VERITAS: THE QUEST
1X05: WHEEL OF DHARMA
[UNAIRED]
TRANSCRIBED FROM ABC WILDFEED
Written by: STEPHANIE BLOCH-CHAMBERS & JULIE BEAN
Directed by: R.W. GOODWIN
Transcript by Intrepid
Courtesy of http://www.webphilia.com/~anthology/wnp.html
Please do not archive this transcript without permission from the
Transcriptionist
RATING: TV-PG-SV
HDTV
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==========================
SUMMARY: Vincent enlists Solomon's help to find the Wheel of Dharma a sacred
relic in order to stop the government persecution of his home village in Tibet.
While there, an incident occurs and Nikko winds up in prison. Now, everyone
works under the added strain where finding the Wheel takes on a new
significance: They must find The Wheel to save Nikko's life.
==========================
VERITAS: THE QUEST
1X05: WHEEL OF DHARMA [UNAIRED]
==========================
[INFO SCREEN 1: WILDFEED]
BUENA VISTA INTERNATIONAL
GALAXY 4R C17
03/15/03
VERITAS: THE QUEST (BVI): V107
"WHEEL OF DHARMA"
AUDIO: 5.8L/6.2R6.8 MONO MIX]
ROLL TAPES NOW!!
BVTV ASSISTANCE {PHONE #}
UPLINK ASSISTANCE {PHONE#}
[INFO SCREEN 2: MASTER TAPE]
TOUCHSTONE TELEVISION/V.TRUTH PRODUCTIONS
VERITAS: THE QUEST
"THE WHEEL OF DHARMA" V107
4X3 FULL HEIGHT
CLOSED CAPTIONED MASTER
CHANNEL 1 /2-STEREO SURROUND MIX
CHANNEL 3 /4 BLANK
PROGRAM DURATION: 43:45
MARCH 03,2003
MANIA D.S.P.
COLD OPEN:
[TITLE PAGE]
NARRATOR: Previously on VERITAS: THE QUEST
FADE IN:
[Scenes from 1X04: Heist]
[VINCENT and NIKKO on the sidewalk]
(NIKKO talks with CALVIN as he works on the computer to break the security
access code.)
NIKKO: So how long have you known Vincent?
CALVIN: A few years.
NIKKO: So what's his background?
CALVIN: I don't know. Let me rephrase that, I don't want to know.
[Scenes from 1X01: Reunion]
(In the underground passageway, VINCENT one-ups CALVIN.)
VINCENT: (to CALVIN) I have advanced degrees in Brazilian Jujitsu and Sho- Lin
Kung-Fu.
[Scene from 1X02: Antarctica]
(In the Truth Foundation bullpen, SOLOMON puts his arm around NIKKO'S shoulders
and walks with him.)
SOLOMON: I've given this a lot of thought, and I'm very sorry, but you're
staying home.
NIKKO: (surprised) What?
[Scene from 1X02: Antarctica]
(In the practice room, VINCENT makes NIKKO hold a couple of rocks in his hands
then gives him a lesson in fighting.)
VINCENT: Be strong, Nikko. If you really want to be a part of this team, don't
let him push you away.
(Cut to: NIKKO protests being left out of the upcoming mission to SOLOMON.)
NIKKO: (insistent) I can do this.
(Cut to: VINCENT talks with SOLOMON about NIKKO.)
VINCENT: He's not a boy anymore, Solomon.
(Cut to: CALVIN complains to NIKKO about teamwork.)
CALVIN: You could have put us all at risk.
NIKKO: Hey, back off, Chuck. I'm learning.
SOLOMON: Okay, guys. That's enough.
[Scene from 1X01: Reunion]
(In the hotel room in Paris when they first meet, JULIET sets some ground rules
for NIKKO.)
JULIET: I'm responsible for you.
NIKKO: I don't need a babysitter.
JULIET: That remains to be seen.
[Scene from 1X02: Antarctica]
(VINCENT continues speaking to SOLOMON about NIKKO, giving him some sage
advice.)
VINCENT: If you don't let him in now, you could lose him for good.
(Cut to: NIKKO struggles with his mountain climbing and his movements loosen
the hook in the rock that if it comes loose, threatens to kill them all.)
NIKKO: No, dad, don't!
(Cut to: SOLOMON cuts the line that hold NIKKO to the rest of the team. NIKKO
falls backward.)
HARD CUT TO
END OF PREVIOUSLY ON
[EXT. VARIOUS NEW YORK CITY SIGHTS (STOCK) -- DAY]
[EXT. TRUTH FOUNDATION -- DAY]
[INT. PRACTICE ROOM -- DAY]
(NIKKO does push-ups while listening to music on his earphones. In the
background, SOLOMON practices his punching and kicking with VINCENT.)
VINCENT: (to SOLOMON) Good. Good finish.
(NIKKO finishes his push-ups and stands up, taking off his earphones.)
(SOLOMON continues to practice with VINCENT. While VINCENT holds on to the
practice pads, SOLOMON sends a series of punches and a final kick toward him.)
VINCENT: Yes.
(When they're done, they both put their hands together and bow toward each other
respectfully.)
(Sitting on the floor against the wall, NIKKO finishes putting on his gloves as
it's his turn to practice next. He can't help but comment on SOLOMON'S
session.)
NIKKO: Well, not bad for an old man.
(Out of breath, SOLOMON looks at NIKKO and doesn't say anything.)
(VINCENT walks over to NIKKO who gets enthusiastically to his feet.)
NIKKO: You ready for me?
VINCENT: Sure, but first a little test. Nikko, meet your opponent, Solomon
Zond.
NIKKO: (indulgently) Oh, you're not really going to let me beat up by own dad.
C'mon, it's embarrassing!
(SOLOMON shrugs and doesn't say anything. VINCENT doesn't say anything and
gives NIKKO a shove toward SOLOMON who catches him.)
SOLOMON: Actions speak louder than words.
NIKKO: Oh, yeah?
(NIKKO takes a step back and puts his gloves up.)
NIKKO: All right. Talk with these.
(NIKKO claps his gloves together.)
SOLOMON: Let's go.
NIKKO: You ready? Huh?
(The two men put their gloved hands up and start circling each other.)
NIKKO: (taunting) Do you see me?
(NIKKO hops to the other side of SOLOMON, parrying around him.)
NIKKO: You can't hit what you can't see.
(VINCENT stands off to the side with his arms crossed watching them.)
VINCENT: (dryly) Somebody do something before I fall asleep.
(SOLOMON gets in the first punch to NIKKO'S gut. NIKKO steps forward and kicks
SOLOMON twice. SOLOMON backs away, both kicks barely hitting him.)
SOLOMON: You've got to move faster than that if you want to hit me.
NIKKO: Even on my slowest day, I could still smoke you.
SOLOMON: Well, today must be very slow--
(NIKKO gets a jab in and hits SOLOMON square in the face. SOLOMON stands up
straight and shakes his head. NIKKO smiles and starts dancing around SOLOMON.)
NIKKO: Well ... what's up?
(The sparring continues.)
(NIKKO takes a couple of jabs at SOLOMON who moves to evade one and blocks the
other. SOLOMON uses his foot and pushes NIKKO back down away from him and to
the ground.)
(NIKKO gets back up on his feet. He advances on SOLOMON and jabs him a couple
of times followed by a swinging punch. SOLOMON steps back to evade the jabs,
ducks under the punch and gets his own punch in to NIKKO'S gut. NIKKO goes down
again.)
(NIKKO rolls over but stays on the ground. SOLOMON steps closer and leans in to
check on him.)
SOLOMON: You okay?
(He reaches out a hand that NIKKO frustratedly bats away.)
VINCENT: (to NIKKO) If you stop focusing on yourself and pay attention to others, you
might learn something.
(NIKKO flips up to his feet, turns and swings his leg to kick SOLOMON. Instead,
SOLOMON grabs his foot and instinctively hits the back of NIKKO'S leg. NIKKO
goes down in pain. SOLOMON stops the fight.)
SOLOMON: You all right?
(He holds out his hand; NIKKO takes it and lets SOLOMON help him up.)
NIKKO: Yeah. I can admit when I've been beat. Don't get used to it, okay?
SOLOMON: (nods) I won't.
(The two knock their gloves together. It's a man thing.)
(In the back, JULIET enters the room. In her hand, she holds an envelope.)
JULIET: Gentlemen. Sorry to interrupt.
(JULIET gives the envelope to VINCENT who takes it and looks at it.)
JULIET: But, Vincent, this came for you.
VINCENT: Would you please excuse me.
(SOLOMON and NIKKO leave the room. VINCENT looks at the envelope.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) This letter I got today is from an old friend in Tibet. He's
the High Lama from the monastery where I practiced my spiritual training. He
told me that an acquaintance from my past is in town working for the government
...
(VINCENT opens the envelope.)
CUT TO:
[INT. TRUTH FOUNDATION - HALLWAY -- DAY]
(VINCENT explains the letter to SOLOMON.)
VINCENT: ... is now terrorizing the village.
SOLOMON: Why?
VINCENT Because he wants the Wheel of Dharma. The same thing the government
has wanted ever since I was there as a boy.
(VINCENT holds on to the letter in front of him with both hands.)
(Dissolve to Flashback of: VINCENT, as a young boy, holding on to his prayer
beads with both hands. His eyes are supposed to be closed, but YOUNG VINCENT
looks up and over at his friend LIN, who also has his eyes open. They look at
each other and smile as the other monks continue to chant.)
(Sitting above him is GYATSO, his mentor. GYATSO looks down and sees YOUNG
VINCENT playing with the beads.)
GYATSO: (in subtitled chinese) Vincent, sit still and try to concentrate.
When your mind wanders, gently bring it back and focus on your breathing.
(YOUNG VINCENT closes his eyes and tries to concentrate again, this time
seriously.)
(Watching from across him, LIN laughs. GYATSO turns and sees this.)
GYATSO: (in subtitled chinese) You too, Lin.
(YOUNG VINCENT glances over at LIN and smiles.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) I was in Tibet and entering my third year of training under
the guidance of my mentor, Brother Gyatso.
(The camera sweeps along the room to show everyone sitting and chanting.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) It was an extraordinary time for us until the government was
informed that the Wheel as hidden in our village.
(The front door opens and a group of soldiers walk disrespectfully into the
room.)
SOLDIER: (in subtitled chinese) You ... Get up at once!
(The soldier points at GYATSO and marches in to the room. The other monks stand
up and move to the side; but GYATSO stays where he is.)
SOLDIER: (in subtitled chinese) You heard what I said ... get up at once!
(GYATSO doesn't move. The other monks watch from the sides. The SOLDIER
signals to a guard behind him.)
SOLDIER: (in subtitled chinese) Move him!
(A couple of GUARDS grab GYATSO by the arms and drag him forward to the SOLDIER.
SOLDIER: (in subtitled Chinese) Where did you hide the Wheel?
(GYATSO doesn't answer.)
SOLDIER: (in subtitled Chinese) You know where you hid it.
(The SOLDIER turns to look at a particular monk standing on the side. LIN looks
back at the SOLDIER and nods. He steps away and sneaks out of the monastery.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) Because Lin had betrayed Gyatso, the soldiers began their
search for the "Wheel of Dharma" - a sacred relic Buddha carved by hand. On it,
he'd inscribed his lost teachings that no one has ever seen.
(End of flashback. Resume to present.)
(VINCENT continues his story.)
VINCENT: It's what the Bible is to Christians or the Torah to Jews.
(Resume to flashback. The SOLDIER continues to question GYATSO, but he doesn't
say anything.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) There is only one Wheel. For thousands of years, the monks
have been protecting it. And now Lin is using his powers as government attaché
to steal the Wheel from them.
(The SOLDIER gets frustrated and hits GYATSO across the mouth. GYATSO goes
down on his hands and knees, his mouth bleeding. The other monks, including
YOUNG VINCENT, watch.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) But it wasn't until Gyatso sacrificed himself that I realized
how important the Wheel was.
(GYATSO looks up and motions that the monks leave the room. While the others
leave, YOUNG VINCENT rushes forward to help GYATSO. He gets into a fight with
the SOLDIERS.)
(The LEAD SOLDIER finally stops YOUNG VINCENT and kicks him over to the side
where another monk catches him.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) They thought Gyatso was the key to finding the Wheel.
(The SOLDIER issues a command and they take GYATSO away. GYATSO looks back at
VINCENT and the other monk. They watch as the soldiers take him away.)
VINCENT: (v.o.) And they were right. But he would never reveal the secret. I
never saw Gyatso again. A few months later, Lin told me he died in prison.
(End of flashback. Resume to present.)
(VINCENT holds up a rolled-up piece of parchment with writing on it.)
VINCENT: This poem was given to me by Gyatso when I was his student. He told
me to guard it with my life. He knew it would be safe with me.
(He gives it to SOLOMON who takes it and unrolls it.)
VINCENT: It's the only clue I have to finding the wheel.
SOLOMON: So if we can figure it out, then you can find the Wheel?
VINCENT: I hope so, but I can't do it alone.
SOLOMON: You won't have to.
CUT TO:
[EXT. TRUTH FOUNDATION BUILDING - DAY]
[INT. TRUTH FOUNDATION - MAIN OFFICE -- DAY]
(Camera opens on the computer monitor that has various schematics and drawings
of what the Wheel of Dharma is purported to look like.)
JULIET: Some people believe this is what the Wheel looks like but no one's ever
seen it, so no one knows for sure.
(NIKKO walks into the room.)
NIKKO: So why does this Lin guy want it so bad, anyway?
(JULIET stands up.)
VINCENT: Lin wants the Wheel for himself-- for the power it'll bring him.
(VINCENT turns around from looking at the computer monitor.)
JULIET: Are we just going to walk into Communist China and steal this from under
his nose?
VINCENT: No. We're going undercover.
(VINCENT holds up "MEDIC" arm bands.)
VINCENT: Wear these on your arm at all times - it'll keep Lin's soldiers at
bay. One size fits all.
(VINCENT tosses the arm bands to JULIET. NIKKO steps near her to get his set.
He holds it up against his arm.)
CALVIN: (looks up from the computer) Guys, here's the poem.
(VINCENT walks over to CALVIN, everyone surrounds CALVIN to look at what he's
working on.
VINCENT: This poem is about the central principles of Buddhism known as the
four noble truths.
NIKKO: Well, how's that gonna tell us where the Wheel is?
VINCENT: It doesn't. You need a key to decipher it.
JULIET: Where do we get it?
VINCENT: From me. Nikko, get the ultraviolet light.
(VINCENT stands up and unbuttons his shirt. SOLOMON watches silently from the
side. VINCENT bares his back to them.)
NIKKO: Ooh dude, you've been working out.
VINCENT: Shine the light up to the middle of my back.
(NIKKO raises the light and the words appear on his back.)
NIKKO: How'd you do that?
VINCENT: It's an old Thai trick -- sesame oil and a needle.
SOLOMON: What does it say?
VINCENT: I've never translated it. Gyatso told me not to until I needed it. I
never needed it until now.
SOLOMON: Juliet. Can you scan that?
JULIET: My pleasure.
(JULIET steps forward and scans the tattoo into the computer with the hand-held
scanner. CALVIN translates it on the computer. VINCENT puts his shirt back
on.)
CALVIN: Huh. Okay ... this is what we got. Vincent's tattoos reads -
"See only the four, to see the truth."
SOLOMON: Okay. Breakdown the poem into fours, any which way you can-- letters,
words, syllables ... even if it doesn't make sense.
(It takes only a moment. The results are on the monitor.)
CALVIN:
Four walls surround you setting sun is key.
Under the Buddha's careful guidance, precious it will be.
Water as light as air obscures the sacred wheel
Yet Enlightenment is in the arms of god."
(NIKKO stands behind them playing with his coin.)
NIKKO: (flatly) Yeah, that's much clearer.
JULIET: What does it mean?
SOLOMON: We'll have to find out when we get there.
(VINCENT smiles.)
SOLOMON: (o.s.) Let's go to Tibet.
CUT TO:
[EXT. MOUNTAINS OF TIBET -- DAY]
LEGEND: TIBET
[EXT. VILLAGE - DAY]
(The team, wearing their shiny white MEDIC arm bands, walk into the village.
VINCENT leads the way.)
VINCENT: I owe these people so much.
SOLOMON: Don't worry, we won't let you down.
VINCENT: I know.
(VINCENT walks deeper into the village. SOLOMON makes note of the soldiers
carrying guns milling in the crowds. There are a lot of little children about.
CALVIN sees one smiling at him. He turns and waves enthusiastically at him.
The little boy sticks his tongue out at CALVIN. CALVIN sticks his tongue out at
the little boy.)
(VINCENT sees someone he recognizes standing in front of the monastery. They
bow to each other respectfully. Then they hug each other like old friends.
SOLOMON stands on the side and watches.)
HIGH LAMA: (in subtitled chinese) Brother Vincent, thank you for coming so
far.
VINCENT: (in subtitled chinese) Of course, How could I not?
HIGH LAMA: (in subtitled chinese) It's been overwhelming trying to ward off
Lin and his soldiers.
VINCENT: (in subtitled chinese) Why now, after all this time. Why is he doing
this?
HIGH LAMA: (in subtitled chinese) Power. It's always been about power for
Lin.
(VINCENT nods, then turns to make the introductions.)
VINCENT: Holy Brother, this is my dearest friend, Solomon Zond. Solomon, the
High Lama.
(SOLOMON and THE HIGH LAMA bow down to each other respectfully.)
SOLOMON: It's an honor to meet you, sir.
HIGH LAMA: I'm only sorry this has to be the reason for your visit.
SOLOMON: Oh, don't be sorry. The Wheel of Dharma is very precious to you.
We'll do what we can go get it before Lin does.
HIGH LAMA: I'm sure you will. (to VINCENT) Gyatso would have been proud. (He
turns to lead them away.) Let me show you where you're situated ...
SOLOMON: Calvin, come with me!
(With a final one-upsman thing going on, CALVIN sticks his tongue out at the
little boy who does the same back to CALVIN. CALVIN gets to his feet and laughs
as he smiles and puts a hand on the little boy's shoulder. He heads toward
SOLOMON.)
SOLOMON: (to NIKKO and JULIET) You two guys finish unloading the gear.
NIKKO: (to SOLOMON) All right.
(When they're gone, NIKKO and JULIET each take a case off of the wagon.)
NIKKO: Well thank god, I come on these expeditions. Who else can unpack with
such expertise?
JULIET: Just be happy you're invited at all.
(They start unloading the gear.)
NIKKO: Hey, that's not nice. Okay? Play nice.
(Off to the side near one of the building entrances, there's a commotion going
on. A couple of soldiers grab a little boy.)
SOLDIER: (in subtitled chinese) Get back here, now!
(JULIET turns and sees the older SOLDIERS grabbing the little boy who is yelling
for them to stop. She takes a step forward.)
JULIET: What's he doing to that boy?
(NIKKO turns to watch, but cautions JULIET.)
NIKKO: Hey, I don't know. But we're supposed to lay low, okay? So don't get
involved. All right?
(NIKKO steps away to continue to unload the gear. JULIET stays rooted to the
spot unable to look away.)
BOY: Help me ... Help!
JULIET: Well, I can't just stand here and do nothing.
(JULIET steps forward preparing to intervene. NIKKO turns and sees her.)
NIKKO: Juliet!
(JULIET rushes forward to the SOLDIER and grabs his arm.)
JULIET: Please. He's just a boy ... please!
(The SOLDIER pushes her firmly away from them while keeping hold of the little
boy with his other hand.)
SOLDIER: (in subtitled chinese) This is none of your business. Stay out of
it!
NIKKO: Hey ... what ... ?!
(NIKKO steps forward to intervene. But things happen fast.)
JULIET: No, please!
(JULIET again reaches for the SOLDIER. This time he swings and backhands her
across the face. JULIET goes down and hits her head on the ground near the
stone wall. She's knocked unconscious.)
(The SOLDIER reaches for his gun when NIKKO reaches him. He jumps and kicks the
gun out of the SOLDIER'S hand and immediately follows up with a second kick that
sends the SOLDIER down to the ground. A second SOLDER approaches NIKKO from
behind and swings the rod he's carrying. He hits NIKKO on the back,
but NIKKO turns around and knocks the rod out from the SECOND SOLDIER'S hands.
The two fight.)
(The FIRST SOLDIER gets up and grabs NIKKO from behind, subduing him. NIKKO
struggles while the SECOND SOLDIER gets to his feet and hits NIKKO, the two
ganging up on him as a THIRD SOLDIER joins the fray.)
NIKKO: Get off me! Get off! No!
(NIKKO struggles against the three soldiers. JULIET is still on the ground
unconscious.)
(The camera slowly refocuses to show NIKKO'S coin on the ground near JULIET.)
CUT TO:
[INT. MONASTERY -- DAY]
(Inside the monastery, SOLOMON and CALVIN work on figuring the poem out.)
CALVIN: Let's start from the beginning of the poem. "Four walls surround you,
yet setting sun is key ... "
(He pauses to think about it.)
CALVIN: The sun sets in the West.
(He turns and faces the west where he sees something. He turns and walks across
the main room toward the wall.)
CALVIN: "Under the Buddha's guidance, precious it will be."
(SOLOMON and VINCENT follow him and they come to a complete stop in front of a
large painting of Buddha. Both SIMON and VINCENT stare at the mural in front of
them while CALVIN buries himself in the open book in his hands.)
CALVIN: (mutters) There's got to be something else.
(SOLOMON stares at the mural. The longer he looks at it, the more prominent the
jewels adorning the Buddha's neck appears to become.)
SOLOMON: You see it?
(SOLOMON turns to look at the others.)
CALVIN: (puzzled) See what?
SOLOMON: Vincent?
VINCENT: (nods) I see it. This is the next clue.
(From the side, JULIET enters the monastery frantic to get their attention.
She's a mess and limping as she approaches them.)
JULIET: Dr. Zond? Oh! Dr. Zond! Dr. Zond, I'm so sorry ...
(VINCENT turns around.)
SOLOMON: What is it? What happened?
JULIET: (crying) I'm so sorry,
SOLOMON: Calm down, calm down, and tell me what happened.
JULIET: Nikko - Nikko tried to stop them and - they just - they took him.
SOLOMON: Who took him?
JULIET: Soldiers.
(SOLOMON heads for the door, the others close behind him.)
JULIET: I'm so sorry. Dr. Zond, I am so sorry.
CUT TO:
[INT. PRISON -- DAY]
(The SOLDIERS drag a resisting NIKKO down the darkened hallway toward the open
cell door where they toss him inside. NIKKO lands on the mattress set against
the far wall. The SOLDIERS close the thick iron gate, locking him in the prison
cell.)
HARD CUT TO
END OF TEASER
ROLL TITLE CREDITS
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN.
[EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING -- DAY]
PRISON COMMANDANT: (v.o.) There's nothing for you.
[INT. PRISON WARDEN'S OFFICE -- DAY]
PRISON COMMANDANT: Your son is a spy.
(SOLOMON stands in front of the desk arguing for NIKKO. VINCENT stands in the
back of the room quietly watching.)
SOLOMON: Warden, that is insane. All right? My son is innocent.
PRISON COMMANDANT: Your son is a spy until we say he is not.
(SOLOMON gets the threat. He straightens and moves around the desk.)
SOLOMON: You lay one hand on my -
(A GUARD standing nearby puts a hand on SOLOMON'S shoulder to stop him from
moving closer.)
OFFICIAL: Sir!
(SOLOMON reacts fast. He knocks the hand away and with his other, pushes the
GUARD hard against the filing cabinets. The GUARD comes after SOLOMON and tries
to get in a series of punches which SOLOMON blocks easily.)
(The other guard stationed near the door rushes forward to assist. VINCENT gets
in his way and kicks him in the gut. They fight. SOLOMON and the FIRST GUARD
trade punches, until finally SOLOMON hits him hard across the jaw and he goes
down.)
(VINCENT continues to fight with the SECOND GUARD. He hits him across the face,
then kicks him in the chin, flipping him over before he hits the ground.)
(Angrier than ever, SOLOMON leans over the desk and grabs the PRISON COMMANDANT
by this shirt and drags him over across the desktop.)
SOLOMON: Where's my son?
LIN: (o.s.) Nicely done, Vincent.
(SOLOMON turns to see who's talking. LIN walks into the room with his own
escort and stands behind VINCENT.)
LIN: (to VINCENT) But you can put down the gun now.
VINCENT: Tell them to get out of here.
LIN: Come on, gentlemen.
(The guards get to their feet and leave the room. VINCENT hands the GUARD his
gun.)
(Ignoring SOLOMON, LIN moves to stand in front of VINCENT, his back to SOLOMON.)
VINCENT: Is working for the other side everything you thought it would be?
LIN: It has its perks.
VINCENT: Like the one you got after turning Gyatso over to the Chinese?
LIN: No - more like the one I'm going to get when I turn over the Wheel of
Dharma.
SOLOMON: I take it this is Lin?
(LIN absently glances back at SOLOMON, then turns back to VINCENT. VINCENT
takes a couple of steps forward.)
VINCENT: Yes, once the boy I studied with under Gyatso, now governmental attaché
paid to do dirty work.
LIN: It's not so dirty, Vincent. But we're not here to discuss personal
history, are we?
(LIN turns around and starts walking toward SOLOMON. VINCENT stands a distance
near.)
LIN: Your son attacked a Chinese soldier. In our country, that's a serious
crime.
(LIN sits on the edge of the desk in front of SOLOMON.)
LIN: However, you want him back. I can help you.
SOLOMON: I'm listening.
LIN: I assume you and Vincent have come to find the Wheel Dharma for the monks.
That's not an option anymore.
SOLOMON: Get to the part about me getting my son back.
LIN: The Chinese Government knows how precious the Wheel is to the people and
they want it. Bring it to me
SOLOMON: And if I don't?
LIN: Well - it's quite difficult to guarantee your son's safety in prison.
SOLOMON: (low voice) If anything happens to my son, and I mean anything, you
better make damn sure that I'm dead ... because I will come after you.
LIN: You're in no position to be making threats.
(After a moment, SOLOMON considers.)
SOLOMON: Let me see my son. If he's okay, then we talk.
CUT TO:
[INT. PRISON -- DAY]
(SOLOMON is escorted down the hallway to NIKKO'S cell. He looks inside through
the bars.)
SOLOMON: Oh, my god. Nikko!
(He steps up to the bars. NIKKO gets to his feet and also runs to the bars.)
NIKKO: Dad!
SOLOMON: Are you all right?
NIKKO: Dad, what's happening?
SOLOMON: Are you hurt?
NIKKO: No, I'm fine, but I didn't do anything, okay? I promise.
SOLOMON: I know, I know. Listen to me - I've made a deal with these guys.
GUARD: Time's up! Get him out!
SOLOMON: I'm gonna get you out ... !
(The GUARD grabs SOLOMON from behind and drags him away from the cell doors.)
SOLOMON: (yelling) I'm gonna get you out of here! Just hold on, son!
(The GUARDS forcibly drag SOLOMON out through the dark hallway. SOLOMON
struggles.)
SOLOMON: Stop it!
(A GUARD steps up to the cell door in front of NIKKO blocking his view.)
NIKKO: Dad! Don't leave me!
(NIKKO takes a step back away from the door. When SOLOMON is out of the
hallway, the GUARD steps away from the door.)
CUT TO:
[INT. PRISON OFFICE -- DAY]
(The GUARD escorts SOLOMON back to the room where VINCENT waits. VINCENT stands
up. SOLOMON pulls himself out from under the GUARD'S grip.)
SOLOMON: I should have never brought him.
VINCENT We're not gonna let him down. We'll find the Wheel and get our boy
back.
(SOLOMON nods and sighs.)
CUT TO:
[EXT. MONASTERY MOUNTAINSIDE - DAY]
[INT. MONASTERY - MAIN HALL -- DAY]
(SOLOMON paces in front of the mural of Buddha against the West wall. He stares
at it. VINCENT and JULIET both study the picture in front of them also. CALVIN
puts his fingers to his temples in frustration.)
CALVIN: (sighs frustratedly) Okay, is this a joke? Cuz' I can't see anything.
VINCENT: Sure Cal, we flew halfway around the world just to make fun of you.
JULIET: And it was worth it.
CALVIN: You know what ... ?
SOLOMON: (interrupting) All right, all right. Let's just go through it again.
"Under the Buddha's guidance, precious it will be." This mural is trying to
tell us something. But what?
(As if it's a visual illusion, CALVIN stares at the mural and finally sees the
jewels leaping out at him.)
CALVIN: Okay, I got it!
SOLOMON: Really?
CALVIN: No, I mean, can finally see it. But ... I thought I was losing my
touch.
(CALVIN reaches up and touches the jewel in front of him. Instantly, a chime
rings out. Everyone looks up at where the sound is coming from.)
(CALVIN pulls his hand back.)
SOLOMON: I think you're on to something. Do that again.
(CALVIN reaches up and touches the jewel again.)
SOLOMON: Juliet touch the gem in front of you.
(She and SOLOMON each touch the jewels to the side of CALVIN'S center.
Immediately, sand pours out from a symbol painted on the mural. They all pull
back.)
JULIET: Whoa.
(That's quite a bit of sand piling up in front of the mural.)
CALVIN: What's so precious about sand?
VINCENT: I think I know what the mural is trying to tell us.
(VINCENT reaches out and sifts through the sand with his fingers where he picks
up three green colored gems.)
VINCENT: We have to look for the precious in the ordinary. In Buddhism, there
are three gems: The Buddha, which we're standing before; the Dharma, which
we're looking for; and the Sangha, which is a spiritual community.
CALVIN: Couldn't this monastery be considered a spiritual community?
VINCENT: Of course.
CALVIN: (dryly) That's great. Our only clue leads us exactly to where we're
standing, which is here in this monastery. It's a good clue.
(CALVIN sighs and turns away, again frustrated.)
(SOLOMON sighs and thinks about it. He takes a step closer to the mural, then
turns around.)
SOLOMON: There's gotta be something more. Let's keep looking.
(Dissolve to: SOLOMON steps up and looks around. He turns and sees JULIET off to
the side looking through some things. She looks up and sees him and shakes her
head.)
JULIET: Can't find anything.
CALVIN: I've got nothing. Except a headache from all the incense.
(CALVIN yawns, tired, and joins the group. Something catches SOLOMON'S eye.)
SOLOMON: Wait a minute.
(He turns and walks past them.)
JULIET: What?
(SOLOMON is pressing his hands against the large doors in the hall.
SOLOMON: This door is made out of bamboo. You see the ivory designs?
CALVIN: Yeah.
SOLOMON: My guess is this door's over two thousand years old.
JULIET: How can that be? This monastery was built during the Ming Dynasty,
which was only six hundred years ago.
SOLOMON: Exactly.
(CALVIN raises his hand as if needing more information to make the connection.
VINCENT raises his eyes to look at SOLOMON.)
SOLOMON: This isn't the original monastery. If I'm right, there was an older
monastery that was built long before this one was constructed. And this door
was taken from it.
CALVIN: If we find that monastery, we find the Wheel.
SOLOMON: Yeah, I mean "maybe".
CUT TO:
[INT. PRISON -- EVENING]
(NIKKO sits quietly in the prison cell. He stands up and walks toward the cell
door. He leans onto the bars and looks into the hallway.)
(A loose brick in the cell wall is pushed through where it falls to the ground.
NIKKO turns and sees the brick on the floor.)
NIKKO: Hey! Who's there?
(A hand pushes a piece of paper through. NIKKO grabs it and reads the message
on it. Through the hole in the wall, we see an old man peering through the
opening on other side.)
NIKKO: (reading) "Suffering is the doorway to deeper insight."
(NIKKO gets angry and looks over at the man on the other side.)
NIKKO: Look, buddy, I don't need insight, okay? I need a way out of here!
GYATSO: Your anger is your enemy. It has no function other than to cause you
harm.
NIKKO: What? What are you talking about?
GYATSO: If you would stop focusing on yourself and pay attention to others,
maybe you might learn something.
(Those words strike a chord with NIKKO.)
NIKKO: Excuse me?
GYATSO: You are excused.
NIKKO: No ... I'm sorry, you just, you sound a lot like my friend, Vincent.
GYATSO: (laughs) I should. Vincent has learned everything he knows from me.
(NIKKO'S eyes widen.)
NIKKO: Who are you?
GYATSO: I'm Gyatso.
NIKKO: Gyatso? You're Gyatso? You're supposed to be dead?
GYASTO: (laughs again) I am? That's good to know.
NIKKO: Well, at least I know where Vincent learned sarcasm.
GYATSO: Vincent taught me many things as well.
NIKKO: Obviously breaking outta jail wasn't one of them.
(NIKKO stands up and walks over toward the window. He sighs.)
NIKKO: (shouts) Why can't you just tell them where this wheel is? You know,
and then we can both can get outta here.
GYATSO: (insistent) I can not!
(NIKKO sighs again then sits down, his back to the hole in the wall.)
NIKKO: Well, I gotta tell you, if it meant my freedom, I'd give them the
Wheel.
GYASTO: The sacrifices I made are small compared to the importance of the
Wheel.
NIKKO: Why? It's just a thing, it's -
GYASTO: (insistent) No, no, no. It's much more than that. It is the
teachings of the Buddha. His words that exist only on the Wheel, could change
history.
NIKKO: Okay. So, why not change it now?
GYATSO: The world is not ready. But someday, when mankind reaches
enlightenment, the Wheel will be used properly.
(The doors to the prison hallway opens. NIKKO gets to his feet.)
GUARD: (alarmed) They're talking! They're talking through the wall!
(The GUARDS open the cell doors and grab NIKKO where they drag him out of the
cell.)
NIKKO: (struggling) Guys, please! Stop! I didn't do anything! Stop!
Guys! Stop it!
(They drag him down the hallway. They also drag GYATSO out of his cell.)
NIKKO: I didn't do anything! Please ...
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN.
[EXT. TIBETIAN LANDSCAPE - DAY]
[INT. MONASTERY -- EVENING]
(SOLOMON is busy looking through stacks of ancient books and parchment on the
table. CALVIN takes a book and quietly walks over to the other table where he
sits down next to JULIET who also has material spread out on the table in front
of her. Everyone is feeling the tensions between trying to concentrate enough
to solve the puzzle while their concerns and thoughts are with NIKKO.)
JULIET: (distressed) I can't concentrate.
CALVIN: You got to let it go.
JULIET: (her eyes fill with tears) I can't. I feel horrible and Nikko is ...
(CALVIN turns to look at JULIET.)
CALVIN: (interrupts, insistent) Nikko is fine. Listen, look, ... (he takes a
breath) ... you will never hear me say this to his face, but that kid is as
tough as nails. He's probably sitting in that prison teaching the guards that
stupid coin trick of his by now.
(At the mention of the coin, JULIET stops and slowly looks down. Under the
table in her hand, she has NIKKO'S coin - the one he values because his mother
gave it to him.)
CALVIN: We're gonna get him back, okay.
JULIET: Thanks, Cal. I appreciate it.
CALVIN: It's no problem.
(Behind them through the entrance, the HIGH LAMA walks quietly into the room.
CALVIN turns back to the books in front of them.)
CALVIN: Now help me find something in one of these books 'cause you're smarter
then I am.
(They both continue to look through the books.)
(The HIGH LAMA approaches SOLOMON.)
HIGH LAMA: Solomon, may I have a word with you?
SOLOMON: (looks up) Of course -- what is it?
HIGH LAMA: Nikko.
(At the mention of his name, JULIET turns to listen in ... as does everyone
else.)
HIGH LAMA: There are rumors he tried to escape from prison.
(VINCENT also turns to look, his brow furrowed with concern.)
SOLOMON: Oh, no. (sighs and swallows) Is, is he all right?
HIGH LAMA: He's alive.
SOLOMON: (afraid to ask) What did they do to him?
HIGH LAMA: They've punished him.
(This news affects everyone in the room. VINCENT steps forward to try to get
SOLOMON back on track.)
VINCENT: Solomon, listen to me now. The sooner we find the wheel, the faster
Nikko's out of there, okay? Let's just get back to work.
(SOLOMON pushes VINCENT'S hand away and takes a couple steps back.)
SOLOMON: (upset) I can't get back to work! What are you talking about? My
son is stuck in hell right now!
(He presses the palms of his hands to his temples.)
SOLOMON: Oh, I can't even think straight now.
HIGH LAMA: (reasonably) Solomon, the Wheel is of great significance to the
monks. Your son's life is important, also. Perhaps, that is what the Wheel is
trying to teach us. Right now, the priority is your son's safety. Get the
Wheel. Give it to Lin.
SOLOMON: (nods) Thank you.
(The HIGH LAMA bows to SOLOMON and to VINCENT, then leaves the room. SOLOMON
turns to look at VINCENT.)
SOLOMON: I'm sorry.
(VINCENT nods.)
SOLOMON: I can't believe we have to hand over a holy relic to these -- these
people.
(Meanwhile, JULIET and CALVIN find something. CALVIN grabs the books and stands
to tell SOLOMON.)
VINCENT: We have no other choice.
(JULIET remains siting, hoping that it's enough. CALVIN approaches them.)
CALVIN: Dr. Zond, sorry -- um, look I think we've got something here. There
was an artist in 600 A.D. His name was Wang Wei.
[Note: Pronounced "wong way".]
(Both VINCENT and SOLOMON stare at CALVIN. He looks back at them..)
CALVIN: No I'm serious, that was actually his name his name was Wang Wei. I'm
not joking, okay?
SOLOMON: Okay, all right, go on.
CALVIN: Anyways, he retired to this Buddhist monastery after his wife passed
away. The monastery was in this village.
(CALVIN points to the drawing of the village in the book. SOLOMON looks at the
drawing, then suddenly thinks of something.)
SOLOMON: Where's the village map?
(They look around.)
CALVIN: It's right -- right ... er ... there.
(On the far table, SOLOMON puts the two drawings down side by side, one of the
old village where the first monastery was known to be and the other of the
current village.)
SOLOMON: It's a match.
(He points to the different areas of the village and their corresponding places
in the current village.)
SOLOMON: Look, here's the courtyard, here is the monastery we were at today.
Here's where it used to be. On the opposite side of the courtyard. Nice work,
Cal.
CALVIN: Actually ah ...
(CALVIN turns to look behind them.)
CALVIN: Juliet found it.
(Sitting quietly in her chair away from the rest of the group, JULIET watches
them. SOLOMON turns and walks over to her.)
SOLOMON: Excellent job. (quietly) Thank you.
(JULIET nods. VINCENT taps SOLOMON on the shoulder on his way out the door.)
VINCENT: Let's do it.
SOLOMON: (to JULIET) Come on.
CUT TO:
[EXT. VILLAGE -- NIGHT]
(SOLOMON leads the group to where the monastery was in the village a long time
ago.)
CALVIN: The site of the old monastery should be right around here.
JULIET: That kiln looks like it's from the right period.
(They look over at the large kiln at the edge of the courtyard. A villager bows
in front of the furnace doors to warm himself up.)
CALVIN: Could be the only thing left.
(They head for the kiln to look inside.)
CALVIN: (peering into the kiln) Looks like they've been using the wheel for
kindling.
VINCENT: Why don't you stick your hand in there and then find out?
(CALVIN laughs. SOLOMON steps forward willing to do anything to get NIKKO
back.)
SOLOMON: Let me.
(CALVIN steps aside. SOLOMON picks up a small shovel and pushes the fire and
ash aside.)
(CALVIN puts his gear down as SOLOMON clears the kiln. Underneath the ash is a
metal plate with a symbol in the center. SOLOMON studies the symbol. It
appears to be a flower motif of sorts with six petals, every other petal is
raised and lowered in a pattern.)
CALVIN: What is that?
SOLOMON: Vincent. Hand me the gems.
(From his pocket, VINCENT takes out the gems.)
SOLOMON: Here goes nothing.
(Following a hunch, SOLOMON takes them and fits each gem perfectly into the
indentations in the flower petal.)
(When he's done, nothing happens.)
SOLOMON: Hmm!?
(Then suddenly, the metal plate in the kiln opens. SOLOMON grabs the heavy
metal cover and tries to move it. He grunts for a moment, then tosses a retort
over his shoulder to the other two men standing there watching him.)
SOLOMON: Oh no, don't worry guys, I got it.
(With a laugh, VINCENT and CALVIN lend their muscles to lift the cover.)
VINCENT: One, two, up.
(They remove the metal cover and look inside where they see stairs leading
downward into darkness.)
CUT TO:
[INT. PRISON -- NIGHT]
(Water from a bucket is thrown on NIKKO, reviving him. NIKKO and GYATSO are
both tied back-to-back to a thick wooden pole.)
(The GUARD tosses the empty bucket aside and punches NIKKO in the jaw and in the
gut. When NIKKO bends over, he pushes NIKKO back up against the pole and hits
him across the face.)
(The GUARDS leave.)
(NIKKO leans back against the pole and coughs.)
NIKKO: I'm really sorry about all this.
GYASTO: Bad Karma.
NIKKO: "Suffering is the doorway to deeper insight." You know, but I think ...
uh ... I think you got something there, because the harder I fight, the worse it
gets.
GYASTO: You're wise, Nikko. Your father needs you and all your strength. His
life is in jeopardy.
(This perks NIKKO up.)
NIKKO: What? What are you talking about? What?
GYASTO: There are things about the poem. I never had the chance to teach him
how to interpret it properly.
NIKKO: What should I do?
GYASTO: You need to get out of here as soon as possible. Find Vincent and tell
him that ... that the poem, if misinterpreted, could lead them to choose
incorrectly.
NIKKO: And then what?
GYASTO: They will die. (beat) Yes, they will die.
(Camera holds on NIKKO'S worried look.)
CUT TO:
[INT. PASSAGEWAY / TOMB -- NIGHT]
(JULIET and CALVIN holds the light down into the kiln from above as VINCENT and
SOLOMON descend the ladder. SOLOMON looks down below.)
(Cut to: SOLOMON and everyone walks through the passageway where it opens up
into a larger, mist-filled room. From above, it appears to be a maze of sorts
with the mist revealing only its walls.)
SOLOMON: (quietly) The Wheel's got to be in here.
(The group looks out at the room that is so large that their light doesn't reach
the back.)
FADE TO BLACK.
NARRATOR: "VERITAS: THE QUEST" will continue in a moment here on ABC.
FADE IN.
[INT. TOMB -- NIGHT]
SOLOMON: (reading) "Water as light as air, obscures the sacred wheel. Yet
enlightenment is in the arms of god."
(They've managed to set up stronger lights to cast the entire room with light.
They've also managed to set up a computer work table in the back. SOLOMON folds
and tucks the piece of paper with the saying back into his pocket. VINCENT
meanwhile measures the depth of the wall.)
SOLOMON: This is it. How deep?
(VINCENT reads the measurement.)
VINCENT: Eight feet. That's not too far to the bottom. But there are probably
traps.
CUT TO:
[INT. PRISON -- NIGHT]
(LIN walks into the room.)
LIN: Enjoying yourself?
NIKKO: Yeah, I'm having a blast. Listen ... (clears throat) ... I have a deal I
want to make with you.
LIN: I didn't know prisoners could make deals?
NIKKO: Well, I guess it all depends on you doesn't it?
LIN: What do you want?
NIKKO: Gyatso's release.
GYASTO: (protests) Nikko, no, no!
NIKKO: (to LIN) Look if you let Gyatso go, he can tell my father where the
Wheel is.
LIN: Really? And why, after thirty years, would Gyatso speak about the Wheel?
NIKKO: Because my life depends on it.
LIN: (suspicious) Did Gyatso tell you how to find it?
NIKKO: No.
LIN: Huh?
NIKKO: (firmly) I said, "No".
LIN: So now, after all this time, it's that easy?
NIKKO: Yeah, it could be.
LIN: It better be.
NIKKO: Look if the wheel isn't there you'll have me here as collateral. Okay.
You can't lose.
LIN: Well, that's quite heroic of you. But let me be clear about this, boy.
If this is a trick and the information Gyatso gives your father is false,
everyone will die. Including you. Are you willing to take that risk?
(GYATSO turns his head to listen to the answer. NIKKO doesn't hesitate.)
NIKKO: Yes.
(LIN thinks about it, then finally turns to leave. As he does, he issues a
command in Chinese to the guard near the doorway.)
(The guard steps forward.)
CUT TO:
[INT. TOMB -- NIGHT]
(VINCENT helps SOLOMON down into the mist-filled floor. He hands SOLOMON his
backpack and light. Unable to see the ground he's walking on, SOLOMON takes
another step and finds that the ground is even lower than the eight feet
measured at the sides. He glances back at VINCENT who watches his progress
intently.)
(SOLOMON turns and finds himself looking at a life-sized stone statue of an
ancient Chinese warrior. The warrior is dressed in battle garb and carrying a
shield in his left hand against his chest.)
SOLOMON: Whoa!
(SOLOMON continues making his way forward past another stone statue.)
JULIET: (looking out over the maze) The mist seems to be lifting.
CALVIN: Well, this tomb hasn't been opened in years. It's probably a reaction
to all the fresh air.
(Right before their eyes, the mist lifts to reveal just how big the tomb really
is. In the center of the tomb is a large statue; surrounding the statue are
sections filled with more life-sized stone statues of Chinese Warriors. The
"maze" is really the wall that separates the tomb into sections. SOLOMON makes
his way slowly toward the center looking at each statue along the way.)
JULIET: My god, look at this place.
VINCENT: There must be thousands of them.
JULIET: It'll take forever to find anything.
CALVIN: (mysteriously) Not if I have anything to say about it.
(CALVIN finishes what he's working on at the laptop and stands up carrying a
small helicopter.)
CALVIN: (announces) Ladies and Gentlemen: My "secret weapon".
(He places the helicopter down on the ground near the edge of the wall. SOLOMON
turns to look back as he listens to CALVIN explain what he has in mind.)
CALVIN: The drone will fly ahead, and scan the tomb and send video to your
hand-held.
(CALVIN snaps open the helicopter's propellers.)
SOLOMON: Now I remember why I hired you.
CALVIN: So what are you saying, you forgot?
SOLOMON: (without missing a beat) I did.
(SOLOMON scrambles to get his hand-held out of his back pack.)
(CALVIN takes a seat at the table they've set up. Ready, SOLOMON looks down at
his hand-held, turns to CALVIN and nods.)
SOLOMON: Okay Calvin, lead the way.
(CALVIN starts the drone. The mini-helicopter rises from the ground and takes
off. SOLOMON watches it pass him by overhead, then starts searching for the
statue on his own as well.)
(Together, they cover a lot more ground. One by one, the drone checks the
statue faces at a faster rate than SOLOMON could have done on his own.)
(Finally, SOLOMON sees something.)
SOLOMON: All right, stop! Go back.
(CALVIN moves the drone backward along the same path till SOLOMON tells him to
stop.)
SOLOMON: I see one that looks like the Buddha.
(The drone lingers at a particular statue. SOLOMON walks up to that statue and
looks at the shield.)
SOLOMON: Calvin, read me the last line of the poem again!
CALVIN: "Yet enlightenment is in the arms of god."
JULIET: (over radio) Dr. Zond, I got some analyzed data from the drone. It's
not good ...
SOLOMON: All right, give it to me.
JULIET: The soldier, the one with the Buddha's face ... it appears to be
rigged to explode.
SOLOMON: Good to know. Any ideas on how to get the Wheel out?
(After thinking about it for a moment, VINCENT suggests.)
VINCENT: Carefully.
SOLOMON: Cute.
(SOLOMON continues to examine the shield, trying to figure out a way to remove
the wheel.)
GYATSO: (o.s.) Vincent ...
(VINCENT turns around to find his old mentor lingering in the entrance looking
back at him.)
VINCENT: (surprised) Gyatso. How can this be?
(The two men hug.)
GYATSO: Ah, Vincent ... I know, I can hardly believe it myself. Nikko risked
his life to save me and -- and all of you. Where is his father?
(VINCENT turns around and leads GYATSO to the edge overlooking the pit.)
VINCENT: (yells) Solomon!
(In front of the statue, SOLOMON is still studying the wheel. He looks over his
shoulder when he hears his name called.)
SOLOMON: (yells) I'm right here. What is it?
GYATSO: Please stay where you are! Do not touch anything! (to VINCENT) The
poem is not as easily understood as you may believe. "Enlightenment is in the
arms of God." It is a riddle. In Buddhism, what God do you know of?
VINCENT: In Buddhism, there is no God.
GYATSO: Then what would it look like?
VINCENT: Well it wouldn't look like anyone or anything. You wouldn't be able
to put a face on it. (realizes) Solomon! The soldier you're looking for has
no face. When you find him, you'll find the wheel.
(VINCENT looks at GYATSO and smiles appreciatively.)
VINCENT: Thank you, Brother.
(SOLOMON looks back up at the soldier statue he's in front of and looks at his
face. He then looks down at the hand-held device.)
SOLOMON: All right Calvin, move the drone and find me a faceless soldier.
(Now, with something specific to look for, CALVIN turns the drone around and
resumes the search. SOLOMON walks past the Buddha-like statue and also
continues to search for the right statue)
(The drone flies over head while SOLOMON slowly makes his way on foot. He looks
down at his palm and sees something.)
SOLOMON: Stop! Stop!
(CALVIN maneuvers the drone to hover over a particular statue. SOLOMON walks up
to the faceless statue and checks it to make sure it's the right one.)
SOLOMON: There it is.
(He puts his gear down, his eyes on the wheel. SOLOMON reaches out and removes
the Wheel from the statue's shield. He looks at it.)
SOLOMON: I got it!
(GYATSO, VINCENT and JULIET all smile with relief at the news.)
SOLOMON: Everybody get out of here. It's dangerous, I'll meet you up top.
(JULIET turns to look at VINCENT.)
JULIET: (worried) No, no, no, wait- we can't leave him here.
VINCENT: He's a big boy. He can take care of himself. He said go. Let's go.
(VINCENT makes sure that everyone leaves the place. CALVIN picks up his laptop,
leaves the table and equipment and immediately complies with the order.)
VINCENT: Let's move!
(Meanwhile, SOLOMON has made his way back to the statue with the "Buddha's" face
on it, the one with the identical wheel in its shield. The one rigged to
explode.)
(He has an idea and puts all his gear down ... everything except his small bag
which he estimates to weight the same as the wheel. He carefully and rapidly
makes the switch, removing the fake Wheel while placing the bag in its spot.)
(He holds his breath for a moment ... waiting for something to happen. Nothing
does.)
(SOLOMON smiles.)
(He opens his pack and puts the "fake" wheel inside all the while muttering to
himself.)
SOLOMON: I can't believe that worked!
(Famous last words. A rumble sound starts coming from the statue. SOLOMON
looks up and around. And finally looks at the statue in front of him.)
SOLOMON: Oh, that can't be good.
(SOLOMON slowly backs away from the statue, slinging his backpack over his
shoulder. He takes a couple of steps just before the "Buddha" statue explodes.)
(SOLOMON starts running like hell back to the entrance.)
(The first explosion starts a chain reaction and sets off the other statues near
it also rigged to explode one after the other.)
(SOLOMON ducks to avoid flying rock and debris as the statues he just passes by
explodes behind him.)
(As fast as he can, SOLOMON makes his way back toward the entrance. He turns
the corner, weaving in and between statues while ducking at flying stone
debris.)
(SOLOMON reaches the end, jumps and grabs on to the edge. However, the height
of the wall is eight feet. SOLOMON slowly pulls himself up to the top of the
wall.)
VINCENT: Solomon!
(VINCENT reaches out his hand and helps SOLOMON up. The two men leave the
ancient place just as the last of the statues and the entire room explodes.)
FADE OUT.
FADE IN.
[EXT. VILLAGE -- NIGHT]
(LIN arrives in the village accompanied by his soldiers. NIKKO is being dragged
along behind them.)
(As they approach, SOLOMON and VINCENT turn around.)
(LIN stops a respectable distance in front of them. SOLOMON sees NIKKO and his
condition.)
(SOLOMON lifts up the cloth to show LIN the wheel inside.)
SOLOMON: Now give me my son.
LIN: Give me the Wheel.
SOLOMON: Not until my son is safe with me.
LIN: [Speaks Chinese]
(LIN says something to the guard in Chinese. The guard steps forward and gives
NIKKO to SOLOMON.)
(NIKKO hangs on to SOLOMON, the two looking at each other. Angry, SOLOMON turns
to look at LIN.)
SOLOMON: I hope it was all worth it.
(SOLOMON hands the Wheel over to VINCENT.)
SOLOMON: (to VINCENT) You should handle this.
(With one final glare at LIN, SOLOMON turns away and leads NIKKO out of the
group.)
(With the wheel in his hands, VINCENT turns to look at LIN.)
LIN: For twenty years I've waited to get my hands on this Wheel. How
appropriate that you would be the one to hand it to me. Gyatso's star pupil.
VINCENT: This is not about me, it's about these people.
LIN: Not yet.
VINCENT: When you take this relic, you're taking the most important object in
all of Buddhism. Let them have their peace.
LIN: When I have the Wheel, I will.
(VINCENT hands the Wheel over to LIN who takes it and immediately opens the
cloth bag. He tosses the bag down and holds the Wheel in his hands.)
(He raises it high above his head and announces loudly to the people in the
village.)
LIN: (in subtitled Chinese) Here is your precious wheel.
(The people look at the Wheel with awe.)
LIN: (in subtitled Chinese) It is my property now! I will treat it with the
respect it deserves.
(In front of the people, LIN throws the Wheel to the ground, smashing it into
pieces of clay and stone.)
(The people begin to mourn its loss. VINCENT turns around and looks at LIN.)
VINCENT: Why?
LIN: The Power of the Wheel is based on the people's Faith in it. Allow that
Wheel to exist you allow that power and faith to continue. I have destroyed
both.
(Satisfied, LIN issues a single command in Chinese to his soldiers, turns and
leaves. The soldiers follow behind him.)
(The camera lingers on VINCENT.)
CUT TO:
[EXT. VILLAGE - DAY]
(The morning gong sounds.)
[INT. TEMPLE - DAY]
(Carrying his bag, VINCENT steps into the main temple room to pay his respects
to his mentor. He puts his bag down, sits in front of GYATSO and bows.)
GYATSO: Vincent ... we owe so much to you. Although the wheel has been
destroyed, our faith is still intact.
VINCENT: (smiles) You have more than that.
(VINCENT reaches into his bag and hands GYATSO something wrapped in a piece of
cloth.)
GYATSO: What is this?
(GYATSO unwraps it and looks inside. It's the Wheel of Dharma. He shows it to
the other buddhist monks who are awed at having the relic once again.)
GYATSO: Vincent, I am so blessed that you've come into my life again. (He
looks around.) Would you help an old man up, please?
(VINCENT stands up and helps GYATSO to his feet.)
GYATSO: Thank you.
VINCENT: It is you that should be thanked. The time I spent as your student
meant more to me than anything in my life.
GYATSO: Those memories helped me pass the years in my cell much more quickly.
VINCENT: I thought you were dead.
GYATSO: (smiles) So I have heard.
VINCENT: If I had known, I would've come sooner.
GYATSO: (shakes his head) Vincent, you as well as I know, we cannot interrupt
another man's path.
VINCENT: I know. They were chosen for us long ago.
(They laugh.)
GYATSO: Very wise. Will you do one thing for me?
VINCENT: Anything.
GYATSO: Take the Wheel.
(GYATSO hands the cloth-wrapped object back to VINCENT.)
GYATSO: With you, I know that the wheel will be forever out of the hands of Lin
and his people. Please, protect it always.
VINCENT: I understand.
(VINCENT bends down to pick up his bag. GYATSO stops him.)
GYATSO: Oh, one more thing.
(GYATSO turns around to a monk standing behind him. He says something in
Chinese.)
GYATSO: (untranslated Chinese)
(The monk hands him a piece of cloth that he opens and drapes around VINCENT'S
neck. VINCENT leans over a bit and their foreheads touch as GYATSO blesses
VINCENT.)
(VINCENT clasps his hands in front of him and GYATSO wraps his hands around
VINCENT'S.)
GYATSO: (untranslated Chinese)
VINCENT: (untranslated Chinese)
(VINCENT smiles and hugs GYATSO affectionately. With a final look, VINCENT
steps away backwards toward the door.)
(GYATSO bows to VINCENT; VINCENT bows to GYATSO. He turns, then leaves.)
CUT TO:
[EXT. PLANE (MOVING) - DAY]
[INT. PLANE (MOVING) - DAY]
(SOLOMON places the Wheel of Dharma reverently in the carrying case.
Off screen, NIKKO sighs and yawns. SOLOMON turns to look at NIKKO as he
wakes up.)
NIKKO: (yawns) Hey, how long have I been out?
SOLOMON: About ten hours. How you feeling? Can you sit-up?
NIKKO: Yeah, I'm all right.
(NIKKO tries to sit up and finds that he's in too much pain.)
NIKKO: Well, maybe not. Ow.
(He lies back down. SOLOMON takes the seat in front of him.)
SOLOMON: Listen kid, what you did back there -- I don't know if I would've been
so brave.
NIKKO: Yeah well, look what brave got me. You know Dad, I got to tell you, man
... it's amazing what you'll learn when you think you're going to lose
everything.
SOLOMON: (looking at NIKKO) Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm really proud of
you. And I'll tell you what I'm gonna do -- when you're, you know, feeling
better, I give you a rematch in the ring.
NIKKO: Oh, a little rematch, huh? Okay. Well, uh, if you wanna test your luck,
old man, that's fine with me.
(SOLOMON laughs.)
NIKKO: Oh yeah.
SOLOMON: I can see you're feeling better already.
(SOLOMON turns and sees JULIET in the doorway.)
SOLOMON: Well I think the boss wants to have a word with you.
(SOLOMON stands up and leaves; JULIET takes the seat next to NIKKO.)
JULIET: So, tough guy, you're really building quite a reputation for yourself.
NIKKO: Well I mainly like to help damsels in distress. But you know --
(JULIET puts a hand on NIKKO'S forehead.)
JULIET: I'm so sorry, Nikko.
(She grabs his hand and holds it.)
JULIET: I was such an idiot for thinking I could help that little boy.
NIKKO: Hey, no. Look, you did the right thing, okay?
JULIET: I don't know what would have happened if you weren't there.
NIKKO: Well obviously, you would've kicked his butt. But you know, now I'm
your hero so, it kind of works out.
(He smiles smugly at her. JULIET looks at NIKKO for a moment, then takes out
the coin that his mother gave to him; the one she's been hanging on to during
the entire trip.)
(With tears in his eyes, NIKKO glances down at the coin, then leans forward to
give JULIET a hug.)
NIKKO: Oh, thank you. I thought I lost this.
(He takes the coin and looks at it. JULIET reaches up and kisses NIKKO'S
forehead; she caresses his cheek with her hand.)
JULIET: Looks like I'm your hero now.
(She and NIKKO look at each other. She smiles.)
FADE OUT.
========================
THE END
========================
Note: These episodes are shorter than normal being that the network asked that
additional time be cut from the program to allow for special news reports due to
the war coverage, should there be any. This is a transcript from the wildfeed.
PROGRAM DURATION: 43:45
Courtesy of http://www.webphilia.com/~anthology/wnp.html
Contact the Transcriptionist at (intrepidly002@yahoo.com)
Please do not archive this transcript without permission from the
Transcriptionist.
========================
BEGINNING/TITLE CREDITS
========================
VERITAS: THE QUEST
1X05: WHEEL OF DHARMA
[UNAIRED]
TRANSCRIBED FROM ABC WILDFEED
Starring
ALEX CARTER as Dr. Solomon Zond
RYAN MERRIMAN as Nicholas "Nikko" Zond
COBIE SMULDERS as Juliet Droil
ERIC BALFOUR as Calvin Banks
CYNTHIA MARTELLS as Maggie (Hayes)
and
ARNOLD VOSLOO as Vincent Siminou
Created by: PATRICK MASSET & JOHN ZINMAN
Guest Starring
AKI ALEONG as Gyatso
TOSHI as Lin (?)
Producer: I.C. RAPOPORT
Co-Executive Producer: THANIA ST. JOHN
Co-Executive Producer: RICK KELLARD
Produced by: IAIN PATERSON
Executive Producer: CRAIG ZADAN
Executive Producer: NEIL MERON
Executive Producer: PATRICK MASSETT
Executive Producer: JOHN ZINMAN
Written by: STEPHANIE BLOCH-CHAMBERS & JULIE BEAN
Directed by: R.W. GOODWIN
========================
END CREDITS
========================
Massett/Zinman Productions
Storyline Entertainment
Touchstone Television
Consulting Producer: BRYAN SPEER
Co-Producers: GABRIELLE STANTON
Co-Producers: HARRY WERKSMAN, JR.
Co-Starring
HENRY CHAN as High Lama
ALAN TANG as Soldier
DANIEL PARK as Soldier
JAMES KIM as Guard
JEFFREY JAMES as Young Vincent
CLIPPER MANO as Young Lin
HENRY LI as Young Gyatso
HARIS HAN as Tbetan Boy
OSCAR HSU as Prison
Directory of Photograph: DAVID MAXNESS, C.S.C.
Production Designer: MICHAEL NOVATNY
Edited by: DON CASSIDY
Production Manager: SUSAN MURDOCH
First Assistant Director: MICHAEL CAAIN
Second Assistant Director: KEVIN WALKER
Casting by: TINA GERUSSI
Original Casting by: SHARON BIALY
Music by: JOHN NORDSTROM
Costume Designer: JOANNE HANSEN
Make-Up Artist: PATRICIA KEIGHRAN
Hair Stylist: CATHY SHIBLEY
Chief Lighting Technician: MICHAEL McDONALD
Key Grip: JONATHAN BILLINGS
Set Decorators: CAROLINE GEE
Property Master: ALAN MACMINN
Script Supervisor: DUG ROTSTEIN
Special Effects Coordinator: KAZ KOBIELSKI
Stunt Coordinator: MATT BIRMAN
Production Coordinator: JANET GAYFORD
Art Director: KENNETH WATKINS
Location Manager: OLIVER CHURCHILL
Transportation Coordinator: GREG O'HARA
Post Production Supervisor: DOUGLAS WILKINSON
Visual Fx Supervisor: JON COMPFENS
Post Production Coordinators: DEANNA STRONG
Post Production Coordinators: BENJAMIN RAPAPORT
Music Supervisors: KEVIN EDELMAN / JUSTIN GOLDBERG
Production Sound Mixer: THOMAS HIDDERLEY
Sound Editors: STEPHEN BARDEN / J.R. FOUNTAIN
Re-Recording Mixers: ALLEN OMEARD / MIKE WAROMIUK
Music Editor: MOIRA MARGUIS
Video Post Production: Mania DSP
ACTRA
(c) 2002 Touchstone Television. All Rights Reserved.
Dated:07/20/2003~lky
Revised:07/23/2003~lky
http://www.webphilia.com/~anthology/wnp.html