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| The silence is broken by a large cluster of women bustling into the hall. Guarda walks behind the them, their rifles pointed at their backs. | |
| Russian Guard: | Women move! You stay here until Commander gives big talk! |
| The guard thrusts his bayoneted rifle at June menacingly. She rushes into the room, pulling the protesting Martella behind her. | |
| June Ackland: | Viv, shut up and move it! |
| Viv looks angrily at the guards. | |
| Viv Martella: | You lay one finger on me, buddy, and I'll shove that bayonet in a very sensitive place, let me tell ya! |
| The guard is intimidated by the angry woman. | |
| Russian Guard: | You will stay. Or you will be shot. |
| The guard turns around crisply and leaves the mess hall. June looks around at the confused women, the concern evident on their faces. Viv clenches her fists. | |
| Viv Martella: | Those bastards have pushed us too far this time! I think they're planning something. |
| Polly looks up miserably. | |
| Polly Page: | They'll kill us all, that's for sure. There's no way we'll get out of this place alive! |
| Viv bites her lip. | |
| Viv Martella: | Well they're not going to kill this one without a fight. I'll take that filthy Wild Cat with me if it's the last thing I do. |
| June gets angrily to her feet, as other women follow with their conspiracy theories. | |
| Suzi Croft: | I think they'll probably have their way with us first, going by their past form. |
| Suzi looks understandably miserable. | |
| June Ackland: | Look will you all just calm down and be quiet! I'm sure they're just putting us in a group so that they can ensure our safety, until the bombing's over. It's not going to do us any good to get all worked up about it. |
| Viv Martella: | Sit down June! I've head of suicidal optimism before but we need to plan out what to do when they come to take us. I'm not being taken unprepared. |
| June rolls her eyes. | |
| June Ackland: | Well what are you thinking? I mean, they're the ones with the guns in case you'd forgotten! |
| Suzi shrugs. | |
| Suzi Croft: | We can improvise. I'm sure that there are potential weapons in here. |
| June shakes her head. | |
| June Ackland: | I think you're all getting paranoid! Let's just wait and see. |
| Viv looks angrily at June. | |
| Viv Martella: | I'm sick of waiting and seeing, June. The time has come for action! Us against them! We've been trodden into the dirt too many times before, we need to rise up against the guards! |
| June Ackland: | Viv, will you just listen to yourself! For pity's sake! |
| Viv stares coldly at her friend. | |
| Viv Martella: | No, you listen to yourself June. You're far too soft, this situation calls for some real leadership! |
| Bure walks into the room surrounded by his guards, just as the argument between Viv and June is getting heated. | |
| Commander Bure: | Silence women! This will be your last meeting. |
| Viv clenches her fists and whispers to the other women. | |
| Viv Martella: | When I give the word, we'll rush the guards okay? |
| Viv smiles grimly as Polly and the other women nod their agreement. June sighs and drops her head into her hands. Bure continues with his speech, stumbling over some of his words. | |
| Commander Bure: | You women have been well-treated here. You have no complaints. But this is coming to an end. |
| Viv narrows her eyes and a wave of muttering sweeps over the assembled women. | |
| Commander Bure: | Silence! |
| Bure raises his hand. | |
| Commander Bure: | I have received an order from Russian Central Command in Moscow. I must carry out this order, though it hurts me greatly to do so. |
| Bure bows his head. Polly looks up worriedly, not sure of his intentions. Bure clears his throat and Hope breaks the silence with a small, high-pitched yell. | |
| Commander Bure: | I am here to tell you that the war... is over. Russia has conceded defeat to the superior forces of the British. |
| Bure's next words are drowned out by an enormous cheer of pure exulted joy from the women. | |
| Commander Bure: | Silence! Women will shut up! |
| Viv stands still, shocked by the turn of events. Bure unsuccessfully tries to regain control of the meeting. | |
| Commander Bure: | Women will listen! There is more important news. |
| June looks around at the hysterical women. | |
| June Ackland: | Just shut up and let him finish, yeah! All of you, shut it! |
| Bure nods gratefully at June as the women begin to quieten down. | |
| Commander Bure: | You will all be going back home to Britain as soon as transport can be arranged. British soldiers will be here soon to take you away. Until then we owe you a duty to take care of you. |
| Polly scoffs. | |
| Polly Page: | Now they tell us! |
| Bure looks directly at June. | |
| Commander Bure: | Will the leader of the women please come to me in my office? I have much to discuss with her. |
| Viv is speechless. June looks around, Cathy and Polly pushing her forward. Hesitating, she steps forward, in the direction of the Commander and his soldiers. Bure and his troops march out of the room with June following, The other women continue to jump around celebrating the good news. | |
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| June steps hesitantly into the tent behind the other officers. | |
| June Ackland: | May I ask what all this is about? |
| Bure frowns. | |
| Commander Bure: | We need to talk. Sit down. |
| June does as he asks and gives the Commander a cautious look. | |
| June Ackland: | Was everything you said out there true? Is the war really over or was that just a little ploy to give the women false hope? |
| June narrows her eyes suspiciously. Bure shakes his head solemnly. | |
| Commander Bure: | No, it is true. |
| Bure takes a seat behind his desk, gesturing for June to do the same. June still doesn't trust this man but sits down regardless. | |
| June Ackland: | So what is the current situation? Who is in charge here? |
| Commander Bure: | According to protocol, you are. That is why I call you here. Obviously, you understand, now that we are defeated, we owe you a duty of care. It is our responsibility to see to your safety until English troops arrive and you are transported back to Great Britain. |
| June nods thoughtfully. | |
| June Ackland: | So, basically the tables have turned? You'll be taking care of us until our troops arrive? How long is that likely to be? |
| Commander Bure: | It is not known at this stage. After communications took place yesterday, we expect that you will be transported within a few days. It is not known. |
| June frowns. | |
| June Ackland: | What do you know about the end of the war? What triggered off this sudden attack of humility from your side? |
| Bure clears his throat hesitantly. | |
| Commander Bure: | I do no know the details and it does not concern you. |
| June stands up triumphantly. | |
| June Ackland: | I don't believe we have anything further to discuss, Commander. Order your men to treat us with respect and make sure that they obey you. If I hear of a single incident with one of your guards I'll hold you personally responsible for it, do you understand? |
| Bure raises an eyebrow, surprised at the woman's assertiveness. | |
| Commander Bure: | There will not be trouble. |
| June nods. | |
| June Ackland: | I'm pleased to hear it. |
| June leaves the room, leaving the Commander sitting in silence. | |
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| June is sitting down eating her breakfast surrounded by a group of the other women. The food has definitely improved. Ever since the women have had access to the guard's rations, mouldy old porridge is a thing of the past. | |
| June Ackland: | This is the life. Food, warmth, shelter and a camp full of men there to do exactly what we tell them. Heaven! |
| June smiles as she sips on her cup of coffee. | |
| Viv Martella: | Yeah, well it all sounds a bit too good to be true if you ask me, June! |
| June sighs. | |
| June Ackland: | You know, one day you're actually going to think an optimistic thought Viv. Round about the same time that pigs sprout wings and Reg Hollis gets a girlfriend! |
| Viv rolls her eyes. | |
| Viv Martella: | Whatever, just don't say I didn't tell you so, in a month's time when we're all starving to death in here. |
| Polly looks over at the bickering women. | |
| Polly Page: | Does it really matter either way? There's nothing we can do to change anything. |
| June Ackland: | True. Just sit back, relax and wait for the soldiers to pick us up. That's what I recommend. |
| June follows her own advice, leans back and finishes her coffee. Viv scoffs. | |
| Viv Martella: | That's pretty much what we've been doing for the last year ain't it! |
| June pushes her empty cup away from her. | |
| June Ackland: | Well sitting on your behind twiddling your thumbs is what you were best at in CID back home so you should be in your element, Vivian! |
| Polly Page: | Just shut it, the pair of you. Listen for a sec. |
| Polly looks up, as the room gradually falls silent. June and Viv turn their eyes towards Polly. | |
| Polly Page: | Can't you hear that? June? |
| June frowns. | |
| June Ackland: | Actually, yes I can! What is it? |
| June looks puzzled as a commotion breaks out outside. Viv raises her voice, sliding closer to June. | |
| Viv Martella: | It's probably all those Russian bastards! They'll kill us, and torch the camp! |
| June shakes her head, worried by Viv's words but trying hard to ignore them. A British soldier enters the room with an enormous cheesy grin on his face. | |
| Captain Pierce: | I haven't seen this much skirt since the last time I visited Harrods! |
| Pierce looks around the room at the surprised women. Polly looks towards the soldier, her expressions of apprehension quickly melting into relief. Polly looks across at Viv deliberately. | |
| Polly Page: | Kill us all and torch the place, eh? |
| June sniggers and turns to the English Captain. | |
| June Ackland: | So you're here to rescue us, eh? |
| Pierce smiles, takes June's hand and kisses it reverently. | |
| Captain Pierce: | Indeed I am, ma'am! And can I say just what a pleasure it is to rescue beautiful women such as yourself. |
| June rolls her eyes at the smooth-talking officer. | |
| Captain Pierce: | Are you in command here, darling? |
| June purses her lips as the Captain retains his tight grip on her arm. | |
| June Ackland: | I am. And you'll be serving latrine duty for a week if you keep that up. |
| Pierce quickly drops June's hand and turns to Viv. | |
| Captain Pierce: | My name is Ben, Ben Pierce. And who might you be? |
| Pierce smiles charmingly at Viv and gives her a sly wink. Viv gives him a very dirty look. | |
| Viv Martella: | Vivian Martella, soldier. Now, you gonna get us out of here or what? |
| Pierce is taken aback by Viv's steely manner. | |
| Captain Pierce: | Of course. Where is the Commander of the guards holed up? We need to drive all the rats out of their holes first, then we'll see about getting you ladies back home. |
| Viv replies crisply. | |
| Viv Martella: | His commanding office I assume, first tent on your right. Big flag on top, you can't miss it. |
| Pierce grins and tweaks Viv's cheek with his gloved hand. | |
| Captain Pierce: | Thanks sweetie. The men have probably found him by now but I want to be there to personally rub his face in the mud. |
| Viv takes a step backwards, very coolly. | |
| Viv Martella: | Just do your job and get us all home, soldier. |
| Pierce flashes another cheeky grin at the assembled women then heads towards the door. | |
| Captain Pierce: | Will do. You look after yourselves, ladies! |
| Pierce ducks his head and leaves the hall. | |
| Polly Page: | Well, we're hardly gonna disappear on ya, are we! |
| Polly turns back to June shaking her head. | |
| Polly Page: | Honestly, I expected something more mature. |
| June smiles. | |
| June Ackland: | Oh, I don't know. After a year of Russian guards he's quite a nice change. |
| Polly Page: | Speak for yourself, June. |
| Polly gently rearranges the sleeping child on her shoulder. June smirks over at her. | |
| June Ackland: | You're just jealous 'cause he chose to kiss me, not you! |
| June grins and begins to organise the women into groups in preparation for the evacuation. | |
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| June is standing at the rail of the HMS Freedom, breathing in the salty sea air and looking out across the dock at the crowds of people throwing streamers and confetti up in the air. Polly clutches onto June's arm, as they begin disembarking. | |
| June Ackland: | It's good to be back, eh Poll? |
| Polly nods slowly. | |
| Polly Page: | I can't say it's really sunk in yet. What happens now? |
| June shrugs. | |
| June Ackland: | We go back to our normal lives I guess. I just hope we're not on early turn tomorrow! |
| Polly Page: | Normal? Lives? Early what? |
| Polly pauses. | |
| Polly Page: | What about the men? |
| June narrows her eyebrows thoughtfully. | |
| June Ackland: | Haven't you had enough of men Polly? I mean, even Vicky's planning to stay celibate for a few months. |
| June gazes across to Vicky standing at the docks hugging her mother. June frowns as a tall, heavily-built man walks across to Vicky and puts his arm around her shoulders. | |
| June Ackland: | Well make that a few days. |
| June and Polly walk off the end of the gangplank, followed by Viv and the other women from the camp. | |
| Polly Page: | Do we have to go through with this? |
| Polly looks around nervously. June nods slowly. | |
| June Ackland: | You want to see your parents again don't you Poll? And your little brother? |
| Polly sighs, looking miserably down at the entertained baby. | |
| Polly Page: | I guess so. |
| June Ackland: | Well then go over to them. And make sure you tell them about the baby from the very start, okay? |
| Polly Page: | Not exactly something I can hide, now is it! |
| Polly cringes. June smiles and pats Polly on the back reassuringly. | |
| June Ackland: | If they really love you, they'll accept you back no matter what! Just be honest with them. |
| Polly sighs, hugging June a final time. | |
| Polly Page: | I guess we're on our own again now. Thanks, June. |
| June is close to tears. | |
| June Ackland: | Take care Polly. Of yourself and the baby. |
| June tweaks Hope's nose one last time and stands back as Polly walks off towards the waiting crowd of relatives. Polly sighs and props Hope on her shoulder, wandering through the crowd of people. | |
| Polly Page: | It's down to us two now. |
| Ian walks up behind Polly and taps her on the shoulder. | |
| Ian Page: | Hello big sis! |
| Ian is beaming from ear to ear. Polly turns around suddenly, immediately recognising the voice. | |
| Polly Page: | Ian! |
| Polly hugs him tightly, tears quickly running down her cheeks. | |
| Ian Page: | It's great to see you again, sis! How are you? What was it like? Was it exciting? And whose baby is that? |
| Ian is as intense as ever. Polly giggles through tears, remembering her brother's eagerness. | |
| Polly Page: | Calm down, will ya. You certainly haven't changed much. |
| Ian smiles, tears of joy running down his cheeks. | |
| Ian Page: | I'm just pleased to see you again! Mum and Dad have been making me do all the housework since you left. |
| Ian winks at his sister. | |
| Ian Page: | But tell me more about this little baby. You know, for a minute there I thought I'd become an uncle! |
| Ian smiles happily at Hope who gurgles with delight at the sight of his face. Polly looks slightly uncomfortable. | |
| Polly Page: | You, you have. This is Hope. She's eight weeks old. |
| Ian�s grin fades slightly. | |
| Ian Page: | You're joking right? How did you... I mean, what happened... I mean, I know how but... but... umm... |
| Ian trails off, embarrassed by the deliberately naive look on Polly's face. | |
| Polly Page: | It's a long story. |
| Polly pauses. | |
| Polly Page: | Where are Mum and Dad? |
| Ian shakes his head a few times from shock but manages to pull himself together. | |
| Ian Page: | They're over here. They've been really anxious to see you! Mum was up all last night crying her eyes out. Here, I'll take you to them. |
| Ian grabs Polly's hand and leads her through the crush of people towards Bill and Anne Page. Anne tries to see over the crowds of people. | |
| Anne Page: | Can you see anything? |
| Bill shakes his head. | |
| Bill Page: | Knowing Polly, she probably took the wrong ship! |
| Ian and Polly emerge from the throng and dash towards their parents. | |
| Polly Page: | Mum! |
| Polly rushes for her mother's arm, still not believing that she was back in England again. Bill grins and wraps his arms around his wife and daughter. Ian shrugs and joins in for the heck of it. | |
| Bill Page: | Polly... I really don't know what to say! |
| Bill is beaming from one side of his bearded face to the other. Bill steps back in surprise as Hope lets out a wail. | |
| Bill Page: | Is that a baby, Polly? |
| Bill looks confused by the sight of the small infant nestled in Polly's arms. Polly sighs, taking a moment to comfort the child. | |
| Polly Page: | Yes, it is. |
| Anne looks down at the infant, somewhat confused. Ian is standing back, looking faintly amused by the looks on his parent's faces. Bill frowns. | |
| Bill Page: | Where did you find it? |
| Polly feels a cold shiver run down her back. This was just the reaction she was expecting. | |
| Polly Page: | She's my baby. Her name's Hope and she's eight weeks old. |
| Polly looks nervously between each of her parents. Ian does the same, waiting for the expected eruption of anger. Bill�s eyes open very wide and a look of horror crosses his face. Bill manages to force out a single word. | |
| Bill Page: | Who? |
| Polly swallows, reiterating. | |
| Polly Page: | Her name�s Hope, Dad. |
| Bill shakes his head angrily. | |
| Bill Page: | I mean, who is the father? |
| Polly looks away, her voice unsteady. | |
| Polly Page: | A, a Russian guard... |
| Bill looks shocked and offended. | |
| Bill Page: | You slept with a Ruskie? After the way they treated you and abducted you, you went and slept with one of them! |
| Bill backs away from Polly and the baby, horrified by the turn of events. Ian purses his lips and puts his arm around his sister. | |
| Ian Page: | Don't stress, Dad. I'm sure Polly knew what she was doing. I'm just happy to see her again, safe and well. And the little baby is an added bonus. |
| Ian smiles down at Hope. Bill shakes his head in disbelief. | |
| Bill Page: | How could you do this to us Polly? You used to be my little girl, now you're just a common whore! |
| Polly bursts into tears. | |
| Polly Page: | You, you don't understand! You don't know what it was like! This is exactly what I expected from you! |
| Bill shakes his head. | |
| Bill Page: | I'm very disappointed with you Polly. I know you must have been through a lot but you can't ask me to accept this... thing... into our family. |
| Bill is at his sternest and most disapproving. Polly looks angrily across at her father. | |
| Polly Page: | If I can accept her, then it's the least you can do. |
| Bill scowls. | |
| Bill Page: | Where is the father, Polly? He's abandoned you hasn't he. I'm sorry but I cannot accept you back as a single mother. You will have to get rid of the baby, adopt it out. Otherwise you're on your own. |
| Ian looks horrified at his father's callous stubbornness. | |
| Ian Page: | How can you say that? It's Polly, Dad! |
| Bill turns his back on his daughter. | |
| Bill Page: | She knows my opinions on such matters. I have nothing further to say. |
| Polly shakes her head furiously, tears continuing to well up in her eyes. | |
| Polly Page: | I was raped, Dad! We all were! That's what happened! |
| Bill turns around, a look of disbelief on his face. | |
| Bill Page: | Raped? Those bastard Ruskies raped you? |
| Ian looks horrified and hugs his sister tightly. | |
| Ian Page: | Are you okay Poll? How could they do that to you? |
| Polly sighs, trying to put the ordeal into a comprehensible sentence. | |
| Polly Page: | There is a lot I have to talk with you about, but basically, we were all 'taken', on a nightly basis, usually to the Commander, however some of us have the misfortune of another of the guard's attention. He was a Captain. We named him 'Wild Cat', but that as much as anyone knows about him. |
| Ian hugs his sister tighter. Bill shakes his head, unable to comprehend Polly's words. | |
| Bill Page: | I knew things were bad over there but this is ridiculous! Couldn't you have aborted the baby before it was too late? |
| Anne steps towards her daughter, wrapping an arm tightly around her shoulders. | |
| Polly Page: | I tried, several times, but you have to understand, where we were, there was nothing. Barely enough medical supplies and no trained medical staff. |
| Ian Page: | How did you cope, sis? I know you're as tough as old boots when it comes down to it but that must have been terrible! |
| Polly brushes him off. | |
| Polly Page: | We all went through it together. I just, it's not something I can just talk about like this. |
| Anne looks sternly at her son. | |
| Anne Page: | That's enough Ian, leave your sister alone. |
| Ian does as his mother commands. Bill walks towards his daughter and grips her by the shoulders, looking straight into her eyes. | |
| Bill Page: | Are you telling us the truth, Polly? Are you sure it wasn't consensual? |
| Anne turns towards her husband, scowling. | |
| Anne Page: | Leave the child alone William! She's hardly about to lie about this, now is she! |
| Bill bites his lip but remains face-to-face with his daughter. Anne tentatively tickles her new granddaughter's chin, placing an arm around her daughter's shoulder, tears welling in her eyes. | |
| Anne Page: | It doesn't matter anyway. All that matters is that you're okay. We didn't hear anything, we didn't know what was happening. |
| Ian wraps his arm tightly around Polly's shoulders. | |
| Ian Page: | That's right big sis, we're just glad to have you back. |
| Bill continues to stare at his family, his face remaining unrepentant. Polly nods slowly, looking across at her father. | |
| Polly Page: | Dad? |
| Bill avoids Polly's eyes. | |
| Bill Page: | What is it? |
| Bill replies gruffly. | |
| Polly Page: | Are, are you angry with me? |
| Bill lifts his head up and stares at his daughter. | |
| Bill Page: | Yes I am. |
| Bill's face breaks into a big grin. | |
| Bill Page: | But I'm glad to have you back more than anything. |
| Bill strides over to his daughter and hugs her tightly. Polly clutches to her father, tears streaming down her cheeks, as she notices June and Viv a few metres off. June smiles back at Viv. | |
| June Ackland: | It looked like everything worked out. |
| Viv Martella: | Touching, innit? I just wish my family cared about me enough to meet me like that. |
| Viv looks slightly bitter as she stares out at the happy scenes of reunion around her. June looks equally miserable. | |
| June Ackland: | Tell me about it. But surely, didn't they know? What makes you think they won't be here? |
| Viv shrugs. | |
| Viv Martella: | I just doubt it, that's all. |
| June Ackland: | Well, at least we've got each other, and we're here. Not in some shallow grave in a whole other country. |
| Viv sighs. | |
| Viv Martella: | I guess. At least Wild Cat didn't get the satisfaction of seeing us dead. Any idea what happened to our favourite Captain? |
| June Ackland: | I do as it happens. You'll be happy to know he got what was coming to him. I heard later from the Lieutenant, that the Commander had him executed. |
| Viv grins. | |
| Viv Martella: | There is a God then. What happened to the not-so-gentle man? |
| June shakes her head. | |
| June Ackland: | He didn't mention it. |
| Viv Martella: | What about our postman friend? |
| June Ackland: | He intended to leave the service. He said he'd seen enough for one lifetime. He wants to be able to spend more time with his family. |
| Viv snorts. | |
| Viv Martella: | Well at least his family cares about him. God that's depressing, even Russian guards have a better family life than I do! |
| Viv speaks with deep bitterness. | |
| Sally Martella: | Oh cheer up you old sour puss! |
| Sally appears on the scene and flashes a cheeky grin at her sister. Viv spins around on one heel and stares at her sister in astonishment. | |
| Viv Martella: | Sal? What are you doing here? |
| Sally casually runs her fingers through her long hair. | |
| Sally Martella: | I'm here to dribble over all the handsome men that'll be disembarking from that ship in a few minutes. Why else would I be here? |
| Viv rolls her eyes. | |
| Viv Martella: | Oh ha-ha. Still as witty as ever, I see. |
| Sally breaks into a wide smile. | |
| Sally Martella: | It runs in the family. Aww, it's great to see you again sis! |
| Sally gives Viv an enormous hug. Viv reciprocates the hug and snuggles into her sister affectionately, tears welling in her eyes. | |
| Viv Martella: | I didn't think that you'd come! |
| Sally Martella: | Don't be stupid, we've missed you like crazy this past year! Mum's been frantic and Dad's been mooching around the house babbling about his time in the war. |
| Viv smiles tolerantly at her sister. | |
| Viv Martella: | Are Mum and Dad here too? |
| Sally Martella: | Of course they are. Say goodbye to your friend and I'll take you to them! |
| Sally dashes off towards the milling crowd. Viv turns to June with wet eyes. | |
| Viv Martella: | June, I really don't know what to say. You've been such a tower of strength over the last ten months. All I can really say is thanks. For being such a good friend. |
| June smiles warmly. | |
| June Ackland: | We all got through it together, didn't we. But I'll see you back at work, won't I? |
| Viv nods, flashing one last smile and wandering off after her sister. For the first time in a long while she is contented. June turns back, resting her arms on a rail, watching as the latest arriving ship is secured and people begin emerging. Bob walks out onto the gangplank, limping slightly. He is supported by some roughly-made wooden crutches. June looks up, immediately recognising the face of her senior officer. Waiting for him to reach the platform, she quickly heads towards him. | |
| June Ackland: | Bob! |
| Bob glances up warily and breaks into a wide smile as he sees June's face. | |
| Bob Cryer: | June! |
| Bob clutches June with his free arm and hobbles alongside her. | |
| Bob Cryer: | I can't believe it. You haven't changed one bit! |
| June smiles nervously. | |
| June Ackland: | Thank-you, what happened? Are you all right? |
| Bob waves his hand around, dismissing her. | |
| Bob Cryer: | I'm fine, June. It's a long, painful story and I don't much feel like digging it up again. More to the point, how are you? |
| June Ackland: | Much the same I'd imagine. |
| June looks around hesitantly, not sure of what to say. Bob looks questioningly at her. | |
| Bob Cryer: | What's the matter? I'm not that hideous to look at, surely? |
| June forces a small chuckle. Bob and June walk over towards a railing on the dock and lean against it, looking out at the crowd of people. | |
| June Ackland: | It's not you Sarge, it's, so much has happened. It's almost as if we don't know each-other anymore. |
| Bob chuckles softly under his breath. | |
| Bob Cryer: | Well it was lovely to meet you Miss Ackland. I hope that someday we may be better acquainted! |
| June smiles a cheeky grin, engulfing him in another hug. | |
| June Ackland: | You knew what I meant. You haven't changed a bit either! |
| Bob rests against the railing and unhooks his crutch from under his arm. | |
| Bob Cryer: | So how was the trip back? You seem to have arrived in one piece but what about Viv? Or Norika? Or... Polly? |
| Bob's voice catches as he spots Polly's bright blonde bob in the crowd. June sighs slowly. | |
| June Ackland: | Viv and Polly are fine. Nori never made it back, Sarge. She got ill, she died about two months ago. |
| Bob lowers his head and his voice softens. | |
| Bob Cryer: | How did she die? Was it painful? |
| June Ackland: | It started out as dysentery, but she couldn't fight it. It wasn't too rough though, she was comatose by the end. |
| June drifts off, her mind travelling back to the camp. | |
| Bob Cryer: | Don't worry about it June. I know it must be painful. Hell, it just about finished me off when young Quinnan was shot. But things will get easier with time. |
| June looks glum. | |
| June Ackland: | You know, that had a pretty horrendous effect on all of us. Unbeknownst to the rest of us, he and Polly, I dunno, musta had something going on, and when she heard about his death, it tore her to pieces. |
| Bob nods, a sad and distant look crossing his face. | |
| Bob Cryer: | Though she seems to be getting over it pretty fast! |
| June follows his glance, observing Polly with her family. | |
| June Ackland: | We didn't think she would, believe me. I'll tell you all about it eventually. |
| Bob looks faintly amused as he watches Polly dashing towards the gangplank with Hope clutched in her arms. She has spotted someone in amongst the crowds of men leaving the ship. | |
| Bob Cryer: | Is that Stamp she's hugging to death? |
| June chuckles. | |
| June Ackland: | Sure looks like it. |
| Bob shakes his head in disbelief. | |
| Bob Cryer: | Kids! |
| Tony looks bemused as Polly rushes into his arms, hugging him tightly. | |
| Tony Stamp: | Polly! Don't tell me you arrived back here before us! |
| Polly looks up at him, still clutching onto his arm. | |
| Polly Page: | Yeah, about fifteen minutes ago. |
| Tony shakes his head in wonderment. | |
| Tony Stamp: | You're looking great, Poll! Especially considering... |
| Tony trails off, biting his tongue. | |
| Tony Stamp: | Umm, so how are you Polly? |
| Polly shrugs, suddenly feeling extremely nervous. | |
| Polly Page: | I'm okay, as glad to be back here as anyone. You? |
| Tony Stamp: | I'm fine. A bit sore but basically okay. |
| Tony smiles tightly at the pretty blonde girl in front of him. Polly nods slowly, gazing across the crowds of people. | |
| Polly Page: | So, how is everyone? Cryer, Boyden? |
| Tony snorts. | |
| Tony Stamp: | Sergeant Boyden was trying to chat up the ship's cook last time I saw him. Bob's the same as always. I doubt whether we would have lasted in the camp without him. |
| Tony rambles to a halt and an uncomfortable silence falls. | |
| Tony Stamp: | So this is your little baby? He's very cute, what's his name? |
| Tony strokes Hope's forehead with his finger and she gurgles with delight. Polly suppresses a bemused giggle. | |
| Polly Page: | He's a she! Her name's Hope. It was Viv's idea. |
| Tony smiles. | |
| Tony Stamp: | She then. She looks like you, you know. She has your chin, sort of jutting out! |
| Tony plays with Hope's chin and tickles her arms. Polly takes an awkward breath. | |
| Polly Page: | That's not my chin... |
| Tony looks up and realisation dawns. | |
| Tony Stamp: | I'm sorry, Polly. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories. |
| Polly shakes her head briskly. | |
| Polly Page: | Forget it. |
| Tony looks downcast and despondent. Polly searches desperately for a new subject. | |
| Polly Page: | So, you reckon your family is around here somewhere? |
| Tony shrugs. | |
| Tony Stamp: | Probably. Polly, I'm sorry. |
| Tony is sick of beating around the bush and comes straight to the point. Polly looks him straight in the eye, realising where he is heading. | |
| Tony Stamp: | I'm sorry about what happened to you. I'm sorry about that bastard guard who raped you. But most of all I'm sorry about Dave. |
| Polly Page: | Look, you don't needa say this, it's not down to you. |
| Tony shakes his head angrily. | |
| Tony Stamp: | I know that Polly, but I feel responsible. I should have been there for you but I wasn't. I feel like I've let you down, disappointed you somehow. |
| Polly Page: | Look, can we just leave it, yeah? It's all in the past. There's nothing we can do. We're back home now. |
| Polly sighs, shifting the child in her arms. | |
| Tony Stamp: | And you've got a little baby! I can't believe it, you looked so young and innocent back in the old days at Sun Hill. |
| Tony smiles down at Hope. Polly hides her mild offence by offering the intrigued child to Tony. | |
| Polly Page: | You wanna hold her for a bit, me arm's about to drop off. |
| Tony takes the proffered baby somewhat clumsily and nods his head. | |
| Tony Stamp: | Hello there little one! You're a good girl aren't you! |
| Polly raises an eyebrow. | |
| Polly Page: | Now, I certainly didn't expect you to be that good with a baby. I'm impressed! |
| Tony smiles proudly. | |
| Tony Stamp: | I've always been good with babies. They really appreciate me for some reason. |
| Polly Page: | How was the trip back? |
| Tony Stamp: | The usual, Reg got seasick. Nothing much has changed. You still planning to go back to Sun Hill? |
| Polly rolls her eyes. | |
| Polly Page: | Cheers, Tone. That's about the one thing I haven't even begun to think about. Honestly, I'm not sure. It wouldn't be for awhile anyway. You? |
| Tony's rugged face breaks out into another broad smile. | |
| Tony Stamp: | Well what else would a washed up area car driver do? Think on the bright side Poll, at least you'll be able to get maternity leave! |
| Polly bursts into hysterics. | |
| Polly Page: | I wouldn't even know who to approach about that! |
| Polly shakes her head, still grinning back at Tony. He puts an arm around her shoulders. | |
| Polly Page: | Well, we made it back, didn't we. Can't say I ever really thought we would. Did you? |
| Tony shakes his head definitively. | |
| Tony Stamp: | I thought I'd follow Derek, Dave and Andrew into the grave. In some ways, I almost wish I had. |
| Tony looks miserable. Polly shakes her head. | |
| Polly Page: | You don't mean that. I mean, we won, we beat them. You gotta take comfort in that. |
| Tony looks into Polly's eyes. | |
| Tony Stamp: | But did we win? I mean, ultimately what has all this achieved? It's just a giant game of Russian Roulette! Playing with people's lives. |
| Tony nods his head sadly. Polly wraps an arm around his back. | |
| Polly Page: | I dunno Tony, there's no answer to that. That's just war I guess. But there's always the future. At least we have that back now. |
| Tony smiles up at Polly and his eyes trail across the crowd: Viv with her family, June laughing with Bob, Anne and Bill Page chatting about their new granddaughter and Ian Page looking up with excitement at the tall ships. | |
| Tony Stamp: | Yeah, I guess. All's well that ends well eh? And back to work on Monday. |
| Polly smiles. | |
| Polly Page: | You've got to be kidding. |
| Tony and Polly laugh and make their way over towards Polly's family. | |
|
|
THE END |