CODE OCHRE PART ONE (#1 TO #6) A FICTIONAL SHORT STORY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CHICANERY AND THE CORRUPTION OF POWER SET IN BRITAIN IN 2009
© DAVE HAMBIDGE 2010 PLEASE SEE BACK PAGE FOR COPYING TERMS
Central Press Briefing Background for Media visiting “The Complex” on 07/04/09 Full details and any questions will be dealt with during visit. The conceptual idea for a specialist sport and occupation assessment centre arose from interdepartmental consideration of future needs within England and Wales. Jointly funded by specified R+D grants from Work and Pensions, Culture, Education and Science, Defence and Defra, “The Project” has been approved to study; •
• •
The health and special ability of potential international level sporting competitors in single participant activity such as athletics, tennis and golf; to identify the best and enrol them in the relevant National Training Academy or personal programme. Similarly for young adults wishing to enlist in the armed services; to identify at an early stage the best route for their career. Individuals who have not gained any employment for at least 3 years after leaving compulsory state education; to define any needs for rehabilitation to enhance their employment potential.
Based at “The Complex” in North Cheshire, a multi-disciplinary staff will offer a four day, wide-ranging physical and psychological screening procedure which has been shown, in preliminary studies, to have good predictive ability. Each individual participant will receive a detailed report to assist their career planning. When fully operational, “The Complex” will offer a maximum of 12 residential places each week to young adults aged 16 to 21 years old. Housed in a former Georgian country house, attendees will share twin bedrooms and communal meal facilities, under the supervision of a resident house mother. The specialist assessments will be undertaken by resident sport and health staff, with visiting expertise available as required. Places will be offered to applicants based on merit and recommendation and will be free-of-cost to all who are offered the opportunity to attend this unique facility. Relevant staff will be available to answer questions during your visit which will be escorted by the acting-director of “The Complex”, Dr Davies. No students will be in residence. We look forward to welcoming you to “The Project”.
Spec Op Dir, 01/04/2009; email memo FAO Operation PsyCoChemManip Wed,01/04/09,1325h 1. Rural facilities at The Complex have been completed. 2. First tranche of subjects have been selected to arrive 13/04/2009 pm to commence selection the next day. 3. Current option is for full activity by end of April 2009. 4. Precise constitution of study mixture will be notified on “need to know; list alpha” basis only. 5. All personnel are be meticulous in maintaining security code OCHRE. 6. Selected media briefing to go ahead 06/04/09, as per attached press briefing.
TOP SECRET Operation PsyCoChemManip Need to know; list alpha Wed, 01/04/09, 1406h Combination to be used for all courses until futher notice; Cannabinoid code IC 36. Acknowledge receipt for records. Transcript of Phone Call Subject A1 and her mother Thu,02/04/09,1015h “Mum, it's me, Debs; the post has come, I'm on the special selection course!” “Which one is that darling?” “The tennis protoge academy prelim... college put me up for it!” “The weekend in London one?” “No, that week at a live-in sports complex, somewhere near Liverpool...” “That's good then! How much will it cost me?” “Nothing; all free, travel, everything...” “I don't remember signing any forms or permission stuff?” “Ah, yep; you were so busy with work... I may have signed for you... save time and all...” “Debbie!” “Come on mum, you know I can do it well, no-one will know. And if...” “And if they find out a lovely young girl like you forges her mum's papers for her, then their dreams of Wimbledon stardom may not come true!” (Long silence, no speech...) “OK mum, sorry, last time I do it, promise! Right, I've got practise, see you later, bye”
Personal E-Notebook Diary of Aileen B House Mother; The Complex Thu ,02/04/09,1930h So, the first rehearsal for a full houseful of attendees went so smoothly yesterday that we expect the first proper guests in a couple of weeks . The whole procedure has been trimmed to a slick 4 days which the kids will enjoy, hopefully. I have joined the resident ladies softball team and we only lost to the caterers by 3 strikes, or do I mean ends? The sports hall has lovely kit and we are encouraged to make maximum use of it before the first proper group of candidates arrives, after which it will be weekends only, shame! According to the “boss man”, old wandering eyes, the national press will be coming next Tuesday for a guided tour of the place and a briefing on what we hope the kids will gain from a spell here. Some of the caterers were saying that the menu on offer that day will work out at nearly £50-a-head, buying good publicity costs a bit, apparently. Right, I'm knackered, quick drink in the mess bar then bed for me, up again at 5am tomorrow, almost as tough as being a proper mother, but no messy nappies, I do so hope!
Personal E-Notebook Diary of Aileen B House Mother; The Complex Tue,07/04/09,2128h Just come from the wash-up chat after the press open day visit. Old Wandering Eyes is delighted with the response from the journos and the good items they are promising. I was expecting cameramen to want to photo inside the buildings but apparently that's been rejected as yet, privacy and all that! He even stood a round for everyone, that would cost almost my weekly wage, before all the ruddy stoppages! He also gave a 72 hour leave to all the resident staff from tomorrow evening. I think I'll have a lie in or two and maybe go to the new shops in Liverpool?
Transcript of Phone Call Subject A1 and her mother Mon,13/04/09,2048h “Hi mum, I suppose your down the bingo again? Anyway, just to let you know I arrived here safely. Nice place and people, bit posh really. Had a quick medical with the team nurse, then an orientation briefing from the director chap and a tour of the place, see where everything is. We are the first group to come here so only six of us, to test out the procedures, but means we get a room to ourselves, so that's OK. Anyway, I hate ruddy answer phones so I hope you didn't win too much and I'll phone again Tuesday night, tar-rar!”
Official Unit Log, “The Complex” Entry By Night Watch Operative serial 5203 Mon,13/04/09,2349h 1. All systems functioning within agreed parameters. 2. First group of guests now all settled. 3. Supplies of the declared combination safely arrived at 2230h. FREE TEXT COMMENT The little darlings are tired from a long journey! Assuming no negative indicators come become evident in full baseline evaluations tomorrow than they will be a good live test run!
Transcript of Phone Call Subject A1 and her mother Tues,14/04/09,2157h “Hi mum, you out again! Right, well, I passed all the tests today, apparently! We did computer games to check on our intelligence and stuff then loads of gym and tennis court exercises to see about our fitness and skill levels. Tonight we've had a special milkshake drink to boost our energy levels to see how much better we are tomorrow. Bit like one of the caffeine shot Red Bull things, I think. Anyway, I'm knackered, been feed some nice grub and I'm off to bed. Will you be home Wednesday? I'll try then. Night!”
Personal E-Notebook Diary of Aileen B House Mother; The Complex Tues, 14/04/09, 2320h Old wandering eyes said we would be busy on the day the students were in, he wasn't wrong! Only six of them but they feed like piggies and treat their rooms like a sty! And one of them came on and had no Tampax FFS. Anyhow, they've all done well in their assessments today and are happy but tired. One of the sports physios dropped in and left a energy drink for them all to have before bed, I feel as if I need it as well. Bed!” Official Unit Log, “The Complex” Shift Change Handover to Op. Serial 3393 Weds,14/04/09,0700h 1. No change from midnight report. 2. All subjects slept well; no incidents observed. FREE TEXT COMMENT Aileen the house mother has a fantastic arse! If she knew we could see all around her bedroom...?
TOP SECRET Operation PsyCoChemManip Need to know; list alpha First Interim Report, Dr Davies, Acting-Director “The Complex” Mon, 27/04/09, 1300h • •
•
•
I am pleased to report that the first two courses have been completed without any negative incidents. Both were of sports-women, 6 tennis in the first and 12 field athletes in the second. Good potential was identified in one of the former and three of the latter. The relevant sponsor agencies have been notified. As predicted, the use of IC 36 significantly improved cognitive and performance scores in some of the participants. Of considerably more meaning will be the exposure of next weeks first course of 12 males on the unemployed axis of this study. The Complex will be on stand-down from close of play Thu 30/04/09 until evening of Sun 03/05/09 for the bank-holiday.
TRANSCRIPT JOB CENTRE INTERVIEW SUBJECT Z03 AND ADVISER Wed, 29/04/09, 1134h “Ah, Johnno, thank-you for gracing me with your presence again today!” “Fuck-off boss and I know I'm late, the bus broke down and I had to walk!” “But you were due in at 9am, first appointment, good preparation for your trip to The Complex next week?” “Yeah, been talking to me ma about that, she don't want me to go, says you can't insist and all that...” “Yes, Johnno, we've been through this before, twice even. It is voluntary... and if you go you get 2 months benefit free in one go. If not, well, I can be really touchy about you not taking up job offers... know?” “And what, stop me giro?” “Not stop, but make it accidentally smaller, or lost in the post, or...?” “You did that before to make me come and see you!” “So, if I did it then...?” “Oh fuck it all, what've I got to lose? And its free, travel and all?” “Yes, Johnno, here's your train tickets and a bit of extra money, OK?”
Personal E-Notebook Diary of Aileen B House Mother; The Complex Fri, 08/05/09, 1837h “They all said the boys on the unemployed courses would be the worst, they got that bloody right! Lazy, rude, uncouth and gobby! OK not all of them but that Johnno, he deserved the smack in the mouth that Long-legs gave him, whatever his real name was, he never said! Old wandering eyes debriefed all the staff personally after the brawl, seemed annoyed that it had happened and that somehow we had let it happen. I wasn't getting in the shower with them, left that to the two security guards who rushed over. Wonder how they knew there had been trouble? Perhaps one of the other lads phoned for them. Whatever, I'm off till Monday morning now. Shops again I suspect! And then a wannabe Army group, ummh”
Official Unit Log, “The Complex” Entry By Night Watch Operative serial 2426 Thu, 14/05/09,0317h 1. A major altercation was observed in the Sports Hall at approx 0135h. 2. All course members from Special Recruit Assessment were involved in a general free for all; duty male security staff were directed to intervene. 3. The incident was not concluded until 0215h when staff withdrew and a CS gas canister was discharged into the building. 4. After first aid was given, half of the guests were offered and took a small quantity of sleeping medicine; this process authorized by acting-director under Op. Order. 5. The Complex was quiet by last inspection at 0310h, although 4 of those not given sedation remain awake talking with directing staff.
TOP SECRET Operation PsyCoChemManip Need to know; list alpha Fri, 15/05/09, 1045h Acting-Director “The Complex”, Dr Davies sent the attached for information only; no action is requested or indicated. “The incident documented in Unit Log in the early hours of yesterday, 14/05/09 has been investigated by the Special Ops personnel on site. Conclusion is that all the young men drank about 10-12 units of alcohol some 2-3 hours before, when they were allowed too much free beer in the guest bar. The bar staff have been suitably advised. My hypothesis is that the alcohol interacted with the energy supplement content to dis-inhibit the youths into violence. As the supplement had already boosted performance scores markedly I do not suggest an alteration at this time. The Complex was contacted today by a Coroner's Officer about the tragic accidental death of Subject A1 in a road incident. No association seems likely with her attendance here from 13 April 2009 on our course 1A.”
TRANSCRIPT JOB CENTRE INTERVIEW SUBJECT Z03 AND ADVISER Tue 19/05/09,1445h “Hello Johnno, how are you this morning, sorry afternoon?” “Shit, awful, tuckered and pissed off! Why?” “Well, I thought you would have enjoyed spending your benefit bonus I gave you last week, no?” “Yeah, well, sort of. I've been right cheesed-off since last Saturday. Mum wonders if the smack on the head I got at that place has affected me brain?” (Short laugh recorded) “Johnno, your brain has taken far more damage than that without any noticeable effect that I've ever seen!” “Maybe. Had the report back from them then?” “Yes, that's why I asked you to come in. The Complex found you to have considerable practical skills in hand-eye coordination and...” “What the fuck is that?” “Johnno, you seem to be good with your hands in making things. But your lack of literacy is a big problem for you. We didn't actually know that you, well, couldn't read and write?” “Me mum does that stuff for me, OK?” “Well, no! No wonder you've had problems with the jobs we've sent you for! Would you go and see our literacy adviser about it.” (Long silence) “Suppose so...”
Personal E-Notebook Diary of Aileen B House Mother; The Complex Mon, 01/06/09, 0738h “After a week without a course, today we have the first group of females for military recruit assessment. The boss has warned the staff, again, that there must be no excessive alcohol given to them after the big bust up a couple of weeks ago. If there is a brawl amongst the girls I shall have to go and be part of the sorting out team and I don't fancy being thumped by some large lass! Softball has become very popular with all the staff and we now have two leagues, one before work for the non-resident staff and the other in the evening for those who live in The Complex. Maybe a grand finale between the two, a world series do they call it?”
Official Unit Log, “The Complex” Entry By Acting-Director, Dr Davies. Thu, 04/06/09, 1426h 1. I was telephoned this morning by a coroners officer investigating the death by suicide on 28/05/09 of Subject Z03, attendee on Course 3. 2. The male, Johnno Brown, was assaulted in the shower on Wed 06/05/09, receiving blows to the head. 3. In accordance with relevant annex to Operational Protocol, I informed the police officer about the fight but made no reference to any use of medication. There will be no detectable traces of any substances in his body fluids 21 days after exposure. 4. I am now aware of 2 deaths in attendees amongst 66 total to date. Both seem quite unrelated to either The Complex or The Project and I do not recommend any further action.
Personal E-Notebook Diary of Aileen B House Mother; The Complex Fri, 05/06/09, 2315h “Had quite a shock chatting with Zoe, one of the admin clerks, after softball this evening. Two of our students, Debs from the very first week and big gob Johnno who was slapped about in the shower have BOTH DIED. Apparently Debs was killed in a car crash, Johnno hung himself. I'm quite upset but the boss has told Zoe that there is no connection with the kids time at The Complex. I do so hope that is right, I'd feel awful if it was! Got a little pissed chatting with Zoe and am now going to sleep before I throw up. Good night diary!”
TOP SECRET Operation PsyCoChemManip Need to know; list alpha Mon, 08/06/09, 0615h The content of the acting-directors Unit Log of Thu, 04/06/09, 1426h has been reviewed by The Commander and advice sought from the health and legal advisers to The Project. Whilst the deaths are regretted, no action is indicated as other causative factors are much more likely to be responsible. All recipients to acknowledge receipt of this memo for the official record.
AND NOW FOR THE BORING STUFF 1.
This work, which will be published over four parts in issuu format, has previously been posted at my blog; http://davehambo.wordpress.com/
2.
The content, be it character names, places or the events described are all the product of my small brain; they do not exist. Nor should they be assumed to represent anywhere else; real or fictional.
3.
As the content has been published on a blog it is free to copy for personal use.
4.
However, if I find some arse-hole passing this off as their own work in any format or medium, without having obtained my written permission to so do, they will regret their temerity.
5.
The images used are from my private collection and are not for copying without my wife's permission; she took the originals and tolerates cheats less well than I do.
SO, YOU HAVE A NICE TIME READING THIS BOOKLET!