Read Swords of Nishimura Page 5

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  Bryce bends down to pick up his driftwood.

  RICHARD (CONT'D)

  (scared)

  Don't worry about that!

  Bryce is nervous now.

  Richard strides off down the beach, Bryce needing to jog to keep up, Richard anxiously looking over his shoulder.

  The dark lines in the fog grow denser, forming larger sections of the Yamashiro, before dissipating.

  The Yamashiro punches out a large, fog, bow wake, at twenty knots, though constricted to travelling within the sea fog, travelling at four knots.

  Richard and Bryce reach the fire, out of breath.

  BRYCE

  (pointing)

  Have you seen the ship?

  A flash of lightning lights up the cloud, for a brief second you can make out the Yamashiro's superstructure.

  The accompanying, sharp, cold wind disturbs the fire, sending embers into the air, chilling everybody.

  MARIE

  What was that?

  Jack and Marie look to Richard, who, with a guilty look, just shrugs.

  Another flash, a stronger gust of wind.

  This time the lightning has revealed more for the Dennison's; the superstructure through to the bow, including the two massive, forward gun turrets, tracking towards them.

  The sea fog slows its southerly roll, the Yamashiro still underway, constrained within the fog.

  The moon masked by the fog, slowly claws out from beneath the horizon illuminating the cloud from behind.

  Another bolt of lightning flashes across the sky, followed by deafening thunder. In quick succession another volley, three shots, sends chilling winds across the beach.

  The moon, veiled behind the fog, fires moonbeams through the clouds, each highlighting a part of the ship, giving the impression of a huge Rising Sun ensign, flying from the Yamashiro’s mast

  The Dennison's stand like stunned mullet, staring; Jack disbelieving, Marie refusing.

  The Yamashiro fires yet another salvo, this time accompanying torrential rain lashes the beach.

  The Dennison's race back to their tent, struggling under the weight of the driven water.

  INT. MATAI BAY DENNISON'S TENT -- MOMENTS LATER

  Richard stands apart from the family as the wind and rain lash the tent. They are all towelling themselves off.

  The ferociousness of the storm means everyone has to yell to be heard.

  RICHARD

  (Suddenly blurts out)

  I tell you he's chasing me.

  MARIE

  Who?

  BRYCE

  The Admiral.

  Marie, drying her hair.

  MARIE

  Poppycock! It's a tropical storm. You two go and wait in the other room.

  Bryce and Samantha, disheartened, exit to the next room in the tent.

  RICHARD

  We never had these up here as kids. Eh Jack?

  The pair look to Jack.

  Jack doesn't believe in ghosts, but what had he just seen?

  MARIE

  Oh, not you too? I expect it from the Kids, but you two know about Global warming.

  JACK

  Well, I'm having a bit of difficulty trying to explain this.

  BRYCE (O.S.)

  It's the captain of the Warship, come for his swords.

  MARIE

  Don't you know what the other room means?

  INT. MATAI BAY DENNISON'S TENT ROOM 2 - CONTINUOUS

  BRYCE

  Yeah. But it's a bit hard when the walls are made of cloth.

  JACK (O.S.)

  It’s the principal, don’t but in!

  Bryce walks away, crossing to the bags stacked against the back wall.

  BRYCE

  (muttering)

  I'll show them.

  SAMANTHA

  (yelling)

  What are you muttering about?

  Bryce smiles, starts to forage through his bag.

  SAMANTHA (CONT'D)

  What are you looking for?

  Another salvo is fired, the wind gust rips a hole in the side of the tent.

  Samantha moves away quickly, stands, looking over her brother's shoulder.

  BRYCE

  My phone!

  Retrieving his Android Bryce stands.

  BRYCE (CONT'D)

  I'll take photos. That'll prove it's a ship.

  Samantha's concern comes across with disdain.

  SAMANTHA

  Don't be an egg. You'll be blown away out there

  Bryce moves to the torn hole, stands one foot in the tent the other outside, querying Samantha, gesturing.

  Leaning into the storm Bryce looks back over his shoulder, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes..

  BRYCE

  Coming?

  Swallowed up by the blackhole Bryce disappears. Sam hesitates, looks around, follows her brother.

  INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

  Bryce, phone in hand, and Samantha stand dazed and confused under the red lit battle conditions, staring at the ghosts.

  The bridge is pristine, the crew dressed as they were 70 years ago.

  Admiral Nishimura, center bridge, frustrated; he can’t hold a traditional Samurai pose, his hand keeps falling from his waist, where his swords usually are.

  The Admiral looking out the windows; into the clear night, Surigao Strait lays before him, before being swallowed up by the dark, in 4 kilometers.

  Inadvertently, Bryce is filming.

  The high pitched rumbling of a Merlin Engine can be heard in the dark.

  EXT. SURIGAO STRAIT - CONTINUOUS

  Hidden in the mangroves a PT boat sits her engines idling.

  INT. PT BOAT - CONTINUOUS

  In the cramped bridge, also lit red, under battle conditions, the American PT crew, sweating profusely, bide their time.

  The XO, blinking, swats a mosquito.

  XO

  Bloody mosquitos, will be the end of me.

  The crew, refrained, chuckle.

  EXT. YAMASHIRO FLYBRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

  Sailor, clothes clinging, wet, tracks the mangroves, with a powerful spotlight.

  Swats a mosquito.

  JAPANESE SAILOR

  Bloody mosquitos, will be the end of me.

  The soft curves of nature are broken by the sharp edges of the PT Boat.

  JAPANESE SAILOR (ON RADIO) (CONT’D)

  Enemy Contact! Contact, Contact, Contact!

  The Yamashiro’s klaxon sounds.

  EXT. SURIGAO STRAITS - CONTINUOUS

  Merlin engines, unique sound, reverberates from both sides of the strait, driving wildlife into the air. Attacking in waves of three, the PT Boats try to get in close to launch, torpedoes.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  Repel, repel!

  Nothing.

  The Admiral looks to his 2IC, who is staring straight at Samantha and Bryce.

  The Admiral turns to see Bryce and Samantha on his Bridge.

  Samantha protectively pulls Bryce closer, stepping in front of him.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)

  Who is this!

  Samantha bows

  SAMANTHA (IN JAPANESE)

  I am Samantha Dennison and this is...

  The Admiral cuts her off.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  Dennisonsan?

  SAMANTHA

  Ai.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  My swords?

  An explosion returns the Admirals attention to the Battle of Surigao Straits.

  Standing staunch, hands clasped behind his back, as his crew engage the marauding boats. The rhythmic bop, bop ,bop of a large calibre machine gun repels the attack.

  INT. MATAI BAY DENNISON'S TENT - CONTINUOUS

  Marie, Jack and Richard have continued to discuss the evening events.

  MARIE

  Look I don't want these kids wound up anymore. Let's put it down to a good story and vivid imaginations. Right!

>   The two men concede.

  This volley rips the wall in the adults room, letting the rain pour in.

  The tent now with two torn walls acts as a wind sock, strains to launch its self the pegs barely holding it down.

  Marie runs to the internal access door to check on Bryce and Samantha.

  MARIE (CONT'D)

  They've gone! The kids have gone!

  Marie is in near panic.

  JACK

  They've probably back down to the beach. I'll go.

  MARIE

  I'm coming!

  Jack looks to his brother. Richard has a look of apprehension on his face.

  Richard finally nods and the three exit the tent through the same torn wall as the kids.

  EXT. SURIGAO STRAITS - CONTINUOUS

  Under a layer of camouflage smoke the small boats retreat to the cover of the mangroves.

  INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

  Bryce from the security, behind his sister.

  BRYCE

  We haven’t got them, they’re..

  Samantha elbows Bryce.

  SAMANTHA

  They’re not here.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  Where?

  MARIE (V.O.)

  Sam? Bryce?

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  Where!

  SAMANTHA

  We don’t know.

  MARIE (V.O.)

  (clearer)

  Bryce? Sam?

  The Admiral, battling two fronts, addresses the whole bridge.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  Now Admiral Oldendorf will unleash the pack.

  JACK

  Sam? Bryce?

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  Find them, return them!

  EXT. MATAI BAY -- MOMENTS LATER

  Samantha and Bryce stand on the point dividing the bay in two.

  Stunned by what just happened.

  Over the noise of the storm a faint cry can be heard.

  JACK

  Bryce! Sam!

  Jack is screaming his lungs out.

  JACK (CONT'D)

  Bryce! Sam!

  Samantha turns and pears into the darkness. A small light fights the rain and dark.

  Bryce looks at his watch.

  SAMANTHA

  Here they come.

  Jack, Marie and Richard continuously call, voices gradually getting louder and louder.

  BRYCE

  They won’t believe us, I’ve got to get some evidence.

  SAMANTHA

  Quickly then.

  Bryce tries to time his shots with the lightning, not doing well.

  After a couple of attempts.

  SAMANTHA (CONT’D)

  Just film it.

  BRYCE

  The batteries too low, it's alright I've got it.....Now!

  Again the flash from the phone is a fraction to late. The calling adults are starting to rattle Bryce's concentration.

  BRYCE (CONT'D)

  Damn it! I missed!

  Bryce looks over his shoulder towards the nearing voices.

  SAMANTHA

  Last chance.

  BRYCE

  (Agitated)

  Hang on, I know what to do.

  Bryce adjusts his phone.

  BRYCE (CONT'D)

  Five, four, three.

  He positions the Phone. The view finder is black. No tell tale marks to show what is in shot.

  BRYCE (CONT'D)

  Two, one.

  The rapid clicking of the phone is heard as the view finder is filled with the image of the ghost of Yamashiro, illuminated by lightening.

  SAMANTHA

  Did you get it?

  Even in the dark Bryce's smile lights up his face.

  BRYCE

  Yeah!

  The mood soon sobers as the callers approach. Bryce and Samantha face each other.

  SAMANTHA

  Well, I s'pose.

  Sam and Bryce head towards their parents. As the kids draw nearer, Marie runs forward.

  Shaking Bryce by the shoulders.

  MARIE

  Are you all right? What were you thinking?

  BRYCE

  We just wanted one last look.

  Bryce holds the camera behind his back. Samantha comes to her brothers' aid, gently takes the camera from him. She holds it out in front of her.

  Bryce momentarily thinks she’s giving him up.

  SAMANTHA

  I wanted a photo for science. Mr. Locke will love this.

  Shaking her head, disappointingly, Marie leads Bryce and the group back to camp.

  Leaving Samantha to her father.

  EXT. MATAI BAY CAMPING GROUND. - LATER

  In the cyclonic conditions all of the campers are tending to their tents, most like the Dennisons are packing up and abandoning their holiday.

  Stripped to the waist Jack and Richard throw the wrecked tent unceremoniously into the boat.

  INT. 4X4 MATAI BAY -- LATER

  The storm continues to rage outside, while cramped inside Jack and Richard dry themselves off, again, and struggle to dress.

  Jack starts the car and heads for home.

  Later

  The warmth and motion soon have the kids asleep and the adults turn their attention to the events of the night.

  JACK

  If this is and I'm not saying that it is.....

  Jack looks at his wife.

  JACK (CONT'D)

  The ghost of a Japanese Admiral. What are you going to do about it?

  RICHARD

  Do about it? When we get back I'm going down to the antique dealer and flick the swords. Then everything will be back to normal and I'll be a couple of bucks richer.

  Marie turns in her seat to face Richard. Richard recoils into his seat, between the kids, he anticipates the lecture.

  MARIE

  You don’t see that as being wrong?

  RICHARD

  Why? They’re at the bottom of the ocean going to waste, so I brought them back. They could be displayed in a museum, so kids could see them, learn about them.

  MARIE

  Noble. Very bloody noble. The couple of bucks you mentioned has nothing to do with it.

  RICHARD

  Well, What’d you have me to do, throw them back.

  MARIE

  It’s not my place, but to me the right thing, would be to return them.

  RICHARD

  How do you return something to a ghost?

  MARIE

  You figure it out, you’re an adult.

  INT. 4X4 MOTORWAY AUCKLAND -- LATER

  Marie is still lecturing Richard, as they climb over Lonely Track hill. The sun will soon extinguish Auckland's lit sky line.

  RICHARD

  You still won't admit that what happened was weird?

  MARIE

  Weird, yes. The supernatural, no. The moon is bigger, brighter, because it’s at the perigee of its orbit.

  Richard looks to his brother for confirmation. Jack just shrugs his shoulders.

  MARIE (CONT'D)

  It means it's the closest to earth that it comes. In fact Fifty thousand kilometers closer, making it thirty percent brighter. It’s now twice as bright as it was a couple days ago.

  The car exits the motorway and travels along Auckland's suburban streets

  RICHARD

  Thanks for the astronomy lesson one o one. That still doesn't explain the ghost ship.

  MARIE

  What ghost ship? Impressive cloud formations and Child like imaginations.

  Richard winces, Bryce has his elbow in Richards ribs.

  It’s hard to tell if it was deliberate, or if he’s still sleeping. A ever so slight smirk is on Bryce’s face.

  Jack has reason now to interrupt.

  JACK

  We're home.

  As he swings into the drive the kids stir awake.

  The car stops and every body piles out, leaving Marie sta
nding by the vehicle.

  MARIE

  (to herself)

  Damn it I refuse.

  She walks off following Jack and the kids up stairs, while Richard heads down to his flat below the main house.

  INT. DENNISON'S KITCHEN -- DAY

  Samantha is at the breakfast bar making herself some breakfast. Marie enters.

  MARIE

  Good girl Sam. I needed a little nap.

  Samantha smiles at her mother. Bryce enters eyes wide and alert, in stark contrast to his clothes, that he slept in.

  BRYCE

  Did he follow us down?

  He heads to the window.

  SAMANTHA

  It would take two days to sail down.

  Richard enters.

  RICHARD

  Not if you’re a Ghost.

  MARIE

  No he did not! He doesn't exist.

  Bryce slumps down on the bar stool dejected.

  RICHARD

  You coming?

  Bryce looks to his mother.

  Marie shrugs.

  Bryce quickly steals a slice of Samantha’s toast.

  SAMANTHA

  Mum!

  Richard and Bryce exit.

  EXT. ALL SAINTS MALL PONSONBY. -- DAY

  Walking out of the sun, Richard crosses the damp courtyard, carrying the swords wrapped in a cloth. In the far corner a dark doorway is uninviting, Richard heads towards it passing a sandwich board; All Saints Antiques. Specialists in the Asia Pacific Campaign of WWll; Uniforms, Medals, Guns and Swords.

  BRYCE

  It gives me the willies.

  INT. ALL SAINTS ANTIQUE SHOP -- MOMENTS LATER

  Richard enters the crusty old shop. The dank smell of old uniforms attacks the nose. The light struggles to break through the flags hung over the windows and from a small office off to the side, an unshaven shifty PROPRIETOR comes up behind the counter.

  PROPRIETOR

  Hello Sir. How can I help you?

  Richard lays the bundled cloth gently on the counter. A flicker of expectation crosses the shop owners' face and quickly vanishes.

  Richard gently unrolls the swords from their protective cloth.

  RICHARD

  Would you be interested in buying these?

  PROPRIETOR

  (shifty)

  Could be? Where'd you get them?

  RICHARD

  Up around the Philippines.

  PROPRIETOR

  They have some excellent craftsman in Manila. I'll need to authenticate them.

  Bryce tugs at his Uncles elbow.

  RICHARD

  Sure. How long will that take?

  BRYCE

  Uncle lets go.

  RICHARD

  What sort of money are we looking at? Ballpark figure.

  PROPRIETOR

  I know of a set that reached six figures.

  Richard looks frustratingly at his nephew.

  BRYCE

  I’m cold.

  The Proprietor steals a menacing glare at Bryce.

  RICHARD

  OK, just a minute. Go wait outside in the sun.

  RICHARD (CONT’D)

  OH, six figures?

  The proprietor, smirks as he see’s Richard is keen.

  EXT. ALL SAINTS MALL PONSONBY. -- CONTINUOUS

  Bryce stands in a isolated area of sunshine allowing him a view through the clutter of the front window.

  Richard is seen accepts a receipt, shakes hands before exiting the shop, smiling.

  Richard crosses the dank courtyard to Bryce's.

  RICHARD

  You all right?

  Bryce slowly nods.

  BRYCE

  Yeah. He just gives me the creeps, that's all.

  They exit out of the courtyard into the sun on Ponsonby Road.

  INT. RICHARD'S FLAT - LATER

  Richard sits on his bed caressing the receipt and entertaining six figure thoughts, when Bryce bursts in through the internal access.

  RICHARD

  Shit, you scared the hell out of me!

  Bryce's face drops a little, but the eyes keep sparkling.

  BRYCE

  I've found some stuff on the Internet. You wanna have a look?

  RICHARD

  Not now maybe a little later.

  BRYCE

  Oh, OK. Maybe tomorrow?

  RICHARD

  Yeah, maybe tomorrow.

  Bryce exits.

  INT. DENNISON'S KITCHEN -- EVENING

  Samantha is cooking spaghetti Bolognaise. The kitchen looks as if a cyclone has recently visited.

  SAMANTHA

  (yelling)

  Bryce! Come and set the table!

  Both Jack and Marie come out of the office to see what the yelling is all about.

  JACK

  Sam, try to keep it down a little.

  Bryce enters from the hallway.

  SAMANTHA

  But, Dad. He never does anything.

  Bryce buts in.

  BRYCE

  (whining)

  Yes I do. You only cook so you don't have to do dishes.

  SAMANTHA

  No. I cook because you can't.

  Marie jumps in before it can go any further.

  MARIE

  That'll do! Samantha, Shush. Bryce set the table.

  The kids carry on, sulking.

  SAMANTHA

  (yelling)

  Uncle! Dinner!

  Everybody just looks at her. Samantha smiles a sorry.

  Richard enters from the hallway.

  They all sit down to a family dinner. The destruction by cyclone Sam is worthwhile, the spaghetti is delicious.

  JACK

  Did you sell the swords?

  Everybody at the table looks to Richard. Richard feeling their gazes.

  RICHARD

  No, he needs to authenticate them and get back to me.

  BRYCE

  Did he say how much they're worth?

  Again anticipation.

  RICHARD

  He said he's known some to fetch six figures.

  BRYCE

  Whoa. That's a hundred grand!

  SAMANTHA

  Or nine hundred and ninety nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety nine dollars.

  Bryce is trying to figure out what Sam has said.

  JACK

  Did you get a receipt?

  Samantha mouths, One Million dollars.

  A little put out by the question.

  RICHARD

  Yes I did!

  Bryce mouths, OH!

  Marie is conspicuous by her silence. The dinner moves on and the next day's activity becomes the topic of discussion.

  BRYCE

  Dad can we go fishing?

  JACK

  I don't know ask your mother.

  Bryce looks to his mother. Samantha adds her two cents worth.

  SAMANTHA

  What about the ghost?

  Quick out of the blocks.

  MARIE

  There is no such thing as ghosts. It was just a figment of your......

  Richard remembers the long ride, rolls his eyes.

  MARIE (CONT’D)

  ......imagination.

  BRYCE

  So we can go then?

  Marie has left herself no other option.

  MARIE

  All right you can go. But you be careful.

  BRYCE

  (smirking)

  Why? Because of the ghost?

  MARIE

  No! Because you should always respect the sea.

  EXT. JACKS BOAT ON THE WAITAMATA HARBOUR -- PRE DAWN.

  In the half light of dawn Jack skips the boat across the calm surface of the Waitamata Harbour, Auckland's lit skyline a beautiful back drop. Bryce and Samantha stand between their father and Uncle smiling, as the boat powers on to the outer harbour.

  Richard is the only one with no life jacket on.

  EXT. JACKS BOAT ON THE WA
ITAMATA HARBOUR -- MORNING

  The Dennison’s have had a good start to the day, in the fish bin are a couple of good size snapper. Sam’s rod twitches a couple of times, then the reel starts to payout line, rapidly

  BRYCE

  Yeah! Strike!

  JACK

  Careful. Not too soon Sam.

  The whizzing of the reel stops and everyone waits patiently.

  Samantha's rod jerks a couple of more times.

  JACK (CONT'D)

  Now Sam! Set it!

  Richard has also lent forward to give moral support to Samantha.

  RICHARD

  Yeah, rip its lips off!

  The fish now starts to run again and Samantha struggles to play it.

  Bryce is reeling in the other rods as the adults are totally engrossed in Samantha's battle. Nobody notices the wind start to pick up.

  The Sea's condition continues to worsen, the wind growing stronger and the waves getting bigger. Samantha continues her epic battle, with the monster fish from hell.

  Bryce highlights the changing sea.

  BRYCE

  Dad, Dad!

  Richard and Jack now pay more attention to the weather.

  JACK

  Get ready on the anchor.

  Just as Richard makes his way forward the heavens open and torrential rain comes, dropping visibility down to fifty feet.

  RICHARD

  Sam, honey, we're going to have to go.

  The look on Sam’s face says it all.

  BRYCE

  Oh Dad! She’s just about there.

  Sam looks over the side and a large flash of silver passes in front of him and then her line goes slack.

  JACK

  Sorry.

  JACK (CONT'D)

  (Yelling over the weather.)

  OK Richard lift the pick.

  Jack is trying to start the engine, while Samantha reels in her broken line, Richard perched on the bow hauls up the anchor.

  Thunder erupts from somewhere deep within the storm, startling all four Dennison's.

  The next flash of lightening mesmerizes Richard.

  The Yamashiro, bow on, punches its way through the waves at forty knots, bearing down on them.

  The huge bow wave, picks up the boats stern and drops it, catapulting Richard into the air, into the drink.

  Jack grabs Bryce’s collar, moments before he’d have gone over the side.

  JACK (CONT’D)

  Richard! Richard!

  EXT WAITAMATA HARBOUR - CONTINUOUS

  Richard is paying for not wearing a life jacket. He surfaces spitting water out, gasping for breath. A huge wave breaks over the top of him dunking him with only half a lung full of air .

  He resurfaces gulping in a mixture of air and salt water.

  Going under for the “Third Time”!

  EXT. JACKS BOAT ON THE WAITAMATA HARBOUR - MOMENTS LATER

  Samantha, sobbing, pulls out from his fathers cuddle.

  SAMANTHA

  UNCLE!

  Bryce grips the windshield, white knuckled, desperately searching for Richard, tears in both Kids eyes.

  INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER

  Richard is held up between to sailors, his head slumped forward, chin against his chest. The Admiral paces back and forth across the bridge, one hand at his hip feeling for his sword.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  (in Japanese)

  Wake him!

  A third sailor crosses to Richard, roughly shakes him. Richard stirs a little, then slumps back down. The sailor looks to the admiral, who just nods his head. The sailor pulls Richard's head upright by the hair and slaps him awake.

  Richard waking, groggily stares around the room, trying to focus. As his view of the bridge clears he starts to smile. Richard's smile is short lived when the sight of the Admiral fills his vision

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT'D)

  (in Japanese)

  Where are they?

  The Admiral slaps his hip where his Katana should hang. Richard is in shock and does not answer.

  The Admiral tries again

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT'D)

  (in Japanese)

  You have my swords! I want them back. That’s the honourable thing to do, give back that, that does not rightfully belong to you.

  Richards white as a ghost.

  RICHARD

  I don’t have....

  The Admiral holds up a hand, stopping Richard in his tracks.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA

  Not my problem!

  Richard resigns to the fact.

  ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)

  The consequences of your actions Dennisan.

  Admiral dismisses Richard, turning his back to him.

  With that Richard starts to get dizzy and passes out.

  EXT. NOISES ISLAND HAURAKI GULF - LATER

  The Coast Guard tend to Richards lifeless body.

  The Rescue helicopter is in bound.

  Jack is wading towards the beach, rope in hand. On the tethered boat Bryce and Samantha, rain soaked, forlorn, grasp the windshield rail, wishing Richard to breathe.

  Richard gives a small cough, then another.

  The Coast Guard roll him into the recovery position and wait.

  Richard obliges, and vomits sea water.

  The Coast Guard personnel lift Richard onto a stretcher and into the waiting Rescue helicopter.

  INT. AUCKLAND HOSPITAL WARD - DAY

  Richard is recovering in hospital.

  Jack, Bryce and Samantha enter the ward.

  Seeing Richard’s awake, Bryce breaks away from his father, sprinting the length of the ward.

  Leaping onto the bed, Richard winches in pain receiving his nephews love, but saying nothing of it.

  BRYCE

  (Whispering)

  Love you Uncle.

  RICHARD

  Love you too.

  Jack standing beside the bed smiles down at the sight of his brother and son hugging.

  Bryce bursts out of the hug, inflicting a little more pain on Richard.

  Offering his electronic note book.

  BRYCE

  Look what I found!

  Bryce excitedly fires up the notebook.

  The computer shows a picture of a battleship, sending Richard into a coughing fit.

  BRYCE (CONT’D)

  You ‘right Uncle?

  Both Bryce and Jack lean in to see if Richard is OK.

  RICHARD

  (Turning red)

  Should’ve worn a Life Jacket, then I wouldn’t of had to try and drink my way out.

  Richard taps his chest, coughing a little more, laughing at his own joke.

  Jack smiles.

  JACK

  Maybe we should leave Uncle to rest.

  Bryce looks disappointed

  RICHARD

  No, it's aright.

  INT. ON COMPUTER SCREEN - CONTINUOUS

  Admiral Nishimura’s back story.

  The Blue Marble slowly revolves.

  NARRATOR

  World War Two exploded into the Pacific on December 7 1941, with the ferocity of Wildfire, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour.

  The Blue Marble grows as the camera zooms in.

  NARRATOR (CONT'D)

  Through the Tropical Jungles in extreme heat, into the malaria infested estuaries and in the pitch black of night, the Allies fought the Imperial Japanese Army

  The image tracks across the globe, America, Japan.

  NARRATOR (CONT’D)

  At Sea the Allies won a monumental victory at the Battle of Midway. The Japanese knew if they lost the Philippines, the whole war would be lost.

  The image on the computer screen now draws in to encompass; Singapore, Indonesia, Borneo.

  NARRATOR (CONT’D)

  They drew up a desperate plan, which risked all of their