Narrator:
A Girl Named Jessie, The Narrows District of New Alexandria of Earth #8193 in the year 1988… Club performances are one of the few fleeting pleasures that the Narrows offers. On occasion, there are musicians, or jugglers and tumblers, or dancers.
Tonight, however, Zahrell Shenai and her band, the Amazonia, are setting up for the first song of the night. The crowd is good, your typical mix of low-downs, lonely hearts, sex-workers and runaways. Children of the Narrows… prisoners.
Zahrell finishes tuning her guitar as she takes a breath and exhales.
Zahrell Shenai:
Hello, everyone. I know most of you know us already. I can see so many familiar faces. I hope that despite everything, all the horror and the pain that make up all your daily lives, that perhaps this time we are about to share together, wrapped in the wonderful power of music, may at least provide comfort to you. So here we all are, another night in the Narrows... another living nightmare, we share together... So order a drink and hold your date close if you have one, let's begin three... two... one... okay…
Narrator:
As the song comes to a close the applause and a sense of revelry take hold over the room. Zahrell scans the crowd from couple to couple as her mind wanders.
Zahrell Shenai
(To herself):
I wish Soph was here. Ah, well. Her boss is ambitious. Mrs. Lothrin is trying to make the world a better place, after all, and Sophia has to do her part to improve life for the supplicant class. Especially here in the Narrows.
Narrator:
As several members of the crowd get up to order another round of drinks, a stagehand walks onto the stage.
Zahrell Shenai
(Aloud):
Thank you! Thank you! We'll be back in ten minutes!
Narrator:
A smaller local band takes to the stage to play a set as Zahrell and her band start to head backstage. Zahrell stops and looks off toward the door.
Zahrell Shenai:
Hey, I'm heading outside for a second! Gonna take a smoke break.
Narrator:
She steps outside the club and lights up a cigarette. The ever-present symphony of the Narrows, composed of distant gunfire, far-off screaming and the thundering of all-too-common faraway explosions, litters the soundscape of the cold, bitter night.
She takes out her favourite brand of cigarette, Queen-Boudica Green-Spires, a fairly affordable and richly flavorful cigarette.
Zahrell Shenai:
Ah! Nectar of the gods... No better cig in the world. [Under her breath] Well, at least not in my price range. [End with a chuckle].
Narrator:
She looks around absently at the grim streets and alleys, her mind ruminating on both the struggles that the forsaken poor of the Narrows experience on a daily basis and the genuinely inspiring perseverance and diversity that the Narrows's many vibrant cultures display every day in their constant fight to survive. She inhales deeply, savouring the earthy sweet taste of her cig, when suddenly she hears a small scream followed by what sounds like the low, cruel laughs of about four or five people.
Zahrell Shenai:
What the…?
Narrator:
Despite her better judgment, she walks quietly to the head of the alley.
Sure enough, there are four people. Two are men. One is large and the other slight, though both are brutish-looking. The third is a woman, gaunt and rat-faced. And the fourth, whose sex and gender Zahrell can't guess. Their beautifully androgynous face is corrupted by a twisted, malicious grin of wicked glee.
The group is savagely snarling, pawing and pushing a dainty, small-framed girl as she desperately tries to get away. From Zahrell's position, it is clear that the girl is cornered with no path of escape. The girl is young to Zahrell's eyes, maybe in her early to mid-teens. The girl has fight. However, despite her best efforts, they all overpower her.
Jessie Talbot
(High-pitched, terrified):
PLEASE! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE… PLEASE, PLEASE… I DON'T HAVE ANY
MONEY!
Big Man
(Mockingly):
Oh no, please stop it, please, I don't have any money [SADISTIC MOCKING TONE].
Androgynous Assailant:
(Angrily)
YOU THINK WE WANT YOUR MONEY, BITCH?
Narrator:
The androgynous individual throws a right-hook into the pleading girl's face, knocking her down on all fours as the rest of the group brutally rips the svelte girl's clothes from her body, leaving her naked and exposed to her assailant's predatory desires and the biting cold of the frigid night.
Slight Man:
No one's got money around here! But you can make it up to us! Pin her against that wall! Time for a little fun. [predatory, malicious tone]
Narrator:
The big guy picks up the girl by her throat and forces her against a grimy brick wall of the alley as the smaller man and rat-faced woman violently grope their sobbing victim.
Androgynous Assailant:
ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, COOL IT! HOLD HER ARMS. I GET TO FUCK THIS BITCH FIRST! THEN YOU CAN ALL SQUABBLE OVER WHAT'S LEFT LIKE THE GARBAGE HOUNDS YOU ARE.
Zahrell Shenai:
Time is quickly running out for her. It's clear the girl needs help before it's too late, and I know just what to do.
Zahrell Shenai:
THAT'S IT! THAT'S ENOUGH! BACK THE FUCK UP! ALL OF YOU BACK THE FUCK AWAY FROM THE GIRL!
Narrator:
The four predators look over in shock at Zarhell, who swiftly draws her pistol and immediately shoots the rat-faced woman straight through her knee to prove she is serious. The rat-faced female starts dragging herself away as the other three turn-tail and run for their lives. Zahrell moves to the victimised girl as she fires off one last round into the head of the wounded assailant, who had been trying desperately to slither away.
Jessie Talbot
(Trying to calm her sobbing):
Who the fuck, I mean… Thank you. You… You didn't have to… but I'm glad you did… but wh… why would you? I mean, you don't even kn… know me.
Zahrell Shenai:
I don't need to know you. You needed my help, simple as that. As for who I am, I'm Zahrell.
Narrator:
Zahrell reholsters her gun before helping the hurt young girl to her feet. The girl leans heavily on Zahrell to stay standing.
Jessie Talbot:
So, Zahrell, huh? Well, thanks for saving me… My name's Jessie, Jessie Talbot.
Zahrell Shenai:
Come on, let's get you to my band's tour bus… your injuries need tending, and after that's done, I'll call your parents.
Jessie Talbot:
Oh, yes, parents, right, of course…[bitter sarcastic tone]
Narrator:
Zarhell spots an all-too-familiar din in the girl's eyes, amplified by the bitter sarcasm of her response, revealing a new but painful common ground.
Zahrell Shenai:
You're an orphan, aren't you? I was, too... I mean, I am too. Is there anyone we can reach out to? Anyone who cares?
Jessie Talbot:
Well, that's a shitty thing to have in common with my rescuer [bitter sarcastic tone] and no… there's no one, never has been. It's always just been me. The only time anyone gives me the time of day is if they are trying to rob me, rape me or traffic me… Kids are extremely valuable in the Narrows if you haven't noticed, and who doesn't love being valuable merchandise?
Narrator:
Jessie offers Zahrell a bloodied, sarcastic grin of mock glee as Zahrell nods understandingly.
Zahrell Shenai:
Well, come on, let's get you to my tour bus; it isn't safe to linger here.
Jessie Talbot:
Safe.. safe. This is the Narrows; there's no such thing as safe…
Narrator:
The girl cautiously but gratefully lets herself be taken in by Zahrell. She does not know what to make of her rescuer, but the pain in her body is too great to refuse help, and after what just happened, she knows she will not survive the night without protection. Her attackers may have been scum, but they were well-connected scum as far as things go in the Narrows. Jessie knows that the moment they spread the word about what happened, there will be a bounty on her head. If she's lucky, they'll kill her, but more likely, her fate will be far worse than death.
Zahrell helps the naked and injured Jessie onto the bus and sits her down at the dining table before immediately withdrawing the first-aid kit from the nearby storage compartment. Zarhell proceeds to apply the antibiotic ointment and bandages to Jessie's injuries, using the opportunity to thoroughly examine the girl's body.
Zahrell's heart sinks ever deeper as the girl's body shows clear signs of extensive long-term abuse, with everything from old stab wounds, burns and what she is sure is at least two separate gunshot wounds, small arms by the look of it, but still. Jessie's back shows signs of old taser burns and what Zahrell figures to be most likely lash scars from whips.
Zahrell Shenai
You've been through alot… so much pain… I'm sorry.
Narrator:
Zahrell gently traces the trembling girl's old scars with her fingers, bringing a deep eruption of emotion inside the small, battered girl's heart.
Jessie Talbot:
OH, DON'T ACT LIKE YOU ACTUALLY CARE… NOBODY CARES… YOU HEAR ME, NO ONE EVER HAS AND NO ONE EVER WILL… WHY DID YOU REALLY SAVE ME… WHAT DO YOU WANT… YOU WANT ME TO REPAY YOU… SHOW YOU A GOOD TIME, HUH. [cold, bitter voice from a lifetime of abuse]
Narrator:
Jessie lurches forward onto Zahrell's lap, wrapping her hands in the older woman's hair as she begins to aggressively make out with her. Not wanting to hurt the girl any further, Zahrell gently but firmly shoves the girl off of her. Jessie spreads her legs open further, exposing herself as she glares at Zahrell with furious distrust.
Jessie Talbot:
WHAT'S WRONG? NOT YOUNG ENOUGH FOR YOU? OH WAIT, LET ME GUESS THE SCARS ARE A REAL TURN-OFF OFF RIGHT? WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL? WHAT MAKES YOU ANY DIFFERENT FROM EVERY OTHER PERSON WHO SAID THEY WANTED TO HELP ME BEFORE RAPING ME? MORE THAN HALF OF THESE SCARS ARE FROM 'GOOD SAMARITANS LIKE YOU. COME ON, WHAT IS IT? NOT FUCKING HOT ENOUGH FOR YOU. I AM NO LONGER BEAUTIFUL ENOUGH BECAUSE THOSE OTHER FUCKS OUT THERE SURE SEEMED EAGER. [cold bitter voice from a childhood of nothing but trauma]
Zahrell Shenai
Look, I know you have no reason to trust me or to believe I care. But you're wrong, and I do. As for the other matter, you are more than beautiful and never let anyone tell you differently. I'm just not a monster… I know you believe no one cares. That love and kindness are lies because I used to think that too, but there are good people in this world, Jessie. I know you can't believe that right now because I couldn't either before I was saved. But hear me, please, there are people who really do want to help you and love you the way you should have been loved all along, and I'm one of them, and I'm going to prove it. I'm going to get you out of here… out of the Narrows. You have endured this prison long enough, and you are no longer alone.
Jessie Talbot:
"BULLSHIT, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?"
Zahrell Shenai
Because, as crazy as this may sound to you. I was almost you, and we deserve better. Plus, saving you signed your death warrant if you stay… Look, I am not asking you to trust me; I am just asking you to let me save you. After that, your path is your own. Besides, my girlfriend and I have been discussing adoption anyway. [deep heartfelt sincerity with an amused playful tone on that last sentence].
Narrator:
Zahrell smiles lovingly at the young girl as Jessie closes her legs and sits back at the table. Still unsure what to make of this woman, unlike any person she has ever met before.
Jessie Talbot:
Could it really be… could she be telling the truth… Maybe, just maybe…
Zahrell Shenai:
Hold on a second. I need to make a call.
Narrator:
Zahrell gets up and walks toward the front of the tour bus, pulling out her cell phone and pressing a speed dial number.
Sophia Arygris
(Over the phone):
Hey, babe. Now's not a good time.
Zahrell Shenai:
It's urgent. It'll only take a bit.
Sophia Arygris
(Over the phone):
Okay. What's up?
Zahrell Shenai:
I found a girl. She's in a pretty bad way.
Sophia Arygris
(Over the phone):
Another fallen bird with a broken wing.
Zahrell Shenai:
This time, more like a little lost lamb I rescued from the wolves… She was being attacked, and I saved her, and you know what that means here. If I don't get her out of here tonight, her blood will be on my hands, and she has no one… she needs us… me for now, but you most certainly later.
Sophia Arygris
(Over the phone):
Wow… This is heavy. But I trust you, babe. You always choose the right path. Just promise me, whatever happens, you'll come back to me.
Zahrell Shenai:
I promise. You're my love, and I will never let anything keep me from you.
Jessie Talbot:
Their love sounds like it might actually be real… must be nice.
Sophia Arygris
(Over the phone):
Well, then, I'll be waiting for you both with open arms and an open heart. I love you.
Zahrell Shenai:
I know. I need to go now, babe. We need to act quickly while we can.
Narrator:
Zahrell hangs up her phone, smiling briefly at Jessie.
Merope:
What's going on, Zahrell? We're going on in like two minutes!
Narrator:
Proclaims Zahrell's friend and backup singer Merope as she and the other members of Amazonia suddenly come clambering onto the bus and spot the badly beaten nude teen girl sitting at the table.
Rhoda
(Pointing to Jessie):
Umm, why the fuck is there a battered, naked little girl sitting at our table?
Zahrell Shenai:
Because she was being attacked and I saved her life so now I need to smuggle her out of the Narrows, or the people I saved her from are going to kill her, and it will be all my fault for stepping in.
I'm sorry about the show, but I need to figure out a plan.…
Merope:
Damn girl, okay, we got it, you take a spell and think.
Zahrell Shenai:
Wait… wait… yes… I got it, she just needs a fake chip to trick the border squads. If she has a fake chip, then they won't flag her as a Narrows-Born and she can just ride the tour bus out with us, right?
Alexia:
A fake chip has to be perfect to fool border squads. Even if we find a good Cyber-Fixer fast, it'll cost 15–20,000 Drachmae.
Rhoda:
Where do we find that kind of cash?
Merope:
We've all got non-company accounts. If we pool them…(Pauses, checking her phone.) …17,300 Drachmae. It'll be tight, but it's what we've got.
Rhoda:
That might not be enough, and besides-
Zahrell Shenai:
It's going to have to be because Jessie's life depends on it. So if they insist on more cash, then I will just have to get persuasive.
Jessie Talbot:
Why are you all being so nice?! How do any of you know I'm worth all this?
Merope
(Firmly, but kindly):
If Zahrell thinks you are worthy of saving, then you must be worth it… She's a great judge of character, you know? And an even better friend?
Narrator:
Nodding, the four members of Amazonia take out their phones and begin transferring their available funds to Zahrell, who gives a thumbs-up to confirm the money went through.
Alexia:
Okay, so now that the funds have been transferred. Does anyone here even know any cyber-fixers we can commission?
Rhoda:
I do. My abusive ex-boyfriend, Richard Anderson. He lives nearby and is one of the best cyber-fixers in the Narrows.
Alexia:
NO, NO WAY… THAT PRICK NEARLY KILLED YOU. YOU WOULD'VE DIED IF I HADN'T FOUND YOU BLEEDING OUT IN THAT DUMPSTER.
Narrator:
Rhoda walks over to Alexia, pulling them in close and nuzzling their neck lovingly.
Rhoda:
WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE, LEXXY-BEAN. Yes, he's a piece of shit woman-beating bastard, but he knows his craft better than anyone and this is a desperate situation, so for Jessie… Okay?
Narrator:
Alexia throws up their hands in frustration as they exhale in surrender.
Alexia:
OKAY FINE… fine, you're right, we don't have a choice right now.
Rhoda:
I'll text you his address. Just be careful when dealing with him, and whatever you do, don't let either of you be alone with him. You can trust his work but not him, never him. I mean it, Zahrell, watch him close and make sure he does his job and only his job. Do not let your guard down with him or you will regret it.
Zahrell Shenai:
Got it… I won't let him trick us or gain the upper hand. I promise.
Merope:
Alright, ladies, we need to get back in and get this show going before the crowd starts to riot. Zahrell, if you are going to do this, get strapped, go lethal and good luck. Also, remember we leave here in 2 hours, so you need to hurry, okay?
Zahrell Shenai:
Don't worry, you know I am a shoot first and ask questions later type when it matters.
Narrator:
Once the rest of the bandmates leave the bus, Zahrell moves to one of the small closets in the back of the bus and pulls two 9MM handguns, two nanoweave combat vests, a Lothrin-Industries U.W.A. Rifle and a long trench coat. Before making her way back to the table with everything.
Jessie Talbot:
I see you and your band come prepared. [playful sarcastic tone ending with slight chuckle]
Zahrell Shenai:
Ofcourse, coming into the Narrows unarmed is suicide.
Jessie Talbot:
No argument there. So do I get one of these?
Zahrell Shenai:
Come here, we need to get this vest on you.
Narrator:
Jessie moves over to Zarhell, who kneels down in front of her and proceeds to help the young girl put on one of the combat vests.
Zahrell Shenai:
Put this on two, it will help keep you warm at least, we don't need you catching your death out there.
Narrator:
Continues Zahrell, handing the trench coat to Jessie, who puts on the coat as instructed. Before turning her attention to the weapons sitting pretty on the table. Jessie gently runs her fingers over one of the handguns with a smirk.
Jessie Talbot:
Do I get to use one of these beauties?
Zahrell Shenai:
You know how to use it?
Jessie Talbot:
I'm a child of the Narrows, What do you think?
Narrator:
Replies Jessie as she picks up the handgun and then proceeds to check it and load it.
Zahrell Shenai:
You're a big fan of guns?
Jessie Talbot:
I'm a big fan of self-defence. [confident smirky tone]
Zahrell Shenai:
Can't imagine why [Playful amused tone].
Narrator:
Zahrell puts on her own combat vest and then checks and readies the Rifle before sliding it into her back holster. She checks and readies the other handgun and slides it into her hip holster before pulling out her phone.
Zahrell Shenai:
Okay we got the address of the cyber-fixer fuckhead we need to go see, it's not far but far we are likely to run to threats, so stay alert and stay close to me okay.
Jessie Talbot:
You got it. You lead the way I'll follow.
Narrator:
Zahrell leads Jessie off of the bus and checks the route once more on her phone.
Zahrell Shenai:
Alright, we don't have much time to get this done, let's go.
Narrator:
The bus door hisses open. Zahrell steps down first, scanning the street with a soldier's eyes. Jessie follows, trench coat too big for her frame, combat vest stiff against her ribs. The Narrows at night is alive with menace: neon signs flicker like broken nerves, distant screams rise and fall, and the air smells of smoke, rust, and blood.
Zahrell checks her phone.
Zahrell Shenai:
"Two hours. Ten blocks. Half a mile and this is the Narrows. Hope you're ready."
Jessie Talbot:
"I was thinking the same thing about you"
Narrator:
Jessie keeps her handgun low, fingers brushing the grip like a talisman.
They move quickly, hugging walls, ducking under broken scaffolding. The looming dark of the Narrows feels sentient, ever-watching. A gang of masked figures loiters at the corner, their laughter sharp as glass. Zahrell tenses, ready to draw. They duck behind burnt-out ACEs, darting from shadow to shadow, barely avoiding the gang's detection as they stealthily press forward on their mission.