1. “Welcome to Witten!”
Roll original 1982 Peter Davison opening credits
SCENE #1 – EXT – WITTEN COTTAGE, WITTEN – DAY, AFTERNOON
On Earth, in the English countryside of 1950, a car arrives outside Witten Cottage. Inside the car are a mother, a father and their two children. They’re the Deakin family. The two children are Fred (aged 11) and Katy (aged 10). Mr. Deakin is driving the car. Mrs. Witten/Aunt Rose comes out of Witten Cottage to greet the Deakins once they’ve parked and exited their car.
AUNT ROSE
(cheerily) “Welcome to Witten, all of you!”
KATY
“Auntie Rose!”
Katy runs over to greet Aunt Rose, giving her a hug and a kiss.
AUNT ROSE
(happily) “Katy! Why, haven’t you grown?! It’s so good to see you!”
KATY
“Thank you for letting us come here to stay for the holidays.”
AUNT ROSE
“Oh not at all. You’re very welcome, you and Fred. Why it seems like only yesterday you were a small girl.”
KATY
“How old was I then?”
AUNT ROSE
“Oh, a pretty cheeky little toddler!”
A ripple of laughter ensues. Soon, Aunt Rose greets Fred who comes to meet her.
AUNT ROSE
“Hello Fred! My, you are getting taller every day, aren’t you?”
FRED
“Hello Auntie! Mum and Dad, they’re going away to Scotland without us!”
AUNT ROSE
“Oh well, it’s good we’ve got you two here. Your mum and dad must have a nerve to go away to Scotland without you.”
FRED
“Just what I’ve been saying!”
Another ripple of laughter ensues. Mr. and Mrs. Deakin then come to greet Aunt Rose.
MRS. DEAKIN
“Rose, it’s good to see you again!”
AUNT ROSE
(happily) “Hello June! I’m glad you and Richard came to see me and Michael before you went off to Glasgow. It’ll be good to have a catch-up.”
MR. DEAKIN
“It’ll certainly a pleasure to meet up with the old chap. How is Michael by the way?”
AUNT ROSE
“Engrossed with his work. I’ve had to bring him a cup of tea every now and again so as to get him out of his study.”
MRS. DEAKIN
“Thank you for letting our children stay with you, Rose, whilst we’re away. We couldn’t appreciate it more.”
AUNT ROSE
“Oh, couldn’t be happier! And such delightful children they are.”
KATY
“Where’s our cousin Susan? I would like to see her!”
AUNT ROSE
“Oh that wretched girl! I wonder where she could have got to.” (Pause) “I’m so sorry, you’ll have to forgive Susan. She’s not used to meeting strangers.”
FRED
“She’s not about then.”
AUNT ROSE
“Probably off on a boat to Witten Island.”
MR. DEAKIN
“There’s an island around here?”
AUNT ROSE
“Not far from the shore of Witten Bay. I’m sure the children will love to see it. If Susan wishes to share the island with Fred and Katy of course.”
A moment of silence ensues.
AUNT ROSE
(eagerly) “Come on. Let’s go inside. There are some ham sandwiches, cupcakes and lemonade waiting for you two children.”
KATY
“Oh I love ham sandwiches! And lemonade!”
MRS. DEAKIN
“I hope we’ll be able to see Susan before Richard and I set off for Glasgow.”
AUNT ROSE
“Yes June, I hope so too. She can be quite a naughty child at times.”
After Aunt Rose takes the Deakin family inside Witten Cottage, Susan and her dog Patch come out of hiding after watching from a distance.
SUSAN
(whispers) “They’re here, Patch. My cousins are here. How awful!”
SCENE #2 – INT – TARDIS, CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Meanwhile in time and space, the TARDIS journeys through the time vortex. The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are in the TARDIS console room, unsettled from the previous events of ‘The Scavenger Station’.
NYSSA
(anxiously) “Doctor, without the first four Coins of Deno…”
DOCTOR
“Our task in destroying them has become more difficult. Yes, I realise that, Nyssa.”
BILLY
“Couldn’t we just go back in time and get the coins from ‘us’ before the Sgrans do? We could do that, couldn’t we?”
DOCTOR
“And cause a temporal nexus? No, no! Things are too complicated enough already.”
NYSSA
“We can’t just stand around arguing about it whilst in the TARDIS. Things could have seriously worsened already.”
DOCTOR
(muses) “Yes. The Sgrans have probably delivered the first four Coins of Deno to the Dark Lord Vorshon by now. He’ll be using them for domination of the Deno system.”
NYSSA
“Using stone, lightning, wind and fire as his sources of power. Causing chaos and destruction.”
BILLY
(anxiously) “There must be something we can do. I hate the feeling that we’re back to square one.”
DOCTOR
“No, no. Not square one, Billy. It appears that we have been cheated in this endeavour.”
NYSSA
“So, what do you suggest we do then, Doctor?”
A moment of silence ensues as the Doctor thinks for a moment.
DOCTOR
(gradually) “I suggest that we carry on with the mission. We continue to search for the last four Coins of Deno.”
BILLY
“Doctor, we can’t go on searching for the last four Coins of Deno! Not when we’ve lost the first four coins already!”
DOCTOR
“Well, we’ll have to regain the first four coins another time, Billy. Right now, it’s of vital importance that we collect the four remaining coins in order to ensure they don’t fall into the hands of the Sgrans. Things could get even worse if that happened. Time must be savoured.”
NYSSA
“The Doctor’s right, Billy. We must carry on with our mission no matter what the setbacks.”
BILLY
(sighs) “I suppose you’re right.” (Pause) “Okay then, we’ll do as you say, Doctor. We’ll carry on with our mission. We’ll just have to be more careful as we carry on.”
NYSSA
“And avoid any more Sgrans from now on.”
DOCTOR
“Yes. Thank you both for your confidence in me.” (Pause) “Now, let’s set off for our next destination, shall we?”
The Doctor sets the controls for the TARDIS and the time rotor soon oscillates up and down. The TARDIS trio are on their way through the time vortex. Gradually, the Doctor checks the map to time.
DOCTOR
“Now according to the map to time, we should be making for the coordinates G-C-colon-seven-G-dash-one-three-M-two-three-W. Let’s hope our arrival there will be soon.”
NYSSA
“I just wonder how we’re going to avoid the Sgrans next time.”
BILLY
“Don’t we all indeed!”
Nyssa and Billy stand about in the console room with the Doctor, as the TARDISes continues to traverse through time and space.
SCENE #3 – INT – HALLWAY, WITTEN COTTAGE – DAY, AFTERNOON
Back on 1950s Earth inside Witten Cottage, Aunt Rose leads the way for the Deakins and their children to enter the living room.
AUNT ROSE
(cheerily) “This way! Let’s go into the living room.”
At that moment, Dr. Mitchel Witten/Uncle Michael appears, coming out of his study.
AUNT ROSE
“Ah Michael, here you are! The Deakins and their children are here!”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Oh! Are they?”
MR. DEAKIN
“Hello Michael, dear chap! Good to see you! I hope our children won’t bother you so much whilst they stay at the cottage.”
AUNT ROSE
“Michael has been working on a mysterious legend concerning Witten Island at our doorstep.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“By George, June! Are these children yours?”
MRS. DEAKIN
“I’ve only two, Michael.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Hmm. Good number, two. Katy and Fred, isn’t it?”
FRED
“Yes, uncle.”
KATY
“Yes, uncle.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Well, children, I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here. And knock some sense into Susan. She needs a good talking to. I must find her.”
With that, Uncle Michael leaves. Aunt Rose turns to the Deakins.
AUNT ROSE
“Do come into the living room. I’m sure Michael will join us for tea later on.”
MR. DEAKIN
“Well, it’d better not be too long. Our train leaves at seven thirty this evening.”
MRS. DEAKIN
“We’ve got a few hours to spare, Richard.”
MR. DEAKIN
“It’s a long journey in the car, dear.”
FRED
“Oh I wish you didn’t have to leave us, Mum and Dad.”
KATY
“Yes! I’m upset you’ll be leaving so soon.”
MRS. DEAKIN
“Don’t worry, my dears. You’ll have a marvellous time here with your aunt and your uncle.”
MR. DEAKIN
“And Susan! Don’t forget your cousin Susan.”
FRED
“If we ever get to see her, that is.”
KATY
“Oh I do hope so! I do want to see Susan.”
AUNT ROSE
“Come into the living room and let’s have some ham sandwiches. And there’s plenty of lemonade for whoever wants it.”
Eventually, they go into the living room to have some afternoon tea.
SCENE #4 – INT – TARDIS, CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy make ready for their next destination as they’re about to land.
NYSSA
“So, where and when is our next destination going to be?”
DOCTOR
“Earth, Nyssa!”
NYSSA
“Earth? Again?”
DOCTOR
“In the middle of the English countryside. Nineteen-fifty during the summer time.”
BILLY
“Nineteen-fifty? I wondered why you suggested us wearing clothes such as these. I was afraid I got the wrong gear on.”
DOCTOR
“Do you object to nineteen-fifty, Billy?”
BILLY
“Not at all. I’m quite fond of the nineteen-fifties. It was the period I grew up in during my childhood. But I feel rather stuffy in these clothes.”
DOCTOR
“Ah, but you don’t know where it is we’ll be going to in nineteen-fifty. It might be a high society place or a very low down in the dumps. Always best to be prepared is what I say.”
BILLY
“I feel overdressed here.” (Pause) “But you look lovely, Nyssa. I’m sure what you’re wearing is appropriate for the time and place we’re heading.”
NYSSA
“Thank you, Billy. Glad you approve.” (to Doctor) “Whereabouts in the English countryside are we heading, Doctor?”
DOCTOR
“Ah!” (checks) “Err…oh yes! Somewhere along the mouth of the English channel.”
BILLY
“The English channel? During the summer time?!” (groans) “I don’t need to wear this pullover then. I can just wear my shirt.”
NYSSA
“Provided it’s not raining.”
DOCTOR
“And if it is sunny, we could all enjoy a swim in the sea. You two like swimming in the sea, don’t you?”
NYSSA
“Let’s concentrate on retrieving the fifth coin of Deno first, Doctor. We need to collect it and have it stored in the TARDIS before it gets stolen.”
BILLY
“We can still enjoy ourselves whilst being careful, can’t we, Nyssa?”
NYSSA
“I’m not prepared to take any chances, Billy.” (to Doctor) “Do you know where the coin’s precise location is, Doctor?”
DOCTOR
“Not yet, Nyssa, not yet. Once we land; go outside and use the map to time, we’ll soon find out.”
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy watch as the time rotor oscillates up and down. The Doctor continues to pilot the TARDIS as they land in 1950s England.
SCENE #5 – INT – LIVING ROOM, WITTEN COTTAGE – NIGHT
It’s now nighttime at Witten Cottage. As their parents have left, Fred and Katy are currently sitting the living room, having had biscuits and cups of hot chocolate.
FRED
“Oh I really enjoyed that hot chocolate. It’s nice to have it before we go to bed. Right, Katy?”
KATY
(saddened) “Yes, Fred. Except…”
FRED
“Why what is it, Katy? What’s wrong?”
KATY
(gradually) “I miss Mum and Dad already. I wish they didn’t have to leave us.”
FRED
“Aww, Katy! Don’t be like that. I’m here for you. You can always rely on me to look out for you.”
KATY
“I just hope we’ll have a nice time here.”
FRED
Oh I’m sure we will. Aunt Rose is very nice. And Uncle Michael…well, when he’s not working…I’m sure he’ll be great fun too.
KATY
He scares me. Always looking so serious.
FRED
Probably just his way. Maybe we’ll find out more about him when we see him for breakfast tomorrow morning.
KATY
And Susan. Where has she got to? She didn’t come to say hello when we arrived. Aunt Rose says she doesn’t like strangers.
FRED
Maybe we’ll see her later in the week. She can’t keep hiding forever.
At that moment, Aunt Rose enters.
AUNT ROSE
(happily) “Hello, Katy; Fred. Enjoyed your hot chocolate?”
FRED
“Absolutely topping, Auntie. Wasn’t it, Katy?”
KATY
“Oh yes, thank you! I enjoyed drinking my hot chocolate, Auntie Rose. It truly warmed me up.”
AUNT ROSE
“Well, that’s good to hear! Now I suggest you two make yourselves ready for bed. It’s coming up to nine o’clock, and your mum and dad have insisted upon me and Uncle Michael to see to it that you both go to bed at that time.”
FRED
“Oh couldn’t we stay up a little longer, Auntie Rose? I’m not tired, you see.”
At that moment, Katy yawns away.
AUNT ROSE
(amused) “Well, you might not be tried, Fred, but Katy certainly is. Come on! It’s time to go upstairs, little madam.”
KATY
(yawns) “Yes. Bed would be nice.”
FRED
(groans) “But Auntie…”
AUNT ROSE
“And that includes you, Fred. You don’t want me to tell your mum and dad that you’ve been naughty and not gone to bed, do you?”
FRED
(groans; to Katy) “Oh you had to yawn, didn’t you, sister.”
KATY
“Goodnight, Auntie.”
Katy goes over to hug Aunt Rose.
AUNT ROSE
“Goodnight, Katy my dear. Have you got your teddy bear with you?”
KATY
“Yes. He’s under my arm, Teddy is.”
AUNT ROSE
“Good. That’s good.” (to Fred) “Come here, Fred. You get a goodnight kiss from me too.”
Aunt Rose gives Fred a hug and a kiss, to which Fred feels embarrassed.
FRED
Isn’t Susan coming to see us then?
AUNT ROSE
No, I’m afraid she’s not. I’m sorry she couldn’t come to stay hello to you two. I wish she would. Perhaps tomorrow you’ll see her.
KATY
Is she not in then?
AUNT ROSE
No. Probably still out.
FRED
That’s strange. Not being in for tea or supper. And not wanting to come and welcome us.
AUNT ROSE
Well, when you see her tomorrow, I’ll see to it that she takes you down to the beach. You’ll like the beach. It’s nice during the summer.
At that moment, the sound of the TARDIS materialising echoes from outside. Aunt Rose, Fred and Katy are startled and curious once this occurs.
KATY
“What was that? What’s that noise?”
FRED
“It sounds like a…chuffing. It’s quite close. Almost like a train and a big elephant.”
KATY
“I don’t like the sound of it. It’s horrible!”
AUNT ROSE
“It can’t be Uncle Michael. His experiments aren’t usually this loud.”
A loud thump echoes and the TARDIS sound effect stops. Just then, a loud barking echoes as a dog runs downstairs.
KATY
(astonished) “A dog! A dog’s in the cottage!”
FRED
“You have a dog here?”
AUNT ROSE
(shouts) “Patch!”
Patch the dog runs out of the cottage through the front door.
KATY
“He’s run out of the cottage!”
FRED
“I didn’t know you had a dog, Auntie.”
KATY
“He’s lovely! Patch, isn’t it?”
AUNT ROSE
“Yes. Patch belongs to Susan. He’s Susan’s dog. Which means that…”
At that moment, Susan runs downstairs chasing after Patch.
SUSAN
(calls) “Patch! Patch, come back here! Patch!”
Just then, Uncle Michael enters, blocking Susan’s path.
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Susan! Where have you been, child?!”
SUSAN
“Daddy, let me pass!”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you! And I thought I instructed you to keep that dog out of the cottage! In fact, I said it had to go!”
SUSAN
“Please Daddy, something’s scared Patch! I’ve got to go out and find him! He’ll get lost on his own in the dark!”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“And refusing to say hello to Fred and Katy, your two cousins! That’s just too far, you know.”
Susan passes her dad and runs out of the cottage to find Patch.
SUSAN
(calls) “Patch! Patch, come back here! Patch!”
Once Susan is gone, Uncle Michael addresses Aunt Rose.
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Rosie, stay here! Take Fred and Katy up to bed! I’ll go and fetch Susan.”
AUNT ROSE
“But Michael, you can’t go out there. It’s too dark…”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Don’t argue with me, Rosie. Just do as I say. I’ve got a torch here. I’ll be alright. Now I must go and find Susan.”
With that, Uncle Michael runs out of the house, chasing after Susan. Meanwhile, Aunt Rose attends to Fred and Katy.
AUNT ROSE
“Come on, Fred; Katy. Let’s get you both upstairs.”
FRED
“Can’t we go out and help Uncle Michael, Auntie…”
AUNT ROSE
(interrupts) “No! Go upstairs like your uncle said.”
KATY
Oh this is dreadful. I hope nothing bad will happen.
Eventually, Fred and Katy are led upstairs by their aunt to go to bed.
SCENE #6 – EXT – WITTEN, CLOSE TO ENGLISH CHANNEL – NIGHT
Meanwhile, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy have stepped out of the TARDIS after having landed in Witten, close to the English channel. They look to see the seaside view. They have their torches switched on whilst in the dark.
BILLY
I see now why you suggested wearing these clothes, Doctor. You could have picked an appropriate time during the day, you know. Not late evening or at nighttime.
DOCTOR
Yes sorry, Billy. The TARDIS overstepped the mark.
NYSSA
Let’s hope it’ll be daylight soon. At least we have torches. (Pause) Have you been able to locate the coin yet, Doctor?
DOCTOR
“Hold on. Let’s check the tracker on the map, shall we?”
Gradually, the Doctor utilises the map to time to track down the coin. The map soon detects the coin from a great distance.
DOCTOR
“There!”
NYSSA
“Over there? On that island?”
DOCTOR
“No mistaking it!”
BILLY
(baffled) “How can you be sure there’s an island over there? It’s too dark to see!”
DOCTOR
“Time Lords and Trakenites have better eye-perception compared to humans, Billy. Meaning no offence.”
BILLY
“None taken.”
NYSSA
“Trust us, Billy. The island is there.”
BILLY
“Yeah, yeah, I believe you.”
DOCTOR
(realises) “Oh look! There’s a castle in the centre of a valley. Must be a castle ruin.”
NYSSA
“The stonework must be ancient. Yet the ruin is glowing in the dark. Some sort of florescence perhaps.”
DOCTOR
“We need to find a way to get over to the island to fetch the coin. If only we had a boat.”
NYSSA
“Perhaps we should wait until morning. We can find someone who can help us to get over to the island.”
DOCTOR
“But we don’t know anyone here, Nyssa. Who is there to ask, I ask you?”
Just then, loud barking echoes nearby.
BILLY
“Perhaps we should ask him.”
NYSSA
(puzzled) “Who, Billy?”
BILLY
“Him! Coming up the road! Look!”
The TARDIS trio look to see Patch the dog approaching. He barks away as he runs up to meet with Nyssa, Billy and the Doctor.
NYSSA
(surprised) “It’s a dog! All on his own.”
BILLY
“And he looks very much like Cuddles!”
As soon as the dog meets them, Nyssa and Billy kneel down to greet him.
NYSSA
(lovingly) “Hello there! Where did you come from?”
The dog immediately takes to Nyssa, as she pets him smoothly.
BILLY
“He certainly likes you, Nyssa.”
NYSSA
“And he likes you, Billy.”
Patch the dog also warms to Billy, as he licks his hand.
BILLY
(laughs) “Hey! He’s licking me!”
NYSSA
“As he is me!”
DOCTOR
“Well, it’s good you two are making friends with the dog. Don’t mind me.”
BILLY
“Well, why don’t you say hello to him? The dog might like you too.”
At that moment, Susan arrives and makes to take her dog away from the trio.
SUSAN
(cries) “Hey! Leave Patch alone! Keep away from him! Don’t touch my dog! He’s my dog! He’s mine!”
BILLY
“Hey, hey, hey! Don’t get so worked up! We were only saying hello!”
NYSSA
“And he came out to greet us! We weren’t hurting him, we assure you!”
SUSAN
(accusingly) “You scared him! You scared my Patch! You came out of nowhere and you tried to take my dog away!”
BILLY
(protests) “Hang on, that’s not fair! You don’t even who we are yet!”
NYSSA
“You can’t treat us unjustly! We’re strangers…”
SUSAN
(interrupts) “Keep away from me! Don’t you come near me! I’ll tell my mummy and daddy on you three. I will!”
DOCTOR
“Now, now, come on. Let’s not be unreasonable. I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding…”
At that moment, Uncle Michael turns up.
UNCLE MICHAEL
(cries) “Susan! Susan girl, what do you think you’re doing?! Running out here to fetch that dog…”
Just then, Uncle Michael sees the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy.
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Oh! Hello! Sorry, has my daughter caused you three trouble?”
DOCTOR
“No, no. No trouble at all. Just a little misunderstanding.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“I see.” (to Susan) “Susan, get back inside the cottage at once! And put that dog somewhere where I can’t see it!” (to Doctor) “I say! You three haven’t heard a noise on your travels by any chance, have you?”
NYSSA
“A noise?”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Yes. A sort of chuffing. It was very close.”
BILLY
“No, I didn’t hear a noise. Did you, Nyssa?”
NYSSA
“No, I didn’t, Billy.”
DOCTOR
“In fact, we’ve only just arrived.”
SUSAN
(accusingly) “They’re telling lies, Daddy! These three arrived in that blue box over there! The one that’s called ‘police public call box’.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(rebukes) “Susan, what did I tell you?! Get back inside the cottage!”
Grudgingly, Susan heads off back to the cottage, taking her dog Patch with her.
UNCLE MICHAEL
“You must forgive my daughter. She can be quite intolerable at times.”
DOCTOR
“Oh no, not at all. Quite a charming little girl you have.”
NYSSA
“Excuse me, Mr….”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Witten. Dr. Michael Witten at your service, madam.”
NYSSA
“Dr. Witten, could you tell us exactly where we are please?”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(surprised) “Where you are? Don’t you know? Why, this is Witten, on the mouth of the English channel.”
BILLY
“And this is nineteen-fifty, isn’t it? During the summer time?”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Are you feeling quite alright, young man; young lady?”
DOCTOR
“Oh we’ve been walking a fair way. We seem to have got lost. Lost our luggage as well as it happens.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Oh my dear chap, how awful. Look, do come in our cottage and have a cup of tea. And have some ham sandwiches and some cupcakes. There are some left over. I’m sure my wife Rose will be happy enough to oblige.”
NYSSA
“Thank you, Dr. Witten. It’s most generous.”
BILLY
“Yes. Absolutely ripping indeed.”
DOCTOR
“We would appreciate it most definitely. And perhaps you could provide us some local knowledge. We are searching for something around these parts, you see.”
SCENE #7 – INT – LIVING ROOM, WITTEN COTTAGE – NIGHT
In the living room of Witten Cottage, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are having cups of tea and ham sandwiches with Uncle Michael and Aunt Rose.
NYSSA
“Thank you for the tea and sandwiches, Mrs. Witten. It’s most welcome.”
AUNT ROSE
“Oh not at all. Glad to have your company.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“You say you’re a doctor, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
“Err, yes. Yes, that’s right, Dr. Witten.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“You must tell me what you do. I’m a scientist, you see. I’m sure we can exchange a lot of scientific knowledge with each other.”
DOCTOR
“Yes, that would be most enlightening.”
AUNT ROSE
“Whilst you two talk science, I’m going to take these empty cups and plates away to wash them in the kitchen.”
NYSSA
“We’ll help you. Won’t we, Billy?”
BILLY
“Yes, absolutely. Happy to help.”
AUNT ROSE
“That would be most appreciated. I still have the children’s dishes to wash up. Come this way, you two.”
Nyssa and Billy get up to follow Aunt Rose out of the living room as they head off into the kitchen. The Doctor and Uncle Michael meanwhile are left in the room.
UNCLE MICHAEL
“So, Doctor, what sort of field are you in?”
DOCTOR
“Oh, practically everything really.”
At that moment, Patch the dog enters, barking. He approaches the Doctor, greeting him. The Doctor takes a liking to him by shaking his paw.
DOCTOR
“Oh. Hello there. The little friend me, Nyssa and Billy met when we arrived. Patch, isn’t it?”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(angrily) Susan, I told you to put that dog somewhere where I wouldn’t see it! Not in the cottage! Take it outside!
Susan enters and takes Patch the dog away from the Doctor.
SUSAN
Don’t you touch my dog!
DOCTOR
I’m sorry, but he was rather friendly. You have a nice dog, Miss Susan.
SUSAN
He’s my dog! I own him!
DOCTOR
Of course, of course. Didn’t mean to impinge.
UNCLE MICHAEL
Sorry about Susan, Doctor. She can be very excitable and naughty. And sorry about the dog. It shouldn’t be here.
DOCTOR
“Oh not at all.” (to Susan) “I have a granddaughter called Susan, Susan. You’d like her. She’s much like you in a way.”
SUSAN
“I don’t want to know! I don’t want to know anything about you!”
DOCTOR
“Suit yourself. And I happen to like dogs, Dr. Witten. I kept one once. Called it K-9. He was such a good boy. I can’t believe he’s not with me anymore.”
Just then, Fred and Katy enter having come downstairs.
KATY
“Hello! May we can come in?”
FRED
“We heard somebody arrive. We thought we’d say hello.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(rebukes) “Katy; Fred! You should be in bed!”
DOCTOR
(cheerily) “Hello, you two. Nice to meet you. I’m the Doctor.”
FRED
“I’m Fred.”
KATY
“And I’m Katy.”
DOCTOR
“Delighted to meet you, Fred and Katy. You haven’t met Nyssa and Billy yet, but I’m sure you’ll like them when you get to meet them.”
KATY
(to Susan) “Hello, Susan! You are Susan, aren’t you? Our cousin?”
FRED
“We’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Susan. You didn’t meet us when we arrived.”
SUSAN
(rudely) “I’m quite happy to be on my own.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Susan, don’t be so rude!”
Just then, Nyssa, Billy and Aunt Rose return.
NYSSA
“There we are! We’ve washed the dishes rather quickly surprisingly.”
BILLY
“Oh! I see we have company!”
AUNT ROSE
“Michael, what are these children doing down here? And at this time of night!”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Don’t look at me, dear. It’s not my fault.”
DOCTOR
“Perhaps we should leave you to it. It is getting late. And we only just arrived.”
AUNT ROSE
“Oh Doctor, you’re welcome to stay overnight at Witten Cottage. There’s plenty of room. If you don’t mind sharing with the girls, Nyssa…”
NYSSA
(interjects) “No, not at all. Thank you, Mrs Witten.”
SUSAN
(protests) “I’m a boy, not a girl!”
AUNT ROSE
(ignores Susan) “And perhaps you could share with Fred’s room, Doctor and Billy? As long as Fred doesn’t mind having you two around….”
FRED
(interjects) “Are you joking? It’s topping to have two chaps to talk to whilst in bed.”
DOCTOR
Actually, I’m rather tired.
BILLY
I’m okay with sharing a room.
UNCLE MICHAEL
(pleased) Splendid! That’s settled then. We’ll meet tomorrow for breakfast. We still have lots to talk about regarding science, Doctor.
SCENE #8 – INT – DINING ROOM, WITTEN COTTAGE – DAY, MORNING
The next day, everyone is gathered in the dining room around a table for breakfast, including the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Uncle Michael, Aunt Rose, Katy, Fred and Susan.
AUNT ROSE
More tea, Billy?
BILLY
(startled) Oh yes. Thank you, Mrs. Witten.
AUNT ROSE
“Nyssa?”
NYSSA
“No more for me, thank you. I’ve had three cups already.”
DOCTOR
(to Uncle Michael) “So, what science are you into, Dr. Witten? I’ve told you as much as I can about mine.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Oh nothing so exciting as yours, Doctor. But very intriguing.”
DOCTOR
“I’d be intrigued to hear it.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(gradually) “Well, my subject is investigating the mystery revolving around Witten Island.”
DOCTOR
“Witten Island?”
NYSSA
“That’s the island across the English channel, isn’t it”
DR. WITTEN
“Yes, my dear. Recent surveys have connected the island’s mystery to a strange legend from long ago.”
BILLY
“Strange? How strange a legend? And what is this mystery of the island?”
DR. WITTEN
“That’s exactly what I’m trying to ascertain. Even though the island’s been here for generation after generation of our family line, Witten has been subjected to strange goings-on concerning water incidents – floods, monsoons, drought, storms, etc. It’s lasted for 50 years, yet no one seems to comprehend it.”
DOCTOR
“How very enlightening!”
NYSSA
“Have you determined the causes for these strange incidents concerning water?”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Not precisely, my dear. But this strange legend I mentioned concerns buried treasure left by pirates from long ago on the island. A lot of tosh of course.”
DOCTOR
“You know something, Dr. Witten? I think you may have helped with solving a riddle of our own interest.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(intrigued) “Oh really. In what way, sir?”
DOCTOR
“My friends and I are searching for something. Something buried on the island. I’d like to find out more about this treasure.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“You sir?”
DOCTOR
“Do you think you could arrange for me and friends to go over to that island sometime during the day? If it’s not too much to ask of course.”
KATY
“Oh I’d like to go over to the island too!”
FRED
“Me three! I’m dying for an adventure!”
AUNT ROSE
“Children, please be quiet.”
SUSAN
(agitated) “It’s not fair! It’s not fair! It’s my island! No one can see it! No one! I see it! No one else!”
AUNT ROSE
“Susan, you’re being very unreasonable!”
SUSAN
“I don’t want to share it with anyone! It’s me and Patch that go there! Only us! I don’t want it to be visited by anyone else!”
With that. Susan leaves the table.
AUNT ROSE
(cries) “Susan, come back here this instant!”
But Susan has already gone out through the cottage’s front door, slamming it shut behind her.
AUNT ROSE
“I’m sorry about that, Doctor, Nyssa and Billy. Susan can be quite over-zealous. She’s probably gone fishing now.”
NYSSA
“She does seem rather boyish! With her short hair and rough exterior.”
BILLY
“Seems the way she wants to be. A boy rather than a girl.”
DOCTOR
“So, Dr. Witten. Do you think you can arrange for me and my friends to go over to the island?”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“I’m afraid I’m inclined to agree with Susan. It’s out of the question.”
NYSSA
(astonished) “You don’t seriously mean that the island solely belongs to Susan and only she and her dog can go on it?!”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Oh no, I’m not saying that. Susan’s being selfish. But it’s not up to me to make the decision.”
BILLY
“Then who is it we have to get permission from to go over to the island?”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“From the Witten village council. They need to discuss the matter over a few days at least.”
DOCTOR
“A few days?! I haven’t got time to wait for that. My friends and I need to get over to the island as soon as possible.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“No, Doctor! I’m sorry, but I’m currently waiting from the village council about letting me go over the island. And that was a few days ago.”
BILLY
“Well, shouldn’t you have had a response from them by now? It can’t have taken that long to decide surely.”
UNCLE MICHAEL
“Not sure. Hard to tell. These council decisions apparently take some time.”
DOCTOR
“Dr. Witten, we really need to get over the island…”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(interjects) “Doctor, I appreciate your scientific interest but the decision is final.”
DOCTOR
(persists) “Dr. Witten!”
UNCLE MICHAEL
(adamant) “No!”
The Doctor becomes disgruntled once the decision’s been made.
SCENE #9 – EXT – BEACH, WITTEN BAY – DAY, MORNING
Later that day at Witten Bay, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy walk along the beach. It’s a sunny day as they walk. The waves of the sea crash onto the shore.
BILLY
“It’s a lovely day for a swim, isn’t it? And the sun’s shining so brightly.”
NYSSA
“The beaches of Traken are more tranquil than this place. But you’re right, Billy. The sunshine is beautiful.”
DOCTOR
(disgruntled) “So is that island.”
NYSSA
“Doctor, you’re still not disgruntled about not being able to go over to that island, are you?”
DOCTOR
“We need to get over there, Nyssa. It’s vitally important.”
BILLY
“Because the map to time says the fifth coin’s over there.”
DOCTOR
“Exactly! We need to get over to that island before anyone else does.”
NYSSA
“Before those Sgrans, you mean.”
DOCTOR
“Yes. Remember our quest is already in jeopardy.”
BILLY
“There’s no beating about the bush, Doctor. We can’t go over there now. Dr. Witten said so.”
DOCTOR
“Dr. Witten’s not my boss, Billy. I can do whatever I like without his approval.”
NYSSA
“Better not take too many chances, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
“I’ll risk it if I have to.”
BILLY
“Alright, so how exactly are we going to get over to the island then?”
At that moment, Fred and Katy meet them.
FRED
(calls) “Hey, wait up! Doctor, Nyssa, Billy!”
DOCTOR
“Hello, you two. Fred and Katy, isn’t it?”
NYSSA
“What are you two doing here? Are you looking for us?”
KATY
“We thought you might be at the beach. We wanted to join you and here we are.”
DOCTOR
“Well, that’s very kind of you. Isn’t it, Nyssa and Billy?”
BILLY
“That’s a nice teddy bear you got there, Katy. He’s all cute and fluffy.”
KATY
“Thank you. I always take him with me wherever I go to keep me company.”
NYSSA
“You certainly are attached to your cuddly bear, Katy.”
BILLY
“Just as you Nyssa are attached to your cuddly toy dog Cuddles.”
NYSSA
(teasingly; reproves) “Not always, Billy.”
FRED
“Are you heading off to the island, Doctor?”
DOCTOR
“And what makes you think we’re about to do that, Fred?”
FRED
“Well, we want to come too, Katy and I. To share the adventure.”
KATY
“So long as it’s not dangerous.”
NYSSA
“It could be, Katy. You never know. We’re not sure ourselves.”
FRED
“We’re willing to take the chance. And we’d be happy to enjoy the adventure.”
KATY
“I’ll have Fred looking after me and Teddy.”
BILLY
“Well, we do have a problem. There’s no boat for us. We can’t just walk into a boat shop and get one.”
DOCTOR
“No need to worry, Billy. There’s one on the shore. Look there!”
NYSSA
“We can’t just take that boat, Doctor. It could belong to someone.”
FRED
“It does actually.”
BILLY
“Really? Who?”
FRED
“Her! Over there with Patch!”
Everyone looks to see where Fred is pointing across the beach. Susan is playing with her dog Patch who barks away.
KATY
“Our cousin Susan. She’s very strange, isn’t she? I wanted to meet her when we first arrived. But she seems so rude.”
NYSSA
“So you think she will object to us taking the boat if it’s hers.”
FRED
“She’ll go livid. You’ve seen the way she behaves.”
BILLY
“That’s a fair way of putting it.”
DOCTOR
“Well, no need to worry. We’ll just pop over and ask her kindly.”
NYSSA
“That could be difficult, Doctor. Since she refuses to have anything to do with us. Or anyone else for that matter. She’s not the sharing type.”
DOCTOR
“Nonsense. I’ll find some way to persuade her to help us.”
NYSSA
“I’m sure you will.”
DOCTOR
“Come on! Let’s not waste time. Let’s go over to Susan and her dog.”
The Doctor leads on. Nyssa, Billy, Fred and Katy follow behind him as they go over to see Susan and her dog Patch.
SCENE #10 – EXT – BEACH, WITTEN BAY – DAY, MORNING
Across the beach, Susan continues to play with her dog Patch. They’re interrupted as the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Fred and Katy arrive. Patch goes over to greet them, barking away.
SUSAN
(calls) “Patch, come back here!”
Patch returns to Susan’s call, barking away, whilst the Doctor and his friends approach.
DOCTOR
(cheerily) “Hello there, Susan! I was wondering if we could talk to you.”
SUSAN
“Go away and leave me alone!”
DOCTOR
“It is rather important, you see. We wish to know more about the island…”
SUSAN
(interrupts) “Not interested. I want to be left alone.”
DOCTOR
“Aww, that’s such a shame, isn’t it?”
NYSSA
“We only want to collect something from the island, Susan. Something important. If you can show us the way and help us to get to the island, we’d be grateful…”
SUSAN
(interrupts) “I told you! I don’t share my island with anyone!”
BILLY
“Why do you want to be on your own? Don’t you have any friends? Apart from Patch of course.”
KATY
“You can be friends with me and Fred if you want to, Susan.”
FRED
“Or not as the case maybe.”
SUSAN
“I only make friends with people I like. And people who aren’t silly.” (to Katy) “Especially little silly girls like you.”
KATY
(protests) “I’m not silly!”
SUSAN
“Yes you are! Look at you! You got a teddy clutched under your arm. How sad is that?”
DOCTOR
(interjects) “Please Susan, you don’t have to be friends with us if you don’t want to. All we’re asking is for your help to get us to the island. We need to find a certain treasure that could…”
SUSAN
(interrupts) “No, no, no, no! Not interested! Don’t care!”
DOCTOR
(flummoxed) “Oh. Well, I see.”
BILLY
(teases) “Your persuasive tactics dwindling, are they, Doctor?”
NYSSA
(teases) “Perhaps you should have thought this out more carefully, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
(realises) “No wait! I have the answer!”
Fumbling in his coat pockets, the Doctor soon fetches out the map to time. The children, including Fred, Katy and especially Susan, become flabbergasted. Even Patch barks away at this.
KATY
(astonished) “What’s that?”
FRED
“It’s paper! Glowing paper!”
DOCTOR
“This is a treasure map!”
SUSAN
“A treasure map!”
DOCTOR
“Yes. It helps me find a certain treasure I’m looking for. Or treasures. And one of them is on that island over there.”
SUSAN
“Please may I have a look at it?”
DOCTOR
“Of course. Go ahead. Just be careful how you hold it.”
The Doctor hands over the map to Susan. She takes it and has a careful look at it.
SUSAN
(fascinated) “It’s very beautiful. And smooth.” (Pause) “And you say this helps you to find the treasure on my island – Witten Island.”
DOCTOR
“Yes, that’s right. It pinpoints the location of where the treasure is. The more closer we get to it, the map makes a buzzing sound. Clever, isn’t it?”
SUSAN
(fascinated) “It is.” (Pause) “And you say you need to find this certain treasure of yours as soon as possible.”
DOCTOR
“Susan, you don’t realise how special this treasure is. There could be a reward for you if you’re willing to help.”
A moment of silence ensues as Susan thinks.
SUSAN
(gradually) “Alright then! I’ll take you to the island. We’ll go and find the treasure as well as solve the mystery of Witten island.”
DOCTOR
“Splendid! All seven of us!”
SUSAN
“Seven?”
DOCTOR
“Yes! We should have a team codename, shouldn’t we? The Secret Seven! That’s me, you Susan, Nyssa, Billy, Fred, Katy and of course Patch.”
Patch barks.
NYSSA
(surprised) “Patch? We’re taking the dog with us?”
DOCTOR
“Of course! We can’t leave him behind, can we?”
SUSAN
“Oh yes! If Patch comes, then I’ll come along as well. I’ll be happy to help out.”
DOCTOR
“Splendid!”
BILLY
“Are you sure you don’t mind your cousins coming along?”
SUSAN
(grudgingly) “Of course. If they must.”
FRED
“Great! I never thought we’d get to come along.”
KATY
“Neither did I.”
DOCTOR
“Right then, first things first. We need a boat. Where do we find one?”
SUSAN
“There’s a boat here, Doctor. It’s big enough for all seven of us.”
They eventually get into a boat to row out across to sea.
© Tim Bradley, 2021-22
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