1. “Welcome to Stockbridge!”
Roll original 1982 Peter Davison opening credits
SCENE #1 – EXT – STOCKBRIDGE CASTLE, STOCKBRIDGE – NIGHT (1200)
It’s the Middle Ages. At Stockbridge Castle in the heart of the English countryside, two knights named Alazais and Tristan are on guard outside the gate. They watch the night sky with the stars shining bright.
TRISTAN
“Starry night tonight isn’t it, good friend Alazais?”
ALAZAIS
“Aye it is, Tristan. A very starry night tonight. Much better than that fog we had last year!”
TRISTAN
“Ooh, didn’t they have trouble with that fog? Those peasants. All talk of demons and the Turkish knights. And those Normandy knights they had.”
ALAZAIS
“It’s a good thing Lord Hubert managed to sort them out. And it’s serfs, Tristan. They don’t like being called peasants apparently.”
TRISTAN
“And it’s not Lord Hubert, Alazais. It’s George. George of St. Alban’s.”
ALAZAIS
“Oh yes. They said there was confusion as to whether he was Hubert or George. It’s a good thing he managed to sort out that rabble.”
TRISTAN
“I wasn’t sure what had been going on. I wasn’t really paying much attention.”
ALAZAIS
“Neither did I. I was thinking more about how good my armour looked.”
TRISTAIN
“What did happen anyway? Were there demons in the castle? In the keep?”
ALAZAIS
“Hard to say. Some say that someone called Maud…not the strumpet, mind…the withered…had declared…”
TRISTAN
(interrupts) “Quiet, good friend! Ssh!”
ALAZAIS
(puzzled) “Why, what is it?”
TRISTAN
“See who approaches!”
Alazais and Tristan look to see a peasant make his way up the hill.
ALAZAIS
“Yes! I see him!”
The peasant, known as Gawain, hums an old English yokel’s tune as he makes his way up the hill. He carries a bundle with him.
ALAZAIS
(barks) “Halt, peasant! Before we knights strike you down!”
GAWAIN
“‘Ere, what’s all this? I’m no peasant. I’m an honest serf! I’m Gawain!”
TRISTAN
(suspiciously) “Serf, hey? Then what is it we find you have in your buddle?”
GAWAIN
“What do you expect? Gold?”
ALAZAIS
“Hand us the bundle, lest you lie to us!”
GAWAIN
“Would I lie to you? Two noble knights such as yourselves?”
TRISTAN
“Give us the bundle, peasant…or serf, as you prefer?”
GAWAIN
“Ask the others. There are friends of mine who speak of my good will. There’s Morholt the Mudder, Espan the Stink, Calibor, Cai, Galahad….”
ALAZAIS
(interrupts) “We wish not a party list, simpleton.”
GAWAIN
“There’s also Smithy! He would give an honest account of me!”
TRISTAN
“If this is your way of evading us Gawain, you’re being very annoying…”
ALAZAIS
(interrupts) “Tristan, my friend?”
TRISTAN
(to Alazais) “Not now, Alazais!” (to Gawain) “Now as I was saying to you Gawain….”
ALAZAIS
(interrupts; persistently) “But Tristan, my friend!”
TRISTAN
“What is it, Alazais? Why do you interrupt me so?”
GAWAIN
(perplexed) “‘Ere? What’s the matter with you two?”
TRISTAN
“Alazais my friend! I can’t move my legs!”
ALAZAIS
“You can’t move your legs?!” (Pause; realises) “I can’t move my legs either! They’re stuck like solid iron!”
This is so, as Tristan and Alazais seems unable to move as they stand still and stiff.
TRISTAN
“What is this devilry beset upon us?”
GAWAIN
“It’s the work of demons, I tell you! Demons! Like we had with Hubert, sorry George…”
ALAZAIS
(interrupts; to Gawain) “Nonsense, peasant! This is merely [a…]”
Just then, Alazais and Tristan get caught in a beam of light that swirls around and absorbs them.
GAWAIN
“You’re caught! You knights are caught in a halo of light!”
ALAZAIS
“Are we to ascend into heaven then?”
TRISTAN
“It seems to be crushing us?! I can’t stand this! It’s all too much!”
ALAZAIS
(cries) “No! No!!!”
Very soon, Alazais and Tristan are teleported away. The two knights disappear as a perplexed Gawain stands at the castle gate.
GAWAIN
(gradually; perplexed) “Err…hello? Brave knights? Where hast thou gone?”
A moment of uneasy silence ensues.
GAWAIN
(satisfied) “Ah well. At least I won’t have to worry about being asked questions. They didn’t even see the food I had in my bundle. No tithes tonight.”
Gawain continues on his way, with the bundle in his hands, as he leaves the castle behind him.
SCENE #2 – EXT – ARMY BASE, STOCKBRIDGE – DAY, AFTERNOON (1941)
It’s now the 1940s in Stockbridge. At an army base during World War II, army soldiers march in, led by Corporal Rogers. He gives out the marching chant of…
CORPORAL ROGERS
(chants) “Left; right, left; right, left; right, left; right, left; right, left; right…”
…before eventually giving the order…
CORPORAL ROGERS
(out loud) “Platoon, halt!”
The army soldiers including Private Williams and Private Stevens halt.
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Left turn!”
The soldiers turn left and stand to attention.
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Order arms!”
The soldiers put their arms by their side whilst standing to attention.
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Stand at ease!”
The soldiers stand at ease.
CORPORAL ROGERS
“That’s very good, men. Very good.” (Pause; realises) “Where are the rest of the men? Our captain and our sergeant?” (to Williams) “Private Williams?”
WILLIAMS
“Yes, Corporal Rogers?”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Did you see the captain and the sergeant on your way here at army base?”
WILLIAMS
“No, sir. I did not.”
CORPORAL ROGERS
(to Stevens) “Private Stevens?”
PRIVATE STEVENS
“Yes, sir?”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Did you see the captain and the sergeant on your way here?”
STEVENS
“No, sir.”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Not even the forty-eight platoon members who were marching behind you?”
STEVENS
“No sir.”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Then where are they? With Hitler poised across the channel and ready to strike, we’ve got no chance of a successful training weekend.”
WILLIAMS
“Excuse me, Corporal?”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Yes, Williams?”
WILLIAMS
“I did manage to spot something strange before the captain, sergeant and the platoon vanished.”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Indeed, Williams? What did you see?”
WILLIAMS
“Well…I couldn’t help but noticing, sir….that there were some strange armoured men…at least I think they were men…who came up behind us.”
STEVENS
“That’s right, Corporal sir. I saw them too.”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“And you didn’t think of mentioning it to me at the time, you two?”
WILLIAMS
“I thought I was imagining it, sir.”
STEVENS
“And I wasn’t really paying much attention, sir. I was thinking about going out with a filly at the ball tonight.”
Suddenly, a massive explosion occurs far off. This alerts Corporal Rogers, Private Williams and Private Stevens.
WILLIAMS
“Corporal, sir? Did you just hear a big bang?”
CORPORAL ROGERS
“Men! I just heard a big bang! Our comrades in arms are in trouble! We must join them!”
STEVENS
“I think the sound came from inside the tents!”
But before the three make a move…
WILLIAMS
(realises) “Corporal?! I can’t move my feet!”
STEVENS
(panics) “Neither can I! I’m stuck!”
CORPORAL ROGERS
(baffled) “What is this?! What’s going on here…?!”
Corporal Rogers, Private Williams and Private Stevens are frozen stiff, as they’re then caught in a beam of light and teleported away. There’s no sign of them whilst the attack on the army base goes on.
SCENE #3 – EXT – ST. JUSTINIAN’S CHURCH, STOCKBRIDGE – DAY, EVENING (2010)
It’s late evening in Stockbridge village in 2010. At St. Justinian’s Church, a motorcycle driven by Maxwell Edison arrives at the entrance. Max gets off his motorcycle and takes off his helmet before he makes his way to the church. He then meets up with married couple Phillip and Maggie who come out.
PHILLIP
(jeers) “Hey Maggie, look! Here comes Maxwell the nutter!”
MAGGIE
“Come to star gaze around the cemetery grounds, Mr. Edison? You’ve missed the service anyway.”
MAX
“I’ve come here to pray, Phillip; Maggie. Nothing wrong in that.”
Max passes Phillip and Maggie, as they ignore him mockingly and leave the church grounds. Meanwhile, Max goes inside the church.
SCENE #4 – INT – ST. JUSTINIAN’S CHURCH, STOCKBRIDGE – DAY, EVENING (2010)
Inside, Max makes his way to one of the pews and sits down. As he sits, he uneasily kneels forwards on the edge of the pew before him. He cups his hands together in an awkward fashion.
MAX
(prays) “Err….excuse me, sir? I err….” (embarrassed) “I’m probably doing this the wrong way. I’ve never been to church, you see. Never one for churches I was. Always found the sermons long and the places cold to sit in. Especially on cold days.” (Pause) “There was a time when it didn’t snow. When it was sunny and it lasted….”
Max stops mid-sentence. A moment of silence ensues.
MAX
(continues; prays) “Anyway, I hope you can hear me up there? Because what I have to say is something that’s been bothering me.” (Pause) “There’s something not right about Stockbridge. The people around here aren’t the same. They’re acting strangely.”
Another moment of silence ensues.
MAX
(continues; prays) “I don’t know if you can grant me what I’m asking you but…” (Pause; gradually) “I want the Doctor to come back. I want him back in Stockbridge. If you could just get him to come, that would be great!” (Pause) “He can help with saving the village. Saving the folk here. Sort out what’s gone wrong.”
Another moment of silence ensues.
MAX
“Also perhaps he could help me…with a book I have in my possession. A book…that’s powerful and dangerous.”
Suddenly, a shudder occurs within the church.
MAX
(anxiously) “What’s happening?! Where are these shudders coming from?!”
A whirring sound then echoes from outside.
MAX
There’s something out there!
Max instantly goes over to the broken church window to see what’s happening outside.
MAX
This is a job for the bio-kinetic energising ray.
Max then takes out his gadget and switches it on. It makes a beeping, whirring sound as he watches what’s falling from the sky.
MAX
There are things falling! Falling from the sky! Like stars! Fiery streaks! Like that time… (Pause; realises) Exactly like that time! When ‘stars fell on Stockbridge’!
Max continues to watches as the ‘stars’ continue to fall to Earth.
SCENE #5 – EXT – SOMEWHERE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, ENGLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON (1965)
Five decades earlier, on the 18th of May 1965, a bus drives on a country lane. The bus makes its way down a hill during a cold, chilly late afternoon.
SCENE #6 – INT – BUS, SOMEWHERE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE – DAY, AFTERNOON (1965)
Aboard the bus, Nyssa and Billy are on their way to Stockbridge. They sit together on a double seat situated on the right of the bus. Billy is relaxed as he sits calmly, whilst Nyssa seems reserved and silent. Billy becomes aware of Nyssa’s uneasy silence before he tries to make conversation with her.
BILLY
“It’s about two hours now by bus.” (laughs) “Back at the service station, I was afraid the bus driver wouldn’t get back on. I thought we’d got on the wrong bus. Or that it was out of service. Imagine my relief.”
NYSSA
(quietly) “Yes.”
Moment of silence.
BILLY
“Did you enjoy your meal at the service station?”
NYSSA
(gradually) “It was adequate.”
BILLY
“Not too spicy, I hope?”
NYSSA
(sighs) “No, it wasn’t.”
Another moment of silence.
BILLY
(gradually) “I always like to have cheese on toast before I go to bed. Helps me to feel good about myself. Though it does take a while to get to sleep. Gives me funny dreams.”
NYSSA
“Hmm.”
Another moment of silence.
BILLY
(gradually; puzzled) “Nyssa, are you feeling alright?”
NYSSA
(gradually) “Of course. Why shouldn’t I be?”
BILLY
“Oh…just checking.”
NYSSA
“I see.”
Another moment of silence.
BILLY
“It’s just you’ve been silent for the past few hours. Ever since we left the service station. Is something bothering you?”
Nyssa doesn’t say anything.
BILLY
(puzzled) “Nyssa, have I said something to upset you? Or done something to upset you?”
Another moment of silence.
NYSSA
(gradually; sighs) “It’s not important.”
BILLY
“Okay. Just as you say.”
NYSSA
“It’s not really worth mentioning anyway.”
BILLY
“That’s fine.”
Another moment of silence.
BILLY
(gradually) “Nyssa, if something’s bothering you I wish you would tell me! Please!”
NYSSA
(challengingly) “Why don’t you work it out for yourself, Billy?”
BILLY
(gradually; realises) “Oh I see! It’s going to be one of those, is it?”
Nyssa doesn’t respond.
BILLY
“Alright then, I’ll work it out. Now let me see, it’s something to do with before leaving the service station.” (thinks) “Err…oh I know. You wanted to sit somewhere specific in the café and I suggested sitting somewhere else.”
No response.
BILLY
(realises) “No, no. You were okay with that. You said you didn’t mind where we sat. Uh…” (thinks) “I was enjoying that travelling band of singers playing guitars and you found them too loud. Is that it?”
Still no response.
BILLY
(realises) “No, no. That’s not it.” (thinks) “It’s the food! You didn’t like the food we had!”
Nyssa still doesn’t respond.
BILLY
(realises) “Not the food then.” (sighs) “Am I getting warmer?”
NYSSA
(shrewdly) “You’re not even hot!”
BILLY
(slightly annoyed) “Drat.” (Pause) “Well apart from the seats, the scrawny people coming in and the bill to pay…”
Nyssa then lets out a wry laugh.
BILLY
(realises) “W…T-The bill! That’s it, isn’t it?! You’re mad because I paid the bill for our meals. That’s it, isn’t it?!”
NYSSA
(wryly) “I’m surprised it took you so long to realise it.”
BILLY
(astonished) “Nyssa, why are you mad at me for paying the bill? I had to pay for our meals!”
NYSSA
“Exactly! Both our meals!”
BILLY
(puzzled) “Yeah? So?”
NYSSA
“Why didn’t you let me pay for my share of the meal when you could have paid just yours?!”
BILLY
(startled) “I…I didn’t want you to go through all that trouble…”
NYSSA
(interjects) “The cost of our meals in total was really high! Yet you had to pay without even consulting me!”
BILLY
(protests) “I don’t see anything wrong with paying for both of our meals! I was treating you! Treating you to a nice meal!”
NYSSA
“That’s beside the point, Billy!”
BILLY
“What is the point for heaven’s sake?!”
NYSSA
“I would have liked to have paid for half of the bill. Yet you seemed strong-willed to overrule me!”
BILLY
“I was trying to be nice!”
NYSSA
“There’s a difference between being nice and careless. I could have helped you trying to save your money if you hadn’t been so silly.”
BILLY
“Alright, alright, fine! Fair enough! Next time we have a meal, I’ll remember to let you pay for your share. Sound okay?”
NYSSA
(satisfied) “Agreed! I appreciate that Billy, thanks!”
Moment of tense silence ensues, as Nyssa and Billy become uptight. Eventually, the tension eases between them.
BILLY
(gradually; calmly) “It’s only because I love you that I want to spoil you, Nyssa.”
NYSSA
(gently) “Billy, I wish you weren’t so keen when it comes to attending me. You treat me so well you just tend to forget yourself.”
BILLY
“I didn’t mind paying for both of our meals, Nyssa. I really didn’t.”
NYSSA
(calmly) “I know you didn’t, Billy. But next time, try and be more careful.”
BILLY
(quietly) “I’m sorry.”
Another moment of silence ensues.
BILLY
“Am I forgiven?”
NYSSA
(gradually) “Of course you are.”
BILLY
“I didn’t think you’d be quite so upset. I was only trying to please you.”
NYSSA
“Billy, I love you. And I want you to be happy as much as I am. Don’t go about treating me before you lose all your energy.”
BILLY
(gradually; teasingly) “It’s hard to resist treating you though.”
NYSSA
(knowingly) “I know it is.”
Nyssa and Billy eventually giggle a bit before they kiss each other and sit comfortably on the bus seat.
SCENE #7 – EXT – SOMEWHERE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, ENGLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON (1965)
The bus continues down the country lane, as it journeys to Stockbridge.
SCENE #8 – EXT – STOCKBRIDGE, ENGLAND – DAY, EVENING (1965)
Two hours later that evening, Nyssa and Billy arrive in Stockbridge. They get off the bus, carrying some luggage with them. They wave the bus off, as it leaves and heads off into the countryside.
NYSSA
(relieved) “Thank goodness we’ve arrived safely.”
BILLY
“How far is it now?”
NYSSA
“We must close to the village from here. Let’s head off in that direction over there.”
Picking up their luggage, Nyssa and Billy make their way in the direction to hopefully find Stockbridge village.
BILLY
“So you and the Doctor know Stockbridge pretty well then.”
NYSSA
“We’ve helped avert disasters in Stockbridge. We saved a castle infiltrated by alien beings passing off as demons during the Middle Ages. Superstitious nonsense, of course.”
BILLY
“I wonder why the Doctor wants us. What does he need us for?”
NYSSA
“I’m not sure. Read the letter for me again, Billy.”
Billy fetches the letter out from his coat pocket. He takes the letter out of the envelope, opens it and clears his throat before reading it.
BILLY
(reads) “‘Dear Nyssa and Billy. This is the Doctor. You probably know that already. Then again not. Let me assure you that I’m alive and well. Everything’s alright. I’m perfectly fine. But I need your help, as I’m in big trouble.’” (stops reading; to Nyssa) “Big trouble?”
NYSSA
“I wish the Doctor would make more sense.”
BILLY
(continues to read) “‘I can’t explain now, but since you’re at Billy’s place in Cardiff nineteen sixty-five at the moment, please come to Stockbridge at once. You know the place, Nyssa. We’ve been there before. Tell Billy about your visits to Stockbridge as best you can.’” (stops reading; puzzled; to Nyssa) “As best you can?”
NYSSA
“Read on, Billy.”
BILLY
(continues to read) “‘Your presence in Stockbridge is of vital importance. Be there by the end of May…at least…’” (stops reading; to himself) “Well we’re in the middle of May already.” (continues to read) “‘…in order to preserve the timeline. I hope to meet you there soon. If you can’t find me, book in at the Red Fern Inn or the Green Dragon, whichever suits you both. Looking forward to seeing you. Hope you’re keeping well. Your friend in time – Love the Doctor.’“
Once Billy’s finished reading the letter, he folds it up and puts it back into his coat pocket.
NYSSA
(apprehensively) “Doesn’t seem to tell us much. From the way he sounded, it must have been really urgent.”
BILLY
“I know. It was like we had to pack in a rush to get on the bus.”
NYSSA
“As I recall it wasn’t an easy departure for us to leave Churchwood Street. We had to say goodbye to your parents, remember?”
BILLY
“Yeah. How can I forget?”
As they continue walking, a flashback sequence takes place.
SCENE #9 – EXT – CHURCHWOOD STREET, CARDIFF – DAY, AFTERNOON (1965) (FLASHBACK)
In the flashback, set a number of days earlier, Nyssa and Billy are with Enid and Fred Walker, Billy’s parents in Churchwood Street. They bid farewell to each other as they’re at the bus stop.
ENID
(pleads) “Please don’t go, Billy! Please don’t!”
BILLY
“Mum, Nyssa and I have to go. The Doctor needs us. And we can’t ignore his request to meet him.”
ENID
“But surely you can leave it for a few months.”
NYSSA
“The Doctor’s request was urgent, Enid. We can’t delay our stay, otherwise it might be too late.”
FRED
(sceptically) “But you don’t know what it is he wants your help with?”
NYSSA
“No. But I know we’d better find out in case it’s something serious.”
BILLY
(to Enid) “Mum, you’re needed here. Dad needs you. He needs looking after as much as you need looking after. Besides, I have Nyssa to keep me company.”
NYSSA
“And I wouldn’t do well without Billy to look after me, Enid. So don’t worry.”
FRED
(reassuringly; to Enid) “We might as well let them go, Enid. They seem keen to meet the Doctor again.”
BILLY
(reassuringly) “Mum, I definitely will come back. I promise. And I hope it’ll be less than two years before I see you again. I’d like to see you before Christmas, if that’s okay?”
A moment of tense silence ensues.
ENID
“Oh alright then. Since you both have your hearts set on going.”
A horn then echoes, as Nyssa, Billy, Enid and Fred look to see a bus approaching.
BILLY
“There’s the bus!”
NYSSA
(relieved) “Good timing. Let’s hope we have a safe journey!”
ENID
(to Billy) “Make sure you get back soon, Billy. After this business with the Doctor, you make sure you get back.”
BILLY
“I will, Mum.”
ENID
(to Nyssa) “And you Nyssa look after my boy. See he doesn’t get into trouble.”
BILLY
“What’s that supposed to mean, Mum?”
NYSSA
(reassuringly) “I will, Enid. You have my word on that.”
Eventually the bus comes to a halt at the bus stop.
BILLY
“Goodbye Mum; goodbye Dad!”
FRED
“You take care of yourself now, Billy.”
BILLY
“Yes, Dad.”
FRED
“You too, Nyssa.”
NYSSA
“Thank you. Same to you.”
Moments occur where Nyssa, Billy, Enid and Fred hug and kiss each other goodbye. Enid kisses Billy goodbye tearfully, before she eventually lets him go on the bus.
ENID
(tearfully) “Goodbye, Billy! I love you!”
BILLY
“I love you too, Mum!” (to Dad) “And you, Dad.”
FRED
“Love you too, son.”
NYSSA
“Come on, Billy!”
BILLY
(to Enid; Fred) “See you before Christmas then.”
NYSSA
“Bye, Enid; Fred!”
ENID/FRED
“Bye, Nyssa!”
With that, Nyssa and Billy get on the bus. The bus door closes once they’re inside. The bell dings, as the bus drives off away from the bus stop. Enid and Fred watch as the bus goes off with their son Billy and his girlfriend Nyssa on board.
ENID
“How long must I wait before my boy returns again?”
FRED
“He’ll be back, Enid. Don’t you worry?!” (Pause) “Where was it they were heading for again?”
ENID
“Stockbridge, I think.”
Enid and Fred stand at the bus stop for a while, as they see the bus turn around the corner. The flashback ends here.
SCENE #10 – EXT – STOCKBRIDGE, ENGLAND – DAY, EVENING (1965)
Back to now in 1965, Nyssa and Billy nearly reach Stockbridge village.
BILLY
“It was so hard to reassure Mum about me coming back. I wish we were back for Christmas now.”
NYSSA
“I’m sure we will be, Billy. Time is relative you know, according to the Doctor.”
BILLY
“If he ever shows up again. I want to tell him that’s the next place we go. Back to Churchwood Street. To my parents.”
NYSSA
“Oh…you’re decided on staying home then.”
BILLY
“Why, yes of course. Haven’t you?”
NYSSA
(reassuringly) “Oh yes, of course I have.” (Pause) “I hope that wasn’t rude.”
BILLY
“No of course it wasn’t rude, Nyssa.” (Pause) “It’s just…it wasn’t the response I was expecting. I thought you were keen to stay on Earth with me.”
NYSSA
“I am, Billy. I am.” (Pause; thinks) “Billy, have you ever thought about growing old with me?”
BILLY
(surprised) “Old?” (Pause) “Well of course I am, Nyssa! I took your suggestion of staying with me on Earth to heart, didn’t I?”
NYSSA
“Yes. Yes, you did. It’s just…” (Pause; gradually) “You don’t know this Billy, but since I’m Trakenite…”
BILLY
(interjects) “And how happy am I to know that, dear!”
NYSSA
(ruefully) “Let me finish, Billy.” (continues) “My biology and life span is different to yours. I age rather more slowly than you. I may look like this, being younger than I am when I’m forty. You age at a more accelerated rate than me.”
BILLY
“Wait, wait. You’re saying if I grow older…to be crotchety and grumpy…”
NYSSA
(interjects) “Which may never come to pass, I hope.”
BILLY
(continues) “You’ll still look the same as you are now when I’m an old man? Being young, beautiful; gorgeous and fresh?”
NYSSA
“That’s one way of putting it, yes.”
BILLY
(astonished) “I see.”
NYSSA
“I hope that’s alright.”
BILLY
(amazed) “Alright? I think it’s marvellous!”
NYSSA
“Is it?”
BILLY
(thrilled) “Yes! I’ll be spending the rest of my life with my gorgeous girl who’s alien and she’ll keep her gorgeousness and beauty when she turns forty. I’m all for that! That’s brilliant!”
NYSSA
(realises) “Billy?”
BILLY
(happily) “Yes Nyssa, what is it?”
NYSSA
“We’ve arrived!”
Billy looks to see that they have arrived in Stockbridge village. They look in awe while it’s turning dusk.
BILLY
“So this is it!”
NYSSA
“Yes. Welcome to Stockbridge, Billy! I hope you’ll like the place.”
BILLY
“I’m beginning to already.”
Moment of silence, as Nyssa and Billy are pleased that they’ve arrived.
SCENE #11 – INT – MAIN BAR, RED FERN INN – DAY, EVENING (1965)
A while later, Nyssa and Billy are in the Red Fern Inn. They meet the landlord, Oswald Jackson, with his daughter Melanie, as they ask questions.
OSWALD
“Doctor…you says you’re looking for, is it?”
NYSSA
“A man with blonde hair; wears cricket clothes and a cream coat. He’s rather young looking.”
OSWALD
“We only know of one Doctor, but he’s a lot older and has red hair. It’s not Dr. Hanson you’re looking for, is it?”
NYSSA
“It’s not Dr. Hanson, I’m afraid.”
BILLY
“Our Doctor sometimes calls himself John Smith. I don’t suppose that name rings a bell? John Smith?”
OSWALD
“Nobody by that name has been seen here.” (to Billy) “I would have known you see, lad.”
NYSSA
“But he comes to Stockbridge. For the cricket season during the autumn. You must have seen him!”
MELANIE
(interrupts) “Look! If my dad’s not seen him, he’s not seen him. There’s little point in going on, is there?!”
OSWALD
“Melanie my dear, that’s enough!”
NYSSA
“Sorry. We weren’t trying to be rude.”
BILLY
“Would you let us know when he comes? He said for us to meet him here in Stockbridge, you see.”
OSWALD
“We’ll certainly be on the lookout, lad.”
MELANIE
“Do you wish to stay overnight then?”
NYSSA
“Well, I don’t [think…]”
BILLY
(encouragingly; to Nyssa) “We might as well, Nyssa. After all, the Doctor can check up here to see whether we’ve arrived if we’re out.”
NYSSA
(thinks) “Very well.” (to Oswald) “We would like to stay overnight, please.”
OSWALD
“Very good then. One night is it?”
NYSSA
“For the moment, yes.”
MELANIE
“If you would just sign here then. Your full name please.”
BILLY
“I’ll sign it.”
Melanie pushes a registry sheet onto the bar for Billy to sign his name. Billy takes a pen beside him and writes his signature onto the page. Nyssa watches him, before Billy eventually passes the registry sheet back to Melanie.
BILLY
“There you are.”
MELANIE
“Thank you, sir. Much appreciated.”
Melanie takes the registry sheet, whilst Nyssa addresses Billy.
NYSSA
“You never told me your full name was William, Billy.”
BILLY
“You never asked. Anyway I never liked William. Mum used to call me that when I was a naughty little boy.”
Just then, Oswald hands Nyssa and Billy the room key before he shows them where their room is.
OSWALD
“Here’s the key to your room. Just go down that corridor and it’s the first door on the left.”
NYSSA
“Thank you, Mr….?”
OSWALD
“Oswald. Oswald Jackson. And this is my daughter, Melanie.”
MELANIE
“How do you do? Anything else you want, just ask.”
NYSSA
(assuredly) “Thank you both. You’ve been very helpful.” (to Billy) “Come on, Billy. Let’s go.”
Nyssa and Billy pick up their luggage, as they make their way to their room in the inn. Meanwhile, Oswald and Melanie head off to the storeroom. Whilst Nyssa and Billy head off for their room, two locals sitting at a table in the bar, Rupert and Samuel, play chess, drink pints and smoke pipes contently.
RUPERT
“Nice night we’re having, Samuel.”
SAMUEL
“Aye! It is a nice night we’re having, Rupert.”
Moment of silence.
RUPERT
“The night before was nice too.”
SAMUEL
“Aye! That it was.” (Pause) “Might rain tonight though.”
Moment of silence, as Rupert smokes his pipe.
RUPERT
(gradually) “Oh I don’t know.” (Pause) “But then again, it may well rain tonight aye.”
SAMUEL
“Your turn I believe, Rupert.”
Rupert and Samuel continue playing quietly with their game of chess. But then, Rupert seems unable to move as he struggles with his hand over the chess pieces.
SAMUEL
“Come on, Rupert. I said it’s your turn!”
RUPERT
(panics) “I…I…I can’t move my hand! It…It’s stuck, Samuel! It’s stuck!”
SAMUEL
“Oh come off it! What are you on about, Rupert?”
RUPERT
(panics) “I…I…I can’t move my feet either! They’re stuck to the ground, see?!”
Rupert tries to move about in his chair, but is unable to. Samuel does the same, as he too is stuck.
SAMUEL
“I can’t…I can’t get my bum off this chair! It’s like I’ve got super-glue underneath me!”
RUPERT
“What’s going on here?! Why’s this happening?!”
SAMUEL
(calls) “Hey! Oswald; Melanie! We’re…”
Samuel’s call to Oswald and Melanie Jackson gets interrupted, as he and Rupert are caught in a beam of light.
RUPERT
“‘Ere? What’s that light circling us?!”
SAMUEL
“I don’t know. But I don’t like the look of it!”
RUPERT
“Hey! What’s happening?!!!”
SAMUEL
(cries) “No! No! No!!!”
Very soon, Rupert and Samuel cry in terror as the beam of light sweeps them away. They’ve been caught in a teleport as they disappear. A few seconds later, Melanie comes back from the storeroom to find Rupert and Samuel gone.
MELANIE
(puzzled) “Dad? Dad?!”
OSWALD
(from a distance) “Yes Melanie, dear? What is it?”
MELANIE
“Did you just hear Rupert and Samuel call out a minute ago?”
Oswald then comes out of the storeroom to join Melanie. He looks around to find Rupert and Samuel gone.
OSWALD
“Where are they?!”
MELANIE
“I don’t know. They were here a few minutes ago.”
OSWALD
“Those two must have gone outside for a pipe.”
MELANIE
“But Dad…”
OSWALD
(interjects) “Oh come on, dearie! Help your dad in the storeroom. We’ve got a lot to sort out.”
Reluctantly, Melanie follows her dad back into the storeroom, as they leave the bar empty and a cold tense atmosphere ensues.
SCENE #12 – INT – RESTAURANT, RED FERN INN – DAY, EVENING (1965)
Later that evening in the restaurant of the Red Fern Inn, Nyssa and Billy have an evening meal together. They chat and reminisce over good times.
BILLY
(dreamily) “Enjoying your meal, Nyssa?”
NYSSA
(happily) “Yes! It’s better than the one had at that service station. More sophisticated and well-prepared.”
BILLY
“Yes. Though not as classy as the meals we had when we stayed at the Rotenhend space hotel in the future or at the Francis Hotel in Bath, two thousand and eleven.”
NYSSA
“Stockbridge does present its flavours in small doses I’m afraid, Billy.”
BILLY
“I’ve been to many an English village such as this when I was with my mum and dad on holiday. But not this place.”
NYSSA
“It hasn’t changed a bit since I remembered first coming here. Of course, last time I was in Stockbridge it was in the far future.” (saddened) “And I’m afraid it was a harrowing experience.”
BILLY
(solemnly) “Yeah, I remember you telling me when the Daleks came here and they caused the village’s destruction.”
NYSSA
(gradually; teasingly) “When they ‘will come here’, Billy. This is the future we’re talking about, remember?”
BILLY
“Oh yes, of course. ‘Will come here’. Must get my tenses right.”
NYSSA
“Hopefully we shouldn’t meet any Daleks; Dwaxi; Cybermen; Salvador or anything else that might threaten the livelihood of this lovely village.”
Moment of silence.
BILLY
“You seem to be fond of this place, Nyssa.”
NYSSA
(gradually) “It was through the Doctor I became fond of it. Stockbridge is a home for him as the TARDIS is.”
BILLY
“No, no, I think it’s more than that. There’s something about Stockbridge that connects you to it somehow. That part of you remains here. You treasure this village for some personal reason.”
NYSSA
“You’re very observant, Billy.”
Another moment of silence. Billy then changes the subject as he brings out Cuddles, the cuddly toy dog.
BILLY
“Hey look, Nyssa! Cuddles is here!” (as Cuddles) “Wuff!”
Billy brings Cuddles over onto the table and plays him with Nyssa.
NYSSA
(giggles; to Cuddles) “Hello Cuddles.”
BILLY
(as Cuddles) “Wuff! Wuff!” (as himself) “He sneaked in so he could get some food.” (to Cuddles) “Didn’t you, boy?”
Billy plays Cuddles all over the table, making sniffing noises as he goes.
BILLY
“And he also wanted to see you too, Nyssa. Look! He’s waving!”
Billy waves Cuddles’ little right paw at Nyssa.
BILLY
(as Cuddles) “Wuff! Wuff!”
NYSSA
(amused) “Billy, don’t you think you look a bit silly playing with a toy dog at the dinner table? He’s not real, you know.”
Moment of silence, before Billy makes it seem like Cuddles is crying.
BILLY
(teasingly) “Aww, look what you’ve done, Nyssa! You’ve made him cry! He’s got his paws all over his eyes!”
NYSSA
(gives in) “Alright, he’s real then.” (to Cuddles) “You’re real, Cuddles.”
BILLY
(as Cuddles; happily) “Wuff!!!”
NYSSA
“But you know what I mean, Billy. At your age…”
BILLY
(interjects) “There’s nobody watching, Nyssa. Besides ‘silly’s’ my name, isn’t it?!”
NYSSA
(gradually; realises) “Actually Billy, have you noticed?”
BILLY
“What?”
NYSSA
“There’s nobody else here sitting at these tables apart from us. Look around and see for yourself.”
Billy has a look around the restaurant as Nyssa says.
BILLY
(astonished) “Yes you’re right, Nyssa! There isn’t anyone about here for dinner apart from us!”
NYSSA
“Where do you suppose everyone is then?”
BILLY
“I don’t know. Maybe not many people are staying at the inn.”
Another moment of silence.
NYSSA
“There’s something else as well.”
BILLY
“What?”
NYSSA
“It’s silent here. In this dining room.” (Pause) “An uneasy, sinister silence.”
BILLY
“I think you’re over-exaggerating there, Nyssa.” (Pause) “Nyssa, darling?”
A moment of tense silence ensues.
NYSSA
(gradually) “Billy, I….”
BILLY
“Yes?”
NYSSA
(gradually) “Billy, I’d like to take a walk. Would you accompany me?”
BILLY
“Yeah of course. I could do with a stroll. But what about dessert?”
They are then interrupted, as a scream echoes from the main bar. Nyssa and Billy hear it, as it belongs to Melanie.
BILLY
“What was that?! That sounded like that girl! Melanie!”
NYSSA
“Something’s wrong?! Come on!”
With that, Billy and Nyssa get out of their seats and run for the main bar. Billy takes Cuddles with him in his left hand.
SCENE #13 – INT – MAIN BAR, RED FERN INN – DAY, EVENING (1965)
In the main bar of the Red Fern Inn, Melanie struggles to move as she stands behind the bar. She screams her head off with her father Oswald fretting beside her.
OSWALD
“Melanie?! Melanie my dear, what’s the matter with you?! Why are you making such a fuss?!”
MELANIE
(panics) “I’m stuck to the ground here! That’s why I’m making such a fuss!”
OSWALD
“Stuck? How can you be stuck?!”
MELANIE
(panics) “I don’t know! That’s what I’m screaming about!”
Just then, Melanie gets caught in a beam of light and goes into an hysteria of panic.
MELANIE
(cries; panics) “Dad?! Dad, help me! I’m trapped in some cone of light!”
OSWALD
“Hold on, Melanie dear. I’ll get you out!”
Oswald advances forward and grabs onto Melanie.
MELANIE
(cries; panics) “Dad, don’t touch me!”
OSWALD
“What did you say?!”
MELANIE
(cries; panics) “I said ‘don’t…”
But it’s too late, as Melanie and Oswald get teleported away in the beam of light. Nyssa and Billy then enter.
NYSSA
“Mr. Jackson; Melanie?! Is everything [alright…?]”
Nyssa and Billy see the cone of light disappearing as it takes Melanie and Oswald with it. Nyssa and Billy are completely astonished.
BILLY
“Nyssa?”
NYSSA
“Yes.”
BILLY
“Did you just see what I saw?”
NYSSA
Yes. They’ve just vanished. (Pause) I was right, Billy. Something sinister is going on here. Something disturbing and sinister in Stockbridge.
Nyssa and Billy stand about, disturbed by the atmosphere caused by the recent incident.
© Tim Bradley, 2018
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