2. Welcomed to Riverloth

SCENE #10 – INT – CORRIDOR, COURT BUILDING, RIVERLOTH – DAY, AFTERNOON
A short while later, in the corridor of the court building, the Doctor; Nyssa and Billy have left the gallery of portraits behind them. Nyssa and Billy talk quietly to each other, as they walk down the corridor.

NYSSA
(gently) “Billy?”

BILLY
“Yes Nyssa?”

NYSSA
(apologetic) “I’m sorry, Billy. I didn’t mean to sound harsh to you earlier.”

BILLY
“That’s alright, Nyssa. I didn’t mean to be insensitive.”

NYSSA
(gradually) “It’s just that…seeing those Melkurs again in the gardens. It brought back unhappy memories for me. Of the circumstances of how my father was killed and how Traken was destroyed.”

BILLY
“I know. I’m sorry, Nyssa. It must have been very unsettling for you.”

NYSSA
(gradually) “Even the appearance of the Melkurs gave me the shudders.” (Pause) “In the past, we were able to ward off the Melkurs and maintain their evil influence. We were able to stabilise the harmony on Traken. But when the Melkur with the Master inside caused chaos…”

Nyssa stops mid-sentence, unable to speak. Moment of silence.

BILLY
(gradually) “You think the Melkurs in the gardens might move again, do you Nyssa? That they might cause trouble here on Riverloth.”

NYSSA
“Perhaps. I can’t be certain of that.”

BILLY
(gradually) “These Melkurs. You said they’re like flies caught by honey. Evil beings turned into stone.”

NYSSA
The Source on Traken was able to detect anyone with evil in their hearts. It can instantly turn them into stone and create the Melkurs. It was a natural sort of defence on Traken. To protect us from the evil that tried to invade Traken.

BILLY
(anxious) Those Melkurs do look frightening. (Pause) I’m glad we didn’t go to Traken in the end, Nyssa. I might have evil in my heart. This Source thing of yours would have turned me into stone.

NYSSA
(reassuringly) “No, Billy! You’re not a Melkur at all! You’re a ‘serkur’!”

BILLY
“A serkur?”

NYSSA
“It’s what the Trakenites call those with good in their hearts. It literally means ‘one who is truly free of sin’.”

BILLY
“Really? What about when I saved someone’s life from a doomed starship? Wasn’t that a sin I committed?”

NYSSA
“Hardly, Billy. That was an act of compassion, remember?”

BILLY
“The Doctor didn’t seem to think so.”

Moment of silence.

NYSSA
“Hold on! What’s this ahead of us?”

DOCTOR
“A door! A very large door! I wonder what’s behind here!”

BILLY
“Are you sure we should go in, Doctor?”

DOCTOR
“Oh absolutely! We won’t be able to solve the mystery if we don’t.”

The Doctor pushes the door and it opens inwards. He; Nyssa and Billy enter inside.

---

SCENE #11 – INT – RIVER MANIPULATOR ROOM, RIVERLOTH – DAY, AFTERNOON
Inside, the Doctor; Nyssa and Billy are in a large room. Flowing water echoes and machinery whirs close by.

BILLY
(amazed) “Wow! Look at this technology! It’s vast!”

NYSSA
“There is a lot of it! It’s like a major control room of a large factory!”

DOCTOR
“Or a control room of a huge engine.”

The trio become silent for a moment.

BILLY
(intrigued) “Hang on! There’s a tub of water on this side of the room here. Look! It must cover five metres from one end of the room to the other.”

DOCTOR
“Not a tub of water, Billy. This is like a manufactured river tributary. With computer controls attached to the side.”

BILLY
“A manufactured river tributary?! With controls!”

DOCTOR
“You see the water flowing from these tubes connected to the wall? Well that must be where the output is fed in by some sort of connection to the large river outside.”

NYSSA
“And something else! It also creates a loop to generate more water. To flow back into the river again. Like blood vessels in the heart that generate blood throughout the human and humanoid bodies.”

DOCTOR
“Precisely. If you look around you, this isn’t just the only manufactured river tributary in this room. There are a dozen more of them. Generated to flow together into one flowing tributary. This one here is fed into the river outside in the open.”

BILLY
“So, let me get this straight. Water flows from the river in here and back out into the river and does it over and over again!”

DOCTOR
“Of course!” (realises) “Of course! This must be a River Manipulator Room. The power flow of the river is controlled, since it’s the source of Riverloth’s power.”

NYSSA
(surprised) “A River Manipulator Room?! Just like the Source Manipulator on Traken.”

DOCTOR
“Precisely, Nyssa! Our previous visits to Traken with the Source Chamber seem to fit in with what this large room is all about. Remember that spa that generated water from the Source on Traken?”

NYSSA
“And I suppose the Riverlothians are following the same principle. Except they’ve used a natural river to provide their power; food and water.”

DOCTOR
“Yes! The river can be sentient just as the Source was a sentient sun on Traken, Nyssa!”

NYSSA
“It’s fascinating. And astounding. The Riverlothians must be advanced in their science as the Trakenites were.”

DOCTOR
“Or perhaps they were helped in some way to achieve all of this. The Riverlothians are admirers of the Traken Union. It should be expected that they would adopt similar procedures to the ones the Traken people once had. They just do it differently. That’s all.”

Meanwhile, Billy wanders off to explore a section of wall in the River Manipulator Room. He presses the section of wall and a compartment door slides opens.

BILLY
(amazed) “Hey, Nyssa; Doctor! I’ve found a…a secret compartment in this wall.” (examines) “There’s an interesting emblem design on this panel. It looks like half a circle with the shape of half a shadowy man inside.”

Billy opens the secret compartment and climbs in to go inside.

DOCTOR
(cries) “Billy, I wouldn’t go in if I were you!”

BILLY
“Why not? It’s perfectly safe…”

DOCTOR
(cries) “No Billy, don’t!”

Suddenly, and without warning, the compartment door slides shut trapping Billy inside. Billy bangs on the door from inside.

BILLY
(from inside; calls) “Hey! Hey! Let me out! Help me out of here!” (Pause) “Doctor! Nyssa! Can you hear me? I can’t get out! Help! Help!”

The Doctor and Nyssa run to where the compartment door is and try to get it open.

NYSSA
(calls) “Billy, are you alright in there?! Are you hurt?”

BILLY
(from inside; calls) “No, I’m not hurt. I just can’t get out!”

DOCTOR
(groans; to himself) “Oh, this would happen at a time like this!” (calls) “Billy? Don’t panic! We’ll get you out of there!”

NYSSA
(calls) “Billy, how did you open this compartment?”

BILLY
(from inside; calls) “I can’t remember!”

NYSSA
(calls) “Billy, you must!”

BILLY
(from inside; calls) “It’s all gone from my head in an instant!”

NYSSA
(calls) “Billy, please try and remember! Did you press a button on the panel or something?”

BILLY
(from inside; calls) “I can’t!” (stops; thinks) “Wait a minute! Yes, yes! I remember! There was a catch on the wall where I found the compartment. It was well concealed. I just happened to chance upon it.”

DOCTOR
“Don’t worry, Billy. We’ll find the mechanism and get you out of there!”

NYSSA
(realises) “I think that must be the catch on your right, Doctor. That section of wall. Press it and see what happens.”

DOCTOR
“Alright Nyssa, alright. I’ll press it!”

The Doctor presses the section of wall, and the compartment door slides open. Billy steps out of the compartment, breathing a sigh of relief. He’s held in the comforting arms of Nyssa once he’s out.

NYSSA
(concerned) “Billy, are you alright?”

BILLY
(takes deep breaths) “I’m fine, Nyssa. I’m fine. It’s just…it was so dark in there. And it was a shock.”

DOCTOR
“Yes, well don’t take any unnecessary risks again, Billy. You should know better than to wander off.”

NYSSA
(consolingly) “You’re to stick with us. Remember, Billy?”

BILLY
(takes deep breaths) “Yes. Yes, of course.” (breathes deep) “It’s alright, Nyssa; Doctor. I’m alright now. I won’t wander off again!”

DOCTOR
“Yes! Well just as well…”

Suddenly, the River Manipulator Room doors burst open and the Melkurs enter. The Doctor; Nyssa and Billy are rooted to the spot once the Melkurs have entered.

NYSSA
“Doctor! It’s the Melkurs!”

DOCTOR
“Yes, I see! There are a few of them! They’ve been following us!”

BILLY
(gobsmacked) “But they’re statues! Statues can’t walk!”

NYSSA
“They’re not statues, Billy. They’re Melkurs!”

DOCTOR
“And there’s a lot more to these Melkurs than we know.”

As the Melkurs advance towards Nyssa; Billy and the Doctor, they soon suddenly stop.

NYSSA
(surprised) “Doctor, they’ve stopped! The Melkurs have just stopped!”

BILLY
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

DOCTOR
“Whatever you two do, don’t look in their eyes. If the Melkurs’ eyes glow bright red, don’t look at them!”

Suddenly, a group of armed Fosters led by Proctor Glorfini enter the room. They raise their weapons as they surround the TARDIS trio.

BILLY
(startled) “What’s this now?! Who are these guys?!”

NYSSA
(amazed) “Fosters! They have Fosters here on Riverloth!”

GLORFINI
“Stand still, you three! Don’t move! Or else, we fire!”

BILLY
“What are Fosters then? Are they dangerous?”

DOCTOR
“They’re like police, Billy. These are the policemen here on Riverloth!”

BILLY
“Police?!” (sighs) “Oh great! Just what we needed!”

The TARDIS trio remain still, as the Fosters led by Proctor Glorifini train their weapons on them, with Melkur statues in the room.

---

SCENE #12 – INT – CONSUL CHAMBER, RIVERLOTH – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, in the Consul chamber on Riverloth, the Consuls are in session. They are led by Consul Protector Rondus with his fellow Consuls Galadio (his wife); Sarumane and Bonncere.

BONNCERE
“I must stress how important it is to discuss these matters of state. The whole community of Riverloth demands that we take action. And for a scientific cause, I believe we must do this swiftly!”

RONDUS
“Patience, Consul Bonncere. Science cannot overrule everything in these matters. We must act on the spiritual terms that enforce us to take action. There’s been so much doubt and anxiety to cause such a dilemma.”

GALADIO
“Husband! I fear that Consul Bonncere may be right. Recent events affecting our Riverlothian society have become frequent. We must take some action to ensure our society’s survival.”

BONNCERE
“I am pleased you agree with me, Consul Galadio.”

GALADIO
“Although I doubt that science will help us aid our cause. The lack of resources has been natural. The Tree needs to be communed with to ascertain why such a cause has occurred.”

RONDUS
“Agreed. Whether by spiritual or scientific means, and both can be achieved diligently, we must act on this. But we must act with caution. Our society must not be put at risk by such an endeavour.”

SARUMANE
“Forgive me, Consul Protector Rondus. But are you sure you’re not taking too much caution in these situations?”

BONNCERE
“I agree with you, Consul Sarumane. There is much talk in the homes of many Riverlothians in the villages and streets of Arndon; Imald and even here in Cordow. They are saying that this is the beginning of the end.”

GALADIO
“The end, Bonncere?”

BONNCERE
“The end, Galadio. That the luxuries we have from the Tree are starting to wane. They fear that we have taken for granted the power and the resources given to us by the Tree.”

RONDUS
“That could be one hundred million years away, Bonncere. I don’t believe the end will come for a long time.”

SARUMANE
“That’s rather unusual talk from you, Rondus.”

RONDUS
“I have my spiritual beliefs, Sarumane. But I’m willing to be patient. The Tree of Riverloth has been communed with many times. We have never received any hostility from it. Or negative feedback as you scientists would call it.”

BONNCERE
(agitated) “Then what are we to do? What action must we take to ensure the Tree’s survival as well as our own society?”

SARUMANE
“Peace, Bonncere!” (to Rondus) “Consul Protector, I have maintained contact with the Tree. Even though my methods are scientific and technical, I can assure you I have everything under control.”

GALADIO
“You have, Consul Sarumane?

SARUMANE
“Of course I have, my lady. The River Manipulator Room is a powerhouse of infinite proportions. I assure you, whatever resources we lack I will find more. I have communicated with the people of Riverloth, and we can be sure that Riverloth will survive.”

RONDUS
“Yes! We are grateful to you for your scientific endeavours to resolve this crisis, Consul Sarumane. We’re also grateful to the supplementary supplies you give us for temporary periods.”

At that moment, the Consul Chamber doors slide open. Proctor Glorfini enters. The four Consuls turn to see him.

GLORFINI
“Greetings, Consuls of Riverloth!”

BONNCERE
(agitated) “An interruption! An interruption from Proctor Glorfini!”

GLORFINI
“I apologise, Consuls. I know you are in session, but this is urgent!”

RONDUS
“What’s the matter, Proctor Glorfini?”

GLORFINI
“Three strangers have arrived in Riverloth, Consul Protector Rondus. They were in the gardens of Riverloth and were eventually caught in the River Manipulator Room. The Melkurs found them there too!”

SARUMANE
(anxious) “The River Manipulator Room? Has any equipment been damaged, Proctor?”

GLORFINI
(reassuringly) “No, Consul Sarumane. All the equipment was found untouched. Nothing damaged or broken.”

GALADIO
“Strangers? Visitors to our planet Riverloth, husband Rondus!” (fascinated) “How fascinating!”

RONDUS
“Yes! Very fascinating indeed, my dear wife.” (Pause; thinks) “Have they given their names, Glorfini?”

GLORFINI
“There is a man; a boy and girl, Consul Protector. The man is called the Doctor; the boy is called Billy and the girl is called Nyssa of Traken.”

RONDUS
(startled) “Traken?!”

GALADIO
(startled) “Traken! Our ancestral home! The girl comes from there?!”

GLORFINI
“That’s what she said, Lady Galadio. Traken.”

GALADIO
(intrigued) “How extraordinary!”

RONDUS
“A most unusual and enlightening turn of events.” (Pause; gradually) “Proctor Glorfini! Escort the three visitors to the palace room. My fellow Consuls and I will meet them there. See that they are well-treated.”

GLORFINI
“Yes, Consul Protector. My brothers and I shall attend to it at once!”

With that, Glorfini leaves the Consul chamber.

RONDUS
(to himself; fascinated) “Of Traken, hey? How fascinating!”

---

SCENE #13 – INT – PALACE ROOM, RIVERLOTH – DAY, AFTERNOON
In the palace room, the doors swing open, as the Doctor; Nyssa and Billy are brought in by Proctor Glorfini and the Fosters. The palace room doors close once they’re inside.

NYSSA
“The Fosters are armed, Doctor. There must be a crisis going on here. Why be armed if they’re supposed to tend Riverloth’s gardens?”

DOCTOR
“We’ll find out in due course, Nyssa.”

BILLY
“They don’t seem willing to answer our questions about why they have scary statues in their gardens, Doctor. And why there aren’t that many people about.”

NYSSA
“I find everything unsettling about this world, Doctor. It’s like Traken, yet I feel like I’m an intruder. I don’t like it at all!”

DOCTOR
(changes subject) “I like the architecture in this palace room, Nyssa; Billy! Just like the architecture outside at the entrance door when we first came in here. Very reminiscent of the stonework and designs of the Traken court buildings.”

BILLY
“What are we going to say to them, Doctor? What are you going to say to the Consuls?”

DOCTOR
“We’ll be as truthful as possible, you two.”

At that moment, a door opens and the four Consuls, Rondus; Galadio; Sarumane and Bonncere enter.

RONDUS
(cheerfully) “Greetings, visitors to Riverloth! Apologies we kept you waiting. We had to finish a Consul chamber meeting before we could come to greet you. I hope you have been treated well.”

DOCTOR
“Oh yes, yes. We have been treated well. Considering your Fosters use heavy-handed methods of escorting us to these premises.”

RONDUS
“Yes, Proctor Glorfini and his brothers are enthusiastic when dealing with off-worlders. But you must understand, we don’t get a lot of visitors to Riverloth these days.”

GALADIO
(cheerfully) “We are honoured by your presence and we wish to treat you three as our guests to Riverloth.”

DOCTOR
“Well that’s very kind of you, Consuls of Riverloth. Isn’t it, Nyssa; Billy?”

BILLY
“Oh yes. Yes indeed. Isn’t it, Nyssa?”

NYSSA
“Yes. Very kind indeed.”

RONDUS
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Consul Protector Rondus of the court of Cordow on Riverloth.”

NYSSA
(surprised) “Consul Protector?”

RONDUS
“Yes! And this is my wife, Consul Galadio.”

DOCTOR
“Charmed, I’m sure.”

GALADIO
“Thank you very much, young man. These are Consuls Sarumane and Consul Bonncere.”

SARUMANE
“Pleased to meet you three!”

BONNCERE
“Very honoured, I’m sure.”

DOCTOR
(cheerfully) Oh you’re too kind. I’m the Doctor. These are my two companions. Nyssa and Billy.

GALADIO
We know your names, dear Doctor. Proctor Glorfini informed us when he found you in the River Manipulator Room.

RONDUS
Especially when we heard that one of you is from Traken. (to Nyssa) Lady Nyssa, isn’t it?

NYSSA
Yes! That’s right.

RONDUS
(enamoured) Lady Nyssa of Traken! We are honoured and graced by your presence here on Riverloth! We did not expect anyone from the world we admire so much to come to our Traken-styled society. We hope you and your friends enjoy your stay on Riverloth, Lady Nyssa.

NYSSA
Thank you, Consul… Protector Rondus. You’re very kind.

SARUMANE
(intrigued) “The Fosters found you three in the River Manipulator Room. What were you three doing in there anyway?”

DOCTOR
“We were trying to find someone in this humble abode of yours. We lost our way before we found your River Manipulator Room. And most impressive it is too.”

SARUMANE
(sinisterly) “I see.”

RONDUS
“But all this can wait, Consul Sarumane. Our guests are tired and they want to have a rest after such a long journey to our planet.”

GALADIO
(to Glorfini) “Proctor Glorfini! Escort our guests to their quarters. Take them to the left wing of the court building. There are three unoccupied rooms there. They can reside there.”

GLORFINI
“As you command, Consul Galadio.”

DOCTOR
“Thank you, Consuls of Riverloth. Your hospitality is most overwhelming and welcoming.”

RONDUS
“We wish to learn more about you three visitors. I’m sure you three want to learn more about us during our banquet this evening. Please come to our banquet later on! I’m sure we’ll enjoy getting to know each other.”

BILLY
(amazed) “A banquet?! A banquet on Riverloth?!”

DOCTOR
“Thank you, Consul Protector Rondus. We gladly accept your invitation.”

GALADIO
“Good, good. Thank you, Doctor! The gong will sound later on to let you know when the banquet is served.”

At that moment, the door opens and a young woman enters. This is Werna, daughter of Rondus and Galadio.

RONDUS
“Ah! Here is our daughter! Werna.”

GALADIO
(to Werna) “Werna! Come and say hello to our visitors! This is the Doctor and his two young friends…”

WERNA
(abruptly) “I’m sorry, mother; father. I’ve no time for your guests! I have my work to do!”

GALADIO
(protests) “But Werna!”

Without saying a word, Werna leaves and slams the door behind her.

RONDUS
“Our apologies, Doctor; Lady Nyssa; Mr Billy. Our daughter is a highly-strung girl. You must forgive her for her impertinence. She can be quite fiery at times.”

DOCTOR
“So I see.” (Pause) “Never mind, Consuls Rondus and Galadio. I’m sure we’ll see your daughter in due course.”

Eventually, the Doctor; Nyssa and Billy are escorted out of the palace room by the Fosters. They are taken to their quarters in the left wing of the court building.

---

SCENE #14 – INT – BILLY’S QUARTERS, RIVERLOTH – DAY, EVENING
Later that evening, Billy is in his quarters allocated to him by the Fosters. He’s settling in, before there’s a knock on the door.

BILLY
“Who is it?”

NYSSA
(from outside) “It’s me, Billy. May I come in?”

BILLY
“Oh! Of course you can, Nyssa. Come in!”

The door opens and Nyssa enters the room.

NYSSA
“Are you alright, Billy?”

BILLY
“Yeah! Yeah I’m fine, Nyssa! Are you alright?”

NYSSA
“Yes I’m fine, Billy.” (Pause) “I just wanted to make sure you managed to settle in this room allocated to you.”

BILLY
(happily) “Yeah! It’s so lavish and luxurious.” (enthusiastic) “I’ve just seen these Riverlothian clothes they’ve put on the bed. I like them!”

NYSSA
“Yes! They are nice! Almost to Traken standards.”

BILLY
“It would be nice to wear them. But I daren’t touch them. It might not be polite of me to wear such clothes as these without asking permission from…from the Consuls.”

NYSSA
“I don’t think the Consuls will have any objection to you wearing those clothes Billy, so long as you don’t mind wearing them. They’re not what you usually wear, are they? They’re rather high-collared. With the sunny weather outside, I don’t know if you’ll cope with those clothes on.”

BILLY
“Well I’d like to try one of them out. This green and blue jacket. And these trousers suit me. The collar on this shirt isn’t as high as the others.”

NYSSA
“Well you try wearing them.”

BILLY
“The Consuls seem to take a shine to you don’t they, Nyssa! They’re honoured that you’re from Traken. That means something to them, doesn’t it?”

Moment of silence, as Nyssa paces the room for a bit.

BILLY
“What’s the matter, Nyssa? Is it something I said?”

NYSSA
“No, no. It’s not you, Billy. It’s just…”

BILLY
(gradually) “You don’t like it here much, do you Nyssa?”

NYSSA
“No. No I don’t.” (Pause) “How did you know?”

BILLY
“I sort of guessed.” (Pause) “I’m sorry, Nyssa. I should have known this place would bring haunted memories back to you. I didn’t realise…”

NYSSA
(interrupts) “No, Billy. It’s not your fault! I have liked some aspects of Riverloth. Really, I have. Happy memories of Traken have come back to me here on Riverloth.” (Pause) “It’s just what we’ve seen today. With the Melkurs in the gardens….”

BILLY
Those statues have really rattled you, haven’t they?

NYSSA
(gradually) Yes. I just wonder why they have Melkurs; why the Fosters are armed; and why everywhere seems so deserted on Riverloth. I’m anxious that we won’t have the answers we want from those Consuls at the banquet tonight.

BILLY
Oh, you never know. They may be very forthcoming. They seemed friendly when we met them in the palace room.

NYSSA
That’s just it, Billy. They seem too friendly. Like they’re hiding something. Something they don’t want us to know about.

BILLY
(puzzled) Hiding something?

NYSSA
If we were on Traken, it would be a different story. I would know and trust the ways of my people. But with a society like Riverloth, despite it being so Traken-like… it all seems too perfect. Do you see what I mean?

BILLY
(gradually) I think I do. Like it’s too much of a good thing.

NYSSA
Exactly. (Pause) My latent psychic abilities aren’t so sophisticated, but I can sense something’s not right about this planet. As well as its people.

BILLY
Hmm. I see what you mean. (Pause) Perhaps we should leave Riverloth as soon as possible. Once we’ve met up with the Consuls and had our banquet…

NYSSA
We can’t do that, Billy. There’s still the matter of this tree that called for help. When I had psychic contact with it earlier.

BILLY
Have you heard the tree speak to you again since we arrived?

NYSSA
“No. I was expecting it too. But there’s been nothing. I’m wondering why it’s taken so long.”

BILLY
“Don’t worry, Nyssa. The tree will contact you.”

NYSSA
“I hope so.”

Moment of silence.

BILLY
(changes subject) “Say Nyssa! I found this…cuddly toy on the bed. It looks very sweet. Almost a cross between a bear and a dog.”

NYSSA
“Yes. I had a cuddly toy on Traken when I was a little girl. I called it BeeBee. It was my favourite cuddly toy and he became the guardian to my bedroom.”

BILLY
“BeeBee! That’s a nice name for a cuddly toy.”

NYSSA
“Yes. But I lost him when Traken was destroyed.” (Pause) “I wish I still had BeeBee with me. He’d help me to sleep when I was little.”

BILLY
Oh, don’t worry, Nyssa. I’ll get you a cuddly toy someday. It won’t be BeeBee, but I’m sure you’ll like him or her a lot.

Suddenly Nyssa cries out in pain. She kneels down to the floor and Billy comes down beside her.

BILLY
(anxiously) Nyssa? Nyssa, are you alright? What’s wrong?

NYSSA
My head! It’s happening again! I’m receiving another psychic contact!

BILLY
From the tree, you mean?

NYSSA
Yes. (cries in pain) I feel…I can feel it inside my head now!

Nyssa hears the Voice of the Tree inside her.

TREE (V’O)
Nyssa! Nyssa of Traken, hear me! There is so little time! Beware!

NYSSA
(cries; in pain) Beware? Beware of what? I don’t understand.

TREE (V’O)
The false Consul. The one who will betray us. Betray us all! Me and my people! Beware! Beware!

Nyssa cries out in pain again, before the psychic contact suddenly stops. Nyssa stumbles to the floor. Moment of silence, as Billy checks on her.

BILLY
(anxiously) Nyssa? Nyssa, are you alright?! (Pause) Nyssa?!

Eventually, Nyssa wakes up. She takes a deep breath and sighs. Nyssa slowly recovers, as she looks up at Billy before speaking.

BILLY
Nyssa, what’s wrong? Please answer me!

NYSSA
(gradually) “Billy?” (Pause) “I think we should go and find the Doctor.”

---

SCENE #15 – INT – DOCTOR’S QUARTERS, RIVERLOTH – DAY, EVENING
Meanwhile, the Doctor is in his quarters, pacing about. He’s thinking out loud as he talks.

DOCTOR
(out loud) “There’s something not right here! Not right at all!”

At that moment, there’s a knock on the door.

DOCTOR
Come in.

The door opens and Nyssa and Billy enter the room.

BILLY
(anxious) Doctor! Nyssa’s just had another psychic contact with the tree. She visited me in my room when this happened.

NYSSA
It was clearer this time, Doctor. The tree warned me to beware of one of the Consuls. That this Consul was false. That he or she was betraying Riverloth, its people and the tree itself.

BILLY
It seems the Consuls of Riverloth aren’t as sincere as we thought, Doctor. One of them… (stops; realises) Doctor? Are you listening to us?

DOCTOR
(distracted) Hmm? What was that you said, you two?

NYSSA
(patiently) “I’ve had another psychic contact with the tree, Doctor. The one we saw on this planet! The one I had contact with from earlier in the TARDIS today!”

DOCTOR
(gradually) You know something, you two? I have my suspicions about what’s going on with this planet!

BILLY
(wryly) Really?! What a surprise!

DOCTOR
(continues) You see, we were welcomed too easily by those Consuls in the palace room. They weren’t like the ones I met on Traken. Those ones were suspicious of me. The first and second time I visited Traken. The ones we met today were too friendly.

NYSSA
We know, Doctor. Billy and I discussed this earlier.

DOCTOR
(continues) But that isn’t what’s troubling me. Like you said, Nyssa. The Source on Traken had the ability to detect signs of evil whenever someone visited Traken. The Consuls of Traken suspected me of being evil when I visited that planet twice. But here, it’s not the case. Does that mean that the Consuls of Riverloth know we three have good intentions and aren’t evil? Or is there something sinister about the Riverlothians?

BILLY
That daughter of those two Consuls. Werna, was it? She didn’t seem so friendly when we saw her.

NYSSA
(to Doctor) Could she be hiding something, Doctor? Is this busy work of Werna’s something to do with what’s going on here on Riverloth and the tree needing our help?

DOCTOR
I’m not sure. It could be something along those lines. I just don’t know. (Pause; realises) Wait a minute! You said you had another psychic contact with the tree we saw earlier today, did you Nyssa?

NYSSA
(frustrated) That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, Doctor.

DOCTOR
(to Nyssa) Now listen, Nyssa! Tell me precisely what the tree told you! Was it clearer this time?

NYSSA
(frustrated) Yes, Doctor! More direct. The tree said for us…for me…to beware of the false Consul. That this false Consul would betray the people of Riverloth and the tree itself. I don’t know what that means.

BILLY
“It means that one of the Consuls isn’t who he or she is supposed to be.”

NYSSA
“Yes thank you, Billy! What I’m wondering is what does this betrayal entail? When should we know when to beware of this ‘false Consul’? Whoever he or she is.”

DOCTOR
“Well we’ve got four Consuls to worry about, Nyssa. It could be any one of them. We have to be careful. Be on our guard.”

BILLY
“You mean we shouldn’t trust what they say?”

DOCTOR
“No, Billy. We mustn’t seem suspicious. We need to be on our guard and make sure we get as much information as possible whilst at the banquet.”

NYSSA
“What is it you want us to do, Doctor?”

DOCTOR
First of all, be casual. Appear like we’re not onto anyone. Secondly we need to find out why the streets; gardens; towns and villages of Riverloth are deserted.

NYSSA
(interrupts) And thirdly we need to find out why there are Melkur statues in the gardens.

DOCTOR
(clears throat) Yes, well that too. (continues) And fourthly, we need to know more about this tree that Nyssa has had psychic contact with.

BILLY
The tree? You think that the tree has vital significance as to how Riverloth works then?

DOCTOR
Of course! I’m certain of it! It stands on a hill above the river of Riverloth. I’m sure it’s essential and stands proudly in Riverloth’s culture and society. I hope the Consuls will be willing to give us answers about that.

NYSSA
You think it connects to the river don’t you, Doctor? That the river is the ‘source’ of Riverloth’s power?

DOCTOR
“Oh yes! That River Manipulator Room we found earlier confirms it. That Consul Sarumane was concerned about our presence there.”

BILLY
“Yes, I noticed that. He seemed jumpy about it, didn’t he?”

DOCTOR
“Like I said, we need more answers when we attend this banquet of theirs. So we mustn’t jump to any conclusions or seem like we’re onto anyone. We must appear to be enjoying ourselves. I’m sure they’ll have plenty of entertainment whilst we attend this banquet. Such as lute-music playing and Trakenite dancing…”

BILLY
(thrilled) “Trakenite dancing! Oh I’d like to have a go at that. That should be fun!”

NYSSA
“Trakenite dancing is harder to learn than your traditional Charleston and Foxtrot dances, Billy.”

BILLY
“I know. But I’ll have a good partner in you, Nyssa. You’ll help me with any complicated moves I need to make during the dances, won’t you? I assume you will be my partner for the dances, hey Nyssa?”

NYSSA
(gradually) “Of course, Billy! I’ll do my best to be a good partner for you.”

DOCTOR
“Just be careful, Nyssa; Billy. As I said, be on your guard. Anything that the Consuls will say during the event may be vital. It’s imperative we keep our eyes and ears open. Understood?”

NYSSA
“Yes, Doctor.”

BILLY
(pleased) “Absolutely, Doctor!”

DOCTOR
“Good, good!” (Pause) “Well, now! I think it’s time we refresh ourselves and get ready for this evening!”

---

SCENE #16 – INT – RONDUS’ HOUSE, RIVERLOTH – DAY, EVENING
Meanwhile in Rondus’ house, both he and Galadio get ready for the banquet. Both get dressed, as Galadio enters the room to show off her new dress to her husband.

GALADIO
“Well, my husband! How do I look?”

RONDUS
(in awe) “Oh you look dazzling, my dear. Absolutely radiant! Dear Galadio! My wife!”

GALADIO
(delighted) “Thank you, Rondus. You look smart too in your attire.”

RONDUS
“Thank you, dear. But I’m sure you’re the prettiest host for this evening compared to me.”

Galadio giggles, as she steps forward to kiss her husband.

GALADIO
“I hope our guests will enjoy our hospitality this evening!”

RONDUS
“Oh no doubt, my dear. They’re obviously interested in our culture. I’m looking forward to learning more about young lady Nyssa and her heritage. It’ll be interesting to discover how she survived the cloud of destruction that shrouded that pretty little world of hers.”

GALADIO
“Yes. It’s such a shame that tragedy occurred for her. Poor girl. I began to wonder whether there was no-one left of that beloved union where we Riverlothians based our lifestyles on.”

RONDUS
“I wondered the same, my dear.” (Pause) “Thankfully we have a hope, my dear. Not all of Traken was lost as we thought. That young lady Nyssa is a survivor. Perhaps she can enlighten us as to how we can improve our ways and be more like the Traken she grew up in.”

GALADIO
“So long as we forbade mentioning the crisis we have here at this present time, dear.”

RONDUS
“Oh indeed yes, Galadio. It wouldn’t do to mention such crises at this time when we have such impressive guests.”

GALADIO
(wearingly) “Werna, our daughter, is meant to be joining us for this evening, Rondus.”

RONDUS
(troubled) “Is she? Oh dear. I wasn’t too impressed with her behaviour earlier in the palace room.”

GALADIO
“Neither was I. I hope she doesn’t cause another scene this evening.” (Pause) “Perhaps we should talk to her, Rondus. Ask her to refrain from mentioning the crisis we have here on Riverloth.”

RONDUS
“Gladly I’d be willing, dear Galadio. If only we knew where Werna was.”

At that moment, Werna enters the room.

WERNA
“Mother; father!”

GALADIO
“Ah Werna, my dear. We were just talking about you.”

WERNA
Listen to me, mother; father!

RONDUS
No you listen to us, our daughter! Your mother’s just told me that you’ll be joining us for the banquet tonight.

GALADIO
We ask you Werna not to mention the crisis we face on Riverloth. We don’t want to spoil the harmonious atmosphere we’ve created. Especially for our three guests this evening!

WERNA
Mother, the rate of victims has been increased steadily over the past few days. This could be serious…

RONDUS
That is why we ask you not to mention it to the Doctor; Lady Nyssa and Mr Billy this evening! They need not know about anything regarding this crisis. We can handle it after the banquet this evening.

WERNA
(protests) But mother; father!

GALADIO
“That is final, daughter!”

RONDUS
“Please, Werna! Do we have your word you will not spoil this evening?”

GALADIO
“Or must we send you to your room without anything to eat. No supper!”

Moment of silence.

WERNA
(sighs; glumly) “Very well. I won’t say anything this evening. To please you, mother and father.”

RONDUS
“Thank you, our daughter.”

WERNA
“I’ll keep my mouth shut all the way through dinner if you wish. That’ll make me more suspicious in front of our guests, won’t it?”

GALADIO
“There’s no need to be impertinent, Werna my dear.”

RONDUS
“Get yourself ready for this evening, Werna. Put on your best dress!”

An electronic doorbell then rings loudly.

GALADIO
“Enter!”

The door opens and Proctor Glorfini enters.

GLORFINI
“Excuse me, Consul Protector; Consul Galadio.”

GALADIO
“Yes Proctor Glorfini. What is it?”

GLORFINI
“The banquet is being served. The Doctor and his friends are waiting in the banqueting hall for your arrival.”

RONDUS
“Thank you, Proctor. Inform our guests, we will be there shortly. Have them be seated at the banqueting table.”

GLORFINI
“Yes, Consul Protector.”

With that, Glorfini leaves the room.

RONDUS
(to Galadio) Well, my dear Galadio. The evening approaches.

GALADIO
(cheerfully) Yes! And what an enlightening evening it shall be.

---

© Tim Bradley, 2016

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