Friday, March 9, 2007

The Twin Dilemma VII

21. MODEL SHOT

The flagship streaks through space.


22. INT. FLIGHT DECK (NIGHT)

A brightly lit, large room. The front wall has a large screen and control panels at which sit a PILOT and two CO-PILOTS. A strategy map-desk fills the middle part of the room and the rear alcoves are where several SQUADDIES and Sylvest sit – the latter looking exhausted, bruised and very painfully awake. Fabian and the Minister are bent over the strategy map. Fabian points to one display.

FABIAN
When we reach the edge of the Leonis System, we will rendezvous with the other flotillas, then warp-jump to the Rough Arc Bennett. ETA to Jaconda is still approximately ten hours before the other war fleets arrive.

MINISTER
Contact the fleets. Try and improve on that.

FABIAN
Sir.

MINISTER
When we are in orbit around Jaconda, the rest of our ships will take up position around the planet to prepare for orbital strike. Have neutron blasters cleared for firing and Baston torpedoes loaded and ready once we enter the Arc.

FABIAN
I assume you are going to contact Jaconda before we strike?

MINISTER
Of course. All the news services in the cosmos are watching.

FABIAN
You are aware that we are ludicrously over manned.

MINISTER
In the interests of the Earth Empire, General, no expense will be spared.

FABIAN
We are in the middle of a recession.

MINISTER
Then consider it an economic miracle. It is going to be done.

FABIAN
The twins are not worth this and you have no proof Empire security is at risk.

MINISTER
We will get ‘proof’ when it happens, General, this is a pre-emptive strike.

FABIAN
You don’t know if the twins are even ON Joconda!

MINISTER
No. That is why I will contact the Master of Joconda on arrival which we should make sooner rather than later. News of our mission will have reached the planet by then.

FABIAN
In which case the authorities will already be dealing with it. We should wait and give them more time.

MINISTER
And give the culprits time to escape? Always assuming the authorities are not themselves involved in this? No, either Joconda will hand over the twins or allow a complete, unhindered investigation of their planet by the Earth Empire. If either or both is refused, we will annihilate them.

FABIAN
With Baston torpedoes? There’ll be nothing left!

MINISTER
The explosions will be compressed by the density of the atmosphere. There will be plenty of survivors... until the other fleets get here.

FABIAN
This is outright slaughter! You can’t justify it!

MINISTER
Do you really think I would mobilize almost all of the Empire’s forces for a strike, not to mention place my own life and career in danger if I thought there was another way? I don’t care if you believe me or not, but this is in the best interests of the Earth Empire and without it we tempt total dissolution.

FABIAN
You’re not talking about the Sylvest Twins, are you?

The Minister smiles at him. It is unpleasant.

MINISTER
No.


23. INT. AZMAEL’S LAB

Bright, neat and tidy, in contrast to the crumbling palace outside. Romulus and Remus are sitting on a bench, blinking and almost completely recovered. Drak stands nearby and Romulus flinches as he first catches sight of the Jocondan. The door to the lab opens and Azmael and the Chamberlain enter. They are, believe it or not, arguing.

AZMAEL
...and no matter what your Master says, the force shield cannot protect Joconda no matter how much you interfere with my TARDIS. The field loses strength the larger the area needed to protect, even a blockhead like –

CHAMBERLAIN
Azmael, it has been decided. I was given personal assurance that it will work.

AZMAEL
Did you? Or did he make you think that?

Drak approaches.

DRAK
I think they have fully recovered.

AZMAEL
Sooner than I expected.

He clears his throat and crosses to the twins. Behind him, Noma enters.

AZMAEL
I trust you’re suffering no ill effects.

ROMULUS
What happened?

REMUS
Where are we?

AZMAEL
I’ll answer your questions in a moment. I do apologize for kidnapping you but believe me, there was no other way.

REMUS
You’re not Bernard Edgeworth, are you?

AZMAEL
Call me Azmael.

ROMULUS
Why don't you tell us what this is about?

REMUS
If we knew, we might cooperate.

AZMAEL
That was my intention. You are on the planet Joconda. Have you heard of it?

ROMULUS & REMUS
No.

Azmael is not surprised. He sighs.

AZMAEL
It's new Master... is, is a creature of intense ambition.

ROMULUS
And he wants us to further that ambition.

AZMAEL
Perhaps. At the moment you are needed for the benefit of his subjects.

ROMULUS & REMUS
Who is this Master?

AZMAEL
His name would mean nothing to you.

ROMULUS & REMUS
But how could we help?

AZMAEL
Do you realize that your mathematical skills could change events on a massive scale?

REMUS
You are becoming melodramatic.

AZMAEL
It's not melodrama. Well not just melodrama. Neither of you are aware of your true powers.

ROMULUS
If we are so powerful, why are we prisoners?

AZMAEL
Because we are all prisoners. Even I.

The Chamberlain taps her feet, arms folded and impatient. The Twins notice.

ROMULUS & REMUS
Who is this?

AZMAEL
Another of the Master’s lackeys.

The Chamberlain is not fussed.

CHAMBERLAIN
Not quite, Azmael. I am a humble servant of the Master of Joconda. I am Slarn, his Chamberlain.

She flings her arms out grandly.

CHAMBERLAIN
Welcome to the planet Joconda.

AZMAEL
For as long as it still exists!

The Chamberlain loses enthusiasm at the thought she was trying to avoid. Azmael turns back to the twins.

AZMAEL
One day you’ll learn for yourselves that treason is universal. But don’t let it worry you.

ROMULUS & REMUS
What should we worry about?

AZMAEL
How long a list would you like?

REMUS
Should we be afraid about what lies in store for us?

AZMAEL
Seems a sensible thing to do.

NOMA
You are wasting time, Azmael.

They turn and look at Noma.

AZMAEL
Am I? This was never going to be easy.

A familiar voice mingles with Noma as the Master of Joconda infects the birdman.

NOMA/MASTER
Azmael! Are they docile?

AZMAEL
For the moment, yes.

NOMA/MASTER
These prodigies seem quite insignificant.

AZMAEL
Their brains are not. Don’t discard their genius lightly.

Noma chuckles in amusement.

NOMA/MASTER
Of course not. This plan requires the ‘originality of human genius’.

ROMULUS
What do you mean?

REMUS
What’s so funny?

NOMA/MASTER
Once you have served my purpose I will have no further need of you. No doubt Azmael will return you back to Earth. Now proceed with the first concepts. Whatever time remains before the war fleets arrive, I recommend you do not waste it.

AZMAEL
I am explaining why we need them. Once they realize our purpose is benevolent, they will become far more cooperative.

REMUS
You have no power over us.

ROMULUS
You can’t force us to work.

AZMAEL
No.

NOMA/MASTER
But I can! This Time Lord is a merciful being who believes in the sanctity of life. I do not. Your childish obduracy is unwelcome. Disobey us and I will personally remove your brains from your bodies and use them as I see fit. Azmael will inform you I do not make idle threats.

Azmael sighs and nods. The Twins look on in surprise. Noma/Mastor laughs.


24. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)

The Doctor is pacing up and down impatiently. Hugo is bent over the monitor on the console. The Doctor begins to hopscotch in the background.

HUGO
This data bank is extensive, I assume.

DOCTOR
You assume correctly, Private.

HUGO
Lieutenant.

DOCTOR
Lieutenant. The TARDIS Information Systemk contains knowledge gathered from all nine corners of the universe, from worlds so distant and cultures so alien you’d never encounter them even if you’d spent your entire life exploring. Even place *I* haven’t been. Yet.

Hugo tries to concentrate on the read-out.

HUGO
Very modest.

DOCTOR
You have at your fingertips a library that can answer the mysteries of science, explain away wonders living beings have died trying to understand and relate the histories of entire galaxies. The wisdom of the Time Lord is at your disposal. Well, a sizeable chunk of it, anyway.

HUGO
“Joconda. Mostly harmless. Fertile and peaceful planet with dominant life form boasting avian ancestry. Present economy subsistence agriculture and trading. Contains shortest list of war heroes in recorded history.” And that’s it.

DOCTOR
All the important information necessary. You’re a very petty officer, aren’t you?

HUGO
Lieutenant!

DOCTOR
That too. Where is Peri?

He heads for the internal door and bellows down the corridor.

DOCTOR
Procrastination is the thief of time!


25. INT. TARDIS WARDROBE (DAY)

Peri is struggling to put her Mardi Gras outfit back on a hangar. She now wears a blue-striped trouser suit. Hastily she shoves the clothes onto a rack.

PERI
I’m coming!

The clothes promptly collapse to the floor. Peri shrugs, snatches up two dark-brown coats and hurries out, closing the door behind her. We see Hugo’s abandoned pistol lying on the floor. A wisp of smoke begins to emerge from the barrel.


26. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)

Hugo is studying the controls of the TARDIS intently. The Doctor is watching Hugo in the same way, arms folded.

HUGO
So you can take us back to Earth in this?

DOCTOR
Easily. Straight to the gardens outside the house. Would you like me to set the coordinates for you?

HUGO
Oh, looks simple enough. These controls cover x, y, and z... But there’s another set of programs. What else can this ship do?

DOCTOR
Do you always ask so many questions?

Hugo gives the Doctor a winning smile. Peri enters.

HUGO
I’m a policeman. It’s an occupational disease.

DOCTOR
Then I suggest you get a cure for it, Sergeant.

PERI
Lieutenant! (‘Loo-tennant’)

HUGO & DOCTOR
Lieutenant! (‘Lef-tennant’)

PERI
Whatever. Here you go.

She hands Hugo a cloak and dons one herself. The Doctor opens the doors.

HUGO
You can’t go out dressed like that, though.

DOCTOR
Why ever not?

PERI
I think he means that, well, it’s not exactly stealth camouflage, is it?

DOCTOR
The locals didn’t mind on my last visit.

HUGO
But it looks awful.

DOCTOR
My dear Group Captain...

HUGO
Lieutenant!

DOCTOR
“Lieutenant”, then... that was people said about Brau Brummel? Remember him?

HUGO
No. Never heard of him.

DOCTOR
See? Prove my point. He was a master in stealth with taste and a feeling of style.

PERI
But are you?

DOCTOR
Come on. We have work to do!

He strides out of the TARDIS. The others exchange weary looks and follow.


27. EXT. WASTELAND (DAY)

The Doctor crosses straight for the remains of a tree. Peri and Hugo look around, taken aback by the bleakness.

HUGO
No bird song. Which, for a planet with an avian-descended populace is not a good sign.

DOCTOR
Now, we can’t interfere until we understand what we’re up against. What do you think caused this devastation, Warrant Officer?

HUGO
Lieutenant.

DOCTOR
You are the policeman. Use your deductive skills.

HUGO
Maybe it’s some kind of explosion.

DOCTOR
Something that left the buildings intact? Leaving no trace of radioactive contamination? No, look at this place, Peri. This was once a forest grove. Look. See the devastation and work backwards. If we can find the cause, then we can find the reason and thus get into the mindset into the creature behind all this?

They look around. Hugo shrugs.

PERI
Did the trees grow fruit here?

DOCTOR
Yes. Why did you ask?

PERI
Well, all the vegetation’s been removed. Maybe it was to feed something.

The Doctor looks around, as if seeing the desolation afresh.

DOCTOR
Of course. You’re brilliant, Peri. An absolute genius! They came here, picked all the fruit, came again and stripped everything else. Until the very soil was turned to dust. Joconda’s been caught in some kind of feeding frenzy...

PERI
Locusts?

DOCTOR
Maybe. But the Jocondans are very careful about their environment. To let this happens means they had no control over this... but every sign says they did it. So they are under someone else’s control. Someone who doesn’t care about the damage they’ve done – which means this dictator either believes or is capable of repairing the damage or else doesn’t intend to stay on this planet much longer.

HUGO
What would they want all the vegetation for?

The Doctor and Peri look at him, shocked at his gormlessness.

PERI
For food, dumbo. What else?

HUGO
I don’t know. Raw fuel? A bonfire?

DOCTOR
A bonfire that large would be seen from space. The only fire around here is that wreckage over there, probably the crash which killed that poor Jocondan.

Peri looks around, confused.

PERI
Which Jocondan?

The Doctor turns to point at where the body lay. It’s gone. He mutters to himself.

DOCTOR
Maybe they’ve been starving so long they’ve reverted to cannibalism.

Hugo half-hears this. It alarms him.

HUGO
What?!

DOCTOR
Nothing. There is a functional hydroponic dome over the hill. Most of the able-bodied Jocondans seem to be working there.

PERI
Not surprised if they’ve got no food left.

DOCTOR
I doubt they get much of it. Let’s take a look.

HUGO
What if they’re hostile?

DOCTOR
What if they’re not? Either way, the only way we can find where the twins are is to find who controls Joconda. Are you coming, or do you want to stay in the TARDIS?

HUGO
You don’t leave me very much choice, do you?

DOCTOR
Not really.

The Doctor hurries up the hill. Peri and Hugo follow. The Jocondan lurches from behind the TARDIS, dead no longer. Its sightless eyes stare blindly after the retreating trio. A familiar voice emerges from the dead throat.

JOCONDAN/MASTER
Intriguing.


28. EXT. SHANTY TOWN (DAY)

At the other end of the street is a large pipe running out of the ground and between the remains of building before disappearing into the rubble. Jocondans are stiffly lumbering around, silent and mindless as before. The Doctor appears and strides through them, giving them no heed. Hugo and Peri have to run to keep up with him.

HUGO
What’s wrong with them?

DOCTOR
Some kind of hypnosis – their resolve was probably broken by starvation.

PERI
Is that why all the food was taken?

DOCTOR
A lucky side-effect than the intention. Now, the current Master of Joconda lives in the palace up the mountain. Originally constructed two millennia ago, its had piecemeal add-ons gracelessly built up in the intervening years. Architectural and historical value of the citadel was lost early on, but that’s beside the point.

HUGO
Then what is the point?

DOCTOR
The other Time Lord landed nearby, presumably to speak to the current Master of Joconda who is logically the one behind all this. We need to get into the palace undetected.

PERI
Couldn’t we use the TARDIS?

DOCTOR
The other Time Lord would detect us immediately. However, they’ll assume we’d use the TARDIS as the path of least resistance and so while they’re concentrating on monitoring the TARDIS, we sneak in through the tradesman’s entrance.

They have now reached the pipe.

DOCTOR
I could knock on the door, but I try to be more knight errant than errant fool...

HUGO
What’s this then?

DOCTOR
A supply duct from the hydroponics domes straight to the palace. Probably safer than transferring it by hand in this place.

Peri sees a small, thin JOCONDAN CHILD is watching her emotionlessly.

PERI
How long do you think these people have left?

The Doctor is already examining a large square hatch on the side of the pipe.

DOCTOR
Maybe a few weeks, maybe a few days. But if I thought that a quick food run from the TARDIS would help, I’d be the first to help out. I don’t think these people would be allowed to accept fresh supplies.

HUGO
So what is the plan?

DOCTOR
You’re the Special Incidents expert, Section Leader, you tell me.

HUGO
Lieutenant.

DOCTOR
If you like. But don’t you want to save the twins and your career? I assume you do intend to advance in the field – or are you just one of their poster captains?

Peri steps closer, concerned he might be going off again.

PERI
What do you mean?

DOCTOR
Good looking, wears the uniform well and with a nice smile. Perfect material for luring hopefuls into a job with the military. But is it a coincidence, or did you just join to become a famous hero and become a celebrity?

Hugo swallows.

HUGO
What the hell gives you that idea?

DOCTOR
The fear behind your eyes.

Peri looks at Hugo and sees it well. Hugo shakes off his rising panic.

HUGO
You’re talking nonsense. Look, Doctor, are the twins are likely to be in there?

DOCTOR
I can’t think of anywhere else on this rather large landmass. Can you?

HUGO
Well, I won’t find them hanging around here. If you’d be kind enough to help me with the hatch...

DOCTOR
We’re coming with you. Aren’t we, Peri?

Peri shrugs, unenthusiastically.

PERI
Er, sure.

HUGO
No need. Thank you for bringing me here.

DOCTOR
And how do you intend to escape with the twins? The space port’s a ruin, there are no ships for you to hijack. And considering the kidnappers have access to a TARDIS, how far do you think you’ll get without us?

PERI
I don’t think he’s thought this through.

DOCTOR
No, he hasn’t, has he? Now, listen to me, General...

HUGO
Lieutenant.

DOCTOR
Don’t be smug. Don’t shrug off help when it’s offered. You can’t afford to.

HUGO
Look, you’re civilian non-combatants! Civilian non-combatants! And thus unreliable.

DOCTOR
So’s most currency. It’s still possible to spend wisely.

HUGO
We’re on a planet of starving peasants that haven’t even been able to notice us. I don’t think that this will be a particularly difficult mission...

A female Jocondan lunges out of the shadows and grabs the Doctor, who manages to shake her off. Weak, she falls to the ground and then immediately rises as the Doctor returns to the hatch. Another one suddenly staggers behind Hugo and grabs him by the waist.

PERI
Hugo!

Hugo falls over and Peri rushes to his aide, but the Jocondan will not let go. The female Jocondan attacks the Doctor again, hauling him away from the hatch. The Doctor reaches behind him and hauls the Jocondan over his shoulders, flipping her against the pipe. She flails her limbs and sets on the Doctor immediately. Peri manages to kick away the Jocondan, allowing Hugo to get free. The Doctor is struggling to hold the Jocondan female back. She is trying to claw at his face.

HUGO
They’re very strong for starving peasants.

The Doctor is still fending off the female.

DOCTOR
Yes, I can see that!!

Hugo and Peri rush to his aide. The other Jocondan rises, and another one appears. Hugo turns and kicks the first Jocondan in the stomach, hurling him to the ground. A karate punch floors the other. Peri finally rips the female off the Doctor.

PERI
Is this thing possessed?

DOCTOR
Very probably!

Now free, the Doctor reaches out and touches her neck. The female goes limp. Peri lowers her to the ground as the Doctor returns to the hatch.

PERI
How did you do that?

DOCTOR
Sensitive nerve cluster. Easy to exploit. But whatever is controlling these poor people has decided to deal with us. If I’m right not even killing her will keep her down for more than a few moments.

HUGO
Uh, Doctor?

The Doctor concentrates on the lock.

DOCTOR
Not now, Commandant!

PERI
Doctor!

The Doctor looks up. Every Jocondan in the shanty town, a small army, moves through the silent ruins towards them. The first three Jocondans are already rising.

DOCTOR
A logical plan of attack if you care to think about it.

He finishes unlocking the hatch and begins opening it. Two Jocondans go for Peri this time and Hugo is caught by the female. The other Jocondans loom closer. The Doctor hauls off the hatch completely.

DOCTOR
Come on! Down the rabbit hole!

He turns and realizes the others are preoccupied. He rolls his eyes.

DOCTOR
This is getting ridiculous.

He reaches out and jabs all three Jocondans in the neck. They all collapse. The Doctor lifts up Peri and helps her into the hatch.

DOCTOR
Keep to the main alley and you’ll reach the inside of the palace. And don’t trust Lang.

PERI
But what about you?

DOCTOR
The easiest way to stop a mob is to give them what they want.

PERI
But...

DOCTOR
GO! I’ve just got used to this body and I don’t intend to give it up!

The Jocondans are less than a metre away, hands like claws, arms outstretches, faces utterly expressionless. Hugo heads for the hatch.

DOCTOR
Look after Peri, Lieutenant, or...

HUGO
Or?

DOCTOR
Else.

The Doctor gives Hugo the most intimidating look possible. It works. Hugo cringes and dives inside the hatch. The Doctor replaces it and, with no visible effort, snaps off the handle after it is locked. He turns to face the mob, holding up the handle.

DOCTOR
Oh dear. I appear to have ruined the lock. We can’t follow my friends. Oh well.

He throws the handle away, dismissively. The mob are right on top of him.

DOCTOR
I suppose you’re wondering why I called you all here?

We lose sight of him as the zombie Jocondans block out the view.

to be continued...

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