BLOCKADE RUNNER - T-ISLAND SCREENPLAY

Maties, please use our A-Z to navigate this site or return HOME me hearties.

SKELETON ISLAND - Was a pirate secret location, known only to a small number of captains by that name. But as piracy became unfashionable with mass hangings, the numbers of those in the know, dwindled. Until, all that remained was a location carved in wood. Generally hidden somewhere safe by the pirate concerned. This location was useless without a chart giving the exact position that each pirate buried their stash. The maps made on parchment, were handed down to the next generations, by way of inheritance free of taxes.

<<< SCENE 19

GHOST SHIP AND GLOBAL FALLOUT

It was imperative to escape the trap set by Commander James Maynard using Royal Navy and Spanish Armada ships to capture John Storm and his trusty ship, the Elizabeth Swann. John knew he could disable these warships and even sink them if Excalibur and Merlin were given their head. Especially with Hal having hacked into their communications, so telling John, Dan and Cleopatra their every move.

More for reasons of diplomacy, as John never shrunk from a fight. And because of Cleopatra's tactical advice, they crew of the Swann elected to avoid conflict, by engaging the Elizabeth Swann in stealth mode, so making her invisible to enemy radar. Being electrically propelled with very quiet direct drive pods. There was no noisy machinery for inquisitive sonar to home into.

INT. BRIDGE - ELIZABETH SWANN - NIGHT

The bridge is bathed in the soft glow of holographic displays. Outside, the inky black of the Atlantic night stretches endlessly. HAL’s interface, a calm, blue orb, pulses gently. John Storm sits at the command console, his gaze fixed on the sensor readings.

HAL (V.O.): Commander Storm, our stealth protocols are fully engaged. We are maintaining minimal energy signature, effectively rendering us virtually undetectable to conventional radar and sonar. The blockade remains concentrated around the southwestern Caribbean.

JOHN: Good. Let’s keep it that way, Hal. No need for fireworks. Those Excalibur cannons stay dormant unless absolutely necessary. Even if Maynard and the Spanish are playing pirate.

HAL (V.O.): A prudent course of action, Captain. Engagement carries unnecessary risks.

John activates a secure, encrypted communication channel. A holographic image of PRESIDENT LINCOLN TRUMAN (60s, sharp, weary) appears.

TRUMAN (Hologram): Storm. Report. What’s the situation? We’re getting conflicting reports down here. Something about a joint British-Spanish naval blockade?

JOHN: Mr. President. That’s affirmative. Commander Maynard, seemingly rogue and in concert with the Spanish Navy, has attempted to prevent our departure from the Caribbean. They consider the Aztec treasure, and by extension anything related to Morgan and Blackbeard, as rightfully theirs.

TRUMAN (Hologram): Theirs? On what grounds?

JOHN: A convoluted historical claim involving Maynard’s ancestor and Blackbeard’s demise. It’s… tenuous at best. We have successfully navigated their blockade, proceeding into the Atlantic.

TRUMAN (Hologram): And the United States’ position in all this?

JOHN: I requested intervention, Mr. President.

TRUMAN (Hologram): And after careful consideration, Mr. Storm, we will maintain a position of neutrality. This appears to be a matter of historical contention and international maritime law, where the waters themselves are not under US jurisdiction. We will, however, monitor the situation closely and condemn any overt acts of piracy against your vessel.

JOHN: Understood, Mr. President. Thank you.

The holographic image of President Truman fades. John sighs, then activates another communication channel. The familiar face of JILL BIRD (50s, sharp, respected BBC World Service journalist) appears.

JILL (Hologram): John! You made it out! The news has been buzzing with this blockade. What exactly did you find down there?

JOHN: Jill, we have a story that will rewrite history. We located Captain Henry Morgan’s lost Aztec treasure. And I have exclusive footage to prove it.

A holographic display beside John flickers to life, showing stunning, high-resolution footage: ancient gold artifacts, intricately carved jade, and the impressive Golden Skull. The quality is breathtaking.

JILL (Hologram, visibly excited): My god, John… this is incredible! The world needs to see this.

JOHN: It will. I’m giving you the exclusive, Jill. Broadcast it worldwide. Let the world know what we found, and who is trying to steal it. Title it… ‘Blade Runner: Unearthing Morgan’s Gold.’

JILL (Hologram, nodding firmly): Consider it done, John. This will be global news within the hour.

John terminates the communication with Jill. Moments later, HAL’s calm voice fills the bridge.

HAL (V.O.): Captain Storm, multiple news outlets are reporting your findings and the alleged blockade. The footage you provided is being widely disseminated.

Another holographic window displays breaking news headlines from around the world. “Morgan’s Lost Treasure Found!” “Naval Blockade in Caribbean Stirs International Controversy.”

HAL (V.O.): Initial reports indicate significant public and political fallout. Commander James Maynard is facing intense scrutiny.

A new, urgent communication alert sounds. HAL displays an intercepted, unencrypted message.

HAL (V.O. - Reading): “To all units. Commander Maynard is to be considered AWOL. He has failed to report for duty and his current whereabouts are unknown. He is suspected of being in possession of a high-value artifact. Issue immediate alert.”

JOHN: Maynard’s gone rogue. He took the Golden Skull. The fool.

Another news headline flashes across the screen: “Royal Navy Commander Relieved of Duty Amidst Treasure Scandal.”

HAL (V.O.): Further reports indicate the Royal Navy has issued a brief statement: “Commander James Maynard has been relieved of his command pending an investigation into alleged misconduct. The Royal Navy does not condone unauthorized actions and is cooperating with relevant authorities.” They are declining to comment further on the specifics of the treasure or the blockade.

More headlines appear. “Spanish Government Silent on Caribbean Blockade.” Then, a statement from the UK Prime Minister.

HAL (V.O. - Reading): “A spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Nicholas Johnson, has stated that the United Kingdom government is aware of the situation in the Caribbean and is seeking clarification from all involved parties. They reserve their position on the matter pending a full understanding of the facts.”

John watches the news feeds, a grim satisfaction on his face. The world now knows, Maynard is a fugitive. The blockade has been exposed.

JOHN: Looks like the tide has turned, Hal. Public opinion might be our strongest ally now.

HAL (V.O.): Indeed, Captain. The transparency of information in the digital age can be a powerful deterrent to unilateral action. However, we should remain vigilant. Maynard is unpredictable, and the Spanish Navy’s intentions remain unclear.

John nods, his hand resting on the controls. The Elizabeth Swann cuts silently through the Atlantic waves, leaving the chaos of the Caribbean behind. The treasure is safe, for now. But the hunt is far from over.

FADE OUT.

>>> CHAPTER 21

ABSTRACT: The Swann navigates a course through a blockade, proceeding in stealth mode. Not wanting to harm Spanish or Royal Navy ships, all collaborating to capture John's ship. He reports events to US President. US remains neutral. John goes public with Jill Bird BBC world service broadcasting the find of Morgan's treasure with exclusive footage of: 'Blade Runner.' Commander Maynard is relieved of command, due to be charged with misconduct. He absconds with Aztec Golden Skull. Spain declines to comment on their involvement. An embarrassed UK reserves their position. Gold, silver and jewels.

SORE LOSERS - Not content with having rogue officers in their navies, Spain and England conspire to arrest John Storm on trumped up charges. With his superhuman strength and BioCore implant, John and Hal already know their illegal game plan, a misuse of authority, a standard ruse when the Brits and Spain don't get a look in on a mountain of gold. History repeats itself. John wins the case easily in The Hague, with help from legal eagle, George Franks, with both Britain and Spain having their knuckles rapped with significant fines for what is clearly a malicious prosecution abuse of process and contempt of court. This part of the story, continues as a different episode: The Holy Compass.  

HURRICANE IOTA NOVEMBER 2020 - Providencia (boat dock) and Santa Catalina were ravaged by extreme weather when heading into 2021.

The small Colombian island of Providencia was hit hard by the powerful Category-5 hurricane Iota, which caused severe damage to the majority of local’s homes and the already scant public infrastructure.

At that time, Colombia’s President, Ivan Duque, said it is the first Category 5 – the most serious of hurricanes – to hit the Andean nation in its history.

Providencia island had a population of 5,000 people and is part of the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina located in the Caribbean Sea about 775km (481 miles) northwest of mainland Colombia. Geographically, it is closer to the central American country of Nicaragua.

The hurricane was first considered a Category 2 but just before passing Providencia it developed into a Category-5 tropical cyclone which NASA said can have wind speeds of up to 253km/h (157mph) and has the ability to cause catastrophic damage.

Neighbouring larger island San Andres also faced damage to its infrastructure, albeit less intense. Northern Colombian coastal cities, like Cartagena, have flooded and are battling high winds.

According to the United States Office of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2020 has had the highest hurricane activity in the Atlantic since official records began in 1851.

PROLOGUE: ROYAL AFRICAN COMPANY - King Charles II, Royal Charter James Stuart II, transport goods from Africa: Bloody Triangle.

SCENE 1. THE BATTLE OF OCRACOKE - Lt Robert Maynard, Blackbeard's curse, beheading & torturous interrogation on the Adventure 

SCENE 2. EARTHQUAKE JAMAICA - Present Day - An earthquake hits Port Royal, disturbing the sunken city & Palisadoes cemetery.

SCENE 3. BLUE SHIELD ENGLAND - Blue Shield, Newcastle UK, UNESCO requests Storm catalogue underwater city UNEP World Heritage Site.

SCENE 3.1. SWASHBUCKLING - John tries out Dan's VR sword fencing program, then duel with real pirate cutlasses, Hal keeping score.

SCENE 4. HENRY MORGAN'S DEATH - Henry Morgan has a heart attack; funeral ceremony at Palisadoes cemetery, old Port Royal.

SCENE 5. SUNKEN CITY SURVEY - Present Day, Swann's sensors scan the ocean bed, revealing mausoleum former Governor of Jamaica.

SCENE 6. JUNE 1692 TSUNAMI - Jamaica, June 7th, an earthquake hits Port Royal, then a tsunami washes the pirate haven under the sea.

SCENE 6.1. GHOSTS BLACKBEARD & MORGAN  - Spectral figures cheer on John Storm as he searches Henry's Palisadoes crypt for clues.

SCENE 7. HENRY MORGAN'S COFFIN - John Storm & ROV, comes face to face with Henry's skeletal remains. Finds interesting wooden engraving.

SCENE 8. BBC JILL BIRD - London. John Storm's finds lost Henry Morgan's pirate remains. "And for those of you wondering, there was no treasure."
SCENE 9. OPERATION HISPANIOLA - British Geographical Society, & Royal Navy fund Lord Huntington's expedition to recover relics in the Caribbean.

SCENE 10. SHIP'S COOK - William Gray helps John Long's cut-throats to crew for Huntington's Hispaniola, Long a dab hand on the galley.

SCENE 11. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOS - Huntington (BGS bigwig) asks John Storm for help with shipwreck survey - meet in the Caribbean, Haiti.

SCENE 12. SKELETON ISLAND - Intrigued by map proffered by Lord Huntington, John agrees to switch attention to location, to coast of Panama. .

SCENE 13. SANTA CATALINA - Colombian, Mexican, Panamanian, Nicaraguan patrols re: 'Satisfaction' & hunt for Aztec gold, Spanish Conquistadors.

SCENE 14. TREASURE ISLAND - Hurricane Iota erased map clues, Isla Providencia. Longstride believes location of Blackbeard's/Morgan's treasure.

SCENE 15. KIDNAP - Black Jack & Billy Bones kidnap Dan, Cleopatra - lock in Hispaniola with Tremaine. Hal alerts John to events via BioCore.

SCENE 16. DOUBLE CROSS - Maynard pact with Spanish Navy to blockade Caribbean to capture John & Swann. Longstride deal Aztec Golden Skull.

SCENE 17. BLACKBEARD'S CURSE - John retakes Swann, Hal immobilizes Black Jack and Billy Bones and rescues prisoners on Hispaniola.

SCENE 18. MORGAN'S TREASURE SHIP - John deciphers carving code helped Dan and Cybercore Genetica. Dives to find privateer's shipwreck.

SCENE 19. BILLION DOLLAR DEAL - John negotiates with Panama, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador & Blue Shield for % salvage based on wreck video.

SCENE 20. BLOCKADE RUNNER - Swann navigates through Spanish Armada & Royal Navy blockade in stealth mode, invisible to radar.

SCENE 21. BERMUDA TRIANGLE - Pirates head into Bermuda Triangle, Colombian Navy in pursuit: BBC Sky News. Never to be seen again.

  JOHN STORM RUNS SPANISH AND BRITISH NAVAL BLOCKADE - BLADE RUNNER - TREASURE ISLAND - BLACKBEARD'S CURSE & PIRATES GOLD

SHIPMATES DIG OUR A-Z FOR PIRATES GOLD OR PLOT A COURSE HOME YO HO HO ME HEARTIES

This website is Copyright © 2025 Cleaner Ocean Foundation & Jameson Hunter - All rights reserved, Protected internationally as per the Berne Convention.