FRONTIER IN SPACE
BY
MALCOLM HULKE
EPISODE FIVE
1: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(Inside a silvery metallic control room, a lone OGRON sits at a control console on a raised gantry which runs round part of the room. The signal appears on his monitor and the creature makes adjustments to the controls.)
2: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The DRACONIAN CAPTAIN sits at the controls of the policeship, making adjustments as the "COURSE CORRECTION" light flashes. The ship jolts.)
3: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(The MASTER, fast asleep, is jolted on his bunk. The two Draconians are still on guard.)
DOCTOR: Well, that's it then.
(He taps JO who is huddled asleep up on the corner of the other bunk.)
DOCTOR: Come on, we've landed.
(JO looks over to the MASTER'S bunk.)
JO: Oh, hadn't we better wake our cellmate?
DOCTOR: Hmm! He's awake already. He's just trying to show us how unconcerned he is.
(The MASTER laughs, claps his hands and sits up.)
MASTER: How well you know me, Doctor!
(He looks over at the jacketless DOCTOR as he adjusts his own tunic.)
MASTER: Now come on, smarten yourselves up. We want to look our best for a royal audience, you know.
JO: (To the DOCTOR.) He's very confident.
MASTER: Well, Miss Grant, as an Earth poet once said "My strength is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure".
(He turns to the two Draconian guards.)
MASTER: Come on, you fellows, let me out! Your Emperor is waiting to see me!
(They turn to him and raise their blasters. The MASTER raises his hands in mock surrender...)
4: DRACONIAN. EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM
(The DRACONIAN EMPEROR, majestic and regal, sits on his metallic throne in an ornate green, equally metallic and echoing chamber, guarded by soldiers. The rooms only decoration would seem to be tall stands which emit an incense. The EMPEROR'S dress is of the same basic style as the other of his kind but more ornate with sharply upturned shoulder armour. The PRINCE steps forward.)
DRACONIAN PRINCE: So, father, once more Earthmen have invaded our space.
(The EMPEROR'S voice is slightly aged, but rigid, precise and imperious in its tone.)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: You will address the Emperor in a proper manner!
(The PRINCE takes a humble step back.)
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Your pardon. May I have permission to address the Emperor?
(His father holds out hand. The PRINCE steps forward and kisses it.)
DRACONIAN PRINCE: My life at your command.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: One day, my son, you will inherit this throne. Then you will realise the importance of due formality. Now, what do you wish to say?
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Surely now you will declare war upon the Earthmen? Let me lead your battle-fleets to crush their...
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: (Interrupts.) They too have battle-fleets, my son. Such a war could well bring down both empires.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Not if we strike first, then we shall be the victors!
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: In such a war, there are no victors.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: The nobles of the court are demanding action. They fear for the honour of Draconia.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: I am the Emperor! The honour of Draconia is vested in me.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: The throne depends upon the great families for support. Emperors have been deposed before now.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: An Emperor who does not rule deposes himself!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Then what will you do, father?
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: I shall question these Earthmen myself. I have already sent for them.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Why waste time listening to their lies?
(The PRINCE steps to the side of his father as the DRACONIAN CAPTAIN walks in and bows, followed by his three captors.)
DRACONIAN CAPTAIN: Majesty - I bring you the prisoners.
(The DOCTOR and the MASTER bow.)
DOCTOR: May I have permission to address the Emperor?
(The EMPEROR nods. The DOCTOR steps forward but the PRINCE blocks him.)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: Wait!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: This is an insult!
(But the EMPEROR holds out his hand. The PRINCE lets the DOCTOR forward, who takes the EMPEROR'S hand and bows his forehead to it.)
DOCTOR: My life at your command, sire.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: How dare you address the Emperor in a manner reserved for a noble of Draconia?
DOCTOR: Ah, but I am a noble of Draconia. The honour was conferred on me by the fifteenth Emperor.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: (Mocking.) The fifteenth Emperor reigned five hundred years ago.
(The MASTER laughs.)
MASTER: Your majesty, do not be taken in by this ridiculous story...!
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: (Shouts.) Be silent! There is a legend among our people of a man who assisted the fifteenth Emperor at a time of great trouble when we were almost overwhelmed by a great plague from outer space. But you could not be that man. No Earthman lives so long.
DOCTOR: Your Majesty, this man that you speak of - was he not known as the Doctor? And did he not come to this planet in a spaceship called the TARDIS?
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: He did.
DOCTOR: Well, I am that man, sire. And I come from a race of people that live far longer than any Earthman.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: Even if I accept your claim, you have broken our law. Why did you violate Draconian space?
MASTER: Your majesty, this man was, and still is, my prisoner.
DOCTOR: It is true, your majesty. I did come here as a prisoner, but I...I came willingly - in order to warn you that this man is plotting a war between Earth and Draconia!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: All Earthmen are determined upon war.
DOCTOR: Ah, but the Master is not an Earthman. I'm sorry to have to admit it, but he's a renegade of my own race, and he's using creatures called Ogrons to attack your spaceships and those of the Earthmen.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: The Earthmen who attacked our spaceships - they have been seen many times.
DOCTOR: I'm sorry, but there you are in error, sir. Your people have seen Ogrons, but they appear to them as Earthmen because of a hypnotic device.
JO: It's true, your majesty. When Ogrons attacked the Earth ships, the Earthmen saw them as Draconians.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Silence! Females are not permitted to speak in the presence of the Emperor.
MASTER: Your majesty, do not be deceived by the pathetic ravings of two criminals trying to evade justice.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: (To the DOCTOR.) If what you say is true, it would explain much. We lived at peace with the Earthmen for many years, then suddenly they began to raid our spaceships. When we protested, they said that we were attacking them.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: In order to cover up their own attacks! This is simply a plot of the Earthmen to lull us into false security.
(A DRACONIAN MESSENGER enters the throne room and bows to the EMPEROR.)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: Speak!
DRACONIAN MESSENGER: Your majesty, a spaceship from Earth seeks permission to land in the palace spaceport. They say they're on a special mission from the President of Earth.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: This is a trick! You must not allow them to land!
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: We are not yet at war with Earth. I shall hear what their President has to say. I give my permission.
DRACONIAN MESSENGER: Your majesty.
(He bows and leaves.)
DOCTOR: A wise decision, your majesty. For only by Earth and Draconia working together can we hope to arrive at the truth.
MASTER: I too welcome your wisdom, your majesty. Nobody could be more devoted to the cause of peace than I.
(The DOCTOR and JO look at each other. JO is about to say something but the DOCTOR holds up a hand for her to be quiet.)
MASTER: As a commissioner of Earth's interplanetary police, I have devoted my life to the cause of law and order. And law and order can only exist in a time of peace.
(The DOCTOR puts a friendly hand on his shoulder.)
DOCTOR: You feeling alright, old chap?
(The MASTER ignores him and continues...)
MASTER: Only during a period of social stability, can society adequately deal with criminals such as this man and this unfortunate girl.
(As she speaks, JO looks round. She can suddenly hear the hypnotic pulsing signal again.)
JO: Doctor, listen! That sound!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Silence, female!
JO: Quiet! It's the same noise that I heard on the cargo ship.
(The EMPEROR listens to the sound.)
JO: Doctor, it's the Ogrons!
DOCTOR: (To the EMPEROR.) Your majesty, I beg of you to be cautious. Something is seriously wrong here. This ship that has just landed - I beg you, place it under guard immediately.
MASTER: Your majesty, please?
(But suddenly, the OGRONS burst into the throne room and start blasting away. The MASTER runs to their protection as a fight breaks out between the raiders on one side and the Draconians, with the DOCTOR as support, on the other.)
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Seize them, fool!
(The DOCTOR manages to kick an OGRON down into unconsciousness but all the other casualties are Draconians as the EMPEROR watches in horror.)
MASTER: Ah, you idiots! Back to your ship - all of you!
FIRST OGRON: Back, Master!
(The OGRONS surround the MASTER and hurriedly leave the throne room. The PRINCE rushes to the throne.)
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Now will you believe in the treachery of the Earthmen?
DOCTOR: Your majesty, look down here and tell me - what do you see?
(The EMPEROR stands up and looks down to where the DOCTOR points. He sees an unconscious Earth soldier.)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: I see one of your Earth soldiers who attacked my palace and kill my people.
DOCTOR: Jo?
(JO comes out from hiding by the side of the throne.)
DOCTOR: Jo, can you still hear that sound?
JO: Yes, it's...it's fading. It's almost gone.
DOCTOR: Your majesty, I beg of you, please?! Look again!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Why do we delay? Destroy him!
(The sound totally disappears. The EMPEROR looks down at the "Earth soldier".)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: Wait!
(The man changes. In his place is the unconscious OGRON.)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: He has spoken the truth.
5: SPACE
(The OGRON ship leaves the orbit of Draconia.)
6: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The door to the bridge opens and a furious MASTER stalks in, followed by his retinue of OGRONS.)
MASTER: Great lumbering idiots! Now you tell me that you've left one of your fellows in the palace! Do you realise what this means? As soon as the sound of the hypno-effect wears off, the Draconians will know who it really was who attacked them. You've ruined everything!
FIRST OGRON: What shall we do now?
MASTER: Do? There's only one thing we can do - make sure that the Doctor and his evidence is never allowed to reach Earth.
7: DRACONIAN. EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM
(The OGRON is now conscious and stands in chains before the throne under the barrels of several raised blasters. The DOCTOR, now in favour, stands on the steps of the throne next to the EMPEROR.)
DOCTOR: Why does the Master want war between Earth and Draconia?
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Did you attack our spaceships and those of the Earthmen?
JO: Oh, it's no good. We're not getting anywhere.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: (To the EMPEROR.) Let me take him for questioning. He shall answer to me. I shall use the mind probe.
DOCTOR: You'd only be wasting your time. The Ogrons have got the finest defence mechanism of all - stupidity. They haven't got a mind for you to probe.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: Then remove him. We will deal with him later.
(The OGRON prisoner is led away.)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: Why did that sound make us see this creature as a soldier from Earth?
JO: Because you're frightened of Earthmen.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Draconians fear nothing, female.
JO: Well, of course you do. You fear them and they fear you. That's why when Earthmen heard that sound, they saw Draconians.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: That is true. We do fear the Earthmen...and they fear us.
DOCTOR: And fear breeds hatred, your majesty. Fear is the greatest enemy of them all, for fear leads us to war.
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: We shall tell the Earthmen what has happened here. They too must know the truth.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: They will not believe us.
DOCTOR: The Prince is right, your majesty. We must mount an expedition at once, and we must take the Ogron as evidence.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: The empires are on the verge of war. A Draconian spaceship in Earth space could be destroyed before it reaches its destination.
JO: (To the DOCTOR.) We could use the ship that Master brought us in. It's an Earth police spaceship.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Females are not permitted to speak...
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: (Interrupts.) The female may speak.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: But...
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: (Interrupts.) We must respect the customs of our guests, strange though they may be. The suggestion had merit.
JO: Thank you, your majesty.
(She shoots a look at the PRINCE.)
DRACONIAN EMPEROR: (To the DOCTOR.) You too will go on this mission. But it must be headed by a Draconian of noble rank. I shall send my son.
(The PRINCE looks up and glares at the DOCTOR.)
8: SPACE
(The policeship returns on its diplomatic mission.)
9: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(Inside the cell area, the OGRON is now in the locked cage, with one DRACONIAN on guard. JO enters with two items of food.)
JO: Here you are. Brought you some food.
(She puts one item down on the bunk, and hands the other to the OGRON through the bars of the cage.)
JO: And a delicious banana.
(The OGRON takes it and bites into the fruit without preparation.)
JO: I think you're supposed to peel it first?
(The OGRON carries on munching.)
JO: Oh well.
(She calls over to the Draconian guard.)
JO: Hey, you know - you wanna be very careful of him. He's not as stupid as he looks.
(The guard barely gives her a glance and turns away again.)
JO: I know, I know - women aren't allowed to speak. You know, I think it's about time that women's lib was brought to Draconia.
(She walks out of the cell area as the OGRON pushes against the barred door of his cage.)
10: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The DOCTOR operates the controls of the ship, watched by the DRACONIAN PRINCE. JO returns to the bridge.)
DOCTOR: Hello, Jo. How's your Ogron friend?
JO: Not too happy. He seemed to enjoy his banana though. Doctor, where are we?
DOCTOR: We're just about to cross the frontier into Earth space.
JO: Ooh, that's good.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Unless your Earth people destroy us.
DOCTOR: Well, this is an Earth police spaceship, you know, sir.
JO: Even if it is stolen.
(The PRINCE suddenly spots a blinking signal on the monitor screen.)
DRACONIAN PRINCE: What is that?!
DOCTOR: Well, it looks like another spaceship. It appears to be following us.
12: SPACE
(The OGRON ship is their mysterious pursuer.)
13: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(On the bridge, a similar signal appears on their monitor screen. The OGRON at the console sees it.)
FIRST OGRON: Look!
(The MASTER steps up to the control console.)
MASTER: Well, that must be them. No other ship would be on a course for Earth at a time like this.
FIRST OGRON: (Puzzled.) We are on a course for Earth!
MASTER: (Shouts in exasperation.) Well naturally, because we're chasing them a...!
(He regains his patience with his subordinate.)
MASTER: Keep quiet and let me think! (To himself.) No, soon they'll be within striking distance.
FIRST OGRON: What will you do, Master?
MASTER: Ah, I...I'd like to try and take the Doctor alive if possible. If not...I'll blast him out of space! Pity though...
FIRST OGRON: You do wish to kill him?
MASTER: Of course I do! I don't know - rocket fire at long range, it's... I don't know, somehow it lacks that personal touch!
14: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The DOCTOR, JO and the PRINCE.)
DOCTOR: They're closing in. Perhaps it's a frontier patrol ship coming to investigate us.
JO: Well, can't we talk to them and tell them who we are?
DOCTOR: Well, we can try. We should be within audio range.
(He switches the radio on.)
DOCTOR: (Into radio.) Hello, this is Earth police spaceship two, three, nine, o on a special mission to the President of Earth. Do you read me, do you read me? Over.
15: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The DOCTOR'S voice comes through in a slight haze of static.)
DOCTOR: (OOV: Over radio.) Earth police spaceship two, three, nine, o on a special mission to the President of Earth. Do you read me, do you read me? Over.
(The MASTER, holding a hand microphone, replies in a bland tone...)
MASTER: (Into radio.) This is Earth police spaceship number one, four, two. Your ship is one that has been reported as stolen. You will please reduce speed so that we can board you.
16: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
DOCTOR: (Into radio.) Hello, Earth police spaceship one, four, two. I think we'll be in trouble over this. Ah, hello, we've, er, recaptured this ship and are taking it back to Earth, over.
MASTER: (OOV: Over radio.) Reduce speed immediately so that we can board you.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Why should we submit to this delay? Our mission has diplomatic immunity.
DOCTOR: Yes, but they, unfortunately, didn't know that - did they? Hello, Earth police spaceship, we are reducing speed as you request, over.
JO: Doctor, are you sure? We don't really know if it's the police.
DOCTOR: Yes, exactly. That's why I want to get them into visual scanner range.
17: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The MASTER watches the readings.)
MASTER: Right, they've reduced speed. They should be within striking distance now.
(He waits a moment.)
MASTER: That's about it. Release the first missile!
(The OGRON opens a cover over the firing button and presses it.)
18: SPACE
(A hatch opens on the side of the OGRON ship and a battery of missiles on a firing frame slides out. One of the missiles fires, followed by another...)
19: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
DOCTOR: We should be able to pick them up on the visual scanner now.
(He presses a button and the picture changes to that of an indistinct shape in space. After a moment, it focuses into a familiar shape.)
JO: It's an Ogron ship!
(They are suddenly rocked as the first missile explodes.)
DOCTOR: Hold tight! I'm taking evasive action!
(He frantically operates the controls as the second missile explodes.)
20: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The MASTER watches the moving police ship on the bridge monitor. He tries to focus the missile trigger on it.)
MASTER: Come on, Doctor, keep still, keep still. That's better. That's about it. Right - fire!
21: SPACE
(A third missile fires.)
22: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
DOCTOR: They're still after us.
(They are rocked by the third missile.)
23: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(The captive OGRON has broken out of its cage. The door lies to one side. The creature has sneaked up behind the Draconian guard and knocks him to the ground.)
24: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
MASTER: Fire!
(The FIRST OGRON presses the firing button again.)
25: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Can we not fire back?
DOCTOR: No...no, I'm afraid we're outgunned. This isn't a battlecruiser, you know?
(The ship is rocked again as next missile explodes.)
26: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(The OGRON makes its way along the raised platform towards a door that leads to the bridge.)
27: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
DOCTOR: Hang on! I think we're shaking them off!
(The growling OGRON bursts onto the bridge.)
JO: Doctor!
(The OGRON makes for the DOCTOR who starts to grapple with its arm.)
DOCTOR: Your royal highness! Get out, Jo!
(JO runs off the bridge as the DOCTOR pushes the OGRON back against the console. However, in doing so, it pushes back against the speed controls.)
28: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
MASTER: We must have hit them. They're losing speed.
FIRST OGRON: Shall I fire again?
MASTER: No, no, it might be possible to take the Doctor alive after all.
(He calls to a SECOND OGRON.)
MASTER: Muster a boarding party.
SECOND OGRON: Yes, Master.
(It moves off.)
29: SPACE
(The police ship lies still in space. The OGRON ship closes in.)
30: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The DOCTOR and the PRINCE have managed to subdue the OGRON on the floor and re-bind its arms behind its back.)
DOCTOR: Right, there you are, my friend.
31: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(JO runs into the cell area and up to the recovering Draconian guard.)
JO: You alright?
(Suddenly the airlock door starts to open. JO jumps up to try and close it again.)
JO: Oh no, you don't!
(But several OGRONS burst in and grab her.)
JO: (Screams.) No, no! No, they've got me!
SECOND OGRON: This way!
(They move towards the bridge door.)
32: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(JO'S cries reach the bridge.)
JO: (OOV: From the cell area.) Let me go!
DOCTOR: (To the PRINCE.) We've been boarded! We need blasters - come on!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: The prisoner?
DOCTOR: Don't worry about him. He's no use to us at the moment.
33: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CABIN
(They run onto a room behind the bridge and the DOCTOR opens an armoury cupboard.)
JO: (OOV: From the cell area.) Let me go! No! Doctor!
(The DOCTOR hands a blaster to the PRINCE and takes one himself. The door from the cell area opens.)
DOCTOR: Get down!
(He and the PRINCE dive behind a piece of machinery and use it for cover. They are seen by the OGRON who uses the doorframe for cover.)
SECOND OGRON: The enemy!
(Shots are exchanged between the two parties.)
SECOND OGRON: Fool - go!
(As the SECOND OGRON returns the fire, another runs in.)
34: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The MASTER is getting impatient as he watches the scanner with the FIRST OGRON.)
MASTER: What is happening? They should have taken that ship by now!
(He lets out an exclamation of despair.)
MASTER: Must I do everything myself?!
FIRST OGRON: Look!
(A third spaceship appears on the monitor.)
MASTER: An Earth battlecruiser. You'd better recall the boarding party. I'll take over here.
(The FIRST OGRON gets out of the pilot's chair...)
MASTER: As soon as they're back on board, we unlock.
(...and the MASTER takes his place as the OGRON moves off.)
MASTER: Fools!
35: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(JO, struggling, is still held fast by an OGRON. The FIRST OGRON, having made his way over, waits.)
JO: (Screams.) Help! Doctor!
(The SECOND OGRON gestures through the bridge doorway to the others.)
SECOND OGRON: You come!
(The others return from the bridge with their rescued compatriot.)
FIRST OGRON: You must come! Look out! We must take the girl!
JO: (Screams.) No!
(The other OGRONS start to leave the ship through the airlock.)
JO: (Screams.) Help me! No!
FIRST OGRON: Bring the girl!
JO: (Screams.) Doctor!
(They drag JO through to their ship.)
36: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(JO is pulled onto the bridge.)
FIRST OGRON: In here!
MASTER: Right - unlock!
37: SPACE
(The two ships pull away.)
38: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. AIRLOCK
(The airlock is still open to space. Against the rush of escaping air, the DOCTOR and the PRINCE struggle through to the cell area and see the open door. They grasp onto the handles of the raised platform and try to make it along to the doorway.)
39: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(Handhold by handhold, they reach the doorway as the air rushes through.)
40: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. AIRLOCK
(The DOCTOR, with one hand still on the rail, reaches out and grabs the airlock door. He struggles to pull it to against the enormous pressure but manages to do so.)
41: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. CELL AREA
(The crisis over, the two gasp for air.)
DOCTOR: We should be alright in a minute. The ship'll pump in more oxygen.
42: SPACE
(The Earth battlecruiser still hangs nearby.)
43: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The EARTH CRUISER CAPTAIN appears on the monitor on the bridge.)
EARTH CRUISER CAPTAIN: (On monitor.) This is Earth battle cruiser X, two, nine. Do you read me? Identify yourself.
(The DOCTOR and the PRINCE come back on the bridge. The DOCTOR takes the pilot's chair.)
EARTH CRUISER CAPTAIN: (On monitor.) This is Earth battle cruiser X, two, nine. Do you read me? Identify yourself.
DOCTOR: (Into microphone.) Hello, this is Earth police spaceship two, three, nine, o on a special mission to the President of Earth, over.
44: SPACE
(The battlecruiser closes in to dock.)
EARTH CRUISER CAPTAIN: (OOV: Over radio.) Identify the ship that has just unlocked from you. They refuse to answer our signals.
45: INT. POLICE SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
DOCTOR: (Into microphone.) Look, it's of vital importance that you pursue and capture that ship immediately, over.
EARTH CRUISER CAPTAIN: (On monitor.) You are in possession of a stolen police spaceship. You are under arrest. Stand by to be boarded.
46: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(On the OGRON ship, the MASTER, JO and the OGRONS listen into the conversation...)
DOCTOR: (OOV: Over radio.) Look, you don't understand. The man who stole this ship is escaping in that vessel.
EARTH CRUISER CAPTAIN: (OOV: Over radio.) You are under arrest. You'll be given the opportunity of making a full statement. Do not offer any resistance. Stand by to be boarded.
DOCTOR: (OOV: Over radio.) Oh, very well. We're standing by.
(The MASTER switches off the radio and laughs.)
MASTER: Poor Doctor! Enmeshed in the throes of...bureaucracy. Ah, it'll take him a long time to talk himself out of that one.
JO: But he'll get to see the President eventually.
MASTER: She won't believe him.
JO: Oh yes, she will - when she sees the Ogron prisoner. He's our evidence.
(The MASTER points behind JO.)
MASTER: Your evidence is standing right behind you.
(She looks at an impassive OGRON.)
JO: (To the MASTER.) The Draconian Prince knows the truth and he's with the Doctor.
MASTER: My dear Miss Grant - in the climate of opinion that I have created, do you think that any Earthman is going to believe the word of a Draconian?
47: INT. EARTH. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
(Back on Earth, in the PRESIDENT'S office, the DRACONIAN PRINCE has backed the DOCTOR'S story to the PRESIDENT herself and GENERAL WILLIAMS, but...)
PRESIDENT OF EARTH: Your highness, we've heard the Doctor's theory before. And with respect, there is still no concrete evidence. I myself would like to believe you but, as you can see, I need proof to convince my people.
DOCTOR: Then we must mount an expedition to the planet of the Ogrons. The proof we need is there, Madam.
GENERAL WILLIAMS: With Earth on the brink of war, how can we divert our forces into such a pointless expedition? Suppose this is yet another Draconian trick to divide our strength?
DOCTOR: My dear chap, I'm not asking for a battle-fleet. All I require is one small spaceship.
PRESIDENT OF EARTH: Your request is granted.
GENERAL WILLIAMS: On the contrary, your request is denied.
(The furious PRESIDENT jumps to her feet.)
PRESIDENT OF EARTH: My authority...!
GENERAL WILLIAMS: (Interrupts.) In a purely military matter of this kind, Madam, your authority is limited.
PRESIDENT OF EARTH: I can overrule you.
GENERAL WILLIAMS: Only with the backing of the full Earth senate. And do you think they will give it?
DRACONIAN PRINCE: (Angrily.) How can we expect help from a man such as this?
(He points an accusing scaly finger at GENERAL WILLIAMS.)
DRACONIAN PRINCE: (Angrily.) This is the man who deliberately caused war between our people!
(GENERAL WILLIAMS himself jumps up and faces the PRINCE as they close in on each other.)
GENERAL WILLIAMS: That is untrue!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Twenty years ago, you destroyed a Draconian ship that had come in a mission of peace!
GENERAL WILLIAMS: A ship that was about to open fire on us when we were damaged and helpless!
DRACONIAN PRINCE: They came in peace as had been arranged.
GENERAL WILLIAMS: Then why didn't they answer my signals?
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Their communications equipment had been destroyed in a neutron storm - the same neutron storm that damaged your ship!
PRESIDENT OF EARTH: Is this true?
DRACONIAN PRINCE: I have read the records of my father's court. It is the truth.
GENERAL WILLIAMS: But why a battlecruiser? The agreement was that both ships were to be unarmed.
DRACONIAN PRINCE: Naturally we sent a cruiser. How else should a nobleman of Draconia travel? But its missile banks were empty - the ship was unarmed.
(GENERAL WILLIAMS looks stunned.)
48: INT. OGRON SPACESHIP. BRIDGE
(The planet of the OGRONS appears on the monitor. The MASTER turns to JO.)
MASTER: Well, very soon we shall be landing. I think, Miss Grant, you had better prepare yourself for a long stay. I'm afraid it's not a very comfortable place, but as the old song says: "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home".
49: INT. EARTH. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
GENERAL WILLIAMS: Your highness, please accept my deepest regrets for the wrong I have done your people.
(The PRINCE bows.)
DOCTOR: Then I, can I take it, sir, that you will now authorise the expedition?
GENERAL WILLIAMS: I intend to lead it. If the planet of the Ogrons exists, we shall find it.
50: EXT. PLANET OF THE OGRONS
(The planet of the OGRONS is a grey, bleak and rocky place. Accompanied by two OGRONS, the MASTER, holding JO'S arm fast, leads her across the terrain and down a path that suddenly gets steeper.)
MASTER: Be careful down here.
(JO takes her steps carefully as they descend. The MASTER points.)
MASTER: This way.
(At the base of the path, the MASTER points to his left.)
MASTER: Right - in there.
(Their destination is a cave mouth. They enter.)
51: INT. PLANET OF THE OGRONS. MASTER'S OPERATIONS AREA
(Deep inside the cave, it is mostly man-made in light bricks although rocks litter the ground. Spot-lights have been placed on the wall to create pools of light in the gloom and various pieces of machinery and controls stand on temporary shelving units. The whole place is functional with no luxuries.)
MASTER: Well, Miss Grant, welcome to my humble abode.
(He snaps his fingers and the OGRONS depart. JO looks round, non-too impressed.)
JO: I think you were better off in prison.
MASTER: Oh, temporary quarters, my dear. I shall soon be changing them for something better.
JO: Oh, you'll soon be back in jail. When the truth gets out, Earth and Draconia will combine their forces to attack you.
MASTER: I don't think so. There's too much distrust between them.
JO: The Doctor will find you eventually.
MASTER: Ah, there I agree with you. He must find me. Not only to rescue you...
(He crosses to a control panel.)
MASTER: But also to be reunited with his beloved TARDIS.
(He flicks a switch and the area behind JO, previously in darkness, is bathed in light. Within an alcove stands the welcome shape of the TARDIS. JO rushes up to it and places her hands on the locked doors)
MASTER: You know, Miss Grant, I'm going to set a trap for the Doctor...and you are going to help me.
(JO remains silent.)
MASTER: What? No noble speeches to the effect that you'd rather die than betray the Doctor?
JO: You know I'm not going to help you.
(The MASTER approaches her with the hypnotic look in his eyes.)
MASTER: I know that you are.
(He stares at her and his voice deepens.)
MASTER: I know that you will obey me. You will obey me! I am the Master...
(As he closes in, JO starts chanting...)
JO: "Mary had a little lamb, his fleece was white as snow, and everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go".
MASTER: You...will....obey...me!
JO: "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall..."
MASTER: (Angrily.) Stop that, Miss Grant!
JO: It's a form of self-conditioning. You fill your mind with nonsense and then you can't be hypnotised.
(The MASTER tries again.)
MASTER: You...will...obey...me...!
JO: "See-saw, Marjory Daw, Johnny shall have a new master".
MASTER: You...will...obey...me...!
JO: "He shall have but a penny a day, because he can't work any faster..."
MASTER: (Shouts.) Alright, alright, alright, alright!
(JO falls silent.)
MASTER: I was never very fond of nursery rhymes anyhow!
JO: Then you'll just have to give up all hope of hypnotising me, won't you? Once was quite enough, thank you.
(The MASTER sighs and gives her a look almost of admiration. He crosses to a desk.)
MASTER: In that case, I shall have to try something else.
(He picks up a small black box and switches it on. A red light on the side starts to flash and a familiar pulsing signal starts to emit.)
MASTER: You may have heard this noise before, Miss Grant. It works directly on the fear centres deep in your mind!
(JO'S eyes widen in fear as the signal grows stronger.)
Dr. Who
JON PERTWEE
The Master
ROGER DELGADO
Jo Grant
KATY MANNING
President of Earth
VERA FUSEK
General Williams
MICHAEL HAWKINS
Draconian Emperor
JOHN WOODNUTT
Draconian Prince
PETER BIRREL
Draconian Captain
BILL WILDE
Draconian Messenger
IAN FROST
Earth Cruiser Captain
CLIFFORD ELKIN
First Ogron
STEPHEN THORNE
Second Ogron
MICHAEL KILGARRIFF
Third Ogron
RICK LESTER
Written by
MALCOLM HULKE
Title Music by
RON GRAINER
and
BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP
Incidental Music by
DUDLEY SIMPSON
Special Sound
DICK MILLS
Script Editor
TERRANCE DICKS
Designer
CYNTHIA KLJUČO
Producer
BARRY LETTS
Directed by
PAUL BERNARD
COLOUR
© BBC 1973