Sunday, 11 April 2021

Well, it Can't ALWAYS Be Like The Relief of Mafeking, You Know...!!

 




 

K-9  -- Activate the Modulation Rejection Pattern.






[Outside the President's office]

 

STOR: 

This is useless. Not even marked. 

Return with the troopers, but make sure they are fully armed. 

Otherwise, I will negate you. Now go.




[Panopticon]

GOMER: 

Undue haste is one thing, 

vulgar bad manners another. 

I normally take the oath to consider an induction, 

let alone assemble one.

 

SAVAR: 

Unsettled times, eh, Gomer? 

Though still, The Time will throw up The Man.

 

GOMER: 

They say with time, Wisdom comes to A Man. 

Aren't you due for regeneration?

 

SAVAR: 

I believe I have wisdom to fit my years.

 

GOMER: 

Just so, Lord Savar. 

Cyclic burst.

 

SAVAR: 

I beg your pardon?

 

GOMER: 

The Answer may lie in 

The Cyclic Burst ratio.

 

SAVAR: 

Black Star protect us -- 

What is a cyclic burst ratio?

 

GOMER: 

A little study of mine, a hobby. 

You comprehend my hobby?

 

SAVAR: 

I believe I've come across it, sir, 

but I fail to understand any significant meaning.

 

(Leela and Andred enter.)

 

GOMER: 

That does not surprise me. 

I'm making a study of what I would term 

'Wavelength Broadcast Power Transduction.'

 

SAVAR: 

Really.

 

GOMER: 

Yes. You see, I've noticed lately, 

well, over the last decade or so, 

an enormous fluctuation in relative wavelength transduction 

over a particularly narrow band.

 

[ Those are The Vardans. ]

 

(Fanfare. Gold User leads three guards down the steps, carrying the regalia of Rassilon on red inflated plastic cushions. The Doctor waits until they get to the bottom, then walks down and steps onto the dais.)

 

GOLD USHER: 

Honoured members of 

The Supreme Council, 

Cardinals, Time Lords, 

Madam

We are here today to honour 

The Will and the Wisdom of Rassilon.

 

(He strikes the floor with his staff three times.)

 

[President's quarters]

 

(Kelner enters.)

 

BORUSA: 

Castellan.

 

KELNER: 

Is The President still resting in your room, Chancellor?

 

BORUSA: 

He is.

 

KELNER: 

And he's been there all the time in your room?

 

BORUSA: 

He has, 

and I've been here.

 

KELNER: 

I think you should rouse him now. 

I would very much like to speak with him.

 

[Chancellory]

(The Doctor comes back through the secret door and puts the tapestry back into place. There is a knock on the door. He dashes over to the recliner and lies down. A second knock, and Kelner enters with Borusa behind him.)

 

BORUSA: 

Your Excellence. 

Your Excellence?

 

DOCTOR: 

Hmm?

 

BORUSA: 

Castellan Kelner wishes to speak with you.

 

DOCTOR: 

Good. Bring him in.

 

KELNER: 

I trust that you feel better for your rest, sir? 

 

DOCTOR: 

Mmm, thank you.

 

KELNER: 

I'm afraid I have to tell you that

The Girl has evaded her captors

and is hiding somewhere in The Citadel.

 

DOCTOR: 

Castellan, how did that happen?

 

KELNER: 

Regrettable oversights on the part of one of my guards.

 

DOCTOR: 

Castellan! 

You are responsible for security. 

You see to it.

 

KELNER: 

Immediately, Eminence.

 

DOCTOR: 

Borusa! Call a meeting of The Council at once!

 

BORUSA: 

But Excellency —

 

DOCTOR: 

At once! No excuses! Get out! 

Get out! Get out!

 

(Kelner and Borusa back out, and the Doctor slams the door in their faces.)

 

[Space Traffic Control]

 

RODAN: 

I do find astrophysics a bore, I must say,

but then one must fight them on their own terms, don't you think?

 

LEELA: 

Oh, one must, one must, yes.

 

RODAN: 

I knew I'd like you. 

Come in.

 

(Rodan releases the forcefield Leela is leaning against, and she tumbles forward. An alarm sounds, and the Vardan cruiser appears on the screen.)

 

RODAN: 

It can't be! 

No creature would dare

(into comm.

Space Traffic Control. 

Code Beta Three. 

An alien spacecraft within two spans. 

Course zero to Gallifrey, immediate. 

Raise The Transduction Barrier to factor five. 

Red alert. I repeat, red alert.

 

(As the alarm sounds in an area full of fancy equipment, K9 shoots a guard and heads down to a series of control panels which he then blasts to atoms.)

 

RODAN: 

Then find him. 

I must speak to Lord Castellan.

 

(Kelner is answering the Doctor's summons to the Panopticon.)

 

RODAN: 

(broadcast) 

The transduction barrier has failed. 

We are being invaded!

 

[Panopticon]

 

DOCTOR: 

Gentlemen, this is no ordinary meeting. 

I'm privileged to introduce to you your new Masters.

 

(The Doctor kneels. There is a crackling sound and three vaguely humanoid shapes of aluminium foil appear. The Doctor cackles, evilly.)

 

Part Three

[Panopticon]

 

BORUSA: 

He's mad! Guard!

 

(A guard on the steps draws his weapon. A Vardan moves towards him, and the beam bounces off him back to the guard. Basically, he shoots himself.)

 

DOCTOR:

Resistance is Useless

The Vardans have more power than we have dreamed of and more knowledge than we can hope for. 

You must submit the way I did when I first met them.

 

BORUSA: 

And when was that?

 

DOCTOR: 

A long time ago.

 

BORUSA: 

So you knew about this all the time. 

You knew about this before your induction.

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes, before that, yes.

 

BORUSA: 

And all you know is in The Matrix.

 

DOCTOR: 

And all I know is in The Matrix.

 

BORUSA: 

You really disappoint me, Doctor. 

I expected better of you.

 

DOCTOR: 

Did you really? 

Thank you.

 

 

 

[Space Traffic Control]

RODAN: 

The invaders are in control.

 

LEELA: 

Good. Now we can fight them.

 

RODAN: 

Didn't you hear the Lord President's announcement? 

We must submit.

 

LEELA: 

You keep your Lord President, 

I'll keep my Doctor. 

He has a plan.

 

RODAN: 

What plan?

 

LEELA: 

I don't know.

 

RODAN: 

Then how can you say?

 

LEELA: 

He always has a plan.

 

[Panopticon]

DOCTOR: 

You will now disperse until my next summons.

 

(Kelner and the Time Lords leave.)

 

BORUSA: 

You have no right!

 

DOCTOR: 

Borusa. Have you carried out my instructions?

 

BORUSA: 

Regarding what, Supremacy?

 

DOCTOR: 

The redecoration of my office.

 

BORUSA: 

The matter is in hand.

 

DOCTOR: 

Ah. 

(sotto) 

But is it finished?

 

BORUSA: 

I believe so.

 

DOCTOR: 

Confirm it, and meet me there within the hour.

 

(Borusa nods and leaves.)

 

LEADER: 

Congratulations, Doctor. 

You show great promise in The Application of Power

You could be a first grade dictator.

 

DOCTOR:

 Thank you. You're very kind. 

That's very kind of you. 

(sotto, walking away)

 

K9.

 

LEADER: 

What did you say?

 

DOCTOR: 

Nothing.

 

LEADER: 

Doctor?

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes?

 

LEADER: 

How long will it take you to find the Great Key?

 

DOCTOR: 

Oh. Oh, it's just a matter of time.

 

(The Doctor leaves. K9 is on his way.)

 

 

 

[Space Traffic Control]

LEELA: 

There's no point in further discussion.

 Discussion is for 

The Wise or The Helpless, 

and I am neither.

 

RODAN :

Then what are you going to do?

 

LEELA: 

Well, if The Doctor wished me banished, 

I'll be banished.

 

RODAN:

You will surrender?

 

LEELA: 

No! You talk always of surrender. 

Are all your tribe like this?

 

RODAN: 

We are rational.

 

LEELA: 

You are cowards.

No, if the Doctor wished me banished, 

it was for a reason.

 

RODAN:

Reason dictates The Doctor is a Traitor.

 

LEELA: 

Never!

 

RODAN:

Reason dictates!

 

LEELA: 

Then Reason is a LIAR!

 

RODAN:

And if I am right?

 

LEELA: 

Then I am wrong

and 

I will face the consequence. 

Are you coming?

 

(Rodan nods and takes Leela's outstretched hand.)

 

[President's office]

(The Doctor ducks away from his escort into his newly decorated office. The walls and doors are dull grey metal with a multitude of various wheels in relief. Borusa is waiting.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Nice. Yes, really nice. 

Bit rococo for a purist like me. 

What are you doing here, Borusa?

 

BORUSA: 

You wished to see me, your Excellence.

 

DOCTOR: 

Did I? Did I really? 

Oh yes, yes. 

Are the decorations complete?

 

BORUSA:

As you can see.

 

DOCTOR:

Completely complete.

 

BORUSA:

To the last detail.

 

DOCTOR:

No substitutes, no forgeries, no penny-pinching?

 

BORUSA: 

They are the finest to be had in the whole Thessorian Empire.

 

DOCTOR: 

And this exquisite relief work, in pure lead?

 

BORUSA: 

As you can see?

 

DOCTOR: 

Good — Now at last, we can talk.

 

[Corridor]

(Leela and Rodan make their way along carefully.)

 

ANDRED: 

Stop!

 

[President's office]

BORUSA: 

But the strain must have been intolerable.

 

DOCTOR: 

Nearly. I owe you a great deal, Lord Borusa. 

Especially apologies for the indignities and insults I threw at you.

 

BORUSA: 

The President need apologise to no one.

 

DOCTOR: 

Thank you.

 

BORUSA: 

The President --

 

DOCTOR: 

— need thank no one. True, very true.

It's a habit I picked up.

 

BORUSA: 

How accurate is your data?

 

DOCTOR: 

Absolutely accurate, but not yet complete.

 

BORUSA: 

The Vardans can travel along wavelengths of any sort?

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes.

 

BORUSA: 

In the sense that any electro-temporal field aids communication,

are they -- Telepathic?

 

DOCTOR: 

Hmm, yes. 

They can read thoughts.

 

BORUSA: 

But a lead-lined room would shield you from them.

 

DOCTOR: 

True.

 

BORUSA: 

Yet you maintained a partial shielding unaided.

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, I had the benefit of your training.

 

BORUSA: 

And you did not think that I could shield myself?

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, Lord Borusa, 

You and the other Time Lords are singularly logical, hmm? 

You're also short on Humour and Imagination. 

You can't offer distractions as I can

What's for tea?

 

BORUSA: 

Tea?

 

DOCTOR: 

Tea.

 

BORUSA: 

Tea is Camillia in dried form --

 

DOCTOR: 

I know what tea is.

 

BORUSA: 

Well, what's that got to do with 

The Threat from The Vardans?!

 

DOCTOR: 

See, you're too single-minded. 

You're as transparent as good, old fashioned glass.

 

BORUSA: 

You're right..!! -- I wouldn't last a moment

My mind is too easy to read. 

The Master learns from The Student, eh, Doctor?

 

[Corridor]

 

RODAN: 

So, what are you going to do?

 

ANDRED: 

That depends. 

How much is she involved with The Invaders?

 

LEELA: 

I am not involved with them. 

I am against them.

 

RODAN: 

She doesn't even know who they are.

 

ANDRED: 

But she's The President's friend.

 

LEELA: 

Yes, I am.

I want to save him.

 

ANDRED: 

And that's why you destroyed The Transduction Barrier.

 

LEELA: 

I destroyed the?

 

RODAN: 

She couldn't have. 

She was with me.

 

ANDRED: 

Who did, then?

 

RODAN: 

I have no idea. 

Oh look, we must get out of The Citadel.

 

ANDRED: 

What for?

 

RODAN: 

Well, it's safer than staying in here.

 

ANDRED: 

All right. But be careful. 

There's a total curfew on. 

If any of my men see you, they'll shoot.

 

RODAN: 

What?

 

ANDRED: 

Kelner's orders.

 

RODAN: 

Oh, come with us, Andred.

 

ANDRED : 

Somebody's got to try and balance Castellan Kelner. 

He's having a lovely time, 

settling old scores, locking people up. 

Besides, you never know, 

there might be a chance to have a go at The Invaders.

 

LEELA: 

Come on.

 

(Rodan and Leela leave.)

 

ANDRED: 

Or even The President.

 

[President's office]

BORUSA: 

But why banish your friend Leela?

 

DOCTOR: 

Because she could be the biggest danger of all.

 

BORUSA: 

Oh, yes. If I'm as transparent as good, old-fashioned glass....

 

(Leela and Rodan have acquired cloaks to wear.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Until she gets to outer Gallifrey. 

 

BORUSA: 

That Barbarian Garden? 

How can she be safe there?

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, that Barbarian Garden's her natural habitat. 

She's a huntress, a creature of instinct. 

The power out there —

 

BORUSA: 

I know. Awful. 

Can she survive?

 

[Wilderness]

(Leela and Rodan make their way across sand dunes under an orange sky.)

 

RODAN: 

Oh, I'm so tired. I must rest.

 

LEELA: 

We haven't come far enough.

 

RODAN: 

I never thought it'd be like this.

 

LEELA: 

What, you've never been outside The Citadel before?

 

RODAN: 

No, why should I have? 

There's everything we need inside.

 

LEELA

This is much better than inside.

 

RODAN

It's frightening.

 

LEELA

Why are you scared?

 

RODAN

It's all so -- natural.

 

LEELA: 

We must go on. 

They can still see us here from The Citadel.

 

RODAN: 

How much further?

 

LEELA: 

Just over there, then you can rest.

 

RODAN: 

All right.

 

LEELA: Come on.

 

(Further on.)

 

RODAN: 

Now can we rest?

 

LEELA: 

Yes. Yes, rest here.

 

RODAN: 

Whose stupid idea was it to leave The Citadel?

 

LEELA: 

Oh, you'd rather be with The Invaders?

 

RODAN: 

No, you're quite right. 

It's got to be safer here.

 

(A spear slams into the sand beside her. They are suddenly surrounded by a hunting band.)

 

[Castellan's office]

 

KELNER: 

You will stay with the President at all times. 

You will be his personal bodyguard, do you understand?

 

BODYGUARD: 

Yes, Castellan.

 

KELNER: 

You will take your orders only from me

and you will report to me everything the President says and does. 

Understood?

 

BODYGUARD: 

Of course, Castellan.

 

KELNER: 

You see, there may be those who wish to dispose of The President, 

but you will protect him against every threat 

until I tell you otherwise.

 

BODYGUARD: 

Nothing will happen to him while I'm guarding him, Castellan.

 

KELNER: 

Good. Because if anything does happen, 

I would have to take over as President, 

and I have no wish to expose myself to the dangers of that position -- for The Moment.

 

BODYGUARD: 

I understand perfectly, sir.

 

KELNER: 

Good. You will be suitably rewarded when the time comes. 

Now go about your business.

 

BODYGUARD: 

Yes, sir. And thank you.

 

[Nesbin's camp]

(Leela and Rodin are lead through the scrub to a tatty encampment.)

 

NESBIN: 

What's this?

 

ABLIF: 

We found them, Nesbin.

 

NESBIN: 

Found them?

 

ABLIF: 

Thought they were game at first. 

Jasko nearly put a spear through them.

 

NESBIN: 

Were they armed?

 

ABLIF: 

This one was. 

It took all of us to get it off her.

 

(He hands over Leela's knife.)

 

NESBIN: 

She is very strange.

 

(Leela takes Nesbin's pointing hand and neatly throws him onto his back, getting her knife back.)

 

LEELA: 

Then don't touch me!

 

NESBIN: 

Well, it speaks.

 

LEELA: 

I am not an it. 

I am Leela. This is Rodan. 

Who are you and what do you want with us?

 

NESBIN: 

I am Nesbin.

 

LEELA: 

The Leader?

 

NESBIN: 

Yes. This is Presta.

 

(A young woman comes forward.)

 

NESBIN: 

And this is Ablif. 

But what is more to the point, what do you want with us?

 

RODAN: 

We don't want anything with you.

 

PRESTA: 

It's a trick. They've come here to trap us.

 

ABLIF: 

Yes, send them back to The City 

before they bring their guards on us.

 

RODAN: 

No, we're escaping from The City.

 

NESBIN: 

Well, then you do want something from us.

 

RODAN: What?

 

NESBIN: Protection. Help. You can't survive out here without.

 

LEELA: I can survive anywhere.

 

NESBIN: I believe that. What are you?

 

LEELA: I am a warrior of the Sevateem.

 

PRESTA: An alien! That's dangerous. Surely they'll come hunting for her?

 

NESBIN: We'll consider that in a moment. Well, warrior, I don't doubt that you can survive, but what about your friend here?

 

RODAN: 

What about me?

 

NESBIN: 

Well, you're no alien. 

I doubt if you've ever set foot outside The Citadel in your life before, have you?

 

RODAN: 

No.

 

NESBIN: 

Well, out here it's different

You have to fend for yourself.

 

RODAN: 

Fend?

 

NESBIN: 

That's right. 

What are you going to eat, for instance?

 

RODAN: I have some supplies. Look.

 

(Some tablets in a box in her belt pouch.)

 

NESBIN: 

They won't last long. 

When they've gone, what will you do?

 

RODAN: 

I, I don't know.

 

NESBIN: 

I thought not. 

You wouldn't even know what you could eat, would you? 

Have you ever eaten flesh or fruit?

 

RODAN: 

No.

 

NESBIN: 

And shelter. Do you understand the need for shelter? 

No, of course you don't. 

You wouldn't last three days out here.

 

RODAN: 

I didn't realise. 

I'm so tired and cold.

 

NESBIN: 

Better get her inside.

 

PRESTA: 

Are we going to let them stay, then?

 

NESBIN: 

We'll decide about that when we've heard Their Story. 

This one'll need rest and shelter before she can tell us anything.

 

[President's office]

 

BORUSA: 

How much have you told me?

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, as much as I dare.

 

BORUSA: 

Just so I know how much I am liable to give away.

 

DOCTOR: 

You'll be all right. 

Do you think you can do it?

 

BORUSA: 

Yes.

 

DOCTOR: 

You're a brave man, Borusa.

 

BORUSA: 

I am a Cardinal.

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes. Yes, well, this shielding'll make them suspicious if we stay out of sight too long. Let's go.

 

(K9 returns to the Tardis and opens a panel in the console base.)

 

 

 

[Castellan's office]

 

 

 

(The Vardans are with Kelner when The Doctor, Borusa and their escort enter.)

 

DOCTOR: 

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.

 

KELNER: 

It is I who should apologise

 

DOCTOR: 

I wasn't talking to you. Move over. 

Shall we start? Chancellor, these are our new masters. 

I order you to acknowledge their absolute authority.

 

BORUSA: 

You have no authority under the Constitution to order the Chancellor to do anything.

 

DOCTOR: 

The Constitution is suspended as of now.

 

BORUSA: 

This is monstrous, President.

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes, but it is so. Do it.

 

BORUSA: 

Never. I will not submit to these creatures. 

I am a Time Lord, a --

 

(A white beam hits Borusa, making him gasp and start to double over in pain.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Don't destroy him. He might be useful to us.

 

LEADER: 

You will be responsible for him.

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes, of course. Yes, of course.

 

(The beam stops.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Get up, you stiff-necked old Chancellor. Get up. 

Castellan, have the Chancellor removed to his quarters.

 

KELNER: 

Guards, escort the Chancellor to his rooms. 

Remain on guard.

 

DOCTOR: 

And don't let anyone in or out. 

He's under house arrest.

 

(The guards take Borusa away.)

 

DOCTOR: 

You have to admire him. He has courage.

 

LEADER: 

He is foolish. If he causes trouble, we shall destroy him, and you also.

 

DOCTOR: 

I've kept my part of the bargain. 

What more do you want?

 

LEADER: 

More? We haven't begun yet. 

When we are certain that we have complete dominance over your people, 

then we shall reveal our requirements to you.

 

DOCTOR: 

And yourselves, I hope. 

I find it disconcerting talking to shimmering shapes.

 

LEADER: 

The time is not right. 

First you must complete the arrangements for the subjugation of your people.

 

DOCTOR: 

Naturally, naturally. 

Well, Castellan, the Chancellor doesn't seem too keen to help. 

How about you?

 

KELNER: 

It is my duty, sir, to serve The President at all times. 

I will do whatever you wish.

 

DOCTOR: 

I thought you would. 

You can start by making sure that no one organises any resistance. 

That's the last thing I want.

 

KELNER: 

Of course, sir. 

Peaceful cooperation is a much more fruitful course.

 

DOCTOR: 

Good. Listen, 

Why don't you regard yourself as Acting Vice-President?

 

KELNER: 

Oh, thank you, sir.

 

DOCTOR: 

And you'd better make me a list of all Time Lords holding official positions, 

and let me know which ones you think are reliable.

 

KELNER: 

Yes, of course, sir. 

And perhaps you'd like a list of all known trouble makers at the same time?

 

DOCTOR: That's the stuff. Off you go.

 

(Kelner bows himself out. The bodyguard stands in the background as the Doctor sits in Kelner's chair.)

 

DOCTOR: 

I knew we could rely on him. 

Well, now that you're safely here, why don't you, er, make yourselves comfortable, hmm?

 

(K9 continues to do something clever with the Tardis console. Kelner returns with a data pack.)

 

KELNER: 

Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes. A jelly baby. My right hand pocket.

 

(Kelner takes out a paper bag.)

 

KELNER: 

What colour would you prefer, sir?

 

DOCTOR: 

Orange.

 

KELNER: 

There doesn't appear to be an orange one.

 

DOCTOR: 

One grows tired of jelly babies, Castellan.

 

KELNER: Oh, indeed one does, sir.

 

DOCTOR: One grows tired of almost everything, Castellan.

 

KELNER: Indeed, sir.

 

DOCTOR: Except power.

 

KELNER: Yes.

 

DOCTOR: Is the curfew effective?

 

KELNER: No incidents have been reported, sir.

 

DOCTOR: What a splendidly subservient Citadel you do run, Castellan.

 

KELNER: You are too generous, sir.

 

DOCTOR: Have you brought the list?

 

KELNER: Sir.

 

(Kelner gives him the data pack.)

 

DOCTOR: 

So these Time Lords are the only potential rebels to our new regime, hmm?

 

KELNER: 

Yes, sir. I have checked all the bio-data extracts personally.

 

DOCTOR: 

You have?

 

KELNER: 

Well, er, with one or two exceptions, 

such as your good self.

 

DOCTOR: Hmm. I should thing so, too. 

Well, if these are the only threats to our new regime, 

we'd better do something about them.

 

LEADER: 

Unreliable elements must be destroyed.

 

DOCTOR: 

Oh, I hardly think so. 

They may be persuaded to see reason 

and some of them might be useful to us.

 

LEADER: 

There is no choice.

 

DOCTOR: 

Oh, but there is.

 

KELNER: 

There is, sir?

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes. Expulsion.

 

LEADER: 

Expulsion?

 

KELNER: 

Yes, that's an excellent idea, sir.

 

DOCTOR: 

None of them can survive out there without help, 

and there's no help out there.

 

KELNER: 

Oh yes, sir, that's an admirable detail. 

Once people realise that they'll liable to expulsion, they will quickly come to heel.

 

LEADER: 

Very well, we approve. 

But Leaders such as Chancellor Borusa shall be kept here in confinement.

 

DOCTOR: 

Naturally. Well, see to it, Castellan. 

Oh, and Castellan, if I were you, 

I'd put them out one by one.

 

KELNER: Yes, sir. I will start at once.

 

DOCTOR: Good.

 

(Kelner leaves.)

 

DOCTOR: Well, that's a good morning's work, wouldn't you say?

 

LEADER: Your progress so far has been quite satisfactory.

 

DOCTOR: Isn't it time we shared a bit of trust? I mean, couldn't you materialise and have a jelly baby?

 

LEADER: We are not ready yet.

 

DOCTOR: Oh.

 

LEADER: Your next task will be to dismantle the quantum force field around Gallifrey.

 

DOCTOR: Dismantle it? That's not possible.

 

LEADER: It has to be possible.

 

DOCTOR: But if we tamper with that, the whole planet could be vaporised.

 

LEADER: You will find a way.

 

DOCTOR: I can't.

 

LEADER: You will!

 

 

 

[Nesbin's camp]

 

(Mealtime, at a wooden table with wooden plates and bowls. Leela and Rodan have fur cloaks like the others now.)

 

NESBIN: 

Gallifrey invaded? Nonsense. 

That's impossible.

 

LEELA: 

How do you know? You're not a Time Lord.

 

NESBIN: 

Oh, but we are, or rather, we were 

until we decided to drop out.

 

LEELA: 

What is 'drop out'? You fell?

 

NESBIN: 

All that Peace and Eternal Tranquillity. 

We decided to get back to Nature out here.

 

LEELA: 

Is this True?

 

RODAN: 

Well, I've heard it rumoured, 

but it's a subject that's never mentioned.

 

NESBIN: 

Well no, it wouldn't be. 

Might upset their cosy little world.

 

LEELA: 

Then you like fighting. Good.

 

NESBIN: 

Oh, now wait a minute, listen.

 

LEELA: 

No, you listen to me, before it's too late.

 

[Castellan's office]

KELNER: 

Your record shows, Gomer, that you are politically unreliable.

 

GOMER: 

Unreliable? How dare you, Kelner. 

There's not a more loyal Time Lord in all Gallifrey.

 

KELNER: 

Exactly. 

Loyal to the old ways.

 

GOMER: 

What other ways are there?

 

KELNER: 

You are considered to be dangerous, a threat to the new regime.

 

GOMER: 

I consider that to be a compliment, Kelner. 

Thank you. I may be getting old, but if I had a weapon to use against these invaders, I'd -

 

KELNER: 

You'd use it. Yes. 

Yes, you would. I think we'd be a lot safer with you out of the way.

 

GOMER: 

What are you going to do with me?

 

KELNER: 

By order of the President, you are to be expelled from the Citadel.

 

[Corridor]

 

(Andred holds Gomer's arm as they walk along.)

 

GOMER: 

I'm sorry I can't go any faster. 

By the time you're my age, 

I'm in my tenth regeneration, you know

 

ANDRED: 

Yes, sir, I know. 

I don't mind how slowly we go.

 

GOMER: 

In my younger days I was considered to be lively enough.

 

ANDRED: 

That's why you're being put out now.

 

GOMER: 

Oh, yes, it would be. 

Kelner and his sort never let bygones be bygones. 

We never got on, never saw eye to eye. 

To tell you the truth, 

I can't stand the fellow.

 

ANDRED: 

You're not alone in that.

 

GOMER: 

Watch your step, young man, 

or you'll be following me out there.

 

ANDRED: 

Oh, I don't think so. 

Some of us intend to do something about all this. 

It's all right, they're with me.

 

GOMER: 

Are they indeed?

 

ANDRED: 

There are plenty of us, more than Kelner and the President bargained for, 

and we're gaining strength every hour.

 

GOMER: 

Good for you, young Andred. 

Good for you. 

Now, can I stay and help?

 

ANDRED: 

Thank you, but I must put you out, sir. 

If I don't, Castellan Kelner will get suspicious.

 

GOMER: 

Yes, I understand.

 

ANDRED: 

But you may find help outside.

 

GOMER: 

Help? Out there?

 

ANDRED: 

Rodan and the alien girl Leela are already out there. 

Others are following.

 

 

 

[Nesbin's camp]

NESBIN: 

But you can't even take care of yourselves!

 

LEELA: 

Try me!

 

NESBIN: 

When I'm not busy.

 

ABLIF: 

Now that's the language I do understand.

 

LEELA: 

Then we are agreed? 

We shall fight!

 

[Corridor]

BODYGUARD: 

Where are we going, sir?

 

DOCTOR: 

I'm not at Liberty to say.

 

[Somewhere in the Citadel]

 

(Andred greets two Time Lords.)

 

ANDRED

You came. Good. Now, listen to me. 

Before we can do anything against The Invaders, 

we have to dispose of The President. 

I know it's against every Law of The Land, 

and it'll mean Breaking My Oath, 

but I believe he's forfeited The Right to Protection. 

He's a Traitor who's brought these creatures in, 

and he must die. 

Are you with me?

 

MAN 1: Yes.

 

MAN 2: Yes.

 

ANDRED: 

Right. We must get him away from his invader friends and away from Kelner's tame bodyguard, then we can strike.

 

[Citadel]

(The Doctor unlocks the Tardis.)

 

DOCTOR: 

No, no, no. 

You stay here.

 

BODYGUARD: 

But sir, I can't. 

I must stay with you. 

Castellan's orders.

 

DOCTOR: 

Rescinded.

 

BODYGUARD: 

Beg pardon, sir?

 

DOCTOR: 

Do you know what this is?

 

(The Doctor opens his jacket to reveal that he is still wearing the Sash. The bodyguard kneels.)

 

BODYGUARD: 

Yes, Excellence.

 

DOCTOR: 

Will you disobey me?

 

BODYGUARD: 

The Castellan will have me shot, sir.

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, that's all right. 

I'll have him shot. 

You stay there.

 

[Tardis console room]

DOCTOR: 

How's it going, K9?

 

[Citadel]

 

(Andred enters and shoots the bodyguard.)

 

ANDRED:

Now, look. I'll go in first.

 

[Tardis console room]

 

DOCTOR: 

K9?

 

(The Doctor uses the Tardis' PA system.)

 

DOCTOR: 

K9, this is no time to be enjoying yourself, all right?

 

(K9 detaches himself from the console.)

 

K9: 

Absorption of data most satisfactory, master.

 

DOCTOR: 

Good. Take this. 

I could try it myself, but they'd be sure to find out.

 

(The Doctor places the Matrix circlet on K9's head.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Come on, K9. 

Come on. 

Easy, easy, easy. Steady now.

 

K9: 

Primary circuits locked in.

 

DOCTOR: Good.

 

(The doors start to open.)

 

K9: 

Commencing secondary feed.

 

DOCTOR: 

Excellent. Ah, Andred. 

I've got something for you. A surprise.

 

ANDRED: 

In The Name of Liberty and Honour, 

I sentence you to Death, Traitor.

 

DOCTOR: 

Oh, but.

 

 

 

Part Four

 

[Tardis console room]

 

DOCTOR: 

Don't point that thing at me!

I am The President, you know. 

You owe me a little respect. 

Stun him, K9.

 

(The Doctor catches Andred as he slowly topples backwards, stunned, and lays him on the floor.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Good dog. 

Well, don't just stand there, reconnect.

 

K9: Commencing reconnection.

 

 

 

[Castellan's office]

 

KELNER: 

Arrest Commander Andred and his guards. 

If they resist, kill them.

 

GUARD: 

Yes, sir.

 

(The guard leaves.)

 

LEADER: 

There is something wrong?

 

KELNER: 

Nothing my guards cannot deal with, honoured sir. 

A minor infringement of discipline.

 

LEADER: 

You are right. Lack of discipline cannot be tolerated.

 

[Tardis console room]

 

DOCTOR: 

Come on, K9, come on.

 

(Andred wakes up.)

 

ANDRED: 

Die, Traitor.

 

DOCTOR: 

Not now. Can't you see I'm busy?

 

(Andred tries to shoot the Doctor.)

 

DOCTOR: 

It won't work in here. 

It's a patrol staser. 

It doesn't operate, you see, not in a relative dimensional stabiliser field.

 

ANDRED: 

What Treachery are you attempting now?

 

DOCTOR: 

A rather more effective Treachery than yours, I hope.

 

(Outside, the new bunch of guards shoot the two Time Lords and Andred's guards, and report back.)

 

ANDRED: 

Now look, you're surrounded. 

There's no way you can leave this craft and live. 

Didn't you hear me?

 

DOCTOR: 

I heard. K9? 

I'm going out for a few moments. 

I'll rely on you. 

And you, don't touch anything.

 

ANDRED: 

Goodbye, Doctor.

 

[Citadel]

 

(The Doctor sees the pile of bodies on his doorstep.)

 

DOCTOR: 

What's going on out here?

 

GUARD: 

They were trying to assassinate you.

 

DOCTOR: 

What? Did you have to kill them all?

 

GUARD: Yes.

 

DOCTOR: I see.

 

GUARD: 

Lord President, I don't think you understand the seriousness of the situation.

 

DOCTOR: 

But I assure you I do, I do. 

Someone's made an attempt on my life 

and you let the ringleader escape.

 

GUARD: 

Ringleader, sir?

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes, your own commander, Andred.

 

GUARD: 

Don't worry, sir, he won't get far.

 

DOCTOR: 

I hope not. You get after him before he tries again.

 

GUARD: Yes, sir.

 

(He leaves one guard to protect the President. The Doctor goes back inside the Tardis.)

 

 

 

[Tardis console room]

DOCTOR: 

No way to go out there and leave. 

I've got news for you.

 

ANDRED: 

What?

 

DOCTOR: 

You're stuck here.

 

ANDRED: 

What?

 

DOCTOR: 

Your pitiful attempt at Revolution has failed.

 

(The Doctor shuts the TARDIS doors.)

 

ANDRED: 

You're lying.

 

DOCTOR: 

I'm the living proof I'm not. 

I don't know what they teach you at the Academy these days, 

but if you can't pull off a simple palace revolution, 

what can you pull off, hmm?

 

ANDRED: 

I don't believe you.

 

(Andred tries to activate the scanner.)

 

ANDRED: 

It's jammed.

 

DOCTOR:

Yes. And it's going to stay jammed until the invaders have gone. 

You see, while I'm in here, 

they can't touch me, 

and they can't read my thoughts.

 

ANDRED: 

You mean they can travel along any form 

of broadcast wavelength?

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes, and materialise at the end of it. 

But until they do materialise, 

I can't identify their planet of origin and time loop it.

 

ANDRED: 

But you have access to the greatest source of knowledge in the universe.

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, I do talk to myself sometimes, yes.

 

ANDRED: 

I mean The Matrix.

 

DOCTOR: 

Oh. Oh, that old thing. 

Yeah. There's a problem there

I've been under a bit of a strain recently. 

You see, 

The Matrix has been invaded.

 

ANDRED: 

The Matrix has been invaded?

 

DOCTOR: 

Yes.

 

ANDRED : 

Why haven't you explained this to The Supreme Council?

 

DOCTOR: 

Shush. 

Because they can read thoughts

Even encephalographic patterns. 

That's why I've plugged K9 into the Matrix instead of me --

He's got no brains, you see.

 Sorry about that, K9.

 

ANDRED: 

Can you Trust A Machine?

 

DOCTOR: 

This one I can --

He's My Second-Best Friend.

 

 

 

[Castellan's office]

 

 

 

KELNER: 

There is another matter I should like to raise with you, sir.

 

LEADER: 

Well?

 

KELNER: 

Unfortunately, it is a matter of some delicacy.

 

LEADER: 

Speak.

 

KELNER: 

The President has been behaving, well, strangely. 

Just a suspicion, no more.

 

(The Vardans laugh.)

 

LEADER: 

We speculated as to how long it would take for you to recognise and report this.

 

KELNER: 

You knew?

 

LEADER: 

We have suspected The Doctor since we first made contact. 

We shall deal with him soon.

 

 

 

[Tardis console room]

 

 

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, at least they don't suspect me.

 

ANDRED: 

Yes. Banishing Leela and the others was the best way of protecting them.

 

DOCTOR: 

Hmm. (eureka moment) 

It might just work. 

Give me your helmet.

 

(The Doctor takes it and goes deeper into the Tardis.)

 

ANDRED: 

He's mad. One of us is mad. 

It's either him...

 

 

 

[Castellan's office]

 

 

 

(The Vardan leader is 'sitting' in Kelner's chair.)

 

LEADER: And all the rebels are dead?

 

KELNER: Yes, all except Commander Andred.

 

LEADER: Ah, you took him prisoner. Good. Bring him to us.

 

KELNER: No sir, I'm afraid he has escaped.

 

LEADER: Escaped?

 

KELNER: My men have made a thorough search of the Citadel, sir. He is not inside. He must have escaped to Outer Gallifrey.

 

LEADER: To Outer Gallifrey? This is most unsatisfactory.

 

KELNER: 

There is no need to worry, sir. 

He won't survive out there for long. 

 

No one does.

 

 

 

[Nesbin's camp]

 

 

 

(Archery practice, and Leela's bulls eye raises a cheer.)

 

NESBIN: Good shot.

 

LEELA: It's a good weapon. We must make some more.

 

NESBIN: We'll need to if we're to go on feeding this lot. How many more is he going to expel?

 

LEELA: Not for food. We shall need more weapons if we are to attack the Citadel.

 

NESBIN: We can't fight with these?

 

(Leela gets a second bulls eye.)

 

LEELA: Why not?

 

 

 

[Tardis console room]

 

 

 

(The Doctor enters and throws the helmet to Andred.)

 

DOCTOR: That should keep them guessing.

 

ANDRED: My helmet?

 

DOCTOR: Yes, I built a partial encephalographic barrier into it. It'll keep your deepest thoughts hidden, but you're going to have to concentrate. Can you do that?

 

ANDRED: Yes.

 

DOCTOR: Good.

 

ANDRED: What?

 

DOCTOR: Never mind.

 

K9: Master?

 

DOCTOR: K9.

 

(K9 detaches himself from the Tardis console.)

 

K9: Channel located.

 

DOCTOR: What is it?

 

K9: It is an outer spatial exploration and investigation channel, number nine nine seven seven nine five seven positive.

 

DOCTOR: Can you tell where it's tuned to?

 

K9: Negative.

 

DOCTOR: Why not, K9? Sorry. Go on, K9.

 

K9: There is considerable radiolactic interference.

 

DOCTOR: Is there now? That's interesting. Is it deliberate?

 

K9: Probability ninety five percent.

 

DOCTOR: We're going to have to force them to materialise before we can identify their planet of origin.

 

(The Doctor takes the circlet off K9's head.)

 

DOCTOR: K9? I'm going to have to play along with them again.

 

ANDRED: What are you going to do?

 

DOCTOR: I'm going to dismantle the forcefield around Gallifrey.

 

ANDRED: What?

 

DOCTOR: It's the only way to convince them that we're really cooperating.

 

ANDRED: But that could blow us all to pieces.

 

DOCTOR: Yes.

 

ANDRED: You can't do that.

 

DOCTOR: I can't, but Rassilon can.

 

ANDRED: Yes. Rassilon's dead.

 

DOCTOR: Yes.

 

ANDRED: Eons ago.

 

DOCTOR: That's right, but his mind lives on in the APC net. I'm part of that net now. Rassilon built the forcefield. Maybe he can dismantle it.

 

ANDRED: But if you do that, you'll leave the whole of Gallifrey defenceless.

 

DOCTOR: Exactly! Which is why it's the only way to convince them. How do you feel about that?

 

ANDRED: Well, I

 

DOCTOR: That's the spirit. K9, you're in charge.

 

(The Doctor leaves.)

 

ANDRED: Now, look

 

K9: I'm in charge. We will now trace the circuit again and fuse it.

 

ANDRED: But the circuit is part of the Academy. Instruction and investigation control.

 

K9: We will give them a day off school. Blow it.

 

 

 

[Nesbin's camp]

 

 

 

(A Time Lord can barely draw the long bow. Nesbin takes Leela to one side.)

 

NESBIN: This is hopeless.

 

LEELA: I agree. They are.

 

NESBIN: So much for that idea.

 

LEELA: We shall just have to fight on our own.

 

NESBIN: Who?

 

LEELA: Well, you and your warriors. With me.

 

NESBIN: There aren't enough of us to capture the Citadel. Not if Castellan and his guards are working for the invaders. They all have stasers.

 

LEELA: Then we shall not try to capture the Citadel. We shall just rescue the Doctor. He will know what to do.

 

NESBIN: But he is on their side!

 

LEELA: Never! He cannot be!

 

NESBIN: It's still impossible.

 

LEELA: Not if we can surprise them. Choose your best warriors. Rodan can come with us. She will be able to guide us once we are inside.

 

 

 

[Panopticon]

 

 

 

(The Doctor enters carrying the circlet.)

 

LEADER: You must not waste time, Doctor.

 

DOCTOR: I've been thinking about it very hard, but I need to contact

 

LEADER: Yes, we know, Doctor. You need to consult the APC net again.

 

(The Doctor puts the circlet on.)

 

DOCTOR: That's right.

 

(The large gems start flashing. After a few moments -)

 

DOCTOR: There is a way.

 

LEADER: Well? Proceed!

 

(The Doctor removes the circlet and goes to leave.)

 

LEADER: Doctor! We are watching your every move and monitoring your every thought.

 

DOCTOR: Yes.

 

(He bows and leaves.)

 

 

 

[Tardis console room]

 

 

 

(Andred has removed his jacket and is using a hand held calculator.)

 

ANDRED: Z over P times log three five nine six equals

 

K9: Cosine four seven three two.

 

 

 

[Forcefield control area]

 

 

 

(Which is the part of the basement where K9 blasted the panels to pieces. A Vardan appears next to the Doctor.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, it doesn't look too difficult. Well, don't stare at me. 

This is a very delicate operation. 

You're making me nervous.

 

(The Vardan does not leave. Leela and Nesbin lead their troops through the sand dunes. After a while, the Doctor is getting dirty rummaging in the innards of a unit with his sonic screwdriver.)

 

DOCTOR: Right, that seems to be in. Right? Right. Now hold your breath, or whatever it is you fellows hold. This is the tricky bit.

 

(The air shakes, or is it Gallifrey shaking? The inside of the Tardis is vibrating too.)

 

DOCTOR: Hang on, Doctor, you're nearly there. What did you say? I said, hang on Doctor, you're nearly there.

 

(The shaking stops.)

 

DOCTOR: Well, I did it.

 

 

 

[Tardis console room]

 

 

 

K9: Imperative we reach President's office immediately. Helmet!

 

 

 

[Panopticon]

 

 

 

(The Doctor enters. Kelner fell down the stairs during the shaking.)

 

DOCTOR: There you are. I did it.

 

LEADER: You have turned off the forcefield?

 

DOCTOR: It's impossible to destroy the forcefield without atomising the entire planet, but I have made a sizeable hole in it above the Citadel.

 

LEADER: You have done well.

 

KELNER: A hole in the forcefield? Then we're without protection!

 

VARDAN: You have our protection now. Are you not satisfied?

 

KELNER: Oh, yes, yes, yes, of course.

 

LEADER: This hole is permanent?

 

DOCTOR: Well, I'd need to do a little more work on it to achieve that.

 

LEADER: We are safe now.

 

(The Vardans materialise. They are humanoids in green uniforms.)

 

KELNER: They're just human.

 

DOCTOR: Mmm. Disappointing, aren't they. Nice to see you again.

 

LEADER: Continue with your work. Assist him.

 

DOCTOR: 

No, I can manage very nicely, thank you.

 

LEADER: 

Accompany him!

 

DOCTOR: 

Would you like to assist me in my work? It's, er, it's this way.

 

(In a corridor, K9 and Andred meet a guard. Andred shoots him.)

 

 

 

[Wilderness]

 

 

 

LEELA: 

Nesbin, you must take your warriors, enter the Citadel from that side. 

Attack the Chancellor's guards, create a diversion. 

I shall enter from the other side with Rodan and Jasko.

 

NESBIN: That sounds good. Take care now.

 

LEELA: You too.

 

NESBIN: Come on, then!

 

(The Vardan spacecruiser approaches Gallifrey. Both the Doctor and the Vardan, and K9 and Andred, make their way through the corridors.)

 

 

 

[President's office]

 

 

 

K9: We must wait for the Doctor.

 

ANDRED: How long will that be?

 

K9: Closing down to conserve resources.

 

(Andred shuts the doors then takes off his helmet.)

 

 

 

[Corridor]

 

 

 

LEELA: 

Something's wrong.

 

RODAN: 

What?

 

LEELA:

Where are your defences?

 

RODAN: 

The transduction barrier's down.

 

LEELA: 

But where are your guards?

 

RODAN: Missing.

 

LEELA: Exactly.

 

 

 

[Another corridor]

 

 

 

(The Doctor stops suddenly.)

 

DOCTOR: Shush! I've had an idea. Two seconds.

 

 

 

[President's office]

 

 

 

(The Doctor enters and seals the door using several small wheels. The Vardan outside becomes tinfoil again. The Doctor laughs.)

 

DOCTOR: Ah, there you are. I'm so glad you could make it. Base lead.

 

ANDRED: Insulation.

 

 

 

[Panopticon]

 

 

 

LEADER: The Doctor! He has betrayed us!

 

KELNER: What do you mean, master?

 

LEADER: He has defected. Kill him!

 

(A Vardan leaves.)

 

LEADER: You are now in charge of this rabble. I must have discipline!

 

KELNER: I shall issue instructions and take control immediately.

 

 

 

[Citadel]

 

 

 

(Leela hammers on the door.)

 

JASKO: 

Hey, suppose he's not in there?

 

LEELA: 

Where else could he be?

 

RODAN: The President's office, I suppose.

 

LEELA: Lead us there.

 

 

 

[Castellan's office]

 

 

 

KELNER: Expedite immediately. I repeat that under the circumstances I assume complete authority. The President is to be shot on sight.

 

 

 

[President's office]

 

 

 

(The Doctor gives the Sash to Andred.)

 

DOCTOR: Take that.

 

(He fishes the Rod from a deep pocket.)

 

DOCTOR: And that.

 

(And the circlet from under his hat.)

 

DOCTOR: And that. Come on, boy.

 

(The Doctor picks up K9 and puts him on a table.)

 

DOCTOR: 

Shush, don't be frightened.

Hand me the Sash. 

Trust me.

 

(He puts the Sash on K9.)

 

DOCTOR: 

There we are.

 

(The circlet goes on K9's head and the Rod leans up by his side.)

 

DOCTOR: Ready, K9?

 

K9: Affirmative.

 

DOCTOR: Now don't get any ideas.

 

 

 

[Outside the President's office]

 

 

 

VARDAN: Break the door down.

 

(But just as the guard raises the mace to obey, he and his companion are both shot in the back from opposite directions. The Vardan dematerialises.)

 

NESBIN: Well met, Leela.

 

LEELA: What was that?

 

RODAN: Someone vanishing.

 

LEELA: Where's the President's office? Here?

 

RODAN: Yes.

 

NESBIN. Here.

 

LEELA: 

Break it down.

 

(They hammer on the door.)

 

 

 

[President's office]

DOCTOR: 

Open the door, Andred.

 

(The warriors burst in.)

 

ANDRED: 

No, keep still.

 

DOCTOR: 

(sotto) 

Ready, K9?

 

(K9 nods and puts out his probe three times.)

 

 

 

[Panopticon]

 

VARDAN LEADER: 

Alert! Alert! 

I detect an illegitimate frequency tracer! 

Alert! Full alert!

 

 

 

[President's office]

 

K9: 

Contact. Coordinates of Vardan source planet, 

vector three zero five two, 

alpha seven, fourteen span.

 

DOCTOR: 

Activate the modulation rejection pattern.

 

K-9: 

Activating now.

 

 

 

[Panopticon]

 

KELNER: 

Sir, I can't break into the -

 

(The Vardans vanish.)

 

KELNER: 

What happened?

 

[President's office]

K9: 

Negative. Confirm, negative. 

No trace of alien waveform on Gallifrey.

 

(The Doctor removes the regalia from K9.)

 

LEELA: 

What's the matter?

 

DOCTOR: 

We've won again. 

 

I've sent The Invaders back to their own planet. 

 

Course, I'll need The Matrix to jury-rig a time loop, 

but that's not --

 

LEELA: 

But how have we won? 

We fought no one but a few guards.

 

DOCTOR: 

Well, it can't always be like the relief of Mafeking, you know.

 

Skeletor


Masters of the Universe (1987) Skeletor Scenes



Director Gary Goddard clarified in a letter to John Byrne's "Next Men #26" that Byrne was correct in his comparison of the film to Jack Kirby's New Gods stories 
and characters for DC Comics, but the film was also an homage to all of Kirby's Marvel Comics work as well.

Goddard had tried to hire Kirby as a conceptual artist, 
and had also planned to dedicate the film in the closing credits to him, 
but the studio, Cannon Films, objected to both ideas.

Despite one of the studio's other licensed properties in development at the time being Spider-Man,
Goddard's vision of a 
"motion picture comic book" 
take on the film was met with the studio stance that 
"comics are just for kids".

Friday, 9 April 2021

The Spock of Vulcan-Two



 

(Spock is staring at the transporter pad as Sarek enters)

 

The Sarek of Vulcan-Two : 

Speak your mind, Spock.

 

The Spock of Vulcan-Two : 

That would be unwise.

 

The Sarek of Vulcan-Two : 

What is Necessary is never unwise.

 

The Spock of Vulcan-Two : 

I'm as conflicted as I once was as a child.

 

The Sarek of Vulcan-Two

You will always be 

A Child of Two Worlds. 

I am grateful for this. 

And for you.

 

The Spock of Vulcan-Two : 

I feel anger for the one who took mother's life. 

An anger I cannot control.

 

The Sarek of Vulcan-Two : 

I believe, as she would say

'Do Not Try to.' 


You asked me once why I married Your Mother --

I married her because I loved her.

 

Thursday, 8 April 2021

You Must Survive Count Dracula's Midlife Crisis


Van Helsing :
Keely behaved like 
a man demented, obsessed.

Utterly lost.
All but the last vestige 
of sanity had left him.

His words were prompted by some force, some...
...some nightmare outside himself.

It is A Shadow,
A Spectre that haunts us all.

Col. Matthews of Division-X :
Murray, why the hell didn't you get your people 
[ Special Branch ]
to raid Pelham House?
Should have called them the moment
you got out of the damned place.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
Well, as a matter of fact, I...

Van Helsing :
I'm sorry Colonel.
Inspector Murray was quite right.
By the time The Police
would have got there, 
they would have found nothing.

Col. Matthews of Division-X :
Nothing? What about that...
...Chinese woman?

What about all of those...
...unfortunate creatures in the cellar?

Van Helsing :
We are not dealing with ordinary criminals, Colonel Mathews.
Nor with enemy agents.
These people have powers beyond anything you can imagine.
It didn't help Professor Keeley.

Col. Matthews of Division-X :
Well, he's out of it now, anyway.
One down and three to go.

Van Helsing :
The Keeley Foundation...
...who started it?
Whose money's behind it?
Thank you.

Col. Matthews of Division-X :
Some tycoon called Denham.
D. D. Denham.
There's very little known about him
He lives in the heart of the Denham Building. 
No thank you.
He allows no press interviews,
no photographs...
A recluse.

Van Helsing :
Denham.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
Mean something?

Van Helsing :
A link, possibly a major one.
Yes, here we are :
The Denham Group of Companies.
Chemicals, oils, banks.
Board of Directors : 
Denham himself.
The Right Honorable John Porter.
Lord Carradine.
General Freebourne.
And Keeley.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
And Uncle Tom Cobley and all!

Col. Matthews of Division-X :
This man, Denham,
perhaps Hanson was right.

Van Helsing :
I think he was.
You've already seen
a manifestation of vampirism.

The cult lives, it breeds,
it spreads its vileness
like a contagion.

Like The Plague.
My Family has fought
this corruption for generations.

Each time it was destroyed,
so has it risen again, 
like The Phoenix,
but hellbent on revenge.

Only this time...
This time I believe it's not merely
a personal vendetta...
...but something infinitely more far reaching.

The plague bacillus, Pelham House, the 
mental destruction of intellectuals
such as Professor Keeley and the others
it is all an integral part
of a means to a definite end.

The real force,
The Shadow I spoke of is more sinister, more obscene
than any monstrosity you can think of.
Lord of Corruption, 
Master of the Undead...

Count Dracula.
Col. Matthews of Division-X :
Is there really such a creature?

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
You should have been in that bloody cellar, Colonel!

Col. Matthews of Division-X :
Incredible.
My Department is being closed down, orders of John Porter,
half my staff have been arrested, 
two have been killed, 
they've labelled us subversives, 
and the heavies are damned well looking for us, 
and all this because of a...
...a vampire?

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
Van Helsing, for God's sake!

Van Helsing :
Jessica, you should be resting.

Van Helsing :
Oh, I'm all right, Grandfather.
Thank you.

Van Helsing :
I destroyed Count Dracula once.
It was more than two years ago in Saint Bartolph's churchyard.

This creature can live again...
by reincarnation.

It requires a disciple --
Someone well versed in the ritual.

Col. Matthews of Division-X :
The Chinese woman, Chin Yang?

Van Helsing :
Possibly.
She would have to know the exact location of Dracula's grave.

I passed the site of Saint Bartolph's tonight —
The churchyard has long since vanished.
An office block has been built there, now.
That new building is about two years old.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
Well, if it's been there for two years...
That means This Thing has been around since then.

Van Helsing :
So it would seem.
And those women in the cellar, their names have probably been on the files of your Missing Persons Bureau for two years.

Anyway, that new office block belongs to the Denham Group of Companies.
Now, I don't know whether The Fifth Guest was D. D. Denham, 
but this I do know :
Vampires are spectral creatures.

Their image casts no reflection in a mirror.
Nor can the lens of a camera record their likeness.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
So there was someone there.

Van Helsing :
Or some thing.
Norman Hanson saw it but his camera couldn't record it.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
How the hell do you fight a vampire?
With cloves of garlic?

Van Helsing :
There are many ways.
The Symbols of Good are used
to combat The Forces of Evil.
The Crucifix, The Word of God
as written in The Holy Bible.
Clear running water,
symbolizing purity,
and it lives in mortal dread of Silver.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
Anything else?

Van Helsing :
The Hawthorn Tree, which provided Christ
with his Crown of Thorns,
The Light of Day...
And a wooden stake,
driven through the heart.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
What about the 23rd, the day that Keeley mentioned...

Van Helsing :
Yes indeed. The 23rd of this month.
That I fear is the worst of all.
It is The Sabbat for the Undead.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
What significance is that?

Van Helsing :
There are satanic circles which govern Our Fate,
and the fate of This Earth.
Perhaps even The Universe.

Now, throughout history...
there are certain times,
certain dates which are marked
by awesome catastrophes.

Each event is carefully plotted,
and a definite pattern emerges.

Every disaster This World
has ever suffered coincides with a point
wherein these circles meet...
...and cross.
In this century alone
they heralded the outbreak of...
two devastating world wars.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
And another disaster is imminent?

Van Helsing :
Could be.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
The 23rd.
That's the day after tomorrow.

Van Helsing :
This must happen tomorrow...
...at midnight.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
Why, it's even sooner.

Van Helsing :
At that hour The Devil holds
a Balance of Power.
He marshals his disciples.
The Living and The Dead.
In Satanic Covens it is the celebration
of supreme blasphemy.

The Sabbat of The Undead.
Inspector Murray of The Yard :
I've heard of the witches sabbat.

Van Helsing :
No, this date is much more important.
It's more profound.
Even more significant than the night of Walpurgis.
Now Keeley said the bacillus had to be
ready by the 23rd.
Why?

Van Helsing :
The date chosen by Dracula himself.
The 23rd day of this 11th month.
The emerging patterns.
The Night of The Soulless Ones.
And in the turmoil and fear that follows,
a group of... warped men emerge to take control.
A Politician, a Soldier,
an Industrialist, a Landowner.

Inspector Murray of The Yard :
But Dracula would eventually end up with 
A Totally Barren Earth!
With only disease and dead bodies to feed on...
surely even the vampire himself would perish.

Van Helsing :
Perhaps, deep in his subconscious,
that is what he really wants.
An end to it all.
He is a cursed immortal, existing on 
Violence, Fear and Dread.
Now suppose...
Now just suppose
he yearns for final peace.
What then?
He'd want to bring down
The Whole Universe with him!
The Ultimate Revenge!
Thousands dying of The Plague,
like The Shadow of Death itself,
one figure scything its way 
through the terror and anguish.

Count Dracula.
It is the Biblical prophecy
of Armageddon.







“The “Final Crisis,” as I saw it for a paper universe like DC’s, would be the terminal war between is and isn’t, between the story and the blank page. What would happen if the void of the page took issue with the quality of material imposed upon it and decided to fight back by spontaneously generating a living concept capable of devouring narrative itself? A nihilistic cosmic vampire whose only dream was to drain the multiverse dry of story material, then lie bloated beneath A Dead Sun, dying.

  I tried to show the DC universe breaking down into signature gestures, last-gasp strategies that were tried and tested but would this time fail, until finally even the characterizations would fade and The Plot become rambling, meaningless, disconnected. Although I lost my nerve a little, I must confess, and it never became disconnected enough.

  This, I was trying to say, is What Happens when you let Bad Stories EAT Good Ones. This is what it looked like when you allow the Anti-Life Equation to turn all Your Dreams to Nightmares.

  In The End, there was nothing left but Darkness and the first superhero, Superman, with a crude wishing machine, the deus ex machina itself, and a single wish powered by the last of His Own Life Force.

  He wished for A Happy Ending, of course.”

Wednesday, 7 April 2021

Fear is No Different to Any Other Monster





First Inaugural Address of Franklin D. Roosevelt



SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1933

I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. 

This is preeminently the time to Speak The Truth, The WholeTruth, Frankly and Boldly. 


Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. 

This Great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper


So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is : Fear, itself -- 

Nameless, Unreasoning, Unjustified Terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”





(Geordi fits the new power conduit) 


BORG: 

We are Borg. 

You will be assimilated. 

Resistance is futile.


LAFORGE: 

Just look around, pal. 

You're hardly in a position to make any demands.


BORG: 

We must return to the Collective.


LAFORGE: 

...who “we”?


BORG: 

We are Borg.


LAFORGE: 

Yeah, but —

There's only one of you

Do you have a name? 

A means of identification?