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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1315 is a reply to message #1314] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:46   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
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Monday, April 9th, 9.45 pm, Tower Bridge, London
At home in Creighton-Ward Manor, Lady Penelope was reflecting on her visit to Tracy Island. It had been good to see Jeff so very much better, and she had enjoyed Kat's company again. She turned on the television, and her attention was immediately taken by a news flash.
There has been a terrible accident at Tower Bridge. A cruise ship heading upstream has collided with the structure of the bridge, setting off the rising mechanism. The Prime Minister and her family were travelling over the bridge, and are caught up in the disaster. We will bring you more news as we receive it.
Lady Penelope instantly thought of contacting Tracy Island, but then decided not to. If International Rescue were to be called out, she didn't want to get in the way of any signals. She rang for Parker.
"You rang, m'lady?"
"Yes, Parker, there has been a terrible accident at Tower Bridge. I am considering going along to see if I can be of any assistance."
Just as Parker was about to reply, the programme was switched to the BBC News.
"We are going live to the scene of the accident, to our Reporter at Tower Bridge, Fiona Brotherton. What can you tell us, Fiona?"
"Well, Martin, it is total carnage here at the Bridge. As you can see the weather is appalling, and we have been told that a freak bolt of lightening has knocked out the electronic computer system of a cruise ship heading up river."
Lade Penelope watched with interest.
Fiona Brotherton continued. "We have been further advised that Bridge control tried to contact the ship, asking them to hold back until the Prime Minister's party had travelled across the bridge, but that message did not get through. Consequently the ship continued on, and due to the heavy weather, collided with the infrastructure of the tower, releasing the rising mechanism."
"What is being done as regards rescue?" Martin asked.
Fiona continued, her umbrella buffeted by the high winds. "At the moment, the police are trying to instigate some sense of calm, but as you can see," and here the cameras swung round, "there is panic setting in. The fire brigades and paramedics have arrived."
Suddenly the camera moved towards a group of officials standing to one side of the group of reporters.
"Martin, the Chief of Police is just issuing a press release."
Chief Inspector Mason raised his hand. "Due to the enormity of the rescue, International Rescue has been contacted, and are on their way."
"Well, you all heard that. We are awaiting International Rescue."
Lady Penelope watched with horror as the scene on the TV screen before her unfurled. Once more the pictures flashed to the scene of devastation. People in cars were crushed by heavier vehicles. Several cars had rammed into the vehicles in front of them. Some victims had managed to escape their vehicles and were wandering around in a dazed state. The sound of screams and shouts for help were heart-breaking. The ship itself lay gently tossing on the tide. Being a tidal river the incoming tide would raise the ship, causing it to jam further under the part of the tower it had struck.
Fiona joined a jostling crowd of reporters, trying to talk to the Chief of Police. Pushing herself forward, she shouted above the clamour. "Fiona Brotherton, BBC News. Tell me, how are the Prime Minister and her family?"
"We are very concerned for the safety of the Prime Minister and her family. At the moment the car is caught by the front wheels over the edge of the raised portion."
"Where are the RAF?" another reporter shouted above the noise.
"I am afraid that the main piece of equipment that they would normally use in a situation such as this is elsewhere. They are not able to help," the Chief replied.
There was more pushing and shoving as more reporters and cameramen tried to film and get answers to their questions.
"What about the ship? Are the crew in danger?" Fiona asked.
"There are just a pilot and his second in command aboard. We are doing all we can to assist them," another member of the Chief's party replied.
Suddenly the roar of rocket engines could be heard.
"It sounds like... Yes, it is! International Rescue has arrived. What a marvellous sight; a huge blue and silver rocket winging through the air!"
The camera swung round to focus on Thunderbird One. Scott's voice could be heard. "Sorry, no pictures please!"
Fiona came once more into view. "Well, you all heard that. We will abide by what they want. I will, of course, talk you through what is happening."
Suddenly there was much pushing and jostling as reporters, film crews, and interested spectators all tried to get a glimpse of Thunderbird One. Fiona side-stepped a French film crew, intent of getting close ups of the Thunderbird craft. "It looks like, yes, the magnificent Thunderbird One is flying about the area of the bridge. They are obviously deciding which is the best way to rescue the Prime Minister and her family."
Suddenly the screen went blank. The scene switched to Martin Jacobs in the newsroom. "We seem to have lost contact with Fiona Brotherton. We will try and reconnect to her as soon as we are able."
Lady Penelope nodded her head. ~Good! The camera fogging device seems to be working well.
Post by Tawnyangel22 on 09/04/2005
  
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