"HEART OF AFRICA"
written by
xxgsb@hotmail.com
ã 2001 Binkley
Synopsis: Heart of Africa is about a young woman who battles poachers, commercialism and greed to preserve Africa's beauty and encounters an unlikely comrade along the way.
Sexual Content: F/F partners
Code:
L: Love between two people with kisses,
embraces and tender moments.
LS: Love
scenes described in more detail, involving scenes of lovemaking.
ES: Explicit love scenes.
· This story is rated: L
· Fiction (Alternative)
Acknowledgement: I’d like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Sam for beta reading this story. Your assistance was invaluable.
This is
copyrighted material, ã 2001 Binkley…all rights reserved. It may be reproduced,
duplicated or printed for personal use only. For all other uses, please contact xxgsb@hotmail.com
FADE IN:
EXT. WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARI COMPOUND - DAY
ALLY BREEDLOVE, 27, a young energetic, green-eyed blonde who regards danger with a sense of enticement, is hanging precariously from the edge of a twenty-five foot cliff as hungry cannibals follow her ascent. Ally is scantily dressed, revealing her strong yet feminine muscles. She quickly negotiates the steep wall dodging several spears. The drums pound loudly hurrying her escape. With a quick turn of her head, she peers directly into the awe-filled eyes of the male directly below her.
ALLY
Kana. Hey, Kana!
KANA, (Kayna) 22, a young college intern intently watches from the ground.
ALLY (cont.)
What are you doing? Daydreaming?
Throw me up that wrench.
Shaking his head, Kana allows her lilting voice to pull him out of his sensual musings. Reality sets in and he now sees Ally is hanging precariously from the edge of a twenty-five foot water tower. Water is gushing from one of the main lines. Not liking the scene before him, he frantically searches for the wrench. Upon finding it, he swings it wildly up to Ally. Ally stretches out as far as she can but the wrench is just beyond her reach. Kana cringes at the sight of Ally dangling from the tower platform. The wrench plops in the mud next to him.
ALLY (cont.)
Come on, again. You can do it.
Now muddy and a bit frustrated, Kana winds his arm several times letting loose of the wrench with all his might. Again, Ally reaches outward. As one foot slips, she grabs the wrench, then with her other arm jerks back safely, her two feet now firmly planted on the landing.
ALLY (cont.)
Nice throw.
Ally quickly cinches the connector as the leak slowly dwindles to nothing. With the rope she was using as an anchor, Ally slides gracefully down to the ground. She replaces the wrench in the toolbox.
KANA
Just another day at the office, huh?
Ally flashes him a bright smile as she strolls past him. He follows.
ALLY
Come on, we've got work to do.
CUT TO
INT. CHAS' NEW YORK CITY APARTMENT - EARLY MORNING
A piercing noise blares from the alarm clock sitting on a table near the side of Chas' bed. CHAS TUCKER (Chaz), is 30 years old and tall with raven hair and ice blue eyes. Not much of an early riser, she grabs for the alarm clock and swipes it off the table. As it hits the floor the noise stops. She then snuggles back in her covers.
The telephone RINGS. Chas' hand peeks out from under the covers searching for the telephone on the side table. She picks it up, holds it momentarily as if deciding what to do with it.
JEAN (v.o.)
Chastity! Chastity, I know you're there.
Chas slowly starts to replace the telephone back on the base.
JEAN (v.o.)
Don't you dare hang up on me. I'll
just keep calling back, and if I have
to come over there…
She puts the telephone up to her ear.
CHAS
Okay, okay. I'm getting up. I don't know
why I can't sleep in just a bit longer.
JEAN (v.o.)
Not today, the boss wants to see you
in his office in an hour. Now, up!
She bolts up to a sitting position. Chas is wide-awake now.
CHAS
Why? What's going on? Do you think it's
about that merger…or maybe a promotion?
No! You don't think he found out about…I
mean that was an accident.
JEAN (v.o.)
Chastity, you're rambling again. And forget
about the Chinese curio, we used plenty of
super glue. Now, get up.
CHAS
Fine.
Chas hangs up, then slowly gets out of bed.
CUT TO
INT. HONG KONG ANTIQUITIES SHOP - DAY
ERIC BREEDLOVE, 42, wearing an old sweaty cowboy hat, rugged looking with a militaristic edge, is talking with the Chinese OWNER of the shop. They walk around the shop, then head through a covertly covered doorway into a room filled with a horde of ivory tusks and other illegally gained goods. Suddenly, both Eric and the owner hear SIRENS in the distant. They rush from the room into the main shop as the owner disguises the secret pathway.
ERIC
Back door?
The Chinese man points in the other direction. Eric swiftly exits.
CUT TO
INT. RECEPTION AREA AT BULLARD OFFICE BUILDING - NYC - DAY
Chas, impeccably dressed,
exits the elevator and is immediately met by her vivacious assistant JEAN. A
well-organized, up and coming woman, she follows Chas to her office.
JEAN
You've got to return a call to Davis
first thing then meet the boss…I've
cleared up the rest of your schedule…
CHAS
Why?
JEAN
I've got a feelin’ you'll be packin’.
Jean takes off to her desk leaving Chas in a state of quandary.
CUT TO
EXT. HONG KONG ALLEY - DAY
Eric patiently waits to see where the Chinese police stop. The police pull up in front of the antiquities shop. One of the policemen heads toward the alley Eric is hiding in. Eric jumps up on the garbage container, then to the roof, successfully eluding the policeman.
CUT TO
INT. WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARI QUARTERS - DAY
Ally and Kana are dragging in some equipment. After placing his load on the floor, he plops down in a nearby sofa closing his eyes. Ally looks at him knowingly.
ALLY
Why don't you take a break?
Kana slowly opens one of his eyes, peeks in her direction, and then closes it again.
KANA
How do you do it? I've only been
here a month and it feels like a year.
Ally is sorting through the gear.
ALLY
You'll get used to it. Besides, you
wanted a real African 'get to know your
your heritage' experience.
Kana comfortably shifts on the sofa, both eyes still closed.
KANA
I shoulda just read a book.
Ally throws the gear up over her shoulder as she walks off shrugging.
ALLY
College boys.
CUT TO
INT. BULLARD'S OFFICE - DAY
Chas paces around the magnificent office. It is filled with animal trophies, trinkets and souvenirs. She looks closely at the lion's head mounted on the wall, then at the ivory figurine on Bullard's desk. It is an approximately 10-inch high round Chinese ivory carving. She picks it up, searching carefully for any observable cracks. As DRAKE BULLARD, late fifties, marches in with a wrought iron statue his presence takes command of the room. Chas fumbles with the ivory piece before placing it back on the desk.
BULLARD
It's okay.
Bullard shifts around behind his desk.
BULLARD
Nothing wrong with admiring perfection.
Everything you see in here is first class,
I've made sure of that…nothing but the best.
Bullard reaches for the ivory piece. Chas grabs it up first. Bullard laughs.
BULLARD (cont.)
That's what I like about you. You've
got a taste for the finer things in life.
Chas replaces the ivory piece on the desk after Bullard sits.
Then Chas tries to relax in her own chair.
CHAS
So, I hear I may need to pack.
Bullard tosses her a manila envelope.
BULLARD
Africa.
CHAS
Africa?
BULLARD
We've got resorts all over the world and
now we'll have one there too. I don't
know why I didn't think of it sooner. After
you've come up with a location for the
resort, I'll have a permanent place for my
expeditions. Danger, mystique, living on the
edge, that's what it’s all about.
Bullard winks at Chas then stands. He strolls around to Chas, gesturing for her to get up. Bullard stops near a display case and opens it. Pulling out a four-inch ivory handled folding knife, he hands it to Chas. He swings his arm around Chas' shoulder, directing her to the doorway.
BULLARD
A gift. Now, pack your bags, and find
me the perfect place for my resort.
Both Chas and Bullard are standing near the doorway. Bullard looks to his SECRETARY.
BULLARD (cont.)
Get Davis on the phone.
Bullard abruptly returns to his office and closes the door. Chas wanders back to her office.
CUT TO
INT. WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARI QUARTERS - DAY
Ally is talking on the telephone. Kana is still lounging on the sofa.
ALLY
Yeah, okay, I'll be there.
Kana sits up, wiping the sleep from his eyes.
KANA
What was that all about?
ALLY
My old boss is a little short-handed.
They need me to lead one of the caravans
for a few days.
KANA
But what about us?
ALLY
Well, as you can see we ain’t exactly
packin’ em in here, are we? That job
I did on the water tower was just a
temporary fix and we need a new pump.
It’s just a few days, besides, we could
use the money.
Ally heads into her bedroom and returns with a backpack in hand. She is still stuffing some clothes in it as she strides briskly across the room.
KANA
What will I do?
ALLY
There's an upsurge of poachers in the area
south of us, you can take the Rover and
scout it out.
Kana jumps up from the sofa. He swallows hard.
KANA
You're kiddin’, right?
Ally heads out the door with Kana on her heels. Ally jumps in the Land Rover and takes off.
ALLY
See ya later.
KANA
(yelling)
I don't know nothin' about scoutin' no
poachers.
Kana grimly looks around until he realizes Ally took the one and only Land Rover owned by White Elephant Safaris. His face lights up happily.
CUT TO
INT. CHAS' APARTMENT NYC - EARLY MORNING
Chas is soundly sleeping in bed when the front door of the apartment slowly opens. Footsteps can be heard as the intruder moves stealthily along the hallway toward the bedroom. The door creaks open. A woman's dress falls haphazardly to the floor as she climbs into bed with Chas. Jean's lips place soft kisses on Chas' neck, running down her shoulder then back up over her chin, finally coming to rest on her lips. Sleepily, Chas responds to this welcome invasion. Chas’ arms wrap around her pulling her tight.
JEAN
Morning.
CHAS
It is, isn't it?
Suddenly, she flips Jean over and Chas is on top. Her wanderlust hands are everywhere as she kisses her passionately. Jean moans.
CHAS (cont.)
Now, this is how I like to wake up.
Chas traces kisses down Jean’s neck, as her head disappears under the covers to Jean’s perfect breasts. Jean falls into the sensual feelings of her lovemaking. Then abruptly, she pushes Chas back.
CHAS (cont.)
What? You don't want me anymore.
Chas pouts as Jean slips from underneath her and gets up. She watches closely as Jean dresses.
JEAN
You have a plane to catch, remember?
Chas throws back the covers, revealing her sensually shaped naked form.
CHAS
Change it to a later flight. I have
something for you.
She eyes Chas warily.
JEAN
The last time you had something for me
you got so carried away we knocked that
ivory carving on the floor.
CHAS
You’re the one that grabbed for it. I
don't know why you were so interested
in it anyway. I've got all you can handle
right here.
JEAN
As inanimate as the ivory piece is, it
probably has more concern about my pleasure
than you do.
Chas clutches at her heart, giving Jean a mock hurtful look. She responds with indifference. Chas reluctantly gets up and dresses.
CHAS
You're cruel, just too cruel.
Jean walks out of the bedroom with one of Chas' bags.
CHAS
(mumbles)
Never heard you complain before.
Chas follows her with a bag of her own. As she passes a huge glass aquarium, Chas points to it.
CHAS (cont.)
You gonna take good care of him?
Jean shoots a disapproving look at the six-foot snake curled around several limbs in the tank. Chas pokes at the glass trying to get the snake's attention.
JEAN
Come on, Chastity. We don't have
much time.
Picking up her bag again, Chas heads to the door.
CHAS
First class, right?
JEAN
First class.
She stops and turns to Jean.
CHAS
You know, nothin' but the best for your
lover, right? When I move up, so do you.
Chas attempts to plant a kiss on her lips. Jean brushes past her.
JEAN
(sarcastically)
First class seats. First class expedition,
first class all the way. Come on, lover.
Resigned, Chas follows reluctantly.
CHAS
Just what I wanted… a trip to Africa.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN NATIONAL PARK RESERVE - DAY
Several Land Rovers are traveling in a caravan. As they move along slowly through the African wilderness, a few tourist heads are sticking out of the top of the vehicles as they snap shots of the African landscape.
Ally negotiates her Land Rover to a clearing and the rest of the caravan follow. While the passengers remain in the Land Rovers, Ally and the rest of the drivers get out and survey the area, searching for any potential dangers such as snakes. Ally gives her passengers the all clear.
ALLY
Okay, you can come out now. We can take
a break and get some lunch here.
The passengers flock out of the Land Rovers, looking around trying to locate a good spot. Off in the distance is a small lake with several different types of animals drinking, feeding and bathing. There are several huge rocks just fifty feet from the lunch site. A WOMAN, 30, who appears timid, approaches Ally with her young GIRL, 10, whose eyes sparkle with mischief.
WOMAN
Is it really safe here?
ALLY
Sure, we use this spot all the time.
Checking the grounds out first is just
a precaution. Go ahead, relax and get
something to eat. We have a long day
ahead of us before we get back to camp.
The young girl tugs at her mother.
WOMAN
Let me get your lunch and you stay
real close to the car, okay?
All the tourists settle down with their lunches, enjoying the view, while Ally and some of the drivers keep watch. As the woman sits enjoying her lunch, she searches through the crowd for her daughter. Not noticing her anywhere, she frantically runs to Ally.
WOMAN (cont.)
Where is she? Have you seen her?
ALLY
Calm down.
Motioning to some of the drivers to begin searching, Ally climbs up on the hood of her Land Rover. She soon spots the young girl on top of the rocks. Ally points to her.
ALLY (cont.)
There she is.
When the woman SCREAMS at her child, the kid jerks around, taking a false step. The child slips a few feet down between the rocks. Some of the animals near the lake have taken notice of the turmoil unfolding. Out of her side view, the woman notices one of the hyenas moving in her daughter's location. She SCREAMS again and points to it. Pointing to one of the drivers, Ally motions to him.
ALLY (cont.)
Calm her down. Now!
Ally launches off the hood of the Land Rover, eating up the ground to the rocks. She swiftly climbs up to the child. When she gets to the girl, Ally sees that the child's foot is stuck between a small crevice. She then notices the hyena approaching slowly. Ally turns to the girl.
YOUNG GIRL
Is he gonna eat us?
ALLY
Nope. We're not on the menu, not
today anyway. Listen, I want you to give
that ugly thing the meanest look you have
while I get your foot unstuck, okay?
You can do that, right?
The young girl nods her head with little confidence. She grimaces.
ALLY
Is that the meanest look you got?
YOUNG GIRL
Yes.
ALLY
Well, you gotta do better than that.
The young girl thinks for a minute, then an idea flashes to her.
YOUNG GIRL
I'll give him one of my mom's mean looks.
She contorts her face into a ferocious snarl. She bares her teeth viciously, narrowing her eyes with an intense look. Ally smiles.
ALLY
Atta girl.
The hyena appears to study the young girl carefully. Ally catches a quick peek at the hyena, then reaches for her boot knife. She carefully cuts away the hiking boot from the young girl's foot. With the girl’s foot now free, Ally grabs her and slowly descends from the rocks. The hyena appears to have lost interest as other activities near the lake take precedence. Ally carefully hands the young girl back to her mother.
WOMAN
Honey, I'm so glad you’re safe. You
scared me. Don't ever do that again.
Ally intervenes.
ALLY
Everything's okay now. Let's get packed
up.
The drivers herd their passengers back into the Land Rovers.
As they begin their journey again, the young girl desperately wants to make up for scaring her mother. She is sitting up front with Ally. Her mother is still quite upset with her daughter.
YOUNG GIRL
Mother, I helped Ally get that hyena
to stay back while she rescued me.
The woman is still trying to calm down from the events of seeing her daughter in grave danger while carefully scrutinizing the surrounding area for more dangerous animals.
WOMAN
That's nice, dear.
YOUNG GIRL
You wanna know how I did it?
WOMAN
What dear?
The young girl smiles knowingly at Ally.
YOUNG GIRL
I gave him one of your mean looks. And
it stopped him dead in his tracks.
The young girl proudly displays the look. She finally gets her mother’s attention, only to see a startled look on her mother’s face. Ally stifles a laugh.
CUT TO
INT. PREMIERE SAFARI OFFICE - DAY
The OWNER of Premiere Safari is sitting at his desk going over some paperwork. Eric, clad in his usual semi-military apparel, marches in and casually sits on the corner of his desk. He whips out his ten-inch bladed knife then lackadaisically runs his finger along the edge.
ERIC
About that favor.
OWNER
Okay, I owe you one. She gets the fare.
Eric re-sheaths the knife and starts to leave. At the door, he turns back to the owner. He pats his knife.
ERIC
This is just between the three of us.
OWNER
Yeah. Well, just remember the expedition…
it's supposed to be a first class job.
ERIC
I'll keep an eye out, just in case.
With that, Eric leaves.
CUT TO
INT. FIRST CLASS SECTION OF AIRPLANE – LATE AFTERNOON
Chas is relaxing in her seat. The first class cabin is dark. The STEWARDESS #1 has passed by her several times. Chas reluctantly opens the window cover then forces herself to take a peek. Quickly, she slams the cover to the window shut. She takes some deep breaths. The stewardess #1 is standing next to Chas’ seat when she finally opens her eyes. Chas laughs a bit nervously.
CHAS
You'd think they could fly these things
a little closer to the ground.
STEWARDESS #1
Can I get anything for you, Ms. Tucker?
Anything to make you more comfortable?
Chas pats the aisle seat next to her.
CHAS
You could sit down for a while.
Looking around quickly, the stewardess slips into the seat next to Chas.
STEWARDESS #1
Now, what can I do for you?
CHAS
You’re already doin’ it, honey. Your
nearness alone is a comfort to me.
She smiles.
STEWARDESS #1
Guess I should get back now.
Chas gently grabs her arm.
CHAS
No. No. Really, I’d feel much better
just having someone to talk to.
She notices some of the equipment Chas has in a bag on the floor. Chas quickly grabs it, pulling out several gadgets.
CHAS
Global tracking system.
Chas hands it to her.
STEWARDESS #1
Are you saying you’re hard to keep track of?
Smiling, Chas hands her another gadget. It’s the latest cellular telephone.
CHAS
With this one, I can keep in communication
with anyone no matter where in the world
I am. Like say, if you gave me your number,
no matter where I am I could ring you up.
You can even get on the internet with this phone.
Again, Chas pours on her charm to the stewardess.
CHAS (cont.)
Of course, I am going into the deepest,
darkest part of Africa. I can't really
get into the specifics of the mission but…
it is dangerous and I may never be heard
of again, just like Dr. Livingston.
STEWARDESS #1
Really.
CHAS
Yeah, these could be the last few days
of my existence…and it would be nice to
savor these last few moments with someone
special, say… you.
Chas moves in to kiss her. Chas’ lips find hers and connect for a tender kiss before she breaks away.
STEWARDESS #1
You are a bad girl, aren’t you?
CHAS
Hey, what if I don't come back alive?
She hands Chas back her tracking device.
STEWARDESS #1
With all the latest gadgets in that pack
of yours, I'm sure you'll make it back alive.
Chas gathers her equipment.
CHAS
Nothin' but the best when you're with me.
The stewardess gets up to leave.
STEWARDESS #1
And they did find Livingston… happily
living among the natives.
Chas watches her sashay up the aisle.
CHAS
(sarcastically)
Happily living among the natives.
Chas shakes her head wearily, indicating that this isn’t her day.
CUT TO
INT. NEW YORK CITY POSH RESTAURANT - DAY
Drake Bullard and DAVIS McDANIELS, fifties, man about town with a hint of deviousness to his nature, are enjoying a nice meal and conversation.
BULLARD
You clear your calendar for the trip?
DAVIS
Have I missed even one of your famous
African hunting expeditions? I'm there.
What about Chastity, though?
BULLARD
She's on her way now. Why?
Bullard pokes the last piece of bloody steak in his mouth.
DAVIS
Just a question of trust. She does
have a questioning nature about her.
Bullard washes down his steak with a very expensive red wine.
BULLARD
She's my best man. Chastity and I… we're cut from
the same cloth….nothin' but the best. I trust
my instincts on this one.
The WAITER slips the bill on the table, then leaves. Davis grabs it then inspects it casually.
DAVIS
They forgot to charge us for the wine.
Bullard yanks the bill from Davis. Davis scrutinizes Bullard’s next move. Bullard flags the waiter back to the table, giving him the bill with his credit card. The waiter exits.
BULLARD
Seize every opportunity you get, Davis,
seize every opportunity.
DAVIS
Right, Bull. So we bring Chastity in
on the whole deal then?
Bullard finishes the last of the wine, savoring it. Bullard nods his head.
BULLARD
In time.
CUT TO
EXT. WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARI COMPOUND - DAY
Ally jumps off the front porch with her gear in hand. She heads to the Land Rover with Kana in tow. Ally flips the back door of the Land Rover open and tosses her gear in.
ALLY
About four hours there and back.
Should see you around dinnertime.
KANA
I'm the cook now, too?
Ally’s face pouts in hopefulness.
KANA
Okay, okay.
Ally opens the driver's door and plops in.
ALLY
So what's for dinner?
Ally settles in then suddenly with a SCREAM, Ally propels herself out of the Land Rover. Pointing to the inside of the Land Rover, scared stiff, she continues to back up. Ally anxiously rifles her fingers through her hair. Kana checks the seat, then floorboard. He spies a snake and gently takes it in his hands.
KANA
He’s just a little fella. He won't hurt you.
ALLY
But he will bite me.
KANA
Yeah, if you go around scaring him
that way. This one ‘s harmless.
Kana moves away from the Land Rover so Ally can have clear access back to the vehicle.
ALLY
When you've been bit once, it's more
than enough for a lifetime.
Ally slowly gets back in the vehicle scanning everywhere with her eyes. She finally shuts the door.
KANA
Well, I've got him now. I'll make
sure he finds another home.
ALLY
My hero.
KANA
Your cheap labor, you mean.
ALLY
Now, Kana, you're the one who accepted
this intern program. When you finally
leave and go back to college, it may not
be with a lot of money, but the wealth of
experience and knowledge you'll get from
your stay here will be priceless.
KANA
You're priceless.
Ally flashes him a brilliant smile as she takes off.
CUT TO
INT. SMALLER AIRPLANE FIRST CLASS SECTION - DAY
The airline stewardess' are preparing for landing. Chas is fumbling with her seat belt. Chas stops a pretty young STEWARDESS #2. Chas flashes her best smile for her.
CHAS
Could you help me with this?
Chas looks at her helplessly.
STEWARDESS #2
Sure.
Sitting down next to Chas, she adjusts Chas’ seat belt, cinching her in. Chas’ arms wrap around her.
CHAS
Now, I feel safe.
STEWARDESS #2
I need to get to my seat before we land.
CHAS
Stay here with me, please. Just till
we're on the ground.
Smiling, she reluctantly cinches her own seat belt.
STEWARDESS #2
Do you always get your way?
Chas holds her hand, then shrugs confidently. The plane lands safely at the airport.
CUT TO
INT. AIRPORT IN AFRICA - DAY
Chas is waiting at the baggage terminal. She spies one of her bags on the conveyor belt. As she reaches for it, Eric grabs her wrist in a predatory grip. With his other hand, Eric retrieves his own bag. Chas turns to see who grabbed her and comes eye to eye with Eric. Due to the mirrored sunglasses Eric is wearing, Chas sees her own reflection. Eric releases Chas’ wrist. With a feral smile, Eric tosses his bag over his shoulder and moves on. When Chas reaches back around for her bag, she realizes it’s half way on the other side of the circular conveyor belt.
CUT TO
EXT. AIRPORT PARKING - DAY
Ally pulls her vehicle up to the curb, lining it up with several other safari vehicles. She briskly walks over to meet the lead TOUR GUIDE for Premiere Safari. He and some other drivers are assisting their passengers into the vehicles and checking luggage.
TOUR GUIDE
Running a little late, huh?
ALLY
Is she here yet?
TOUR GUIDE
I think her plane just arrived.
ALLY
What gate?
The tour guide, with all passengers now loaded, steps into his vehicle.
TOUR GUIDE
Sixteen. I know sometimes you pick
up an expedition from us when we're
overbooked, but how did you get this
job? It's cushy and not bad money, either.
Ally jogs away quickly.
TOUR GUIDE (cont.)
(mumbles)
I'd be glad to only have to put up
with one customer than this bunch.
He looks around the vehicle to the five young teenagers that have filled his vehicle not only with suitcases upon suitcases, but giggles and laughter.
CUT TO
INT. AIRPORT GATE #16 - DAY
Chas walks away from a gate entrance after ATTENDANT #1 points in a direction down the main pathway. The attendant shakes her head in disgust. Chas takes off in that direction. Chas feels like she is traveling upstream against a sea of people. Chas’ display of superior attitude dictates that she maintains a straight pathway, expecting everyone to step aside. A small CHILD, 8, bumps in to her shoulder bag swinging her around sideways. When Chas realigns herself, she almost runs smack into an OLD WOMAN, who appears to be able to take care of herself quite easily. Chas loses her balance as she tries to correct herself and trips over a piece of luggage left on the floor. The old woman helps Chas up.
OLD WOMAN
You okay?
Dusting her brand new freshly ironed safari outfit off, she straightens up.
CHAS
Yeah, yeah. I'm fine.
Chas realizes that an old woman has just helped her up and is a bit embarrassed by it. She hands Chas one of her bags back.
CHAS
(gruffly)
Thanks.
Slowly, Chas continues on down the pathway.
CUT TO
INT. AIRPORT PATHWAY - DAY
In a rush yet with finesse, Ally negotiates the corridor on her way to Gate 16. She stops to help a YOUNG MOTHER, 23, when her CHILD, 4, gets caught up in a small group of people. Seeing the mother’s dilemma, Ally comes up behind the child, grabbing his hands and guides him like she's the caboose, safely back to his mother. The mother takes him into her embrace. Ally quickly gets back on track to her original destination. Ally is wearing a dark green White Elephant Safari polo shirt that matches her emerald green eyes. Her khaki shorts are a bit ruffled from the long drive.
As she continues on, there is a large luggage rack that passes in front of her. When her pathway is clear, Ally slams right into Chas, knocking them both back. Chas loses her bags and hits the floor again. Ally maintains her equilibrium but just barely. She has to jump up and over a large suitcase in order to maintain a standing position. Upon seeing Chas on the ground, Ally offers her hand to help her up.
ALLY
I'm sorry I…
Chas pushes it away forcibly. Chas gets up and retrieves her bags.
CHAS
Forget it, just watch where you're
goin’ next time.
ALLY
Hey, you bumped in to me.
CHAS
I don't have time to argue. Now
if you'll excuse me.
Chas pushes past her.
ALLY
What is your problem?
As anger flares in her eyes, Chas turns toward Ally.
CHAS
I have more important things to
do than stand here and debate with
you about whose problem it really is.
ALLY
For your information, I have important
things to do, too. As a matter of fact, I
have a very important person I need to meet
and I'm sure she is waiting for me now.
CHAS
Really?
Chas scrutinizes the way Ally is dressed.
CHAS (cont.)
I myself have a very important
person to meet and at least I'm
dressed for it.
Chas sharply turns and walks away. Ally's temper is fuming.
ALLY
At least my backside isn't covered
with dirt.
Chas pauses momentarily, still looking straight ahead then proceeds without looking around. Ally, too, takes off in the opposite direction.
CUT TO
INT. AIRPORT GATE #16 - DAY
Ally approaches the gate desk where two attendants are standing. Attendant #2 looks up.
ALLY
Did a woman by the name of Chastity
Tucker come in on that plane?
ATTENDANT #2
Let me see.
She checks her list.
ATTENDANT
Yes, she did.
Ally looks around the gate area.
ALLY
You don't happen to know where she is,
do you?
Attendant #2 looks at attendant #1 questionably. Attendant #1 shrugs.
ATTENDANT #1
Was she tall, dark and rude?
ALLY
God, I hope not. I just met one of those.
Frustrated, Ally runs her fingers through her hair, then heads back in the direction in which she came.
CUT TO
INT. PREMIERE SAFARI BOOTH AT AIRPORT - DAY
Chas throws down one of her bags. The other one is hiked up over her right shoulder.
CHAS
What do you mean you don't have
my reservation?
OWNER
Ma’am, I didn't say we didn't have
your reservation. It's just that we
had to book you with another outfit.
CHAS
What?
OWNER
It's okay. Everything is set. You
won’t know the difference.
CHAS
You do know who set this little
expedition up, don't you?
OWNER
Yes, Ma’am. Mr. Bullard has done
business with us for years now.
CHAS
Then if you continue to expect doing
business with Mr. Bullard you will fix this.
The relieved owner sees Ally coming toward them.
OWNER
Oh, here she is now. Ally, I'd
like you to meet Chastity…
ALLY
Tucker. We've met.
Ally puts on her best smile, sliding her hand through her sun-bleached hair quickly before extending it to Chas.
ALLY
Welcome to White Elephant Safari.
Chas slips the bag off her shoulder and drops it in Ally’s hand. Ally’s forced smile fades into one of extreme tolerance. Chas smiles at her sweetly. Chas turns back to the owner.
CHAS
Mr. Bullard will hear about this.
OWNER
Don't worry, everything will be
first rate. I can assure you…
The owner looks nervously at Ally as Chas spins away from him.
So, am I to understand that I'm the
very important person you were rushing
to meet… when you slammed into me.
Ally stifles the words she would really like to say. Instead, she opts for another tactic - a little more subtle - but just as curt.
ALLY
Yes, just as important as the person
you were rushing to meet when you…took
that nasty tumble.
CHAS
Might I remind you it was your fault.
Ally corrects her.
ALLY
Both our faults. But, might I remind
you that when all was said and done, I was
the only one left standing.
Ally shoots her a triumphant smile. As Chas moves in very close to her, Ally’s smile fades.
CHAS
Let's get one thing clear here. I'm
the client and you work for me…I expect
nothin' but the best, you got that.
ALLY
Oh, yes sir.
Ally snaps to attention before Chas shoot ice daggers at Ally.
ALLY (cont.)
Ma’am.
With her foot, Chas shoves her bag across the floor toward Ally. Turning, she storms off.
ALLY (cont.)
(softly)
And I ain't nothin' but the best.
Ally notices a slight catch in Chas’ step as she spoke. Chas chooses to ignore her comment, for now. Smiling, Ally picks up the last bag and follows her.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICA COUNTRY SIDE - DAY
Ally negotiates the Land Rover over the road, trying to miss the small gullies and potholes that are inherent to the backwoods roads of Africa. However, Chas throws her a knowing look, indicating that she hasn't missed one pothole yet. Both are feeling uncomfortable with the ride and the tension between them.
ALLY
So, I know I'm suppose to show you some
remote sites here in Tanzania, but, well,
what kinda place you got in mind?
CHAS
My company is building a resort here.
ALLY
Well, then you'll need a place closer
to Dars. With the roads the way…
Chas cuts her off.
CHAS
No. This will be one of the finest
resorts in the world…exclusive clientele.
ALLY
You still need good roads to get
them back and forth.
CHAS
This…our resort will cater to the
ultra rich. It will have its own
landing field and all the amenities
that would be expected. This isn't
just your usual run of the mill
safari adventure.
ALLY
So, you'll need an outfit to
cater to your clients and, well, we
at White Elephant Safari specialize
in the….unusual.
Chas glares at her for a moment. Ally feels uncomfortable under Chas' scrutiny, and fiddles with a lock of her hair.
CHAS
Not that unusual.
She smiles at Chas grimly.
ALLY
Well, only three more hours and we’ll
be at the compound.
Chas' attention is drawn to a herd of gazelle off to the left.
Ally returns her eyes to the path with the intent of hitting a few potholes located on the passenger's side of the road.
CUT TO
INT. WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARI QUARTERS - EVENING
Ally drapes a large map over the table. Chas leans closer studying the map. Ally points to a location on the map.
ALLY
Here. This might be a good place to
start. It has plenty of open land and…
Chas points at another location on the map.
CHAS
This place. What about here?
Ally shakes her head questionably.
ALLY
That is rugged. Definitely no way
in except by air or…boat. See there's
a river that comes close to it. But
it’s not the easiest to negotiate.
CHAS
I'm not looking for something simple.
Some of our clients will want a 'real'
African safari experience.
Ally’s finger circles around the area on the map.
ALLY
This river runs through most of that
section…and there is a small lake
at the bottom of this mountain.
CHAS
Good, good. What about the jungle?
Is it close?
ALLY
Yeah, well, within driving range. Of
course, you'll need to carve a few
roads of your own… or backpack your way in.
Chas straightens back up.
CHAS
Then that's it. When do we get going?
Kana walks in from the kitchen.
KANA
The dishes are done. You need
anything else?
Ally folds the map.
ALLY
Could you top off the tank in the
Rover? Chassie here and I will…
CHAS
Chastity!
ALLY
Chastity… and I will be leaving first
thing in the morning for a day trip.
KANA
Sure thing. It'll be ready.
CHAS
How early? And it seems to me it
will take more than a day to get there.
KANA
Bright and early. Actually, come
to think of it, dark and early.
She gets up well before the sun so
I'll get everything ready for you tonight.
Ally pats Kana’s back as he passes her then heads for the door.
ALLY
Good man.
(to Chas)
I thought we'd get an aerial view
first then head in…it should take
about a week to get there.
CHAS
You mean from the air.
ALLY
Yeah.
CHAS
That would require a plane.
ALLY
Or a helicopter, but in our case
a little Cessna works nicely. Why?
CHAS
I don't like planes.
ALLY
Then how did you get to Africa? Ya
flew, didn't ya?
CHAS
They were much bigger. Solid. Not
some piece of metal held together only
with a few bolts and a wind-up engine.
Maybe you could just take some
pictures and bring them back.
ALLY
Ahhhh. You're afraid of heights.
CHAS
I am not afraid of anything.
Ally can't help herself.
Having found a weakness in Chas’ armor, Ally intends to toy with her.
ALLY
Don't worry. We'll have the best
pilot in the business flying us
and if you want, I'll even hold your
hand…it's not usually a part of
the standard service… but in your case….
Chas, not willing to discuss the issue further, twists around sharply heading toward a closed door. Chas stops in somewhat of a state of confusion when she realizes she doesn’t know where her bedroom is located.
ALLY (cont.)
The other way, down the hall, first
door on the right.
Chas turns to her left.
ALLY
Your other right.
Fuming, Chas stomps toward her.
CHAS
I expect professional service from
you and that includes a civil tongue.
Ally comes to attention after Chas passes her.
ALLY
Yes, sir… ma’am…. whatever.
Ally sticks out her tongue as Chas proceeds to her room.
CHAS
(mumbles)
The sooner I get back to civilization
the better.
CUT TO
EXT. WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARI COMPOUND - EARLY, EARLY MORNING
Kana slams the hatch on the Land Rover as Ally and Chas step
off the ten-foot wide porch.
KANA
Ally, I packed a tent and some
other gear just in case…. you know.
Chas, who has been dragging behind wiping the sleep out of her eyes, perks up at Kana's comment.
CHAS
What do you mean, you know? In case what?
Kana shrugs.
KANA
In case, you put down somewhere,
get stuck in the mud or whatever.
CHAS
Put down somewhere?
KANA
First thing I learned about the wilds
of Africa is that you have to be prepared.
Ally pulls Chas' arm and directs her to the vehicle.
ALLY
Come on, Chassie. Nothin's gonna
happen, quick trip there and back. We’ll
have you back tonight safe and sound.
Ally opens the door for her, and deposits Chas in her seat. Chas’ mind is still a bit dizzy from the early hour and news of impending danger.
CHAS
(weakly)
Chastity.
Then she notices several rifles in the vehicle. One is secured to the roof above them. The other one is located between the driver's seat and passenger’s seat pointing up to the roof.
Then for the first time, she gets a good look at Ally. She is sporting a handgun strapped at the waist, tucked in a cross- drawn holster. On the right side of her waist is what appears to be an eight-inch knife secured in its sheath.
CHAS
What in God's name are you doing
with all this artillery?
Ally just smiles at Chas. She hits the gas pedal, forcing Chas back against her seat. Kana yells at them as he waves goodbye.
KANA
I'll just stay here and keep
scoutin' for those poachers.
(to himself)
Right after I get a few more
hours of sleep.
Kana's comment about poachers did not go unnoticed by Chas.
CUT TO
EXT. SMALL LANDING STRIP - DAY
Ally stops her vehicle near a zebra striped Cessna airplane. Apart from the plane, the place seems deserted. They get out of the vehicle, then Ally opens the hatch and sorts through some gear. Chas watches her.
CHAS
You gonna fly that thing.
ALLY
No, but I could. Here hold this.
Ally hands Chas a small pack.
CHAS
Oh, I need my digital camera.
ALLY
Right.
Chas returns her attention to the small plane while Ally searches for the camera. Slowly, the side door of the plane flips down. Out into the bright sunlight steps Eric. He is armed to the teeth. He has a rifle slung over his right shoulder with a shoulder holster packing a handgun under each arm. Chas notices a knife strapped to Eric's side that is at least twice the size of the one that Ally is carrying. Chas watches him in suspended trepidation. As he flips his sunglasses off, Eric takes the last step to the ground. That's when Chas can clearly see a two-inch scar along his left eye. Eric directs a look at Chas that is no less menacing as it is intense. He walks toward them. Chas nudges Ally.
CHAS
Al…Ally, you know this guy, right?
Ally slowly turns around to meet Eric's gaze. Ally takes a few brazen strides toward him, then halts. Eric stops, positioning himself in a defensive posture. He retrieves a bullet from his waistband, holding it so they can plainly see it.
ERIC
What's the BC?
ALLY
It's the ballistic co-efficient. It
takes into consideration the length,
width and hole silhouette of the bullet
itself to determine how fast and how
flat it's gonna shoot.
A smile crops across Eric's face at a snail's pace. Finally, Eric stretches his arms wide.
ERIC
Come here.
ALLY
Hey, cowboy.
Ally covers the short distance and they hug. After the embrace, Eric nods toward Chas.
ERIC
Who you got there?
Knowing it will irritate Chas, Ally tries out a few twists to Chas’ formal name.
ALLY
Chassie….. Charlie…. Chuck….
Chas asserts herself before Ally continues.
CHAS
Chastity Tucker with Bullard Enterprises.
Chas extends his hand. Eric does the same and nods.
CHAS
Have we met?
Eric’s blue eyes scope Chas’s long frame slowly.
ERIC
I’m sure I woulda remembered.
Eric swings his arm around Ally as he heads to the plane.
ERIC
So, where we goin' today?
After the plane is loaded with a few bags that belong to Chas and Ally, the plane takes off.
CUT TO
INT. CESSNA AIRPLANE CABIN - DAY
After takeoff, Eric levels the plane. Chas eyes all the armaments located throughout the plane. Sitting in the seat next to her is a western saddle.
ERIC
Why are you interested in that
particular area, Charlie?
CHAS
Chastity. And I'm looking for a
place to build a resort.
Eric looks at Ally questionably.
ALLY
It will cater to only the finest people…
the harder the place is to get to, you
know, keeps away all the riff-raff.
CHAS
We're just looking for a place that will
give our clientele the true flavor of
Africa…not a tourist trap.
Eric swings the plane down lower near a herd of wildebeests. Chas tries to stay upright in her seat.
CHAS
Hey, can’t you keep this thing level.
ERIC
Just thought you’d like a view.
Ally watches Chas shift around uncomfortably in her seat avoiding the window. Eric levels the plane off.
ERIC
I know a few other places that
should be perfect for what ya need.
CHAS
No. My boss is interested in this
particular section.
Eric guides the plane south.
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. CESSNA AIRPLANE - DAY
The airplane crosses the African countryside as it follows the path of the river below, then heads in the direction of a mountain located off in the distance.
CUT TO
INT. CESSNA AIRPLANE CABIN - DAY
Eric drops the plane lower to the ground for a closer look.
ALLY
We're on the outer edge of it now.
See where the river splits, just
on the other side.
Chas forces herself to look out the window. Ally can't help but smile at Chas’ reluctance to do so. Chas snaps a few shots of the ground below with her camera. Suddenly, a voice of a dispatcher comes over the radio.
DISPATCHER
Ranger one, come in.
Eric snatches the mike.
ERIC
Ranger one, go ahead.
DISPATCHER
We got reports of some activity
located over the Pesa region. Since
you're in that area, how bout a look?
ERIC
Will do. Ranger one out.
DISPATCHER
Charlie one out.
Chas annoyingly swings her head back toward Eric.
CHAS
Chastity!
Looking at each other, Ally and Eric stifle a laugh. Then Chas realizes that it was the voice’s code name on the radio.
CHAS
Sorry.
ERIC
We'll have to cut this short.
Eric negotiates the plane deeper into southern African territory. Ally directs her attention to Chas' questioning look.
ALLY
Poachers. Looks like we get a side trip.
Eric pulls the plane up higher, leveling off. He continues to fly for several more minutes before dropping it again to a lower altitude. With the plane at a slight downward incline, Eric passes over a charred wooded area. He turns the plane around for another pass. Chas ventures a look, as does Eric and Ally. Clearly on the ground are remnants of a camp apparently left in disarray. Most of the ground is black with a few pieces of camping equipment strung around. It appears to Chas that someone may have left in a hurry. Eric retrieves the radio mike.
ERIC
Ranger one to base.
DISPATCHER
Go ahead, Ranger one.
ERIC
Sorry, nothin' on this end.
DISPATCHER
All clear, huh?
ERIC
Yep, looks like another false lead.
Ranger one out.
DISPATCHER
Thanks for the look, Charlie one out.
Chas studies Eric for a moment, not quite certain why he didn't report what they had seen. Chas decides to remain quiet though. Chas fiddles through her bag, no longer paying attention to the view or Eric and Ally. Eric leans close to Ally.
ERIC
(softly)
Do me a favor and keep her out
of the Mbaya area. There's a real
nice place bout a hundred miles north.
Well, you know the place.
ALLY
Sure, but….
Eric shifts his eyes at her in a 'don't go there look'. Ally nods. Eric brings the plane in for a safe landing.
CUT TO
EXT. SMALL LANDING STRIP - DAY
The Cessna airplane takes off again. Ally and Chas are near their vehicle. She grabs a device from Chas’ hands.
ALLY
What’cha got there?
CHAS
Global tracking device.
She flips it over a couple times, then hands it back.
ALLY
So where are we?
Chas ignores Ally as she steps around to her side of the vehicle and gets in. Ally starts the vehicle. Nodding to the plane in the sky, which appears quite small now, Chas returns her gaze to Ally.
CHAS
I don't trust him. There was clearly
some kind of activity down in that
camp. Who is he anyway?
Ally rifles through his vest.
ALLY
Maybe you got a gadget in there that
will find that out.
Fighting her octopus hands, Chas pushes her away.
ALLY (con’t)
Come on. You worry too much.
CUT TO
INT. WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARI QUARTERS - DAY
Lying on the couch, Kana is playing with the global tracking device while Chas is on the telephone directly behind him. Chas notices Kana and rips the device from his hands, shaking her head in frustration. Kana reluctantly gets up to see what Ally is up to at her desk.
KANA
Is she always so possessive?
Ally glances at Chas. She sees Chas flipping the device around in her hand as she is talking.
ALLY
She likes her toys.
Ally returns to the papers in front of her. Kana watches. With a deep sigh, she directs her attention back to Kana.
ALLY (cont.)
Be nice. If that resort goes through
we could get some much needed business.
These bills aren't paying themselves.
She flips the bills up in the air.
ALLY (cont.)
Everything ready for tomorrow?
KANA
Yeah.
Kana spies Chas coming toward them.
KANA (cont.)
Here she comes. See ya later.
ALLY
Thanks.
(to Chas)
So, what's up?
CHAS
Just checking in with my boss.
Ally gets up.
ALLY
We gotta big trip tomorrow so I guess
I'll hit the sack. Maybe you should, too.
CHAS
Will we get breakfast this time
before we take off?
ALLY
We'll eat on the road. Gotta get up early.
Ally heads off to her room. Chas calls after her.
CHAS
Is that early for you or early for me?
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Ally and Chas are driving over a well-traveled dirt road. They are traversing through one of Africa's Reserves. Ally points to several different types of animals as Chas snaps a few shots with her camera. Ally stops her vehicle near an elephant herd. Chas stands up through the sunroof and takes a couple of pictures of an elephant cow and her off-spring.
CHAS
Wow. They're really big…and did
you see that baby…huge little guy.
Chas settles back into her seat. Ally pulls out slowly.
ALLY
Yeah, they're my favorites.
CHAS
No! Really! White Elephant Safari.
I wouldn't of guessed. They're not
white though. What's with that?
ALLY
A white elephant represents prestige,
authority and legitimacy; powerful creatures.
CHAS
White elephant, that's just a myth though.
ALLY
The white elephant is not the stuff
of myths, legends, and fairy tales. They
use to play a central role in the daily
lives of people…mostly in Asia.
CHAS
So, they're here in Africa?
ALLY
Who knows? It's still believed
they exist in the wild.
CHAS
There is a myth about something white,
though, and it has to do with elephants.
ALLY
You're talkin’ about white gold.
CHAS
What's that?
ALLY
Elephant tusks. The myth is that
when elephants die, they go to a mass
graveyard…that has never been located…
and if anyone would ever find it…well,
with all the ivory there, a person would
be rich beyond their dreams.
CHAS
A myth, huh?
ALLY
Some people believe it exists.
A loud hunger sound emits from Chas' stomach.
CHAS
Is it time to eat yet?
Ally wields the vehicle though the rough terrain to a nice clearing near a small lake. There are several animals in and around the water. A flock of birds fly overhead, swooping through the sky.
ALLY
This place do?
Chas is hunting through the food pack. Chas finally retrieves two sandwiches, and hands one to Ally. Chas reaches for her door handle.
ALLY (cont.)
You might want to stay inside.
CHAS
You're not getting out?
ALLY
No, not right now…after I eat maybe.
CHAS
What's a matter, great white hunter afraid?
Chas pushes her door open.
ALLY
With your food it's better to stay…
Chas ignores her. She hops up on the hood of the car. Chas takes a big bite of her sandwich. Turning around to Ally, who remains inside the vehicle, she smiles.
CHAS
Great view out here.
Ally shakes her head.
ALLY
I did try to warn her.
CHAS
Hey, look at those birds. Man see
that wing span. This is great.
She relaxes, contently watching the animals and enjoying her food. Again, Chas throws a big smile at Ally. Chase turns back, opens her mouth for another big bite, when suddenly one of the birds swoops down, snatching the sandwich from her hands. Chas stares at her empty hand for a few moments, then looks up to the escaping bird. Abruptly, Chas leaps from the hood, jumping back inside the vehicle to safety.
CHAS
Not a word, not one word.
Chas crosses her arms in a huff.
CHAS (cont.)
You know, you could of warned me…I mean
it's not like I'm not paying you…oh, sure
you take the time to explain to me about
all these myths of Africa but the things
I really need to know…for some reason you
keep them a secret from me…you get some
kind of little kick out of it…tormenting me.
Ally lets her ramble awhile.
ALLY
You ready to go yet?
Chas straightens her posture, trying to project total confidence.
CHAS
(fiercely)
I was born ready.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICA BUSH – EVENING
Ally gets out of the Land Rover while Chas stubbornly stays inside it. Chas looks cautiously out the window to the surrounding area. Ally makes a quick check around the grounds. She opens the back hatch to the vehicle and grabs some equipment.
ALLY
You getting’ out?
CHAS
Not if you have any more surprises for me.
ALLY
We'll camp here tonight, it's safe…
no swooping bird here.
The sarcastic look Chas shoots at her definitely says Chas doesn't trust her reassurance. Ally starts putting up the tent while Chas cautiously steps out of the vehicle.
CHAS
Maybe I could just sleep in the vehicle.
ALLY
Suit yourself…but the cots in the
tent will be much more comfortable…
Chas emerges from the vehicle with caution. Chas slowly walks over to her and starts to help with the tent.
ALLY (cont.)
Oh, you might want to tuck the
bottom of your pant legs in your boots.
She looks at Ally for a moment, then studies her own boots.
CHAS
Why? These boots are the best money
can buy…they go half way up my calves.
ALLY
I'm sure the boots are fine…it's just…
Chas throws up her hand to halt Ally.
CHAS
I do know some things about camping.
I don't need you to mother me and
tell how I should dress. Just
keeping me informed of certain animal
behavior is all the kind of advice I
really need from you. Okay?
ALLY
Fine by me.
They continue setting up camp.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICA BUSH NEAR A RIVER - DAY
Ally crouches down, moving stealthy through the bush with Chas close behind.
ALLY
Shhh…
They move near the river's edge. Several hippos are bathing in the river. There is a small hippo's carcass caught on a small riverbed. A lion stealthy approaches the intended meal. Twitching around, Chas shakes her leg wildly. Ally halts. She turns to Chas.
ALLY
You're as quiet as a stampede.
Ally can see Chas is miserable.
ALLY
What's goin' on with you.
Chas is laying on the ground, her leg up in the air thrashing about.
CHAS
Something's in my pants.
Ally leans back on her heels.
ALLY
Yeah, I bet there is. Is this
the same little game you tried to
play last night?
CHAS
No, really.
Ally pushes Chas’ leg down and pulls her pants off. Chas stands up abruptly while Ally flips Chas’ pants in the air a couple of times. A tiny little lizard flies out of them. She shoves Chas’ pants back to her.
ALLY
Here.
Chas quickly puts her pants back on. Then resumes her position behind Ally. Ally stares at Chas’ pant legs. Chas follows her line of sight.
CHAS
Yeah, right.
Chas plops down, quickly stuffing her pant legs in her boots.
ALLY
Come on, you gotta see this.
They move closer to the river. They are within fifty feet of the lion and hippos. One of the hippos poses in a threatening stance in front of the lion.
CHAS
What's he doing? That lion
will take him out for sure.
ALLY
Just wait.
The lion lunges forward several times but is hesitant to strike. The hippo moves slowly toward it. Several moments go by with each animal making threatening overtures to each other. The lion, his hunger still unabated, finally withdraws. Glancing back to the hippo several times, he treks away in search of another meal.
CHAS
I don't get it.
ALLY
Three tons of hippo versus three
hundred pounds of lion…as ferocious
as they are…is no match at times.
They sit back and relax, watching the animals go about their daily business of survival in the wilds.
CHAS
Survival of the fittest, I understand.
Only the strong survive.
Chas has Ally's full attention now.
CHAS (cont.)
I know, I know, but New York can be
a jungle too. I wasn't born into the
elite. Strictly lower class, but with
enough desire and right motivation,
I made my way up.
ALLY
Did you leave anybody in your wake?
CHAS
Listen, some people are just weak…
they don't have what it takes. You
gotta get that edge and use it.
ALLY
At all costs?
CHAS
I know what you’re thinkin’…but great
things have been discovered and made
possible by great people. Sometimes,
you have to tread over a few things…
I understand the difference between
predator and prey…and I'm not gonna
be anyone's prey.
ALLY
And when the prey are up against the
predator's technological advances,
that's okay?
CHAS
What do you mean?
ALLY
Take elephants for example. Even with
the ban on ivory, the demand is high
and very lucrative. They'd use anything
to attain it. And the people who desire
it don't care about the animal itself.
CHAS
Honey, there are still tons of ivory
stored in China and other places. What
do you want them to do, burn it? And
what about that elephant graveyard…
Ally aims a glaring look at Chas.
ALLY
What about it?
CHAS
So! Who cares if they find it and
take the ivory. The animal is dead.
ALLY
As I said, it's a myth. But it
doesn't stop there, people will do
anything for money…poachers slaughter
elephants just for their tusks and leave
their carcass to rot. Over half the
elephant population was wiped out in
the seventies in seven short years.
CHAS
It's called survival of the fittest.
ALLY
Survival of the more technologically
advanced, you mean. There's a book by
Richard Carrington. It says 'The evolution
of the human consciousness is gradually
leading to a greater understanding of
certain fundamentals truths. One of
these is that a compassionate interest
in the welfare of animals less advanced
in the evolutionary scale than ourselves
is an essential component in the character
of the truly civilized man…accepted by
all thinking people as a simple and
unassailable criterion of spiritual maturity.
Ally pauses. Looking directly at Chas, she continues.
ALLY (cont.)
For great people, it's about
preservation…not exploitation.
CHAS
And you think I, oh, our resort would
be exploiting the animals.
ALLY
There certainly are some people who
just look at these beautiful creatures
as something to be put on exhibit for
their own pleasures. It's funny, here in
Africa, as a tourist, the people are caged
in their vehicles…so to speak…it's like the
animals are the ones viewing us instead of
like the zoos back home where the animal is
caged. The reverse affect. Kinda ironic…huh?
This is the best way to see 'em…in their
natural habitats. It's this pristine country
and its animals that are the heart of Africa.
The very thing I want to preserve.
CHAS
(sarcastically)
You certainly profit from 'em.
ALLY
Yeah, I do. But I'm also very
respectful that this is their home…
and they allow me to share it.
CHAS
So you respect all animals.
ALLY
Yeah, except hyenas…I hate hyenas
…they are ugly sneaking cowards…
The look Ally gives Chas makes her wonder just who Ally is talking about - her, the hyenas or both.
ALLY (cont.)
….they never show the spirit of a
good clean honest fight.
She gets up quickly.
ALLY (cont.)
Let's go, daylights burnin'.
Chas follows her through the bush and back to the vehicle.
CUT TO
INT. ERIC'S SHACK - NIGHT
Eric's fingers poke at the buttons on the keyboard. He hits the return key. The computer screen displays the Interpol Database. Eric slowly types in several more characters on the keyboard. His hunt and peck motion is slow but determined. When the telephone RINGS, he grabs it.
ERIC
Yeah.
Eric listens for a minute or two.
ERIC
I’m on my way…but they’re just the
minnows…remember, I want the big fish.
A picture pops up on the screen but unseen. A feral smile crosses Eric's face.
CUT TO
EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT
Ally and Chas are sitting around the fire. She is diligently sharpening her machete. Chas glances Ally’s way several times with a bored look on her face. Chas pulls out her cell phone from her vest pocket. She punches in several characters, making individual noises as she does. In frustration, Ally casts her glaring green eyes at Chas. Chas takes note of Ally’s dismay.
CHAS
What? I'm not disturbing you.
ALLY
Your mere presence disturbs me.
They both go back to fiddling on their respective projects.
CUT TO
INT. BULLARD'S OFFICE - DAY
Bullard is stretched out in his chair watching Davis pace.
DAVIS
I don't like it I tell ya.
BULLARD
Me neither.
Davis stops in front of Bullard's desk and leans on it.
DAVIS
So what are we gonna do, Bull?
Bullard sits up straight. A huge devious smile breaks across his face.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - DAY
Ally and Chas are traversing through the thick bush. Ally occasionally swings her machete at branches that are impeding her advancement. Chas struggles to maintain the pace.
CHAS
It's hot.
ALLY
No, it's not.
CHAS
It's sticky.
ALLY
No, it's not.
CHAS
Can we rest a minute?
ALLY
No!
CHAS
I'm not going any farther.
Chas slumps down on a fallen limb, leaning back against a tree surrounded by foliage. Ally turns back toward her.
ALLY
Yes, you are.
She nods at something directly behind Chas. Chas peeks around, seeing a rat-size elephant shrew nibbling at her collar, she jumps up, grabs Ally’s machete and starts hacking away.
CHAS
Let's rock!
CUT TO
EXT. CAMPSITE - EVENING
Ally finishes putting the cleaned dishes back in the pack. She then casually lounges back against a tree. Chas is gathering some equipment and her bedroll, then takes it into the tent. When Chas exits the tent, she immediately notices Ally standing there. Her eyes are the size of half-dollars and Ally’s body appears frozen in space. A six-foot snake almost identical to the one Chas has at her apartment is perched just behind Ally’s right shoulder. Chas steps closer, slowly.
CHAS
Just take it easy, don't move.
Ally throws Chas a look like 'sure, I was just getting ready to dance a jig or two'. Chas moves around to Ally’s right and gently grabs the snake. Chas backs away from her. Ally is up and at'em, moving farther away.
ALLY
You better watch it, that's
a dangerous snake.
CHAS
It's not dangerous if you know how
to handle it. See?
Chas offers the snake to Ally. Instinctively, she retreats. Chas takes the snake away from camp then releases it. When Chas returns to camp, Ally is already bedded down in the tent. Chas enters then crawls into her own bedding.
ALLY
Can I trust you to keep your hands
to yourself tonight?
Chas wiggles her eyebrows at Ally seductively.
CHAS
Is that what you really want?
Ally realizes this is the kind of woman that is used to having her way with women. She formulates another tactic in order to deal with Chas. Ally glares at Chas, wanting some reassurance the dark haired woman will do as Ally requests.
CHAS (cont.)
Oh, alright. I'll keep my hands to myself.
Chas shrugs.
CHAS (cont.)
Well, mostly to myself.
ALLY
(softly)
Thanks.
Chas realizes that Ally is thanking her about the snake incident.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - DAY
Again, Ally and Chas are making their way through the African bush. Leading the way, Ally glances back at Chas several times. Chas simply smiles at her. In a grassland area off to their right, they take note of several packs of animals in a small valley. It looks like a pair of lions is on their honeymoon as they stalk each other in amorous advances. Ally can't help but smile at Chas. Across the valley several sets of gazelles are engaged in the dance of mating. It's that time of year in Africa, the mating season.
Ally and Chas move deeper into the African bush. Swinging her machete, Ally carves a path through the thick bush. Chas ducks quickly as one swing swipes right by her.
CHAS
Hey, watch it. You're dangerous
with that machete.
Ally turns to Chas, waving the machete carelessly around in front of her.
ALLY
Oh, I'm not so dangerous if you know
how to handle me.
She has a mischievous glint in her dancing green eyes.
CHAS
I don't think I like that look in
your eyes.
Feeling playful, with a predatory grace, Ally moves closer to Chas.
ALLY
You put it there. The question
is… can you put it out?
Pushing the machete aside, Chas closes the distance. Chas takes Ally in her arms and kisses her passionately. The machete drops. Ally breaks away from the kiss first.
ALLY
(teasing)
Hey, that's not part of the package.
Chas misinterprets Ally’s comment and storms past her.
CHAS
Women! They're all alike.
Grabbing her arm, Ally swings Chas around to her.
ALLY
I don't like you ….much…
(then huskily)
but I do like the way you kiss.
She lunges at Chas, knocking her on the ground, Ally’s lips lock on to her in a fevered embrace. Chas responds immediately. They trade several passionate kisses before Chas flips her over. Chas’ lips wander down her neck, sucking every inch of it as she sighs in delight. Ally pulls Chas’ lips back to her own. Adjusting her position on top of Ally, her hands wander lower, pulling her shirt up. Chas begins to remove her clothes. Ally grabs Chas’ hand, directing them away from their intent. Then, she kisses Chas harder. But Chas' hands return to their original quest. With one last kiss, Ally sucks Chas’ lower lip then pushes her gently back.
ALLY
Not so fast.
CHAS
What!
Chas captures her lips in a savage kiss. Again, Chas attempts to remove Ally’s shirt. Ally pushes Chas back with determination. Chas' intense focus fades slightly. Ally scurries up from under Chas. She straightens her clothes, tucking her shirt back in her pants. Lying on her side, Chas slowly cools down from the heat of the moment. Chas offers her a perplexed stare. Ally temporarily ignores it.
CHAS (cont.)
I was giving you what you wanted.
ALLY
I just wanted some good old fashion
necking…but you want it all. Women! You're
all alike.
Ally rushes off, swinging her machete with vigor. With a deep sigh, Chas follows.
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - MID-DAY LATER THAT DAY
They have been traveling for several hours in the hot, humid thick bush. Swipe after swipe, Ally cuts down the undergrowth in an attempt to clear a path. Chas wipes the sweat from her brow while scrutinizing her surroundings. Chas plays with her global tracking device.
CHAS
Are you sure you know where you're
going? I swear I've seen these
same vines before.
After a few more solid swipes at the underbrush, Ally twists around. She glares at Chas with sparks of anger emitting from her eyes.
ALLY
Even in the deepest, darkest heart
of Africa, I know exactly where I'm at.
She turns sharply around, with one huge swing she cuts a vine directly in front of her. She plunges forward, precariously hanging onto the top of the vine that is still secure to the tree. Ally dangles over the edge of a sixty-foot high cliff. Grasping the top of her waistband, Chas pulls her back to safe ground. With great concern, Chas embraces her tightly.
CHAS
You all right?
She immediately breaks from Chas’ embrace.
ALLY
(curtly)
Of course, I am.
Running her fingers through her hair, Ally attempts desperately to maintain her composure. Chas snatches the machete from the ground. Chas heads off in the opposite direction, whacking away at the underbrush.
CHAS
(sarcastically)
Even in the deepest, darkest, heart of Africa,
I know exactly where I am.
Finally, Ally tracks after Chas.
ALLY
I coulda pulled myself back, you know.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - LATE AFTERNOON LATER THAT DAY
In a small clearing, Chas watches Ally intently. She is huddled over inspecting the ground.
CHAS
What cha doin'?
ALLY
These tracks here…see?
She points to a small area. Chas glances at several small animal tracks, then shrugs.
CHAS
So?
ALLY
Just safe to know what animals
are lurking around. Nothin' to
worry about…these are the only
tracks I've seen in awhile.
Ally slams her machete into a log on the ground. She sits down next to it.
CHAS
I know a little 'bout trackin' myself.
ALLY
Oh, do you?
CHAS
Sure, for one thing, there are many
different types of animals…like these tracks.
Chas points to some tracks. Ally studies them closely.
CHAS
They've been all over the place.
Chas chuckles.
CHAS (cont.)
Seems you've missed 'em.
ALLY
When did ya first notice 'em?
Chas folds her arms smugly at her discovery.
CHAS
(confidently)
Since early this morning.
Ally crosses her leg up over the other one.
ALLY
Do they look like….this?
Ally points to the sole of her hiking boot. Upon realization that the tracks match the sole of Ally’s boot, Chas narrows her eyes. Chas grabs the machete and heads off into the bush.
ALLY
Let me know if you find anymore…
suspicious tracks.
Laughing heartily, Ally practically falls off the log. She finally kicks back to relax a moment. A SCREAM jerks Ally up from her repose. She practically flies to the scream’s origin. Stopping short from the river's edge, Ally quickly assesses the situation. Chas is perched on a low hanging, foot wide branch above the river, about twenty-feet from the edge of the bank. One arm is wrapped around a vine, while still trying to hold on to the machete. The other arm is wrapped around the limb.
ALLY (cont.)
Let go of the vine.
CHAS
No.
ALLY
Come on, let it go.
CHAS
Are you crazy?
ALLY
Listen, I can’t help you if you
don't let go of the vine.
CHAS
Okay.
Chas fiddles with the vine. Ally cringes.
ALLY
Don’t you dare drop my machete. Just
unhook your arm from around the vine.
Chas does and immediately grabs the limb. The vine swings back to the river's edge. Stretching out, Ally snags it.
ALLY
Okay, now I'm gonna swing out there
so stay put.
CHAS
Maybe I could just drop down in the
water, it's not that far.
ALLY
Do you really wanna keep those crocs
company?
Chas takes a closer look below.
CHAS
I thought those were huge lily pads.
ALLY
Yeah, ones that bite. Here I come.
Ally takes a running swing out toward Chas. She passes right by Chas.
ALLY (cont.)
I'll be right back.
On her return trip, Ally catches the limb with her leg. She quickly gets in a comfortable position.
CHAS
Now who's gonna save you?
Ally takes her machete and re-sheaths it into the holster on her back. Grasping several smaller limbs further up, Ally stands. She reaches for Chas.
ALLY
Here give me your hand. There's
plenty of room to stand.
Chas slowly gets up, hurriedly grabbing some higher limbs.
ALLY (cont.)
You're taller, grab as high as you
can on the vine. I'll hold on to the
lower end…and on the count of three,
we'll swing back. One.
Chas clutches the vine tightly.
ALLY (cont.)
That's it…two…a big strong woman like you
shouldn't have a problem holdin' on…three….
Chas and Ally swing back safely to the river's edge. Tumbling to the ground, they end up in each other's arms. Finding herself on top of the smaller woman, Chas gazes seductively at Ally.
CHAS
That was fun.
ALLY
I think we've had enough fun for one day.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN CAMP - EVENING
After dinner, Ally is checking her pistol and other equipment. Chas watches her covertly while fiddling with her pack. Ally re-holster's her pistol. A loose string on the holster catches her attention. She pulls on it several times. Chas quickly reaches into her vest pocket to retrieve her knife. Seeing it, Chas quickly stuffs it back in her pocket. With one final yank, the string breaks loose. Ally sets the holster down.
She gets up to tend to the fire. Chas moves her long legs, accidentally pushing a long stick into the fire. The fire crackles and pops. When a small piece from the fire stings her eye, Ally falls back against the log. Chas jumps up to assist her.
CHAS
Here, let me see.
She pushes Chas away. But Chas grabs her hands tightly, pushing them down. Tenderly, Chas’ hands touch her face as Chas guides Ally’s eyes up. Ally squints. Chas studies her warm green eyes and the surrounding area.
CHAS
Wait here, let me get the kit.
Chas retrieves the first aid kit and hurries back to her. Chas wets the end of a cloth. Chas’ hand gently caresses her cheek, encouraging Ally to look at her.
ALLY
Do you know what you're doing?
CHAS
Nothin’ to it. Trust me, I'm good at this.
ALLY
You’d better be good.
Chas smirks at her comment.
CHAS
Oh, I'm good alright…unless, of
course, you want me to be bad.
A lopsided grin appears on Chas’ face. Ally starts to protest.
CHAS (cont.)
Hold still. There's just a small
bit of something right…. there….
Chas dabs the cloth at the corner of Ally’s eye. Ally blinks a few times carefully, then deep blue connects with emerald green. Their eyes hold each other in marvel for a few long moments.
CHAS (cont.)
Better?
ALLY
Yeah.
Chas starts to turn away. Ally holds her back.
ALLY (cont.)
Thanks.
She kisses Chas tenderly. Chas quickly adjusts herself against Ally. They continue to share light kisses. Understanding that Ally is different from the other women in her life, Chas breaks away reluctantly.
CHAS
Is this what you want?
ALLY
Well, it would be nice for it to be
a bit romantic…something a girl can
remember.
Chas reaches out and gently strokes her face.
CHAS
Romantic, huh? The dinner was
kinda romantic, wasn't it?
Ally closes her eyes against the gentle assault, enjoying the sensation of Chas’ touch.
ALLY
Check.
Chas kisses her tenderly, running her lips along Ally’s jaw.
CHAS
It's a beautiful night with a full moon.
ALLY
Check.
Chas’ hands find their way around her waist, scooting Ally down on the ground half on top of her.
CHAS
Nice cozy fire with babbling brook sounds
from the river nearby.
ALLY
Check.
CHAS
Beautiful woman … and me.
Chas smiles smugly. Chas gently flips her over. Now her body is pressed against Ally, lying half on top of her. Chas’ hands wander aimlessly on her body.
ALLY
Check.
CHAS
What more could you want?
Still a bit hesitant, Ally demurely looks down.
ALLY
We really don't know much about
each other though.
Chas momentarily halts her besiegement of Ally. She props herself up slightly.
CHAS
Okay, what'd you want to know?
Not prepared for her question, Ally thinks quickly.
ALLY
What's your favorite color?
Readjusting herself closer to Ally, Chas gazes deeply at her.
CHAS
The color of your eyes.
With those words, Ally's eyes flash with passion and a deep-rooted desire. Chas' fingers run smoothly over her creamy soft skin. Closing her eyes, Ally sighs a gentle moan. Chas’ fingertips leave her cheek, floating down to Ally’s cleavage. Ally opens her eyes again to find a look of desire burning brightly in Chas’ blue eyes with an unasked question. She nods her invitation. Chas succumbs and kisses Ally fiercely as her tongue snakes out demanding entry. When Chas’ tongue pushes through her lips, Ally is unable to control her moans of pleasure. She buries her fingers in Chas’ jet-black hair, merging their bodies together. The cool breeze of the night teased their bodies, yet the passion rising from them swiftly turned into a blistering inferno in each other's arms.
CUT TO
INT. TENT - EARLY MORNING
Ally and Chas' bodies are tangled together in the early dawn. Ally’s eyes open, looking at Chas as she sleeps peacefully. She kisses Chas lightly on the lips.
ALLY
Come on, we need to get up.
She starts up, but Chas pulls Ally back into her embrace.
CHAS
I can think of better things to do.
Chas kisses her, rubbing her body against the length of Ally’s form.
ALLY
You are such a pleasure hound.
Chas growls seductively and maneuvers her hands around Ally’s body, pulling her in for a passionate kiss. Chas’ kisses trail along her neck to her ear. Chas whispers something. Ally blushes.
ALLY (cont.)
Oh, you are bad.
Chas wiggles her eyebrows at Ally seductively. Shaking her head, Ally struggles away from Chas, yet a smile still radiates across her face.
ALLY
Now, go on…you pack up and I'll
get things in here ready to go.
Chas gets up reluctantly and dresses.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN CAMPSITE – MORNING
Chas gathers some equipment, storing it in their packs. She walks to the front of the tent. Stooped down right outside the front tent flap, Chas meticulously arranges her expensive equipment in her silver metal case. After she finally snaps the case shut, Chas swings back up with the case in hand. She stops cold in her tracks when she notices a small tribe of African warriors circled completely around the camp. Chas scans the whole area slowly, puts her case down, then in one fluid movement, she rotates around on her heels pushing the tent flap aside, rushing in.
CUT TO
INT. TENT – MORNING
As Chas hurdles herself in side the tent, Ally is changing her clothes. The only thing she is wearing is her underwear and a shirt. Abruptly Ally pulls her top back on, closing it.
ALLY
Hey! A few minutes more and I
would've been naked.
The look of fear on Chas’ face gives way to a sexy smile.
CHAS
Really! Cause I could come back.
ALLY
I thought you were going to pack up
the camp before we leave…or….
Ally lets the front of her shirt drape open slightly.
ALLY
…or were you lookin’ for a little
bit of company this mornin’
Realization of what awaits them outside hits Chas upside the head, knocking her from her lust-filled thoughts.
CHAS
Funny, you should mention that…
that’s exactly what we’ve got…company.
Ally hurriedly dresses, following Chas out of the shack but not before she slings her machete over her shoulder and grabs her pistol.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN CAMPSITE – MORNING
Ally faces the same scene Chas did just moments before. She steps out in front of Chas, acknowledging the warriors in silent discernment. Directly in front of them, two warriors step aside as Eric confronts Ally and Chas. With her pistol still in hand, Ally diligently tries to tuck her shirt in and arrange her clothes. Eric eyes Ally’s disheveled look fastidiously, then glowers at Chas. Chas’ composure does not falter under his glare. With his rifle hiked up over his shoulder, Eric strides forward.
SAM CHECK DISCERNMENT
ERIC
How far would you lead a gazelle
traveling at a full run?
ALLY
You’d lead it as far as it would
take for a clean kill.
Eric shrugs.
ERIC
Can’t argue that.
Eric warmly embraces Ally. He turns to the warriors. Circling his free arm, he motions to them.
ERIC (cont.)
(in Kiswahili)
Strike the camp quickly.
Eric glides Ally around, heading them away from camp. Several paces behind, Chas, with case in hand, gets trapped in the midst of the warriors. Eric leans close to Ally.
ERIC (cont.)
Thought I asked you to stay out
of this area.
ALLY
Would you believe I got lost?
He laughs.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN TRIBE VILLAGE - DAY
Along with about a dozen warriors, Eric, Ally and Chas enter the Moola-Moola tribe's village. Many of the tribe members are going about their daily business, when WARRIOR #1 rushes past Eric to the chief's hut. The warrior exits the hut with the CHIEF as Eric approaches it. His group halts just outside the chief's hut.
CHIEF
Hey, cowboy…
Eric exchanges the customary greeting, then hugs the tribal chief. The chief spots Ally over Eric's shoulder. He stretches his arms out toward her.
CHIEF (cont.)
Long time no see…Allison.
They embrace. Chas takes note of her name. The chief eyes the newcomer suspiciously. Letting go of Ally, he studies Chas diligently. Turning to Eric, the chief points at Chas.
CHIEF (cont.)
What is she made of?
A feral look crosses Eric's face.
ERIC
Guess we'll just have to find out.
A huge smile comes over the chief's serious expression as the warriors and other natives yell, hoop and holler in anticipation of the challenge. Several warriors rush off to a nearby open area in the middle of the village. Chas moves closer to Ally. Ally directs Chas along behind Eric and the Chief. Chas notices a target plank set up approximately fifty feet from where they have now stopped. Warrior #1 rushes to the Chief with a spear, taking it, he addresses the tribe.
CHIEF
(in Kiswahili)
Bwana brings us a new heart to our
tribe…her test is courage. Let our
sacred protector of which we protect
with our lives…show her true spirit.
The tribe jumps in unison chanting the sacred ritual song. Although, Chas has not understood a word the Chief spoke, she is positive it won't bode well for her.
CHAS
I'm not gonna like this, am I, Allison?
Ally cringes at her name.
ALLY
It's a test of courage, but
don't worry, you're in no danger.
Chas glances fearfully at the target plank. Then notices the Chief is looking directly at her. Chas swallows hard.
ALLY (cont.)
You have to pick.
CHAS
Pick what? Where I want the spear
to pierce my body? Some choice.
ALLY
No. You choose who you throw the
spear at.
CHAS
What? What kind of test of
courage is that?
ERIC
It doesn't take much courage to
face death. The real courage lies
in knowing that you are responsible
for someone's life and what you do
with it. Now choose.
Chas looks around the crowd with trepidation. Her eyes finally fall on Ally for some kind of direction. Holding Chas’ gaze, Ally quickly shifts her eyes toward Eric then back to Chas giving her an absolute measure of confidence at her suggestion. Reluctantly, Chas motions toward Eric. Eric takes his place in front of the target plank.
CHAS
Don't worry, I'll make sure I miss.
ALLY
Oh, I'm not worried about my uncle…
CHAS
Uncle?
ALLY
…he'll be fine. But you best be
accurate, if they don't think your
throw is serious, you get to be mated with
the tribe's fair maiden over there.
Ally nods in the direction of Mali-Mali, (Molly-Molly) a middle-aged woman with a crazed look in her eyes and dressed to the hilt with symbols of voodoo and charms.
ALLY
She had a husband once, oh, there
he is…at least his head…see, he's
hangin' from her staff.
There is a shrunken head dangling from the staff in her hand. She smiles sweetly at Chas.
CHAS
You're kidding, right?
Chas turns her attention back to Eric, the human target.
ALLY
Come on, you can do it, Chassie.
Chas’ impending fear causes her gruff response.
CHAS
It's not Chassie.
Chas bores a look into Ally that brooks no argument. Ally then wistfully looks at her questioningly.
ALLY
Chas?
With complete resignation, not only to Ally’s recent spin on Chas’ name but her imminent predicament, Chas launches the spear at Eric. It sails through the air slicing the edge of Eric's left forearm. Eric removes the spear, breaks it, tossing it aside. The tribe jumps in an uproar of joy.
ALLY (cont.)
You can look now.
To Chas' temporary relief, she sees Eric approaching her mostly unharmed. Eric is practically nose-to-nose with Chas now. A slight grin emerges across Eric's lips.
ERIC
For now.
Eric strides past her. Ally moves in closer to Chas.
ALLY
I think he likes you.
CHIEF
Now we celebrate!
The chief follows Eric into his hut.
DISSOLVE TO
EXT. AFRICAN TRIBE VILLAGE - NIGHT
Gathered around a huge fire, the Chief, Eric, Ally and Chas watch the dancers pounding their feet to the rhythmic beat of the drums.
CHIEF
How is your father, Allison?
ALLY
Great, doing real well…
CHIEF
He's good at healing. We still
remember his help to my tribe
many years ago.
ALLY
He's the best.
Eric pouts slightly at Ally's remark. Then in a rare moment, he reveals his vulnerable side that only his niece or brother is allowed to see.
ERIC
Yeah, but I was the bestest baby.
Ally looks at her uncle warmly. The Chief hands Chas a drink, nodding for her to partake. Chas slowly sips the concoction, then nods her head in approval. She drinks deeply from the cup.
CHIEF
What brings you to Africa?
CHAS
Business. We're lookin' for a
place to build a resort…
The look on the Chief's face caused Chas to try another tactic.
CHAS (cont.)
It's so people from all over
the world can enjoy the beauty
of this great continent.
CHIEF
That it is. A beauty that I do
not look forward to travelers
trampling over it, marring the very
beauty which they profess to admire.
CHAS
It's really only a resort for those
with way too much money who want to
take a holiday in the wilds without
any real threat of danger. I'm sure
our clients won't really want to
venture out into the bush.
Somewhat to Chas's relief from the Chief's questioning, Mali-Mali pulls her up, dragging Chas to the dance area. The Chief, Eric and Ally watch the enticing moves of the dancers. Eric notices that Ally’s eyes wander to Chas more often than not. She spies Eric watching her, then smiles shyly. He leans closer.
ERIC
Anything I should know about?
Ally
No. Nothing, not really.
Her eyes are pulled back to the seductive moves Chas is demonstrating as Mali-Mali directs Chas’ hips with her hands. Ally can tell that Chas is feeling the full effects of her drink. Ally, herself, is feeling a bit light headed.
Chas twists and turns, finally escaping from the voodoo woman’s clutches as Mali-Mali directs her attention to other reluctant suitors. Feeling lost in the music, Chas instinctively sways toward Ally. Ally is mesmerized by Chas’ seductive dance. Eric watches closely as Chas' eyes wash over Ally like a lover's hand. Though not happy with the look, Eric realizes that Ally is a grown woman.
ERIC
Nothing? Seems to me there's
an awful lot of smoke for no fire.
Feeling quite hot herself, Ally shifts uncomfortably, tucking a bit of hair behind her ear. Chas leans down taking her hand. With one clean, swift jerk, Ally is propelled into her arms. Chas’ hands move seductively around her hips. Within moments any concern about onlookers dissolve as Ally loses herself in Chas' lustful gaze. There, in that moment, no one else exists for them. The music beats to their every move, grinding their bodies together in the rhythmic pounding of their hearts.
The music is abruptly interrupted when two warriors run into the village directly to the Chief. With everyone's attention on Warrior #2, he steps closer.
WARRIOR #2
(in Kiswahili)
They’re here.
The Chief immediately delegates his warriors to prepare. He looks at Eric. Eric nods as the Chief goes to his hut. Several warriors follow him.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH OUTSIDE SMALL COMPOUND - EARLY MORNING
Eric, Ally, Chas, along with several warriors and their Chief, huddle silently watching the heavily armed guarded compound. Several of the guards appear sleeping. Only one is poking at the small fire. There are two tents and nearby a variety of exotic animals are caged.
ERIC
You don't have to do this, Chief.
CHIEF
They are on our land…my life has
no meaning if I fail to protect it.
ERIC
They have guns and plenty of 'em.
Your spears won't make much of a dent.
CHIEF
As you have said many times, cowboy,
there are more ways than one to skin a cat.
ERIC
Yeah, well, this cat's got high-
powered claws.
Chas moves closer to Ally.
CHAS
Why would he risk his people's lives
for a few poachers, just because
they're on his land?
ALLY
It's not just the land, it’s what
they believe it holds.
Thoughts of gold crosses Chas' mind but before she could question Ally further, Eric motions for the warriors to spread around the compound. When the warriors are in position, Eric stealthily moves forward with Ally and Chas in tow. Eric slips past a couple of sleeping guards and takes out the one by the fire with ease.
Eric kicks the coffee pot, watching another two guards jump up from their sleep. With Eric's gun pointed directly at them, they drop their guns. With the business end of Ally’s machete pointed at him, another poacher sits silently. Chas moves in to collect the weapons. The main tent flap swings open as BUCK, the head poacher, steps out half-dressed, smacking his lips loudly from his just finished breakfast. He's the kind of guy that doesn't care what he does for a living as long as his belly is full.
BUCK
What the hell is all the noise about?
ERIC
Just your morning wake up call, Buck.
Eric pokes him with the tip of his rifle.
BUCK
You son-of-a-bitch, you'll never get
away with this, you know that, don't you?
ERIC
You talk big for a little bitty
minnow…I don't want you, it's your
boss that interests me.
BUCK
Ha. For years, you've come up short.
ERIC
He may elude me for now but his
day will come and I'll be there.
Eric motions towards the caged animals.
ERIC (cont.)
All these gifts for your friend?
What did he have in mind…a little
sporting event? Well, it's been
cancelled. You disgust me.
Eric turns to Ally and Chas.
ERIC (cont.)
The Chief and I will wait here for
the game warden, then we'll take
these slugs and throw 'em in a hole.
Just then the game warden's vehicle, along with another vehicle drive up to the camp. Ally and Chas head back to the village to get their gear while the Chief and Eric help the game warden with the animals and poachers.
CUT TO
INT. NEW YORK CITY IN LIMOUSINE - DAY
Bullard and Davis are looking at some pictures. Davis hands Bullard one of the pictures, pointing at it.
DAVIS
This the spot?
BULLARD
Yeah. Chastity took some nice shots.
I just love that new gadget she used.
Sent 'em right over the internet…and
look at the detail.
Davis is becoming a bit impatient with Bullard's rambling.
DAVIS
You're sure this is it though?
BULLARD
I've spent years looking for it.
It's there…I trust my instincts.
DAVIS
And Chastity?
BULLARD
Yeah, it's time. Besides, that
little trouble with my shipment
pushes things up a bit.
DAVIS
Well, good luck.
BULLARD
Davis, you sure you don't wanna
come. Gonna miss out on all the fun.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN RIVER - DAY
Ally and Chas, with gear in hand, are enjoying a slow ride down the river. They paddle slowly with the current, enjoying the breath-taking scenery laid out before them. Off to one side of the river, they observe several baboons swinging through the trees playing and grooming each other.
Near a small riverbed island, several pelicans are enjoying the water as they bask in the sun. Farther up the river on the other side, a flock of flamingos are in search of their next meal. Chas watches Ally in wonder as she takes in the sights of Africa, almost as if this was her very first time. Ally spots a brightly colored turaco bird resting on a branch hanging out over the river's edge. She points to it.
ALLY
Hey, look. Isn't it beautiful?
Chas' eyes never leave her.
CHAS
No, it's just a bird. You’re beautiful.
Ally blushes slightly, then nods for Chas to look closer. She does.
CHAS
Alright, it's pretty…colorful.
ALLY
You seem awfully happy.
Chas thinks about it a minute.
CHAS
I guess I am. Oh, I know I didn't
do much but….stopping those
poachers…well, it felt good. It
was the right thing.
Ally scoots closer to Chas capturing her lips.
CHAS
Is that a reward? Because if it is
then just up ahead…yeah, there it
is… another animal that needs savin'.
She points aimlessly down the river. Chas continues with the ruse.
CHAS (cont.)
If we hurry, I could probably
save hundreds of lives today… you
know, save up for a grand prize.
Chas wiggles her eyebrows seductively.
ALLY
Are you gonna shut up?
CHAS
Give me one good reason to.
Her body presses against Chas. Ally kisses her.
CHAS
Okay, give me another reason.
She kisses Chas again.
ALLY
You need another reason.
CHAS
No, but I'm sure I will later.
For the first time in her life, Chas feels things are getting out of control. No woman has ever penetrated her well-fortified barrier like Ally has. Chas scoots away from her embrace, picks her paddle back up and starts rowing. A bit confused by Chas' attitude change, Ally reluctantly takes up her paddle, too.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Two vehicles are traversing the dirt road. Eric and the GAME WARDEN are in Eric's zebra striped humvee. The second vehicle houses the five captured poachers.
RADIO DISPATCHER
Charlie one to Ranger one.
ERIC
Go ahead.
RADIO DISPATCHER
Reports of poachers near the Moola river.
ERIC
I'm on my way.
Eric pulls his humvee to a halt.
ERIC
Can you handle this?
The game warden gets out.
GAME WARDEN
Let me know what you find. I'll
take care of the poachers.
Eric nods. The game warden motions for the other vehicle. He talks to the driver of the vehicle then slips inside. Eric heads out in the opposite direction. He grabs the mike.
ERIC
Ranger one to Ivory one.
ALLY (v.o.)
Go ahead.
ERIC
Ten-twenty?
ALLY (v.o.)
On the river near the Mbaya region.
Eric's shoulders slump slightly.
ERIC
Listen, I really hate to ask,
but you're closer. There's a
report of some activity near
there. Can you check it out?
ALLY (v.o.)
We're on our way.
ERIC
Don’t approach 'em. Just let
me know what you find.
ALLY (v.o.)
Ten-four.
CUT TO
EXT. DESERTED SMALL CAMPSITE - DAY
Chas and Ally rummage through the remains of the campsite. Ally picks up several pieces of debris, then discards them.
CHAS
They've been here, huh?
ALLY
Yeah, you can see where they
dragged the animals to the cages.
Come on, the tire tracks go this way.
Chas follows Ally without a word.
CUT TO
EXT. JUST OUTSIDE ANOTHER POACHER'S CAMPSITE - DAY
Ally and Chas observe the small camp. There are several cages with animals in them loaded on a truck. There are two tents with one guard near the fire. Ally bumps Chas' arm, located right behind her.
ALLY
Hand me that radio.
When Chas fails to respond, she turns. POACHER #1 yanks the radio from Chas' hand.
POACHER #1
I don't think so.
With his rifle, he nods for them to get up. The poacher, dead on their heels, directs Ally and Chas into camp.
CUT TO
INT. INSIDE THE POACHER'S TENT - EVENING
Stripped of her handgun, machete and rifle, Ally and Chas are tied up. Their hands are tied behind their backs and their feet are bound. POACHER #2 flips open the flaps entering the tent. He studies them for a moment.
CHAS
Are we gonna get any food?
Poacher #2 grunts. Before leaving, he checks their bindings.
ALLY
Not very good hosts, huh?
Ally continues to struggle with her bonds.
ALLY
You know, you coulda warned me that
guy was right behind us. I can’t
believe they caught us so easily.
CHAS
How was I supposed to know a poacher
would be takin’ a leak in the bush.
Wiggling around in despair, Ally temporarily gives up.
ALLY
Can you get loose?
CHAS
Nope.
ALLY
Well, maybe if you turn around…
you can get close to my boot. We
need something to cut these ropes.
Ally twists her legs toward Chas’ back where her hands are tied.
CHAS
Wait.
Chas shifts around until Ally's hands are near the right side of her vest's pocket. Ally’s hands poke around.
CHAS
It's a knife.
Ally reaches inside and retrieves it. She flips the blade out. Now turning further around, Ally and Chas backs are up against each other.
ALLY
Don't move.
Ally carefully cuts through Chas’ bindings. Once free, Chas takes the knife and cuts Ally’s hands free. Then she cuts her feet free. Handing the knife to Ally, she quickly cuts her feet free. Ally jumps up and start to hand the knife back to her.
ALLY (cont.)
Thanks.
Her hand stops short of Chas’ hands. For the first time, she notices the knife with its ivory handle. Chas recognizes the stunned look on Ally’s face.
CHAS
It was a gift.
Ally drops it back in Chas’ hands.
ALLY
Come on, we gotta get out of here.
With her boot knife, Ally quietly rips through the back of the tent wall.
CHAS
Wait, our equipment…your guns,
they’re out front.
Some rustling NOISES are heard out front.
ALLY
We don't have time.
They both quickly exit the tent, escaping into the early light. Poacher #2 enters the tent to find them gone. He hurriedly wakes up the others.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - EARLY MORNING
Ally and Chas have been on the run for the last hour. Ally stops suddenly in a small clearing, Chas bumps into her.
CHAS
Why we stoppin'?
Chas looks around frantically. There appears to be no escape except in the direction they just came and the poachers are nearing their position. Ally studies the surroundings.
CHAS (cont.)
Dead end.
ALLY
Maybe not.
Sounds from the poachers signal their imminent arrival.
CHAS
What…what do you have in mind?
Ally looks up. There is a rock wall that extends sixty-foot straight up.
CHAS
Oh, no.
ALLY
It's either up there or you go
back to camp with them.
Chas’ conflicting emotions doesn't have long to fester when she hears the poachers coming closer. Ally pushes Chas up the wall. Chas starts climbing up, hanging desperately onto the protruding rocks.
ALLY
I'm right behind ya.
Chas negotiates the rock wall with Ally's urging. She keeps body contact the whole time. About half way up, Chas reaches out with no visible place to secure her hold.
CHAS
That's it, we can't go any farther.
Ally surveys the area.
ALLY
There's a hand hold, grab it.
CHAS
Where?
For the life of her, Chas can't see or feel anything to hold on to further up.
ALLY
Right there.
She points to a spot on the wall. Chas sees where she is pointing, looks closely, then down to Ally before she quickly looks back up.
CHAS
That…that's just a scratch on the rock.
ALLY
Go ahead, grab it. I'll push.
Ally shoves Chas upward and she miraculously gets a good hold before boosting herself up farther. Sweat is pouring from her brow as both Ally and Chas ultimately reach the top with one final push up. Chas is panting hard as Ally looks back down the cliff to the clearing. Chas slowly turns around, too.
The poachers stumble into the small clearing. With no escapees in sight, they take off back in the direction they came from. Ally and Chas watch quietly from atop the cliff.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN GRASSLAND - DAY
Ally and Chas are trailing the countryside with no food or water. They are both hot and sticky and a bit irritable. Ally sits on a fallen log.
ALLY
Let's rest a bit. Then we
need to get something to eat.
CHAS
That'll be nice…how?
ALLY
Hunt somethin' up…I've got my
knife….we've both got knives.
Ally throws Chas a knowing look as Chas feels a bit guilty about possessing the ivory handled knife. Chas fumbles around through her vest in an attempt to distract Ally from her musings. Chas pulls out a small device, then another one.
ALLY (cont.)
What's that?
CHAS
It's a tracking device…see you put
this thing on what you want to track
and with this you can follow it.
Chas hands Ally the tracking device.
ALLY
Great, I'll catch a squirrel then
we can stick that on it's belly
and follow it around until we're
starved. What else you got in there?
As Ally rummages through the pockets of Chas’ vest, she slaps her hands away.
CHAS
Only this.
Chas shows Ally her cell phone.
ALLY
Hmmm…there's this little village
over that next rise. They've got
this little bar that serves food…
you think they'd deliver?
CHAS
Funny. Very funny. Seriously, it's
out of range now but later…
ALLY
Why don't we split up, there's
a small lake over there. We
need water and you can look around
here…anything will do. Just don't
go too far.
Chas is reluctant to part company.
CHAS
I don't know about this. Shouldn't
we stay together?
ALLY
Come on, who ever gets the
best catch of the day, doesn't
have to cook. Okay?
Chas feels her competitive spirit take over.
CHAS
It's a deal then.
Chas walks away a few paces then squats down, studying the ground.
ALLY
And no trackin' my boots either.
Daggers shoot from Chas’ eyes pinning Ally, before the smiling blonde heads off.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN GRASSLAND NEAR A ROAD - LATER THAT DAY
Traipsing down a dirt road, Ally and Chas both look weary.
ALLY
At least I got us some water.
Grabbing her arm, Chas halts her progress.
CHAS
I found the berries.
ALLY
Yeah, just a few bites of those
and we'd be hallucinating.
Over her left shoulder, Chas sees a game warden vehicle approaching them quickly.
CHAS
Ally, here comes the game warden.
She continues to look at Chas. Ally feels Chas’ forehead.
ALLY
You sure you didn't eat any berries.
Firmly grabbing her shoulders, Chas twists her around. The game warden's vehicle stops about twenty-feet from their location. The doors on both sides of the vehicle open simultaneously. Out steps Buck and another POACHER #3.
BUCK
Well, look what we got here?
Ally pushes Chas back away from her toward a bushy area off the side of the road.
ALLY
Run!
She steps up to confront the two poachers. Poacher #3 heads off after Chas. Ally dives in front of him, dropping him to the ground. As she rolls over, Buck has his rifle in her face. Poacher #3 gets up and starts off after Chas again.
BUCK
Wait. Now get up little lady.
Ally does. Buck slings his rifle over his shoulder and jerks Ally around in front of him. Brandishing his ten-inch knife, he holds it precariously up against her throat.
BUCK (cont.)
If you don't want your girlfriend
here to die, you best come out.
ALLY
No! Get away from here.
Buck violently yanks her back securely in his grip. Chas walks slowly from the bush into plain view.
BUCK
Now that's a smart girl.
They lead Ally and Chas into the back of the vehicle. Buck and poacher #3 get inside.
POACHER #3
What about our supplies?
BUCK
First, we'll make a little stop.
He directs a savage grin at Ally and Chas.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Ally and Chas are hanging from a tree limb by their arms. They are an arm's length apart from each other.
CHAS
I don't know why you're mad at me.
Ally swings around to face her.
ALLY
Why didn't you get away when I
ran interference?
CHAS
I came back to save you.
Ally growls in frustration.
CHAS
I couldn't just walk away. It was the
right thing to do, you taught me that.
ALLY
Next time don't listen to me.
CHAS
Sometimes I just don't get you.
ALLY
If you would've gotten away….maybe
that new fangled thingamajig you got
would have been in range and you
could've contacted my uncle or someone.
CHAS
You're not really mad, are you?
Finding it harder to keep a stern face, Ally changes tactics.
ALLY
We still need to get out of this.
CHAS
You've got an idea, don't you?
She smiles.
ALLY
Still got my boot knife.
Chas looks down at her boot then Chas’ eyes roam all the way up Ally’s body to her hands.
CHAS
This I gotta see.
ALLY
Oh, you're gonna do more than that.
Ally starts to climb up Chas with her feet. She places her left foot dangerously close to Chas’ nether region.
CHAS
Hey, watch it.
ALLY
Sorry.
She climbs further up.
CHAS
I appreciate the boot massage and
all but what do you expect to accomplish
by climbing up my body.
ALLY
My boot near your hands, you get the
knife, cut yourself loose then me.
Her left foot is braced on Chas’ right shoulder. With her other foot Ally stretches it up and over Chas’ left shoulder en route to Chas’ hands. Chas fumbles a bit but finally grips the knife. Then suddenly Chas’ body twists with the added weight on her. Ally's left foot slips over Chas’ shoulder while her right leg drops down on Chas’ other shoulder. Chas' face is wedged in between her legs. Ally frowns at her. Chas smiles winningly.
CHAS
I think I just got the best catch of the day.
Ally tries to move from her present position but it only forces Chas to drop the knife from her hand. They both watch it fall hilt first as Ally unintentionally catches it in her bra between her breasts.
CHAS
Okay, okay…you beat me.
As Ally pushes herself back from Chas, her legs fall down swinging loosely.
CHAS (cont.)
Now what are we gonna do?
ALLY
I want you to grab the knife by
your mouth.
CHAS
You may not have noticed this but
that's the sharp end of….
ALLY
Just do it. And don't take any side trips.
Chas leans forward toward Ally’s breasts. With her teeth, Chas successfully retrieves it. Ally pulls herself up, grasping the knife between her boots she arches further up to the rope bindings on her hands. Carefully, Ally saws back and forth cutting the ropes until she drops free. She dusts herself off before turning to Chas. Chas motions for Ally to cut her down.
CHAS
Well?
For a few long delicious moments, Ally taps the edge of the knife against her lips deciding if she should release Chas.
ALLY
I think I like you tied up better.
CUT TO
EXT. EDGE OF SMALL TOWN IN AFRICA - DAY
Ally and Chas wearily walk toward the small town. Both are tired and frustrated. Ally combs her fingers through her hair repeatedly. With a slight smile, Chas watches her.
CHAS
I made a bet with myself when
you would run your fingers through
your hair again. You do that often.
ALLY
Did you win?
CHAS
Yes.
ALLY
Good, we could use the money.
CUT TO
INT. SMALL CAFÉ - DAY
Ally and Chas enter the small café. Ally checks the place out before proceeding. Besides the BARTENDER, wiping a glass clean, there are only a few customers scattered at different tables enjoying their meal. Chas, with Ally right behind her, strolls up to the bartender.
CHAS
We need some food…
The bartender nods.
ALLY
…and a room to rest for a couple of hours.
BARTENDER
Room's down the hall on the right.
I'll bring the food shortly.
As Ally and Chas head down the hall, a pair of steely eyes from one of the CUSTOMERS follows them till they enter the room, then hastily exits the café, leaving his drink behind.
CUT TO
INT. SMALL ROOM AT CAFÉ - DAY
Ally and Chas have just finished their meal.
CHAS
We need to get word to your uncle
somehow…what's the plan?
ALLY
I need to procure a couple of things
first…then we can get out of here.
You stay put…
Just then there is a loud BANGING at the door.
ALLY
Anyone you wanna talk to?
CHAS
No.
ALLY
Let's roll.
Ally and Chas jump through the back window into the alley.
CUT TO
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND CAFÉ - DAY
Ally and Chas make their way carefully behind several small buildings. They finally come to rest in a back alley on the other side of the cafe. With no pursuers in sight, Ally turns to Chas.
ALLY
Listen, we need a ride and it
would be better if I go alone…
you wait here….and don't move,
okay? I'll be right back.
Ally takes off as Chas surveys the area. At the front of the alley, a few people pass back and forth. Chas tries to stay out of sight. With a SLAM of a door, Chas looks up to see a beautiful young woman, MARTA, with long dark hair, walking down the steps. Chas scurries underneath the stairs.
Finally, reaching the bottom of the stairs, Marta pauses to adjust her panty hose. She displays a sight reminiscent of New York City and one that is rare in the backwoods of Africa. Chas’ blue eyes can’t believe the exquisite mirage standing before her. Chas is definitely captivated by Marta’s seductive moves as she bends over, her hands glide along side her long leg all the way up to the top of her thigh. Marta catches a glimpse of someone behind her. Straightening her dress, she turns to Chas. Her cerulean blue eyes hold Chas in place.
CHAS
Hi.
As she slinks toward Chas surveying her prey, Chas steps further out into the open.
MARTA
This is nice.
CHAS
Hello.
Marta takes her by the arm and escorts Chas to the front end of the alley. With a foolish grin on Chas’ face, she allows the exotic beauty full control. When Marta turns to enter the cafe, Chas wakes up from her lust-filled haze.
CHAS
I can't…I've gotta wait…
Her lips find their way to Chas’ ear. Chas feels Marta’s hot breath on her skin.
MARTA
Come with me.
Chas’ knees threaten to collapse upon her assault. Chas remains hesitant until she sees poacher #3. It's the same guy that was with Buck in the game warden's vehicle. Astutely alert to the impending danger of being seen, Chas hurries Marta along into the cafe.
CUT TO
INT. SMALL CAFÉ - DAY
Chas leads Marta to a booth in the back of the café. Chas hopes the out-of-the-way corner will provide some cover. Before they can even settle comfortably in the booth, the bartender is there with two drinks.
BARTENDER
Marta, here ya go…the usual.
MARTA
Thanks.
Her attention focuses completely on Chas. She scoots up close to her. Marta’s right hand affectionately cascades down Chas’ chest.
MARTA
Now about you and me….
The startled look on Chas’ face turns sexy. Chas is definitely one who knows how to flirt and the opportunity just presented itself. Not one to miss an opportunity, Chas responds to her seductive onslaught. Marta taunts and teases a bit whispering huskily into Chas’ ear on occasion.
CUT TO
EXT. BACK ALLEY NEXT TO CAFÉ - DAY
Ally hurriedly bursts into the alley. Frantically, she searches for Chas. The alley is deserted. With feline grace, she approaches the front of the alley.
CUT TO
INT. SMALL CAFÉ - DAY
Ally enters the café, searching for any sign of Chas. She spots Chas sitting too close, in her opinion, to a beautiful woman. With fierce determination, Ally approaches them. She watches them as Marta laughs at a comment Chas just made. Marta takes this opportunity to rub up against Chas suggestively.
MARTA
You are a bad girl, aren’t you?
Before Chas has a chance to respond, Ally steps into view.
ALLY
Yeah, she's a real bad girl.
Chas looks up nervously.
CHAS
Ally, I was just….hiding…you
see one of the poachers…well,
when Marta here suggested we
come in here…he was right there…
and it seemed like a good idea…
ALLY
Chas, you're rambling.
CHAS
…at the time.
ALLY
You comin' with me or you got
better things to do?
Marta doesn't miss the jealous stare thrown her way by Ally.
Chas gently urges Marta back as she gets up.
CHAS
It was nice meeting you.
Marta flashes Chas a smile that indicates that she has an open invitation to visit again anytime. Reluctantly, Chas turns around to face Ally. On her heels in one fluid movement, Ally turns and leaves. Chas is right behind.
CUT TO
EXT. BEHIND THE CAFÉ - DAY
Ally and Chas run up to an old beat-up truck.
ALLY
Get in.
CHAS
Where'd you get the truck?
ALLY
I just got it.
CHAS
Legally?
She throws Chas a knowing look. Then Chas sees a MAN lying on the ground unconscious.
CHAS (cont.)
What happened to him?
ALLY
We needed the truck, he took
exception to it…so I nailed him
right in the….process.
CHAS
Anyone we know?
ALLY
Poacher.
Chas eyes him carefully. Finally, Chas jumps in and Ally takes off in a cloud of dust.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN ROADWAY - DAY
The hood is up on the old beat-up truck. Frustrated, Ally fiddles with several wires. She looks up.
ALLY
Now try it.
Chas flips the ignition key. It won't start. She wipes off her hands on her pants as she comes around the vehicle to the driver's door.
ALLY (cont.)
Must be outta gas.
CHAS
You shoulda checked that before
you stole it.
ALLY
Well, I was a little bit busy
trying to get us out of that
town…before we were caught…again.
Not that you were much help.
Chas gets out and slams the door harder than she intended.
CHAS
Hey, I was busy trying to stay out
of sight myself…
ALLY
Yeah, that's right you were
busy, too. Let's see, I was trying
to get out of town…you were trying
to stay in town. What was wrong
with that picture?
CHAS
Nothin'.
Not wanting to pursue the conversation, Chas looks anywhere but at Ally. She spots a vehicle speeding down the road.
CHAS
Look, here comes your uncle.
Ally swings around. She spies the zebra striped humvee. Grabbing her arm, Ally yanks Chas to a small bushy area off the side of the road.
ALLY
Come on.
CHAS
Hey. I don’t think we’ve got time for this….
A well targeted glare stops Chas’ lame suggestion. Squatting down covertly out of view, Chas finally tugs at her arm.
CHAS (cont.)
Why are we hiding from your uncle?
ALLY
The last time you spotted
the Calvary comin' to save us…
turned out to be the wrong riders.
They wait patiently as the humvee gets closer. Upon recognition of her uncle's trademark cowboy hat, Ally leaps out into view. Spotting Ally and Chas, Eric slows the vehicle.
ERIC
Get in.
As the vehicle barely comes to a stop, Ally and Chas hop inside. Before Chas even closes the door, Eric has the humvee in full gear onward. Chas notices the same western saddle that was located next to her in Eric’s plane.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN DIRT ROAD - DAY
The humvee splashes through a small creek, then Eric negotiates the vehicle up a low-grade fifty-foot incline. To the right of the creek is an almost invisible pathway that Eric takes note of. Speeding down the road, the pathway becomes narrower with thick bush springing up on either side. When the game warden’s vehicle comes into sight just in front of them, Ally taps Eric on the arm.
ALLY
Poachers.
Eric whips his humvee around heading back to the same creek he passed earlier as the poachers are in hot pursuit. Chas and Ally duck as bullets fly.
ALLY
I hope you got something up your sleeve.
ERIC
Near that creek we just passed,
there's a hidden path on the side.
If we can make it over the ridge
before them…they'll pass us by, then
we'll be the ones pursuing.
At full speed, the humvee flies over the top of the ridge. The poachers are within striking distance. When the tires finally touch down, Eric shoulders slump in resignation as he sees a small herd of elephants bathing in the creek. He slams on his brakes. Suddenly clearing the ridge, the poacher's vehicle slides to a halt a few feet behind them. Several armed poachers jump out of the vehicle surrounding the humvee.
BUCK
Now it’s your turn for a wake-up
call, Eric. Get out.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - LATE EVENING
With Eric, Ally and Chas tied up, Buck drives the humvee through the bush. There are no visible trails. The poacher's vehicle is close behind. They drive for several hours.
CUT TO
EXT. POACHER'S CAMP - MORNING
Buck, along with a second vehicle, pull into camp. Several poachers are scurrying about preparing to leave. Buck guides the three captives out of the vehicle to the center of camp. Buck stops poacher #2, who is about the same size as Ally.
BUCK
What's goin' on?
POACHER #2
Packin' up, boss wants to head out.
Buck sees poacher #1 exit the main tent. He steps up to greet him.
BUCK
Where is he? I got him a nice surprise.
Poacher #1 jerks his hand over his shoulder to the main tent then hurries off. Buck notices a huge piece of meat on a spit over the fire, he grabs it stuffing it in his mouth. Buck, Eric, Ally and Chas watch closely as the tent flap folds back and out steps Bullard. A slow feral grin adorns his face as he studies his uninvited guests.
BULLARD
If it isn't my old friend from
our military days…You know, Buck,
you wouldn't believe it but…
He points to Eric.
BULLARD (cont.)
We were in the same outfit. Matter
of fact, got shot down on one of
our missions…landed right here smack
dab in the heart of Africa. Well,
not right here but…close enough.
Ever since then, Eric and I have
shared a love for Africa…
Eric growls.
BULLARD (cont.)
Oh, not for the same reasons but
we're more alike than he cares to admit.
Bullard directs his attention to Chas.
BULLARD (cont.)
Chastity? Fancy meeting you here.
For some reason, Chas feels a more formal ambiance is appropriate.
CHAS
Mr. Bullard.
BULLARD
Oh, come on, girl…it's Bull to my friends.
You are my friend, aren't you?
Noting that Chas has not left the young woman's side, Bullard eyes Ally suspiciously.
CHAS
It's just that I'm surprised to
see you…Bull. What's this all about…
BULLARD
You're a bright girl…all those hunting
expeditions. Buck, here, provides
the sport…and well, you remember
your inquisitive questions to Davis
about all the export business we do
from Africa to Hong Kong.
Chas looks innocently at Ally.
CHAS
I didn't know.
BULLARD
It's time to pay the piper, Chastity?
You with me?
Swallowing hard, Chas fidgets nervously. Chas looks deeply at Ally.
BULLARD (cont.)
We're cut from the same cloth,
Chastity. We both want the finer
things in life.
ERIC
At any cost.
Bullard ignores Eric.
BULLARD
I can get them for you…she's just
a roll in the bush. You can get
that anywhere.
Bull laughs at this own insipid joke. Chas pulls Ally close to her. Bullard shrugs his head in disappointment. He turns sharply to Buck.
BULLARD (cont.)
I'm too close to what I've wanted
all my life…you take care of 'em. And…
Stopping the next mouthful of food to Buck's mouth, Bullard pulls him dangerously close to him. Buck stops chewing.
BULLARD
Make sure I never see his face again…
at least alive or you'll never have
to feed that monster you call a belly again.
He pats Buck's paunch.
BULLARD (cont.)
When you're finished here, meet
me back at the main compound and
get ready for a large shipment out.
With that, Bullard and most of the poachers climb into the vehicles and head out into the bush. Buck is left with Poacher #2 and another poacher to eliminate their captives.
ALLY
(whispers to Eric)
Where do you think he's headed?
ERIC
I've got a pretty good idea.
Buck snags the last chunk of meat off the bone, then tosses it to the ground. He aims his rifle dead center on his intended target. The other two poachers do the same. With a mouthful of food, Buck steps up.
BUCK
I always swore that if it was the
last thing I do, I'd get you…
Eric, Ally and Chas stand frozen as he laughs heartily. Suddenly, Buck breaks out into a coughing spell, choking on his food. Eric sees his chance. Diving, he tackles Buck. Ally and Chas jump into the fray. Guns fly loose as the six bodies twist and turn, each struggling to get the upper hand.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - DAY
Bullard waves to his driver to slow down as he hears three distinct gunshots echo through the bush. A smile of satisfaction crosses his lips. He motions for the driver to proceed.
CUT TO
EXT. EDGE OF SMALL VALLEY IN THE BUSH - LATER THAT DAY
Bullard has a staging area set up. Bullard, along with the rest of the poachers, watch intently as one of their vehicles drives up. Chas gets out of the vehicle, he pauses then moves closer to Bullard.
BULLARD
Change of heart?
CHAS
As you said, we're cut from the
same cloth.
BULLARD
The others?
CHAS
Dead…both of 'em. And one of your
men. Buck's goin' on as you directed.
Proudly, Bullard hugs Chas.
BULLARD
It's an epiphany when one finally
realizes the difference between
predator and prey.
CHAS
I would think you would have to
experience the psyche of the prey or
at least be ready to be on the
receiving end to understand.
BULLARD
No. You and I, we are superior…
our mindset never enters that realm.
CHAS
But I did hesitate…back there.
BULLARD
I didn't say we wouldn't be
distracted by the…female gender
every once in a while…but you
came around. I knew you would.
I trust my instincts.
Bullard's fatherly grasp around Chas' shoulder guides her away. Off in the distance, an elephant's angry cry echoes throughout the jungle.
BULLARD
We're close.
He leads Chas away, along with Poacher #3, as one small member of the group follows a fair distance behind.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - DAY
Eric is galloping along on a zebra when he runs into the Chief and a dozen of his warriors. Jumping off the zebra, Eric approaches the Chief. Eric's face shows the seriousness of the situation. The Chief acknowledges him.
CHIEF
We were on our way. I know
a shortcut. Haraka! Haraka!
They move out quickly through the bush.
CUT TO
EXT. ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD – LATER THAT DAY
After a rugged hike through the bush, Bullard pushes through some thick bush then stands atop a small ridge. There before him in a covertly hidden valley is a huge graveyard. It is filled with tons of ivory tusks left from old elephant carcasses. Chas steps up next to Bullard.
BULLARD
This is what it's been all about.
White gold.
CUT TO
EXT. AFRICAN BUSH - DAY
Eric, with the Chief and several warriors, are cutting their way through some thick foliage. Near the edge of a clearing, Eric halts the procession. The Chief crawls up next to him. They see Bullard along with Chas and two poachers shuffling through the graveyard about seventy-paces to their right.
CHIEF
We could use a diversion.
Eric nods and takes off, coming in from behind Bullard's position. The Chief motions for his warriors to get in position around the graveyard. WARRIOR #1 safely eludes a determined elephant making her way toward the graveyard. The warrior turns back, heading to the Chief's position.
Bullard motions for Poacher #3.
BULLARD
Get back to the others and have
them start clearing a path up here
then have Buck bring the big truck.
Poacher #3 slowly takes off. Bullard turns to the small poacher who is milling around.
BULLARD
Get up here and start clearing this area.
When the small poacher draws near Bullard, Eric steps out from the bush. Eric's rifle nozzle has a bead on Bullard.
ERIC
I don't think so.
Bullard realizes that he is the only one with a rifle since Chas and the small poacher appear empty handed.
ERIC
Put your gun down, Bullard.
Poacher #3 was driving off when he spotted Eric coming out of the bush toward the graveyard so he backtracked and with his rifle in hand sneaks up behind him. The Chief sees what's happening, but cannot get word to Eric. Bullard sees poacher #3 positioned directly behind Eric.
BULLARD
I don't think so.
Bullard nods to a place behind Eric. Eric doesn't take it too seriously until the smallest poacher reassures him with a slight nod. Reluctantly, Eric lowers his weapon, glancing back to see the poacher, rifle in hand. Eric drops his weapon to the ground.
POACHER #3
Move on up.
Eric does, then poacher #3 picks up his weapon. With a poke to his back with the rifle, Eric moves ahead. The Chief's warriors are now in position. Never one to let fate be the only director of destiny, the Chief circles behind the elephant.
After encouragement from the Chief, the angry elephant storms into the graveyard, taking a defensive position between it and Bullard. Ally, who has been disguised as the small poacher, seizes the opportunity to distract him. She dives onto his back, knocking him forward, making him drop his rifle. Ally falls to the ground. Chas reaches for the weapon but not before Bullard snatches it back. As she attempts to get up, Bullard recognizes Ally. He backhands her in the face knocking her hard to the ground.
Upon seeing the red mark on Ally's face, Chas slams her fist squarely into Bullard's mug, knocking him to the ground. Chas rushes to Ally pulling her into her grasp.
CHAS
Nobody touches her.
With this distraction, Eric takes the opportunity to over-power poacher #3 and knocks his rifle loose. But the poacher whips out a knife, thrusting it at Eric, who is able to quickly twist the poacher’s wrist back around, killing the poacher. Bullard is back on his feet in a flash with weapon in hand. Bullard and Eric's eyes drill holes into each other.
BULLARD
The old Mexican stand-off, huh?
ERIC
Not quite. The odds are in our favor.
Bullard sees the Chief and his warriors have surrounded the area. He slowly points his rifle away from Eric to Ally.
BULLARD
I think that evens the odds.
Chas moves directly in front of Ally. Bullard laughs.
BULLARD
I've got a high-powered rifle
with an armor piercing bullet that
will not only sail through your heart
and into your pretty little
girlfriend but will continue on
another two hundred yards.
Chas doesn't budge as Ally slips her arms around Chas’ waist.
BULLARD (cont.)
So you become the prey… again.
Suit yourself.
When Bullard moves forward, the Chief rushes toward him. Hearing this, Bullard swings around shooting the Chief. He falls. Quickly, Bullard re-positions his weapon on Chas and Ally. Ally rushes toward him, diving at his mid-section knocking him back. Brandishing her boot knife as she leans over him, Ally jabs it to Bullard’s neck. With cold hard resolve, Ally presses the knife closer drawing blood.
BULLARD (cont.)
So, you become like me.
ALLY
I am not like you.
BULLARD
Sure you are. You’ll do whatever it takes
to protect your precious Africa. Go ahead,
kill me, if you got the stomach for it.
Bullard tosses his weapon aside yet within arm’s reach. Ally hesitates. Sucking in several deep breaths, Ally slowly eases the knife back and gets up. Ally turns away from him then Bullard grabs his rifle, hurrying to his feet then takes dead aim.
CHAS
Ally!
Ally swings around with a roundhouse kick, knocking him back. Struggling to maintain his balance, Bullard twists around right into the path of the charging elephant. Swinging his gun up, Bullard fires off a round just before the elephant bolts into him piercing him with one of her tusks. The elephant jerks Bullard up off the ground and savagely rips into his body. Bullard's weapon flies from his hands through the air. Chas quickly retrieves it and hands it to Ally.
The Chief's warriors move in to surround the area while Eric checks on the Chief's condition. Finally, the elephant drops Bullard's lifeless body to the ground then backs away. Chas strides to Bullard's carcass, nudging it with her foot.
CHAS (cont.)
Pray. I hope you had time to.
Chas walks back to Ally, draping the blonde’s shoulder with her arm, Chas directs Ally toward the warriors. The warriors remain in a defensive position. Eric huddles over the Chief, wrapping his right arm.
CHIEF
My warriors will see me back to the
village. You go back, get the others,
make sure they’re locked up for good.
ERIC
Will do.
Eric looks to see how the rest of the group is doing.
CHIEF
Cowboy?
Eric returns his gaze to the Chief.
CHIEF (cont.)
What about Allison's friend?
ERIC
Don't worry…our secret will remain
in the family.
CUT TO:
EXT. WHITE ELEPHANT QUARTERS - DAY
Eric has his saddle perched over his right shoulder. Ally and Chas are standing nearby while Kana stuffs a shirt into his backpack.
ERIC
If you're comin’ with me, you
better hurry. I've got a water
pump to pick up. It will take us
at least say…four or five days
to get back.
Eric winks at Ally. Ally moves closer to Chas.
KANA
What? We're not walkin', you know.
We're takin' the plane, right?
Eric nods to Ally and Chas who are now standing so close not even a sliver of light can squeeze between them. Kana studies them a second. With a twinge of jealousy, Kana resigns his own feelings to this new development.
KANA (cont.)
Ohhh.
Kana walks up next to Eric who is standing at the door.
KANA (cont.)
Is somebody at least gonna tell
me what happened out there?
ALLY
The poachers are all behind bars.
And the game warden only had a
mild concussion from Buck's escape.
Chas looks to Eric.
CHAS
What about the Chief? How's he
doin'?
ERIC
Fine, Kana and I will stop by
before we head back here.
KANA
So no more poaching, that's great.
Eric shakes his head vehemently.
ERIC
As long as the demand remains,
another group will move in but…
that's for another day.
Eric and Kana head out the door.
KANA
About stoppin’ by your tribe…now
Chas told me some interesting
things about 'em… what's a heart
challenge and what does it have
to do with Mali-Mali?
Ally and Chas laugh. With Eric and Kana gone, the silence between the two becomes deafening. Ally moves away slightly.
ALLY
Never did find that perfect
place for the resort.
CHAS
Somehow I think that's a no-go.
ALLY
So what will you do now?
CHAS
I don't know yet…it depends.
Ally raises her eyebrows in question. Chas, desperately wanting to avoid this subject for now, switches to a new subject.
CHAS (cont.)
I thought you said it was a myth?
ALLY
The graveyard? I suspected but
didn't know for sure. And I
certainly didn't know Eric knew
it's location.
CHAS
I know he's your uncle and all but
you never did really tell me about
him. What's his story?
ALLY
He was a Ranger, years ago just like
Bullard said, they were shot down
in a mission over Africa. After
an extensive search, Eric was the
only one still missing. Then my
father came to Africa and found him…
Chas lifts her hand to halt Ally’s next comment.
CHAS
I know…happily livin’ among the natives.
Ally laughs.
ALLY
Something like that. The tribe
saved him and by that time he had
become part of their family. His views
changed dramatically about animals
and their rights…don't get me wrong
he loves to hunt but for him it's now
about preservation…maintaining that
precious balance between man and beast.
Apparently, he became a protector of
the graveyard, too.
Ally's expression turns serious.
ALLY (cont.)
And now, that we both know its'
location, …well, it is a family secret.
Chas remains silent so Ally starts to turn away.
ALLY (cont.)
I should get things ready to take
you back to…civilization.
Chas grabs her arm, pulling Ally into her embrace. Chas strokes her bruised face gently.
ALLY (cont.)
Guess I don't look very good, do I?
Chas looks deeply into her emerald eyes.
CHAS
Look into my eyes and see just how
beautiful you are….
(barely a whisper)
to me.
Ally blushes shyly.
ALLY
So, no one touches me, huh?
Not even you?
CHAS
Me, yes. No one else.
Feeling more confident, Ally pursues her previous line of questioning.
ALLY
You never did say what you were
gonna do?
CHAS
You did say that graveyard was
a family secret. Guess I'll just
have to stay… and become part
of the family, if you'll have me.
Ally flashes Chas a teasing smile.
ALLY
Are you gonna be good?
CHAS
Oh, I'll be good…unless of course
you want me to be bad…but I'll only
be bad for you.
Chas' impish grin turns seductive. Ally snuggles closer to her.
ALLY
And don't you forget it.
Captured, Chas gives her heart to Ally completely. Wrapped snuggly in Ally’s embrace, Chas smiles.
CHAS
I guess I did find that perfect place.
I love you Ally.
With these words, Chas kisses Ally deeply. Their passion rises in an all too consuming embrace. As the sun sets over the White Elephant Safari compound, Ally and Chas begin their lives together.
FADE OUT:
THE END