*We open in the boys' apartment, in Slip's room. He sits up in bed, the wheelchair sitting next to the bed, and reads "The Prisoner Of Zenda."*

Duke: (He comes in, hat in hand; holds a package) Hi, buddy. How's the leg feelin'?

Slip: *Shrugs as he slides a bookmark between the pages* It's all right.

Duke: (Hands Slip a present) Here. Somethin' to do until you get back on your feet.

Slip: *Opens the present and pulls out a hefty book* "War and Peace." Granted, I've been wantin' to read this, but it's pretty hefty. You tryin' to tell me som'en here?

Duke: How long are you gonna be stuck here?

Slip: Bernie said a couple weeks, but there ain't no way I'm spending weeks in here.

Duke: Uh-huh. Well, I ran into Sach at Louie's, and he said you wanted to see me. I was on my way here anyway to deliver that book, so...what's goin' on?

Slip: I want ya to keep an eye on the fellas. Obviously I can't do it, not from here, an’ I don't want them hangin' around here night an' day.

Duke: Well, they do live here, an' you're gonna need some help sometime.

Slip: Y'know this is killin' me, right? *sighs* Will you be their interim Chief?

Duke: (Nods) Sure. I'm not doin' anythin' else right now. Usual stuff - keep Sach out of trouble, keep Chuck n' Butch from fightin', make sure no one kills anyone else?

Slip: *nods* Yeah. An' Whitey's been workin' more, so you won't see much of him. *pauses, as if remembering, and rolls his eyes* Then there's Danny. He made fast friends wit' Sach an' Butch. Keep an' eye on that kid. For some reason, he worries me more than Sach does.

Duke: (Crosses his arms) If you mean Danny Kaminisky, I've met the guy...and I liked him. He don't seem to be doin' anyone any harm.

Slip: Oh, I'm sure he ain't doin' anyone any harm. I don't think the guy could swat a fly. There's just som'en about him that worries me, that's all.

Duke: (Shrugs) Ok. I'll keep an eye on him. (Mutters to himself) I'll ask Chuck and Butch about this when I get back to Louie's. There ain't nothin' wrong with that guy.

Slip: Thanks, Duke.

Duke: (Pats Slip on the shoulder) Anytime, pal. We all just want to see you rested and back on your feet.

Slip: Me, too.

Duke: Feel better! I'll send Sach or Chuck over later to check up on you.

Slip: *nods* Alright.

(Duke heads out, leaving Slip with "War and Peace" on his lap.)

*Slip picks up "War & Peace" and starts reading that as we fade out.*

(Fade in on Louie's. Butch is reading the arts and entertainment section of the newspaper. Sach is eating a banana split. Louie's wiping the counter.)

*Chuck sits at the back-most booth, surrounded by his typewriter, notepad, and assorted papers. He's busy writing on the notepad.*

Butch: (Peers over his newspaper at Chuck) How's the article coming, Chuck?

Chuck: Slowly. And my eyes are getting bleary.

Sach: Why don't you take a rest and have a snack with me?

Chuck: I'd like to, but I have to get this in first thing tomorrow morning, and I just can't seem to quite get it.

Butch: What's it about, anyway?

Chuck: It's about this aviator coming to town, but I can't seem to make heads or tails out of the technical jargon. I just feel like I don't have a clue of what I'm writing about... *sighs* which I don't.

Butch: Why don't you ask Bobby? He's a pilot.

Chuck: I considered that and tried to get him, but he's away on a job and won't be back until the end of the week. That's too late.

Butch: Did you talk to some of the people who work at the same hanger? They're all nice guys.

Chuck: I tried, but they were really technical in their answers. I don't have a clue of what they were talking about.

Danny: *Comes in* Hi, fellas!

Chuck: *With a sigh* Hey, Dan.

Sach: Danny! My pal! (Runs over to him and hugs him) How are ya feelin'?

Danny: Doin' alright. How about you?

Sach: I'm fine. Want a banana split? Chuckie's treatin'. He just got paid.

Chuck: I'm what?

Sach: Yeah! Come on!

Butch: Um, Sach, I don't think Chuck gets paid that much, and we do have to pay for Slip's doctor bills...

Danny: I don't know, Sach. I don't wanna take advantage.

Chuck: Doctor bills which have already tapped the till.

Louie: And you don't have any more credit.

Sach: You always say that, Louie.

Louie: I mean it this time! I know Slip's doctor bills cost money, but so does running a business...and I already helped pay the worst of his bills.

Danny: How is Slip, anyway?

*Chuck just grunts.*

Danny: That good?

Sach: He's bored, an' likes to think we're his servants when we're at home. Guy can't even watch any wrestlin' anymore without Chiefy hollerin' for somethin'!

Danny: Yikes. What happened to him?

*Now Chuck snorts.*

Sach: He's laid up at our place with a busted leg.

Danny: How'd it happen?

Chuck: *Mutters* Wouldn't we all like to know.

Danny: Huh?

Sach: (Shrugs) Chiefy won't tell us.

Duke: (He comes in at this point) Chiefy won't tell us what?

Sach: How he got hurt. Did he tell you?

Duke: Didn't tell me a thing about it.

Danny: I wonder what happened...

Sach: He probably tripped over somethin' embarrassin' an' don't wanna admit it.

Louie: How is he feeling, Duke?

Duke: He seemed okay, if bored. He was reading when I got there.

Louie: Poor Slipula. It's a shame he's stuck up there. Sally's visited him as much as she could.

Sach: And don't forget all the recent excitement with that crazy guy who almost killed us! (Turns to Chuck) You got that story, right?

Chuck: Oh, I got that one.

Sach: Dukey, did the Chief tell you we solved a murder without leavin' the apartment?

Duke: We didn't chat for very long, but I did see Chuck's article. Anyway, it sounds like he's going to be laid-up for a while, so I'm gonna step in and help out.

Sach: Hey, that's great! I haven't seen you in ages, Dukey!

Louie: Does this mean you're going to pay my bill?

Duke: I'll do what I can, Louie.

Chuck: *Taps his pencil on the pad* He made you Chief?

Duke: Essentially, yeah.

*Chuck nods, but has a look saying he didn't see that coming. He goes back to his article.*

Sach: We haven't had two chiefs since Billy Hallop was one of 'em.

Duke: Just remember, Sach, what we say goes & Slip still over rules me.

Sach: Sure. Of course. He's the head Chiefy. So (grins at Duke) what are we gonna do today? Wanna go back to my place and see my chemistry set? I've been working on this great formula for hair growth! (Makes a face) I just can't get anyone to drink it.

Danny: *Makes a face* Because your last formula turned me into a five year old.

Duke: Sach, I'll take a rain check on that.

Sach: Ok, then, Dukey, why don't we go see a movie or something? I think we'll be at the Bijou just in time to sneak into the first matinee.

Duke: *Folds his arms* You got no money to pay Louie for dessert, but you have money for the movies?

Sach: I wasn't gonna pay to get in! I was gonna sneak in!

Duke: *Shakes his head* Sach...

(That's when...another Duke walks in. At least, it looks like Duke. He wears a leather flight jacket like Bobby's, a pair of slacks, and a pair of good boots. He goes over to Louie. Louie takes one look at him and his mouth drops open.)

Duke Double: Well, that's a funny way to greet customers. I'd like a cup of coffee and a map, please. I'm late for an appointment and really lost. I haven't been in New York in ages.

Sach: (His eyes widen) Duke...that guy at the counter looks like you! (Raises an eyebrow) Unless you look like him. Have you been lookin' like anyone lately?

Duke: I can see that, Sach.

Sach: You got any relatives we don't know about?

Duke: No, I don't.

Danny: *Appears next to Duke's double* Wow! Hey, you look just like Duke!

Duke Double: (Looks at Danny) Now, that's news. I look just like whom?

Danny: *Points at Duke, behind them* Duke!

Duke Double: (Looks behind him; his eyes widen) Oh my god...

Sach: (Squints at Duke) Are you sure you're still Dukey?

Duke: Holy cats... *turns to Sach* Yes, I'm Duke.

Duke Double: (He goes to Duke) How come you're goin' around, lookin' like me?

Duke: I was about to ask you the same thing.

Duke Double: I guess strange things happen when you fly all over the world. (He puts out his hand) Mark Keller, pilot. What's your name, bud?

Duke: *Accepts the hand and shakes it* Duke Coveleske. Good to meet you.

Mark: You wouldn't happen to have a map or something, do you? I'm late for a really huge appointment at the Marshall Building downtown.

Duke: *Turns to the fellas* You guys got a map here?

Chuck: There should be one in the back room. I'll get it.

*Chuck leaves the booth and heads into the back room. He comes out a few moments later with a folded map.*

Chuck: Here you go, Mark.

Mark: Thanks. (Turns to Louie, who continues to stare) If that poor guy can move, I think I'll take that coffee to go.

Sach: Well, you all heard the man! Get him some coffee!

Danny: Can I do it?

*But Danny doesn't wait for a response. He goes behind the counter, grabs a to-go cup and cover, and fills it with coffee. He comes back around and hands it to Mark.*

Danny: *Grins* Service with a smile.

*Duke's eyebrows go up.*

Mark: Thank you, sir. (He smiles and shakes Duke's hand again) Nice meeting you, Duke, and all of you, but I really have to go. Maybe I'll come back here and have lunch sometime when I'm in New York.

Duke: *Nods* And it's nice to meet you. I hope we get the chance to chat some time.

Mark: Thanks again! (He stuffs some money in Dan's hand and hurries out)

Danny: Hey, he's a good tipper! *takes the cash to the register and rings up the coffee*

Louie: I'm glad he actually remembered to pay. He was in such a hurry! I wonder what his appointment was for?

Sach: Hey Chuck, do you know anything about that guy?

Chuck: *Sighs* Who do you think I've been trying to write this article about?

Duke: Him? That's the aviator?

Sach: We should have asked him to slow down and give you an interview, Chuck!

Chuck: The man said he had an appointment. If he comes back, then I'll get an interview...maybe.

Sach: You heard the guy! He'll be back. He'll want his lunch!

Butch: But who is he? If he's a pilot, why is he meeting people downtown?

Sach: Maybe he's meeting some other pilots?

Butch: (Turns to Chuck) Any idea of what he might be doing?

Chuck: The Marshall Building. Perhaps he's going to fly out a shipment of something...

Sach: Yeah! Maybe it's a really big shipment, somethin' really hush-hush.

Duke: And find out if I can get a further opportunity to speak with him.

Butch: Yeah! That guy seems awfully suspicious to me. Chuck, do you know anything about what he's doing?

Chuck: Only that he's a pilot.

Sach: I agree with Butchy. I think it's weird that you're writin' about the guy and you don't even know anythin' about him.

Louie: Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know about him. Maybe he's doing something important and secret.

Sach: You mean, like spying?

Louie: Well...

Danny: He might be a spy?

Duke: Whoa, hang on, fellas! You're jumping to conclusions.

Sach: (Turns to Duke) Dukey, if the other you is a spy, do you think he'll let us help him track down the bad guys?

Duke: No. No bad guys.

Sach: Awww, but Dukey....

Duke: No buts!

Sach: Dukey, we've caught spies before!

Louie: But that was helping out my brother. We don't even know this fellow, no matter how much he looks like Duke!

Sach: Chuckie knows him! He's been writin' about him!

Chuck: Sach...

Duke: Listen, fellas, we'll go down there and try to set up Chuck's interview. That's it. Got it?

Butch: (Shrugs) Fine by me.

Sach: Aww, ok.

Chuck: Fine with me, too.

Danny: *Nods* I don't like spies.

Sach: Dukey, you're even less fun than the Chief!

Duke: Then I must be doing something right.

Louie: Be careful! I don't trust this fellow. He may not be a spy, but he could be involved in something else that's dangerous.

Duke: That's what I'm worried about.

Sach: But if he's in danger, he may need someone to save him!

Louie: And that someone should be the cops. If he is in that much trouble, call them.

Duke: Exactly, Louie.

Sach: Oh, let's just get goin'.

(Cut to the front of the Marshall Building. We hear Lucy rumble up to the building just as Mark walks out.)

Mark: (Grins) Hi there, fellas. Nice piece of junk there.

Sach: She's our piece of junk, and we love her!

Butch: (Nudges Chuck) Hey Mr. Reporter, if you want to talk to the guy, now would be a great time to do it!

Chuck: Mr. Keller, would you mind if I ask a few questions for an article I'm writing?

Mark: Ok, kid. What is it you want to know?

Chuck: Well, can you share any information about this appointment?

Mark: (Nods) It involves my new shipment. (Grins) I just designed my first airplane, kid. I brought in the parts and designs myself.

Chuck: Designed a plane? That's really neat. What made you decide to do this?

Mark: Been ridin' my home-made designs for years, but I was never able to get anyone interested in making more of them until now. (Grins) But now, I have our very own government in talks to build fifty of these babies for their own fly boys.

Chuck: That's fantastic. How did you become a flyer?

Mark: (Shrugs) I was in the Air Force durin' World War II and I just fell in love with the air. Yeah, there ain't nothin' like bein' up there in the sky. That's where the real freedom is. You can do anythin' up there. So I just stayed with planes after I got out, first with a large local shipping company, then on my own.

Chuck: We've got a friend named Bobby who says the same thing about flying.

Danny: And if you ever need another flyer, I'd be more than happy!

Mark: (Grins at Danny) You're a pilot too, huh? Maybe we'll have to get together and talk flyin' sometime. (Nods at Chuck) I'd like to meet Bobby, too.

Chuck: I'm sure he'd love to meet you. *pauses* Just one more question, Mark. Anything else you'd care to share about yourself, so the readers know where you're coming from?

Mark: Well, I was born in Boston, if that's what you mean. (He smiles) Just tell 'em I love to fly, kid. That's all they need to know.

Chuck: *Taken aback by the suddenly short answer* All right. Fair enough.

Mark: Yeah. The only person in my life is my plane. My parents passed away a while ago, and I couldn't bring myself to be involved with any other girl besides the one I fly in.

Sach: How come you look like Dukey?

Mark: He's just lucky, I guess.

Sach: (Laughs and nudges Duke) I ain't too sure about that.

Mark: Well, it was nice meeting you guys again. I hope your article comes out, kid.

Duke: Good to meet you.

Chuck: Thank you, Mark. I really appreciate your time.

Duke: Come on, fellas. Let's not hold up Mr. Keller any longer.

Mark: Yeah, it was nice to meet you guys, too. (Waves to the boys as they drive off. He goes to hail a taxi.) Taxi! (One stops for him. He leans in...and is immediately yanked into the vehicle! Cut to in the "taxi." The driver wears the usual uniform...but there's three men in plain suits sitting behind him.)

Man #1: (He talks into a walkie-talkie) We got him, sir. (The other two men are holding the struggling Mark) We won't hurt him. No, we'll just get him quiet. (Nods at his men) You two get him tied and gagged. Our superiors don't want him attracting attention.

Man #2: *As he pulls out some rope* Already on it. *starts wrapping rope around Mark's wrists*

Mark: What do you guys want?

Man #1: We'll let the boss tell you that.

Man #2: *As he winds the ropes around Mark's arms now* So how about you just enjoy the ride for now?

Mark: Bastard.

Man #1: Now, that ain't at all a nice thing to say.

Man #3: We can't have any of that. *wraps a gag over Mark's mouth*

(Mark growls and tries to struggle, but the gag and ropes are tight.)

Man #1: (Pats Mark's cheek) Don't worry. We'll get you to our superior soon enough.

(Mark just growls again as we fade out on the taxi joining others in rush-hour traffic.)

(Fade in on Louie's a few days later. All of the guys come in Louie's, looking annoyed and rubbing their rears.)

Butch: I knew sneaking into the theater wasn't going to work!

Sach: I thought hiding all of you under my coat was a great idea!

Duke: Next time, when we say no, Sach, LISTEN, okay?

Danny: *Making a face* I didn't really wanna see "Knock On Wood" with that red-headed guy, what's-his-name, anyway.

Sach: I can't help it if the manager didn't have a sense of humor!

Butch: Next time, don't give the manager your pepper gum when we're trying to stay in one piece!

Sach: What did you want me to do, give him my ink-squirting gum?

Chuck: No! Next time, let's just PAY to get in, or don't go. *groans as he slides into his reserved booth*

Louie: (Sighs) Which movie theater did you guys get yourselves kicked out of this time?

Sach: Oh, just the Ritz down the street. (Grins at Chuck) How many movie theaters in New York are we banned from now, Chuckie?

Chuck: Three more, and we won't be going to ANY movies. *pauses a beat* And, Sach, YOU are telling Slip about this one.

Sach: (Waves it away) I'm sure Chiefy will think it's funny. I already do.

Duke: I doubt that, Sach.

Sach: (He sits down) So, what's on the schedule for this afternoon?

Butch: Maybe we could go back to our place and try to cheer up Slip again.

Chuck: *Nods* I think that's a good idea.

(As they all stand, a group of men wearing suits and carrying briefcases come in Louie's. Sach's eyes widen.)

Sach: Oop! Louie, what did you do? Gentlemen, my friend Louie is innocent, I swear! He didn't mean to sell that candy that was two days past its expiration date!

Man In Suit #1: (He goes to Duke) Mark, I can't believe it. It is you. How did you escape?

Duke: Escape from what? And I'm not Mark. The name's Duke Coveleske.

Man In Suit #1: I'm sorry. It's just that you bear an uncanny resemblance to Commander Mark Keller.

Sach: Mark Keller! (Turns to Chuck) Ain't that the guy you interviewed a few days ago?

Chuck: Yeah, that's him. What about Mark?

Man In Suit #1: I regret to inform you that Commander Heller was kidnapped shortly after his appointment at the Marshall Building two days ago.

Sach: Pshaw! We saw him right after he came out! He gave our pal Chuckie an interview!

Man In Suit #1: So you're the one who wrote that interview with him.

Chuck: Yes. We arrived as he was coming out of the Marshall Building and chatted for a few minutes. We left Keller on the sidewalk, awaiting his ride.

Man In Suit #1: (To Chuck) Did he say anything interesting?

Chuck: We talked about flying, how he designed a new plane and would be hauling parts, a little about his background...and not much else.

Man In Suit #1: I think we're going to need to talk to all of you back at the Marshall Building. What we have to say can't be said out here in the open.

Duke: *Nods* Alright. Come on, fellas. We might as well go now.

(Cut to inside the Marshall Building. The Boys enter a large office with simple, clean, very modern 50s furniture. An older man sits behind the desk in the back of the room. Behind him are huge windows with a splendid and enormous view of mid-town Manhattan.

Sach: Wow! (He goes to the window) Dukey, come here! You can see all of New York from here!

Danny: Really? *Joins Sach at the window*

Man Sitting Down: Gentlemen, I'm pleased that you like my view. I like it, too. However, we do have things to discuss, so if you'll just take a seat...

Sach: (He picks up a chair and hands it to Duke) Take two, they're small.

Duke: *Warningly* Sach, sit down and be quiet.

Sach: All right, all right. (He sits between Duke and Chuck)

Man Sitting Down: My name is General Pilcher, and what I'm about to tell you is top-secret. You can't reveal this to anyone else, any of you.

Danny: Cross my heart and hope to die, but not literally!

Duke: *Rolls his eyes* General, please don't mind these guys. Some of them think they're funny.

General Pilcher: That's perfectly all right, Commander...I mean, Mr. Coveletske. Yes, I did know your names. We know some of you have helped our people before.

Duke: That's quite alright. *nods*

Chuck: *Leans forward a little* So, what exactly is all this top-secret talk?

General Pilcher: I believe Commander Keller told you about his airplane design and the parts he hauled. However, I don't think he told you whom he intended to sell that design to.

Duke: No, he didn't share that information.

General Pilcher: (He temples his fingers) He was going to sell those plans to us. We have the parts and plans here...but we no longer have Commander Keller himself. He was kidnapped by agents of Draconia, a small country in Eastern Europe that's hoping to start it's own Air Force behind the Iron Curtain.

Sach: See, Chiefy? I told you there would be spying involved!

Duke: That's what I was afraid of.

General Pilcher: You're right, Mr. Jones. Commander Keller was a spy for us. Not a full-time spy, but he did do work for us from time to time. (Frowns) And we're worried that someone may try to make him talk about this design...or worse, tweak it for them into a weapon of mass destruction.

Duke: That's understandable. I assume you'd like us to help out in some way.

General Pilcher: Commander Keller was supposed to make several speeches for the UN and three government contractors about the importance of his airplane design. Someone didn't want him to keep that appointment...but he is going to keep it.

Sach: How can the guy do that if he ain't here?

Duke: Oh no.

General Pilcher: (Eyes go to Duke) Oh, but he is here. (Grins) Mr. Coveletske, your country needs you.

Duke: I was afraid you were going to say that. *sighs* I don't suppose I have much choice.

Sach: Aw, come on, Dukey! You heard the guy! Your country needs you!

General Pilcher: (Nods) You'll handle Commander Keller's affairs while my men try to find him and figure out how to pay that ransom without paying it.

Duke: *Repeats, disbelievingly* Handle all his affairs...

General Pilcher: And eventually, we'll use you to draw these people into the open.

Sach: Oh no! No one's usin' my Dukey unless it's me!

Duke: Except it sounds like I have no choice in the matter.

General Pilcher: You're our only hope, Mr. Coveletske. If the Draconian agents get Commander Keller to talk or get their hands on that design, it could be devastating for our Air Force.

Duke: *nods* I'll do it.

Danny: Wow, this sounds just like a book I'm reading, except the guy was a British general. Do you have a code name for this project?

*Chuck elbows Danny. Danny yelps and rubs where he got elbowed.*

General Pilcher: Sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Kaminsky, but this project was really rather sudden. We weren't expecting Commander Keller to disappear. My aids will take you downstairs and tell you everything you need to know. (He salutes them) Good luck, men.

Duke: Thanks you, sir. *pauses and sighs* I think I'm going to need it.

Sach: You don't need luck! (Puts his arm around Duke's shoulder) You have us!

Duke: You're right, Sach. *gulps* I need a miracle.

(We fade out on Sach squeezing Duke in the office.)