The Lost World (1999) s02e17 Episode Script
Mark of the Beast
Well you don't get fruit like this back in jolly old London, IâÂÂll say that.
Yes, a veritable Garden of Eden complete with an enticing Eve.
Care for a bite? What was that? It's too early for the others to be back - Hello anybody here? - Shhh.
Oh! a monkey! - Shoot it! - What? That necklace belongs to me! Why you little thief! Come back here! Marguerite wait up! At the dawn of the last century A band of explorers searched for a prehistoric world Driven by ambition Secret desires A thirst for adventure And seeking the ultimate story They are befriended by an untamed beauty Stranded in a strange and savage land Each day is a desperate search for a way out of the Lost World.
You've eaten your last banana, you little wretch.
No Marguerite! Don't shoot! Don't shoot? Do you know how much that necklace is worth.
Do you know the bad luck that will follow you around if you kill a monkey.
Well itâÂÂs still got my necklace and itâÂÂs not getting away.
Here it is.
- What the - Oh! Huh, monkey business has been good.
Oh youâÂÂre a pretty one.
Well he got away.
Strange looking piece.
In your hand the origin of all humanity.
It worked.
Oh yes it worked! Yahooooooo! Oh, Oh.
Yes, I feel good! Someone sounds happy.
Or crazy.
And I will never have to eat another termite as long as I live.
Oh Billy.
Yes of course Billy.
It must be too late for you, IâÂÂm sorry Billy.
Who are you? Who me? What she means to say is we heard you shouting.
Are you all right? Oh yeah, IâÂÂm fine.
Why shouldnâÂÂt I be? Never better.
Were you chasing that thieving little monkey too? Monkey? What monkey? I wasnâÂÂt chasing any monkey.
Oh you mean, I was chasing my pet parrot Billy, beautiful precious Billy.
Anyhow I gotta go.
Adios.
Hey wait, who are you? HowâÂÂd you get on the plateau? IâÂÂve had enough running around the jungle for one day.
Umm, what an odd little man.
Looks like weâÂÂve been robbed.
Yeah, a monkey did it.
- A monkey? - Yeah.
Anything else missing besides MargueriteâÂÂs priceless necklace? Not so far as I can tell, but he sure made a hell of a mess.
When I catch that pilfering primate IâÂÂll have his guts for garters.
Charming.
This was the Moriarty of all monkeys.
He had a stack of trinkets like youâÂÂve never seen.
All of which you, reclaimed IâÂÂm sure? DonâÂÂt be cheeky.
Most of it was junk, except for this.
Is that a real emerald? Yes but it doesnâÂÂt even come close to the value of the diamonds he stole from me.
Still itâÂÂs striking.
WhatâÂÂs this inscription say? Something about someoneâÂÂs hand and origin of all humanity.
From dinosaurs we come.
I sure had a few in my family.
I wonder where it came from.
Who cares? ItâÂÂs mine now.
What if it belongs to one of the tribes who share this small piece of paradise with us? Would you look at that, it stained my hand.
- Did the same to me.
- I wonder what could have caused that, maybe an oil or chemical in the rock? Branded? Will you look at that, just as I left it, a sight for sore eyes.
trouble trouble Terrific, what the hell do you guys want? You know what we want Jack Keller.
What have you done with it? Okay, I lost it.
Well somebody stole it.
ItâÂÂs, it's gone.
Just as your friend stole it from us? Yes, well Billy didnâÂÂt know it belonged to you, how was anyone supposed to know? It was stolen from the spirit hut, you knew it didnâÂÂt belong to you.
Okay, okay.
Yeah well maybe we, maybe we never should have taken it but what can you do? You live and you learn.
Anyhow it was very nice to see you again Eba.
YouâÂÂre looking very good by the way.
Come on Billy lets go.
Right behind ya.
You will take us to whoever has the stone or I will bury you in that little hole youâÂÂve dug.
DonâÂÂt be silly.
I would never fit in there.
You will if I slice you into tiny little pieces.
Okay well yes that would definitely solve that problem but I still donâÂÂt know who took the stone.
Okay let me rephrase that I donâÂÂt know their names.
But sure I can show you which way they went.
In fact I can point you in the right direction from here.
You will take us to them now.
IsnâÂÂt that what I just said? The origin of all humanity.
I wonder what that could mean.
What it means, is a stain I canâÂÂt get off my hand.
Neither can Malone.
Marguerite you might have warned me about this.
IâÂÂm sorry George IâÂÂm a little preoccupied with the loss of my necklace, my exceedingly valuable diamond necklace.
Yes, yes as youâÂÂve said, repeatedly.
It is a fascinating effect though.
The mark seems to be the result of ink or dye.
But the etching on the stone, it's colorless and dry to the touch.
SomeoneâÂÂs idea of a practical joke.
IâÂÂm sure thereâÂÂs something in the lab I can get this off with.
Preferably something that will leave the skin intact.
- Do you find it cold in here? - No! Not at all.
Perhaps youâÂÂre coming down with something.
Wonderful.
Nothing, itâÂÂs either here to stay or wear itself off.
That could take forever.
ItâÂÂs not that unattractive, is it? If you donâÂÂt mind looking like a jungle savage.
Are those mice you have in there? Technically speaking theyâÂÂre a dwarf species of the indigenous South American Hydrochoerus.
But as Shakespeare might say a Rodentia by any other name Yes, well, I was planning to test a vaccine based on a Zanga remedy a cure for the common cold I hope.
TheyâÂÂre very glossy looking.
They should be, I found them in our food supply.
Tsk tsk tsk, those naughty little rodents so round and plump.
You sure youâÂÂre okay Marguerite? Yeah, IâÂÂm still a little chilly.
WhereâÂÂs the stone that marked MaloneâÂÂs hand? I just saw him down by the river trying to wash it off.
Got me.
Care to join the club? - Where is it? - Upstairs.
Why? WhatâÂÂs bothering her today? I'd better go and find out.
Do you know where this came from? Yes, we found that in the monkeyâÂÂs cave part of its ill-gotten gains.
This isnâÂÂt a joke Roxton.
I think you should put it back where you found it.
No argument from me.
Marguerite has claimed it for her own though in that certain way she does.
Listen to me, this stone is cursed.
I beg you pardon? Cursed, in what way? IâÂÂm not sure but I remember my parents warning me about a stone like this.
That when you touched it, it left a permanent stain on you hand.
And it made you very sick.
ItâÂÂs nothing, IâÂÂm just a little chilled is all.
Malone doesnâÂÂt feel well either.
What about you, how do you feel? I feel fine, perhaps just a little light-headed.
DonâÂÂt tell me weâÂÂre all going to get sick because of a little stain.
It is possible there are toxic substances in the stone.
This is one of those things Science cannot explain, put it back.
- Oh, alright! - IâÂÂll take it back.
- IâÂÂll come with you.
- IâÂÂll come too.
I want to see exactly where that came from.
Then IâÂÂll stay here, I could use a nap.
Well isnâÂÂt that nice.
Looks like IâÂÂm part of the club now too.
IâÂÂm sorry old fellow.
So do you remember anything else your parents said about this sort of thing? IâÂÂm trying to think.
I remember them meeting a woman with a mark on her hand but I canâÂÂt remember what happened to her.
Very encouraging.
What did I tell you there go your thievesâ right there.
Take them.
Maybe we should go to the Zanga village.
Assai might know more about this.
ThatâÂÂs not a bad idea.
The Zanga legends have often proven true.
This way.
- Where the hell did that come from? - I donâÂÂt know.
I donâÂÂt see anyone.
They're all around us.
Take cover! - What do they want with us? - Certainly not a peaceful dialog.
There! - ThatâÂÂs the man with the parrot.
- What parrot? Follow me! Who are these savages? Well, IâÂÂve got a train to catch.
Hey, hey, hey easy guys put me down IâÂÂm not going anywhere.
You will stay with us until we recover the stone.
Pray that we do.
ThatâÂÂs using your head Challenger.
I must try and remember that one.
- I believe theyâÂÂre after this.
- How can you tell that? Because thatâÂÂs the man Marguerite and I saw at the cave.
He obviously has something to do with this.
What man at the cave.
Well after we found the stone that man was screaming like an idiot and babbling to his parrot.
- You didnâÂÂt tell us about that.
- Sorry - other things to think about.
- Babbling to his parrot? Right, after he saw us he just took off.
- Well he may have some answers.
- We can talk about this later.
- WeâÂÂre not safe here.
- Right.
Whoa! Thanks.
It seems IâÂÂm beginning to suffer the same ill effects from this cursed stain as Marguerite and Malone.
I must be lucky IâÂÂve never felt better.
- How are you feeling? - Mmmmm, weird but warm, you? Well I was feeling dizzy and light headed but now I just have this energy surging through me like the urge to run and jump.
Sounds like cabin fever.
What on earth are you doing? There! ItâÂÂs a parrot.
I donâÂÂt see anything.
ItâÂÂs right there.
Well your eyes are much better than mine.
Marguerite what are you doing? Hanging on to you so you donâÂÂt fall.
IâÂÂm all right.
Oh, your heartâÂÂs beating a mile a minute.
It is? I wonder why? IsnâÂÂt it obvious? Marguerite I think this fever is really starting to affect you.
ThatâÂÂs funny, IâÂÂve never felt so normal in my life.
Okay well why donâÂÂt you sit down and when Roxton comes home you can tell him all about it.
Roxton oh yes I hope heâÂÂs soon.
IâÂÂm famished.
IâÂÂm feeling a bit peckish myself.
IsnâÂÂt this fun? Fun? What are you doing Challenger? Just taking a moment to smell the roses, well the clover actually.
Smell it grrr sweet aroma.
I donâÂÂt smell such a sweet aroma.
I think your senses are playing tricks on you.
Oh nonsense, my faculties have never been keener.
- Which faculties are those? - IâÂÂve got such boundless energy I could leap up that hill just for the sheer hell of it.
In case youâÂÂve forgotten were headed for the Zanga village and we have some very unfriendly creatures tracking us.
We do? CanâÂÂt you hear them? TheyâÂÂre only a few hundred yards behind us.
- I donâÂÂt hear anything.
- Nor I.
- ItâÂÂs just your imagination John.
- ItâÂÂs not my bloody imagination.
Oh you are mine.
- What are you doing? - Stop it! What are you doing? John! IâÂÂm tired of being hunted like an animal.
I say we kill them all.
No, the feverâÂÂs obviously got a grip of you.
Keep your hands off me.
Now letâÂÂs get these wretched cowards.
Hey, hey, snap out of it! The Zanga village is that way.
Fine by me Goldilocks.
Now letâÂÂs get going.
IâÂÂve never seen him like this.
ItâÂÂs baaad baaad behavior.
So, you silly little rodents how would you like to come out and play? Marguerite where are you? Jack.
Trouble trouble.
Now where did you come from my fine feathered friend? Pretty.
Oh very pretty, very pretty indeed.
Trouble, trouble, Jack, trouble.
DonâÂÂt be a stranger.
Nothing to be afraid of.
We all have our place in the food chain.
Marguerite? Delicious.
Would you like one? Well now that you mention it they do look rather juicy.
Very juicy.
Not unlike you in fact.
Now Marguerite lets not start that again.
You have nothing to be afraid of my sweet little journalist.
YouâÂÂre so very warm and cozy.
Maybe we could curl up together some place.
YouâÂÂre really starting to scare me Marguerite.
You smell so succulent and savory.
Marguerite! I donâÂÂt know what has gotten into you but stay away from me.
Stay away.
But youâÂÂre just so irresistible.
Will you stop picking berries and try to keep up.
Not berries, leaves.
You know it really is incredible how much of this environment is edible.
ThatâÂÂs a thistle youâÂÂre eating.
The more we eat the better prepared we are to fight our enemies.
Fight them? Why not eat them.
Blood soup and leg of savage would certainly cure my hunger pangs.
Listen to yourselves can you hear what youâÂÂre saying? You two sound like animals.
Oh Veronica donâÂÂt be ridiculous.
In my mind thatâÂÂs a very tasty arm you have.
Oh no donâÂÂt put me on your menu.
LetâÂÂs just get to the Zanga village okay.
Those savages are on our trail again.
Take this, IâÂÂll hold them off.
LetâÂÂs go! Move it! This is maaaagnificent.
This is no time to stop and admire the scenery.
But the view is incredible.
Forget the view! Run! Challenger.
Get them.
What do you want? Where are you taking us?, ah.
Let me go.
Let me go.
CanâÂÂt you see sheâÂÂs wounded? Where is it? I donâÂÂt know.
What is âÂÂitâÂÂ? The sacred stone belongs to us.
- Who are you? - We are the Kanu the origin of all humanity.
In that case madam on the evolutionary scale youâÂÂre about one step ahead of pond scum.
- Search him.
- We donâÂÂt have the stone! Jack Keller you have deceived me for the last Where did he go? Find him.
Look Marguerite IâÂÂm sorry I ran away from you before.
I know youâÂÂre not feeling so well.
IâÂÂm not feeling so great myself.
What the hellâÂÂs wrong with me? Feathers.
Stay away! Marguerite? Is that you? Whoa, whoa.
You canâÂÂt hide with a stink like that.
- Billy, - Jack.
oh Billy I thought I lost you.
Look out look out.
You should have listened to the bird.
No please, donâÂÂt hurt me.
Okay.
I never did anything.
IâÂÂm innocent.
Where are my friends? ThatâÂÂs what IâÂÂve been trying to tell you.
Eba has them.
- Keep talking.
- Well, like I said I was trying to warn you but Eba and her savages kidnapped me.
Tried to kill me, in fact.
One more lie and IâÂÂll rip your throat out.
Of course, youâÂÂre angry.
I mean who wouldnâÂÂt be.
But believe me you gotta try to calm yourself because getting all upset is only gonna speed things up.
Speed what up? This is very baaad.
Very baaad indeed.
Challenger do you realize whatâÂÂs happening to you? IâÂÂm transforming into some kind of animal, arenâÂÂt I? WeâÂÂll find a way to stop it.
If this is the result of a curse then we have to give the stone back to these people.
It is getting so difficult to think straight but that inscription âÂÂThe origins of all humanityâ it must meeeean something.
These people are evolving while I am going back to the beginning, back to the beginning.
Back to where we all began.
Marguerite? Are you in here? ready our not? We all have our place in the food chain.
WhereâÂÂd you get this? Billy found it, I mean stole it, from the Kanu and gave it to me.
I didnâÂÂt know it was cursed.
How could I? How does it work? Everyone who touches the damn thing turns into an animal.
Then why doesnâÂÂt it work on the Kanu? I donâÂÂt know, maybe theyâÂÂre savage enough already maybe theyâÂÂre immune to it.
All I know is Billy turned into a parrot, I turned into a I turned into a monkey.
Ah yes, the monkey that robbed the treehouse.
Exactly, you see I thought if I could get someone dumb, I mean someone else, to take back the cursed rock Billy and me would be cured.
So you turned into the miscreant you are when we took the stone.
Yeah right.
I mean I do have some redeeming qualities but yes that is the gist of it.
Then why didnâÂÂt the bird turn back? I donâÂÂt know, it doesnâÂÂt make sense.
Except that well maybe - Maybe what? - Well like I said, Billy stole it but your friend stole it from me.
So maybe only one of us could be saved the last to touch it.
Shut up! Shut up! Sorry Billy, I didnâÂÂt know you were listening.
Yeah yeah.
So if I give this back to you I can save myself.
Whoa whoa hey hey hey.
I didnâÂÂt make these rules okay? Me and Billy were just prospectors.
We came here looking for gold and couldnâÂÂt find our way home again.
I mean, now look at me, I got no treasure, I got a parrot for a mate What am I? some kind of pirate? Then take back your treasure.
This emerald must be worth something? Well thanks but what about your friends.
You give it back to me and your friends will still be animals.
Just like Billy.
Mayday.
If I lose them because of you.
Now now remember what I said.
Getting angry only makes it worse.
Challenger youâÂÂre a man of science.
You have to fight this.
I canâÂÂt think.
Your friend is almost gone.
You have to stop this.
You stole our stone.
This is the price you pay.
The pain.
Where did you people come from? and where did you get that stone? From the hand who stole it from the Gods we killed him for his efforts.
And all who tried to put it back must die as well.
Challenger whatâÂÂs happening to you? I canâÂÂt help myself.
Challenger? Challenger do you understand me? I didnâÂÂt think so.
Great Spirit of the water hear our cries.
We are your creatures.
We have to find out where these savages came from.
The origin of all humanity, lead us from the mire of oblivion.
to the apex of enlightenment.
Before the caves of darkness as the light spreads across the savage waters.
- guide souls - Caves of darkness, savage waters I know where that is.
Return it to our hands.
Now you do exactly as I told you.
Go! Hey Eba look what IâÂÂve got.
- Get him! - Now I wish I was a monkey.
Roxton thank God.
I thought I'd lost all of you.
WhereâÂÂs Challenger? YouâÂÂre looking at him.
I havenâÂÂt eaten in so long.
Listen! I know what we have to do.
Do you have the stone? - Yes! - Oh! Good! Come on, we have to hurry.
Hey! ThatâÂÂs Challenger youâÂÂre looking at.
Remember? The man you swore to protect with your life.
- That was before.
- No! No! No! Stop it! Do you hear me? - Challenger no! - The Kanu are coming back - time for them to die.
- Listen no! YouâÂÂre going to help me save our friends Roxton.
Come on.
What is it? Blood.
Your arm.
Oh you are so beautiful.
Skin so smooth.
Flesh so tender.
You stay away from me, you understand? Veronica IâÂÂm sorry, IâÂÂm losing the fight to understand.
I can only feel like a and it feels wonderful.
Roxton No! John! No! Come on! TheyâÂÂre headed for the savage waters, for our birth place.
Get them! There it is.
- The place where it all began.
- These savages came from a swamp? That evil stone should have never been taken from here.
That must be the place.
Crocodiles.
I wonder what else is in there.
Drive them into the savage waters.
I guess IâÂÂm gonna find out.
IâÂÂll entertain our friends.
Ah! No! Roxton! What, toads? The Kanu all turned into toads.
It must have been what they were to begin with.
The power of the stone worked in both ways.
Your arm? What about it? Nothing.
I justit looks as if itâÂÂs hurt thatâÂÂs all.
IâÂÂll be fine.
- Hi ho! - ItâÂÂs you again.
Well allâÂÂs well that ends Oh.
I hope that wasnâÂÂt Eba.
What, so now all the dangers past I guess youâÂÂre on your way, is that it? Who wants to leave? IâÂÂve got my jewels back.
IâÂÂd say thereâÂÂs quite a ot more up there too.
What about your parrot? Funny you should ask.
Hey Billy come on out.
I want you to meet my friends.
Say hello to Billy guys.
Oh whoâÂÂs my pretty baby? Grrrr.
Malone, Marguerite? Challenger, when did you get back? IâÂÂm not quite sure.
I remember being captured by the Kanu.
The next thing I remember I was waking up down in our compost heap with the most disturbing taste in my mouth and slivers.
Ned? ItâÂÂs a long story.
I could use a rope.
And you might want to check on Marguerite, sheâÂÂs in the lab.
Good heavens my Hydrochoerus.
Excuse me? Well donâÂÂt just stand there! Get me out! Well letâÂÂs not be too hasty.
After all itâÂÂs not often one sees such a rare species in captivity.
Roxton! - Sorry, canâÂÂt hear you.
- Get me out! ItâÂÂs not funny!
Yes, a veritable Garden of Eden complete with an enticing Eve.
Care for a bite? What was that? It's too early for the others to be back - Hello anybody here? - Shhh.
Oh! a monkey! - Shoot it! - What? That necklace belongs to me! Why you little thief! Come back here! Marguerite wait up! At the dawn of the last century A band of explorers searched for a prehistoric world Driven by ambition Secret desires A thirst for adventure And seeking the ultimate story They are befriended by an untamed beauty Stranded in a strange and savage land Each day is a desperate search for a way out of the Lost World.
You've eaten your last banana, you little wretch.
No Marguerite! Don't shoot! Don't shoot? Do you know how much that necklace is worth.
Do you know the bad luck that will follow you around if you kill a monkey.
Well itâÂÂs still got my necklace and itâÂÂs not getting away.
Here it is.
- What the - Oh! Huh, monkey business has been good.
Oh youâÂÂre a pretty one.
Well he got away.
Strange looking piece.
In your hand the origin of all humanity.
It worked.
Oh yes it worked! Yahooooooo! Oh, Oh.
Yes, I feel good! Someone sounds happy.
Or crazy.
And I will never have to eat another termite as long as I live.
Oh Billy.
Yes of course Billy.
It must be too late for you, IâÂÂm sorry Billy.
Who are you? Who me? What she means to say is we heard you shouting.
Are you all right? Oh yeah, IâÂÂm fine.
Why shouldnâÂÂt I be? Never better.
Were you chasing that thieving little monkey too? Monkey? What monkey? I wasnâÂÂt chasing any monkey.
Oh you mean, I was chasing my pet parrot Billy, beautiful precious Billy.
Anyhow I gotta go.
Adios.
Hey wait, who are you? HowâÂÂd you get on the plateau? IâÂÂve had enough running around the jungle for one day.
Umm, what an odd little man.
Looks like weâÂÂve been robbed.
Yeah, a monkey did it.
- A monkey? - Yeah.
Anything else missing besides MargueriteâÂÂs priceless necklace? Not so far as I can tell, but he sure made a hell of a mess.
When I catch that pilfering primate IâÂÂll have his guts for garters.
Charming.
This was the Moriarty of all monkeys.
He had a stack of trinkets like youâÂÂve never seen.
All of which you, reclaimed IâÂÂm sure? DonâÂÂt be cheeky.
Most of it was junk, except for this.
Is that a real emerald? Yes but it doesnâÂÂt even come close to the value of the diamonds he stole from me.
Still itâÂÂs striking.
WhatâÂÂs this inscription say? Something about someoneâÂÂs hand and origin of all humanity.
From dinosaurs we come.
I sure had a few in my family.
I wonder where it came from.
Who cares? ItâÂÂs mine now.
What if it belongs to one of the tribes who share this small piece of paradise with us? Would you look at that, it stained my hand.
- Did the same to me.
- I wonder what could have caused that, maybe an oil or chemical in the rock? Branded? Will you look at that, just as I left it, a sight for sore eyes.
trouble trouble Terrific, what the hell do you guys want? You know what we want Jack Keller.
What have you done with it? Okay, I lost it.
Well somebody stole it.
ItâÂÂs, it's gone.
Just as your friend stole it from us? Yes, well Billy didnâÂÂt know it belonged to you, how was anyone supposed to know? It was stolen from the spirit hut, you knew it didnâÂÂt belong to you.
Okay, okay.
Yeah well maybe we, maybe we never should have taken it but what can you do? You live and you learn.
Anyhow it was very nice to see you again Eba.
YouâÂÂre looking very good by the way.
Come on Billy lets go.
Right behind ya.
You will take us to whoever has the stone or I will bury you in that little hole youâÂÂve dug.
DonâÂÂt be silly.
I would never fit in there.
You will if I slice you into tiny little pieces.
Okay well yes that would definitely solve that problem but I still donâÂÂt know who took the stone.
Okay let me rephrase that I donâÂÂt know their names.
But sure I can show you which way they went.
In fact I can point you in the right direction from here.
You will take us to them now.
IsnâÂÂt that what I just said? The origin of all humanity.
I wonder what that could mean.
What it means, is a stain I canâÂÂt get off my hand.
Neither can Malone.
Marguerite you might have warned me about this.
IâÂÂm sorry George IâÂÂm a little preoccupied with the loss of my necklace, my exceedingly valuable diamond necklace.
Yes, yes as youâÂÂve said, repeatedly.
It is a fascinating effect though.
The mark seems to be the result of ink or dye.
But the etching on the stone, it's colorless and dry to the touch.
SomeoneâÂÂs idea of a practical joke.
IâÂÂm sure thereâÂÂs something in the lab I can get this off with.
Preferably something that will leave the skin intact.
- Do you find it cold in here? - No! Not at all.
Perhaps youâÂÂre coming down with something.
Wonderful.
Nothing, itâÂÂs either here to stay or wear itself off.
That could take forever.
ItâÂÂs not that unattractive, is it? If you donâÂÂt mind looking like a jungle savage.
Are those mice you have in there? Technically speaking theyâÂÂre a dwarf species of the indigenous South American Hydrochoerus.
But as Shakespeare might say a Rodentia by any other name Yes, well, I was planning to test a vaccine based on a Zanga remedy a cure for the common cold I hope.
TheyâÂÂre very glossy looking.
They should be, I found them in our food supply.
Tsk tsk tsk, those naughty little rodents so round and plump.
You sure youâÂÂre okay Marguerite? Yeah, IâÂÂm still a little chilly.
WhereâÂÂs the stone that marked MaloneâÂÂs hand? I just saw him down by the river trying to wash it off.
Got me.
Care to join the club? - Where is it? - Upstairs.
Why? WhatâÂÂs bothering her today? I'd better go and find out.
Do you know where this came from? Yes, we found that in the monkeyâÂÂs cave part of its ill-gotten gains.
This isnâÂÂt a joke Roxton.
I think you should put it back where you found it.
No argument from me.
Marguerite has claimed it for her own though in that certain way she does.
Listen to me, this stone is cursed.
I beg you pardon? Cursed, in what way? IâÂÂm not sure but I remember my parents warning me about a stone like this.
That when you touched it, it left a permanent stain on you hand.
And it made you very sick.
ItâÂÂs nothing, IâÂÂm just a little chilled is all.
Malone doesnâÂÂt feel well either.
What about you, how do you feel? I feel fine, perhaps just a little light-headed.
DonâÂÂt tell me weâÂÂre all going to get sick because of a little stain.
It is possible there are toxic substances in the stone.
This is one of those things Science cannot explain, put it back.
- Oh, alright! - IâÂÂll take it back.
- IâÂÂll come with you.
- IâÂÂll come too.
I want to see exactly where that came from.
Then IâÂÂll stay here, I could use a nap.
Well isnâÂÂt that nice.
Looks like IâÂÂm part of the club now too.
IâÂÂm sorry old fellow.
So do you remember anything else your parents said about this sort of thing? IâÂÂm trying to think.
I remember them meeting a woman with a mark on her hand but I canâÂÂt remember what happened to her.
Very encouraging.
What did I tell you there go your thievesâ right there.
Take them.
Maybe we should go to the Zanga village.
Assai might know more about this.
ThatâÂÂs not a bad idea.
The Zanga legends have often proven true.
This way.
- Where the hell did that come from? - I donâÂÂt know.
I donâÂÂt see anyone.
They're all around us.
Take cover! - What do they want with us? - Certainly not a peaceful dialog.
There! - ThatâÂÂs the man with the parrot.
- What parrot? Follow me! Who are these savages? Well, IâÂÂve got a train to catch.
Hey, hey, hey easy guys put me down IâÂÂm not going anywhere.
You will stay with us until we recover the stone.
Pray that we do.
ThatâÂÂs using your head Challenger.
I must try and remember that one.
- I believe theyâÂÂre after this.
- How can you tell that? Because thatâÂÂs the man Marguerite and I saw at the cave.
He obviously has something to do with this.
What man at the cave.
Well after we found the stone that man was screaming like an idiot and babbling to his parrot.
- You didnâÂÂt tell us about that.
- Sorry - other things to think about.
- Babbling to his parrot? Right, after he saw us he just took off.
- Well he may have some answers.
- We can talk about this later.
- WeâÂÂre not safe here.
- Right.
Whoa! Thanks.
It seems IâÂÂm beginning to suffer the same ill effects from this cursed stain as Marguerite and Malone.
I must be lucky IâÂÂve never felt better.
- How are you feeling? - Mmmmm, weird but warm, you? Well I was feeling dizzy and light headed but now I just have this energy surging through me like the urge to run and jump.
Sounds like cabin fever.
What on earth are you doing? There! ItâÂÂs a parrot.
I donâÂÂt see anything.
ItâÂÂs right there.
Well your eyes are much better than mine.
Marguerite what are you doing? Hanging on to you so you donâÂÂt fall.
IâÂÂm all right.
Oh, your heartâÂÂs beating a mile a minute.
It is? I wonder why? IsnâÂÂt it obvious? Marguerite I think this fever is really starting to affect you.
ThatâÂÂs funny, IâÂÂve never felt so normal in my life.
Okay well why donâÂÂt you sit down and when Roxton comes home you can tell him all about it.
Roxton oh yes I hope heâÂÂs soon.
IâÂÂm famished.
IâÂÂm feeling a bit peckish myself.
IsnâÂÂt this fun? Fun? What are you doing Challenger? Just taking a moment to smell the roses, well the clover actually.
Smell it grrr sweet aroma.
I donâÂÂt smell such a sweet aroma.
I think your senses are playing tricks on you.
Oh nonsense, my faculties have never been keener.
- Which faculties are those? - IâÂÂve got such boundless energy I could leap up that hill just for the sheer hell of it.
In case youâÂÂve forgotten were headed for the Zanga village and we have some very unfriendly creatures tracking us.
We do? CanâÂÂt you hear them? TheyâÂÂre only a few hundred yards behind us.
- I donâÂÂt hear anything.
- Nor I.
- ItâÂÂs just your imagination John.
- ItâÂÂs not my bloody imagination.
Oh you are mine.
- What are you doing? - Stop it! What are you doing? John! IâÂÂm tired of being hunted like an animal.
I say we kill them all.
No, the feverâÂÂs obviously got a grip of you.
Keep your hands off me.
Now letâÂÂs get these wretched cowards.
Hey, hey, snap out of it! The Zanga village is that way.
Fine by me Goldilocks.
Now letâÂÂs get going.
IâÂÂve never seen him like this.
ItâÂÂs baaad baaad behavior.
So, you silly little rodents how would you like to come out and play? Marguerite where are you? Jack.
Trouble trouble.
Now where did you come from my fine feathered friend? Pretty.
Oh very pretty, very pretty indeed.
Trouble, trouble, Jack, trouble.
DonâÂÂt be a stranger.
Nothing to be afraid of.
We all have our place in the food chain.
Marguerite? Delicious.
Would you like one? Well now that you mention it they do look rather juicy.
Very juicy.
Not unlike you in fact.
Now Marguerite lets not start that again.
You have nothing to be afraid of my sweet little journalist.
YouâÂÂre so very warm and cozy.
Maybe we could curl up together some place.
YouâÂÂre really starting to scare me Marguerite.
You smell so succulent and savory.
Marguerite! I donâÂÂt know what has gotten into you but stay away from me.
Stay away.
But youâÂÂre just so irresistible.
Will you stop picking berries and try to keep up.
Not berries, leaves.
You know it really is incredible how much of this environment is edible.
ThatâÂÂs a thistle youâÂÂre eating.
The more we eat the better prepared we are to fight our enemies.
Fight them? Why not eat them.
Blood soup and leg of savage would certainly cure my hunger pangs.
Listen to yourselves can you hear what youâÂÂre saying? You two sound like animals.
Oh Veronica donâÂÂt be ridiculous.
In my mind thatâÂÂs a very tasty arm you have.
Oh no donâÂÂt put me on your menu.
LetâÂÂs just get to the Zanga village okay.
Those savages are on our trail again.
Take this, IâÂÂll hold them off.
LetâÂÂs go! Move it! This is maaaagnificent.
This is no time to stop and admire the scenery.
But the view is incredible.
Forget the view! Run! Challenger.
Get them.
What do you want? Where are you taking us?, ah.
Let me go.
Let me go.
CanâÂÂt you see sheâÂÂs wounded? Where is it? I donâÂÂt know.
What is âÂÂitâÂÂ? The sacred stone belongs to us.
- Who are you? - We are the Kanu the origin of all humanity.
In that case madam on the evolutionary scale youâÂÂre about one step ahead of pond scum.
- Search him.
- We donâÂÂt have the stone! Jack Keller you have deceived me for the last Where did he go? Find him.
Look Marguerite IâÂÂm sorry I ran away from you before.
I know youâÂÂre not feeling so well.
IâÂÂm not feeling so great myself.
What the hellâÂÂs wrong with me? Feathers.
Stay away! Marguerite? Is that you? Whoa, whoa.
You canâÂÂt hide with a stink like that.
- Billy, - Jack.
oh Billy I thought I lost you.
Look out look out.
You should have listened to the bird.
No please, donâÂÂt hurt me.
Okay.
I never did anything.
IâÂÂm innocent.
Where are my friends? ThatâÂÂs what IâÂÂve been trying to tell you.
Eba has them.
- Keep talking.
- Well, like I said I was trying to warn you but Eba and her savages kidnapped me.
Tried to kill me, in fact.
One more lie and IâÂÂll rip your throat out.
Of course, youâÂÂre angry.
I mean who wouldnâÂÂt be.
But believe me you gotta try to calm yourself because getting all upset is only gonna speed things up.
Speed what up? This is very baaad.
Very baaad indeed.
Challenger do you realize whatâÂÂs happening to you? IâÂÂm transforming into some kind of animal, arenâÂÂt I? WeâÂÂll find a way to stop it.
If this is the result of a curse then we have to give the stone back to these people.
It is getting so difficult to think straight but that inscription âÂÂThe origins of all humanityâ it must meeeean something.
These people are evolving while I am going back to the beginning, back to the beginning.
Back to where we all began.
Marguerite? Are you in here? ready our not? We all have our place in the food chain.
WhereâÂÂd you get this? Billy found it, I mean stole it, from the Kanu and gave it to me.
I didnâÂÂt know it was cursed.
How could I? How does it work? Everyone who touches the damn thing turns into an animal.
Then why doesnâÂÂt it work on the Kanu? I donâÂÂt know, maybe theyâÂÂre savage enough already maybe theyâÂÂre immune to it.
All I know is Billy turned into a parrot, I turned into a I turned into a monkey.
Ah yes, the monkey that robbed the treehouse.
Exactly, you see I thought if I could get someone dumb, I mean someone else, to take back the cursed rock Billy and me would be cured.
So you turned into the miscreant you are when we took the stone.
Yeah right.
I mean I do have some redeeming qualities but yes that is the gist of it.
Then why didnâÂÂt the bird turn back? I donâÂÂt know, it doesnâÂÂt make sense.
Except that well maybe - Maybe what? - Well like I said, Billy stole it but your friend stole it from me.
So maybe only one of us could be saved the last to touch it.
Shut up! Shut up! Sorry Billy, I didnâÂÂt know you were listening.
Yeah yeah.
So if I give this back to you I can save myself.
Whoa whoa hey hey hey.
I didnâÂÂt make these rules okay? Me and Billy were just prospectors.
We came here looking for gold and couldnâÂÂt find our way home again.
I mean, now look at me, I got no treasure, I got a parrot for a mate What am I? some kind of pirate? Then take back your treasure.
This emerald must be worth something? Well thanks but what about your friends.
You give it back to me and your friends will still be animals.
Just like Billy.
Mayday.
If I lose them because of you.
Now now remember what I said.
Getting angry only makes it worse.
Challenger youâÂÂre a man of science.
You have to fight this.
I canâÂÂt think.
Your friend is almost gone.
You have to stop this.
You stole our stone.
This is the price you pay.
The pain.
Where did you people come from? and where did you get that stone? From the hand who stole it from the Gods we killed him for his efforts.
And all who tried to put it back must die as well.
Challenger whatâÂÂs happening to you? I canâÂÂt help myself.
Challenger? Challenger do you understand me? I didnâÂÂt think so.
Great Spirit of the water hear our cries.
We are your creatures.
We have to find out where these savages came from.
The origin of all humanity, lead us from the mire of oblivion.
to the apex of enlightenment.
Before the caves of darkness as the light spreads across the savage waters.
- guide souls - Caves of darkness, savage waters I know where that is.
Return it to our hands.
Now you do exactly as I told you.
Go! Hey Eba look what IâÂÂve got.
- Get him! - Now I wish I was a monkey.
Roxton thank God.
I thought I'd lost all of you.
WhereâÂÂs Challenger? YouâÂÂre looking at him.
I havenâÂÂt eaten in so long.
Listen! I know what we have to do.
Do you have the stone? - Yes! - Oh! Good! Come on, we have to hurry.
Hey! ThatâÂÂs Challenger youâÂÂre looking at.
Remember? The man you swore to protect with your life.
- That was before.
- No! No! No! Stop it! Do you hear me? - Challenger no! - The Kanu are coming back - time for them to die.
- Listen no! YouâÂÂre going to help me save our friends Roxton.
Come on.
What is it? Blood.
Your arm.
Oh you are so beautiful.
Skin so smooth.
Flesh so tender.
You stay away from me, you understand? Veronica IâÂÂm sorry, IâÂÂm losing the fight to understand.
I can only feel like a and it feels wonderful.
Roxton No! John! No! Come on! TheyâÂÂre headed for the savage waters, for our birth place.
Get them! There it is.
- The place where it all began.
- These savages came from a swamp? That evil stone should have never been taken from here.
That must be the place.
Crocodiles.
I wonder what else is in there.
Drive them into the savage waters.
I guess IâÂÂm gonna find out.
IâÂÂll entertain our friends.
Ah! No! Roxton! What, toads? The Kanu all turned into toads.
It must have been what they were to begin with.
The power of the stone worked in both ways.
Your arm? What about it? Nothing.
I justit looks as if itâÂÂs hurt thatâÂÂs all.
IâÂÂll be fine.
- Hi ho! - ItâÂÂs you again.
Well allâÂÂs well that ends Oh.
I hope that wasnâÂÂt Eba.
What, so now all the dangers past I guess youâÂÂre on your way, is that it? Who wants to leave? IâÂÂve got my jewels back.
IâÂÂd say thereâÂÂs quite a ot more up there too.
What about your parrot? Funny you should ask.
Hey Billy come on out.
I want you to meet my friends.
Say hello to Billy guys.
Oh whoâÂÂs my pretty baby? Grrrr.
Malone, Marguerite? Challenger, when did you get back? IâÂÂm not quite sure.
I remember being captured by the Kanu.
The next thing I remember I was waking up down in our compost heap with the most disturbing taste in my mouth and slivers.
Ned? ItâÂÂs a long story.
I could use a rope.
And you might want to check on Marguerite, sheâÂÂs in the lab.
Good heavens my Hydrochoerus.
Excuse me? Well donâÂÂt just stand there! Get me out! Well letâÂÂs not be too hasty.
After all itâÂÂs not often one sees such a rare species in captivity.
Roxton! - Sorry, canâÂÂt hear you.
- Get me out! ItâÂÂs not funny!