Chapter 3
SCENE #24 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Back in the TARDIS, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy return to the console room, having brought and placed Betty in the Zero Room.
NYSSA
Her condition has stabilised. She should recover soon.
BILLY
I hope so. The Zero Room’s atmosphere is very soothing. I feel like I want to stay in there for hours.
DOCTOR
There’s plenty of time for that later, Billy. The main thing is that our new friend is safe and sound. What better place to have her than in the Zero Room to recover.
BILLY
What about those assassins of hers? Will they try again to kill her?
NYSSA
The TARDIS is impenetrable, Billy. They won’t be able to get in once we’re back outside.
BILLY
But who were they? Why were they trying to kill her?
DOCTOR
I suspect that she’d leaked information to outside sources that would damage Neptune Connect’s reputation.
NYSSA
How did you come to that conclusion, Doctor?
DOCTOR
It’s an educated guess. Presumably considering how advanced the technology is in this time period, the assassins were able to affect her earphones via the device I found when they dropped it. It’s an intriguing gadget, but incorrect for this society’s technological advancement. She probably leaked secrets that shouldn’t have been leaked to competitors.
NYSSA
It must have been Cyber technology integrated in that device you found. I presume you know how it functions to conduct an assassination.
DOCTOR
Not really. I only glimpsed what it could do and haven’t formed a sustainable amount of knowledge to understand how the device works.
BILLY
Betty Phillips.
NYSSA
What did you say, Billy?
BILLY
That’s her name. Betty Phillips. I read it off her name tag on her jacket when we placed her in the Zero Room.
DOCTOR
(recites) Betty Phillips. Betty Phillips.
NYSSA
You know the name?
DOCTOR
(gradually) No. Do you?
NYSSA
No.
DOCTOR
Do you, Billy?
BILLY
How should I? I didn’t meet her before today.
DOCTOR
(muses) I wonder. She could have some significance to why we’re here. (to Nyssa) How’s that search on that tablet of yours coming along, Nyssa?
NYSSA
It’s nearly complete. This close to the TARDIS, I was able to re-establish a connection.
DOCTOR
Perhaps you could narrow the search a little on the people living in San Francisco around this time in Twenty Fifty-Four. Specifically people like Betty Phillips and workers at Neptune Connect. We might be more wiser if we did it that way.
NYSSA
That logic’s agreeable. I’ll narrow the search patterns and upgrade better connection pathways to the TARDIS databank. We should be clearer via the tablet wherever we go from here.
DOCTOR
Splendid! Thank you, Nyssa.
BILLY
And where exactly do we go from here, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(thinks) I suggest we go to Neptune Connect. (Pause) Nyssa, you have the address for the main building, don’t you?
NYSSA
Yes, Doctor. I’ve saved it as a favourite on my tablet.
BILLY
And it’s in the forward direction of where Betty was coming from when we were at that café. That should be straight-forward enough.
DOCTOR
Well, we might as well get started, hadn’t we?
BILLY
Are you sure we’re doing the right thing though? I mean…about leaving Betty in the TARDIS? What happens if she wakes up?
NYSSA
She’ll be alright, Billy. Don’t worry. I told you, no one can get into the TARDIS. Besides we’re only doing a quick recce outside, aren’t we, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Of course. Shall we go now, you two?
NYSSA
Yes, Doctor.
BILLY
Yes, by all means, let’s go.
The Doctor activates the door controls, as he, Nyssa and Billy leave the TARDIS. They don’t realise that as they leave, the Cybermat that followed them has infiltrated the TARDIS. It scuttles about on the floor, whirring and squeaking as it goes. It soon starts to release Cyber implants that scuttle from the Cybermat itself. The implants spread, beginning to take over the TARDIS.
SCENE #25 – INT – TADA’S OFFICE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
At the main NC building, Tada is in his office with Snap beside him. He is now speaking to the Cyber Planner placed in hole of his wall. The Cyber-Planner speaks in a low ‘Borg’-like voice when in conversation with Tada.
TADA
Has the Doctor’s time vessel been acquired?
CYBER PLANNER
Confirmed. Cyber units have located and identified the Doctor’s time machine. Identification: TARDIS. It has been infiltrated and cyber conversion is currently in progress.
TADA
Good news all around. Eh, Snap?
SNAP
Very good news, sir.
CYBER PLANNER
The Doctor is considered hostile. He will attempt to infiltrate and disrupt Cyber operations. He and his associates must be apprehended and terminated.
TADA
Isn’t that a bit melodramatic, even for you?
CYBER PLANNER
Acknowledge our instructions.
TADA
Of course. I acknowledge them. (Pause) I assume you’re relaying all this information to your superiors as well. The Cyber Controller as you call him.
CYBER PLANNER
The information has been processed and the Cyber Controller has been notified. You are to continue with Phase Two of our operation. At maximum efficiency.
TADA
I run a business, pal. Maximum efficiency is my middle name.
CYBER PLANNER
Nothing must be allowed to interfere with our plans. Nothing.
TADA
(slightly annoyed) If you will allow me to get on with our plans, then there’ll be less delays, won’t there? I’m sure you can see the logic in that.
The Cyber Planner instantly emits a maddening whir of voices that speak all at once, almost as if it were agitated. Eventually, it calms down.
CYBER PLANNER
It has been agreed. Discussion concluded.
Soon, the Cyber Planner shuts down and the wall in Tada’s office slowly slides shut.
SNAP
Picky, these fellas, aren’t they? And they’re the ones that claim to have no emotion.
TADA
Oh, they do have emotions, Snap. They’ve just shut them off. And there’s bound to be a mixture of reactions clashing with their logic circuits. (Pause) Whether it’s done by whirring of mechanics or countermanded by their inhibitors, it’s not our problem.
SNAP
You seem to have studied them, sir.
TADA
I always look to analyse our clients’ strengths and weaknesses. It’s essential to maintain business efficiency.
Just then, Tada switches on his laptop to show some photo images to Snap.
TADA
You see these photos, Snap? You see who we’re dealing with?
SNAP
Yes, sir.
TADA
And you’ve processed the information for yourself and your security team. About the Doctor and his companions – Nyssa of Traken and Billy Walker.
SNAP
Yes, sir. The information was downloaded from our ear pods. We’re ready for them whenever they appear in San Francisco.
TADA
Good. (Pause) You’re a very loyal henchman, Snap. I know I can rely on you.
Just then, Snap’s ear pods bleep loudly. He takes a moment to process the information.
TADA
Something wrong, Snap?
SNAP
Just receiving a notification and confirmation, sir. (Pause) The Doctor and his friends have arrived. They’re outside the main building as we speak. My security guards have confirmed this.
TADA
(pleased) Quite a coincidence, eh, Snap. And how opportune for us.
Snap’s ear pods bleep loudly again.
SNAP
Receiving new information, sir. (Pause) They’re entering Neptune Connect via the main entrance. (Pause) Shall I send my guards to apprehend them?
TADA
Yes, Snap. But do it discretely. I also don’t want them harmed. Just capture them and bring them to me.
SNAP
(puzzled) Sir? The orders were for them to be apprehended and terminated…
TADA
(interrupts) I know what the orders were. (Pause) But I’m fascinated to know more about these three characters. (Pause) I want them alive. I want to talk to them. Get to know who they are.
SNAP
But, sir…
TADA
(interrupts; sharply) Snap! Please do as I say.
A moment of silence ensues.
SNAP
Very well, sir. As you say, sir.
With that, Snap leaves the office. Tada sees Snap go before he turns to his desk and switches on the intercom.
TADA
(through intercom) Tada to Tada Junior. Tada to Tada Junior. Come in, please.
A burst of static occurs. Eventually, Jamie answers his father’s intercom call.
JAMIE (V’O)
Yes, Father, what is it? I’m very busy.
TADA
(through intercom) Snap is about to greet a few uninvited guests, my son. See to it that he brings them safely to my office, won’t you?
SCENE #26 – INT – RECEPTION, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Down on ground level, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy enter the NC building. As they enter, they come across the reception area where various computer terminals are on display.
BILLY
Well, we’re here. Where do we go to ask at reception?
NYSSA
This is reception, Billy. We’re standing in it right now.
BILLY
What? With all these computers? Where’s the pretty lady we go to to seek information?
DOCTOR
These are the pretty ladies, Billy. All around you. These computer terminals.
BILLY
(shocked) What? This is how the future’s going to turn out? Receptions with no pretty ladies except these bally computers.
NYSSA
This is advanced technology, Billy. People can look up information wherever they want to using these info-stations. They have no need to ask anyone for information. It’s all stored in the memory banks of these terminals. This reception area houses the information of appointments for the people that enter the building.
BILLY
Well, it’s not right, somehow. I prefer to say hello to someone at reception. Much better than looking at a computer screen.
DOCTOR
Let’s see if we can access one of these terminals.
The Doctor goes over to a computer terminal and types at the keyboard. A list of options is provided.
NYSSA
The computer is asking us to state our business and intentions.
DOCTOR
(thinks) Yes. (Pause) Let’s see if we can try to get to see someone in authority.
The Doctor types again at the keyboard. A moment of silence follows.
NYSSA
It’s asking us to make an appointment.
DOCTOR
So, I see, Nyssa. Let’s see if we can meet someone today.
The Doctor types again at the keyboard. A groaning bleep occurs.
BILLY
(amused) Well, it didn’t like that. (Pause; teases) Perhaps a bit of Welsh charm is needed, Doctor.
DOCTOR
(bitterly) All personnel engaged? All personnel engaged, my foot. This is urgent!
The Doctor types at the keyboard once more. Another groaning bleep occurs.
NYSSA
It doesn’t seem to register the urgency in your request.
DOCTOR
(bitterly) Stupid machine.
The Doctor thumps the computer terminal with his fist. A moment of tense silence ensues.
BILLY
(gradually) Perhaps we should go back in time to arrange an appointment. Or maybe we have an appointment already arranged for us.
NYSSA
Let’s check.
Nyssa takes over and accesses the computer terminal herself, typing away at the keyboard. A short while later, a groaning bleep occurs.
NYSSA
I’m afraid there’s no appointment arranged in any of our names, Billy.
BILLY
Well, that’s rubbish.
DOCTOR
Hang on. Let’s see if we can hack into the computer system.
The Doctor forcefully pulls out a panel casing from the computer terminal. He gets on his hands and knees before he tampers with the wires inside.
NYSSA
You can’t hack into the computer system like this.
DOCTOR
Why not?
NYSSA
We’ll get caught. Somebody’s bound to realise we’re causing trouble.
DOCTOR
Let them! If it grabs their attention, I hope to make a request and see whoever’s in charge here. Giles Tada, wasn’t it?
NYSSA
Yes, Doctor. Giles Tada.
Just then, an acknowledgement bleep echoes from the computer terminal. The Doctor gets back up to look at the computer screen again.
DOCTOR
There! That should do it. Now if I probe further into the algorithms of this network, I should be able to bypass the security system.
BILLY
(realises) Doctor?
DOCTOR
Of course, it’s bound to take time, but this should be done step-by-step.
NYSSA
(anxiously) Doctor, look there!
DOCTOR
And before long, we should be spotted on a security camera before we get the chance to…
NYSSA + BILLY
(in unison) Doctor!
DOCTOR
(slightly annoyed) What is it, you two?
BILLY
(cries) Gas! There’s gas coming up from the floor.
Nyssa and Billy start to cough once the gas hits them.
NYSSA
(coughs) It must be…something you tripped, Doctor. A security alarm. Due to your hacking of the computer terminal.
DOCTOR
(urgently) Quickly, you two! Get away from here!
The Doctor tries to move his companions along, but the gas intensifies. It gets to the trio and it goes into their lungs where they cough violently.
BILLY
(coughs) It’s no good. I can’t…I can’t take…much more…of this…
NYSSA
(coughs) Keep it together, Billy. We must…keep focused…on…
DOCTOR
(coughs) I’m so sorry, you two. I seem…to have miscalculated. It’s all my…my fault…
Eventually, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are succumbed to the effects of the gas. They collapse to the and fall unconscious.
SCENE #27 – INT – RECEPTION, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
The Doctor wakes up to find himself, Nyssa and Billy captured by Snap and his guards. They’re groggy as they wake up. Snap has them pulled up forcibly to their feet.
DOCTOR
(disorientated) W-What happened?
BILLY
Wait! Leave him alone!
NYSSA
We can explain!
SNAP
Shut up! I shall take great delight doing this!
BILLY
Doing what?
NYSSA
There’s no need for this! We wish to see…
SNAP
(shouts) I said ‘shut up’! You hacked into our system! You tripped up the security alarm! You’re enemy agents!
DOCTOR
(groggily) How can we be ‘enemy agents’ if we walked through the front door? By the way, I wouldn’t mind a glass of water. I feel rather parched.
SNAP
(angrily) Do I have to stuff your mouth to keep it shut?!
BILLY
(protests) Hey! You’ve no right to treat us like this!
SNAP
I’m the security chief, buster! And you three are all in big trouble!
NYSSA
(protests) Will you just listen to us…?
Snap cocks a gun and aims it at the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy. Just then, Jamie enters.
JAMIE
(shouts) Snap! Snap, what’s going on? Who are these people?
SNAP
You may well ask. They came in and ruined one of our reception terminals. Fortunately, the gas was in operation and knocked them out. Giving me a chance to do whatever I like with them.
JAMIE
Don’t treat them like this, Snap! They’re here to see my father.
SNAP
Your father?
JAMIE
Yes. And since my father runs this company, he’ll be unhappy to find you haven’t brought them to his office. You wouldn’t want to upset him now, would you?
DOCTOR
Oh, yes! Anything to avoid upsetting your father would be most welcome. (to Jamie) I take it your father is Mr. Giles Tada, is it, young man?
SNAP
(angrily) I told you for the umpteenth time to ‘shut up’!
JAMIE
Stop it, Snap! Take them to my father now.
SNAP
(bitterly) You may be Mr. Tada’s son, but you don’t order me around.
JAMIE
Do as you’re told!
Just then, Tada’s voice speaks through on the loud speakers.
TADA (V’O)
Snap! Bring them to my office! Do as my son says. I expect to see our visitors in five minutes.
SNAP
Yes, sir. As you say, sir.
Tada’s voice breaks off and the loud speakers switch off.
JAMIE
There you are, Snap. My father’s just confirmed. Now escort our visitors to his office.
SNAP
(bitterly; to the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy) Come on, you three, this way. Get moving!
Snap and his guards escort the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy to the lift. Jamie accompanies them.
DOCTOR
Thank you, Mr. Tada Junior. We’re very grateful to you for saving our skins.
JAMIE
I apologise about Snap’s behaviour. Don’t worry. I’ll see to it that my father compensates you three in full.
The lift doors open and they enter. The lift doors closes once they’re inside and they’re taken up to Tada’s office.
SCENE #28 – INT – TARDIS, ZERO ROOM – N/A
Back in the TARDIS, Betty wakes up to find herself in the Zero Room. As she wakes up, she looks around, feeling rather calm and serene. It soon disperses as she realises she’s in mid-air. With a fright, she drops to the floor with a bump. She takes in her surroundings again, this time feeling rather anxious.
BETTY
(anxiously) This isn’t real. I’m not at the mall. What is this place?
Betty gets up to her feet.
BETTY
It feels…soothing. Almost peaceful here. (Pause) I don’t like it.
She then takes out her wristwatch and activates it to speak into it.
BETTY
(through wristwatch) Phillips One calling Heart Two. Phillips One calling Heart Two. Do you read me, over? Do you read me, over?
Burst of static. No response.
BETTY
This place. It must have a dampening field. I wonder who brought me here. (Pause; thinks) Enemy agents. They must have captured me.
Betty then checks her ears.
BETTY
My ear pods have gone. (Pause; realises) Those three goons. They must have taken them. They’re the ones who brought me here. (Pause) I’ll give them a piece of my mind.
She then makes her way to the door leading out of the Zero Room.
BETTY
This door must be the way out.
She checks her person and then takes out a small pistol-like weapon.
BETTY
They didn’t know I had this on me. That’s good. That’s their mistake for dealing with a special security agent. (Pause) Let’s go and meet them outside.
Betty opens the door. With her weapon in hand, she heads off outside.
SCENE #29 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
Betty anticipates hostile action, as she goes down the corridor. But all is quiet. She maintains holding her weapon as she walks further away from the Zero Room.
BETTY
(astonished) This is one hell of a place. I’ve never seen a military base like this before. That Tada guy sure has some weird tastes.
She continues moving down the corridor, trying to find her way around. As she moves along, she comes across a junction point that crisscrosses left and right before her.
BETTY
(annoyed) Oh, this is ridiculous. I’ve got two exit points and I’ve no idea where I’m going. Which is the way out?
Betty becomes silent, feeling lost and contemplating what to do next.
BETTY
That guy and his pals. They must be here. Playing games with me.
Just then, a Cybermat enters the corridor. It trundles away, squeaking and whirring as it goes. Spotting it, Betty trains her gun on it.
BETTY
(cries) Hey, you! You little…rat thing? Stay where you are! I warn you, I’m armed. Don’t try anything now!
The Cybermat is unfazed by Betty’s threats, as it stops and looks up at her, still squeaking and whirring. Betty stares at the Cybermat for a bit before she lowers her gun.
BETTY
Huh. You’re not doing anything. You’re just…sitting there? (Pause) I suppose…I can take it that you’re not hostile. (Pause; laughs) In fact, you’re kinda cute, whatever you are.
The Cybermat whirs excitedly.
BETTY
Say little fella, you think you could help me get out of here? I don’t like this place, you see.
The Cybermat whirs excitedly again.
BETTY
Come on, little fella. We’re friends, aren’t we?
Just then, the Cybermat trundles off and heads off down the corridor towards the right junction. Betty watches it go before she follows after it, holding her weapon in her hand.
BETTY
Hmm. Going right, huh? (Pause; to herself) Well, if it isn’t the exit, I only hope it leads to somewhere more interesting.
Just as Betty walks down the corridor following the Cybermat, she doesn’t realise that the TARDIS corridors are being slowly converted with Cyber implants spreading all over.
SCENE #30 – INT – TADA’S OFFICE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
In Tada’s office, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are brought in by Snap and Jamie. Tada greets the TARDIS trio, putting on his casual and suave charm.
TADA
(charmingly) Greetings! I’m so delighted to have such fine guests come and visit me. I hope you’ll enjoy your visit.
DOCTOR
Oh, how kind of you.
TADA
(charmingly) Please, do sit down. The chairs won’t bite, I assure you.
DOCTOR
Why, thank you. Come, Nyssa. Billy. Let’s sit.
NYSSA
Doctor, are you sure…?
DOCTOR
We don’t want to be impolite, do we?
The TARDIS trio sits down, as they face Tada sitting behind his desk.
TADA
Thank you, Snap. Thank you, James. You may go now.
SNAP
But, Mr. Tada…
JAMIE
Come on, Snap. Don’t let it hurt you. Let’s go.
Snap and Jamie leave.
TADA
Do make yourselves comfortable. I’m sure we can arrange some refreshments too. A cup of tea perhaps, eh, Doctor? I take it that’s the English thing you go for.
DOCTOR
I’m not English, Mr. Tada. It is something I go for, but I must decline your generous offer. Thanks, but no thanks.
BILLY
(groans) Aww, I was hoping for a cup of tea.
NYSSA
You can have one later, Billy, when we leave.
DOCTOR
We would appreciate some water though. Our mouths are dry, you see.
TADA
Of course. I’ll have some water sent up directly.
DOCTOR
Especially since our incident downstairs deprived us of hydration.
TADA
Yes, I must apologise regarding my security chief. Snap does get excited when it comes to loyalty and duty to me.
DOCTOR
So we’ve ascertained.
TADA
As to your conduct downstairs, that’s your fault entirely. You tripped a security alarm and ruined a very expensive computer terminal.
NYSSA
Only because it wouldn’t tell us what we wanted to know, Mr. Tada. We thought there was a fault in the algorithm pattern.
TADA
Did you really?
BILLY
Accidents can happen, you know. Machines breaking down, causing a fault. You must have problems with your computers breaking down all the time.
TADA
I never have problems with my computers, young man. My company relies on efficiency and it guarantees top quality. I have engineers and technicians maintaining my computers daily. There’s no fault in any of the equipment we keep and sell.
DOCTOR
(suspiciously) You seemed very well informed of our arrival, Mr. Tada. I wonder why. We didn’t make an appointment with you.
TADA
No need. I know all about you and your friends, Doctor.
NYSSA
Do you?
TADA
Yes, Miss Nyssa. (realises) Oh, sorry. I should say ‘Mrs. Nyssa’. Due to your marriage to Mr. Walker after all. I congratulate you both most sincerely.
BILLY
How do you know so much about us?
TADA
My computers keep records of all three of you. I keep regular checks and updates regarding clients and visitors to my company.
DOCTOR
(suspiciously) I see. (Pause) But we’re not clients to your company. We’re rivals, so to speak.
TADA
Of course. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t make you as comfortable as possible.
DOCTOR
(challengingly) Comfortable before we’re sent off to be converted into Cybermen. You do happen to be in alliance with them, am I right? Due to the diabolical gadgetry containing augmented Cyber technology that you’re selling worldwide.
TADA
I’m at a loss to what you’re talking about. Cybermen? What are they?
DOCTOR
I came to give you a fair warning, Mr. Tada. I will give it to you only once.
TADA
(intrigued) Oh? What warning is that then?
DOCTOR
Be careful what you’re dealing with, Mr. Tada. Whatever the Cybermen have offered you, it’s not worth it. It won’t grant you the power you desire. And if you go too far with what you want and what the Cybermen want, then I will have to stop you! We’ll stop you before your power-glory seeking ways have turned everyone into Cybermen with the few vestiges of their humanity remaining. Wanting to scream out in agony but can’t because their heads are stuffed with metal. I’ll see to it your selfish ways don’t change the course of history!
TADA
(gradually) Have you quite finished with your speech-making, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Finished, Mr. Tada? I’ve barely started!
A moment of silence ensues.
TADA
I’ll send for those glasses of water you asked for, Doctor. Three, wasn’t it?
DOCTOR
No, thank you, Mr. Tada. We’re leaving. We’ve finished our business here. Come, Nyssa. Billy.
NYSSA
(surprised) Oh? We’re leaving so soon?
DOCTOR
Yes, Nyssa, we are. (to Tada) And if you think, Mr. Tada, having your guards to stand in the doorway will intimidate us, you’re very much mistaken.
TADA
That’s not a problem. I won’t have any of the guards stop you from leaving.
BILLY
(puzzled) You mean…we’re free to go?
TADA
Of course. I won’t stop you. By all means, leave.
NYSSA
(intrigued) You’re allowing us to go after all the threats the Doctor made to you?
TADA
It’s of no consequence. I won’t bear a grudge.
DOCTOR
(surprised) Oh? How very kind of you.
TADA
But I must warn you. Attempt to infiltrate my building again and without prior permission from the guards, and I shall not look so kindly on you three next time.
DOCTOR
(realises) Ah, I see. (Pause) Very well, I see your way of thinking. Goodbye, Mr. Tada. We’ll meet again soon.
TADA
Of course. Goodbye, Doctor. Mr. and Mrs. Billy Walker.
NYSSA
Goodbye, Mr. Tada.
BILLY
Yeah. See you soon.
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy leave, as they head out of Tada’s office. Tada watches them go, before he switches on the intercom at his desk to speak into it.
TADA
(through intercom) Snap?
SNAP (V’O)
Yes, Mr. Tada?
TADA
(through intercom) The Doctor and his friends are leaving. Escort our visitors off the premises, would you?
SNAP (V’O)
Very good, sir.
Snap ends the communication. Meanwhile, Tada stands up and goes to look out of the office window. He watches the afternoon sky and admires it.
SCENE #31 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
Back in the TARDIS, Betty keeps following the Cybermat, as it goes down a corridor. She’s going deeper into the TARDIS, feeling anxious and afraid.
BETTY
(to Cybermat) You seem to be taking me for a ride, little fella. Any chance you could get me to the exit a little faster?
The Cybermat squeaks and whirs persistently, as it keeps on trundling down the corridor. Betty maintains a firm grip on her pistol-like weapon, as she continues following the Cybermat.
BETTY
(to herself) This enemy HQ is so dull and uninviting. Why am I the only person here?
Eventually, Betty turns around the corner to find the Cybermat gone.
BETTY
(stunned) W-W-What? Where did it go? That little pesk was just here. (Pause) Darn it! How could I have been so stupid to let it out of my sight?
She soon spots an archway opposite her. A faint groaning echoes deep from within.
BETTY
Hey? What’s this archway with all these creepers? Where does it lead to? (Pause) Let’s find out. Perhaps that’s where the little rodent went.
Grasping the pistol-like weapon in her hand, Betty goes onward, entering the dark archway and avoiding the dangling creepers as she enters.
SCENE #32 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Inside, Betty finds herself in the Cloister Room. She takes slow but steady steps, as she looks around and marvels at the room she’s in.
BETTY
Incredible! This room’s so vast! Like a room in a castle or a church. (Pause) Say, this must be where they come for song and worship for those who have some faith. (scoffs) Big deal if they’re supporting Tada and his cronies.
Betty ventures further into the Cloister Room, passing some crumbling stone masonry and sweeping past some dangling creepers above her head.
BETTY
This is ridiculous. Now I’ve completely lost my sense of direction.
Just then, the Cybermat appears on the floor before her, whirring squeakily away. It approaches Betty. Betty sees it and makes her way over to it.
BETTY
(frustrated) Ah! There you are, you little pipsqueak! (to Cybermat) Hey, you! Yeah, I’m talking to you! You’ve been leading me around in circles! Or got me on a wild goose chase! Well, you’ve got an awful lot to answer for!
The Cybermat says nothing, as it whirs squeakily away.
BETTY
Don’t give me those sad big eyes! I’m not buying that! You get me out of this place right now, or I’ll see to it you…
Suddenly, the Cybermat jumps onto her arm, tightening its grip.
BETTY
(cries) Hey! A bit of warning when you’re jumping onto my arm! (cries; in pain) Hey, oww! You’re hurting me! What’s your game?
The Cybermat soon bites into Betty. She shrieks in pain, shaking the Cybermat off. It falls to the floor like a plastic toy car. Betty backs away, staring at it astonished and agitated.
BETTY
(astonished; agitated) You bit me! What did you bite me for?
Betty backs against the wall, pressing her hand onto something. She shrieks as she shakes her hands frantically before getting away from the wall.
BETTY
(shocked) What’s this? Insects?
Betty turns around to see the wall covered with cyber implants spreading along the creeper-covered walls like insects.
BETTY
(shudders) These aren’t part of the room’s design, are they? Too mechanical. Not like stone. They must be like cybernetic. What does all this mean?
At that moment, stomping footsteps echo outside. Betty becomes silent as she hears the footsteps nearing her.
BETTY
Okay! Now I’m totally freaked out! Time to move on out of here.
Betty makes to move out before the Cybermat blocks her path.
BETTY
(shouts; protests) Hey, you rat or whatever you are! Get out of my way!
The Cybermat doesn’t budge, as it advances closer to her. Betty trains her gun on it.
BETTY
I’m warning you, little fella. If you don’t budge, I’m going to have to take one shot at you!
The Cybermat ignores Betty, as it gets closer.
BETTY
I warned you!
Betty then fires several shots, and the Cybermat blows up. It whirs squeakily as if it were groaning, before it slowly dies.
BETTY
Well, that’s him sorted. (Pause) Now let’s find a way out.
Betty heads out the way she came before she hears the footsteps getting closer to her.
BETTY
Maybe not that way. (Pause) Back this way.
Betty heads in the other direction before the Cybermen appear before her. These aren’t the usual Cybermen though. They’re the Neptune Cybermen.
BETTY
(shocked) Oh my! You guys gave me the creeps! Where did you come from?
The Cybermen don’t answer, as they advance forward and reach out to Betty. Betty backs away, terrified.
BETTY
What are you doing? Keep away from me!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #1
You will become like us. You are to be converted.
BETTY
No! Keep your hands off me, whoever you are!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Conversion is compulsory. You will become like us.
As Betty backs away, more Cybermen come up behind her. She’s trapped, now their captive. She trembles, looking up at the Cybermen.
BETTY
(scared) What are you going to do to me? Who are you people? What do you want?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #1
We are the Cybermen. We have come for the TARDIS. You will join us. We are the future of humanity.
BETTY
The future? I don’t understand.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #1
(to Neptune Cyberman #2) Locate the Eye of Harmony. Take two units and acquire it. We shall take control of the Eye of Harmony and the TARDIS.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 leaves. Betty watches, as the Cyber implants spread all over.
BETTY
Those insects! They’re yours, I take it.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #1
The TARDIS is being converted. Soon, it will be our TARDIS. The Cybermen shall take control.
BETTY
What have I got myself into this time?
Just then, Neptune Cyberman #2 calls out to Neptune Cyberman #1.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
I have located the Eye of Harmony. This is the control mechanism. It requires a human subject to grant access.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #1
Bring the Earth woman to the controls.
The Cybermen obey, as they bring Betty with them to the controls at the Eye of Harmony. Betty struggles to break free.
BETTY
(protests) Get off me! Get off me, what do you guys thinking you’re doing?!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #1
You will look into the control mechanism and provide your eye print. The Eye of Harmony will open for us.
SCENE #33 – EXT – FRONT ENTRANCE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Outside the Neptune Connect building, Snap escorts the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy out.
SNAP
(sharply) Next time, you three won’t have Mr. Tada preventing me from showing you what I can seriously do to you!
BILLY
Alright, alright. You’ve made your point. No need to go on about it.
SNAP
I’m not playing games, kid. If you want to keep your scrawny little neck…
NYSSA
Why don’t you just leave us alone? We haven’t done any serious harm.
Just then, Jamie appears.
JAMIE
Snap! Are you having fun harassing these visitors?
SNAP
Just giving them a fair warning, Mr. Tada Junior. I only thought it proper…
JAMIE
Go back to your duties, Snap. These people have had enough of you.
SNAP
I’m going, I’m going. (to the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy) But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
At that, Snap leaves. Jamie turns to Nyssa and Billy whilst the Doctor’s in deep thought.
JAMIE
So sorry about Snap. He likes to be rough. He can’t seem to contain it.
NYSSA
Thank you for saving us.
BILLY
Yes, we really appreciate you saving our skins. We know we shouldn’t have damaged the computers, but…
JAMIE
Oh, please, think nothing of it. They’re easily replaced. Besides, I like a bit of a calamity now and again. Helps to fill in the boredom of the working day.
NYSSA
You’re very different from your father, if you don’t mind me saying so, Mr. Tada.
JAMIE
Jamie, please. And I’ll take that as a compliment. (Pause) Here, have this. Free of charge.
Jamie passes something to Billy.
BILLY
What is it?
JAMIE
An iPod. The latest edition from Neptune Connect. They’ve sold worldwide very quickly and are very popular. Consider that as compensation for what you’ve received from Snap.
Billy takes the iPod from Jamie.
BILLY
Err, thank you. Um, are you sure you don’t want us to pay…?
JAMIE
(interrupts) I’m sure. Free of charge, I told you.
BILLY
Well, it’s very kind of you. I’ll look forward to using it.
NYSSA
I’ll show you how to use it when we get back to the TARDIS, Billy. It works just like my tablet does here.
Nyssa takes out her tablet to show Billy before a bleeping noise echoes from it.
BILLY
What is it? Why is your tablet going off like that?
NYSSA
(realises) It’s finished the search. And it’s narrowed the search I was making on Betty Phillips and the workers at Neptune Connect.
JAMIE
Betty Phillips? My Dad’s personal secretary? Do you know her?
BILLY
Not exactly. What does it say, Nyssa?
Nyssa examines her tablet.
NYSSA
It says… The first search result on Wikipedia says that on the Tenth of May, Twenty Fifty-Four… Betty Phillips met… (trails off; realises) …James Tada, son of Giles Tada at Neptune Connect.
BILLY
(surprised) What? Betty Phillips and Jamie Tada?
JAMES
(confused) What’s that you said about me?
Nyssa tugs the Doctor, who’s still deep in thought.
NYSSA
Doctor, did you hear that? (realises; puzzled) Doctor? Doctor, are you alright?
DOCTOR
(disturbed) I don’t know. Something’s wrong. Something’s very, very wrong. I can feel it.
BILLY
(puzzled) Wrong? You mean with Neptune Connect? San Francisco?
DOCTOR
No, Billy, I mean… (Pause; realises) Something’s very, very wrong with my TARDIS.
Suddenly, the Doctor cries out in pain. Nyssa and Billy rally round to help him.
NYSSA
(concerned) Doctor, what is it? Are you having a seizure? A fit?
DOCTOR
It’s my TARDIS, Nyssa. She’s in great pain.
BILLY
But…we’re not in the TARDIS, Doctor. How do you know she’s in pain?
DOCTOR
We’re symbiotically linked, Billy, and I can feel her pain. (Pause) The TARDIS is part of me, just as I’m part of her. She’s warning me that something’s wrong. Something’s infested her internal engines.
NYSSA
Like a virus. A disease.
DOCTOR
Precisely, Nyssa. Something like… (Pause; realises) …a virus!
NYSSA
(anxiously) Doctor?
DOCTOR
(horrified) Oh no! Something’s got inside my TARDIS! Some…things have invaded my ship! And they’re taking over!
BILLY
The Cybermen? Is it the Cybermen, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Most likely, Billy.
JAMIE
(impatiently) Can someone please tell me what the heck’s going on?
DOCTOR
I’m going back to the TARDIS. I have to find out what’s going on.
NYSSA
(eagerly) I’ll come with you.
BILLY
Me too.
NYSSA
No, Billy, you’d better stay here with Jamie. Keep him safe. He’s central to our problem in the Cybermen’s disruption to Earth’s timeline.
BILLY
(protests) But Nyssa…
NYSSA
(interjects; reassuringly) It’ll be alright, Billy. The Doctor will look after me as I look after him.
BILLY
Yeah, but who will look after me?
NYSSA
(reassuringly) We’ll be back for you, I promise. Don’t worry. You’ll see me again.
BILLY
I’m counting on it. Love you, dear.
NYSSA
I love you too, Billy.
Nyssa and Billy kiss.
DOCTOR
Come on, Nyssa. Let’s make for the Ship before she’s fully taken over.
With that, the Doctor and Nyssa head back to the TARDIS. Billy watches them go, as he stays behind with Jamie. A moment of silence ensues.
JAMIE
So, let me get this straight. I’m ‘central’ to your problem in the…Cybermen’s – Was that what your girlfriend called them? – disruption to Earth’s timeline.
BILLY
(sighs) I fancy a cup of tea. Do you mind if we go to a cafe?
SCENE #34 – INT – TADA’S OFFICE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, Tada is in his office in the main NC building, He activates the panel in the wall and it slides open to reveal the Cyber Planner inside. It whirs and whines whilst Tada faces him.
TADA
The Doctor has been here. We’ve had our first warning from him.
CYBER PLANNER
You have disregarded instructions. The Doctor was to be apprehended and terminated. Why have you disobeyed?
TADA
I’m curious about the Doctor. I wish to know more about him.
CYBER PLANNER
It is enough for you to know that the Doctor is an enemy of the Cyber race.
TADA
Knowing that he’s an enemy is one thing. Identifying his weaknesses is another. For example, what makes him so sentimental?
CYBER PLANNER
Sentiment is not part of our vocabulary. It is irrelevant. We have our methods of dealing with him. You have your task. He is to be terminated.
TADA
Not until I say so.
CYBER PLANNER
You must comply.
TADA
You dare to put me on the sidelines? I have as much involvement in the takeover of this planet as you do. Remember that I was the one who discovered your ship and your technology. Tell your controller that I shall dismantle and disintegrate you by any means necessary unless you agree to my terms.
The Cyber Planner goes haywire with voices scrambling and talking over each other, as if it were agitated. Eventually, it calms down.
CYBER PLANNER
It has been agreed. We will give you the information you require.
TADA
(pleased) I’m glad that’s settled. (Pause) So, tell me. What are the Doctor’s weaknesses? What makes him so sentimental?
CYBER PLANNER
He is a Time Lord. He travels with companions in his TARDIS.
TADA
Ah, yes! The delightful Nyssa and Billy Walker. I had the pleasure of meeting them. What information do you have on them?
CYBER PLANNER
They are the most trusted and loyal of the Doctor’s companions. He has great affection and fondness for them.
TADA
Does ‘affection’ and ‘fondness’ enter your vocabulary then?
CYBER PLANNER
We are stating facts. We record words and define their meaning, but have no use for them. The Doctor has.
TADA
And that’s where we shall strike. His heart. Since his companions mean so much to him, we must separate them from him in order to delay the Doctor’s attempt to oppose us.
The Cyber Planner goes again into scrambling voices talking over each other, but this time with less agitation. It eventually stops.
CYBER PLANNER
Agreed. Cyber forces will adhere to your recommendation and put it to practical use. The Doctor has succumbed to this weakness before, according to Cyber records.
TADA
I’m glad I was able to refresh your memories.
The Cyber Planner goes into scrambling voices once more, as a bleep-bleep alarm echoes.
CYBER PLANNER
Incoming report. The TARDIS has been acquired by Cyber forces. We have obtained the Eye of Harmony. We shall control the TARDIS ourselves.
TADA
Excellent!
CYBER PLANNER
Report continues. Identity: the Doctor and his companion Nyssa of Traken are returning to the TARDIS. They have been alerted to the intrusion and are attempting to recover their ship.
TADA
You know what you have to do then. They will have to be converted.
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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