It is a normal spring morning in the city of London.
As the leader of the country, you are carrying out a low-level public engagement at an inner-city London school.
It is world literacy week. You have given a speech, and are now watching a packed school assembly, in which a number of eager children read out passages from their favourite books.
As the children talk, the clicking of cameras and scribbling of notes can be heard - coming from a handful of journalists and photographers, present in the room.
[[Continue->3. An Aide Enters]] Part way through a nervous rendition of *The Gruffalo* - delivered by a stuttering girl from year 6 - you notice one of your aides enter at the front of the hall.
Trying not to draw attention to themselves, the aide cautiously skirts the edge of the room, making their way toward you.
With a barely hidden look of concern across their face, they hand you a folded note, before stepping away.
[[Open the note->4. CRISIS!]] The hand-written note reads:
'*There has been an incident. A suspected terrorist device has been detonated in the centre of Leeds, West Yorkshire.
You are needed back at Whitehall.
Please find a moment, and leave as soon as possible.*'
Keeping your composure, you fold up the note, realising you have a choice.
If you get up and leave immediately, the journalists in the room will notice - this could cause immediate panic online, before you've had a chance to guage and contain the situation.
Or you could stay, and finish your engagement. Keep calm and carry on. The assembly is only minutes away from finishing, and it could serve in the long run to underplay the situation.
[[Stand up and leave immediately->5A. Leave Immediately]]
[[Wait, and leave once the assembly is done->5B. Keep Calm and Carry On]]With the young girl at the front of the room still stammering her way through *The Gruffalo*, you stand, straighten your jacket, and head for the door.
All eyes follow you, as you pass the bemused headmaster, stood next to the exit of the school hall.
"*I'm awfully sorry, something's come up,*" you say, as you shake her hand, trying not to break your stride.
The clicking of cameras is deafening, yet barely masks the surprised murmurs of the journalists in the room.
The same aide that passed you the note, holds open the door for you. They tell you there is a car waiting outside.
[[Continue->6A. The Car]] You straighten in your seat, and stuff the note into your pocket.
You realise it would be far worse to cause alarm, by leaving in haste. The journalists in the room would only take it out of context.
You try to smile, to concentrate on the girl up on stage, as she finishes her nervous reading of *The Gruffalo.*
About five minutes pass, before a delighted headmaster steps up to thank everyone in the room. There is applause.
Another five minutes, and you find *yourself* up on stage for a brief group photo, with all the children that took part in the assembly.
You shake hands, and make your excuses to leave.
The same aide that passed you the note, holds open the door for you. They tell you there is a car waiting outside.
[[Continue->6B. The Car]] You exit the school. Your aide rushes ahead of you, and opens the back door of the waiting car.
You slide in, and the door is firmly closed behind you.
Your aide climbs into the passenger seat, and nods to the driver.
The car moves away, keeping pace with the escort vehicles both in front and behind.
Your aide turns around, and addresses you in the back seat. He seems flushed, but calm:
"*Thankyou for leaving immediately, Sir - I'm sure the Cabinet will appreciate the urgency.
I've been informed that we may be facing a national emergency. I'll brief you now, on the way to Downing Street...*"
[[Continue->7A. Briefing En-Route]] You exit the school. Your aide rushes ahead of you, and opens the back door of a waiting car.
You slide in, and the door is firmly closed behind you.
Your aide climbs into the passenger seat, and nods to the driver.
The car moves away, keeping pace with the escort vehicles both in front and behind.
Your aide turns around, and addresses you in the back seat. He looks at you with a raised eyebrow:
"*Thankyou for getting out of there as quickly as you could, Sir. It can't have been an easy thing to call, with so many journalists in the room.
I've been informed that we may be facing a national emergency. I'll brief you now, on the way to Downing Street...*"
[[Continue->7B. Briefing En-Route]] "*...It transpires that roughly thirty minutes ago, there was an explosion in the city centre of Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Casualties are still being estimated, but are expected to be high.
This estimate is proving difficult, as traffic in and out of the city is at a standstill due to the panic, and the tail-end of the morning rush-hour.
While no organisation has claimed the attack, intelligence believes this to be a terrorist incident.
The press are beginning to report on the incident, but there is yet to be any footage broadcast.
A COBRA emergency meeting has alredy been called, and all members of the Cabinet are headed there now.*"
[[Continue->8A. First Major Decision]] As he comes to the end of his briefing, your aide's phone rings.
He answers it immediately, nodding and offering the odd "*uh-huh*", as he receives new information.
After a brief time on the phone, he moves the handset away from his ear, and holds it close to his chest.
He turns to you:
"*Sir, it's the Home Office. While everyone is getting organised for COBRA, they need a fast executive decision regarding the transport system...
...Should they ground all flights, and suspend all public transport around the Leeds and Manchester area?
Or should they suspend all transport country-wide?
This would usually go straight to the Transport Secretary, but they can't get hold of her, as she is travelling across London.*"
You think for a moment...
While it's a given that all transport around the incident site should be halted, for both public safety and to allow the emergency services freedom of movement - the rest of the country *must* be allowed to keep functioning.
However, while grounding and halting transport around the enire country *would* cause widespread chaos - effectively shutting the country down - it could serve to combat any escalation of events, should they occur.
[[Suspend and ground all transport around the Leeds and Manchester area->9A1. Transport Leeds]]
[[Suspend and ground all transport for the entire country->9A2. Transport Country]] You decide to ground all flights and suspend all public transport, around the Leeds and Manchester area.
Far better to contain the situation, while keeping the rest of the country running as normal. Anything else could cause widespread panic and chaos.
Your aide passes on the order to the Home Office, then settles back into the front seat.
The traffic outside is slow, even with your escort.
You seem to have a few spare and precious minutes, before you reach Whitehall.
[[Phone your wife while you can, it's going to be a busy day->10A1Z. Phone Wife]]
[[Take a moment of silence, to clear your mind. You don't need any other pressures right now->10A1. Arrival at Downing Street]] You close your eyes and take a deep breath. This is going to be a long day.
Before you know it, you have arrived at Downing Street.
The car door opens, and you are ushered inside the house - quickly passing a growing group of journalists, eagerly awaiting a public statement.
"*Mr Prime Minister... Mr Prime Minister...*" they all call in unison, firing a cacophony of questions as you pass.
You stride into Number 10 and the door is closed behind you. You do not stop, as you head for the COBRA meeting rooms at the back of the house.
[[Continue->11A1. Emergency Meeting]]You decide to lock all transport in the country - nothing comes in or out, or even moves around.
If this *is* a terror incident, then far better to court transport chaos in the short term, than allow an unknown element free movement of the country.
You don't yet know how this situation will escalate - if at all.
Your aide passes on the order to the Home Office, and settles back into the front seat.
The traffic outside is slow, even with your escort.
You seem to have a few spare and precious minutes, before you reach Whitehall.
[[Phone your wife while you can, it's going to be a busy day->9A2B. Phone Wife]]
[[Take a moment of silence, to clear your mind. You don't need any other pressures right now->10A2. Arrival at Downing Street]] Footage has leaked on a major news website, that you decided to stay at the primary school, rather than rush back to Downing Street.
With much of Manchester a no-go zone, tensions in the country are running high.
This act of yours has exploded on Socila Media as lazy and inefectual - there are RIOTS!
Call in more Police to quell the problem.
Put the army on the street.The message is a devastating one - a second detonation has occurred in North London, just outside of Watford.
Emergency services on the ground are trying to estimate casulaties, but details at this stage are hazy.
One thing they *do* know, is that the detonation occured in a train carriage, somewhere on the Leeds to London line.
Intelligence believes that the bomber was travelling down from the initial blast site in Leeds, toward the capital, when a second device detonated on the train itself.
There is no way to tell if this was an accident, or the bomber's actual intention.
However, with transport only suspended around the Leeds and Manchester area, it seems likely that the bomber was already on a train - and allowed to continue their journey down toward London - when the suspension order was given.
A sense of horrendous responsibility settles upon your shoulders - *you* made the decision to keep the majority of the transport systems running. The blast in London is *your* fault.
You take a deep breath - it's no use thinking like that. There's no way of knowing what might have happened, if you'd taken the other option, and locked down the entire country.
There's nothing left to do now, but simply react to events - there'll be time for reflection later.
Besides, more journalists are gathering outside Number 10, and the press conference is only minutes away. All you need to do is relay the facts. Put the public mind at ease.
[[Continue->13A1. Conflicting Viewpoints]] The message is a devastating one - a second detonation has occurred on the outskirts of Leeds, just over two miles away from the city train station.
Emergency services in the area are trying to estimate casulaties, but with manpower already pushed to breaking point, details are hazy.
One thing they *do* know, is that the detonation occured in a train carriage, along the opening stretch of the Leeds to London line.
Intelligence believes that the bomber may have been attempting to travel down from the initial blast site in Leeds, toward the capital, when a second device detonated on the train itself.
There is no way to tell if this was an accident, or the bomber's actual intention.
However, with transport locked down for the entire country, it seems that the bomber was already on a train bound for London when the suspension order was given, and therefore halted on their journey.
A sense of horrendous responsibility settles upon your shoulders - *you* made the decision close all transport systems country-wide.
You take a deep breath, letting out almost a sigh of relief - while this is indeed grave news, there's no way of telling what might have happened, had the bomber been allowed to continue south toward London.
There's nothing left to do now, but simply react to events - there'll be time for reflection later.
Besides, more journalists are gathering outside Number 10, and the press conference is only minutes away. All you need to do is relay the facts. Put the public mind at ease.
[[Continue->13A2. Conflicting Viewpoints]] "*...It transpires that roughly forty minutes ago, there was an explosion in the city centre of Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Casualties are still being estimated, but are expected to be high.
This estimate is proving difficult, as traffic in and out of the city is at a standstill due to the panic, and the tail-end of the morning rush-hour.
While no organisation has claimed the attack, intelligence believes this to be a terrorist incident.
The press are beginning to report on the incident, but there is yet to be any footage broadcast.
A COBRA emergency meeting has alredy been called, and many of the members are already arriving at Whitehall. We are headed there now.*"
[[Continue->8B. First Major Decision]] As he comes to the end of his briefing, your aide's phone rings.
He answers it immediately, nodding and offering the odd "*uh-huh*", as he receives new information.
After a brief time on the phone, he moves the handset away from his ear, and holds it close to his chest.
He turns to you:
"*Sir, it's the Home Office. While everyone is getting organised for COBRA, they need a fast executive decision regarding the transport system...
...Should they ground all flights, and suspend all public transport around the Leeds and Manchester area?
Or should they suspend all transport country-wide?
This would usually go straight to the Transport Secretary, but they can't get hold of her, as she is travelling across London.*"
You think for a moment...
While it's a given that all transport around the incident site should be halted, for both public safety and to allow the emergency services freedom of movement - the rest of the country *must* be allowed to keep functioning.
However, while grounding and halting transport around the enire country *would* cause widespread chaos - effectively shutting the country down - it could serve to combat any escalation of events, should they occur.
[[Suspend and ground all transport around the Leeds and Manchester area->9B1. Transport Leeds]]
[[Suspend and ground all transport for the entire country->9B2. Transport Country]] You decide to ground all flights and suspend all public transport, around the Leeds and Manchester area.
Far better to contain the situation, while keeping the rest of the country running as normal. Anything else could cause widespread panic and chaos.
Your aide passes on the order to the Home Office, and settles back into the front seat.
The traffic outside is slow, even with your escort.
You seem to have a few spare and precious minutes, before you reach Whitehall.
[[Phone your wife while you can, it's going to be a busy day->10B1Z. Phone Wife]]
[[Take a moment of silence, to clear your mind. You don't need any other pressures right now->10B1. Arrival at Downing Street]] You decide to lock all transport in the country - nothing comes in or out, or even moves around.
If this *is* a terror incident, then far better to court transport chaos in the short term, than allow an unknown element free movement of the country.
You don't yet know how this situation will escalate - if at all.
Your aide passes on the order to the Home Office, and settles back into the front seat.
The traffic outside is slow, even with your escort.
You seem to have a few spare and precious minutes, before you reach Whitehall.
[[Phone your wife while you can, it's going to be a busy day->9B2B. Phone Wife]]
[[Take a moment of silence, to clear your mind. You don't need any other pressures right now->10B2. Arrival at Downing Street]] The message is a devastating one - a second detonation has occurred in North London, just outside of Watford.
Emergency services on the ground are trying to estimate casulaties, but details at this stage are hazy.
One thing they *do* know, is that the detonation occured in a train carriage, somewhere on the Leeds to London line.
Intelligence believes that the bomber was travelling down from the initial blast site in Leeds, toward the capital, when a second device detonated on the train itself.
There is no way to tell if this was an accident, or the bomber's actual intention.
However, with transport only suspended around the Leeds and Manchester area, it seems likely that the bomber was already on a train - and allowed to continue their journey down toward London - when the suspension order was given.
A sense of horrendous responsibility settles upon your shoulders - *you* made the decision to keep the majority of the transport systems running. The blast in London is *your* fault.
You take a deep breath - it's no use thinking like that. There's no way of knowing what might have happened, if you'd taken the other option, and locked down the entire country.
There's nothing left to do now, but simply react to events - there'll be time for reflection later.
Besides, more journalists are gathering outside Number 10, and the press conference is only minutes away. All you need to do is relay the facts. Put the public mind at ease.
[[Continue->13B1. Conflicting Viewpoints]] The message is a devastating one - a second detonation has occurred on the outskirts of Leeds, just over two miles away from the city train station.
Emergency services in the area are trying to estimate casulaties, but with manpower already pushed to breaking point, details are hazy.
One thing they *do* know, is that the detonation occured in a train carriage, along the opening stretch of the Leeds to London line.
Intelligence believes that the bomber may have been attempting to travel down from the initial blast site in Leeds, toward the capital, when a second device detonated on the train itself.
There is no way to tell if this was an accident, or the bomber's actual intention.
However, with transport locked down for the entire country, it seems that the bomber was already on a train bound for London when the suspension order was given, and therefore halted on their journey.
A sense of horrendous responsibility settles upon your shoulders - *you* made the decision close all transport systems country-wide.
You take a deep breath, letting out almost a sigh of relief - while this is indeed grave news, there's no way of telling what might have happened, had the bomber been allowed to continue south toward London.
There's nothing left to do now, but simply react to events - there'll be time for reflection later.
Besides, more journalists are gathering outside Number 10, and the press conference is only minutes away. All you need to do is relay the facts. Put the public mind at ease.
[[Continue->13B2. Conflicting Viewpoints]] You step into the COBRA meeting room, to find the rest of the Cabinet already present.
Each of them nods, or mutters '*Prime Minister*', as you take your seat at the head of the long table.
"*Thankyou for coming Prime Minister, although I'm not sure staying at your prior engagement was a wise idea, heaven knows what the public will make of it...*" the Home Secretary begins.
"*...Now, I'm sure you're already aware of the situation...*"
What follows is a similar explanation of events, to what you received in the car - except now the parameters of policy and protocol are thrown in.
Almost an hour passes as you receive briefing after briefing from the intelligence agencies. Still no-one has claimed the explosion, but there *are* suspects.
Until further notice, the country is on the highest of terror alerts.
As you are curating your notes, planning for the upcoming press conference on the steps of Number 10, some grave news is passed into the room...
[[Continue->12B1. Second Blast in London]]Vigils by members of the public - against the wishes of the authorities, but peaceful.You decide to call your wife. It will be good to hear a friendly voice, before what promises to be a gruelling day.
It takes her a while to pick up, and when she does, she sounds a little flustered.
"*Hello darling, I can't chat right now, I'm about to give a talk at the Women's Institute in Watford. Is everything okay?*"
It's immediately clear that she hasn't seen the news, obviously pre-occupied with her own public engagement.
You fill her in on what has happened and, as usual, she is nothing but support.
"*Keep your chin up darling. It's clearly going to be a difficult day, but I'm sure you'll make the right decisions. The country comes first, remember?*"
You're glad you called her, she always knows how to calm your nerves.
"*I'll keep going with what I'm doing, and get the car to bring me straight home after. Watford to Whitehall won't take too long. You just take a deep breath, and compose yourself.*"
She tells you she loves you, and that she has to go.
[[Hang up the phone->11A1Z. Arrival at Downing Street]] You decide to call your wife. It will be good to hear a friendly voice, before what promises to be a gruelling day.
It takes her a while to pick up, and when she does, she sounds a little flustered.
"*Hello darling, I can't chat right now, I'm about to give a talk at the Women's Institute in Watford. Is everything okay?*"
It's immediately clear that she hasn't seen the news, obviously pre-occupied with her own public engagement.
You fill her in on what has happened and, as usual, she is nothing but support.
"*Keep your chin up darling. It's clearly going to be a difficult day, but I'm sure you'll make the right decisions. The country comes first, remember?*"
You're glad you called her, she always knows how to calm your nerves.
"*I'll keep going with what I'm doing, and get the car to bring me straight home after. Watford to Whitehall won't take too long. You just take a deep breath, and compose yourself.*"
She tells you she loves you, and that she has to go.
[[Hang up the phone->10A2. Arrival at Downing Street]] You decide to call your wife. It will be good to hear a friendly voice, before what promises to be a gruelling day.
It takes her a while to pick up, and when she does, she sounds a little flustered.
"*Hello darling, I can't chat right now, I'm about to give a talk at the Women's Institute in Watford. Is everything okay?*"
It's immediately clear that she hasn't seen the news, obviously pre-occupied with her own public engagement.
You fill her in on what has happened and, as usual, she is nothing but support.
"*Keep your chin up darling. It's clearly going to be a difficult day, but I'm sure you'll make the right decisions. The country comes first, remember?*"
You're glad you called her, she always knows how to calm your nerves.
"*I'll keep going with what I'm doing, and get the car to bring me straight home after. Watford to Whitehall won't take too long. You just take a deep breath, and compose yourself.*"
She tells you she loves you, and that she has to go.
[[Hang up the phone->11B1Z. Arrival at Downing Street]] You decide to call your wife. It will be good to hear a friendly voice, before what promises to be a gruelling day.
It takes her a while to pick up, and when she does, she sounds a little flustered.
"*Hello darling, I can't chat right now, I'm about to give a talk at the Women's Institute in Watford. Is everything okay?*"
It's immediately clear that she hasn't seen the news, obviously pre-occupied with her own public engagement.
You fill her in on what has happened and, as usual, she is nothing but support.
"*Keep your chin up darling. It's clearly going to be a difficult day, but I'm sure you'll make the right decisions. The country comes first, remember?*"
You're glad you called her, she always knows how to calm your nerves.
"*I'll keep going with what I'm doing, and get the car to bring me straight home after. Watford to Whitehall won't take too long. You just take a deep breath, and compose yourself.*"
She tells you she loves you, and that she has to go.
[[Hang up the phone->10B2. Arrival at Downing Street]] You close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Before you know it, you have arrived at Downing Street.
The car door opens, and you are ushered inside the house - quickly passing a growing group of journalists, eagerly awaiting a public statement.
"*Mr Prime Minister... Mr Prime Minister...*" they all call in unison, firing a cacophony of questions as you pass.
You stride into Number 10 and the door is closed behind you. You do not stop, as you head for the COBRA meeting rooms at the back of the house.
[[Continue->11A2. Emergency Meeting]]You step into the COBRA meeting room, to find the rest of the Cabinet already present.
Each of them nods, or mutters '*Prime Minister*', as you take your seat at the head of the long table.
"*Thankyou for coming Prime Minister, although I'm not sure staying at your prior engagement was a wise idea, heaven knows what the public will make of it...*" the Home Secretary begins.
"*...Now, I'm sure you're already aware of the situation...*"
What follows is a similar explanation of events, to what you received in the car - except now the parameters of policy and protocol are thrown in.
Almost an hour passes as you receive briefing after briefing from the intelligence agencies. Still no-one has claimed the explosion, but there *are* suspects.
Until further notice, the country is on the highest of terror alerts.
As you are curating your notes, planning for the upcoming press conference on the steps of Number 10, some grave news is passed into the room...
[[Continue->12B2. Second Blast in Leeds]]You gather your notes, in preparation for the press conference outside Number 10.
Two blasts, one in Leeds, one in London. The emergency services are working hard to contain the situation at both sites, and the intelligence services are doing their jobs. There will be more to report later.
That's all you need to pass on. That, and the fact you are doing everything in your power, to guide the country through this darkest of hours.
Everyone must keep calm and carry on... the British way.
You compose yourself. You are ready to step out to face the press, when the Home Secretary rushes in from the COBRA meeting rooms, and shouts for you to stop.
"*Sir... it's worse than we thought. We're getting reports in that the bombs may have been RDD's...*"
You look at him puzzled, as he continues.
"*...Radiological Dispersal Devices. Sir, the bombs were dirty. We don't know what chemical agent they may have been carrying, but we are getting word of chemical fatalities at each site.*"
Your stomach drops. You ask if the press knows about this.
A senior official from MI5 steps forward, and asks you to be cautious. These reports are as yet unconfirmed, and in situations like this, panic can cause false intelligence to be passed around.
He realises that you are about to face the press, but asks you to hold off on full disclosure of this information to the public, at the present time.
Until it's confirmed, handing out information of this kind could only worsen the situation.
The Home Secretary steps in:
"*Sir, I feel that the public need to know. If there's even the slightest chance of an airborne chemical agent, then this could cause a massive public safety risk.*"
The front door of Number 10 opens, and you are greeted by the blinding flashes of a dozen cameras.
As you step out to give a public statement, you realise you have a choice...
[[Tell the press about the suspected chemical weapons->13A1A. Public]]
[[Hold off on full disclosure until intelligence is confirmed->13A1B. Private]] You gather your notes in preparation for the press conference outside Number 10.
Two blasts, in and around the Leeds area. The emergency services are working hard to contain the situation, and the intelligence services are doing their jobs. There will be more to report later.
That's all you need to pass on. That, and the fact you are doing everything in your power, to guide the country through this darkest of hours.
Everyone must keep calm and carry on... the British way.
You compose yourself. You are ready to step out to face the press, when the Home Secretary rushes in from the COBRA meeting rooms, and shouts for you to stop.
"*Sir... it's worse than we thought. We're getting reports in that the bombs may have been RDD's...*"
You look at him puzzled, as he continues.
"*...Radiological Dispersal Devices. Sir, the bombs were dirty. We don't know what chemical agent they may have been carrying, but we are getting word of chemical fatalities at each site.*"
Your stomach drops. You ask if the press knows about this.
A senior official from MI5 steps forward, and asks you to be cautious. These reports are as yet unconfirmed, and in situations like this, panic can cause false intelligence to be passed around.
He realises that you are about to face the press, but asks you to hold off on full disclosure of this information to the public, at the present time.
Until it's confirmed, handing out information of this kind could only worsen the situation.
The Home Secretary steps in:
"*Sir, I feel that the public need to know. If there's even the slightest chance of an airborne chemical agent, then this could cause a massive public safety risk.*"
The front door of Number 10 opens, and you are greeted by the blinding flashes of a dozen cameras.
As you step out to give a public statement, you realise you have a choice...
[[Tell the press about the suspected chemical weapons->13A2A. Public]]
[[Hold off on full disclosure until intelligence is confirmed->13A2B. Private]] You gather your notes, in preparation for the press conference outside Number 10.
Two blasts, one in Leeds, one in London. The emergency services are working hard to contain the situation at both sites, and the intelligence services are doing their jobs. There will be more to report later.
That's all you need to pass on. That, and the fact you are doing everything in your power, to guide the country through this darkest of hours.
Everyone must keep calm and carry on... the British way.
You compose yourself. You are ready to step out to face the press, when the Home Secretary rushes in from the COBRA meeting rooms, and shouts for you to stop.
"*Sir... it's worse than we thought. We're getting reports in that the bombs may have been RDD's...*"
You look at him puzzled, as he continues.
"*...Radiological Dispersal Devices. Sir, the bombs were dirty. We don't know what chemical agent they may have been carrying, but we are getting word of chemical fatalities at each site.*"
Your stomach drops. You ask if the press knows about this.
A senior official from MI5 steps forward, and asks you to be cautious. These reports are as yet unconfirmed, and in situations like this, panic can cause false intelligence to be passed around.
He realises that you are about to face the press, but asks you to hold off on full disclosure of this information to the public, at the present time.
Until it's confirmed, handing out information of this kind could only worsen the situation.
The Home Secretary steps in:
"*Sir, I feel that the public need to know. If there's even the slightest chance of an airborne chemical agent, then this could cause a massive public safety risk.*"
The front door of Number 10 opens, and you are greeted by the blinding flashes of a dozen cameras.
As you step out to give a public statement, you realise you have a choice...
[[Tell the press about the suspected chemical weapons->13B1A. Public]]
[[Hold off on full disclosure until intelligence is confirmed->13B1B. Private]] You gather your notes in preparation for the press conference outside Number 10.
Two blasts, in and around the Leeds area. The emergency services are working hard to contain the situation, and the intelligence services are doing their jobs. There will be more to report later.
That's all you need to pass on. That, and the fact you are doing everything in your power, to guide the country through this darkest of hours.
Everyone must keep calm and carry on... the British way.
You compose yourself. You are ready to step out to face the press, when the Home Secretary rushes in from the COBRA meeting rooms, and shouts for you to stop.
"*Sir... it's worse than we thought. We're getting reports in that the bombs may have been RDD's...*"
You look at him puzzled, as he continues.
"*...Radiological Dispersal Devices. Sir, the bombs were dirty. We don't know what chemical agent they may have been carrying, but we are getting word of chemical fatalities at each site.*"
Your stomach drops. You ask if the press knows about this.
A senior official from MI5 steps forward, and asks you to be cautious. These reports are as yet unconfirmed, and in situations like this, panic can cause false intelligence to be passed around.
He realises that you are about to face the press, but asks you to hold off on full disclosure of this information to the public, at the present time.
Until it's confirmed, handing out information of this kind could only worsen the situation.
The Home Secretary steps in:
"*Sir, I feel that the public need to know. If there's even the slightest chance of an airborne chemical agent, then this could cause a massive public safety risk.*"
The front door of Number 10 opens, and you are greeted by the blinding flashes of a dozen cameras.
As you step out to give a public statement, you realise you have a choice...
[[Tell the press about the suspected chemical weapons->13B2A. Public]]
[[Hold off on full disclosure until intelligence is confirmed->13B2B. Private]] In this small test game, you will play the part of the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Through a series of tracked decisions you will try and guide both yourself, and the British Isles, through an emerging disaster scenario.
Although this is only a short test piece, this experience contains a number of decision points, with a possible 18 different ending combinations.
The text in blue, at the bottom of each entry, will move the narrative forward - sometimes offering you choices as you go.
Choose wisely - your actions will have consequences.
Can you react accordingly, and guide Great Britain through her darkest hour?
[[Begin->2. Business As Usual]] You step into the COBRA meeting room, to find the rest of the Cabinet already present.
Each of them nods, or mutters '*Prime Minister*', as you take your seat at the head of the long table.
"*Thankyou for coming Prime Minister, although I'm not sure staying at your prior engagement was a wise idea, heaven knows what the public will make of it...*" the Home Secretary begins.
"*...Now, I'm sure you're already aware of the situation...*"
What follows is a similar explanation of events, to what you received in the car - except now the parameters of policy and protocol are thrown in.
Almost an hour passes as you receive briefing after briefing from the intelligence agencies. Still no-one has claimed the explosion, but there *are* suspects.
Until further notice, the country is on the highest of terror alerts.
As you are curating your notes, planning for the upcoming press conference on the steps of Number 10, some grave news is passed into the room...
[[Continue->13B1Z. Second Blast in London]]The message is a devastating one - a second detonation has occurred in North London, just outside of Watford.
Emergency services on the ground are trying to estimate casulaties, but details at this stage are hazy.
One thing they *do* know, is that the detonation occured in a train carriage, somewhere on the Leeds to London line.
Intelligence believes that the bomber was travelling down from the initial blast site in Leeds, toward the capital, when a second device detonated on the train itself.
There is no way to tell if this was an accident, or the bomber's actual intention.
However, with transport only suspended around the Leeds and Manchester area, it seems likely that the bomber was already on a train - and allowed to continue their journey down toward London - when the suspension order was given.
A sense of horrendous responsibility settles upon your shoulders - *you* made the decision to keep the majority of the transport systems running. The blast in London is *your* fault.
You take a deep breath - it's no use thinking like that. There's no way of knowing what might have happened, if you'd taken the other option, and locked down the entire country.
Then something else hits you, punches you hard in the gut. You steady yourself as you realise...
...Watford. Wasn't your wife giving a talk there, at the W.I.?
You're sure there is nothing to worry about, Watford is a big place, but better to make sure that she is safe, before you step out to confront the press.
[[Phone your wife->14B1Z. Phone Wife 2]] You gather your notes, in preparation for the press conference outside Number 10, and try desperately not to think about your wife.
Two blasts, one in Leeds, one in London. The emergency services are working hard to contain the situation at both sites, and the intelligence services are doing their jobs. There will be more to report later.
That's all you need to pass on. That, and the fact you are doing everything in your power, to guide the country through this darkest of hours.
Everyone must keep calm and carry on... the British way.
You compose yourself, ready to step out to face the press, when the Home Secretary rushes in from the COBRA meeting rooms and shouts for you to stop.
"*Sir... it's worse than we thought. We're getting reports in that the bombs may have been RDD's...*"
You look at him puzzled, as he continues.
"*...Radiological Dispersal Devices. Sir, the bombs were dirty. We don't know what chemical agent they may have been carrying, but we are getting word of chemical fatalities at each site.*"
With your wife firmly in the forefront of your mind, you feel as if you are going to throw up. Where is she?
You ask if the press knows about this latest revelation.
A senior official from MI5 steps forward, and asks you to be cautious. These reports are as yet unconfirmed, and in situations like this, panic can cause false intelligence to be passed around.
He realises that you are about to face the press, but asks you to hold off on full disclosure of this information to the public, at the present time.
Until it's confirmed, handing out information of this kind could only worsen the situation.
The Home Secretary steps in:
"*Sir, I feel that the public need to know. If there's even the slightest chance of an airborne chemical agent, then this could cause a massive public safety risk.*"
The front door of Number 10 opens, and you are greeted by the blinding flashes of a dozen cameras.
With bile rising in your throat, and the image of your wife in your mind, you step out to give a public statement, and realise you have a choice...
[[Tell the press about the suspected chemical weapons->16B1ZA. Public]]
[[Hold off on full disclosure until intelligence is confirmed->16B1ZB. Private]] You step into the COBRA meeting room, to find the rest of the Cabinet already present.
Each of them nods, or mutters '*Prime Minister*', as you take your seat at the head of the long table.
"*Thankyou for coming immediately Prime Minister, I'm sure you're already aware of the situation...*" the Home Secretary begins.
What follows is a similar explanation of events, to what you received in the car - except now the parameters of policy and protocol are thrown in.
Almost an hour passes as you receive briefing after briefing from the intelligence agencies. Still no-one has claimed the explosion, but there *are* suspects.
Until further notice, the country is on the highest of terror alerts.
As you are curating your notes, planning for the upcoming press conference on the steps of Number 10, some grave news is passed into the room...
[[Continue->13A1Z. Second Blast in London]]The message is a devastating one - a second detonation has occurred in North London, just outside of Watford.
Emergency services on the ground are trying to estimate casulaties, but details at this stage are hazy.
One thing they *do* know, is that the detonation occured in a train carriage, somewhere on the Leeds to London line.
Intelligence believes that the bomber was travelling down from the initial blast site in Leeds, toward the capital, when a second device detonated on the train itself.
There is no way to tell if this was an accident, or the bomber's actual intention.
However, with transport only suspended around the Leeds and Manchester area, it seems likely that the bomber was already on a train - and allowed to continue their journey down toward London - when the suspension order was given.
A sense of horrendous responsibility settles upon your shoulders - *you* made the decision to keep the majority of the transport systems running. The blast in London is *your* fault.
You take a deep breath - it's no use thinking like that. There's no way of knowing what might have happened, if you'd taken the other option, and locked down the entire country.
Then something else hits you, punches you hard in the gut. You steady yourself as you realise...
...Watford. Wasn't your wife giving a talk there, at the W.I.?
You're sure there is nothing to worry about, Watford is a big place, but better to make sure that she is safe, before you step out to confront the press.
[[Phone your wife->14A1Z. Phone Wife 2]] You gather your notes, in preparation for the press conference outside Number 10, and try desperately not to think about your wife.
Two blasts, one in Leeds, one in London. The emergency services are working hard to contain the situation at both sites, and the intelligence services are doing their jobs. There will be more to report later.
That's all you need to pass on. That, and the fact you are doing everything in your power, to guide the country through this darkest of hours.
Everyone must keep calm and carry on... the British way.
You compose yourself, ready to step out to face the press, when the Home Secretary rushes in from the COBRA meeting rooms and shouts for you to stop.
"*Sir... it's worse than we thought. We're getting reports in that the bombs may have been RDD's...*"
You look at him puzzled, as he continues.
"*...Radiological Dispersal Devices. Sir, the bombs were dirty. We don't know what chemical agent they may have been carrying, but we are getting word of chemical fatalities at each site.*"
With your wife firmly in the forefront of your mind, you feel as if you are going to throw up. Where is she?
You ask if the press knows about this latest revelation.
A senior official from MI5 steps forward, and asks you to be cautious. These reports are as yet unconfirmed, and in situations like this, panic can cause false intelligence to be passed around.
He realises that you are about to face the press, but asks you to hold off on full disclosure of this information to the public, at the present time.
Until it's confirmed, handing out information of this kind could only worsen the situation.
The Home Secretary steps in:
"*Sir, I feel that the public need to know. If there's even the slightest chance of an airborne chemical agent, then this could cause a massive public safety risk.*"
The front door of Number 10 opens, and you are greeted by the blinding flashes of a dozen cameras.
With bile rising in your throat, and the image of your wife in your mind, you step out to give a public statement, and realise you have a choice...
[[Tell the press about the suspected chemical weapons->16A1ZA. Public]]
[[Hold off on full disclosure until intelligence is confirmed->16A1ZB. Private]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, two bombs were detonated in the Leeds city centre vicinity.
As soon as you were told of the first detonation, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You then pause and take a breath, before you deliver your final and arguably most worrying piece of information.
These devices are also suspected to have been carrying, and to have dispersed, an unknown chemical agent upon detonation.
You state that you believe these incidents to be the first known attacks using *dirty* bomb devices, on British soil.
At this, the press goes wild. Dozens of hurried voices raise panicked and deafening questions.
The photographers join the chorus, by clicking their camera shutters.
You calm the crowd, telling them that you will not be taking any questions at this time, but that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You urge every resident of West Yorkshire to stay indoors until further notice. Emergency services are doing all that they can - and the public should follow all emergency advice outlined on government websites, or via emergency channels.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13A2A. Aftermath]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, two bombs were detonated in the Leeds city centre vicinity.
As soon as you heard the news, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You pause and take a breath, deciding not to mention the suspected presence of chemical agents. There is going to be panic and chaos with this information alone. You should pass on only the facts that you *know* to be true.
You assure the crowd - Emergency services are doing all that they can. Until further notice, residents of the West Yorkshire area should stay where they are, not venture outdoors, and follow any advice found on government websites or via emergency channels.
You finish by saying that you will not be taking any further questions at this time, and that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13A2B. Aftermath]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
As soon as you heard the news, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
Since then, a second device has been detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You then pause and take a breath, before you deliver your final and arguably most worrying piece of information.
These devices are also suspected to have been carrying, and to have dispersed, an unknown chemical agent upon detonation.
You state that you believe these incidents to be the first known attacks using *dirty* bomb devices, on British soil.
At this, the press goes wild. Dozens of hurried voices raise panicked and deafening questions.
The photographers join the chorus, by clicking their camera shutters.
You calm the crowd, telling them that you will not be taking any questions at this time, but that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You urge everyone to stay indoors until further notice. Emergency services are doing all that they can - and the public should follow all emergency advice outlined on government websites, or via emergency channels.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13A1A. Aftermath]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
As soon as you heard the news, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
Since then, a second device has been detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You pause and take a breath, deciding not to mention the suspected presence of chemical agents. There is going to be panic and chaos with this information alone. You should pass on only the facts that you *know* to be true.
You assure the crowd - Emergency services are doing all that they can, and until further notice, members of the public should stay where they are, not venture outdoors, and follow any advice found on government websites or via emergency channels.
You finish by saying that you will not be taking any further questions at this time, and that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13A1B. Aftermath]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, two bombs were detonated in the Leeds city centre vicinity.
As soon as you were told of the first detonation, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You then pause and take a breath, before you deliver your final and arguably most worrying piece of information.
These devices are also suspected to have been carrying, and to have dispersed, an unknown chemical agent upon detonation.
You state that you believe these incidents to be the first known attacks using *dirty* bomb devices, on British soil.
At this, the press goes wild. Dozens of hurried voices raise panicked and deafening questions.
The photographers join the chorus, by clicking their camera shutters.
You calm the crowd, telling them that you will not be taking any questions at this time, but that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You urge every resident of West Yorkshire to stay indoors until further notice. Emergency services are doing all that they can - and the public should follow all emergency advice outlined on government websites, or via emergency channels.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
You are about to turn and head back into Downing Street, when one journalist shouts a question, above the clamour of the crowd.
"*Mr Prime Minister, is it true that once you heard about the first detonation, you chose to stay in a primary school assembly, rather than rushing back to Whitehall, to try and help the country?*"
You're not sure why, but you blurt out an answer to the question, without even thinking:
[[I left the moment I heard the news->13B2AA. Lie]]
[[I thought it best to keep calm and carry on->13B2AB. Truth]]You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, two bombs were detonated in the Leeds city centre vicinity.
As soon as you heard the news, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You pause and take a breath, deciding not to mention the suspected presence of chemical agents. There is going to be panic and chaos with this information alone. You should pass on only the facts that you *know* to be true.
You assure the crowd - Emergency services are doing all that they can. Until further notice, residents of the West Yorkshire area should stay where they are, not venture outdoors, and follow any advice found on government websites or via emergency channels.
You finish by saying that you will not be taking any further questions at this time, and that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
You are about to turn and head back into Downing Street, when one journalist shouts a question, above the clamour of the crowd.
"*Mr Prime Minister, is it true that once you heard about the first detonation, you chose to stay in a primary school assembly, rather than rushing back to Whitehall, to try and help the country?*"
You're not sure why, but you blurt out an answer to the question, without even thinking:
[[I left the moment I heard the news->13B2BA. Lie]]
[[I thought it best to keep calm and carry on->13B2BB. Truth]]You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
Some time after, a second device was detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You then pause and take a breath, before you deliver your final and arguably most worrying piece of information.
These devices are also suspected to have been carrying, and to have dispersed, an unknown chemical agent upon detonation.
You state that you believe these incidents to be the first known attacks using *dirty* bomb devices, on British soil.
At this, the press goes wild. Dozens of hurried voices raise panicked and deafening questions.
The photographers join the chorus, by clicking their camera shutters.
You calm the crowd, telling them that you will not be taking any questions at this time, but that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You urge everyone to stay indoors until further notice. Emergency services are doing all that they can - and the public should follow all emergency advice outlined on government websites, or via emergency channels.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
You are about to turn and head back into Downing Street, when one journalist shouts a question, above the clamour of the crowd.
"*Mr Prime Minister, is it true that once you heard about the first detonation, you chose to stay in a primary school assembly, rather than rushing back to Whitehall, to try and help the country?*"
You're not sure why, but you blurt out an answer to the question, without even thinking:
[[I left the moment I heard the news->13B1AA. Lie]]
[[I thought it best to keep calm and carry on->13B1AB. Truth]]You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
While the world looks on, you relay the facts. You are calm and measured.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
Some time after, a second device was detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You pause and take a breath, deciding not to mention the suspected presence of chemical agents. There is going to be panic and chaos with this information alone. You should pass on only the facts that you *know* to be true.
You assure the crowd - Emergency services are doing all that they can. Until further notice, members of the public should stay where they are, not venture outdoors, and follow any advice found on government websites, or via emergency channels.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
You are about to turn and head back into Downing Street, when one journalist shouts a question, above the clamour of the crowd.
"*Mr Prime Minister, is it true that once you heard about the first detonation, you chose to stay in a primary school assembly, rather than rushing back to Whitehall, to try and help the country?*"
You're not sure why, but you blurt out an answer to the question, without even thinking:
[[I left the moment I heard the news->13B1BA. Lie]]
[[I thought it best to keep calm and carry on->13B1BB. Truth]]You step into the COBRA meeting room, to find the rest of the Cabinet already present.
Each of them nods, or mutters '*Prime Minister*', as you take your seat at the head of the long table.
"*Thankyou for coming immediately Prime Minister, I'm sure you're already aware of the situation...*" the Home Secretary begins.
What follows is a similar explanation of events, to what you received in the car - except now the parameters of policy and protocol are thrown in.
Almost an hour passes as you receive briefing after briefing from the intelligence agencies. Still no-one has claimed the explosion, but there *are* suspects.
Until further notice, the country is on the highest of terror alerts.
As you are curating your notes, planning for the upcoming press conference on the steps of Number 10, some grave news is passed into the room...
[[Continue->12A1. Second Blast in London]]You step into the COBRA meeting room, to find the rest of the Cabinet already present.
Each of them nods, or mutters '*Prime Minister*', as you take your seat at the head of the long table.
"*Thankyou for coming immediately Prime Minister, I'm sure you're already aware of the situation...*" the Home Secretary begins.
What follows is a similar explanation of events, to what you received in the car - except now the parameters of policy and protocol are thrown in.
Almost an hour passes as you receive briefing after briefing from the intelligence agencies. Still no-one has claimed the explosion, but there *are* suspects.
Until further notice, the country is on the highest of terror alerts.
As you are curating your notes, planning for the upcoming press conference on the steps of Number 10, some grave news is passed into the room...
[[Continue->12A2. Second Blast in Leeds]] You close your eyes and take a deep breath. This is going to be a long day.
Before you know it, you have arrived at Downing Street.
The car door opens, and you are ushered inside the house - quickly passing a growing group of journalists, eagerly awaiting a public statement.
"*Mr Prime Minister... Mr Prime Minister...*" they all call in unison, firing a cacophony of questions as you pass.
You stride into Number 10 and the door is closed behind you. You do not stop, as you head for the COBRA meeting rooms at the back of the house.
[[Continue->11B1. Emergency Meeting]] You close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Before you know it, you have arrived at Downing Street.
The car door opens, and you are ushered inside the house - quickly passing a growing group of journalists, eagerly awaiting a public statement.
"*Mr Prime Minister... Mr Prime Minister...*" they all call in unison, firing a cacophony of questions as you pass.
You stride into Number 10 and the door is closed behind you. You do not stop, as you head for the COBRA meeting rooms at the back of the house.
[[Continue->11B2. Emergency Meeting]] You close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Before you know it, you have arrived at Downing Street.
The car door opens, and you are ushered inside the house - quickly passing a growing group of journalists, eagerly awaiting a public statement.
"*Mr Prime Minister... Mr Prime Minister...*" they all call in unison, firing a cacophony of questions as you pass.
You stride into Number 10 and the door is closed behind you. You do not stop, as you head for the COBRA meeting rooms at the back of the house.
[[Continue->12A1Z. Emergency Meeting]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
With your mind pre-occupied with concerns for your wife, your voice is cracked and unsure as you relay the facts.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
As soon as you heard the news, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
Since then, a second device has been detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London. These words stick in your throat as you speak.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You then pause and take a breath, before you deliver your final and arguably most worrying piece of information.
These devices are also suspected to have been carrying, and to have dispersed, an unknown chemical agent upon detonation.
You state that you believe these incidents to be the first known attacks using *dirty* bomb devices, on British soil.
At this, the press goes wild. Dozens of hurried voices raise panicked and deafening questions.
The photographers join the chorus, by clicking their camera shutters.
You calm the crowd, telling them that you will not be taking any questions at this time, but that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You urge everyone to stay indoors until further notice, emergency services are doing all that they can - and the public should follow all emergency advice outlined on the government websites, or emergency channels.
You almost mention that your wife is among the missing, but decide to hold off. *The country comes first.* Tears well in your eyes, as you push the thought deep into your gut.
You nervously thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
With that, you turn, and shuffle back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->16A1ZA. Aftermath]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
With your mind pre-occupied with concerns for your wife, your voice is cracked and unsure as you relay the facts.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
As soon as you heard the news, you rushed to Whitehall, to chair an emergency COBRA meeting.
Since then, a second device has been detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London. These words stick in your throat as you speak.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You pause and take a breath, deciding not to mention the suspected presence of chemical agents. There is going to be panic and chaos with this information alone. You should pass on only the facts that you *know* to be true.
You assure the crowd - Emergency services are doing all that they can, and until further notice, members of the public should stay where they are, not venture outdoors, and follow any advice found on government websites or via emergency channels.
You almost mention that your wife is among the missing, but decide to hold off. *The country comes first.* Tears well in your eyes, as you push the thought deep into your gut.
You finish by saying that you will not be taking any further questions at this time, and that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You nervously thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
With that, you turn, and shuffle back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->16A1ZB. Aftermath]] You close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Before you know it, you have arrived at Downing Street.
The car door opens, and you are ushered inside the house - quickly passing a growing group of journalists, eagerly awaiting a public statement.
"*Mr Prime Minister... Mr Prime Minister...*" they all call in unison, firing a cacophony of questions as you pass.
You stride into Number 10 and the door is closed behind you. You do not stop, as you head for the COBRA meeting rooms at the back of the house.
[[Continue->12B1Z. Emergency Meeting]] You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
With your mind pre-occupied with concerns for your wife, your voice is cracked and unsure as you relay the facts.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
Some time after, a second device was detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London. These words stick in your throat as you speak.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You then pause and take a breath, before you deliver your final and arguably most worrying piece of information.
These devices are also suspected to have been carrying, and to have dispersed, an unknown chemical agent upon detonation.
You state that you believe these incidents to be the first known attacks using *dirty* bomb devices, on British soil.
At this, the press goes wild. Dozens of hurried voices raise panicked and deafening questions.
The photographers join the chorus, by clicking their camera shutters.
You calm the crowd, telling them that you will not be taking any questions at this time, but that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You urge everyone to stay indoors until further notice. Emergency services are doing all that they can - and the public should follow all emergency advice outlined on government websites, or via emergency channels.
You almost mention that your wife is among the missing, but decide to hold off. *The country comes first.* Tears well in your eyes, as you push the thought deep into your gut.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
You are about to turn and head back into Downing Street, when one journalist shouts a question, above the clamour of the crowd.
"*Mr Prime Minister, is it true that once you heard about the first detonation, you chose to stay in a primary school assembly, rather than rushing back to Whitehall, to try and help the country?*"
You're not sure why, but you blurt out an answer to the question, without even thinking...
[[I left the moment I heard the news->16B1ZAA. Lie]]
[[I thought it best to keep calm and carry on->16B1ZAB. Truth]]You step out of the front door of Number 10 Downing Street and cross over to the lectern, placed in the middle of the road, so you can give your public address.
With your mind pre-occupied with concerns for your wife, your voice is cracked and unsure as you relay the facts.
Earlier this morning, a bomb was detonated in Leeds city centre.
Some time after, a second device was detonated on the outskirts of Watford, North London. These words stick in your throat as you speak.
These incidents *are* suspected to be related, and to be motivated terrorist attacks.
You pause and take a breath, deciding not to mention the suspected presence of chemical agents. There is going to be panic and chaos with this information alone. You should pass on only the facts that you *know* to be true.
You assure the crowd - Emergency services are doing all that they can, and until further notice, members of the public should stay where they are, not venture outdoors, and follow any advice found on government websites or via emergency channels.
You almost mention that your wife is among the missing, but decide to hold off. *The country comes first.* Tears well in your eyes, as you push the thought deep into your gut.
You finish by saying that you will not be taking any further questions at this time, and that there will be a full press conference later in the day.
You calmly thank the press, stating that you have a job to do, and that there will be full communication from the government, as the situation develops.
You are about to turn and head back into Downing Street, when one journalist shouts a question, above the clamour of the crowd.
"*Mr Prime Minister, is it true that once you heard about the first detonation, you chose to stay in a primary school assembly, rather than rushing back to Whitehall, to try and help the country?*"
You're not sure why, but you blurt out an answer to the question, without even thinking...
[[I left the moment I heard the news->16B1ZBA. Lie]]
[[I thought it best to keep calm and carry on->16B1ZBB. Truth]]Your head swims, as you begin to ignore everything you are being told. You fumble in your pocket for your phone.
You try to call your wife, but a robotic voice on the other end of the line informs you:
'*This mobile number is currently unavailable, please try again later.*'
The line goes dead. Your stomach churns.
With your thoughts elsewhere, you try to pull yourself together - for the sake of the country.
Nothing left to do now, but simply react to events - there'll be time for worries and concerns later.
Besides, more journalists are gathering outside Number 10, and the press conference is only minutes away. All you need to do is relay the facts. Put the public mind at ease - even if yours isn't.
[[Continue->15A1Z. Conflicting Viewpoints]] Your head swims, as you begin to ignore everything you are being told. You fumble in your pocket for your phone.
You try to call your wife, but a robotic voice on the other end of the line informs you:
'*This mobile number is currently unavailable, please try again later.*'
The line goes dead. Your stomach churns.
With your thoughts elsewhere, you try to pull yourself together - for the sake of the country.
Nothing left to do now, but simply react to events - there'll be time for worries and concerns later.
Besides, more journalists are gathering outside Number 10, and the press conference is only minutes away. All you need to do is relay the facts. Put the public mind at ease - even if yours isn't.
[[Continue->15B1Z. Conflicting Viewpoints]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand - or at least you could, if you knew where your wife was.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the UK streets to be empty, eerily so. News of the now confirmed chemical presence spread fast, and it seems as though the public took the advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in both Leeds and London, many of the news outlets have praised you personally - for leaving your morning engagement, as soon as you heard the news of the first detonation.
A movement of solidarity has sprung up countrywide, organised by the ever-active voices on social media, and reports show hundreds of suburban houses - each with a lit candle in their window. A small defiance. A hope for the missing or dead.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation? Would your wife now be home?
You step up to the mantlepiece, drawn in by a picture of your wife. Desperate for news of her whereabouts.
You sigh, and realise that the emergency services are doing everything that they can to find her...
...Realise that the country *must* come first.
You have two major cities, brought to their knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
You cross to the window, and light a candle of your own.
A candle to light the darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand - or at least you could, if you knew where your wife was.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, in both Leeds and London, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in both Leeds and London, many of the news outlets have praised you personally - for leaving your morning engagement, as soon as you heard the news of the first detonation...
...If only they were aware, that you knew about the suspected chemical element prior to your press conference.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation? Would your wife now be home?
You step up to the mantlepiece, drawn in by a picture of your wife. Desperate for news of her whereabouts.
You sigh, and realise that the emergency services are doing everything that they can to find her...
...Realise that the country *must* come first.
You have two major cities, brought to their knees by chemical weapons, hundreds of casualties due to deadly airborne chemicals, and an entire country gripped by fear.
You slump back into your seat, close your eyes, and ask for strength to see through the darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the UK streets to be empty, eerily so. News of the now confirmed chemical presence spread fast, and it seems as though the public took the advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in both Leeds and London, many of the news outlets have praised you personally - for leaving your morning engagement, as soon as you heard the news of the first detonation.
A movement of solidarity has sprung up countrywide, organised by the ever-active voices on social media, and reports show hundreds of suburban houses - each with a lit candle in their window. A small defiance. A hope for the missing or dead.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation?
You realised some time ago that your wife is yet to return home, away for the day on her own public engagements.
Yet you are not too concerned - with transport around London in chaos, and many of the mobile phone systems still down, you are sure that she will be home soon.
Keep calm and carry on, as the old saying goes.
You have two major cities, brought to their knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
You cross to the window, and light a candle of your own.
A candle to light the darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, in both Leeds and London, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in both Leeds and London, many of the news outlets have praised you personally - for leaving your morning engagement, as soon as you heard the news of the first detonation...
...If only they were aware, that you knew about the suspected chemical element prior to your press conference.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation?
You realised some time ago that your wife is yet to return home, away for the day on her own public engagements.
Yet you are not too concerned - with transport around London in chaos, and many of the mobile phone systems still down, you are sure that she will be home soon.
Keep calm and carry on, as the old saying goes.
You have two major cities, brought to their knees by chemical weapons, hundreds of casualties due to deadly airborne chemicals, and an entire country gripped by fear.
You slump back into your seat, close your eyes, and ask for strength to see through the darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the UK streets to be empty, eerily so. News of the now confirmed chemical presence spread fast, and it seems as though the public took the advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets have praised you personally - for leaving your morning engagement, as soon as you heard the news of the first detonation.
A movement of solidarity has sprung up countrywide, organised by the ever-active voices on social media, and reports show hundreds of suburban houses - each with a lit candle in their window. A small defiance. A hope for the missing or dead.
In spite of the harrowing images of destruction in West Yorkshire, deep down, you are satisfied that you made the correct choice to close the transport networks country-wide.
There was no way of telling what would have happened, had the transport systems been allowed to keep running.
"*You did well today, darling,*" your wife assures you, from over by the window.
Yet you find this hard to believe.
You have a major city, brought to its knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
You cross the the window, place your arm around your wife, and light a candle of your own.
A candle to light the darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, all across West Yorkshire, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets have praised you personally - for leaving your morning engagement, as soon as you heard the news of the first detonation...
...If only they were aware, that you knew about the suspected chemical element.
"*You weren't to know, darling. You said yourself, the reports of chemicals were unconfirmed.*" your wife reassures you, from over by the window.
While true, it is still a difficult pill to swallow.
Yet in spite of the harrowing images of destruction in West Yorkshire, deep down, you are satisfied that you *did* make the correct choice to close the transport networks countrywide.
There was no way of telling what would have happened, had the transport systems been allowed to keep running.
You cross the the window, place your arm around your wife, and look out over London.
You have one major northern city, brought to its knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
You hold your wife tight, knowing it is up to you to guide the country, through the darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the streets of Leeds to be empty - the public having taken news of the now confirmed chemical presence, and subsequent advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
While this footage alone may have sparked ridicule, the fact that you lied during your press conference, about leaving this engagement, has caused an outpouring of raw anger on social media.
This anger has escalated, and now there are riots and looters in many other major cities up and down the country. London especially, burns with rage.
You flick between news channels again and again, not sure what is worse - the chemical attacks in Leeds, or the riots elsewhere.
"*Please darling, I know it's hard, but you can't blame yourself,*" your wife tries to reassure you, from over by the window.
"*The country is angry, and just looking for someone to blame,*"
You know she is right, but perhaps you *could* have handled things differently.
In spite of the harrowing images of destruction in West Yorkshire, and riots across the country, deep down, you know that you *did* make the correct decision in closing the transport networks country-wide.
There was no way of telling what would have happened, had the transport systems been allowed to keep running.
You get up from your seat, cross to the window, and place your arm around your wife.
You have one major city brought to its knees by chemical weapons, escalating riots, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Looking out across the city, you realise that the fires across London are the only light, in this darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the streets of Leeds to be empty - the public having taken news of the now confirmed chemical presence, and subsequent advice to stay indoors seriously.
In other cities, groups of people have taken to the streets, to hold candle light vigils, or lay flowers at public monuments. A small defiance. A hope for the missing or the dead.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
This has caused you to become the butt of jokes, or hastily constructed memes on social media.
Images of your face, super-imposed onto the body of *The Gruffalo*, and standing in front of the slogan *Keep Calm and Carry On*, fill the feeds of Twitter and Facebook.
"*At least the country is still showing some sense of irony and humour. It could be much worse,*" your wife reassures you, from over by the window.
You know she is right, but perhaps you *could* have handled things differently.
In spite of the harrowing images of destruction in West Yorkshire, and the claims of your incompetence in the face of disaster, deep down, you know that you *did* make the correct decision in closing the transport networks country-wide.
There was no way of telling what would have happened, had the transport systems been allowed to keep running.
You get up from your seat, cross to the window, and place your arm around your wife.
You have one major city brought to its knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Even if the country does see you as a buffoon, you are sure you will still be able to guide Britain, through her darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence, all over West Yorkshire.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
While this footage alone may have sparked ridicule, the fact that you lied during your press conference, about leaving this engagement, has caused an outpouring of raw anger on social media.
This anger has escalated, and now there are riots and looters in many major cities up and down the country.
You flick between news channels again and again, not sure what is worse - the chemical attacks in Leeds, or the riots elsewhere.
"*Please darling, I know it's hard, but you can't blame yourself,*" your wife tries to reassure you, from over by the window.
"*The country is angry, and just looking for someone to blame,*"
You know she is right, but perhaps you *could* have handled things differently.
In spite of the harrowing images of destruction in West Yorkshire, and riots across the country, deep down, you know that you *did* make the correct decision in closing the transport networks country-wide.
There was no way of telling what would have happened, had the transport systems been allowed to keep running.
You get up from your seat, cross to the window, and place your arm around your wife.
You have one major city brought to its knees by chemical weapons, escalating riots, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Looking out across the city, you realise that the fires across London are the only light, in this darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence, all over West Yorkshire.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
This has caused you to become the butt of jokes, or hastily constructed memes on social media.
Images of your face, super-imposed onto the body of *The Gruffalo*, and standing in front of the slogan *Keep Calm and Carry On*, fill the feeds of Twitter and Facebook.
"*At least the country is still showing some sense of irony and humour. It could be much worse,*" your wife reassures you, from over by the window.
...You wonder how much worse this *could* be, if they were aware, that you knew about the suspected chemical element prior to your press conference.
In spite of the harrowing images of destruction in West Yorkshire, and the claims of your incompetence in the face of disaster, deep down, you know that you *did* make the correct decision in closing the transport networks country-wide.
There was no way of telling what would have happened, had the transport systems been allowed to keep running.
You get up from your seat, cross to the window, and place your arm around your wife.
You have one major city brought to its knees by chemical weapons, hundreds of casualties due to airborne contaminants, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Even if the country does see you as a buffoon, you hope you will still be able to guide Britain, through her darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the streets of Leeds and London to be empty, eerily so. News of the now confirmed chemical presence spread fast, and it seems as though the public took the advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds and London, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
While this footage alone may have sparked ridicule, the fact that you lied during your press conference, about leaving this engagement, has caused an outpouring of raw anger on social media.
This anger has escalated, and now there are riots and looters in many other major cities up and down the country. People just need someone to blame.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation?
You realised some time ago that your wife is yet to return home, away for the day on her own public engagements.
Yet you are not too concerned - with transport around London in chaos, and many of the mobile phone systems still down, you are sure that she will be home soon.
Keep calm and carry on, as the old saying goes.
You have two major cities, brought to their knees by chemical weapons, and burning riots up and down the country.
You cross to your spirits cabinet, and pour yourself a scotch, in the hopes it will see you through *your* darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the streets of Leeds and London to be empty, eerily so. News of the now confirmed chemical presence spread fast, and it seems as though the public took the advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
This has caused you to become the butt of jokes, or hastily constructed memes on social media.
Images of your face, super-imposed onto the body of *The Gruffalo*, and standing in front of the slogan *Keep Calm and Carry On*, fill the feeds of Twitter and Facebook.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation?
You realised some time ago that your wife is yet to return home, away for the day on her own public engagements.
Yet you are not too concerned - with transport around London in chaos, and many of the mobile phone systems still down, you are sure that she will be home soon.
Keep calm and carry on, as the old saying goes.
You have two major cities brought to their knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Even if the country does see you as a buffoon, you are sure you will still be able to guide Britain, through her darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you headed straight to Whitehall, to chair a COBRA emergency meeting.
The journalist replies:
"*But Sir, with all due respect, I was in that room this morning. We have footage of you receiving word about the blast, and then staying on site - even undertaking photo opportunities with the children.*"
You are lost for words. Instict takes over, and you follow up by saying that there will be no further questions.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13B1AA. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you were unsure of the severity of the situation. You thought it best to continue with you engagement, so as not to cause undue panic.
You follow up by saying that there will be no further questions
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13B1AB. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you headed straight to Whitehall, to chair a COBRA emergency meeting.
The journalist replies:
"*But Sir, with all due respect, I was in that room this morning. We have footage of you receiving word about the blast, and then staying on site - even undertaking photo opportunities with the children.*"
You are lost for words. Instict takes over, and you follow up by saying that there will be no further questions.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13B1BA. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you were unsure of the severity of the situation. You thought it best to continue with you engagement, so as not to cause undue panic.
You follow up by saying that there will be no further questions
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13B1BB. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you headed straight to Whitehall, to chair a COBRA emergency meeting.
The journalist replies:
"*But Sir, with all due respect, I was in that room this morning. We have footage of you receiving word about the blast, and then staying on site - even undertaking photo opportunities with the children.*"
You are lost for words. Instict takes over, and you follow up by saying that there will be no further questions.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[13B2AA. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you were unsure of the severity of the situation. You thought it best to continue with you engagement, so as not to cause undue panic.
You follow up by saying that there will be no further questions
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13B2AB. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you headed straight to Whitehall, to chair a COBRA emergency meeting.
The journalist replies:
"*But Sir, with all due respect, I was in that room this morning. We have footage of you receiving word about the blast, and then staying on site - even undertaking photo opportunities with the children.*"
You are lost for words. Instict takes over, and you follow up by saying that there will be no further questions.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13B2BA. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you were unsure of the severity of the situation. You thought it best to continue with you engagement, so as not to cause undue panic.
You follow up by saying that there will be no further questions
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->13B2BB. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you headed straight to Whitehall, to chair a COBRA emergency meeting.
The journalist replies:
"*But Sir, with all due respect, I was in that room this morning. We have footage of you receiving word about the blast, and then staying on site - even undertaking photo opportunities with the children.*"
You are lost for words. Instict takes over, and you follow up by saying that there will be no further questions.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->16B1ZAA. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you were unsure of the severity of the situation. You thought it best to continue with you engagement, so as not to cause undue panic.
You follow up by saying that there will be no further questions
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[16B1ZAB. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you headed straight to Whitehall, to chair a COBRA emergency meeting.
The journalist replies:
"*But Sir, with all due respect, I was in that room this morning. We have footage of you receiving word about the blast, and then staying on site - even undertaking photo opportunities with the children.*"
You are lost for words. Instict takes over, and you follow up by saying that there will be no further questions.
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head hung low.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->16B1ZBA. Aftermath]] You feel your face start to flush, as you answer the question.
The school assembly felt like so long ago.
You assure the journalist that no matter what you do, the country comes first.
Upon receiving the news, you were unsure of the severity of the situation. You thought it best to continue with you engagement, so as not to cause undue panic.
You follow up by saying that there will be no further questions
With that, you turn, and stride back into Downing Street with your head held high.
The door is closed behind you.
[[Continue->16B1ZBB. Aftermath]] You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence, all over West Yorkshire and North London.
The number of casualties is terrifying.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
While this footage alone may have sparked ridicule, the fact that you lied during your press conference, about leaving this engagement, has caused an outpouring of raw anger on social media.
This anger has escalated, and now there are riots and looters in many major cities up and down the country. People just need someone to blame.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation?
You realised some time ago that your wife is yet to return home, away for the day on her own public engagements.
Yet you are not too concerned - with transport around London in chaos, and many of the mobile phone systems still down, you are sure that she will be home soon.
Nothing to do, but keep calm and carry on.
You have two major cities brought to their knees by chemical weapons, others burning with angry riots, and an entire country gripped by fear.
With a heavy heart, you ask for the strength to guide the country, through her darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence, all over West Yorkshire and North London.
The number of casualties is terrifying.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
This has caused you to become the butt of jokes, or hastily constructed memes on social media.
Images of your face, super-imposed onto the body of *The Gruffalo*, and standing in front of the slogan *Keep Calm and Carry On*, fill the feeds of Twitter and Facebook.
...You wonder how much worse this would be, if they were aware, that you knew about the suspected chemical element prior to your press conference.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation?
You realised some time ago that your wife is yet to return home, away for the day on her own public engagements.
Yet you are not too concerned - with transport around London in chaos, and many of the mobile phone systems still down, you are sure that she will be home soon.
Nothing to do, but keep calm and carry on.
You have two major cities brought to their knees by chemical weapons, with the casualty level rising fast, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Even if the country does see you as a buffoon, you hope you will still be able to guide Britain, through her darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand - or at least you could, if you knew where your wife was.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the streets of Leeds and London to be empty, eerily so. News of the now confirmed chemical presence spread fast, and it seems as though the public took the advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
While this footage alone may have sparked ridicule, the fact that you lied during your press conference, about leaving this engagement, has caused an outpouring of raw anger on social media.
This anger has escalated, and now there are riots and looters in many other major cities up and down the country. People just need someone to blame.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation? Would your wife now be home?
You step up to the mantlepiece, drawn in by a picture of your wife. Desperate for news of her whereabouts.
You sigh, and realise that the emergency services are doing everything that they can to find her...
...Even if manpower is being stretched thin by the escalating riots.
You have two major cities, brought to their knees by chemical weapons. Other cities burn with anger, and the entire country is gripped by fear.
You slump back into your seat. With your head in your hands, you wonder if you will ever get through *your* darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand - or at least you could, if you knew where your wife was.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows the streets of Leeds and London to be empty, eerily so. News of the now confirmed chemical presence spread fast, and it seems as though the public took the advice to stay indoors seriously.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
This has caused you to become the butt of jokes, or hastily constructed memes on social media.
Images of your face, super-imposed onto the body of *The Gruffalo*, and standing in front of the slogan *Keep Calm and Carry On*, fill the feeds of Twitter and Facebook.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation? Would your wife now be home?
You step up to the mantlepiece, drawn in by a picture of your wife. Desperate for news of her whereabouts.
You sigh, and realise that the emergency services are doing everything that they can to find her...
...Realise that the country *must* come first.
You have two major cities brought to their knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Even if the country does see you as a buffoon, you hope you will still be able to guide Britain, through her darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand - or at least you could, if you knew where your wife was.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence, all over West Yorkshire and North London.
The number of casualties is terrifying.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds and London, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
While this footage alone may have sparked ridicule, the fact that you lied during your press conference, about leaving this engagement, has caused an outpouring of raw anger on social media.
This anger has escalated, and now there are riots and looters in many major cities up and down the country.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation? Would your wife now be home?
You step up to the mantlepiece, drawn in by a picture of your wife. Desperate for news of her whereabouts.
You sigh, and realise that the emergency services are doing everything that they can to find her...
...Even if manpower is being stretched thin by the escalating riots.
You have two major cities, brought to their knees by chemical weapons, and the number of casualties rising fast.
Other cities burn with anger, and the entire country is gripped by fear.
You slump back into your seat, and proceed to finish off a bottle of scotch that you have been nursing for the evening - deep within your own darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]You step back into Downing Street, taking a moment to compose yourself. From outside you can hear the frenzied activity of the press - a desperate barrage of voices, all trying to be the first to relay fresh details back to their respective studios.
Now that your public statement is over with, you can concentrate on the job at hand - or at least you could, if you knew where your wife was.
The rest of the day is a blur. Endless meetings. Endless briefings. Endless minor decisions.
Before you know it, official business has drawn to a close for the day, and you are seated in your living room inside 10 Downing Street - trying to get some rest, ahead of the trials to come.
You nervously flick between the news channels on the television, reflecting on the days events.
Current footage shows members of the public, sick and dying from the now confirmed chemical presence, all over West Yorkshire and North London.
The number of casualties is terrifying.
After your public statement, many people ignored the advice to stay indoors, and took to the streets. To lay flowers or pay their respects at the bomb sites - now casualties themselves, of this brutal chemical attack.
Alongside footage of the devastation in Leeds and London, many of the news outlets are broadcasting a constant loop of the footage which shows you receiving word of the first detonation, and deciding to stay at the school assembly.
This has caused you to become the butt of jokes, or hastily constructed memes on social media.
Images of your face, super-imposed onto the body of *The Gruffalo*, and standing in front of the slogan *Keep Calm and Carry On*, fill the feeds of Twitter and Facebook.
...You wonder how much worse this would be, if they were aware, that you knew about the suspected chemical element prior to your press conference.
There were clearly no right or wrong decisions you could have made this day. You had no idea how events would play out.
Yet a feeling of worry and despair still surrounds you. What would have happened if you had made the decision to close all transport, countrywide?
Would there have even been a second detonation? Would your wife now be home?
You step up to the mantlepiece, drawn in by a picture of your wife. Desperate for news of her whereabouts.
You sigh, and realise that the emergency services are doing everything that they can to find her...
...Realise that the country *must* come first.
With the casualty number rising fast, you have two major cities brought to their knees by chemical weapons, and an entire country gripped by fear.
Even if the country does see you as a buffoon, you hope you will still be able to guide Britain, through her darkest hour.
[[To be continued?...->The Darkest Hour]]- THE DARKEST HOUR - LIVE -
A Live 60’ Interactive Factual Format
THE CONCEPT:
In The Darkest Hour, the audience at home will take part in a live interactive disaster scenario - with several different outcomes and endings - asking the question: What would YOU do in the event of a national emergency?
By downloading an app to their smart phones or devices, the TV audience will be able to actively take part in, and influence the outcome of an unfolding narrative, in which the UK has fallen victim to a cataclysmic disaster - such as a dirty bomb attack.
Taking the role of the Prime Minister - the audience at home will vote on key decisions throughout the story. These votes will then be counted live and instantaneously, pushing the on-screen action down different branching narrative paths.
THE SHOW:
By using genuine research into government national emergency protocol, The Darkest Hour will present an authentic narrative, over the course of an hour.
Throughout the 60-minute duration, known actors will play out decisions made by the audience at home, live. They will be given a choice of two options and 10 seconds to register their decision.
These decisions will raise in pressure as the story unfolds, leading to one of several - potentially earth-shattering - endings.
The show itself will be Live with pre-recorded VT’s to help move the story forward but also to act as buffers/breathing space for the Live action - as the story paths will be extensively audience tested prior to filming, with the most likely outcomes pre-recorded ahead of time.
This will allow the cast to get ahead, as the votes come in, and prepare for any scenes that may have to be played out live, depending upon the audience choices.
After the show has finished, and the story has been taken to a dramatic and logical ending by the audience at home, a post-show discussion will begin - potentially in its own 30-minute segment, in which various politicians, or known figures will offer their take on how things played out - and what they would have done differently.
Will the country be able to save itself? Only you can decide!
[[PLAY THIS NARRATIVE AGAIN?->1. The Rules of the Game]]