THE
GREEN DEATH
BY
ROBERT SLOMAN
EPISODE SIX
1: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. STEVENS' OFFICE
CAPTAIN YATES: Just concentrate on the blue crystal, Mr. James.
(James stares at the crystal.)
CAPTAIN YATES: As you look, you'll see it glow. Watch carefully.
(To James, the jewel starts to give off its blue flare. His face creases as the light burns into his mind. The glow grows more intense until James gives out a gasp and staggers backwards. YATES pockets the crystal and goes to help the little man.)
CAPTAIN YATES: Mr. James?
(He gently slaps the cheek of the uncomprehending man.)
CAPTAIN YATES: Your mind's clear now. You have to tell me what's going to happen.
JAMES: (Gasps.) Takeover...by the BOSS...at four o'clock this afternoon...the computer is going to...
(There is suddenly an electronic howl. James grasps his ears and falls dead to the floor. YATES examines him but a sudden voice makes him look up.)
STEVENS: Just can't depend on anyone.
(STEVENS and two guards stand at the console.)
STEVENS: Can you, Mr. Yates?
2: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LABORATORY
(The BRIGADIER enters the Wholeweal laboratory with a small open box in his hand. He takes it to the DOCTOR is examining a slide under a microscope.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: This the sort of thing you mean?
(The DOCTOR looks. The box contains a piece of coal rock with a trail of the green slime across it.)
DOCTOR: Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Well done, Brigadier. Now I can really get on.
(The DOCTOR starts to scrape some of the slime onto a slide.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well, I must get a bite to eat. Seems a long time since breakfast.
DOCTOR: Yeah, well Nancy's gone to make some sandwiches, I believe.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: All that fungus stuff?
DOCTOR: Yes, why? Don't you like it?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Rather have a slice of beef. What are you trying to do?
(The DOCTOR takes the slide over to another microscope and inserts it.)
DOCTOR: Carry on where Professor Jones left off. Trying to find a specific antibiotic reaction.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Could be...a long job?
DOCTOR: Yes, could be.
(He looks up from the microscope.)
DOCTOR: You know, I wish I knew what he meant by serendipity.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Serendipity?
DOCTOR: Yes, means making a marvellous discovery by mistake. I have an idea Professor Jones was on the point of a breakthrough.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well, you've got his notes there, haven't you?
DOCTOR: Yes. Yes, I have, but it doesn't say a thing. Take a look for yourself.
(He passes the BRIGADIER a clipboard with notes attached. The soldier looks over them.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Huh! Might as well be in Sanskrit for all it means to me.
3: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. KITCHEN AND LARDER
(NANCY works in the kitchen making her sandwiches. She finishes and carries a plate of fungus that looks like a joint of beef into the larder and places it on the side.)
4: EXT. WHOLEWHEAL COMMUNITY
(Outside, a UNIT jeep tears up the farm track and halts in front of Wholeweal. SERGEANT BENTON is at the wheel. He gets out and picks up a large sausage-shaped bundle wrapped in a cloth from the front passenger seat. He runs into the farm building with it.)
5: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LABORATORY
(NANCY has given the BRIGADIER a piece of the beef-like fungus to eat. He munches on a morsel.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: It's beef! It is beef!
NANCY: It's exactly the same fungus you had last night. It's just cooked differently.
(BENTON bursts in with the bundle and NANCY leaves.)
SERGEANT BENTON: I thought I'd find you here, sir.
(He places the bundle on one of the tables. The DOCTOR is busy reading CLIFF'S notes.)
DOCTOR: What have you got there, Sergeant?
SERGEANT BENTON: It's a maggot, Doctor. I found it on the edge of the danger area.
(The DOCTOR instantly puts down the notes and comes over to examine the bundle.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Is it dead?
SERGEANT BENTON: Not exactly, sir.
(The DOCTOR unwraps the bundle. Within is the empty shell of a maggot. He turns it over with a glass rod.)
DOCTOR: It's a chrysalis. They're beginning to change.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Change? I don't understand.
DOCTOR: Like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Yes, but change into what?
DOCTOR: I wish I knew, Brigadier.
(The BRIGADIER suddenly realises the implications and looks down at the chrysalis in horror.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You mean they might be able to fly?
DOCTOR: Yes.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Then we can't stop them. Within a matter of hours they could be all over the countryside.
DOCTOR: Yes, it's horribly possible. Well, they're our number one priority now.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: And the cure for Professor Jones?
DOCTOR: That'll have to wait, I'm afraid.
(They are interrupted by a scream of terror from the kitchen.)
NANCY: Doctor! Come quickly!
(They all rush towards the kitchen...)
6: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. KITCHEN AND LARDER
(...where they find NANCY pointing at something in the larder.)
DOCTOR: What is it, Nancy?
NANCY: It must be the one that escaped from the lab.
(The DOCTOR cautiously walks into the larder doorway. There a maggot lies next to the plate of fungus. It doesn't seem to move. From the doorway, the DOCTOR cautiously shakes the table but still the creature doesn't move. He pokes it with the glass rod he has carried through from the laboratory. The maggot is still and lifeless. They all walk into the larder.)
DOCTOR: Well, it's dead. It's not a husk like the other one but a complete dead maggot.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Yes well, I find the live ones more worrying, Doctor.
DOCTOR: But don't you understand, Brigadier - what killed it?
SERGEANT BENTON: Could it have been something it ate?
NANCY: That's it - the fungus!
(She points to the plate. The DOCTOR picks it up and examines it.)
DOCTOR: Yes...this could be exactly what we need. (To NANCY.) How much of this fungus have you got?
NANCY: A whole pile of it in the outhouse.
DOCTOR: Show me quickly.
NANCY: Right.
(He passes the plate to the BRIGADIER and follows NANCY out. He in turn thrusts the plate into BENTON'S hand and follows them too. BENTON deposits the plate next to the dead creature.)
7: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. COMPUTER ROOM
(BOSS is 'singing' a tune to itself as STEVENS leafs through a series of computer cards.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Er, Stevens?
(STEVENS puts down the cards and goes and stands on the small platform in front of the red screen.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Stevens, erm, how did Captain Yates manage to break Mr. James' processing?
STEVENS: I don't know. Some...specialised hypnotic technique perhaps?
BOSS'S VOICE: Ah ha. And he also resisted our conditioning programme, didn't he?
STEVENS: He is dangerous. He should be eliminated.
BOSS'S VOICE: No - no, he will make an interesting experiment. Total processing comes next. He shall be the first of the new slave elite. See to it!
STEVENS: Right away.
(STEVENS bows and walks off.)
8: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
(The DOCTOR waits on the edge of the slagheap in Bessie. UNIT soldiers transfer sack after sack of the fungus from a jeep onto the back seat of the car.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Come on, lads - keep 'em moving.
(The BRIGADIER walks forward.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Good luck, Doctor.
DOCTOR: Thank you, Brigadier.
(The soldiers finish loading Bessie.)
DOCTOR: Right, Benton.
(BENTON stands on the running board and the DOCTOR drives off onto the slagheap. The BRIGADIER observes through his binoculars.)
9: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(The writhing maggots hiss as Bessie drives past.)
DOCTOR: Alright, Sergeant, start scattering.
SERGEANT BENTON: With pleasure, Doctor.
(He reaches into the sacks and starts pulling out handfuls of the fungus which he throws to the ground. The maggots start to shuffle towards the substance, nosing and biting into the contents.)
10: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into radio.) They're taking the bait, Doctor.
11: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(BENTON throws more handfuls down, being careful to aim them as close to each maggot as possible.)
DOCTOR: There's some down here, Sergeant.
SERGEANT BENTON: Right.
DOCTOR: Right alongside the car.
(Fungus lands in front of the snouts of the maggots indicated.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Got 'em!
DOCTOR: That's it.
(More maggots shuffle nearer to the proffered meal.)
12: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into radio.) Hello, Doctor? Hello, Doctor? It's working!
13: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(The maggots which have eaten the fungus start to become sluggish and die quickly. They writhe slowly and become still. The area that the DOCTOR and BENTON have driven through is littered with the corpses of the creatures.)
14: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into radio.) Doctor, it's working. I say again - it's working. They're dying like...well, like maggots!
15: EXT. SLAGHEAP
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (OOV: Over radio.) We've licked 'em!
(The DOCTOR picks up BENTON'S radio off the front seat as the SERGEANT continues to dispense the fungus over the side of the car.)
DOCTOR: (Into radio.) Not quite, Brigadier. Remember that empty skin.
16: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
(The BRIGADIER listens...)
DOCTOR: (OOV: Over radio.) I haven't seen any more about but you never know.
17: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(Bessie drives on at speed. The two men in the car fail to see that they are being observed. Crouched on a brow of the slagheap is a huge fly. Its back is black and patterned with yellow spots and blotches. Its large head turns and watches the car go.)
18: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LIVING ROOM
(CLIFF'S condition is deteriorating. He gasps and mutters in a delirious manner and the glowing green infection on his neck has now doubled its size. JO mops his brow.)
JO: Nancy, he's getting worse! Isn't there anything we can do?
NANCY: Just keep him as comfortable as possible, I suppose. The Doctor will be back soon.
JO: Even he doesn't know what to do, does he? Shh, Cliff. It's alright, shh!
19: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. ROOM
(CAPTAIN YATES has been secured in the room previously occupied by the DOCTOR and Mr. James. To make doubly sure of his incarceration, his wrists have been locked into the chains which dangle from the ceiling and he hangs there in some discomfort. The door opens and STEVENS and two guards enter. They start to release his hands.)
STEVENS: Well, young man, you have escaped us once. Believe me, it won't happen again. Bring him along.
(YATES, much weakened, is dragged from the room.)
20: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. CORRIDOR
(STEVENS leads the men down a corridor. They reach the lift where YATES hangs weakly between the two guards as they and STEVENS wait for the lift. The doors open and YATES springs into life, pushing the two guards at the Director so that all three men fall into a heap on the floor of the lift. The doors close on them and YATES sprints down the corridor. He makes for the door which leads onto the balcony and the roof.)
21: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into radio.) Sector four - report, over.
UNIT SOLDIER: (OOV: Over radio.) Vehicle now approaching last group of creatures.
22: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(Bessie moves into the last patch of maggots.)
UNIT SOLDIER: (Into radio.) All others destroyed, over.
(BENTON, his humour much restored by their results, throws the fungus over the side of the car.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Kitty, kitty, kitty! Come on, come and get your lovely din-dins! Come on, kitty, kit...
(The DOCTOR'S humour however remains resistant...)
DOCTOR: Sergeant Benton!
(BENTON falls silent and carries on throwing down the fungus. The final maggots cannot even manage a hiss as they gurgle and die. The giant fly has kept up with the car and crawls over the edge of the hill. Its giant red glowing eyes look down at the car. Meanwhile...)
DOCTOR: Well, that seems to be the last of them, Benton. Let's get back to the Brigadier.
SERGEANT BENTON: Right.
(The car drives into a turning circle and starts to head back. The fly takes off in pursuit of it.)
23: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
(The BRIGADIER, observing events through his binoculars, suddenly catches sight of the fly.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Good grief!
(He hurriedly pulls out his TM45 radio.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into radio.) Doctor...
24: EXT. SLAGHEAP
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (OOV: Over radio.) Look out! Look out, above you!
(The two men look up and the DOCTOR brings Bessie to a halt as the fly buzzes down on them. They crouch down as best they can in their seats but the DOCTOR chances a look up.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Doctor, get down!
(He pushes the DOCTOR back down as the fly swoops in over them.)
25: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into radio.) Doctor, it's attacking again!
26: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(As the fly comes in for the attack again, this time it is the DOCTOR who pushes the inquisitive SERGEANT'S head back down.)
DOCTOR: Keep down, Sergeant!
(The fly comes over and passes. The DOCTOR looks up and the fly suddenly spits out a stream of the green slime at the car. The DOCTOR quickly ducks beneath the dashboard as the deadly liquid hits the windscreen.)
27: EXT. EDGE OF THE SLAGHEAP
(The BRIGADIER lowers his binoculars in exasperation.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (To himself.) What is he trying to do?
28: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(The fly comes in for a sweep once more. The DOCTOR stands up in his seat, takes off his cloak and throws it into the air as the fly shoots down. The creature hits the garment and gets tangled up in it, falling to the ground with a crash. The DOCTOR and BENTON climb down from Bessie and run over to inspect it.)
DOCTOR: Careful, Sergeant.
(The DOCTOR carefully pulls back the cloak to reveal the dead insect.)
DOCTOR: What a beautiful creature.
SERGEANT BENTON: (Unconvinced.) Oh yes, Doctor - beautiful!
29: EXT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS
(YATES is on the one-storey roof of Global Chemicals. He runs along the edge and jumps down onto the porch over the main entrance and from there onto the ground. He runs off.)
30: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LIVING ROOM
(The DOCTOR has made it back to Wholeweal. CLIFF is quieter but his breathing is very slow and deep. The DOCTOR takes his pulse as NANCY comforts JO.)
DOCTOR: And you say he was delirious?
NANCY: For a while, yes, but...then he seemed to go into a coma.
DOCTOR: Can you remember what he said?
JO: (Upset.) Er, no...it was just nonsense. He didn't make any sense.
(The DOCTOR leaves CLIFF and stands in front of JO.)
DOCTOR: Jo, think hard. You were with him in the lab. Did he seem on the track of a cure?
JO: No, not at all.
DOCTOR: (Thinks.) Ah, it's very curious. Well I shall just have to hope for some serendipity of my own.
JO: Doctor?
DOCTOR: Mmm?
JO: What is serendipity?
DOCTOR: A happy accident.
JO: (Upset.) I had an accident and...with Cliff, I...spilled some brown powder all over his slides. He wasn't very happy about it.
DOCTOR: (Realises.) Jo, that's it!
(He thumps the palm of his hand.)
DOCTOR: Do you happen to remember which powder?
JO: Yes, I think so.
DOCTOR: Then come and show me, quickly. Come on!
(He almost drags her from the room.)
31: EXT. COUNTRYSIDE
(Gasping for breath, YATES runs past a plantation of fir trees. He stops to get his bearings and then runs on.)
32: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LABORATORY
(The DOCTOR looks at the jar of brown powder.)
DOCTOR: And you're positive this is the one?
JO: Positive.
DOCTOR: Well, I should have guessed. It's the same fungus that killed that maggot.
JO: (Delighted.) You mean...that's the cure?
DOCTOR: It must be!
33: EXT. SLAGHEAP
(Wearing thick protective gloves, the UNIT troops are picking up the corpses of the maggots and putting them into sacks. The BRIGADIER and BENTON observe proceedings.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Right, Benton, now we know how to deal with these creatures, the next thing is to get the National Coal Board to open up that emergency shaft. We ought to make certain that it's all quite clear of those creatures. Not only down the mine but all the possible ways up to the surface.
(Suddenly...)
CAPTAIN YATES: Brigadier, sir!
(They look to see the exhausted figure of CAPTAIN YATES running towards them.)
CAPTAIN YATES: The computer, sir! The computer!
34: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LABORATORY
(A dishevelled YATES has been brought back to Wholeweal to report to the DOCTOR who is busy making up CLIFF'S cure. NANCY and JO watch on as the DOCTOR mixes powder and solution in a small plastic tub.)
DOCTOR: So, what's the computer going to do?
CAPTAIN YATES: That's just it, Doctor, I don't know. But whatever it is, it's pretty big and it's going to happen at four o'clock.
DOCTOR: Right, well I'll get up there as soon as I finish this.
NANCY: What is it you're doing?
(He starts to stir the powder and liquid.)
DOCTOR: Making an aqueous extract of the amino fraction of this fungus.
NANCY: Oh, an injection?
DOCTOR: That's right.
NANCY: I can do that. I'm not just a mum here, you know?
DOCTOR: Thank you, Nancy.
(She takes the plastic tub from him and sets to work.)
DOCTOR: Jo, pick up the paste from that fungus powder and apply it to the green stain on Cliff's neck.
JO: Okay.
(She sets to work.)
DOCTOR: Alright, Captain Yates, where's the Brigadier?
CAPTAIN YATES: He's gone - to Global Chemicals. Hopes to confront the Director and get him to talk.
35: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. COMPUTER ROOM
(STEVENS stands before the red screen of BOSS and reports the loss of their prisoner.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Stevens? You are inefficient but you are also a fool. As Oscar Wilde so very nearly said - to lose one prisoner may be accounted a misfortune, to lose two smacks of carelessness.
STEVENS: (Hesitates.) I'm...very sorry.
BOSS'S VOICE: Ah ha! No, they can't harm us now, my little superman. It's too late.
STEVENS: We're going ahead then?
BOSS'S VOICE: Well, naturally. Report.
STEVENS: The medical staff have completed all implantations...
BOSS'S VOICE: Ah ha?
STEVENS: ...and all slave units are now ready to be activated.
BOSS'S VOICE: Good, good! Establish a links with the seven international computers. The countdown to phase one can begin!
(STEVENS smiles.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Well, get on with it!
(STEVENS jumps and bows.)
36: EXT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. MAIN GATE
(The guard in the booth puts down the phone and comes out with his rifle to where the BRIGADIER, BENTON and some troops in a jeep patiently waits at the lowered barrier.)
GUARD: It's no good, sir.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: For heaven's sake, man! Don't you know who I am?
GUARD: Makes no difference, nobody's getting in.
(They hear the noise of a car and watch to see Bessie containing the DOCTOR and YATES speed up and screech to a halt. The DOCTOR gets out.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Wretched fellow won't let me in.
DOCTOR: Well, thank goodness for that. I shall go in alone.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Now, Doctor...
DOCTOR: Brigadier, if I'm not out of there by three minutes to four, you and the rest of your clod-hopping friends can come in and...
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Interrupts.) And rescue you?
DOCTOR: No, I'm afraid not. If I'm not out by then, I shall be dead. Now you must go in and try and destroy that computer. Right, now lets synchronise our watches.
(The armed guard has been listening.)
GUARD: It's no good, sir. I've already explained to the Brigadier.
37: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. COMPUTER ROOM
(BOSS is singing again as STEVENS, clipboard in hand, makes adjustments to the systems in the room.)
STEVENS: Right, phase one countdown completed.
(BOSS carries on singing as STEVENS checks his watch.)
STEVENS: We're falling behind time.
(He rushes with unaccustomed speed across the room to continue his countdown tasks.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Stevens, you know, we should have arranged for a symphony orchestra to herald my triumph. To take over the world, to sweep into power on the crest of a wave of Wagnerian sound! Er, you like that idea, of course?
STEVENS: Please!
BOSS'S VOICE: No? Oh, er, the 1812, perha...oh, or would we dare - the glorious ninth?
(STEVENS is growing impatient with the BOSS' ramblings.)
STEVENS: We must go ahead!
(BOSS sounds like a whingeing, spoilt child.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Oh, Stevens, you're a dull fool too! Very well...activate the total processing of the slave elite.
(STEVENS bows, crosses to a console and starts to flick a series of switches.)
38: EXT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. MAIN GATE
GUARD: I'm sorry, sir. I must ask you and this gentleman to move right away from this area.
DOCTOR: Now look here, my dear fellow...
(The DOCTOR takes a step forward and the gun swings round and aims the rifle at him.)
GUARD: If you take one step into...
(He stops as a wavering electronic sound emits across the complex. His face screws up and he becomes immobile. The DOCTOR goes for the barrier.)
DOCTOR: Now, come on, get it up!
(The BRIGADIER helps him raise the barrier and the DOCTOR runs past the still guard into the complex.)
39: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. COMPUTER ROOM
(BOSS is singing again – this time Beethoven's fifth. The movement of the oscilloscope twitches in time.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Tan, tan, tan, ra! Tan, tan, tan, ra!
STEVENS: (Impatiently.) There is no time to be lost!
(BOSS ignores him and carries on singing as STEVENS rushes to another console.)
STEVENS: Until final link-up takes place and the slave units are responding, we are quite defenceless!
(BOSS continues. STEVENS shouts out between gritted teeth.)
STEVENS: Please, listen to me!
BOSS'S VOICE: Oh, not even a little fan-fare? You're unkind, Stevens.
STEVENS: Links by landline are complete. Radio links are now being established. It is only a matter of minutes.
BOSS'S VOICE: Minutes? Before the moment of truth sails towards us on time's winged chariot!
(STEVENS rolls his eyes as BOSS laughs.)
BOSS'S VOICE: I love a really juicy mixed metaphor, Stevens. Oh, very well, phase two!
(STEVENS goes to the alcove seat. He takes down the conditioning headphones and sits holding them, staring straight ahead.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Discontinue primary function.
(STEVENS jabs at two of the buttons in the wall of the alcove.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Connect!
(With a slight smile, he presses one final button and dons the headphones. BOSS starts to sing again to the tune of Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G".)
BOSS'S VOICE: "Connect, connect, connect, connect, connect, connect, connect, zim bum!"
40: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. CORRIDOR
(The DOCTOR dashes through the corridors of Global Chemicals, taking out his sonic screwdriver as he goes in preparation for the lift.)
41: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LIVING ROOM
(CLIFF'S breathing is very shallow as NANCY injects his arm. JO has smeared his neck and the green glow has disappeared under a streak of brownish sludge and she continues to dab his brow. CLIFF'S breathing suddenly becomes easier.)
NANCY: (Softly.) I think it's going to work!
(CLIFF'S eyes suddenly open. He blinks and looks up at the two women.)
CLIFFORD JONES: (Quietly.) Hello, Nancy. Oh, Jo! Oh, Jo!
(As JO smiles down at him, he kisses her hand.)
42: EXT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. MAIN GATE
(The UNIT men wait patiently. They check their watches.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Only six minutes left, sir.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Mutters.) Come on, Doctor!
43: INT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. COMPUTER ROOM
(The lift doors open and the DOCTOR runs into the computer room. BOSS is singing still but now, sat in the alcove, STEVENS lips move to the sound as man and computer have become one. The DOCTOR runs up to him.)
DOCTOR: Stevens! Stevens, listen to me, I've got to talk to you. You've gotta stop this!
(STEVENS' mouth moves as BOSS answers...)
BOSS'S VOICE: Stevens no longer exists, Doctor. Say what you have to say to me.
(The DOCTOR ignores the machine and continues to plead with the human being...)
DOCTOR: Of course you still exist. Don't listen to this...this machine. Fight it!
BOSS'S VOICE: Too late, Doctor. In five minutes, my power will be extended to seven other complexes throughout the world. Think of that! You have failed in your poor little attempt to halt our progress towards maximum efficiency and productivity.
DOCTOR: (Urgently.) Stevens, listen to me: you've seen where this efficiency of yours leads - wholesale pollution of the countryside, devilish creatures spawned by filthy by-products of your technology, men...men walking around like brainless vegetables, death, disease, destruction!
BOSS'S VOICE: Teething problems. They will be dealt with in due course.
DOCTOR: In the usual efficient way, I suppose - elimination.
(STEVENS holds up four fingers.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Four minutes.
(The DOCTOR reaches into the pocket of his cloak.)
DOCTOR: Stevens...I want you to look at this crystal.
(He holds up the Metebelis jewel.)
DOCTOR: Look...at this sapphire.
(STEVENS' eyes waver towards the crystal.)
DOCTOR: Look deep into its blue light.
BOSS'S VOICE: Concentrate on the task in hand, Stevens.
DOCTOR: Don't listen to this machine!
(STEVENS' eyes start to screw up as he starts a mental struggle within himself.)
DOCTOR: You're the one in control - fight it! Look at this crystal. Look at it.
(STEVENS' head wavers slightly between staring ahead and wanting to look at the crystal.)
DOCTOR: Look deep into the blue light. Look at it. Look at it!
(STEVENS finally stares full on at the crystal. He sees its bright glow and the DOCTOR'S words start to echo in his mind.)
DOCTOR: Look at it. Look at it, Stevens. Look deep into the blue light. Look at it.
(STEVENS looks pained as the glow of the crystal burns into his mind. His own voice partially recovers as it starts to supercede that of BOSS...)
STEVENS: (Struggling.) Doctor...I...help...me...
(But BOSS tries to reassert its control...)
BOSS'S VOICE: No, no, I am the one who ___. Think of our great plan, our dream!
STEVENS: (Struggling.) I...I'm...sorry! I...shall...speak...!
DOCTOR: That's it - fight it! Fight it! You're a human being!
(The force of the crystal grows stronger.)
STEVENS: (Struggling.) Isn't there another answer?!
BOSS'S VOICE: No, no, no - you and I are one!
STEVENS: (Shouts.) But the disease, the deaths!
BOSS'S VOICE: They are necessities!
STEVENS: (Screams.) No, there must be another way!
(The power of the crystal reaches its climax. STEVENS gasps and slumps in his seat. The DOCTOR wrenches the headphones off. STEVENS looks up at him, gasping as if he is still fighting for control of his own mind.)
STEVENS: Get out...quickly!
DOCTOR: Come with me.
STEVENS: No...no.
(He starts to activate controls in the alcove. The lights in the room start to flare.)
STEVENS: (Gasps.) I'm cross-feeding the generator circuitry. In two minutes...the whole place'll go up. Warn the others! Get out!
(The DOCTOR runs for the lift.)
STEVENS: You have two minutes!
(The lights in the room start to flare into a rainbow series of colours. BOSS cries out in pain.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Reverse...pulse!
(The hum of the machinery starts to race away. STEVENS, his face screwed up in pain, struggles across the room to activate more of the destruct sequence as BOSS, maddened beyond control, fluctuates between his former singing, cries of instruction and those of pleading.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Loss of control...Stevens...integrate booster function...
(BOSS'S ramblings become garbled as STEVENS struggles from console to console.)
BOSS'S VOICE: Such good friends! Stevens! Stevens! Please! Please!
(BOSS cries out as STEVENS collapses against a console and starts to thump the switches down.)
BOSS'S VOICE: It hurts! The pain! My circuits are on fire! Nooooo! Never thought it would come to this! Stevens! Stevens!
(STEVENS struggles back to the alcove seat.)
BOSS'S VOICE: My sentimental friend! My frieeeeeennnnnnnnddddddd!
(STEVENS presses one final switch. BOSS falls quite, the lighting in the room returns to normal...and STEVENS stares into space with tears falling down his cheeks...)
44: EXT. GLOBAL CHEMICALS. MAIN GATE
(The DOCTOR runs towards the main gate where the guard, the control influence of BOSS reducing, is swaying on his feet.)
DOCTOR: Get down everyone! Take cover!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Right, take cover everyone!
(The soldiers run behind the jeep as the DOCTOR grabs the fainting guard...)
DOCTOR: Come on! Come on!
(...and pulls him behind Bessie. They crouch down as a massive explosion tears the factory apart...)
45: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LIVING ROOM (EVENING)
(CLIFF, up, dressed and recovered, finishes devouring a bowl of soup watched by the DOCTOR, JO and NANCY.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Oh, Nancy, that fungus soup is delicious! Is there any more?
NANCY: I'm afraid I haven't got any more made at the moment. The UNIT troops have scoffed the lot.
DOCTOR: Including the Brigadier?
NANCY: Including the Brigadier!
(They all laugh. NANCY leaves with the empty bowl.)
JO: (To CLIFF.) Well, you're feeling better alright.
CLIFFORD JONES: Aye.
DOCTOR: Well, Jo, we'd better get back to UNIT HQ. We've got a report to make out.
(She hesitates.)
JO: Doctor...
DOCTOR: Mmm?
(She glances at CLIFF and he gives her a nod of encouragement.)
JO: I don't think I'll be going back just yet.
DOCTOR: Oh, you thinking of staying here?
JO: Well, not here exactly. Only you see, Cliff is going on this expedition to look for this fantastic fungus.
DOCTOR: Where?
CLIFFORD JONES: The upper reaches of the Amazon.
JO: And he's asked me to go with him.
DOCTOR: And you want to go?
JO: More than anything else in the world.
DOCTOR: I see. When?
CLIFFORD JONES: Well, very soon now. We'll just stop off in Cardiff, pick up our supplies, get married and...
JO: (Surprised.) Married?
(CLIFF looks at her.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Aye...
(The DOCTOR looks between the two in embarrassment.)
DOCTOR: Erm, look...will you excuse me, I...I do think I'm going to be wanted on the telephone.
(He leaves the room. The two don't even seem to notice his departure.)
JO: (Smiles.) You...you didn't say anything about getting married.
CLIFFORD JONES: Didn't I? I'm sorry, love. You will, of course?
(JO throws her arms round him.)
JO: Yes! Course, I will!
(The two part, grinning, laughing and uncertain what to say next.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Right...oh, well...
JO: Yes!
(CLIFF cries out with joy and spins JO round.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Yeehaa! Ah, life's good, isn't it?!
(Alerted by the noise, the BRIGADIER, YATES, BENTON and NANCY run into the room.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: What's going on?
NANCY: Are you alright, Jo?
CLIFFORD JONES: Go on - tell 'em!
(More of the community come into the room as JO laughs and makes her announcement.)
JO: Cliff and I are going to get married.
SERGEANT BENTON: Getting married?!
(As everyone breaks out into a hubbub of noise, YATES looks disappointed but puts on a brave face.)
CAPTAIN YATES: Well, that's marvellous. (To CLIFF.) Oh, congratulations, Professor Jones.
CLIFFORD JONES: Thank you.
(They shake hands. JO and the BRIGADIER do the same.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Congratulations, Jo, not before time.
(JO pecks him on the cheek.)
SERGEANT BENTON: (To CLIFF.) Professor Jones, ___.
CAPTAIN YATES: (To JO.) I'm sure he'll make you very happy.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (To CLIFF.) Well, Professor Jones...
CLIFFORD JONES: Thank you, Brigadier.
(The BRIGADIER takes out a slip of paper he has had tucked into his belt.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I've got a wedding present for you. It's a telex from Geneva, granting your place here official status as a United Nations priority one research complex.
CLIFFORD JONES: Oh, what!
SERGEANT BENTON: Well done!
(YATES and BENTON applaud him. Behind them, NANCY has come back in with a tray of glasses and a bottle of what seems to be champagne.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Do you know what that means? It means unlimited financial help! Work for the valley's.
SERGEANT BENTON: That's great.
(Like an excited child, CLIFF runs round the room, spreading his joy with the other members of the commune.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Aye, and food! Food for all the world!
(The BRIGADIER has a quiet word with YATES.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Never mind, Mike, let's have a drink.
(They join the others in taking a glass from NANCY. The DOCTOR has come back into the room and is having a quiet word with JO. She hangs her head down in sorrow at their parting and he lifts her chin and smiles.)
DOCTOR: You got onto your uncle at United Nations, didn't you?
JO: It's only the second time I've ever asked him for anything.
DOCTOR: And look where the first time got you.
(JO'S voice cracks.)
JO: You don't mind, do you?
DOCTOR: Mind? He might even be able to turn you into a scientist.
(JO smiles.)
JO: Don't go too far away, will you? And if you do, come back and see us sometime.
DOCTOR: Yes.
(The BRIGADIER'S words reach them as he takes a glass...)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Thank you, lovely.
(But for once, they seem to find it difficult to find the words to say to each other.)
DOCTOR: Save me a piece of wedding cake.
JO: Right.
(A silence falls between them again, then...)
DOCTOR: Oh, I nearly forgot.
(He reaches into his pocket and holds up the Metebelis crystal.)
DOCTOR: Your wedding present.
(She takes the jewel.)
JO: It's beautiful! Thank you, Doctor.
(She hugs him as CLIFF comes up with two glasses for the DOCTOR and JO.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Hey, Jo, come and drink a toast to the happy couple, huh?
JO: But that's us.
CLIFFORD JONES: Aye, so it is.
(He kisses and hugs her.)
CLIFFORD JONES: Don't worry, Doctor. I'll look after her.
(He leads her to the rest of the group where the BRIGADIER is ready to make a speech. The DOCTOR watches, glass in hand.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Are you ready? Are you all ready?
CAPTAIN YATES: There we are.
SERGEANT BENTON: Would you like a drink, Professor?
(BENTON passes him a glass as the others give a small cheer. The DOCTOR looks at his glass.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well...well, now...er, quiet everyone. Quiet for a moment.
(The DOCTOR swigs back the contents.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Now, well, er, here's to you both.
SERGEANT BENTON: Here, here!
CAPTAIN YATES: Here's to you both.
NANCY: Congratulations.
(They all drink their toasts as behind them, the DOCTOR opens the door and walks quietly out of the room. BENTON starts to sing...)
SERGEANT BENTON: "For, he's a..."
(...and the others join in. Only JO notices the closing door with a look of infinite sadness on her face.)
ALL: "jolly good fellow, for they are jolly good fellows, for they are jolly good fellows, and so say all of us"
46: EXT. WHOLEWHEAL COMMUNITY (EVENING)
(The DOCTOR dons his cloak as he walks with a heavy heart past the farm animals towards Bessie. The noise of the party within reaches him and some music starts up as someone switches on a record player. He walks through the path of a sheepdog herding a ewe and its lamb by itself and climbs into the car. For a moment he sits in the twilight and looks back towards the house with a sad look on his face but then he starts the car up and drives off.)
47: INT. WHOLEWEAL COMMUNITY. LIVING ROOM (EVENING)
(The party is in full swing. BENTON dances with NANCY as the BRIGADIER and YATES chat with the members of the commune. JO and CLIFF come together and kiss. They hug. JO smiles...)
48: EXT. ROAD (EVENING)
(Against the dying sun, Bessie moves across the horizon carrying the DOCTOR on his return journey...alone.)
Dr. Who
JON PERTWEE
Jo Grant
KATY MANNING
Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart
NICHOLAS COURTNEY
Stevens
JEROME WILLIS
Clifford Jones
STEWART BEVAN
Boss's Voice
JOHN DEARTH
Nancy
MITZI McKENZIE
Captain Yates
RICHARD FRANKLIN
Sergeant Benton
JOHN LEVENE
Written by
ROBERT SLOMAN
Title Music
RON GRAINER
and
BBC RADIOPHONIC
WORKSHOP
Incidental Music by
DUDLEY SIMPSON
Special Sound
DICK MILLS
Film Cameramen
BILL MATTHEWS
KEN LOWE
Film Sound
SIMON WILSON
Film Editor
ALASTAIR MACKAY
Visual Effects Designer
RON OATES
Costume Designer
BARBARA KIDD
Make Up
ANN RAYMENT
Studio Lighting
MIKE JEFFRIES
Studio Sound
RICHARD CHUBB
Script Editor
TERRANCE DICKS
Designer
JOHN BURROWES
Producer
BARRY LETTS
Directed by
MICHAEL BRIANT
COLOUR
© BBC 1973