Episode 2: Part 2

Aftermath from the crash

Daedelus: Whats the damage Jeffries?

Jeffires: Well best I can figure Lefty and Brawnmen were in the storage hub when it got knocked off. It should float, for a couple of hours at least, but we won't be able to take off and look for it until we find a new fuel pump. Not going to be easy either, The Pegasus is a rare breed sir.

Tarkington: Well chaps, best I figure we're straight up sticky toffee, sideways (sideways in this context means 'unless') one of you can buggle a class five bloody fuel pump north of yur arse. No need to get all lemon and lime over Brawnman, bloody barbarian had it comming, never thought it would be drowning though.

DD: I wouldn't count Brawnman out, I've seen that man fight his way out of a turkish whorehouse, and if I was a gambling man I'd bet that tide are already turning in favor of old Flex Brawnman. Tarkington, you wouldn't happen to have kept in contact with any of your old mates from the Mahalo excavation would you?

Tarkington: Be honest i ahven't been back 'eya since I was a wee kid, nobody but the bloody natives really care for the old stuff anymore, and you'd be better off not buggering around with them. Most of the proper dirt dusters right packed up after Kilaeua lost 'er temper aynway. Last I heard Wally McBruce's old bag was running a bootleg joint just north of Maui. Wouldn't mind catching up with the old bastard actually.

Jeffries: McBruce? You've gotta be kidding me, i wouldn't trust that damn smugglers more than one of Flex's turkish whores.

CT: He's not like that Jeffries, Ol' Bruccies's saved my ass more times'n I can figure. Why back when I was still smuggling...

Daedelus: Its not like we've got a lot of options Jeffires. If you'd prefer you could stay and do what repair work you can. The old biplane should still be in working condition, perhaps we should dust it off an' at least pay this Wally character a visit.

CT: 'Ats the spirit Daedelus! C'mon Johnny, we're going to go see one of my old scumbag friends!

Johnny: Oh boy!

(Scene cut to the storage hub, which is slowly filling with water.)

RB: Keep scooping boy! She's taking one hellova drink fer a lady her size.

Lefty: I'm tired, and my shoes are getting wet.

FB: And a whole lot more of you's gonna be wet soon if you don't start putting some muscle into bucket 'a yours.

Lefty: But i'm soooo tired

FB: You keep scooping or I'll box your ears

Lefty: (scared) right

FB: RIGHT!

***Cut back to show theme song or to 1960's era ambient instrumental***

Naration: "And the plot thickens! Thickens like rich chocolate Ovaltien! Ovaltien! Fortified with vitamins and minerals for the growing boy adventurer! Rich chocolate Ovaltien! Official sponsor of Johnny Dangerfist boy adventurer.

***Play a bit of the theme song***

***Prop Plane Landing at mansion***

***Heavy thud as men jump from plane

CT: Why this place hasn't changed one bit! It looks just like it did when I was a kid.

WM: (heavy australian accent) Hello Daedlus (said with disgust) I see you're hanging around with this loser.

CT: whats it to you? Bit of a surprise seeing you 'ere, last I 'eard you were rotting in Venezualan prison.

WM: And yet 'ere I stand. You got some nerve showing your face here you little rippa, what afta letting me take the heat fa' that right spectacle you pulled in Venezuala. I've 'alf a mind to kill you and take back the bloody ring. Bloody pirates still show up from time to time tryin' a buy your 'ed

CT: An' what do you tell em?

WM: I told em that i'd give it to 'em if I though they'd find anything interestin' inside of it, both men laugh) Coyne, you're a tough bloke ta stay buggahd with. Lets go inside and drown ourselves in cheap navy rum.

***door slams roudy bootlegger sounds***

DD: Johnny, you stay here, the grownups have some business we have to take care of out back.

Bartender: What'll it be boy?

JD: Rich Chocolate Ovaltine please!

Bartender: Steaming hot or ice cold? Ovaltine is great either way!

JD: I take my Rich Chocolate Ovaltine ice cold please!

***sound of glass hitting the counter)

JM: (also australian) G'day mate! Joey Mcbrucy, Boy Adventurer, make ya'quaintence.

JD: Ow wow! another boy adventurer! What kind of adventures do you go on?

JM: I go on all kinds of adventures. I've met Mercenaries, swashbucklers, pirates, chinamen. (pending)

Pirate Captain: Ello there Joey, mind if I have a look at the those blow darts ya' found in Brazil.

JM: Do I ever!

JD: Oh wow! Real pirates, this is exciting!

Flashcut to back to sinking compartment

FB: Well lefty, its starting to look like we're going to have to swim for it.

Lefty: (line)

***Engine sounds***

FB: Hawaiian fishermen, looks like this could be our lucky day.

(shotglasses slam on table bootlegger music comes back)

WM: Lets cut down to brass tax eh Coyne, you aven't been back ere since you got caught picking pockets, what brought you back?

CT: Be honest, we've found ourself in straight up Barney. Brawnman lost out at sea and our airship is right sixes without a new class five.

WM: Class five's a rare breed these days, shops round here probably wouldn't have have it. There's an old airfield down on the water, I'd go two up that you'd find a class five if you were willing to tear up a coupla old birds.

CT: I do owe you, you bloody Boogen. Lets grab Johnny and go.

WM: One second, I need to say goodbye to somebody at the bar.

Travel Transition, maybe another Ovaltien comercial.

***Waves on the beach***

DD: It sad to see so many great airships in such disrepair.

CT: And someday the world won't have need for relics like us either Daedelus.

***Metal thudding to ground

WM: Well mates it may not be a class five mate, but it should get you gents where you need to go.

CT: McBruce, I really can't thank you enough.

DD: And here I thought he was going to turn on us.

WM: Well its certainly not too late for that mates!

***gun sounds, in my head I hear shotguns getting cocked***

Pirate: Ah, Mr. Tarkington, its been quite a while. (needs to sound 'more piratey')

CT: You sold me to the Pirates Wally? What was the price?

WM: This doesn't have to end like this, Coyne, just give me the ring.

CT: Never!

***Motor sounds***

(I see the fishing boats catching the pirates in their fishing nets)

End of the episode confession/reconciliation scene

Johnny: Well gee Mr. Tarkington I'm really sorry you had to give away your Aztec ring.

CT: You don't mean this ring do you Johnny?

(sound of silver falling on a table)

CT: Between Vlad and I, I was always the better smuggler. You see Johnny, sometimes its ok to lie. As long as the man you're lying to is Australian.

(Dramatic takeoff scene)

Narrate out

Next time on Johnny Dangerfist! Trouble over the China sea!

OK, i need a break

The Honolulu Typhoon

The Honolulu Typhoon

Narrator:
The impressive around-the-world race took Pegasus west over the Pacific and the two zeppelins quickly lost one another in the dark of night over the ocean. Daedalus and his crew had flown over this stretch of water before and they settled into a calm. Pegasus was an older zeppelin but had been carefully maintained and upgraded by the engineer Jeffries. In the meantime, initial excitement of the race and San Francisco had worn off and it was replaced by the monotony of trans-ocean travel. Johnny and Lefty struggled to find entertainment and wandered down to the propulsion plant to look for diversion. It was a strange world inhabited by a strange man who seemed really to like his engines.

JD: Well Lefty, I’m getting pretty bored again. What should we do?

Lefty: We could go find Mr. Tarkington and ask him to tell us another story. He has lots of stories.

JD: He does have lots of stories, but I think he’s sleeping Lefty…..I know!! Lets go visit Mr. Jeffries in the engine room! Ive never been down there.

Lefty: It seems dangerous Johnny, isn’t it dark and scary?

JD: Just don’t touch anything Lefty, you know why.

L: I know, I know, I’m left-handed.

(Steps, machinery noises, reactor noise getting louder, wrench sound, door opens everything louder)

JD: Hello Jeffries!

J: Ello boys! What brings you down here?

JD: We’re bored.

J: Well you’ come to the raight plaice! Just stan in that corner there and don’t touch ANYTHIN!

JD: Umm ok.

(clanking noise)

Lefty: What does this do Jeffries?

J: That’s a wrench Lefty, put it down.

Lefty: What about this?

J: Thats the steam valve! Be careful!! Its hot!

JD: Is this a gun??

J: No that’s weldin’ torch. Put it down!!! Damnit lads, you don’t see me comin round to your rooms and touchin everything do ya?? “whats this? Whats this? What does this do?”

Lefty: Wait, wait, Jeffries. What DOES this do? Is this a reactor??

J: Haggis and scotch boy, that’s a coffee maker!!

Lefty: And what does it do?

J: It. Makes. Coffee.

L: Oh, well why didn’t you say that?

J: Lads I think its time you go, before I THROW YOU OFF THE ZEPPELIN!!

JD: Cmon Lefty, I guess we better go. I told you not to touch anything.

L: Oh gee Johnny, I was just curious.

JD: Yea, well remember what happened last time you were curious? at the museum?

L: (sigh) yeesss.

(Steps, door, engine room receeding)

Narrator: The Pegasus sped through the night. But as the zeppelin neared Hawaii a north Pacific storm had engulfed our heroes. The crew were shaken from their relaxation and ran to man their stations. Daedalus had seen many a storm in his day, but this was one of the worst. Johnny and Lefty ran to the bridge.

(Running, door slams, chatter on the bridge and stormy)

D: Maintain your heading there! We don’t want to miss the islands!!

MSC: Captain! Weve got several tears along the starboard side!! She’s taking a beating!

D: Understood. (over intercom) Jeffries, I need you on the bridge.

J: Aye aye capn!

(Major crash, sounds of equipment falling, Lefty shouts)

J: ello Captain. Bit of a tickle eh?

Tarkington: You could say that, it’s a real pacific tit teaser!!

D: Steady boys, gusts from the north. Stay on course!!

JD: Is the Pegasus going to make it?

J: She may be old, but she’s sassy!

T: Oh lord Jeffries. Must you?

J: You know it as much as anyone Tarkington.

D: Jeffries, I need every bit of juice we can get out of her! We gotta make Honolulu before this typhoon shreds us!

J: I think the old girl has a bit more milk for us!

T: Good god man!

D: Coyne! Go have a look at the aft damage.

T: You got it Daedalus.

JD: Captain what can I do?

D: Well you can go get Lefty out from behind that fallen radio for starters.

JD: Oh no! Lefty!

L: Im ok Johnny. Just move it so I can get out.

(Intercom Jeffries: Capn, I think I got us a few more knots!)

(Int D: Thank you jeffries.)

D: Ill take the helm now.

MSC: aye aye captain.

Wireless: This is Honolulu Zeppelin Port calling inbound zeppelin, identify yourself please.

D: (w) Hello Honolulu, this is Drake Daedalus with Pegasus. Request emergency approach clearance.

Wireless: Roger that, you are cleared. You better get that crate of yours on the deck, this typhoon is only getting worse!

D: (w) Yes, thank you Honolulu. (off air) Ya think? What does this look like? A summer drizzle?

JD: It looks like a typhoon to me!

(door slams)

FB: Daedalus!! Weve spotted Honolulu off the port side! I also think I saw Wotansraven (said very American) descending to starboard. I almost blew off their tail with the anti-aircraft guns, it was so tempting.

D: Thanks Flex, save the aggression for later though. You’ll get your chance.

FB: Your damn straight I will! That Hun baron is gonna pay for his meddling!

A gentlemen's Wager

In the annals zeppelin racing, there are few incidents as famous as the Atomic Age Zeppelin Race between the Pegasusand Wotansraven. Coincidentally, there are few boy adventurers as famous as Johnny Dangerfist, or as pathetic as his brother Lefty. The race, which spanned most of globe and the greater part of a fortnight, has been hailed as a triumph of our time and as one of the worst potential disasters of the modern era. There is little doubt that the careers of the great Captain Drake Daedalus or his nemesis, Baron Siegfried von Schmeck, would have been extremely different, and most probably much more boring, had they not undertaken this competition. Johnny and Lefty Dangerfist, next to Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Calvin and Hobbes, and Vladimir and Estragon seem to the casual eye to be unsuspecting heroes. It is sometimes impressive how observant the casual eye can be…

Johnny: Don't touch that Lefty, you might get killed!

Lefty: Well golly gee Johny, I was just try to help.

Johnny: Well don't, you know your left handed, don't you remember what happened at the textile factory!

Lefty: Gee johnny I wish I was almost twelve.

Johnny: Well your not, your only nine.

Jeffries: The mooring line is secure Captain Daedelus! Ready to debark to the Ed-derigible!

Captain Drake Daedelus: Thank you Jeffries. Johnny, we're going to be docked at the Ed-dirigible for the next three hours. You and Lefty go aboard and get some food, try not to get into too much trouble. And I don't want you bringing back any more of that damn bubble gum onto my zeppelin, we see more than enough Pterodactyls as it is.

Johnny: Aye Aye Captain! Lets go Lefty.

(steps, door opens)

Narator:Johnny headed down the gangplank in search of swashbuckling adventure. Lefty followed, on the lookout for soda and bubble gum.

As the brothers stomped down the bridge toward the flight deck they noticed the fins of a black Zeppelin with silver trim protruding omionously from behind the Ed-derigible.

Look Johnny! A slingshot!

Where?

Right there, in the store window.

Oh golly gee Lefty, I've always wanted a sling slot.

Me too! Maybe they'll have one for left handed people.

(Hearty chuckle) Yes and perhaps one day there will be schools for left handed people as well. Lets go look at the slingshot.

(door opens)

Oh wow! a real Kevin Carnagie Slingshot, i saw one of these in the Sears Catalogue! I'm going to buy it! (cash register sound)

L: Can I have some money to buy this bubble gum?

J: No Lefty. Lets got get some soda pop.

Music getting louder, Door opens

Bartender: What can I do for you boys?

Johhny: We'll have two cream sodas please!

Bartender: Coming right up boys, take a seat.

Waitress (New Yorker): Hello there gentleman, you two order a coupla root beers

JD: This isn't my soda!

Klaus: Zat is because it is mine!

JD: Who the hell are you?

Klaus: Some call me Klaus, The Boy Nemesis

Dieter: Everyone calls you Klaus

K: Shut up Dieter! And you, boy, give me my soda.

JD: Not if Kevin Carnagie has anything to say about it (Rubber Band sound)

K: Give me the soda boy. I have killed for less (Revolver Sound)

JD: Like what?

K: Marbles, chewing gum, this raven (CaCaw sound), I killed its parents.

BVS: Klaus! What have I told you about pulling your revolver in soda fountains!

K: Ze boy pulled his slingshot!

JD: Not just any slingshot! A real Kevin Carnagie!

BVS: (said slowly, very intentionally) What is your name, boy?

JD: Johnny Dangerfist, Boy Adventurer!

BVS: This boy has found disfavor vis me, shoot him Klaus

Daedelus: Ah, I see you’ve met Baron Zigfried von Schmeck

Baron: I vant zat boy’z head Daedelus.

D: Well You cant have it. I have a better plan – A race, Baron. You have wanted one for years now. Here’s your chance. Once and for all, the best zeppelin in the skies.

B: Hah! Ze great Drake Daedelus finally vants a race? Dumbkopf! (mumbling in Germanish)

Klaus: Perhaps Dadedlus vould be vize to learn from ze mistakes of his father. (Hearty chuckle from his crew)...or prehaps from ze mistakes of his son...his dead son, ya.


(gasp followed by silence)


D: The race will be from San Francisco to New York

B: Pazetic, we could be zere by noon.

D: Longways.

(crowd gasps)

B: Verdammt, you really vant zis race don’t you Daedelus? Fine, around ze vorld. Winner get’s ze other’s zeppelin no?

D: Agreed.

B: And ven does it start?

Door Slams

Sir Arnold Bettington: When I say so gentlemen.


Baron: Who iz zis bastard?

D: This "bastard" is Sir Arnold Beddington


Bettington: Thats Bettington Daedelus.


D: Whatever, which means that our race is now registered with "The Firm."


Btton: Hello Daedelus. I was informed there is a race to take place? You know the Firm handles all such matters. A race without bets is hardly a race. It’s a thing of honor old boy, something your father probably didn't teach you about, before he died, tragically.

B: Ah yes, ze infamous french alps explosion.

D: Shut it shmeck. Fine, you can have little game Sir Beddington, But the destinations stay the same.

Btton: And so the hand it dealt.

B: And ven do ve begin? My crew is eager to see New York (chuckles maliciously)

Btton: Tomorrow. 5pm. Treasure Island Zeppelin Port.

Both captains: Agreed.

D: Cmon Johnny, grab that brother of yours and lets get back to Pegasus.
Johnny: We’re havin’ a race? Oh boy! Are we going to win?
D: Only if you stop causing trouble.


B: Vat are you looking at?


B: I was just wondering, Barron, care for a game of whist?

(Door opens, misc steps…another door, sounds of zeppelin)
D: Jeffries! Prepare for cast off! Set course for San Francisco!


Music.


Narrator: The news of the race spread quickly. Bettington wired "the Firm" and soon its members worldwide were gathering to place their bets. In the few hours it took Pegasus to get to San Francisco, the city had been informed of the next day's excitement. The Wotansraven was well known to be Germany's fastest zeppelin, and Baron von Schmeck and his crew were equally well known. It was also suspected that they acted as freelance agents for Berlin. The world of zeppelin intrigue was in full swing.

***Consider replacing with a newsboy, would love to have Brian do it***

NB: "American zeppelin crew faces off with the Kaiser's finest!

Jeffries: Captain! San Francisco 10 degrees off the port bow, 5 miles out. Wind's from the west as usual, sir!


D: Thank you Jeffries. Secure that line! Watch out for gusts as we approach "the Slot."


Misc crewmember: "Aye aye captain"


J: Wow San Francisco! Ive never seen it! Look Lefty!


L: woooah


Jeffries: 50 feet and falling sir.


D: Excellent, secure the port side.


MCM: Secure!


D: Starboard side!


MCM: Secure!


D: Welcome to San Francisco lads.


(doors opening, props dying, general chatter)


J: Are we going into town?


D:I am going into town, YOU are staying on the zeppelin with Lefty and Jeffries.


J: Ah shucks!

(Planes/zeppelins in the background, steps come up)

Tarkington: 'Ello Daedalus. Heard you got yourself in a bit of a scrape with a bloody Hun. The Damn Kaiser's got his whole bloody army going tits ta mockers about the whole tea kettle you brewed over Denver, proper bag'a wank ya' ask me.

Daedalus: Mr. Coyne Tarkington, to what do I owe the pleasure?

T: Oh the usual, I just happened to be in the area selling some priceless mummified Siamese; Ming Dynasty, terribly rare these days. Acquired these ones near Shanghai. Ming Dao the Second seemed eager to be rid of them. It was either me or the communists.

D: I can't imagine how you persuaded him.

T: Oh you know, the usual, my trusty shovel made him a deal he couldnt refuse. Hehe it reminds of this one incident in the Suez in '93. Damn Bedouin wouldnt...


D: Yes, thank you Coyne, I recall the story.


T: Right... Speaking of incidents, Flex Brawnmans here. Got in a fight with a grizzly at the zoo this morning. Poor bear, never saw 'im coming....


D: Well I need him Coyne, von Schmeck isnt schmucking around. He means business.

T: The great Drake Daedelus is rounding up the old crew again eh?, just like old times! I know where we can find Brawnman, and last I heard Merryweather was making steam-powered-Jet-copters for the Japanese.

D: And we'll need Calvin if we're going to fly over the pyranese.

T: I haven't heard anything since the sky pirate incident in India. I snooped around a bit but the trail goes cold in Istanbul...the winds are changing Daedelus, nowadays, nobody flies over turkey except the Turks.

D: If I cared about the bloody wind I would buy a Cod Damn sailboat Tarkington. We'll fly over Turkey, and I'll do it with a Cod Damn frenchman in the cockpit if I have to.

T: You crazy son of a bitch Daedelus! (prehaps change to cockney or something else) Well, I say, its about time we stepped out for some tea. Shall we?

D: Lets go.

-----

(clock ticking)

J: Im bored.
L: They've only been gone 5 minutes Johnny. Want some bubblegum?
J: Whered you get that bubblegum Lefty?
L: My pocket.
J: Captain Daedalus told us not bring any back to the zeppelin.
L: Oh yea.
J:They've been gone an awful long time. Should we go look for them? Maybe they need us? Klaus wouldnt have stayed at the zeppelin. Lets go after them.
L: Johnny, Captain Daedalus told us to stay here.
J: Yea, but he didnt tell what to do in an emergency Lefty. Besides, I'm a boy adventurer, what could possibly go wrong?
L: Should we tell Jeffries?
J: No, he said he didn't want to be distrubed while he's fixing the boiler. He sure does spend a lot of time fixing that boiler. Lets go Lefty, for Adventure!

Lefty: Oh Boy!

(busy street noises, car horns, people talking)

KR: hello boys, fancy for a game of whist?

Johnny: Do I ever!

Lefty: (whispering) Johnny, I don't know about all this. That man is really scary and that alley is awful dark.

Johnny: Oh come on lefty, stop being such a weenie.

Lefty: I am not a weenie! I want to play whist.

(sound of cards shuffling)

KR: You know the rules gentlemen, what's the wager?

Johnny: One Timothy Carnagie slingshot

KR: I'll match that for ten dollars, and how about you little man?

Lefty: I'll bet my shoes!

Johnny: (whispering) Lefty, you can't bet your shoes. Pops had them made special for your stupid pigeon feet.

Lefty: (resolutely) I bet my shoes!

(card shuffling sound)

KR: Well I guess thats the way the cards fall gentlemen. I guess I'll be taking the slingshot and the shoes.

JD: You'll never get away with this! Captain Daedelus will stop you!

FB: Did somebody say Daedelus?

KR: Who...who...who...the hell are you?

FB: Flex Brawnman, but you can call me "the Duke." You crossed a line Kenny, a mans gotta sink pretty low take shoes from crippled child. Makes my blood boil. (Knuckles crack)

KR: Oh no! There must be some mistake.

FB: Thats right, and you're the one who made it. Boys, I want you to close your eyes for a while, this ain't gonna be pretty.

(City sounds)

Jeffries: They must'uv run off while I was working on the boiler, Captain, those kids are a whole mess a trouble.

Daedelus: Tarkington, you know this city, where could they have gone?

Tarkington: I think I have an idea, but its tits over apples Daedelus.

FB: DAEDELUS! Haven't seen you in years you old son of a bitch.

D: Flex?

FB: Yah, Johnny and Lefty were just catching me up on the race, weren't you boys?

D: Oh yah, thats right captain.

JD: I'm real sorry a wandered off captain.

DD: haHA! (said like 'Hark!' not laughter) You've got good instincts boy, and you would hardly be a boy adventurer if you didn't follow them. You and your brother are like the "son who didn't die that I never had" ('aaaaawe' sound effect)...

Loudspeaker: Zepellin's to the starting line. At your mark. Go!

D: Full speed ahead crew! I want to see Hawaii on the horizon by dawn!
The crew collectively: Aye Aye Captain!

Next time on Johnny Dangerfist! The typhoon over Honalulu!
(storm music)
D: Gusts from the east! Tighten the jib!
JD: Are we gonna make it?
BM: (Heavy scottish) Betsy may be old but she's sassy!

Intro

In the annals zeppelin racing, there are few incidents as famous as the Atomic Age Zeppelin Race between the Pegasus and Wotansraven. Coincidentally, there are few boy adventurers as famous as Johnny Dangerfist, or as pathetic as his brother Lefty. The race, which spanned most of globe and the greater part of a fortnight, has been hailed as a triumph of our time and as one of the worst potential disasters of the modern era. There is little doubt that the careers of the great Captain Drake Daedalus or his nemesis, Baron Siegfried von Schmeck, would have been extremely different, and most probably much more boring, had they not undertaken this competition. Johnny and Lefty Dangerfist, next to Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Calvin and Hobbes, and Vladimir and Estragon seem to the casual eye to be unsuspecting heroes. It is sometimes impressive how observant the casual eye can be…. (begin story)

Show 1

In the annals zeppelin racing, there are few incidents as famous as the Atomic Age Zeppelin Race between the Pegasusand Wotansraven. Coincidentally, there are few boy adventurers as famous as Johnny Dangerfist, or as pathetic as his brother Lefty. The race, which spanned most of globe and the greater part of a fortnight, has been hailed as a triumph of our time and as one of the worst potential disasters of the modern era. There is little doubt that the careers of the great Captain Drake Daedalus or his nemesis, Baron Siegfried von Schmeck, would have been extremely different, and most probably much more boring, had they not undertaken this competition. Johnny and Lefty Dangerfist, next to Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Calvin and Hobbes, and Vladimir and Estragon seem to the casual eye to be unsuspecting heroes. It is sometimes impressive how observant the casual eye can be…. (begin story)

Johnny: Don't touch that Lefty, you might get killed!

Lefty: Well golly gee Johny, I was just try to help.

Johnny: Well don't, you know your left handed, don't you remember what happened at the textile factory!

Lefty: Gee johnny I was I was almost twelve.

Johnny: Well your not, your only nine.

***Lefty did in remember what happened at the textile factory, And Lefty offered no protest, he withdrew his hands and as if by reflex traced the smooth scars that zigzagged the backs his hands. Lefty knew he was of no use, he was left handed. Johnny, being almost twelve, pushed his brother out of the way and set about tinkering the mast bearings, Lefty, being only nine, wistfully looked on as his competent, right handed, older brother adjusted a rather large looking knot.***

First Mate: The mooring line is secure Captain Daedelus! Ready to debark!

Captain Drake Daedelus: Thank you Jeffries. Johnny, we're going to be docked at the Ed-dirigible for the next three hours. You and Lefty go aboard and get some food, try not to get into too much trouble. And I don't want you bringing back any more of that damn bubble gum onto my zeppelin, we seen more than enough Pterodactyls as it is.

Johnny: Aye Aye Captain! Lets go Lefty.

(steps, door opens)

Johnny headed down the gangplank in search of swashbuckling adventure. Lefty followed, on the lookout for soda and bubble gum.

As the brothers stomped down the bridge toward the expansive flight deck they noticed the fins of a black Zeppelin with silver trim protruding omionously from behind the Ed-derigible.

Look Johnny! A slingshot!

Where?

Right there, in the store window.

Oh golly gee Lefty, I've always wanted a sling slot.

Me too! Maybe they'll have one for left handed people.

(Hearty chuckle) Yes and perhaps one day there will be schools for left handed people as well. Lets go look at the slingshot.

(door opens)

Oh wow! a real Carnagie Slingshot, i saw one of these in the Sears Catalogue!

**I'm pretty sure We've written the conflict scene here, I remember writing the line "Not if Mr. Theodore Canagie has anything to say about it"**

Daedelus: Ah, I see you’ve met Baron Zigfried von Schmeck

Baron: I vant zat boy’z head Daedelus.

D: Well You cant have it. I have a better plan – A race, Baron. You have wanted one for years now. Here’s your chance. Once and for all, the best zeppelin in the skies.

B: Hah! Ze great Drake Daedelus finally vants a race? Dumbkopf! (mumbling in Germanish)

***Perhaps you would be vize to learn from a lesson from your father, Daedelus. (Hearty chuckle from his crew)...or from your son. (gasp followed by silence)*** (I think something like this might be relevant)

(Perhaps a rebuttal from Daedelus which brings back his credibility and chides the Baron)

And just vhere is zis race going to?

D: From San Francisco to New York.

B: Pazetic, we could be zere by noon.

D: Longways.

(crowd gasps)

B: Verdammt, you really vant zis race don’t you Daedelus? Fine, around ze vorld. (Dead son reference) Winner get’s ze other’s zeppelin no?

D: Agreed.

B: And ven does it start?

Door Slams

Sir Arnold Bettington: When I say so gentlemen.

Baron: Who iz zis bastard?

D: This "bastard" is Sir Arnold Beddington

Bettington: Thats Bettington Daedelus.

D: Whatever, which means that our race is now registered with "The Firm."

Btton: Hello Daedelus. I was informed there is a race to take place? You know the Firm handles all such matters. A race without bets is hardly a race. It’s a thing of honor old boy, something your father probably didn't teach you about, before he died, tragically.

B: Ah yes, ze infamous french alps explosion.

D: Shut it shmeck. Fine, you can have little game Sir Beddington, But the destinations stay the same.

Btton: And so the hand it dealt.

B: And ven do ve begin? My crew is eager to see New York (chuckles maliciously)

Btton: Tomorrow. 5pm. Treasure Island Zeppelin Port.

Both captains: Agreed.

D: Cmon Johnny, grab that brother of yours and lets get back to Pegasus.
Johnny: We’re havin’ a race? Oh boy! Are we going to win?
D: Only if you stop causing trouble.

B: Vat are you looking at?

B: I was just wondering, care for a game of whist?

(Door opens, misc steps…another door, sounds of zeppelin)
D: Jeffries! Prepare for cast off! Set course for San Francisco!

Music.

Narrator: The news of the race spread quickly. Bettington wired "the Firm" and soon its members worldwide were gathering to place their bets. In the few hours it took Pegasus to get to San Francisco, the city had been informed of the next day's excitement. The Wotansraven was well known to be Germany's fastest zeppelin, and Baron von Schmeck and his crew were equally well known. It was also suspected that they acted as freelance agents for Berlin. The world of zeppelin intrigue was in full swing.

Jeffries: Captain! San Francisco 10 degrees off the port bow, 5 miles out. Wind's from the west as usual, sir!

D: Thank you Jeffries. Secure that line! Watch out for gusts as we approach "the Slot."

Misc crewmember: "Aye aye captain"

J: Wow San Francisco! Ive never seen it! Look Lefty!

L: woooah

Jeffries: 50 feet and falling sir.

D: Excellent, secure the port side.

MCM: Secure!

D: Starboard side!

MCM: Secure!

D: Welcome to San Francisco lads.

(doors opening, props dying, general chatter)

J: Are we going into town?

D:I am going into town, YOU are staying on the zeppelin. Lefty too.

J: Ah shucks!

(Planes/zeppelins in the background, steps come up)

Tarkington: 'Ello Daedalus. Heard you got yourself in a bit of a scrape with a bloody Hun. Damn the Kaiser.

D: Tarkington! Coyne Tarkington. I was hoping I would find you here. What are exactly are you doing here?

T: Oh the usual, just selling some priceless mummified Siamese; Ming Dynasty, very difficult to find. Acquired these ones near Shanghai. Ming Dao the Second seemed eager to be rid of them. It was either me or the communists.

D: I can't imagine how you persuaded him.

T: Oh you know, the usual, my trusty shovel made him a deal he couldnt refuse. Hehe it reminds of this one incident in the Suez in '93. Damn Bedouin wouldnt...

D: Yes, thank you Coyne, I recall the story.

T: Right... Speaking of incidents, Flex Brawnmans here. Got in a fight with a grizzly at the zoo this morning. Poor bear, never saw it coming....

D: Well I need him Coyne, von Schmeck isnt schmucking around. He means business.

T: I think I know where we can find him.

-----

(clock ticking)

J: Im bored.

L: They've only been gone 5 minutes Johnny. Want some bubblegum?

J: Whered you get that bubblegum Lefty?

L: My pocket.

J: Captain Daedalus told us not bring any back to the zeppelin.

L: Oh yea.

J:They've been gone an awful long time. Should we go look for them? Maybe they need us? Klaus wouldnt have stayed at the zeppelin. Lets go after them.

L: Johnny, Captain Daedalus told us to stay here.

J: Yea, but he didnt tell what to do in an emergency Lefty.

L: Should we tell Jeffries?

J: No, he went to the maintenance office.

Narrator: What Johnny referred to as

The evening of edition of the Chronicle was headlined: "American zeppelin crew faces off with the Kaiser's finest!

Next time on Johnny Dangerfist! The Atomic Age Zeppelin Race begins but treachery is afoot! (something) in San Francisco!