"The Nestike Forest Affair"

Commander Viac am Malacar del Kalix, AGXCC

Chronicler

A17th 150th Valkyrie Ranger Battle Group

Sil Xennonoc, Isle of Kalix

Introduction

Okay, now I am going to take you back to the beginning, with the 150th, and start to tell some of the stories about them, and how we came to be. This is the first in the series, and it tells the story of the start of the Corps.

You recently read "A New Day, Love Returns" - that is the answer to this one. Here is where we lost Jen.

It is originally written on Sophocles Screen Writing, which tells you why it is formatted the way it is.

Enjoy!

Vivi - A17th 150th VRBG / Kalix

WGAW #868085

1998 - 2002

"THE NESTIKE AFFAIR"

ACT 1 - THE OPENING SALVO'S

THIS OPENS AT OKTECK. LIKE ALL ARMY CAMPS, THIS

IS TYPICAL. PICTURE WHAT YOU WOULD SEE AROUND ANY ARMY BASE

CAMP, LESS THE MODERN TRAPPINGS. BASICALLY BARRACKS, MESS

HALLS, FIELD HOSPITAL, DRILL FIELDS, AND ALL THE REST.

This is the base camp of the 26th - 730th Valkyrie Corps

(VKC). Grand Commander Kerricar (KERRI) is in command.

INT. KERRI'S OFFICE - ABOUT FOUR PM - LATE AFTERNOON

FIELD UNIFORMS ALL-

FADE IN

They have just returned from a practice skirmish with the

16th - 740th Corps, and Kerri is not happy with the results.

Vercan (VER), Gencon (GEN) and Malacon (MAL) are standing

there in the office....

Before Kerri's desk..

Jennacon is seated off to one side

Kerri is pacing back and forth like a caged lion...

Behind the desk...

KERRI

(rather upset)

NOW what was that all about? You

guys just stunk the place up!

Vercan - your first Battalion

couldn't fight it's way out of an

open field!

Kerri turns and points to Gencon-

KERRI

(continuing)

AND YOU Gencon - what was third

thinking about? I have never seen

such bad formations - you were cut

down before you actually got into

action!

Kerri wipes his brow - looks at a map hanging nearby - then

turns to point at Malacon-

KERRI

(continuing)

Malacon - you are NOT the whole

CORPS. You did an admirable job -

but you forgot to cover for the

other two Battalion Commanders.

The three Battalion commanders look a bit sheepish at the

drubbing they are getting. Jennacon (JENA) rises to

Malacon's defense-

JENA

Commander - if you please?

KERRI

Jennacon?

JENA

I think the Second Battalion did

rather well today - and if the

other two had requested assistance -

we would have come to their aid.....

KERRI

(cutting her off)

YOU are not to wait when your

brother Batallions are in a jamb,

Jena - You should be watching the

action around you.

MAL

Commander - we were occupied at the

time. I can not watch everybody

else's performance when I am

running my Battalion.

KERRI

YES you did do very well if I must

say so. BUT we would have lost the

other two Battalions at the rate

they were going down.

Kerri looks disgustedly at the other two Majors -

Then he continues-

KERRI

(continuing)

IF you other two Majors can not

find the way - then I will find

other officers to take your place.

Kerri looking directly at Mal and Jena-

KERRI

(continuing)

AND you two - I want you to work

with these two and their staffs to

get them in shape - RUMOR has it

there is a MAJOR fight coming up -

IF this Corps goes down - YOU are

all going down with me.

Kerri motions towards the door-

KERRI

(continuing)

NOW get out of my sight - and DO

SOMETHING with this CORPS! - -

DISMISSED!

The four standing there now salute - then leave.

EXT. JUST OUTSIDE KERRICAR'S OFFICE -

The four start walking away -

MAL

Jeeze what a sore head! I didn't

think we did that badly!

JENA

Well it wasn't pretty - but we

didn't lose the whole thing!

VER

You guys were just showing off today!

MAL

Excuse me?

VER

So what was that "funny move"? You

made at the end? We were all

watching your lines and I guess we

forgot ours..

MAL

OH that! That was something we

borrowed from the Black Forces - why?

VER

BLACK? You guys turning into the

enemy now?

<<Black -- Black Forces, is the "Quipolleth" - one of the other "Kingdoms" like us, the Kerenth. They have a nasty habit of invading us, is it our shorthand way of refering to them.>>

MAL

Nope - just trying new tactics -

and it worked just fine. Why don't

you guys come over and we will show

you what we were doing today!

GEN

Well maybe later - right now I got

some ass chewing to do on my own. I

thought we were ready - but I guess

we weren't.

MAL

Gen - if you want my opinion - your

lines need work. Close up tighter

like we did. Then attack from the

center out.

VER

So you want to critique my Batallion?

MAL

Nope - wasn't watching you - I

thought you were more experienced -

so I just left you go out there and

get clobbered.

VER

Thanks for nothing Mal -

MAL

You graduated before I did, so I

thought you'd have more time before

the mast as it was - and had

something up your sleeve.

VER

Frankly - if you ask me - I had the

plan - but my company commanders

didn't.

JENA

Look guys - this isn't getting us

anywhere fast. Kerri is probably

right on the big fight coming....

MAL

(cutting her off)

AND just what do you know about that?

JENA

Well if you let me go on Mal.....

Jena reaches into her dispatch case - and pulls out a map.

She spreads it out as she speaks-

JENA

(continuing)

I was at headquarters the other day

and caught a drift of some

conversation, and when I left, I

noted it on my maps...

Now spread out on the ground-

JENA

(continuing)

Here it is - the Nestike Forest.

She indicates on the map-

JENA

(continuing)

Rumor has it the Black 210th and

214th are massing someplace near

here. They aren't sure where

exactly - or how many of them there

are...

GEN

If that is correct - then the guys

coming back from leave were right!

VER

Gen? You know something about this?

GEN

Well yes and no. I had a couple of

guys from "A" company come back and

tell about a large group of Black

Forces - just beyond the Realm's

boarders - in that general area.

MAL

So you didn't think to make a

report to somebody about that?

GEN

Well not really - they weren't

sure - who or what it was - just a

large formation of footmen from

what they could tell...

VER

HOW LARGE WAS IT GEN?

GEN

Couldn't say for sure - maybe TWO

HUNDRED? Maybe FIVE HUNDRED?

MAL

THAT is reportable! If they were

that close to the Realm - where

were they?

GEN

Well they were about here-

Gen indicates on Jena's map - just below the Nestike Forest...

GEN

(continuing)

About THIRTY miles due south of

Nestike - and moving away from the

Realm...

MAL

That was a scouting party you fool!

VER

That's awful big for a scouting

party Mal...

MAL

All right then - it was a raiding

party. Something is definitely up!

VER

How can you be so sure Mal?

MAL

When I was a sargent - we ran into

the Black 40th - in just the same

manner - and it turned into a

skirmish - but the flag had gone

up - and other forces were

dispatched to deal with it.

GEN

So you think something is going on?

MAL

If my guess is right - and you guys

are with me - let's set out a small

scouting party of our own....

JENA

(cutting him off abruptly)

MAL - if you do that Kerri will

really cut you a new ass hole -

he's already warned you about not

being the whole Corps.

MAL

(looks surprised at Jena)

So what would MY LADY wish us to do?

JENA

If you guys are cooking something

up I would let Kerri know - and let

him make the decision.

VER

Jena - why don't you go and tell

Kerri what you know - and we are

discussing - that way we don't get

in the line of fire!

JENA

Thanks for nothing guys - I

suppose - -

MAL

Lets get out of here anyway and

have dinner - then we can think

this over at my place....

GEN

All right I guess - we should do

something about our Battalions

first however

VER

Right! Lets go and give them the

bad news first! Then we three - er

four - can talk about Nestike...

MAL

Agreed! About eightish at my

place - and don't raise a stink

about this to anyone till we get

more info --

JENA

Also while you guys are giving your

groups a going over - ask if anyone

knows something about any of this -

any small details will help.

Jena rolls up her map - then the four leave for their

respective command groups..

FADE OUT.

INT. MALACON'S OFFICE - DESK - SEVERAL CHAIRS - ETC..

IT IS NOW ABOUT AN HOUR LATER.

Present are Captain's JEROD of "E", of HELCOR of "H",

HERNIN of "G" and BELOR of "F", along with Mal, Jena, and

soon to be joined by ERICA Mal's Tac...

The junior officers are all antsy, as they had heard about

the working over their Commander got at Kerri's office

earlier....

The four juniors are seated, they rise as Mal and Jena enter -

Field uniforms, all

FADE IN:

JENA

Ten hut!

All rise

MAL

At ease gentlemen!

The group sits down. Mal and Jena sit behind Mal's desk -

Mal at center - Jena to the right side

MAL

(continuing)

All right guys - we did a good job

today! The boss was pleased with

our performance - but - who was

watching the others?

BELOR

(inquizzically)

Others?

MAL

Yes! Others - who was watching the

other two Battalions?

JEROD

Like we had time to watch the other

companies? I was worried about my

own men Mal...

MAL

Look guys - we have to start

watching our other members of our

Corps. Ver and Gen got into trouble

on either side of us, and Kerri

wasn't happy we didn't go to their

aid...

BELOR

Pardon me - but isn't that what you

Major's are supposed to be doing?

You guys are the Group Captains -

and I thought one of your duties

was to watch the flanks for problems..

MAL

Ya well - I guess it may be - -

anyhow - just keep your eyes open

from now on, and let me know by

field signal if you see something

going wrong...

JEROD

I guess we can do that for ya - so

what's the plan Mal?

MAL

Well if you see something going

wrong - either send a runner - if

you can spare one - or signal me by

distress flag - two wags up and

down - followed by the direction -

twice. I'll have Jena watching for

your signals...

JENA

Oh good! Something else for me to

do on the field..

MAL

Jena - you are covering my back -

and if nothing seems to be

approaching from that quarter -

look around.. but don't get too

involved - I'll have Vironica and

Ellison keep a watch on their

quarters as well - - while I watch

the frontal zone, as well as the fight.

JENA

That sounds good to me - I just

didn't wish to be the only lookout..

10.

MAL

That settled - we have other

problems on our hands - one of the

results of today's fight was we are

to do something about training the

other two Battalions..

HELCOR

Oh so now we have to train the Corps?

MAL

Well yes and no - I want you to

have your Lieutenants take over

your training times, and you four

to go over to the other companies

and try to teach them some of our

moves.

HELCOR

There are only four of us - and

eight of them - how do you want to

work this out?

MAL

Well - I'll talk with Gen and Ver

and find out what they need - if

you ask me - we need better

officers - but you didn't hear me

say that - and you don't repeat

that to anyone..

JEROD

All right! I tend to agree - but

Ver has always seemed to me to be

something not quite what he is on

paper

MAL

I know - but I didn't make up the

promotion list. Bitch to upper

echelons - not now - - also

speaking of now -

Mal motions to Jena to pull out her map-

MAL

(continuing)

Jena - would you show us what we

think is coming our way?

JENA

MAL - this isn't official - just

scuttle butt - -

11.

MAL

Jena - we may as well let them

know - and maybe we can get more

information -

JEROD

So what's up skipper?

MAL

The brass have been making noises

about some big fight coming with

the Black Forces in about a month

or so as rumor has it...

JENA

Well for what it is worth - here's

what I have overheard and some

intelligence I have gathered - it

looks like this..

She bends down and spread the map on the desk, and indicates

as she is talking

JENA

(continuing)

For what this is worth - this is

not an intelligence briefing, but

merely something for now to keep

your eyes and ears open for..

Pointing to the Nestike area-

JENA

(continuing)

It seems some guys coming back from

leave saw about TWO HUNDRED to FIVE

HUNDRED Black Footmen about THIRTY

miles due South of Nestike -

whispers at command sound like

something is in the wind - from

what I can gather - from my own

sources - it's the Black 210th and

214th - all total about TWO

THOUSAND footmen someplace near or

around the Nestike Forest. They

don't know where they are exactly -

or what they are doing.

HELCOR

Oh so that is what that was!

12.

MAL

(looking surprised

and shocked)

Helcor? What do you know about this?

HELCOR

Well I was with the guys from "A"

and we were coming back from leave

about a month ago -

MAL

(cut him off)

A MONTH AGO?

HELCOR

Yes - and well - Ver didn't think

much of it - -

MAL

(Now very upset)

VER DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF THIS? - I

knew he got his bars by political

wrangling - but this is intolerable..

JENA

Mal settle down - when I go up to

talk with Kerri tomorrow - I'll

mention all of this - - all right?

Helcor - go on..

HELCOR

Well like I said - we were coming

south from the Summerlands, and

took a detour through the Nestike

forest and when we went over Nabia

Point, we could look down into the

Black Territory - and they were

just camping there - about TWENTY

miles distant, in their sector..

MAL

(Now getting really

worked up)

TWENTY MILES from the REALM? What

kind of camp was it?

HELCOR

Well Mal, it looked like one of

ours - only they are more

disorganized. If you ask me, it was

just manouvers..

MAL

What do you mean manouvers?

13.

HELCOR

Well it looked like they were

getting ready to skirmish with each

other - we didn't stay long enough

to see much..

MAL

NOW wait a minute - if they were

out playing army - and they were

THAT close to our borders - this

means they were practicing for an

invasion . .. AND VER didn't think

much of that?

JENA

Wait a minute Mal - it was Gen who

said the total of the men was - TWO

HUNDRED to FIVE HUNDRED - do you think?

MAL

THINK - I think the two of them are

working together - which is why

they did so poorly today - anyway -

go on Helcor..

HELCOR

Nope - he just blew it off..

MAL

Jena - get this all down - Helcor -

who else was with you at that time?

HELCOR

Well - there was Vitak and Flant

from "A" and Detis from "C"..

MAL

Jena - go and talk with them in

private separately and find out if

this all tallies..

JENA

All right Mal- when?

MAL

The sooner the better - we may be

into this faster than anyone knows -

Erica enters dressed in barracks uniform

ERICA

So what's up guys?

14.

MAL

It seems we may be getting into

something big fast..

ERICA

So what's the story?

JENA

Well it seems Kerri has this notion

that there is something big up -

and we are finding out it may be

true -

ERICA

Like what?

JENA

What do you know about the Nestike

Forest?

ERICA

Big place - next to the border with

the Black - several raids have come

from there in the past -

MAL

But what have YOU heard lately?

ERICA

I don't know if I can talk here

about that Mal...

MAL

Out with it!

ERICA

Well - the intelligence unit found

several articles of Black uniforms

in that area about two weeks ago,,,

MAL

TWO WEEKS AGO??? Why haven't we

heard about this - does anybody

know what is going on?

JENA

Mal settle down - this isn't your

Corps - it's Kerri's - so let's

just put this all together and

tomorrow we will see...

MAL

All right - go on Erica-

15.

ERICA

The thing seems to be building up

to something - but no one knows for

sure at this point... and that is

all I know..Sorry

MAL

All right Erica - just keep your

eyes and ears open - for anything -

especially watch Gen and Ver - we

may have double agents..

ERICA

MAL - they are both good officers - -

MAL

And good spies - if they didn't

think to report this - then we have

a problem in our own Corps..

JENA

I tend to agree - why didn't you

tell us about this Helcor when you

got back?

HELCOR

Because Gen and Ver were sitting

together and they said not to tell

anybody about it... I don't know why..

MAL

KNEW IT - just knew it - all right

you guys - if we get into a fight -

just do your best - we just may be

the entire Corps... from the looks

if it now..

ERICA

Well what do you want me to do Mal?

MAL

I want you to dig up anything you

can on those two - you being Tac

and not intelligence would not

raise much of a flag if you were

looking at old records.

ERICA

All right Mal - you?

16.

MAL

I'm going to co-ordinate this whole

thing - Jena- you get busy with the

interviews - and you four keep your

mouths shut - about the Gen/Ver

thing, and ask around your own

companies if you can dig up

anything on any of this... and do

it very quietly.

The four captains all agree to start working on this

immediately..

All leave except Mal and Jena-

MAL

(continuing)

Well kiddo - we got problems - I

want you to start on this right

away and get back to me soonest.

JENA

All right - what about the other

two coming over tonite?

MAL

Forget it - make up some kind of

excuse and get rid of them - I

don't want them around this office.

JENA

You are on! - I don't like the

looks of either of them either.

MAL

Meet me back here after midnight -

I have some things to do.

JENA

(knowing what is on

Mal's mind)

You want a messenger?

MAL

(with a smile)

Always my Jena - yes my Lady -

right away!

Jena now leaves and sends a messenger into Mal-

In a few moments - the messenger arrives-

17.

MAL

(continuing)

I want you to take a message - and

deliver it secretly at once-

MESSENGER

Yes my Lord!

Mal writes a coded note - (seen on camera)

Inside - Kerri - have info - G/V - X2 - Nestike - urgent -

midnite - 3C - //ss// MAL

Outside - Grand Commander Kerricar - 26th - 730th

He seals the note, and hands it to the messenger - who

salutes - and leaves at once.

FADE OUT.

INT. KERRI'S OFFICE

JUST BEFORE EVENING MESS A MESSENGER ARRIVES AT KERRI'S OFFICE

Barracks uniforms - all

FADE IN:

Kerri is seated behind the desk, his clerk shows the

messenger in --

The messenger hands him the sealed note.

Salutes - Kerri returns it.

Then the messenger leaves

Kerri opens it - reads it-

KERRI

GRANDO - get my things ready - we

are going out tonite..

GRANDO

What's up boss?

KERRI

It seems my guess was right!

GRANDO

Guess?

18.

KERRI

We have a spy in our camp - I knew

Malacon would smoke them out!

GRANDO

Malacon?

KERRI

Grando - he's one of the best and

brightest I have - mark my words

some day he will be a grand

commander - he is just about

running this Corps as it is -

anyway - put out our black

uniforms - and meet me here just

before midnight - and keep your

mouth shut about any of this!

GRANDO

Yes Sir!

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT 1

ACT 2 - INTO THE COLD

IT IS NOW ABOUT AN HOUR LATER - MALACON HAS CHANGED INTO A

BLACK PRIVATE'S UNIFORM, WITH A HIDDEN SCABBARD FOR A SHORT

SWORD, AND A DISGUISE.

<<I would like to slip in a note here. Valkyries because of their dual sex nature, can appear as either male or female depending on the individual. Most choose to remain in the "female" look. Mal, because he has the spy ring, and to look more like the Quippoleth, chose the "male" look. The QP does not have many "fem" looking people, and is extremely martial - therefore a "fem" appearing in their midst, would stand out. This is how Mal hides who "he" is.>>

EXT. BASE CAMP

FADE IN:

He slips out of the base camp - and heads towards the border

with the Black Territory.

Just as the sun sets, Malacon enters a dingy road house.

DISSOLVE TO:

19.

INT. A RUN DOWN DANK ROAD HOUSE - POPULATED BY "LOWLIFE"

FADE IN:

Mal slips into the road house, and walks up to the bar.

He surveys the people sitting around, and then orders a

tankard of ale.

Taking the ale, he moves towards a table with a seedy

looking man sitting there alone.

MAL

(quietly to the man)

Evening DEROD! - How are things on

your side of the world?

DEROD

Ah! Sargent Malan! - and how is

your world? Please sit down!

Mal sits in a chair close to Derod..

MAL

Long time no see old friend! - I

need some information!

DEROD

And just what would that be?

MAL

I need you to spy out what is going

on around the Nestike area... let

me know who is working the area -

how many - and whatever they are up

to..

DEROD

No problem - the usual fee?

MAL

Twenty pieces of Gold if I remember..

DEROD

That will do - how soon do you need

to know?

MAL

Soonest if you can manage it old

friend.

DEROD

Probably about in a week I can give

you the layout.

20.

MAL

That would be just fine. Just

remember I need it all -

DEROD

Yes, just as in the past!

MAL

Contact me when you have it, in the

usual way.

DEROD

All right - just remember - if they

ever figure out it was me - -

MAL

Yes Derod - I will cover for you -

you know if you ever get into a

jamb - I'll do for you what I did

for Kenah.

DEROD

How is the old boy doing these days?

MAL

He's enjoying a fine retirement in

our Summerlands, working as a host.

DEROD

That's good. Do you have a retainer?

Mal reaches into his pocket and pull out a few coins.

MAL

Here's five pieces of Gold - the

rest on delivery.

DEROD

Very good kind sir! - In a week then!

MAL

In a week...

Mal now finishes his drink, and slips back out into the gloom.

FADE OUT.

Walking down a darkened alleyway - he slips into another

doorway.

21.

INT. ANOTHER DARK AND DINGY PLACE - THE LITTLE LIGHT SHOWS

THAT THIS IS A VERY EVIL PLACE.

MALACON HAS SLIPPED INTO A BLACK BROTHEL.

FADE IN:

Mal walks up to the Matron -

MAL

(quietly to the Matron)

Evening GERTL, so how's business

tonite?

GERTL

(quietly back)

Ah Sarge - long time no see! -

Business has been good.

MAL

You know why I am here - what have

you got for me?

GERTL

How much is it worth to you?

MAL

Depends on what you have..

GERTL

So ask and I'll tell you what it's

worth..

MAL

Nestike

GERTL

About ten pieces of Gold.

Mal reaches into his pocket and retrieves the coins.

MAL

Will this do?

GERTL

Just fine! - Black 210th - 214 -

should be ready to attack in about

a month or so - if the boys are right!

MAL

How good are they?

22.

GERTL

From what I can see the usual

drivel - press gangs - and forced -

they have been having problems

getting them to attack properly

MAL

From where are they coming?

GERTL

I don't know - but just keep your

eye out!

A burly Black footman enters -

Mal steps back just a bit

Gertl takes care of her customer -

Gets him settled in a room -

Returns to Mal

GERTL

(continuing)

Just be careful - they are looking

out for spies from the Realm -

MAL

Why?

GERTL

Information is flowing back thru

here from someplace inside one of

the Corps - and I don't know any

more about it than that - so don't ask.

MAL

Thanks -

GERTL

Just get out of here before

somebody figures out who you are.

MAL

(smiling at her)

Thanks for the information - I will

be in touch my Lady.

GERTL

Nite Sarge.

MAL

Nite Gertl

23.

Mal now slips back into the Realm... making his way past the

outposts and back to his own barracks..

It is nearing midnight..

FADE OUT.

INT. MAL'S QUARTERS

FADE IN:

MAL CHANGES HIS CLOTHES - AND PUTS ON HALF BARRACKS UNIFORM.

(TOP HALF)

FADE TO:

EXT. ROAD INTO OKTECK

He then makes his way into Okteck - and slips into the

"Three Crowns" - an old inn - and walks slowly into the

backroom.

INT. AN OLD INN - "IT WAS TYPE OF PLACE" - NOW A MORE THAN

WORN OUT HOSTELRY.

As he enters the back room, in the dim light -

Two figures are sitting there. -

Kerri and Grando - black field uniforms

FADE IN:

Mal enters -

MAL

Ah!! I see you got my note!

KERRI

Well what have you been up to?

MAL

You know I never let the boss

know - been busy. Things to work out.

KERRI

So how does it look?

MAL

Dark. Very dark. Your guess was

right, and I think I know - but it

will take a week or so to confirm

what I already have guessed.

24.

KERRI

Then I was right?

MAL

Yes - but I have more details - it

is the 210th-214th - we have about

a month.

KERRI

And?

MAL

And what? Just go with that for now.

KERRI

All right - I will go with your

information for now - you have been

right in the past... how do you

come up with this stuff?

MAL

Ah! That is rule # one - never let

the boss know where you have been

or what you have been up to!

KERRI

(smiles and with a

little laugh)

Serves me right for asking.

MAL

We will have more information

shortly. I'll let you know as this

gets on, and more details as I can

confirm them.

KERRI

At this rate - there may be a star

in the for you!

MAL

Thanks for the offer - but for

right now we got bigger things to

work with. Let Kernin know that

there is something big coming his

way, in about a month - we will

need about three Corps to run this

one down.

KERRI

Three?

MAL

Just go with what I have told you!

25.

KERRI

All right, but what about our

internal problem?

MAL

I'm working on that right now - let

you know in a few days.

KERRI

Mal - you know if anybody found out

about any of our..

MAL

Kerri - I know - just trust me for

now..

KERRI

Since you were a Sargent, I have

found you to be a loyal footman -

and now as an officer - even a

better source..

MAL

Thanks - let's get out of here -

before somebody spots us - -

Mal now leaves - first - checking the main room as he leaves.

He slips into an alcove near the door just as Grando and

Kerri walk into the main room..

Suddenly - a figure lurches at Kerri-

Mal springs out from his hidden lair-

Pulls his short sword and makes quick work of the interloper.

KERRI

That was close - know him?

MAL

Yup - one of the Black double

agents - well he won't tell - not now..

KERRI

Any more in the room?

MAL

Nope - those are my men.

Mal's men dump the body in the alleyway out back -

Kerri and Grando return to their quarters.

26.

Mal hands the innkeeper three Gold coins to insure his silence.

FADE OUT

INT. MALACON'S QUARTERS

MAL NOW RETURNS TO HIS QUARTERS.

It is way past 1 am. Erica and Jena enter.....

Erica and Jena - Barracks uniforms.

FADE IN:

Mal is getting ready for bed -

JENA

Well I guess you were right!

MAL

So what did you find out?

JENA

The information is right about the

Black forces.AND - they have a new

Commander..

MAL

OH? How did you find that out?

JENA

Never ask! - Anyway his name is

Major Duroc. It seems he just

shipped his Oak Leaves - and is

eager to make more.

MAL

Oh good! A new officer trying to

make a name for himself! This ought

to be a good fight! - So Erica what

did you find out?

ERICA

Well - there is a lot of "smoky

stuff" in both of the Majors past.

MAL

Like I didn't already figure that -

so go on..

27.

ERICA

Gen it seems was taken captive

awhile ago, and was released

without the usual prisoner exchange.

Ver on the other hand has been seen

many times working with the Black

Forces, and his last command

reprimanded him for not doing his

duty when it would have been an

easy fight to finish off the battle.

MAL

All right Erica - I want you to dig

someplace around in command - check

archives to see if either of them

had spent any time other than

captive in Black hands - or has

something else in their past which

would make them suspect.

ERICA

All right - anything else.

MAL

Not for you right now - just keep

your ears open

Turning to Jena-

MAL

(continuing)

Jena - I need you to dig a bit in

the other Corps from which these

birds came - there may be somebody

over there who knows something and

isn't talking.

JENA

All right - so where have you been?

MAL

Busy - good thing I stripped that

uniform off that Black footman

years ago....

JENA

I see - never mind - I don't want

to know what you have been up to.

You should be careful, you are

getting to be too well known on the

other side.

28.

MAL

Which is why I always go alone - to

hide better - and to expose fewer

people to the danger.

Mal now stretches - yawns - and

MAL

(continuing)

Well let's get some sleep -

tomorrow may be another full day.

JENA

Yup - long day coming

ERICA

Night you two!

Erica leaves....

Jena and Mal get ready for bed together...

All retire for the night..

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT 2

ACT 3 - THE ACTION HEATS UP

INT. MALACON'S OFFICE

THIS ACT OPENS IN MALACON'S OFFICE AFTER MORNING MESS.

Barracks uniforms - all.

FADE IN:

Mal is sitting behind the desk, reading reports, as Gencon

and Vercan walk in-

VER

So just where were you last nite, Mal?

MAL

Out visiting a sick friend from 17 -

why?

29.

GEN

Oh we were just wondering - the

meeting was called off - and Jena

said you were out someplace....

MAL

I don't think my movements are your

concern anyway - but - looking at

your training reports - you have

some work to do..

GEN

So you have taken control of the Corps?

MAL

No - if you remember Kerri said we

were to work with you two and get

you up to speed - so I requested a

copy of your reports - -

VER

I don't need anybody to tell me how

to run my Batallion...

MAL

So that's why you knew the routine

and your Captains didn't?

VER

(angrily at Mal)

Look Mr. Rules - I run my own shop

in my own way - and stay out of my

group...

MAL

(growing hot at Ver)

So that's why they didn't get the

message?

VER

I'll take care of my own - just

what do you see in the reports

which makes you think otherwise?

MAL

Well it says here you haven't been

working on lines - or barge..

VER

So?

30.

MAL

That's the problem - also you need

to get your men to work together -

and not fight each other...

VER

(cutting him off)

I do my job - that's all that matters

MAL

(rising and pointing

at Ver)

YOUR JOB is to make sure that men

don't fall needlessly. NOT just be

an officer, strutting..

VER

(explodes at Mal)

I don't have to put up with this...

Ver leaves abruptly

GEN

(congenially)

Well that was nice..

MAL

Ya - Well your reports aren't quite

as bad - Barge is all right - lines

can be a problem..

GEN

I know - my troops are basically

Green but I am working on it - -

MAL

Have Captain Helcor stop over and

show you how we do it..

GEN

Which reminds me - what was that

Black move you guys used?

MAL

Oh that - that was a fighting

retreat - with a barge thrown in

for good effect - See you start to

pull back - like you are getting

out of there - then when they start

to cave towards your center - -

pull them apart - on either side of

the lines - then barge -- works

every time.

31.

GEN

Oh I see - kind of like a double barge?

MAL

Yes, that is basically the idea.-

You come in from either side of the

thinning lines - then "cut off the

bag" at the neck where they are

streaming in.

GEN

Who do you have which can show me

that one?

MAL

Belor can probably do that best -

we worked it out with his company

first - then expanded it to the

rest of our Batallion.

GEN

All right - send him over this

afternoon, and we will see how that

goes.

MAL

Done - I'll have him stop over

after noon mess.

Gen now leaves the office....

Mal goes back to his reports -

Just before noon mess -

Erica walks into the office

ERICA

Mal - we got to talk

MAL

What's up?

ERICA

Trouble - big time - Ver is not

quite what he seems!

MAL

(feigning surprise)

Oh? Tell me about it...

32.

ERICA

Well it seems that he got this

promotion by brown nosing somebody

upstairs - either that or he's got

something on somebody...

Mal looks a bit surprised -

He indicates for Erica to go on..

ERICA

(continuing)

His last command said - and you

didn't hear this from me - they

wouldn't have promoted him to the

Garbage Detail - if upper echelons

hadn't interfered - basically he

was on his way out - but somebody

pulled strings and he was promoted -

and so the 126th just transferred

him out - to get rid of him - and

so now we got him....

MAL

That figures - anything more?

ERICA

Not right now - but I have a source

who is pulling his entire records...

MAL

I thought only Jena could get into

upper echelons..

ERICA

Nope - I got connections - um -

thru the back door as it was....

MAL

Don't get caught - -

ERICA

Don't worry - nobody knows what I

am up to - and my source is not

going to tell..

MAL

For now - let's just keep this on

the back burner - ready for mess?

ERICA

You are on....

33.

Mal and Erica leave for noon mess.

FADE OUT.

EXT. DRILL FIELD -

PRESENT ARE THE THIRD BATALLION, MALACON, AND BELOR AND GENCON.

FADE IN:

The three officers (Gen, Mal, and Belor) are standing sort

of in the center of the field, while the men are milling

about around them.

Field uniforms - all.

GEN

All right you guys - listen up - we

are going to try something new -

Major Malacon and Captain Belor,

are going to try to teach you a new

formation...

Gencon gestures towards the other two-

GEN

(continuing)

Gentlemen -

Mal and Belor step out into the field away from Gencon -

MAL

Good afternoon Gentlemen - WE are

not a training command - we are a

working command. Kerricar has asked

us to show you a few things - so

listen up, and watch ..

Mal pulls out a sheaf of papers -

He waves them around as he speaks-

MAL

According to your training

reports - you have very good Barge

techniques - your lines are a bit

sloppy - we can work on that - but

the reason we are here - is to show

you a new move we worked out.

Mal looks at the reports as if he was going to extract

something from them.

He motions to Belor -

34.

Belor comes over and looks at the reports with Mal..

Mal speaks to him in a low tone

MAL

(continuing - quietly

to Belor)

Belor - don't show them everything -

especially the counter move we made.

BELOR

(quietly to Mal)

Why?

<continue this dialog as a personal speech not to be heard

by others>

MAL

I suspect a spy someplace - so

don't show them the whole scheme.

BELOR

Really?

MAL

Look - we worked this out by

ourselves - it is our move - just

do the Black "bag cut off" and not

the shield wall breach.

BELOR

All right if you say so.. Mal..

Belor now steps forward-

BELOR

All right men - form up into

companies - we will have the "A"

and "B" companies demonstrate this

move ..

The men from "A" and "B" form out on the field, opposing

each other - - "C" and "D" watch from the sidelines.

BELOR

(continuing)

Now I want you two companies to go

into an attack mode. - Facing each

other...

"A" and"B" form up into attack formation

Belor walks down between the lines -

35.

Straightening them - making adjustments as he sees fit -

Then stands in the center of the "battle front"

BELOR

(continuing)

NOW as you engage each other - push

into each other - I want the center

to just start to fall back - like a

fighting retreat - -

Belor starts pushing and shoving men - to demonstrate what

he means.

Mal joins in and helps move men about.

BELOR

(continuing)

Now as you see at this point - the

center has started to sag just a bit.

Belor and Mal push the center four men back-

BELOR

(continuing)

Now let this continue - the outside

men just from a shield wall to

protect themselves - - like this -

Belor and Mal demonstrate-

BELOR

(continuing)

Then start dropping back into your

own company. - AS the opposite men

come into the bag - the outside men

cut them off.

Belor and Mal move a lot more men into the bag - then start

shoving the remaining men into position.

BELOR

(continuing)

Now you have them cut off from

their own lines - - so all you have

to do now is have your remaining

companies - protect you while you

finish them off.

Belor and Mal demonstrate the cut off and final push.

36.

BELOR

(continuing)

All right now! - let's do this

slowly - you guys got the idea?

All the men show that they got the basic idea.

The troops start working into each other's lines - and work

on the new move.

After a bit the remaining "C" and "D" company get to try

this out.

Then the "A" and "B" work as a group into "C" and "D" - the

drill is going well.

During this Gencon is taking notes - and watching the other

two officers as they work the lines.

Belor and Mal are coaching in the midst of the action as

this is all going on.

Mal notices Gencon is making far too many notes - -

The men are finally getting the hang of it.

FADE OUT.

THE SCENE SHIFTS TO MALACON'S OFFICE - ABOUT A HALF HOUR

AFTER DRILL.

INT. MALACON'S OFFICE

Field uniforms - all.

FADE IN:

Belor and Malacon walk in...

BELOR

So what was that all about?

MAL

Did you see Gencon making notes?

BELOR

Yes and? I thought most officers

did that..

37.

MAL

Unless you are new at training

command - you don't need that

detailed notes, and drawings of the

action.

BELOR

You do know that we didn't show

them the shield wall breach

technique we found..

MAL

I know - that's the surprise for them.

BELOR

Surprise?

MAL

Kerri suspects we may have a spy -

and if my guess is right - they

won't know the trick - therefore it

will still work.

BELOR

What will work?

MAL

Our bag cut off and wall breach.

BELOR

But we didn't show them the breach--

MAL

Very good old friend - now you

know - this will work for a bit

without it - but if we suspect a

counter move - then we know that we

were found out. YOU don't let the

enemy see your battle plans.

BELOR

All right! - See you at evening mess?

MAL

Ya - be there in a bit.

Belor leaves - Mal - is left deep in his own thoughts.

Jena - barracks uniform

Jena enters-

JENA

Evening Mal - ready for dinner?

38.

MAL

Ya - so what have you been up to

this afternoon? I didn't see you

around much..

JENA

As you always say - "Things to do,

and all that"

MAL

So out with what you have been up to...

JENA

Well I was poking around - Ver is

very upset with you for some

reason - and he may make thing hot

in our next fight..

MAL

Oh?

JENA

Just a rumor I guess - what

happened this morning?

MAL

Well he got steamed up over

something and stormed out of here ..

and I don't know where he went..

JENA

Well I heard he was up at Kerri's

making a complaint - seems you are

trying to take over the Corps or

something like that

MAL

It sounds like something he would

do - and then what happened?

JENA

I guess Kerri threw him out of his

office - and last time he was seen

he was sulking over in his office -

which is where I overheard him

railing about you - and how he

wouldn't support you next time

things got hot.

MAL

Which is why we have to be sharper

than we are now. I have a funny

feeling that our next fight may be

crucial..

39.

Mal looks out the window - and notices that the sun is low -

MAL

(continuing)

Ready for evening mess?

JENA

Sure! - Let's go and get something

to eat.

MAL

Which reminds me - you seen Erica

this afternoon? Or any time today?

JENA

Last time I saw her - she was at

Archives - looking for some

tactical thing or other......

MAL

All right, I guess we will catch up

with her later...

Mal changes out of his field uniform,into a barracks uniform.

Jena and Mal leave for evening mess..

FADE OUT.

ABOUT A WEEK LATER.

LATE ONE AFTERNOON, A MESSENGER ARRIVES

INT. MALACON'S OFFICE

Barracks uniforms - all.

FADE IN:

JENA

Mal - a messenger for you!

MAL

Thanks Jena -

The messenger comes in, salutes - gives Mal the sealed packet -

salutes -

leaves.

Mal opens the note-

40.

MAL

(continuing - reading

the note)

Hmmmmm - something funny here...

Jena - I will be going out this

evening.

JENA

Can I come with you?

MAL

No! - and don't ask why.

JENA

All right! - Can I see the note?

MAL

If you insist-

Mal hands her the note - -

To- Malan - info / map / details / road house / ten pm /

danger //ss// D.

JENA

So what does it mean?

MAL

You will find out shortly enough.

FADE OUT.

MAL CHANGES INTO HIS "BLACK" UNIFORM JUST AFTER SUNSET, AND

SLIPS OUT OF CAMP - AND INTO THE BLACK TERRITORY

INT. SAME ROAD HOUSE AS LAST MEETING WITH DEROD.

Mal enters the road house, orders a drink, and looks around.

>>From what anybody could tell, he's just another Black

footman out for the night.

Derod is not in the place.

About ten-thirty Derod appears in the doorway - and gives a

signal -

"outside".

Mal finishes his drink, and steps out the door.

41.

DEROD

(slightly seeming afraid)

Mal - I think I'm being followed -

MAL

You bring the stuff?

DEROD

Yes - it's right here in this

packet... you bring the payment?

MAL

Let me check it first -

Mal opens the packet - it looks good - lots of details and a

map -

He reaches into his pocket - and pulls out a large handful

of coins.

Counts out fifteen more, and hands them to Derod.

MAL

(continuing)

Thanks old friend - now slip out of

town by the river, and you should

be all right.

DEROD

(growing more afraid)

Mal - I think they are on to me - -

MAL

All right - when dawn breaks - slip

over to the Realm, and give them

this...

Mal pulls out a special coin with something written on it

Derod can't read.

DEROD

What is this?

MAL

Your safe passage - now go - I hear

the watch coming!

Mal slips into a nearby alleyway just as the local night

watch passes, then slips out of Black Territory with his

package.

FADE OUT.

42.

MAL RETURNS TO OKTECK - AND SLIPS BACK INTO CAMP - MAKING IT

BACK TO HIS BARRACKS WITHOUT ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS.

INT. MAL'S BARRACKS

Mal - Black until shed - then Barracks - Erica - barracks

uniform

FADE IN:

Upon entering his quarters, Erica is sitting there waiting

for him.

Erica is sitting on the bed.

Mal enters...

ERICA

So our spy has returned! - OR are

you a Black footman looking for a

maiden to ravish?

MAL

Very funny Erica -

(pulling off his

Black uniform and disguise.)

Mal changes into his Barracks uniform..

Mal comes over to the bed with the packet..

MAL

(continuing)

I'll ravish you later - for now we

got something to look at.

ERICA

What is it Mal?

MAL

My packet - from my own operative.....

Mal now opens the packet in full light -

Out comes a very detailed map, and several pages of information.

Mal reads through the paper work and looks at the map as he

is reading

Erica is very interested-

43.

ERICA

Where did you get this? This is the

Black battle plans!!

MAL

I know - it cost me a few coins -

but we have it all.....

ERICA

Is it dependable?

MAL

My man has never let me down

before - just the same - we should

go over this carefully....

ERICA

Well let me see it - if it matches

their tactics - it probably is valid.

MAL

Just what I was hoping for..

He turns and looks directly in Erica's eyes -

MAL

(continuing)

Which reminds me - what did you

find at Archives?

ERICA

Well you were right - there is a

long trail - and it isn't pretty -

I'll fill you in later - this is

too exciting not to work on now.

Mal and Erica go over the contents of the packet -

After about an hour of study -

Jena barracks uniform-

Jena returns

JENA

Am I bothering you two?

ERICA

Oh no! We were just going through

these things... and....

MAL

Why don't we knock off for the

night Erica?

44.

ERICA

Probably a good idea - get a fresh

start in the morning..

Erica now leaves,taking the packet with her to her

quarters.....to study..

Jena now slips onto the bed next to Mal....

JENA

Long day partner... ready for bed?

Mal looks lovingly into Jena's deep blue eyes...

MAL

Mmmm - Jena - you have such lovely

blue eyes...

Out lining her face, draws her in for a kiss..

JENA

Oh Mal - .. ....

Mal slips his hand into her tunic,

It parts....

He cups her breast..

JENA

(continuing)

Mmmm - I love that when you do that..

Stroking her gently,

Their lips locked in a very deep kiss..

She slips her tunic open further -

Pulls Mal into her...

Kissing him deeply, she opens his tunic....

Both drop them to the floor..

Jena is opening her pant...

Mal helps - then slips it off her...

Jena opens his . .

Slides it off - -

Strokes his manhood . .

45.

JENA

I love you this way....

His hand works it's way down her smooth belly -

Outlining her navel -

JENA

Mal that tickles.....

She just parts her legs to let his hand slip in...

Finding her mark -

Rubs her gently until she blows in her first climax..

She rolls onto her back -

Pulls him over her...

JENA

Mal - come run me thru with your

sword!!!

MAL

Yes my Lady!

Jena parts her legs - to draw him deeply within...

JENA

Mmmm - I love that - deeper!

MAL

Yes my Lady!

JENA

Harder!

Jena is panting wildly -

In time with Mal's thrusts...

After a few moments, Jena blows in her climax...

Mal seeing her let go - does so as well...

MAL

I love you Jena...

JENA

Love you too Mal - my Knight!

Another long session of rubbing, holding,

46.

Running hands thru the hair, stroking.....

Then they retire for the night.

Wrapped in each other's arms....

FADE OUT.

IT IS NOW A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER - - MALACON IS OUT WATCHING

THE PRACTICE FIELD -

EXT. DRILL FIELD

Field uniforms all - Brenecon - barracks uniform -

FADE IN:

Jena comes running up to him -

JENA

(shouting excitedly)

Mal - - - Mal - - -

MAL

Jena- ? Whats up?

JENA

Mal - something has gone wrong -

Kernin just showed up at Kerri's

office hot about something

diplomatic.....!!!

MAL

Ut - oh!!!

Hot on Jena's heels - Mal sees Eagle Brenecon coming in his

direction-

BRENECON

(shouting as he gets

in range)

Mal!! - Major Malacon!

MAL

(turns to Jena -

quietly says)

Jena - I think I know - go and get

Erica, and tell her to get the

thing - and you two show up in

Keri's office fast...

Brenecon reaches where Mal is standing..

47.

BRENECON

Major!! - Your presence is required

in Commander Kerricar's office at once!

MAL

So now what did I do?

BRENECON

Commander Kerricar will discuss

that with you when you get there - -

COME WITH ME - - NOW!!!

Mal and Brenecon walk over to Kerri's office - -

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. KERRI'S OFFICE

Kerri and Kernin - dress uniforms.

FADE IN:

Upon entering Keri and Grand Commander Kernin are standing

there looking stern.

The two juniors enter - salute

The brass returns the salute

KERRI

Major Malacon, Commander Kernin has

something he wants to ask you....

where have you been the past few

nights?

MAL

Out on the town - - why?

KERRI

You didn't go anyplace else?

MAL

I might have - what's the problem?

KERNIN

The PROBLEM MAJOR is this - they

caught what they think was a spy - -

and he had a bunch of gold coins in

his pocket. Sort of a big haul for

a retired Black footman - wouldn't

you say?

48.

MAL

Ut - - oh....

KERNIN

And in the pile of gold coins was

one which they couldn't figure out.....

Kernin pulls out the coin - - -

KERNIN

(continuing)

It seems they were wondering if we

knew what the inscriptions were -

as it looked like something from

the Realm..they sent it along with

the diplomatic protest - -

something about spying - - and if

we could tell them who the

spymaster was from this coin? Or if

it was not one of our men?

Kernin tosses the coin to Mal...

KERNIN

It took us awhile - to figure out

who's inscription this is - but

it's yours - Malacon - it's your

identity coin from the Realm......

Mal turns the coin over and over - and looks surprised..

MAL

Mine?

KERNIN

Where is your Realm identification

as an officer?

Mal rustles thru his pockets - - no coin

MAL

Must have lost it one the past few

nights - - I guess - you know how

people pick things up . .

KERNIN

Oh! Come on now - Kerri and I both

know you have had a spy ring

running in the Black Territory - so

out with it!!

Just then Jena and Erica enter-

49.

KERRI

Not now ladies - this is important -

later..

ERICA

My Lordships - this is more

important -

Erica produces the spy packet Mal had brought back.

The two senior officers look stunned at what comes out of

the packet..

KERRI

My lord! This is the Black battle

plans - maps and all..

KERNIN

So this is where you have been

Malacon...

MAL

Busted I guess..... what happened

to Derod?

KERNIN

MY spy says he was caught by the

night watch .......

MAL

Must have been the watch I eluded..

KERNIN

Yes, well - and anyway - they

executed him.

MAL

Derod thought he was being

followed - so I guess....

(Mal looks sadly and

deeply in thought)

I had let old Derod use my coin as

a safe passage into the realm - so

he could get out of the Black

territory.....he just wanted to do

just one more job......

MAL

So now what happens?

50.

KERRI

Well you are a good officer - so I

guess we will find some way of

covering your story about losing

the coin, and their man just

finding it... and let it go at that.

KERNIN

Well let's look at what your

playing spy has at least brought us...

All present now start examining the map - and plotting it on

the larger wall map - as the details come forth.

KERNIN

(continuing)

Well you three seem to have the

handle on this - why don't you tell

us what is up?

MAL

Well I had suspected this from the

beginning but let's let my Tac tell

it-

ERICA

Well gentlemen - it goes like

this - the 210th and the 214th are

planning to raid the town of Beri -

near Nestike - the 210th is to lead

the raid - and hold back just a bit

so a Corps responding will have

time to come in.

Erica indicates on the map as she continues

ERICA

(continuing)

Then the 214th is to await in the

Nestike Forest surrounding the

town - and ambush it when it comes

thru the forest.

JENA

But we have another idea..

MAL

Kerri - this is where the three

Corps come in..

51.

JENA

We know the dates - and all the

rest and their positioning from the

map - SO - here's what we do - WE

place 2 Corps - North and south -

so we can cover both entrances...

ERICA

And the middle....

KERNIN

Where do you think the other two

should be?

JENA

I would place them at Notle and

Jelia -

She indicates on the map

JENA

(continuing)

Just inside the forest.

KERNIN

I couldn't have made a better

plan - well done - - - Kerri - get

ready - we have about a week before

this is to begin - I want YOU to

lead the center force.

KERRI

Yes Sir! - who's flanking us?

KERNIN

Beldon of the 17th 245th to the

North - and Sherdin of the 18th

630th to the South.

Kernin studies the map - and smiles - his junior officers

have done it again - -

KERNIN

(continuing)

Good work all of you - I'll take

the heat off this small item - -

Mal - don't do this again unless

somebody in upper echelons knows

about it - especially intelligence

(Kernin winks at Mal)

Just be careful old man - I have

lost too many good promising

officers by doing this... all right?

52.

MAL

Thank you sir! - I'll be careful

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT 3

ACT 4 - INTO THE NIGHT

AFTER EVENING MESS, THE SMALL GROUP OF OFFICERS FROM THE

SECOND BATALLION MEET BACK IN MAL'S QUARTERS..

Barracks uniforms - all.

INT. MAL'S BARRACKS

The group now forms up - and some kind of battle plan has to

be worked out - but first - there is the problem of whom is

spying - and how it is getting out.....

FADE IN:

As they trudge in from mess - -

MAL

Man! That was close - I thought

they were going to really bust us

for this one!

ERICA

Well we just dodged that charge -

if this had not produced something -

JENA

Yes - if we didn't have the goods -

I think we'd all be sitting in one

of the discipline command quarters

by now.

ERICA

Mal - we - um - skip it - Let's

just take Kernin's advise - and

cool it off for awhile..

53.

MAL

Why? We are officers - and we have

to protect our Corps - so - I don't

remember anything about not

spying - or gathering information

at Caer Anne...

JENA

Well - let's just be more careful

from now on, and cover our behinds

a bit closer....

As this group is talking - the other two members of the

staff arrive ..

MAL

Ah! Our two missing members have

returned from leave!

JENA

Welcome back !! - So how is the

Summer Lands?

< Vironica (VIRON) and Ellison (ELLIE) are Mal's First and

Engineering officers..>

Viron and Ellie - dress uniforms.

ELLIE

It was Grand! We really needed a

rest Mal - next time you will have

to go with us.

The two incoming officers drop their belongings, and remove

their cloaks, and outer gear - and hang them up in their

armoires..

As this dialog continues-

VIRON

So how are things back at home?

Keeping the fires burning?

MAL

Well things are heating up - we

have a battle coming with the Black

210th and 214th - and we have

another problem brewing..

VIRON

So what's the dope..

54.

ERICA

Well Mal's spy ring has produced

the battle plans for a coming fight

with the Black forces - and we

think we have a spy in our midst....

VIRON

Spy? If you ask me there are a lot

more than one..

MAL

So what do you know about this?

VIRON

Well if you ask me . . I have

suspected that we were being sold

out a long time ago - - remember

the Frange River Expedition?

MAL

Yes - and we got a thrashing at

that one..

VIRON

Well one of the sub-commanders was

Gencon - then Gense - remember? And

he really didn't do much to stop

the incoming Black Footmen - - his

two companies were wiped out - but

he escaped - we still don't know

how - but none the less - he got

out that scrape - THEN there was

there was the Dakto Ridge - when we

were with the old 325th - remember Mal?

MAL

Dakto Ridge? Gad that was a very

long time ago - we had just made

Sargents - - if I remember - Verlis

/ now Vercan was our company

commander..

VIRON

Very good - remember how he pulled

his staff out of the line of fire -

and we almost got wiped out? It was

out small group - you, me - and

Kian, and Anna? - We were the sole

survivors of that run in....where

was Vercan?

MAL

Boy! You sure got a long memory -

55.

JENA

And that's not all Viron - there

are other things in his background .

MAL

Oh?

JENA

He also ran from or was just a hair

from getting captured at Second

Argathian . . somehow he got out of

the Black lines - and made his

escape - unharmed - I might add -

if that wasn't unusual...

ELLIE

So tell me Mal - Why are you and

Vercan the same grade and rank?

MAL

Well Ellie - it's like this - He

has been busted and disciplined

several times, and that puts one

back a bit..

ELLIE

And you don't think that there is

an animosity between you two?

MAL

I hope not - it's wasn't my fault

he got the brownie points - in fact

I was out of his command when that

went down..

VIRON

Yes, we were well out his range -

at the Academy at the time...

ERICA

And Gen has a long checkered

history as well - not only the mess

at Frange - but his next command at

the 212th - he pulled another off

at Gesto River . . the same thing -

lost most of his company -but

somehow just managed to escape..

also unharmed - or touched - Funny?

Isn't it?

MAL

Yes it sure seems so - and now we

have this coming fight - you think

we may be in for the same thing?

56.

JENA

I wouldn't be surprised - especially

after what I overheard Ver

screaming about not supporting you..

MAL

So what do we do? We haven't got

positive proof - but we do have

their record...

JENA

For me - I would just keep my eyes

open - if this thing collapses -

lets just get out of there - and

pull as much of the Second out with

us - -

ERICA

And let the Black forces do the

dirty work..

MAL

Erica?

ERICA

Look Mal - if they got out of there

in one piece before - they can do

it again -no reason we have to go

down with them - -

JENA

Or just let the Black forces finish

them off - Looking at their plans -

they really wouldn't know who is

where - - if we keep this quiet,

that we know...

ERICA

After all only Kerri and Kernin and

us know what is exactly going on,

and I don't think they will let on

to the rest of the Corps - seeing

how they suspect a spy -

MAL

So you think they will let us be

the whole Corps?

ERICA

I wouldn't surprise me -

57.

VIRON

At the Bark River Foray - Kernin

let almost half his Corps get

mauled - because he suspected a

spy - and let the Black forces do

the dirty work of eliminating the

problem

JENA

Umm - yes I do remember something

about that - there was a big to-do

over it, and I think it was

Kernin's last field command..

ELLIE

Yes it was Kernin's last - then

Kerri was appointed to his old

spot... you wonder??? IF????

VIRON

I hope not - we may be into this

deeper than we think...

MAL

You think they may be planning that

right now?

ERICA

Wouldn't surprise me.....

Suddenly there is a knock at the door-

Belor enters-

Barracks uniform.

BELOR

(excitedly)

Mal - something's up!

MAL

Now what?

BELOR

I just saw a Black footman coming

out of First Batallion's barracks....

MAL

Ut - - oh

JENA

Well I guess that confirms that

58.

ERICA

Belor - keep quiet about this - get

our other three Captains over

here - as quietly as you can - and

bring Brenecon with you as well..

Belor leaves -

MAL

All right now what do we do?

ERICA

My guess is just do our best -

let's lay this out for Brenecon,

and let him make some sort of

decisions about the mess.

MAL

I agree - this isn't our Corps - -

(wink-)

So let's let the brass take some of

the heat.

FADE OUT.

IT IS NOW ABOUT AN HOUR LATER.

INT. MAL'S BARRACKS

The group now slowly starts to assemble in Mal's barracks-

FADE IN:

MAL

Well everybody is here . . where's

Brenecon?

BELOR

Right behind us - he had something

to attend to - and said he's be

here shortly...

Brenecon now enters-

Barracks uniform.

BRENECON

So - what has this group of

conspirators come up with?

MAL

We think we got it all figured out..

59.

BRENECON

Oh?

MAL

Well it's like this - from the past

performance record - we think our

spies are Gencon and Vercan - - and

Belor saw a Black footman leaving

Vercan's quarters about an hour ago..

BRENECON

(rather upset)

Why didn't somebody raise the alarm?

MAL

Would it have made a difference?

BRENECON

Well yes it would have - we could

have blown this wide open.

MAL

So we exposed two spies - and then

what would have happened?

BRENECON

They would be dealt with - -

ERICA

Oh - like they were before?

BRENECON

What do you mean?

ERICA

The records show that something

happened in their past commands -

and the problems were swept under a

rug - and the spies - er - officers

were transferred out to other

commands - - which is how we ended

up with them..

BRENECON

And why do you think so...

JENA

Just look at the past record

Jena now pulls out the work she and Erica had been digging thru.

Brenecon looks at the paper work...

60.

BRENECON

I see......

Just then the door opens.

Kerri walks in....

Black field uniform - no insignia.

KERRI

At ease - WELL I see the cat is out

of the proverbial bag -

MAL

(looking surprised)

Commander Kerricar - nice to see

you - err - what's up?

KERRI

Mal you know why I am here - so

don't feign surprise..

He indicates to all to sit down -

KERRI

(continuing)

Brenecon - you didn't see any of

this happening - or know about this

meeting..

BRENECON

Sir?

KERRI

Look - this Corps was formed for

many reasons - one of which was to

ferret out some spies - the other

was to find out who was good enough

for further command. -

The group now really looks mystified-

KERRI

(continuing)

Upper echelons have known for quite

some time - all that you have

figured out - now we just had to do

something about it. So we thought

up this plan. Mal's spy ring

provided the final piece of the

puzzle - and now we are ready to

act......

Mal looks justified in his actions, and smiles.

61.

MAL

You mean this was all for nothing?

That command already knew about

most of this?

KERRI

No Mal - it wasn't for nothing - we

just needed to get the players on

the same field - and let them

expose themselves - - that Black

footman Belor saw - -

JENA

(cutting him off)

Nobody told you about that...

KERRI

This camp is full of spies - both

kinds - good - bad - and Black -

and you never know who is watching

whom..

MAL

You don't trust us?

KERRI

It is not a matter of trust - this

is a special case. We knew things

were going bad in this sector - we

didn't know why.

ERICA

So where was intelligence in all of

this? If they are supposedly so good?

ELLIE

Intelligence? If you ask me - they

couldn't figure their way out of,..

KERRI

(Cutting her off)

Intelligence can do only so much -

sometimes you have to let the game

run - then spring the trap . .

which is what we are going to do here.

MAL

So fill us in....

62.

KERRI

Kernin knows more than I can tell

you - but understand this - we have

known quite a bit about all of you

for some time - Mal was suspected

because of his spy ring - the other

two for a similar reason - but Mal

never let the Corps be destroyed

because of his actions - SO we

brought all of you into the same

group and let things progress at

their own rate.

VIRON

So now what is our fate?

KERRI

Well - there is a coming fight - as

you know - and as you already

know - you have the inside

information - which I will not

share with the others. I know this

means we will lose part of a

Corps - but this has to be.

BRENECON

(looks aghast)

You are going to sacrifice two

Battalions?

KERRI

Two - maybe three - Yes, that is

the orders from upstairs. Sorry. In

order to get rid of the spies

without a diplomatic to-do - we

have to do it this way. Otherwise

the Black forces would raise a

major protest.

BRENECON

(still aghast)

What about the men?

KERRI

The men? Look around you - these

are the survivors of their

handiwork these and other officers

and men have survived - because

they were good - this is also a way

to get rid of the shirks - and it

also provides us with a way to

discipline the troops - you do not

spy or sell out - without

consequences. Not all spies are

officers Brenecon.

63.

VIRON

So what is the plan Commander?

KERRI

Bring out your maps - and I'll

explain the whole thing - and our

own hidden surprise - you didn't

think of..

Maps and the Black orders come of their hiding places-

Kerri goes over the plans with the people standing around.

Kerri also shows the new wrinkle that wasn't in the original

plan.....

KERRI

(continuing)

...and then we move the other two

Corps slowly down the forest...

Indicating on the map - -

KERRI

(continuing)

And that's just about it for right now!

The group looks satisfied....

KERRI

(continuing)

Brenecon - you don't know anything

about this - at the briefing at the

end of the week - keep silent about

the Second Batallion's own role in

this upcoming fight.

BRENECON

YES SIR! -

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT 4

64.

ACT 5 - PRELUDE

THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY MORNING, AFTER MORNING MESS, THE

OFFICER'S MESS HALL IS CONVERTED INTO AN INTELLIGENCE

BRIEFING ROOM -

INT. OFFICER'S MESS HALL

The whole Officer Corps of the 26th 730th VKC is assembled

for an intelligence briefing.

A raised platform is slid from the wall, and is now the dais

on which the briefing officer will address the assembled.

The Officer Corps is seated, like a large audience.

Barracks uniforms - all

FADE IN:

Brenecon leads the way - with Kerri following behind - a

couple of other officers from Keri's command (non speaking)

also enter -

BRENECON

Ten - hutt!

KERRI

At ease gentlemen-

Kerri surveys the room - all seem present-

KERRI

(continuing)

As you already know from rumors -

there is a big job coming. The

rumors have worked out to be true.

We have been assigned to work part

of this along with a few other

Corps. Eagle Brenecon will fill you

in on the details..

Brenecon takes center stage.

A large map is rolled out

It has several flags, and other markings on it.

BRENECON

Good morning gentlemen -

Brenecon turns and looks at the map.

He then picks up a pointer.

65.

BRENECON

(continuing)

Our outposts, and scouting parties

have located a large group of Black

Forces moving in our direction. It

is composed of the Black 210th, and

214th Battle groups.

He turns and indicates on the map as he speaks.

BRENECON

(continuing)

They were last seen in this area of

the Derviges River in their

Territory, heading for the Nestike

Forest. Due to the fact that they

have not made a definite turn

toward the Realm, Command is

sending three Corps to intercept

them when they cross our boarders.

Indicates on the map again-

BRENECON

(continuing)

The first will be the 18th 630th

Corps lead by Commander Sherdin, at

Jelia.

He indicates-

BRENECON

(continuing)

The second will be the 26th 730th

Corps lead by Commander Kerricar,

at Beri.

He indicates

BRENECON

(continuing)

The third will be the 17th 245th

Corps lead by Commander Beldon, at

Notle.

He indicates

BRENECON

(continuing)

This gives us a spread of about

THIRTY miles wide - in which we can

cut them off.

(MORE)

66.

BRENECON (CONT'D)

As you know in the past, the Black

forces have launched several major

raids from this boarder area. We

intend this to be their last. One

last item - the Black forces are

being lead by a new command

officer - a Major Duroc. We don't

know anything about him, nor his

tactics. So be on your guard for

new formations or tricks. Over to

Commander Kerricar-

Kerri takes center stage

Another map is rolled out

This one is the center of the Nestike Forest-

KERRI

All right gentlemen - you have the

basic layout - now here's our part.

Kerry looks around the room again

KERRI

(continuing)

Major Vercan and the first

batallion will be flanked out along

this valley to Beri - here - about

one mile south of Malacon's second.

Vercan - stay on top of the valley

rise.

He indicates on the map.