THE FOURTEENTH PART

THE FOURTEENTH PART

FADE IN:

EXT. PEARL HARBOR - EARLY SUNDAY MORNING - DECEMBER 7, 2003.

Dreary and overcast. Everything in ghostly shades of gray.

Modern day warships of the American Navy sit at anchor. The few crewmen on their decks go about a quite Sunday morning routine.

Navy launch glides past the anchored ships on its way toward far side of the harbor.

The Memorial where the sunken remains of battleship Arizona lays at permanent rest is in the distance.

At stern of the launch, coxswain mans rudder, and a young Ensign stands firmly in command.

Seated amidships is a frail eighty seven year old SHERMAN KLEIN. Beside him, on the bench, lays a wreath.

A boatswain is at the bow, ready with the mooring line. Sherman looks past him toward "Arizona Memorial" looming in distance.

Launch passes a visiting Japanese warship. Sherman’s attention is caught by it’s flag of rising sun.

For a moment he’s confused, but then his attention returns toward the "Arizona".

BEGIN CREDITS

SHERMAN (V.O)

There was a time, not so long ago, when the devil and his disciple’s seemed to rule the world, and the earth had become its own form of hell.

Misery and death of the most horrific sort were everywhere, and the prospects for the future were dark and uncertain.

The oceans had turned to fire, fed by the oil of countless sinking ships, whole cities were in ruin, and the land was littered with the dead and soon to be dead. Innocent women and children cried out for mercy. But there was none to be had.

It was the bleakest of times imaginable - a time when horrors beyond imagination where inflicted by man - against man.

What forces remained to battle against this darkness stood on the verge of total collapse.

It can be said without the least exaggeration that the light of the human spirit was on the precipice of extinction.

Separated from these events by two vast oceans, a nation and its people believed themselves secure from this world gone mad. As such, they allowed themselves to be blind to the darkness that was clearly visible, and they stood idly by from the horrors and atrocities.

Begrudgingly, at best, they provided only the smallest oddments of aid to those very few left fighting what must surely have been the Devil’s work.

But to say it was the work of the devil is to say there is a God. Yet in spite of the evil onslaught, God was nowhere to be found.

Opposing the apathy were certain people in government who believed in their hearts there were no oceans and no world big enough that could secure their nation against those who wielded such evil power. In time, they knew, their nation, too, would fall victim to the despots, and the world would be plunged into a dark age like none before and from which there could be no hope of return.

They also knew that such was the state of development by these madmen of new and horrific weapons, the likes of which were previously beyond imagination, that little time was left before the fate of the world might be eternally sealed into a coffin of ashes.

So, over the wishes of their own people, and the will of their own government, and the laws of their land, and even against morality and honor itself, these people secretly strived to mobilize the country in the only way they believed possible.

In those days, what was done seemed so certain of purpose and necessity. But now, when I look into these murky waters, beneath which are entombed so many men, nothing is clear about what happened, and especially, about what I, myself, did on that infamous day.

As each year passed the memories have become more faded, except for the screams of dying men, which only grows louder in my head. This, I fear, will be the last time I can make the journey. Soon, all who were part of it will be gone and with them so will be lost all recollections, faded as they already are.

Left will be a few pictures and words -- merely footnotes to history -- but the people…

(beat)

… but the people who lived through those most desperate of times and saved the world will be gone forever.

The launch nears the "Arizona Memorial".

The boatswain tosses the mooring line to a waiting sailor.

 

EXT. THE BATTLESHIP ARIZONA MEMORIAL - DAY - THE YEAR 2003

As sailors tie the launch to the dock the Ensign goes to help Sherman to his feet.

For a moment, Sherman thinks the Ensign someone he knew long ago.

The Ensign begins to pick up the wreath. Sherman insists on carrying it, but he is forced by his weakness to let the Ensign help him up the gang plank to the Memorial.

Sherman slowly makes his way toward the center of the memorial.

He pauses at a display of photos from December 7, 1941, taken of burning American warships and attacking Japanese planes at Pearl Harbor.

He especially focuses on one photo - the battleship Arizona erupting in a huge explosion, and another of it’s burned out hulk laying in the shallow waters of the harbor.

Sherman slowly moves to a series of bronze plaques. He reviews the names of dead sailors, among them "JEFFERY TAYLOR, ENSIGN".

The Ensign stands a respectful distance away.

Nearby, a detachment of honor guard, led by a CHIEF PETTY OFFICER stands at "parade rest".

The Ensign looks at his watch.

ENSIGN

Sir, it’s time.

Ensign nods to the Chief.

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER

Detail, TEN-HUT!

Honor Guard snaps smartly to attention.

Sherman straightens up as best he can and makes his way with effort to the edge of the memorial - directly over sunken remains of Battleship Arizona.

From the dark shadow of the Arizona drops of oil still trickle to the surface.

Sherman takes out his pocket watch. On the case is a faded presidential seal. He rubs his finger across it with deep reverence.

He opens the case to verify the moment. For the thousandth time he reads its inscription:

He looks skyward and scans across the horizon, then across the harbor, seeing in his memory ships and planes that are no longer there.

His eyes come to rest back on the Arizona laying just beneath the murky waters.

He begins to lift the wreath over the railing, but it’s too heavy for him.

The Ensign is quick to come to his aid, but Sherman stops him with a determined look, and finishes casting the wreath into the water.

The wreath floats on the surface for a time before sinking.

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER

Present arms -- Ready, aim, FIRE!

CRACKLE of shots as Honor Guard fires first volley of a twenty four gun salute.

As Sherman stares into the murky water his thoughts drift back to another time and place.

Fading CRACKLE of shots as Honor Guard fires two more volleys.

 

EXT. PERUVIAN EMBASSY, TOKYO JAPAN - NIGHT - JANUARY 1941

Murky reflection in a fishpond.

In the reflection: a series of EXPLOSIONS accompanied by sound of loud BLASTS.

Sound of men dying seems to be heard, but its only the excited OOH’s and AAH’s of the audience watching an elaborate FIREWORKS display.

Large gathering of guests in black-tie and gowns stand on the patio taking in the fireworks.

Among the guests, assortment of diplomats and their wives, military men in uniform, and a few Japanese women in traditional kimonos.

As the display ends the guests return indoors.

 

INT. RECEPTION HALL, PERUVIAN EMBASSY, TOKYO JAPAN - NIGHT - JANUARY 1941

United States First Secretary to Japan, EDWARD S. CROCKER is in polite conversation with other diplomats and wives, in particular he talks with KICHISABURO NOMURA, a former admiral in the Japanese Imperial Navy, now in the diplomatic service and RICARDO RIVERA-SCHREIBER, Peruvian Ambassador.

Young SHERMAN KLEIN, in his mid twenties and a member of the American Diplomatic Corp, stands respectfully by as does a number of other junior officials of other countries.

CROCKER AND NOMURA HAVE INTENSE DEBATE WHICH ESTABLISHES THE BASIC CONFLICT BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE US, AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF EVENTS.)

The conversation grows heated, in an exceedingly polite sort of way.

HIROKI NOMURA is stunningly beautiful in her traditional attire as she walks across the room toward her father. She is the mixed blood daughter of Nomura and his American born wife.

Sherman notices her and is entranced. He becomes nervous when she appears to be walking straight toward him.

She stops directly in front of him. For a moment his breath is taken away.

NOMURA

Ah, Hiroki.

Hiroki and Nomura exchange the bow of a father and daughter.

Nomura uses her arrival to end the heated exchange.

NOMURA

Mr. Ambassador, Ladies, gentleman, may I present my daughter Hiroki.

Hiroki gives an appropriate bow.

Polite chuckles from the others.

Sherman is entranced looking at her. Nomura notices.

 

INT. RECEPTION HALL - LATER

Hiroki is in polite conversations with several older woman.

Sherman watches her from across the room.

The gathering is winding down.

The woman are drawn away by their husbands leaving Hiroki standing uncomfortably alone.

Sherman seizes his opportunity and approaches.

SHERMAN

I’m a great admirer of the admiral.

HIROKI

(perfect English)

And which admiral might that be, Mr…?

SHERMAN

My apologies. Sherman Klein, second assistant secretary for trade. I was…

HIROKI

At which embassy?

Sherman is bemused. He’s not quite sure if she’s kidding him.

SHERMAN

The American embassy -- I was referring to your father, Admiral Nomura. The brilliant strategist who defeated the Russian navy at Port Arthur during the great war.

HIROKI

The Great War? You say that as if you expect there to be another.

Sherman responds to her combativeness.

SHERMAN

I thought there already is. You know, the British and the Germans? And then, of course there is you, I mean, Japan and China.

HIROKI

That doesn’t mean there needs to be war between our two countries. Don’t you believe?

SHERMAN

I would hope not. But there are many who seem to believe war is inevitable between us. Only a matter of time.

HIROKI

You need only leave Asia for the Asians. It is our divine destiny - is that not the same as your own "Manifest Destiny"?

SHERMAN

You’ve been reading our history.

HIROKI

I enjoy reading.

Sherman stares at her. Hiroki becomes slightly uncomfortable.

SHERMAN

(in perfect Japanese)

Please excuse me for staring. You’re -- so very beautiful.

Hiroki feigns slight embarrassment.

SHERMAN

(continued)

Such beauty can only come from a mother. Did I read that your mother is American?

HIROKI

I am Japanese!

Sherman is surprised by the intensity. She quickly reasserts her self control.

HIROKI

(continued)

He thinks of himself now as an ambassador. A man of peace, not of war.

Sherman is confused.

HIROKI

(continued)

My father.

SHERMAN

Of course. But, what is that saying, "once a soldier, always a soldier"?

From across the room, Nomura notices his daughter talking with Sherman.

HIROKI

Second assistant secretary for trade? Isn’t that a position they reserve for - for spies?

SHERMAN

(surprised)

Is that what the Japanese government uses them for?

NOMURA (O.S.)

Hiroki.

Nomura approaches. Hiroki sees him and gives him a deferential bow.

HIROKI

Father-san. I was just having a very nice talk with mister…

SHERMAN

Sherman Klein, your excellency.

NOMURA

Mr. Klein.

(to Hiroki)

I think it is time we leave. I promised your mother I would not force you to stay among these stuffed shirts too long.

He gestures to the room full of diplomats.

HIROKI

Actually, I’ve been quite enjoying it.

There is no perceptible change in Nomura’s expression.

HIROKI

(continued)

Yes. We should see how mother is feeling.

They exchange polite bows with Sherman and leave. He looks on as they walk to the door.

Crocker and his wife are at the door getting their coats when the Peruvian Ambassador, Rivera-Schreiber approaches.

RIVERA-SCHREIBER

So good of both of you to come. Would you tell the Ambassador I hope he feels better? Seems everyone was sick of sorts.

He glances toward Nomura.

Crocker looks to his wife. And with her approval he warily nods to the Ambassador. The two men step aside.

The Ambassador holds Crocker by the arm and cautiously looks around.

As Rivera-Schreiber talks to him, Crocker’s reaction is first of shock, but he quickly recovers to amusement.

CROCKER

(loudly; mocking)

Japanese attack…

At a stern look from Rivera-Schreiber, Crocker cautiously looks around and lowers his voice.

Rivera-Schreiber looks frustrated with Crocker’s continued bemusement. Reluctantly, he gestures to Crocker with a look across the room toward Nomura and his daughter as they are leaving.

Crocker looks toward Nomura and suddenly becomes very serious with concern and uncertainty. He continues staring at Nomura in disbelief.

Across the room TOSHOKU ASAHI watches them with keen interest. Asahi, smartly dressed in his Commanders uniform of the Japanese Imperial Navy is unusually tall for a Japanese.

 

INT. OFFICE OF AMBASSADOR GREW, AMERICAN EMBASSY, TOKYO, JAPAN - DAY - JAN 1941

The Ambassador sits at his desk reviewing documents. He pauses to sneeze.

Crocker hovers nearby.

CROCKER

God-bless-you.

GREW

(to intercom)

Ms. Janis. Ask Mr. Klein to come in, please.

JANIS (O.S)

Yes Sir.

Grew goes to the window. He’s deeply concerned. Outside, is a bright sunny day.

He stares out on the park across from the embassy. On the other side of the park is a small office building.

DRONE of airplanes.

Grew looks up to see high flying squadron of Japanese Zeroes pass overhead. His concern deepens.

Sherman enters the office, but the Ambassador is too preoccupied with his thoughts to notice.

Sherman nods a greeting to Crocker before clearing his throat.

GREW

I’ve been reconsidering some of your estimates in these economic reports.

Grew hands him the documents.

SHERMAN

Sir?

Sherman reads the hand written cover note.

"Urgent you get immediate verification."

Sherman looks at documents beneath. It’s only blank sheets of paper

He looks first to the Ambassador, then to Crocker with foreboding.

GREW

Review your estimates and let me know if they are still accurate.

SHERMAN

Yes, Sir. I’ll go over them very carefully.

 

THROUGH WINDOW - the office across the park.

 

INT. OFFICE, TOKYO, JAPAN - DAY - JAN 1941

Small, nondescript office. A recording device is in operation on the only desk.

Japanese man listens intently through headphones. He makes occasional notes. Another Japanese man looks on.

 

EXT. APARTMENT HOUSE, TOKYO, JAPAN - DAY

Small building on busy narrow street.

Sherman leaves the building and walks casually away.

Asahi and several associates first watch, then follow him at a careful distance.

Sherman stops at a street vendor to get his morning meal. He is cheerful and friendly.

SHERMAN

(in Japanese)

Good morning, Mrs. Tanaka. A very beautiful day?

She immediately prepares his food.

TANAKA

(in Japanese)

Every day is beautiful when this old body has the strength to rise in the morning.

Sherman catches a glimpse of one of Asahi’s men. His mood darkens with concern.

SHERMAN

(in Japanese)

To me, everyday is beautiful when I can enjoy a meal of Mrs. Tanaka’s delicious rice soup.

She smiles with embarrassment and hands him the food while he hands her money.

SHERMAN

(continued)

Domo.

They exchange a polite bow. Sherman turns and begins to walk away.

Asahi and his men begin to follow.

Tanaka counts the money and realizes it is much to much.

TANAKA

(in Japanese)

Mr. Klein, Mr. Klein, you make big mistake. You give me much to much money.

Sherman turns. His worse fears are realized when he catches Asahi and his men clearly visible.

SHERMAN

(in Japanese)

No mistake. Thank you very much.

Sherman quickens his pace as he fumbles through his bag. He makes a turn at the next corner on to a very busy street.

Asahi and his men hurry to catch up.

When they come around the corner, Sherman is no where to be seen. They race ahead through the morning crowds in search of him, pushing people aside without regard, and knocking one Old Japanese Man to the ground.

Asahi reaches the end of the block. With no sight of Sherman, he gives up, but he smiles to himself with the realization he has a worthy opponent.

The Old Japanese Man rises from the ground, helped by a passing woman. He thanks her.

Through the disguise we see the Old Man is really Sherman.

He lumbers off in the opposite direction.

 

INT. TOKYO TRAIN STATION - DAY

The station brims with activity of people boarding trains.

With slow struggling movements, the Old Man makes his way on to the train.

 

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - JAPAN - DAY

Narrow country road meanders through heavily wooded area.

The road is crowded with cheerful Japanese peasants on their way to market

Among the peasants, the Old Man (Sherman) trudges along.

Staff Car carrying senior officers of Japanese Imperial Navy presses forth through the crowd. Among the officers is Nomura in the uniform of an admiral and Asahi in a commanders uniform.

The Driver presses the horn incessantly to clear the road. The Peasants dutifully step aside, bowing with respect to the passing officers.

Staff Car reaches a turnoff and races down the deserted side road.

Swirls of dust from the car engulfs the Peasants.

Choking on the dust, the Old Man struggles to the roadside for relief, and to rest himself against a tree from the exertion.

A Young Women comes to offer him assistance

YOUNG WOMAN

(in Japanese)

Here. A sip of water to clear the dust.

The Old Man takes a sip.

OLD MAN

(in Japanese)

Thank you, child.

YOUNG WOMAN

(in Japanese)

Let me help you.

OLD MAN

(in Japanese)

You are very kind to this old worthless man. A few moments rest and I will be fine. Go, join your friends.

The Young Women hesitates, but with a reassuring wave from the Old Man, she hurries on.

After the crowd has passed he cautiously looks around. Instead of joining the others he takes a path deeper into the woods.

The Young Women looks back. She’s concerned when the Old Man is no where to be seen. Her concern is soon forgotten when she is distracted by a young man’s flirtation.

 

EXT. WOODED HILL - DAY - SAME

Old Man moves with speed and agility up the slopes of the thickly wooded hillside.

At the top, the trees give way to a panoramic view of a large bay.

Old Man takes cover behind rock outcropping at the edge of cliff. From his satchel he removes high powered binoculars.

He scans the distance.

OLD MAN

(soto)

Holly shit!

Vast armada of Japanese warships are at anchor in the bay, among them several Battleships and Aircraft Carriers.

Below him, the Old Man sees the Staff Car stopped along the shore. The Japanese officers peer threw binoculars toward the armada.

Sound of airplanes attracts Asahi’s attention. He turns to watch their approach, nearly catching a glimpse of the Old Man

Old Man ducks from view, hitting his hand against the rock.

He looks skyward, bringing into focus a squadron of Japanese torpedo planes.

From his satchel he pulls out a camera with telephoto lens and begins furiously taking pictures of the planes and ships.

One by one the planes peel off into an attack. Each in turn drops a torpedo toward a Japanese warship.

The Old Man can see the torpedoes strike their target, but there is no explosion.

He hears CRACKLING of underbrush from an approaching squad of Japanese soldiers.

Old Man turns to the sound. He realizes he’s trapped by the edge of the cliff on one side and the open area to the woods on the other. His eyes dart about in a panic, in search of a hiding place.

Desperate he runs to a nearby fallen tree, reaching it’s protection a moment before the soldiers immerge out of the woods.

In fear he presses himself as best he can into the small space behind the tree. The fear intensifies as he realizes he forgot something.

The Soldiers walk along the edge of the cliff in light hearted conversation.

One of them stops and notices the binoculars behind the rock. He immediately calls the others to alert.

They fan out in a search

Old Man senses their approach. He realizes his position is betrayed by the fog of his breath in the cold air.

He peeks from his hiding only to find himself staring at an approaching soldier. The two men look at each other, both momentarily frozen by surprise and fear.

Old Man jumps from his hiding and races into the woods. Soldier fires his rifle striking a tree inches from the Old Man’s head.

Soldiers follow in pursuit.

Along the shore, the officers hear the gunfire and look toward the cliffs.

Asahi hurries to the car and drives off to investigate.

Through woods, Old Man runs for his life. Shot after shot strikes within inches of him.

The wooded hillside turns to a sharp drop. He’s nicked in the arm by a bullet and losses his footing, falling down the hill out of control.

When he finally comes to a stop at the bottom of the hill he’s near the country road.

In the distance he sees the Staff car racing toward him.

He struggles to overcome the pain and melds himself into a group of nearby peasants walking toward a boat landing.

As the Staff car races past he and Asahi exchange a momentary glance, but the car continues on.

The Old Man gets on the ferry moments before it casts off on it’s journey across the inlet.

When the pursuing soldiers arrive, there is no sign of anyone.

 

EXT. CLIFF OVERLOOKING BAY. - DAY - LATER

The soldiers show Nomura and Asahi the spot where the binoculars where found.

Asahi finds a small gem stone from a ring. He picks it up, studies it, and shows it to Nomura.

He looks out on the Fleet of ships still assembled in the bay, then to the gem stone in his hand. He clutches it tightly.

 

EXT. AMERICAN EMBASSY, TOKYO, JAPAN - DAY

A puddle of water. Drizzling rain.

Sherman steps through the puddle as he crosses the street to the entrance of the embassy grounds.

He deftly dodges the heavy traffic of cars, and people.

Sherman passes the two marines standing guard at the gate house. They’re busy checking id’s of a long line of Japanese civilians.

From the Office Building across the street, Asahi, in civilian clothes, watches with intense interest as Sherman enters the embassy.

 

INT. ENTRANCE LOBBY, AMERICAN EMBASSY, TOKYO - SAME

Sherman enters the building. He stops at the reception desk to pick up stack of mail and Japanese language newspapers.

JAPANESE RECEPTIONIST

Good morning, Sir.

SHERMAN

(in Japanese)

Good morning, Ms. Takahashi, how are you today?

JAPANESE RECEPTIONIST

(in Japanese)

I am very well. Thank you. I am so sorry you have not been feeling well. Are you feeling better.

Sherman is momentarily confused, but plays along.

SHERMAN

(in Japanese)

Thank you. I feel much better – COUGH, COUGH. Still, I have a little trouble.

He gestures to his chest. The Receptionist instinctively leans away.

JAPANESE RECEPTIONIST

Please feel better.

They exchange a polite bow, and Sherman goes up the stairs to his office.

 

INT. SHERMAN’S OFFICE, AMERICAN EMBASSY, TOKYO - SAME

Sherman enters his office. He’s immersed in reading one of the Japanese newspapers. He doesn’t notice his co-worker, ROGER FULBRIGHT sitting at his desk trying to work a Japanese wood puzzle.

FULBRIGHT

Where have you been? The old man’s been asking for you for days.

Sherman gives Fulbright a puzzled look.

FULBRIGHT

(continued)

The Ambassador. You better go see him right away.

Sherman tosses the newspapers on his desk and hurries to take off his trench coat.

Fulbright looks at the paper and shakes his head in disgust.

FULBRIGHT

(continued)

You don’t really understand any of that Jap lingo stuff, do you?. You just make like you’re reading it so you can impress people, right?

SHERMAN

(pointing to headlines; perplexed)

You’re right. It says here the Osaka Angels beat the Nagasaki Typhoons three to one in the tenth. I have no idea what that means. You got any idea?

Sherman hands the paper to Fulbright who studies the paper intently until he realizes he’s been had. He looks up, but Sherman has already left the office.

 

INT. OUTER OFFICE, AMERICAN AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN - SAME

Janis, the Ambassador’s secretary is busy at her work. The door to the Ambassador’s office is open.

Sherman enters. He peeks through the door looking for the Ambassador.

JANIS

He’s not there.

Sherman turns to leave.

JANIS

(continued)

He’s waiting for you in the garden.

Janis looks up at him from her work. Sherman understands the seriousness.

 

INT. OFFICE, TOKYO, JAPAN - SAME

Asahi stands at the window. He raises binoculars and peers toward the American Embassy.

THROUGH BINOCULARS.

The Ambassador paces the garden deep in thought.

A particular flower catches his attention. He pauses to study it.

Sherman comes out a side exit and walks to the Ambassador. He waits impatiently while the Ambassador finishes examining the flower.

Sherman hands him a folder. The Ambassador removes several photos, and studies them carefully as they begin a casual walk.

They walk out of view of the binoculars.

Asahi lowers the binoculars. He reflects for a moment and then nods to his assistant, who quickly leaves the room.

 

EXT. GARDEN, AMERICAN EMBASSY - TOKYO, JAPAN - SAME

Sherman and the Ambassador slowly walk through the garden.

The ambassador looks through several of the photo’s, but his disappointment is obvious.

Sherman encourages him on.

At the next photo he suddenly stops walking. He looks with grave concern at Sherman who acknowledges the significance with a nod.

The Ambassador quickly goes through the rest of the photo’s carefully considering his next action.

He hurries back in side, brushing against Sherman’s arm.

Sherman winces with pain. The Ambassador looks at him with concern.

SHERMAN

It’s nothing.

AMBASSADOR

Then lets move it.

 

INT. AMBASSADOR’S OFFICE, AMERICAN EMBASSY, TOKYO JAPAN - SAME

Ambassador hurries past Janice into his office. Sherman follows a few steps behind.

AMBASSADOR

(to Janice)

Ask Sergeant Tory to come in.

The Ambassador moves quickly to his safe and opens it.

He removes several folders and places them in the diplomatic pouch.

He grabs the folder of pictures from Sherman and puts them in as well.

He hurriedly writes a note; places it in an envelope, seals the envelope and writes a name on it.

All the while Sherman watches with some bewilderment.

Sergeant Tory enters wearing civilian clothes.

The Ambassador finishes his work. He looks with foreboding at the two men, then hands the envelope to Tory.

Tory looks at the addressee:

SECRETARY OF STATE CORDELL HULL

 

AMBASSADOR

(to Tory)

You are to give these papers to him, personally. They are a complete documentation of Mr. Klein’s black-market activities.

He hands the diplomatic pouch to Tory.

Sherman is incredulous.

SHERMAN

Sir?

AMBASSADOR

Violation of the Strategic Materials Embargo against Japan is quite serious.

(to Tory)

Place Mr. Klein under arrest. Take him to the Clipper and escort him back to Washington.

SHERMAN

But I didn’t do anything.

AMBASSADOR

You can state your own case in Washington. Even if I believe you, I seriously doubt, anyone else will. Do we understand each other?

Sherman understands the hidden meaning.

SHERMAN

Yes, sir. I think I do.

Ambassador reproaches him with a snarly look.

The Ambassador nods to Tory, who quickly handcuffs himself to Sherman.

AMBASSADOR

You better hurry.

The two men stare at each other with foreboding.

 

EXT. AMERICAN EMBASSY, TOKYO - SAME

Tory and Sherman, handcuffed together, walk from a side entrance to a waiting car.

They get in and the car drives off.

Across the street, Asahi watches with keen interest. He gets into his own waiting car and follows.

Ambassador discreetly watches from his third floor office window. Seeing them followed he bites his lip in added concern......

 

FOR THE REST OF THE SAGA CONTACT SGT. SHERMAN.