Chapter 7
SCENE #73 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Back in the TARDIS console room…
NYSSA
(relieved) Good. You’ve secured the Eye temporarily. What a relief!
DOCTOR
(eagerly) Now I must go and attend to the Cybermen’s interplexing beacon.
BILLY
On the rooftop of the NC building, you said.
DOCTOR
Yes. There must be a power source for the beacon to be directed from. (Pause) Billy, would you accompany me?
BILLY
Of course. What is it you have in mind?
DOCTOR
That teleport chamber you and Jamie found. If you could show me where it is, I’ll be most grateful.
JAMIE
Can I come too?
BILLY
Are you sure, Jamie?
DOCTOR
No! I think it’d be best if you stayed here with Nyssa and Betty.
JAMIE
Oh. Alright. If you say so.
BETTY
(protests) Now wait a minute. I’m not standing around here…
DOCTOR
(interjects) Nyssa, would you mind looking after our guests? We won’t be long, Billy and I.
NYSSA
Very well, Doctor. I’ll keep them safe.
DOCTOR
Good. But before we go, we’d better take this.
The Doctor goes underneath the console and takes out a component from it. This causes the lights to dim.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) There. That should do it.
BETTY
(anxiously) What did you just do? All the lights went out.
BILLY
What’s that you’ve got there, Doctor?
DOCTOR
It’s the space-time element. The Heart of the TARDIS. I’ve disabled the Ship from taking off.
NYSSA
So, the Cybermen won’t be able to take off in the TARDIS without that component.
DOCTOR
Indeed. I’ll keep it safe in one of my coat pockets.
BILLY
Shall we go now, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Yes, of course. We’ll make for Neptune Connect’s Control Hub. Come on, Billy. (to Nyssa) Goodbye, Nyssa, Betty, Jamie. Take care of yourselves.
NYSSA
Good luck!
The Doctor and Billy head out, whilst Nyssa remains with Betty and Jamie.
BETTY
(annoyed) Well, I gotta say, I’ve never known a guy as extraordinary and annoying as that. Telling us to stay put.
JAMIE
Is he always like that?
NYSSA
Sometimes, yes. (Pause) I just hope he’ll keep my husband safe.
SCENE #74 – INT – SHOPPING MALL, CITY CENTER – DAY, MORNING
In the shopping mall, the Doctor and Billy make their way to the main Neptune Connect building.
DOCTOR
We’ll have to be careful as we go in. Whether it’s NC guards or Cybermen, we’re likely to receive an unfriendly welcome. We must avoid that possibility.
BILLY
Easier said than done.
DOCTOR
Brave heart, Billy. We’ll get in somehow.
A moment of silence ensues, as they continue making their way to the NC building.
DOCTOR
Billy, tell me, how did you and Jamie end up in that building in the first place?
BILLY
Well, it’s quite simple really. When the TARDIS vanished, taking you and Nyssa…
DOCTOR
(interrupts) You saw the TARDIS dematerialise?
BILLY
Yes. (continues) When the Cybermen essentially kidnapped you two, Jamie and I, well…we ventured into the NC building via the lower levels, ending up in some kind of storage area. We got caught by Jamie’s father, Snap and his guards, and some Cybermen. We ended up in a prison cell in the security brig at NC headquarters. We managed to escape by opening and getting into a ventilation shaft above our heads.
DOCTOR
(admonishingly) You and Jamie went into the NC building despite the dangers you were likely to face?
BILLY
I was just worried about you and Nyssa!
DOCTOR
Oh, Billy!
BILLY
I was trying to rescue you! I panicked! I didn’t mean for Jamie and me to get into trouble. Honest, I didn’t. (Pause) I know how important Betty and Jamie are, but…
DOCTOR
(interrupts; realises) Wait a minute! Wait a minute, you may have provided the answer.
BILLY
What? Me and Jamie getting into trouble?
DOCTOR
Not exactly. But the storage area you mentioned. It might be significant. (thinks) Perhaps it’s close to where you and Jamie found the teleport system and the Cybermen’s conversion chambers.
BILLY
Goodness! You really think so?
DOCTOR
Well, it’s worth checking out. Where exactly did you get into the building, Billy?
BILLY
Well, we got in round the back.
DOCTOR
Round the back? Can you show me that back entrance then?
BILLY
Yes, I’m sure I can. I recall where Jamie showed it to me.
DOCTOR
(pleased) Splendid! Let’s make for that then!
BILLY
You’re the doc, Doctor. This way, I believe.
The Doctor follows Billy, as they make their way into the NC building via the back entrance.
SCENE #75 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS, Nyssa, Betty and Jamie are waiting for the Doctor and Billy to return.
BETTY
(gradually) So, you’re not from around here, are ya? You’re from a different time.
NYSSA
Well, yes. We’re all from different times and places. Billy’s from Earth in Nineteen Sixty-Three. I’m from the planet Traken, far away from your galaxy. And the Doctor’s a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey.
JAMIE
You’re aliens?
NYSSA
Billy’s the only human among us three, yes.
BETTY
How did you three meet then? Was it at the same time?
NYSSA
Not really. It’s rather complicated. And a long story.
JAMIE
Well, we do have time. Just give us the edited highlights.
NYSSA
(gradually) Well, the Doctor and I first met when my home planet was under threat. We eventually travelled together for a while, and we soon met Billy on the planet Earth in his time. We three have been travelling ever since. Billy and I got married recently.
BETTY
You and Billy got married?
NYSSA
Billy’s been very good to me. And he’s very brave. And kind. (Pause; changes subject) How did you get to be a secret agent, Betty? How long have you been one?
BETTY
About ten years. I’m very good and professional at what I do. I’ve been able to break into Tada’s database and records for the past six months.
JAMIE
(accusingly) You were spying on my Dad as well as being his secretary?
BETTY
I have a duty to perform. America is in great peril under your father’s reign. Someone had to stop it. I fitted the bill.
JAMIE
After all this time. (Pause) Suppose if I’d found out, I’d probably tell him you were an agent.
BETTY
You probably would. You’re his son after all.
JAMIE
I’m not my father! I have my own identity.
BETTY
(challengingly) Oh yeah? Why do you work for him when you know he’s trash?
JAMIE
No one talks about my father like that except me.
BETTY
I can talk about him however I like. I can even talk about you, you hypocrite.
NYSSA
(interjects) Please, let’s not be fighting. The Doctor…
JAMIE
(interjects; angrily) I knew nothing of my father’s work. Nor did I know he was working with metal men.
BETTY
Likely story. Like father, like son is what I say.
JAMIE
My father and I don’t see eye to eye.
BETTY
I’m not convinced.
JAMIE
It’s the truth!
Just then, metal footsteps approach.
NYSSA
Quiet, you two!
BETTY
Don’t interrupt, Nyssa. I still have a few words to say to this [smug…]
NYSSA
(insistently) Shut up, the pair of you, and listen!
They become quiet, as they listen to the metal footsteps getting closer. They’re distinctly familiar.
JAMIE
(realises) Cybermen!
BETTY
(panics) Oh no! They’re coming here! They’re going to enter the console room!
NYSSA
I’ll shut the door! Stop them getting in!
Nyssa goes over to the door leading out of the console room to shut it. She arrives just in time, just as a Cyberman is about to push through. She pushes hard at the door to hold him back. A struggle ensues, as Nyssa pushes the door to shut the Cyberman out.
BETTY
(concerned) Nyssa, are you alright?
NYSSA
(reassuringly) I’m fine. I’ll be alright. (Pause) But I don’t think I can hold this door much longer.
JAMIE
What are we going to do? Is there anything we can do?
NYSSA
(thinks; gradually) Yes! We can get out! (Pause) Betty, Jamie! Either of you, pull the door lever to open it.
BETTY
Which is the door lever? We don’t know half of these controls!
NYSSA
It’s the big red knob. That’s the door lever. (urgently) Quickly, pull it to open!
Betty and Jamie both pull the door lever simultaneously. The interior doors begins to open slowly inwards, providing the exit from the TARDIS.
JAMIE
(cheers) It’s open! The doors are open!
NYSSA
(urgently) Quickly, Betty, Jamie! Get out of here! Run out through those doors as fast as you can!
BETTY
(protests) We can’t just leave you here!
NYSSA
I’ll be fine! I’ll hold these doors for as long as I can before I join you. (urgently) Now please hurry! Otherwise we won’t get out! Just go! Go!
JAMIE
Come on, Betty. Let’s get outta here while we still can!
BETTY
Don’t push me around!
JAMIE
(impatiently) Come on!
Betty and Jamie run through the TARDIS interior doors to get out. Nyssa holds back the door against the Cybermen whilst Betty and Jamie run out.
NYSSA
Now… I have to do this… at the right moment.
Eventually, Nyssa lets go of the door…
NYSSA
And out I go!
…and runs as fast as she can out of the TARDIS. The Cybermen, led by the Cyber Lieutenant, enter to see Nyssa escape. They raise their arms and train their Cyber-guns on Nyssa, ready to open fire.
CYBER LIEUTENANT
Stop her. Stop her. Open fire.
The Cybermen open fire but miss, as Nyssa is already out of the TARDIS.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The woman has escaped.
CYBER LIEUTENANT
No consequence. The TARDIS is ours again. Close the interior doors. Lock them. We will have no more interference to our operations.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Complying.
Neptune Cyberman #2 approaches the door lever on the console and lowers it, closing the interior doors.
CYBER LIEUTENANT
The Cyber Leader and the Cyber Controller must be informed. Reinitiate take-off procedure for the TARDIS at once.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 attends to the TARDIS console whilst the Cyber Lieutenant leaves to report to its superiors.
SCENE #76 – INT – SHOPPING MALL, CITY CENTER – DAY, MORNING
In the shopping mall, Nyssa joins Betty and Jamie outside the TARDIS.
JAMIE
(realises; confused) They’re not coming out! Why’s that?
BETTY
Let’s get back in. Hope they haven’t locked us out.
Betty and Jamie try to get back into the TARDIS, but find that the doors are locked.
BETTY
Nope, they have. They’ve locked us out.
JAMIE
(groans) Now we’re in trouble.
NYSSA
(reassuringly) Don’t worry. The Cybermen can’t take off. The Doctor removed the space-time element from under the TARDIS console, remember?
BETTY
But what are we to do now?
NYSSA
We can’t wait around here. Let’s go and find the Doctor and Billy.
JAMIE
Are you sure? The Doctor told us to wait in the TARDIS.
NYSSA
I know what I’m doing. Come on. Let’s go and find them before any more trouble happens.
With that, Nyssa leads the way, as she, Betty and Jamie go off to find the Doctor and Billy.
SCENE #77 – EXT – REAR ENTRANCE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, MORNING
At the rear entrance to Neptune Connect, the Doctor and Billy arrive.
DOCTOR
This is how you got in? Through the back door?
BILLY
Well, yes. What were you expecting? A hole in the wall?
DOCTOR
The door needs a security code to permit entry. A security code which we don’t have.
BILLY
Jamie has it. We can go back to the…TARDIS… (realises) Oh, right.
DOCTOR
Yes. We’d have to go all the way back to the TARDIS to get the code from him. I suppose it’s in the form of a data card.
BILLY
I can go back and get it from him. You wait here.
DOCTOR
(interjects) No, no, we’re wasting enough time as it is. We’ll do this the hard way. Give me a hand, Billy.
BILLY
(intrigued) Why, what are you going to do? You don’t have a sonic screwdriver on you, do you?
DOCTOR
I’m going to try and access this panel in the wall here. Just give me a moment.
The Doctor reaches for the panel in the wall and opens it. Once opened, he looks inside.
BILLY
(intrigued) Why, what are you going to do? You don’t have a sonic screwdriver on you, do you?
DOCTOR
Ah, yes. Look at that lovely circuitry.
The Doctor passes the panel to Billy.
DOCTOR
Hold this, will you?
Billy takes it and puts the panel to one side. The Doctor then takes out a screwdriver from one of his coat pockets.
BILLY
You’re using a screwdriver? An actual screwdriver?
DOCTOR
Yes, Billy, I am. I’m still getting around to making a new sonic screwdriver. In the meantime, we’ll have to make do with using the ordinary implement. I’m sure this screwdriver will do its job splendidly.
BILLY
(dubiously) Yeah, well, don’t be too long. As you said, we’re wasting enough time as it is.
DOCTOR
Please be patient, Billy. I’m doing this as quickly as I can.
Just then, stomping footsteps echo nearby. Billy turns to hear them.
BILLY
Doctor?
DOCTOR
Hmm?
BILLY
Doctor, listen!
They both listen, as the stomping footsteps get closer.
DOCTOR
(realises) Cybermen! Billy, duck!
They duck, as a squad of Cybermen march past where they are. They’re escorting people in a trance. Billy and the Doctor watch, as they see the Cybermen taking their victims away.
BILLY
What are they doing with those people? Where are they taking them?
DOCTOR
They’re taking them inside the NC building to be processed.
BILLY
(shocked) What…to become like one of them?
DOCTOR
The driving impulse of a Cyberman is to survive and make every living thing like one of them. It’s the thing the Cybermen strive for. They convert everyone and program out all their emotions because of the pain they bring.
BILLY
(disturbed) It’s horrible. Absolutely horrible. (Pause) Whoever did this to them in the first place, I would like to give them a piece of my mind.
DOCTOR
Believe me, Billy, I’ve tried it once. And still the Cybermen march out to take you away.
They watch, as the remaining Cybermen march past their hiding place, taking their victims with them. The Doctor and Billy soon get up out of hiding.
BILLY
(concerned) Is there anything we can do to help those poor people? Save them from becoming Cybermen?
DOCTOR
I’m sure we can end all this by the end of today, Billy. (Pause) But first, we must get this door open. Now with a little jiggery-pokery on the circuitry using this screwdriver…
The Doctor continues to work at it with the screwdriver for a little while.
SCENE #78 – EXT – FRONT ENTRANCE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, MORNING
Meanwhile, with Nyssa, Betty and Jamie, they arrive at the front entrance of the Neptune Connect building.
BETTY
They’re not here, are they? Not at NC’s front door.
NYSSA
No, they don’t seem to be.
JAMIE
Huh! So much for searching for your friends.
BETTY
Well, what do we do now?
A moment of silence, as Nyssa thinks.
NYSSA
(gradually) They’re probably inside the building and looking for the control centre.
BETTY
Should we look for them inside then?
NYSSA
The thing is, I don’t know whereabouts they’d be at this precise moment. (Pause) Jamie, you and Billy got into the building earlier, didn’t you?
JAMIE
Yeah, we did. We got in via the back entrance.
BETTY
How appropriate.
JAMIE
Perhaps we should make for that then. The back door requires a security clearance. I had one when Billy and I went in earlier.
BETTY
They might have changed the security systems. Now that your father knows you’re working against him. Your security clearance might not work.
JAMIE
True. But if that’s the case, how would Billy and the Doctor be able to get in via the back door?
NYSSA
I’m sure the Doctor will have found a way for him and Billy to get inside the building.
SCENE #79 – EXT – REAR ENTRANCE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, MORNING
Back with the Doctor and Billy, the rear entrance door slides open once the Doctor finishes tampering the circuitry with his screwdriver.
DOCTOR
Voila! Open sesame!
BILLY
(amazed) It worked! It actually worked!
DOCTOR
Of course it did! Did you ever doubt it? (Pause) Come on. No time to waste. Let’s get inside to that storage room you found earlier.
The Doctor ventures forth, entering the building with Billy following him.
SCENE #80 – EXT – FRONT ENTRANCE, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, MORNING
JAMIE
(eagerly) What are we waiting for? Let’s go and find the Doctor and Billy at the back entrance!
JAMIE
Oh, you’re keen, aren’t you, Tada Junior.
NYSSA
(realises) Quiet, both of you!
BETTY
What is it?
NYSSA
(hushes) Ssh! Look up there!
Betty and Jamie look to see what Nyssa’s seen. A moment of silence ensues, as they see movement up above.
JAMIE
(gradually; realises) I see.
NYSSA
There are Cybermen up on the Neptune Connect building’s rooftop. Neptune Cybermen. About a dozen or so, I think.
BETTY
They seem to be…setting up something up there. But what?
NYSSA
(realises) It’s the interplexing beacon. They’re setting it up on the rooftop.
JAMIE
Is that the device the Doctor mentioned to signal more Cybermen to come here?
NYSSA
That’s right.
BETTY
(confused) But I thought they had that already installed in the TARDIS.
NYSSA
That was for outer space transmission. This is a backup procedure. To send signals into outer space from NC’s rooftop in case the transmission signal via the TARDIS failed.
JAMIE
(realises) Which has happened. The Doctor removed one of the TARDIS components to prevent the ship taking off.
BETTY
And now they’re using the NC alternative.
NYSSA
If the Doctor and Billy can find a way to stop the Cybermen using the beacon via NC’s rooftop, it would save an awful lot of lives.
JAMIE
And presuming they don’t know about it?
NYSSA
Then we’ll have to go inside and warn them. I strongly advise that we do it quickly.
BETTY
Let’s go around the back then. Quickly before…
NYSSA
(interjects) No! Let’s try the front entrance.
JAMIE
(surprised) What? But, Nyssa…
NYSSA
You can shut down the robot receptionists, can’t you, Jamie?
JAMIE
(confused) Err, yeah, I think so. But I’ll need some help with dismantling the panels on the receptionists since their screws can be tight and difficult to unbolt.
BETTY
I can pitch in and help with that. I’m also very good with dismantling computer systems and alarms.
JAMIE
(amazed) Are you? How come?
BETTY
(shrewdly) I’m a secret agent, remember?
JAMIE
(realises) Oh yes, so you are. How silly of me to forget.
NYSSA
Let’s not waste any more time. Let’s get into that building, find the Doctor and Billy, and hopefully stop the Cybermen. Shouldn’t be too difficult.
BETTY
You sound just like the Doctor the way you talk.
NYSSA
I’ve travelled with him a fair while, Betty. Both him and Billy. (Pause) Now let’s get going. And keep watch for any Cybermen.
They make their way to enter the NC building via the front entrance.
SCENE #81 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, MORNING
The Doctor and Billy are now in the control hub of Neptune Connect. They come across the teleport chamber where the teleport system is in place. The Doctor examines the system for a while before he turns to Billy.
DOCTOR
(muses) Yes. Yes, I see. (Pause) This is what Tada and the Cybermen used to get aboard the TARDIS, right?
BILLY
Yes. As well as how Jamie and I got aboard.
DOCTOR
How exactly did you use the teleport, Billy? This is a rather complicated procedure, even for you, to initiate a teleport to the TARDIS like that.
BILLY
(confused) Um… I took a blind chance, I guess. I found the correct buttons and it helped me and Jamie to get aboard. It’s a simple as that.
DOCTOR
Hmm. (Pause) What’s this over here?
The Doctor goes over to the far end of the teleport chamber and inspects a computer terminal.
DOCTOR
(enthused) Ah, yes! Yes, this must be it.
BILLY
(intrigued) What is, Doctor?
DOCTOR
This computer terminal is connected to a power generator that has all the controls for transmitting signals and messages to the Cybermen in deep space via the use of the interplexing beacon.
BILLY
(astonished) Really? Well, that was quick guesswork.
DOCTOR
It wasn’t a guess, Billy, it’s pure logic. The controls enable the signals to be sent into space via these diode node modules on the generator panel. A thought-wave pattern is operated by the Cybermen via their brains to send their messages throughout all Space and Time.
BILLY
I see.
DOCTOR
Do you? Well, that’s impressive, Billy.
BILLY
(realises) Look! This section on the controls says Conversion Direction. That must be where all the people being processed to become Cybermen are.
DOCTOR
And they send their signals to the ear pods their victims wear. Directing all thought patterns and control beams to implant commands in people’s heads.
BILLY
And it’s all interconnected with the interplexing beacon section on this control system. (Pause; realises) Say, if we’re able to shut down the interplexing beacon from here, we’ll be able to switch off all the ear pods to stop everyone becoming Cybermen.
DOCTOR
Yes, then it would give people their minds back. Stop them walking into the NC building like sheep.
BILLY
And hopefully if this thing’s worldwide, it can shut down every factory and facility with Neptune Connect’s name on it. Stop the conversion processes from going any further. Give people a chance to escape.
DOCTOR
It would require an awful amount of power to generate such a momentum and shut everything down, wouldn’t it?
BILLY
Well, that’s no problem. We can send an interference pattern to block out anything that tries to stop us. Thus, we’ll be able to get the power we need.
DOCTOR
And hack into the main computer core to close the generator and deactivate everybody’s ear pods worldwide.
BILLY
Very clever idea, Doctor.
DOCTOR
It’s not my clever idea, Billy, it’s your clever idea. You suggested it.
BILLY
(surprised) Did I? (thinks; realises) Oh, yes! So I did. Amazing that, isn’t it?
DOCTOR
(concerned) Yes, it is. Considering you don’t have much knowledge of computers.
A moment of silence ensues.
DOCTOR
(gradually) You didn’t realise that, did you, Billy. You didn’t realise you had a good knowledge of computers then. Otherwise, you’d be instantly shocked than you are now.
BILLY
(baffled) You… I… Yes! I’ve got…computer knowledge. I know about computers.
DOCTOR
Yes.
BILLY
(astonished) Oh, my! That’s strange. How come I know about computers then? I’m no good at dealing with computers.
DOCTOR
Obviously you were given that knowledge by someone. Your mind has been enhanced with computer knowledge that you’re unfamiliar with and it’s beyond temporal standards.
BILLY
(reflects) Yes. (Pause) Nyssa will be very pleased to hear how technically minded I’ve become.
DOCTOR
(gradually; concerned) What did the Cybermen do to you, Billy?
BILLY
(puzzled) Cybermen? What are you talking about?
Just then, Snap enters.
SNAP
(shocked) You two! You came back! You broke in! (shouts) Intruders! Intruders! Guards! Guards!
Snap is yanked on from behind by Billy, who wraps his hand around his mouth to stop him shouting. Snap mumbles through Billy’s hand as he’s pulled back into the control hub.
BILLY
(cries; urgently) Doctor, quickly! Shut the door!
The Doctor shuts the door as Billy says.
DOCTOR
(pleased) There! Well done, Billy! If you hadn’t grabbed him when you did, I wouldn’t have been able to close the door.
BILLY
What are we to do with him? We’ll have to put him somewhere. Somewhere where he won’t cause more trouble.
DOCTOR
(muses) Yes, this is a tricky one. He’s likely to sell us out either to Tada or the Cybermen.
Snap groans, as he struggles to break free.
BILLY
(anxiously) Doctor, he’s getting too strong for me. And he’s about to bite my hand!
DOCTOR
Hold on. I’ll take his gun and communicator.
The Doctor does so, searching Snap, before he takes out his gun and his communicator. The Doctor trains the gun on Snap.
DOCTOR
Alright, Billy. Let him go.
With that, Billy lets Snap go, to which he breaks free.
SNAP
You won’t get away with this! I’ll call Mr. Tada and he’ll know what to do with you two! Trust me!
The Doctor drops Snap’s communicator to the floor and smashes it with his left foot.
DOCTOR
(wryly) Oh, what a shame. Your communicator’s had an accident.
Angrily, Snap is about to lunge at the Doctor before the Time Lord clicks the trigger of his gun.
DOCTOR
I wouldn’t do anything rash, Mr. Snap. I don’t know how to use this gun, so that makes me dangerous, wouldn’t you say?
BILLY
Doctor, I’ll take the gun. You shut down the generator whilst I cover this creep.
DOCTOR
Here you are, Billy. Be careful.
Billy takes the gun from the Doctor and aims it at Snap. The Doctor goes over to check the computer terminal and begins to shut down the generator by pressing buttons and switches. A few minutes later…
DOCTOR
(dissatisfied) Hmm. No, something’s not right. I’m denied access.
BILLY
(confused) What does that mean?
DOCTOR
It seems we can’t shut down the generator from here. We have to shut it down from another source of contact.
BILLY
Oh? Where’s that then?
DOCTOR
(grimly) On the roof. Where the Cybermen are with the interplexing beacon.
SNAP
(taunts) I told you you’d never get away with this. I told you!
BILLY
(annoyed) Oh, do shut up!
SNAP
Why don’t you two give up? You’ve failed, you know! You’ve lost!
DOCTOR
Not yet, Mr. Snap. We have to go to the rooftop and you’re coming with us.
SNAP
(protests) I’m not going anywhere with you two. I refuse to help!
Billy clicks the trigger on Snap’s gun on him.
BILLY
I don’t like using guns. Please don’t make me use this on you.
DOCTOR
It’s your choice, Mr. Snap. You either help us or Billy shoots you. Surely you can take that as a bit of friendly persuasion.
Another moment of silence ensues before Snap groans and reluctantly complies.
DOCTOR
Right, come on then! Let’s make for the rooftop! Via the back way, I think. We’ll avoid the front entrance to avoid any guards that might be waiting.
BILLY
Good idea.
DOCTOR
Keep watch on our guest, Billy. Don’t let Mr. Snap do anything rash or take a chance to escape.
BILLY
Right you are, Doctor. (Pause) Come on, Snap. Move!
Reluctantly, Snap complies as Billy holds him at gunpoint. They follow the Doctor and they make for the rooftop of the main Neptune Connect building.
SCENE #82 – INT – TARDIS , CLOISTER ROOM – N/A
In the cloister room aboard the TARDIS, the Cyber Controller attends to one of the monitors to supervise the construction of the interplexing beacon on the Neptune Connect building. Tada joins the Controller.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The interplexing beacon must be completed to achieve our objectives. No delay and no interference is permitted.
TADA
Relax! Your Cybermen are doing okay with the building of your precious interplexing beacon on Neptune Connect’s rooftop, as you can see on screen.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The report I received from the Cyber Lieutenant indicated that the Doctor removed a component that is essential for TARDIS flight. Nothing must occur for the beacon to be damaged by the Doctor.
TADA
My guards are well-prepared for any eventualities. Snap will spot the Doctor the moment he sets eyes on him.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You stated Snap is incompetent. How can he be trusted?
TADA
I’ll get in touch with him. See how he’s getting on.
Tada picks up his communicator and switches it on to speak into it and re-establish contact with Snap.
TADA
(through communicator) Snap? Snap, this is Tada. Please respond.
A burst of static occurs. No response.
TADA
(confused; through communicator) Snap? Snap, are you there? Where are you, man?
Another burst of static occurs. Still no response.
CYBER CONTROLLER
He does not answer. Your security chief is incompetent.
TADA
There must be a reason for this. Snap wouldn’t acknowledge my calls unless… (muses) …unless…
CYBER CONTROLLER
Unless he was in trouble.
TADA
(realises) Yes. That’s what I was going to say. (Pause) Let’s check the scanner. See what’s happening on Neptune Connect’s rooftop.
They look back to the monitor screen to see the construction of the beacon by the Cybermen on the NC building.
TADA
Still okay. Nothing’s happened. The Cybermen are still hard at work as you want them to be.
The Cyber Controller points.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Look. There.
Tada gradually sees what the Cyber Controller sees on the monitor screen.
TADA
(realises; shocked) No! It’s the Doctor and that boy! They’ve got Snap. And he’s taking them to where the interplexing beacon is.
CYBER CONTROLLER
They must be terminated. Instructions will be transmitted to all units…
TADA
(interrupts) Wait!
CYBER CONTROLLER
Explain. Why must we wait?
TADA
I’m wondering… (Pause) Perhaps we can use this to our advantage.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You have failed in your function. You have brought failure to the Cybermen’s plans…
TADA
(interrupts) Just listen, will you! We know the Doctor’s feelings of compassion. It’s what drives him to oppose us.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Continue.
TADA
What if we can use that to our advantage? Use those feelings against him. If we do that, we may have our chance to retrieve him and make him give us back what he took from the TARDIS.
CYBER CONTROLLER
That is logical. Exemplary. You show efficient tactics. How shall we conduct this procedure?
Tada looks back to the monitor screen. He presses the ‘zoom out’ button to check the Neptune Connect building’s exterior. Eventually…
TADA
(keenly) There! Down there, see? Going into the building?
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor’s other companion.
TADA
Yeah, the one called Nyssa of Traken. She’s with my son James and that former secretary of mine. They’re making their way into the building via the front entrance.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor has a fondness for the girl.
TADA
So does the boy. He’s her husband after all. (muses) The emotion called ‘love’. That’s the most powerful one of all.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Love has no meaning. Love is irrelevant.
TADA
It’s also the biggest weakness of the Doctor’s. The girl Nyssa is dear to him as well as to the boy. (Pause) Send one of your patrols down to Earth. This is what I have in mind.
SCENE #83 – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, MORNING
On the rooftop of the Neptune Connect building, the Doctor, Billy and Snap hide behind a low wall to observe the Cybermen. They see them constructing the interplexing beacon.
BILLY
Is that it? The beacon?
DOCTOR
(grimly) Yes, Billy, that’s it. That’s the beacon the Cybermen hope to use to send their signals into outer space to summon reinforcements.
BILLY
It’s rather huge. All the power from this building must be sent to it on this rooftop.
DOCTOR
It must be a direct link from the generator in the control hub downstairs. The roof’s surface also has solar panels. (Pause; realises) Of course! It’s where NC gets all its electrical power from! (Pause) Isn’t that right, Mr. Snap?
SNAP
I’m not saying anything. I refuse to talk to you two.
BILLY
We shouldn’t have brought him with us, Doctor. He’s likely to cause trouble.
DOCTOR
No, Billy. We need him to help us shut down the beacon.
SNAP
You seriously think you can beat the Cybermen? They’re relentless!
DOCTOR
Look me up, Mr. Snap. I’ve had many dealings with Cybermen.
BILLY
How exactly are to shut down the beacon? I don’t see a huge plug.
DOCTOR
The ramp the beacon is on has three sections. They obviously must be the sections containing the lock mechanisms. If each one of us goes over to unlock the ramp sections, we’ll disengage the beacon from its power source. We can work it out gradually as we go.
SNAP
It won’t work. You can’t shut it off that easily.
BILLY
(challengingly) Oh, really? You seem so sure about what we can and can’t do.
DOCTOR
I’m afraid Mr. Snap’s right, Billy. There’s a firewall blocking out anyone from getting into the area where the beacon is. We’ll have to switch off the firewall first.
SNAP
How? You don’t have the codes.
DOCTOR
Presumably you have, Mr. Snap. Now I’m sure you’re a reasonable man…
SNAP
(interrupts; defiantly) I’m not helping you! No way! I won’t switch that firewall off for you!
DOCTOR
Oh, I think you will, Mr. Snap. With a little friendly persuasion.
SNAP
What? With a gun? You can’t shoot me. That won’t get you anywhere.
BILLY
Doctor?
DOCTOR
I’ve no intention of killing you. The Cybermen will do that to you anyway.
SNAP
What?
DOCTOR
If you refuse to help us, that is. Either help us or let the Cybermen kill you. It’s your choice.
SNAP
(baffled) What are you talking about? The Cybermen are our allies! They’re Mr. Tada’s allies!
BILLY
The Cybermen convert people to make you like one of them. They’ll do the same to you and your Mr. Tada if they have their way.
DOCTOR
(challengingly) Is that what you want, Mr. Snap? Do you want to be like them? Completely inhuman and devoid of all emotions?
SNAP
(hesitates) I…err… (Pause) No. No, I don’t.
DOCTOR
That will happen to you, Mr. Snap. They’ll alter you and make you become like one of them. (Pause) Either help us or die in a metal suit with your brain stuffed in a metal head. It’s your call.
A moment of silence ensues.
SNAP
(grudgingly) Very well, I’ll help you. But this doesn’t mean I have to like you.
BILLY
Of course not. Feel free to hate us all you want.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) Right! Now that’s sorted, how about helping us with turning off the firewall.
SNAP
Mr. Tada gave me the security codes in case something should go wrong. Like you two interfering, for instance.
BILLY
Can we really shut down the beacon from here then?
SNAP
We’ll have to go to that terminal in the far corner over there. I’ll show you. Come, follow me.
The Doctor and Billy follow Snap, as they carefully reach the terminal whilst the Cybermen are working away with constructing their beacon.
SNAP
I’ll have to do this carefully to prevent tripping off any alarms.
BILLY
Take your time, Mr. Snap.
DOCTOR
Bear in mind, we’ve only got about half an hour or forty-five minutes before the Cybermen complete the set up for the beacon. Once they’ve finished, they’ll be able to send their signals into outer space without delay.
SCENE #84 – INT – RECEPTION, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
On the ground floor of the Neptune Connect building, Nyssa, Betty and Jamie are in the reception area. Jamie disables the last of the computer receptionists with his security clearance codes, as there’s a bleep and sizzling of circuitry going off.
NYSSA
Is that it? Have you deactivated all the robot receptionists?
JAMIE
Yes, Nyssa, I have. They’re all out for the count. Every single one.
NYSSA
(relieved) Good. Thank you, Jamie. Now we can get on with searching the building.
BETTY
But where do we start? How do we go about finding the Doctor and your hubby Billy?
NYSSA
The rooftop. That’s where the Cybermen will be setting up the interplexing beacon. The Doctor will probably want to head up there. We’ll try that first.
JAMIE
That’s too obvious. We should try an ulterior route. Let’s go down to the control hub. That’s where Billy and me went.
NYSSA
I think it’s best to try the rooftop first before we search the rest of the building. The Doctor and Billy’s lives could be at risk if they’re up on the building’s rooftop.
BETTY
You must be mad about wanting to go up to the top! We should try down here first.
NYSSA
I want to find the Doctor and Billy. I’m very worried about them.
JAMIE
As we all are, but Betty’s right. We should start at the bottom, not at the top.
BETTY
What did you say, Tada Junior?
JAMIE
Sorry, I thought I made myself clear. I was agreeing with what you just said, Betty. Call me Jamie, if you want to, by the way.
BETTY
You agree with me? How uncanny. I never thought I’d hear a Tada agree with me before.
NYSSA
I strongly recommend we go to the rooftop first.
JAMIE
You go up then if you want to. Betty and I will try down here. Perhaps it’d be better if we split up.
NYSSA
We can’t split up. We can’t afford to. We should stick together.
JAMIE
And I say we should look in two places simultaneously. See if we can save time by looking for the Doctor and Billy in two areas.
NYSSA
I need to keep an eye on you two. I don’t want us splitting up.
BETTY
(annoyed) Oh, this is getting ridiculous! We won’t get anywhere unless we stop arguing!
Just then, the entrance doors burst open, and some Cybermen march in, stomping as they enter.
JAMIE
(panics) Cybermen!
BETTY
(shocked) They’ve found us!
NYSSA
(urgently) Quickly, run!
CYBER LEADER
You will be processed. Do not escape or you will be terminated.
JAMIE
(cries) Nyssa! Get into the lift whilst you still can!
NYSSA
I’m not leaving you two behind.
BETTY
Just go! We’ll be alright, just go!
NYSSA
(shouts) No, wait! Jamie, Betty!
But it’s too late, as Betty and Jamie go off by themselves with some Cybermen chasing them. The Cyber Leader and his group pursue Nyssa.
NYSSA
Oh no, you don’t!
CYBER LEADER
You are to be taken to the Cyber Controller. You will be taken alive.
NYSSA
I don’t think so.
Nyssa gets into the lift and presses a button to send it up.
NYSSA
(cries) Come on, lift! Come on, come on, close, close!
CYBER LEADER
Stop her. Stop her.
A Cyberman reaches out to her and Nyssa cries, alarmed. Thankfully, the lift door slides shut in time.
SCENE #85 – INT – LIFT, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
The Cyberman’s hand gets caught in the lift door once it slide shuts. The lift door splices the Cyberman’s hand off, causing Nyssa to cry out in alarm again. The lift soon goes up. After a moment’s silence, Nyssa sighs with relief.
NYSSA
(relieved) That’s rendered that Cyberman armless. Thank goodness the lift door closed when it did. (Pause) Oh, this won’t solve anything. I hope Betty and Jamie are okay. And I hope I’ll find Billy and the Doctor soon once I get up to the top.
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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