This is a script I recently wrote about a gay SAS soldier who lost his partner in the Vietnam war, and had to come back to Australia to face the Homophobic, sexist, racist and undiverse society of the 1970's.
Due to certain circumstances, a switch is triggered in him and he becomes a vigilante super hero for the gay and minority communities.
Please comment and let me know if you think it will make an awesome movie....

Johnny Travis Script
Written by Marty Hammond
 
Johnny Travis is a Vietnam Veteran who struggles with fitting back into society in the early 1970’s, with not only the scars of war, but also the fact that he is homosexual. He is a Master of hand to hand combat and is working on the docks surrounded by much ignorance of racism, sexism and homophobia. After being dragged into the bashing of some homosexuals after a night of drinking with his workmates, he fights with his conscience and becomes a vigilante warrior to protect fellow homosexuals and other minorities who are attacked by the thugs of an ignorant society.
 
 
Characters:
 
Johnny Travis: A closet homosexual ex-Vietnam Vet who becomes a vigilante to protect the gay community from frequent gay bashing's and abuse. (Fit muscular appearance)
Mitchella (Mitch) Kowel: Site Manager on the docks where Johnny works and becomes his confidante. (In his fifties with a broken English accent)
Brian (Constantine) Kowel: Son of Mitch who is gay and a costume maker for cabaret shows and becomes Johnny’s love interest. (Fairly effeminate and lean appearance)
Big Dave (Miller): Leader of the pack which works on the docks. (About 6 feet 6 inches tall and large build)
Marvin (Martian) Heath: Obnoxious loud mouth trouble maker who works on the docks. (Short stature, large ego)
Ronnie Strathmore: Part of the crew on the docks.
Jimmy (Bones) Mason: Docker with a reputation of making people disappear for the Painters and Dockers Union. (rough exterior)
Andy (Smitty)Smith: Docker (non descript)
Billy (Strapper) Dixon: Dogman on the wharf. (Weathered menacing look).
Sandy Bateman: Secretary on the wharf (Attractive lady with a sharp wit to counter the wharfies advances and sexist banter.
Felix Bryant: Soldier and Johnny’s lover in the army who dies in the war. (non descript)
Sergeant (Sarg) Dennis Rogers: Johnny’s troop commander in Vietnam who works as a doorman at a gay club on return to Australia. (fairly tall with strong muscular physique).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Opening Scene:
 
Johnny’s troop was the #2 Squadron of the SAS which was supporting the 5th Battalion in the jungles of Vietnam. They were dropped into the Binh Tuy province under the cover of darkness and were to sent to set up a clear passage for the ensuing troops to come through. It was a small tight knit group of six plus the Sergeant, a radio man and a medic.
As they moved through the jungle, all of a sudden they came under fire from the Viet Cong. Johnny dives to the ground. He looks across to his left and sees that one of his colleagues took a bullet to the head. He then turns to his right and sees his best friend Felix move forward through the bush. He screams out to him to
 
Johnny;  Get down!
 
Felix; I think I can see their bunker, I’ll try and get closer to hit it.
 
Johnny then hears a whistling through the air as a mortar shell lands at the feet of Felix. The next thing he hears is Felix screaming out his name as he is in severe pain. Johnny runs over to him to see everything from his waist down totally blown away. He grabs his head to console him as he calls out for a medic.
 
Johnny; Medic! Medic!
 
Felix begins to ramble as he grimaces in pain
 
Felix;  Johnny you do know you are the love of my life.
 
 
Johnny; Shut up.
 
Says Johnny through gritted teeth.
 
Felix; I have never had a lover that ever came close to you Johnny, never.
 
Johnny; Shut the fuck up Felix, you may be dying but I still have to serve with these men.
 
Johnny is beginning to get frustrated and angry.
 
Felix; Johnny, you know I love you, and you you are the only person in the world I can trust. Can I ask you a question before I die?
 
Johnny; Yes I love you too Felix, now shut up. The medic is coming.
Felix; I’m glad to hear you love me Johnny, but that’s not my question. Is my dick still between my legs?
 
Johnny; You want to know if your dick is still there?
 
Johnny chuckles. He then looks down to see that Felix has nothing from the waist down.
 
Johnny; Sure it’s still there buddy, bigger and better than ever.
 
 
Felix; Thanks Johnny, you’ve always looked after me, now you have to look after the rest of us.
 
Felix passes away as the medic arrives and sees Johnny cradling his head in his arms. He then rips off his dog tags and gives them to Johnny who clutches them tight. The medic taps him on the shoulder in a consoling fashion.
 
Medic; Johnny, get on with the job. I’ll deal with this.
 
Johnny pauses for a moment, Nods to the medic as he pulls his bayonet from his gun and a large hunting knife from his ankle. He skulks through the bushes and heads toward the bunker of the Viet Cong and circles behind them.
He jumps into the bunker and slashes the throat of the mortar operator. He swings around and pushes his bayonet into the chest of another soldier as he kicks the gun out of the arms of the third.
The last Viet Cong soldier looks at him with fear in his eyes as Johnny pushes his knife into his stomach and puts his hand around the back of his neck and pulls the knife upward.
 
Johnny; This is for Felix.
 
Johnny raises his arms in the air and roars!
 
Then it fades to the next scene of Johnny watching Felix being taken away on a stretcher. His Sergeant walks up behind him and puts arm over his shoulder.
 
Sergeant Rogers; How are you holding up son? I know you and Bryant were close mates.
 
Johnny; I’m fine.
 
Sergeant Rogers;“I hope so son, you are one my best soldiers and I don’t need you going soft on me. Okay? Now I heard Bryant rambling something to you just before he died. So what were his last words son?
 
 
Johnny; He wanted to know if his dick was still there between his legs.
 
Sergeant Rogers; So what did you tell him, because from what I saw, he didn’t have any legs to have a dick to be swinging between.
 
Johnny; Yeah I know. So I lied to him on his death bed, I suppose I’m going to have to live with that.
 
Sergeant Rogers; Well I’ll tell you one thing Johnny, when I die, I want my dick to swinging between the legs of a blonde sheila with big tits. How about you Johnny?”
 
As the screen fades to black.
 
 
 
Scene Two:
 
The camera pans across the scene of the Wharf with ships in the background and onto the Docks with dockers milling around and loading and unloading containers. Then we move to two men unloading boxes from a container onto a pallet. As we close up, we see that it is Johnny and Smitty.
 
Smitty; We import all this shit from Japan. Why do we buy all this crap from the Nips. Can’t we just make it here and give jobs to Australians. We fought against these bastards and now we are making them the richest country in the world. It’s ridiculous. What do you think Army boy?
 
Before Johnny could respond, the siren sounds to signal the lunch break.
 
Johnny; Look at that Smitty, it’s lunchtime already. My belly has been rumbling for ages. C’mon mate, let’s go get something to eat.
 
Everybody downs tools and heads to their own little groups and sits down on milk crates or small oil drums and opens up their lunch boxes or paper bags with sandwiches in them. It’s Friday and the discussion is on what one another is doing for the weekend. Then Marvin speaks over everyone else to says
 
Marvin; Why don’t we all head down the pub for a few beers after work?
 
 
Big Dave; I’m up for that, and I’m sure Bones, Strapper and Smitty will be in. What do say boys?
 
They all nod in agreeance.
 
Marvin; What about you Ronnie? Will the missus let the dog off the chain?”
 
Ronnie looks to Marvin with scorn.
 
Ronnie; Fuck you Martian, I’ll do what ever I want mate, and she’ll do whatever I tell her to do. At least I have a missus you fricken alien.
 
Big Dave then looks straight at Johnny who was trying to avoid the conversation.
 
Big Dave; So what about you Johnny, you never come out for a drink with us, aren’t we good enough for an Army boy?
 
Marvin;  Yeah, what’s wrong with ya? Are you some kind of poofter or something are ya?
 
Johnny; No, I’m just not a big drinker that’s all.
 
Bones; You better not be a poofter mate, because you don’t want to know what I do with poofters mate. I break them up and grind them into pigs swill.
 
Big Dave; Alright Jimmy, we all know your reputation in the Union. But Johnny, come and have a beer, I’d love to hear some of your war stories.
 
Johnny is hesitant to accept, but all the boys start to egg him on to come. Just as Johnny relents and accepts Big Dave’s offer, Mitch the Site Manager walks past with his secretary (Sandy) who is carrying some paperwork.
 
Marvin; Hey Sandy, how about you come and lay your lips around my piece of beach. (waves his hands around his groin.)
 
 
Sandy; Can you wait till after I have eaten.That’s the only time I need to use a toothpick.
 
The boys then all start to tease Marvin about having a little dick.
Mitch looks at Johnny and motions to him to come into his office.
 
Big Dave; It looks like you’re in the shit mate, what have you done wrong?
 
Johnny; Nothing I can think of mate.
 
Big Dave; Do you want a Union Rep to come in with you, because I don’t mind representing if you want mate.
 
Johnny; Thanks for the offer Big Dave, but I’m sure I’ll be okay. If I have any issues, I’ll let you know.
 
Big Dave; You do that mate. It’s not like the Military here. In the Painters and Dockers Union, we stand up for our boys. We don’t let these corporate bullies push us around. You got that?
 
Johnny; No worries Dave, thanks.
 
Johnny walks into the detachable office, where at one end Sandy has a desk and is sitting down about to start typing. At the other end, Mitch has his desk. He offers Johnny a seat as he sits down himself.
 
Mitch; Do you know why I brought you in here Johnny?
 
Johnny; Not at all Sir, I have no idea.
 
Mitch; Call me Mitch son. I am not your commanding officer, we do things a little bit differently here.
 
Johnny; Okay.
 
Mitch; Well I overheard those boys out there were pressuring you to go out with them tonight. I don’t want to sound like a father figure to you, but I know that they are not the sort of people that you would be comfortable mixing with.
 
Johnny; I don’t know what you mean Sir.
 
Mitch; Enough with the Sir. I have a son Johnny, and as much as I love him with all my heart, he lives a lifestyle that he has to keep very secret. He mixes with other men and makes dresses for them to wear on stage. Now I keep this very secret and I know that I can trust you to do the same. We all have secrets Johnny, and you are no different. Am I right Johnny?
 
Johnny; I don’t know why you are telling me this Mitch, but your secret is safe with me.
 
Mitch; I know that Johnny. But hat I am trying to say, is that I know you are not like these boys. Those men out there are not good people. They are good workers, but they don’t have an open mind about a lot of things. I know you are a man of the world, and I just want you to know that I understand that I am here for you if ever you need to talk to someone.
 
Johnny swings around in his chair and looks over to Sandy who is typing away.
 
Mitch; It’s alright Johnny, Sandy knows all about my queer son. I’d go nuts if I didn’t have someone around here to talk about it.
 
Johnny; Uhm, well thanks for the chat Mitch, but it’s all a bit out there for me, so I think I’ll just get back to work.
 
Mitch; I understand Johnny, but here is my card, and my home number is on the back. If at any time you need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to give me a call.
 
Johnny stands up to leave as Mitch looks out the window and sees Big Dave loitering around waiting for Johnny to come out.
 
Mitch; Before you go Johnny, I just want you to know that I am very happy with your work since you have joined us and I am going to give a 5c an hour pay rise. That’s an extra $2 a week.
 
Johnny; Thank you Sir. I really do appreciate that.
 
Mitch; Again with the Sir Johnny. We normally don’t give people a raise till they have been here for three months, but that way it will keep the boys out there off your back for having to come in here.
 
Johnny; Thank you again Mitch, that really helps me out.
 
Johnny opens the door to leave the office and gives Mitch a nod of appreciation as he walks out. Sandy stops typing and and looks to Mitch.
 
Sandy; So he’s a funny one like your son Mitch?
 
Mitch; Yeah, I’m pretty sure he is Sandy. He knew exactly what I was talking about, and didn’t deny it.
 
Sandy; But how can you tell?
 
Mitch; When you have had as many queers in your house as I have, after a while you can just pick them out in a crowd.
 
Sandy; Why is it always the nice good looking ones. I was lining him up for my daughter.
 
Mitch; Funny that Sandy, I am lining him up for my son.
Sandy and Mitch have a chuckle as Big Dave walks straight over to Johnny as he leaves the office.
 
Big Dave; So what did the wog want with you Johnny?
 
Johnny; Good news Big Dave, even though my three months isn’t up yet, he gave me a pay rise.
 
Big Dave; How much did you get?
 
Johnny; 5c an hour.
 
Big Dave; Is that all mate, if I had of been in there with you I would have got you 10c.
 
Johnny; Thanks Dave, but when my probation is over, I’ll get you to bargain that extra 5c then.
 
Big Dave; You better believe it Johnny. He must like you because that wog is as tight as a fishes bum. He has never given anyone a raise before their time is due. So you know that that means now, don’t you Johnny?
 
Johnny; Not really Big Dave, what does this mean?
 
Big Dave; It means that you are buying the first round at the pub tonight. Now get back to work and I’ll see you at 3.30pm.
 
 
Scene Three:
 
The boys all stroll into the bar which is full of wharfies. They move toward the pool table and start placing 10c pieces along the edge.
 
Big Dave; Hey boys, Johnny boy here got a $2 a week raise today, so he will be buying the first round.
 
They all give out a loud cheer as Johnny heads to the bar. After a few beers they start to bicker about who’s turn it is on the table next when Smitty gets all excited about a story he wants to tell.
 
Smitty; Shut up for a minute Bones, you’ll love this story.
 
Bones; Do you want to know what happened to the last person who told me to shut up?
 
Smitty; No I don’t you meat axe, nobody does.
 
Bones; There may have been a meat axe involved.
 
Smitty; Whatever Bones. Anyway, last weekend I was out cruising in my mates EJ Holden right, and we went passed this park near his place when we sore these two guys kissing one another.
 
Marvin; Wow man, that’s fucking gross.
 
Smitty; I know right, so my mate pulls up the car and we all get out and start walking towards these guys.
 
Strapper; Girlie boys you mean. They’re not real men.
 
Smitty; Yeah, a couple of poofters. So my mate walks up to one of them, and he’s a fairly big bloke. Not as big as Dave, but big enough and says to one of poofs; “So if you want to kiss something mate, kiss this,” and punches him straight in the mouth.
 
Ronnie; Fair Dinkum?
 
Smitty; Shit yeah! A couple of teeth come flying and he had blood running all down his chin and everything. Then that just sent us all off. We all started punching and kicking into these two knob polishers mate till they were both reeling on the ground crying like babies mate.
 
Strapper; They were actually crying?
 
Smithy; Bloody oath mate, it as hilarious.  
 
Bones; So did you kill ‘em?
 
Smitty; No we didn’t kill them, but they certainly felt pretty sore afterwards.
 
Bones; I would have killed the faggot fuckers. (in a real evil voice)
I would have stuck my gun up their poofter arses and blown their fucking guts out.
 
Big Dave taps Bones on the shoulder and motions to him to calm down a little.
 
Marvin; Why don’t we go bash some poofters tonight.
 
Ronnie; I’ll let you guys do that, because I have to get home.
 
Marvin; What, are scared one of the little faggy waggy’s might get the better of you Ronnie.
 
Ronnie; Not at all Martian. I’m more scared of missing out on sticking my dick into my beautiful wife, than wondering whether some faggot is going to bend you over and use you as his sex toy.
 
All the boys laugh as Marvin sticks his finger up at Ronnie as he leaves.
 
Marvin; So c’mon boys, we can’t let Smitty be the only one to have bashed some of these freaks. It’s not right these weirdo’s aren’t all locked up. So who’s with me?
 
Bones; I’m in. The country isn’t safe with all this filth walking around. What about you Smitty? You up for another round of kicking some poofter scum.
 
Smitty; You don’t have to ask me twice Bones. Let’s do it. What about you Johnny?
 
Johnny; I think I’ll pass.
 
Smitty; C’mon man, we’ve been sweating it out all day unloading those containers, you deserve a little fun.
 
Johnny; I don’t know.
 
Marvin; What are you Johnny? Some kind of poofter lover.
 
Strapper; You must be mate, why else wouldn’t you want bash some of these knob jockeys?
 
Bones; Yeah soldier boy, you thought it was okay to kill those fucking gooks in Nam, but at least they were warriors. These are just freaks of nature. We need to rid the planet of these worthless toadstools. Unless you’re one of them.
 
Johnny; Alright, alright I’ll come.
 
Bones; Good, I’ll go and get my car.
 
Bones grabs his keys off the table and runs outside. Big Dave then turns to Johnny and says privately.
 
Big Dave; I would have stood up for if you didn’t want to go, because to be honest I’m not that keen myself.
 
Johnny; So why are you going then?
 
Big Dave; Because somebody has to keep an eye on these idiots to make sure they don’t go too far and end up in jail. So just stick with me and watch these idiots, you don’t have to take part if you don’t want to.
 
 
 
They all jump into Bones’ car which he has pulled up at the front of the pub. It has a bench front seat and they get three in the front and three  in the back. They drive to the nightclub district and park up. The six of them get out and start to walk down the street.
 
Marvin; I know the club where the faggots hang out, it’s on the corner with an alley way next to it.
 
Strapper; How do you know that Martian? Do you sneak down here for a little dick delving yourself, you queer fuck.
 
Marvin; Piss off Strapper, a friend told me.
 
Smitty; Now I know you’re bullshitting Marvin, you’ve got no friends.
 
Marvin, Bones, Smitty and Strapper are walking at a fair pace as Johnny and Big Dave just hang back a little. When the get to the door of the hotel, there is a solid looking doorman standing in their way as they try to enter. Bones looks him up and down and tries to push his way past.
 
Sarg; This is not a place for you my friend, I suggest that you move on.
 
Bones; Out of my way you big poo pushing fucker, I’ll go wherever I want.
 
Sarg; Not tonight you won’t, this hotel is for select guests only.
 
Bones; So what are you saying, that in my own town I’m not good enough to drink in any pub I want. But you’ll only let these poofter fucks in here.
 
Bones looks at a man through the window and motions a throat cutting sign at him. The man moves away from the window.
 
Sarg; That’s not the case at all sir, we do let anyone come in here to drink, just not bigoted drunks like you.
 
Bones; What did you call me?
 
Big Dave and Johnny finally arrive at the door. As they do the doorman looks at Johnny and recognises him.
 
Sarg; Johnny Travis, is that you?
 
Johnny; Sarg, what are you doing here?
 
Sarg; I could say the same thing about you mate.
 
Bones; You know this poofter lover Johnny.
 
Johnny; Yeah it’s my Sergeant from my old platoon. He’s okay Bones. Why don’t you guys find another place to drink and I’ll catch up with you in a minute. What do you say Big Dave?
 
Big Dave; Sounds like a good idea Johnny. C’mon boys let’s try another place.
 
Bones; But I just want to smack that fucker Dave.
 
Big Dave; It’s Johnny’s friend Bones, and you know the rules, we don’t friends of our mates.
 
Bones; Even if they are faggot lovers?
 
Big Dave; C’mon boys, I’ll buy the next round.
 
Big Dave rounds the boys up and starts walking them up the street. Marvin and Bones hurl abuse at the patrons of the hotel through the window as they walk past. Johnny stays with Sarg.
 
Sarg; So what are you doing with those dickheads?
 
Johnny; I work with them down at the docks. I don’t normally hang out with them, but they wore me down to come out for a drink with them.
 
Sarg; I thought you would have been more comfortable inside a place like this than roaming the strip with a group of thugs like those boys.
 
Johnny; Why would you say something like that Sarg, I don’t know what you are talking about.
 
Sarg; You know exactly what I am talking about. It’s alright mate, I knew about you and Felix the whole time. The only reason I never brought it up was because you were both bloody good soldiers, and I didn’t want to stuff that up.
 
Johnny; How did you know?
 
Sarg; It was pretty easy really. When you two boys would come back from leave and try and tell your conquest stories to the rest of the troupe about the whores you screwed. It never sounded right.
 
Johnny; Thanks for never saying anything Sarg, I do appreciate that. So why are you working here?
 
Sarg; Well, you know what it’s like trying to get work when you get back. No-one wants to hire an ex Vet. They all seem to think that we are screwed up in  the head or something. So I thought I’d put my skills to work and beat the crap out of idiots like your mates over there.
 
Johnny; Oh they’re not mates Sarg, I just happen to work with them.
 
The boys down the street are waving their arms to Johnny to get a move on and calling out to him.
 
Johnny; I better get going Sarg, I’ll get these bafoons as far from here as possible.
 
Sarg; Good to see you again Johnny, I work here from Wednesday to Sunday. Don’t be a stranger, us Vets need to stick together, because the rest of the world doesn’t give a stuff about us.
 
Johnny; Ain’t that the truth, I’ll see you soon Sarg.
 
Johnny shakes Sarg’s hand and runs down the street to catch up with the boys. They give him a bit of a ribbing as he arrives. Bones is looking quite angry at him.
 
Bones; No serviceman should be protecting fucking faggots. That prick deserves to die.
 
Big Dave; Settle down Bones, he served our country mate.
 
Bones; Doesn’t matter mate, It’s disgusting.
 
Johnny; Big Dave’s right Bones, he was a bloody good soldier, he saved my arse a few times.
 
Bones; I bet he did, it looks like he likes protecting a bit of arse. Bloody poofter lover. I bet there was no faggots in the forces, hey Johnny. They would have shot those pricks on the spot. Am I right Johnny?
 
Johnny; Can’t argue with you there Bones.
 
As they walk around the corner to Bone’s car, Marvin spots two men walking down the street holding hands. He quickly points it out to the boys and the two men let go of each others hands immediately.
 
Marvin; Hey you fucking queers, don’t you know it’s illegal to be playing handsy’s in this state. Are you off to punch some poo tonight girls.
 
Strapper; Look at the size of those lips Marvin, you only get lips like that from sucking dick.
 
Bones; I’ve had enough of this shit, if these guys want big lips I’ll give them a fat lip.
 
Bones then walks up to one of the men and punches him to the ground. Smitty and Strapper then start punching the other man till he also hits the pavement. Johnny and Big Dave stand back as Bones looks angrily at Johnny.
 
Bones; So are you a faggot lover like your mate back there Johnny, or do I need to give you a hiding like these poofters.
 
Johnny reluctantly shakes his head and stands over one of the men and mouths the words sorry as he kicks him in the ribs. The boys cheer him on as he lays in the boots into the other guy.
A police car drives by and stops across the road from the boys and looks to see what is going on and winds down his window.
 
Policeman; So what’s going on here boys?
 
Marvin; They are just a couple of poo punching poofters mate. We’re just letting them know that this sort of vulgar behavior is not appreciated in this town.
 
Policeman; Thanks for saving us the time to have to do it. Well I think they have had enough for one night, I don’t want you killing them, because I am not in the mood for that kind of paperwork. So time to head home boys.
 
Big Dave; Thanks Officer, we’ll get going now.
 
The police car then drives off as Big Dave gets the boys into the car and they drive off. Bones drops each of the boys at their homes. Instead of heading home himself, he starts talking loudly to himself as he drives back toward the gay night club.
 
Bones; Fucken protecting poofters. Who does this prick think he is. I don’t care if he served our country. He’s not serving our country now by protect those faggots. I’ll show him how a real man looks after his country.
 
He pulls up outside the front of the night club and walks to the back of his car and opens the boot. Sarg looks at him inquisitively and recognises him from earlier.
 
Sarg; What are you doing back here, have you come back to apologise?
 
Bones; Apologise, you’re the one who should be be apologising for working for these fucking freaks. Now you’re the one who is going to be sorry.
 
He then pulls out a sawn off shot gun from his boot and aims it at Sarg.
 
Sarg; What the…..
 
Bones; This is for being a poofter loving prick. Who’s sorry now.
 
He fires two shots into the chest of Sarg and throws the smoldering gun back into the boot. He then jumps back into his car and quickly drives off as patrons of the hotel start running out. Most of them look at Sarg and keep walking down the street to get away.
 
 
Scene Four:
 
Johnny is at home, stricken with grief and a guilty conscience. He throws a power cord over the roof beam in his dilapidated apartment and attempts to hang himself. As he kicks the chair away, the roof beam comes crashing to the ground with him. He slowly picks himself up and frustratingly walks into the bath room and starts washing the dust off his face. He starts staring into the mirror and is remembering his ex-lover Felix. Suddenly Felix’s face appears in the mirror.
 
Image of Felix; You are not meant to die. You are the one who is going to protect our kind. We need you to right the wrongs of how we are treated. It’s your time Johnny, I know you can do this.
 
In shock, he splashes water over his face again to see his own reflection.
 
Johnny; What the fuck. Am I going crazy? I have to get out of here.
 
He puts his overcoat on and leaves his apartment. As he is walking down the street, he sees a group of young lads slowly driving down the street with their windows down taunting a gay couple. At this moment he hears Felix’s voice in his head telling him “It’s your time Johnny”
He slowly walks up to the boys in the car.
 
Johnny; What’s going on boys? Is there a problem here?
 
Boy #1; No problem mate, just letting these queers here know that they are not welcome around here.
 
Johnny; Well I’m sure they understand how you feel, so how you guys move on and let them be.
 
Boy #2; Who are you mate, the poofter police.
 
Johnny; No I’m just someone who thinks you boys should have better things to do on your Friday night than abuse people who just out for a walk.
Boy #1; I think you should just mind your own business and piss off.
 
Johnny; Well I’m making this my business, but I don’t want any trouble, so if you just drive off, then nobody has to get hurt.
 
Boy #2; You can’t tell us what to do, I think the only one who is going to get hurt here is you.
 
They then get out of the car and circle around him. One of the bigger boys pushes him up against the bonnet of the car and throws a punch which Johnny evades. Johnny grabs a hold of the windscreen wiper and rips it off. He then proceeds to beat the boys with it till they are all rolling around the ground bleeding. Johnny stands back as the boys drag themselves back to their feet and quickly get back into the car and drive off.
 
Boy #2; We’ll be back for you poofter lover.
 
The two gay men then start praising Johnny and thanking him.
 
Gay man #1; You’re our hero, no-one has ever stood up for us before. Who are you?
 
Johnny; It doesn’t matter, I think you two should go home now.
 
Gay man #2; Well if you won’t tell us your name, then I am going to call you ‘The Protector’
 
Johnny just nods and begins to walk back to his apartment. He goes into the bathroom and starts splashing water over his face again and looks into the mirror.
 
Johnny; Did I do the right thing? What am I doing here?
 
He walks out into the kitchen and sees Mitch’s card on the bench. He picks it up and turns it over to see his home number. He contemplates giving him a call and then walks over to the phone and dials the number.
 
Mitch; Hello.
 
Johnny; Mitch, it’s Johnny.
 
Mitch; Hello Johnny, I had a feeling you might call. How did your night out with the boys go?
 
Johnny; Not real good. I think I may have done something really bad.
 
Mitch; What happened?
 
Johnny; I don’t really want to talk about it over the phone, and I know it’s getting late, but would it be alright if I came over.
 
Mitch; Well if it’s that important, sure you can. I live at 16 Arthur st in New farm.
 
Johnny; Thanks Mitch, I’ll see you in half an hour.
 
 
 
Scene Five:
 
Johnny arrives at Mitch’s house and begins telling him of the events of the night when he was out with the boys from work.
 
Mitch; I did warn you about those boys, especially Bones. They are nothing but trouble. But it must have been nice catching up with your old sergeant.
 
Johnny; Yeah it was, but I still can’t believe I let them suck me in to kick those poor guys.
 
Mitch; It’s amazing what ridicule can do to a mans morals Johnny. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. You will come to terms with the way you are when you are ready.
 
Johnny; You keep saying that. What do you mean?
 
Mitch; It’s alright son, like I told you today, my boy is one those gays as well. His mother, my ex-wife is a church going woman and doesn’t understand, so that’s why he lives with me. His name is Brian, but he likes to be called Constantine. But I just call him Con, it makes me feel a little better that way.
 
Johnny; So how did you know about me?
 
Mitch; I have met a lot of Con’s friends and I suppose I just get a feeling about these things. He is in his room now, probably doing some sewing. I’ll introduce you to him. Con get out here.
 
Johnny; I don’t know Mitch, after tonight I’m not sure if I’m up for meeting anyone
 
Mitch; You’ll be fine Johnny, he’s a good kid and he’s around your age too, so he might be able to answer some questions for you.
 
Constantine walks from his room and sees Johnny and looks him up and down.
 
Mitch; Con this is a friend of mine from work, Johnny.
 
Constantine; Oh, so you’re a wharfie as well are you?
 
Mitch; Johnny, this is Con, he makes dresses for blokes to sing in.
 
Constantine; Thanks Dad. I’m a costume maker for Cabaret shows. You’ll have to excuse my dad, he can be a bit old fashioned at times. So why have you brought me out here to meet one of your wharfie friends? I didn’t think you wanted anyone to know you have a queer son.
 
Mitch; Well Johnny’s different son. He’s one of your kind, and he was just telling me that he had to beat up some boys tonight who were picking on some other queer guys.
 
Constantine; Oh really? Well you do look like quite a strapping fellow. What made you want to do that?
 
Mitch; Well Johnny used to be a special forces soldier and is going through a bit of an identity crisis at the moment.
 
Constantine; Thank you again dad, but I’m sure he can speak for himself. So what gave you this epiphany of conscience then Johnny.
 
Johnny; Well in short, I got dragged out drinking with some boys from work and they started beating into some gay men and to hide my secret I had to join in.
 
Constantine; Well you didn’t have to, but go on.
 
Johnny; Then I felt so bad about that I wanted to kill myself, but that didn’t work and I went for a walk. Then I saw some young lads harassing another gay couple and sort of lost the plot and gave them a bit of an arse kicking.
 
Constantine; Ooh I would have loved to have seen that. So how long have you known?
 
Johnny; How long have I known what?
 
Constantine; How long have you known that you are gay?
 
Johnny; Probably since I was about twelve. I remember that all the boys in school were talking about the girls and I just couldn’t get into it. So I used to play war games with my toys thinking that, that would make me more of a man.
 
Constantine; And did that help?
 
Johnny; I thought it did, and I joined the army as soon as I turned eighteen. I tried it with a few women, mainly prostitutes with army buddies, but it never felt right. But when I got into special forces that’s when I met Felix.
 
Constantine; Was he your first love?
 
Johnny; First and only actually.
 
Constantine; So what happened?
 
Johnny; He died in battle.
 
Constantine; Oh you poor thing, that must have been so hard on you. So why do you work on the docks. That has to be one of the most homophobic environments in the world. Some of things dad tells me is horrendous. I mean, I don’t even exist in that part of his life.
 
Mitch; Okay Con, that’s enough questions, you’re embarrassing him.
 
Constantine; See what I mean Johnny, he won’t even call by my real name.
 
Mitch; Your real name is Brian, so at least appreciate the compromise.
 
Constantine; I do dad, actually you have been fantastic. He really has Johnny. I can’t say that for my mother though, if it were up to her I would be burning in hell right now. What about your parents Johnny, do they know?
 
Johnny; Oh God no! My father is a very harsh man. He would take his belt off and strap us for the littlest of things. He would even hit my mum if she got out of line. They live in Adelaide and it is a little backward down there, so they really wouldn’t understand. I think my father would want me to burn in hell if he found out too.
 
Mitch; That’s a shame Johnny, I think as parent we should be supportive of our kids no matter what.
 
Constantine; That’s true, you have been my rock dad. But Johnny, tell me about thee guys you beat up tonight. Was it through anger and revenge to what happened earlier in the night, or just frustration. What made you want to stand up for that couple?
 
Johnny; All the above I suppose, I don’t know. It’s a bit weird really as I saw Felix’s face in the mirror after I tried to commit suicide and he said that I was needed to protect our kind. Then after the event, one of the men called me ‘The protector’ So it just felt right.
 
Constantine; That’s Awesome, our people’s protector, I like that. Well good for you Johnny. I hope it all works out for you. When you’re free some time I would like to take you to one of our shows. But I have to get back to finishing off a costume I have started. Doreen wants it for tomorrow nights show and she can be a right bitch if she doesn’t get her way. So it has been nice meeting with you Johnny, and I’ll bid you both goodnight.
 
Constantine walks back into his bedroom as Mitch looks at Johnny and raises his eyebrows.
 
Mitch; So what do think?
 
Johnny; He seems like a nice guy Mitch, it looks like you have raised him well.
 
Mitch; No I mean, what do you think?
 
Johnny; I think I know what you are getting at Mitch, but after the night I’ve just had, that is the last thing on my mind. Look it’s getting late, I thinks it’s I should be heading home.
 
Mitch; Would you like a drink before you go?
 
Johnny; No thanks Mitch, I have had enough for one evening. I’ll see you on Monday.
 
 
Scene Six:
 
On Monday morning the boys are all gathered around the lunching area and fired up about bashing the two gay men. They cheered Johnny on for laying in the boots as he walked towards them. Mimicking the actions of kicking someone.
 
Marvin; Hey Johnny, you’re our hero mate. Loved the way you finished them off with a couple of great kicks to the ribs.
 
Smitty; Yeah it was like you were punting for goal mate.
 
Bones; And to think I thought you were one of them. Well you proved me wrong.
 
Smitty; So you coming out with us again this Friday night Johnny. I think we should do that every week. Even the coppers didn’t seem to care.
 
Marvin; How good was that. Don’t kill ‘em boys, it too much paperwork. You just gotta love our police force. So you up for it Johnny.
 
Johnny; I don’t think so Martian. The hangover on Saturday nearly killed me. I knew there was a good reason I don’t drink much and that was it.
 
Marvin; Be a pussy then, what about you Strapper, are you good for another round.
 
Strapper; Count me in little man, I’m there.
 
Big Dave was sitting in his usual chair ignoring the boys bragging as he is reading the daily newspaper. All of a sudden he lets out a huge sigh of shock
 
Big Dave; Fuck me, Hey Johnny, you knew that bouncer on the door of the poofters club didn’t you?
 
Johnny; Yeah he was my sergeant in the army, why do you ask?
 
 
Big Dave; Well it looks like somebody shot him on Friday night.
 
Johnny; No way! Does it say how he is?
 
Big Dave; It says here that he took a shot gun blast to the chest and died of his injuries.
 
Johnny; Do they know who did it?
 
Big Dave; Apparently there was no witnesses, but it’s not like any of those queer bastards inside the place would say anything as they are all frightened little fairies.
 
Big Dave then looks across to Bones
 
Big Dave; You wouldn’t know anything about this, would you mate?
 
Bones just shook his head.
 
Bones; Nup, I’m just pissed off that I didn’t get the chance to do it.
 
Johnny; That’s my friend you’re talking about Bones!
 
Bones; Well if you want to be friends with a poofter lover then that’s your problem.
 
Johnny; He’s not a poofter lover Bones. He’s a veteran who was doing a job that no-one else wanted to do and no-one else would hire him. That’s the sort of shit we all had to go through when we got back from Vietnam. Putting up with ignorant people like you.
 
Bones; What did you call me?
 
Johnny; I would say it again if I thought you knew what it meant.
 
Big Dave; Okay you two settle down, before one of says something you might live to regret. But check this out, apparently some bloke beat up four guys who were picking on some faggots. How this got in the paper I’ll never know. The queers must know the journalist. It says here that the victims are calling him ‘The Peoples Protector’
 
Marvin; The poofters protector more like it.
 
Big Dave; Apparently, one of the guys who got beat up was taken to hospital because he lost an eye. It says the vigilante hero..
 
Smitty; Hero my arse.
 
Big Dave; Shut up Smitty, listen to this. The vigilante hero ripped off the windscreen wiper from the car and began whipping the men with while also using jujitsu style moves to bring the four men to their knees. After protecting the two self proclaimed he just walked away not even leaving his name. The two homosexual men were then arrested for showing their homosexuality in public.
 
Marvin; That’s poetic justice right there, maybe those poofters should’ve just kept their mouths shut.
 
Big Dave; This happened not far from your place Johnny. You didn’t see anything after we dropped you off did you?
 
Johnny; Not at all Dave, this is the first I’ve heard about it. Does it say anymore about the ‘Sarg’
 
Big Dave; No, just what I told you. I suppose a Veteran getting shot out the front of a poofters club is no big deal.
 
Johnny; Maybe not to some
 
The horn goes for the start of the day and they all go to their separate work stations.
 
Scene Seven:
 
After work on Thursday night, which is pay night. Johnny heads to the shopping centre. He goes into the sports clothing section looking for some clothes to exercise in. He gets fixated on an orange velour tracksuit. He also picks up some white training socks and grabs a pair of Dunlop Volleys which he tries on. He then carries his items to the checkout counter.
 
Checkout girl; Are you going to be doing some exercise?
 
Johnny; Yes I have lost a little bit of fitness since leaving the military, so I thought it was time to get back into shape.
 
Checkout girl; Well you look in pretty good shape to me, maybe I could help you workout.
 
Johnny; Why is that? Are you a fitness trainer?
 
Checkout girl; No, but they say that love making is the best exercise of them all.
 
Johnny; Thank you for the offer, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.
 
Checkout girl; That’s a shame. I see you have gone for the orange velour. Orange is the hip colour at the moment, and I do love the velour because it feels so soft when you run your hands along it. Are you sure you don’t need any help training. If there is one thing I can do, it is make you go harder.
 
Johnny; I bet you could, but I prefer to train alone, thank you.
 
Johnny takes his bag and heads to the toilet and walks into the cubicle and closes the door. He pulls his new clothes out and gets changed out of his work gear. He checks himself out in the mirror and has a very satisfied look on his face.
On the way home his car starts to splutter so he pulls over to the side of the road, gets out and lifts the bonnet. The engine was covered in oil as he tries to fix his oil filter as it has come loose. While he was working away and cursing at his car because the engine is still hot. He sees three young men harassing a mentally handicapped man who was wearing a dress. They were taunting him and pushing him to the ground. Johnny isn’t very keen to get involved because he was very frustrated with his car. He sighs and wipes his eyes before going over to help the strange man. When he gets to the three men who were abusing the mentally disabled man, they all just stopped and looked in awe at this man in an orange tracksuit with a black mask covering his eyes.
 
Bully #1 What are you man, like the Green Lantern or something?
 
Bully #2 More like the Orange Lantern man. Hehe
 
Johnny has a confused look on his face as he has no idea what the young men are talking about as he is unaware of the oil plastered across his face.
 
Bully #3 No No guys, the Green Lantern’s mask is green, he looks more like Robin from Batman. He has a black mask.
 
Man in dress; This is my protector, he has come to save me.
 
Bully #3 Well lets see how good he is at protecting you after we have finished with him.
 
The three of them all lunge toward Johnny, but he shrugs them all off and proceeds to give them a good hiding till they are all rolling around on the floor. They then get up and run off as Johnny turns to the mentally disabled man.
 
Johnny; I think you should head straight home now. These boys won’t bother you again. Go on.
 
Man in dress; Thank you protector
 
He walks back to his car and closes the bonnet. As he gets back into his car, he starts it up and looks in the rear view mirror and sees the oil across his eyes and face. He giggles to himself as he realises now what the three men were talking about.
When he gets home, he stands in front of the mirror admiring his new  orange velour tracksuit and face paint.
He eventually washes his the oil off his face and looks in the mirror again
 
Johnny; So this is what I have become. Vigilante in an orange tracksuit. I think I like it.
 
The next day when he arrives at work, Mitch calls him into his office and throws the paper down on his desk. The Headlines read; “The People Protector now has a Costume”
 
Mitch; Is this you? You’re wearing a mask now?
 
Johnny; Well not a mask as such, it’s more like face paint.
 
Mitch; What do you mean face paint?
 
Johnny; Actually it was oil from my engine. I was tightening up the oil filter on my car when I saw these guys picking on a simple guy in a dress and I wiped my eyes before going over to them and didn’t realise that I wiped oil all over my face.
 
Mitch; So they thought you were wearing a mask?
 
Johnny; I suppose so, but how did it get in the newspaper?
 
Mitch; Because you broke the arm of one of the kids.
 
Johnny; What do you mean kids? They were young men.
 
Mitch; They may have seemed to be, but they were 16 and 17 year old teenagers. You are going to have to careful son. The papers are calling for your head, saying that you are a reckless vigilante.
 
Johnny; But they were bullying a mentally disable man who was wearing a dress. I just had to do something.
 
Mitch; All well and good Johnny, but you know what the press is like. They don’t care about some spastic that doesn’t know how to dress. They just want to hang the guy that’s trying to stand up for them. They are calling you the ‘Peoples Protector’ but they not condoning you. The police want to lock you up.
 
Johnny; But I am just trying to help people.
 
Mitch; I know Johnny, but maybe it’s time now to just stop.
 
Johnny; I can’t
 
Mitch; Why not?
 
Johnny; I just feel that this is my calling. I can’t stop now.
 
Mitch; Okay then, I’m not going to get into it with you here at work. How about you come over to my place tonight for dinner. We’ll watch the six o’clock news and see what they have to say. I know the papers like to sensationalise things but the telly is even worse. Come around at six. I make a great curry.
 
Johnny; Alright then I will.
 
Mitch; Now get back to work.
 
As he walks to his work station he passes Ronnie.
 
Ronnie; What was that all about?
Johnny; I stuffed up a couple of pallets yesterday, I think he just got out on the wrong side of the bed.
 
Ronnie; Are you okay mate?
 
Johnny; Yeah I’m fine mate, nothing I can’t fix.
 
Back inside the office.
 
Sandy; So he’s coming around for dinner at six.
 
Mitch; Yes
 
Sandy; And you’re cooking him a curry.
 
Mitch; Yes, yes I’m cooking him a curry.
 
Sandy; So would you like me to come around at five.
 
Mitch; Could you?
 
Sandy; Sure I can, but on two conditions.
 
Mitch; There is always a catch with you Sandy.
 
Sandy; You know so Mitch. Firstly I am going to have to leave at 3pm so as I can get some ingredients and prepare it for you.
 
Mitch; And what’s the second?
 
Sandy; I want you to fill me in on all the facts about what is going on with this story in the paper.
 
Mitch; I don’t know Sandy, it’s a bit delicate. I don’t really want to betray his confidence.
 
Sandy; C’mon Mitch, you’ve known me too many years to think I would tell anyone anything that is said in this office. Not even my hubby gets to find out. Unless you want to try and cook a curry tonight.
 
Mitch; You drive a hard bargain Sandy, Okay I’ll tell you anything you want to know. Now get back to work.
 
 
Scene Eight:
 
Johnny walks up the driveway to Mitch’s and passes Sandy who is leaving at the same time.
 
Johnny; Hi Sandy, what are you doing here?
 
Sandy; You know he can’t cook right. His son normally does all the cooking, but he is working late tonight. So just humour him.
 
Johnny; Okay, got it.
 
Johnny waits a few moments then knocks on the front door.
 
Mitch; Hey Johnny come in. I have just got the curry simmering on the stove and I just need to cook the rice. Perfect timing too as the six o’clock news is just about to start.
 
Johnny; I didn’t know what you like to drink, so I just grabbed a bottle of red wine. Is that okay.
 
Mitch; That’s perfect. Take a seat on the lounge. I am so looking forward to seeing what they have to say.
 
Johnny; To be honest Mitch I don’t really care.
 
Mitch; Well I do. This is one time when I know the truth and I want to see what kind of spin they put on it.
 
The first couple articles are about political and world events then the News reader start to talk about Johnny.
 
News Reader; Our next story is about a vigilante who is roaming the streets assaulting people for hat he thinks is wrong doing. Firstly last Friday night he attacked four young men who were trying to tell a couple of homosexuals that they shouldn’t be on the street because it is illegal in this state. He broke off their windscreen wiper and poked out the eye of one of the victims.
Then last evening around 4.30pm he attacked three young teenage boys who were trying to tell a mentally deranged man that he should head home because the way he was dressed would make it unsafe for him.
He broke the arm of one of the teenagers.
Now the word on the street in some of the more seedy areas where these homosexuals tend to congregate is that they are calling him the ‘Peoples Protector’
Our journalist on the street compiled this report earlier and spoke with the Police Commissioner. Take it away Dan Burrows.
 
Dan Burrows; Thank you Grant. I am here with Police Commissioner Gordon Stevenson, but before I speak to him I just want to say that it was brought up in parliament today where it was stated that they want to bring in laws that anyone known to be condoning homosexuality will be treated with the full force of the law, as if they were homosexuals themselves.
Now Commissioner Stevenson what are your views on what was stated in parliament today and what do we know about this so called vigilante.
 
Commissioner Stevenson; Thank you Dan. Firstly I can’t really speculate on Parliamentary discussions, but what I can say is that anyone who thinks they can take the law into their own hands will be dealt with forcefully. Especially those who condone these homosexuals. Our society has stringent rules and morals about this kind of behavior and it will not be tolerated.
 
Dan Burrows; Well Grant, I think the Commissioner has made it quite clear on his stance to this character. At this stage they don’t have a lot to go on, so if anyone in the public can help, the police will appreciate it. We have to bring this criminal to justice. Back to you Grant.
 
News Reader; So it looks like the police and the parliament are going to take a hard line in this case. So if you have any information please visit your local police station. So after the break we will come back with sport.
 
Mitch; It sounds like they are really gunning for you.
 
Johnny; Yeah but it sounds like they have nothing to go on, or they are not letting on at least.
 
Mitch; Well that’s good for you, now if you just keep your nose clean, you may even be able to walk away from this.
 
Johnny; I don’t think I can do that Mitch.
 
Mitch; Why not?
 
Johnny; I just feel that this is my calling, and the happiness on the peoples faces makes it all worth while.
 
Mitch; I thought you might say that. So I think you should open that bottle of wine and I’ll cook the rice.
 
After the two had finished eating Mitch picks up the plates and walks over to the sink. Johnny pours another two glasses of wine.
 
Johnny; So where is Constantine tonight?
 
Mitch; He did ring at work today and said something about a special project he was working on and may be a bit later tonight. He did also mention that he saw the article in the paper about you and was rambling about something. But sometimes I have no idea what he is talking about.
 
The front door then opens and Constantine comes bounding into the kitchen and sees Johnny standing by the bench and runs over to him and gives him a big hug. He steps back and talking at a hundred miles an hour.
 
Constantine; I saw that want to make out that you are a really bad man, but my friends all think that you are a hero and when I saw you were wearing a costume yesterday I thought I should make you a proper costume because every super hero should have a costume and because you wanted orange I made it orange, I made it from memory so I think I got your size right, but I wasn’t sure about the mask…
 
Johnny; Hold on, hold on, I have no idea what you are talking about. You seem to be a lot gayer than usual.
 
Mitch; He always is when he has been sewing dresses all day.
 
Constantine; Shut up dad. What I’m trying to say is that I have made you a costume to wear so you can look like a real superhero.
 
He bends down and pulls out of his bag this all in one satin suit which is orange and green and has the initials PP on the front of it. He puts it up against Johnny to check the size.
 
Constantine; Yummy, that will fit perfectly. Maybe a little tight but it should stretch with you.
 
Johnny; You want me to wear that?
 
Constantine; Absolutely, the boys down at the theatre think it’s fantastic and it really represents the cause.
 
Mitch; It looks a bit queer doesn’t it?
 
Constantine; That’s the whole idea dad. Then if people see him coming then they might run away rather than stand and fight.
 
Mitch; I think it will bring him more grief than anything.
 
Johnny; So what’s the PP stand for?
 
Constantine; Well I know they are calling you the People Protector, but I like to think of it more as Pride Power.
 
Johnny; I can live with that.
 
Constantine; So are you going to try it on.
 
Johnny; If you don’t mind I think I might try it on in the privacy of my own home. It’s not that I don’t appreciate everything you have done. I just don’t think I am ready to do it right now.
 
Constantine; Oh that’s a shame, I was so looking forward to seeing you in it. But that’s okay, I understand. Now I see that you are wearing a mask now. Do you have one at home because I didn’t make one today. I didn’t have time, sorry.
 
Johnny; Well it wasn’t actually a mask, I accidentally wiped oil from my car over my face, and it just got construed that I had a mask on.
 
Constantine; Well I think you should have a mask, that way it will keep your identity secret. Hold on, I think I might have something in my bedroom that will be perfect.
 
Constantine runs into his bedroom and both Johnny and Mitch look at one another in bemusement.
 
Johnny; So do you know what he is doing?
 
Mitch; I never know what he is doing, but I just take everything in my stride and accept him for who he is.
 
Constantine then comes back out holding a black leather bondage balaclava with holes in it for the eyes nose and mouth.
 
Constantine; Here you go Johnny, this will be perfect for you. It’s never been worn, so you don’t have to worry about that.
 
Both Johnny and Mitch have a shocked look on their faces.
 
Mitch; What are you doing with one of those?
 
Constantine; Don’t worry dad, it’s not anything weird. I just bought in case it may have worked with a costume I was making, but it has been sitting in my drawer for ages.
 
Mitch; Everything you do is weird to me son. But that’s alright, I have come accustom to that’s just your way of life.
 
Constantine; So Johnny, what do you think?
 
Johnny; Well it’s all a bit much for to take in right now, I think it might be best if I just take it all home with me, and I’ll assess it there if that’s alright with you.
 
Mitch; Yes I think that is a good idea Johnny, I’ll walk you to the door.
 
Constantine; Okay then Johnny, I’ll see you later.
 
Mitch; Sorry about that Johnny, sometimes he can be a bit over the top but he does mean well.
 
Johnny; Yes I know Mitch, but I think the idea of it all is starting to grow on me. I’ll see you on Monday.
 
Scene Nine:
 
The next day Johnny is sitting on the end of his bed looking at the costume hang fro the doorway on a coat hanger. After some time, he finally gets the nerve to try it on. It fits perfectly and he parades in front of the mirror doing some practice kicks and shadow boxing. He picks up the mask and and stares at it momentarily before finally trying it on.
He stands in front the mirror again and does some body building poses before laughing and taking the mask off.
 
He puts on his overcoat and a hat and walks down to his car, keeping a watchful eye to see if anyone is around to see him. He start to drive around the streets, heading to areas renowned to have homosexual communities. It is just starting to get dark when he sees a young effeminate man being pushed up against a wall by to men in a lane way next to an apartment building. Johnny parks across the street and begins to observe. Again one of the thugs pushes the man against the wall.
 
Thug #1; Your one of those queer fuckers aren’t you?
 
Victim; No I’m not, all I’m trying to do is go home.
 
Thug #2; But look at your hair, you look like a girl.
 
Victim; It’s the seventies man, everyone has long hair.
 
Thug #1; I bet you’re one of those lady boys aren’t you, that dresses up like a girl and tries to swindle money out of unsuspecting men aren’t you?
 
Victim; I’m not anything like that, like I said I just want to go home.
 
Thug #2 then punches the victim in the stomach which makes him fall to the ground. This is the trigger for Johnny to get out of the car. He takes of his overcoat and looks at his mask reluctantly before putting it on. Before the two thugs could start to lay the boots in Johnny calls out.
 
Johnny; Hey, didn’t this gentleman say he wanted to go home.
 
Thug #1; What the hell, who do you think you are?
 
Victim; It’s the People Protector.
 
Thug #2; That’s that guy that’s been on the news who stops faggots from getting beaten up.
 
Thug #1; Yes it is too, but he looks more like a poofter himself than a fighter. And what the fuck is that thing on his head.
 
As Johnny arrives at the scene he motions to the victim to take off. The victim gets to his feet and runs to the end of the alley way and stops and turns around.
 
Victim; Thanks Protector.
 
Johnny; Now go! So what am I going to do with you two boys.
 
Thug #1; I think you got it the wrong way around fag boy. It’s time some real men taught you a lesson in the way things should be around here.
 
Thug #2; Yeah, the two of us are going to bust you up
 
Johnny; Well come on then boys, let’s dance.
 
A pretty one sided affair in this battle as Johnny blocks every punch they throw, and lays some beautiful Karate kicks to eventually have both men reeling around on the floor in agony.
Johnny turns to walk back to his car and sees the victim peering around the corner watching him fight. When he catches Johnny’s eye, he then runs off.
Johnny starts to run back to his car and looks around the street to see if anyone is watching. He opens his front door and quickly pulls the mask off and throws it onto the passenger seat. He then puts his overcoat back on and jumps in and drives off.
With the adrenalin pumping, he bangs on the steering wheel in excitement and says to himself.
 
Johnny; I really love this suit. I think it’s time to go and kick some ore bigot fuckers arses.   
 
The rest of this scene is then a sped up version of Johnny beating up the bad guys, who are terrorising not only gay men, but also ethnic minorities and religious minorities.
We see newspaper headlines spinning with all negative content toward him as how dare he protect people that the bigots hate. It is also mixed with TV news reports of police and politicians ranting on how awful this vigilante is.
Towards the end we see some more positive spin from the general public.
 
 
Scene Ten:
 
As Johnny arrives at work he hears all the boys are chatting about the vigilante People Protector. They are quoting some of the headlines and also giving their own opinions.
 
Marvin; Why would you want to stop someone bashing a poofter.
 
Strapper; Yeah, It’s not Adam and Steve.
 
Bones; Those Queer fuckers deserve a good bashing anyway.
 
Marvin; He is even protecting those fucking gooks too. What do you think about that Johnny? You used to kill those fuckers.
 
Johnny just ignored Marvin’s comments and shrugged his shoulders then walked away to the toilet block as the rest of them kept on their rant.
Big Dave follows him and as Johnny is washing his hands, Dave looks him in the eye wondering what’s going on in his head
 
Big Dave; There’s something going on with you Johnny, I don’t know what it is but I’ve got my eye on you.
 
Johnny; No it’s nothing mate, It’s just that my war is over mate, and I don’t like it when people bring it up. Especially after what happened to the Sarg the other week.
 
Big Dave; No, that’s not it. But I’m sure you’ll tell me when you are good and ready.
 
As they head back towards the boys, Marvin again is revving the group up to go out this weekend and bash some more poofters.
 
Marvin; You know if I saw that poofter lover I’d kick his arse.
 
Smitty; Do you actually know how to fight Martian. I mean these guys he’s been beating up have been pretty big blokes.
 
Strapper; Yeah, you might get a good one into his shins little man.
 
Big Dave; You could get an upper cut into his nuts though if you jump high enough.
 
Marvin; Piss off Dave, there’s no way I’d be touching that poofter anywhere near his nut sack.
 
They all laugh, even Johnny as they head off to work as the horn sounds.
 
 
Scene Eleven:
 
It’s Saturday night and Johnny hears a knock at the door as he is just finishing up his dinner. He opens the door and it is Constantine. He is a little shocked to see him, wondering why he is there.
 
Johnny; What are you doing here? Has something happened to Mitch.
 
Constantine; No, Dad’s fine, I just wanted to come around and wish you good luck before you headed out tonight. I thought you just might like some support as Dad was telling me about all the things that the boys at work have been saying.
 
Johnny shrugs his shoulders
 
Johnny; That’s just who they are, a lot of it is just fake bravado, but they will get what is coming to them one day. I am sure of that.
 
Constantine; Well that’s not really why I am here, may I come in.
 
Johnny; Yeah sure, sorry about that. So what is it you are here for?
 
Constantine; Well there’s two things actually, but firstly I just want to give you this.
 
He moves toward Johnny and lays a kiss on Johnny’s lips. At first Johnny goes to pull away, but then embraces it and picks Con up and carries him to the bedroom for a passionate encounter.
 
Then we see Johnny standing front of the mirror as he is admiring the costume that Con has made for him. Constantine is lying in the bed naked with the sheets covering his midriff.
 
Constantine; By the way this was the second thing I came here for. I have been wanting to see in your costume since I made it for you.
 
Johnny; It’s grown on me I must say. I’m loving it.
 
Constantine; How is it for movement, is it restrictive at all?
 
Johnny; It’s perfect, I am amazed how well it fits considering you never had a chance to measure me up.
 
Constantine; It’s a gift I have to judge people sizes, and don’t worry Johnny, I have been sizing you up from the first time I met you.
 
Johnny; You are a sweet thing aren’t you.
 
He puts his overcoat on and picks up his hat and mask, then leans over the bed and gives Constantine a kiss. He starts to walk out the door when Con stops him.
 
Constantine; You know the whole gay community is talking about you. You have become their hero. They have never been able to stand up for themselves, let alone have someone else stand up for them. I am very proud of you Johnny. Very proud.
 
Johnny; That makes me feel really good, thank you.
 
Constantine; Would you like me to be waiting here for you when you get back?
 
Johnny smiles as he momentarily stops in the doorway
 
Johnny; Yes, I would like that Constantine. I would like that very much.
 
He turns and walks out the door.
 
 
Scene Twelve:
 
As Johnny is driving through the streets he sees the boys from the docks walking down the road heading toward the night club precinct. He pulls up around the corner as to not be seen. Within seconds he can hear Marvin’s voice as he starts to abuse a group of four gay men walking toward the club where Sarg was shot. They corral them into a small playground on the corner of the street as they taunt them. He sees that the abuse is getting more aggressive and is confronted with the dilemma of maybe outing himself or having to protect the poor men being abused.
The boys grab one of the men and throw him over a piece of play equipment and pin him down. The other three men run in fear.
 
Bones;Pull his pants down Martian.
 
Marvin; What the fuck, I don’t want to be touching this faggots arse.
 
Bones pulls a star picket out of the garden bed and holds it in an aggressive manner and speaks in an evil voice.
 
Bones; Marvin, I said pull his fucking pants down, if this poo pushing fucker likes to have things shoved up his arse. Then I am going to make sure that this garden stake gets firmly implanted. Right up to his fucking tonsils.
 
This was the final straw for Johnny as he jumps out the car, puts on his mask and throws off his overcoat.
He runs over to the playground and slowly strolls into the middle of the group. They release their grip on the victim as he pulls his pants up and looks to Johnny
 
Victim; Thank you Protector.
 
Marvin is the first the first to speak with a cocky sarcastic tone.
 
Marvin; Oh look, he even has PP on his chest. So we finally meet the Poofter Protector.
 
Smitty; I thought it meant Poo Pusher.
 
Strapper; What about Pink Princess.
 
Bones; Sorry boys but after I’m finished with him it’ll be Poo Puncher as I punch his poo up through his throat with this garden stake.
 
Johnny; Really, is that the best you can come up with. Let me tell you right now it stands for Pride Power, and you boys are now going to feel the Power of this man of Pride.
 
The first man to go down is Marvin as one punch from Johnny knocks him clean unconscious.
Bones then takes a swing at him with the star picket. Johnny grabs it, then lays a side kick that sends him flying into the play equipment. Smitty runs at him but he picks him up and throws him into the garden bed.
 
Strapper; Fuck this, I’m out of here.
 
He starts running down the street. Smitty picks himself up out of the bushes and follows him.
Johnny looks Big Dave in the eye as Bones picks himself up to have another go.
 
Johnny; So what about it Big Dave,
 
Bones looks at Big Dave in shock to what he just heard
 
Bones; How does he know your name Dave? What are you some sort of faggot lover too mate.
 
Dave looks into the eyes of the vigilante and recognises it to be Johnny.
 
Big Dave; Johnny, is that you?
 
Bones; Johnny who?
 
Big Dave; Johnny Travis from the Docks you idiot.
 
 
Bones picks up a big stick off the ground and looks Johnny in the eye and stares him down
 
Bones; Well it looks like I am going to have to destroy you like I did that faggot loving sergeant of yours.
 
Johnny; So it was you that shot Sarg.
 
Bones; Yes it was, and he went down like a bag of shit too. Just like poofter lovers should.
 
Big Dave looks at Johnny with compassionate eyes.
 
Big Dave; Do what you have to do mate, I am wiping my hands of the scum.”
 
Bones took a swing at Johnny, which he blocks using his Bo Staff skills. They traded blows for a couple of minutes till Johnny knocked the stick out of Bones’ hand. He then pulls a knife from his boot and stares Johnny in the eye.
 
Bones; I am going to cut you up into little pieces and feed you to the fishes.
 
Johnny’s eyes roll back as he takes an aggressive position.
 
Johnny; This is for Sergeant Dennis Rogers and everyone else you have hurt in your lifetime.
With the star picket, he knocks the knife out of Bones hand and smacks him across the head. He spins around and collapses on the swing with his bum up in the air. Johnny raises the star picket in the air and with the loudest voice
 
Johnny; This is what I call a Poo Punch. He swings the stake down and forces it into Bones’ arse so hard that it comes out his mouth.
 
With his eyes glaring he slowly turns and looks at Big Dave. His demeanour no seemingly quite calm.
 
Johnny;  So whats it going to be Big Dave? You are the only one who knows who I am. So what’s it going to be?
 
With fear in his eyes Dave and a quiver in his voice.
 
Big Dave; Your secret is safe with me. I am actually very proud of what you have done. So what now?
 
Johnny; We carry on like this never happened. You can wake up that little Martian fucker after I’m gone. I’m sure the Painters and Dockers will sort out Bones. I’ll see you at work on Monday.
 
Johnny runs back to his car and throws his overcoat on as Big Dave picks up Marvin by the scruff of the neck and slaps his face a couple of times to wake him up.
 
Marvin; What happened.
 
Big Dave; Nothing happened my favourite little Martian, nothing at all. It’s time to get you home.
 
 
 
Final Scene:
 
Johnny is with Constantine in the crowd at the Mardi Gras in 1977, as they watch the floats go by. The crowd is celebrating the first Australian Mardi Gras and Johnny and Constantine have travelled far to get here.
 
Constantine; You do know that all of this could never have happened if it wasn’t for you.
 
Johnny just smiles as he gazes across the street and sees a vision of his two army buddies Sarg and Felix. Sarg gives him a big thumbs up as Felix points to his missing bottom half with a smile seemingly of discontent.
 
Felix; You told me I still had my dick you lying bastard. I still love you though Buddy. Well done, and he’s cute too.
 
Constantine shakes him out of his gaze.
 
Constantine; Are you okay Johnny, you look a little lost in your own world there.
 
Johnny; No, I’m fine, just thinking of some old friends.
 
Constantine; Well look up the street here. This is what I brought you here for. This is what the whole community thinks of you.
 
A float comes toward them and it is full of men dressed in Johnny’s costume with the bums cut out. Johnny starts to laugh as the float gets closer he notices that a really big guy and a little fella are waving madly at him as it passes. He takes a closer look and realises that it is Big Dave and Marvin the Martian. Both he and Constantine laugh really hard as Dave motions for them to get on the float. The four of them all start dancing as the song by Diana Ross comes on “The Best of my Love”
Johnny looks to his right and sees Sarg and Felix on the side of the road waving to him as they travel down the street dancing the night away.