XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
SUBTEXT VIRTUAL SEASON 9

PRODUCTION #V912
Water, Water Everywhere

VIRTUAL AIRDATE
March 3, 2004

WRITTEN BY
TNovan

PRODUCED BY
Carol Stephens

DIRECTED BY
Denise Byrd

SCREENGRABS
Judi Mair

ARTWORK
Lucia

TITLE GRAPHIC
Linda (Calli)

Xena: Warrior Princess is a trademark and copyright of Universal/StudiosUSA and Renaissance Pictures.  This is a fan based not-for-profit work of fiction and is not intended to infringe upon their rights.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT

There is a fierce storm rolling across the water.  A ship is being badly battered on the harsh waves.  Even as crewmembers struggle to keep the ship steady, others are washed overboard into the angry sea.

Xena, with Gabrielle hot on her heels, moves from the stern to the bow, trying to get past men fighting ropes to keep the sails in some sort of working order.

Over the howl of the wind, the sounds of timbers creaking and breaking can be heard clearly over the shouts of the men.

XENA
(shouting)
Gabrielle!  The foremast is going!  There’s nothing we can do. Get ready to go into the water!

Before Gabrielle can respond, the foremast begins to splinter and crumble. As it swings from side to side, the ropes holding the main mast begin to snap and ricochet around the deck. Gabrielle’s eyes widen.  Without a moment’s hesitation she charges Xena and knocks her to the deck, just as the main stays break loose sending rope and tackles directly toward where her head had been.

As they hit the deck, the ship suddenly pitches to the port side, causing them to half roll, half slide to the port side railing.  Hanging on to each other they both understand that there is little to be done and the ship will be lost.  There is only confirmation when they hear a crewmember.

CREWMAN
WHIRLPOOL! 

FADE TO:

EXT. OCEAN - DAY

The view is of an expanse of ocean; it is calmer now but the angry storm clouds on the horizon tell a different story.  The wind is still strong enough to cause whitecaps on the waves that carry lengths of wood that are the remains of a ship.

An arm shoots straight from the water and wraps around a large piece of debris.  Xena’s head appears above the water.  She gasps and draws in a lungful of badly needed air as she draws herself up and onto the remains of the ship.

Her eyes are closed and it’s clear that whatever has befallen her and Gabrielle is serious enough to have sapped her strength and energy.  Taking several slow, deep breaths she opens her eyes and focuses on what appears to be ripples in the water just in front of her.  With what little strength she has left, Xena’s hand darts out and snatches something in the water. She pulls Gabrielle above water and draws her to the plank.

Once she is resting on the wood, Gabrielle begins to choke and expel water from her mouth and nose. She is quiet for a moment then her eyes open, dazed and confused.  She still manages to find Xena’s face and she smiles weakly.

GABRIELLE
(hoarsely)
The other side?

XENA
The other side.

Gabrielle seems to accept this fate and her eyes close.  With the last of her strength, Xena reaches out and places her hand in Gabrielle’s hair, making contact as her own eyes slip closed.

FADE TO:

EXT. ISLAND - DAY

Two men pull a small boat onto the beach and tie it up to a log. Gathering packs from the boat they sling them over their shoulders and begin walking a well-worn path along the sand.

AIAS
Did you have a good trip?

PHAIDON
Yes, it was wonderful to see my family again, but it is always difficult to remember that they are not accustomed to the same things that I am.  And you?

AIAS
It was a quiet trip. I am sure Soteres will be pleased that there is very little talk of us any longer.

AIAS
I’m sure of it.  I know he was concerned that someone might come looking again, but I don’t think that will.... 

Before he can finish, Phaidon raises his hand in a gesture for Aias to be quiet. Aias looks in the direction that Phaidon is staring, but he can’t see anything that might have raised his friend’s alarm.  He strains to see.

AIAS
What?

PHAIDON
I think I heard something.

AIAS
It is probably a gull.

PHAIDON
I don’t think so.

Phaidon takes a few steps, moving to a cluster of scrub brush. He drops his pack quietly and then parts the vegetation.  Aias peers over his shoulder and gasps when he sees Xena and Gabrielle, lying on the beach.

AIAS
Are they dead?

Phaidon watches them for a moment and shakes his head.

PHAIDON
I don’t think so.

AIAS
What should we do? We could go tell Soteres.

PHAIDON
If we take time to do that I think they’ll be dead by the time we get back.  We have to help them.  Aithousa would demand it.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

Gabrielle draws a slow deep breath and blinks her eyes until they are finally focused on the room around her. The walls seem to be shimmering with bluish silver light but she can’t quite make out more than that in her current state.

Her hand travels over the soft bedding until she finds Xena’s hand.  She turns her head to find her partner sleeping soundly next to her. She knows immediately that Xena is alive by the gentle rise and fall of her chest.  Reassured and comforted by what she does know at the moment, that they are alive and together, Gabrielle closes her eyes to rest.

FADE TO:

INT. BEDROOM - SOMETIME LATER

Xena awakes this time, apparently feeling much better as she sits up immediately and tries to take in everything around her.  After a quick examination of the room she determines there is no immediate threat.  Her attention is drawn to Gabrielle, who is now curled up on her side with her arms wrapped around a pillow.

Xena reaches out and touches a bandage on Gabrielle’s forehead.  Her brows draw together as her finger traces strips of something she’s not familiar with that appear to be holding the bandage in place.  Suddenly she realizes that she’s not in the best shape of her life either. 

Lowering the blanket covering her and Gabrielle, she finds a large white bandage on her side. It’s held on with the same kind of strips that are completely intriguing to her. She tries to remove her bandage, and hisses when the tape pulls at her skin.

XENA
Son of a Bacchae!

The curse brings Gabrielle out of her slumber. She sits up, immediately concerned by the look on Xena’s face.

GABRIELLE
What’s wrong?  Are you in pain?

XENA
Hell yes!  What is this?

She points to her side, causing Gabrielle to notice.

GABRIELLE
A bandage?

XENA
Oh funny. I mean the stuff holding it on.

Gabrielle fingers the one edge of the tape.

GABRIELLE
It’s sticky.

XENA
Yes, I am aware of that.  It takes the skin with it when you remove it.

GABRIELLE
The skin it still there, Xena.  It must sting a little.

XENA
It stings a lot.

GABRIELLE
Maybe we should put it back?

Xena nods and lays back so Gabrielle can press the bandage back into place. She glares at Gabrielle’s little smile.

XENA
Don’t be so smug; you have one on your forehead.

Gabrielle’s fingers travel to her forehead.

XENA
(Cont’d)
And it’s right on your hairline.  That should be fun.

Gabrielle decides to ignore Xena’s comment as she pulls the blanket over her nude body.

GABRIELLE
Where are we?

XENA
I have no idea.

GABRIELLE
We survived, right?

XENA
Oh yeah, trust me.  No ‘other side’ has soft beds and silk sheets.

GABRIELLE
Or food.

Gabrielle gets up from the bed, wrapping a blanket around her body as she makes her way to a corner of the room where a small table has been prepared with several types of food. Taking a seat at the table, she samples food from several different plates before she notices Xena staring at her.

GABRIELLE
What?

XENA
I’ll bet if we had died, you’d have gone to the other side hungry.

GABRIELLE
Come join me and stop being such a grouch.  This lamb is wonderful.

Xena wraps the sheet around her body and takes a seat next to Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
So, how long do we wait before we go exploring and find out where we are?

Xena picks through the food before answering.

XENA
Obviously we’re not in any immediate danger.  They wouldn’t save our lives to hurt us later.

Gabrielle stops in mid bite and puts the food back on her plate, staring at it.

XENA
(Cont’d)
What’s wrong?

GABRIELLE
One word…. Cannibals. 

Xena chuckles, pushing Gabrielle’s plate back to her.

XENA
Does this look like a place where cannibals live?

GABRIELLE
Maybe they’re neat cannibals.

XENA
Eat.  After we’ve rested a bit more, we’ll see if we can find something to wear besides the bedclothes and try to locate our host.

FADE TO:

INT. COUNSUL ROOM - SAME DAY

Several men and women are seated around a large oval table.  They are talking quietly among themselves and there seems to be a very serious current to their conversations.  Finally, after a few minutes, an older woman taps a small crystal on the table to get the attention of the others.

VERA
As you are all aware, we have a very serious problem right now that we need to address.  Aias and Phaidon brought two strangers here.  They were absolutely correct in bringing these women to our home. They had no choice in the matter in adherence to our laws, but now we are faced with what to do with them.

An elderly gentleman with a long gray beard and a ponytail of the same color running down his back, seems to consider her words as he strokes his beard.

SOTERES
I think we must try and persuade them to remain here with us.  It is the wisest course of action, since allowing them to return topside is nearly impossible.

GEDEON
And if they don’t wish to stay?  Then what?

SOTERES
Then Vera and I will decide if it is time to hand them over to you and the military.

TERALYN
Seems we are caught between a rock and a hard place.  On hand we can’t see any harm come to them, because our laws forbid us to, but on the other we can’t let them leave because they could give us away to the topsiders.

SOTERES
It is indeed a difficult position we are in.  Before we consider any options, we should talk with our guests and see how reasonable they are.  Gedeon, are they still sleeping?

The general turns to a small screen in the table and presses a few buttons.  The screen comes to life and shows Xena and Gabrielle rummaging through the cabinets in their room.

GEDEON
No sir, they are awake and appear to be looking for their clothes.

SOTERES
What did you do with their clothes?

GEDEON
We took them.  The tall one was wearing armor, primitive, but armor nonetheless and weapons.  She must certainly be a warrior topside. The fair-haired one had a pair of defensive weapons.  They appear to be fairly harmless, but I’m sure in the right hands they could be deadly.

SOTERES
Do you think hers are the right hands?

GEDEON
I’m sure of it.  Our technology gives us weapons these two could not even dream about, but it also give us a disadvantage when dealing with topsiders.  They are far more cunning because they have to be.  We just point and destroy; they must have plans, with options and contingencies in their warfare.  They adapt quickly to any situation and can be quite deadly when provoked.

SOTERES
Then let us not provoke them.

VERA
A wise decision I think.  Let us talk with them and hopefully reason with them.

TERALYN
Perhaps when they see the riches and the advancements our world has to offer they will stay without argument.

SOTERES
Perhaps, but don’t count on it.  People from the topside world can be frightened and mistrustful of things they do not understand.  This may spur them to fight to escape.

GEDEON
They can’t escape from Atlantis and live to see the surface.

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM - CONCURRENT

Xena sits at the table, drumming her fingers and looking very irritated.  Gabrielle closes the door on the cabinet and turns to her partner.

GABRIELLE
Ideas?

XENA
Sheets are fashionable? 

As Gabrielle is about to reply, there is a knock on the door and they both stand to face it.  Both of them look as if they’re prepared for a fight.

XENA
Come in.

The door slides to the right revealing Soteres, Vera and Gedeon.  They step inside and the door slides closed behind them.

SOTERES
Welcome to Atlantis, friends. I am Soteres. This is Vera and Gedeon.

XENA
I’m Xena. This is Gabrielle.

VERA
Welcome, Xena and Gabrielle.

GEDEON
I have your clothes.

He steps forward with their clothes all neatly folded in one hand and their boots in the other.  He places the items on the table between them.

GEDEON
We had them cleaned for you.

XENA
Thank you.  Where are my armor and weapons?

SOTERES
I’m afraid we had to keep them for the time being, Xena. Surely you understand.  You are strangers to us.  We are a peaceful people, and we wish no trouble.  Two of our young men found you on the beach, close to death.  They brought you here and our staff saw to your needs.

XENA
Gabrielle and I are grateful for your assistance.  The ship on which we were traveling was caught up in a storm and broken apart.  Without your help, we would have died, but if you will be so kind as to return my armor and our weapons, we’ll be on our way.

SOTERES
Well you see, there’s the problem.  If you leave, you could jeopardize the lives of everyone who lives here.

GEDEON
And you understand we can’t allow that.

GABRIELLE
And you don’t seem to understand it’s a bad idea to try and keep Xena someplace she doesn’t want to stay.

VERA
You don’t know that you don’t want to stay here.  Let us show you our world.  We have much to offer.  Things the likes of which you have never seen before.  You may find our home to your liking.

XENA
Where the people are prisoners?  Somehow I don’t think so.

GEDEON
Our people are not prisoners Xena, but they understand the need for secrecy. They do not speak of their home when they are among your people.

XENA
My people?  Aren’t they your people too?

SOTERES
No. We are different. (beat) Please, before you make any judgments about us, let us show you our world and explain it to you. Please?

XENA
Just a second.

Xena and Gabrielle turn their backs, taking a few steps away from the elders.

GABRIELLE
(whispering)
Have a look around?

XENA
I think so.  If there is a way out of here, we need to find it.

Gabrielle nods her agreement and they turn their attention back to the trio.

XENA
We’d love to have a look around.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. ATLANTIS - LATER THAT SAME DAY

Now dressed in their regular clothes, sans armor and weapons Xena and Gabrielle are following Soteres and Vera.  They walk through an arch way where the two elders stop on a balcony and just watch as their guests take in everything they are about to see.

Xena stops at the railing and stares down into what appears to be a large underwater city.  Gabrielle is looking above and around her at the glass dome that protects the city.  It looks like any other city, with people bustling about, dealing with every day tasks, except all around them is the protection of the dome.

The city goes on for as far as the eye can see and they both would have never believed such a thing existed if they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes.

GABRIELLE
By the Gods.

XENA
We’re underwater?

VERA
Several leagues as a matter of fact.

SOTERES
So you see Xena, escape is quite impossible.  If the water pressure didn’t kill you, then you would surely drown before you reached the surface.

GABRIELLE
Then how did we get here?

SOTERES
We have vehicles capable of traveling back and forth between our world and the surface.

GABRIELLE
If you don’t intend to let us go, why even bother to bring us here?

VERA
Our laws forbid us to allow someone to die if we can prevent it.  As I said, we could save your lives.

SOTERES
But now that puts us in this predicament.  This is our world.  We came here when we could no longer live among your people topside.  They had become too aggressive, too warlike.  We are a peaceful people.  We can defend ourselves, but that is always a last resort.  We would just prefer not to have conflict at all.

XENA
But what about Gedeon?  He’s obviously a military man.

SOTERES
He is, and he commands our forces. Like I said, we can protect ourselves.

GABRIELLE
How did you even come to be down here?

SOTERES
Many generations ago, our ancestors tried to settle topside with your ancestors.  Our ancestors had capabilities that yours did not.  It wasn’t long before our ancestors were forced to leave the land and take sanctuary under the water because of the wars between our people.

GABRIELLE
Why didn’t you just share what you had?

VERA
It’s difficult to explain, but we couldn’t.  It would have been interfering with the natural progression of your ancestors.  They had to make their own legacies.

XENA
So you came here and you’ve survived in this place for multiple generations?

SOTERES
Yes, and over the years your people have tried to find this place. If that were to happen we would have no choice but to destroy our world and the people from yours that would invade.

GABRIELLE
You don’t have to worry about Xena and me.  We respect your right to remain hidden away here.  We wouldn’t tell anyone.

VERA
If it were your world and your people, would you take that chance?

FADE TO:

INT. CITY - AFTERNOON

Vera is showing Xena and Gabrielle around the city.  Xena is looking at everything.  Gabrielle seems fascinated by a particular light affixed to one of the buildings.

GABRIELLE
Xena look at this.

She reaches out to touch the glass that is emanating the light, but pulls back when she feels the heat.  

GABRIELLE
(Cont’d)
There’s no flame.

Vera smiles as she watches them inspect the lamp.

VERA
It’s called electricity.  We use the natural power of the water around us to generate energy.  We harness that energy and use it to power our city.  Every home, every business has electricity.

XENA
How do you put it out?

VERA
With a switch.

GABRIELLE
You can just turn it on and off?

VERA
Yes.

XENA
It’s amazing.

VERA
Yes. But one of those things that your people are not ready for.

GABRIELLE
But why?  This seems like a very good thing.  The possibilities are limitless.

VERA
Exactly.  Tell me, do you know people who could use this as a weapon?

XENA
I could use it as a weapon.

VERA
Would you?

XENA
If I had to.

VERA
And there are others like you?

Xena nods the admission, obviously not feeling good about it.  Gabrielle reaches out and takes Xena’s hand to offer silent support.

GABRIELLE
If you have this, then there must be other things.  Is there anything else you’re willing to show us?

VERA
Child, I will show you everything if it will help convince you that it is best for you to stay here.

GABRIELLE
Convince me.

FADE TO:

INT. HOSPITAL - AFTERNOON

While not up the standards of a 21st century medical facility, this hospital is far more advanced than anything Xena or Gabrielle have ever seen.  Everything is clean and sterile. The staff is dressed in uniforms that easily distinguish doctors from nurses.  There are only two patients per room and as they enter the central monitoring area, Xena stops to stare at a bank of screens that display every room.

XENA
How do you do this?

VERA
Crystal optics.  We mine crystal from the ocean floor, which allows us to process it into many different things.

As a doctor walks by, Gabrielle takes his arm.

GABRIELLE
Excuse me?

DOCTOR
Yes?

Gabrielle points to her bandage.

GABRIELLE
What is this?

The doctor looks at Vera, confused, then back to Gabrielle.

DOCTOR
A bandage?

GABRIELLE
I know that.  The stuff holding it on?

DOCTOR
Oh, yes. Adhesive.

He can see that she’s not quite understanding.

DOCTOR
Umm, glue?

GABRIELLE
Glue?  Wouldn’t it be easier just to tie the bandage on?

Amused, the doctor just shakes his head.

DOCTOR
No.

VERA
Come. Let me show you some other things.

CUT TO:

INT. DOME - SHORT TIME LATER

Standing on a walkway, looking over a railing, Xena and Gabrielle watch as divers swim back and forth between a platform and what appears to be a mine entrance under the water.

Xena seems particularly interested in the equipment they are using to breathe underwater.  Each diver is wearing a mask and a singular small tank on their backs with a smaller mask over their mouth and nose.

VERA
There’s not enough air in one of those to get you to the top, Xena.  And even if there were, the water pressure outside the dome would kill you.  The workers use the tanks to swim from the mining shaft to the foreman’s platform.  Underground, there are air filled shafts where the miners are extracting various ores from the ground.  Atlantis sits in what is basically a valley at the base of a dormant volcano.

XENA
What make you so sure it’s dormant?

VERA
Our scientists assure us there’s no danger.

XENA
That’s what they thought in Pompeii too.

GABRIELLE
Vera, how can you ask us to remain here?  We’re not of your people.  We don’t belong here.  We have nothing to offer you.

VERA
Your presence here offers us security.  

XENA
But was it right to save our lives only to make us prisoners?

VERA
You wouldn’t be prisoners.

XENA
Would we ever be allowed to go back up?

VERA
I’m afraid not.

XENA
Then we’re prisoners.  It would have been better to let us die than to try and keep us caged up like animals.

VERA
(confused)
But you wouldn’t be ‘caged’ up. You would be free to live among us.

Xena gestures around the series of domes.

XENA
In... this glass cage.

VERA
I’m sorry.

FADE TO:

INT. LIVINGROOM - EARLY EVENING

Xena is pacing like a caged tiger as Gabrielle sits at a table watching her.

GABRIELLE
Is that helping?

XENA
It isn’t hurting.

GABRIELLE
Okay.... Xena, is a life here really worse than death?

XENA
Yes. 

GABRIELLE
But think about how comfortable it is here.  The buildings are heated without fireplaces. The have water that runs hot and cold at the same time….

XENA
Good for them.

GABRIELLE
They have plumbing….

XENA
The Romans have plumbing.  Look where it’s gotten them.

GABRIELLE
Did you ever stop to think that after all the things we’ve been through lately this is someone’s way of telling us to slow down?

Xena sighs and takes a seat next to Gabrielle.

XENA
Maybe.  I’m willing to slow down.  Just not here.

GABRIELLE
Okay, but getting out is going to be tough.

XENA
I know, but they keep saying they trust us to live among them.  We can use that to our advantage.

GABRIELLE
That’s a plan I see forming isn’t it?

XENA
I think so.

FADE TO:

INT. CITY - EVENING

Xena and Gabrielle are walking, unescorted through the streets of the city. People are still moving around, but with a more leisurely pace than before.

XENA
I think this must be their evening.

GABRIELLE
How can you tell?

XENA
They don’t seem to be in as much of a hurry. 

GABRIELLE
Good point.

XENA
And with evening, most people want to relax.

She stops and looks over the crowd until she sees three young men coming toward her.  Stepping in front of them, she forces them to stop, but before she can say one word they look at her and then to Gabrielle and lascivious grins spread across their faces.

YOUNG MAN 1
You’re not from around here, are you?

XENA
No, we’re not and we’re wondering what you do for fun in this bubble.

YOUNG MAN 2
Well, we could tell you….

YOUNG MAN 3
But it would be more fun to show you.

Xena looks to Gabrielle and smiles.

XENA
What do you know... we found a comedy act.

GABRIELLE
(shrugging)
Who knew?

YOUNG MAN 1
Now, now ladies….

This remark gets twin raised brows; one dark, one blonde as in perfect unison Xena and Gabrielle cross their arms.

GABRIELLE
Free piece of advice.  This is a really bad idea.

YOUNG MAN 2
Really?  Three of us, two of you and women to boot….

The men begin to move toward them, their intentions clear.

GABRIELLE
(to Xena)
I think I prefer our reputations preceding us.

XENA
Yeah.

Before any of the men can move, Xena strikes out.  Gabrielle does the same less than one second behind her. Two of the men drop to their knees, choking and gasping for air.  The third man stares wide eyed at his two companions, and then turns and runs back the way they had come.

XENA
You have thirty…

GABRIELLE
... seconds to live.

XENA
We don’t want trouble.

GABRIELLE
We just want to know where to get a drink.

YOUNG MAN 1
Pub….

YOUNG MAN 2
Mermaid Inn….

YOUNG MAN 1
That way….

He jerks his thumb over his shoulder. Together, Xena and Gabrielle remove the pinch, stepping back as the men both drop face down to the ground.

Without a word Xena and Gabrielle step around them and continue into the city.

FADE TO:

INT. MERMAID INN - NIGHT

Sitting at a table in the center of the room, Gabrielle is drinking a yellowish drink from a tall clear glass. Xena’s glass is the same but her drink is a dark brown color.

GABRIELLE
This is good.

XENA
Not bad.

GABRIELLE
That was pretty rotten of us.

XENA
They asked for it. A bully is a bully; I don’t care where they live.

Gedeon along with four of his officers enters the pub and sighs as he walks over to the table where Xena and Gabrielle are sitting.

GEDEON
I’m sure there is a good reason why you attacked two of our citizens.

XENA
They were looking for trouble.

GEDEON
They’re young men, Xena. They work hard in the mines all day.  They were trying to blow off some steam.

XENA
They shouldn’t have blown in my direction.

GABRIELLE
We actually didn’t hurt them.

XENA
But we can protect ourselves.

GEDEON
I can see that.

He gestures to his men, who bring up weapons that Xena has never seen before, but she knows anything with a trigger can’t be good.

GEDEON
You’re under arrest.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. JAIL CELL - NIGHT

Xena is lying on a cot. Gabrielle is leaning against the wall staring at the shimmering blue bars that hold them in.

GABRIELLE
Getting us arrested was part of your plan?

XENA
Yep.

Sighing, Gabrielle crosses the cell and takes a seat on the end of the cot.

GABRIELLE
Clue me in next time.

XENA
Next time I need to get us arrested, I will.

GABRIELLE
Looking at their security?

XENA
And weapons.

GABRIELLE
Tight and powerful.

XENA
Yep.

GABRIELLE
I trust the plan has a second part.

XENA
I’m working on it.

GABRIELLE
And in the meantime?

XENA
Let’s sleep on it.

Gabrielle smiles and crawls between Xena and the wall to settle her head on Xena’s shoulder.

GABRIELLE
This is pretty good, even for jail.

XENA
We’ve been in worse.

GABRIELLE
Very true.

Placing a tender kiss to Xena’s cheek, Gabrielle snuggles in and closes her eyes.  Xena remains awake and staring at the ceiling.

FADE TO:

INT. JAIL CELL - MORNING

A tall, distinguished man enters the outer chamber of the cells.  He stops just before the bars of the cell where Xena and Gabrielle are being held.  He doesn’t seem the least bit surprised to see them both asleep in the same cot even though there are others that are available.

GAGE
Excuse me?

He waits patiently for a response.  Slowly, taking her own time, Xena finally opens her eyes and turns her head.

GAGE
Good morning.  My name is Gage.  I’m your advocate.

XENA
For what?

GAGE
Court.

XENA
Court?

GAGE
Yes.  For the charges pending against you.

Drawing a deep breath, Xena slowly sits up, careful not to disturb Gabrielle.

XENA
They’re putting us on trial?

GAGE
Yes, for two counts of assault.

XENA
I see.  And if we lose?  

GAGE
You’ll probably be sentenced to two years of working in the mines.  A year for each count.

XENA
So you get four years of prisoner labor out of us for defending ourselves.

GAGE
If we lose.

XENA
And tell me….

She stands and walks with purpose to the bars that separate them

XENA
(Cont’d)
What are the chances we will win?

GAGE
I can’t say right now.  I need to talk to you and your friend, and then speak to the prosecutor.

XENA
So we’re not guilty yet?

GAGE
Not yet.  That’s not the way we do things here.

FADE TO:

INT. OFFICE - LATE MORNING

Gage is sitting at a small table with Xena and Gabrielle, looking at notes he is taking while they have breakfast.

GAGE
So you put this ‘pinch’ on the young men?

XENA
Yes.

GAGE
And this is a maneuver you do with your hands.

GABRIELLE
Would you like us to demonstrate?

GAGE
Ah... no. Thank you.

XENA
Look, it’s mostly a defensive action.  

GAGE
But it can kill?

GABRIELLE
It can, but if you take it off in time, it’s mostly harmless.

GAGE
Mostly?

XENA
Some people suffer a mild nosebleed.

GAGE
I see.  Other than that there are no side effects?

XENA
Not that we’re aware of.

GABRIELLE
So when will the trial start?

GAGE
This afternoon.  It will be before a panel of judges and shouldn’t take very long.

XENA
It generally doesn’t take long to convict someone.

GAGE
You’re not convicted yet and I think we can show these fellows have caused trouble before.  I’ve talked to three local merchants who have had incidents with them in the past.  The only trouble I can see is that they are claiming it was unprovoked.

XENA
Of course they are.

FADE TO:

INT. COURTROOM - AFTERNOON

Gage, Xena and Gabrielle are seated at one table.  The PROSECUTOR and the THREE MEN are seated at a table across the room, facing them.  At a third table between them, THREE JUDGES dressed in red robes are preparing to hear the case.

In a small gallery, various members of the city including Soteres, Vera and Gedeon are watching and waiting.

JUDGE ALGIS
We are here today to investigate charges brought against the topsiders….

He pauses as he looks down at a paper in front of him.

JUDGE ALGIS
(Cont’d)
Xena and Gabrielle? Correct?

GAGE
Yes, Magistrate.

JUDGE MICU
The three accusers, Ahban, Perico and Birger are prepared to testify against these topsiders?

The advocate for the young men stands, smoothing his silver robes before addressing the panel.

CAIO
They are Magistrate.  They will all three testify to the same thing.

The three judges take a moment to confer and the third one, a woman with a very regal bearing turns her eyes to Xena and Gabrielle

JUDGE SOFIA
We have spoken with Elders Soteres and Vera and commander Gedeon.  They all seem to think that this situation was a terrible misunderstanding between our citizens and people not of this world.  They think that we should take into special consideration that you two were brought here when you were in no condition to protest.  That you were told that you would remain here and that you had been among our people for less than one day.

XENA
That would be nice.

The woman is not amused at Xena and it shows in her eyes as she purses her lips before continuing.

JUDGE SOFIA
As I understand it, you readily admit to using this ‘pinch’ on the accusers. Is that right?

Xena is about to say something, when both Gage and Gabrielle each take an arm to stop her.

GAGE
That’s correct, Magistrate.  They do admit to doing it, but they state it was self-defense.

JUDGE SOFIA
We’ve read their statements, Advocate Gage. Our concern is this: while we must punish this act of aggression we don’t wish to make the punishment unreasonable.

JUDGE MICA
The normal sentence for this crime would be one year, per charge, per accused.  Therefore a four-year sentence to the mines.

There is a slight commotion at the table where Gage sits. As Gedeon looks over he sees Gage and Gabrielle once again hanging onto Xena who looks like she’s ready to attack the entire room.

JUDGE ALGIS
In consideration of all the factors, we are willing to offer you a reduced sentence. One year labor in the mines.

XENA
(whispering to Gage)
Do we have a choice?

GAGE
Take it. Trust me. Take it.

Xena looks him in the eye to measure his sincerity. Once she determines he is making the best choice for them, she turns to Gabrielle.

XENA
(whispering)
This was not part of my plan.

GABRIELLE
I know.

XENA
We can work with this.

GABRIELLE
I have no doubt.

Squeezing Gabrielle’s hand, Xena turns and nods to Gage.

GAGE
We accept, Magistrate.

JUDGE SOFIA
Then the sentence shall start in three days time.  The mining foremen will take the time to train and equip them so that they can perform their duties safely.

JUDGE MICA
Gedeon, take them into custody. Court adjourned.

FADE TO:

INT. MINING OFFICE - MORNING - THREE DAYS LATER

Gedeon stands with two guards, watching as the mine foreman hand new clothes to Xena and Gabrielle.

FOREMAN
These are the uniforms you need to wear while working in the mines.  They are waterproof and will keep you warm in the water.  We can heat the area somewhat, but not enough to keep you from freezing to death.

He gestures to a curtained off area.

FOREMAN
You can change in there.

With twin sighs, they move behind the curtain.

CUT TO:

INT. MINING OFFICE - A FEW MINUTES LATER

Stepping out from behind the curtain Xena and Gabrielle are dressed in what passes for wetsuits.  It’s clear neither of them is happy with the close fit of the clothes.

FOREMAN
I know it’s uncomfortable at first, but trust me... you’ll be glad you have them when you’re in the water.

He hands them footwear that completes the outfit. 

FOREMAN
These too.

As they slip into the boots, the foreman turns to Gedeon.

FOREMAN
I think I can take it from here.  I’ve handled prisoners before.

GEDEON
The guards have orders to shoot them on site if they give you trouble or try to escape.

FOREMAN
They’ll be fine. I’m sure you have things to attend to.

Gedeon nods and leaves the office, taking his guards with him.

GEDEON
(O.S)
Guard this door.

The foreman watches from a window until Gedeon is out of site.  Then he retrieves a long dark duffle bag from inside a large chest.  He slides it across the floor to Xena.

FOREMAN
Put your regular clothes in there.

Xena gathers up the bundles of clothes and opens the bag to find all their weapons and her armor.

XENA
What the…?

FOREMAN
Look, we don’t have time for a lot of talking.  If you two want to get out of here, you’ll do exactly as I say when I say it and you’ll look like model prisoners.  Understand?

XENA
Yes, but where are you going to take us that Gedeon and his goon won’t find us?

FOREMAN
Topside.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. MINING OFFICE - SHORTLY THEREAFTER

The foreman busies himself collecting equipment that they’ll need for whatever plan it is that he has. 

GABRIELLE
It’s not that we’re ungrateful or anything, but why do you want to help us?

FOREMAN
Some of our people stayed up there when most of them left and I have relatives topside.  Some of us have heard of you two.  The heroes that even the Gods can’t stop.  They need you up top far more than we need to keep you down here. Besides you don’t belong in our world. We were born to it.  We understand it, you would never adapt.

XENA
Can’t argue with that logic.

FOREMAN
Getting out of here is not going to be easy. Very dangerous.

GABRIELLE
We’re okay with danger.

The foreman smiles as he removes two sets of equipment from a locker.

FOREMAN
I figured as much.  I’m going to take you to Lessa.  She is the person who trains the miners.  She will teach you how to use this and she will lead you to the place that will get you back to the top.

GABRIELLE
Before we go, what’s your name?

FOREMAN
Lukas.

GABRIELLE
Thank you, Lukas, for all your help.

LUKAS
You’re welcome.  Come on, Lessa is waiting.

CUT TO:

INT. CAVERN - EARLY AFTERNOON

Following Lukas through a series of tunnels, they finally enter a large cavern where a YOUNG WOMAN and TWO BOYS are waiting for them. The cavern is large and in the center of it is a well lit pool of water that shimmers silver and blue.

LUKAS
This is Lessa, Stian and Rani.  They’re going to help you get back to the top.  

He offers his hand and a sincere look to Xena.

LUKAS
Good luck.

XENA
(taking his hand)
Thank you.

LUKAS
(to Lessa)
You have about two hours before Gedeon is going to start looking for them.  You need to make it work this time. It’s our only chance.

LESSA
It’ll work.  I’m going to teach them how to use the gear and then the boys are going to show them the slide and the valve.

Lukas nods and departs the cavern quickly.  Lessa turns to them and smiles.

LESSA
I take it you both know how to swim?

XENA
Yes, we seem to have done more than our share lately.

LESSA
Maybe when you get back, you’ll go someplace inland for a bit.

GABRIELLE
I think that’s a grand idea.

LESSA
What we need to do first is teach you how to use the masks and tanks.  So climb into that water and let’s get started.

FADE TO:

INT. CAVERN - AFTERNOON

Xena’s head pops up out of the water, her face covered by two masks, one for seeing and the other that covers her mouth and nose for breathing. She pulls down the air mask and smiles at Lessa who is sitting on the edge of the pool with her legs in the water.

XENA
I LOVE this.

Lessa chuckles and nods. 

LESSA
It’s fun. Where’s Gabrielle?

XENA
She’s still under there chasing the boys around and getting used to this.

LESSA
Well, go get her. We need to get you on your way.

Xena replaces the mask and disappears under the water.

CUT TO:

INT. TUNNEL - AFTERNOON

Lessa is leading the group of Xena, Gabrielle and the boys down another series of tunnels.  In the distance, voices and noises indicative of mining activity can be heard.

LESSA
The boys are going to lead you to the wash.  They know how to use it and no one will miss them.  If one of us from the mine disappeared for the time it will take to get them there and back, it would alert the guards. They’ll take you from here.  Be well.

XENA
Thank you, Lessa. 

She disappears back the way they came and the boys move forward. Shouldering the bag and her gear, Xena follows with Gabrielle right behind her.

RANI
We’re going to take you to a partially collapsed tunnel.  You’ll have to use the mask and tank to swim through it.  It’s long so don’t worry if you feel like you’ve been in there a while.

STIAN
When you come out of the tunnel you can drop the tank and mask.  You won’t need them anymore and we can get them later.  Follow the next tunnel you find that goes left.  That will bring you to a waterfall.  You have to go over the falls, but the pool at the bottom is very deep.

RANI
The current will carry you to another cavern that will wash you into the very center of the cavern.  This is where it gets very tricky.  We have a lot of fun, but we know how to do it. When you wash out you have to make sure that you stop yourself from going to the other side.  After you catch your breath you’ll find a stack of wooden boards.  Each of you take a board, hold it in front of you and run for the rushing water. You need to land in the center of the stream, face first with the board under you.

STIAN
You are going to have very little control over the boards, only the weight of your body.  You’ll have to use it to keep the board away from the sides of the wash or you’ll get smashed.

RANI
(dryly) 
And probably dead.

Xena and Gabrielle try to hide their amusement, knowing that it’s going to take more than a description like that to scare them. But they do try to look properly concerned.

XENA
(seriously)
Thanks for the warning.

GABRIELLE
So what happens at the end of the wash?

RANI
Well, towards the end of the wash, you’re going to hit a stream vent that is going to hopefully boost you through the opening to the topside.

XENA
Where are we going to come out?

STIAN
Topside.

XENA
Right, but where topside?

RANI
We don’t know.  We never look around; we just climb back down and follow the footpath back.

GABRIELLE
You do this for fun?

RANI
Yeah, but if the elders ever found out about it, they’d kill us.

XENA
We appreciate your help, boys.  I think we can take it from here. You’d better get back before someone misses you.

RANI
Okay. Take care.

Xena and Gabrielle wave to them as they retreat back up the tunnel.

XENA
We may as well get to it.

FADE TO:

INT. TUNNEL - A SHORT WHILE LATER

Their path has stopped and in front of them is the underwater mouth of the next leg of their journey.  They put the tanks on their backs then the masks into place before slipping into the water, where they tread at the edge for a moment before pulling the duffel in after them.  Each taking a handle, they manage it as they swim into the tunnel. For the most part it is dark, with only a small disk of light every few feet to guide them. They continue a slow, but steady swim forward.

FADE TO:

INT. CAVERN - CONTINUOUS

The dark tunnel has let out into a pool.  Surfacing, Xena and Gabrielle find themselves in another cavern. This one is large and the sound of rushing water is unmistakable. Pulling themselves out of the water, they sit on the edge of the pool for a moment to strip off tanks and masks and rest after what appears to have been a long swim.  Xena hauls the bag out of the water and then lays back on the edge to catch her breath.

XENA
I’m getting old.

GABRIELLE
We’re just not use to breathing like that. My chest hurts, but I’m starting to feel better now.  I don’t know how they do it.

XENA
They’re used to it.

She coughs a couple of times and takes a deep breath of fresh air.  She is lying there watching the lights reflections from the water on the ceiling of the cave, apparently contemplating her navel.

XENA
Let’s stay here.

GABRIELLE
Let’s not.  You know how I am about being wet.

Rolling over and pushing up on her arms, Xena grins at Gabrielle

XENA
No comment.  Okay, let’s go.  A dive over the waterfall is next.

Leaving behind the tanks and masks, they make their way toward the sound of the waterfall.  Stopping at the very edge they look down at what must be a 150-foot drop.

GABRIELLE
They do this for fun?

XENA
They’re young.  All sorts of stupid things are fun when you’re young.

GABRIELLE
We survived a shipwreck for this?  I swear.

XENA
Well, in for a dinar, in for a gold piece, as Autolycus would say. 

Xena reaches out and takes Gabrielle’s hand.

XENA
(Cont’d)
On three?

Gabrielle nods quickly and Xena counts.

XENA
One... two... three!

They both jump from the edge, and get caught in the rush of the water on the way down, forcing their hands apart.  Xena manages to maintain a grip on the bag but regrets it when she lands slightly before it and it comes down hard on her shoulder.  She is pushed under the water; her last clear vision is of Gabrielle being swept down stream with the current.

Kicking hard, Xena manages to break above the water as she and the bag are caught up and swept after Gabrielle.  Xena realizes that there is very little control here and the best she can do is try to keep from being bashed against the rocks and the sides of the wash.

CUT TO:

INT. WASH - CONTINUOUS

Gabrielle has swallowed more than her share of water and is feeling tired and sore by the time she sees the median the boys told them about.  She’s headed for it at a high rate of speed and she knows the stop is going to be far more painful than the trip.  Fighting the current of the water, she tries desperately to turn sideways, knowing her whole body can better withstand the impact than her head.

Forced onto the expanses of wet rock, there is what might be a muffled curse as Gabrielle drag herself out of the water further up to solid ground.  With a groan, she rolls over in time to see Xena pushing the bag out of the water and hauling herself up to collapse on top of it.

They both lay there silent, trying to regain their breath.  Xena looks over to find a stack of long slightly curved boards lying off to the side.

XENA
I don’t think I’m ready for that.

GABRIELLE
I suggest we rest.

XENA
Great idea.

She leaves the bag but pulls herself over to lie next to Gabrielle.

XENA
Thirsty?

GABRIELLE
Funny.

FADE TO:

INT. CAVERN - CONTINUOUS - A SHORT WHILE LATER

Xena and Gabrielle are both now on their feet and examining the boards that they will use on the finally leg of their escape.  The board Xena has is just a bit shorter than she is, one end is somewhat pointed and the other is straight.

XENA
Interesting.

GABRIELLE
If it keeps us from going under I’m all for it.  How are you going to handle the bag?

XENA
The bag gets its own board.  Hopefully we won’t lose our gear.

CUT TO:

INT. CAVERN - CONTINUOUS

Xena pushes a board with the bag lashed to it into the water and watches as it shoots down the wash and disappears.

GABRIELLE
You want to go first?

XENA
Yeah, wait until I’m out of sight before you go in.  I have a feeling that we’re going to need some distance between us.  That passage is pretty narrow.

GABRIELLE
Okay. Be careful. 

XENA
I will.

Xena leans over and kisses Gabrielle gently.

XENA
(Cont’d)
See you topside.

GABRIELLE
Right behind you.

Gabrielle steps back and watches as Xena times the current and then dives forward with the board under her.  It doesn’t take long for her to disappear but there is a loud yell as she does.  That causes Gabrielle to laugh because she knows it’s Xena’s ‘having fun’ yell she is hearing.

GABRIELLE 
(Cont’d)
Just goes to prove you don’t need to be young to enjoy stupid things.

Taking a deep breath Gabrielle grips her board and then follows Xena.

CUT TO:

INT. WASH - CONTINUOUS

Xena has a huge smile on her face as she rides the board down the wash.  For everything she’s been through, it’s clear she’s completely enjoying this experience.  It hasn’t taken her long to get the idea of using her body to guide the board to keep it away from the walls.

Ahead of her she can hear a high whistling sound and she can see a far more natural light.  It seems that the board is picking up speed, as the whistling grows louder.  

Suddenly there is a loud ‘pop’ and Xena knows she is no longer on the water. Taking a quick look around it’s very clear that she’s airborne and headed directly for the small opening that is allowing the light in.

She closes her eyes tight, grips the board and contemplates a prayer to gods she never trusted.

CUT TO:

EXT. FIELD - DAY

Xena is lying on the board on the ground, obviously not moving. Her eyes are still closed and she is taking mental inventory of her condition.  Pleased with what she assesses, she opens her eyes to see the board with the bag lying a few feet away.  The board is battered, but still intact as well.

Another ‘pop’ causes her to turn her head in time to see Gabrielle shoot out of the vent.  The trajectory is at a slight angle and Gabrielle’s scream is one of partial fear and partial amusement.  The board soars slightly past Xena and skids to a stop in the tall grass.

Pushing herself up, Xena moves quickly to where Gabrielle landed.  She stands over her waiting for Gabrielle to move.  When she doesn’t, Xena drops to her knees.

XENA
Gabrielle?

After another few seconds, one green eye opens and she smiles.

GABRIELLE
Okay THAT was fun.

Xena smirks.

XENA
We’re not doing it again.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

TAG

FADE IN:

INT. INN - EVENING

Xena and Gabrielle are seated at a corner table.  Remnants of dinner are scattered about on various plates, and they both look quite satisfied.  Xena is tipped back in her chair with one foot up on another to assist in her balance.  Gabrielle is sipping from a steaming mug. Neither of them seems terribly concerned about making conversation.  It is a comfortable moment for them and they are rather enjoying it.

Several people enter the inn and the tavern keeper begins shifting tables around a small stage.

GABRIELLE
Wonder what’s going on?

Having overheard her, the innkeeper turns and smiles.

INNKEEPER
We’re having a bard tonight.  One of the best in the land.

XENA
(dryly)
Oh goody.

Gabrielle grins and gives her a playful shove with her foot.

GABRIELLE
Be nice.

Xena smiles back and points to herself in a ‘me?’ gesture.

A young woman crosses the room and takes a seat on a stool.  The room quiets down. 

BARD
I sing of Atlantis….

XENA
Let’s go.

In complete agreement, Gabrielle stands and they quietly head for the back of the room and the stairs that will take them to their room.  The innkeeper stops them.

INNKEEPER
Aren’t you staying?

GABRIELLE
We’ve heard it.

They nod goodnight and make their way up the stairs.

FADE OUT.

DISCLAIMER
No Alantians were harmed during the making of this motion picture and their secret is safe to this day.