Kora Zekk, protagonist of Rachel Harrison’s Necromunda short story Dirty Dealings, is a sharp, tough, hard-nosed hustler. She’s also not what she claims to be. Written in a noirish first person, full of cynical observations on life in the underhive and deadpan immodesty, she talks us through the stages of a meticulously planned con, starting with selling exotic weaponry to a gang of Orlocks but leading up to something much bigger. It’s Kora against the world, but you get the sense she’s more than capable of taking on the challenge.
It’s a smart, tightly plotted and really nicely written story, full of character and with a protagonist who’s instantly engaging and straight-up badass. Harrison’s writing is sparse and efficient, description kept to an effective minimum in favour of a stylish, characterful narration that keeps the plot moving while building up an intriguing picture of Kora as the story unfolds. Her meticulous planning perhaps results in a slight absence of genuine danger, but otherwise it’s a hugely entertaining tale full of equally sharp action and dialogue. There’s an impressive, subtle confidence to the story that rewards a second read with clever references and connections, and the whole thing hangs together beautifully.
