An unexpected arrival from Earth will lead to major changes in New London, they just don't know it yet!
Angel and May is an audio-only podcast, produced by a not-for-profit group of community theatre supporters.
See more on our website: www.angelandmay.com
Please support us through our Patreon page as we have no other source of income.
An unexpected arrival from Earth will lead to major changes in New London, they just don't know it yet!
Angel and May is an audio-only podcast, produced by a not-for-profit group of community theatre supporters.
See more on our website: www.angelandmay.com
Please support us through our Patreon page as we have no other source of income.
G01-E01 - HIGH PRIESTESS
SUMMARY
Storyline is about the arrival in New London of GANDER
(DAVID Kosciolek) age 33 on the 6th of May 2052 (23 years
before the main Angel and May series) and the slow climb
up the slippery pole of power in the Bencubbin. This
first instalment details the time up to his/her purchase
of the Retrograde Inn from the Bencubbin Mafia.
GANDER arrives from Earth ship at the docks and is
roughly thrown off the vessel. This is due to his card
counting and excessive wins made from the crew. They
take his money at the last minute and force him off the
vessel. Requiring time to collect his thoughts he rebuffs
the attempts by the swarming auto taxi reps to rip him
off with high rates and a swift journey to nowhere. He
select a cafe across the street to regroup and figure out
what to do next. This is where he meets a young RUDI in
he first job as a waitress. This scene establishes the
time and place and introduces first character of RUDI and
makes some setups leading to the Bencubbin.
GANDER exits the station at Widmanstaten square and looks
at his phone. First thing he sees is a tourist authority
sigh warning visitors of pick pockets and street gangs
and to not carry valuables. The sign has been defaced.
Heads in the direction of the lanes. Here he encounters a
street gang but is protected by JACINTA and her warren
sister COSTAS. This is his first experience of the
Bencubbin and is a violent one.
INT. PASSENGER DOCK - GATE 23/12 - FIRST ARRIVAL
(GANDER, GANDER (AS DAVID), PA ANNOUNCEMENT, RUDI, SHIPS
OFFICER, SPRUK-O-MATIC, TAXI)
GANDER arrives from an Earth ship at the docks and is
roughly thrown off the vessel. This is due to his card
counting and excessive wins made from the crew. They
take his money at the last minute and force him off the
vessel. Requiring time to collect his thoughts he rebuffs
the attempts by the swarming auto taxi reps to rip him
off with high rates and a swift journey to nowhere. He
select a cafe across the street to regroup and figure out
what to do next. This is where he meets a young RUDI in
he first job as a waitress. This scene establishes the
time and place and introduces first character of RUDI and
makes some setups leading to the Bencubbin.
PA ANNOUNCEMENT
SHIP Arrival at gate 23/12 from
Earth Cerebos STATION
HEAVY AIRLOCK DOOR
METALLIC WALKWAY
SHIPS OFFICER
Quarter master take this card
sharp off our ship, and make sure
he doesn't come back under any
circumstances. (Mumbling) The
officers can't afford to play an
more of his rigged games.
GANDER
Oh! So now I'm a thief, rather
than a expert card player. When
did that change? Maybe its
because I was finally getting to
the bottom of your wallet, and
you're too stingy? It would appear
that you can't take punishment you
can only dish it out? Your a
goddam coward Sir, not fit to
serve!
SHIPS OFFICER
Mr Kosciolek, or who ever you are,
you may think you're smarter than
me, but I have the pips and
stripes, and you're just a
civilian. Even worse, you're on my
boat. Now, I recommend you
disembark immediately, or there
will be trouble. Perhaps you would
prefer I invite the rest of the
crew, to extract revenge for the
money you have cheated from them?
I don't suppose you want me to let
them loose on your pretty fag
face.
GANDER
You back birth, I thought that
sort of prejudice went out with
the dinosaurs. You're pathetic,
you really are, so insecure! I
could best you at cards with both
eyes closed and probably give you
a kicking at the same time. Your
ship-line is about as competent as
White Star and I hope you go the
same way as their Titanic. I'll
not be coming back.
SHIPS OFFICER
Good, we don't want you! I hope
you die slowly in this rat
infested habitat. If I see you
mincing about my boat again,
you'll take a long walk out a
lock, no questions asked.
GANDER
Perhaps you should ask your
Captain about his locked trunk? He
seemed happy to see me when he
needed entertainment!
GANDER turns and stomps down the off gantry only to be
nearly run over by a group of 'blade-runner' style
cyclists ringing their bells. These are bag snatchers and
they steal the now empty bag.
FOOTSTEPS METALLIC
BICYCLES RINGING OF
BELLS
GANDER
Watch out you bastards you nearly
got my foot. Oh shit my bag!
BICYCLES
GANDER
Trackamina, you bastards! (In
English) Shit, they cut my pocket!
Police, police! I've been robbed
TAXI
Good luck with that Sir! Core!
You're lucky they didn't cut your
hand!
GANDER
No shit! Where are the cops?
TAXI
Don't bother, they don't care,
you're easy prey! You want a cab?
GANDER
No f*** off, I've been here ten
seconds and you're already on my
back!(Peering at driver) How the
hell do you think I'm going to pay
for it! Target someone else.
TAXI
Only asking Sir, and f** you too
Sir! Have a nice day Earthworm!
Good luck with that mouth!
GANDER
Shit, look at my pocket, this was
my favourite jacket!
TAXI
Well, you can get an invisible
repair at most tailor's, I
recommend Roberts and Scallaway's
GANDER
Thanks, I don't need an
infomercial! (Pause) Shit, look
sorry! Bad day and a sleepless
night, with a load of dullards.
You caught the emotional blowback.
Ahh look I have no need of a cab
at the moment, I just need a
coffee. I might be back! Where's
the best place?
TAXI
Hmm, well my advice is to forget
"Gambino's", the coffee is shit,
its a front! "The Vulcanic" is OK!
Try the chilli blend you get a
real burn on! That will wake you
up!
GANDER
Gospondin, you drink ship coffee
for three months and you'll drink
urine and slurp with the
deliciousness. Anything for
flavour. Look don't hang around, I
have really limited funds, so
don't get your hopes up!
TAXI
Dude, Chill, I get it. Tanstaafl
right! The non-chilly coffee ain't
bad either, try the cake its good
too.
GANDER
Thanks Gospondin, sorry about my
bad temper. Perhaps I can do you
a favour. See these guys on the
ramp, try them, they were flashing
cash during the trip and they are
as dumb as a box of hammers. You
might get a good tip out of them,
especially if you take them to a
bar!
TAXI
Thanks Earthworm, good luck and
TANSTAAFL, see you around!
GANDER walks across the atrium to the cafe situated in
the concourse of the spaceport. I rather beaten up spruk
o-matic robot is attempting to attract customers to the
cafe.
SPRUK-O-MATIC
Welcome to 'The Vulcanic' Chile
Cafe, bleep - madam. Need an
eruption of taste on your palette.
Fancy the bite of hot chilli
coffee! If so then this is your
establishment! We lovingly prepare
the finest coffee beans, from
mother Earth.
GANDER
I find that hard to believe. If
the coffee is as pitted as your
vocoder its going to be a ghastly
experience. (Bending closer to
its grill) I don't suppose you
serve plain coffee do you?
SPRUK-O-MATIC
Eigenvector change, bleep, Yes of
course Madam ah Sir, we have a
fine selection of various beans
please enter and you can make your
selection from the table servitor
or select our real human service
option. Follow the flashing neon
sign. Just a note Madam, no
weapons are allowed in the cafe.
GANDER
Its not Madam, you piece of space
junk, it's Sir.
Particularly to you. Do I look
like I have weapons?
SPRUK-O-MATIC
Bleep, code 2-3-11 of the New
London ordinances (stops short and
re-corrects itself) Apologies sir
I take it you are unfamiliar with
the codes. I note you only have a
ship Oxi-Tab. You have twelve
hours to replace with a New London
tab.
GANDER
Oh shut up you old grease ball.
Now stop yammering and get me a
table.
SPRUK-O-MATIC
Oh thank you sir, a very wise
choice.
GANDER
OK god's sake, just show me where
to go.
SPRUK-O-MATIC
Table D5 has been reserved for
you. Its by the window. Please
enter the double lock, its on your
left under the neon sign.
GANDER
Happy Sprucking, you tin can.
Sorry did you say lock?
SPRUK-O-MATIC
Habitat regulation Sir, all
building have locks in case of
decompression. Under the neon sign
and to the left.
GANDER
That's a little retro isn't it?
SPRUK-O-MATIC
Its the cafes signature statement
Sir!
GANDER
I thought that was the coffee! Or
perhaps you were lying.
SPRUK-O-MATIC
(Glitching and warbling)
GANDER
Oh never mind!
GANDER walks through the lock. The cafe is small and a
little well worn.
GANDER
Left, table D5. Right. Jeez this
went out with the ark! Lets see
how this piece of junk works.
(Bleeping as he selects the
buttons for coffee) Hmm, have I
actually ordered? Trackamina! This
is shit, if the coffee has chilli
in it, its going back!
Nothing happens, a tough looking waitress appears.
RUDI
You trying to order with the
Servitor?
GANDER
That's what its for isn't it?
RUDI
Look buster, I don't need your
lip, I was just asking. Some of
them are fried because customers
poured coffee on them. It eats
out the guts.
GANDER
Shit, that's encouraging!
RUDI
So what you'll have? You sure look
like you need something. Just not
sure coffee, will do the trick!
GANDER
Well if I was a smart arse I'd say
a whisky, or a bath, but its far
to early and besides I need to
clear my head!
RUDI
Bad day?
GANDER
Lets just say, it ended badly
after a long trip. I met some old
fashioned type one arseholes.
They didn't take a shine to my
look!
RUDI
Well, they say, if you going to
pass, then pass, right! (laughter)
GANDER
Yeah right, that's what they say!
Sounds like good advice, maybe I
should have taken it. I assume
you're the waitress and not
another customer?
RUDI
I can see that as well as your
charm, you have considerable
deductive skills. You must be a
f*** genius!
GANDER
Trackamina, not you too! I'm,
still decompressing from Earth
haul. I hope you're not weirded
out, and your going to spit in the
coffee!
RUDI
Shit, no not at all. Actually I
like it. Its funky! Although, I
think the lips might be better
with a lighter shade!
GANDER
Well, its the goth look, but it
wasn't helped by some bicycle
arses, who stole most of my stuff.
I'll have to make do!
RUDI
Oh, that's the team-stars gang,
they pick on nubes. Cops can't
catch them, they hide in the
alleys. I hope you can pay?
Otherwise it comes out of my tips.
GANDER
Yeah, I got other funds.
RUDI
Got, got a name?
GANDER
Names DAVID, DAVID Kosciolek.
RUDI
I only need the first, for the
order! Russian I take it? Mine is
RUDI, for the tip box!
GANDER
Sounds country and western! Yeoh
hah?
RUDI
Yeahah and no! You can stop that
immediately. You're the genius try
pronouncing my surname, but if you
can I'll have to kill you!
GANDER
You can try, others have!
RUDI
Its RUDI, and that's all you need
to know Mr Kosciolek!
GANDER
Sorry RUDI, I didn't mean any
offence. I'm a little on edge.
RUDI
Earth-side up-haul?
GANDER
Yeah, it was shit?
RUDI
They always are! You got that
certain smell, its those capital
ships.
GANDER
Oh shit, that bad ha!
RUDI
I'm not being personal but you
need a power shower to get it off.
We had a customer the other day
and we had to spray after they
left. Those ships have serious
stank, it soaks right in. Take a
long shower in the hotel, if you
can afford it.
GANDER
Great! It'll be a flannel bath
with the luck I'm having. First
the ships officers cleaned me out
of cash and then a bag snatch took
the rest. Good thing I have a
money belt!
RUDI
Gambler hah! You have that greasy
desperate look!
GANDER
Thank you. Gambler No, Card
counter, maybe! I was trying to
extract last minute funds from
those ship bastards.
Unfortunately they didn't play
fair.
RUDI
Let me guess, they let you keep
the winnings until the very last
day. Then they broke into the room
safe, just before disembarkation!
GANDER
Yeah, exactly, how do you..
RUDI
Its called "System 7" You're not
the first.
GANDER
Shit, I walked straight into it!
I'm a dumb arse!
RUDI
Yes you are, but you'll be a
gothic dumb arse, when I get you
the right shade of lipstick!
(Laughter). Now I hope you can pay
for this coffee! Otherwise I'll
have to move you on!
GANDER
I'll pay, even if its my last
credit!
RUDI
Well, I don't want to make your
day worse, but you better get
yourself tabbed up, otherwise your
first night is going to be in the
local nick. They don't have
showers or even flannels!
GANDER
Yeah your robot mentioned
something. So where to I get one
of these tabs?
RUDI
Those ship bastards, they're
supposed to remind all passengers
about the Oxytabs? Did you not get
the message!
GANDER
Well now you mention it, the was
something on the public address,
but I was concentrating on a
really sweet hand at the time.
RUDI
I see, well next time open your
ears. You can get away with just
about anything in New London, bad
hair, dodgy makeup and the wrong
shade of lips, but with Oxy
evasion, you're totally screwed.
GANDER
Better put the cuffs on then!
(laughter). The pisser was that I
actual won, but those pricks
didn't pay up.
RUDI
Sure! Wouldn't of mattered,
that's the beauty of "System 7"
you just can't win. They'll have
you off the ship, before you can
get to the Captain. The port
authorities have no jurisdiction,
and don't care anyway. You're
screwed. Think about it! Those
Earth haul boats don't get the
good crews, the pay is lousy!
GANDER
(Snort of derision) That explains
the low level of intelligence. I
wonder if they set up the bag
snatch to take the rest!
RUDI
No that's a separate gang! Kids
mainly.
GANDER
The little bastards! (Pause) These
Oxo-tabs?
RUDI
Oxy-tabs yes! (Pause) All
consumables have to be accounted
for. Read this leaflet. Someone's
got to pay, guess what, its you!
GANDER
I thought the plants might do
that.
RUDI
They do, but they still have to be
maintained by the park service and
agricultural. Who pays for that?
Then there is the power for the
lights!
GANDER
Its like a universal tax?
RUDI
Yes, but its administered by an
electronic bracelet. No credits
and you end up doing menial park
work to pay for your Oxygen usage.
I don't recommend that!
GANDER
Big brother is watching, hah!
RUDI
He certainly is, and you don't
want to piss him off. Also it
upsets normal folk. They see you
as a useless free-loader.
GANDER
I get it, so where do I get a
bracelet?
RUDI
Well funny you should mention
that! This establishment, not
unsurprisingly, offers a multitude
of services! One of which includes
Oxi-tabs. As a service host I can
vend your requirements.
GANDER
And I thought it was just my good
looks and charm!
RUDI
Sorry buddy neither, I'm on the
coffee clock!
GANDER
I thought all this chit chat was
too good to be true!
RUDI
Chill dude. You might look a
little weird but I like your
annoying attitude! I'm not
scamming you, just trying to be of
service and be helpful and
friendly! It says it here on my
clock card. See!
GANDER
Oh shit, I does too! Very 1950's.
Remember I'm a stranger in a
strange land, coffee hostess!
RUDI
I totally grok your grok man!
You're safe in here! You can lower
the defensive hackles, and grab a
cup! So apart from the corny,
Heinlein references, what do you
want? Coffee and some tabs?
GANDER
Does it say that on you card too!
RUDI
Yes of course!
GANDER
Do I have a choice.
RUDI
No!
GANDER
Well OK then, I will bow to the
inevitable. How much credit will
I need?
RUDI
How long are you staying?
GANDER
No idea! I'm looking for my
estranged father.
RUDI
More than one cup then! Where is
he?
GANDER
In a place called (Looking at a
pad) "Bencubbin"
RUDI
You got to be shitting me! That's
my patch! Did he have a moniker?
GANDER
Sorry I don't know what you mean,
like I say I was estranged.
RUDI
Did he have a nickname? Most
operators especially in the BC
adopt a name, it makes them sound
tougher than they are. Look, I
would recommend you get, say,
around 100 credits, then you can
forget about it for about a month.
If you leave before then you can
get a refund at the ship dock.
Don't put much more on it, if you
get mugged, and it gets nicked,
its a big loss.
GANDER
Shit, I've only been here ten
minutes, and I've dropped a
hundred credits already, at this
rate, I'm buggered!
RUDI
110.34 Credits actually
GANDER
What?
RUDI
Well you going to want a cake plus
a coffee, plus the tab, and I'm
taking a tip for preventing your
first night as a jailbird. Like I
say its money well spent on your
new best friend!
GANDER
Expensive friend! What's your
moniker?
RUDI
I don't need a moniker, I'm too
cool for that crap.
GANDER
Ok then, RUDI. You go and get that
cake ,and tab, and I will decide
if I want to pay that tip.
RUDI
Feisty, hah! I like feisty. Mr
impossible to pronounce, what ever
you are called, I promise you'll
pay the tip, and be generous about
it too.
GANDER
Will I now?
RUDI
Yes you will, because pissing off
the first person you meet, who
actually gives you honest advice,
when you are a long way from home,
is a dumb move, even for an
Earthworm like you! Plus I told
you about that horrible lip
colour. There are so many ways
you could regret being here.
GANDER
RUDI, you make a good point, but
its one, without any cake, or
coffee, or even a tab at the
moment.
RUDI
Good recovery! I'm starting to
think, you might survive here!
I'll be back!
TIME PASSING
GANDER drinks her coffee whilst looking at her phone
trying to find a place to stay, they are all very
expensive.
BLEEPING AS PHONE
IS NAVIGATED
GANDER
Say RUDI, do you have minute?
RUDI
Yes of course, Mr unpronounceable
earthworm friend!
GANDER
Its probably me, this
accommodation, is it always this
expensive?
RUDI
Let me see. Ah! Owners cavern!
Perhaps you should have booked on
Earth, it might have been cheaper!
GANDER
Yes well I didn't know where I was
heading. I thought I would wing
it!
RUDI
Wing it? Its deep space. Look
haven't you heard of TANSTAAFL?
GANDER
What! Like "Tintagel", the castle?
RUDI
No TANSTAAFL, Their Ain't No Such
Thing As A Free Lunch. TANSTAAFL,
First rule of space, dumb arse!
GANDER
Well I don't want to upset you,
but that rule applies anywhere,
including Earth, it just has
different names.
RUDI
OK but think on this. The
logistics to get goods and
services out to the belt? They are
astronomical, literally! So each
person has to pay out here, no
matter what, there are no free
loaders in the asteroid belt. Its
just one set of predators feeding
on another.
GANDER
Great so its a jungle, what's new,
I get it! RUDI, can you recommend
a place to stay?
RUDI
I know a "value" option but its
not for all folk! Where are you
originally from?
GANDER
Moscow originally, then Budapest
RUDI
Right OK. I think you might fit
in. You need some dark and
romantic, with a touch of killer
in your soul! I know of a place.
You'll have to share, which is OK
as long as you have a locker bag.
The owner is a little (Pause) off
ramp, but his hearts in the right
place.
GANDER
Sounds dodgy?
RUDI
Not as bad as it looks, but its
cheap! Come on where is you sense
of adventure? I know you'll like
this place, just don't be put off
by first impressions!
GANDER
So just ignore what I see with
these Earthworm eyes!
RUDI
That's right, they'll be telling
you the wrong information for
sure. Look I don't want to pry,
but this quest for your estranged
father, you really have no idea
where he is? If that's the case
how the hell are you going to find
him?
GANDER
I have no idea. I thought I would
settle in and absorb the local
colour then something might
manifest. I have nothing to go on
really, except for a single word.
RUDI
Shit! How romantic, and tragic,
very tragic! Very goth in fact?
Come on then this word?
GANDER
'Retrograde'
RUDI
Ah, shit. Was there anything else?
GANDER
No just "Retrograde", nothing
else.
RUDI
I know of a pub by the same name,
but you don't want to be poking
around there.
GANDER
Maybe I should?
RUDI
Actually no you really don't. Its
owned by the Gambino's
GANDER
What like Italian mafia?
RUDI
Exactly, but actually worse. Do
you mind if I ask, why after all
this time, are coming after him?
Particularly since you were
'estranged'?
GANDER
RUDI, honestly I don't really
know, its been bugging me for
years, and I need to find out some
information. Why did he suddenly
leave me and my mum, to go off
world? Then just say nothing for
years, and then this weird email
with a single word. It doesn't
add up, its the worse type of itch
you can't scratch.
RUDI
This Retrograde place, its quite
prominent in the area. It might
have something to do with him.
GANDER
Well it sounds like a lead. Worth
checking out.
RUDI
What happens if he is there. What
will you do?
GANDER
No idea at all really. I just
want to talk. Although when I
meet face to face, I might just
smack him in the mouth.
RUDI
That's understandable given the
circumstances. Look I'm going to
do you a favour. You don't know it
yet, but promise me you'll check
in to the accommodation, and meet
your room mate before doing
anything. Tell him what you just
told me.
GANDER
Why?
RUDI
Never mind, you'll find out. I'm
just looking out for you, you'll
see! Can you promise me you'll
do that?
GANDER
Yes, sure. I need to dump these
bags anyway. Oh, is that the
time, shit, I need to get going.
RUDI where's this accommodation?
RUDI
It's a happy coincidence but it is
actually in the same part of the
habitat as the pub? When you've
settled in give me a call at
'MOMOS' its my Mum's place, its
actually near the Retrograde as
well.
GANDER
MOMOS, sounds interesting!
RUDI
Yes its does have a certain ring
to it!
GANDER
So you live near this pub then!
RUDI
Yes, I only work in this soulless
part of town because the tips are
better. The BC is my real home!
GANDER
The BC?
RUDI
Short for the Bencubbin,
Earthworm! Its a semi industrial
zone in Cavern Four. Outwardly
its a shit hole. Actually scrub
that, it really is a shit hole,
buts its my kind of shit hole.
You'll see!
GANDER
Sounds like a tough neighbourhood.
RUDI
Its unique. Like I say, dark,
romantic and dangerous. Keep your
wits about you Earthworm. Lots of
predators in the Bencubbin jungle.
GANDER
Well, RUDI you may be surprised I
do have some chops. Besides I'm
not completely clueless! I'm
feisty remember!
RUDI
Yeah, well maybe, but this ain't
your home town. There are all
sorts of low lives doing shit to
other low lives and you don't want
to be caught in the middle.
(Moving closer and looking at the
eyes) Something tells me you'll
fit right in. (Pause) So this
accommodation, its called BLACK
BEAR's, its on Dunfermline and
Chandler. Come out of
Widmanstaten hang a left, you'll
see it. Look, give me your handle,
I'll fleck directions.
GANDER
I'm probably going to regret this
but here it is! (Bleep)
RUDI
You don't know this yet, but this
is the best thing that's happened
to you today, you'll see. When
you get to BEAR's ask for Mother
Bear and mention my name. When you
meet him say that he is a fat f***
and he needs to pay his bills.
GANDER
Sorry, what?
RUDI
Yes what, now say exactly what I
said, no paraphrasing.
GANDER
Really? So I barrel in and
immediately insult him?
RUDI
Yes.
GANDER
Shit, I'm definitely going to
regret this? How do I get there?
RUDI
Like I say its on the fleck, just
take the spin-ward hyper-loop, the
station is marked. Widmanstaten
then use the map guidance.
GANDER
Thanks RUDI.
RUDI
Good luck. Oh by the way, the
Mother BEAR, he is a ghastly old
bastard but deep down he is OK.
Don't be put off by appearances.
Good luck DAVID, hope you find
your Dad.
GANDER
RUDI to be honest I'm not sure I
want to, but thanks!
Exits the cafe and heads off to the Hyper tube station.
INT. ENCKE'S DIVISION - ENCOUNTER
(GANDER, GANDER (AS DAVID), JACINTA, MARCO, PA ANNOUNCEMENT,
THUG ONE, THUG TWO)
GANDER exits the station at Widmanstaten square and looks
at his phone. First thing he sees is a tourist authority
sigh warning visitors of pick pockets and street gangs
and to not carry valuables. The sign has been defaced.
Heads in the direction of the lanes. Here he encounters a
street gang but is protected by JACINTA and her warren
sister COSTAS. This is his first experience of the
Bencubbin and is a violent one.
PA ANNOUNCEMENT
Warning, police have advised that
pickpockets and street gangs
operate in this area. Visitor's
are advised secure their
valuables.
GANDER
(Talking to himself) That's a
laugh, valuables! No issue there
then. What's the map say? So I
take that laneway. I don't like
the look of that! David, if you
don't stop talking to yourself,
they'll lock you up?
Walks down a lane and GANDER is alone. The illumination
get darker. Slow and quietly two guys come out of a shop
door and pace GANDER at a distance.
THUG ONE
(Whispered) OK, this is it, we
have our Joe
THUG TWO
(Whispered) Got it. (On radio)
Marko, move your lazy arse, we
have our target. (Garbled reply)
GANDER
(Talking to himself) That didn't
take long, I've only been here a
few minutes! Trackaminia, there
not even that interested in
concealing themselves. Cocky
bastards!
THUG TWO
Marko you go point, you look more
intimidating!
MARCO
F**off.
THUG ONE
Get on with it, we don't have all
day. Wait a street kid is coming
up from behind!
MARCO
Perhaps they will do our job for
us!
THUG ONE
You lazy bastard! Hold for a
second, I see one of those street
kids.
JACINTA
Hay Mister, you got a pad on your
tail, you want some protection?
I'm good with a knife!
GANDER
F* off kid, you'll get hurt. Never
bring a knife, to a gun fight.
JACINTA
I can see you have neither! So my
offer still holds. Better a knife
than nothing!
GANDER
You're just a kid? How are you
going to help.
GANDER looks at the pock marked grimy face, and smiles.
As quick as lighting there was a flash of blades and four
knives are sticking out of the nearest door in a neat
square.
THUNKING OF KNIVES
ENTERING WOOD.
GANDER
Ah, impressive grouping, butcher
boy. How much do you want?
JACINTA
Two hundred!
GANDER
Too much, can't afford it.
JACINTA
Well, then mate, nice meeting you.
(Shouts) You pussy's, what's
stopping you, he an easy target!
GANDER
Thanks for nothing kid, now bugger
off, before I stick you.
JACINTA
That I would love to see! Now I
have a fight to watch, if you
change your mind let me know!
JACINTA runs off to the side. Out of the darkness ahead
a dozen figures loom and they start to move in for the
kill. GANDER turns to make an escape and sees he is
surrounded!
THUG ONE
Boss did you see those knives?
THUG TWO
Its just a kid, now stop f**ing
around and get stuck in. Marcos
nearly there!
GANDER
Shit! Out numbered three to one I
need to pick a spot! (Pause) This
will do. Which one first. OK you
bastard come and get me!
GRUNTS AND THUMPS
OF MELEE
GANDER
Augh! Oh you like baseball? Now
that's just plain unfair, let me
take that off you for a strike.
GRUNTS AND THUMPS
OF MELEE, THEN
BASBALL BAT AND
GROAN
GANDER
A bet they like that in the
bleachers
JACINTA
Give um hell governor, my money's
on you! Shit, COSTAS get ready!
The little figure was suddenly beside, GANDER and a swish
and flurry of knives and screams. Then the kid was in
with the heavy club she had taken from someone else.
GANDER
Thanks kid, I'm still not paying!
JACINTA
Look out, axe!
Throwing axe flies out of the air and bounces off metal
door and flies back to hit thug one.
THUG ONE
Arggghhh!
GANDER
Dumb arse, don't they know that
axes and metal don't mix. Get
back to back, for more coverage.
JACINTA
Got it! You come here often?
GANDER
What the f***
JACINTA
You're not like those other
Earthworms, they were weak. They
gave money. You got some moves!
GANDER
I've got no money to give, and I
never give money to strangers
unless they make a really good
case! These bastards didn't seem
to need my cash. (Catches a blow
to the shoulder) Arghhh! Bastard!
JACINTA
Sorry, didn't see him, the bastard
came out of a door way.
GANDER
Who are these guys?
JACINTA
Container city mob, bunch of
disorganised turds. They're off
their zone, must be desperate! I
heard there were food riot's,
yesterday.
GANDER
Riot's in a space station!
JACINTA
They were hungry! Watch out, its
the big bastard!
A burley goon suddenly looms out of nowhere.
MARCO
They're mine, let me at um.
THUG ONE
MARCO you little shit, late again!
MARCO
Better late than never, you ugly
bastard.
THUG ONE
I'm going to give you such a
beating!
GANDER
When you've quite finished,
perhaps you'd like to catch this!
GANDER swings baseball bat and hits Thug One, who falls
to the ground
THUG ONE
Ahhhhgh!
MARCO
Just you try that on me Earthworm!
Take this!
GANDER
My pleasure!
GANDER ducks at the first blow but gets clipped by the
second.
GANDER
Ohhh, pick on someone your own
size. Ohhhh! GANDER collapses.
JACINTA
Go COSTAS Go!
Suddenly a distant police siren rings out.
JACINTA
Come on baby sister, come on!
The Thugs panic and start to scatter.
JACINTA
Cowards, frightened of the cops!
(Whispered into Radio) Sis you OK,
they've scarpered.
GANDER
OH, he got me on the ear. Thanks!
JACINTA
COSTAS you can stop now, they've
scarpered!
GANDER
Shit, thanks, that was close! Why
did you call me out and then join
the fight later?
JACINTA
Oh, that's easy mate, I needed to
draw those bastards out, get them
concentrated so my knives could
deal with them!
GANDER
Good tactics! Who the f**** are
you?
JACINTA
JACINTA, and this is my warren
sister COSTAS.
GANDER
What the hell were you doing
following me? You're just kids,
you should be at school?
JACINTA
We are at school, the school of
life! We live at MOMOS, its just
around the corner. One of the
older warren girls called and
asked for a street watch. It's
your lucky day mister!
GANDER
Oh, would do that? (Pause) Ah, was
she called RUDI?
JACINTA
You guessed it Gospondin! Is she
your girl friend?
GANDER
No, not in that sense, no
absolutely not! Just an
acquaintance. So why did you
shake me down?
JACINTA
No harm in trying is there, your
an Earthworm, its justified by
street code! It might have worked
and then me and my sis here, would
have a couple of hundred credits!
GANDER
(Laughter) Well kid if I had them,
I would give them to you.
Unfortunately, I'm about as broke
as you guys! (groan and stretch)
Shit, this place is invigorating!
JACINTA
You better believe it!
GANDER
What's with the Cops Siren, where
are they?
JACINTA
Oh, that's easy, no cops, just my
baby sis! I gave her a cops siren
for Christmas. Nicked it from a
cop van. It always proves useful,
and she loves it! Its driving
MOMO batshit crazy though, she
keeps thinking she is being
raided.
GANDER
So under all that grime is a girl?
JACINTA
Street camouflage, not grime, if I
was too clean, I would stand out.
Get with the program will you!
Amazons need warrior camouflage.
Anyway what's it to you? You're
not coming on are you?
GANDER
Jeez No, shit, no! Of course not,
you've got the wrong idea. I was,
just impressed at the knife
skills!
JACINTA
Thank you. I watch a lot of kung
foo movies. I practice a lot, got
a lot of time. I like knives!
GANDER
Yes, I can imagine!
JACINTA
Look mister, you've got to raise
your game around here, you should
watch some of those flicks as
well.
GANDER
Thanks, I'll take that on board.
Now I was on my way to a place
called BLACK BEARS. You know it!
JACINTA
Of course Gospondin, this way
follow me.
GANDER
Owe. Can you see blood?
JACINTA
Yes, all over your face, you look
cool!
GANDER
I'm going to have some bruises
tomorrow.
JACINTA
That's good you'll fit right in!
END