THE DALEKS' MASTER PLAN

EPISODE 1
THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS

1. TARDIS - INTERIOR

(The Doctor and Katarina are watching over an unconscious Steven.)

KATARINA:  He has a strange sickness. Can you not help him?
DOCTOR:  I'm doing the very best I can, my child. Oh dear, dear, dear. It is such a worry. This poison seems to be spreading throughout the whole of his system. Yes, we need a special drug. I shall have to land somewhere.

(Lights on the console start flashing.)

KATARINA:  What is that?
DOCTOR:  Oh, we're slowing down, my dear. We're going to land in a moment.
KATARINA:  Can we have reached the place of perfection so soon?
DOCTOR:  Ah, well, I rather doubt it. At least, that is, we shall be stopping at a lot of places before that. Now, I want you to look after Steven, if you will. And, see that you keep that wound clean. Please, hmm. That's a good girl.

2.  JUNGLE ON KEMBEL

(Deep in the Kembel jungle are two Space Security agents, Kert Gantry and Bret Vyon.  Both are in rough shape, especially Gantry, who has a shattered leg.  Vyon is speaking into a radio transmitter.)

VYON:  Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Egan, Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Egan, come in!  (pauses)  Charlo Charlo Egan, this is Five Zero Alpha, can you read me?  Come in!

(Vyon pauses, then turns to Gantry.)

VYON:  Nothing!  When we get back to earth, I'll have every fool in CCE court martialed!
GANTRY:  If we get back to earth.  If Central Communications has gone dead on us we haven't a hope!
VYON:  We're not dead yet.
GANTRY:  Don't fool yourself.  They're out there looking for us right now.  They'll find us, and then...
VYON:  All right all right, they may well find us!  But we've got to get through to Earth first or the whole solar system is finished!
GANTRY:  I know. I know.  Try them again.
VYON:  Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Egan, come in! Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Egan, come in!

3.  COMMUNICATIONS ROOM

(Back on Earth at Central Communications, agents Roald and Lizan are monitoring the switchboards.)

ROALD:  So it's checkmate, isn't it?  I want to see the Venus-Mars games. You want to see your hero, Mavic Chen.
LIZAN:  I just happen to admire him, that's all.  Well, I'm going to do some work now, even if you aren't.
ROALD:  I... I tell you what.  If we tune into Channel 403, we'll get the news.  That should cover both our requirements. Agreed?
LIZAN:  Ah, but we may only get a report of what Mavic Chen said, not actually see him.
ROALD:  That's hardly likely.  The Guardian of the Solar System is going away on holiday.  He will, no doubt, say a few well-chosen words.  Every well-chosen word will no doubt be transmitted.
LIZAN:  And what about the routine calls?
ROALD:  Oh, you worry too much.  The next one's Five Zero Alpha.
LIZAN:  Five Zero Alpha?
ROALD:  It's not for another twenty minutes.  Well, what about 403?
LIZAN:  Bring up 403 please.  Five Zero Alpha?  Is that the patrol out looking for Marc Cory?
ROALD:  Yes, the... uh... agent who disappeared near the planet Kembel.  Probably crashed, so they think.  Hey, bring up the sound!  It's Mavic Chen on holiday.

(The attention turns to the interview on television.)

MAVIC CHEN:  Yes. The mineral agreement with the fourth galaxy proved a little more complicated than was at first expected.
INTERVIEWER:  And as that has been concluded so successfully, I'm sure that no one will begrudge your little time off.  Where are you going to on this trip?
MAVIC CHEN:  That I am keeping a secret.  I hope to be able to get away from all interviewers.  (The interviewer laughs.)  I'm just going to climb aboard my Spar and drift about the solar system.
LIZAN: Drifting round the solar system! That's the life if you can get it.
INTERVIEWER:  Have you ever travelled beyond our solar system?
MAVIC CHEN:  No, not really.

(The attention returns to Roald and Lizan.)

ROALD:  Well, become a galactic politician and who knows?  Maybe one day you will.  As far as I'm concerned, give me terra firma any day.
LIZAN:  You are in a rut, my friend.  Now if I had the latest Flip T-4...
ROALD:  It's a trifle brash, isn't it?  There are other space vessels, you know.
LIZAN:  You mean the Spar 740?
ROALD:  Yes.  If I had to travel around ultra space, I'd think the 740.  Elegance, plus ultimate technology.
LIZAN:  It hasn't got the speed.
ROALD:  Speed isn't everything.

(Both return to watching the television.)

INTERVIEWER:  Is there anything you would like to say to the citizens before you depart?
MAVIC CHEN:  Yes.  It is my honest hope that the solar system may continue along this path of peace, this path that was laid by the signing of the non-aggression pact of 3975.  Now, in this year of 4000, we can feel justly proud of that pact.  May the past twenty-five years prove that they are the dawn of an everlasting peace which will spread throughout the universe.  Let us go forward together, secure in the knowledge that the life ahead is built on the cornerstone of richer understanding, not only of the past or of the present, but also of the future.  And may it be this cornerstone, so firmly laid deep in the power of brotherhood and bring peace, progress and prosperity to each and every one of us.
INTERVIEWER:  Thank you sir.  I'm sure that all throughout our system echo your thoughts.

(The attention returns to Roald and Lizan.)

LIZAN:  Even you must agree he's an impressive man.
ROALD:  Yes, it's nice to hear his speech again.
LIZAN: Cynic! 

(He stops as a light on the switchboard blinks for a moment.)

LIZAN:  Was that a flash?
ROALD:  Where?  (pauses)  There's nothing coming through.
LIZAN:  I thought I saw one.
ROALD:  You're imagining things.
LIZAN:  Okay, so I'm imagining things.

4.  JUNGLE

(Gantry and Vyon stop to rest by an outcrop of rock in the jungle.)

GANTRY:  They are out there.  I know it!  And they're getting closer.
VYON:  You're imagining things.  Now shut up!
GANTRY:  Do you think I'm a fool?  There's something out there and it's close!
VYON:  Look, I tell you...

(A faint noise is heard in the background.)

GANTRY:  Just listen!

(He pauses, as the noise is heard again.)

GANTRY:  There.
VYON:  Shh!
GANTRY:  You heard it!
VYON:  Yes.  Come on, we've got to get out of here.
GANTRY:  I stay.
VYON:  What? But you know we can't fight them! Our weapons are useless against those things. Now we must move out.
GANTRY:  How can I keep on the move with this?  Have you got any more bright ideas?  All that will happen is I'll hit one of those spiked plants.  I nearly fell on one before.
VYON:  We won't go fast, just keep moving.  I'll make sure we avoid the Varga plants.
GANTRY:  If I fall and hit one, you know what happens then!
VYON:  Don't be a fool!
GANTRY:  That could be what happened to Cory.  He tripped, pricked himself on a thorn, and then he turned into one!
VYON:  You're letting your imagination run riot again.  Besides, we haven't seen any Varga that look like him.
GANTRY: Joke away, but you know I'm right. There's been no trace of Marc Cory anywhere.
VYON:  Perhaps they took him prisoner.
GANTRY:  You know they don't take prisoners.
VYON:  All the more reason for you to come with me.  Now come on!
GANTRY:  This is no time for phony heroics.  I'll just slow you down, and then we'll both get it.  Now without me you've got a chance.  It's not a good one, but it's a chance.  Just stay alive and get that message through!
VYON:  I'm not going without you, is that clear?
GANTRY:  Get out!  Get out of here or I'll kill you now!

(Vyon reluctantly turns to go.)

GANTRY:  Bret. Good luck.

(Vyon leaves Gantry, who aims his blaster up in defence, looking all around him.)

GANTRY:  (speaking into the jungle)  All right, I'm ready for you now!  (whispers)  Where the devil are you?  (silence)  Come on!

(As Gantry looks around frantically, he hears a rustling sound in front of him, and sees a Dalek emerge from the jungle.  Gantry aims his blaster, but the Dalek fires first.  Gantry screams and falls back, dead, as a second Dalek appears.)

DALEK 1:  One man remains.  Find and destroy him!
DALEK 2:  I obey!

5.  JUNGLE CLEARING

(The TARDIS materialises in the jungle.)

6.  TARDIS - INTERIOR

(The TARDIS doors open and the Doctor, Katarina and a wounded, unconscious Steven exit.)

DOCTOR:  Hmm.
KATARINA:  Strange place. Can you find help here?
DOCTOR:  I don't know my dear, but I must try.  Now I want you to stay here and look after Steven.  I shall be as quick as I can, hmm?
KATARINA:  I'll do as you ask.
DOCTOR:  Splendid.  Now you know which switch to pull to close the doors, don't you?  So I want you to do that straight away.  I have my key to let myself in, hmm?

(The Doctor shows a puzzled Katarina the TARDIS key.)

KATARINA:  Key?
DOCTOR:  Yes.  This, child. Key.  This opens the door from the outside, hmm?  Now go in please and shut the door.

7.  TARDIS - EXTERIOR

(The door closes and the Doctor begins exploring in the jungle.  Looking through the trees, he catches sight of a city in the distance.)

DOCTOR:  Hmm. Charming. Ah. A city or perhaps a town.  Hmm.  I wonder where we are?  Hmm.  All I have to do is get through that jungle and perhaps then I can get some help.  I must say it's a strange place to put a city. Hmm.

(The Doctor feels the end of a blaster against his back.)

VYON:  Keep absolutely still.
DOCTOR:  What is it you want?
VYON:  The key.
DOCTOR:  What key?
VYON:  Give me that key or I'll kill you.

8.  TARDIS - INTERIOR

KATARINA:  The Doctor will return very soon.  He will get help.
STEVEN:  Where are we?
KATARINA:  On our way through the underworld.
STEVEN:  What? Look, I don't understand. Vicki. Troy. Agh. Ohh. You helped me when that Trojan...
KATARINA:  Deep calm. You must rest.
STEVEN:  Did the Doctor bring you on board?
KATARINA:  Yes.  We all make the journey together.
STEVEN:  Who are you?
KATARINA:  Katarina.  I served as handmaid for the High Priestess Cassandra.  But you must rest.  The Doctor will bring help.  Don't ask any more questions.
STEVEN:  I... I...I want..

(The TARDIS doors open and Bret Vyon enters.)

          KATARINA:  Did the Doctor sent you?
          VYON:  That's right. The old man sent me.
          KATARINA:  Have you bought help?
          VYON:  (looking around)  This is fantastic. Umm... You. What's your name?
          KATARINA:  Katarina.  Did the Doctor send you to cure the sickness?
          VYON:  Yes, but we must shut the doors first... the old man said you knew the switch.
          KATARINA:  Here.

(She pulls a lever and the doors close.)

VYON:  What sort of craft is this?  I've seen most, but nothing like this. From outside it looked so small. How do you work this thing?
KATARINA:  Only the Doctor works his temple.
VYON:  His what?
KATARINA:  You must help Steven!
VYON:  Yes. Yes, of course I'll help Steven. But, we must get back to Earth first.  I explained this to the old man. The... uh... Doctor.
KATARINA:  We can't go back to Earth, we've left it.
VYON:  That means we can get back?  Katarina, are you sure you don't know how to work this?
KATARINA:  How could I know?  It belongs to the Doctor.
VYON:  The old man said this was no ordinary ship, and he was right.

9.  TARDIS - EXTERIOR

DOCTOR:  So, you'd use physical violence, would you?  Hmm, hmm, hmm.  You don't know what you've let yourself in for.  Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm.  Ahh... So you've left the key in the door!  Well.well, hmm, hmm.  That's the first big mistake, isn't it?  Yes, very foolish. Very foolish indeed, young man.  Well now, it's brain, or brawn rather, versus brain?  Heh, heh. I've got you beaten from the start, young man!  Hmm, hmm.

10.  TARDIS - INTERIOR

(Inside the TARDIS, Steven manages to overpower the weakened Vyon.)

KATARINA:  (shocked)  Steven!

11.  TARDIS - EXTERIOR

(The Doctor watches through the jungle as a spaceship lands on a pad in the city.)

DOCTOR:  Ahh. I wonder if that spaceship has any... anything to do with that violent young man. Or any connection with that city below.  Yes, there are one or two questions I must have answered. Hmm, hmm, hmm.

12.  DALEK CONTROL ROOM

(In a control room in the city, two Daleks monitor instruments.)

DALEK 2:  Control reports space vessel 111 in landing circuit.
DALEK SUPREME:  Is all prepared?
DALEK 2:  Everything is ready.

13.  TARDIS - INTERIOR

(The Doctor has now entered, and places Bret Vyon in a chair.)

DOCTOR: Hmm,hmm. I don't think you'll be able to get out of there in a hurry, my friend? Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm.
VYON:  (trying to move)  What is it?
DOCTOR:  Oh, it's a little invention of mine, I call it the magnetic chair.  It has a force field strong enough to restrain a herd of elephants, so I wouldn't waste your energy trying to escape, hmm?  You will stay there until I direct otherwise.  Hmm, hmm..
(to Katarina)  How is he my dear, hmm?
KATARINA:  He's asleep.
DOCTOR:  Yes.. oh, by the way, I've found a city.  And just as I was about to ascertain it's locale, that young ruffian set about me.
KATARINA:  Can you get help for Steven?
DOCTOR:  Ooh yes, I hope so. Ah, just a minute.

(He takes Katarina aside.)

DOCTOR:  That, um... young man. Did he say anything?  Hmm?
KATARINA:  No.
DOCTOR:  Hmm. That's strange.  Yes, I shall have to cross-examine him when I get back.  But don't worry.  He's quite safe. He... our guest is quite unable to move until I press that little switch at the back.  So you're quite safe. Heh, heh, heh. Hmm. Yes, he's quite harmless. Hmm, hmm. Oh, and quite comfortable I hope, hmm?

(The Doctor leaves the TARDIS.)

14.  TARDIS - EXTERIOR

DOCTOR:___ I wonder. Is this the solar system?  Hmm? It's very strange. Hah. Hmm. Very strange indeed. Well. Heh, hmm.

15.  DALEK CONTROL ROOM

(The Doctor wanders through the corridors of the city.  Hearing voices, he approaches the control room.)

DALEK 2:  Space vessel 111. Touch-down completed.
DALEK SUPREME:  Excellent. I will await our guest here.
DOCTOR:  (watching)  Daleks!

16.  TARDIS - INTERIOR

(Bret Vyon looks towards Steven, who is again unconscious.)

VYON:  What's the matter with him?

(Katarina ignores him.)

VYON:  I said, what's the matter with him?
KATARINA:  He is sick.  The Doctor says he's poisoned in the blood.
VYON:  There are some tablets in the pouch of my belt.  Give him two.
KATARINA:  But, you're an enemy.  The Doctor's gone to get help.
VYON:  He won't find any on this planet, believe me.  So why not try the tablets?  I hate to see anyone die through stupidity.
KATARINA:  I do not understand you.
VYON:  For heaven's sake, girl!  Take the tablets and give them to him!
KATARINA:  All right.
VYON:  Now you're showing some sense.
KATARINA:  Here?
VYON:  Yes.  It's all right. I won't harm you.  This chair of the Doctor's seems to be everything he claimed.  All right. The tablets are in that tube.

(Katarina finds the tube, opens it, and looks at the tablets inside.)

KATARINA:  Are these tablets?
VYON:  What do they look like?  Take two and put them in his mouth.  They dissolve quickly and take effect almost immediately.

(He watches as she hesitantly carries out his instructions.)

VYON:  (muttering to himself)  Praise be that you're not nursing me!
(to Katarina)  It's all right.  He'll be all right now.  You can leave him alone.
KATARINA:  If you're wrong, the Doctor will be angry.  I've disobeyed him.
VYON:  If Steven, or whatever his name is, recovers, you will be forgiven. and if the Doctor gets back here soon. (Under his breath) No! 

 

16.  DALEK CITY

(The occupant of the newly arrived spaceship approaches the Dalek control room.  The Daleks turn to greet him.)

DALEK 2:  Our new ally approaches!
DALEK SUPREME:  We welcome you as we welcome all allies of the Daleks!

(The newcomer steps forward.)

MAVIC CHEN:  I am honoured to be here.  And to be part of your plan to conquer Earth and all the planets in the solar system!

17. JUNGLE

(The Doctor returns from his vantage point of the Dalek city, towards the TARDIS. Along the way, he notices a small object on the jungle floor. He picks it up; it is the tape recorder left behind by Marc Cory months before. He pockets the recorder and continues through the jungle.)

18. TARDIS - EXTERIOR

(As the Doctor returns to the TARDIS, he sees the ship's door is open. He watches from the undergrowth as a Dalek emerges from around the TARDIS. The Doctor looks horrified.)