28. INT. TR CORRIDORS (DAY)
Vargos, Jobel, Takis, Lilt and the guards are moving down a corridor.
JOBEL
Our business, is of course, death. La mort, tod, morte, muerte... and that’s just in the cultures on Old Mother Earth. And yet despite the fact it is the core of all organic motivation and progress, it is taboo.
TAKIS
Our DJ is an expert in ancient Earth colloquialisms, especially those for death. To pass on. To pass away. To kick the bucket. To cash in your chips. To push up daises. To part your company. To take that long, final sleep. To undertake... tranquil repose.
They pause at a corner as Vogel looks around, interested.
JOBEL
Death is the ending of life. Death is followed by biological decomposition of the body and psychological and emotional mourning for those left behind. It can be sudden or drawn-out, violent or peaceful.
For a moment it sounds like emotion is creeping into his voice. He controls himself.
JOBEL
It is a natural phenomenon. Algor mortis and rigor mortis. Cardiac arrest, no breathing or pulse. No brain activity. Gone. And because of its mystery, it has been woven into myths and folklore across the universe. What happens next? Heaven or hell? Bright lights, visiting those who have died before you, or returning to haunt the living?
VARGOS
A profound philosophical conundrum, but one I have not had time for.
JOBEL
On the Planet of the Deceased, President Vargos, we have time for naught else.
VARGOS
Yet surely Tranquil Repose’s primary purpose is to prevent it. These caskets freeze the bodies of those with incurable diseases and will be revived once the cure is found. That is how you described it, is it not, Mr. Takis?
Jobel is annoyed, but almost hides it.
29. INT. CHAPEL (DAY)
Davros watches this through the screen.
JOBEL
You have spoken to Mr. Takis?
VARGOS
Only on one occasion. A mere rechecking of schedules I was sure you were too busy to be distracted with. Tell me, Mr. Takis, were the preparations carried out?
TAKIS
Some days are better than others, President Vargos.
VARGOS
But the objective was achieved?
TAKIS
Not entirely. My worst fears were confirmed.
Vargos nods slightly, understanding.
JOBEL
Worst fears?
VARGOS
Mr. Takis was something of a pessimist, certain that all sorts of catastrophe would occur today just to spoil things.
DAVROS
Have Takis brought to me.
30. INT. TR CORRIDOR (DAY)
As before.
JOBEL
Well, everything is under control as you can see.
VARGOS
Indeed.
TAKIS
Perhaps the President would like to meet with another prospective customer?
VARGOS
I’d be delighted.
JOBEL
Bookings for the current season alone are the greatest they have ever been but the weather outside makes visitors scarce. Do we have another client here?
TAKIS
Yes, Mr. Jobel, indeed we do. Ms. Peri.
JOBEL
Ah yes, that radiant silhouette of estrogenic magnificence. As newfound widower, President Vargos, I’m sure her company would illuminate this gloomy day.
Vargos shoots him an angry look.
VARGOS
We are here to bury my wife, not to interview prospective consorts!
TAKIS
I still feel it would be beneficial, President Vargos.
VARGOS
Very well, Mr. Takis, please collect her.
TAKIS
Come along, Lilt.
They head off down the corridor.
VARGOS
Two of them are needed to escort a woman here?
JOBEL
You know Mr. Takis. Ever since his sister died, he’s been on a bit of a downward social spiral. He can hardly cope with other people nowadays, it’s really rather sad.
Further down a corridor, a Dalek emerges from the shadows. It stares at the group as it glides down the tunnel after Takis and Lilt.
VARGOS
What was that?
JOBEL
Oh, just one of the new security robots. A visit like this, it’s always best to have added precautions against assassins, terrorists and the like.
VARGOS
But that’s... that’s one of those robot creatures that attacked the galaxy a few centuries ago. I recognize the design. A... Dalek, is it?
JOBEL
The Great Healer is very open-minded. The Daleks chose that design for its practicality, I assume and he has modified it. The white color denotes its loyalty to your authority, not like the grey and black and silver ones out there.
VARGOS
I see.
They move on.
31. INT. TR CORRIDOR (DAY)
Takis and Lilt hurry down another corridor.
LILT
What was that all about?
TAKIS
It would take far too long to explain. Suffice it to say, we have to get to Vargos’s ship and contact Earth, get a galaxy wide all-frequency alert. Those things aren’t Dalek-shaped robots, they’re actual Daleks.
LILT
What about that Peri woman?
TAKIS
Lilt, there’s a time and a place and this is neither...
They reach a junction and stop. Daleks glide into view from in front, left and right.
DALEK 1
YOU ARE OUR PRISONERS.
DALEK 2
YOU WILL NOT RESIST.
Lilt turns to run but the Dalek that was following them appears at the end of the corridor and glides towards them.
DALEK 3
THE GREAT HEALER HAS ORDERED YOUR CAPTURE. RESISTANCE WILL BE PUNISHED.
Takis looks around, growling as he realizes he doesn’t have a chance.
32. INT. STOREROOM (DAY)
Peri looks up. So do Natasha and Grigory. There are footsteps.
PERI
Someone’s coming.
NATASHA
Not a Dalek, either.
PERI
So, we jump them and run for it.
NATASHA
Where to?
PERI
Outside!
GRIGORY
You’re joking, it’ll be so cold even the weed plants will die!
PERI
We don’t have to be out there long, just enough to get the Doctor.
GRIGORY
If he’s not dead already, he’ll be frozen solid! Assuming he’s there at all!
PERI
Then we head for the TARDIS. Behind the door.
GRIGORY
TARDIS?!
NATASHA & PERI
Grigory, shut up!
The doors open. The prisoners stand on either side. The Doctor enters, looking around cautiously. Natasha leaps onto the Doctor and they collapse in a heap.
PERI
Natasha! Stop it!
The Doctor shrugs her away.
DOCTOR
Peri...
Peri embraces him tightly.
PERI
You’re all right!
DOCTOR
Of course I’m all right. I haven’t been to Netora yet, have I? History says so, and just this once, I’ll let history take the lead on this occasion.
GRIGORY
You were crushed by that statue, I saw you!
NATASHA
Yes, you should be dead!
DOCTOR
Yes, it was a bit close for comfort. Any denser material for that statue and I guarantee you wouldn’t recognize what was left of me.
PERI
What’s with the white suit?
DOCTOR
It’s a disguise. Luckily he carried two for luck.
PERI
He?
Lytton leans in the doorway, gun in hand.
LYTTON
Afternoon, Miss Brown.
PERI
What are you doing here?!
LYTTON
I’m here to kill the person building those Daleks.
GRIGORY
The Great Healer.
LYTTON
We know him as Davros.
33. INT. TR CORRIDOR (DAY)
Takis and Lilt are marching down the corridor, hands raised. Daleks behind them.
34. INT. STOREROOM (DAY)
The occupants look up. Natasha heads for the door.
LYTTON
Someone’s coming.
NATASHA
It’s Takis and his friend... Daleks!
LYTTON
What do you suppose is the coolant used by the cryogenic stasis units?
DOCTOR
Freeon, paraflame five with a dash of nitrogen.
LYTTON
Perfect.
Lytton locks and loads his gun, and moves to the doorway.
35. INT. TR CORRIDOR (DAY)
The procession moves past the double doors leading into the storeroom. Lytton emerges. He lets out a whistle. The Dalek spins to face him.
LYTTON
Get down!
He fires a volley at the casket hatch nearest, which explodes.
DALEK 2
EXTERMINA--
Flame gushes out of the cracked casket hatch and engulfs the Dalek. It screams and explodes. Takis and Lilt dive for cover as the fireball expands.
36. INT. DJ’S RECORDING SUITE (DAY)
The DJ watches, now dressed in a top hat, tuxedo and lots of glitter.
DJ
How absolutely lampshade!
37. INT. CHAPEL (DAY)
An alarm sounds. A Dalek approaches Davros.
DALEK 1
ALERT! ALERT! THE DALEK ESCORTING TAKIS AND LILT HAS BEEN DESTROYED!
DAVROS
Daleks are to converge on that section immediately!
DALEK 1
I OBEY.
It turns aside.
38. INT. TR CORRIDOR (DAY)
There is a lot of smoke and the blackened skirt section of the Dalek. Everyone is present, hurrying away from the scene.
DOCTOR
More Daleks are on the way. We’ve got to move.
PERI
Where to?
LILT
We can head for the President’s ship?
TAKIS
No, Lilt, they’re bound to be guarding it by now. We’ll have to try the communications section next to the reception area and call for help.
DOCTOR
I doubt that will do any good. ‘The Great Healer’ is tapping into your DJ’s observation system to spy on everything that happens in Tranquil Repose.
39. INT. DJ’S RECORDING SUITE (DAY)
The DJ looks up from constructing a vaguely-cannon shaped device.
DJ
Bloody cheek!
40. INT. TR CORRIDOR (DAY)
As before.
DOCTOR
He’s no doubt able to exert the same control on the communications. No messages will be sent unless he wants them sent. There’s only one possible course of action.
PERI
Which is?
DOCTOR
The President’s ship. Takis is right, the ship will be guarded but the odds are unpredictable. The communications room on the ship will definitely be guarded, but they don’t know the TARDIS is aboard so they won’t be guarding it. If we were to attempt to enter the ship, they might let us in believing they already have a trap set up already and while they are waiting for us to go to them, we go into the TARDIS. Its communicator can reach every planet in the galaxy and soon they will know that Nekros and Tranquil Repose is the core of a new Dalek army.
LILT
But what can they do? There are no war fleets or armies – the plagues have decimated most of the population and the rest are still half-starved.
DOCTOR
I can’t think of any handy military force equipped to attack a Dalek stronghold. Can you?
LYTTON
Yes. The Daleks. The other Daleks, the original ones. If we send a message to Dalek space that Davros is here, they will drop everything to come here.
TAKIS
Daleks? They’ll wipe us all out!
LYTTON
They don’t have the resources for that. They are xenophobic psychopaths but they can be ruthlessly pragmatic. Destroying Tranquil Repose will merely cause the galactic powers to turn against them and they won’t want that, at least not for a few more years. They’ll head here, collect Davros and leave. If we keep out of their way, we should be all right.
NATASHA
It makes sense. Send a Dalek to catch a Dalek.
DOCTOR
Daleks cannot be trusted or relied upon, Lytton. Surely you can’t believe that!
PERI
Do you have any alternatives?
DOCTOR
There is absolutely no guarantee they won’t exterminate the lot of us whether they feel particularly rational or not!
LYTTON
We can only send the signal once we’re in your TARDIS. We simply take off and let the Daleks clear this mess up for us.
DOCTOR
That means endangering every human being in Tranquil Repose, if not on Nekros!
LYTTON
We’re not here to play games, Doctor. Warning the rest of the galaxy won’t do any good – Davros will simply stop wasting time covering up his activities and complete them in the open. And do you think anyone on Nekros will be safe then? They’re dead either way.
DOCTOR
No. We’re going to warn the galaxy and then... improvise. Besides, how else are you going to assassinate Davros and collect your fee?
GIRGORY
He’s going to assassinate the Great Healer? I’m confused.
NATASHA
Shut up, Grigory.
LYTTON
Do you really think you’ll achieve anything here, Doctor?
DOCTOR
To be honest? No. In fact, I arrived here in the belief I was doomed.
LILT
If you don't think you can achieve anything, why keep on fighting?
DOCTOR
How can I NOT?
LYTTON
We all have blood on our hands.
DOCTOR
Yes. Now, let’s move. Once we’re in the TARDIS we can discuss this further.
They hurry off. Daleks appear at the end of the corridor.
LYTTON
Duck!
The Daleks open fire. Peri, Takis and Lilt get around the corner. The others flee back the way the way they came. The Daleks fire again. The red beam strikes the smoke ahead and there is another explosion. The others run through the smoke.
GRIGORY
We’re heading deeper!
LYTTON
We’re heading away from the Daleks, now accept that or stay here!
Daleks move through the smoke.
DALEK 3
ALL FUGITIVES WILL BE RECAPTURED. ESCAPE IS IMPOSSIBLE. RESISTANCE IS USELESS!
The Daleks glide down the corridor after them.
41. INT. KARA’S OFFICE (DAY)
Vogel enters.
VOGEL
Madam, the Great Healer’s drones have arrived. They refuse to stand down. They want to take over the entire factory. Two security guards have been heavy-stunned.
KARA
Than that is the last mistake of the Great Healer. Are they in the entrance way?
VOGEL
Yes, madam but they won’t be held back for long – they’re cutting through the doors!
KARA
Then activate the microwave network. Liquefy their circuits.
Vogel smirks.
VOGEL
Yes, madam.
He turns to leave.
KARA
That will no doubt so infuriate the Great Healer he won’t even hear Lytton’s final approach. A pity. It would so nice for him to know the truth just before he dies.
42. INT. CHAPEL (DAY)
The screen shows the Doctor, Lytton, Natasha and Grigory running through the tunnels.
DAVROS
And one by one they come to me.
DALEK 1
ALERT. THE TASKFORCE SEND TO KARA WADRAS’ FACTORY IS SUFFERING SEVERE MALFUNCTION IN CIRCUIT PULSES. ANALYSIS SHOWS MICROWAVE IRRADIATION.
DAVROS
Kara is destroying them!
DALEK 1
TWO UNITS STILL AT FULL FUNCTION.
DAVROS
No. Tell them to deactivate. Let Kara think them all dead.
Davros revolves to face the screen.
DAVROS
We shall send a full invasion force. That treacherous hag has outlived her usefulness!
DALEK 1
REVIVIFICATION PROGRAM BEING COMPUTED.
43. INT. KARA’S OFFICE (DAY)
Vogel and Kara are talking. They are very close, looking into each other’s eyes.
KARA
Is it well met, Vogel?
VOGEL
All ten Dalek machines have been reduced to scrap. They’re already on their way to the reactor for recycling.
KARA
And the guards?
VOGEL
Recovering. It’s curious – those weapons could easily have been used to kill.
KARA
Obviously the Great Healer fears severing our relationship. That caution shall cost him dearly. The Long Cold has sunk its claws into Nekros – travel will be impossible on the surface for the next few days. And long before it clears, Lytton will have completed his mission. I think we should have a bottle of Moranian champagne.
VOGEL
Expensive, madam?
KARA
Very expensive.
VOGEL
Are you sure you’re not placing too must trust in Lytton, madam?
KARA
Lytton will succeed. And when he does, not only will I be rid of that troublesome Great Healer, the galaxy will be left leaderless. I will control the food supply for the whole galaxy. It is only a matter of time now. Nothing will stand in my way! I will be a queen of the galaxy, the leader, the monarch that all shall obey! I, KARA WARDAS, WILL BE THE EMPRESS OF THE UNIVERSE ITSELF!
A long, long pause.
KARA
There’s definitely a movie in that, somewhere.
- to be continued...
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The End of the Road X
11. INT. STOREROOM (DAY)
Peri, Natasha and Grigory are escorted into the chamber. The Daleks stay in the doorway.
DALEK 2
YOU WILL REMAIN HERE. ANY ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE WILL BE PUNISHED.
NATASHA
How long do we have to stay here?
DALEK 1
UNTIL THE GREAT HEALER ORDERS YOUR TRANSFORMATION.
GRIGORY
Our what?
DALEK 2
YOU WILL SERVE THE NEW ORDER.
The Daleks retreat and the doors swing shut. Peri immediately begins a recce of the room, checking the doors, walls and shelves.
NATASHA
What are you doing?
PERI
Getting out.
GRIGORY
How?
PERI
No idea, I haven’t found a way yet. So either shut up or help me. Ideally, do both.
NATASHA
Look, I’m sorry about your friend...
PERI
Don’t be. He’s not dead.
GRIGORY
Yes he is, that whacking great statue reduced him to paste!
NATASHA
Grigory, are you always this insensitive or is it a special effort?
GRIGORY
You want to sugar-coat the truth, go ahead.
PERI
He can’t be dead. It’s impossible – and I mean that in every way. He has to go to this Netora place first, otherwise the statue was never put up.
Natasha stares at Peri. Totally bamboozled.
NATASHA
Riiiiiiiight. And let’s just say, for example, that he’s died anyway?
Peri smiles insincerely at Natasha.
PERI
Then it means the Web of Time’s fractured and the universe will fall apart.
12. INT. CHAPEL (DAY)
Davros is brooding. A Dalek circles the console.
DAVROS
The Doctor survived. But one Dalek did not. Another was blinded.
DALEK 1
DATA SUGGESTS WEAPONS FIRE WAS USED. ANALYSIS SHOWS BASTIC-HEADED PLASMA ROUNDS.
DAVROS
The Doctor does not such carry weapons. So he is not alone. Therefore someone else was in the Garden of Fond Memories. Someone carrying weapons powerful enough to damage a Dalek. An unknown element at work on Nekros.
The head revolves to face the scanner wall.
DAVROS
Perhaps not so unknown after all. Get me Kara immediately.
DALEK 1
I OBEY.
DAVROS
Status of flotillas?
DALEK 1
STILL IN PURSUIT OF THE DOCTOR. THEY HAVE LEFT THE COMPOUND. DECREASING TEMPERATURES BEGINNING TO AFFECT MOVEMENT.
DAVROS
Continue the chase! I want that Time Lord’s head brought to me...
DALEK 1
I OBEY.
13. EXT. HILLSIDE (DAY)
The Doctor and Lytton are struggling through the snow towards the TARDIS. The Doctor reaches the TARDIS and unlocks the doors. Suddenly, a Dalek flies upwards out of the thicket beyond the police box and up into the sky.
DALEK 2
DO NOT ENTER THE TIME CRAFT OR YOU WILL BE EXTER—-
Lytton fires his blaster. The Dalek is knocked out of the sky and plummets into a frozen-over lake. The Doctor and Lytton scramble inside as the Dalek hits and there is the sound of shattering ice. The TARDIS doors swing shut as a red blast bounces off them, followed by another. We see the Dalek is half-submerged and surrounded by broken ice.
DALEK 2
FUGITIVES HAVE ENTERED TIME CRAFT. CRITICAL MALFUNCTION. ASSISTANCE... RE... QUIRED...
The eyestalk and sucker arm droop.
14. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)
This is shown on the scanner. The Doctor and Lytton are present, the doors closing. They are shivering.
LYTTON
I never thought you’d let me inside your TARDIS of your own free will.
DOCTOR
I might just throw you back out again, so don’t get comfortable.
They look at the scanner as the Dalek sinks further into the icy waters.
DOCTOR
Good. The intense cold still affects their system. That one’s already shutting down.
LYTTON
There are more on the way.
DOCTOR
But there shouldn’t be any on this planet! It’s the 47th century, they should be all but extinct! The Movellan virus should have wiped them out.
LYTTON
The last faction discovered the cure. It’s like the cure to Lazar’s disease; one massive burst of radiation. The faction retreated back to Azorius Minor in Andromeda over nine years ago and haven’t been seen since. Probably building up their forces.
DOCTOR
And humanity never got round to attacking them, because that’s when the plagues struck. Everyone became far too busy fighting them to eradicate the last Daleks.
LYTTON
Yes, Lazar’s Disease, Beck’s Syndrome, the Phobon Plague, Tyrrenic poisoning, not to mention the blights and the famines they caused... The galaxy survived but civilization wasn’t quite as lucky. All the systems quarantined themselves and are still suspicious of outsiders.
DOCTOR
There’s still a galactic President, isn’t there?
LYTTON
You mean the Time Lord is unsure of his history?
DOCTOR
This isn’t my history, ‘Commander’. It’s very different.
LYTTON
Ah yes, the Time Lord approved history. Where the Daleks are powerless.
DOCTOR
Those ones outside weren’t. They were a new model.
LYTTON
The Great Healer’s Daleks.
DOCTOR
Who is this Great Healer, anyway?
Lytton smiles, amused.
LYTTON
You mean you haven’t already guessed?
The Doctor moves to retort and then a look of dread crosses his face.
DOCTOR
He’s still alive, isn’t he?
The Doctor seems to sag with shock.
DOCTOR
Davros is alive.
15. MODEL SHOT
The factory is caught in the snow storm.
16. INT. KARA’S OFFICE (DAY)
KARA and VOGEL are present.
VOGEL
The President’s ship is entering the atmosphere Madam.
KARA
Good, Vogel. But Lytton penetrated the outer boundary of the complex ages ago but not yet sent the signal!
VOGEL
Surely we can afford to be patient? Once the signal is sent then surely all our problems will disappear?
KARA
I hope so, Vogel. If not, our lives will not be worth your service medallion.
VOGEL
My service medallion is of untold wealth, Madam.
KARA
It cost three credits in a flea market.
VOGEL
I wasn’t speaking of material cost, Madam.
They share a shy smile. Kara opens her mouth to speak, when there is a chime.
DAVROS (VO)
Ah. My dear Kara. I wish to communicate with you and this will be my last chance for some time. The President’s ship is landing now.
KARA
It is always a pleasure to speak to you, Great Healer...
VOGEL
Indeed.
DAVROS (VO)
There has been a series of hostile events here at Tranquil Repose. Several guards have been found dead, one of my drones recently destroyed...
Kara smiles, amused. Vogel smirks, but sounds sincere.
VOGEL
Outrageous.
DAVROS (VO)
Indeed, Mr. Vogel. I believe that assassins are attempting to infiltrate my base. And at the time of the Presidential visit, when the climate is at its harshest – this can not be a coincidence. Someone intends to start the Long Cold by ending the lives of myself, the President... and, presumably, you yourself, Kara.
KARA
That would be quite a conspiracy, Great Healer.
DAVROS (VO)
It would. But these are uncertain times. A disaster like this could end the tentative communication between the colony systems – the borders could close forever if there is a belief there is terrorism as well as plague. Are you truly confident in your security measures, Kara?
KARA
I am, Great Healer. I have every faith in my guards – a fine body of men.
DAVROS (VO)
No doubt you selected each and every one of them personally?
Kara scowls. That was her next line.
KARA
Yes.
DAVROS (VO)
You have mentioned it before.
KARA
It’s still true, Great Healer.
DAVROS (VO)
Of course. But experience has shown me that humanoid life-forms can be susceptible, vulnerable and predictable. My battle drones are incapable of this and are also indestructible. There are several flotillas of them on the surface and they will now be directed towards your factory. They will protect you until the emergency is over and the President has left Nekros.
Vogel and Kara exchange worried looks.
KARA
You are correct as always, Great Healer. We thank you for the offer and accept.
DAVROS (VO)
Very wise, Kara. Goodbye.
A beat.
KARA
Close off all exits! Maximum security alert! I don’t want one of those white-gold Dalek-shaped robots anywhere inside the factory!
VOGEL
Madam! If we resist them the Great Healer will become suspicious!
KARA
Not for long. It will provide a distraction to allow Lytton to do his work – assuming the Great Healer is still alive when his precious drones reach the door.
17. MODEL SHOT
A space craft is landing through the snow next two the Pyramids of Tranquil Repose.
18. INT. RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
The Daleks have gone. Most of the attendants are milling about, a few finishing replacing the peacock feather displays. Takis and Jobel stand to one side.
TAKIS
There must be something that can be done.
JOBEL
He has eyes everywhere, Takis, so guard your tongue!
TAKIS
I’ve got a plan, but I need your security code.
JOBEL
Do you?
Jobel turns and examines a peacock display with interest. His voice is icy.
JOBEL
Do you indeed?
TAKIS
Are you interested, Mr. Jobel?
JOBEL
I’m not keen on Daleks. They are aesthetically... unpleasing.
TAKIS
I need your pass code.
JOBEL
Selrin.
Takis double takes. He can’t think of anything to say.
TAKIS
J-Jobel...
At that moment Tasambeker enters. She has taken off her skull cap, removed her makeup and let her hair done. It does something for her appearance. But not much.
TASAMBEKER
Mr. Lilt is trying to dury-rig another death mask. The rest of you, stand to attention.
The attendants move into line. Jobel sneers.
JOBEL
You think Vargos will believe for a moment that you are in charge?
TASAMBEKER
Any further unnecessary comments, Jobel...
JOBEL
Mr. Jobel you third-rate student hack!
TASAMBEKER
...and you will be given a dose of your own embalming fluid.
Jobel looks at her with disgust.
JOBEL
You wretched little toad. Do your worst.
Tasambeker’s resolve falters somewhat. She takes a second to compose herself.
TASAMBEKER
I might... just do that. So be careful!
She strides away.
JOBEL
I will! How else should you treat something so unspeakably foul...
19. INT. DJ’S RECORDING SUITE (DAY)
The DJ looks up at this. This is shown on the screen.
JOBEL
...even a speelsnape wouldn’t use it as a host for its offspring?!
DJ
Oh, Jobel. You shouldn’t have said that! She’s on the brink! Even the listeners could tell that! Why don’t office romances ever work out anymore?
He punches a control and the Beatles You’re Gonna Lose That Girl plays. He turns his attention to the large collection of parts on the floor before him and begins to assemble them, working feverishly.
20. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)
The Doctor paces the room.
DOCTOR
How did you discover Davros was here?
LYTTON
I was hired to assassinate the Great Healer. I heard one of his communications and identified the voice.
DOCTOR
I’m surprised he hasn’t changed that. He’s a notorious war criminal!
LYTTON
A notorious DEAD war criminal. Everyone assumed he was destroyed when Cassius Four exploded, ten years ago. Following the plagues and the collapse of the Empire, no one considered checking up on the galaxy’s most reclusive philanthropist in case.
DOCTOR
But how did he get from Earth’s star system to the Pherran colonies?
LYTTON
No idea. I’ll be sure to ask him before I kill him.
DOCTOR
And how do you intend to get past his private Dalek army?
LYTTON
I always have a plan.
DOCTOR
Do you? Would you be so kind as to share it?
LYTTON
You need my help?
DOCTOR
You need mine. Can you think of a better person to help you enter a Dalek stronghold?
LYTTON
And you trust me?
DOCTOR
I could make you give your word. But it wouldn’t be enough. Peri is in there and I am getting her out safe and sound. And I can do that more quickly and efficiently if I know precisely what you are doing here.
LYTTON
Can you? If we are to work together you will have to lose that insolent tone.
DOCTOR
If we are to work together I will have to avoid throwing you outside and leaving you to the Daleks’ tender mercies. At the moment even that is proving difficult. Do you have a squire or something? Back up?
LYTTON
Assassins work alone. It’s just us.
DOCTOR
In that case...
The Doctor turns and begins operating controls.
LYTTON
What are you doing?
DOCTOR
I want to keep Davros guessing. Let’s see what he makes of this.
The time rotor starts to move.
21. EXT. HILLSIDE (DAY)
The TARDIS fades away, leaving a hole in the snow which is slowly filled. The Dalek below slowly lifts its eye stalk to watch it go.
DALEK 2
TIME CRAFT DEMATERIALIZING.
DAVROS (VO)
Return to base.
22. INT. CHAPEL (DAY)
Davros is listening.
DAVROS
So... the Doctor has gone. But for how long?
He revolves and the screen activates to show Peri, Natasha and Grigory in a cell.
DAVROS
To leave his companion behind? Never. Have all TR sensors placed on maximum alert – any temporal anomalies or extra-particle activity is to be investigated immediately.
DALEK 1
I OBEY.
23. INT. STOREROOM (DAY)
Peri is studying the locking device. Grigory is leaning against the wall nearby, looking at her longingly. Natasha sits on the floor, hugging her knees.
NATASHA
He was trying to manufacture of artificial plants to alleviate the famines. The farmers revered him. And then he caught a new disease and was in this place. The cure was found, but they wouldn’t give him back. I found this group trying to get TR closed on moral grounds... We were sure they were leaving the bodies to rot and tricking us out of the annual fees.
PERI
They are.
NATASHA
But all the caskets are empty. There are no bodies here!
PERI
Yeah, that too. Someone else is using this place for their own ends. You’re the cat burglar body-snatchers! Don’t you have a lock pick?
GRIGORY
I did, but Mr. Takis took it off me.
PERI
Lucky he stopped that Lilt guy from ventilating your faces.
GRIGORY
He should have got us out!
PERI
OK, I think that is asking a bit much.
NATASHA
Is it? He’s the one who got us in here! Gave us the map, the codes, the information on my father’s casket, he wanted us to get all the proof he couldn’t!
PERI
You’re working for Takis?
NATASHA
With Takis.
GRIGORY
Well, I thought we were. But he seems happy enough to let us hang!
PERI
Are there only you two here of this gang?
GRIGORY
The rest are a bunch of bone idle space niks on Talok.
Natasha looks up slowly, clearly having thought of something.
NATASHA
We have other allies on the planet...
GRIGORY
Oh yes, Mr. Takis who will no doubt decide to risk his life and career all of a sudden to try and rescue two convicted body-snatcher murdering voxnic addicts.
NATASHA
I am not a voxnic addict!
GRIGORY
You were happy enough to scull from my flask.
NATASHA
We were freezing to death!
GRIGORY
There’s always some excuse! That’s three credits ninety-nine you owe me, Stengos!
Natasha rolls her eyes.
NATASHA
Yes, I’m sure they’ll let me visit the cash point on the way to the gallows!
PERI
Oh for God’s sake, no wonder you two were caught! You’re worse than useless! Now is there anyone else in your gang of incompetents who might help us out of this broom closet!
NATASHA
Well, let’s just say we have help at the very highest level.
PERI
Oh, cryptic! That’ll help!
NATASHA
But it doesn’t matter. Like Takis, they can’t be seen to act.
Grigory is shocked and finally understands.
GRIGORY
You don’t mean...?
24. INT. RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
The double doors out of the reception area swing open. There is a fan fair as four or five armed PRESIDENTIAL GUARDS enter – wearing bright white combat suits and visored helmets. Behind them is VARGOS, a man with a goatee beard, his long dark hair in a pony-tail and his voice clear and deep. Two more armed guards enter behind him. We see a line of attendants, including Jobel, Takis and Lilt, and in front of them is Tasambeker who smiles warmly.
TASAMBEKER
President Vargos! Welcome to Tranquil Repose!
VARGOS
It is gratifying to finally visit the Planet of the Deceased. Forgive me for asking, my dear, but we have not met before. Who are you?
Tasambeker’s smiles wilts visibly.
TASAMBEKER
I... am new Chief Directive of Tranquil Repose...
25. INT. DJ’S RECORDING STUDIO (DAY)
The DJ has constructed a podium with his spare parts. He looks up – his screen is trained on the reception area and thus can hear every word being said.
TASAMBEKER
...and personal aide to the Great Healer himself, in charge of all Resting Operations and Perpetual Instatements on Nekros...
DJ
Hang on, Tasambeker, you’re just making that up!!
26. INT. RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
As before.
TASAMBEKER
I control Tranquil Repose on his behalf.
VARGOS
Yes, I assumed that you controlled things, but what is your name?
TASAMBEKER
Oh, sorry. I’m Tasambeker, sir. Annabel Tasambeker.
He shakes her hand warmly.
VARGOS
It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Tasambeker. But I was lead to believe that Chief Embalmer Jobel would be greeting me on my arrival.
TASAMBEKER
Ah. Yes. Well, he’s here for you to greet.
VARGOS
He did mention on more than one occasion his importance in Tranquil Repose was second only to the Great Healer himself.
TASAMBEKER
No doubt he did, President Vargos. However, the Great Healer has of late restructured the business, so his duties are now more... centred on his skills as an embalmer.
She stands aside to reveal Jobel, who stares blankly ahead, emotionless.
VARGOS
Mr. Jobel, after all these weeks of intersystem communications, it is an honor to finally meet you in person.
Jobel smoothly comes to life and smiles charmingly.
JOBEL
Tranquil Repose is honoured by your visit and we will ensure the perpetual instatement of the First Lady shall do your beloved Ronya the utmost justice.
VARGOS
I could ask for no more, Mr. Jobel.
He shakes hands firmly.
JOBEL
Shall I send the attendants into the craft to collect... your wife?
VARGOS
Ah, of course. They shall be afforded every facility. In the meantime, you promised me a tour of this fine establishment whose reputation is one of the few things keeping the galactic village in mutual contact.
JOBEL
I’m sure your enlightened regime deserves more credit.
VARGOS
You humility is refreshing, Mr. Jobel.
Tasambeker’s starting to get upset. They’ve forgotten she’s there! She speaks loudly.
TASAMBEKER
Yes, if you would like a tour of the facilities, I would be more than happy to provide you with one.
VARGOS
I’m sure Mr. Jobel is capable of that, Ms. Tasambeker. As Chief Directive of Tranquil Repose, you have many responsibilities and I would be wasting valuable time. Unless you have any objections?
Tasambeker can’t think of any.
TASAMBEKER
No, please. Give the President the guided tour, Mr. Jobel.
Jobel smiles at her. It changes from a smile to a grimace.
JOBEL
Yes. Madam.
Tasambeker turns aside to avoid his gaze. She looks at the other attendants. She doesn’t quite keep the distress out of her voice.
TASAMBEKER
Get on with your work!
Lilt, the attendants and a guard head out the exit. Jobel, Takis, and Vargos head to the inner doorway and out of sight. All bar the last two guards follow.
JOBEL
Of course, it was Mr. Takis who first proposed the idea of Tranquil Repose, some ten years previously. It really was one of those ideas so simple yet revolutionary you begin to feel inadequate that you didn’t think of it yourself. I of course, have never had any problems with inadequacy...
Upset, Tasambeker hurries away. The two guards are left behind. One nods further down the reception area. They stride over to another set of double doors.
27. INT. OUTSIDE RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
A redressed set, on the other side of the reception area. The guards enter and the doors close. One guard holds up a familiar looking control and activates it. We see a security camera’s light goes out. The guard nods and pockets the control. They remove their helmets – it is the Doctor and Lytton.
DOCTOR
Very effective plan.
LYTTON
I thought so.
DOCTOR
But impractical. It’s a good thing we had the TARDIS to help us. How were you intending to join the Presidential Escort without attracting attention?
LYTTON
I wouldn’t want to tell you. You’d only squirm.
The Doctor glares at him.
DOCTOR
We need to keep death to an absolute minimum. I don’t want a bloodbath this time.
LYTTON
That doesn’t concern me, Doctor, it’s your problem.
DOCTOR
No, it DOES concern you, Commander, it is very much OUR problem. And either you follow orders or this ends here and now.
LYTTON
Oh, threats – and we were getting on so well, too.
DOCTOR
First thing first is to find out where they’ve taken Peri and the others. Assuming these Daleks are as imaginative as their distant cousins, it will probably be that supplies store room on Level Six. Come on.
They exit at a run.
- to be continued...
Peri, Natasha and Grigory are escorted into the chamber. The Daleks stay in the doorway.
DALEK 2
YOU WILL REMAIN HERE. ANY ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE WILL BE PUNISHED.
NATASHA
How long do we have to stay here?
DALEK 1
UNTIL THE GREAT HEALER ORDERS YOUR TRANSFORMATION.
GRIGORY
Our what?
DALEK 2
YOU WILL SERVE THE NEW ORDER.
The Daleks retreat and the doors swing shut. Peri immediately begins a recce of the room, checking the doors, walls and shelves.
NATASHA
What are you doing?
PERI
Getting out.
GRIGORY
How?
PERI
No idea, I haven’t found a way yet. So either shut up or help me. Ideally, do both.
NATASHA
Look, I’m sorry about your friend...
PERI
Don’t be. He’s not dead.
GRIGORY
Yes he is, that whacking great statue reduced him to paste!
NATASHA
Grigory, are you always this insensitive or is it a special effort?
GRIGORY
You want to sugar-coat the truth, go ahead.
PERI
He can’t be dead. It’s impossible – and I mean that in every way. He has to go to this Netora place first, otherwise the statue was never put up.
Natasha stares at Peri. Totally bamboozled.
NATASHA
Riiiiiiiight. And let’s just say, for example, that he’s died anyway?
Peri smiles insincerely at Natasha.
PERI
Then it means the Web of Time’s fractured and the universe will fall apart.
12. INT. CHAPEL (DAY)
Davros is brooding. A Dalek circles the console.
DAVROS
The Doctor survived. But one Dalek did not. Another was blinded.
DALEK 1
DATA SUGGESTS WEAPONS FIRE WAS USED. ANALYSIS SHOWS BASTIC-HEADED PLASMA ROUNDS.
DAVROS
The Doctor does not such carry weapons. So he is not alone. Therefore someone else was in the Garden of Fond Memories. Someone carrying weapons powerful enough to damage a Dalek. An unknown element at work on Nekros.
The head revolves to face the scanner wall.
DAVROS
Perhaps not so unknown after all. Get me Kara immediately.
DALEK 1
I OBEY.
DAVROS
Status of flotillas?
DALEK 1
STILL IN PURSUIT OF THE DOCTOR. THEY HAVE LEFT THE COMPOUND. DECREASING TEMPERATURES BEGINNING TO AFFECT MOVEMENT.
DAVROS
Continue the chase! I want that Time Lord’s head brought to me...
DALEK 1
I OBEY.
13. EXT. HILLSIDE (DAY)
The Doctor and Lytton are struggling through the snow towards the TARDIS. The Doctor reaches the TARDIS and unlocks the doors. Suddenly, a Dalek flies upwards out of the thicket beyond the police box and up into the sky.
DALEK 2
DO NOT ENTER THE TIME CRAFT OR YOU WILL BE EXTER—-
Lytton fires his blaster. The Dalek is knocked out of the sky and plummets into a frozen-over lake. The Doctor and Lytton scramble inside as the Dalek hits and there is the sound of shattering ice. The TARDIS doors swing shut as a red blast bounces off them, followed by another. We see the Dalek is half-submerged and surrounded by broken ice.
DALEK 2
FUGITIVES HAVE ENTERED TIME CRAFT. CRITICAL MALFUNCTION. ASSISTANCE... RE... QUIRED...
The eyestalk and sucker arm droop.
14. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)
This is shown on the scanner. The Doctor and Lytton are present, the doors closing. They are shivering.
LYTTON
I never thought you’d let me inside your TARDIS of your own free will.
DOCTOR
I might just throw you back out again, so don’t get comfortable.
They look at the scanner as the Dalek sinks further into the icy waters.
DOCTOR
Good. The intense cold still affects their system. That one’s already shutting down.
LYTTON
There are more on the way.
DOCTOR
But there shouldn’t be any on this planet! It’s the 47th century, they should be all but extinct! The Movellan virus should have wiped them out.
LYTTON
The last faction discovered the cure. It’s like the cure to Lazar’s disease; one massive burst of radiation. The faction retreated back to Azorius Minor in Andromeda over nine years ago and haven’t been seen since. Probably building up their forces.
DOCTOR
And humanity never got round to attacking them, because that’s when the plagues struck. Everyone became far too busy fighting them to eradicate the last Daleks.
LYTTON
Yes, Lazar’s Disease, Beck’s Syndrome, the Phobon Plague, Tyrrenic poisoning, not to mention the blights and the famines they caused... The galaxy survived but civilization wasn’t quite as lucky. All the systems quarantined themselves and are still suspicious of outsiders.
DOCTOR
There’s still a galactic President, isn’t there?
LYTTON
You mean the Time Lord is unsure of his history?
DOCTOR
This isn’t my history, ‘Commander’. It’s very different.
LYTTON
Ah yes, the Time Lord approved history. Where the Daleks are powerless.
DOCTOR
Those ones outside weren’t. They were a new model.
LYTTON
The Great Healer’s Daleks.
DOCTOR
Who is this Great Healer, anyway?
Lytton smiles, amused.
LYTTON
You mean you haven’t already guessed?
The Doctor moves to retort and then a look of dread crosses his face.
DOCTOR
He’s still alive, isn’t he?
The Doctor seems to sag with shock.
DOCTOR
Davros is alive.
15. MODEL SHOT
The factory is caught in the snow storm.
16. INT. KARA’S OFFICE (DAY)
KARA and VOGEL are present.
VOGEL
The President’s ship is entering the atmosphere Madam.
KARA
Good, Vogel. But Lytton penetrated the outer boundary of the complex ages ago but not yet sent the signal!
VOGEL
Surely we can afford to be patient? Once the signal is sent then surely all our problems will disappear?
KARA
I hope so, Vogel. If not, our lives will not be worth your service medallion.
VOGEL
My service medallion is of untold wealth, Madam.
KARA
It cost three credits in a flea market.
VOGEL
I wasn’t speaking of material cost, Madam.
They share a shy smile. Kara opens her mouth to speak, when there is a chime.
DAVROS (VO)
Ah. My dear Kara. I wish to communicate with you and this will be my last chance for some time. The President’s ship is landing now.
KARA
It is always a pleasure to speak to you, Great Healer...
VOGEL
Indeed.
DAVROS (VO)
There has been a series of hostile events here at Tranquil Repose. Several guards have been found dead, one of my drones recently destroyed...
Kara smiles, amused. Vogel smirks, but sounds sincere.
VOGEL
Outrageous.
DAVROS (VO)
Indeed, Mr. Vogel. I believe that assassins are attempting to infiltrate my base. And at the time of the Presidential visit, when the climate is at its harshest – this can not be a coincidence. Someone intends to start the Long Cold by ending the lives of myself, the President... and, presumably, you yourself, Kara.
KARA
That would be quite a conspiracy, Great Healer.
DAVROS (VO)
It would. But these are uncertain times. A disaster like this could end the tentative communication between the colony systems – the borders could close forever if there is a belief there is terrorism as well as plague. Are you truly confident in your security measures, Kara?
KARA
I am, Great Healer. I have every faith in my guards – a fine body of men.
DAVROS (VO)
No doubt you selected each and every one of them personally?
Kara scowls. That was her next line.
KARA
Yes.
DAVROS (VO)
You have mentioned it before.
KARA
It’s still true, Great Healer.
DAVROS (VO)
Of course. But experience has shown me that humanoid life-forms can be susceptible, vulnerable and predictable. My battle drones are incapable of this and are also indestructible. There are several flotillas of them on the surface and they will now be directed towards your factory. They will protect you until the emergency is over and the President has left Nekros.
Vogel and Kara exchange worried looks.
KARA
You are correct as always, Great Healer. We thank you for the offer and accept.
DAVROS (VO)
Very wise, Kara. Goodbye.
A beat.
KARA
Close off all exits! Maximum security alert! I don’t want one of those white-gold Dalek-shaped robots anywhere inside the factory!
VOGEL
Madam! If we resist them the Great Healer will become suspicious!
KARA
Not for long. It will provide a distraction to allow Lytton to do his work – assuming the Great Healer is still alive when his precious drones reach the door.
17. MODEL SHOT
A space craft is landing through the snow next two the Pyramids of Tranquil Repose.
18. INT. RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
The Daleks have gone. Most of the attendants are milling about, a few finishing replacing the peacock feather displays. Takis and Jobel stand to one side.
TAKIS
There must be something that can be done.
JOBEL
He has eyes everywhere, Takis, so guard your tongue!
TAKIS
I’ve got a plan, but I need your security code.
JOBEL
Do you?
Jobel turns and examines a peacock display with interest. His voice is icy.
JOBEL
Do you indeed?
TAKIS
Are you interested, Mr. Jobel?
JOBEL
I’m not keen on Daleks. They are aesthetically... unpleasing.
TAKIS
I need your pass code.
JOBEL
Selrin.
Takis double takes. He can’t think of anything to say.
TAKIS
J-Jobel...
At that moment Tasambeker enters. She has taken off her skull cap, removed her makeup and let her hair done. It does something for her appearance. But not much.
TASAMBEKER
Mr. Lilt is trying to dury-rig another death mask. The rest of you, stand to attention.
The attendants move into line. Jobel sneers.
JOBEL
You think Vargos will believe for a moment that you are in charge?
TASAMBEKER
Any further unnecessary comments, Jobel...
JOBEL
Mr. Jobel you third-rate student hack!
TASAMBEKER
...and you will be given a dose of your own embalming fluid.
Jobel looks at her with disgust.
JOBEL
You wretched little toad. Do your worst.
Tasambeker’s resolve falters somewhat. She takes a second to compose herself.
TASAMBEKER
I might... just do that. So be careful!
She strides away.
JOBEL
I will! How else should you treat something so unspeakably foul...
19. INT. DJ’S RECORDING SUITE (DAY)
The DJ looks up at this. This is shown on the screen.
JOBEL
...even a speelsnape wouldn’t use it as a host for its offspring?!
DJ
Oh, Jobel. You shouldn’t have said that! She’s on the brink! Even the listeners could tell that! Why don’t office romances ever work out anymore?
He punches a control and the Beatles You’re Gonna Lose That Girl plays. He turns his attention to the large collection of parts on the floor before him and begins to assemble them, working feverishly.
20. INT. TARDIS CONTROL ROOM (DAY)
The Doctor paces the room.
DOCTOR
How did you discover Davros was here?
LYTTON
I was hired to assassinate the Great Healer. I heard one of his communications and identified the voice.
DOCTOR
I’m surprised he hasn’t changed that. He’s a notorious war criminal!
LYTTON
A notorious DEAD war criminal. Everyone assumed he was destroyed when Cassius Four exploded, ten years ago. Following the plagues and the collapse of the Empire, no one considered checking up on the galaxy’s most reclusive philanthropist in case.
DOCTOR
But how did he get from Earth’s star system to the Pherran colonies?
LYTTON
No idea. I’ll be sure to ask him before I kill him.
DOCTOR
And how do you intend to get past his private Dalek army?
LYTTON
I always have a plan.
DOCTOR
Do you? Would you be so kind as to share it?
LYTTON
You need my help?
DOCTOR
You need mine. Can you think of a better person to help you enter a Dalek stronghold?
LYTTON
And you trust me?
DOCTOR
I could make you give your word. But it wouldn’t be enough. Peri is in there and I am getting her out safe and sound. And I can do that more quickly and efficiently if I know precisely what you are doing here.
LYTTON
Can you? If we are to work together you will have to lose that insolent tone.
DOCTOR
If we are to work together I will have to avoid throwing you outside and leaving you to the Daleks’ tender mercies. At the moment even that is proving difficult. Do you have a squire or something? Back up?
LYTTON
Assassins work alone. It’s just us.
DOCTOR
In that case...
The Doctor turns and begins operating controls.
LYTTON
What are you doing?
DOCTOR
I want to keep Davros guessing. Let’s see what he makes of this.
The time rotor starts to move.
21. EXT. HILLSIDE (DAY)
The TARDIS fades away, leaving a hole in the snow which is slowly filled. The Dalek below slowly lifts its eye stalk to watch it go.
DALEK 2
TIME CRAFT DEMATERIALIZING.
DAVROS (VO)
Return to base.
22. INT. CHAPEL (DAY)
Davros is listening.
DAVROS
So... the Doctor has gone. But for how long?
He revolves and the screen activates to show Peri, Natasha and Grigory in a cell.
DAVROS
To leave his companion behind? Never. Have all TR sensors placed on maximum alert – any temporal anomalies or extra-particle activity is to be investigated immediately.
DALEK 1
I OBEY.
23. INT. STOREROOM (DAY)
Peri is studying the locking device. Grigory is leaning against the wall nearby, looking at her longingly. Natasha sits on the floor, hugging her knees.
NATASHA
He was trying to manufacture of artificial plants to alleviate the famines. The farmers revered him. And then he caught a new disease and was in this place. The cure was found, but they wouldn’t give him back. I found this group trying to get TR closed on moral grounds... We were sure they were leaving the bodies to rot and tricking us out of the annual fees.
PERI
They are.
NATASHA
But all the caskets are empty. There are no bodies here!
PERI
Yeah, that too. Someone else is using this place for their own ends. You’re the cat burglar body-snatchers! Don’t you have a lock pick?
GRIGORY
I did, but Mr. Takis took it off me.
PERI
Lucky he stopped that Lilt guy from ventilating your faces.
GRIGORY
He should have got us out!
PERI
OK, I think that is asking a bit much.
NATASHA
Is it? He’s the one who got us in here! Gave us the map, the codes, the information on my father’s casket, he wanted us to get all the proof he couldn’t!
PERI
You’re working for Takis?
NATASHA
With Takis.
GRIGORY
Well, I thought we were. But he seems happy enough to let us hang!
PERI
Are there only you two here of this gang?
GRIGORY
The rest are a bunch of bone idle space niks on Talok.
Natasha looks up slowly, clearly having thought of something.
NATASHA
We have other allies on the planet...
GRIGORY
Oh yes, Mr. Takis who will no doubt decide to risk his life and career all of a sudden to try and rescue two convicted body-snatcher murdering voxnic addicts.
NATASHA
I am not a voxnic addict!
GRIGORY
You were happy enough to scull from my flask.
NATASHA
We were freezing to death!
GRIGORY
There’s always some excuse! That’s three credits ninety-nine you owe me, Stengos!
Natasha rolls her eyes.
NATASHA
Yes, I’m sure they’ll let me visit the cash point on the way to the gallows!
PERI
Oh for God’s sake, no wonder you two were caught! You’re worse than useless! Now is there anyone else in your gang of incompetents who might help us out of this broom closet!
NATASHA
Well, let’s just say we have help at the very highest level.
PERI
Oh, cryptic! That’ll help!
NATASHA
But it doesn’t matter. Like Takis, they can’t be seen to act.
Grigory is shocked and finally understands.
GRIGORY
You don’t mean...?
24. INT. RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
The double doors out of the reception area swing open. There is a fan fair as four or five armed PRESIDENTIAL GUARDS enter – wearing bright white combat suits and visored helmets. Behind them is VARGOS, a man with a goatee beard, his long dark hair in a pony-tail and his voice clear and deep. Two more armed guards enter behind him. We see a line of attendants, including Jobel, Takis and Lilt, and in front of them is Tasambeker who smiles warmly.
TASAMBEKER
President Vargos! Welcome to Tranquil Repose!
VARGOS
It is gratifying to finally visit the Planet of the Deceased. Forgive me for asking, my dear, but we have not met before. Who are you?
Tasambeker’s smiles wilts visibly.
TASAMBEKER
I... am new Chief Directive of Tranquil Repose...
25. INT. DJ’S RECORDING STUDIO (DAY)
The DJ has constructed a podium with his spare parts. He looks up – his screen is trained on the reception area and thus can hear every word being said.
TASAMBEKER
...and personal aide to the Great Healer himself, in charge of all Resting Operations and Perpetual Instatements on Nekros...
DJ
Hang on, Tasambeker, you’re just making that up!!
26. INT. RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
As before.
TASAMBEKER
I control Tranquil Repose on his behalf.
VARGOS
Yes, I assumed that you controlled things, but what is your name?
TASAMBEKER
Oh, sorry. I’m Tasambeker, sir. Annabel Tasambeker.
He shakes her hand warmly.
VARGOS
It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Tasambeker. But I was lead to believe that Chief Embalmer Jobel would be greeting me on my arrival.
TASAMBEKER
Ah. Yes. Well, he’s here for you to greet.
VARGOS
He did mention on more than one occasion his importance in Tranquil Repose was second only to the Great Healer himself.
TASAMBEKER
No doubt he did, President Vargos. However, the Great Healer has of late restructured the business, so his duties are now more... centred on his skills as an embalmer.
She stands aside to reveal Jobel, who stares blankly ahead, emotionless.
VARGOS
Mr. Jobel, after all these weeks of intersystem communications, it is an honor to finally meet you in person.
Jobel smoothly comes to life and smiles charmingly.
JOBEL
Tranquil Repose is honoured by your visit and we will ensure the perpetual instatement of the First Lady shall do your beloved Ronya the utmost justice.
VARGOS
I could ask for no more, Mr. Jobel.
He shakes hands firmly.
JOBEL
Shall I send the attendants into the craft to collect... your wife?
VARGOS
Ah, of course. They shall be afforded every facility. In the meantime, you promised me a tour of this fine establishment whose reputation is one of the few things keeping the galactic village in mutual contact.
JOBEL
I’m sure your enlightened regime deserves more credit.
VARGOS
You humility is refreshing, Mr. Jobel.
Tasambeker’s starting to get upset. They’ve forgotten she’s there! She speaks loudly.
TASAMBEKER
Yes, if you would like a tour of the facilities, I would be more than happy to provide you with one.
VARGOS
I’m sure Mr. Jobel is capable of that, Ms. Tasambeker. As Chief Directive of Tranquil Repose, you have many responsibilities and I would be wasting valuable time. Unless you have any objections?
Tasambeker can’t think of any.
TASAMBEKER
No, please. Give the President the guided tour, Mr. Jobel.
Jobel smiles at her. It changes from a smile to a grimace.
JOBEL
Yes. Madam.
Tasambeker turns aside to avoid his gaze. She looks at the other attendants. She doesn’t quite keep the distress out of her voice.
TASAMBEKER
Get on with your work!
Lilt, the attendants and a guard head out the exit. Jobel, Takis, and Vargos head to the inner doorway and out of sight. All bar the last two guards follow.
JOBEL
Of course, it was Mr. Takis who first proposed the idea of Tranquil Repose, some ten years previously. It really was one of those ideas so simple yet revolutionary you begin to feel inadequate that you didn’t think of it yourself. I of course, have never had any problems with inadequacy...
Upset, Tasambeker hurries away. The two guards are left behind. One nods further down the reception area. They stride over to another set of double doors.
27. INT. OUTSIDE RECEPTION AREA (DAY)
A redressed set, on the other side of the reception area. The guards enter and the doors close. One guard holds up a familiar looking control and activates it. We see a security camera’s light goes out. The guard nods and pockets the control. They remove their helmets – it is the Doctor and Lytton.
DOCTOR
Very effective plan.
LYTTON
I thought so.
DOCTOR
But impractical. It’s a good thing we had the TARDIS to help us. How were you intending to join the Presidential Escort without attracting attention?
LYTTON
I wouldn’t want to tell you. You’d only squirm.
The Doctor glares at him.
DOCTOR
We need to keep death to an absolute minimum. I don’t want a bloodbath this time.
LYTTON
That doesn’t concern me, Doctor, it’s your problem.
DOCTOR
No, it DOES concern you, Commander, it is very much OUR problem. And either you follow orders or this ends here and now.
LYTTON
Oh, threats – and we were getting on so well, too.
DOCTOR
First thing first is to find out where they’ve taken Peri and the others. Assuming these Daleks are as imaginative as their distant cousins, it will probably be that supplies store room on Level Six. Come on.
They exit at a run.
- to be continued...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)