Chapter 10
SCENE #98 – INT – CORRIDOR, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
In a corridor of the Neptune Connect building, the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie run down it before they stop and pant for breath.
JAMIE
That was a close one. I thought we’d never escape that.
DOCTOR
(relieved) Thank you, Jamie. Thank you, Betty. Like I said, you couldn’t have come at a better time.
BETTY
How come it’s only you and Billy we found? Where’s Nyssa?
DOCTOR
Nyssa got captured by the Cybermen. Billy and I tried to go back for her, but we were too late.
BILLY
What do we do, Doctor? You said about going back to the TARDIS, but the Cybermen will be waiting for you there.
DOCTOR
(concerned) I know. The Cybermen will want me to insert the Space-Time element back underneath the TARDIS console once we’re inside. Should that happen, they’ll have a chance to send their signals, via their interplexing beacon aboard the TARDIS, into outer space for more Cybermen to come to Earth.
BETTY
You’re not planning on giving it back to them, are you, Doc?
DOCTOR
If it means saving Nyssa’s life…?
BILLY
(interjects) Can you build another Space-Time element thing for them? Make a dummy to fool the Cybermen into thinking it’s the real one?
DOCTOR
A good idea, Billy, but they’re bound to see through it. They’ll see that it’s a plastic fake once they begin analysing the component.
BILLY
Well, surely we can have this dummy emit signals. You’re always so clever with creating mock gadgetry, Doctor.
DOCTOR
There won’t be enough time. Besides the Cybermen are also bound to see through the fake signals.
JAMIE
Well, we’ve got to do something. We can’t simply stand around and let the Cybermen have what they want.
BILLY
And there’s Nyssa to consider. We must save her as well as stop the Cybermen taking over the TARDIS.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) Calm down, Billy. We’ll think of something. In the meantime, we need to get out of this building before the Cybermen find us. Come on, we’d better continue our way down this corridor.
JAMIE
What is this corridor anyway? I don’t think I’ve seen it before.
DOCTOR
We’re somewhere on the lower levels, Jamie. I’m surprised you didn’t know that. This is your father’s building after all.
JAMIE
I didn’t explore it much, even when I was a kid. Besides I was given restricted access to certain areas of Neptune Connect. My father wouldn’t allow me to be down here.
BETTY
I’ve got torches if anyone wants one.
Betty opens her rucksack and searches through it before she takes out and passes a torch one at a time to the Doctor, Billy and Jamie.
DOCTOR
(pleased) Splendid! Thank you, Betty. Now we can see more clearly in the dark corridor.
BILLY
Hmm. Let’s see where we are then.
As they switch on their torches, they gasp once they see two rows of upright Cybermen before them on the walls of the corridor.
JAMIE
(shocked) Cybermen!
BETTY
(panics) Oh no! We’re done for!
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) No, no, hold on, hold on. I think it’s alright. (Pause) See? They’re not active. They’re dormant. Possibly asleep or regenerating.
BILLY
(perplexed) How can they be asleep? They’re standing upright.
DOCTOR
Cybermen don’t need to lie to sleep, Billy.
The Doctor checks one of the Cybermen by tapping its forehead.
BETTY
(anxiously) Careful, Doctor!
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) It’s alright, I know what I’m doing. (Pause) I suggest we move carefully and quietly. Come on, let’s keep walking.
With that, they head off down the corridor, walking past the two rows of Cybermen very carefully and quietly.
BETTY
(anxiously) It’s like we’re walking in a house of horrors. All these zombies in metal suits. Never knowing whether they’ll pounce on you or not.
JAMIE
Don’t be so morbid. You’re making me feel uneasy.
BILLY
(apprehensively) Is this wise, Doctor? We don’t know how long these Cybermen will sleep for. They could wake up at any moment.
DOCTOR
Then I suggest we don’t make so much noise. Come on, it’s alright. Just tread carefully. We’ll be out of this place soon enough.
BILLY
I just hope Nyssa’s not in a bad place wherever she is. I hope we’ll find her soon.
DOCTOR
We will, Billy, we will. Trust me, I’m just as anxious about Nyssa’s wellbeing as you are.
They continue walking, hoping to avoid waking up the two rows of Cybermen.
SCENE #99 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Meanwhile, Nyssa wakes up to find herself strapped in a conversion chamber. She groans whilst waking up.
NYSSA
(groans) Oh, what happened?
Realising she’s in a conversion chamber, Nyssa tries to break free.
NYSSA
(slightly panics) I’m strapped in. No! They can’t! (Pause) I must…break free from this conversion chamber.
At that moment, the conversion chamber reclines and Nyssa is lowered back.
NYSSA
(panics) What’s happening? No, please! Let me go! Let me out of this thing!
TADA
Do not panic, my dear. It is a strange sensation, but you’re quite safe. We’re doing our best to make you feel comfortable.
The conversion chamber stops moving. Nyssa ends up lying horizontally and facing the ceiling. Turning her head, she see Giles Tada and the Cyber Controller nearby.
NYSSA
Mr. Tada. I wondered when I’d see you again.
TADA
The pleasure is all mine.
NYSSA
It’s no pleasure.
TADA
Such harsh words.
Nyssa struggles to break free.
NYSSA
Let me out of this thing at once. I won’t have you turn me into a Cyberman.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You will become like us.
NYSSA
Says who? What gives you the right to change who we are? We didn’t ask for it. What gives you the right?
CYBER CONTROLLER
The question is irrelevant. Everyone shall become like us.
NYSSA
You oppress those to do your will. Just as you’re attempting to manipulate me into giving you the encryption code for the main TARDIS computer and gain access.
TADA
(impressed) So, you’re the one who blocked the Cybermen’s access to the main computer. Very ingenious, my dear.
NYSSA
You won’t have access. Nor will you convert me. I won’t allow it. Neither will the Doctor nor my husband, Billy.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your words are predictable. We have heard them far and wide across Space and Time. We have heard them from lesser species from thousands of worlds across billions of galaxies. They resisted when we came to convert them into our likeness. All have become Cybermen. We will endure.
NYSSA
My people are dead. They were lucky to evade your oppression. Traken was free from all contact and knowledge with the Cybermen. I am the last of my kind.
TADA
My condolences to you, my dear. So sorry to hear about your loss.
NYSSA
Today, I’m pleased I’m the last of my kind. As the Cybermen won’t know the first thing about Trakenite biology, you’ll have a difficult time trying to analyse me and understand what I am.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are like all insignificant lifeforms we’ve encountered. Your physiology is no different to humans. All shall become like us.
TADA
I wouldn’t convert this one just yet, Controller. Like I said, this one is bait for the Doctor. Let’s keep her sedated for now.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your logic is valid. (to Neptune Cyberman #2) Place her under sedation.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 makes it way over to Nyssa, it presses a few buttons on a control panel nearby for her conversion chamber.
NYSSA
(panics) What are you doing?! No! No, don’t!
But it’s too late, as an injection needle enters the side of her neck. Immediately, Nyssa falls unconscious.
TADA
You would do well to heed my advice, Controller.
CYBER CONTROLLER
We will scan her brain. Analyse her life signs before we can commence full conversion.
The scanners in Nyssa’s conversion chamber are switched on, as they begin to scan her brain whilst she’s unconscious.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Cyber race must succeed in our adaptation to the Neptune Connect technology. Our signals to our reinforcements must also be sent and received.
TADA
The Doctor is on his way. There’s nothing to worry about. We’ve already lured him into a trap. He fell for it. So, it’s only a matter of time before he gives us the TARDIS component we need.
SCENE #100 – EXT – SAN FRANCISCO, USA – DAY, AFTERNOON (MONTAGE)
Meanwhile, in the streets of San Francisco, the Cybermen pick off people one by one, as they’re being taken away to be converted. Many people scream once they’ve been captured. They beg for mercy, but the Cybermen ignore them.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) You belong to us. You shall be like us.
The soldiers in San Francisco shoot at the Cybermen marching towards them, shouting and yelling as they do so. But the Cybermen are relentless, as the gunfire has no effect on them.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) You will be converted. Conversion is compulsory. Resistance is futile. Resist and you will be terminated.
Pandemonium ensues, as the Cybermen continue to take people off the streets of San Francisco one by one. People continue to scream in terror and the soldiers keep on firing at their enemies.
SCENE #101 – INT – NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING, SAN FRANCISCO – DAY, AFTERNOON (MONTAGE)
In the main Neptune Connect building, people are taken in and sent through for conversion. Many get their bodies altered with implants inserted into their bodies. Many scream with pain once a drill goes into their head and their brains are taken out.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) Processed units at eighty-eight percent and rising. Reject stocks not compatible. They will be incinerated.
The process is slow and hard-going whilst the people of San Francisco are being converted. Soon, many have been turned into Cybermen, stomping as they go whilst more drilling and conversion procedures take place.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) Chamber Nine now open for conversion. Chamber Ten now open for conversion. Chamber Eleven now open for conversion.
More Cybermen stomp out of the conversion chambers whilst more people enter them. The conversions grow increasingly worse. Many people try to fight off the Cybermen as they’re forced into the conversion chambers, but the Cybermen overpower them.
CYBERMEN
(in unison) You cannot resist us. You will become like us. We are the future. Your future. Perfection, clean and strong. The Cybermen shall be invincible.
SCENE #102 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Tada observes everything that’s happening on a screen provided by the Cybermen in the cloister room aboard the TARDIS. The Cyber Controller is nearby.
CYBER CONTROLLER
All shall be like us. The conversion process on all humans is at maximum efficiency. (Pause) You look unsatisfied. I describe your reaction as disappointment. Unhappiness. Emotional weaknesses.
TADA
This is something I have to get used to. Seeing all these people being turned into your guys. Gives me shivers to watch them and hear them scream. I wonder how you can go through such an experience.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The pain is temporary. Pain is removed once the conversion process is complete. Cybermen need not experience pain. It is satisfactory.
TADA
You’re better than me. I can’t stand it.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You allowed it to occur. This is your doing as it is ours.
TADA
You promised me I would be free of that. You said I wouldn’t be converted.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Cybermen make no promises. We still keep to the arrangement as we discussed. You will have your female associate revived and no conversion will occur.
TADA
Good. So long as you don’t go back on your word.
Moment of silence.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are unstable. Are you experiencing a flaw in your cognition, motor and autonomic functions?
TADA
(shrewdly) My ‘functions’, as you call them, are in perfect working order, thank you. (Pause) Sorry. I suppose I’m still grieving over the loss of Snap. I’ve lost a good man, you know. A servant and a friend. I can’t believe he’s gone.
CYBER CONTROLLER
He is not gone. The Snap unit is one of us.
TADA
That’s what makes it worse. I can’t tell which one of you is him. You’re all so alike. (Pause) I won’t be able to get a good security chief like Snap anymore.
CYBER CONTROLLER
These are emotional vulnerabilities. Cybermen have no need for them. We do not understand them.
TADA
I suppose you’re going to say that you don’t understand me either.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Confirmed. You are an unusual individual for the Cybermen to be in an alliance with.
TADA
Good. That makes two of us. I don’t understand you lot either. I find you Cybermen very difficult to cope with.
Another moment of silence
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Cyber-conversion process is increasing. Up to ninety-one percent and rising.
Just then, an alarm blares out loud from a Cyber control panel. Neptune Cyberman #2 goes over to check it out.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Alert. Alert. Detection in Deep Cold Nine in Neptune Connect central building block.
TADA
That’s my place.
SCENE #103 – INT – CORRIDOR, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie keep walking down the corridor where Deep Cold Nine is and where the Cybermen army is asleep.
BETTY
I feel like we’ve been walking for hours. I’m getting nervous seeing these Cybermen looking so… dead-like. Never knowing if they’ll wake up or not.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) Keep calm, Betty. We’ll be out of this place as soon as possible. We should be halfway to the exit by now.
BILLY
Halfway? I was hoping for more than three quarters.
JAMIE
What’s your game plan, Doc? How are you going to avoid the Cybermen once we’re back inside your ship, the TARDIS?
DOCTOR
I don’t know, Jamie. I’m working on it. And making it up as we go along.
BILLY
You mean…we’re just going to walk in without any plan to cover our backs?
DOCTOR
Oh, come on, Billy. You know me better than that. I improvise marvellously.
BILLY
Somehow that’s not reassuring.
JAMIE
Well, I’m keen to get out of this death trap you’ve got us in, Doc. I won’t have you endanger my and Betty’s lives on the off-chance.
DOCTOR
Good idea, Jamie. You and Betty keep well out of this whilst Billy and I sort things out.
BETTY
(scoffs) Fat chance. We’re not just going to let you blunder into danger without any help.
JAMIE
(startled) Oh? I thought you’d want to be free of madness that’s going on.
BETTY
I’m a spy and doing my job. I get into danger, no matter what it’s like. That doesn’t stop you though, Tada Junior. You can back out whenever you want to.
JAMIE
Who said about backing out? I said nothing of the sort.
BETTY
You obviously implied it.
JAMIE
I was thinking about you.
BETTY
Yeah, right.
JAMIE
No, really! Being serious, I was thinking about your safety. I care about you, Miss Phillips.
BETTY
(startled) You do?
JAMIE
Yes!
BETTY
You really do?
JAMIE
Of course, I do.
BETTY
(gradually) Oh, well, in that case… I care about you too.
JAMIE
Really?
BETTY
Yeah.
JAMIE
(gradually) Thank you. Thank you very much, Miss Phillips.
BETTY
Please, call me Betty.
JAMIE
(gratified) Thank you. And err… Call me Jamie, if you wish.
BETTY
Tada Junior sounds much better.
SCENE #104 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Back in the TARDIS cloister room, Tada and the Cyber Controller join Neptune Cyberman #2 at the Cyber control panel to see what’s going on.
TADA
There! Four life signs detected, see? Three of them are human.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Identification confirmed on fourth life sign. It is a Time Lord reading.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor is in the area. He and his associates have escaped. They have evaded Cyber-conversion.
TADA
Then they must be stopped. You know what to do. Send in your troops.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The army in Deep Cold Nine is sectioned in that area. They are dormant. Waiting for instructions.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Awaken the troops. Send instructions to all units to capture and recover the Doctor and his associates. They are to be taken for conversion.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Complying. Sending instructions.
Neptune Cyberman #2 presses button on the Cyber control panel.
SCENE #105 – INT – CORRIDOR, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Back with the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie…
DOCTOR
I used to have a friend called Jamie. Did I mention that? He and I faced many dangers, especially with Cybermen. Like the one time we visited their tombs on Telos…
BILLY
(interrupts; warns) Doctor!
DOCTOR
(concerned) What? What is it, Billy, what’s the matter?
BILLY
There! Did that Cybermen just move?
BETTY
Where?
BILLY
There! I thought… I thought I saw a hand move there over there.
Moment of silence.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) It’s alright, Billy.
BILLY
I wasn’t seeing things, Doctor. I’m sure that Cyberman moved its…
DOCTOR
(interjects) Come on. We can’t linger here. Let’s move a little further.
Just then, a Cyberman moves.
BETTY
(cries) Billy’s right! One of them did move!
BILLY
(cries) They’re waking up!
DOCTOR
(shouts; urgently) Run!!! All of you, run!!!
The Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie run for it, passing many Cybermen that wake up one by one. Once the foursome have past the last Cyberman in their rows, they’ve all woken up and stomp after their fugitives. The Doctors and his friends run for a fair while before they come to an exit point.
JAMIE
(cries) Fire exit! Here’s a fire exit! Bingo, we’ve got an escape route!
BETTY
(cries; urgently) Get it open! Quickly, get it open!
JAMIE
The electronic lock won’t activate. I’ll have to use the manual override.
DOCTOR
(grumbles) I really should have built a new sonic screwdriver by now!
At the fire exit door, Jamie opens up a panel and tugs at the door lever to get it open. The Cybermen continue stomping towards them.
BETTY
(shouts) Come on, Jamie, hurry up! Hurry up, damn it!
JAMIE
(groans) It’s stiff! I can’t get the door open!
BILLY
Oh, let help me you! Come on!
Billy and Jamie tug at the door lever to get it open. The Cybermen stomp closer and closer.
DOCTOR
(cries) Billy! Jamie, hurry!
BILLY
We’re almost there!
Finally, the door swings open, letting the fresh air in.
BILLY
(cheers) Done it!
JAMIE
(cries) Quickly, everyone! Let’s get outta here!
BETTY
(cries) Doctor, run!
DOCTOR
(snaps) I’m running, I’m running!
The Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie run out through the fire exit with the Cybermen chasing after them. The Cybermen stomp with the fire exit door about to close on them.
DOCTOR
(cries; urgently) Billy, Jamie, hurry! Shut the door! Shut them, quickly!
SCENE #106 – EXT – FIRE EXIT, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Billy and Jamie close the fire exit door with the manual override on the outside, just as one of the Cybermen attempts to push the door back. Billy and Jamie struggle to keep the door closed.
BILLY
(cries) Doctor, help us! We can’t keep this door closed!
JAMIE
(despairingly) A Cybermen’s trying to get out! The manual override won’t work!
DOCTOR
Hang on, hang on!
The Doctor joins them, as they work as a threesome to use the manual override to keep the fire exit door closed whilst the Cybermen attempt to break out.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) We’re getting there! We’re definitely getting there!
BILLY
That Cyberman’s too strong for us! We can’t keep them in!
BETTY
(annoyed) Oh, let a woman do men’s work! It only takes four! Come on!
Betty joins the Doctor, Billy and Jamie, as they work hard at the manual override to close the fire exit door completely on the Cybermen.
BETTY
(bitterly) Now, you Cyber freaks! BACK IN YOU GO!!!
With that, the foursome close the fire exit door completely, locking the Cybermen inside. Once they’re locked in, the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie sigh with relief.
BILLY
(cheers) We did it! We did it!!! We’ve locked them in!
A punch from behind the fire exit doors causes a dent, as the Cybermen continue trying to break out.
JAMIE
(grimly) Yeah, but not for long. The Cybermen will break through that door at any moment.
BETTY
(determined) We must get away! (Pause) Back to the TARDIS, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Yes! Come on, everyone. Let’s go!
The foursome run for it, heading back to the TARDIS whilst the Cybermen keep pounding behind the fire exit door to get out.
SCENE #107 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Back aboard the TARDIS, in the cloister room, Tada and the Cybermen, including the Cyber Controller and Neptune Cyberman #2, watch what’s happening on a screen.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The Doctor and his associates have escaped. They have evaded capture.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Irrelevant. They will come to us. The Doctor will come for the TARDIS. It is his primary objective.
TADA
Confident, aren’t ya?
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor’s mind is weak with emotion. He will come to rescue the female and regain control of the Ship.
TADA
Exactly! Which is why in anticipation of the Doctor’s arrival, we must give him and his friends a wide berth.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Explain.
TADA
The Doctor mustn’t suspect we’re trying to capture him. We must give him a false sense of security. Allow him and his friends to enter the TARDIS freely.
CYBER CONTROLLER
That is inadvisable. The Doctor will take the opportunity to recover his Ship before we have the chance to recapture him.
TADA
Sure he will, sure he will. But surely he and his friends will want to find Nyssa first. As you said, the Doctor’s mind is weak with emotion. Let us take advantage of that.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
There is validity in Tada’s suggestion, Controller. We should recall all units before we allow the Doctor entry into his Ship.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are outside your jurisdiction.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
I am making a recommendation. I did not intend insubordination.
Moment of silence.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your recommendation has merit. But there is a likely possibility that the Doctor will overcome us before we overcome him.
TADA
That’s a risk you’ve got to take. Besides, the Doctor will see this as uncharacteristic of you guys. It’d be best to put him off guard.
Another moment of silence.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Agreed. (to Neptune Cyberman #2) Recall all units. Order them to return to the cloister room aboard the TARDIS immediately.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 goes off to carry out the Cyber Controller’s instructions. Meanwhile, Nyssa stirs in her sleep nearby whilst in her conversion chamber.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The female is regaining consciousness.
TADA
She can’t harm us. No need to be so jumpy.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your words are incomprehensible. But if you are alluding to the notion we are afraid, you are mistaken.
TADA
Sorry. Didn’t mean to misinterpret your…behavioural patterns.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Scan complete. The humanoid female’s anatomy, brain patterns and physiology have been recorded. Labelled ‘Trakenite’. Conversion must commence soon.
TADA
Must you convert her so quickly? It’s better for her to be in this state than to be fully cyberfied. She can give us information as we want her to as she is now.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your logic is fallible and inconsistent. Explain your statements.
TADA
What I’m suggesting is that we can convert her step by step to weaken the Doctor. His weakness can be strengthened once he sees her in this state. Same for her husband. They’ll be horrified. Humans are like that. They don’t like it when they see what horrifies them concerning their loved ones.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your suggestion is valid. It would enable us to weaken the Doctor. What do you suggest we do with her in the meantime?
TADA
We get her to help us. Or force her to work for us. Most ideally regarding the Eye of Harmony. She could be the answer to resolving our problem with transmitting the signals through space to your reinforcements.
Tada eyes the opened Eye of Harmony with the Cyber Controller, whilst Nyssa continues to stir in her conversion chamber.
SCENE #108 – EXT – CITY STREET, SAN FRANCISCO – DAY, AFTERNOON
In a city street in San Francisco on Earth, the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie have gained a fair distance away from their Cybermen pursuers. They stop for a rest to regain their breath.
BETTY
(relieved) At least we’ve given them the slip.
DOCTOR
We must get back to the TARDIS at once. There’s so little time.
JAMIE
To save Nyssa? Yeah, I suppose it is rather urgent we should rescue her.
DOCTOR
That and close up the Eye of Harmony. I fear it might already be too late.
BILLY
You seem terribly worried, Doctor.
DOCTOR
I am, Billy, I am. There’s nothing worse than a gaping hole in space at Earth’s doorstep. The thought turns my stomach.
JAMIE
Come on then! What are we waiting for? Let’s head to the shopping mall.
BETTY
Yes! Your TARDIS should still be there, shouldn’t it?
DOCTOR
No, Jamie. No, Betty. I can’t endanger your lives.
JAMIE
(insistently) We got ourselves in this mess, Doc. We might as well finish what we started.
DOCTOR
I can’t allow this. You two are very important for Earth’s history.
BETTY
What are you talking about?
BILLY
(cautiously) Doctor, are you sure you should be telling them this?
DOCTOR
They have to know, Billy. At least they should know the basics of their place in Earth’s history.
JAMIE
Know the basics? What are you getting at?
DOCTOR
Jamie, Betty. You two are very significant figures for a fixed point in time.
Moment of silence.
BETTY
Say that again?
BILLY
Betty, Jamie. You two are like…well, err… You’re like…Charles Dickens, Florence Nightingale, President Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln. You’re going to be remembered for years to come.
BETTY
(astonished) What? You’re saying we’re going to achieve something in Earth’s future? Something that will change the course of history?
BILLY
That’s the sum of it, yes.
JAMIE
Well, what will we be? Authors, political figures, nurses, doctors?
BETTY
I’d go with being a political figure myself. More suited to me. Don’t know about you, Tada Junior.
DOCTOR
We don’t know what your exact roles in Earth’s history are, I’m afraid.
JAMIE
Huh? You say you’ve no idea?
BETTY
Then how do you know we’re significant in Earth’s future?
DOCTOR
We didn’t get a chance to look at the information Nyssa downloaded on her portable digital tablet earlier. Everything was happening so fast with the Cybermen. Besides, we’d only spoil things for you if I told you what roles you played in Earth’s future.
BETTY
Aww, come on! Give us a hint. Don’t let us stand around on tenterhooks.
DOCTOR
Like I said, there’s very little time. That’s why I insist you two stay behind. Let Billy and me handle things…
BETTY
(interrupts) Oh no! You’re not leaving us out of the action. We’re coming with you whether you like it or not.
JAMIE
Same goes for me. You’ve done so much for us already, Doctor. We can’t let you and Billy handle all this by yourselves.
DOCTOR
I appreciate your sentiments and your willingness to help, but I think you [should…]
Just then, Billy cries out in pain. He stumbles forward, as he feels a twinge in the back of his neck.
BILLY
(in pain) Argh! My neck!
JAMIE
(concerned) Are you alright, Billy?
DOCTOR
(concerned) Billy, what’s the matter? What happened?
BILLY
(in pain) I… I don’t know. I seem to be getting…pains now and again in my neck. (Pause) I think it’s getting worse. I seem to be getting pains all over my arms and legs now. It’s so irritatingly painful for me.
BETTY
You’ve had these pains before, haven’t you? We’ve seen it, Jamie and me.
BILLY
I didn’t think much of these pains at the time. I assumed it was some sort of insect or an irritant at the back of my neck as one would get, right?
DOCTOR
Hold still, Billy. Let me have a look.
The Doctor checks Billy, whilst Betty and Jamie are nearby, concerned. Eventually, the Doctor finishes checking Billy.
DOCTOR
(gravely) Yes, I fear it’s got worse for you, Billy, since I last checked your neck.
BILLY
(anxiously) What is it, Doctor? Don’t give me that look. Please tell me what’s happening.
JAMIE
Yeah, come on, Doc. Don’t keep us in suspense.
DOCTOR
(grimly) I don’t know how to tell you this, Billy. But you’ve got cybernetic implants in your body.
BILLY
(gradually; shocked) What? No! No, that can’t be! I can’t have cyber implants inside me! That’s… That’s impossible. Impossible, isn’t it?
DOCTOR
It’s not impossible, Billy. You’ve got them in the back of your neck as well as in your arms and in your legs. And they’re spreading all over your body at a slow rate.
BILLY
(panics) But… I can’t be changing! I can’t become a Cyberman! I just can’t! I need to save Nyssa! I can’t lose what I have by becoming a Cyberman!
DOCTOR
It must be some form of advanced conversion process that the Cybermen have developed. Perhaps it’s recent. They must have done it whilst you were unconscious.
BILLY
(protests) But I’ve been conscious all the time! I know I have!
JAMIE
(grimly) No, you haven’t, Billy.
BILLY
(shocked) What?
JAMIE
Don’t you remember? We were unconscious for a while before we woke up in that prison cell at my father’s place in Neptune Connect
BILLY
(realises; shocked) Oh, yes. Yes, of course we were unconscious for a while. How could I have forgotten that?
JAMIE
Does this mean I’ve got cybernetic implants in my body too? I haven’t been feeling any pains, mind.
BETTY
Perhaps it’s just Billy the Cybermen are targeting. Perhaps it’s an experiment to try out a new means of Cyber-processing.
DOCTOR
I fear it’s more serious than that.
BILLY
(panics) But why would they do it? Why would they pick on me?
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) Billy, there’s no need to panic.
BILLY
(panics) I’m not panicking! Who said I’m panicking?!!
DOCTOR
(loudly) Billy, please calm down!
Eventually, Billy breathes deeply and calms down. He becomes silent whilst tension is in the air.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) That’s better, well done. (Pause) We’ll worry about this later. Let’s do as Jamie says and head for the shopping mall where the TARDIS is.
With that, the Doctor, a disconcerted Billy, Betty and Jamie head off for the shopping mall.
SCENE #109 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS cloister room, Nyssa wakes up to find she’s still in her conversion chamber.
NYSSA
(groans) W-W-What…?
TADA
Feeling comfortable, my dear?
NYSSA
What happened? Am I… (anxiously) Have I been converted?
TADA
Not yet, my dear. As a matter of fact, I’ve persuaded the Cyber Controller to not convert you just yet. You’re free to walk now.
NYSSA
(puzzled) Free?
TADA
Yes. You can come out of your conversion chamber.
Tada presses a button on a nearby control panel and the straps unlock. Gradually, Nyssa gets up out of the conversion chamber, feeling stiff as life returns to her legs.
NYSSA
You’re…you’re letting me go?
TADA
To walk about the cloister room, yes. You’re still a prisoner, but we will do our best to make you feel comfortable.
NYSSA
Comfortable? That’s alien to the Cybermen.
TADA
Very well. I’ll do my best to make you feel comfortable.
Nyssa steps out her conversion chamber and stands up, taking in her surroundings.
NYSSA
This is peculiar. Not to say strange.
TADA
(intrigued) Oh? In what way, my dear?
NYSSA
Why have the Cybermen not convert me into one of them? Usually Cybermen process their victims instantly. Why spare me of all people?
TADA
You are unique, Nyssa. Had you not realised? You’re such an unusual species to the Cybermen. They scanned your bio-data most thoroughly. There’s not a lifeform like you in the entire universe, so they said, when I was chatting with them.
NYSSA
(shrewdly) I’m the last of my kind, like I told you and them, including the Cyber Controller.
TADA
True, but we had not anticipated your higher brain functions and intelligence as a species. The Cybermen are intrigued by that. The fact that you’re so highly advanced.
NYSSA
I’m not sure whether to accept that as a compliment or to back away in fear.
Moment of silence.
TADA
The Cybermen have decided to keep you alive for a purpose. I want to show you something. Come with me, my dear.
Reluctantly, Nyssa follows Tada at a steady pace away from the conversion chamber. They approach the Eye of Harmony where it’s still open.
TADA
You know what this is, of course.
NYSSA
The Eye of Harmony. Where the heart of the TARDIS’ power is stored. It’s highly dangerous to keep it open. You should close it.
TADA
Because the Doctor said so?
NYSSA
Because it’ll open a hole in fabric of reality. A crack in Space and Time. A wormhole. I don’t understand the principles fully, but from what the Doctor told me and Billy, he claims it could be very serious if the Eye is left open for too long.
TADA
You’re very reliant on the Doctor, aren’t ya? You trust his words implicitly.
NYSSA
We’ve known each other for a long time. Goodness knows how long. I’m very fond of him as much as he’s fond of me. And so is my husband Billy.
TADA
(gradually) I’ve worked with the Cybermen most of my life. They’re to give me exactly what I want. Not just power for conquest, but power to restore people back to full health.
NYSSA
Full health? Those were the words that the Cybermen used?
TADA
Mock me all you want, but I trust the Cybermen. I have no choice. I can’t let what I’ve hoped for go to waste.
NYSSA
(intrigued) What is it you hope for, Mr. Tada? If not just power, then what?
TADA
(gradually) My former lover Fran. She and I used to be good together. So young and naïve. (Pause) Then the Cybermen came. They took her life away.
NYSSA
I’m sorry to hear that.
TADA
But the Cybermen have promised to restore her to full health. They can bring her back to life. I’ve promised to help them so long as they keep their end of the bargain to help me. Don’t you see? Without the Cybermen, I would never have got to where I am today. In a high position of authority. A global influence. All for the sake of my lovely Fran to be brought back to me.
NYSSA
Listen to me, Mr. Tada. I know how easy it is to want something you’ve lost to be brought back to life. But you can’t have it, especially not by making bargains with the Cybermen. You have to move on. You have to let go of what you’ve lost.
TADA
But I haven’t lost her. Don’t you understand? Fran still remains in the last moments of her life. The Cybermen have promised to restore her to life once we’ve completed our work. They will give me back my Fran. They have the power.
NYSSA
Tada, don’t you see how ruthless the Cybermen are? They have no feelings. They can’t understand the loss and pain that you have. You can’t make bargains with them to get what you want. To get your Fran back.
TADA
Didn’t you hear me? Fran is in the ‘last moments of her life’! I can have her back! The Cybermen are already providing it!
NYSSA
How can that be? How can you be certain Fran is still alive in the way you mean? Where is she?
TADA
(determined) You’ll see her alright. Oh yes! You will see. (Pause) But that’s not why I’ve brought you here. Why we’ve kept you alive. We’ve brought you here so you can reactivate the Eye of Harmony. To send out our signals to the Cybermen in outer space. In the far future so that they can come to us.
NYSSA
You want me to look into the Eye of Harmony?
TADA
The Eye requires a humanoid subject to activate it with a retinal scan. You come close to it with the requirements the Cybermen need.
NYSSA
I won’t help you. Whatever you say or do to me, I won’t help you.
TADA
You will help us, Nyssa of Traken. You cannot resist. Resistance is futile, according to the Cybermen. (stresses) Conversion is compulsory!
Just then, an alarm blares off. Neptune Cyberman #2 returns and attends to a control panel nearby.
NYSSA
What is it? That alarm’s blaring off. What’s happening?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Alert. Alert. The Doctor has been detected. Scanners have detected his life signs. He and his associates have returned to the TARDIS.
TADA
Ah! Sounds like your friends have come home. How exciting!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Activating visual image.
Neptune Cyberman #2 activates a viewscreen to show the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie returning to the TARDIS outside the shopping mall of the San Francisco city center.
TADA
There they are!
NYSSA
(realises) Doctor! Billy! And there’s Betty and Jamie with them.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Report must be sent to the Controller. I will attend to it.
Neptune Cyberman #2 marches off whilst Tada and Nyssa watch the viewscreen.
TADA
(amused) The Doctor’s going to get a shock. There’ll be a surprise waiting for him and his friends.
NYSSA
(quietly; anxiously) Oh no. Billy, Doctor.
SCENE #110 – EXT – SHOPPING MALL, CITY CENTER – DAY, AFTERNOON
In the shopping mall, the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie have returned to the TARDIS. They find no one about, as they’re about to enter the Ship.
BETTY
All clear. We can go in now.
DOCTOR
Let’s be careful and tread carefully. We must be prepared for any eventualities.
BILLY
There are no Cybermen guarding the TARDIS. You’d think they would put guards out here.
JAMIE
Perhaps they’re all waiting inside to lash out.
DOCTOR
Now…if I just turn the key in the lock…
The Doctor approaches the TARDIS gently, but soon realises the door is already open. He pushes it inwards.
DOCTOR
(surprised) That’s odd. The door’s open.
BETTY
There could be Cybermen coming out then.
BILLY
(shouts; urgently) Doctor, quick! Get back!
The Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie get back, anticipating the possibility of Cybermen exiting the TARDIS. After a short silence, nothing seems to happen.
JAMIE
(puzzled) Hmm. No Cybermen coming out. That’s peculiar.
DOCTOR
Yes, Jamie. It’s very peculiar indeed.
Eventually, the Doctor steps forward to enter.
BILLY
(anxiously) Doctor, you’re not going inside, are you?
DOCTOR
Correct, Billy. That’s exactly what I’m doing.
BILLY
But the Cybermen are still likely to come out of there. If you go in, it could be dark.
DOCTOR
Then I’ll just have to turn the lights on, won’t I? Come on, you three. Keep up!
BILLY
Doctor!
Despite Billy’s warnings, the Doctor enters the TARDIS.
JAMIE
(curiously) What do you think we should do, Billy?
BILLY
(gradually) We’d better follow him in. Come on.
BETTY
(concerned) Are you sure that’s good idea?
BILLY
No, but we can’t stay out here, can’t we? Let’s go in after him.
With that, Betty and Jamie follow Billy into the TARDIS.
SCENE #111 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Inside, the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie find themselves in the TARDIS console room where it’s dark and empty. There are no Cybermen to be found.
JAMIE
(nervously; laughs) You’re right about one thing, Billy. It is dark in here. And freezing cold. Where are the electrics? And the central heating for Pete’s sake?
BETTY
This is very uncharacteristic of the Cybermen, ain’t it? Where are they? Where could they have gone?
BILLY
Perhaps they got tired of waiting for us to come back and ran off. Though that’s a false hope on my part.
DOCTOR
(apprehensively) I don’t like this. Not one bit. The Cybermen must have converted nearly half of the TARDIS. And they haven’t done the console room yet. Why is that?
BILLY
Maybe they have and we can’t see it. They’ve added in some perception filter or something.
BETTY
We must explore further. They’re in the cloister room, aren’t they? Why don’t we take a look in there?
JAMIE
That could be dangerous.
BILLY
And this could still be a trap. Like the Cybermen wanted us to come in here on purpose. Thus, they allowed the doors to be open.
DOCTOR
My thoughts exactly. They’re probably playing on our fears. That’s how ruthless, cold and calculating the Cybermen can be.
BILLY
What do you think we should do then, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(gradually) Well, for one thing, we’re not going to reinsert the Space-Time element underneath the TARDIS console just yet. (Pause) A check on the TARDIS’ main computer is required. Make sure the Cybermen haven’t worked out the encryption code that Nyssa brilliantly implemented to stop them gaining access to my Ship.
The Doctor accesses the console and types away, pressing buttons and switches to search the TARDIS data banks. A short while later, the Doctor stops typing away.
BILLY
Well, Doctor? Is the TARDIS main computer still protected?
DOCTOR
Yes, thankfully. But I’m still worried. What the Cybermen are planning? What do they have in mind for us four?
Just then, the TARDIS interior doors begin to close in on them.
JAMIE
(panics) The doors are closing!
BETTY
(panics; urgently) Oh no! Let’s get outta here!
Betty and Jamie try to get out, but are too late. The TARDIS interior doors have locked them in. Betty and Jamie groan in despair once this has happened.
BETTY
(despairingly) No! This can’t be happening! They can’t lock us in like this!
JAMIE
I thought you said the Cybermen didn’t have access to the TARDIS main computer.
DOCTOR
(aggrieved) It seems they’re able to gain access to certain basic TARDIS control functions. (realises) They knew we’d come in here. They just waited for the right moment to lock us in.
BILLY
So, we can’t get out. We can’t escape the Cybermen whilst locked inside the TARDIS.
DOCTOR
(aggrieved) Yes, Billy. I’m afraid that’s the bleakest reality.
BETTY
(distressed) Great! That’s great! Just what we need.
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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