Chapter 14
Roll original 1982 Peter Davison opening credits
SCENE #148 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
NYSSA
(conditioned) What are my tasks? Tell me what my tasks are. I must know.
BILLY
(despairingly) Nyssa, darling!
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are not fully converted. You still require processing. We will continue.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Understood.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Complete full conversion.
Nyssa lies back in her conversion chamber, as a further processing stage takes place. Billy tries to run forward, but he’s held back by his Cyberman captor.
BILLY
(shouts) No!!! Please let her go! Stop this, your horrible tin-heads! Release my Nyssa!
CYBER CONTROLLER
She belongs to us.
BILLY
(upset) No!!!
As the drills start spinning and aim towards Nyssa’s head, an alarm blares off very loudly. The drilling stops, ceasing the conversion process.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Alert. Alert. We are receiving a warning.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Assess the emergency.
Neptune Cyberman #2 goes over to a control panel to find out what the emergency is. Gradually, it receives the results before it addresses the Cyber Controller.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Report from Cyber Patrol Four-Seven. They have located the Doctor.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Where is he?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
He and his companions have returned to the TARDIS console room. They have locked the door. Cyber units cannot break in.
CYBER CONTROLLER
They must break the door down. Order them to cut through it to gain entry.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 attends to his orders whilst the Cyber Controller turns back to Nyssa.
CYBER LEADER
Do we continue?
CYBER CONTROLLER
We continue. Resume conversion.
BILLY
(cries) No!!!!
CYBER CONTROLLER
The human male is no longer required. Terminate him.
BILLY
(defiantly) Killing me won’t scare me, Cyberman! You’re killing my Nyssa! You might as well kill me too! Get on with it if you won’t listen!
CYBER CONTROLLER
You do not understand our ways. You do not comply for conversion.
BILLY
(angrily) I don’t want you to convert Nyssa! I hate it! I hate you! I hate everything you Cybermen stand for!
CYBER CONTROLLER
Hate is insignificant. And you are irrational. Terminate him.
The Cybermen advance, ready to terminate Billy.
TADA
Stop!
Everything stops, as everyone turns to see a half-converted Cyberman enter.
TADA
Do not process the female. And do not kill the boy.
BILLY
(realises: astonished) Tada. Giles Tada.
TADA
That’s me! Surprised to see me, eh? Looking Cyber-converted, aren’t I? Partially, that is. And with a scary electronic voice.
CYBER CONTROLLER
What is the meaning of this? Why do you interrupt? The female has great intelligence. That is useful to us. She must be converted.
TADA
I propose an alternative, if you’d just listen.
CYBER CONTROLLER
What alternative? What value does it have?
TADA
I suggest you Cybermen standby and reserve your power supply. For use in dealing with the Doctor and providing power to the Cyber fleet.
CYBER CONTROLLER
We have the Eye of Harmony. We have all the power we need.
TADA
But you don’t understand how it works. Not understanding wholly won’t get you what you want.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You do not speak for the Cybermen. You are still weak with emotion. You are not fully converted.
TADA
But I can still access the Cybermen’s database. I told you, my mind stays human. No matter what you do to change me.
CYBER CONTROLLER
And you still maintain your alternative? To convert this female later and reserve power for the Cyber fleet as well as to deal with the Doctor?
TADA
Exactly! You’ll find it most beneficial. You can add Cyber implants one at a time into her if that makes you feel better.
CYBER CONTROLLER
It does not make us feel better. (Pause) And the boy. You recommend he stays alive too?
TADA
Yes. Yes, him as well. The boy stays alive too.
The Cyber Controller considers for a moment. Eventually…
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Cybermen accept your proposals. We shall hold off conversion on the female and maximum deletion on the boy will not occur.
TADA
Excellent. Very wise, Controller. (Pause) Now I suggest you let the woman go. Let her walk about and get used to her new Cyber-converted manners and ways.
The Cybermen deactivate the harness that’s strapping Nyssa in her conversion chamber. Once freed, Nyssa sits up and stares into space.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Stand. You will stand.
Nyssa obeys, getting up out the conversion chamber and stands up, still staring.
NYSSA
(conditioned) I am standing.
The Cyber Controller considers, before turning to Tada.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You will come with us, Tada. We will discuss your alternative on how to preserve our power supplies.
The Cybermen walk off, whilst Tada follows. He walks past Billy before stopping to meet his gaze.
TADA
You see, young man? The Cybermen wish me to give them advice. Soon, I shall control them all.
BILLY
What’s your game, Tada? Why are you so concerned about keeping me and Nyssa alive?
TADA
That does not concern you. Be grateful you have your girlfriend more or less herself.
BILLY
She’s my wife!
TADA
Whatever. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must attend to my allies.
Tada resumes following the Cybermen. Billy watches him go, before he rejoins Nyssa, as she continues to stare ahead.
BILLY
Nyssa, I don’t know what Tada is up to, but I’m glad you’re still in one piece. I was so afraid I’d lose you forever.
NYSSA
(conditioned) I am the future. I continue to live for the Cybermen.
BILLY
(shocked) Nyssa, what are you saying?
NYSSA
(gradually, conditioned) You will be like us.
SCENE #149 – INT – CYBER CONTROL DECK, CYBER FLAGSHIP – N/A
In outer space, signals continue to be sent from the TARDIS to the planet Neptune where the Cyber fleet is waiting. Aboard the Cyber flagship, the Cybermen pick up the signals, as it echoes through the vacuum of space. The Cyber Commander addresses its units on the control deck.
CYBER COMMANDER
Report.
CYBER UNIT #34
Carrier wave signals received, Commander. Across a high-range bandwidth. Traversing across Time and Space.
CYBER UNIT #35
They are aimed specifically at our Cyber fleet.
CYBER COMMANDER
This is the moment we have waited for. Confirm sender. Is it the Controller aboard the Doctor’s TARDIS?
The two Cybermen check to see by accessing their control terminals.
CYBER UNIT #34
Confirmed. The Cyber Controller is transmitting signals from the Space-Time craft. They are summoning us to Earth.
CYBER UNIT #35
The message is on a clear subspace frequency. There are no disruptions or blocks to this message, Commander.
CYBER COMMANDER
Order all ships to follow the flagship. Set a course for the planet Earth. All hands to battle stations.
CYBER UNIT #34
Understood. (through intercom) All hands to battle stations. All hands to battle stations. The fleet is to follow the main flagship to Earth. Repeat. We are heading for planet Earth. Follow.
CYBER UNIT #35
All ships are responding, Commander. They are ready to make the warp-jump to Earth.
CYBER COMMANDER
Initiate warp-jump. We shall not delay. Engage at once.
CYBERMEN
Understood.
The Cybermen comply, as the flagship and the rest of the fleet set off for Earth at warp drive. A loud fizz echoes all over the ship once they’ve gone into warp.
CYBER UNIT #35
We are traversing from Neptune to Earth across twelve thousand light years.
CYBER COMMANDER
Put me in contact with the Cyber Controller.
CYBER UNIT #34
We are receiving a communication from the Cyber Controller aboard the Doctor’s TARDIS.
CYBER COMMANDER
Open communications channel. Establish visual contact.
CYBER UNIT #34
Complying.
Cyber Unit #34 obeys the Cyber Commander, as it establishes visual contact and opens a communication channel. On a viewscreen, the Cyber Controller appears.
CYBER COMMANDER
(through intercom) Controller.
CYBER CONTROLLER (V’O)
Commander of Cyber Fleet Three-Five-Nine. You have responded to our signals instantly.
CYBER COMMANDER
(through intercom) Affirmative. We are traversing via warp-jump from planet Neptune to reach you. We will arrive within fifty-six seconds in your space-time location.
CYBER CONTROLLER (V’O)
Satisfactory. Prepare to receive instructions. Your fleet shall conduct the invasion of Earth according to current strategy.
CYBER COMMANDER
(through intercom) Understood.
SCENE #150 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS console room, the Doctor, Betty and Jamie gather around the console, having locked out the Cybermen who are now cutting their way through the console room door.
JAMIE
They’re using a laser cutter to do that, aren’t they? They’re using a laser cutter to break down the door.
DOCTOR
Never mind that, Jamie. Let’s see if we can get the TARDIS to land.
BETTY
You can bypass the Cybermen’s security protocols then?
DOCTOR
I’m not sure. That’s what I’m hoping to find out. I’m implementing a new set of algorithms to confuse the Cybermen’s security blocks.
The Doctor types away at the console keyboard. It takes a while, but eventually, there’s a result.
JAMIE
Well, has it worked? Can you get the TARDIS to land?
DOCTOR
(grimly) Err, no. The Cybermen have installed their security protocols too well. Every time I implement a new algorithm, it’s always countermanded. It’s very annoying.
BETTY
Well, we must get the TARDIS to land. Nyssa and Billy’s lives depend on it. Doctor, do something!
DOCTOR
I’m trying, Betty! I’m trying as best as I can!
Just then, a bleep echoes from the TARDIS console.
JAMIE
(startled; realises) Doctor, there’s something bleeping on the console. What is it?
The Doctor checks.
DOCTOR
(puzzled) I’m not sure. A warning from outside?
BETTY
(realises) Something’s in outer space! Alongside the TARDIS! And in Earth’s orbit!
JAMIE
Can we see what’s outside?
DOCTOR
Hold on. I’ll switch on the scanner.
The Doctor presses a switch and the scanner screen rises up to reveal what’s outside. The Doctor, Betty and Jamie look to see a fleet of Cyber ships approaching planet Earth.
JAMIE
(shocked) Oh my goodness!
BETTY
(astonished) It’s a space fleet! Where did that come from?
DOCTOR
(grimly) It’s a Cyber warship fleet. The Cybermen sent their signal to planet Neptune after all.
BETTY
(shocked) You mean…they’re reinforcements? The Cybermen called them here using that…that Eye of Harmony of yours?
DOCTOR
(grimly) Yes. I’m afraid we’re too late. The Cybermen have succeeded in their plans.
A sudden shaking and shuddering occurs in the TARDIS, startling Betty and Jamie.
DOCTOR
(distressed) And because of that, Space and Time is starting to rupture the Universe apart. The TARDIS can feel it.
BETTY
What are you going to do then?
The Doctor considers for a moment. He then comes to a tough decision.
DOCTOR
I’ll initiate the self-destruct sequence as discussed. I’ll set it off for one hour. It’ll give us time to escape.
JAMIE
Are you sure, Doctor?
DOCTOR
There’s no other way, Jamie.
The Doctor types away at TARDIS keyboard to initiate the self-destruct sequence. Eventually, the countdown begins.
BETTY
Is that it? Have you initiated the self-destruct?
DOCTOR
I have, yes. It’s counting down from sixty minutes to zero. I’m not wholly satisfied about doing this, but…
BETTY
(interjects; encouragingly) We can still rescue Nyssa and Billy. They don’t have to die in vain. And we can still stop the Cybermen, even though their fleet is here. You’ll think of something, Doc. That genius mind of yours.
DOCTOR
(frustrated) How can I think of something when I can’t even get the TARDIS to land?
JAMIE
We don’t need to land, Doctor.
DOCTOR
(annoyed) Yes, Jamie, we do. We really need the TARDIS to land.
JAMIE
No, we don’t, Doctor. All we need to do is get to Earth. We can still do that via teleport.
BETTY
We don’t have a teleport, dummy!
JAMIE
We do now. See?
Jamie takes out a teleport device to show it to the Doctor and Betty. The Doctor and Betty are astonished to see this.
DOCTOR
(astonished) Where did you get that, Jamie?
JAMIE
I took it from the Cybermen in the cloister room when they weren’t looking. I recognised what one of those things were when we were in the Neptune Connect building’s control hub back on Earth.
BETTY
(impressed) You sly dog! You’re a real sneak thief, aren’t you?
JAMIE
Hey! I learnt the best espionage techniques from you, dear.
The Doctor snatches the teleport device from Jamie and examines it.
DOCTOR
(thrilled) This is precisely what we need. Well done, Jamie! Now if we can teleport ourselves to the Neptune Connect building on Earth itself…
BETTY
(interjects) Do you think we’ll be able to find much there? I mean, is there something we can do at Neptune Connect to stop them?
DOCTOR
I hope so. For one thing, we can shut down the power supply being sent to the TARDIS for the Cybermen’s signals. The less Cybermen reinforcements we have here, the better.
JAMIE
(realises) Doctor, the door! They’re nearly through.
They look to see, as the Cybermen have nearly broken down the door.
DOCTOR
(realises) Ah. I hoped we’d have more time. (Pause) Well, we’ll just have to risk it. Let’s hope the teleport device can take us to where we want to be.
BETTY
Not sure if that’s a wise idea, Doc. We could get crushed into atoms using that.
DOCTOR
Do you have a better suggestion, Betty?
Just then, the Cybermen, led by their Cyber Lieutenant, break through the door and march in.
CYBER LIEUTENANT
Stay where you are. You will be terminated.
JAMIE
I don’t think Betty has, Doctor.
BETTY
(urgently) Quick! Use the teleport now!
DOCTOR
Here it goes!
The Doctor presses the button on the teleport device, In an instant, the Doctor, Betty and Jamie vanish, escaping via the teleport. The Cybermen witness this occurrence whilst in the console room.
SCENE #151 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – NIGHT
Back on Earth, it’s night-time. The Doctor, Betty and Jamie find themselves in the control hub of the main Neptune Connect building.
DOCTOR
(pleased) Here we are! Exactly where we want to be.
JAMIE
The control hub of Neptune Connect.
DOCTOR
Precisely. And it’s here where the power is being supplied and transmitted by the Cybermen to the TARDIS. Now if we shut it down from here…
BETTY
(interjects) Will you able to do that then?
DOCTOR
(determined) Oh, yes! With the Cybermen aboard the TARDIS, they won’t suspect the slightest… (trails off; realises) Aha! There’s the control generator!
The Doctor goes over to the control generator and makes a start on shutting it down. Betty and Jamie stand beside him, as he starts pressing buttons and switches.
BETTY
(anxiously) Is it working? Have you been able to shut down the power altogether?
DOCTOR
I can’t suspend the power supply already sent to the TARDIS. But I can disable the signal. Lock it down from here for a temporary period of time.
JAMIE
How temporary is that?
DOCTOR
About an hour or so, I should think. Ideally.
BETTY
That’s the same amount of time you’ve given for the self-destruct sequence aboard the TARDIS.
DOCTOR
Yes. It is, actually.
Eventually…
DOCTOR
(triumphantly) Done it! Signal temporarily disabled.
BETTY
That’s a relief.
JAMIE
Thank goodness!
DOCTOR
It’s too late though. The Cyber fleet is already in outer space. Very soon, it will descend and attack Earth.
BETTY
But we’ve got time. Time to stop them and rescue your friends.
Just then, a voice announcement echoes on the loudspeakers, which the Doctor, Betty and Jamie can hear.
CYBERMEN (V’O)
We are the Cybermen. The next level of mankind. Every universal being will receive a free conversion. You will become like us. Conversion is compulsory. Resist…and you will be terminated.
DOCTOR
I’ve heard those words before. So many times. It’s their way of threatening humanity and other races to succumb to their will.
JAMIE
They can’t invade already, surely. They can’t move ahead that fast.
Suddenly, firepower and shouts echo on the loudspeakers. The Doctor, Betty and Jamie take a moment to realise what’s happening.
BETTY
Don’t you get it, Jamie? The Cybermen aren’t slow. They always work fast.
JAMIE
(anxiously) Where’s that coming from? Are the streets of San Francisco being invaded?
BETTY
Figure it out!
DOCTOR
(realises) Oh no! Betty, Jamie, I’m so sorry.
JAMIE
Why, what’s wrong?
DOCTOR
I should have realised. There are still Cybermen on Earth. They’ve been waiting for their orders. Now they’re capturing those to be converted…
BETTY
(realises) As well as killing those who resist.
DOCTOR
Maximum termination on all citizens, as they’d say.
JAMIE
That’s horrible! (Pause) Doctor, can’t you do something?
DOCTOR
There’s nothing I can do at the moment. It’s already begun. It’s my fault and I’m very sorry. (Pause) But I will stop this, no matter what! I won’t have any more lives lost because of the Cybermen.
BETTY
Well, I hope you’ve got some bright ideas, Doc. Cos the Cybermen are getting closer every second.
DOCTOR
(wryly) Thank you, Betty Phillips. You’re so encouraging.
Things seem grim, as the echoes of people screaming and running away from the Cybermen gets louder on the loudspeakers.
SCENE #152 – INT – CYBER CONTROL DECK, CYBER FLAGSHIP – N/A
In outer space, the Cyber fleet approaches Earth, entering the planet’s orbit. Ships join alongside the main flagship, as they await orders to descend. The TARDIS spirals close by in space. Aboard the Cyber flagship, the Cyber Commander communicates with the Cyber Controller aboard the TARDIS.
CYBER COMMANDER
(through intercom) We have arrived, Controller. Warp-jump achieved.
CYBER CONTROLLER (V’O)
Exemplary. You have your instructions. Carry them out.
CYBER COMMANDER
(through intercom) Understood.
CYBER CONTROLLER (V’O)
All life must be converted. Those who resist are incompatible and unworthy of assimilation. Maximum termination must be enforced.
CYBER COMMANDER
(through intercom) Understood, Controller. Cyber units will carry out your instructions.
CYBER CONTROLLER (V’O)
Satisfactory. Controller out.
The Cyber Controller signs off, whilst the Cyber Commander addresses it units aboard the flagship’s control deck.
CYBER COMMANDER
Unit Three-Four and Unit Three-Five. Port formation of fleet will descend to lower atmosphere. Starboard formation of fleet will descend to upper atmosphere. (to Cyber Unit #34) Unit Three-Four, you will take port formation.
CYBER UNIT #34
Understood.
CYBER COMMANDER
Unit Three-Five, you will take starboard formation.
CYBER UNIT #35
Understood.
The two Cybermen march off to attend to their sections of the fleet.
CYBER COMMANDER
All Cyber units. We shall descend to Earth. We will take over and conquer. Earth will be converted.
CYBERMEN
Complying.
The Cybermen comply, as the ships in the fleet, including the flagship begin to descend into Earth’s atmosphere.
SCENE #153 – EXT – STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO, USA, NORTH AMERICA, EARTH – MAY 2024 – NIGHT
The streets of San Francisco are chaotic. A montage sequence occurs of people screaming and running away from the Cybermen, as they begin to take over the entire population.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) Stand still. You belong to us. You will become like us.
Despite their claims, people keep running away from Cybermen left, right and centre with terrified screams.
WOMAN
(terrified) What are those things?! Where did they come from?!
MAN
(cries) You won’t get me! I’m not going with you, you metal freaks!
WOMAN
(terrified) I must find my daughter! Alison! Alison, where are you?!
As people keep running away, the Cybermen march about the streets of San Francisco with stomping footsteps, picking off people one by one. They inject people with Cyber implants to convert them in an instant.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) Resistance is futile. All shall receive a free conversion. Conversion is compulsory. There are no exceptions.
More and more people get taken off the streets, including civilians scared out of their wits. Eventually, army jeeps and vans arrive with soldiers pouring out. They make ready their fighting positions, shouting as they do so.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) Surrender. Surrender and you will be allowed to live.
SOLDIER #1
(bawls) Take this, you monsters!
The soldiers open fire. An array of shots fired lasts for about eight seconds. But it turns out the soldiers’ bullets are ineffective.
SOLDIER #2
(shocked) The guns! They don’t work! Why won’t the guns work?
CYBERMEN
(in unison) You are incompatible subjects for conversion.
SOLDIER #1
(bawls) Get stuffed, metal heads!
CYBERMEN
(in unison) You will be terminated. Maximum termination.
The Cybermen open fire with their Cyber-guns on their arms, killing off every single soldier one by one. The soldiers scream as they die. The Cybermen also fire at civilians rebelling against them. As well as using their Cyber-guns, the Cybermen electrocute people with their hands, killing them instantly. People scream, as they’re either picked off to be taken away for conversion or killed in the streets for opposing the Cybermen. The chaos gets worse, as the Cybermen stomp about the streets.
CYBERMEN
We must survive. All resistance will be crushed. We must survive. The Cybermen will multiply.
SCENE #154 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Back aboard the TARDIS, in the cloister room, the Cybermen overlook the Cyber fleet’s invasion of Earth. As this goes on, Billy tries to talk to Nyssa, who is still conditioned and under Cyber control.
BILLY
Nyssa? Nyssa darling, it’s me, Billy. You remember me, don’t you? Your husband?
NYSSA
(conditioned) Billy Walker. Human from the planet Earth. Nineteen Sixty-Three.
BILLY
That’s it, yes. That’s who I am. Now try and remember, Nyssa. Try and remember what we had together. What our marriage means. Remember how you first fell in love with me whilst I [was…]
NYSSA
(conditioned; interrupts) Love is an emotion. It has no purpose in a Cyber mind. I must continue with my task.
BILLY
No, Nyssa! You mustn’t think like that! You’re Nyssa of Traken. The sweet, lovely, kind-hearted Nyssa of Traken that I fell in love with. You’re not a Cyberman!
NYSSA
(conditioned) You will be converted. Conversion is compulsory.
BILLY
Stop it, Nyssa! Stop saying these things. You’re upsetting me, you know that?
NYSSA
(conditioned) I must carry out my function. I must serve the Cyber cause.
BILLY
Nyssa, you’ve got to try and listen to me. I know it’s difficult for you, but… (groans) Oh, if only I could get rid of some of the processing they’ve done to you. I don’t even know how they did it in the first place or how to reverse it.
NYSSA
(conditioned) You shall not interfere. If you attempt to interfere with Cyber functions, I shall destroy you. You understand?
Moment of tense silence.
BILLY
(upset) Yes, Nyssa. I understand you.
NYSSA
(conditioned) I shall not commit harm to you now. I will continue to speak for the Cybermen. Whilst they continue to invade your home world.
Meanwhile, the Cyber Leader and Neptune Cyberman #2 report urgently to the Cyber Controller.
CYBER CONTROLLER
What have you to report?
CYBER LEADER
A self-destruct sequence is in progress. The self-destruct was initiated in the TARDIS console room.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor?
CYBER LEADER
He has escaped with his humanoid associates. They will be on the planet Earth attempting to disable our power at the control hub of Neptune Connect.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
What is your order, Controller?
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor must be dealt with. Assemble a Cyber squad to go to Earth and remove the Doctor and his companions.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 goes off to carry out its task. The Cyber Controller meanwhile turns to Nyssa.
CYBER CONTROLLER
(to Nyssa) You. You know about the self-destruct sequence for the TARDIS. Answer.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Yes. I know about the self-destruct.
CYBER CONTROLLER
It was initiated by the Doctor. Are you functional to disable the self-destruct sequence?
NYSSA
(conditioned) Yes. I can disable it from here in the cloister room.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Do it. Cancel the self-destruct.
Nyssa goes over to a control panel on a far wall.
BILLY
(cries) Nyssa, no! Nyssa, don’t do it! The Doctor wouldn’t want you to do this!
Billy tries to stop Nyssa but is held back by two Cybermen.
BILLY
(cries; struggles) Get off me! I said, get off me!
Nyssa is at the control panel, as she enters a few keys on the keypad.
BILLY
(cries) Nyssa, please! Nyssa, don’t do it!
A bleeping noise occurs, before Nyssa turns to the Cyber Controller.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Self-destruct has been disengaged, Controller. The TARDIS is secure.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Satisfactory.
Nyssa remains blank, whilst Billy looks on despairingly.
BILLY
Oh, Nyssa! What have you done?
SCENE #155 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – NIGHT
In the control hub of the main Neptune Connect building, the Doctor receives a bleep inside one of his coat pockets. He fumbles in his coat pocket to take out a remote control device. Betty and Jamie come over to join him.
BETTY
What is it, Doc? What’s that bleeping in that coat pocket of yours all about?
JAMIE
(concerned) Is something wrong?
DOCTOR
I’m not sure. It’s coming from my remote control device for the self-destruct aboard the TARDIS. Not sure why it’s going off like that.
BETTY
(anxiously) Has the TARDIS blown up already?
DOCTOR
I shouldn’t think so. It hasn’t been an hour since I set it off.
JAMIE
Perhaps it’s making you aware of how much time your TARDIS has got left.
The Doctor checks his remote control for a moment.
DOCTOR
(shocked) Oh no. Oh, that shouldn’t happen, should it?
BETTY
What shouldn’t happen? Don’t keep us in suspense, Doc.
DOCTOR
The TARDIS self-destruct. It’s been cancelled.
JAMIE
(shocked) Cancelled? It can’t have.
DOCTOR
Oh, trust me, I’m not joking. The TARDIS won’t blow up now. Fortunate for the old girl, yes, but it doesn’t give any hope for us.
BETTY
How can the Cybermen have deactivated the self-destruct? I would’ve thought you installed safeguards on it.
JAMIE
Perhaps it wasn’t the Cybermen that switched it off.
DOCTOR
(thinks) No. Perhaps it wasn’t. Unless… (realises) No. No, it couldn’t be.
BETTY
(concerned) What? Couldn’t be what, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Nyssa. She can’t have done it, surely.
SCENE #156 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Meanwhile in the TARDIS cloister room…
CYBER LEADER
The TARDIS main computer. We still are denied access.
CYBER CONTROLLER
(to Nyssa) You. You locked the TARDIS computer with an encryption code. Answer.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Confirmed. I entered the encryption code to prevent the Cybermen gaining access to main computer under the Doctor’s instructions.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You will disable the encryption code immediately.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Understood.
BILLY
(shouts) No! Nyssa, don’t! Don’t do it!
Billy break frees from his Cyberman’s grasp and runs forward, facing Nyssa as she deactivates the encryption code.
BILLY
Nyssa! Please, dear!
Nyssa looks blankly at Billy, not answering, before she turns to the Controller.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Encryption code deactivated. You have access to the TARDIS main computer.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Satisfactory. (to Cyber Leader) Access the main computer, Cyber Leader.
CYBER LEADER
Complying.
The Cyber Leader attends to his task, whilst Nyssa walks away from Billy, who’s most upset.
BILLY
(angrily; upset) You monsters! You horrid monsters! You changed my Nyssa!
CYBER CONTROLLER
Nyssa unit? What is your relationship to this male?
NYSSA
(conditioned) My relationship to him is irrelevant. I serve the Cyber cause.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Satisfactory. Prepare him. He will make an exemplary unit.
BILLY
(cries) No! Wait, don’t!
The Cybermen advance on Billy, taking him into their custody. They grab his arms, causing him to cry out in pain.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Wait. Our power supplies need to be preserved, Controller. The Tada unit stated we must provide power for the Cyber invasion fleet. We also need it to deal with the Doctor.
The Cyber Controller considers for a moment.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Acceptable. We will postpone conversion on the human male for the time being. Release him.
The Cybermen release Billy. Billy groans in pain for a bit as he recovers.
BILLY
Nyssa, I know you’re in there somewhere. I just know it. You’ve still got that compassionate side. I’ll see to it that you’re saved, no matter what.
Nyssa doesn’t answer, as she stares blankly.
SCENE #157 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – NIGHT
Back in the control hub of the main Neptune Connect building on Earth, the Doctor’s remote control bleeps again.
BETTY
(anxiously) What’s happening? Not more bad news.
The Doctor checks his remote control.
DOCTOR
(horrified) The TARDIS main computer! The Cybermen are accessing it!
JAMIE
(shocked) What?! I thought you said the TARDIS main computer was protected.
DOCTOR
By an encryption code, yes. Nyssa entered it.
BETTY
Well, perhaps they found a way to break into the computer by deactivating the encryption code.
DOCTOR
(grimly) No. Only Nyssa knew that encryption code. And she wouldn’t let anyone else have it or give it away to anyone.
JAMIE
Then they must have forced her to give it to them. The Cybermen forced her to deactivate the code for them.
DOCTOR
(grimly) Oh, worse. They could have converted her.
BETTY
(realises; horrified) You mean… Nyssa… She’s become…a Cyberman?
DOCTOR
There’s no other explanation. She and Billy could have been converted.
JAMIE
(saddened) Then we’re too late. We’ve failed them.
DOCTOR
So it would seem.
SCENE #158 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Back aboard the TARDIS, Tada enters the cloister room to meet up with the Cyber Controller. A Cyber squad is also assembled in the cloister room.
TADA
Well, how goes the work. guys? What have I missed? Is this squad of Cybermen I see before me ready to go to a party?
CYBER CONTROLLER
(ignores Tada, to Cyber Leader) Report on access to the TARDIS main computer.
CYBER LEADER
We have established control of all TARDIS operations. The Cybermen can operate at maximum efficiency.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Satisfactory. The invasion will be enhanced further. But first, the Doctor must be dealt with. (to Neptune Cyberman #2) Is the assembled squad ready?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Confirmed. They are to go to Earth at your instructions.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You will lead the squad.
TADA
(interrupts) I’ll lead the squad, if it’s all the same to you, Controller.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are not fully converted. You must remain aboard the TARDIS.
TADA
My conversion can wait. My son’s down there. I’m responsible for him. You’ll need me to persuade him to join us.
The Cyber Controller considers for a moment.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Agreed. You will lead the squad to Earth. (to Neptune Cyberman #2) You remain here and assist the Cyber Leader.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 goes off to join the Cyber Leader.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Teleport to the planet surface immediately. You will teleport to co-ordinates One-Five-Four in the control hub of Neptune Connect.
TADA
Yes, yes, I know where I’m supposed to be going, Controller. You don’t have to remind me, alright? (to Cyber squad) Follow me, boys!
The assembled squad of Cybermen accompany Tada, as they make ready to switch on their teleport devices to go down to Earth.
CYBER CONTROLLER
About to initiate teleport.
TADA
(cheerily) See you later, pal!
Tada and the Cyber squad beam out, leaving the TARDIS. Billy has just seen them go whilst being with Nyssa.
BILLY
(fascinated) Teleport device. I wonder.
SCENE #159 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – NIGHT
Back in the control hub of Neptune Connect on Earth, the Doctor, Betty and Jamie are worried.
JAMIE
(anxiously) So, what do we do now?
BETTY
Can’t we teleport back to the TARDIS and stop them?
DOCTOR
(grimly) That won’t achieve anything. Besides they’ll be waiting for us. They’ll stop us within a second. We wouldn’t stand a chance.
BETTY
Then we have no hope.
DOCTOR
(agitated) I didn’t say “We don’t have hope”. There’s always hope if we can find an alternative.
BETTY
(anxiously) Yeah, but…we haven’t got one.
JAMIE
(thinks) What about using the rocket?
BETTY
(surprised) The rocket? What rocket?
JAMIE
(realises) Oh, sorry, I didn’t mention it. There’s a silo close that contains a rocket at Neptune Connect. My father built it. Or some of his men did. He wanted a rocket to travel to the stars and see Neptune. It was his dream. Perhaps we can use it.
DOCTOR
(amazed) Jamie, you mean to say you have an actual rocket close by on these premises?
JAMIE
Yeah. It should be fully operational.
BETTY
Why didn’t you tell us this before, you idiot?
JAMIE
You never asked. (to Doctor) Sorry, Doctor, if I mentioned it before, I would [have…]
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Sorry? Why say ‘sorry’, Jamie? It’s a brilliant idea! Absolutely brilliant! Well done! (Pause) Come on, we’d better get going.
BETTY
To the rocket?
DOCTOR
Of course! Where else?
As they’re about to leave, a squad of Cybermen enter, stomping as they go. They block their path.
BETTY
Cybermen! They’ve found us!
DOCTOR
Don’t panic, you two. We’ll just go out the other way and…
They’re about to head in the other direction, but it’s no use. More Cybermen enter behind them, stomping as they go. The Doctor, Betty and Jamie are completely surrounded.
JAMIE
(groans) You and your big ideas.
BETTY
(determined) We can still use the teleport, can’t we? We can get outta here via teleport if we can [just…]
TADA
(interrupts) I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Miss Phillips. The Cybermen will shoot you instantly if you tried to escape. They’re likely to shoot you during mid-transference.
JAMIE
(confused) Who said that? Who’s there?
TADA
(mock-shocked) James, my boy? Don’t you know me? Your own flesh and blood?
JAMIE
(realises) Father? Where are you? What’s happened to your voice? Come out, wherever you are!
Tada laughs, as he steps out of the crowd to reveal himself to the Doctor, Betty and Jamie.
TADA
Here I am, my boy.
JAMIE
(shocked; horrified) Father? Oh good God! It can’t be!
TADA
Scary, ain’t it? Say hello to Daddy, boy. This is Neptune Connect’s finest hour. And I’m the Cybermen’s saviour!
Horrified, Betty hides her face, as she holds onto the Doctor. The Doctor comforts her gently, whilst they and Jamie are in the custody of the Cybermen.
SCENE #160 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Back aboard the TARDIS, in the cloister room…
BILLY
(whispers; reassuringly) Nyssa, my dear. I will save you, no matter what happens. I will set you free from this Cyber control. Trust me.
Nyssa doesn’t answer, as she stares blankly.
BILLY
I love you, Nyssa. I always will.
Suddenly, the TARDIS shudders, startling everyone, including the Cybermen.
CYBER CONTROLLER
What is happening? Explain.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Unknown causality in the Space-Time continuum detected, Controller. There is a rupture in the fabric of reality.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Insufficient response. More data required.
Neptune Cyberman #2 accesses a computer terminal nearby to assess the situation. It takes a short while to process the information.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The disturbance is emanating from the Eye of Harmony. The Eye is damaging the Space-Time continuum.
CYBER CONTROLLER
How is that possible?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
We have left the Eye open for too long. The Doctor predicted this. So did the Nyssa unit. Suggest we close the Eye temporarily to stabilise conditions.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Unacceptable. We continue to send the signal. More Cyber reinforcements are required.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
We must maintain power, Controller.
CYBER CONTROLLER
We continue. Keep the Eye open. It must not be closed. Utilise power from TARDIS systems to stabilise the power source for the beacon.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 attends to his duties, whilst Billy looks on.
BILLY
(to himself) There’s a teleport device nearby. On that stone pillar close to the Eye. (Pause) How am I going to get to that?
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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