Chapter 11
SCENE #112 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Back in the cloister room, Nyssa is shocked by what she’s seen with the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie now locked in the TARDIS.
NYSSA
Why did you do that?! Please let them go! At least spare your son! He’s with the Doctor, Billy and Betty!
TADA
The Doctor must be made to understand that he cannot resist the Cybermen. No one can. He will soon reinsert the Space-Time element under the TARDIS console.
NYSSA
The Doctor will never be willing to part with the Space-Time element.
TADA
That’s what you think.
NYSSA
It’s what I know. I know the Doctor well enough that he’ll protect his Ship at all costs.
TADA
The Doctor is trapped. He knows it. And he knows he can’t escape without reinserting the Space-Time element.
NYSSA
Let them go, Tada! This isn’t worth it!
TADA
The Doctor has made it worthwhile for us to fulfil our plans.
Neptune Cyberman #2 approaches the Cyber Controller.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Confirmation. The TARDIS doors are locked. The Doctor and his associates cannot escape.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Satisfactory. Attend to the directive. Send in the Cyber Planner with Cyber escorts. Order them to take the Planner to the console room to meet the Doctor. He will hear our terms.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 goes off to attend to his orders.
NYSSA
(concerned) What terms? What are the Cybermen planning?
TADA
They’re using negotiation tactics to persuade the Doctor to adhere their demands.
NYSSA
It doesn’t sound like negotiating. It sounds like threats.
TADA
Call them what you will. The Doctor will hear our terms. Once the Cybermen have brought their Cyber Planner into the console room to discuss terms with the Doctor, the rest will fall into place.
NYSSA
Don’t be certain. (Pause) Out of curiosity, what is the Cyber Planner?
TADA
A very advanced device. A form of communication. It’s what I used to communicate with the Cybermen. It will relay all processed thoughts culminating from the Cyber Controller into the Cyber Planner’s brain to speak on the Cybermen’s behalf to the Doctor.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Obtaining visual scan. The Doctor and his friends are still in the console room. Observe.
TADA
Ah! Let’s see what the Cybermen are seeing, shall we?
Turning their attention to a Cyber monitor screen, Nyssa, Tada and the Cybermen see the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie in the TARDIS console room.
NYSSA
The Doctor won’t be so easily persuaded, Tada. He’ll outwit you and the Cybermen.
TADA
Not if the Cybermen and I outwit the Doctor first. We know his weaknesses, you see. We understand his mind.
Moment of silence.
NYSSA
(quietly; to herself) Oh, Doctor. I hope you know what you’re doing. Keep yourself and everyone else safe, especially Billy.
SCENE #113 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS console room, the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie pace about, wondering what they should do next.
BETTY
How are we going to get out of this? There seems to be no chance of us getting out alive with those Cybermen on board.
JAMIE
Don’t panic, Betty. The Doctor will think of something.
BILLY
There must be a switch to open the doors. An override perhaps. Right, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(agitated) Don’t you think I would have found one by now, Billy? The Cybermen have deliberately locked us in for the sole purpose of indoctrinating me into reinserting the Space-Time element under the TARDIS console. They’ve made sure we don’t escape because of that.
Just then, metallic footsteps echo outside the TARDIS console room. They turn to hear them coming from behind a door leading into a corridor.
JAMIE
That’s them, isn’t it?
DOCTOR
(grimly) Yes. They’re about to enter the console room.
BILLY
What shall we do?
DOCTOR
(urgently) Get back. Back around the console. Follow me!
The Doctor backs his friends around the console, as the footsteps get closer. Soon, the door bursts open and some Cybermen enter with the Cyber Planner behind them. They raise their arms with their Cyber guns attached, training on the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #5
Stay where you are. Do not move.
DOCTOR
(wryly) Knock, why don’t you?
The Cybermen bring the Cyber Planner forward. It whirs with voices speaking all over each other consistently.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #6
You, Doctor, will address our Cyber Planner. It speaks on behalf of the Cyber Controller. Of all the Cybermen. Step forward.
The Doctor carefully steps forward before Billy grabs his arm.
BILLY
(anxiously) Careful, Doctor.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) Trust me, Billy. I know what I’m doing.
The Doctor resumes his advance before he speaks to the Cyber Planner.
DOCTOR
Well, you have my attention. What do you have to say to me?
CYBER PLANNER
You have the Space-Time element.
DOCTOR
Yes. Yes, I have, thank you. What of it?
CYBER PLANNER
You will surrender it to us. You will reinsert it under the TARDIS console at once.
DOCTOR
Why should I do such a thing?
CYBER PLANNER
Reinsert the Space-Time element.
DOCTOR
No.
CYBER PLANNER
Reinsert it or you will be terminated.
DOCTOR
I’ve faced threats like this before. Mostly futile. (Pause) I’ll agree to your terms, Cyber Planner, if you’ll give Nyssa back. Let me have her by my side. Then and only then will I reinsert the Space-Time element.
A series of voices speak over each other, as they babble irritably. Eventually the voices start to calm down and reassert themselves.
CYBER PLANNER
Disjunction. We disagree. Your request is unacceptable.
DOCTOR
It’s your choice. You’ve got yourselves in an impasse. If you can’t handle it, that’s not my problem.
CYBER PLANNER
Incorrect. You will comply to our terms. One of us will terminate the boy if you refuse to cooperate.
One of the Cybermen advances towards Billy.
CYBER PLANNER
Comply, Doctor. Comply.
DOCTOR
(cries) Leave Billy alone! Don’t kill him, please!
BILLY
(reassuringly) It’s alright, Doctor. Don’t give in to their demands. Don’t put the Space-Time element back in.
CYBER PLANNER
You must comply to our terms, Doctor. Comply. Comply. Comply.
The Cyberman advances on Billy, ready to strike and electrocute him.
DOCTOR
(cries) Alright, alright! I’ll reinsert it for you.
BETTY
(cries) Doctor, you can’t!
JAMIE
(cries) Doctor, don’t!
Despite Betty and Jamie’s protests, the Doctor gets down on his hands and knees, and reinserts the Space-Time element back underneath the TARDIS console. Once reinserted, the TARDIS is filled back to life. The time rotor begins to oscillate, as it whooshes and groans noisily. The Doctor gets back to his feet.
DOCTOR
(grimly) There. Satisfied?
CYBER PLANNER
The TARDIS is in flight. The Cybermen can now advance.
SCENE #114 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS cloister room, Tada and the Cybermen realise that the TARDIS is back in motion, as there’s a loud hum in the background.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The TARDIS is in flight. The Cyber Planner has achieved its objective.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Satisfactory. We can advance further with our plans. Check all Cyber systems in the cloister room. Confirm status of power sources.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 leaves, whilst Tada turns to Nyssa.
TADA
You see, my dear? The Cybermen never miss a trick.
NYSSA
(accusingly) You tricked him! You threatened Billy’s life to make the Doctor do what you wanted him to do!
TADA
(smugly) And it worked, didn’t it? The Doctor is so gullible. He doesn’t know the extent of his weakness. Whatever he had in mind to stop the Cybermen in their plans, it’s too late.
Nyssa is silent, as she watches on what’s happening on the Cyber monitor screen with the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie.
SCENE #115 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Back in the console room, the Cybermen stand glorified whilst the TARDIS is in motion. The Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie look on grievingly.
DOCTOR
Well, what happens now? Don’t I get a medal as an award for helping you three and your Cyber Planner in doing the dirty work?
CYBER PLANNER
You have fulfilled your purpose. You are still a threat. You will be terminated. Terminate. Terminate. Terminate.
As one of the Cybermen advances forward, Billy trips one of them up with his foot. The Cyberman topples over.
BILLY
Got you!
Billy jumps down and grabs the Cyberman’s arm. A struggle ensues, as Billy tries to get the Cyberman’s gun off his arm.
BETTY
(cries) Billy, what are you doing?
DOCTOR
(cries; panics) Billy, that Cyberman will kill you!
BILLY
(struggles) I… I know what I’m doing! Trust me!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #5
The boy must be terminated. Eliminate him.
As Neptune Cyberman #5 and Neptune Cyberman #6 aim their guns on him, Billy manages to detach the Cyberman’s gun and uses it to fire at the two approaching him. Neptune Cyberman #5 and Neptune Cyberman #6 get blown up, screaming with pain and rage once this occurs.
JAMIE
(astonished) Billy, you did it! You blew up those Cybermen!
Billy then gets up and fires the detached Cyber-gun onto the Cyberman he’s pinned down. The Cyberman blows up once he’s fired upon it.
BETTY
(astonished) And you did the same for that one on the floor! Good work!
BILLY
(determined) Now for the Planner!
DOCTOR
(anxiously) Careful, Billy! That one’s more dangerous!
CYBER PLANNER
Destroy me and you will be destroyed too.
The Cyber Planner sends out electric sparks, sending the Cyber-gun out of Billy’s hand and causing him pain.
BILLY
(cries; in pain) Oww! My hand! It’s burning!
CYBER PLANNER
You cannot stop us. The Cybermen are in control.
DOCTOR
(cries) Betty! Jamie! Open the TARDIS doors!
BETTY
We did it before!
JAMIE
We’ll happily do it again!
Betty and Jamie pull the door lever and the TARDIS interior doors open, letting in the vacuum of space.
DOCTOR
(cries) Everyone, hold on! Billy, Betty, Jamie, hold on!
Billy, Betty and Jamie do as they’re told, as they hold onto something whilst the TARDIS interior doors are open.
CYBER PLANNER
What is happening? Losing balance. Losing gravity. The Cybermen must survive. We must [survive…]
The Doctor carefully makes his way over to the Cyber Planner, grabs it and pushes it towards the TARDIS interior doors.
DOCTOR
(triumphantly) Got you, Cyber Planner! Out you go!
With a final push, the Doctor has the Cyber Planner pushed out into space. A moment of silence ensues.
DOCTOR
(cries) Everyone! Help me get these dead Cybermen out of here! They’re making a mess! Push them out with your feet!
Billy, Betty and Jamie help, as they use their feet to push the dead Cybermen out of the TARDIS and into the vacuum of space. Eventually, the dead Cybermen are out through the TARDIS interior doors.
BETTY
(cheers) Done it, Doctor! They’re all out!
DOCTOR
Right! Let’s close the interior doors!
Very soon, the TARDIS interior doors close. Everything is stabilised in the console room. Silence ensues, before the Doctor, Billy, Betty and Jamie breathe sighs of relief.
JAMIE
(relieved) Thank goodness that’s over.
DOCTOR
(concerned) Is everyone alright? Talk to me, someone, please!
BETTY
I’m fine, Doctor. Really I’m fine.
JAMIE
All systems go for me.
DOCTOR
(concerned) Billy, are you alright? (prompts) Billy?
BILLY
(reassuringly) I’m fine, Doctor, yes. Just got scars on my hands. You know, after that Cyber Planner sent electric sparks at me and made me drop this gun.
DOCTOR
(rebukes) Well, let that teach you a lesson to mess with Cybermen, Billy. You should have known better.
BILLY
Hey, at least I got things started with getting rid of those Cybermen. If it wasn’t for me, we’d be in their house of horrors by now. To be converted or killed.
BETTY
He’s right, Doc. Be fair, Billy did a good job.
JAMIE
Yeah. You did good, pal.
DOCTOR
Yes, well, in the meantime, we have to re-establish control of the TARDIS. Try and get the old girl back to Earth, so I can remove the Space-Time element again. We’ve achieved a temporary victory for now.
BILLY
I’ll keep the Cyber gun. I think I know how to use it.
BETTY
Yeah, you never know. May come in handy.
The Doctor attends to the TARDIS console by pressing buttons. But nothing is responding.
DOCTOR
(puzzled) That’s odd. The TARDIS won’t allow me to re-establish control. It’s countermanding every attempt I make to gain access. And yet we opened and closed the interior doors earlier.
JAMIE
(intrigued) What’s causing that then?
DOCTOR
I don’t know. (Pause; realises) Someone get some fire extinguishers in here please. Those blasts you made, Billy, have started flames. I don’t want any of them to go higher.
BILLY
Sorry, Doctor. I got overenthusiastic.
JAMIE
Where do you keep your fire extinguishers then?
BILLY
They’re out there in that corridor. Come on, Jamie. We’ll fetch a couple.
JAMIE
Gotcha. Coming.
Billy and Jamie exit the TARDIS console room to go out in the corridor to fetch a couple of fire extinguishers. Meanwhile, the Doctor attends to the TARDIS console with Betty beside him.
SCENE #116 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS cloister room, Nyssa, Tada and the Cybermen have witnessed what just happened on the Cyber monitor screen.
TADA
(agitated) They blew them up! (accusingly) Your Cyber Planner and those Cybermen were incompetent weren’t they, Controller? They didn’t see that one coming.
CYBER CONTROLLER
No consequence.
TADA
(wryly) No consequence, eh?
CYBER CONTROLLER
All that is relevant is we have regained control of the TARDIS. The Doctor is powerless to resist us.
NYSSA
(challengingly) Suppose the Doctor gets to regain control of the TARDIS at some point. He’s likely to find a way to get the TARDIS to land on Earth again.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Unlikely. We have initiated security blocks on the TARDIS’ landing mechanisms. Both technical and by physical means.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Everything has been considered. There are no mistakes. Now we must attend to the Eye of Harmony.
The Cyber Controller heads off with Neptune Cyberman #2 following him, as they attend to the Eye of Harmony.
NYSSA
Not easy as you thought, is it, Mr. Tada?
TADA
(shrugs) A mere setback. Nothing to worry about.
NYSSA
That’s not how you reacted a few seconds ago. You were slightly agitated. Something the Cybermen won’t approve of.
TADA
(shrewdly) You presume too much, my dear. And observe too much.
NYSSA
I know you’re anxious about your deal to be completed. For the Cybermen to restore your dead girlfriend back to life. But you must realise you can’t maintain your bargain with them. They’ll go back on their word the moment you’ve achieved your side of it.
TADA
I can’t let all these years go to waste. I must maintain my trust in the Cybermen. I must believe in what they say.
NYSSA
They don’t trust you, Mr. Tada. Trust isn’t a commodity the Cybermen share, and you know it.
TADA
I must go on, I must!
NYSSA
You’re insane to consider it.
TADA
(bitterly) And you are impertinent, dear girl. The Cybermen will have the Doctor do what they want him to do. He cannot resist them.
NYSSA
And as I’ve stressed before, don’t be so sure.
TADA
This is why we’ve kept you alive, my dear. To look into the Eye of Harmony. To give the Cybermen the power they need. (to Cybermen) Bring her!
Two Cybermen come up behind Nyssa and grab her by the arms. Nyssa struggles in their grip, as the Cybermen bring her forward to the Eye of Harmony.
NYSSA
(protests) Let go! Let go of me at once! You’re hurting my arms!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #7
Do not resist.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #8
You must comply.
NYSSA
Stop this! Don’t make me do this, please!
They approach the Eye where the staff containing the eyeglass is held.
TADA
Look in, Nyssa of Traken. Look into the eyeglass and reinitiate the power.
NYSSA
(defiantly) I won’t help you!
TADA
Oh, you will. Believe me, you will. (to Cybermen) You two. Make her look into the Eye.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #7 + NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #8
(in unison) Complying.
NYSSA
(cries) NO!!!
But despite Nyssa’s cries and protests, she’s forced to look inside the eyeglass. There’s a rumbling from the Eye itself, as it begins to reactivate. The Cybermen stand around the Eye, seemingly gratified.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The Eye of Harmony is reactivated, Controller.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Satisfactory. Now we can proceed to send signals to the Cyber fleet. Once the TARDIS is in the correct position in outer space, communications can begin.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The beacon must be aligned to fit our parameters.
CYBER CONTROLLER
See that it is done. Efficiency is of vital importance. Maximum output. Do it speedily and efficiently.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Complying.
Neptune Cyberman #2 leaves whilst the Cyber Controller stands over the Eye.
TADA
The girl has done her work, Controller. What shall we do with her now?
CYBER CONTROLLER
Place her back in her conversion chamber. She will become like us.
TADA
Very well. But slowly, mind you. We want to do this step by step as we discussed.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Agreed. Place her in the conversion chamber and initiate the first implants.
TADA
(to Cybermen) You two! Put her back in the conversion chamber like your Controller says.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #7 + NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #8
(in unison) Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #7 and Neptune Cyberman #8 take Nyssa, who is shattered and worn out, away from the Eye and escort her back to her conversion chamber.
NYSSA
(murmurs; groggily) Oh… What…? My head.
TADA
Once she’s in her conversion chamber, insert the first Cyber implants into her body as I instruct you.
The two Cybermen place Nyssa back into her conversion chamber, as they’re about to process her.
NYSSA
(murmurs; groggily) Doctor? Billy, where are you? (Pause) Help me. Help me please. Wherever you are, please help me. I love you so much.
SCENE #117 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS console room, the Doctor struggles to regain control of his ship. Billy, Betty and Jamie stand nearby.
DOCTOR
(frustrated) It’s no good. I can’t regain control of the TARDIS. I can’t get her to land.
BETTY
So, we’re stuck in outer space then.
JAMIE
In Earth’s orbit.
DOCTOR
Yes. But not for long. I hope to break the Cybermen’s control soon.
BILLY
What have you in mind to do, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Do? Why, we stay in the console room, of course.
JAMIE
(surprised) What? Stay in the console room? Whilst the Cybermen are taking over?
DOCTOR
It might stall things. I’m not going to let the Cybermen get under my skin so easily. I’m staying in the console room to keep on trying to regain control of the Ship.
BETTY
(puzzled) But you said you can’t regain control nor get the TARDIS to land.
DOCTOR
(agitated) Then I’ll just have to tear out every control panel of the TARDIS console until I can locate where the problem is. Even if it means pulling out the main power plug. It might take a while, but if anyone’s willing to make me a cup of tea and some sandwiches, then I’m happy to persevere.
BILLY
Doctor, there’s Nyssa to consider. We must find her and save her from the Cybermen.
DOCTOR
Billy, there’s no time for that. We can’t go deep into the TARDIS and attempt to rescue her without knowing what the dangers are.
BILLY
(determined) She’s my wife, Doctor! I need to do all I can to save her.
DOCTOR
(agitated) This isn’t all about Nyssa, you know.
BILLY
(determined) It’s everything about Nyssa, Doctor! At least for me. That’s what motivates me to do something. To save her life. We must rescue her.
DOCTOR
I’m not letting the Cybermen pull strings on me, Billy!
BILLY
(appalled) So, are you saying you’re not going to do anything? We’re not going to rescue Nyssa? Your best friend? My wife?
DOCTOR
The Cybermen are our main priority, Billy!
A moment of tense silence.
BILLY
Very well. I’ll have to go and rescue her myself.
Billy picks up the Cyber-gun he obtained earlier from the floor.
DOCTOR
Billy, what are you doing?
BILLY
What does it look like? I’m going to save Nyssa, aren’t I? That’s what I should be doing! Not stay stuck in here.
DOCTOR
Billy, you can’t go off and rescue Nyssa whilst the Cybermen are deep inside the TARDIS.
BILLY
(determined) I can at least try.
BETTY
Billy has a point, Doctor. What’s he got to lose?
JAMIE
Nyssa for one thing if he doesn’t hurry.
DOCTOR
I can’t allow this.
BILLY
I won’t let you stop me!
DOCTOR
You can’t do this!
BILLY
(protests) Yes, I can!
DOCTOR
No, you can’t! You think you can do these things, but you can’t, Adric!
Another moment of tense silence.
BETTY
Adric? Did he just call him Adric?
JAMIE
He certainly did, babes.
BETTY
Never call me that.
Another moment of tense silence.
BILLY
Why did you call me Adric, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Billy, listen…
BILLY
(angrily) Do you see me as someone else? Is that what this is all about? Is this why you’ve let me join you and Nyssa on your travels?
DOCTOR
Billy…
BILLY
(angrily) I’m not Adric, Doctor! I’m me! My name is Billy Walker, okay? And I’ve got to save my wife!
DOCTOR
Billy, if you’d just listen to me…
BILLY
(insistently; angrily) I’m not standing for this! I’m my own person! I’m going to rescue Nyssa, whether you like it or not. (Pause) See you later, Doctor. Wish me luck.
DOCTOR
(cries) Billy!
With that, Billy heads out and leaves the console room to go and rescue Nyssa. Silence ensues once Billy has gone.
BETTY
(wryly) Well, that went well, didn’t it?
JAMIE
Hadn’t you better go after him, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(gradually) Billy’s made his decision. (Pause) I must attend to the console. I must keep trying to regain control of the Ship.
The Doctor moves his way around the TARDIS console, pressing buttons and switches, whilst Betty and Jamie watch him, concerned.
SCENE #118 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS cloister room, Tada and the Cyber Controller look to the Cyber monitor screen to see what’s happening with the Doctor and his friends.
TADA
Aww, what do you know? The boy has just left. And he’s going after his wife. (Pause) What are you thinking behind that blank face of yours, Controller?
CYBER CONTROLLER
He does not suspect.
TADA
(puzzled) The Doctor?
CYBER CONTROLLER
That we are spying on him. He does not register our security upgrades in the console room.
TADA
The Doctor’s very keen to stay where he is, isn’t he? Heck, I wonder why he let the boy go. And why he didn’t go with him.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The young male must be apprehended and converted along with the female. They shall both become like us.
TADA
You know they’re matrimonially linked, don’t you?
CYBER CONTROLLER
We shall use that to our advantage. The young male’s emotional weakness will bring him to us.
TADA
My thinking, exactly.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Cybermats must be prepared to trap the boy. (to Neptune Cyberman #2) You will see to it that this is carried out. Order Cyber units to prepare the Cybermats.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 leaves to carry out its instructions. Meanwhile, Nyssa wakes up having been implanted with Cyber implants.
NYSSA
(groans) Oh. My head. I feel so dizzy.
TADA
(realises) Ah. Awake at last, I see. The dizziness will pass, I assure you.
NYSSA
What… What have you done to me?
TADA
Just added a few basic Cyber implants in your head and body. Don’t worry. You’re not fully converted yet. Just slowly to gain your cooperation.
NYSSA
(bitterly) You’re oppressing me. Forcing me to work for you. I know how feeble I seem, but I will overcome you.
TADA
I wouldn’t place your hopes on that. Your husband is going the same way too, I’m afraid. And he’s on his way to save you.
NYSSA
(shocked) Billy? What have you done to him? (realises) Same way as me?
TADA
Precisely. Though his implants have grown significantly. He will soon lose his sense of control and become like a Cyberman. Just as you will too.
NYSSA
(determined) I’ll save him. I’ll save my Billy from harm. He’s a better man than you are.
TADA
Harsh words, my dear. Harsh words.
NYSSA
(gradually) So, these implants you’ve given me. What exactly do they do?
TADA
Simple. They give you basic control of any Cyber technology in your vicinity. Any technology you wish to use for your purposes, you can activate by a single thought.
NYSSA
(realises) So, I have access to any piece of technology. Any technology that’s computer-based or software-related. Anything cybernetic, I adhere according to my will.
TADA
You’ll grow to like it, my dear. And once you like it more, you’ll want to be one of us.
NYSSA
(deduces) So, I can control anything like this restraint harness you’ve put me in. In this conversion chamber.
TADA
(starts panicking) No! No, no, it doesn’t work like that.
NYSSA
(challengingly) Are you sure, Mr. Tada? You’ve given me basic control of anything technological. Let’s put it to the test, shall we?
With a single thought, Nyssa wills the restraint harness to open, freeing herself. She climbs out of her conversion chamber and runs for her life, alerting the Cybermen to her escape.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Alert. Alert. Young female escaping.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Stop her. Stop her.
Nyssa dodges past many Cybermen to reach for the door to escape the cloister room. Just as she reaches the door, her path is blocked by Tada stepping in.
TADA
Don’t think you can escape, girl. You won’t outwit us by that bit of cleverness.
Nyssa picks up a crowbar from the floor.
NYSSA
(threateningly) Get out of my way. I warn you, Mr. Tada, I will use this!
TADA
(laughs; mockingly) A crowbar? An ordinary crowbar that you conveniently found on the floor? You don’t seriously expect me to believe that you can do me any harm with [that…?]
Nyssa strikes Tada on the arm with the crowbar. Tada staggers back and cries out loudly in pain.
NYSSA
(apologises) I’m sorry, Mr. Tada. I didn’t mean to hurt you severely.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Take her. Take her. Do not let her escape.
NYSSA
(threateningly) I don’t think so. Keep away from me.
Nyssa makes a run for it, leaving Tada to attend to his wound. Nyssa reaches the door to leave the cloister room before turning back.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
You cannot escape us. You will become like us.
NYSSA
Sorry, not today, thank you. I must find my Billy.
Nyssa opens the door and runs out of the cloister room.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Pursue the young female. She must be brought back.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Summon all Cybermen from Earth’s surface. Order the Cyber Leader to attend to me. Then send all units to pursue the young female.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
With that, the Cybermen pursue Nyssa whilst Neptune Cyberman #2 attends to summoning the Cyber Leader and its Cybermen from Earth. Tada still groans in pain whilst attending to his wound.
TADA
(bitterly) That little witch! She injured me! Giles Tada of Neptune Connect!
CYBER CONTROLLER
You are damaged. You are in pain.
TADA
I’m alright. Really, I’m fine. We must get her back as soon as possible.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You must be repaired. We shall take you for conversion.
TADA
No, thanks. I’ll pass.
Just then, two Cybermen come up from behind Tada and grab him by the shoulders.
TADA
(cries; in pain) OWW!!! Oww, what are you metal heads doing?!
CYBER CONTROLLER
You must be repaired. You shall cease suffering. We shall remove the suffering from you.
TADA
(protests) I’m not suffering. I don’t need to be converted. I told you, I’m alright.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Irrelevant. You will be taken for conversion now.
At the Cyber Controller’s command, Tada is escorted away.
TADA
(shouts; protests) No! What are you doing?! Get off me, you dumbbells! No! No!! NO!!!
Despite Tada’s protests, the Cybermen take him away, stomping as they go.
SCENE #119 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
In one of the TARDIS corridors, Billy moves about carefully in search for Nyssa, carrying his Cyber-gun with him. He becomes aware of the empty silence.
BILLY
Why did I let myself get into this? If only the Doctor wasn’t so difficult, we could have all gone and rescued Nyssa?
Moment of silence.
BILLY
(sighs) Ah well, at least I’ve got this Cyber-gun. If only I knew where the cloister room is.
Billy wipes the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand. He soon begins to notice that parts of the TARDIS walls have been Cyber-converted.
BILLY
(anxiously) It’s worse since I was last here. All these Cyber-conversions along the walls. (Pause) I feel like I’m being watched. I’ve never been so scared before.
Another moment of silence.
BILLY
(determined) No! Must keep moving. Must find Nyssa and rescue her.
As Billy keeps going, he gasps, feeling pain in his head and in his arms. He stumbles to the floor.
BILLY
(in pain) These implants. They’re getting worse. They’re like gnats biting at my skin.
Billy sees his implants, as they start to crack through his skin. He panics and becomes horrified.
BILLY
(determined) No! Mustn’t let this get me down! I must find Nyssa! Must keep going!
As Billy gets up and tries to ignore the anxiety he’s having as well as the implants, a couple of Cybermen appear out of nowhere in the corridor. They march towards him, stomping as they go.
BILLY
(cries) Cripes! Cybermen! Back the other way!
As Billy heads back in the opposite direction, a couple more Cybermen appear behind him, stomping as they go. Billy stands still with Cybermen approaching him on both sides.
BILLY
(groans) Oh no! More Cybermen? That’s not fair!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #7
You are to be converted. You will become like us.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #8
Do not resist.
BILLY
(sighs) Well, here goes nothing. (Pause; shouts) Cybermen, take this!
Billy raises his gun and and shoots at the Cybermen in front of him with his Cyber-gun. He blows them up and they groan, screaming in pain before they collapse to the floor. Billy turns the other way and fires at the Cybermen behind him with his Cyber-gun. He blows one up, as it groans and screams in pain before it collapses to the floor.
BILLY
(relieved) Got them!
But Billy soon realises that one Cyberman still remains as it marches towards him.
BILLY
(realises; annoyed) Oh no! Only one Cyberman left?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #8
Do not resist. You are to be taken for conversion.
Billy reloads his Cyber-gun and aims to fire again. But Neptune Cyberman #8 grabs Billy, causing him pain, and takes the gun from him. Both struggle in hand-to-hand combat.
BILLY
(in pain; protests) Oww! You took my gun! Let go of me!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #8
You are to be taken for conversion. Conversion is compulsory.
BILLY
(in pain) I…don’t…think so!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #8
There are no exceptions. Conversion is for everyone. You must comply.
BILLY
(shouts; in pain) Pick on someone your own size!
Freeing himself momentarily, Billy pulls at the Cyberman’s chest unit and rips it open. Neptune Cyberman #8 falls back, screaming in pain, as it collapses. Billy, still in pain, shrugs the Cybermen off.
BILLY
(in pain) Oww! Oh, you really know how to hurt a… (trails off; puzzled) What…what’s happening? Why are you…? (trails off; realises: shocked) Ugh! That’s disgusting! Goo coming out of you!
Billy watches, as a pile of goo oozes out of Neptune Cyberman #8. It writhes and shrieks in pain before it eventually dies. A moment of silence ensues.
BILLY
(concerned) Err…hello? (Pause) Hey, you! Are you there? Can you hear me?
Billy nudges the Cyberman with his foot. The Cyberman remains motionless.
BILLY
(realises; puzzled) I… I killed a Cyberman? Just by opening his chest? (Pause) Must have been something organic that came out of him. (Pause) You’re right, Doctor. These guys aren’t robots.
Just then, Billy cries out in pain again, except this time, the implants start cracking through the skin on the side of his head. Billy touches the implants, feeling their cold metal.
BILLY
(panics) No! My head! I’ve got metal implants all over the side of my head!
Billy gets up from the floor, still in a panic. He tries to calm down and maintain control, breathing deeply and steadily.
BILLY
(determined) I can’t let this stop me. I cannot! (Pause) I must find Nyssa. I must find her quickly.
Picking up his Cyber-gun, Billy continues to make his way down the corridor in search of Nyssa.
SCENE #120 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS console room, the Doctor continues to work at the console with Betty and Jamie watching him.
JAMIE
Well, Doctor? What’s the situation?
DOCTOR
(grimly) It’s worse. Increasingly worse.
BETTY
(gradually) Well, don’t keep us in suspense, Doc. Tell us what the problem is.
DOCTOR
The Cybermen are continuing to take over the TARDIS and we’re running low on residual power. About two thirds of the TARDIS has been Cyber-converted.
JAMIE
(concerned) Is there anything we can do to help? To stop the Cybermen from progressing further with this upgrade to your spaceship?
DOCTOR
It’s hard to tell without knowing how the Cybermen are able to outwit the instructions I give to the TARDIS computer. (sighs) It’s like they know my movements and are always watching me.
BETTY
(realises) Like on that camera up there?
The Doctor looks to see.
DOCTOR
(realises) Yes! Like on that camera up there. I wonder how long that’s been there.
The trio look to see the Cyber-camera above them on the TARDIS wall.
JAMIE
I dunno. It certainly wasn’t there when we first came in here.
BETTY
So, they’ve been spying on us all this time?
The Doctor makes his way up to the wall and reaches up to take the Cyber-camera out.
DOCTOR
Not on my watch anymore!
The Doctor rips out the Cyber-camera and smashes it to the floor, startling Betty and Jamie. Once he’s finished, the Doctor turns to Betty and Jamie.
DOCTOR
(determined) No more! The Cybermen have got under my skin long enough. This time, we take the fight to them.
BETTY
(puzzled) Take the fight?
JAMIE
I don’t like the sound of that.
DOCTOR
It’s the only way we can defeat them. (Pause) But we’ll wait in the console room until they come. We’ll snuff them out. Stir them out of the cloister room if we have to. There must be some way to do that. (Pause) Let’s see what options we have available at the console.
The Doctor accesses the console again, whilst Betty and Jamie look on worryingly at him.
BETTY
(whispers) The Doc’s not himself, Jamie? He’s going too far.
JAMIE
(whispers) So, I’ve noticed. He wants to stop the Cybermen and going about it the wrong way.
BETTY
(whispers) Well, how would you do it, Jamie?
JAMIE
(whispers) Me? I’d blow the TARDIS up.
BETTY
(whispers) Well? Why don’t you suggest that to him?
Jamie considers this for a moment.
JAMIE
Doctor, I’d like to suggest something.
DOCTOR
Certainly, Jamie. What have you in mind?
JAMIE
(gradually) It’s pretty clear the Cybermen are taking over and there seems to be little chance of it getting any better. In fact, it’s likely to grow worse.
DOCTOR
Your point being?
JAMIE
This TARDIS of yours? Does it have a self-destruct mechanism?
DOCTOR
(realises) No, Jamie! Don’t suggest the idea.
JAMIE
There’s few options left open to us. We must self-destruct the TARDIS in order to win over the Cybermen. Making sure we evacuate, of course.
BETTY
He’s right, Doctor. It could work…
DOCTOR
(interrupts) No! I won’t allow that to happen! I won’t even consider it!
BETTY
But, Doctor, think about it! If we destroy the TARDIS, we destroy the Cybermen!
DOCTOR
I’m not going to sacrifice the TARDIS with or without Cybermen aboard. We must stay on and fight!
JAMIE
Come on, Doctor! Isn’t it obvious? We’ve lost the TARDIS! And we shouldn’t sacrifice ourselves [to…]
DOCTOR
(interrupts) We haven’t lost the TARDIS, Jamie! I’m not going to lose the TARDIS! Not to the Cybermen, not while I’m here!
BETTY
If you’re worried about Nyssa and Billy, we can still go and save them. Put this ship on a hour’s countdown if we have to, but we must stop the Cybermen from taking over…
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Please, you two! Don’t say anymore! I’m not going to destroy this ship!
JAMIE
I must protest…
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Thank you for your opinion, Jamie. Much appreciated. Now if you’ll excuse me…
JAMIE
(interrupts; loudly) Doctor, I say this with the highest respect for you, but I think you’re not thinking straight. I’m convinced that you’re using your personal experience of the Cybermen to influence your judgement.
Moment of silence.
DOCTOR
(accusingly) You’re scared. Like a little boy. You want to run away and escape without the Cybermen getting at your throat. You’re such a coward.
BETTY
(shocked) Doctor!
JAMIE
Is that what you think of me? I a coward? You’re more a coward than I am. You’re a stuck-up, opinionated man who can’t see the end of his nose. You’re too scared to press the red button, that’s what it is.
DOCTOR
(determined) I’m not going to blow up my TARDIS. Not my old girl, not ever. And that is final!
A moment of tense silence.
DOCTOR
Excuse me.
With that, the Doctor leaves, as he opens the door and heads out of the console room. The door closes behind him. Betty and Jamie are unsettled. Another moment of tense silence.
JAMIE
(sighs) Well, that went well.
BETTY
(agitated) What are we supposed to do now? Just sit here and let the Cybermen get us?
JAMIE
(gradually) If the Doctor won’t destroy the TARDIS, then that’s his decision.
BETTY
(determined) No! I won’t accept this! Not one bit!
JAMIE
Betty, what else can we do? You saw how he acted. He’s determined to go through with this mad scheme of his. I tried to talk him out of it and failed.
BETTY
(determined) Give me a few minutes. I’ll give him a piece of my mind.
JAMIE
Betty!
Betty storms out of the console room.
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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