Chapter 10
SCENE #90 – INT – CONTROL ROOM, ENEMY BASE – N/A
In the control room of Salvador’s base, he confronts the Tremas Master after losing his chance to snatch the Thirteenth Doctor out of zone #5 of the interdimensional network.
SALVADOR
Why did you stop me? I could have acquired the Doctor when I wanted to. I could erase you out of existence for this.
TREMAS MASTER
But you won’t. You know you won’t, Salvador. You need me. Especially with the interdimensional manipulator technology I have.
SALVADOR
I can learn how to operate the interdimensional manipulator without you.
TREMAS MASTER
But for how long? Oh, I’ve no doubt you can work out how to use it by yourself. But it would take too long. With me at your side, we can achieve our scheme at a faster rate.
A moment of tense silence.
TREMAS MASTER
(encouragingly) Come now. Surely, moments like these must be savoured. Learn to enjoy the anticipation before the trap is sprung and we capture the Doctors. That is the way you would prefer to do things, isn’t it? You need my technical knowledge and my experience of dealing with the Doctor.
Another moment of tense silence.
SALVADOR
You still haven’t answered my question. Why did you stop me?
TREMAS MASTER
(gradually) With the Doctor in her latest incarnation and her friends working with the other Doctors and friends in zone five of the interdimensional network, they’ll grow to establish a sense of security under her leadership. She is the more experienced incarnation of the Doctors in the group.
SALVADOR
(thinks) Go on.
TREMAS MASTER
(gradually) Well, the Doctors and their friends in zone five will soon reach the abandoned temple within the African-Indian jungle. That is of course where the focal point of our operation is.
SALVADOR
It also means they’ll be able to gain access to the portal gateway that leads out of the interdimensional network to our base of operations.
TREMAS MASTER
Precisely. Currently, this latest incarnation of the Doctor is spending valuable time sharing information with the other Doctors and their friends. She is building a team, a sense of comradeship too I expect. Their arrival at the temple would be the ideal opportunity to acquire her.
SALVADOR
(realises) And the Doctors and their friends, including the ones who are travelling with her in her latest incarnation, would be lost without her. They would try to locate her.
TREMAS MASTER
(approvingly) You’re catching up, Salvador. Well done. There’s hope for you yet.
SALVADOR
Yes. She knows too much compared to the other Doctors and their friends. They won’t be able to resolve their crisis so swiftly without her.
TREMAS MASTER
(wearily) They will attempt it though. Make no mistake. They will try to resolve the crisis with the two other Doctors’ minds combined in zone five and with the assistance of friends.
SALVADOR
Then once we’ve acquired her, we shall execute her immediately.
TREMAS MASTER
(abruptly) No! I advise against that.
SALVADOR
(angrily) You question my decision again?!
TREMAS MASTER
(calmly) I reiterate. I advise against it.
SALVADOR
But killing the Doctor in her latest incarnation will make things easier for us. Don’t you see? The probability of failure in our scheme would be less and less.
TREMAS MASTER
Of course. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see the Doctor dead. All of them. (Pause) But it would strengthen our resolve to acquire the incarnation of the Doctor we need most.
SALVADOR
(intrigued; confused) I do not follow.
TREMAS MASTER
I know the Doctor of old. The Doctor is easily curious when trying to reach a destination or search for a missing person. (Pause) We need to provide many breadcrumbs in order to lure them all into our traps. We need to see to it that they don’t escape before we can put them all in the Sphere Room. There are steps in this procedure.
SALVADOR
I sense a flaw in your logic, Master.
TREMAS MASTER
Trust me, my dear Dark Lord. My plans will help us to achieve our goal. Our great ambition. (Pause) The destruction of the Universe…at the hands of the Doctor.
Another moment of tense silence.
SALVADOR
(gradually) Very well. We will follow according to how you see things.
TREMAS MASTER
(graciously) Thank you, dear Salvador. I greatly appreciate it.
SALVADOR
(abruptly) But I’m still the saviour of all who need me. My word is law. You don’t overrule it.
TREMAS MASTER
Of course not. Put that thought at the back of your mind.
SALVADOR
(insistently) I’m still in charge of this operation. You are my disciple. Understand?
TREMAS MASTER
(gradually) Undoubtedly, my lord.
Eventually, Salvador turns his attention back to the control terminals. He looks at the scanners and the monitor screens. The Tremas Master remains for a bit, as he watches what Salvador is doing.
TREMAS MASTER
I see you’re continuing to track the Doctors’ movements in the interdimensional zones.
SALVADOR
Nothing escapes Salvador’s eyes.
TREMAS MASTER
What is their latest progress?
SALVADOR
(gradually) The Doctors and their friends in zone one are evading extermination by the Daleks. The Doctors and their friends in zone two are reaching the castle in the English countryside. (gleefully) They’ll soon have company.
TREMAS MASTER
Bad company, I hope.
SALVADOR
Of course. (continues) The Doctors and their friends in zone three continue to be chased by Sontarans. (chuckles) They won’t escape that easily.
TREMAS MASTER
And I see the Doctors and their friends in zone four are finding a way out of the Egyptian pyramid. (Pause) Don’t underestimate the Doctors and their friends, Salvador. With their combined minds, they can escape a trap easily.
SALVADOR
No fear. I shall soon freeze the Doctors’ friends in the interdimensional zones. That will give more things for the Doctors to worry about.
TREMAS MASTER
You won’t be able to freeze every one of the Doctors’ friends in the zones. We are using a lot of power to generate the interdimensional network as well as in the Sphere Room aboard this base.
SALVADOR
(determined) Salvador shall find the power reserves he needs. I shall acquire them now.
Salvador soon accesses another computer terminal. The Tremas Master begins to leave.
TREMAS MASTER
Whilst you’re working on that, I shall recheck the Sphere Room.
Soon, the Tremas Master is gone. Salvador types away eagerly at a computer terminal.
SALVADOR
(chuckles; triumphantly) Yes, Doctor. One of your strengths is your friends. It is also one of your greatest weaknesses.
SCENE #91 – INT – AFRICA/INDIA (2003/2163) (ZONE #5) – DAY, MORNING/AFTERNOON
Back in the African/Indian jungle in zone #5, the Twelfth Doctor drives the jeep onwards with the Thirteenth and Eleventh Doctors, Yaz, Dan, Amy, Rory and Bill accompanying him.
DAN
(to Doctor 12) Would you like me to drive, Doctor? I drove a car in New York today.
DOCTOR 12
Keep your mitts off my steering wheel, Scouse man.
DAN
The name’s Dan, actually.
DOCTOR 13
(reassuringly) You’ll like Dan, Doctor. Honestly, you will like him when you get to be me.
DOCTOR 11
(realises) Oh dear. The Zygons and Zygers continue to be on our tails.
AMY
(anxiously) They’re catching up! Can’t we go any faster?
DOCTOR 12
(frustrated) I’m doing the best I can, Pond!
BILL
It’s time to step on it, Doctor.
RORY
Yeah, come on. Let’s get shifting!
YAZ
(anxiously) They’re nearly upon us!
DOCTOR 12
(wearily) We’re about to turn a corner. Hold tight, everyone!
The Twelfth Doctor steers the jeep around the corner. The Zygon lions and tigers continue to pursue them.
DOCTOR 11
Let’s hope there aren’t any more Doctors and friends to pick up.
DOCTOR 12
Indeed. This jeep is getting full enough as it is.
DOCTOR 13
You two, Amy, Rory and Bill were the only ones for me, Yaz and Dan to pick up.
YAZ
There’s a checkpoint disc we have to get back to, remember?
DAN
Yeah, so when we get a chance, we’ll just go head back the way we came.
DOCTOR 11
(realises) Wait! There’s a temple up ahead. We can make for that.
DOCTOR 13
(realises) No, wait, hang on, Doctors! Yaz and Dan are right. We need to get back to the checkpoint disc that’s in this jungle…
DOCTOR 12
(interrupts) No time for that. We must get away from our Zygon pursuers as swiftly as possible.
DOCTOR 11
(satisfied) Agreed! No time to waste! Off to the temple we go!
DOCTOR 13
(cries) No wait, Doctors! We’re going the wrong way!
The Twelfth Doctor ignores the Thirteenth Doctor, as he steps on the accelerator.
SCENE #92 – EXT – AFRICA/INDIA (2003/2163) (ZONE #5) – DAY, MORNING/AFTERNOON
As the jeep heads off towards the temple, the Zygon commander Kosol stops and transforms from a lion into his Zygon self. He watches the jeep go, whilst Lieutenant Stromos, who was a tiger, transforms into his Zygon form and joins his commander.
STROMOS
(hisses) They’ve increased speed in their acquired vehicle.
KOSOL
(bitterly) They’re heading for the temple. (Pause) We shall continue our pursuit. Our fugitives won’t escape so easily!
STROMOS
I recommend taking a group of six to cut off our fugitives on the right. You and your group should take the left and central sides, Commander.
KOSOL
Excellent strategy, Lieutenant Stromos. We shall corner our fugitives successfully.
STROMOS
(barks; to Zygons) You six, accompany me. The rest of you, follow Commander Kosol.
Stromos reverts back to being a tiger, as he takes six Zygons, that are lions and tigers, and they head off to corner the Doctor and their friends on the right.
KOSOL
(snarls) Victory shall be ours, dear brothers. We shall be victorious!
Kosol transforms back to being a lion and leads the rest of the Zygons as lions and tigers to pursue the Doctor and their friends on the left and centre.
SCENE #93 – INT – CENTRAL OPS ROOM, U.N.I.T. HQ – N/A
With the Brigadier and Kate at U.N.I.T. HQ, they’re monitoring the progress of the Doctors and their friends in various zones of the interdimensional network.
KATE
Do you think they’re making progress, father?
BRIGADIER
Time will tell, Kate. We should be getting reports soon.
At that moment, the intercom buzzes. The Brigadier switches it on and speaks into it.
BRIGADIER
(through intercom) Lethbridge-Stewart.
MIKE (V’O)
Sir, it’s Captain Yates here. I have a report on the progress of the Doctor and his friend Miss Noble in zone three.
BENTON (V’O)
Benton here too, sir.
OSGOOD (V’O)
And me, sir. I’ve linked all three of us to give reports simultaneously.
KATE
(through intercom) Well done, Osgood.
BRIGADIER
(through intercom) Alright, we’ll start with you, Yates. What progress in zone three?
MIKE (V’O)
The Doctor and Miss Noble still have the fourth and sixth Doctors and their friends with them, but they’re having trouble returning to their checkpoint disc with the Sontarans still pursuing them.
KATE
(through intercom) Any injuries so far, Captain?
MIKE (V’O)
Not as far as I’m aware, ma’am. They’ve avoided being shot by the Sontarans so far, which is a relief.
BRIGADIER
(through intercom) Benton, what have you to report on zone four?
BENTON (V’O)
The Doctor accompanying Mr. and Mrs. Walker still have the eighth and ninth Doctors and their friends with them; but they’re continuing to have trouble in the Egyptian pyramid. The robot mummies are still pursuing them.
KATE
(through intercom) And you, Osgood? What have you to report on zone five?
OSGOOD (V’O)
Same as Yates and Benton. The Doctor, Miss Khan and Mr. Lewis have caught up with the eleventh and twelfth Doctors and their friends. They’re currently in a jeep, pursued by Zygons disguised as lions and tigers. They’re heading for a temple that’s a distance away from their checkpoint disc.
KATE
(to Brigadier) They can’t have much time left, father. All three teams of Doctors and friends we’ve sent into the zones are running out of time.
BRIGADIER
(muses) This business has become very difficult, hasn’t it?
MIKE (V’O)
What would you like us to do now, sir; ma’am.
A moment of silence.
BRIGADIER
(through intercom) Thank you, everyone. Keep us updated on any developments you may come across in your monitoring of the Doctors in their rescue missions. That’ll be all for now.
OSGOOD (V’O)
Understood, sir. Osgood out.
BENTON (V’O)
Wilco. Benton out.
MIKE (V’O)
Wilco too, sir. Yates, over and out.
Once Mike Yates, Benton and Osgood have signed themselves off, the Brigadier switches off the intercom. Gradually, Kate moves to one side and is anxious. The Brigadier notices this.
BRIGADIER
(reassuringly) Now come, Kate my dear. Don’t be like that. You know the Doctor as well as I do. They usually get themselves out of any scrape they’re in.
KATE
I know, father. It’s just…
Kate trails off and she sighs for a moment.
BRIGADIER
Just what, my dear?
KATE
(gradually) I sometimes wonder whether one day the Doctor will never get out of a scrape. I know it’s something I shouldn’t worry about, but…I do have a fear that the Doctor will never win. That they won’t win themselves out of an impossible situation. (Pause) Did you ever feel like that, father? When the Doctor worked at U.N.I.T. all those years ago?
BRIGADIER
Sometimes, yes. More often, his cavalier attitude to danger used to drive me mad. (Pause) But one thing I’ve always experienced is that whatever incarnation the Doctor is in, they will never give up. I’m sure they won’t give up in this situation. Neither them or their friends.
KATE
Of course. You’re right, father. (Pause) It is incredible though. Us having to deal with multiple Doctors.
BRIGADIER
I’ve had more experience of meeting multiple Doctors compared to you, Kate. There were those times where we met Omega as well as ending up in the Death Zone. There was also that time where I ended up in the East End of London, though that last one could have been a dream.
Kate laughs for a bit. Another moment of silence.
KATE
(saddened) I also know that once we get out of this situation, we’ll be going back to our own times. I won’t ever see you again. Not like this. We’ve barely had time to get to know each other.
BRIGADIER
(gradually) If you’re anything like the daughter I know in my time, I know you’ve become a fine woman. And I’ll always be with you once we’ve returned to our correct times and places.
KATE
You will, father? Truly?
BRIGADIER
Trust me, Kate. I’m a Lethbridge-Stewart. It’s in my heart. It’s in your heart too. The same spirit that drives us to success. You’ll never lose sight of me. If my teaching has helped you to become the woman you are now, that’s good enough.
KATE
(gradually; slightly tearful) Thank you, father. I really appreciate that.
With that, the Brigadier and Kate hug. A tender moment of silence.
FRANCESCA
Not interrupting, am I?
The Brigadier and Kate are startled once Francesca enters.
KATE
No, not at all. My father and I were discussing things.
BRIGADIER
You gave us quite a start.
FRANCESCA
Apologies. I came to know the progress of the Doctors’ rescue missions. I assume you’ve received reports.
BRIGADIER
We have. Yates, Benton and Osgood say that the Doctors are making good progress.
KATE
They’re running out of time though. With monsters chasing them around in the zones, who knows whether they’ll be delayed in returning to U.N.I.T. HQ or not.
FRANCESCA
(gradually) Well, we’ll just have to hope that the Doctors will be successful. That they will return to U.N.I.T. HQ unscathed. (Pause) Keep me informed. I’ll be in my office.
Just as Francesca is about to leave…
BRIGADIER
(interjects) Miss Lethbridge-Stewart. Err, I mean…err…
FRANCESCA
It’s alright. Francesca will do. You are my great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather after all.
BRIGADIER
(suspiciously) Yes. Yes, I am, aren’t I?
KATE
We were just wondering where you were and why you weren’t with us for the briefing about the items that U.N.I.T. has collected. You seem to have been absent for most U.N.I.T. briefings lately.
FRANCESCA
(apprehensively) Yes. I apologise for that. I was…resting in my quarters. Needed rest, you see. A lot to think about in terms of coordinating the U.N.I.T. operations.
KATE
(suspiciously) Yes. Of course.
BRIGADIER
You missed some vital information from our latest briefing. The Doctor – the blonde female Doctor, that is – indicated that the acquired items were components of a multi-dimensional technology being used in the interdimensional network. An interdimensional manipulator, she said.
FRANCESCA
Did she?
KATE
Do you have an opinion on this? Anything that can help us out of this situation we’re in.
FRANCESCA
I couldn’t say. (Pause) Keep me informed though. I hope you’ll find out more about what’s going on. Both you and the Doctors.
As Francesca is about to leave again…
BRIGADIER
Francesca, my dear?
FRANCESCA
Yes, Brigadier?
BRIGADIER
How much does the Doctor mean to you? My daughter and I have met them many times. How long have you known the Doctor?
FRANCESCA
I haven’t met the Doctor much where I come from. Hardly at all, in fact. (Pause) But I know how important they are to U.N.I.T.’s legacy. How the Doctor has shaped U.N.I.T. to what it is in the future. (Pause) Now if you’ll excuse me.
Francesca leaves. A moment of tense silence.
BRIGADIER
Could she be the one, Kate? Could Francesca be responsible for what’s happening?
KATE
The Doctor told us not to rule out anything. (Pause) I pray the Doctors can unravel this mystery we’re in to save us once and for all.
BRIGADIER
Something else I’ve noticed.
KATE
(intrigued) What’s that, father?
BRIGADIER
Francesca didn’t call me ‘grandfather’. She just called me ‘Brigadier’.
KATE
(realises) Yes. She didn’t call me ‘grandmother’ either. (Pause; muses) I wonder if she truly is who she claims to be.
SCENE #94 – EXT – ISLAND (1863/2563) (ZONE #1) – DAY, EVENING
Back in zone #1 of the interdimensional network, the First and Second Doctors, Ian, Barbara, Susan, Jamie and Zoe continue to evade the Daleks patrolling the island. The three Daleks searching for them pass their hiding place behind some rocks.
COMMAND DALEK
HAVE YOU LOCATED THE FUGITIVES?
DALEK #1
NEGATIVE. THEY ARE NOT REGISTERED ON OUR TARGETING SCANNERS.
DALEK #2
THEY MUST STILL BE ON THE ISLAND. NO SHIP HAS ATTEMPTED TO DISEMBARK.
COMMAND DALEK
KEEP SEARCHING. THE DOC-TORS AND THEIR COMPANIONS WILL BE CAPTURED AND EXTERMINATED!
DALEK #1 + DALEK #2
(in unison) WE OBEY!
With that, the Daleks move off. Once they’ve gone, the First and Second Doctors and their companions relax a bit.
JAMIE
I thought they’d never go away.
IAN
Doctor, they know who you and the other Doctor are.
BARBARA
And they know that we travel with you.
DOCTOR 1
Yes, I suspect my other self has encountered Daleks after me. Is that right, sir? Hmm?
DOCTOR 2
Indeed. Which means these Daleks must be from my timeline compared to yours.
DOCTOR 1
Or possibly beyond.
ZOE
Do you think that the Daleks are behind this? That they brought us here.
SUSAN
They must be. I never thought the Daleks were capable of time travel.
IAN
They’re very clever, Susan. We mustn’t underestimate them.
JAMIE
Och, you’d be surprised. There was a time when the Daleks snatched me and the Doctor – this Doctor here – from nineteen sixty-six to eighteen sixty-six.
BARBARA
If the Daleks are capable of time travel, they must be the ones responsible.
IAN
Yes, wouldn’t you agree, Doctor?
DOCTOR 1
No, I don’t think it’s that simple, my dear boy. The Daleks would need a colossal amount of power to extract two spatial-temporal locations from Earth to be synchronised together.
DOCTOR 2
And I don’t think the Daleks are quite capable of that yet.
SUSAN
But surely these Daleks could be from the future, grandfather. They must be technologically-advanced compared to the ones we’ve met.
DOCTOR 1
Very possibly, Susan. Very possibly. I always live by the principle of keeping our options open.
DOCTOR 2
I quite agree with you, dear chap. But it doesn’t help with getting us out of this predicament. There must be some way to get out of hiding and away from these Daleks chasing us.
IAN
Who’s controlling this situation we’re in? If it’s not the Daleks, then…
DOCTOR 1
(interrupts) We’ll find out more details in due course, Chesterton. Right now, we need to focus on one thing at a time. Let’s concentrate on evading the Daleks first.
JAMIE
(realises) Hey, Doctor…I mean, Doctors! There’s a wee cave nearby. Look, see?
Everyone looks.
ZOE
Yes, I see it, Jamie. It’s quite small, isn’t it?
SUSAN
(cheekily) Perhaps it’s bigger on the inside once we get inside the cave.
BARBARA
Susan, don’t be ridiculous.
IAN
It’s better than nothing, Barbara. Hopefully, the Daleks won’t come in to find us once we’re inside.
JAMIE
(eagerly) Then what are we waiting for?
Jamie gets up.
DOCTOR 2
(cries) Jamie, get down! We’re not out of danger yet!
The Second Doctor pulls Jamie back down.
SUSAN
So, what are we going to do? How are we going to get into that cave without the Daleks seeing us?
DOCTOR 1
We need a distraction.
DOCTOR 2
Indeed. Let’s think about this for a moment.
Everyone thinks, and a moment of silence ensues.
JAMIE
(eagerly) Doctor…Doctors, I’ve got an idea. Two of us can go out there and distract the Daleks whilst the rest of you go into that cave.
IAN
That might work. We’ll need protective shielding to avoid being hit by the Daleks.
BARBARA
There’s a wall of rocks over there. The far end of those rocks on the left winds itself towards the cave entrance about a metre or so. The other end on the right leads to a cliff.
SUSAN
(realises) Yes. If two of us are fast on our feet and can get into that cave entrance without being seen…
ZOE
(finishes) …There’s a ninety-five percent chance we’ll all be inside the cave without the Daleks killing us.
IAN
Ninety-five percent?
ZOE
I’ve worked out the maths. It should be doable, despite the five percent risk.
JAMIE
What about it, Doctors? Do you think we can do this?
DOCTOR 2
It’s a sound idea, Jamie. A bit risky, yes, but quite sound.
DOCTOR 1
The question is; who will volunteer for this venture? Who is fast enough on their feet?
IAN
I’ll volunteer. I’m fit enough to run fast.
BARBARA
(concerned) Ian, are you sure?
IAN
(reassuringly) Don’t worry, Barbara. You and whoever else goes with you look after the Doctors.
SUSAN
I’ll come with you, Ian. Please let me come.
BARBARA
No, Susan. That’s not a good idea.
SUSAN
Why not?
DOCTOR 1
I’m afraid I have to agree with Miss Wright, Susan. Fast on your feet you may be, but…
BARBARA
(interjects) You do have the tendency to trip when you run, Susan. You could easily break one of your ankles.
SUSAN
(protests) Rubbish! I won’t break one of my ankles. I can keep fast on my feet without tripping over.
DOCTOR 1
Nevertheless, I can’t take the risk knowing the Daleks are about. Especially where my granddaughter is concerned.
SUSAN
(protests) Grandfather…
DOCTOR 2
(interjects) Susan, it might be wise to look after the old man when you and he run into the cave entrance. I’m sure he would appreciate that. I know I would.
DOCTOR 1
Who are you calling ‘old man’? You’re older than me, sir.
DOCTOR 2
(shrewdly) You don’t have to remind me.
SUSAN
(realises) Of course, grandfather. I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.
ZOE
Perhaps Jamie should help Ian with the distraction.
JAMIE
(startled) Who, me?
ZOE
It was your idea, Jamie.
DOCTOR 2
(pleased) Oh that’s splendid. Thank you for joining Ian this way, Jamie.
JAMIE
Well, I…err…
ZOE
You’re fast on your feet. I’ve seen how you run, Jamie. It makes logical sense.
JAMIE
Aye, but…I…err… (Pause; groans) Oh very well.
DOCTOR 1
(pleased) Thank you, dear boy. I knew we could count on you.
IAN
(graciously) Thank you, Jamie. I won’t forget this.
JAMIE
Aye, well, let’s hope this idea of mine works and won’t be something I’ll regret.
DOCTOR 2
As do we all, Jamie. As do we all.
DOCTOR 1
Right, well, you two had better get behind those rocks. We’ll keep quiet once the Daleks are here.
ZOE
We’ll go behind the Daleks and enter the cave without creating any noise.
SUSAN
(anxiously) Wait! Suppose it’s just two Daleks that come along. There are three on this island. What about the one who could be absent? Their commander perhaps.
BARBARA
Don’t worry, Susan. I’ll keep a look out for any Daleks that come our way as we enter the cave whilst Ian and Jamie do their distraction.
DOCTOR 1
Let’s hope this works for all our sakes.
DOCTOR 2
Indeed. It’d be a dreadful shame and an inconvenience if it didn’t.
IAN
Right, Jamie. Let’s get ourselves ready to go out like the Doctor said.
JAMIE
(reluctantly) Aye. Right then.
Ian and Jamie soon get ready to go out.
IAN
Ready?
JAMIE
As I’ll ever be.
IAN
Steady…Go!
Ian and Jamie head out and run, leaving the First and Second Doctors, Barbara, Susan and Zoe. The Daleks spot them.
COMMAND DALEK
(cries) ALERT! ALERT!!! FUGITIVES SIGHTED! (barks) HALT! HALT!!! RESIST AND YOU WILL BE EXTERMINATED!
The Command Dalek attempts to open fire with its gunstick at Ian and Jamie.
SCENE #95 – EXT – COUNTRYSIDE (1973+1983/1173+1183) (ZONE #2) – DAY, AFTERNOON
Sometime in the afternoon in zone #2, the Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace drive in Bessie. The Third Doctor is at the wheel.
DOCTOR 7
(intrigued) We seem to no longer be of any interest to the knights fighting each other. We’ve driven a fair distance away from their battles.
DOCTOR 3
They were behaving rather oddly when we interacted with them.
DOCTOR 7
I noticed that, yes. Almost as if they were dazed or hypnotised.
DOCTOR 3
The Master’s handiwork, do you think?
DOCTOR 7
A possibility, considering this is a convergence of multiple times and places we’re dealing with.
DOCTOR 3
He would need a colossal amount of power to achieve something like this though.
DOCTOR 7
The Master can be over-ambitious in his scheme-making.
DOCTOR 3
Yes, his master plans do tend to go off the rails somewhat.
Meanwhile, with Jo and Ace…
ACE
(gradually; to Jo) So, you don’t know anything about Lonmar and the robots then. About meeting me, Nyssa, Billy and Victoria.
JO
I’m afraid I don’t. I’m sorry, but I would remember something like that.
ACE
Professor, how come Jo can’t remember meeting me. Has she been brainwashed or something?
DOCTOR 7
Lonmar has yet to happen for Jo, Ace. For you, it’s already happened. Time travel works differently for the people you encounter. Don’t spoil it for Jo now.
ACE
Sorry, Jo. I shouldn’t have said anything.
JO
(reassuringly) It’s alright. It’s nice to meet you anyway. I look forward to meeting you properly as well as everyone else on this planet Lonmar you’ve mentioned.
ACE
Me too. (Pause; realises) Or rather, it has happened for me.
JO
This is so confusing.
ACE
You’re telling me. I was better at chemistry than physics.
Jo laughs. Eventually, Ace laughs too.
DOCTOR 3
Hopefully, you and I will forget ever meeting Ace and her Doctor, Jo. Unless you put on a poker face and don’t say anything about this meeting when you finally meet Ace on Lonmar.
JO
While we ponder on this, any idea where we’re supposed to be now, Doctor? I assume you two know where we’re going, following that telepathic conference you had a moment ago.
ACE
Yeah. Luckily, no knights caught up with us that time.
DOCTOR 3
I’m afraid there’s not much to tell on where and when we are at this point. The landscape is unfamiliar.
DOCTOR 7
Same for me. I’m at a loss on what’s supposed to be happening. Which is shocking, since I’m usually proactive in these situations.
ACE
(realises) Hey! Professor; look ahead!
DOCTOR 7
What is it, Ace? What have you seen?
ACE
Right before us! There are medieval knights blocking our path on the road.
JO
(realises) I see them too. They’re just standing there. Why are they doing that?
DOCTOR 3
Hold on. I’ll stop the car and find out.
SCENE #96 – EXT – COUNTRYSIDE (1973+1983/1173+1183) (ZONE #2) – DAY, AFTERNOON
Eventually, the Third Doctor slows Bessie to a halt. He soon gets up out of his driving seat to address the knights on the road. The Seventh Doctor gets up and joins him.
DOCTOR 3
(cheerfully) Good day, dear chaps. Do you mind moving out of the way?
DOCTOR 7
We’re in a hurry, you see.
The knights remain motionless and don’t respond. They stare blankly at the Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace in Bessie.
DOCTOR 3
(calls) Hello. Can you chaps hear us?
DOCTOR 7
We mean no harm. We’re trying to work out where we are.
Still no response.
ACE
Why are they standing so still and looking at us so weird-like?
DOCTOR 7
Not sure. But it’s most fascinating. This is the first time that the knights have taken an interest in us.
JO
(realises; slightly panics) Doctors; Ace. The knights are raising their left arms at us. They’re not carrying their swords.
As the knights raise their left arms, their hands soon open up. Out of their hands protrudes projectile weapons. Weapons that the Doctors know very well.
DOCTOR 3
(shocked) Autons! These knights are Autons!
DOCTOR 7
I thought they had a plastic look about them.
JO
(shocked) Autons here?!
ACE
(cries) Duck, everyone, duck!
The Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace duck, as the medieval knight Autons open fire. Thankfully, the Autons miss.
JO
(cries; urgently) Come on, Doctor! Get Bessie started!
ACE
(insistently) Yeah, we don’t want to get our butts whooped by plastic men.
DOCTOR 3
Hold tight, everyone! Time to be on our way again!
Getting back in his seat, the Third Doctor starts Bessie again, turning the key in the ignition. The yellow roadster roars into life. The Autons fire again, but once again, the two Doctors and their friends avoid being shot at. The Third Doctor drives Bessie off the road and around the Autons.
DOCTOR 7
Careful as we go, Doctor. This is pretty rough terrain we’re on.
DOCTOR 3
I’m being careful. Trust me, Doctor. I know what I’m doing.
Soon, the Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace drive past the Autons and return to the road. The Third Doctor drives the yellow roadster at full speed whilst the Autons continue firing at them. Soon, the Autons stop firing and see that the two Doctors, Jo and Ace have escaped.
AUTON #1
The fugitives must be apprehended. They cannot escape.
AUTON #2
Our forces await them at the castle. They will not escape so easily.
SCENE #97 – EXT – COUNTRYSIDE (1973+1983/1173+1183) (ZONE #2) – DAY, AFTERNOON
In Bessie with the Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace, they’re a fair distance away from the Autons.
ACE
(cheers) We did it, Professor! We drove past the Auton knights and we’re back on the road. Wicked!
JO
(anxiously) They’ll chase us though. The Autons will catch up.
ACE
(reassuringly) Don’t give up hope, Jo. We got a chance. That’s the main thing.
DOCTOR 7
There could still be Autons hot on our heels. medieval or not. We have to be careful, Ace.
JO
(wryly) As if this place wasn’t dangerous enough.
DOCTOR 3
(reassuringly) Don’t fret, Jo. Like Ace said, we’ve got a chance. We’ll be out of this mess soon enough.
JO
I hope so. All I wanted was to get back home after a series of daring adventures.
ACE
Aww, it can’t have been that bad surely.
JO
No, not bad. Not really. But very exhausting, you know.
ACE
Oh yeah, I get ya. I end up having a flop in my room aboard the TARDIS after the Doctor and I have escaped a Dalek, a Cyberman or something.
DOCTOR 7
(realises) Doctor, up ahead. See what I see?
Everyone looks.
DOCTOR 3
(gradually) Yes, I see it clearly, my friend. It appears to be a castle.
ACE
A castle?! A castle for the plastic knuckle-headed medieval knights?
JO
Goodness, I’ve just realised. All the medieval knights in this place could be Autons.
ACE
How are we going to beat them, Professor? I have my Nitro-Nine, but I don’t think it’ll be enough.
DOCTOR 7
Explosives won’t be effective to thwart all Autons, Ace. We need something to weaken their molecular structure.
DOCTOR 3
Like anti-plastic perhaps.
DOCTOR 7
Yes. (Pause; realises) What a coincidence!
ACE
(intrigued) ‘Ere, Professor? What is a coincidence?
DOCTOR 7
I happen to have an anti-plastic formula on a sheet of paper in one of my coat pockets.
DOCTOR 3
(intrigued) Do you now? Well, that’s convenient.
The Seventh Doctor fumbles in his coat pockets and fishes out his anti-plastic formula and shows it to everybody.
DOCTOR 7
Here we are. See?
Ace and Jo take the sheet of paper and examine the Seventh Doctor’s anti-plastic formula.
DOCTOR 3
(intrigued) You had an anti-plastic formula in one of your coat pockets this whole time?
DOCTOR 7
It’s something I picked up from when I was my fifth self. My friends and I dealt with the Master and the Autons when we visited Snowdonia in the nineteen-eighties.
DOCTOR 3
The Master and the Autons again? (muses) Well, that’s something to look forward to, I suppose.
DOCTOR 7
The Brigadier was there too.
DOCTOR 3
(intrigued) Was he indeed?
ACE
So, we make for the castle and…what? Get inside, prevent any Autons getting in and we work on a solution based on the anti-plastic formula the Professor’s got.
DOCTOR 7
That’s the general plan, yes. Hopefully we’ll soon be over the castle bridge to get inside the castle unscathed. (eagerly; to Doctor 3) Keep driving, Doctor.
DOCTOR 3
Happy to oblige, Doctor.
The Third Doctor drives Bessie, as he and everyone else makes for the castle up ahead.
JO
(confused) Ace, why do you keep calling your Doctor, the Professor?
SCENE #98 – INT – CONTROL ROOM, ENEMY BASE – N/A
In his base of operations, Salvador monitors the progress of the First and Second Doctors and their friends on a monitor screen and the progress of the Third and Seventh Doctors and their friends on another.
SALVADOR
They’re getting clever. The Doctors and their friends in zones one and two are getting closer to the truth.
At that moment, a bleeping sound echoes from one of Salvador’s control terminals.
SALVADOR
And what do you know? The power reserves I require have come through. Now I can freeze the Doctors’ friends in each interdimensional zone.
TREMAS MASTER
Wait, Salvador.
Salvador turns to see the Tremas Master enter.
SALVADOR
(outraged) Wait?! You tell Salvador – the Lord of Darkness – to wait?!
TREMAS MASTER
I have a recommendation you should take.
SALVADOR
(impatiently) No time for recommendations. Salvador is impatient.
TREMAS MASTER
I make this recommendation to please you, dear Salvador. To ensure efficiency in our current scheme.
A moment of silence.
SALVADOR
(bitterly) Very well. What do you recommend?
TREMAS MASTER
That you freeze the Doctor’s companions in each interdimensional zone randomly. Not chronologically. Don’t start with zones one and two. Start with zone three first.
SALVADOR
I do not see the benefit in this.
TREMAS MASTER
By starting with zones one and two, you risk the Doctors picking up the pattern of us freezing their companions. They’re out of sync with each other, yes, but they’re clever when traces of memory come to them. That is often the case when dealing with multiple versions of one Gallifreyan. Past memories resurface when multiple incarnations interact with each other.
Another moment of silence.
SALVADOR
Very well, Master. We’ll do it your way. (Pause) I’ll send more Daleks and Autons to deal with the Doctors and their friends in zones one and two instead. Their lives must be made difficult after all.
TREMAS MASTER
(approvingly; laughs) An excellent suggestion, my dear Salvador.
Salvador then presses buttons on a control panel to deal with zone one, whilst the Tremas Master laughs away. The Tremas Master stops laughing once Salvador has pressed the last button.
SALVADOR
(satisfied) There. Done. More Daleks are on their way in zone one and more Autons are on their way in zone two.
TREMAS MASTER
(pleased) Excellent! You can attend to zone three now.
SALVADOR
(pleased) Yes! I’m going to enjoy this.
SCENE #99 – EXT – ISLAND (1863/2563) (ZONE #1) – DAY, EVENING
Back in zone #1, on the island, Ian and Jamie hide behind their wall of rocks as their two Daleks approach.
DALEKS
(chants) EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! [EXTERMINATE…]
JAMIE
(triumphantly) It worked, Ian. It worked. The two Daleks fell for the bait.
IAN
Yes, they did. Look! The two Doctors, Barbara, Susan and Zoe have gone inside the cave.
JAMIE
Aye, and without being seen. This might turn out alright in the end. (Pause) All we need to do now is to avoid being seen and shot at by the Daleks as we make our way behind these rocks to the cave entrance. Should be easy enough.
IAN
(realises; grimly) Don’t put your hopes up high yet, my friend.
JAMIE
(puzzled) Oh aye? What do you mean?
IAN
Look, Jamie. See what’s coming behind those two Daleks.
Ian and Jamie look. They see the two Daleks joined by more Daleks.
DALEKS
(chants) EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! [EXTERMINATE…]
JAMIE
(realises) Oh no! More Daleks. More than three Daleks now.
IAN
They must be reinforcements. Where did they come from?
JAMIE
I don’t know. They can’t all be on the same island, surely.
IAN
The Doctors said there was something amiss about this place. I believe he’s right.
Ian and Jamie remain hidden behind their wall of rocks whilst the Daleks approach.
SCENE #100 – INT – CAVE, ISLAND (1863/2563) (ZONE #1) – DAY, EVENING
In the nearby cave, the First and Second Doctors, Barbara, Susan and Zoe watch anxiously.
DALEKS
(chants; from a distance) EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE! [EXTERMINATE…]
ZOE
They’re keeping themselves well-hidden, Ian and Jamie. Let’s hope that they can keep it up.
BARBARA
We must keep ourselves well-hidden too. The commander must be among those Daleks. I’m shocked there’s so many of them now.
SUSAN
(anxiously) We must help Ian and Jamie. They can’t survive out there for long.
DOCTOR 1
There’s nothing we can do for them at the moment, child.
DOCTOR 2
Ian and Jamie are resourceful, my dear. They can use their resourcefulness to gain an advantage.
DOCTOR 1
Yes, yes. Chesterton can be stubborn at times, but he can work out problems efficiently when he puts his mind to it.
DOCTOR 2
So can Jamie.
BARBARA
The Doctors are right. We must hold on to hope. Ian and Jamie may be able to get the Daleks over the cliff on the other side of the rock wall. Then they can reach us safely inside the cave.
ZOE
I doubt it with so many Daleks out there. (Pause; realises) There might be a way to help Ian and Jamie though.
DOCTOR 2
(intrigued) Really, Zoe. I’m all ears.
SUSAN
(eagerly) Yes, go on, Zoe. What can we do to help Ian and Jamie?
ZOE
Doctors, I assume the Daleks’ casings would have computerised systems inside of them.
DOCTOR 2
Yes, Zoe, I believe they would.
DOCTOR 1
Why, my dear? Hmm? Why should that be significant?
ZOE
First of all, I need a microphone. Do you have something like that in your coat pockets, Doctors?
SCENE #101 – EXT – COUNTRYSIDE (1973+1983/1173+1183) (ZONE #2) – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, with the Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace in zone #2, they keep driving in Bessie and make for the castle bridge.
DOCTOR 7
(cheers) Here we are, everyone. We’re approaching the castle bridge.
DOCTOR 3
We should be at the castle very soon. No Autons to worry about yet.
DOCTOR 7
(intrigued) I wonder where their Nestene Consciousness is in all of this.
JO
(anxiously) Err, Doctor. I’m afraid you’ve spoken too soon.
ACE
(cries) Duck, everyone! Autons to our left and Autons to our right!
SCENE #102 – EXT – COUNTRYSIDE (1973+1983/1173+1183) (ZONE #2) – DAY, AFTERNOON
The Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace duck, as they drive past the lines of Autons on both sides. The Autons open fire. Explosions occur whilst Bessie drives past them. The Third Doctor speeds Bessie up and the yellow roadster revs along. Thankfully, the Autons miss their targets, as the Third and Seventh Doctors and their friends drive out of their firing range.
SCENE #103 – EXT – COUNTRYSIDE (1973+1983/1173+1183) (ZONE #2) – DAY, AFTERNOON
The Third and Seventh Doctors, Jo and Ace sigh with relief for a moment.
DOCTOR 3
(relieved; reassuringly) It’s alright. We’re out of their firing range.
DOCTOR 7
They must be newcomers. They weren’t wearing medieval knight armour like the other Autons were.
ACE
They were wearing standard workmen clothes instead.
JO
(concerned) Doctor, are you alright? It must have been tough to keep your head down whilst driving.
DOCTOR 3
(reassuringly) I’m alright, Jo, don’t worry. But I’m afraid we’re likely to have more Autons to worry about on our way to the castle.
DOCTOR 7
(grimly) Yes. We’ll be required again to keep our heads down for that too. (Pause; encouragingly) Thankfully you ingeniously speeded up Bessie when you did, Doctor.
ACE
Those Autons could have easily gunned us down had Jo’s Doctor not speeded us up. Why’s that, do you think?
DOCTOR 7
I’m not sure, Ace. It’s most curious. (Pause; muses) Almost as if someone was deliberately taunting us by preventing the Autons from killing us instantly.
ACE
That’s sick, that is.
JO
Who would do such a cruel thing to us?
DOCTOR 3
Again, the Master perhaps.
DOCTOR 7
And again, a likelihood, but that would be too obvious for him. I can’t help feeling that…no, it’s more than that, it’s pure instinct…that there’s someone else we’re dealing with.
JO
I can’t think of anybody else who would want to torture us in this way.
ACE
Nor me. At least not readily to mind.
DOCTOR 3
(gradually) That’s something for us to worry about later. In the meantime…
DOCTOR 3
(finishes) …Hold on to your hats. We’re about to drive over the castle bridge.
Everybody holds on, as the Third Doctor drives Bessie over the castle bridge. Once over the bridge, they continue their way to the castle.
© Tim Bradley, 2023
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