INFERNO
by: DON HOUGHTON
5:25pm - 5:50pm
[SCENE_BREAK]
1: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(STAHLMAN growls.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
2: INT. BRIGADE LEADER'S OFFICE
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Angrily.) So, we're expected to sacrifice all our lives so as the Doctor can get back to his..."other world".
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: We haven't got any lives to sacrifice. It's only a question of time.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: What do you think, Greg?
GREG SUTTON: It's the weirdest story I've ever heard, but I'm prepared to believe the Doctor.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: You're outvoted, Brigade Leader.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: It makes very little difference as we're all trapped in here anyway.
DOCTOR: Not necessarily. I do have a plan for getting us out, but it all depends on those creatures out there.
(The DOCTOR looks towards one of the doors. However, the PRIMORDS have regained their strength and one of them suddenly crashes an arm through the window of the second door as they attempt to break in and attack. As PETRA gasps out, GREG rushes forward in an attempt to push the arm back, but in turn, the DOCTOR pulls him back.)
DOCTOR: No, no! Don't touch it!
(The DOCTOR grabs a fire extinguisher off the wall and fires it at the PRIMORD'S arm. As the jets of CO2 hit the creature, it cries out and retreats.)
DOCTOR: I don't think they'll be back for a while. They'll wait till the temperature rises.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: How long have we got?
DOCTOR: I should say all of ten minutes.
GREG SUTTON: You said you had a plan just now - what is it?
DOCTOR: Well, if we're going to get power to the...TARDIS console, we'll have to connect it up to the nuclear reactor.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: That's if there's any power left.
(The DOCTOR pulls out a pocket handkerchief and runs over to a wall grille. He holds up the handkerchief over the grille.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: What are you doing?
(The DOCTOR watches the cloth waving in the draft from the grille. He puts the handkerchief away and turns to PETRA.)
DOCTOR: Well, the air conditioning's still working, so power's still getting through.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Only the bare minimum. The reactor must still be working off robot control.
DOCTOR: Can you boost the output?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Well, in an emergency, the master switch...automatically shuts down the reactor banks.
DOCTOR: But it can be re-set?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: It would take time! And after that I'd still have to get to the main switch room at the reactor.
GREG SUTTON: The master switch is in central control!
(He points at the door with the broken window.)
GREG SUTTON: How do we get through that lot?
DOCTOR: Well, we've still got a weapon to use against them.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: You mean the pistol?
DOCTOR: No, I don't - I mean the fire extinguisher.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: You can't hold them off with that thing for very long.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: If that master switch has been damaged, it...it'll be a long job resetting it.
DOCTOR: Well, there are other fire extinguishers in central control.
GREG SUTTON: If we can get to them.
(A thought suddenly strikes him...)
GREG SUTTON: Wait a minute! I'm a fool! Of course! The coolant reserve - I've rigged up the emergency hose!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: That's it! Well, the coolant's under pressure! It's just as cold as the CO2 in the fire extinguisher!
GREG SUTTON: Doctor, you've got a monster sized fire extinguisher just waiting for you in there!
DOCTOR: Splendid. Well, we'll fight our way into central control using this...
(He points at the fire extinguisher.)
DOCTOR: ...while Mr. Sutton holds them off with his coolant, I'll repair the master switch.
(Suddenly, the growling PRIMORDS appear at the broken window, one of them trying to reach in for the internal door handle. GREG runs to one side of the door and fires a blast at the arm while the DOCTOR crouches on the other side. He pulls at the door lock.)
DOCTOR: Right - now!
(He then pulls the door open and the PRIMORDS rush into the room but not for long as GREG starts to blast them with the spray from the extinguisher. They retreat from the office and back into central control, growling and waving their claw-like arms as they go.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
3: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(They move to one side of the doorway, enabling the trapped party inside to rush out and make for the coolant pipe. GREG passes the extinguisher to the BRIGADE LEADER and SECTION LEADER SHAW holds her pistol up at the PRIMORDS as he joins the others in pulling out the coolant pipe. However, one of the creatures is missing as, unseen by all, the transformed STAHLMAN sneaks round a corner and back into central control.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Hurry up, Sutton!
GREG SUTTON: I'm going as fast as I can - everything's red hot!
(Still unseen, STAHLMAN catches sight of the BRIGADE LEADER'S back.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I can't...breathe!
DOCTOR: Well, stop talking so much!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Look out!
(She has caught sight of STAHLMAN. The BRIGADE LEADER runs round the edge of a console as STAHLMAN starts to stalk the DOCTOR and the others at the coolant reserve pipe which lies under a platform at the back of the room. He fires at the creature who spins round and growls in fury. Several more blasts cause STAHLMAN to collapse to the ground, stunned, and the BRIGADE LEADER turns the device back on BENTON and the other PRIMORDS as they once more start to advance. He fires blast after blast.)
DOCTOR: (Shouts.) That's enough - don't waste it!
(The BRIGADE LEADER ignores him and continues firing.)
DOCTOR: That's enough, I said!
(The BRIGADE LEADER finally stops. The DOCTOR runs over to the fallen creature and sees the name on the disaster suit.)
DOCTOR: It's Stahlman!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Is he dead?!
(The DOCTOR looks STAHLMAN over while keeping a careful distance.)
DOCTOR: No, I think he's just paralysed. He'll probably come to again when the temperature rises.
GREG SUTTON: Petra, give me a hand here!
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sutton, get that hose going!
GREG SUTTON: I can't - it's seized up!
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well, what do we do now?!
(The DOCTOR sees a maintenance man's toolbox near to STAHLMAN and grabs a wrench out of it. As he runs back to GREG and the others, STAHLMAN tries to make a move to stop him but he is still semi-paralysed. The DOCTOR hands the wrench to GREG.)
DOCTOR: Right.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Brigade Leader!
(SECTION LEADER SHAW has spotted that the PRIMORDS are getting closer again. The BRIGADE LEADER starts to fire his extinguisher at the growling creatures again but the canister soon runs out.)
GREG SUTTON: ... !
(GREG manages to get the long flexible coolant pipe free and he and PETRA hold it in front of the PRIMORDS. Almost immediately, a gas of icy air starts to pump from the pipe, holding the transformed humans properly at bay against a wall.)
DOCTOR: Right, off you go!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: What about you?!
DOCTOR: Don't worry about me. I'll stay and repair the master switch.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Greg!
GREG SUTTON: I'll stay with the Doctor.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: ... doing!
GREG SUTTON: Go on - I'll cover you!
(All except GREG and the DOCTOR run from the room past the PRIMORDS.)
GREG SUTTON: Okay, Doctor, get on with it!
(The DOCTOR runs over to the master switch while GREG stands his ground.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
4: EXT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(The others exit the bunker like entrance to central control. They stop in their tracks as they see the transformation outside. The air is thick with heat and the entire area is suffused with an orange glow. They try to get their breath.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: It is hot out here.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I still find it impossible to breathe.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well, no use hanging about.
(He starts to walk off.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: We've got to wait for them!
(The BRIGADE LEADER turns and faces them with a sneering look on his face.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: We must get right away from here.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Wait for them!
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: They'll find us.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: (Coldly.) You go if you want to, Brigade Leader.
(She and the BRIGADE LEADER stare at each other in a battle of wills.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
5: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(GREG continues to hold up the coolant pipe as the DOCTOR twists a screwdriver in part of the master switch device which rests within one of the upper consoles.)
DOCTOR: The heat's made a pretty good mess of this.
GREG SUTTON: It's making a mess of me too!
DOCTOR: You can always join the others outside, you know, Mr. Sutton.
GREG SUTTON: No, I think I'll hang around a bit longer.
(BENTON and the PRIMORDS start to gingerly step forward, constantly growling.)
GREG SUTTON: The natives are getting restless again.
DOCTOR: Are they now?
GREG SUTTON: How are you making out?
DOCTOR: Slow but sure, Mr. Sutton.
GREG SUTTON: Doctor...?
DOCTOR: Mmm, hmm?
GREG SUTTON: When you get back to that...other place...
DOCTOR: If I get back.
GREG SUTTON: How are you going to make sure they stop their drilling?
DOCTOR: I don't know. Maybe somebody will listen to me there. Sir Keith, for instance?
GREG SUTTON: But he's dead.
DOCTOR: Here, perhaps, in the other world, maybe not.
(The PRIMORDS continue to growl at their intended victims.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
6: DIMENSION BARRIER
(Back in the DOCTOR'S proper world...)
[SCENE_BREAK]
7: INT. BRIGADIER'S OFFICE
(...there are no explosions and no constant rumblings of impending disaster. Within the quiet confines of the BRIGADIER'S office, the man himself is on the phone...)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Into phone.) That's absurd! There must be some trace. People don't just vanish! (He listens.) Well, keep looking. Let me know when you have any news.
(BENTON enters the room. Through the doorway can be seen technician's calming going about their tasks. The SERGEANT salutes.)
SERGEANT BENTON: Excuse me, sir.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Snaps.) Well, where is he?!
SERGEANT BENTON: I'm sorry, sir, but he just won't come.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sergeant, I sent you to get Professor Stahlman.
SERGEANT BENTON: Well, that's just it, sir. Professor Stahlman won't come. He's says he's too busy to...
(He breaks off. The BRIGADIER stares intently at him.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Too busy to what, sergeant?
(BENTON stands to attention.)
SERGEANT BENTON: He says he's too busy to waste time bandying words with a pompous military idiot, sir!
(The BRIGADIER sits up.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sergeant, I want to see Professor Stahlman and I want to see him now and I advise you not to come back without him.
SERGEANT BENTON: Sir, if you...
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Interrupts, shouting.) A chance to use your initiative, sergeant!
SERGEANT BENTON: Sir!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Shouts.) Carry him in here if you have to, but get him!
SERGEANT BENTON: Sir!
(BENTON salutes, wheels round and marches out of the room. The BRIGADIER permits himself a small smile as he watches him go.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
8: INT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(LIZ is in the DOCTOR'S garage, looking forlornly down at the space previously occupied by the console. She crosses to the power unit and flicks a switch. She looks over to where the console stood and sighs when there is no change. Suddenly, she hears a noise at the door and realises that someone is trying to break in. She reaches into her handbag and takes out the sonic screwdriver. She goes over to the doors, looks through the small gap to ensure that the potential intruder is not hostile and then activates the sonic screwdriver. The doors part to reveal a sheepish GREG.)
LIZ: Won't you come in, Mr. Sutton?
GREG SUTTON: Hello...yes. How did you do that?
LIZ: With this.
(She holds up the screwdriver and uses it to close the doors.)
GREG SUTTON: Well, a useful little gadget, huh?
LIZ: One of the Doctor's inventions. He used to call it the door handle.
GREG SUTTON: Nice bloke, the Doctor. I miss having him around the place.
LIZ: So do I.
(GREG starts to look round the garage. LIZ smiles.)
LIZ: Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Sutton?
GREG SUTTON: Er, well, it's, erm, it's like this, I...
LIZ: (Interrupts.) Yes?
GREG SUTTON: Well, I found myself passing this place and...
LIZ: (Interrupts.) So you thought you'd just take a look?
GREG SUTTON: Well, yes, I thought I might get a look at that wonderful machine the Doctor was supposed to be working on.
(LIZ smiles.)
LIZ: Well, as you can see, there's nothing here.
GREG SUTTON: He took it away with him, did he?
LIZ: That's right.
GREG SUTTON: Do you know, it's a funny thing now...
LIZ: What is?
GREG SUTTON: Well, I've been asking round, and...nobody actually saw him go.
LIZ: (Innocently.) Didn't they?
GREG SUTTON: Well, that banger he uses - it's not exactly inconspicuous, and he didn't say goodbye to anyone.
LIZ: He didn't have very much time. He left in rather a hurry.
GREG SUTTON: Well, since there's nothing here now, what are you still hanging around for?
LIZ: I don't know, I...suppose I'm half-hoping he'll suddenly come back.
GREG SUTTON: Just like that?
LIZ: He's very unpredictable.
GREG SUTTON: I thought, possibly, the poor old Doctor had blown himself to smithereens and you were trying to hush it up.
(LIZ tries to find the right words.)
LIZ: Yes, well, there was a sort of an accident.
GREG SUTTON: Well, there's no sign of an explosion.
LIZ: No, no, not an explosion exactly, he...
(Her voice tails off.)
GREG SUTTON: Well, this is a great place for disappearances, isn't it?
LIZ: How do you mean?
GREG SUTTON: Haven't you heard? I gather Sir Keith Gold's vanished too.
[SCENE_BREAK]
9: INT. BRIGADIER'S OFFICE
(SERGEANT BENTON has carried out his orders and he and PROFESSOR STAHLMAN stand before the BRIGADIER'S desk.)
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: This time, Brigadier, you've really gone too far. I'm literally dragged from my work by one of your...
(He gestures a glove-covered hand at BENTON.)
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: ...ape-like minions!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Snaps.) He was acting on my orders.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: By what possible right can you...
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Interrupts.) Professor Stahlman, I have made innumerable attempts to secure a few moments of your valuable time. You've left me no choice.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: (Smiles.) Oh, very well. I suppose I'd better humour you. What is it you want?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Sir Keith Gold has disappeared.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Has he? I thought he was in London pouring out his petty complaints to the Minister.
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: He left the Minister yesterday evening. He should have been back here by last night.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Well, an accident perhaps?
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: There's been no report of any accident on any possible route from here to London.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: Well then, I imagine he's had his complaints dismissed and has taken himself off in a fit of pique! It doesn't matter - we shall do very well without him!
(The BRIGADIER quickly stands and crosses round the desk to stand before STAHLMAN.)
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I've tried to contact the Minister but he isn't available. Therefore, in view of Sir Keith's anxieties about this...
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: (Interrupts.) Sir Keith is an old woman!
BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (His voice rises.) I must formally request that you delay penetration zero until his return.
PROFESSOR STAHLMAN: On no account, Brigadier. This project will be carried through on schedule - my schedule. When that drill penetrates the Earth's crust, you'll see that my theories were correct!
[SCENE_BREAK]
10: DIMENSION BARRIER
(Back in the world where that theory has been proved disastrously wrong...)
[SCENE_BREAK]
11: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(The DOCTOR continues his repairs as GREG continues to hold the snarling PRIMORDS at bay.)
GREG SUTTON: Time's running out, Doc!
(The DOCTOR pushes home the circuit into the console.)
DOCTOR: That's it - I only hope it works. Shall we go, Mr. Sutton?
GREG SUTTON: I thought you'd never ask.
(GREG nears the rabid PRIMORDS with the coolant pipe. He drives them into a corridor which leads off the passage to the drill-head.)
GREG SUTTON: Right you are, Doctor!
(The DOCTOR dashes behind him and grabs two fire extinguishers from the wall.)
DOCTOR: Hurry along, my dear fellah, hurry along!
(GREG places the coolant pipe on the floor and to hold the PRIMORDS at bay. Grabbing one of the extinguishers from the DOCTOR, the two men run out of central control. Behind them, the transformed STAHLMAN rises to his feet and starts to follow.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
12: EXT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(As the BRIGADE LEADER keeps watch on the surrounding area, PETRA herself keeps an eye on the door to central control.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: There they are!
(The DOCTOR and GREG run out into the heat-drenched muggy atmosphere and they keep pace with the other three as they run as fast as they can away from central control.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
13: INT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(Within the building, STAHLMAN and the other PRIMORDS move cautiously towards the exit.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
14: EXT. COMPLEX
(Bessie, containing the five fugitives, screeches to a halt outside the Nuclear Reactor Switch Room. The passengers jump out and through the building door which the BRIGADE LEADER opens.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
15: INT. NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL ROOM
(The BRIGADE LEADER is also first into the control room which he pushes open, fire extinguisher in hand. GREG, similarly armed, quickly follows. The room is empty.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I'll check the inner corridor.
(He moves to the other side of the room and the second door. The other three enter and PETRA moves over to the flat-table console.)
DOCTOR: Now, Mr. Sutton, I'd better start work on the power connection. Will you be long, Dr. Williams?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I have to re-route the entire electrical system before I can boost the power.
DOCTOR: Be as quick as you can.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: What about the Brigade Leader and me?
DOCTOR: Well, you'd better wait here.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Isn't there anything we can do?
DOCTOR: No, I'm afraid not. (To GREG.) Now, I'll need some tools...and a length of heavy duty cable.
GREG SUTTON: We can pick that up at the Rigger's stores. You'll pass it on the way to the hut.
DOCTOR: Right, come on, let's get ...
(His words and movement out of the room are interrupted by a gigantic explosion and the shaking of the room. The sweat-drenched survivors look round in panic.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: What's happening?!
GREG SUTTON: It's an earthquake!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: It's getting nearer!
GREG SUTTON: Yes, we're sitting on a powder keg!
DOCTOR: Right, come on!
(The two men run out. The BRIGADE LEADER, on watch on the other door, calls after them.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Get a move on!
[SCENE_BREAK]
16: EXT. COMPLEX
(The DOCTOR and GREG jump into Bessie and drive off.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
17: EXT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(A gasping, snarling PRIMORD comes out of the entrance to central control. It stands still for a moment, acclimatising to the temperature.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
18: INT. NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL ROOM
(The BRIGADE LEADER and the SECTION LEADER keep a watch on the main door as PETRA continues work on the wiring under the table.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: I wonder if those creatures are moving out yet?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Quite possible.
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: It's getting warm enough for them.
(The BRIGADE LEADER loses his nerve and stride round to her.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Impatiently.) How long is all this going to take?!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I don't know.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well, can't you hurry it up, Dr. Williams?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: No, not if I'm to do the job properly.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You must! We've very little time!
(PETRA is almost tearful...)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Brigade Leader, I'm trying very hard to carry out a complex scientific task under impossible conditions. You will not help matters by bullying me.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You are insolent, Dr. Williams!
(PETRA rounds on him.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Am I? Then it's about time that you learned that some problems just can't be solved by brute force and terror!
(The BRIGADE LEADER looks furious, barely controlling his temper.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Better let her get on with it, Leader. We're in her hands.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: We've got to the power through to the hut - it's our only chance.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: But that Doctor said he can't take us with him.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Do you think he wants to help us? He's only concerned with his own safety.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: I think he's telling the truth. I think he has been all along.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: When the time comes, he will take us.
(The SECTION LEADER looks at him.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Quietly.) He'll have no choice.
[SCENE_BREAK]
19: EXT. CENTRAL CONTROL
(The PRIMORD moves away from the entrance to central control. Another follows but stands still, breathing hard in an atmosphere that to it is cold and hostile.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
20: INT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(The DOCTOR drives Bessie into the garage. Behind the car is a length of cable which GREG is holding, having played it out on their short journey. The DOCTOR crosses to the console and GREG follows.)
GREG SUTTON: So that's the contraption is it?
DOCTOR: The console, Mr. Sutton , the console.
GREG SUTTON: Well, I thought it'd be a bit more impressive than that.
DOCTOR: What did you expect - some kind of space rocket with Batman at the controls?!
(The DOCTOR grins.)
GREG SUTTON: And this brought you all the way here, did it?
DOCTOR: Er, well, it wasn't exactly a journey in the accepted sense of the word. It sort of...slipped me sideways into your dimension.
GREG SUTTON: Will it take you back?
DOCTOR: Theoretically, yes.
GREG SUTTON: Well, is it all right?
DOCTOR: I hope so. Now fix the connector to the cable, will you?
GREG SUTTON: Right.
(GREG fetches a toolbox from the back seat of Bessie. He holds up the length of cable and a connector device.)
GREG SUTTON: I hate to tell you...but if we put the entire output of the nuclear reactor through this, it'll blow in the first few seconds.
DOCTOR: I few seconds are all I need, Mr. Sutton.
[SCENE_BREAK]
21: INT. NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL ROOM
(The BRIGADE LEADER stands over PETRA as she continues her work on the circuits and the earthquake rumbles continue outside.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Are you making any progress?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I'm worried about the relay circuits. They're not functioning properly. I'm trying to rig up a bypass.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Could the reactor have packed up?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: No, it's still working, but it could go at any moment.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Sarcastically.) Yes, we're well aware of that, Dr. Williams. You must hurry!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: As I've already told you, Brigade Leader, I'm hurrying as fast as I can.
(The SECTION LEADER gives her superior a look of contempt. At that moment, they are rocked by another huge quake. A look of fear appears on the BRIGADE LEADER'S face.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Mocking.) All right, Brigade Leader, we're still here!
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Sharply.) I don't like your tone!
(She stares him down.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Those explosions are getting closer. I was thinking about the safety of all of us.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Mocking.) Oh, yes, yes, of course you were!
(She smiles at him as they stagger under another quake.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: We've all got to get out of here!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: You go if you want to - I shall stay here and finish the work.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Shouts.) You carry on with your work!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Where is there to go?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: That spacecraft of the Doctor works - you've seen for yourself.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: You don't really think you can force him to take us? He's not the sort of man you can frighten.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Once that thing's working, we can take it over.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: We don't know how to operate it.
(There is the sound of another huge explosion.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Dr. Williams can learn how to operate it - she's a scientist!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: That device is beyond all our comprehension.
(The BRIGADE LEADER starts to look slightly manic and unhinged.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Then I shall have to persuade him to operate it for us!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: And if he tries to go by himself?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: And leaves us to die? I shall make sure that he dies first.
(There is another deafening explosion.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
22: INT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(The DOCTOR lies under the console, making adjustments.)
GREG SUTTON: If we get you back, Doctor, you'd better make darn sure they stop their drilling. I'd hate to think all this was for nothing.
(The DOCTOR gets to his feet.)
DOCTOR: Right. You can connect up the cable now.
GREG SUTTON: All right.
(GREG picks up the cable and the connector.)
GREG SUTTON: Cross our fingers and trust to luck.
DOCTOR: We're not relying on luck, Mr. Sutton - but skill.
[SCENE_BREAK]
23: INT. NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL ROOM
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (To PETRA.) Finished?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I think so. I just have to switch on and pre-set the power controls.
(She flicks a series of switches.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: How do we know the Doctor's ready for the power?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Oh, it doesn't matter. The power won't flow until he switches on at his end.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: And then we may all go up in smoke?!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: No, I've switched off all other circuits.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Good luck.
(PETRA pulls the handle of the power switch. There is no response and she looks devastated. The BRIGADE LEADER jumps forward.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well? What's happened?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Nothing.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: There must still be a fault.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: So, you've been wasting our time.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Try again.
(She tries again but the result is the same.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: It's no use! I'll have to go through the whole wiring system all over again!
[SCENE_BREAK]
24: EXT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(GREG and the DOCTOR look out of the door of the garage. Explosions continue to be heard across the complex.)
GREG SUTTON: What's happened to them? They should be back here by now.
DOCTOR: You must try and be patient.
GREG SUTTON: If those explosions reach the nuclear reactor...?
(He looks at the DOCTOR.)
DOCTOR: Yes, I know.
[SCENE_BREAK]
25: INT. NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL ROOM
(PETRA is once more making adjustments to the complex mass of wires under the console. They hear more explosions and the room shakes again.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: That's coming from the drill-head!
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: The shaft must be splitting open!
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Well...
(The BRIGADE LEADER turns. STAHLMAN has come through the inner door and is stood behind SECTION LEADER SHAW.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Get out! Get out both of you!
(STAHLMAN dashes the extinguisher from the SECTION LEADER'S hands. She and PETRA run for the other door. After they have run through, the BRIGADE LEADER pumps three bullets into STAHLMAN. He screeches and falls slowly to the floor.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
26: EXT. COMPLEX
(The BRIGADE LEADER and the two women run out of the switch room building. Not far away, BENTON and another PRIMORD stagger round the side of a building, hunting for their prey. As the three fugitives make a run for the garage area, a quake shakes them to the ground. They get up and only manage a few more yards before a second quake has the same affect. A third quake once more stops their progress. The BRIGADE LEADER helps PETRA to her feet and they run off. Close behind them are BENTON and two PRIMORDS.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
27: EXT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(GREG is still keeping an eye out of the garage door.)
GREG SUTTON: No sign of them - nothing!
(The DOCTOR joins him.)
DOCTOR: Well, that appears to be that. I doubt whether they would have listened to me anyway.
(He goes back in.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
28: EXT. COMPLEX
(The two RSF officers and PETRA continue to run through the complex.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
29: EXT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(GREG sees them approaching.)
GREG SUTTON: They're coming! All three of them!
[SCENE_BREAK]
30: EXT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(GREG runs back into the garage.)
GREG SUTTON: Well done, Petra! Are you ready, Doc?
(The three run into the garage, all looking exhausted and despondent.)
DOCTOR: What's the matter?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I'm sorry, I couldn't get the power through. I did all I could.
DOCTOR: Yes, of course you did, my dear.
GREG SUTTON: Well, we tried, eh Doctor?
DOCTOR: One can't do more than that, Mr. Sutton.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: (Sarcastically.) Oh, very philosophical, Doctor. "Thank you very much, I knew you tried!" All very cosy!
DOCTOR: Hysteria won't help us, Brigade Leader.
(The BRIGADE LEADER can barely control his emotions. He sounds tearful.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Nothing will help us! That wall's gonna blast any minute and we'll all be roasted...alive.
GREG SUTTON: Look what's happening to our hard man! You were all very tough when you were backed up by a bunch of thugs! How do you like it on your own?!
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I warn you...
GREG SUTTON: You warn me?! That's a laugh! You're finished, Brigade Leader - finished!
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I can still deal with you, Sutton!
(He takes his pistol out and jabs it in GREG'S ribs.)
GREG SUTTON: With that? Even if you had the guts, you'd only be doing me a favour.
(The BRIGADE LEADER fires but the magazine is empty. He fires several more times to useless effect and eventually throws the gun to the floor. He shakes with anger.)
GREG SUTTON: What do you do now - slap my wrists?
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I don't need a gun to finish you!
(He makes a run for GREG and grabs him round the throat. GREG pushes his arms away, punches him in the stomach and then on the face. The BRIGADE LEADER staggers back against the shelves and then makes another run at GREG who easily pushes him onto the bonnet of the DOCTOR'S car. He pulls him back up and then punches him to the ground. He jumps on top of him and aims for another punch when...)
DOCTOR: (Shouts.) Listen to that! Do you want to end your lives fighting like animals?!
(GREG lowers his arm. He notices that someone is missing.)
GREG SUTTON: Where's Petra?
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: She's gone back to the main switch room to have another try at getting the power through.
GREG SUTTON: Oh, the idiot! I'd better get after her.
DOCTOR: I'll come with you.
GREG SUTTON: No, Doctor! You stay here. She might just manage it, and if she does, you need to be here.
(GREG runs out.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
31: INT. NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL ROOM
(Against the continuing sound of explosions, STAHLMAN stirs on the floor but then falls back. PETRA, again making adjustments at the console fails to notice. She turns back to the wires under the table and gasps with shock as the door bursts open. It is GREG.)
GREG SUTTON: (Shouts.) What do you think you're doing?!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I'd nearly finished the rewiring when we had to run out of here. I only need a few more minutes.
GREG SUTTON: It was crazy to come back in here!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: It doesn't matter - he's dead.
GREG SUTTON: Well, he may not have been. What are you trying to do - commit suicide?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: What does it matter? We're nearly finished anyway.
(She dives back beneath the console.)
GREG SUTTON: All right - but get a move on!
(GREG moves back to keep an eye on the door. Behind him, STAHLMAN rises to his feet and makes a dive for PETRA. GREG is equally quick to run across the room and grab the fallen fire extinguisher which he fires several times at point blank range at STAHLMAN. The transformed human falls slowly back to the ground. PETRA is already back at the wiring.)
GREG SUTTON: Are you all right?
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: I think so.
(She makes a final connection.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: That should do it.
(She pulls the switch and a hum builds up. A series of four red lights flash on the front of the console.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: It's working!
GREG SUTTON: All right, let's get back to the hut.
(They run out.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
32: INT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
(As power reaches the garage, the column on the console starts to rise and fall and it too starts to hum. The three people react with surprise.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: The power's coming through!
(The DOCTOR runs to the console and starts to look over the readings and manipulate the controls.)
DOCTOR: It's coming through all right, and it's gaining rapidly.
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Hurry, Doctor!
(PETRA and GREG run back in.)
DOCTOR: Well done, Dr. Williams!
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: Quickly, Doctor. The power won't last for long.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Long enough!
(PETRA and the SECTION LEADER turn. The BRIGADE LEADER is holding up his pistol at the DOCTOR.)
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You're going to take us with you, Doctor.
DOCTOR: I can't - that's impossible.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: I advise you to try.
DOCTOR: I can't - I literally can't! It'd create a cosmic disaster.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: You're not going to leave us here!
DOCTOR: Do you think I want to? I'd give anything to save you all.
GREG SUTTON: It's not loaded!
(The BRIGADE LEADER aims his gun at the wall and fires a single shot. He has re-loaded his pistol.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Warning.) Let him go, Brigade Leader.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: We helped him - we've every right to go. I'll give you until three, Doctor. One...
DOCTOR: You'll have to shoot me, Brigade Leader. I have no intention of taking you.
BRIGADE LEADER LETHBRIDGE STEWART: Two...three...
(He jerks as a bullet hits him and he falls. SECTION LEADER SHAW puts away her own gun.)
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: Now's your chance, Doctor!
(GREG pulls the BRIGADE LEADER'S body out of the way.)
GREG SUTTON: Go on, Doctor! Get on with it!
[SCENE_BREAK]
33: EXT. COMPLEX
(Events reach their climax as the final explosions rip through the buildings of the complex. Even BENTON and the PRIMORDS look up in surprise and fear at the apocalypse. A titanic explosion tears the ground to pieces and the few complex workers who remain either stand in stunned silence at their impending doom or run and panic. Moans of grief are heard over the rumbles of disaster and streams of lava pour from the ground. A tattered RSF soldier tries to make a run for it but is stopped in his tracks as he sees spurts of lava ahead of him.)
[SCENE_BREAK]
34: INT. DOCTOR'S GARAGE
SECTION LEADER ELIZABETH SHAW: (Shouts.) Go on, Doctor! Go now!
DOCTOR: (Shouts.) I can't! It's still too erratic!
(A red glow comes through the open door. PETRA turns to look.)
DR. PETRA WILLIAMS: (Screams.) Greg!
(GREG and the SECTION LEADER turn. Through the open doors, a wall of lava is pouring towards the garage, engulfing everything in its path. The survivors within watch helplessly as death flows straight at them...)
Plan: A: the parallel earth; Q: What is doomed? A: the Doctor; Q: Who asks his friends to help him return to his own world? A: his friends' counterparts; Q: Who does the Doctor ask to help him return to his own world? A: the Brigade Leader; Q: Who only sees the TARDIS as a means of escape? Summary: With the parallel earth doomed, the Doctor asks his friends' counterparts to help him return to his own world but the Brigade Leader only sees the TARDIS as a means of escape.