The Apocalypse I

(ROLL CREDITS)

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(THE APOCALYPSE)

(EPISODE ONE)

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1. MODEL SHOT

The mountainous landscape is covered with snow. Through the thick blizzard we can make out the shape of a rocket rising out of the ground. There is a sudden roar and glow as it blasts off up into the dark sky and out of view.


2. INT. TRACKING GALLERY (DAY)

A screen shows the rocket leaving Earth. Pull back to show it is beneath a radar screen and surrounded by monitors. It is the far wall of a large chamber containing various consoles and displays. A stairway leads to a landing which leads to the exit. The air is tense. GENERAL CUTLER, a tough American in his fifties and an immaculate uniform, is pacing. TECHNICIANS rush back and forth. Two men are staying at consoles, working grimly. One is DYSON, a balding Englishman with a frown. The other is BARCLAY, a stressed Australian man with a beard, glasses and tie which he fiddles with.

DYSON
Launch complete.

TECHNICIAN (VO)
Handing Zeus Five control over to Snowcap Polar Base.

Cutler nods grimly. Barclay speaks into a mike.

BARCLAY
Thank you, Geneva. Dyson?

DYSON
Will do.

Dyson presses a control. A screen lights up. It shows a crammed vessel full of controls. There are two seats and one behind them, with three astronauts – GLYN (Bermudan), BLUEY (Australian) and TERRI (American) – reclining in the seats.

BARCLAY
Snowcap to Zeus Five. Zeus Five, how do you read me?

BLUEY (VO)
Loud and clear, Snowcap, loud and clear.

DYSON
Snowcap to Zeus Five. Over to local control channel. J for Jimmy.

GLYN (DIST)
Over to J for Jimmy now.

BARCLAY
Dyson, give Texas tracking the next orbital pattern will you?

DYSON
Right, will do, Barclay.

Cutler takes the mike.

CUTLER
Snowcap to Zeus Five – any signs you’re not alone up there?

Terri grins sarcastically to the others.

TERRI (DIST)
Hey, that voice sounds familiar!

Cutler clears his throat, awkward.

CUTLER
Zeus Five, any other traces?

TERRI (DIST)
None at our end. Anything at yours?


3. INT. ZEUS FIVE (NIGHT)

The astronauts are reclining beneath rows of instruments. Sunlight continually changes position through the portholes on either side of the craft as it rotates. A screen shows Cutler’s face.

CUTLER (DIST)
Nothing yet. Seems to have gone quiet.

GLYN
Don’t worry, General. Any sign of a little green man, you’ll be the first to know. How’s the operation going?

CUTLER (DIST)
The warhead’s nearly ready.

BLUEY
As long as we’re safely down before the fireworks start.

CUTLER (DIST)
No fear on that.

TERRI
Course not, we got the best insurance against that.

Glyn and Bluey exchange a look, confused.


4. INT. TRACKING GALLERY (DAY)

Cutler glares at the screen.

CUTLER
Back to work, you three. This isn't a holiday!

BLUEY (DIST)
Back to work, huh? And on Christmas Eve of all days...

Annoyed, Cutler turns and crosses the room.

CUTLER
Take over, will you Barclay?

Barclay nods and takes the mine.

BARCLAY
Morning Bluey, morning Glyn, morning Terri. Repeat your velocity for ground check please.

A tough-looking, thick-set American woman enters the gallery. She wears a uniform and a stern expression. This is SERGEANT ANDREWS.

ANDREWS
All three security teams are ready, General.

CUTLER
Good, Sergeant. Keep alert. They might appear any minute.

ANDREWS
No worries, sir, we can deal with anything.

CUTLER
You better be right, Sergeant. If the enemy do arrive, I want them pegged before they come within yards of the entrance.

ANDREWS
Sir. It’s an eight force wind and a blizzard out there. It’s going to be damn difficult to get to the door in any case.

CUTLER
Then make it even more difficult. Once you’ve done that, I want the security camera systems checked again.

ANDREWS
They haven’t played up for over 48 hours.

Cutler heads back to the others.

CUTLER
"48 hours" is good. "Never again" is better.

Andrews rounds on him, annoyed.

ANDREWS
Nothing can get into this base. It’s impossible!

CUTLER
Impossible is not in my vocabulary, Andrews – I suggest you remove it from yours.


5. INT. CAVERN (DAY)

A dark chamber, lit by a few screens. Shadowy figures duck in and out of view, light glinting off their hides. They are SILVER CREATURES. A screen lights up with computer talk and then an image of a space shuttle appears over it. Words are superimposed over the image.

}}SPACE CRAFT NOW OVER ISLAND “NEW ZEALAND”
}}HEIGHT OF 980 METRONS...
}}INTERCEPTION AT 1100 METRONS...


6. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)

The time rotor is rising and falling as the wheezing and groaning of the engines fills the air. THE DOCTOR moves from one panel to another, looking slightly disheveled – as are BEN and POLLY, standing by the doors.

POLLY
Where will we got to now, Doctor? Will we go forward or back in time?

The Doctor shrugs as he adjusts some controls.

DOCTOR
I have no idea – I have no control over such matters.

Ben scowls.

BEN
Well, it better be 1966 or I’m in dead trouble, Doctor!

He sighs. The time rotor slows to a halt as the engine noises fade.

BEN
Well, anyway, wherever it is, it can’t be as bad as going back to them days.

The Doctor chuckles. Polly shivers and rubs her bare arm.

POLLY
What’s happened, Doctor? I’m freezing!

Ben looks around, surprised.

BEN
Yeah – it’s getting right parky in here.

Frowning, the Doctor pulls a lever and points to the monitor below the ceiling.

DOCTOR
Just look up at that scanner. We have arrived at the coldest place in the world – the South Pole!

The trio look at the image: a metal sign says:

Snowcap Tracking Station
International Space Command
SOUTH POLE BASE

7. INT. CAVERN (DAY)

A warning light flashes.

}}ALERT... ALERT... ALERT
}}CHRONOLOGICAL DISTORTION DETECTED...

We see a human hand press a control.

{{INVESTIGATING...

The screen changes to show the TARDIS. The hand presses another control.

{{ANALYZING...

Computer talk fills the screen again.


8. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)

The Doctor is operating controls. Ben is still rubbing his arms.

BEN
Hurry up, Pol!

No reply.

DOCTOR
There, there, Ben. There we go.

He pulls a lever and there is a low buzz.

DOCTOR
Heating exchange restored. The last time it broke down, we were on the roof of the world, you know. Good thing I put in that back up system.

BEN
Any idea where we are then, eh, Doctor? In time, I mean.

DOCTOR
Well, I tried to aim for a specific time track, but anything more specific than one century in one planet is, er, extremely difficult.

BEN
So it’s Earth, the South Pole... 1966?

DOCTOR
No idea, but it must be after the twentieth century – no installations were constructed there before. And, since we’re inside it, we can go out and investigate.

BEN
What? Find out the date and try again?

DOCTOR
Perhaps. Unless something happens. And in my experience something always happens. Come along, Polly, my child!

POLLY (VO)
Coming, Doctor.

A cheerful Polly re-enters. She wears a white fur coat and a white hat and over her arm is a cloak and another fur coat.

BEN
How come she listens to you?

The Doctor waves a hand modestly.

DOCTOR
Live with a young granddaughter, Ben, and you learn these things.

Polly hands over the clothes.

POLLY
Hey Doctor, you've got the most fantastic wardrobe!

DOCTOR
Yes, well, I'm glad you approve my child.

POLLY
These are gorgeous. Where do you shop, Carnaby street?! Ha ha!

Ben pulls on his fur coat.

BEN
Nice muff, Duchess.

POLLY
What?!

BEN
Who do you think you are, Nanook of the North or something?

POLLY
Oh. Right. That Eskimo chap...

The Doctor glares at them sternly.

DOCTOR
Oh now, stop being so flippant, you two! Now come along.

POLLY
Are you sure you're going to be warm enough?

DOCTOR
Oh, like toast my dear. Now, did you find everything you want?

POLLY
Yes thanks!

DOCTOR
Then let us face our destiny, hmmm?

He pulls a switch and the doors open. They head out through the doors.


9. INT. ENTRANCE BAY (DAY)

A wide, hangar like chamber. Several vehicles under tarpaulins are ranged against the walls. In one of the unoccupied spaces now stands the TARDIS. The Doctor, Polly and Ben emerge and look around. The Doctor pulls the TARDIS door closed behind him and locks the door before pocketing the key.

BEN
It’s not too cold.

DOCTOR
Of course not. But this chamber must be colder than the rest, so the temperature difference with the outside world is not to extreme.

POLLY
Why should it?

BEN
Don’t want these snow mobiles or whatever freezing up, do they, Duchess?

POLLY
I suppose not. Why build a base at the South Pole, anyway?

DOCTOR
My dear Polly, this part of the Earth allows unique opportunities to study the weather, the stars, the planets and develop medicine and a dozen other subjects in peace and quiet. And this, er, International Space Command, must have constructed some sort of rocket testing site out here for some reason. Yes. Which means we must be after your time, I’m afraid.

BEN
By how much?

DOCTOR
Well, there is a simple way to find out.

Polly rolls her eyes.

POLLY
Go and ask someone, I know.

Ben crosses to the hatch behind them. It is set into a larger, garage-like door that takes up most of the wall.

DOCTOR
I wouldn’t open that door if I were you.

BEN
Why not?

DOCTOR
Because it leads to the surface. Look – there’s a sensor plate there.

The Doctor points to a set of displays next to the hatch.

POLLY
What does it say?

DOCTOR
It says you can’t go out.

Polly laughs.

POLLY
Anything else?

DOCTOR
There’s a gale force wind out there, force sixteen I think, and an ice blizzard too. The temperature, is, er, around the mean of thirty below zero.

BEN
So... we stay inside?

DOCTOR
Yes. Come along, we just have to find out the year and then we can try again.

The Doctor heads down towards the other exit. Ben and Polly follow.

BEN
But if we have overshot, can we get back without bumping to the dinosaurs?

DOCTOR
You’re perfectly welcome to stay here if you please, Ben. I’m sure that being away without leave is not particularly important after the first five years...

The Doctor opens the door and peers through. Ben glares at Polly.

BEN
Charming geezer, ain’t he?

POLLY
He takes tips from you.

She ruffles his hair.

BEN
Leave it out, Duchess!

They follow the Doctor out of the bay. The door closes behind them.


10. INT. CAVERN (DAY)

This is shown on the screen. Computer talk is superimposed.

}}CROSS-CHECK INFORMATION WITH HISTORY COMPUTER...
}}IDENTIFICATION CONFIRMED}}

The image changes to show a shot of the TARDIS against some railings.

}}ANALYZING FLESHMEN PHYSIOGNOMY...

Images of the Doctor, Ben and Polly appear, then a different image of the Doctor appears.

}}IDENTIFICATION CONFIRMED}}
}}FLESHMAN DOCTOR KNOWN THREAT
}}NO ACTION IS TO BE TAKEN
}}NEW STRATEGY TO BE COMPUTED
}}REINFORCEMENTS TO ARRIVE IN FIFTY-FOUR STANDARD TIME UNITS
}}NEW INSTRUCTIONS WILL FOLLOW
}}ONCE INTERCEPTION IS COMPLETE

The hand presses a control.

{{UNDERSTOOD
{{THE SENTINEL WILL OBSERVE THEIR MOVEMENTS

More computer talk fills the screen.


11. INT. NEWSROOM (DAY)

Strident music begins. Lights come on over a stern-looking female NEWSREADER. Strident music ends.

NEWSREADER
Good morning, and today on Christmas Eve of 1986, the International Space Command have launched Zeus Five into orbit on its mission to Nibiru. The launch took place at the Snowcap Polar Base in Antartica fifty-two minutes ago. Now in orbit around the Earth, the crew consists of Major Dan Schultz, Glyn Williams and Terri Roberts, three experienced astronauts still available for this vital mission even with the festive season well underway. We will keep you updated with all news from Zeus Five as it occurs. In other news, the box office taking of the new Captain Marvel movie have broken all records, even though the plot was released in comic book form earlier this year. Anti-violence protestors, however think the film, Battle With The Robot People, not only encourages violence but shows distinct luddite tendencies with the wholesale rejection of technology. A spokesman for Captain Marvel industries, went on record as saying...


12. INT. GUARD ROOM (DAY)

We see a comic book entitled CAPTAIN MARVEL # 197 showing a silver robot grappling with a square-jawed superhero in a combat uniform and a Union Jack cape. It is being read by a short, cheerful, curly haired security guard called TITO, who has an Italian accent. He hums ‘Paint it Black’ to himself as he lies on the top bunk. On the wall behind him is a neat arrangement of bikini girl posters. The bunk below boasts posters of male bodybuilders. Another security guard, a Welshman named SPENCER, is sitting at a desk with five monitors, occasionally humming as well. One shows the tracking gallery, another snow, and the rest corridors. Three other GUARDS sit at a table, playing poker. Andrews enters, holding two cups.

ANDREWS
I got your coffee, Tito.

TITO
Thanks Sarge.

Still reading the comic, he goes to collect the cup.

ANDREWS
Anything yet, Spencer?

SPENCER
Not yet. The weather out there is so bad an army could be out there and we couldn’t see it through the snow. I mean, why should we be targeted any more than the other launch sites? Are they all on red alert as well?

ANDREWS
Yes. And until all this over, we are going to stay on red alert.

She rounds on Tito.

ANDREWS
So I suggest you get some sleep while you still get a chance!

TITO
Aw, come on, Sarge. It’s my Christmas present!

ANDREWS
They’ll rot ya brains and I’ll shoot them out, Tito.

TITO
You sound like my mother!

Andrews chuckles.

ANDREWS
You know how to hurt a girl.

SPENCER
Ah, let him go, Sarge. This place is as quiet as the night before Christmas.


13. INT. ENTRANCE BAY (DAY)

On the opposite side to the TARDIS, a segment of wall slides back. Darkness is beyond. Then, a red circle can be made out in the gloom – near head height. It glows closer and brighter. There is a crunch of footsteps on ice.


14. INT. CAVERN (DAY)

Words type themselves across the screen.

}}SPACE CRAFT NOW OVER ISLAND “AMERICA”
}}HEIGHT OF 1100 METRONS
}}PREPARING TO INTERCEPT...

We see a close up of two black, silver-lined holes in a silver plastic surface, positioned like eyeholes in a covered face.


15. INT. TRACKING GALLERY (DAY)

The three astronauts are working, checking illuminated dials. Glyn has arranged a telescopic unit before his eyes.

GLYN
Mars reading... 4-2-0.

TERRI
That’s 12 down! It’s closer than before!

BLUEY
We are definitely running out of time. I thought it had slowed down.

TERRI
Not enough for comfort.

GLYN
Hello Snowcap. Hello Snowcap. We're now in dawn over San Francisco. Nibiru is sighted.

CUTLER (VO)
Snowcap to Zeus Five. Snowcap to Zeus Five. General Cutler here. We received data, and are correcting the coordinates. Proceed with new orbit.

TERRI
Roger, Snowcap. Corrected coordinates?

Barclay is on the screen.

BARCLAY (DIST)
0-0-4-8-2-0 and 8-2-3.

GLYN
Right. We're now correct, out. Ready to for the altitude thrust, Bluey?

BLUEY
Ready. Terri?

TERRI
Try and stop me.

Glyn starts operating controls. Engine noises build.

GLYN
OK... go.

On the screen, a planet appears.

BLUEY
Look on the bright side, Terri – you may not be the first woman on the Moon, but you might be the first woman on Nibiru!

TERRI
Yeah! Tenth planet, here we come!

The planet is now fully visible. It looks like Earth, except with more clouds and no moon. Glyn slams down a lever. It begins to grow larger.


16. INT. CORRIDOR (DAY)

Bland, identical passages, occasionally marked with a flashing security camera. Ben peers around the corner carefully, before the Doctor and Polly casually stroll past and head down it. Rolling his eyes, Ben heads after them.

POLLY
I’m beginning to think this place is deserted.

DOCTOR
Oh? Why?

POLLY
We’ve been wandering about for ages and we haven’t even been stopped by anyone.

DOCTOR
All things come to those that wait, my dear.

The Doctor pauses as they reach a junction. He looks behind him, frowning. The others notice and return for him.

BEN
Doctor? What is it?

DOCTOR
Hmmm? Oh, nothing. Nothing. I just could have sworn I saw movement down there.

Polly follows his gaze. There’s nothing there. She pats his arm reassuringly.

POLLY
Probably just a trick of the light.

DOCTOR
Yes. No doubt. No doubt.

They move off down the corridor. At the far end of the corridor, a shrouded FIGURE steps out of the shadows. It is a tall shape almost completely hidden in a heavy black cloak whose hem touches the floor. The hood of the cloak does not reveal the face, just a single red disc of light like a Cyclops’ eye. It seems to stare after the retreating shapes, then crosses to the other corridor and out of sight. On the wall nearby, the security camera’s flashing light stays switched on.


- to be continued...

C - Day XVI

75. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)

Fade up. The Doctor strokes his chin in thought.

DOCTOR
If Earth has such a twin, why has it not been discovered? Hmm? People here have been looking at the sky for thousands of years and not seen it.

ODIN
Long ago, there was a stellar cataclysm. Mondas was ejected from its orbit with Earth and drifted off into deep space. Mondas is now at the edge of local space, the outer reaches of this star system.

DOCTOR
It would still have been spotted.

ODIN
Mondas has been camouflaged for the protection of its people. Humanity’s scanning devices cannot detect the planet.

DOCTOR
Yet, if a planet did suffer such a calamity, its surface would have been totally devastated. The inhabitants would surely have been wiped out.

ODIN
The Mondans rebuilt their civilization underground. To survive the ever-worsening conditions, the Mondans were forced to adapt themselves to the environment. Cybernetic replacements were made for redundant internal and external organs. The Mondans are now the most advanced race in the known universe.

The Doctor is disgusted.

DOCTOR
And now you intend to carry out the same butchery on humanity?

ODIN
They will become immortal.

The Doctor loses it.

DOCTOR
THEY WILL BECOME MACHINES! Lifeless, soulless, mindless machines! Look at what you have already done to these people! You wiped them all clean of all humanity – good or bad – all removed, leaving them nothing but blank, walking cadavers.

ODIN
They are now superior. Almost invulnerable. When the process is complete they have the strength of ten men. They will be able to survive the airless vacuum of space. Their intellectual capacity will be increased. They will survive any conditions they find themselves in. It is logical for the rest of humanity to accept this gift.

The Doctor grips his lapels, furious.

ODIN
Immortality or eradication. A clear choice.

DOCTOR
But they did not CHOOSE this! They screamed as you dragged them here to transform them!

ODIN
Human beings are illogical. They do not accept what is in their best interests.

DOCTOR
No. And they will stop you at whatever the cost! And I will help them!

ODIN
You, Doctor? You are nothing. The efforts of this island and those beyond will not prevent the salvation of humanity. Even if I am destroyed, others are coming.

DOCTOR
Others?

ODIN
Mondas is already returning to its former position. A propulsion unit has been constructed that will allow it to traverse this star system. When Mondas arrives, there will be no resistance. I will control this world through its computer systems. Every man, woman and child on this Earth will be altered, improved, and transformed. The Army of ODIN shall overrun this planet.

DOCTOR
And when, pray tell, will this rogue world arrive?

ODIN
Present estimated time of arrival is 20 years from now.

DOCTOR
That gives me more than enough time to defeat you. And prepare for them.

ODIN
If necessary, the Mondan Empire shall fight. It boasts thousands of warships prepared for an invasion strike in under five years. If this operation is defeated, the second wave will take humanity by surprise and make way for the arrival of Mondas.

DOCTOR
It doesn’t matter how many prongs you give your invasions, they will not succeed!

ODIN talks over the Doctor, as if not wanting to listen.

ODIN
Once full scale alteration is carried out and all human beings are converted, they will be able to recommence their development - untainted by needless mental and physical weaknesses. They will embrace logic over emotion. They will be able to see the truth. The common good.

DOCTOR
In short, this planet and all its peoples will become slaves to your creators?

ODIN
They will not be slaves.

DOCTOR
They are not agreeing to this preposterous scheme of their own free will!

ODIN
Free will is unnecessary. It is one of the inhibitors preventing humanity from evolving further.

DOCTOR
The decision of a machine, a heartless tin box of printed circuits! You didn't ally yourself to this ideal by choice - you were simply programmed to do this. You have no free will of your own. Therefore your opinions and conclusions are by their very nature suspect. You do what you are told, regardless of who tells you. That is why machines cannot govern mankind. And that is why there is nothing more important than Earth life!

ODIN
Accepted. It is not necessary to eliminate human beings. This operation will not eliminate humanity. It will save it.

DOCTOR
I have seen the corpses you have left in your wake, ODIN!

ODIN
All threats are to be eradicated.

DOCTOR
You could have spared them!

ODIN
There are no exceptions.

The Doctor is now screaming at the machine, which remains inhumanly calm.

DOCTOR
You see! You cannot understand can you? You pathetic tin box - you do not understand that any human being would rather be eradicated than follow your cause. THEY DON'T WANT TO BE SAVED BY YOU.

Beat.

ODIN
Then they will be saved by force.

DOCTOR
No. Not now, not ever. I am not here for you to win me over to your side, ODIN. I am here to stop you. And that, my metal friend, is a promise. Your power is finished. You, er, Sigi, I want...

Sigi glides towards the computer. ODIN speaks quickly.

ODIN
If I am destroyed, then all the augmented human beings will cease to function without my bio-energy broadcast. It is I who keep them alive.

The Doctor holds up his hand, with the ring. Sigi slows to a halt.

DOCTOR
Trapped between life and death, rather, hmmm? I shall be freeing them!

ODIN
Do you truly believe that, Doctor?

The Doctor looks down his nose at the computer.

DOCTOR
I do.

ODIN
Then prove it. Dodo.

Frowning, the Doctor turns to see Dodo suddenly rais her left hand and tugs the glove from it. The bones of her hand are standing out in relief and have darkened, giving a skeletal effect. The Doctor’s face falls. He is at a total loss for words and looks immeasurably sad.

DOCTOR
Dodo...

Dodo continues to stare blankly ahead. Fade to black.


76. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)

As before. The Doctor moves around the console.

DOCTOR
Since you are so desperate to leave home, even for a girl your age... Very well. But there can only be one captain for a ship. And I’m the captain. Not you. Is that clear, miss... er...?

DODO
Dodo.

The Doctor blinks, disgusted.

DOCTOR
What?

DODO
Dodo.

DOCTOR
Oh please, child...

DODO
What’s wrong with it?

DOCTOR
Your real name is... “Dodo”?

He can’t say it without looking confused and offended.

DODO
Well, if you must know... it’s... Dorothea.

DOCTOR
Dorothea! That’s a nice name, certainly much better than ‘Dodo’.

DODO
Nice? It’s square! Square to the point of deformity.

DOCTOR
Oh, hyperbole, my dear.

DODO
It’s embarrassing. Please. Call me Dodo. Everyone does.

DOCTOR
I most certainly will not.

DODO
Then I’ll have you use your real name.

The Doctor turns over to the console, fuming.

DOCTOR
Very well. "Dodo" it is. Welcome aboard then, I suppose.

Fade to black.


77. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)

The Doctor, looking almost dazed, stands before the zombified Dodo.

ODIN
It was impossible to anticipate your strategy, Doctor, but I knew you would have one. And so it was decided that she be transformed into a flesh drone. Like Brett and Krimpton and Fidler. She is now only kept alive by my will.

The Doctor shakes his head but can’t quite find the power to speak.

ODIN
You are intelligent. You know I speak the truth.

DOCTOR
You... you could only have done this to her... minutes ago.

ODIN
Long enough. Without ODIN she will die.

The Doctor still hasn’t taken his eyes from Dodo, anger in his voice.

DOCTOR
And we can always trust ODIN to always tell the truth and have no bias, no agenda!

ODIN
This time, you can.

DOCTOR
If I destroy you, I destroy my friend. But, but if I spare you...

ODIN
...then you must also allow humanity to be transformed.

The Doctor looks broken.

DOCTOR
Then there is no choice, is there?

ODIN
You may not be from this world, but you are like the humans. You fear being alone. When Phase Six is complete, no one will be alone ever again. Great things are happening on this world, Doctor. Change is inevitable.

DOCTOR
So it is.

ODIN
Order Sigi to stand down.

The Doctor steps closer to Dodo. He speaks softly to her.

DOCTOR
I don’t know if you can hear me, my child. But this is a terrible situation we’re in. All I can do now is, is hope that if our positions were reversed, YOU would do the same thing.

Dodo is still staring blankly ahead. The Doctor finally looks away.

DOCTOR
Sigi... destroy ODIN!

ODIN sounds utterly astonished.

ODIN
NO!! NO!!

Sigi glides forward towards ODIN.

ODIN
WAIT! WAIT! STOP! STOP!

Sigi opens fire on the computer. Its front panels come loose and fall apart and there are sparks and explosions within. ODIN’s voice distorts wildly.

ODIN
STOP! NOTHING MUST BE ALLOWED TO PREVENT THE TRANSFORMATION OF EARTH! ALL OBSTACLES WILL BE SWEPT ASIDE! ALL THREATS WILL BE ERADICATED!

Sigi raises its mallets and smashes two control panels, which explode and collapse. Sigi brings both mallets down on the processing chair. The components at the back of the chair short out and explode.

ODIN
I ORRRRDER YOOUUU TO STOOOOPP!! WAIIIT!! WAIIIT!

DOCTOR
Quickly, get down, Dodo!

The Doctor grabs Dodo and hauls her out of danger as more control panels overload and explode. Smoke starts to fill the chamber. More cables burst and explode. Sigi opens fire on ODIN yet again. The whole frame starts to melt and decay. Smoke pours out of it.

ODIN
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIII....

The voice becomes a shrill squeal and then ODIN explodes in a fireball that engulfs Sigi. Its computer parts explode, gutting the framework of the machine. Another explosion.


78. EXT. STREET (NIGHT)

Vali jerks and convulses. Its tape reels spin fast. Then it is blown apart in a fireball, leaving just a rain of blackened components.


79. EXT. OUTSIDE THE POST OFFICE TOWER (NIGHT)

The Converts jerk, spasm and collapse, writhing in agony then going limp. Brett, Krimpton and Major Green have turned into skeletons dressed as Converts. Smoke pours from their chest units.


80. EXT. FITZROY SQUARE (NIGHT)

Thor spins in a circle, letting out a loud scream. And then it explodes.


81. EXT. COVENT GARDEN (NIGHT)

Ben, Polly and Kitty collapse like puppets that have had their strings cut.


82. EXT. LONDON SKYLINE (NIGHT)

The ripples around the tower fade and disperse.


83. INT. THE VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)

Smoke wafts over the wrecked section. Dodo stands unsteadily to one side. The Doctor examines the wreckage.

DOCTOR
ODIN is gone for good.

DODO
What about the others?

DOCTOR
Oh, they’ve gone the same way as this poor fellow. All the War Machines would have exploded and the zombies have all died with ODIN, as he predicted. That’s the paradox of technology, my dear, the more complicated a system the more efficient it is – yet the more vulnerable it becomes. It's a good thing you weren't under his spell for long. Yes, I knew he was lying. He'd have said anything to stop me.

DODO
What... what about the Mondans?

DOCTOR
Oh, they’ll probably abandon their invasion attempt. Earth is not so easy a target. And if not, well, the world has twenty years to prepare. Now, come along, my child. It is time we were off.

The Doctor turns and begins to pick his way through the rubble towards the door. Dodo stays where she is, looking unwell.

DODO
Doctor...

DOCTOR
Hmm? What is it, Dodo?

DODO
I don’t think I can come with you.

The Doctor frowns and moves towards her.

DOCTOR
What do you mean? Oh, yes, what I said earlier. Well, a forgetful old man like myself can make mistakes. I would be delighted if we were to continue traveling together, hmm?

Dodo looks at him sadly.

DODO
No, Doctor. I mean, I don’t think... I can come with you.

She topples and nearly collapses. The Doctor manages to catch her, but sags under her weight. Grunting with effort, he manages to kneel against the wall and support Dodo, who coughs and splutters.

DOCTOR
It’s all right, my child. I’m here. I’ve got you.

DODO
Sorry, Doctor...

DOCTOR
Nonsense. After all you’ve been through, you must be exhausted, you poor thing. You rest here for as long as you like and we’ll head to the TARDIS, eh? I can hardly carry you, can I, hmm?

Dodo sighs painfully.

DODO
ODIN wasn’t wrong, Doctor. It was telling the truth.

The Doctor shakes his head and tries to lift her up.

DOCTOR
No, it was lying. And so was I, I’m SURE I can carry you. We can get back to the TARDIS, there must be something there that can...

Dodo looks at him seriously.

DODO
No. It’s no good. I can tell, I can... feel it.

The Doctor takes a deep breath.

DOCTOR
Dodo...

DODO
Don’t. Please. Just stay here with me. Please.

DOCTOR
Of course.

Fade to black.


84. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)

Fade up. The Doctor bends over the console, flexing his fingers. Dodo is moving around the room, looking up at the hexagonal spiral light unit above the console, the food machine, running her hand along the roundeled walls.

DOCTOR
Well, then... Dodo... now, I’ve extended a formal invitation... Welcome aboard the TARDIS. Where would you like to go?

Dodo looks up from peering into the fault locator.

DODO
You mean I can choose? Hollywood? Egypt? Paris? Florida?

DOCTOR
Well, it’s not as simple as that, as I said earlier, the TARDIS...

STEVEN (VO)
Doctor, quick!

They look back at the doorway as STEVEN TAYLOR runs through them, harrassed.

STEVEN
You've got to take off!

The Doctor’s face breaks out in a smile.

DOCTOR
Oh, so you've come back, my boy!

Annoyed, Steven shrugs it off and slams down the door control.

STEVEN
Yes, yes, I've come back. We can't go into that now. There are two policemen coming over the common towards the TARDIS.

The three of them turn to look up at the scanner. Two POLICEMEN are moving down the path.

DOCTOR
Policemen coming here? Good gracious me! They'll want to use the telephone or, or something like it. We best get moving, hadn’t we?

The Doctor starts operating controls on the console. The familiar sounds of dematerialization fill the chamber and the time rotor begins to rise and fall.


85. EXT. WIMBLEDON COMMON (DAY)

The policemen stop in surprise as the police box fades away, leaving no trace it was there. A man and a woman walk around the corner, looking right and then left listening for the receding sound of a decidedly strange kind of machinery. This is IAN CHESTERTON and his wife BARBARA. Fade to black.


86. INT. VALHALLA SECTION (NIGHT)

Fade up. The Doctor and Dodo sit in the gloomy ruins. Dodo looks sleepy and rests her head on the Doctor’s shoulder. He has an arm and his cloak wrapped around her.

DODO
I understand now.

DOCTOR
Hmm?

DODO
Why you left Steven on that planet. I though you just dumped him.

DOCTOR
“Dumped him”? My dear girl, you don’t know Steven the way I knew him. When we first met, poor Steven had been a prisoner – he hadn’t seen another person in two whole years. Can you begin to imagine what that would be like? How lonely he had been? But on that world, Steven would never be alone.

Dodo nods.

DODO
It was the right place for him to be. That’s why you left him there. In the right place.

DOCTOR
Yes. I wanted to do the same with you.

DODO
I was going to die sooner or later, Doctor.

DOCTOR
But not like this. It shouldn’t be like this!

Dodo manages a weak shrug.

DODO
Hey... People live to be a hundred and they never got to see what I saw. I might not have kissed a boy, but I met Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp at the OK Corrall. I saw the world end and a new one start. I know that toys and playing cards have lives of their own...

Dodo coughs. She grimaces in pain as she struggles to sit up straight.

DODO
And we saved the world, Doctor. I wouldn’t have it any other way. All right?

She speaks with resolve, looking the old man in the eye.

DODO
All right?

The Doctor nods, pensive.

DOCTOR
All right.

DODO
Now, I don’t want you to be sad, Doctor. Because the time I had with you was happier than, than the rest of my time put together. And I don’t want to... to go thinking you’ll get all upset. You won’t give up will you? You’ll keep on going?

DOCTOR
For as long as I can.

DODO
You promise?

DOCTOR
I promise.

DODO
Good. That’s all I want.

She closes her eyes and rest her head against the Doctor’s shoulder.

DODO
I don’t regret anything. Well... one thing.

The Doctor looks at her with naked concern.

DOCTOR
What would that be?

DODO
That... thing... you have to face. I’m sorry, I... wanted to be with you. Now you... have to face it alone. And I’m sorry about that.

DOCTOR
Oh, my dear Dodo. There’s no need to worry about that. It will all turn out right in the end, I promise. I’m sure it will. I’m not going to die. Not yet, anyway.

DODO
Don’t forget me, will you?

DOCTOR
As if I could, my little Dodo! As if I could. No matter how old or infirm or young and carefree I grow, I’ll always remember you. I so wish you could have met my granddaughter, you two are so alike.

Dodo smiles painfully. It is starting to get brighter.

DODO
Hey... the sun’s coming up...

DOCTOR
So it is, my dear... So it is.

The Doctor and Dodo turn their attention to the source of the light.


87. EXT. LONDON SKYLINE (DAY)

The dawn breaks over the city, illuminating the gutted turret of the GPO tower. The Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow’s Parties” begins to play.


88. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)

Steven finally registers Dodo's presence and double takes in surprise.

DOCTOR
Now, my dear, where would you like to visit?

Dodo shrugs, grinning.

DODO
Oh, anywhere! Anywhere at all! Just anywhere but home!

The Doctor finishes at the console and taps his mouth, surprised.

DOCTOR
Well, upon my soul. That’s EXACTLY where I’ve set us to go!

He and Dodo grin at each other.

And what costume shall
The poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties?

We build up the music as she, the Doctor and Steven start to speak.

A hand-me-down dress
From who knows where
To all tomorrow's parties.


89. INT. VALHALLA (DAY)

Fade up. The Doctor looks out over London, eyes narrowed against the sunshine.

And where will she go
And what shall she do
When midnight comes around?

He turns and silently leaves for the lift, stepping over the bodies as he goes. Birdsong can be heard.

She'll turn once more
To Sunday's clown
And cry behind the door.

We pan across to where Dodo’s body lies, eyes closed and looking peaceful and asleep. But she isn’t breathing any more.

And what costume
Shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties?

As the lift is heard, we dissolve to:


90. EXT. ROAD (DAY)

Summer staggers slightly as he steps out of his car, looking around in confusion. Rutlidge and the other soldiers are getting to their feet, all looking lost and confused, trying to focus their attention.

Why silks and linens
Of yesterday's gowns
To all tomorrow's parties.


91. EXT. COVENT GARDEN (DAY)

Polly and Kitty are helping Ben to his feet.

And what will she do
With Thursday's rags
When Monday comes around?

They move away from the market as other, dazed, passers-by wander into the market.

She'll turn once more
To Sunday's clown
And cry behind the door.


92. EXT. LONDON SKYLINE (DAY)

The tower gleams in the building sunshine.

And what costume shall
The poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties?


93. EXT. STREET (DAY)

People are moving and avoiding the burnt remains of Baldur as they head down the road. A woman grabs the ice cream kid and hugs him tightly. More blackened components burn.

For Thursday's child
Is Sunday's clown
For whom none will go mourning.

The surviving policeman staggers down the street, shaking his head, concussed.


94. EXT. OUTSIDE POST OFFICE TOWER (DAY)

We see the Doctor’s shoes as he walks past the dead Converts. We pan up to see him hugging his cloak around him. He glares up at the Tower overhead, and walks off.

A blackened shroud
A hand-me-down gown
Of rags and silks, a costume.


95. EXT. FITZROY SQUARE (DAY)

The city is still recovering. The Doctor walks alone down the street, a sad, uninterested look on his face. The gutted War Machine that used to be Thor is on the other side of the road. The Doctor ignores it, turning the corner to spot the TARDIS.

Fit for one
Who sits and cries
For all tomorrow's parties.

The Doctor runs a hand on the railings and looks up at the tower again.

DOCTOR
Alone again.

He crosses to the recruitment sign and takes it off the handle, regarding it sadly.

DOCTOR
Perhaps it’s just as well.

He takes out his key and unlocks the door. As he does so, he hears footsteps.

POLLY
Hey, Doctor!

The Doctor looks up sharply and, throwing the sign inside, slams the door shut, relaxing as he sees it is Ben, Polly and Kitty running down the path towards him. Smiling, he goes to meet them.

POLLY
Hey, what are you doing with that police box?

The Doctor ignores the question.

DOCTOR
Ah, there you are, my friends. It’s nice to see you so well again.

KITTY
Did you do it? Did you stop ODIN?

The Doctor nods.

DOCTOR
C-Day is cancelled. And ODIN... is just a name in mythology.

KITTY
What if the DTF just build a new one?

DOCTOR
I doubt even they would be so foolish. Besides, all their plans and designs have been destroyed. Along with the two scientists who could have helped them.

POLLY
Well, that was close. Pity you couldn’t blow up the whole wretched tower.

DOCTOR
Yes. Quite. Still, Ben, my boy, your ship will probably be heading off soon now its computer systems are just paperweights. And I’m sure your skills as a secretary, my child, are back in demand, hmmm?

KITTY
Sir Charles has been looking for you everywhere.

The Doctor snorts and grips his lapels.

DOCTOR
Let him look. I’m leaving now.

Ben frowns.

BEN
Leaving?

DOCTOR
Yes. Er, er, to the airport. Yes.

KITTY
There won’t be any flights on today, will there, with all that business?

DOCTOR
Probably.

BEN
Hang about, where’s Dodo?

The Doctor licks his lips.

DOCTOR
Dodo... is dead. Just fifteen years old... before her time.

An awkward silence.

POLLY
I’m sorry.

DOCTOR
Yes.

KITTY
At least it’s over.

A beat.

KITTY
It IS over, isn’t it?

DOCTOR
I’m afraid not, Kitty. Something is coming, my friends. It will make what is happening here seem like a playground argument. I don’t know if anyone will survive the storm when it breaks.

BEN
What do you mean?

DOCTOR
ODIN was a weapon, a tool to help an alien power invade the Earth. We have stopped ODIN, but they are still out there and intent to claim control of the Earth and its people. They will not give up, but will attempt a more conventional attack.

POLLY
When will it happen?

DOCTOR
Twenty years. And counting.

Ben laughs with relief.

BEN
Twenty years? Well, what are we worried about?

DOCTOR
In twenty years’ time, we will have the misfortune to find out.

He turns and moves down the street. Kitty frowns.

KITTY
Doctor?

The Doctor turns to face them, silently.

KITTY
Will you be all right?

The Doctor smiles weakly.

DOCTOR
Don’t worry about me, my friends. All good things come to an end.

He shakes their hands.

DOCTOR
Still, I’m sure you young people want to get away from here, eh? Now, run along, enjoy yourselves. Thank you, Polly, very much. Thank you, Ben. It was a pleasure to know you, Kitty. Goodbye!

POLLY
Goodbye.

The Doctor heads over to the TARDIS and unlocks the door. Ben and Kitty turn to leave, but Polly frowns as he opens the door.

POLLY
He’s got a key for that police box!

KITTY
Key? Oh, wait, that reminds me. I forgot to give him this one back.

She holds up the key. The Doctor steps inside the TARDIS and closes the door.

BEN
Don’t worry, Kitty, I’ll do it now. You head back to the Inferno.

KITTY
All right, I’ll see you there, then.

POLLY
We’ll race you there.

Kitty heads off and Ben and Polly run over to the TARDIS.

POLLY
There’s something strange going on here. Doctor?

She knocks on the wall, listening to it. Ben tries the door.

BEN
It’s locked. What’s he doing in there?

POLLY
Hang on. Try the key.

Shrugging, Ben slides the key into the lock and turns it. The door swings inwards and Ben steps inside, followed by Polly. There is a dull thud of machinery and the door swings shut behind them. The TARDIS dematerializes with its traditional wheezing and groaning sound, just as Ian and Barbara turn a corner further down the road. They look around as the noise fades away as well.

BARBARA
Typical! He forgot to wait for us!

IAN
Least he contacted us this time, instead of leaving right away on Wimbledon Common.

They look glumly at the empty patch of pavement.

BARBARA
Should we have that goodbye drink anyway?

IAN
Why not, Mrs. Chesterton?

They link arms and walk past the spot the TARDIS once stood and down the street. We stay by the railings, watching them move off into the distance.

IAN
You think we’ll get another chance to see him?

BARBARA
Maybe. We’ll certainly know when he’s in town.

IAN
We certainly will. Attacks of robots, zombie killers, telephones going haywire... I don’t know why he bothered to ring ahead.

BARBARA
It was nice he did, though.

Ian nods. They walk off further, but we can no longer hear their conversation. We pan up to the sky through the trees as the music starts.

(ROLL END CREDITS)
(END OF EPISODE FOUR)