Peter: (As we cut back to the ballroom and 1975) Val, you wouldn't really go off with some slick Frenchman like that, would you?

Valerie: Of course not, Peter. It's just a story.

Emma: (Sighs) Well, who wants to go next?

Davy: I'll go next.

Emma: (As Mike hauls a load of trash bags outside) Ok Davy, take it away!

Davy: Okay, so Peter and Micky are headed to pick me up...

*We switch to shot of a not-so-busy street, where a nearly 20-year-old Model T Ford that appears to have been reworked many times chugs down the road, keeping pace with other vehicles. Micky sits at the wheel, wearing his goggles and a scarf around his neck. Peter sits next to him, looking a little nervous.*

Peter: Micky, are you SURE you got this thing working right?

Micky: Of course I did! It's running like a champ! Heck, this car didn't run this great when my uncle bought it brand new!

Peter: God, I wish my car wasn't in the shop...LOOK OUT! (They just barely miss an oncoming car; Peter covers his eyes)

Micky: *shakes a fist, yelling behind him* Watch where you're driving, buddy! *turns to front* Just because these people drive new-fangled cars, they think they own the road.

Peter: (Drops down as deep in the seat as he dares) I am NOT here...

Micky: *as the car pulls up to the curb* We're here. *looks over, then down* Peter?

(Peter just whimpers.)

Micky: *gently pulls Peter up* Are you okay, Peter?

Peter: (He's pale, but he manages to nod) Uh huh.

*Micky frowns, then gets out. He goes around and helps Peter out.*

Micky: I thought it was just Lauren not liking my car. I guess it IS the car.

Peter: Uh, yeah. (Nods at the apartment building in front of them) I thought you said this friend of yours hadn't had a job in months. This is a pretty nice part of town.

Micky: *sighs* Uh, yeah, he hasn't.

Peter: (As they enter the building) Did he inherit money?

Micky: No, he didn't. *motions toward the stairs* He's on the second floor.

Peter: All right. (They head upstairs to his door. Micky knocks on number 12.)

*After a few moments, the door pulls over. Davy grins upon seeing Micky.*

Davy: Hey, Mick! To what do I owe this visit?

Micky: Wanted to see the newest furniture you've gotten.

Davy: Yes, you can come in. Who's your friend?

Peter: Hello, young man. I'm Professor Peter Thorkleson. Micky's told me a great deal about you, Mr. Jones. He says you're a great actor.

Davy: *grins* Only great? Mick, you're slipping.

Micky: Gee, and I thought I was over-embellishing. *plops down on the couch*

Davy: It's nice to meet you, Professor Thorkleson.

Peter: It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Jones. (Frowns as he settles on a chair) Mr. Jones, what do you know about treasures?

Davy: I know I've dated a few.

Peter: (As Micky chuckles) Have you ever done any treasure hunting?

Davy: I've gone out searching for junk with Mick, if that counts.

Micky: It's not junk.

Peter: (Sighs) Micky, are you sure he can help us?

Micky: Positive.

Davy: Wait, you fellas are searching for treasure? What kind of treasure?

Peter: I'm hoping to find the Lost Gold City of the Kalawahu tribe in Darkest Africa.

Davy: Wow. You'd like for me to help?

Micky: That's what I was hoping.

Peter: Micky says you need a job. We need someone to help lead our crew.

Davy: *nods* I do need a job. Seriously, mates, I'd be very greatly to help out!

Peter: (Looks around) You seem to do pretty well for yourself...

*Micky snorts.*

Davy: *shoots Micky a glare* Well, I don't want to brag...

*Micky coughs, covering a laugh.*

Peter: (Nods at the decent furniture and the closet open to reveal Davy's rather large wardrobe) Pretty fancy for someone who hasn't worked in a while.

Davy: Uh, yeah. *pauses* So, the Lost Gold City? I've never heard of it.

Peter: Many people haven't, Davy. I'm hoping to prove it exists.

Micky: WE'RE hoping to prove it exists.

Peter: Yes, I'm bringing Micky and his inventions, too. You're supposedly Micky's good friend. You can help him and make sure he doesn't blow up too much.

Davy: I'll do my best. I am only human, though.

Micky: Thanks for the support, Dave.

Peter: We'll be leaving within the next few days, as soon as we hire a pilot and buy more supplies.

Davy: I'm ready when you fellas are.

Peter: (Puts out his hands to Davy's) I hope I can trust you, Mr. Jones.

Davy: *extends his own hand into a handshake* Of course, Professor Thorkleson!

Peter: (Smiles) I have the feeling this is going to work out just fine. I hope you've done some excavation work before.

Davy: With the way that Mick is always searching for things, I've done PLENTY of excavation work.

Peter: Oh good, then you'll be ready to dig when we go to Shanghai. (Looks at his watch) We'd better get going, Mick. We still have a lot of arrangements to make, and I have my date with Valerie tonight.

Micky: *nods* Sure, Peter. See you later, Dave.

Davy: Bye, Mick. *nods* Professor Thorkleson, you have my word of trust.

Peter: Thank you, Mr. Jones. That means more to me than you know. (He leaves)

Davy: (Turns to Micky; softly) Mick, this guy seems really nice...but is he for real? I mean, a Lost City of Gold..

Micky: Davy, I believe him. He has the best of intentions. Besides, I've known him for years. And I've known you for probably just as long. Why didn't you just tell him...

Davy: Shh! I don't want it gettin' around! I'm practically...well, you know what I'm doin'.

Micky: Yeah, I know. That's what bothers me. Besides, it isn't like he'd tell anyone. He'd have no reason to.

Davy: If Daph knew...

Micky: *sighs* I'm sorry, Dave. I just wish that I didn't know.

Davy: I'm only doing it until I have enough money to ask Daph to marry me.

Micky: How much longer will that be?

(How much)

Davy: If I can make enough money on this trip, as soon as we get back.

Micky: That's good. Well, I'd better get going. Peter and I have to start making some plans.

Davy: Right, mate. And I have to call Daph about one last date before I go.

Micky: See you later, Dave. *waves, then heads out*

Davy: See you later, mate. (He nods and goes to the phone as we fade out and return to the ballroom)

Emma: Well, that was...mysterious.

Micky: And, as usual, I'm stuck in the middle.

Davy: Sorry, mate.

Daphne: I think maybe I'd better take over now.

Valerie: Safer that way. Why don't you pick up with the ladies about to have their lunch, Daph?

Daphne: We see the ladies sitting down for lunch at a cafe...

*We switch to the sign, Jacque's Cafe, then pan to the ladies just sitting down at a table.*

Valerie: Thank you for joining us, Daphne.

Emma: Thank you for offering to pay the bill, Miss Cartwright. I have some money, but I'm not what you would call flush.

Valerie: (Shrugs) It's nice to have a lunch out with the girls. I usually eat with business colleagues.

Daphne: Thanks to all of you for inviting me.

Lauren: Thank you, Valerie, for bringing us out.

Valerie: Well, if we're going to discuss this trip, we'll need to do it somewhere...and explorers need to eat, too.

Emma: (She puts her part of the map on the table, making sure no waiters are watching) Here. If you're going to be a member of this group, you need to know about this.

Daphne: Is that a map?

Lauren: Part of a map.

Daphne: Part of?

Emma: A professor at the University of California has another part, and the man who is funding our expedition has the third.

Daphne: Wow...

Valerie: (Nods) Monseuir Jacques LeMarque was a friend of my father's. He now works for an international corporation that sells and reproduces antiques.

Daphne: He's fund the WHOLE expedition?

Valerie: (Shakes her head) I'm putting money into it, too, but he has a part of the map.

Daphne: Oh. Still, this can't be cheap.

Valerie: That's why we're both doing it. No, it's not cheap and I... (sighs) the grocery stores and magazines and newspapers just aren't doing that well.

Daphne: Oh dear.

Valerie: I'm hoping that some of the treasure from the Lost City can be sold to help my business.

Emma: (Shrugs) I don't really care about money. I'm looking for inspiration for my newest pulp story. I work for one of her magazines, and I'd like to keep working there...and do more interesting things than write silly little romances and fetch coffee.

Lauren: And I'm just going for the fun of it.

Valerie: We're going to be leaving in a few days on Lauren's Hydrosail boat.

Daphne: *eyes widen* You and Micky finished the boat?

Lauren: *nods* Yeah, last week.

Emma: She took me on a test run a few days ago!

Valerie: It certainly sounds intriguing.

Daphne: Fantastic!

Emma: It's sea-worthy AND road-worthy! And a lot more fun than just taking an ordinary slow boat to China.

Valerie: Daphne, have you ever done any treasure hunting?

Daphne: Well, I love flea markets.

Valerie: Have you ever done any archeological digging? I was told you attended college.

Daphne: I did attend, but I never dig any digging.

Valerie: Maybe it's time we all started.

Emma: I've gone to a few local digs doing research for my stories, but I didn't do any actual digging. I just watched...and I practically had to beg to.

Lauren: And I've been digging with Micky in junk yards.

Valerie: Monseuir LeMarque said he'd hire the rest of the crew...but I want you to be my personal assistants. I can trust you.

Emma: Val...I'm not so sure I trust HIM.

Lauren: I'm not, either.

Valerie: He's a gentleman, and obviously knows his way around. He's knowledgeable about antiquities and (blushes) very charming.

Daphne: I'm sure he'll be a great help.

Emma: Well...if it'll get us where we're going...

Valerie: I'm sure it'll be fine. And he's providing the crew.

*Lauren just sighs.*

Valerie: Very well, ladies. (As the waiter arrives with their food) Now, Emma, shall we study this map and discuss our trip to the Orient?

*We fade back into the ballroom.*

Lauren: Nice portion, Daph. Mind if I take over to get us on the boat?

Daphne: No, go right ahead.

Lauren: Okay, the next day, the ladies arrive at the dock where the Hydrosail boat is...

(The Hydrosail boat looks like an ordinary small yacht...but the bottom is somewhat wider to conceal wheels, and the top is sleeker and more rounded. A group of men pull the sails out and do things on the deck. Jacques LeMarque, dressed in a pristine white suit with a black tie and yellow shirt, waves to the girls as they come over.)

LeMarque: Bonjour, mademoiselles! (He turns to Daphne and smiles, kissing her hand) And whom is this tres belle cherie?

Daphne: Daphne Morgani, sir.

LeMarque: Lovely. Just lovely. Mademoiselle Cartwright has fine choice in assistants.

Valerie: We'll be departing within the hour.

LeMarque: Good. We have much to discuss, Mademoiselle. (He takes Valerie's arm, chatting away with her)

Emma: (As the other three board the ship) And we do, too. While this guy is charming, I'm not sure if I trust him. I think he's hiding something.

Lauren: I just plain don't trust him. I'm almost positive he's hiding something.

Daphne: He does seem a bit fake.

Emma: We really need to keep an eye on him. I want to have a look at that map, too. There's something going on here. Why did he suddenly appear now? The Great War ended fifteen years ago!

(They follow Lauren into the main Captain's cabin.)

Emma: Daphne, you and I need to find out more about this guy. We need to find his cabin and that map. Lauren, you stay with the controls.

Lauren: Aye, aye, ma'am!

(Valerie and LeMarque appear at this point. Valerie's laughing. LeMarque smiles his oily, charming smile.)

Valerie: You're just so funny, Jacques!

LeMarque: I make wonderful joke, yes? (He turns to the other ladies, his smile still on his face) Bonjour, Mademoiselles. I am charmed to be taking a sea voyage with such a delightful group of belles.

Emma: (Attempts a smile) The feeling's, um, mutual, I'm sure.

*Lauren rolls her eyes and pays more attention to the controls, preparing for departure.*

LeMarque: I have to call a few people onshore. Why don't you ladies rest a bit before we have dinner and discuss our map...and what we'll find when we arrive at Shanghai?

Emma: Yes. Why don't we?

Valerie: I could use a nap myself. (Sighs) And I know what I'll dream of...

Emma: (Sighs as Valerie and LeMarque leave) Oh, she's falling for him. Her poor professor isn't going to like that.

*Lauren makes a gagging noise.*

Daphne: *nods* Agreed on all accounts.

Emma: We have to find that map and find out what he's up to, for Valerie's sake and the sake of this expedition. I think this guy is some kind of crook.

Emma: (Turns to Lauren) Where do you think he'd keep a map on this ship? I know there's only one cabin.

Lauren: Under his mattress or his pillow?

Emma: (Sighs) We'll have to try. (Frowns at the large, burly men who watch them from outside as they load crates) Those men worry me. They're so big. They look like modern pirates from a Clark Gable movie.

Lauren: *frowns* In that case, I won't feel bad telling them to walk the plank, if necessary.

Emma: I'm afraid they may do that to US.

Lauren: *smirks* I'm NOT worried.

Emma: (Sees LeMarque go on the deck) Now's our chance, Daphne! Let's go!

("Salesman" begins as Daphne and Emma spread out around the cabin. Emma puts her hand under every bunk bed mattress. Nothing.)

*Daphne checks under all of the pillows. She finds a couple dimes under one of them. She checks in the blankets next and finds a pair of socks.*

(Emma looks under the bunk beds. She finds dust bunnies. She sticks her head out of a portal. Cut to a shot of an obviously fake window. Emma is splashed with "sea spray" (obviously someone splashing water on her). When she pulls in, her head's soaked.)

*Daphne looks behind a painting of a porthole and finds a safe. She manages to open it...and finds a small version of the porthole painting.*

(Emma, her wet hair now slicked back, searches shelves. She opens every book and shakes them. She gets showers of paper, money, and even food...but no map. She puts the last book away, steps back from the large mountain that's accumulated in her wake, and looks elsewhere.)

(Emma shakes out all the jackets hanging on hooks on the wall. She pulls candy bars and handkerchiefs out of the pockets, but no map.)

*Daphne snacks on one of the candy bars.*

Emma: (Throws up her hands in frustration as the music ends) I give up! We've searched this place top to bottom. It just isn't here.

Daphne: *joins Emma* He's probably got in on him.

Emma: Yeah...oh! (Eyes widen as we see LeMarque walk into the cabin) There he is! We have to hide! (Pulls Daphne under the bunk bed as LeMarque enters the room.)

Daphne: *whispers* Em, your elbow’s in my side...

Emma: Oops. Sorry. (Moves her elbow as LeMarque enters the room. He tosses his hat on a hook and leans back on the bunk bed. We see the girls under it, trying to stay as flattened as possible as the bunk bed moves down)

LeMarque: What a woman! I will have sweet dreams... (The phone by the bed rings) Oh, darn. Why must he call NOW? (He picks up the phone) Bonjour. (Pause) Yes, this is LeMarque. (Eyes widen in recognition) Boss! Oh! Oh, I am sorry. I did not recognize your voice over phone. We are on the sea, you know. (Frowns) No, I have not gotten map from the women yet. Mademoiselle Cartwright is play clay in my hands, but the others are not so fooled. I must be careful with them.

LeMarque: Yes, I know, Boss. Yes, I know, you want the City of Gold. (Frowns) I do not care about such things. I want the secret. (Sighs) That is all you think about. You get such a secret as immortality, and you want to sell it to highest bidder! Do you know what things could... (Pulls the phone back) Desuite, Boss. I do not question you. (Returns phone to ear) We must be careful, Monseuir. If someone suspects what we want... (Nods) Yes, there are others. Someone else has the map. Some professor, Tork or something. Valerie speak of him. He sound like little wimpy scholar. You will not have problem getting past him.

LeMarque: As soon as I can convince girls to keep maps together, I will leave them in Shanghai. I do not want them harmed, especially Mademoiselle Cartwright. She is daughter of old friend. (Frown) No, there is nothing between us.

LeMarque: I will stick to the women like glue until we can put maps together and find where next clue is in Shanghai. (Nods) Yes, Boss. Yes, I know. I know is dangerous. I will not fail you. Au revoir. (He puts the phone down; sighs and says softly) Forgive me, ma cherie. (He then leaves the room.)

Emma: (As she and Daphne climb out from under the bed) Did you hear what he said?

Daphne: What a jerk!

Emma: Who was that boss he was talking about?

Daphne: I have no idea.

Emma: We have to tell the others and make sure our map doesn't fall into his hands. (Frowns) I wish there was a way we could get in touch with Professor Thorkleson and Micky and warn them. It sounds like whomever LeMarque works for is after their part of the map, too. (Thinks) And what did he mean by selling secrets? Whom would they sell the secret of the City of Gold to?

Daphne: Well, if LeMarque has a phone here, Lauren's gotta know of another phone or something, probably with the controls.

Emma: Let's go talk to her. Maybe she can get in contact with Micky.

Daphne: Yeah.