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Through The Vast Unknown
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3
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"Oh yeah?" says the other Julie. "In Narnia, was this?"
"No. I think it was Miles Platting. But still - I got these." She pulls
out a pair of gold stack heeled boots from behind her back.
"Smart," says Debbie. "Come on. She'll never know we were here." They
look at the rubble that was once Frances's bedroom.
The shouting from the bathroom turns to sobbing as Julie, Julie and
Debbie bound down the stairs and out the door with their stash.
*
On a planet at the outer reaches of the Solar System, a family settle
down to their elevenses. This is a translation.
<Not as cold today.>
<No.>
<Colder than the other day, though.>
<Yeah. Dark, too.>
<Well, it's always dark, in't it? Can't remember a day when it's not been
dark.>
<Or cold.>
<No. Put the radio on, Doreen. Let's see what's going on in the world.>
<OK. Have you got the torch? It's a bit dark. Oh, that's it.>
The radio crackles. It's just static.
<Oh well. Same old same old. Still. At least you know where you are with
boredom.>
<What's that noise?>
<It's the radio. You just switched it on.>
<Not that. That - sort of - screaming noise...>
They listen. It's music, but not as they know it.
<You must be picking it up with that plate in your head, Doreen. Twist
your head round. Try and get better reception.>
The singing comes through clearer. "Calling occupants," it goes, "Calling
occupants, of interplanetary craft..."
*
In Alexandra Park, Julie, Julie and Debbie settle down in the middle of
the football pitch. A boy of about eleven comes up to them. His
Manchester United top hangs down to his knees.
"We're playing football," he says.
Julie looks up at him. "Do you want to be playing it in hospital?" she
says, in her menacing voice.
"You're in the way," says the boy.
"We're having a meeting," says Debbie. "Go away." She starts to divide up
the Hobnobs.
"We've got to take penalties," says the boy, plaintive. "Please?"
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