[1:1] Faced with legends and myths, man is nothing. A bitter experience. I’ve only got three bullets left. The last is for me.
[1:2] My name is Charles Augery. I managed a trading company in Manokko. I had twenty men to to provide protection. A relative protection based on how they handled the most important locals. With strong laws they hindered business. Wealth grew in the darkness. Corruption shies from the light. Consequently, I lived in the shadows.
[1:4] Surely only an animal again.
[1:5] They’re taking their time. They know I can’t escape them.

[2:1] It was Father Anselm who raised the alarm.
[2:3}{A boat had run aground in the river, stranded on the highest of the three small islands, two hours distant from the outpost. I took a canoe and a few men with me.
[2:4] How could I have known?

[3:1] Good God, what’s happened here?
[3:2] Charles: A complete bloodbath.
Soldier: Here Captain.
[3:3] She’s still alive.
[3:4] No, don’t.
[3:5] Take her gun away, damn it.
[3:6] The pearl in the right ear. The black pearl. They bowed…

[4:1] She spoke about the black pearl. The legendary black pearl of the Goddess Anaktu.
[4:2] The Godess of fevers and illness. Nothing worse could have occurred.
[4:3] Charles: And?
Soldier: No survivors. The Captain was decapitated.
[4:4] This picture was in the blonde woman’s cabin.
[4:5] That’s her. And the other two? The baby?
[4:6] Solider: No trace of them, but there was another woman on board. Perhaps they abducted her.
Charles: Her? Who?
[4:7] Soldier: The Orushi.
Charles: Shango’s lost souls.

[5:1] This sword must have belonged to their witch doctor.
[5:2] Charles: And he left it lying there?
Soldier: He’d usually always have it with him. It’s the symbol of his strength, on loan from Shango.
[5:3] Charles: This is not by chance. He wanted us to know that witch doctor controls the Orushi’s tap and that they…
[5:4] ...plan a rebellion.
[5:6] Ask yourselves…
[5:7] ...who’s drawn them so far out of the jungle.

[6:1] By nightfall we’d reached Manokko’s port. The blonde woman needed urgent help. A strong fever had brought her to the point of delerium. One name recurred in her muddled mutterings. The name that would alter my life. All our lives.
[6:2] Jade.
[6:3] Charles: And now?
Soldier: We need a car.
[6:4] We must take the woman to Dr Caudroit at once. Father Anselm didn’t exaggerate. Quite the reverse.
[6:5] More about that on the way.

[7:1] Dr Caudroit: She’s out of danger, nut requires rest. The experiences on the boat have disturbed her deeply.
Charles: No wonder.
[7:2] Is that an Orushi sword you have there? Were they the attackers? That seems extremely unlikely to me.
[7:3] Anselm: It was them. A witch doctor led them.
Dr Caudroit: A witch doctor? There haven’t been any for ten years.
[7:4] Charles: Or someone possessed.
Dr Caudroit: That’s seldom mentioned. My collegue Navarre from Lazarett in Lan-Tuo passed news of a remarkable occurrence.
[7:5] An Orushi who contracted leprosy believed he could control the illness through belief, and it came and went. The leprosy appeared and vanished very rapidly.
[7:6] Charles: I need to speak to that man. Can I take your car? I can be at the ambulance by noon.
Anselm: The car’s not the problem.
[7:7] I fear far more for your safety. Do you really won’t to go alone?
Charles: I’ll take two of my men.
[7:8] Don’t go. Bad ghosts await you.

[8:2] We couldn’t go any further. Lan-Tao was past the trees.
[8:3] Usually you can get across the river, but that takes longer.
[8:4] Soldier: Why are the bells ringing? Are they greeting us?
Charles: Possibly. I don’t really know either. I’ve never been here.
[8:5] And I’d rather not have come. What an inhospitable place.
[8:6] We’ll soon be there. Keep your eyes open.

[9:1] Charles: The same picture. It’s unbelievable.
Soldier: The ringing has stopped.
[9:2] There. Look!
[9:3] Dr Navarre!
[9:4] Navarre: The bells.
Charles: Were you trying to warn us about the slaughter?
Navarre: Warn you?
[9:5] Ha ha ha.
[9:6] That wasn’t the case. The bell rang on its own. It was him. His sick ghost rules here. He held us trapped in this hell.
[9:7] Lazarett. He’s waiting there.
[9:8] He’s dead and we came too late.

[10:1] That damned bell.
[10:4] That comes from Lazarett.
[10:6]I’ve been waiting for you.
[10:7] I’m Kemono. I’m the Lord of the plague.

[11:1] Despite the plague feasting on my body.
[11:2] Come nearer.
[11:3] Don’t move, or I’ll shoot.
[11:4] If you absolutely must shoot, then aim at me.
[11:5] They’re only following my commands.
[11:6] Charles; Did you kill everyone outside>Dr Navarre and his staff?
Kemono: A good question.
[11:7] The time for you and your type has passed. You despise our land. The Goddess Anaktu has awoken and demanded my people arm themselves. So that the white man can be wiped from memory.
[11:8] Fell while you still can. Take this message to your compatriots.

[12:1] Seize him!
[12:2] Bazo, Ogu, help me.
[12:3] Save your screams.
[12:4] Your men won’t hear them anymore.
[12:5] And now you’ll learn Anaktu’s law.
[12:6] The law of the Orushi.
[12:7] No, let me go.

[13:2] The river should take you to them. Two days remain.
[13:3] And tell our brothers than the Orushi are masters of this land again. Anaktu’s land, our mother.

[14:2] Jade! Jade!!
[14:3] I hear you Nelson, I hear you.
[14:5] Oh, no!

[15:1] Anaktu.
[15:2] Anaktu.
[15:4] The jungle answers us brothers. The jungle answers.
[15:5] And so they took me to the river,
[15:6] threw me in the canoe,
[15:7] and let the current take me.

[16:1] My arm ached like hell. With my last strength I tried to apply a tourniquet with my belt.
[16:2] My pulse performed in rhythm with the drums. They echoed through the entire jungle. They sang of our overthrow, our preposterous pride.
[16:3] What do whites know of the jungle? That was my last thought before falling into lethargy.
[16:4] I wasn’t allowed peace.
[16:5] Damn it. Unrested, I was woken.
[16:6] Miserable beasts. Clear off.
[16:7] My arm. I can’t feel it any more.

[17:1] My resistance was broken. The monkeys took command of the boat. My body was weak, my spirit gone, and the current with the large heart dragged me through its legends.
[17:2] Until sometime…
[17:3] ...the relentless drumming ceased.
[17:4] Anaktu.
[17:5] Anaktu.
[17:6] I’ve been unable to reduce the devilish fever. I fear we must give up hope.

[18:1] Have you tried everything?
Dr Caudroit: Everything in my human power. But this dreadful illness has nothing to do with humans.
[18:2] Dr Caudroit: Half his body’s paralysed. He’s simultaneously displaying the symptoms of yellow fever, malaria and sleeping sickness. I’ve never encoutered that before.
Anselm: Are those bites?
[18:3] Dr Caudroit: Yes, but not from an animal.
Anselm: What? From what then?
[18:4] Cannibalism. I’ve seen those injuries before, although not with such an infection. It’s spreading fast, as similar plagues infest the land.
[18:5] Anselm: Cannibals. I thought that unholy sin had been extinguished.
Dr Caudroit: Not completely. Some tribes still eat human flesh.
[18:6] The Orushi, for example?
Dr Caudroit: Perhaps.
[18:7] Maybe we’ll know more soon. My patient’s getting better. Ask her.
[18:8] Anslem: Lady Nelson.
Lady Nelson: It seems you know my name.

[19:1] Your name.
[19:3] You’ve got to drink what I’m giving you.
[19:4] I couldn’t come before. You were never alone.
[19:5] And now sleep it off. The fever will soon dissolve.
[19:6] I must go now. I’ll return.
[19:8] Africa, the fascinating continent.

[20:1] Lady Nelson: It was an important stop on our collective world tour.
Anselm: Three of you. That’s not cheap.
[20:2] Lady Nelson: We’ve got money. More than you can imagine.
Anselm: I didn’t mean to pry.
[20:3] Money isn’t something I care about. One sometimes needs it to
open doors, but it can also bring misfortune.
[20:4] And our misfortune came in the form of my black pearl earring.
[20:5] Jade.
[20:6] Our telegraph has finally begun to work.
[20:7] Lady Nelson: The little one is doing well. She’s recovered from her fall, but Miss Goldway fears she’ll be limping for a while.
Jade: As soon as we’re back I’ll have Miss Goldway whipped.

[21:1] Lady Nelson: Whipped?
Jade: twelve strokes. She let my child fall on the floor.
[21:2] Lord Nelson: Twelve strokes! Perhaps a little too many.
Jade: You Europeans are too emotional.
[21:3] Against this that’s preferable.
[21:4] Hearts full of courage under naked flesh.
[21:5] And a thirst for power. They love power.
[21:6] Lord Nelson: do you miss your power?
Jade: No. It’s been so long. That was before the war. Before my country hung in shame.

[22:1] There. Look at that.
[22:2] Poster: An unforgettable experience. Mysterious Africa. A spectable presented by the famous wild beast hunter Tiger Thompson. Daily between 8pm and 10pm. Not for the fainthearted. A theatrical drama. Tigers, elephants, crocodiles and many more untamed beasts!
Lord Nelson: Tiger Thompson. Someone reommended him to us, didn’t they?
[22:3] Lord Nelson: That’s right, but I didn’t know he performed in public.
Lady Nelson: That’s true. We weren’t told that.

[23:1] Lord Nelson: Oh well. Now we know how we’ll spend our first evening in Africa.
Lady Nelson: But we have to go to the hotel first.
[23:2] Lady Nelson: What is it Jade?
Jade; I’m coming.
[23:3] That man. He read my heart. He knows…
[23:4] …that I’m a genie.
[23:5] The black pearl of Anaktu.
[23:6] Anaktu! Anaktu! Anaktu!
[23:7] You’re so lovely.

[24:1] Jade: You’ve put make-up on. But you’ve used too much.
Lady Nelson: Of course. Everyone should look at you.
[24:2] Lady Nelson: Be astonished at you. Desire you.
[24:3] There are so many nice men here. I’d like to give you one. No, many. They’re strong warriors with hard hands.
[24:4] So what about me? Should I read last month’s Times?
[24:5] You are, and remain, the lovely man we both love. And tonight you’ll escort us out.
[24:6] Lord Nelson: Seats?
Lady Nelson: Seats.
[24:7] I’m sorry there aren’t any seats. In the jungle one stands.

[25:1] The jungle. This is supposed to be the jungle?
[25:2] The arm of a man ladies and gentlemen. These jaws can easily rip the arm off the strongest hunter.
[25:3] How gruesome.
[25:5] Whip! Whip!

[26:1] Crocodiles are monstrously hungry. See ladies and gentlemen how in no time at all…
[26:3] it gobbles up an ape.
[26:4] Damn, what’s that?
[26:6] EEK. The beast is escaping!
[26:7] Sir, I can’t hold it any longer.
[26:8] It’s getting interesting I’d say.

[27:1] Come here you.
[27:2] You’ll stand still, you bugger.
[27:3] We’ve caught it.
[27:4] Sir, the other crocodile.
[27:5] It’s eating the children.
[27:6] Nestor! Hyacinth! My children.
[27:7] My security, you idiot. Get my security.

[28:1] Whip! Whip!
[28:6] Shit.
[28:7] Come on, best we leave.
[28:8] Jade! Jade!

[29:1] Africa. Africa’s not for you. Lampions and hungry animals.
[29:8] Africa. A tragedy. An eyesore.

[30:4] Now it’s your turn.
[30:5] Run! Think about it, you’re a king.
[30:6] I’m ruined.

[31:1] Thompson: Bankrupt! A life’s work destroyed in a single evening. I’ve invested everything show. It was one of the most grandiose in the whole of Africa.
Lord Nelson: But it wasn’t your main occupation.
[31:2] You mean the safaris I organise. I gave that up. Too expensive, too little cash. Anything bagged had to be soled down to the tail to cover the costs. And then a customer shot my boy. She’s lost her glasses.
[31:3] Lord Nelson: So you couldn’t make ends meet?
Thompson: Sir, benefactors like myself must also eat.
[31:4] I think we can remove any worries about your eating. And for a bit more besides. In exchange for leading a boat expedition.
[31:5] Thompson: By the tails of the biggest gorilla. Is that real?
Lord Nelson: That talisman we’re keeping for the largest negro king.
[31:6] Thompson: And both of you want to go?
Lord Nelson: No, three of us.

[32:1] A friend is travelling with us. One moment
[32:3] Come in.
[32:5] Misstress.
[32:6] You shouldn’t. I haven’t ordered that.
[32:7] For you. He’s waiting for you.
[32:8] I don’t understand. For me?

[33:2] Akana mo she kinuwa.
[33:6] Fire. They want to cleanse me in fire.

[34:1] Thompson: I need carriers and a translator. I’ve heard that South of Soava some of the old dialects have been taken up again.
Chief: Not only South of Soava.
[34:2] Thompson: So what’s happening there? Have the white missionaries left?
Chief: All whites will go, that’s what I hear from the drums.
[34:3] Which drums?
[34:4} Those of war and roasting human flesh.
[34:6] Lord Nelson: What’s happening?
Thompson:: I don’t know. It would seem something urgent has come up.
[34:7] I observed the Chieftain throughout. He talked in detail with a commanding black man. An unforgettable presence.
[34:8] I believe our fate was sealed there. The chief tried to hold his position, but it was obvious that the other led the discussion. He imposed his will. He decided…

[35:1] Lady Nelson: …that our expedition would go ahead.
Chief: It’s agreed. I will supply men and the necessary equipment.
[35:2] Thompson: What did I tell you? Tiger can get anything from these negroes. The race was born to obey.
Lord Nelson: The race?
[35:3] Thompson: Of course. You don’t believe this nonsense?
Lord Nelson: Which?
Thompson: That all races are equal. Rubbish.
Lord Nelson: A man is a man.
Thompson: No way. A negro isn’t a man.
Lord Nelson: What is he then?
Thompson: Pah! I don’t know. A talking ape perhaps.
[35:4] So blacks aren’t men? It never occurred to me. And you my dear, what do you think…
[35:5] …on the matter.
[35:6] I left them standing there. I wanted to know more about the mystery man who commanded the village.
[35:7] But he disappeared in the jungle.

[36:1] And you didn’t see him again?
Lady Nelson: That’s the thing.
[36:2] A month later when the boat was over-run…
[36:3] …he was wearing a mask.
[36:4] He lead the attack. A good dozen canoes surrounded our boat. He blocked our way let loose with arrows.
[36:5] It was a gruesome bloodbath.
[36:6] But we couldn’t withstand against an enraged pack, against the naked bloodlust.

[37:1] Jade gave the most resistance. I clung to her and counted each moment until the death blow until…
[37:2] Ashawi.
[37:3] Giva she di.
[37:4] Keep perfectly still and stay where you are. They want me.
[37:5] Without resisting, she let them lead her away. She seemed to submit to her fate, offering herself so that I had a chance to survive.

[38:1] After a short discussion they also took the unconscious Lord Nelson with them. At first I thought they’d set fire to the boat, but they had what they wanted. They weren’t interested in anything else.
[38:2] They left me alive. I lay there, deserted without the people I loved most in the world. I then had a mad idea, although it seemed like…
[38:3] …suicide.
[38:4] Not without you Jade.
[38:6] That’s useless. Only a few weapons are still loaded. The others…
[38:7] …I’ve removed the cartridges from them. That’s how they won so quickly.

[39:1] None of these apes can beat a white man. Unless the white man wants it that way.
[39:2] Lady Nelson: You rogue. Where were you?
Thompson : When we were attacked? Comfortable under the deck in safety.
[39:3] I’m not stupid. I heard about your friend with the black pearl on her ear. They take her for a Goddess. They bow before her. She belongs to them now.
[39:4] I knew we’d have to negotiate that. All love is negotiable.
[39:5] Unless one just takes it. You know what I mean?
[39:6] No! No! No!

[40:1] He really,,,?
[40:3] Otherwise I’d be dead by now.
[40:5] Anselm: This pearl they’re all on about. Where does it come from?
Lady Nelson: From an old unimaginable treasure.
[40:6] Under all the gold, the precious stones, the sparkle, there was a drop of black poison. We took it, and we’ll now have to pay the penance.
[40:7] I feel exhausted. I’d really like to lie down again.
[40:8] Lady Nelson: Above all, we must find Jade.
Dr Caudroit: And your husband.
Lady Nelson: Certainly.

[41:1] Dr Caudroit: She hardly seems to miss her husband.
Anselm: Not in comparison with the mysterious Jade.
[41:2] Dr Caudroit: We must bring this Tiger Thompson to justice.
Anselm: I’ve heard things about him before.
[41:3] A sad figure, dubious and brought down. He now smells a bit obvious.
Dr Caudroit: In any case, he knows more than us.
[41:4] Anselm: But who can we spare to send after him? Augery’s not available.
Dr Caudroit: I’m extremely concerned…
[41:5] …about him.
[41:6] Augery!
[41:7] It wasn’t a dream. It’s her. Her face as she bent over me.
[41:8] Ebony?

[42:1] I still had a fever, but I was feeling better. And I knew the rapid recovery had worked. It was something like a miracle.
[42:2] Ebony: Yes?
Charles: It was you who came into my room, wasn’t it? With the potion.
[42:3] Yes. I don’t have much faith in the whites’ medicine.
[42:4] And I wanted you to live.
[42:5] Charles: Really. You think so highly of me?
Ebony: I probably shouldn’t have.
[42:6] Charles: You’re wrong about that.
Ebony: Stop. You’re not allowed…
Charles: What am I not allowed?
[42:7] A white can’t openly kiss a black.

[43:1] If he loves her, he can.
[43:3] Go to my brother Sojo. Explain it to him.
[43:4] Ebony: You’ll find him by the big nets over there.
Charles: I know.
[43:5] And forgive me.
[43:6] Can I speak with you Sojo?
[43:7] Charles: I’m with your sister.
Sojo: I understand.
[43:8] So? What is there to understand?
Sojo: Your love is in vain.

[44:1] Charles: How?
Sojo: You’re a white, and will quickly forget her. For you she’s only a body, a scream in the night.
[44:2] Sojo: Apart from that, she belongs to Sakapata, God of healing. The high priest will introduce her into his community.
Charles: Such communities are forbidden, as you know.
[44:3] Sojo: You whites forbid so much, and my people will not obey.
Charles: You must, Sojo. We have the power.
[44:4] Sojo: Not any longer. The Goddess of fever and illness has returned.
Charles: With the black pearl in her right ear. She’s one of us. You’ve only abducted her.
[44:5] Sojo:: You’ve survived death once. I’d advise you not to try again.
Charles: Are you talking about Kemono? My men will find him. He’ll be dealt with.
[44:6] In any case. Stay away from my sister. Leave our country, our forests and rivers. Your time is over.
[44:7] That’s what he said. ‘your time is over’. But I was white. I had no idea about his race, his ancestors.

[45:1] Where all this would lead me.
[45:2] I stand before an idol. The symbol of death and desolation. Anaktu rules over Shango’s lost souls.
[45:3] Anaktu was missing a black pearl on the right ear. Hundreds of years ago a Portuguese adventurer tore it off.
[45:4] Now Jade wore the pearl, and to survive…
[45:5] …she had to cleanse herself in fire.

[46:1] Genie. I’m a genie. I feel nothing.
[46:2] Nothing.
[46:3] Anaktu! Anaktu!
[46:5] My face is that of a genie.
[46:6] Jade! No! No! Don’t do it!
[46:7] And as the genie demands, Jade will…
[46:8] …become the reborn Goddess of fever and illness.
[46:9] Anaktu opened her eyes. Anaktu was hungry.