Friday, March 9, 2007

The Twin Dilemma VIII

29. INT. AZMAEL’S LAB

As before.

NOMA/MASTER
The Earth Empire has joined forces with the Martians and Draconians. Their combined fleets will arrive here in the next two days. Empire pursuit ships will arrive within the next few hours. We have little time left.

AZMAEL
Then you best leave Noma and my laboratory and let us get on with it.

Noma smiles.

NOMA/MASTER
But of course.

Azmael frowns, suspicious.

AZMAEL
You’re not going to try and monitor my thoughts? Try and break through my defences?

NOMA/MASTER
Why should I?

AZMAEL
They may be treasonable thoughts.

NOMA/MASTER
There can be no treason without fellow conspirators and you have none. I control your most loyal subjects, every mind on this planet.

AZMAEL
Not every one.

NOMA/MASTER
Do you need me to prove myself?

AZMAEL
No. It would affect my concentration. I suppose pointing we will need at least two days to put the plan into action and war fleet will arrive within one won’t dampen your enthusiasm.

NOMA/MASTER
Not at all. Until your work is done. Drak...

Drak is shocked at being singled out.

DRAK
Yes, Master?

NOMA/MASTER
Remain here.

Noma turns and lazily walks out. So does the Chamberlain. The door shuts. Drak is puzzled.

AZMAEL
They don’t trust you either, Drak. That’s why they left you here, to see the measure of your treachery.

DRAK
But I’m not a traitor.

AZMAEL
True. But they think you’re a friend.

Drak inhales deeply.

DRAK
I would value your friendship.

AZMAEL
It could cost you your life.

DRAK
I can think of worse reasons for dying.

Azmael gives a rare, genuine smile. Then he turns to face the twins.

AZMAEL
All right. Pay attention. It's time you learned why you were brought here.

He crosses to an astronomical model of a solar system, containing a sun with four planets.

AZMAEL
This is our simple solar system, the Trilop Major system. That is our sun, that is Joconda, the largest and closest planet to the sun, those are two of the lesser planets, Muston and Senial. Now I once ruled Joconda but I have been usurped. His kind takes all and gives nothing. There’s nothing left for my people!

ROMULUS & REMUS
What are we supposed to do?

AZMAEL
Help me to provide the only possible solution. We need new sources of supply.

He turns and activates a giant screen on the wall, showing an animation of the solar system. The twins watch, absorbing all this information silently.

AZMAEL
As you may have gathered, I have access to a TARDIS, a time and relative dimension in space. It is capable of tearing time and space apart, allowing it to enter the vortex beyond both dimensions, and reseal the damage as it goes. We plan to create such a tear, linking Joconda, Muston and Senial.

Drak presses a control. On the display, two strings of blue light emerge from one point on Joconda, stretching out towards the other planets. The light expands to swallow both planets, connecting them both to the point on Joconda. We zoom in to see huge, Jordrell-bank like dishes aiming directly up into space.

AZMAEL
A massive if simple hyperspatial gateway, linking us to there.

ROMULUS & REMUS
What will you do then?

AZMAEL
What you humans refer to as terraforming. By releasing certain chemicals into the atmosphere and bacteria into the soil, we can nudge the evolutionary paths of these planets, changing the climates and fertility of them. In time, they will be planets almost identical to Joconda, untouched by humanoid life.

REMUS
That won’t work.

ROMULUS
It would take millennia.

REMUS
Even if the terraforming WAS successful.

AZMAEL
Really? The basic mechanics of atmosphere alteration do not change. All that humanity needs for widespread colonization is to change a planet within the life time of colonists. I do not have access to that technology, as our Master decrees. Thus, we have come up with a different, more lateral solution to the problem.

ROMULUS & REMUS
Which is?

AZMAEL
Muston and Senial are now inside pockets of reality. With my TARDIS linked to the hyperspatial field we will be able to affect the flow of time inside that pocket. Once the planets are seeded, time will be accelerated, fast forwarding through millennia until the surfaces meet our requirements. A thousand years of work compressed into a few moments.

REMUS
And your agronomists will make the planets supply food for you.

AZMAEL
Yes, they will be the Larders of Joconda. When the crops are almost used up, we will evacuate the area and accelerate time again, until the food supplies will regenerate. Starvation will become a thing of a past.

ROMULUS
You won’t be able to do it forever.

AZMAEL
I’m not interested in forever, Romulus. Just in saving the people on this world. Everything is in readiness. All we lack is what you two possess. That mathematical delicacy which allow us to stabilize the tunnel to the two planets and allow absolute control over the passage of time. The trigger.

ROMULUS & REMUS
Impossible.

Azmael stares hard at them.

AZMAEL
If you refuse, then I shall kill you. This is the only possible way to save the Jocondans. If you won’t cooperate, then I shall be forced to do without you.

REMUS
It is physically impossible.

ROMULUS
The flow of time has too many random factors in it to even practically predict.

REMUS
The ebb and flow is totally random.

ROMULUS & REMUS
We would have to be inside the machinery itself to stand a chance.

Azmael sighs, and closes his eyes. He was so hoping they wouldn’t say that.

AZMAEL
Everything... even that... has been considered.

Romulus and Remus exchanged puzzled looks. So does Drak.


30. INT. SPECIAL INCIDENTS ROOM (NIGHT)

Red lights still flash, but the alarms have been switched off. Elena is speaking into the communicator on the main screen. Fabian fills the screen.

ELENA
The other fleets will reach the Rough Arc Bennet in approximately six hours. Confirm.

FABIAN
Confirmed. Flotillas now in formation. Will reach Joconda within the next hour.

ELENA
Acknowledged. No further information available on the raid.

FABIAN
I was afraid you would say that.


31. INT. FLIGHT DECK (NIGHT)

Fabian is sitting before a screen showing Elena’s face.

FABIAN
Once in Jocondan orbit, all flight systems are programmed to relay all received data to you. Any anomalies detected, warn us at once.

ELENA
Yes, General... Is there any other way?

FABIAN
Apparently not. Over and out.

The screen switches off. The Minister stands behind him.

MINISTER
You allow your staff rather too much informality.

FABIAN
Such things are necessary for an efficient team.

MINISTER
She should not question superior orders.

FABIAN
Elena Siol is an intelligent officer, Minister, and I agree with her.

MINISTER
No doubt.

The Minister returns to the map.

MINISTER
How long until we take up position?

FABIAN
Around fifteen minutes.

MINISTER
Acceptable. Have all weaponry ready to fire on my command.

FABIAN
This is madness.

MINISTER
It is in Earth’s best interests.

FABIAN
Minister, what ARE you talking about?

The Minister looks down at the map, considering his options.

MINISTER
Spectrox.

FABIAN
What?

MINISTER
Spectrox, the Elixir of eternal youth.

FABIAN
What about it?

MINISTER
It is now used up. The mud bursts on Androzani Minor not only wiped out the source of the Spectrox, but also the refinery and the military base and any human beings on the surface. Existing supplies will be running out within the next few weeks.

FABIAN
But the Sirius system...

MINISTER
...depends on it, I know. Over 87 per cent of the population consume it and when the supply is cut off their age will return for them with a vengeance. When this information becomes public, there will be riots and chaos throughout the system. Already key personnel are abandoning the system as fast as they can.

FABIAN
We should be concentrating our efforts to help them, surely?

The Minister is baffled.

MINISTER
Why? They’re going to die anyway; without fresh Spectrox there is nothing we can do to help them. If it’s any consolation, the anarchy won’t last more than a week and then the Sirrius system can be repopulated with Earth immigrants.

FABIAN
But it is our duty to offer whatever aid possible!

MINISTER
Which is why we are on our way to Joconda.

Fabian realizes what he means. The General looks at the Minister, sickened.

FABIAN
With our forces legitimately occupied elsewhere, we have no obligation or reason to head for the Androzani planets.

MINISTER
Precisely. By the time we finish here, the chaos will be half-finished and the delay of standing down will mean by the time we arrive, there will be no one left to help.

FABIAN
You arranged this, didn’t you?

MINISTER
Oh no. The kidnapping was just a happy accident.

FABIAN
And if the Jocondans hand over the twins immediately?

MINISTER
We’ll still be needed for days to ensure further attacks do not occur.

FABIAN
And if they don’t have the twins?

MINISTER
If they refuse to let us onto the surface we will destroy that surface. Either our forces are occupied liberating Joconda or they are occupied destroying it. Either way, we win. The death toll of Joconda will not compare to the slaughter in the Sirrius system which we cannot prevent.

Fabian looks around, as if in shock. He struggles to keep his voice calm.

FABIAN
You’ll wipe out an entire civilization to get out of a difficult political decision?!

The Minister grins coldly.

MINISTER
Oh, yes General. It’s always been a favored solution. But this time we get to actually carry it out.


32. MODEL SHOT

The fleet, now very large, hurtles through space. In the distance is Joconda, growing larger and larger.


33. PALACE CORRIDORS (DAY)

An empty patch of gloomy passengers, lit mainly by sunlight through the windows. There is a low grinding sound and a triangular section of wall near the floor shifts back. Hugo’s head emerges. He and his clothes are slightly grubby. He looks around and climbs out. After a moment, Peri emerges, wrinkling her nose.

PERI
Well, now we’re in here, what’s the plan?

Hugo looks around, out of breath and clearly clueless.

HUGO
Uh, we look around, find the twins, get them back to the TARDIS, head back to Earth.

PERI
What about the Doctor?

HUGO
Oh, forget him, he’s dead by now. My career can still be saved.

PERI
He saved your life!

HUGO
And sacrificed his own. I’m grateful.

PERI
You won’t get the TARDIS working.

HUGO
The Doctor told me all I need to know. I’m more than capable of piloting it with a bit of careful handling. Be grateful I’m taking you with me.

PERI
Oh, why should I?

HUGO
I don’t need to share glory with anyone. It’d be easier to leave you here. Now come on.

PERI
Where? You haven’t a clue as to where we’re going!

HUGO
And do you?

Hugo storms off down the corridor. Peri shakes her head and follows.

PERI
You sound just like my step-father. And he was a man who wasn’t worth listening to!

A Jocondan steps out of the shadows, watching them.


34. INT. AZMAEL’S LAB (DAY)

The screen is now showing a string of symbols similar to the equations the Twins were playing with in the first episode. Azmael points out a few details.

AZMAEL
These equations are the fundamental cornerstone from which the other patterns diverge and with this it is more than possible to comprehend the program.

ROMULUS
You still haven’t explained why Joconda is starving.

REMUS
And who is to say there is no other solution.

AZMAEL
There isn’t.

ROMULUS
If you explained, we might be prepared to help.

AZMAEL
No doubt. But time is running short.

DRAK
Master Azmael, if it can confirm their cooperation...

AZMAEL
Yes, Drak I know. Very well. I am, as you can see, not a native to this planet. Before choosing this as my home, I researched much of Joconda’s history and culture. And I found this...

He turns and adjusts the controls beneath the screen. It changes to a view of some Minoan-style war paintings, but instead of bulls we see strange humanoid slug-like forms.

AZMAEL
These are the Sectoms of Jocondan mythology. The legend states that the Queen of Joconda offended the Sun God. In his revenge, he created a hideous creature – a scavenging creature that hid beneath the ground and multiplied itself endlessly. They ravaged and plundered the planet, dragging down through the ground any creature they wished to consume. Finally, the Sun God relented and sent a drought of such intensity all the Sectoms were either dead or weakened enough for the Jocondans to deal with them, every last one.

ROMULUS & REMUS
But that’s a myth.

AZMAEL
Yes. The devastation outside, however, is real. And I have discovered that myths are more often than not embroidered stories that contain more than a grain of truth. Forget about the Sun God and the offence by the Queen of Joconda. Just concentrate on the fact that somehow these creatures infested Joconda.

ROMULUS
But you said they had died out.

REMUS
Every last one, you said.

AZMAEL
They did, but the Sectoms left a heritage to start the whole cycle again...


35. MODEL SHOT

The fleet slows down as it reaches Joconda. The ships spread out.


36. INT. FLIGHT DECK (NIGHT)

The Minister rises.

MINISTER
Execute program. Acquire targets and prepare to fire.

Fabian turns, grimacing, and turns to Sylvest, who looks depressed and ill. And bruised.

FABIAN
Look, if the Twins are on that planet and he opens fire, they’ll have no chance of survival.

SYLVEST
Probably not.

FABIAN
Don’t you care?

Sylvest shifts, uncomfortably.

SYLVEST
General, it is necessary! We cannot allow the Twins to remain in the hands of potential enemies, Jocondans or not. The Twins must be regained. Dead or alive.

FABIAN
Why are they so important?

MINISTER
Opening the communications network. I want everyone on the planet to hear this. Download all relevant information on the Twins and the kidnapping into their computer systems. Priority Alpha-1, no countermands.

SYLVEST
Here we go. Too late to stop it now.

Fabian glares at him.


37. INT. AZMAEL’S LAB (DAY)

As before. Azmael is talking to the Twins.

AZMAEL
One night not long after I was appointed Master of Joconda, a terrible thunder storm occurred and destroyed the year’s harvest in moments. More importantly, in the forests, a huge and beautiful mustock tree was struck with lightning and collapsed, ripping open the ground to reveal the Sectom heritage, a sole surviving egg. The rain washed away the soil and when the sun came out it gently warmed the egg. We thought nothing of it until a few days later it hatched, and we were attacked by a hideous creature. It consumed all the vegetation around it and by the time we were ready to stop it... Well, it was too late. Mestor’s powers were able to take over the minds of any who approached him. Except me of course.

ROMULUS
But surely...

AZMAEL
Cynics say that the shortest list of war heroes in the universe is to be found on this planet.

DRAK
Master, we’re a peaceful people. We’re traders.

AZMAEL
You need to be free to trade peacefully, Drak. War is something to be despised but it is sometimes necessary. When Mestor made his presence felt, many socially important Jocondans rushed to join him. Some out of cowardice, some out of lust for power, and most in the hope hostilities would be halted before they began.

REMUS
But yet they collaborated.

DRAK
Many pretended to work for the Lord Mestor, while planning his downfall. His powers grew until he could kill them all with a thought.

ROMULUS
But how did he become so powerful?

Azmael opens his mouth to speak when a low, distant rumble is heard. They all turn and hurry across the room to the window. The rumble gets louder.


38. INT. PALACE CORRIDORS (DAY)

The rumble is louder here. Peri heads towards a window to look out. Hugo keeps moving but comes back when he realizes Peri has stayed behind. The lack of results is causing his bravado to wither away.

HUGO
Peri, let’s go.

PERI
No, wait, there’s something out there...

The light outside dims as the rumble becomes even more violent.


39. INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM (DAY)

The rumble is still in the distance here. The unseen Master chuckles in the dark.

MASTER
At last.


40. EXT. SHANTY TOWN (DAY)

The zombie Jocondans slowly crane their heads to look at the sky. The rumbling is starting to fade as we see, high above them, one of the pursuit ships.


41. INT. AZMAEL’S LAB (DAY)

Drak backs away from the window, horrified. The shadow is casting over them.

DRAK
What is that? What’s happening?

AZMAEL
Judgement Day, Drak, and I think we’ve been found wanting!


42. INT. PALACE CORRIDORS (DAY)

Hugo and Peri back away from the window. Hugo is relieved, and slightly irritated.

HUGO
Don’t worry, it’s back up.

PERI
Back up?

HUGO
Intergalactic Task Force. We’re all right now. Come on, we’ve got to find the Twins before the Jocondans surrender.

Hugo turns and runs off. Peri starts to follow. A jangle of feedback noise fills the air, suddenly becoming a booming PA voice of the Minister, echoing and god like.

MINISTER (VO)
People of Joconda, this is Kel Azlan, Minister of Defense on behalf of the Earth Empire...


43. MODEL SHOT

The flagship descends towards Joconda.

MINISTER (VO)
With the unprovoked attack on Earth territory by the citizens of Jaconda, the Earth Empire has no other course of action but to demand retribution. If the twins are not returned immediately, planetary assault will begin. Lethal force will be used.


44. INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM (DAY)

A spherical hologram shows the Minister’s face.

MINISTER (DIST)
If the authorities are unaware of this action, we demand our fleet be given permission to land. All data we have on the kidnappers has been sent to you. All communication frequencies are now open. Your reply. NOW.
The Master of Joconda begins to laugh evilly.


45. INT. FLIGHT DECK (NIGHT)

The laughter fills the flight deck. The Minister is taken aback.

MINISTER
Is that their reply?

The pilots nod.

FABIAN
I’ve heard that laughter before...

MINISTER
Master of Joconda, our weaponry is far more destructive than anything you could hope to use against us. Make your decision. Surrender the twins and allow us to land.

The laughter is louder than before. The Minister snarls, annoyed at the lack of respect.

MINISTER
Prepare to fire.

FABIAN
Sir, please.

MINISTER
Prepare. To. Fire.

Fabian grimaces and nods to the helmsmen.


46. INT. PALACE CORRIDORS (DAY)

Peri looks at Hugo, worried.

PERI
OK, answer man, what the hell do we do now?

HUGO
I, er, we...

PERI
What are they going to fire?!

HUGO
I don’t know.

PERI
They said ‘lethal force’!

HUGO
They won’t use it.

PERI
And if they do?

HUGO
We’ll have ten seconds before this palace is turned to dust!

PERI
Back to the TARDIS, come on!

Peri turns and runs back the way they came. Hugo looks up.

HUGO
They wouldn’t.


47. INT. FLIGHT DECK (DAY)

The Minister calmly approaches the front of the ship.

MINISTER
One last chance, Jaconda.

The chuckling continues. The Minister glares at Fabian, who nods.

FABIAN
Target neutron blasters, raise flare shields, maximum power.


48. MODEL SHOT

Weapons emerge from the flagship and extend to aim at the planet below. This is repeated on the other pursuit craft in shot.


49. INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM (DAY)

The Minister’s furious face fills the hologram.

MINISTER
We are NOT bluffing!

The uncontrollable laughter continues.


50. INT. FLIGHT DECK (NIGHT)

The lights on the chamber dim to a deep blue.

FABIAN
Ready to fire.


51. MODEL SHOT

The weapons are aimed at the planet below.


52. INT. PALACE CORRIDORS (DAY)

Peri sprints over to the still open hatch. Hugo runs into view as she starts to enter.

HUGO
They won’t do it, it’s a bluff!

Despite his words he runs after her as she enters the hatch.


53. INT. AZMAEL’S LAB (DAY)

Azmael shouts at the ceiling. The laughter continues, echoing and overlapping.

AZMAEL
THIS IS MADNESS!


54. INT. FLIGHT DECK (NIGHT)

A close up of the Minister’s impassive face against the Master’s insane laughter.

MINISTER
Fire.

FABIAN
FIRE!!

A hand punches the firing stud.


55. MODEL SHOT

Volleys of bright green light shoot down like a cross between rain and lightning. The pulsing of the energy canons mingles with the laughter.


56. INT. PALACE CORRIDORS (DAY)

Hugo and Peri are half way into the ducting when the pulsing is suddenly interrupted by a shocking, crackling, sparking noise. The corridor shakes violently, filled by the acidic green glow.


57. INT. AZMAEL’S LAB (DAY)

Azmael tries to stay upright as the twins and Drak are flung to the floor. The explosions rumble and roar louder and louder.


58. MODEL SHOT

The endless volleys of neutron bolts intensify, flaring and blocking out the screen...


59. INT. PALACE THRONE ROOM (DAY)

Shattering cracks and rolling, rumbling explosions can be heard in the background – almost, but not quite obscuring dialogue. The laughter has faded out The palace trembles slightly. The Doctor is shoved roughly through the entrance way. The throne room is in the dark, so the corridor outside is lit. Two Jocondans follow the Doctor, unlike him keeping their footing in the turbulence caused by the off-screen catastrophe.

DOCTOR
There is no need to push, I have a perfectly good set of legs for walking! They’re brand new! To be honest you should be more worried about what is happening outside.

The Chamberlain steps out of the gloom. The Doctor glances at him, not intimidated in the least by this creepy materialization.

CHAMBERLAIN
That is being taken care of.

DOCTOR
Really? It’s rather hard to negotiate with Baston torpedoes at the best of time. And this isn’t the best of times, is it?

CHAMBERLAIN
Not for you, Doctor.

DOCTOR
Someone’s been gossiping. How do you know who I am? Come to think of it, who are you?

CHAMBERLAIN
I am Slarn, Senior Chamberlain to the Master of Joconda.

DOCTOR
But of course you are. I assume your Master’s brilliance is responsible the chaos going on about our heads? Does he have a plan to save you all?

CHAMBERLAIN
He is Mestor the Magnificent, Doctor.

DOCTOR
If he’s so Magnificent, why doesn’t he face me himself?

The Chamberlain grandly indicates the direction of the throne. The Doctor, unimpressed, hands in pockets, swivels to face the throne as the chair and its occupant is illuminated for the first time. It is a hideous creature – the body is a single column of pus-covered flesh shot through with glowing veins. Two flipper-like hands emerge from either side of the body and the back is a hairy, plated carapace like a woodlice. Its glistening face sits between a giant, brain-like growth atop its head topped by two wavering antennae. The veined, sightless eyes stare blindly ahead. The bhaleen-filled mouth flaps wetly as the familiar voice emerges from the creature.

MASTER/MESTOR
Welcome to Joconda, Doctor.

The Doctor stares at the monstrous Tractator beast. It stares back, its revolting features filling the screen.

(END OF EPISODE TWO)
(NEXT EPISODE: INFINITY OF SURPRISES)
(ROLL END CREDITS)

No comments: