INFERNOby
DON
HOUGHTONEPISODE 4
1: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: Are you coming with me quietly, or do I shoot you here and now?
(BENTON levels the rifle at him.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Just a moment, Benton.
(SECTION LEADER SHAW is walking towards them from the drill head area, his pistol drawn.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: What's going on?
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: I was about to take him out and shoot him.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Not yet. I'll take charge of him.
DOCTOR: Thank you, Section Leader.(He starts to rummage in the toolbox again.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: I am not concerned with saving your skin. Only in carrying out the correct procedure.
DOCTOR: Nevertheless, thank you, just the same. Oh, incidentally, I think I may be able to repair your computer for you.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Leave it alone, it's none of your concern.
DOCTOR: I should say it was everybody's concern.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (To BENTON.) Take him into the office.(Before BENTON can move, the DOCTOR finds the component he was looking for.)
DOCTOR: Wait a minute! Wait a minute, wait a minute. I think this might be it.
(He holds up a small glass valve.)
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: Come on!
DOCTOR: Hang on, just a moment.(He turns and opens the inspection panel on the computer.)
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: I said come on!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Let him try.
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: But Leader!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Let him try! We've got nothing to lose.(The DOCTOR finishes fitting the component. He leans over the computer and switches it on. The ticker-tape print out starts to chatter as it spews out. LIZ, surprised looks suspiciously at him and then at BENTON.)
DOCTOR: You see?
(He goes round to the other side of the computer and starts to look at the ticker tape. SECTION LEADER SHAW and BENTON follow. A curious GREG joins them.)
DOCTOR: The computer's already aware of the situation...and is assessing its immediate problems.
(DIRECTOR STAHLMAN, followed by DR. WILLIAMS enters central control. He sees the DOCTOR and the others at the computer and walks over to them, speaking to SECTION LEADER SHAW.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: What's this man still doing here?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: He has repaired the computer, Director.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: He shouldn't have been allowed anywhere near it. He's a dangerous spy - he sabotaged the computer.
DOCTOR: I was not sabotaging it - I was repairing it.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: The computer is working again, Director.
GREG SUTTON: Well, shouldn't we see what it's got to say?
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: We're working to my calculations.
GREG SUTTON: Do your calculations tell you how to deal with this emergency?
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: I have everything under control, yes.
GREG SUTTON: Well, it doesn't look that way to me.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: (Shouts.) Watch your tongue, Sutton!(GREG ignores him.)
GREG SUTTON: (To the DOCTOR.) Can you transcribe what the computer's saying?
DOCTOR: Yes. The pressures and the heat are overwhelming the present velocity of the drill head.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: (Worried.) What can we do about it?
DOCTOR: Well, you can disperse the heat and the pressure.
GREG SUTTON: How?
DOCTOR: By creating a reverse vortex at the bottom of the shaft.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: And how do we do that?
DOCTOR: Reversing all the systems.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: And bring the whole programme to a stand-still.
GREG SUTTON: It's not such a crazy idea. It's been done before.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: With an oil-shaft, Sutton.
GREG SUTTON: Yes - but when everything else had failed, instead of closing down the whole shebang, someone took everything into reverse.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: No, it's out of the question.
GREG SUTTON: (Snaps.) At least it's worth a try! What have we got to lose?
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: We could smash the whole system!
GREG SUTTON: It looks to me as if it's getting pretty well smashed up as it is now!
DOCTOR: Now look, you two are just wasting time. What I suggest is this: we push all the coolant down the output pipe and then draw up all the debris from the bottom of the shaft through the inlet pipe.
GREG SUTTON: (To STAHLMAN.) Well, what about it?(In addition to the klaxon alarm, another bell type alarm starts to ring out from the drill head. STAHLMAN and PETRA look towards the sound with a look of concern. This escalation of the emergency seems to make up STAHLMAN'S mind for him but he gives the order with bad grace.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Oh, very well - reverse all systems! Bypass number two outlet pipe.
GREG SUTTON: Right! Come on, Dr. Williams.(GREG and PETRA run off. STAHLMAN turns to SECTION LEADER SHAW and BENTON.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Get this man out of my control area now.
DOCTOR: Of all the ungrateful nitwits!(The SECTION LEADER goes to open the door to the BRIGADE LEADER'S office while BENTON prods the DOCTOR towards it with the end of his rifle. They leave a very disturbed STAHLMAN behind.)
2: INT. BRIGADE LEADER'S OFFICE
(The DOCTOR, BENTON and ELIZABETH SHAW enter the office. The SECTION LEADER shuts the door, nevertheless, they can still hear the klaxon alarm.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: You seem to know a great deal about this project.
DOCTOR: Enough.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Quietly.) You're a scientist?
DOCTOR: Of sorts, yes.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Where do you come from?(The DOCTOR sits on the edge of the BRIGADE LEADER'S desk.)
DOCTOR: I've already told you - I come from a parallel space/time continuum, a twin world of this.
(The SECTION LEADER'S voice grows harsher...)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: If you told us the truth, there might be some hope for you.
DOCTOR: Your counterpart in the other world would tell you that I'm not in the habit of telling lies, Elizabeth.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: This other woman, the one that looks like me...?
DOCTOR: It's not that she looks like you , she is you! I do wish I could make you understand this.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: What does she do?
DOCTOR: Do? She's a scientist.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Smiles.) I am a security officer - so there's no possible link, is there?
DOCTOR: Did you ever think of becoming a scientist?(For a second, ELIZABETH looks troubled.)
DOCTOR: Yes. Yes, I can see that you did.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: I read physics at university. What's that got to do with it?
DOCTOR: Well, simply that her mind process runs along a similar parallel to yours. Doesn't that strike you as significant?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Not particularly.
DOCTOR: Look, Elizabeth, please try and think. (Urgently.) Whatever they taught you in this bigoted world of yours, you've still got a mind of your own.(He stands.)
DOCTOR: Now use it, before it's too late!
3: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(GREG is speaking to a female technician. He then crosses to PETRA who is looking over the notes on a clipboard. The alarm continues to sound...)
GREG SUTTON: Well, it seems to be working. Who was that man in the funny clothes?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: They said he was a saboteur.
GREG SUTTON: How comes he saves our skin?(The alarm sound ends.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: He's trying to save his own. Hadn't you better get number two output pipe working?
GREG SUTTON: It'll mean cutting down the drill to minimum revs.(PETRA looks troubled.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: The Director won't like that.
GREG SUTTON: Well then, he'll have to lump it, won't he? There's no alternative.(GREG stalks off. PETRA calls after him.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Sutton, if you would only curb this insolent streak, you might have a great future as a servant of the state.
GREG SUTTON: What, become a nice well-behaved little zombie, you mean, like the rest of you? No, thank you!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: You've only survived so long because you have...certain usefulness - because of your technical skills. Once this project is over...(Her voice tails off and she looks concerned. GREG reaches the conclusion for her..)
GREG SUTTON: Greg Sutton's for the high jump! A nasty little accident in the cells, or shot whilst trying to escape?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: It's been known to happen.
GREG SUTTON: Would you care?(PETRA collects herself.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I'd regret the waste - that is all.
(She doesn't convince. GREG walks away.)
4: INT. BRIGADE LEADER'S OFFICE
(SECTION LEADER SHAW is sat at the BRIGADE LEADER'S desk, using his phone. The DOCTOR watches her. BENTON still guards him.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Into phone.) Yes, I see. Thank you.
(She puts the phone down.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Smiles.) The emergency is over.
DOCTOR: Good. I'm very glad to hear it.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Your idea worked.
DOCTOR: Maybe you'll give me a medal - posthumously.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Frowns, puzzled.) You find the idea of death amusing?
DOCTOR: No, not particularly, do you?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: If you told me the true facts about yourself, I may be able to help you.
DOCTOR: (Exasperated.) Elizabeth, I am trying to help you! You said the emergency was over - well, it isn't. As long as you people go on drilling, you're rushing into terrible danger!
5: INT. DRILL-HEAD
(GREG watches two technicians as they fix number two output pipe. STAHLMAN, his dark glasses on, walks into the drill-head area.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Sutton?
(GREG has a quick word with one of the technicians and then joins him.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: How long?
GREG SUTTON: Almost finished.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Good, then we can continue with the drilling.
GREG SUTTON: (Concerned.) At reduced revs?
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: No, I intend to accelerate again as soon as possible.
GREG SUTTON: Well, I don't advise it!
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: I don't need advice.
GREG SUTTON: (Angrily.) Except from that prisoner!
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: I would have come to the same conclusions.
GREG SUTTON: You may have come to them a bit too late.(STAHLMAN takes his glasses off and stares at the engineer.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: I sometimes wonder why I tolerate you, Sutton.
GREG SUTTON: That's easy. On a project like this you don't just need a good party member, you need a good engineer.(He turns away.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Oh, you are useful but you're not indispensable.
GREG SUTTON: It seems to be my day for getting warnings.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: You have a bad record, Sutton, a long history. It would be very easy to have you disposed of - remember that!(STAHLMAN walks off into the corridor of central control.)
6: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(As he reaches a corner, he loses his composure. A look of pain appears on his face, he gasps and puts his fingers to his temples.)
7: INT. BRIGADE LEADER'S OFFICE
(The BRIGADE LEADER has returned to his office and the DOCTOR'S interrogation has resumed. Sat in a chair, his jacket off and his arms hanging limply by his sides, he is much the worse for wear after the preliminary stages. A harsh light shines in his face and his closed eyes as the BRIGADE LEADER and the SECTION LEADER shout questions at him.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Name?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Who sent you here?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Did you come to commit sabotage?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Name?!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: What organisation employs you?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: When did you first become a traitor?!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: How did you get into the complex?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Who helped you? Was it Sutton?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Name? What is your name? Answer!(The DOCTOR struggles to speak...)
DOCTOR: You're wasting your time, you know. I can stand a great deal of this childishness.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Quietly threatening.) This is only the beginning.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: We have other methods.
DOCTOR: Yes, I'm sure you have. But it won't do you any good.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You'll talk - eventually.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Everybody talks.
DOCTOR: How can I give you information that doesn't exist?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (His voice rising.) The information must exist - and you will give it to us!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Name?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Shouts.) Who sent you here?!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Which of our enemies are you working for?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Shouts.) Who are your associates?!
DOCTOR: (Weakly.) I came here on my own. I came by acci...by accident. Ha...the TARDIS console slipped me sideways in time...slipped me sideways in time.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (To the BRIGADE LEADER, quietly.) Shall we proceed to stage two interrogation? He's just babbling.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: No, he's a tough one. He might die before he talked.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Yes. We'd better let him get his strength back.(The noise of machinery suddenly fills the room. The DOCTOR'S head rises and he listens through half-closed eyes and then raises his head. He struggles to stand.)
DOCTOR: Stahlman! He's accelerating the drilling!
(BENTON pulls him back into the chair.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: All right, we'll start again, shall we?
(He switches the lamp onto a brighter intensity. BENTON pulls his head back by his hair.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Who sent you here?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Why did you come?!(The door opens and STAHLMAN enters. He switches the main light on.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Well, what progress have you made?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: As you can see, Director, the prisoner is still being interrogated, proceeding according to plan!
DOCTOR: (Weakly.) I s...see you're wearing white cotton gloves, director. May we ask why?
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: You're allowing the prisoner to be impertinent.
DOCTOR: (Weakly.) Brigade Leader, ask him to take off his left glove. I think you'll find it very interesting.(The BRIGADE LEADER'S eyes shoot towards STAHLMAN'S hand.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Quietly.) Director?
(STAHLMAN gives a short laugh.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Well, they say a madman should be humoured.
(He takes his glove off. His left hand is covered with bandages. The DOCTOR struggles to his feet.)
DOCTOR: Why the bandages, professor?
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: I scorched my hands.
DOCTOR: You touched some of that green substance, from that cracked jar, didn't you? Just a little, but it's enough to infect you.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Benton! Take him away, down to the security cells.(BENTON grabs the DOCTOR and starts to pull him towards the door.)
DOCTOR: Listen to me, you're seriously ill. You've been infected.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Take him away.
DOCTOR: Listen to me, Stahlman!(BENTON pulls him out of the room and an RSF SENTRY follows. The BRIGADE LEADER turns to the SECTION LEADER.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You will supervise the transfer of the prisoner to the security cells.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Very well, leader.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Harshly.) At once, if you please!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Salutes.) Yes, leader!(The SECTION LEADER walks out. The BRIGADE LEADER looks towards STAHLMAN.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You're taking a great deal of interest in this prisoner, director?
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: For security...
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Shouts.) Security...! (Quieter.) ...is my responsibility.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Since you allowed the man to enter the complex and roam about at will...
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Interrupts, shouting.) The man was caught! (Quieter.) He is no longer a danger to us. The people who sent him, how and why he came here, this information is vital.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Then you'd better get him to talk and do it quick! Before the day's over, I want him liquidated.(He walks out. The BRIGADE LEADER watches him go.)
8: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(PETRA is on the phone.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: (Into phone.) If it decreases, let me know at once. Thank you.
(She puts the phone down. GREG walks up to her and speaks under his breath.)
GREG SUTTON: Dr. Williams, I think we should have checked the whole system from top to bottom while we had the drill at minimum revs.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Director Stahlman knows what he's doing.
GREG SUTTON: You all make a little tin god of that Stahlman! Well I think he's a nut!(PETRA looks round nervously.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: That sort of remark's dangerous.
GREG SUTTON: I tell you, Stahlman's a nut! Well? Aren't you going to report me? Get me a week in the punishment cells?(PETRA doesn't answer but looks ahead without speaking.)
GREG SUTTON: Things are looking up. A couple of days ago, you'd have reported me without a second's thought.
(He walks off. PETRA watches him go, her face a picture of indecision.)
9: INT. SECURITY CELLS
(The RSF SENTRY walks in front of the DOCTOR and BENTON follows him up as he is escorted into the cell area. Against a blank wall, the three cells are bounded on three sides by bars, thus the central cell has a cell on either side. The fourth wall is a walkway down which the DOCTOR and his guards walk. In the nearest cell to the doorway a huddled form lies under a blanket. The DOCTOR is pushed along at regular intervals by BENTON.)
DOCTOR: Please, don't push.
(They reach the open bars to the middle cell.)
DOCTOR: I'll have you know that your counterpart in the other world was a nice sociable sort of chap, sergeant.
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: My rank is Platoon Under Leader.
DOCTOR: That's a bit of a mouthful, isn't it?
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: Your trouble is you talk too much.(The DOCTOR turns towards the cells and sees the form under the blanket.)
DOCTOR: Ah, I see I've got company. And what did he do - park in a restricted zone?
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: Stop asking stupid questions!
DOCTOR: Well at least he seems to be sleeping peacefully.
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: He's had a tranquiliser dart. They don't give us any trouble after that. We should have done the same to you.(The RSF SENTRY unlocks and opens the middle cell.)
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: Now, get in.
(BENTON pushes him in and the RSF SENTRY closes the bars behind him.)
DOCTOR: What about some food?
(The RSF SENTRY re-locks the door and he and BENTON walks off.)
DOCTOR: A cup of tea? Some cocoa? A glass of water then?!
(The two RSF men have virtually stepped outside the room when they encounter someone walking in - the SECTION LEADER.)
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: This way, leader. Cell two.
(ELIZABETH SHAW and the two soldiers walk back toward the DOCTOR'S cell.)
DOCTOR: Ah, visiting time already, is it?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Your interrogation isn't over yet.
DOCTOR: Oh yes, it is.(The DOCTOR walks over to his cell bed and lies on it. BENTON points his rifle through the bars.)
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: Get on your feet when the Section Leader's talking to you!
DOCTOR: Ah, go away and give me some peace!
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: When I say get on your feet, prisoner, I mean get on your feet!(The DOCTOR looks up and clambers to his feet.)
DOCTOR: Oh well, that's different.
(He walks over to the bars.)
DOCTOR: Anything for a quiet life.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Now we'll start again. Who are you? How did you get into the complex?
DOCTOR: Look, I'm sick and tired of answering all these idiot questions.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: The questions will go on until you answer them.
DOCTOR: (Sharply.) I have answered them! More times than I care to remember.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: You have told us nothing.
DOCTOR: (Sharply.) I've told you the truth. If your minds are too narrow to accept it, that's not my fault!(BENTON jumps forward.)
PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON: Give us a few minutes with him, Leader.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: No, wait outside, in the corridor - both of you.(SECTION LEADER SHAW watches as BENTON and the RSF SENTRY walk out. She then speaks to the DOCTOR with a note of relief in her voice.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Now, perhaps we can talk reasonably.
DOCTOR: (Cynically.) Trying a change of technique?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: If you like.
DOCTOR: First you try to bully me and then you switch on the charm. Mmm, secret police routine 7/4.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Believe me, I really am trying to help you.
DOCTOR: Even though I'm a spy?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: No, no, you're too conspicuous to be a spy. No, I've got a theory that you're from one of these crackpot free speech groups - trying to make some crazy demonstration.(The DOCTOR turns away from the bars in exasperation.)
DOCTOR: Oh, no!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Look, if you'll give me a full confession, I may be able to convince them that you're some harmless lunatic. You'll get away with a few years in a labour camp.(The DOCTOR turns back to the bars.)
DOCTOR: Look, I am not mad. I am not a spy and I'm certainly not a political demonstrator - you just won't listen, will you?!
(LIZ looks coldly at him through the bars.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: I can see I've been wasting my time. I'll leave you to the Brigade Leader.
(She gives a slight smile.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: He'll get the truth out of you.
(She starts to walk out.)
DOCTOR: Your counterpart had some intelligence. I wish I could say the same for you.
(Left by himself, the DOCTOR sighs and goes and sits on the bed in his cell. He looks round and over to the huddled form under the blanket in the next cell.)
DOCTOR: Hello, old chap. How are you doing?
(There is no reply.)
DOCTOR: Been down here long, have you?
(There is still no reply.)
DOCTOR: Mmm? Read any good police records lately?
(He gives up and lies down on his own bed.)
DOCTOR: The friendliness of this establishment overwhelms me!
(Behind him in the other cell, an arm drops down from underneath the blanket. It is partially green in colour and covered in long coarse hairs...)
10: DIMENSION BARRIER
(Back across the dimension barrier and in "our" world...)
11: INT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(A sad LIZ stands in the garage. The BRIGADIER is with her.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I'm sorry, Liz, but my men have searched the entire complex thoroughly. There's no sign of the Doctor.
LIZ SHAW: I didn't think there would be.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Er, maybe that wretched machine of his has dumped him a few miles away.
LIZ SHAW: It's not as simple as that, Brigadier. He's somewhere in space or time.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well, wherever he is, or whenever he is, he can look after himself.(LIZ turns to him.)
LIZ SHAW: He's not indestructible, you know.
12: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(Carrying a bowler hat, SIR KEITH GOLD walks into central control. The bearded PROFESSOR STAHLMAN is at the computer, wearing his white gloves and his small notebook in his hand. SIR KEITH walks up to him.)
SIR KEITH GOLD: Professor Stahlman, could you spare me a moment?
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Run out of paper work?
SIR KEITH GOLD: Please, this is important.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Just a moment.(STAHLMAN walks round the computer, looking over it.)
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Well?
SIR KEITH GOLD: Any problems with the accelerated drilling?
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: No, none at all. I didn't expect any.
SIR KEITH GOLD: Well, I assume you'll be taking extra precautions as we approach penetration zero?
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: I shall do what I think best.(STAHLMAN looks back down at the computer and then back up - SIR KEITH is still waiting.)
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: What is it you want?
SIR KEITH GOLD: I have a car outside, waiting to take me to London, and an appointment with the Minister later on today.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Well, have a pleasant journey.
SIR KEITH GOLD: Unless you can give me certain reassurances, I shall feel bound to convey to the Minister the full extent of my anxieties.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: (Mocking.) What anxieties?
SIR KEITH GOLD: Oh, come now, Professor! You know what I mean.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: No, I don't. Perhaps you'd explain exactly what you do mean.
SIR KEITH GOLD: We must slow down drilling as we approach penetration. We need extra safety precautions and a failsafe mechanism to close down completely if necessary.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Now, Sir Keith, if you'd had your way, we would never have started this project.
SIR KEITH GOLD: I am not saying...
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: (Interrupts.) Now you want us to proceed at a snail's pace like a pack of cautious old women.
SIR KEITH GOLD: I want this project to succeed as much as you do, but we must act like responsible scientists.(LIZ and the BRIGADIER walk in behind the two men. STAHLMAN'S voice lowers dangerously as they watch.)
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: You accuse me of irresponsibility? (Angrily.) I conceived this project, I fought for Government backing and I shall carry it through to success in spite of all your efforts to stop me.
SIR KEITH GOLD: No one's trying to stop you.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: You've consistently obstructed my work, you've caused delay after delay an...and I won't put up with this interference any longer!
SIR KEITH GOLD: Oh, very well, Professor, you leave me no alternative.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: You can tell the Minister what you like. He at least is aware of the importance of my work.(He storms off. The BRIGADIER and LIZ walk over to SIR KEITH.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: He doesn't get any better tempered, does he?
SIR KEITH GOLD: Huh! The man's impossible.
LIZ SHAW: Do you think the Minister will listen to you?
SIR KEITH GOLD: Well, he's an old friend of mine, but...Stahlman's dazzled him with promises - limitless cheap power for the whole country.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Will you be back in time for penetration zero?
SIR KEITH GOLD: Yes, of course. Though I can't say I'm looking forward to it very much.
LIZ SHAW: Why not?
SIR KEITH GOLD: (Worried.) Well, it sounds ridiculous, but...there's something ominous about the whole project. Your friend the Doctor felt it too.(LIZ and the BRIGADIER exchange a look.)
SIR KEITH GOLD: By the way, where has he gone?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Er, we're not quite sure.
SIR KEITH GOLD: Well, he's better off out of it, wherever he is.
13: DIMENSION BARRIER
(Back in the parallel world...)
14: INT. SECURITY CELLS
(...strange guttural breathing sounds come from the form under the blanket. The DOCTOR, asleep until now, opens his eyes and frowns. He gets up and looks through the bars into the next cell. The figure underneath is thrashing about. The DOCTOR runs to his own cell barred door and calls out.)
DOCTOR: Sergeant...Sergeant...Sergeant!
(The RSF SENTRY walks in.)
RSF SENTRY: What's the noise all about?
DOCTOR: This man is sick. He needs medical attention.(The SENTRY looks down at the form under the blanket.)
RSF SENTRY: If you don't shut up, I'll shut you up!
(He walks round to the door to the first cell, unlocks it and enters. He crosses to the bed.)
RSF SENTRY: Listen...
(He pulls the blanket back and stops dead. It is BROMLEY, the technician, in the first cell but the transformation that the DOCTOR saw earlier has reached a further stage and his face is now dark green in colour and his eyes stare wildly. He grabs the RSF SENTRY and the two men grapple in a test of strength. As the DOCTOR jumps back, BROMLEY bodily picks up the SENTRY in the air and throws him onto the bed. Snarling, he then grabs him round the neck as the DOCTOR watches in horror. The SENTRY dead, BROMLEY then turns his attention to the DOCTOR. He crosses over to the cell bars and, in a show of superhuman strength, starts to pull them apart. The DOCTOR steps back onto his own bed and picks up the mattress as a form of flimsy protection. BROMLEY steps into his cell and starts to stalk the DOCTOR. Before he can pounce, the DOCTOR throws the mattress down onto his attacker and pushes him to the ground. He then rushes into the first cell where the dead SENTRY lies, through the open cell door and locks it behind him. Rushing out of the cell area, BROMLEY watches him go.)
15: EXT. COMPLEX
(The DOCTOR runs through the buildings of the complex, constantly on the alert for being spotted. He sees a parked jeep and runs towards it. As he reaches it, he dives into cover behind a dustbin as two patrolling RSF soldiers walk past. He watches them go and then looks carefully round a corner. A complex worker walks past and towards the jeep. The DOCTOR walks behind the vehicle to keep out of view as the man gets into the jeep behind the driver's wheel. Suddenly he hears a voice.)
RSF SOLDIER: By the right, right wheel!
(A patrol of RSF SENTRIES are marching round a nearby corner. The DOCTOR jumps into the back of the jeep which the driver starts up. The DOCTOR watches over the edge of the back of the jeep as it drives off with him in the vehicle.)
16: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(The countdown clock shows 0:35:42 seconds and continues to click downwards, DR. PETRA WILLIAMS looks over the computer as GREG joins her.)
GREG SUTTON: Is everything ready?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: All systems have been checked and are functional.
GREG SUTTON: We'd better cross our fingers.(PETRA gives a slight smile.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: We depend on science, Mr. Sutton, not superstition.
GREG SUTTON: We could do with some plain old fashioned luck as well. Where's the Director?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: He'll be here.
GREG SUTTON: Well, I wish I wasn't. Something's wrong, something's just not adding up.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: What can go wrong?
GREG SUTTON: Perhaps we should try asking the computer.
17: EXT. COMPLEX ROAD
(The jeep moves quickly along a road on a part of the complex that is fairly devoid of buildings. Sat in the back, the DOCTOR notices some heat-resistant disaster suits and hoods.)
18: INT. SECURITY CELLS
(PLATOON UNDER LEADER BENTON walks into the cell area and immediately spots the dead SENTRY.)
19: EXT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(The jeep reaches a point next to the railway line outside central control where a second jeep is parked behind a red fire engine. A group of RSF sentries are with another group of men who are getting into disaster suits similar to the ones in the back of the DOCTOR'S jeep. The DOCTOR himself has changed into a suit and watches from the back of the jeep as two more sentries walk towards the group. He dons one of the hoods.)
20: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(Within central control, the project is reaching its climax and the atmosphere is tense. An echoing countdown voice marks ten-second intervals. While PETRA and GREG stand nearby, STAHLMAN watches the countdown clock intently.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus three minutes, zero seconds. Condition red-two now commencing.
(His face twitches in pain as the noise in his head increases in intensity.)
21: EXT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(The five man disaster crew finish suiting up.)
RSF SOLDIER: Right, you all ready? Let's go, at the double!
(They start to walk in line towards central control. The last two suited figures spot the DOCTOR in the back of the jeep and, mistaking him for one of their crew, pull down the door. The hooded DOCTOR clambers out, waves his thanks and follows them.)
22: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(PETRA at a console with a technician, gives a worried glance towards GREG.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus two minutes, ten seconds. Disaster crew at action stations.
(STAHLMAN continues to stare intently at the instrumentation panel.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus two minutes, zero seconds and counting. Condition red-three now commences.
(A trio of RSF sentries stands to attention. The BRIGADE LEADER paces before them, swagger stick in hand.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus one minute, fifty seconds. Final re-check - all monitoring circuits.
(The BRIGADE LEADER paces back, constantly watchful with his one good eye.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus one minute, forty seconds. Technical personnel at final stations.
(The disaster crew enter central control.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus one minute, thirty seconds. Final power build-up now completed.
(As they walk in, the DOCTOR lags slightly behind and steals a glance at the countdown clock. He then spots STAHLMAN writing furiously in his notebook. The disaster crew have lined up in the centre of the room - a group of two behind a group of three, all stood still to attention.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus one minute, twenty seconds. Non-technical staff to safety positions.
(The DOCTOR stands at the end of the front row, but unlike his "colleagues", he constantly looks around through his hood at the activities in the room. Seeing that he is not being watched...)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus one minute, ten seconds. All systems check for final countdown.
(He moves away from the group and up to the higher level of consoles. The BRIGADE LEADER parades in front of the disaster crew and suddenly spots the disguised DOCTOR looking over one of the consoles.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus one minute, zero seconds and counting.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (To the DOCTOR.) You there!
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Final countdown commences now.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Come down here.(The DOCTOR ignores him. The BRIGADE LEADER walks over and stands below the raised console. Fearful technicians watch.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus fifty seconds. Stand by.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Threatening.) Did you hear what I said? Come down here.(The DOCTOR walks down to the lower level...)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus forty seconds.
(...pulling off his hood and shouting to all in the room.)
DOCTOR: You must stop this countdown before it's too late!
(Seeing who it is, the BRIGADE LEADER reaches into his holster and pulls out his pistol.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: All personnel stand by.
DOCTOR: (Shouts.) Do you hear me?! You must stop it!(STAHLMAN runs over to the BRIGADE LEADER.)
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: Brigade Leader - shoot that man now!
(GREG runs forward on the higher level.)
GREG SUTTON: You can't do that! It's just murder!
DOCTOR: (Shouts.) If you break through the Earth's crust now, you'll release forces you never dreamed could exist!
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus thirty seconds. Countdown moves to final phase.(An alarm bell rings from the drill-head.)
23: INT. DRILL-HEAD
(Technicians run in panic as a screeching sound comes from the drill-head.)
24: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
DOCTOR: (Shouts.) Listen to that!
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus twenty seconds.
DOCTOR: (Shouts.) That's the sound of this planet screaming out its rage!
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Countdown will now proceed by seconds.
DIRECTOR STAHLMAN: (Shouts, to the BRIGADE LEADER.) I order you to shoot that man!(The BRIGADE LEADER aims. GREG jumps down on him forcing him to drop the gun.)
GREG SUTTON: (To the DOCTOR.) Go on, run for it, run!
(The DOCTOR runs somewhat awkwardly in his disaster suit towards the drill-head but armed RSF soldiers step into his way.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Zero minus ten seconds...
(He runs back another way but there is another soldier.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Nine...
(He pushes back the soldiers gun and then runs into the main body of central control where STAHLMAN picks up the fallen gun...)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Eight...
(...and aims it at the DOCTOR.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Seven, six...
(The DOCTOR slowly backs off.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Five, four...
(as STAHLMAN'S finger is on the trigger.)
COUNTDOWN VOICE: Three, two, one...
Doctor Who
JON PERTWEELiz Shaw
CAROLINE JOHNBrigadier Lethbridge Stewart
NICHOLAS COURTNEYProfessor Stahlman
OLAF POOLEYSir Keith Gold
CHRISTOPHER BENJAMINGreg Sutton
DEREK NEWARKPetra Williams
SHEILA DUNNPlatoon Under Leader Benton
JOHN LEVENEBromley
IAN FAIRBAIRNRSF Sentry
ROY SCAMMELLTitle Music by
RON GRAINER AND
BBC RADIOPHONIC
WORKSHOPVisual Effects by
LEN HUTTONFilm Cameraman
FRED HAMILTONFilm Sound
GRAHAM HAREFilm Editor
MARTYN DAYScript Editor
TERRANCE DICKSDesigner
JEREMY DAVIESProducer
BARRY LETTSDirected by
DOUGLAS CAMFIELD
COLOUR
© BBC 1971