“Uncovering the past, for the future. A race against time, on the trail of America’s greatest hidden treasure.”
Watch the original version of National Treasure
Prologue:
In the stillness of the night, an old man sat alone in his study, surrounded by worn-out books and ancient artifacts. Scribbling feverishly, he inscribed a cipher onto a parchment, his hands trembling with age and excitement.
“This,” he whispered, “will ensure the future of our beloved nation.”
The man was none other than Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s revered founding fathers. The parchment contained a riddle – a secret to a vast treasure, accumulated over decades and now destined to be concealed from the world. It wasn’t merely a chest filled with gold and precious artifacts; it represented the fabric of a burgeoning nation, a symbol of its past struggles, and its hopeful future.
As Franklin finished his task, a knock echoed. Two figures, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, entered, their faces masked in shadows. The men, pillars of the revolution, nodded at Franklin’s work. They held the future of America in their hands— and now, they were setting it on a course that would span centuries.
The prologue ends on a thrilling note as the founding fathers move under the cloak of darkness to safeguard the treasure, embedding its secret within the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, leaving it to time and the worthy to unveil.
Chapter 1: “The Secret of the Founding Fathers”
In the modern era, a man named Ben Gates, an archaeologist with an unquenchable thirst for history, stared at a worn-out piece of parchment. His blue eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity – it was the thrill of a new hunt, and possibly, the biggest of his career. The parchment held an encrypted message from the founding fathers, a cryptic riddle that took him seven years to decipher.
Gates, a direct descendant of a long line of treasure hunters, was drawn into this world of history, mystery, and adventure since his childhood, ignited by tales of legends and untold wealth. This parchment, passed down through generations, landed in his hands, beckoning him to uncover the hidden secrets of American history.
Enlisting the help of Riley Poole, a computer whiz, and the enthusiastic historian, Abigail Chase, Gates set up his base in Washington DC. The trio worked tirelessly, their journey twining through history, with the promise of a national treasure at the end.
Gates’s drive didn’t root in the lure of gold, but in the yearning to connect with history, to touch the legacy left behind by the founding fathers. “It’s not about the treasure, but what it represents,” he would often say.
As they poured over the cryptic symbols, they discovered the first lead – a clue in the Constitution. The parchment spoke of a secret, a map to the treasure hidden in clear sight. The clue led to the founding fathers’ paintings, their cryptic letters, and finally, the Constitution itself.
However, the exciting revelation was soon overshadowed as Sandowski, a ruthless treasure hunter, learned about their hunt. Sandowski was a man driven by greed, who wouldn’t hesitate to destroy historical artifacts for his gain. Aware of the threat he posed, Gates embarked on a race against time to get to the treasure before Sandowski did.
Chapter 1 ends with Gates and his team deciphering the first clue in the Constitution, opening up the path for an exciting and perilous adventure. Yet, Sandowski’s looming threat adds an element of danger, setting up an adrenaline-fueled race against time. The treasure is no longer just a symbol of historical significance, but also a ticking bomb that could wreak havoc if landed in the wrong hands. The stage is set for an unforgettable chase, brimming with history, betrayal, and courage.
Chapter 2: “The Clues in The Constitution”
The rain was tapping rhythmically against the windows of the National Archives building, wrapping the city of Washington D.C in a moody blanket. Dr. Ben Gates, archaeologist and leading authority on encryption, sat at his desk within the vast archival room, surrounded by a fortress of history – books, maps, and documents of immense historical significance.
Spread out before him was a collection of parchments, and in the center, the Constitution of the United States. He had been through this document countless times, each time unveiling a new layer of understanding and respect for the founding fathers. This time, however, he was on the trail of something much more substantial, a mystery that had been unsolved for centuries – the hidden treasure of the Revolutionary War.
“Here, it has to be here,” Ben murmured, his eyes scanning the handwritten lines, the elegant loops and swirls of 18th Century script holding secrets only the trained eye could decipher. His childhood friend and fellow historian, Riley Poole, watched from the sidelines, hooked on this crazy yet fascinating treasure hunt.
“Ben, it’s the damn Constitution, not a pirate’s map,” Riley protested gently, but his skepticism was met with a confident chuckle from Ben.
“The founding fathers were men of many secrets, Riley,” Ben refuted as he peered through his magnifying glass, looking for anomalies in the text, a hidden code, anything that suggested something more than just constitutional laws and principles.
Suddenly, he paused, his gaze fixating on a seemingly insignificant dot after the word ‘ordain.’ It looked out of place, a tiny ink blot that was a little too dark, a little too deliberate. His heart pounded in his chest with exhilarating possibilities. “Gotcha,” he murmured under his breath, a triumphant glint in his eye.
After jotting down a series of letters and numbers, Ben began to uncover a cipher trapped within the Constitution’s text. Each symbol corresponded to a letter, which in turn, formed a cryptic message: “The course of freedom wends through the pages of history.”
What did it mean? How did this connect to the treasure? Ben, driven by curiosity and an insatiable desire to preserve history, worked tirelessly to decode the enigmatic phrase. Hours turned into days, which turned into weeks. He poured over maps, obscure historical texts, even explored the catacombs beneath the city, all the while keeping one step ahead of Vincent Sandowski, a ruthless treasure hunter who viewed this national treasure as mere means to financial ends.
Meanwhile, Riley, initially skeptical, found himself swept up in this historical roller-coaster ride, his cynicism gradually giving way to fascination. The more clues they uncovered, the more convinced he became that maybe, just maybe, they were onto something big, something groundbreaking.
Just when they were close to deciphering the entire message, they hit a wall. The last piece of the puzzle pointed to another historical document – the Declaration of Independence. Intricate layers of mystery, action, and intrigue, interwoven with the rich tapestry of American history, further thickened the plot, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters.
Simultaneously, some snippets of their investigations reached Sandowski. His interest piqued, he became more determined to claim the treasure for himself. The noose of danger was tightening around our heroes, and the stakes were escalating dramatically as their adventure began to take a dangerous turn.
Chapter 2 ends on a note of suspense, a tantalizing taste of the thrilling journey that was about to unfold in the coming chapters. It was a race against time, a frantic search for clues hidden in plain sight, a clash between good and evil. Yet, at the heart of it all, it was, and always had been, about the preserving history – an ode to the past, designed to shape the future.
Chapter 3: “The Trail to The Declaration of Independence”
The night was deepening, with a subtle chill in the air, the stars illuminating the imposing structure of the Capitol building. Tonight, inside that structure, there was an intense session of study and interpretation unfolding. A sacred document, older than the structure itself, was in the crosshairs – the Declaration of Independence.
The story now forces our protagonists down a path unknown, through the folds of history, between words written with passion by men of great vision. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Gates, or Ben, as he was more commonly known, was the leader of this expedition. His mind, an entanglement of historical facts, stories, and legend, was now consumed by the possibility of the greatest treasure known to American history.
His team, a diverse group of individuals – the charismatic historian, Riley Poole; the brilliant cryptographer, Abigail Chase; and the pragmatic tech expert, Connor Anderson – each brought unique skills to the table. They were bound together by the thrill of the chase, the spirit of adventure, and their trust in Ben’s unescapable fascination with the Founding Fathers and their hidden treasure.
A whirlwind of action swirled around them as they relentlessly pored over the Declaration. An air of urgency permeated the room. But with every passing minute, the secrets embedded in the ancient parchment seemed to recede further away, dodging their persistent scrutiny. Yet, their spirits remained unwavering. Each setback was just another reason to dig deeper, to work harder. Their passion was infectious.
Just as the night began to wane, a moment of revelation struck them. A line in the Declaration, seemingly innocent at first glance, stood out. “For the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Hidden among these historic words was a rhyme and a riddle leading to the next clue. The burst of understanding brought a renewed vigor to the team.
Unbeknownst to them, their actions were under watch. Vincent Sandowski, the menacing antagonist of our tale, was closing in. A ruthless, powerful man with a fascination for history equal to Ben, Sandowski represented the dark side of curiosity. His aspirations were not preservation or discovery but profit. The historical significance of the treasure was lost on him; instead, he saw it as a means to an end.
A former ally, Ian Howe, now turned traitor, had alerted Sandowski of the clue in the Declaration. Their rivalry intensified, with the race to the treasure becoming more than just a hunt. It was about history, heritage, and the preservation of something precious.
With Sandowski closing in, the protagonists needed to be swift and prudent. In the thick of darkness, they devised a daring plan—to steal the Declaration of Independence. Such a plan was laced with risks, but Ben knew the alternative was far worse. If the Declaration fell into Sandowski’s hands, the treasure would be lost forever, abused for personal gain. It wasn’t the golden riches that Ben sought; it was the knowledge, the link to the past, and the thrill of discovery.
As chapter three concluded, the stage was set for a high-stakes heist. Tension filled the air, and hearts pounded in anticipation. It was more than just an adventure; it was a race against time, a struggle between preservation and plunder. The stakes had never been higher, the pursuit never more thrilling. In this chase, they weren’t just seeking a hidden treasure; they were safeguarding a piece of history.
Chapter 4: “The Heist”
At the heart of the bustling city, the esteemed National Archives Building stands as a symbol of knowledge and heritage. Ben Gates moves through the crowd, eyes fixed on the target – the very essence of America’s history, the Declaration of Independence. His heart pounding with a cocktail of anticipation, fear, and disbelief, knowing the enormity of what he intends to do.
The plan is intensely complex. Gates’ team, skilled and dedicated, slips into the archive unnoticed amongst the sea of tourists. Each team member possesses a pivotal role. Riley Poole, an eccentric computer genius, is tasked with hacking into the archive’s security system – a labyrinthine network of firewalls, coded pathways, and fail-safes. Meanwhile, Abigail Chase, the fiercely intelligent historian with an unparalleled understanding of the Declaration, must convince the curators to allow her a private viewing.
Gates keeps a low profile, moving to the rhythm of the plan, a sense of urgency threading through his every nerve. His eyes flicker over the crowd, scanning for any signs of Sandowski’s cronies – the monstrous shadow trailing his every step.
Simultaneously, unbeknownst to our heroes, Sandowski is at his command center, a hive of activity. Word of the impending heist has seeped its way into his networks, and his eyes are gleaming with anticipatory triumph. He’s alerted the law enforcement but keeps his private mercenaries close, greed driving his every decision.
Back at the archive, the plan unfolds. Riley bypasses the security system, a dance of frenzied, feverish typing. Sweat beads on his forehead, his breath measured, and his focus laser-sharp. Riley is the key, and the pressure is immense. Each second that ticks by swells the tension that grips the team – and the readers.
Abigail manages to charm the curator with her infectious passion for history and secures a private viewing. Simultaneously, hidden from the watchful eyes, Gates subtly exchanges the real Declaration with a perfect replica. Every movement is precise, timed to perfection, a dangerous ballet that could spell freedom or disaster.
But alas, timing can often be cruelly ironic. As the exchange occurs, Sandowski’s vested mole within the police force swoops in, trapping Gates and his team within the building. The law enforcement, grappling with the shocking revelation of an attempted theft of the Declaration, descends into chaos.
The final part of the chapter is a pulse-pounding escape. Gates, Abigail, and Riley, united by the shared quest, hastily weave through hidden passages and dark corners, the stolen Declaration carefully protected amidst the frenzy. Through sheer tenacity and remarkable ingenuity, they evade the pursuing law enforcement, leaving the readers breathless with the nail-biting drama.
The chapter ends with Gates, Abigail, and Riley standing at the edge of the city, stolen Declaration in hand. Their faces, lit by the neon lights, are filled with the grim understanding of what they’ve done. The towering shadow of Sandowski looms in the background, setting the scene for the unfolding drama in the chapters to come.
“The Heist” is an adrenaline-filled whirlpool that pulls the reader in with its dynamic narrative, atmospheric descriptions, and relentless pacing. It’s a labyrinth of twists and turns, where every line holds a clue, every character a puzzle, and every scene a step closer to the elusive treasure.
Chapter 5: “The Betrayal”
Much to everyone’s surprise, Riley Poole, the tech genius and loyal friend of Ben Gates, was revealed as the traitor. The chapter opens with Gates’s shock and disbelief, an emotion that echoed in the other team members’ hearts. The one person they had all trusted was the one to betray them.
Riley had always been the quiet, unassuming figure behind the scenes, providing the required technical aid whilst Gates and others took the stage. No one had suspected that he, of all people, would be the Judas in their tight-knit group.
His betrayal wasn’t immediate but was craftily stretched over time, adding to the unexpectedness. Riley began subtly, misinterpreting the clues and misleading the team while secretly funneling information to Sandowski. It was only after the Declaration was stolen from under their noses did the team realize the bitter truth: they were being sabotaged from within.
The realization came too late. Sandowski, tipped off by Riley, had made his move, outwitting the team and stealing the Declaration right from under their noses. Gates and his team had been left standing, barren of clues and bereft of the invaluable document. Their mission seemed to be falling apart. The combined feelings of shock, betrayal, and disappointment muddled Gates’s emotions. Yet, deep down, the spark of determination still flickered.
Gates’s character deepened as he grappled with the heavy blow. He wrestled with his emotions, torn between his deep-seated respect for history and the bitterness of betrayal. The easy camaraderie that had existed within the team was tarnished, replaced by suspicion and doubt.
Despite this, Gates refused to succumb to despair. Instead, he rallied his remaining team members, his natural leadership qualities shining through. His words carried weight infused with impassioned determination, “We will not let the dream of our Founding Fathers be tarnished by greed. Their legacy is our responsibility.”
They began to strategize anew, their resolve only hardened by the setback. It was time to outwit their own tech-wizard and the cunning Sandowski. Gates and the remainder of his team spent countless hours pouring over the clues they had left, seeking new insights, looking for loopholes in Riley’s betrayal. Their mission had not just become about finding the treasure; it was equally about salvaging their honor.
Meanwhile, Riley, ridden with guilt but compelled by greed, fed Sandowski with the remaining clues. Yet, even as he did so, he began to question his allegiance. Gates’s words about the Founding Fathers’ legacy resonated with him, igniting a spark of remorse. A silent battle commenced in his heart, a battle between greed and honor.
The tension escalated when Gates, in a surprising twist, managed to intercept one of Riley’s messages to Sandowski. The intercepted message breathed new life into Gates’s mission, offering them a crucial clue missed in the earlier readings. The team was energized, their hopes revived, as they realized this treasure hunt was far from over.
With this newfound energy, Gates and his team dove back into the maze of clues, working tirelessly to piece together the puzzle. They worked late into the night, their minds abuzz with theories and conjectures, their spirits ignited with a renewed sense of purpose.
As the chapter drew to a close, the line between friend and enemy blurred for Riley. His guilt began to outweigh his greed, leaving him tormented. Meanwhile, Gates and his team raced against time, striving to stay ahead of Sandowski, fueled by the aspiration to honor the legacy of the Founding Fathers.
“The Betrayal” ended with the team’s determination solidified, the odds against them steepened, and the anticipation for the next chapter heightened. With all these thrilling elements in play, the readers are left wondering who will finally reach the treasure – the dedicated historian or the voracious opportunist?
Chapter 6: “The Final Clue”
In the hushed confines of Ben Gates’ makeshift research hub, strewn with historical documents and artifacts, a profound silence permeated the air. Gates, his best friend, and tech genius, Riley, and strong-willed historian, Abigail, were the only souls remaining from the original team. The treacherous betrayal by one of their own had left their spirits bruised, but a resilient spark still flickered in their eyes.
Gates held up the parchment, his fingers lightly skimming over the worn-out edges. It was a section of a 200-year-old map providing the route to the treasure. Or rather, the route as per the Founding Fathers. His eyes danced over the cryptic symbols, defying his tired mind to crack their meaning. The room was thick with anticipation. The mystery of what the symbols on the fragile paper meant, coupled with the adrenaline rush of possible discovery, created a paradox of emotions, a space where time stood still.
Riley, hunched over a bunch of weathered books, looked exasperated. “These symbols, they’re similar to Pythagorean cryptographs, but they’re not an exact match!”
Abigail chimed in, a thread of hope weaving in her voice. “What about ciphers used during the Revolutionary War? Like the Culper spy ring’s codes?”
Riley’s eyes widened, and he rapidly turned the parchment, correlating it with Gates’ suggestion. The suspense was palpable, and as the meaning began to unfold, the trio remained transfixed. Gates finally broke the tense silence, “That’s it! This isn’t a map. It’s a word puzzle, and these symbols, they form…the final clue.”
The revelation was like the steady rise of dawn after a long, dark night. The trio scrambled to dissect the riddle, their hearts pounding fiercely. They ransacked through the sea of historical data, their minds teetering on the brink of exhaustion and exhilaration.
Suddenly, Gates’ eyes fell on an old painting of George Washington. A spark ignited in his eyes. He stood frozen, his gaze fixed on the artwork, his brain connecting unseen dots. “You remember the lore about Washington’s brass buttons?” Gates asked, his voice barely louder than a whisper. His team turned to him, their curiosity piqued. “They weren’t mere adornments. They were subtle markers, leading to the treasure!”
Suddenly, everything fell into place. The buttons, the cryptographs, the clues embedded in the Declaration and the Constitution — they all pointed to one place. A location considered sacred by the Founding Fathers. A place that housed the first clue and, as it turned out, the last.
A surge of excitement coursed through the room as Gates uttered the destination, “It’s at Mount Vernon, Washington’s home!”
However, their moment of triumph was short-lived as they realized their nemesis, Vincent Sandowski, was just a step behind. The risk of capture and failure loomed over their heads, but they were too far in to back down now. The trio, armed with their unwavering courage, conviction, and the final clue, journeyed towards the climax of their adventurous odyssey.
The night slipped into day, the stars fading into the golden morning, as they raced against time, their minds ruminizing on the treasure’s lore. The prospect of holding history in their hands and protecting it from evil was intoxicating. Their hearts whispered of glory, yet their rationality reminded them of the impending danger. This conflict between hope and fear, the struggle between the objective and the obstacle, made their pursuit even more perilously exciting.
Their journey was not just towards a treasure but also a testament to their perseverance despite the odds. There lay their real victory, irrespective of whether they were the first ones to touch the gold. Their story was one of resilience, the insatiable curiosity of the human mind, and the audacious spirit of adventure. These were the true spoils of their quest – the real national treasure.
As they neared Mount Vernon, the almost palpable tension and excitement hung heavy in the air. The final leg of their thrilling journey was about to commence, a journey that had tested their loyalty, resolve, and intelligence. Uncertainty loomed, but they were ready, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Thus, as the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, the three modern treasure hunters, armed with the final clue, were all set to unearth a treasure lost in the sands of time – a treasure that was more than just gold, but a rich tapestry of their nation’s glorious past.
Chapter 7: “The National Treasure”
The blustery wind danced around the colossal oak trees, their leaves rustling like whispering secrets of the past, as Ben Gates, with his fearlessly determined team of treasure hunters, stood before the entrance of a forgotten underground labyrinth. Their hearts pulsated with an intoxicating mixture of trepidation and anticipation. But even so, they had all come too far to entertain any thoughts of retreat now.
The damp air of the hidden passage clung to their clothes, a chilling reminder of the centuries that had passed since it was last traversed. Their lights pierced the pitch-black darkness that seemed to breathe heavily, pushing back against the invasion of its long-undisturbed peace. The labyrinth unfolded like a gnarled hand, its complicated corridors a cryptic reminder of the Revolutionary War and the treasure it concealed within its stone-clad bosom.
Meanwhile, Vincent Sandowski, with greed glinting in his eyes and the stolen Declaration of Independence clutched firmly in his hand, was fast approaching the same location. His malevolent laughter echoed through the underground passageways, a macabre lullaby for the ancient ghosts that might’ve resided there.
Yet, undeterred by the looming threat cast by Sandowski’s race against time, Gates and his team moved purposefully through the maze. Their perseverance was fueled by a resounding respect for history, a deep-seated conviction that the national treasure was more than mere riches. It was a symbol of America’s heritage, its values, and its indomitable spirit.
Just when they felt they were on the brink of discovering the treasure, the labyrinth presented its final and most daunting challenge—a cipher encrypted on a stone wall, a brainchild of the three founding fathers. With a furrowed brow, Gates studied the cipher, his eyes tracing over the symbols that held the key to their pursuit.
Just then, a low rumble echoed throughout the labyrinth as Sandowski’s team detonated a series of explosives, shaking the very earth that cradled the centuries-old secret. Gates team was thrown into a wave of panic. They could imagine Sandowski, with his teeth bared in a smug grin, confident that he was moments away from stealing the treasure.
Despite the shocks, Gates remained fixed on the cipher, his fingers trembling in the oscillating light as he traced the ancient symbols. As the dust settled, an epiphany struck him. The labyrinth, the clues, the coded letters; it all pointed to one thing – a concept, an idea. The treasure wasn’t monetary; it was the collective ideals on which America was built—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
With this realization, Gates decoded the cipher, revealing a secret chamber where the real treasure was stored. It was a grand collection of some of America’s earliest and most significant historical documents, artifacts, and cultural relics, each one a symbol of the nation’s rich heritage.
Just as they reveled in their victory, Sandowski and his men stormed into the chamber. A heated standoff ensued, the air crackling with tension. Gates, although unarmed, armed with his newfound understanding of the treasure’s true worth, stood his ground. He reasoned with Sandowski, emphasizing the value of preserving the history for future generations instead of selling it for personal gain.
The climax peaked when Sandowski, blinded by greed, charged at Gates. A struggle ensued, and the stolen Declaration of Independence slipped from Sandowski’s grasp, sailing towards a burning torch. In a heart-stopping moment, Gates lunged to save the document, while a member of his team subdued Sandowski.
In the end, the authorities apprehended Sandowski, and the team victoriously emerged from the labyrinth. A sense of relief washed over Gates as he returned the Declaration of Independence, unscathed, to its rightful place. The treasure was entrusted to the government, who agreed to preserve and display it for the public’s enriching historical experience. The tale concluded with Gates looking towards a horizon bathed in the rising sun, the glow in his eyes hinting at more adventures to come.
Some scenes from the movie National Treasure written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA – DAY
Establishing shot of a picturesque university campus. Students milling around. The sun is shining, birds are chirping.
CUT TO:
INT. UNIVERSITY LIBRARY – DAY
BEN GATES (40, an archaeologist, ruggedly handsome, serious) is huddled over a pile of old manuscripts and maps in a secluded corner. He’s engrossed, his fingers tracing the lines on a particularly cryptic letter.
ANGLE ON: The cryptic letter. It’s old, yellowed with age, but the words are clear.
SUDDENLY, Riley Poole (30, tech wizard, quirky, funny and lovable) walks in.
RILEY POOLE
(cheerfully)
Found something, Ben?
BEN GATES
(looks up, serious)
I think I just might have, Riley.
Ben turns the cryptic letter towards Riley.
CLOSE UP on RILEY, eyes widening.
CUT TO:
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA – DAY
Ben and Riley are seen walking briskly across the campus. Ben is talking animatedly, waving the cryptic letter.
BEN GATES
(excited)
This letter refers to a treasure, Riley. A treasure hidden by our founding fathers during the Revolutionary War.
RILEY POOLE
(raising eyebrows)
Our founding fathers? What, like George Washington?
BEN GATES
(nods)
And Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin…
Riley stops in his tracks, stunned.
FADE IN:
TO BE CONTINUED…
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
INT. UNIVERSITY LIBRARY – NIGHT
We see BEN GATES (40s, ruggedly handsome, sharp intellect), an archaeologist with a streak of adventurer, hunched over the Constitution of the United States protected under glass.
BEN:
(points to the Constitution)
Gentlemen, see this… a cipher, hidden right there in the Third Article.
RILEY POOLE (30s, quirky, loyal friend and tech expert) leans in, squinting at the parchment.
RILEY:
Ben, you’re seeing things.
BEN:
Am I?
(takes out a pair of specially-calibrated glasses)
Put these on.
Riley puts on the glasses and gasps. Hidden symbols become visible in the text.
RILEY:
Whoa, how did…?
BEN:
Building his nation wasn’t the only game our founding fathers were playing.
Riley grins, excitement building. Suddenly, their fun is interrupted by a threatening presence.
ANGLE TO:
VINCENT SANDOWSKI (50s, ruthless, cunning), flanked by henchmen, steps out from the shadows, his silhouette dark against the library lamp’s dull yellow light.
VINCENT:
I believe you have something I want, Gates.
Riley gulps. Ben, unfazed, folds the glasses and looks at Vincent.
BEN:
What we’re doing here is bigger than you, Sandowski. History always comes before greed.
FADE OUT.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 3
FADE IN:
INT. GATES’ STUDY – NIGHT.
The room is filled with old books and maps. BEN GATES, mid-30s, rugged yet intellectual, is hunched over a desk. His friend, RILEY POOLE, a tech geek, watches nervously.
RILEY:
Ben, are you seriously considering this?
BEN:
(looking up from the map)
The Declaration of Independence holds our next clue, Riley.
Riley looks at Ben, shocked.
RILEY:
You mean to steal it?
BEN:
(squints and sighs)
No, to protect it.
CUT TO:
EXT. NATIONAL ARCHIVES BUILDING – NIGHT.
Ben and Riley, disguised as security guards, approach the archive building.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. GATES’ STUDY – NIGHT.
Back in the study, we discover ABI, a beautiful and brave historian, listening in on the conversation. She’s unsure but intrigued.
ABI:
(gathers her courage)
Gentlemen, I want in.
CUT TO:
INT. NATIONAL ARCHIVES – NIGHT.
The trio enters the archival room. A giant glass encased document stands before them – The Declaration of Independence.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED…
FADE IN:
Text on screen: “Chapter 4: The Heist”
Scene 4
FADE IN:
INT. A DARK LIBRARY – NIGHT
Ben Gates (40s, ruggedly handsome, a modern Indiana Jones) and RILEY POOLE (30s, tech genius with a sarcastic charm) stand before a vault door.
BEN:
The Declaration should be in here.
RILEY, nervously:
You realize we’re stealing the Declaration of Independence, right?
BEN, determined:
We’re protecting it.
They break in, find the document.
ANGLE ON:
Outside the vault, ABIGAIL CHASE (30s, vibrant, fierce) watches a CCTV monitor, ready to cut the feed.
Suddenly, alarms blare.
ABIGAIL, into earpiece:
You’ve got company. Sandowski’s team.
Cut to BEN and RILEY, they go pale.
BEN, grabs the document:
We need to go, now!
They rush out, narrowly avoiding SANDOWSKI (50s, menacing) and his men.
Outside, a thrilling chase ensues, the streets of D.C. turned into a high-speed battlefield.
CUT TO:
INT. SECRET TUNNEL – NIGHT
Ben, Riley, and Abigail regroup in an ancient tunnel. Ben examines the document, revealing a hidden clue.
BEN, awestruck:
This is it. The next clue.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED…
FADE IN:
INT. CRYPT – NIGHT
The team enters a crypt, their torches the only light. Ben deciphers the clue, leading them deeper into the mystery.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 5
INT. BEN GATES’ MOBILE COMMAND CENTER – NIGHT
We see BEN GATES, in his 50s, weathered but sharp, sitting with RILEY, his tech-savvy sidekick and long-time friend. They’re going over a map.
BEN
We have the final clue, Riley. It’s time to get the Declaration back.
RILEY
And how are we gonna outsmart Vincent Sandowski and his men, Ben?
Suddenly, the door opens and in walks ABBY, a trusted member of the team, her face flushed.
ABBY
Guys, you’re not gonna believe this…
INT. BEN GATES’ MOBILE COMMAND CENTER – MOMENTS LATER
ABBY reveals her betrayal. She’s been secretly working for Sandowski.
BEN
(stunned)
Why, Abby?
ABBY
(avoiding his gaze)
I had to, Ben. He said he’d hurt my family.
RILEY
(angry)
And you believed him? We are your family too!
The tension in the room rises. Betrayal hangs thick in the air.
BEN
(softly)
We need a new plan. Now.
Riley and Ben start drafting a new strategy. They work through the night, struggling to outwit Sandowski and keep the treasure from falling into wrong hands.
FADE OUT. TO BE CONTINUED…
