Captions by Ingrid Lauder. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015 STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES 1 MUSIC SWELLS 1 AWA: Dear Manaaki, I hope this finds you well, and the army is looking after you. The Smiths are treating me like family, and Mrs Smith is always asking after you. Oh! GENTLE MUSIC She has not had much time to teach me how to cook. But I'm doing well even so. Bugger! The truth is she's not the best, but it must be hard with no body, no tangi. Is there anything else I can bring you? I'd appreciate more sherry. (CLEARS THROAT) Mrs Mueller has come to call. Will you come through? Will you come through? You know I can't. I'll ask the doctor to look in on you again. I'll ask the doctor to look in on you again. < Don't bother. He doesn't help. My dear, I just want you to get better. (PANTS) You threw my boy out of the house, and that's why he went off, < and now he's never coming back! Hettie, please... Hettie, please... You did it! POIGNANT MUSIC I'll enquire if the doctor's free to see you tomorrow. BOOM! You're a good mate. RIFLE CHAMBER CLICKS (GASPS) You brown bastard. What did you do? You brown bastard. What did you do? (GRUNTS) Manaaki! Manaaki! Manaaki, can you hear me? Manaaki, can you hear me? (GASPS, PANTS) (GASPS, GRUNTS) Shh, shh, shh. This is a rum do. Look at this lot. (PANTS) (GASPS) And this here,... it's a bloody mess. (LAUGHS) Manaaki, you're doing nicely. You're in hospital. You're in Alexandria. Manaaki, you're doing nicely. You're in hospital. You're in Alexandria. (PANTS) You were having another dream, a nightmare. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me down to lie. He maketh me down to lie. Is it another headache? In pastures green, he leadeth me. I'll call the sister, get you some aspirin. I'll call the sister, get you some aspirin. No, no, no. (PANTS) No, I'm all right. WATER SPLASHES (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) I could read to you from Awa's letter. I can't believe she wrote so much. I can't believe she wrote so much. Why is that? She hated school. All she used to read was catalogues. (CHUCKLES) All she used to read was catalogues. (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) Read the part about baking. All right. (SNIFFS, CLEARS THROAT) READS: 'I think of you whenever I see the blimmin' dates in the packet with the camel. 'Though perhaps they're from the camel. They certainly taste like droppings.' DISTANT GUNFIRE MAN: Hurry it up. MAN: Hurry it up. GUNFIRE Morning, Sergeant. Morning, Sergeant. Sir. Morning, Sergeant. Sir. Lads. How's the view from up there, Wally? How's the view from up there, Wally? It's good, sir. How's the view from up there, Wally? It's good, sir. Right. You all right, old son? You all right, old son? I just need the latrine, sir. You all right, old son? I just need the latrine, sir. Bloody hell. Off you go. He's not well, that boy. He's not well, that boy. Oh, who hasn't got the stinking runs? Tell the men to stand down. We've new orders for tonight. We've new orders for tonight. Long as it's not the bloody ridge again. You'd rather be on QM's fatigues, Pommy? You'd rather be on QM's fatigues, Pommy? Not` Not me, sir. Special shipment tonight. Oh! Jesus. It's a ripe one. Hurry up, you buggers. Keep it moving lads. Nice of you to join us. Important cargo, this lot. Abdul would be terrified if he found out what we've got here. What is it? What is it? Top secret, old boy. Loose lips... SHELL WHISTLES, EXPLODES GUNFIRE, PANICKED CHATTER Oh no. (GRUNTS) Are you hit? Are you hit? (GRUNTS) I'm not certain. I think so. (PANTS) BOOM! BOOM! It's jam, you bloody idiot. BOTH LAUGH Oh, you're all right, chum. You're all right. Oh, you're all right, chum. You're all right. BOOM! GUNFIRE Sir, look at this sack of shit. Oi! Oi! Yeah? Oi! Yeah? What do you think you're up to? I just closed my eyes for a moment. I just closed my eyes for a moment. You're supposed to be keeping watch, not bloody out to it. Eyes to the front! We left you behind on account of your pansy constitution, and you risk the lives of everyone here so you could get some bloody shut-eye? Sorry, Sarge. Sorry, Sarge. Don't you know this is an offence punishable by death?! Stupid little bastard. You miserable cock-sucking runt. Stupid little bastard. You miserable cock-sucking runt. All right, Sergeant. That's enough. Sgt Graves is correct. This is a serious matter. And I will need to report it. The private charged in this matter is aware of the gravity of his offending. He's aware there are no excuses for his behaviour, and he understands that he put his fellow men at appalling and undue risk with his dereliction. But Private Cooper is a young man from a right-minded family with a genuine wish to atone for his behaviour and to continue serving his country. Given his youth and his true remorse, I respectfully ask that your verdict be merciful. SOLEMN MUSIC SOLEMN MUSIC CONTINUES (WHIMPERS) Hello, Charles. There you are. All done You're right as a trivet. Down to the boats. (GROANS) Will he make it? (SIGHS) Rumour has it you're flying the coop. Oh, Alexandria. Going to give someone a kick up the backside about supplies while I'm there. Right. Right. Last week we opened up the medicinal brandy, it was all bloody water. Christ. Christ. < Who would do such a thing? War brings out the best and the worst. War brings out the best and the worst. Yeah. (SIGHS) HUBBUB You really didn't have to chaperone me. I want to get a look at him ` the famous William. There. There. Oh, not bad. I'll introduce you. I'll introduce you. Oh, I'll leave you to it. Don't do anything I wouldn't. CHATTER William? There you are. BOTH CHUCKLE AWKWARDLY BOTH CHUCKLE AWKWARDLY It's good to see you. BOTH CHUCKLE AWKWARDLY It's good to see you. You too. Please. Uh, I ordered tea and sandwiches. Uh, I ordered tea and sandwiches. What a treat. Would you care to...? Would you care to...? Uh, I'll be mother. Thank you. This all seems so ridiculously civilised. (LAUGHS) This all seems so ridiculously civilised. (LAUGHS) Doesn't it? Tea, and even sugar. (CHUCKLES) It's the little things, isn't it, that you miss? Cissy sent me some eau de cologne for my birthday, but I gave it to one of the ward sisters. That was kind. That was kind. Oh, not really. Some of her boys have gas gangrene. It helps a bit with the smell. (CHUCKLES AWKWARDLY) Anyway, uh, you're somewhere worse. Yes, it is a hole, but at least my patients generally move on before they're putrid. (LAUGHS) Listen to us. (LAUGHS) Listen to us. Coarsened beyond measure. (LAUGHS) Listen to us. Coarsened beyond measure. (LAUGHS) By the way, Manaaki is still here. I've been doing my best to keep an eye on him. Perhaps if you had some time, you could look in on him? I could. I could. It's not a social call. I was hoping you could give a second opinion. I could do that. I wanted to say how sorry I am about Harry. Thank you. In some ways he was lucky ` at least it was quick. In some ways he was lucky ` at least it was quick. There is that. There's a man on my ward. He's lost both his legs, he only has half a face and... But he's still alive. It would almost be a blessing if he went. But he's still alive. It would almost be a blessing if he went. I know. When I first got here, I used to cry about them, but... not any more. Sometimes I wonder if I'm going to stop having feelings altogether. I can't imagine that of you. EMOTIVE MUSIC Has Mum seen the doctor again? Yes, um,... (CLEARS THROAT) he said it's her nerves and to keep on taking the tonic. But, Daddy, do we have to keep wearing mourning? You're worried about clothes at a time like this? You're worried about clothes at a time like this? Naturally, she's upset. We all are. But, I mean, it might do her good if she got out of bed once in a while. We will remain in mourning until your mother is recovered. (SPEAKS GERMAN) In English, Ida. No one can hear us. We live here, and we must speak English. I made Hettie my mother's apfelkuchen. Cake, Ida. Cake, kuchen. What does it matter? MAN: Filthy Huns! MAN: Filthy Huns! MAN: German bastards! Get out of here! Go back to the Kaiser! You're not welcome here! (SPEAKS GERMAN) (SPEAKS GERMAN) Don't, Ida! Tell them to leave us alone. Tell them to leave us alone. GLASS SMASHES TENSE MUSIC TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES It's a damn shame. They came in the night, shouting, throwing rocks. They came in the night, shouting, throwing rocks. Did they take any stock? A few watches. A few watches. I hope they look at them and feel shame. It could have been worse. These men are not fighting for king and country. They're cowards. These men are not fighting for king and country. They're cowards. Shh, Ida. I'm not ashamed. We have family doing that on both sides. Both sides? Both sides? My nephews from Frankfurt. They are decent young men. They're Germans? (SIGHS) It's probably best not to talk about this in public. Why can't I say the truth? Why can't I say the truth? Because there's only one right side. Surely you know this? You should get on home. SOMBRE MUSIC INTRIGUING MUSIC GUNFIRE GUNFIRE GUNFIRE Keep it low, sir. GUNFIRE TENSE MUSIC SOLEMN MUSIC SOLEMN MUSIC CONTINUES How are you faring? Thirsty. WATER SWISHES (SLURPS) Thanks. (CRIES) (SOBS) There, there. Only a few more days, and it'll all be over. Sir,... will my mother need to know about this? I don't see why. Thank you, sir. (SIGHS) Oh, Cissy, what a day at the bank it's been. Oh, Cissy, what a day at the bank it's been. BIKE BELL DINGS I corrected a senior clerk on the matter of his addition. Can you imagine? How very bold of you, Violet. Arthur wants to take us to the pictures on Saturday night. Don't you, Arthur? If you're agreeable. Both of you, I mean, of course. Well, I suppose it might give me an excuse to try my new dress. Violet, what's the matter? How silly,... but the mention of the pictures reminds me of Charles. I miss him terribly. Of course you do, poor thing. But his letters aren't the least bit sad, and I mustn't be either. And now we really must let Arthur cheer us up with some tea and cake. Mustn't we, Arthur? Mustn't we, Arthur? I, um... Yes. INTRIGUING MUSIC Ah. Ah. Good morning, Mr Richard Smith. How is your mother? Still a little under the weather. Still a little under the weather. Pass on my best regards. And I should get back. We're discussing a motion that alien subjects be excluded from the public service. Very laudable. Very laudable. Mm. Very laudable. Mm. Ah! All this bally nonsense about German spies. It's not as if some German pork butcher in Whanganui is sending home state secrets. (LAUGHS) We could have something to celebrate. Whiskey? We could have something to celebrate. Whiskey? Just... a small one. I've had word that a government contract will be coming out soon for uniforms. Really? Really? Mm. Could you supply, say, 10,000 army tunics? Good Lord. Good Lord. I thought you were keen. Uh, uh, of course. But it will require organisation, investment in plant. Dudds & Dudds was run-down when I took it over. I'm sure you can get things shipshape. With a little capital, yes. With a little capital, yes. Ah, I'd rather my connection to this venture weren't too obvious. I've oiled the wheels as best I can, but I'd prefer to remain more of a silent partner... on a kind of commission, which we could discuss. on a kind of commission, which we could discuss. I see. Is this beyond your means? Is this beyond your means? No. No, I just... need to put a few pegs in place, talk to my bank. That's the spirit. You've got to spend it to make it. You've got to spend it to make it. Of course. Don't be concerned. This thing will drag on for at least two years or more. That long? That long? Oh, it's a bad business. Someone may as well get something out of it. I'll toast to that. GENTLE MUSIC AWA: Well, brother, I think about you and what I owe you. But by the time you come back, I'll make sure we're set up. Richard will be here shortly. We'll need some tea. Richard will be here shortly. We'll need some tea. Yes, Mr Smith. Has, uh, Mrs Smith taken any breakfast yet? I was just going to wake her. Right. Morning ma'am. Morning ma'am. (GROANS SOFTLY) Oh. It's so bright. Oh, it's a nice day, though a little nippy. I was thinking you should come to breakfast. I can't, not when I think of poor Harry in the cold ground. It's hot. It's hot. I beg your pardon. Well, it's summer over there. Well, it's summer over there. He never had a proper burial. There are worse things ` like no one knowing where you died on account of being drowned. Mrs O'Reilly, down the road, lost both her sons last week. Torpedoed on a troop ship. But she's up every day, taking in washing, because she has to. But she's up every day, taking in washing, because she has to. How sad. Tears don't grow any kumara. The sheets need changing, the stove needs blacking, and there's three meals a day to be cooked. And I'm beggared if I'm going to keep doing all of it. And I'm beggared if I'm going to keep doing all of it. You'd leave at a time like this? If you don't get up, you can have my notice or dismiss me. I don't care. (SIGHS) We'll go through to the parlour. Mum, how are you? A little better. Well, that's good news. Well, that's good news. Don't fuss, John. I've got Awa to help me. We're all very grateful for that. I'll fetch your tea, sir. That would be grand. Consequently, the purchase of Dudds & Dudds couldn't have been more fortunate, as it turns out. Despite my clear objections. I'm about to be offered a military contract. I'm about to be offered a military contract. I see. Though, I'll need to upgrade, buy new machines to take full advantage. Though, I'll need to upgrade, buy new machines to take full advantage. And how is that my concern? Well, I was hoping you would reconsider your position and let me borrow against the business. Thank you, Awa. We're well looked after. Sir. Look, I know you don't like risk. Look, I know you don't like risk. Oh, very perspicacious of you. But this is guaranteed. But this is guaranteed. If the war ends in three months, where will you be? It won't end in three months. I have it on good authority. It won't end in three months. I have it on good authority. From a fortune teller? Can't you see this` this is the chance of a lifetime? Can't you see this` this is the chance of a lifetime? To profit from misfortune? Someone has to look to the future so Bea and Charles have something to come back to. Don't you dare take their names in vain. Don't you dare take their names in vain. It's true. They are brave and dutiful. They are brave and dutiful. Am I not doing my duty here, right now? I work every hour that God sends, all for the family. Silence! We will not speak of this again! KNOCK AT DOOR Do you need more tea? Do you need more tea? No. No, uh, I'll be on my way. I'm glad you're feeling better, Mum. I'm glad you're feeling better, Mum. Thank you, dear. MELANCHOLY MUSIC I thought Harry should be back where we can all see him. MELANCHOLY MUSIC CONTINUES AWA: I have to admit, dear brother, it's been hard to see much of the future, but I think things are looking up. Your talk didn't go too well? You were listening? You were listening? I've got ears. It sounds like you're on to a good thing. Unfortunately, my father is a little... conservative. Well, why do you need him? Well, why do you need him? Well, the bank will need reassurance. Have you anything you can hock? Have you anything you can hock? (CHUCKLES) You've got to put in a penny to get a pound. You're a clever girl. You're a clever girl. Better than being a stupid girl. Thank you ` for what you've done for my mother. I just got tired of doing all the work. Is anyone taking care of you while your wife's away? Lately I've been cribbing at the store. Not that my father would bother to know. Well,... good luck finding your money. Thank you. INTRIGUING MUSIC Just follow my finger. So these headaches, are they controlled with aspirin? Yes. Yes. That's not true. He has nightmares, night sweats. He has nightmares, night sweats. I thought I was here to form my own opinion. Any daytime disturbances, hallucination? Any daytime disturbances, hallucination? I'm not mad. I wasn't implying that. In fact, you're doing well under the circumstances. Just have a look here. He's not concussed. His wounds are healing well. There is no reason he can't return to active service. There is no reason he can't return to active service. Not all wounds are visible. What are you talking about? I think he's suffering shell shock. I think he's suffering shell shock. You've been reading up on Rivers and his theories. He wakes up screaming. He sees things that aren't there. There is no proof that shell shock even exists. It's dreams. That's all it is. Psychiatry is a genuine branch of medicine. Psychiatry is a genuine branch of medicine. Yes, yes. And I understand this is emotional for you` And I understand this is emotional for you` I'm not some hysterical girl. Bea, I can't say something just because you want me to. It would be favouritism. And we can't condone shirking. And we can't condone shirking. Shirking? (LAUGHS) Manaaki was with Harry when he died. He was courageous, mentioned in dispatches. I've got a meeting with command. I've got a meeting with command. You're so important, and I'm a silly nurse who knows nothing (!) I wasn't saying that. I wasn't saying that. Manaaki is not a coward. I wasn't saying that. Manaaki is not a coward. We shall have to agree to differ. Oh, listen to you. Like someone shoved a poker up your arse. I have to go. I have to go. So do I. But I did hope that given our past connection that you might be more sympathetic. Bea, for God's sake. You asked for my opinion; I gave it. It's not fair to blame me if you don't like what I have to say. Why do you always have to make everything so damn personal? Why do you always have to make everything so damn personal? Because it's what I feel! But don't you think...? Blast! Never mind. Say it. That` That there's enough grief and misery that we should be trying to find some way forward out of this. Damn. I'm not making any sense, am I? Probably more than you ever have. Now I really do have to go. Oh, Hettie. It's so good to see you. It's so good to see you. Mm. And you. I know I've rather been letting the side down. I know I've rather been letting the side down. No. No, it's fair enough. (CLICKS TONGUE) Aw, don't cry. Sorry. I've had, uh, some bad news. About George? About George? No, thank the Lord. He's still somewhere in Egypt. I received a letter via the Netherlands. My sister's son Hermann... was killed on the Western Front. He was fighting for the Germans? He was fighting for the Germans? Yeah, of course. He's German. Only 18 years old. But he was trying to kill Britons. Our side. But he was trying to kill Britons. Our side. (SCOFFS) What side? George is on the one side; my sister's son's on the other side. There should be no sides, no stupid war. You can't say that. It's sedition. You can't say that. It's sedition. James. Don't be rude. I know I should not say this, but I don't care if England wins or Germany. I just want it all to stop. Oh. Oh. (SOBS) Oh, my dear. KNOCK AT DOOR KNOCK AT DOOR We're closed! KNOCK AT DOOR All right! I'm coming. Hold your horses. Good evening. Good evening. I made stew. I thought you might like some for your supper. I thought you might like some for your supper. Do... come in. Would you care to sit with me? Would you care to sit with me? Certainly. What happened with your... business opportunity? I had a more favourable reception from the bank than my father. I had a more favourable reception from the bank than my father. And what did they want? I've taken a mortgage on my house. Not that I'll be telling my wife that. Hm. She wouldn't approve? She's very frail. It would upset her. Well,... some things are nobody else's business. Indeed. Well, that really was delicious. Will my mother be wondering where you are? Will my mother be wondering where you are? At Bible class, studying the scriptures. I see. I've seen you looking at me. Oh. You want me, don't you? Goodness. Say it. Say that you want me. God, I want you. UNSETTLING MUSIC 1 Don't you have a fine house to live in? Oh, this is more convenient at present. It hardly seems worthwhile going home when there's nobody there. It hardly seems worthwhile going home when there's nobody there. Is your wife very ill? She has consumption. People die of that, don't they? Yes. Sometimes they do. Well, we should make the most of being alive, don't you think? So, how much money are you going to make with these uniforms? It should be... considerable. And I'm thinking of expanding into retail as well. Prices aren't going to go down. Nothing's going down. Nothing's going down. BOTH CHUCKLE And what are you going to say about your Bible class? God helps those who help themselves. An inspiring message. An inspiring message. Isn't it? GUNFIRE (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) SHELL WHISTLES, EXPLODES You brown bastard. What did you do? Manaaki! Manaaki! (GASPS) Manaaki! (GASPS) I didn't mean to surprise you. Your head's still bad. I'll ask the sister for some aspirin. Your head's still bad. I'll ask the sister for some aspirin. No. S-Stop. Stop what? Being... so good to me. Naughty boy. You don't want me looking in on you? You don't want me looking in on you? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I did it. You have nothing to be sorry for. We are all so grateful to you. You were with him when he died, and a lot of people don't have that comfort. DRAMATIC MUSIC You're a good mate. GUNFIRE, SHELLING You're a good mate. (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) (GROANS) I think it's bad. I think it's bad. (GROANS) I think it's bad. I think it's bad. (PANTS) DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES GUNFIRE It's all right. It's all right. (PANTS) Just rest. Just rest. BAYONET CLICKS (PANTS) (GASPS) MUSIC SWELLS BLADE SWISHES ETHEREAL MUSIC (GASPS) What is it? Nothing. SOMBRE MUSIC He's a good man; he's done nothing wrong. Well, that remains to be seen. Well, that remains to be seen. What's going on here? We're investigating a complaint of sedition. Oh good Lord! Oh good Lord! My husband said nothing bad. I am the one who says that war is bad. Your newspapers are full of lies. Germans would never do these terrible things you say. Germans would never do these terrible things you say. Ida, stop, please. Sorry, ma'am. Let us by. (SPEAKS GERMAN, SOBS) Can't you do something? I'm afraid not. I'm afraid not. Ida, go back inside and look after the shop. (SPEAKS GERMAN) (SOBS) Where are you taking him?! AWA: Well, brother, you won't believe it. Now Mrs Smith is teaching me to knit socks for soldiers. I pity the poor bugger who has to wear anything I've made. You have to keep the tension tight, or you'll have a sack not a sock. Is there anything to eat? The biscuit tin's empty. We did two hours of drill. I'm famished. Do you know what happened to Mr Mueller? No. No. He was arrested. If they put him on trial, he'll be locked up for years. Why? Why? For saying things about the war. Why? For saying things about the war. But he never did, only Mrs Mueller. So you do know something about this? So you do know something about this? No. Your father wants to see you. You didn't speak to the police? That's right. That's right. Then who did? That's right. Then who did? I don't know. Violet? The Anti-German League? Violet barely knows them. You were there when Ida made remarks. You made it plain you didn't approve. What she said was wrong and disgraceful. What she said was wrong and disgraceful. The Muellers are our friends. If I ended up living in Germany, and my home was here, I'd be loyal to my country to the end. I wouldn't be able to help it. I wouldn't be able to help it. Rousing words. But you still insist on lying. I'm not! I didn't say anything! I didn't say anything! Do as you're told! WHACK! WHACK! This is ridiculous! < WHACK! You do not lie. WHACK! WHACK! You do not make mischief and trouble. WHACK! WHACK! Where's the sixth? (PANTS) Get out of my sight. MELANCHOLY MUSIC DOOR OPENS (BREATHES RAGGEDLY) (SOBS) MELANCHOLY MUSIC CONTINUES (SOBS) HOOVES CLOP, HUBBUB I'm sure he'll be safe. I'm sure he'll be safe. Yeah, but Bertie did nothing wrong. I know he didn't deserve it, and it must be hard for you on your own. I try to keep going, I... But for how long? I` I'm not a watchsmith. I did have a thought. If it were any help, I could take over the lease on the shop. Is that possible? Is that possible? Well, it's just practical. I'd need the rooms as well, but I could help you find somewhere less expensive. Bless you. You are such a good neighbour. You're a good man. INTRIGUING MUSIC Gidday. Gidday. (EXHALES) I thought you'd gone. Gidday. (EXHALES) I thought you'd gone. I've been discharged. Back to Gallipoli? I, um... I got a letter. They're giving me a medal, sending me home. They're giving me a medal, sending me home. They are? That is such good news. I don't deserve it. Of course you're do. You jammy bastard. Your sister will be so happy. And my mother would love to see you. Your sister will be so happy. And my mother would love to see you. I suppose. You'll feel better about it when you're there. And it'll give you time to recover. Hm. (SIGHS) POIGNANT MUSIC Bless you for what you've done. (SIGHS) POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES (SIGHS) I might have mentioned something to command. But it wasn't on the grounds of shellshock, which I still believe is bunkum. That's big of you. Morale is certainly something which needs to be boosted, and the odd hero back home wouldn't go amiss right now either. and the odd hero back home wouldn't go amiss right now either. I see. Is that all I get? No undying gratitude? Thank you from the bottom of my fluttering girlish heart. (LAUGHS) You really don't give an inch, do you? (LAUGHS) You really don't give an inch, do you? You are just as maddening. (CHUCKLES) How much longer are you here for? How much longer are you here for? Until tomorrow. Damn. I'm on duty. Ours is not to reason why. Well, uh,... (SNIFFLES) do take care, and give my love to Charles. I will. We'll meet again soon, I hope. I hope so too. EMOTIVE MUSIC Be careful, William. Thank you. I really do mean it. EMOTIVE MUSIC CONTINUES MANACLES CLANK Well done, lad. We look forward to having you back. Roy, Lewis! Yes, sir. Yes, sir. We need more ammunition from Captain Malone. Gordy, I need you to relieve Gully Guard. Pommy and Simmo, you two lucky chaps are on QM's fatigues. MELANCHOLY MUSIC GUNFIRE UNSETTLING MUSIC GUNFIRE GUNFIRE Now. MELANCHOLY MUSIC Hey there! What are you doing? Move, you bloody idiot! Get down! Get down! GUNFIRE ETHEREAL MUSIC ETHEREAL MUSIC CONTINUES CHARLES: Dear Mr and Mrs Cooper, it's with deep regret that I have to inform you that your son, Private Mark Cooper, died bravely in the line of duty. (SIGHS, SCOFFS) Line of duty. Makes me feel sick. Ah, it's what they need to hear. Ah, it's what they need to hear. You know, the poor lad. He was hardly older than my little brother. Well, I now have a fair idea of what hell would look like and who would be in charge. That's not hell; that's home. AWA: I don't know if you'll get this, brother, but everything is ka pai, and I have hopes of getting myself a better situation very soon. I've missed you. I've missed you. Me too. Hm. What's this? I think you deserve something pretty. Is this for me or for you? Well, I'm sure we can both get pleasure from it, each in our own way. But I might need a dress to go over it, or people might be shocked. But I might need a dress to go over it, or people might be shocked. Well, yes, we can't have that. Hm? Hm? Mm. What will you do about the shop next door? I'm thinking of going into business with an associate ` a chemist. You could have pots and potions in your own shop. I think I'll leave the medicine and the powders to the expert. What about... face powder, rouge, kohl? I'm not sure. I'm not sure. No matter how bad things get, ladies will always want the newest thing. And if you needed a sales assistant, I might know of someone. Well, I'm happy to consider your application. In fact, next door has rooms that might better suit us. Poor Mrs Mueller. I am doing all I can to help. Guilty conscience? Guilty conscience? Whatever do you mean? Oh, I don't know. A word to the police and suddenly a shop is up for lease. It was only a matter of time before it went under. It was only a matter of time before it went under. Did you think I was blaming you? (CHUCKLES) I thought it was the Anti-German League. You're a naughty minx. You're a naughty minx. I'm also very good at keeping secrets. I like the sound of that arrangement. INTRIGUING MUSIC Well, I better finish up. But I want you to know that I haven't forgotten my debt to you. I'll always look after you, little brother. And I promise you that by the time you return, you'll have a home to come to. Your loving sister, Awa. Captions by Ingrid Lauder. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015