4. Firing at the Sgran vessel
SCENE #33 – INT – CHARGE ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
In the charge room adjacent to firing chamber room, Kexaj and Criala manually load the charge as they use the computer terminals. The Doctor and Billy watch nearby.
BILLY
“Doctor, what about the robobeast we sent up? Would the Sgrans have destroyed it by now?” (slightly panics) “Suppose it’s on its way to kill Nyssa and Toma. What if…”
DOCTOR
(interjects; reassuringly) “We won’t be long here, Billy. Once we’ve finished, we’ll make our way back up to the control deck. There, we’ll see Nyssa and Toma are alright.”
BILLY
“Let’s hope Kexaj and Criala will be able to load the charge.”
DOCTOR
“They’re working on it, Billy. Give them a chance.”
KEXAJ
(calls) “We’re nearly done, Doctor. We’ve just got to enter the last few logic codes and then we’re all sorted.”
DOCTOR
“How long till the Sgran vessel is upon us?”
CRIALA
“About fifteen minutes.”
DOCTOR
“Good. We’ve got time on our side.”
BILLY
(realises; panics) “Doctor, I don’t want to alarm you, but the Sgrans are coming into the firing chamber room. You can see them outside.”
The Doctor looks to see.
DOCTOR
“Ah, yes. It’s the leaders Totrino and Itrasal. They’re coming this way.”
BILLY
“I’ll lock the doors to this charge room before they can get in.”
With that, Billy presses a button at the door controls and the doors to the charge room slide shut. The doors are locked, preventing the Sgrans from getting in.
DOCTOR
“Well done, Billy. Good quick thinking there.”
BILLY
(pleased) “Thanks, Doctor. Hopefully we’ll get ourselves out of this room before the day ends.”
TOTRINO
(shouts; from outside) “Doctor! We know you’re in there! You know what we want! Give us the coin! Give it to us and you will come to no harm!”
BILLY
(scoffs) “Gosh, he doesn’t half shout a lot, does he?”
CRIALA
What are you going to do, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Talk to him, of course. See if I can knock some sense into the Sgrans.
KEXAJ
There’s no sense in a Sgran’s head, Doctor.
Despite that, the Doctor switches on the intercom and speaks into it.
SCENE #34 – INT – FIRING CHAMBER ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
Outside the charge room…
TOTRINO
(calls) Doctor! We know you’re in there! Can you hear us?!
DOCTOR (V’O)
I hear you, Totrino. You’ve made your point pretty clear, I think.
TOTRINO
“You know what we want, Doctor. Give us the coin and we’ll let you live. You understand?”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“I have heard people say that many times before, Totrino. Don’t think I’m going to fall for the trick where you say you’ll spare our lives.”
TOTRINO
“Don’t make fools of us! Give us the coin now! We insist upon it! Give us that as well as the other coins in your TARDIS!”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Answer one question for me, Totrino. Why have you got a Sgran vessel coming towards us on the space ways?”
TOTRINO
“It is part of the full Sgran assault fleet, Doctor! It is to be used in the war against the peoples of Deno!”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Ah! So you were sent here on an errand by Lord Vorshon, I take it. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”
TOTRINO
“Oh you will meet him soon enough, Doctor. Once we’ve captured you and your friends as well as the seventh coin of Deno and your TARDIS, we will take you back to our ship and you will see Lord Vorshon in his glory. The fire, the rage and the power flowing in him. It is tremendous!”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“You know something, Totrino? You have a very shallow life. Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like not to work for Lord Vorshon? You know you can never be happy.”
TOTRINO
“We are servants of Vorshon! We do not desire to be happy! Vorshon provides and gives us commands! We fight for him! This is the way of the Sgrans! It’s why we have pinchers and stingers to scare and terrorise everyone else in the cosmos!”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“And that’s why I find you Sgrans live very shallow lives.”
TOTRINO
(dubiously) “Why ask us these questions? You know you’re going to die! There’s little point in opposing us!”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Oh, I wouldn’t be too sure of that, Totrino. You see, I have the seventh coin of Deno. The coin of technology.”
TOTRINO
“Then give it to us!”
DOCTOR (V’O)
(continues) “And do you know something? On past occasions, I’ve been lucky in knowing how to use the Coins of Deno. And on this occasion, I know exactly how to use the coin of technology.”
BILLY (V’O)
“You don’t mean…”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Yes, Billy. I do mean.” (calls) “Robot arachnids! Advance!”
At that moment, an army of robotic arachnids enters the chamber, The Sgrans back away once they see the oncoming robot arachnids.
TOTRINO
(shouts) “No! Keep away! Get those things away from us!”
ITRASAL
(apprehensively) “They’re surrounding us, Totrino! There’s no way we can get away!”
TOTRINO
(barks) Quick, Sgrans! Open fire! Open fire, I say! OPEN FIRE!!!!
At Totrino’s command, the Sgrans open fire with their spike-guns and stringers. The battle begins between the Sgrans and the robot arachnids.
SCENE #35 – INT – CHARGE ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
The Doctor, Billy, Kexaj and Criala watch the battle take place whilst inside the charge room. The Doctor switches off the intercom.
DOCTOR
That should keep our Sgran chums busy.
BILLY
They’re having fun out there. Well done, Doctor.
DOCTOR
And that’s our cue for getting away without being caught.
BILLY
You were very quick to use that coin of technology. I like that coin. It’s good.
KEXAJ
(grimly) “You may have to use it again I’m afraid, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
“Why, what’s happened?”
KEXAJ
“The charge is loaded, but the deflector’s jammed.”
CRIALA
“We don’t know what’s causing the jam. There’s something blocking the deflector’s firing mechanism.”
BILLY
“I thought you said you two had it sorted out.”
CRIALA
“According to the computer, it’s all systems go. But sometimes it can’t always register a jam in a deflector’s firing mechanism.”
KEXAJ
“And that’s computers being reliable for you.”
BILLY
“There must be something we can do.”
DOCTOR
“There is. I’ll have to go into the deflector itself from it and unblock the jam. Down this hatchway into deflector control, is it?”
BILLY
“I’m not sure this is a good idea, Doctor.”
KEXAJ
“Agreed! There could be a radiation leak once you get down there. Or worse.”
CRIALA
“You’re not even wearing a hazard protection suit, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) “Trust me, I know what I’m doing. And I won’t be in deflector control for too long than necessary.”
BILLY
(apprehensively) “Doctor…”
DOCTOR
“Please, Billy. I know what I’m doing.”
BILLY
(gradually) “Alright. If Nyssa calls us again, I’ll tell her what you’re up to.”
DOCTOR
(wryly) “Thank you, Billy. I appreciate your support.”
BILLY
“Take care of yourself, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
“I will.”
CRIALA
“And we’ll wait for you, Doctor.”
KEXAJ
“Yes! And we’ll let you know should any Sgrans get into the charge room.”
DOCTOR
“Thank you three for all your help. See you in a jiffy. Won’t be long.”
With that, the Doctor makes his way into a hatchway to reach the deflector’s control room. Billy, Kexaj and Criala watch the Doctor go, before they wait patiently but anxiously. They soon see the Sgrans continuing their fight with the robot arachnids outside.
SCENE #36 – INT – CONTROL DECK (DECK #1), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
In the control room on Deck #1, Nyssa and Toma wait anxiously as the robot beast crashes in.
NYSSA
“Toma! Get ready to run the moment the robot beast attacks.”
TOMA
(anxiously) “One of us could get shot, you know, Nyssa.”
NYSSA
“Then make sure you don’t get shot. We must escape with our skin unsinged?”
TOMA
(realises) “It’s coming in! Oh mercy!”
At that, the robot beast bursts through the door. It stomps in, entering the room.
NYSSA
“Right, Toma! On my mark…”
TOMA
“No, wait!”
NYSSA
“What?! What is it?”
TOMA
“The robot beast! It’s stopped! It’s not attacking us!” (Pause) “See? It’s just standing there! Static! Not moving!”
Nyssa and Toma watch as the robot beast stands still. A moment of silence ensues.
NYSSA
“You’re right, Toma. It has stopped!”
TOMA
“Why though? I thought maintenance drones like this one attacked intruders made of organic material.”
Nyssa steps forward to examine the robot beast. It continues to be unresponsive. She touches it. It’s still unresponsive.
NYSSA
“It’s not responding to any movement or touch.” (Pause) “It’s like it’s waiting for something.”
TOMA
“Or someone. Perhaps the Sgrans.”
NYSSA
(gradually; realises) “Of course, that’s it!”
TOMA
(puzzled) “What? What’s it?”
NYSSA
“The Doctor must have done this! He must have programmed the robot beast to attack only Sgran lifeforms. Not to harm us. Very clever. And very reassuring.”
TOMA
“How can you be sure of that, Nyssa?”
NYSSA
“Trust me. I know the Doctor’s handiwork.”
TOMA
“Still, I think we ought to examine the robot. De-circuit it at least. Dismantle some of its components.”
NYSSA
Plenty of time for that later. Right now, we’d better contact the Doctor. I wonder what’s happened to him, Billy and the others.
TOMA
They should be making their way back up here.
NYSSA
Precisely what I mean. So why haven’t they?
At that, Nyssa goes over to the intercom and switches it on.
NYSSA
(through intercom) Doctor? Doctor, are you there?
No response at first.
NYSSA
(through intercom) Doctor, it’s me, Nyssa! Are you and Billy there?
BILLY (V’O)
Nyssa, it’s Billy here. The Doctor’s busy at the moment.
NYSSA
(surprised; through intercom) “Billy, are you alright? Where’s the Doctor?”
BILLY (V’O)
“We’re doing fine thanks, Nyssa. We’re in the charge room adjacent to the firing chamber room. The Doctor’s gone to fix the firing mechanism in the gunship’s deflector whilst the Sgrans are fighting robots outside.”
NYSSA
(through intercom) “What?”
BILLY (V’O)
“There’s a jam in the deflector’s firing mechanism. We need to repair it in order for the charge to be fired at the Sgran vessel approaching this gunship. The Doctor shouldn’t be too long in sorting it out.”
TOMA
“Nyssa, I’ve just checked the readings. There’s a radiation leakage from the firing mechanism unit. If the Doctor stays in deflector control for too long, he’ll be roasted alive.”
NYSSA
(through intercom) “Billy, listen to me! There’s a radiation leakage where the Doctor is. He mustn’t stay in deflector control for too long. You’ve got to get him out of there fast!”
BILLY (V’O)
“Radiation leakage! Right! I’ll go and fetch the Doctor myself and get him out of there!”
NYSSA
(through intercom) “No wait, Billy, don’t! Don’t do that!”
BILLY (V’O)
“Speak to you later, Nyssa dear. Take care.”
NYSSA
(cries; through intercom) “Billy, don’t!”
But it’s too late, as Billy has ended the transmission at his end. Nyssa slams her fist on the communications desk.
NYSSA
(agitated) “Foolish! Silly Billy!”
TOMA
“He’s gone to save the Doctor, hasn’t he?”
NYSSA
“Yes.” (determined) “And I’m going to save him!”
TOMA
“Where are you going?”
NYSSA
“I’m going down to the firing chamber room on Deck #7.”
TOMA
(protests) “You can’t go down there by yourself. The Sgrans will be there!”
NYSSA
“I’ve no intention of going down there by myself. I’ll need your help.”
TOMA
“By coming with you?”
NYSSA
“No, by staying here.”
TOMA
“I…I don’t understand.”
NYSSA
“You said you wanted to de-circuit and dismantle the robot beast. Well, this is a good opportunity as any.”
TOMA
“You have something in mind, Nyssa.”
NYSSA
“Yes, I do! In order to save Billy, the Doctor and your friends. Let’s get started.” (Pause) “First things first. Please help me with opening up the robot’s back.”
Toma obliges, as he and Nyssa begin to dismantle the robot.
SCENE #37 – INT – CHARGE ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
Back in the charge room on Deck #7, Kexaj and Criala monitor the computer displays, checking on the progress of the firing mechanism and the charge being loaded. A positive bleeping nose echoes in the room.
KEXAJ
(relieved) “He’s done it! The Doctor’s done it! He’s unjammed the jam in the deflector’s firing mechanism. Thank goodness!”
CRIALA
“Billy’s gone to fetch the Doctor out of there. There’s a radiation leakage in deflector control.”
KEXAJ
“Let’s hope Billy gets him out of there before the Sgrans get in here with us.”
CRIALA
(realises) “Kexaj, look! According to these readings at this terminal, the Sgran vessel is getting closer and closer. We’ve run out of time! The Doctor and Billy won’t make it out of there!”
KEXAJ
(determined) “They will make it out there, Criala. They must make it out!”
Suddenly, Kexaj and Criala have a shock, as a Sgran bursts in through the charge room’s glass windows, smashing the glass into pieces. The Sgran flies above Criala and Kexaj’s heads, screaming as it does so. The Sgran soon ends up dead on the floor nearby. A moment of silence ensues.
CRIALA
“Ooh! That was nasty!”
KEXAJ
“One of the robot arachnids just flung in one of the Sgrans. It’s lucky for us that the Sgran was killed instantly upon impact, now that it’s dead on the floor.”
CRIALA
(anxiously) “I wish the Doctor and Billy would come back.”
At that moment, Billy returns with the Doctor.
BILLY
(cheerfully) “Here we are. I found and brought back the Doctor. No worries.”
DOCTOR
“Yes, Billy. And there’s no need to fuss.”
CRIALA
(relieved) “The radiation didn’t affect you then.”
BILLY
“We managed to get out of there just before it became worse.”
DOCTOR
“And it was close. I could smell and taste the vapour of the radiation leakage very distinctly.” (realises) “Ooh! That looks nasty! Sgran warrior just got thrown in here, did he?”
CRIALA
(protests) “We’ve been through that already.”
BILLY
“Where did he come from? Did he just fly in?”
KEXAJ
“Something like that, yes.”
Just then, bangs are made on the door outside.
CRIALA
(anxiously) “And now more Sgrans are attempting to get inside.”
DOCTOR
We must contact Nyssa. We must ask her and Toma to help us with launching the charge into space. After that, they’ll have to help back up to the control room on Deck#1.
KEXAJ
Here’s my communicator, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Thank you, Kexaj.
The Doctor takes Kexaj’s communicator from him, switches it on and speaks into it.
DOCTOR
(through communicator) Nyssa: Toma! It’s the Doctor! Can you hear me, over?
TOMA (V’O)
Doctor, it’s Toma here. I’m still in the control room on Deck #1.
DOCTOR
(through communicator; puzzled) Toma, where’s Nyssa?
TOMA (V’O)
She’s on her way to you with the robot beast you sent up to us.
DOCTOR
(through communicator; shocked) What?
TOMA (V’O)
She was worried about you. When Billy told her you were in deflector control where the radiation leakage occurred, she took the robot beast with her. It’s been modified by me to obey her commands.
DOCTOR
(through communicator) Toma, this is serious. We need you to help us with launching the charge into space at the approaching Sgran vessel. Can you do that? Can you guide us through the procedure?
TOMA (V’O)
Yes, I can do that.
BILLY
(anxiously) What about Nyssa, Doctor? Somebody’s got to go and find her if she’s heading our way.
DOCTOR
“You go and find her, Billy. Bring her here and make sure you both don’t get killed by any robot arachnids or Sgrans.”
BILLY
“Right.”
CRIALA
“I’ll come with you, Billy, to protect you.”
BILLY
“Thank you, Criala.”
CRIALA
“We’ll take one of the service hatches to lead out of this room. That way, we’ll avoid being seen by the Sgrans.”
KEXAJ
“Be careful out there, Criala.”
CRIALA
“I will, Kexaj. You take care too, okay?”
BILLY
“Come on, Criala. Let’s go.”
CRIALA
“This way.”
With that, Criala leads the way out, as she and Billy enter one of the service hatches. Meanwhile, the Doctor and Kexaj attend to their job at hand in the charge room.
KEXAJ
“Here’s hoping they’ll survive.”
DOCTOR
“Indeed.” (Pause) “In the meantime, whilst they’re gone….” (through communicator; to Toma) “Toma, can you hear me?”
TOMA (V’O)
“I hear you, Doctor. I’m about to guide you through the procedure now.”
SCENE #38 – INT – CONTROL DECK (DECK #1), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Good, good. Now, we’ve entered the angle of inclination and range at our end in the charge room. What’s the next step?”
TOMA
(through intercom) “First, you must remove the safety harness. Then enter the following code. B-A-one-dash-four-five-X. Got that?”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“B-A-one-dash-four-five-X. Yes, got that. Thank you, Toma.”
KEXAJ (V’O)
(anxiously) “Doctor! The Sgran vessel’s nearly upon us…”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Yes, Kexaj. I know, I know.” (to Toma) “Toma, what next?”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Well, all you’ve got to do next is to confirm your angle of inclination and range settings. Then you’ll be at the firing stage sequence at your computer terminal. It should be perfectly straight forward.”
A moment of silence ensues.
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Yes! We’re onto the firing stage sequence. There’s a large red button on our computer screen. It says the word ‘fire’ in big capital letters. Like you said, Toma. Perfectly straight forward.”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Indeed. Just press that button, and you’ll have a good shot at the approaching Sgran vessel.”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Thank you, Toma. I greatly appreciate all the help you’ve done.”
Just then, Nyssa calls in on the intercom. Toma answers.
NYSSA (V’O)
“Toma! Toma, are you there?”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Toma here. Yes, Nyssa, go ahead.”
NYSSA (V’O)
“Toma, I’m making my way down in the lift to Deck #7. I should be there very soon.”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Billy and Criala are on their way to meet you, Nyssa. Be careful of any Sgrans as you make your way to Deck #7.”
NYSSA (V’O)
“Thanks, Toma. I’ll be careful. I have my new robot friend to look after me, remember? Tell the Doctor I’m on my way, will you?”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Understood. Is the robot behaving himself?”
NYSSA (V’O)
“For the moment, yes. We’ll soon find out whether his compliance circuits are in order.”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Keep in touch.”
NYSSA (V’O)
“I will. Nyssa out.”
With that, Nyssa ends transmission. The Doctor calls in again.
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Toma! It’s the Doctor here. Was that Nyssa you were just talking to?”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Yes, Doctor. She’s still on her way to you. She told me to tell you so.”
DOCTOR (V’O)
(pleased) “Good, good. Thank you, Toma. The countdown has started at our end. It’s on a two-minute delay.”
TOMA
(through intercom) “Yes. It will go like that, I’m afraid. Just allow it that length of time and then…”
Suddenly, Toma gets jumped upon by Klaw and Car, as they’ve recently recovered from being attacked earlier. He struggles to break free from their grasp.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(anxiously) “Toma? Toma, are you alright? Toma, answer me! Toma!”
TOMA
(to Klaw; Car) “Let go of me, you creeps! Let me go!”
KLAW
“No! Not this time, Asleve guardian! We’ve got you now! We’ve got you just where we want you to be!”
DOCTOR (V’O)
(cries) “Toma, please answer me! What’s happening?! Toma!”
CAR
“Say goodbye, Asleve guardian! Say goodbye to your life!”
Thankfully, Toma manages to break free from Klaw and Car’s grasp. He fights them, punching them in the faces. Klaw and Car fight back. A struggle ensues between the three.
KEXAJ (V’O)
(shouts) “Toma! Tell us what’s going on?! Toma my friend, are you alright?”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Toma, if you can hear us, please answer the intercom!”
Toma makes a charge at Klaw and Car.
TOMA
(cries) “Long live the free peoples of sacred Deno…”
He then gets stabbed in the heart by Klaw and Car’s spike-like fins. Toma breathes his last few breaths, as he falls to the floor. Gasping for breath, he says his last word.
TOMA
(gasps) Criala…
Toma soon ends up dead on the floor. Klaw and Car cackle out loud with laughter, once they see Toma is dead.
DOCTOR (V’O)
(shouts) Toma, please answer me! Toma! TOMA!!!
Klaw goes over to the intercom and switches it on, speaking into it.
KLAW
(through intercom) Your Toma is dead, Doctor! DEAD!!! We killed him, Car and I!
Klaw laughs out loud before he switches off the intercom. Car joins in the laughter.
SCENE #39 – INT – CHARGE ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
In the charge room, the Doctor and Kexaj are shocked by what they’ve just heard. A series of static noises occur on Kexaj’s communicator.
KEXAJ
(shocked) No! He can’t be. He can’t be dead. Not Toma. Not my best friend.
DOCTOR
(saddened) “It was the Sgrans who attacked him, Kexaj. They must have stabbed him with their spike-like fins.”
KEXAJ
(defiantly) “That Sgran was lying! If it was a Sgran who told us Toma was dead, he lied about it! Toma’s not dead. He can’t be dead. He can’t!!!”
DOCTOR
“What does your heart tell you?”
KEXAJ
(gradually; tearfully) “He can’t be! He just..just can’t be. He can’t be dead. Toma can’t be dead! He can’t, he can’t!!!”
Kexaj bursts into tears, as he falls to the floor, grieving over Toma’s death. The Doctor places a hand on Kexaj’s shoulder.
DOCTOR
“I’m sorry, Kexaj. He was a good man, Toma. He will be sorely missed.” (Pause) “Countdown down in one and a half minutes.”
Kexaj keeps grieving, whilst the Doctor watches the display screen.
SCENE #40 – INT – CORRIDOR (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
Meanwhile on Deck #7, Nyssa exits the lift with the robot beast beside her. They make their way down the corridor. The robot beast stomps as they walk.
NYSSA
(gradually) I suspect a Sgran or two will jump out of nowhere at us. (to robot beast) What do you think?
The robot beast doesn’t respond. After walking for some time, Nyssa takes out Toma’s communicator.
NYSSA
I’ll see how Toma is getting on. Ask him to check if I’m going on the right path.
Nyssa switches the communicator on and speaks into it.
NYSSA
(through communicator) Toma? Toma, this is Nyssa! Are you receiving me, over?
A burst of static occurs. No response.
NYSSA
(through communicator) Toma? Can you hear me, over?
Another series of static noises occur. Still no response.
NYSSA
(puzzled) Hmm. Curious. Level of contact not established. The comm complex hasn’t broken down again, has it?
At that moment, some Sgrans appear, snarling and growling at Nyssa.
NYSSA
Sgrans!
Suddenly, the robot beast comes to the alert, giving a low whistle once it’s switched on. It charges up its weapons and charges down the corridor towards the Sgrans. The robot beast opens fire. The Sgrans shriek and howl once they’ve being attacked by the robot beast charging at them.
NYSSA
(amazed) Wow! That robobeast is certainly on the alert when a Sgran’s about. I’m glad I decided to take it with me.
Nyssa then turns around and sees another Sgran before her. The Sgran raises its fin-like spike guns at her, snarling menacingly.
SGRAN #2
Hold it right there, pretty face! I wouldn’t want to ruin a fleshy feast like you!
NYSSA
“Perhaps not. But I am armed.”
Nyssa takes out a weapon and aims it at the Sgran.
NYSSA
“My friend Toma gave this to me. So don’t make me use it.”
SGRAN #2
(scornfully) “You wouldn’t dare fire. You’re too soft.”
NYSSA
“Don’t be so sure.”
SGRAN #2
(challengingly) “Go on then. Try it. Kill me.”
A moment of silence ensues.
NYSSA
“I don’t kill cold-bloodily.”
SGRAN #2
“You’re scared to pull the trigger, aren’t you?” (Pause) “Whereas, I’m not.”
At that, shots ring out. The Sgran soon falls dead to the floor. Surprised, Nyssa sees Billy and Criala come out of hiding.
BILLY
“Me neither. I’m not afraid to pull the trigger to save the woman I love.”
NYSSA
(surprised) “Billy! Criala!”
BILLY
(cheerfully) “Hello, sweetheart!”
Nyssa makes her way over to Billy and the two hug each other instantly.
NYSSA
(relieved) “Billy, I’m so glad to see you. And you, Criala. Where’s the Doctor? Is he not with you?”
BILLY
“He’s back in the charge room of the firing chamber room.”
CRIALA
The Doctor and Kexaj are receiving instructions from Toma about firing the charge. It should be launched into space anytime now.
NYSSA
Speaking of which, I’ve been trying to get in touch with Toma. But there seems to be a communications blackout. I can’t get through to him.
CRIALA
Perhaps my communicator will work.
Criala takes out her communicator and switches it on.
CRIALA
(through communicator) Toma? Toma, this is Criala? Do you read me? Over?
Whilst Criala tries to contact Toma…
BILLY
Wasn’t that robot beast with you? Toma said you came down to meet us with it.
NYSSA
It went off to deal with the Sgrans. I don’t know where it’s gone off to now.
Nyssa and Billy turn back to Criala.
CRIALA
(anxiously; through communicator) “Toma, this is Criala! Do you read me? Toma dear, please answer!”
But a series of static noises occur on Criala’s communicator.
CRIALA
(anxiously) I’m not getting through to him. He’s not answering his communicator and I don’t know why.
NYSSA
I don’t like the sound of this.
BILLY
Neither do I. (Pause) Can you try contacting the Doctor?
Criala switches on her communicator again.
CRIALA
(through communicator) Doctor; Kexaj? This is Criala. Do you read me, over? (Pause) Do you read me, over?
DOCTOR (V’O)
(sadly) Yes, Criala, we’re here, Kexaj and I are here.
CRIALA
(relieved) Oh thank goodness! (through communicator) Doctor, we can’t get through to Toma. Can you contact him at your end?
DOCTOR (V’O)
(gradually; sadly) I’m sorry, Criala. Toma is dead. He got killed by Sgrans.
Another moment of silence ensues.
CRIALA
(gradually; shocked; through communicator) No. That can’t be. Not my Toma.
DOCTOR (V’O)
“I’m sorry, Criala. I wish I could have told you gently. We heard it on Kexaj’s communicator, he and I. Toma fought against the Sgrans and he got killed.”
CRIALA
(tearfully; through communicator) “No! Not my Toma. Not my beautiful, beautiful Toma.”
BILLY
“Oh Criala, I’m so sorry.”
NYSSA
“So am I. He was a good man.” (Pause) “He loved you, Criala. He told me so himself.”
At that, Criala bursts into tears. She turns away from Nyssa and Billy, dropping her communicator.
BILLY
“Poor love. Poor dear.”
Nyssa picks up the communicator from the floor and speaks into it.
NYSSA
(through communicator) “Doctor, this is Nyssa.”
DOCTOR (V’O)
“Nyssa! We need you to come to us quickly. Get yourself, Billy and Criala to the firing chamber room and meet me and Kexaj there. Watch out for Sgrans. Some have been killed but not all, I’m afraid.”
NYSSA
(through communicator) “We’re on our way, Doctor. Is the charge ready to launch?”
DOCTOR (V’O)
It’s thirty seconds from launch, yes, Nyssa. Soon, the charge will hit the Sgrans’ ship off its course towards us within seconds.
NYSSA
(through communicator) See you soon, Doctor. Take care.
DOCTOR (V’O)
You too, Nyssa. Over and out.
Nyssa switches off the communicator.
NYSSA
Billy, do you know the way back to the firing chamber?
BILLY
Of course. I’ve got a photographic memory, remember? It’s this way.
Billy leads the way. Both he and Nyssa take a mournful Criala with them.
SCENE #41 – INT – CHARGE ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
Back in the charge room, the Doctor and Kexaj watch, as a beam of energy fires from the gunship.
DOCTOR
“See, Kexaj! The charge has launched into space! It’s on its way!”
KEXAJ
“I doubt this will work!”
DOCTOR
“It has to. That Sgran vessel mustn’t reach us before we get back to the TARDIS.”
KEXAJ
“I hope all our work hasn’t been in vain. For Deno’s sake. As well as Toma’s.”
They continue to watch…
SCENE #42 – EXT – SIGMA QUADRANT, CLOSE TO DENO SYSTEM – OUTER SPACE
…as the approaching Sgran vessel is about to make contact with the dreadnought gunship. Just as it’s about to make contact, the charge hits the Sgran vessel. An explosion occurs and the Sgran vessel is diverted off-course in space.
SCENE #43 – INT – CHARGE ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
Back on the gunship, the Doctor and Kexaj cheer with relief.
KEXAJ
(cheers; relieved) “We did it! We did it! The charge struck the Sgran vessel spot on! And according to your specifications and calculations, Doctor!”
DOCTOR
(pleased) “Yes, excellent! Now we’re getting somewhere.”
KEXAJ
“The Sgran ship won’t be able to get us so easily now. Their transporters must have been damaged from the blast of the charge.”
DOCTOR
“Let’s go and meet up with Nyssa, Billy and Criala. Then we must make our way back to the TARDIS before…”
Just as they’re about to head out, the Sgrans, led by Totrino and Itrasal, enter. They growl and snarl, raising their weapons at the Doctor and Kexaj.
TOTRINO
(threateningly) “Oh no you don’t, Doctor! Not this time! You’re not going anywhere!”
ITRASAL
“That’s right! You’re in our captivity now.”
DOCTOR
“Oh dear. Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse.”
KEXAJ
(bitterly) “You Sgran scum! My friend Toma is dead because of you!”
DOCTOR
“Kexaj, don’t. This isn’t the time.”
ITRASAL
“You have more to worry about than deal with the death of your friend.”
TOTRINO
“Doctor! You will call off your robot arachnids and your robot beasts. Or else we’ll have you and your friends destroyed aboard this ship.”
DOCTOR
“You’re too late, Totrino. Your Sgran vessel has been diverted off-course. We fired the charge!”
A moment of tense silence ensues.
TOTRINO
“Then we shall have your friends killed off one by one if you don’t call off your robots. Starting…with him!”
The Sgrans turns their weapons on Kexaj.
KEXAJ
“Don’t listen to him, Doctor. He’s bluffing!”
TOTRINO
“Prepare arms!”
The Sgrans charge up their weapons.
DOCTOR
(interjects) “No, no. It’s alright. I’ll call off the robots.”
With that, the Doctor takes out the Deno coin of technology from one of his coat pockets.
DOCTOR
(out loud) “Robot arachnids; robot beasts. Sleep.”
One by one, the robot arachnids and the robot beasts are disabled, as they collapse to the ground. Another moment of silence ensues.
TOTRINO
(pleased) “Well done, Doctor. You are very wise. Now we have you and your friend captured. We shall take the seventh coin of Deno, which you hold in your hand, and the other coins you have in your time ship.”
The Doctor and Kexaj become grim as they’re now prisoners of the Sgrans.
SCENE #44 – INT – CORRIDOR (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
In the corridor on Deck #7, Nyssa, Billy and Criala make their way to the firing chamber room. An uneasy stillness and atmosphere ensues between the trio.
BILLY
(concerned) “Criala, are you…?”
CRIALA
“I’ll be fine, Billy. I’m just…overcome with shock.”
BILLY
“I know. I’m sorry about Toma. He must have meant a great deal to you.”
CRIALA
“Yes, he did.” (Pause) “We never really expressed our true feelings to each other though. Our work always got in the way.” (Pause) “But we always felt close.”
A moment of silence ensues.
NYSSA
(anxiously) “I’m sensing trouble. Something’s not right.”
BILLY
“About what?”
NYSSA
“Well, it’s been quiet for some time. We haven’t heard any Sgrans or robots in our vicinity. We haven’t heard anything from the Doctor either.”
BILLY
(thinks) “Perhaps we should try contacting him again.”
NYSSA
“No. Let’s keep it quiet for a while. Wait until we reach the firing chamber room. See what happens.”
CRIALA
(realises) “Nyssa, is that your robot bodyguard there? Smashed and crumbled up.”
Nyssa, Billy and Criala look to see. A heap of smashed up metal is dumped on the floor. It’s the remains of Nyssa’s robot beast.
NYSSA
“Yes, it is. Or what’s left of it. The Sgrans must have battered it pretty badly. Shame really. We could have had a use for it in our current situation.”
BILLY
“Does this mean more Sgrans are around?”
NYSSA
“I do hope not.”
CRIALA
“Well, let’s keep going. We haven’t got far to go, [so…”]
At that moment, some Sgrans appear led by Klaw and Car appear. They block Nyssa, Billy and Criala’s path.
KLAW
(mockingly) “Aha! Here you are! Got you just in time!”
CAR
(mockingly) “Wondered when we’d bump into you people again!”
NYSSA
“Oh no! And I spoke too soon.”
BILLY
“I wish I hadn’t asked if there were more Sgrans about.”
Criala pulls out a dagger and stands in front of Nyssa and Billy.
CRIALA
(boldly) “Stand back, Nyssa; Billy. I’ll protect you both!”
NYSSA
(apprehensively) “Criala, you can’t fight them like this. Not with a dagger.”
BILLY
(anxiouly) “You’ll get yourself killed.”
CRIALA
“I’m a trained Asleve guardian of the Matalia court of Arazo Four! I can do this!”
KLAW
(jeers) “Be careful where you point your shiny dagger, girl.”
CAR
(jeers) “Yeah! It’s not nice to point.”
CRIALA
(boldly) “This is for Toma! The man I loved! Take this, Sgrans!”
BILLY
(shouts) “Criala, don’t!”
Criala charges at the Sgrans and fights against them. As Criala fights them, Klaw and Car have their stingers ready.
KLAW
“Dear fleshy thing, don’t count your legs!”
CAR
“Yeah! Soon we’ll bite them off!”
At that, Klaw and Car open fire with their stingers, shooting at Criala. Criala cries out in pain once she’s been hit by the Sgrans. She falls to the floor.
NYSSA
(shocked) “She’s been shot!”
BILLY
(upset; cries) “No! The devils! Criala!”
Nyssa and Billy run over to the fallen Criala on the floor. Criala breathes barely as she looks up at Nyssa and Billy.
CRIALA
(weakly) “Billy; Nyssa. You’re both…good together.”
BILLY
“Criala, remain still. Don’t give up. You’re going to be okay.”
NYSSA
“We’ll get you some medical help. Don’t give up, Criala.”
CRIALA
(weakly) “You Billy…are such a handsome young man. You Nyssa…are lucky to have him.” (Pause) “Tell Kexaj…he’s a good man. He’ll know what to do.”
With that, Criala breathes her last and dies. A moment of silence ensues.
BILLY
(upset) “No! She can’t be…she can’t be dead. No! No, this can’t be happening. Not Criala!”
NYSSA
(comfortingly) “Billy, I’m sorry. This isn’t a nice thing to see. I know how death can be so painful.”
BILLY
“She was really sweet. Such a lovely person. I can’t believe this would happen to her.”
Nyssa embraces Billy, as she comforts him. Meanwhile, the Sgrans draw in closer.
KLAW
(menacingly) “It’s just you two left.”
CAR
(menacingly) “Don’t think you can escape now.”
NYSSA
(pleads) “Please, just let us go. Billy and I, we have to find the Doctor.”
KLAW
“And that’s where we’re taking you to. To him…and the TARDIS.”
BILLY
“What?”
CAR
“He and his TARDIS will be waiting for you in the firing chamber room. Him and all the other Sgrans. Where the seventh coin of Deno is. Which will be given to us.”
KLAW
“Then we can have our feast!”
The Sgrans laugh menacingly, as Nyssa and Billy are escorted to the firing chamber room.
SCENE #45 – INT – FIRING CHAMBER ROOM (DECK #7), DREADNOUGHT GUNSHIP – OUTER SPACE
In the firing chamber room, the Sgrans take the seventh coin of Deno from the Doctor. Kexaj stands beside the Doctor.
ITRASAL
“See? See, Doctor? We have the coin of technology! It is ours!”
DOCTOR
“So, I see. Very kind of you to clear that detail up, Itrasal.”
The TARDIS is then brought into the firing chamber room by the Sgrans.
TOTRINO
(gloats) Ah! And see, Doctor! See how we Sgrans have brought your TARDIS in! With our own magnetic force extrapolator!
DOCTOR
Very impressive, Totrino. But I’m afraid you won’t be able to get into my TARDIS so easily. The forcefield is currently switched on to prevent any intruders from getting inside.
ITRASAL
Then, Doctor, I assume you have the device to switch it off.
DOCTOR
Do I? Well, no one’s told me.
TOTRINO
(fiercely) Open the doors to your time ship, Doctor!
KEXAJ
Ignore them, Doctor.
TOTRINO
“We Sgrans want to eat your flesh, Doctor!”
DOCTOR
“Yes, well, it’s going to be rather tricky isn’t it?”
TOTRINO
“Open the TARDIS doors, Doctor, and let us have the other coins inside!”
DOCTOR
“You know I can’t do that, Totrino. Not again. I won’t let those coins I keep in my TARDIS out of my sight again a second time.”
TOTRINO
“Brave words. But they will be your undoing!”
At that moment, Klaw and Car enter, as they and their Sgrans escort Nyssa and Billy in.
DOCTOR
(relieved) “Nyssa; Billy! You’re alright!”
KEXAJ
“Where’s Criala?! Why isn’t she with you?”
BILLY
(gradually) “She’s dead. I’m sorry, Kexaj. Those Sgrans just…killed her.”
NYSSA
“She said you were a good man, Kexaj. She said you would know what to do.”
KEXAJ
(shocked) “No! Not Criala please. First Toma, now Criala.” (Pause) “I’m alone. I’m the last guardian left.”
DOCTOR
(sympathetically) “I’m sorry, Kexaj. I’m really very sorry.”
Totrino meanwhile approaches Nyssa and Billy.
TOTRINO
“Ah, Doctor! Since you refuse to open the TARDIS doors for us, we have found a way to persuade you otherwise.” (to Klaw; Car) “Klaw; Car! Kill those two!”
DOCTOR
(cries; protests) “No! Totrino!”
TOTRINO
“Unless you open the TARDIS doors for us, your two young friends shall die!”
NYSSA
“Don’t listen to him, Doctor. Don’t let them have their way.”
BILLY
“Yeah. It isn’t worth it for the sake of some coins.”
TOTRINO
(threateningly) “One last chance, Doctor. One…last…chance.”
At that moment, Kexaj runs forward and knocks Totrino to one side.
KEXAJ
(angrily) “This is for what you did to Criala and Toma!”
Kexaj punches Totrino in the face, as he soon wrestles with him on the floor.
TOTRINO
(calls) “Klaw; Car! Do it now! Kill the Doctor’s two young friends!”
KLAW
“With pleasure! Let’s kill them, Car!”
CAR
“Got you, Klaw.”
However, Nyssa and Billy fight back as they manage to break free and push Klaw and Car to one side.
NYSSA
“Well done, Billy!”
BILLY
“Thank you, Nyssa. Well done to you too!”
DOCTOR
(cries) “Nyssa; Billy! Get over here!”
With that, Nyssa and Billy make their way over to the Doctor. Kexaj meanwhile manages to get the seventh coin of Deno off from Totrino. He looks to the Doctor.
KEXAJ
(cries) “Doctor! The Deno coin of technology! Catch!”
Kexaj throws it, and the Doctor catches the seventh coin of Deno.
DOCTOR
“Thank you, Kexaj. Much appreciated.”
TOTRINO
(bitterly) “Asleve scum!”
Just before Kexaj can get back onto his feet, he’s stabbed by Totrino with a spike-like fin. Kexaj gasps, as his breath escapes him.
BILLY
(cries) “Kexaj!”
NYSSA
(cries) “No!”
Kexaj ends up dead on the floor. The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy become upset. The Sgrans cackle out loud with laughter.
TOTRINO
(cackles) “This has turned out to be a good day’s killing!”
ITRASAL
(calls) “Now we can have three for our feast!”
BILLY
(shocked) “They killed them! Kexaj, Toma and Criala. All dead, one by one.”
NYSSA
(shocked) “All three guardians. All dead, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
(bitterly; to Sgrans) “That was unnecessary! You didn’t have to kill them!”
TOTRINO
(shouts) “Itrasal! Grab the girl! Take her hostage!”
ITRASAL
“Got you, boss!”
Itrasal grabs Nyssa, as he takes her hostage. Nyssa screams and Billy tries to save her.
BILLY
(cries) “No! Nyssa!”
But the Sgrans push Billy back once they have Nyssa in their captivity. The Doctor catches Billy.
TOTRINO
(threateningly) “Stay away, Doctor! Stay away if you want your pretty female friend alive!”
BILLY
(shouts) “Let her go, you thugs! Let my fiancée go!”
NYSSA
(cries) “Billy, stay back!”
DOCTOR
“Let her go please, Sgrans! Don’t kill her like you’ve killed Kexaj, Toma and Criala!”
TOTRINO
(threateningly) “Give us the coins, Doctor. Give us the Coins of Deno and we will let her live!”
NYSSA
(cries) “Don’t listen to them, Doctor! Don’t give them the coins! I beg you, Doctor, don’t!”
DOCTOR
(pleads) “Please, Totrino! I’m begging you, let Nyssa go!”
TOTRINO
“Very well. As you’re undecided, we shall take her with us! Meet us in the heart of the Deno system, Doctor. We expect you to agree to give up the latest three coins you have to Lord Vorshon. Agree if you want your pretty friend to stay alive!”
At that, the Sgrans activate a teleport system.
DOCTOR
(cries) “No, Sgrans! Don’t!”
TOTRINO
(threateningly) “We warn you, Doctor! Do not waste any time, if you wish your friend alive!”
BILLY
(cries) “Where are you taking her? No, don’t! Nyssa…”
NYSSA
(cries) “Billy; Doctor!”
At that moment, the Sgrans laugh away manically as they teleport out with Nyssa in tow. A moment of silence ensues, as the Doctor and Billy are the only ones left aboard the gunship.
BILLY
“No! Where have they gone?! Doctor, where have they gone?!”
DOCTOR
“They’ve taken her back to their Sgran vessel, Billy. They’ll soon be on their way back to the Deno system.”
BILLY
“The Deno system?!”
DOCTOR
“They’re holding her captive until we give them the fifth, sixth and seventh Coins of Deno.”
BILLY
(upset) “But they can’t! They can’t take Nyssa away like that! They just can’t!”
DOCTOR
“Billy, it’s a matter of fact. The Sgrans have taken Nyssa!”
BILLY
“Then we’ve got to chase after them! We’ve got to get Nyssa back!”
DOCTOR
That’s precisely what I intend to do.
At that, the Doctor takes out a metallic control device from one of his coat pockets.
BILLY
What are you doing? What’s that you’ve got there?
DOCTOR
I’m switching off the forcefield with this remote device.
The Doctor presses a button on the control device. The forcefield is soon switched off around the TARDIS. The Doctor takes out his TARDIS key from another of his coat pockets.
DOCTOR
(continues) And now we can get inside the TARDIS.
BILLY
And go out there and rescue Nyssa.
DOCTOR
Yes! And go out there and rescue Nyssa! Let’s hope we’ll find her alive and well in the heart of the Deno system where the Sgrans have taken her. Where the quest of Deno will end.
The Doctor unlocks the TARDIS door with his TARDIS key, before he and Billy enter inside. Once they’re inside, the TARDIS soon dematerialises, whooshing and groaning, as it leaves the dreadnought gunship behind, making its way off into the time vortex. The Doctor and Billy are soon on their way to rescue Nyssa.
Sting music. Roll original 1982 Peter Davison end credits.
© Tim Bradley, 2021-22
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