Chapter 6
SCENE #59 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – NIGHT
Back at Neptune Connect on Earth, humans are being sent through the conversion chambers to be converted. Some scream in agony, as they go through the conversion process. Tada and Snap observe this from a distance.
TADA
Are all the processing queues in an orderly fashion, Snap?
SNAP
They should be, sir. I saw to it that my men carried out your instructions.
TADA
Good, good. Supervise the rest of these conversions whilst I’m away. Everyone on Earth must be converted to become Cybermen.
SNAP
Yes, sir.
TADA
A bright new future. That’s what I’ve promised everyone, Snap. A future where all will prosper. And soon, we shall get to the planet Neptune.
Tada goes over to the teleport chamber before turning back to Snap.
TADA
Well, Snap. This is where I say goodbye. Wish me luck with the Cyber Controller, won’t you?
SNAP
Mr. Tada, are you sure you know what you’re doing?
TADA
I must try, Snap. I must have a direct contact with the Cyber Controller.
SNAP
But it’s dangerous, sir.
TADA
It would be even more dangerous if I didn’t try. The Cybermen must put their trust in me. I shall see to it that that trust is secured.
SNAP
Very well, Mr. Tada. Just as you say.
TADA
Now, do keep an eye on things whilst I’m gone, won’t you, fella?
SNAP
I’m still not sure about this. (Pause) But I will keep an eye on NC whilst you’re away, sir.
TADA
That’s all I ask, Snap. And see to it that all company devices are activated once I’ve teleported to the TARDIS. (Pause) Now I must leave. Initiate the teleport’s power supply.
SNAP
Yes, sir.
Snap switches on the teleport system’s control panel, activating the teleport pad as it glows with power. Tada makes his way over to the teleport pad and stands on it, ready for teleport.
TADA
Have you received confirmation from the Cybermen?
SNAP
Yes, sir. Locking onto TARDIS coordinates now.
TADA
Good. Be seeing you, Snap.
SNAP
Energising.
Snap initiates transport and Tada beams out. Once he’s gone, Snap leaves the teleport chamber, unaware that Billy and Jamie are in hiding in the ventilation shaft behind a grille.
JAMIE
Well, Billy, we’ve made it. And it seems Dad has already gone off to some big adventure somewhere in outer space.
BILLY
He was on his way to the TARDIS. That’s where the Cybermen are. Where the Doctor and Nyssa are. (Pause) But not me. I’m not where I need to be to save my wife and best friend.
SCENE #60 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Aboard the TARDIS, Tada arrives in the cloister room to be greeted by the Cybermen. He meets with the Cyber Controller who advances towards him with stomping feet.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You have arrived, Tada. You achieved teleport.
TADA
Mr. Cyber Controller. How good it is to catch up.
CYBER CONTROLLER
There is much to prepare. We must discuss plans. You must look into the Eye of Harmony and advance our control of the TARDIS to achieve completion of our mission.
TADA
I understand. I’m eager to be full of power. To see the upgrade of all human life.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Come. We will discuss our plans further.
Tada follows the Cyber Controller as they make for the Eye of Harmony.
SCENE #61 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – NIGHT
Back on Earth, in the Neptune Connect building, Snap gives instructions to his security forces.
SNAP
Patrol this section. See that no-one enters. (Pause) You two, supervise the queues. Everyone with ear pods is to be converted according to Mr. Tada’s instructions. See to it that it’s done.
SECURITY GUARD
But why are they being put through these machines, sir? They just come out…well, horrible. What’s the point in this?
SNAP
(abruptly) Don’t argue, soldier! Just do as I say or I’ll have your head on Mr. Tada’s platter! Now, move! MOVE!!!
The security forces move out, pushing past Snap to carry out his instructions. Snap moves before he looks back at the teleport chamber for a moment.
SNAP
(muses) A bright new future. And for everyone to go to Neptune. (Pause) Let’s hope it’s all worth it, Mr. Tada.
With that, Snap leaves, going about his duties. Shortly after his departure, the hatchway to the ventilation shaft slowly opens. Out step Billy and Jamie, who coming out of hiding. They get to their feet, making no noise for anyone to hear.
JAMIE
I feel we’re lucky breaking in with no guards seeing us.
BILLY
I thought Snap would never leave. I couldn’t wait to get out of that ventilation shaft.
JAMIE
Well, now we’re here, what do we do next? I hope you’ve got a plan before my Dad’s goons come in and see us.
BILLY
I’m not sure what to do next. It’s all happening so suddenly.
JAMIE
Well, you’d better think fast.
Billy makes his way over to the teleport controls and examines them.
BILLY
(muses) Yes. Yes, this might be… Yes, this might work.
JAMIE
What is it, Billy? What have you found?
BILLY
I wonder. We could get to the TARDIS where your father was heading via these teleport controls. Then we’ll be able to find Nyssa and the Doctor.
JAMIE
You gotta be crazy! We can’t use the teleport controls.
BILLY
It’s our only chance.
JAMIE
It’s too risky. We don’t know how these teleport controls work.
BILLY
Well, I assumed you’d know. Surely your dad showed you this kind of stuff.
JAMIE
I deal with marketing, not mechanics. I’m not an expert on technical gadgetry as this. Heck, I’ve never seen the like of it before.
BILLY
It must have been provided by the Cybermen. They gave this to Tada to carry out what they wanted him to do.
JAMIE
So, we can’t use it then.
BILLY
I didn’t say that. I’d have to be flying blind with this one.
JAMIE
You’re not going to try and access this thing, are you?
BILLY
I must try. (breathes deeply) Nyssa showed me some of the basics of handling technology such as this. I should give it a go.
Billy presses a few buttons on the control panel of the teleport system to gain access. He works his way methodically.
BILLY
(gradually) There. I think this is the bit where Snap directed the teleport to be sent into outer space. And that object, the square dot. That must be the TARDIS.
JAMIE
You can’t be sure.
BILLY
Let’s take a closer look.
Billy zooms in on the image.
BILLY
Yes, that’s it! The teleport beam is directed at the TARDIS. I recognise that blue box anywhere. (Pause) Now, if we can trace where the beam is directed to.
JAMIE
(surprised) That’s your ship? Just a blue box?
BILLY
Hang on. Nearly there. Should be able to teleport us to the TARDIS using these controls.
JAMIE
But if we do manage to get aboard, we don’t want to be where Dad was going. He’ll be where the Cybermen are.
BILLY
(realises) Good point, Jamie. (Pause; thinks) Well, let’s see if we can direct the beam away from where your dad was heading about a few metres away. Somewhere close to the console room, preferably. That way, we can divert our arrival in the TARDIS away from the Cybermen.
JAMIE
You seem to know what you’re doing.
BILLY
(happily) I’ve gained the knack. Must be all those lessons Nyssa taught me in using computers.
Billy keeps pressing controls and entering switches at the teleport system’s control panel. Soon, the teleport is ready.
BILLY
There, done! We should get going. All I have to do is press the button to initiate the teleport and we get onto those pads.
JAMIE
Hmm. Seems straight forward enough.
Billy then cries out in pain, holding the back of his neck.
JAMIE
Billy, are you alright? What’s wrong?
BILLY
My neck! I don’t know. A pain. It just came so suddenly.
JAMIE
Do you need any help?
BILLY
(reassuringly) No, no. I think it’s going. (Pause) Yes! Yes, it’s gone. I don’t feel anything now.
JAMIE
What was all that about?
BILLY
I don’t know. But I didn’t like it. It seemed to be like…I don’t know. An insect biting on the back of my neck.
Just then, Snap re-enters.
SNAP
Hey! What’s going on…? (realises) You!
BILLY
(cries) Jamie, get onto a teleport pad!
JAMIE
I’m on it!
Jamie runs forward to get onto a teleport pad. Billy presses a button to initiate the teleport.
SNAP
Oh no, you don’t!
Billy runs forward as Snap tries to get at them. But as soon as Billy and Jamie are on their teleport pads, they teleport out instantly. Snap realises what’s just occurred and stamps his feet angrily.
SNAP
(angrily) No! No, no, no, NO!!! They cannot escape, they cannot!
Snap runs over to the teleport controls to try and retrieve them. But try as he might, he can’t regain the teleport.
SNAP
Can’t reverse the process. They’ve gone wherever they are.
Snap checks the teleport logs.
SNAP
(realises) No! The logs say they’ve gone to the TARDIS. (Pause) Mr. Tada won’t be happy.
SCENE #62 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
Aboard the TARDIS, Billy and Jamie recover from their teleport, as they get up from the floor and take in their surroundings.
BILLY
Jamie? Jamie, are you okay?
JAMIE
I’m fine, I’m fine. Just…I just didn’t expect to feel so tickled during that teleport.
BILLY
Teleports can do that, I know. Are you getting that sickly feeling too after you’ve been through a teleport?
JAMIE
Something like it, yeah.
BILLY
Don’t worry, it’ll pass. (Pause; relieved) At least we’re aboard the TARDIS.
JAMIE
It’s good you recognise the place. I’ve no idea where we are. (Pause) Where do we go from here?
BILLY
We must find the Doctor and Nyssa.
JAMIE
Hasn’t it occurred to you they could be anywhere?
BILLY
They could be in the console room. That’s where I’d want to look first. (Pause) Let’s try down this corridor.
JAMIE
Are you sure?
BILLY
No, but it’s worth trying. Who knows? We may end up going around in circles.
JAMIE
Oh, great.
BILLY
Let’s hope we won’t meet any Cybermen along the way.
SCENE #63 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
In another TARDIS corridor, the Doctor, Nyssa and Betty try to find the console room. They walk down the corridor, as the Doctor and Nyssa explain to Betty about the TARDIS and themselves.
BETTY
How exactly big is this spaceship of yours, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Depends on how you perceive ‘big’, Betty. The TARDIS contains many rooms.
BETTY
But…don’t you have any decks? Or a main bridge? To command the battle stations and so forth?
NYSSA
The TARDIS isn’t designed for battle, Betty. But as the Doctor says, the ship is indefinite. It doesn’t have decks, as you’d perceive it.
DOCTOR
The TARDIS is designed with Time Lord science intact.
BETTY
Time Lord science?
DOCTOR
Dimensional transcendentalism. The TARDIS is bigger on the inside. If you were to step out of my Ship…
NYSSA
(finishes) …You’d find it smaller on the outside. A dimensional anomaly.
BETTY
Heck, I’ve no idea what you two are on about, but I’m sure I’ll get the idea when I see it.
The Doctor goes over to a wall and opens up a roundel containing a computer screen inside.
NYSSA
(intrigued) Checking something?
DOCTOR
Making sure the Cybermen haven’t gained access to the TARDIS main computer. That your encryption code is still in use.
For a while, the Doctor checks the computer inside the roundel, pressing a few buttons as he does so.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) Good. They haven’t gained entry.
NYSSA
I’m very capable in setting up an efficient encryption system, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Never doubted it.
BETTY
(curiously) These monsters you’re talking about. The ones that attacked us. The cyber things, the…
NYSSA
Cybermen.
BETTY
(curiously) Cybermen? Sounds like they’re from a Marvel comic.
The Doctor closes up the roundel.
DOCTOR
Let’s try further down here.
The trio move on in a moment’s silence.
BETTY
So, what is it you agents do then? Why did you come here to Earth? By the way, I welcome you in peace since you are aliens.
DOCTOR
Very kind of you, Betty.
NYSSA
We’re not agents. We’re travellers.
BETTY
Travellers? Oh, you mean like you’re tourists on vacation.
NYSSA
Not exactly. But it is what we try to do normally. We see many places and visit many different times. But sometimes we get diverted off-track.
BETTY
Well, sorry if this isn’t the holiday you folks had in mind. (Pause) What exactly is it you pair do then?
DOCTOR
Do? I don’t understand.
BETTY
I mean what I said. What do you do for a living? I mean…I take it you two are married?
NYSSA
Married? No! The Doctor and I aren’t married! Not to each other.
DOCTOR
Nyssa is married to someone else. I’m a single wandering traveller.
NYSSA
I’m married to Billy. You remember him? He was with us when you first met us in San Francisco at that coffee place.
BETTY
(recalls) Oh yeah, I remember. That nice young man who was with you. I don’t see him here. Where is he?
NYSSA
He’s on Earth. We had to leave him, you see. He’s looking after…
Suddenly, Betty screams and backs away. Stomping footsteps echo in the TARDIS corridor.
DOCTOR
(urgently) Don’t move! Don’t run! Stay with us, Betty!
BETTY
(calms down) Cybermen. Those are Cybermen, right?
NYSSA
(anxiously) Yes. They’re coming this way.
The Doctor, Nyssa and Betty see the Cybermen marching towards them. Their stomping footsteps echo loudly.
DOCTOR
(cautiously) Nyssa. Betty. Do exactly as I say. The Cybermen will try to shoot us on sight. When I say ‘run’, run!
The Doctor, Nyssa and Betty cautiously back away, as the Cybermen approach. The Cybermen are about to raise their arms to train their Cyber-guns at them.
DOCTOR
(shouts) Right, RUN!!!
The Doctor, Nyssa and Betty run for it, as the Cybermen open fire. The trio dodge the shots fired upon them as they run.
BETTY
(cries) Where are we going?
DOCTOR
(urgently) Just keep running, Betty! Keep running! Don’t slow down!
They run for a bit longer with the Cybermen still chasing them. Eventually…
NYSSA
(realises) Doctor, up ahead. There’s an archway with a door before us. We can get in and lock it once we’re inside. Prevent the Cybermen chasing us.
DOCTOR
Yes, Nyssa, good thinking! Come on! We’re almost there!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
You cannot escape us. You must become like us.
Neptune Cyberman #3 opens fire and shoots Betty in the leg. She cries out in pain before falling to the floor and clutching her leg.
DOCTOR
(anxiously) Betty!
BETTY
(groans) My leg! I’ve been shot in the leg!
NYSSA
(reassuringly) Hold on, Betty, we’ll help you up.
BETTY
(cries) Leave me, you two. Save yourself. I’ll slow you down.
NYSSA
(insistently) We’re not leaving you. You’re far too important than you realise.
DOCTOR
You’re essential, Betty. That’s why we came here. Why the Cybermen came here.
As the Doctor and Nyssa help Betty up to her feet, the door they were aiming for opens, as Billy and Jamie step out.
BILLY
(cries) Nyssa! Doctor! Get yourselves and Betty in here now!
NYSSA
(astonished) Billy, how did you get here?
BILLY
No time to explain. Come on, get in here now!
JAMIE
Yeah, hurry! Before the Cyber things get you!
DOCTOR
(urgently) Come on, Nyssa. Let’s get ourselves and Betty through.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
Remain still. You will be terminated unless you comply. Comply. Comply. Comply.
The Doctor, Nyssa and Betty run for it, avoiding the Cybermen’s gunfire, as they jump through the door. Billy and Jamie close it once they’re in.
SCENE #64 – INT – TARDIS, CORRIDOR – N/A
The Doctor locks the door once he, Nyssa and Betty are safe. They, Billy and Jamie sigh relieved once they find they’re out of danger for the time being.
DOCTOR
(relieved) Billy, you couldn’t have come at a better time.
JAMIE
But what do we do now? The Cyber things will be coming after us.
Suddenly, there are loud bangs echoing on the door from the other side.
BETTY
You ain’t wrong there. Those guys are breaking down the door now.
DOCTOR
Regrettably, that door won’t hold up for long.
NYSSA
Billy, you were to stay on Earth with Jamie.
BILLY
I couldn’t stand by and let you and the Doctor get into trouble. You need me. Till death do us part, remember?
NYSSA
Billy, there are times when I wish you…
Nyssa stops mid-sentence and eventually hugs Billy, relieved.
NYSSA
(relieved) I’m so glad to see you, Billy dear.
BILLY
(contented) Yeah, likewise. I’m glad you and the Doctor are safe.
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Time and place, you two. The Cybermen are still onto us, remember?
More bangs echo from the other side of the door.
JAMIE
Hi, I’m Jamie.
BETTY
I’m Betty. Nice to meet you.
JAMIE
Nice to meet you too, Betty.
DOCTOR
Billy, how exactly did you and Jamie get aboard the TARDIS?
BILLY
We came via teleport. That’s how Tada got here. He teleported to the TARDIS from Neptune Connect and we followed him. We made sure we didn’t end up in the same place he was.
NYSSA
(shocked) What? Tada is aboard the TARDIS?
BILLY
He must be with the rest of the Cybermen, wherever they are.
NYSSA
They’re in the cloister room. They’ve converted more than half of the TARDIS to their specifications. And they’re trying to gain control of the Eye of Harmony.
BILLY
(puzzled) The ‘what’ of ‘what’ now?
BETTY
(realises) Wait a minute! You’re the son of that Giles Tada, aren’t you? The one I work…worked for.
JAMIE
Yeah. Aren’t you his secretary?
More bangs echo on the door from the other side.
DOCTOR
They’re about to break through. We can’t stay here. We must move on.
NYSSA
But where can we go? We need to outwit them before they chase us endlessly.
BILLY
Yeah. We can’t keep running forever, Doc.
A moment of silence ensues.
DOCTOR
I have an idea. (Pause; thinks) Yes! Yes, it should be close to where we are.
JAMIE
What should be close?
BETTY
Yeah, spill the beans. If that’s the English way to say it.
DOCTOR
It is. And I’m not English.
BETTY
Right, sorry.
NYSSA
What is it you have in mind, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(gradually) Let’s go into that room down at the end of the corridor. I hope to surprise our friends once they break through.
SCENE #65 – INT – TARDIS, SICK BAY – N/A
Some time later, having broken through the locked door in the corridor, the Cybermen eventually enter the TARDIS sick bay. They march in where all the sick beds are in place. The Cyberman stop for a moment to scan the area. The leader, Neptune Cyberman #3, addresses his subordinates.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
The fugitives are in this area. Identified as TARDIS sick bay. Do not leave anything undetected. All areas must be searched, checked and validated before analysis and conclusion can be made.
The Cybermen begin to search the place, as they pull away the bed clothes from the sick beds. This lasts for a while before one of the Cybermen speaks up.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #4
Indication of the Doctor and his companions is unobtainable. They must have evaded our scanning range.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
This must be re-checked. We cannot falter. All areas must be searched.
Just then, the Doctor rises up from one of the beds and slices Neptune Cyberman #4’s arm off with a scalpel. Neptune Cyberman #4 groans and holds where his arm once was. The Doctor takes the arm with the Cyber-gun attached.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #4
Alert. I have been attacked.
DOCTOR
And disarmed by a scalpel! Take this!
The Doctor shoots at Neptune Cyberman #4 with the Cyber-gun. Neptune Cyberman #4 shakes and shudders, groaning before it collapses to the floor, dead. The Doctor turns on the other Cybermen.
DOCTOR
(threateningly) Now! One false move and I’ll blow you all to pieces! Every Cyberman in this sick bay, I warn you!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
Drop the weapon. You are to be retrieved…
The Doctor opens fire, gunning every Cyberman down with the Cyber-gun in his hand. This includes the leader Neptune Cyberman #3, who collapses onto a sick bed after being gunned down.
NEPTUNE CYBRMAN #3
I…I cannot…I cannot…
The Doctor, despite gunning down Neptune Cyberman #3, keeps on firing. He howls with rage – very unlike the Doctor we know. He goes too far, as he charges and howls, ready to strike the Cyber-gun onto Neptune Cyberman #3’s fallen body. Nyssa and Billy, who come out of hiding with Betty and Jamie, hold him back.
NYSSA
(shouts) Doctor, stop it!
BILLY
(shouts) You’ve got him already, Doctor!
The Doctor stops, realising he went too far. He gently drops the Cyber-gun to the floor.
DOCTOR
Sorry, Nyssa. Sorry, Billy. I don’t know what came over me.
NYSSA
Never mind that now. Let’s get to the console room.
DOCTOR
No, wait. I need to collect something. I hope it’s still intact. Help me get this Cyberman onto the sick bed here.
The Doctor is helped by Nyssa and Billy, as they get Neptune Cyberman #3 onto a sick bed. Laying him out, the Doctor begins to open the dead Cyberman’s chest unit with a medical sonic device, as it buzzes away.
DOCTOR
There. Now we’re getting somewhere.
BILLY
Doctor, what are you doing? You’ve killed him already. You don’t have to take his organs out.
DOCTOR
I’m not doing anything of the sort. I’m looking for the cybernetic processor.
NYSSA
The cybernetic what?
DOCTOR
Every Cyberman has one. It’s to record and gather information from every Cyberman on battle strategies, tactical procedures and any other recorded data that is of essential value.
The Doctor stops using the medical sonic device as he switches it off and begins to search through the Cyberman’s chest unit with his bare hands.
NYSSA
(realises) I see. You want to know what the Cybermen are intending to do that’s prompted them to get the TARDIS in flight above Earth’s orbit.
DOCTOR
That’s the general idea. Hopefully, we should feed this information into the TARDIS console’s data bank without any obstructions.
Just then, Neptune Cyberman #3 speaks.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
(groans; pleads) Help me. Please help me.
BETTY
(anxiously) Doctor, the Cyberman’s still alive.
JAMIE
(realises) Wait a minute. I thought you said the Cybermen were emotionless. This one isn’t. It just pleaded.
BILLY
Yes, it did, didn’t it?
NYSSA
Doctor, did you damage the Cyberman’s emotional inhibitor when you fired upon it?
DOCTOR
Yes. It’s remembering who he, she or they were. It won’t last long. It’ll die soon. With emotion and personality overwhelming him, her or them.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
(cries; pleads) Help me. Please help me. (Pause; realises) Betty! Jamie! Is that you?
BETTY
(realises) It knows us. The Cyberman knows us.
JAMIE
It must be one of our workmates at NC.
The Doctor pulls the cybernetic processor out from Neptune Cyberman #3’s chest unit.
DOCTOR
(triumphantly) Got it! We have the cybernetic processor.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
(pleads) Betty! Jamie! Please! I need your help. I want to go home. It’s me. Gareth. Gareth Dyson.
JAMIE
(realises) Dyson? Old Dummy Dyson?
BETTY
(appalled) What have they done to you, dear Gareth?
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #3
(despairs) I want to go home. I miss my mommy. (Pause) Please, tell my mom…I love…her…
The Cyberman, originally Gareth Dyson, shakes and shudders momentarily before it dies out, as the emotions overwhelm him. He’s become still and dead on the sick bed.
BILLY
Is…? Is the Cyberman…? Gareth… Is he dead?
NYSSA
(sorrowfully) Yes. It received radio signals. The emotion was too much for his brain to cope with.
BETTY
Doctor?
The Doctor is unresponsive whilst holding the cybernetic processor.
DOCTOR
We’ve got to get to the TARDIS console room now. Anyone coming?
With that, the Doctor leaves the sick bay. The others follow, perturbed by his odd behaviour.
SCENE #66 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS cloister room, the Cyber Controller stomps loudly, as he and Tada make for the Eye of Harmony.
CYBER CONTROLLER
There is much to prepare. Your company has supplied good stock around the world. Everyone will be fitted with Neptune devices.
TADA
Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it all worked out. The Cyber ear pods are a special offer for any who want to download daily information. No one can resist. I made sure of that.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The interplexing beacon is to be set at two junction points. Both in the TARDIS and at the Neptune Connect building.
TADA
Yes. My technicians and delivery men have seen to it that the beacon materials are sent to the rooftops per your instructions.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Our Cyber units on Earth will set up the assembly for the beacon. They will place it to be ready to transmit signals into space.
TADA
(eagerly) This is gonna be very exciting!
Eventually, they arrive at the Eye of Harmony. They look into the Eye to see what’s inside.
TADA
(enamoured) It’s so bright. I’ve never seen nor felt such power.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Eye of Harmony. The power source for the Time Lords of Gallifrey. For their TARDISes.
TADA
(enamoured) So much power. (Pause) I’d so much like to have it.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The power shall be given to you…by us.
A moment of silence ensues.
TADA
That Doctor, I’ve been wondering. Is it really worth having him killed? Surely he can help us?
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor is our greatest enemy. He must be located and terminated.
TADA
Yeah, but just think. You and I know he has a compassionate side. A side that makes him weak, wouldn’t you say?
CYBER CONTROLLER
Correct.
TADA
Therefore, wouldn’t it be so thrilling to have him weak at the knees when he finds out we’ve captured one of his dearest friends? Then we threaten him to help us.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your suggestion has emotional connotations. (Pause) But it is logical. What would he do to help us?
TADA
Why, by processing his thoughts into this magnificent machine of ours. Directing power from the Eye of Harmony, connected to him, and sending it through his body into the chamber where we send out the signal. Transmitted far and wide to bring the rest of our forces to come and take over.
CYBER CONTROLLER
That is agreeable. Your suggestion is valid. We were correct to ally with you.
TADA
What can I say? I’m a clever kind of guy.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You shall be required further. We have need for your imagination.
TADA
(coolly) Well, you did say I’m the key to Earth’s future.
CYBER CONTROLLER
That is correct. Your name is significant in Earth’s future. With your help, the Cyber race shall be invincible.
TADA
I’m sure it will.
Just then, the Cyber Leader arrives to give a report to the Cyber Controller, stomping as he approaches.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Report?
CYBER LEADER
Units sent to retrieve the Doctor and his companions have been unsuccessful. They have not been acquired.
CYBER CONTROLLER
They must continue. Do not deviate. Order them to continue searching. All areas of the TARDIS infrastructure must be checked.
CYBER LEADER
Understood.
The Cyber Leader marches off.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Advise your associates on Earth to advance further with the processing of NC customers and workers. All must be fully converted to be like us.
TADA
(reassuringly) Don’t worry. I’ll see to it that my staff carries out your instructions. Snap will know what to do.
Just then, a beep-beep echoes from Tada’s communicator. He takes it out and switches it on to speak into it.
TADA
(through communicator) Tada here.
SNAP (V’O)
Sir? Mr Tada? Just reporting. I must apologise, sir.
TADA
(through communicator) What is it, Snap?
SNAP (V’O)
The Doctor’s companion – the boy. He got away via the teleport pad. He’s aboard the TARDIS. And your son is with him.
TADA
(through communicator) My son? (angrily) You allowed my son and that friend of the Doctor’s to get away?!
SNAP (V’O)
I tried to stop them, sir. But they were too quick for me. That boy…
TADA
(through communicator; shouts; angrily) You stupid incompetent fool, Snap! You shall suffer for this! Get back to your duties! And for once, do what you’re supposed to do and do it right! Understand?!
SNAP (V’O)
Yes, sir. As you say, sir.
Tada switches off his communicator and angrily throws it to the floor. He huffs and puffs whilst the Cyber Controller observes.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You display anger. Anger is an emotional weakness. Do you not consider anger will cost you your death?
Tada says nothing whilst the Cyber Controller stares blankly at him.
SCENE #67 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Meanwhile, the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Betty and Jamie return to the TARDIS console room. As they enter, the Doctor places the cybernetic processor into the console.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) There. That fits in nicely.
NYSSA
It’d be nice if you told us what you’re doing, Doctor. Maybe we could help.
DOCTOR
(focused) Hold on. I’m just downloading the information from this cybernetic processor into the TARDIS data bank. It should be straight forward. Hopefully, there won’t be any cybernetic implants running their way through the console.
BILLY
Have you checked?
DOCTOR
(focused) I’ll keep checking, yes. Now bear with me, all of you, and please keep quiet. I need to concentrate.
As the Doctor works hard at the console, Nyssa and Billy turn to Betty and Jamie.
BILLY
Sorry. Didn’t introduce myself properly. I’m Billy.
BETTY
Hi, Billy. I’m Betty. You’re Nyssa’s boyfriend, right?
NYSSA
Husband, Betty. Billy’s my husband.
BILLY
(cheerily) Yes, that’s me. Hello.
JAMIE
Well, err…congratulations, you two. (to Nyssa) Nice to see you again, Nyssa.
NYSSA
And you, Jamie.
BETTY
(realises) Wait! You’ve met each other before then?
JAMIE
Yeah. Outside the NC building.
BILLY
I’m surprised you two haven’t met before.
BETTY
Why? No reason why we should have met, surely.
JAMIE
We work in different departments. I’m the head of Marketing, she was my Dad’s secretary.
NYSSA
But surely you must have worked together on some level. Due to your management skills, Jamie, and relaying information to Betty. And vice versa.
BETTY
Oh, we send emails to each other to provide updates on daily work routines and strategies. And we sometimes meet via video call. That’s how we made contact. It’s on a professional level.
BILLY
Doesn’t it bother that you’ve worked together but never met before?
JAMIE
(thinks) I dunno really. I hadn’t thought about it, to be honest.
BETTY
Nor me. As long as we work together online, it doesn’t matter whether we meet up in person or not, does it?
BILLY
(dismayed) Well, if this is the future, I’m glad I’m living in the past. I’m more happy to make love to Nyssa face-to-face than by interface.
NYSSA
Same here.
BETTY
So, are you two then? Where do you come from? You’re not local, I take it.
BILLY
(stammers) Well, you see, um… The fact is, err…
DOCTOR
(interrupts; cheers) Got it! Information download complete!
Nyssa, Billy, Betty and Jamie rejoin the Doctor.
NYSSA
Yes, Doctor? What have you discovered?
The Doctor shows Nyssa, Billy, Betty and Jamie the information system of the TARDIS data bank.
DOCTOR
I’ve found this. This is a schematic of what the Cybermen are intending to use to adapt to the TARDIS cloister room, including the Eye of Harmony and the Ship’s engines. They’re attempting to integrate an interplexing beacon.
BILLY
(puzzled) Interplexing beacon?
DOCTOR
It’s a subspace transmitter. The Cybermen use it to send out long range signals across parsecs of space in order to summon reinforcements to their location.
NYSSA
(shocked) They’re calling for reinforcements?
DOCTOR
Unfortunately, yes. They’re hoping to summon all the Cybermen to this space-time location in San Francisco.
NYSSA
The Cybermen are scattered throughout all of Space and Time. They could be anywhere and anywhen. Telos, Mondas, every encounter you’ve had with them.
BILLY
So, just to clarify. If the Cybermen switch on the beacon, it’ll bring them all here. Wherever and whenever they are. They’ll pop up with the aim to turn everyone to be like them.
DOCTOR
Spot on, Billy. (Pause) We need to get the TARDIS to land on Earth to stop them switching on the beacon.
JAMIE
Can we do that then?
DOCTOR
I’m not sure. But another worry I have is that it’s not just the TARDIS they’re hoping to use. They hope to use the main Neptune Connect building in San Francisco to send out the signal via the rooftop. According to this schematic, it acts as a backup plan.
BILLY
So, they’ve got two points to switch on the beacon. (groans) That’s not fair.
NYSSA
It’s imperative we get the TARDIS to land on Earth first before we return to Neptune Connect and stop the transmission point from the main building’s rooftop.
DOCTOR
Precisely. Now if I could just get this old girl to work, I might be able to attempt a short hop.
NYSSA
Doctor, remember that the TARDIS main computer is protected by an encryption code. Tamper with that, [and…]
DOCTOR
(interrupts; reassuringly) It’s alright, Nyssa, it’s alright. I’m only handling the basic TARDIS controls at this point. I only want us to land. I don’t want to access any of the TARDIS computer data records. (Pause) This is going to be a slow and bumpy landing. But if I can just manage [to…]
As the Doctor accesses the TARDIS controls, there’s suddenly a huge thud and everyone falls to the floor, startled. A moment of apprehension ensues.
DOCTOR
Sorry. It might be best if everyone held onto something. I knew this was going to be a slow and bumpy landing.
Everyone holds on, as the Doctor continues to land the TARDIS.
SCENE #68 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS cloister room, an alarm goes off. The Cybermen are startled once this has occurred.
CYBER LEADER
Alert. Alert. Alert.
CYBER CONTROLLER
What is the alarm? Where is it coming from?
CYBER LEADER
Checking.
TADA
Having problems, are we?
CYBER CONTROLLER
Silence. (to Cyber Leader) Give your report.
CYBER LEADER
Detecting motor functions in operation in TARDIS engines. The vessel is being dragged down to Earth’s atmosphere.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Override.
The Cyber Leader attends to it. Moments later…
CYBER LEADER
Cannot comply. TARDIS functions are being operated from main console room.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor.
CYBER LEADER
Affirmative, Leader.
TADA
Him at work again.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Cancel his access to the TARDIS controls. Cancel immediately.
CYBER LEADER
Complying.
SCENE #69 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS console room, a warning bleep echoes from the console. The Doctor checks.
DOCTOR
(realises) Oh no.
NYSSA
They’re fighting back?
DOCTOR
(grimly) Yes. Just as I feared.
BILLY
(apprehensively) Well, are we on our way to land?
DOCTOR
Not quite. But if I don’t block the Cybermen’s control protocols and prevent them denying me access, we’ll be hanging in Earth’s stratosphere.
NYSSA
And the TARDIS will be burn up. Surely the TARDIS can bear the heat.
DOCTOR
The HADS will warn the TARDIS of danger, but I suspect the Cybermen will have shut it off. It’s time for blind instinct, I’m afraid. I’ll have to bypass the Cybermen’s codes.
JAMIE
Do you need any help with that?
DOCTOR
No, no, wait, wait. I’ve got it, I’ve got it. (Pause) Right or wrong, here we go.
With that, the Doctor sets about to work, attempting to bypass the Cybermen’s codes.
SCENE #70 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
Back in the cloister room, the Cyber Leader realises he has failed.
CYBER LEADER
Codes unsuccessful. The Doctor has bypassed instructions. The cancellation of his access to TARDIS controls was not achieved.
CYBER CONTROLLER
We must take new measures.
TADA
What had you in mind?
CYBER CONTROLLER
Cyber Leader, order the Cyber Lieutenant to send out all units to the console room. Order them to retrieve the Doctor, but not to terminate him.
CYBER LEADER
I do not understand.
TADA
(bitterly) Just do as you’re told by the Controller and get lost!
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor is essential to our current strategy. See to it that no damage is caused to his body or to his mind.
CYBER LEADER
Understood. (Pause) Incoming report. The TARDIS has entered the Earth’s atmosphere. It is returning to San Francisco. To Neptune Connect.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Irrelevant. Carry out my instructions.
CYBER LEADER
Understood.
The Cyber Leader marches off to carry out the Cyber Controller’s instructions. The Cyber Controller turns to Tada.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The interplexing beacon must be initiated on Earth. Firewalls must be placed. I must send word to all units. Order your men to help the Cybermen with placing firewalls on key systems before we activate the beacon on Neptune Connect’s rooftop.
TADA
Excuse me, I’m the one who gives orders, you know.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Do you object to this course of action?
TADA
(gradually) No. I’ll see to it that your orders for my men to help the Cybermen are carried out. I’m sure Snap will have learnt from his mistakes by now.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Look into the Eye. The power shall be yours, if you want it.
TADA
(eagerly) Yes! Yes, I certainly want that.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Then you shall have it. All who work with the Cybermen shall receive their reward. We shall all have the Eye’s power within us. All Cybermen…and you shall have it.
TADA
(pleased) Yes, yes. That’s what I want. The glory and power of the TARDIS. To be filled with time energy itself from the time vortex. And space. Infinite space. Such a dream!
A moment later, Tada takes out and speaks into his communicator.
TADA
(through communicator) Snap? Snap, can you hear me?
SNAP (V’O)
Yes, Mr. Tada, I hear you.
TADA
(through communicator) The Cybermen are about to set up their interplexing beacon on Neptune Connect’s rooftop. See to it that you and your men help them.
SNAP (V’O)
(anxiously) The rooftop, sir? But, sir… (trails off) Yes, sir. I’ll do that, sir.
TADA
(through communicator; pleased) Good, good. (Pause) Oh, one more thing, Snap.
SNAP (V’O)
Yes, Mr. Tada?
TADA
(through communicator) How’s it going with the conversions? The upgrades given to customers and workers at NC?
SNAP (V’O)
It’s going well, sir. We have more than five thousand units processed so far, sir.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Not enough. The conversion rate must be increased.
TADA
(through communicator) You hear that, Snap? The conversion process must be faster. Understand? Faster!
SNAP (V’O)
Yes, sir. I understand, sir. It’s just… It’s just…
TADA
(through communicator) Just what, Snap?
SNAP (V’O)
Well, sir. I don’t know how to put this. I can’t bear the noise coming out from those chambers when people go in. They always scream in pain when they’re being converted.
TADA
(through communicator) Scream, do they? Interesting.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Why do they scream? They should be free from pain.
TADA
(through communicator) Continue your work, Snap. Increase work levels and speed efficiency. There’s a good pal.
SNAP (V’O)
(reluctantly) Yes, sir. Whatever you say.
Snap ends the communication at his end, whilst Tada and the Cyber Controller continue to observe everything that’s going on in the TARDIS cloister room.
SCENE #71 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the console room, the Doctor manages to bypass the Cybermen’s security protocols and the TARDIS shudders with a loud bump, causing everyone to fall over. The time rotor rises up and down, whooshing away before it dings loudly to indicate the TARDIS has landed. Silence ensues.
BILLY
(breathes) We… We’ve made it! I think.
NYSSA
Doctor? We have arrived, haven’t we?
DOCTOR
(checks) Err…err, yes! Yes, Nyssa. We have arrived. Back where we started. Back in San Francisco and close to Neptune Connect.
JAMIE
(relieved) Thank goodness! I thought we were going for a bumpy ride forever.
BETTY
So, you’ve brought me home then, have you, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Err, yes! Yes, I have, Betty. We’re safely back home.
BETTY
Well, it sure was good meeting you, guys. I’ve got to go and report to my lot back at the agency…
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Wait, wait, Betty! Don’t go out just yet.
BETTY
Why, what’s the big deal?
NYSSA
We don’t know what’s out there, Betty. There might be danger waiting for us.
BILLY
More Cybermen.
NYSSA
Yes. They’ve probably been alerted that something’s wrong. They’ll want to investigate why the TARDIS has returned to its previous space-and-time location.
DOCTOR
Or worse. They’ll be notified of us and will probably wait for us to come out so that we can be taken away for processing.
JAMIE
What? To become like one of them? That’s terrifying.
BETTY
Nevertheless, I’ve got to report to my superiors. I’m a special agent and I need to report to my bosses on what I’ve found out about Tada.
JAMIE
(interrupts) Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up the track! You a special agent? Agent as in spy?
DOCTOR
(impatiently) Ssh, you two! I’m trying to concentrate.
Suddenly, the Doctor feels a twinge of pain in his chest and cries out loud.
DOCTOR
(in pain) Oww! My chest!
NYSSA
(concerned) Doctor, are you alright?
DOCTOR
(gradually; reassuringly) I’ll be fine, Nyssa. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. (Pause) It’s just… I can feel the Eye of Harmony still groaning. It’s lost a lot of power. And time is in flux.
BILLY
Can’t you just shut this…Eye of Harmony? Close it? Prevent the Cybermen from gaining further access to it?
DOCTOR
I could try, Billy. But it’s going to be a temporary measure.
NYSSA
Then that’s all we need. We need a temporary measure to delay things for the Cybermen. To give us time on what we need to do to defeat them permanently.
DOCTOR
(gradually) Yes. Yes, you’re quite right, Nyssa. (Pause) Alright. I’ll do as you suggest, Billy. I’ll close the Eye of Harmony via a temporary measure.
BILLY
Will it take long?
DOCTOR
Shouldn’t be more than ten seconds. Now, let’s see. Ah here we are!
The Doctor accesses the TARDIS controls for the Eye of Harmony, pressing buttons and switches as he does so.
SCENE #72 – INT – TARDIS, CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the cloister room, Tada and the Cyber Controller stand over the Eye of Harmony. Suddenly, a flash of electricity surrounds it, causing them to stagger back.
TADA
(perplexed) What happened? What did you just do?
CYBER CONTROLLER
An energy barrier has been placed around the Eye of Harmony. I can no longer detect the power emanating from the Eye.
TADA
(scoffs) Don’t be ridiculous. There’s no energy barrier. I can see the Eye perfectly.
Tada reaches out to touch the Eye, but receives an electric shock once he touches the barrier. He backs away, holding his hand as it’s in pain.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor has placed this barrier around the Eye as a temporary measure. To prevent us gaining access and control of the Ship.
TADA
Resourceful guy, isn’t he? No wonder you and your kind fear him.
CYBER CONTROLLER
He is a reckless enemy. Full of emotional and irrational behaviour. He cannot be allowed to interrupt our tasks. He must be captured to conduct what we have intended for him. Then he must be completely terminated.
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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