remaining forces.
The image stalls over the Island of Borneo.
INT. AUCKLAND HOSPITAL WARD - CONTINUOUS
Bryce looks to his uncle and quickly raises his eye brows, twice in quick succession, and smiles mischievously.
NARRATOR
On the evening 24th October 1944 in the pitch black of night and under the suppressive heat of the tropics, Admiral Shoji Nishimura met Admiral Jesse B Oldendorf.
Richard's cough returns and does not abate.
The view on the computer screen has continued its spiralling descent down to the water level and now follows the CGI boats acting out the narration.
NARRATOR (CONT’D)
Admiral Nishimura's small fleet were no match for the Allies colossal fleet, waiting strategically along Surigao Strait. Even knowing the odds the Japanese Admiral steamed on.
Richard’s condition now looks serious.
Two planes appear on the screen and dive bomb the battlegroup. The screen follows them down on the attack.
Richard's coughing has stopped. Exhausted Richard slowly retreats into unconsciousness. A glowing pulsating light at the end of a dark passage way beckons him.
The doctors and nurses have arrived at the bedside answering Jack's urgent calling, with the patient alarm.
The Dennison's are hustled out of the ward.
DOCTOR
(to nurse)
He's drowning!
The doctors work furiously trying to resuscitate Richard.
A flat line bee....ep can be heard.
INT. BRIDGE OF THE BATTLESHIP -- MOMENTS LATER
Richard heads towards the strange light and as he draws closer he realises that the light is not white but green and is escaping from an ajar door. He approaches cautiously. His hand extends out to grasp the door handle. Walking through the doorway he is back on the bridge of the Yamashiro. It is night and the bridge is lit by the circling radar screen. The flurry of agitation halts briefly as the first officer bows to Richard then turns to Admiral Nishimura.
FIRST OFFICER
(in Japanese)
Admiral, Sir. Dennisan.
The Admiral turns and acknowledges Richard's presence with a small nod of the head.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA
Excuse me Dennisan. It seems we have lost the element of surprise and the Fuso has lost her float plane and the Shigure a gun crew.
The Admiral then returns to the action going on around them. Richard stands dumb founded.
EXT. SURIGAO STRAIT -- CONCURRENTLY
A klaxon is sounding.
Smoke bellows out of five American destroyers funnels as they go to war.
AMERICAN CAPTAIN
(VO on Public address system)
General quarters, general quarters.
Punching out a huge bow wake they build to full speed and bear down on Admiral Nishimura.
INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA
Captain. Instruct the ships to ready themselves.
EXT. SURIGAO STRAIT - CONTINUOUS
The fleet break current formation and form a single line.
INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
The Admiral turns to Richard.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA
Dennisan. You have returned on your own accord. This is good.
The Admiral is again interrupted.
SAILOR
(in Japanese)
Torpedoes!
Out ahead of the Yamashiro a small phosphorescent green line streaks towards them.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA
Hard to port.
The huge battleship heals over under the drastic evasive manoeuvre. Everyone braces themselves.
As the ships returns to a upright position the horizon lights up, in flashes, as the US destroyers open fire with their big guns.
EXT. SURIGAO STRAIT - CONTINUOUS
The Fuso, travelling behind the Yamashiro is hit and falls out of line.
INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Over the continuos roar of big guns.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA
Dennisan. You struggle to return that which is not yours.
EXT. SURIGAO STRAIT - CONTINUOUS
The Yamagumo sinks with all hands.
INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
RICHARD
They were laying on the bottom of the ocean.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA
Not laying. In my possession.
RICHARD
What if I....
The Admiral interrupts.
EXT. SURIGAO STRAIT - CONTINUOUS
The carnage continues.
The Michishio is crippled and the Asagumo's bow is blown off.
INT. YAMASHIRO BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA
What if, is not the reality. It would be better had you let them lay.
The Yamashiro is hit by torpedoes and slows.
Another wave of shells rain in on the Yamashiro and fire breaks out illuminating her proud silhouette.
Taking the radio the Admiral calls.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)
Mogami, Shigure. This is Yamashiro. We have received torpedo attack. You are to proceed.
Returning again to Richard.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)
My wife has lost her husband and my sons their father. To lose family is hard Dennisan.
The Admiral points at the green radar screen. Slowly the image of Samantha and Bryce crying at the Hospital wards window sharpens.
The Admiral attempts to call the Fuso mistakenly believing she is still alive.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)
Fuso. Fuso. This is the Yamashiro.
Silence!
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)
Fuso. Fuso. This is the Yamashiro.
Again Silence!
The Yamashiro is now building back up to speed.
The Admiral faces Richard once more.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)
Dennisan. It is time.
Richard looks confused. The first officer is slowly guiding Richard backwards towards the door. The Admiral is facing forward again. Standing staunch his hands behind his back, with one hand he grasps the sword.
As Richard reaches the door the Admiral turns and faces him once more, answering the unasked question.
ADMIRAL SHOJI NISHIMURA (CONT’D)
For duty and honour, Dennisan.
The Admiral bows to Richard. Richard returns the bow. As he comes upright he is being drawn upwards away from the battle. He can see the Admiral take advantage of the ceasefire. Turning the Yamashiro around Nishimura retreats through the burning wreckage of his fleet.
Two pencil line phosphorescent lines chase the Admiral's retreat.
The torpedoes hit the Yamashiro critically crippling her.
The Yamashiro’s gets good hang time before a last expulsion of breathe relinquishes life and she disappears.
The ocean washes away the violence, leaving a surreal calm.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD -- CONTINUOUS
From the night stand, beside the bed, Bryce’s lap top, which is still running.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Japan now mourns the loss of a truly great Samurai Warrior.
Samantha, dried tear stains on her cheeks, stand's at the ward's window willing Richard to be all right. Her attention constant, not even disturbed with her mother’s arrival.
Marie sits on the bench seat Bryce between her and her husband. She puts her arm around her son as Jack fills her in on the situation. Concerned she looks towards her daughter.
The beeping of Richard's heart monitor starts up again. First softly then growing in strength.
The doctor comes out from behind the curtain and walks out of the ward to the Dennisons.
DOCTOR
He has regained consciousness, but we
still need to keep a close eye on him.
JACK
May we see him?
DOCTOR
He's a bit weak. Tomorrow would be better.
Samantha turns back to the window. She can now she Richard as the nurse draws back the curtain. Richard returns Samantha's ear to ear grin with a tired smile and a very weak pinky wave.
MARIE
Sam. Tomorrow.
Sam blows Richard a kiss, touching the glass, before turning to leave.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD -- NEXT MORNING
Richard lays in bed soaking up the warmth from the sun. All of the Dennison's arrive to visit.
MARIE
You gave us a bit of a scare.
RICHARD
Yeah. Me too, sorry.
BRYCE
What happened?
JACK
Bryce!
RICHARD
It's OK. Next time we won’t take on the Japanese Navy and the Samurai.
Bryce smiles, his Uncle has paid attention.
BRYCE
Yeah, the Nihon Kaigun, Ai.
Bryce bows. Richard struggles to lift his head off the pillow.
Richard, smiling, turns to Samantha who has been standing quietly just holding her uncle's hand.
RICHARD
We need to find Admiral Nishimura's family.
Samantha still smiling nods.
BRYCE
Yeah, he’s Samurai! You wouldn’t want to piss......
JACK
Bryce!
BRYCE
Upset him. I’ll help.
RICHARD
Sure. You can take Dad to the antique dealer's and get our swords back.
Richard looks up from his nephew to his brother. Jack smiles and nods.
Jack and Marie pull up chairs, to settle in for the visit, while Samantha and Bryce gently climb onto the bed.
EXT. ALL SAINTS MALL PONSONBY -- AFTERNOON
Bryce leads Jack and Samantha across the courtyard to the antique shop. Jack's face questions why his brother would have even thought to come to such a place.
INT. ALL SAINTS ANTIQUE SHOP -- MOMENTS LATER
The tiny bell jingles as the Dennisons enter the darkened shop.
JACK
Hello!
BRYCE
Hello.Lo..lo.Lo.....
JACK
Cut it out Bryce.
Samantha smiles as she shakes the goose bumps off.
The proprietor appears between the shelves and comes to the counter.
PROPRIETOR
Yes?
He is looking at Bryce, giving him the evils for the joke about his shop. You can see the penny drop as he recognizes Bryce, then ignores him.
JACK
Afternoon. I'm Jack Dennison.
Jack is digging out the receipt.
JACK (CONT’D)
Richard Dennison’s brother. I'm here to pick up the swords on his behalf.
Taking the receipt the proprietor scrutinizes it.
PROPRIETOR
I'm sorry. But Mr Dennison will have to collect them himself.
JACK
Sir. My brother is in hospital and unable to. He has sent me on his behalf.
PROPRIETOR
I'm sorry but you have no proof of that. For all I know you could have found that receipt. Or even stolen it.
Jack is starting to get a little rattled.
JACK
I beg you pardon!
PROPRIETOR
I'm not saying that you did. All I'm saying is that you could be anyone and the receipt could be stolen.
Jack produces his wallet.
JACK
Look! Here's my license..
Bryce has been champing at the bit to join in.
BRYCE
Don't you remember me? I came in with my Uncle Richard.
The Proprietor looks at Bryce. Nothing.
PROPRIETOR
No. A lot of people visit my shop.
Bryce is upset a the thought of not getting the swords.
BRYCE
I doubt it. This is a dirty shop. He’s just trying to keep them for his self.
PROPRIETOR
What!
Jack steps in.
JACK
Sam take your brother outside and calm him down, please.
Sam tries to herd a reluctant Bryce out of the shop. Bryce touches his eye and points to the Proprietor (watching you).
EXT. ALL SAINTS MALL PONSONBY -- CONTINUOUS
In the courtyard Bryce justifies his actions.
BRYCE
He's lying Sam! He recognized me.
SAMANTHA
Yeah I know. Don't worry Dad will sort it out.
Through the window Jack's temper is starting to rise and he storms out of the shop.
SAMANTHA (CONT’D)
Where's the swords? What happened?
JACK
Nothing. They're not even back from being authenticated and even if they were Uncle Richard would have to get them.
BRYCE
Shit!
JACK
Bryce!
The Trio head out of the court yard onto Ponsonby Road.
INT. 4X4 PONSONBY ROAD -- MOMENTS LATER
As Jack drives by the front of the All Saints Mall, heading home, Bryce spots the antique dealer, hunched over, carrying a small bundle, scurrying around the corner.
BRYCE
Dad. The Shop keeper.
Jack watchful of the traffic misses seeing the Antique dealer.
BRYCE (CONT’D)
He's gone. Did you see him Sam? He was carrying something.
SAMANTHA
No.
Bryce sits back in his seat dejected.
They continue on.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD -- LATER
Jack and the kids surround the hospital bed.
JACK
Unfortunately he wouldn't hand the swords over. He said that they were still away being authenticated and even if not, he'd only give them to you.
Bryce champing at the bit burst in.
BRYCE
He's lying Uncle! I saw him leaving the shop, and he was carrying them wrapped up, in a blanket.
Richard looks to his brother. Jacks gestures, his uncertainty.
RICHARD
Nevermind mate. I'll be out of here in a couple of days. And then we'll get them back.
Bryce sees this as a rejection and backs away to the corner of the room.
JACK
He'll be 'right. We'll see you tomorrow.
Jack goes over to his son to see if he can lift Bryce's spirits.
Richard turns to Samantha.
RICHARD
How you going on finding the Nishimura's?
SAMANTHA
Not that good. It's a lot harder than you think.
RICHARD
Oh well. Keep trying I know you can do it.
Samantha kisses her uncle and leaves. Catching up to Bryce and Jack they leave the ward together.
Bryce still sullen.
EXT. 4X4 DENNISON'S DRIVEWAY -- LATER
The 4x4 pulls into the Dennison's drive, Bryce still in a bad mood.
INT. DENNISON'S KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER
Bryce heads straight through the garage, for his bedroom, leaving Jack and Samantha to explain what's going on to Marie.
EXT. DENNISON'S DRIVEWAY -- MORNING
Bryce stealthily brings his bike out of the garage. He closes the large tilt door attempting to be quiet. As the door comes to its stops the noise sounds deafening, in the quiet of the morning.
Looking around to see if he's being snapped, he quickly mounts his bike and disappears down the drive.
Safely on the road Bryce in a rush of excitement, from escaping undetected, pulls a wheelie.
BRYCE
Yeah!
EXT. PONSONBY ROAD -- LATER
Bryce chains his bike up against a lamp post and walks down Ponsonby Road towards
All Saints Mall.
He imitates a collection of characters he has seen on the movies doing close surveillance, running between lamp posts.
He is taking this seriously. Although still a distance from the shop, you never know, he may bump into the antique dealer coming to work.
EXT. ALL SAINTS MALL PONSONBY -- CONTINUOUS
He cautiously enters the Mall. It's dead quiet, none of the shops are open yet. Stopping at a corner. He peers through the travel shop's windows. Hidden by the posters, of exotic places, only his eyes can be seen.
His face close to the glass, his breath can be seen on the pane. He is staring intently, as though just thinking it, will make the shop open.
He's startled as another business owner passes him. The woman looks at Bryce curiously. He quickly walks around the shop's corner and peers back through travel posters.
The woman has crossed the mall to a clothing shop, three doors away from the Antique shop, and is opening up.
Bryce crosses the mall and enters the still unlit fashion shop.
INT. FASHION BOUTIQUE -- CONTINUOUS
BRYCE
Hello.
WOMAN 1
Ooue. You gave me a fright. What can I do for you.
BRYCE
Do you know where the Antique Dealer lives?
The woman is taken back by the direct questioning.
WOMAN 1
Why?
Bryce realizes his mistake and with no real plan has to think on his feet.
BRYCE
I..I, want, to..buy a army hat.
With his confidence back.
BRYCE (CONT’D)
I have my pocket money and Dad said it was all right.
WOMAN 1
(smiling)
He should be along shortly. He's usually here between now and half past.
BRYCE
Thank You.
The woman watches Bryce leave the shop. He turns and heads down to some seats, making sure he cannot be seen from the Antique shop, but the woman can see him.
INT. SAMANTHA'S BEDROOM -- CONCURRENTLY
Samantha sits at the computer. Teen idols from screen and music, male and female, cover the wall behind the computer. Around the room, she still has a couple of dolls and her Teddy sits on the bed. She is diligently working on the computer, a small tap on the door and Marie enters.
MARIE
Sam, have you seen Bryce this morning?
SAMANTHA
No.
MARIE
Did he say where he was going?
SAMANTHA
No.
MARIE
OK, I'll leave you to it.
Marie slowly closes the door. Samantha's getting frustrated with the Internet.
SAMANTHA
Shit!
She quickly looks at the door to see if her mother has heard her swear and coming back to growl her.
Nothing.
Samantha continues. She enters "Japanese phone book." She struggles with the wording reading what she can out loud. Clicking on what she believes is the right button the screen takes her to a totally different place.
EXT. ALL SAINTS MALL PONSONBY -- LATER
Bryce's bum is getting sore from sitting on the wooden seats and he is getting fidgety. From inside the fashion shop, the woman feels sorry for Bryce. She comes out and approaches him.
WOMAN 1
I don't know what's keeping him. He's usually not this late.
Bryce looks up.
WOMAN 1 (CONT’D)
Come inside and we'll see if we can locate him.
They go back inside the clothing shop.
INT. FASHION BOUTIQUE -- MOMENTS LATER
The woman has pulled out the phone book and is turning the pages. Finding the All Saints Antique entry.
WOMAN 1
Oh! There's no after hours number.
(to herself)
Gerald, Gerald. Got it. Lancaster.
She quickly flicks through the pages to the L's. Bryce has moved into a position to read over her shoulder.
WOMAN 1 (CONT’D)
Here we go. 27 Elgin St.
She picks up the phone, dialing the number. Bryce stands anxiously. Not knowing what to do if the phone is answered.
WOMAN 1 (CONT’D)
No reply.
Bryce smiles.
BRYCE
Thank You. Maybe I'll come back later.
Bryce exits the shop.
EXT. ALL SAINTS MALL PONSONBY -- CONTINUOUS
Bryce casually walks through the mall, checking over his shoulder. As soon as he is out of sight he sprints to his bike, nearly colliding with a gentleman.
EXT. PARK -- LATER
Bryce is in full flight, hooning it through the park on his bike.