Day 371: The 20 Week War

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Day 371: The 20 Week War - Script

"The 20 Week War"
Details
Day	371
Date	13 November 1985
Anchor(s)	Megan Wolfe
Episode	2
Released	28 January 2021
Previous Broadcast	Day 296: The Heatwave
Next Broadcast	Day 912: The Uprising
Previous Day	Day 365: A Holiday Update Day 363: A Friend In High Places Day 361: A Burden Borne Day 324: A Questionable Choice?
Next Day	Day 371: A Proportionate Response

Day 371: "The 20 Week War" is a Broadcast in Not For Broadcast. It is the final broadcast for Episode 2 of the game, features a new intro theme and title sequence, and introduces Sound Effects.

Pre-Broadcast

Boseman calls Alex Winston, greeting them and warning that Disrupt is expected to be attempting to hack Channel One during the National Nightly News broadcast. He tells Alex to watch the Interference Machine and stay out of Disrupt's orange waveforms.

The previous show on Channel One gives the summary of programming for the rest of the evening:

• UP NEXT - National Nightly News
• 6:30pm - Ration Kitchen - Jordan Rankly will be screaming at some pensioners while they try and fashion a nutritious meal out of a can of condensed milk, a cow's tongue, and some rhubarb.
• 7:00pm - The First 365 - A look at the astonishing progress made by Advance as they begin what is only their second year in office.
• 8:30pm - National Sportsboard Highlights - It's over to Patrick Bannon for all the day's Sportsboard highlights, including all the tabletop action from the Semi-Finals of ProAmature Sportsboard - The Sportsboard Sportsboardgame.
• 9:00pm - War Report - It's the nightly war report from the late news team.
• 9:25pm - When Katie Went Abroad - An unsettling play which which tells the cautionary tale of one brave young lady's battles to survive the cruel administrations of our neighbours.
• 11:25pm - Incisors - Doctor Adrian Atkinson-Blimey will be getting his teeth into Fiona from Hamble-Bamblebury who has invented a tasty twist on the humble biscuit.
• 12:05am - National Weather

(...)

Segment 1

Headlines

Megan starts the broadcast by greeting the viewers, announcing that it's the 140th day of war, and introducing the main headlines of the night:

Company of Heroes

Skirmishes on land and sea again today as our armed forces tested the mettle of the World Council's illegal blockade. Advance's strategy of multiple small scale incursions into the disputed zone is certainly keeping the enemy on high alert, unable to work out where or when the next strike will come.
Headline A	Headline B
Proud parents throughout the territory find themselves ever more impressed by the bravery and commitment of their incredible children and the job they're doing keeping supply lines open against all possible odds.	Sadly however, more casualties were reported today, and as the weeks and months of this war make evermore demands on our Armed Services, those numbers will, tragically, only continue to rise.

Don't Starve

Advance's food programme moved from strength to strength today as rationing depots were opened in the last remaining unfed areas of the territory. The rationing depots have been constructed in record time and the Government's Agricultural Co-Ordination Strategy has seen shelves restocked with increasing regularity.
Headline A	Headline B
However, with the reported rise in mental and physical health issues since the imposition of the blockade, critics have questioned whether those smaller communities, which are only now starting to receive help, could have been better and quicker served.	And judging by the looks on this happy family's faces, it can't come a moment too soon. They'll be getting a good meal tonight, on the government, just like the rest of us.

Seven Days to Die

The recent decision to allow those with long-term health conditions to access Transition Centres has today been declared an overwhelming success. Previously available only to those in their final years, the expansion of the service has been met with relief by the many organizations calling for it to be opened up to the wider community.
Headline A	Headline B
The Transition Centres have reported larger than expected numbers, but report that they are coping well and able to provide a complete and meaningful service to all who choose to use it.	With dwindling medical supplies leaving many of our most vulnerable facing chronic pain, it can come as no surprise that the Transition Centres have found themselves stretched to capacity.

Populous

More than 11% of the population have, thus far, failed to register for a Team Membership Card, a worrying statistic given that the cards are a legal requirement from midnight tonight.
Headline A	Headline B
While applications are still open for those who like to run fashionably late, they can expect a few tricky questions from Advance.	It's up to the other 89% of us to remind our tardy friends that not taking advantage of all the exclusive services available to cardholders is now, as it should be, absolutely criminal.

Disrupt

Sympathy for the Devils

A poorly-attended protest was held today by struggling, self-styled resistance movement Disrupt. Support for the organisation has been falling after this and other news outlets showed the public their true colours.
Headline A	Headline B
And while it's easy to feel some sympathy for them now, as their numbers dwindle and their attempts to garner support grow more desperate, let's not forget how threatening they could be in greater numbers.	Disrupt spokesman Alan James said the demonstration was to remind people that although they may have been less vocal in recent weeks, they remain the the only real resistance to Advance.

Start Me Up

Disrupt spokesman Alan James held an impromptu rally today in the northern city of Mankleypool. Large crowds gathered to hear the banned speaker prove Disrupt are still able to capture the public's imagination.
Headline A	Headline B
A representative from the Mankleypool Community Cohesion Team described the event as 'mostly peaceful', but it looks like Disrupt aren't going quietly into the night.	Community Cohesion Officers found themselves challenged by the unruly mob element always present at Disrupt events, but thankfully managed to keep violent incidents to a minimum.

Street Fighting Man

Spokesman Alan James today announced that Disrupt were responsible for the two explosions which rocked the capital's warehouse district last night. Julia Salisbury condemned the attack on what she described as vital medical supplies as pointless and barbaric.
Headline A	Headline B
Mr. James commented 'Disrupt are strong and our numbers are growing. Advance fear us and they should, because we're holding the line for freedom'.	Two security guards from the warehouse complex were injured in the callous attack, which, once again, shows Disrupt's reckless disregard for human life.

Our Mutual Friend / Absent Friends

Jeremy Donaldson Is Alive		Jeremy Donaldson Is Dead
Bail was denied in the High Court today for shamed former National Nightly News anchor Jeremy Donaldson. The presenter will be transferred to new lodgings at Pentonridge Prison while the lengthy preparations for his trial, which is 18 months away, begin.		Sad news today as the grave of former National Nightly News host Jeremy Donaldson is vandalised by radical Disrupt activists. The much-loved broadcaster suffered a very tragic public breakdown ten weeks ago in an incident which ultimately cost him his life.
Headline A	Headline B	Headline A	Headline B
Following his very public breakdown on this program ten weeks ago, the once loved presenter was disarmed and taken into custody by the Community Cohesion Team. Let's hope doctors can help the once great man.	Since being taken into custody ten weeks ago in this very studio, little has been heard from our former colleague. Despite how things ended, we wish him the best, and will be sure to bring you all the details of that court case every night.	A passionate and rebellious man, always willing to question authority, Jeremy was posthumously celebrated with a Team Service Award by Advance for his outstanding dedication to journalistic truth.	Disrupt spokesman Alan James, whose organization last week named Mr. Donaldson as the causes first martyr, described the graffiti as "A fitting tribute to a hero of the resistance."

Title Sequence

The title sequence for Day 371's broadcast varies depending on the public perception of Advance, but both feature a spinning south-up globe on a red background. They also end with the words "National Nightly News" in white lettering outlined in black (appearing one word at a time), followed by the phrase "with Megan Wolfe" in smaller, thinner, italic type appearing below "National Nightly News." All text then shrinks and vanishes as a single unit.

Positive Perception of Advance

Clips of Julia Salisbury, Patrick Bannon, Robyn Shorte, and Peter Clement are interspersed with clips of Megan at the anchor desk, all from prior broadcasts.

Behind the scenes, Jenny announces a 30-second break, handing Megan a set of cards and saying they're Team approved. Megan in response asks if such is a thing, with Jenny claiming that they want to control what's best known as "Peter Clement Syndrome." Megan replies that he's easy except for when he starts a sentence with "As me old mam used to say…" Jenny opines that she had a way with words, and Megan says it must run in the family. Megan glances at the questions on the cards and asks if Jenny has seen them. In reply, Jenny tells Megan to keep smiling as it's wartime, and Megan remarks that it's more like nap time though based on the questions. Jenny announces that there 10 seconds left in the break, then telling Megan to do it for the nation, to which Megan says she's starting to sound like Boseman. Jenny says she can live with that before proceeding to count down to the end of the break.

This leads to the "Sober Peter" interview, as outlined below.

Negative Perception of Advance

Clips of various images of street violence and military activities are shown.

Behind the scenes, Jenny announces a 30-second break, warning Megan that she might want to put her grill away as she has Advance-approved questions for the interview. Megan questions her statement, and Jenny explains that it's wartime and the government has greater powers, adding on that Peter is not well. Megan says Jenny is infinitely trusting, and Jenny replies she's "undauntable, impervious to daunts, whatever they may be." As Jenny announces that there 10 seconds left in the break, Megan says she won't be asking these questions, but will play nice if he does. Jenny says she can live with that before proceeding to count down to the end of the break.

This leads to the "Drunk Peter" interview, as outlined below.

Peter Clement Interview

Peter Pedals

Post-Interview Remarks

Megan thanks Peter for joining her, proceeding to tell the viewers that, when they come back, Li'l C. will be giving them the debut performance of her new single, and that she'll be getting to meet her. She adds on that, as her biggest fan, she doesn't mind telling the viewers that she's pretty excited.

Clement Laments

Post-Interview Remarks

Megan thanks Peter for joining them, proceeding to inform the viewers that when they come back, it'll be time for the Culture Spot with Li'l C., as well as a world-premiere performance of her new song, mentioning that she genuinely cannot wait to hear it.

Disrupt's 1st & 2nd Transmission

Disrupt's 1st Transmission

Weak Public Perception

The Disrupt logo fades in as Alan James faces the camera, introducing himself as Disrupt's speaker. He says that in the current days, he's often asked why Disrupt's symbol is a fist if it's a peaceful organization. Alan points out that it's a single fist, adding on that it's a single person standing up against the world, and that the fist represents the fight for five basic freedoms.

• "The freedom to profit from our labors."
• "The freedom to speak the truth as we see it."
• "The freedom to live a natural lifespan."
• "The freedom to enjoy anonymity."
• "The freedom to walk away."

Alan holds out an open hand, closing a finger each time a basic freedom is spoken. At the end, he closes his hand into a fist, claiming that it's five lines, five fingers, and five freedoms bound together in a symbol of strength. Alan points the fist out towards the camera, and the Disrupt logo fades in as the transmission ends.

Strong Public Perception

The Disrupt logo fades in as Alan James faces the camera, stating that the night prior, freedom fighters working for Disrupt destroyed a Pharmacide storage facility in the warehouse district of the Capital, mentioning that the viewers will no doubt hear it described as terrorism. He reassures them, saying that their intent was to not provoke fear, but thought. He adds on that nobody was killed in the operation, which destroyed both the warehouse and all its contents.

Alan asks the viewers a rhetorical question of what exactly the warehouse contents were. He states that they were drugs used in Transition Centres to kill the elderly and the sick. He claims that Disrupt knows that the extermination cannot be easily stopped, but that they could perhaps be slowed or disrupted.

He informs the viewers that Pharmacide is owned by Advance, mentioning that everything is these days, and that Advance makes the glossy TV adverts, the drugs, the Transition Centres, and the law. He states that no government should have that much power, and that the power to choose the moment of ones death belongs to no-one, not even ones self. Alan claims that the freedom to die is a myth, and the only freedom worth fighting for is the freedom to live without fear.

Alan continues, stating that more and more are joining Disrupt everyday, and that with a thousand of tiny acts of resistance, that they are stepping closer to the inevitable fall of Advance. He points his fist out towards the camera, and the Disrupt logo fades in as the transmission ends.

Disrupt's 2nd Transmission

Strong Public Perception & Jeremy Dead

The Disrupt logo fades in as Alan faces the camera. He then gives a passionate eulogy for Jeremy, admitting that he truly respected the anchorman for his dedication for the truth and that he is considered a martyr for Disrupt.

Segment 2

Li'l C. Interview

Pre-Interview

Megan thanks the viewers for returning, informing them that there is an exciting new feature later that she just knows they are going to love, so they should stay tuned for it. She then states that she's really excited for their next guest, who rose to prominence as the delightful Suzie-May in "All My Daughter's Children's Men," before taking the music industry by storm with her debut album that smashed the chart records at the age of just 20. Megan requests that everyone applauds, welcoming Li'l C.

As Megan is introducing Li'l C., the Sound Effect buttons light up in the Broadcast Room. Boseman informs Alex that said buttons have been unlocked and should press the applause button at that current moment to lock in their choice, comparing it to the headlines.

Interview

Clothing Line Reveal

After Li'l C. announces the release of a clothing line during the interview, music plays as a model walks in, showcasing the clothing line. Li'l C. informs that the clothing is called "Cry For Help", and that it will be in all the best high street retailer shops. Once announcing that it is officially out, she states that her "girlies" know what to do; scream and cry until somebody gets it for them.

The model then begins to walk off, with Megan expressing surprisement. She then laughs, asking Li'l C. if all the projects keep her busy, and that it must be tough. In response, Li'l C. states that it can be tough and that she hates it and herself sometimes, resulting in her wanting to cry into a bath of root vegs. In contrast to the negative thoughts Li'l C. has, she afterwards thinks of the thousands of girls who would do anything to be her, making her feel that she must be quite lucky.

Megan tells her that she doesn't have to do what she does, Li'l C. replying that she does think about such sometimes, mostly on nights between her fourth vodka and the eighth time a stranger slaps her around the arse. She continues, stating that she does think things could've been different and better, but that she does love doing autographs and having someone dress her and tell her what to wear.

After a chuckle from Li'l C., Megan asks if she's always wanted to do music, getting a reply that, ever since Li'l C was a little girl, that she did. Li'l C. states that she would sit in front of the radio and that as soon as her favourite girl group would come on, she'd press record on her cassette, only for her dad to then come in, tell her to turn it off, and to go back upstairs and start practicing again.

Megan interrupts her, apologizing and asking if her dad is also her manager. She says that it is, which can be tough, but that sometimes when it would get hard for her, he would say: "Make Kragler proud and you might just survive childbirth." Megan chuckles, informing her that, despite anything, that Li'l C. makes herself proud. Li'l C. expresses endearment in regards to the statement, expressing the wish that if only Megan's opinion was as valuable as her father's.

She then changes the topic, mentioning that Li'l C. will be singing her song soon, requesting that she discusses it. Li'l C. replies, stating that it's called "These Babies Gonna Bring You Home," and that she actually got sent the lyrics in the car on her way to the studio, but that they're actually alright. She then eases worries, stating that all of her work is Team Approved.

Megan tells her that she can go and get ready, and that she'll be seen again in a bit, saying that it was a very specific type of pleasure to chat with her, and that she cannot wait to see the performance. She then introduces Li'l C.'s performance, telling her to take it away as the Sound Effects light up in the Broadcast Room, Boseman chiming in and requesting that the applause button be played.

Disrupt's 3rd Transmission

Alan informs the viewers of his friend who let her thirteen-year-old son join the Go-Getters program, mentioning that the kid is occupied now, busy even, and that his room's never been tidier. He says that the son keeps notebooks that he won't let her read, sometimes is caught staring at her, and was found the week prior searching through her papers. He states that the kid always had a plausible answer when confronted, somehow too good of an answer. Alan adds on that the answers were like they were prepared in advance, or possibly by them.

He continues, stating that Disrupt wants to know what the news will no longer tell them, and that when they do, they will tell the viewers, hacking into their news broadcasts and defending their right to information. He confidently looks at the camera, claiming that they will resist, and they will disrupt. The Disrupt logo fades in as the transmission ends.

"These Babies Are Gonna Bring You Home" Performance

Li'l C performs a sexualized pop number in which she praises the nation's military. Refreshingly, she does not say anything which requires censorship.

Post-Performance Remarks

Megan cracks a joke that if the performance doesn't distract the viewers from the world outside, that she doesn't know what will, thanking Li'l C. for her performance. She then proceeds to inform the viewers that, after the break, they'll finally be revealing the new segment of their show that they just know the viewer will love.

Segment 3

Nuclear Report

Signals are lost in the broadcast room as the ground begins to shake violently. Alex turns to the left and looks outside the window as the buildings nearby lose power, their broadcast studio included. Once the shaking stops, Alex flips the power switch back on, the broadcast signals returning.

Megan is then shown on Camera One apologizing for interrupting the first groundbreaking episode of the Noticeboard, informing the viewers that breaking news is being received. She is handed a paper, stating that reports are being picked up from across the continent of what appear to be nuclear explosions in four major foreign cities, with the initial estimate putting the death toll into the millions.

She then warns the viewers that power shortages are being experienced as a result of the detonations, apologizing for the interruption. Megan then states that they can now go live to Team Headquarters for an emergency broadcast.

Whilst this is occurring, in the studio where The Noticeboard is being performed, Tommy Harris gets his hand unstuck from the mailbox, but gets his head stuck in the mail bag. Geoff and Phillipa both aid him in removing the mail bag from his head as the three of them leave the studio.

Julia's Emergency Broadcast

Julia greets the citizens and leaders of the world, informing them that minutes ago, operatives working for Advance detonated nuclear explosives simultaneously in four major cities across the continent. She states that they have similar devices in 58 other urban centres, and will not hesitate to detonate them if their conditions are not met in full and without delay. She continues, saying that the people of their territory will no longer tolerate the illegal and genocidal blockade, which she demands to be removed immediately.

She goes on to state that she will accept nothing less than unconditional surrendering, that the territories will be taken under Advance's control, as well as having replacement governments for said territories installed to ensure that their citizens become part of the New Future. She states that their borders are now Advance's borders, their people are Advance's people, and they will finally be fed, clothed, educated, and healed. She then adds that, for their privileged few, the moment that they feared is now upon them.

Julia then requests that she be allowed to be crystal clear, stating that if a single shot is fired at Advance's territory, or if a single of Advance's citizens is harmed, that they will not hesitate to detonate further devices. She mentions that said devices will not be found, commenting that they are, no doubt, already being searched for, though. She continues, claiming that Advance's technology is decades ahead of others, and will expect complete acceptance of their terms at the stroke of midnight. Julia thanks the viewers, as she looks back down at her desk.

Disrupt's 4th Transmission

Alan warns the viewers that they're hearing stories of power fluctuations, as well as what could be minor earthquakes throughout the continent. He requests that the viewers stand by, as the Disrupt logo fades in. When Alan returns, he states that Disrupt has lost contact with their benefactors in Irkistan and Konislava, adding on that all of their equipment seems to be resetting. After another brief pause, he asks if someone offscreen can get the information confirmed, or verified, and that he needs it verified.

He warns the viewers that he doesn't if they can hear him or if they're receiving the transmission, but if they are, that they have to know what's been done and being done at that current moment to the countries' neighbours. He continues, stating that it's unprecedented and that the government has committed multiple acts of mass destruction in their name. The Disrupt logo fades in again, and when Alan returns, he states that he doesn't care how the viewer voted, that they didn't vote for this, and nobody did. He hesitatingly continues, telling the viewers that Disrupt is awaiting further news, but expresses concern, wondering what'll happen if the other countries respond. The Disrupt logo fades in a final time as the transmission ends.

Exit Remarks

WWJD

Megan informs the viewers that she wonders what Jeremy would say if he were here, adding that he was skeptical about everything, especially Advance. She says this was part of why he was so frustrating to work with, but so brilliant as well. She then wishes he were here right now, saying that he would know how to bring everyone together. She adds that she doesn't think he'd be angry, realizing that anger is what brought the country to this situation. She says he'd want viewers to stop and realize how grateful they are to be alive, and to think about loved ones abroad, and then worry about retaliation, even if he didn't show it. She says that he would remind the country that it can endure and its people are a team, despite how he hates how it sounds. And finally how he'd ask viewers to spend time with their loved ones.

She then says she doesn't have those words. Before the broadcast ends, Megan tells the viewers to make tomorrow better.

Family Away From Home

Megan informs the viewers that she doesn't really talk about her personal life in her job, that it's not relevant or important, and that many viewers may be surprised to learn that she has a brother, named David. She tells them that right now, she can't get his stupid face out of her head. She continues, telling them that David is a researcher currently travelling the continent for work, and she doesn't know where he is. She goes on to state that she imagines there are many viewers sitting at home tonight, digesting the news, who may also have loved ones on the continent, whether it be in Irkistan, Harvia, San Palmarino, or Konislava, which Megan informs the viewers is where David was when she last spoke to him three days prior.

She continues, telling the viewers that when she says she knows how they're feeling, that she really does, but she also knows that there's a flow to events, that she sees it everyday. Megan tells them that, although tonight may feel like they're in a time of fear and darkness, they may actually be at the break of a new dawn, and they will find that out together. She states that she will be on the news every night feeling what they're feeling, and with their help, they can maybe all get to the new world. Before the broadcast ends, Megan tells the viewers to make tomorrow better.

Advance Is Justified

Megan informs the viewers that Advance has just made a bold move that will likely bring the end to the war. She recognizes that the viewers, like her, probably are wondering if this is too much. She then says she's also thinking of the people suffering from the blockade and the war casualties and asks were it not for some big, bold gesture, would it ever stop. She adds that she thinks it wouldn't. She then mentions how Advance is making the country better for all, and the world has noticed and were determined to not let this succeed, but to suffer instead. She adds this was a tough decision, but it was designed to keep the country safe. Before the broadcast ends, Megan tells the viewers to make tomorrow better.

Break 3

WWJD

Jenny announces that they're out, Megan standing up to face her and asking for her opinion on her speech. Jenny, in response, embraces her in a hug, stating that Jeremy would've loved it, walking off. Megan turns back to her chair, referring to it as if it were Jeremy, stating that the old bastard indeed would've loved it.

Family Away From Home

Jenny announces that they're out, walking over to Megan and informing her that they have people ringing around, but the telephone networks are overloaded. She tells Megan that they'll find David, and Megan turns to her, asking if they know exactly which cities were hit. Jenny, in response, puts her hand atop Megan's, telling her again that they will find him.

Advance Is Justified

Jenny announces that they're out, and Megan turns to her, asking if she ever gets the feeling that she's making history.

Adverts

There are five selections of adverts for this broadcast, some of which can change depending on choices made:

• Advance: War Broadcast - Advance: Keep Calm / Advance: Stay Alert
• Crazy Pre Christmas
• Siege Survival Box - Swag Box - Flard Festival
• SS Fun-Ship
• Eau De Babouin

Trivia

• Several of the headlines are references to other well-known titles, such as both Don't Starve and Company of Heroes being the names of popular video games, and Street Fighting Man, Sympathy for the Devils, and Start Me Up being the name of songs by British rock band 'The Rolling Stones.'
• Jordan Rankly of 6:30pm's 'Ration Kitchen' is a parody of British chef Gordon Ramsey, who is imfamously well-known for his fiery temper.
• Julia's Salisbury's Liberation Night speech was revealed during a developer stream on 4 March 2024 to have been filmed in a repurposed classroom at the nearby Merrist Wood College in Guildford.