DOOMWATCH

SEASON 4 – EPISODE 22
INCENDIARY
By Grant Foxon

“A revolution, is impossible without a revolutionary situation; furthermore, not every

revolutionary situation leads to a revolution”.

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin

Tokat. Turkey. 01:17 Hours.

The warehouse appeared from the outside quiet, however, inside it was a hive of
activity. It had recently been converted into an illegal meat processing plant. Most
workers believed that local government must have been aware of this.

Then came the noise. Then came the fire.

The explosion was huge and knocked the very foundation to its knees. Then came a
second explosion destroying the warehouse and the 41 people within.

Canan Hotel. UN Headquarters. Baghdad. 01:17 Hours.

The Headquarters was quiet. A sombre mood had infected the building following the
death of another UK Marine. A few clerics who were working busy into the night.
Suddenly there was a huge explosion…

The blast was enormous. Teams of soldiers immediately sprang into action running
around when a second blast caught them off guard soon the place was a haze of
frantic activity.

The GreenParks Retirement home. Liverpool. 01:17 Hours.

A few cleaning staff began to quietly clean the retirement centre during the graveyard
shift. There was little noise outside save for the odd car that could easily be missed.
The staff had a good rapport and worked hard. They were completely unprepared for
the huge explosion that was to follow….

The Cabinet had planned an emergency meeting following the incident in Baghdad.
The news of the Liverpool care home had come in but was postponed until the
immediate discussion of Baghdad was resolved. As yet no possible link between the
two was obvious.

Then the news of the Turkey incident filtered through. Still no one connected the
three despite the time phenomenon.

Then they received a call. The message came from a cell claiming that all three
attacks were the work of the L.C.F. The Baghdad incident was not yet told to the
press. The receiver was replaced. The terrifying thought crossed everyone’s mind.
Could an eco-terrorist organisation such as the L.C.F really have that much power and
supporters that there ideology transcends culture, religions and societies? Could every
extremist group be united?

The Cabinet were reluctant to believe it. Perhaps it was denial? But if true, it
threatened the very threads that hold the global society together.

Timmons anxiously paced around the Doomwatch building. Ridge had arrived.
Despite him being retired he was allowed in because of his knowledge of
Doomwatch. Adam was absent due to a conference he was attending in Germany on
possible breakthroughs with fission technology. Everyone else was there. Eve,
Miranda and Paul.
Timmons explained that the L.C.F had taken the blame for the attacks. They
had no demands. They were just sending a message. The rest of the group were
confused and horrified. It was hard to accept that the L.C.F had that much influence.

“There’s more. In recent months there’s been a surge in the

amount of websites being bought”.
“Bought?” Asked Miranda perplexed.
“Yes certain catchy names are often leased out for a small
price. These sites have been global. We now think that the
L.C.F may have been using these websites to spread their
messages and ideologies”. Timmons replied.

Ridge leaned back and lit a cigar.

“It seems the hydra has many heads beyond Clive Sellers”.
“So they’re back. And determined to continue their mission
it would seem”.
Paul offered with apathy.
“Most terrorist cells have limited groups. I mean most
people are naturally selfish and don’t care. But it seems the
L.C.F seem to resonate particularly well with people”.
Timmons said.
“Clive had a certain panache for uniting people. But he must
have passed that info on. Perhaps he had a student?”
Ridge said taking a deep drag.
“The Baghdad attack seems to be the same site as a similar
attack in August 2003. Right?”
Ridge asked.
“That’s right Ridge”.
Timmons replied unsure what Ridge’s line of thinking was.
“But that wasn’t the L.C.F. So why are we so sure now?”
“Because Ridge they owned up almost immediately.
Admittedly everyone was sceptical but there you have it”.
Timmons replied annoyed.

Miranda leaned back considering Timmons words.

“So their back, their reach is global. Perhaps more people are
members than we realise. How the hell do we stop them?”
Miranda asked with genuine concern.
“The coalition welcomes any ideas you might have”.
Timmons said.
“I bet they do. Do they really think we can solve this
one?”
Miranda asked.
“I’m afraid we have to. The trouble is that when you remove
the percent of the population who are naturally lethargic, then
what your left with are people willing to act. We are afraid that
the majority have certain L.C.F sympathies”.
Timmons stated. He waited for a reply.
“Will the government make an announcement about the L.C.F?
It would mean the first eco-terrorist group to get significant
recognition”.
Paul said.

Ridge leaned back in his chair.

“I think perhaps a mediation between ourselves and the L.C.F

might be the logical course of action?”
“Absolutely not. The PM is adamant that we do not negotiate
with terrorists”.
Abruptly Timmons replied.

There was silence. It was fair to say no one saw this coming. No one outside the
L.C.F inner circle that is. Consumerism was burning itself out. Too many people felt
lost, confused and disposed. And the L.C.F gobbled them all up.

Carly the new head of the L.C.F following the death of Clive Sellers her mentor and
lover, was making big plans. She had a tough act to follow and was determined to be
just as ruthless if not more so to achieve her end. She was being consumed by anger
and rage and was determined to avenge his name. The explosions had proven a
success. The L.C.F were no longer considered a joke. Soon they would take their
place as a serious contender. For too long terrorists have fought for flawed principles
of freedom, independence and justice. All three considered small fry to Carly. She
fought for a much bigger goal. Liberation.

On the TV, news of the care home bombing was coming through. The government
had not yet announced that it was the work of the L.C.F. Carly took this as a sign of
fear on their part. This was good. They should be scared.

“They haven’t said it was us!” Shouted Connor.

“They’re playing for time”. Replied Carly.

Connor was a former oil worker, an attractive forty something Irishman who had
joined the L.C.F. His knowledge was useful as were his contacts regarding the recent
bombing of the UN Embassy. He was also Carly’s new lover.

“It’s a good sign Connor. A good chess player plays

several moves ahead”.
Connor smiled.
“You know something. I sometimes forget which of us
is knocking fifty and which one is shy of thirty”.
“I’ll take that as a compliment”. Carly replied.
Connor laughed.
“It was believe me”.

The meeting ended sombrely. It was decided not to brief Adam until his return for
security reasons. Timmons called Ridge to one side.

“Ridge, we’ve had our differences…”

“But?”
“Your spy friend JIMMY, would he have any Intel on the
L.C.F?”
Timmons wasn’t hopeful.
“Why Timmons, I thought your lot would have been spying
on my activities to know I haven’t seen him. Anyway, he’s
got his own concerns with the growing tensions at the Gaza
strip”.
Ridge replied with the least amount of sarcasm he could manage.
“Ridge, the L.C.F are everywhere”.
“No Timmons, paranoia is everywhere. The issues between
the Israeli and Muslim community transcends anything. They
have no space for a third party. The L.C.F is not as big as the
paranoia we create. There is a fire and we need to starve it of
oxygen”.
Ridge walked off. Timmons followed.
“And what if you’re wrong Ridge? What then?”
“Timmons, you’re bosses for once have little power in a matter
and even worse no Intel. A series of attacks happen out of the
blue when in the past somebody at least was aware of Pearl
Harbour, 911 and the Holocaust. These attacks must be
suppressed. Free publicity is what these people want. Be strong.
Remember, Thatcher refusing to give the IRA TV time”.
“I also remember several attempts on her life”.
Timmons replied.
“She’s still going though just isn’t she? Until we can gather
the Intel then we must suppress them. Paranoid actions will
only lead to mistakes. And we can’t run that risk. Clive Sellers
is dead. He was the driving force, I still maintain that opinion.
He was a skilled man. No one else has his abilities. Sit tight and
grow a pair, you’ll see”.

“The risk is too great Ridge!”

“Have you noticed how everyone calls their dog Sasha these
days?”
Ridge asked. Timmons looked confused.
“What the hell has that got to do with anything?”.
 “A lot actually. People are naturally sheep. They believe and
repeat what their told. We must starve these murderous
bastards. To use a modern term we have to get them
off the grid. Trust me”.

With that, Ridge walked off. Timmons wondered if he was right after all. Could this
all be blown up through fear and paranoia?

Vatican City. Italy

Inside the meeting hall in Vatican City, a delicate matter is being addressed. One,
which possibly might decide the future rise of Catholicism.

“Gentlemen, it has come to our knowledge that a terrorist

organisation known as the L.C.F has been responsible for a
series of bombings in the last 24 hours. These bombings were
diverse and deadly. They preach about returning the world to
a more primitive state. In some ways there beliefs are akin to
ours. However they are murderous in intent. You may recall the
Concorde incident last year. That too was them. Their members
apparently span all races and creed. We have received no
threat, however we have been asked to preach for the lost
catholic souls amongst them. Our believers in Europe have
been in steady decline, despite our growing strength in America
and Africa. I have spoken with his holiness and he agrees that
these lost souls offer a huge potential of believers in the true
faith”.

The other figures nodded in agreement.

“Our faith has been demonised a lot in recent years, some of

it perhaps warranted but not all. We shall use this opportunity
to show the true and potential of our faith”.

The other figures nodded.

“A message is being drafted now for our holiness until then you
are to speak with no one about this issue”.

On her blog, Carly congratulated her supporters on their progress and set out the new
directives for the war on consumerism.

Our counter measures have proven successful. Soon we can begin the re-direction of
society.

Carly was pleased with her words. The L.C.F was growing in size by the day. The
global recession was helping. So many people confused and alone. So many scared of
their futures. So many needing a cause to believe in. Carly knew that there were
dangers to being over confident but she was certain that they could not fail. The
bombings had finally got the message through that the L.C.F were indeed major
players.
When Carly looked up from her computer she saw Connor relaxing in a chair
idly watching TV.

“There are some who comment about revolution and it’s aims. They
can be somewhat formulated”. Connor said.
“Go on…” Carly replied encouraging their discussion.

Connor switched the TV off and faced her.

“Ok, revolution must have counter revolution. As it needs to establish

a legal justification for and re-establish broken laws. To endure an act
of violence needs the consent of the victims”.

Carly thought about Connor’s words.

“Perhaps but this isn’t a political revolution”.

“Carly darling, all revolutions are political. You haven’t thought
much beyond the smashing of the current system have you?”

Carly was beginning to feel threatened by these questions.

“We all know the mandate of the L.C.F. All our supporters agree.
They would die for our cause. L.C.F will prevail because of our
inner superiority.”.
“Yes, yes no doubt they would. But theory and practise are too very
different situations indeed. I have no doubt you have the courage. But
have you the ability to reform the human experience?”
Carly could feel herself getting annoyed.
“So what are you saying, I should stand down? Presumably you want
the gig is that it?”

Connor held Carly’s hands.

“No. No that’s not it at all. I just think that you should be planning
more about when the L.C.F ascend to take over. That’s all.
Machiavelli wrote in his first book of Discorsi that a tyrant wishing
to secure absolute rule should seek to keep as many systems in
place as they are so that the changes are not noticed”.
“So I’m a tyrant now am I? For wanting to save this planet from the
follies of man?”
“No. Mind you there must be something to be said for anarchy. I
mean look at Italy. Nice clothes, food and vehicles. And they work
very little. Not bad if you can get it”. joked Conner.

Connor then went to kiss Carly but she turns her face away.

“Oh don’t be like that. I was merely making a suggestion. That’s all”.

Carly kissed Connor back.

Paul got home. He was tired and unhappy. The apathy of the day at Doomwatch had
proven to be too contagious. He got in and saw Kate eating lasagne. This had become
her latest pregnancy craving. Lasagne. She couldn’t get enough. Still she didn’t
appear to put weight on. There was no real way of telling yet that she looked
pregnant.
“Good day?” Sam asked as they shared a kiss.
“You know how it is”.
Sam tutted.
“That bad hey?” Sam replied.

Paul walked into the kitchen where the laptop was set up. He put the kettle on then
had a look what was on the screen. It was some environmental website. He scanned it.
It was a forum talking about receding the ban on hunting foxes. It was then that he
noticed that some of the people in the forum seemed to have some extreme views.
Paul read it up and down more carefully.
“Oh shit…this is an L.C.F site?” he muttered to himself.
Sure enough the forum was a recruiting centre for possible L.C.F members. Here they
would be groomed and persuaded through their natural inclinations to join the L.C.F.

Paul couldn’t believe it.

“Darling, this…website you’re on?” Paul asked carefully.

“What about it” Kate asked.
“Well…ok, there’s this organization called the L.C.F”.
“Yes I know. I was talking to them. They have got a point”.

Paul was shocked. Clearly Kate had no idea who they were.
“Look you don’t understand. These people they…they’re
eco-terrorists”. Paul said.
“All I’m saying that they do talk sense”. Sam replied.

In terms of rhetoric Kate had a point. But that was the mere tip of the iceberg.

The next day at Doomwatch Miranda was only ten minutes late. Adam was due back
later that day. But Timmons seemed just as stressed, and Paul too was preoccupied.

“Hey smelly what gives?” Miranda asked Paul.

“Last night Kate was on a forum. It was an L.C.F forum”.
Paul replied.
“Shit, what did you do?”
“Well I convinced her that there scum. I didn’t tell her about the
recent bombing because of the secrecy. Maybe I should. It just brings
it home. How many people are unaware of the L.C.F already in their
own homes?”

The words really hit home with Miranda.

“You’re right”.
She replied.
As the day progressed the announcement was made that the Turkish bombing and the
retirement home bombing were indeed the work of the L.C.F. It was decided that
morale in the Middle East was too low to confirm that to was them. However, this
announcement was followed by announcements from all religions condemning the
actions and wanting to bring the L.C.F members back into the fold if they leave.

Much to Carly’s shock and amazement she lost over 3,017 members globally within
24 hours. They had deleted their accounts. All these were lost people who were just
looking for an ear. And they found religion far more palatable. She was distraught that
this could happen, and happen so soon. She refused to accept that these people were
merely persuaded by religion but that there must be some counter productive elements
inside the L.C.F working against her. She decided it was time for a purge. She also
decided to get her IT specialists to adopt a seagull monitor policy. It was decided for
the L.C.F to adapt a more aggressive policy. The internet would be attacked by the
L.C.F operatives with a polyptych policy.

As they day progressed despite a long perilous flight Adam returned sober to
Doomwatch.
“How did the conference go?”
Asked Miranda with genuine interest.
“Interesting. It seems we’re nearer to the Holy Grail that
is fission technology than we think. There have been some
developments with sub atomic particles”.
Adam then detected the general zeitgeist of tension that had tainted the room.
“I take it something bad had happened?” he asked.
“Have you not watched the news boss?”
Paul asked. Adam smiled as he replied.
“Paul I’m a recovering alcoholic who suffers from a depressive
personality. Why on earth would I watch the news or read a
paper?”
“It’s the L.C.F they’ve been on a global bombing campaign”.
Miranda said blatantly. Adam seemed shaky.
“What? Where?”
“Officially, a rest home in Liverpool and an illegal meat processing
plant in Turkey. Unofficially the UN Agency in Baghdad”.
“What?”
Adam was shocked.
“And I thought watching an obese German gobble down seven
frankenfurters was unpleasant”.
“We’ve yet to see if the religious impact on people from all the major
churches condemning the L.C.F will have much impact”.
Miranda tried to sound optimistic. Tried being the word.
“It depends on the peoples motives for joining I suppose”.
Adam countered with equally failing optimism.
“Now we wait and see what the L.C.F does next I suppose”. Miranda
said.
Connor left the hideout and climbed into his car. He saw Carly standing twenty
metres in front of him. He thought she looked sombre. He then tried to say something
to her but all of a sudden the car he was in exploded. Carly watched on wiping away
her tears she walked away.

THE END.