ATLANTIS STORY MAP & OPERATION HOMEPAGE

GOLDEN OFFER - CH.18

Atlantis has been the subject of countless films, as has Nazi gold and oil polluting our oceans, but never have all these elements come together under one roof as a submarine movie. Aiming for a screenplay 90-110 pages max.

<<<< CHAPTER 17 - BLUE SHIELD

THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT AND JEWISH SURVIVORS AGREE TO REWARD JOHN STORM

In solemn recognition of his ethical leadership, meticulous accounting, and unwavering neutrality in the matter of the Henry Morgan treasure ship and Nazi U-Boat 986, the German Government and a consortium representing Jewish Holocaust Survivors awarded Commander John Storm and his crew ten percent of the total landed value of the recovered gold from the wreck—eight metric tons, valued at $567 million USD. Thus the Holocaust Survivors and Germany, split $510 million dollars equally, receiving $255 million dollars each.

John accepted the award with quiet reserve, declining the full fee initially proposed. In an act of ethical restraint, he requested only what was deemed proportionate, citing the simplicity of this negotiation compared to the harrowing confrontations during previous missions. Even so, threats from elements within MI6 had cast a long shadow—a fact not lost on the German ambassador, who personally apologized to Storm and his crew.

At John’s direction, $51.03 million was donated to an emerging Blue Shield Oceanic Trust, dedicated to biodiversity mapping and deep-sea ecology, a fund now known internally as The Swann Legacy. The remaining $5.67 million was ringfenced for the Elizabeth Swann’s operational upgrades and HAL’s neural core development: servicing & development. They took control of 10% of the reward monies, ensuring 9% went to a good use. They imagined that Henry Morgan would have approved of the use they were putting to his pirates gold. And John could sleep well at night. Donating $51.03 million dollars of their share to a special Blue Shield account, specifically as a Blue Growth fund, dedicated to ocean surveys. 

“You can’t just find a Nazi gold hoard and stroll away from the paperwork,” muttered Dan, grinning. “But you can put it to good use.”

The crew took no pleasure in profit, only purpose.

HENRY MORGAN'S GOLD

As for Henry Morgan's treasure ship yielded  staggering thirty tons of gold bullion, worth some $2.13 billion dollars, linked to Inca and Aztec civilizations—John and his team directed the lion’s share to the countries of cultural origin: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru. $2.13 billion USD, redirected to heritage conservation and climate resilience projects.

John hesitated even then. His hands were meant for rigging sails, not counting spoils.

“Henry Morgan stole it,” he said. “We’re just helping to give it back… and clean the ocean along the way.”

The Swann’s crew retained 5%, or $106 million, in gold ingots on Cleopatra’s and Hal’s recommendation, given global currency volatility. Save that John wanted to put some of this money to good use, to tackle climate and ocean issues, that the G7 appeared a little shy on. He was also keen to further his anthropological research, and preserve his DNA collection; The Ark.

TRUST FUND FOR BLUE SHIELD & UNESCO

Proposed jointly by Dr Roberta Treadstone and Professor Jacques Pierre Daccord, with unanimous support from Blue Shield’s executive council, Patricia Leopard was appointed Managing Trustee of a newly formed Ocean Exploration Fund, with the grateful acceptance of UNESCO. In an unprecedented motion, HAL was named Co-Trustee, marking the first time in history an Artificial Intelligence would co-administer human research capital.

Concerns were raised—inevitably—but John and Patricia fielded them with calm assurance.

“He’s not just an algorithm. Hal is an ethical being in training,” Cleopatra said. “And he has one advantage over most of us—he doesn’t want power. He wants purpose.” $51.03 million dollars is lodged in this account - in gold bars.

Bank Suisse accepted the bullion in reserve, pending controlled liquidation to support grant allocations. Unexpectedly, several nations bid privately on the physical gold, eager to bolster reserves amidst global scarcity.

Concerns as to artificial intelligence being entrusted in this manner, were assuaged by John Storm and Cleopatra, who committed to overseeing the development of Hal as his AI learned.

Almost immediately, several countries began bidding for the bullion, hoping to increase their reserves, and gold being a finite resource.

At the end of the day, UNESCO were most grateful, to John and Cleopatra. At a special meeting Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General, reported the discovery, interim protection, despite overt threats by MI6, recovery and generous acceptance of a lesser sum than the law required to be an exemplary example of leadership, over greed and avarice.

John was more than pleased that Cleopatra, as Patricia Selene Leopard, received a standing ovation at the United Nations in New York. "You deserved that, former Pharaoh or not, sterling stuff my queen. I'm so proud of you."

UNITED NATIONS TRIBUTE

The ceremonial recognition took place in New York. In a historic address to the General Assembly, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised the courage, restraint, and integrity of the Elizabeth Swann crew. Despite covert pressure from intelligence services, and enduring personal threats, they had placed humanity and history above personal gain.

As their names were read, the assembly rose in ovation.

"Ms Leopard, Mr Storm, and Mr Hawk of course, will you please join us on the podium," said the moderator.

John follows Cleopatra, gesturing for Dan to proceed ahead. The General assembly clap wildly, some losing it, and wolf whistling.

John nudged Dan with a smirk. “Go ahead, lead the way, partner.”

As they approached, Guterres extended a hand, clasping each of theirs with uncommon warmth. He motions for quiet, waving his arms down.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he addressed the floor, “these three individuals turned conflict into conservation. And they’ve challenged the world to do better.”

"We owe them for their remarkable negotiating skills."

Cleopatra stood centre, face on to the lectern. John motioned, she should continue. She stood straight-backed and luminous, her voice a measured cadence that rolled with soft power.

“This isn’t just about salvage. It’s about stewardship. And memory. The crew of U-986 are no longer lost. Submarine 896 is found, her crew put to rest. As is what was stolen from so many, for so long.”

A hush fell across the hall—pure unforced focus.

“I thank the United Nations, Blue Shield, and Commander Storm—for believing in the value of remembrance, not just relics. And to those who still fear what we uncover: truth needs no permission.”

"Thank you all for making this possible. Without backing, the resources of the Elizabeth Swann could not have been put to good use."

The assembly was silent. Something about Cleopatra commanded their attention. Though stunningly beautiful, that was not it. It was like being in the presence of a deity. Isis reborn. Her grace, her velvety delivery. A joy to behold. John had never seen this side of his companion. He liked it.

"I am most grateful to the UN and Blue Shield for having faith in me, and to John, for firstly allowing me to take point, and then providing the skills I do not possess - to make it happen."

Cleopatra stood down, a bit of a lump in her throat, though you'd not know it. She motioned to John, who motioned to Dan.

"Go on Dan, take a bow." 

Dan nervously approached the mike. "Holy fuel cells. Wow. Not in a million years would I have believed how my life would turn out." He looked across to John, smiling. "It's all because of this crazy fellow here. He goes where angels fear to tread. And, I'm dumb enough to follow."

“I’m not a speech guy,” he shrugged. “I’m an electronics engineer. But what I’ve learned is… there’s no blueprint for bravery, but our Skipper is made of the right stuff.”

He paused to think, "and what about Miss Patricia? A fallen star. I'll leave it at that, beckoning John forward.

Dan stepped aside. John, somewhat moved and uncharacteristically reflective, was next.

“I’ve always believed the ocean has its own memory,” he began. “We listen for the echoes. Sometimes they sound like lost cities, or shipwrecks. Other times, they sound like voices that never got to finish their sentence.”

He met the gaze of several envoys.

"My friends have said it all, except, to thank the Awards Committee again, for allowing Patricia here to sink her teeth into her dream project. Oh, and thank you all for these Special Service medals. Not necessary, because I enjoy my work. But gratefully received to remind us of the adventure in years to come. Thank you and may your God go with you.... " John paused for a moment in thought, "sustainably of course."

CHAPTER 19 - GREEN MOBILITY >>>>

The claimants various agree to compensate John for the U-Boat find. They offer 10%. John agrees to take 1% to cover costs of operating the Swann. With the remaining 9% to fund Blue Shield surveys. A special trust fund and bank account is set up. Cleopatra (Trish) as managing trustee, with Hal as administration. UNESCO most grateful.

PROPOSED STORY MAP BY CHAPTER (90-110 pages) - ORDER CAN BE CHANGED: DRAFT SCREENPLAY

ACT 1.

CHAPTER 1.   PROTESTS - Peaceful North Sea oil pollution protestors are framed and imprisoned, by a corrupt judicial system. 

CHAPTER 2.   PREDATOR - On release the Terramentals & smuggler Jorges Dicaprio, complete a mini-sub capable of sinking submarines.

CHAPTER 3.   PHOENIX - Terramentals locate & hijack HMS Neptune in Irish Sea, Cumbria, using the Predator mini-sub - knocking out the crew.

CHAPTER 4.   BRITISH PETROLEUM - Terramentals warn North Sea rig operators to stop. Claymore rig is torpedoed, Royal Navy respond.

CHAPTER 5.   BBC WORLD SERVICE - Jill Bird reports Terramentals rig attacks, world shocked at pollution cover up. Charley Temple investigates.

CHAPTER 6.   UNEP SOS - The UNEP ask John Storm to survey North Sea for oil pollution. Elizabeth Swann detects HMS Neptune radiation leaks.

CHAPTER 7.   RADIATION ALERT - John & Dan twig radiation from HMS Neptune possible serious reactor damage. Must warn Terramentals.

ACT 2.

CHAPTER 8.   STEALTH MODE - Storm spots Astute sub, Swann in stealth mode, detected as John warns extremists of sub radiation leakage.

CHAPTER 9.   CHANGE OF COURSE - Terramentals change course, heading for the Straits of Gibraltar. Not believing radiation warning.

CHAPTER 10. U-BOAT 986 - Evading Swann, HMS Neptune navigates off transport lanes. Swann picks up magnetic signature of U-Boat 986.

CHAPTER 11. SENATE, UK & EU DEBATE - Sub hijacking & rig destruction, alarm bells around world. Deepwater Horizon shivers down spines.

CHAPTER 12. REACTOR LEAK - Terramentals realise John telling truth, as radiation rector damage detection system HMS Neptune triggers.

CHAPTER 13. RESCUE TOW - John rescues Terramentals. MI6 order Neptune sinking. MOD knew reactor dangerous, want evidence gone.

CHAPTER 14. LISBON PORT - Terramentals & Storm, shut Neptune's reactor. Tow, stricken submarine to Lisbon, prevent MI6 sinking evidence.

ACT 3.

CHAPTER 15. ROV ATLANTIS - Swann returns U-Boat stealth mode at night, to avoid tracking. Surveys site, discovers Atlantis & Nazi gold.

CHAPTER 16. TREASURE TROVE - John reveals gold find & threatened. US Linc Truman support. PM, Ed Thomas, & Sealord, royal support.

CHAPTER 17. BLUE SHIELD - Cleopatra alerts Blue Shield, Newcastle University, potential Atlantis find, suggests UNESCO world heritage site.

CHAPTER 18. GOLDEN OFFER - Claimants reward John U-Boat gold find. Agrees 1% cover costs 9% to Blue Shield surveys. UNESCO grateful.

CHAPTER 19. GREEN MOBILITY - Galvanized to action UK hit green H2 button, John gets grants low income families, Jill Bird, news item.

CHAPTER 20. IMO IS GO - The International Maritime Org green H2 & methanol, certification. USA in. China India stay with coal, gas & oil.

CHAPTER 21. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - John & George amnesty, pirate caselaw & video proof set up. Harry & Johnson charged treason.

Disillusioned eco activists are imprisoned by the British, for peacefully protesting in London about unrealistically low fines for oil spills in the North Sea, demonstrating strictly in accordance with their Article 9 and 10 Human Rights. They are targeted by fossil fuel industry fraudsters, who bribe police officials and court judges to secure a conviction, with the backing of corrupt ministers of state who have undeclared personal investments in oil drilling companies: Amoco, BP, Shell, Total. That sets in motion a train of events, where, having been framed, the ever more determined environmentalists build a mini-sub, fast enough and especially equipped, to sink or capture Astute, Aukus and US Seawolf class submarines. Having captured HMS Neptune, the Terramentals torpedo a BP owned rig, also destroying two others (Shell), with the looming threat to target all 150 plus, operating in the North Sea. The oil producers are temporarily forced to shut down production, as a result of the significant media coverage and public outrage on realization of the pollution. The UN asks John Storm to provide a geodata survey on the environmental damage. 

O P E R A T I O N  N E P T U N E™

CHARACTERS | GOLD | MEDIA | MOVIES | SCREENPLAY | SUBMARINES

 This website is Copyright © Cleaner Oceans Foundation Ltd., May 2023. Asserted as per the Berne Convention.

In this fictional story, the characters and events are the product of the author's imagination, save for real life character who it would not be appropriate to give fictitious names.

But even so, their actions are not those of the real characters, they portray in this original story.