Chapter 16
SCENE #172 – INT – COCKPIT, ROCKET – DAY, MORNING
Back inside the rocket at the rocket silo on Earth, the Doctor and Jamie sort out preparations and rocket procedures before take-off. Billy stands in the doorway whilst the Cybermen battle continues outside with Betty holding the fort.
JAMIE
Pressure valves in place. Main thrusters charging. I think we’re nearly there, Doctor.
DOCTOR
And the flight sequence has been engaged. We should have a clear directional path when we’re heading into outer space.
JAMIE
And making for your TARDIS.
DOCTOR
That’s the theory. All flight procedures should be completed and in place now.
BILLY
Things seem really bad out there, Doctor. The Cybermen are getting closer.
JAMIE
Is Betty doing okay?
BILLY
I think so. She’s fighting remarkably well.
DOCTOR
Perhaps you should go out there and help Betty out, Billy.
BILLY
(anxiously) Me? Help Betty?
JAMIE
Why not? You’re standing in the doorway watching.
BILLY
I haven’t got a gun. Besides, I can’t leave you two here. Suppose you need me and I’m not here to help you out.
DOCTOR
What had you in mind to help us out with, Billy?
Just then, Betty runs back in.
BETTY
(exasperated) It’s no good. There’s too many of them. They must have known we would come here to sort out the rocket.
JAMIE
Unless my Dad told them. He must have recovered quickly from that blow you gave him, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Yes. Very dissatisfying.
BETTY
(exasperated) I need someone out there to help me fight them. I have two rifles on me. I can’t fight those metal meanies by myself.
DOCTOR
There you are, Billy. Your assistance is required. You go and help Betty.
BILLY
But…but Doctor!
DOCTOR
Hmm?
BILLY
You need me to help you find Nyssa.
DOCTOR
Jamie can help me. Besides he knows more about this rocket than you and I do. And we can’t leave Betty to fend the Cybermen off by herself.
JAMIE
Besides, you’ll be helping Nyssa by keeping the Cybermen away from getting inside the rocket, won’t you?
Billy becomes apprehensive, as he considers this for a moment.
BILLY
(realises) Yes. Yes, you’re right. (Pause) Alright then. Come on, Betty. Let’s sort out the Cybermen.
BETTY
Thanks, Billy. Let’s go.
Betty leads the way with Billy following her.
DOCTOR
Billy! Good luck.
Billy stops on his way out to look at the Doctor.
BILLY
Yeah. You too, Doctor. You too, Jamie. Take care of yourselves.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) All of us will be back together, Billy. I promise, I will get Nyssa back.
BILLY
(gratified) I know you will, Doctor. I know you will. (Pause) I must go and help Betty.
JAMIE
Look after her, won’t you, Billy.
BILLY
I will, Jamie, don’t worry.
With that, Billy leaves the rocket. Moment of silence.
DOCTOR
You love Betty, don’t you, Jamie?
JAMIE
Do I? What makes you say that?
DOCTOR
You have that forlorn look about you.
JAMIE
(gradually) Yeah. Yeah, I suppose I do.
DOCTOR
I’ll get you back to her, Jamie. I give you my word. (Pause) But I need your help in getting this rocket off the ground more than ever.
JAMIE
(gradually) I understand, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Good. (Pause) Well, let’s get started. Let’s ready the ignition sequence.
JAMIE
(eagerly) Got It. Ignition sequence in place. (Pause; realises) It would be best to close the airlocks, wouldn’t it?
DOCTOR
That would be ideal, yes, Jamie.
JAMIE
Right. Closing rocket airlocks.
Jamie presses a button and the rocket airlocks begin to close, as he and the Doctor sit in the cockpit. There’s a loud thud once the airlocks have been closed.
DOCTOR
Two minutes till blast off should just about do it.
JAMIE
Setting at two minutes for blast off.
Jamie sets the timings at the computer terminal. Very soon, the countdown begins. A warning alarm echoes outside.
JAMIE
We’ll be taking off soon, Doctor. The warning alarm is to keep everyone outside clear of the rocket’s blast.
DOCTOR
Good. Hopefully two minutes should give Billy and Betty enough time to get away from the rocket silo before they’re caught in the rocket’s blast.
JAMIE
Absolutely. (realises) Wait! The hanger doors!
DOCTOR
(urgently) Open them, Jamie! Open them quickly!
Jamie quickly presses a control button. A loud juddering echoes, as the hanger doors above slide open. Eventually, there’s a loud thud to indicate the hanger doors are fully open.
JAMIE
Hanger doors are open, Doctor!
DOCTOR
(relieved) That was a close shave, wasn’t it?
JAMIE
Yeah, it was. (Pause) We have about one minute and forty-five seconds left till blast off. The thrusters are in place.
A loud boom from the rocket echoes outside.
DOCTOR
And that’s the ignition rockets being set off. (Pause) I hope Nyssa’s still there by the time we get to the TARDIS.
JAMIE
And I hope Billy and Betty are still alive once we come back here. (Pause) Strap yourself in, Doctor.
The Doctor obliges, as he and Jamie strap themselves in, waiting for take-off.
SCENE #173 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the cloister room aboard the TARDIS, Tada returns via teleport. He makes his way over to the Cyber Controller who’s with Neptune Cyberman #2 at the conversion chamber containing Nyssa.
TADA
(cheerily) Hey, pals! Did you miss me? Was I mourned for bitterly?
CYBER CONTROLLER
You have returned, Tada. You are required for further conversion. You are still suffering from weaknesses. You will be taken to…
TADA
(interrupts) Oh, no, no, no! This is where I draw the line, Controller. I don’t need to be bossed by you. I have my own methods of handling objectives. You listen good, cos you’re not part of my plans for the future anymore.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You display irrational behaviour. That is not fitting in a Cyber collective.
TADA
You can shut it for all I care. I told you, my human mind would surpass your conversion tactics. And I’m not going to take one more bite from you on how you criticise everything I do.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your actions on the planet Earth at Neptune Connect were irrational. They were reported by the Cybermen that accompanied you.
TADA
(mock-saddened) There’s friends for you.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You objectively sought to challenge the Doctor in his emotional state.
TADA
Of course. I was doing exactly what you would have done. Damage the Doctor’s integrity, right?
CYBER CONTROLLER
Incorrect. The Cybermen seek to convert every species. You are no longer fit to be part of our Cyber hive. You will be depleted of all power and be redundant.
TADA
I don’t think so. My mind is stronger than yours, Controller. I can override anything you say against me and turn it into power against you.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are erratic. You are illogical. This is non-sufficient…
TADA
(interrupts) Hear me out, Controller! I have this to say. (Pause) I’m taking over. I’m to be the new Controller of the Cybermen. I hereby take your place. You are standing down.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are deranged.
TADA
That’s the reaction I expected. But I’m still taking over, whether you like it or not. So get used to it!
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are no longer compatible, Tada. This is a notification. You are to be disassembled. Terminated.
TADA
(scornfully) Not on my watch!
CYBER CONTROLLER
Terminate. Terminate. Terminate.
The Cyber Controller lunges for Tada, but Tada grabs his arm, stopping his attack.
TADA
(grits teeth) I don’t think so!
With that, Tada grabs the Cyber Controller and lifts him up into the air like a ragdoll. The Controller writhes in its electronic voice, as he gets thrown aside and ends up on the floor of the cloister room. He lies in a heap, struggling to get up. He looks up at Tada, almost astonished.
CYBER CONTROLLER
This is unacceptable. Insufficient data. How have you gained power and strength over me?
TADA
You gave me a metal body, Controller. And I have a human mind. Both combined, I can show you how ruthless I can be. Like this!
Tada lifts the Controller up from the floor. He then pulls open his chest unit. Very soon, he reaches inside and rips something out from the Controller. The Controller writhes, making harsh gasping and squelching noises as if he were being choked.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You…you…you have ripped out my central processor. You…you have destroyed me.
TADA
Yes, Controller. I ripped your heart out. Your Heart of Steel! You no longer function! It is you who has been terminated!
Tada shoves the Controller onto the floor, laughing with relish. The Controller writhes away, as goo oozes out of his body. He begins to explode with sparks pouring out of him. As soon as Tada has done this, he turns back to the rest of the Cybermen who stare blankly.
TADA
Well? Does anyone else want to challenge me? See if I’m unfit to be the next Controller?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
You have killed him. The Controller has been terminated.
TADA
That’s right, Cyberman. And it’ll be your turn next if you refuse to obey me.
Just then, all the Cybermen groan loudly, as they experience a surging pain within their chest units and heads.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
(groans) Pain! Pain! (Pause) Malfunction! Malfunction! What is happening? Why has this occurred?
TADA
Your Controller is dead. His link to you has been terminated. (Pause) But with this Heart of Steel, I can reestablish the connection with you all once I have it placed inside my chest unit. As soon as this is done, you will all be following me as your new Controller. Do you accept?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
(groans) This…is…not…logical. You are not…fully converted.
TADA
Then upgrade me with this! Place the Heart of Steel into my chest unit! Do it or else you die!
The Cybermen keep groaning in pain whilst Tada has them in his power. Eventually, Neptune Cyberman #2 stands up and makes his way over to Tada.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
(groans) I…must…place the central processor…into your chest unit…at once.
TADA
(slyly) Go ahead then. Do it! I know you want to.
Gradually, Neptune Cyberman #2 reaches out and opens Tada’s chest unit. There’s a click once Tada’s chest unit has been opened.
TADA
(satisfied) Good. Now…take this heart…and place it inside me.
Tada hands over the Heart of Steel to Neptune Cyberman #2. Neptune Cyberman #2 takes the Heart of Steel from Tada, whilst groaning in pain.
TADA
(insistently) Go on, Cyberman! Don’t take all day.
With effort, Neptune Cyberman #2 places the Heart of Steel inside Tada’s chest unit. Once placed inside, Tada groans momentarily as if he’s in pain. Eventually, he regains momentum and he soon stands up to full height. The Cybermen also stand up to their full height, not groaning in pain anymore. Tada has recovered from the shock of getting the Heart of Steel placed inside him.
TADA
(breathes deeply) There! That wasn’t so bad, was it?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Are you functioning at maximum efficiency?
TADA
(breathes deeply) Yes. Yes, it…it just takes a bit of getting used to. (Pause) But I’m your new Cyber Controller now. Do you understand? I control you all. You Cybermen.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
We understand. You are the new Controller. The old Controller is dead. We obey your instructions.
TADA
(pleased) Excellent! (Pause) I shall now oversee the invasion of Earth. I control you Cybermen for my purposes. For a new beginning in Cyber creation.
CYBERMEN
Understood.
TADA
(barks) See to your posts. See to them immediately.
With that, the Cybermen march off, seeing to their posts. Once gone, Tada looks to Nyssa in her conversion chamber. She’s asleep with a new implant attached to her left eye.
TADA
Soon, very soon, my dear Nyssa, you will have your purpose. You will have your tasks to perform. And you will fit in well in the new Cyber society run by me.
Tada chuckles, whilst Nyssa remains unconscious in her conversion chamber.
SCENE #174 – EXT – ROCKET SILO, SAN FRANCISCO – DAY, MORNING
Outside the rocket silo on Earth, Billy and Betty hold the fort as they fight against the Cybermen with their laser rifles. They fire whilst the Cybermen advance upon them with stomping footsteps.
BILLY
Have we got enough power packs for these things?
BETTY
The laser rifles should have a replenishing recharge cycle. They only wear out if we use them endlessly without sparing shots.
BILLY
So, we have to do this one at a time with each Cyberman approaching.
BETTY
Yes.
BILLY
(shocked) That’s ludicrous! The Cybermen will simply keep on advancing and we’ll lose our chances of defending ourselves once they adapt.
BETTY
Do you have a better suggestion? This is the one way I can think of at fighting them at present.
BILLY
We can’t just simply stand here and keep firing at them when more and more come.
BETTY
What, do you think we should run about this catwalk behind us and fire at them from above?
BILLY
That’s an idea. We need to vary our shots in order to increase our chances of stopping the Cybermen without them predicting our every move.
Betty thinks for a moment.
BETTY
(gradually) Okay then. You go up that way and I’ll go the other. That way, we’ll have a chance of surprising them once we fire our shots.
BILLY
The important thing is to keep the Cybermen away from the rocket or at least distract them long enough for the Doctor and Jamie to get away.
BETTY
We have to be out of the rocket’s reach before we get blown up into bits by the full blast.
BILLY
(encouragingly) Okay, let’s go! Up on the catwalk!
They run for it, still defending themselves with their laser rifles whilst the Cybermen advance. They get up onto the catwalk with Betty running up one side and Billy running up on the opposite side. They get into position, as they see the Cybermen marching towards them.
BETTY
Right. Ready, Billy?
BILLY
Ready.
BETTY
Open fire!
They open fire with their laser rifles, shooting at the Cybermen advancing upon them. There’s little resistance, as the Cybermen keep marching.
BETTY
(panics) It’s not working. They’re still marching towards us.
BILLY
Try increasing the setting. That might work.
Billy and Betty increase the settings on their laser rifles and are about to fire again.
BETTY
Okay, ready?
BILLY
Ready. Go!
Billy and Betty open fire with their laser rifles at their increased settings. Some Cybermen are shot, as they blow up or fall to the ground below.
BILLY
(cheers) It worked! We did it!
BETTY
We’ve got some down! Let’s go for more!
Billy and Betty keep firing their weapons at more Cybermen, causing more to be shot and blown up. The Cyber Leader notices this, as it turns to see Billy and Betty.
CYBER LEADER
Cyber Units alert. There is opposition before us on the catwalk. Apprehend and terminate.
The Cybermen obey, as they make their way towards Billy and Betty on the catwalk.
BILLY
We’ve got their attention, Betty. They’re coming towards us!
BETTY
Just what we wanted. Now let’s run!
With that, they get up and run on their respective sides of the catwalk whilst the Cybermen advance. Billy and Betty run quickly, as they look back to see how far the Cybermen are from capturing them.
BILLY
The Cybermen are pretty fast!
BETTY
(encouragingly) We need to get a fair distance from them! Come on!
They keep running, as they end up running together on the catwalk. They soon come to a stop, whilst the Cybermen continue stomping behind them.
BILLY
(groans) We’ve reached a dead end.
BETTY
Right, now raise your weapon, Billy. Aim at the Cybermen. Prepare to open fire.
Billy and Betty turn and raise their laser rifles at the approaching Cybermen. A moment of tension ensues, as Billy and Betty keep calm.
BETTY
Fire!
They open fire at the Cybermen. Some Cybermen get hit and damaged. Other Cybermen keep on marching, unaffected by the laser shots.
BETTY
(cheers) Billy, I’ve got some Cybermen down! But the rest, they just won’t take the bite!
BILLY
(realises) They’ve adapted! Quickly, Betty! We need to get under the catwalk and jump across to the other side! It’s our only chance!
BETTY
(determined) No! I’m going to stay and fight!
BILLY
(cries) Betty, no!
But it’s no use, as Betty raises her laser rifle and makes to strike at the approaching Cybermen.
BETTY
(cries) Here, you big bullies! Take this!
Betty knocks out a Cyberman on the head with her laser rifle. But as she tries to knock out another, she gets caught in the firm grip of Neptune Cyberman #9. She cries out in pain, and is forced to the catwalk’s floor.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #9
Do not resist. You will become like us.
BETTY
(cries; in pain) Get off me, you jerks! You’re hurting me, you know that?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #9
Resistance is futile.
Neptune Cyberman #9 however gets hit by a laser beam. It groans, shakes and shudders before it collapses and falls off the catwalk. The rest of Betty’s Cybermen also get shot, as they groan and fall off the catwalk in turn. Betty turns to see Billy.
BETTY
(amazed) Billy, you shot them down! You saved me!
BILLY
Well, you had them distracted. I took my chance, didn’t I?
BETTY
(realises; cries) Billy, behind you! More Cybermen!
Billy turns to look and sees more Cybermen marching towards him.
BILLY
(anxiously) Oh dear. I forgot about you, guys.
Just as the Cybermen are about to reach out to him, Betty picks up and uses her laser rifle to fire at them. The Cybermen groan once they’ve been hit. Some collapse to the catwalk floor and some fall off the catwalk to end up on the ground below.
BILLY
(pleased) Hey, thanks, Betty! Much appreciated.
BETTY
Fair dos! Saves me owing you one, right?
Billy then looks over to where the rocket silo entrance is.
BILLY
(realises; dismayed) Oh no! Betty, look!
BETTY
What is it?
BILLY
We forgot about those Cybermen!
They look to see, as some Cybermen make their way into the rocket silo entrance where the Doctor and Jamie are.
CYBER LEADER
All Cybermen are to enter the rocket silo. The Doctor is inside. He and his associate must be captured and brought to Cyber Control aboard the TARDIS.
Getting anxious, Billy and Betty begin making their way back, taking their weapons with them, to stop the Cybermen at the rocket silo entrance.
SCENE #175 – INT – COCKPIT, ROCKET – DAY, MORNING
In the rocket, the Doctor and Jamie hear loud bangs echoing from outside.
JAMIE
(anxiously) Doctor, I think we’ve got company.
DOCTOR
We’ll have to start the countdown procedure now. Countdown to thirty seconds.
JAMIE
Thirty seconds? Shouldn’t we wait to give Billy and Betty a chance to…?
DOCTOR
(interrupts) There’s no time. I just hope they’re a fair distance away from the rocket as we take off. Let’s start the countdown on the computer, shall we?
The Doctor presses a button and a digital clock begins its countdown.
DOCTOR
Countdown in place. Thirty seconds to take-off.
JAMIE
(prays) Oh, please, please, let Betty be alive when we get back home! Please let Betty be alive!
Suddenly, a fist smashes through the cockpit doors. The Doctor and Jamie turn to see a Cyberman attempting to burst its way through.
JAMIE
(cries) Doctor, a Cyberman’s breaking in! It’s going to kill us!
DOCTOR
(urgently) Quickly, Jamie! Use this cricket bat! Do what you can to stop the Cyberman from getting in!
JAMIE
Right!
Jamie takes the cricket bat from the Doctor.
DOCTOR
Meanwhile, I’ll initiate the emergency cockpit doors.
As the Doctor attends to that, Jamie makes his way over to the cockpit doors. He reaches the Cyberman, who’s about halfway in, and raises the Doctor’s cricket bat high in the air, getting ready to strike.
JAMIE
(cries) Here, Cyberman! Get a load of this!
Jamie strikes the cricket bat at the Cyberman relentlessly. The Cyberman groans as it’s being hit, but it doesn’t deter from its intentions.
JAMIE
(anxiously) It’s no good, Doctor. I try hitting it, but it won’t budge out. It’s still in the door trying to get in.
DOCTOR
(cries; urgently) Hit the arm, Jamie! Try and get its gun off its arm!
Jamie does as he’s told, as he strikes the cricket bat onto the Cyberman’s arm. Eventually, the Cyber-gun comes clean off the Cyberman’s arm. Jamie goes down to pick it up and raises it at the Cyberman.
JAMIE
(cheers) Got it, Doctor! I have its gun!
DOCTOR
Then shoot it, Jamie! Shoot the Cyberman quickly!
Jamie opens fire with the Cyber-gun. Once hit, the Cyberman explodes, groaning before it collapses in the doorway. Gradually, Jamie pushes the Cyberman and it slips out of the airlock doors.
JAMIE
(triumphantly) Shot it, Doctor! And I’ve pushed it out! It won’t bother us no more! (Pause; realises) Oh no! More Cybermen are coming this way! Don’t worry, I’ll stop them!
Jamie opens fire again at the approaching Cybermen with the Cyber-gun in his hands. He blows a couple up, as they groan and explode before collapsing outside.
JAMIE
(anxiously) I’ve got a couple down, Doctor, but there’s far too many! I can’t stop them all!
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) Never mind, Jamie. I’ll initiate the emergency doors now, Countdown has nearly reached zero.
Jamie rejoins the Doctor, whilst the Doctor presses the button to close the emergency cockpit doors. They close shut immediately.
JAMIE
(cheers) You did it! You got the emergency doors to shut! Well done! The Cybermen can’t get in now!
DOCTOR
Strap yourself in, Jamie! We’re about to take-off!
Jamie does as he’s told, as he and the Doctor strap themselves in their cockpit seats.
JAMIE
(enthused) Okay! Ready and waiting!
DOCTOR
Countdown in ten…nine…eight…seven…six…
JAMIE
(cheers) Let’s rock and roll!
DOCTOR
(continues) …Five…four…three…two…one…
A rupture occurs and the rocket shakes and shudders. The Doctor and Jamie hold tight, as the rocket soon takes off.
JAMIE
(cheers; excitedly) We’ve done it! We’ve done it, Doctor! We have lift off!
DOCTOR
(relieved) So far, so good. On our way into space at last. Let’s hope we have a safe journey.
JAMIE
(jokingly) Any chance of an in-flight movie?
SCENE #176 – EXT – ROCKET SILO, SAN FRANCISCO – DAY, MORNING
Outside the rocket silo, Billy and Betty are still on the catwalk, as they see the rocket taking off into the sky. They feel the full impact of force from the thrusters as the rocket takes off.
BILLY
(cheers; relieved) They’ve done it! They’ve taken off into space! The Doctor and Jamie are on their way!
BETTY
Do you think they avoided the Cybermen stopping them?
BILLY
They must have! Otherwise we wouldn’t see the rocket taking off like this, would we?
BETTY
(uncertain) I don’t know. We seemed too late to reach the rocket silo entrance to stop the Cybermen from getting in.
BILLY
Well, I’m hoping they’ve made it. I’m positive that it’s the Doctor and Jamie who are piloting the rocket and not the Cybermen.
BETTY
(thinks; gradually) Yeah. Yeah, I believe you’re right, Billy. They must be on their way into space and heading for the TARDIS to stop the Cybermen’s plans from going any further.
BILLY
Absolutely. Hopefully, they should get the TARDIS in time before Nyssa is fully converted as a Cyberman.
Just then, the Cybermen approach from behind, as Billy and Betty turn around to see them marching towards them.
BETTY
(anxiously) Meanwhile, we have our own issues to worry about. Those Cybermen are still onto us, you know.
BILLY
(wryly) Yeah. We must have agitated them slightly.
BETTY
We must make our way back to the NC building. Or at least get away to a place where we can outrun the Cybermen.
BILLY
We need to get off this catwalk. Here are some steps leading downwards, see? (urgently) Come on! Down we go, Betty!
They make a run for it, as the Cybermen chase after them.
CYBER LEADER
(barks) Halt. Halt or you will be terminated.
BETTY
Keep that laser rifle, Billy. It’ll be useful to you for thwarting Cybermen, you know.
BILLY
Trust me, Billy, I’m keeping hold of it.
CYBER LEADER
(barks) Stop them. Stop them.
The Cybermen open fire, as they chase after Billy and Betty along the catwalk.
SCENE #177 – INT – COCKPIT, ROCKET – DAY, MORNING
Meanwhile, inside the rocket, the Doctor and Jamie track their journey as they’re on their way out of Earth’s atmosphere.
JAMIE
Course is steady. Rocket holding. Escape velocity nearly reached.
DOCTOR
We’re leaving Earth’s atmosphere. Prepare for ascent pattern in stellar region.
JAMIE
Got it.
Moment of silence.
DOCTOR
We’re gearing up into lightspeed. Entering outer space.
JAMIE
Yes, I see through my window. (astonished) Oh, freak me out, the stars! I can see the stars!
DOCTOR
Ironic, isn’t it? You’re taking your father’s place to reach the stars instead of him.
JAMIE
Yeah, I never imagined it happening to me. (Pause) I wonder what he’d say if he could see us now. We could easily go to Neptune in this thing.
DOCTOR
I’m afraid we’ll have to postpone that trip to Neptune, Jamie. Right now, we must reach the TARDIS. She must be close by.
JAMIE
Where is the TARDIS then? I can’t see your ship from here.
DOCTOR
Is the tracking system working?
Jamie checks the tracking system, as it bleeps periodically.
JAMIE
Yeah, it is. All systems check.
DOCTOR
Maybe the TARDIS homing device isn’t charged with enough power. Or is incompatible with these systems.
JAMIE
(realises; cries) No, wait! There she is! The TARDIS is over there! About two o’clock in close proximity to where we are!
DOCTOR
(relieved) Splendid! I knew we’d find the old girl. Now all we need to do is to get over to her and avoid the Cyber fleet at the same time.
Suddenly, the rocket gets hit, as everything shudders inside.
JAMIE
(shocked) What was that? What’s going on?
DOCTOR
That was laser fire. (realises) It’s the Cyber fleet! They’ve spotted us!
The Doctor and Jamie feel the full brunt of force and impact from the Cyber fleet’s firepower.
JAMIE
They’ve damaged the outer shell of the hull. They’re coming at us on all sides. I don’t see how we can avoid them.
DOCTOR
Have we got any defences of any kind?
JAMIE
Nope. No weapons or defences.
DOCTOR
(wryly) Well, that should be most helpful to us.
JAMIE
The rocket was designed for space travel, not combat. You of all people should know that.
Another shudder occurs, followed by series of explosions. A warning alarm echoes, as Jamie checks the rocket’s instruments.
JAMIE
(realises) Oh no! Please don’t do that!
DOCTOR
(concerned) What is it, Jamie?
JAMIE
It’s the engine systems. The computer reports an overload. They’ve suffered heavy damage. The rocket’s going to explode if we remain in our seats.
DOCTOR
How far are we from the TARDIS in terms of distance?
JAMIE
Approximately ten kilometres. We won’t be able to reach her in time. The engines will explode and the rocket will be destroyed instantly.
Another shudder occurs, and the warning alarm blares very loudly. The Doctor thinks whilst he and Jamie are being attacked by the Cybermen.
DOCTOR
(gradually) There’s nothing else for it. We’ll have to take our chances and make for the TARDIS via teleport.
JAMIE
You seriously don’t expect us to materialise inside your TARDIS via teleport before we get blown up, do you? We may not be close enough [to…]
DOCTOR
(interrupts) It’s the only way, Jamie! We’ve got to risk it! (encouragingly) Come on, up you get. Let’s get ourselves sorted.
JAMIE
(groans) Oh, very well.
The Doctor and Jamie get up out of their seats and stand in a spot where they’re about to initiate the teleport. The rocket continues to shudder with the Cyber fleet attacking them. Jamie takes out his teleport device and hands it over to the Doctor.
JAMIE
I still say this is a risky idea, Doctor. We can’t just hope that we can reach [the…]
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Trust me, Jamie. I’ll make sure I’ll enter the right coordinates for us to get into the TARDIS safely.
The Doctor enters the coordinates in the teleport device. Tension ensues, as the Cyber fleet continues its attack upon the rocket.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) There! That should do it.
JAMIE
(panics; urgently) Hurry, Doctor! Let’s get going. The rocket’s about to blow up – Cybermen or no Cybermen.
DOCTOR
Hold tight, Jamie! Here we go!
The Doctor and Jamie hold tight to the teleport device, as the Doctor presses a button and he and Jamie soon beam out of the rocket.
SCENE #178 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the cloister room aboard the TARDIS, Tada and the Cybermen watch via the monitor screens to see the Cyber fleet attacking the rocket before it eventually explodes in space. The rocket’s fragments scatter and spread across space. Some enter Earth’s atmosphere and some fly past the Cyber fleet. The TARDIS shudders once the shockwave impact of the rocket’s fragments hits them.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Target has been destroyed. So have the Doctor and his associate. The Cyber fleet has performed at maximum efficiency.
TADA
(unconvinced) Are you sure? I’m not convinced the Doctor and my son are dead.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Explain.
TADA
The Doctor is clever. He’ll find a way to get aboard his TARDIS, provided he has a teleport device.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
A teleport device was stolen by your son. The Doctor could have acquired it from him.
TADA
Scan the TARDIS. Locate the Doctor and my son.
Neptune Cyberman #2 marches over to a computer terminal and uses it to scan the TARDIS’ interior. This takes several minutes. Eventually…
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Confirmed. The Doctor and your son have beamed aboard the TARDIS.
TADA
Whereabouts?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Aft Junction Seventeen. Close to Corridor Twenty-Three near the TARDIS cloister room. Shall I send a Cyber squad to apprehend them?
TADA
No. Let them be. We shall give them a wide berth to come to us.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The Doctor will attempt to disrupt our operations, Controller.
TADA
Precisely. That’s when we’ll give him the biggest and shocking surprise of his life. (Pause) Prepare for the Doctor’s arrival, according to my specifications. Have every Cyber unit return to the cloister room and await orders.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood. Subspace transmission is being sent to all Cyber units to return to the cloister room.
TADA
Excellent! Continue your function.
Neptune Cyberman #2 marches off whilst Tada makes his way over to Nyssa, as she continues to lie in her conversion chamber. Tada takes a moment to admire Nyssa in her partially-converted form.
TADA
You look very good in your new look, my dear. Though I’m not sure the Doctor’s going to be pleased when he sees you like this.
Tada moves around the conversion chamber to meet up with another Cyberman attending to Nyssa.
TADA
Revive her.
The Cyberman obeys, as he presses a button on the control panel to revive Nyssa. Gradually, she comes to and wakes up. Nyssa sits bolt upright, staring blankly into space with an eye implant on her left eye. It whirs away like crazy.
TADA
How do you feel, my dear?
NYSSA
I…I… (Pause; conditioned) I speak for the Cybermen.
TADA
Good, good. (Pause) You’ve got a nice eye implant and a new arm attachment. Though you haven’t been fully converted, they still look good on you.
NYSSA
(conditioned) I am operating at maximum efficiency. What are my orders?
TADA
You are to remain in the cloister room. The Doctor is on his way to see you. Isn’t that nice?
NYSSA
(conditioned) The Doctor is an enemy of the Cybermen. He must be captured.
TADA
Absolutely. And that’s why you shall provide the means for his capture. (Pause) Go to the regeneration chamber on your left. You need to recharge yourself before the Doctor arrives.
NYSSA
(conditioned) Yes, I shall go to the regeneration chamber.
With that, Nyssa gets up out of her conversion chamber and makes her way over to the regeneration chamber on her left, marching like a Cyberman.
TADA
(thrilled) Oh, this is going to be glorious! (Pause; saddened) It’s a shame you and I couldn’t share this together, Fran. Share it to the world.
Just then, the Fran Cyberman appears behind him.
FRAN
We can still share it, Controller. All of us.
TADA
(bitterly) You’re not Fran. Get out of my way.
Tada disregards the Fran Cyberman and goes over to a nearby control terminal. The Fran Cyberman is left standing alone and unresponsive.
SCENE #179 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
Meanwhile, in a TARDIS corridor, the Doctor and Jamie wake up after having been teleported from the rocket. They’re rather disorientated as they wake up.
DOCTOR
(concerned) Jamie? Jamie, are you alright?
JAMIE
(reassuringly) I’m…I’ll be fine, Doctor. (woozily) Whoa! That was a bumpy ride!
DOCTOR
Well, at least we’re alive. And in one piece.
JAMIE
Yeah. Remind me never to go up with you on space missions ever again. Your way of escaping is too dodgy and topsy-turvy for my liking.
DOCTOR
Ah, no matter, Jamie. Take deep breaths. You’ll be back to normal and fully recovered once the disorientation has passed.
JAMIE
I’m glad to see you have confidence in that. (Pause) So, where are we now? In an empty corridor, I see. No indication as to where we are, of course.
DOCTOR
Hopefully, this corridor is close to the cloister room. (Pause) Let’s try down here, shall we?
JAMIE
(anxiously) Doctor, listen!
They stop and listen, as stomping footsteps echo nearby.
DOCTOR
(realises) Cybermen! (urgently) Behind this wall, quickly!
The Doctor pushes Jamie behind a wall around the corner. Seconds later, a contingent of Cybermen march down the corridor, stomping past the Doctor and Jamie’s hiding place. Eventually, the Cybermen are out of sight. Once they’ve gone, the Doctor and Jamie come out of hiding.
JAMIE
(relieved) Thank goodness they didn’t see us.
DOCTOR
Hmm. They were heading for the cloister room.
JAMIE
Maybe they were looking for us.
DOCTOR
Perhaps. Though I suspect there’s more going on than that.
JAMIE
What do you mean?
DOCTOR
What? Oh, nothing to worry about. Just a passing thought.
Moment of silence.
JAMIE
So, do we follow them? Unless you think that’s a bad idea.
DOCTOR
No, no. That’s exactly what I had in mind. Come on.
JAMIE
(realises) Wait! I think it’s a bad idea now. I mean…we follow Cybermen when we’re supposed to try and avoid them?
DOCTOR
They’ve got Nyssa in the cloister room. I want to make sure they haven’t harmed her much.
JAMIE
But don’t you see? They’ll be expecting us. Suppose they went down there to return to the cloister room to prepare for our arrival. They know we’re here, right? They’ll be coming in full force soon, making the odds unfair.
DOCTOR
We mustn’t jump to conclusions, Jamie. Let’s just find out what happens down this corridor, shall we?
JAMIE
(groans) Oh, alright. But under protest.
The Doctor and Jamie make their way down the corridor to head for the cloister room.
JAMIE
Do you suppose we’ll get Nyssa out of the cloister room alive and well?
DOCTOR
I hope so. I don’t want all of this to be for nothing.
SCENE #180 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
Eventually, the Doctor and Jamie come to the cloister room’s entrance where it’s unguarded and no Cybermen are about.
JAMIE
(confused) I don’t get this. No Cybermen about? Have they all gone in the cloister room?
DOCTOR
They must have. I don’t understand why the Cybermen haven’t placed any guards outside. Most curious.
JAMIE
Perhaps this is a bad omen. Maybe we should head back.
DOCTOR
Nyssa’s inside. I have to go in and find her. (Pause) You go to the console room, Jamie. I’ll sort this out.
JAMIE
(protests) No, Doctor! I’m not letting you go in there on your own.
DOCTOR
Please, Jamie. I need you to go to the console room. It’s important you go there.
JAMIE
(gradually; realises) You mean… Oh, I see! You want me to go to the TARDIS console room to sort something out on your behalf. Is that it?
DOCTOR
That’s it, Jamie.
The Doctor fumbles in his coat pockets and takes out a small homing device, which he gives to Jamie.
DOCTOR
Take this homing device with you. It’ll help you find the console room easily.
Jamie takes the homing device.
JAMIE
Gotcha, Doctor. What is it you want me to do?
DOCTOR
You know how to land the TARDIS, right?
JAMIE
Oh, I wouldn’t say that. But I know which control it is to open the doors. Betty and me, that is.
DOCTOR
Good. Once I’ve regained control of the TARDIS and defeated the Cybermen, I want you to pull whatever controls you think makes the TARDIS land or open the doors. Something to allow us a chance to break free from the Cybermen’s control of my ship.
JAMIE
I understand.
DOCTOR
Also, Jamie, there’s a button called Decompression on the left side of the console. I want you to be ready to press that button when the time comes. You’ll be receiving a call from me on the intercom soon.
JAMIE
I see. What is it you’re going to do then?
DOCTOR
I’m not sure yet. But I’ll let you know when the time comes. Just be ready when I give the word.
JAMIE
Fine. Alright, Doctor. I’ll make my way to the console room and wait for your call.
DOCTOR
Good. Off you go, Jamie. You’ve got work to do.
JAMIE
Take care. Good luck with rescuing Nyssa.
Jamie uses the homing device, which bleeps loudly once he’s switched it on, as he heads for the console room.
DOCTOR
Thanks, Jamie. I’ll certainly need it.
The Doctor breathes deeply, as he reaches the entrance door of the cloister room. He turns the handle and pushes the door to enter.
SCENE #181 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
The Doctor enters the cloister room, shocked by what he sees. He goes further in, seeing the horrific displays of Cyber-converted walls.
DOCTOR
Betty and Jamie were right. This is a house of horrors. My beautiful cloister room and they’ve ruined it. (Pause) Once I’ve thrown them out, I’m redecorating this place.
Eventually, the Doctor comes across the Eye of Harmony, which is still open and has energy bristling out from it.
DOCTOR
The Eye of Harmony. It’s still active. It should have been closed hours ago. It’s exhausting too much power. (Pause) I must shut it down.
The Doctor makes his way over to the computer controls and begins to close the Eye from where he is. He presses buttons, but it doesn’t seem to have any effect.
DOCTOR
No good. The controls won’t respond. The Cybermen have completely countermanded them.
The Doctor keeps on trying, but it’s still the same results and he starts getting frustrated.
TADA
What’s wrong, Doctor? Don’t you like how we’ve done things here? We’ve made improvements. Your TARDIS is far more compatible with our technology than you could possibly imagine. It understands. It needs the technology we augment it. It has become like us.
DOCTOR
My TARDIS is stubborn and is more willing than you can imagine, Tada. She knows that danger is close next door.
The TARDIS shakes violently with the Eye of Harmony energy oozing out from it.
DOCTOR
You see? The Eye is weakening! You’ve opened it for far too long. You need to close it or else you’ll disrupt the universe. Is that what you want? A dead universe?
TADA
You think so small in that great Time Lord mind of yours. The Cybermen think far beyond normal parameters. I’ve come to accept that.
DOCTOR
I’m sure you have. (mocks) The new controller, I see. Mr. Tada of the new Cybermen.
TADA
The old Controller was indisposed. I had to replace him.
DOCTOR
You mean you had to kill him.
TADA
Nyssa understands far better than you, Doctor. About the Cybermen’s benefits. (Pause) Don’t you, Nyssa dear?
The Doctor turns to see Nyssa in the regeneration chamber. He gasps upon seeing her.
DOCTOR
(horrified) Nyssa! What have you done to her?
TADA
She’s one of us now. She’s fully integrated into our society. Our race.
DOCTOR
She’s not fully converted. She’s not a complete Cyberman.
TADA
She will be though. She’s close to it with that eye implant and that augmented arm blaster on her. (Pause) Does it scare you, Doctor? Does it terrify you?
DOCTOR
(pleads) Let her go. She’s not who you want.
TADA
(gradually) Are you offering to take her place? Are you offering to become like us?
DOCTOR
(confused) Offering? I… (Pause; gradually; realises) Yes! Yes, I see it now.
TADA
(scornfully) Let us in on your thoughts, Doctor. Tell us what you’re thinking.
DOCTOR
(gradually) It all dates back to when you processed me and used me as a template for your Cybermen. On Mondas. (Pause) I wasn’t just to be a template for all Cybermen, past, present and future. I had to offer myself. To you!
TADA
You think you’re exceptional? You’re wrong, Doctor! The Cybermen have converted millions of species and civilisations! You’re no different!
DOCTOR
(accusingly) Liar! It wasn’t enough. Back on Mondas, you didn’t simply want a template to provide your body specifications for Cyber conversions to avoid setbacks. You wanted a new model…a living thinking brain to control the Cybermen. Someone who could see the Committee’s ideals and make the Cybermen drive forward with ambition and a new sense of logic with Time Lord knowledge and strength thrown into the mix. (Pause) But I resisted. I fought you. (Pause) The Cybermen keep coming back, but I’ve always been there to stop you. Because I know what makes you tick. I know how to shut you off.
TADA
It’s because of our template…our model…that we keep evolving. We always seek to better ourselves and recover.
DOCTOR
And you always fail.
TADA
Only because you refuse to enlist your cooperation.
Moment of tension.
DOCTOR
It’s not too late. The Cybermen can still have their template. Their model. (Pause) Use me. Swap me in place of Nyssa, and I will give you the model you need. There will be no inaccuracies. No defects. The Cybermen can be as pure as you want them to be. With me keeping that modular template in stasis at all times.
TADA
(surprised) You’re willing to sacrifice yourself? For the Cybermen? You’re willing to spend the rest of your lives being our template for every Cyber incursion we make? On any universe we encounter?
DOCTOR
If it means saving Nyssa, then yes. Spare her life, and I’ll step in and take the reins.
TADA
(mesmerised) This is spectacular. Most unusual to see such a…compassionate Time Lord willing to submit himself to be like us. (Pause) You will enhance us to a new form of humanity. Every lifeform in this system…in every universe…will receive a free conversion. (Pause) Welcome back, Doctor. Welcome back…to being like us.
Moment of silence. Tada then nods and a Cyberman deactivates a forcefield surrounding Nyssa. Nyssa wakes up.
TADA
(soothingly) Nyssa, my dear, you’re free to go. Leave as the Doctor wishes you to. He’ll take your place.
Nyssa doesn’t respond.
DOCTOR
(insistently) Nyssa, you heard what Tada said. Go now.
Another moment of silence.
NYSSA
(conditioned) No. I do not wish to go.
DOCTOR
(shocked) Nyssa?
NYSSA
(conditioned) I am a Cyberman. I stay. I am like them.
TADA
As you can see, Doctor. Nyssa is already integrated into our collective. There is no turning back.
DOCTOR
Then reverse it!
TADA
There is no reversal, Doctor. She has made her choice. Now it is your turn. (Pause) Place him in the conversion chamber.
A couple of Cybermen come up behind the Doctor and apprehend him. He struggles to break free from their grip, as they escort him to a nearby conversion chamber.
DOCTOR
(shouts) Get your hands off me! (calls) Nyssa! If there’s anything left of you in there, then listen to me! You must fight this control they have over you!
NYSSA
(conditioned) Your words have no meaning for me. You are to be like us. You will be converted. Conversion is compulsory.
DOCTOR
(despairingly) No! No, Nyssa!
The Doctor is placed inside a conversion chamber, whilst Neptune Cyberman #2 turns up to address Tada.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Controller. Your son – identification: James Tada – has been located. He is in the TARDIS console room. His life signature registers.
TADA
Send a squad to apprehend him. There is to be no more resistance.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 attends to its orders.
TADA
All opposition shall be crushed! All shall fall down to me! Me! The new controller of the Cybermen!
The Doctor is strapped inside his conversion chamber whilst Nyssa looks over him.
DOCTOR
(despairingly) Nyssa, what have they done to you?
SCENE #182 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
In the TARDIS console room, Jamie enters, holding the homing device in his hand, which bleeps away quite loudly. He switches it off and makes his way over to the console, examining the controls.
JAMIE
Right! Well, here I am. All I need to do now is wait. (Pause) I think this is the control for the doors. Not sure about the touchdown control though. It could be any one of these buttons.
Moment of silence.
JAMIE
I think it’s that one. (Pause) Or it could be that one. (Pause) No, that one there! (groans) Oh, please! Whichever one it is, I must make the right choice. I mustn’t muck it up.
Just then, stomping footsteps echo outside the TARDIS console room. This sets Jamie on edge.
JAMIE
(anxiously) Cybermen! Coming this way! Quickly! Must lock the door!
Jamie runs over and shuts the door, before he tries to find a way to lock it. Eventually, he presses a button on the right side of the door and there’s a click.
JAMIE
(breathes deeply) I hope that was the locking mechanism. I don’t want to deal with those Cybermen breaking in.
Jamie makes his way back to the console, whilst the stomping footsteps of the Cybermen continue to echo nearby.
JAMIE
I wonder how Betty and Billy are getting on. I hope they’re doing okay.
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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