COCHISE: APACHE PEACEKEEPER
Written by
Giacomo Giammatteo
Based on, the true story of Cochise and Tom Jeffords
Giacomo Giammatteo
22018 Thorngrove LN
Spring, TX 77389 [email protected]
281-370-2233
FADE IN:
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY - JANUARY 1861
A narrow canyon cuts through rugged mountains. The landscape
is harsh but beautiful, carved by wind and water over
countless centuries. A white flag flutters from a post near
the U.S. Army encampment, a temporary station.
LIEUTENANT GEORGE BASCOM (mid-20s, rigid, self-important),
paces nervously outside the largest tent.
SERGEANT ROBINSON (35), a veteran of Indian fighting,
approaches with obvious concern.
ROBINSON
Lieutenant, the Apache are coming.
Just like you requested.
BASCOM
How many?
ROBINSON
Cochise, a few braves, and family.
BASCOM
Are they armed?
ROBINSON
They came for a peace talk.
BASCOM
Good. Get the men ready.
ROBINSON
Ready for what, sir?
BASCOM
To arrest them.
ROBINSON
Are you certain about that, sir?
It’s not wise to provoke Cochise,
and he’s here under a white flag.
BASCOM
My father taught me to deal with
hostiles, sergeant. Besides, orders
are orders.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Betrayal at Apache Pass
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY
COCHISE (50s, proud, commanding) rides into the camp with his
wife, DOS-TEH-SEH (40, loyal), NAICHE, son (5) COYUNTURO,
brother (40) and TWO NEPHEWS. His bearing commands the
respect he has earned through the years.
He approaches the military camp, showing no signs of
hostility or suspicion. He dismounts and walks toward
Bascom's tent. His manner is dignified and peaceful.
Cochise signals his Dos-Teh-Seh to remain outside while he
enters the tent with his brother and nephews.
INT. BASCOM’S TENT - DAY
COCHISE
I am Cochise. You sent word that
you wished to speak with me.
BASCOM
Chief Cochise, thank you for
coming, and for honoring the flag.
Please sit.
Cochise glances at the two armed soldiers standing beside
Bascom.
COCHISE
I stand.
BASCOM
Let me speak plainly. A white boy
was taken from a ranch near here.
The rancher says your men took him.
Cochise’s eyes narrow, and he slowly shakes his head.
COCHISE
Not my people.
BASCOM
My scouts reported that the trail
leads into Apache land.
COCHISE
Apache land has many trails.
BASCOM
So you don’t deny that the tracks
lead into Apache territory?
COCHISE
I cannot deny what I don’t know. If
you say tracks lead into Apache
territory, then the must lead
there. But Apache territory is
vast. Many bands live there.
BASCOM
You have more warriors than any of
them. That makes you responsible.
COCHISE
I speak only for my people — the
Chokonen band of the Chiricahua.
My people take no captives.
BASCOM
Then who did?
COCHISE
Perhaps the Western Apache. Perhaps
the Pinal. I cannot say.
Bascom grows frustrated.
BASCOM
Chief, I need that boy returned.
COCHISE
If my people had taken him, I would
return him. But we did not.
BASCOM
I don't believe you.
Bascom walks over to a map on the table, draws a line from
the valley into the mountains, then jabs the spot with his
finger.
BASCOM (CONT’D)
The tracks end here, in your
territory. That’s where the boy was
taken, and I want him back.
COCHISE
You call me a liar?
BASCOM
The evidence points to Apache
involvement.
Cochise sneers.
COCHISE
What evidence?
BASCOM
Horse tracks.
COCHISE
Horse tracks can be made by any
Apache band. Even by Mexicans
riding Apache horses.
Bascom points to a guard by the tent opening.
BASCOM
Place him under arrest until the
Ward boy is returned.
Cochise glances around, and his hand moves instinctively
toward his knife.
COCHISE
I came here under a flag of peace.
BASCOM
And you'll leave under a flag of
peace — if the boy is returned.
COCHISE
I cannot return what I do not have.
BASCOM
Then you’ll stay here until we get
that boy back — one way or another.
Cochise’s eyes narrow as he looks at his brother and nephews.
COCHISE
You would break the sacred law of
parley?
BASCOM
I would recover a kidnapped child.
COCHISE
By kidnapping innocent Apache?
BASCOM
By holding responsible parties
accountable.
TWO MORE SOLDIERS enter the tent with weapons drawn,
surrounding Cochise and his brother.
COCHISE
This is a great mistake.
BASCOM
The mistake was yours.
Cochise draws his knife with lightning speed and slashes
through the tent wall. He rolls through the opening and runs.
The soldiers take aim, but Coyunturo tackles them, throwing
off their shot.
EXT. ARMY CAMP - DAY
Another soldier shoots, hitting Cochise in the arm, but he
continues running, making good his escape.
Dos-Teh-Seh sees Cochise running. She grabs Naiche and runs
toward the mountains, but she is stopped by several soldiers.
Just outside the tent, Coyunturo and his sons are also
captured.
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY
Cochise grabs a soldier guarding the perimeter and holds a
knife to his throat while backing away.
COCHISE
(menacingly)
Tell Little Chief he made great
enemy today.
Cochise retreats to high ground, continually looking at his
family. Several soldiers mount to give chase, but Bascom
stops them.
BASCOM
No sense risking lives. He’s likely
got warriors waiting. Besides,
he’ll come back to get his family.
EXT. APACHE PASS - HILLTOP - DAY
Cochise stands atop a high ridge looking down at Bascom’s
camp. ONE OF HIS WARRIORS stands next to him. Blood trickles
down his arm and his jaw clenches.
COCHISE
(soft, deadly)
Now there is war.
Cochise then disappears into the rocks.
EXT. APACHE SPRINGS - DAY
Cochise leads a small band of warriors to a Butterfield
stagecoach station, surrounding it. Inside are the station
manager and three passengers.
They resist at first, then surrender. Cochise blindfold them
and takes them to his stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains.
Cochise sends a messenger to Bascom, offering to trade the
hostages for his family members.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
The Declaration of War
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY
Bascom refuses to negotiate, demanding the kidnapped boy in
exchange, and nothing else. Upon hearing the news, Cochise
kills the hostages, and places the bodies where Bascom can
find them.
Furious, Bascom hangs Coyunturo and his two sons, and four
other Apache he holds as hostage.
A RIDER gallops into Cochise's camp, his horse lathered.
Warriors stop him, but he pushes through, his eyes wild with
panic. He finds Cochise conferring with his chiefs.
RIDER
(Gasping for air)
The Little Chief... Bascom... he...
The camp goes silent. Cochise waits, his face impassive.
RIDER (CONT’D)
He hanged them. Coyunturo. Your
nephews. From the trees, where all
could see. He hanged them all.
A wave of shock and anger ripples through the warriors. But
Cochise remains perfectly still. There is a flicker of
disbelief, then a deep, soul-crushing pain that Cochise
quickly smothers.
He turns his back on the camp and walks away, into the rocks,
alone. He leans against a canyon wall, silent.
After a long moment, he returns to his warriors. His face set
like flint, his eyes burning with a cold fire. He walks to
the center of the camp, grabs his war spear, and with a
guttural cry, rams it deep into the earth.
COCHISE
Little Chief wants war. I give him
war.
A council of military officers decide to release Cochise’s
wife and son, since they are not combatants.
Cochise welcomes his family home, then sends runners to other
bands of Apache, calling for a tribal council.
EXT. TRAIL NEAR APACHE PASS – DAWN
A group of heavily armed white teamsters vigilantly lead
mules down a steep slope, bags filled with copper.
Whoops and shrill calls ring out as Apache warriors descend
from the cliffs — fast and organized. Six men are killed.
EXT. ARMY FORT – DAY
LT. BASCOM stands over a map when A SCOUT enters.
SCOUT
The Apache killed six teamsters.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Cochise's Call to War
EXT. ARMY CAMP – NIGHT
The moon glows cold over the desert. Sentries pace. One yawns
— another lights a match. There is a faint rustle, then a
shadow slips past the fence.
APACHE WARRIORS burst from the dark in a coordinated, silent,
and deadly attack. It’s over in moments.
EXT. CANYON ESCAPE ROUTE – PRE-DAWN
Cochise and his men ride into the canyons and disappear.
COCHISE (V.O.)
I gave them a chance for peace. Now
I give them war.
The army pulls back, emptying the forts to send men east and
join the war against the south. Cochise and his bands take
advantage of this and raid the settlers’ ranches and take
their copper and silver mining finds as well as livestock and
food supplies.
The withdrawal of the Union forces leaves the settlers at the
mercy of Cochise, and even though the Confederates try to
fill the gap, nothing works.
After months without a presence, the Union sends in an army
column from California.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Tension in Apache Pass
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY - 1862
The California column — with supply wagons — winds through
the narrow canyon. GENERAL JAMES CARLETON leads 2,000
California troops toward New Mexico.
CAPTAIN ROBERTS (35, courageous, resilient, calm under
pressure), an experienced Indian fighter, rides beside
Carleton.
ROBERTS
If I might ask, sir. What is your
intent?
CARLETON
To follow orders, Captain. To
secure Arizona and New Mexico,
protect the settlers, and maintain
peace.
ROBERTS
Sir, to to that, we’ll have to go
through Apache Pass, and from what
I’ve heard about Cochise, that
makes me nervous. It’s a perfect
spot for an ambush.
CARLETON
Captain, we have enough firepower
to handle any Apache raiding party.
As they neared Apache Pass, Roberts rode up alongside of
Carleton again. He points ahead toward the pass.
ROBERTS
With respect, sir, we may be facing
more than a raiding party. Look at
those signal fires.
Smoke rises from multiple peaks, and Apache warriors are
visible on the rimrock.
Carleton raises his hand to signal a stop.
CARLETON
How many do you estimate?
ROBERTS
It’s hard to say, sir. I’d guess
five hundred. Maybe more.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Marching into Danger
EXT. SONORAN DESERT - DAY
The California column marches eastward across the Sonoran
Desert. General Carleton halts the column, turns, and
addresses them.
CARLETON
Our mission is to secure Arizona
and New Mexico but first we must go
through Apache Pass, and as you all
know, that’s hostile territory.
Captain Roberts has experience in
this part of the country, and with
Cochise in particular, so we will
follow his lead.
ROBERTS
Thank you, General.
Roberts raises his voice.
ROBERTS (CONT’D)
As the general says, this is
hostile territory, but what he
didn’t say is the hostiles are
being led by Cochise, and he may be
the most dangerous opponent you’ve
ever faced.
A soldier near the rear of the column rides to the front.
SOLDIER
He can’t have nearly as many men as
we do. How is he a threat?
Roberts smirked, then faced the soldiers.
ROBERTS
It’s true that Cochise doesn’t have
the men we have, but this is his
territory, and he knows every inch
of it. If Cochise has 500 warriors,
as has been reported, that puts him
on a level with us.
(a beat)
As we move forward, I expect every
man to be on full alert.
Genres:
["Historical","War","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Ambush at Apache Pass
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY
From the heights, Cochise studies the massive column through
captured field glasses. He signals to MANGAS COLORADAS, the
elderly chief of the Mimbres band.
MANGAS COLORADAS
Too many soldiers.
COCHISE
But only one trail through the
pass. They cannot spread out to use
their numbers.
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY - JULY 15, 1862
The soldiers approaches the narrow canyon where Bascom's
tragedy occurred eighteen months earlier. All of them have
their hands near their rifles.
Cochise has prepared defensive positions in the rocks above
the pass. His warriors are armed with bows, spears, and with
rifles obtained from Confederate sympathizers.
COCHISE
(to his war chiefs)
Today we face more soldiers than we
have ever fought.
GERONIMO (35, rising war leader) moves next to Cochise.
GERONIMO
Then we make the canyon our ally.
COCHISE
Geronimo is right. They must come
through the pass. We choose where
to fight.
The Apache wait until the column enters the pass, then they
strike as the soldiers reach the narrowest point. Arrows and
rifle fire rain down from both sides.
Soldiers struggle to form defensive positions as their horses
panic. The wagons create chaos, blocking movement.
MANGAS COLORADAS (70, legendary Mimbreño chief and Cochise's
father-in-law) moves behind a few well-positioned boulders
near the edge of a cliff overlooking Apache Pass.
MANGAS COLORADAS
Keep firing. This may be our last
chance to drive the Bluecoats from
Apache country.
The initial Apache assault is devastating. Soldiers fall
quickly, and the column is pinned down in the narrow canyon.
CARLETON
Return fire and try to pin them
down while we get the mountain
howitzers into action.
The California Column deploys artillery and begin firing
toward the top of the pass.
The howitzer shells explode among the rocks and force Apache
warriors to some positions, but they adapt quickly.
COCHISE
(in Apache, to his
warriors)
The thunder weapons cannot reach
all our positions. Stay low, and
keep firing.
The battle continues for hours, with neither side able to
gain decisive advantage.
In the end, the Army's artillery proves decisive. Explosive
shells burst among the rocks, forcing the Apache to withdraw
from their positions.
ROBERTS
They're pulling back, sir. We need
to press the attack.
Cochise orders a retreat, and his warriors disappear into the
mountains. Once they are safe, in a secluded stronghold,
Cochise addresses the tribes.
COCHISE
We did much damage today. The
Bluecoats will think before
entering Apache territory now.
General Carleton ordered his men back out of the pass.
CARLETON
All right, men. We’ve taken some
losses, but it’s nothing we can’t
deal with.
CAPTAIN ROBERTS
What now?
Carleton dismounts and studies a map he pulls from his
saddlebag. Roberts comes alongside him and points to the map.
ROBERTS
You see right there where the
Siphon Springs are marked?
(a beat)
We need to reach the springs if we
hope to get to New Mexico. Without
fresh water, we won’t make it.
Carleton folds the map and puts it back in his saddlebag.
CARLETON
Then I’d say our path is set.
ROBERTS
Not so fast, General. Cochise
controls the high grounds
surrounding the springs.
Carleton smiles.
CARLETON
I think Cochise has had enough
dealings with us for now.
ROBERTS
I wouldn’t be so sure, General.
CARLETON
Here’s the thing, Captain. We lost
some men back there, and it’s
likely we’ll lose some more if
Cochise attacks us again, but have
you looked closely at the troops?
(a beat)
(MORE)
CARLETON (CONT’D)
If we don’t get them food, water,
and shelter soon, we will lose a
lot more than the few we lost in
battle.
ROBERTS
Then we better mount up.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
The Battle for Siphon Springs
EXT. APACHE PASS - SIPHON SPRINGS - DAY
Apache warriors are positioned above the springs, a small
group armed with bows and arrows. They hide behind rocks and
in crevices.
CARLETON
Captain, we need that water.
ROBERTS
I’ll make sure we get it, sir. But
at what cost?
CARLETON
Whatever is necessary. If we don’t
get that water, dozens will die.
Roberts salutes, then selects fifty men to follow him. He
leads a desperate assault to capture Siphon Springs, but they
are under constant fire from the band of Apache on the rise.
Roberts calls for concentrated artillery fire, and that,
combined with the relentless assault of his men. The attack
is a success but at heavy cost to both sides.
From high atop the ridge overlooking Siphon Springs, Cochise
talks to Mangas Coloradas.
COCHISE
(to Mangas Coloradas)
They fight differently than the
soldiers before.
Mangas nods.
MANGAS COLORADAS
They don’t care if men die.
COCHISE
Because they have so many men. Many
more than Apache.
MANGAS COLORADAS
And they have the thunder weapons.
COCHISE
They change everything. We can’t
fight against them, except maybe in
mountains.
Mangas Coloradas turns toward his mount.
MANGAS COLORADAS
Then mountains are where we go.
EXT. APACHE PASS - NIGHT
Around Apache campfires, Cochise and other war leaders assess
the day's fighting.
GERONIMO
We killed many soldiers.
COCHISE
Not enough.
MANGAS COLORADAS
They killed many of our warriors.
COCHISE
Too many.
MANGAS COLORADAS
What do we do now?
COCHISE
Now we learn to fight a different
kind of war. We choose when and
where to fight. We never face their
thunder weapons in open battle.
Genres:
["Historical","War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Dawn at Apache Pass: A Costly Victory
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAWN
The California Column resumes its eastward march, having paid
dearly for passage through Apache territory.
General Carleton surveys the battlefield and the cost of his
victory.
CARLETON
(to Colonel Eyre)
Colonel, establish a permanent
garrison here.
EYRE
What size force, sir?
CARLETON
Whatever it takes to keep this pass
open. And make certain there is
enough artillery to support the
troops.
COLONEL EYRE
How many troops do I get, sir?
CARLETON
You’ll start with 400 men. Once the
Apache realize they’re beaten, I
may reduce that to 200. And don’t
forget, keeping the pass open and
the water available is key.
(a beat)
The mission of this post is to
secure the pass for travel to and
from New Mexico, and maintain
control of the water.
(a beat)
Now get busy, Colonel. I’m taking
the rest of the column onward.
As the column disappears, Apache warriors emerge from hiding
to reclaim their territory.
COLONEL EYRE (40, rigid, sticks to rules) is almost
immediately set upon by bands of Apache executing raids
against his forces.
They ride in from various direction, then disappear into the
mountains before he can use his artillery.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Fort Bowie: A Strategic Debate
EXT. FORT BOWIE - DAY - CONSTRUCTION
Within weeks, Colonel Eyre begins construction of Fort Bowie,
a permanent military post based near Apache Pass and
positioned to keep the pass open and the water available.
COLONEL EYRE
The engineers designed this
specifically to counter Apache
tactics, with strong defensive
positions and field artillery.
(a beat)
I’m assigning Major Granger as fort
commander. Captain Smith,
Lieutenant Crook, and Sergeant
Kelly will serve under him.
MAJOR GORDON GRANGER (55) steps forward to address his men.
MAJOR GORDON GRANGER
(to the chief engineer)
Gentlemen, this fort must be Apache-
proof.
CAPTAIN SMITH
What does that mean exactly?
GRANGER
It means Apache cannot approach
within rifle range without being
seen and engaged.
SMITH
And if they avoid the fort
entirely?
GRANGER
Then we send patrols to find them.
General Carleton said we’d have 400
men, so we shouldn’t have any
trouble with a few Indians.
SMITH
Major, we’re speaking about
thousands of square miles.
GRANGER
Then we find a way.
Captain Smith turns to one of his men.
CAPTAIN SMITH
(whispering)
I don’t think he knows anything
about Apache warfare. It’s
different than fighting other
soldiers. The Apache can come out
of the mountains and be on you
before you know it. And we’re right
between the mountains.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Cochise's Tactical Mastery
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - DAY
Cochise observes the fort construction from his mountain
stronghold. Members of his war council sit nearby.
COCHISE
(to his council)
They mean to stay.
Delgadito (40, fierce, loyal) paces around the fire.
DELGADITO
The fort is strong.
COCHISE
But not perfect.
GERONIMO
What do you mean?
COCHISE
They cannot be everywhere at once.
Their patrols create opportunities.
MANGAS COLORADAS
What kind of opportunities?
COCHISE
Opportunities to strike where they
are weak while avoiding where they
are strong.
DELGADITO
Like Apache have fought for ages.
COCHISE
Yes, war the Apache way.
Cochise perfects tactics of hit-and-run warfare over the next
few months.
Small war parties strike isolated targets, then disappear
into terrain where cavalry cannot follow effectively. After a
war party attacks a small platoon, they retreat into the
mountains using canyons and passes that they know well.
Small bands of warriors lay hidden in the rocks above,
vantage points they use wisely. When the soldiers pursue the
main war party, the small bands, fire down on them, forcing
the soldiers to retreat.
CAPTAIN SMITH
(to his lieutenant)
I told you. Cochise is the best at
hit-and-run tactics. He attacks
before you know it, and disappears.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
The Ambush and the Moral Dilemma
EXT. BUTTERFIELD STAGE ROUTE - DAY
A stagecoach travels between Tucson and Mesilla. One of
Cochise’s SCOUTS reports it is approaching.
COCHISE
Any Bluecoats?
The scout shakes his head.
SCOUT
None. Two men in front and
passengers.
COCHISE
Take the stagecoach and what it
carries, but kill no one.
Apache warriors ambush the stagecoach, careful not to kill
anyone even though they receive fire from the men driving it.
The attack is swift and decisive with the drivers
surrendering quickly. The coach is destroyed, mail scattered,
but significantly, no civilians are killed — just like
Cochise ordered.
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY
APACHE WARRIOR VICTORIO (36, strong leader, relentless).
VICTORIO
Why spare them?
COCHISE
Because fear is not the same as
respect.
VICTORIO
They are our enemies.
COCHISE
They are travelers caught in our
fight with the Bluecoats.
VICTORIO
Travelers bring food. Soldiers
bring guns. How do we tell them
apart?'
COCHISE
Soldiers choose to fight us.
Travelers choose only to travel.
VICTORIO
But killing travelers would terrify
settlers more than killing
soldiers.
COCHISE
When a wolf kills for hunger, the
pack survives. When it kills for
sport, the hunters come. Are we
wolves — or warriors?
VICTORIO
You tie our hands for fighting
Bluecoats?
Cochise shakes his head.
COCHISE
Not Bluecoats, just innocents.
(a beat)
And, Victorio, I want all of our
people to honor this. If we want to
ever get peace, we must honor our
truth.
VICTORIO
The white men will never make peace
as long as we kill Bluecoats.
COCHISE
The white men will understand not
killing innocents.
Genres:
["Western","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Tactical Retreat
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY
An Army patrol searches for Apache raiders in the vast
landscape of southeastern Arizona, carefully exploring
canyons and hidden valleys in the Chiricahua Mountains, and
all the way to the Dragoon Mountains.
The soldiers are skilled and well-equipped, but the terrain
favors the Apache, defenders who know every canyon and water
source. And water is essential in this territory.
LIEUTENANT GEORGE CROOK (38, eager to make a name) calls a
halt to his platoon of almost 40 men.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
Sergeant Kelly, any sign of
hostiles?
SERGEANT MICHAEL KELLY (30s, experience soldier) snaps a
salute.
SERGEANT KELLY
None that we can see, sir.
(a beat)
But, sir.
(MORE)
SERGEANT KELLY (CONT’D)
That doesn’t mean much out here.
Cochise and his warriors could be
anywhere. They could be hiding
behind the cactus and we wouldn’t
see them.
SERGEANT KELLY (CONT’D)
So you think they're out there?
LIEUTENANT CROOK
They're out there, and they know
we’re here. The question is whether
they want us to find them.
LIEUTENANT CROOK (CONT’D)
If they’re out for blood, why
wouldn't they want us to find them?
SERGEANT KELLY
Because if we find them when they
don't want to be found, it means
we're walking into an ambush. And
Cochise is good at ambushes.
As the platoon continues, Sergeant Kelly rides up alongside
Lieutenant Crook.
SERGEANT KELLY (CONT’D)
We need to talk about strategy,
sir.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
What’s on your mind, Sergeant?
SERGEANT KELLY
Have you noticed the Apache on both
sides of us for the last half a
mile?
Lieutenant Crook turns and looks both ways.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
What’s your take on it, Sergeant?
SERGEANT KELLY
We’re riding into a trap, sir.
They’re letting us see them on the
sides, so we don’t go that way,
directly into their forces. What
that means is that they want us to
continue moving forward.
(a beat)
(MORE)
SERGEANT KELLY (CONT’D)
My guess is they have a large
raiding party ahead, probably where
the valley leads in between the
mountains. At that point, they
attack from all three sides.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
That sounds like trouble, Sergeant.
What are your recommendations?.
Kelly uses his binoculars to look side to side, then to look
ahead, then he faces the lieutenant.
SERGEANT KELLY
If I were leading the platoon, sir.
I’d turn quickly and go back the
way we came. I doubt if they have
warriors behind us.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
Abandon our mission?
SERGEANT KELLY
No, sir. Save our men.
Crook seems to consider Kelly’s advice, then nods.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
All right, Sergeant, give the order
on my signal: About face, then
gallop.
The platoon advanced slowly, while Sergeant Kelly passed the
orders to all the men, then the lieutenant raised his hand,
and the bugler blew the trumpet.
The platoon did an about-face and galloped away, taking the
Apache by surprise.
Genres:
["Western","Historical","War"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Stalemate at Apache Pass
EXT. FORT NEAR APACHE PASS - DAY
Once safely back inside the fort, Lieutenant Crook dismounted
and walked over to Sergeant Kelly.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
What do you recommend for the
future, Sergeant?
SERGEANT KELLY
I recommend we remember that this
is their country and they know it
better than we do.
LIEUTENANT CROOK
What exactly do you mean by that?
SERGEANT KELLY
I mean that fighting the Apache on
their terms is a losing battle.
Two days later, Lieutenant Crook goes out with another
platoon to patrol the pass and surrounding ares. As soon as
he is out of range of the fort, an Apache raiding party
attacks, and drives him back.
Colonel Eyre waits inside the fort for a report.
COLONEL EYRE
Lieutenant, you’ve returned early.
The reason?
LIEUTENANT CROOK
Sir, we were set upon by a large
Apache raiding party. They took us
by surprise and proved to be too
difficult to defeat.
COLONEL EYRE
It looks as if you were right,
Lieutenant. Fighting these Apache
may be more difficult than it
seemed at first.
(a beat)
It looks like a stalemate,
Lieutenant. They can’t take the
fort, and we can’t seem to patrol
the countryside. At least, not
without suffering casualties.
Genres:
["Western","Historical","War"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Stalemate and Struggle
EXT. APACHE PASS - DAY
Cochise stands before his war council, giving advice.
COCHISE
Our war with the Bluecoats is like
two deer locking antlers. Seldom
does one win.
VICTORIO
What do we do?
COCHISE
We continue as we are. We can’t
take fort, and they can’t win in
the valleys.
VICTORIO
And we control the mountains.
COCHISE
Yes, Victorio. We control the
mountains.
INT. COCHISE’S TENT - NIGHT
Cochise goes back to his tent after meeting with the council.
He sits next to his wife, takes out his pipe and lights it.
DOS-THE-SEH
What troubles my husband?
COCHISE
Nothing.
Dos-the-seh laughs as she gets up to fix Cochise his dinner.
DOS-THE-SEH
You must be hungry to tell such
lies. You never smoke your pipe
unless you worry.
Cochise joins her in laughter.
COCHISE
You have been with me too long, and
know me too well.
DOS-TEH-SEH
Well?
COCHISE
The other leaders are divided; some
want war, and others peace.
DOS-TEH-SEH
And you?
COCHISE
I am divided too. The Bluecoats
need to answer for what they did
... but war will bring only death.
DOS-TEH-SEH
Husband, we have a child. I don’t
want him killed.
Cochise nods, and leans over to hug Dos-teh-seh.
COCHISE
We might have war, but Naiche won’t
be harmed. I give my word.
TITLE CARD: "1869 - ARIZONA TERRITORY - EIGHT YEARS OF WAR"
MONTAGE - WARFARE:
- Apache raids rage across the territory.
- Small war parties strike and vanish, leaving burned
settlements and dead soldiers.
- The landscape bears scars of prolonged conflict - abandoned
ranches, fortified settlements, military patrols moving
cautiously.
Genres:
["Historical","War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Tensions at Fort Bowie
EXT. FORT BOWIE - DAY
The military post shows the strain of constant warfare, walls
are damaged, and soldiers patrol nervously, always looking
over their shoulders, and checking the valleys for signs of
Apache war parties.
Major Granger reviews reports.
GRANGER
Forty-seven confirmed Apache
attacks this year. This year!
(a beat)
Captain Roberts, what are the
casualties?
CAPTAIN ROBERTS
Thirty-two soldiers killed, and
more than sixty civilians dead or
missing.
GRANGER
Apache losses?
CAPTAIN ROBERTS
Perhaps a dozen confirmed kills.
GRANGER
That’s a bloodbath.
CAPTAIN ROBERTS
No, sir, it's not.
Genres:
["Historical","War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Strategic Debate Among Apache War Chiefs
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - DAY
Cochise meets with war chiefs in his stronghold.
DELGADITO
Our raids are successful, but
soldiers keep coming.
COCHISE
More soldiers replace the ones we
kill. For every Apache, there are
100 Bluecoats.
GERONIMO
Then we kill more soldiers.
COCHISE
And if we do, they send more
Bluecoats.
MANGAS COLORADAS
This war cannot be won through
killing.
COCHISE
You have a plan?
MANGAS COLORADAS
Make the war too costly for them to
go on. Wound their men when we can.
A wounded Bluecoat costs them more
than a dead Bluecoat.
(a beat)
We make Apache territory impossible
to hold.
Genres:
["Western","War"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Divided Strategies: The Tucson Debate
EXT. TUCSON - DAY
The territorial capital shows strain. Many businesses close,
and the population declines.
MAYOR SLATTERY meets with civic leaders.
SLATTERY
Gentlemen, we're losing this war,
and we’ve got to do something.
BEN OURY (45, store owner) shouts out.
OURY
We’re only losing temporarily.
SLATTERY
Eight years isn't temporary, Ben.
OURY
When we defeat the Apache, we'll
control valuable territory.
SLATTERY
How many lives will that cost?
OURY
If we start treating them like the
savages they are, it won’t take
long and we won’t lose many lives.
WILLIAM BAILEY (50, miner) gets to his feet and addresses the
room.
BAILEY
What does that mean, Ben? It’s easy
for you and your kind who stay in
town all day to say that, but you
don’t have to work the mines and be
out there among them.
(a beat)
Every time a miner packs up and
goes home for the day, they don’t
know if they’ll get there alive.
(a beat)
I’d rather make peace.
OURY
I lost twenty head of cattle last
year. I didn’t see who did it, but
I’m sure it was Apache. I say we
need total war. The kind that ends
with Apache extinction.
BAILEY
That's not what we do. Or not what
we should do.
OURY
But it’s victory.
TITLE CARD: "1870 - PEACE POLICY"
Genres:
["Western","Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
A Turning Point for Peace
EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
The nation's capital turns attention to the "Indian Problem."
INT. WHITE HOUSE - DAY
PRESIDENT ULYSSES S. GRANT (48) meets with advisors.
GRANT
The Indian wars are costing
millions and accomplishing nothing.
SECRETARY OF WAR BELKNAP (45) shuffles some papers on the
table, then gives the reports.
BELKNAP
The military recommends continued
pressure, and I tend to agree.
GRANT
What do they mean by “pressure”?
And for how long? And at what cost?
BELKNAP
However long it takes, and however
much it costs.
GRANT
That's not acceptable. We can’t
continue to lose soldiers at the
rate we have been, but we can’t
allow the settlers to be prevented
from settling the territory.
(a beat)
Cochise has made it too costly for
us to consider anything but peace.
He’s the damnedest opponent I’ve
ever faced.
COMMISSIONER ELY PARKER (42, Seneca Indian) speaks quietly.
ELI PARKER
There are ways other than military
solutions, and with Cochise I would
suggest trying them.
President Grant leans forward, attention focused on Parker.
GRANT
Tell me about them.
PARKER
Peace. The Apache want nothing but
to live safely, and to have the
lands they grew up on.
(a beat)
Mr. President, those lands are
nothing but desert and mountains.
(MORE)
PARKER (CONT’D)
I think we should grant them a
large reservation and let them have
it — a large one, where they can
hunt and provide for themselves.
BELKNAP
You can’t negotiate with savages.
PARKER
You can negotiate with people who
want peace more than war. And you
can trust Cochise to keep his word.
GRANT
And you believe the Apache want
peace?
PARKER
I believe the Apache want to
survive, and I believe a peace
policy will help make this real.
GRANT
If they want peace, let’s see what
we can do to make that happen.
BELKNAP
But, sir —
GRANT
No arguments. We’ll try to make
peace.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","Political Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
A New Beginning at Camp Grant
EXT. CAMP GRANT, ARIZONA - DAY
The Army establishes a new post at the confluence of Aravaipa
Creek and the San Pedro River.
Lieutenant Whitman assumes command with orders to implement a
peace policy.
WHITMAN
Our mission is to provide sanctuary
for peaceful Apache.
SERGEANT CONNOR
What about hostile Apache?
WHITMAN
President Grant’s orders are clear.
Hostile Apache remain hostile. But
any Apache choosing peace will be
protected.
SERGEANT CONNOR
And in return?
WHITMAN
They live peacefully and become
Americans.
EXT. ARAVAIPA CREEK - DAY
Whitman gathers a few SCOUTS he uses from the Aravaipa Band.
WHITMAN
Go to your people and tell them of
the peace we offer. They can come
here, build a village, and live in
peace.
SCOUT ONE
Elders maybe not trust white man’s
word.
WHITMAN
Tell your chief that I give my word
they will be safe.
Genres:
["Western","Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A New Dawn of Peace
EXT. ARAVAIPA CREEK - DAY - ONE WEEK LATER
APACHE CHIEF FRANCISCO (45), war-weary leader of the Aravaipa
Band of the Western Apache, arrives with over 100 followers.
Francisco approaches Whitman and hands him a blanket as a
gift, and his rifle as a peace offering.
FRANCISCO
We seek peace.
WHITMAN
Peace is what we offer.
Whitman takes a rifle from a PRIVATE standing beside him and
hands it to Chief Francisco.
WHITMAN (CONT’D)
Take this to use for hunting. And
my men will provide as many
blankets as we have for your
people. We welcome you to Camp
Grant.
FRANCISCO
What are terms of peace?
WHITMAN
Live peacefully and harm no
Americans. And allow us to count
your people.
FRANCISCO
We can practice Apache customs?
WHITMAN
As long as they don't conflict with
American law.
FRANCISCO
And our children?
WHITMAN
Will be safe, and learn English
alongside Apache traditions.
EXT. CAMP GRANT - DAY - TWO MONTHS LATER
The Apache population at Camp Grant grows to over five
hundred people — men, women, and children.
Apache families adapt to the white man’s rules while
maintaining their own customs and identity. Soon, there are
Apache children playing together at the camp, while adults
build housing, and pens for their animals.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","War"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Tensions in Tucson: A Call to Arms
EXT. TUCSON - NIGHT - APRIL 1871
The white settlers observe the Apache constructing buildings
and starting to farm in order to cultivate food.
SETTLER ONE
They got access to water at the San
Pedro River, and at Aravaipa Creek.
It ain’t right. Just ain’t right.
We got to go miles for water when
the Santa Cruz dries up.
SETTLER TWO
They might have water, but that
don’t make it an easy livin’ spot.
The Army keeps a watch on ‘em, and
aside from the creek, there’s not
much but desert.
SETTLER ONE
Still ain’t right.
INT. OURY HOUSE - TUCSON - NIGHT
William Oury calls a secret meeting. He clears a room in his
house for people to sit. More than a DOZEN show up.
OURY
The situation at Camp Grant is
intolerable.
ELIAS (40s) a businessman new to town, speaks up first.
ELIAS
What makes it intolerable?
OURY
Five hundred Apache living in
luxury while our people die of
thirst.
JORGE ORTEGO (40), a local ranger makes his voice heard.
JORGE
(in Spanish)
Those Apache may be peaceful today,
but tomorrow they return to war.
Elias speaks with reason, but no one seems to listen.
ELIAS
You say our people die of thirst,
but I don’t know anyone who has
died. I know a few families who
have to watch how they use water,
but no one has died.
HUASNA (40, set in his ways), leader of the Tohono O'odham
tribe, stands and remains silent until the others stop
talking.
HUASNA
Our peoples have lived in these
lands for thousands of years. We
are known by many as the Desert
People, and we know how to make the
desert into a home.
(a beat)
My people don’t want anyone to go
without water. But we don’t want
the Apache living so close. Our
peoples have fought the Apache for
many years. We will not let them
live so close. Apache are warriors.
JOSIAH BAILEY (50, miner) stays seated but speaks with
conviction.
BAILEY
Those Apache are peaceful. They've
committed no crimes. They’ve even
helped the Army build new barracks.
OURY
They're Apache. That's crime
enough.
BAILEY
That's not right, Oury. It’s not
justice.
OURY
Justice is what we make when
government fails to provide it.
(a beat)
And since the government isn’t
doing it, we need to take it upon
ourselves. We need to kill the
Apache.
(a beat)
My sister and her two boys were
taken in ’63. We found their bones
near Sulphur Springs. And no one
ever answered for it.
(a beat)
Now they tell me to trust Apache?
To share water with them?
Oury looks around the room, but no one opposes him.
OURY (CONT’D)
It’s settled then. Talk to everyone
you know. We’ll meet at the rise
south of the creek in two days —
the Army will be on patrol then.
Genres:
["Western","Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Dawn of Destruction
EXT. HILLS ABOVE CAMP GRANT - DAWN - APRIL 1871
A force of 150 men approaches sleeping Apache in the camp:
Tucson volunteers led by Oury, Mexican ranchers, and Tohono
O'odham warriors.
OURY
(whispering)
Remember, these are hostiles living
under false protection.
VOLUNTEER STEVENS
What about women and children?
OURY
What about white women and children
killed by Apache?
STEVENS
But these Apache haven't killed
anyone.
OURY
They're Apache. That's enough.
EXT. CAMP GRANT - DAWN ATTACK
The massacre begins without warning. A few SENTRIES flee at
the first sign of attack, leaving the families helpless.
The Apache families wake to gunfire. They have no chance to
defend themselves or escape.
The attackers show no mercy, killing indiscriminately. Women
try protecting the children, elderly try to surrender,
mothers flee with babies — but all become targets.
Violence is swift and brutal. Within thirty minutes, more
than one hundred Apache lie dead, mostly women and children.
OURY
Burn them! Make sure no one is
alive.
Several hundred survive, ones that ran into the desert, but
more than 140 were slaughtered. In addition to the ones
killed, many children are taken to Mexico as slaves.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","War"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Aftermath of the Attack
EXT. CAMP GRANT - AFTERMATH
Lieutenant Whitman and his patrol arrive too late.
Bodies are scattered throughout the camp, and many are
mutilated — elders, women, and children.
WHITMAN
Dear God. What happened here? Dear
God!
(a beat)
Who would attack peaceful Apache
under our protection?
SERGEANT CONNOR
There are a lot of people who don't
believe Apache can be peaceful.
Whitman shakes his head as he walks over dead bodies, some of
them still smoldering from the fires set.
WHITMAN
I count over one hundred dead.
Mostly women and children.
(a beat)
And not one of them holding a
weapon.
SERGEANT CONNOR
This is not good, sir. It’s going
to start the war all over again.
WHITMAN
Any Apache leader who doesn't
retaliate will lose all
credibility.
(a beat)
Send an alert to Fort Bowie and
warn them Cochise may be more prone
to war than ever.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","War"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Cochise's Vow of Vengeance
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - DAY
An APACHE SCOUT delivers the news to Cochise.
APACHE SCOUT
White men attacked Camp Grant.
Maybe Mexicans too. They killed
everyone. Grandmothers. Babies.
Everyone.
COCHISE
Do we know who did this?
APACHE SCOUT
White men from Tucson. Mexicans.
Tohono O'odham. All work together.
They even killed Francisco. He
never hurt anyone.
COCHISE
They will pay.
APACHE SCOUT
What do we do?
Cochise walks to the edge of a cliff and looks toward Tucson.
COCHISE
We show them that murdering
peaceful Apache has consequences.
APACHE SCOUT
What consequences?
COCHISE
Dead white men. We will never trust
them again.
Genres:
["Western","Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
The Cost of Trust
EXT. APACHE PASS WAR COUNCIL - NIGHT
COCHISE
(to war council)
The peaceful Apache trusted
American promises. We see where
trust led them.
GERONIMO
Trust was their mistake.
COCHISE
No. Trusting the wrong people was
their mistake.
DELGADITO
Are there right people to trust?
COCHISE
Perhaps. But only if we make the
cost of dishonor too high for them
to bear.
GERONIMO
How do we do that?
COCHISE
By making war so terrible that
Americans send their best people to
negotiate peace.
DELGADITO
And if their best people are not
good enough?
COCHISE
Then we fight until no Americans
remain in Apache country.
(a beat)
Or no Apache remain.
TITLE CARD: "TUCSON - SIX MONTHS AFTER CAMP GRANT"
Genres:
["Historical","War","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
A Grave Decision
EXT. TUCSON POST OFFICE - DAY
TOM JEFFORDS (39, stoic, principled, fiercely independent,
tall, lean, and with a weathered face) loads mail sacks onto
his horse. He moves with a quiet, rugged competence. Nearby,
a fresh, simple wooden cross marks a new grave.
POSTMASTER HIRAM STEVENS steps out of the office, wiping his
hands on an apron. He gestures with his head toward the
grave.
STEVENS
Miller was a good man, Tom. He left
a wife and two children.
JEFFORDS
(Doesn't stop working)
The mail has to get through, Hiram.
STEVENS
Does it? Or do you just have a
death wish? Since Camp Grant,
they've killed every white man
they've found. Every one but you.
JEFFORDS
(Pauses, looks at
Stevens)
Maybe they're tired of killing,
too.
STEVENS
(Scoffs)
What crazy notion is that? You're
going to talk to him, aren't you?
That's not bravery. That's suicide.
JEFFORDS
(Swings up onto his
horse, his face grim)
What's the alternative, Hiram? More
graves?
He rides out, leaving Stevens shaking his head at the
impossible odds.
Genres:
["Western","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
A Risky Overture
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - NIGHT
Jeffords rides alone through increasingly dangerous
territory. His route takes him deep into Apache country where
no white man travels safely.
At a hidden spring, he stops to water his horse and wait. He
sends up smoke signals, and posts a white flag on a stick.
The spring is a place where Apache would expect to encounter
travelers.
EXT. HIDDEN SPRING - DAY
In the morning, as Jeffords prepares to continue, APACHE
WARRIORS emerge from concealment. Their leader is CHIE (30s,
experienced war chief).
The warriors are painted for war and carry rifles, along with
bows and arrows.
CHIE
White man travels alone in
dangerous country.
JEFFORDS
Because I come in peace.
CHIE
After Camp Grant, there is no peace
between Apache and Whites.
JEFFORDS
I'm not a murderer.
CHIE
You are White.
JEFFORDS
I'm a man who carries messages
between people.
CHIE
What messages do you carry?
JEFFORDS
Messages that might help stop this
war.
CHIE
What war?
JEFFORDS
The war that's killing Apache
children and White children alike.
CHIE
White men started this war at Camp
Grant.
JEFFORDS
Some white men started this war.
Other white men want to end it.
CHIE
What white men want to end it?
JEFFORDS
White men who understand that war
serves no one's interests.
CHIE
We make war for murdered children.
JEFFORDS
What does that serve?
The question makes Chie pause.
CHIE
What is your name?
JEFFORDS
Tom Jeffords.
CHIE
Tom Jeffords who carries messages.
JEFFORDS
Tom Jeffords who believes enemies
can become friends if they talk
honestly.
CHIE
You want to talk to Cochise.
JEFFORDS
Yes.
CHIE
Why?
JEFFORDS
Because Cochise is the only man who
can make peace or war for Apache.
CHIE
And you think he will listen to a
white man?
JEFFORDS
I think he'll listen to a man who
respects Apache rights and what
they want.
CHIE
You respect Apache?
JEFFORDS
I understand that Apache fight for
their homeland against people who
want to steal it.
CHIE
Most white men don't understand
that.
JEFFORDS
Most white men don't try to
understand it.
CHIE
And you try?
JEFFORDS
I’ve seen men kill what they don’t
understand. I’d rather try to
understand before I bury another
friend.
After a long moment, Chie makes a decision.
CHIE
Tom Jeffords, I will take you to
Cochise.
JEFFORDS
Thank you.
CHIE
But understand. If Cochise decides
you are an enemy, you will die.
JEFFORDS
I understand.
CHIE
And if you prove to be a spy, you
will die slowly.
JEFFORDS
I'm not.
CHIE
We will see.
Genres:
["Western","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
A Tentative Alliance
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - COCHISE STRONGHOLD - DAY
A hidden canyon serves as the Apache headquarters. It’s a
natural fortress, almost invisible and easily defended.
Chie leads Jeffords through a maze of rocks and narrow
passages impossible to navigate without Apache guidance.
COCHISE (60, showing the wear of ten years of warfare but
retaining the bearing of a great leader) emerges to meet
Jeffords.
COCHISE
You are first white man to enter my
stronghold.
JEFFORDS
I thank you for allowing me in.
COCHISE
You are the white man who carries
messages?
JEFFORDS
Yes, I'm Tom Jeffords.
COCHISE
Why do you come to my stronghold?
JEFFORDS
To talk.
COCHISE
About what?
JEFFORDS
About whether this war serves
anyone's interests.
Cochise lays a blanket with Camp Grant stamped on the corner.
COCHISE
After Camp Grant, justice and
revenge are the same thing.
JEFFORDS
Are they? Not all white men killed
the Apache at Camp Grant.
Jeffords’ challenge intrigues Cochise.
COCHISE
Sit with me.
They sit cross-legged in the Apache manner of formal
discussion.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
Tom Jeffords, why should I not kill
you?
JEFFORDS
Killing me serves no purpose.
COCHISE
It would eliminate one more white
man from Apache territory.
JEFFORDS
It would eliminate a white man who
might help end this war, and it
needs to end.
COCHISE
You think this war can be ended?
JEFFORDS
It has to end. It's destroying both
of our peoples.
COCHISE
Some things are worth dying for.
JEFFORDS
And some are worth living for, like
children growing up in peace
instead of war.
COCHISE
A man can live without land. But
without songs, without stories,
without the place where his father
taught him to track deer, he is
already dead.
(a beat)
Apache children cannot grow up in
peace while white men massacre
them.
JEFFORDS
And white children cannot grow up
in peace while Apache warriors raid
them.
COCHISE
So what do you propose?
JEFFORDS
Finding a way for both peoples to
live without destroying each other.
COCHISE
How?
JEFFORDS
By talking instead of killing.
COCHISE
Apache have tried talking. At Camp
Grant.
JEFFORDS
Apache trusted the wrong people.
COCHISE
And who are the right people?
JEFFORDS
People with authority to make
binding agreements and the honor to
keep them.
COCHISE
Such people exist?
JEFFORDS
I might be able to find them.
COCHISE
How?
JEFFORDS
By convincing the authorities that
peace is better than war.
After a long silence, Cochise makes a decision.
COCHISE
Tom Jeffords, I make an offer.
JEFFORDS
What offer?
COCHISE
You may travel through Apache
territory without fear of attack.
JEFFORDS
In exchange for what?
COCHISE
In exchange for carrying honest
messages between Apache and white
authorities.
JEFFORDS
What kind of messages?
COCHISE
Messages that speak truth.
JEFFORDS
I accept.
COCHISE
But I have conditions.
JEFFORDS
What conditions?
COCHISE
Any messages you carry must be
truthful. I won't be messenger for
lies.
(a beat)
Agreed?
JEFFORDS
Agreed. And I won't carry messages
from Apache that are meant lies.
COCHISE
Also agreed.
JEFFORDS
Then we have an understanding.
COCHISE
We have the beginning of an
understanding.
(a beat)
Tom Jeffords, there is something
else.
JEFFORDS
What?
COCHISE
From this day forward, you are
welcome in Apache camps as a
friend. I will spread the word.
JEFFORDS
What does that mean?
COCHISE
It means Apache will share food,
shelter, and protection with you.
JEFFORDS
And what do I owe in return?
COCHISE
Honesty. Respect. And your word to
serve peace over war.
JEFFORDS
I can give all of those things.
COCHISE
Then you are Apache brother until
one of us dies, or one of us breaks
their honor.
JEFFORDS
I know you won’t break your word,
and I won’t break mine.
TITLE CARD: "WASHINGTON D.C. - WINTER 1871"
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Debate at the War Department
INT. WAR DEPARTMENT - DAY
News of the Camp Grant Massacre and escalating Apache raids
reaches the highest levels of government.
Secretary Of War Belknap meets with GENERAL WILLIAM SHERMAN
(51) and military advisors.
BELKNAP
The Apache situation has become a
national embarrassment.
SHERMAN
How so?
BELKNAP
Newspapers are calling Camp Grant a
massacre of innocent women and
children.
SHERMAN
And the Apache response?
BELKNAP
Continuous raids across Arizona
Territory. No white settlement is
safe.
(a beat)
Hell, our soldiers aren’t safe. We
need to send reinforcements.
GENERAL NORMAN (40s, Indian fighter) speaks up.
GENERAL NORMAN
The solution is obvious. We send an
overwhelming force until we get
complete surrender.
SHERMAN
At what cost?
GENERAL NORMAN
Whatever cost is necessary.
BELKNAP
The cost is more than just soldiers
now. It is becoming politically
unacceptable.
GENERAL NORMAN
Those Apache weren't peaceful. They
were planning future raids.
BELKNAP
Can you prove that?
GENERAL NORMAN
I can prove they were Apache.
BELKNAP
That's not proof of hostile intent.
SHERMAN
What's the alternative?
BELKNAP
I know I’m the last one you expect
to hear this from, but I propose
peace negotiations.
GENERAL NORMAN
With Cochise? He's killed hundreds,
hell, thousands of soldiers and
settlers.
BELKNAP
In response to Americans killing
hundreds of Apache.
SHERMAN
Who would conduct these
negotiations?
BELKNAP
Someone with experience in
difficult negotiations and
reputation for integrity.
SHERMAN
You have someone in mind?
BELKNAP
General Oliver Howard.
GENERAL NORMAN
Howard? The one-armed preacher?
BELKNAP
The one-armed general who
successfully managed
Reconstruction.
GENERAL NORMAN
Indians aren't Southerners.
BELKNAP
No, but they're human beings with
legitimate grievances.
(a beat)
I once held opinions like yours,
but Lieutenant Whitman convinced me
otherwise. He said the Apache at
Camp Grant were completely
peaceful.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
A Surprising Proposal for Peace
EXT. FORT BOWIE - DAY
Jeffords returns from meeting with Cochise and meets with
Colonel Eyre. Eyre sits behind a large desk and Jeffords
stands before him.
JEFFORDS
Colonel, I just came from a meeting
with Cochise.
Colonel Eyre almost jumps out of his chair.
COLONEL EYRE
You met with Cochise, and you’re
alive?
Major Granger looks at him with curiosity about the truth of
what he’s saying.
GRANGER
Jeffords, how did you enter Apache
territory and return alive?
JEFFORDS
I asked permission.
GRANGER
From whom?
JEFFORDS
From Cochise.
GRANGER
You met with Cochise personally?
JEFFORDS
Yes. For many hours.
GRANGER
And he didn't kill you?
Jeffords laughs and tugs at his hair.
JEFFORDS
Obviously not. And I’ve still got
my scalp.
GRANGER
Why didn’t he kill you? He’s been
ruthless since Camp Grant.
JEFFORDS
Because I convinced him I wasn't
his enemy.
GRANGER
How?
JEFFORDS
By treating him with respect and
honesty.
GRANGER
And you talked for hours, about
what?
JEFFORDS
The possibility of peace.
EYRE
And his response?
JEFFORDS
He's willing to discuss terms with
someone who has authority to make
binding agreements.
(a beat)
But let me be clear. He can’t be
lied to. No tricks.
GRANGER
What kind of terms?
JEFFORDS
Terms that recognize Apache rights
while accepting American
sovereignty.
GRANGER
And what does Cochise need?
JEFFORDS
A homeland where Apache can live as
Apache.
EYRE
Jeffords, are you serious about
this?
JEFFORDS
Dead serious.
GRANGER
And Cochise is serious?
JEFFORDS
He's tired of burying young
warriors.
EYRE
I'll contact Washington. Better
yet, I’ll have General Carleton do
it.
JEFFORDS
And what will you tell them?
GRANGER
That peace might be possible if
they send someone with real
authority.
JEFFORDS
It has to be real authority. And
like I said before, we can’t lie to
him or go back on promises we make.
TITLE CARD: "SPRING 1872"
Genres:
["Western","Historical Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Clash of Ideologies: Negotiation vs. Authority
INT. TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS - DAY
GENERAL OLIVER HOWARD (42, one-armed Civil War veteran)
arrives and meets with TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR GIDDINGS (50s), a
man of strict discipline.
GIDDINGS
General Howard, I have concerns
about your mission.
HOWARD
What concerns?
GIDDINGS
I don’t like any agreement that
rewards Apache hostility.
HOWARD
I'm here to end Apache hostility,
not reward it. I believe in
treating all people with dignity.
GIDDINGS
By giving them what they want?
HOWARD
No, Governor. By finding out what
they need.
GIDDINGS
What they need is to accept
American authority.
HOWARD
And what Americans need is to
accept that Apache aren't going to
disappear. Let’s not forget that
the Apache were here first.
GIDDINGS
Regardless, they might disappear if
we applied sufficient pressure.
HOWARD
Ten years of pressure has resulted
in nothing but many lives lost.
GIDDINGS
What's the alternative?
HOWARD
A negotiated settlement that gives
both sides reason to choose peace
over war. And, Governor, I’m here
on President Grant’s orders.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Strategic Briefing at Fort Bowie
EXT. FORT BOWIE - DAY
Colonel Eyre briefs Howard when he arrives.
EYRE
General, Cochise isn't just another
hostile chief. He's a leader of
genuine intelligence and integrity.
(a beat)
He’s also the most cunning opponent
I’ve ever faced.
HOWARD
You've met him?
EYRE
No, but I’ve fought him, and I know
someone who’s met him; in fact,
he’s the only white man I know who
has met Cochise — and lived.
HOWARD
Tom Jeffords?
EYRE
You know about Jeffords?
HOWARD
Washington briefed me. A mail
carrier who's earned Cochise's
trust.
EYRE
More than trust — respect and
friendship. He’s welcome into any
Apache camp by Cochise’s word.
HOWARD
And Cochise trusts him enough to
negotiate through him?
EYRE
Cochise has granted Jeffords safe
passage and asked him to carry his
messages to American authorities.
HOWARD
Then I need to meet this Tom
Jeffords.
Genres:
["Western","Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Call for Peace: Negotiating with Cochise
INT. FORT BOWIE OFFICERS' QUARTERS - EVENING
Jeffords walks in, sits, and accepts a drink from General
Howard.
JEFFORDS
We’re meeting privately?
HOWARD
Yes, I want to know about Cochise,
and I don’t want interruptions.
Jeffords slugs his drink down, then holds his glass out for a
refill.
JEFFORDS
General, Cochise is a man of honor
who is fighting an honorable war.
HOWARD
Against whom?
JEFFORDS
Against people who want to destroy
Apache culture and steal Apache
land.
HOWARD
And you think that's accurate?
JEFFORDS
I’ve been in this territory for
many years, and I think that's
exactly what's happening.
HOWARD
What would change that?
JEFFORDS
We need to recognize that Apache
have legitimate rights, and those
rights must be respected.
HOWARD
What rights?
JEFFORDS
The right to live as Apache in
Apache homeland.
HOWARD
Under American sovereignty?
JEFFORDS
Under whatever arrangement
preserves Apache identity while
ending this war.
HOWARD
And you think Cochise would accept
such an arrangement?
JEFFORDS
I think Cochise would negotiate
such an arrangement with someone he
trusts. But we’d have to be fair.
And above all, we have to be
honest.
HOWARD
Would he negotiate with someone
like you?
JEFFORDS
Even someone like you, if you prove
yourself trustworthy.
HOWARD
How do I prove myself trustworthy?
JEFFORDS
By offering terms that Cochise can
accept with honor.
(a beat)
If we gave them a permanent
reservation in traditional Apache
territory with recognition of
Apache self-governance.
HOWARD
Those are substantial concessions.
JEFFORDS
They're necessary concessions if
you want peace instead of perpetual
war. Besides, General, what are we
giving up? This is desert land and
barren mountains with barely enough
water to live. But to the Apache,
it’s their homeland.
HOWARD
Mr. Jeffords, would you arrange a
meeting?
JEFFORDS
That depends.
HOWARD
On what?
JEFFORDS
On whether you're serious about
making peace or just going through
motions.
HOWARD
I'm serious, and I have President
Grant’s authority.
JEFFORDS
Then I'll arrange the meeting.
HOWARD
Where? His stronghold?
JEFFORDS
Wherever Cochise feels safe. And no
soldiers. Just you and essential
staff.
HOWARD
That's quite a risk. How will we
know it’s not a trap?
JEFFORDS
Because Cochise gave his word. And
Apache keep their word.
General Howard gives thought to Jeffords’ proposal, and nods.
HOWARD
How do we proceed?
JEFFORDS
I’ll go see Cochise and ask if
he’ll meet with you.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
A Fragile Hope for Peace
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - DAY
Jeffords returns to Cochise's stronghold carrying Howard's
proposal.
The Apache leader receives him as a trusted friend.
COCHISE
Tom Jeffords, you return with news.
JEFFORDS
I return with an opportunity.
COCHISE
Sit, and tell me.
JEFFORDS
The opportunity is to negotiate
peace with a man who has authority
to make binding agreements.
COCHISE
What kind of man?
JEFFORDS
A general sent by the president in
Washington with specific orders to
end this war.
COCHISE
Another general with another
worthless treaty?
JEFFORDS
This general is different.
COCHISE
How different?
JEFFORDS
His name is Oliver Howard. He's
known for keeping his word and
treating all people with dignity.
And he comes with orders from the
president — the great White Chief.
COCHISE
What has this Howard done to earn
this reputation?
JEFFORDS
He helped make all the Blacks free
from slavery after the Civil War.
COCHISE
Successfully?
JEFFORDS
Partially. But more importantly, he
never betrayed the trust of people
who had every reason not to trust
White authorities.
COCHISE
And he has authority to negotiate
for all Americans?
JEFFORDS
He has authority from the president
to negotiate whatever agreement
serves the cause of peace.
COCHISE
Where would this meeting take
place?
JEFFORDS
Wherever you choose.
COCHISE
I choose my stronghold. And the
general is to bring no soldiers.
(a beat)
Jeffords, if this is a trap ...
JEFFORDS
Then I die with you. But it's not a
trap.
COCHISE
Then I am ready to meet.
JEFFORDS
I'll tell General Howard.
COCHISE
If this General Howard proves to be
another lying White official, it
will be the last time Apache trust
White promises.
JEFFORDS
And if he proves to be an honorable
man?
COCHISE
Maybe there’s room for both our
peoples. If neither forgets who
they are.
JEFFORDS
That's all anyone can hope for.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
A Fragile Peace: The Cochise-Howard Treaty
EXT. CANADA ALAMOSA, NEW MEXICO - OCTOBER 1872
Cochise decides on a neutral meeting ground for the
negotiations. Howard arrives with minimal escort, and Cochise
arrives with only principal chiefs.
HOWARD
Chief Cochise, I am General Howard.
COCHISE
General Howard. I come seeking
honest discussion.
HOWARD
As do I.
COCHISE
Many generals have made promises to
Apache. All have been broken.
HOWARD
I cannot answer for other men's
lies. I can only give you my word.
COCHISE
And what is your word worth?
HOWARD
That remains to be seen. But I've
never broken a promise to anyone.
COCHISE
Why should Apache believe you?
HOWARD
Because I'm not asking you to
believe me. I'm asking you to judge
me by my actions.
(a beat)
I propose we negotiate an agreement
that gives both our peoples
something they need.
COCHISE
Apache need a homeland where we can
live as Apache without interference
from people who hate us.
HOWARD
And Americans need an end to
warfare that's costing millions of
dollars and thousands of lives.
COCHISE
And you believe both needs can be
satisfied?
HOWARD
I believe both needs must be
satisfied. It’s the only way to end
this war.
COCHISE
General Howard, what are your
terms?
HOWARD
A reservation encompassing your
traditional homeland in the Dragoon
Mountains.
COCHISE
How much territory?
HOWARD
Approximately two thousand three
hundred square miles of your
ancestral stronghold. That’s —
COCHISE
I know what two thousand three
hundred square miles is. It is far
less than what we had, but it will
be enough for our needs.
(a beat)
Under whose authority would this
land be?
HOWARD
Joint authority. Apache self-
governance within the reservation,
federal protection from outside
interference.
COCHISE
What kind of protection?
HOWARD
Protection from territorial
authorities who want your land.
Protection from civilian groups who
might attack peaceful Apache.
COCHISE
Like the murderers at Camp Grant?
HOWARD
Exactly like the murderers at Camp
Grant.
COCHISE
And what do you expect from Apache?
HOWARD
Keep peace with Americans. Accept
an Indian Agent. Allow children to
learn English alongside Apache
traditions.
COCHISE
I want Tom Jeffords as Indian
Agent?
Howard looks to the side, staring at Jeffords.
HOWARD
If Mr. Jeffords accepts.
JEFFORDS
I accept.
COCHISE
You are one man. America is many.
HOWARD
Then we’ll have to trust that honor
is stronger than prejudice.
COCHISE
We’ll see.
Cochise smokes a pipe while he thinks. After long
consideration, he reaches his decision.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
General, I don’t trust your courts,
but I will accept your terms.
HOWARD
And I accept yours.
Both leaders approach a simple wooden table where treaty
documents wait.
HOWARD (CONT’D)
Chief Cochise, by signing this
treaty, you agree to keep peace
with the United States and live
within the Chiricahua Apache
Reservation boundaries.
COCHISE
Jeffords, say what that means for
Apache.
JEFFORDS
By signing, you agree that Apache
may live as Apache in Apache
homeland under federal protection.
HOWARD
Agreed.
Cochise signs first, followed by Howard. Jeffords adds his
signature as Indian Agent and witness.
HOWARD (CONT’D)
Chief Cochise, this treaty
represents a new beginning.
COCHISE
General Howard, may it be a better
beginning than previous endings.
HOWARD
It will be if we both honor our
commitments.
COCHISE
Apache will honor commitments. The
question is whether Americans will
honor theirs.
HOWARD
This American will.
COCHISE
You are one man. America is many.
HOWARD
Then we'll have to trust that honor
is stronger than prejudice.
COCHISE
We'll see.
TITLE CARD: "THE CHIRICAHUA APACHE RESERVATION - 1873"
Genres:
["Historical Drama","Negotiation"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A New Dawn on the Apache Reservation
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY - SPRING
One year after treaty signing, the reservation shows
remarkable transformation. Apache families have built
permanent homes. Children play freely without fear.
Jeffords rides through the settlement as Indian Agent,
observing the success of the peace agreement.
EXT. APACHE VILLAGE AREA - DAY
Apache families engage in activities blending old and new
ways. Women make food using traditional methods and new ones.
Men work with horses, craft traditional weapons, and learn
new skills for interaction with the broader American economy.
APACHE WOMAN MARIA
(to Jeffords)
Mr. Jeffords, my son wants to learn
English. But I want him to remember
Apache too.
JEFFORDS
The schoolteacher can help with
that. Learning English doesn't mean
forgetting Apache.
MARIA
Are you certain?
JEFFORDS
Your son can be Apache and American
at the same time.
Young Apache woman HELEN (25) teaches children both English
literacy and traditional Apache stories.
Jeffords continues his ride through the settlement, observing
the transformation from warfare to peaceful community life.
He stops to watch Apache men building a corral for horses - a
sign of permanence and confidence in the future.
Naiche, now 16, approaches Jeffords.
NAICHE
Tom Jeffords, my father wishes to
speak with you.
(MORE)
NAICHE (CONT’D)
He says you look troubled. Like a
man carrying heavy thoughts.
JEFFORDS
Your father is wise.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
Cochise's Resolve
EXT. COCHISE'S CAMP - DAY
Jeffords finds Cochise working on a traditional Apache bow.
COCHISE
Tom, sit with me. You have news
from the outside world.
JEFFORDS
The territorial newspapers report
Apache raids have stopped. Settlers
are returning. Commerce is
increasing.
Cochise sets the bow down and lights his pipe. He takes a few
puffs, then hands it to Jeffords, who puffs on it also.
COCHISE
Good news first. Now the bad.
JEFFORDS
Some officials question whether the
reservation is too large. They want
to open parts for mining claims.
COCHISE
So they want all of our territory?
Cochise sets down his bow and looks out over his homeland.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
How long before they decide our
treaty is inconvenient?
JEFFORDS
General Howard is fighting these
proposals in Washington.
COCHISE
One man against how many?
JEFFORDS
More than I'd like to count.
COCHISE
Then we must make ourselves too
valuable to lose.
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY - TWO MONTHS LATER
Apache men work alongside white contractors building a
trading post. Apache women produce crafts for sale. Children
attend school, learning English alongside Apache.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Tensions Rise at Copper Canyon
INT. JEFFORDS' OFFICE - DAY
TAZA (20s) enters looking worried.
TAZA
Tom Jeffords, there is trouble
coming. White men with papers. They
measure our land.
JEFFORDS
Surveyors?
TAZA
Six men, with soldiers protecting
them. Near the copper canyon.
Jeffords grabs his hat and rifle.
JEFFORDS
Tell Cochise I've gone to
investigate.
EXT. COPPER CANYON - DAY
LEAD SURVEYOR HENDERSON (40s) greets Jeffords.
HENDERSON
You must be the Indian agent.
JEFFORDS
And you are?
HENDERSON
Henderson, territorial surveyor's
office. We're mapping this area for
mineral claims.
JEFFORDS
This is reservation land.
HENDERSON
Not anymore.
Henderson produces an official document.
HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Executive order modifying the
boundaries of the Chiricahua Apache
Reservation.
Jeffords reads with growing alarm.
JEFFORDS
This removes thirty percent of the
reservation. When was this signed?
HENDERSON
Last week.
JEFFORDS
These Indians have a treaty.
HENDERSON
Treaties can be modified when
circumstances change. Discovery of
significant copper deposits.
General Howard signed the
authorization.
Genres:
["Western","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
The Weight of Broken Promises
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY
Jeffords finds Cochise waiting.
COCHISE
The white surveyors measure our
land for themselves.
Jeffords lowers his head and wipes a tear from his eye. He
then hands over the orders for Cochise to look at.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
What does it say?
JEFFORDS
The government is reducing the size
of your reservation. About one-
third. The best one-third.
Cochise folds the document.
COCHISE
So it begins.
JEFFORDS
I'll fight this. I'll contact
General Howard and appeal this to
Washington.
COCHISE
And when they reduce our land again
next year? Will you fight that too?
And the year after that?
JEFFORDS
What are you saying?
COCHISE
I am saying that white men's
promises are like morning mist.
They disappear when the sun rises.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
The Weight of Change
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - SUNSET
Cochise addresses his people about the boundary changes.
COCHISE
The white government has decided we
need less land. They take the
mining areas but leave us the
grazing areas and the water
sources.
YOUNG WARRIOR
What if we refuse to accept this?
COCHISE
Then they will take all our land
instead of just part of it.
The harsh reality silences the protests.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
We are still Apache. We still live
in our homeland. We still have
peace instead of war.
PONCE
But for how long?
COCHISE
For as long as we are valuable to
them alive and dangerous to them
dead.
EXT. TELEGRAPH OFFICE - TUCSON - DAY
Jeffords sends urgent telegrams and receives quick responses.
Telegram text: "BOUNDARY MODIFICATIONS FINAL. NO APPEAL
PROCESS AVAILABLE. AGENT JEFFORDS WILL COMPLY WITH NEW
DIRECTIVES."
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Week to Save Our Home
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY
Cochise sits with Jeffords and talks.
COCHISE
So we have learned something
valuable. Treaties are not
promises.
JEFFORDS
I'm sorry, Chief. I thought this
would be different.
COCHISE
It was different. For a while. Now
we must adjust again.
JEFFORDS
What if I resigned and protested
publicly?
COCHISE
They would send us an agent who
cares nothing for Apache welfare.
Tom Jeffords, you have been more
honest with us than any White man.
JEFFORDS
And much good it's done.
COCHISE
More good than you know. Honesty,
even about unpleasant truths,
allows us to make wise decisions.
Such as deciding that partial peace
is better than total war.
A MESSENGER arrives.
MESSENGER
Mr. Jeffords, you have a message
from the governor's office.
Jeffords reads the letter with growing unease.
JEFFORDS
A territorial inspector is coming
to evaluate reservation operations.
COCHISE
What kind of evaluation?
JEFFORDS
The kind that usually precedes
major changes. Closure of the
reservation entirely. Relocation of
all Apache to a distant territory.
COCHISE
When?
JEFFORDS
The inspector arrives next week.
COCHISE
Then we have one week to save our
home.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Cultural Clash on the Apache Reservation
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY
TERRITORIAL INSPECTOR MORRISON (50s) arrives with a small
escort.
MORRISON
Mr. Jeffords, I'm here to conduct
an evaluation of this reservation.
I'm particularly interested in the
expense of maintaining Apache on
this reservation versus alternative
arrangements.
JEFFORDS
What alternative arrangements?
MORRISON
Consolidation with other tribes at
established facilities.
The inspection tour reveals a community that functions well.
Apache children demonstrate their education, adults show
their productive activities.
MORRISON (CONT’D)
(to Cochise)
Chief, what percentage of your
young men engage in traditional
hunting activities?
COCHISE
Half.
MORRISON
And the other half?
COCHISE
They work on the reservation. They
build houses, tend horses, and help
with farming.
MORRISON
So half your men are essentially
unemployed. Hunting is not
productive labor.
COCHISE
It produces food.
MORRISON
You received 500 pounds of flour
last month, Chief, yet your people
are still hunting. Is government
food not good enough for them?
COCHISE
Hunting is a way of life for the
Apache. It's not just about food.
MORRISON
The goal is assimilation. It
doesn't concern us if they refuse
to become civilized.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Sunset Tensions
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - SUNSET
Morrison delivers his preliminary assessment.
MORRISON
Chief, you have done well here, for
an Indian. But my report must
reflect the facts. This reservation
is too large for a people who do
not farm it, and it costs the
government a great deal to supply
men who would rather hunt than
work. The governor will want to
know if it wouldn't be more
efficient to move your people to
San Carlos, where they can be
properly civilized.
JEFFORDS
Inspector, these people have
honored every agreement they've
made, even while we broke them.
MORRISON
Compliance is not the same as
transformation.
COCHISE
And if we resist?
MORRISON
Then it would likely mean
relocation to facilities better
equipped for civilization.
JEFFORDS
You mean prison camps.
MORRISON
I mean educational institutions.
After Morrison leaves, Cochise and Jeffords sit in heavy
silence.
COCHISE
There is something I must tell you,
Tom. I am not well. The sickness
inside me grows stronger. The
medicine men say it cannot be
cured.
JEFFORDS
How long have you known?
COCHISE
Months.
JEFFORDS
Why didn't you tell me?
COCHISE
Because there was nothing you could
do about it. That is why this
decision about the reservation is
so important. Because my son will
inherit whatever we decide now.
JEFFORDS
Naiche is a good man.
COCHISE
He is a good man. But he is young.
He will need guidance. From you.
JEFFORDS
I don't know how much longer I'll
be allowed to serve as agent here.
COCHISE
Then you must teach him quickly.
Teach him how to survive in a White
man's world without becoming a
White man. And if that's not
possible, then you must teach him
how to keep his head high when
others try to bow it.
Naiche rides up urgently.
NAICHE
Soldiers come from the fort. A full
company. With the colonel who hates
Apache.
COCHISE
Granger.
Cochise and Jeffords exchange grim looks.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
It seems we have our answer sooner
than expected.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Confrontation at the Apache Reservation
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY
Colonel Granger arrives with a full company of cavalry.
GRANGER
Mr. Jeffords, I have orders from
the territorial governor. Immediate
suspension of all reservation
operations pending a complete
reorganization. All Apache
residents are to be relocated to
the San Carlos reservation within
two weeks.
COCHISE
And if we refuse?
GRANGER
Chief, you don't have that option.
COCHISE
Every man has the option to choose
where he dies.
GRANGER
I'd rather not make this more
difficult than necessary.
JEFFORDS
Colonel, these people have honored
every agreement they've made.
GRANGER
That's no longer relevant. The
political situation has changed.
Pressure from mining interests,
complaints from settlers, demands
for more productive use of
territorial resources.
COCHISE
So our land is more valuable than
our lives.
GRANGER
Chief, no one wants to harm your
people, but I’ve buried almost 100
men from wars with your people,
most younger than my own son.
(beat)
If putting you in San Carlos keeps
one boy from dying in some
godforsaken arroyo, then yes. It’s
worth it.
COCHISE
No, you just want to remove us from
everything that makes us Apache.
Will we still be Apache at San
Carlos? Crowded together with our
traditional enemies? Far from our
sacred places? Dependent on
government handouts for survival?
GRANGER
You'll be alive.
COCHISE
Alive is not the same as living.
Cochise steps forward.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
Colonel, I request three weeks to
prepare my people.
GRANGER
Two weeks, Chief. And that's
generous.
After Granger leaves with his troops, the Apache gather
around their leader.
YOUNG WARRIOR
What do we do? We could fight. At
least we would die as free men.
COCHISE
And our children would die with us.
YOUNG WARRIOR
It is better than living as slaves.
COCHISE
Our children may not agree.
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
A Choice Between Survival and Identity
EXT. COCHISE'S CAMP - NIGHT
Cochise meets privately with his family and advisors.
DOS-TEH-SEH
Must we really leave this place?
COCHISE
We must choose between leaving and
dying.
NAICHE
Father, what would you have us do?
COCHISE
Survive, and remember who we are
while learning who we must become.
When I am gone, you will lead these
people.
NAICHE
Father, you are not going anywhere.
COCHISE
I am going where all men go
eventually. The question is whether
I go before or after I see you
ready to lead.
NAICHE
I am not ready.
COCHISE
Then you must become ready quickly.
JEFFORDS
I'll help as much as I can, but
soon I’ll be sent to Oklahoma.
But I'll find ways to stay in
touch.
COCHISE
Your word has always been good,
Tom, even if your general friend’s
was not. He betrayed us.
(a beat)
But don’t worry, Tom. I won’t kill
you.
Jeffords shakes his head.
JEFFORDS
Maybe you should. That’s what we
agreed on, and he didn’t keep his
promise.
Tom kicks the ground, bringing up dust. Then kicks it again.
JEFFORDS (CONT’D)
I’m usually a better judge of
people than that.
Cochise laughs, which causes him to cough.
COCHISE
Even a wolf bows before a bear.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
A Leader's Farewell
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY - TWO WEEKS LATER
Cochise can barely stand without assistance, and his words
are those of a feeble older man.
COCHISE
Say goodbye to our homeland. You
may never see it again.
JEFFORDS
Chief, you need medical attention.
COCHISE
I need to see my people safely
relocated.
JEFFORDS
You won't be able to do that if you
collapse; besides, that won’t
happen so quickly.
COCHISE
Then I will not collapse.
JEFFORDS
That's not how illness works.
COCHISE
It is how leadership works.
But even as he speaks, Cochise sways on his feet. Jeffords
catches him before he falls.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
Tom, look at me.
Jeffords sees that Cochise is dying.
JEFFORDS
How long?
COCHISE
Days. Perhaps weeks if I am strong.
The relocation must happen without
me.
JEFFORDS
The people won't leave if you're
not with them.
COCHISE
Then you must convince them by
showing them that some things are
more important than one man's life.
TITLE CARD: "JUNE 8, 1874"
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Dawn of Legacy
EXT. COCHISE'S WICKIUP - DAWN
Cochise's condition deteriorates rapidly. His family gathers
as their leader weakens.
NAICHE (now 19 and showing signs of leadership) maintains
vigil alongside DOS-TEH-SEH, and other relatives.
Jeffords sits beside his friend, honoring their years of
mutual respect.
COCHISE
(weakly)
Tom.
JEFFORDS
I'm here.
COCHISE
The treaty ... will it survive?
JEFFORDS
If people remember why it was
necessary.
COCHISE
And if they forget?
JEFFORDS
Then we'll have proven that peace
was possible, even if we couldn't
make it permanent.
COCHISE
Promise me something, Tom. Don’t
let them forget that peace worked.
(a beat)
And don't let them forget that
Apache kept every promise.
Cochise turns to his son.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
Naiche.
NAICHE
Yes, Father.
COCHISE
Lead with wisdom, not anger, and
remember that survival matters more
than revenge.
NAICHE
I'll remember.
COCHISE
But also remember that some things
are worth dying for. The things
that make life worth living.
Cochise's breathing becomes labored.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
Tom ... when I die ... bury me in
the old country.
JEFFORDS
The old country is forbidden now.
COCHISE
You will have to go in secret.
Cochise reaches out and grabs Tom’s wrist.
COCHISE (CONT’D)
Promise me. And don't tell anyone
where. My grave should be the one
place they can never take from me.
Cochise closes his eyes, and dies as he lived.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
The Secret Burial of Cochise
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - NIGHT
Under cover of darkness, Jeffords and a small group of
trusted Apache warriors, carries Cochise's body deep into
forbidden territory.
They travel without lights, guided by moonlight and intimate
knowledge of terrain. The burial site is a hidden canyon
where Cochise played as a child — a place of spiritual
significance known to few.
JEFFORDS
(to burial party)
This stays between us. Forever.
APACHE WARRIOR
The soldiers will search for the
grave.
JEFFORDS
Let them search. They'll never find
it.
The burial ceremony follows traditional Apache customs, with
prayers and offerings connecting Cochise to the sacred
landscape he died defending.
JEFFORDS (CONT’D)
He's home now.
DOS-TEH-SEH
(in Apache)
The mountains will guard his
spirit.
NAICHE
(in Apache)
He is home, and the land will never
forget him.
They return under cover of darkness, carrying the secret that
will never be revealed.
TITLE CARD: "TWO YEARS LATER - 1876"
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Betrayal at the Capitol
EXT. TERRITORIAL CAPITOL – DAY
TERRITORIAL COMMISSIONER CLAYTON (45, ambitious politician)
corners Jeffords in the hallway after a closed-door session.
CLAYTON
You’ve had your little experiment,
Jeffords, and it has lasted much
longer than it should. Now we’re
taking over.
JEFFORDS
The Apache have a treaty signed by
the president.
CLAYTON
(smirking)
Paper is easy to tear when there’s
copper underneath.
Jeffords stares, realizing the game is rigged.
EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY
Unaware of political developments, Apache families continue
peaceful lives.
Children play traditional games while learning new skills.
Adults work on crafts and new economic activities.
The success of the reservation makes the coming betrayal even
more tragic.
NAICHE
(to Jeffords)
Tom, I hear rumors from town.
JEFFORDS
What rumors?
NAICHE
Rumors that white men want to
change our treaty, claiming our
land is needed for mining.
JEFFORDS
The treaty protects against that.
NAICHE
Or does it protect only as long as
white men choose to honor it?
JEFFORDS
Federal law can't be changed
without Apache consent.
NAICHE
I know that’s what the treaty says,
but is that what it means?
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Confrontation at the Reservation
EXT. RESERVATION HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Clayton arrives with federal marshals and territorial
officials, a sign of major changes.
CLAYTON
I told you I’d be back, Jeffords.
We’re revising the reservation
boundaries.
JEFFORDS
You can’t do that; those boundaries
are fixed by treaty.
CLAYTON
If it’s in the public interest, we
can modify any treaty.
JEFFORDS
What about the Apache? This is
their reservation.
CLAYTON
Wrong. This is federal land they
are using temporarily.
Naiche steps forward.
NAICHE
What changes are you making?
CLAYTON
We’re taking the land with mineral
deposits — copper and silver.
NAICHE
That’s most of our territory.
CLAYTON
We’re redrawing the territory, and
if you oppose it, you’ll face
forced military relocation.
NAICHE
So white men change treaties when
they find something valuable?
CLAYTON
There will be enough land left.
Naiche shakes his head, turns, and leaves. Jeffords follows.
NAICHE
What now, Tom?
JEFFORDS
We fight everywhere we can.
NAICHE
You’d fight your own people?
JEFFORDS
I’ll fight alongside people who
keep their word against those who
don’t.
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Forced Relocation: A Tragic Exile
EXT. RESERVATION - DAY - SIX MONTHS LATER
Federal troops surround the reservation while officials read
orders for complete relocation. COLONEL JEFFERSON (40s,
career officer) rides to the front and reads from papers his
aide hands him.
COLONEL JEFFERSON
By order of the Department of
Interior, all Apache residing on
the Chiricahua Reservation will be
relocated to the San Carlos
Reservation.
(a beat)
We leave tomorrow morning.
NAICHE
What about our homes and
belongings?
COLONEL JEFFERSON
Take what you can carry. The rest
of it will be disposed of.
Apache families rush to pack their few belongings for forced
exile, though much is left behind. Children cry for toys and
adults leave behind many items deemed unnecessary.
Many Apache wives chant ancient rituals before the graves of
thei ancestors.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
The Last Departure
EXT. APACHE VILLAGE - NIGHT
The scene is heartbreaking. Families abandon homes they
built, graves of ancestors, sacred sites they've protected
for generations.
APACHE GRANDMOTHER MARIA
(to grandchildren, in
Apache)
Remember this place. Remember how
the mountains look.
APACHE CHILD
(in Apache)
Why, Grandmother?
MARIA
(in Apache)
Because someday we'll come home.
CHILD
(in Apache)
When?
MARIA
(in Apache)
When the world remembers that this
is where we belong.
EXT. RESERVATION - DAWN
The forced march begins. Apache families load possessions
onto government wagons for journey to San Carlos. It is 100
miles from their home, and it is an extremely hot, arid, low
desert known by all to be disease ridden.
Naiche maintains dignity even in defeat, leading his people
with bearing of a true chief.
Jeffords rides alongside the procession, sharing the exile of
his adopted people.
As the last wagon disappears over the horizon, the Chiricahua
Reservation ceases to exist.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
A Farewell to Promises
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - SUNSET
Jeffords makes his final visit to Cochise's hidden grave,
carrying the weight of broken promises and failed hopes.
He places a stone on the unmarked burial site and sits in
contemplative silence.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
(to the grave)
They broke it, old friend. Just
like you said they would.
Wind stirs the desert vegetation.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
Four years. That's all we managed.
Four years of peace in a lifetime
of war.
A hawk circles overhead, crying its wild call.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
Your people are strong. Naiche
leads them well. But they're going
to a place that's not home.
The sun sets behind the mountains, painting the landscape red
and gold.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
People ask me if it was worth it. I
tell them yes. Because for four
years, children played without
fear. For four years, we proved
enemies could become friends.
As darkness approaches, Jeffords prepares to leave the grave
for the last time.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
You were right about honor being
more important than victory. And
right about friendship being
possible between different peoples.
He mounts his horse and rides toward the distant lights of
Tucson.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
But you were also right that some
promises are too valuable to keep
when keeping them becomes
expensive.
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Echoes of the Past
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - DAY (1892) - SIX YEARS LATER
Jeffords, now in his sixties, has retired from all government
service and lives as a hermit prospector in the desert north
of Tucson.
His small shack is surrounded by saguaro cacti and the modest
equipment of a man who mines for solitude more than profit.
He tends a small garden, reads books, and writes in his
journal.
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - SUNSET
As evening falls, Jeffords sits on his porch. rocking in his
chair, and watching the sun set behind the distant mountains.
A coyote calls in the distance, and he answers with a fair
imitation of the sound.
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - DAY
A rider approaches, and its rare enough to draw attention.
The rider proves to be a young REPORTER (30s) from the
Arizona Republican newspaper, drawn by stories of the famous
Indian agent turned hermit.
REPORTER COLLINS
Mr. Jeffords? I'm James Collins
from the Arizona Republican.
Jeffords looks up with obvious annoyance.
JEFFORDS
I don't talk to reporters.
COLLINS
I'd like to ask you about your time
with the Apache and about your
friendship with Cochise.
JEFFORDS
That was a long time ago.
COLLINS
But surely you have stories about
the peace treaty and your years as
an Indian agent ...
JEFFORDS
The peace didn't last, and the
reservation was closed.
Jeffords looks into the sunset.
JEFFORDS (CONT’D)
And Cochise died.
COLLINS
But during those years, you
achieved something remarkable.
Tom stops rocking and looks up. A smile appears on his face.
JEFFORDS
For a few years, yes.
COLLINS
Doesn't that count for something?
Jeffords looks at the reporter, then at the vast desert
landscape, then back to the reporter as he considers the
question, still smiling.
JEFFORDS
I suppose it does.
COLLINS
What was Cochise really like? As a
man, I mean.
Jeffords is quiet for a long moment. A tear forms.
JEFFORDS
(quietly)
He was the finest man I ever knew.
Apache or White.
COLLINS
The newspapers called him a savage.
JEFFORDS
The newspapers never met him;
besides, they print what people
want to read.
COLLINS
What made him different from other
Apache leaders?
JEFFORDS
He understood that being strong
didn’t mean being cruel, and that a
true leader protects his people,
not his pride.
COLLINS
Do you think he was right to make
peace?
JEFFORDS
He did what he thought was best for
his people.
COLLINS
Some say he sold out Apache
traditions.
JEFFORDS
People say a lot of foolish things.
COLLINS
What would you say to those
critics?
JEFFORDS
I'd say they never had to choose
between their children's traditions
and their children's lives.
The reporter scribbles notes, clearly impressed by Jeffords'
perspective.
COLLINS
Do you have any regrets about your
time with the Apache?
JEFFORDS
A man who lives without regrets
hasn't lived much of a life.
Jeffords looks up at the reporter and snaps.
JEFFORDS (CONT’D)
Look, I’m tired of these questions.
COLLINS
Just a few more, Mr. Jeffords.
(a beat)
What's your biggest regret?
JEFFORDS
That it ended. All of it.
COLLINS
The peace?
JEFFORDS
The possibility.
(a beat)
For a few years, we proved that
enemies could become friends. That
understanding could bridge any
divide.
COLLINS
Do you think such understanding is
possible again?
Jeffords pauses and looks at the horizon.
JEFFORDS
I don’t know. But I keep planting
corn.
COLLINS
And?
JEFFORDS
They plowed it under for a mine.
But I still remember the taste of
that first ear of corn.
(a beat)
Maybe that’s enough.
The reporter closes his notebook, sensing that the interview
has reached its natural conclusion.
After the reporter leaves, Jeffords remains on his porch as
the sun sets, lost in memories of better days.
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Echoes of Friendship
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - DAY (1900) - YEARS LATER
Jeffords, now 68, continues his solitary existence but shows
signs of aging. He moves more slowly and reads more.
A unexpected visitor breaks his routine - an Apache man on
horseback, the first he's seen in years.
The rider proves to be JOSEPH (25), one of Naiche's sons,
though Jeffords doesn't immediately recognize him.
JOSEPH
Tom Jeffords?
JEFFORDS
Depends who's asking.
JOSEPH
I am Joseph, son of Naiche.
Grandson of Cochise.
This gets Jeffords' complete attention. He studies the young
man's face and sees the unmistakable resemblance. He also
sees government tags on his belongings, a sign that he is
becoming less Apache.
JEFFORDS
Joseph. You were just a child when
I last saw you.
JOSEPH
My father sent me to find you.
JEFFORDS
Why? Is he well?
JOSEPH
He lives. But he grows old, and the
reservation life has been hard on
our people.
JEFFORDS
Where are you now?
JOSEPH
Still at San Carlos. Some of our
people were moved to other places -
Florida or Oklahoma. Scattered like
seeds in the wind.
JEFFORDS
And your father sent you here?
JOSEPH
To tell you he remembers — all the
Apache remember the time of peace.
The time when Apache and white men
lived without war.
JEFFORDS
That was a long time ago.
JOSEPH
My grandfather's words are still
spoken around our fires. His wisdom
is still taught to our children.
JEFFORDS
What wisdom is that?
JOSEPH
That enemies can become friends,
even between different peoples.
JEFFORDS
Do you believe that, Joseph?
JOSEPH
I have to believe it. I work for
the Indian Agency now.
(MORE)
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Trying to build bridges between
Apache and white communities.
JEFFORDS
Good for you. Any success?
JOSEPH
Some. It's slow work.
JEFFORDS
The best work usually is.
Joseph dismounts and sits on Jeffords' porch.
JOSEPH
My father wanted you to have this.
He hands Jeffords a beaded Apache armband, beautifully
crafted in traditional patterns.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
It belonged to my grandfather. He
wore it when he signed the treaty
with General Howard.
Jeffords takes the armband with trembling hands.
JEFFORDS
I can't accept this.
JOSEPH
You already have. It was always
meant for you.
JEFFORDS
Tell your father ... tell him I've
never forgotten.
JOSEPH
I will.
JEFFORDS
And tell him the peace we built
wasn't wasted. It showed what was
possible.
JOSEPH
Perhaps someday it will be possible
again.
JEFFORDS
Perhaps.
JOSEPH
Tom Jeffords, you will always be
remembered as a friend of the
Apache.
JEFFORDS
And Cochise will always be
remembered as a friend of mine.
Joseph mounts his horse to leave.
JOSEPH
There is one more thing.
JEFFORDS
What?
JOSEPH
My father says to tell you that the
old Apache prophecy speaks of a
time when all peoples will live
together in peace.
JEFFORDS
Do you believe in prophecies?
JOSEPH
I believe in hope.
JEFFORDS
That's probably the same thing.
Joseph rides away, leaving Jeffords alone with his memories
and the precious gift that connects him to his past.
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - SUNSET
That evening, Jeffords sits on his porch wearing Cochise's
armband. He looks out at the desert and mountains where he
spent the most meaningful years of his life.
The desert is alive with subtle sounds - wind through cacti,
the distant call of an owl, the rustle of small creatures
moving through brush.
Jeffords closes his eyes and remembers better days.
FLASHBACK - EXT. APACHE RESERVATION - DAY
Young Apache children playing while their parents work
peacefully. Cochise and Jeffords walking together, planning
for the future.
The image fades back to the present.
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - NIGHT
Jeffords writes in his journal by lamplight.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
Today a young Apache man brought me
a gift from the past and a glimpse
of the future. His grandfather's
armband reminds me that some
friendships survive death, and some
dreams survive defeat.
He pauses, considering his words.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
Perhaps that's enough. Perhaps it's
all any of us can hope for - to
plant seeds that might grow long
after we're gone.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Reflections at Dawn
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - DAY (1914) - FOURTEEN YEARS LATER
Jeffords, now 82 and frail, continues his solitary existence
but moves with the careful precision of a very old man.
He still tends his garden and maintains his modest mining
claims, but spends most of his time reading and remembering.
On a crisp February morning, he sits on his porch wrapped in
a blanket, watching the sunrise over the desert he's called
home for more than twenty years.
The armband Cochise wore still rests on his wrist, a constant
reminder of friendship and loss.
A neighbor, WILLIAM FARIAN (40s), a photographer and
occasional visitor, arrives with supplies from Tucson.
FARIAN
Morning, Tom. Brought your mail and
some supplies.
JEFFORDS
Much obliged, Bill.
FARIAN
You're looking a bit peaked. You
feeling alright?
JEFFORDS
Feeling my age, is all.
FARIAN
Maybe you should consider moving
into town. Get closer to a doctor.
JEFFORDS
I'm closer to everything I need
right here.
Farian tilts his head.
FARIAN
Such as?
JEFFORDS
Peace. Quiet. Good memories.
FARIAN
Mind if I take your photograph? For
posterity.
JEFFORDS
Posterity won't care what I looked
like.
FARIAN
Maybe not. But I will.
Reluctantly, Jeffords agrees. Farian sets up his camera
equipment.
FARIAN (CONT’D)
Just sit natural. Look comfortable.
JEFFORDS
I am comfortable.
The photograph captures an old man at peace with himself and
his choices, surrounded by the harsh beauty he's learned to
love.
FARIAN
That's a fine shot. Might be the
last one anyone takes of the famous
Tom Jeffords.
JEFFORDS
I was never famous. Just stubborn.
FARIAN
Sometimes that's the same thing.
After Farian leaves, Jeffords remains on his porch, watching
clouds form over the distant mountains.
Genres:
["Drama","Western"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
A Final Reflection
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - SUNSET
As the sun sets on February 18, 1914, Jeffords prepares for
what he somehow knows will be his last evening.
He writes a final entry in his journal.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
If anyone reads this after I'm
gone, remember that I was just a
man who tried to do right in a
difficult time. I made mistakes,
had regrets, and lost more battles
than I won.
He pauses, considering his final words.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
But for a few brief years, I had
the privilege of calling Cochise my
friend. That friendship taught me
that peace is always possible, if
we have the courage to choose it.
He closes the journal and looks out at the stars appearing in
the darkening sky.
JEFFORDS (V.O.)
I go now to whatever waits beyond
this life, carrying with me the
hope that someday, someone else
will have the courage to build
bridges where others see only
walls.
EXT. OWLS HEAD BUTTES - DAWN (FEBRUARY 19, 1914)
William Farian arrives in the morning with supplies for his
friend. He finds Jeffords dead in his chair, facing the
direction of the Dragoon Mountains. He wears Cochise's
armband.
FARIAN
(removing his hat)
Rest in peace, old friend.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
A Farewell to Tom Jeffords
EXT. EVERGREEN CEMETERY, TUCSON - DAY
A small funeral service for Tom Jeffords. The attendance is
modest but respectful - some old-timers who remember the
Apache wars, a few officials from the territorial government,
and several Apache men who have traveled from distant
reservations.
The MINISTER reads from prepared remarks.
MINISTER
Thomas Jeffords lived through the
transformation of the American
frontier — he witnessed the end of
one era and the beginning of
another.
Among the mourners stands Joseph, serving as a translator for
the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He carries a small Apache
prayer bundle.
MINISTER (CONT’D)
He will be remembered as a man who
chose understanding over hatred,
peace over war.
Joseph approaches the grave and places the prayer bundle on
the simple headstone that reads: "THOMAS J. JEFFORDS 1832-
1914 FRIEND OF COCHISE."
JOSEPH
(in Apache, subtitled)
Go well, friend of Cochise. May
your spirits meet again in the
place where all good men gather.
He steps back and offers a traditional Apache prayer for the
dead.
Other Apache mourners join the prayer, their voices carrying
across the desert cemetery.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
Legacy of Friendship
EXT. DRAGOON MOUNTAINS - SUNSET
The camera rises above the burial scene to show the vast
Arizona landscape. The mountains where Cochise and his people
once lived freely stretch to the horizon.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Tom Jeffords died on February 19,
1914, taking with him the secret of
Cochise's burial place - a secret
he kept for forty years.
The sun sets behind the mountains, casting long shadows
across the desert.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The friendship between these two
men proved that enemies can become
allies.
The last light fades from the peaks.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
For four years, their peace held.
In a century of warfare, it was a
brief moment of hope.
Stars begin to appear in the darkening sky.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
But perhaps brief moments of hope
are enough. Perhaps they remind us
that peace is always possible, if
we have the courage to choose it.
The vast desert and mountains sit under a canopy of stars.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Their legacy lives on in every
choice between war and peace,
between fear and understanding,
between hatred and friendship.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Somewhere in these mountains,
Cochise rests in his secret grave.
And somewhere in the desert, the
seeds of their friendship continue
to grow, waiting for the right
season to bloom again.
FADE TO BLACK.
TITLE CARD:
"In memory of Cochise (c. 1805-1874) and Thomas Jeffords
(1832-1914), who proved that peace is always possible."
FINAL TITLE CARD:
"The exact location of Cochise's grave remains unknown to
this day."
FADE OUT.