THE LEGEND OF JACK DETH 
An original story by
Brian A Bankston

4th revised and final version

FADE IN

EXT.   HILL IN UNSPECIFIED AREA   MORNING

The opening shot is darkness. Then the sun rises amidst a red sky. In the background the silhouette of a man on horseback appears then stops. He raises a hand. Then many more darkened figures on horseback appear. The man looks to the left then to the right slowly before signaling to ride forward. The dark figures disappear over the hills. The camera remains transfixed on the red sun for a moment.

EXT.   INDIAN VILLAGE  DAY

 A cutaway to a dolly shot reveals a flowing river. There are native American children playing in the river while their mothers' wash clothes near the edge. The camera pans up to reveal a small village. A series of cuts show the Indians performing their daily activities. All is peaceful...for the moment. Cut back to the children playing. One hears a horse whinnying over the hill. The little boy walks over the hill and sees a strange man on a horse watching, stationary. The man smiles. The boy smiles back and waves. The sound of a gun bolt being pulled back is heard but not seen. Close up of the mans face as he grins from ear to ear. Cut to the boys mother by the river. She hears a gunshot. She looks around frantically and rushes over the hill and sees the man still atop his horse and the body of her son lies near her feet. Cut back to the river. Another shot is heard but unseen. Medium shot on the hill. The woman slowly comes over the hill staggering. a stream of blood runs down the middle of her chest. She tries to speak but cannot. The man gallops over the hill with a machete drawn and then decapitates the woman. The head rolls down the hill and into the river. The others in the village take notice. There is silence. close up on the mans eyes. His wild eyes follow left then right.

   MAN (Jericho Wild)
KILL EVERYONE!!!

   An Army of bandits descend on the village and a mass slaughter ensues. Women & children trying to escape are cut down by both blades and bullets. The men try to stop them but are outnumbered. Several of the bandits are killed by arrows and hatchets. The leader sees one of the Indians killing his men. He rides over knocking the man down. The Indian throws a hatchet but the killer shoots the axe out of the air, then shoots the Indian in the leg. The killer grabs him by the hair dragging him as he gallops through the village. One of the other bandits, Luis, the second in command pulls his machete and cuts the valiant fighter's head off. The leader hoists it into the air. All around him the violence ensues as the camera dissolves to the aftermath. Everyone is dead except for one old man.

   LUIS
Jericho, this one still breathes!

   Jericho Wild, the leader of the gang walks over dead corpses to see the one still alive. The old man mumbles incoherently in his own language.

   JERICHO WILD
What's he saying? He says much but I don't understand it!

   One word is understood though. The dying old man repeats it over and over. The word is DEVIL.

   JERICHO WILD
Yes old man...I am the devil!

   Jericho points his gun at the camera and fires. The screen goes black. 

EXT.   BEAUTIFUL PLAIN NEAR LAKE   DAY

CREDITS OVERLAP ACTION

A man awakens as if the massacre was all a dream. He looks around then into the sky. He is lying near a lake. The bright sun beams down on the lake. It's early afternoon. The credits begin overlapping the onscreen action. The man washes his face then looks up into the sun again as if to tell time then looks around slowly. He is expecting someone but they have yet to arrive. The man mounts his horse and casually trots away. A close up of a rotted animal carcass swarming with flies as the man goes past in the background. The wind howls softly as hangman’s nooses swing in the breeze from several trees. Medium shot on the man with his head down. A brief flashback begins......

   .....The man remembers going to fight in the war leaving behind his wife and four children-three boys and one girl.....

INT.   CABIN (FLASHBACK)

   REGINA (wife)
Please come home soon. Write to us when you can. We all love you Jack.

   The flashback ends. 

EXT.  DUSTY PLAIN   DAY

The man continues to ride. The wind picks up and the sky becomes full of clouds as if a storm is coming. Suddenly a dust storm appears. The man continues to ride oblivious to the blowing dust and dirt around him. Camera shot behind the man reveals three figures on two horses through the dust cloud. The man stops. Close up on him as he slowly raises his head revealing his eyes. The three men also stop a short distance away. There's a brief pause while the dust storm encircles the men. The three dismount as does the man. They have distinctively nasty features that reveal them to be most unfriendly.

   VILLAIN #1
Hey gringo, we have a problem. One of our horses threw a shoe back there and we need to take yours.

   The man doesn't answer but stares intensely at them as if he recognizes them from somewhere.

   VILLAIN #3
Maybe the American has dust in his ears, eh?

   VILLAIN #2
We will take it whether you answer or not cabron! You don't know...

   The man cuts them off...
   
   THE MAN (Jack Deth)
…You belong to Jericho's gang, don't you?

   VILLAIN #1
Well, (laughs) you know us after all! Tell me gringo, why does Jericho interest you?

   Close up on the mans eyes. He remembers something from his past. A brief close up shot of many gun barrels being fired although you don't see the individuals firing them. Close up on the mans eyes again.

   JACK DETH
I just wanted to make sure who you were before I killed you.

   VILLAIN #1
(All laugh) And how will you kill us? You don't have a gun! Maybe you will kill us with your bare hands, yes?

   VILLAIN #2
Maybe he will talk us to death, uh?

   VILLAIN #1
No, this gringo, strangely he doesn't talk very much. Tell me American...what are you going to do?

   The man quickly grabs a knife and throws it. It's not an ordinary knife though but a boomerang style knife. The blade flies towards its target slashing through the villains neck nearly slicing his head off.

   VILLAIN #1
(gargling and spitting blood) DAMN YOU.....GRINGO BASTARD!!

   The other two stand shocked momentarily. Then the flying knife comes back striking the second man in the back of the neck. The third villain draws when from out of nowhere, several arrows strike him in the back. Their bodies drop to the ground. Another figure approaches. It's an Indian. The two are friends.

   JACK DETH
You didn't come back so I went looking for you. I found them instead.

   The Indian looks down at the bodies. One is still alive. The man walks over to the bandit with the knife in the back of his neck.

   VILLAIN #2
Who....who...who are y...you...gringo?

   JACK DETH
I am Deth. (He reaches down to pull his blade from the mans neck) I had another name once... (As he pulls the blade out the bandit dies)...But that was a long time ago.

   The dust storm dies down, disappearing almost as quickly as it had appeared. Cut to the two men riding away towards the camera as the title appears onscreen.

TITLE 

EXT. TOWN CALLED PURGATORY FALLS   DAY

   Cutaway to the town of Purgatory Falls. A dolly shot pans down the street up to the sheriffs office and stops on a large wanted poster of a man named Jericho Wild. A long list of crimes are below his picture with a bounty of 20,000 dollars. A bounty hunter named Ben McGee with a cigar in his mouth looks at the poster then enters the sheriffs office.

INT.  SHERIFF CLAXTON’S OFFICE    DAY

   BEN McGEE
I see Jericho's bounty has went up.

   JED CLAXTON (sheriff)
Yes it has, but you'll never collect on it. He's more men in his gang now. He's too much for one bounty killer.

   BEN
C'mon Jed, you know me! I've got help! Besides, between Jericho and all his goons, there's plenty of money to split six ways.

   JED
That is if you can find him, much less get close to him. I've just got word over the wire his crew ran roughshod all over Goldstone killing nearly everyone there. No reason, no motive. With all his other crimes over the past few years- the Indian massacre, Jack Donovan and his family and now this the Army'll be getting involved soon. I must say he gets braver by the day!

   BEN
Or stupid.

   JED
Oh no, maybe crazy, but not stupid.

   Jed walks over to the window.

   JED
It's gettin' where you don't feel safe to go outside no more. I remember a time when the only things you had to worry about was the crop season and a runny nose. How times have changed.

   Jed looks out into the street at all the people going to shop, running errands and enjoying the day. He has a worried look on his face wondering when the bloodthirsty gang will strike in his town.

   JED
Ben, where are your men? They are here aren't they?

   BEN
They're around. Don't worry Jed, if anything happens we're more than equipped to handle the situation.

   The sheriff walks over to Ben who sits comfortably with his feet propped up on a table.

   JED
I'm gettin' old Ben...

   BEN
You're not gettin' old Jed, you've always been old...

   JED
I've been sheriff here for as long as I can remember. These people have counted on me for just as long. I'm afraid. For the first time in my life I'm really afraid, afraid of lettin' all those people down.

   BEN
We all have to get old Jed...and die. (Lights another cigar) Try not to think too much about it. You mentioned a man named Jack Donovan.

   JED
Jack...Jack was a friend of mine. He's dead now though. He used to raise horses until about five years ago. He went off to fight in the war. A couple of years later he came home...

   Jed pauses momentarily as if having difficulty telling the story.

   JED
....He came home and found that Jericho Wild had taken his family hostage. He killed every one of'’em-his wife, his kids, his brother and his ranch hands, he even stole all his horses. And Jack, well he killed him too. By the time we got there his home was burned to the ground. We never found Jacks body.

   Jed looks out the window once more.

   BEN
How do you know he's dead if you didn't find a corpse? Maybe he survived? Perhaps he's been hiding all this time.

   JED
No...If he were alive he wouldn't have disappeared for two years. I'd have seen him by now. I'd like to think he were still alive. I mean, what would he have been doing all this time?

EXT.   LIANG JUNG’S CABIN

   The scene cuts away to Jack throwing a knife into a target. An old Chinese man sits cross legged watching. His Indian friend, Lone Wolf, stands at the Chinese mans side. Jack then throws one of his boomerang blades through a moving target. He then pulls his revolver and displays some fancy shooting skills just before doing a back flip in time to catch the blade as it returns to him. The old man looks at Jack as if he is not impressed by his flamboyancy. He takes a puff on his large pipe. Close up on Jack then on the old man. Jack spies a fly on the old man’s hat and on the end of his pipe. Jack grins and simultaneously fires a bullet that removes the fly on his hat and throws a boomerang blade that takes off the end of his pipe ruining his smoke. Medium shot with Jack in the right foreground as Liang slowly turns his head to Jack with a stone faced visage.  Cut to Jack as he  grins and snickers. 

JACK
C’mon Liang, I was only joking!

Cut to Liang still with the frozen look on his face. A smile slowly takes shape then suddenly Liang throws his now shortened pipe that removes Jack’s hat stabbing it into the tree behind him and almost at the same time extends his hand releasing several needles that remove Jack’s guns from his belt. As they drop to the ground Jack looks up at Liang embarrassed and amazed. Cut to medium shot of Liang whose smile changes to snickers.

LIANG
My joke is funnier than yours!

The old man motions for Lone Wolf.

   OLD CHINESE MAN (Liang Jung)
These apples, I will toss them into the air. You pierce them with your bow. Mind none of them touch the ground!

   Liang throws the apples skyward. Lone Wolf reacts quickly firing one arrow after the other with each piercing an apple. The scene then changes to Jack and Lone Wolf doing torturous exercises with contraptions built by Liang. There is a montage showing the two performing exercises to build arm, leg, waist and wrist strength. These enhance their speed, agility and fighting skills. Cut to a scene of the two sparring together exchanging techniques as Liang Jung looks on.

   LIANG JUNG
STOP!! That is enough for now.

INT.  LIANG’S CABIN   AFTERNOON

   Cut to the three inside Liang’s cabin having a meal. Liang looks over  at his two students.

   LIANG
I assume the food is good.

There is silence. The two carry on eating as Liang raises his head as if he knows why his pupils are so quiet.
LIANG
So you two will be leaving soon?

Jack and LW look up at Liang amazed.

LIANG
I understand.

JACK
How did you know? You’re not a mind reader too are you?

LIANG
(snickers) When you get to be as old as I am you will learn and know many things.  If…you get to be as old as I am.

   JACK
And all this time Liang, we haven't learned anything about you. Everybody has a story to tell, what's yours?

   LONE WOLF
I too have wondered this.

   LIANG
Well, I did tell you once I worked for building the railroad with many other Chinese. The boss treat us as slaves! In China I escaped the tyrannical rule of the Qing Empire only to find same situation here, on a much smaller scale mind you!

   JACK
Why exactly did you leave your homeland in the first place? You must have gotten yourself into some serious shit over there. America is a long ways from China.

   LIANG
That...is another story! And not enough time to tell it!

   LW
Your family? What happened to them? They did not come with you?

   LIANG
That TOO...is another story!

   JACK
Well red, the old man’s not talking, you game for a run in the woods?

   LIANG
There is one thing I have noticed in my time here in America. You people are so nosy! I will tell you another time! That time in my life is not something I enjoy talking about! Anyways, you both be most careful in the woods.

   JACK
Why do you say that?

   LIANG
I have seen many wild animals about. You never know what you may run into!

EXT.   FOREST NEAR CABIN   MID AFTERNOON

   The scene cuts to the two of them jogging through the forest. They run a ways until they find a strange sight. A large pole planted into the ground adorned with human skulls. Vultures resting atop the skulls fly away.

   JACK
What the hell is this?

   LW
We cannot go further, at least not this way.

   JACK
You know what this means?

   LW
This is the lair of Ka-Tah-Din. It reaches even here! We must not cross.

   JACK
What is Ka-Tah-Din?

   LW
He is the spirit of the forest. One of natures guardians. He takes the form of a great grizzly bear.

   JACK
Just a bear huh?

   LW
If we cross the path we will not come out alive.

   JACK
It's just a bear, no spirit, no God, just a bear. Don’t be superstitious red, you'll live longer that way!

   Suddenly a loud roar is heard from behind Jack accompanied by the sound of trees breaking. Jack turns. Close up on his face. His head tilts slowly upwards. Medium shot of both Jack and LW looking up in astonishment as the camera pans around behind them revealing 18 feet of animal fury in the form of a giant grizzly. The largest grizzly that ever lived. Close up on Jacks face as he tries to comprehend what is before him.

   LW
What was it you said about living longer?

   JACK
Just a bear, right?........RUN!!!

   The two take off like they were shot out of a cannon. The bear breaks another tree like a toothpick then takes chase behind them. Jack and LW run and duck over and under fallen trees to escape the monster. The bear easily clears a path clawing and biting narrowly missing its intended quarry. Cut to a POV shot in front of Jack and LW then cut to a shot behind them. The camera turns to show the bear chasing. Jack and LW leap onto a large rock formation. Lone Wolf almost slips. Jack grabs him with a free hand. The bear tries to get to them. Jack begins to lose his balance. With his other hand he jams a blade into a rock crevice then he is able to pull LW up barely escaping the animals jaws. They make it over the rock and begin running again gaining a few seconds. They stop suddenly almost going over a cliff with a waterfall on the other side. They hear a roar and turn to see the bear nearly over the boulder.

   JACK
Oh shiiit!!!

   LW
We must jump! There's no other way out!

   JACK
On three...1...2...3...NOW!!

   The bear clears the rock and charges once again. He swipes and misses them as they go over the edge into the water forty feet below. The bear nearly goes over but manages to climb back to more secure ground. The bear seated atop the cliff looks down and lets out a roar as if angry over losing a meal. Meanwhile Jack and LW swim to safety.

   JACK
It was just a bear right? Remind me never to run in the woods again!

FADE OUT

EXT.  LIANG’S CABIN   MORNING

   The scene dissolves to the following day. Jack and LW prep their steeds. Liang walks outside and yawns.

   LIANG
You two are up early. I have something for the both of you before you leave.

JACK
You don’t have to give us anything Liang, you’ve already done enough for us. You’ve been so much more than a teacher…you’ve been like a father to me and I’m sure red feels the same way.

LIANG
No, no, no…this will assist you on your journey. This is something very special! I only wish you two could stay on a bit longer.

   JACK
Me too Liang…me too. But we've gotta find Jericho now before things get too out of hand. It’s been eating away at me for the past couple of years and the time has come.

LIANG
For justice…or revenge?

Jack looks at Liang momentarily then continues readying his steed.

   LIANG
I understand. If in your place, I would do the same. Just remember even though hate fuels your revenge, it can be your undoing. It is what has kept you alive all this time. When I found you, you should have been dead. I removed many bullets from your body. One even here (points to Jack’s head). You were lucky.

   JACK
I don't believe in luck Liang, never have. I guess I should believe in something, huh?

   LIANG
You can trust in this!

   Liang gives Jack a new set of boomerang blades made of much stronger steel than the ones he already has.

   LIANG
And you my Indian friend, this is for you!

   Liang gives LW a new bow. This new bow is specially made to fire three arrows at once and a new set of steel tipped arrows.

   LW
I am indebted further to you my teacher.

   JACK
How can we repay you Liang?

   LIANG
By delivering justice. You must put an end to this madman before he can kill more innocent people. You two have blood debts that must be settled. Your family as well as your own life Jack…Your village, your people, Lone Wolf…I pray you are successful…Both of you. When you have gotten your revenge, then come back sometime, we have much to talk about!

JACK
Like that giant killer grizzly in the woods! I assume you knew.

LIANG
(laughs) I told you to be careful did I not? Yes, many strange things here in America.

   The two get on their horses.

   JACK
Goodbye Liang. Thanks, for everything. We will return. That’s a promise.

   Jack moves away. LW bows his head to Liang. The two then ride off. Liang watches them disappear through a cloud of dust. Close up on his face reveals a somber worried look as if his own two sons had rode off to combat uncertain danger. He turns to go back inside his cabin and before he enters he looks back at the dissipating dust trail.

LIANG
Justice…or revenge…yes, I would do the same!

EXT.   GRASSY PLAIN    DAY
   
JACK
We can hole up in Goldstone, or what's left of it. It's a ghost town now. I wouldn't imagine that anyone would go there. What do you think?

   LW
Excellent. It is best if we are away from curious eyes much of the time.

EXT./ INT.  MILITARY OUTPOST   AFTERNOON

Cut to a military outpost run by Captain Garrett. The camera pans through soldiers as they go about their business whether it be performing their day to day tasks, marching or military training. The camera stops on Garrett’s office and peers into the window. Garrett is talking to Sergeant Ripley…

CAPTAIN GARRETT
Well it seems this Jericho Wild has caused quite a stir lately. Holman’s just sent word they’ve sent a regiment out to find him led by  Colonel Jackson. They’ve also informed Army encampments in the surrounding states to be on the lookout for him. He’s certainly making a name for himself.

SGT. RIPLEY
He’ll make a mistake sooner or later, sir. His kind always do.

Garrett looks at Ripley momentarily then stands. He goes over to his bar to fix a drink.

CAPT. GARRETT
That remains to be seen. Until then, the trick is to find him. He never stays in the same place very long. You care for a drink Sergeant? We’ve found caves dug into the mountains around here…

SGT. RIPLEY
…You think he may have been hiding out in those caves?

CAPT. GARRETT
No doubt…no doubt in my mind sergeant. We‘ll catch up to him sooner or later. (takes a sip of his drink) And then…like a fly in a spider‘s web, he’ll get caught in the trap. (Hands drink to Ripley) In fact, I think I’ll send out a hunting party of my own. You sergeant…round up about a dozen men and check out those mountains. Try not to do anything foolish, understand?

SGT. RIPLEY
Yes sir. I’ll have a group ready to go within the hour (exit’s the room).

Garrett looks as if he is in a daze then looks down at his drink. He finishes it then goes back to his desk.

EXT.  TOWN OF GOLDSTONE RUINS     MID AFTERNOON

 Jack and LW enter the remnants of Goldstone and inspect it to make sure they will be the sole occupants for the time being.

   JACK
Well, it appears we're alone. Red Hills is only five miles away. Anything we need we'll find it there. We can get a meal there tonight and check the place out. First, I've got something to do. I won't be long.

   LW
Looks like a storm is coming. I will stay here.

EXT.   ETERNAL REST CEMETERY   EARLY EVENING

   Jack rides away to the cemetery not far from Purgatory Falls. He visits his families final resting place. 

INT./ EXT.   GOLDSTONE RUINS   EARLY EVENING

Cut to LW rummaging through the decrepit buildings. He fixes up one of the rooms as a sleeping quarters. He finds someone in one of the rooms face down on a desk. He goes over and sees it is a skeleton. The boney hand clutching a gun as if the person had committed suicide. He stares at the body wondering what led to the persons death. Further inspection reveals a room full of skeletal remains apparently the bodies of the Goldstone citizens picked clean by vultures after being stashed in the room by Jericho’s men. 

Multiple cuts of LW building a pyre out in front of the building containing the remains. He pulls apart a portion of the wall in the room where the bodies are stashed. He takes a couple of old blankets and ties them together. He then lays as many of the skeletal remains as he can onto the blankets and drags them outside to burn them. Cut to a medium shot of LW seen through the flames as they grow higher and higher. Thunder and lightning erupt in the sky. 

EXT.  ETERNAL REST CEMETERY   EVENING

Cut to Jack in the graveyard. He stares intently at the gravestones with his wife and kids names chiseled into them. Also his own headstone is placed beside them. He thinks back of better times...

INT.  CABIN (FLASHBACK)

   REGINA
Jack, I don't understand why you have to go and fight in that war. You've got everything here! You've got nothing to prove to anybody! Even your brother doesn't think you should go!

   JACK
I respect all your concerns but this is something I should do.  I don't think I could deal with life very well should the south win and a rebel flag waving on our front porch. I mean, I believe every man should be free. No man should own another plain and simple. Everybody’s heart's the same color on the inside.

   REGINA
Well just one man can't change the country's way of thinking much less half of it. We need you...here. I need you...and our children, they need you more than some war!

   Jack looks over at his wife and caresses her hand.

   JACK
I'll be back Regina. I won't be gone forever you know. Nothing will happen to me or you or the kids. I won't let it.

   They kiss for a moment until the kids run over spoiling their moment of romance… (flashback ends)

EXT.   ETERNAL REST CEMETERY   EVENING

   ...The rain pours down from the sky. Up on the hill someone rides by. It's Ben McGee. He looks down at the person standing in the cemetery. He thinks to himself 'who would be crazy enough to be out in this weather?' He tries to get a better look through the downpour and the frequent flashes of lightning. After a blinding flash the figure in the cemetery is gone.

   BEN
Damn! I know I saw a man down there!

   Ben rides down to inspect closer. He comes to the grave where he saw the man standing. He sees the name JACK DONOVAN. Loud thunder and lightning strike again. Ben looks around to see if the man is around then looks back at the grave marker. 

EXT.  GRASSY PLAIN/ GOLDSTONE RUINS  NIGHT

Cut to Jack riding back to the ghost town. The storm has subsided. It is night time. Jack sees a light emanating from afar. It’s the pyre. He rides in front of the fire and dismounts. He sees LW is fixated on the flames.

   JACK
You alright red?

   LW
Something terrible happened here. I found many bodies stashed in one of the rooms. Many of them appeared to have been tortured then murdered. We must find Jericho soon before he can do this again! I have been thinking of what teacher Liang had said…justice…or revenge. To these poor people, I do not think it would matter much.

   JACK
For justice…and for revenge. We’ll get him…we’ll get him!

The camera slowly turns from Jack and LW towards the pyre and slowly zooms into it.

   The two ride on to the town of Red Hills. Close shot inside one of the decrepit buildings reveals the silhouette of a figure watching as they gallop away. 

EXT.   TOWN CALLED RED HILLS   NIGHT

Cut to the town of Red Hills. Like any other town people go about their business buying from merchants or simply chatting in the streets. However, there seems to be a plethora of cretinous characters about which is a sure sign of bad things to come. 

The camera pans across the street resting on a mans boots. The man begins to casually walk over to the saloon, the camera following the boots. He climbs the steps and stops. The camera pans up and the man is revealed to be Ben McGee the bounty hunter. He's reading another poster. This one for the Mexican bandit Don Pedro Vega and his gang. His bounty is significantly lower than Jericho's. Vegas' only worth $2,000, his second in command "Dirty" Diego Sanchez is $1,000 and his men (around a dozen) range from $250 to $400. He stares calmly at the poster all the while smoking on a cigar. 

Ben looks around eyeballing several suspicious characters who observe the busy patrons around them. The individuals are Bens cohorts, five bounty killers who are stationed throughout the town. They've been tipped off that Jericho or some of his men have been spotted nearby and they may stop over into town. 

Suddenly, Ben’s attention turns to the two men coming into town-Jack Deth and Lone Wolf. The two head over to the restaurant. Ben watches as they talk amongst themselves before entering. The restaurant itself is a classy affair and suited for societies "betters". They enter. Ben throws his cigar down and walks over to the restaurant. He peers into the window spying on the two strangers whom he's never seen before.

INT.  RESTAURANT   NIGHT

   JACK
A nice meal please. (Looks over at another table) Two of whatever they're having.

   The waiter looks over at his boss with an unsure look on his face.

   JACK
Is there a problem?

   WAITER
I'm sorry sir, we're not used to entertaining guests such as yourself. Other than the fact that your friend is an Indian, the both of you appear to be of questionable character.

   Medium shot on Jack with a disgruntled look on his face. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out some silver.

   JACK
Is this what you're worried about? That we may not pay?

   WAITER
(sarcastic tone) My apologies sir, we seem to have misjudged you.

JACK
As much as things change, the more they stay the same.

   As the waiter walks away embarrassed, Jack sees something familiar across the room. A woman from his past, his wife's sister Raquel. Close up on Jacks face yields a flashback from before he enlisted in the army....

EXT.  JACK’S RANCH  DAY (FLASHBACK)   

   ....Jack is back on his ranch. He's retrieving water from his well when a beautiful woman approaches from behind him. It's Raquel who has arrived from New England to visit her sister Regina and Jack and see the lives they've made for themselves. She had never married as she had always, rather unfortunately, attracted the wrong kind of men. Raquel wishes to leave her old home behind along with a lot of bad memories in the hopes of starting over fresh. Raquel had always had a crush on Jack attracted to his gentlemanly but rugged qualities. She sees in him what she had always wanted in a man. Jack though, had met Regina first. Raquel of course, was very envious of her sister.

   RAQUEL
Jack, you and my sister have done real well for yourselves, a stable job, a beautiful home, four beautiful kids. Care to share the secret with me?

   JACK
Clean living Raquel, clean living. There's no secret to that.

   RAQUEL
My sister is so lucky. I went from one bad egg to another and Regina lucks out the first time. 

   Jack continues getting water, the conversation making him more uncomfortable.

   JACK
Oh, you'll find someone someday Raquel, the right man.

   RAQUEL
But why, why my sister? Why couldn't it have been you and me?

   Jack stops obviously annoyed but still polite in his response...

   JACK
Because I met your sister first, and I love her very much....and that's all there is to it.

   RAQUEL
I'm sorry Jack, I shouldn't have said those things. Sometimes…sometimes I don't think before I talk. You forgive me don't you?

   Jack takes his water and walks away then turns to face Raquel.

   JACK
We'll keep this conversation between the two of us okay? C'mon, let's go back to the house. (flashback over)

INT.   RESTAURANT  NIGHT

   LONE WOLF
Jack? Are you alright? You seem lost...

   JACK
...No everything is fine.

   The woman on the other side of the room has now spotted Jack. His appearance is quite different now but something about his looks reminds her of the Jack Donovan she once knew. Jack realizes Raquel has seen him.

   JACK
Excuse me red, I'm goin' to the bar, be back in a minute.

   Raquel seeing Jack approach the bar does likewise passing tables of people who speak in hushed tones, gawking and staring at the two ruffians amongst them.

   Medium shot at Jack’s front as Raquel approaches his back. He senses she is behind him. He lifts his drink to his mouth.

   RAQUEL
Excuse me, but...I couldn't help noticing you from across the room, uh, I don't mean to be so forward...

   Raquel tries to get a better glimpse of the mans face who she believes is Jack Donovan. As she walks to his right he turns to his left and vice versa as to hide his visage from her.

   RAQUEL
...but don't I know you from someplace?

   JACK
I don't think so.

   RAQUEL
I'm sure I know you. You look so familiar, someone I thought had d...

   JACK
I said you're mistaken. Now if you'll excuse me...ma'am.

   RAQUEL
Y..yes, sorry to have bothered you.

   Jack returns to his table. The woman slowly walks near the table and stops hoping to get a closer look at the man’s face. Jack continues to hide his appearance. Raquel reluctantly gives up and goes out the door.

   LW
Who was that?

   JACK
Someone from my past…and it's safer if it stays that way.

   Cut to outside. At the same time five rather distasteful looking Mexican gunmen ride in from the opposite end of town. Ben and his men watch them as they dismount, wondering if they are Jericho's men or Vega's. One of Ben’s men slowly moves his hand down towards his gun. Ben looks over and shakes his head signaling for him to not draw his gun. The five Mexicans become loud as they converse in their native language. The camera cuts quickly between the five men as their tone gets louder still then quick cuts of Ben and his group alluding that some violence may break out at any moment. Nothing happens...yet. The scene cuts back into the restaurant as Jack and Lone Wolf finish their meal.

   JACK
There's a saloon across the street, filled with more forgiving patrons I'd say. 
   
   LW
You go alone, I will wait outside. I at least, will draw less attention that way.

EXT./ INT. TOWN STREET   NIGHT

   The scene cuts to the outside of the saloon. The camera follows a customer inside and cuts through the crowd stopping at a table where the five Mexicans sit drinking and talking amongst themselves. Ben slyly observes Jack enter the bar while LW goes to his horse. On Ben’s signal his group prepares to move in. As LW caresses his horse, he senses he is being watched. Ben now enters the bar followed by two of his men although not at the same time. The customers within, oblivious to what is about to happen, carry on drinking, gambling and having a good time not realizing the bar is about to turn into a bloodbath. Jack stands at the bar ordering a drink with the five Mexicans near his position. They pay him little attention. Ben walks over and casually tells his two men to stand ready by the door but do nothing until he says so. 

EXT.   TOWN STREET   NIGHT

Cut to the outside as the three other bounty hunters watch the Indian carefully. LW pretends not to notice. 

INT.   SALOON   NIGHT

Back in the bar the five Mexicans become a slight bit unruly with one throwing his whiskey onto another. Jack turns his head slightly in their direction. Something catches his eye. One of the bandits is wearing something that strikes a chord. A close up reveals a necklace around the bandits neck. A necklace that belonged to Jack’s daughter. Close up on Jack’s face as he has a flashback.

INT.   JACK’S HOME (FLASHBACK)

   JACK
While I'm gone Lucy take care of your mother and keep your brothers out of trouble okay. I'll be gone for a long time so I'm counting on you to help out here.
   
   LUCY
Why do you have to go daddy? What's a war?

   JACK
When you get older you'll understand...then again...you'll see that grown ups don't always get along. Some people just can't be nice to one another. Grown ups can be pretty stupid sometimes I guess.

   LUCY
I don't wanna grow up then!

   JACK
Here, this belonged to my mother Lucy, and now...I give it to you. Don't lose it!

   LUCY
I won't daddy. I'm going to miss you.

   JACK
I know you will. I'll miss you too honey.

   Cut to a brief shot of a gun barrel firing. The word 'daddy' echoing in Jacks ears as he is apparently tied to the ground by chains. 

INT.  SALOON   NIGHT

Jack comes out of the flashback with a stone cold look on his face. He's made up his mind that these men have to die. Outside the three bounty killers decide to approach LW.

EXT.  TOWN STREET   NIGHT

   BOUNTY HUNTER #1
Hey Indian, you need some help?

   BH #2
Some help out of town that is!

   LW doesn't answer...

   BH #1
Hey redskin, I'm talkin' to you!

   BH #2
He probably doesn't speak English.

   BH #3
Too stupid to learn I guess!

   One of Ben's men puts a hand on LW's shoulder to turn him around. 

   BH #1
You look at me when I'm talkin' to you, you son-of-a...

   LW reacts with lightning speed knocking the three men out quickly. LW goes back to waiting on Jack. Inside the bar the five men demand more whiskey. They take the bottle, break the glasses and shove the waiter back, accidentally falling into Jack. This is the provocation he was waiting for. The bandits carry on with their rude behavior.

INT.  SALOON  NIGHT

   JACK
Hey Mexican, don't you think you owe me an apology?

   Close ups on all five faces as they turn to look at Jack.
   
   MEXICAN #1
Hey gringo, what was that you say? My English is not so good these days.

   JACK
I said...you owe me an apology...Mexican!
   
   Now the five men slowly get up from their seats.

   MEXICAN #1
You are very funny American. Do you know who we are?

   MEXICAN #2
Victor, something about this one, we've seen him before I think. A long time ago.

   JACK
Your friend is right. You do know me. Take a long hard look boys. Remember what you and Jericho did and know that on this day you stared Deth in the face!

   MEXICAN #1
Why you.....!!

   Jack simultaneously pulls his blade and his gun. The boomerang knife slices off one of the villains hands that has just gripped his pistol. As the blade circles around, Jack's gun takes down three of the bandits. The blade then enters the final villains head. He stumbles a bit and tries to fire, raising his gun and cocking the bolt before falling over dead. Jack puts his gun back in his holster and walks over to retrieve his blade. As he bends down a voice calls out...

   BEN
Hold it right there! Don't you move! Loco, take his weapons!

   Then another voice from behind Ben and his two men...

   LW
Don't YOU move! You have three friends lying in the street. I think they've drunk too much. You should take them and go home before you become drunk too, yes?

   Jack grins and pulls his blade and the necklace from the dead Mexicans head. Ben turns and looks at Jack with a disgusted look on his face.

   BEN
Now look, I don't know who you are but we've been chasin' these men for months! Don't make us come after you too!

   JACK
Relax, we don't want the bounty. What you're doing is for the money…what we're doing…is personal....Oh, if you get in our way again, we may have to chase you!

   The two leave. Far right close up on Ben’s face with the bartender behind him and Ben’s men cleaning up the mess.

   BEN
Barkeep! Who were those two men? 

   BARKEEP
The Indian is called Lone Wolf, a Cherokee. The other...they call him Deth. Jack Deth.

   BEN
Oh really? And why do scared chickens like yourself call him that?

   Close up on the bartender.

   BARTENDER
Because it’s said…wherever he goes...death will follow…like a shadow!

   A dissolve from the bartender to Jack.

EXT.  JERICHO WILD’S HIDEOUT   DAY

   The scene then dissolves from a close up of Jacks face to a close up of Jericho Wild. He's at his current hideout, caves embedded in the mountains with a few tents scattered about. Jericho is aware that eight of his men have been either missing or killed. He waits impatiently for one of his banditos to return with information about the fate of those men.

   PACO
Jericho, Luis is coming! He has someone with him!

   Jericho rushes out anxious for any news...

   JERICHO
Well, what did you find out?

   PACO
Ask him!

   Paco throws the man from his horse. His hands are tied and he shows signs of having been tortured. He is a military man. Jericho smiles. He is rather excited at having caught a soldier. Jericho reaches down and hoists the man into the air with ease.

   JERICHO
Aaahhh! A soldier! This must mean the Army is finally seeking me out now! So you know something eh? TALK! What happened to my men? Did somebody kill them? Your Army perhaps? I have heard that a strange man with an Indian friend has been seen around. Who are they?

   PRISONER
I don't know...Five of your boys came into town last night...

   JERICHO
Go on!!

   PRISONER
...they got into a fight with the stranger...he killed them with knives...flying knives...damndest thing I ever saw! He was fast with a gun too!

   JERICHO
A man who prefers blades over bullets? Anything more!?!

   PRISONER
He did have an Indian with him...bounty hunters were there too...Ben McGee, Fred Hunnicutt, Loco Lawson...and a few others....that's all I know...you'll let me go now right?....

   JERICHO
Ben McGee? I think he's staying in Purgatory Falls. He has been after me for some time now. This stranger may be staying there as well. We will go there and make friends with our neighbors, yes?

   The men gathered around the prisoner all laugh knowing Jericho intends to massacre the townspeople in Purgatory Falls.

   PRISONER
You will let me go right? I...I've told you everything I know...honest I have!

   JERICHO
Yes, yes of course I'll let you go…so you can go back and report to your commander, yes? Luis, this man looks very tired from his trip. Take him away and help him sleep!

   LUIS
Yes Jericho, whatever you say!

   PRISONER
NO!! NNOOO!!! I told you everything! Why must you kill me?! 

   JERICHO
You fool! I hate all Americans! I plan to kill you all! Your America will soon be no more! Even one of your very own military leaders is helping me! Maybe even your superior!

   PRISONER
Please...let me go!! You don't need to kill me! I did what you said!!

   JERICHO
Sorry my friend, if I make an exception for you, then I must make exceptions for the rest of your kind! Adios, gringo! Sleep well...forever!

   The men all laugh hysterically as the captive is taken away for his execution.
 
PACO
If this soldier was found in town he was probably sent out to find information on our whereabouts.

JERICHO
And he is probably not the only one! We will have to leave this place…tomorrow. I must meet with the American traitor soon to discuss our plans. I grow impatient for our guns!

PACO
What if he decides to not give them to you? What if he finds out you have no intention of helping him wipe out the Indians?

JERICHO
Oh, he will give me the weapons one way…or another. And by the time he discovers my true intentions, it will be too late!

A woman emerges from one of the tents as bullets are fired in the background.

   WOMAN
PACO!!! COME QUICKLY!!! YOUR BABY…YOUR BABY HAS COME!!!

   Paco rushes to the tent with Jericho behind him. Paco’s wife has just had a baby after many hours of strenuous labor but something is wrong. One of the midwives shows Jericho the child which is noticeably sick.

   MIDWIFE (whispering)
This child is very sick! It will not live through the night! There is nothing that can be done!

   Jericho looks at the child seeing the sickness in its tiny body. He looks over at Paco who's leaned over his wife while grasping her hand. Jericho takes the child and gives it to Luis and mumbles something to him. Paco looks over and sees Luis taking his newborn baby outside...

   PACO
What are you doing Jericho? Why...

   WIFE
Where are you taking our child? Give him back to me!

   JERICHO
QUIET!! The child is sick and will die soon! It is better to not let it suffer! There is room only for strong men in my army!

WIFE
Paco, bring me our child!

   PACO
Why Jericho, why? Maybe he will survive! He deserves a chance! Don't kill our child! Please Jericho!

   WIFE
GIVE ME BACK MY BABY!!!

   A gunshot is heard. Paco realizing what has happened, drops to his knees in tears as if the life had been sucked from his body. His wife continues to scream hysterically on the bed. Jericho motions for two of his men to carry Paco to his room. Jericho looks over at Paco’s wife as she is half crazed with sorrow after her newly born child has just been murdered. She never even had a chance to hold it in her arms. Jericho then slowly pulls a pistol from his side and lays it on the stool next to the bed Paco’s wife is lying on. Jericho turns and goes outside. Close up on his face as a single shot is heard and the screams are no more.

   JERICHO
LUIS!!! Get the men together!! We're going to pay a visit to Purgatory Falls! (whispers to himself) It's going to be a celebration, one that will be bathed in the blood of innocents! But first, I have a train to catch!

EXT.   PURGATORY FALLS/ SHERIFF’S OFFICE   NIGHT

   The scene cuts to Ben and his men riding into Purgatory Falls headed for the sheriffs office. It's nighttime. One of the deputies is seated in a rocking chair outside the office.

   BEN
Is Claxton inside?

   DEPUTY
He sure is but you all can't...

   As all six imposing figures walk past and through the door (medium shot on deputy as the men pass him) the deputy, a bit hesitant to interfere watches each one as they pass him by and once they've all entered he looks into the camera and raises his eyebrows and then casually goes back to drinking coffee.

INT.   SHERIFF JED CLAXTON’S OFFICE   NIGHT

   BEN
Jed! I've gotta talk to you! It's urgent! We were in Red Hills yesterday waiting to bag a few of Jericho’s men when this stranger and an Indian showed up. These two weren't typical gunfighters. The stranger used throwing knives and the Indian knocked out three of my men without battin' an eye! The bartender said his name was Jack Deth. Does that name mean anything to you?

   JED
Jack Deth huh? Never seen him personally but I've heard stories over the past couple of years about a man who is as quick and deadly with a blade as he is a gun. 

   Ben continues to stare down at Jed...

   JED
Judging by the look on your face I feel like there's something else you want to tell me Ben. Well… spit it out.

   BEN
Jack Donovan is still alive!

   A zoom on Bens face followed by individual close ups of his group then cutting to a close up of Jed’s face. He sits back in his chair with a puzzled look. He pauses momentarily as if not sure what to say to this news.

   JED 
And what makes you think that Donovan is still alive?

   BEN
It was something the stranger said to the Mexicans before he killed all of'’em! Also, the other day I saw someone in the cemetery standing over a grave that had the name JACK DONOVAN printed on it!

   JED 
That proves nothin'!

   Jed gets up from the chair and pours himself a cup of coffee.

   BEN
I have a feeling that Jericho will come here next! He knows who I am and he probably knows I'm here in this town! If he thinks I was involved last night he'll level this place!

   Jed continues to fix his coffee not addressing Ben’s statements. The notion that Jericho could invade Purgatory Falls frightens him as his cowardly tendencies return.

   BEN
CLAXTON! Are you hearing me!? If he comes here it'll be a bloodbath! This whole situation is starting to get out of hand!

   JED
Alright, alright!...I'll wire the nearest military outpost and see if they can send some help over here. I'll do it, I'll do it right now.

EXT.   GOLDSTONE RUINS   NIGHT

   Cut to Jack and LW returning to their hideout. They dismount and tie their horses. They enter one of the buildings, light a lantern and see they're not alone...

INT.   RUINED BUILDING   NIGHT

   DON PEDRO VEGA
Good evening amigos! Allow me to introduce myself, I am Don Pedro Vega. This man with the eye patch is my right hand "Dirty" Diego Sanchez. OH! (laughs) Where are my manners? Companeros, put down your guns! We are after all, uninvited guests! Not to worry, you are among friends, yes?

   JACK
You are holding the gun.

   DON PEDRO
I've not come for trouble. I only want to talk to you amigo. I've followed you for quite some time now. I know you want to kill my brother Jericho Wild.

   JACK
Your brother!?!

   DON PEDRO
Calm down compadre, it's okay, really. In fact, my brother and I have never been close. I knew my father, he never knew his. You...you don't know what he wants do you? My mad brother is quite loco you see. He wants to take back Texas and California as Mexican territory. He hates Americans. He intends to kill you all. He gains new recruits everyday. He is too much for just two men. I come to tell you forget this vendetta while you still breath. You could always join up with me! Jericho will not touch you if you are in my gang! We will be companeros!

   LONE WOLF
If he hates the white man so much why did he murder my people?

   DON PEDRO
Someone in your military is funding him, his help getting rid of the redskins in exchange for guns, lots of guns! I don't know who the American is but I do know my brother will not fulfill his end of the bargain completely! Also, he is meeting with the American traitor again soon.

JACK
Why are you telling us all this Don Pedro?

DON PEDRO
(pauses) I’m tired of all this killing, all the awful wastage. Since I can’t bring myself to do it I was hoping maybe you could. His plan is doomed to fail. He cannot take on your United States and win. His followers know this too I am sure but they cannot refuse lest they lose their lives. Yes…Jericho is quite insane. Strange, when we were little boys he never wanted to leave our mother’s side. He did not aspire for anything then. It is funny how things turn out later in life the way you never expect. Well, if you don't mind, I must go amigos. Maybe I will see you another time!

   Don Pedro and Diego prepare to exit...

   JACK
Don Pedro...I'm going to kill your brother...and if I can't do it my friend Lone Wolf will.

   LW
His blood will spill. That is promised.

   DON PEDRO
(Stops and looks back at Jack and LW) You know compadres, in a way I hope you succeed, I really do. Adios.....MUCHACHOS, WE RIDE!!

   LW
Jericho’s  plan is a devious one.

JACK
And crazy, he’d need more guns and ammunition for…wait a minute…Fort Holman is three hours ride from here. An armored shipment is due there by train the day after tomorrow. Guns and ammo is what he needs and that’s where he’ll get it. If there is a traitor on our side, then things are going to get more complicated.

LW
We leave in the morning?

JACK
First light. We should try and get some rest first. With luck we’ll get there ahead of him, if my hunch is correct, that is.

EXT./ INT.  GOLDSTONE RUINS   NIGHT

The scene cuts to a wide shot of the ghost town. All is quiet save for the sound of crickets and howling wolves. The only light is a tiny glimmer from the single lantern coming from the occupied building. The scene cuts back to Jack and LW lying restless in their cots.

JACK
I had another dream a few days back, the day we met up with those three men in the storm. This time I saw the destruction of an Indian village by Jericho and his gang. Actually it was more of a nightmare than a dream. Strange, nearly every night I see my family die over and over again and this time…one terrible vision is replaced with another!

LW
Jericho spared no one not even the children in my village. My father lived long enough to tell me who it was that had done this thing. I loved my father very much, and Jericho took his life as well.

JACK
I never knew mine. He ran out on my mother shortly after I was born. I’ve never even seen his face. I don’t even know his real name. My mother died not long after that.

LW
What  happened to her?

(pauses)…..She was shot….We were getting on a stagecoach and a group of men rode by and shot a couple of the passengers before they got on. I never found out why. My mother was one of them….What people say about me is true you know, wherever I go death follows me…like a shadow.

LW
It was MY village in your dream! You saw MY people killed! We are brothers now after all. We share the same thoughts, the same dreams, the same fate. We also share the same debt of blood!

JACK
Which must be paid.

Close up on Jack’s face as he puts out the flame flickering in the lantern. The lantern flame going out segues to the sun coming up amidst a red sky like the one from the beginning. 

EXT.   DUSTY PLAINS  MORNING

An ascending crane shot as Jack and LW pass under on their steeds headed for the train to hopefully intercept it before Jericho reaches it. 

EXT./ INT.  JERICHO’S HIDEOUT   MORNING

The scene cuts to Jericho’s camp. Various shots showing him and his people asleep. Jericho swats at some flies buzzing around his face. Others snore away, exasperated from a wild night with their wives or whores’. Then a shot outside his tent as the camera pans over to a cliff then ascending to the top to reveal around twelve Union soldiers who have tracked Jericho to this spot. Sergeant Ripley leads the handful of men. He motions for them to spread out noting the caves behind them. Apparently they’ve watched Jericho’s camp throughout the night and await the right time to take him out. 

Cut to inside Jericho’s tent. He wakes and looks around for a drink of whiskey. He finds a bottle but it is empty. He doesn’t feel like getting up and going outside to retrieve another bottle. He nudges the naked woman beside him.

JERICHO
Hey…hey wake up…wake up do you hear! Get up you slut! Fetch me a bottle I said!

The woman just falls over still drunk from the wild night.

JERICHO
Nevermind! I will get it myself! You can share someone else’s bed tonight…bitch!

Cut to outside. Various shots of Ripley and his men in position. They plan to take on Jericho alone. Close up behind one of the soldiers. Jericho emerges from his tent. The soldier ducks down quickly. He pulls his gun as Jericho goes to find a full whiskey flask. Close up on Jericho’s face. His eyes move right as if he senses something is amiss. Cut back to the soldier. Sweat begins to roll down his brow. He positions his pistol. The camera is behind him again with Jericho in the right foreground. The soldier cocks back the gun bolt. Suddenly, Jericho spins around and nails the soldier between the eyes. 

SGT. RIPLEY
Shit! He knows we’re here! Take’em out, now!

The soldiers fire at Jericho who rolls out of the way firing back as he stands and leaps behind a rock. Some of his men awaken to the sounds of gunfire. They come out shooting. Some of the bandits, caught unawares, are killed in the crossfire. Then a couple of Ripley’s men are shot. The few men flanking the caves are killed as there are too many bandits inside. Jericho shoots one of them in the chest. The man appears startled. Then, several bandits open fire on him causing a dozen or more holes to be ripped into him. Blood spews from the holes in his back as the soldier is thrust into the air down to the ground below. Bullets ricochet all around Ripley and his few remaining men.

SGT. RIPLEY
THEY’RE ALL AROUND US! 

Another man is picked off when Ripley decides to surrender. Another stands to throw down his gun and is shot before he can get the words out. 

SGT. RIPLEY
WE SURRENDER!! WE SURRENDER!! STOP FIRING!! WE GIVE UP!!

JERICHO
HOLD IT! CEASE I SAY!! The Americans are giving up! YOU THREE COME DOWN! MY MEN WILL NOT KILL YOU!

LUIS
What are you going to do with them?

JERICHO
Let’s have a little fun with them, uh? 

LUIS
But the train?!

JERICHO
We have plenty of time for the train!

As the three remaining Union soldiers nervously come down, Jericho gives orders to Luis. A couple of his men bring two poles over and plant them into the ground. The two soldiers are tied to the stakes.

JERICHO
No not you…Sergeant. I have other plans for you!

SGT. RIPLEY
What are you going to do with us?

JERICHO
You will see. Be patient! Now, I want to know how many more of you are out here searching for me. Also tell me where I may find this stranger who likes to play with knives. He has an Indian who is always at his side.

No one says anything.

JERICHO
Well? Anyone? 

Jericho walks over to one of the tied captives.

JERICHO
Where are the reinforcements? The stranger and his friend? Uh? Talk! Freedom to the first one who speaks! (turns to face Ripley) None of you wants to tell me what I want to know. You are all very brave. In a bit you will be begging me to kill you! Luis, bring it out.

Luis brings out a dirty sack. Another bandit brings a large basket. Jericho smiles and walks over to Luis and points at the basket.

JERICHO 
Care to guess what is inside?

Medium shot on the two captives as they look at each other perplexed. Jericho motions for Luis to open the basket. Several rattlesnakes are within the basket. They are poured into the sack. Jericho motions for Luis to carry on. Luis begins to place the sack with the snakes inside on top of the man’s head.

SOLDIER #1
Wait! What are doing?! Why not just shoot me?! You don’t have to do this?!

SGT. RIPLEY
In the name of God almighty I demand you release us at once!

Jericho gives the order and the sack is placed over the terrified soldiers head. He screams and kicks as the rattlers bite him over and over again. The loud sound of their rattles is heard beneath the screams of agony and horrible pain as the man slowly succumbs to the venom. The snakes continue to bite as the man kicks less and less. Over the course of a few minutes the man is finally dead. Jericho motions for another of his men to bring out another torturous means of violent death. This time it is a jar of scorpions. 

SGT. RIPLEY
Damn you Jericho! You’ll burn in Hell for this you son of a bitch!!

JERICHO
No, no, no, no you are mistaken…I own Hell…the Devil is only renting!

Jericho gives the order and the bandit opens the mans pants while another pours the scorpions from the jar into his pants which are then tightened. The man kicks and screams wildly as the scorpions bite and pierce his sensitive regions injecting venom into his body. Jericho and his men all laugh as this man also dies a slow, painful death. Quick cuts back and forth from Jericho to his men to Sgt. Ripley.

SGT. RIPLEY
You all laugh now but God will have final judgment over you and your crimes!

JERICHO
Is that so? You believe that too don’t you?! Raise your hands American. I said raise your hands!!

Sgt. Ripley raises his hands into the air begrudgingly. Jericho pulls his pistol and fires two holes into Ripley’s hands.

JERICHO
All this talk of God…so I make you more like Him! (all laugh) ……Now you tell me? I will set you free if you loosen your tongue.

Sgt. Ripley still says nothing. Jericho forces his fingers into the bullet wounds in Ripley’s hands. He screams out in extreme agony.

JERICHO
Now, American?

SGT. RIPLEY
Purgatory…we were in Purgatory! We only stopped there for the night. Ben McGee and his band of bounty killers are there…they…they’re after you too! The other two you mentioned…they were there as well…it was he…the knife thrower…that killed your men…we’re not the only group…others are coming…looking for you right now…! And it’s only a matter of time before they find you!

JERICHO
And speaking of which, how exactly did you find me?

SGT. RIPLEY
One of my group went missing…we tracked him here. Anything else you need to know?

JERICHO
(Snickers) I wish all Americanos were as reasonable as you. Now I will set you free!

Ripley smiles briefly until Jericho pulls his gun and shoots him in the head.

JERICHO
Well Luis, it is confirmed now. The people of Purgatory must pay for defying me. You will come with me.

LUIS
You will not take the train now?

JERICHO
Of course you idiot! I will send a couple hundred men to capture the train, meanwhile, you will accompany me along with the rest here to destroy Purgatory. I must kill Ben McGee, that coward sheriff and the townspeople that are protected by them. And these two meddlers, the stranger and his Indian friend…they too must die!

 Jericho and a group of his gang  head for Purgatory Falls while another group heads for the train. 

EXT.  PURGATORY FALLS   AFTERNOON

The scene cuts to the town. It’s a day like any other, the streets are filled with people, the deputy on the porch enjoying the fresh air, the sheriff in his office awaiting a response from the military. Ben McGee and his men are still asleep, exhausted from the previous nights drinking. They’ve become careless. Since there arrival in Purgatory Falls there’s been no sign of Jericho Wild…for the moment. 

EXT.   GRASSY FLAT LANDS/ TRAIN   AFTERNOON

The scene cuts to a wide shot of the train passing in the background. The train is an armored military transport carrying weapons and ammunition. Several cars also reserved for government officials, military family and or wealthy civilians who may be transporting antiques or irreplaceable valuables from state to state. Jack and LW come into the right of the frame. They stop momentarily.

JACK
There it is red! Let’s go!

As the two approach the train Jericho’s men approach from the opposite. A crane shot above the locomotive reveals the two factions approaching from both sides. LW sees them between the rail cars as they pass by.

LW
JACK!! THE OTHER SIDE!! JERICHO’S MEN ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE!!

JACK
I SEE’EM!!

Suddenly, metal doors on the armored train open and armed soldiers immediately open fire on both sides.

JACK
WAIT!! WE’RE NOT…LONE WOLF, TO THE REAR OF THE TRAIN!!!

The soldiers fire on the hundreds of Jericho’s men attacking from the other side. Jack and Lone Wolf fall back to the rear of the train to attack Jericho’s band in hopes that the soldiers will focus their attention on the marauding bandits. The soldiers are outnumbered and many of them are picked off quickly. Jack and LW attack from behind taking out some of them. Suddenly, an explosion erupts in the middle of the bunch. A hidden turret atop the train hides a cannon. Several more shots are fired lowering the numbers considerably. Now some of the bandits cling to ladders on the train in an attempt to get inside. One of them climbs to the top. LW lets go of his horse’s reigns to fire an arrow that finds its target. The villain falls from the train. One of the bandits in front turns and fires back at Jack and LW. Jack throws one of his boomerang knives…

BANDIT
YOU MISSED ME GRINGO!! HA! HA!
The bandit turns his head back to the front only to have it severed as the blade returns and easily cuts the man’s head from his body. His headless corpse rides about ten yards before falling from the horse.

JACK
WE NEED TO GET INSIDE THE TRAIN!!! THERE’RE PEOPLE ON BOARD TOO!! IF THOSE GUYS GET INSIDE THEY’LL KILL EVERYBODY!!!

EXT.  PURGATORY FALLS   AFTERNOON

The scene cuts back to Purgatory Falls. A wide shot reveals a lone figure approaching in the distance. An old man sees the stranger casually riding towards the entrance to the town. He decides to go and greet him.

OLD MAN
Hi there stranger, you lost? You look lost. You hungry? You thirsty? Maybe you’re tired from your journey? Our hotel’s got some comfortable beds… depends all on who’s layin’ next to you  I imagine! Ha! Ha! Don’t worry, there’s clean sheets too….

Jericho looks around checking out streets looking for possible gunslingers. The old man’s questions begin to annoy  him.

OLD MAN
….Our town here is movin’ up in the world, yes sir! Gettin’ modern like some’o’them big cities out east! I tell you…

JERICHO
Old man, you talk too much. I’m looking for some friends. Maybe you know them. One is Ben McGee.

OLD MAN
Yeah, he’s here, in the hotel. He’s with five others. They’re waitin’ on that mean bastard Jericho Wild to show up. You look like a tough guy, maybe you can help’em kill that son of a bitch!

Jericho looks down at the old man and grins.

OLD MAN
Uh, who’s the other one you’re lookin’ for?

JERICHO
The one who throws knives. I believe he has an Indian traveling with him. Do you know of him?

OLD MAN
Sounds like you’re lookin’ for Jack Deth. Like a lot of people I’ve heard of him but never seen him…like a lot of people! Why you lookin’ for him…?…I don’t think these guys are friends o’yers! Who are you mister?

JERICHO
Like I said old man, you talk too much!

Jericho pulls out his pistol and fires a bullet into the old man’s head. The townspeople take notice as stunned silence overtakes the street. Many figures appear on horseback from the left and right side of the town’s entrance. Jericho, in front gives orders to Luis…

JERICHO
KILL THEM ALL!!!!!

His men open fire killing the innocent citizens trying frantically to get away. The deputy runs in to get the sheriff. The sounds of hysteria awaken Ben and his group. They look from the hotel windows as the townspeople are picked off like flies. 

INT./ EXT. TRAIN/ TRAIN CAR   AFTERNOON

The scene cuts back to the train assault. Some of the bandits have gotten inside the cars. One of them pulls the soldier down from the turret and slits his throat. Two bandits enter a passenger car and begin killing them one by one…

PASSENGER (male)
What in the hell do you think you’re doing you filthy…

The man is shot as well as everyone else in the car, one by one.  Outside Jack and LW get close to the car…

LUCIAN
Roho, look out there! Who is that? Haven’t we seen this gringo before?

ROHO
He does look familiar, but all Americans look alike to me!

Jack pulls two blades and throws them through the glass windows of the car and both fatally wound their targets. (Shot from inside the train behind the two bandits show Jack throw the knives through the windows and enter their heads as blood splatters on the camera lens; One cut) Jack and LW manage to reach a ladder and climb aboard. Three of Jericho’s gang seeing Jack and LW on the roof of one of the cars, go inside the car quietly in an effort to kill them by surprise. The three look at each other and when they’re ready pull there guns and aim for the roof. Cut to the top of the train. Jack and LW sense something is amiss. Cut back inside the car, the three quickly cock back their guns and fire blindly into the roof. Cut back to the roof as Jack and LW twist and turn their bodies to avoid the bullets. They then look at each other as if they’ve read the others thoughts then immediately grab opposite sides of the rail car and spin flip down through the windows (brief slow motion) with both  nailing a target sending them flying backwards, the impact hurtling the bandits through the windows behind them. Jack quickly kills the third man with his gun. 

EXT. INT.   TOWN STREET/ SHERIFF’S OFFICE  AFTERNOON

The scene cuts back to Purgatory Falls and the massacre continues. Jed’s deputy rushes into the sheriff’s office escaping a flurry of bullets.

DEPUTY
JED! WHERE ARE YOU!? WHY HAVEN’T YOU COME OUT!? PEOPLE ARE GETTIN’ KILLED OUT THERE!

The deputy sees Jed cowering inside a jail cell.

DEPUTY
Jed? What’re you doin’ in there? The people out…

Suddenly a hail of bullets rip through the office widows killing the deputy. His body falls into the bars of the cell the sheriff has hidden in. He slides down the bars as he utters his last breath.

DEPUTY
W…W…Why…Why Jed?  Yyy…you coward…!

The sheriff breathing heavily closes his eyes. He listens helplessly to the cries and screams of the people outside dying amidst a whirlwind of lead carnage. A close up on Jed’s closed eyes as tears roll down his face. His eyes open. Jed gets his composure and lifts himself up, unlocks the cell. He picks up his deputy and lays him on the cot crossing his hands. He then grabs his gun belt, loads his guns and decides to go out and prove he’s not a coward. He goes to the door and pauses momentarily. He then quickly opens the door and rushes outside. As he crosses the porch a bandit comes out of nowhere, grabbing Jed and throwing him to the ground. Startled, Jed quickly fires three slugs into the man. Jed gets up and takes off to hopefully save some of the citizens. 

INT.   TRAIN CAR   AFTERNOON

The scene cuts back to the train. Jack and LW are pinned down inside a car as Jericho’s men rain bullets down on them.

JACK
WE GOTTA’ GET OUTA’ THIS!! THERE’S STILL MORE PEOPLE ONBOARD!!

LW
HOPEFULLY STILL ALIVE!!

Out of frustration Jack lights a stick of dynamite…

JACK
SHIT!! HERE GOES NOTHING!!

…He tosses it at the car entrance to clear a path.

BANDIT
DIOS MIO!!! THE FOOL IS USING DYNAMITE!!! VAMOS!!! VA…

The small explosion kills the bandits that covered the car entrance but severely damaged the train car. Jack and LW turn to the opposite end of the car and shoot down the other bandits who’ve been blinded from the explosion.

JACK
Head to the front of the train, I’ll go to the back. Shut it down!

LW 
You must hurry Jack! The dynamite has damaged the hooks on the cars!

JACK
Don’t worry about me, just get to the front and stop the train!

INT./ EXT.   HOTEL   AFTERNOON

The scene cuts back to the town. Ben and his men are trapped in the hotel.

BEN
LOCO, SNIPE THE ENTRANCE! DON’T LET ANY OF THOSE GREASY BASTARDS GET IN! JOHNNY, THERE’S A COUPLE OF STICKS OF DYNAMITE IN MY SATCHEL, WHEN YOU SEE’EM BUNCHED TOGETHER, TOSS IT!

HUNNICUTT
Just don’t expect us to hang around if things get too crazy in here!

BEN
I don’t expect anything Fred, just that Jericho dies! Regardless of the bounty he has to die!!

JERICHO
That gringo McGee and his band of fools are in there! Luis, surround the hotel, burn them out but don’t kill them. Not yet!

The firing stops for a moment on the hotel. Ben lights a cigar.

LOCO
Something’s happening out there! I think they’re surrounding us!

BEN
Shit! They’re gonna burn us out! We’ve gotta get outa’ here and help those poor people!

Suddenly, a bullet flies in that takes out Ben’s cigar.

BEN
Damn what a waste!

HUNNICUTT
Any more bright ideas?

Bullets fly in narrowly missing Hunnicutt’s head.

BEN
Yeah, keep your head down!

The six gunmen try to pick off the bandits around the hotel but there’s too many of them. The walls are rapidly becoming riddled with bullet holes as portions of the hotel catch fire. Cut to Jericho and a couple of others as they gallop through the streets shooting anyone they come across. A handful of local gunfighters try in vain to trade lead with the marauders. Bodies fall from roofs, ejected through windows and dragged through town tied to horses. Jed sees Jericho amidst the carnage and prepares to take his shot. 

JERICHO
KILL THEM ALL COMPANEROS!!! BURN THE TOWN!! ALL OF IT!! I WANT NOTHING STANDING!! THE WOMEN…YOU CAN SPARE THE PRETTY ONES, I HAVE USE FOR THEM!!

JED
(mumbles) I’ve got you now you son of a bitch!

Jed fires but one of Jericho’s men gets in the way taking the bullet in his place. Jericho looks down to see his fallen soldier then eyes the sheriff.

JERICHO
SO OLD MAN, YOU CAN SHOOT AFTER ALL!!

Jed readies to fire again only this time he’s out of bullets. Jericho mounts a horse and rides after the sheriff taunting him. He lets the sheriff run a ways then rides after him again this time kicking him in the back. Jericho dismounts and walks over to him. Low angle shot on Jericho as he looks down at Jed.

JERICHO
Well, well, well mister lawman you’ve sent many gunmen after my head! It must be disappointing to you that it was all for nothing! Soon you will die and I will march on this pitiful country, my boots caked with the blood of your American race! NOOWWW, where is the Indian and this knife thrower?

INT.  TRAIN CARS   AFTERNOON

The scene cuts back to the train. Jack makes his way to the rear sending the few survivors towards the front. He hears gunshots. He finds four soldiers guarding the ammo cars trapped by a handful of bandits. He casually walks over and quickly shoots all four with ease from behind.

JACK
Hold it! I’m on your side guys!

SOLDIER #1
Thanks friend, didn’t mean to shoot at you earlier, but we thought you were with them.

JACK 
There’s no time to talk, we gotta get to the front of the train. One of the cars is unstable. Let’s go!

Meanwhile Lone Wolf has reached the conductor car to find that bandits have taken the controls.

BANDIT
Look!! It’s the Indian! I’ll kill him!

LW quickly fires an arrow that enters the bandits mouth, exits his neck and into the bandit driving the train. LW then looks over the controls to figure out how to stop it. Jack and the soldiers run through the cars when some bandits fire down from the roof killing two of them.

INT./ EXT. TRAIN CAR/ TOP OF TRAIN   AFTERNOON

BANDIT #1 (Ricardo)
Manuel, take a look and see if we got him!

Manuel lies down and peers into a window when a knife instantaneously flies through the glass and enters the man’s face. His lifeless body  slides off the train onto the ground below. 

BANDIT#1
It’s that goddamn gringo!! The one with the blades! Gomez, Victor, be careful!

Jack climbs to the top from behind the three men and runs for them.

BANDIT#1
THERE HE IS! KILL THE BASTARD!!

They all shoot simultaneously as Jack does a double flip into the air (slow motion) and as he comes down flings two knives that find there targets in the foreheads of Gomez and Victor. They both fall from the train. Ricardo, his gun empty, stands with a worried look on his face. Jack rises to his feet. He notices something about Ricardo’s face. A mole on his chin triggers a flashback in Jack’s mind (close up on his face). A close up of a dozen or more gun barrels firing then another close up of one of the killers is revealed to be Ricardo. The flashback is over.

JACK 
You were there too! No more bullets or blades, only fists!

RICARDO
You know me gringo? I don’t know you!

JACK 
You know me, your leader knows me, and about a dozen others. We’ll all be re-acquainted real soon!

The two men momentarily exchange glances before locking up. Using the martial arts skills taught him by Liang Jung, Jack quickly gains the upper hand. A flurry of kicks and punches daze Ricardo who pulls his own knife and carelessly lunges at Jack with it. Jack breaks Ricardo’s hand who then swings wildly with his other fist. Grabbing him by the wrist, Jack then breaks the arm at the elbow. Ricardo screams in agony. Jack grabs him by his shirt and pulls him towards his face.

JACK
Take a closer look! You remember me now?

The villain, forgetting the pain in both arms, recognizes Jack.

RICARDO
YOU!! You’re supposed to be dead!! Who…who are you?!

JACK
My name used to be Jack Donovan. Now…they call me Deth! And the pleasure’s all mine!

Jack drops the man between two railcars. Ricardo’s body is broken and crushed beneath the speeding train. 

EXT./ INT. TOWN   AFTERNOON

Cut back to Purgatory Falls. Jericho’s men continue to massacre the townspeople. Several of the bandits hear crying coming from one of the buildings. They enter and are greeted by a blast from a double barreled shotgun that sends one of the them hurtling backwards. The other two fire into the building killing the gunman. He was protecting his wife and daughter. One of the villains gets ready to shoot…

BANDIT#1
Wait! Jericho wants to spare the women! This one is very beautiful. We don’t need the little one!

The other bandit fires killing the little girl. Her mother screams and kicks wildly. She bites the man holding onto her. In a rage the villain shoots her several times in the back.

BANDIT#1
I told you Jericho wanted her alive you fool!

BANDIT#2
Look! This wild bitch bit me!

BANDIT#1
Search her to see if there is any money! We can get some use out of her!

The scene cuts to Jericho approaching the burning hotel with the sheriff in tow. His men, having killed nearly everyone, begin setting fire to the town. 

JERICHO
BEN McGEE!! I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!! YOU AND YOUR COMPADRES WON’T LAST LONG IN THERE!! COME OUT! I WON’T KILL YOU…AT LEAST NOT YET!! I HAVE THE COWARD SHERIFF HERE!! HE WILL DIE TOO IF YOU DO NOT SURRENDER!! YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE!!

INT./ EXT. BURNING HOTEL   AFTERNOON

BEN
Well, either we get burned alive or shot to death!

HUNNICUTT
I say we go out. We’ll be asphyxiated if we stay in here any longer!

BEN
OKAY WE’RE COMING OUT!!

JERICHO
HA! HA! HA! GOOD! THROW DOWN YOUR GUNS WHEN YOU COME OUT!

LUIS
Why not just kill them Jericho! It is not wise to let them live!

JERICHO
In time Luis, I want to see these men…to see their faces before I execute them, to let them know that they had failed to bring my head to their presidente!

As Ben and his five cohorts emerge from the burning hotel they see innocent people fleeing flame engulfed buildings only to be gunned down by Jericho’s men. The six men viewing the mass slaughter around them brings about feelings of helplessness and sorrow as they were in town to protect these people and at that they have failed.

JERICHO
Tie them up, along with the sheriff! AAHHH! Ben McGee, you have found me! Actually It is I who has found you, yes? Where is your friend the knife thrower and the Indian? I am very anxious to meet these two. You tell me and I will let you all live a bit longer!

BEN
He’s no friend of ours and we don’t know where he is! He killed your boys that day in the saloon. We were after’em but he got’em before we could although we did get the bounties for taking out the garbage if you get my meaning.

Jericho strikes Ben in the gut angered by his comments. Jericho mounts his horse.

JERICHO
COMPANEROS, WE GO! I have a feeling the knifeman will seek us out. We will be ready to welcome him. Miguel, you wait for him here and bring him to me! I will be back shortly. I have another meeting to keep. Ramon, Jacinto and Chavez come with me! VAMOS!!!

INT.   TRAIN CAR   MID DAY

Cut back to the train. Jack wanders the cars amidst dead bodies looking for signs of life. He hears the sound of a child crying. He turns around and looks for the source. He kneels down below the seats and sees a small boy in a fetal position, blood on his face. He reaches for him. 

JACK
Here, take my hand. Come on son, I won’t hurt you.

The boy reaches out then retracts his hand.

JACK
C’mon kid, we don’t have much time. I promise I’m not gonna hurt you. We need to find your Ma.

The kid pauses then finally takes Jack’s hand. He pulls him out and carries him.

JACK
There you go, let me wipe this off your face. 

The boy appears to be in shock.

LITTLE BOY
My Ma’s gone…Pa…those men did it!

The boy erupts in tears. Jack holds him.

JACK
It’s alright kid, we’ll go now. Everything’s going to be alright.

Suddenly, Jack hears some noise a couple of cars ahead. He runs to the source of the noise. He sees a bandit attempting to rape a woman.

LITTLE BOY
MA!!

WOMAN
JOEY!!

The bandit manhandles the woman. He uses her as a shield.

BANDIT
Throw down your weapons! The child…send him to me…now!!!

Jack puts down the boy and slowly takes his gun from its holster. Close up behind Jack’s holster with the bandit in the right background. The bandit cocks his gun bolt back.

BANDIT
Carefully…American bastard! I saw what you did to the others!

Jack places his gun on the floor then stands. The bandit grins then laughs…

BANDIT
You think I am a fool? The knives! Throw down the knives too, damn it!

Jack takes off his vest that conceals his blades. He throws them down. The bandit raises his gun and aims at Jack’s head. Quick cuts between the gun to Jack to the gun barrel then to Jack’s eyes then to the bandits finger on the trigger about to pull then back to Jack’s widening eyes. Jack, anticipating when the gun will fire, back flips just before the bullet is fired then throws a knife hidden on his person. The blade finds its target although you don’t see it. Medium shot on the woman and her son still gripped by the bandit. Blood begins to pour down his shirt. His grip loosens. The woman and the boy look up and scream. The blade has planted itself in the bandits forehead. He stumbles a few steps then falls over dead.

JACK
You two get to the front of the train. Some soldiers are waiting there.

EXT.   VALLEY NEAR JERICHO’S HIDEOUT  MID DAY

The scene cuts to a wind swept valley. Four men wearing Union clothing wait in the valley. Through the dust and wind Jericho and his chaperones approach casually. Close up on the leader of the three Americans. Their faces are covered so as not to reveal their identities. Close up on Jericho as he motions his group to stop.

JERICHO
So, American…you showed up after all!

MASKED STRANGER
Of course! We’ve been waiting on you for about an hour now. We are partners…we are still partners aren’t we?

JERICHO
Certainly! You give me weapons and ammunition, and I give you dead animals!

MASKED STRANGER
One village won’t do Jericho! I want them all dead! 

JERICHO
Hhhmmmm…you promised me guns but you have not delivered any as yet. So far I have kept my end of the deal. You on the other hand…have not!

MASKED STRANGER
The deal was guns in exchange for the deaths of the Indians, not American citizens. Judging by what’s happened over the past few months, you’ve got ulterior motives…plans other than what we agreed upon. Personally, I don’t care what sick ideas you’ve got dancing around in your head, but killing Americans wasn’t part of the bargain. Your guns will be delivered when I’m satisfied you’re holding up your end. And I suggest you do just that!

JERICHO
Do not threaten me betrayer! Only a fool trusts a traitor of his own race! It doesn’t matter to me if you do not want to carry on with this partnership. My men are already raiding a military train loaded with guns as we speak! I’ll get them with you…or without you!

MASKED STRANGER
No they’re not! A wire came over a short while ago that the train is under attack…by your men…an American and an Indian accomplice. The American I assume is the one called Jack Deth, the mysterious knife thrower I’ve heard about over the past several years.

Jericho turns and clinches his fists in anger.

JERICHO
DAMN IT! This gringo bastard again?! Ha! Ha! Ha! (turns back to the masked Americans)  He must have went to the train thinking I was going to be there. If only I had went along I could have finally got a hold of him! It doesn’t matter, I will have him in my grasp soon! Once he sees what I have done to Purgatory Falls, he will be led straight to me!

MASKED STRANGER
And so will the Army…I received word a couple of days ago. Troops are out looking for you right now! It’s only a small regiment. You should have no problem handling them. They will find you though. They’ll probably pass through this valley any time now.

JERICHO
Really…? (Looks around above the valley) Jacinto, go back and take some men. Line this ridge at both ends with dynamite. We will make this valley their grave! I have already met a group of your soldiers…this morning in fact. If all your military men are like sheep, then I shall have no problem taking over.

MASKED STRANGER
No more screw ups Jericho! I can’t afford to be found out! I’m risking a lot being here now! You will get your guns, I promise you that! As long as you keep your end of the bargain, I don’t care what the hell you do with the guns! Come on boys, let’s get outa here before we’re spotted.

Close up on Jericho as he watches the masked men leave through the dust and wind. A sinister grin appears on his face. 

INT./ EXT.   TRAIN CARS  MID DAY

The scene cuts back to the train. Jack continues searching to make sure no one is left hiding in the civilian cars. Hearing the damaged car about to break away, Jack climbs back onto the roof and runs as fast as he can. Suddenly the car breaks. Jack leaps with all his strength barely grasping the edge of the next car. He begins to lose his grip when the two soldiers latch onto his waist and pull him to safety. The train then stops, LW finally figures it out. Jack and the two soldiers go to the front.

JACK
You couldn’t have done that sooner?

LW
I only know horses not trains!

SOLDIER#1
What about the ammunition? That shipment is expected at Fort Holman the day after tomorrow.

JACK 
It won’t reach its destination.

SOLDIER#2
What do you mean by that?

JACK
I’m going to blow it up. We can’t afford Jericho getting his hands on it. Fort Holman must be warned as well. Jericho’ll probably go there too. Who knows, the traitor Don Pedro spoke of may be in Fort Holman.(whispers to himself) Why wasn’t Jericho here?

LONE WOLF
I didn’t see him among the dead. He is too good with the gun.

SOLDIER#1
Traitor?  

JACK
Purgatory! He must have went to Purgatory Falls! Red, let’s blow the ammo car and get over there right away! Can you two get these people to safety? I’ll explain to your General meantime you’ve got to inform Fort Holman and wire the army! Do what’s necessary to get some troops out here!

SOLDIER#1
What traitor?!

JACK
No time to explain! 

Cut to Jack and LW planting the dynamite. Long shot as Jack and LW ride towards the camera with the car blowing up behind them.

JACK
Red, I’ve a feeling Jericho has set a trap for us. You go back and stay low. Jericho mustn’t know you’re still alive. If something happens to me, you know what to do. 

LW
Don’t worry my brother, I won’t be far behind you.

A shot from behind the burning cars as Jack gallops away and LW soon to follow. Jack rides on to Purgatory Falls. 

EXT.  PURGATORY FALLS   MID DAY

When Jack arrives the town has been destroyed, bodies litter the streets, buildings have been burned. The only living things present are vultures who’ve shown up for a meal. LW remains hidden for the moment keeping Jack in close sight. 

EXT.   JERICHO’S HIDEOUT   MID DAY

The scene cuts to Jericho’s encampment. A series of cuts and pans reveals the hundreds  of Mexican bandits that have joined Jericho’s evil cause. With all the new additions his current base is too small as there aren’t enough tents nor enough caves dug out in the mountainside to accommodate all the people. They are split into groups and sent away until they’re needed. Jed Claxton, Ben McGee and his group are all tied between two stakes a piece. They are to be tortured, humiliated and killed although not necessarily in that order. Jericho has also brought with him 30-35 women captured from Purgatory Falls. His plans for them are even worse. Raquel McBain is among the female captives. The women are all hysterical with fear and uncertainty. Jericho emerges from one of his tents.

LUIS
Quiet you bitches! Jericho is coming!

Jericho eyes the women collected and walks back and forth as if he’s performing a mock inspection. The women hold their heads down.

JERICHO
All you women will perform a great service for my compadres! All of them! Ha! Ha! Ha! Companeros, you may take your pick! But don’t hurt them too much! There are others waiting in line!

As a group of Jericho’s men descend on the terrified women they try to run away but it only fuels the bandits’ lust further. Jericho spots one for himself. Raquel is his choice. He grabs her violently and gives her a maddening stare. She spits in his face. 

JERICHO
You dirty bitch! Now I will have revenge for what those gringo bastards did to my mother! Only there won’t be five men raping you, just me fired by all the hatred I have for the americanos!

Raquel, fighting back tears tries to remain stern and not show fear as Jericho would derive even more vicious glee from her helplessness.

RAQUEL
You rape me, you go ahead!! All my life men have walked all over me and they had bigger boots than you’ve got! So you have your fun, if that makes you feel like more of a man!

Jericho slaps Raquel across the face, and prepares to slap her again but holds back. The sight of the bandits wrestling with the other women can be seen in the background.

JERICHO
Good! A woman with fire! Tonight…tonight you will know what kind of a man I am!

EXT./ INT. TOWN/ SHERIFF’S OFFICE  MID DAY

The scene cuts back to the ruins of Purgatory Falls. Jack inspects further through what was once a thriving town. He goes into what’s left of the sheriff’s office. He looks around and sees the charred remains of the deputy, his body lying on the cot near the jail cell. Jack then spies the telegraph, damaged but with a message-”regiment sent…await reply”. Jack exit’s the office and walks down the street in disbelief at the cavalcade of carnage and stinking flesh before his eyes. He sees a mother and her two children covered in blood apparently trampled underfoot by horses. Jack kneels down beside them. A close up on Jack’s face. The grisly sight brings back an equally gruesome memory. Close ups of gun barrels are shown as bullets are fired and the screams of children crying “Daddy” are heard. The flashback is over. Jack tries to hold back the tears but cannot. He lowers his head and clinches his fists in anger. A blurred shot of a figure behind Jack appears…

MIGUEL
Hey you, gringo. Are you the one who uses the flying knives?

Jack is silent. He continues to look at the dead innocents in front of him.

MIGUEL
Someone wishes to talk with you. I am to take you there. He has hostages that will be executed if you do not accompany me. What do you say gringo? It is not wise to keep Jericho waiting.

Close up on Jack with Miguel still behind him. Jack’s eyes look front. A piercing, vengeful look. He thinks of killing this bandit, slowly reaching for his pistol but then recants. He will finally confront his quarry but  unfortunately not on terms that he would have hoped. He rises and turns to face Miguel.

JACK
Jericho did all this?

MIGUEL
Of course! And it won’t stop here! Where is the Indian?

JACK
He’s dead. He was killed at the train.

MIGUEL
Oh, and what happened to the train, the cargo?

JACK
I don’t recall, I was so busy blowing it up my memory is a bit cloudy.

MIGUEL
Alright gringo, let’s go and don’t try anything! Everyone will die if I don’t bring you back!

JACK
Everyone will die anyways.

MIGUEL
Enough talk, Move!

Jack mounts his horse and the two ride away. LW looks on from the rocks. 

EXT.   JERICHO’S HIDEOUT  MID DAY

Cut back to Jericho’s camp. One of his men, Chavez, rides into frame of a low angle shot at Jericho’s feet. 

CHAVEZ
Jericho, a group of about thirty men are approaching the valley. They wear the Union dress.

JERICHO
Spoiling my fun yet again! Let’s get over there! Luis, round up fifty brothers. (Looks over at the terrified women) When you hear a lot of noise in a bit, just ignore it! I will be back! So don’t get too excited! Ha! Ha! Ha!

EXT.  VALLEY NEAR HIDEOUT   MID DAY

Cut to the regiment galloping towards the valley. The blazing hot sun beats down on the soldiers. The wind provides some relief but not much. All the soldiers’ clothes are soiled with sweat and dust. The leader, Colonel Jackson, looks around for anything suspicious. 

COL. JACKSON
Sergeant Brenner, according to Captain Garrett, Jericho’s camp is around this valley somewhere. Break the men up into groups of five and line them along both sides of the rocks. At least from there, if they attack us, the sun won’t be in our eyes.

Jericho waits above, unseen by the Americans. He motions for his men to take positions at the explosive points. He intends to block off the regiments escape on both ends.  Colonel Jackson has no idea Jericho has set a trap for them. Col. Jackson prepare to enter the valley when he orders his men to halt. Close up on his face as he inspects ahead. He looks up and all around and back down the length of the valley again. The only sound heard is the rustling of the wind. Cut back to Jericho, hidden, as he looks down at the regiment, hesitant to enter.

JERICHO
(whispers to himself) Come into my web…said the spider to the fly…

Cut back to the Colonel…

COL. JACKSON
Sergeant, disperse the men, now.

SGT. BRENNER
Yes sir.

The soldiers get into groups of five and line along the side of the rocks wary of a possible sneak attack.

JERICHO
Ha! Ha! If only they knew, right Luis!

LUIS
Now, Jericho? 

JERICHO
Not quite yet. I will give the signal. Get ready. Go to the other end and await my order. Go!

The regiment move through the valley carefully as if they sense an impending attack. Close ups of the various soldiers looking around and observing, watching for signs of the enemy. Cut to Jericho. One of his men accidentally knocks a few small rocks loose that fall into the valley. His men get back out of sight. The soldiers react quickly, pulling their guns.

COL. JACKSON
Hold your fire!

The regiment remain stationary for a moment studying the top of the ridge on both sides. The combination of sweat and dust causes their eyes to burn a bit. The wind picks up even more now.

COL. JACKSON
Carry on! Move out!

The group continue on. Jericho peers down then raises his arm. He turns to see Luis to make sure he is ready. Jericho drops his arm and the explosives are set off. Below, the regiment are startled, some being thrown from their horses. Tons of rock and dirt fall into the valley. The regiment, in hysteria, try to get out where they entered but explosions go off as they approach sending much rubble falling down on top of them. Some are buried in the falling rocks.

COL. JACKSON
EVERYONE INTO THE CENTER OF THE VALLEY!!! NOW!!!

Huge boulders continue to fall crushing both man and animal alike. Colonel Jackson rounds up his men into the center, not a good idea but the only option at the moment. They  stand ready for a fight. Jericho, hidden from sight, yells down to the group.

JERICHO
AMERICAN…CAN YOU HEAR  ME?! 

COL. JACKSON
YEAH, I HEAR YA’! JERICHO I PRESUME?!

JERICHO
(pauses) WHY DO YOU SEEK HIM?!

COL. JACKSON
WE’RE ORDERED TO BRING HIM BACK ALIVE…!

SGT. BRENNER
…But preferably dead!

Jericho looks up into the sky and notices the bright, blinding light emanating from the sun. He realizes the men below won’t be able to see very well. He motions for his men to align the ridge and aim their guns at the men below. Jericho stands where the men below can see him although barely.

JERICHO
WELL GRINGO, YOU HAVE PRESUMED CORRECTLY. BUT I AM SORRY THAT I CANNOT GO BACK WITH YOU!  

SGT. BRENNER
What’ll we do Colonel? There’s no way out!

COL. JACKSON
There’s nothing we can do!

Cut to a medium shot on Jericho’s left as a vulture lands followed by another…then another…then another.

JERICHO
I’M VERY SORRY AMERICANOS, BUT I MUST LEAVE YOU NOW! THE VULTURES WILL KEEP YOU COMPANY!

Cut to the Colonel looking up trying to make out Jericho’s position but the sun is too bright to get a good look. Some of the vultures fly down to feast on the crushed men and horses. The soldiers shoot some of the birds. Colonel Jackson realizes what is in store for them.

COL. JACKSON
JERICHO…!…JERICHO WAIT!…IN THE NAME OF GOD, MAN!!

Close up on Jericho as he stops and in his own sadistic way decides to have “pity” on the soldiers trapped in the valley below.

JERICHO
Yes…in the name of God!

Jericho gives a signal again and his men fire down on the helpless soldiers who can barely see to fire back. The fire fight is over quickly and now the vultures have a buffet of corpses to pick from.

JERICHO
We go back now. I want to be there when the knife thrower arrives.
EXT.   ARMY OUTPOST   EARLY EVENING

Cut to the train as it pulls into a military outpost. The two surviving soldiers see the remaining civilians off. A military official approaches them.

CAPTAIN GARRETT
Soldier, what’s going on here? What happened to this train? Where are the supply cars?

SOLDIER#1
It’s kind of a long story sir. The train came under attack by a large number of Mexican bandits. Apparently they intended to steal the weapons consignments. Two men showed up an American and an Indian. They saved the civilians and killed most of the attackers, sir.

CAPTAIN GARRETT
Only two men and one of them was an Indian? Where are these two men now? Was Jericho Wild among the attackers?

SOLDIER#1
I don’t know sir. After they blew up the supply cars…

CAPTAIN GARRETT
They blew them up?! And you two did nothing to stop them?

SOLDIER#2
Sir, these two men, they…

CAPT. GARRETT
I’ve heard enough soldier. Sergeant, arrest these two. You both will be transported to a military prison where you can explain further to General Montgomery and face probable charges of mutiny and a court martial. Meantime sergeant, see to it these people get food and water, I’ll inform General Montgomery I’ll be sending these two over in a couple of days.

The scene cuts back to Miguel and Jack as they near Jericho’s encampment.

EXT.   JERICHO’S HIDEOUT  EARLY EVENING

LUIS
Jericho! Miguel has returned with a guest! I think it’s the one you’ve been waiting for!

Jericho’s attention turns from ogling Raquel to another important matter. Finally the knife thrower is in his grasp. As Jack is led through the camp, he sees Jed, Ben and the others tied up showing signs of torture. Jack gets down from his horse as Jericho walks over. A handful of men gather around Jack with guns aimed at his head.

JERICHO
Well gringo, finally we meet! Not in the way you would have liked I’m sure, yes? Sorry for the guns pointed at your head, rude to treat a guest in this way I know, but a man with your skills makes it necessary!

Jericho sees the knives lining Jack’s outfit.

JERICHO
And  these are what you used to kill my men? Magnificent weapons, you must show me how to use them someday.

Jericho pauses for a moment then laughs as do his men.

JERICHO
No, on second thought maybe that is not such a good idea! Maybe I’ll practice using them on you. What do you think about that?

Jack is silent

JERICHO
Cat got your tongue? I say what do you think about that gringo?

JACK
I don’t think you’ll live that long.

JERICHO
You like to make jokes, huh?  LUIS!! Take this man and tie him up with the rest. I’ll deal with them all shortly!

Lone Wolf watches from afar and realizes he can’t free his friends alone. He kneels down crossing his legs, closes his eyes and goes into what appears to be a trance like state. Cut to the eight men being whipped and subjected to assorted tortures.

JERICHO
That’s enough! Ben…Ben McGee and his five companions. You’ve searched for me a long time as well…and here I am! Am I everything you hoped I would be? I will enjoy executing the lot of you! Why does no one talk? I haven’t cut out your tongues at least not yet anyways. And you, knife thrower, why are you after me? Did I kill someone close to you? I’ve killed so many it is quite possible.

Jack is still tight lipped. He stares tensely at Jericho not showing any signs of fear or worries. 

JERICHO
You don’t like to talk, eh? Well, you will talk soon, maybe more screaming than talking but talk you will, of that I am sure!

Suddenly the hooves of horses are heard from afar. Jericho turns. It is Don Pedro Vega and his band. Don Pedro sees Jack but without his Indian friend.

JERICHO
What brings you here my brother?

DON PEDRO VEGA
I must talk with you in private.

JERICHO
You have already interrupted our entertainment for today. Whatever you have to say you can say in front of us all.

DON PEDRO
You must stop this, this insane plan of yours! You can’t fight the Americanos! There are too many of them! Your plan is doomed to fail Jericho, you know this to be true! Stop this vendetta, all this senseless bloodshed and death of innocents for something that happened years ago!

JERICHO
You dare to speak light of what happened to our mother!?! She who was violated by five American bastards and lost her ability to speak? She who would leave this world a sad and pitiful woman never to be able to love again? And you have the gall to request I stop the American genocide because of ‘something that happened years ago’?!

DON PEDRO
Tell me my brother, on what do you base this revenge? The fact some gringos raped our mother or the thought that one of them was your father?

JERICHO
Now you insult me! I’ve always hated you brother! Hated you because you’re full Mexican and I have the blood of these stinking American bastards flowing through my veins! 

DON PEDRO
That is not my fault my brother! Why must you blame me for something out of my control? How can you turn your back on family, your own people? We should be fighting the Federales in our own country, not this insane personal vendetta of yours!

JERICHO
NO MORE TALK!!! Leave me!! From now on I no longer consider you my brother! If you ever come to me again, I will kill you! Remember that well…Don Pedro!

DON PEDRO
I will Jericho, I will. Sanchez, we go now! The next time we meet Jericho, it will be as enemies!

They all ride away. Medium shot on Jericho as he takes a few steps towards the camera.

JERICHO
(mumbles to himself) The next time…I kill you!

Cut to Raquel peering out through the tent. She see Jack and the others. She watches with much trepidation that the man she thought was dead may now be killed before her eyes. Cut back to Jericho. He turns towards Jack again.

JERICHO
Tell me knifeman, I heard you had an Indian with you. Where is he now?

Jack doesn’t answer. Jericho then pulls his gun and walks over to Fred Hunnicutt and puts the gun to his head.

JERICHO
You talk or I will kill every one of them one by one.

JACK
He’s dead.

Jericho cocks the gun back…

HUNNICUTT
Oh shit! I don’t wanna d…

…and pulls the trigger, blood splatters the man beside him.

JERICHO
His blood is on your hands gringo as will the others if you do not tell me what I want to know. 

‘Loco’ Lawson is next. Jericho readies his gun again.

JERICHO
Once more…the Indian, where is he, and the train carrying my weapons and ammunition, I understand there was a little problem.

JACK
I told you he’s dead. And the train, there’s pieces of it about ten miles from here.

JERICHO
Wrong answer again!

Jericho shoots Lawson. Raquel seeing the unnecessary violence clutches her chest in horror and covers her mouth to keep from screaming.

JERICHO
To hell with this line of questioning!

Jericho quickly kills the other three bounty hunters but spares Ben.

JERICHO
Luis, Fernando, Chavez, beat him! Beat him! Only don’t hit him too much in the mouth, he must talk, yes? Mongo, grab that hot poker! Burn him with it!

Claxton watches as Jericho’s men torture Jack mercilessly. He cannot hold back any longer and reveals something he had been too afraid to reveal until now.

JED
GET AWAY FROM HIM! GET AWAY FROM MY SON YOU DIRTY SONS ‘A’ BITCHES!! THAT’S ENOUGH!! ENOUGH! STOP IT!!

JERICHO
Wait, wait, wait, wait! This man here is your son?

JACK
My…my father? Im…possible! My father left when I was…a boy! I never knew the man…it can’t be! It can’t be true! This is a lie!

JED
I’m sorry Jack. It is true. I am your father! I didn’t mean to let you down, I just couldn’t cope with being a daddy. It wasn’t my time son. I hope you can understand that. If I could turn back time I would change it all, everything! I always thought you were still alive…and when I saw you today, I knew you were my son, Jack Donovan. I just wanted you to know ‘cause I don’t think there’ll be another chance…another chance to tell you I love you son.

Jack is still bewildered by this revelation…

JERICHO
Enough old man! I’ve heard enough of this familial sentiment! Donovan…this name, I know it!

JACK
You should know it! Think back and remember Jericho! Think back what you did to a man returning home from the War! Remember what you did to his family! His wife, his children! Four innocent children!! Remember you murdering bastard!!

Jericho turns away momentarily to gather his thoughts as to where he knows that name. His eyes bulge. He remembers now. He turns to face Jack. The two men stare into each others faces. Quick cuts back and forth between both men’s eyes. The screen fades to black as both men share a flashback.

EXT.   JACK’S RANCH (FLASHBACK)   MID DAY

(This entire sequence plays with no sound or dialog, only music)

Jack Donovan rides back to his home returning from several years in the Army to find his home vandalized and bodies scattered about. He dismounts his horse and looks around in horror. Suddenly, an unseen assailant hits him from behind on the back of the head. The screen fades again and opens on a close up of Jack’s face buried in the dirt. It is daylight. Jack slowly raises his head, his eyes half open. The camera pans back slowly to reveal Jack on his knees tied between two stakes. Jack looks to his left and the camera also pans left to reveal his wife and four kids also tied in the same manner next to him. The camera then pans right to reveal Jericho Wild and about a dozen of his men standing with guns ready. Coming into frame on Jack’s right, two men drag the lifeless body of Jack’s brother and carelessly plop him down in front of him. Close ups of each of Jack’s family members terror filled faces followed by a  close up of Jericho’s face. An evil grin creeps onto his scarred and chiseled features accompanying a pair of devilish eyes. A close up on Jack’s face as he feverishly looks to his helpless family than back to Jericho. Although you don’t hear the words, Jack pleads to Jericho. Wide shot as Jericho moves across his men over to one of Jack’s bound children. Jericho turns his head towards Jack followed by a close up on his face. Cut to a close up of Jack on the verge of panic. Cut to a wide shot as Jericho pulls his pistol and fires killing the first child. Close up of Jack screaming then back to a wide shot as Jericho systematically shoots the remaining children then finally his wife is shot. As she falls over she reaches out in a last act of desperation to touch her husband for the last time. He reaches out for her. Close up on their hands as they try to touch one another but their bonds will not permit it. Regina slumps over dead. Jack looks down at his hands. The camera does a slow pan around Jack to reveal the carnage next to him. Jericho walks back to the other side of his men resting his gun on his shoulder. Close up on Jack’s face as he looks up at Jericho’s men followed by close ups of their faces some of which Jack has already encountered. Cut back to close up of Jack as he curses Jericho with hatred in his face. Close up of his arms furiously breaking free of their bondage (slow motion). As Jack gets to his feet Jericho moves aside and his men open fire on Jack riddling his body with bullets (also slow motion). Jack falls to one knee and he lowers his head. Jericho comes back into frame and puts his gun to Jack’s head. Jack looks up into Jericho’s face. Close up of Jericho and the barrel of his gun as he fires a shot. Jack’s head goes back then he falls forward back into the dirt (all slow motion). 

FADE OUT

EXT.  JERICHO’S HIDEOUT  EARLY EVENING

The scene fades to black and opens on close up of Jack and Jericho in the same shot locked in each others gaze.

JERICHO
You!!!…..So you are this Jack Deth I have heard so much about?…How did you?…Impossible!! My men filled you with lead and I put one here myself!

JACK
You took everything from me! You took my wife, my kids, my brother…and you took my life! But you didn’t finish the job!

Jericho turns to Jed Claxton…

JERICHO
And now I take your father!

…and fires a bullet into his head.

JACK
NNNNOOOOOO!!! YOU GODDAMN…EVIL SON OF A BITCH!!! YOU BETTER MAKE SURE I DON’T COME BACK AGAIN BECAUSE IF I GET THE CHANCE…I WILL KILL YOU!!! (struggles to break free).

JERICHO
But you won’t!

Jericho rushes over to Jack and grabs his head. Medium shot on both.

JERICHO
Who has ever gotten an opportunity such as this, huh? I will get the pleasure of killing you all over again!…You are just as helpless now as you were then! I must thank you for allowing me the pleasure of ending your life a second time!…It pains me though. In a way we are much alike you and I. Don’t you agree?

JACK
We are nothing alike! You are a filthy butcher, a rapist and murderer!

JERICHO
Americans raped my mother! Five of them held her down and one by one they each took turns with her! I was born from that defilement! My mother never spoke again! You don’t know how it feels to hate a race of people only to live with the knowledge that you are one yourself! Yes knifeman, yes I will derive much pleasure from taking your life a second time! But…I will do you a favor! I will let you and your friend live until morning. This will give you time to think about all the things you accomplished in life, and especially the things you did not! Ha! Ha! Ha! You see, I can be a compassionate man after all!

At that moment Raquel steps through the tent tears rolling from her eyes. Jack with a shocked look sees her but doesn’t dare say anymore. Jericho sees her too.

JERICHO
GET BACK INSIDE YOU SILLY BITCH!!! I’ll be ready for you shortly! Well my friends, until morning!

Jericho disappears inside the tent. Jack lowers his head with many thoughts racing through his mind. The thought that he may never get his revenge and the father he never knew was around him the entire time and then taken away once again upon learning his identity.

BEN
Jack…I’m sorry about your Daddy. I didn’t know…as long as I had known Jed he never said anything about having any kids…I can’t even begin to imagine what you must be going through right now.

JACK
There’s no need to be sorry Ben. When I was young he was gone…and he’s gone now.

Jack looks away from Ben. Although he doesn’t readily show it, Jack is deeply disturbed by this revelation and subsequent murder of his father. Cut to the sun descending with the sound of wolves in the background. Night has fallen and a wolf appears in the camp. Voices are heard emanating from Jericho’s tent.

INT.   JERICHO’S TENT   NIGHT

JERICHO
Chiquita, I have been patient enough. I will show you how a Mexican makes love! I promise you won’t like it! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Raquel submits knowing further resistance will only feed his insatiable desire for domination. 

EXT.   JERICHO’S HIDEOUT  NIGHT

Cut to Jack outside helpless to do anything. Suddenly, the wolf comes from behind Jack and begins chewing through the bonds. Jack turns and looks at the animal furiously gnawing at the ropes. At first his face carries a puzzled expression until he finally realizes…

JACK
(whispers) I’ll be damned! Lone Wolf…but how?

Jack is set free and the wolf goes over to Ben and begins to release him as well. Jack glances over at the careless guards that sleep. He plans to make it a nights sleep they shall not awaken from. He stealthily goes over, kneels down, covers the mans mouth and plunges a knife into him (off screen). The other guard groggily opens his eyes and before he can react Jack takes the blade and throws it into the unsuspecting guards head. Close up on the dead mans face as Jacks feet are seen approaching in the background. He pulls the knife out. As Jack rises close shot on his hat as he lifts his head showing his vengeful eyes. Cut to the tent from afar then back to Jack as he makes his way towards the tent. Ben is now free having not noticed Jack heading for Jericho’s quarters until it’s too late to stop him. The wolf runs away.

BEN
(whispers) Shit! Jack, what the hell are you doin’?! 

INT./ EXT.   JERICHO’S TENT   NIGHT

Inside the tent Jericho has torn Raquel’s shirt away and prepares to remove her dress…

JERICHO
What my mother felt…the pain, the humiliation, you will feel too!

Jack sneaks up behind Jericho grabbing his arm with one hand and putting a knife to his throat with the other.

JACK
Do you feel this?

Jericho’s hands go into the air.

JERICHO
Ooohhhh, very good Mr. Donovan…or would you prefer I called you Mr. Deth? Anyway, what will you do now?

JACK
I oughta’ kill you right here!

BEN
Don’t do it Jack! We need him to get out of here!

JACK
If not for that you’d be dead right now you sick bastard! Raquel, are you alright?

RAQUEL
Oh, Jack, it was you that night! I prayed you were still alive! All this time I thought you were dead!

JACK
There’s no time for talking about that now. Cover yourself and we can go.

JERICHO
Senor Deth…do you really think my men will let you leave here alive? Or the ones that await you beyond the valley? Even if you did make it out, I would find you! Ha! Ha!

JACK
Shut up!! Move it!!

The four exit the tent passing by the campfires and a handful of sleeping guards. Jericho, sensing a moment of possible escape, pretends to fall knocking over several pots which awaken the men. Jack however, keeps a firm grip on Jericho.

JACK
Do that again and you’re dead!

JERICHO
You won’t do it gringo, because if you do, you’ll never leave this place! Ha! Ha! That is why you are weaker than me! Your name betrays you senor! You are afraid to die, I am not!

The rest of the bandits come out and encircle them.

RAQUEL
Oh my God Jack, what are we gonna do now?

BEN
Kill him Jack!! They’re gonna kill us anyways!

JERICHO
Yes Jack! Do it! DO IT!! DO IT NOW!!! KILL ME IF YOU HAVE THE BALLS!!!

Suddenly, the wolf appears again followed by another, then another and still more…all appearing atop the surrounding rocks. There eyes appear to glow a hellish yellow.

LUIS
Damn it! They’re all around us! Everywhere!

BEN
Great, either we’re going to be tortured and murdered by a psycho or eaten alive by wild wolves!

JACK
I don’t think so!

CHAVEZ
Sorcery! The American has summoned demons to kill us! 

JERICHO
IT IS NO MAGIC, KILL THEM YOU FOOLS!!

Jack turns his head to one of the wolves perched atop a boulder and they peer into each others eyes. Jack’s visage is reflected in the wolf’s eye. Then, the wolves attack the bandits. 

JACK
Ben, Raquel, grab a couple of those horses! Hurry!

Jack pulls Jericho close to him and mutters into his ear…

JACK
(whispers) You listen to me you greasy son of a bitch, you better watch your back because Deth’ll be creepin’ up on you! Soon…very soon!

Jack throws him to the ground and the three mount their horses and ride away. Meanwhile, more of Jericho’s men fall prey to the wolves. Jericho grabs a gun and shoots a couple of them. They mysteriously disperse once Jack and the others are out of sight.

JERICHO
SEE YOU FOOLS! THEY’RE ONLY WOLVES! ONLY WOLVES!! THIS MAN IS NOT THE DEVIL!! In Hell, there is room for only one Devil to rule!

Cut to the heroes riding away. 

EXT.   TRAIN STATION IN UNSPECIFIED CITY   MORNING

The scene dissolves to an unknown city far away. A train pulls into a station. Many people anxiously wait to board. A medium shot shows many travelers getting off. Close up on a pair of odd looking boots slowly coming down the steps. The camera slowly pans up to reveal a sinister face of a Chinese man. Eight others follow behind him. They all carry suit cases and all but the leader wear large straw hats that cover most of their faces. Their clothing is unusual and they all wear capes and sport metal gloves. An unfriendly looking bunch to say the least. The passengers boarding ogle at them intimidated by their rather villainous appearance. The group move away from the train and down the catwalk away from the camera as nosy people continue to stare and gossip amongst themselves. The scene cuts back to Jack and his friends.

EXT.   MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS   MORNING

BEN
Where’s your Indian friend? He’s not really dead is he?

JACK
He’s around.

BEN
What about the bandits Jericho spoke of in the valley?

JACK
We can go around through the cliffs. We’ll have to walk a ways. I’m sure there won’t be many scattered around those cliffs. It’ll be hard on the horses but we can make it.

Cut back to Jericho’s camp. 

INT./ EXT.   JERICHO’S TENT   MORNING

With some of his men injured or dead, he plans his next phase of attack.

JERICHO
LUIS!! Send the messengers! Tell the others it is time! To Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and across this miserable nation the war has begun! We will march on Fort Holman, kill everyone inside and take all their weapons and ammunition! Then, once we have taken back Texas and California, we will move state to state and lay waste to the Americanos until they are no more! But, first things first, take some men and execute those bitches, all of them!

MIGUEL
Jericho! The women, they are gone!

JERICHO
How did they escape?

MIGUEL
I guess in all the commotion they snuck out!

JERICHO
And you let them! Luis, kill him, I don’t feel like it right now!

MIGUEL
What? No wait! I…

Luis shoots Miguel as ordered.

JERICHO
As I said before, I only have room for the strong in my Army!

EXT.   MOUNTAINOUS REGION   DAY

Cut back to Jack and the others. Lone Wolf appears and joins them.

BEN
Where did you come from? How come you didn’t help back there?

JACK
He was there. Red, we have to find a way to free those women back at Jericho’s camp, if they’re still alive that is.

LONE WOLF
They got away. They made their escape during the fight. My friends will make sure they get to safety.

BEN
Your friends? What the hell is he talkin’ about? What friends?

JACK
You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. We have to make it to Fort Holman. That’ll be Jericho’s next stop. I’m sure he’s got a lot more men ready to fight. We have to warn those soldiers.

BEN
We can wire them in the next town.

JACK
The next town is just as far away. Besides, Jericho won’t do anything until his reinforcements arrive. Let’s get going, there’s not much time!

The four ride off. 

EXT.   ARMY OUTPOST/ JAIL CELL  AFTERNOON

The scene cuts to the military outpost. The two soldiers who helped Jack and Lone Wolf have been arrested and await transport to Fort Holman where they will be tried and court martialed.

CORY DUPREE
Do you think they’ll execute us? Put us in prison maybe? We only did what we had to do to stay alive.

GAVIN JOHNSON
Well they’re not gonna look at it that way. We stood by while those two guys blew up an armored train carrying military weapons.

CORY
But we helped save those civilians! Surely that must count for something! All those people were military relatives or wealthy delegates.

GAVIN
Well where are those people now? I don’t see’em standing in line trying to save our lives do you?

Gavin looks out through the bars that confine the two men.

GAVIN
It’s too late now. Nobody can save us.

DISSOLVE FROM CELL TO EXT.   FLATLANDS   AFTERNOON

The close up on Gavin’s face peering through the bars dissolves into a medium shot of Jack, Raquel, LW, and Ben on horseback. Raquel is relishing these few moments with Jack. The man she had been secretly in love with for years, the man she had thought was dead, could he love her now? Close shot of Jack’s face reveals his mind is elsewhere.

RAQUEL
Jack, what’re you thinking about? You’ve been so quiet for the past few miles.

JACK
I was thinking about everything that’s happened over the past few years. I lost everything I cared about most in the world. All these wasted years. 

RAQUEL
All this pain, all the violence and spilt blood. This revenge of yours, what do the two of you plan to gain from it?

JACK
Lone Wolf and I settling things with Jericho won’t give us those years back…but it will make the remaining ones a lot more pleasant.

RAQUEL
And how is that?

JACK
Seeing Jericho die will be enough.

LW
And all who follow him.

BEN
Hold it! Stop! Stop here! There’s an Army outpost just over those hills a ways. We could wire Fort Holman of the danger they’re in.

JACK
After what me and Red did at the train I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides, the traitor that’s helping Jericho may be down there.

BEN
What traitor?

JACK
Don Pedro filled us in.

BEN
Don Pedro? Jesus Christ, how can you believe anything he says! He’s one of them and Jericho’s brother for Gods sake! Why would an American betray his country like that by helping a slimy weasel like Jericho anyways?

JACK
Money probably, and for personal reasons I’m sure.

LW
There is truth in the bandits words. Everything is not always as it seems. What is seen as good is sometimes evil and what is seen as evil is sometimes good. Don Pedro is an honorable man. I trust him.

BEN
Give me a break! (mumbles) Honorable man…      

JACK
Let’s see what’s going on down there first.

The group lie down and peer out over the hill. Ben passes his binoculars to jack. He inspects the outpost and spy’s the two soldiers that helped him and LW on the train now behind bars.

JACK
Those two in the cell, we need to get them out.

BEN
What for, why?!

JACK
Those two helped us on the train. They’re probably in jail because of us. I’ve a plan and it might work.

BEN
We don’t have time for this! I can go down there, wire the fort and be back in a few minutes!

JACK
No! Lone Wolf, should we do it or not?

LW nods his head in approval.

BEN
What a bunch ‘a’ loons I’ve fallen in with! Don’t I have a say in anything around here? A cigar, anybody got a cigar?

JACK
Nope! Raquel, I’m going to need your assistance.

EXT.   ARMY OUTPOST  MID DAY

The scene cuts to Ben bringing in Jack and LW apparently “tied” up. As they approach the main gate a soldier questions Ben.

SOLDIER
May I help you? Who are these men?

BEN
These are the two responsible for blowing up that train a few days ago. I captured them and brought’em here. I figure there must be some kind of reward for their capture.

The soldier looks the two men over. 

SOLDIER
I’ll inform the Captain that you’re here.

BEN
Sure.

The soldier walks away. Close up on Jack as Ben leans over to him. 

BEN 
(mumbles) I hope this plan works or we’ll all hang!

Cut to the soldier entering Captain Garrett’s office.

INT. CAPTAIN GARRETT’S OFFICE   MID DAY

SOLDIER
Pardon the intrusion sir, but there’s a bounty hunter outside who’s brought two captives, one American, one Indian. He says they’re the two that destroyed our armored train a few days back.

CAPTAIN GARRETT
Really? Splendid! Let them in! I want to see these two for myself!

The soldier exits and goes back to the gate.

EXT.   ARMY OUTPOST   MID DAY

SOLDIER
You guys come on in.

Ben with a gun at their backs, shoves the two inside the gate. The Captain comes out of his office to see the two captives. 

BEN
MOVE IT YOU TWO!! GET A MOVE ON!!

CAPT. GARRETT
Well, well, well so you’re the two bastards that blew up our train, huh? Now why would you two wanna go and do something stupid like that for?

JACK
…It seemed the right thing to do at the time.

CAPT. 
I’m glad you find humor in it because you and your redskin friend are going to hang along with those two traitors over there.

Cut to the two prisoners in the cell. They recognize the two “captives”.

JACK
Those two did nothing wrong. We’re the ones that blew it up.

CAPT.
It’s too late to save them now. Those two conspired and aided two criminals in the destruction of government property. Property that was to be used in bringing down this Jericho Wild and his gang of outlaws.

JACK
If we hadn’t helped, his men would have taken the train and killed everyone on board. We blew it up to keep Jericho from getting those weapons. He’ll go for Fort Holman next.

CAPT.
Do you have any proof of this…? I didn’t think so. Fort Holman has enough men to deal with any bandits that may attempt an attack on it. I don’t believe that.

Suddenly, Jack and LW break free of their ropes and grab the nearest soldier. Jack grabs the Captain and takes his gun…

JACK
Well, Captain, we happen to be bringers of truth to all non-believers and right now the truth is this knife will slit your throat if you don’t release those two, right now!

CAPT.
SERGEANT! RELEASE THEM!

CORY
Gavin! We’re gettin’ out!

GAVIN
And for what? To become fugitives?

SGT RIVERS
Okay, out you two! Move!

JACK
Now Captain, we’re all going for a ride! First, Ben…go in there and wire Holman and tell them Jericho’s on his way!

Close up on the Captain’s face.

CAPT.
You boys think you’ll get away with this? You think…you think because you might avert a disaster at Fort Holman that what you’ve done here today will be forgotten, all water under the bridge huh?

JACK
Shut up! Ben, hurry up! We gotta go now! 

Cut to Ben wiring the message.

BEN
Almost finished!

CAPTAIN
HELL NO!! We’ll come after you like we did those damn Indians! Those filthy red skinned savages! Jericho and I had the right idea!

Cut to a medium shot of LW.

LW
What are you saying?

JACK
He’s not saying anything! So you’re the traitor! C’mon move!!

Jack and his group become noticeably nervous as does the men surrounding them. The Captain continues his tirade in an effort to escape.

CAPTAIN
We’ve been fighting the Indians for years! They continually interfere with progress!

LW
The whites killed my people, and other tribes to take their lands!

CAPTAIN
What we do is the same as what you barbarians do to each other! You kill one another to possess what doesn’t belong to you!

JACK
EVERYBODY ON YOUR HORSES! LW, don’t listen to him! Ben, we’re going, with you or without you we are leaving!!

BEN
I’m finished! They’re expecting us!

CAPTAIN
Ha! Ha! We had a deal with Jericho you know! We’d help fund his revolution against the Federales if he’d help rid us of the redskins. Seems he had other plans! A shame don’t you think? That’s why no help was dispatched to Purgatory! I was in such hopes that Jericho would come through on his end of the deal! 

JACK
Why, captain? Why would you do this?!

CAPT. GARRETT
Because we as the white race are superior! First we freed the slaves, then the Mexicans came, now we have to fight these devils to keep what is rightfully ours! I’m just one of many who will one day rise up and cure these diseases that threaten our white race! Ha! Ha! Ha!

JACK
But you sent your own people to be slaughtered! All for personal glory! You don’t deserve to wear that uniform!

CAPT. GARRETT
In this world, only the strong will survive mister! A few dead civilians was worth it! Anything to annihilate the savages!

JACK
A few dead civilians? A few hundred, Captain, and you let him do it! You could have prevented it and you stood by while he murdered scores of men, women and children! Thanks for the confession Captain Garrett, you’ve just implicated yourself as a traitor of the United States of America!

CAPTAIN
Ooohhh…you won’t be able to reveal it to anyone I’m afraid. ALL YOU MEN, KILL THEM! SHOOT THEM DOWN!! THAT’S AN ORDER!!!

BEN
LONE WOLF LOOK OUT!!

A soldier sneeks up behind LW to hit him over the head but LW grabs his arm, spins him around and slits his throat. The man falls down dead and there’s a momentary pause.

JACK
(whispers) Damn!!

The camera zooms in on the Captain’s face.

CAPTAIN
Now you will all die!

Suddenly the soldiers draw their guns. Jack shoves the Captain away as they open fire on them. Jack, LW, Ben, Gavin and Cory run and dive over objects as bullets barely miss them.

BEN
Well bright boy, what the hell do we do now?

JACK
Simple, we fight our way out!

Ben looks over at Jack momentarily with a stunned look on his face as if he doesn’t believe he’s serious in thinking that they all can fight their way out alive.

BEN
Oh what the hell, we’re outlaws now anyways right? Damn, I could use a smoke right about now!

CAPT. GARRETT
KILL THEM!! THEY MUSTN’T ESCAPE!

They each take a stick of dynamite from Ben’s satchel to help clear a path to the entrance. Bodies fall and scatter to avoid another blast. The group split up to make a run for the gate. The Captain spying Jack, heads for a Gatling Gun.

CAPT.
(mumbles) You can’t get away!

Lone Wolf fires off his bow that shoots three arrows at once. His arrows find their targets. As he moves a soldier leaps down on top of him. Quickly, LW rolls him over, pulls his tomahawk and kills the man. Another approaches firing off his pistol as LW rolls back and forth avoiding the bullets. When the sixth shell hits the ground LW tosses his axe towards the camera and it enters the mans head. 

The Captain fires the Gatling Gun at Jack as he runs across a plank. With each missed bullet he ducks further and further down narrowly missing taking a series of lead to the head. A soldier blindingly runs towards him. Jack grabs him and puts him in front of him as the bullets from the Gatling Gun enter the mans body. Jack pushes the body aside. The Captain fires again. Jack does a back flip off the plank onto the ground as the bullets follow closely. He throws a blade that stabs into the Captain’s hand followed by a scream of pain. Jack pulls his pistol and downs some men. Cut to Ben taking out a few guys followed by Cory and Gavin doing likewise as the camera pans over the three fighting for their lives. 

Cut to the Captain watching Jack dispatch his men barehanded one after another using various techniques taught him by Liang Jung. Garrett removes the knife pinning his hand to the gatling gun. With his free hand he grabs his pistol and runs for Jack. Out of nowhere LW tackles the Capt. The two roll around on the ground. The two get to their feet. The Capt. attempts to punch LW with his good hand but LW tosses him over his shoulder to the ground. He gets up.

CAPT. GARRETT
You goddamn stinking Indian, I’m going to enjoy killing you! Your time has come!

The Capt. swings his other hand and LW catches his fist.

LONE WOLF
I am Lone Wolf, warrior of the Cherokee tribe, and my time is not yet here!

LW digs deep into the hole in Garrett’s hand. He grimaces in pain. He drops to his knees. Medium shot on Garrett’s face. LW gets behind him, removes a large knife from his belt and quickly scalps Garrett. LW then shoves his body into the dirt. Ben, Cory and Gavin mount their horses…

BEN
You two get outa’ here! A lady’s waitin’ over that ridge! Jack, Lone Wolf, come on!

Ben starts to ride off when something catches his attention. He sees some cigars lying on the ground apparently flung from a soldiers clothes during the ruckus. He quickly leans down to pick them up.

BEN
Aaahhh what the hell…a little dirt never killed anybody.

LW looks over the bloody trophy in his hand and then throws it to the ground. Low angle shot on the bloody Capt. Garrett’s body as LW takes off with Jack through the gate. The remaining soldiers continue to fire at them.

JACK
Let’s tie this rope around the handle and set the dynamite!

Bullets fly through the door as Jack and LW set a surprise for the soldiers inside. They roll a length of rope and quickly jump on their horses. The soldiers head for the door and try to force it open. Jack turns his horse around and fires a shot igniting the fuse. The soldiers continue pushing on the door. With the fuse burning fast, Jack turns and rides to meet up with his cohorts. The soldiers continue to force the door…

SOLDIER
You hear that? Is that…? GET BACK, THE DOOR’S WIRED!!!

Too late to react the entire front of the outpost goes up in flames. The scene of burning timbers and a few frantic soldiers dissolves into a shot of the heroes riding off. 

EXT.   CLIFF OVER LOOKING HUNDREDS OF BANDITS   MID DAY

The scene then dissolves to reveal Jericho’s face. A look of confidence and bemusement fills his face as if he is about to accomplish his evil plan. He turns to see the many men in his group and soon hundreds more will join him as they journey to Fort Holman to relieve them of their defenses and weapons. Sadly, Jericho is hopelessly oblivious to the fact that many of his followers are aware that what they are undertaking is surely and undoubtedly a suicide mission. Even though they all know their leader is a lunatic they still follow him in the hopes that maybe there lies some truth in his words. Some of Jericho’s men talk amongst themselves.

JUAN
I don’t like this at all! I thought we were going to fight the Federales with the help of those gringo militants?

FERNANDO
But Jericho has his own plans! He only pretended to bargain with the Americanos to buy more time, only the knifeman and the Indian have made a mess of things.

JUAN
How can we fight the entire United States? Only a madman would attempt it! This will not work!

FERNANDO
Yes, and I think inside that crazy mind of his Jericho knows this plan is doomed to fail. But he does not care! His need for vengeance has consumed him!

JUAN
And we all die too because of this revenge?!

FERNANDO
Aaahhh! I will follow him. Besides, there’s no turning back now…for any of us!

Cut to close up of Jericho’s face.

JERICHO
ALL OF YOU LISTEN TO ME!!! You all are about to become part of a great battle! No, not a battle, a war! A war to take back what rightly belongs to us! We are going to reclaim Texas and California as Mexican territory! We will regain our dignity as a superior race to the soft, white, rich bitch Americans! They fight their battles with money! We fight with spirit and the will to survive…and no amount of money can buy that! For those of you who doubt our success remember you not only fight for me…but you fight for God as well! Our God!! It is his will that we will conquer and reclaim our lands! When that is done, we will ride and we will march from state to state and trample under foot any son of a bitch that gets in our way! With each new conquest we gain not only confidence but we will gain more warriors! Warriors with the same vengeful blood that burns within all of you! And once the gringos have surrendered I will make their presidente lick the blood of his people from my boots! Then…Ha! Ha!…then, we will deal with the Federales across the border! Without the fat pockets of the Americano bastards to back them, General Luego and his army of traitors will be helpless to resist us…! What we do here today…whether we accomplish our goal or not, will be remembered for all time! I will have laid the blueprint for others to follow in the future! Know this compadres, a man without passion, is a slave to his conscious…however, a man with ambition is king of his reality! WE GO!!!

The men all mount their steeds, some begrudgingly, but know the fate that awaits them if they refuse. The group of around two hundred men then ride off to meet up with others along the way. The scene cuts back to Jack and his group also riding towards Holman in hopes of getting there before Jericho.

EXT.   FLATLANDS  EARLY EVENING

LW
Jack, I think we should let the horses rest, they’re tired. We’ve been pushing them too hard.

BEN
My animal’s fine. We don’t have time to stop.

JACK
No, we have time. Our horses do need the rest. If anything happens to them we won’t make it to Fort Holman and probably not anywhere else. Lone Wolf knows these things, the animals’, they talk to him and he…

BEN
…talks to them right?

With Ben’s sarcastic response, LW looks over to him with a smile, something rare for him. The scene cuts to the group sitting around a fire eating and drinking. 

EXT.   FLATLANDS NEAR FORT HOLMAN    NIGHT

It’s nighttime but not much sleep will be had by them. After the meal LW sits to himself in meditation, Cory and Gavin talk amongst themselves, Ben lies by the fire staring at the flames pondering what his future has in store for him now that he is an outlaw. Raquel stares at Jack who pays her no attention. She gets up and sits next to him.

RAQUEL
You don’t mind if I sit here do you?

Jack looks at her but is silent.

RAQUEL
Okay…maybe you’d rather be alone…

She starts to get up when Jack grabs her hand.

JACK
Stay…please.

Raquel sits back down and rests her chin on her knees. She looks into Jack’s eyes and sees much conflict and turmoil behind those eyes. She only wants to bring happiness and solace to those eyes.

RAQUEL
Jack, what’s going to happen tomorrow? I mean, what’s going to happen to all of us? We’re not going to make it are we?

JACK
We might. But you’re not coming along on this journey.

RAQUEL
Oh yes I am! I didn’t come this far to go back now! If something happens to you I want to be there!

JACK
I’ve already lost one close to me. I don’t want to lose another.

Cut to Raquel then Jack as they exchange glances. Cut to Cory and Gavin as they discuss the next days plan of action.

GAVIN
What a fine mess we’re into now-branded traitors, escaped the hangman’s noose, and now await a possibly less humane method of execution tomorrow! Somehow I don’t think this is what Mama had in mind when she said-”Son, you join the service and good things will come your way. Your life will have purpose.” Purpose my ass! Mama forgive me!

CORY
I’m not anxious to die either Gav, hell there’s lots I haven’t done yet. I never got to marry my girl for one thing. I told her I would when I got out. Now…now I don’t know. That man over there has saved us twice and I think we owe him something. But come tomorrow, I’ll be there fighting alongside of him.

GAVIN
Yeah…Oh what the hell, me too damn it!

Ben gets up and sits near Jack.

BEN
So what do you know about Holman, I only know it’s damn big.

JACK
You know as much as I do. I imagine there’s lots of toys to play with and I’m sure we’ll get to blow a few things up real good too. Well, I don’t know about you but I think it’s time we all got some sleep…a few hours at least.

BEN
(Lights a cigar) Finally something I agree with you on!

EXT.   OUTSIDE DESTROYED ARMY OUTPOST   NIGHT

The scene cuts to Jericho’s group now bigger with another regiment of killers joining him. They see flames in the distance. As they near the flames Jericho realizes it is the remnants of the outpost run by his partner in crime Captain Garrett. A handful of injured soldiers think help has arrived…

SOLDIER#1
Thank God you’re here! These guys came in, broke two fugitives out of jail and killed Captain Garrett! One…one was an Indian and another…

JERICHO
…the other threw knives! Also the bounty hunter Ben McGee was with them! How long have they been gone from here?

SOLDIER#2
Aren’t you Jericho Wild? You and Capt. Garrett had a deal! You broke it! Captain Ga…

JERICHO
…Your Captain was a fool! These others just saved me the trouble of killing him myself!

Jericho pulls his gun as does several of his men. They kill the few survivors.

JERICHO
…Yes, Garrett was a fool…for trusting me! Fortunately, I am not! Onward…to victory!!

EXT.   FLATLANDS NEAR FORT HOLMAN/ CAMPFIRE   NIGHT

Cut back to the good guys camp. They all sleep. The camera pans over all the heroes as they sleep. The fire is slowly dying down. As the flame dissolves to a black screen, the rising sun immediately takes its place.  Cut to them awake and prepping their horses. 

EXT.   FLATLANDS/ CAMP   MORNING

BEN
Jack, what is Raquel going to do? Surely you’re not letting her come along?

RAQUEL
Of course I’m coming!

JACK
Oh no you’re not! Somebody’s gotta survive. You happen to be the most qualified.

RAQUEL
But I’m afraid for you Jack, afraid I’ll never see you again! I don’t want to go through the rest of my life knowing you’re dead after several years of thinking it! I love you Jack and I always have…and if you’re going to…then I want to be there with you!

JACK
Jericho owes me and Red too much. For Regina…my kids…my Brother…they’ll never rest in peace as long as he lives! You don’t need to get involved and if something happened to you, I couldn’t forgive myself. You go to Goldstone, a ghost town not too far from Red Hills. We’ll meet up there when this is finished. If I’ve not returned in twenty four hours, get away as far as possible and don’t look back.

Jack gives her a kiss on the forehead before getting on his horse. The five men then ride off to finish their quest. Raquel, left behind, watches as they disappear over the hill. It is now in the middle of the day. Jack and company ride into close up with Fort Holman just in sight. The fort is a gigantic complex that would appear difficult to penetrate. There are several entrances. One is a bridge that faces the front gate, another is an underground tunnel that comes out inside the fort itself and the other is behind the fort from the south. 

JACK
There it is!

BEN
It looks huge even from here.

GAVIN
They are expecting us right?

The others look over to Ben as he had wired the Fort the previous day.

BEN
Well, they sent back ‘message received’.

JACK
But no reply?

BEN
I didn’t have the time! You were rushing me damn it! 

GAVIN
That’s great, just great! 

JACK
Let’s just get down there first, c’mon!

They take off away from the camera towards the fort as the camera cranes up turns around and ascends the hill to reveal Jericho and hundreds of bandits approaching slowly. Cut to Jack and co. as they reach the bridge in front of the massive fortress. 

EXT./ INT.   FORT HOLMAN  DAY

Cut to a medium shot of the group as they inspect the huge building. 

CORY
Damn it’s big! There must be enough firepower inside to blow a nice big hole in the Earth.

JACK
Let’s go over slowly.

A wide shot reveals the scale of the fort as the six men cross the bridge when an echoing voice calls down to them…

VOICE (Lieutenant Gainfort)
STOP!! WHO ARE YOU AND WHY HAVE YOU COME HERE!? THIS IS A MILITARY INSTALLATION NOT A HOTEL!

JACK
WE’VE COME TO WARN YOU! JERICHO WILD IS ON HIS WAY HERE AND HE’S GOING TO HAVE AN ARMY BACKING HIM!

LIEUTENANT GAINFORT
AND WHY WOULD THIS JERICHO WILD ATTACK HERE?! SURELY ONLY A MADMAN WOULD ATTACK A FORTRESS SUCH AS THIS WITH ALL OUR FIREPOWER!

LW
Jack, look behind us on the ridge!

They turn to see Jericho and an army of soldiers. Large groups appear from all sides. Hundreds of them

BEN
Shiiitt!!!

JACK
LET US IN! THAT’S HIM THERE! THERE’S NOT MUCH TIME!

LT. GAINFORT
Sergeant! Go down there and let those people in, hurry!

Jack and his friends rush in.

JACK
Who’s in charge here? I must speak to him immediately! 

GENERAL COBURN
I’m in command here. Are you the one who wired us yesterday?

BEN
That would be me sir.

GEN. COBURN
Is that Mexican out there the one that’s been causing so much havoc lately?

JACK
 That’s the Devil coming down the mountain out there General, and he’s bringing all the fires of Hell with him!

GEN. COBURN
We are well equipped to handle any situation. We have enough firepower to send the DEVIL straight to Hell where he came from should the need arise.

JACK
The need has arisen General believe me!

GEN. COBURN
Alright, Sergeant sound the alarm, let’s get ready for a fight!

As all the soldiers prepare for battle, the camera pans up over the Fort to reveal the sheer volume of bandits led by Jericho coming down slowly from all sides. Jericho raises his hand for everyone to halt.

EXT.   HILLS ABOVE FORT HOLMAN   AFTERNOON

JERICHO
Luis, send a group around the other side to see if there is another way in. Report back to me if you find anything.

INT.   FORT HOLMAN   AFTERNOON

LIEUTENANT GAINFORT
We’ve got cannons around the perimeter, we’ve got gatling guns at all turrets, explosives rigged at strategic points around the Fort and every kind of high powered rifle and pistol known to man.

JACK
Good to know, that’s exactly what he’s here for!

Cut back to Jericho…

EXT.   SHORT DISTANCE FROM FORT HOLMAN   AFTERNOON

LUIS
There is another entrance on the other side as well as a tunnel.

JERICHO
You take a couple hundred men and go in through the tunnel. Tell the others we are going to surround the fort and squeeze our way inside. Hand out as much dynamite as you can but make sure there is enough to cover the entire length of the fort. Once we get in kill everyone inside and take the weapons. Try not to destroy too many of the guns but they must have some underground caches in there as well. Find them! Also inform the others no one is to kill the knife thrower. I want him for myself. If that order is disobeyed, the consequences will be worse than dying. Go now!

INT.  FORT HOLMAN   AFTERNOON

Cut back inside the Fort. The camera pans across the top level as the soldiers ready for battle prepping the various guns and cannons. It appears to be a replay of Custer’s Last Stand as only a few hundred American soldiers are about to be besieged by over a thousand Mexican cutthroats led by the crazed and bloodthirsty Jericho Wild.

LT. GAINFORT
I WANT EVERYONE ON THEIR TOES!! WATCH OUT FOR YOURSELF BUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WATCH OUT FOR THE MAN NEXT TO YOU!!  IF THEY MANAGE TO BREACH THE FORT, IT’S EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF! ESCAPE BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!!

ALL SOLDIERS (all together)
YES SIR!!

Jack, LW and Ben stand with the General observing Jericho’s army awaiting the siege to begin.

BEN
I swear if we get out of this alive Jack the drinks are on me!

JACK
Every night for a year!

GEN. COBURN
Do you know this man, this lunatic?

JACK
Yes I know him. One of your own knew him too. Captain Garrett and Jericho had plotted together. Jericho’s help in wiping out the Indians in exchange for guns to fight General Luego across the border. Only Jericho had an alternate plan.

GEN. COBURN
Captain Garrett? I don’t believe it! He was one of the most decorated soldiers in the war! I don’t understand why he would side with a madman!

JACK
He apparently belonged to a secret White Supremacist group. Hate makes strange bedfellows General. 

GEN. COBURN
Where is Garrett now? I must speak with him about this!

JACK
You’ll have to talk awfully loud General, he’s dead.

GEN. COBURN
I assume you all had something to do with it. When this is over, there will be an investigation!

JACK
When this is over General, we won’t resist. If anyone is left alive that is.

Wide shot of Jericho’s Army taking formation.

JACK
It’s important you leave Jericho to me and Lone Wolf General if you please.

GEN. COBURN
He’s all yours. I’ll have my hands full as it is.

GAVIN
It’s a damn siege Cory! We won’t make it out of here! We’re outnumbered ten to one!

CORY
Well if I can kill a hundred of those bastards before I go it’ll be worth it! I’ve always wanted to be part of something big, and this is it!

GAVIN
You’ve been out in the sun too long! If we hadn’t met up with those guys we wouldn’t be in this mess!

CORY
Right, we’d be dead!

Cut back to Jack as he looks out into the nest of killers and bandits zeroing in on Jericho who spy’s him also. 

EXT.  SHORT DISTANCE FROM FORT HOLMAN   AFTERNOON

Close up wide shot from the side of Jericho’s face reveals the long line of automatons he has amassed.

INT.   FORT HOLMAN   AFTERNOON

Cut back to Jack as he readies his pistol and grasps one of his custom made throwing blades, the sun glares off of it. Cut to LW readying his special bow, his tomahawk and other bladed weapons ready for the bloody fight. Cut to Gavin and Cory preparing their guns as they look out into the nest of killers. Cut to Ben as he lights his possibly final smoke. He then takes out his guns for battle. Everyone’s ready.

EXT.   SHORT DISTANCE FROM FORT HOLMAN    AFTERNOON

JERICHO
Give the signal, we’re moving in. KILL THEM ALL!!!

Shots are fired signaling for all surrounding the fort to move in.

INT.   FORT HOLMAN    AFTERNOON

CORY
HERE THEY COME!!!!

GENERAL COBURN
LIEUTENANT, ORDER YOUR MEN TO FIRE AT WILL!!!

LT. GAINFORT
OPEN FIRE!!! FIRE AT WILL!!!

Within an instant hundreds of bullets are fired at any man standing. Horses aren’t exempt from the carnage as they are shot down and some of the riders are trampled by others from behind. Jericho out in front, leads a large group across the bridge. Bullets zip back and forth claiming both man and beast. Cannons are fired, gatling guns mow down scores of attackers simultaneously and when one gunner is taken down, another replaces him. 

The scene abruptly cuts to Raquel on her way to the remnants of Goldstone. She stops and turns her horse around hearing the faint sounds of cannon fire and explosions. Close up on her face. A single tear runs down her cheek. She turns back and continues on as Jack instructed. 

Cut back to the battle. Jericho and some bandits have reached the front gate.

EXT.   OUTSIDE FORT HOLMAN   MID DAY

JERICHO
USE YOUR DYNAMITE!!

The bandits place their explosives and get down. Explosions erupt all around the Fort. In several places the walls are damaged.

INT.   FORT HOLMAN   MID DAY

BEN
DAMN IT!! THEY KEEP COMING, LIKE COCKROACHES!!

JACK
WE NEED TO TAKE OUT THE BRIDGE!!!

BEN
FROM HERE? HOW?

Jack motions to LW who then grabs his custom bow and arrow. He straps three sets of dynamite to three arrows and lights them. He fires. Low angle from the bridge as the arrows pierce the planks of the bridge. The bandits continue to cross when the dynamite blows. The bridge collapses and several dozen men and horses plunge to the rocks below.

GEN. COBURN
Lieutenant, take some men and guard the underground entrance! Keep those dirty sons ‘a’ bitches from getting in here! Close the damn thing if you have too! The Lieutenant takes a group of men down through the tunnel in an attempt to keep Jericho’s men from getting through. Some of the bandits manage to crawl through holes blown out from the walls. The first few that get in pull out machetes and chop away at whoever is in the way. The General sees this, points his gun and takes four bandits down from a distance. 

GEN. COBURN
With all guns, with all our firepower we can’t stop them!

JACK
General, I think we should get down there. They’ll all be getting in soon!

Medium shot on the General and Jack as smoke billows behind them and the constant sound of gunfire and screams can be heard in the background. Cut to Cory and Gavin firing down on the bandits. Jericho lights some dynamite and waits momentarily before tossing it into the air where it explodes knocking the two down from the top level. Gavin gets up.

GAVIN
CORY! CORY!! WAKE UP!! DON’T DIE ON ME!!

Cory grabs Gavin by his lapels…

CORY
Patricia…honey, looks like I’m not gonna marry you after all…..

Cory’s body is badly burned and he is now dead. Suddenly, the wall in front of Gavin is blown up knocking him away from Cory’s body. Jericho and some men rush in guns blazing. Gavin gets up and fires, yelling a battle cry killing a few of the bandits and receives a body full of lead in turn. His body falls over near his friend Cory.

GEN. COBURN
THEY’RE INSIDE!!!

JACK
This is it. Our last stand!

Cut to Lt. Gainfort and his group making their way down the tunnel.

INT.   FORT HOLMAN TUNNEL   MID DAY

SOLDIER#1
I don’t see anything yet, surely some of them must have seen the tunnel?

LT. GAINFORT
We’re getting near the end. I see a bit of light. When we get through we’ll attack them from behind. I can’t believe they didn’t find this entrance!

Suddenly, silhouettes of figures come out of the shadows and open fire on the unsuspecting soldiers.

LT. GAINFORT
PULL BACK!! PULL BACK!!! RETREAT!!!

The two groups exchange gunfire as the bandits outnumbering the soldiers push them back towards the fort. Cut back above ground. 

INT.   FORT HOLMAN   MID DAY

Jack, LW, Ben and the General engage the bandits in fisticuffs. One charges at Jack with a machete and as he swings Jack catches his arm and flips the attacker, then killing him with his own weapon. Another comes and Jack fires on him then another comes charging. Jack throws one of his knives to stop him. 

LW is attacked. He fires a series of arrows with amazing speed and accuracy as some of the arrows pass through one man and into another. Then four more make a run for him. LW loads three at once and fires them taking down three while one continues to charge. Before he can fire again the bandit knocks the bow away with his machete then swings it wildly at LW trying to chop his head, his arms, legs, etc…The bandit swings for his legs and LW does a back flip kicking the bandit in the chin knocking him to the ground. As LW lands on his feet he pulls his tomahawk. The bandit charges. LW flips over him planting the hatchet into the man’s head while still in the air. 

Ben and the General fight off a stream of attackers when the Lieutenant and the few remaining soldiers back out of the tunnel with Jericho’s men following them. Jericho sees them coming out of the hole.

JERICHO
You three cover me!

Jericho takes his rifle and picks off the soldiers coming out of the tunnel one by one.  Lt. Gainfort come out and before he can fire on Jericho he takes a bullet in the leg. Jericho tries to finish him off but is out of ammo. Gainfort turns on the bandits coming through the tunnel and kills as many as he has bullets. He makes it to his feet and heads for Jericho with his sword. Jericho reloads and fires again at Gainfort’s other leg, then both his arms. He cannot move. Jericho aims but decides against firing again. Gainfort sees a gun nearby. He grabs it and tries to turn it on himself. He manages to point the gun at his head and pulls the trigger but he is out of bullets. Low angle shot from behind Gainfort as more bandits emerge from the hole. They immediately fire a dozen or more bullets into the Lieutenant’s body. 

Cut to Jack battling three men at once. The three throw flurries of kicks and punches as Jack ducks, rolls and blocks the blows. He then fights back with blows of his own. He kicks at one who grabs his foot. Jack back flips and kicks with his other foot and upon landing ducks the man behind him and lands a punch in his gut followed by a roll across his back kicking the third man then immediately kicks the one bent over in the face sending him to the ground.  As they rise they pull their pistols. Jack throws one of his boomerang blades that slices through the bandits’ arms making all of them drop their guns. Jack prepares to shoot them when his gun is shot out of his hand. It’s Jericho.

JERICHO
BRING HIM TO ME!!! PREFERABLY IN ONE PIECE!!!

The three chase after Jack who’s out of guns and knives. He runs grabbing what looks like his belt but is actually a whip. He latches onto a beam and swings up. Jericho’s men follow to the second tier. Jericho turns his attention to Ben and casually walks through the violence and zipping bullets around him. 

Cut to the General fighting with his sword against machete weilding attackers. One swings and misses as General Coburn sideswipes the bandit in the gut. Then another from the right. The two blades clash taking both men to the ground. Coburn flips the man over. Coburn, lying on the ground, pulls his gun and shoots the man in the top of his head then quickly shoots another approaching from the front, all before getting to his feet. He looks over and sees Ben fighting barehanded, against a group of bandits with machetes. They swing from all directions as he ducks, swerves and rolls grabbing any object-tables, chairs-anything he can lay his hands on and smashing them over his assailants. Ben doesn’t see Jericho coming for him.

GEN. COBURN
LOOK OUT BEN!!!

Ben turns only to receive a hard kick square in the chest sending him flying through a table.

JERICHO
You see…I don’t need a gun to finish you! Any of you!

The General rushes to man one of the few remaining gatling guns. Jericho continues to pummel Ben. Cut to Jack. He sees Jericho manhandling Ben and gets a fist in the face for diverting his attention for a second. The three bandits punch and kick away at Jack who again does all he can to avoid being hit. The General looks for an opening to fire but dares not take the chance. He takes the big gun and heads back down. 

Cut back to Jack’s fight. One finally grabs his gun but Jack grabs his wrist and makes him shoot the attacker behind him. Jack then elbows the man in the face followed by a round house kick sending him to the ground below. From behind the third man swings a pole at Jack’s head and misses. Jack turns as the man swings again but this time Jack catches the pole with his leg locking it behind his knee between the thigh and shin. He grabs the pole then releases his leg kicking the man in the side of the head sending him flat on his back. Jack then impales the bandit and at the same time pole vaults from the second tier down below to where Jericho is fighting Ben. Jack lands on top of Jericho giving Ben a brief breath of fresh air. 

Cut to more bandits rushing through holes in the fort walls firing their guns. Suddenly, LW and the General come from behind a wall brandishing gatling guns and open fire on the Mexican killers coming through the broken walls. More bandits come up out of the tunnel. The General takes a shot in the shoulder. One shoots LW in the leg. He spins and falls dropping his big gun. LW throws a dagger planting it into the mans head, his body falling back into the hole. They retrieve their guns and kill the bandits spewing out of the hole like bugs. Cut back to Jack and Jericho and a bloody Ben McGee. The two rise to their feet and exchange glances.

JERICHO
Well Mr. Deth…here…here we are…!…You have made it this far…Can you kill me?! Nnnooo! You did not have the courage to do it before…and you do not have it now! What a pity!

JACK
It’s not over yet Jericho!

JERICHO
Soon mi amigo…soon!

Ben finally manages to get to his feet. He is breathing heavy, bruised and bloody.

BEN
Kill him Jack…while…while there’s still time…kill him!

Jericho charges Jack sending both through a door crashing onto a bed breaking it. 

INT.   FORT HOLMAN/ ROOM   MID DAY

Jericho grabs a table and smashes it into Jack. He picks up a chair and breaks it over his head then another but Jack manages to roll out of the way. He hops up and grabs Jericho from behind in an attempt to choke him out. Jericho frantically falls back against the walls trying to loosen Jack’s death grip. 

INT.   FORT HOLMAN/ ROOM #2   MID DAY

After several punishing blows including one that sends both men through another wall into the next room, Jericho gets behind Jack and puts him in a bear hug in an attempt to squeeze the life from Jack’s body. 

EXT./ INT.   FORT HOLMAN 2ND  LEVEL   MID DAY

The two end up on a walkway under construction. Jack tries to break free but cannot. He feels himself losing consciousness when, in a last ditch effort, grabs Jericho’s arms, and wraps his feet behind his bringing them both into the air and down onto the platform breaking through it and crashing to the ground below. Both men are hurt from the fall. 

INT.   FORT HOLMAN LOWER LEVEL   MID DAY

Jack staggers to his feet as does an injured Lone Wolf and the General along with the equally bloody Ben. Jack picks up his gun and the four heroes along with a handful of soldiers, all that remain of the men of Fort Holman, put their backs to one another. A crane shot reveals the good guys being encircled by Jericho’s forces, guns and blades ready to strike. Cut to a close up of Jericho’s bloody face. He hasn’t yet stood up. He begins to laugh as it appears he has accomplished the first leg of his conquest. He stands dusting himself off giggling under his breath.

JERICHO
You have lost! All your men…all the weaponry at your disposal…even this great fortress…with only pistols, dynamite and the desire to kill did we beat you…! Strength in numbers my friends! Strength in numbers! As for you Mr. Deth…take one last look at me as your own death draws near!

Cut to the few men in the center of the decimated fortress with the many villains closing the circle.

JACK
Well red, we made a good go of it.

LW
Yes, quite an adventure it was my brother. I am not afraid though, we will meet again on the other side.

Quick cuts between the four main heroes, Jericho and his men when suddenly, an explosion levels the only undamaged wall. All attention turns to the flying debris. The cavalry has arrived! Scores of troops on horseback rush in followed by, shockingly, Jericho’s brother, Don Pedro Vega.

DON PEDRO VEGA
GREETINGS MY BROTHER! WE MEET AGAIN AS YOU SAID-AS ENEMIES!

JERICHO
YOU…!….YOU HAVE RUINED EVERYTHING!!!

Don Pedro smiles and dismounts with the fighting having erupted all over again. Jericho, who moments ago spoke of strength in numbers, now sees his remaining fighters on the losing end. Jericho runs and gets onto a horse and rides out through the destroyed south entrance. Jack sees him, grabs a couple of his knives lying about and goes after him. The soldiers and Don Pedro’s men quickly get the situation under control. Jericho’s second in command also escapes. Lone Wolf follows as well. “Dirty” Diego Sanchez aims for Luis…

DON PEDRO
NO! Don’t shoot him! Let the dead man and the Indian have their revenge. They have earned it!

EXT.   OUTSIDE FORT HOLMAN/ FLATLANDS   MID DAY

Cut to Jericho riding away. Jack follows close behind. Jack fires, the bullets zip past him and past the camera. Jericho turns and shoots back. The camera is behind Jack as the stray bullets pass narrowly missing him as he swerves out of the way. 

EXT.   GOLDSTONE RUINS   MID DAY

Jericho reaches the ruined and deserted town of Goldstone where Jack and LW had holed up. Jack has forgotten that Raquel is there also. Jericho leaps off his horse while it’s still in motion then Jack comes around the corner, leaps off his horse on top of Jericho. The two hurriedly stand up. Jack unloads a flurry of punches than a spinning back kick sending Jericho through a window into what used to be a saloon. 

EXT./ INT.   SALOON   MID DAY

Luis arrives and fires several shots at Jack who rolls out of the way and into the saloon only to be greeted by an axe nearly taking his head off. Jack grabs Jericho by the head with his legs and flips him over.

 Cut to LW coming around the corner. Luis sees him and rides away. LW takes his bow, ties a piece of dynamite to it, aims the weapon at Luis. The camera is positioned behind LW with his target just in view. He shoots. The explosive arrow passes the camera and finds its target blowing Luis into many pieces, his horse collapses but is unharmed. 

INT.   SALOON   EARLY EVENING

Cut back inside the saloon. Jericho swings the axe wildly. Jack leaps over the bar. Jericho swings again and the blade lands just a hair above Jack’s head. Jericho tries to remove the axe. LW comes out of nowhere and tackles Jericho.

LW
Jack, are you alright?

JACK
(responds painfully) Never felt better!

JERICHO
You both want to kill me! It will be interesting to see which one it will be!

LW rushes Jericho who sidesteps and tosses him into the wall. He pounds away at LW’s back. Jack jumps over the bar and kicks Jericho in the head. Almost instantly, he grabs Jack and throws him into LW then plows into both of them with all three busting through the wall and rolling out into the street. 

EXT.   TOWN STREET   EARLY EVENING

Close up on Jericho lying on the ground getting his breath. In the background the General, Ben McGee and Don Pedro come into view. Jack and LW stand. Jericho rises noticing the men behind him then looks at his two adversaries. He realizes his time is finally up. The three men are battered and beaten, adrenaline being the only thing keeping the three going at this point. 

EXT./ INT.   DECREPIT HOTEL    EARLY EVENING

Jericho hobbles over to the dilapidated hotel. Raquel is in there. She comes down the stairs not knowing Jericho is coming in.

JERICHO
Aaahhhh, so Chiquita you are here as well!

She runs back upstairs. Jericho hides behind the door. Jack comes in and Jericho grabs him from behind and tries to choke him to death. LW comes through the window and nails Jericho with a flying elbow. Jack is released. He turns and nails Jericho with a powerful back kick knocking Jericho through the stair railings. Jericho, in pain, ascends the stairs. Jack follows. 

INT.   DECREPIT HOTEL 2ND FLOOR   EARLY EVENING

He comes around the corner and sees Jericho with Raquel as a captive.

JERICHO
You see Mr. Deth, this young lady is in love with you and so far I have taken away everyone YOU have ever loved!…and now I will take this one!

JACK
NO!!!

LW erupts through the floor grabbing Jericho by the legs. Raquel is released. LW pulls Jericho through the floor and both crash back downstairs. 

JACK
Raquel, get out through one of the windows! Some friends are waiting outside! Hurry!

INT.   DECREPIT HOTEL LOWER LEVEL   EARLY EVENING

Jack jumps down through the hole landing on top of Jericho’s chest cracking some ribs. He spits up blood and tosses Jack aside. Jericho staggers back to the staircase and starts up the steps once more. 

INT.   DECREPIT HOTEL 2ND LEVEL   EARLY EVENING

He tries to enter one of the rooms but the door won’t budge. Jack rushes him and the two bust through the door. LW comes in. Jericho grabs a glass shard and stabs LW in the gut then slices Jack across the chest with it. Jericho kicks Jack into a broken mirror. LW wraps a cloth around his waist to lessen the bleeding. LW does a jumping side kick nailing Jericho in the back sending him into the broken mirror as Jack gets out of the way in the nick of time. Jericho turns around with bits of glass stuck in his face and hands. He grabs LW who kicks him on the inside of his leg. He drops to one knee. LW pulls his scalping blade and prepares to remove the top half of Jericho’s head but he pulls a dagger from his boot and stabs LW in the leg with it. Jericho stands, picks LW up over his head and throws him through a glass window with such force that he lands on the water tower next door. Close up of Jericho laughing and the blurred image of Jack rising in the background. Jericho turns and sees a bloody Jack staring back at him. Jericho attacks but Jack unleashes a flurry of counter moves that stun the villain. Jack throws various kicks and punches and once Jericho is in front of the smashed window, Jack spears him through the pane and both men crash into LW. 

EXT.   OUTSIDE HOTEL/ WATER TOWER   EARLY EVENING

The impact causes the tower to explode in a shower of water. The legs of the tower collapse from the shock and the three combatants plummet to the ground covered in the debris.

RAQUEL
Oh my God! Jack…NO!!

BEN
They must all be dead after that!

DON PEDRO
Maybe not! One hell of a battle though!

GEN. COBURN
C’mon, let’s get over there quick!

The group rushes over to the debris to see if anyone had survived the fall after an already brutal battle. Raquel looks around hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

BEN
See anything?

GEN. COBURN
Nothing…wait I think I see…

A hand reaches up through the many broken planks of wood. Then the figure stands and it is Jericho!

GEN. COBURN
DAMN!

RAQUEL
He’s still alive! No!

BEN
NOT FOR LONG!!

Ben draws but Jericho, even half dead is faster. He shoots Ben in the side. He drops to the ground.

JERICHO
All of you stay where you are! Go ahead Don Pedro, draw your pistol! I want you to! I’m going to kill you anyways, you’ll only spoil the thrill of me doing it slowly! And you Chiquita, we have unfinished business, yes? Ha! Ha! Move over there! Get in a line! Your men Don Pedro, I will spare them as long as they join me! When others have learned what I have accomplished here today they will willingly join my cause! Success breeds fame! And I have won!

Close up on Raquel. She looks down at the rubble and sees something moving. Jack and LW are still alive. Jericho turns and tries to shoot them but his gun is empty.

JACK
I’m not dead yet!!

LW crawls out of the debris too hurt to stand.

JERICHO
Gringo, now you have earned your name! I admire that, but there is only room for one on this road of vengeance!

Jack nods his head. Jericho wants a duel with him. A duel to the death. The two men load their guns and slowly back away from one another. Raquel, the General and Don Pedro grab the injured Ben and LW and back away. 

EXT.   TOWN STREET   EARLY EVENING

As the two reach the required distance for the duel, Jack thinks back about his family. Flashes of his wife and kids at various times in there lives pass through his mind. This is the moment of truth, everything Jack has “lived” for. So much rides on this moment. He can’t allow himself to fail now. Flashes of their lifeless bodies and his own execution enter his brain. Liang finding him near death and later telling him-”You should be dead!” The two men remain stationary readying their pistols. Cuts back and forth between the two gunmen. Their faces, their hands, their eyes, then close ups of the onlookers noting the sweaty and nervous anticipation on their faces. Then cuts back to the gunmen again only the cuts are quicker-faces, hands, eyes. 

Suddenly Jericho draws (slow motion) but Jack does not! Instead he reaches behind his back and throws one of his few remaining boomerang knives (still slow motion). Jericho fires and the bullet ricochets off the spinning blade. (Camera behind Jericho as the knife spins towards him and in the same shot the bullet bouncing off the flying blade). The blade passes through Jericho’s neck causing an arterial spray. Jericho grabs his neck to try and stop the massive bleeding. He raises his gun once more to fire. Long shot of Jericho and Jack. Out of nowhere a tomahawk flies into camera range severing Jericho’s hand still holding his gun. The bloody axe slams into one of the dilapidated buildings. His gory stump sprays blood.

JERICHO
G…Gr…Gringo…I’m still coming!

The flying blade comes back heading straight for Jericho. Camera shot zooming from behind Jericho towards the back of his head. The blade slices through his neck completely severing the head from the torso. An eruption of blood shoots into the air. Jericho’s body walks a few feet before finally collapsing in a bloody heap. Having won and finally brought justice for the murdering of his family, Jack falls to his knees as if a great veil had been lifted from him. Raquel in tears rushes over to him. The others check on LW and Ben.

GEN. COBURN
You made it Ben!

BEN
Who’d of thought I’d have nine lives too, right? How’s Jack…and Lone Wolf?

GEN. COBURN
They’re alive. Beaten and bloodier than Hell but they’ll live!

BEN 
And Jericho…is he…?

GEN. COBURN
…he’s deader than shit! It’s over!

Raquel helps Jack to his feet and over to LW.

JACK
Glad you’re still with us old buddy!

LW
That makes two of us…nice to see you too!

The rumbling of horses is heard in the background. Everyone looks around thinking that it might be the remains of Jericho’s militia. It isn’t, it’s the cavalry of soldiers and Don Pedro’s men. General Coburn walks over. Don Pedro looks over at Diego.

“DIRTY” DIEGO SANCHEZ
Jericho’s men are no more!

CAPTAIN REEVES
General Coburn, is everyone alright? We’ve got the situation under control back there. Will you require an escort sir?

GEN. COBURN
No thank you Captain, I think we can manage just fine. I’ll be sure to relay commendations upon my return for you and your regiment.

CAPT. REEVES
Thank you sir. We’ll comb the area to make sure none escaped. There’re reports of uprisings all over the nation.

GEN. COBURN
When they learn there leader is dead they’ll surrender.

CAPT. REEVES
Then we’ll take our leave General. This problem’ll be taken care of in no time, sir.

GEN. COBURN
As you were Captain.

The Capt. and his group gallop away.

JACK
What I don’t understand is you Don Pedro. How the hell do you and your guys come riding in with the cavalry to save the day?

DON PEDRO
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Well my friend I turned myself in and gave up information about my brothers whereabouts in exchange for amnesty and safe passage back to Mexico for me and my Compadres! Also we rescued the women Jericho had captured. Strange, wolves were guarding over them!

JACK
Why not just stay here in America? The fighting is over.

DON PEDRO
No my friend, whether I am here…or in Mexico the fighting is the same. Only there I have a reason to fight!

Don Pedro mounts his horse…

DON PEDRO
Goodbye my friends, maybe we will meet again someday…as companeros! HA! HA! VAMOS!! VIVA LA REVOLUCION!!! VIVA LA MEXICO!!!

JACK
I think we’ll see him again! Well red, I think it’s time we left too.

RAQUEL
What!? You can’t go! We have to get you to a doctor! You…you’re going to leave me again?

JACK
Raquel, LW and I will be fine. We have our own doctor. Besides, we’re fugitives now, we can’t go back.

GEN. COBURN
Not anymore you’re not. You two died back at the fort. Any two corpses back there will do just fine.

JACK
What about Ben?

GEN. COBURN
Ben…Ben was seriously injured trying to apprehend the two of you receiving a beating and a bullet for his trouble.

JACK
We thank you General. Raquel…

RAQUEL
Please don’t go! Stay with me! I love you!

JACK
The man I am now is not the man you need. You need something I can’t give you right now.

RAQUEL
And what’s that?

Jack and LW get on their horses…

JACK
The right man. Goodbye Raquel. We’ll see each other again, I promise. So long Ben, General. Take care.

BEN
So long Jack, LW. I hope to see you around someday. I owe you a round of drinks remember?

JACK
I remember, and I’ll hold you to it!

Jack takes one last gaze at Raquel before he and LW ride away. The two ride out of the deserted town. Crane shot as they exit.

BEN 
(Lights his last cigar) Where do you think they’re heading General?

GEN. COBURN
Ooooohhhh…another adventure I guess!

EXT.   VARIOUS LOCATIONS   DAY/NIGHT

The camera follows them through a canyon and through grassy plains and finally a wide shot silhouetted against a sunset. 

EXT.   RED HILLS   DAY

The scene dissolves into the town of Red Hills five months later. Low angle dolly shot reveals a group of eight rather rough and formidable looking Chinese walking into town as a gust of wind whips up around them heralding their arrival. They all wear capes, metal gauntlets, chains dangle from their wrists and they wear large straw hats that cover nearly the entire face. Close up on what is apparently the leader. Cut to behind the leader as his group approach the saloon. They stop momentarily to observe the strange writings at the entrance-”No Chinese or dogs allowed”. The leader motions for them to enter. 

INT.   SALOON   DAY

As they go in the entire bar suddenly gets quiet. The others stop as the leader approaches the bar.

CHINESE STRANGER (Kang Hsu Wen)
I am looking for a man named Liang Jung! Where is he!?

BARTENDER
L-i-a-n-g who? Sorry mister, I don’t know who you’re askin’ about.

KANG
Liang Jung! I must find him!

BARTENDER
Now look mister, I told you, I don’t know him! Get the Hell outa’ here, Chinese aren’t allowed in here anyways!

Muffled laughter can be heard around the saloon. Wide close shot on the stranger. Three figures enter the background and stand in front of the door.

THUG#1
You heard the man! Chinese aren’t allowed so get out!

The stranger turns around carefully and opens his cloak on the left which reveals an odd object hanging by a chain from his belt. It looks like a metal hat with a saw blade along the brim.

THUG#1
Maybe you don’t understand English too well chinaman! You can either leave with your feet on the floor, or up in the air! Which is it boy?

Cut back to the stranger. Low angle shot of him stationary. His group remain still as well. The wind picks up outside rattling the windows. It is the only sound heard. Quick cuts back and forth between the stranger, who now sports a sinister grin, and the three men guarding the door. 

Suddenly, two of the thugs draw but before they can pull there guns from there holsters, two of the men flanking the stranger extend their arms ejecting long chains with spearheads at the tip from their wrists. The two thugs are impaled. They look down in disbelief realizing too late, the blades have pierced their bodies and into the walls behind them. The two killers retract their weapons. The two thugs drop to the floor dead. The remaining thug looks around sweat rolling down his face and breathing heavily. He now thinks maybe it was best if he had kept his mouth shut. Now the stranger grabs the odd hat like weapon in his steel gloved hand. The buzz saw like blade begins to spin! The thug attempts to run. Then like a discus the stranger throws the weapon at the camera as the screen goes black. Title card appears---LOOK FOR LEGEND OF JACK DETH 2: THE BLOODY BROTHERHOOD. Credits roll.

THE END