PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: HOIST THE COLOURS


FADE IN:


EXT. ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

CAMERA PANS ALONG A BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE FOLLOWING
THE ROAD TO LONDON.


EXT. LONDON WATER FRONT, EITC HQ - DAY


MERCER
(WALKS DOWN STEPS
TO ESCORT
NATHANIEL TO
OFFICE)
Post Captain Nathaniel Edwards?



NATHANIEL
(STEPPING OUT OF
CARRIAGE)
Yes, Mr. Mercer.



MERCER
Good, you made it. Lord Beckett
wishes to see you. This you must
have already anticipated.



NATHANIEL
(SLIGHTLY
INTIMIDATED BY
MERCER)
Yes, sir. I was sure I would not
just go to work.
(CHUCKLES, WHICH
DIES AWAY)



MERCER
(NOT THE SLIGHTEST
CHANGE IN
EXPRESSION)
Good. Follow me.


MERCER AND NATHANIEL WALK INTO BUILDING.


INT. BECKETTS OFFICE - DAY

GUARDS OPEN DOORS. MERCER AND NATHANIEL ENTER. NATHANIEL
POLITELY REMOVES HAT.




2.



BECKETT
(SMILES)
Ah, Post Captain Edwards, I am
glad you made it safely.


BECKETT OFFERS GLASS OF BRANDY TO NATHANIEL. MERCER LEAVES
ROOM.


NATHANIEL
(POLITELY)
Thank you Lord Beckett.


NATHANIEL ACCEPTS BRANDY.


BECKETT
I had you brought here to discuss
your first assignment. There is a
troublesome issue that must be
adressed. A captain of mine, Jack
Sparrow, is usually behind
schedual on his shipments. I have
one of great importance that need
be completed, and you are to
escort him on this. Mercer will
also be along.
(AS IF TALKING TO
NO ONE)
Am I right?



MERCER (OS)
Yes, Lord Beckett.


NATHANIEL IS STARTLED BY MERCERS APPEARANCE.


BECKETT
(Smiles)
Ah, very good. Thank you Post
Captain, that will be all.


EDWARDS BOWS HIS HEAD, TURNS AND WALKS OUT OF THE ROOM.


EXT. WICKED WENCH SAILING ALONG THE ENGLISH COAST - DAY

YOU BEGIN TO HEAR THE RAT-TAT-TAT DRUM BEAT OF JACK SPARROWS
SONG. PAN DOWN TO--

PANS TO SPARROWS FACE. THE BRASS ON HIS SONG PICKS UP. SHOWS
HIM SMILING LOOKING INTO THE DISTANCE. HE STANDS ON THE
BOWSPRIT. CAMERA PANS ALONG THE SIDE OF SHIP. MUSIC STOPS
ABRUPTLY WITH A DRUM ROLL WHEN CAMERA SEES AN EITC FLAG
FLOWING IN THE WIND.

JACK
(TURNS HEAD BEHIND)
All hands! Prepare to make port.
Ms. Maria please furl the course
sails.



ANNA MARIA
Aye Captain, all hands on the
ratlines!


SPARROW TURNS BACK TO LOOKING AT THE LOOMING FIGURE OF
LONDON. HE IS SOMEWHAT UNSETTLED WHEN HE SEES EITC SOLDIERS
ON THE DOCKS.


JACK
(TALKING TO
HIMSELF)
There's no living with 'im after
this.


WENCH CONTINUES ON UP THE THAMES.


EXT. EITC WATERFRONT DOCKS - DAY

WENCH IS TIED UP AND GANGWAY IS LOWERED. SPARROW WALKS OFF.
YOU SEE HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH A TIDY EITC UNIFORM ON.
AS HE STEPS OFF THE GANGPLANK MERCER STANDS WITH 10 EITC
GUARDS, BARRING HIS PATH.


MERCER
Curious, I was sure Lord Beckett
ordered the shipment to arrive 2
weeks ago, but you have only just
arrived. Why so late?



JACK
A man is never late, just not
early.



MERCER
(Scoffs)



JACK
Oh, I thought my orders said to
have it here two weeks from two
weeks ago.



MERCER
(His grim
expression never
changes)




4.



JACK
(Smiling uneasily)
Actually I was stopped by
a...convoy of yours to...inspect
my ship.



MERCER
Were you now.



JACK
...Yep, thats how it happened. It
all a terrible misunderstanding
gents.



MERCER
I'm sure. Lord Beckett still
wishes to see you.



JACK
I'm here aren't I?



MERCER
Never when you are expected
though.


MERCERS TESTED PATIENCE AT AN END, HE BRINGS OUT HIS PISTOL
AND NODS TO THE GUARDS WHO SEIZE SPARROW AND CARRY HIM OFF
TO BECKETTS OFFICE.


INT. BECKETTS OFFICE - DAY

Sparrow is escorted in with Mercer entering from behind.


BECKETT
(Looking out a
window)
Mr. Sparrow...



JACK
(Slightly Insulted)
Captain...Captain Sparrow.



BECKETT
It remains to be determined if you
are still able to rate that rank,
Mr. Sparrow. For now I am just
glad you were able to find your
way here.




5.



JACK
I had a little help.
(Glances Nervously
at Mercer)



BECKETT
Maybe that's all one needs; a
little help.
(Turning around)
So, I find yet another shipment is
late as are you.



JACK
A man is never late...'e's just
not early.



BECKETT
Is that so? Well seeing that you
are never early which could
possibly mean that you are never
on time then why should I still
employ you?



JACK
(Astonished)
Because! I'm Captain Jack Sparrow.



BECKETT
(Quickly)
For the moment you are.



JACK
What's that supposed to mean?



BECKETT
(Looking sternly
at Jack)
The Wench can sail with or without
you at the helm.



JACK
(Quick, and
desperate)
But I'm the only one who can coax
the speed out of her sails.



BECKETT
Oh, yes, how could I have
forgotten. I am getting terrible
at forgetting things, but there is
something despite that, which I
have not forgotten.


6.



JACK
(Obviously
uncomfortable)
What's that then, eh?



BECKETT
(Emphatically)
That being a mission for you, one
last chance as it were.



JACK
(Smiles weakly)



BECKETT
Are you up to the task, captain?
(pauses for
emphasis)
Or will you let me down again Mr.
Sparrow?



JACK
(The dropping of
his title at the
end of Beckett's
line not lost in
him, he replies
quickly)
Always up to not letting you down.



BECKETT
Good. Good.
(Begins pouring
Brandy for
Sparrow)
Then I hope you will prove to me
that I entrusted this assignment
to the right man.



JACK
(Feeling better
about the
situation)
Ah, proving oneself, 'tis the act
of showing another that he can do
things right...
(Grabbs a goblet
containing Brandy)
...with the proper compensation.
In doing things right he therefore
shows the other that he has in
fact been proven. Eh?
(Empties goblet)




7.



BECKETT
Why of course Captain, it is just
good buisness.



JACK
(Pouring another
cup of brandy)
Were I in a busy mood, what then
might i busy myself with?



BECKETT
There is a shipment of great
importance to the East India
Trading Company, and me. I cannot
discuss the contents, but you will
see when you get there. Mercer and
another individual: Post Captain
Edwards winn accompany you on this
endevour to ensure its speedy
transport.



JACK
(Chokes on brandy
after hearing of
Mercers job)
Well, we...I. Thats perfect I will
ensure that no one is disappointed
at all, saavy?



BECKETT
(Nods)



JACK
(Slyly)
I am going to meed ammunition for
my ship, and some extra comforts
to help the long voyage go easily,
savvy?
(Glances at a
barrel of rum in
the corner)



BECKETT
You will have the ammunition and
what ever else it is that
satisfies you.



JACK
(Smiling. Replies
quickly while
turned to Mercer
and pointing at
Beckett with both
hands)
(MORE)


8.



JACK (cont'd)
Good man!



BECKETT
(Sniffs)



JACK
Perfect we will set sail as soon
as the rum is loaded.
(Realizing his
mistake to say
rum, he quickly
replies)
along with the ammunition.



BECKETT
Good, Mercer and Edwards will be
with you shortly.



JACK
(Smiling
disarmingly)
Thank you kind sir.


Sparrow and Mercer both walk out of the room.


EXT. EITC WATERFRONT DOCKS - DAY

JACK WALKS PROUDLY ALONG THE DOCKS, EYING THE OCCASIONAL
WOMAN, WHEN HE SEES THE CARGO BEING LOADED ONTO THE WENCH HE
ABRUPTLY STOPS.


JACK
(Flailing hands
all about while
running)
Oi! Oi! Hold on there gents! Wait!


JACK STOPS AT A CRATE BEING CARRIED BY TWO CREW MEMBERS.


JACK
Open the crate please, this is the
captains cargo inspection.


CREW DO AS BIDDEN. JACK GRABS A BOTTLE OUT OF THE CRATE.


JACK
(GULPING SOME OF
THE RUM)
Very well done gents, carry on.

9.


THE CREW MEMBERS LOOK STUPIDLY AT JACK FOR A COUPLE OF
SECONDS, SHRUG THEIR SHOULDERS, AND CARRY ON LOADING.


MERCER
(Startling Jack)
Mr. Sparrow, I would like to be
underway as soon as time permits.



JACK
(Arrogantly)
Ahem, my name is "Captain" Jack
Sparrow...savvy?


MERCER TURNS QUICKLY AND WALKS OFF DECK. JACK BOARDS THE
WENCH.


NATHANIEL
(Warmly)
Hello, Captain are all things
ship-shape?



JACK
(Watching the last
crate of rum
being loaded)
Yep, pretty much.
(Yells)
All hands! Raise anchor! Cast off
the lines. You know Oi! Oi! Oi!
and the lot.


Ship is set off to sea, Jack fails to notice a large number
of ships being readied for another mission of Becketts...


EXT. MAIN DECK, WICKED WENCH. (DUSK) - NIGHT

Sparrow stands at the wheel enjoying the breeze of the
evening.


JACK
Mr. Wilsson, I think we owe our
guests a good hearty,
strong...ummm...magnificent meal,
so...step to.



WILSSON
(Annoyed)
Yes, Captain.



JACK
(Bends over to
grab a piece of
paper stuffed in the rung of a
barrel)
Oh...


He picks it up reading intently, then suddenly laughs and
throws it overboard.


JACK
(muttering to
himself)
Hah, EITC soldiers on MY ship,
preposterous!


CAMERA PANS TO SHOW THE SHIP SAILING OFF INTO THE DARKNESS,
STERN LANTERNS ALIGHT.


WILSSON
(Poking head out
from door)
Captain, dinner is served.



JACK
Good, invite Mr. Edwards and
Mercer to dinner.


WILSSON NODS HEAD IN QUICK SALUTE, THEN SCURRIES OFF.


INT. WICKED WENCH, CAPTAINS CABIN - NIGHT

SPARROW AND RANKING OFFICERS ARE SEATED AT THE HEAD OF THE
TABLE AS MERCER AND EDWARDS ENTER.


JACK
Glad you all made it safely.


SHOWS EVERYONE EATING THROUGH THE STERN WINDOWS.


NATHANIEL
So, Captain Sparrow do you enjoy
your journeys?



JACK
Utter enjoyment mate.
(Clearly trying to
make sure Mercer
hears)
I always stick to my duties of the
EITC. There was never a deviation
from my orders at anytime in me
career.

MERCER
(Picks at his food and sets down his
fork, looking at Jack) Never a
deviation from your orders
maybe, Mr. Sparrow, but orders
given by others... (He lets the thought
trail off but the message is clear)

JACK
(Squints his eyes
at Mercer)
I thought we were past all of this
mate.

MERCER
Past it? (He swallows his rage along
with a piece of meat and glares at
Jack) Maybe you are
past it, but the EITC has
suffered loss from your
untimeliness.

JACK
I am terribly sorry, if there are
any delays to be had on this
mission I shall inform you
immediately.

MERCER
(Suddenly begins choking. Before
anyone can react he pounds himself
on the chest and spits out a chunk
of meat. The others stare at him.
Mercer seems not to notice their
astonished looks.)

JACK
(Staring at Mercer in disbelief)
Under orders not to choke?

MERCER
(Shakes his head and looks down,
picking up his fork again) Just
remember the deadline
this time. That's all.

JACK
(Still in a bit of shock over what he
just witnessed, he smiles weakly at
Mercer.) Of course, mate. (He
looks at the others.) On a higher
note, why are you on this mission
Mr. Mercer?



MERCER
Sir Beckett did say that this
mission was important did he not.



JACK
See, there comes a moment when
things are of the importance, but
on the lower-side of said
importance, and a moment where
there is a loftier side of the
importance. I would probably rank
this importance at about
upper-lower side, or lower-lofty
side of importance, but seeing
that you think it is a bit
important i will rank it
mid-lower-lofty importance on my
absolutely...strung out chart of
importance.


STIFLED LAUGHTER CAN BE HEARD AMONGST THE OFFICERS.


MERCER
(Confused)
Mid-lower-lofty side?



JACK
(Quickly and
intelligently)
Or mid-upper-lower side if you
would. Possibly a tad lower than
the median of the mid-upper-lower side, savvy?


ALL THE OFFICERS, UNABLE TO CONTAIN THEMSELVES ANYMORE, BREAK OUT
LAUGHING. EVEN EDWARDS LAUGHS, THEN STOPS WHEN HE CATCHES MERCER
GLARING AT HIM.



MERCER
I don't think it is funny, Mr. Sparrow. (crew stops laughing when they see the cold anger in the eyes of Mercer) Keep in your consideration why you are on this trip, and what would happen if you fail. Good evening, gentlemen.
(Walks off.)

JACK
(Thinks of the things Mercer just said, looking uneasily. Looks up again to the officers.)
Did you notice he has a funny accent?



FADE OUT.

[MISSING SCENE(S)]

EXT. QUARTER DECK OF THE WICKED WENCH - NIGHT

JACK LEANS ON THE RAILING LOOKING ACROSS THE MOONLIGHT
SPATTERED SEA.
EDWARDS IS WORKING ON A POSITION FIX USING A SEXTANT.


JACK
So how do you like sailing at sea?



NATHANIEL
(Continuing with his sextant)
Ah, the sea; always changing,
never contained.



13.



JACK
That, my friend, is the definition
of freedom.



NATHANIEL
(Drops what he is doing)
You seem to care much for your freedom.



JACK
That I do.



NATHANIEL
(Earnestly)
This ship does not belong to Beckett, does she? She's your own
ship, right? Then why are you not off on your own?



JACK
You know, I have absolutely no
idea.



NATHANIEL
You long to be free, as do we all.
But we are all pawns in the greater
chess game.



JACK
Pawns? Trifles. I would be a
Knight in this chess game.
Beckett doesn't understand how
much he will lose if he removes
me.



NATHANIEL
I'm afraid Lord Beckett knows
exactly what he will lose by
removing you... nothing. You
are a good man, Jack. Just
a little misguided.



JACK
Misguided? On this mission? More
like misinformed. I hardly know what
this is all about.



NATHANIEL
(Quietly)
Neither do I. But do be careful. There
seems to be more at stake than you
realize. Mercer is not here for nothing.



JACK
Always a lack of information. Never
a clear answer. Why?



MERCER
Lord Beckett knows the value of
information.



JACK
(Surprised)
Shouldn't you be in bed by now?



MERCER
I get that often. Usually it is that
individual's last words. I hope they
won't be yours.



FADE OUT.

[MISSING SCENE(S)]

INT. WICKED WENCH, JACKS OFFICE - DAY

Jack is staniding in his office and looking throughout the windows.
Footsteps are heard. Jack turns his head slightly towards doors.
Mercer opens the door and enters.
Jack turns towards doors.


MERCER
(angry)
Mr. Sparrow... Are we running late? Again ?!



JACK
...Of course not. CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow is never late.



MERCER
Oh really? We should have seen land two days ago!
(pointing at him)



JACK
How did you figure that? Navigation is not an exact science.

There's plenty of variables that can delay one.

Wind, current, weather conditions, absence of rum.



MERCER
You better do something about that or... (grabs his pistol)



JACK
Sure. I'll summon some land for you straight away.

Who do you think I am? Poseidon?



SAILOR
(Heard form the deck)
Land ho!!!



Jack smiles at Mercer.



EXT. WICKED WENCH, MAIN DECK

Jack and Mercer walking out of Jack's office.
We see some sailors passing by them as they
walk towards Edwards who is looking through the spyglass.
Jack grabs his own spyglass and looks.



JACK
(to Mercer)
There's your land.



Mercer grumbles. Clearly he is disappointed.



JACK
Set a course along the shore, if you please, Mr Edwards.



EDWARDS
Aye aye, captain!



Jack walks into his cabin and returns on deck with some charts.

He starts observing the coastline and comparing it with the charts.



JACK
Very impressive, Mr. Edwards. Right where we should be.
(to the sailors)
Prepare the boats for landing!