BLACK JACKS

Written By Eric Karkheck

(323) 736-6718 [email protected] Black Jack: noun, 18th Century An African warrior who becomes a pirate. FADE IN: EXT. VILLAGE BEACH, WEST AFRICA - DAY Statuesque TERU FURRO (30s) sits in the sand braiding ropes together into a fishing net. She is left handed because her right is missing its pinky finger. She looks out to the vast ocean. EXT. HIDDEN LAGOON - DAY Blue sky and puffy clouds reflect in the surface of the water. A dugout canoe with a sail skims across it. Tall and muscular CHAGA FURRO (30s) paddles in the stern. His skinny son KUMI (13) is in the bow. Chaga spots a school of tilapia. CHAGA Kumi, mind the net. (Note: Italicized dialogue is spoken in Akan African and subtitled in English.) KUMI Yes, father. Kumi gathers the net into his arms. CHAGA Do it clean. If the lines tangle it will scatter the school. Kumi throws the net overboard. He pulls in the ropes. KUMI They are strong. The ropes zip through Kumi's hands. Chaga catches them. CHAGA Place your feet on the side to give you leverage. Together, they pull the net up and into the canoe to release a wave of fish onto themselves. CHAGA Ha Ha!! Do you see this my son?! Good, good, very good! Mother will be pleased. Yes. 2.

Chaga wraps Kumi in a warm hug. Kumi halfheartedly returns the embrace. EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN - DAY Chaga paddles toward land. Kumi scans the ocean horizon through a mariner's telescope. KUMI Can we go on a trip somewhere? Maybe to visit another tribe? CHAGA We are fishermen. Our place is here. Pick up your paddle. Kumi helps his father paddle to shore. EXT. TERU’S VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Teru stands and smiles as her men approach. Chaga and Kumi drag the canoe ashore. KUMI Mama, what a catch we have today! Teru kisses Chaga. TERU Praise Mami Wata for this bounty. Teru stops short. She spots an odd mass bobbing far out in the ocean surf. TERU Chaga, what is that? Chaga busily unloads the fresh fish. CHAGA Only garbage floats out so far. TERU It is a body! Chaga stops. CHAGA Kumi, give me the telescope. Kumi takes it from the canoe and passes it to his father. 3.

CHAGA'S POV: A man floats on top of a wood plank. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY Chaga and Kumi paddle through rough waves to the stranger. They heave the body into the canoe. He is SAMUEL “BLACK SAM” BELLAMY, a Caucasian Englishman in his 20s with jet-black hair. Sam’s back is open in lash wounds to the bone. Kumi pokes at the flesh. KUMI (accented English) A white man. Is it dead? EXT. TERU'S VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Sam’s unconscious body lays on the sand. Teru bends down to shake Sam’s head and look into his eyes. They are closed. TERU (accented English) Hello? Can you hear me? Blink if you hear me. Sam gives no response. Teru leans her ear over his mouth. TERU (to Kumi) Go fetch the priestess. Tell her Teru sent for her. Kumi sprints across the beach. EXT. TERU'S VILLAGE - ESTABLISHING Two hundred circular reed huts surround the village center. Every family member in the village has her or his own private hut. Kumi weaves through a crowd of peasants as they go about their daily routines. 4.

EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY Four grass and reed huts form a ring around a small clearing for the kitchen. Teru and Chaga carry Sam into an empty one. INT. SAM’S HUT - DAY Teru and Chaga lay Sam on a bed of straw. Teru soaks a rag in a bowl of water. She wrings it out over Sam’s back to rinse debris from his injuries. Kumi enters with an elderly woman adorned with tattoos and gold piercings. Teru and Chaga bow to her. TERU Greetings, blessed one. PRIESTESS Greetings, Teru. You have found a wayward sea-man. I will try to connect with his spirit. Teru, Chaga, and Kumi exit. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY The family waits outside together. They can hear Sam yelling inside the hut. Teru holds Kumi away from the commotion. SAM (O.S.) MY BROTHERS! A moment later, the Priestess exits. PRIESTESS His heart is full of defiant courage but I cannot see if this will lead him through the darkness. Chaga looks at Teru and Kumi. He shakes his head. CHAGA He is a bad omen. We should have left him where he was. TERU This is the will of the sea. We must honor that. 5.

Teru offers the Priestess a slaughtered chicken. TERU Thank you, blessed one. Your gifts are boundless. SERIES OF SHOTS: - Sam suffers from night sweats. Teru cools him with a damp cloth. - Chaga drizzles tea between Sam’s lips. - Children from nearby sneak a peak into Sam’s hut. Teru shoos them away. - Kumi and Chaga wait under a tree. Teru carries a bowl of food to them. The family fills themselves with food, laughter, and love. I/E. FURRO CLAN HUTS - NIGHT Each family member sleeps comfortably in her or his own hut. Far in the distance, billowing plumes of smoke waft up from — EXT. NEIGHBORING VILLAGE - SAME The thatched roofs of all of the huts are ablaze. A battle-hardened colossus sits atop a war-horse, CHIEF HUFON OF OUIDA (50s). He wears armor of human bones plated in iron. Hundreds of his soldiers lay waste to the village. They are covered in war paint and leather hides and are armed with rifles, swords, and long staffs that have lassos at their end. Village warriors try to defend their homes. Each wears a colorful armband around his bicep. Many women are armed and fight alongside the men. Hufon’s soldiers overwhelm the villagers. They capture the warriors and lock their necks together into wooden yolks. EXT. NEIGHBORING VILLAGE BEACH - NIGHT Hufon canters to the water’s edge. He looks along the Atlantic shoreline. He stops when he sees the next beach. 6.

It is Teru’s village. EXT. AKAN REGION CENTRAL MARKET - DAY Teru and Kumi push their wheelbarrow of preserved fish through a large open marketplace. It bustles with activity of people from various cultures. Teru finds a clearing and splays a blanket onto the dirt. She and Kumi dump their fish onto it. Shoppers gather around them to examine the catch. Teru haggles with SAILOR 1, a Caucasian European. TERU (accented English) The price is proper. SAILOR 1 Far from it! TERU Buy or leave. The price is proper. A SCRAGGLY MAN slips into the crowd. He inches toward the mound of fish. He wraps two into his shirt and sneaks away. KUMI (accented English) Mama! Thief! Lightning quick, Teru catches the Scraggly Man by his wrist. He is immediately remorseful. SCRAGGLY MAN I am sorry. Please, take them back. Teru sees how thin he is. She releases him. TERU You should have them. Eat well tonight. An ELDER approaches with two warriors. ELDER Did this man steal from you? TERU He tried to. 7.

ELDER (to the warriors) Take him. The warriors carry the Scraggly Man away. SCRAGGLY MAN No! Please let me go! TERU What are you to do with him? ELDER The law says he is to lose his hand. Teru looks at Kumi. TERU Let him go. ELDER He is a criminal. TERU No, he is not. Release him. The Elder waves to the warriors to do so. EXT. AKAN REGION CENTRAL MARKET - DAY Teru and Kumi stroll through isles of food stands. They purchase bags of millet and jars of foamy beer and set them inside the empty wheelbarrow. EXT. AKAN REGION CENTRAL MARKET - DAY Silver-haired English SAILOR 2 shows a quadrant to Kumi and Teru. SAILOR 2 (slowly) This here is a quadrant. You can look at it more closely if you like. Go ahead. Kumi takes it. SAILOR 2 Try to pronounce it yourself, “quad- rant.” 8.

KUMI Quad-rant. Quadrant. SAILOR 2 Well said. Quadrants are used to navi -- KUMI -- Navigate. I know. SAILOR 2 (jolly) Oh, oh. Good show! Teru gives Kumi a shell. TERU Go buy yourself a treat. Kumi runs off. SAILOR 2 He is quite the spirited young man. TERU He learns a new word on every trip here. Kumi trades his shell for a piece of candy. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - NIGHT Chaga meets Teru and Kumi as they arrive home. They unload the groceries. TERU How is the sailor? CHAGA Still asleep. Howling MOANS from inside Sam’s hut startle the family. SAM (O.S.) Prince, you whore of an Englishman! The family rushes into Sam’s hut. INT. SAM’S HUT - NIGHT Sam stands shakily. He sees foggy figures of Teru, Chaga, and Kumi approach him. 9.

SAM Villain! I shall have you for mine supper! Sam lunges at them. Teru holds her arm up to protect Kumi but it is unnecessary. Sam falls face first onto the ground. He rubs a bit of earth between his fingers. This is not good. SAM Land. Sam tries to stand again but sways to and fro. Chaga grabs him to hold him steady. CHAGA (accented English) Settle. You are safe here. Sam looks around suspiciously. SAM Who are you? CHAGA Chaga Furro. We found you in the great waters. Teru opens her arms to show hospitality. TERU (accented English) Welcome to our home. We are Akan fishing village. Who are you? SAM Me? A proud grin sparkles across his face. SAM I am Black Sam Bellamy, captain of the mighty Sultana galley. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - NIGHT The light of a fire flickers onto Sam and the family. He regales them as he fills himself with Teru’s food and drink. 10.

SAM Apologies for my previous behavior. My kind does not do well on land. KUMI What kind are you? A pregnant pause. Kumi hangs on Sam’s every word. Teru and Chaga notice this and share a concerned look. SAM (winks at Kumi) I am an adventurer of the seas. My crew and I were chasing after the Whydah, an English slaver on course for Ouidah. KUMI What happened? SAM The Whydah is the fastest ship on the high seas. She got the best of us. KUMI No! SAM Half of my crew escaped on my flagship, the Sultana, the others were captured and lashed to their demise. Sam raises his mug and drinks to the deceased. A moment of silence. SAM I am in need of transportation to Salé post haste. My flagship is likely docked there for repairs. KUMI Where is Salé? I want to go. TERU Too dangerous for you. Teru wraps her arm around Kumi. Sam makes a mental note of this. His mind wanders off. CHAGA Is he still with us? 11.

Chaga gently shakes Sam. SAM Salé is approximately ten days by paddle but a fraction of that by sail, if you are so inclined. TERU Ha! Good fortune to you. We stay here with our tribe. EXT. SAVANNA - NIGHT Hufon gallops at the head of the long line of his army — five hundred foot-soldiers and mounted cavalry plus a hundred prisoners of war. INT. SAM’S HUT - NIGHT Sam sits crosslegged on his bed. He searches the pockets of his tattered pants. He pulls out a gold necklace. A locket dangles from the end of it. Inside it is a portrait of a young woman MARIA. She has striking blue eyes. Kumi enters. Sam stuffs the locket into his pocket. SAM You should be in your bunk. KUMI I can take you to your Sultana. I know these waters well. SAM I have no doubt that you do but ‘tis no matter. Upon our arrival what will happen then? Would I have you return home all on your own? KUMI I do not know. Maybe I will join your crew and we will sail the high seas together. Sam grins. SAM I appreciate your enthusiasm, but my crew does not take on youths. Go find yourself a Royal Navy ship. They’ll gladly abuse your labors. 12.

KUMI I am an able-bodied sea-man. SAM Should you join me I suspect your parents would come after you, and me. KUMI They would not be so bold. They voyage to the lagoon where we fish, that is all. SAM I will make a deal with you. Find me a bottle of spirits, and you may join me. Kumi leaves excitedly. INT. CHAGA’S HUT - NIGHT Teru pokes her head inside. TERU Chaga? CHAGA Yes love, come in. Teru lies down next to Chaga. She leans in to kiss him. Chaga moves slightly away. CHAGA What are we to do with this lost sea-man? TERU We care for him until he is able to travel on his own. It is the will of the sea. CHAGA Kumi spotted him, not me. I wish he had not. TERU You must not think that way. He would have died where it not for you. 13.

EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - NIGHT Kumi sneaks to the cooking area. He searches through the food they bought at the market. He finds the jars of beer. He unscrews one and smells it. He drinks a little sip. He does not like it and spits it out. He leaves with all of the jars. INT. CHAGA'S HUT - NIGHT Teru strokes Chaga’s chest. CHAGA You see how Kumi looks at him. I don’t like it. TERU Kumi must learn to think for himself. CHAGA Not from a white man! TERU Shhh. No harm will come from this silly sailor. Teru kisses Chaga. Chaga reaches his hand down between Teru’s legs. Teru closes her eyes. She shudders pleasurably. Chaga removes his loincloth. He eases himself inside of Teru. A soft moan escapes from between Teru’s parted lips. INT. SAM'S HUT - NIGHT Kumi gives the alcohol to Sam. KUMI My father’s beer. Sam sips it. He does not like it. SAM Could you not find a bottle of rum? Or a nip of vodka? KUMI What is rum? 14.

SAM Never you mind. Cheers. Sam downs a big mouthful. KUMI When do we depart? SAM Hmmmm? KUMI We do we depart for Salé? SAM (swallows) Ummm. (brightly) Sunset tomorrow. We will slip away under the cover of night. Is that sufficient departure for you, sailor? Kumi nods enthusiastically. SAM Agreed. Now back to your bunk. We must rest up for our journey. Kumi leaves. Sam chugs the rest of the jar. INT. KUMI’S HUT - NIGHT Kumi sleeps. Teru sits next to him. She pats his slumbering head. She exhales a weighty sigh. TERU Mama loves you. INT. SAM'S HUT - NIGHT Teru looks in on Sam. He snores heavily. She giggles to herself. EXT. SAVANNA - DAY Hufon has Teru’s village in plain sight. A 10-foot-high wall of hardened clay forms a protective perimeter around it. 15.

He slows his pace to a trot. The rest of his army catches up. EXT. VILLAGE CENTER - DAY Villagers prepare the market for the day ahead. They clean their stands, unbox their goods, and roll out their blankets. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY Teru steps into the early glimmers of daylight. She discovers an empty jar laying in the dirt. She smells it. The scent is strong. INT. SAM'S HUT - DAY Teru pokes her head inside expecting to see Sam. It is empty. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY Teru finds a set of foot tracks. They lead to the beach. EXT. VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Sam looks over a small fleet of canoes. He is intoxicated. He finds the most seaworthy one. It is Teru & Chaga’s. He digs his heels into the sand and braces himself. From behind him, Teru grabs Sam by his shoulder and spins him around. He looses his balance and falls onto his butt. TERU Are you feeling well!? SAM Better, yes. Teru offers Sam her hand to help him up. He accepts. SAM I was just admiring this fine vessel. TERU It was my father’s. (pointed) Someday it will be Kumi’s. SAM Certainly. Sam smiles charmingly. 16.

Teru does not reciprocate. Sam drops his act. He bends down to one knee and bows his head low. SAM I ... I can repay you. I would like to repay you. TERU Repay me? For what? SAM (stands up) Saving my life. TERU There is no need. SAM I must arrive in Salé before my crew finishes their repairs. If you help me, there is treasure in it for you. Gold. Pounds of it. TERU You did not see our last catch. We will eat like kings until the next moon! Sam smirks. He is astounded at her simple life. EXT. SAVANNA - DAY A LOOKOUT with a bow and arrow is stationed on top of the perimeter wall. He sees Hufon and his soldiers approach the village. Hufon stops in front of the iron double doors. The lookout RINGS a bell. LOOKOUT Chief Hufon is here! EXT. VILLAGE CENTER - DAY The villagers stop their task at hand. Parents grab their children. Lovers find their partners. EXT. SAVANNA - DAY Hufon charges. 17.

The lookout shoots an arrow at him. It misses. Hufon rears his horse up onto its hind legs. CLANG! Its front legs kick the doors. The lock holds strong. Hufon circles around to try again. The lookout fires at Hufon’s chest. The arrow ricochets off of his armor. Hufon’s horse kicks the doors but they remain locked. Hufon charges a third time. The lookout fires an arrow into the horse’s hindquarters. It does not slow the beast. The horse rears up to break the doors open. With a thunderous war-cry, Hufon’s soldiers rush forward. They flood through the open doorway. EXT. VILLAGE CENTER - DAY The villagers run from Hufon’s army. The soldiers lasso them by their necks. They are fast and efficient. EXT. VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Teru and Sam playfully circle each-other. TERU (lighthearted) You may have fooled my husband and my son, but I know what you are. SAM Whatever do you mean? TERU I have heard stories about men like you, Black Sam. SAM “Men like me.” I’ll have you know, I am but a simple sea-man, a sailor, a brother tar! TERU You are a pirate. 18.

SAM I am a privateer. TERU Under whose flag do you sail? SAM Mine own. TERU Ha! Pirate! Sam laughs. Teru joins him. The GONG of the village bell reverberates through the air. Both heads spin in its direction. A spattering of RIFLE-FIRE sends Teru sprinting across the beach. SAM Wait! Teru? Where are you going? She disappears into her village. I/E. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY Teru checks each of their huts. They are all empty. TERU Chaga? Kumi? Kumi! The battle rages in the heart of the village. Teru fishes through their belongings. She finds a machete. She grasps it firmly in her left hand. She charges toward the battle. EXT. VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Sam stands in knee deep water with Teru’s canoe. He watches the village. He hears more gunfire. Smoke rises into the sky. A soldier chases after a mother and child. SAM (screams) You bastard! Sam throws his arm into the air. The soldier continues his pursuit. 19.

SAM (annoyed) Blast it. Sam charges at the soldier with a canoe paddle. EXT. VILLAGE CENTER - DAY Teru searches for Kumi through crowds of running villagers and pursuing soldiers. TERU Kumi! Kumi! She joins alongside the warriors in close quarters combat. Chaga catches a glimpse of Kumi on the far-side of the battle. Kumi spots Hufon. He charges toward the chief. Sam arrives. He sees Teru with the warriors. He catches up to Teru. Side by side, Teru and Sam engage Hufon’s soldiers. Sam is more experienced. Teru is fierce and skilled. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. Kumi aims his bow at Hufon’s chest. He lets his arrow fly. The arrow punctures Hufon’s breastplate, enraging Hufon but not incapacitating him. Hufon tracks the arrow’s path back to Kumi holding his bow. Hufon bares his teeth like a lion. Kumi flees for his life. Teru and Sam beat back Hufon’s soldiers. TERU Kumi! SAM Kumi! Teru stops cold when she sees: Hufon lift Kumi’s body onto his shoulder. TERU Stop! 20.

Teru runs to him on her own. She weaves past burning huts and severed body parts that litter the ground. Two soldiers sneak up behind her. One lassos her neck and tosses her to the ground. TERU (muffled) Help. The second soldier straddles Teru. He takes her machete and puts it to her face. Chaga drops to his knees in front of Hufon and spreads his arms wide. CHAGA Leave the boy. He is young and weak. Take me instead. Hufon chortles as he unsheathes his dagger. Sam notices that Teru is missing. SAM Teru? Teru?! Teru is trapped. She can only watch as she is faced with her worst nightmare. Hufon slices into Chaga’s chest. Chaga collapses. Teru screams and reaches her hand towards them as — Hufon carries Kumi away. They vanish into a blanket of smoke. Teru cries as the soldier has his way with her. A GUNSHOT rings out. The bullet is a direct hit into the soldier’s chest. Sam is the gunman. He swings his musket like a baseball bat. It bashes into the second soldier’s skull. Sam picks up Teru. He carries her out of harm’s way.

TERU’S POV: She sees glimpses of her devastated home. 21.

EXT. SAVANNA - DAY Hufon rejoins his army. He passes Kumi off to GROTESQUE SOLDIER whose face has been deformed by years of battle. HUFON Release the women and whelps back to the village. Get the men ready to march. We depart for Ouidah immediately. EXT. SAVANNA - MOMENTS LATER Hufon finds privacy behind a tree. He removes his breastplate and rips open his shirt. Kumi’s arrowhead is lodged in his chest. He pulls it out and fingers the divot in his flesh. He feels the pain that it brings him. He looks back at Kumi. HUFON Keep that boy close to me. I have special use for him in Ouidah. INT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY Sam lays Teru down inside her one remaining hut. He looks into her eyes. She stares ahead blankly. SAM (soft) I am hurt but I am not slain. I’ll lay me down and bleed awhile then I’ll rise and fight again. Sam clasps her hand. She squeezes his in return. EXT. VILLAGE CENTER - DAY A banjo lays under a heap of rubble. The wrinkled hand of the Priestess brushes it clean and picks it up. She strums a passionate melody. Women and children wander out of their hiding places and ruined huts. They gather the broken bits of their lives. The music continues over: 22.

SERIES OF SHOTS: - Teru sweats while having a nightmare. Sam wipes her forehead with a damp cloth. - Sam feeds her warm broth. - He lays down nearby so he can watch her while she sleeps. - Teru gasps awake. She reaches out. Sam holds her steady. TERU Sam! The priestess’ song crescendos. TERU Where is my family? EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT Teru kneels in front of a fresh burial mound. Sam stands a few paces behind her. She places a small terra-cotta sculpture on top of the simple grave. It is a portrait of Chaga’s head. She whispers in Akan. EXT. SAVANNA - DAY The sunrise bathes the wild grasses in crimson. SAM (V.O.) Red sky at night, sailors’ delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY Teru sorts through the remains of her home. She uncovers a wooden box. She removes a colorful warrior armband from it. She shows it to Sam. TERU My father’s. He was a great warrior. Sam takes it to look at it more closely. It is stained with old blood. 23.

Teru packs meager supplies into a worn sack. TERU Your Sultana travels to Ouidah does it not? SAM It does. TERU Then I am to travel with you. Consider it your repayment. SAM You are needed here. You should rebuild with the rest of the women. There is no shame in that. TERU I want my Kumi back. I have no clan without my men. SAM What if I told you no? What if I tied you up and stole your canoe? TERU If that was your desire you would have done so already. Rather, you have stayed by my side. SAM This maybe the truth, however, women are not welcome aboard pirate ships. Teru takes the armband back from Sam. TERU I will dress and act like a man. SAM Good, but listen close and heed my words. I can not guarantee that the Sultana will be in Salé. And if she is, it is a long journey yet to Ouidah. TERU So we best be under way at once. She stuffs the armband into the sack. She runs ahead. 24.

SAM Teru, wait! (beat) I will take the rudder! Sam runs after her. EXT. VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Teru places the supplies into her canoe. Sam catches up to her. They shove off together. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY A stiff wind fills the sail on Teru’s canoe. Teru rows in the bow. Sam steers in the stern. TERU (turns back to Sam) Kumi has never ventured so far from home. SAM You see him as your baby, but he is an adventurer at heart. He will persevere. Teru watches the land pass by. TERU Persevere. To carry on? SAM Yes. EXT. TOWN HARBOR - DAY Teru and Sam glide up to a makeshift dock. Teru moors the canoe to it. Sam sorts through their supplies. SAM I will procure proper wear for a sailor. TERU What would happen if your crew discovers me as a woman? SAM It would be marooning for us both. 25.

TERU And no hope for Kumi. Sam ignores this. He gathers together bits of gold jewelry. SAM Guard the canoe. I shall return in short manner. Sam walks inland into a European-style town with wooden buildings. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY Hufon’s prisoners march in a chain gang along a rocky cliff. Kumi is in the front near Hufon. Kumi hefts Hufon’s mound of gear on his back, including Hufon’s sword. It is heavy. Kumi trips and falls. The entire caravan behind him makes an abrupt halt. Hufon orders Grotesque Soldier to — HUFON Hang the boy. KUMI What? No. I will behave. I will stay on my feet. HUFON Oh will you now? Hufon bends down to whisper into Kumi’s ear. His sweat drips onto Kumi’s cheek. HUFON Do you know what it tastes like to be able to do anything you want? Kumi shakes his head “no.” HUFON It is intoxicating. You would like to drink of it. KUMI I would. HUFON Your testing begins now. The Grotesque Soldier whips Kumi repeatedly. 26.

Kumi manages to stand up on his feet. HUFON A middling creature you are. KUMI I am standing straight and tall. HUFON If a lesser being whips you, you take the whip from him and beat him with it until he understands who you are. EXT. TOWN HARBOR - NIGHT Teru waits for Sam. She looks inland. Fire lamps illuminate the quaint buildings. TERU (soft) I wish we had traveled more. There is no sight of Sam. TERU Where is he? Teru loses her patience. She leaves for town. INT. FLOPHOUSE BEDROOM - NIGHT Teru throws open the door. Sam lays in bed with two WENCHES. TERU We are supposed to be en route for Salé. SAM I have not finished my business. TERU You have been sporting strumpets! Sam rolls out of bed. One Wench scampers out of the bedroom. Teru turns her back to the nude bodies. Sam pulls on a pair of pants and walks up behind Teru. 27.

SAM I have been wondering, when you found me stealing your puny little canoe why you did not reprimand me. TERU I was not certain of what you were doing. Teru feels Sam’s hot breath over her shoulder. SAM Ahhh, no. You were afraid. If I found someone stealing my boat I would slit that thief’s throat a moment after she knew I was there. Just long enough to let her know it was me who did her in. Teru stands frozen. Sam tosses a bundle of clothes at her feet. SAM If you cannot act like a man maybe you can look like one. Sam exits. Teru exhales a sigh of relief. INT. FLOPHOUSE WASHROOM - NIGHT Teru shaves off her afro. She wraps a do-rag over her head and knots it in the back. She pulls a pair of sailor’s pants up her legs. A roll of fabric lays among the remaining clothes. Teru holds her chest for a moment. She wraps the cloth tight around her torso. Teru stares at her reflection in the mirror. TERU My name is Chaga. The second Wench secretly watches her. 28.

WENCH (interrupts) Men speak more from their chest. Breathe from here. The Wench places her hand on Teru’s diaphragm. Teru inhales. TERU I am Akan. I was born in fishing village. WENCH More monotonous. Men do not show emotion as we do. TERU I was born in a fishing village. WENCH Do not force it. You only reveal yourself. Rather just be loud and aggressive. TERU I am Chaga. I am a pirate. EXT. TERU’S CANOE - DAY The canoe sails over rough whitecaps. Teru paddles in the bow. She looks like a real sailor. TERU Your crew thinks you are dead. Will they be happy to see you? SAM Yes, and I them. TERU Are they good men? SAM They are as good as men can be. TERU Chaga was very good. SAM (irritated) Quiet now. We are entering the River Salé. The canoe rounds a bluff to reveal the mouth of a wide river. 29.

Teru looks upstream. Thick fog blocks her view. EXT. RIVER SALÉ - DAY Tall cliffs line the banks and block the sun. Hidden archers launch a volley of flaming arrows. Teru and Sam duck for cover. The arrows wiz over their heads. TERU I thought these were your people. SAM We are a difficult bunch. Another volley hits the canoe. The wood starts on fire. SAM Have we a bit of black cloth? Teru finds a scrap of burlap. Sam raises it on the mast. Teru douses the flames with water. SAM (shouts to archers) ‘Tis I, Black Sam! ARCHER (O.S.) ‘Tis reported that the English dealt with you! The flames grow out of control. Teru snatches the sack. Teru and Sam hop overboard. SAM Tried they did but I have returned from the netherworld! I am in good company and in search of my vessel. Another voice, deep and booming, cuts through the commotion. HENDRICK (O.S.) Let them pass! A majestic flagship emerges from the mist. Teru is awestruck. TERU The Sultana? SAM She is. 30.

From the stern, stout African warrior HENDRICK QUINTOR (20s) waves to them. HENDRICK Do mine eyes deceive me? Has Black Sam returned to us? SAM For certain! Prepare to be boarded! EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - ANCHORED IN PORT - DAY Sam darts up the gangplank. He embraces Hendrick. SAM Excellent to see you again. (to Teru) Chaga, put a pinch of powder in your step! Teru steps up to meet Hendrick. SAM This is Chaga Furro, the man who fished me from the briny sea. Chaga this is the quartermaster Hendrick. Hendrick is decorated with gold piercings and tattoos of violence. TERU You are Akan. HENDRICK I am. SAM Where is the rest of the scraggly bunch? HENDRICK In the galley. SAM Brilliant. Already celebrating my return. The threesome cross the deck. Teru takes in the sights. The Jolly Roger flaps high on the flagpole. 31.

SAM The flag of “King Death.” A warning to ships of all nations that we take no prisoners. Try to not get yourself killed. Nor me. INT. SULTANA MAIN CABIN - ANCHORED IN PORT - DAY Teru, Sam, and Hendrick walk among a few hundred brawny and drunken pirates. They are a motley crew of white, black, and indigenous men from Europe, Africa, and the New World. Many of them are former African warriors. HENDRICK Chaga, meet the crew of the Sultana. TERU How did these tribesmen come to be pirates? HENDRICK They are Black Jacks. Men on the run from the slave trade. As am I. Hendrick points to a scar on his shoulder. It is in the shape of the seal of the Dutch crown. Hendrick takes the floor. The entire crew settles down. HENDRICK Men, I bring glad tidings. The Prince of Pirates, Black Sam Bellamy, has returned to us! Sam stands up on a crate for all to see him. A bottle of Kill- Devil (watered down rum) dangles from his finger. The crew erupts into joyous applause. SAM Brother tars, I come back to you having survived the grips of death! Three cheers for your captain! Sam receives a spattering of groans. An Irishman in eyeglasses RICHARD NOLAN (30s) steps forward. 32.

RICHARD Welcome home, Sam, welcome home. However, you must realize that in your absence we voted for a new captain. SAM And the crew chose? RICHARD Myself. SAM Then we will revote. Men, who do you wish to be your captain? PIRATES Richard! Full of shock, Sam takes a seat and a gulp of Kill-Devil. Hendrick sits next to him. HENDRICK The men desired a change in leadership. Even if we had not lost you, we would still have voted for a new captain. RICHARD I am captain now. (points at Teru/Chaga) And I want to know why you have brought aboard this green sailor. He will only slow us down and drink our Kill-Devil. SAM Chaga does not drink spirits. RICHARD (to Sam) What brings a fisherman to Salé? TERU I am no fisherman. RICHARD (to Sam) He smells like a fisherman. TERU I am a brother tar. 33.

RICHARD (to Teru) Fisherman or pirate ‘tis no matter. Only the boldest men are welcome to join our crew. Good-day. TERU I will prove myself. HENDRICK He has come thus far. He deserves an opportunity to do so. RICHARD Very well. It would please me to see your attempt. You are to show your mettle in a duel of swords against him. Richard points at Sam. SAM Me? RICHARD You brought him. You vet him proper and he is welcome aboard. SAM (PRE-LAP) Stand proud that you have come thus far and use that to steady your hand. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - ANCHORED IN PORT - DAY The pirates gather in a horseshoe around Teru and Sam. PIRATES — Which of ya brought aboard a fisherman? — Keep yar green hands clear of me. — And away from me Kill-Devil! Teru sets her feet and raises her cutlass to Sam. SAM I have your most precious treasure. What will you do about it? TERU I will take it back. 34.

SAM (grins cocky) Then do as you say. Sam pushes Teru. She falls onto her backside. Sam bows. The audience of pirates hoots and howls, except for Hendrick. HENDRICK Slice him through his soft stomach! Teru attacks with a series of powerful swings of her cutlass. Sam parries and retreats. SAM You fight from a place of fear. It makes you weak. Sam slices Teru across her bicep. Teru touches the cut in her skin. Blood wells up from it. She thrusts and jabs at Sam. She knocks Sam’s sword out of his hand. She is pleased with herself. Sam picks it up and takes command of the duel. SAM Fear is all around us. Affecting us in unseen ways. Causing hesitation, confusion, anxiety. Teru counters but she is overmatched in speed, strength, and agility. SAM You must strike without delay or mercy. Sam makes a slick flip of his wrist to hit Teru’s cutlass out of her grip. Teru pulls a dagger from her boot. Sam takes it from her. SAM Fear nothing, and you can accomplish anything. Sam crosses his blades at Teru’s windpipe. He pushes her down to her knees. 35.

SAM Kill me now else your treasure disappears forever! Teru unleashes a wild ROAR and leaps to take Sam by his collar. She runs him backwards to the edge of the ship. Sam reels to keep his balance. He loses his weapons. Teru slams Sam into the railing. Below them the river washes against the hull. Teru’s body pulses with energy, her eyes full of passion. SAM Hold on to how you feel in this moment and you shall slay all who stand in your way. Teru tosses Sam to the deck. She picks up her cutlass and advances on Richard. RICHARD Stand down, man. TERU Have I shown my mettle? Richard nods “yes.” TERU Then speak it. RICHARD Truly, you have proven yourself. The pirates release their pent-up breath. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - DAY Teams of pirates work together to raise the sails. Richard turns the tiller. The ship drifts away from the dock and heads downriver. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY Hufon’s caravan stops to rest. The soldiers pass a water bladder amongst themselves. Hufon sits on a fallen tree. Kumi waits nearby. 36.

HUFON Long ago I was like you. When I was a boy my father took in servants to help his wives. We provided them with food, water, clothing, and bedding of straw. They lived as well as our goats. Hufon offers his canteen to Kumi. Kumi refuses it. HUFON If you are thirsty you should drink. Kumi does so. HUFON It was no day in particular when a servant bashed in my mother’s skull with a gold bracelet. It was a gift to the servant from mine father for minding me so well. KUMI What did you do? HUFON Nothing. As I said, I was once like you. Hufon reaches for his canteen. Kumi pulls it away to guzzle the last of the water. Hufon laughs. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - NIGHT The Sultana cruises along the seashore. INT. SULTANA GALLEY - SAILING - NIGHT Teru stands alongside a WELSHMAN (30). He sweats and is covered in bruises. TERU From whence do you hail? WELSHMAN ‘Twas the Whydah’s surgeon. I am the only booty these filches were able to secure. His wrists are cuffed. 37.

TERU You are a prisoner here? WELSHMAN Not for much longer. Sam enters. He leads Teru and the Welshman out of the galley. SAM ‘Tis time to sign the ship’s articles. TERU What does that mean? SAM Fear not. This evening’s festivities promise to be fun! INT. SULTANA MAIN CABIN - SAILING - NIGHT Richard holds up a worn sheet of parchment for all to see. RICHARD Written here is a code of conduct agreed to and signed by everyone aboard. Hendrick pushes the Welshman down to sit at a table. Richard lays the parchment in front of him and a pistol next to it. RICHARD Do you swear an oath of loyalty to never betray your brothers? The Welshman looks into a small mirror standing on the table. He chooses the pistol. Lightning quick the pirates draw their weapons. WELSHMAN You damned thieves of the sea. May His Majesty hang you until you are in hell. Where I shall see you. The Welshman puts the barrel in his mouth and pulls the trigger. A THUNDERCLAP fills the cabin. RICHARD What a shame. He was an excellent surgeon. Teru’s face is spattered in red. 38.

Sam passes a handkerchief to her. She is frozen in shock. SAM Some men shroud their fear in loyalty. He rathered die as the King’s coward than live a life of freedom with us. The pirates nonchalantly clear away the Welshman. RICHARD ‘Tis Chaga’s turn. Everyone turns to Teru. She cleans her face with Sam’s handkerchief. She sits in the chair. Richard reloads the gun and lays it before her. RICHARD Look into the mirror. ‘Tis a portal to the next world.

IN THE MIRROR: Teru’s reflection morphs into a vision of Chaga and Kumi fishing in the canoe. They are healthy and happy. Hufon’s soldiers swarm father and son. Blazing fire engulfs them.

BACK TO SCENE: Teru tries to speak but is overwhelmed. Richard moves to take her out of the chair. Teru picks up the pistol and points it at him. He stops. TERU I will let you know if I am ready to leave. She feels the weight of the weapon in her handicapped hand. She looks to Sam, then to the parchment. Teru marks her “X” onto it. SAM One of you rogues, pass that pirate a pint! 39.

INT. SULTANA GALLEY - SAILING - NIGHT The pirates are a rowdy lot as they gorge on food and alcohol. A five piece ORCHESTRA plays a drinking song. Richard drinks with Hendrick. He sees Teru enter. Teru is outfitted in full pirate regalia. A Black Jack invites her to join his table. RICHARD The men seem to like this Chaga. HENDRICK He is as able-bodied as the next of us. At Teru’s table, Sam slams an armload of steins down with a THUD. The pirates snatch up the alcohol, including Teru. SAM (singing) Now whin I was a little boy an’ so me mother told me, that if I didn’t kiss the gals me lips would all grow moldy. PIRATES ‘Way haul away, we’ll haul away Joe! SAM So I got myself an Irish gal an’ her name was Flannigan. Teru whoops and hollers along the best she can. PIRATES She stole me boots, she stole me clothes, she pinched me plate and pannikin. SAM I courted then a Frenchie gal, she took things free an’ aisy. PIRATES But now I’ve got an English gal an’ sure she is a daisy! Everyone cheers. 40.

EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Teru climbs onto the bowsprit. She removes her bandana. On the horizon, shimmering waves meet the star-filled sky. Richard approaches her from behind. RICHARD Beautiful evening, is it not? Teru shimmies up to the tip of the bowsprit. TERU When do you expected we will arrive in Ouidah? RICHARD Whatever it is that you are up to, we want none of it. Just ask and I will deliver you to shore safely. No inquires made. TERU I do not know what you speak of. RICHARD Have it your way. I take no responsibility for your fate. (as he leaves her) Two weeks with favorable winds. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY The Sultana cuts through the ocean waves. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - DAY Sam runs his fingertips along the tiller. He smiles and sighs with contentment. RICHARD Be that mutiny I spy? Sam holds for a long beat, but he relinquishes command. SAM She is all yours. RICHARD Then make the call. Sam tolls a bell. The crew comes to attention. 41.

SAM A salute to our captain! RICHARD To a short life. PIRATES But a free one! RICHARD To Ouidah, make all sail! The ship fills with activity as the crew raises every sail to its fullest. Teru stands alone. She looks out of place. Sam pulls her aside. SAM You show yourself too much.

SERIES OF SHOTS: Teru and Sam haul rope, heave blockheads, sew a damaged sail, and load the cannon. SAM TERU Jib. Jib. Foremast. Foremast. Sheet. Sheet. Artillery. Artillery. INT. SULTANA GALLEY - SAILING - NIGHT Sam offers a glass of rum to Teru. SAM Kill-Devil! TERU That I know! Teru and Sam cheer their drinks. Richard watches them from afar. He goes Hendrick sitting at a table full of pirates. They see Richard approaching and leave. RICHARD I am still not certain of Chaga’s honor. Take him on lookout duty with you. 42.

HENDRICK I doubt that is necessary. RICHARD One final test on course to Ouidah. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY Hufon holds his hand up to tell his army to stop. He massages his chest. He checks his wound. It is swollen from infection. He looks ahead to a small English fort. HUFON Fetch me the boy! A pair of soldiers deliver Kumi to Hufon. HUFON You are in need of medicine, but fortune shines on you. The English will have a doctor in port. Hufon takes an arrow from his gear on Kumi’s back. He comes at Kumi with it. Kumi backs away. He drops Hufon’s pack and takes the sword. HUFON What aim do you have for that? Are you to kill me with my own blade? KUMI It is so you do not come any closer! Hufon yells and steps forward into it. Kumi retreats. HUFON Wield no weapon you have no nerve to use. Hufon swipes his sword out of Kumi’s grasp. He stabs the arrow into Kumi’s chest in the same spot that Kumi injured him. EXT. ENGLISH FORT - DAY Kumi trudges toward the fort. His chest is bleeding. His breathing is labored. 43.

Hufon walks along the dock to assess the ships that are anchored there. He finds an old English slaver — the Dobson. HUFON Bring me the Dobson's man of command. EXT. ENGLISH FORT - MOMENTS LATER The Grotesque Soldier brings out the DOBSON CAPTAIN (40s). DOBSON CAPTAIN Greetings, Chief Hufon. What do you have for me today? HUFON First, I have a boy in need of a physician. The Dobson Captain glances at Kumi then Hufon’s prisoners. DOBSON CAPTAIN I want ten captives. That is the price for my surgeon’s services. Hufon hesitates. The Dobson Captain turns to leave. HUFON Captain! Ten it is, but of my own choosing. INT. ENGLISH FORT - MOMENTS LATER Kumi bites into a branch as a SURGEON pokes a white-hot metal rod into his wound. HUFON What is the treatment for the infection? The Surgeon places a damp gauze onto Kumi’s wound. SURGEON On the hour administer this balm directly into the lesion. Hufon takes the balm out of the Surgeon’s hand. HUFON Two dosages will be sufficient. 44.

INT. SULTANA GALLEY - SAILING - DAY Teru looks in a mirror. She flexes her biceps. She has become more muscular. It makes her feel good. EXT. SULTANA BIRD’S NEST - SAILING - DAY Teru scans the horizon with a telescope. Next to her Hendrick does the same. She sights a black splotch anchored in a far harbor. TERU Look. Hendrick sees it too. HENDRICK An English slaver ship. TERU The Whydah? HENDRICK Possibly, but too far away to be certain. TERU Might there be Akan on that ship? HENDRICK And Ewe, Igbo, and others. Too many others. TERU Can we get closer? Hendrick lowers his telescope. He stares at Teru. HENDRICK Who are you, fisherman? TERU What do you mean? HENDRICK You are no pirate, least not before coming aboard with us. TERU Who are you, pirate? Hendrick points backwards to the receding coastline. 45.

Billowing smoke rises from a recently invaded village. HENDRICK That is the place of my birth. I have not been back since Chief Hufon took me. TERU You are free but you have not returned home? HENDRICK All of the things I have seen and done. My clan will never recognize my face. Hendrick buries his head in his hands. Teru places her hand on his shoulder. He turns to her. TERU Chief Hufon took my one and only son. HENDRICK When? TERU Over a month ago. Might he be aboard that slaver? HENDRICK There is a chance that he is. (down to the bridge) English slaver straight away! (winks to Teru) She sails for us!

ON DECK: RICHARD Ready yerselves for battle. We have prey in sight! The pirates stomp their feet. INT. SULTANA ARMORY - SAILING - DAY The Black Jacks undress themselves nude. They tie daggers behind their thighs and pistols between their shoulder blades. They put their ankles and wrists into manacles. Teru, Sam, and Hendrick walk along shelves of weapons. 46.

SAM Our strength comes from our boarding party. Our crew is more fierce and better motivated. Teru remains clothed. She sheathes her cutlass and secures a dagger to her leg. RICHARD (interrupts) Chaga! You are to ready yourself with the rest of the Black Jacks. TERU I am needed with Sam. RICHARD I do not trust you with such veteran duty. TERU That is more of Sam’s concern than it is yours. SAM Agreed. RICHARD Undress. Or I will have it done so. Teru slings a belt of hand grenades across her chest and three sets of pistols around her neck. TERU It would please me to see your attempt. RICHARD You may have the arms to fight but the skill to kill is a different matter. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - DAY A pirate lines up six glass bottles on the railing. Teru bears a pistol in each hand. She puts a bottle in her sight. The bottle sways wildly. She squeezes off a round. It misses. Richard grins at her failure. 47.

SAM (whisper to Teru) Take all of the love you have for Kumi and make it into a ball of fire deep inside of your chest. Teru closes her eyes. SAM Now shoot that. Teru aims again and pulls the trigger. A bottle explodes into a thousand shards. Teru rapid fires her remaining four pistols. All of her targets are hit and disintegrate. RICHARD Excellent. If you only attack five men. Nearby pirates giggle. RICHARD What happens once you use all your ammunition? Teru unsheathes her two blades. TERU I will be ready. EXT. ENGLISH FORT - DAY Grotesque Soldier scans the ocean with a telescope. He spots the Sultana flying the Jolly Roger. It is sailing toward him. INT. ENGLISH FORT - DAY Hufon and the Dobson Captain sit at a table. A servant brings them tea. HUFON I have sighted a pirate ship bound for this harbor. If your future expeditions desire welcome along my coast, you will sail out to frighten away these rabble rousers. 48.

DOBSON CAPTAIN These pirates are of no concern to me. I have a full load of cargo and am due for Jamaica. HUFON (light jabbing) What children sail under King George’s authority these days. DOBSON CAPTAIN If you are so desperate I will send for a warship to aid you. HUFON How many moons will it be before the Navy arrives? A fortnight? A month? DOBSON CAPTAIN Can you not protect your own coast? Hufon smiles to return their talk to civility. HUFON I am but a lowly servant of His Majesty. These troublemakers are a mosquito to English might. Hufon uses a set of tongs to pick up a sugar-cube. HUFON Imagine returning a pirate ship to The King’s service. Hufon drops the sugar-cube into the Captain’s cup. DOBSON CAPTAIN I will receive commendation from King George himself. HUFON Consider this while you become acquainted with your new companion. The Captain looks up from his tea. Grotesque Soldier pushes a NUBILE CAPTIVE inside the fort. She wears only a ceremonial feather headdress. EXT. ENGLISH FORT - DAY Hufon hands a young soldier a bundle of tattered clothing. 49.

HUFON Hide yourself amongst the cargo. If the pirates seize the Dobson you are to hinder their travel by any means necessary. HUFON'S SPY What are my spoils for this detail? HUFON You will live in the leisure of my palace to the last of your days. HUFON'S SPY I am honored to serve you. EXT. ENGLISH FORT - MOMENTS LATER The Dobson leaves port. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - NIGHT The Sultana and Dobson close in on 200 yards from each other. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Teru, Sam, and Hendrick hide in the captain’s cabin. The disguised Black Jacks form a line across the deck. The orchestra plays a tribal rhythm. The European pirates walk through the rows of Black Jacks and pretend to force their “cargo” to dance at gunpoint. Richard waves a white flag at the Dobson. EXT. DOBSON TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The Dobson Captain and his FIRST MATE see Richard and his signal of surrender. DOBSON CAPTAIN (into a megaphone) Declare your business! EXT. INTERCUT BETWEEN SHIPS - SAILING - NIGHT RICHARD (into a megaphone) I have a ship of cargo ready to trade. 50.

DOBSON CAPTAIN The port is not open to your kind. RICHARD Act as our escort and we will split the profits. The Dobson Captain and First Mate talk in secret. FIRST MATE He has surrendered, why risk engaging pirates in battle? DOBSON CAPTAIN Do I depend on the word of a pirate? FIRST MATE No, but you can trust that he has gold on his mind. DOBSON CAPTAIN Very well. (into a megaphone) Show your cargo to my first. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The First Mate struts through the rows of Black Jacks disguised as captives. Through a porthole window, Teru, Sam, and Hendrick watch the English sailors. TERU (whispers) Who are these men we are to kill? SAM (whispers) They are cowards and wretches. HENDRICK (whispers) Well-armed wretches. SAM They are brutes who only imitate true strength. TERU What is that, true strength? 51.

SAM I see it in yourself when you think upon the fate of your boy. Teru steels herself for battle. SAM (to himself) Strike first, strike with severity, strike fear into the hearts of cowardly men. On deck, the First Mate arrives at the end of the line of Black Jacks. FIRST MATE They are warrior class. They will sell high and quickly. RICHARD Gentlemen, may God have mercy on you... Sam charges. Teru and Hendrick follow a step behind. SAM ...For we will not. Sam fires point blank into the First Mate. The Black Jacks drop the shackles from their wrists and leap upon the nearest Dobson Guard. The European pirates form ranks at the bow. They are armed with muskets and mortars. They throw a dozen grappling hooks onto the Dobson. They pull the ropes tight to keep the two ships close. A Dobson guard rushes at Richard. Richard unsheathes his sword too slow. Teru grabs the Dobson guard and holds his arms behind his back. Hendrick slices him across his belly. Richard stares daggers at Teru. The space between them grows thick with smoke. HENDRICK Come Chaga. Hendrick brings Teru to join Sam at the bow. 52.

The pirate boarding party clambers over the railing. EXT. DOBSON TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Clouds of ash surround Teru. She looks for Sam and Hendrick but they are missing. Speeding bullets zip past her ears. Bodies to her right and left are hit by gunfire and fall by the wayside. A gun barrel emerges from the smoke to point directly at her. She shoots at it. The sailor crumples to the deck. Teru looks at her kill. The noise of the battle drains away. The body looks like an average sailor. Whizzing bullets snap her back to the present. She lobs two grenades ahead of her. They explode to thin out the mob. A screaming axeman charges at her. Teru aims her pistol and pulls the trigger — But the gun does not fire. The chamber is empty. She has already fired this pistol. The battle ax swings down toward her. Teru dodges as she fires her second gun into the axman. Teru drops her spent pistols and continues on. A pair of sailors swing their broadswords at her. She ducks down, narrowly dodging the sword tips. She rolls onto her back as she fires a gun in each hand to kill both swordsmen. Teru crawls behind a mast for cover. Musket fire flies over her head. She uses her last two pistols to pick off two more sailors. A pikeman flanks her. He jabs his spear to pierce her side. Teru grabs it with both of her hands to keep it from going even deeper into her. She sees a pistol on the deck just out of her reach. Teru holds the pike with her left hand as she stretches her right to the pistol. 53.

She grabs it and fires at pikeman’s chest. Grey soot explodes from the barrel. It knocks the pikeman backwards but does not kill him. He drops his spear. Teru takes it and runs it through him. Teru wields the spear as she charges toward the first officer she sees. The officer drops to his knees and raises his hands over his head. The smoke clears. DOBSON CAPTAIN I submit! Sailors, lay down your weapons! The entire Dobson crew surrenders. RICHARD Welcome home, men. The ship is ours! The pirates see that it was Teru who won the battle. PIRATES Chaga! Chaga! Chaga! EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - NIGHT The Jolly Roger rises on the Dobson’s flagpole. EXT. DOBSON TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Teru hammers the padlock to the cargo hold until it cracks. Sam holds her back. SAM Brace yourself. Teru opens the hatch. Richard gags and covers his nose. Teru carries a lantern and hammer as she steps down. INT. DOBSON CARGO HOLD - SAILING - NIGHT Teru raises her light to illuminate the dank hole. The bunks are half full yet the space is abhorrent. 54.

The captives lay chained together. Their complexions are pale. Their rib cages show through their skin. Their eyes cry out for a savior. Teru can barely contain herself. She and Hendrick crack all of the captives’ leg irons. Sam leads the freed captives up the stairs. EXT. DOBSON TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The freed captives take in big breaths of the ocean air. Teru follows the last one out. TERU Kumi! Kumi? Where are you? She searches the crowd but finds only unfamiliar faces. TERU Have you seen my boy? He is Akan. Thirteen years old. Joy fills the freed captives. They hug and kiss each other as life returns to them. Teru continues but none of the freed captives are Kumi. She comes to the last group. She finds the Scraggly Man. TERU Where is my son Kumi? SCRAGGLY MAN He remains Chief Hufon’s prisoner. They continue on to Ouidah. The Scraggly Man points over the bow. Teru looks in that direction. She howls in anguish. Sam goes to her. SAM We shall find Kumi. We shall find him in Ouidah. SCRAGGLY MAN Does he not see? You will never arrive. 55.

Teru points over the bow. Sam turns. A massive cyclone is gathering above the ocean directly ahead of them. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY Hufon and Kumi march side by side toward a large pasture. A SHEPHERD bearing a machete tends to a flock of grazing sheep. Hufon’s infection has improved greatly. He licks his lips. HUFON Tell me, by what right do I have to act as I do? The law? The people? The gods? KUMI You rule because you are cruel and unforgiving. That is how you exert control over these lands. HUFON If that was the plain truth, you would not remain among the living. KUMI You do not want to carry this burden of gear on your own back. Hufon stops. He grabs Kumi and lifts the boy over his head. HUFON I am indifferent to these lands. I wield my power so that I do not become common like you. KUMI You speak of oppression as if it were virtue. HUFON I speak of freedom. True freedom comes when one can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, to whomever he wants. That is the only freedom that matters. Hufon drops Kumi. HUFON Bow to your master. 56.

Kumi stretches himself out. Hufon steps on Kumi’s back. HUFON Do you see the shepherd? KUMI I do. HUFON Kill him. KUMI No. HUFON Kill him, or be killed. Kumi reaches up to try to free himself. Hufon covers Kumi’s airways with the palm of his hand. Kumi suffocates. Hufon drops his war club in front of Kumi. Kumi takes it. EXT. SHEEP PASTURE - DAY Kumi stumbles toward the shepherd and collapses. The Shepherd drops his things and runs to Kumi. He kneels down next to the boy. KUMI I am so sorry. Kumi swings Hufon’s war-club into the Shepherd’s skull. EXT. SHEEP PASTURE - DAY Hufon’s soldiers cook the slaughtered sheep on spits. Kumi sits alone at the same spot where he killed the shepherd. He is as still as stone. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY Hufon struts to the ocean while he chews on a sheep leg. To his left, he spots Ouidah’s harbor jut out into the ocean. 57.

To his right, is the cyclone. EXT. SHEEP PASTURE - MOMENTS LATER Hufon kicks Kumi. Kumi does not move. HUFON Get up boy, we are marching again. KUMI No more tests. I am finished. HUFON You are finished when I say so. Until then, you are mine to do with as I please. KUMI What more could you want from me? HUFON You will meet my son, Azi. You will be his brother. Hufon cackles as he lifts Kumi up by the scruff of his neck. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST - DAY Hufon’s army marches double time. A prisoner stumbles to the ground. He can not get up. Soldiers unlock him from his yolk and leave him behind. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - ESTABLISHING A sleek English slave-trading ship, the WHYDAH, sails into the bay and drops anchor. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED IN HARBOR - DAY A staunch English nobleman, CAPTAIN LAWRENCE PRINCE (late 40s), stands alone in the stern. His rolls up his shirt sleeve. His forearm is marked with scars from old cuts. He presses a razor into his skin. It draws blood. This gives him a great relief. First Mate HARTLEY GRANDY (late-30s) enters and startles him. GRANDY Captain Prince, sir. 58.

Prince stuffs his razor into his pocket and pulls his sleeve down. PRINCE Yes? What is it? GRANDY A storm is brewing. Perhaps it is prudent the Whydah set sail for Jamaica at present. PRINCE Jamaica! We have only just arrived in Ouidah. I have yet to meet Chief Hufon. GRANDY As you see fit. PRINCE Let us examine our cargo. Prince and Grandy go downstairs into the dark — INT. WHYDAH CARGO HOLD - ANCHORED IN HARBOR - DAY Prince and Grandy walk through cramped rows of bunks filled with African women and children. PRINCE The previous factory was quite a disappointment. Their captives would not survive a day much less the entire crossing. GRANDY Shall we lodge a complaint with the Royal African Company? PRINCE ‘Tis no matter. We will make up for it here. Chief Hufon is a good man. His reputation precedes him. They pass a thick bulkhead into the larger male section. The captive men are chained to each other in pairs. PRINCE What is our current load? GRANDY Under one hundred. 59.

PRINCE (scoffs) You have lost forty negroes already? I should add you to the count. GRANDY I beg your pardon, Sir. Prince glances down to step around a tub filled with urine and feces. PRINCE Have them empty their waste buckets. The negroes’ health is our highest priority. GRANDY Very good, sir. PRINCE I am going to land to meet with Chief Hufon. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - DAY Prince stands in a rowboat as sailors row to — ADVISOR BADU SANE (65) waiting at the water’s edge. EXT. PLACE CHACHA - DAY Prince and Sane amble through a clearing of dirt and stone. ADVISOR SANE My apologies for Chief Hufon's absence. If it pleases you I am appointed to oversee his affairs in his stead. PRINCE Certainly. ADVISOR SANE One year prior you sailed the Sultana. They pass by a gangly old tree. PRINCE The Whydah is a new class of ship. Her cargo hold is larger and she can cross the Atlantic faster than any other trader. 60.

ADVISOR SANE Quite a vessel. PRINCE She is. I require three hundred negroes to fill her. ADVISOR SANE Three hundred! We do not have so here many at present... They cross a small moat to enter a two-story fort. INT. ENGLISH FACTORY - DAY Prince glances inside rooms busy with receiving guests, conducting business, sleeping, and eating. Sane follows a step behind. ADVISOR SANE ...However, Chief Hufon is due back shortly. I assure you that the Whydah will depart with her cargo hold filled to bursting. INT. MAGAZINE ROOM - DAY An English guard removes the top off of a wooden barrel. Prince dips his hand in to pull out some of its contents. Black powder runs through his fingers. PRINCE See to it. King George has invested his own finances into this voyage... INT. ENGLISH FACTORY - DAY Prince and Sane stop at a set of doors with glass-stained windows. PRINCE ...Should the voyage meet his expectation the Royal African Company shall commission many more of this class of ship. ADVISOR SANE That will please Chief Hufon. Prince hands his captain’s hat to a sideman and steps through the doors into the — 61.

INT. CHAPEL - DAY Prince kneels in front of a Christian altar. He makes the sign of the cross and prays. PRINCE My Lord, in all of my travels I have found no place where I can enlarge my fortune so quick as where I am now. With your blessing, I intend to stay here in order to do so by honest means. EXT. DOBSON TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Teru looks over the Dobson sailors. The Dobson Captain hides among them without his officer’s hat or jacket. TERU What is the fate of the captain? RICHARD We ask the crew their opinion of the man. (to the sailors) What say you, men? Was your captain fair and just in his treatment of you? They grumble their disapproval. DOBSON SAILOR He used his whip more than his compass. Sam and Hendrick examine the sailors. Scars from old burns and cuts disfigure their bodies. SAM Indeed he did. DOBSON SAILOR Send him overboard! The Dobson crew applauds. Teru grabs the Dobson Captain. PIRATES Chaga! Chaga! Chaga! The chanting rises as Teru pushes him to the stern. 62.

The Dobson crew hoots and hollers. DOBSON CAPTAIN Let me be. I beg of you. TERU If I begged would you show me mercy? Or mine son? DOBSON CAPTAIN Yes of course I would. TERU Why should I believe you? He swallows hard. DOBSON CAPTAIN Please no — Teru shoves him overboard. He flips head over heals and splashes into the ocean. A school of sharks devour the former Captain. He howls. Teru watches the feeding frenzy. INT. DOBSON CARGO HOLD - SAILING - NIGHT Teru bursts inside and rushes into a corner. Sam follows. TERU Leave me. He does not. TERU I did not think it would be like this. SAM Men like him understand only one thing, the rule of might. We dealt with him the only way we could. Teru nods that she understands. EXT. ATLANTIC COAST ALONG WEST AFRICA - DAY The pirates, Hufon’s spy, and the freed captives board the rowboats. 63.

They head to a small isolated island. EXT. UNINHABITED ISLAND - DAY The pirates drag the rowboats ashore. They help the freed captives climb out and bathe themselves. Richard takes Sam aside. RICHARD (re: Teru) Who is this that you have brought into our crew? SAM I have told you. His family saved me from certain death. RICHARD Family? Where is this family? Why is he not with them now? SAM Why are you so suspicious of Chaga? He has proven himself to no end. RICHARD I trust him not. He is hiding something from us. SAM There is nothing there. RICHARD Sam, would you like to be captain again? SAM Of course. RICHARD When we depart make certain that Chaga is left behind and I will make you captain of the Dobson. Richard leaves Sam. Sam turns to watch Teru. The Scraggly Man kneels in front of her. He bows his head. SCRAGGLY MAN I am honored to be in your presence again. 64.

TERU Take no ceremony with me. Stand straight and look me in the eye. SCRAGGLY MAN Your father must be unbelievably proud. SAM (interrupts) It would be prudent for us to speak in private. EXT. UNINHABITED ISLAND - DAY Teru and Sam sit on a tall sand dune. SAM You have to get Richard off of your tail. That must be your priority. TERU Every minute we are stalled here Hufon draws one step closer to Ouidah. SAM True. Nevertheless, if Richard discovers you, you are doomed to failure. Teru watches the Sultana and Dobson dance on the waves. TERU We will travel through the storm. Sam laughs. SAM You cannot be serious. TERU Consider me. Richard would never join us, would he? SAM No, he would not. Neither will I. TERU If you convince the crew to embark we would continue on unimpeded. Sam stands to leave. She follows him. 65.

SAM You speak madness. We cannot sail through that storm. TERU Would you rather I slit Richard’s wrists for him? SAM I said no! Teru raises her cutlass. Sam unsheathes his sword. Teru lunges. Sam defends himself. TERU You are a liar and a cheat. SAM If I were captain — TERU — but you are not! Their swordplay becomes more fierce. Teru has improved since she and Sam first dueled. SAM Do not judge me a man of villainy. I have tried to lead a life of honor. More so than most men. TERU For once in your life fight for something greater than a bit of coin or a bigger ship. Teru twirls her sword to trap Sam’s blade against a boulder. Sam simply lets go of his hilt. SAM I will not risk the lives of the entire crew for your one son. He walks away. TERU He took them all. All of our brothers and husbands. All of our fathers and sons. We have no home without them. 66.

Sam hears her final plea and stops. EXT. UNINHABITED ISLAND - DAY The pirates drink, bandage wounds, and cavort with the freed captives while the orchestra plays a light ditty. Sam takes a swig of Kill-Devil. He climbs on top of a boulder. SAM Men, I must speak my piece. The orchestra quiets down. Teru and Richard watch Sam from opposite corners of the crowd. Both are pleased with him. SAM From the continent to the colonies we take what we want, riches of wealth and flesh. The pirates clink their flasks in agreement. SAM There are sacks of gold to be had in Ouidah. A treasure chest for each of us! The men erupt into a riotous standing ovation. SAM Reinstate me as captain and we will depart forthwith. All in favor, make it be known! They all jeer and grumble their discontent with Sam’s idea. RICHARD Sam, we have just taken the Dobson. What you suggest is too much risk. SAM Do not listen to the miscreant who abandoned me at the mercy of the bastard Captain Prince! RICHARD I say, we wait out the storm, then sail for the warm waters of the Caribbean! The crew cheers. 67.

Richard motions to the orchestra to pick up again. The pirates return to socializing. Sam steps down defeated. Teru steps out of the crowd. She takes Sam’s place on the boulder. She looks over her audience: Sam, Hendrick, the other Black Jacks, the freed captives, the Dobson crew, and Richard. Behind her, thunderclouds swirl together. TERU Brother tars, as I stand before you time is of the essence. There is none to waste drinking rum on the beach. The pirates’ revelry quiets down. RICHARD Can you believe it? The fisherman is want for gold! The pirates chuckle. TERU I want no booty! No treasure can replace mine own flesh and blood. Sam stands alone. He listens intently. TERU Chief Hufon of Ouidah approaches his capital with my very son as his prisoner. HUFON'S SPY Condolences, but there is naught to be done. TERU We sail directly for Ouidah. Straight through the heart of the storm. Hufon’s spy boos Teru. The European pirates join him. Richard reaches up to grab Teru but Sam yanks him backwards. 68.

RICHARD (to Sam) I will not have my ships taken from me by a fisherman! SAM You have forgotten your place. The ships belong to the crew. You serve them. Teru raises her voice to be heard over the din of the men. TERU Remember the devious deeds that Captain Prince perpetrated upon your brothers! RICHARD We are not mad. We know the danger that lies ahead. TERU I too am discouraged but not hopeless. I am hurt but not slain. Lightening strikes over her shoulder. HENDRICK (to a Black Jack) Mami Wata has anointed him. Two Black Jacks nod in agreement. TERU You all were witness to the villainy that transpired in the Dobson before we freed it. Teru speaks to the Black Jacks, and Hendrick in particular. TERU You were made to be cargo in one of these beasts. You know the hell that awaits Hufon’s prisoners. They hang on Teru’s every word. TERU You say you are men of courage and honor. Men who shall never betray your brothers. They grunt that they are. 69.

TERU I say to you, those tribesmen destined for the belly of that demon ship, they too are our brothers and sisters! Old memories stir deep within Hendrick. TERU Let me hear you. Are you men of courage, or are you villains? Hendrick stands and cries out. HENDRICK COURAAAAAAGE! Each and all of us! TERU Then we are to Ouidah. Where we will set our people free! The Black Jacks rise to their feet in thunderous applause. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - ANCHORED - DAY Teru, Hendrick, Hufon’s spy, and the rest of Black Jacks climb aboard from the rowboats. Everyone gathers around Teru at the tiller. HENDRICK Captain? (beat) Captain Furro? Teru realizes that Hendrick is referring to her. She looks out onto the faces of the men. They stare back at her blankly. TERU Is Sam here? Hendrick shakes his head “no.” Teru looks through her telescope.

TERU’S POV: Richard, the European pirates, and the free captives mill about the island. Sam is missing. 70.

BACK TO SCENE: Teru turns back to her crew. TERU I ... SAM (O.S.) Were you to embark without me? Sam climbs over the railing. TERU Certainly not, Sam. Teru steps aside to reveal the tiller. TERU The Sultana is yours if you want her. Sam grabs hold of the handle. He smiles. SAM I do. (to the crew) To a short life! BLACK JACKS But a free one! INT. SULTANA CAPTAIN’S CABIN - SAILING - DAY Teru sits facing Sam’s shirtless back. She removes tattered dressings from his wounds. TERU Do you like being a pirate captain? SAM Very much. It gives me freedom and made me a rich man many times over. TERU But you have no family. Teru wraps his torso in clean gauze. SAM The men do not know of her but I have a bonny of a lass waiting for me on the Cape of Massachusetts. Her name is Maria. (his mind wanders) (MORE) 71. SAM (cont'd) She has bright blue eyes like the sea. We had a child together. Sam takes out his locket and shows the portrait to Teru. TERU She is very petty. Why are you here and not with your lass? SAM Her father would not allow her to marry a penniless sailor so I made a promise to her, “I will return to you as a rich man.” That was many, many years ago. TERU You are a rich man many times over. SAM (snaps back) Was! I was a rich man but no more! Teru turns away from Sam. She stands up and walks to a porthole. She watches the island shrink into the distance. Sam wanders over to the bar. He pops the cork off of a bottle of wine. SAM One day I will return to her. We will buy a little farm where I will forget about all of the things I have seen and done... One day... Sam offers the bottle to Teru. She drinks. SAM May I inquire as to how Chaga obtained such a fine woman as you? You are far too beautiful for him! TERU We have — (corrects herself) — had been at each other’s side ever since childhood. Teru turns to the porthole and hides her face to keep her emotions secret. 72.

EXT. SAVANNA - DAY - FLASHBACK Young Teru and YOUNG CHAGA giggle as they chase each other through the tall, sun drenched, grass. TERU (V.O.) He was a good man with a true heart. I wish mine was like his. The children’s laughter echoes. INT. SULTANA CAPTAIN'S CABIN - DAY - END FLASHBACK Through the porthole, Teru watches the storm close in on them. TERU If I had helped you travel to Salé when you awoke, he would still be with me. The ship crashes over a series of waves. Teru and Sam lose their footing. They grab onto each other to regain their balance. SAM You are the man of the hour. I believe in you. Teru hugs Sam. INT. SULTANA MAIN CABIN - SAILING - DAY The Black Jacks pass around a bottle of Kill-Devil. Thunderclaps echo off of the hull. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - DAY The ship sails straight for the cyclone. Teru and Sam stumble toward Hendrick at midship. The deck is stripped down to her bare essentials. SAM Did you know that Kumi visited me the night I woke? He wanted to join my crew. TERU Ha! We would come after him, and you! Teru and Sam laugh. 73.

Hendrick hands them safety ropes to tie around their waists. The threesome bend down behind a cabinet. SAM Smile gents. This promises to be fun. HENDRICK Is he drunk? Teru grins big and wide. HENDRICK You too! Hendrick shakes his head. The ship enters the cyclone. Swirling clouds billow across the deck. The Sultana crashes up and down like a bucking bronco. The Jolly Roger tears from the flagpole. Planks creak, fastenings twist, and masts bend. Seawater crashes over the bow. It streams across the deck and into an open porthole. SAM Pin up that hatch! Hendrick steps out from their cover. A blast of wind knocks him flat on his back. The foremast splinters off of the front of the ship. It flies backwards over the threesome’s heads and crashes into the afterdeck. Teru and Sam go to it one step at a time. Their safety ropes snap tight. They untie themselves and continue onward. They grunt and groan as they struggle to keep their footing. They arrive at the afterdeck. The foremast sticks through the back of the stern. They try to yank it out but it does not budge. 74.

Calm settles across the ship. The Sultana arrives in the eye of the storm. Sunlight bathes the soaked vessel. Teru runs to the stairs to yell down to the cabin. TERU All hands on deck! The pirates, including Hufon’s spy, charge up carrying carpentry tools. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - DAY Hufon’s soldiers herd the prisoners over a sand dune. Kumi stops on the crest to view the valley below. It is filled with rows of rusty metal holding cells. Soldiers cram screaming prisoners into them and lock the doors. HUFON Keep moving. We have business in my chambers. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - DAY The pirates furiously repair damage. A group yanks the foremast out of the afterdeck. The bow slices into the second, and stronger, half of the cyclone. SAM We are out of time! TERU Get below deck! The pirates stop their work. A towering wave rolls toward the starboard. Teru and Sam lock their arms together. SAM Hold together, me lady. The wave crashes over the ship. The Sultana flips over and capsizes. 75.

The pirates dunk into the sea. Teru swims through the currents, though she can not see the surface. The Sultana begins to right herself onto her hull. Teru sees the bird’s nest on the tip of the mainmast. It zooms up toward the surface. She swims to it and grabs hold of it. They zip up through the undertows. She breaks through the water and rises high into the air. The ship swings port-side to starboard like a pendulum. Teru looks down on the deck. Sam and Hufon’s spy grapple with each other. Teru takes hold of a rope dangling from the bird’s nest. She leaps and swings towards Sam. Hufon’s spy kicks Sam overboard. Teru releases her rope. Sam flies past a loose chain. He grabs it. Teru soars over the deck. Hufon’s spy uses a chunk of wood to hammer Sam’s chain. Teru crashes into Hufon’s spy to knock him off of his feet. Sam’s chain snaps. He is unattached from the ship. Teru snatches the chain from midair with her right hand. She stretches out in an iron cross strung between the railing on her left and Sam’s chain on her right. One link at a time, the chain slips through her hand. Teru looks to Sam. He is frozen in fear. TERU For your child! Hand over hand, he climbs toward Teru while she strains to maintain her position. Sam nearly reaches her. 76.

Hufon’s spy yanks Teru’s left hand off of the railing. She looses grip of Sam’s chain. Teru and Sam are in a free-fall. Sam lunges to grasp Teru’s right wrist. Hendrick takes Teru’s left hand. The rest of the Black Jacks swarm on top of Hufon’s spy. Hendrick pulls Teru and Sam over the railing. The threesome collapse onto the deck. The Sultana leaves the cyclone. The pirate’s world comes to a calm. INT. CHIEF HUFON’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT Hufon stands with his arms stretched out. Kumi removes his armor. HUFON Your final test is nigh. I expect you are unfit for it. KUMI Am I not to be sibling to your son? HUFON Prove your value to me and you will have a place by my side. KUMI What if I fail? HUFON You will be sold along with the rest of your village. A knock at the door frightens Kumi. HUFON Welcome the visitor. Kumi opens for Advisor Sane. ADVISOR SANE You return at the perfect time. Captain Lawrence Prince from Liverpool has been patient for your return. 77.

Hufon grunts. ADVISOR SANE Should I announce your arrival? Kumi removes Hufon’s shirt over Hufon’s head, nearly uncovering the wound in his chest. Hufon brushes Kumi away. HUFON You will meet the captain in the morn. Now let me retire. Sane exits but before he shuts the door — HUFON I have one more task for you. Fetch me my son. INT. CHIEF HUFON'S CHAMBERS - MOMENTS LATER Kumi stares into a mirror at his squalid state. AZI (O.S.) You are my father’s new servant. Hufon’s son AZI (12) curls his lip in disgust. AZI How many men have you executed? KUMI One. Azi snickers. Behind them, Hufon enters. HUFON Azi. Azi beams with happiness. He runs to his father. AZI Father, tell me of your campaign. HUFON I will show you what has happened to me but you must promise to keep it our secret. They go to the mirror. Hufon lifts his nightshirt over his head to reveal the wound on his chest. AZI Who did this to you? 78.

HUFON (re: Kumi) What do you think of him? AZI He should apologize for perpetrating such a villainous deed upon you. KUMI Leave me be. Please. I have done everything asked of me. SMACK! Azi slaps his open palm across Kumi’s face. AZI Apologize. SMACK again. Kumi cries. Azi slaps Kumi harder. AZI Beg! Beg for my forgiveness. KUMI Please... Stop... Mercy. Kumi crawls away from Azi. HUFON Fight boy! Can you not defend yourself against a child? KUMI I have tasted of your freedom. I have had my fill. Azi yanks Kumi backwards. CRACK! Azi gives Kumi the back of his hand. Kumi whimpers. Azi steps away. HUFON (to Azi) Is that weakness I see? You must be strength and power. Then you will be invincible like George of England. Azi continues his assault. AZI Grovel at my feet. 79.

KUMI Forgive me. I am sorry. I am so, so sorry. Please, please, please... Hufon pulls Azi away. He stands over Kumi like a god. HUFON Do you remember when you tried to assassinate me? Holding your breath as you took aim at my chest. Letting your arrow loose. Watching it travel through the air. Piercing my armor. What audacity. What boldness from such a little one. Now look upon yourself. Hufon and Azi leave. Kumi lies sprawled out on the floor, physically and emotionally defeated. INT. HOLDING CELL - NIGHT Hands push Kumi inside the prison. He tumbles onto the dirt. The door slams shut to plunge him into darkness. Kumi’s eyes dart dark back and forth as he listens to the captives murmuring. A few faces come into focus. They are all strangers. A father wraps his arms around his family to huddle them close to him. YOUNG SON What is to happen to us? FATHER We are going on an adventure. YOUNG SON I do not want to go. I want to go home. FATHER We stay together. That is what is important. Kumi curls himself into a ball to whimper to sleep. FADE TO BLACK. 80.

EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - DAY Teru steps up to the bow. Sam is at her right and Hendrick her left. Behind them, 75 Black Jacks remain. The sun parts the clouds to shine on Ouidah’s harbor. TERU Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. I/E. HOLDING CELL - DAY The door swings open with an ear-piercing creak. Hands grab Kumi by his ankles and drag him out. A solider pushes Kumi into a line of marching captives. EXT. PLACE CHACHA - DAY Prince stands with his Doctor and Advisor Sane. He scans the line of captives. He sees Kumi. PRINCE They’re a weedy lot. Not likely to be of much value in the sugar fields. The Doctor examines their teeth and muscles. He separates the strong from the weak. Kumi watches Prince and Sane negotiate for a STOUT MALE (18). PRINCE Five iron bars. ADVISOR SANE Five! It isn’t half what Chief Hufon expected. PRINCE ‘Tis double what I should pay. ADVISOR SANE He would be a bargain at ten. See his health, youth, and vigor. PRINCE Eight bars. Twice as much as you would get from Heatherington. ADVISOR SANE Agreed. 81.

The Doctor sends the Stout Male to the gangly old tree. Kumi is next. His body shakes. DOCTOR This one would not survive the crossing. ADVISOR SANE Hold him there. He is young. He has many years of labor in him. PRINCE What say you, boy? Will you grow to be healthy and strong? Kumi blankly stares into space. PRINCE (to a soldier) I will test his sweat. Soldiers force Kumi to lean over. Prince licks Kumi’s brow. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - DAY Teru surveys the harbor through her telescope.

TERU’S POV: On the Whydah, sailors bring captive Africans aboard from a caravan of rowboats coming from shore.

BACK TO SCENE: Sam and Hendrick join Teru. SAM This harbor has no cover for our approach. We will take the Whydah at night. TERU But Kumi -- HENDRICK -- Sam is right. We should drop anchor before Captain Prince sights us. Hendrick points to: 82.

The beach. A row of metal cages display the bodies of captured pirates. HENDRICK We must be careful. This is not a safe harbor for our kind. EXT. TREE OF FORGETTING - DAY A metal brand sears into Kumi’s shoulder. It is in the shape of the seal of the English crown. Kumi’s head is shaved. Kumi walks around the gangly old tree. The Stout Male is one step ahead of him. KUMI What is this? STOUT MALE The Tree of Forgetting. They circle us around this nine times so we forget our homes. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - DAY Kumi and the rest of the cargo march across the beach. The sight of the ocean calms Kumi, but then he sees the silhouette of the Whydah. African oarsmen push Kumi into a canoe. They shove off to join the caravan headed for the Whydah. EXT. PLACE CHACHA - DAY English sailors heave a large crate to Prince. Hufon and Sane are with him. Hufon pops off the top of the crate. He takes a musket out of it. The gun’s butt is cracked. HUFON What is this rubbish? PRINCE Your payment. Hufon removes more weapons. All of them are old and rusty. 83.

HUFON We were to trade in goods of quality. Iron. What am I to do with these? PRINCE Melt them down or use them in your future campaigns. Whichever suits you. Hufon snaps a rifle into two pieces. HUFON No. PRINCE If the quality of His Majesty’s goods displeases you, maybe you would prefer to negotiate with His Royal Navy's warship. ADVISOR SANE That is not necessary. His Majesty’s generosity knows no bounds. PRINCE Never forget, you are here at the crown’s pleasure. If he desires it you will be next into the cargo hold. Understood? Hufon and Sane bow their heads. EXT. WHYDAH - ANCHORED IN HARBOR - DAY Sailors pull Kumi up a rope ladder and onto the deck. To Kumi, the Englishmen look like wild beasts. They have horrible faces and scraggly hair. SAILOR 3 (distorted) Strip! Kumi stands still. SAILOR 3 (louder) Remove your clothes! The Sailors strip Kumi naked. They force Kumi down stairs into the cargo hold. 84.

INT. WHYDAH CARGO HOLD - SAME Kumi hears shrieks of women and wails of the sick. He gags once, twice, and cannot hold it back again. He vomits and falls into a tub of waste. Sailors cram Kumi onto wooden planks that serve as his bed. They shackle his ankles to his neighbors’. EXT. WHYDAH - ANCHORED IN HARBOR - NIGHT Prince climbs aboard his ship. Grandy greets him. GRANDY I pray you found the market to Our Majesty’s satisfaction. PRINCE ‘Twas sufficient. At first light we depart for Jamaica. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - ANCHORED - NIGHT Under moonlight, Teru weaves her armband through her fingers. She goes to Hendrick as he prepares for battle. TERU While on the Dobson I fired a strange gun. The ammunition injured but failed to kill. HENDRICK ‘Twas a slaver’s pistol loaded with dust-shot. It is designed to immobilize cargo but limit injury. Hendrick notices her armband. HENDRICK May I? Teru passes it to him. He ties it around her bicep. HENDRICK We attempted to seize the Whydah once before. Now we are fewer in number. TERU Then you fought for treasure. Now what we fight for is priceless. 85.

HENDRICK Is that enough? I still remember this place as if I was a child. TERU We shall prevail. Then you will return home. Hendrick smiles to himself. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - WATCHTOWER - NIGHT The Grotesque Soldier monitors the port’s traffic. He spots the Sultana approaching. An odd shape serves as the figurehead on her bow. He uses a telescope to get a better look. It is Hufon’s spy. INT. CHIEF HUFON'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT Hufon lies in bed with two sedated concubines. There is a knock on the door. Hufon ignores it. ADVISOR SANE (O.S.) Sir, I have news. HUFON Enter. ADVISOR SANE A pirate ship approaches your harbor. It is the same vessel that the Dobson was to seize. Hufon sits up. He looks old and tired. HUFON Rally the palace guards to defend our beachhead. Leave Prince to the pirates. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - NIGHT The moon moves behind a patch of dense clouds. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The ship is in shadow. Teru goes to Sam. 86.

TERU It is time. We have the cover we need. SAM (quiet) Raise the mainsail. The pirates do so. They close in on 400 YARDS to the Whydah. Sam looks over the bow to —

CAPTAIN PRINCE ON HIS BRIDGE: Prince is consumed with reviewing the cargo manifest. He does not see the Sultana. SAM (to himself) I see you there, you whore of an Englishman. (to gunner) Give the knave a warning. Possibly he will know what is in his best interests. A pirate at the swivel gun fires a cannon ball. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The shot flies across Prince’s sight. He sees the Sultana. PRINCE (calm, to Grandy) Load the cannon. Hard to starboard. Show them our might with our broadside. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Teru sees smoke burst from the Whydah’s cannons. TERU Incoming! The pirates take cover a second before impact. The cannon balls slam into the Sultana’s hull and masts. Splinters rain down on Teru and crew. 87.

TERU I do not see surrender in his plans. HENDRICK Assuredly not. We must take this prize by force. SAM (to the gunners) A round of bar shot for her sails! Below deck, a wave of spinning metal chunks launch out of the Sultana’s canons. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The bar shot shreds the mainsail. PRINCE (to Grandy) Raise the secondary sails. Have the oarsmen chained to their position. I will lose these scoundrels in the Atlantic. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - NIGHT A dozen oars emerge through the Whydah’s portholes and dip down into the ocean. Smaller sails rise to the top of their masts. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Sam calls to Hendrick at the helm. SAM Steal her wind. If she reaches the open ocean we will lose her! Hendrick turns the tiller hard. EXT. INTERCUT BETWEEN SHIPS - SAILING - NIGHT The Sultana lines up directly behind the Whydah. The Whydah’s sails slacken. She decelerates. The pirates pull within 50 yards. Prince and Sam stand at their respective railings. They yell into megaphones. 88.

PRINCE I spy you there Black Sam! Your theatre does not frighten me! SAM You sir are a coward and you shall die as one! PRINCE The last time we met I showed you mercy. You shan’t be as fortunate again. (to Grandy) Jibe us port side. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - NIGHT In a split second, the Whydah drops her anchor, she spins on a dime, her port aims at the Sultana, she launches a barrage of cannons. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The artillery slams into the Sultana. A cannon ball hits near Teru. She flies into a mast. INT. WHYDAH CARGO HOLD - SAILING - NIGHT Kumi slides from side to side with the sway of the ship. Above him is a ruckus of clomping boots and firing weapons. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Another round of cannon rocks the Sultana. The ship cracks in half. She pitches sharply downward and starts to sink. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Strong winds catch in the Whydah’s sails. She leaves the calm harbor and enters the high seas. She accelerates away from the pirates. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT A wave plows into Teru. 89.

She holds onto a railing but the undertow sucks the Black Jack next to her into the ocean. A grappling hook snakes loose past her. She snatches it out of the water. Teru crawls up the canted deck to the swivel gun at the bow. She sticks the hook down the barrel and fires at the Whydah. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The hook lands with a clank and scuttles backward to catch on the stern. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Teru wraps the rope around a pulley. She sets her feet against the gunwale and pulls with all of her might. She grits her teeth and clenches every muscle in her body. She is nowhere near strong enough to reel in the Whydah. Sam and Hendrick arrive to help her. SAM I hope we tied a proper knot on the far end. TERU Fear not. Mami Wata will not let our prize escape. The threesome pull together. More Black Jacks scramble up the tilted deck to join Teru. Others shoot more grappling hooks onto the Whydah. Musketeers fire at the Whydah’s stern to keep sailors away from the grappling hooks and ropes attached to the railing. Artillerymen rush to launch a series of mortar shells. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT The pirates’ bullets hit their mark with bull's-eye accuracy. The mortars explode to crack off the tip of the mainmast and its sail. 90.

It careens down and skewers sailors and Africans on its way through the decks. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Hand over hand the Black Jacks draw closer to the Whydah as the waterline climbs up their bodies. TERU All as one. Heave! PIRATES Ho! TERU Heave! PIRATES Ho! TERU Heave! PIRATES Ho! They draw within 40 YARDS to the Whydah. The Black Jacks’ musketeers shoot one last round before the surging water forces them to surrender their weapons. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Prince’s musketeers fire at the pirates. EXT. SULTANA TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Slugs zip past Teru as the water rises over her shoulders. TERU Now is the time for men of courage to prove themselves so. The Sultana and Black Jacks sink under the water. Air bubbles float up from where the pirates go under. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Prince slices the knots from the grappling hooks. The ropes slither away. 91.

PRINCE May they find peace and salvation. (to Grandy) Damage report in my quarters. EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN - NIGHT The Black Jacks swim underwater toward the Whydah’s hull. Teru surfaces from the ocean froth. She scales up the footholds of the Whydah's stern. Sam and Hendrick are on either side of her. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - NIGHT Teru, Sam, Hendrick, and fifty Black Jacks clamber over the railing to board the Whydah. They unsheathe the blades secured to their shoulders and legs. Grandy levels his musket at Teru. GRANDY Sir! They have come aboard! Teru throws a dagger. It lodges into Grandy’s chest. TERU (to the English crew) We are here to slay all defenders of tyranny. Surrender and your lives will be spared. PRINCE (to his crew) Nay, loyal Englishmen. If you surrender to them his Majesty will have you all in London Tower. Not that I would ever consider surrendering to scoundrels such as themselves! The sailors step back into grey clouds of soot. TERU (soft) Strike first, strike with severity, strike fear into the hearts of cowardly men. 92.

With a thunderous war-cry Teru storms forward with her cutlass raised. The pirate boarding party follows her. The smoke clears enough for her to spot Prince. He is on the far side of the ship. A BODYGUARD armed with a broadsword protects him. A sea of men stand between Teru and Prince. Teru wades into the fray. Her sword slices through any sailor who dare oppose her. The Black Jacks cut down Prince’s men with ease. Prince watches the slaughter with a look of horror. Teru clears a path across the deck directly to him. The bodyguard points his broadsword at Teru. Teru slices into his forearm. He yells and grabs his wound with his good hand. Prince flees from Teru. Teru finds the broken half of a pike laying on the deck. She throws it at Prince. The pike smacks into the back of Prince’s legs. Prince trips and crashes onto the deck. A pistol lays next to him. Teru straddles Prince. She points her cutlass at him. Prince grabs the pistol and fires it at Teru. Teru ducks and raises her right hand to cover her face. Dust- shot vaporizes her fingers. Prince scurries away but does not get far. Sam leaps onto him. Together, Teru and Sam pound into Prince until he admits - PRINCE The ship is yours. 93.

INT. WHYDAH CARGO HOLD - ANCHORED AT SEA - NIGHT Teru steps down into the darkness. She has a bloody bandage wrapped around her right stump. She searches through the bunks of unfamiliar faces to the far side of the hold where a small body is crumbled into a heap. TERU Kumi? Is that you? The head moves. It strains to turn toward Teru’s voice. It is Kumi. Teru runs to him. TERU What have these devils done to you? Kumi lies chained and ashen. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED AT SEA - NIGHT Teru carries Kumi out of the cargo hold into the clean air. TERU Water! Fresh water! Hendrick delivers a cup to her. She tilts it to Kumi’s lips. TERU Drink up, love. Kumi opens his mouth a sliver. He swallows once. He ravenously drinks the rest. Life returns to him. Joyous tears of relief stream down Teru’s face. Mother and son embrace. KUMI Mama? TERU Yes, yes, it is me. KUMI Papa? Teru ekes out a head shake “no.” 94.

TERU You are safe. You are free. No more harm will come to you. I promise.

TERU’S POV: Kumi turns grey and hazy.

BACK TO SCENE: Teru blinks and rubs her eyes but it is no help. She blacks out. INT. WHYDAH CAPTAIN’S CABIN - ANCHORED AT SEA - NIGHT Teru wakes up in a luxurious bed. She is groggy but recognizes that she is wearing different clothes. She checks down her nightshirt. Her chest is no longer bound. The fabric is in a pile on the bed-stand. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED AT SEA - NIGHT Teru creeps toward a crowd of pirates to eavesdrop on them. BLACK JACKS — She is a treacherous wench! — A liar and betrayer! — She-Devil! Teru sees Kumi sitting with the rest of the freed captives. BLACK JACK 1 True brothers, what are we to do with this harpy? SAM Pay her tribute of a thousand galleons! BLACK JACK 2 Boo! A physical fight breaks out between those for and those against Teru. 95.

BLACK JACKS BLACK JACKS (against Teru) (for Teru) - She defied the articles. - She is a brother tar. - She tempts the sea. - Mami Watta bows to her. - Maroon her! - Release them for home! Teru runs to Kumi. He is in a stupor but awake. She takes him by his hand. TERU Come my son, we need to leave. They run toward a rowboat. Hendrick sees them. He leaves the arguing mob to follow. HENDRICK Teru! Teru stops. She turns toward him but remains on the defense. Hendrick goes down to a knee to be on Kumi’s level. HENDRICK ‘Tis my honor to meet you, Kumi. My name is Hendrick Quintor. Chief Hufon took me when I was near your age. Another Black Jack follows Hendrick’s example. BLACK JACK I am Tomi. Your mother has more courage than any man I have ever fought beside. More of the Black Jacks stop fighting. One by one, they line up to introduce themselves to Kumi. BLACK JACKS I am Danso... Kojo... Abasi... Yao... Manu... Okoto... Teru relaxes. Last of all is Sam. He is as merry as ever. SAM ‘Tis a fine day to see you again young man. Quite an adventure you have had! Kumi grins ever so slightly. 96.

EXT. TERU’S VILLAGE CENTER - DAY - DREAM Clear skies and sunlight bathe Teru and Kumi. They sell a fresh catch of fat fish to their neighbors.

CHIEF HUFON Materializes as a ghoulish demon dog. He froths at his mouth. He swallows Kumi in one massive bite. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED - NIGHT - REALITY Teru startles awake from her nightmare. Kumi slumbers next to her. She pats his head. She exhales a weighty sigh. TERU Mama loves you. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED - NIGHT Teru, Sam, and Hendrick walk among the sleeping villagers. SAM (whispers) Teru, you have your son and a sack of treasure. 'Tis time to return home. TERU (whispers) To what end? What have we gained? Nothing that Hufon shan’t take from us once again. SAM How so? TERU This was not the first time that Hufon raided our village nor will it be the last. EXT. SAVANNA - NIGHT - FLASHBACK Teru (pre-teen) and her barrel-chested father, KATO (30s) flee from a party of charging soldiers. 97.

TERU (V.O.) No one knows when he will return. The last time he came, I was a mere child. Father and daughter are each armed with a bow and quivers of arrows slung across their chests. From behind, a wave of bullets whiz over their heads. Kato finds cover behind a gnarly old tree. Teru runs to her father’s side as if attached at the hip. KATO Teru, I told you to go hide with your brothers. Teru looks ahead to her MOTHER and seven BROTHERS running toward a large patch of tall reeds. She takes up a fighting position behind the tree. Kato draws an arrow back in his bow. A colorful warrior’s armband is tied tight around his sinewy muscles. Father and daughter are outnumbered but they have speed on their side. The pair launch a scorching rapid fire of arrows. Each arrow hits its mark. Each attacker drops to the ground. Among those who remain, a meaty hand grabs a rifle from one soldier. The unarmed man kneels down in reverence. The rest of the soldiers kneel as well. HUFON (O.S.) I am Hufon of Ouidah. Teru pokes her head around the tree to catch a glimpse of the speaker. It is Chief Hufon (early 30s). HUFON All who gaze upon me weep for mercy. Kato reaches his hand back to grab an arrow but his quivers are empty. He pushes Teru toward the reeds. KATO Go find your mother. 98.

Armed with a small knife, Kato charges at Hufon. Hufon tosses the rifle to the ground. Teru stays to watch. Hufon delivers a blow onto Kato’s head with the hilt of his broadsword. Kato collapses to the ground. Teru has one remaining arrow. She aims it at Hufon. Hufon pounds Kato into submission. Teru’s eyes well up with tears. Her hand shakes. She can not steady her aim on Hufon. Soldiers seize Teru and drag her to the stump of a tree. Hufon grabs Teru by her hair. She cringes away from him in fright. Hufon grins. HUFON Watch and remember this, you who dare to defy me. Soldiers loop a rope around Kato’s head and yank him up to hang from a branch. Teru watches Kato suffocate. Their eyes lock together. Underneath his tears, Kato stares at death with courage. His body becomes still. Kato’s warrior’s armband flutters down to rest in the mud. HUFON Now little one, the turn comes to you. A soldier passes a war-club to Hufon. Soldiers hold Teru’s right arm in the middle of the stump. Teru fights to free herself but she is not strong enough. Hufon swings the club down onto her right hand. Teru’s bones shatter. She screams. 99.

EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - NIGHT - END FLASHBACK Teru glares at Ouidah. Sam and Hendrick survey the beachhead. It is protected by a squadron of palace guards. SAM This is not a good idea. We have only three dozen men remaining and our kind does not do well on land. TERU Chief Hufon’s reign must come to an end. If I must, I will go alone. Teru leaves them. HENDRICK (glares at Sam) Sam. SAM What? Do not look at me like that. INT. WHYDAH BRIG - ANCHORED - NIGHT A cat-o’-nine-tails whip scrapes across the floor boards. Teru drags it to a wrought iron jail. The cell is packed tight full of English officers. TERU Where is the former captain hiding in there? Prince steps up to the bars. His face is heavily bruised. TERU How many of my tribesmen have you sold into slavery? PRINCE I could not begin to count. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED - NIGHT Prince, now naked, makes the sign of the cross as Hendrick drags him to the mainmast and ties his wrists to it. Teru offers the whip to Sam. He hesitates. 100.

TERU Take it and take your retribution. Sam grabs it. TERU (to Prince) You traded in Ouidah many times did you not? Prince murmurs a prayer. TERU You spoke with Chief Hufon often. Do you know him well? Prince does not respond. Teru nods to Sam for him to whip Prince. Sam reels back to do so — but he stops himself. SAM I cannot. TERU What do you mean? SAM I do not want his blood. Teru looks to Prince’s back. She is reluctant to continue. HENDRICK I will do it. TERU No, I will. It is better if I do it. Teru takes the whip from Sam. TERU (to Prince) Tell me of Ouidah’s defense. How would you attack? Prince gulps but does not answer. TERU Answer me. Teru CRACKS the whip over Prince’s head. 101.

PRINCE Yield! I yield! Ouidah is heavily armed against attack by sea but not so from land. TERU Continue or I will. PRINCE Only light gunfire deters you from making an assault from the interior. INT. WHYDAH MAIN CABIN - ANCHORED - NIGHT Teru sits next to the blacksmith’s forge. Hendrick carries a metal hook to her. Hanging from its end is a thick leather belt with buckles. Kumi is up and walking, but barely. He approaches his mother. HENDRICK Leave us be, Kumi. Teru chugs a jar of Kill-Devil. She pours the last of it onto her right stump. Two Black Jacks hold Teru in her chair. Hendrick removes an ax from the embers of the blacksmith’s furnace. The blade glows white hot. Sam swoops in to lead Kumi away. SAM Come, your mother needs to be alone. Hendrick presses the flat side of the ax onto Teru’s stump. Teru shrieks. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - NIGHT The Whydah sails closer to the beachhead. She drops anchor. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED - NIGHT Teru struts up the steps. The metal hook is in place of her right hand. Hendrick gives her a musket. 102.

HENDRICK If you need it my help is here. TERU Good. I do. Sam cuts in to hug her goodbye. SAM Godspeed to you, my brother. Take care of yourself. Promise me this. TERU I do indeed. SAM Remember there are people in this world who need you. Kumi gently approaches. KUMI Mama? Is that you? Are you leaving? TERU Leaving you? No, I only go ashore to finish our business. KUMI (pauses and thinks) He has a son of his own. A nasty brute. He frightens me more than the man does. Teru did not expect this. She nods that — TERU I understand. I love you. As did your father. Teru turns to leave. She becomes increasingly filled with dread with every step she takes further from Kumi. SAM Do not do this. Do you hear me? You do not have to do this. Is this what Chaga would have wanted? TERU No it is not, but I must. Teru swings her leg overboard. 103.

TERU To a short life! BLACK JACKS But a free one! Teru slides down a rope ladder to a war-canoe. A Black Jack is in the stern. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - NIGHT Teru sits in the bow while the Black Jack paddles her to shore. She inspects her hook to ensure that it is well secured. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - ANCHORED - NIGHT Sam and Hendrick watch Teru go it alone. HENDRICK I am afraid for her. She takes on too much. SAM She must live her own path. No man may control the fate of another. Teru’s canoe shrinks as she draws close to land. HENDRICK She needs her brothers. Sam turns to his crew of Black Jacks. SAM Men, pirates, brothers. We cannot let the fairer sex fight the good fight for us! EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - NIGHT The Whydah turns her broadside at Hufon’s guards stationed along the shoreline. On a far section of beach, Teru heads farther inland toward earthen walls that encircle Hufon’s Palace. INT. ROYAL PALACE - NIGHT A BOOM echoes through the hallways. Hufon opens a window that faces the harbor. He looks through a spyglass. 104.

HUFON’S POV: His men desert their posts as another round of cannon balls smash into his beach. EXT. ROYAL PALACE - LAND-SIDE - NIGHT Teru hides behind the wall. She peeks around a corner to watch - Advisor Sane waves from a window down to the guards on the ground. He yells to them but Teru can not hear what it is. Most of the guards leave. One stays at his post. Teru rests the muzzle of her musket on her hook. She aims at the solitary man. Her left finger pulls the trigger. The shot is a direct hit into his chest. She takes his spear and shield. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - NIGHT The beach is undefended. Armed Black Jacks come ashore in their rowboats. INT. CHIEF HUFON'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT Hufon stands with his arms spread out as a docent attaches armor onto him. Sane paces in circles. ADVISOR SANE For certain you are the most able- bodied. Even so, will you consider sending a general in your stead? Hufon rests his broadsword on Sane’s shoulder. HUFON Gaze upon me. Sane glances up. HUFON Do you see mere flesh? Sane shakes his head “no.” 105.

HUFON Do not mistake me for a mortal man, for mortal men are incapable of accomplishing what I have. I pass into the next world at the time of mine own choosing. EXT. PLACE CHACHA - NIGHT Sam and Hendrick lead the Black Jacks in close quarters combat against three companies of Hufon’s soldiers. The pirates slice through them like a hot knife through butter. An earthshaking BOOM erupts from the canon that are on top of the English Factory. The canon ball crashes into the middle of the melee. It kills both pirates and soldiers. Sam spots a weakness in the English fort. It is covered in a thatched roof. SAM (pointing) Raze the factory to the ground! EXT. ROYAL PALACE - LAND-SIDE - NIGHT Teru enters the wall maze that surrounds the palace. Rows of sharp stakes stick out from both sides. She turns into a dead end. The Grotesque Soldier storms at her rear with a war-club. Teru is cornered. She charges at him. She smashes her shield into him to trap him against the wall. TERU I have come for Chief Hufon. Tell me his whereabouts and you will be spared. GROTESQUE SOLDIER He is in his chambers preparing to do battle. I hope you find him for he will do unthinkable things to you. Teru impales him into the stakes. 106.

INT. ENGLISH FACTORY - NIGHT The Black Jacks light torches and charge into the building. They ignite the thatch. Fire and smoke rages across the roof. They ransack the building. English and African workers make a break for the exits. Sam stops at one room that catches his eye. It is protected by a heavy door. He tries to open it, but it is locked. The Black Jacks heave a fallen column onto their shoulders. They use it as a battering ram to crack the door open. Sam steps inside. INT. MAGAZINE ROOM - DAY Sam finds stacks of wooden barrels. He flips the lid off of one. He runs his fingers through the inside and pulls out some black powder. SAM Beautiful. The powder keg. INT. ROYAL PALACE - NIGHT Teru swaggers through the corridors looking for Hufon. A door flies open on the far end of a hallway. A massive figure stomps through the threshold. It is Hufon, armed and ready for battle. Teru’s breath is taken away. She recovers and hurls her spear at him. It pierces through Hufon’s right shoulder and knocks him to the floor. HUFON Guards! Teru steps out of the shadows. TERU They are all dead. Hufon pulls the spear out of himself. 107.

HUFON I am Hufon of Ouidah. Who are you to defy me? Teru marches toward Hufon. TERU Do you not recognize me? (raises her hook) You tortured my father, murdered my husband, stole my child. Teru is close enough for Hufon to see that she is a — HUFON Woman. Hufon chuckles deep and cocky. He raises his broadsword. Teru brandishes her cutlass. The two warriors duel. Behind a swath of drapery, Azi holds a pistol in each hand. He aims one at Teru. EXT. ENGLISH FACTORY - NIGHT Hendrick pours a line of black powder out of a keg to make a fuse. Sam lights it. The flame zips into the factory. An explosion rips through the building. Metal shrapnel and shards of wood spew into the air. As the smoke clears, Sam sees Hufon’s Palace further inland. SAM Black Jacks, to the palace! INT. ROYAL PALACE - NIGHT Teru and Hufon wield their weapon in their left hand, which gives Teru the advantage. She takes command of the fight. Hufon dodges and blocks her attacks. She backs Hufon up against the wall. Teru delivers a chop to Hufon’s sword hilt to knock it out of his grip. 108.

TERU I am Teru of the mighty Furro clan. Who are you to defy me? Teru swings back to deliver her final strike. Behind the drapery, Azi fires at Teru. The bullet strikes Teru in her back. Teru stumbles from one side to the other trying to stay on her feet. She crumbles to the floor. She looks down the hallway in the direction she came. She has a moment to retreat before Hufon is on her. Instead, she advances toward Hufon on her hands and knees. Hufon squeezes his hands around Teru’s neck and lifts her up. Her feet dangle in the air. HUFON You weasel. You thought you could kill me? Hufon leers upon Teru as he chokes the last gasp of air out of her lungs. HUFON Once you are dead I will capture your entire tribe and sell them all to the most vicious white man I can find. Teru’s vision turns dark and fuzzy. HUFON They will disappear forever. Just like your final breath into the breeze. A rush of adrenaline surges through her. She screams as she swings her hook down to gouge out Hufon’s eye. Hufon yells and releases Teru to cover his eye socket. Behind the drapery, Azi watches his father squirm in pain. Azi retches. Teru stands up bearing Hufon’s broadsword. She raises it over her head and Hufon’s heaving chest. She sees the hole that Kumi’s arrow made in Hufon’s armor. 109.

She drives his sword down to slice through it. Hufon’s body spasms. He reaches his hand out to the curtain where his son is hiding. HUFON Azi. Hufon chokes on his own blood. INT. ROYAL PALACE - MOMENTS LATER Sam, Hendrick, and two dozen Black Jacks charge through the hallways. They push over vases and tear drapery in half. BLACK JACKS (echoing) Teru! Teru! Teru! INT. ROYAL PALACE - MOMENTS LATER Teru stumbles toward the curtain. Her wounds bleed heavier with every move she makes. Teru pushes the curtain aside. It reveals Azi. She waves for him to: TERU (warmly) Come out, little one. The Black Jacks arrive. They charge at Azi. Azi raises his second pistol and retreats away from them. AZI Stay back! Stay away from me! The Black Jacks swarm around him. He is trapped. Azi waves his gun wildly. His hands tremble and voice cracks. AZI Not another step! BLACK JACK Or what, demon child?! AZI Or else I will shoot you! A Black Jack leaps at the boy. 110.

TERU Stop! Back away! Give us space. Sam pulls the Black Jack back. SAM Give her space! Teru bends down to Azi’s level. She looks deep into his eyes. They are watery. TERU No one here is going to hurt you. SAM That is right. We are not going to hurt you. AZI Why should I believe you? Murderers. Teru unbuckles her hook and drops it to the floor. She holds up her hands to show that she is unarmed. TERU I do not want to hurt you. And you do not want to hurt me either. Azi places his finger on the trigger and lightly squeezes it. AZI Stay away! I will do it! I will! TERU It is over. It is all over. No one is going to hurt you. Teru looks closely at Azi’s gun. It is loaded. TERU There is nothing to fear. There is no one to fear. Teru lunges forward to wrap Azi in her embrace. TERU (whispers into his ear) We are all family. Teru holds him close to her heart. Azi relaxes. He drops is gun to THUD on the floor. 111.

TERU Help me, Sam. SAM Yes, what is it? TERU You must take him far from this place. Make him a brother tar. SAM Me? But ... Sam turns to the Black Jacks. SAM The ship belongs to the crew, I am but your servant. This is your decision to make. The Black Jacks look to Teru and Azi. They murmur amongst themselves. Hendrick steps forward. He nods “yes.” SAM We, we do not take on youths. HENDRICK Take him, Captain. Teru places her left hand on Sam’s cheek. TERU Fear nothing, and you can accomplish anything. Even fatherhood. Sam is speechless. TERU Gaze upon this boy as if he were your own. Sam does so. Azi weeps, a mere child. Sam nods “yes.” Teru passes Azi to Sam. He takes Azi into his arms. She breathes a sigh of relief. 112.

TERU No words can describe what you have done for us. SAM I did nothing. You had everything you needed inside of you. And now thanks to you, so do I. Teru sees a vision of: EXT. TERU'S CANOE - DAY Chaga and Kato welcome Teru with open arms. INT. ROYAL PALACE - NIGHT Teru releases her final breath. Her bicep relaxes. Her armband flutters to rest on the carpet. EXT. OUIDAH HARBOR - DAY The bodies of Prince and his crew hang in the row of metal cages that had previously held dead pirates. The Whydah leads a fleet of pirate ships into the Atlantic. EXT. WHYDAH TOP DECK - SAILING - DAY The orchestra plays a subdued song while the pirates lay Teru and a dozen deceased pirates on the deck. They wrap each body in a hammock, secure two cannonballs to everyone’s feet, and tie ropes around the torsos. Kumi and Sam lower Teru into the ocean. INT. WHYDAH MAIN CABIN - SAILING - DAY Azi sits at a table surrounded by the Black Jacks. Sam sets a pistol and piece of parchment in front of him. Everyone waits as Azi peers into the mirror. With flourishing penmanship, Azi signs the ship’s articles. SAM Welcome aboard! The Black Jacks burst into revelry. 113.

INT. WHYDAH MAIN CABIN - SAILING - MOMENTS LATER Kumi seethes in a corner while he drinks Kill-Devil. He sees Azi. He reels back to chuck his stein at Azi. Sam grabs his wrist. SAM You are brother tars now. We toast one another. Kumi offers his stein to Azi. KUMI Try it. You will like it. Azi tests a sip. It seems safe. He drinks a mouthful. The giggling boys share the rest of it. EXT. KUMI'S VILLAGE BEACH - DAY The Black Jack’s rowboats deliver the village’s stolen men and boys back home. They run across the sand to reunite with their loved ones. Broken families are remade. They weep tears of joy. Sam turns his gaze down to his locket in the palm of his hand. SAM (PRE-LAP) ‘Tis time for me to return to my port of call. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - NIGHT Sam, Hendrick, and Kumi relax around the fire. SAM I want to ask for Maria’s hand in marriage. And look in the eyes of our child. HENDRICK What say the crew? SAM We have enough treasure and ships for all to go as they please. Kumi suddenly stands and lashes out. 114.

KUMI The Whydah is mine! Kumi runs into the darkness. Sam follows him. EXT. SAVANNA - NIGHT Kumi sits in shadows. Sam finds him. He sits next to Kumi. Kumi buries his face in Sam’s chest. KUMI What am I to do now? SAM You live and love the best you can, young man. That is how they would want it to be. Sam strokes Kumi’s hair but he is inconsolable. SAM I have one adventure remaining. Would you like to join me and see Massachusetts? Kumi considers it but remains downcast. EXT. KUMI’S VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Hendrick and the Black Jacks pile into their rowboats. Sam and Kumi stroll together. Sam is bare-chested. His lashing wounds are healing well. KUMI Will you make your salute as you go? “To a short life, but a free one!” SAM I think not. Not this time, and perhaps never again. As they shove off, Sam waves goodbye. SAM I would tell you that we shall see each other again soon, but I have given up lying! 115.

Kumi smiles bittersweet as the pirates leave. EXT. SAVANNA - DAY A newborn lion cub snuggles into her mother’s belly. EXT. FURRO CLAN HUTS - DAY Kumi stretches as he exits his hut. His health has returned. EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY Kumi kneels in front of his father’s grave. He places a sculpture of Teru next to the one of Chaga. EXT. KUMI’S VILLAGE BEACH - DAY Kumi looks out to the ocean. There is not a ship in sight. Off to his side, a new fishing boat stands apart from the others. A strip of fabric flutters from its mast. It is his grandfather’s warrior armband. EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN - HIDDEN INLET - DAY Kumi mans the boat on his own. The armband is tied around his bicep. He heaves up a net full of fish. EXT. KUMI’S VILLAGE CENTER - DAY Kumi splays his fish onto a blanket. He picks up a fat tilapia and offers it to a VILLAGE WOMAN. KUMI It is fresh. I caught it this morning. She looks at Kumi suspiciously. KUMI It is for you. I caught this for you. VILLAGE WOMAN Praise to you. Praise to Mami Wata. 116.

The rest of the villagers crowd around Kumi to accept his generosity. VILLAGERS - Thank you! - Praise to Mami Wata! - Praise to you! Kumi notices a pretty YOUNG GIRL in the back of the crowd. She is too shy to take one for herself. Kumi finds the biggest fish he has remaining and walks around to offer it to her. She takes it and smiles. Kumi smiles in return. The village picks up in the hustle and bustle of morning activity. EXT. KUMI’S VILLAGE BEACH - DAY The sun rises. A flock of birds glides across the rosy sky. Ocean waves roll in and out from the shore. Frothy whitewash laps up the beach. FADE OUT.