Locusts

Maddy is a USDA official who becomes the national leader steering the response to the locust outbreak. She grapples with political pressures, ethical questions, and the imperative to protect civilians, ultimately coordinating cross-agency action. Her resolve and pragmatic leadership drive key decisions under intense scrutiny.

A brilliant but controversial scientist who develops the hybrid locusts, blurring the line between invention and weaponization. He is consumed by his project yet confronts the consequences when his creation threatens millions. His arc reveals the dangers of playing god with biology.

Dan is Maddy’s partner who is practical and supportive, often balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. He becomes pivotal in devising non-violent responses and ultimately collaborates with Maddy to thwart the crisis.

Gina is a lab worker who undertakes the dangerous task of feeding locusts, showing courage but also recklessness. Her encounter with the locusts triggers the outbreak’s escalation and personal stakes for those involved.

Peter’s daughter, a schoolchild whose life is endangered by the locust swarm. Her attack and coma become a focal emotional point that personalizes the crisis for the family involved and the audience.

Gina’s boyfriend who initially resists entering the lab and becomes a witness to the outbreak’s consequences. He represents cautious, ground-level perspective within the larger crisis.

Maddy’s father, a farmer who faces the outbreak on his land. He collaborates with authorities and endures personal risk as the locusts threaten his livelihood and family legacy.

Peter’s wife who becomes involved in the unfolding family tragedy and supports Sofia while navigating the threat to their community.

A high-ranking military officer who pushes for extreme measures, including the potential use of a toxin, before coalition and ethical concerns ultimately sway the plan.

The Secretary of Agriculture who negotiates policy and becomes a key political voice in whether to deploy drastic countermeasures or preserve civilian safety.

A government director who coordinates interagency response and decision-making during the crisis.

DOE official who helps identify an alternative to chemical warfare and advocates for leveraging power infrastructure to combat the swarm.

A GAO-connected security analyst who assists with information gathering and coordinating interagency contact during the crisis.

An FBI agent involved in the investigation into the origins and handling of the locust outbreak.

A senator who participates in the security briefing and decision-making process surrounding the locust threat.

Air traffic controller who faces the consequences of the swarm as planes approach. The incident highlights the stakes of crisis management in travel networks.