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Suzi, Norika and Viv are clustered around one of the tables in the mess hall, slowly working their way through the repulsive dinner. Polly is sitting at the head of the table, very pregnant and making no attempt to hide the fact. Suzi glances over in Polly's direction. |
| Suzi Croft: | You almost look like you're enjoying that muck, Poll! |
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Polly smiles and continues to shovel food into her mouth. |
| Polly Page: | Well it's not so bad when you get used to it. |
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Suzi snorts. |
| Suzi Croft: | If I ever get used to this pig-swill, please shoot me to put me out of my misery. You're welcome to mine, since you obviously enjoy it so much! |
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Suzi scrapes her dinner off her plate and onto Polly's. Polly shrugs and carries on eating. Viv chuckles lightly. |
| Viv Martella: | Leave her alone Suzi, it's psychological. She has to eat more, so... |
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Viv trails off looking very confused. |
| Viv Martella: | Oh, I give up. Polly how can you eat this stuff! |
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Suzi raises an eyebrow. |
| Suzi Croft: | I've heard about cravings for odd foods during pregnancy but this takes the biscuit. |
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Polly ignores the women and continues to push the rubbery food into her mouth. Suzi turns to Norika. |
| Suzi Croft: | It's all your fault, Nori. Why did you start giving her half of your breakfast rations too? You've created a monster! |
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Norika observes as Polly makes her way through the others' leftovers, before sliding her full tray across to her. |
| Norika Datta: | Enjoy! |
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Polly smiles gratefully at Norika. Norika lowers her voice, motioning for the group to lean in closer to her. |
| Norika Datta: | I received some news last night. |
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Polly leans forward, slightly awkwardly, with a puzzled look on her face. |
| Polly Page: | What about? |
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Norika looks suspiciously around the moderately filled room before continuing. |
| Norika Datta: | Well, according to Leo, the guys were taken to a similar camp, about ten miles from here. |
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Suzi smiles. |
| Suzi Croft: | Oh it's 'Leo' is it? The rest of us have to call him Lieutenant Bryzgarlin. |
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Norika blushes. |
| Norika Datta: | Yeah, okay, okay, but shut up and listen will ya! |
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Norika waits for the women to stop giggling and takes a deep breath. |
| Norika Datta: | He said, he said that the men are in a camp like us. About ten miles from here. |
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Suzi looks confused. |
| Suzi Croft: | I've had quite enough of men after meeting some fine examples of them here! What's so special about these men? |
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Viv's face is a combination of confusion and relief. |
| Viv Martella: | Quit ya whining and let her finish! |
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Norika waits while the group calms down again, her face downcast. Suzi sits back, slightly stunned by the urgency in Viv's voice. |
| Norika Datta: | They're our men. We weren�t the only ones taken. All the vans were hijacked. The plods too. |
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Polly chokes on a mouthful. |
| Polly Page: | You mean, the blokes from Sun Hill? |
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Norika nods miserably. Suzi looks even more confused. |
| Polly Page: | You mean Reg and Tony and Bob and Dave? |
| Norika Datta: | I'm afraid so. Leo got a letter from Sergeant Cryer. I've passed it onto June. Basically they're in a camp much like this, although with poorer conditions. They're forced into extreme manual labour, and beaten severely on a regular basis. From the way it sounds, we�re better off then them. |
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Polly looks worried. |
| Polly Page: | What did the letter say? |
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Norika takes another breath, her tone becoming more serious. |
| Norika Datta: | Like us, they have had deaths. |
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Norika looks around at the expectant faces. Suzi looks concerned. |
| Suzi Croft: | Men that you know? That you've worked with? |
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Norika nods slowly. |
| Norika Datta: | Andrew Monroe and Derek Conway. |
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Polly breathes a sigh of relief. |
| Polly Page: | So the others are okay? How did it happen? |
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Norika sighs. |
| Norika Datta: | It was thought that their rank and leadership a posed threat. They were executed. |
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Polly shakes her head. |
| Polly Page: | That's terrible. What else did Sergeant Cryer say? |
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Norika shakes her head. |
| Norika Datta: | That's about it. |
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Norika glances miserably around the group, before continuing. |
| Norika Datta: | I have an arrangement with Leo, in which we are able to write to our colleagues if we wish. Get the letters to me and Leo will do the rest. He and one of their guards have a friendship. |
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Suzi looks intrigued. |
| Suzi Croft: | So we can write to these men and they can write back to us? Sort of like pen-pals? How is he getting the letters across? |
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Norika shrugs. |
| Norika Datta: | I'm not completely sure as to the specifics. All I know is that one of Leo's mates is working at the male camp. |
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Polly looks apprehensive. |
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| Polly Page: | So if I write a letter to Dave and give it to you, he'll deliver it? It won't be read by the guards? |
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Norika shakes her head. |
| Norika Datta: | No, Leo gave me his word. The only hands it will go through are his and his mate's. |
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Polly gives Norika a small smile and sits back. Norika nods politely, getting to her feet, and leaving the mess hall. |
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June and the other women are lying in their bunks, fast asleep. Krylyova quietly unlocks the door and creeps into the room. He moves over towards Viv's bed and slowly begins to pull the covers off her. The Captain curses as he drops his torch and searches the floor for a few seconds before retrieving it. Viv rolls over, reaching for the blankets, her limbs and head suddenly exposed to the cold night air. Krylyova presses his hand over her mouth. |
| Captain Krylyova: | Shush, my little one. |
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Krylyova slowly runs his hand down the side of Viv's body with a greedy look in his eye. Viv, although blinded by the torch light in her face, recognises the dark voice. Acting more on instinct than thought, she pulls sharply against the grasp, dragging herself away from the Captain. Krylyova swears and a struggle ensures between the half-asleep woman and the sex-crazed Captain. Polly stirs slightly, hearing the scuffle and turns her head across the room, seeing the bright light. Krylyova and Viv continue to struggle as Polly looks on with horror. Polly hears the all too familiar male voice, and let's up a sharp scream, drawing June immediately from her sleep. June sits up. |
| June Ackland: | What the hell is going on? |
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Krylyova growls out a reply. |
| Captain Krylyova: | Shut up, woman. |
| Viv Martella: | Get the hell off me! |
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Viv continues struggling, her fists hitting him hard in the chest and face. Krylyova punches Viv in the stomach several times to try to keep her down. June and Polly watch on in stunned silence. |
| Polly Page: | Just let her go, you bastard! Leave her alone! |
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Krylyova grunts and tries to manhandle Viv from her bed with little success. Viv kicks at him wildly, every police training session she'd ever attended flooding back into her head. |
| Captain Krylyova: | Come quietly woman! |
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Krylyova clenches his teeth and drags Viv down onto the floor. Polly sits up awkwardly, looking helplessly from June to Viv. |
| Polly Page: | Let her go! |
| June Ackland: | Hands off her! Haven't you done enough damage already? |
| June begins to blearily get out of her bed, Krylyova paying no attention to the women. Polly continues screaming as June tries to assist Viv, without success. Krylyova is distracted and Viv takes the opportunity to kick him squarely in the groin. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | Groods! |
| Krylyova retreats, clutching his crotch. June runs over to Viv's side and supports her. Krylyova stands up, still in obvious pain. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | If you will not co-operate, I will help myself to your little friend. |
| Krylyova staggers over to Polly and begins to pull on her bedding. Polly looks helplessly at Viv and June, being pulled from her bed. | |
| Polly Page: | No, stop, please! Don't do this, please! |
| Krylyova slaps Polly across the face. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | You will do as you are told! I warn you, I will not be so gentle this time. I have a nasty temper and your friend has made me angry. |
| Krylyova lifts the heavily pregnant woman out of her bed and slowly carries her towards the door. Polly struggles in his grasp, sobbing desperately. | |
| Polly Page: | Please, no... please! |
| Krylyova smirks and squeezes Polly cruelly. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | You're lovely and tender. I am going to enjoy this. |
| June steps forward, unwilling to let this go any further. | |
| June Ackland: | Stop! Put her down, you won't get away with this! |
| Krylyova snorts sardonically. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | I have nothing else to play with tonight. |
| Krylyova leaves the cabin, cradling Polly in his arms. Viv looks over at June before running to the doorway. | |
| Viv Martella: | Wait! |
| Krylyova stands in the doorway and raises his eyebrows. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | You have changed your mind? |
| Viv nods slowly, steeping closer. | |
| Viv Martella: | You will not hurt her again. |
| Krylyova licks his lips. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | What are you proposing? |
| Viv Martella: | Take me instead. |
| Krylyova slowly lets Polly slip from his grip. She slides onto the ground in a heap. | |
| Captain Krylyova: | You will co-operate? |
| Krylyova stares into Viv's eyes greedily. Viv looks away, nauseous. | |
| Viv Martella: | I will. |
| Krylyova takes Viv by the arm and escorts her towards his tent. Polly crawls back into the dorm with a last, lingering look at Viv. Viv does not look back. | |
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| Norika is sitting at a table speaking in hushed whispers with June and Polly. | |
| Norika Datta: | He'll be here soon. Make sure you have the letter ready, he'll take them directly to the men's camp. |
| Polly nods. | |
| Polly Page: | I can't wait to here from them all! |
| Norika smiles, her face oddly pale. | |
| Norika Datta: | I'm sure he'll be glad to hear from you Polly. Men are odd like that, all it takes is a single message from their girlfriends to cheer them up! |
| Polly Page: | Dave and I were never, I mean.. |
| Polly trails off, shoving a mouthful of porridge into her mouth. Norika raises her eyebrow. | |
| Norika Datta: | Never what, Polly? |
| Norika smirks as she slowly pours the contents of her bowl into Polly's dish. Polly cringes, managing to stop Nori before the entire bowl is empty. | |
| Polly Page: | Don't give it all to me, you gotta eat some! |
| Norika shakes her head and empties the last of the food. | |
| Norika Datta: | I'll be fine, I don't get hungry anymore. |
| Norika looks rather pale and he hand is shaking. Polly looks reluctant, slowly taking a few more mouthfuls of food. Norika's hand slips and she spills her glass of water. June looks worried. | |
| June Ackland: | You feeling all right Norika? |
| Norika shakes her head. | |
| Norika Datta: | I'll be fine, though. |
| Norika stands up and slowly walks towards the decanter. June frowns, and gets to her feet, pacing along behind the woman. | |
| June Ackland: | You've gotta stop this, you know. |
| Norika takes a deep breath and slowly steadies herself against the table. | |
| Norika Datta: | Honestly June, I feel fine. I mean, Polly needs that food much more than I do. |
| Norika's trembling fingers betray her weakened condition. June scoffs. | |
| June Ackland: | But you can't let yourself get rundown! You're being silly. Besides, we're all helping out. |
| Norika carefully pours herself a fresh glass of water. | |
| Norika Datta: | I know that, June. I just want to help out too. I don't want the food so Polly can have it, that's all there is to it. |
| June is not pleased. | |
| June Ackland: | I just hope you know what you're doing! |
| Norika slowly composes herself. | |
| Norika Datta: | Of course I know what I'm doing, June. Just leave me a lone so I can do it. |
| Bryzgarlin walks into the mess hall, looking around for Norika. June sighs, noticing the Lieutenant by the doorway. | |
| June Ackland: | Well smarten up, your boyfriend's here. |
| Norika turns to face the Lieutenant, a smile on her face. Bryzgarlin smiles back and begins to walk towards the women. | |
| Norika Datta: | I'm feeling a bit odd, actually... |
| Norika trails off and slowly drops to the floor. Bryzgarlin rushes forward, catching Norika just in time to prevent her head hitting the floor. Norika groans softly as the Lieutenant carefully lifts her up in his arms. | |
| Lt. Bryzgarlin: | Norika? |
| Norika doesn't reply, so the Lieutenant slowly begins to carry her out of the room towards the clinic as the other women watch on in horror. | |
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| Bryzgarlin pushes his way through the door with Norika in his arms. Polly and June follow behind, extremely concerned. Suzi rushes over directing the Lieutenant to a cot. | |
| Suzi Croft: | What happened? |
| Bryzgarlin gently lays Norika down in the bed, careful not to bump her head. | |
| June Ackland: | She fainted! We were just standing there getting drinks and she hit the floor! She's been looking off-colour for a few days. |
| Bryzgarlin kneels down by Norika's bunk and holds her hand tenderly. Suzi takes Norika's temperature, and other vitals, nodding to the male officer. | |
| Suzi Croft: | Don't worry, we'll look after her. |
| Bryzgarlin remains kneeling by Norika's bed. | |
| Lt. Bryzgarlin: | I wish to stay. |
| Suzi speaks delicately. | |
| Suzi Croft: | It's really best for everyone if you leave her to rest. She'll sleep for awhile anyway. |
| Bryzgarlin reluctantly gets to his feet. | |
| Lt. Bryzgarlin: | You will take care of her? |
| Suzi nods with a reassuring smile. | |
| Suzi Croft: | Of course I will. |
| Bryzgarlin turns around with the intention of leaving the room. Polly slowly approaches the officer, discretely handing him the letters. | |
| Polly Page: | Norika said we are to give these to you. |
| Bryzgarlin looks down at the letters with a frown on his face. | |
| Lt. Bryzgarlin: | Thank you. |
| Bryzgarlin slowly takes the letters from Polly's hands and leaves. June notices Viv in the cot several down from Norika. June kneels by the edge of the cot, Viv's face bruised and beaten from the previous night. | |
| June Ackland: | How are you feeling? |
| Viv looks up soullessly into June's eyes. | |
| Viv Martella: | T'riffic. This isn't bruising, this was foreplay. |
| June looks glum. | |
| June Ackland: | Is there anything I can get you? Anything from our room you want? |
| Viv shakes her head, wincing from the pain. | |
| Viv Martella: | No, just let me get some rest June. I'll be fine after a few days rest. |
| Viv fixes June with a determined stare. Polly notices June's absence, and heads over to Viv's cot, a guilty expression on her face. | |
| June Ackland: | Sure, I'll see you soon. |
| June stands and heads away from the cot, leaving Polly by Viv�s bedside. Viv sighs softly. | |
| Viv Martella: | Hello Polly. |
| Polly steps closer to the bed, looking down at her colleague. | |
| Polly Page: | How are you doing? |
| Viv rolls her eyes. | |
| Viv Martella: | You're only the fifteenth person to ask me that this morning. Fine, and you? |
| Polly looks away, feeling extremely guilty. | |
| Polly Page: | I'm sorry Viv. |
| Viv turns around and looks into Polly's eyes. | |
| Viv Martella: | So what, you've come to examine me? See just how much damage that bastard did to me last night? |
| Viv rolls down her sleeve and pushes her bruised arm in front of Polly's face. Polly sighs. | |
| Polly Page: | I came to apologise, it should have been me that he took. I'm so sorry, Viv. |
| Viv brushes Polly aside. | |
| Viv Martella: | Leave it out Polly, you're not sorry that he took me. Under all that grieving and handshaking, you're really saying "Thank God it wasn't me". |
| Viv chokes off her last sentence with a sob. Polly looks at her strangely, before turning and heading towards the doorway, giving Viv one last sorrowful look, before slipping back out into the night air. Viv sighs and turns over in her bunk. | |
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| Liz is a guest in the women's sleeping quarters. She's sitting on June's bed and Viv and June are sitting in the corner, carefully knitting baby clothes. Polly, also on her bunk, is leaned up awkwardly against the wall, gently stroking her firm stomach, laughing as Liz attempts to impersonate various CID officers | |
| Polly Page: | No way Liz! No-one sounds that bad! |
| Liz grins. | |
| Liz Rawton: | You didn't know Gordon Hollis. He had a brother who joined the Met, though he was far worse. Forgotten his name, though. |
| June chuckles. | |
| June Ackland: | Ah yes, that'd be one Reginald P. Hollis. He wound up at Sun Hill, worst luck! |
| Viv snorts. | |
| Viv Martella: | Reg fancied you once, remember June? When he asked you round to his place to look at his model trains? |
| June rolls her eyes. | |
| June Ackland: | Don't remind me! That's nearly as bad as the time I caught you trying to sneak Jim Carver out of our flat at some ungodly hour of the morning! In his Mickey Mouse pyjamas as well! |
| Viv blushes and goes back to knitting the small baby's bib that she's been working on. Liz chuckles. | |
| Liz Rawton: | So is it a boy or a girl Poll? Do you have a preference? |
| Polly shrugs. | |
| Polly Page: | A girl'd be nice. There are far too many guys in this place as it is! |
| Liz nods her head seriously. | |
| Liz Rawton: | Have you thought of a name yet? |
| Polly shakes her head. | |
| Polly Page: | I wouldn't know where to start! |
| Liz smiles. | |
| Liz Rawton: | Well come on ladies, suggestions please! How about Lizzy, Polly? |
| June Ackland: | Uh-uh, it'd be too confusing! Hmm, ermm, Clare? Sarah? Rebecca? |
| Polly screws her face up. Viv listens to the debate thoughtfully. | |
| Viv Martella: | Jimmy's a nice name for a boy. Or Frank. |
| Liz laughs out loud. | |
| Liz Rawton: | Well we've already established that she's having a girl, and I'd certainly never consider calling a daughter of mine Frank! |
| Liz thinks for a second. | |
| Liz Rawton: | Francina? Franny? |
| Viv tosses a pillow in Liz's direction. | |
| Viv Martella: | Actually, this might sound a bit corny but I'd like you to consider it, Polly. |
| Viv is speaking seriously and Polly leans forward slightly to catch her words. | |
| Viv Martella: | If it is a girl, I think it'd be a rather nice idea to call her Hope. I mean, that's more or less what she is. And she's the best thing to come out of this place. |
| Polly considers Viv's suggestion for a few minutes, again patting her stomach. | |
| Polly Page: | Yup, she likes that. Hope it is. |
| Viv smiles at the pregnant woman. | |
| Viv Martella: | And we can be the Godmothers? |
| Polly nods slowly, with a soft sigh. | |
| Polly Page: | Me parent�s would like that. |
| Viv looks at Polly kindly. | |
| Viv Martella: | Are you looking forward to the birth? Don't worry, it's not as painful as they say it is. |
| Polly cringes. | |
| Polly Page: | Oh thanks! Don't try and cheer me up Viv! |
| Viv grins at Polly then returns to her knitting. | |
| June Ackland: | Viv, just what are you making there? I can't tell if it's a bootie or a bonnet |
| Viv looks at June, puzzled. | |
| Viv Martella: | It's a bib, silly. You must have used one before, the way you shovel in food at mealtimes! |
| June rolls her eyes. Polly looks around the momentarily quiet room, hesitant to bring up the subject. | |
| Polly Page: | Did you guys get letters from the Lieutenant? |
| June nods, slowly slipping hers out from her pillowcase. | |
| June Ackland: | Mine's from Bob. What about you? |
| Polly Page: | Dave. What about you Viv? |
| Viv grunts. | |
| Viv Martella: | Burnside. Silly man still fancies me, even in this situation! |
| June grins. | |
| June Ackland: | Well, he was always rather odd, wasn't he? Not that I can imagine him in a place like this! |
| Viv snorts. | |
| Viv Martella: | He wouldn't last long if he treated the guards the way he used to treat the rest of us. I mean listen to this... |
| Viv grabs her letter and begins to read a segment. Polly slides across the bed, lying comfortably on her side, as Viv beings reading. | |
| Viv Martella: | "The bastard with the whip wouldn't leave us alone so Ted and I stopped him in the alleyway last night, took his whip and shoved it..." |
| Viv stops. | |
| Viv Martella: | You get the picture. |
| June Ackland: | Oh, charming. At least they're getting their own back. Wish we could, I mean, not that I would, but it'd be nice to have some ground to stand on. |
| Viv looks with interest at the letter in Polly's hand. | |
| Viv Martella: | Well go on Poll, what's your boyfriend getting up to? |
| Polly Page: | He's not me boyfriend, just knock it off will ya! |
| Polly unfolds the paper from her pocket, scanning the lines, as she commences reading. Viv chuckles and puts her knitting down. | |
| Polly Page: | "Reg's initial attempts to inform the guards of the standards of living conditions were rather unsuccessful, so he has stopped complaining. This is fortunate because Tony was threatening to strangle him with a sheet. Needless to say Tony and I are stuck in a dorm with the prat! Some people are coping with the situation better then others. Matthew Boyden for one, has taken it upon himself to establish friendships with several guards, hence your receiving this letter." |
| June shakes her head with a giggle. Viv suppresses a small smile at the mention of Reg. | |
| Viv Martella: | That's Matt all right! What about yours, June? What's the latest goss from Uncle Bob? |
| June Ackland: | Well, understandably Bob's is pretty down to earth. |
| June slips the pages out of the envelope, clearing her throat as she begins readings. | |
| June Ackland: | "We are surviving, June. Much like you I'd imagine, one awful day at a time. I feel as though I had aged ten years in the seven months we've been here. Also similarly to you, we have seen unspeakable things. You are aware of the deaths of both Andrew and Derek, but I regret to inform you we have had many more. Mostly men of whom you would not know, however Steve Loxton overstepped the boundaries once to often, and was made example of." |
| Viv gasps. | |
| Viv Martella: | Does he say what happened to him? |
| June nods delicately. | |
| June Ackland: | He was burnt. Like Donna. |
| Polly sniffles miserably. | |
| Polly Page: | I hate this place. |
| Viv sighs and moves over to Polly's side. | |
| Viv Martella: | Don't worry Polly, just you worry about your baby. |
| Viv pats Polly's stomach gently. | |
| Viv Martella: | At least you're healthy, happy and in good condition. Poor Norika's still in hospital with an advanced case of dysentery. It might not seem like it but you're a lucky girl! |
| Polly shrugs, slipping under the blankets. | |
| Polly Page: | Yeah, won the lottery didn't I. Goodnight June, Liz. |
| June sighs. | |
| June Ackland: | Night Poll. |
| Liz Rawton: | Goodnight Polly. |
| Liz continues to talk to the other women for a few minutes until they can hear the sound of light snoring coming from Polly's bed. June turns to Viv. | |
| June Ackland: | Don't be too hard on her Viv. She's going through a tough time. |
| Polly is stirred by the chatting voices, and listens intently to the conversation that follows. Viv raises an eyebrow. | |
| Viv Martella: | We all are, June. But at least she's got a baby to look forward to. |
| June Ackland: | I know what you mean, but somehow 'Looking forward to' doesn't sound right. Liz? |
| Liz Rawton: | I try to stay well out of it. Sooner her than me, if you know what I mean. |
| June Ackland: | Exactly what I say. You almost sound as if you're jealous Viv! |
| Viv ignores June's comment. | |
| Viv Martella: | I just wish the girl would grow up! I mean, she's twenty years old and she's acting like a bloody ten year old! |
| June takes a deep breath, glaring at Viv. | |
| June Ackland: | You were a hell of a lot younger than her when you started, and you were twenty-two! |
| Viv glares back at June. | |
| Viv Martella: | Yeah well at least I was able to look after myself at that age. If it wasn't for wet nurse June, Polly would have cracked ages ago. |
| Liz frowns. | |
| Liz Rawton: | Come on ladies, calm down! What a silly thing to be arguing about. |
| Viv and June keep arguing, disregarding Liz's comments. | |
| Viv Martella: | Just leave her alone and let her grow up, June. She's got to let go of the apron strings one day! |
| Viv folds her arms defiantly. June rolls her eyes. | |
| June Ackland: | Don't you think she's learnt enough harsh lessons over the past seven months! There's no point on us making it anymore difficult on ourselves then we have to, now is there! |
| Liz stands up. | |
| Liz Rawton: | I'm sick of listening to you two squabbling like schoolgirls. I'm off to bed. Goodnight. |
| Liz storms towards the door of the sleeping quarters, opens it and gets a shock as a Russian guard is standing on the other side. The guard barges into the room, looking around to make sure that everyone is where they should be. | |
| Russian Guard: | Lights out now women! You, back to dorm! |
| Liz leaves without another word. The guard slams the door after her, locking it quickly and escorting her back to her room. Viv and June reluctantly abandon their argument and slide into their respective beds. | |
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| Polly blinks several times, sitting up and straightening out her pillow, unable to sleep. | |
| Polly Page: | June? Are you awake? |
| June groans softly. | |
| June Ackland: | What is it Polly? |
| Polly pushes back her blankets and slips out of her bunk, padding across the cold cement to June's bed, pulling herself up on the end of the mattress. | |
| Polly Page: | I can't sleep. |
| June sighs and sits up in her bed. | |
| June Ackland: | Well she's managing it. |
| June nods her head towards the slumbering Martella. | |
| Polly Page: | That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Before, when you thought I was asleep, I wasn't. |
| Polly looks over at June's face, dimly lit by the camp lights. June takes a deep breath. | |
| June Ackland: | I'm sorry about that Polly. I'm sure Viv didn't mean that the way it sounded. |
| Polly Page: | No, it's not that. It's just, well, I wanted to thank you. For what you said. I mean, I can understand why Viv is feeling, well strange towards me. It's okay. |
| June gently takes Polly's hand in her own. | |
| June Ackland: | I know you must be going through a tough time right now Polly. I've never been pregnant so I don't have any idea what it must be like but I do know that it can't be easy. |
| Polly shrugs. | |
| Polly Page: | It's not so much being pregnant that I hate, it's being pregnant in a place like this! |
| June smiles. | |
| June Ackland: | I know. Not much of a nursery is it? |
| June looks around the bare, dull room. | |
| June Ackland: | But you just have to remember that your baby's the one good thing to come out of your time here so don't give up on her. |
| Polly looks objectionable. | |
| Polly Page: | I wouldn't put it quite like that. I mean, I won't lie and say that I'm glad about any of this, I honestly wish it wasn't happening, but it's not the baby's fault, so I can't blame her. |
| June Ackland: | Exactly. Just make the best of things that you can't change. |
| June finishes patting Polly's hand and lets go. | |
| June Ackland: | Feeling sleepy? |
| Polly shakes her head with a long sigh. | |
| Polly Page: | This all just seems like one huge nightmare. Like we'll all wake up from it eventually and everything will have gone back to normal. |
| June stares at Polly compassionately. | |
| June Ackland: | This is a nightmare. But one day we'll be free. One day we'll be back in England. Just think of that day and look after yourself and Hope, okay? |
| Polly bites her bottom lip, silent tears trickling down her cheeks. | |
| Polly Page: | But that's the whole problem! I can't go home! |
| June looks puzzled. | |
| June Ackland: | But I thought that's what you wanted? Surely you don't want to stay here! |
| Polly continues sobbing, trying to put a sentence together. | |
| Polly Page: | Well, it is, but it isn't. I mean, after everything we've been through. |
| June is concerned. | |
| June Ackland: | Is there something you're not telling me, Polly? |
| Polly Page: | Well, not exactly, I mean, I'm just scared about going home. Everything's changed. |
| June Ackland: | Well things do change. But surely your parents will be glad to see you again? |
| Polly scoffs. | |
| Polly Page: | I doubt it. Not now anyway. |
| June puts her hand to her mouth in shock. | |
| June Ackland: | Surely they don't have a problem with the baby? |
| Polly speaks slowly. | |
| Polly Page: | They, they won't understand. About this place. |
| June Ackland: | Tell me exactly what you mean, Polly. |
| Polly Page: | You'll think it's silly, I mean, I do. |
| June shakes her head. | |
| June Ackland: | Just talk at me Polly. Tell me what's bugging you. |
| Polly Page: | My parents, they're religious. Very. They'll think, they'll blame me. |
| June furrows her brow. | |
| June Ackland: | If they really love you, they'll help you to get through this! |
| Polly Page: | That's not what I mean. I let them down, it was all my fault. |
| June Ackland: | You can't say that! How is it your fault? |
| Polly draws a breath, wiping her eyes. | |
| Polly Page: | They'll say it was my fault for getting pregnant. That I wanted it to happen. |
| June looks disgusted. | |
| June Ackland: | Well tell them a bit about Wild Cat! Explain about the rape and the guards. |
| Polly shrugs. | |
| Polly Page: | It won't make any difference. I mean, they'll still fell sorry for me and help me out and stuff, but deep down, I won't be their good little girl anymore. |
| June is having a difficult time coming to terms with this. | |
| June Ackland: | But surely they'll see that you had no choice? Won't they? |
| Polly Page: | Maybe. Eventually. I still feel like I let 'em down somehow though. |
| June sighs and pulls Polly towards her into a hug. | |
| June Ackland: | Don't worry Polly, you haven't let anyone down. I'll talk to your parents when we get back home if you like. Set them straight on what was done to you? |
| June is fighting back tears. | |
| Polly Page: | Thanks. |
| Polly hugs her tightly, before heading back to her own bunk. June smiles and turns over to go to sleep. | |
| Polly Page: | June? |
| June sighs. | |
| June Ackland: | Yes Polly? |
| Polly Page: | You'll be there, won't you? I mean, when I have the baby? |
| June Ackland: | Of course not Polly, you'll be all by yourself. |
| June chuckles. | |
| June Ackland: | Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. I'll be there. Now get to bed! |
| Polly rolls her eyes with a smile. | |
| Polly Page: | Jeez, you sound like me Mum! Night! |
| Polly settles down on her pillow and is soon lightly dozing. | |
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Continue... |