1

A POLITICAL AND PERSONAL DRAMA ABOUT AN NSA EMPLOYEE

TURNED WHISTLEBLOWER

by Steve Barwick

Copyright the author

First edition 1994. This edition, slightly revised, 2014.

Men with Secrets

2

NOTE 1

Song quotations are from 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' written by B Benjamin, Sol Cardus and G Caldwell

(The Animals) and performed by Nina Simone; best version is on album Live in Europe 1982. The words of

the song are an integral part of the play. NB PERMISSION TO USE HAS NOT YET BEEN SOUGHT

NOTE 2

If you are interested in publishing and/or adapting for broadcast or performance please contact the author

c/o Lower Barn, Park Fold, Park Lane, Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, HX7 5BL

NOTE 3

This radio-play is dedicated to the peace movements inspirational campaigns to expose Menwith Hill, "the

most secret United States military base in Britain" (Duncan Campbell), and the bravery of Edward Snowden

in exposing the NSA.

3

CHARACTERS

RICHARD - 34 - PA to Yorkshire Labour MP - efficient - politically committed - friendly - long-term

relationship with Sue but not living together - speaks confidently not quite arrogantly.

CHRISTINETINE - 35 - female - recently appointed Assistant Director in Inner London Local Education Officer -

sharp - considered - earnest - lives with Simon and their new born daughter Cara - quietly spoken.

FAKRAH - 33 - Trained journalist and now free lance film maker - female - black - fickle - funny - flamboyant -

independent - has her own flat in London - accent more London than Asian.

DERMOD - 34 - Station Officer (Ambulance Service) - married - 2 children - sardonic - commonsense - reliable

- lives in City in Yorkshire - slight Northern Irish lilt in voice.

ERIKA - 27 - American woman - employee at Menwith

MARCUS - late 30's - CND worker in Yorkshire

SIMON - 39 -Writer (ex-psychology lecturer) now looking after Cara - gentle-person

BRAD - early 30's - U.S. Military Internal Security Officer (OSI)

CHANNON - late 40's - another security services officer

4

CREDITS SPOKEN OVER FX OF YARIOUS PHONES RINGING OUT, CLICKS, TAPES, ENGAGED TONES AND

SNATCHIES OF CONVERSATION RECORDED AFTER A WORD HAS ACTIVATED A TAPE. FOR EXAMPLE AND

INCLUDING "DEMONSTRATION, PENSION FUNDS" AND HER INTIALS THEYRE GOOD FOR A START

(INDISTINCT BUT THIS IS CHRISTINE' VOICE) AND "WILL YOU BE HERE TOMORROW?" (AGAIN INDISTINCT

BUT THIS IS RICHARD).

SCENE 1: SUNDAY AFTERNOON

F/X: FADE DOWN CREDITS, FADE UP SONG

NINA: "YOU KNOW SOMETIMES IM SO CAREFREE WITH A JOY THATS HARD TO HIDE"

SIMON: (FROM OFF) Turn it up, will you darling?

CHRISTINE: I'm just recording this song.

SIMON: (FROM KITCHEN, PLEASANTLY) You can still turn it up.

CHRISTINE: O.K. here goes

F/X TAPE IS TURNED UP

NINA: MOST OF THE TIME ALL I HAVE IS WORRY AND THEN YOU'RE BOUND TO SEE MY OTHER

SIDE, I'M JUST A SOUL WHO'S INTENTIONS ARE GOOD, LORD -

F/X PHONE RINGS

NINA: PLEASE DONT LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

CHRISTINE: Bloody hell!

F/X SWITCHES OFF MUSIC

SIMON: (FROM KITCHEN) You don't need to...

CHRISTINE: It wasn't right anyway.

F/X PICKS UP PHONE

CHRISTINE: Hello, Christine speaking

RICHARD: (BUSY BUT WARM) Chrissy! It's Richard.

CHRISTINE: Hi. How you doing?

RICHARD: Yes Im fine, I guess.

5

CHRISTINE: and Sue..?

RICHARD: She's fine, I guess.

CHRISTINE: You moving in together Yet?

RICHARD: No... talking about it ... still. Anyway . What you up to?

CHRISTINE: Oh just lazy Sunday afternoon things. Trying to take it easy. Im pretty busy with this promotion-

RICHARD: Oh yes. Congratulations!

CHRISTINE: Thanks. Actually when you phoned I was recording a great Nina Simone album. Youd like it.

RICHARD: Would I? Do us a copy -

CHRISTINE: Cheeky bugger, Im having enough trouble doing this one!

RICHARD: Go on ...

CHRISTINE: I will if you pick it up in person. Im not posting it.

RICHARD: No problem. (MORE CONFIDENT TONE NOW) That was why I was phoning. Im coming down to

London tomorrow: I was hoping we could all meet up ...

CHRISTINE: All?

RICHARD: Well Dermod, Fakrah, BJ -

CHRISTINE: BJ was down last week for one of his Socialism Today conferences

RICHARD: Good for him!

CHRISTINE: Yes perhaps they are good for him. Dont seem to be getting us anywhere though, I mean-

F/X (BABY CARA CRIES)

CHRISTINE: - everything seems to be getting worse not better I cant bear to watch the news these days ...

and the amount of begging down here -

RICHARD: I know

F/X (CRYING HAS GOT WORSE)

CHRISTINE: Hang on (PUTS HAND OVER RECEIVER AND SHOUTS) Simon! Come and take Cara

SIMON: Sh, shush (QUIETENS BABY & WHISPERS) Who is it?

6

CHRISTINE: Richard. You know, works for Barbara whatshername that Yorkshire MP (INTO PHONE) Hello

Richard you still there? Just sorting out Cara. You know you still havent seen her and she'll be six months

next week.

RICHARD: I know; well I will this week. I was hoping we could have this meeting -

CHRISTINE: Meeting?

RICHARD: Well it is a meeting. I need to ask you all something very important

CHRISTINE: (JOLLY) Sounds interesting, whats it about?

RICHARD: (SERIOUSLY, QUIETLY) Something very important indeed. Dyou remember Marcus? He's up here

in Yorkshire now. (PAUSE) Well I saw him earlier this week.

F/X CROSS TO FLASHBACK: FAINT HUM OF TRAFFIC AND SOUNDS OF RIVER, A CHURCH CLOCK IS

CHIMING SEVEN AS THEY SPEAK

MARCUS: Richard! I'm really pleased you could make it ... such short notice

RICHARD: Well it sounded important. What's it about?

MARCUS: Menwith HilI.

RICHARD: Ah. The most secret United States military base in Britain.

F/X FADE IMMEDIATELY TO CHRISTINE AND RICHARDS PHONE CALL WHICH CONTINUES

CHRISTINE: Yes ... (LIKE'CONTINUE')

RICHARD: Well. I don't want to talk about it. Not now. Not on the phone.

CHRISTINE: Why not?

RICHARD: Can we meet Tuesday evening at your local-

CHRISTINE: The -

RICHARD: Don't mention the name!

CHRISTINE: Richard, are you sure this is all, too mysterious.

RICHARD: I know, I'm sorry but trust me. Do you remember we all agreed a long time ago to work together ..

CHRISTINE: (JOKINGLY) No

RICHARD: You do. We all said one day when we were part of the system we'd work together, for something

good. Don't you remember?

CHRISTINE: Not really I'm not sure we agreed -

7

RICHARD: - Well, I think this may be it. (PAUSE) lll explain when I see you.

CHRISTINE: I'll look forward to that. (PAUSE) Stay here the night then youll see my wonderful Cara

RICHARD: Yes Id like to do that. Right. Id better ring the others. See you Tuesday. O.K. Bye.

CHRISTINE: Bye.

F/X PUTS DOWN PHONE AFTER RICHARD ANID THEN HEARS A CLICK FAINTLY

CHRISTINE: (TO HERSELF) Well, that's very mysterious.

SIMON: (FROM KITCHEN) What's that?

CHRISTINE: Richard. He wants a meeting. He wouldnt talk about it over the phone.

F/X SIMON COMING INTO ROOM

SIMON: What wouldnt he talk about?

CHRISTINE: I don't know, he

SIMON: Wouldnt talk about it! I get the picture or rather non picture! Just what you need another

meeting.

CHRISTINE: I know, well at least this one's in a pub. (YAWNS) Look shes gone to sleep again.

SIMON: She loves being carried around.

CHRISTINE: Come and sit down. (SIMON SIGHS) Look at her beautiful curls.

SIMON: (HALF MOCKINGLY) Just like yours dear. (THEY KISS)

CHRISTINE: (QUIETLY) I love you (LOUDER) and I simply adore her. (PAUSE) Richard was talking about some

agreement he says we had. Have.

SIMON: What kind of agreement?

CHRISTINE: I dont know, Ive heard him talk about it before. I think he thinks we all agreed to be political

conspirators. Wed all burrow into the system -

SIMON: Well, you've certainly done that-

CHRISTINE: and one day

SIMON: yes ?

CHRISTINE: Thats it, I don't know. Just "one day"' Richard thinks that day has come.

F/X FADE DOWN

8

SCENE 2: THE PREVIOUS THURSDAY

F/X BACKGROUND IS OF A WALK IN THE WOODS WITH ATTENDANT NOISES E.G DOGS BARKING IN

DISTANCE, FAINT HUM OF TRAFFIC AND SOUNDS OF RIVER ETC. IT IS A SUNNY EVENING. A

CHURCH CLOCK IS CHIMING SEVEN.

RICHARD: Marcus!

MARCUS: (POLITE, FRIENDLEY BUT CAUTIOUS) Richard, I'm really pleased you could make it ... such short

notice.

RICHARD: (MANNER IS EFFICIENT TO POINT OF IMPATIENCE YET JUST REMAINS FRIENDLY) Well, it sounded

important.

MARCUS: It could be. Let's walk shall we?

RICHARD: Alright. (PAUSE) What's this about then?

MARCUS: Menwith Hill.

RICHARD: Ah. The most secret United States military base in Britain. Sorry we're not getting very far with

your Parliamentary Questions. The Tabling Office just won't let us put most of them down, never mind

getting a straight answer from a Minister. A few got through, but they replied "I am not prepared to

comment further on its operational role." Something like that. I'd have brought them along if

MARCUS: No, no, its alright.... we might be getting some information from a different source!

RICHARD: What do you mean?

MARCUS: Last night when I got back from Regional Council, I was just opening the front door - you know

where we are: miles from anywhere - and this voice behind me said "Excuse me would you mind if we talked

a little while."

RICHARD: An American?

MARCUS: Yes, a woman. She made me jump. I had seen this big car down the bottom of our lane, which was

odd, but hadn't thought anyone would call that late -

RICHARD: So what did she say?

MARCUS: Well she refused to come inside but she said she could provide some highly incriminating evidence

about Menwith Hill Station, as she called it.

RICHARD: "incriminating evidence"... What about?

MARCUS: Why the base is still growing despite the end of the cold war: she mentioned 2000 personnel work

there now -

RICHARD: That's right, isn't it?

9

MARCUS: Yes, and 22 radomes, those golf-ball things, which is also correct. And she mentioned the 26

million dollar expansion and the nuclear hardened underground Thistle centre theyre building ...

RICHARD: Hey this could be it. Just what you need.

MARCUS: Yes. Hard information is the one thing the campaign needs more of.

RICHARD: Menwith always hides behind that civil servant reply: Im afraid I cannot tell you whether or not

its secret - that information is classified.

MARCUS: Yerr like "we can neither confirm nor deny" when people used to ask about the presence of

nuclear weapons. (PAUSE) Shall we sit down?

RICHARD: O.K.

F/X CLEARLY HEAR WATERFALL AND BIRDS, CHILDREN SPLASHING IN RIVER

RICHARD: Oh, it would be so good if she could dish the dirt on that place. (PAUSE) It's so beautiful here, isn't

it? Difficult to imagine how sinister and wasteful the world really is.

MARCUS: I think that's the problem: its so easy for people not to worry... were so comfortable ...

RICHARD: I don't know, I find this place inspiring. When things can be so good how dare they pollute it!

Menwith is such... I don't know ... an affront to decency! (CHANGING TONE) Hey how d'you think she found

you?

MARCUS: I was wondering that. A few do live off the base, round here in fact; she might have seen my name

in the local paper. Anyway the point is she doesn't want me, she wants to give the stuff to an M.P. Thats

why I called you.

RICHARD: Really!? ... I don't understand. Why not just mail it to Barbara anonymously?

MARCUS: Dunno ... Perhaps it needs some kind of explanation ...?

RICHARD: Then why not give it to you?

MARCUS: Perhaps CND wouldn't be able to use it - if its covered by official secrets. Would Barbara be able

to say things in the House ?

RICHARD: Parliamentary privilege ... yes I guess so.

MARCUS: So you'll meet up with her?

RICHARD: Oh, of course.

F/X FADES DOWN

10

SCENE 3: THE MONDAY AFTER

F/X PHONE RINGS OUT TWICE NOTE ALL THESE PHONE SOUNDS SOUND DIFFERENT WHEN THEY

ARE RINGING OUT ALBEIT ONLY SLIGHTLY THEN CLICKS ONTO AN ANSWERPHONE WHICH HAS A

BACKING TAPE OF BANGRA MUSIC (HOLLE HOLLE BY GROUP OF SAME NAME) AND THANK YOU

FOR CALLING THE HOME OF FAKRAH HUSSEINBI AND HANDS OFF FILM COMPANY. IM SORRY IM

NOT IN BUT IF YOU LEAVE YOUR NAME AND NUMBER ILL GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS

POSSIBLE THEN BEEPS MEANWHILE WE HEAR FAKRAH COME IN, SLAM THE DOOR AND RUN

UPSTAIRS IN HER FLAT.

CHRISTINE: (TENTATIVELY) Its Christine. I wanted to talk to you. I was wondering -

F/X PICKS UP THE PHONE

FAKRAH: (OUT OF BREATH) Hello.

CHRISTINE: Oh! I was....

FAKRAH: Chrissy, Im pleased I caught you. (PAUSE AS REGAINS BREATH) Did you get a call from Richard?

CHRISTINE: Yes. Thats why Im ringing: check youre going tomorrow.

FAKRAH: Im not sure. I'd like to. I'm terribly busy - not sure Richard realizes we arent all full time political

hacks.

CHRISTINE: I wouldnt call him a hack!

FAKRAH: I know, but he thinks whatever hes got on is most important.

CHRISTINE: It did sound important.

FAKRAH: Oh, I couldn't take what he was saying seriously. I'm not into secrecy. Im a journalist first and

foremost. I believe in openness and honesty. Thats not my politics -

CHRISTINE: We'd all agree on that, I'm sure ... Did he talk to you about our agreement?

FAKRAH: Well I know what hes talking about but I cant take that seriously either. Only Richard would try to

hold us all to that? Twelve, no eleven, years later!

CHRISTINE: So you going or not?

FAKRAH: I don't know. What dyou think?

CHRISTINE: Were going to. I mean Im very busy, but I guess I'll be there, out of loyalty if nothing else.

FAKRAH: Oh, I'm just tired. Last thing I want is something else - however important.

CHRISTINE: I saw that fly on the wall documentary you were making. Thought it was really good

11

FAKRAH: Thanks, they take such time and effort and then go out at 11.30! Well done on your new job by the

way. What are you now?

CHRISTINE: Thanks. Assistant Director of Education.

FAKRAH: and only 35. You've never stopped have you?

CHRISTINE: What, you think I should have done? For Cara?

FAKRAH: Oh no. Course not. Its just you've always worked so hard.

CHRISTINE: So do you.

FAKRAH: Not like you. (LAUGHS) I work in mysterious ways.

CHRISTINE: You're not doing so badly.

FAKRAH: I know. I feel guilty about it sometimes.

CHRISTINE: What!?

FAKRAH: As a black woman, people don't expect you to do well; not just white people, people from my

community Sometimes I think I'm not showing much solidarity, I'm letting other women down ...

CHRISTINE: That's crazy! We have to take these opportunities so that others can follow.

FAKRAH: Yes I know, its just sometimes, I feel ... well, not very socialist.

CHRISTINE: I suppose I feel more and more like that in this new job. We must go for a drink sometime. Keep

promising too ...

FAKRAH: Let's fix it up tomorrow.

CHRISTINE: So you are coming?

FAKRAH: I guess so. I fancy seeing Dermod and the others ... I haven't seen any of them since last Christmas.

CHRISTINE: At least we haven't quite reached the stage where we only exchange cards. (PAUSE) Before you

go; have you noticed anything strange about your phone?

FAKRAH: Strange? How do you mean?

CHRISTINE: Like clickings after the other person's hung up? (PAUSE) Look, I'll hang up and you see if there's

anything unusual. Then phone me back.

FAKRAH: (LAUGHS) O.K. You sure youre not just trying to save on your phone bill?

F/X CHRISTINE HANGS UP, CLICKS SOFTLY CAN BE HEARD THEN FAKRAH PUSH BUTONS CHRISTINE

NUMBER AND WE HEAR RINGING OUT TONE

12

CHRISTINE: Hallo, Fakrah?

FAKRAH: You're right, I did hear something. D'you think it's ...

CHRISTINE: I don't know but its worrying.

FAKRAH: Is there any law on phone tapping?

CHRISTINE: Meant to need the Secretary of State's authorization, or so I'm told.

FAKRAH: Well the Secretary of State can bugger off (SHOUTS INTO PHONE) Bugger off! (THEN NORMALLY TO

CHRISTINE) What d'you think this is all about?

CHRISTINE: He talked about seeing Marcus ...

FAKRAH: and an American woman.

CHRISTINE: Did he? What happened?

FAKRAH: Wouldn't say. Guess we'll find out tomorrow.

CHRISTINE: Well I'm really glad you're coming. See you tomorrow then. Bye.

FAKRAH: See you.

F/X CHRISTINE PUTS HER PHONE DOWN THEN FAKRAH HEARS CLICKING AND PUTS DOWN PHONE

FAKRAH: (MUTTERS AN EXPLETIVE IN URDU) I wonder what did happen when he saw this American?

F/X FADES DOWN

13

SCENE 4: THE SATURDAY BEFORE

F/X CAR SLOWS DOWN AND DOOR IS OPENED

RICHARD: Erika? Erika Thomas?

ERIKA: Yes.

F/X GETS IN AND SHUTS DOOR

ERIKA: (PAUSE) Can we drive away from here!

RICHARD: Sure

F/X CAR MOVES OFF PAUSE

RICHARD: Hallo Erika. Richard Wilcox: I'm very glad to meet you.

ERIKA: Sure you are. WeII, Im pleased to be here.

RICHARD: I'm driving to Bolton Abbey.

ERIKA: Fine by me (PAUSE)

TOGETHER

RICHARD: Well what happens now?

ERIKA: Hell, I'm shaking like a leaf

BOTH LAUGH NERVOUSLY

RICHARD: Are you? (PAUSE)

ERIKA: You got any idea what security at Menwith Hill is like?

RICHARD: Well ...

ERIKA: I know; you tell me what you know about Menwith Hill and then Ill tell you the rest!

RICHARD: Well I don't know very much. That's why I'm here! Let me think It keeps growing despite the

end of the cold war. Its linked into the British Telecom Hunterstones Tower ... It's claimed that all

telecommunications between Britain and Europe go via that tower through Menwith Hill. Can you confirm

that?

ERIKA: I can do better than that. You know Robert Maxwell's phone on his yacht was being monitored?

Pension money transfers to Lichtenstein ...?

RICHARD: Yerr ...

14

ERIKA: Guy called Robison blew it. Anyway that was taped at Menwith and passed onto your GCHQ staff

there. Just like the royal tapes. You know its not just us Americans at Menwith -

RICHARD: Yes.

ERIKA: Does Project P415 mean any thing to you? Or Steeplebush 2? You must know about Thistle - 83,000

square feet hardened control centre?

RICHARD: Well ...

ERIKA: How about Echelon? Or Margaret Newsham?

RICHARD: No. Neither.

ERIKA: I tell you this isnt really a peace issue. I admire you guys and you may be right about the end of the

Cold War but that's not my main concern because that aint the main concern of Menwith Hill. (PAUSE) It's

hot in here.

RICHARD: Here ...

F/X ELECTRONIC WINDOW WINDS DOWN, LIGHT RAIN & MORE NOISE OF TRAFFIC, WINDSCREEN

WIPERS

ERIKA: During Watergate it became known that the NSA, with your guys in GCHQ, had been intercepting

anti-Vietnam leaders phones - Dr Benjamin Spock, Jane Fonda, as well as people like Eldridge Cleaver

through a project called MINARET. By 1974 this had 75,000 U.S. Citizens on something called COINS. That's

Community On-Line Intell ... what the hell, you don't need to know that. The point is, good old Democrat

President Carter tried to curb the excesses of the NSA and there was even a Justice Department

investigation, called UMBRA, but well, that didnt do any good. It was suppressed, classified, never acted

upon.

RICHARD: Figures ...

ERIKA: Right. Well as you know Carter went but the NSA didn't. With Reagan you ended up with Oliver North

at the top of the NSA and in 1988 an employee of Menwith, someone called Margaret Newsham, alerted the

world to Project P415 a global electronic surveillance system which has at its heart - yes, you guessed it!

Menwith Hill, the largest satellite receiving terminal in the world.

RICHARD: Do all international phone calls go through satellites nowadays?

ERIKA: Yes and a lot of domestic calls too, especially in the States. So Margaret revealed how the NSA was

targeting people like Republican Senator Thurmond, hardly a pinko-liberal, and she'd listened to him right

here at Menwith.

RICHARD: What happened?

ERIKA: Nothing, because he didn't pursue it. He wasn't going to rock the boat. (PAUSE) But I am.

15

RICHARD: So what you going to give?

ERIKA: Im gonna blow their operation out the water, or should I say out the sky? It's illegal and your GCHQ

people are doing the same. They don't worry about the law. Studeman used to say "like the satellites were

above the law." Oh no, we don't intercept phones we just monitor them! He's retired now but that principle

hasn't!

RICHARD: So what about warrants for tapping.

ERIKA: We sure as hell don't waste time asking for warrants here. With Echelon you just enter the name and

youre away - monitoring not intercepting. We do your domestic phones illegally and we do our own illegally

but - this is the killer if you speak out its an imprisonable offence ... despite the first amendment. But Im

going to give it you all or as much as I can get out.

RICHARD: Good (PAUSE) Where do you work in the base?

ERIKA: On the main computers - the ones that are triggered by certain key words. That was why I was saying

you just key in You know the Puzzle Palace -

RICHARD: What?

ERIKA: The Puzzle Palace is our HQ - FortMeade, Maryland, US of A, north of Washington. There they have a

Harvester IBM which can scan 40 million words every minute.

RICHARD: What!

ERIKA: Youve just no idea. Thats the point no-body has! Im going to expose the real Menwith Hill, the

illegal Menwith Hill. Im gonna provide proof. You think your Barbara can make use of that?

RICHARD: I'm sure she can. If she can't no-one can.

ERIKA: There's just one problem; I come with the information.

RICHARD: Sorry?

ERIKA: I come with the information.

RICHARD: How exactly do you mean?

ERIKA: I cant get information without them tracing it to me. Thats why I cant just send it to you under plain

wraps. The security is I cant describe it. You cant possibly understand it. I need to get away, a new job,

new papers, I wont be able to rest out my time in Sunnyvale California, like Margaret Newsham: I need

asylum, protection, whatever its called. If they catch me its treason no matter that its the truth. (PAUSE)

You still execute people for treason dont you in Britain?

RICHARD: (LAUGHS) Well, technically the death penalty still exists, but ...

ERIKA: That might not be so far off. We might be talking death penalty if I get this stuff out. It would be

treason. Id need a whole new identity. You think your Barbara can organize that?

16

RICHARD: Yes, well, I dont know. I might know some people ... It might be possible. Sounds worth it.

ERIKA: It is.

RICHARD: Why you doing this? I can see what we get out of it but

ERIKA: Thats a fair question. Remember l said about the Minaret project? Well Ive had access to COlNS and

I found my parents on it for once protesting the Vietnam War and then when I see you guys month after

month I just think this aint right and you are. I hate it here. I want out. I see the peace movement people

and I wonder how I ended up on this side of the fence. Ive been putting it off and putting it off but now I'm

finishing in two weeks and I realized its now or never.

RICHARD: One last question sorry but how do I know to trust you?

ERIKA: EXCUSE ME! What you gotta worry about? Its me who's laying her butt on the line! You're just going

to have to trust me, use your instincts ... It's me who's gotta worry - I've gotta trust you!

F/X CAR DRAWS TO HALT

RICHARD: Well here we are, Bolton Abbey. Let's get some fresh air.

F/X OPENS HIS DOOR

RICHARD: We could walk down to the river.

ERIKA: O.K. Very quickly.

F/X OPENS HER DOOR

ERIKA: I must not be seen with you or I'll be filling in reports for ages. (PAUSE) Funny talking about all this, to

you, I feel kind of carefree, haven't felt that for ages ...

F/X NOISE OF GETTING OUT OF CAR

RICHARD: You know you remind me of someone ...

ERIKA: (SPEAKING OUTSIDE) Oh yer

F/X ERIKA SLAMS HER DOOR

RICHARD: (OUTSIDE AND MORE TIMIDLY) Its very beautiful here. I'll just get my coat.

F/X SOUND OF LEANING INTO CAR AND SWITCHING OFF A TAPE.

RICHARD: (IN WHISPER) I hope that tape didn't run out.

F/X FADE DOWN

17

SCENE 5: THE TUESDAY AFTER IN THE EVENING

F/X FADE UP ON NOISY PUB

DERMOD: All I'm saying is, I don't think we agreed to nothing.

FAKRAH: (SLIGHTLY EXASPERATED) We did. We all did.

DERMOD: (PLAYING A GAME) When?

FAKRAH: You really don't remember? Donegal? Staying in that house and discussing ...

DERMOD: I remember some discussion about staying political, not selling out.

FAKRAH: No it was more than that. We had that one every week. No, we we're all going on about Thatcher

and who'd bring her down - the unions, the GLC, the Labour Party -

DERMOD: Now you are joking! There's Chrissy. (SHOUTS) Christine! Over here!

CHRISTINE: Dermod! How are you? Fakrah!

F/X THEY EMBRACE

CHRISTINE: Hey you look wonderful.

DERMOD: East meets west in Harlesden!

FAKRAH: (LAUGHING) I'm just explaining what was agreed all those years ago.

DERMOD: Nothing.

FAKRAH: If I remember correctly, you argued that her clinical lack of compassion was a certifiable

pathological disorder! We all spent ages talking about it. Would the press touch the story if we could falsify

the documents. I said no.

CHRISTINE: (MUSINGLY) Unemployment must have just reached 3 million for the first time. 1981.

DERMOD: I do remember all that. I just don't see what we're supposed to have ...

FAKRAH: So, then there was Richard bleary eyed, standing at the bottom of the stairs, proposing a toast -

"One Day" when we've got some power, one day well do -

TOGETHER

RICHARD: Hi folks!

DERMOD: That's hardly -

18

F/X (PAUSE THEN) GREETINGS, PEOPLE STANDING UP AND RICHARD OFFERS TO BUY A ROUND

AND GOES OFF

DERMOD: More like that song ''As soon as this pub closes" than an agreement.

FAKRAH: Well ...

DERMOD: and apart from Christine we haven't exactly got a lot of power -

RICHARD: (AS APPROACHES) Don't you believe it! Now, here we are.

F/X GLASSES HANDED ROUND

RICHARD: Mine's the juice.

DERMOD: Cheers. Here's to the end of the mystery.

CHRISTINE: ...and absent friends. Where's BJ.?

RICHARD: Couldn't make it. Hopefully I'll see him Saturday. At this demonstration ... it'd be good if any of

you could come.

CHRISTINE: Where is it?

RICHARD: Menwith Hill. Which is what this (WHISPERS) meeting (THEN NORMALLY) is all about. You heard of

it?

FAKRAH: Vaguely somewhere ...

RICHARD: Its in North Yorkshire, run by the NSA which is more secretive than the CIA! Duncan Campbell

describes Menwith Hill as "the most secret and recondite United States base in Britain."

FAKRAH: A military base?

RICHARD: Yer it provided a lot of the targets for the bombers in the Gulf War but its not just that. Its civilian

as well - economic intelligence for business customers. Its the biggest telephone tapping centre in the

Western world. The problem is, the information we have is so sketchy ...

DERMOD: Who are the NSA?

RICHARD: Exactly! That's the question. All that's known is it was set up in 1952 without any reference to

Congress and it's, well, been secret ever since.

FAKRAH: (JOKING) So what you proposing? A documentary?

RICHARD: (LAUGHING) I don't think we could rely on their co-operation! No, listen we've got the opportunity

to blow the lid on Menwith, get some real information but I'm going to need you all to help. (SPEAKING

QUIETER) There's a woman - from the base - willing to blow the whistle but in return we need to help make

her disappear, set her up with a new persona.

19

ALL TOGETHER

DERMOD: What do you mean?

CHRISTINE: a new persona?

FAKRAH: I still don't see ...

RICHARD: We shouldn't talk here any more. I've got a tape of my conversation with Erika. Everything she

said. I'd like to play it you, perhaps in the car on the way back to Chrissys? (PAUSE) That all right?

CHRISTINE: Yes ... if everyone ...

DERMOD: Just one thing what does recondite mean?

RICHARD: Secret but even more so!

F/X FADES DOWN

20

SCENE 6: LATER THAT EVENING

F/X FADE UP ON GROUP OF PEOPLE TALKING EARNESTLY ON DOORSTEP WHILE INSIDE THE PHONE

IS RINGING. THEN A KEY IN THE LOCK AND THE NOISE OF OUTSIDE SPILLS INSIDE AND AT THE

SAME TIME WE HEAR THE NOISE OF SIMON COMING DOWNSTAIRS.

SIMON: Hello

PHONE STOPS RINGING AND FOR SECOND EVERYONE SILENT. THEN THERE ARE 2 CONVERSATIONS

GOING ON UNTIL THE MOMENT BEFORE FAKRAH SPEAKS.

CHRISTINE: Hello Simon. We didn't wake her up - ?

SIMON: No I was just putting her in the cot when -

CHRISTINE: Let me introduce you to ... Richard

DERMOD: So what's this woman like?

RICHARD: I dunno. Young, clever ...

FAKRAH: Attractive?

RICHARD: Sort of attractive personality, sincere.

LIGHT SUSPICIOUS LAUGHTER

RICHARD: Now. Sorry: Simon pleased to meet you - the proud father!?

FAKRAH: The famous writer!

SIMON: More of the former these days.

RICHARD: Right let's go and take a look! Can we?

SIMON: Of course.

FAKRAH: I want to come too

F/X EXIT UPSTAIRS

FAKRAH: How old is she now?

CHRISTINE: (FROM KITCHEN) Do you want wine?

DERMOD: Please. D'you mind if I smoke?

CHRISTINE: Course not. We don't mind when Caras not around.

F/X LIGHTING UP

21

DERMOD: You got a nice place here.

CHRISTINE: (STILL IN KITCHEN) Errm. Hows your job going?

DERMOD: Leading ambulance officer, temporarily again. It's O.K. Get fed up sometimes ...

CHRISTINE: (COMING IN) Why?

DERMOD: The others, the hours, the pay - usual kind of thing! Anyway what do you think about this tape

then?

CHRISTINE: I haven't really taken it in ... sounds quite amazing if we can help expose that place certainly

sounds like we should try.

F/X OTHERS RETURN

RICHARD: (ON STAIRS) She's so innocent

DERMOD: Yer. I must say I'm more used to union type politics, picket lines and poorly attended meetings,

not sure I'm into this cloak and dagger stuff.

F/X AS TALKING PEOPLE SIT DOWN, TAKE WINE, ETC.

CHRISTINE: So Richard how exactly can we help?

RICHARD: Well I see it as quite simple really -

FAKRAH: Just a couple of phone calls!

EVERYONE LAUGHS

FAKRAH: I know your simple events -

RICHARD: Seriously, we mustn't discuss any details of this on the phone.

CHRISTINE: I know I'm sure my phone's already -

DERMOD: What exactly do we do then?

RICHARD: O.K. I can use the information, or rather Barbara can.

CHRISTINE: Will she?

RICHARD: Oh yes, weve been asking a lot of Parliamentary Questions recently, getting to be quite a thorn in

their side. She'll use it alright. I may need your help Fakrah, writing it all up and I'm sure BJs Socialism

Today would print stuff if the nationals wouldn't touch it for fear of prosecution.

CHRISTINE: You sure? They're covered by the same laws as the other papers ...

22

RICHARD: Ill talk to him but I'm sure they would agree it was worth sticking their neck out on this one. I

think we can guarantee its going to be pretty bloody good stuff. She wouldn't be risking her neck unless it

was.

FAKRAH: Its wonderful that she's willing to blow the whistle, although -

RICHARD: Yes incredible. It's what the peace movement always hoped for; what we all expected at Barrow,

Upper Heyford, Greenham Common - a choice between selfishness, their career, and some nobler principle,

truth, justice ...

DERMOD: (MOCKINGLY) "World peace will come through the will of ordinary people like ourselves"

RICHARD: You taking the piss?

SUDDENLY ALL ARE TALKING TOGETHER

DERMOD: No, it does happen - CHRISTINE: I'd like to believe it. FAKRAH: There was Sarah Tisdall, Clive Ponting

RICHARD: Anyway, the other thing we have to do is find this woman some accommodation, job ...

DERMOD: and a national insurance number..and a passport.. and a birth certificate!

RICHARD: Yes, I was rather hoping you could come up with some documents ... given your connections.

DERMOD: Me? I dont know possibly.

RICHARD: and Chrissy if you could you help her find a job -

CHRISTINE: What?!

RICHARD: and Fakrah finds her somewhere to live, then ...

CHRISTINE: Hey Presto!

FAKRAH: You dont ask much do you?

CHRISTINE: Hang on a second here. What youre suggesting is illegal, criminal. I hope you realize that. Lets

not kid ourselves this is simple.

DERMOD: And its not exactly going to bring the Government down is it?

RICHARD: Well, I don't think any of us are that naive any more. That really would be After this pub closes"

talk. But that doesn't mean we do nothing does it? I mean, weve got such an opportunity here. Randle and

Pottle, they put themselves out to get Blake out. (PAUSE)

FAKRAH: But he was a spy for the Russians wasnt he. Is she a spy?

RICHARD: Why cant people have real ideals and principles? We do . don't we?

23

CHRISTINE: (SLOWLY) Of course we do. Were just saying its not simple.

RICHARD: I know that. I never said it was.

FAKRAH: Yes you did!

RICHARD: I just meant if we four, five, work together it will be simple because we trust each other: we can

do this. I think it could be brilliant. But we'll have to work fast on the details, weve only got a week -

CHRISTINE: what's that E.M. Forster quote? "I hope if I have to choose between betraying my country and

my friends I have the courage to betray my country.

F/X DERMOD LETS OUT A WHISTLE INDICATING 'HEAVY

RICHARD: I'll drink to that.

ALL: Cheers.

F/X FADES DOWN

24

SCENE 7: THE SATURDAY AFTER

F/X FADE UP ON THE BARRACLOUGH HOUSEHOLD WHERE CHRISTINE IS TAPING AGAIN

NINA: IF I SEEM EDGY, I WANT YOU TO KNOW I NEVER MEANT TO TAKE IT OUT ON YOU, BUT LIFE

HAS ITS PROBLEMS, IVE GOT MORE THAN MY SHARE THATS ONE THING I NEVER WANT TO DO

DO DO DO COS I LOVE YOU.

SIMON: (FROM OFF) Turn it down will you?

CHRISTINE: I'm just recording this song'

F/X CLICKS OFF MUSIC, WINDS BACK

SIMON: (IRRITATED) You can still turn it down

NINA: IM JUST HUMAN I HAVE FAULTS LIKE ANYONE. SOMETIMES I THINK ILL SPEND THE REST

OF MY LIFE REGRETTING SOME SIMPLE THING I HAVE DONE. I'M JUST A SOUL WHOSE INTENTIONS

ARE GOOD, LORD -

F/X PHONE RINGS

NINA: - PLEASE DON'T LET ME BE MISUINDERSTOOD

SIMON: Bloody hell!

F/X SWITCHES OFF MUSIC, PHONE STILL RINGS

SIMON: For god's sake who is it now?

CHRISTINE: You didn't need to

F/X PICKS UP PHONE

CHRISTINE: Hello, Christine speaking.

FAKRAH: Hi!

SIMON: (HISSED) We need to talk.

CHRISTINE: (TO SIMON EXASPERATED) O.K.

CHRISTINE: (INTO PHONE) So what can I do for you Fakrah?

FAKRAH: I just rang to say

CHRISTINE: What? ...

FAKRAH: (TENTATIVELY) I've got to tell you this -

25

CHRISTINE: Be careful!

FAKRAH: I know, I was going to drive over and see you, but (EARNESTLY) Look, Ive been thinking, this

whole thing might be some elaborate set-up!

CHRISTINE: (INTENTLY) I've been thinking the same. Ever since I thought our phones were being tapped.

FAKRAH: Why didnt you mention that?

CHRISTINE: I was going to but ... I don't know the moment passed.

FAKRAH: Well I don't know about that anyway. BJ tells me phone tapping doesnt involve clicks on the line

these days, no tell tale signs at all.

CHRISTINE: Really. I wonder ... so why do you think it maybe a set-up?

FAKRAH: I can't believe we didn't discuss it but there seemed such excitement about this marvellous woman

CHRISTINE: Youre right, we should have done.

FAKRAH: It's just Richard, he's such a romantic, it's like his faith in the Labour party -

CHRISTINE: You're starting to sound like BJ!

FAKRAH: No, but its true, hed like to believe this womans story.

CHRISTINE: We'd all (WITH EMPHASIS) like to

FAKRAH: And then there's the American angle, he's always had a thing about American women ... said she

was attractive.....

CHRISTINE: and reminded him of some-one. Richard he ... always gets involved in something else,

somebody else, rather than sort out what's right in front of him. You know he's still talking about moving in

with Sue. Has been for years.

FAKRAH: Yes. And other things don't add up. I don't want to mention them now, but the whole thing its

just too good to be true.

CHRISTINE: (SIGHING) ummm

FAKRAH: They'd love to trap a group of people; what would the press say, a loony left conspiracy to

undermine a bastion of law, order and democracy ...

CHRISTINE: Well, it would be hard to describe Menwith Hill as that!

FAKRAH: It was involved in the Gulf War ... the media can do what it wants, I know that, you know that.

CHRISTINE: I thought it was just me who was paranoid, or the pressure of work getting to me. Ive been

having a nightmare. Quite a few times now. We're in the handover flat. Exchanging papers and you're just

26

doing an interview with Erika on camera when theres a scrunch of cars drawing up on the gravel outside,

doors open and slam and theres running up the stairs. Suddenly she looks up and its Cara and she starts

repeating "I am here under duress. I am here under duress like a broken record. Then they burst in -

FAKRAH: No!

CHRISTINE: It's like weve kidnapped her and making some kind of Baader Meinhof tape of the victim!

FAKRAH: I hadn't seen us as terrorists! We mustn't let that happen.

CHRISTINE: No. I'm glad you've rung. Ive been feeling guilty having any doubts at all - seemed a bit heretical.

FAKRAH: that's why I rang you first.

CHRISTINE: In fact, I've been feeling guilty about a lot of things - not having any time with Cara, and don't tell

Richard and the others, but we're talking about spending cuts at work, even job losses ... I've only been there

a month.

FAKRAH: (REGAINED HER CONFIDENCE AND HUMOUR) Now that is heretical. Look, I'm going to try and

contact him our concerns, they're legitimate

CHRISTINE: Don't use the phone!

FAKRAH: No. I'll do something else. I won't say just in case.

CHRISTINE: Good. I'll see you Monday. Well sort this out Bye.

FAKRAH: Bye.

F/X PUTS PHONE DOWN THEN CLICK, THEN CHRISTINE PUTS HERS DOWN

CHRISTINE: (PANICKY) Cara! Where's Cara?

SIMON: (REASSURING AND GENTLE AGAIN) Here asleep in her bouncy chair.

F/X SIMON ENTERS ROOM AND FALLS INTO SETTEE

CHRISTINE: Good.

SIMON: (MASSAGING NECK) Relax darling. You got to relax.

CHRISTINE: Umm. That's nice. Fakrah thinks it could be a set up too.

SIMON: She would though wouldn't she, the media world doesn't have much truck with noble virtues -

everything has its price in that world, or so they think.

CHRISTINE: (NOT LISTENING) um that's nice just by the neck. What I don't understand is why we didn't

discuss it. We planned the whole thing out and -

27

SIMON: Look its a great story, the return of the famous five! Getting back together and doing what you

always said you would -

CHRISTINE: Thats a joke. We never said we would be running around planning to hide some -

SIMON: Perhaps the excitement is blinding you?

F/X SITS UP CROSSLY

CHRISTINE: Its not blinding me!

SIMON: Im only trying to help. You need to relax: have you considered not being involved? You don't have

to prove yourself.

CHRISTINE: (QUIETLY) I do, I always have.

SIMON: You don't! Look where's it getting you, you work even though you don't need to and wind up being

so successful at proving yourself that you end up in a job talking about making people redundant! And

screwing yourself up. What's the good -

CHRISTINE: (ANGRY) Look my money is my business. It's got nothing to do with this.

SIMON: I think perhaps it has.

CHRISTINE: Just leave that out of it - that's private. (TRYING TO CALM DOWN) You're just not helping, Simon.

I'm in this. Its just a case of working out what's the best thing to do.

SIMON: And now, to prove you're still a radical, you go along with some half baked, cock and bull conspiracy.

CHRISTINE: Oh for Christ's sake! And what you trying to prove? That you don't like being left out?

(PAUSE)

SIMON: (STUNNED SILENCE) I'm not talking about our domestic arrangements now. I want to. Later ...

(CALMING HIMSELF DOWN) I'm just trying to say you've got most to lose - your job and think about Cara!

CHRISTINE: You don't see it do you? I've got most to gain because of her. A better future where people are

honest not -

SIMON: (QUICK, BUT NOT NASTY - ALMOST JOKING) Not what? Dishonest and secretive like you're

becoming? Where you won't talk on the telephone ...

CHRISTINE: Come on Simon, you know. A future which isn't malevolent, untrusting. All that Menwith Hill

represents. All we (FRIENDLIER) both hate. Come on. Support me. I know you want to help. (PAUSE) What is

the best thing to do?

F/X FADES

28

SCENE 8: THE SAME SATURDAY

F/X OUTSIDE MENWITH HILL STATION. NOISE OF DEMONSTRATION WHICH INCLUDES A LOT OF

DIFFERENT WHISTLES BEING BLOWN. FROM INSIDE THE BASE CAN BE HEARD SNATCHES OF

TANNOYED MESSAGES AND A SMALL KIDDIES FUNFAIR (IT IS JULY 4th).

A GROUP OF WOMEN GO PAST SINGING WE SHALL NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT, WE HAVE ONLY

STARTED, NEVER, NEVER PUT TO FLIGHT, WERE BOUND TO WIN, ETC. DERMOD IS WALKING

AROUND THE BASE WITH RICHARD. ITS VERY WINDY.

DERMOD: this place is eerie. I don't remember it being so big. (PAUSE)

RICHARD: You know, this is the best weather I've ever known for a demonstration up here. Normally its

raining as well. (PAUSE) Shame BJ couldn't make it. Thought he'd be more interested.

DERMOD: Is he going to help at all?

RICHARD: Oh yes, hell do his bit. But he's not very interested. (PAUSE) I suppose its not the class struggle...

DERMOD: Yer ... Those golfball things, they don't look that secure, so close to the fence. Someone could

easily ...

RICHARD: ..umm. Don't be too sure.

DERMOD: I hope this plan of yours comes off.

RICHARD: So do I! I'm sure it will! I've been in touch with Erika and everythings set

F/X SOUND OF HEAYY FOOTSTEPS OF POLICEMAN

RICHARD: ... Afternoon Officer... for Tuesday evening. As far as I know, everyone's done their bit and will be

there with their bits of paper or whatever. (PAUSE) In a sense this demonstration will act as a smokescreen,

an excuse for something to go wrong.

DERMOD: Its been so rushed.

RICHARD: She's transferring out of here in two weeks time. (PAUSE) You know, Marcus told me these stories

about the wonderful campaigns here. This woman got into a military social for top brass and was wearing a

badge saying "we don't like men with balls".

DERMOD: Ha! Its a strange name Menwith. Should be called Men with no shame.

RICHARD: Or Men with secrets. (PAUSE) You know there were 240 arrests of peace campaigners here before

they admitted the by-laws were illegal.

DERMOD: Heseltine's by-laws: bit of illegality doesn't seem to have done him any harm: President of the

board of Trade. Politics stinks.

RICHARD: (PAUSE) Did I say, Erika reminded me of someone?

29

DERMOD: No, I mean, yes you didnt say who.

RICHARD: WeIl ... (AS IF STARTING A STORY BUT THEN ENTHUSIASTICALLY) There she is.

DERMOD: Who?

RICHARD: Erika Thomas. (PAUSE) What she doing here? I'll have a word with her; catch you later - the

whistle-blowing thing is about to start.

DERMOD: O.K. No need for her to meet me.

RICHARD: No.

DERMOD: Which one is she?

RICHARD: With the one-piece blue .. azure ... trousers and top, by those flags, you can't miss her.

DERMOD: ummm (APPRECIATIVELY)

RICHARD: See you later.

F/X MORE LOUD SOUNDS OF DEMO INCLUDING SHOUTS "DID YOU BRING THIE KITE" AND ''MIND

OUT THE WAY CARS ARE MOVING SLOWLY PAST DEMONSTRATORS

RICHARD: Hallo how you doing?

ERIKA: Not so good.

RICHARD: You're not supposed to be here.

ERIKA: (EMOTIONALLY SCREWED UP) Oh the OSI can go to hell - I need to remind myself why Im doing this.

RICHARD: Why are you doing this?

ERIKA SHIVERS

ERIKA: You know. Same reason you are.

RICHARD: (TENTATIVELY) I thought I was trying to blow the whistle on Menwith.

ERIKA: You fool. Come here. Hold my hand.

RICHARD: What?

ERIKA: Hold me. Its freezing.

RICHARD: O.K,

ERIKA: (VERY QUIETLY) I have faults like anyone.

30

RICHARD: Im not so sure.

THEY KISS BRIEFLY

RICHARD: Everything will be fine.

ERIKA: Do you need to reassure yourself?

RICHARD: (HALF-HEARTEDLY) No

F/X SOUND OF ERIKA LOOKING IN POCKETS

ERIKA: Look here's a copy of the base magazine you can have if you need proof of who I am. That's the one

where I was featured - Professional of the Quarter!

RICHARD: (READING) "Here 'n' there. Menwith Hill Station." Interesting but -

ERIKA: And, here, have this: its the farewell address of the Director of the NSA. W.O. Studeman. I told you

about him when we first met ...

RICHARD: (MUMBLES READING UNTIL) "My wife Diane and I will miss you greatly but we are filled with fond

memories of the historical greatness of this powerful and magical institution." That's amazing - but hes

right. From here on a night like tonight it does seem magical; other-worldly.

ERIKA: You've no idea.

RICHARD: "Most of all, NSA needs to continue to focus on its unsurpassed achievement in the core business

areas. I believe the NSA is up to this great challenge by aggressively adapting to the new world both as

individuals and as a global enterprise." What does it mean? This stuff is incredible.

ERIKA: Sure is. A lot of our business is economic activity, did I not say?

RICHARD: I dont really get it - Economic? I thought this was a military base

ERIKA: Its that too! Theres so much you dont know.

RICHARD: Yes. I must admit I am worried I am getting out of my depth. Is this all for real? Are you ...

ERIKA: Faith. You need faith.

RICHARD: I do.

ERIKA: If you had youd take me home. Wed be making love. Not standing frozen in some -

RICHARD: I thought we were just blowing the lid on Menwith.

ERIKA: What! "just" You think its that easy! You have to trust me. I have to trust you - don't you see that?

Im scared. Hold me! (PAUSE) Your friends ... are they careful: they mustn't use the phone -

RICHARD: Everything will be fine. I, I, I like you.

31

ERIKA: I know that but -

F/X SHE IS INTERRUPTED BY THE WHISTLES, RATTLES, HOORNS, KAZOOS, DRUMS, BISCUIT TINS

BUILDING TO A CRESCENDO

RICHARD: Better disappear while security are otherwise engaged.

ERIKA: O.K., but remember. Have faith. .

F/X KISS QUICKLY

RICHARD: (SHOUTS) Bye. (PAUSE AS NOISE REACHES MAXIMUM) Come Monday it'll be us blowing the

whistle.

F/X FADES

32

SCENE 9: SUNDAY AFTERNOON - TWO WEEKS LATER

F/X FADES UP ON SOUND OF PHONE RINGING HEARD FROM THE DIALLERS END. (THIS SCENE IS

AS IF WE ARE IN RICHARD'S HOUSE)

CHRISTINE: Hello, Christine speaking.

RICHARD: Richard here. Just ringing to check -

CHRISTINE: (ANXIOUS) You heard from Fakrah?

RICHARD: No.

CHRISTINE: Oh. (PAUSE) Look we think it might all be a set up.

RICHARD: Not on the phone! (TO SUE WHO IS IN ROOM) I won't be long.

CHRISTINE: Honestly I've had enough of this. I'm not going any further ... how do we know this is OK?

RICHARD: (WITH EMPHASIS) It's OK. She's sincere. She needs our support and admiration not our distrust.

CHRISTINE: You don't know she can be trusted.

RICHARD: Yes I do.

CHRISTINE: You've no proof.

RICHARD: What proof can we have?

CHRISTINE: What does Barbara think?

RICHARD: What do you mean?

CHRISTINE: What does Barbara think about getting her the job, the passport, giving her a whole new

identity?

RICHARD: She she doesn't know.

CHRISTINE: (QUIETLY) What?

RICHARD: I haven't told her.

CHRISTINE: (SHOUTS) WHAT!

RICHARD: There's no need, she'll use the information and we'll look after ...

CHRISTINE: I can't believe that. I just can't believe that. There's something very peculiar about this. Think

Richard her initials are odd for a start ...

RICHARD: That's just one of those things

33

CHRISTINE: ... and if her parents were who she said they were, how would she ever get positively vetted for

that job?

RICHARD: Truth can be stranger than fiction, I believe that.

CHRISTINE: I'm sorry Richard. Things like this just don't happen. I wish they did but they don't, not in the

1990's. Truths not a big part of our culture just now

RICHARD: I wouldn't disagree normally but she's the exception, Im sure of it. Anyway we can't just give up

because it may be a set up.

CHRISTINE: Why not?

RICHARD: Because that makes us as bad as all the other cynics in this no-hope world. Truth is two way just

like trust.

F/X FRONT DOOR SLAMS

RICHARD: Hang on.

F/X PUTS DOWN PHONE & RUSHES OVER TO DOOR, OPENS IT

RICHARD: (SHOUTS) Sue, hold on. Ill only be a minute Sue!

F/X (NO REPLY, THEN SHUTS DOOR GENTLY)

RICHARD: Sorry, Sue's just going out. What was I saying? Oh yes, if we don't believe in truth how can we

expect others too?

CHRISTINE: That sounds really good Richard but its bullshit and you know it.

RICHARD: At least I've got some bloody principles left. I still believe in something and not just politics that

ends at the front door where the major issue of the day is who's turn is it to wash the sodding nappies.

CHRISTINE: You're the second man this weekend who thinks because I've got a baby I'm not interested in

politics. You're wrong Richard. The simple fact is because of Cara Ive got every reason to take her future

seriously - that is why I don't want it ballsed up by your games!

RICHARD: Games?!

CHRISTINE: Yes games instead of sorting yourself out.

RICHARD: What's happened to everyone? BJ didn't turn up at the demo today and now you're saying

objecting to Menwith is a game! Great, let's all have babies and screw the world!

CHRISTINE: You still dont get it do you? If you thought a bit more about personal politics youd realize it was

your hormones getting in the way, Richard, anyone can see that: its affecting your judgment.

RICHARD: (QUIETLY) Its not. What would anyone gain from setting us up?

34

CHRISTINE: (EXASPERATED) Its not US its Barbara, Member of Parliament, left winger and you said it

yourself "thorn in the side of Menwith Hill'. Discrediting her would be a major coup, implicating her in

criminal activity, disappearing someone, it would be huge -

RICHARD: Look Christine, Menwith Hill is a vile, ugly place, it promotes war, wastes money and tampers with

your civil liberties. Are you going to help expose it or not?

CHRISTINE: (CALMLY) Richard call it off. The risks are too high.

RICHARD: Caution above all, is it now? I don't reckon there's much difference between that and

conservatism.

CHRISTINE: Get off your moral high horse and listen to yourself, Richard. Come on honestly dont you see

the risks?

RICHARD: No. There's no risk at all but there is a bloody good opportunity, one we shouldnt be missing.

(PAUSE) come on Chrissy, I don't think we can do this without you.

CHRISTINE: I'm sorry ....

RICHARD: Thanks a lot. Bye

F/X SLAMS DOWN PHONE

RICHARD: Damn!

F/X FADES DOWN

35

SCENE 10: EARLY MONDAY MORNING

F/X FADES UP ON A SWIMMING POOL ECHOEY NIOISES ETC

DERMOD: Hey, Richard!

F/X SPLASH AS DIVES IN THEN DIALOGUE AS SWIMMING

DERMOD: Thought I'd find you here.

RICHARD: (CASUALLY) Yeah, helps me think before the working day begins.

DERMOD: And I thought this would be a safe place to talk.

RICHARD: Why what's wrong? You having cold feet as well?

DERMOD: I wasn't. I thought it was clear cut - an act of conscience.

RICHARD: Don't you think so?

DERMOD: I trusted you. Then I get some strange message from Fakrah, by Interflora! Set-up for Birthday.

Talk Richard. Looking forward to immediate visit." And a bunch of flowers of course.

RICHARD: I know what its about: Christine has pulled out.

DERMOD: Completely?

RICHARD: As far as I can see, says its too risky. And I guess your message means Fakrah too. But I've been

thinking - the two of us, we can still do it: just the two of us. Three if you count BJ. You with the new

documents, I can use the info and we'll sort out the job later. (PAUSE) And she could stay with me for a while

if needs be.

DERMOD: Hang on, we're all in this. Not because of that stupid agreement; I don't believe in that for one

minute, but we're all friends - we can't just all go separate ways.

RICHARD: So you're not going to stand with me on this either?

DERMOD: I didn't say that. Is just we can't all just act as individuals. Together - as socialists - you said it

yourself, we can do this. I'm going to London later so I want to get a few things straight first. (PAUSE) For

instance, I don't understand why Erika was there yesterday outside the base. What she say?

RICHARD: Just something about reminding herself why she's doing this.

DERMOD: Why is she indeed. Defecting. That's the question. And it didn't make any sense. She could easily

have been seen and reported.

RICHARD: Ermm, I know. (PAUSE) I just can't see her as anything but true. Feels right but it is odd. D'you

think I'm right - or Chrissy?

36

DERMOD: Why does one of you have to be right?

RICHARD: Because one of us is. It either is a set-up or it isnt

DERMOD: Why not stop worrying which it is and prepare for both, take some precautions? Sometimes you

two are so competitive you don't realize you could actually agree.

RICHARD: What precautions could we take? God I'm getting tired. Its not a set-up. Ive spent time with

Erika. (PAUSE) You know sometimes I worry about people for whom politics just becomes a lifestyle:

"socialism in one living room." Politics is about principles, risks. I never thought Id see CHRISTINE become so

cautious. Caution never helped anyone -

DERMOD: That's not fair.

RICHARD: I just feel so disappointed. (PAUSE)

DERMOD: Don't you ever worry that you're getting out of your depth?

RICHARD: No I think -

DERMOD: That was a joke. (BRIGHTER) Come on let's get out?

F/X SOUND OF SPLASHES AS DO, AND RICHARD LAUGHS

DERMOD: Let's hope the showers are hot.

F/X NOISE OF SHOWER SWTTCHED ON - CONTINUES THROUGHOUT

RICHARD: Try and talk to the others, try and make them see that Menwith is important. We could do it on

our own but it would be better together... try and make them see that politics is about seizing opportunities;

she is a golden opportunity.

DERMOD: I'll try. You know you never did say who she reminded you of.

RICHARD: Cindy. She was called -

DERMOD: Cindy? You're joking!

RICHARD: I'm not; she might have been. Although its quite a common name in the States. I met her at a

conference, 4 years ago. Yknow, the type every-one goes to at some time and wonders if something'll

happen. European Nuclear Disarmament in Prague; she was there as an official NATO observer. Pretty weird.

I bumped into her a couple of times during the day and then again at dinner... I'd just started seriously with

Sue. There was this almost tangible mutual attraction. Later on in the bar she asked "are we going to do

anything about this?" Well I was horrified: consorting with the enemy, but we did ...

DERMOD: do something about it?

RICHARD: Consort, yes. It was very casual - or so I thought - and we got on really well. Afterwards I realized

that we'd actually been making love, it hadn't just been sex. But it was too late then; we'd made a joke about

37

not exchanging addresses - I guess I was scared, happier for it to remain casual and anyway we both had our

separate lives. It would have been difficult. But later I felt so terrible. Funny! 24 hours and I fell in love -

thought it was the foreign country, the drink - but it wasn't. I began searching for her. I didn't tell Sue of

course. You wouldn't think it was that difficult but I couldn't find Cindy - I tried for weeks, months - in the

end I began to think the name was a joke. I carried on with Sue and things got better and better and I

thought I'd forgotten. I had forgotten - then I met Erika.

DERMOD: So?

RICHARD: It would be alright if she weren't the same.

DERMOD: But she's not is she?

RICHARD: Same feeling, same mannerisms, same mutual attraction.

DERMOD: (EXASPERATED) But she's not the same. You haven't made love have you?

RICHARD: I don't need to. I know what it would be like.

SILENCE

DERMOD: And this isn't affecting your judgement?

RICHARD: I just don't know.

DERMOD: (TERSELY) We could be being set-up. Don't you think so?

RICHARD: Of course I do but I also know that nobody believes in anything these days, cynicism rules O.K. and

U.K. That's why we're in such a mess.

SHOWER SWITCHED OFF - CONTINUE TALKING AS GET DRESSED

DERMOD: (CROSSLY) But why not be careful? It doesn't hurt, we could insure ourselves, we must do-

RICHARD: Don't you see; I'm scared to do that. That's what happened before - I insured myself over Cindy

and lost her, now I have another chance -

DERMOD: Well if you want this project to have a chance you're going to have to work with us; if you just

want an affair you don't need our help.

RICHARD: Is that the choice? Politics or love? God, Dermod I don't know what to do.

DERMOD: I'm not even convinced this information - if we get it - will have the effect youre hoping for.

RICHARD: What? You think this is a waste of time.

DEMOD: I don't think information will ever bring that place down.

RICHARD: I don't know.

38

DERMOD: The problem is people don't care. Everyone knows illegal things happen at Menwith Hill.

RICHARD: Not necessarily.

DERMOD: If they don't know they've chosen not to know. They could find out if people could be bothered:

then there would have been 15 thousand people on that demo not blowing whistles but ransacking the

place the way the East Germans ransacked the Stasi headquarters in Berlin.

RICHARD: Yes ... but unless people get information - specific information - about how Menwith interferes

with our liberties. Its only when they have something tangible that people can take action

DERMOD: But that can always be suppressed.

RICHARD: But if it isn't. People do take action, demand action, when a problem is highlighted. They do care

when they are told about the drought in Ethiopia even if they don't care about the declining level of British

Overseas Aid. That's what politics is about: highlighting specific issues, making them tangible -

DERMOD: Politics stinks! That's the problem, not the answer. That people only care when its put in front of

them and the rest of the time its OK to forget.

RICHARD: I agree that is terrible, but I live in hope.

DERMOD: (CYNICALLY) Someone has to! Perhaps you're right and the lid is about to be blown off Menwith:

people will rise up and demand a public inquiry - all they needed was a whistleblower and a few facts.

RICHARD: So it is worth carrying on with this?

DERMOD: I thought I was helping out an old friend, but if you want my advice YES but Ill try and find some

ways that mean we cant be set up.

RICHARD: But what about -

DERMOD: Youre going to have to trust us.

RICHARD: I dont have any choice do I?

DERMOD: Look at this advice - I can't believe they still have this sign up, like when we were kids: "Will

patrons kindly refrain Running, petting

RICHARD: ... bombing. Good advice. Come on lets go.

RICHARD: So what's your secret? I've told you mine. You're married, two children, full time job and

mortgage. Come on. Weve all got them. Chrissy and her money, Fakrahs -

DERMOD: (ALMOST LAUGHING) That's for me to know surely thats the point of this Menwith stuff. Its

alright to have secrets! Actually my secret is Im happy. which is why Im damn sure Im not taking any

risks.

F/X DOOR SWINGS TO AS EXIT

39

SCENE 11: CHRISTINE'S HOUSE

F/X FADE UP ON NINA SIMONE

NINA: MAYBE YOU UNDERSTAND ME NOW, SOMETIMES YOU SEE THAT IM MAD, NO-ONE CAN

ALWAYS BE AN ANGEL, AND EVERYTHING GOES WRONG YOU SEE SOME BAD, IM JUST A SOUL

WHOS INTENTIONS ARE GOOD, OH LORD, PLEASE DONT LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

SIMON: (SHOUTING ABOVE MUSIC) Wheres the washing powder?

F/X SWITCH OFF MUSIC

CHRISTINE: I think we need a new one.

SIMON: You know, it would be easier to use disposables.

CHRISTINE: Easier for us maybe, but not the planet. Leave it now anyway and bring the casserole in.

SMON: O.K. (COMING IN) Here we are. Thats nice! Candlelight.

CHRISTINE: I still know how to create an atmosphere.

SIMON: I know.

THEY KISS BRIEFLY

CHRISTINE: Have a glass of wine.

F/X POURS WINE

SMON: Heres to peace.

CHRISTINE: Cheers.

SIMON: Peace and quiet.

CHRISTINE: (IGNORING THIS POINTED POLITICAL COMMENT) Im glad Claras gone down early; shes been

really vexatious recently.

SIMON: She picks it up from us. Perhaps now youre less stressed, now youve dropped this thing with

Richard shell be more calm. You have dropped it havent you?

CHRISTINE: Seems so. Fakrah was meant to be coming round but shes either late or forgotten.

F/X THEY ARE EATTNG DINNER

SIMON: Or got better things to do with her time. You know the psychological make-up of politicians is pretty

interesting -

40

CHRISTINE: I bet youre going to tell me, there are 2 types.

SIMON: (LAUGHS) Well for the sake of simplicity, yes: one desires to be important, the other assumes they

are important. The former arises from a need for approval, a lack of confidence -

CHRISTINE: Lack of maternal love I suppose.

SIMON: - umm, examples normally display a pretty hopeless personal life which they avoid. And the latter

suffer from an excess of confidence, sometimes arrogance, quite often due to class - y'know "our family has

always been in politics" or it can be caused by -

CHRISTINE: Don't tell me; an excess of maternal love. Simon, darling I'm not sure of some of your theories

anymore -

SIMON: (LAUGHS) Well, the point is -

F/X DOOR BELL RINGS

CHRISTINE: The point will have to wait.

F/X WALKS TO AND OPENS DOOR

FAKRAH: Chris, sorry I'm late.

CHRISTINE: Hallo. I thought you'd decided not to bother.

FAKRAH: Dermod met me in the pub and -

DERMOD: - one drink led to another. No, we were definitely coming. Alright if we come in?

CHRISTINE: Yes. Yes, of course. We were just eating -

F/X WALK BACK NTO DINING ROOM

FAKRAH: Oh we shouldn't intrude.

SIMON: Hallo, Fakrah. Hallo.

CHRISTINE: We were just celebrating, a bit of a decision....

DERMOD: Congratulations;

CHRISTINE: Thank you. I've decided to job-share at work, see more of Cara, and Simon will have some time

for his writing. Its been so difficult -

FAKRAH: What about the brilliant career?

CHRISTINE; Well I seem to have had promotion every 2 years since I started work. With the present climate

of spending cuts Ill be grateful to leave it a while before I try and move forward. So what d'you think?

41

FAKRAH: I'm pleased, if you are sure its the right decision for you.

SIMON: It is. Here let me pour you all a drink.

F/X POURING WINE

DERMOD: Cheers. I think we should talk about politics -

SIMON: (QUIETLY) We were. The personal is political.

DERMOD: I mean about Menwith Hill. God its windswept up there; you should see it, a million miles from

here. I went to that demo, not many there, mostly activists

CHRISTINE: Oh, Simon was just about to tell me the psychology behind activism (PAUSE). Simon.

SIMON: (AWKWARDLY) Well. I was just saying politicians aren't a contented group of people -

DERMOD: That's obvious isn't it?

SIMON: What I meant was they avoid their personal problems either because they desperately want

approval from others or because they are so arrogant they think their personal life doesn't matter.

DERMOD: Is that so.

CHRISTINE: (TRYING TO SUPPORT SIMON) Richard's like that - a little.

DERMOD: And we're not?

FAKRAH: You got to admit there are some pretty screwed up and unpleasant people in politics.

DERMOD: But that's true in anything; banking for instance, or teaching or the media. Its certainly true in the

ambulance service. Some people are screwed up. And we're all discontented aren't we.

SIMON: (KEEPING CALM) As a matter of fact we haven't been very happy recently - that was why we were

celebrating tonight ... Chrissy's been very stressed by this Menwith thing

DERMOD: So now you 2 are sitting pretty and Richard's left on his own. I'm very happy for you both.

SIMON: I wasn't trying to involve myself in your ... project ... I was merely offering a professional opinion.

Now if you'll excuse me I'll go ... and wash up.

F/X SIMON STANDS UP

CHRISTINE: Dermod, I'm happy to talk about Richard; all I've said is the risks are too great.

F/X SIMON EXIT CARRYING DISHES

CHRISTINE: I'll help.

F/X CIGARETTE BEING LIT

42

FAKRAH: What's got into you.

DERMOD: Its the beer talking! No seriously, its something Richard said; "socialism in one living room." Just

look around. The South African prints, miners strike commemorative plates -

FAKRAH: There's nothing wrong here. Chrissy is 100% always has been. Don't forget that. (PAUSE) I'm really

pleased for her, I don't understand why you're so hostile.

DERMOD: I -

F/X CHRISTINE ENTERS

CHRISTINE: So what's your line on our extra-terrestrial whistleblower, then Dermod?

DERMOD: I dont know, but Im pretty sure we can't afford the luxury or choosing to let Richard go it alone.

Richards not perfect hes got emotionally involved, that great crime of the professional classes but at the

end of the day that is irrelevant: the question is Does this campaign to expose Menwith warrant our

support?

FAKRAH: Course it does.

CHRISTINE: - in principle, but the risks -

DERMOD: Then we should be in there. We can minimize the risks but Christine, I bet the risks werent your

first concern when you gave the ANC some financial support

CHRISTINE: My money is my business, anyway I am discerning -

DERMOD: Of course. Risks can be minimized but when you gave money to the miners on strike you sat at

home and somebody else went out to the front line and took those risks. (QUIETER) This time its us whove

been called to the front line and this time whats being asked for isnt money (PAUSE)

FAKRAH: Its about solidarity, isnt it?

CHRISTINE: Stupidity more like. Ha. (PAUSE) Christ Almighty, talk about moral blackmail! Im in if, and only if,

we can find some way to stop special branch or whatever it is swooping -

FAKRAH: What about Simon? He seemed keen you not be involved.

CHRISTINE: Simon will respect whatever decision I make. He may disagree, but he believes in personal

politics. Thats why we oh, never mind. Whats your idea then?

DERMOD: Well, as far as I understand it, the worry is that when Erika arrives at Richards tomorrow and

hands over the information the place will be raided. So, instead of us all meeting her at Richards Ill bundle

her into the ambulance and take her across town to my place. No-one can follow an ambulance on

emergency through a city at rush hour!

CHRISTINE: It sounds amateurish, to me.

43

DERMOD: Hang on. Then we drop the stuff off with BJ and he can fax the information out before shes even

arrived!

FAKRAH: And I'll video it with one of my fly on the wall documentary cameras: so if there is a raid we can

turn the tables and prove the real crime is them trying to set us or Barbara up.

CHRISTINE: - if Richard could see us now plotting without him. Hed say we were betraying him; something

like you cant fight secrecy with dishonesty.

DERMOD: Well, at least we all agree on one thing; if necessary well fight dirty.

F/X FADES

44

SCENE 12:

RICHARD: (SPEAKING INTO PHONE) Sue, I'm going to have to talk to you later sorry ... no I can't say yet ...

I'm expecting everyone around very shortly...Oh there's Dermod's ambulance. Funny. Look, I'll call you later.

Better go. Bye.

F/X RUSHING OUTSIDE THROUGH DOOR

RICHARD: (OUT OF BREATH) What's going on?

DERMOD: Hallo Richard. Take it easy. When I saw the others we agreed to change the meeting point - from

your place to mine.

RICHARD: What? I don't think -

DERMOD: Look, don't argue here she comes.

F/X CAR PULLING UP, DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS

ERIKA: (NERVOUS) I wasn't expecting such a public reception.

RICHARD: Slight change of plan. We're going someplace else -

DERMOD: In the ambulance

F/X SIREN SWITCHED ON

ERIKA: What happened to faith?

RICHARD: I don't know.

DERMOD: Come on get in, in the back.

RICHARD: Better do as he says.

F/X GETTING IN THEN AMBULANCE MOVES AWAY, SIREN ON

ERIKA: This is bloody stupid.

RICHARD: I agree. (SHOUTS TO DERMOD WHO IS IN THE FRONT) I suppose this is your "insurance."

DERMOD: Doesn't hurt to be careful.

ERIKA: (QUIETLY) Richard, this is jeopardizing the whole mission. I thought Barbara was meeting me.

DERMOD: (FROM FRONT - LOUDER) Oh were you, that's interesting!

RICHARD: For god's sake! (QUIETER) So exactly how does this help?

DERMOD: If it was a trap and she was being followed to your place.

45

RICHARD: Is it a trap Erika? Are you a double agent?

ERIKA: This is absurd. I thought your friends would help.

DERMOD: Oh did you.

ERIKA: My intentions are good.

RICHARD: I believe you. (TO DERMOD) So what if Erika's wearing some tracking device. You going to strip

search her?

DERMOD: Course not.

RICHARD: You just can't fight deception with more deception. At some point you have to decide to believe in

something. Thats what this is about ...

DERMOD: Well were just making sure.

F/X AMBULANCE SLOWS TO A STOP

DERMOD: O.K. Give me the documents.

RICHARD: What?

DERMOD: I'm taking them into BJ; he's got a fax. Come on hand them over - if your intentions are good.

ERIKA: I don't understand. What about Barbara? I need to explain.

DERMOD: You can explain later.

RICHARD: .and her documents? Its not fair.

DERMOD: (EXASPERATED) Richard. The documents are in my place, youre going there now.

ERIKA: You sure you're not going to dump me in some bog once Ive let you have the information.

RICHARD: NO! TO DERMOD) We should give her her documents.

F/X OPENS DOOR

DERMOD: The papers first. Richard, show some solidarity with your friends. Tell her.

RICHARD: Better do as he says. Im sorry.

ERIKA: Jeopardizes the whole mission!

DERMOD: Thank you.

F/X DERMOD GETS OUT SLAMS DOOR AND FADE

46

SCENE 13: TUESDAY EVENING, DERMOD'S FLAT

F/X DOOR BEING OPENED

CHRISTINE: (INSIDE) Welcome! You're Erika.

ERIKA: (OUTSIDE) Hi! You must be Barbara.

CHRISTINE: Afraid not... Hallo Richard. Come in and sit down. Both of you.

RICHARD: (IRONICALLY) Thank you.

CHRISTINE: I've got champagne, would you ...

RICHARD: No thank you.

CHRISTINE: .....or tea?

ERIKA: Do you mind if I go to the washroom, I feel sick?

TOGETHER

CHRISTINE: Yes

RICHARD: No, of course not.

F/X ERIKA GOING UPSTAIRS

RICHARD: Well thanks for your support, Christine, conditional though it was.

CHRISTINE: Just precautions ...

RICHARD: Oh yes?

CHRISTINE: Well, you agreed not to involve Barbara.

RICHARD: Thats a bit different to some bloody nonsense with an ambulance.

CHRISTINE: Well so far so good. (PAUSE) What's she doing up there? Signalling to someone?

RICHARD: Don't be stupid. (SHOUTING AT BOTTOM OF STAIRS) ERIKA!

F/X BATHROOM DOOR OPENS, TOILET FLUSHED, ERIKA SOBBING

ERIKA: (CALLING DOWN STAIRS) Can we be alone.

RICHARD: Of course.

F/X RUNNING UP STAIRS AS CHRISTINE MIMICS "OF COURSE'

ERIKA: Richard ... everything goes wrong. Im so sorry.

47

RICHARD: What do you mean? The ambulance stunt?

ERIKA: Come here. Hold me. Theyre coming - I know.

RICHARD: How dyou know?

ERIKA: Kiss me.

F/X PHONE RINGS LOUDLY INSISTENTLY DOWNSTAIRS

RICHARD: How d'you know?

F/X PICKS UP PHONE AT BOTTOM OF STAIRS

CHRISTINE: Yes ... what? you sure? ... (IRONICALLY) Thanks Dermod.

F/X PUTS DOWN PHONE. SHOUTS UPSTAIRS

CHRISTINE: 3 cars coming into the crescent. Fast.

RICHARD: (TO ERIKA) How dyou know?

F/X SIRENS LIKE U.S. POLICE CARS (DIFFERENT FROM AMBULANCE SIREN BEFORE)

ERIKA: You still dont believe in me. Believe in me now. (GETTING QUIETER AND QUIETER) I love you. Kiss

me.

CHRISTINE: (EXASPERATED, SHOUTING) Whats this all about?

F/X CARS SCRUNCH TO A HALT OUTSIDE ON GRAVEL. DOORS OPEN AND SLAM

RICHARD: (QUIETLY) I tried, I did, but I still dont understand. How dyou know?

CHRISTINE: (SHOUTING) They coming for you or for us?

F/X FEET ON STAIRS

CHRISTINE: Jesus Christ!

ERIKA: (QUIETLY) The faxes. They can trace the fax just like they tap the phones. You were my only chance of

escape and you blew it because you lacked faith in me.

F/X ENTER

BRAD: O.K. E.T. its all over.

F/X STRUGGLING

RICHARD: Erika! It wasnt my fault. My intentions were good.

48

ERIKA: Take your hands off me.

RICHARD: You arresting her?

CHANNON: (LOUD) Yep.

ERIKA: You just couldn't believe how powerful they are - how strong we had to be. Its not just politics

RICHARD: I did have faith.

CHRISTINE: More fool you.

ERIKA: This proves the opposite.

RICHARD: I didn't realize. I just didn't realize.

BRAD: O.K. Channon get her out. (EXIT ERIKA) Spicer, search the place.

CHRISTINE: The information's gone - faxed to every newspaper in Britain and a few more beside. You're

wasting your time.

BRAD: Keep looking, you know what we want: passport, national insurance number ... (TO

RICHARD/CHRISTINE) That wasn't a bad little trick with that ambulance but its not the information we're

looking for - that'll be stopped by the D notice we've sent out.

F/X SOUNDS OF SEARCHING

CHRISTINE: (SLOWLY TO SPELL IT OUT TO RICHARD) They're searching for something to incriminate Barbara,

you know, but they won't find anything.

BRAD: Ignore her.

CHANNON: Look, here's the tape machine he recorded that meeting with Thomas.

RICHARD: How do you know that?

BRAD: What's on it?

F/X TAPE TURNED ON; IT PLAYS

ERIKA: We might be talking death penalty if I get this stuff out. It would be treason. Id need a whole new

identity ...

AT SAME TIME

BRAD: This is it.

ERIKA: You think your Barbara can organize that -

F/X TAPE SUDDENLY STOPS AND INTO

49

NINA: - JUST A SOUL WHO'S INTENTIONS ARE GOOD, PLEASE LORD DON'T LET ME BE

MISUNDERSTOOD"

THEN SWITCHED OFF

BRAD: That's no good

F/X MORE STRENUOUS SEARCHING

CHRISTINE: Let's see your warrant then.

BRAD: What for?

CHRISTINE: How about for searching this flat? Then there's tapping our phones - you must have been

tapping our phones to know about the tape.

CHANNON: We don't need no warrant. Menwith security's above your laws. Always has been, always will be.

BRAD: Theres nothing here, Channon. Lets go ...

CHANNON: That why you should keep out of it.

RICHARD: Just tell me, how did you find out about Erika in the first place? I mean I can see how in the end

the chance of catching Barbara was too good an opportunity to miss, but in the first place, how

BRAD: She say that? Make you feel happier does it to think we caught her out? (PAUSE) Id of thought you

socialists would feel happier thinking we planned it all along - right down to holding hands outside the base?

What does it matter what happened? -

RICHARD: (PETULANTLY) The truth matters.

BRAD: Strikes me you got an unhealthy obsession with truth.

CHRISTINE: Whats unhealthy is your obsession with secrecy -

CHANNON: Lets go.

F/X SECURITY EXIT

RICHARD: Oh god. I just dont understand.

CHRISTINE: What's to understand? We should have been more careful.

RICHARD: I shouldn't have let you lot persuade me to be cynical.

CHRISTINE: Oh for god's sake Richard, you never believed her from the start - taped that first meeting -

playing games then getting us involved. Count yourself lucky you didnt end up betraying Barbara.

RICHARD: (ALMOST BREAKING DOWN) It wasnt me that betrayed -

50

F/X DOOR OPENS

FAKRAH: This place is a mess!

CHRISTINE: I know.

DERMOD: She must have had some transmitter.

RICHARD: No. The fax - they traced the faxes. Or we were followed: the ambulance didnt go that fast.

FAKRAH: Oh Richard. It was a set up - right from the start.

RICHARD: She loved me.

FAKRAH: You're crazy.

DERMOD: Nothing will appear tomorrow in the papers - the D notice will work.

RICHARD: (DISSAPPOINTED) Tut (THEN QUIETLY) The truth will out ... one day

DERMOD: Id of thought Menwith Hill proved the opposite.

CHRISTINE: You know Menwith's not really the story. The story is the US targeted a British MP and tried to

set her up, involve her in criminal activity.

RICHARD: No the story is politics without belief doesn't work. Erika was true and now shes been arrested

because of our, my, disbelief.

DERMOD: Come on Richard forget about her. You got your new documents, I thought that was what's

important. And we got the video Fakrah shot of the whole raid. Socialism Today will do a feature - they could

try and defy the D notice -

RICHARD: I'm not interested anymore. I'm going to try and find Erika, see if Barbara can ask some questions.

DERMOD: You don't see it do you? We saved you and Barbara. We made sure there was nothing

incriminating here - you don't seem to appreciate our assistance.

RICHARD: I'm sorry but you were wrong: it wasn't politics or love, it was politics and love or it was nothing. I

loved her -

F/X PHONE RINGS

CHRISTINE: (EXASPERATED) you didn't know her.

RICHARD: I'm sorry.

DERMOD: (SARCASTICALLY) Some gratitude? Is that too much to ask -

FAKRAH: Bloody phone.

51

F/X PICKS UP PHONE

FAKRAH: Hallo. Yes, he's here. (TO RICHARD) Richard, its Sue, she says shes been waiting -

RICHARD: Oh god. Tell her. I don't know what to tell her. Tell her, tell her I've just left.

F/X RICHARD EXITS AS SONG FROM FIRST VERSE BEGINS

NINA: MAYBE YOU UNDERSTAND ME NOW, SOMETIMES YOU SEE THAT IM MAD NO-ONE CAN

ALWAYS BE AN ANGEL AND EVERYTHING GOES WRONG YOU SEE, SOME BAD, I'M JUST A SOUL

WHOSE INTENTIONS ARE GOOD, OH LORD PLEASE DON'T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD"

F/X CREDITS READ OVER CONTINUATION OF SONG

THE END

52

MEN WITH SECRETS

Before the internet and mobile phones, there was the NSA

Before Edward Snowden, there were attempts to expose it