The Slave Traders

(On a smooth road in central Italy, the Princess and Barbara are casually walking down the hillside. Further ahead, Vicki runs eagerly about, looking at the flowers at the side of the road. However, when Vicki looks back and sees how far behind the Princess and Barbara are, she stops and groans.)

VICKI: Come on, you two!

BARBARA: Oh, Vicki, there's no need to be in such a hurry.

PRINCESS: Yes, it's not like the village is going anywhere. (Starts fanning herself with her hand) Oh, dear me, it's hot today.

VICKI: (Disappointed) It's always been this hot. You just wouldn't know because you've spent most of your time sleeping.

PRINCESS: The heat is why I've been sleeping.

VICKI: No, it's not.

PRINCESS: And how would you know, dear?

VICKI: Well…Well, I know it's not because of the heat. You won't tell me what's been happening to you, but I know it's nothing to do with the heat.

PRINCESS: Then that makes you a very preceptive young woman, Vicki.

(The Princess smiles at Vicki as she puts her hand on her shoulder. Though reluctant, Vicki ends up smiling too.)

PRINCESS: And I'm sorry I've been in recovery for so long. But I'm up now and ready to explore with you.

VICKI: Then why can't we getting moving.

(Vicki takes the Princess' hand and tries to run with her, but the Princess pulls her back beside her.)

PRINCESS: Because not all of us have as much energy as you do, young lady.

VICKI: Yes, you do, I know you do.

PRINCESS: Maybe, but my body isn't as young as it once was.

VICKI: (Giggling) That's just an excuse!

(Vicki and the Princess laugh, while Barbara takes a seat at a road side bench. Upon noticing this, Vicki groans once more.)

VICKI: (To Barbara) Oh, come on.

BARBARA: What is it?

VICKI: Well, the Princess is finally up and moving and now you want to sit down.

BARBARA: Yes, well, unlike the Princess, I've been going to the village with you every other day. Forgive me if I need a rest from time to time, during the long walks there and back.

VICKI: Well, no one said you had to come.

PRINCESS: Vicki.

VICKI: I'm sorry. It's just the way you all spoke before, I thought we were going to have adventures and see things. We've been here nearly a month and all everyone wants to do is sit around and rest. And you, Princess, you've spent most of that time, 'recovering.'

PRINCESS: Yes, and I've apologised for that, haven't I?

VICKI: Yes, but…

BARBARA: (Standing up) Look, Vicki, the adventures will come, just you wait. Besides, we've been through enough of them to know that they'll find us without us looking for them.

PRINCESS: That's true.

BARBARA: And until then, you're finding out what it was like to live in Roman times.

VICKI: Oh, yes, in one little village miles away from Rome.

BARBARA: It's still an experience few will get.

VICKI: Oh, I know. And I'm no ungrateful.

PRINCESS: Your just bored.

(Vicki nods her head, ashamed. The Princess and Barbara look to one another and smile.)

PRINCESS: Well, maybe we'll find something interesting in the market today?

VICKI: That's if we ever get there.

(The Princess and Barbara chuckle.)

BARBARA: Oh, come on, then.

(The three ladies set off down the road again.)

VICKI: How much longer do you think the Doctor will want to stay here?

BARBARA: To be honest, I'm surprised we haven't left already. This is the longest we've ever stayed in one place before.

PRINCESS: It'll be a few days yet, I'd imagine. He has some things he wants to do before we move on.

VICKI: Well, I'm looking forward to leaving. Maybe then we'll finally find some excitement.

BARBARA: Be careful what you wish for, Vicki. Especially when it comes to the Doctor and excitement.

(Later, in the village market, an old man is stood in a corner playing a lyre with a substantial audience surrounding him. As he plays, the Princess, Barbara and Vicki walk by. As they do, Vicki pauses to peer through the crowd at the lyre player.)

PRINCESS: Vicki?

VICKI: Sorry, I was just listening to the music.

BARBARA: (To Princess) Typical. She complains all the way down about how slow we are, then we get here, and she gets distracted immediately.

VICKI: Hey, that's not fair!

BARBARA: I'm only teasing, Vicki.

PRINCESS: Yes, this is your day, we can do whatever you want. If you want to listen to the music, then we can do so.

VICKI: Maybe later, let's look around the market first.

BARBARA: Good idea.

(Barbara and the Princess grin to one another, before following Vicki to one of the stalls. The first happens to be selling pots, so they move on to the next stall which is selling materials for clothes. Vicki picks up a piece of material and runs her fingers over it.)

VICKI: This would make a nice dress. Don't you think so?

BARBARA: (Looking through the materials) Yes, possibly.

PRINCESS: I didn't know you could make dresses, Vicki?

VICKI: I can't, but I thought one of you might be able to.

PRINCESS: Ah, well, you're fresh out of luck, I'm afraid.

VICKI: I shouldn't be surprised I suppose. What with you being a princess.

PRINCESS: And what's that supposed to mean?

VICKI: (Giggling) Well, you probably got everything handed to you, didn't you?

PRINCESS: Not as such as it happens, no.

(The Princess goes back to looking through the materials as well.)

VICKI: What about you, Barbara?

(Barbara pauses in her rummaging to look at the material Vicki is holding.)

BARBARA: Well, it depends on what sort of style you would like?

VICKI: I don't know. What were the fashions like when you left London?

BARBARA: London? Never heard of it. You, Princess?

PRINCESS: Can't say I have.

VICKI: But you told me that that's where you–

BARBARA: Perhaps she means, Londinium, Princess?

PRINCESS: Yes, that much be it.

VICKI: Londinium, but I thought–

BARBARA: When in Rome?

(Vicki rolls her eyes, but ultimately ends up joining in Barbara and the Princess' giggling. The woman behind the stall comes over to them.)

STALL OWNER: Can I help you?

VICKI: (Holding up material) Yes, how much is this, please?

STALL OWNER: Well, now, what would you consider to be a fair price? Bearing in mind it's the only length of its kind and the finest quality available.

VICKI: Yes, I know but how much are you asking?

STALL OWNER: Well, it's very difficult to put a price on something like this. It's very hard to come by.

BARBARA: Yes, I'm sure it is. We'll think about it and come back later perhaps.

PRINCESS: Come on, Vicki.

(The Princess and Barbara lead Vicki away from the stall, leaving behind the material.)

STALL OWNER: Hey, one moment, please!

VICKI: Please, can we buy it?

BARBARA: You should have learned by now that the price is much fairer when you're not so eager to buy.

PRINCESS: I know it's difficult, Vicki. You come from a time when everything has a set price and it is what it is. But here, in these times, everything is negotiable.

VICKI: So…I can offer her one coin for it?

PRINCESS: Well, not now that she knows you want it. Now, we'll have to come back later and show her you aren't as interested as you appear.

BARBARA: We'll have to wait quite a while if you want it for one coin.

(Barbara and the Princess share a grin.)

VICKI: I think I get it.

PRINCESS: That's good.

VICKI: So…can we go back and buy it now?

(Vicki tries to go back to the stall, but Barbara catches her and pushes her the other way.)

BARBARA: No, not just yet.

VICKI: Oh, but please!

PRINCESS: Let's look around the rest of the stalls before we buy anything. Then afterwards we'll see what's stuck in your mind and we'll see what we can do. How's that sound?

VICKI: It sounds a lot like window shopping.

BARBARA: That's impossible. They don't have glass windows yet.

(Vicki scrunches up her face, walking away as Barbara and the Princess follow, laughing as they do.)

(Later that day, back at the villa the time travellers have occupied, all five time travellers are gathered around a table next to a fountain. They are all quite content, having just eaten, and are lounging on their seats chuckling as they nibble on small fruits.)

DOCTOR: (To Barbara) Wonderful feast, my dear.

PRINCESS: Yes, thank you, Barbara.

DOCTOR: I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a meal so much. What was it?

BARBARA: Well, the main course was breast of peacock.

IAN: Delicious.

BARBARA: With an orange and juniper sauce.

PRINCESS: Hmm, very smooth.

BARBARA: Garnished with larks' tongues and baked pomegranates

DOCTOR: Oh, fabulous, my dear, absolutely fabulous! What was it we had before, the sort of hors d'oeuvres, so to speak?

VICKI: That isn't its name. French isn't invented yet.

(The Princess, Ian and Barbara laugh at Vicki's remark.)

DOCTOR: (Waving at Vicki) Oh, hush, hush, hush, child. Barbara, what was it? Hmm?

BARBARA: Ant's eggs in hibiscus honey.

DOCTOR: Oh, absolutely… What did you say?

PRINCESS & IAN & VICKI: Ant's eggs.

DOCTOR: Yes, that's what I thought she said! Ant's eggs! What do you think I am, a goldfish, hmm?

(All five time travellers laugh for a moment.)

IAN: Doctor, there's something I've been wanting to ask you.

DOCTOR: Well, go ahead my boy.

IAN: What about the Tardis?

DOCTOR: Well, what about it, hmm?

IAN: Well, don't you think we ought to go and have a look at it?

DOCTOR: Oh, so you want to move on, do you?

IAN: Move on? Certainly not. I'd like to stay here as long as possible.

DOCTOR: Good, I'm glad that's settled.

BARBARA: All the same, Doctor, I know what Ian means. It's been three or four weeks since we left the Tardis.

IAN: Yes, it's not even the right way up.

DOCTOR: How many times do I have to tell you that the Tardis is quite safe where it is. It can take off from any angle. I've never known such a pair of worriers. (Stands up) Really. Good heavens, I can't wait to get away for a couple of days from you. You keep on and on and on and on and on. Gracious me, really.

(Ian, Barbara and Vicki look up sharply, as the Doctor heads inside the villa.)

IAN: Going away? (To Barbara) Do you know anything about this?

BARBARA: No. Not a thing.

IAN: Princess?

PRINCESS: Hmm?

BARBARA: Did you know about the Doctor's trip.

PRINCESS: Oh yes, of course. I'm going with him.

IAN: And you didn't think to tell us?

PRINCESS: Well, he only mentioned it to me this morning. He thought it'd be good for the two of us to go on a little trip, after the state I've been in these past few weeks. Besides, I brought it up on our way to the market this morning.

BARBARA: You did not.

PRINCESS: Yes, I did. I told you, 'The Doctor has some things he wants to do before we move on.' The primary one being this trip.

VICKI: Well, I can't say a blame him, or you, Princess.

PRINCESS: Thank you for understanding, Vicki.

BARBARA: (To Vicki) Blame them for what?

VICKI: Well, it's all right living here, but it's boring. It's no wonder the Doctor gets irritable.

IAN: Ha. That's got nothing to do with living here, believe me.

(Ian stands up and goes over to the doorway the Doctor entered the villa from.)

IAN: (Calling) Doctor? You there? Doctor?

(The Doctor, however, comes out the other doorway and approaches the table with a bag.)

BARBARA: Ian.

(Ian turns and sees the Doctor at the table with the women, now filling his bag with pieces of fruit from the table.)

DOCTOR: (To Princess) Well, I think these should last us two or three days, don't you, my dear, hmm?

PRINCESS: Well, don't take everything, Doctor. Leave something for the others.

DOCTOR: (Continues filling his bag) Oh, they'll be fine. There's plenty here and they have the market down in the village.

(Ian then comes back over to the table.)

IAN: You never told us the two of you were going away, Doctor?

DOCTOR: Oh? Well, I don't know that I was under any obligation to report our movements to you, Chesterfield.

BARBARA: Chesterton.

DOCTOR: (To Ian) Oh, Barbara's calling you.

(Everyone rolls their eyes while grinning.)

VICKI: Where are you two going then?

DOCTOR: To Rome, my child.

PRINCESS: Actually, Doctor, I was thinking, why don't we bring Vick along with us?

DOCTOR: Hmm?

VICKI: Oh, yes, please! Please can I come!

DOCTOR: Well...

PRINCESS: She's being say how bored she is here, so maybe a little trip with us might help.

VICKI: Please! I won't be any trouble, I promise! Please, let me come, Doctor, please!

DOCTOR: Oh… (Looks to the Princess) Very well, then, very well.

(Vicki squeals with excitement.)

IAN: Well, perhaps we'd all better come with you to Rome?

DOCTOR: But my dear chap, you just turned down my invitation.

IAN: I did?

DOCTOR: Yes, you said how glad you would be to stay here as long as possible.

BARBARA: Oh no, Doctor, that was before we knew your plans. Don't you think it would be safer if Ian and I–

DOCTOR: What is this, what is this now?! I know what you're insinuating. Yes, that I'm not capable of taking care of myself, eh? Safer indeed. Afraid to let me out of your sight, are you? Want to be my nursemaids? Well now, let me tell me something. I won't stand for it. Indeed, I will not stand for it. You want to go to Rome? Go. Go yourselves. But the Princess and I are going on our own, come along, my dear.

(The Princess gets up, ready to leave with the Doctor when Vicki steps over to join them.)

VICKI: Doctor, if you feel that…

PRINCESS: Oh, he wasn't talking to you, Vicki.

DOCTOR: No, of course not, child. No, you come along with us.

(The Doctor and Princess put Vicki in between them, the three smiling as they walk away from the Villa.)

DOCTOR: Yes, you know, this is going to be your first exploration.

PRINCESS: Are you excited?

VICKI: Oh, yes!

DOCTOR: (Chuckling) You know, I think you'll like Rome, my dear.

PRINCESS: Oh, most certainly.

DOCTOR: It's a fascinating place, Rome, most interesting. I remember once, when the Princess and I were last there, and I spoke with a young…

(The Doctor's voice fades away as he, the Princess and Vicki move further away from the villa, leaving Ian and Barbara behind for now.)

(That evening, the Doctor, Princess and Vicki are walking along the road to Rome, while the sun sets over the hills. As they walk, the Doctor spots a statue at the side of the road and stops to admire it.)

DOCTOR: Well, what have we here?

(The Doctor leans in to inspect the statue while Vicki and the Princess stand behind him waiting.)

VICKI: Just another dreary old statue.

PRINCESS: Now, Vicki, don't be disrespectful. Someone put a lot of work into making this statue.

VICKI: Are there statues of you were you come from?

PRINCESS: Heavens no…! At least they didn't last time I was there… (Concerned) I hope they haven't added any.

DOCTOR: What's this?

(The Princess and Vicki look over to see the Doctor is looking at the side of the statue now.)

PRINCESS: Is something the matter, Doctor?

(Vicki goes over to look but the Doctor puts his hand out in front of her to stop her.)

DOCTOR: Wait there, dear.

(The Doctor goes around the statue and into the bushes. The Princess and Vicki, curious, follow and peer after him. And then they see the dead man in the bushes.)

VICKI: Oh, the poor man.

(Upon seeing the dead man, the Princess pulls Vicki away and holds her closely.)

DOCTOR: Yes, he's dead, and it doesn't look a natural death to me.

PRINCESS: Doctor, please…

VICKI: (Panicked) It's a lonely stretch of road. Maybe he was set upon by robbers? They did happen in this time, didn't they?

(Vicki begins looking up and down the road.)

DOCTOR: They did, my dear, yes, but that isn't the answer here.

PRINCESS: How can you be so sure?

(The Doctor comes out of the bushes, now carrying a lyre that the man had been holding.)

DOCTOR: (Motioning to lyre) They've left his belongings.

VICKI: Maybe they didn't have time.

DOCTOR: Oh, they had plenty of time to drag him off the road.

PRINCESS: And robbers wouldn't be worried about a body being found.

DOCTOR: Quite right.

VICKI: So, it wasn't robbers?

DOCTOR: No, child, I very much doubt it. But someone did murder this man.

(Vicki peers back into the bushes for a look. She gets one, but the Princess then pulls her away again.)

PRINCESS: Oh, Vicki, don't look.

VICKI: No wait, Princess.

(Vicki leans in for a look again.)

VICKI: (Realising) Princess, it's him! It's the man who was playing earlier. The one from the market this morning.

PRINCESS: Is it?

VICKI: Yes, don't you recognise him?

PRINCESS: Well, I didn't get a very good look at him, I'm afraid.

(The Princess leans in for a look, but now the Doctor tries to usher them both away.)

DOCTOR: Well, there's nothing we can do for him now.

PRINCESS: I know that, Doctor, but we can't just leave him there.

DOCTOR: Why not? There's nothing more we can do. There are no leads for us to follow, despite the questions I have. No, I see no point linger here any longer. To Rome, to Rome let's…

(The Doctor is staring down the road at something. The Princess and Vicki look to see someone is searching the bushes further along the road.)

DOCTOR: (Quietly) Stay here.

PRINCESS: All right.

(The Princess pulls Vicki close to her as they shelter in the bushes.)

VICKI: (To Doctor) Be careful.

(The Doctor walks down the road, still carrying the lyre, to the man searching the bushes.)

DOCTOR: (To man) Good evening. Are you looking for somebody– Something?

(The man steps onto the road and towards the Doctor, revealing himself to be a centurion, with his sword in hand.)

CENTURION: Why, yes, I am.

DOCTOR: Tell me, do you always wave that sword about like that?

CENTURION: What do you mean?

DOCTOR: Well, you can easily kill someone. Swords are very dangerous, you know.

(The centurion sheaths his sword.)

DOCTOR: Yes, yes, thank you, that's better. Now tell me, whom or what were you looking for?

CENTURION: Is that your lyre?

(The Doctor looks to the lyre, remembering he has it.)

DOCTOR: Why? Have you lost one?

CENTURION: No, no. Only if it is yours…

DOCTOR: And what if it is, hmm?!

CENTURION: Why, it's you I'm looking for.

(In the bushes, the Princess and Vicki look to each other in alarm.)

DOCTOR: Oh… Oh, I see. Yes.

CENTURION: You must be Maximus Pettulian from Corinth, whose skill as a musician is talked of even in Rome.

DOCTOR: Really? (Chuckling) Most interesting.

CENTURION: We expected you in Assessium yesterday. When you failed to arrive, I sent my men out to search for you. I count it my good fortune that I've personally found you unharmed.

DOCTOR: I am the man you are looking for, but tell me, why should I be harmed, hmm?

CENTURION: All roads to Rome are dangerous for travellers. When you sent word that you intended to make your way on foot, playing your lyre for the people, it caused great concern at court.

DOCTOR: At court?

CENTURION: Caesar Nero's court. The Emperor of all Rome is very concerned for your safe arrival. He looks forward to discussing your music with you.

(At this point, the Princess and Vicki come out from hiding to stand alongside the Doctor. The Centurion notices, them, but pays little heed to them.)

DOCTOR: Emperor Nero, eh! Ha, ha, yes, of course. I have heard that he that he plucks a string or two.

CENTURION: (Nodding to Princess & Vicki) And who are these two?

DOCTOR: What two? (Realising Princess & Vicki are now with him) Oh, those two! Yes, yes, well… Eh, the child, she travels with us. She keeps her eye on all the lyres.

(Vicki tries not to laugh.)

CENTURION: And the woman?

DOCTOR: Well, she's…

PRINCESS: His sister.

DOCTOR: What?! Oh, yes! My sister, my little sister, the Princess. Not blood related of course. Her mother married my father…or something like that.

PRINCESS: A marriage by circumstance.

DOCTOR: (Muttering) Yes, something like that…

CENTURION: Then if you're all ready, we'll travel to Assessium and then my men will escort you the rest of the way.

DOCTOR: Very well, we'll just collect our things.

(The three time travellers make their way back over to the statue, where Vicki picks up the bag belonging to the dead man.)

VICKI: (Quietly) Doctor, I know he's mistaken–

DOCTOR: (Quietly, excitedly) At court, I must be very important.

VICKI: Listen, I know he's mistaken you for that man, but we can't go with him.

DOCTOR: But why not, my child? I'm sure he knows more about this business than he admits. And we shall never get a better chance of meeting Nero.

VICKI: Princess?

PRINCESS: (Quietly) You wanted an adventure, young lady.

DOCTOR: And here's one ripe for the taking. And a mystery to boot.

VICKI: But, Princess…

PRINCESS: Vicki, I've known the Doctor long enough to know he's not going to let this go. So, we can either join him or–

VICKI: But he doesn't even know his own name.

DOCTOR: Oh, of course I know my name. It, it, it, it's…

CENTURION: Maximus Pettulian? If you're ready?

(The Princess and Vicki share a grin.)

DOCTOR: Oh, yes, yes, quite, quite. Come along you two.

(The Doctor starts walking and gestures for the Princess and Vicki to follow, which they do.)

PRINCESS: (To Vicki, quietly) Regretting your wish for an adventure now?

VICKI: (Quietly) Nope.

PRINCESS: Good.

(The two women grin as they follow the Doctor down the road, with the centurion bringing up the rear, as they head towards Assessium…)

Next Episode – All Roads Lead to Rome