2. Investigating the Daleks
SCENE #17 – INT – DALEK CONTROL ROOM, BRIGGS AND SHEARMAN’S TOY FACTORY – DAY, AFTERNOON
It’s now the afternoon. The Daleks, led by the Gold Dalek Supreme, see the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Enid and Fred leaving Mrs. Shearman’s house on their monitor screens.
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
THE DOC-TOR IS ESCAPING! TWO OF HIS ASSOCIATES HAVE DESTROYED TWO OF OUR DALEK UNITS!
RED DALEK
HE HAS TAKEN A COLLECTION OF DATA-STAMPS.
BLACK DALEK
HE AND HIS ASSOCIATES WILL ASCERTAIN KNOWLEDGE ABOUT OUR INVASION PLANS.
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
THE DOC-TOR MUST BE DESTROYED! THE DOC-TOR AND HIS COMPANIONED MUST BE EXTERMINATED! EXTERMINATED!!!
BLACK DALEK
THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE, GOLD DALEK SUPREME! AN ALTERNATIVE TO LURE THE DOC-TOR AND HIS COMPANIONS INTO OUR TRAP MORE EFFICENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
EXPLAIN!
BLACK DALEK
RED DALEK! REPORT CURRENT DESTINATION OF THE DOC-TOR AND HIS COMPANIONS? WHERE ARE THEY GOING?
The Red Dalek checks at a nearby control station for a bit.
RED DALEK
(gradually) THE DOC-TOR AND HIS COMPANIONS ARE RETURNING TO CHURCHWOOD STREET. THEY WILL FIND OUR MINIATURISED DALEK FORMS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE MINATURE HUMANS.
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
(impatiently) IS THERE A PURPOSE TO THIS LINE OF LOGIC, BLACK DALEK?
BLACK DALEK
THE DOC-TOR WILL HAVE MORE CLUES TO HUNT US DOWN IN CHURCHWOOD STREET. CLUES THAT WILL INEVITABLY LEAD HIM…TO BRIGGS AND SHEARMAN’S TOY FACTORY.
A moment of silence ensues, as the Gold Dalek Supreme considers.
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
CAN THIS ENTICEMENT TO THE DOCTOR BE ENHANCED FURTHER FOR OUR PURPOSES?
BLACK DALEK
IT CAN. WITH MRS. SHEARMAN’S HELP.
Another moment of silence ensues.
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
VERY WELL. CONDUCT THE TRAP REQUIRED FOR THE DOC-TOR IMMEDIATELY. I EXPECT AN EXCELLENT AND EFFICIENT RESULT.
BLACK DALEK
UNDERSTOOD.
The Black Dalek turns to the Red Dalek.
BLACK DALEK
RED DALEK! YOU WILL INFORM UNITS IN CHRISTMAS DRESS CODE TO BE SENT DOWN TO CHURCHWOOD STREET. THEY ARE TO LURE THE CHILDREN IN THE AREA UNDER A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. THIS ACTION WILL INITIATE THE DOC-TOR’S CURIOSITY FURTHER TO FINDING US. SEE TO IT IMMEDIATELY!
RED DALEK
I OBEY!
With that, the Red Dalek glides off. Just then, the intercom bleeps, as the Daleks receive a communication from Mrs. Shearman.
MRS. SHEARMAN (V’O)
Shearman to Dalek Control! Shearman to Dalek Control! Are you receiving me, over? (Pause) Are you recieving me, over?!
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
(through intercom) YES, MRS. SHEARMAN. WE WISH TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU!
MRS. SHEARMAN (V’O)
Funny! I wanted to talk to you too. Where are you boys when I need you? I’m expecting you to attend my business meeting today. I’m about to have it now.
GOLD DALEK SUPREME
(through intercom) WE WILL…ATTEND YOUR MEETING…PROVIDED YOU DO SOMETHING FOR US. YOU MUST NOT RESIST! YOU WILL OBEY!
MRS. SHEARMAN (V’O)
Will I now? (Pause) What is it you wish me to do, darlings?
With that, the Gold Dalek Supreme begins to outline the Daleks’ latest plan to Mrs. Shearman.
SCENE #18 – INT – NORTON’S CAFÉ, CHURCHWOOD STREET – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, in Norton’s café, the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Enid and Fred sit at a table, as they recover from their recent Dalek experience. They’re having cups of tea whilst in the café.
FRED
(concerned) How are you feeling, Enid? Are you feeling better now?
ENID
Much better now, thank you, Fred. This cup of tea I’m having helps. (to Billy) Billy, how are you, dear? Aren’t you feeling shaken up…?
BILLY
(interjects; reassuringly) I’m fine, Mum. Believe me! Nyssa, the Doctor and I. We face this sort of thing nearly all the time.
NYSSA
Your son has coped remarkably well in our TARDIS travels over the years. You should be proud of him, Enid.
ENID
I just can’t fathom how my dear son takes all this death and destruction in his stride. It’s not right…
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Please, everyone! If you don’t mind, I’m trying to concentrate! I’m experimenting with this toy Dalek by analysing the information off these data-stamps we’ve collected.
Nyssa, Billy, Enid and Fred watch, as the Doctor tinkers with the toy Dalek in his hands as well the data-stamps.
NYSSA
Anything useful to know, Doctor? About how the Daleks are going to invade Billy’s home?
DOCTOR
It’s not just Churchwood Street we have to worry about, Nyssa. It’s the whole world!
NYSSA
I, of course, meant the whole word, Doctor…
DOCTOR
(continues) These compressed Daleks are in a dormant state at present. The molecular structure has to be triggered by a certain frequency.
BILLY
(astonished) So…these are real Daleks we’re dealing with then. Despite them looking like toys.
DOCTOR
I’ve been able to deduce a lot from analysing the data-stamps. As well as utilising the tribo-kinetic analyser detector I’ve brought with me from the TARDIS.
The Doctor shows his tribo-kinetic analyser detector up onto the café table, which whirs out loud very noisily.
NYSSA
It does make an awful lot of noise, Doctor. Put it away! You’re going to attract attention with it whiring away like that!
The Doctor puts the tribo-kinetic analyser detector back down underneath the café table.
DOCTOR
I must find out what the Daleks are up to in their invasion plans by utilising these toy versions of themselves. (Pause) Besides, Enid and Fred wanted to come in here and have a cup of tea in order to recover. I felt the same.
FRED
And we’re very grateful, Doctor.
DOCTOR
(continues) The data-stamps contain information on battle strategies, enforcement procedures, and Dalek methods of extermination to unleash upon the public. Mind you, I can’t trace the source for the activation codes and I can’t determine where and when the activation of these Dalek toys will occur.
NYSSA
The data-stamps are merely external drives, Doctor. You can’t access the information the way you’re doing it now. You need the main desktop drive in the TARDIS for that. Or a portable device of some kind.
DOCTOR
A laptop, you mean? (Pause) Yes, you may be right, Nyssa. Maybe I do need to access the information in the Dalek data-stamps via the TARDIS data banks. (Pause) It’s just… (sighs) I’m still baffled by the logic of it all. Why would the Daleks need toy versions of themselves for an invasion? They could easily invade the Earth by a direct attack, using a standard-sized invasion fleet. But no! They decide to stealthily make their way in. (Pause) Why is that, I wonder?
As the Doctor ponders away…
BILLY
(whispers) I’m a little worried, Nyssa.
NYSSA
(whispers) Me too. The Doctor doesn’t like it when he doesn’t know everything. I wonder where this is going to lead him.
BILLY
(whispers) Yeah. How driven is he to stop the Daleks? To stop them from whatever they’re doing.
At that moment, a Dalek waiter comes by.
DALEK WAITER
MAY I TAKE YOUR ORDER?
Everyone becomes startled once the Dalek waiter is before them.
ENID
(startled) Oh my beating heart! You didn’t half give me a start.
DALEK WAITER
I APOLOGISE. MAY I TAKE YOUR ORDER?
DOCTOR
(bitterly) What do you want?
DALEK WAITER
(puzzled) I WISH TO TAKE YOUR ORDER…
DOCTOR
(interrupts; angrily) Stop it, Dalek! Just stop it! I want to know why you’re here! What you and your Dalek friends are up to?
At that moment, a little boy and a little girl come by, thrilled to see the Dalek waiter.
LITTLE BOY
(excited) Look, look! It’s a Dalek dressed up as a waiter!
LITTLE GIRL
(laughs) That’s funny! Hello, Mr. Dalek!
DALEK WAITER
HELLO, CHILDREN!
DOCTOR
(to little boy; little girl) You two! Keep away! Don’t touch it!
LITTLE BOY
Why? We like him. He’s funny!
LITTLE GIRL
Yes! He’s a funny Dalek!
DALEK WAITER
YES! I AM A FUNNY DALEK! AND I AM…REALLY NICE!
DOCTOR
(scoffs) That’ll be the day.
NYSSA
Doctor, perhaps you shouldn’t provoke it.
DOCTOR
(angrily) I don’t like what the Daleks are doing here. It sickens me to see the seemingly pleasant pleasantries they bring!
BILLY
That doesn’t mean we should get ourselves into any more trouble. We got out of one scrape recently, remember?
NYSSA
Billy’s right. We can talk more about it back at the TARDIS.
DALEK WAITER
DO I…UPSET YOU, SIR?
DOCTOR
You know full well how I feel about you, Dalek! You’re everything I despise!
LITTLE BOY
You don’t like Daleks! Why don’t you like Daleks?
LITTLE GIRL
We don’t like you! You hate Daleks, but we love them!
DALEK WAITER
YES! WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO TAKE YOUR ORDERS NOW? THERE’S A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL TODAY!
At that moment, a commotion occurs outside.
LITTLE BOY
Hear that? Something’s going on outside!
LITTLE GIRL
It must be the Dalek show! Come on. Let’s go and see the Santa Daleks!
With that, the two kids head off outside.
BILLY
(anxiously) Did they say…Santa Daleks?
NYSSA
They think of everything at Christmas!
DOCTOR
I’m going outside! I must see what’s happening!
With that, the Doctor gets up out of his seat at the café table, before he heads off outside.
NYSSA
You know the drill, Billy.
BILLY
As I know you well enough to follow him.
With that, Nyssa and Billy get out of their seats at the café table, before they follow after the Doctor. Meanwhile, Enid and Fred remain seated at their café table.
FRED
(gradually) Fancy going out for a walk, Enid dear?
ENID
(considers; gradually) No. I just got comfy. And the tea’s keeping me warm.
SCENE #19 – EXT – CHURCHWOOD STREET, CARDIFF – DAY, AFTERNOON
Outside, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy see that some children are watching some Daleks in the street. These Daleks have been dressed with Santa hats on their domed heads. A man called David MacDonald introduces the Daleks to the children, as he uses a microphone to speak.
DAVID MACDONALD
(through microphone) Hello everyone! My name’s David! But you don’t want to hear from me! Here’s your chance to meet the Santa Daleks. They’ve come to meet you lovely children to ask what you want for Christmas. So go ahead! Ask what you want and you shall have it for Christmas! But you’d better hurry. The Santa Daleks haven’t got long, as they need to get back to the North Pole to help Father Christmas.
Excitedly, the children start raising their hands in the air to ask what they want for Christmas from the Santa Daleks.
DAVID MACDONALD
(through microphone) Yes, yes! I see three children here. Come out here and meet the Santa Daleks! They’re very friendly and will be very nice to you.
With that, three children, including the little boy and the little girl from the café, run out to meet; touch and talk to the Santa Daleks. A Santa Dalek speaks to the little boy.
SANTA DALEK #1
HELLO! WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
LITTLE BOY
I would like a bicycle for Christmas please, Santa Dalek.
SANTA DALEK #1
VERY WELL. I WILL SEE TO IT THAT YOU WILL GET YOUR BICYCLE!
Meanwhile, a Santa Dalek speaks to the little girl.
SANTA DALEK #2
HELLO, LITTLE GIRL! WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE FOR CHRISTMAS?
LITTLE GIRL
A doll’s house and lots of dolls. Will you get them for me please?
SANTA DALEK #2
YES! I WILL GO TO THE NORTH POLE AND TELL FATHER CHRISTMAS WHAT YOU WANT.
LITTLE GIRL
I love you, Santa Dalek!
SANTA DALEK #2
I…LOVE YOU TOO!
Watching nearby is the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy.
DOCTOR
(disgusted) This can’t be happening! It just can’t!
BILLY
They’re doing well to keep the kids happy. I’ve never seen Daleks behave like this before.
NYSSA
They’re deceitful and cunning. They can’t be this benevolent. They want something and they’ll go to any means to get it.
BILLY
Even if it means playing and acting nice? This is just play-acting for them to achieve their own ends?
NYSSA
Precisely. The Daleks are clever in that regard.
BILLY
Crikey! That’s terrifying to think of. It’s one to make you feel queasy in the stomach! At least, that’s how I feel at the moment.
NYSSA
Me too, Billy. Me too.
At that moment, the Doctor advances upon the Santa Daleks. Nyssa and Billy follow.
BILLY
(astonished) Hey! What’s the Doctor up to?
NYSSA
(to Doctor) Doctor, what are you doing?
DOCTOR
(ignores Nyssa and Billy; calls) Stand back! Children, stand back!
The children make way, as the Doctor approaches the Santa Daleks. David MacDonald tries to intervene.
DAVID MACDONALD
(annoyed) Excuse me, sir! Would you move along! The children want to see…
DOCTOR
(ignores David MacDonald; angrily; to Daleks) Leave these children alone! Leave this planet alone! Whatever you Daleks are doing, I will stop you!
SANTA DALEK #1
WE ARE HERE TO MEET CHILDREN! THEY WANT THEIR PRESENTS FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS!
SANTA DALEK #2
DO NOT INTERVENE! PLEASE LEAVE…OR ELSE…WE WILL PUT YOU…ON THE NAUGHTY LIST!
DOCTOR
(angrily) Stop it, Daleks! Stop this right now! This charade has gone on long enough! Tell me why you’re here!
LITTLE GIRL
(horrified) The man’s being horrible to the Daleks! Why is he being horrible to them?!
LITTLE BOY
Bad man, he is! Bad man! (shouts) Leave the Daleks alone!
DAVID MACDONALD
Sir, I don’t know what your game is, but this has gone on long enough!
DOCTOR
(angrily; to David) How come you’ve allowed this to happen?! Don’t you realise the Daleks are the deadliest death machines ever in the universe?! They’ll destroy you without a second thought!
DAVID MACDONALD
I’m going to have to ask you to leave, sir.
DOCTOR
Not until I’ve sorted out these Daleks. It’s not me who should leave! It’s them! (to Daleks) And stop wearing those Santa hats!
With that, the Doctor swipes the Santa hats off the Santa Daleks’ domed heads.
DOCTOR
You think you can be so jolly and go…
SANTA DALEK #1
(interjects) HO, HO, HO! IT’S TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!
DAVID MACDONALD
Go away, sir! You’re ruining this for the kids!
At that moment, Nyssa and Billy intervene.
NYSSA
Doctor, this isn’t helping. We should go back to the TARDIS and sort this out!
BILLY
Yes, come on, Doctor. This isn’t worth it.
DOCTOR
(bitterly) Maybe not, but it’s making me feel a lot better!
BILLY
Come on, Doctor! I agree with Nyssa. We should go back to the TARDIS like we said.
NYSSA
Please, Doctor! Come away.
A moment of silence ensues.
DOCTOR
(gradually; calms down) Alright then. I’ll come. You’re right, Nyssa; Billy. This isn’t helping. (Pause) Back to the TARDIS we go.
With that, the TARDIS trio soon make their way back to the TARDIS. Once they’ve gone, David MacDonald and the children are relieved.
DAVID MACDONALD
(reasurringly) It’s alright, children. Whoever that man was, he won’t bother us again.
LITTLE BOY
I’m glad he’s gone.
LITTLE GIRL
Yeah. He was hurting the Daleks.
SANTA DALEK #1
WHO WANTS SOMETHING FOR CHRISTMAS?
SANTA DALEK #2
ASK US AND WE SHALL PROVIDE IT!
SANTA DALEKS
HO, HO, HO, HO!!!
SCENE #20 – INT – TARDIS, CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
A while later inside the TARDIS, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy examine the Dalek toy and the data-stamps in the console room.
NYSSA
Well, Doctor? Any more information acquired from the latest download? Or is the download still processing from the data-stamps into the TARDIS computer as we speak?
DOCTOR
I’ve managed to gain more insight into the Daleks’ strategy. The main focus for the invasion is at the factory of Briggs and Shearman’s toy company.
BILLY
In the Brecon Beacons? In that site where Dad used to work?
DOCTOR
Yes, Billy. From there, the Daleks will raise a call to arms in order to start the invasion in all areas of the Earth.
NYSSA
When precisely will this invasion occur?
The Doctor checks, using the TARDIS databanks. Once he finishes checking…
DOCTOR
(gradually; grimly) Ten past ten on the twenty-fifth of December, nineteen sixty-five. In the UK and concurrently in other parts of the world.
NYSSA
Twenty-fifth of December? Christmas Day?
BILLY
They pick a fine time for an invasion, don’t they? It’s Christmas for goodness sake! They can’t invade Christmas!
DOCTOR
If you tell a Dalek that it’s Christmas, they won’t care and will exterminate you, Billy.
NYSSA
Besides, they’ve already invaded Christmas. With this Dalekmania happening around the world, it’s getting worse.
BILLY
So in two days’ time, the Daleks will have taken control of the Earth at Christmas time.
NYSSA
But how will they achieve it? I don’t see how they’ll be able to take control of the Earth with toy versions of themselves on a dramatic scale. It would take a lot of time. More than just one day.
DOCTOR
I’m not sure how they would achieve it either, Nyssa. It’s currently at a molecular level with these Dalek toy forms, but there’s something nagging at the back of my brain that tells me they have something else set in motion in order for them to suceed.
BILLY
Well, we’ve got to stop them! And quickly before Christmas Eve has ended.
DOCTOR
No, Billy. I’ve got to stop them. You and Nyssa don’t have to get involved.
NYSSA
You can’t leave us out, Doctor. We’re not letting you do this by yourself.
DOCTOR
Please, Nyssa! I won’t endanger your lives for my sake. Especially when you’ve got so much to prepare.
BILLY
For our wedding, you mean.
DOCTOR
Yes. Your happiness means a great deal to me, Billy. Yours and Nyssa’s. I won’t spoil it for you two if you help me out with defeating the Daleks. If you help me, you’re likely to get hurt…
NYSSA
(interjects) You’re not going to stop us helping you, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Please, Nyssa! You and Billy deserve the time to be together. Especially at Christmas. I won’t let you get involved.
BILLY
Doctor, we’re very grateful to you for thinking of us this way. But there are times when I don’t think you know us at all.
NYSSA
Billy’s right, Doctor. Our wedding means a lot to us, but so do you. We would give anything to be with you in a time of crisis.
BILLY
Exactly! Nyssa and I would like to help you in sorting out the Daleks first before we can continue with our wedding plans.
NYSSA
There’s no way you can push us out from helping you, Doctor. We got caught up in this mess with you. We’re determined to see it through to the bitter end.
A moment of silence.
DOCTOR
Thank you, Nyssa; thank you, Billy. You don’t know how much this means to me.
NYSSA
You pick the best of friends, Doctor.
BILLY
And we certainly fit the bill.
Another moment of silence.
DOCTOR
Very well. You two can help me. But first things first, we need to make plans before heading out to Brecon Beacons. And I think we should have a cup of tea on that.
BILLY
What, here? In the TARDIS?
DOCTOR
No. At your parents’ house, Billy.
SCENE #21 – INT – MEETING ROOM #9, BRIGGS & SHEARMAN’S CENTRAL – DAY, AFTERNOON
In Cardiff city centre, a business meeting takes place at Briggs & Sherman’s central building. The board of directors aren’t happy with the latest developments.
MOLLOY
I warned the board of directors that Briggs and Shearman’s would go downhill once Mrs. Shearman took over. She’s brought us nothing but bankruptcy!
HARPER
It is to be expected, Mr. Molloy. Women don’t understand liquidation. The more resources used, the more we’re lower on our profit figures.
MOLLOY
And we’re talking about a woman who can’t attend a meeting punctually!
At that moment, the door opens and Mrs. Shearman enters.
MRS. SHEARMAN
Board of directors, my apologies. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. I hope you were able to start without me.
MOLLOY
We were just saying how we disapprove of your management skills, Mrs. Shearman…
HARPER
(interjects) Mr. Molloy! Now is not the time.
MRS. SHEARMAN
No, no, please. Let Mr. Molloy continue, Mr. Harper. I would like to hear his feedback.
MOLLOY
You madam are unreliable! You’re lazy and downright reckless. You’re casual in how you handle your late father’s business – God rest his soul – as well as your late husband Mr. Shearman – God rest his soul too.
MRS. SHEARMAN
But we’re doing remarkably well, aren’t we? Stocks have sold out to countries around the globe. America and Scotland will soon be overwhelmed by our latest merchandise.
HARPER
This ridiculous Dalekmania has gone too far, Mrs. Shearman. You’re using too many of the company’s resources.
MRS. SHEARMAN
(scoffs) Oh and you should know better when you sneak out to pubs, Mr. Harper – our glorious company treasurer. Benefiting with the profits we’ve gained.
MOLLOY
Harper? What is she on about?
MRS. SHEARMAN
(interjects) For your information, gentlemen, I didn’t use the company’s resources. I used an external supplier.
HARPER
External supplier? Is that legal?
MRS. SHEARMAN
I’m not my father, Mr. Harper. Nor am I my husband. I don’t handle the mundane and boring tasks that they had when they were gathering in miniscule profits for the business. I make big money with the Daleks that I sell to the public.
HARPER
Your father and your husband were decent people. They knew how to make a good living. They knew how to maintain stocks. To prevent bankruptcy and collapse.
MRS. SHEARMAN
Exactly why my husband and my father had to die. (Pause) And that’s why all of you have been gathered. All of the board of directors in this one room. Here where the death toll can be completed. Where I can control the company’s business from here on out.
HARPER
What are you talking about, woman?
MRS. SHEARMAN
My husband and my father didn’t die of natural deaths as you were all led to believe. They were…how should I say…disposed of rather quickly.
MOLLOY
You…you murdered them?!
MRS. SHEARMAN
(laughs) Nothing so elaborate. I didn’t lay a finger on my husband nor my father to kill them. (Pause) My friends however…
HARPER
(interjects) Your friends, Mrs. Shearman?
MRS. SHEARMAN
Yes! My friends! Would you like to meet them? (calls) Boys! Come in here now! It’s play-time!
At that moment, a squad of Daleks enter the room, bursting through the doors of the meeting room. They glide in whilst the board of directors get up out of their chairs, shocked and horrified.
DALEKS
DO NOT MOVE! DO NOT MOVE! YOU ARE OUR PRISONERS!!!
MOLLOY
(shocked) Daleks! They’re your Daleks, Mrs. Shearman!
HARPER
These ones are bigger than your toys!
MRS. SHEARMAN
Of course they’re much bigger, you nincompoops! They’re the genuine articles! The real deal!
The squad of Daleks stop gliding in and wait to attention. Their leader, the Red Dalek, trundles forward to meet Mrs. Shearman.
RED DALEK
WHAT ARE YOUR COMMANDS, MRS. SHEARMAN?!
MRS. SHEARMAN
(gradually) Mr. Harper, Mr. Molloy, Mr. Baker, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Spaull are to be spared. The rest can be…disposed of. (to everyone else) Sorry, everyone. Nothing personal.
HARPER
What exactly do you mean…disposed of? Tell us, Mrs. Shearman!
MRS. SHEARMAN
They are to be exterminated, Mr. Harper.
RED DALEK
EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!
DALEKS
EXTERMINATE!!!
With that, the Daleks open fire. Some of the board of directors scream, as they try to run away but get exterminated by the Daleks. The board of directors, except Harper, Molly, Baker, Rogers and Spaull, are shot and exterminated, as they fall to the ground with the Daleks trundling all over them.
MOLLOY
(shocked) You’re killing them! You’re having those men killed!
MRS. SHEARMAN
(shouts) I repeat! Mr. Harper, Mr. Molloy, Mr. Baker, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Spaull are to be spared.
The Daleks keep on exterminating the board of directors not to be spared in the meeting room. One board of director crashes through a window and falls to his death, escaping death by the Daleks.
MOLLOY
Did you see that, Harper? That man Edwards! He just…smashed through the window there!
HARPER
He fell to his death!
MOLLOY
(to Mrs. Shearman) What do you think you’re doing, woman?! Have you gone around the bend?!
HARPER
Why have we been spared?! What do you want us five men for? Why not have us exterminated?!
MRS. SHEARMAN
Slave labour, Mr. Harper. I need slaves for a certain workload. And you board of directors have a certain thorough knowledge for those warehouses we use.
MOLLOY
Why not get some of the public to do your work? Or our usual workers? Or some of these Dalek friends of yours who’ve killed our people here?!
MRS. SHEARMAN
I’ve given the workers a day off. Home in time early for Christmas. Whereas you men…I don’t see the dirt on your hands. You’re the ones that should be called lazy. I want to see you five men do ordinary work like some of the ordinary men and women do it.
HARPER
You can’t be serious!
At that moment, the Red Dalek approaches Mrs. Shearman.
RED DALEK
THESE FIVE MEN ARE TO BE TAKEN TO THE WAREHOUSE, MRS. SHEARMAN!
MRS. SHEARMAN
The Daleks are now the new board of directors, my dear boys! (Pause) Now, are you going to come quietly, or do I have to let my Dalek friends have you end up like your colleagues here? Those lying on the floor, dead and exterminated!
A moment of tension ensues, as the five board of directors, including Harper and Molly, are reluctant to obey Mrs. Shearman whilst the Daleks have their gunsticks trained on them.
SCENE #22 – INT – LIVING ROOM, NO. 8 – DAY, EVENING
It’s now evening. The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are at Billy’s home with his mum and dad, Enid and Fred. The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy plan ahead with what to do next, whilst Enid provides them with cups of tea.
DOCTOR
It seems clear to me that the heart of Briggs and Shearman’s operations is…underneath the ground premises of the Brecon Beacons site.
NYSSA
So we would have to park the TARDIS somewhere close to that area.
BILLY
The thing is, there will be alarm systems at the ready. We could easily be spotted and not get our chance to do this via stealth.
NYSSA
(amazed) Well done, Billy. I’m impressed you took that into account.
BILLY
Takes one to know one. I’ve learnt from the best.
DOCTOR
You’re right, Billy. The alarm systems will be at the ready. So, we don’t want to trigger any alarms once we’re there. We need to park the TARDIS in an unalarmed area. Where to park is a little bit debatable.
FRED
I can provide you with a map of the toy factory in the Brecon Beacons, Doctor.
DOCTOR
(astonished) Really, Fred? You can provide us with a map?
FRED
I obtained it before the Aqua Systems Revival project was closed down before Briggs and Shearman took over.
DOCTOR
Well, we would like to see the map now please, Fred.
FRED
Got it here. I’ll lay it out on the table.
With that, Fred takes out the map of the Brecon Beacons toy factory; opens it; and lays it out on the table before the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy, as they sip their cups of tea, delighted.
BILLY
(pleased) Thanks for the cups of tea, Mum.
ENID
That’s alright, Billy dear.
NYSSA
Yes, thank you, Enid. This cup of tea I’m having is really refreshing.
Once Fred has the map spread out on the table before the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy…
FRED
Now, if you see here, Doctor, there are cupboard holes where you can park the TARDIS securely without being detected. They have no alarm systems implemented in those cupboard holes. One of them is close to the basement.
NYSSA
But the areas outside the cupboard holes would have alarm systems in place.
FRED
Yes, you would have to disable the alarm systems manually. I’m sure you can achieve that with your remarkable talents, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Oh I can adjust the sonic screwdriver I have for this sort of thing once we’re back inside the TARDIS. I can work on this evening before we set off the following morning.
FRED
We?
BILLY
Nyssa and I are going with the Doctor, Dad. We’re going to the toy factory in the Brecon Beacons.
ENID
(protests) Oh no, Billy Walker! I’m not letting you walk into danger like that again!
BILLY
Mum, I’ve got Nyssa and the Doctor to look out for me, okay.
ENID
Be that as it may, I’m not having you walk into danger again. It’s too dangerous! You could easily be killed by those Daleks!
FRED
I’m afraid I have to agree with your mum, Billy. It’s best if you and Nyssa stay here to sort out your wedding.
DOCTOR
I did suggest that to them.
BILLY
We’ve chatted about this already! We’re going with you, Doctor! Me and Nyssa. We’re still holding to that.
ENID
(shocked) Billy!
BILLY
Mum, we have to go! I have to go with Nyssa and the Doctor! Don’t try and stop me! I’ve made up my mind!
A moment of silence ensues.
ENID
(gradually; upset) I don’t want to lose you, Billy dear. I don’t want you to get hurt.
BILLY
(reassuringly) Mum, don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright. As long as the Doctor and Nyssa are with me, I’ll be safe. We’ll be back in time for Christmas before you know it.
FRED
Enid, perhaps we should listen to Billy.
ENID
Fred!
FRED
He’s a grown man, dear. He can make up his mind on what to do. We can’t interfere with what he wants. (Pause; to Billy) You go, Billy. Go with the Doctor and Nyssa.
BILLY
(pleased) Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate that.
Another moment of silence ensues.
ENID
(groans) Fine then. You can go, Billy. But I’m still protesting about it.
BILLY
Thanks, Mum.
NYSSA
(reassuringly) We’ll look out for Billy, the Doctor and I. Don’t you two worry about it.
DOCTOR
(gradually) Right then. I should go back to the TARDIS and sort out my sonic screwdriver. I’ll have it ready to tackle the alarm systems at Briggs and Shearman’s toy factory in the Brecon Beacons. (Pause) It’s going to be a long Christmas Eve tomorrow, I’m afraid.
SCENE #23 – EXT – CHURCHWOOD STREET, CARDIFF – NIGHT
It’s night-time, and Nyssa and Billy are walking hand-in-hand together on Churchwood Street, gazing into the night sky.
BILLY
Well, Nyssa. It’s nearly Christmas Eve. Thank goodness we’re able to get out of the house for a bit and be by ourselves.
NYSSA
Your parents are lovely, Billy. They treat you, me and the Doctor well with hospitality.
BILLY
Yeah. It’s a good trait that runs in the family. And one I’m very proud of.
NYSSA
I’m sure you are, Billy.
A ripple of amusement occurs between them.
BILLY
Honestly, the number of times we’ve had to get away to be by ourselves. And all those TV programmes! ‘The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show’, the Christmas edition of ‘Coronation Street’, episodes of ‘Crossroads’ and ‘Z-Cars’. I thought television would run out of things for us to watch.
NYSSA
‘Juke Box Jury’ was interesting. I found pieces of their music engaging to listen to.
BILLY
Yeah. And all of them Christmas songs.
NYSSA
I’m glad they were all Christmas songs. It makes a change from hearing Daleks singing songs. The Dalek are such terrible singers.
BILLY
Yeah, I suppose that is true.
Another ripple of amusement occurs between them.
BILLY
Anyway, I’m glad we’re together for a bit. And having a walk in the street. I’m pleased when you and I asked my parents if we could go for a walk outside, they seemed okay with that.
NYSSA
They’re still getting used to the idea of us getting married, aren’t they? They even told us to be back before ten o’clock.
BILLY
I know. Treating us like we’re children.
NYSSA
Your mum’s worried about you, Billy.
BILLY
Oh she’s a terrible worrier, my mum.
Nyssa and Billy then kiss each other. Eventually, Billy presents Cuddles, their cuddly toy dog, to Nyssa.
NYSSA
(realises) Oh! Hello, Cuddles!
BILLY
(as Cuddles) Wuff, wuff! (as himself) He’s come to join us for walkies, Nyssa. (as Cuddles) Wuff, wuff!
Billy has Cuddles kiss Nyssa, to which she giggles nervously. She soon takes Cuddles from Billy.
NYSSA
Okay, okay, Cuddles. You can join us on our walk.
BILLY
(as Cuddles) Wuff!
NYSSA
I hope he doesn’t come to life again like he did when we spent that one Christmas time together in Swansea twenty-twelve.
BILLY
Oh don’t remind me, Nyssa. That Christmas was quite weird.
Nyssa and Billy giggle for a bit, as they continue walking in the night.
NYSSA
(gradually) If the Daleks weren’t such a problem, what would you do on Christmas Eve as an alternative?
BILLY
(thinks; gradually) Well…we could wake up early in the morning. Have a walk up on the hills. Then be back in time for an early breakfast in Norton’s café.
NYSSA
Sounds appealing.
BILLY
Then we can do whatever we want for the rest of the day. Lounge about at home or do a bit of last minute Christmas shopping before the following day. We can make snowmen and have snowball fights with each other. That is if it were snowing of, course. Or we could do ice skating and dance on…ice. If there were any ice rinks to go on, of course. And if we had ice skates.
NYSSA
(laughs; amused) You’ve got a vivid imagination, Billy. I’m amazed you can come up with these ideas of yours.
BILLY
Well, it’s the ideal Christmas Eve for me. It’s certainly how I would picture it. After all the snowball fighting and the ice skating, we can go back inside the house once it’s dark and have cups of cocoa. Spending some lovely quality time together. (Pause) What do you think of that?
NYSSA
(enthused) I think it’s lovely, Billy. I like it. It’s an ideal scenario. (Pause) We can certainly do the things you suggested on another Christmas Eve. And with no Daleks to trouble us.
BILLY
(pleased) I’m glad you approve.
NYSSA
(gradually) I only hope our Christmas won’t this year be spoiled.
BILLY
(gradually) Yeah. Me too. (Pause) And I hope we’ll be able to get on with our wedding plans.
A moment of silence.
NYSSA
Come on. Let’s get back to the house. Like the Doctor said, it’s going to be a long Christmas Eve tomorrow, We could do with some beauty sleep.
With that, Nyssa and Billy head back the way they came, carrying Cuddles with them.
© Tim Bradley, 2022
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