1: INT. SIR JAMES QUINLAN'S OFFICE
(QUINLAN gets up and starts to back round the desk but the ASTRONAUT reaches up and kills the civil servant with a touch on the chest and a red flash of power. QUINLAN falls back across his desk.. The ASTRONAUT moves to a safe in the corner by the door. It touches the safe, there is an explosion and the door opens. It touches the top shelf and there is a flash. It then touches the lower shelf and there is a similar flash as the contents are destroyed. Suddenly the door opens and the DOCTOR enters, noticing QUINLAN, but not the ASTRONAUT behind the door.)
DOCTOR: Sir James!
THE
AMBASSADORS
OF DEATH
BY
DAVID
WHITAKER
EPISODE 5
2: INT. SIR JAMES QUINLAN'S OFFICE
(The ASTRONAUT comes up behind the DOCTOR, reaching for him. The DOCTOR sees the ASTRONAUT but its hand is too close for him to move. He cringes as its fingers come closer. The BRIGADIER enters the office, sees what is happening and pulls out his gun, firing several shots.)
DOCTOR: No, don't!
(The unharmed ASTRONAUT turns and heads for the BRIGADIER.)
DOCTOR: Brigadier, don't try and stop him!
(An armed soldier runs into the room.)
DOCTOR: Keep back, man, keep back!
(The warning is too late. The ASTRONAUT touches the soldier who is blasted to the wall by a touch and a red flare. The ASTRONAUT calmly leaves, closing the door behind him as the DOCTOR bends down to help the soldier. There is an explosion in the door handle. The BRIGADIER carefully tries the door but it has been welded shut.)
DOCTOR: No, there's no point in trying to follow him, there's nothing we can do.
3: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
LENNOX: Do you really think they're not human?
LIZ: Well, I intend to find out! Do you know where Reegan's taken the third one?
LENNOX: No. Don't ask so many questions...
LIZ: (Interrupting.) Is Reegan in charge?
LENNOX: No, he...he works for someone...someone high up.
LIZ: He's got to be stopped.
LENNOX: You won't get away again.
LIZ: But you might.
(LENNOX looks at her.)
4: INT. SIR JAMES QUINLAN'S OFFICE
(The door to the office has been opened and two UNIT soldiers stand on guard as the DOCTOR examines the safe. The BRIGADIER empties the contents of a small metal dish into his hand.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Doctor?
DOCTOR: Mmm?
(As the DOCTOR gets up, the BRIGADIER takes the objects over to him.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Look at these bullets - flattened.
(The DOCTOR takes them and holds one up for examination.)
DOCTOR: Yes...deflected by some sort of force field, I should think.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: So there's no way of stopping them?
DOCTOR: Not with bullets.
(The door opens and SERGEANT BENTON enters and salutes.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Strong radioactive trace as far as the road outside sir and then nothing.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Thank you Benton.
(BENTON leaves.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: So, they were taken away in a vehicle.
DOCTOR: Somebody's using these creatures, Brigadier. They're not free agents.
(The DOCTOR places the bullets back in the metal dish.)
DOCTOR: They were brought to Earth for some purpose.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Conquest?
DOCTOR: Possibly...or is that we are supposed to think?
5: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(The returning ASTRONAUT walks down the stairs back into the laboratory watched by REEGAN who operates the control device, transmitting instructions. The AMBASSADOR turns to face the booth where its fellows wait.)
6: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(The DOCTOR is in the semi-deserted control room at Space Control with RALPH CORNISH, studying plans for the rocket launch.)
DOCTOR: What's the rate of fuel consumption?
RALPH CORNISH: For the first two and a half minutes - fifteen tons per second. We, er, have to use a mixture of standard fuel and the new M3 variant.
DOCTOR: Has that ever been done before?
RALPH CORNISH: No...we can't get enough of the standard fuel in time.
DOCTOR: Hasn't the death of Sir James Quinlan made things any easier for you?
RALPH CORNISH: Harder.
(A female CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT passes him a paper.)
RALPH CORNISH: Thank you.
(She walks off and CORNISH goes over to his desk.)
RALPH CORNISH: Everything's wrapped up in red tape until they appoint a successor.
(CORNISH looks over the paper.)
RALPH CORNISH: Oh, this is your medical report, Doctor.
(The DOCTOR looks slightly panicked.)
DOCTOR: Yes, well, don't let's bother about that for the time being.
RALPH CORNISH: Oh, this is incredible. According to this, you...
DOCTOR: (Interrupting and embarrassed.) Yes... (Coughs.) Yes, I know, I...I told you everything would be all right.
(CORNISH looks at him in puzzlement.)
7: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(Within the booth, one of the ASTRONAUT'S collapses onto the floor. LENNOX enters in a radiation suit, unpacks another isotope and places it in its holder. He leaves the booth as another of REEGAN'S heavies - FLYNN - closes the door behind him. LIZ turns accusingly to REEGAN who wears his own radiation suit.)
LIZ: What've you done to it?
REEGAN: It's had a busy time.
(LENNOX takes the hood of his suit off.)
LENNOX: Busy? Doing what?
REEGAN: Killing.
(He sits as LIZ stands over him.)
LIZ: Who's been killed?
REEGAN: Some of your friends from UNIT.
LIZ: (Panicked.) The Brigadier?
REEGAN: No, I'm afraid not. Just some of the other ranks.
LENNOX: What happened?
(An excited REEGAN points to the booth.)
REEGAN: One touch from him and down they go!
LIZ: And no one resisted?
REEGAN: They tried. Bullets just bounce off them. With these three you could do anything - walk into Fort Knox and help yourself.
LIZ: Well, that's what you're going to do with them is it?
REEGAN: I might!
(He gets up.)
REEGAN: Keep feeding them radiation - I've got a lot more work for him to do. (To FLYNN.) Tony?
(FLYNN comes over to him.)
REEGAN: Lock that main door then come through and see me.
(REEGAN goes through the lower door and FLYNN goes up the stairs to the outside. LIZ turns to LENNOX.)
LIZ: Well, you're working for a murderer.
LENNOX: (Dismissive.) Doh, Reegan was just boasting.
LIZ: You don't believe that.
LENNOX: Look, it's got nothing to do with me, Miss Shaw. I'm paid to look after them!
LIZ: You are just as guilty as if you killed those people yourself.
(LENNOX tries to turn away from her but she just walks round to stare him in the face.)
LIZ: Well? What are you going to do about it?
LENNOX: What can I do? I'm too much involved!
LIZ: You could go to UNIT and tell them where we are.
LENNOX: Reegan would kill me!
LIZ: Go to Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart, he'll give you protective custody- you'll be safe.
LENNOX: Anyway, I can't leave here now. Reegan's taken away my key to that door.
LIZ: Then you'll just have to talk your way out.
8: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(GENERAL CARRINGTON appears on the upper level of the control room at Space Control. The DOCTOR and CORNISH are still at the latter's desk.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I understand you're going ahead with launching this rocket.
RALPH CORNISH: Yes.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I absolutely forbid it!
RALPH CORNISH: You haven't the authority to forbid it, General.
DOCTOR: What have you got against it?
(CARRINGTON walks down to the lower level.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Sir James Quinlan murdered, alien creatures attacking the Space Centre, the sudden death of Doctor Taltalian - this is obviously just the beginning.
RALPH CORNISH: The beginning of what?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: An alien invasion with the collaboration of a foreign power.
DOCTOR: All the more reason for me to go up in that rocket and find out what's happened up there.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Are you a trained astronaut, sir?
RALPH CORNISH: He's perfectly capable of making the trip. I have his medical report here.
(CORNISH lays the report before CARRINGTON.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You haven't answered my question, Doctor.
DOCTOR: You haven't answered mine: why are you opposed to this launch?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Could this rocket carry a nuclear warhead?
RALPH CORNISH: Yes.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Then that's what it should be used for.
DOCTOR: Since we don't know what's up there, wouldn't it be more intelligent to carry a man rather than a bomb?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I might remind you gentlemen that I am responsible for Space Security.
RALPH CORNISH: And I am responsible for this Space Centre.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: (Angrily.) This launch was against the expressed wishes of Sir James Quinlan.
DOCTOR: Then I suggest you take the matter up with his successor - when he's been appointed.
(He walks off. CARRINGTON turns to CORNISH.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I shall go to the highest authority to have you stopped.
RALPH CORNISH: Then you'd better get on with it, General. We blast off in two hours time.
9: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(The collapsed ASTRONAUT starts to get to its feet. LIZ and LENNOX are watching through the booth window.)
LENNOX: It's recovering.
LIZ: So Reegan can commit more murders?
(LENNOX turns guiltily away.)
LIZ: You're the only one who can stop it. You'll have to get a message out.
LENNOX: You know that's impossible.
LIZ: There's the telephone - you're allowed to use it.
LENNOX: All calls are monitored.
LIZ: Then you'll have to go yourself.
(At that moment, FLYNN comes in the upper door and starts to come down the stairs. He looks with suspicion at LIZ and LENNOX who are back at the console.)
LIZ: (To LENNOX: Quietly.) You want to see Reegan. Tell him the isotopes are running low and we've got to get some more.
LENNOX: He won't believe me...
LIZ: (Harshly.) Try!
(LENNOX collects himself and goes over to where FLYNN is sitting at the desk, reading a newspaper.)
LENNOX: I...I want to see Mr. Reegan. It's urgent.
FLYNN: It'll have to wait.
REEGAN: I said it's urgent!
FLYNN: He's in London. Meeting with the Boss.
LIZ: These creatures are dying!
(FLYNN gets up peers through the booth window. The ASTRONAUTS are walking slowly round the room.)
FLYNN: How can you tell?
LIZ: Look at the readings, you can see for yourself...
(FLYNN walks round to the console and looks over it uncomprehendingly.)
LENNOX: Er, This dial here...
(He points to a lifeless dial.)
LENNOX: ...it should be at maximum.
FLYNN: Why didn't you tell Reegan this before?
LIZ: It's only just happened - we don't understand it.
LENNOX: We're running out of Isotopes. I've got to go and get more.
FLYNN: No-one is to leave here!
LIZ: Then you'll be responsible if they die.
(FLYNN hesitates, then makes up his mind crossing back to the table with the phone.)
FLYNN: I'll call Reegan on the phone.
LIZ: There isn't time for that.
LENNOX: I've got to go now or it'll be too late. Look here, I'm not a prisoner here!
FLYNN: Reegan took your key away.
LENNOX: Yes, but that was because the girl tried to escape. You're supposed to be guarding her not me! (Angrily.) Now, open that door!
(FLYNN looks at the two of them, then moves towards the stairs. LENNOX follows. FLYNN unlocks the door and LENNOX goes through.)
LENNOX: I'll be back as soon as I can - keep an eye on that girl.
(Back in the lab, LIZ smiles as LENNOX leaves.)
10: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Fuel injection report: forty percent now loaded.
(The report carries across the room from a speaker.)
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Will switch to M3 variant at sixty-five percent.
RALPH CORNISH: Fuel injection report acknowledged.
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Communications circuit check, now underway - everything go condition.
(The DOCTOR and the BRIGADIER stand before CORNISH'S desk.)
RALPH CORNISH: Time you were in the preparation room, Doctor.
DOCTOR: Right.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Why've you advanced lift-off time?
DOCTOR: Well, there seems to be some sort of official opposition to my going. General Carrington's trying to stop the launch.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Is he?
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Astronaut now due in preparation chamber.
DOCTOR: Right, I must be off.
(The male CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT walks over.)
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: There's a call for you, Brigadier.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Oh, thank you
(The BRIGADIER picks up a wall phone.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) Lethbridge Stewart?
11: INT. UNIT HQ. ROOM
SERGEANT BENTON: (Into phone.) It's Sergeant Benton here, sir.
12: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) Yes, Benton?
13: INT. UNIT HQ. ROOM
SERGEANT BENTON: (Into phone.) A man called Lennox has just turned up out of the blue - very agitated. Says he knows something about the missing astronauts.
14: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) What did he tell you?
15: INT. UNIT HQ. ROOM
SERGEANT BENTON: (Into phone.) Nothing sir. Said he'll only talk to you in person.
16: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(The BRIGADIER considers this...)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) What do you make of him, Benton?
17: INT. UNIT HQ. ROOM
SERGEANT BENTON: (Into phone.) He seems frightened. Scared out of his wits. He wants us to put him into protective custody.
18: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) Put him into one of the cells.
19: INT. UNIT HQ. ROOM
SERGEANT BENTON: (Into phone.) Shall I tell him you're coming back to see him, sir?
20: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) Yes, but I've got to finish my security checks here. I'll be back as soon as possible.
21: INT. UNIT HQ. CORRIDOR
(BENTON escorts LENNOX down a corridor to a door which he unlocks and opens. LENNOX walks in.)
22: INT. UNIT HQ. CELL
(LENNOX looks round in dismay.)
LENNOX: You're putting me in here?
SERGEANT BENTON: Look sir, you wanted protective custody. You can't be safer than in a cell.
(LENNOX looks towards the barred window.)
LENNOX: What's out there?
SERGEANT BENTON: It's just the yard, sir. What are you so frightened of?
LENNOX: I...I can only tell the Brigadier - how long will he be?
SERGEANT BENTON: He'll be back as soon as he can, sir. I'll get you a cup of tea and something to read.
LENNOX: No...no thank you.
(BENTON goes to leave.)
LENNOX: Er, Lock the door, won't you?
(BENTON smiles as if humouring the little man.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Yes sir, I'll lock the door.
(He leaves, locking the door as promised.)
23: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: Report on Astronaut readiness please.
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Astronaut ready. Now proceeding through quarantine area to capsule.
24: INT. SPACE CONTROL. QUARANTINE WAITING ROOM
(The BRIGADIER is pacing about a room which is stylish and modern with a couple of couches around the walls. Venetian blind cover a large picture window. A set of double doors open and the DOCTOR enters, wearing a spacesuit.)
DOCTOR: Hello, Brigadier, what are you doing here?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I thought I'd see you off. They told me to wait here.
DOCTOR: What is this place?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Some sort of waiting room I imagine - in case there's any hold-up for the astronauts.
DOCTOR: Not very impressive for one's last sight of Earth, is it?
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Astronaut to proceed now to capsule.
(The BRIGADIER holds out his hand.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well goodbye, Doctor - good luck.
(They shake hands.)
DOCTOR: Goodbye Brigadier - and thank you.
(Two silver doors slide open. The DOCTOR walks through and they close behind him.)
25: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(An angry REEGAN has returned to the lab.)
REEGAN: I told you no one was to leave here.
FLYNN: But he said they were dying.
REEGAN: How would you know?
FLYNN: Well, she said so too.
(FLYNN nods towards LIZ. REEGAN crosses over to her.)
REEGAN: So, you put him up to this.
(He grabs her by the arm and twists her round.)
REEGAN: There's nothing wrong with them!
LIZ: We thought they were dying.
REEGAN: The readings haven't changed since I left. Where's he gone?
LIZ: He's gone to get more Isotopes.
REEGAN: You're lying!
(He takes a gun out of his suit pocket.)
REEGAN: Did you send him to see your friends at UNIT?
(He jams gun up under LIZ'S chin.)
REEGAN: (Shouts.) Answer me!
LIZ: All right. He's gone to see Lethbridge Stewart. You're too late.
REEGAN: Don't you believe it.
(He thrusts LIZ over to FLYNN.)
REEGAN: (To FLYNN.) Watch her!
FLYNN: (To LIZ.) Don't try anything.
LIZ: (Calmly.) It's all right. I won't hurt you.
(REEGAN is on the phone.)
REEGAN: (Into phone.) Give me the direct line. (He pauses.) This is Reegan, listen we're in trouble! Lennox has gone to UNIT. (He listens.) All right, you take care of Lennox, I'll take care of the Doctor.
26: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Fuel injection report - fifty percent loaded.
RALPH CORNISH: Fuel injection report acknowledged. (Into microphone.) Control to capsule, have you completed your instrument check?
27: INT. RECOVERY 7
(The DOCTOR is strapped into his seat, hands behind his head and bored. The capsule is at an angle.)
DOCTOR: Yes. Yes, everything seems to be working all right.
RALPH CORNISH: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Capsule reports...is from systems at go.
(The DOCTOR sighs.)
DOCTOR: How much longer have I got to wait in here?
RALPH CORNISH: (OOV: Over tannoy, portentously.) We are now zero minus thirty - three-zero minutes.
DOCTOR: I take it you mean half an hour. How's the fuel situation?
RALPH CORNISH: (OOV: Over tannoy.) We now have fifty - five-o percent inboard switch to the M3 variant at sixty-five percent.
DOCTOR: Well, can't you hurry it up?
28: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: We can't hurry the M3 variant.
29: INT. RECOVERY 7
RALPH CORNISH: (OOV: Over tannoy.) It's highly volatile.
DOCTOR: Well, I still think you could add a higher proportion of M3. And remember the extra G-force wouldn't worry me.
30: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: It would worry you if the rocket blew up on lift off.
31: INT. RECOVERY 7
(The DOCTOR nods in agreement.)
DOCTOR: Ahh.
32: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: I'm not taking the risk.
33: EXT. SPACE CENTRE. FUEL BAY
(The sign reads "SPACE CONTROL CENTRE, FUEL BAY, NO SMOKING, NO NAKED LIGHTS, DANGER". Two guards pass by and a UNIT soldier - PRIVATE PARKER watches them go. He turns and sees REEGAN, dressed in cap and overalls and carrying a bag, approaching towards him past the myriad number of pipes and containers.)
PRIVATE PARKER: (To REEGAN.) And where do you think you're going?
REEGAN: They want me at fuel control; there's a breakdown.
PRIVATE PARKER: That's news to me. Where's your pass
(REEGAN reaches in his pocket and hands over a piece of paper. As PARKER looks at it, REEGAN jabs him in the stomach and then thumps him on the head. He picks up the unconscious body and carries it around the corner, out of sight. He returns, checks that the coast is clear and then clambers up a ladder. Along the walkway, he sees a TECHNICIAN in a radiation suit on a slightly lower level. REEGAN quietly climbs down a short wooden ladder to the lower level. The TECHNICIAN sees him and goes for REEGAN who, from the ladder, kicks him over a railing. The TECHNICIAN hits the ground with a thump. REEGAN goes back up the higher walkway. Some way along, he checks that that coast is clear, runs, then climbs several stairwells to an even higher level. Near the top, he starts turning a control wheel. His task done, he leaves the immediate area.)
34: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Life support systems check - all at go.
RALPH CORNISH: Life support systems at go - acknowledged
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Attention: fuel injection malfunction.
RALPH CORNISH: Control to fuel bay!
(The dial on the monitor suddenly drops to "0%".)
RALPH CORNISH: Check all fuel injection circuits!
35: INT. RECOVERY 7
DOCTOR: Now what's the matter?
RALPH CORNISH: (OOV: Over tannoy, calmly.) Temporary fuel injection malfunction, we're...checking it out.
36: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Fuel injection systems now functioning normally.
RALPH CORNISH: All right, Doctor, it's self-rectified.
37: EXT. SPACE CENTRE. FUEL BAY
(REEGAN runs up more steps. A radiation-suited technician turns a corner. REEGAN holds on to a wall and rail for support and kicks the technician to the ground. He runs on. He gets to a storage tank labelled "M3 VARIANT" and turns more control wheels which lead into various tanks and pipes.)
38: INT. UNIT HQ. CELL
(LENNOX is asleep on the bunk in his cell. A soldier enters with a covered tray.)
SOLDIER: I've brought you some food.
LENNOX: Oh, thank you.
(He gets off the bunk and goes to the table.)
LENNOX: Er, lock the door, won't you?
SOLDIER: Yes, I will.
(The soldier pulls the door to...)
39: INT. UNIT HQ. CORRIDOR
(...turning the key in the lock.)
40: INT. UNIT HQ. CELL
(LENNOX sits down to eat. He removes cover over the plate to reveal a radioactive isotope! LENNOX gasps, backs away in terror and runs for the alarm button just as...)
41: INT. UNIT HQ. CORRIDOR
(...the "soldier" cuts the wiring away from the alarm bell.)
42: INT. UNIT HQ. CELL
(LENNOX presses the button but to not avail.)
43: EXT. SPACE CENTRE
(The BRIGADIER is being driven around the Centre in a jeep. He comes to a barrier which raises and he passes on under the salutes of two UNIT soldiers. The jeep passes on down a road within the Centre which is surrounded by pipes. The BRIGADIER sits up as he sees PRIVATE PARKER holding his injured head. The jeep stops next to the soldier.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: What happened?
PRIVATE PARKER: The mechanic hit me. He's...he's gone to the fuel bay.
(The BRIGADIER jumps out of the jeep and rushes into the mass of pipe-works. He runs up some ladders and steps. He stops as he sees steam pouring from a pipe. He turns and runs back.)
44: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Final check completed, all systems now go.
RALPH CORNISH: You all set, Doctor? Lift-off - fifteen seconds.
45: INT. RECOVERY 7
DOCTOR: About time too.
46: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: Right. Final countdown - now!
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Ten...nine...eight...
47: EXT. SPACE CONTROL. LAUNCH PAD
(The rocket, with the capsule at the top, sits on the launch pad.)
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) ...seven...
48: INT. RECOVERY 7
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) ...six...five...
49: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) ...four...
(The BRIGADIER runs into the room.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Shouts.) Stop the countdown!
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) ...three...two...one...
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Controller you must stop lift-off!!
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) ...Zero.
50: EXT. SPACE CONTROL. LAUNCH PAD
(The rocket starts to lift off the ground.)
51: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: It's too late!
52: EXT. SPACE CONTROL. LAUNCH PAD
(The silver and orange rocket, decorated with the Union Jack and with the registration "GB.UK.R" continues its upward course.)
53: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) We have lift off. We have lift off.
54: EXT. UPPER ATMOSPHERE
(The rocket accelerates...)
55: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(The DOCTOR'S face on the screen is heavily distorted by g-force.)
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Lift-off speed: twenty percent in excess and rising.
RALPH CORNISH: Reduce fuel burn rate.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sabotage in the fuel bay.
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Fuel burn rate will not reduce
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Computer calculates fuel burn rate indicates forty-eight percent _____.
RALPH CORNISH: (Horrified.) Forty-eight Percent!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Why? What will happen?
RALPH CORNISH: Reduce flame apertures! (To the BRIGADIER.) In twenty percent in excess of planned lift-off speed, he'll blow himself out of Earth's orbit - go into the sun.
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Apertures will not close on automatic owing to excessive heat.
(CORNISH hears this report.)
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Lift-off speed now thirty percent in excess.
(The DOCTOR'S image is on the large monitor. CORNISH speaks to him.)
RALPH CORNISH: Can you operate manual control on flame aperture to reduce speed?
(There is a beep but the DOCTOR doesn't move.)
RALPH CORNISH: Doctor, do you read me?
DOCTOR: (On monitor, strained.) I can hear you...g-force...hard to break.
RALPH CORNISH: Can you operate manual control?
DOCTOR: (On monitor, strained.) I'll try.
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Lift off speed now thirty-seven percent in excess
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Computer calculates capsule will go into sun orbit in fifteen minutes.
RALPH CORNISH: Doctor, are the controls responding?
DOCTOR: (On monitor, strained.) No, there's no response. Must be an excess heat. Can you jettison stage one prematurely?
RALPH CORNISH: If we do that you may never get into orbit at all.
DOCTOR: (On monitor, strained.) If you jettison stage one, there's a chance the excess momentum will put me into orbit.
RALPH CORNISH: A very thin chance.
DOCTOR: (On monitor, strained.) Better than going into orbit round the sun. Please jettison stage one now.
RALPH CORNISH: Jettison stage one now!
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Stage one now jettisoned.
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Radar check - stage one exploded immediately after separation.
56: INT. RECOVERY 7
(The DOCTOR'S face and voice have returned to normal.)
DOCTOR: Thank you Mr. Cornish, I'm very much obliged.
57: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Speed now reducing to normal. Stage two: fifteen seconds to separation.
DOCTOR: (On monitor.) Well, that seems to have done it. What went wrong Mr. Cornish?
RALPH CORNISH: Sabotage, Doctor. Too much M3 variant in the fuel.
DOCTOR: (On monitor.) They're very persistent aren't they?
MALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Stage two jettisoned.
RALPH CORNISH: Thirty second burn on stage three rocket...and you'll be in orbit.
58: SPACE
(The capsule hangs in space.)
59: INT. RECOVERY 7
RALPH CORNISH: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Control to Capsule: do you have visual contact yet?
DOCTOR: If you mean, can I see it?
(He looks out of the capsule window.)
DOCTOR: Well, the answer is no.
60: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: You are within half a mile of Mars Probe 7 and converging. Change attitude of capsule three degrees to starboard - now.
(There is no movement from the DOCTOR on the monitor.)
RALPH CORNISH: Change attitude of capsule three degrees to starboard now!
61: INT. RECOVERY 7
DOCTOR: (Calmly.) All right, all right - more haste less speed, Mr. Cornish.
(He makes the adjustment.)
62: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(The BRIGADIER and CORNISH watch.)
63: SPACE
(The capsules move together.)
64: INT. RECOVERY 7
(The DOCTOR looks up through one of the windows.)
DOCTOR: I see it. I see it! Manoeuvring for linkup now.
(He reaches for a control.)
65: SPACE
(Recovery 7 bears down on the Mars Probe. The two craft link.)
66: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(CORNISH observes.)
67: INT. RECOVERY 7
DOCTOR: Well, I've linked up all right. Moving through into Mars Probe 7 now.
(He starts to unbuckle himself from his seat.)
68: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
RALPH CORNISH: Doctor, be careful. We don't really now what's in there.
69: INT. RECOVERY 7
(The DOCTOR floats towards the hatch.)
DOCTOR: Nonsense man! Your three astronauts are in there. Injecting air into the tunnel now
70: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(CORNISH is about to say something, but...)
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Large unidentified object converging with Mars Probe 7 on collision course..
(On the radar screen, a large light approaches the smaller light of the two linked craft.)
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Estimated speed: seven thousand miles per hour, but decreasing.
RALPH CORNISH: Doctor, a large unidentified object is approaching you on collision course!
71: INT. RECOVERY 7
RALPH CORNISH: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Take evasive action!
(The DOCTOR looks through the various windows but cannot see anything. Suddenly through one window, he sees the object - a large shining alien craft, shaped like an ellipse and organic in look, nears the two linked craft...)
Doctor Who
JON PERTWEE
Liz Shaw
CAROLINE JOHN
Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart
NICHOLAS COURTNEY
Quinlan
DALLAS CAVELL
Reegan
WILLIAM DYSART
Ralph Cornish
RONALD ALLEN
General Carrington
JOHN ABINERI
Lennox
CYRIL SHAPS
Astronauts
RIC FELGATE
STEVE PETERS
NEVILLE SIMONS
Flynn
TONY HARWOOD
Sergeant Benton
JOHN LEVENE
Private Parker
JAMES CLAYTON
Control Room Assistants
JOANNA ROSS
CARL CONWAY
Technician
ROY SCAMMELL
Title Music by
RON GRAINER AND
BBC RADIOPHONIC
WORKSHOP
Incidental Music by
DUDLEY SIMPSON
Film Cameraman
A.A. ENGLANDER
Film Editor
DON GODDEN
Action by
HAVOC
Visual Effects
PETER DAY
Script Editor
TERRANCE DICKS
Designer
DAVID MYERSCOUGH-JONES
Producer
BARRY LETTS
Directed by
MICHAEL FERGUSON
