'Within Five Days'/Teaser
--Robert Dubh Nianque

(c) The Waterbearing Fish

Amid the hills lies a small village, time period between 700-1000 (ad/ce), whose roads are trampled dirt paths. On the highest hill stands a circular fort; on the hill nearest the water is a small hut. Here stays, on a rotating basis, a group of WATCHERS whose job is to alert the people of possible attacks from sea raiders. (Overhead camera shots; we see the WATCHER but don't get a detailed look)

It's late fall. The grey-black sky hints of winter's approach. THE VILLAGERS are preparing for evening: final purchases made in the market square, candlelight appearing in windows, etc. All is peaceful. (The VILLAGERS' wool outfits and THEIR attempts to stay warm tell of the seasonal chill, some VILLAGERS helping EACH OTHER show peacefulness)

The introduction to Jethro Tull's "Broadsword" plays as the camera returns to THE WATCHERS. FOUR are standing around a FIFTH who is looking out to sea as the song begins...

Now the camera shifts focus from the village to the ship. First, we see the sail; as we draw closer, we see the ship; an overhead shot gives us a sight of the CREW. MOST are rowing; THOSE who aren't surround the CAPTAIN.

HE looks towards the coast with practiced skill. This is an experienced CREW; all veterans of raids and battles. HE gestures to ONE standing at HIS right.

Closer shots follow. The VILLAGERS, men with a sprinkling of women, are arrayed on the beach where a river meets the sea. THEIR armor is leather; their weapons staffs, swords, and axes. THE WATCHER commands; the WOMAN, carrying a staff, besides HIM (we don't see HER cross). All look to the sea...where the ship approaches.

When sword strikes staff, the song uses a similar sound as it fades, the dream ends and we're in a bedroom. We see shadowy images: SOMEONE sleeping on a bed with a small table next to it. (Camera first shows the bed and table...then goes to the table.) On it are two books and a folded newspaper.

Then we go to the bed; seeing an outline of the FIGURE'S shape. The sleeping WOMAN wakes; HER face is that of the staff-wielding WOMAN. SHE turns on a small table light. (Camera uses the light to focus on each item--one book tells of the Trojan War, one book tells of Viking raids, and the newspaper has a circled article: "Merwolf Systems Eyes Associated Synergenics" is the headline--making sure we know what they are.) SHE says nothing but we hear HER thoughts.

WOMAN puts up pen and notebook while the room gradually dissolves into sunrise--the sky a mix of 'peaches and cream;' the horizon coral pink--while we hear the introduction to Jethro Tull's "The Clasp."

An aerial view of Fisher Island from above the island. It's about a mile across and roughly round in shape. Located off the coast of Miami, it can be reached only by car ferry. (We see the island but buildings, roads, etc. are blurry images.)

There's a path which circles the isle; a favorite way for runners, joggers, and walkers. At this time, a WOMAN runs on the path. SHE wears a snug sports top, running shorts, and shoes. Light weights discretely cover HER wrists and ankles. HER black hair is pulled back; a band holds it in place. (Camera zooms in; views HER from the air, side, and back; we don't see her face.) We hear the first verse...

Past the condos is the beach club with its rustic style buildings and small white sand beach. SHE goes up the coral deck, past an old mansion now turned into the club's main restaurant and bar, and by the coral-surfaced salt water pool. Peacocks wander over the pool deck; their plume feathers ruffled by HER passing.

More condos appear before SHE reaches the marina. Boats, sailboats (sails furled under cover), and motor yachts with polished mahogany decks bob gently on the waves. They crowd the marina's slips.

SHE turns onto the island's back side. It faces the Port of Miami; barges and cargo ships lie next to assigned piers. Towering rows of unloading machinery clank gently in the breeze.

Now SHE'S at the side across from Government Cut where car ferries go between the island and Miami and where the cruise ships enter and leave. SHE rounds the corner and heads for home.

HE presents HER the cup; SHE thanks HIM. HE bows, returns to the cart, and departs. SHE goes into one of the condos.

As HER door closes, camera dissolves--as the interlude plays--and we go to a large conference room. Two MEN sit at a table; EACH has a document in front of HIM. BOTH wear tailored suits and perfectly knotted ties.

One is a short pugnacious Cuban immigrant with brown eyes and immaculate hands--ROBERT MAYABERA. One is a cherubic round-faced man in his mid-fifties with fatherly features and a thick neck--LES ROSENTHAL.

They smile as the fourth verse begins...

Camera dissolves.

NOTES:

Written during 1999 and 2000. An earlier version was posted and later deleted.

Sources

'Tropical Storm'/Part 1
'Within Five Days'/Act 1

Annotations

'Broadsword'
'The Clasp'

References

'Pupsical Storm'
Greypup Productions