Come on, Hercules! Hurry up! We’re gonna miss the boat!
Don’t worry. The boat will wait for us.
Are you kidding? This is the ferry to Corinth.
It leaves on time, every time. It does not wait for anybody.
We’re not takin’ the ferry. We’re sailing with Nebula.
OK. OK. That’s - that’s OK.
I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you too, Iolaus.
You two can, uh - pick up where ya left off.
Excuse me?! The ferry stops at every town.
With Nebula, it’ll be a straight trip.
Unless, of course - she and her crew wanna stop and - plunder something. I mean, dealing with pirates.
Not a problem. We’re the crew.
Ah - good.
It’ll be good to see Ajax again.
Yeah. You know, when I think of all the battles we fought side by side - the friendships we made - funny how war can do that.
What happened?
Robbers - four of ‘em. Worked me over pretty good. I can’t stand.
All right - just let me see.
There was a temple to Aesclepius back there.
That’s right. We’ll get help for him there.
Here, come on - up you go - slow, slow, slow, slow.
Here, lean on me.
Ajax is expecting us. You go on to Corinth.
Well -
It’s OK. I’ll meet you there.
OK.
Ah - it’s good to be back. Thanks for the lift, Nebula.
Glad to have you. A barnacle who knows fore from aft is always welcome.
You soldiered with this bunch, huh?
Well, not all of them - but a lot of ‘em.
Pretty scurvy-looking crew.
War can do that to you.
What’s the occasion?
They’re dedicating a statue to those that didn’t come back.
It was Ajax’s idea.
Looks like every ex-soldier in Greece is turning up.
Well, maybe I’ll sign up a new crew.
Anyone who survived a ten-year war in Troy should make a good sailor.
You mean ‘pirate.’
Whatever. By the look at them, it’d be a step up.
I haven’t seen this many heroes in one place since - the Argonauts’ reunion.
Come on. I’ll introduce you to Ajax.
All right, put some muscle into it!
Hey! Hey! Steady it. Hold it! Hold it!
Phidias - every man who ever took up arms for our country, owes you a debt of gratitude.
No, sir - the debt’s mine. Not a day passes, I don’t think of the guys who died out there.
Watch it! You guys roll into town like you own the place - and everybody in it!
All right - break it up! There’s no permit for this statue. There’s no permit for a demonstration.
Now, move on! And don’t make me say it twice. Move - or you’ll be moved. This is your last warning.
Hold on, sergeant. You can’t do this.
I speak for the king. He can. Now - move on.
The King? Huh? Hasn’t he the guts to come and speak for himself?!
Arrest that man.
Take him away!
Come on, you old-timer!
Let me go!
He didn’t do anything!
What part of ‘Move on’ don’t you understand?
Clear the area. Clear the area!
OK, guys! Let’s take it over here!
Love a good convention, but this one’s getting out of hand.
Yeah.
Ajax, call ‘em off!
Iolaus! Welcome to the party!
These guys don’t stand a chance against your men!
They’ve been riding us, treatintg us like scum!
We’ve got rights, same as them! In fact, we fought for their rights!
And many good men lost their lives! You know that!
I know. But look, you’ve made your point. Call a halt, before somebody gets killed.
Like me!
OK! Back off! That’s an order!
You’ll pay for this!
No! You’ll pay for this - when King Iphicles hears about it!
He would never condone you harassing these men!
He was following my orders!
Iphicles.
You know the king? Nothing like friends in high places.
He’s - more than a friend. He’s Hercules’ brother.
Iphicles - how can you condone this?
These men fought for Corinth. They fought for all of Greece.
It’s none of your business, Iolaus. Don’t get involved.
I fought alongside these men. So did Hercules. I am involved.
But you’re not. You’ve got no idea what’s going on, here.
You’ve been away with my brother for far too long.
Iphicles -
I am not gonna argue the matter with you!
Kazon - see to your men. Report back to me.
Yah!
That’s it, just leave.
Some friend.
Iphicles refuses to hear us. Now, he sends in his goons.
You know Phidias.
Yeah.
They hauled him off - for no reason!
Nobody cares. We come home after all these years, and to what?
You guys have been fighting for so long, you’re nothing but a bunch of thugs!
You all deserve what Phidias got!
You can haul every last one of us out there, but that sorry rock won’t hold us forever!
Are you talkin’ about Golgoth?
You bet I am - the worst prison in Greece.
Once you’re out there, you may as well be dead: out of sight, out of mind, out of luck.
I’m gonna talk to Iphicles when he’s cooled off - find out what’s behind all this.
Well, maybe he’ll talk to you. He certainly won’t listen to me.
Iphicles - Hercules and I were - we were sorry to hear about Rena.
We were in Cestos, and we only heard the news a few days ago.
I appreciate it, Iolaus.
It was over quickly. She didn’t suffer. I’m thankful for that much.
But, she died alone. I, I should have been here.
I was away, dealing with a situation, uh - just like the one today, but it turned into a riot.
Returning soldiers, who just could not leave the fighting behind.
I hope you don’t hold Ajax and the others responsible.
But I do. If it hadn’t been for them, I would have been - here with Rena at the end, where I belong.
I understand. But - I also understand these veterans.
Maybe, they went about it the wrong way, but these men are not civilians.
They don’t think like civilians. We need to find a way to help them.
They fought hard for Greece.
I know that.
The trouble is - the killing, the fighting - it’s all they know.
My people are terrified!
But sending them out to Golgoth is not the answer.
These men, they’re - they’re heroes - they’re not criminals.
We’re supposed to be helping them fit in. You’re just putting a chain on them.
When a situation like today comes up, I will deal with it.
Just because these men fought in a war, does not entitle them to special privileges.
They are not above the law!
Iphicles -
Stop! Iolaus - you are my friend. But I’ve got a country to run.
Then as a friend - will you do one thing for me?
You know I will.
Talk to Ajax. Listen to what he has to say.
Very well. Bring him to me.
You know, she was really proud of you.
So, Iphicles is prepared to listen - which is a step.
It’s talk!
He will come around. I know the man. You just have to be patient.
How much longer are we supposed to wait?
Remember, it took us ten years to win at Troy. Perhaps we should listen to Iolaus.
And too many good good men lost their lives because of it!
Yes, they did. But, more than fighting won that war.
There was a strategy, a plan.
And Hercules is coming back, soon, and Iphicles will listen to him. You know he will!
Men are rotting out there on Golgoth.
I don’t know how much longer I can keep the lid on this.
Time and trust, Ajax. You know that’s the answer.
Wipe those looks off your faces. Griping and groaning never helped anybody.
Coming home - hasn’t been what any of us expected.
We’ve been insulted, ridiculed.
Men who didn’t have the guts to fight beside us now have the nerve to spit on us!
Well that’s not right - none of this! Just remember one thing.
You watch each others’ backs. Stick together.
United - nobody can beat us - not even the king of Corinth!
King Iphicles, you have a problem.
Ajax, your vets have a problem.
You have to realize, it’s the same problem!
I disagree. What I have is a solution, and it’s out there on the bay.
Highness, you can’t believe that sending men out to the rock for imaginary offenses is a solution to anything!
Imaginary offenses?! Is that what it was for you to encourage rebellion against this crown?!
‘Not even the king of Corinth can beat us.’ Isn’t that what you said!
It wasn’t meant that way. It was meant to rally hope, because that’s all these men have left, hope - and each other.
Maybe, it was quoted out of context.
Context is unimportant.
If I spoke inappropriately - punish me, not my men.
You may leave Corinth, if you go now - all of you.
Anyone who stays - goes to Golgoth.
If we leave, what happens to the men already out there.
They stay where they are.
Very well.
Now!
Ajax - don’t - do this.
You heard what I heard. I can’t not do this.
It’s a mistake. Let me try and talk to him.
No. It was a mistake to think that this would work.
You were right. We needed a plan. Well, I have one.
Sorry about this, Iolaus.
All of Greece won’t be big enough to hide you.
As long as I’ve got you, I don’t need all of Greece.
Nebula.
Nebula?
Nebula, I need you!
Love the direct approach.
Oh, sorry, I - uh - Ajax has taken the king prisoner, and it’s my fault.
Easy! Before you take all the credit - how do you figure that?
You see, I persuaded them that - that they could solve their problem if they got together and talked it over.
But it blew up. I know Ajax. I should’ve seen it coming.
Do you need me to help you get away?
No, I - I don’t wanna get away! I -
Uh - I wanna go and rescue - Iphicles - before - Ajax does something really foolish.
Foolish. Like -
Well - first thing he’ll do is go to the prison and rescue his men.
And then it could go any number of ways - none of them good.
Rescue the king - you think Iphicles can spell, ‘Reward’?
Heh-heh, I bet he can.
Towel?
Here.
Thank you.
What do you say we get this bucket under way, hmm?
Welcome to Golgoth.
This place is mine. All of you belong to me.
The gods of Olympus don’t exist here.
My name is Gagnon. If you pray, pray only to me.
You’ll follow the rules - and keep your mouths shut - or damnation in Tartarus will be like - Elysium, compared to the time you do here.
You smell like regular army to me.
I was.
I hate regular army.
Do I look as though I care?
Hmm - oh, you’ll learn to care.
Nooo!
- Move! - Just a little further.
Show some respect! He may be a disgrace, but he’s still a king.
Is this your idea of respect, Ajax?!
You get used to this rock. You are not leaving it.
- Who goes there?! - Identify yourselves!
Put down your weapons! We have your king!
Let’s go.
Move.
So, what do you know about this place, Golgoth?
It’s no paradise, but I’ve seen worse.
Ha, you’ve been there?
The rock it’s built on is riddled with natural tunnels - perfect hiding place - if you can only get past the creatures that live in the sand.
What kind of creatures?
Sandsharks.
The island’s infested with them.
Do you think being a pirate was easy?
Listen - if this thing works out - we’re gonna have to evacuate a lot of men off that island. Would you - ?
Sure. Sure - but you’ll owe.
What are you gonna do?
Place me into servitude?
Hold me in bondage for - how long?
We’ll negotiate. But don’t sweat it.
Bondage gets a bad rap.
Looks like a man who’s learned his lesson.
Behind you!
Sound the alarm!
Go get him!
Go on! Get up the wall!
They’re comin’ in!
Get those chains off of him.
We’re free!
Look at them, Iphicles. These men did nothing to deserve this treatment.
I don’t know what kinda trouble they caused once they got here, and neither do you.
Let’s go!
Phidias.
Come on.
Lie still! They’ll, they’ll pay for this!
The tunnels are that way!
No time!
You’re right. Once the king serves his purpose in freeing the prisoners, he’s a dead man.
Ajax is not a cold-blooded killer. He’s a patriot.
Holding the king hostage - that sound patriotic to you?
Who did this to you?
He did - Gagnon.
Look who I found!
Kill him. Kill him!
Ajax, you can’t! He’s your prisoner!
This is war! I’m not taking any prisoners!
I was doing your work. Do something!
I never told you to treat them like animals!
This is a prison! What do you think went on here?!
Ajax! Blame him! Not me!
Stop!
Stop him!
Uhh - my leg!
Come on!
Keep still!
Don’t move! Don’t move!
Keep still! Keep still!
Help! Someone help!
Grab it!
Hold on, Iolaus!
Iolaus - get him to the ropes.
Come on.
Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable in water?
Grab him! Lock him up!
Come on!
Anybody tries anything - kill him!
Great.
Yeah, chew on that for a while, pal.
I hate these guys.
Careful.
What do you think you’re doing?!
What are friends for?
Remember that decoy we used in Troy?
Number two.
Two!
Over here! Come on!
On two!
Two!
Thanks.
Well done, Hercules.
I think it’d be a good idea if we - get to the ropes. Come on.
Just like old times, hey?
No - this is different - and you know it.
What did you think, Ajax? I’d let you take my brother and not follow you?
My fight’s with him, not with you.
Any fight with my brother is a fight with me. I want Iphicles.
You see Phidias. That’s your brother’s work. He caused this.
You are not without blame, here.
When there’s trouble, politicians need guys like us - and after it’s over, they expect us to go crawl in a hole.
Well, this has gone too far - and Iphicles must pay.
I want Iphicles, now.
I can’t stop you. We both know that. But he’ll be dead before you can get to him.
I give you my word. You let me see him - be sure he’s OK.
He can stay where he is for now - but only until this thing is resolved.
I’ll take your word.
You can see him. Then we’ll talk about what comes next.
Hold it.
Let him come.
You talk to Hercules?
He’s gone to see his brother. Is he in one piece?
Yes - for now, but I will do what I have to.
So will I - and so will Hercules.
What’s happened, Iolaus?
I used to be a champion of the people, and now they treat me like an enemy.
You just made a mistake - that’s all. And so did Iphicles. And you two can get through this.
You wanna hand with that?
No - thanks. A soldier learns to ignore pain.
You’re not a soldier, anymore!
They won’t let us be anything else.
I’m sure there’s a place for you, somewhere - but violence won’t get it.
Let it go.
You were one of us, Iolaus - you and Hercules, both.
You should be with us, not against us.
We are with you. We’re just - against the - way you’re going about things.
This should do for now.
Just, uh - stay off of it, and no more - teasing the sandsharks, OK?
It’s good to see you, Hercules. Can’t wait to get outta here.
Well, you’re gonna stay for a while.
It was the price for us getting to talk.
So, what happened? None of this is like you.
There were so many returning home at once - it became a question of public safety.
I had to do something.
Sending them here was not the answer.
These men - fought for your kingdom. They deserve better.
It’s up to you to make a place for them. They’ve earned it.
I know that.
It’s just - it got - got to be personal.
Rena.
Yeah.
You wanted someone to blame - but I think your anger was a little misdirected.
They weren’t responsible for you losing her.
All right. I’ll get you out of here.
Guard!
It’s not too late to make this right.
Satisfied? We didn’t hurt him.
That’s good for both of you.
Go back to Corinth. Empty the treasury and bring it to me.
It won’t erase what’s aleady happened, but it will buy some of these men a fresh start.
Do that - and I’ll spare Iphicles.
You can’t mean that. That corrupts everything you’ve ever stood for.
I’m not sure that what I stood for is worth a pinch of salt.
Take her boat - go.
I’ll do it, but Iolaus stays here with my brother.
Tell Iphicles I’ll be back - for both of you.
Commander - about the ransom - the men are afraid it sends the wrong message - that we’re nothing but common criminals.
Whether or not Hercules brings the money, no matter - you’re right.
But we do need to send a message, and we do need to avenge Phidias.
And to do that - Iphicles must die.
A king’s ransom, huh?
Gotta hand it to Ajax. He’s got vision.
This isn’t about ransom. He doesn’t intend to free Iphicles.
I’m going back in there, but some other way.
He thinks your gone - he drops his guard.
It’s a good idea.
Let’s go.
I can’t wait to see the look on Iolaus’ face when, uh - he sees me rescue him.
This isn’t your fight. You’re staying here.
- Oh, is that right? - Ye-ep.
So, you wanna fight those sandsharks all by yourself?
I know the other way in.
Besides - having the son of Zeus owe me a favor might come in handy someday.
Come on. Come on, Herc.
Come on.
You must despise me - the way I treated those men.
Well, I must admit, I lost faith back there. Hercules never did.
Good men gave their lives for you.
And those that survived, you betrayed. No - worse - you - sent them here.
On their behalf - I sentence you to die.
You can’t mean that!
Do it!
Ajax!
I was wrong. I made mistakes.
B - but do this - and you’re no better than you accuse me of being.
At least - give him a fighting chance. What kind of a soldier are you?!
All right! I’ll give you the same chance to get off this rock, that you gave the men you sent here.
There’s freedom, Iphicles. Fight your way out, and you’ve earned it.
He doesn’t stand a chance with that leg. Let me go in his place.
No. My fight’s not with you, Iolaus. He must pay.
You’re not the man I knew and respected, anymore, Ajax.
And, I think a lot of your men feel the same.
I’m sorry you feel that way.
Try to keep still! Don’t - move.
Uh - how much further?
Should be just ahead.
If we can get to the ropes - we’ll make it.
Go! Come on!
Come on!
Don’t - leave me!
Go!
Come on! Move your royal butt!
I don’t understand. This wasn’t here before.
Something like this?
No - bigger.
They always want bigger.
Uh-oh - looks like feeding time.
Hold on, Iolaus. I’ll be right there.
Ajax - what are you doing? Just get out of my way!
I can’t let you do this!
Wait here.
Over here!
Play fair.
Iolaus! To your left!
Boy, that’s guts.
Don’t be greedy.
Guys! Come on!
All right! Here we go!
Come on, Herc! Hurry up!
Finish me off, so I die with honor on a battlefield!
This isn’t a battlefield, and I’m not your enemy!
It’s over.
Nebula! Get to the ropes!
Iolaus! Get ready!
Time to make a noise.
What?
Come on over here!
Come on! Right here!
Come on! I’m here!
Come on!
Over here! Here I am!
Iolaus!
Iolaus, wait there!
Wait?
Hold it! Now!
Hercules is right! It’s over! I went too far.
A good soldier never surrenders - but he always - recognizes the enemy when he sees him!
Sometimes - that enemy is within!
As Zeus is my witness, this ends now!
I swear - I’ll make a place in my kingdom for these men!
At least he didn’t die for nothing.
And, finally - Hercules had an idea - a good one, I think.
There’s land on our northern borders. It’s rugged land.
But it’s fertile - and it’s yours. You can make a good life there.
And you’ll provide a line of defense against any encroachment by the Parthians.
I hope you will accept this from the grateful people of Corinth - and from a very - grateful king.
Hercules - what can I say?
Thank you.
What’s family for?
Well - it’s a start.
For them and for Iphicles.
Hmm - too bad you couldn’t turn a profit on this little - excursion.
Oh, maybe not - but I think I found the makings of a first-rate crew.
I, uh - believe I owe you - thanks - for watching my - back.
Ah - it’s what I do best.
Goodbye, my friend.
Your war is over.
You fought hard for your country - and you fought brave.
You will always be remembered a hero.