The Pirates of Pendar
Episode I (pilot) - The Plank
Copyright 2000 by Name of Author Withheld but Known to Site Owner

This story is setaround a large river through the steaming-hot jungles of Pendar, and in the jungles surrounding the river. It involves two bands of cut-throat pirates, most of whom are of limited intelligence, dubious ethics, very temporary loyalty, and not entirely sane.

Scene 1

A framing shot with the camera on the shore showing an old but fast boat travelling down a large, tropical, jungle-lined river. After a lengthy and scenic pan of the river scenery, the camera zooms in closer to reveal a skull and crossbones flag flying from the mast of the boat.

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Scene 2

A shot of the boat from a different angle and from above as it moves away from the camera down stream. Zoom in slowly until the deck of the boat fills the screen.

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Scene 3

A shot from aboard the pirate boat. We can now see that these are not classic movie pirates, but a mixture of strange characters. Their clothes are old, dirty, and mismatched in sytle and color. About two-thirds of the characters, and all of the principals, are female. Some appear highly eccentric, of questionable sanity, and certainly of doubtful honesty. The camera collies and pans around at various characters performing various tasks. All are soaked with perspiration as the jungle is always very hot and humid.

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Scene 4

A head and shoulders shot of Tanya, captain of the boat and Queen of the pirates in this area., and Sasha, the second in command. They are discussing a rumor of dissatisfaction among some of the crew.

Sasha: "It isn't the food, Tanya. The food is fine. It's mostly just the heat. And the mosquitoes. The crew just needs some rest and entertainment. Let them blow off some steam."

Tanya: "Well, they all knew about the heat and mosquitoes when they signed on. I'll see what can be done about entertainment though. I've heard some pretty disturbing rumors though. And I won't tolerate any disobedience. Anyone who refuses an order from me will find that they are the entertainment.

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Scene 5

A quick full-body shot of Sasha checking to see if anyone is watching or following as she goes below through a hatch.

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Scene 6

A panning shot of Sasha descending a stairway inside the boat and then walking across a passage to a small internal room. We see Mora inside the room as Sasha goes in.

Mora: (whispered) "Come in."

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Scene 7

This is a two camera scene with each camera holding a head shot of the character speaking. Sasha and Mora are inside a small room within the boat.

Mora: "Does Tanya suspect anything?"

Sasha: "She's heard rumors of dissatisfaction among the crew. But no, she has no idea."

Mora: "Good! Its all set up then. The other boats will be lined up to block us and attack as we come around Sunrise Point. We'll seize her as soon as they signal a challenge. As long as we take her cleanly and quickly the rest of the crew will follow. They don't want a fight when they're outnumbered and they don't like her much anyway."

Sasha: "Good work! Now, not a word to anyone about this. Just be in position when we get to Sunrise Point. Come up to the bridge with a complaint or something."

Mora: "Okay."

Sasha: "And don't do a thing out of character until the other boats challenge. We don't want to tip our hand if anything goes wrong."

Mora: "Understood. Sasha, you will be Queen in less than a day."

Sasha (smiling slyly) "Let's get back to out stations before we're missed.

(The camera on Sasha now pans to follow her as she goes to the door and opens it.)

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Scene 8

A closer shot of the doorway as the door is opened. It opens to reveal Tanya and several others waiting impatiently.

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Scene 9

Very brief shot of Sasha and Mora as their jaws drop and they gasp with dismay at being discovered.

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Scene 10

Head and shoulder shot of Tanya.

Tanya: "So, we have a little plot going do we?"

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Scene 11

Head and shoulder shot of Sasha and Mora.

Sasha: "What are you talking about. We were just discussing the stress the crew has been under."

Mora: "Yeah. And what kind of entertainment we could create to blow off some of that stress."

Sasha: "Many of the crew have sacrificed a lot in the last few weeks. They need a break."

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Scene 12

Head and shoulders shot of Tanya, with others in the background.

Tanya: "And you were discussing a surprise attack on us at Sunrise Point....We heard the whole thing Sasha." (turning to the others behind her) "Seize them. Tie them to the mast." (turning back) "We'll deal with you tonight." (Four of the others step forward and seize Sasha and Mora.)

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Scene 13

Shot from shore as the boat comes in to shore. We can see Sasha and Mora tied to the mast. A crew member jumps ashore with a rope to tie the boat as it lands.

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Scene 14

It is twilight. A shot from shore of the boat and shore area. Most of the crew is ashore, including Tanya. Most carry torches to provide light. Sasha and Mora have been untied from the mast but remain on the boat and they\ir hands are tied behind their backs.

Tanya: "Now, let;s deal with the plotters."

(Tanya and the others re-board the boat.)

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Scene 15

The crew is arranged in a loose semi-circle with Sasha and Mora toward the front. Tanya faces the group, then stares as Sasha and Mora, then addresses the crew.

Tanya: "Those two plotted against me and that alone is unacceptable.... It hurts me to have to do what must be done, but I'm afrain we all need to be reminded what happens to those who commit such offenses.... But what sort of punishment should be given here....I've wracked my brain all day. I really have.... What to do....But then it came to me....Sasha herself gave me the solution, though I don't think she meant to."

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Scene 16

A face shot of Sasha looking baffled.

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Scene 17

Head shot of Tanya

Tanya: "Sasha, this morning you told me the crew needed entertainment.... Do you remember that Sasha?"

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Scene 18

Head shot of Sasha

Sasha: "Yes."

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Scene 19

Head shot of Tanya

Tanya: (turning to Mora) "And Mora, you said pretty much the same thing when we caught you plotting....Do you remember?"

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Scene 20

Head shot of Mora

Mora: "Yes."

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Scene 21

Head shot of Tanya

Tanya: (to the crew) "Sasha and Mora both think we need some entertainment....I agree....Part of their punishment will be to provide us all with entertainment....Tonight, Sasha and Mora will be the entertainment."

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Scene 22

Upper body shot of both Sasha and Mora. They look at each other with dread.

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Scene 23

Head and shoulder shot of Tanya (she is getting a bit wild-eyed with her lust for viscious revenge)

Tanya: "Now, sasha also said this afternoon that many of you have sacrificed quite a lot in the last few weeks.... I agree with her - you have.... But while you all sacrificed, they did not want to.... They decided to seize power for themselves. They decided to sell us all out at Sunrise Point. Half of us would be dead now if their plan had worked.... Therefore, I think Sasha and Mora will have to do something appropriate to their crime." (She looks directly into Sasha's face and pauses for a few seconds before addressing the group again) "Tonight, Sasha and Mora will entertain us.... They will entertain us by walking the plank.... They will sacrifice themselves by walking the plank."

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Scene 24

repeat of Scene 22 with even more alarm in the faces of Sasha and Mora

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Scene 25

Head and shoulders shot of Tanya. Then the camera pulls back and pans the group as it chants.

Tanya: "What do you think of that everyone?" (with an evil grin)

Everyone at once: "Yes, The Plank, Teach them a lesson, Good, The Plank. (degenerating into a chant - "The Plank, The Plank, The Plank."

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Scene 26

Quick, face shot of Tanya grinning with malice. The chanting continues.

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Scene 27

Full body shot of one of the crew opening a gate on the river-ward side of the boat. Then the camera quickly pulls back and pans to two more crew members bringing a large plank. The chanting continues.

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Scene 28

Upper body shot of Tanya. She raises her arms for attention.

Tanya: "Wait....Stop!" (The chanting stops and their is a slight pause before Tanya speaks again) "Oh, no. They're not going to walk the plank here....No, that would be no good....Why if they can't swim it would be over with much too quickly....Where's the entertainment in that.... And if they can swim - well - it might just take too long. We'd probably have to shoot them eventually."

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Scene 29

Head and shoulders shot of two or three crew members

Crew member #1: "Where then?"

Crew member #2: "Yeah, where"

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Scene 30

Head and shoulders shot of Tanya. She points shoreward.

Tanya: "Inland. There's a perfect spot about a half mile into the jungle from here.... A place called Trembling Flats."

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Scene 31

Face shot of Mora

Mora (with great alarm) "Trembling Falts!"

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Scene 32

Face shot of Sasha

Sasha: "But that's...."

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Scene 33

Face shot of Tanya

Tanya: (with an even more evil grin) "That's right. When you fall off the plank, it'll be into quicksand."

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Scene 34

Face shot of Sasha - Look of abject horror

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Scene 35

Face shot of Mora - Look of abject horror

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Scene 36

Framing shot showing the entire crew arranged around a large expanse of quicksand. It is night and the scene is illuminated by multiple torches. Mora and Sasha have their hands tied and they are lashed to two trees directly in front of the quicksand and facing it. A plank projects over the quicksand several feet above it.

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Scene 37

Full body shot of Sasha and Mora tied to the two trees. they struggle against the ropes but can do nothing. Tanya approaches them with a swagger.

Tanya: "Well now my two little treacherous friends. You said we needed entertainment and you were right. So now you are going to give us some. And I must say I think this is going to be fun." (she turns and gestures toward the quicksand) "Just look at it."

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Scene 38

Shot of the surface quivering

Tanya: "Isn't it just delightful."

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Scene 39

Full body shot of Sasha and Mora tied to the two trees.

Mora: "Tanya, please... Don't do this."

Tanya: "No begging please. Not yet. Wait till you're up to your neck; then beg. We will ignore you, of course, but it would be nice to have you beg then."

Sasha: "You're viscious, Tanya."

Tanya: "Oh, no! I just want the two of you to share some of the fun, that's all.... Tell you what... Let's see what happends to something that falls into this stuff."

(Tanya signals to a crew member who walks in to the scene carrying a log about 5 inches in diameter and 3 feet long. The crew member hands it to Tanya. She takes it and stands it on one end)

Tanya: "Let's just imagine that this (indicating the log) is Sasha.... Or maybe in Mora" (she pulls a stub of a pencil from a pocket) "here, we'll put on a face."

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Scene 40

Close up of Tanya's hand drawing a simple face on the top end of the log.

Tanya: "We'll put on a smile (drawing a big grin). Sasha is happy she's entertaining everyone."

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Scene 41

Full body shot of Sasha and Mora tied to the two trees.

Tanya: (picks up the log) "Sasha walks the plank and" (she throws the log into the quicksand)

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Scene 42

Close up of the log as it lands upright and about halfway into the quicksand

Tanya: (as continuation of sentence begun in scene 41) "Plop...Sasha falls into the quicksand".

The log slowly but steadily sinks a few more inches.

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Scene 43

Face shot of Mora looking horrified

Mora: "Ick" (turning away as best she can)

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Scene 44

Close up of the log sinking deeper.

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Scene 45

Upper body shot of Sasha. She is transfixed by the sinking log; terrified but also slightly stimulated in an erotic sense. Her jaw drops. Her stomach tightens in what is partly revulsion and partly sexual arousal.

Sasha: "Oooogh! (quietly, too herself)

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Scene 46

Close up of the log as it submerges and disappears.

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Scene 47

Upper body shot of Tanya. She is very definitely aroused; partly by the image of the log but even more by the prospect of watching Mora and Sasha sink.

Tanya: (to Sasha and Mora) "There. I hope you enjoyed that. I certainly did." (to the crew) "Wasn't that nice.?"

Voices of crew: "Yeah! More! The Plank! The Plank! The Plank!"

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Scene 48

Head and shoulders shot of Tanya. She raises her arms for quiet and the chanting stops.

Tanya:: "Not so fast. First we need to make sure the quicksand is deep enough. After all, we wouldn't want to torture our traitorous friends by making them entertain us twice.... (she signals with her hand and a crew member brings her a long, bamboo pole cut from the jungle. The pole is an inch or so in diameter, about 12 feet long, and has several dark marks on its surface that will serve as indicators of its motion while probing the mud. She takes the pole.

Tanya: "Let's see how tall Mora and Sasha are." (the camera pans as she walks over to Mora and stands the pole on end behind her head.)

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Scene 49

Close up of Tanya making a markon the pole marking the top of Mora's head. More closes her eyes as if to drive away the horror of her situation.

Tanya: "There... That's Mora... A good deal shorter than this pole.... Now, let';s check Sasha."

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Scene 50

Close up of Tanya making another mark with the pole next to Sasha's head. Sasha stares down at the shivering quicksand; transfixed by it.

Tanya: "There... That's Sasha... A bit taller than Mora, but still a lot shorter than the pole."

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Scene 51

Shat of Tanya from across the quicksand. Sasha and Mora are still tied to the trees and the others are still in place. Tanya places the pole on end in the quicksand and pushes it a few inches down.

Tanya: "Now let's see if this mud is really as deep as it looks." (she pushes the pole slowly down almost to Mora's line. Then she looks up at Mora) "It doesn't look too good for you Mora."

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Scene 52

Face shot of Mora - shows horror and revulsion.

Mora: "Tanya, No!"

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Scene 53

Close up of the pole in the mud.

Tanya: "Let's push it down a little more."

(she pushes down. Mora's line goes under and Sasha's touches the surface)

Tanya: "Bye Bye, Mora....Too bad.... Looks pretty grim for you too Sasha"

(Sasha's line is pushed under)

Tanya: "Bye Bye, Sasha."

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Scene 54

Face shot of Sasha showing genuine fear but also still a touch of sexual arousal

Sasha: (No actual dialogue but a slight, uncontrolled exhalation or moan)

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Scene 55

Shot of Tanya from across the quicksand - slightly closer than in scene 51.

Tanya: "Wow... It is deep isn't it. How far down will Mora and Sasha go?"

(she pushes down and  the pole goes five feet further down. There are now only two or three feet of pole remaining.)

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Scene 56

Face shot of Mora - She sags in a near faint

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Scene 57

Face shot of Sasha

Sasha: "Ooooooo" (softly - really another moan)

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Scene 58

face shot of Tanya - an evil and excited look

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Scene 59

Same shot as scene 55, but zoomed slightly closer. Tanya shifts her grip to the end of the pole and pushes it all the way down, even plunging in her own arm past the elbow. She looks up at Mora and Sasha

Tanya: "No bottom yet. I guess we'll never really know just how deep it is. You two will find out, I guess, but we won't be able to know.... To bad"

(She starts to pull the pole up)

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Scene 60

Same shot as scene 59. Tanya has extracted the pole and throws it to one side.

Tanya: "Well I guess the warm-up is over. Its time for the main even.... Mora..."

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Scene 61

Face shot of Mora - now startled as well as terrified.

Tanya: (continuation of speech from scene 60) "You're on."

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Scene 62

Same shot as scene 60

Tanya: (to a crew member) "Untie her from the tree...." (to Mora) "...To the plank my dear."

(the crew member unties Mora. Mora does not move. She is prodded by a stick held by a crew member.)

Tanya: "To the plank Mora....Now"

All: "The plank....The plank....The plank"

(Mora starts to move)

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Scene 63

Same shot as scene 60 but centered now on the plank, Mora is standing on the plank, pretty much at the end.

Tanya: "Jump!"

(Mora does not move but looks about desperately).

Tanya: "Jump"

All: "Jump,...Jump,...Jump"

(still Mora does not move)

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Scene 64

Face shot of Tanya, who looks toward a crew member and makes a sligjht nod with her head.

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Scene 65

Face shot of Mora, totally wild-eyed.

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Scene 66

Close up of the end of the plank. A foot kick it and it shifts slightly.

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Scene 67

Close up of Mora's feet as the plank shifts under them and she loses her footing.

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Scene 68

Close up of Mora's face as she stumbles and loses her balance.

Mora: "Nooooooooooooo"

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Scene 69

Same shot as scene 63. Mora falls from the plank and lands feet first in the quicksand.

Mora: "Oooooohhhhhhhh. Eeeeeeiiiiieeeeee" Ick! Tanya, please. Don't. It was all Sasha's idea. Please. Ooooooooggghhhh"

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Scene 70

This is a lengthy, three-camera scene in which Mora sinks in the quicksand. She sinks fairly quickly at first, then more slowly. Once up to her shoulders she sinks very slowly, struggling hard with her hands and arms, but eventually the quicksand takes her under. Her arms then thrash at the surface for a minute or so before disappearing completely. All dialogue is ad-libbed and consists mainly of screaming, pleading, crying, and gasping. Dialogue from Tanya and the others is also ad-libbed and consists of totally unsympathetic taunts, laughter, etc. Two cameras follow Mora in her descent and are intercut occasionally. The third camera records face shots of Tanya, Sasha, and crew memebrs as they watch. Cemera three shots of Sasha clearly show she is fairly strongly aroused by the sight of Mora sinking (as is Tanya, of course) even though she knows she will face the same fate very shortly.

after Mora's hands go under fade slowly to black

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Scene 71

Head and shoulders shot of Tanya looking up after Mora has gone completely under. She then looks over at Sasha.

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Scene 72

Head and shoulders shot of Sasha. She knows what is going to happen next. She stands up straight and braces herself.

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Scene 73

Head and shoulders shot of Tanya

Tanya:)to a crew member) "Untie her" (to Sasha) "Well Sasha, that was quite a show.... But its your turn now....Time to walk the plank."

(Sasha is untied)

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Scene 74

Same shot as scene 63. Sasha is at the end of the plank.

Tanya: "Jump."

All: "Jump, Jump, Jump"

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Scene 75

Head and shoulders shot of Sasha. She sets her jaw, looks down at the quicksand, looks up and scans the crew, then steps off the plank. She plunges down into the quicksand. Sasha closes her eyes for several seconds, trying to focus on the erotic feel of the mud and shut out the fearful aspects of her situation.

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Scene 76

This is a lengthy, three-camera scene in which Sasha sinks in the quicksand. She sinks fairly quickly at first, then more slowly. Once up to her shoulders she sinks very slowly, struggling hard with her hands and arms. Unlike Mora, however, Sasha's actions are not totally consistent with fighting to stay above the mire. She occasionally moves in such a way that there is a subtle suggestion of significant arousal, though not quite willingness.This continues even when the mud is past her chin. All dialogue is ad-libbed, as in scene 70. However, Sasha does not cry, scream, or plead, although she does gasp. Tanya and the others behave as in scene 70.Sasha sinks until she is up to her mouth and eyes with her head tilted back. Camera three records the faces of Tanya and the others as they watch.

Suddenly shots are heard and there is shouting.

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Scene 77

Upper body shot of a crew member looking alarmed.

Crew member:(pointing toward the thick jungle ) "We're under attack."

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Scene 78

Wide shot of everyone as they start to scatter. Suddenly they freeze as they are confronted on all sides by a larger number of pirates. They back up a step and raise their hands in surrender."

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Scene 79

Head and shoulder shot of Tanya and a crew member. They crew member leans slightly toward Tanya.

Crew member: (to Tanya) "The tall one over there is Sasha's younger sister."

(Look of shock on Tanya's face)

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Scene 80

Upper body shot of a fairly tall pirate who looks a lot like Sasha. She points toward Sasha.

Sasha's sister: "Get her out of there."

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Scene 81

Close up shot of Sasha as she goes under. Her arms thrash about above the surface. After about ten seconds, the hands of two of the new pirates grab Sasha by the arms and begin to pull her out.

When she is halfway out, fade to black

Fade in to

Scene 82

Whole body shot of Sasha coming free, being assisted onto solid ground, and standing up. She gasps for breath.

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Scene 83

Face shot of Sasha's sister

Sasha's sister: "Are you all right?"

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Scene 84

Head and shoulders shot of Sasha. She cannot speak but nods that she is all right.

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Scene 85

Face shot of Sasha's sister pointing toward Tanya

Sasha's sister: "She's behind this. Seize her."

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Scene 86

Upper body shot of Tanya being seized and looking upset and enraged.

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Scene 87

Upper body shot of Sasha and her sister. Sasha has now recovered he breath.

Sister: "Sasha, what do you want to do with this miserable excuse for a human being."

Sasha: (looks around for a moment) "That's pretty easy. She tried to sink me in the quicksand. We'll sink her in the quicksand." (Sasha now turns and walks a few steps to Tanya) "Well, Tanya, It looks like the tables have turned. But the crew expected two sinkings....Let's give it to them....what do you say."

Tanya says nothing but shivers. She also very subtly shows a slight erotic arousal by the idea.

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Scene 88

Same shot as in scene 74. Tanya is at the end of the plank.

Sasha: "Well Tanya, I suggest you jump. Try to maintain some dignity and step off.... otherwise we'll have to push you like you did Mora."

cut to

Scene 89

Head and shoulders shot of Tanya. She gulps, looks down at the quicksand, then closes her eyes and raises her head back up. Then she stands still for a few seconds and begins to sway slightly as though very much aroused. She places her hand on her belly and slides it around slowly. She is focusing her mind totally on the erotic aspect of the mud. Then steps off the plank. She plunges down into the quicksand. She keeps her eyes closed.

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Scene 90

This is a lengthy, three-camera scene in which Tanya sinks in the quicksand. She sinks fairly quickly at first, then more slowly. Once up to her shoulders she sinks very slowly. This is an almost entirely erotic sink until she is up to her neck, at which point reality begins to return, at least partially, and she begins struggling hard with her hands and arms. Like Sasha, however, Tanya's actions are not totally consistent with fighting to stay above the mire. She occasionally moves in such a way that there is a subtle suggestion of significant arousal, though not quite willingness.This continues even when the mud is past her chin. All dialogue is ad-libbed, as in scene 76. Tanya does not cry, scream, or plead, although she does gasp. Sasha and the others behave as in scene 76. Tanya lingers for a while with her mouth and eyes barely above the surface but eventually goes under. The scene continues until Tanya's arms go under. Camera three records the faces of Sasha and the others as they watch. Sasha, of course, is now HIGHLY aroused, as is her sister.

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Roll Text

"And so ends the story of The Plank and, of course, Tanya: Queen of the Pirates. Sasha now rules the pirates of this particular region of Pendar, with her sister as second in command. Having survived the quicksand of Shivering Flats, and after having discovered some of its more unexpected psychological effects, what will Sasha do? Will she used the threat of walking the plank into quicksand to intimidate her rivals? Will she use the horror of quicksand to extort revenue from tradesmen and travellers plying the river? Will she remain in command foreever or will she eventually suffer the fate she almost met at the Flats? Will there ever be (shudder!) a sequel?"