Season 2 Episode 9
"Je suis prest"
WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW B. ROBERT
1EXT. SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY1
A broken line of Lovat men trails behind CLAIRE, who rides alone at the head of what is supposed to be a regiment of soldiers. But who are more farmers and farmers than anything else. So let's call them for what they are: a motley collection of undisciplined men who don't really want to be here.
An exhausted JAMIE climbs up to join Claire, a look of frustration squinted in his forehead.
CLAIRE
How much?
JAMIE
Canna says for sure, twenty-five, maybe thirty.
A beat later, the young SIMON FRASER, joins them.
YOUNG SIMON
More like thirty-five, I would say.
CLAIRE
These are your men, can't you keep them online?
YOUNG SIMON
They are my father's men and I don't suppose they are very happy to be away from their families and farms.
JAMIE
They are not the family men, they have rented land, they will remain faithful. It's the singles who go astray... This is still the case. They have no land of their own. No other reason to fight than a vow of fidelity. It's not much when musket bullets fly over the head.
YOUNG SIMON
We cannot continue to lose men at this rate. What do we do?
JAMIE
You get them back.
Simon looks slightly baffled. He's a little out of his element.
YOUNG SIMON
Me? How?
JAMIE
We are not far from Kingussie. I suspect this will be the first place they go. Once you've found them, then you have to give them something to fight for.
YOUNG SIMON
I don't have many pieces to offer...
JAMIE
No coin. Earth. Give each man his own strip of land when the war is over and they will fight like the devil for it
YOUNG SIMON
But... I can offer what is not mine. The land belongs to my father.
JAMIE
Lord Lovat is not here... The end of the war is far away - perhaps years. A lot can happen between now and then. Worry about when it's all over. (disaster) The truth is that half of these men won't be coming home anyway.
The harshness of the situation begins to be felt on Simon.
JAMIE (continued)
While we are gone, we will continue with the remaining Lovat men, and join Murtagh and the Frasers from Lallybroch to Crieff.
Simon sees the logic of the situation, takes a deep breath and then nods.
YOUNG SIMON
Are we going to meet you in Crieff, then?
JAMIE
No, it's important that they see you as their only commander for a while. Drive them to Perth and join the Prince's army. He will probably welcome you as a hero, and this will help men bond more with you.
YOUNG SIMON
Very good.
Jamie leans over, lowers his voice.
JAMIE
Treat them like soldiers, not tenants, not farmers. Expect obedience, but give them your respect. Do this, and they will give their lives for you.
Simon sits a little taller on the saddle.
YOUNG SIMON
It will be as you say. We will see you in Perth.
Jamie and Claire say goodbye, then Simon leaves with a few men.
CLAIRE
Do you think he can do it? Turning farmers and farmers into soldiers?
JAMIE
The best question, Sassenach... Can I?
As they watch the unruly scum "walk" along the road...
2EXT. SCOTLAND - DAY2
In all its green splendour. Alba, Caledonia, Scotia or whatever you call it... This is the kingdom they are fighting for. And if they lose, it will be
soaked in the blood of family and friends.
3CAMP EXT. FRASER - JOUR3
Jamie and Claire come to FIND - THIRTY MEN FROM LALLYBROCH already camped. TWENTY WOMEN and CHILDREN accompany them. These are CAMP FOLLOWERS who provide cooking and cleaning. Jamie and Claire greet them and kiss the Lallybrochers, including ALEXANDER KINCAID and ROSS, the
blacksmith. They both nod respectfully hello. Then MURTAGH approaches, in one of his Murtagh moods.
MURTAGH
Forgive me if I give up the little jig I had planned in honor of your arrival; I would have been very happy to do it five days ago.
It's Highlander for "Where the hell have you been?"
JAMIE
It took longer than expected to go through Corrieyairack. It made me regret the time when cattle were returned.
Jamie beckons to Lovat's men who are now setting up encampments in the field adjacent to the abandoned buildings. Murtagh is surprised there are so many.
MURTAGH
I didn't think you could convince this fat bastard to part with his money, let alone men? (after evaluating) Not much to look at, is it?
CLAIRE
Apparently, Lovat kept his best men in Beauly. So you both have their work cut out for you.
JAMIE
We need to be vigilant... About thirty of them tried to desert near Kingussie. Young Simon left to bring them home.
MURTAGH
(thick sarcasm) The youngest is with us?
JAMIE
Yes... but not with his father's blessing. Lovat remains neutral.
MURTAGH
Ah, now this is the weasel I know well.
FERGUS rushes in.
FERGUS
Milady! Milord!
He clings to Jamie.
JAMIE
Fergus. You look fit, man. Murtagh treated you well, then?
FERGUS
No, no... He did not. He forced me to fix his socks and go get his meals and...
Murtagh frappe la tête de Fergus pour mettre fin au taquin.
MURTAGH
J'ai juste éduqué le garçon sur les subtilités du voyage dans les Highlands.
Claire intercède, heureuse de les voir tous les deux.
CLAIRE
Espèce d'enfants.
Murtagh et Fergus se regardent d’un air accusateur.
4CAMP EXT. FRASER - SECTEUR PRINCIPAL - NUIT4
Des feux de camp parsèment la région. Certains hommes ont des TENTES, ceux qui ne dorment pas à la belle étoile (De qui se moque-t-on ? C’est l’Écosse, sous les nuages).
5EXT. FRASER CAMP - SECTEUR PRINCIPAL - JOUR5
The next morning, an unrest lures Jamie and Claire out of their home to FIND RUPERT and ANGUS, here to join the uprising. Jamie and Claire haven't seen them since they left for the France, so it's a happy reunion. They say hello, until Angus leans over to Claire:
ANGUS
Washed my mouth with whiskey, ready for a crush on your lips.
But Claire deflects her lips and ostensibly kisses Angus on her cheek.
CLAIRE
It's good that some things never change.
Rupert pulls Claire away and gives her a bear hug.
RUPERT
It's been a long time, Claire.
CLAIRE
It is, Rupert.
Claire gives him a hug and a kiss. She says hello to the other MACKENZIE MEN...
CLAIRE
Where is Willie?
Rupert, Angus and the others bow their heads. She sees fear in their faces. Wherever it is, it's not a good place. Claire is preparing for bad news.
CLAIRE
What happened?
RUPERT
The boy went to get himself... Married. To an Irlandaies. He left for America with the bride's family.
ANGUS
We will not mention the name of the traitorous bastard again.
Visibly hurt by Willie's departure, Angus tries to stifle emotions. Claire smiled, a little relieved.
CLAIRE
Marriage could do you all good.-
DOUGAL (O.C.)
Don't you welcome your beloved uncle?
The flourishing VOICE is unmistakable. Jamie and Claire turn simultaneously to see the one and only, DOUGAL MACKENZIE.
DOUGAL (continued)
You look good, boy. (feigns an empathetic look) Despite all the misfortunes you have suffered.
JAMIE
I've never been fitter.
DOUGAL
and Lady Broch Tuarach. A vision of true beauty.
A glance passes between them... A hint of malice in Dougal's eyes: Dougal being Dougal.
CLAIRE
It wouldn't be Scotland without you, Dougal.
A joyful greeting veiled in disdain. Now that everyone gets to know each other, they can get to work. Despite their difficult history, Jamie is happy to see Dougal.
Has JAMIE
Colum changed his mind, then? (looking further) Will Clan MacKenzie join the cause?
DOUGAL
The spirit of Colum is his. But that's not my concern. We have come to put our hearts and swords at the service of the glorious cause.
CLAIRE
What -- the three of you?
DOUGAL
You did not question the strength of the number of my men when they stormed Wentworth prison between the very teeth of more than two hundred red coats.
ANGUS
It was four hundred.
RUPERT
More likely five.
Claire rolls her eyes, but Dougal doesn't care. It's a moment he's been dreaming about for years and nothing is going to ruin it.
DOUGAL
Jamie, boy. When I heard you were fighting for the Jacobites... I was so proud, it was like... If my own son had taken his first steps as a man. I knew we had differences in the past, but... I was waiting for the day when we would fight on the same side. (almost overjoyed) This is our time. For glory. For Scotland.
Jamie sees passion in Dougal's eyes and knows he means every word of it. He extends his hand to his uncle, who gladly takes it.
JAMIE
Then we welcome your heart and your sword. (to Angus and Rupert) All of you. We desperately need you, you can help me train other men.
Dougal looks at the camp with easy confidence, bordering on pride.
DOUGAL
Yes, but it should be a simple question – they have already shown their worth by joining. Their hearts are bigger and stronger than ten red coats.
JAMIE
Maybe. But they are not ready for the fight as it stands.
DOUGAL
We have plenty of time to prepare them up and running.
JAMIE
They walk for sure. They walk, they walk, they capot, but they walk. And they will have to learn before we join the Prince. They are still only rascals, farmers, blacksmiths. Most didn't even have a weapon and wouldn't be able to use one in combat. It's a good field to train in. So I decided to stay here for a while.
This slightly crushes Dougal's enthusiasm.
DOUGAL
That's what you think, then?
JAMIE
Oui.
DOUGAL
Okay... we will turn them into good Highland soldiers. No time to lose.
Jamie and Claire thoughtfully exchange a quick glance, then a glance at Murtagh – as always, there's probably a hidden meaning in Dougal's words.
6CAMP EXT. FRASER - TRAINING AREA - DAY6
Drill Sergeant Murtagh stands in front of a random group of men. We are in the middle of training exercises and things are not going well. TWO PIPIPES stand nearby, watching and waiting for Murtagh's signals.
MURTAGH
James Fraser taught me these exercises himself. And believe me, I will teach you them. And you will learn them. Right now... Online in pairs. When you hear that.
Murtagh looks at the pipers and they ring what amounts to headquarters. The men take action, trying to follow the order given, but the chickens in a chicken coop move with more determination.
MURTAGH (continued)
Two lines, one directly in front of the other.
Frustrated, Murtagh digs two lines into the earth with his boot.
MURTAGH (continued)
There, put your toes here.
Jamie watches, unhappy with the lack of progress. However, Dougal seems delighted, pats Jamie's back and then leaves. When men don't move fast enough, Murtagh hits Kincaid in the back to increase the pep talk.
MURTAGH (continued)
Kincaid, move your ass. Do you think the enemy will move away while waiting for you to gather?
Kincaid says what most men think.
KINCAID
When do we get appropriate weapons?
MURTAGH
First, you learn where to stand. Then you learn to move. If you can handle the details of this... We will put a sword in your hand and teach you how to kill red cloaks. But until then... Get trained.
With a little more physical motivation from Murtagh, the men manage to form two rows, one in front of the other. Not particularly straight or well spaced, but for now, it will do. Murtagh shrugs to Jamie, who nods. This is a start.
MURTAGH (continued)
Now, when you hear that... (eyes pipers) You move to your left.
THE BAGPIPES PLAY A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT TUNE.
Most men turn to their right... Murtagh is on the left.
MURTAGH (continued) (Oh, for God's sake)
On your own left.
On the other side of the training ground, we find Claire watching, stopping to collect herbs. As she looks at the hundred or so men preparing for war, something disturbs her, perhaps it is the memory of the last time she witnessed this scene - during the Second World War. It's a concern that will be revealed soon enough, but for now, it's just clouds darkening for a storm.
7EXT. BATTLEFIELD - ALSACE-LORRAINE, FRANCE - DAY - FLASHBACK7
That was in 1940. An almost subliminal group of soldiers gathering on a field.
R8EXT. JAMIE & CLAIRE’S LODGING - NUITR8
Foundation.
8JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INT. ACCOMMODATION - NIGHT8
Fortunately, Claire and Jamie have their accommodation in a kind of small structure (crofter's hut or abandoned farmhouse) slightly separated from the others. They get ready to go to bed after a long, hard day. Jamie performs mental calculations, running an equation over and over again in his head, then --
JAMIE
Are you sure the Scots win some battles?
CLAIRE
Yes, a few. But there was very little written about this part of the '45 insurrection in the history books I read in school.
JAMIE
No book talks about whether the Highlanders succeeded, right?
CLAIRE
(no) Remember that they were written by British historians, so Scottish victories were, well, generally ignored.
JAMIE
I guess you deserve that right. As spoils of war, the victors can write history as they see fit.
Jamie is disappointed, they are both disappointed. She snuggles up to him, they both close their eyes. But after a beat, Claire opens her eyes as worry takes hold of her. And then Jamie's eyes open too, and we see that maybe he's worried too. As they look at each in the dark, unaware that the other is still wide awake...
9CAMP EXT. FRASER - COURTYARD - DAY - A FEW DAYS LATER9
The men sit around a campfire after supper. Scratching. Proximity and lack of hygiene make body lice common and scratching ubiquitous. Nearby, Claire listens to Jamie, wash his hair and comb it.
ANGUS
Little buggers eat me alive. Bloody hell to get out of your dick hair.
RUPERT
Use my method... Lift your plaid, shave half the hair on your crutch. Only half.
ANGUS
Half?
RUPERT
Yes... then... You set fire to the other half, and when the beasts rush in, you harpoon them with your dirt.
Everyone laughs. Except Angus.
ANGUS
You should act on the road.
MURTAGH
You are fools. The best way to get rid of lice is to sprinkle them with whiskey and get them drunk. When they fall while snoring, you get up and they fall right away. Everyone laughs again, except Angus, again.
ANGUS
He can dance, you can tell jokes.
CLEAR
(dryly) There is nothing funny about lice. They carry diseases and their bites can become inflamed and infected. And the only way to get rid of it is to regularly bathe with yarrow and comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb.
Stunned looks all around, she reiterates.
CLAIRE (cont'd)
Bathing. With yarrow. Comb your hair. Wherever that hair is.
Claire notices the dirty water in the basin.
CLAIRE (cont'd)
Fergus, go get me clean water.
FERGUS
It's women's work...
A sharp look tells him not to finish the thought. Since the France, the adopted Fraser boy, Fergus, has transformed into a tiny Highlander, with a bit of tutoring from Murtagh, of course.
JAMIE
The best way to get rid of lice is to let your wife pick them up, one by one.
Hit a sore spot with Angus.
ANGUS
A woman.
Claire chooses something disgusting in Jamie's hair.
CLAIRE
Baboons do it all the time. But they eat the fruits of their labor.
JAMIE
Dinna let me stop you, Sassenach, if you feel so inclined.
She slaps him, without her usual playfulness, then notices that Fergus has not returned. So Claire goes in search of him...
CLEAR
If I may. I need to get your adopted boy back.
WE FOLLOW Claire through the camp... until she discovers Ross and Kincaid teaching Fergus how to play shinty with a knife and a coarse ball made of old rags (or something like that). It's just a game, but something triggers a memory...
10EXT. BRITISH REAR AREA - ALSACE-LORRAINE, FRANCE - DAY - FLASHBACK 10
Carrying MEDICAL SUPPLIES, Claire sneaks through the TROOPS waiting to be deployed.
TWO G.I. (PRIVATE LUCAS AND CORPORAL GRANT) SHOW A BRITISH TOMMY HOW TO PLAY BASEBALL WITH A BAT AND A (REAL)
BASEBALL THEY HAVE RECOVERED SOMEWHERE.
[NOTE: It will become clear why these two G.I. are important in his memory in the next flashback.]
11CAMP EXT. FRASER - MAIN AREA - DAY - CURRICULUM VITAE11
Even if it was a pleasant memory of the war, Claire's reaction is quite the opposite. Claire approaches and grabs Fergus, as she pulls him away from Ross...
ROSS
No need to get upset, Mistress Claire, we were just playing.
CLAIRE
(to Fergus) I asked you to fetch water for Milord, didn't I?
FERGUS
Yes, Milady, but I was just...
CLAIRE
I don't care. Come with me.
Claire takes him to Ross and Kincaid's surprise.
12CAMP EXT. FRASER - TRAINING AREA - DAY12
Establish a military drilling OVER PIPE MUSIC.
-- Murtagh teaching training lessons.
"Dougal, Rupert and Angus" at the head of a group of swords.
- Jamie teaches another congregation the art of hand-to-hand combat.
-- Women make cloth powder cartridges.
Training is progressing slowly; Men have not quite abandoned their agrarian methods.
13CAMP EXT. FRASER - NUIT13
The usual suspects gathered around a campfire: Murtagh, Dougal, Rupert, Angus and Jamie. Claire is within earshot, listening near the opening of the lodge as she prepares MEDICAL SUPPLIES.
DOUGAL
Men are doing well. We should move forward, join Prince Charles with the necessary haste.
Murtagh scoffs.
MURTAGH
I don't know who you're watching, but if we meet the British now, we could count on one of two things: we get slaughtered on the ground or we have our necks stretched out.
DOUGAL
We must show our allegiance. (to Jamie) You have the Prince's ear, don't you?
Jamie considers Dougal for a beat. The Highland vine has clearly worked overtime over the past year.
JAMIE
I know Charles Stuart pretty well.
DOUGAL
Good. Because more and more clans are joining the cause every day and their leaders will compete for a position in its inner council.
JAMIE
We have more pressing concerns than worrying about getting a seat at the prince's table. I will not send these cotters into battle until they are properly trained and disciplined.
Dougal clearly doesn't like this answer, but Jamie ignores it, goes to fan the fire. A thick silence covers the circle of the campfire. Dougal just looks into the fire with a stony look.
14EXT. FRASER CAMP - COUR - JOUR14
Claire approaches, stops... watching the men of Lovat and Lallybroch gather, have breakfast, exchange stories from home. This triggers...
15INT. UK REAR AREA - MESS - FRANCE - DAY - FLASHBACK 15
A company of BRITISH SOLDIERS eating chow. Similar to how the Fraser men were grouped together in the previous scenes. Even if they are separated by two hundred years, the hopes and fears are the same. A few nurses from the Royal Army are scattered here and there, and we find Claire sitting alone eating a meal.
She watches with amusement as the two wandering G.I. - Corporal Grant and Private Lucas sit nearby with trays of food and gather their food suspiciously.
Corporal GRANT
(exasperated) Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ. Claire's usual phrase.
CLAIRE
Not exactly Delmonico steak, is it?
It takes them a beat to realize that she is talking to them.
Corporal GRANT
Madam?
CLAIRE
That's what we think Yankees have for chow every day — giant steaks, baked potatoes drowned in butter, tomatoes the size of cricket balls, and vats and vats of chocolate ice cream.
The two soldiers smiled.
MAX LUCAS
I don't wish to.
Corporal GRANT
yes... we just get K rations pretending to be real food. We call it on a shingle -- sorry ma'am.
CLEAR
Very good. I'm Claire Randall by the way.
Corporal GRANT
Caleb Grant as Max Lucas She notes their insignia.
CLAIRE
Airborne -- separated from your unit?
MAX LUCAS
Yes, ma'am. Since D-Day.
CLAIRE
A lot is going around. Where are you from?
MAX LUCAS
Texarkana, Arkansas.
Corporal GRANT Yonkers
, New York. "Against you?
CLAIRE
I am from... everywhere really. I don't know where the house is to be honest. Anywhere but here, I suppose.
Lucas sniffs something on his set suspiciously. Grant, on the other hand, eats as if there was no tomorrow.
MAX LUCAS
Madam, may I ask you a question? (points to the suspicious item) What kind of food is this trying to be?
CLAIRE
That, Private Lucas, tries to be black pudding. You'd probably call it sausage.
CAPORAL GRANT
So what do we call pudding are called?
CLAIRE
(Smiles) Pudding.
For a second, the two soldiers don't know if she's mocking or not.
CLAIRE
The English and the Americans -- two people separated by a common language.
MAX LUCAS
George Bernard Shaw.
CLAIRE
(trying to hide her surprise) That's right.
MAX LUCAS
My mother is Irish, and she said he was one of the greatest Irish writers of all time. Pop says he is a communist.
Claire laughs and they all continue to eat their larvae.
16EXT. FRASER CAMP - COUR - JOUR16
RESUME the moment of scene 14, but now Claire is troubled and disturbed by her daydreaming.
17JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INT. ACCOMMODATION - NIGHT17
Jamie enters... worried because Claire is not somehow.
JAMIE
Are you alright, man? You have been very calm these last few days.
CLAIRE
I'm fine. There are so many things to do... to prepare.
As Jamie picks up something from his sporran, his FRASER brooch falls near Claire. ZOOM ON THE SPINDLE.
Claire traces the motto in filigree Je Suis Prest. Jamie looks at her for a while.
CLOSE-UP OF THE PIN TO A SHOULDER PATCH OF THE 101ST U.S. ARMY (CIRCA WORLD WAR II).
18INTERNATIONAL FIELD HOSPITAL - TRIAGE AREA - NIGHT - FLASHBACK18
ZOOM ON Corporal Grant's 101ST AIRBORNE PATCH, ILLUMINATED BY FLASHES OF MORTAR FIRE AND DISTANT EXPLOSIONS.
19JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INT. ACCOMMODATION - NIGHT19
Claire staring at the spindle.
CLAIRE
I am ready... (below) Am I?
JAMIE
I'm sorry.
This brings us back to reality.
CLAIRE
What?
Jamie can sense that there is something bothering Claire. He wants to help, but all he can do is guess what it is.
JAMIE
Sorry. For bringing you here. I'm sorry... Whatever happens, we get out of there... I will make sure you are safe.
CLAIRE
(touched) Jamie, I'm fine.
But with a hollow in her gut, she knows she is not ready to suffer the horrors of war again. So she quickly turns around to hide her face from Jamie, because if he had the chance, he would see directly through her.
20CAMP EXT. FRASER - TRAINING AREA - NEXT DAY20
Jamie and Murtagh fight for the Highlanders to march together in a battle column: two lines moving as one unit. It's like trying to gather cats.
MURTAGH
From the right flank. TOGETHER! TOGETHER, STUPID CLOTS!
Men chaotically turn to the right, or at least half of them do, and then the other half struggle to catch up. There is a lot of frustration and eye rolling. Finally, Jamie steps in to deliver a harsh dose of reality.
JAMIE
STOP! STOP IT! RIGHT NOW!
The order in his voice makes them all stop, more or less in their formation. Jamie stands in front of them all and looks at them for a long beat. His cold silence calms them. Finally, he speaks, and it is in a low, cold and ruthless tone. They almost have to lean forward to hear what he is saying.
JAMIE (continued)
Madness and games. That's what you think. No reason to learn to strut and dive like red coats. We are Scots. We are brave and we are strong and we have God on our side, so why should we waste time with all this. I was like-minded. Then I went to France. Became a soldier. And I've seen what a modern, well-trained army can do. It's a nice sight at first, watching them all walk together in their well-ordered rows and columns, play music, wave banners. I laughed the first time, I found it so absurd to think that these stupid little men in their beautiful dresses were there to fight. (silence) Then they fired the first salvo. First, you I saw the flash of metal in the sun - together, as one man, the whole line of men raised their muskets, aimed and let loose. The musket balls cross the field like a sheet of metal rain, shooting down men left and right mercilessly. Then you heard the sound of gunshots, thunder rolling through the hills. And by the time the last of the thunder fades, the second volley is on its way.
He looks at their faces during a beat. He has their full and total attention now.
JAMIE (continued)
It takes more than courage to defeat an army like this. It takes discipline. If we have the discipline to stick together... to walk together... and then to fight together... then by God, I know we will win together.
Every man listens. A few nod seriously here and there. Jamie has them in the palm of his hand, the core of his army is ready to be led by their commander. SUDDENLY, from outside the tree line, five kilt-lined CLANS rush in, wearing only shirts, mud on their faces, brandishing targets and broad swords, screaming a wild cry.
This is a Highland charge – the traditional tactic used by clans for centuries. The strategy is simple: frighten the enemy into surrendering or retreating. As the nearly naked quintet draws closer, there they are Dougal, Angus, Rupert and the other two MacKenzies. All screaming -- TULLOCH ARD!
And the moment is broken. The men who, just a second ago, were willing to do whatever Jamie asked them to do suddenly dispersed in unexpected shock. Then the men smile and applaud at the sight of the wild Highlanders rushing into their midst.
Jamie and Murtagh fulminate silently as Dougal soaks up the adulation of Fraser's men.
DOUGAL
That's how we're going to beat the redcoats, guys! The Highland charge! Take them by surprise and put terror in their hearts!
MURTAGH
Back in line. Back online, there.
ANGUS
There were only five of us.
RUPERT
Yes, imagine a screaming line of thousands of people descending on all those pretty red coats lined up in a row.
ANGUS
They will run like chickens.
Jamie turns against the three Highlanders.
JAMIE
We'd need some surprise for a charge... And I doubt we are so lucky. Go back to camp, all of you. (in Dougal) A word with you.
Jamie walks away. Angus and Rupert turn to Dougal to see if they should do as they are told. He nods gently before following Jamie. Murtagh returned to training as the MacKenzies growled and left.
21CAMP EXT. FRASER - OTHER REGION - DAY - SAME TIME21
Jamie is waiting for Dougal in a quiet place out of everyone's voice. Dougal smiles, tries to make this conversation easy.
DOUGAL
Now, listen here, boy... I know you try to do what you think is best, but I used to teach men to fight when you were still sucking your mother's... I think I know a little bit more about that than...
Jamie's voice is back in this cold place and she freezes Dougal in place.
JAMIE
No. This is not the case. You're a fighter, Dougal, a brawler. But I was a soldier. I was at war and you were not. It's as simple as that. I know what these men will face and I know how to prepare them to face it. This is not the case. They are my men, my clan. They will answer to me and no one else.
Dougal is not used to being talked to like that, and he does not take it well.
DOUGAL
What exactly are you saying, boy?
JAMIE
I've been tolerant of you before now because I respect you and because you're my uncle... but if thou choose to fight with the clan Fraser, thou shalt follow my orders as given without objection. If you do not accept these conditions, then take your men and leave.
The two men compete against each other. Dougal studies Jamie's characteristics for a long beat...
DOUGAL
As you say..
Dougal walks away, but Jamie knows it's not over yet.
22CAMP EXT. FRASER - TRAINING AREA - DAY22
Over the course of the formations, the men gradually improve, beginning to look like soldiers. Almost.
23CAMP EXT. FRASER - CLEARING - DAY - ONE WEEK LATER23
A MUSKET FIRING LINE. The drilling had had a positive effect, but the men were still not ready to face the British infantry. Men who have muskets, fire a salvo near a target. half failed.
MURTAGH
They seem to understand how to load properly.
JAMIE
A British soldier can fire three shots in a minute. We need to teach them.
MacKenzie's men are conspicuously absent from the area. Jamie motions for Murtagh to follow him. Then, curious:
JAMIE (continued)
I didn't see Dougal today.
MURTAGH
I bet he needed to find something wet to dip his sting in it. (then) We could have used his help for training today. I hate to say this, but the man is a crack with a musket.
JAMIE
Where are the other of his men?
MURTAGH
They have evils. We'd better send the MacKenzies in front. Let them suck Charles' pacifier... the Polack has only milk for itself anyway.
Jamie gives his own growl, then his gaze catches Claire across the field, mechanically stirring a boiling pot, her mind adrift.
JAMIE
Have you noticed that Claire hasn't been in point lately? One day she is fine, she seems in a good mood, the next day there is barely life in her. I cannot understand it.
MURTAGH
I can see that she was not herself. Claire is used to beating around the bush, sharing her mind whether you want to hear it or not...
JAMIE
I asked him... She claimed she was... Ok.
Even in 1745, some men knew that "good" meant – anything but good.
MURTAGH
It's going to take a little more than asking him to rip it off.
As they continue to look at Claire...
24FRASER INTERNATIONAL CAMP - CROFTER'S LODGE - LATER IN THE DAY24
A large space, enough to hold twenty men. Around a fire, Claire inspects Rupert and Angus looking for a trench foot.
RUPERT
There's something growing between the toes out there.
ANGUS It's
just dirt.
CLAIRE
I can feel, thank you. This is unacceptable. You could very easily get the trench foot. And if you have to use these feet for walking, then you will have to take better care of them, right?
ANGUS I'll
put up with it.
It is dry and sharp with them. It takes a beat or two for the boys to realize that she is very serious.
CLAIRE
Bear it? Trench foot could lead to gangrene! This could lead to amputation. I saw it coming! Are you a complete idiot? Is that what you want?
Before Angus can answer...
CLAIRE
That's a rhetorical question!
Angus ponders the meaning.
ANGUS
(dismembering the word) Ree - tor - i -que
CLAIRE
Take off your other boot.
He's not fast enough, so she leans over, does it for him. It's not impertinent Claire, there is something different behind her eyes, a distant place, a look of a thousand meters. And suddenly, Angus is no longer Angus – at least not for Claire.
HE BECAME A BRITISH SOLDIER OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR. But only to Claire. She has a FLASH OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS...
25INT. UK REAR AREA - TRIAGE ROOM - FLASHBACK - DAY25
Claire stands before a GROUP OF BRITISH TROOPS, instructed on the dangers of trench foot. GRAPHIC PHOTOS help to demonstrate the point. It focuses on a particular soldier.
CLEAR
Be sure to dry your boots. Don't sleep in your socks. If your feet start to swell, coat them with foot powder and let them air dry. Move your legs, work your toes - anything to circulate blood. (more heated now) Are you listening?
No reaction from the empty-faced Briton.
26CAMP INTERNATIONAL FRASER - CROFTER’S LODGE - JOUR26
Out of Claire's head. The scenery hasn't changed, the Highlanders are still in a semicircle around her in the crofter's box.
CLAIRE
(tough, to Angus) Did you hear what I fucking said?
ANGUS
Yes, I heard you. Christ.
Claire drops Angus' foot, leaves, trying to calm down. She looks at the men training in the fields, her mind and soul struggling with the memories of war.
27CAMP EXT. FRASER - SECTEUR PRINCIPAL - NUIT27
DUSK. Campfires dot the landscape where the Fraser Regiment prepares to go to bed for the night.
28CAMP INTERNATIONAL FRASER - CROFTER’S LODGE - NUIT28
Jamie, Murtagh, Rupert and Angus COOK around a chatting campfire. Suddenly, Dougal enters with TEN RAGGED VILLAGERS who are carrying sickles and pitchforks - warriors they are not.
DOUGAL
Easy! Easy now! Just bring a bunch of new recruits.
Jamie is angry on many levels.
JAMIE
How can ten men enter the camp without even a... Who goes among the sentinels?
DOUGAL
(laughs) Ach -- I waved at them and smiled at them, and they let me through.
JAMIE(
to Murtagh) Who was on call?
MURTAGH
Ross et Kincaid.
JAMIE
Bring them to me. Post new guards in their place.
Murtagh leaves.
DOUGAL
Jamie, didn't you hear me? I brought more volunteers to our cause.
JAMIE
(skeptical) Volunteers? Jamie walks over to the villagers, carefully examines their faces and instantly recognizes that they have been coerced.
JAMIE (continued)
Are you of your own free will?
No reaction from petrified villagers.
JAMIE (continued)
Ready to bleed, isn't it? Ready to leave your families, your homes for months, years? It's not a war where you don't risk more than your life in a battle, is it? No, it is a betrayal. If this goes wrong, those who follow the Stuarts may end up on scaffolding. Men move their feet, their hearts clearly not in them.
DOUGAL
They are true Scotsmen, every man ready to fight and die for his true king...
JAMIE
I would much rather they fight and live for their king.
Jamie, looking at the villagers, but meant more to Dougal.
JAMIE (continued)
My name is James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser and I command this army. If you wish to be here, then it is my order to leave now and return home. No one will think less of you and no evil will follow.
Suddenly released, ALL the villagers rush out of the lodge. Dougal takes umbrage at being rejected.
JAMIE (continued)
(to others) The rest of you are fired.
Again, the MacKenzies growl, but obey. When he and Dougal are alone...
JAMIE (continued)
I thought you agreed to follow orders.
DOUGAL
When did you order me not to recruit men? We must enlist while we travel, we need all able-bodied men in Scotland if we are to win this war.
JAMIE
I won't rob men from another clan... I will not force a man to risk dying for something he does not believe in.
DOUGAL
We can count on them.
JAMIE
No. Half of Lord Lovat's men deserted at the first opportunity. A man who fights for his beliefs is worth ten who are forced to fight for someone else's.
DOUGAL
What fine words. I keep hearing you talk and talk again and again about fighting, war and soldier – but I don't see any action.
JAMIE
They are not ready to act. They need more training.
DOUGAL
And what training work you do. I walked freely in your camp with ten foreign armed men.
JAMIE
That's right. Yes, you did. But that won't happen again.
DOUGAL
What will prevent it?
JAMIE
It's you. You and your men are now in charge of the sentry service for the camp. That's an order.
A momen of silence. Dougal swells, challenge accepted.
DOUGAL
It will be done..
Just then, Murtagh arrives with the shameful sentinels, Ross and Kincaid. Jamie turns sharply to them and without preamble...
JAMIE
You put the whole camp at risk. You will both be punished for your negligence this morning. Until then, you are relieved of your duties and under arrest. (to Murtagh) Post a guard on them for the night.
29JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INT. ACCOMMODATION - NIGHT29
Exhausted, Jamie crawls into the room where Claire is already lying.
JAMIE
How do you feel Claire?
CLAIRE
Good.
He knows what that means. He insists.
JAMIE
Dougal is, well, Dougal. I tried to recruit men from Melgarve. I sent them all home.
She remains silent. She is not angry. It's deeper than that. A repressed emotion.
JAMIE (continued)
Men are progressing. I don't know yet how they will react to a volley of musket fire, but I think they will be pretty good in hand-to-hand combat.
Suddenly, Claire is on top of him, her hand going up his thigh. Jamie is completely caught off guard. She kisses him fiercely. It's not passion, it's a deviation. Anything to get out of your own head.
JAMIE (continued)
Sassenach!? What the hell are you doing?
It's not that he doesn't want to have sex with her, it's that he doesn't want to have sex like that. Jamie pushes Claire away. Claire comes back, it's like she's possessed. Jamie puts an end to it for good by physically lifting Claire aside; No matter what motivates her, he doesn't want to cover her up with sex. Claire turns her back on him, abruptly. She wants to suffer, but not be rejected.
JAMIE (continued)
It seems I can't help you when you need it most. Do you want me to leave you alone, Claire?
CLEAR
Yes.
His eyes belie this answer. She only said it to ease her distress. As Jamie is about to leave...
CLAIRE (cont'd)
Wait. Or maybe... Could you just hold me?
He returns to his wife, wrapping her in his arms. No words; None are necessary. She closes her eyes...
30EXT. FOXHOLE - FRANCE - NUIT - FLASHBACK30
Claire, nestled in a moat. The bursting and sounds of explosions surround him. It is an ARTILLERY BOMBARDMENT. She is alone. Scared. It covers its ears – the only defence it has against bombing.
31JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INT. ACCOMMODATION - NIGHT - RESUME31
Back with Jamie, Claire turns around and buries herself in his chest... his hands covering his ears. Her arms protecting her from memories.
32EXT. FRASER CAMP - COUR - JOUR32
The entire camp was gathered around two wagons to witness the official punishment of Ross and Kincaid. The two men unfasten their shirts, preparing for the countdown.
JAMIE
We cannot tolerate negligence. Ross and Kincaid were negligent in their duties, allowing ten foreign men to enter the camp last night. For this, they will each receive six lashes. Murtagh.
Ross and Kincaid took the punishment as Murtagh undid his belt and fashioned it into a strap. He gets straight to the point, starting with Ross... Dougal slips away just as the first whiplash falls...
33FRASER INTERNATIONAL CAMP - TBCD - DAY33
A few minutes later, Dougal finds Claire alone, preparing medical supplies.
DOUGAL
I thought about Jamie's situation. He is in trouble. He needs help, but he's too proud to ask for it. So I was hoping that maybe you would talk to him, that you would let him see that I can help him if he listens to me.
CLAIRE
Why would I do that?
DOUGAL
Because of our agreement, the one made in Glen Rowan Cross Cave?
Claire flinches, she does not accept blackmail well.
DOUGAL (continued)
I bet you didn't tell Jamie about the generous offer I made you? Take care of yourself like your husband. And your promise to marry me if he died.
She studies Dougal. This can go in two ways: she can shut up or stand up to him. Claire goes all in.
CLAIRE
My husband and I share everything. He is aware of your offer and he knows why I was forced to make the decision I made.
DOUGAL
And he had no problem with that?
CLAIRE
None.
DOUGAL
Well, he's a better man than me.
CLAIRE
Truer words have never been spoken.
DOUGAL
I can see that you still hold grudges.
CLAIRE
Let's be clear, Dougal MacKenzie, if I thought of you, I might hold a grudge for everything you've done to me. But I don't. What for? Because of your affliction. Your inability to be altruistic. Because you suffer from narcissism. If you don't know what it is, I'll tell you.
Dougal is preparing for his diagnosis.
CLAIRE
The term comes from Greek mythology. Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water and died rather than walk away to eat. Your ego and personal satisfaction drive your desires. You want King James restored to the throne, not for Scotland, but for
your own selfishness. So please stop trying to convince everyone of your patriotism. It's pretty tedious. I'm not entirely sure you'll
understand the meaning of that either... but I will try my best ---fuck yourself. And whether Dougal understands the meaning or not, he can certainly decipher the tone. A wry smile, then a burst of true passion.
DOUGAL
Very good, then. Maybe you're right about me, Claire... I like my own reflection. But make no mistake, weary... I like Scotland more. I would give everything I have – or ever have, including my life – to see a Stuart return to the throne.
Dougal leaves as the adrenaline flowing through Claire's veins begins to wane.
34EXT. FRASER CAMP - COUR - JOUR34
Claire finishes packing what will serve as a triage kit. In the nearby field, Jamie and Murtagh form the men. Some men practice hand-to-hand combat. Others with swords. Still others with muskets.
While she is working, there is intermittent shooting. And with each volley Claire startles. Claire walks away from it, trying to escape, trying to find something else to do, anything else to occupy her mind.
But the memory comes back precipitately, as if on the fly, it is relentless, as if they were machine guns -
35EXT. BATTLEFIELD - FRANCE - NIGHT - FLASHBACK35
Claire drives a JEEP at night. Lucas and Grant are in the back, while a BRITISH SOLDIER drives.
CAPORAL GRANT
Thank you for driving us, madam.
CLAIRE
I just hope you can find your unity. The food in our field makes this room look like a banquet.
Smiles all around, then - the sound of machine guns erupts as the tracers come out in the night from somewhere in front of them. The mortars quickly follow and before anyone in the jeep can react, A BULLET EXPLODES RIGHT NEXT TO THEM, ERASING THE FRAME.
36EXT. BATTLEFIELD - FRANCE - NIGHT - LATER - FLASHBACK36 ON BLACK --
We begin to hear the NOISE OF THE MACHINES. Then the voice of a man:
THE VOICE OF MAN
Help me... please, O Lord... Help me...
FADE IN ON Claire when she wakes up. She struggles to find her way around for a moment. She is in a crevasse. Corporal Grant is also in the ditch with her, rifle in hand as he watches into the night. This means that the voice somewhere belongs to Lucas.
MAX LUCAS (O.C.)
Help me... Please...
CLAIRE
Corporal?
Grant quickly raises his hand to ask for silence. Claire crawls to the lip of the ditch and looks out. They are in a ditch that runs parallel to the road they were driving on. The steaming, overturned jeep is about 30 meters away, with the driver's body lying dead below. And the Germans are close, now in possession of the road and the surrounding area. A tank rolls down the road, stopping and starting every few seconds while figures of WEHRMACHT soldiers can be seen in the night.
CLAIRE
Where is Private Lucas?
Corporal GRANT
Across the road somewhere.
CLAIRE
We can't leave it there.
Corporal GRANT
I know. But they will see us as soon as we try to cross the road.
CLAIRE
I'll go. I'm -- I'm a nurse, they'll see the armband and --
CAPORAL GRANT
You will not be five meters.
Lucas' CRIES are distressing, almost too painful to hear. Grant grabbed his rifle, assessed the situation.
Corporal GRANT (continued)
I can see the Germans on the left. I'll try to turn right, see if I can find a way through. Stay put.
She nods, then Grant slips away. She waits breathless in the dark... Then suddenly a burst of machine gun fire. She tries to look in the dark.
CLAIRE
Corporal...? No more machine gun fire. And then the mortars start again and Claire huddles in the terror ditch.
ZOOM ON: Claire lying in the ditch once again. She became a fetal, lying there and trying not to hear the sound of Lucas' voice still screaming somewhere...
PRIVATE LUCAS (O.C.)
Please... Mom, mom, I don't want to die.
CLAIRE
(She prays) Silence... Please. Shut your mouth!
PLAN LARGE
Claire curled up in the ditch, trying to muffle the sound of this young soldier dying in the dark... as they weaken... and weaker... and finally stop completely... then it's just Claire alone, lying there, curled up in a ball in complete silence...
CROSSFADE TO:
37EXT. BATTLEFIELD - ALSACE-LORRAINE, FRANCE - DAY - FLASHBACK37
IN THE LIGHT OF DAWN. Claire still lying in the ditch, looking halfway. It takes him some time to hear:
G.I. (O.C.)
Madam, are you okay? Can you hear me? Madam... Madam, are you okay?
Claire looks up to see a G.I. looking at her.
Other soldiers move in the field.
G.I. (continued)
Hey, what are you doing here alone? Are you okay?
Madam... Mo nighean givn...
38EXT. FRASER CAMP - SECTEUR PRINCIPAL - JOUR38
NOW it's Jamie looking at Claire as she lies on the ground in the same position as in the ditch.
JAMIE
Mo nighean donn, are you okay?
She doesn't answer, just stares at him, frozen. He takes it and carries it to a private place.
39CAMP EXT. FRASER - SECLUDED LOCATION - DAY39
Soon after.
CLEAR...
I prayed that he would be silent. But he didn't want to, he couldn't stop screaming. All night. And I was lying there. Doing nothing. All night. Until his death.
JAMIE
There was nothing you could have done.
CLAIRE
It's my fault...
JAMIE
Non...
CLAIRE
I wasn't strong enough... I was too scared... I should have tried to reach it...
JAMIE
If you had, then you would have died... Just like the corporal.
Jamie takes her hand firmly and she grasps it firmly for a moment, before letting go and walking away a few steps to gather her remaining strength. She grinds her words as she grits her teeth, forcing herself to speak.
CLAIRE
I know... I know that... I know this because I said the same thing to myself right after it happened. Then I closed the door that night, left, and haven't looked back since... Until now. Now I look at Ross and Kincaid and all the other faces... I watch them turn into soldiers... in training... set up courageous fronts... and then I hear Max Lucas crying for his mother in the middle of the night. For two years, I tried to prevent this war from coming. Now it's here... And I'm not sure I'm ready to go to war again.
Jamie goes to her, strong and sure.
JAMIE
You don't have to. You fought your war. We will fight this one without you. I'll ask Ross and Fergus to take you home to Lallybroch.
But even now, at her breaking point, Claire doesn't want to give in.
CLAIRE
No... I can't do that either.
JAMIE
Claire --
CLAIRE
Listen to me - if I go back, it will be as if I am still lying in this ditch again, helpless, powerless to move like a dragonfly in amber. Except this time it will be worse, because I will know that the people out there who die alone in the dark are... people I know... and the people I love. (energetic) I can't do that, Jamie. I won't stand in that ditch anymore!! I will never be alone and helpless again, can you hear me?
He doesn't touch her, but he doesn't move from her either. He meets her wild eyes evenly, calmly.
JAMIE
I hear you. And I promise you that no matter what, you'll never be alone again.
She calms down and he gives her space. Finally, she extends a slightly trembling hand.
CLAIRE
You promise me, James Fraser.
He takes her hand and shakes her.
JAMIE
Tu as ma parole, Claire Fraser.
A beat, then they rush into each other's arms.
40ACCOMMODATION INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S - NIGHT40
That night, Jamie and Claire are by a fire, seizing a private moment away from the other men. There is something better in Claire's mood. With that, she lectures Jamie while rummaging through his satchel in search of food.
CLAIRE
Why didn't you eat? We discussed it - You need to take better care of yourself.
JAMIE
Why should I take care of it, when you're doing it for me?
He sketches a wry smile, but Claire does not fall into the panel. She approaches with an apple, claps his hand.
JAMIE (continued)
(no bread either)?
CLAIRE
Man cannot live on bread alone. Eat this now. It's good for you.
JAMIE
I have an innate distrust of fresh fruits and vegetables.
CLAIRE
I don't care. Half of the men here suffer from scurvy and, I would love you all anyway, but I would prefer you to have teeth. Vitamin C prevents scurvy, apples are full of it.
A quick but stern look from Claire tells Jamie that there is no victory in this battle. Isn't marriage great? Jamie bites into the flesh, hating every bite filled with vitamin C. Then he puts the apple down, gets up.
JAMIE(
re: her look of disapproval) Dinna fash, I go out just for a piss.
It comes out... While he's gone, she's busy... But a noise outside catches his attention. It looks like a struggle. A moment later... A wide-eyed little YOUNG MAN (known as WILLIAM GREY) is thrown into the dwelling. Immediately followed by a breathless Jamie, who gives Claire a sharp look... Not a word! No worries there, Claire is shocked and, for the moment, speechless.
Jamie twirls Grey around and shoves him hard, sending him crashing into a wall. The young man screams in pain. This attracts Murtagh, Ross, Kincaid and two other men from Lallybroch who rush in and surround Grey. They move it around the fire. Murtagh grabs the boy by the hair, shaking his head forward, fully revealing it:
MURTAGH
He's just a kid!
WILLIAM GREY
I'm sixteen!
William stands, a provocative English accent masking the fear in his eyes as Jamie holds a blood-soaked handkerchief around his neck, ready to skin the boy alive.
JAMIE(
Re: his bloodied neck) Sixteen or sixty years old, he has just made a very credible attempt to slit my throat.
Murtagh tightens his grip on William.
MURTAGH
Who are you, my boy? And why do you crawl at night?
Murtagh searches Grey's pockets and discovers a LETTER.
MURTAGH (continued) (to Jamie)
Addressed to a British officer. He is a spy.
William is steadfast, covering the pain through the broken arm held firmly in front of him.
WILLIAM GREY
I'm not a spy! I saw the light of your fires, and when I came to investigate, I recognized you as "Jamie the Red," the unscrupulous rebel and traitor.
JAMIE
But you're travelling with a British officer?
No answer from William, who raises his chin in defiance.
JAMIE (continued)
Is your arm broken, by the way? I thought I felt something snapping.
WILLIAM GREY
I am quite ready to die.
A small smile of amusement runs through the semicircle of men, only to be muffled by a quick glance from Jamie, who pulls out his knife. William responds with a brave face.
JAMIE
Really? Well, I'm afraid I'm not ready to kill you... For now. Who do you walk with?
With a smile, Jamie lowers his blade, placing it in the glowing ambers of the fire. William and Claire both point this out. Jamie uses the bloody tissue to remove blackened dirt from the fire. He nonchalantly holds the blade against William's shirt, sliding it over the fabric.
JAMIE (continued)
I want their number and the direction of the march?
Claire whitens, but remains motionless.
WILLIAM GREY
There's nothing you can do to me that makes me talk.
Jamie is about to turn up the pressure, when -- an idea pops into Claire's eyes.
CLAIRE
Scottish Barbarian!
Everyone stands still. Then a quick glance passes between Claire and Jamie, an almost imperceptible look; one that only people intimately connected would understand.
CLAIRE
Leave him alone. Sadistic.
Jamie holds back a smile, then walks over to her. Out of Grey's gaze, she grabs Jamie's hand, placing it on the front of her bodice. Then Claire pulls it, a gesture to -- tear it apart. He immediately recognizes what she suggests: using it to persuade the boy to talk.
CLAIRE
I resisted you earlier, but if you leave the young man unscathed, I will surrender to you. (addition) To you, you pig.
And with that, Jamie follows his example, places his hand between his legs and jerks. Even if she is in league with Jamie, the strength of the movement surprises her.
JAMIE(
to Grey) You may be indifferent to your own well-being, but perhaps you have some concern for the honor of the lady.
And to make it more effective, he kisses Claire with deliberate brutality, forcing her to squirm unintentionally in protest.
WILLIAM GREY
Let her go!
JAMIE
I could... Or, I could ravage it before your eyes. Then give it to my men to do what they want with it.
Jamie pulls Claire hard, his hands wandering roughly over her body. She grows back, her elbows restless. Kick him in the shin... for real. The couple continues to struggle, the line between gambling and abuse blurs as Claire mimes an attempt to "liberate" herself. The act is quite convincing and after a few moments, William concedes.
WILLIAM GREY
Okay! Free the lady and I will tell you what you want.
Jamie loosens his grip on Claire, but beckons to Murtagh.
JAMIE
Good. Now tie it up, until the boy answers my questions.
Murtagh employs two of the men to help him. All three look scared to approach Claire, but do as they are told, being careful not to meet her gaze. Ross does the decent thing and covers Claire with his cape. With one last glance at Claire, satisfied that she is safe, William proves that he is a man of his word.
WILLIAM GREY
My name is William Grey, second son of Viscount Melton.
JAMIE
What about the troops you're with?
WILLIAM GREY
Two hundred infantry, going to Dunbar, to join General Cope's army. (proudly) And I warn you, we have a heavy armament: sixteen guns mounted on mounts, mortars and muskets, and a company of thirty horsemen.
Jamie and the men share a look - if William tells even half a truth, they are indeed outnumbered, but it could be valuable information provided by the boy.
JAMIE
Well obligated for the warning. And where are these men you're talking about right now?
WILLIAM GREY
Camped about three miles to the west.
A moment when Jamie thinks about this, then turns to Ross.
JAMIE
Take this man in the direction he says his camp is. If the information he gave us turns out to be true, tie it to a tree one kilometre from the camp in the line of march. His friends will find him there tomorrow. If what he told us is not true... (pausing to underline) Slit his throat.
ROSS
gladly.
Jamie leans closely, without the shadow of a mockery.
JAMIE
I give you your life. I hope you use it well.
Ross and Kincaid grab Grey, propelling him towards the threshold, but the boy turns around, facing Jamie:
WILLIAM GREY
I owe you my life. I would much rather not do so, but since you have imposed the gift on me, I must consider it a debt of honor. I hope to pay off that debt in the future, and once it's paid... (reversing the emphatic pause) I'll kill you.
Jamie can't help but smile at the child's courage.
JAMIE
In that case, sir, I hope we don't see each other again.
WILLIAM GREY
A Grey does not forget an obligation, sir.
And with that, William Grey turns, disappearing into the night, his guards at his elbow.
41EXT. FRASER CAMP - CROFTER’S LODGE - NUIT - PLUS TARD41
Many men were rounded up, including Dougal, Rupert and Angus. Murtagh asks, even though he knows the answer...
MURTAGH
Who was on call?
DOUGAL
My men.
JAMIE
I can't let the culprits go unpunished.
Dougal meets Jamie's eyes directly. Does he want to defeat the warlord? The tension in the air is thick for a long time. Enough witnesses have gathered, but instead of blaming Dougal, Jamie surprises everyone.
JAMIE (continued)
We cannot tolerate anyone's recklessness. And that includes me. It was my open fire that attracted the boy to us.
A murmur protesting the verdict circles the men as Jamie removes his shirt. They all know that this was Dougal's ultimate responsibility. Some cast derogatory eyes on him, and Dougal is suddenly uncomfortable.
DOUGAL
What...? What do you want to do my boy...?
JAMIE
Murtagh, if you would oblige me?
Murtagh begins to unfasten his belt, as before.
JAMIE (continued)
Give it to Dougal, if you want.
This stuns everyone, including Dougal.
DOUGAL
Non.
Perhaps he has a sense of justice. But Jamie reminds everyone that they are not in a democracy.
JAMIE
You promised to follow my orders. Take the strap. Six lashes for my unarmored fire and a dozen more for my negligence.
Dougal knows, in fact all men know, that Jamie's negligence was to accuse Dougal of a sentinel. Jamie grabs a tree to prepare for the blows.
JAMIE (continued)After that,
we will take care of those British troops of which Mr. Grey has so kindly warned us.
Jamie turns away. Resigning himself to "his punishment", Dougal takes the belt while we - CLOSE-UP on the men's faces as the sentence is inflicted. Each whiplash brings out a little more disdain for Dougal and adds more respect for their commander.
Claire understands why her husband uses this extreme method; These are extreme times after all. However, this does not mean that it must testify to it. She slips into the dressing room as the whipping continues.
42CAMP EXT. FRASER - TDD - NIGHT42
Murtagh and Jamie blacken their faces with PIECES OF BURNT WOOD. Ross and Kincaid do the same. They are preparing for a commando raid... Dougal and his men approached, eager to join them.
DOUGAL
So what do you have planned?
JAMIE
We have to slip into the British camp and see what problems we can cause.
Dougal grabs a piece of wood... to blacken his face. Rupert and Angus followed his example.
DOUGAL
An idea bravo.
JAMIE
Not you... You will stay here. As a sentinel. We always have a camp to protect.
DOUGAL
Stay behind? Like some wretched people...
JAMIE
Like a wretched soldier who received an order from his commander. Yes. That is exactly what you will do.
Dougal considers his nephew. After a beat, drop the piece of wood.
DOUGAL
Yes. And that's what I will do. Good luck to you.
43EXT. BRITISH ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT - LATER43
Perfect lines of small WHITE TENTS thread on a moor. Two rows of guns carefully assembled at one end.
PLAN on the heather... There is movement. As if a section of moorland was approaching the camp. SHOT GREENHOUSE on Jamie, Murtagh, Ross and Kincaid, heading towards the cannon. They have blackened any exposed skin as camouflage and blend perfectly. When they reach the nearest cannon, Murtagh kills the sentry with a quick knife driven into the base of the neck, and relieves the lifeless body on the ground. Then Jamie reaches the CHART WHEEL and starts ripping off the pin.
44JAMIE & CLAIRE'S INT. ACCOMMODATION - NIGHT44
A noise awakens Claire as Jamie enters the room, the charcoal still stuck on his face.
JAMIE
Did I wake you up?
CLAIRE
What? Yes... How are you?
JAMIE
I have a gift.
That is why he is the king of men. He lowers something on his chest.
CLAIRE
What is that?
JAMIE
War trophies.
A handful of pins from cannon carts. Then Jamie's face grabs a skylight and Claire sees his face blackened.
JAMIE (continued)
I forgot I didn't have time to wash. He wipes himself with a cloth.
CLAIRE
You scared me to death, what is it?
JAMIE
Coal.
CLAIRE
What did you do?
JAMIE
Commando Raid. Commando? Is that the right word?
CLAIRE
Yes... You have been to the English camp. Christ. Not alone, I hope?
JAMIE
I couldn't stop my men from having fun, could I? (Re: The pins) We had a very profitable night. Cotter pins of cannon carts. We couldn't take the cannon, but they won't go far without wheels.
Claire carefully inspects the pins.
CLAIRE
Can't they make new pins? It looks like it would be possible to make it with heavy wire.
JAMIE
Yes, they could. But it won't do them a little good if they can't find wheels to put them on. (then) Our success tonight is due to your selflessness, Claire.
This led the boy to confess the location of his camp. It will save lives.
Full of adrenaline, they kiss. Then:
JAMIE (continued)
You should put something.
CLAIRE
That's not exactly what I thought you were going to tell me.
JAMIE
That's not what I want, Sassenach. But we'd better leave. The British camp will soon wake up.
The moment is a combo of frustration and joy. Then there is commotion outside, sounds of breaking the camp, men screaming. The moment is over, it's time to go.
45EXT. SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE - NEAR TRANENT - DAY45
A FEW DAYS LATER, IT IS SEPTEMBER 19, 1745. In stark contrast to the opening scene, the Fraser Regiment moved regularly in a tight column of two lines. From soldiers to one man. Jamie and Claire are at the front, in the lead. Murtagh and Fergus not far behind. When they descend into a narrow valley near the small town of Tranent just outside Edinburgh, they pause to watch THE HIGHLAND ARMY spread out before them - 2400 soldiers - preparing for battle.
JAMIE
(interpellant) Dougal MacKenzie.
A moment later, Dougal and his men join them.
JAMIE (continued)
It's your honour to go forward to announce our presence to His Royal Highness, Prince Charles.
DOUGAL
(thank you) As you say.
Dougal rams his horse and gallops to find headquarters; Rupert and Angus in tow.
JAMIE
No turning back now, Sassenach.
CLAIRE
I would say no.
Claire turns to Jamie.
CLAIRE
I'm ready.
She is ready. Here we go... in Prestonpans.
CROSSFADE.
END OF EPISODE
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