so in order that they may avail themselves of a care free life, can not, or care not, to envision the possibility that currency is worthless if it could not be used to purchase commodities or that value exists solely in their toil.”

          “ With that thought in mind, am proud to announce that the groundwork has been laid, we must congratulate all who brought us to this point, they can do no more, the ball now is in your hands, your brains, your expertise , your fineness will assure our victory! I am at your service, round the clock, whatever you need I will provide. You may question me now." ( They all seat themselves, edging a long boardroom table, Rand at the head, Diana at his side. )  Rand, “ It would be unwise to proceed before we exercise every conceivable precaution, especially so in respect to the intricacies of surveillance . I understand you have elected a spokesman, may I hear from him now.”

“ Sir, we have made a thorough examination of all data presented, firstly, we are convinced that their apprehension, in respect to a sub terrain approach to the vault at such a distance would be negligible

RAND’S PHILOSOPHY

          “ Oh it’s only a paper moon,

          hanging over a cardboard sky,

          but it wouldn’t be make believe

          if you believe in me.”

                           “ A  CONTEMPORANEOUS SOCIAL SYSTEM   

                             BASED ON AN ASS BACKWARD PRINCIPLE

                               CONTRARY TO EVOLUTION.”

RAND, ( to technicians ) “ In view of the enormous sum involved in the

Knox operation, approximately two years ago, I devised a scheme oriented to gain full cooperation from eight of the fifteen senior officers in charge of surveillance in the immediate vicinity adjoining the bullion depository. Need I say again that the fee for this service was astronomical , our policy, in negotiations of this magnitude entails a video of those individuals involved during the transference. As a further protective measure I convinced them that our modus operandi would be similar to those employed in our London operation. Also, you will be pleased to learn that I placed one of our top operatives in the Knox compound yesterday, she is at your disposal.”  ( continued )

RAND, Reports progress of the Knox project to a large meeting of assistants in the central boardroom.

          “ The first phase of our greatest project has been completed…, the complex from point of origin to immediately below the main vault base, we have provided space and facilities to house and maintain five hundred operatives, clock round during the operation. I commissioned our engineers and technicians to design and construct an accelerated conveyance system which is nearing completion. Our major concern at this time is to minimize the possibility of detection, the most sensitive area, of course, is within the actual bullion area, and secondly the surrounding perimeter , and finally the entire inside building. This requires a greater degree of subtlety, by this I am referring to the acquisition of cooperation from virtually the entirety of the surveillance staff stationed within the building, this will necessitate patience and finesse, not to mention time, possibly another twelve months. However, in view of the amount gained it is well worth it!”

( RAND SETS A SECOND MEETING WITH THE GROUP OF HIS HIGHLY TRAINED TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS IN ELECTRONICS )

          “ Since our initial meeting and your following thorough examination of the shaft and vault base, the perusal of construction blueprints of the proximity, I must have your consensus of opinion in respect to maximum measures we must undertake to prevent or  minimize detection via sensors and the like when we are in the process of forced entry, penetrating the vault floor. I am sure that you are all aware that this is the crucial phase of the entire operation as we’ve got to take immediate control of the building interior. I want five hundred of my men in there when it hits the fan.”

FORT KNOX, D DAY ( Screenplay continuation )

          SATURDAY 10 P.M. ( Army bunkhouse adjacent Knox compound, Stanley cup playoff finals blasting on television, high pitched voices mingled with commentators cajoling their ice hero’s, men returning from weekend festivities. The whine of heavy winds amidst a torrential downpour, sheets of rain buffeting, rattling the windows! )

SOUTH AMERICA, ACONCAGUA ( Screenplay continuation )

SATURDAY 2 P.M. ( Central computer operations, Rand, seated before wall size super monitor, personally directing Knox breakthrough. ) Rand, to immediate staff, “ Project “breakthrough” is scheduled for 3   A.M. We are now within fifteen feet of the vault, ten more feet and we bring in the laser. The reversible conveyer system is now operational to transport both operatives and bullion!” ( beckons personal aid ) “ Pick up Damian and bring him here, and this is important, don’t let him out of your sight, you understand. “ “ Yes sir. “                                                                                                                   

          ( Rand’s aid returns with Damian, seats him facing monitor then stands to attention. “ Rand, pointing to monitor, “ I thought you would like to see this. “ “ See what ?” “ You’ll see.” ( Rand, now intent on the heavy laser beam cleanly cutting a series of hardened two inch thick steel plates…) “ According to our calculations the floor depth is approximately two feet inclusive of the concrete overlay, I have just been informed that we have contacted the overlay, and in consequence, I have discontinued further penetration in order to first obtain a periscopic overview of the periphery within the actual depository.” ( a small device is affixed, centered in the entry aperture, activated, drilling a small diameter opening into which is inserted a mini-periscope, revealing floor to ceiling stacks of gold bullion on Rand’s monitor. An incredulous gasp pervades the room! Damian stands up from his chair,” What the hell.” Rand, “ Hell, yes, we’ve just broken into Fort Knox !”…..

RAND, ( TO HIS STAFF )” My complements, right on the button. Rest assured, there will be a healthy bonus for everyone.” Rand then radio phones his senior commanders on location, “ Get them ready, they go in twenty minutes, fully equipped. Remember, I want complete control of the fort interior immediately upon entry, this means no further outside communication. Be careful, we don’t want to let the cat out of the bag so have our people on the inside cover up, make excuses, we are playing for time, this is the first priority.” 

RAND, His innovative approach to the tunneling complex, coupled with mode of conveyance procedure is reflective of his undeniable genius.

          ( Rand, to his commanders on site from South America. ) “ Have you positioned the conveying apparatus, is it functional ?” “ Working perfectly sir.” Immediately after entry deploy those briefed and proceed with external façade.” ( an external entrance purported as the break in site. ) Rand, “ The projected weather data was absolutely correct, inclement weather could be held accountable in the instance of a power failure, therefore, I want power terminated immediately upon entry.”

BREAKTHROUGH, ( SCREEN PLAY, MAGNIFICENT JOURNEY )

          ( A programmed Laser  type beam slowly slicing a square shoulder width opening, severing the cement retainer, the operators push the slab upwards and outwards on the vault floor, simultaneously with the hydro disconnection. ) Rand has exercised his forethought by excavating depositories in proximity offside the main transference route minimizing the duration of bullion removal. A further precaution is the compounding cement identical to the vault floor, implemented when sealing the removed slab after vacation. )

          THE MEN MOVE QUICKLY OUT OF THE VAULT AREA, clearing it of all unauthorized personal who are then searched and placed with the hostages, one hundred and twenty in all. FIVE HUNDRED OPERATIVES HAVE NOW BEEN DEPLOYED WITHIN THE KNOX COMPOUND, THE REMOVAL OF THE BULLION IS IN PROGRESS, ALL OUTSIDE COMMUNICATION DISCONTINUED UNDER THE PRETEXT OF POWER FAILURE!

SUNDAY, 5:02 A.M.

          First light reveals a mass deployment roundabout the Knox Fort, the incessant blare of alarms intermingled with crisp high pitched commands issuing from  militia officers. Rand’s supreme commander,  “ THEY KNOW, BUT HOW MUCH DO THEY KNOW?”

         ( A group of men emerge from out the assembled troops, approaching the Knox compound ) Senior Commander, “ Let them in.” One of the group, a general, approaches the commander, “ I commend you sir for your audacity , where do we go from here?” “ It’s really quite simple sir, gold for the hostages.” The general chuckled, “ That’s a hell of an idea, now just how are you going to go about that?” “ Well sir, we just load up one of your heavy trucks and you escort us out.” God dam, now there’s an idea.” ( The general trembling with anger )  “ Now listen, you fucking idiot, you’re not going anywhere but six feet under. I want you out of here by six p.m. or all hell is going to break loose.” Commander, “ I am sure we can work this out sir, I will contact my superior for instructions, I am certain we can finalize this tonight “

( Shows the general out )

          RAND, “When he comes back, play for more time, even plead for it if you have to, remember, every hour we steal brings us four hundred and thirty two million dollars!”

6 P.M. KNOX

COMPOUND

          General, “ This is it, what’s the deal?” Commander, “ No gold, no deal, if you move on us sir your going to kill one hundred and twenty American citizens , where not going to do it, you are going to do it, from this night on your not going to win any popularity contests with the public. For your information sir, our conversations have been filmed, as will be any further action you should take, it will be shown world wide on our own TV network, I’ll show you to the door sir.”

RAND, to his commander at Knox, “ I have gradually brought in another two hundred and fifty men as backup, they are presently deployed in two subterranean depositories, I have more I can bring in if needed. The brunt of the initial attack will be directed at the Fort entrance, most probably in force. From this point on I want the entrance under constant surveillance, round the clock, I will be on hand at all times.”                          

DIANA, ( Rand sends Diana to supervise the bullion shipments to Aconcagua via five surplus submarines, purchased from the USSR presently birthed in a gigantic grotto deep in the bowels of the great mountain interconnecting the seacoast by a subterranean river channel.)

DIANA, ( at the helm of the flagship sub, “ Victory “ with the commander of the sub flotilla, Georgi Vlasov en-route to Cuba. Georgi and his four Russian compatriot sub commanders have thrown in with Rand, their supreme commander. )     

RAND, To senior commander, Fort Knox, “ Did you talk to the operatives?” “ Yes sir. “ “ How many prefer to stay?” “ One hundred men sir.” “ Make a careful notation of their names and numbers then deploy them as instructed. Are they willing to negotiate?” “ I don’t think so sir but I’ll know in an hour.” OK, If they wont deal then commence releasing the hostages a few at a time, I want to play this as far as it will go. I think we can count on another twenty four hours. I want a report from you every thirty minutes from this point on.” “ Yes sir.”

KNOX,THIRD DAY, 6:30 A.M.

          (  Negotiation and release of hostages finalized, proceeding throughout the night to completion. However, the agreed cooperation as to none interference and transportation has not been upheld! Rand, “ “Its obvious what their intentions are, culminating exactly the way I had planned, prepare for a frontal attack in force immanently. Its gone too far they’re not going to request surrender, they have to save face, and we are it! Their troops, most probably, will advance under tank support. I have made sure that you have ample supply of the new RVX Soviet’s latest anti tank missile, one is usually sufficient to immobilize any tank, have them close at hand in quantity.” Rand grinned, “ They don’t, as yet, know about these babies. Over and out.”