Chapter 8
SCENE #86 – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, on the Neptune Connect building’s rooftop, Snap works on disabling the firewall surrounding the interplexing beacon area. The Doctor and Billy observe what he’s doing. Eventually, he switches off the firewall.
BILLY
(cheers; relieved) You’ve done it! You’ve switched off the firewall!
DOCTOR
And without tripping off the alarms. Very impressive, Mr. Snap.
SNAP
(challengingly) So, what’s your plan, Doctor? What have you in mind for us to do?
DOCTOR
Simple. We take one of the three ramp sections each and disable them.
BILLY
There are three locks, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Yes, Billy, that’s right. Three locks.
BILLY
And each one of us is to switch them off.
DOCTOR
Is that a problem?
BILLY
It’s just… I don’t think I’d be able to switch off one lock like you and Snap can. I’m not so technically gifted as you’d might think.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) Don’t worry, Billy. We’ll have these earphones to talk to each other and help each other out whilst we’re at the locks. See?
The Doctor takes out three sets of earphones from his coat pockets. He gives one to Billy and one to Snap, and keeps one for himself.
BILLY
(surprised) How long have you had these, Doctor?
DOCTOR
I often keep earphones like these in my coat pockets for emergencies.
BILLY
Don’t your pockets get cramped?
DOCTOR
Bigger on the inside pockets, remember? Time Lord science with my coats.
BILLY
(shrugs) If you say so.
SNAP
We’ll need to be well-armed in case those Cybermen attack us. Here. Take these pistols to defend yourselves.
Snap takes out and hands over a couple of pistols for the Doctor and Billy to take.
BILLY
Thanks, I’ll pass.
SNAP
If you don’t have a pistol each, you’ll be dead in seconds once a Cybermen attacks you.
BILLY
If the Doctor can cope without a gun, I’m sure I [can…]
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Thank you, Mr. Snap, we’ll take them just in case.
The Doctor takes the pistols from Snap and passes one over to Billy.
DOCTOR
Here, Billy. Take this.
BILLY
(stunned) Doctor, you’re not seriously going to use a gun, are you?
DOCTOR
They’ll protect us from the Cybermen should they realise we’re interfering with their operations to the beacon, Billy.
BILLY
But we’d be killing them, wouldn’t we?
DOCTOR
The Cybermen are already dead. They’re dead men walking in metal suits. Their lives were stolen. Trust me, Billy, we’d be doing them a favour if we have to use these pistols on them.
BILLY
(gradually) Alright. But I’m still not sure about this.
Billy holds his pistol tightly whilst the Doctor holds his.
DOCTOR
(wearily) Just be careful where you point the gun, Billy.
BILLY
(slightly annoyed) I’ll be careful, Doctor, I’ll be careful.
SNAP
We should get started, shouldn’t we? Head out to the ramp sections.
DOCTOR
Yes, quite right, Mr. Snap. (Pause) Come on, you two. We have work to do. Let’s move carefully though. Not alert the Cybermen to our presence.
SNAP
Switching my earphones on now.
There’s a buzz sound once Snap switches his earphones on. Billy switches his earphones on too, which creates a buzz sound.
BILLY
Mine are on too.
The Doctor also switches his earphones on, creating another buzz sound.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) Good, good. My earphones are switched on as well. (eagerly) Now let’s go. Not dilly-dally.
The Doctor, Billy and Snap head out carefully, whilst the Cybermen continue with their set-up of the interplexing beacon.
SCENE #87 – INT – LOWER LEVELS, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
With Betty and Jamie, they run before they hide in a place close to where the once-sealed room is on the lower levels. They hide whilst the Cybermen hunt them down, their stomps echoing in the distance.
JAMIE
(exhausted) I…I think we gave them the slip. Those metal goons are easy to outrun, aren’t they?
BETTY
(scolds) Don’t start underestimating those guys. Those ‘metal goons’, as you call them, are far more dangerous than they look, believe me.
JAMIE
(reassuringly) Well, at least we’re safe for the moment. We’ll head out once it’s all clear.
BETTY
And what about Nyssa? Will she be safe? (Pause) We shouldn’t have left her. We shouldn’t have let her go off by herself in that lift.
JAMIE
You wanted to come down here with me to find the control hub, didn’t you?
BETTY
I know, I know. It’s just…I hoped she’d see reason and come with us rather than go all the way to the top.
JAMIE
She has her own sense of judgement. And a determined one. (Pause) She places a lot of hope and love in those two guys of hers, doesn’t she?
BETTY
I suppose she does.
JAMIE
(gradually) In the meantime, what are we to do? We can’t just stick around here.
BETTY
You’re sure you want to go against your father?
JAMIE
I’m not so fond of my father, in case you hadn’t realised.
BETTY
Try to convince someone else other than me.
JAMIE
Listen, Betty, whoever you are. I don’t know what your problem is…
BETTY
(interrupts) My problem is ‘men’ who can’t see the end of their nose and they sacrifice humanity for cybernetic monsters that want to control us. You’ve inherited the same traits as your father, haven’t you?
JAMIE
Whatever our motivations, we’re different, I get that. But we must work together to stop what my father’s up to. I don’t care if we have to like each other or not, but we need each other more than ever. Can we please stop arguing and learn to trust each other? Otherwise you’re on your own. I don’t like allying myself with difficult people.
Moment of silence.
BETTY
You said one heck of a mouthful. I don’t think your father would have said things like that when I was his secretary.
JAMIE
I take it then you’re willing to trust me.
BETTY
I said nothing of the sort. (Pause) But you’re right. We should stop arguing and work together. I’m willing to do that if you are.
JAMIE
I’m willing. And I’m happy you are too.
BETTY
(gradually) Alright, Tada Junior. I’ll work with you and not quarrel with you.
JAMIE
Thank you. Now if we can try to figure out…
Just then, the Cybermen approach, stomping as they march by.
BETTY
(gasps) Cybermen!
JAMIE
(hushes) Ssh! Keep quiet! We’ll wait until they pass. Don’t move.
Betty and Jamie keep quiet, as the Cybermen march past where they are. They stop for a moment to scan the area, which lasts for about ten seconds. Eventually, they move on, stomping as they go, leaving Betty and Jamie in their hiding place. Once they’re gone, Betty and Jamie sigh with relief.
BETTY
Thank goodness they’re gone.
JAMIE
Why didn’t they find us? Surely their scanning capabilities are better than that.
BETTY
Does it matter? Let’s keep moving.
JAMIE
(confused) Where to?
BETTY
The control hub, of course. That’s where we’ve got to go, isn’t it? To find the Doctor and Billy if they’re there. We can also learn more about this teleport system you and Billy found.
JAMIE
I’m not sure about that.
BETTY
(challengingly) You want to stick around hiding for the rest of your life?
JAMIE
It’d bound to be dangerous.
BETTY
Now’s not the time to be apprehensive.
JAMIE
(protests) I’m not apprehensive. It’s just…
BETTY
Come on! Trust me on this.
JAMIE
(gradually) Alright. Let’s make for the control hub. (cautiously) But carefully now. There’s still Cybermen stomping about. (Pause) Let’s take the scenic route up those metal girders. There’s a ladder here. We’ll avoid any Cybermen coming down the corridor that way.
BETTY
Fair enough. (Pause) Going up metal girders brings back memories of when I used to enjoy playing in the adventure playgrounds with my Mum and Dad in the park.
JAMIE
What a coincidence. Same for me.
BETTY
(gradually) Let’s go up before we waste any more time.
Betty goes first, as she and Jamie make their way up the ladder to reach the metal girders.
SCENE #88A – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
On the Neptune Connect building’s rooftop, the Doctor, Billy and Snap are about to shut down the locks on the three ramp sections of the solar-panelled surface whilst Cybermen are working at their interplexing beacon. The Doctor, Billy and Snap communicate to each other via earphones
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Billy, are you ready?
BILLY (V’O)
Yes, Doctor. I’m ready to go.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Snap?
SNAP (V’O)
Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s just get on with it.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Now, Billy. Follow my instructions. You should have no trouble unlocking the mechanism at your ramp section. It’s quite straightforward.
BILLY (V’O)
Easier said than done, me thinks.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Now, first of all, turn on the screen to initiate the lockdown procedure. You need to press the first three buttons on the left control panel simultaneously.
SCENE #88B – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Gradually, Billy presses the first three buttons on the left control panel simultaneously. The screen switches on.
BILLY
(through earphones) It’s asking for some kind of security clearance. There’s a keypad underneath. I’m not sure what to do next.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(reassuringly) It’s alright, Billy. There’s a series of logic sequences that need to be entered. Snap would know what the security clearances are to be entered. Wouldn’t you, Mr. Snap?
SNAP (V’O)
They’re all distinctly different at our ends. Each of the three passwords for the three locks. I’ll have to give you one each in order to unlock the ramp sections. Doctor, you first.
SCENE #88C – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
The Doctor readies himself as he switches on the screen at his end.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Right, Mr. Snap. Go ahead.
SNAP (V’O)
A is B equates C if and only C equates D minus E less than one.
The Doctor enters the sequence using the keypad underneath his screen for the lock. The security clearance is passed.
DOCTOR
(triumphantly) Done it!
A Cyberman, alerted to the Doctor, turns round, mechanics whirring.
BILLY (V’O)
(anxiously) Doctor, that Cyberman! It just moved. It’s looking at you. (Pause; confused) It…it’s not doing anything.
DOCTOR
(through earphones; reassuringly) Don’t worry, Billy. The Cybermen won’t attack unless I actually unlock the mechanism.
BILLY (V’O)
But that’s what you’re doing, Doctor. What we’re all doing.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Yes, but don’t let the Cybermen know that, Billy. (Pause) Mr. Snap, continue.
SNAP (V’O)
Your turn, Mr. Walker. (Pause) E is not D minus C if and only A equates B connation if and all one.
SCENE #88D – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Billy begins to enter the logic sequence using the keypad under the screen for his lock mechanism for the interplexing beacon. He stops for a moment.
BILLY
(gradually; through earphones) What was it again, Snap?
SNAP (V’O)
(annoyed) E is not D minus C if and only A equates B connation if and all one! Do pay attention, kid!
BILLY
(through earphones) There’s no need to shout! I’m doing my best!. Now…if I enter here…
Billy enters the rest of the logic sequence using the keypad. The security clearance is passed.
BILLY
(pleased; through earphones) It worked. I’m able to unlock this ramp section at my end.
SCENE #88E – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
DOCTOR
(pleased; through earphones) Good, good! Now, Mr. Snap, if you would give me the code for your ramp section.
SNAP (V’O)
I can do this perfectly well by myself, thank you, Doctor. I don’t need you to recite what the code is to me as I enter it.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Mr. Snap, I’m asking you to tell me the code in case something bad should happen to you. It’s just a precaution.
SNAP (V’O)
(challengingly) Are you sure it’s not just about you not trusting me?
DOCTOR
(through intercom) Please, Mr. Snap. We don’t have much time. The logic codes, if you’ll please.
SNAP (V’O)
(sighs; reluctantly) Very well. C is D and E if and only A and B denotes one minus to the power of two. Satisfied?
DOCTOR
(through intercom) Yes, thank you, Mr. Snap. That should suffice. I’m going to unlock the mechanism at my end, now that I’ve entered the logic sequence.
Just then, the Cyberman that was alerted to the Doctor earlier marches towards him, stomping as it goes.
BILLY (V’O)
(panics) Doctor, that Cyberman! It’s going for you!
DOCTOR
(realises) Ah! I thought I’d be allowed more time. (Pause) Oh well, I suppose I’ll have to do this the hard way.
The Doctor takes up the pistol given to him by Snap and raises it at the approaching Cyberman.
BILLY (V’O)
Doctor, you’re not going to shoot it…
DOCTOR
(interrupts; through earphones) Please keep quiet, Billy. I just need to get this right.
With that, the Doctor opens fire. A laser beam shoots out, blowing up the Cyberman. It shakes and shudders, as it groans and collapses to the rooftop floor.
SNAP (V’O)
(approvingly) You did it! Good shot, Doctor!
DOCTOR
(through earphones; reprovingly) You didn’t tell us these weapons were charged with laser fire, Mr. Snap.
SNAP (V’O)
Mr. Tada and I had to prepare for such eventualities. They’re adapted to the same principle of gunfire that the Cybermen use. We had to adapt the frequencies to the right level for that type of safety and defence.
DOCTOR
(through earphone; sardonically) Oh, yes! Very considerate and thoughtful, I’m sure.
BILLY (V’O)
(anxiously) Doctor, more Cybermen are staring at us. Are you sure we’re okay to do this?
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Nothing is ever sure, Billy. We’ve got to get through this and see it to the bitter end. Even if it means blowing up Cybermen with guns. (Pause) Now please give me a moment, you two. I have to unlock this lock.
BILLY (V’O)
If you say so, Doctor. I’ll get on with unlocking my lock.
SNAP (V’O)
(cautiously) Be careful, you two. The locks are very stiff. You’re liable to get them jammed very easily when trying to unlock them.
DOCTOR
(through intercom) Thank you, Mr. Snap. You just carry on with entering the logic sequence for your lock. Billy and I will do the rest.
They get on with unlocking the locks for the interplexing beacon, whilst the Cybermen are gradually alerted to their presence.
SCENE #89 – INT – TOP FLOOR, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
On the top floor of the Neptune Connect building, the lift door opens and Nyssa steps out. She takes in her surroundings.
NYSSA
Well, here I am on the top floor. And no Cybermen about. (Pause) Now, how to get to the roof.
Moment of silence, as Nyssa looks around.
NYSSA
Let’s try this way. Hopefully, the Doctor and Billy are still safe.
Nyssa heads off down to the corridor to reach for a way to get to the roof.
SCENE #90A – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Back on the Neptune Connect building’s rooftop, Snap, the Doctor and Billy are still at it with the ramp sections’ lock mechanisms, as the Doctor unlocks his successfully.
DOCTOR
(cheers; triumphantly; through earphones) Done it! Now, Billy! Unlock yours!
BILLY (V’O)
Yeah, okay. Hang on.
SCENE #90B – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Billy tries with his lock, but it seems to be stuck. He tugs at it, but it doesn’t seem willing to break free.
BILLY
(grits; through earphones) This lock. It’s stuck tight.
SNAP (V’O)
I told you the locks would be stiff if you tried to unlock them. You must have weak muscles, kid.
DOCTOR (V’O)
That’ll do, Mr. Snap. (Pause) Keep trying, Billy. You can do it.
BILLY
(through earphones) Hang on, I think it’s coming. (Pause) Yes! It’s coming! I’m getting there!
Billy unlocks his ramp section, just as the Cyberman is altered to his presence, turns and marches towards him, stomping as it goes.
BILLY
(through earphones) Done! And just in time.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(urgently) Quickly, Billy! Use your pistol to stop the Cyberman approaching you!
BILLY
(through earphones) Right. I think I know how this works.
Billy lifts his pistol to raise it at the Cyberman. But as he pulls the trigger, the pistol doesn’t go off. The Cyberman continues its approach.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(concerned) Billy, what’s wrong?
BILLY
(through earphones) It’s not working! The gun’s not working! I think it’s jammed.
SNAP (V’O)
(annoyed) Typical. He’ll be the death of us, that kid.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(angrily) Snap, do shut up. (encouragingly) Billy, come on! You can do this!
BILLY
(realises; through earphones) Wait, hold on! I think I’ve got it! Yes! Yes, I believe I’ve got it!
DOCTOR (V’O)
(cries; urgently) Hurry, Billy! Hurry!
Billy raises his pistol and fires it at the Cyberman approaching him. The Cyberman falls, just as it grabs Billy’s left leg and injures him. Billy cries out in pain once injured and falls to the ground with the Cyberman beside him.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(concerned; panics) Billy! Billy, are you alright? Billy, please answer!
BILLY
(through earphones; grits teeth) My leg! It got my left leg! I think the Cyberman pulled it once it grabbed me as it fell down.
DOCTOR (V’O)
Just stay there, Billy. Don’t move. Snap and I will come over and help you shortly.
BILLY
I’ve unlocked my ramp section, Doctor. Only one more to go, right?
DOCTOR (V’O)
Yes, only one more to go. (Pause) How’s it going, Mr. Snap?
SNAP (V’O)
Just give me a moment, Doctor. I’m entering the correct logic sequence into my ramp section.
SCENE #90C – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Snap enters buttons via the keypad underneath his screen for the third and final ramp lock required to be unlocked. He manages to unlock it, alerting a Cyberman to his presence.
SNAP
Done it! Now all I need do is to unlock the mechanism. Should be easy.
The Cyberman marches towards Snap, stomping as it goes.
SNAP
(groans) Humph! Yeah, I knew it’d be rather stiff to unlock.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(urgently) Snap, hurry! A Cyberman’s approaching you!
SNAP
(through earphones) I’m hurrying, Doctor. Give me another moment.
The Cyberman marches closer to Snap, its stomping getting louder.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(cries; urgently) Snap! The Cyberman’s nearly upon you!
SNAP
(through earphones) I’m getting there! Hold on!
Eventually, the Cyberman arrives and stops, towering above Snap.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(shouts) Snap! Look out!!
Snap gives out a terrified, howling scream, as he’s lifted up by the Cyberman and is taken away. The Cyberman stomps as it goes.
SCENE #90D – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
BILLY (V’O)
(cries) Snap! (Pause; anxiously) Doctor?
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Just one more lock. One more lock and Snap’s been caught. He should have looked when he did. He should have used his gun.
BILLY (V’O)
Never mind that, Doctor. Can you get to the lock from where you are? I don’t think I can with my bad leg. (Pause) Well, I could try, [but…]
DOCTOR
(interrupts; through earphones) No, Billy, don’t move! I can handle this. I’ll get to that lock and unlock it before the Cybermen can get me.
BILLY (V’O)
(anxiously) How are you going to get past them, Doc? How will you get away with it with all these Cybermen about?
DOCTOR
(gradually; through earphones) Oh, I’ve got something up my sleeve. (Pause) Trust me, Billy. I know what I’m doing.
Eventually, the Doctor makes his way to the other side of the ramp, as the Cybermen nearly finish with setting up their interplexing beacon. As he goes, a Cyberman spots him and advances towards him, stomping as it goes.
BILLY (V’O)
(cries; anxiously) Doctor, a Cyberman’s marching towards you!
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Yes, Billy, I can see that. (Pause) Hold on. This should tip him off its balance.
The Doctor takes something out from one of his coat pockets.
BILLY (V’O)
(puzzled) A cricket ball? Doctor, I know you love the game, but now’s not the time [to…]
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Owzzz…this?!!!
The Doctor bowls his cricket ball at the approaching Cyberman. He knocks the Cyberman out, gaining the advantage he needs, as it collapses with a loud clunk to the floor.
BILLY (V’O)
(amazed) You’ve done it, Doctor! You knocked that Cyberman out with your cricket ball!
DOCTOR
(through earphones; impressed) Yes! My bowling skills have certainly improved. (Pause) Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get to Snap’s ramp-section.
With that, the Doctor picks up his cricket ball from the fallen Cyberman and makes his way over to Snap’s ramp-section.
BILLY (V’O)
(anxiously) Doctor, I don’t want to worry you, but those Cybermen. They’ve nearly finished with setting up their beacon. They’ll be heading towards you soon. Hurry!
DOCTOR
(through earphones) I’m hurrying, Billy, I’m hurrying.
Eventually, the Doctor arrives at Snap’s ramp-section.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Here I am. Now, Snap nearly finished with unlocking his ramp section, so, it should be easy to pull out…
BILLY (V’O)
(shouts; urgently) Doctor!
The Doctor pulls out the lock-mechanism.
DOCTOR
(through earphones; finishes) …And the cycle is complete. The entire ramp is unlocked.
Once done, the three ramp sections unbolt instantly.
BILLY (V’O)
(cries; urgently) Quickly, Doctor, get off!
The Doctor gets off the ramp. Soon, it begins to take off into the sky, taking the Cybermen and the interplexing beacon with it.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) There was no need to shout, Billy.
BILLY (V’O)
(cheers) You did it! The entire ramp is free! You stopped their beacon! Well done, Doctor!
DOCTOR
(through earphones; satisfied) Yes! The solar power should have drained. The Cybermen can’t use their interplexing beacon from here. (Pause) Now, where’s my gun?
BILLY (V’O)
(puzzled) What are you doing?
The Doctor eventually finds his pistol and picks it up, holding it in his hands.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Don’t you remember, Billy? Once I disconnect the beacon from the Neptune Connect building, the ear pods that many of San Francisco’s inhabitants are currently wearing will be deactivated. They’ll have their minds back. But I need to destroy the power cable that connects the beacon to the rooftop first.
BILLY (V’O)
(anxiously) Are you sure about this?
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Trust me, Billy. (Pause) Now, if I hold it just there.
The Doctor uses his pistol and opens fires at the power cable. The cable snaps once fired and the beacon on the ramp is broken free. It continues its ascent into the sky.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) There! That should give everyone’s minds back below.
SCENE #91 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
In the control hub of Neptune Connect, the people about to be processed abruptly stop walking. The signal in their ear pods is cancelled out, as a blaring noise occurs. Once they snap out of their trance and realise what’s happening, the would-be victims start panicking and scream. Everyone scatters and runs off, whilst the Cybermen are confused.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #5
What is happening? Why has this occurred? Cyber-processing has been interrupted.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #6
The subjects are aware. Their ear pods have been deactivated.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #5
They must be brought back. We must bring them back for processing.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #6
They must be converted. All human subjects must be like us.
The Cybermen march out, stomping as they go, whilst people scatter and scream for their lives.
SCENE #92A – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
The streets of San Francisco are in pandemonium, as people run for their lives with the Cybermen pursuing them. Billy and the Doctor hear this whilst on the Neptune Connect building’s rooftop.
BILLY (V’O)
(cheers; thrilled) It worked, Doctor! It worked! People are scattering! They’re no longer in a trance created by the Cybermen! They’re free! You did it, Doctor, it worked!
DOCTOR
(through earphones) Of course it worked, Billy. I had every confidence in my plan. Now, let’s see about this beacon. The Cybermen are still aboard it, so it’s time they went off [to…]
The Doctor’s about to raise his pistol before it gets snatched by a familiar person.
BILLY (V’O)
(cries) Doctor!
DOCTOR
What on…? (realises) Snap, you’re alive! How did you…? (Pause; realises) Oh no! Oh, Snap.
Snap turns on the Doctor, as he’s been partially converted into a Cyberman.
SNAP
You must be converted. Conversion is compulsory.
DOCTOR
Snap, no!
Snap grabs Doctor and punches him in the face. The Doctor cries out in pain and falls to the rooftop floor. Snap towers above him and steps on him.
SNAP
Resist and you will be terminated. Terminate. Terminate. [Terminate…]
Snap is then shot in the back and killed instantly, as he falls to the ground. The Doctor gradually gets up to see who saved him.
DOCTOR
(surprised; through earphones) Billy!
BILLY (V’O)
He was about to kill you. I had to stop him.
DOCTOR
(through earphones) I’m very glad you did, Billy. (Pause; realises) Quickly, use your gun! Blow up the beacon and the ramp with it.
SCENE #92B – EXT – ROOFTOP, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
BILLY
Right!
Billy turns his attention to the ascending ramp in the sky with the interplexing beacon and the Cybermen aboard. He raises his pistol at it.
BILLY
Hey! You Cybermen on that ramp! You and your beacon can take this!
Billy opens fire and blows up the ramp with the beacon and the Cybermen aboard into smithereens. A moment of silence ensues.
DOCTOR (V’O)
Well done, Billy!
BILLY
(pleased; through earphones) Thanks. (Pause) Is it over? Have we done it, Doctor?
DOCTOR (V’O)
It’s far from over, Billy. We still have a lot to do before we’re finished here.
NYSSA
(calls; from a distance) Doctor? Billy, where are you?
The Doctor and Billy turn to see Nyssa arrive.
BILLY
(calls) Nyssa, over here! We’re quite close, see?
Once Nyssa sees Billy, she runs over to him. The Doctor makes his way over to join Nyssa and Billy as they reunite. The Doctor and Billy take out their earphones.
NYSSA
(relieved) Oh, thank goodness, I’ve found you two. And that you’re both safe. I was so worried.
DOCTOR
(delighted) Nyssa, it’s good to see you too.
BILLY
(pleased) I’m glad you’re safe too, Nyssa dear.
Nyssa kisses Billy before he groans and she notices his injury.
NYSSA
(concerned) Billy, your leg. How did that happen?
BILLY
(reassuringly) It’s alright, I’m fine. It’s nothing to worry about. A Cyberman got me, but I should be fine.
NYSSA
Oh, poor Billy. (reassuringly) Don’t worry, we’ll have you sorted.
BILLY
There’s no need to fuss, really.
DOCTOR
Nyssa, I thought I told you to stay with Betty and Jamie in the TARDIS. In fact, where are they? You haven’t lost them, have you?
NYSSA
The Cybermen know that you had removed the Space-Time element from the TARDIS, Doctor. They came after us. We had to escape before we went looking for you and Billy. Once we entered Neptune Connect, Betty and Jamie went downstairs whilst I came up here.
BILLY
Well, the Doctor just stopped the Cybermen with their beacon from here, so we should be thankful they can’t send signals to summon reinforcements.
DOCTOR
Don’t give me all the credit, Billy. You destroyed the beacon yourself, you know.
NYSSA
The people on ground level are scattering. I can hear them. Escaping from Cybermen, I presume.
BILLY
(realises) The Cybermen will try to capture them and bring them back here, no doubt.
DOCTOR
Yes, well, we’ll worry about that in due time. Right now, we need to find Betty and Jamie, and sort out your injury, Billy. (Pause) Nyssa, help me to support him.
NYSSA
Of course. (to Billy) Here, Billy dear. Lean on me.
Billy is helped by the Doctor and Nyssa, as they make their way back downstairs from the rooftop to ground level.
SCENE #93 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the cloister room aboard the TARDIS, the Cybermen are alerted to their latest emergency.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
The interplexing beacon has been deactivated. The Doctor has intervened.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Unacceptable. Delays are unsatisfactory.
TADA
There’s no need to worry, is there? We still have an interplexing beacon in the TARDIS.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your confidence clouds your logic. The Doctor has disabled our contingency plan.
TADA
We were expecting that. But the Doctor and his friends are soon to be caught. Either by Snap and his men or one of your Cybermen.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Snap unit has been converted into one of our kind.
TADA
(shocked) What?
CYBER CONTROLLER
He interfered as well as the Doctor and his young male companion. My units reported this.
TADA
(shocked) He can’t have. Snap wouldn’t. He would never betray us. (Pause; angrily) I’m going to kill him.
CYBER CONTROLLER
You have no need to. He has been terminated.
TADA
(shocked) What?! Is this a game you’re playing with me?
CYBER CONTROLLER
Our units monitored the Snap unit’s lifesigns once he had been partially converted. The signal did not register for long. He has been disposed.
Tada takes out his communicator and tries to get in touch with Snap.
TADA
(through communicator) Snap! Snap, where are you?
Burst of static occurs. No response.
TADA
(through communicator; shouts) Snap, answer! ANSWER!!!
Another burst of static occurs. Still no response.
CYBER CONTROLLER
It is useless to communicate with him. He has been terminated.
TADA
(grudgingly; annoyed) You mongrels. You cost me one of my finest security men. (Pause) Even though he was incompetent.
CYBER CONTROLLER
The Doctor is our main priority. He is making his way back into the building with his two young friends.
TADA
I take it you mean the girl Nyssa and the boy Billy.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Affirmative. The girl recently accompanied the Doctor and the boy.
TADA
Then this is your chance for your Cybermen to spring the trap when the Doctor and his friends go downstairs. Then you can make the Doctor give us the Space-Time element we need.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Where do you suggest we make our move? Where will the Doctor and his associates be making for?
TADA
That’s easy. The control hub. If I know the Doctor, he’ll want to shut everything down in Neptune Connect. Everything to do with us.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Your son was detected in the control hub with the woman Betty Phillips.
TADA
My son? (Pause) Then he and that former secretary of mine shall provide the bait. I suggest you see to this immediately.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Agreed. We will transmit a message to the Cyber Leader on Earth.
TADA
(excited) Oh, I’m enjoying this.
The Cyber Controller turns to Neptune Cyberman #2.
CYBER CONTROLLER
Take a patrol to meet the Cyber Leader on Earth. The fugitives are to be apprehended accordingly.
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Understood.
Neptune Cyberman #2 marches off and carries out its orders.
SCENE #94 – INT – TOP FLOOR, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy make for the lift, as they’re now on the Neptune Connect building’s top floor.
NYSSA
This way. The lift’s over here.
DOCTOR
You’re sure Betty and Jamie were making for the control hub downstairs?
NYSSA
Yes, I’m sure, Doctor. They didn’t think that you and Billy would be on the rooftop, so they went to search the control hub instead.
DOCTOR
Understandable. Let’s keep moving.
BILLY
(anxiously) Wait!
DOCTOR
Billy, this isn’t the time to wait.
BILLY
No, listen! Look down there, out the window. It’s chaos in the streets of San Francisco.
The Doctor and Nyssa look to see where Billy is looking out of the window. They see the pandemonium of crowds running and scattering as the Cybermen chase them, stomping as they go.
DOCTOR
(grimly) You’re right. It is chaos down there.
NYSSA
So many Cybermen. Chasing so many people. (Pause) I hope most of those people won’t be caught.
DOCTOR
Not so likely I’m afraid, Nyssa. The Cybermen are relentless.
BILLY
They’re picking them off one by one in all street corners. And they’re bringing them back to Neptune Connect to make them be like Cybermen.
DOCTOR
Monstrous beings with brains locked inside metal suits. All emotions programmed to be removed. A havoc of cold brutality.
BILLY
Why do they do this? What’s the point?
NYSSA
To survive, Billy. To be free from pain and suffering. That’s the Cybermen’s way of doing things.
BILLY
If this is their idea of offering us a favour, I don’t want it.
DOCTOR
Tough luck. The Cybermen will take you in anyway to become like them.
BILLY
But it’s not right. I don’t want to be like them. I don’t want any of us to be like them.
NYSSA
They don’t care. That’s the point. Cybermen are without emotion. They’re driven by cold machine logic. They won’t stop until they’ve converted Earth’s population to be like them.
DOCTOR
And we’ve got to stop it happening. To save the future of humanity.
Just then, Billy cries out in pain, as he falls to the floor.
NYSSA
(concerned) Billy, your leg.
BILLY
I’ll be fine, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be applying pressure on it.
DOCTOR
Let us get you back up, Billy. We’ll sort that leg out for you.
The Doctor helps Billy back onto his feet.
BILLY
How? Where are we going to get my leg sorted?
DOCTOR
We’ll sort it out back at the TARDIS.
NYSSA
But the Cybermen are waiting for us, Doctor. They’ll want the Space-Time element.
DOCTOR
We’ll worry about that when we cross that bridge. First things first, let’s sort out Betty and Jamie. Save them before the Cybermen get them.
Billy cries out in pain again.
NYSSA
What’s the matter, Billy? What’s wrong?
BILLY
My neck! There’s something…there’s something biting in the back of my neck. It’s been there a while, but…it seems to be growing. I don’t know where it’s coming from.
DOCTOR
Here, Billy, let me see.
The Doctor checks Billy’s neck. A moment of silence ensues.
NYSSA
(concerned) Well, Doctor? You have a verdict?
BILLY
Yeah, what is it, Doctor? Tell me it’s just an insect on the back of my neck that I can’t see. That’s what it is, isn’t it?
DOCTOR
(grimly) No, Billy. I’m afraid it appears to be more serious than that.
NYSSA
(concerned) More serious? What do you mean?
DOCTOR
(gradually) I’m not certain. But I have a horrible feeling. (Pause) We must first get to the control hub downstairs and find Betty and Jamie.
NYSSA
Doctor, please tell me. What’s wrong with Billy?
BILLY
Yeah, don’t leave us in the dark, Doctor. I’d like to know too.
DOCTOR
Please, this isn’t the time, you two. Let’s get into the lift and find Betty and Jamie. We’ll find out more about Billy’s condition once we get back to the TARDIS.
BILLY
My condition?
NYSSA
Is it really that serious, Doctor?
DOCTOR
It might be. Now, please. Let’s focus on one thing at a time before we reach any conclusions. Help me get Billy into the lift, Nyssa.
NYSSA
Alright, Doctor. We’ll play it by you. I just hope you know what you’re doing regarding Billy.
DOCTOR
Me too, Nyssa, me too. Come on, Billy, into the lift.
BILLY
(protests) I can manage, thank you.
NYSSA
(insistently) Do as we say, Billy, and let us help you. Lean on us for support.
They get into the lift with Billy leaning on the Doctor and Nyssa.
SCENE #95 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
Downstairs in the control hub, Betty and Jamie enter to find the teleport chamber and the conversion chambers empty.
JAMIE
Here we are. This is the place.
BETTY
Are you sure, Tada Junior? There don’t seem to be many Cybermen about.
JAMIE
Trust me, we’re in the right area. I remember it well when Billy and I came here. (realises) Look! There’s the ventilation shaft we broke through.
BETTY
Then why is this place so empty? I don’t like it. It gives me the creeps.
JAMIE
(jokingly) Perhaps everyone popped out for a coffee. That’s what Cybermen do, isn’t it?
BETTY
Don’t kid me! Let’s concentrate on where that Doctor and Billy are. (Pause; realises) Hey! Look over there!
They go over to where the generator is and inspect it.
JAMIE
This must be the generator that provides the Cybermen’s power.
BETTY
For those conversion things? Where Cybermen are made?
JAMIE
Perhaps. Or maybe it’s for that beacon the Doctor was on about.
BETTY
I think you’re right. Look at that screen.
Jamie looks.
JAMIE
(realises) Oh yeah! (reads) Interplexing beacon. (Pause; realises) And look here. These must be the plans the Cybermen are using to build the beacon as well as send signals into space.
BETTY
The power levels appear depleted. (Pause; realises) Say! The beacon’s non-active. As though it’s not-existent.
JAMIE
Perhaps the Doctor and Billy have been up on the roof. Maybe they’ve deactivated the beacon from there.
BETTY
Have we really been that stupid?
JAMIE
We weren’t to know. Nyssa took the right option. We just took an alternative.
BETTY
(anxiously) Great! Those three could be in trouble with the Cybermen and we’re not there to help them.
JAMIE
We should go up then. See how much damage has been caused.
BETTY
Let’s go. We mustn’t waste time.
JAMIE
Do you know the way back to the lift?
BETTY
I think so.
Just as they’re about to head off, the Cybermen enter, stomping as they go.
JAMIE
(cries) They’ve found us!
BETTY
(cries) Quickly, run!
Betty and Jamie run for it, but are easily caught by the Cybermen. They cry out in pain once the Cybermen hold them.
JAMIE
(cries; in pain) My shoulder! Let go!
BETTY
(cries; in pain) You’re hurting my arm! Get off, you freaks!
The Cyber Leader approaches.
CYBER LEADER
You cannot resist. You are required for processing.
Betty and Jamie struggle to break free from the Cybermen.
TADA
Stop!
At that moment, the Cybermen open a path once Giles Tada enters. He approaches the Cyber Leader.
TADA
I see you’ve captured my son and my ex-secretary.
CYBER LEADER
They are to be catalogued and sent for processing. I shall conduct the procedure…
TADA
(interrupts) Just wait, will you? The Cyber Controller wants you to keep these two alive. You have checked with him, haven’t you?
The Cyber Leader takes a moment to process information.
CYBER LEADER
Confirmed. Orders received from Cyber Control and accepted. The two prisoners are to be kept alive.
TADA
(pleased) That’s more like it.
Tada makes his way over to Jamie.
TADA
Well, James. Here we are at opposing sides. So predictable.
JAMIE
Dad, I’ve no idea what you’re up to, but this has to stop. It stops here and now.
TADA
(laughs) It can’t be stopped, James. I’ve spent so much of my life for this moment. Don’t you see?
JAMIE
Frankly, no. Why must you do this?
TADA
Because of Fran, my girlfriend. You remember the one I told you about?
JAMIE
The one who died? I remember you telling me. But what has she got to do with this?
TADA
She has everything to do with this! It’s what I’ve been striving for. To see that my company comes to fruition. The Cybermen can bring Fran back to life.
JAMIE
(shocked) What? Back to life?
TADA
As I stand before you now.
JAMIE
You can’t do that, Dad! One can’t bring people back from the dead. It’s not possible. The dead must stay dead.
TADA
The Cybermen have suggested otherwise. And I believe them.
BETTY
You’re crazy! And why are we being kept alive, Tada? Why don’t you kill us now?
TADA
(scornfully) Ah, Miss Phillips. How delightful to see you again. (Pause) I need you both alive for the Doctor and his friends when they enter here.
BETTY
What?
JAMIE
(lies) They don’t know we’re here, Dad. They won’t come for us.
TADA
Oh, they will, James. They will come, I’m sure of it. And when they do, the Cybermen and I will spring our trap. For the Doctor and the boy, as far as their precious Nyssa is concerned.
SCENE #96 – INT – CONTROL HUB, NEPTUNE CONNECT MAIN BUILDING – DAY, AFTERNOON
A short while later, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy cautiously enter the control hub. The Doctor and Nyssa support Billy, as his left leg is injured.
NYSSA
(concerned) Billy, are you alright?
BILLY
(reassuringly) I’m fine, Nyssa, don’t worry.
NYSSA
(concerned) We need to have that leg of yours seen to as soon as possible. It’s bled heavily.
DOCTOR
(interjects) Quiet, you two. We’re entering the control hub. No sudden noise now.
As they enter, they find the place deserted. A moment of silence ensues.
DOCTOR
(confused) That’s strange. There’s nobody about.
BILLY
The conversion chambers are empty. The Cybermen must have run amok.
NYSSA
But why? It doesn’t make sense.
BILLY
Perhaps they all went out to capture the people running free of Cyber control.
DOCTOR
Yes, but surely they would have left a few guards. As Nyssa says, it doesn’t make sense.
They go over to where the generator is. The Doctor examines it carefully
DOCTOR
The generator is still active. Even after we’ve shut down the interplexing beacon on Neptune Connect’s rooftop.
NYSSA
Perhaps it’s meant to supply the power for the teleport system.
The Doctor and Nyssa make their way over to the teleport chamber whilst Billy remains at the generator.
DOCTOR
I believe you’re right, Nyssa. The teleport is still functional. (Pause) We should check to make sure if we can use it. That way we can get aboard the TARDIS and stop the Cybermen [before…]
BILLY
(interrupts; shouts) Doctor! Nyssa, behind you!
But it’s too late, as the Doctor and Nyssa are grabbed upon by a couple of Cybermen that stomp out from the shadows. They cry out in pain once they’ve been grabbed upon.
NYSSA
(cries; urgently) Billy, run!
BILLY
(protests) But, Nyssa…
DOCTOR
(cries; urgently) Don’t argue, Billy! Just run!
Billy struggles to run with his injured leg, but he’s immediately caught by a Cyberman that comes up behind him. He cries out in pain once he’s caught.
BILLY
(cries; in pain) Argh! My shoulders!
NYSSA
(cries) Don’t struggle, Billy. They’ll rip your arms off if you do.
Just then, Tada appears. Betty and Jamie are also brought forward by their Cybermen holding them.
TADA
(cheerily) Ah, Doctor! We meet again! We really should stop bumping into each other like this.
DOCTOR
Mr. Tada, let me just say… that I knew it was you who were involved all along.
TADA
(taunts) And you were too slow to stop me, weren’t you?
BILLY
(concerned) Betty! Jamie!
BETTY
So sorry, guys. We tried to get away, but they were too fast for us.
JAMIE
My father’s mad! He says he’s doing this for a dead girlfriend of his.
TADA
A dead girlfriend soon to be reborn, James!
NYSSA
Let them go, Mr. Tada. They’ve no part to play in this.
DOCTOR
Nyssa’s right. Let your son and Betty go. They don’t deserve this punishment.
TADA
I’ll let them go on one condition. That you give me and the Cybermen the Space-Time element that you took out from your TARDIS.
DOCTOR
By giving you the Space-Time element, you’ll set the TARDIS back in motion. Then you’ll generate the signals from the interplexing beacon aboard my ship.
TADA
Exactly.
DOCTOR
You know I can’t allow that.
TADA
Then you shall face the consequences, won’t you? (to Cyber Leader) Cyber Leader, take the girl.
CYBER LEADER
(to Neptune Cyberman #2) Take her!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
Complying.
Neptune Cyberman #2 grabs Nyssa by the shoulders and drags her away.
NYSSA
(cries out in pain; protests) Let go! Let go of me! What are you doing?
BILLY
(shouts) Oy! Let my Nyssa go! Let her go, you monsters!
NEPTUNE CYBERMAN #2
You will come with us. You will become like us.
NYSSA
(cries; in pain) No! Let me go, please!
BILLY
(cries; threateningly) Let Nyssa go, or else I’ll…
TADA
(interrupts; taunts) You’ll what? (laughs) You can’t even break free from a Cyberman’s grip, kid.
BILLY
Yeah? Well, at least I can shoot him where he stands.
Billy reaches for his pistol in his side pocket.
TADA
Shoot?
BILLY
Yes! I’ve got my gun, you see.
Taking out his pistol, Billy raises it and opens fire at the Cyberman holding him, aiming at his legs. Once shot, the Cyberman stumbles before it groans, shakes and shudders. It soon lets Billy go as it collapses to the floor.
BILLY
And now for you!
Billy opens fire at the Cyberman holding Nyssa. Once shot, the Cyberman grunts, shakes and shudders before it also collapses to the floor.
NYSSA
(cries) Billy!
BILLY
(cheers; relieved) I did it! I did it, Nyssa! I’ve set you free!
DOCTOR
(annoyed) Never mind that, Billy. Help us all to get free, will you?
Acknowledging, Billy opens fire again with his pistol at the Cybermen holding the Doctor, Betty and Jamie each in turn. The Cybermen groan, shake and shudder before they collapse to the floor.
JAMIE
(cheers; relieved) They’ve fallen down! We’re free! We can get away at last!
BETTY
Stop nattering and let’s get on with it!
DOCTOR
Quickly, run! Don’t let the Cybermen touch you!
Betty and Jamie run on ahead. Everyone else tries to make a run for it whilst Tada is angry.
TADA
(shouts; angrily) Stop them! Stop them!!! Get the girl Nyssa!!!
As they run, one Cyberman grabs Nyssa from behind and holds her. Nyssa cries out in pain once she’s been recaptured and dragged back to join Tada and the Cybermen.
NYSSA
(cries) Doctor! Billy!
DOCTOR
(cries) Nyssa!
TADA
Get her onto the teleport pad now!
BILLY
(cries) No!!!
Tada and the Cybermen take Nyssa and get her onto the teleport pad with them, as they’re about to depart. Billy and the Doctor run back to stop them.
TADA
(to Cyber Leader) Prepare to energise! Let’s return to the TARDIS!
CYBER LEADER
Understood.
The Cyber Leader goes over and stands ready at the teleport controls.
BILLY
(cries; angrily) Don’t you dare! Don’t you take my wife from me!!!
DOCTOR
(cries) Stop it, Tada! There’s no need for this!
TADA
You make it necessary, Doctor. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have a future waiting!
NYSSA
(reassuringly) Doctor! Billy, no matter what happens, I’ll always love [you…]
In that moment, once the Cyber Leader has pressed the button at the teleport controls, Nyssa, Tada and the Cybermen are teleported away. Once they’ve gone, silence ensues.
DOCTOR
(shocked) She’s gone. They’ve taken Nyssa!
BILLY
(horrified) No! (screams) No!!! Nyssa!!!
Sting music. Roll original 1982 Peter Davison end credits.
© Tim Bradley, 2025
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