Noughts + Crosses (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
Come on, pal! Go on!
Whoo!
CHEERING
Yeah, well done! That was...
That was quite a sight.
Well, go on, then,
show me how it's done.
Er, don't want to show you up,
Blanker.
You're going to miss all this.
Yeah. You definitely want to go?
It's Mercy Point.
Course he should go.
Want to be a sell-out?
Like he just said, it's Mercy Point.
So might not even get in.
Jude, mate!
Look, don't listen to him.
I'm proud of you.
Cheers, Danny boy.
APPROACHING SIRENS
Danny, come on, let's go.
APPROACHING SIRENS
Shit.
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.
What's the hurry there, lads?
We're just heading home, Officer.
Yeah, we only came down for
a kick-about.
Left as soon as we saw what was
happening.
Where's your ball, then, genius?
Must have lost it in our hurry
to get away, Officer.
Yeah, yeah, get in the van.
Go on. Nah. Nah, nah, nah.
Jude!
I said get in the van.
OK. OK.
A police officer has the power
to detain someone
only if they've grounds to believe
that person has committed
a Section Two offence...
What's he saying? I dunno.
..attendance of an illegal gathering
classifies as a Section Three.
Well, look at that,
got ourselves an expert here.
Well, I reckon one of us should be.
Are you taking a tone with me, boy?
He didn't mean that, Officer.
Hands on the van.
No, no, I'm, I'm sick of this, man.
I am so sick of this!
Hands on the van!
Out of my face, Blanker!
There we go, "Blanker".
That's it, in the van.
Jude! Jude! Stop!
I'm not doing anything.
Just leave it. I'm not.
Out my way, Blanker.
Danny!
SHOUTING
Get back! I told you to get back!
We need an ambulance here.
Will someone call an ambulance?
Jude! Jude!
SIRENS APPROACH
TV: Opposition leaders have
criticised Prime Minister
Opal Folami's domestic policies,
after a Cross policeman was injured
in yet another night of violence
on the streets of South London.
A Nought gang leader is
now in hospital,
after the police were forced
to defend themselves...
Sephy, it's Mama's birth...day.
Baba. Oya o, we're giving
Mama her presents.
Give me a second.
Ready?
# Ojo ayo lojo oni o, eje ka jo
# Loni o eje ka jo. #
THEY LAUGH
Happy birthday, Mama.
Eh, Ese O.
For me? Mm-hm.
My family colours!
And from me.
SHE GASPS
Your secretary has exquisite taste!
I'm sorry, I have to go.
There's been an incident
in Meadowview.
The Prime Minister is giving
a statement in an hour.
But you're coming to the party
tonight? I'll do everything I can.
Baba, can you give me a lift to
school? I want to ask you something.
Oya. Car leaves in two minutes.
Happy birthday, Mama.
They stopped us.
They called us Blankers.
All the usual,
and then they just attacked us.
You didn't provoke 'em?
Since when did they need provoking?
Right, we go to the police. What?!
You explain what happened.
Meggie, it'll be the police's word
against theirs. Callum's got his
interview at Mercy Point tomorrow.
Exactly! You think that's going to
happen? Wait, what? You're still
going? Of course I am.
After what's just happened to Danny,
you're having a laugh. Do you know
how long I've been working on this?
Enough! We do nothing.
If anything changes, then...
For now, we just sit tight.
All right?
See you all later.
Right. Oh.
Jude.
Don't forget you're helping me
with the party tonight.
Uh-uh, nah, no, I'm not working.
You promised! It's the Home
Secretary, I'm not serving them.
Enough. Enough,
I don't want to hear it.
Callum. Why?
I don't want to serve him either!
Please.
I'm really short tonight.
Fine.
Thank you.
I was thinking. I was looking at
university courses again.
And I'd like to apply
to do politics.
At Okene-Aprica, maybe.
I thought you were going to do
art history.
I know, but I just want to do
something in the real world.
You know? Something useful,
like you.
Well, if your mind's made up.
Baba! As if you didn't always
hate art history.
Persephone Hadley, to even suggest
I'd ever tell you what to do.
SHE LAUGHS
"Mercy Point.
"200 years of excellence."
Jude, stop it!
INDISTINCT SHOUTS
SIRENS APPROACH
ANGRY SHOUTING
Move away! Get off me,
you dagger! Get off me!
According to the police officers,
the Noughts threatened them
and there was a suspicion that one
of them was carrying a concealed
weapon.
This is the tenth such
incident this year.
It's hardly any wonder the Noughts
are a little volatile.
Whatever their reasons,
Prime Minister, we have to respond.
And so I'd recommend the
temporary expansion
of stop and search powers
across Albion,
and in London
the implementation of a curfew.
The Aprica President will
not allow us
to implement what is essentially
martial law.
Some would argue we shouldn't have
to ask Aprica's permission
in the first place.
Some would argue this shouldn't be
happening in the first place.
I'm sorry, I won't be there
at Jasmine's party.
Events have overtaken me somewhat.
Sorry I'm late, Niamh.
Family emergency.
Four today.
Two of you.
You and you.
Kia, kia!
No luck? Couldn't you put in a word?
It doesn't work like that.
Sorry, son.
Listen.
The videos from last night,
they're all over the internet.
There's a meeting today
at the Shield.
This guy Jack Dorn.
You're not going.
He wants to co-ordinate a response
after what happened to Danny.
I don't doubt it.
You're still not going.
I wasn't just talking about me.
I'm not listening to Dorn
mouthing off to a bunch of kids.
I left all that behind
a long time ago.
That could be me in hospital.
It... It could be Callum.
HE SIGHS
Despite centuries of Aprican rule,
relations between Noughts
and Crosses continued to worsen.
The Segregation Act restored peace
by enforcing the separation of
the races for the benefit of all.
Lekan? Yes! Oh, yeah.
Whoa. Whoo.
Can you outline the major causes of
the creation of the Segregation Act?
Persephone.
I was just asking Kofi
to explain the origins of
the 1950 Segregation Act and outline
some of its specific elements.
You've caught me at the end
of a 15-hour shift,
so forgive me if I'm brusque.
You and your thugs
put that kid in a coma,
so not only is
he not going anywhere -
he might have to be fed through
a straw for the rest of his life.
Getting started early, are we?
Well, it is my birthday.
Beautiful, isn't it?
And so is the weather.
Yes, finally some sunshine.
You might even get some colour.
Meggie.
So tonight I have a friend coming.
Oh, right?
He's called Chike.
When he arrives, can you bring him
up, discreetly?
What about Kamal?
Kamal probably won't even come.
Jas. You can keep a secret,
can't you?
The things I do for you.
They'll be here soon.
Look, our brave police officers
protect both Noughts and Crosses
alike, often at great personal risk.
In return, we protect those who
serve from malicious accusations.
And look, the police have a perfect
right to defend themselves
in violent situations, and I think
it's wrong to politicise their work.
He's full of shit.
We can agree on that.
Right, have a look at this.
Who filmed that?
Who cares? It's gone viral.
Doesn't matter
what he says any more.
This is different.
Now people will be out on
the streets tonight.
Yeah.
Look, I've got to go
do this bit of work.
At Kamal Hadley's house?
You know I don't want to,
but Mama needs the help, Jude.
Did you go see Danny?
Yeah, I tried.
But that bastard cop was there,
from last night.
You're not the only one who cares.
Nice of you to pop by. Come on.
Is he here, then?
The Home Secretary.
Not yet. And when he arrives,
you're going to serve him drinks
and be nice
and keep your temper in check.
I mean it, Callum. This is my job.
Fine.
Doesn't mean I have to like it.
Right, I think we're ready to go.
So keep those glasses filled
and it'll all go smoothly.
And, girls, as ever, keep away
from the Minister of Agriculture.
Let's go, Callum, this way.
TV: In an interview earlier today,
the Home Secretary defended
police action against more
violence on the streets.
KNOCK AT DOOR
Sephy, 30-minute warning.
Meggie. You like Lekan, don't you?
Lekan? He's, uh...
..very confident.
Did Ryan take an interest in
your career?
This isn't a career, Sephy.
I... I didn't mean it
like that. I just...
I don't think he ever brought up
that conversation.
Come on, they'll be here soon.
LIVELY MUSIC PLAYS
Hey, bro.
Who's that?
How should I know?
Baba! We didn't think you'd come!
Don't be silly, I wouldn't miss this
for the world. Oh, thank you, Ilza.
Is she ready, Meggie?
I'll check. Good evening, Mr Hadley.
Approve. Thank you!
Jasmine. Mr Hadley is here.
Shit. What do I do? I don't know.
You can go home
or whatever you want.
I wanted to see you.
My husband's here. My husband.
Oh...
ALL SHOUT APPROVINGLY
Look at you, look at this vision.
Ese.
I'm so pleased you could make it.
There's nowhere else I'd rather be.
Imu mi dun gan.
CHEERS AND LAUGHTER
Now, does everyone have a drink?
And what happened to the music? Huh?
I want to hear something with
a bit of life.
I want to see people dancing.
UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS
CHATTER AND MUSIC BECOME DISTANT
Is everything all right?
Yeah, fine.
Sorry, I just cut myself.
Let's see. Yeah.
Ah. It looks nasty.
Hold on.
Anyway...
Callum.
Sephy.
Wow!
Wow, you look... You look amazing.
So do you!
See, I saw you outside
coming down the stairs.
You've grown. I mean, wow,
you've really grown.
The last time we saw each other
we were, like, ten. No, it wasn't.
And you've grown too. Yeah.
Upwards...taller.
SHE GIGGLES
So this is where you're hiding.
This is, er, Callum, Meggie's son.
This is Lekan.
Callum and I sort of
grew up together.
Really? How?
Mama would bring me with her
sometimes if she was baby-sitting -
school holidays and that.
Olarum.
Minerva and I would dress you up
like a doll!
I'd totally forgotten about that!
I'm glad you find that funny!
That was actually a very confusing
time for me... So did you always
want to be a waiter?
No, no, I'm just helping out.
I'm actually through
to the last round
of interviews for a place
at Mercy Point.
Oh! That's where...Lekan is.
Yes, I'd heard they were
allowing Noughts in.
I can't see it working.
Well, I've had to sit two entrance
exams... Maybe we should go back.
Yeah? Yeah. Let's go.
CHEERING
Daniel Hickson,
one of our own people,
cut down by the dagger occupiers!
I have had enough.
We Blankers have to join together
to resurrect the Liberation
militia with a new leader!
Now is the time for action,
my friends.
Who's with me?
ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERS
Hello. Hi.
Chidike. Oh, glad you could make it.
Well, actually I was just leaving.
Oh, well...
Jasmine will be sorry to hear that.
Good to see you.
Mr Dorn, I'm Jude McGregor. Hi.
What you said up there was amazing.
Thank you, that means a lot.
I was there, Mr Dorn, last night.
And my brother, Callum.
Danny's our mate.
I get stopped all the time.
We all do. But this was...
Oh... No, this...
Then this is the place
you're meant to be.
Come with me. There's some people
I want to introduce you to.
Within ten years I had
an entire fleet.
Now I'm saying that Albion
can do the same.
We can... We can succeed without
being propped up
by some distant super state.
Hear, hear. Hear, hear.
I, uh... I don't know
if you gentlemen are aware,
but one of our number is on
the brink of acceptance
into Mercy Point.
Don't look round, he's here.
Kalem, I've got a question for you.
It's Callum. Huh?
I said it's Callum.
Suppose you got into Mercy Point...
..where does your loyalty lie -
Albion or Aprica?
It's the same as
every soldier's, sir.
To his or her commanding officer.
As for their allegiance,
I suppose that's a matter
for their own conscience.
That's a good answer.
You need to watch this one,
Mr Baako.
Beni. Indeed I will.
DOOR OPENS
I saw Dorn. He spoke.
He's spot on.
Every word. It's OK to listen,
I suppose.
But just leave it at that, will you?
Cos Dorn's not quite what you
think. Dorn gets it.
He gets it.
Erm, Mr Hadley... Hm?
What's that?
I... I found it this morning.
And?
It was Yaro's.
Could be anybody's.
I'd know.
I mean, I can't be sure, obviously.
I just think...
You think? You know?
Throw that thing away
and get back to work.
MUSIC AND LAUGHTER
Would you like a drink, Miss Hadley?
SHE LAUGHS
Miss Hadley now, is it?
Well, we had to sign something.
Calling is...
What I called you earlier,
I could lose my wages for that.
Yeah! I'm not joking.
Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't...
Hey. It's fine. Don't worry.
Look, one of my best mates
is in hospital, OK?
What happened? Police.
Police what?
Just police.
Is this the boy on the news?
They say he attacked two policemen.
Hmm. Well, they lied, Miss Hadley.
FIREWORKS EXPLODE
Hey.
Hey. Fill up. Hey!
Can you fill us up, please?
Morning. Here he is! Morning.
Right, let's have a pic. OK.
Stand up straight.
There we go.
How are you feeling?
Yeah. I don't know. Nervous.
Yeah, your mama barely slept.
He's exaggerating.
And anyway, neither did he.
Do you want some breakfast?
No, I don't want anything.
Right, like that's going to happen.
You all right, Baba?
Yeah. It's hard.
It's not what
I would have chosen for you.
Chances are I'll be back on the bus
by lunch. No, you won't.
All right, son.
See you. See you. See you, Baba.
Reckon your Cross friend's going to
love playing with you, toy soldier.
Jude!
Look, you know the last
thing Danny said to me
was that was he was proud, yeah?
That I should do this.
So you're doing this for him?
Oh, that's low, man.
No. See, low would be reminding you
it was your fat mouth that put Danny
in hospital in the first place.
You're picking a side.
Why are you the only person
that doesn't see that? Whatever!
Your tea's ready.
Yeah, I don't want it.
NEWSREADER: ..Nought gang leader
hospitalised in a recent attack
on a policeman has being named
as Daniel Hickson.
Hickson lives in the notorious
Meadowview district
in South London. Deputy Commissioner
for London's Police, Fiola Abyola,
warned that crowds gathering
outside the Nought hospital...
I'm borrowing your blue top.
..could turn violent.
Have you seen the news?
What?
Noughts getting all stirred up?
But what are the cops meant to do
when they're attacked?
Yeah, but what if he didn't get...
Oh! Thanks.
..with great professionalism
in the face of sustained aggression
from the Nought community.
SHE SIGHS
PHONE RINGS
Hello?
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.
No way...
We need a police presence
at the hospital protest.
It's a vigil.
And I understand the police
are already on the scene.
I mean a real presence.
It's a volatile situation, Kamal.
A heavy-handed response will only
make things worse.
They're already worse.
They're getting worse by the hour.
I urge you to think of
the Cross staff at the hospital.
We can't allow them
to be intimidated.
I understand your reservations,
Prime Minister.
But we can't be seen to be
soft on law and order.
All right.
But they tread carefully!
All right.
Starting to wish
I'd stayed pulling pints. Yeah.
Let's just get this done.
I'm Elaine, by the way. Callum.
Attention!
No way are we getting in.
Listen. None of my family
are talking to me
because I want to come here.
There's no way I'm not getting in.
Right, get in line. Hurry up!
The state of it.
Slow, scrawny.
That's quotas for you.
You people are the first to try.
You'll fail, most likely.
Every great military campaign Albion
ever fought was won in this place.
On this ground.
Before its sons and daughters
ever stepped out the gate
and spilled their blood.
You lot being here...
It's an insult.
Right.
Let's get cracking on
the shittiest day of your lives.
Kia kia! Come on, hurry up!
SHOUTED ORDERS
Move it! Move it!
Come on, go, go!
Move, move!
WHISTLE
Come on! Move it!
Sergeant Major!
Didn't see it. Do it again.
BELL RINGS
Did you hear about
that Nought boy in hospital?
He attacked two policemen,
didn't he?
I heard that
it was the other way around.
I heard that
they actually attacked him.
Why would two heavily armed
policemen attack an unarmed Nought?
Why would an unarmed Nought
attack two heavily armed policemen?
Perhaps he was drunk.
They drink.
I mean, you would, wouldn't you?
There's a vigil at the hospital.
And I was thinking that I might go.
I feel for them, I really do.
I know a few Noughts.
They're always so cheerful.
But you do get these uppity ones.
That's not prejudiced -
that's a fact.
Do a healing libation
for the boy instead.
Yes.
That is a better idea.
Safer.
Why here?
I expect your family
are none too thrilled either.
It's an opportunity, Sergeant Major.
To show other Noughts that we do
have something to offer.
And that when we engage,
society does benefit.
I fought in the Balkans campaign.
Against a Nought infantry.
They were insubordinate,
lazy, dim-witted.
Then it's my job to change
your perception, Sergeant Major.
You start on Monday.
Be at the gate 0600 hours sharp.
Well?
Er, I don't know yet.
They said it will take a few days.
They've got to look at
results and stuff.
But you were pleased?
Yeah. You know
what these things are like.
Just depends what
they're looking for.
All right. Well, text your mum.
Where are you going?
There's a vigil at
the hospital Danny's at.
You remember Danny.
I'm not listening to this.
I'll come.
Sure it's not
a conflict of interest?
Just keep a low profile.
Don't get involved.
I thought you weren't listening.
You know what they're like.
They'll look for any excuse
to break it up.
It'll be fine, Baba. Honest.
Look after him. Will you?
Don't worry, I will.
APPROACHING SIRENS
We need everyone to clear this area.
This is an illegal protest.
What are you talking about?
ALL SHOUT OVER EACH OTHER
This is an illegal protest.
Move back!
We will not give in!
Move back! Move back!
Move back, all of you.
What are they doing here?
Jude. Don't.
Jude! Stay here, then.
Are you serious?
We don't need you, Blanker.
Yeah, show him!
Again? You're doing this again?
Get out.
Sephy?
What the hell are you doing here?
I don't know. I had to do something.
You can't be here, this is not safe.
No, no, no.
We should see your friend. Come on.
FURIOUS SHOUTING
Why were the cops even there?
Ask your Baba.
He's in charge, isn't he?
SIREN CHIRPS
Get back! Come on!
It's OK.
MONITOR BEEPS
Linda.
Hey, Callum. Dave.
Thanks for coming, mate.
Good to see you. You too.
This is Sephy.
She's a friend of mine.
Miss.
I'm so sorry.
Yeah.
Is there any news?
They won't let us go in.
But we don't want him
to be on his own.
Excuse me a moment.
Please, go ahead.
Thank you.
Thank you.
SHE SOBS
SHOUTING
SIRENS WAIL
Oi. Shit's kicking off out there.
Why you hiding back here
with this Dagger bitch?
We don't want any trouble.
Who's causing trouble?
Take a step back.
I'm serious, this ain't the day.
Or what? Is that a threat, Milano?
Fuck you! Hey!
Stop! Stop it!
Stop it! Stop!
Stop!
Get off me, you Blanker!
What did you say?
SIREN CHIRPS
Oi!
Officer. I was here with my friend
and these men attacked us.
Which one's your friend?
Him.
Make yourself scarce
or I'll arrest the lot of you.
Go on.
Need a lift home, miss?
No. We're fine. Thank you.
Maybe choose your friends a bit
more carefully from now on, yeah?
I'm sorry.
Callum...
Callum, wait.
Thanks, Ade.
Thank you, Mustafa.
Good evening, Mr Hadley.
Meggie.
What do you think he wants?
I don't know.
Might not be anything suspect.
Maybe he just wants to reconnect.
HE SCOFFS
You're not to have any contact with
him, Meggie. He wants something.
Everyone wants something.
MUSIC AND CHATTER
Oi.
What are you doing here,
you sell-out? Where's Jude?
You tell me. I don't know.
You Ryan McGregor's other boy?
Yeah.
I'm the one
who has to listen to Jude
mouth your bullshit the whole time.
Jude doesn't seem too keen
on you going to Mercy Point.
I think it shows initiative.
Action.
We could do with
someone training there.
So if you ever decide to, you know,
be of service to your people...
No-one's cleaned my room yet.
This is where you yell at me
for using your make-up.
You OK? What's happened?
I went to a Nought hospital.
It's a long story. But, um...
..I saw that boy there.
You know, the one
the police beat up.
From the news, you-you'd think he
was some kind of wild animal. But...
But he was just lying there.
What-what if they just tell us
what they think we want to hear?
We don't even question any of it.
Then you hear yourself say something
and you realise, all your life,
you've just been inhaling
this poison. Sephy!
Look, I get it,
this sudden interest.
Look, I've been there.
But listen -
they don't want your sympathy.
It makes you a cliche.
Don't overthink.
What? How...?
How could you even say that?
OK. OK, I'm done in here.
No, no, no, it's fine. Stay, stay.
I'm going out. Where?
I need to fix something.
What?
You did it with the girls,
you can do it with me.
The party was fun.
Yeah. Lot of people e-mailed.
Thank you.
Er, look, I-I should go.
Should get on.
But that was... That was...
That was nice.
You should try that again.
Just a little warmer this time,
like one of your speeches.
We're not doing this now.
MUSIC: Plastic 100 Degrees C
by Sampha
# Magnetic lights
in the blue-high haze
# A magnifying glass upon my face
# It's so hot
I've been melting out here
# I'm made out of plastic out here
# You touch down
in the base of my fears
# Houston, can-can-can you hear?
# And we both had to
harness our pain
# Close it and hope it decays
# Oh, inhale and I'm up and away
# Up and away... #
PATTERING ON WINDOW
PATTERING
What the...?
Oh, God! Hello!
Sephy, what are you doing here?
I came to say I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry about what I said.
It was unforgivable and I...
Wait. Wait! Stop!
We can't do this here.
Just...go round the back. There's
a fire escape - I'll meet you there.
"Blankers"?
Is that what you think?
Never. No! Of course not.
What I said was stupid. Yeah.
Yeah, I know, and it I was wrong.
And so I'm saying that I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry, Callum.
I'd like to pretend that
I wasn't like that,
that I wasn't
like the other Crosses,
that I was better than that,
but I'm not.
I just didn't realise it.
It's OK.
Where are you...? Wait!
How good are you at climbing?
MONITOR BEEPS
DOOR OPENS
Mr Dorn.
I thought you were the guard.
He got called outside.
How is he? Um...
He's unresponsive still,
but his condition is stabilising.
That's what his mama
and baba tell me, anyway.
Where are they?
I wanted to pay my respects.
They've gone home
to get a change of clothes.
So I said I'd sit with him
till they got back. All right.
Good man.
How is it out there?
People are angry.
It's like a tinderbox.
Won't take much to set it off.
I've been offered
a place at Mercy Point.
Don't know if I'll go.
Why not?
It doesn't feel brave any more.
Just kind of feels the opposite.
It's not like I wanted to be
an officer or anything.
It was just...
more about changing things.
You know, for the Noughts.
So you can change things.
There's only
so much one person can do.
Fine, so at least do that much.
Besides, Meggie would kick your arse
if you turned it down. Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
You know, it's funny,
until I was about five,
my mother would come
into the nursery
and I'd hide behind Meggie's legs.
I'd ask if she could
take me home with her.
Yeah, and what about now
you've seen the place?
I like the view.
How much did you think
about the future?
I never really had to.
We're not exactly
spoilt for choice, are we?
You know, if I'm honest...
..Mercy Point
wasn't about us Noughts.
It was for me.
What about you?
Um, Lekan.
Uni.
A career.
The big house with the big kitchen.
Family. School fees. Dinner parties.
Lekan.
And now?
Now I don't know.
Because you came along
and messed it all up.
Hospitals are always so hot.
You know where I can get a drink?
Yeah, there's, er...one of those
trolley things they wheel about.
Do you want me to see
if I can find it?
That would be amazing, yeah.
Like a Coke, whatever. Just...
Yeah. Right, right. Two secs.
Callum!
HE KNOCKS
You still up?
Callum, your mum's on her way back.
Yep, just a sec!
She's going to want to see you.
Yeah, I'll-I'll be down
in a minute.
Get a doctor in here!
MONITORS BEEP WILDLY
Nurse!
MONITORS FLATLINE
Change can be intoxicating.
Another day in the death
of Albion, my friends.
We would recommend
arresting him immediately.
Let me remind you
of a certain truth.
We must be careful
not to become too homogenised.
I think she's up to something.
Every time I see you,
there she is too!
I urge you to protect your identity.
Come on!
SHOUTING
Whoo!
CHEERING
Yeah, well done! That was...
That was quite a sight.
Well, go on, then,
show me how it's done.
Er, don't want to show you up,
Blanker.
You're going to miss all this.
Yeah. You definitely want to go?
It's Mercy Point.
Course he should go.
Want to be a sell-out?
Like he just said, it's Mercy Point.
So might not even get in.
Jude, mate!
Look, don't listen to him.
I'm proud of you.
Cheers, Danny boy.
APPROACHING SIRENS
Danny, come on, let's go.
APPROACHING SIRENS
Shit.
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.
What's the hurry there, lads?
We're just heading home, Officer.
Yeah, we only came down for
a kick-about.
Left as soon as we saw what was
happening.
Where's your ball, then, genius?
Must have lost it in our hurry
to get away, Officer.
Yeah, yeah, get in the van.
Go on. Nah. Nah, nah, nah.
Jude!
I said get in the van.
OK. OK.
A police officer has the power
to detain someone
only if they've grounds to believe
that person has committed
a Section Two offence...
What's he saying? I dunno.
..attendance of an illegal gathering
classifies as a Section Three.
Well, look at that,
got ourselves an expert here.
Well, I reckon one of us should be.
Are you taking a tone with me, boy?
He didn't mean that, Officer.
Hands on the van.
No, no, I'm, I'm sick of this, man.
I am so sick of this!
Hands on the van!
Out of my face, Blanker!
There we go, "Blanker".
That's it, in the van.
Jude! Jude! Stop!
I'm not doing anything.
Just leave it. I'm not.
Out my way, Blanker.
Danny!
SHOUTING
Get back! I told you to get back!
We need an ambulance here.
Will someone call an ambulance?
Jude! Jude!
SIRENS APPROACH
TV: Opposition leaders have
criticised Prime Minister
Opal Folami's domestic policies,
after a Cross policeman was injured
in yet another night of violence
on the streets of South London.
A Nought gang leader is
now in hospital,
after the police were forced
to defend themselves...
Sephy, it's Mama's birth...day.
Baba. Oya o, we're giving
Mama her presents.
Give me a second.
Ready?
# Ojo ayo lojo oni o, eje ka jo
# Loni o eje ka jo. #
THEY LAUGH
Happy birthday, Mama.
Eh, Ese O.
For me? Mm-hm.
My family colours!
And from me.
SHE GASPS
Your secretary has exquisite taste!
I'm sorry, I have to go.
There's been an incident
in Meadowview.
The Prime Minister is giving
a statement in an hour.
But you're coming to the party
tonight? I'll do everything I can.
Baba, can you give me a lift to
school? I want to ask you something.
Oya. Car leaves in two minutes.
Happy birthday, Mama.
They stopped us.
They called us Blankers.
All the usual,
and then they just attacked us.
You didn't provoke 'em?
Since when did they need provoking?
Right, we go to the police. What?!
You explain what happened.
Meggie, it'll be the police's word
against theirs. Callum's got his
interview at Mercy Point tomorrow.
Exactly! You think that's going to
happen? Wait, what? You're still
going? Of course I am.
After what's just happened to Danny,
you're having a laugh. Do you know
how long I've been working on this?
Enough! We do nothing.
If anything changes, then...
For now, we just sit tight.
All right?
See you all later.
Right. Oh.
Jude.
Don't forget you're helping me
with the party tonight.
Uh-uh, nah, no, I'm not working.
You promised! It's the Home
Secretary, I'm not serving them.
Enough. Enough,
I don't want to hear it.
Callum. Why?
I don't want to serve him either!
Please.
I'm really short tonight.
Fine.
Thank you.
I was thinking. I was looking at
university courses again.
And I'd like to apply
to do politics.
At Okene-Aprica, maybe.
I thought you were going to do
art history.
I know, but I just want to do
something in the real world.
You know? Something useful,
like you.
Well, if your mind's made up.
Baba! As if you didn't always
hate art history.
Persephone Hadley, to even suggest
I'd ever tell you what to do.
SHE LAUGHS
"Mercy Point.
"200 years of excellence."
Jude, stop it!
INDISTINCT SHOUTS
SIRENS APPROACH
ANGRY SHOUTING
Move away! Get off me,
you dagger! Get off me!
According to the police officers,
the Noughts threatened them
and there was a suspicion that one
of them was carrying a concealed
weapon.
This is the tenth such
incident this year.
It's hardly any wonder the Noughts
are a little volatile.
Whatever their reasons,
Prime Minister, we have to respond.
And so I'd recommend the
temporary expansion
of stop and search powers
across Albion,
and in London
the implementation of a curfew.
The Aprica President will
not allow us
to implement what is essentially
martial law.
Some would argue we shouldn't have
to ask Aprica's permission
in the first place.
Some would argue this shouldn't be
happening in the first place.
I'm sorry, I won't be there
at Jasmine's party.
Events have overtaken me somewhat.
Sorry I'm late, Niamh.
Family emergency.
Four today.
Two of you.
You and you.
Kia, kia!
No luck? Couldn't you put in a word?
It doesn't work like that.
Sorry, son.
Listen.
The videos from last night,
they're all over the internet.
There's a meeting today
at the Shield.
This guy Jack Dorn.
You're not going.
He wants to co-ordinate a response
after what happened to Danny.
I don't doubt it.
You're still not going.
I wasn't just talking about me.
I'm not listening to Dorn
mouthing off to a bunch of kids.
I left all that behind
a long time ago.
That could be me in hospital.
It... It could be Callum.
HE SIGHS
Despite centuries of Aprican rule,
relations between Noughts
and Crosses continued to worsen.
The Segregation Act restored peace
by enforcing the separation of
the races for the benefit of all.
Lekan? Yes! Oh, yeah.
Whoa. Whoo.
Can you outline the major causes of
the creation of the Segregation Act?
Persephone.
I was just asking Kofi
to explain the origins of
the 1950 Segregation Act and outline
some of its specific elements.
You've caught me at the end
of a 15-hour shift,
so forgive me if I'm brusque.
You and your thugs
put that kid in a coma,
so not only is
he not going anywhere -
he might have to be fed through
a straw for the rest of his life.
Getting started early, are we?
Well, it is my birthday.
Beautiful, isn't it?
And so is the weather.
Yes, finally some sunshine.
You might even get some colour.
Meggie.
So tonight I have a friend coming.
Oh, right?
He's called Chike.
When he arrives, can you bring him
up, discreetly?
What about Kamal?
Kamal probably won't even come.
Jas. You can keep a secret,
can't you?
The things I do for you.
They'll be here soon.
Look, our brave police officers
protect both Noughts and Crosses
alike, often at great personal risk.
In return, we protect those who
serve from malicious accusations.
And look, the police have a perfect
right to defend themselves
in violent situations, and I think
it's wrong to politicise their work.
He's full of shit.
We can agree on that.
Right, have a look at this.
Who filmed that?
Who cares? It's gone viral.
Doesn't matter
what he says any more.
This is different.
Now people will be out on
the streets tonight.
Yeah.
Look, I've got to go
do this bit of work.
At Kamal Hadley's house?
You know I don't want to,
but Mama needs the help, Jude.
Did you go see Danny?
Yeah, I tried.
But that bastard cop was there,
from last night.
You're not the only one who cares.
Nice of you to pop by. Come on.
Is he here, then?
The Home Secretary.
Not yet. And when he arrives,
you're going to serve him drinks
and be nice
and keep your temper in check.
I mean it, Callum. This is my job.
Fine.
Doesn't mean I have to like it.
Right, I think we're ready to go.
So keep those glasses filled
and it'll all go smoothly.
And, girls, as ever, keep away
from the Minister of Agriculture.
Let's go, Callum, this way.
TV: In an interview earlier today,
the Home Secretary defended
police action against more
violence on the streets.
KNOCK AT DOOR
Sephy, 30-minute warning.
Meggie. You like Lekan, don't you?
Lekan? He's, uh...
..very confident.
Did Ryan take an interest in
your career?
This isn't a career, Sephy.
I... I didn't mean it
like that. I just...
I don't think he ever brought up
that conversation.
Come on, they'll be here soon.
LIVELY MUSIC PLAYS
Hey, bro.
Who's that?
How should I know?
Baba! We didn't think you'd come!
Don't be silly, I wouldn't miss this
for the world. Oh, thank you, Ilza.
Is she ready, Meggie?
I'll check. Good evening, Mr Hadley.
Approve. Thank you!
Jasmine. Mr Hadley is here.
Shit. What do I do? I don't know.
You can go home
or whatever you want.
I wanted to see you.
My husband's here. My husband.
Oh...
ALL SHOUT APPROVINGLY
Look at you, look at this vision.
Ese.
I'm so pleased you could make it.
There's nowhere else I'd rather be.
Imu mi dun gan.
CHEERS AND LAUGHTER
Now, does everyone have a drink?
And what happened to the music? Huh?
I want to hear something with
a bit of life.
I want to see people dancing.
UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS
CHATTER AND MUSIC BECOME DISTANT
Is everything all right?
Yeah, fine.
Sorry, I just cut myself.
Let's see. Yeah.
Ah. It looks nasty.
Hold on.
Anyway...
Callum.
Sephy.
Wow!
Wow, you look... You look amazing.
So do you!
See, I saw you outside
coming down the stairs.
You've grown. I mean, wow,
you've really grown.
The last time we saw each other
we were, like, ten. No, it wasn't.
And you've grown too. Yeah.
Upwards...taller.
SHE GIGGLES
So this is where you're hiding.
This is, er, Callum, Meggie's son.
This is Lekan.
Callum and I sort of
grew up together.
Really? How?
Mama would bring me with her
sometimes if she was baby-sitting -
school holidays and that.
Olarum.
Minerva and I would dress you up
like a doll!
I'd totally forgotten about that!
I'm glad you find that funny!
That was actually a very confusing
time for me... So did you always
want to be a waiter?
No, no, I'm just helping out.
I'm actually through
to the last round
of interviews for a place
at Mercy Point.
Oh! That's where...Lekan is.
Yes, I'd heard they were
allowing Noughts in.
I can't see it working.
Well, I've had to sit two entrance
exams... Maybe we should go back.
Yeah? Yeah. Let's go.
CHEERING
Daniel Hickson,
one of our own people,
cut down by the dagger occupiers!
I have had enough.
We Blankers have to join together
to resurrect the Liberation
militia with a new leader!
Now is the time for action,
my friends.
Who's with me?
ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERS
Hello. Hi.
Chidike. Oh, glad you could make it.
Well, actually I was just leaving.
Oh, well...
Jasmine will be sorry to hear that.
Good to see you.
Mr Dorn, I'm Jude McGregor. Hi.
What you said up there was amazing.
Thank you, that means a lot.
I was there, Mr Dorn, last night.
And my brother, Callum.
Danny's our mate.
I get stopped all the time.
We all do. But this was...
Oh... No, this...
Then this is the place
you're meant to be.
Come with me. There's some people
I want to introduce you to.
Within ten years I had
an entire fleet.
Now I'm saying that Albion
can do the same.
We can... We can succeed without
being propped up
by some distant super state.
Hear, hear. Hear, hear.
I, uh... I don't know
if you gentlemen are aware,
but one of our number is on
the brink of acceptance
into Mercy Point.
Don't look round, he's here.
Kalem, I've got a question for you.
It's Callum. Huh?
I said it's Callum.
Suppose you got into Mercy Point...
..where does your loyalty lie -
Albion or Aprica?
It's the same as
every soldier's, sir.
To his or her commanding officer.
As for their allegiance,
I suppose that's a matter
for their own conscience.
That's a good answer.
You need to watch this one,
Mr Baako.
Beni. Indeed I will.
DOOR OPENS
I saw Dorn. He spoke.
He's spot on.
Every word. It's OK to listen,
I suppose.
But just leave it at that, will you?
Cos Dorn's not quite what you
think. Dorn gets it.
He gets it.
Erm, Mr Hadley... Hm?
What's that?
I... I found it this morning.
And?
It was Yaro's.
Could be anybody's.
I'd know.
I mean, I can't be sure, obviously.
I just think...
You think? You know?
Throw that thing away
and get back to work.
MUSIC AND LAUGHTER
Would you like a drink, Miss Hadley?
SHE LAUGHS
Miss Hadley now, is it?
Well, we had to sign something.
Calling is...
What I called you earlier,
I could lose my wages for that.
Yeah! I'm not joking.
Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't...
Hey. It's fine. Don't worry.
Look, one of my best mates
is in hospital, OK?
What happened? Police.
Police what?
Just police.
Is this the boy on the news?
They say he attacked two policemen.
Hmm. Well, they lied, Miss Hadley.
FIREWORKS EXPLODE
Hey.
Hey. Fill up. Hey!
Can you fill us up, please?
Morning. Here he is! Morning.
Right, let's have a pic. OK.
Stand up straight.
There we go.
How are you feeling?
Yeah. I don't know. Nervous.
Yeah, your mama barely slept.
He's exaggerating.
And anyway, neither did he.
Do you want some breakfast?
No, I don't want anything.
Right, like that's going to happen.
You all right, Baba?
Yeah. It's hard.
It's not what
I would have chosen for you.
Chances are I'll be back on the bus
by lunch. No, you won't.
All right, son.
See you. See you. See you, Baba.
Reckon your Cross friend's going to
love playing with you, toy soldier.
Jude!
Look, you know the last
thing Danny said to me
was that was he was proud, yeah?
That I should do this.
So you're doing this for him?
Oh, that's low, man.
No. See, low would be reminding you
it was your fat mouth that put Danny
in hospital in the first place.
You're picking a side.
Why are you the only person
that doesn't see that? Whatever!
Your tea's ready.
Yeah, I don't want it.
NEWSREADER: ..Nought gang leader
hospitalised in a recent attack
on a policeman has being named
as Daniel Hickson.
Hickson lives in the notorious
Meadowview district
in South London. Deputy Commissioner
for London's Police, Fiola Abyola,
warned that crowds gathering
outside the Nought hospital...
I'm borrowing your blue top.
..could turn violent.
Have you seen the news?
What?
Noughts getting all stirred up?
But what are the cops meant to do
when they're attacked?
Yeah, but what if he didn't get...
Oh! Thanks.
..with great professionalism
in the face of sustained aggression
from the Nought community.
SHE SIGHS
PHONE RINGS
Hello?
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.
No way...
We need a police presence
at the hospital protest.
It's a vigil.
And I understand the police
are already on the scene.
I mean a real presence.
It's a volatile situation, Kamal.
A heavy-handed response will only
make things worse.
They're already worse.
They're getting worse by the hour.
I urge you to think of
the Cross staff at the hospital.
We can't allow them
to be intimidated.
I understand your reservations,
Prime Minister.
But we can't be seen to be
soft on law and order.
All right.
But they tread carefully!
All right.
Starting to wish
I'd stayed pulling pints. Yeah.
Let's just get this done.
I'm Elaine, by the way. Callum.
Attention!
No way are we getting in.
Listen. None of my family
are talking to me
because I want to come here.
There's no way I'm not getting in.
Right, get in line. Hurry up!
The state of it.
Slow, scrawny.
That's quotas for you.
You people are the first to try.
You'll fail, most likely.
Every great military campaign Albion
ever fought was won in this place.
On this ground.
Before its sons and daughters
ever stepped out the gate
and spilled their blood.
You lot being here...
It's an insult.
Right.
Let's get cracking on
the shittiest day of your lives.
Kia kia! Come on, hurry up!
SHOUTED ORDERS
Move it! Move it!
Come on, go, go!
Move, move!
WHISTLE
Come on! Move it!
Sergeant Major!
Didn't see it. Do it again.
BELL RINGS
Did you hear about
that Nought boy in hospital?
He attacked two policemen,
didn't he?
I heard that
it was the other way around.
I heard that
they actually attacked him.
Why would two heavily armed
policemen attack an unarmed Nought?
Why would an unarmed Nought
attack two heavily armed policemen?
Perhaps he was drunk.
They drink.
I mean, you would, wouldn't you?
There's a vigil at the hospital.
And I was thinking that I might go.
I feel for them, I really do.
I know a few Noughts.
They're always so cheerful.
But you do get these uppity ones.
That's not prejudiced -
that's a fact.
Do a healing libation
for the boy instead.
Yes.
That is a better idea.
Safer.
Why here?
I expect your family
are none too thrilled either.
It's an opportunity, Sergeant Major.
To show other Noughts that we do
have something to offer.
And that when we engage,
society does benefit.
I fought in the Balkans campaign.
Against a Nought infantry.
They were insubordinate,
lazy, dim-witted.
Then it's my job to change
your perception, Sergeant Major.
You start on Monday.
Be at the gate 0600 hours sharp.
Well?
Er, I don't know yet.
They said it will take a few days.
They've got to look at
results and stuff.
But you were pleased?
Yeah. You know
what these things are like.
Just depends what
they're looking for.
All right. Well, text your mum.
Where are you going?
There's a vigil at
the hospital Danny's at.
You remember Danny.
I'm not listening to this.
I'll come.
Sure it's not
a conflict of interest?
Just keep a low profile.
Don't get involved.
I thought you weren't listening.
You know what they're like.
They'll look for any excuse
to break it up.
It'll be fine, Baba. Honest.
Look after him. Will you?
Don't worry, I will.
APPROACHING SIRENS
We need everyone to clear this area.
This is an illegal protest.
What are you talking about?
ALL SHOUT OVER EACH OTHER
This is an illegal protest.
Move back!
We will not give in!
Move back! Move back!
Move back, all of you.
What are they doing here?
Jude. Don't.
Jude! Stay here, then.
Are you serious?
We don't need you, Blanker.
Yeah, show him!
Again? You're doing this again?
Get out.
Sephy?
What the hell are you doing here?
I don't know. I had to do something.
You can't be here, this is not safe.
No, no, no.
We should see your friend. Come on.
FURIOUS SHOUTING
Why were the cops even there?
Ask your Baba.
He's in charge, isn't he?
SIREN CHIRPS
Get back! Come on!
It's OK.
MONITOR BEEPS
Linda.
Hey, Callum. Dave.
Thanks for coming, mate.
Good to see you. You too.
This is Sephy.
She's a friend of mine.
Miss.
I'm so sorry.
Yeah.
Is there any news?
They won't let us go in.
But we don't want him
to be on his own.
Excuse me a moment.
Please, go ahead.
Thank you.
Thank you.
SHE SOBS
SHOUTING
SIRENS WAIL
Oi. Shit's kicking off out there.
Why you hiding back here
with this Dagger bitch?
We don't want any trouble.
Who's causing trouble?
Take a step back.
I'm serious, this ain't the day.
Or what? Is that a threat, Milano?
Fuck you! Hey!
Stop! Stop it!
Stop it! Stop!
Stop!
Get off me, you Blanker!
What did you say?
SIREN CHIRPS
Oi!
Officer. I was here with my friend
and these men attacked us.
Which one's your friend?
Him.
Make yourself scarce
or I'll arrest the lot of you.
Go on.
Need a lift home, miss?
No. We're fine. Thank you.
Maybe choose your friends a bit
more carefully from now on, yeah?
I'm sorry.
Callum...
Callum, wait.
Thanks, Ade.
Thank you, Mustafa.
Good evening, Mr Hadley.
Meggie.
What do you think he wants?
I don't know.
Might not be anything suspect.
Maybe he just wants to reconnect.
HE SCOFFS
You're not to have any contact with
him, Meggie. He wants something.
Everyone wants something.
MUSIC AND CHATTER
Oi.
What are you doing here,
you sell-out? Where's Jude?
You tell me. I don't know.
You Ryan McGregor's other boy?
Yeah.
I'm the one
who has to listen to Jude
mouth your bullshit the whole time.
Jude doesn't seem too keen
on you going to Mercy Point.
I think it shows initiative.
Action.
We could do with
someone training there.
So if you ever decide to, you know,
be of service to your people...
No-one's cleaned my room yet.
This is where you yell at me
for using your make-up.
You OK? What's happened?
I went to a Nought hospital.
It's a long story. But, um...
..I saw that boy there.
You know, the one
the police beat up.
From the news, you-you'd think he
was some kind of wild animal. But...
But he was just lying there.
What-what if they just tell us
what they think we want to hear?
We don't even question any of it.
Then you hear yourself say something
and you realise, all your life,
you've just been inhaling
this poison. Sephy!
Look, I get it,
this sudden interest.
Look, I've been there.
But listen -
they don't want your sympathy.
It makes you a cliche.
Don't overthink.
What? How...?
How could you even say that?
OK. OK, I'm done in here.
No, no, no, it's fine. Stay, stay.
I'm going out. Where?
I need to fix something.
What?
You did it with the girls,
you can do it with me.
The party was fun.
Yeah. Lot of people e-mailed.
Thank you.
Er, look, I-I should go.
Should get on.
But that was... That was...
That was nice.
You should try that again.
Just a little warmer this time,
like one of your speeches.
We're not doing this now.
MUSIC: Plastic 100 Degrees C
by Sampha
# Magnetic lights
in the blue-high haze
# A magnifying glass upon my face
# It's so hot
I've been melting out here
# I'm made out of plastic out here
# You touch down
in the base of my fears
# Houston, can-can-can you hear?
# And we both had to
harness our pain
# Close it and hope it decays
# Oh, inhale and I'm up and away
# Up and away... #
PATTERING ON WINDOW
PATTERING
What the...?
Oh, God! Hello!
Sephy, what are you doing here?
I came to say I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry about what I said.
It was unforgivable and I...
Wait. Wait! Stop!
We can't do this here.
Just...go round the back. There's
a fire escape - I'll meet you there.
"Blankers"?
Is that what you think?
Never. No! Of course not.
What I said was stupid. Yeah.
Yeah, I know, and it I was wrong.
And so I'm saying that I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry, Callum.
I'd like to pretend that
I wasn't like that,
that I wasn't
like the other Crosses,
that I was better than that,
but I'm not.
I just didn't realise it.
It's OK.
Where are you...? Wait!
How good are you at climbing?
MONITOR BEEPS
DOOR OPENS
Mr Dorn.
I thought you were the guard.
He got called outside.
How is he? Um...
He's unresponsive still,
but his condition is stabilising.
That's what his mama
and baba tell me, anyway.
Where are they?
I wanted to pay my respects.
They've gone home
to get a change of clothes.
So I said I'd sit with him
till they got back. All right.
Good man.
How is it out there?
People are angry.
It's like a tinderbox.
Won't take much to set it off.
I've been offered
a place at Mercy Point.
Don't know if I'll go.
Why not?
It doesn't feel brave any more.
Just kind of feels the opposite.
It's not like I wanted to be
an officer or anything.
It was just...
more about changing things.
You know, for the Noughts.
So you can change things.
There's only
so much one person can do.
Fine, so at least do that much.
Besides, Meggie would kick your arse
if you turned it down. Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
You know, it's funny,
until I was about five,
my mother would come
into the nursery
and I'd hide behind Meggie's legs.
I'd ask if she could
take me home with her.
Yeah, and what about now
you've seen the place?
I like the view.
How much did you think
about the future?
I never really had to.
We're not exactly
spoilt for choice, are we?
You know, if I'm honest...
..Mercy Point
wasn't about us Noughts.
It was for me.
What about you?
Um, Lekan.
Uni.
A career.
The big house with the big kitchen.
Family. School fees. Dinner parties.
Lekan.
And now?
Now I don't know.
Because you came along
and messed it all up.
Hospitals are always so hot.
You know where I can get a drink?
Yeah, there's, er...one of those
trolley things they wheel about.
Do you want me to see
if I can find it?
That would be amazing, yeah.
Like a Coke, whatever. Just...
Yeah. Right, right. Two secs.
Callum!
HE KNOCKS
You still up?
Callum, your mum's on her way back.
Yep, just a sec!
She's going to want to see you.
Yeah, I'll-I'll be down
in a minute.
Get a doctor in here!
MONITORS BEEP WILDLY
Nurse!
MONITORS FLATLINE
Change can be intoxicating.
Another day in the death
of Albion, my friends.
We would recommend
arresting him immediately.
Let me remind you
of a certain truth.
We must be careful
not to become too homogenised.
I think she's up to something.
Every time I see you,
there she is too!
I urge you to protect your identity.
Come on!
SHOUTING