Carl Denham sat in a corner café sipping coffee, smoking a cigar, and scanning the newspaper. The film reviews caught his eye, and the amount they were grossing on average tickled his greed.

"If only I could put together a project that would top them all," he said, more greedily than dreamily. His thoughts unconsciously went back to Skull Island. The place was so full of adventure and mystery. Ever since the Kong gig fell thru, Skull Island had been alive in Carl's imagination. The footage that had been lost in the wilds of the isle was tragic to Carl, even more so than the loss of life. He dreadfully wanted to return. The danger was immense, yet Carl thought nothing of it; for the love of money, he would risk almost anything. However, it would not be easy to return. For one thing, who in their right mind would agree to go?

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About a mile away, Melanie Driscoll strolled down the theatre district, supposedly looking for a job. However, her mind was far away, and she oblivious to the "actress wanted" signs that surrounded her. She lived in her mind the stories of her Aunt Ann. Melanie longed to act in a role of adventure, to feel the adrenaline pump thru her veins and to carry her to the extreme. She wanted to see the sights that few have seen before. She could never admit it to anyone, not even to her Aunt Ann or Uncle Jack, who were her closest confidantes. She could hardly admit it to herself. She wanted to see Skull Island.

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Denham was about to pay his ticket and leave when a young girl walked in who caught his fancy. She was a pretty little thing, slender, strawberry blonde hair. Her nose was a little large for her face, but it only added to her character. She wasn't your typical beauty, but just to look at her was to be mesmerized. There was a faraway look in her eyes, a look of yearning and wonder. Carl could easily see an innocent longing in those eyes, and he couldn't help but picture in his mind how perfect they would look from behind the camera, and eventually on the big screen. Carl wondered, wished that…just maybe…she was an actress…No, it couldn't be, he would never be that lucky. He shook off his hopes and headed to the counter, but couldn't help turning back to catch one last glance. Those eyes. They were exquisite. Such an extraordinary shade of blue, like the reflection of a cerulean sky after a spring shower. And they were so expressive. It might be a long shot, but why not? He decided to give it a try.

Denham followed her unnoticed to the back of the café and offered her a chair. Much to Melanie's surprise, he sat down across from her.

"Excuse me for intruding, but I couldn't help noticing your exquisite facial features," said Carl. "Your profile is utterly amazing," Carl reached up and gently turned her face to the side. He slathered on the charm, but thought it best not to mention his fascination with her eyes. "Have you ever considered a career in acting?"

"Actually I am an actress," said Melanie, a little uneasy. "Just who are you, anyway?"

"Pardon me ma'am," said Carl as he extended his hand. "Mr. Carl Denham at your service."

A wide smile appeared across Melanie's face, as she shook his hand readily. Carl looked at Melanie questioningly, waiting for a response to his dialogue. He knew better than anybody that he didn't have much of a reputation, and what little reputation he did have wasn't particularly flattering. He was anxious to learn what it was that caused this girl to seem so pleased to meet him.

Melanie released his hand and looked deeply in his eyes. "You've been to Skull Island."

Carl slowly leaned back in his chair, not knowing what to think. "Yes, yes I have." He realized that the girl's face looked oddly familiar.

"I've been to Skull Island, can tell you anything you want to know about it. In fact…"

"I've always dreamed of going there." Carl straightened at this remark. "My aunt has told me marvelous stories about…"

"Your aunt?"

"Yes. Ann Driscoll."

Carl smiled inwardly. Maybe he was luckier than he thought. It would take some work, but he felt he had just found his leading lady.

"Would you like to go to Skull Island?"

Melanie's eyes lit up.