1. EXT. LONDON SKYLINE (NIGHT)
The Post Office Tower glows in the night.
2. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
MAJOR GREEN, PROFESSOR BRETT and KRIMPTON stand before ODIN. They all wear gloves and stand blankly ahead.
ODIN
All unknown elements are threats. Recognize: Doctor... No name given. Analyze all data.
The computer falls silent as lights start flashing madly and tape reels spin. The green disc swings back and forth.
ODIN
Negative information. The Doctor is visiting London, a computer specialist with a secretary called Dodo Chaplet. Recall data. Recognize: Dodo Chaplet. Information on Dorothea Chaplet – declared missing person two months three days previous. Threat status negative.
MAJOR GREEN
And the Doctor?
ODIN
No information. Reanalyzing. No information.
The screen lights up, showing various different shots of the Doctor’s face at the press conference. ODIN’s voice is distorting as it screams with fury.
VOICES (DIST)
What was your name again? I am the Doctor. Doctor who? And may I ask who you are, sir? Doctor. Doctor who? “Whom.” I am the Doctor. Just Doctor. Doc. Doctor. Doctor. Doctor.
ODIN
Who is the Doctor? Who is he? Who is he? Who is the Doctor? WHO IS HE? WHO IS THE DOCTOR? DOCTOR WHO? DOCTOR WHO?! DOC... TOR... WHO?!!???
---
Words type themselves out, one by one, building up into:
Then...
---
3. INT. THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
THE DOCTOR, DODO, BEN and POLLY are sitting at a table as Satisfacton plays on the record player. KITTY is cleaning glasses in the background.
BEN
Come off it, Doctor, you’re not telling us that little green men designed the computer!
DOCTOR
It is a possibility nonetheless. Signals from Earth – radio, television, that sort of thing – are being sent out into space all the time. Sooner or later they will reach other planets and, no doubt, any civilizations living there. If you accept the chance that there is life on other planets...
DODO
Which, just to save time, there are.
DOCTOR
Er, yes, yes, quite, Dodo. If humanity is sending signals out into space, surely other races are as well. Cape Kennedy, and the like, all designed to keep an ear out for just those sort of messages from other beings.
POLLY
So these aliens are sending instructions how build computers off into space?
DOCTOR
I think so, yes. Of course, it might not be intentional. In which case, ODIN has been constructed for precisely the wrong reasons and must be stopped. Or perhaps, these aliens wished us to build ODIN, but why? To communicate with them, perhaps?
POLLY
Maybe they want to invade Earth?
BEN
Come on, Duchess...
POLLY
That’s what aliens do!
The Doctor looks up sharply at this.
DOCTOR
I beg your pardon! Good grief, you people really are paranoid about the unknown, aren’t you? All your science fiction and, and, and theories – you always assume that unknown intelligences are hostile! Why should they be? Hmmm? You can’t accept creatures from Venus coming to Earth out of simple curiosity, can you? No, they must always be trying to subject you to some terrible fate, to invade you!
Dodo folds her arms.
DODO
Doctor. What about the Monoids? And those machine things you and Steven always go on about, the Drahvins or whoever...
DOCTOR
Daleks! Not Drahvin... of course, the Drahvin weren’t particularly friendly, either. All right, all right, my dear. Just making a point. I simply dislike stereotypes. Now, it is possible that ODIN is some kind of invasion tool – but it’s just as possible that its purpose is entirely peaceful, or indeed, no purpose at all.
POLLY
So what’s the problem?
DOCTOR
Because whatever purpose ODIN was designed for, I do not expect its creators wanted it linked up to every other computer in the world. Besides... humanity must develop at its own progress. Hop-schotching ahead like this can only cause trouble. Would you give machine guns to cavemen, hmmm? Or, or nuclear weapons to Napoleon?
BEN
So we’ve got to find out what the computer is before C-Day.
DOCTOR
Yes. We need to know more about it.
DODO
That Professor probably knows a bit about it.
BEN
Professor?
DOCTOR
Professor Brett, the one that purports to have built the computer. I’m afraid I doubt he’ll want to see me, let alone reveal his secrets. Besides, he’s probably gone home now and I don’t even have his number.
POLLY
Well, I do. If he’s at the Tower.
DOCTOR
What? What was that?
POLLY
I’ve got his number.
4. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
The computers are whirring and clicking and buzzing. Rapidly, silence falls.
ODIN
The Doctor is an unknown element outside all previously established variables. Therefore the stratagem will be re-computed. London will be placed under computer control before C-Day takes place. With the capital taken over, the Doctor shall be located and dealt with, and the next phase of the operation will be prepared.
BRETT
Time is short.
ODIN
The War Machine Project in central London is suitable. It shall be adapted for phase three. The Doctor’s threat to the project will be minimal if phase three is completed within forty eight hours. Commence phase three.
Major Green crosses to a computer bank and adjusts several controls. Simultaneously, Krimpton swaps two plugs and snaps down a switch.
KRIMPTON
Direct interface with telephone directory now complete.
ODIN
Confirmed. Phase three now commenced.
A phone number races across a screen. A light flashes.
5. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
It is barely lit by a few working light bulbs and several portable lamps. The interior is rough and dirty – the walls are lined with old junk. Chains on runners hang from the ceiling, swinging too and fro. Two men in white coats – TOM and WALLIS – are looking through some sheets of paper. Behind them are several BLUE COLLAR WORKERS, unpacking crates. One of them is heaving on an oiled chain and a section of the flooring lifts free. Tom and Wallis turn and watch as the segment rises towards the roof. Beneath it is a deep pit.
WALLIS
What’s down there, then?
TOM
Part of the old production line, I suppose. Does it matter?
WALLIS
It might. This is supposed to be a secure installation.
TOM
You think anyone’s going to break in?
WALLIS
I suppose not. I just wish we’d had more time to clear this place out.
Wallis addresses the workers.
WALLIS
All right, come on. We’ve pulled these things apart and put them back together so often you should be able to do it in your sleep. Start constructing the outer sections but leave the primary cubicles empty for us to install later. Concentrate on the internal generators, I don’t want any more foul ups.
A few good-natured grumbles.
TOM
Finish it on time and you can spend tomorrow night next door at the Inferno!
A ragged cheer. They go back to work.
WALLIS
You think we can do it in time?
TOM
The machines are designed to be easily to assemble. And the computer modifications are straight forward. You’ve got a copy of the blue prints?
WALLIS
Yes.
Wallis hands him the clipboard with the sheets on them.
TOM
Good. Just seems to be clearing the information store and attaching an aerial.
WALLIS
Major Green thinks it will work.
Tom grins.
TOM
Oh good, then we can blame him when it doesn’t work.
A brand new phone on the wall starts to ring.
WALLIS
Speak of the Devil.
Tom puts down the clipboard and crosses to it. He chuckles as he lifts the receiver.
TOM
Hello? ... Hello?
6. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
Tom’s voice is heard over the speaker. The green disc turns red.
TOM (VO)
Major Green? Are you there?
The disc glows brighter, pulsating.
7. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
As before.
TOM
Hello?
He looks at Wallace, shrugs, and reaches to tap the cradle.
8. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
Circular waves, like ripples on a pond, emerge outwards from the glowing disc. The waves move faster and faster and faster.
9. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
Tom freezes in mid motion. A look of total confusion crosses his face, then agony. He seems about to scream and then rapidly relaxes, his face expressionless. He lowers the phone but does not hang up, a distant expression on his face. Wallis frowns, noticing this, and crosses over to him.
WALLIS
What is it?
Tom stares into the distance.
TOM
He wants to talk to you.
WALLIS
Oh? Why?
Tom shrugs and stiffly hands it Wallis.
WALLIS
Major G---akkk!
He jerks violently, then freezes.
10. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
More ripples shimmer outwards from the glowing disc, then disperse.
11. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
Wallis relaxes again, his eyes wide like Tom’s. Then, in unison, their eyes widen and, unblinkingly, they turn to face the workers who are oblivious. Tom stiffly approaches them, as if his clothes are suddenly starched. He still doesn’t blink as he moves remorselessly on the distracted workers.
12. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
Krimpton and Green are adjusting other controls.
ODIN
Phase three is now under way.
BRETT
C-Day is coming fast. Nothing must be allowed to stop it.
MAJOR GREEN
What of the Doctor?
ODIN
The potential threat of the Doctor to the operation is still unknown. Calculations are underway. The probability that the Doctor has learned enough to seriously threaten the operation is only forty seven per cent.
MAJOR GREEN
Then he is no danger to us.
ODIN
Negative. While the Doctor is at liberty, the chances of the success of the operation are pushed beyond the safety margins.
KRIMPTON
Then we must adjust safety margins.
ODIN
Or adapt the strategy.
ODIN whirs and clicks. A new phone number spills across a screen.
ODIN
Proceed with new strategy.
13. INT. THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
As before.
POLLY
Till today I was working there. I had all the numbers in case of emergency...
DOCTOR
Wonderful, my dear, wonderful, where is it?
POLLY
Oh, it’s at my flat. We’ll have to go there.
BEN
Then we’d better, this could be important.
The Doctor arches an eyebrow.
DOCTOR
Could?
BEN
All right, it is important.
They rise. Dodo finishes her drink.
BEN
So you live in a flat, Duchess? Not a mansion?
POLLY
Don’t call me Duchess. Night, Kitty!
Kitty waves from the bar.
KITTY
Night, Polly. Night, Doctor!
He beams at her flirty tone.
DOCTOR
Yes, goodnight young lady, goodnight.
They begin to head up the stairs. A black telephone on the bar starts ringing. Kitty picks it up and presses her ear to the receiver in an attempt to hear what is being said.
KITTY
Hello, Inferno? What? Who? Speak up! Oh right, yes, he’s just...
She looks around.
KITTY (VO)
Oh, sorry, they’re just leaving....
14. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
The green disc turns red and circular ripples radiate from it.
KITTY (VO)
...so I’m sorry but... but...
15. INT. THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
Kitty contorts in pain, silently, as A Hard Day’s Night crashes onto the record player. Kitty straightens up stiffly, losing all signs of discomfort.
16. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
The Beatles song is blaring over the speakers of the room, making the sight more surreal that no one is reacting to it.
ODIN
The Doctor is required. Bring him to us.
17. INT. THE INFERNO (NO)
Kitty speaks in an abrupt, unfriendly voice.
KITTY
Yes. Yes, I understand.
She hangs up, and strides around the bar and up the steps. Despite several customers trying to attack her attention, she ignores them.
18. EXT. OUTSIDE THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
The Doctor is patiently writing on a piece of paper for the BOUNCER.
DOCTOR
“The Inferno is the hottest spot in the world, all my love, Jimmy Savile.”
BOUNCER
Thanks a lot, sir, it’ll be brilliant.
The Doctor hands over the paper, sarcastic.
DOCTOR
Groovy. Yes, well...
BOUNCER
Oh, and sorry about your friend.
He indicates Dodo apologetically.
BOUNCER
I didn’t know which Jimmy it was, you see, there’s always...
DOCTOR
I know, it’s a common misapprehension. We must be off now.
DODO
Just a minute, Doctor.
The Doctor turns around, impatiently.
DOCTOR
Oh, what is it now, Dodo?
Dodo is addressing the bouncer.
DODO
Did you see where my friend went? He was wearing this pinstripe suit...
BOUNCER
Oh him. He’s just wandering around the warehouses, in a right mood.
DODO
Thank you.
DOCTOR
Well, can we go NOW?
DODO
You can. Look, I’ll catch you up. He’s still my friend, I really should make sure he’s all right.
BEN
I didn’t hit him that hard.
POLLY
That’s not what she means, Ben! I doubt his ego’s up to much at the moment.
BEN
All the better.
DOCTOR
Are you sure about this, Dodo?
DODO
Yes! Look, I’ve got the address, I’ll be right back. Promise.
DOCTOR
Promise? Yes, well. I’ll be waiting for you.
The Doctor turns and heads off. The others follow.
BEN
See ya, Dodo.
Dodo waves goodbye, nods at the bouncer and heads off down the street in the opposite direction. Kitty steps into the doorway. Her eyes are wide and unblinking. The bouncer notices her and waves the note happily.
BOUNCER
You think business is booming now, Kitty, you just wait!
Kitty strides off after the Doctor.
BOUNCER
No, it’s all right, I got his autograph and everything? Kitty?
The bouncer moves to follow her, then frowns.
BOUNCER
I guess you want me to take over the bar, right?
Grumbling, he reenters the night club and slams the door after him.
19. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
As before. Now two SECURITY guards are standing in the corner, expressions blank.
MAJOR GREEN
The Doctor is now being followed. All workers at Convent Garden warehouse are now processed. A second construction site will now be chosen for the remainder.
ODIN
Status of War Machine construction?
BRETT
Electronic sections now being assembled in order.
ODIN
Welding of casings will begin immediately. Phase three of the operation must be completed as soon as possible.
20. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
Curled up in the space between two large crates is the TRAMP, asleep. A loud roaring makes him snap awake and look around. The roaring changes tone, then grows softer. Confused, he gets up and realizes the lights are now on. He moves through the crates and comes to a chain-link partition. Beyond he can see the workers unpacking boxes. They are silent, and move stiffly. Tom and Wallis are working together on a computer bank of tape spools and flashing light. Two other workers wearing masks are using blow torches, and this is what is causing the roaring noise. Shaking his head, the tramp heads back the way he came. As he heads for the larger entrance door that leads to the exit, a technician steps through it and looks directly at the tramp, stony faced. The two stare at each other, and the tramp swallows.
TRAMP
Hey, sport, look... if you’re the law, then you’ve got nothing on me. I’m clean, just looking for a place to doss... I’ll find somewhere else. Live and let live?
The technician stares blankly at the Tramp, turning to leave as if he is not there. Slightly relieved, the tramp touches his hat.
TRAMP
Evening, all!
He runs out through the door. As the technician enters the main area, the blow torches are switched off, revealing a metal shell with inert lights. Tom and Wallis are attaching a mini-radar dish to the computer by several thick cables. Tom snaps down a switch and the dish begins to jerkily revolve, make a gentle whirring, buzzing noise.
21. EXT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
The tramp runs through the door and bumps straight into RICH, who was about to enter.
TRAMP
Get away from me!
RICH
What? Who are you?!
TRAMP
I’m not doing any harm! Leave me alone!
The tramp pulls free of Rich and makes a break for it, only to bump into Dodo, who had just turned the corner. They both fall over.
22. EXT. STREET (NIGHT)
Polly leads the Doctor and Ben down the street.
POLLY
It’s just around the corner here.
BEN
Do you really think there’s life out there, in space?
DOCTOR
I do indeed, Ben. In fact, you might say I know it.
BEN
How?
DOCTOR
Well, er, do you know there’s life at the bottom of the ocean?
BEN
Course.
DOCTOR
Exactly. It is fact, despite the fact you haven’t been there. And scientists can tell you far more about the surface of other planets than they can at the bottom of the sea.
Ben grins.
BEN
So, you’re saying whoever designed ODIN comes from the bottom of the sea?
The Doctor looks at him, deadpan.
DOCTOR
Quite. Now, I wonder why they chose Odin for its name?
BEN
Have you heard it before then, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Of course I had! What do they teach in schools nowadays? Odin is a name for the chief god in Norse mythology! Odin... yes... The god of wisdom, war, battle, death, magic, victory and a dozen other things beside. A very powerful figure, and the same one is known by different names... Odan, Wodan, Wodin, Wotan, Waidawut, Allfather, all names for the same supreme power.
POLLY
I suppose it makes sense to call a super computer that.
DOCTOR
Yes. And its eye. Odin only has one eye because he gave up another to gain wisdom. He gives certain people a kind of inspiration, and he lives, for want of a better word, in a realm for the dead known as Valhalla.
POLLY
That’s what it’s called, that section of the Tower. The Valhalla section.
DOCTOR
Quite. But Odin is also something of ah, a kind of recruitment god. He takes the spirits of all the dead warriors and turns them into the biggest army ever assembled, which will be unleashed at the end of everything. And in order to get these warriors, he does tend to start wars in the first place. Dangerously fickle. Yes. And Odin also can change his shape at will, meaning you can never know where he is or indeed what Odin is at a given time. So many different interpretations, Anglo Saxons, Germanics, Viking, Roman... Some legends believe that Odin and Jesus Christ are the same person, you know!
BEN
How do you know all this stuff, anyway? Is that what you’re a doctor of? Mythology?
DOCTOR
It never pays to focus entirely on one subject, Ben, as a sailor you should know that, surely?
Polly crosses to a building beside a corner shop and unlocks the door.
POLLY
Here we are. Home sweet home.
BEN
Gloucester Road, eh? Classy.
DOCTOR
And very self-contained. Delightful.
They enter, switching on the light as they do so. The door closes. A moment later, Kitty steps out of the shadows, staring blankly at the door.
- to be continued...
The Post Office Tower glows in the night.
2. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
MAJOR GREEN, PROFESSOR BRETT and KRIMPTON stand before ODIN. They all wear gloves and stand blankly ahead.
ODIN
All unknown elements are threats. Recognize: Doctor... No name given. Analyze all data.
The computer falls silent as lights start flashing madly and tape reels spin. The green disc swings back and forth.
ODIN
Negative information. The Doctor is visiting London, a computer specialist with a secretary called Dodo Chaplet. Recall data. Recognize: Dodo Chaplet. Information on Dorothea Chaplet – declared missing person two months three days previous. Threat status negative.
MAJOR GREEN
And the Doctor?
ODIN
No information. Reanalyzing. No information.
The screen lights up, showing various different shots of the Doctor’s face at the press conference. ODIN’s voice is distorting as it screams with fury.
VOICES (DIST)
What was your name again? I am the Doctor. Doctor who? And may I ask who you are, sir? Doctor. Doctor who? “Whom.” I am the Doctor. Just Doctor. Doc. Doctor. Doctor. Doctor.
ODIN
Who is the Doctor? Who is he? Who is he? Who is the Doctor? WHO IS HE? WHO IS THE DOCTOR? DOCTOR WHO? DOCTOR WHO?! DOC... TOR... WHO?!!???
---
Words type themselves out, one by one, building up into:
-C-DAY-
-BY
-EWEN
-CAMPION-CLARKE
-BY
-EWEN
-CAMPION-CLARKE
Then...
-2-
---
3. INT. THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
THE DOCTOR, DODO, BEN and POLLY are sitting at a table as Satisfacton plays on the record player. KITTY is cleaning glasses in the background.
BEN
Come off it, Doctor, you’re not telling us that little green men designed the computer!
DOCTOR
It is a possibility nonetheless. Signals from Earth – radio, television, that sort of thing – are being sent out into space all the time. Sooner or later they will reach other planets and, no doubt, any civilizations living there. If you accept the chance that there is life on other planets...
DODO
Which, just to save time, there are.
DOCTOR
Er, yes, yes, quite, Dodo. If humanity is sending signals out into space, surely other races are as well. Cape Kennedy, and the like, all designed to keep an ear out for just those sort of messages from other beings.
POLLY
So these aliens are sending instructions how build computers off into space?
DOCTOR
I think so, yes. Of course, it might not be intentional. In which case, ODIN has been constructed for precisely the wrong reasons and must be stopped. Or perhaps, these aliens wished us to build ODIN, but why? To communicate with them, perhaps?
POLLY
Maybe they want to invade Earth?
BEN
Come on, Duchess...
POLLY
That’s what aliens do!
The Doctor looks up sharply at this.
DOCTOR
I beg your pardon! Good grief, you people really are paranoid about the unknown, aren’t you? All your science fiction and, and, and theories – you always assume that unknown intelligences are hostile! Why should they be? Hmmm? You can’t accept creatures from Venus coming to Earth out of simple curiosity, can you? No, they must always be trying to subject you to some terrible fate, to invade you!
Dodo folds her arms.
DODO
Doctor. What about the Monoids? And those machine things you and Steven always go on about, the Drahvins or whoever...
DOCTOR
Daleks! Not Drahvin... of course, the Drahvin weren’t particularly friendly, either. All right, all right, my dear. Just making a point. I simply dislike stereotypes. Now, it is possible that ODIN is some kind of invasion tool – but it’s just as possible that its purpose is entirely peaceful, or indeed, no purpose at all.
POLLY
So what’s the problem?
DOCTOR
Because whatever purpose ODIN was designed for, I do not expect its creators wanted it linked up to every other computer in the world. Besides... humanity must develop at its own progress. Hop-schotching ahead like this can only cause trouble. Would you give machine guns to cavemen, hmmm? Or, or nuclear weapons to Napoleon?
BEN
So we’ve got to find out what the computer is before C-Day.
DOCTOR
Yes. We need to know more about it.
DODO
That Professor probably knows a bit about it.
BEN
Professor?
DOCTOR
Professor Brett, the one that purports to have built the computer. I’m afraid I doubt he’ll want to see me, let alone reveal his secrets. Besides, he’s probably gone home now and I don’t even have his number.
POLLY
Well, I do. If he’s at the Tower.
DOCTOR
What? What was that?
POLLY
I’ve got his number.
4. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
The computers are whirring and clicking and buzzing. Rapidly, silence falls.
ODIN
The Doctor is an unknown element outside all previously established variables. Therefore the stratagem will be re-computed. London will be placed under computer control before C-Day takes place. With the capital taken over, the Doctor shall be located and dealt with, and the next phase of the operation will be prepared.
BRETT
Time is short.
ODIN
The War Machine Project in central London is suitable. It shall be adapted for phase three. The Doctor’s threat to the project will be minimal if phase three is completed within forty eight hours. Commence phase three.
Major Green crosses to a computer bank and adjusts several controls. Simultaneously, Krimpton swaps two plugs and snaps down a switch.
KRIMPTON
Direct interface with telephone directory now complete.
ODIN
Confirmed. Phase three now commenced.
A phone number races across a screen. A light flashes.
5. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
It is barely lit by a few working light bulbs and several portable lamps. The interior is rough and dirty – the walls are lined with old junk. Chains on runners hang from the ceiling, swinging too and fro. Two men in white coats – TOM and WALLIS – are looking through some sheets of paper. Behind them are several BLUE COLLAR WORKERS, unpacking crates. One of them is heaving on an oiled chain and a section of the flooring lifts free. Tom and Wallis turn and watch as the segment rises towards the roof. Beneath it is a deep pit.
WALLIS
What’s down there, then?
TOM
Part of the old production line, I suppose. Does it matter?
WALLIS
It might. This is supposed to be a secure installation.
TOM
You think anyone’s going to break in?
WALLIS
I suppose not. I just wish we’d had more time to clear this place out.
Wallis addresses the workers.
WALLIS
All right, come on. We’ve pulled these things apart and put them back together so often you should be able to do it in your sleep. Start constructing the outer sections but leave the primary cubicles empty for us to install later. Concentrate on the internal generators, I don’t want any more foul ups.
A few good-natured grumbles.
TOM
Finish it on time and you can spend tomorrow night next door at the Inferno!
A ragged cheer. They go back to work.
WALLIS
You think we can do it in time?
TOM
The machines are designed to be easily to assemble. And the computer modifications are straight forward. You’ve got a copy of the blue prints?
WALLIS
Yes.
Wallis hands him the clipboard with the sheets on them.
TOM
Good. Just seems to be clearing the information store and attaching an aerial.
WALLIS
Major Green thinks it will work.
Tom grins.
TOM
Oh good, then we can blame him when it doesn’t work.
A brand new phone on the wall starts to ring.
WALLIS
Speak of the Devil.
Tom puts down the clipboard and crosses to it. He chuckles as he lifts the receiver.
TOM
Hello? ... Hello?
6. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
Tom’s voice is heard over the speaker. The green disc turns red.
TOM (VO)
Major Green? Are you there?
The disc glows brighter, pulsating.
7. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
As before.
TOM
Hello?
He looks at Wallace, shrugs, and reaches to tap the cradle.
8. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
Circular waves, like ripples on a pond, emerge outwards from the glowing disc. The waves move faster and faster and faster.
9. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
Tom freezes in mid motion. A look of total confusion crosses his face, then agony. He seems about to scream and then rapidly relaxes, his face expressionless. He lowers the phone but does not hang up, a distant expression on his face. Wallis frowns, noticing this, and crosses over to him.
WALLIS
What is it?
Tom stares into the distance.
TOM
He wants to talk to you.
WALLIS
Oh? Why?
Tom shrugs and stiffly hands it Wallis.
WALLIS
Major G---akkk!
He jerks violently, then freezes.
10. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
More ripples shimmer outwards from the glowing disc, then disperse.
11. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
Wallis relaxes again, his eyes wide like Tom’s. Then, in unison, their eyes widen and, unblinkingly, they turn to face the workers who are oblivious. Tom stiffly approaches them, as if his clothes are suddenly starched. He still doesn’t blink as he moves remorselessly on the distracted workers.
12. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
Krimpton and Green are adjusting other controls.
ODIN
Phase three is now under way.
BRETT
C-Day is coming fast. Nothing must be allowed to stop it.
MAJOR GREEN
What of the Doctor?
ODIN
The potential threat of the Doctor to the operation is still unknown. Calculations are underway. The probability that the Doctor has learned enough to seriously threaten the operation is only forty seven per cent.
MAJOR GREEN
Then he is no danger to us.
ODIN
Negative. While the Doctor is at liberty, the chances of the success of the operation are pushed beyond the safety margins.
KRIMPTON
Then we must adjust safety margins.
ODIN
Or adapt the strategy.
ODIN whirs and clicks. A new phone number spills across a screen.
ODIN
Proceed with new strategy.
13. INT. THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
As before.
POLLY
Till today I was working there. I had all the numbers in case of emergency...
DOCTOR
Wonderful, my dear, wonderful, where is it?
POLLY
Oh, it’s at my flat. We’ll have to go there.
BEN
Then we’d better, this could be important.
The Doctor arches an eyebrow.
DOCTOR
Could?
BEN
All right, it is important.
They rise. Dodo finishes her drink.
BEN
So you live in a flat, Duchess? Not a mansion?
POLLY
Don’t call me Duchess. Night, Kitty!
Kitty waves from the bar.
KITTY
Night, Polly. Night, Doctor!
He beams at her flirty tone.
DOCTOR
Yes, goodnight young lady, goodnight.
They begin to head up the stairs. A black telephone on the bar starts ringing. Kitty picks it up and presses her ear to the receiver in an attempt to hear what is being said.
KITTY
Hello, Inferno? What? Who? Speak up! Oh right, yes, he’s just...
She looks around.
KITTY (VO)
Oh, sorry, they’re just leaving....
14. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
The green disc turns red and circular ripples radiate from it.
KITTY (VO)
...so I’m sorry but... but...
15. INT. THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
Kitty contorts in pain, silently, as A Hard Day’s Night crashes onto the record player. Kitty straightens up stiffly, losing all signs of discomfort.
16. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
The Beatles song is blaring over the speakers of the room, making the sight more surreal that no one is reacting to it.
ODIN
The Doctor is required. Bring him to us.
17. INT. THE INFERNO (NO)
Kitty speaks in an abrupt, unfriendly voice.
KITTY
Yes. Yes, I understand.
She hangs up, and strides around the bar and up the steps. Despite several customers trying to attack her attention, she ignores them.
18. EXT. OUTSIDE THE INFERNO (NIGHT)
The Doctor is patiently writing on a piece of paper for the BOUNCER.
DOCTOR
“The Inferno is the hottest spot in the world, all my love, Jimmy Savile.”
BOUNCER
Thanks a lot, sir, it’ll be brilliant.
The Doctor hands over the paper, sarcastic.
DOCTOR
Groovy. Yes, well...
BOUNCER
Oh, and sorry about your friend.
He indicates Dodo apologetically.
BOUNCER
I didn’t know which Jimmy it was, you see, there’s always...
DOCTOR
I know, it’s a common misapprehension. We must be off now.
DODO
Just a minute, Doctor.
The Doctor turns around, impatiently.
DOCTOR
Oh, what is it now, Dodo?
Dodo is addressing the bouncer.
DODO
Did you see where my friend went? He was wearing this pinstripe suit...
BOUNCER
Oh him. He’s just wandering around the warehouses, in a right mood.
DODO
Thank you.
DOCTOR
Well, can we go NOW?
DODO
You can. Look, I’ll catch you up. He’s still my friend, I really should make sure he’s all right.
BEN
I didn’t hit him that hard.
POLLY
That’s not what she means, Ben! I doubt his ego’s up to much at the moment.
BEN
All the better.
DOCTOR
Are you sure about this, Dodo?
DODO
Yes! Look, I’ve got the address, I’ll be right back. Promise.
DOCTOR
Promise? Yes, well. I’ll be waiting for you.
The Doctor turns and heads off. The others follow.
BEN
See ya, Dodo.
Dodo waves goodbye, nods at the bouncer and heads off down the street in the opposite direction. Kitty steps into the doorway. Her eyes are wide and unblinking. The bouncer notices her and waves the note happily.
BOUNCER
You think business is booming now, Kitty, you just wait!
Kitty strides off after the Doctor.
BOUNCER
No, it’s all right, I got his autograph and everything? Kitty?
The bouncer moves to follow her, then frowns.
BOUNCER
I guess you want me to take over the bar, right?
Grumbling, he reenters the night club and slams the door after him.
19. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)
As before. Now two SECURITY guards are standing in the corner, expressions blank.
MAJOR GREEN
The Doctor is now being followed. All workers at Convent Garden warehouse are now processed. A second construction site will now be chosen for the remainder.
ODIN
Status of War Machine construction?
BRETT
Electronic sections now being assembled in order.
ODIN
Welding of casings will begin immediately. Phase three of the operation must be completed as soon as possible.
20. INT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
Curled up in the space between two large crates is the TRAMP, asleep. A loud roaring makes him snap awake and look around. The roaring changes tone, then grows softer. Confused, he gets up and realizes the lights are now on. He moves through the crates and comes to a chain-link partition. Beyond he can see the workers unpacking boxes. They are silent, and move stiffly. Tom and Wallis are working together on a computer bank of tape spools and flashing light. Two other workers wearing masks are using blow torches, and this is what is causing the roaring noise. Shaking his head, the tramp heads back the way he came. As he heads for the larger entrance door that leads to the exit, a technician steps through it and looks directly at the tramp, stony faced. The two stare at each other, and the tramp swallows.
TRAMP
Hey, sport, look... if you’re the law, then you’ve got nothing on me. I’m clean, just looking for a place to doss... I’ll find somewhere else. Live and let live?
The technician stares blankly at the Tramp, turning to leave as if he is not there. Slightly relieved, the tramp touches his hat.
TRAMP
Evening, all!
He runs out through the door. As the technician enters the main area, the blow torches are switched off, revealing a metal shell with inert lights. Tom and Wallis are attaching a mini-radar dish to the computer by several thick cables. Tom snaps down a switch and the dish begins to jerkily revolve, make a gentle whirring, buzzing noise.
21. EXT. WAREHOUSE (NIGHT)
The tramp runs through the door and bumps straight into RICH, who was about to enter.
TRAMP
Get away from me!
RICH
What? Who are you?!
TRAMP
I’m not doing any harm! Leave me alone!
The tramp pulls free of Rich and makes a break for it, only to bump into Dodo, who had just turned the corner. They both fall over.
22. EXT. STREET (NIGHT)
Polly leads the Doctor and Ben down the street.
POLLY
It’s just around the corner here.
BEN
Do you really think there’s life out there, in space?
DOCTOR
I do indeed, Ben. In fact, you might say I know it.
BEN
How?
DOCTOR
Well, er, do you know there’s life at the bottom of the ocean?
BEN
Course.
DOCTOR
Exactly. It is fact, despite the fact you haven’t been there. And scientists can tell you far more about the surface of other planets than they can at the bottom of the sea.
Ben grins.
BEN
So, you’re saying whoever designed ODIN comes from the bottom of the sea?
The Doctor looks at him, deadpan.
DOCTOR
Quite. Now, I wonder why they chose Odin for its name?
BEN
Have you heard it before then, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Of course I had! What do they teach in schools nowadays? Odin is a name for the chief god in Norse mythology! Odin... yes... The god of wisdom, war, battle, death, magic, victory and a dozen other things beside. A very powerful figure, and the same one is known by different names... Odan, Wodan, Wodin, Wotan, Waidawut, Allfather, all names for the same supreme power.
POLLY
I suppose it makes sense to call a super computer that.
DOCTOR
Yes. And its eye. Odin only has one eye because he gave up another to gain wisdom. He gives certain people a kind of inspiration, and he lives, for want of a better word, in a realm for the dead known as Valhalla.
POLLY
That’s what it’s called, that section of the Tower. The Valhalla section.
DOCTOR
Quite. But Odin is also something of ah, a kind of recruitment god. He takes the spirits of all the dead warriors and turns them into the biggest army ever assembled, which will be unleashed at the end of everything. And in order to get these warriors, he does tend to start wars in the first place. Dangerously fickle. Yes. And Odin also can change his shape at will, meaning you can never know where he is or indeed what Odin is at a given time. So many different interpretations, Anglo Saxons, Germanics, Viking, Roman... Some legends believe that Odin and Jesus Christ are the same person, you know!
BEN
How do you know all this stuff, anyway? Is that what you’re a doctor of? Mythology?
DOCTOR
It never pays to focus entirely on one subject, Ben, as a sailor you should know that, surely?
Polly crosses to a building beside a corner shop and unlocks the door.
POLLY
Here we are. Home sweet home.
BEN
Gloucester Road, eh? Classy.
DOCTOR
And very self-contained. Delightful.
They enter, switching on the light as they do so. The door closes. A moment later, Kitty steps out of the shadows, staring blankly at the door.
- to be continued...
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