DOOMWATCH

SEASON 4 - EPISODE 19

THE PSYCHOBOMBS

BY GRANT FOXON

Inside the Doomwatch office Adam, Eve, Paul and Miranda stood around the
television set.

“The blockade imposed upon Gaza by Israel has reached

a new low today as further vessels belonging to Turkey were
seized and its crew imprisoned. Turkey is warning that it is
close to a trade embargo and possible military action if it’s
citizens are not immediately released and a formal apology
issued”. The reporter spoke gravely.

Adam leaned back in his chair. Miranda glanced over to him.

“Are you really that laid back?” she asked.

“Best laid plans Miranda”
“You’re a nihilist aren’t you?”
Adam smiled.
“You know, this is quite exciting. We live in such a peacefully
dull time. I recall the 70’s when things were really kicking off
all over the place. Even here”.
Miranda looked shocked.
“I take it back, you’re not a nihilist you’re an anarchist”.
“One man’s anarchist is another mans nihilist”. Adam replied
chirpily.

Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by gunshots being heard on the television.

“We’re live here in Gaza and it seems new violence has

erupted here between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
We are expecting an announcement soon from the Israelis in
which we believe they will either release or plan to release
Turkey hostages or denounce them as being either secretly
bringing in arms to Palestinians or Hamas”.

Paul and Eve were hypnotised by the events unfolding. Adam looked over at them.
“You see. Products of a “safe world”. This skirmish is just
that. These were common at one time. And that’s even before
we get onto the cold war”.
“You’re starting to sound like an old man. Is this your “during
the war” speech?” Miranda asked.

Adam stood up.

 “Look, the fact is that the Gaza strip is the biggest hot spot on
the planet. To societies diametrically opposed. Two regimes
which have both committed acts which have genuine hatred
for each other. And once again the glorious lack of wisdom of
the British Empire is to blame for starting it all”.
Paul and Eve paid Adam no attention and continued to watch the TV.
“They’re not listening you know.” Miranda stated.
“I’ll show you not listening. Paul cup of coffee NOW please!”
Paul jumped up like a lap dog and moved towards the kettle.
“Eve I’m sure there’s a ridiculous amount of filing and stuff
to be doing?” Adam asked with slight politeness.
“Certainly, although I am pretty much up to date with that”.
Eve smiled meekly as she spoke.

Adam realised his voice was carrying less authority. He frowned at this. Then more
gunshots rang out on the television. Paul got closer to the TV.
“Paul, where’s my coffee?” Adam spoke with conviction.
Paul apologised and returned to the kettle.
“You just can’t get the staff these days!” Adam bombasted the
heavens.
Timmons entered the office. He was unphased by events on the television.
“Quist I need a word with you”.
It was almost impossible to anticipate the tone of the conversation with Timmons as
he was such a 2D bureaucrat. Adam nodded and led the way to his office. He then
stopped and turned and Paul handed him his coffee. It was all done with such
elegance that a thought crossed Timmons mind whether or not this had been
rehearsed.

Inside Adam’s office, Timmons immediately sat down.

“How are you Adam?” Timmons asked. There was little
concern in his voice.
“I thought this wasn’t a social call. You don’t do those do
you?”
“Adam, there is a situation developing…”
Adam slammed his fists down on the table.
“You used us! You used Doomwatch for your own grubby
departmental needs! So forget the, we need you good old chap
bollocks because it just won’t wash. Tell your masters we want
someone else to deal with. Preferably, more human”.
For a moment, Adam thought he detected regret on Timmons face.
“Very well. Now I have an assignment for you”.
“I hope it’s not to do with oil”.
“No. Racial tension actually. What I am about to tell you is
not to leave this room. Do you understand?”
Adam looked thoughtfully at Timmons.
“What is it?”
“Do you understand?”. Timmons repeated.
“Yes”.
Timmons scratched his neck.
 “It seems that certain sanctions are about to be put in place
by the UN”.
“Regarding what?”
“The Israeli situation. It can’t go on. People are crying out
Adam”.
“That hasn’t stopped you before. I believe Mugabe was paid
for decades to keep nice and happy with the white farmers.
And even now when people are murdered and beaten and
corruption spreads like Malaria, still those voices go
unheard”. Adam tried to look for some emotive response in
Timmons face from his words. There was none.
“Look, lets drop the silly lefty speeches. We’re dealing here
with facts. Definitive proof has surfaced regarding Fatah and
links with certain shady figures also involved with Libya”.
“What about Hamas?” Adam asked.
Timmons smiled awkwardly.
“Of course, there are problems and extremists on both sides but
it’s Fatah we’re focusing on. The UN is siding with Palestine.
However, there will be a global backlash from the Jewish
community. We’d like you to find out just how much”.
Adam sniffed. This was both a giant task and a dangerous one.
“I see. Ok. We’ll do it. But I mean it Timmons, this is the last
time I want to see you here”.
Timmons nodded courteously.
“Of course. Now if you’ll excuse me”.
Timmons slowly stood and walked towards the door. As he opened it he turned back
to Adam.
“Oh and good luck Quist”. With that he walked out and closed
the door. Adam breathed out.
“Oh dear what have I got myself into now”. Adam muttered.

Ridge stood at the dead drop. A small tree at the edge of the park. It was here
that he found a empty cigarette box. Ridge smiled and opened it. Inside was a short
message. It read…

CINEMA 19:15 FOYER

LOVE JIMMY

A wave of emotions flooded through Ridge. It had been many, many years since he
had last seen or even heard of the operative known as JIMMY. In fact, it was back
when Ridge was working for the ministry and he was out in the Gaza strip in 1968/69
ahead of the treaty between Turkey and Israel. In the early days of Sinai. JIMMY
had saved Ridge’s life. One day he hoped to repay the debt. Perhaps now he would be
able to.
Ridge smiled and strolled off.

Adam called the rest of his team into the office. He had explained to them the
awkward nature of their latest assignment. Quite frankly, Adam felt as many did, that
it was up to these people to sort out their problems and that Western society had no
place there. However, if people were suffering and aid was not being allowed through
then something did indeed need to be done.
“I wont lie, this could get…sticky”.
“Sticky? As in what boss? Sticky situation maybe?” Paul asked.
“No Paul, sticky as in the way Napalm and Mustard gas stick
to you as you die in slow agony, kind of sticky”. Adam smiled
as he replied. As if he was savouring the very unpleasant image.

When Paul arrived home he decided to make something to eat. Sam was already
beginning to look pregnant Paul thought. She kissed his head and he hugged her.
“How was work?” she asked.
“Ok. You know saving the world and all that. How was your
day?”
“Daytime TV excitement and all that”. Sam said.
“We’ll have to go out soon. I need to show you off at work”.
Sam smiled.
“And I thought you just wanted me as your incubator?”
Paul laughed at this. They then kissed and embraced.

Ridge arrived at the multiplex. In the foyer, bright neon lights shone and made the
place look tacky and plastic. Trailers played noisily all around. Then Ridge noticed
JIMMY. Ridge wasn’t sure if he would still recognise him but was glad he did.
They shook hands and embraced.
“Long time” Ridge said.
“Too long. We need to talk”.
They headed outside and Ridge offered JIMMY a cigar.
“Things are getting worse. My people, the Israeli government
are in danger. The disregarding of the treaty with Turkey is
just the tip of the iceberg. They have been getting closer and
closer to Iran. They are in secret talks about getting nuclear
capabilities”.
Ridge couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“NATO would never let that happen. That sector is far too
unstable. Any weapon or energy programme involving nuclear
power would be stopped before it has even begun”.
“Oh Ridge my friend, you really do not know what is going on.
I want to stop things from escalating. I believe without doubt
nuclear devices are being planned. The idea is that we can use
them as insurance”.
“Insurance for what?” Ridge asked.
“For the occupation of Palestine and the genocide of the
Palestinian peoples”.
Ridge couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Genocide? Are you sure?”
“Ridge I’m in no doubt. Look, I know my people are not bad
peoples. It’s just certain members are, shall we say
extreme in their views”.
“Extreme doesn’t do it justice JIMMY”.
JIMMY raised his hands.
 “Look my people are not evil. They are being led astray. I
need help to diffuse the situation”.
“You must have contacts with MI6 that can help?”.
“Interpol has suspended all my external assets. They
wrongfully think I’m one of the insurgents. Please Ridge,
you must help me. You must make contact with MI6 to explain
my situation. We can still try torecover this situation. But we
must act now!”
Ridge nodded.
“Alright, alright. I’ll see what I can do”.
And with that JIMMY grabbed Ridge’s hands and they shook. Ridge hoped there
was still time to make a difference.

That night Sam had fallen asleep as they lay there in the twilight, the television was
quietly talking to itself. Paul placed his arms around Sam’s waist. He still found the
idea of reproduction amazing. Someday his child would be walking around. A whole
new generation, a new story. Wow. Then Paul noticed more sporadic outbreaks of
violence. Not just the problems hotting up in Gaza but in the UK. Apparent random
acts of violence. Paul wondered what kind of a world his child would be living in.

Ridge arrived home. He went to unlock the door when he realised it was open.
Suddenly, he prepared himself. Slowly he entered. The landing light came on. And a
toilet was being flushed. Ridge grabbed a nearby ornament and slowly approached the
stairs. Timmons was up there.
“You better have a bloody good reason for using a mans toilet
uninvited!” Ridge shouted.
“I have. I was hoping you would get here sooner”. Timmons
yawned as he spoke. Ridge couldn’t believe the audacity of the man.
“Who did you meet today and why?” Timmons asked.
“None of your business. Now kindly piss off”.
Timmons smiled.
“Ridge we haven’t always seen eye to eye have we?”
“That’s an understatement. And I repeat kindly, piss off”.
Timmons threw up his hands.
“Look, that dead drop in the park is always watched. It’s one of
the most well known. Meeting subversives there is like
secretly going for a homosexual shag on Hampstead Heath. So
imagine the ministry’s surprise when they saw it was a leading
member of the Israeli secret service. Codenamed JIMMY”.
Ridge pointed to the door.
“The door’s the big wooden thing over there”.
“Yes, I see you’re observant too”.
Timmons walked through into the kitchen putting the light on. Ridge followed.
“Ridge, you could be in a lot of trouble collaborating with a
infamous terrorist”.
“Look you silly bugger you don’t know what you’re talking
about. There are political forces in play far beyond your
weak administrative comprehension”. Ridge spoke with
contempt.
 “Beyond my comprehension. The worlds changed a lot
since 1969. That was when you were in Gaza last was it
not? Just prior to your appointment in Doomwatch”.
Ridge got in Timmons face.
“Now listen chum. You’re starting to annoy me. How long
have you been watching me?”
“Oh Ridge, we’re all being watched. Just tell me what he’s
doing here or else….”
“Or else what?!” Ridge demanded.
“We don’t need threats do we? Please just tell me that’s all”.
“You know Timmons, I remember when the Berlin wall fell.
The entire Soviet system had been eaten away and it took no
effort to knock it over, it had become that hollow. Which
reminds me of you and your superiors. How much will it
take to knock over the empty, paranoid and zealous socialists?”
This remark seemed to have some effect.
“Look Ridge, they want to know. And believe me they will
find out. If you tell me now then…”
“I’ve already told you twice. Now I’ll tell you once more.
Piss off”.
Timmons annoyed, skulked away.
“I tried Ridge”.
Timmons closed the door behind himself.
“Yeah your very trying mate”.

The next day inside Doomwatch, things were the same. Once again the TV was on
and Paul and Eve were watching it. Adam arrived late but was reassured to see he
wasn’t as late as Miranda.
“You do know it’s a scientific fact that TV gives you
square eyes”. Adam said.
“No, Hegel disproved it” Paul replied.
“Oh. Ok then it makes you go blind”.
“No, that’s masturbation”. Eve said, then immediately
blushed. Shocked, Adam and Paul stared at her. Blushing she made an excuse to file
some paperwork.
“Now that was unexpected”. Paul said.
“Yes. As is me not holding a nice piping hot coffee”.
Paul took the hint. Adam got closer to the TV.
“I see the situation is still as bleak”.

Ridge checked his watch. He was sitting in a small coffee outfit a mere street away
from the embassy of Israel. A small dumpy stereotypical civil servant called
Edgeworth walked slowly forward.
“Well, well, you haven’t changed much”. Ridge
announced. Edgeworth didn’t seem impressed.
“Do you know the trouble you are in Ridge. Silly
question, do you ever?”.
“Now come on Edgeworth I’ve been in quite a few
scrapes”.
“Indeed. Where’s JIMMY?”
Ridge glanced around.
“He’s not here. And no I don’t know where he is.
But it is him I’ve come to speak to you about. See,
he’s got a problem”.
“Breaking ties with Turkey and forming alliances with
renegades would be one”.
“Come on those policies had nothing to do with
JIMMY”.
“Ridge, what do you know?! You have blundered into
something you know nothing about!”
“Look Edgeworth he saved my life, I trust him”.
“He was a damn spy, you don’t know him. Whatever
intel you now possess hand it over. For God sake Ridge
you don’t know what’s at stake here”.
Ridge could tell by the importance in Edgeworth’s voice that this was no simple
matter.
“Higher stakes than genocide?” Ridge asked.
“The very highest stakes Ridge”.
Ridge looked into Edgeworth’s eyes.
“Look, he’s worried about the growing tension.
He’s worried for his people, and them getting their
hands on certain weaponry to keep the NATO at bay
whilst they invade the Palestinian sector”.
“And he wants to come in from the cold?” Edgeworth
asked.
“He just wants to help his people”. Ridge felt the
argument and perhaps JIMMY’S life slipping away from him.
“Then Ridge, tell me everything you know”.

Adam had made plans for Paul to contact a census group to find out the opinion they
haD on the Gaza strip and both Israel and Palestine. Whilst Miranda was to contact
the local Jewish community. To get a taste of peoples opinion.

Adam had made plans for himself to visit the Israeli embassy and speak to an
ambassador there. He doubted he would get much from them but you never knew. He
believed that most people despise war and its just regimes and more extreme members
which see the benefits in such a course of action. But if there was even a chance to
avoid bloodshed then it must be considered.

Ridge knew it was pointless to try and make contact with JIMMY. Ridge knew they
were watching him although rather unsettlingly he didn’t know where they were. He
hoped his plea to Edgeworth might do some good. But if JIMMY was right, the only
chance would surely be to assassinate leading members of the Israeli government.
Then a thought crossed Ridge. Perhaps JIMMY was using him to get the British
government and thus the rest of the UN spooked enough that they do indeed kill
leading members. Maybe JIMMY was planning some form of coup?

As Adam drove to the embassy he found it hard to expel the imagery of the violence
playing out in Gaza. The point he had made yesterday about the world settling down
and he realised it wasn’t. It’s merely not being reported. In an age where media
dominates our every thought if we do not see something we don’t think it’s
happening. And this thought ,Adam found deeply upsetting. The world seemed to be
moving further and further towards a darker, Orwellian nightmare by the day. Why in
the civilised world do we clamp down on smokers and over eaters when atrocities are
still be committed? With every step forward to the enlightenment of the future in
other respects we seem to be getting closer to the dark ages. Has the damage inflicted
on the UK by the previous 13-year regime destroyed any chances of a future? All
these thoughts crossed Adam’s mind.
These were quickly dispelled by the arrival of the Ambassador Ishmael
Yu’raq. Adam followed him to his office. The artwork and the design was marvellous.
Eventually they arrived at the office and Adam sat down.

“Drink?” Ishmael asked.

Adam saw the greatest fine whisky collection he had ever seen. How could he resist?
Adam smiled and said yes. Ishmael poured a fine malt and placed it in front of Adam.
“So Mr Quist, you are here because of developments no
doubt?”
“Yes. As you know things aren’t going well. Well that’s an
understatement”.
Ishmael poured himself a drink.
“That is not our problem though Mr Quist. In the theatre of war
it is politicians who are the writers. I gather there is a lot of
left wing sympathy for the Palestinians?”
Adam savoured his drink.
“Yes. And it’s growing too”.
“You know that Hamas kills as well as us don’t you. Or is
the media merely concerned with the exploits of my own
people?” Ishmael tried to mask the resentment in his voice.
“There have been acts committed on both sides certainly.
But your government is seen to be suppressing them and these
new outbreaks of violence do little to change this image”.
Adam tried to read Ishmaels reaction.
“My government merely acts for the good of it’s peoples Mr
Quist. Much like Doomwatch. I gather you are no stranger to
controversy and made more than a few enemies. Dezak oil, the
L.C.F to name but two organisations that any sane government
body would think twice before troubling. Why are we any
different?”.
Adam took a refreshing and long drink before replying.
“We don’t kill”.
Ishmael laughed.
“Ahhh, there’s the morality. We don’t kill. Let me remind
you that prevention is better than the cure. The Gaza
strip is a highly volatile place, perhaps the most volatile
on the planet. You cannot apply your holier than thou
western ethics there. And after your governments recent
illegal foray into Iraq in which they did kill, I believe that
the British should not throw stones because of there own
glass empire”.
Ishmael drunk some more. The two men looked into each other’s eyes. Both could see
perhaps themselves in the other one. But both too old and too much a product of their
societies to change.
“Do you think Ishmael that your people go too far at times?”
Adam asked. Ishmael considered this question.
“No. Like I said it is a different morality. They control Gaza,
no easy task. I believe in them and I trust in them. Do you
have faith in your politick? One death is a tragedy Mr Quist
one million a statistic. Unless you have lived there you can
not possibly know”.
Adam realised that this line of debate was going nowhere. He finished his drink and
then exchanged pleasantries with Ishmael and then left the embassy.
The alcohol was still pleasurably burning his taste buds. He climbed into his jeep. He
hesitated but decided instead of heading back to the office he would find a nearby
pub.

Edgeworth returned to his superiors at MI6 where the location of JIMMY became
top priority. So far ,he had gone underground with much success. Ridge was being
monitored as he would provide the key if there was any, as to his location. However
,what Intel existed on JIMMY showed him to be no fool but a highly accomplished
spy for the Israeli government. Roughly believed to be the same age as Ridge, who
joined Mossad and assisted in the capture of the Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.
He also spent time in Gaza and no doubt would have become hardened to the needs of
his government. It was here that he met Dr Ridge when Ridge was initially in Turkey
but briefly attracted as a young idealist to the political situation at Gaza. Ridge was
supposed to be learning at the university in Istanbul but was also asked to do a bit of
“poking” around for the British Government. It seems that one factor of Ridge’s
psychology was that he was very loyal. A factor which JIMMY may well have
exploited. Ridge may have appeared to be a perfect candidate for a double agent.

Adam sat alone at the bar. He had drink after drink. He could feel his soul being
reassured with each drop even if his body and mind were losing control. Adam could
no longer feel the tigers clawing at his back. It didn’t really matter to Adam whether
he was an alcoholic or not. Life was just too overrated.
Adam then noticed a familiar figure approach and sit down next to him. It was
Timmons.
“So how’s things?” Timmons asked.
Adam smiled.
“I thought I said I never wanted to see you again”.
“Wrong. You said at Doomwatch. This is a public
house Adam”. Timmons replied coolly.
Adam just shrugged.
“Fair enough”. Adam replied.
“Look, I want to help you. Why are you doing this?”
Timmons asked seemingly concerned.
“Timmons I trust you as far as you trust me. I don’t
care what little agenda you’ve got going on. Just
leave me alone”. Adam stood to walk away. He nearly
fell but managed to stop himself as he left the building. Timmons followed.
Outside Adam was unconscious on the pavement. Timmons looked down at him and
sighed.

Ridge was concerned for JIMMY. He knew he was wily and wasn’t surprised he had
eluded his pursuers. Ridge looked over the phone. No doubt a tap had been put on it.
Then the doorbell went. Ridge strolled towards it.
Ridge was both shocked and delighted to see JIMMY standing there.
“Ridge, hello. Did you speak with them?”
“Yes, yes they don’t trust your motives. They
suspect you’re here for other means. I think
that regarding Gaza the opinion is already out
that the Israelis are in the wrong and can’t be
trusted I’m afraid”.

JIMMY looked hurt.

“No. No there must still be time. I will not
see my people punished for the extremist
views of a few in office. Thank you Ridge
for trying my friend”.

They shook hands and JIMMY very quickly made his exit. Slipping into the early
evening.

Ridge arrived the following day at his office. His superiors were there talking quietly.
Timmons reported on last night and Adam’s paralytic state and taking him home. It
was then that Timmons noticed a photograph of himself walking down the street
yesterday. Timmons had no idea it was taken.
“Sir, that photo there?” Timmons asked.
“Now, now Timmons we’re all under
observation you know”.

Timmons felt awkward. The full scale of the lies and mistrust were becoming
painfully obvious to him.

THE END.