CHARLOTTE, ASH and EMMA are in the SWANSEA RESETTLEMENT ZONE, but Ash is there under false pretenses - as their neighbour, scientist MARK NEWMAN.

 

In an increasingly dangerous environment, Ash has found himself in a committee meeting, being blackmailed into arguing for lessening rations to civilians.

 

Ash believes this is morally wrong and wants to speak out. Charlie needs him to keep his head down. 

 

The coin reads heads. He’ll lie low, his morals will have to wait. He tells the room that the HEAD SCIENTIST’s plan will work, and the motion passes. The CITIZENS will receive less food and water.

 

JACOB sits in the corner, distracted, making notes. Committee - ill; community - safe. Why?

 

7am. Ash finishes a nice breakfast in the CIVIC CENTRE canteen, then heads home to his flat, resigned. 

 

Ash passes Charlotte and Emma, who are queuing for small amounts of porridge and BOTTLES OF WATER.

 

Jacob is out inspecting the citizens. He watches the breakfast queues … Something’s tugging at his brain …

 

Ash heads back to MARK’S FLAT. He unpacks his NOVELS and his LAPTOP from his SATCHEL, and sets them out. It’s actually quite lovely, this flat.

 

Jacob lingers on the bottled water. Shit. It’s the water. It’s something in the TAP WATER! He sets off towards the Civic Centre at a sprint. He finds CURTIS, and tells him. They rush off to prepare an announcement.

 

In Mark’s flat, Ash prepares a big fresh jug of water from the sink, and returns to his new desk. He pours a glass of tap water. Then gets back to work on his novel.