WWIII3
Cyber Nuclear Holocaust is an original John Storm political espionage thriller.
This plot offers a thrilling adventure for John Storm, with high stakes, international intrigue, and a race against time.
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CHAPTER
10
INT. ELIZABETH SWANN - BRIDGE - NIGHTIME
PITCH BLACK
The digital displays on the bridge hum with frantic data. JOHN STORM (40s, his face a mask of intense concentration) stares at a satellite map of a barren expanse of Iran.
JOHN
Hal, bring the Swann in closer please.
The Elizabeth Swann, a black silhouette, hugs the turbulent waters of the Gulf of Oman. Its solar wings are folded, digital cloaking shimmering.
John spots two GUARDS outside a rusty hut, smoking, laughing in Arabic. He circles the ramshackle building, a decoy for the underground complex he knows lies beneath. The darkness makes him almost invisible. As one guard lights a cigarette for the other, John strikes with impossible speed. Two swift, brutal blows. The guards crumple.
SOUND of two dull THUDS - Boomp, blomp.
John zip-ties and gags them. They won't be waking anytime soon. He hoists the lighter guard, carrying him through a rotten wooden door disguised as part of the wall. Inside, a stand with an eye scanner.
JOHN
Hal, could you give the all clear to Katya, bring in the RIB… please.
John holds the unconscious guard up to the scanner, peeling back an eyelid. The scanner whirs, a brief red beam.
CLICK.
A section of dusty floor lifts fifty centimeters. John drops the guard, pushes the counterbalanced section open, revealing dimly lit steel steps descending into the earth. Voices echo from below. Two more guards. No signal from Hal—blocked by steel and a copper mesh.
John descends deftly. A rusty step CREAKS.
GUARD 1 (O.S.)
Ali.
No reply.
GUARD 2 (O.S.)
Ahmed?
No reply.
Both GUARDS rush to the staircase, spotting John just as he reaches the floor. He leaps sideways. One guard is quick on the trigger, a HAIL OF BULLETS. A searing pain. John’s leg.
Undeterred, a surge of raw anger propelling him, John charges forward at blinding speed. He slams into the firing guard, grabs the machine gun, and decks him with a brutal side-blow to the jaw. The guard goes down. The second guard is a fraction too slow. WHAM. He never gets a shot off.
John limps now, blood staining his black trousers. He checks the remaining corridors. Nothing.
JOHN
Is anyone at home?
A cacophony of YELLS from unseen cells.
HOSTAGES (O.S.)
Get us out of here… please, whoever you are!
One by one, John unlocks the disoriented PRISONERS.
JOHN
Follow me gentlemen.
He repeats the command in Arabic, Hindi, Russian, German, French, and Korean. The hostages, disheveled but obedient, look at each other, then at the wounded man who commands instant respect.
They reach the top of the steel steps.
JOHN
(Hand up, index finger to lips)
Hold it.
Outside, the faint roar of an engine. KATYA VOLKOV’s RIB
barely visible, is coming in fast. They hear the waves gently washing the shore.
The VIPs proceed as quietly as they can. Katya beaches the RIB, leaping over the bow to pull it further onto the sand.
JOHN
Follow me!
John motions urgency, limping to help pull the boat.
JOHN
(Repeated in other languages)
Okay, quickly, get into that boat!
His leg throbs. DONALD TRUMP is surprisingly nimble. So are XI JINPING and AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI. They scramble down the sandy shore and clamber aboard the RIB. John holds it steady while Katya helps them on.
EXT. GULF OF OMAN - CONTINUOUS
The crowded RIB motors quickly towards the Elizabeth Swann, which is coming in as close as possible, a dim shadow, low to the water.
PRESIDENT TRUMP
Is that a stealth
ship?
John expertly moors at the Swann’s stern, nodding to the observant passengers.
JOHN
Okay gentlemen, we need to get onboard as quickly as you can please.
Damp from sea spray, Trump signals to Jinping, Macron to Modi, Merz to Kim Jong Un. They move, a unified line, driven by common cause. John notes the new spirit of cooperation. A stark contrast to their usual political offices.
INT. ELIZABETH SWANN - GALLEY - CONTINUOUS
The rescued assembly, now seated in the galley, is a mixture of relief and exhaustion. DAN HAWK and Katya offer hot drinks and high-energy snacks. The most powerful men on Earth, humbled.
JOHN
Is anybody injured?
KATYA
No, but you are.
Katya grabs the first aid box.
KATYA
Commander, please take a seat.
John hobbles into the cabin next door, wincing. Katya follows, a suggestive smile playing on her lips.
KATYA
Won't be long, Dan.
A ripple of wide grins amongst the assembled leaders. Katya’s black outfit accentuates her
Cat woman figure.
DONALD TRUMP
(Whispering)
Shoot me quick.
As the world leaders gorge on energy bars, Katya tears John’s trouser leg open.
JOHN
(Flinching)
Steady girl.
He can see the humor, but the pain quells any romantic notions. Katya admires John’s
amazing muscle tone.
KATYA
I think the bullet passed right through. But it has torn a lot of muscle.
JOHN
It’s bloody painful. Shaken and Stirred!
Blood gushes.
KATYA
Hold steady, Commander.
John grits his teeth. Katya expertly cleans the wounds, bandages above and below, then stitches the skin tight with a suture. She dresses the area with hydrocortisone cream. Impressed by his stoicism.
KATYA
I’ll leave you to dress.
JOHN
Thank you, Miss Volkov. Nice job.
Katya, a bit shaky, heads for a strong triple espresso. Nursing isn’t her forte.
John, now in joggers, rejoins the group, offering a strained smile. They reciprocate, still unsure, but smiling knowingly.
JOHN
I'm John Storm. This young lady is Katya Volkov, and my crewmate is Dan Hawk.
KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump nod, recognizing John from his climate exploits.
JOHN
Is anyone else injured?
No one admits to injury.
JOHN
We're trying to rescue you, and return you to your countries, if and when it’s safe to do so.
Hal steps in to repeat the message, making it easier on John’s voice. The group laughs.
JOHN
Oh, and this is Hal, our onboard AI.
John gestures to the galley screen. Hal beams.
JOHN
We know that a nuclear First Strike is imminent. I'll be onto that momentarily, but just wanted to assure you, you are safer with us. We're on our way to rendezvous with the USS Vermont.
President Trump gasps with relief.
DONALD TRUMP
Oh, thank you, Lord.
JOHN
On this ship, we are neutral, though working with Interpol and other agencies. But, only in the hope of restoring some degree of normality. I will personally guarantee your safety while onboard the Vermont. I'm a Navy SEAL, and Commander in the
British
Royal Navy.
EMMANUEL MACRON
(Flustered)
Que se passe-t-il?
JOHN
The whole world, all nations, are the subject of massive cyber attacks. Your kidnappings were a prelude to starting
World War Three.
John outlines the political situation prior to their abductions, his intel chillingly accurate. The leaders listen, silenced.
JOHN
Sorry, but I don't have much time. I need to get onto dismantling something called Operation Grand Slam, and a Cell called Red Dragon. They are turning your nuclear stockpiles against you.
NORAD is being hacked right now. You're on, Hal.
Hal explains the situation in four languages. John accelerates the Swann to full speed, deploying the
hydrofoils. The vessel lifts out of the sea, skimming above the waves. Passage is swift and smooth.
DONALD TRUMP
Jeez, she moves. Our Navy could learn a thing or two.
Jinping and Modi were thinking the same thing.
JOHN
Yes, Mr. President. Hydrogen power.....
and Zero
emissions .....
They exchange a thumbs-up and a smile.
JOHN
Swann to Vermont, Commander Storm calling, over.
JACK MASON (O.S.)
Vermont to Swann, hello John, Jack here, been waiting for your call. Over.
JOHN
Mr. Mason, a welcome hello, Jack. Rendezvous ETA two hours, coordinates 12.25, 64.29 - Arabian Sea. We’ve got the full package. Regards to your Captain. Please make the necessary arrangements for our guests. Over.
JACK MASON (O.S.)
On it, John. Bravo, buddy. Over.
JOHN
Acknowledged. Over and Out.
John returns to the galley table, wincing as he sits.
JOHN
I'm starving, bet you are?
The freed prisoners nod, stomachs gurgling.
JOHN
In case you're wondering the arrangements are friendly. We are all friends here - no matter your politics or religions. Please. You've got two hours together. First, I must help Hal with
NORAD. Forgive me.
HAL
Captain, I'm managing the NORAD hack. Take five.
JOHN
Oh, well done, Hal. Grateful.
Dan rustles up Spanish chicken with Patatas Bravas. Eleven portions.
JOHN
Only eleven, Dan?
DAN
I'm forward with Katya.
JOHN
(Winks)
Okay.
John turns to the group, who are suppressing laughter.
JOHN
Questions? A bit crowded, sorry about that. Geared up for eight max. Ten is a squeeze.
Jinping expresses his gratitude, followed by Putin and Ali Khamenei. They all tuck into the tasty chicken and paprika potatoes, ravenous.
JOHN
So, we're facing total nuclear wipe-out. A global holocaust. Almost inevitable, really, according to Hal. But let's not apportion blame. You'd do well to remember
Hiroshima and
Nagasaki, and imagine that is your country… tomorrow.
Silence. No one wants such devastation.
JOHN
Could I suggest that if we were to adopt a no-fault brainstorming session. How might you see us. The whole world
- if we were one nation, so no borders. No commercial competition.
Energy and food for all. How might we get there to prevent another Red Dragon situation?
The group savors the perfectly prepared smoky red pepper and sherry sauce.
DONALD TRUMP
Chicken is superb. Succulent.
EMMANUEL MACRON
Mmmm, oui très bien.
They all nod. Putin smiles at Jinping and Kim Jong Un.
JOHN
No beer on board, sorry, I don't drink alcohol.
John picks up a beaker of sparkling Solar
Cola, placing it in the middle of the table. They all respond, putting their beakers next to his. John looks at each leader, his gaze steady.
JOHN
(Softly, toasting)
To friendship.
The group joins in.
ALL
FRIENDSHIP!
They resume eating, the mood more relaxed.
JOHN
We have orange and apple juice, if you prefer. Or a selection of teas and coffees.
XI JINPING
Whatever this drink is, it is invigorating. I like it.
This sentiment is echoed by the group. John doesn't mention how the drink helped Kulo-Luna recover from her
harpoon injury.
XI JINPING
Gaining domestic approval for disarmament and spending reductions might be difficult with our nationalistic or security-focused political pressures.
The group nods in agreement. Putin speaks in Russian, John and Hal translating.
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Создание прямой горячей линии связи между лидерами в кризисных ситуациях будет способствовать более быстрому и спокойному реагированию на напряженность.
Translated
by Hal: Establishing a direct communication hotline between leaders for crisis situations, would promote quicker and calmer responses to tensions.
Nodding continues.
FRIEDRICH MERZ
Um die überprüfbare Einhaltung von Abrüstungsabkommen und eine angemessene Mittelzuweisung – etwa in Form eines Globalen Nachhaltigkeitsfonds – sicherzustellen, wären robuste internationale Kooperations- und Kontrollmechanismen erforderlich.
Translated:
Ensuring verifiable compliance with disarmament agreements and proper allocation of resources, perhaps in a Global Sustainability Fund would require robust international cooperation and oversight mechanisms.
JOHN
Thanks, Chancellor. Agreed, at least I think these are all good points.
Assuming then, if I may, we might establish a dedicated fund using the
financial resources saved from reduced military spending. This fund could then be used to tackle climate change, pollution, food security, and renewable energy development. Does that make sense?
The nodding slows as the group processes the difficulties ahead.
DONALD TRUMP
Finding a balance between protecting domestic industries and promoting open trade would be difficult, requiring compromise from all parties. But if we don't have to worry about aggression. How about that?
KIM JONG UN
네,
국경 문제는 어떻습니까?
무역 협정과 같은 경제적 이익을 국경 존중과 연계할 수 있습니다.
이러한 수준의 협력은 상호 이익을 통해 장려될 수 있습니다.
유엔 헌장과 같은 기존 협정은 이미 주권과 영토 보전에 대한 존중을 강조하고 있지만,
우리는 이제 긴장이 통제되지 않으면 성급한 반발로 이어진다는 것을 알고 있습니다.
거의 목숨을 잃을 뻔했습니다.
저는 강제적인 영토 확장을 금지하는 구속력 있는 조약을 더 많이 체결하려 하기보다는 이러한 문제에 대한 교육을 더 많이 받는 것이 낫다고 생각합니다.
Translated:
Yes, and what about borders. We could tie economic benefits, such as trade agreements, to respecting borders. This level of cooperation can be incentivized through mutual interests. Existing agreements, such as the UN Charter, already emphasize respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, though, we now know that if unchecked, tension leads to rash dissident reaction. Almost claiming our lives. I'd rather see more education on these fronts, than try to establish more binding treaties that prohibit forceful territorial expansion.
The group looks surprised.
NARENDRA MODI
यदि हम एक साथ शांति से रहने का कोई रास्ता नहीं खोज पाए तो पूरा ग्रह खतरे में पड़ जाएगा।
Translated: The whole planet is at risk if we cannot find a way to live in peace together. Prime Minister Zadari
nods in agreement.
JOHN
Thank you, Prime Minister Zadari. That is the whole point, I think. We are here because policies were not working. Forgive me if that is a little oversimplified. You were all doing what you thought was right, and yet here we are. If I may offer, given the realities we now face, and assuming we all want to survive another throw of the dice. Hal, what can you offer as an AI with no ambitions to rule?
HAL
Gentlemen, I can confirm that I don't have an agenda of my own. I'm just a learning machine that solves equations logically.
The group acknowledges Hal’s parameters.
HAL
As I've been asked for input, I should mention that a triad of extremist Cells is intent on destroying the world as we know it. All of your capitals and military bases will be wiped out if we cannot counter the in progress cyber barrage. The general population will starve after the exchange of ICBMs and hypersonics. There won't be much to argue over. This is 'Operation Grand Slam' as I calculate it. Over 99.5% for sure. The second part of Red Dragon's plan appears to be to shelter underground for three months, then rise from their basements, in Operation
Phoenix, to take over what is left of the planet. Does that help to put things into perspective?
Narendra Modi is the first to grasp the facts.
NARENDRA MODI
You mean to say if we cannot agree a plan, that there is no hope?
JOHN
That's my take on it. Assuming we can defuse the ticking bomb and get another chance. But I'm just a humble conservationist. It is this informal assembly that needs to be of the same mind - you must find a way forward. I implore you.
GROUP (IN UNISON)
We must find a way forward.
The Elizabeth Swann has flown across forty-five miles of open ocean. USS Vermont has traveled thirty miles. Less than one hour left on the Swann.
Hal gets back to outwitting the NORAD intrusions.
Ayatollah Khamenei speaks in Arabic and broken English.
AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI
Tərcümə: Əgər əkinçinin əlli ağac əkmək üçün torpağı olsa da, investorlardan borc istəyərkən öz sahəsi üçün yüz ağac tələb edərsə. Bu, saxtakarlıqdır. Qərb hökumətləri müntəzəm olaraq öz ölkələrinin məhsulla təmin edə biləcəyindən daha çox pul buraxırlar. Heç bir hörmətsizlik nəzərdə tutulmur, bu masada hamımız dostuq. Razılaşdınızmı, cənab Storm?
Translated:
If a farmer has land to grow fifty trees, but claims one hundred trees for his plot when asking investors for loans. That is fraud. Western governments routinely issue more money than their nation can support with produce. No disrespect intended, we are all friends at this table. Agreed, Mr. Storm?
JOHN
We are all friends while on this vessel, Mr. Khamenei. Speak freely.
AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI
Hamınıza təşəkkür edirəm. Yaxşı, əgər fermer öz təsərrüfatının potensialını şişirdərək saxtakarlıq edirsə, bu, təbii sərvətləri ilə məhdudlaşan hər hansı hökumət üçün eyni deyilmi? Əgər bu konsepsiyanı sözügedən torpaq sahəsi kimi Yer planetini əhatə edəcək şəkildə genişləndirsək, oxşar təbii məhdudiyyətlərimiz var. Hökumətlərin dəstəklənməyən və dəstəklənməyən, beləliklə inflyasiya və beləliklə, öz əhalisi üçün maliyyə köləliyi və Alisa möcüzələr ölkəsində yaşamayan xaricdə olanlar üçün ədalətsiz rəqabətə səbəb olan pulları sehrli şəkildə təqdim etmələrinin qarşısını almaq üçün qanun qəbul etmək barədə qrupun fikirləri nədir. Süni artımı qəbul etdiyimizi və inflyasiyanın mənfi olduğunu fərz etsək, prinsipcə belə bir qanun necə hazırlana bilər?
Translated:
Thank you all. Okay, so if the farmer commits a fraud by exaggerating the potential of his farm, is that not the same for any government that is constrained by their natural resources? If we extend that concept out to encompass planet earth as being the plot of land in question, we have similar natural limitations. What are the group's thoughts on making a law to prevent governments magically introducing money that is unsupported and unsupportable, so introducing inflation, and thus financial slavery for their own population, and unfair competition for those overseas - who are not living in Alice's Wonderland. How might such a law be drafted in principle, assuming we accept artificial growth and inflation is a negative?
Putin and Jinping reach out to shake Khamenei’s hand. Donald Trump joins in.
DONALD TRUMP
I've been struggling against this conundrum for years.
Friedrich Merz and Narendra Modi vocally agree.
DONALD TRUMP
We might agree today, but what of the mudslingers tomorrow?
HAL
Good point, Mr. Trump. If I may.
DONALD TRUMP
Feel free, Hal.
HAL
Thank you, Mr. President. The group may consider a 'Failure to Prevent Offence.' This may be modeled on the offence introduced in the UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. A specific offence related to introducing unsupported money or engaging in irresponsible fiscal practices.
KEIR STARMER
Oh, yes.
HAL
Hold organizations accountable if they profit from fraudulent actions - such as excessive money creation - committed by their employees or agents. We, er you, might define the scope of the offence. For instance, it could apply to government agencies, central banks, or any entity involved in monetary policy. Governments would be bound to disclose the rationale behind money creation. Balanced against resource utilization. Unlike the British politician, Liz Truss, who demanded her slaves row harder during her 44 days as PM.
Keir Starmer laughs out loud. Donald Trump sniggers. Modi and Zadari belly laugh. The laughter subsides.
HAL
An international body would monitor and approve money creation or devaluation. Such creation must not harm ecosystems, resource availability, or climate stability. Money claw back should follow a moratorium to re-evaluate existing issue, should currency in circulation be deemed unsupportable resource wise.
JOHN
Oh boy. Fat cat bankers will not like that, nor non-productive admin officers engineering big pensions based on said inflationary spiral and inequitable taxes.
HAL
Quite, John. But we cannot write that into law. Sounds bad.
VLADIMIR PUTIN
No, but the suggestion of our Artificial friend, we can.
Putin thumps the table.
HAL
It should be stressed, that there is no shame in devaluation in the levelling up process. China, sorry Mr. Jinping, would have to come to terms with that after the Evergrande property bubble, along with the United States' borrowings. Sorry, Mr.
Trump.
PRESIDENT TRUMP
No apology necessary, Hal, if we are going to do it, let's do a proper job.
JOHN
Okay. If you are in agreement on these and whatever else you decide here. It all depends on dealing with Red Dragon. Is that understood by the group?
The group explodes in unanimity.
GROUP (IN UNISON)
Yes, Commander Storm.
JOHN
Otherwise, we are firing blanks at nothing.
GROUP (IN UNISON)
Yes, Commander Storm.
JOHN
If we succeed and recover control for your nations, will you all follow through with these principles at
United Nations level?
GROUP (IN UNISON)
Yes, Commander Storm.
JOHN
Will that include immediate cessation of any hostilities?
GROUP (IN UNISON)
Okay, Commander Storm. Yes.
They toast again with Solar Cola.
JOHN
Thank you, gentlemen. Now please excuse me, we've a planet to save.
John heads for the forward helm, more determined than ever.
FADE TO BLACK.
SCENE
12 >>>
DRAFT
SCREENPLAY V1.0 (90-110 pages) - ORDER MAY BE VARIED
PART
1.
SCENE
1. -
ISTANBUL,
TURKEY, THE BOSPHORUS STRAIT, BYZANTIUM TABLETS, SUNKEN REMAINS NEAR
CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKISH MUSEUM:
John Storm, on a routine artifact dive in the Bosphorus, Istanbul, stumbles upon a coded message hidden within a smuggled Sumerian
tablet captured by Blue Shield. The message reveals a chilling
covert alliance (Triad) - Russia, Iran, and
North Korea - codenamed
"Red Dragon" - are planning a coordinated attack. Their goal: global domination.
SCENE
2. - KIDNAP CHAOS - 'RED DRAGON' -
THE CONTROLLING CELL FOR 'OPERATION GRAND SLAM,' WITH 'GOLDEN CAGE,'
& 'MIDNIGHT SUN': Phase
One: The Kidnapping Chaos. 'Red Dragon,' using advanced sleeper
cells and cyberwarfare, orchestrates the abduction of key political
figures from the West - the US President, the British Prime Minister - Keir
Starmer, the French President - Emmanuel
Macron, and the German Chancellor - Olaf
Scholz. Cutting off the heads of the corrupt capitalist Dragon.
SCENE
3. - JILL BIRD, BBC ANCHOR - NEWS
REPORT, KIDNAP CHAOS - DEMANDS - MARKETS IN TURMOIL: World
military are thrown into disarray, communication channels are jammed, and financial markets
plummet - It's a Fire Sale.
'Red Dragon' broadcasts a chilling message, threatening to kill the
kidnap victims, if their demands are not met. The demands (vast resource concessions)
being a feint.
SCENE
4. - THE MASTERMIND -
The plan is orchestrated by a shadowy figure deep within the Iranian government,
General Reza
Shah. Shah believes the West is on the verge of collapse and seeks to exploit their weakness for global domination. He's been secretly stockpiling gold and weapons for years, along with building a network of fallout shelters
for the Triad underground elite, about which the West appear oblivious.
SCENE
5. - OPERATION
GRAND SLAM - Intrigued, Storm deciphers the message with the help of a former Russian intelligence agent turned informant,
Katya
Volkov.
With international order on the brink, Hal, recognizing the coded language from the tablet, deciphers the Triad's plan.
John inadvertently teams up with a brilliant but jaded ex-KGB agent, Nadia
Petrova, who knows the inner workings of the
Triad from eavesdropping years before. Nadia sends anonymous regular
messages to John. John and Katya discover they reference a sinister plot:
"Operation Grand Slam" - The
Motive to create global chaos as a prelude to an
all out nuclear attack.
"Red Dragon" - North Korea, coordinating joint operations, targeting Iran and North Korea leaders in Operation Grand Slam.
"Midnight Sun" - A cell to abduct key USA and European leaders, western politicians for kidnapping
- and -
Golden Cage: Refers to a joint operation by Russia (Red Dragon) and North Korea (Midnight Sun) targeting key Western politicians for
coordinated kidnappings and transits.
SCENE
6. - JOHN
RACES TO NAPLES, JUST TOO LATE TO STOP KIDNAPPINGS - John and Katya race against time to prevent a series of high-profile kidnappings,
seemingly chasing tails as though Red Dragon has intel - the US
President on route to G7 summit Naples - Joe
Biden was already missing, so too the British Prime Minister. The French
President, and the German Chancellor were thought to be next. Red Dragon
triggers kidnap commands timed to opportunistic venues. Of which G7 is
ideal for remaining Europeans. Leaving Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un and Ali
Khamenei.
SCENE
7. -
OUT OF
TIME: They travel
to Tripoli, ending in Bierut, where the trail leading to Ali Khamenei,
Jinping and Jong Un deciphering clues inadvertently left behind by the kidnappers.
Each location tests John's
deciphering skills and Katya's knowledge of international espionage. But
even with Hal they are too late - the trail disappears. The Cells capture their hostages
just minutes before John gets to the sites.
PART 2.
SCENE
8. - A
MOLE: One of the kidnapped leaders is
suspected as being a double agent working for Shah. This throws John and Katya off track, forcing them to question
the allegiances of the hostages. Hal fails to identify any incriminating
communications.
SCENE
9. - PRISONERS: The chase leads to a secret underground facility in Iran, where the politicians are being held captive.
It is seemingly impregnable reinforced concrete, much like a super bank
vault, near Char Bahar, Gulf of Oman, Arabian
Sea. It is impregnable, without harming the hostages. This is the Golden
Cage, the European cell was named after.
SCENE
10. - CHAR
BAHAR: John and Katya must infiltrate the heavily guarded complex and free the hostages before a nuclear strike is launched on major Western cities.
Hal calculates that a nuclear launch is imminent, where brute force
hacking at NORAD and other military bases is detected. The clock is
ticking, and John now realizes that the kidnappings are diversionary
tactics. But still he pushes on.
SCENE
11. - MISSION
IMPOSSIBLE: Having taken out the perimeter guards, John and Katya
finally succeed in gaining access to the prisoners the old fashioned way with thermal
lances - a seemingly impossible mission - freeing the hostages - and transferring
the bewildered heads of state to the Swann by RIB. Then the Swann
vanishes into the Arabian Sea for a rendezvous with an ageing
USS
Vermont, Virginia class nuclear submarine. During transit, the freed
captives talk through John freely, Hal interpreting telepathically. The
freed prisoners cannot believe he understands so many languages. And his
grasp on politics.
SCENE
12. - BBC WORLD
NEWS: Jill Bird item exposes
Shah's plan to the world, discovering and revealing his identity as leader of
Red Dragon, a Cell operating somewhere in the
Middle East, and turning the tide against him. Revealed by Katya Volkov
to John as she admits to having had an affair with the handsome Iranian
General many years previously and was cast aside, left for dead. Adding pressure to an
already knife edge plan for the Triads.
SCENE
13. - CYBER
CHESS GRAND MASTER: A high-stakes battle ensues involving advanced weaponry and cunning strategy.
With launch and abort codes changing by the minute as US, Chinese, and
Russian military are running at full pelt to stand still - helpless
against cyber attacks. It's Military main frames from three locations
versus Hal and John Storm, as the fastest computer CyberCore
Genetica™ fends off brute force worms and viruses. It's a standoff
without a final solution. Hal and CyberCore Genetica effectively block
and counter, but need to locate the Cells that are hosting the attacks.
SCENE
14. - BASE
37 NUCLEAR
STRIKE: In cyber defeat and frustrated,
Red Dragon attempts to strike fear into their targets with three small
devices in Beijing, Moscow and Washington. Two devices are detected and
defused. The third detonates at Base 37. This is a last-ditch effort by
Shah's
loyalists, saying to the world they are not safe, thumbing their noses
at the CIA,
FSB,
MI6,
Interpol and other agencies.
Meantime, stockpiles of missiles by the superpowers remain a tempting
target for other extremists that must be eliminated, with the assistance of John's new
'world-leader' friends.
PART
3.
SCENE
15. - PLAYING WITH
FIRE: Hal, John and Katya, disable the launch
sequence for the Russian missiles. But cannot trace the source code,
meaning transmissions could all begin again. Iranian and Chinese
missiles are still a danger. The situation could rebound against Red
Dragon; if only communist missiles are deactivated. While US and European
missiles could still destroy the antagonists countries. Their plan could
backfire. All hard lines are cut to Russian, Chinese and Iranian
missiles, then manually shut down. Submarine
missiles are systematically
deactivated. Finally, US hard lines are cut, and submarine
missile
systems manually turned off. The world breathes a sigh of relief, Jill
Bird reporting.
SCENE
16. - TREBLE
AGENT: One of the kidnapped leaders is
identified as secretly sympathetic to Shah's cause.
His identity becomes known during debriefing, when John (with Hal
present telepathically) connects the dots, and he is turned around as a
treble agent, used to penetrate further into the Red Dragon Cell, and
close that and hunt down, then arrest of General Reza Shah.
SCENE
17. - BLOODHOUNDS: John and Katya work together to track down
Shah's remaining
Cells, devout followers who fight to the death. John prevails to prevent further chaos.
Within and from these Cells, they obtain valuable intelligence, much
needed passwords and the like, to disable Golden Cage and Midnight Sun's
Chinese and Iranian nukes.
SCENE
18. -
ATOMIC GOOD SAMARITAN: Using their new information, they take back control
of the launch codes for the Iranian and Chinese missiles. The temporary
administrations in China, Iran and North Korea plead with John Storm
for his help. Not that he wasn't working double time to save them, but
with Hal's help and using the CyberCore Genetica, they finally defuse
the situation. Control of their missiles is restored. Then neutralized. All hail to John
Storm.
SCENE
19. - KNIGHTS
OF THE GARTER: The root cause of Red Dragon is
revealed as discontent brewing
from 2014, when Tony Blair
deceived
Parliament with false intelligence, so initiating the invasion of Iraq
by way of a coalition with US President George
Walker Bush. The Brits knighting their own for such corruption, and
intelligence abuses was the last straw. As
the seeds of hate were revealed, another Petition succeeds in Blair's KG honour being
reviewed with Keir Starmer making sincere public apology
to Iraq. With a promise that the British honours system will be examined, such
as not to ignite future Red Dragons.
SCENE
20. - CRIME
OF PASSION: Katya
Volkov has a hidden agenda of her
own - revenge over a jilted romance, being used and left for dead. She
takes out Reza Shah, a a personal and simmering crime of passion - after he goads her,
saying how she was used to obtain information taunting her about Nadia
Petrova - before John can stop her the General is dead. Honour satisfied,
she collapses from shock, the experience strengthens their partnership, hinting at future
adventures; maybe. John making a mental note not to dally with her
emotions thus. A final message is delivered anonymously: Job done!
SCENE
21. -
NATIONS REUNITED:
The world
grapples with the fallout of the attack, both literal and geopolitical.
A broadcast transmitted all across the globe, from all the kidnap
victims speaking as one voice, assures the world that they will now
multiply their efforts to work together to resolve their differences.
The first step being to dismantle their nuclear stockpiles, and agree
never to replenish such weapons of mass destruction. One warning like
this being seen as enough. John receives several honours. Including the
'Hero of the Russian
Federation' (replacing the
Order of Lenin), People's Republic of China Friendship
Medal, Purple Heart (for being injured while a
temporary
US
Navy SEAL)
and after some debate, the Victoria
Cross, in place of the at
first suggested George Cross. And finally, the
Nobel Peace
Prize
awarded in Oslo, to a
standing ovation at a UN General assembly later that year.
Making John the winner of a Guinness
Book of Records entry and certificate, for the person with most
multi-national decorations from a single mission.
CHAPTERS
| CHARACTERS
| MEDIA
|
MOVIE REF |
SCREENPLAYS |
SCRIPT