19. The Althrace System
SCENE #204 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
In the TARDIS, the Doctor sets the coordinates with Nyssa, Max, Billy, Andrew and Shayde around the console.
SHAYDE
Doctor? We must get to Althrace as soon as possible. Time is of essence.
DOCTOR
Yes, yes, Shayde. I know what I’m doing.
NYSSA
“Doctor, who is this man? If he is a man of sorts?”
DOCTOR
“Nyssa; Billy; Andrew meet Shayde. Shayde meet Nyssa; Billy and Andrew. Shayde’s a blast from my past or my future; however you look at it.”
ANDREW
“Can he really see through that helmet?”
BILLY
“Is he an acquaintance of yours?”
DOCTOR
“Sort of.”
SHAYDE
“Doctor, I can set the coordinates to get to Althrace if you’ll permit me. Now we have your friends…”
DOCTOR
(interjects; impatiently) “Yes, yes. By all means. Access the TARDIS console if you wish.”
SHAYDE
“Thank you, Doctor.”
Shayde accesses the TARDIS console as he sets the coordinates.
NYSSA
“How can he know so much about the TARDIS, Doctor? Is he a Time Lord?”
DOCTOR
Not exactly. But the Time Lords created him.
Just then, the time rotor rises up and down vibrantly causing everyone to stumble. Everyone becomes shaky after the experience.
ANDREW
Oy! You could have given us a warning!
Shayde stops pressing switches and buttons into the TARDIS console. He backs away to allow the Doctor access to it.
SHAYDE
There, Doctor. I have the coordinates entered into the TARDIS flight computer. We are heading for Althrace.
DOCTOR
Thank you, Shayde. Much appreciated.
NYSSA
I must admit, I’m as baffled as Billy as to why we need to go to Althrace. The Sontarans won’t be able to get to Althrace without knowing what’s in the book.
MAX
“Yeah, but supposing Krond’s a bit like me. Making notes, taking points down, memorising parts of the book which could be important in understanding what all this is about.”
DOCTOR
“Got it in a nutshell, Max. Couldn’t put it better myself.”
BILLY
“So we need to get to Althrace first before they’ve even started with or without the book.”
ANDREW
“Will it be alright for us to go there? I mean…this planet Althrace has got…aliens…who may not approve of human beings on their world.”
NYSSA
(to Andrew) “I’m sure the Althracians aren’t as prejudiced as the Time Lords are.” (to Doctor) “Doctor?”
DOCTOR
“Not strictly prejudiced, no. I had a friend, Sir Justin of Wells, joining me on a mission to Althrace once.”
MAX
“You don’t mean…the Sir Justin of Wells? The one of St. Justinian’s Church in Stockbridge.”
DOCTOR
(to Max) “Yes of course, Max.” (to everyone) “Now to more pressing matters. The book.” (to Billy) “Billy, you’ve got the book. Let me have it and I’ll keep it safe.”
Billy fumbles in his jacket pockets for the book. He soon realises he hasn’t got it.
DOCTOR
“The book Billy, please!”
NYSSA
(concerned) “Billy, what’s wrong?”
BILLY
(panics) “Nyssa; Doctor? I don’t have the book. I haven’t got it.”
DOCTOR
“What?!”
BILLY
“It must have fallen out of my jacket after that attack from Krond.”
NYSSA
“Are you sure it’s not in your other jacket pocket?”
Billy checks his other jacket pocket. Same result.
BILLY
“No, it’s not in any of my pockets. I must have lost it.”
ANDREW
“Lost it?!”
DOCTOR
(agitated) “Why couldn’t you keep things safe, Billy?!”
BILLY
“I’m sorry, Doctor. I didn’t mean to lose it!”
Uncomfortable silence ensues, as everyone becomes troubled.
MAX
(troubled) “This means that…those Sontarans have got the book back.”
ANDREW
“And with it they’ll have a better chance getting into Althrace than us.”
DOCTOR
“Yes, Andrew; Max. I’m afraid it does seem to be like that at the moment.”
BILLY
“I’m really sorry, Doctor. Really I am.”
DOCTOR
“So am I, Billy. So am I.”
NYSSA
(reassuringly) “It’s not your fault, Billy. Don’t worry about it.”
Nyssa comforts Billy, as she places an arm around him.
SHAYDE
(grimly) “This is very serious, Doctor. Without the book, Althrace shall be invaded by a fleet of warmongers and the universe will never be safe.”
DOCTOR
“Tell me, Shayde. How did the book get stolen from the Vault on Althrace?”
Shayde becomes silent whilst the Doctor puts this question to him.
SCENE #205 – INT – SCOUT SHIP #1, LINX-CRUISER CLASS FLAGSHIP – N/A
In the commander’s scout ship aboard the Sontaran flagship, Krond receives confirmation from his fellow Sontarans that they’re each in their own scout ship as they’re ready for take-off. The intercom crackles with static, as he receives reports from his troopers.
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) “Sergeant Stump! Are you in your scout ship now ready for take-off?”
STUMP (V’O)
“Yes, sir. Ready for take off when you are ready.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) “Good. Thank you, Sergeant.”
HURN (V’O)
“Permission to speak, sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Yes, Hurn.”
HURN (V’O)
“I’m standing by for your orders ready for take off, sir.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Yes good, Corporal.” (to Sqar) “Sqar? Are you ready for take-off?”
SQAR (V’O)
“Yes, sir. Ready as I’ll ever be, sir.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Thor) “Thor? Are you there?”
THOR (V’O)
“Yes, Commander Krond. I’m ready when you are, sir.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Goml) “Goml?”
GOML (V’O)
“Yes, sir.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Goml) “Are you ready?”
GOML (V’O)
(puzzled) “For what, sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Goml) “Are you ready for take-off, Goml?”
GOML (V’O)
“Oh yes, sir. I’m ready when you are, sir.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Goml) “Good.” (to Kike) “Kike! Are you ready?”
KIKE (V’O)
“Ready, Commander Krond.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Kike) “Good, good.” (to Sontarans) “Right! Let’s take off! We head for Althrace! Are we prepared?”
SONTARANS (V’O)
(in unison) “Yes, sir.”
KROND
“Then onwards! To victory! Follow me now!”
Krond sets the controls of his ship as he’s ready for take off.
SCENE #206 – EXT – OUTER SPACE– N/A
In outer space, the seven Sontaran scout ships exit from the Sontaran flagship as they all make for Althrace. This happens whilst the Sontaran flagship continues its battle against the Rutan fleet in space.
SCENE #207 – INT – SCOUT SHIP #1, OUTER SPACE – N/A
In Commander Krond’s scout ship, he switches on the intercom and speaks into it whilst piloting his scout ship in space.
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) Sergeant Stump! Were we seen by the Rutan scum?
STUMP (V’O)
(assuredly) No, sir. Scout vessels were undetected. Our Sontaran troopers seem to be fighting them off well. The Rutan fleet is absorbed in our attack.
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) Good. Good, Stump. That is reassuring. We shall not have any more interference from the Rutans on that front.
STUMP (V’O)
“No, sir.”
HURN (V’O)
(to Krond) “Permission to enquire, sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Yes.”
HURN (V’O)
“How are we to get to Althrace in a system that is three million light years away from where we are? Do you know the way, sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Of course, Corporal. And I’m glad you asked me that. I have the book here and it will give me directions on how we are to get there.”
SQAR (V’O)
“Oh! So you know the book off by heart now do you, sir?”
Krond ignores Sqar, as he opens the book and goes through the pages.
KROND
(through intercom) “The book should say everything in here on how to get to the Althrace system.” (Pause) “If I can find it.”
Krond goes through some more pages before reaching the point in the book he wants.
KROND
(through intercom) “Ah here it is! I thought I’d find it!” (clears throat) “Now, the directions on how to get to Althrace are as follows. We increase the scout ships’ speed to eight point one five warp drive and cross the boundaries. Then we lower the magnetism of each of our ships in order to…”
SCENE #208 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Meanwhile in the TARDIS, Shayde tells the story about the theft of the Book of Althrace to the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Max and Andrew.
SHAYDE
“It all started several millennia ago in relative time when the book was banned publication by the Time Lords with Althrace. It was stored away in the Vault of Althrace for safe-keeping. Never to be seen. Never to be taken out again. Unless necessary.”
DOCTOR
“Yes I gathered that, Shayde. Tell us how it was stolen and get to the point please.”
SHAYDE
(gradually) “Several years later, and unbeknownst to the Lords of Althrace, a criminal sought refuge and broke into the vault. We did not know his intentions any further than what crime he’d committed. But he stole the book and escaped from Althrace whilst the security alarms rang out.”
NYSSA
“And he was on the run. Chased into space.”
SHAYDE
“Yes. The Alhrace lords sent out an execution squad to kill the thief and retrieve the book.”
BILLY
“Hang on; hang on. Kill someone?! That’s a bit drastic, isn’t it?”
SHAYDE
“Time Lords and Althracians don’t take anything by chance, young man. They chased the criminal and were about to shoot him down before he escaped into a time warp and was lost. He was soon found to be destroyed; he and his ship. But the book was nowhere to be found.”
ANDREW
“Who was the criminal anyway? Just out of curiosity.”
SHAYDE
“No one knew. His identity couldn’t be ascertained.”
MAX
“So then what happened? How did the book end up on Earth? How did the Sontarans get it?”
SHAYDE
“The Sontarans chanced upon it when they were travelling to Earth in space. Learning about the Rutan defeat on Earth during the primitive middle ages which you helped to put a stop to, Doctor.”
NYSSA
“As well as me, don’t forget.”
DOCTOR
“Nyssa?!”
NYSSA
“Well, I did put a stop to it. More than you did.”
DOCTOR
“Quiet, Nyssa!”
SHAYDE
(continues) “As I was saying. Learning of the Rutan defeat, the Sontarans set about their plans to lure the Rutans and conduct a stratagem to distract them whilst they intended to invade Althrace upon having gained such knowledge of the book. But this you know already.”
DOCTOR
(disturbed) “This is shocking, Shayde. The Time Lords and Althrace acting so irresponsibly.”
SHAYDE
“The Time Lords never foresaw this, Doctor. They considered the Althracians to be reliable.”
DOCTOR
(bitterly) “Well, obviously their reliance on them was misguided. Dreadfully in my opinion.”
NYSSA
“Come on, Doctor. It’s hardly the Time Lords’ fault. Or the people of Althrace’s for that matter.”
BILLY
“Yeah. Anyone can make a mistake. This criminal of theirs must have been well-trained to get into the vault and they didn’t realise.”
DOCTOR
(agitated; to Nyssa; Billy) “You don’t understand, you two. ‘The Travellers’ Tale of Althrace’ is a grand relic. And if the Sontarans gain ultimate knowledge of time and events, then nothing will be safe. Nothing, do you hear?! It’ll be an endless bout of bangs, fights and warmongering all over with Sontarans popping up everywhere on any world without anyone realising it. If Althrace and Gallifrey didn’t see this coming, then they’re as shoddy as ever. So don’t you dare defend them, Nyssa; Billy!”
BILLY
“Sorry I spoke.”
NYSSA
“Please calm down, Doctor.”
The Doctor sulks, as he paces to and fro about the console room.
SHAYDE
“Doctor. The Time Lords sent me to get your co-operation. They hope you’ll be able to sort out this crisis. They know how resourceful you and your companions are as well.”
DOCTOR
(wryly) “That’s very comforting to know. I wouldn’t want to disappoint them.”
Suddenly, an alarm goes off on the TARDIS console. The Doctor goes over to check.
MAX
“Doctor? Should it be doing that?”
ANDREW
“Sounds like the ship’s going to have a heart attack. Is that an alarm? A fire alarm?”
MAX
“Don’t be silly, Andrew. Fire alarms don’t sound like that.”
DOCTOR
“Hold on. Something’s out there. We must have arrived.”
NYSSA
On Althrace?
BILLY
That was quick, wasn’t it?
DOCTOR
Hold on. Let’s check to see where we are.
The Doctor flicks a switch and the scanner screen activates. They look to see what’s outside. All become astonished at what they see before them on the scanner screen.
DOCTOR
Ah, yes. (to Shayde) Thank you, Shayde. You’ve brought us here safely.
SHAYDE
My duty, Doctor.
NYSSA
Doctor, it’s…it’s a crystal. A crystal-like structure.
BILLY
It’s Althrace, isn’t it?!
DOCTOR
“Not quite, Billy. It’s a crystal craft from Althrace.”
ANDREW
“We’ve got a reception committee.”
MAX
“To guide us into Althrace.”
DOCTOR
“Good surmising, Max; Andrew.”
Nyssa then checks the TARDIS scanner readings.
NYSSA
“The scanner readings are extraordinary. No magnetic field, no power source. It seems to be composed of an extremely refined substance. Hardly matter at all. It’s something like crystallised energy.”
BILLY
“You deduced that pretty well, Nyssa. Whoever these people of Althrace are, they must be highly intelligent.”
DOCTOR
(to Billy) “Oh they are, Billy. Indeed they are.” (to Shayde) “I presume Shayde you’ll go there to…” (Pause; puzzled) “Shayde? Shayde?”
But Shayde has already gone without anyone seeing him go.
ANDREW
“Where’s he gone?”
MAX
“He was here a minute ago.”
NYSSA
“Perhaps he’s left us to get on with the job of stopping the Sontarans.”
BILLY
“That’s charming. And he didn’t even say goodbye.”
DOCTOR
“No. That’s not the case, I’m afraid.” (Pause) “He’s gone to the Althrace ship to send his greetings and our felicitations. He’s making sure we can come aboard.”
SCENE #209 – INT – LOWER DECKS, LINX-CRUISER CLASS FLAGSHIP – N/A
Back on the Sontaran flagship, in the long corridor of the lower decks, the cloned Earth soldiers are getting killed. Fires blaze and parts of the timber, wall and ceiling keep collapsing on top of the cloned soldiers. The cloned soldiers groan as they fall and get killed. The two knights Alazais and Tristan; and the three WWII soldiers Corporal Rogers; Private Stevens and Private Williams are heard dying away, as they utter their last war cry with gasping breath.
ALAZAIS/TRISTAN
(gasps) “England, England, we fight for England, the glory of England, the death of our enemies is why we live! England, England, we fight for England…”
CORPORAL ROGERS/STEVENS/WILLIAMS
(gasps) “Britain, Britain, we fight for Britain, the glory of Britain, the death of our enemies is why we live! Britain, Britain, we fight for Britain, the glory of…Bri…tan…”
Eventually, the clone medieval knights and the clone WWII soldiers end up dead. Despite this, the battle carries on.
SCENE #210 – INT – TARDIS CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Meanwhile in the TARDIS console room, the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Max and Andrew continue to wait. They watch the crystal-like craft outside on the TARDIS scanner screen.
ANDREW
(annoyed) “This is ridiculous! How long is he going to keep us waiting?!”
NYSSA
“Patience, Andrew. Patience. He’ll contact us soon.”
BILLY
“How is he supposed to contact us? Will they provide him a communicator?”
MAX
“These aliens must be highly advanced, so they must have higher forms of communication.”
DOCTOR
“Shayde will let us know when to go in. Though as Andrew said, I wish he’d hurry up.”
Just then, the image on the TARDIS scanner screen shifts and fades. A new image then appears.
NYSSA
“Doctor! The scanner!”
BILLY
“Oh there he is! There’s Shayde!”
DOCTOR
“At last!” (to Shayde) “Shayde, where have you been? You’ve kept us all waiting!”
SHAYDE
(interrupts) “Doctor? There’s no-one on board this ship.”
MAX
“What? No-one?”
DOCTOR
“But Shayde! Last time there were…”
SHAYDE
(interrupts) “The ship’s completely deserted. No Lord of Althrace can be found to greet us. No engineer or crew member in fact. I’m at a loss as much as you are.”
ANDREW
“Are you sure there’s no-one about. Seems pretty fishy to me.”
SHAYDE
“Come aboard and see for yourself.”
DOCTOR
“Are you sure it’s safe to come aboard. The atmosphere…”
SHAYDE
(interrupts) “The atmosphere is safe to enter into. I’ve checked. Come, Doctor. You and your friends. Come and see for yourself.”
SCENE #211 – EXT – OBSERVATION PLATFORM, ALTHRACE CRYSTAL CRAFT – N/A
Eventually, the TARDIS materialises. It whooshes and grinds and makes a loud thump as it lands on the observation platform of the Althrace crystal craft. The Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Max and Andrew step out of the TARDIS to find themselves with Shayde on the observation platform.
BILLY
“It’s air. Fresh air. I can breathe fresh air.”
NYSSA
“Yes. We seem to be coping well with the conditions.”
MAX
“Seems we’ve been served well already.”
ANDREW
“But where are the people? Where are the aliens we bragged on about?”
DOCTOR
(to Shayde) “Yes, Shayde! Where are the Lords of Althrace? Last time I came to this system, they welcomed us with open arms.”
SHAYDE
“As I said before, Doctor. I marvel at the lack of reception from our hosts.”
BILLY
“Perhaps they didn’t assume we were coming here.”
DOCTOR
(to Billy) “Billy, Shayde has a mental link with the Matrix Lords of Gallifrey and they would have sent a message to Althrace that we were coming.” (to Shayde) “I assume you did send a message, Shayde.”
SHAYDE
“Yes, Doctor. I did send a message to the Matrix Lords. But I’ve received no warning from them about any present whereabouts of Althracian life-forms.”
NYSSA
“Perhaps, because they are a highly evolved species, they may be controlling this space craft by remote control. Perhaps they’re on Althrace waiting for us to arrive.”
DOCTOR
“Maybe. But it’s a bit shoddy this whole arrangement. Why haven’t they raised the security alarms? Or why didn’t they let Shayde know. As far as I’m concerned, this space craft as well as Althrace could well be deserted.”
SHAYDE
“Perhaps we will see what happens when we approach the system of Althrace through the observation window up there.”
ANDREW
“This ship certainly seems organic. And cobbled together with crystal. I feel so light-headed all of a sudden.”
BILLY
“I know what you mean. I never felt so…rejuvenated. It’s like energy is streaming through my body. I feel as if I want to exhale breath from my lungs.”
NYSSA
(to Billy; Andrew) “Don’t let yourselves be carried away, boys. This ship can play funny tricks if you’re not careful.”
MAX
“Doctor?”
DOCTOR
“What is it, Max?”
MAX
“Up there. We seem be heading for…I don’t know…a bright light. I think…I think and feel that I’ve seen something like that before. I can’t remember when though.”
DOCTOR
“Not a bright light, Max. No. It’s a hole in space. A big hole. A big white hole in space!”
They all look in astonishment, as they see what’s there before them.
SCENE #212 – EXT – CLOSE TO ALTHRACE SYSTEM, WHITE HOLE – N/A
The crystal craft makes it journey in space, as it heads towards the great big white hole containing the Althrace system within. The craft zooms off, as it enters the white hole. As soon as the craft enters the white hole, the seven Sontaran scout ships led by Commander Krond arrive. They come out of warp drive and enter the boundaries of the white hole.
SCENE #213 – INT – SCOUT SHIP #1, CLOSE TO ALTHRACE SYSTEM – N/A
In Commander Krond’s scout ship, he switches on his intercom to speak to his fellow troopers.
KROND
(through intercom) See, troopers! See we’ve arrived! There’s the white hole where the Althrace system exists, as the book so rightly says according to page seventy-three.
STUMP (V’O)
Are you sure this is the right place, sir? There could be many white holes in this section of space.
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) The book directed us to this place, Stump. I have followed its directions on how to reach the Althrace system. And there aren’t many stable white holes that have managed to last this long.
HURN (V’O)
“Permission to speak, sir.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Permission granted, Corporal. What is it?”
HURN (V’O)
“I see a ship up ahead. A very small ship. In fact, it looks like a crystal.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “A crystal?”
HURN (V’O)
“Up ahead, sir. About forty spec-cycles away and approximately two hundred degrees north-west of the boundary perimeter.”
KROND
(through intercom) “Ah yes! So I see.” (Pause) “What kind of vessel is it?”
SQAR (V’O)
“Hard to say, sir. When it’s embodied in so many crystals.”
KROND
(through intercom) “Is it armed?”
THOR (V’O)
“If it is sir, my own ship’s scanners cannot detect any weapon systems of any kind. There aren’t any life signs on board that ship. But then my ship’s scanners are unable to penetrate the interference.”
KROND
(through intercom) “Interference?”
SQAR (V’O)
“He’s right, sir. There’s a strange kind of interference blurring on our infra-red tracking scanners. Ones which even the auxiliary scanners cannot identify.”
KROND
(through intercom) “I see.” (to Goml) “Trooper Goml!”
GOML (V’O)
“Yes, sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Goml) “You scout ahead and find out what’s on that space craft. We’ll follow behind its trail. If it enters into Althrace, we should be able to find a suitable landing on one of the planets very shortly. Meet up afterwards when we’ve found a suitable planet. Understood, Trooper?”
GOML (V’O)
“Yes, Commander.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Goml) “Well go on then! At the double!”
GOML (V’O)
“Yes, sir.”
Krond watches, as Goml sets off for the Althrace crystal craft in his scout ship.
STUMP (V’O)
“Do you think this is wise, sir? We don’t know what’s on that ship or whatever it may seem to be. Goml may get killed and we do not want to lose one of our fine Sontaran soldiers now, do we?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) “Believe me, Stump. I know what I’m doing. Goml will investigate and we’ll follow on behind him. Hardly complicated or risky about that.” (Pause) “Now. Enough chat. Let’s carry on.”
SCENE #214 – EXT – CLOSE TO ALTHRACE SYSTEM, WHITE HOLE – N/A
In outer space, Trooper Goml’s scout ship zooms on ahead to land on the crystal craft heading for Althrace. Commander Krond and the other Sontarans travel in their scout ships and follow on after Goml on the crystal craft, as they begin to enter the white hole.
SCENE #215 – EXT – OBSERVATION PLATFORM, ALTHRACE CRYSTAL CRAFT – N/A
Back on the observation platform of the Althrace crystal craft, the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Max and Andrew marvel at the wonders they see. Shayde stands beside them.
MAX
“Is that the Althrace system there, Doctor? It’s beautiful!”
NYSSA
“It certainly is. A number of planets bolted together to make a star system. And all secluded in this white hole.”
ANDREW
“And an engineering project at that. I don’t know what my university tutor would say if I told him about this.”
DOCTOR
“It is certainly a feat of engineering. The Lords of Althrace don’t miss a trick.”
BILLY
“Is that where we’re actually going, Doctor. It seems to me that…well…it’ll be hard to walk on its surface.”
DOCTOR
“That’ll depend what we’ll find there, Billy.”
SHAYDE
(realises) “Look! On our right, look!”
They all look to see and eventually react in horror.
NYSSA
“Oh no! They’re here!”
BILLY
“The Sontarans!”
MAX
“I wondered when they would show up. About seven of them.”
ANDREW
“There’s one making its way over here before the others. I think it’s about to land. On this spaceship, I mean.”
DOCTOR
“They’ve sent a scout patrol. To investigate the area. To find out what this spaceship’s doing here.”
ANDREW
“Oh dear, we’re in big trouble.”
BILLY
“Will there be a lot of Sontarans coming out, Doctor?”
DOCTOR
“No. That scout ship can be piloted by one Sontaran only, Billy. Due to its size and trajectory.”
MAX
“Ah well, that’s alright then.”
NYSSA
“Don’t be mislead by numbers, Max. One Sontaran would be enough to sort us out.”
SHAYDE
“We must be ready when it appears.”
DOCTOR
“Yes.” (thinks) “Wait a minute! I’ve got an idea!”
BILLY
“You have?”
DOCTOR
“We shall all need a hiding place! And Max?”
MAX
“Yep?”
DOCTOR
“You can be the decoy.”
MAX
“Hey?”
SCENE #216 – EXT – OBSERVATION PLATFORM, ALTHRACE CRYSTAL CRAFT – N/A
A while later, Trooper Goml’s scout ship lands on the observation platform of the Althrace crystal craft. The ship powers down as it lands. A moment of silence ensues. Eventually, the scout ship opens and Trooper Goml comes out of it. He carries his Sontaran blaster rifle with him as he scouts the area.
GOML
(gradually) Nobody about.
Goml eventually moves into the centre of the platform as he continues to look around and see if anybody’s about.
GOML
The place is deserted. Commander Krond will be pleased.
Goml then takes out his communicator and switches it on to speak into it.
GOML
(through communicator) Trooper Goml to Commander Krond. There is nobody about aboard this space structure. It is merely a crystalline structure of no military value.
Goml then receives a series of crackling interference on his communicator. He tries to speak into it again.
GOML
(through communicator) Trooper Goml to Commander Krond? Are you there? Are you there, over?
Goml receives another series of crackling interference on his communicator. Goml eventually switches his communicator off.
GOML
“Hmm. There must be heavy interference on this vessel. I wonder what’s causing it.”
Max then enters.
MAX
(calls; interrupts) “Oh excuse me! Can you help me? I’m sorry to bother you, but I seem to be lost!”
Trooper Goml then trains his weapon on Max.
GOML
(threateningly) “Stay where you are, hu-man! Do not move a muscle!”
MAX
“Oh sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. But I was just walking along, minding my own business, when I found this place.”
GOML
(threateningly) “Hands above your head or I’ll shoot to kill!”
MAX
(trembles) “Oh please, please. Don’t shoot! Please don’t shoot me!”
Just then, Shayde appears and Trooper Goml trains his weapon on him.
GOML
(panics) “What is this?! What is this man wearing a black helmet?”
Goml then gets jumped upon by Billy, who grabs him by the shoulders.
BILLY
(shouts) “Come on, Sontaran! You want a fight? Fight me!”
Goml then pushes Billy off to the floor.
GOML
“Ah! A hu-man with spirit! I like it! I shall shoot you to plasma!”
Goml charges up his weapon before Andrew steps in front of him.
ANDREW
(shouts) “Hey! Do you want a piece of me, Bilbo Baggins?!”
GOML
“Ah! Another hu-man for the price of one. This has turned out better than I expected!”
Goml says his last words, as he trains his weapon on Andrew. He then gets hit on the back on the probic vent by Nyssa, as she hits him with a mallet. Goml hisses in pain before he collapses to the ground. Nyssa, Billy, Max and Andrew breathe a sigh of relief once they’ve knocked out Trooper Goml.
NYSSA
“One down; six to go.”
BILLY
(cheers) “Well done, Nyssa dear!”
ANDREW
“Yes, well done.”
NYSSA
(cheerfully) “Thank you, boys!”
The Doctor then enters.
DOCTOR
“Yes well done, everybody. You’ve all played your parts well.”
MAX
“I was a good decoy in the end wasn’t I, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
“You certainly were, Max. I may require your same services again sometime.”
MAX
“Thank you.” (puzzled) “Hey?”
SHAYDE
“In the meantime, what are we to do with the Sontaran, Doctor? His other troopers will soon be coming after him.”
The heroes realise the scale of what they’ve done, as they ponder on what to do next with Goml lying unconscious on the ground.
SCENE #217 – INT – SCOUT SHIP #1, CLOSE TO ALTHRACE SYSTEM – N/A
Back with the Sontarans, Commander Krond has trouble establishing contact with Trooper Goml as he uses the intercom in his scout ship.
KROND
(through intercom) Trooper Goml? Trooper Goml, report!
No response. Crackling static occurs.
KROND
(through intercom) Trooper Goml, I order you to report!
Still no response. More crackling static occurs. Commander Krond then switches off the intercom.
STUMP (V’O)
He’s not there, sir.
KROND
(irritably; through intercom; to Stump) Yes thank you, Sergeant. Why doesn’t he answer?
THOR (V’O)
We are still getting interference on our scanning systems. Perhaps this is also affecting our communications with Goml.
HURN (V’O)
Permission to speak, sir.
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Yes Hurn?”
HURN (V’O)
“Let me take a few troopers and see what has happened to Goml. We can get the report for you and bring Goml back to you if you intend to land on the main planet of Althrace.”
STUMP (V’O)
“That sounds like a good strategy. I would go along with it if it’s all the same to you, sir. We don’t want to waste time.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) “Just a minute, Stump. I’m in command and I’ll give the orders.”
STUMP (V’O)
“I meant no disrespect I assure you, sir.”
KROND
(suspicious; through intercom) “It all seems very strange to me this. I did not expect this to happen. Interference on our communication channels. It did not say so in the book.”
SQAR (V’O)
(challengingly) “You haven’t read the entire book have you, sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Sqar) “That will do, Trooper Sqar.” (Pause) “Very well.” (to Hurn) “Corporal Hurn!”
HURN (V’O)
“Sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Pilot your scout ship to the crystal-like structure and seek out Trooper Goml. Take Trooper Sqar and Trooper Kike with you.”
KIKE (V’O)
(protests; to Krond) “That’s not fair! Why can’t I go to Althrace with you, sir?”
KROND
(through intercom; to Kike) “You will do as you’re told, Kike!”
STUMP (V’O)
“Yes, Kike! Just do as you’re told!”
KIKE (V’O)
(sulkily) “Oh very well.”
HURN (V’O)
(to Krond) “Very good, sir. I shall take Trooper Sqar and Trooper Kike. We’ll make for the crystalline structure to seek out Trooper Goml.”
KROND
(through intercom; to Hurn) “Well done, Corporal Hurn.” (Pause) “Well go on! Go to it, Hurn!”
HURN (V’O)
(to Krond) “Yes, sir.” (to Sqar; Kike) “Trooper Sqar; Trooper Kike. Accompany me to the crystalline structure. We are to infiltrate; seek out Trooper Goml and find any hostile life-forms that may be on board. If there are, we’ll have our blaster rifles ready and we’ll have them right up!”
KROND
(irritably; through intercom; to Hurn) “Corporal Hurn! Don’t give out your orders to everyone to the intercom! I can hear you from here!”
HURN (V’O)
(to Krond) “Apologies, sir.” (to Sqar; Kike) “Right, troopers! Let’s head for the crystalline structure!”
Commander Krond grudgingly watches, as Corporal Hurn, Trooper Sqar and Trooper Kike pilot their scout ships towards the crystal craft.
STUMP (V’O)
(to Krond) In the meantime sir, what are you, Trooper Thor and I going to do?
KROND
(through intercom; to Stump) We’ll make for the main planet of Althrace. There we shall wait for Corporal Hurn; Trooper Sqar; Trooper Kike and Trooper Goml to meet us before we can carry on with the mission. We head for the main planet of Althrace now.
With that, Commander Krond switches off the intercom as he pilots his scout ship for the main planet of Althrace, followed by Sergeant Stump and Trooper Thor in their scout ships.
SCENE #218 – EXT – OBSERVATION PLATFORM, ALTHRACE CRYSTAL CRAFT – N/A
Meanwhile, Trooper Goml still remains unconscious and knocked out on the floor of the observation platform of the crystal craft. The Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Max and Andrew check on him whilst Shayde keeps watch.
BILLY
How long is he going to be out for, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Sontarans are usually out for around fifteen minutes approximately. This one seems to be out longer than I expected.
NYSSA
“Seems like I hit him harder than I intended. I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention.”
DOCTOR
“It’s not your fault, Nyssa. Besides, it sometimes depends whether Sontarans are out for an hour or two for them to fully recover.”
NYSSA
“Somehow that doesn’t sound reassuring.”
ANDREW
“Meanwhile, we’ve got bigger problems on the way.”
MAX
“Andrew’s right, Doctor. Look! There are three Sontaran ships coming this way! They’re about to close in!”
ANDREW
“They don’t seem happy the way they’re coming in.”
SHAYDE
“We must move on from here, Doctor. The Sontarans will reach Althrace soon. And we’ll be nearly onto approaching the main planet of the system.”
DOCTOR
“We’ll need a distraction. Something far better than knocking just one Sontaran out of the way.”
SHAYDE
“I don’t understand why the Lords of Althrace don’t respond to our presence. Usually we’d see them by now.”
ANDREW
“Perhaps they aren’t as reliable as you thought they would be.”
NYSSA
(intrigued) “Doctor?”
DOCTOR
“Yes, Nyssa, what is it?”
NYSSA
“These Sontarans. They’re quite short and stocky for their size, aren’t they?”
DOCTOR
“Yes, Nyssa. Nasty, brutish and short sums them up. As Thomas Hobbes wrote it in ‘Leviathan’ in sixteen fifty-one.”
NYSSA
(gradually) “Well, I was wondering, Doctor. Perhaps I could distract them by…”
BILLY
(interrupts; abruptly) “No, Nyssa! I’m not going to let you do that! No way! I won’t allow you to do it, do you hear?”
MAX
(intrigued) “What? What’s this about? I’d like to hear about it.”
ANDREW
“So would I.”
NYSSA
“Billy, you don’t even know what it is I’m going to suggest yet.”
BILLY
“Yeah, well, I know you, Nyssa, and I know what you’re like. And I know what you’re going to suggest. So don’t even think about it.”
DOCTOR
“I’m at a loss, Billy. What is it you think Nyssa’s going to suggest to us?”
BILLY
“Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it?”
DOCTOR
“Is it?”
BILLY
“Doctor, you of all people should know what Nyssa’s going to suggest surely?”
Moment of silence, as the Doctor doesn’t respond.
BILLY
“Max; Andrew?”
Another moment of silence, as Max and Andrew don’t respond either.
BILLY
“Nyssa, you’re volunteering to dress up as a Sontaran, aren’t you?!”
NYSSA
(astounded) “Oh my goodness. Billy, you do know me.”
MAX
“What?!”
DOCTOR
“Oh no.”
BILLY
“See, Doctor! You’re getting it now.”
ANDREW
(disbelievingly) “Are you out of your mind, Nyssa?!”
NYSSA
“Well, what’s wrong with the idea?”
BILLY
“Nyssa, you’ll get shot! You’ll never get away with it!”
NYSSA
“It’s a plausible bluff. I’m a short person. I can easily get into one of these Sontaran suits. Provided I have my shoulders padded comfortably.”
DOCTOR
(cautiously) “Nyssa, that suit is designed for low-gravity. And even a humanoid of your stature wouldn’t be able to walk around in it with much flexibility. And as Billy says, the Sontarans will spot it immediately.”
NYSSA
“We’ve got to try. Besides, they’ll be here any minute. What else do you suggest?”
BILLY
“Nyssa, I won’t allow you to do it. It’s too dangerous!”
NYSSA
“Let me worry about that, Billy. Besides I can take care of myself.”
BILLY
“This isn’t time to play games, Nyssa! I’m not going to have you risking [yourself…]”
NYSSA
(firmly) “Billy, there’s no other way! You have to trust me!”
Billy gets really wound up, as he’s unable to accept Nyssa’s Sontaran idea.
BILLY
“I can’t let you. I can’t…”
NYSSA
(insistently; reassuringly) “Please, Billy. Trust me!”
A moment of uncomfortable silence ensues.
BILLY
(anxiously) “Doctor?”
Another moment of uncomfortable silence ensues.
DOCTOR
“Very well, Nyssa. We’ll go along with your suggestion.”
Billy groans, as he turns away upset.
NYSSA
“Thank you, Doctor.”
DOCTOR
(to Max; Andrew) “Max; Andrew. Help Nyssa and me with getting this Sontaran gear off this fella.”
MAX
“Right you are, Doctor.”
ANDREW
“Is it something you can actually take off, Doctor? It seems to be part of his skin.”
DOCTOR
“Never mind that. Come on, let’s get it off him.”
The Doctor, Nyssa, Max and Andrew get on their hands and knees, as they begin to take Goml’s Sontaran armour off. Billy eventually comes over to help.
BILLY
“Hang on. Let me help you out.”
NYSSA
“I thought you weren’t happy about this idea, Billy.”
BILLY
“I’m not. But I need to make sure you have the armour securely on you, Nyssa. I don’t want you to be found out by the Sontarans too quickly.”
DOCTOR
(gratified) “Thank you, Billy. Much appreciated.”
NYSSA
(gratified) “Yes thank you, Billy. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
SHAYDE
(warningly) “Doctor. The Sontaran ships have landed. You have to hurry.”
Taking note of Shayde’s warning; the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Max and Andrew hurry things up as they take Goml’s Sontaran armour off.
SCENE #219 – EXT – ENTRANCE TO CHAMBER OF KORDOR, ALTHRACE #1 – N/A
On the first planet of the Althrace system, the Sontaran scout ships piloted by Commander Krond, Sergeant Stump and Trooper Thor arrive on the planet surface. They touch down on the planet surface, as the scout ships gradually make to land. The scout ships land with a thump, as they park outside the doors to a great chamber. The hatch doors of the Sontaran scout ships eventually open as Krond, Stump and Thor step out.
THOR
“What a wasteland. I don’t know why we had to come here.”
KROND
“It may look deserted, Trooper Thor. But that is a tactic used by the enemy to fool us. Before us, is the Chamber of Kordor!”
STUMP
“Are you sure, sir?”
KROND
(matter-of-factually) “I wouldn’t have said so if I wasn’t, Sergeant. The book says so clearly. From its page, my ship was able to pilot towards the Chamber of Kordor from its directions…”
STUMP
(interrupts) “No sir. I did not mean that. What I meant was, are you sure this is a tactic of the enemy. There is nobody about as you can see. Didn’t the book say there would be alien scum dwelling on this rock?”
KROND
(thinks) “Well, now you come to mention it…no. There isn’t mention of alien scum dwelling here.”
STUMP
“Oh.”
KROND
“But then who is to say that the Althrace system contains people? They may have long been extinct by the time we’ve arrived.”
STUMP
“Makes one wonder, sir. Who would build and bolt worlds together and then leave it for the enemy to invade. Seems rather odd and peculiar.”
KROND
“Never mind about your suspicions, Stump. We’re here now. We must get into the Chamber of Kordor.”
THOR
“Is it the Chamber of Kordor though, sir? For all we know, this might be another building of a different usage and title.”
KROND
“This building is clearly illustrated in the Book of Althrace, as you can see here! Look! Look at this page!”
Commander Krond shows the page in the Book of Althrace with the illustration of the Chamber of Kordor to Sergeant Stump and Trooper Thor.
KROND
“That is clearly an image of the building we see before us. The Chamber of Kordor. And that is where we have got to go.”
THOR
“It could be any building, sir. It is a method that any enemy would use to deceive the other. Like we would do. Or like…I would do. Once.”
KROND
(shrewdly) And don’t I know it. That incident cost me my power pack for my blaster rifle. But this is a different matter.
STUMP
Well, I’m not so sure, sir.
KROND
Don’t question my orders, Stump. Obey! Do you hear?
STUMP
Yes, sir. I understand. I will carry out your orders, Commander.
KROND
(boldly) Now! Let us make for the chamber entrance!
THOR
I wonder what has happened to Corporal Hurn, Trooper Sqar and Trooper Kike. I assume they’ve managed to find Trooper Goml.
KROND
So do I, Trooper Thor. So do I.
With that, Commander Krond, Sergeant Stump and Trooper Thor make their way for the entrance to the Chamber of Kordor.
SCENE #220 – EXT – OBSERVATION PLATFORM, ALTHRACE CRYSTAL CRAFT – N/A
Meanwhile, the Althrace crystal craft has now arrived on Althrace #1. On the observation platform of the crystal craft, Nyssa dresses up as a Sontaran. Billy helps Nyssa with dressing up as a Sontaran, whilst the Doctor, Max and Andrew hide Trooper Goml’s naked body away. They hide him in one of the cabinets on the platform, which is eventually closed by Shayde.
MAX
“Is the Sontaran going to be alright in there? Inside a cabinet.”
ANDREW
“He’ll probably suffocate.”
DOCTOR
“Perhaps. Though I don’t know how he’ll react when he’s stripped of his armour. He’ll never get over the shock. I must admit I’ve never seen a Sontaran naked before.”
SHAYDE
“Doctor, time is pressing. The Sontarans will be upon us. And if we don’t move on with what we came for, you and your friends may never be alive after this is over and done with.”
DOCTOR
“Why are you so anxious to move on, Shayde? You’re hiding something.”
Shayde says nothing, whilst Billy helps Nyssa with fitting the Sontaran armour onto her.
BILLY
(concerned) “How is it now, Nyssa?”
NYSSA
(disgusted) “This armour’s disgusting! The stench of that Sontaran’s body odour is reeking! I know it was my idea, but I wish I hadn’t bothered now.”
BILLY
“How’s the armour though? Is it comfortable?”
NYSSA
“Just about. Good of you and Andrew to provide your jackets for my shoulders. And for Max to provide his anorak and the Doctor to provide his coat for my legs.”
The Doctor, Max and Andrew eventually re-join Nyssa in Sontaran armour with Billy helping her. Shayde remains in the background.
DOCTOR
“Are we nearly finished?”
BILLY
(to Doctor) “Almost there. Just need to do the last touch.” (to Nyssa) “Are you sure you want to go through with this, dear?”
ANDREW
“Yeah, it’s still too dangerous.”
NYSSA
(determined) “I’m sure. Try the helmet on.”
BILLY
(reluctantly) “Very well. Here’s the helmet.”
Billy picks up the Sontaran helmet and places it over Nyssa’s head. As he does so, he carefully lowers it to fit onto Nyssa’s armour.
ANDREW
“Be careful please, Billy.”
BILLY
“Alright; alright. I’m going to be careful.”
DOCTOR
“Can you manage, Billy? Do you need help?”
BILLY
“Just need to find the catch.” (Pause) “Ah, here it is!”
Billy slots the helmet into the catch of Nyssa’s armour and it compresses to make a snug fit. Billy lets go of the helmet, as Nyssa is now completely encased in Sontaran armour.
BILLY
“Nyssa? Are you alright in there? Can you hear us?”
MAX
“How is it?”
NYSSA
(booms) “It’s very uncomfortable indeed. I can smell that stench more now. Ugh! But I can hear you, yes.”
ANDREW
(uncertain) “Yes, err…I’m not really sure this going to work.”
DOCTOR
“Nyssa, can you sound more Sontaran?”
BILLY
“You’ve heard them, Nyssa. They have gruff, grunting-like voices or something.”
NYSSA
(booms; as Sontaran) “Do you mean this kind of voice?!”
DOCTOR
(cheers) “Yes, that’s it! That’s it! Well done, Nyssa!”
MAX
“Can you see alright? I mean does the helmet impair your vision?”
NYSSA
(booms) “Not really. I can just about see what’s ahead of me.”
BILLY
“What about walking? Can you walk, Nyssa?”
NYSSA
(booms; uneasily) “I’ll…I’ll try.”
Nyssa then walks forward before she stumbles. Billy manages to catch her.
BILLY
“Careful, Nyssa. Don’t strain yourself.”
NYSSA
(booms) “It’s alright. I can manage.”
Nyssa tries again. This time, she manages to walk easily in the Sontaran armour without a problem.
ANDREW
“Is It okay?”
NYSSA
(booms) “Yes, I’m okay walking in this. It’ll take getting used to, but I think I can manage.”
DOCTOR
“Good, Nyssa. Very good idea.”
MAX
(to Nyssa) “What about the gun though? Do you know how to fire that?”
BILLY
(shocked) “Max?! You’re not seriously suggesting that Nyssa should fire that weapon, are you?”
MAX
“Just a suggestion, that’s all.”
NYSSA
(booms) “Yes. I don’t like the idea of having to use this weapon either. But my knowledge of Sontaran technology and weaponry is still intact. So I should be able to know how to use it.”
ANDREW
“Depends however whether you can see through the darn helmet.”
SHAYDE
(urgently) “Doctor! Listen! I hear footsteps!”
DOCTOR
(shocked) “What?”
They listen, as approaching footsteps echo in the background.
MAX
“Yes, Doctor. I hear them too. There are footsteps.”
ANDREW
“The Sontarans! They’re coming this way!”
DOCTOR
“We’ll have to hide behind that wall there. Hopefully the Sontarans shouldn’t be able to see us from there.”
NYSSA
Whilst you four hide, I’ll try to bluff my way through them. Hopefully it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge to deal with.
© Tim Bradley, 2018
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