Angel and May go exploring but find more than they expect. A Royal and Cherry Blue mission is on the cards!
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.
Angel and May go exploring but find more than they expect. A Royal and Cherry Blue mission is on the cards!
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.
E5 - DRESSED TO KILL
INT. RETROGRADE INN SMALL BAR
(SLIM)
BAR SOUNDS
SLIM
I've been around this town for some
time. Its a real rough place,
you've got to watch your back.
Though everyone needs a turn of a
friendly card, well these two have
just turned up an ace, but they
don't know it yet.
INT. RETROGRADE INN MAIN BAR
(ALEX, GANDER, JANECEK, RUDI, SHARROW, SOPHIE)
STAIRS, WALKING
AND DOOR SOUNDS
ALEX
Jeez, this inn is like a fortress
with all these heavy doors, air
tight too, I think the Gander is
spoiling for a fight. Sharrow, did
you sleep?
SHARROW
Hmm, not too well really, my head
was spinning trying to put together
all the pieces. The thing that nags
at me about this place is these oxy
tabs just ticking away. Were going
to need income soon just to top up
to breath easy!
PRESSURE DOOR
ALEX
Agreed, that was bothering me too.
We need to parlay a safe base of
opps and then get gainful
employment. This place has some
promise though. Although there is
definitely something off, probably
dodgy. Hmm, I wonder if I could get
a job behind the bar, thats if I
can get along with the old GANDER
bag.
PRESSURE DOOR
SHARROW
Well if you don't ask you don't
get. The bar would be a good place
for lots of intel.
ALEX
There's also that RUDI character
don't forget, she's definitely a
bit weird and probably has more
influence with the GANDER than
appears. She's prickly too.
SHARROW
All in good time my friend, first
lets see what passes for food in
the place? I feel like I haven't
eaten in years.
ALEX
Never a truer word.
SHARROW
Where is everyone, we're not too
early I hope.
ALEX
My implants have finally synced and
they say eight o'clock, so we
should be good. Lets hit that bell
on the bar, see what happens?
DESK BELL
SHARROW
Jeez, Its funny but, I really hope
that doesn't piss the GANDER off?
ALEX
I'll bet that most things piss her
off, its just her natural way.
DESK BELL
GANDER
Whats up, hold on Gospondin, hold
on, hold your horses! Oh it's you
girls. Slept in real late I see, I
trust it wasn't the effect of those
cocktails?
ALEX
Yah we had a big day yesterday,
felt like we had been asleep for
thirty years!
Those beds seemed very comfortable
and I'm sure the effect of a couple
of those old mules had something to
do with it too. Do you have other
customers, its a little quiet in
the bar?
GANDER
Off season, very quiet at this time
of the orbit. Most normal folks out
and about earning their keep. Seems
like you appreciated the small
fortune I spent installing sound
insulation. Expect you'll be
wanting some breakfast, sorry to
tell you this but its not included
in the room fees.
SHARROW
Ahhh, why am I not surprised!
GANDER
Look, I'm not in the mood for an
early morning argument, we are not
any old Astro 8 chain. This is
bespoke here. As you might be able
to appreciate I personally like
real food, not glue tubes and Astro
tailings, and that takes a little
more money I'm afraid.
ALEX
OK, OK, cut the sales pitch, I'm
all in, I can't be bothered to
barter on an empty stomach, so what
do we have to do.
GANDER
Girls really, I'm actually not
being difficult, the food's real
good, better than in some of the
other caverns actually. I take
pride in my little old inn. Stan
the man adds a real high end
quality and polish to everything he
touches.
ALEX
High end quality, what do you think
SHAS, shall we risk it?
GANDER
Ain't no risk involved, Gospondin,
Stan's a good'n, If you knew what I
had to go through to get him, you
would jump at the food plate.
I stole him from some fancy place
up town. Took a few favors,
services rendered and all that.
SHARROW
Services rendered, sounds
interesting. Going to have to brave
it sometime, I guess!
GANDER
This morning we are serving in the
main bar due to something else
going on out back in the breakfast
room.
SHARROW
Oh thats real industrious, bit
early for a town meeting isn't it.
GANDER
Yeh it is, but it's due to special
circumstances. Not any of your
concern though!
SHARROW
Ok then, (slightly difficult pause)
Alex guess it's a bar breakfast for
us, do we just sit anywhere?
GANDER
Any table. Do you want the papers?
SHARROW
Papers? We need permission for
breakfast?
GANDER
Newspapers, you know made of paper,
with the fake news! Don't take too
much notice though, it's all cheap
film actresses and politics, of
course, they don't have any real
idea whats going down there, but
then not many really do around
these parts.
ALEX
I don't think I have ever seen a
physical paper, sounds like fun!
GANDER
Don't get too excited it's e-paper,
nicer than a hard screen though.
I'll just send someone through with
the menu's.
(GANDER goes out to get
menus and to get the
newspapers.)
RESTUARANT DOOR
SHARROW
I don't normally like to pry on
folks, but I would love to be a fly
on the wall in that back room!
ALEX
Well I just want breakfast, can't
be dealing with all this drama on
an empty stomach!
SHARROW
What are you looking at in those
papers?
RUSTLING OF E
PAPER
ALEX
I'm just scanning the classifieds,
it's good way to figure the measure
of a place. Hmm. Lots of working
girls!
SHARROW
Well it is a spaceport and those
miners need something to do in the
evening, what did you expect!
ALEX
Yep, that figures. Say, what do
think she is trying to distract us
from, she looks kinda skittish this
morning.
SHARROW
Probably just her natural brisk
manner I guess.
RESTUARANT DOOR
SOPHIE
Oh! Hi my name is Sophie, I'll be
your hostess this morning. Let me
just get the table all nicely set
for you!
TABLE BEING LAID
Welcome to the Retrograde Inn,
GANDER asked me to take your
breakfast order. Can I get you a
coffee to start?
SHARROW
I'll have a short black please.
ALEX
That's mighty kind of you, I'll
have a flat white.
SHARROW
So Can you run through the menu for
us. What's good?
POURING OF ICED
WATER
SOPHIE
Well it's all really good since the
new chef. GANDER had to replace
last one, something about gambling
debts and food poisoning! Well, she
pulled a favour and got one last
minute, he's a real chef like out
of the top end of town, something
about family connections.
SHARROW
So she was saying. How did she get
a top cook to come down town?
SOPHIE
Well there were 'mitigating'
circumstances. Debts owned and all
that I believe, anyway he cooks
proper posh.
ALEX
I'll bet.
SHARROW
So what about the eggs, are they
from real, I trust they are not
that horrible powdered stuff?
SOPHIE
Oh very real yes, lied by real
chickens, we have loads of good
eggs. The chef's very particular
about finding fresh ingredients. He
gets upset when the market traders
try and pull a fast one. Last week
he threw a meat cleaver!
ALEX
Sounds passionate and slightly kung
foo.
SOPHIE
Oh he is very passionate, he tried
to kiss me the other week when I
brought in some spring onions from
our family plot.
ALEX
Ah, young love, such a tender
thing. Brings a tear to your eye.
Or maybe that's just the onions.
SOPHIE
So I recommend the Benedict, but
todays special is an omelette, with
Asteroidal Spam.
SHARROW
Asteroidal Spam! Hum I'll pass on
that, bad memories from my school
days, might repeat on me! What's on
the Benedict, not spam as well I
hope?
SOPHIE
Oh no, that's thinly sliced smoked
Salmon, its really good, comes out
of the Dirkson lanes every morning.
Speciality of the house really.
SHARROW
OK then, I'll go for the Benedict
with Salmon.
ALEX
Make that two, sounds good. So
Sophie, what's the big fuss about
this morning?
SOPHIE
Well, I shouldn't say really, Rudi
would probably get upset, but
someone didn't come home last
night. All the staff are really
worried.
SHARROW
Anything we can do?
SOPHIE
Don't think so, it's regimental
business really, might blow over
today.
ALEX
Regimental business, why don't they
call the cops?
SOPHIE
Cops! Oh now we wouldn't want to do
that, we don't want those chumps
down here, they just mess
everything up and wind up the
folks!
SHARROW
Well who keeps order then in the
Bencubbin.
SOPHIE
The Royal and Cherry Blues of
course. How long have you been in
the BC? Which ship did you say you
came off you guys off?
SHARROW
Ah, we didn't say, so these Royal
and Cherry Blues? Are they like a
police force in this cavern? Like,
why don't the real cops come in?
SOPHIE
The last time the cops from uptown
came to the BC was in the race
riots, after that we just don't see
them. Guess there are no promotions
or kick backs for sorting out this
place. Plus folks hate them, they
have to patrol in pairs and full
armed. They just mess the place up.
ALEX
Hmm, I like the sound of that. We
like it free and easy, don't we
SHAS?
SHARROW
We certainly do, we don't like
those kinds of official folk
either, of any kind.
SOPHIE
Ohh that sounds scary, what you
guys done.
(Giggle. )
The GANDER will love you, she just
loves renegades! I'm a renegade
too, but its just a band, those
boys are so hot, I also follow the
"Bitch Queens" they playing here
next week.
You get to see them if your still
here. Its so cool that you guys are
on the run!
SHARROW
Well not on the run as such just
really just want to stay low, off
the RADAR so to speak. Hang loose,
and chill. We've not committed any
crime.
SOPHIE
Oh well, still I get it, your
secrets safe with me. Well let me
know if you want to hang, I know
this place real well, could show
you around. Anyway I better put in
your order else kitchen will close
up, its quite late for breakfast.
( (Change of voice to
waitress mode)
So should I put in the orders and
get your coffees?
SHARROW
Yes please Sophie we are really
famished
RESTUARANT DOOR
SHARROW
She's nice. Very young though.
ALEX
Hay so are we now, remember that, I
still don't think like a young post
teenager. Your right though, she is
really lovely. First person here,
not to give us crap. So full of
beans, I like her, lets go to that
concert, it will give us more
context and we need friends Sophie.
Besides we might actually like the
music.
INTERVAL SOUND
(Fade and then fade up to
Sounds of breakfast being
eaten, cutlery being
used.)
SHARROW
That my friend was fantastic, this
inn continues to surprise me, this
Chef's the main man.
ALEX
My stomach agrees with you, even as
my head reels. I feel energized by
the lack of Asteroidal Spam.
SHARROW
Oh here we go again!
DOOR AND RUDI IN
DISCUSSION ON
RADIO
RUDI
So we cover the usual areas, do a
low key bake and shake, plus
surveillance, the usual. What gets
me worried that her telemetry is
not pinging that implies shielding
or removal, and removal means s....
Oh! You still here? Looking for the
GANDER? Have you seen her?
ALEX
She gave us the newspapers but that
was at least half an hour ago, not
seen her since. Whats going on,
sound serious?
RUDI
Hmmm!
ALEX
Everything alright?
RUDI
No, but its need to now and all
that. Not something you should be
mixed up in, it's regimental
business!
INN EXTERNAL
DOOR
BENCUBBIN STRRET
SOUNDS
SOUND OF ONE OF
THE RCBS
SHOUTING BACK TO
RUDI
JANECEK
Sir, transport ready to leave,
marm.
RUDI
Very good Sargent. Well, duty
calls, I'll take my leave.
My advice is that you take a walk
around, check out the place, see
the local colour and all that.
ALEX
You know, I think we might well do
that.
RUDI
Don't stray too far though, oh, and
watch your pockets! We try to run
patrols but there's just too many
street kids to deal with.
ALEX
Thanks, we'll keep that in mind.
INN DOOR CLOSING
SHARROW
Jeez thats all very formal, very
military. This RCBS lot sounds like
a cult, its a bit creepy if you ask
me. Must really be organised like a
real army, I guess, I thought it
was just boys scouts. Looked a
little stressed, though. I think we
need context and thats means for a
reconnoiter of the local area. You
ready for a stroll?
ALEX
Yep let's get outa here and check
out this Bencubbin.
EXT. BENCUBBIN RETROGRADE LOCAL
(ALEX, ARANEO, GABA, SHARROW)
DOOR, BENCUBBIN
STREET MARKET,
BUSKER
ARANEO
Oxy tabs for the needy, miss?
SHARROW
Wow, we just arrived, don't have
much to spare ourselves.
ARANEO
Young missies like yourselves must
have credits to spare.
ALEX
Look here is a fiver, it's all I
can spare.
SHARROW
Alex, come on, your so squidgy
inside, you'll exhaust our funds
before we can earn anything. Beside
we need a change of clothes badly.
ALEX
I might be squidgy on the inside
but I feel their need SHAS. I was a
homeless once.
SHARROW
Yes I get you Alex, that why I hang
with you, crusty on the outside but
all soft centre.
ALEX
I vote for those mysterious dark
alleys over there, get some more of
that local colour.
SHARROW
Who dares wins and all that, but
that's how we roll. You know he was
probably scamming you, ALEX?
ALEX
Yeah I know, but he just looked
hungry. I might be a sucker but I
couldn't pass by.
SHARROW
So we step out of the inn and
immediately get scammed. Great.
Good start.
BUSKER MUSIC
STARTS
ALEX
Looks like it's all antique stores.
SHARROW
We need clothes. This jumpsuit is
so dirty it could almost stand up
by itself. We've died and been born
in these things- literally!
ALEX
Aw, don't you like the grey and
brown splurges? Grey sets off my
eyes.
SHARROW
If these suits were supposed to be
anything but white, it'd be one
thing! We're clothes shopping. Now.
No arguments.
ALEX
But I want a gun.
SHARROW
We're buying clothes.
ALEX
What about just a little gun?
SHARROW
ALEX, we reek. We're buying
clothes, there's a cloud of flies
following us, no arguments!
ALEX
Ahh, no fair.
SHARROW
Here's some clothes racks. We can
start here.
INT. B UP TOWN FASHIONS SHOP
(ALEX, GABA, SHARROW)
DOOR WITH
RINGER, JAZZ
MUZAK, WOODEN
STAIRS
GABA
May I help yo- oh.
SHARROW
Hi, we're both just browsing.
GABA
Just off the ship, girls?
ALEX
Something like that.
GABA
Well, can I recommend this one to
you ladies? It's the latest style.
SHARROW
That's pretty.
ALEX
That's pink. Not even a sharp hot
pink, it's wimpy pastel. SHAS, buy
that and I'm disowning you.
SHARROW
ALEX, where's your sense of
adventure?
ALEX
Not in that.
SHARROW
Either way, we can't afford it.
Maybe something in our budget?
GABA
You can try our sales rack over
there.
ALEX
That's just an empty rack.
GABA
Yes, yes it is. I think another
store would be better able to cater
to you. If I might make a
suggestion, the Ching Hung across
the road, might be more within
your... budget.
SHARROW
Really.
GABA
Yes indeed. You'll know it when you
see it. You'll fit right in.
DOOR EXIT
DOOR WITH
WINDCHIMES AND
BAMBOO
INT. CHING HUNG PRE LOVED
(ALEX, CRANSTOKES, MARGE, SHARROW)
ALEX
Wow, this smells like, old,
secondhand, might pick up some
bargains.
SHARROW
Hmmm, if you say so. Kinda dark in
here.
ALEX
Oh look an old utility belt, might
be useful, ahh, wait, look at that.
Its an old IDU combat vest, oh and
look at this it even has the gun
clips attachment.
SHARROW
Is it pink?
ALEX
Only if covered in blood!
SHARROW
Its scummy, besides we have got to
fit in around here, gun belts and
IDU webs might be slightly
conspicuous. Remember we are now 20
something years old and innocent.
Lets dress for our age.
ALEX
Well I want to go punk at some
stage, this Mary and Jane stuff is
pissing me off, just warning you.
CLOTHES RACK
BEING SORTED
SHARROW
Lets just get some normal rags and
get outa here.
ALEX
OK, jeans and a T shirts then.
SHARROW
Oh look heres an old 'deadhead' T
shirt must be a hundred years old!
ALEX
Its a reproduction, you hippy girl.
SHARROW
I just love those guys, best jam
band you know.
ALEX
Sigh, yes I know. Hay we are 20
years old, wouldn't we like what
ever is the local cool shit, not
some archeological band from the
distant past.
SHARROW
Damh it your right! Ok I will go
plain.
OLD FASHIONED
ELECTRIC TILL
MARGE
So girls that will be 30 credits
for two pairs of jeans and two T
shirts. Nice selection too.
ALEX
Thanks. You've got a real mix bag
of stuff in here?
MARGE
Yes, well a lot of folks pass
through and if they hit pay dirt
then they upgrade, means theres a
good secondhand market.
ALEX
Look a hate to ask but, were on a
real tight budget, being
ahh,backpackers, is there any
chance of a discount.
MARGE
Hmmmm, well Ok, how about 25 then,
you seem like nice girls, same age
as my niece.
SHARROW
Well thank you, thats very kind.
The man across the street was a
real dick, so your a nice contrast.
MARGE
You mean over at Gerbatz's, yes
well he is having tough times,
thinks he is still a fine tailor
but the Bencubbin thinks otherwise.
Sorry about that, other folks
around here can be real nice
though, so don't take that as
typical. Where you staying?
SHARROW
At the retrograde Inn
MARGE
Oh thats a good start, The GANDER
is a good egg, does a lot of good
around here. You could do a lot
worse.
SHARROW
Thanks Marge, nice to meet you,
lets get back Alex I need to get
changed.
TRANSITION SOUND
INT. RETROGRADE HOTEL ROOM
(ALEX, SHARROW)
SHARROW
What do you think Alex, do these
look good?
ALEX
Hay at 20 anything would look good
on you gurl, you look fabulous!
SHARROW
Well, thank you kindly miss Angel,
you look fab too. So lets go down
stairs and parade our fabulousness
and get a lemonade!
ALEX
Sounds like a plan, lets see if we
can poke around a little and
explore, did you see those small
stair at the other end of the
corridor?
SHARROW
Its a spiral staircase, very beju!
ALEX
Very strange this place, you know I
get the impression that behind the
shop fronts it extends over the
whole of this block.
SHARROW
You know we have to go down don't
you?
ALEX
Oh very yes. Lets Just be discrete.
SHARROW
It leads to a another corridor
running behind the shops. Can you
here those muffled voices at the
far end.
Sound of a door opening and increased loudness of voices and
ambience.
INT. RETROGRADE CONFERENCE ROOM 1
(ALEX, RUDI, SHARROW)
ALEX
Quick in here.
Sound of door opening change in ambience.
SHARROW
Wow, this is a well appointed
conference room.
Sensor surround headsets, mil spec
by the look. This stuff is top spec
and very expensive. This place gets
stranger by the minute.
ALEX
Yes it does. You know if I was the
GANDER the first thing I would do
is put motion sensors in all the
rooms and corridors.
Sound of intercom
RUDI
As much as I would like to let you
sneak around locking doors and
generally playing cat and mouse, I
just don't have time. Can you girls
please come to the room at the end
of the corridor I would like to
have a chat.
ALEX
Told you!
SHARROW
Why do you always say that!
INT. RETROGRADE RCBS SAFE ROOM
(ALEX, RUDI, SHARROW)
The girls enter a room that is off the corridor leading out
from the spiral stair. The interior is covered with copper
mesh and has double door entry with substantial locks. There
is a large table and various communications and computer
gear. Ambient sounds of comms gear.
RUDI
I'm going to be straight with you
as we don't have time for
subterfuge. I'll introduce you to
my colleagues later, but first we
need to chat.
ALEX
So why the sudden interest in us
apart from our natural curiosity,
you've been a little stand offish
since we arrived? Could be
construed as a little off putting.
RUDI
Yes indeed I have, I don't like
strangers and did not see any real
reason to get you involved, until
the GANDER made a suggestion.
I have also been a little
distracted, so I apologise, did not
mean to be unfriendly. I do need to
throw something big your way
though. Its a big ask and your very
new around these parts, but it has
the potential to be a win, win for
both of us. So without being overly
forward, the GANDER was saying you
might be a little strapped for
cash. If thats right I may have a
little job that could assist you.
ALEX
Really, why is my stomach telling
me this may not be all upside!
RUDI
Well, nothing in life is all
upside, but here me out, its your
choice, you will not be forced into
something you don't want to do. I
will be open and honest about the
risks.
ALEX
So why us, we are rubes around
these parts, we have only been here
for two days.
RUDI
Exactly!
SHARROW
What?
RUDI
Thats exactly the point. No one
knows you and you can genuinely
pose as 'tourists'
ALEX
Why is it I don't like the sound of
this. Whats these risks you
mentioned?
RUDI
Ok, basically we need someone to
get into a well guarded place, that
will only let in person not
associated with the RCBS. All of
the Royal and Cherry Blues are
excluded by them, as are most of
Gooses associates, they maintain
very thorough records.
Thats where you guys come in, my
hunch is that they don't know of
you, which means we can build a
convincing back story. This
operation is a one shot, using
unknowns i.e. You girls. Sweet
innocents, who look like tourists
and act like tourists.
SHARROW
You mean victims who are meat
chumps, maybe?
RUDI
Well, yes and no!
ALEX
Yes and No? Whats in it for us?
RUDI
Credits and credibility. We are not
entirely without resources, the
RCBS will give strong support,
covertly, we just can't enter a
certain location.
ALEX
I thought you guys were all over
the Bencubbin? Perhaps I was mis
informed. How would doing this
'favour' bring credibility and with
whom exactly?
RUDI
Me, thats who would owe you. You
probably don't know this but the
RCBS Regiment, myself and the
GANDER actually count for something
around these parts. You'll find out
that thats worth more to you than
money. Now I know you guys are on
the run from something, I can smell
it, somethings not right about you
too, I have a sixth sense,
otherwise why would you be here. We
can protect you. Thats worth more
than gold. You'll find out.
SHARROW
Do we have a choice, sounds kinda
of a done deal?
RUDI
Yes of course you have choice, we
are not pirates, well we might be
kinda fluffy about that, but we do
have standards, so I'm asking.
Volunteer basis, first come best
dressed, well maybe NOT best
dressed, but you know what I mean.
We wont put you under unnecessary
risk, wouldn't risk our own, nor
will we do it to strangers. Its not
my style and its not the regiments
style.
SHARROW
OK understand all that but what is
the point of all of this, we heard
rumours of a missing person and is
the risk potentially life
threatening?
RUDI
Well, if our operation runs
smoothly, there will be minimal
risk. Easy in, easy out. We
essentially need you to penetrate a
house of mirrors, or house of
illusions as they are known. I
don't know if you know about these
places.
SHARROW
Easy in, easy out, hmmm. I've heard
of these mirror houses. They were
banned in LA, caused too much
damage. They don't sound like a
soft target. I heard they use drug
suppression and holographic
projectors to run what are
effectively slaves. Horrible!
RUDI
Look guys, they have my son.
SHARROW
Shit RUDI, this is massive.
ALEX
OK Rudi were not the bad guys on
the run from the cops OK, but we
are trying to stay off grid. This
might raise our profile higher than
we might be comfortable with.
RUDI
OK, understand that. You will be
running a cover ident. Look my son
went missing 20 hours ago. He was
tagged and tracked, all members of
the RCBS are, but they killed
telemetry, we don't know if he is
alive.
Or if he is now a slave, but the
longer he is in there, the more
difficult the extraction. Another
day he won't even want to leave.
ALEX
Hell that sounds bad.
RUDI
The mirror houses will try and turn
victims quickly. There will
significant protection around the
target house, and in NL they are
all owned by the most powerful
combine on the rock. We, and I mean
the Royal and Cherries have always
had some 'operational friction'
with these guys and I guess they
thought it was time to turn up the
screws and see what comes at them.
They will not suspect two newbies
with money, so we should have a
good chance. Obviously we have
kicked the mirror hornets nest
several times to many.
ALEX
So lets focus back on the 'house',
when you say significant
protection?
RUDI
Protection is solid, from outside,
force shield, magnetics, anything
short a class 5 rail gun. Oh sorry
you guys don't know about weapons
classes, anyway, its a tough nut to
crack with force. You know its
strange when I talk to you guys, I
get the feeling you understand all
this stuff.
ALEX
Oh, yes well, ahem, my Dad was
military.
SHARROW
Yes, she over-played with guns and
stuff when she was smaller, had to
give her a doll, and make up kit,
but the found her up a tree, with
the dolls in armed captivity. Her
father then pulled ranked and payed
the ransom.She Came down from the
trees, but she has issues.
RUDI
Oh, really, issues? OK, lets move
on. Anyway, as I was saying, from
our analysis mirror houses have a
single venerability.
ALEX
Whats that?
RUDI
They have to let clients in! So we
use that as our in, we need you to
present as clients and once inside
attempt to locate and extract my
son. We need to get past the front
door and get information. You would
pose as women seeking 'interesting
pleasures' after a long journey.
SHARROW
OK, sounds straightforward but were
not classy enough to pose a rich
clients.
RUDI
Oh we have that end covered.
SHARROW
Say something goes pear shaped?
RUDI
If they catch you, they could take
you to the nearest airlock and
invite you to leave, without a
suit, we would of course disagree
with that, violently. Worse they
inject you, condition with holo
nematics and make you into one of
their slaves. It depends on how
they see the cash side of you
value. Not going to happen though,
because if that happens we will
bring up the big guns at the cost
of a big noise and political
blowback. Personally I think
initial detection is unlikely, we
have a solid cover ident which
shows you as women having a wealthy
and dangerous father. Might give
them pause.
SHARROW
Hmmm, Alex what do you think?
ALEX
So what protection can you offer to
us?
RUDI
Not much really inside the target.
To be honest within the shield
screen of the property actually
nothing. Once outside we can offer
considerable protective asset
utilisation. Oh sorry, we can kick
ass big time. You will have a full
regimental protection. We might
have a couple of sneaky tricks
inside which I think will give you
a creative diversion at some point.
If you say yes, I'll go through the
plan with the team and we will
flesh this all out.
ALEX
Sounds slightly passive inside,
what happens if it gets messy?
RUDI
Messy as in?
ALEX
Messy, physical!
RUDI
You won't have weapons. Terra Hertz
scanners at the entrance, no guns
plastic or metal will get through.
ALEX
Hmmm, I don't like it. How would we
call for back up?
RUDI
You can't, no interior back-up, the
whole place is a double faraday
cage. Kill comms and stop salacious
videos. All we can do is watch all
exits and entrances with snatch
squads to get you out, but you have
to make any running inside and find
your exit.
SHARROW
Sounds like all downside to me,
whats the upside?
RUDI
GANDER and I will put you up free
of charge for six months at the inn
and pay your oxygen taxes. Oh and
you will receive RCBS membership.
SHARROW
Jeez thats just not enough RUDI.
You want us to put our lives on the
line, for a stay at this inn and a
membership of this RCBS
organisation, which to be honest
sounds slightly creepy. We don't
know this place or you guys really,
I think we need more than that to
go all in.
ALEX
Yeah I don't like this either,
sounds like it could easily go
sideways in a bad direction.
SHARROW
Rudi can you give us a minute
please.
RUDI
Sure, of course.
Sounds of door closing
ALEX
Sharrow, you know this is nuts
don't you, we're flying completely
blind, if its not enough that we
are hiding from who knows on Earth,
we now going to get involved
against an unknown adversary and
align ourselves with this
'Regiment' of children. We don't
really know whom is doing what to
whom.I
SHARROW
Yes of course I get all of that.
Were in an off world Chinatown, we
haven't got a clue basically.
However I trust my gut and it says
that these guys are OK all be it
slightly strange. However if, and
its a big if, we pull this off,
they will owe us big time.
ALEX
Hmmm, I have feeling we only get
one chance with these guys. Look at
this room for instance this would
cost serious cash to set up.
They open up the door.
SHARROW
Rudi, are you there?
RUDI
Look girls I understand where your
at, not sure I would do it if its
wasn't for my son?
SHARROW
At the moment its a no because of
upside. We want one year, with a
retainer, full oxygen credits and
5000 spending. Oh and you give us a
guide to this place for a few
weeks, otherwise no deal.
RUDI
Let me ask you another way, I'm
asking you to consider this, I'll
make sure you are set up OK, what
ever it takes, understand.
ALEX
Dead right, look we have to play
hard to get, its not personal. Now
lets get to this, sounds like time
is important here.
SHARROW
Rudi we are in lets get going.
INT. RETROGRADE LEVEL 3 SUITE CORRIDOR
(ALEX, RUDI, SHARROW)
Sounds of doors and corridors
ALEX
This place is like a maze, lots of
hidden spaces and its bigger than
it looks. There is a whole suite
back here.
RUDI
The inn has a long history and many
secrets. What people forget it was
one of the original structures in
this cavern, it even extends into
the outside shell below street
level. There is another three
levels below this one. The
regimental base is on level 2, this
is level 3 operations and interface
the Regimental base, busy place.
SHARROW
I'll bet, Ive seen the
entertainment posters, something
happening most every night, quite a
continuous party.
RUDI
You got it! Wide (cough)
demographic covering all sorts of
entertainment, military and non
military, quite the place you
understand. OK left through here.
INT. RETROGRADE COMMAND & CONTROL ROOM 1
(ALEX, BOY, CHEN, JACINTA, RUDI, SHARROW)
Door with gas seal and more control room sounds
RUDI
Let me introduce you to key folks.
ALEX
(In a low voice to
sharrow)
Sharrow did you see the tech stacks
as we came in, expensive,
militarily expensive.
RUDI
Sargent Major Boy Williamson. He
will be on point outside the house
during the operation.
ALEX
Please to meet you.
BOY
Please to meet you ,thank you for
your support.
SHARROW
Do we salute?
BOY
No need, not protocol for civvies,
you're not sworn in or a regimental
member. You are both consultants to
the regiment for this operation.
SHARROW
I see, sounds quite formal.
RUDI
This is Sargent Chen, code name
'Sky Tree' he is informational
consultant on this operation.
CHEN
OK Commander, Sargent, we have
infiltrated all the local video
feeds and also supplemented with
our own L.I.D.A.R.
Transmitter units, so we have full
3d exterior coverage. Tried to hake
into the house systems, but the are
very well protected, I even got a
couple of my best hacker-net
contacts for a back channel attack
and they could not penetrate. They
really have solid security and very
expensive cutouts, unfortunately.
RUDI
Thank you Sargent. Girls, let me
introduce you to Sargent Jacinta
Stoner, she will also be on point
leading the sewer squad.
JACINTA
Thank you Commander. Yep just my
luck to get the high olfactory
posting. Thank you both of you,
much appreciated by all the
regiment, Jude is very popular
junior private not to mention a
great sign on Wednesday at the DRAG
night.
ALEX
Wow, this place sure has local
colour. Jacinta, Alex Lucy Angel,
please to meet you.
SHARROW
Sharrow May. Quite a set up you
have here Rudi. Is that a mil spec
holo tank. Oh I've seen those in
the movies.
BOY
Its a American Cyber Systems 21-70,
with full solid rendering and fast
refresh, fed from our field of peta
byte servers next door. Its how we
stay ahead of the competition.
Can't run a combat situation
without one.
ALEX
So who are the competition?
RUDI
Well, that would be anyone who
seeks to do mischief in the
Bencubbin, we like to hold the line
in this cavern, I like it! Looks
very, ah professional. This is
control room 1 we have another
annex thats controlling team 2
reserve.
That room is usually used for day
to day ops. This is for special
circumstances. However this is
going to be tricky so we have got
both looking at this operation
today.
SHARROW
Makes sense.
RUDI
They will be staged at a division
house, which is about 800 meters
from ground zero. We don't
anticipate or really want the
reserves being used as it would
create too much attention and a lot
of collateral damage. However
please understand, they will be
used if we need to go hard extract
and bring out the big guns.
SHARROW
Ah, lets just trust that we don't
have to do that, as you say its
just a reconnoiter and easy out,
bake and shake.
RUDI
Well that introductions over with,
we will need to get you ready for
the field with your 'combat'
outfits! Then back here for final
briefing. The outfits have been
chosen by Maurice to significant
impact!
Sound of chuckles.
SHARROW
Combat outfits, who's Maurice?
ALEX
Why is my gut saying, I'm not going
to like this?
INT. RETROGRADE BACK STAGE SUITE
(, ALEX, GANDER, MAURICE, SHARROW)
GANDER
So I see that Rudi has introduced
you to her senior members of this
operation.
ALEX
Yes, GANDER just how big is this
regiment?
GANDER
Well it changes over time currently
over 200 hundred members. Now we
need to prepare you for combat
operations. Maurice are you ready?
SHARROW
Thought we needed to blend in?
GANDER
Oh you do. Let me introduce you,
this is Maurice. One of a kind does
the costumes for the DRAG shows on
Wednesdays
Sounds of a cloths rack being wheeled in.
MAURICE
GANDER how lovely you look this
morning?
GANDER
Maurice let me introduce you to our
point force.
MAURICE
Oh good morning ladies, oooh you do
have lovely figures!
GANDER
Now Maurice we need classy but
bubble head, tourist like,
understand, lots of designer, lots
of make up, expensive shoes and
bags, but keep it real understand,
this is not a DRAG show.
MAURICE
GANDER you of all people should
know that all of life is one big
DRAG show darling! Now ladies, ohh,
yes, yes. A little bit here and
there. Oh dear me, your hair
dressers should be tried for crimes
against humanity!
Looking at the state of Sharrow's and Alex's hair whilst
fluffing it.
MAURICE
What have you done to your hair,
its so lifeless, terrible. Looks
like you haven't touched it for
ages. Oh dear me!
SHARROW
If you knew the truth. Maurice is
that a Louis Cambridge?
MAURICE
Naughty, no touching its mine!
Maurice will decide your looks! Now
first its off to Stacey for a
touchup on the hair! Then 'Lorde'
will apply your faces and finally I
will put some bass in your step by
the time I have finished you will
look the quite pair.
ALEX
Oh hell in high heels, what a day
this is turning out to be!
SHARROW
Relax, its about time someone
sorted that stuff on top of your
head, remember your age! Besides
military doctrine states that the
most important strategic element is
one of surprise.
ALEX
Yer, nothing more surprising than a
couple of over dressed drag queens
who are actually chicks baring down
upon ya!
MAURICE
Ladies, ladies please, relax, enjoy
the 'me' time, fall into the loving
embrace of Maurice, you will be
primped and powdered. Follow me
Stacey is quite excited, she
usually has to sort out a lot of
bitchy queens, this is light
relief.
ALEX
Unto the breach dear Sharrow, unto
the breach!
END