‘Including the deaths of over one hundred people across the country yesterday.’
‘No, I don’t support that but I understand their motives.’
‘And exactly what are their motives?’
‘Change Alex, change for a better world where everyone is equal.’
‘Do you believe such a world can exist?’
‘I do Alex, and the good thing about Dystopia is that they don’t represent any religion. Yes it was terrible what they did yesterday. But you have to look beyond the deaths. You have to look at the bigger picture.’
‘Thank you for calling, we have someone else waiting, go ahead caller.’
‘Alex, Dystopia are a bunch of dicks. Thanks to what they have done this morning I can’t work.’
‘What do you do for a living caller?’
‘I’m a delivery driver for Amazon. I need to fill my car every day because I do a lot of mileage. Now that the petrol pumps are shut down and I can’t deliver my parcels, Amazon will sack me. I can’t afford to be sacked Alex. I can’t go back on the dole. I can’t even take the kids to school. Please I am begging Dystopia, for all the people who rely on their vehicles for work. Turn the bloody pumps back on.’
‘Caller thank you for your opinion. We have time for one more call before we play our first track. Go ahead caller.’
‘Hey Alex I have been playing the video that Dystopia released last night and I’m glad they have targeted the criminally rich. I hate what they are doing to this country.’
‘And what is that?’
‘They are preying on the weak minded. Do you know how many people rely on drugs? Millions that’s how many. I’m not saying everyone is a drug addict. I am saying these horrible people are peddling crap on our streets. Dystopia is right, people are without hope these days. They cannot find jobs to pay the bills or even go out and enjoy themselves. The drug dealers who operate on the streets should be lined up and shot.’
‘Don’t you think the police are doing a good enough job of handling the drug gangs?’
‘Alex the police are undermanned and outgunned. The government claim to seize millions in drugs coming into the country every year but that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. This country sees billions in drug deals every year. Don’t forget the UK is the gateway into Europe. I only hope that when we pull out of Europe the Prime Minister will act decisively and shut down the criminal gangs causing so much misery. I know it was terrible what happened yesterday. Dystopia should be punished for their actions. But on the flipside we also need someone like Dystopia to stand up to the criminally rich.’
‘Thanks for calling in. You are listening to the Alex Leeder show, London Speaks out. I’m live on air all day so if you have something to say then please call in. You can also contact me through social media. The question we are asking today. Is Dystopia a good thing or a bad thing? We’ll take a short break now, here’s Katy Perry and Fireworks.’
Chapter 28
Scotland Yard – Westminster – 9:25am
‘Can I have your attention please!’ Bishop addressed all the police officers in the incident room. ‘We now have a major situation on our hands. We are already getting reports of scuffles from forecourts around London. The Prime Minister is about to address the nation. As from now any non-essential travel via cars or police vans is to stop immediately. Only in the case of extreme emergencies can vehicles be used. I will start deploying officers to key points across the city to maintain order.’ Bishop paused. ‘There are going to be many scared and angry people out there today. All I ask of you is that you maintain your discipline and remember your training. We will get through this.’
‘Sam, here’s a photograph of Mathew Teller when he was arrested last year.’ Teague handed Sam the photo.
‘Thank god we still keep paper files.’ Sam glanced at Bishop who was talking to a number of police officers. ‘What are you going to do?’
‘I’m going to head out on foot. I know a snout who might know something about the drug the attackers allegedly used yesterday. Then I’ll head over to the London Evening Examiner and talk to the journalist who wrote a detailed article on the London stock exchange yesterday.’
She glanced at the photograph. ‘I’m about to release a statement online requesting information on the whereabouts of Teller. Hopefully someone will come forward and this mess can be cleared up.’
Downing Street – London – 10:00am
Mayflower composed herself in front of the bank of TV cameras pointed directly at her. She glanced down at her notes. ‘By now everyone across the UK will be aware that all petrol stations have been closed down. Dystopia say they will not switch them back on. I would like to remind Dystopia that they will not win. The will of the people is strong. We will not bend to your twisted way of thinking. In the past many have tried to break us. When Hitler and his Nazi thugs threatened these shores the British people stood strong. We did not cower down in fear and give in to the hatred that spread across Europe destroying millions of lives. This nation stood alone against the Nazi tyranny that threatened our borders. The resolve of the British people prevailed and we beat back the darkness that threatened our country.’ She paused. ‘Today I stand before you as your Prime Minister and ask the British people once again to stand firm. To those who are fearful of the current situation I say this. Stand with us, with this government, with your community to send a clear message to Dystopia that they will never win the day. We will stand as one people and defeat you no matter what the cost. It’s understandable that there are many of you out there who doubt our ability to defeat these terrorists. Let me assure those doubters, we will defeat Dystopia. We will emerge from this crisis a stronger nation. As the rest of the world looks on I would like to remind the United Nations, which we have been a loyal member of for the last several decades. An attack on one nation is an attack on all. When the events of 9/11 shocked the world the governments rallied their resources and we hit back at the dark forces that threatened our democracy. I believe that with our combined strength, we can hit back at this latest threat. As for the people of this great nation I ask only this. Please do not let Dystopia win. I know that we all rely on our vehicles to run us about on everyday tasks, some of which are unnecessary. As from now I am asking the public to not make any unnecessary journey by car. Save as much fuel as you can. Our government is working hard to resolve this crisis. We stand shoulder to shoulder.’ Mayflower paused to check her notes again. ‘In regards to the attacks that took place yesterday in London and across the country I am about to chair a meeting with Cobra to discuss our options. One of these options that we are rolling out are the use of British forces. We will begin to deploy troops to all essential areas across the country. These areas include our fuel depos, our hospitals, all major shopping outlets across the United Kingdom. It is understandable that this may cause some disruption. However, we feel this action is necessary should any incidents occur. If you do not need to use your vehicle and you can get to your destination by walking or by cycling then please do this. If you have an emergency then please dial the emergency services as normal and they will respond immediately. For those who wish to take advantage of the current situation I say this. If you act outside the law you will face swift justice. We must remain calm in times of crisis and we must remain strong in our goals to tackle this new threat. In the words of our great Prime Minister Winston Churchill, let our advanced worrying become advanced thinking and planning.’
Chapter 29
London Evening Examiner – Fleet Street – London – 10:23am
Mirren stared at his computer screen at the document he had just opened. It was part of a number of files that had been dropped into his inbox. He looked up on hearing a knock on the door. ‘Alan come in I’ve something to show you.’
Alan sat down and looked at the monitor.
‘Some scientist came up with a breakthrough for nuclear fission.’
‘I saw a documentary last week on fission. They sa
y scientists are close to achieving it.’
Mirren shook his head. ‘This scientist made the breakthrough in the early seventies.’
‘The early seventies.’ Alan remarked.
‘I have just got off the phone to the editor of the Guardian. He seems to think that the information Dystopia posted will solve every energy crisis we have.’ Mirren stared intensely at the screen.
‘Did you catch the speech Mayflower gave?’
Mirren nodded. ‘She’s panicking, Dystopia have got the government by the balls. I don’t think they’ll back down, they’ll take this all the way.’
‘All the way to what exactly?’
Mirren shrugged. ‘With all the petrol stations shut down across the country it will only be a matter of time before total anarchy breaks out. People will remain calm for the moment but it will only take one incident to push people over the edge. I don’t think calling the army out is the right move. I hope Mayflower knows what she’s doing.’
‘I just received an e-mail from the coroner I spoke to last night. He wants to see me again. I was about to head off, that’s if you can spare me.’
Mirren nodded. ‘Be careful out there, I don’t think a lot of people will take too much notice of Mayflower’s speech. I remember the riots of 2011. Had to literally barricade myself in a shopping centre when an army of thugs attacked.’
‘I’ll watch my back.’
East London – 10:43am
Daniel Teague knocked on the door of the flat. Movement could be heard inside.
Eventually the door partly opened revealing a scruffy looking man who squinted at the bright daylight.
‘Mark, it’s me Darren.’
‘What do you want?’ The man said with an agitated tone.
‘I need to speak with you about a drug that may have hit the streets.’
‘I haven’t heard anything.’ The man said.
‘Mark, please it’s important. It has something to do with the attacks that took place yesterday. You need to speak to me if you know something.’
The man stared at Teague before opening the door wider.
Teague sat down on an old leather sofa and looked about the squalid living room. A flat screen TV stood out amongst the clutter. An android box and a games console sat on a rickety looking TV stand.
‘I’d offer you a coffee but I’m out of milk and I don’t fancy going outside. Not with all the shit that’s been happening over the last few days.’
Teague smiled. ‘I’m fine this is just a quick visit.’
‘What are you doing here?’
‘I need your help Mark. I am looking for information about a new drug hitting the streets. It might have a connection with what happened yesterday.’
‘What makes you think I know anything?’
Teague smiled at the man sat on the filthy armchair opposite. ‘Don’t play games with me Mark. You know most of the dealers in and around London. You know what comes in and goes out. The only reason you are not sitting in a jail cell is because we used to be best friends.’
‘Until you fucked off and left.’
‘Until I came to my senses.’ Teague replied. ‘I got tired of this shit.’ He gestured at the squalid surroundings. ‘We could have been better than this. Mark, we could have both escaped this shit, I gave you every opportunity.’
Samuels looked out of the window. ‘I know, but I never had the strength you had.’
‘Mark, I need you to focus. The police believe that some sort of drug may have caused those people to go crazy and attack people. I need to know if you’ve heard anything.’
Daniels picked up a rolled up cigarette from a coffee table covered in rubbish. He lit the cigarette and took a long drag. ‘Several weeks ago there were whispers on the streets.’
‘Whispers?’
‘A new dealer had hit town. The main dealers were going ape. They started kicking in doors and asking questions if you know what I mean.’ He took another drag from his cigarette. ‘But they couldn’t find anything.’
‘Who was taking the drug?’ Teague asked.
‘Mainly city workers. The ones in high profile jobs. The main coke dealers lost a lot of money to whoever was dealing.’
‘Do you know anything about this drug?’
‘Rumours mainly, it’s called Euphoria. The Russians, Chinese, Albanians, Nigerians were freaking out. They were losing thousands but no one would tell them who the dealer was. People reckon they were getting their drugs from an online company. That’s what a lot of users are doing now. There are so many sites selling legal highs. The dealer on the street is losing money.’
‘So what are these rumours you’ve heard.’ Teague asked.
‘This new drug is supposed to be the ultimate high. It’s supposed to take you places never thought possible. It’s more potent than any drug on the street. Euphoria is supposed to enhance physical and mental abilities.’
Teague thought about the carnage at both the nightclub and the tube station. ‘There must be something leading back to who the dealer is. How much does this drug cost?’
‘That’s the thing, it was free. That’s why the main dealers were pissed off. They were losing out big time. No one gives away drugs, it’s a cardinal sin amongst dealers. Most dealers will offer their gear out for a bargain price to lure in new addicts.’
‘Someone must know something about where this drug comes from.’
‘The local dealers have nicknamed whoever is selling this shit as the ghost.’
‘When was the last time anyone mentioned this ghost?’
‘About two weeks ago I was at a house in Hackney. It was full of Nigerians, arrogant pricks, flashing buckets of cash around. They were celebrating. Rumour on the street was that a Russian gang had taken out the Ghost. They found out where they were operating from.’
‘So you’re saying that someone managed to track down this ghost.’
Samuels nodded.
‘Did the Nigerians say where?’
‘No, but I could ask around if you want. You’ll have to give me a bit of time.’
Teague nodded. ‘Sure, but the sooner the better.’
‘I’ll try and find out something before the end of the day.’
‘Thanks Mark, that would go a long way towards tracking down Dystopia.’
Samuels stared out of the window. ‘People are saying that this is the end of days. Dystopia is going to shut down all the electricity next. No one will have any power.’
‘You can crash at my place if you want.’ Teague offered.
‘We live in different worlds now Dan.’
Teague stood up. ‘Is there anything you want?’
‘A way out of this shithole would be nice.’ Samuels answered.
‘You had a way out Mark, but you didn’t take the chance.’ Teague reached into his inside pocket and pulled out his wallet.
‘I don’t want your fucking charity.’ Samuels snapped.
‘Maybe not, but you need to eat. Get off this shit Mark, you’re better than this.’ Teague threw four ten pound notes onto the table. He then turned and headed towards the living room door.
Chapter 30
Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBRA) - 70 Whitehall – London – 11:02am
Mayflower looked at Bishop. ‘How bad is it out there?’
‘So far people have heeded your message ma’am to stay calm. We have had no major reports of any incident similar to yesterday. We have been getting reports of petrol and diesel being stolen from vehicles. Thieves are syphoning petrol from older cars. We fear that the situation is going to get worse as the day goes on. Racketeers will be out selling petrol and diesel so that people can get home tonight. We will do our best to apprehend any one selling bootleg fuel.’ Bishop paused. ‘I’m afraid ma’am this is the calm before the storm. People will start to run out of petrol soon. There are already people walking out of the city centre towards the outskirts of London.’
Mayflower looked at the transport minister. ‘
What about trains and busses, how will they be affected?’
‘We have implemented procedures in regards to rationing. Most fuel depots operate on a computer system which don’t seem to be affected this moment. If the main fuel depots remain open throughout the country then then we can still supply the emergency services with fuel. Thank god Dystopia haven’t shut off the main fuel depos otherwise it would be a different story.’
‘We need to consider lifting the travel ban Prime Minister.’ Alex Johnson the foreign secretary said. ‘The longer people are unable to travel abroad the more chaos it will cause. I have had several foreign Embassies jumping down my throat regarding the travel ban.’
‘I will not lift the travel ban until we are sure that the attacks are over.’ Mayflower looked at the two men sat opposite. ‘How are you progressing in regards with tracking down Dystopia.’
‘We’ve been kicking over stones worldwide Prime Minister.’ Baldwin said. ‘We have every security agency working to find these people. The NSA, Homeland Security, the FBI and The CIA. They are confident that with their combined efforts they will find a location.’
‘Any news from the Russians?’
‘We have been in contact with Moscow but so far they’re denying any involvement. We expect the Russians to deny any wrong doing, along with the Chinese. As for the North Koreans, Kim will just do as he pleases like always. The President is due to make a speech soon.’
‘Are you sure about that?’ Alex Johnson questioned. ‘Kim has jumped through a lot of hoops this year. There are a number of UN weapon inspectors in North Korea overseeing the dismantlement of his nuclear weapons facilities. He would never pull a stunt like this, knowing what’s at stake.’
Mayflower looked at an army general sat at the head of the table. ‘What’s the plan regarding deploying troops.’
‘We are starting to deploy soldiers around the city to key locations we feel may be of value. The Palace Guard have doubled their numbers. Barracks from around the country are starting to move personnel to key cities and towns. However, due to cutbacks over the last several years our troop numbers have been greatly reduced. Some areas will be left vulnerable.’
Dystopia Page 14
