S1E10 DOOMWATCH - POWERLINES

8/14/2019 S1E10 DOOMWATCH - POWERLINES

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SEASON 4 EPISODE 10

POWERLINESWritten by GRANT FOXON

The hospital ward was dimly lit. Simon was only seven and dying of cancer.The tumour was buried deep inside his mind. The tumour expanding insidethe posterior cranial fossa was causing agonising pain. James, Daniellespartner and Simons stepfather arrived.

Soon Simon would be dead. His mother Danielle hoped it would besoon as she wanted to an end to his suffering. In hospital he was beingpumped full of pain relief. But Danielle knew his eyes were different. His soul

was completely lost and even as a child he wanted to die.James believed that Simons cancer had something to do with an

electricity pylon built very near his house. He had done research into it anddiscovered that it is a popular theory. Even the doctors agreed that this formof cancer was a rarity. James had discovered on the net, the governmentorganisation known as Doomwatch and was going to see its department head,

Adam Quist for his opinion.

Adam was bored. The initial buzz of the new Doomwatch was settlingdown. He had found the surveys and sucking up to the Minister to be soulcrushing and morally draining. Plus there was too much positivism in theoffice he wasnt involved with. Paul, now a father to be, was happy, Eve andMiranda too. This annoyed Adam because he realised that Miranda wasalmost certainly sleeping with someone. Adam hoped this mornings meeting

with James Hall would take his mind off things and help to rejuvenate him.

Paul knocked on the door and entered before waiting for a reply.Brew boss. Paul handed Adam the coffee.

Thanks. Hows Kate? Adam faked his interest.Oh its great boss. Amazing. Shes got a scan soon.Damn. Im trapped in a conversation.Adam thought. Thankfully it endedsoon as Eve arrived to say that James Hall had arrived.

Paul asked James if he wanted a drink and then showed him intoAdams office. Adam firmly shook James hand.

Good morning James. I believe you have something I can help youwith?

My son, well my stepson actually, hes dying of brain cancer. He was ahealthy boy and then came the headaches. We live very close to an electricity

pylon. I know some people believe in a link between cancer and.Adam raised his hand.


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Well, even if we can prove it. I mean the government isnt going tolisten. For a start it needs the space. And the cost to rebuild or restructure allthe pylons would be massive.

So we give up? No. The government needs us but they dont want us.Never the less well do our job. No doubt it will be ignored and suppressed but

we will do this investigation.

Adam and Paul were standing at the base of a pylon with very sensitiveequipment.

So I have to stand here all day taking readings? Paul asked.Got it one. Ill be back at six to pick you up. Have fun.Boss, hypothetically suppose there are some strange side effects from

the concentrated electron neutrino flow. Not just the prolonged risk of cancerbut something else?

Adam paused seeming worried then smiled.Then youll be in a unique position to study it. See you.

Adam walked back towards the car. He looked back to see Paul standing therewith the equipment. Great, finally shattered that annoying positivity. Adamthought.

As Danielle was sitting with Simon she decided she could bare it nolonger and suffocated him with a pillow. She checked he was dead and then

broke down crying with release. The nurses came rushing in.I killed him. Hes free. Danielle told them.

Adam sat in his office with yet another cup of tea. He was using his laptop todo research when James Hall arrived unannounced. Eve showed him in.

Mr Hall what is it? Im afraid its going to take longer to do theresearch.

Its not that. Its Danielle. Shes been arrested.Arrested? What for?She killed Simon. Smothered him with a pillow.

Adam sympathised with James.Sit there Ill get you a drink.

Adam pulled the near empty whisky bottle out of his draw.Here. I know this is highly inappropriate, but believe me, it helps.

Adam poured James a large glass. James took a large swig.

The reporters arrived on the scene quickly and it soon became national newsthe mother who killed her son who was dying from cancer. She got both sidescommentating. Some said she was right to do this. Others condemned her forthe killing. Danielle never viewed it as killing, more a releasing. She, herselfhad felt the release after Simon died.

James spoke with Danielles lawyer there was no chance of a reprieve. Thejudge was going to make an example of Danielle. She was looking at eightyears, less if she admitted it was wrong. James knew she wouldnt do that. Hefelt like his life was over. He read the articles and the interviews with strangers

who had an opinion when they had no right. Calling her a murderer onnational television when they had no right.


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the mirror had a drink and realised he was becoming empty inside. He was nolonger alive instead he was merelyexisting. Grabbing a pen and paper hedecided to write an impromptu suicide note. He stressed that it was the mediacircus, which lead to this travesty of justice. He went to the pylon, he lookedup at the throbbing mass of electrons. We take electricity for granted but how

many people have been poisoned to death through it?With that thought inhis mind he began to climb. He climbed and then got hold of a cable. Hegrabbed it. The pain was intense and he fell to the floor.

Adam was asleep when he received the phone call. He felt sadness. He neverreally knew the family but they had suffered unjustly. Two deceased andanother left with no more support and the pain of a widow and parents guilt.There was more than one life the pylon took.

They informed Danielle in prison. She seemed to take it calmly. She nevercried. She longed for death. The world had let her down like it does all of us.

Soon shed have her family back.

Why the hell did you get involved? Timmons shouted.It sounded like a Doomwatch case.And you contacted the lawyer? The pro lifers are not going to let us live

this down. Theyll probably be an enquiry.What annoyed Timmons most was Adam seemed unphased by these

implications.For God sake Adam. This might end Doomwatch for good.You know what Timmons I dont honestly care. I mean as an

organisation it seems pretty pointless to be honest with you if no ones going

to act on our findings.Timmons mobile phone went off.

Hello.yes Im here now. Ok sir. Timmons hung up.Do you know who that was?The wife?That was the Minister Willam Hawthorne, he wants to see both of us

tomorrow morning.So, whos job are you really worried about Timmons? Adam fired back.

Ridge read the morning broadsheet and cringed.Adam, you stupid bastard. He muttered. The headline read that

Doomwatch leader Adam Quist had been drawn into the euthanasia case.Such a political scientific group having these beliefs was certain to reflect onthe government and therefore would alienate these members of society whostrongly felt it was murder. Ridge wondered if this was Adams self-destructiveside that has dragged Doomwatch into this area again.

Timmons and Adam sat waiting for the Minister to arrive. Adam noted howworried Timmons looked and felt he should probably be feeling the same way.But he wasnt. The door opened as the minister walked in looking red faced.

Right, Im not going to beat about the bush. Adam youre suspendedindefinitely. Get out.

Adam smiled sarcastically.


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If its to do with the scandal, how much money did you claim for in theexpenses row?

Get out! The minister shouted.Adam left.

You were supposed to keep thesepeople on a tight leash. He must

have filled out a report about the case. Why the hell didnt you stop them!Youve seen what theyre like? Hes an anarchist with a destructive

streak and worse of all, a bleeding heart.Does he indeed? growled the Minister.Please, let me talk with them?No. Youre no longer liasing with them. Youve proved how limited you

are as a security operative. Im sure theres some desk work somewhere foryou to do.Timmons wanted to scream at the old man but instead nodded and left theroom like a naughty child.

Look at the readings the equipment gave off. I think we could prove thisAmanda. Paul said excitedly. Suddenly the door opened and the Ministerwalked in.I dont know if you know me, but Ive been the fool financing this operation.

Adam Quist is suspended indefinitely. If he has any sense hell go away andstay there. Timmons will be removed as well. Everyone wants Doomwatchshead. This government body will be closed down as soon as I can set up areplacement. If you want your jobs and pensions youll keep out of my wayand make as little noise as possible. I dont need to remind you that theenquiry into pylons is also closed.

The minister turned to walk out. Paul ran towards him.You cant do that! We have proof! Paul cried.

The minister slowly turned as if addressing an insect.Paul Grover. That was your final warning. If you cant grasp English

then youre off little use to anybody. The minister walked away.

Arriving home Adam turned the radio on to radio 4, prepared a bottle ofwhisky and fetched I Claudius off his bookshelf and began to read. Hesuddenly smiled to himself.His involvement with Doomwatch was over. Hehad made peace with himself and his father. Now he could relax as one of thecountries most infamous men.

Adam raised a glass to toast. Suddenly Ridge walked into the living room.How the hell did you get in? Adam cried, forgetting Ridges M.I.5

training.I made myself a key. We need to talk. Ridge replied.You what?Look we cant let them get rid of you.Ridge, its over.You are so wrong my friend.

As the day ended TV debate shows were still hot with discussion that apolitical organisation such as Doomwatch should be tainted by gettinginvolved in a case of euthanasia. They wanted somebodys head. And the


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minister wanted to give them Adam Quist. Even topical comedy shows werequick to make jokes at Doomwatchs expense.

Ridge had pleaded the case. But Adam didnt want to hear it. He was gladDoomwatch was over now, for him at least. The experience had taught him

much but he was happy to leave.Look with you there Doomwatch will still survive.In what form? Budget cuts, more government interference? Ridge Im

universally hated.The plebs have a short memory. Look the minister needs a scape goat.

However I have discovered he is a sleeping shareholder in various companies,including various regional electricity suppliers. If anyone is corrupt with anagenda its him not you!

Adam couldnt believe it. Not only was the Minister a over zealousdinosaur who probably believed in colonialism but he was corrupt to. Damnhim he intended to use Doomwatch all along.

That bastard. Adam muttered.Exactly. Thankfully the documents should be arriving at various

newspapers shortly. Im sure the headlines will be good. What do you think?Adam smiled.

You know Ridge Im glad youre my friend.

The minister awoke early with a phone call from the PM.Morning Sir. What no I havent.yes sir. My immediate resignation. I

shall. How much will I get to leave? Thank you Sir. Very generous. Theminister hung the phone up and smiled.

Good to have you back boss Paul uttered as Adam returned.Thanks Paul. Right, weve got work to do.

THE END

S1E10 DOOMWATCH - POWERLINES

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