1: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(The door at the top of the stairs opens again and a uniformed figure walks down, holding a gun. He comes into view.)
LIZ: (Delighted.) General Carrington!
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Miss Shaw.
(The DOCTOR looks intently at LIZ.)
LIZ: How on earth did you...
(LIZ starts to realise the truth. Her voice tails off as she looks at the DOCTOR.)
LIZ: ...find us?
DOCTOR: I think the General knew all along.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You're not surprised to see me?
DOCTOR: Not particularly, no.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I'm surprised to see you Doctor. My instructions were that you were to be killed.
DOCTOR: Then somebody disobeyed your instructions, didn't they?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I shall have to attend to the matter myself. I'm sorry Doctor.
(He cocks his gun.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: It's my moral duty.
(He points his gun straight at the DOCTOR.)
THE
AMBASSADORS
OF DEATH
BY
DAVID
WHITAKER
EPISODE 7
2: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(REEGAN comes back into the lab and down the stairs. He sees CARRINGTON pointing the gun at the DOCTOR.)
REEGAN: What are you doing?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You told me you killed this man
REEGAN: I was going to, but...
GENERAL CARRINGTON: (Interrupts.) You disobeyed an order!
REEGAN: I thought it was for the best.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You're not paid to think, Reegan.
REEGAN: He can be useful.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I make the decisions.
REEGAN: (Annoyed.) Yes sir, but he's the only one that can make a machine that will let us talk to these creatures.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You've got a machine to do that.
REEGAN: This thing only sends limited one-way signals.
(He goes close to CARRINGTON.)
REEGAN: (Quieter.) Look, if I'm going to carry out your orders, I'll have to give them some pretty complicated information.
(He walks off.)
REEGAN: Still, suit yourself. You want to kill him - kill him.
(There is a long pause while CARRINGTON thinks over what REEGAN has said. Finally, he holsters his gun.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: (To the DOCTOR.) Could you make us a better machine?
DOCTOR: Given the necessary equipment, yes.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: And you're willing to help us?
DOCTOR: It depends on what you're trying to do.
LIZ: (Shocked.) Doctor!
DOCTOR: (Warningly.) Liz! (To CARRINGTON.) Well, General?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: We must alert the world to the menace of an alien invasion!
DOCTOR: When do you expect this invasion?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: At any time.
DOCTOR: They told me that their intentions were peaceful. That these three...beings here, were ambassadors.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Ambassadors! That was just to put us off our guard!
DOCTOR: You're convinced their intentions are hostile then?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Why else should they invade the galaxy? They were on Mars before we were.
DOCTOR: Ah! So that's when you met them - when you were on a previous Mars Probe.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Yes, they killed Jim - Jim Daniels, fellow astronaut - simply by touching him.
DOCTOR: Yes, but they didn't know their touch would kill human beings.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: And now they've walked into my trap - I knew that once I got them here I'd make them reveal their true natures.
DOCTOR: So it was you who sent for those three ambassadors was it?
LIZ: And hired Reegan to kidnap them and use them as killers?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: It was the only way to arouse public opinion.
DOCTOR: Was Sir James Quinlan in on all this?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: No. He just wanted the political glory of being the first to arrange contact with an intelligent alien species. He didn't know of my plan to save the world - he wouldn't have understood.
LIZ: What about Van Lyden and the other astronauts - the human ones?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: They didn't know either - it was the only way.
DOCTOR: Well...I must say you've been very thorough General.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: It was the only way! You do understand that, don't you, Doctor?
DOCTOR: (Quietly.) Yes, yes I understand. You had to do what you had to do.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Exactly. We must protect the world - it's our moral duty. Will you help us?
DOCTOR: Yes, yes I'll build your machine for you.
(He pats the DOCTOR on the arm.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Splendid!
(He goes over to REEGAN.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: This man can be of use to us. Give him everything he needs.
REEGAN: Okay.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I'm going to take one of those creatures with me. I've brought a shielded van. Kindly ask one of them to come out.
REEGAN: Open the door.
(REEGAN gestures to LIZ.)
3: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(The BRIGADIER and CORNISH look at the large monitor screen which just shows a blank blue image.)
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) American space agency report their unmanned observation satellite is now within three miles of the UFO.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (To CORNISH.) Why can't they get a picture?
RALPH CORNISH: Well, I assume the radio signals that thing emits are affecting the cameras.
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Space agency are now about to manoeuvre the satellite down to one mile from the UFO.
4: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I've got some instructions for you. You're to raid a number of Isotope stores.
REEGAN: Have I?
(CARRINGTON, angry at REEGAN'S attitude, passes him an envelope.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Everything you need's here - passes, maps. Just follow your orders!
REEGAN: (Smiles.) Yes, sir.
(CARRINGTON stalks off and up the stairs.)
5: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: (OOV: Over tannoy.) Space agency report total cessation of all signals from observation satellite. It is believed satellite has disintegrated.
(The BRIGADIER is on the telephone.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) Right sir.
(He puts the phone down and speaks to CORNISH in a puzzled and dubious tone.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: General Carrington's men have captured an alien astronaut - he's going to bring it here.
6: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(LIZ and the DOCTOR are working on an electronic apparatus. REEGAN enters through the lower doorway with one of his thugs. REEGAN is dressed in a cap and coat for another trip out.)
REEGAN: How's it going? Got everything you need?
DOCTOR: Mm hmm.
REEGAN: How long's it going to take?
DOCTOR: Look, I'm not building a crystal set you know.
(The thug opens the door to the booth and REEGAN transmits an order with his signalling device. An ASTRONAUT steps out. LIZ draws the DOCTOR'S attention to this.)
LIZ: Doctor...
(The DOCTOR rushes to REEGAN.)
DOCTOR: Look, if you let them out, how am I going to test it?
(REEGAN ignores him. Two of the ASTRONAUTS have left the booth. REEGAN sends another signal.)
REEGAN: They'll be back.
DOCTOR: What, more killing?
REEGAN: Only if we have to. Get on with it - I want that machine finished by the time I get back
(He leaves with the ASTRONAUTS. The DOCTOR goes back to making his machine.)
LIZ: You're not just going to do as he tells you?
DOCTOR: Come on Liz, we haven't got much time, you know.
7: EXT. ISOTOPE STORE
(REEGAN'S van drives down a road in isolated spot and pulls up at the gates to the Isotope store which are marked with signs stating that it is "GOVERNMENT PROPERTY" and that "PASSES TO BE SHOWN". The main store is in the grounds beyond the security barrier. As the guards within the premises watch, REEGAN gets out and pulls radiation helmet over his head to go with the suit he is wearing. He opens the rear door and the two ASTRONAUTS get out. The aliens approach the gates in unison. One of the guards warily approaches from other side. REEGAN twists the dial on his device and the ASTRONAUTS touch the gates, causing a red flare of power to surge through the gate and sending the guard flying backwards. The other guard panics and runs into gatehouse to phone for assistance. As a klaxon alarm starts to echo across the site, the ASTRONAUTS touch the lock of the gate, blowing it open. They hold the gates open for the van to drive through.)
8: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(A temporary TV studio has been set up with a couple of cameras and an opaque cylindrical screen behind which is a secured and struggling ASTRONAUT. JOHN WAKEFIELD is back in the Centre, organising arrangements with GENERAL CARRINGTON.)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: We'll be ready for your live telecast very soon, General.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Splendid!
JOHN WAKEFIELD: Are you sure your men will be able to remove the helmet?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Quite sure.
JOHN WAKEFIELD: Mmm. If there is some sort of alien creature inside that spacesuit...
GENERAL CARRINGTON: As I can assure you there is.
JOHN WAKEFIELD: Has it occurred to you, sir, that this may create world panic?
9: EXT. ISOTOPE STORE
(The klaxon is still blaring as REEGAN attacks a radiation suited worker who is carrying a box marked "ISOTOPE - RADIOACTIVE". He clubs the worker to the ground and starts to carry the box away. A police car approaches the site, its siren blaring. REEGAN carries the box of isotopes on a small transporter to his van. He and his henchman then start to take the box off the transporter. As they are doing so, the police car pulls up in front of the ASTRONAUTS. REEGAN signals to the ASTRONAUTS who touch the policemen, throwing them back. The ASTRONAUTS climb into the van and the door is shut by REEGAN. The van drives off, towards a policeman who gets to his feet and dives out of the van's way.)
10: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(The BRIGADIER approaches CARRINGTON who is studying the television equipment.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: May I have a word with you, sir?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Yes, Brigadier?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Aliens have raided an isotope factory- several deaths.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You see? They've already landed. These creatures need radiation to live and they're prepared to rob and murder to get it.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sir!
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Yes!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: There were men helping them!
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Traitors, collaborators, like your friend, the Doctor.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Angrily.) That is an unjustified assumption, sir!
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Is it?
(WAKEFIELD interrupts the erupting argument...)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: General, what exactly do you intend to say in your telecast? It'll be on a world wide hook-up you know.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I shall call on the nations of the world...to unite in an attack on the aliens and their spacecraft. It must be obliterated!
11: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(The DOCTOR and LIZ, watched by another of REEGAN'S heavies, are still working on a complex piece of electronics. They have built a small portable console.)
DOCTOR: All right?
LIZ: Mm hmm.
DOCTOR: Right, switch on the power, Liz, will you?
LIZ: Okay.
(She does so.)
DOCTOR: All right?
(He flicks some switches.)
DOCTOR: Right, let's try and test this thing.
LIZ: (Whispers.) Do you think the signal will be strong enough?
DOCTOR: (Whispers.) Well, I've boosted it as much as I possibly can. (Louder.) Erm, just go over there will you Liz?
(He nods towards the booth.)
LIZ: Right.
DOCTOR: See if they react at all.
(He starts tapping on a electronic keypad.)
DOCTOR: Any reaction?
LIZ: No, not yet.
DOCTOR: Well, we'll just have to keep on trying won't we?
(He keeps tapping. He smiles at the thug and nods at booth. Interested, the thug peers at booth. The DOCTOR keeps tapping...a Morse code message.)
12: INT. UNIT HQ. COMMUNICATIONS ROOM
(At UNIT HQ, PRIVATE JOHNSON, sat at a radio set, takes off his headphones and passes them to SERGEANT BENTON.)
PRIVATE JOHNSON: There we are, sarge, Have a listen.
(BENTON listens to the beeping signal.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Well, it's SOS - we did away with that signal years ago.
PRIVATE JOHNSON: Everybody's picking it up, sarge - taxis, police cars, fire engines. It's on a high-impulse blanket frequency
SERGEANT BENTON: See if you can get a triangulation on it. (Puzzled.) Save our souls?
13: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(WAKEFIELD stands before one of his cameras.)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: This is John Wakefield, talking to you live from the heart of Britain's Space Control headquarters. This telecast is being received in homes all over the world by communications satellite relay.
(He relaxes and speaks to his unseen crew.)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: Right, now after that, I shall introduce the General. When I've introduced him, I want you to pick him up over there. (Points.) All right?
(A very perturbed CORNISH approaches.)
RALPH CORNISH: Mr Wakefield?
(WAKEFIELD passes his clipboard to an assistant.)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: Just a minute. (To CORNISH.) Yes professor?
RALPH CORNISH: Do you really think you should go ahead with this broadcast?
JOHN WAKEFIELD: What do you mean?
RALPH CORNISH: Well, do you realise what the General is going to say?
JOHN WAKEFIELD: He's going to talk about that unidentified flying object.
RALPH CORNISH: He is going to call on the nations of the world to attack it. Blast it out of the sky with missiles.
14: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(REEGAN enters the room.)
REEGAN: Haven't you finished yet?
DOCTOR: Oh, we're just about to test it. Hmm? Liz, you stand by the controls will you?
LIZ: Right.
(The DOCTOR stands up and walks over to the booth, a microphone in his hand which connects back to the machine that he and LIZ have made. LIZ adjusts the power. There is a rising hum and the DOCTOR speaks into the microphone.)
DOCTOR: (Into microphone.) Now, we are attempting to convert our speech...into your radio impulses. Can you understand me?
(There is no response. The DOCTOR leans over to the machine and makes an adjustment. He then stands next to the booth again.)
DOCTOR: (Into microphone.) We are attempting to convert our human speech...into your radio impulses. Can you understand me?
REEGAN: (With quiet menace.) It doesn't work.
DOCTOR: (Into microphone.) Can you understand me? Please try to answer.
(Suddenly, as one, the ASTRONAUTS approach booth window. Through the machine, the semi-electronic voice of the aliens is heard.)
ASTRONAUT: (Through speaker.) Why are we kept prisoners? Why do you make us kill?
(REEGAN dashes forward and grabs the microphone.)
REEGAN: (Into microphone.) You'll obey my orders. If you don't, we'll let you die!
ASTRONAUT: (Through speaker.) We are ambassadors and came in peace
REEGAN: (Into microphone.) If you want to live, you'll do exactly what you're told.
(He steps away from the booth.)
REEGAN: Congratulations Doctor. Now, I can make a few plans.
(As REEGAN starts to walk away, LIZ and the DOCTOR go to adjust the machine. REEGAN spots them.)
REEGAN: Leave it alone.
15: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Unidentified object transmitting to us.
(CORNISH rushes across to his desk from the TV studio area.)
FEMALE CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT: Picture coming through now.
(The ALIEN SPACE CAPTAIN appears on main screen. The view of him is still obscured behind a "venetian blind" effect. Near to the monitor are stood two military policemen from the regular army.)
ALIEN SPACE CAPTAIN: Only a little time remains to you. We have powers to destroy your planet totally, which we shall use if our ambassadors are not returned.
(The image disappears. CORNISH is about to try and get it back when a voice rings out across the room. It is GENERAL CARRINGTON who stands on the upper level of the room.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Now we know where we stand, Gentlemen! We must attack first!
16: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(The DOCTOR and LIZ sit at the table facing the thug who guards them with a gun in his hand. The DOCTOR sits back and folds his arms, glaring at their guard.)
17: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I must make my broadcast at once!
JOHN WAKEFIELD: But that's impossible, General. The worldwide hook-up won't be ready for another hour yet.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You must speed it up - get onto your people - this is an emergency.
(WAKEFIELD walks back towards his studio area. CORNISH follows.)
RALPH CORNISH: Wakefield - what are you going to do?
JOHN WAKEFIELD: See if I can speed up the broadcast of course.
(Meanwhile, the BRIGADIER hangs up a phone and approaches CARRINGTON.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I've had a message from my HQ, sir. They're picking up SOS radio signals.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Well?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: There's a chance it may be from the Doctor, sir. I'd like to follow it up, if you'll excuse me.
(He turns to leave.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Just a moment!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sir?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You think I don't know what's going on, don't you?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I don't quite follow you?
GENERAL CARRINGTON: That Doctor of yours is in league with these creatures and you've been helping him. Security!
(The two military policemen jump forward.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Place this officer under close arrest.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sir, I must protest!
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Hand over your revolver, Brigadier.
(The BRIGADIER complies and hands his gun to one of the policemen.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I've suspected you for some time. All your UNIT people have been locked up and replaced by men I can trust. (To the policemen.) Take him away.
(The BRIGADIER is marched out of the room by the policemen. CARRINGTON turns and sees CORNISH dialling a telephone.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: What are you doing?
RALPH CORNISH: I'm getting on to the Ministry.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Too late, Mr. Cornish. All communications are under my control.
RALPH CORNISH: This Space Centre is under my control.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Not any longer.
(CORNISH realises he has a dead line.)
18: INT. SPACE CENTRE. TUNNEL TO MAIN ENTRANCE
(The two military policemen are marching the BRIGADIER down a tunnel in the Centre. He puts up a pretence of going quietly but suddenly leaps into action and elbows one in the stomach, then punches the other and throws them to the ground together. He races to a staff car parked nearby and gets in as the downed policemen start shooting at him. He drives away as the policemen get to their feet.)
19: EXT. SPACE CENTRE ENTRANCE
(The BRIGADIER pulls up to the barrier. The arm is lifted and he drives through to salutes from the military policemen who now guard the Centre. The gate phone rings and a guard answers.)
20: INT. UNIT HQ. COMMUNICATIONS ROOM
(PRIVATE JOHNSON puts down his headphones.)
PRIVATE JOHNSON: It's no good, sarge, I can't raise them. Space HQ have cut themselves off.
SERGEANT BENTON: Well, keep trying.
(The BRIGADIER enters. BENTON jumps to attention.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Sir, we've been trying to reach you!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Those SOS signals - did you get a fix on them?
SERGEANT BENTON: They cut out suddenly. We managed to pin them down.
(He points on a wall map.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Around here. It's funny sir, it's army land - disused firing range.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Realising.) Carrington.
SERGEANT BENTON: It's quite near the Space Centre.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: How many men have we got here, Sergeant?
SERGEANT BENTON: Just one or two, sir. Most of the lads are on duty at the Space Centre.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I'll take what men there are. Look, keep that radio manned and get me a revolver will you?
SERGEANT BENTON: Sir.
(The BRIGADIER starts to leave the room.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: And lay on a jeep.
SERGEANT BENTON: We can't sir, all the transport's over at Space HQ.
(The BRIGADIER stops in his tracks.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: What?
SERGEANT BENTON: Well, how did you get here, sir?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I borrowed a staff car
SERGEANT BENTON: Well, couldn't we use that?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sergeant, that engine stopped quite a few bullets. I barely made it here. Well, there must be some kind of transport.
SERGEANT BENTON: Sir, th...there is the Doctor's car...
(The BRIGADIER turns and gives him a hard look...)
21: EXT. ROADWAY BY UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(Nevertheless, Bessie is soon driving along in the rain, hood up, bristling with rifles sticking out. The car pulls over some distance from the lab. The BRIGADIER gets out and calls for binoculars. He surveys the scene, with REEGAN'S van outside the Laboratory. He gets back in and drives up to the lab just as the Laboratory door opens and two thugs come out who dive for cover behind the van. The soldiers disembark from Bessie as the thugs start shooting. The soldiers return the fire. The thugs soon run out of ammunition.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Right get 'em!
(The two thugs hold their hands up in surrender and two UNIT soldiers approach them and get jumped. One of the thugs manages to grab a rifle off one of the soldiers. A UNIT soldier shoots the unarmed thug but the other starts shooting back. The BRIGADIER manages to tackle the man and the two start trading punches. gets in a punch-up with a thug. Eventually the BRIGADIER delivers a strong uppercut which knocks the man off balance, then another punch which sends him rolling down a steep bank. The UNIT troops run for the lab.)
22: INT. UNDERGROUND LABORATORY
(REEGAN is pointing to a map on the table and explaining his plan to an uninterested DOCTOR and LIZ.)
REEGAN: Now, you see the main vault is there. And our friends there can blast it open.
DOCTOR: Look, how many times must I tell you? I am not joining you in a programme of bank robbery.
REEGAN: I'm offering you an equal share, Doctor.
(The sounds of gunfire suddenly reach them. REEGAN turns to another of his heavies.)
REEGAN: See what's happening.
(The man runs upstairs into the BRIGADIER, coming through the door, who shoots him. The man falls backwards down the stairs. REEGAN pulls out a gun but the BRIGADIER neatly shoots it out of his hand. As REEGAN holds his injured wrist, the UNIT troops pile into the room.)
REEGAN: Make yourselves at home.
DOCTOR: (Angrily.) What kept you?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I see you're all right, Doctor! Miss Shaw?
LIZ: Just get me out of here.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Carrington's taken over the Space Centre.
DOCTOR: What for?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: He's going to make a telecast urging the world to attack the alien spaceship.
DOCTOR: We've got to stop him at once.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Not so easy. He's arrested all my men and moved in his own troops.
DOCTOR: We've got to get in there somehow.
(The DOCTOR runs for the stairs.)
REEGAN: Why don't you use them?
(He nods towards the ASTRONAUTS. The DOCTOR stops.)
DOCTOR: You know, I think he's right.
REEGAN: You won't forget I thought of it?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (To two soldiers.) Get him out of here.
(The soldiers push him out of the room as the DOCTOR goes to his machine and switches it on.)
DOCTOR: (Into microphone.) We're going to return you to your own people. But first we need your help to prevent a catastrophe.
23: EXT. SPACE CENTRE ENTRANCE
(The barrier arm is down and the huge main doors are closed. UNIT troops are being held by military policemen as Bessie pulls up, followed by REEGAN'S van. The BRIGADIER gets out of Bessie with a megaphone. He speaks into it.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into megaphone.) Open the gates. Open these Gates!
(The military policemen stand with guns raised but do not move. The BRIGADIER looks to the DOCTOR who nods, then the BRIGADIER nods to his UNIT troops who open the back of the van. The two alien ASTRONAUTS get out. The DOCTOR and LIZ get out of Bessie. A soldier carries the communications device for the DOCTOR who takes the microphone and switches on the machine.)
DOCTOR: (Into microphone.) Open the gates. Please try not to harm anyone.
(The ASTRONAUTS approach the military policemen who start shooting. The DOCTOR'S party all dive for cover behind Bessie. The DOCTOR grabs the megaphone.)
DOCTOR: (Into megaphone.) These aliens are invulnerable to your bullets.
(The policemen at the barrier continue firing but sensibly move out of the way of the ASTRONAUTS who raise the barrier and approach the main doors.)
DOCTOR: (Into megaphone.) They will not harm you but you will die if you touch them. ____ keep back.
(Another policeman at the doors sees that the bullets have no effect and also runs out of the way. The DOCTOR'S party gets back into Bessie and the van. The ASTRONAUTS touch the lock on the doors and destroy it. The doors swing open and the two vehicles drive through. The UNIT troops rush to re-take control.)
24: INT. SPACE CONTROL. MAIN CONTROL ROOM
(CARRINGTON, his voice getting more desperate, gives further instructions to WAKEFIELD. He walks in between a camera and the screen hiding the ASTRONAUT.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: When I move across to here, get your camera in close on this creature and my men will forcibly remove his helmet. I want the world to know what these monsters look like.
JOHN WAKEFIELD: All right, General, whatever you say.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: (Calmer.) Good man.
(CORNISH steps forward.)
RALPH CORNISH: General, you must see reason! You can't make this broadcast.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Mr. Cornish, don't interfere in things you don't understand.
RALPH CORNISH: It could bring down total destruction on us!
GENERAL CARRINGTON: You have no concept of moral duty!
RALPH CORNISH: General, you must see...
GENERAL CARRINGTON: (Interrupts.) Security!
(Two military policemen run forward and pull CORNISH away. WAKEFIELD steps before the camera.)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: Five seconds to go, General.
(The two men ready themselves as the seconds tick down, then...)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: This is John Wakefield, speaking to you live from the heart of Britain's Space Control headquarters. This telecast is being received in homes all over the world by communications satellite relay.
(Suddenly, there is the sound of distant gunfire. A look of concern appears on CARRINGTON'S face.)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: Owing to widespread rumours concerning an unidentified flying object hovering above this planet...
(The gunfire gets louder and CARRINGTON starts to look round in obvious unease. WAKEFIELD continues...)
JOHN WAKEFIELD: ...General Carrington, head of Space security, himself an ex-astronaut and Mars probe veteran, is about to speak to you on a matter of tremendous importance...
(The female CONTROL ROOM ASSISTANT screams and runs as the ASTRONAUTS enter amid gunfire.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: They're here, we're being invaded!
(He fires at the ASTRONAUTS who continue to pace towards him.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: Security Patrol!
(He continues to shoot at the ASTRONAUTS as they approach him. His gun runs out of bullets as the DOCTOR, the BRIGADIER and UNIT soldiers enter in force. The BRIGADIER approaches the GENERAL, his own gun raised.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: It's no good, General. I've released my men. This place is in my hands.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: (Desperate.) I must make this broadcast. It's a matter of world survival!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I'm sorry, General. I must place you under arrest.
GENERAL CARRINGTON: (Amazed.) Arrest?
(SERGEANT BENTON steps forward to takes the gun off the dazed GENERAL. However, CARRINGTON hands his weapon over to the BRIGADIER, puts on his cap and picks up his swagger stick.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: The Sergeant will look after you.
(CARRINGTON starts to march away, escorted by BENTON but the GENERAL stops in front of the DOCTOR.)
GENERAL CARRINGTON: I had to do what I did. It was my moral duty. You do understand, don't you?
DOCTOR: (Nods.) Yes, General. I understand.
(CARRINGTON is taken away. The DOCTOR crosses over to the TV studio area.)
DOCTOR: Er, please release that gentleman.
(The screen around the captive ASTRONAUT starts to rise.)
DOCTOR: Right, Mr. Cornish, we've got to get a message up to that alien space ship and tell them that their ambassadors are safe and well.
RALPH CORNISH: Doctor, where are my three astronauts?
DOCTOR: My dear chap, they're still up there. But don't worry, they're all right. They're quite safe. Now we've got to make an exchange.
RALPH CORNISH: Exchange?
(The former captive ASTRONAUT joins his two companions. The three face the humans in the room.)
DOCTOR: We'll send these three up in Recovery 7. They'll send down our three astronauts.
RALPH CORNISH: But what about the fuel problem?
DOCTOR: Well, simple. We'll use pure M3 Variant - and don't forget they're not susceptible to g-force.
(CORNISH crosses to his desk and presses a control.)
RALPH CORNISH: (Into microphone.) This is control. Get me the fuel bay.
(The DOCTOR crosses to him and holds his hand out.)
DOCTOR: Well goodbye, Mr. Cornish. I've got a lot of work to do in my own laboratory.
(CORNISH shakes hands.)
RALPH CORNISH: Doctor, I'll need your help to communicate with the...ambassadors.
(The DOCTOR indicates LIZ.)
DOCTOR: Well, here you are. Here's Miss Shaw. She's much more practical than I am. (To the BRIGADIER.) Good-bye Brigadier.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Thank you, Doctor.
LIZ: Goodbye, Doctor.
(The DOCTOR smiles and crosses to the three ASTRONAUTS.)
DOCTOR: Goodbye, gentlemen.
(He goes to shake hands but suddenly thinks better of it. He smiles.)
DOCTOR: Have a nice trip!
(He walks out of the room as those left behind begin their task...)
Doctor Who
JON PERTWEE
Liz Shaw
CAROLINE JOHN
Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart
NICHOLAS COURTNEY
General Carrington
JOHN ABINERI
Reegan
WILLIAM DYSART
Ralph Cornish
RONALD ALLEN
John Wakefield
MICHAEL WISHER
Control Room Assistant
JOANNA ROSS
Astronauts
RIC FELGATE
STEVE PETERS
NEVILLE SIMONS
Private Johnson
GEOFFREY BEEVERS
Sergeant Benton
JOHN LEVENE
Alien Space Captain
PETER NOEL COOK
Aliens' Voices
PETER HALLIDAY
Title Music by
RON GRAINER AND
BBC RADIOPHONIC
WORKSHOP
Incidental Music by
DUDLEY SIMPSON
Film Cameraman
A.A. ENGLANDER
TONY LEGGO
Film Editor
DON GODDEN
Action by
HAVOC
Visual Effects
PETER DAY
IAN SCOONES
Costumes
CHRISTINE RAWLINS
Make-up
MARION RICHARDS
Studio Lighting
GEOFF SHAW
DAVE SYDENHAM
RALPH WALTON
Sound
GORDON MACKIE
Special Sounds by
BRIAN HODGSON
and BBC RADIOPHONIC
WORKSHOP
Script Editor
TERRANCE DICKS
Designer
DAVID MYERSCOUGH-JONES
Producer
BARRY LETTS
Directed by
MICHAEL FERGUSON
