S1E11 DOOMWATCH - THE DEATH OF GENERATION Y

8/9/2019 S1E11 DOOMWATCH - THE DEATH OF GENERATION Y

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SEASON 4 EPISODE 11

The Death of Generation-YWritten by GRANT FOXON

In the Doomwatch office, a soft trickle of light from the average spring dayseeped in like water into a sinking ship. Adam, Ridge and Miranda sat arounda television. Eve joined them. On the TV a debate was raging about generation

Y. 70 plus year olds were now being blamed for the recession.

Clearly its our fault because we havent had the good sense to die yet.Ridge said with contempt. Eve couldnt believe what she was hearing.

They cant be serious can they? She asked.After smokers, I suppose theyre the next best target. Adam replied.

As if on queue Ridge pulled out a cigar and lit up.And if they smokeWell if the anti-smoking information is true theyd be dead by now.

Thats it. I mean they should tax for euthanasia. Two birds one, stone. Ridgetook a deep drag on his cigar.Adam turned the TV off. Miranda scratched her arm.

Surely people dont by this bollocks said MirandaOh too be French and riot. Not lie down and take it like we English doRidge took another drag.

Its despicable! Eve shouted. Everyone looked. She felt herselfblushing, then smiled and headed back to her desk.

We can make a freedom fighter out of her yet Adam. Ridge smiled ashe spoke.

She has got a point. Miranda replied.Just wait and see if they try and drag Doomwatch into this debate.

Adam said raring for a fight.No they wont risk involving Doomwatch. They know what wed say.

Remember those scientists they asked to investigate and make a report oncannabis? When the report came back saying it wasnt that bad the group wasfired and the report slated and another group was hired o give the correctresponse.

Do you think democracy is a dream? Miranda asked.Ridge hesitated before answering and took a deep drag on his cigar.

I think that is a very silly question my girl. Do you think Eve, you couldput the kettle on?

Adam grinned, Ridge was unbelievable, how did he get away with it? Ridgesmoked, was forthright and sexist to boot. I love this guy. Adam laughed ashe spoke.


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Miranda looked up to heaven for help then said A little bit stereotypicalthough isnt he?

And you being late every day for work whilst you do your hair anddecide on your shoes isnt? Adam countered.

Point taken. Miranda replied.

Ridge strolled out the room and headed off towards Eves desk. Adam tookthe opportunity to speak to Miranda.

Do you think hes ok? Adam asked.Ridge? Yeah I mean apart from the whole misogynistic dinosaur thing

he seems fine. Why?I dont know. Probably nothing. Wheres Paul?Day off. Said Miranda. I think hes going to be asking you for some

maternity leave.Adam made a disagreeable sound, something between a roar and indigestion.

I told him that would be your reaction.Ridge walked back in with a mug of coffee. Adam and Miranda just looked at

him.Oh sorry, did you want one? Ridge asked innocently.No, its all right Ridge, we had one yesterday. Adam replied.

Ridge let the sarcasm go over his head.Jolly good he replied as he sat down.So what do we do now? Miranda asked.Mmmmm I dont know. Adam replied.Well we do have that mountain of paperwork to get through what with

the auditors coming in next month. Miranda replied.We could do that, or we could do something else.What? Miranda replied.

Adam looked around the office, desperate to look for something new to do inorder to avoid the logistical beurocratic nightmare of going through thatmountain of paperwork on Mirandas desk.

How about we challenge the argument against Generation Y? saidAdam.

Theyll love that. You know the government dont need much of anexcuse to close you. Ridge replied as he sipped his drink.

Well hopefullythey wont be the government for much longer. Adamcountered.

Talking like a French man now Adam. Ridge remarked.Look, are you going to help? Adam asked Ridge.

Im officially retired. Ridge replied.According to the latest government report I have youre not allowed to

retire.Loco Parentis. Ridge uttered to no one in particular.Quite. Now its either risk a sacking and the department being closed

or that huge pile of urgent paperwork. I know which one appeals more tome.Ridge smiled.

Youre a man out of your time too Adam.

In his office, Timmons finished reading the report. He looked up at Ridge.Youre serious arent you? Timmons asked.


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Look, you are our liaison between M.I.5 and us. This report doesntmatter to you. Adam replied.

Then why show it me? Was this Ridges idea?Adam sighed louder than he realised in response to Timmons.

I just wanted your opinion. Thats all.

You think theyll let you publish this?For God sake man I asked for your opinion not what your superiors

might think! said Adam.Timmons was slightly taken aback by Adams outburst but didnt wasnt goingto show it.

Ok. You are probably right. Generation Y is unfairly treated. Oftendismissed, we no longer value our aged. If they are of little use, then they areleft to die. Happy?Now Adam was taken aback.

I was wrong about you Timmons, maybe you do have a soul? Perhapsthat was my motivation?

With that Adam left Timmons alone to continue with his work.

Outside Timmons office Adam cast his eye up and down the street.There were mostly young people around laughing. He saw one old woman

whose expression seemed vacant.Maybe she knows society is waiting for her to die. Maybe she knows

they are waiting, for her to die?Adam thought to himself.

That night Adam returned to his cottage. There was the usual mountainof post. Bills and junk mail. He threw them to one side and stoked up his coalfire. He then crossed to a mirror and studied his face. Age was slowly creeping

up on him.The sight only gets worse believe me. Ridge appeared from nowhere.

Adam nearly jumped out of his skin.Can you please stop coming around here and doing that!Well I have got a key.Yes, that you had cut without my permission!

Ridge held his hands up theatrically.Youre right of course. I apologise.What do you want anyway? said Adam.

Ridge crossed to Adams sofa and eloquently sat down.Im old Adam. Im old and I really dont want to be. My mind is still

there ticking away, but look at me. Fine clothes and money dont make up fora shrivelled body that in the near future will welcome death like an old flame.Adam opened a nearby cabinet and pulled a bottle of whisky out.

I knew there was something wrong.Ridge smiled.

Youre the closest I have to family now. Well, family that I like.Adam poured a glass for Ridge.

This melancholy doesnt seem like you Ridge.Its old age. Death and decomposition are always in my thoughts

somewhere. Stalking them.Adam poured himself a glass.

We all have our demons Ridge.


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I know. But this isnt something that can be changed. Every day I lookin the mirror and the man I used to be gets further and further away. And

what can I do? Nothing said Ridge as he gulped the whisky down in one.Im a fool. I shouldnt have come here and bothered you.Dont be absurd Ridge said Adam.

Adam looked down at his near empty whisky glass as he replied. Like I said.We all have our demons.Adam drank the whisky and then held the glass up. He licked his lips. Findingsolace in the alcohol.

After Ridge had departed, Adam found it hard to shake off the maudlinfeelings that Ridge had left behind. He found it was a thin excuse to open anew bottle and drink some more whisky. But then again he didnt really needexcuses.

The next morning Adam wasnt the only one waking to a headache. ButRidges drinking wasnt the cause of it. He climbed out of bed slowly and

headed straight to the bathroom. As he brushed his teeth he looked at the manin the mirror. The man that stared back at him was a stranger.

Whats the point in living, if you have to grow old?Ridge pondered.Like every generation the current one wanted Generation Y to die as soon aspossible. Perhaps the zeitgeist of the entire civilised world wanted thisgeneration gone like some obscene blood clot that was costing the state toomuch money. If a mass culling could be legislated it would be welcomed by allthe selfish young people that didnt care.

Ridge splashed water on his face. This is morbidhe thought to himself.The truth often was. Like some sick unappreciative bad joke Generation Y keptliving and dying slowly. In thirty years the money it would cost to keep them

alive and safewould be too much. Pushing the country ever more into a thirdworld police state that perhaps it was destined to become.

Ridge prepared his breakfast and thought back along his long variedlife and then quickly shook away the disease of nostalgia and prepared for thenew day as comfortable as he could do in his aging frame.

Adam arrived at work. He realised he was the first one there and flicked thelight on. He rubbed his vibrating temples and made a b-line for the kettle. Hechecked the coffee situation. He was good to go. Those remarkable cleaningladies had done an awesome job again and even restocked the tea, coffee andsugar bowls. Adam momentarily considered getting them to have a go at the

impossible mounting paperwork that was urgent. He felt himself feeling sickerthinking of it. Then the phone went.

How do they know Im here? Adam questioned the Gods. Then aremarkably obvious thought struck him.

Oh yes. They know I work here.Adam answered the ringing phone.

Hello. Yes speaking. Really? Adams voice suddenly becameanimated.

Ridge walked into his favourite coffee outlet. He didnt know why he liked thisparticular supplier of caffeine. The coffee was average and overpriced and theshop was dimly lit. But it did have a certain ambience and charisma that Ridge

was drawn to. He decided that when he hit 70 his tastes in women were


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displaced from women into coffee shops. This place did indeed remind him ofa leggy brunette he once knew called Larissa.

He sat back in his chair with his usual coffee and felt a certain calmnessflow through his being. Not happiness, no there was no happiness or sadnessto it. Just calmness. Ridge welcomed it. He almost considered closing his eyes,

but thought he might look a little strange. He sipped his drink and took aheavy breathe of life.Ridge felt his pocket shake. He pulled his mobile out and looked at it ratheranachronistically before answering. It was Adam.

Hello dear boy. Ridge said trying to sound his old self.You know how many decades its been since I was last called boy?

Adam replied.No?Ive got a case and I think itll be right up your alley.

Miranda was five minutes earlier than normal which made her about

twenty minutes late. Adam hadnt sat around idle he had begun work on a newcase. One that he had the blessing from the ministry. So long as he could keepit all hushed up afterwards. There had been outbreaks of Legionnaires diseasein Cardiff. Three care homes in two weeks. And one fatality with othersexpected soon. Doomwatch had to discover where the Legionella bacteria hadcome from and which water supplies were infected. And to raise Ridgesspirits he could be put to work on the case posing as an inmate for one of theseestablishments.Perfect.Adam thought. He explained the plan to Miranda.She had recently lost an elderly relative and perhaps through guilt of notseeing this relative as often as she should was all in for their crusade.

And the very urgent paperwork? Miranda asked knowing the reply.

Miranda. Theres lives at stake we need to cultivate a sense ofurgency! came Adams reply.

Theyll close us down Miranda commented. Adam just smiled.Sometimes Miranda really felt Adam was a loose cannon and wantedDoomwatch to be closed down.Maybe he doesnt know what he wants?Miranda theorised.

Adam went into his office and closed the door. He walked to his deskand opened the draw. He pulled out a nearly empty whiskey bottle. He shookthe liquid inside.

He then removed the lid and changed his mind. He screwed the link back on and returned it into the draw. He then left his office. Miranda was

reading up the notes on the care homes and cross-referencing them on thecomputer.

Silly question Miranda but why is the condition called Legionnairesdisease?

It was called that because it was first discovered at an event for theAmerican Legion I believe they were called. The name stuck. As did thename for the bacteria that was called Legionnella.Adam thought for a moment.

Legionnella and the bacterium are natural?Thats right its found often in lakes although it doesnt thrive. But

artificial water supplies are perfect for it. If you look on the web theresoutbreaks all the time. But the scale of this one his huge! Miranda sounded inawe.


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Adam turned back to the kettle.

That reminds me. Whens Paul back?

The fatalities were worse than expected. Seven more elderly people died with

various complications in the preceding hours. Various focal groups were inhorror and the government announced that its eco-department Doomwatch

was to liaise and get to the bottom of it. Adam didnt discover this until theyput the news on. Ridge was yet to appear and Adam was leading a hugeoperation.

Miranda could be like the sea gulls spreading the avian flu?Its unlikely. No there must be something connecting these homes

something with water. It doesnt have to be much. Even water vapours couldcarry the bacteria. Miranda informed him.Adam sighed.

Do you think if we crack this then theyll let us off with the

paperwork? Adam asked in all earnest.You know how they love their paperwork, these governmental

departments. Miranda replied smiling, although she didnt know why.Adam glanced over at the clock. Wheres Ridge?He wondered to

himself. With Ridge still absent and the pressure now put upon Doomwatch tosupply answers Adam felt the pull of the whisky in his draw was too powerful.He made a rubbish excuse to Miranda and headed into the office. Then hefound the whisky and drunk it. He left the rough texture float for a moment inhis throat before he swallowed it. Just that drop made himfeel. He finishedthe bottle and shoved the empty one back in the draw.

Adam searched for some mints but he had none left.

Damn!Ridge emerged into Doomwatch. He walked over to Miranda.

Miranda, quick question. Will you marry me?Miranda looked bemused then smiled.

Normally Id love to. Tell me are you rich?Ridge smiled eloquently.

Beyond the dreams of Midas.Adam looked at Ridge puzzled.

Hell be wearing a black toupee next.What do you mean toupee!

Timmons emerged into the Doomwatch office.

Im sure Timmons will marry you Ridge Miranda noted with a cheekysmile. Timmons seemed annoyed that people were joking when there wasserious work to do.

What do you mean marry. Timmons said harshly.Dont worry old boy requires a sense of humour is required. Ridge

grinned. Miranda wanting to giggle lowered her head.Oh very funny. You do realise the responsibility you lot have got.

Another care home as gone down with an outbreak of Legionnaires.Timmons remarked.

Cardiff again? Adam asked.No. This one was South Wales. A different care company. No apparent

link between the two. Timmons said in a way that emphasised theseriousness.


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Miranda looked at the map on the desk.

We should begin cross referencing all the products linking the homes.Good idea Miranda and thanks for volunteering.

Miranda shot Adam an annoyed glance and then headed to her computer.Get Eve to help you. Ridge we need to make you a profile up and get

you into one of these homes. Timmons could you get your people to make upthe relevant documentation? Adam asked with authority. Timmons noddedand pulled his phone out.

You should stop antagonising him. Adam turned to Ridge.Sorry. Ridge said as insincerely as he could manage.

Ridge arrived at the home under the name Charles Gavins. He was a lonerwhich suited Ridge fine. His first impressions as he was escorted through thebuilding to his room was mixed. There was indeed a grandness to the

establishment but also a sense of simplistic in nature which didnt sit well withRidge.

Ridge arrived at his apartment. It was better than he was expecting hewas after all far too willing to believe the stereotypical cupboard that is oftenrepresented in the media. The carers seemed friendly and he was given a listof opening and closing times for the various on site facilities. Ridge lay backon the bed. It wasnt the most comfortable he had ever slept on. But it willsuffice Ridge thought to himself.

Ridge turned his head to face the window. The view was descent sometrees but there were to many other buildings.

Funny how the boxes we live in get smaller and smaller. Ridge

muttered to himself. He realised that his melancholy was returning anddecided the best thing to do was to try and isolate the source of the Legionella.He opened his case and pulled the sensitive equipment out. He picked up ahand help object which when placed in water would be able to tell if the water

was safe or not. Ridge tested it with the tap water, frozen ice in the fridge andthe radiator. All were clear. He then wiped the end and slid it into his jacketpocket and locked the door.

Back at Doomwatch more news was filtering in regarding theoutbreaks. Including a fresh fatality.

None of the deceased have been under 70. Timmons idly commented.

So they dont count? Miranda replied in anger.No I didnt mean that. But the elderly die of such complications often.So do newborn babies but I reckon you would protect those. Miranda

replied.Its ageism. We cant help it. Society, nature maybe even logic has bred

it into us Adam said as he joined the argument.That doesnt make it right. Miranda replied.Nature tends to balance itself so its fair. But rarely is it right.

Ridge quickly placed himself into the local community. He realised that arather loud elderly woman who resembled Davros from Doctor Who, was topdog. Her name was Mary and Ridge was as charming as he could be with her.


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He also found out which apartments had been made empty because of peoplewith Legionnaires. As soon as it went dark Ridge decided to slip inside.

Ridge strangely enjoyed his simple day with peers. He enjoyeddominoes had a fine glass or two of rum. He even joined in a singsong. Heknew intuitionalism was fast but not a few hours fast. As the darkness

descended and the residents withdrew to their beds Ridge mindful of carersslipped outside his room and headed for one of these deserted apartments.The door was locked. Ridge carefully picked the lock. The door opened. Ridgegrinned. He was glad that this hadnt deserted him. He then slipped insideand closed the door.

Ridge brought a torch with him when he was certain all the curtainswere closed he switched a nearby light on. He then looked around and beganchecking all possible water sources for the bacteria. Nothing. There wasnothing in the flat, no apparent sign of Legionnella. Ridge stopped and lookedin the mirror. His body paused as he looked at the face lit merely by the lamp.

Was it melancholy, which now gripped Ridge or some other malaise?

He didnt know. But after a few moments of paused time he turned the lamp ofand left the room.

The following morning Adam decided to get to Doomwatch early. Hewasnt expecting a small gaggle of reporters outside his cottage.

Mr Quist could we ask you a few questions about the outbreaks ofLegionnaires disease?

Adam raised his hands.No sorry.What about the eco nature of Doomwatch do you not think commuting

in a four wheel drive vehicle to and from work is slightly hypocritical.

Adam paused.Good point. Maybe you could ask the government to relocate the

Doomwatchbuilding to out here?Adam climbed in his Land Rover and drove off.

Timmons was already at Doomwatch. Adam suspected he had stayedthere the night keeping his masters updated with events. Timmons and Adamdisliked each other for opposite reasons. Timmons was a stick for procedure.This was his training but also his persona. Adam couldnt really care aboutsticking to procedure as long as the job is done correctly. Timmons followedthe orders of his superiors like a faithful hound even if he might suspect

theyre wrong. Where as Adam wanted to question a lot of there motivations.Both believed in what they did. Just different methods.

Timmons could smell the badly disguised whisky on Adams breath. Hedecided not to comment. Such actions would prove to be unproductive.

Ridge awoke tired. Maybe spending time here was showing him how heshould be? Ridge wasnt sure if this was melancholia or perhaps some form ofacceptance. What was happening to me? Ridge wondered. He decided tocontinue the investigation he would need to check the gardens and kitchens.These two places would likely house the bacteria if it were indeed here.

Ridge got washed and dressed and headed down stairs so that he couldwalk over the road to the nearby corner shop. He realised he was very low oncigars and preyed they had a descent brand in there. Merlotts would be great


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but he realised this was unlikely. Ridge decided to make some toast and coffeefor breakfast. He switched the TV on and was greeted by some form of chatshow that was a modern day freak show. A great way for the country to viewand laugh at the dregs of society.

Ridge was greeted in the foyer by lots of smiling carers. He was yet tosee a male one. He curtseyed back. He then left the building and was greeted

by rays of sunshine. He took a deep breathe of spring air and then walked outinto the day.

Adam and Timmons continued to read through reports and see if anyapparent link was detectable. The government having lots of problemsrecently was very keen to downplay the incident and wanted results quickly.Miranda arrives late as usual. Timmons wanted to discipline her but againknew this would work against there investigation. Time was of the essence.

Ridge stocked up on a few items but there were no cigars. Clearly thesmoking police had beaten him to it. However he did buy a packet of cigarettesthat he hadnt smoked since his early Doomwatch days. He now had theperfect excuse to go to the garden. The staff were no longer allowed to smokeon the premises but this was a popular area for residents. Ridge lit hiscigarette and noticed an old gentlemen smoking a pipe. Ridge nodded andmade a comment about the weather. The gentleman replied. Ridge noticed ahosepipe, which looked as though it had been used recently. Ridge realisedthis was a possible source for the contamination.

Ridge carefully without suspicion whilst pretending to look at a flowertook the reading. Again the water was clear. It had to be something imported.

And the most obvious candidate was the kitchen.Ridge noted that the restaurant was large but was used by few

residents. Or service users as the carers were meant to refer to the plebs.However it seemed to be in use from quite early on in the day and to the earlyevening. It would prove tricky but the best plan would be the early hours ofthe morning. Ridge smiled as he realised the thrillhe felt of the mission he

was undertaking. He noted it would be best for him to go to bed early tonightand set his alarm. He must be careful suspicion was the last thing he needed.

Progress was also slow at Doomwatch. The pressure was mounting asvarious news stations interviewed members of the general public about the

outbreak. Quick to act on the disaster was TV Channel repeated a late nightdocumentary on Legionnaires disease at 8 oclock and got high viewingfigures. Newspapers were quick to be doom laden with disastrous headlinesthe sort they normally reserve for serial killers and illegal immigrants. Adam

was still relatively relaxed. The amount of alcohol he was consuming on tripsto his office or toilet helped of course. Miranda noted she should perhaps quiz

Adam on this but decided now was not the time.

That night Ridge crept into the kitchens. He checked everything hecould find, water, milk, radiators, all equipment nothing. In frustration hedropped the device on the side where it had registered a reading. He looked at

what it was on. Sugar? Sugars dry how could it contain the bacteria? He


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checked where the sugar was kept it too was dry. Ridge pulled out his mobileand rung Adam.

Adam answered Ridge could hear what sounded like 19th NervousBreakdown by The Rolling Stones playing in the background.

I think I know how the bacteria is getting in. How is the sugar being

delivered?Sure enough the vehicles bringing in the sugar to all the homes had indeeddamp issues and this contained the Legionella bacterium.

Doomwatch had triumphed once again. And as another celebrity hadbotox and larger breasts added so the public forgot. Ridge also perked up andfound himself. His melancholy was gone. Celebrating all around.When Adam disappeared to the toilet Miranda rounded on Ridge.

Ridge I think Adam has a serious drinking problem.Ridge pondered. Serious drinking problem was a modernism. And Adam wasindeed consuming a lot but then he was when Ridge drafted him into help.

How could he tell him to stop? It might be corroding his liver but apart fromhis lack of paperwork his work was fine.

Im sure its not as bad as all that. Ridge replied.Miranda knew differently.

THE END

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S1E11 DOOMWATCH - THE DEATH OF GENERATION Y