The Invasion (8)

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DOCTOR

WHO

"THE INVASION"

BY
DERRICK SHERWIN

FROM A STORY BY
KIT PEDLER

EPISODE EIGHT

first broadcast - 21^st December 1968
running time - 23 minutes 52 seconds

1. INT. VAUGHN'S OFFICE. DAY

(VAUGHN stands before the compartment containing the CYBER-PLANNER. With the destruction of the first invasion fleet, the CYBER-PLANNER has just broken the agreement with VAUGHN.)

CYBER-PLANNER: We no longer need you. The Cyber-megatron bomb will be delivered. We must destroy life on earth completely, every living being.
DOCTOR: (To VAUGHN.) Is this what you wanted, Vaughn? To be the ruler of a dead world?

2. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(Corporal BENTON and ISOBEL are listening to the exchange between the DOCTOR, VAUGHN, and the CYBER-PLANNER at the R/T console. It continues:)

VAUGHN: (OOV.) You can't do that. You can't destroy the world. What about me?
CYBER-PLANNER: (OOV.) You are of no further use to us. The Cyber-invasion must succeed. The bomb will be delivered.

(BENTON picks up a microphone and opens transmission on a new channel, ISOBEL looking very concerned.)

BENTON: UNIT control calling the Brigadier. UNIT control calling the Brigadier. Over.

3. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(The crew of the defence base and the UNIT soldiers are in celebrations following the successful destruction of the Cyberman fleet, thanks to ZOE's programming finesse. The BRIGADIER and Major BRANWELL are the first to congratulate her:)

BRANWELL: Every single one of them, knocked right out of the sky.
BRIGADIER: Exactly as you predicted, a chain reaction of explosions.
BRANWELL: It's fantastic, how do you do it.
ZOE: Well, it's all quite logical really, hardly any calculation needed at all. Except the simple stuff like speed, angle of descent, and relative positions of the spaceships.
PETERS: Can't we keep her on, sir? She's much prettier than a computer!

(The voice of BENTON is overheard, coming from the radio in the midst of the general hubbub.)

BENTON: (OOV.) UNIT control calling the Brigadier.
BRIGADIER: (Crossing to the radio.) Quiet everyone!
BENTON: (OOV.) UNIT control calling the Brigadier. Over.
BRIGADIER: Yes Sergeant, what's the flap?
BENTON: (OOV.) Corporal Benton here, sir.
BRIGADIER: Benton? Well what's happened to Sergeant Walters?
BENTON: (OOV.) He's taken over the Geneva link, sir.
BRIGADIER: Oh, I see. Well, what's the flap?
BENTON: (OOV.) It's news from the Doctor, sir. Just come through on his open channel. They're going to drop some sort of bomb.

(Major BRANWELL and the BRIGADIER quietly echo the word "bomb".)

BRIGADIER: Bomb? You mean the Cyberman are?
BENTON: (OOV.) Yes, sir. Something called a Cyber-megatron bomb. They're going to wipe us all out, sir.
BRIGADIER: Right Benton, standby - we're on our way back. Out.

(The BRIGADIER turns the radio off and swings into military action.)

BRIGADIER: We're moving out. (To BRANWELL.) Keep in touch, Major. We'll keep all radio communication on an open network so that you'll know what's going on.
BRANWELL: Right sir.
BRIGADIER: And keep your eyes peeled in case they send any more stuff in. And try to get a fix on that bomb.
BRANWELL: If we do sir, we'll try to touch it off on it's approach orbit.
BRIGADIER: Right. Let's go!

(The UNIT soldiers and ZOE depart.)

4. INT. VAUGHN'S OFFICE. DAY

(VAUGHN is continuing to argue with the CYBER-PLANNER whilst the DOCTOR watches.)

VAUGHN: But if you do, you'll destroy everything here. Even your own Cybermen!
CYBER-PLANNER: The sacrifice will be small.
VAUGHN: You can't do this! I won't let you!
CYBER-PLANNER: You cannot stop us. No-one can.

(The DOCTOR runs up to VAUGHN's side.)

DOCTOR: Now you're beginning to understand the Cybermen, Vaughn. You can't make bargains with them!
VAUGHN: I won't let them take over, I won't!

(VAUGHN races to his desk and picks up the Cerebraton Mentor.)

VAUGHN: You think you're indestructible. WELL, I CAN DESTROY ALL OF YOU!

(VAUGHN switches the Mentor on and points it toward the CYBER-PLANNER. After a moment the CYBER-PLANNER begins to combust, and it's parts swivel and gyrate out of control.)

CYBER-PLANNER: Opposition is useless. The Cybermen will...
DOCTOR: Vaughn! Switch it off, you'll blow us all sky high!
VAUGHN: I'LL DESTROY THEM ALL, ALL!

(Suddenly the CYBER-PLANNER explodes in a brilliant white flash, knocking the DOCTOR and VAUGHN to the floor. The room is filled with a thick acrid smoke which reduces the DOCTOR and VAUGHN to a coughing fit. Finally they stagger to their feet and see the ruined CYBER-PLANNER which has blown apart in disarray.)

VAUGHN: It's dead. I killed it. I destroyed it.
DOCTOR: That won't stop them. They're still out there in space preparing to destroy the world.
VAUGHN: (Looking at the wreck of the CYBER-PLANNER.) Five years, and in less than five seconds!...
DOCTOR: Vaughn, listen to me. The Cybermen will deliver their bomb on the same radio beam they used for their invasion. You've got to turn it off, man, you've got to turn it off!
VAUGHN: (Still unable to come to terms.) What?
DOCTOR: We're both on the same side now, both fighting for our lives. You've got to turn the radio beam off!
VAUGHN: (Confused.) The radio?
DOCTOR: Yes! That's how they'll deliver their bomb!
VAUGHN: (The penny drops.) The radio beam! Yes, yes, Packer must...

(VAUGHN crosses to his desk and, like the Tobias Vaughn of old, shouts through the intercom:)

VAUGHN: Packer! Packer! Where are you?

(There is no answer from the intercom. VAUGHN and the DOCTOR look at the empty monitor, which suddenly fills with the face mask of a Cyberman. In panic PACKER bursts in through the inner door, dressed in full uniform.)

PACKER: Vaughn! They've taken over! The Cybermen, they won't obey! They've killed the...

(PACKER breaks off and nervously looks behind at the door.)

PACKER: They're coming after us. Vaughn!

(PACKER goes up to VAUGHN and tries to shake an answer out of him:)

PACKER: What have you done to us? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

(A Cyberman comes crashing through the door and advances on them. PACKER rounds to face the Cyberman, draws his pistol, and begins taking pot shots at it. After emptying the six shots of the pistol the Cyberman is unaffected and simply reaches for it's chest unit. A fierce glow envelopes PACKER who screams in agony and falls dead.

(The DOCTOR and VAUGHN are hiding behind the desk, when the DOCTOR jumps up and switches on the Cerebraton Mentor before the Cyberman can turn to face him, and switches it on full power. The Cyberman utters a piercing electronic shriek and collapses, finally stopping motionless on the floor.

(VAUGHN has crawled from behind his desk and is almost in shock as the DOCTOR comes up to him.)

DOCTOR: Vaughn! Where is the transmitter for the radio beam?
VAUGHN: (In fierce resignation.) We can't fight them, they're too powerful, too many of them.
DOCTOR: Oh don't be a fool man. Where do we turn it off!
VAUGHN: At the compound, but they'll be there.
DOCTOR: Right. We must stop them.

(The DOCTOR pulls out his transmitter and speaks into it.)

DOCTOR: Brigadier, Brigadier, this is the Doctor. Can you still hear me.

5. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(The BRIGADIER has the microphone at the R/T console. He replies:)

BRIGADIER: Yes Doctor, we heard everything. What do we do?
DOCTOR: (OOV.) There are only two possibilities. We must either cut off the transmitter of the radio beam at the compound or destroy the Cyberman spaceship.
BRIGADIER: How much time do we have?
DOCTOR: (OOV.) Oh, I've no idea, it could be minutes or hours - depends how long it takes them to prepare this bomb of theirs.
BRIGADIER: Well, destroying the spaceship is gonna take time. Now we've heard from Captain Turner - the Russians are with us, but they say it'll take at least ten hours or more to get a missile that far.
DOCTOR: (OOV.) Then there's only one chance. The radio beam. Err, wait.

(The DOCTOR can be overheard addressing VAUGHN.)

DOCTOR: Vaughn. Now Vaughn, will you help us. We must try to get to the controls of the radio beam. We'll never do it in time unless you help us!

6. INT. VAUGHN'S OFFICE. DAY

(VAUGHN is despondent at the failure of his plans and sits slumped against his desk in resignation.)

VAUGHN: You still think you have a chance?
DOCTOR: Yes, if you'll help us!
VAUGHN: Help you? Why should I!
DOCTOR: Well to save us! To save yourself!
VAUGHN: And if I survive, what future have I got? What will the world do with me?
DOCTOR: Oh, for heaven's sake, stop thinking about yourself! Think of the millions of people on earth who are about to die!
VAUGHN: Appealing to my better nature... No. If I help you, it'll be because I hate them, the Cybermen, "my allies". You think I'm mad, that all I want is power for its own sake. No, I have to have power. The world is weak, vulnerable, a mess of uncoordinated and impossible ideals. It needs a strong man, a single mind. A leader!
DOCTOR: Vaughn, will you listen?
VAUGHN: Right. I'll help you to destroy them because I hate them. They... destroyed my dream...

(The voice of the BRIGADIER suddenly sounds from the DOCTOR's transmitter.)

BRIGADIER: (OOV.) Doctor?
DOCTOR: Ah... yes, Brigadier?
BRIGADIER: (OOV.) We have a chopper in the area. Can you get up to the roof?
DOCTOR: Yes, yes, we'll wait there for you.
BRIGADIER: (OOV.) Wilco. Out.
VAUGHN: Your UNIT friends are very efficient. I'll lead the way to the roof.

(As they leave, VAUGHN snatches the Cerebraton Mentor from the DOCTOR who had taken it from the desk.)

VAUGHN: No, no, no - I'll take that, the Cybermen will be guarding the radio transmitter...

7. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(The BRIGADIER issues more orders over the UNIT aeroplane's internal communications.)

BRIGADIER: Brigadier to Wing Commander. Get us airborne and head for the nearest airstrip to the compound area. Red sector two.
WING COMMANDER: (OOV.) Wilco.
BRIGADIER: Take over, Benton.
BENTON: Right sir.

(BENTON takes over the communications post while the BRIGADIER goes over to join ISOBEL and ZOE.)

ISOBEL: Are we going to go in and help the Doctor?
BRIGADIER: Ah yes.
ZOE: He'll need it if he's got to fight his way through two hundred Cybermen.
BRIGADIER: Yes, I only wish we had more time to release more men from the Cyber-control. As it is, we've only got a platoon!

(The voice of Captain TURNER sounds from the communications post.)

TURNER: (OOV.) Captain Turner to UNIT control. Come in control. Do you read me, over?
BENTON: Loud and clear - hang on sir!

(The BRIGADIER steps up to the radio microphone.)

BRIGADIER: Yes Jimmy, over.
TURNER: (OOV.) Hello sir. The Russians have fitted a warhead to the rocket now sir, a super-cooled hydrogen device. It's a solid fuel booster, so it's nearly ready for lift-off. Over.
BRIGADIER: Good Jimmy, sounds promising. We probably haven't got all that much time, but there's no reason why we shouldn't chuck everything we've got at them. Out.
WING COMMANDER: (OOV.) Ready for take-off sir.
BRIGADIER: Take off.

8. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(The crew of Henlow Downs are going about their business as BENTON's voice sounds out on the open network radio. Sergeant PETERS moves from his post to question Major BRANWELL.)

BENTON: (OOV.) All UNIT personnel to flight positions. Standard take-off procedure. Assault platoon prepare for action. ETA, fifteen minutes approximately. All mobile UNIT groups proceed to red sector two area. I say again, all mobile UNIT groups proceed to red sector two area...
PETERS: Do you think that Russian rocket stands any chance?
BRANWELL: At that distance? Not enough time.
PETERS: Ah, I suppose not.
BRANWELL: That's why those Cybermen things are keeping their range - they know they're safe.
PETERS: But you never know, they could take time to get that bomb of theirs ready, and that Russian rocket might make it.
BRANWELL: Yeah, it just might.

9. EXT. RUSSIAN LAUNCH PAD. DAY

(With an ear-splitting noise, the Russian missile finally ascends on a brilliant column of exhaust gases from the rocket, and heads off high into the atmosphere, ground-based telescopes tracking it upwards. The fiery trail of the rocket dwindles until it is impossible to discern the rocket directed toward the moon.)

10. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(Corporal BENTON turns from his communications post to report to the BRIGADIER.)

BENTON: Sir, Captain Turner reports Russian missile on it's way.
BRIGADIER: Wish `em luck. Now, Captain Turner will be keeping us posted stage by stage, so keep listening Benton.
BENTON: Sir.
PILOT: (OOV.) UNIT sector five chopper to command, over.
BENTON: Command here, receiving you, over.
PILOT: (OOV.) Coming in to land at the compound, red sector two, my passenger wants a word, over.

(The BRIGADIER takes the radio microphone.)

BRIGADIER: Yes Doctor.
DOCTOR: (OOV.) Um, Brigadier. We're... we're just coming in to land at the compound.
BRIGADIER: Yes, well hang on till we get there, we'll give you support.
DOCTOR: (OOV.) No, no, I'm sorry Brigadier, we must go in right away, otherwise we'll be too late.
BRIGADIER: But that's madness, you don't stand a chance against the Cybermen without us.
DOCTOR: (OOV.) Ah, don't worry - we have the Professor's machine, it's proved to be very effective so far.
BRIGADIER: Well don't take any chances, we'll get there as soon as we can. Where should we head for?
DOCTOR: (After a moment, OOV.) Vaughn says that the transmitter controls are in the old I.E. factory - that's on the... the east side of the compound.
BRIGADIER: Right.
PILOT: (After a moment, OOV.) Chopper Pilot to command, sir. Coming down now. What shall I do, stick around, over.
BRIGADIER: Yes, hover above, it'll give us a bearing.
PILOT: Wilco, out.
BRIGADIER: How long before we touch down, Benton?
BENTON: About ten minutes, sir.
BRIGADIER: Right, get the men out as soon as we've taxied in.
BENTON: Right, sir. (Switching on the R/T.) Assault platoon prepare for action. Maintain constant communication with control on red alert frequency.

(The BRIGADIER comes up to ISOBEL and ZOE at the conference table.)

ZOE: Can we come with you?
BRIGADIER: Well, I don't really think...
ISOBEL: It'll be the last chance I'll get to photograph the Cybermen, please.
BRIGADIER: Well, as long as you keep out of the way. At least I'll be able to keep an eye on you this time.

11. EXT. GROUNDS OF THE OLD IE FACTORY. DAY

(The DOCTOR and Tobias VAUGHN are cautiously making their way through the grounds of the old factory towards the radio transmitter. They start running up a narrow lane between two buildings when they both realise there is a Cyberman standing guard right at the end of the lane, but facing away to the left. VAUGHN holds up the Cerebraton Mentor to take aim, but the DOCTOR pulls him aside to an alcove.)

VAUGHN: What are you doing? We must destroy them!
DOCTOR: We want to get to the radio transmitter control room! The Cybermen don't know we're here yet, let's keep that element of surprise.

(The Cyberman guard at the end of the lane still has not seen the DOCTOR and VAUGHN. They retrace their steps and look for an alternate route to bypass the guard. After a moment, the DOCTOR finds a different path around, but in the open space beside a building.)

DOCTOR: Come on, we'll try down here.

(They advance only to stumble onto another Cyberman guard facing them. Fortunately, VAUGHN has the Cerebraton Mentor in operation before the guard can raise it's blaster to shoot them down. After a couple of seconds the Cyberman emits a loud electronic shriek and collapses to the ground, inert.)

DOCTOR: Now they know we're here.
VAUGHN: Right. We'll go over the roofs.

(There is a fire escape just where they've passed by. They turn and clamber up the metal stairwell until they reach the roof of the building. From the high vantage point, VAUGHN points out a small brick building which is separated from them by a building and a long brick wall. It is guarded by several Cybermen, each armed with the cylindrical blasters.)

VAUGHN: That's it. That's where we've got to get to. Down there.

(VAUGHN is pointing to the place where the Cybermen are standing.)

12. EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE FACTORY. DAY

(At the entrance to the old factory, the UNIT force arrives, a jeep driven by the BRIGADIER followed by a lorry. The BRIGADIER, ISOBEL, and ZOE get out of the jeep, and UNIT and regular army soldiers jump from the back of the lorry. The BRIGADIER notices the UNIT chopper hovering over the compound.)

BRIGADIER: There's the chopper. The Doctor's over that way. Follow me!

(The BRIGADIER draws his revolver and leads the way, closely followed by ZOE, ISOBEL, and the soldiers.)

13. EXT. FACTORY BUILDING ROOFTOP. DAY

(The DOCTOR and VAUGHN are crossing the rooftops of the factory buildings, but the Cyberman, having failed to find them on the ground, are now checking the rooftops as well. Suddenly a Cyberman appears in front of VAUGHN.)

DOCTOR: Look out!

(VAUGHN quickly aims the Cerebraton Mentor and drives the Cyberman back to the edge of the roof. The Cyberman drops its blaster and staggers backwards, then falls backwards over the edge of the roof with a loud cry. Unfortunately, the DOCTOR can see another four Cybermen following them along the roof.)

DOCTOR: Look out! Come on!

(They race to find shelter.)

DOCTOR: Can you see any way down?
VAUGHN: Yes.

(VAUGHN indicates a ladder at the edge of the building. They run across to it and begin descending.)

14. EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE FACTORY. DAY

(The BRIGADIER leads his troops into a large open space in the compound. At the far end stand half a dozen Cybermen who begin marching on the soldiers. Fortunately for the BRIGADIER and his men, the area has a variety of factory equipment around which they use as shelter.)

BRIGADIER: Cybermen! Take cover!

(A pitched battle begins with the sounds of rifle fire, then machine guns, and then, as the Cybermen advance, the high-pitched burst from their metallic blasters which surrounds the UNIT soldiers in a nimbus of deadly explosions. Bullets seem to have little effect and the army soldiers take casualties as some are hit by direct blasts.)

BRIGADIER: Grenades!

(While some of the soldiers keep up covering fire, the others lob grenades into the middle of the Cybermen. Although not completely effective, several of the Cybermen are incapacitated.)

BRIGADIER: Bazooka!

(Two soldiers bring up a bazooka and fire at will into the leading group of Cybermen, who are variously flattened to the ground or driven back, incapacitated.)

15. EXT. FACTORY ALLEYWAY. DAY

(As the DOCTOR and VAUGHN near the radio transmitter building, they stop for a moment and listen to the eruption of the battle behind them.)

16. EXT. BATTLE-GROUND IN THE FACTORY. DAY

(After one or two reloads of the bazooka and the continuing bombardment by grenades and machine gun fire, the Cybermen detachment is vanquished.)

BRIGADIER: Stop! Forward!

(The BRIGADIER, flanked by ZOE and ISOBEL, halts at the corpses of the Cybermen.)

BRIGADIER: And that was just a dozen of them. I'd hate to have to meet a hundred of them. Forward!

(The BRIGADIER and his soldiers continue their advance, whilst ISOBEL, camera at the ready, begins taking photograph after photograph of the Cybermen.)

17. EXT. ANOTHER FACTORY ALLEYWAY. DAY

(The DOCTOR and VAUGHN have reached the vicinity of the radio-transmitter building, but, to their surprise, there are no Cybermen on guard. On one side of the alley before them is a ladder of several steps up to a landing where the entrance to the control room is a simple wooden door.)

VAUGHN: There's the main control switch for the radio beam.
DOCTOR: Don't seem to be any Cybermen about at all, that's odd.
VAUGHN: Well let's not waste time then.

(VAUGHN moves forward and climbs up the ladder to the landing. The DOCTOR turns and notices opposite him a set of double doors with inset glass windows. The DOCTOR can clearly see a group of Cybermen behind the doors.)

DOCTOR: Look out behind you!

(Three Cybermen barge through the doors and take aim at VAUGHN. He turns, directing the Cerebraton Mentor at the Cybermen, but it is too late to incapacitate them all. Two of the Cybermen collapse but the last one left standing is more than enough. It fires its blaster at VAUGHN who cries his last, and falls to the ground, caught in a deadly explosion.

(The remaining Cyberman then trains his blaster on the DOCTOR, who already is dodging and weaving his way down the alley, closely followed by explosions from the weapon. He yelps and leaps out of the way of the heat of each of the blasts.)

DOCTOR: (Exclaiming after each near miss.) Oh! Oh! Oh-ho-ho-ho!

(As the DOCTOR reaches safety at the end of the alley, the BRIGADIER and his troops catch up.)

BRIGADIER: Doctor, get down! Right, bazooka!

(The DOCTOR throws himself to the ground as the missile is fired at the Cyberman, which is knocked down as though it were a metallic skittle.)

BRIGADIER: You `right, Doctor?
DOCTOR: What? Yes - it's there, in that building - the radio transmitter control, you've got to destroy it!
BRIGADIER: Leave it to us. Forward!

(The BRIGADIER leads the soldiers towards the radio transmitter building, whilst ISOBEL stays behind to take photographs of the DOCTOR, who at first is unwilling to sit still.)

ISOBEL: Just stay there.
DOCTOR: Oh, but I...

(The DOCTOR thinks better of following the BRIGADIER. Instead, he brushes his hair with his fingers and produces his best smile for the camera.)

18. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(The BRIGADIER is back at his headquarters, updating news for the military forces by radio.)

BRIGADIER: And for the moment, the crisis is over. The radio transmitter's been destroyed, so the Cybermen can no longer deliver their bomb. But their spaceship is still sending out it's hypnotic signals. The world is still paralysed.

19. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(Cut to the missile base at Henlow Downs, where the crew, including Major BRANWELL and Sergeant PETERS, are listening to the BRIGADIER'S transmission.)

BRIGADIER: (OOV.) To stop these signals, we have to destroy the Cyberman spaceship.
PETERS: Sir!

(Sergeant PETERS has noticed something new on the long range radar. Major BRANWELL gets up from his chair to observe this, as the BRIGADIER continues.)

BRIGADIER: (OOV.) The Russians have already launched a missile which should arrive on target in approximately six hours from now.
BRANWELL: What is it, Sergeant?
PETERS: Something on the screen, moving in fast.
BRIGADIER: (OOV.) If this is successful, ...
PETERS: Look at the size of it!
BRIGADIER: (OOV.) ...then the world will be released from the Cyber-control, and we can mobilise our forces to fight the Cybermen...
BRANWELL: That can only be one thing. The spaceship.
BRIGADIER: (OOV.) ...remaining on earth. In this case, I'd like all units...

(Major BRANWELL picks up the radio link microphone and calls the BRIGADIER.)

BRANWELL: Hello UNIT control, hello UNIT control. Henlow Downs calling UNIT control. Over.
BRIGADIER: (OOV.) Yes Major.
BRANWELL: Sorry to interrupt you sir, but we've picked up a large UFO approaching earth.

20. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(Cut back to the BRIGADIER and the others listening to BRANWELL's report, including Corporal BENTON, the DOCTOR and ZOE.)

BRANWELL: (OOV.) It's standing off at about fifty thousand miles. Outside our range, I'm afraid - over.
ZOE: They've moved in - why?
BRIGADIER: Thank you Major. Out. (To BENTON.) Get Captain Turner.
BENTON: UNIT control calling Captain Turner. UNIT control calling Captain Turner. Do you read me?
BRIGADIER: Why do you think they've moved their spaceship in so close, Doctor?
BENTON: UNIT control calling Captain Turner. UNIT control calling Captain Turner. Do you read me?
DOCTOR: I'm not sure... possibly to try to avoid the Russian missile... or...
BRIGADIER: Or to deliver their bomb by other means.
BENTON: UNIT control calling Captain Turner. UNIT control calling Captain Turner. Do you read me?
DOCTOR: Yes, I'm afraid so. You see, from where they were, let's say two hundred and thirty thousand miles out in space, their conventional missiles couldn't deliver the bomb, so they had to come in close.
BENTON: UNIT control calling Captain Turner. Do you read me?
ZOE: But in moving in thirt... fifty thousand miles, they've come into range of the Russian missiles! Well, they can't be more than a few miles from them!
DOCTOR: But it's going in the opposite direction!
BENTON: UNIT control calling Captain Turner. Do you...?
TURNER: (OOV.) Captain Turner here. Over.
BENTON: Here we are sir.
BRIGADIER: Yes Jimmy.
TURNER: (OOV.) Sir. Sorry about the delay but we've had a bit of a flap on here.
BRIGADIER: Yes, we know! Can the Russians turn their missile?
TURNER: (OOV.) Yes sir.
BRIGADIER: How long before it strikes?

(A short pause.)

TURNER: (OOV.) They estimate twelve point five minutes, sir.
BRIGADIER: Thank you Jimmy. Out.

(He switches off the radio channel and turns to the others.)

BRIGADIER: That's more than time enough for them to deliver their bomb, move out to safety, isn't it.
DOCTOR: (In a muted voice.) Yes Brigadier, I'm afraid it is.

(As everyone looks to the wall clock, the BRIGADIER displays his ability to state the perfectly obvious:)

BRIGADIER: Yes, well this is going to be a long twelve minutes.

(The clock reads twenty past two. Time passes slowly; when we look again the clock reads twenty-six past two. We inter-cut to...)

21. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(...where the crew of Henlow Downs Defence Base are waiting just as expectantly for the Russian rocket to reach its target. We scan along the line of men, reaching Major BRANWELL at the far end, who checks his watch. Cut back to...)

22. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(...the continuing vigil in the UNIT headquarters. The DOCTOR worriedly rubs his chin, and glances at ISOBEL. ISOBEL exchanges looks with ZOE. ZOE then looks to the BRIGADIER, who we find tapping his swagger stick against his shoulder nervously.)

(Inadvertently breaking the silence and everyone's intense concentration, BENTON noisily drops his tea cup on the floor. The BRIGADIER turns to him furiously.)

BENTON: Sorry sir.

23. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(Cut to the missile base at Henlow Downs. Sergeant PETERS alerts the crew to the new object which has appeared on the radar screen, some distance from the Cybermen's ship.)

PETERS: There it is, the Russian missile.
BRANWELL: Thank heavens for that. I'll tell UNIT control.

(Now another new object appears, close to the spaceship, as the radar makes its next sweep.)

PETERS: Ah!

(The new object departs rapidly from the Cyberman's ship.)

PETERS: Must be the Cybermen's bomb.
BRANWELL: Red-alert procedure! Raise all missiles!

(The crew of the missile base erupt into sudden action.)

24. EXT. MISSILE LAUNCHING RANGE. DAY

(The missile launching pads are once again activated, each with its load of several multiple-stage rockets. With a whirr of machinery, the pads are elevated and then the missiles raised to firing angle.)

25. INT. UNIT AEROPLANE

(Back in the UNIT aeroplane, the BRIGADIER, the DOCTOR, ISOBEL, ZOE and BENTON listen to BRANWELL's urgent communication.)

BRANWELL: (OOV.) It'll be in range in about thirty seconds, sir. It's travelling fast, but we stand a good chance of picking it off. Over.
BRIGADIER: How about the Cyber-spaceship, is that still there?
BRANWELL: (OOV.) Still there, sir. If they don't shift soon, that Russian missile will hit it right on the button.
BRIGADIER: Let's hope so.

26. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(Cut back to the base where PETERS is hunched over the radar, following the progress of the Cybermen's bomb. The countdown is paused at minus fifteen seconds.)

PETERS: Coming into range sir.

(BRANWELL signs off to the BRIGADIER and returns to the firing console.)

BRANWELL: Must go sir, over and out.
PETERS: Fifteen seconds.
BRANWELL: Right! Let's get it first time, lads!
PETERS: Ten... Nine... Eight... Seven... Six...

(BRANWELL inserts the arming keys into the console and swivels them into place simultaneously.)

PETERS: Five... Four... Three... Two... One... Zero!

(BRANWELL presses down on the launch button.)

27. EXT. MISSILE LAUNCHING RANGE. DAY

(The first of the missiles is fired off from its elevated launching pad. Ground-based telescopes track the missile up into the stratosphere.)

26. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(Cut back to the base control room; Sergeant PETERS and Major BRANWELL.)

PETERS: She's going wide!
BRANWELL: Prepare two!

28. EXT. MISSILE LAUNCHING RANGE. DAY

(The angle of the missile on the next launching pad is quickly recalibrated, as the bomb continues to close in to the earth. Then the first stage rockets light up, and the missile explosively thrusts upwards from the launch pad. After a moment, the first stage boosters split aside and the powerful second stage takes over. Again, telescopes track the rocket upward.)

29. INT. HENLOW DOWNS. DAY

(PETERS reads the data from the missile guidance computer.)

PETERS: Two away, and it looks good!
BRANWELL: Splendid! Standby three just in case.
PETERS: Standing by!

(As the bomb closes in, suddenly the second missile comes into the same range on the radar scope, and is obviously heading out towards it. At such close proximity, the missile locks on to its target and the guidance computer begins pinging softly but regularly in the background.)

PETERS: Ten seconds and it's on the button! It's on the button!

(The trace of the missile zeroes in on the bomb, when suddenly they both disappear.)

PETERS: We've done it!

(Nothing at all is left remaining on the short range of the radar scope. BRANWELL races over to the radio link.)

BRANWELL: Hello UNIT Control. Hello UNIT Control. Henlow Downs calling UNIT Control, over.

(PETERS returns the scope of the radar to the maximum range, where the Cybermen's ship is still hovering, while the Russian rocket is likewise remorselessly closing in. He shouts out to Major BRANWELL:)

PETERS: Sir, the Russian missile, it's almost on top of the spaceship! I think they've got her!

30. SPACE

(The Cybermen's spaceship remains stationed a quarter of the distance to the moon. Its crew, who perhaps are still waiting for the Cyber-megatron bomb to wreak havoc on the earth, have not expected resistance in the form of a hydrogen bomb fitted to the warhead of the Russian rocket. Without apparent warning, the missile blazes in and burrows into the centre of the spaceship and, after a long moment, the warhead detonates. A colossal explosion vapourises the spaceship in an orgasm of light and energy.)

(Thus the Cyber-control paralysing the world's population is ended and with the temporary exception of the few Cybermen left stranded on the earth, the Cybermen's invasion plans for earth are vanquished... for now.)

31. INT. TRAVERS' HOUSE. DAY

(The glow from the nuclear explosion in space gives way to... the bright lighting of ISOBEL Watkins' photography equipment. The emergency long over, ZOE is once again modelling her glittering, close-fitting costume for ISOBEL. She stands straddling two chairs in ISOBEL's room, back at the London home of Professor Travers. Eventually ISOBEL finishes snapping ZOE and puts down her camera.)

ISOBEL: Tired?
ZOE: (Stepping down to the floor.) No... Exhausted!
ISOBEL: (Giggles at ZOE's frankness.) Okay, you can take a breather.
ZOE: Fine.
ISOBEL: Thank goodness I don't have to do any more modelling for a living.
ZOE: What is this new job of yours then?
ISOBEL: Well, because of my photographs of the Cybermen in action, I've got an exclusive contract with a publishing group. So I'll be travelling all over the world, snapping away with my little black box.

(Feeling very satisfied with herself, ISOBEL taps her camera, and then asks ZOE:)

ISOBEL: Oh... what will you do now?
ZOE: Oh, when the Doctor's finished making his circuits, we'll be off again, I suppose.
ISOBEL: Where to?
ZOE: Well, we're never really sure...

(Captain TURNER arrives and comes in through the open door.)

TURNER: Hello.
ISOBEL: Ah! Here comes my dolly soldier.
TURNER: Cheeky!

(TURNER smirks before addressing himself to ZOE.)

TURNER: Zoe, the Doctor says he's almost ready to leave. I've got the Jeep outside.
ZOE: Oh fine. But what about Jamie?
TURNER: Oh he's alright, he's just having a check-up at the hospital. We'll pick him up on the way.
ISOBEL: Well er... can I come with you?
TURNER: (Jimmy smiles brightly.) As long as you promise not to call me your "dolly soldier" in front of the Brigadier, yes. Come on.
ZOE: Right, come on!

30. EXT. A COUNTRY FIELD. DAY

(Captain TURNER brings the Land Rover to a halt by the field where the TARDIS first landed. The DOCTOR, ZOE, JAMIE, ISOBEL and TURNER get out and congregate at the gate to the empty meadow. They look about -- there is simply nothing in sight at all.)

ISOBEL: Here?
DOCTOR: Yes. This is fine, thank you.
TURNER: A field? There's nothing here.
ZOE: Are you sure this is the place, Doctor?
DOCTOR: Ahh, yes, yes. Well I'm very much obliged to you, Captain.
TURNER: Goodbye.
DOCTOR: Oh goodbye to you too.
ZOE, ISOBEL: Goodbye.
DOCTOR: Goodbye, Isobel. Goodbye everyone.
JAMIE: Goodbye.

(With their various farewells made, the DOCTOR, ZOE, and JAMIE stride forward through the gate into the field, to the confusion of TURNER and ISOBEL.)

ISOBEL: Why... why are they going into that field?
TURNER: I've no idea.

(The DOCTOR is unable to locate the invisible TARDIS and begins muttering to himself.)

DOCTOR: Now then, where exactly did we leave it, hmm? Ahh! You two try over there.

(To the complete bemusement of their onlookers, the DOCTOR and his companions begin wandering purposefully through what appears to be empty space, arms thrown wide. Clearly ISOBEL is beginning to wonder about the DOCTOR's sanity.)

ISOBEL: What's he doing?
TURNER: Search me.

(The DOCTOR, JAMIE, and ZOE continue to slowly sweep and wave their way through the field as though they are trying to catch an elusive breeze. When the DOCTOR is almost ready to give up his so-far fruitless search, he suddenly finds the side of his arm resting against something which is invisible, and by moving his hand on it's side, makes it disappear.

(He produces his key and quickly enters the invisible TARDIS, and totally disappears from view. JAMIE and ZOE shrug their shoulders for the benefit of the befuddled ISOBEL and Captain TURNER, who must be beginning to wonder what sort of conjuring tricks the DOCTOR is pulling. After several moments the familiar din of a shuddering and groaning noise fills the air, and a police box materialises where the DOCTOR was standing. A second later the DOCTOR emerges from it as though police boxes appearing out of nothing were commonplace occurrences.)

DOCTOR: There we are, all done and ready to go.

(He produces his handkerchief and waves it overhead to farewell ISOBEL and TURNER.)

DOCTOR: Bye, bye, ha ha ha. Bye bye!
ZOE: Bye.
JAMIE: Bye.
ISOBEL: A police box? I don't believe it!

(JAMIE and ZOE pile in through the door of the TARDIS, and the DOCTOR follows, closing shut the door behind him. After a moment the same deafening sound fills the air, the police box fades away to nothingness, from which it came... but this time the field really is completely empty...)

Next Episode

DR. WHO
PATRICK
TROUGHTON

TOBIAS VAUGHN
KEVIN
STONEY

ISOBEL
SALLY
FAULKNER

BENTON
JOHN
LEVENE

MAJOR BRANWELL
CLIFFORD
EARL

ZOE
WENDY
PADBURY

BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE-STEWART
NICHOLAS
COURTNEY

PACKER
PETER
HALLIDAY

CAPTAIN TURNER
ROBERT
SIDAWAY

SERGEANT PETERS
NORMAN
HARTLEY

JAMIE
FRAZER
HINES

CYBERMEN
RALPH CARRIGAN
CHARLES FINCH
PAT GORMAN
RICHARD KING
JOHN SPRADBURY
PETER THORNTON

TITLE MUSIC BY
RON GRAINER
AND THE BBC
RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP

SPECIAL SOUND
BRIAN
HODGSON

INCIDENTAL MUSIC BY
DON
HARPER

VISUAL EFFECTS
DESIGNED BY
BILL KING
TRADING POST

COSTUMES BY
BOBI
BARTLETT

MAKE UP
SYLVIA
JAMES

LIGHTING
ROBBIE
ROBINSON

SOUND
ALAN EDMONDS

FILM CAMERAMAN
ALAN
JONAS

FILM SOUND RECORDIST
BILL
CHESNEAU

FILM EDITOR
MARTYN
DAY

SCRIPT EDITOR
TERRANCE
DICKS

DESIGNER
RICHARD
HUNT

THE BBC WISH TO
ACKNOWLEDGE THE HELP
GIVEN TO THEM BY THE
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
IN THE MAKING OF
THIS PROGRAMME

PRODUCER
PETER BRYANT

DIRECTED BY
DOUGLAS CAMFIELD

(c) BBC tv

UNCREDITED

SOUND
BRYAN
FORGHAM

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
CHRIS
D'OYLY JOHN

ASSISTANT FLOOR MANAGER
SUE
WILLIS

Transcribed by
PHILIP
LEGGE

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