03x01 - Dragon at the Door

[bunniefuu]

[ thunder cracking ]

If this keeps up,
we're gonna have to bring in
two of every kind of stock.

Oh, it's a toad-strangler,
all right.

Come on, Jess,
get some of these leaks.

[ water dripping ]

[ banging on door ]

Rain's finally let up.

What do you
make of it, Slim?I don't know, Jess.

First I thought
he was Shoshone.

Wonder what an Oriental
is doing way out here.

How are you feeling?

Somebody hit you?

Accident.

Axle broke on wagon.

I fall, hit my head.

Others waiting, need help.

Who's waiting?

Tajima.

Come, he is not
very far.

Wait a minute.

How do we know
you're not leading us

into some kind of
a trap?

There is no trap.

You will come
with me now.

This what
you're looking for?

Three women, old man.

I cannot help them
alone.

I have no weapons.

How can I hurt you?

It's not every night
someone like you drops in.

Takes a little
getting used to.

I'm Slim Sherman.

I'm Tomomi Okubo.

This is Jess Harper.

You will come now?

Let's go.

I thought I told you
to check that side road

all the way down
to the fork.

I went just as far
as I possibly could.

I got soaked on it.

That road is
clean washed out.

I couldn't have gotten
that big barn of a wagon
to let us through.

Well, we should
have jumped 'em

when they was with that train
of freight wagons.

Leastwise, then we knew
where they was at.

Oh, sure, that would
have been real smart.

Then those mule-skinners
them Japanese was
traveling with,

why, they'd have
torn us apart.

Maybe, maybe not.

Seems like
for $10,000 worth of opium,

it would have been worth it.

They got
that much of it?

They got
a whole big box of it.

I gave good money
to a man in Frisco
who seen 'em get it.

Did you find 'em?

Yeah, half froze.

Then they're headed
for Laramie, huh?

Headed that way
but not moving.

Their scow's broke down.
Busted axle.

I figure the young fella
went to get help.

The old man's
guarding the wagon.

Well, now is the time
to hit 'em

before any help gets there.

Start breaking camp.

[ thunder rumbling ]

[ horses neighing ]

[ speaking Japanese ]

The old man
must be inside.

Hey, this might be easier
than we figured, huh?

Where'd it come from?

[ g*nshots ]

There ain't nothing
to sh**t at.

It wasn't no banshee
that did that to me.

[ horses neighing ]

Hold it.

It's the help coming.

Well, let's get
out of here.

[ speaking Japanese ]

[ speaking Japanese ]

We heard some shots.

Some visitors with g*ns,
it must have been thieves.

May I present
my honorable employer,

the great Kami Tajima.

Evening,
I'm Slim Sherman,
this is Jess Harper.

It is kind of you to venture
out on such a night

to help
most unworthy travelers.

We're glad to do it.

We managed
to miss many small holes

only to land in one big one.

Well, let's have a look.

I better keep
an eye out, Slim.

It's gonna take more than
elbow grease to fix that,

but we did bring some tools
and planks along.

It will be most appreciated
if Tomomi and I could use

what you bring
to make repairs.

We could lift the wagon bed,

put a temporary splice
on axle.

Tomomi, take the horses
out of the way.

Well, that's not gonna
hold too long,

but it might last
till we get to the ranch.

Once we get there,
you can fix it for good.

You are most kind.

Where are you headed?

To see friends in
the eastern cities of America.

We are from Japan.

Oh, we wondered about that.

We are entertainers.

The patron of the theater in
noisy city of San Francisco,

they seem to like
more vigorous entertainment

than we are able to offer.

Yeah, I think I know
what you mean.

Jess and I went
to the Barbary Coast one time.

It gets pretty wild.

Uh, the rest of the country
is not like that though.

It is most good to hear.

We'll get the tools.

Hey, Jess?

Jess!

Huh?

They got a cracked axle.

Try to reinforce it,
get 'em back to the ranch

so they can fix it.

Let's get some tools.

Yeah, sure.

Well, that's the best
we can do

till we heat up that forge.

We are very grateful.

I don't think you'll have
any trouble fixing it.

Well, it's been
a long night.

Before we go to work,
why don't we all go inside

and have some breakfast?

Not to wish
to trouble you further.

Well, that's no trouble.

We got to fix us
something anyway.

Uh, we will be
very much honored.

Slim, why don't you
go inside

and straighten things
up a little?

I'll get some firewood.

Gentlemen,

the miserable daughters
of house of Tajima.

The eldest Haru.

Then Yuki.

And Kiku.

Miserable?

It's nice to meet you.

I hope you like flapjacks.

Flapjacks?

Very unusual
American delicacy.

Well, let's go inside.

You--

You get the firewood,
I'll take the folks inside.

[ speaking Japanese ]

Uh, gentlemen, most unusual

and unfortunate event
took place last evening.

We found a small
American boy by the roadside.

A boy?

Was he alone?

Very much so,
no sign of anyone else.

The storm was rising
and he was unconscious.

We didn't know what to do
but take him with us.

Now inside.

Kind of young to be
on the loose.

Well, I guess
strays come in all sizes.

He don't look so good, Slim.

He sure don't.

Easy, fella, easy.

They did it!

They k*lled my ma and pa!

They k*lled them!

Yeah, fever for sure.

Better clean him up a little,
put a cool compress on him.

We need some answers,
Mr. Tajima.

Why did the boy say
you people k*lled his folks?

I don't know.

I have told you the truth.

We found the boy
by the roadside,
unconscious.

Well, the boy is sick.
He could be out
of his head, I guess.

Kami Tajima
does not speak any lies.

We only meant
to help the boy.

Otherwise would we have
brought him to you?

He's right about that, Slim.

Well, when the boy comes to,

maybe we can find out
what he's talking about.

Well, that offer
for breakfast still goes.

You are most kind.

Jess, like to get
that firewood now?

[ speaking Japanese ]

Well, you make
yourself at home,
I'll get things started.

[ speaking Japanese ]

I guess that's enough.

I'll get the door.

Looks like they might be
here quite a spell.

Well, I say we don't wait,
get it over with now.

Oh, no, not me,
not in broad daylight.

He's right.

That's a stage
relay station.

Might be a whole crew of men
sleeping in that bunkhouse.

You want to,
you go right ahead.

Me and Roy is waiting.

It is quite simple.

We shall make a metal strap
to act as a brace.

Have you some strap iron?

Yeah,
where'd you learn

so much about metal working,
Mr. Tajima?

You western people
often forget,

the eastern world has invented
and developed many things,

from g*n powder
to casting metals.

They also invent bossing a job
without working?

So sorry, I do not
understand question.

Don't try to answer him.

Come on in the barn
with me and pick out
that size strap you want.

Let me give you a hand.No, that's all right.

I want to help.Thank you.

Maybe next time
I come back as a big girl,

not need help to do laundry.

Girls aren't supposed
to lift heavy things
when there's men around.

Thank you.

Thank you very much,
Jess Harper.

I-I'm sorry, I didn't know
she was taking a shower.

Sorry?
We Japanese believe
to be clean in body,

helps to be clean in mind.

Do not American women bathe?

Well, yeah, sure, I guess.

We have public bath
for all in Tokyo

so that all can be clean.

Public? You mean--

Yuki, please,
hand me a towel, will you?

My hands are soapy.

Would you hand her
the towel, please?

Me?If you don't mind, Jess.

No, I don't mind.

Yuki, hurry.

I ain't Yuki.

This is the most
unusual bath you have made.

Very clever,
you Americans.

We call it a shower.

I hope you did not mind
if I use your shower.

No, I don't mind.

In fact, I was thinking of
cleaning up a little myself.

Oh, then
you shall be the next.

It's a strange thing, Haru.

We're about as far apart
as two people can get.

I mean the way we think,
the way we believe.

I do not feel
that way somehow.

That's what I mean,
I don't feel that way either.

I feel like I've known you
for a long time.

Well, what I mean is--

TOMOMI: Haru, you shame
yourself before him.

Now wait a minute.

Leave us, Haru.

You got it
all wrong, mister.

Do not trifle
with our women.

Look, I didn't mean
any harm, honest.

Here's my hand on it.

All right,
now break it up!

Well, tell him that.

[ speaking Japanese ]

Tomomi forgets himself,

he has made us lose face.

We beg for your pardon.

What started this, Jess?

I don't know myself, Slim.

I was just trying to help
Yuki and Haru,

and the next thing I knew...

Well, I might have known.

I wasn't out of line, Slim,
it wasn't my fault.

KAMI: I'm sure
you meant no harm.

In his way,
neither did Tomomi.

Perhaps it will take time
for east to know west.

And west to know
the east.

Why don't you take
a shower?

Come quickly, boy waking up!

Whoa, tiger, whoa.

Nobody's gonna hurt you.

I just want to see
how that fever of yours is.

Come on now, huh?

He's frisky
as a young colt, isn't he?

Yeah, and he's cold
as a colt's nose.

His fever's gone.

Well, they can't keep
a good man down, can they?

What's your name, son?

Well, this here is Jess.
I'm Slim.

My name is Mike.

Don't you have
a last name?

Haven't you?

My name is Harper,
Jess Harper.

And you can hang a Sherman
behind that Slim.

My last name is Williams.

Well, that sounds
like a real man's name,

Mike Williams,
where are you from?

I was born in Park County,
so Ma told me.

But that was a long time ago,
we've been on the trail

coming west as long
as I remember.

What took you so long?

Lots of things.

Ma took sick once,

the wagon broke down
a couple of times,

one of the horses died,

Pa had to hire out
to get provisions once,

weather was poorly,
things like that.

Sounds like you had
your share of trouble, boy.

Say, Mike, could you tell us

what happened to you
just before you got here?

Well, Pa, he was setting up
camp for the night,

and I was out
getting firewood.

And I heard this sh**ting
and yelling,

and I run toward the wagon
through some bushes

and kind of crawled up
to see what was going on

and it was something awful.

All them Indians
running around and Ma and Pa,

they was just lying there
sort of crumpled up,

not even moving.

How is he?

There's one of 'em.

There's one of the Indians
that k*lled Ma and Pa!

Wait a minute, Mike,
he's not an Indian,

he's Japanese.

You see, he's crossing
the country with his family,

just like you were.

That's right, Mike.

They're not Indians,
these are the folks

that picked you up
and brought you here.

Now listen, boy...

I want you to look at them,

and think good now,

you ever see these folks
around your wagon before?

No, I guess I didn't,

but I sure thought
they was Indians.

Well, I'm sure glad
that's cleared up.

Hey, he must have
tossed you pretty hard.

Why don't you say
something about it?

Ah, it don't hurt
too bad.

You know, I can't figure out
how he did that, Slim.

One minute I was
standing on my feet,

the next thing I know
I'm flying through the air

toward that mud puddle.

Maybe he was just
too strong for you.

Sure,
but that ain't it.

He was using leverage
or something like that.

Here, let me show you
what I mean.

Oh, no, you don't.
You're not gonna
toss me around.

No, no kidding,
just let me see if I can do it.

All right, don't go
breaking anything,

especially me.

All right,
come here, let's see.

I was just
standing there and I--

I wanted
to shake hands.

Shake.

Hey, it worked.

Did you see that?

Are you all right, partner?

Well, it didn't
do me any good.

I'm sorry, Slim.
Here let me give you a hand.

Hey!

All right,
that's enough, strangler,

one fall apiece.

Okay, Slim,
let's shake on it.

Oh, no, you don't.

This could be
going on all day.

Besides, they're throwing
a show for Mike.

We got to get ready.

And you're gonna get
all slicked up
for the ladies, huh?

You know, it seems to me
you're the one

that's been walking
around here walleyed
ever since they got here.

Yeah?

Well, that Haru,
the oldest one,

she was prettier
than all get out.

I guess I'm just gonna have to
get a pair of blinders for you.

You know,
I'm kind of surprised

you didn't go up
to the lake with her.

The lake?

Yeah, she asked me

where she could get
some watercress

for that fancy dinner
she's fixing for us.

So I told her
that she could probably find

some up at the lake.

When did she go?

I don't know exactly.

Who'd she go with?

She went alone,
as far as I know.

Well, it's gonna be
dark pretty soon.

I better see
she gets back all right.

Well, that's a good idea.

What are you putting
that on for?

Just in case you meet up
with Tomomi again?

Habit's so strong,
I didn't even know

I was putting it on.

You know, while you're gone,
I'm gonna ask him

to teach me more about
his style of fighting.

Yeah, well, you do that.

Only don't count on doing
any practicing on me.

Reckon we ought
to give the lady a hand?

What do you want to go
stirring up trouble for?

I was just thinking,

you know, it might be easier
to get that package

we've been looking
for if we got her

to trade for it, huh?

For once, Barnes,
I think you got
yourself a good idea.

Sure is a nice day
for a walk, ain't it?

Now don't be afraid,
we're gonna get along fine.

Shut up, no one's gonna
hurt you.

[ screams ]

Jess-san.

Are you all right, Haru?

I think so, Jess-san,
are you?

Yeah, I'm all right.

Seems to be my day
for going in the drink though.

What about Tomomi?

I don't know.

I didn't--
Oh, there he is.

You all right, Tomomi?

They caught their horses
and rode away.

Well, it figures
with that kind.

Who are they,
Jess-san?

I don't know, Haru,
drifters, most likely.

Thanks for your help,
Tomomi.

My thanks to you,
Jess-san.

You too.

You still want
that watercress, Haru?

Haru has suddenly
lost appetite for watercress.

Yeah, me too.

I never did like that
rabbit food anyway.

Let's get back
to the ranch.

He'd be a good man to have
on your sight in a saloon fight.

Yeah, a bad man
to have against you.

No wonder them knives
come so fast last night.

I ain't turning
my back on him.

Of course,
with them women now,

that's something else again.

Look, you can take
anything you want,

but that's after we get
the opium out of the wagon.

Very nice.

Thank you.

How do you say
thank you in Japanese?

Um, arigato.

Arigato.

Yes.

That's quite a show.

Can't understand
why they didn't like it

in San Francisco.

Honorable gentleman
in the audience thought

that I was about to throw
knives into Haru.

They start sh**ting revolvers

at miserable magician
and entertainer.

Well,
you're a magician too?

We all practice various arts.

Lowly daughters
dance and sing,

Tomomi is an excellent
acrobat and entertainer.

Juggler, you know.

You know,
come to think of it,

he did do some fancy
juggling this afternoon.

You do not care
for your dumpling?

It has one of your
excellent chicken in it.

It's not the taste
that's stopping me
from eating it, Haru.

It's these skinny forks.

Oh, let me show you
how to hold them again.

Kiku, you help Slim-san.

Really,
is very simple.

American people
always trying to take
everything all at once.

Maybe that's because
we're afraid

somebody else is
gonna take it.

Thanks.

Now what do you got against
spoons and forks?

Well, that beats me.

I can't figure it out
either, Slim.

Excuse me.

You should eat, Mike.

You'll feel better if you get
something down there

to keep those ribs apart.

I ain't hungry.

Come on, eat it,
it's good for you.

You know, tiger,
I've been thinking...

we're gonna go
into Laramie tomorrow

and talk to the sheriff,

see if we can locate
some of your kinfolk.

You have any kin
that you know of, Mike?

Well, Ma once said a sickness
took most of her folks.

Pa, he always said
that he was trying to get

shuck of his relations.

Well, I reckon that's why
most folks move west,

to cut loose from kin.

I sure got cut loose.

Come on now,
it ain't gonna be so bad.

Well, you've got a home here
as long as you want.

Isn't that right, Slim?

Sure, you do.

There's always room
for a good wrangler.

Ain't never lived on a ranch,
ain't no wrangler.

Well, you can
learn, can't you?

Shucks, you'll be riding
and roping with me and Slim

before you know it.

Maybe.

Well, sure, you will.

By golly, you can smile,
can't you, Mike?

Mr. Tajima,
what's holding up the show?

See, honorable Mike...

there's nothing on my hands.

Look closely.

Now.

Gee, how'd he do that?

You would like to learn magic?

Yeah, sure.

Haru, bring other
magic materials

from the wagon.

I better go with you.

KAMI: Now I bring
world's finest juggler,

the great Tomomi Okubo.

Oh, these dancing slippers
are not good for the mud.

I'll carry you.

I can't figure out
why it's so different, Haru.

Why so different,
Jess-san?

The way I feel about you.

I don't get a chance
to meet many...

really beautiful women.

Haru believes
there have been many.

You're strong
but you're gentle.

I guess
that's what I mean.

You know, I'm afraid
if I touched you, you'd break.

Haru not break,
perhaps bend a little,

but not break.

Haru, there's something
I want to tell you.

Please do not speak.

I...

I-I did not tell you
before but something...

[ gasps ]

Well, I swear,

there's more
going on around here

than a man can keep track of.

Ain't it the truth?

All kinds of things.What do you want?

We got some business
to take care of with
your visitors.

Now you take us inside.

What kind of business?

What do you think
about that, Mike?

Bet he can't juggle apples
at the same time.

Didn't you get enough
of a beating up
at the lake today?

Or did you come back
to take up where you left off?

We got more important things
to do than to finish you.

I'd just as soon
do it right now.

Hey, you ain't gonna do
nothing till I tell you to.

You got us in enough
trouble already.

You go on inside, mister.

We're not through going easy
on you or her.

All right,
hold it right there.

You know, I hate to break up
a party like this

but like they always say,
business before pleasure.

Well, if he's got
another knife on him

someplace,
I can't find it.

If he has,
you're liable to find it

right in the middle
of your back.

All right,
where's the stuff?

Sorry, I do not
understand stuff.

Now look,
we searched all through

that wagon of yours
and we couldn't find it.

Perhaps that is because

whatever you are looking for
is not there.

All right,
everybody stay put!

Barbarian.

You shut up.

It's just a sample
of what you'll get

if you step out of line.

You start talking.

If I knew
what you are looking for,

I'd give it to you
to avoid further violence.

You know
what I'm looking for.

It's that box of opium
you brought with you
from Frisco.

You are after such a box?

That's right.

Now wouldn't it be a shame
if I had to k*ll you to get it?

I do not deal in narcotics.

It is a scourge
of the Orient.

He's lying, Sable,
let me get some truth--

Wait a minute.
First I think
I'll let you start

to work on the little
lady there.

You'll have to use
that g*n on me first, mister.

Wait.

I'll tell you.
It is hidden in the wagon.

No, it ain't.
I told you, I already
searched that wagon.

Then it's very hidden.

Get going.

All right, if everybody
stays nice and quiet,

we won't have
no trouble.

All right, open it up.

I must warn you,
there's much danger
in this stuff.

You don't have to worry
about me, old man,

I can take care
of myself.

You expect
a good price for it?

Well, it depends on
how much you got.

Come on,
open one of them up.

Hey, that don't
look like opium to me.

Ah-so, this is a very
special stuff.

Hold it.

Look out, Jess!

I'll drop the first one of you
that moves.

Tomomi.

I'll be all right.

My father.

I'll find out.

[ horse neighing ]

All is well
in the house, I hope.

Well, Tomomi is the only one
that was hurt.

I don't think
the wound's bad though.

Say, what'd you have in there?
Black powder?

Friends did not give us opium,

but fireworks to celebrate
New Year's Day.

And he thought
it was opium, huh?

Fireworks not
as deadly as opium,

but makes louder noise.

I did not mean
to mislead you.

Did not know
what kiss meant.

You seem to know
how to do it.

I do know
how but not why.

That's all right, Haru.

I don't think I'll ever
forget you, though.

Haru, we go.

Tomomi is sure
a lucky guy.

When he saved Haru's life,
I knew that I love him.

Goodbye, Haru.

Goodbye, Jess-san.

Words cannot express
our sincere thanks for

all you have done.

Please accept this small token
of our appreciation.

Well, you don't owe us
anything.

Wait a minute, Slim,
it's a souvenir.

I mean, maybe Mike
would like to have it.

Yeah, sure.

Thank you.Gee, thanks.

Don't wait till you break
the other axle
to come see us now.

Trouble not very enjoyable

but often makes us
new friends.

[ speaking Japanese ]

Well, there goes
the great Tajima.

And his daughters.