. Dr. Who: The Cyber War
. (between Series 6 & 7)
. by
. Barbara Goldstein PhD 11/11
.
. TEASER
EXT. OUTER SPACE
A beautiful gassy nebula has an ominous dark line with energy
exploding intermittently from it. Suddenly in one larger
explosion, a ship is expelled, careening end over end, out of
control. As the ship slows, it fires engines and takes off in
flight.
As the ship departs, its path takes it close enough to see
who is at the helm: Cybermen from Pete's World (PW), the
parallel Earth, have escaped the Void.
EXT. DIFFERENT SECTOR OF OUTER SPACE
"Six Months Later:" A yellow sun, Traylor, is orbited by a
large reddish planet in the habitable zone.
EXT. LARGE CITY ON THE PLANET TRAYLOR II - DAY
The city looks more advanced than Earth, e.g. roads half a
mile from the ground and alien architecture.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
A MOB of People who look nearly human run down the street
with lines of PW CYBERMEN closing in on them from several
sides. MILITARY fires on the Cybermen with limited success.
Other captured People are marched into an imposing factory.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
Several space stations are in proximity to one another.
INT. SPACE STATION
The original CYBERMEN from Mondas man various posts. M
CYBERMAN #1 approaches a CYBER CONTROLLER. M Cybermen have
flatter faces without the lines and segments of the PW
Cybermen faces and larger "headsets."
M CYBERMAN #1
I have an anomalous reading. It
says there is Cyber activity on
Traylor II.
M Cyberman #1 hands the Cyber Controller an electronic pad.
CYBER CONTOLLER
We have no troops on Traylor II.
Take a group and investigate.
EXT. LARGE CITY ON THE PLANET TRAYLOR II - ORIENTING
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
PW Cybermen still round up people, but now it's smaller
groups and individuals. In the background, hundreds and
hundreds of Cybermen dismantle buildings and sky roads,
mostly scavenging for metal.
Suddenly, there is a roar in the sky that distracts both the
PW Cybermen and Traylor II citizens. Everyone watches a ship
land in the middle of a street. The ship opens, and a half
dozen M Cybermen march out.
PW Cybermen forget the people of Traylor II and approach the
M Cybermen. The people scatter. For a moment M Cyberman #1
and PW CYBERMAN #1 simply stare at each other.
M CYBERMAN #1
You are not us. Who are you?
PW CYBERMAN #1
We are the Cybermen.
M CYBERMAN #1
No, we are the Cybermen.
They stare at each other again.
M CYBERMAN #1 (CONT'D)
Where did you come from?
PW CYBERMAN #1
Our origin is Earth.
M CYBERMAN #1
We have tried to colonize Earth on
many occasions. Are you from our
earlier expeditions?
PW CYBERMAN #1
Our origin is a parallel Earth
where Cybus Industries upgraded us.
M CYBERMAN #1
Did you take Earth?
PW CYBERMAN #1
No, the Doctor pushed us into the
Void.
M CYBERMAN #1
The Doctor?! He is our greatest
enemy!
PW CYBERMAN #1
And ours. Might we be compatible?
M CYBERMAN #1
Let us check.
M Cyberman #1 swivels the top of one of his fingers to show a
connector. PW Cyberman does the same with a plate on his palm
that releases a connector. The two Cybermen connect, and for
a couple of beats, they stand quietly. A HUM is heard while
they compare data. Suddenly, they disconnect and face off.
M CYBERMAN #1 (CONT'D)
Incompatible! Incompatible!
PW CYBERMAN #1
Code line five hundred thousand,
three hundred twenty-five
incompatible!
M CYBERMAN #1
You are an enemy!
PW CYBERMAN #1
Delete! Delete!
The PW Cybermen and the M Cybermen start shooting at each
other. Because the PW Cybermen outnumber the M Cybermen, they
take out more M Cybermen than vice versa. M Cyberman #1 is
hit in a blast, but he drags himself back to the ship, the
sole survivor.
PW Cybermen blast at the ship as it takes off and flies away.
.
. END OF TEASER
. ACI I
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Tardis moves through space slowly.
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor's at the main console. A mat with tools for tiny
precise work is laid out, and adjacent, the sonic screwdriver
lies with its handle disassembled. He talks to the sonic
screwdriver.
DOCTOR
Do I have a new processor for you!
The Doctor picks up something nearly invisible but silver
with a fine pair of tweezers.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
You're gonna love this!
The Doctor is about to place the tiny processor in the sonic
screwdriver handle when the phone rings. He has a moment of
indecision about whether to answer or place the piece and
opts to place the piece. Again the phone rings as he does so,
and he hurriedly places it into the sonic screwdriver.
The Doctor grabs the phone.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
You!
He listens, steadily frowning.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
This is the first I've heard about
it. I'm on my way!
The Doctor hangs up and rushes back to the Sonic Screwdriver.
He takes a quick look at his work and closes up the handle
housing. He tests it by turning it on and off, then shoves it
into his pocket. He rolls up the tools, and rapidly stuffs
them into his interior jacket pocket.
The Doctor then turns on the Tardis controls and with all
alacrity, takes off.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Next stop: Revis III.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
Revis shines a brilliant blue white. A planet seen circling
it is blue, mostly water, with one quarter landmass.
EXT. REVIS III CAPITOL CITY - DAY
Stark white, with a slight tinge of blue from the star,
buildings of stunning alien architecture. On closer look,
however, some of the buildings show signs of attack.
The camera closes in on an opulent estate, still intact -
EXT. MALDOVAR STRONGHOLD - DAY
There are several gleaming white buildings, but one stands
out from the others both in size and grandeur. Pale blue
lawns surround the buildings.
INT. GRAND BUILDING - DAY
The foyer is several hundred square feet and has statues and
artwork. The Tardis materializes, and moments later, the
Doctor exits and looks around.
DOCTOR
Hello?
There is a rustling behind the main door, and then it opens a
crack. From within:
VOICE (O.S.)
Sh-sh-sh. Quiet down, will you?!
A blue hand yanks the Doctor into
INT. OPULENT SITTING ROOM - DAY
The room has almost enough objects d'art to qualify as a
museum; interspersed are conversational areas.
The Doctor finds himself in front of Dorium Maldovar, again
with a complete large, blue body. The Doctor isn't surprised.
DOCTOR
Talluva IV's clone shop does nice
work. - How good to see you!
The Doctor makes the mistake of hugging Dorium who almost
breaks him. Then, Dorium shows off his body, striking a pose.
DORIUM
When your family has money - with
wifi, you can order anything.
(remembers)
Sh-sh! Do you want to get caught?
Dorium takes the Doctor to one of the seating areas and turns
on something that shows briefly like a blue force field. They
sit, and Dorium nods that it's okay to speak.
DOCTOR
What are Cybermen doing on Revis
III, and why are they scouring for
every last being?
DORIUM
I don't know, but it's not just the
people; it's every resource on the
planet. How could you not know?
DOCTOR
Everyone thinks I'm dead. Hardly in
on the chatter. What can you tell
me?
DORIUM
Get me off this planet, and I'll
help in any way I can.
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor takes Dorium to the console and offers him a seat.
The Doctor starts up the Tardis.
DOCTOR
The Cybermen.
DORIUM
Five months ago, we lost contact
with our sister planet in the Draco
system. We received a single
message about 'metal men' taking
their population and resources.
DOCTOR
Did someone investigate?
DORIUM
Yes, the government sent a team who
promptly disappeared.
Dorium looks atypically discomfited.
DOCTOR
Yes?
DORIUM
My brother, Dorello, lead that
team!
DOCTOR
I'm sorry.
DORIUM
Then we contacted the Time Agency
who sent a team back to a few days
before the message, and they
disappeared.
DOCTOR
No messages?
DORIUM
Not a one. And then a passing ship
captured this image.
Dorium pushes a button on his ring and projects a picture
into the air.
The picture shows a devastated planet, denuded of most life,
with gaping holes, visible from space, where resources have
been extracted. Oceans look dirty and partially emptied.
The Doctor looks shaken and saddened.
DOCTOR
Six point six billion people!...
DORIUM
And another two point five billion
here going quickly in just two
days!
DOCTOR
Do you have any pictures of the
Cybermen?
Dorium nods, does something to his ring and an image of a PW
Cyberman replaces the picture of the planet in Draco.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Those are Cybermen from a parallel
Earth. I sent them to the Void.
They shouldn't be here at all.
DORIUM
Then, how are they?
DOCTOR
There have been openings in the
Void before.
(cowboy)
I'm an old hand at rounding up
escaped Cybermen.
The Doctor doffs an imaginary hat and types briefly at the
console.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Let me pull up reports from this
sector.
The Doctor types again and turns dials.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
There are distress reports from
dozens of planets!
Dorium gets up and joins the Doctor at the screen and becomes
grim.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Trillions of people have been
converted! But why?
The Doctor searches information; it's seen flashing by on the
screen faster than a human can take it in. Suddenly it stops
and shows a huge battle being waged in space: planetary size
ships and ships of all sizes down to small fighters fire upon
each other.
DORIUM
That's one helluva war!
DOCTOR
With whom?? Who are the Cybermen
fighting that they're emptying
planets?!
The Doctor scans through pictures which go by less rapidly on
the screen and settles on a picture of an M Cyberman with
their flatter, unlined faces.
DORIUM
They seem to be having a civil war.
DOCTOR
No, those are the original Cybermen
from the planet Mondas.
DORIUM
They're the ones I've heard of.
DOCTOR
But why are they at war? No wonder,
whole planets are being converted.
I need data!
DORIUM
Go to one of those planets?!
DOCTOR
Do you really think there are any
Cybermen left on Draco?
Before Dorium even answers, the Doctor fires up the Tardis.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
An orange star, Draco, shines, and the shell of the planet,
Draco II, seen orbiting it.
EXT. DRACO II CITY - DAY
The light from the orange star makes everything somewhat
"rosier." Only damaged roads and shells of buildings remain.
The Tardis materializes in the middle of rubble.
The Doctor emerges. He has to wave Dorium out, and Dorium
comes out reluctantly. They take in the view. Neither man can
totally hide their vulnerability to what they see.
DORIUM
Dear Deity!
The Doctor purses his lips and nods. Just a tad too hastily,
he pulls out the sonic screwdriver and turns it on. At first
nothing happens, but as the Doctor slowly turns around, a
faint beeping starts. The Doctor walks in the direction of
the strongest signal; Dorium follows.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
What are you looking for?
DOCTOR
A dead Cyberman.
DORIUM
Whatever for?
DOCTOR
Its processor will have
information.
The Doctor and Dorium reach a rubble pile.
DORIUM
Now, that's something I can help
with. Here?
The Doctor shakes his head, and they continue following the
beep which grows louder as they near their quarry. But within
a couple steps, Dorium and the Doctor stop: the sound of
metallic marching.
DOCTOR
(to the sonic screwdriver)
No, no! I didn't ask for real ones!
(to Dorium)
Run!
Dorium gives the Doctor a withering look.
DORIUM
Really?
DOCTOR
Hasten?
Dorium nods.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Then hasten now!
The Doctor and Dorium "hasten" back to the Tardis. They are
within ten feet of the Tardis when a group of three PW
Cybermen march into view, further up the street, the other
side of the Tardis. They see the Doctor and Dorium.
PW CYBERMAN #1
Delete!
The three PW Cybermen shoot but are initially just out of
range of the Doctor and Dorium.
The Doctor jumps ahead, giving him just enough time to unlock
the Tardis and for Dorium to catch up as the shots start to
reach them. They disappear into the Tardis.
The three PW Cybermen recognize the Tardis.
PW CYBERMAN #1 (CONT'D)
It is the Doctor; fire.
The PW Cybermen shoot at the Tardis. The Tardis
dematerializes, unscathed, in a blaze of fire.
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor is at the controls. Dorium is still catching his
breath.
DOCTOR
We're going to need help.
DORIUM
You think? But who do you turn to
for help?
DOCTOR
The Shadow Proclamation...
Dorium is surprised.
INT. THE SHADOW PROCLAMATION
The Tardis materializes in a spacious, marble-lined room of
classic lines and little decoration. There is a single huge
matching marble desk and a few seats near one end.
As the Doctor and Dorium exit the Tardis, they are confronted
by two Rhino guards.
RHINO GUARD
Doctor. We heard you were dead.
What brings you our way?
DOCTOR
A war in Draco.
The elderly female PRESIDENT joins them, showing no reaction
to the Doctor's changed appearance.
PRESIDENT
Doctor, you really have a penchant
for understatement. The Cyber War
now spans three galaxies and
several hundred planets!
The President clicks a small devise which activates Monitors
on one wall. Scenes of various races running from either PW
or M Cybermen flash by, followed by pictures of planets that
look worse than Draco II. A map of the universe with huge
marked sections ends it. The Doctor and Dorium look stunned.
DORIUM
What are you doing about it?
The President looks at Dorium like "who are you" and gives
her answer to the Doctor.
PRESIDENT
We've sent legions of troops from a
dozen planets, but the Cybermen are
converting people faster than we
can take out the conversion plants.
Dorium is angered by the President's treatment and places
himself in front of her.
DORIUM
I asked the question, not him.
PRESIDENT
And you are?
DORIUM
Dorium Maldovar.
The President reacts, clearly having heard of the Maldovar
family.
PRESIDENT
We have had satisfactory business
dealings with your family.
The President brings herself back to the present. To the
Doctor -
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Do you have any plans for ending
the war?
DOCTOR
I've only just learned about it.
When I do need you help, can I
count on it?
PRESIDENT
Of course, Doctor!
The phone in the Tardis rings from the distance.
DOCTOR
You'll have to excuse me.
PRESIDENT
I learned last time to let you work
on your own.
The Doctor and Dorium give their thanks non-verbally and head
to the Tardis. As they recede,
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
(to Rhino Guard)
Get the Council. We have to amass
troops!
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor answers the phone, listens and hangs up. Dorium
catches up, out of breath.
DOCTOR
That was UNIT. More bad news. Cyber
ships are en route to Earth.
DORIUM
Which type?
DOCTOR
Both!
The Doctor fires up the Tardis.
DORIUM
Now what?
DOCTOR
Think this through. Why are the
Cybermen at war?
DORIUM
Because they want the same
territory?
The Doctor takes out the Sonic Screwdriver, opens the housing
and checks inside.
DOCTOR
Maybe... but at the Battle of
Canary Wharf, the Pete's World
Cybermen offered to combine with
the Daleks.
The Doctor fishes in his pocket and pulls out the tools. He
selects a tool and tinkers inside the Sonic Screwdriver's
housing.
DORIUM
That's a grizzly thought.
DOCTOR
But it means they would be willing
to join with the other Cybermen.
Why didn't that happen?
Dorium shrugs.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We need to find out.
The Doctor removes the tiny silver processor and replaces it
in the reverse direction.
DORIUM
What's the plan?
DOCTOR
Time scan the area. If possible,
catch a Cyberman and hack it's
memory.
The Doctor closes the Sonic Screwdriver's housing and pockets
it and the tools.
DORIUM
Didn't we just try that?
The screen comes on of it's own accord, distracting the
Doctor and Dorium. The screen shows the gassy nebula with the
rift opening. The Doctor studies it.
DOCTOR
That's a nasty bit of work.
DORIUM
What is it?
DOCTOR
That's the rift that let the
Cybermen escape from the Void.
Thanks, old girl.
DORIUM
Can we do anything about it?
The Doctor pushes a button on the Tardis console.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Tardis and the rift opening are seen. A brief but
intense beam blasts from the light on top of the Tardis and
goes into the rift opening.
The rift opening implodes and disappears.
INT. TARDIS - RESUME
DOCTOR
Done. And it confirms Traylor II as
ground zero for the first
confrontation.
DORIUM
And somehow it will involve more
running.
EXT. TRAYLOR II STREETS - DAY
What's left of the city is quiet, except for the sound of
Cyber-marching in the distance. The city is in tatters, and
like Draco, except for remnants of roads, the city has been
stripped bare. The Tardis lands.
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor scans the streets, seen on the Tardis screen.
DOCTOR
Quiet for now. Let's do this.
Dorium hangs back.
DORIUM
I'll stay here if you don't mind.
I'm old; I'm fat; I'm blue.
DOCTOR
When I ask people to stay, they
don't, and now when I need you to
come, you want to hang back! Being
blue is essential to this mission.
Dorium resignedly follows the Doctor into -
EXT. TRAYLOR II STREETS - DAY
The Doctor followed by Dorium emerge from the Tardis. Dorium
pulls a weapon from the folds of his robe. The Doctor pulls
out the Sonic Screwdriver, turns it on and takes a reading.
DOCTOR
This way.
The Doctor and Dorium head down a street.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We're a block from a major time
point.
DORIUM
The original confrontation?
DOCTOR
I hope so.
They arrive at the spot the ship of Original Cybermen landed,
although there are now no buildings left. The area has been
cleaned of all the dead. The Sonic Screwdriver flashes.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We're here. Ready?
The Doctor changes the setting on the Sonic Screwdriver, and
it projects a ghostly rendering of the original confrontation
between the two types of Cybermen. We again see them
connected and then face off.
The Doctor adjusts the Sonic Screwdriver and sound is added
at first scratchy as he hones in on the signal.
PW CYBERMAN #1
Code line five hundred thousand,
three hundred twenty-five
incompatible!
The projection fades.
DOCTOR
(to the Sonic Screwdriver)
Feeling better?
(to Dorium)
Wonder what code line five hundred
thousand, three hundred twenty-five
is?
DORIUM
And now you're more motivated than
ever to get your hands on one their
processors.
DOCTOR
It won't be easy - but yes.
The sound of the background cyber-marching has gotten louder.
None-the-less, the Doctor scans around them with the Sonic
Screwdriver and suddenly, of it's own accord, it flashes with
a slight farting noise.
The Doctor turns red and Dorium turns purple. They stare at
each other surprised. The Doctor looks strangely at the Sonic
Screwdriver.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
No, no, no. Give me a reading!
The sound of cyber-marching gets even closer, and the Doctor
and Dorium head back to the Tardis.
However, just as the Doctor and Dorium reach the Tardis, two
PW Cybermen emerge from behind a nearby building. The color
change fades.
PW CYBERMAN #1
Delete!
The Doctor and Dorium are halfway into the Tardis when -
PW CYBERMAN #2
Wait!
PW Cyberman #2 throws his arm laterally, sending a shot by PW
Cyberman #1 off target.
Both the Doctor and Dorium stick their heads out partially
from the Tardis in curiosity.
PW CYBERMAN #2 (CONT'D)
I know you!
The Doctor and Dorium emerge a little further. The Doctor
points at himself, and PW Cyberman #2 shakes his head.
PW CYBERMAN #2 (CONT'D)
You are Dorium Maldovar.
DORIUM
Yes, but how could you know that?
PW CYBERMAN #2
Before I was upgraded, I was
Dorello Maldovar.
DORIUM
Dorello?!
(emerging further from the
Tardis)
You can't be!
Cyberman #1 gets off a closer shot, and the Doctor pulls
Dorium into the Tardis.
INT. TARDIS
Dorium looks horrified. The Doctor sets course on the Tardis
and takes off.
DORIUM
That was Dorello? My brother was
converted? No!
For a moment Dorium is shaken, pulls inward mentally for a
couple beats, forearms across his face, then pulls out with a
resolute look.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
Okay, Doctor, how do we try and get
a cyber-processor this time?
DOCTOR
Go to the edge of a battle and
salvage a damaged Cyberman.
DORIUM
Wouldn't killing one suffice?
DOCTOR
Don't really like to do that.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
Ships larger than a nearby broken moon shoot at each other.
Other ships all the way down to a plethora of small fighters
also engage. Broken fighter ships and a smattering of
derelict larger ships litter the sky.
The Tardis materializes next to a damaged fighter that moves
along, gently rolling head over heels. The Tardis is so small
relative to even the fighter that it goes unnoticed in the
war next to it.
A beam from the Tardis' light stabilizes the fighter.
Momentarily, a bubble is seen around the Tardis and fighter,
then fades.
The door to the Tardis opens. The Doctor fires the sonic
screwdriver at the hatch lock of the Cyber-fighter. It fails
to open the lock and instead turns the windshield into a neon
"protoplasmic" mass that rapidly separates into globs.
DOCTOR
You're not even programmed to...
The Doctor ducks himself from a slow-moving cloud of now
droplets.
The droplets suddenly sparkle out of existence, playing
musical notes - the first notes of the Dr. Who theme. The
Doctor grins, then he pulls out the head, torso and arm of
the dismembered PW Cyberman within. He pulls it into the -
INT. TARDIS
A PW Cyberman flails its remaining arm as it lies on the
floor. The Doctor and Dorium examine it.
PW CYBERMAN #2
Delete! Delete! Delete the Doctor!
Dorium pulls his weapon from his robe and points it at the
Cyberman, and the Cyberman shuts up.
DORIUM
Never had this close a look before.
DOCTOR
I have.
The Doctor pulls out his sonic screwdriver and looks at it
dubiously. He checks the setting and uses it to open the
plate on the Cyberman's chest. It works, in that it undoes
the plate. The plate has also turned bright gold.
The Doctor looks at the chest plate with distrust. He
gingerly tries to remove it but pulls his hands back quickly.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Hot, hot!
(to the Sonic Screwdriver)
Alchemy! What is wrong with you?
Dorium hands the Doctor a towel he sees draped over a
railing, and the Doctor carefully detaches the plate.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(to himself)
Careful old man.
(to Dorium)
Last time I broke the emotional
inhibitor. It wasn't pretty.
The Doctor successfully removes the plate.
The Doctor carefully moves remnants of human tissue aside.
Several inches in, he uncovers a box. As he removes the box,
some of the gold along the edge falls into the chest cavity,
and the Cyberman simply dies.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Wondered if that would work on
them.
The Doctor offers the still dripping box to Dorium.
Dorium grabs the towel from under the gold chest plate,
pockets it and takes the box with great interest.
DORIUM
The processor?
The Doctor nods. Dorium looks like the cat who caught the
canary.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
Now here's a challenge worthy of my
talents!
The Doctor escorts Dorium to a section of the Tardis console.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
May I use that tool belt you had
out earlier?
DOCTOR
You'll have to share.
The Doctor pulls out the tool set from his inside pocket then
sits down at the section next to Dorium. He pulls out the
sonic screwdriver and opens it up.
Dorium takes a tool and connects the cyber-processor to the
Tardis console.
The Doctor takes tiny tweezers and removes the tiny silver
processor again. He takes a magnifier and barely starts to
examine it when -
DORIUM
I found the line of code.
DOCTOR
Already?
DORIUM
I'm good.
DOCTOR
And?
Dorium looks at the Doctor and shakes his head.
DORIUM
Code line five hundred thousand,
three hundred twenty-five is about
you.
DOCTOR
What?
DORIUM
The incompatible line of code that
started this all-out war is about
you.
DOCTOR
(under his breath)
Why does this always have to be
about me?
DORIUM
They're arguing about your
destruction.
The Doctor looks at Dorium quizzically.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
Code line five hundred thousand,
three hundred twenty-five says you
should be deleted, and the
corresponding line of code orders
you be captured and processed into
a Cyber Controller.
The Doctor looks astonished. He scratches his head
thoughtfully.
DOCTOR
Then, perhaps we need to reprogram
that incompatibility.
Dorium looks perturbed by the idea.
DORIAN
We? What we?
.
. END OF ACT I
. ACT II
INT. TARDIS - RESUME
Dorium looks aghast at the Doctor.
DOCTOR
Don't panic. I'm just thinking
aloud.
DORIUM
It would buy time. A ploy? I can
write that patch. Do you want to be
killed or become a controller?
The Doctor doesn't hear the question, his mind long moved on.
DOCTOR
Wait! We're thinking small. If you
can write that patch, what else
could we hide in that - or some
other program?
Dorium looks intrigued and cunning.
DORIUM
Let me see what other information
is in that processor.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Earth and Moon are seen.
EXT. UNIT, LONDON - DAY
An impressive modern building with a UNIT sign and United
Nations and United Kingdom flags.
INT. UNIT WAR ROOM, LONDON - DAY
Descending, three rows of TECHNICIANS on computers; a half
dozen main screens with views from outer space show two sets
of ships moving across space.
Brigadier Erisa Magambo is at a podium. High-ranking military
brass from many nations are seated before her in a hodge
podge of chairs between the technicians and screens.
Behind her, the six screens coalesce into a single feed of
the two massive fleets battling.
BRIGADIER
The world's best astronomers concur
these warring fleets are headed
straight for us. The combined size
of their fleets is several thousand
times larger than the mass of
Jupiter. Short of them destroying
each other on the way -
The sound of the Tardis materializing interrupts the
Brigadier. There is a hubbub of reaction from the Military
audience. Brigadier Magambo looks more hopeful.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
The Doctor!
Of course Brigadier Magambo doesn't recognize the Doctor who
emerges from the Tardis. She leaves the podium and meets him.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
Doctor?
DOCTOR
That's me. Same man - well, sort
of. Surely you've read that I -
change.
BRIGADIER
Yes, Doctor. Do you have any ideas
about the fleets headed our way?
DOCTOR
Yes. I have a thing brewing.
BRIGADIER
A 'thing?'
DOCTOR
Better than a plan.
BRIGADIER
Can we help?
DOCTOR
Oh, yes! I want to borrow your
space carrier, a lot of engineers
and materials.
BRIGADIER
(surprised a beat)
I asked.
(back to business)
When do you need it?
DOCTOR
Is Dr. Malcolm Taylor still around?
BRIGADIER
Yes.
The Doctor hands the Brigadier a phone.
DOCTOR
Place him in charge, give him this -
there's a message waiting - and
I'll be in touch.
The Doctor returns to the Tardis. Brigadier Magambo looks
taken aback and perplexed.
The Tardis disappears.
INT. TARDIS
Dorium raptly studies the Cyber processor as the Doctor
enters.
The Doctor makes a space for himself and again opens the
housing to the Sonic Screwdriver. Using the tiny tweezer, he
takes out the tiny silver processer and examines it with a
jeweler's eyepiece. He shakes his head, debates what angle to
put back the tiny piece and replaces it in the Sonic
Screwdriver.
The Doctor chooses a setting on the Sonic Screwdriver. He
aims it at a wilted plant and zaps it with a beam from the
Sonic Screwdriver.
DOCTOR
Elevate.
Instead the plant reverses from wilted to green and blooming.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(mutters)
E.T. phone home.
Dorium sees the changed plant.
The Doctor opens the housing on the Sonic Screwdriver yet
again.
DORIUM
What is going on with you and that
screwdriver?
DOCTOR
I put in a new processor, and it
keeps doing things it's never been
programmed to do. Like that.
The Doctor points to the plant. Dorium leans over and looks
at the screwdriver and gives a laugh.
DORIUM
It's inside out.
The Doctor looks again through the jeweler's eyepiece.
DOCTOR
I'm impressed.
DORIUM
I told you I was good.
The Doctor is about to take the piece out of the Sonic
Screwdriver, when his face lights up with a eureka moment.
DOCTOR
Inside out!!!!
The Doctor is so distracted with his new idea that he closes
the housing on the Sonic Screwdriver without changing
anything. He becomes frenetically active in setting the
Tardis to take off.
DORIUM
Now, where are you hurrying to?
DOCTOR
Messaline.
DORIUM
Why?
DOCTOR
To borrow technology. Have you
learned anything?
DORIUM
Tons about organic-mechanic
interfaces.
DOCTOR
I meant weaknesses we can exploit.
DORIUM
Not so far. There have been too
many distractions!
DOCTOR
Multi-task! Even if it's small,
find something.
DORIUM
Do you doubt I will?
The Tardis lands.
EXT. MESSALINE - DAY
The planet has been terraformed to a very Earth-like state:
Forests, lakes and cities are seen.
EXT. MESSALINE MAIN GOVERNMENT BUILDING - DAY
An impressive building with a sign designating it.
INT. MESSALINE MAIN GOVERNMENT BUILDING, LOBBY - DAY
The Tardis materializes in a far corner of a grand, huge
lobby, far enough from people coming and going to draw no
attention. Near elevators is an information desk.
The Doctor exits the Tardis and goes to the information desk.
An Attendant looks at the Doctor expectantly.
DOCTOR
I need to speak to someone in
charge.
ATTENDANT
Criminal or civilian?
DOCTOR
Civilian. Tell them the Doctor has
returned.
The Attendant looks at the Doctor strangely but dutifully
makes a call. We don't hear what is said, but a couple beats
later, she looks at the Doctor even more strangely.
ATTENDANT
The Prime Minister will be here in
a moment.
And a beat later, Cline - from the last visit to Messaline,
more mature and in a suit - flanked by two Guards comes out
of an elevator. Cline looks around.
CLINE
Where's the Doctor?
The Doctor waves.
CLINE (CONT'D)
Oh, I thought you were the Doctor.
The Doctor goes to Cline.
DOCTOR
I am. You were so kind after my -
my daughter, Jenny's death.
Cline accepts the Doctor and ushers him into the lift, the
Guards following.
INT. PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE - DAY
The office befits a Prime Minister yet is not overstated.
Guards lead Cline and the Doctor out of the lift.
CLINE
Doctor, about your daughter -
DOCTOR
And now you're Prime Minister.
Cline offers the Doctor a seat, then he takes one across from
him. The Doctor doesn't sit.
CLINE
That's because of you, and the day
peace came. What brings you our
way?
DOCTOR
Do you still have the progenation
machines?
CLINE
Yes, but only one is still in use.
We're procreating the normal way
now.
DOCTOR
Could I borrow whatever you're not
using?
CLINE
Of course. May I ask why?
DOCTOR
I hope to stop another war.
The Doctor gets up to leave, and Cline stops just short of
physically stopping him.
CLINE
Doctor! Your daughter!
DOCTOR
(looking at him strangely)
Yes?
CLINE
She came to life after you left -
bathed in golden light!
The Doctor stops for more than a beat.
DOCTOR
Where is she?
CLINE
She stole a ship and said she was
going to see the universe.
The Doctor smiles fondly.
DOCTOR
Thank you! I shall be on the look
out for her.
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor is lost in thought when he returns to the Tardis,
but he's quickly broken out of his reverie by Dorium.
DORIUM
These are the most over-engineered,
redundant, multi-protected programs
I've ever seen!
DOCTOR
So you didn't find anything?
DORIUM
Of course I did, but they're small,
very small. There's a slight
malformation in all the right knee
joints of Rift Cybermen, leaving
them susceptible to over-heating.
There's a tiny issue of shorting in
the right Mondasian clavicle. But
what does it get us?
DOCTOR
I'm not sure yet, but I have a
thing brewing.
The Doctor pulls up a diagram on the screen that we don't see
clearly. Dorium scrutinizes it and lights up.
DORIUM
This is genius! But how?
The Doctor changes the screen, and several unclear diagrams
are seen. Parts of each diagram are highlighted, not that we
have any idea what they mean.
DOCTOR
Can you meld the features marked?
Dorium studies the screen and grins broadly.
DORIUM
Oh, Doctor, you are fun.
DOCTOR
Let me know as soon as you have the
design. Next stop Talluva IV.
The Doctor starts moving dials and levers on the Tardis
console.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Tardis materializes over a wrecked planet. What's left of
Talluva IV is in three pieces.
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor and Dorium view the scene on the screen aghast.
The Doctor hits his forehead.
DOCTOR
Where else? Where else? Think
(looks at Dorium)
You would know!
DORIUM
What?
DOCTOR
Where else did you consider getting
your new body made?
DORIUM
Scorpius Six and Sagetellan Two.
The Doctor types, turns dials then looks at the small screen.
DOCTOR
Sagetellan Two is... gone!
(types more)
Scorpius - should be there!
Again, the Doctor fires up the Tardis.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Tardis materializes over a bustling planet: small space
ships travel between the planet and various "stations." The
heavy traffic is regulated to orderly strata and patterns.
Some of the space stations look like the opulent pleasure
domes they are.
The Tardis disappears.
INT. PLEASURE DOME THREE, SWIMMING POOL AREA
The Tardis appears at one end of the pool. Along the sides of
the pool are chaise lounges semi-filled with Patrons who are
middle aged, rich and dowdy. They are attentively waited on
by a plethora of Young, nicely built Help.
The Doctor and Dorium emerge from the Tardis.
DORIUM
I'm taking a break! I need to be
pampered. I need good food.
Dorium chooses a lounge chair not far from the Tardis, and
moments later, Young Help offer him drinks and food which he
willingly accepts.
The Doctor looks around and heads toward an office not far
beyond Dorium. He knocks on the door. After a couple beats,
he tries the handle. The door opens, and the Doctor finds
himself facing a cold, imperious Administrator - one who
clearly doesn't appreciate the Doctor opening the door.
ADMINISTRATOR
Yes?
DOCTOR
I am the Doctor.
It's clear the Administrator has never heard of him. The
Administrator comes out of the office into the pool area.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
I'm here on behalf of the Shadow
Proclamation.
ADMINISTRATOR
(unimpressed)
And?
DOCTOR
Are you aware of the multi-galactic
war going on?
ADMINISTRATOR
No.
DOCTOR
We need to borrow your cloning
facilities.
ADMINISTRATOR
How many for how long?
DOCTOR
All of them for at least a month.
ADMINISTRATOR
That's totally unacceptable! We
cannot limit services for our
patrons. We have a reputation to
maintain!
DOCTOR
Be inconvenienced now or destroyed
shortly.
ADMINISTRATOR
No. Even if I can confirm your
connection to the Shadow
Proclamation and the war, no! We
cannot brook such a disruption!
The Doctor looks at him with dismay.
.
. END OF ACT II
. ACT III
INT. PLEASURE DOME THREE, SWIMMING POOL AREA - RESUME
The Doctor becomes irritated.
DOCTOR
Customers? Don't you understand
that you soon won't have customers
if you don't help?
ADMINISTRATOR
And I won't have customers if we
can't make body parts. Now if
you'll excuse me.
As the Administrator turns. From behind -
DORIUM (O.S.)
You pretentious, mid-level paper
pusher! If you don't help him, I'll
arrange for your supplies to be cut
off.
The Administrator turns back, and glares at Dorium who is
comfortably lounging, eating and sipping on a fancy drink.
ADMINISTRATOR
The Shadow Proclamation doesn't
engage in such tactics.
DOCTOR
So, you do know them...
DORIUM
I'm not with the Shadow
Proclamation; I'm Dorium Maldovar.
ADMINISTRATOR
(blanching)
Maldovar shipping?... Mr. Maldovar!
Of course, you can have the
machines. Is there anything else I
can get you and your friend?
INT. TARDIS
The Doctor and Dorium pour over the earlier diagram on the
screen.
DORIUM
I see what you're going for, but
this way takes too much time.
DOCTOR
Faster, faster... Think!
(wracking brain)
Maybe we can!
DORIUM
How do you program a biological
sample?
DOCTOR
With nanogenes! Fast enough?
DORIUM
Doctor, it's delicious!
Dorium moves things around the screen with his hands.
DOCTOR
I have my moments.
DORIUM
Here, what do you think of this?
DOCTOR
Perfect! Dorium, you have your
moments, too.
Dorium grins.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
How many can we construct?
DORIUM
The developmental circuit from the
progenation machine is our limiting
factor. With luck, we can replicate
about three hundred fifty.
DOCTOR
So about three hundred sixty-four,
total capacity?
DORIUM
Yes. Ninety one machines with four
repair docks each.
DOCTOR
That's all the carrier can handle.
The Doctor gets on a phone and dials.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Malcolm? I'm about to send a
blueprint; I'll bring the special
parts shortly.
EXT. OUTER SPACE ABOVE EARTH
The air carrier, Valiant II, hovers impressively above the
planet.
EXT. VALIANT II, DECK
A slightly visible force field allows a large Crew of
Engineers and Workers to build without spacesuits. They are
busily constructing something almost everywhere on the deck.
The Tardis materializes against the wall of tower that juts
above the deck.
The Doctor and Dorium emerge.
Brigadier Magambo comes down the stairs from the tower,
flanked by two Armed Men. She doesn't react to Dorium.
BRIGADIER
I understand the plan. Do we have
sufficient time to make it happen?
DOCTOR
Don't know. Where's Malcolm?
Before the Brigadier can answer, Dr. Malcolm Taylor backs
around a corner speaking to people we can't see.
MALCOLM
I want quality control double
checking every move we make. We
can't afford to have so much as one
machine fail to function.
Malcolm starts to turn but is stopped an eighth of the way
around by his phone ringing. He answers and listens.
MALCOLM (CONT'D)
No, stay exactly to the
specifications. I'll send someone
to look at it.
Malcolm finally turns. He takes one look at the Doctor, and
the competent leader melts into an adoring "fan." He starts
to embrace the Doctor, then pulls back and shakes hands.
MALCOLM (CONT'D)
Doctor! I heard you regenerated.
DOCTOR
How nice to not explain. Where are
we?
MALCOLM
On schedule.
DOCTOR
This is Dorium. He did the
blueprints.
Dorium and Malcolm shake hands.
MALCOLM
You'll be invaluable as we try to
install the pieces you brought.
Come, look at what we've done.
DORIUM
Of course.
Malcolm and Dorium exit.
BRIGADIER
Doctor, how are we going to go into
the battlefield area undetected?
DOCTOR
Oh!
The Doctor returns to the Tardis, disappears inside for a
brief moment, then comes back out with two, large, nearly
flat disks.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
These. This one's a bit out of
date, and this is fresh off the
battlefield. They project insignia
for a repair ship, the battlefield
hospitals for Cybermen.
BRIGADIER
And they're respected by their
rules of war?
DOCTOR
Yes.
BRIGADIER
What about the shape of our ship?
DOCTOR
No problem. The repair fleet is a
rag-tag group of ships too derelict
to fight.
BRIGADIER
Let's get them installed and
tested.
Far across the Deck, Dorium and Malcolm watch as a huge piece
of alien machinery is put into place by a large crane and
many people guiding it. Others, already in place, are seen in
the background. Engineers and Crew swarm the equipment as it
goes into place.
Malcolm leads Dorium to an installed one, and they both
examine it, careful to not bother Technicians connecting
wiring and others injecting fluids.
DORIUM
Yes, yes. Nicely done.
MALCOLM
But what does it do?
DORIUM
It will infect Cybermen as it
repairs them, four at a time. We're
going to masquerade as a 'hospital'
repair ship.
As if on cue, a large holograph of an asterisk lights up the
sky from the tower. It flickers out and is replaced by a
series of circles, much like the face of a "three-four"
domino. Malcolm lights up.
MALCOLM
Then they take the infection back
to the others!
Back at the tower end, Brigadier Magambo and the Doctor look
almost straight up to see the sign.
BRIGADIER
So this is dependent on flashing
the correct Red Cross sign to the
right damaged Cybermen - and not
getting caught changing signs.
DOCTOR
Yes.
BRIGADIER
Show us the ships and fighters we
have to distinguish.
The Brigadier and Guards lead the Doctor up the tower stairs.
At the other end of the deck, Malcolm and Dorium are at a
control panel, testing connections.
MALCOLM
Unit eight-nine - all systems on
line.
DORIUM
Agreed, unit eighty-nine on line.
MALCOLM
Still waiting for unit ninety -
just a couple to go.
DORIUM
What type of armament do you have
should we be discovered?
MALCOLM
Laser cannons. Hard artillery.
DORIUM
And speed of retreat? Light, sub
light?
MALCOLM
Sub-light.
DORIUM
(with a wicked grin)
Would you like - a tweak?
MALCOLM
Of course, but isn't that against
the Doctor's rules?
DORIUM
I'm not the Doctor.
Dorium smiles mischievously. Malcolm's curiosity is easily
seized, and he grins back.
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM - DAY
There are two rows of Uniformed Crew at consoles.
The Doctor mills about behind them peaking at their screens.
Brigadier Magambo and three Uniformed with Stripes are
huddled around a central station in front of the two rows.
The Brigadier, standing, points to the screen, then leaves
the three and goes over to the Doctor.
BRIGADIER
They're finishing your test now.
DOCTOR
Good. We had better get underway.
BRIGADIER
We already are.
DOCTOR
Tell me you have unbelievable
dampeners and not a star whale.
The Brigadier looks strangely at the Doctor. The electronic
tablet she's holding "dings," and she hands it to the Doctor.
BRIGADIER
The test results.
The Doctor takes the electronic tablet and studies it.
Malcolm Taylor and Dorium enter the room. Malcolm leads
Dorium to the main console and interrupts a Uniformed with
Stripes who rolls back, out of their way. In short order,
Malcolm and Dorium remove a toggle switch and put in a blue
button. The Doctor doesn't notice.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM
There is anticipatory tension: everyone's nearly frozen in
place, other than required duties. Everyone is alert,
"listening" for contact. Only the Doctor aimlessly chews on a
straw, but even he's standing still.
BRIGADIER
Disabled fighter sited. Identify.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Mondasian.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
Concur.
BRIGADIER
Other ships in range?
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
No other ships in range.
BRIGADIER
(into mike, heard over
speaker system)
Mondasian Cybermen squad -you're
up.
(to a Uniformed Crew)
Mondasian Red Cross sign.
The Uniformed Crew person salutes.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Mondasian giant "three-four domino" lights above the
tower of the Valiant.
A docking area at the edge of the Main Deck is manned by four
"fake" Mondasian Cybermen.
The Valiant sidles up to the damaged Mondasian Cyber-fighter.
Two "fake" Mondasian Cybermen open the fighter's canopy and
extract the damaged M Cyberman. They place him on a stretcher
held by the other two "fake" Mondasian Cybermen. They cart
the real M Cyberman away.
EXT. VALIANT, DECK
The two "fake" Mondasian Cybermen take the damaged M Cyberman
to one of the chambers and lay him down, head outward, on a
flat hinged portion of the chamber. The two "fake" Cybermen
secured the damaged M Cyberman.
FAKE M CYBERMAN
We will fix you. We will upgrade
your right clavicle. We will
download specifications for your
commander.
DAMAGED M CYBERMAN
Understood.
The hinged platform rises, bringing the damaged M Cyberman
upright and into the chamber. The chamber closes.
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM
The Doctor and Dorium observe and let the Valiant crew work
the scam.
The chamber closing on the deck is seen on a screen. But
rather than any elation -
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Damaged Rift Cyberman ship at two
o'clock.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
Concur. No other ships detected.
BRIGADIER
Change the sign. That looks like
multiple occupants.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Valiant has the asterisk sign up, and it aligns with the
damaged PW/Rift ship.
Eight "fake" Rift Cybermen open the ship. Two "fake" Rift
Cybermen extract a damaged PW Cyberman and place him on a
stretcher, followed by another - followed by an intact PW
Cyberman! The "fake" Rift Cybermen stifle reactions.
UNDAMAGED PW CYBERMAN
I am not damaged.
FAKE RIFT CYBERMAN
Then carry the stretcher. There is
an upgrade for your right knee to
avoid overheating.
UNDAMAGED PW CYBERMAN
I will obey.
The Undamaged PW Cyberman helps a fake Rift Cyberman take a
damaged PW Cyberman to
EXT. VALIANT II, DECK
the units on deck. They place the damaged PW Cyberman on the
extension.
The "fake" Rift Cyberman starts to take the Undamaged PW
Cyberman to the next unit when -
UNDAMAGED PW CYBERMAN
I cannot connect to Cyber-control.
FAKE RIFT CYBERMAN
Then you are damaged.
The Fake Rift Cyberman points to the next unit.
UNDAMAGED PW CYBERMAN
My internal system finds no damage.
FAKE RIFT CYBERMAN
If you cannot reach Cyber-control,
you are damaged.
UNDAMAGED PW CYBERMAN
Let me synchronize with you.
The Undamaged PW Cyberman pops the connection plate on his
palm.
The "fake" Rift Cyberman looks like he's about to do the
same, but instead electronically fries the Undamaged PW
Cyberman with a hidden gadget in his hand.
FAKE RIFT CYBERMAN
(into a communicator,
unfiltered voice)
Let others know that they trust
their own internal diagnostics - at
least their ability to communicate
with a Cyber-Controller.
EXT. OUTER SPACE - MONTAGE
Series of scenes of the Valiant changing signs and picking up
wounded Cybermen of both types, individually and in small
groups.
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM
The Crew is seriously focused, but they are also tired.
The Doctor, Brigadier Magambo, Malcolm Taylor and Dorium
watch on several screens both the approaches and the repairs.
BRIGADIER
How many do we have?
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
We are at three hundred and fifty
eight. Room for six more.
BRIGADIER
Let's stop with what we have. This
was supposed to be a dry run.
(to the Doctor)
How do we deposit our moles?
DOCTOR
Normally, a repair ship would drop
them off at the docking bay of a
cruiser or larger ship.
BRIGADIER
Do we risk that?
DOCTOR
No. We feign mechanical problems
and teleport them to a planet they
control, one for each side.
BRIGADIER
I assume you've given thoughts to
what two planets.
DOCTOR
Yes.
(points to star map on a
screen)
This planet is controlled by Pete's
World - the Rift Cybermen. And
this...
(points again)
This moon is controlled by the
Mondasian Cybermen.
BRIGADIER
Excellent. We can do that distance
in a half hour, one prolonged
'crisis.' Doctor, how many days of
this do we need to do?
The Doctor looks to Dorium.
DORIUM
Assuming we hit a different edge of
the war over four days, then wait
forty-eight hours, they should all
be infected through quantum
communication.
BRIGADIER
But that puts the war only a day or
two from our solar system! If we
stop a day earlier?
DORIUM
You'll still find unconverted
pockets of fully functioning
Cybermen.
BRIGADIER
Then we'll do two shifts and two
mole drop-offs per day for two and
a half days.
Dorium and the Doctor consult for a moment non-verbally, then
Dorium nods.
EXT. OUTER SPACE - MONTAGE
Another series of scenes: the Valiant changing signs and
picking up wounded Cybermen of both types. This time, it is
interspersed with scenes of huge groups of Cybermen (182 if
at maximum capacity and half the spaces going to each type)
teleporting from the ship.
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM
The Uniformed Crew, Uniformed with Stripes and Brigadier
Magambo are exhausted and running on raw determination. The
Doctor is his normal self.
BRIGADIER
Okay people, we've finished our
final sweep. Let's get these moles
dropped off and get out of here.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Coming up on selected Mondasian
held planet.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
Wait. No. Thought a I read a ship
for a moment.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Concur. No ships.
BRIGADIER
Mondasian sign up.
(to Uniformed w/ Stripes)
Break down.
The two Uniformed with Stripes make moves on their console,
and suddenly the ship lurches.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
Alarms.
The Uniformed with Stripes take actions, and klaxons sound.
The Brigadier puts a gadget over her communicator mike:
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
(sounding like a Cyberman)
This is Cyber-Control. The ship has
developed problems. We will
teleport you to the planet in
groups. Workers, assemble the
rehabilitated.
On the screen, half the machines open and M Cybermen emerge
and line up.
The Doctor comes over and watches closely.
DOCTOR
No...
BRIGADIER
What?
DOCTOR
Thought I saw something.
On the screen the final rehabilitated Mondasian Cybermen line
up, again a huge crowd.
BRIGADIER
Teleport!
On the screen, we see the Cybermen disappear.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
On to coordinates three point two
point two six.
The Doctor looks strangely at the screen again.
DOCTOR
Yes, quickly.
BRIGADIER
Doctor, what are you reacting to?
The scene on the screen starts to recede.
DOCTOR
(pointing to outer space)
That distortion.
The planet recedes further, and suddenly exactly where the
Doctor pointed, a ship nearly as large as the planet appears!
.
. END OF ACT III
. ACT IV
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM - RESUME
BRIGADIER
Retreat at same speed. Let's see if
they're interested in us.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
It's on a trajectory for us.
BRIGADIER
Are we picking up any
communication?
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
Yes, they're asking for some sort
of code.
DOCTOR
Yes! There are identifier numbers
for repair ships. Let me -
The Doctor displaces a Uniformed Crew and types.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
This is many, many years out of
date, but maybe...
The Doctor hits a key with finality and hits "return."
BRIGADIER
Continue retreat- steady.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Code accepted.
The giant ship veers away on the main screen. But after only
a beat of relief -
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
We're getting another message.
The Control Tower Crew freezes.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II (CONT'D)
They want to know why their logs
show us flying the symbol of their
enemy.
BRIGADIER
Send the message: we're on a
special mission to acquire
specimens of the enemy for research
along with our regular duties.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
Done.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
They're not really buying it!
The giant ship comes back into view on the main screen.
BRIGADIER
Options?
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Loop back into the planet's
atmosphere where they can't follow.
BRIGADIER
Risk of fire from the planet.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
Run in the direction of the nearest
Rift Cyberman ship and give it
something else to contend with.
BRIGADIER
How close?
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
Six minutes.
BRIGADIER
Keep a steady pace; keep bluffing.
We have to burn up some of that
time and distance.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
They're following. They want more
information.
BRIGADIER
Tell them they will need a special
ops clearance.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Done.
The giant ship fills the screen.
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES II
They sent a code! And want us to
stop.
The Doctor looks at the code and nods.
BRIGADIER
Tell them we will comply. Slow to
stop as gradually as you can.
(to Doctor)
Any ideas?
DOCTOR
Maybe, but I'll need Malcolm,
Dorium and a distraction after they
dock.
BRIGADIER
Would a contingent of Rift Cybermen
do?
DOCTOR
Have the confrontation away from
the airlock.
The Brigadier nods.
INT. HALLWAY, VALIANT II INTERIOR
An airlock on the wall opens, and four M Cybermen come
through. They march down the hall, turn and Cybermen firing
is heard. Two of the M Cybermen back into view as they fall.
The Doctor, Dorium and Malcolm cross through the airlock to -
INT. MONDASIAN CYBER-SHIP, HALL
The Doctor peers out of the airlock. The hall is empty. The
Doctor, Dorium and Malcolm emerge. They put small explosive
packs around the airlock door.
DOCTOR
Find a room, any room.
The Doctor, Dorium and Malcolm try the opening pad of doors
near them. The Doctor pulls out the sonic screwdriver and is
about to try it when the second door Malcolm tries opens.
MALCOLM
Here!
Malcolm ushers in Dorium and the Doctor, and they find
themselves in -
INT. SCRAP PARTS ROOM
The room is littered with pieces of Cyber armor, some still
with pieces of humanoid attached. Malcolm stifles the urge to
vomit.
DORIUM
And now?
DOCTOR
I was hoping for a computer
interface. Look for any panels to
the electrical system.
The Doctor, Dorium and Malcolm search the walls.
DORIUM
Over here!
Dorium pulls open a panel. Malcolm and the Doctor join him.
They study the connections within. Malcolm points to a place
where many "wires," glowing and pulsing, come together.
MALCOLM
This juncture.
Dorium checks and nods. Malcolm pulls out a small gadget and
attaches it in the panel.
DOCTOR
Good. A few more of these, and
we'll buy a bit of time.
The sound of Cybermen marching past the door is heard, and
the three men freeze. The Doctor cracks the door and looks
into the hallway.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We'd better hurry. That was eight
more going to the Valiant.
The Doctor peers into the hallway again and nods.
INT. MONDASIAN CYBER-SHIP, HALL
The Doctor leads Dorium and Malcolm out of the room, and they
quickly try more door pads.
The Doctor tries one with no response, pulls out the sonic
screwdriver and fires at the pad. But instead of the lock
opening, it turns into sapphire and falls out of the door.
But, the door opens.
DOCTOR
Transmorgrification?! My bad! I
forgot.
An alarm sounds.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
In, in!
The Doctor and Malcolm hurry into -
INT. RELAY ROOM
Dorium follows in a beat later, scooping up the sapphire and
pocketing it. The room is thick with relays and circuitry,
made of tiny glowing glass tubes.
DORIUM
We've hit the jackpot!
DOCTOR
Quickly!
Malcolm attaches three more of the small devices around the
room. Dorium goes to a panel and makes changes to settings.
The Doctor goes to a large cable juncture, looks balefully at
the sonic screwdriver, selects a setting and fires it. The
juncture locks. The Doctor looks relieved.
MALCOLM
Disrupters in.
DORIUM
I turned off the hydraulics.
DOCTOR
I locked the firing mechanisms.
Now's the tricky part - getting
back.
DORIUM
Not made any easier by you setting
off the alarm.
The Doctor acknowledges with a nod of his head. Cyber
marching is heard approaching in the distance.
DOCTOR
We go now!
INT. MONDASIAN CYBER-SHIP, HALL
Cyber marching grows louder, and the first couple M Cybermen
round a corner as Dorium hurries across the hall to the
airlock. M Cybermen shoot as Malcolm darts across; he's
winged with a shot.
The Doctor comes into the hall and faces Cybermen too close
to ignore. He fires the Sonic Screwdriver as they fire on
him. He evades their shots, and then they stop shooting. With
a quarter turn, their marching becomes a chorus line: cross
step, kick, knee hitch, kick - perfectly synchronized, amidst
protesting cries from the unwilling Cybermen.
DOCTOR
Not bad.
On it's own, the sonic screwdriver hiccups. There's a sonic
BOOM! The M Cybermen are blown into the wall with such force
many go into pieces. The Doctor looks at the Sonic
Screwdriver amazed.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Now that's sonic!
INT. HALLWAY, VALIANT II INTERIOR
The Doctor runs through the airlock, hits a button and closes
the doors from their side.
DOCTOR
Blow the airlock!
Malcolm pushes the button on a device and a series of
explosions are heard beyond the airlock doors.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Turn on the disrupters!
Dorium turns on another device.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Brigadier, get us out of here!
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM
The crew strains to function optimally.
BRIGADIER
(through cyber speech
adaptor)
We have succeeded in fending off
the attack. All troops assemble on
deck. Due to damage we will have to
teleport you.
The Doctor runs in.
DOCTOR
Are you at top speed?
BRIGADIER
Yes.
Malcolm hurries in.
DOCTOR
We need to move faster. They'll
override our disruptions any time
now.
MALCOLM
We can do that.
BRIGADIER
We're at top speed now, Dr. Taylor.
MALCOLM
Mr. Maldovar and I rigged a special
escape.
Dorium enters gasping for breath.
MALCOLM (CONT'D)
(to Dorium)
Tell them.
Dorium is too out of breath to say anything.
MALCOLM (CONT'D)
That blue button will get us out of
here faster.
Dorium nods, still catching his breath.
DOCTOR
Dorium, what have you done?
DORIUM
(gasping)
About to save your asses, it seems.
DOCTOR
(to Brigadier)
Do it.
BRIGADIER
Press the blue button.
Uniformed with Stripes I pushes the button.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The Valiant II is a speck alongside the planet-sized
Mondasian Cyber-ship. Abruptly, the "speck" disappears, and -
EXT. OUTER SPACE
- reappears in an empty sector of space.
INT. VALIANT II, TOWER CONTROL ROOM - RESUME
BRIGADIER
Where are we?
DORIUM
Two parsecs from where we were.
BRIGADIER
Let's get rid of this last load of
Cybermen and head home.
The Brigadier moves to the two Uniformed with Stripes. The
Doctor confronts Dorium, but Dorium cuts him off before he
can start.
DORIUM
Yes, yes. Advanced science to a
culture years from it. Aren't you
glad I did?
DOCTOR
(difficulty admitting)
Yes.
Dorium and Malcolm grin inanely.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(to Malcolm)
He's teaching you terrible habits.
INT. UNIT WAR ROOM, LONDON - DAY
"TWO DAYS LATER"
Brigadier Magambo looks rested but fidgety. The Doctor paces
and checks the data on the Technicians' screens; the
Technicians work busily. Malcolm and Dorium enter.
MALCOLM
We've checked the transmission
array. We're good to go.
BRIGADIER
And how do the ones out of range
get set off?
DOCTOR
Once the nano-genes are set off,
they communicate with each other.
DORIUM
Which they can do over great
distances.
MALCOLM
A cascade reaction.
BRIGADIER
And they'll all get sick and die.
DOCTOR
Wait. I need to make a call.
The Doctor pulls out a cell phone and presses.
INT. THE SHADOW PROCLAMATION
An Aide hands the President a Communications devise.
PRESIDENT
Doctor! I've been waiting for your
call. I have three billion troops
amassed and awaiting your orders.
(frowns as listens)
You want what?!
(bewildered)
Yes. As quickly as possible... Yes,
I have the coordinates.
The President hangs up a little shell-shocked.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
This will be daunting!
INT. UNIT WAR ROOM, LONDON - RESUME
As was. The Doctor hangs up and puts his phone away.
DOCTOR
Now we're ready.
BRIGADIER
Doctor, what exactly will this do?
DOCTOR
(smiling mysteriously)
Make you a name throughout galactic
history.
The comment unnerves the Brigadier a beat.
BRIGADIER
Send the signal.
There is a flurry of activity at most of the stations.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
Are the spy cams sending?
UNIFORMED WITH STRIPES I
Yes, Sir.
BRIGADIER
Camera one.
On the Main Screen a PW Cyber legion routinely boards a
transport ship; a planet-sized ship takes up the whole sky
above.
Suddenly one Cyberman begins to shake, then more and more -
just like seen so many times before.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
Camera two.
The screen switches to M Cybermen marching down the remnants
of a street, and suddenly they begin to writhe.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
Camera three.
The screen changes to PW Cybermen working on repairs to a
ship, and they begin to get spastic.
BRIGADIER (CONT'D)
Looks like we're about to wipe them
out.
DOCTOR
No. Watch.
The Cybermen who were working on repairs start to glow all
over, and the shaking stops. In the glow, the Cyber-armor
starts to dissolve! Cyber-screams fill the air.
But then, the screams slide from cyber to humanoid, and as
the glow fades a naked humanoid is seen standing, bewildered.
In a matter of moments, a group of naked humanoids are
looking at each other and the tools in their hands.
Everyone in the Control Room are bewildered except the Doctor
and Dorium who grin.
The screen goes back to the marching Cyberman on the road.
Now they are a group of naked humanoids looking about,
disoriented.
The screen returns to the boarding Cybermen who are now a
group of naked humanoids milling around confused.
The Technicians cheer!
DORIUM
Doctor, we did it!
The Doctor nods with satisfaction and pulls out his phone.
DOCTOR
Madame President. We're ready for
you.
(to the Brigadier)
Go to your widest view of the
battlefield area.
Brigadier Magambo nods to a Technician next to her, and
replacing the naked humanoids on the screen is a long view of
parsecs space.
Suddenly, everywhere spaceships of all sorts materialize.
BRIGADIER
Doctor?
DOCTOR
Billions of naked people are going
to need help.
BRIGADIER
They all?..
The Doctor nods.
The screen shows again the group of humanoids who were about
to board a ship.
Suddenly, Rehabilitation Workers with clothing and other
supplies materialize.
DOCTOR
So, we need Social Rehabilitation
workers.
The screen switches to the humanoids on the street, and
Social Rehabilitation workers hand out clothes and water.
BRIGADIER
But where will they go? Many of
their planets are rubble.
DOCTOR
I will leave that to the Shadow
Proclamation; it's in their hands
now.
DORIUM
There are enough salvageable
resources out there to refurbish
quite a few planets.
BRIGADIER
Glad to have contributed our small
part.
MALCOLM
Do you think there are any Cybermen
left?
DOCTOR
Not for the moment, but there are
plenty more in the Void. And we
already know how that goes.
The Doctor sticks his hand out to Brigadier Magambo, and they
shake hands. Malcolm starts to shake hands, but this time
gives into the urge and hugs the Doctor.
.
. END OF ACT IV
. ACT V
EXT. OUTER SPACE
Revis shines a brilliant blue white. Revis III seems
undisturbed.
EXT. REVIS III CAPITOL CITY - DAY
The stark white buildings show more obvious signs of attack,
but most of the city is still intact.
EXT. MALDOVAR STRONGHOLD - DAY
The grand stronghold is intact.
INT. OPULENT SITTING ROOM - DAY
The Tardis materializes. Dorium exits and smiles seeing
everything intact. The Doctor follows him out.
DORIUM
Doctor, my planet, my home - all
still here due to your help. I am
forever in your debt.
Dorium pours a drink. He offers it the Doctor who waves it
away. Dorium gulps it down.
DOCTOR
I couldn't have done it without
you.
DORIUM
No, you couldn't.
Dorium grins at the Doctor. They are about to shake hands,
when something landing is heard outside. The Doctor and
Dorium head to glass doors and exit -
EXT. MALDOVAR STRONGHOLD, PATIO - DAY
Luxurious beds of blue, purple and white flowers and pools of
water are seen along with rolling lawns of pale blue.
A small ship has landed, and the door opens.
Dorium pulls his weapon, but, to his and the Doctor's
surprise, a Rehabilitation Worker exits the small ship.
Dorium hides the weapon.
REHABILITATION WORKER
Is this the Maldovar home?
DORIUM
Yes.
The Rehabilitation Worker disappears into the ship before the
"Why" on Dorium's mouth can be voiced.
The Rehabilitation Worker and Another Rehabilitation Worker
emerge from the ship helping a Thin Blue Man in a robe much
like Dorium's; he is unsteady in gait and disoriented. Dorium
goes from astonished to elated.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
Dorello!
Dorello, the thin blue man, orients to Dorium but doesn't
seem to recognize him.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
It's Dorium, your brother.
Dorello scrutinizes Dorium.
DORIUM (CONT'D)
(to the Rehab. Worker)
How bad is he?
REHABILITATION WORKER
Like all of them: they know who
they are, but they're disoriented
with spotty memories.
DOCTOR
Of course. They will remember what
they've experienced - all of it.
Dorello starts to recognize Dorium, but the others don't see.
DORIUM
Is my brother still in there?
REHABILITATION WORKER
With work, most of him.
DORELLO
Dorium? Is that really you?
Dorium rushes to his brother, but carefully hugs him.
DORIUM
Yes, you skinny fool.
Dorello smiles wanly.
DOCTOR
I will leave you to settle him in.
DORIUM
Doctor, don't forget to turn the
processor right side out.
DOCTOR
(saluting)
Immediately.
INT. THE SHADOW PROCLAMATION
The normal peace of the Presidential area is gone. Citizens
of a myriad of species are bustling everywhere. Extra desks
have been added, and they are all manned and very busy.
The President confers with her Aide when the Tardis
materializes. She meets the Doctor as he emerges.
PRESIDENT
Doctor, what have you done to me?
DOCTOR
Put you in charge of the largest
peace operation in the history of
the universe. And how goes it?
PRESIDENT
Getting up to speed. I wasn't
prepared for the request for
Rehabilitation Workers and Resource
Assessors.
DOCTOR
But isn't that so much better than
soldiers?
PRESIDENT
Yes. But we're processing billions
of displaced people, and they're
already arguing about what share of
the resources they will get.
DOCTOR
I don't envy you.
PRESIDENT
We've terraformed one partly
damaged planet with three more
viable candidates shortly.
DOCTOR
Outstanding.
PRESIDENT
What about the Earth people from a
parallel dimension?
DOCTOR
You will need to find them their
own planet. There's no way to get
them home.
PRESIDENT
We will have to do the same for a
growing group from Mondas.
The Doctor nods and turns to go.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Doctor!
The Doctor turns back.
PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
Do you realize how many civilized
cultures you've saved?
DOCTOR
Yet we have so many to mourn.
PRESIDENT
(considers a beat)
And we will do something to honor
them. Doctor, thank you.
The Doctor semi-salutes, smiles and heads to the Tardis.
. THE END