One, Nineteen Taster Scene

An enormous flood has devastated the southeast coast of England. The MINISTER is visiting the disaster area and is making a prepared statement to an impromptu gaggle of press, T.V. and spectators. An AIDE stands nearby speaking to Number 10 on a satellite phone.

MINISTER             
At this time there are obviously many people who require our help. That’s why I’ve come down here. To speak to those caught up in this disaster, to see the situation for myself and may I reassure those affected that the government and I understand what you’re going through and we’re doing everything we can to deliver assistance as quickly as possible. That includes all those who have been made homeless, as well as those who are still trapped and stranded –

MOTHER [Pushing through crowd]
Like my children!

MINISTER [Not quite hearing, thinking she’s press]
I’m sorry – if I could just / finish.

MOTHER               
I had to leave them in the loft. They’re on their own.

MINISTER             
Um – as I said we are doing everything possible.

MOTHER               
I promised them I’d come back with help. I can give you the address.

MINISTER             
I’m not sure that this is really – [the right moment]

MOTHER               
My eldest – Samuel – he’s only seven. I told him he’d have to look after his brother and sister. They’re scared and they’re cold and they’re in the dark.

MINISTER             
Well it sounds as if you’ve left them in a safe place. Now, if you could just -

MOTHER               
So you’ll send help then?

MINISTER             
Well, obviously I won’t be able to do that personally.

MOTHER               
Who will then?

MINISTER             
Um – [Gestures for AIDE to help]

MOTHER               
I’ve been trying to find someone to speak to. Nobody knows what’s going on.

AIDE manoeuvres MOTHER away from MINISTER and the cameras.

MINISTER [Returning to statement]
As we speak three of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers are returning to British waters to assist. Also as coastguards complete their operations to relieve distressed shipping, they will be sending crew and equipment to help here, in the flooded areas in the east.

AIDE returns to phone call. Number. 10 are now furious at the scene they are watching on the television.

MOTHER               
So what should I do now?

MINISTER [Persisting]
We have also asked that schools, leisure centres and other community facilities should be opened up to provide shelter.

MOTHER               
I’ve been to the school. There’s no one there to help either. I just need to know what I have to do. Tell me what I need to do!

AIDE whispers instructions in the MINISTER’s ear.

MINISTER             
Yes, I do understand. [Repeating verbatim what AIDE is saying, who in turn is repeating what No. 10 is saying] And I can tell you that a special emergency telephone number has been set up to report missing persons.

MOTHER               
But none of the phones work. Nobody’s does. The networks keep crashing.

MINISTER             
Ah – well –

AIDE is having an increasingly heated discussion on the satellite phone.

MOTHER               
Can I borrow that one?

MINISTER             
Um –

AIDE is suddenly trapped in the full media glare. Panicked, AIDE shakes his head at MINISTER. They start to argue about whether or not to lend MOTHER the phone.

MOTHER               
I’ll only need it for a minute. Just so I can make the call. Tell them where to look.

MINISTER [To AIDE, through teeth]
Why not?

MOTHER               
You could call them if you want.

AIDE gives MINISTER the embarrassing truth.

MINISTER        
[To AIDE] What?
[To MOTHER] No, I’m – I’m ever so sorry but we can’t do that.

MOTHER               
Why not? Their names are Sam, Jack and Chloe. They’re at thirty-one, Redhouse Lane.

MINISTER             
No - I’m afraid we don’t know the number.

PAUSE

MOTHER [Incredulous]
You don’t know it? You’re telling me that I have to call a number and you don’t even know what it bloody is?

MINISTER             
It’s been given to the media.

MOTHER               
My babies are trapped in the roof.

MINISTER [To PRESS]
Maybe one you could pass it on.

MOTHER               
Chloe can’t even swim.

MINISTER             
Anyone?

MOTHER               
Jack can only do it in armbands. How am I meant to get them out of there?

MINISTER             
I do understand.

MOTHER               
They’re going to die if somebody doesn’t get to them soon!

The scene evaporates and we are back in the studio with the REPORTER. She continues her interview.

REPORTER            
And that was when we knew we had our story. From then on we focused all our attention on the efforts to find Sam, Jack and little Chloe.