by
Editor
Bleu Gato
Xena: Warrior Princess is copyright MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. All original content of Xena: Warrior Princess 2.0 is copyrighted by the author and is not to be used or modified without permission. All rights reserved.
Contact: bard@xena2.com
Blog: www.xena2.com/blog
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. SHIP – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – 10 YEARS AGO/NIGHT
Xena waves a hand and YOUTH steps forth with a jug and fills her goblet with wine. He is slight of build and wears a tunic that is too large for his small frame; the YOUTH is no more than fifteen. Xena downs the wine quickly and tossing the container at him, slides into bed.
The YOUTH moves a bedroll in front of the door and then goes to extinguish the lit oil lamps. The YOUTH returns to his bedding, stepping very slowly and carefully in the semidarkness.
Xena, annoyed
XENA
Lyserus! Stop creeping around or beating will be the best of your worries.
Lyserus runs for it and crashes into the door in his haste. He bounces off and falls to the floor, crawling blindly and frantically towards the refuge of the blankets. Mocking laughter chases him.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – NIGHT
The moonlight dances in the cabin, in sync with the motion of the ship. Lyserus rises from his place and stealthily moves towards the bed. A glint of steel in his hand comes and goes with the silver light; the moon plays hide and seek with the clouds, beyond the portholes.
Lyserus gets within striking distance of Xena and lifts the knife. It descends with deadly intent … only to be diverted and arrested in its progress. There is a sound of a bone breaking and Lyserus screams in pain.
Xena tosses the blade away and shoves the boy head first into the nearest wall. Dazed, he stumbles and falls. Dressed in tunic, she goes to him; grabbing him by the hair, she drags the whimpering boy towards the door to the cabin. Lyserus, clutching his broken wrist, does not resist; he is already resigned to his fate. Xena grabs a sword on the way out.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – STERN PASSAGE – NIGHT
Xena stomps down the narrow hallway, dragging the crying Lyserus behind her. She stops at the first door from her cabin and kicks it with force, sending it flying inwards.
Xena, bellowing
Tellus!
Tellus, dressed in underwraps, emerges from the darkness, ready for trouble. He is clutching a short sword.
TELLUS
Yes, Captain?!
Xena, ordering with authority
XENA
Get the entire crew on the deck. Lyserius earned a promotion to traitor.
He nods and runs down the passage, stopping to pound on a few doors, before descending the stairs to the main crew quarters. Heads poke out of said doors and upon noticing Xena, the SENIOR SAILORS leave the rooms hastily and head upstairs. Xena ignores them.
XENA
Why?
Lyserus, spitting out, with hate
LYSERUS
Anyone is better than you.
Xena, tilting his face towards hers and making sure she has his full attention, coldly
XENA
I am going to prove you wrong.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIP – MAIN DECK – NIGHT
SAILORS form an anxious and eerily silent mob. All eyes are on Xena, standing above them.
Xena, loudly, sweeping her gaze over the crowd
XENA
Lyserius betrayed this ship, he betrayed you, and he betrayed me. Each man will land one hundred blows or suffer the same fate.
Xena, whispering in Lyserius' ear, viciously
XENA
How you like them now?
She pushes him into the crowd and they fall upon him in feeding frenzy, shoving and pushing to prove their loyalty. Xena watches the show impassively.
Tellus, coming over to stand by her, honestly
TELLUS
There is no trust here.
XENA
And you?
Tellus, joking
TELLUS
I will kill you the first chance I get.
Xena, chuckling
XENA
I know I can count on you.
Tellus, growing serious, wisely
TELLUS
Captain, take a slave from the shipment.
XENA
Trouble?
TELLUS
M'Lila is young and spirited, bad combination. Our problem becomes Lyserus' replacement.
XENA
You explain things to her?
Tellus, choosing his words very carefully, wary
TELLUS
Your orders: no breaking them in.
XENA
Worth more that way; surprised they listened.
Tellus, pointing at the execution
TELLUS
They understand. Speaking of restraint, boys are getting restless.
XENA
Pass a word of a raid after we drop off the cargo at the rendezvous; I have a village in mind.
Tellus, pleased
TELLUS
Aye, Captain.
Tellus turns to leave.
XENA
And Tellus?
TELLUS
Yes Captain?
Xena, moving her eyes back to the brutal beating, making it an order
XENA
You too.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – SHIP'S HOLD – NIGHT
The JAILER walks among the row of chained SLAVES, followed closely by Xena. The JAILER stops and ably frees M'Lila; he then departs, taking the shackles with him. The other SLAVES pretend sleep, trying to avoid notice.
The woman rubs her wrists and stares openly at Xena with a sullen and defiant expression, challenging her. Xena answers the silent dare.
Xena, affecting indifferent
XENA
My crew just tore apart one of their own to prove their allegiance. You can be their reward or my cabin boy.
The meaning behind the words sinks in and M'lila drops her gaze and seems to shrink.
M'Lila, sounding scared
M'LILA
… I am your slave.
Xena turns and walks away without a word, M'Lila following her with a heavy step and an even heavier heart.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – NIGHT
Xena walks over to the bed and climbs in. She turns her back to M'Lila and draws the sheets to her neck. Only to turn on her back and bolt upright when M'Lila joins her under them.
Xena, angry
XENA
What are you doing?
M'Lila, innocently
M'LILA
Serving under you.
Xena, sharply
XENA
I am not an Amazon; do not presume things, slave. Your place is on the floor.
M'Lila, pulling the covers back and trying to touch Xena' thigh, enticingly
M'LILA
I'm experienced.
Xena intercepts M'Lila's hand and squeezes hard enough to make the woman grimace in pain. Using the pressure to control her, she guides M'lila off the bed and throws her to the floor. M'Lila is wearing underwraps and nothing else; she recovers quickly and smiles coyly at Xena.
Xena, standing over her, sternly
XENA
I have no interest in women.
M'Lila, starting to remove the top wraps, seductively
M'LILA
I could change your mind …
Xena snaps; she closes the distance and grabs the M'Lila by the throat. She makes a fist with the other and raises it threateningly. The stare at each other, locked in silent struggle of wills.
M'Lila, breaking the silence, softly
M'LILA
I'm sorry.
Xena sighs and releases her, backing away to the bed and sitting down on it.
Xena, upset, harshly
XENA
I am young but not stupid. I know what you tried to do.
Pause.
Xena, fiercely
XENA
No one controls me.
M'Lila, guessing correctly, smiling sadly
M'LILA
You stand alone; no one to trust, save this slave.
Pause.
M'Lila, her eyes watering, gently
M'LILA
I see the pain in you and I want to take it away. I will if you let me.
XENA
No.
M'LILA
Who hurt you, Xena?
Xena, gruffly
XENA
Go to sleep.
Xena crawls back under the covers and M'Lila watches her, not moving.
Minutes pass in silence and then Xena scoots closer to the edge farthest from M'Lila, leaving plenty of room behind her.
Xena, exasperated
XENA
Stay on your side.
M'Lila does not wait for the invitation to be rescinded. She quickly climbs into bed and deciding not to push her luck, she turns her back on Xena. Soon, they both fall asleep.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. COASTAL VILLAGE – GROVE - NIGHT
The dirt road runs inland and is located quite a ways from the waves lapping the beach. The inn, nicer houses, shops, workshops, and the temple all sit alongside it. The poorer part of the village is close to the Aegean Sea, keeping the aroma of that down and away. As a further, physical barrier, a large grove of fruit trees separates the two halves. It is a summer night and the air is buzzing with insects; the weather is pleasant if a touch humid.
In the middle of the trees, hidden in the darkness, figures crouch. Sixteen year old Xena and her ship's crew of thirty young SAILORS wait in silence. Few are younger than her, most are around her age or barely older. Tellus is the oldest at twenty and the ship's First Mate. They are wearing worn leather armor and are armed with hatchets, short swords, wooden clubs, and knives; six have bows as primary weapon.
Xena moves out, and keeping low, makes her way to the front of the darkened inn. Straightening up, she confidently walks towards the stables nearby, appearing to have come from the inn itself. She is wearing a dress that shows her arms and cleavage to a good effect. In her hand is a basket.
A single, alert ROMAN LEGIONARY stands guard at the double door leading inside. He is armed with a spear and a shield.
ROMAN LEGIONARY, quietly yet firmly, challenging
ROMAN LEGIONARY
Halt!
Xena, keeping her head down as she stops in front of him, shyly
XENA
Father sends food.
ROMAN LEGIONARY relaxes, but not completely. He is older, a veteran, and experience that kept him alive this long will not allow it.
ROMAN LEGIONARY, suspiciously
ROMAN LEGIONARY
Let me see your face.
The eyes that look at him are cold and hard and the knife is already moving, as the basket is tossed at his chest. The distraction combined with the fatal mistake of allowing her too close costs him his life as the blade buries in his throat. Xena grabs him before he falls and drags the dying man inside. Neighing and stomping of nervous horses is the only noise for a while and then Xena comes out. The stolen armor fits her overgrown body well and it looks good on her. She takes the abandoned post and whistles. Shortly, she is joined by her First Mate.
Xena, urgently
XENA
Tellus, change of plan. Nine horses in stables, eight Romans left. Send ten towards the sea; the stench is repulsive, tell them to torch everything and put everyone in chains. Wait for us to start. Bar the back door to the inn, stack straw and wood around the walls. Post archers to flank the front entrance, gather the remaining crew directly in front. Questions?
Tellus, shaking his head no in answer, respectfully
TELLUS
The merchants and craftsmen, Captain?
XENA
They will cower in their homes; save them for last.
TELLUS
Aye, Captain.
CUT TO:
EXT. COASTAL VILLAGE – INN - NIGHT
The quiet, dark night comes alive as a cordon of fire erupts along inn's walls and swiftly climbs up. Lit torches are tossed on the roof and the flames devour the thatch greedily.
In harmony, beyond the fruit trees, blazes and screams erupt on the shore. The first grow, while the latter are swiftly cut short. The need for secrecy gone, Xena moves to the inn door and tosses the shield. She hefts the spear and prepares to throw it.
Inside the inn, there is a stampede of feet and the door flies open. Dressed in nightshirts and sleep tunics, the INNKEEPER leads his family. The INNLEEPER barely takes few steps outside when he sees Xena and his eyes grow large at the sight of her and the weapon pointed at him. The INNKEEPER stops and raises his hands in universal gesture of surrender. Not caring, Xena throws the spear and it impales him, dropping him dead where he stands. His WIFE shrieks and falls on his body. The three young CHILDREN stand frozen in shock as smoke belches from the maw to inside.
Indifferent to the tragedy playing out, Xena draws a sword. As she suspected, six ROMAN LEGIONARIES charge out in tight formation, using the family as cover. Six of them come out with shields and spears up. Unfortunately for them, due to the smoke and limited visibility, they crash into the CHILDREN and stumble over the INNKEEPER and his WIFE. Their order broken and their sides exposed, Xena's ARCHERS don't hesitate at the opportunity offered. The arrows release and half the ROMAN LEGIONARIES are no more; one is wounded. Xena politely steps to the side.
Xena, pointing out the waiting SAILORS, with false generosity
XENA
Your freedom, if you win it.
Clearly out of options, the ROMAN LEGIONARIES charge the SAILORS. The reason for their sacrifice becomes clear as a CENTURION is next out the door, followed by a ROMAN NOBLE. The ROMAN NOBLE wears expensive robes, but the sword in his hand and the manner he holds it in give proof that he is not ignorant of warfare.
The CENTURION steps over the bodies carefully, keeping an eye on Xena. The CHILDREN huddle on the ground and the WIFE clutches her murdered husband, wailing hysterically. The CENTURION continues to maneuver towards Xena and she inclines her head twice to point out the ARCHERS on his flanks. He ignores the warning and charges her. Arrows cut the CENTURIAN down and he falls at her feet, dead. The ROMAN NOBLE wisely lowers the blade after taking a few steps to clear the inferno. He stands there, outlined in the fire behind him, arrogant and proud.
Xena does not give him the satisfaction of response. She pivots and advances on the two ROMAN LEGIONARIES still alive. The wounded ROMAN LEGIONARY is breathing his last on the ground and his companions are losing. Xena speeds the process by stabbing one ROMAN LEGIONARY in the back and knocking out the other one. She turns her attention towards the last Roman standing.
ROMAN NOBLE, no trace of fear, pompously
ROMAN NOBLE
You face Gaius Julius Caesar.
Xena, bored
XENA
You important?
CAESAR
We are destined to rule the world. Bow your unworthy neck in supplication and kneel unto Caesar for our mercy is mercurial and fleeting.
Xena studies him, her interest clearly piqued. Seconds pass and then Xena signals the ARCHERS and they move out. The SAILORS take a hint and spread out to take the town. The only one left is Tellus, guarding her back.
Xena, to Caesar, daring
XENA
Prove it.
Caesar raises the blade and salutes Xena. He smoothly advances and engages blades. Feinting, blocking, and parrying, they feel each other out. Quickly, the engagement escalates and it is clear that while Caesar is superior in technique, he is having trouble with Xena's power. She is relentlessly backing him into the raging fire behind him, driving him slowly yet surely to his doom. His edge in skill is not enough to overcome the inhuman strength of his opponent that numbs his hands with the shock transmitted thru the clashing steel. And Xena is very good to boot.
With his robes approaching combustion and flames creeping closer, Caesar concedes; he lowers his blade, defiant to the end and refusing to relinquish his weapon. Xena immediately backhands him and sends him sprawling. She grabs his foot and drags him a safe distance from the inferno.
Caesar, smiling thru the blood on his split lip
CAESAR
Are you ready to surrender? Prostate before the glory that is Caesar and be spared our wrath.
Xena kicks the sword from his hand and straddles his torso. She pins his arms with her hands and leans down, their faces close.
Xena, feral
XENA
I take what I want.
Xena kisses him hard, mashing their lips together, unfazed by the blood. Then she withdraws and continues as if nothing happened.
XENA
Ten talents.
Caesar, outraged
CAESAR
Ignorant savage, Caesar is worth more than 60,000 drachma! Fifty.
Xena, eyeing Caesar speculatively, as if seeing him in new light
XENA
You bought yourself a temporary reprieve.
Caesar, threatening
CAESAR
When Caesar is free, we will capture and crucify you.
Xena, turning her head, to Tellus, commanding curtly
XENA
Check on progress.
TELLUS
Aye, Captain.
He departs.
XENA
Rome has a Colosseum, we have the Game. Watch your tongue.
Caesar, dismissively
CAESAR
Your primitive amusements do not concern us.
XENA
Not your choice.
Xena knocks him unconscious with one swift blow.
XENA
Never was.
She brings her hand to her mouth and wipes the blood with the back of it. She studies the red and then looks down on Caesar. There is hunger and lust in her gaze.
Xena, appreciatively
XENA
You are right: this conquest thing has potential.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – MORNING
Xena is wearing a fresh tunic. Her clothes from the raid are in a pile and she steps to the wash basin and cleans the blood and grime from her face and hands. She walks to the storage chest and opens it. Xena takes out a bedroll and places it against the door and then looks pointedly at M'Lila, who is watching this development with veiled interest.
Xena, flatly
XENA
It is time to accept your place, slave.
M'Lila grins mischievously and then, to Xena's astonishment, deliberately gets into bed and settles in. The surprises continue.
M'Lila, gravely
M'LILA
I know his kind; Caesar is trouble.
Xena, astonished and confused
XENA
What?! How did you know? Wait … what did you say?
M'LILA
Galley gossip travels faster than Hermes. You made a mistake kissing him, offering freely a stranger what you deny your crew. Dangerous for them to think of you as a woman; for them, for you, and for me.
Xena, waving away the concern, unfazed
XENA
I am in control.
M'LILA
You order them to keep their hands off the merchandise and then you take a slave to your bed. You work hard to ensure they only see the Captain and then make out with a prisoner, revealing your femininity. You appear weak.
Xena, heatedly
XENA
There is nothing between us!
M'Lila, persuasively
M'LILA
Perception is everything. You have to fix this.
Xena, approaching the bed, dangerously
XENA
Starting with you?
M'Lila, lowering her eyes, the very picture of submission, meekly
M'LILA
I am Captain's privilege.
Xena, stopping and watching M'Lila closely, uncertain
XENA
Tell me this is not you eliminating the competition.
M'Lila, lying to Xena's face, convincingly
M'LILA
You said it yourself: there is nothing between us and won't be. Does not mean I don't care. I am your friend.
Xena, morose, with longing
XENA
I don't have friends. Not anymore.
In Xena's eyes the very thing she wants is clear to see. M'Lila gives it to her.
M'Lila, pulling the sheet over herself and closing her eyes, giggling
M'LILA
Stay on your side … friend.
Xena chuckles and shakes her head. She joins M'Lila, taking the opposite side of the bed.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIP – MAIN DECK – EARLY EVENING
The SAILORS are crowded around barrels of mead and tables loaded with food. Tellus sits in the chair to the side, empty chest next to him and the writing implements on his lap. They all appear to be waiting for something, or rather, someone.
Opposite them, on the starboard (right) side, is a different sight. Caesar, the lone surviving ROMAN LEGIONARY, and a few wealthier VILLAGERS captured in the raid are standing in one long line. Each man is holding a stone is his hands, wrapped with rope and attached to the right leg. In addition, they are secured to each other around the waist. Caesar and the ROMAN LEGIONARY are the only ones who stand tall and unmoved by the events; the others are crying and begging for mercy.
Xena, wearing leather armor and full complement of weapons makes her entrance and hushed silence falls. She stops and takes in everyone, making sure to linger on many faces. Judging everyone sufficiently discomforted and cowed, she speaks.
Xena, deadly calm yet exuding an air of menace and violence
XENA
You live and die at my whim; your lives are mine to spend. In return, I provide you with food, shelter, and protection. Eight failed assassination attempts and you have not learned your lesson.
Six ARCHERS appear and spread out to her sides. They draw and release; six SAILORS drop. No one moves; smallest twitch means instant death.
XENA
I can always start over.
She signals the ARCHERS and they leave.
Xena walks over to Caesar and stands in front of him.
Xena, over her shoulder, to Tellus
XENA
Hundred drachmas on the Roman; triple that on Caesar.
TELLUS
Term?
XENA
Six hours on the soldier and ten on the noble.
One ARCHER returns with a heavy bag. He opens it and coins rain down inside the chest. Tellus makes a notation and a line quickly forms in front of him. The dead SAILORS are unceremoniously tossed into the sea and their purses added to the chest. The surviving SAILORS focus on food, entertainment, and betting - anything to forget their precarious existence.
Xena, to Caesar, grandly
XENA
Welcome to the Game.
Caesar, profoundly
CAESAR
The illusion of power is poor substitute for the real thing.
Xena, provoking
XENA
Not going to offer more money?
Caesar, pressing the point, calmly
CAESAR
Leadership is earned in the hearts of men, not taken at sword point.
XENA
You going to keep spouting useless wisdoms until Poseidon's embrace?
CAESAR
You think that what you are matches what you desire. Open your eyes to the delusion for the truth is different: we are destined for greatness, you and me. Xena, you are a warrior, not a pathetic pirate scraping a living on worthless merchants and hapless fishermen. Accept that and take the next step – become great. What you wish, you must believe; only then what you yourself think, other will also. Will shapes fate, with fortune lending a helping hand, luck greater by the effort. I desire Gaul, therefore it will fall; empire will follow.
Xena, impressed despite herself, marveling
XENA
You truly believe in your destiny.
Caesar, with utter conviction, strongly
CAESAR
Rome will rule the world and I am Rome.
XENA
What is mine?
Caesar, speaking volumes, simply
CAESAR
Conquest.
Xena, shifting her eyes to SAILORS preparing to start with the VILLAGERS
XENA
Sadly, your time grows short.
Caesar, confidently
CAESAR
Julius Caesar is not going to die today.
XENA
And why not?
CAESAR
I have the world …
Before she can react, he leans in and kisses her. Shifting the stone to his side, he brings her close with his free arm and they deepen the kiss. Xena is starting to enjoy it, returning the embrace, her hands roaming his body possessively. The end is abrupt and unexpected.
Caesar, pulling back from the union of their lips
CAESAR
… and you want it.
Caesar nimbly extricates himself and swiftly climbs the rail; he stands there, looking down at Xena.
Caesar, daring her, smugly
CAESAR
Come get it.
Caesar turns and jumps, starting a chain reaction as the closest SAILORS curse and start throwing the rest into the sea.
Xena stands stunned, clearly confused about what just happened.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SHIP – MAIN DECK – NEAR DAWN
Drunken SAILORS and the remains of a feast litter the deck; snoring fills the night air. Past the NIGHT HELMSMAN, a lone SAILOR stands at the stern, gazing into the sea.
Behind the ship, a line plays out. On the surface of the molten liquid, a single head bobs in the sea. Caesar is the last remaining contestant in the Game.
NIGHT HELMSMAN acknowledges the Captain with head gesture. Xena answers same and walks over to the SAILOR. She is wearing a tunic with a belt; single knife rests in a sheath.
SAILOR, reporting
SAILOR
Down to the nobleman, Captain.
XENA
Leave.
He does and she begins to pace, occasionally glancing down at Caesar. She continues this for a moment and then stops, decision made. Placing a knife between her teeth, she climbs the rail and dives into the sea.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIP – MAIN DECK – DAWN
Xena helps exhausted Caesar climb the net on the side of the ship. Tellus is there to help him up, followed by Xena. Tellus does not look happy.
Tellus, angry
TELLUS
Explain and make it good.
XENA
Fifty talents ransom.
Tellus, hostility disappearing, impressed
TELLUS
I admire your negotiating tactics, Captain. I will spread the word among the crew, along with more mead in the morning. Note will go out in the next port.
Pause.
TELLUS
Doubted you there for the moment, Captain.
Xena, shrugging
XENA
First Mate prerogative.
Pause.
XENA
Julius Caesar is our honored, high value guest. Make sure the boys understand that. He gets a cabin, free reign, and an escort.
TELLUS
Aye, Captain.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – EARLY MORNING
Xena enters her cabin, pulling off and tossing the wet tunic. In her underwraps, she pats to the washbasin and starts to dry with a piece of linen.
M'Lila, still in bed, bitterness tingeing her tone, hotly
M'LILA
You are a fool.
Xena, reasonably
XENA
He made me an offer.
M'Lila, hurt
M'LILA
So did I.
XENA
I don't want that from you.
Pause.
Xena puts on a dry tunic. She turns around and approaches the bed.
Xena, soothingly
XENA
This changes nothing.
M'Lila closes her eyes and pretends to sleep, ignoring Xena.
Xena, trying another approach, excitedly outlining new vision
XENA
Caesar spoke of greatness and power - power to topple nations and rule the world. The dream is achievable: armies at my command, multitudes under my rule, and a conquest that stands the test of time. All in reach, all mine!
Xena stands next to the bed, looking down at M'Lila, who opens her eyes again and watches her.
Xena, taking M'Lila hand in hers, promising
XENA
M'Lila, I will get what I need from Caesar. You, my friend, will be there to see it happen.
M'Lila, seeing possibilities in the future, mildly reproachful to cover her surging optimism
M'LILA
As long as I am not there for the Caesar part.
XENA
I would not do that. And if it is a woman you want, woman you shall have. For that part, I won't be there either.
M'Lila, looking her in the eyes, telling Xena exactly who she wants, softly
M'LILA
Yes, I do.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIP – MAIN DECK – AFTERNOON
On the main deck Caesar is holding court, delivering a newly written speech. Scroll in hand, he faces an audience of SAILORS. Most go about their duties, few listen, and the rest are withdrawn and miserable after the celebrations.
Caesar, orating
CAESAR
The greatness of a man does not lie in circumstance of his birth but in execution of his life. Know that there are few things as crippling as doubt in self and the acquiescence to the demands of others. The moment you accept someone's hold over you, you walk their path and forfeit your own. And the second you forget to voice your convictions, from then on you are doomed to remain a slave to external influences.
The weak ones …
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIP – MAIN DECK – AFTERNOON
Xena is steering the ship and Tellus is next to her, not in the best of shape.
Tellus, suffering from hangover, holding his aching head
TELLUS
You should have killed him.
Xena, teasing
XENA
Expand your mind, Tellus.
TELLUS
It is and so is the headache.
Xena, mysteriously
XENA
The more he talks, the more he reveals.
Tellus, catching the look and reading between the lines, advising
TELLUS
You are the Captain, Captain. Word of caution: play but don't keep. I don't care if you tear apart the cabin and wake the Gods, but he better not be spending nights in there. Take your fun and leave it at that. I will escort him in and out.
XENA
Something the matter?
TELLUS
I smoothed the feathers and the boys are okay with you being human. It is a relief, actually. Slave is safe, Caesar is not. They laugh at his speeches and threats and dismiss them; I am not so quick.
Xena, impatiently
XENA
What are you saying?
Tellus, sincerely
TELLUS
Captain, you are destined for bigger things. We would follow you anywhere, but where you going, that is no place for us. You are a soldier proper, born for battle – we are criminals. The boys are dumb, they don't see the writing on the scroll; I do and it is not with you. You get too cozy with Caesar and they will figure it out and that pack of dogs will turn on you faster than a flea jumps one.
Xena, unconvincingly
XENA
I am one of you.
TELLUS
No, you are not and you know it.
XENA
Guess there was a reason I picked you as First Mate.
TELLUS
Then listen, Captain. Let me spin it you taking advantage of love sick fool.
Xena, amused
XENA
You get to keep the ship when I leave?
Tellus, shamelessly
TELLUS
Consider it a payment for years of service.
XENA
Now there is the rogue I know!
Pause.
Xena, all business
XENA
Consider your advice taken.
Tellus nods and they turn to listen to Caesar, still going strong in the background.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – LATE EVENING
Xena sits on the edge of the table in light, short tunic, her long legs clearly displayed. She has a goblet of wine in hand.
There is a knock at the door and M'Lila opens it and exits. She passes by Caesar and Tellus, heading down the passage. Tellus pushes the Roman inside and closes the doors.
Xena takes a sip and extends the goblet in invitation. Caesar declines with a shake of his head.
Xena, shifting her legs to better show and entice, purring
XENA
You recover fast.
Caesar, with a straight face
CAESAR
I have been praised for my stamina.
Xena, raising an eyebrow
XENA
Boasting?
CAESAR
Stating.
XENA
That good?
As they flirt, Caesar begins to make his way closer to her. For every exchange, he takes a step forward, as the sexual tension in the room builds.
CAESAR
Legendary.
XENA
First I hear of it.
CAESAR
Some secrets are worth keeping.
XENA
And others?
CAESAR
Worth sharing.
XENA
Which one is it tonight?
Caesar, leaving the implication hanging
CAESAR
If the incentive is right …
XENA
What do you have in mind?
Caesar is close enough to take the goblet from her hand and drink.
Caesar, savoring the alcohol, staring at Xena's lips
CAESAR
Complements to the creator.
Xena, seductively
XENA
How does it taste?
Caesar, kissing her
CAESAR
Divine.
He parts her legs and steps between them, bringing their bodies into contact as they kiss heatedly. The goblet is discarded, dropping and rolling away.
Xena removes his tunic and it goes flying, followed by her own. She is down to underwraps and he in trousers.
Caesar, kissing her neck as she exposes her throat, whispering
CAESAR
Bed?
Xena, blindly fumbling for the leather ties of his trousers, voice thick with need, ordering
XENA
Here. Now.
CUT TO:
INT. SHIP – CAPTAIN'S CABIN – NIGHT
M'Lila enters to find Xena already in bed and a single oil lamp illuminating the cabin. She extinguishes it and seems hesitant to join Xena.
Xena, reassuringly
XENA
We didn't use the bed.
M'Lila climbs in and under the sheets. She turns and they face each other, both lying on the side, separated by the empty space and something more.
Xena, reminiscing, sounding younger and more innocent
XENA
… I was betrothed to Sophus, a man in Amphipolis, years ago. He was to be my first.
M'Lila, quietly
M'LILA
Did you love him? Still do?
XENA
In time.
M'LILA
What happened?
XENA
Cortese.
M'Lila, sympathetically
M'LILA
Warlord? I'm sorry.
Pause.
M'Lila, bluntly
M'LILA
Why give it to Caesar?
XENA
Alliance.
M'LILA
Do you regret it?
Xena, sounding unsure
XENA
It was okay.
Pause.
Xena, giving it further thought, adding
XENA
Been a long time since I felt anything and for a moment I did again.
M'Lila, not fooled, shrewdly
M'LILA
Why is Caesar not here?
Xena, evasively
XENA
Tellus counseled …
M'Lila, interrupting
M'LILA
The real reason, Xena.
Xena, admitting
XENA
… I did not want him to stay.
Silence stretches between them with Xena's admission.
M'Lila, trying to sound casual, unable to hide the emotion in her voice
M'LILA
Do you want me to hold you? It won't mean anything, purely comfort.
Xena, growing tense, sharply
XENA
You know it does.
M'Lila, conciliatorily
M'LILA
Then hold me.
Xena, suspicious
XENA
How is that different?
M'Lila, submissively
M'LILA
You are in control.
Xena considers the offer carefully and reaches a decision. It is easy.
Xena, taking charge
XENA
Do it.
M'Lila scoots to the middle of the bed and lies on her back. Shyly and slowly, Xena settles her head into the nook of M'Lila shoulder, their bodies fitting together perfectly.
Xena, lying to self, resolutely
XENA
I am in control.
M'Lila turns and kisses Xena's head. Xena relaxes and then Morpheus claims them and carries them away to his realm.
FADE OUT:
END OF PART ONE