Conspiracy
(The next morning, in the Emperor's palace, the Princess and Vicki are making their way down a corridor, when the Doctor steps out of his room and into their path.)
DOCTOR: Oh, good morning you two. Did you both sleep well?
VICKI: (Stretching) Fine, thanks.
PRINCESS: And how about you, Maximus?
DOCTOR: I'm sorry?
PRINCESS: How did you sleep, Maximus?
DOCTOR: (To Vicki) What's she on about?
VICKI: (Quietly) That's you, Doctor, remember?
DOCTOR: Me, I… (Remembers) Oh, yes! Yes, I slept fine, thank you, Princess. Although, I must confess, I was kept up thinking about that business from yesterday.
VICKI: You mean in the apodyterium?
DOCTOR: Well, that's only part of it, my dear.
PRINCESS: I must admit, that kept me awake for some time as well.
VICKI: That's because you were worrying about it.
DOCTOR: Oh, there's no need to worry, my child. Believe me, everything is well in hand–
TAVIUS: Psst!
(Hearing the noise, the three time travellers look back to see Tavius leaning out from behind a pillar. He waves for the Doctor to join him.)
DOCTOR: Oh, there's our hissing friend again.
PRINCESS: Remember, Maximus, be careful.
DOCTOR: Oh, don't worry, don't worry.
(The Doctor makes his way down the corridor to converse with Tavius .)
VICKI: Do you think he's going to slip up, Princess?
PRINCESS: No. He's not as senile as he'd have you believe. But never mind what he's up to, what do you want to do today?
VICKI: Me?
PRINCESS: Well, we came here for an adventure – your first adventure actually. And we have free rein of the place, to an extent. So, what would you like to do?
VICKI: (Excitedly) Can we go exploring?
PRINCESS: Of course, whatever you want. Shall we start here, or go into the city?
VICKI: Oh, in here, please. We might never get the chance to see inside the palace again, but we can explore the city any time, can't we?
PRINCESS: If you like.
(The Doctor returns, having parted company with Tavius.)
DOCTOR: There's some sort of conspiracy going on here, and I've decided for my own sake I must get to the bottom of it. The sooner I do it, the better.
VICKI: All right. See you later.
PRINCESS: Yes, goodbye, Doctor.
(The Princess and Vicki start to walk away.)
DOCTOR: Yes, hmm...what? (Turning after them) Where are you going?
(The Princess and Vicki stop to look back at the Doctor.)
VICKI: Just exploring.
PRINCESS: We'll be around the palace if you need us.
(The Doctor walks over to them)
DOCTOR: Very well, but don't leave without telling me. And remember, we're only here as observers. We must not interfere with the course of progress or try to accelerate man's achievements.
PRINCESS: Yes, I know, Doctor.
VICKI: But, Princess…
PRINCESS: He's right, Vicki. There are rules for these types of things.
DOCTOR: And while we may not be good at following all of them, there are some we must not break, ever.
VICKI: Oh, all right. But it does seem a bit of a waste.
PRINCESS: Nonsense, Vicki. Time travel isn't about changing the past, it's about experiencing it.
VICKI: What about the adventures?
DOCTOR: Just happy coincidences. Now of you two pop, I've got things to be doing.
PRINCESS: Very well, we'll see you later.
VICKI: Bye.
DOCTOR: Goodbye.
(The Princess and Vicki walk off down the corridor while the Doctor heads off in the other direction.)
(Later, the Princess and Vicki are walking down one of the many corridors in the palace, when they see a woman rush by at the end of the corridor ahead.)
VICKI: Someone's in a hurry.
(The Princess and Vicki continue walking towards the end of the corridor.)
PRINCESS: It does seem a very busy place, this palace.
VICKI: I wonder what she could be doing?
(Reaching the end of the corridor, they turn the opposite way the woman ran, and almost bump into Nero.)
PRINCESS: Oh, forgive us, your…
(The Princess notices Nero is flushed and embarrassed. He doesn't say anything and circles around, with the Princess and Vicki doing the same. Now having gone around in a half circle, Nero backs up and bumps into table with used cups on it, knocking everything over. Vicki has to cover her mouth to stop herself from laughing and the Princess does the same to hide her smile. Nero, even more embarrassed, clambers up to his feet. The Princess wisely pulls Vicki and herself out of sight and into the nearest door. Once through, Vicki properly starts laughing and the Princess joins in.)
LOCUSTA: What do you want?
(The Princess and Vicki stop laughing, as they turn to find an old woman, with a hard face, glaring at them – Locusta. She is stood behind a table, covered with various tools, bowls, cups and planets.)
PRINCESS: I'm sorry, we didn't mean to intrude.
LOCUSTA: And yet, you enter unannounced.
PRINCESS: Forgive us. I'm, well… I'm known as the Princess.
LOCUSTA: A princess?
PRINCESS: Sort of.
VICKI: It's more of a nickname than a title.
LOCUSTA: A nickname?
VICKI: Oh, eh… Something you'd call someone that isn't their full name or a title.
LOCUSTA: And what is your…nickname?
VICKI: Oh, I don't have one. I'm just Vicki.
PRINCESS: I apologise once more for the intrusion. We'll leave you now to get on with your work.
LOCUSTA: Wait.
(The Princess and Vicki stop in their exit. Locusta goes around the table and over to the Princess and Vicki.)
LOCUSTA: I am Locusta.
PRINCESS: It's a pleasure to meet you, Locusta.
LOCUSTA: May I ask what brings you to the palace?
VICKI: Oh, we're here with Maximus Pettulion.
LOCUSTA: Maximus Pettulion!
VICKI: Yes… Do you know him.
LOCUSTA: (Chuckling) Only by reputation. Please, come in, come in.
(Locusta goes back over to her work table, now smiling. The Princess and Vicki look to one another before shrugging and following Locusta. At the table, Locusta begins grinding something in a bowl.)
LOCUSTA: So, you've arrived with the great Maximus Pettulion, have you? The court, and I, cannot wait to hear him play.
VICKI: (Quietly) They may have to.
(The Princess nudges Vicki gently and gives her a reprimanding look.)
VICKI: (To Locusta) Sorry, I was just wondering, what is it you're doing?
LOCUSTA: Preparing a very special poison, my child.
VICKI: Poison?!
PRINCESS: Oh, so you're the official poisoner to the court?
LOCUSTA: Yes, that's right.
(Lousta continues with her work, moving around the table.)
VICKI: (Quietly) Princess, she's making poison!
PRINCESS: Yes. It's her job, Vicki.
VICKI: Job?!
PRINCESS: Yes. In these times it was very normal for an emperor to have a poisoner on his or her staff.
VICKI: Really?
PRINCESS: (Nodding) Yes.
VICKI: Is that true, Locusta, is your job normal?
LOCUSTA: Normal, what do you mean?
VICKI: Well, don't the citizens of Rome object to Nero having a personal poisoner?
LOCUSTA: Oh, no, wouldn't dream of it.
VICKI: But isn't it dangerous?
LOCUSTA: Great Jupiter, no. I never drink any of my potions.
VICKI: No, I mean if you poison somebody, don't they take their revenge?
LOCUSTA: Always. That's why I'm kept so busy.
PRINCESS: If I might, Locusta, I believe what Vicki is trying to ask is, don't they come after you for making the poison?
LOCUSTA: Oh, I see! Oh no, no. I mean, it's nothing to do with me personally, is it?
PRINCESS: (To Vicki) It's like the expression, 'Don't shoot the message.'
VICKI: Oh…
(Vicki isn't sure. Still frowning, she goes to pick something up of the table, when the Princess quickly slaps her hand away. The Princess the gives Vicki a warning stare while Vicki scowls and rubs her hand.)
VICKI: Who are you making that poison for, Locusta?
LOCUSTA: Oh, I've no idea, child, nobody's ordered it yet. But they will, they always do.
(Locusta finishes her poison, adding the final ingredient from another bottle. The bottle with the poison in it is now foaming at the brim, as Vicki stares at it.)
LOCUSTA: (Holding up the poison) I wonder who'll have the honour of being given this?
(From outside the room, they hear someone approaching.)
LOCUSTA: Quick, hide.
VICKI: Why?
LOCUSTA: This is a place of serious work, only those with the Nero's expressed permission may be in here. Under the table, child, and you, behind that curtain over there.
(The Princess crosses the room and hides behind a curtain, while Locusta pushes Vicki down under the table. As Locusta straightens back up, a beautify woman in royal clothing enters – Poppaea, wife to Nero.)
POPPAEA: Locusta.
LOCUSTA: Empress, how may I serve?
POPPAEA: I have need of your services. There is a new slave in my possession. I fear she's planning to try and seduce Nero.
LOCUSTA: Against you, Empress, this slave us no chance.
POPPAEA: Even so, I'd much rather remove her all together.
LOCUSTA: As you wish. In fact, I've just finished brewing a poison this very minute.
POPPAEA: It appears fate is on my side.
LOCUSTA: How do you wish for it to be done, Empress?
POPPAEA: I want Nero to see it.
LOCUSTA: Ah, I've just the thing.
(Locusta collects two cups and fills them with wine. After doing so, she adds her newly made poison to one of them.)
LOCUSTA: Two cups, one with poison, the other without. I can have an attendant serve these drinks to them.
POPPAEA: Yes, during the feast's preparations. It's perfect, Locusta. Come, I shall point the slave out to you.
(Poppaea leads Locusta from the room, with the poisoner closing the door behind her. Once she's gone, Vicki comes out from under the table. She looks at the two cups, unable to tell them apart. She thinks for a moment, then switches them around. But the Princess sees her, having come out from behind the curtain.)
PRINCESS: Vicki!
(The Princess switches the cups back over.)
VICKI: But, Princess–
PRINCESS: The Doctor and I told you there were rules to our travels.
VICKI: Yes, but–
PRINCESS: There's no, 'Buts,' we cannot interfere in matters like this, it's too risky.
(Vicki is annoyed and disappointed.)
PRINCESS: Now, wait here and don't touch anything. I'm going to see if it's safe for us to leave.
(The Princess goes over to the door, her back to Vicki. She opens the door slowly, peering out. Seeing no one, she opens the door further and leans out. The corridor is empty. Looking back, the Princess waves for Vicki to follow her. Vicki hurries over and the two sneak out before closing the door behind them. Making doubly sure no one has seen them, the Princess and Vicki look up and down the corridor, before walking away as if nothing had happened.)
(Later on, the Princess and Vicki are making their way down a corridor in the palace, chatting and having a good time, when they spot the Doctor up ahead. He is coming towards them from a large hall at the end of the corridor, so the Princess and Vicki wait for him as he approaches.)
PRINCESS: Good afternoon, Maximus.
DOCTOR: Afternoon to you as well, my dear.
VICKI: Have you managed to solve your problem?
DOCTOR: No, I haven't, child, no. I raised the question with our illustrious Caesar but I'm afraid that was a mistake.
PRINCESS: How so?
DOCTOR: Oh, never mind about that, I've got it well in hand. Anyway, I want to hear about you, how are you finding the court, hmm?
VICKI: It's marvellous. And guess what we've just heard?
DOCTOR: I haven't any idea, child, do tell me.
VICKI: There's going to be a feast tonight.
DOCTOR: So, I heard, my dear, yes, so I heard. And there's going to be rather an unusual entertainer.
VICKI: Who?
DOCTOR: (Laughing) Me!
(The Princess and Vicki look to each other in alarm.)
VICKI: But, Doctor…
PRINCESS: You can't fool a whole banquet of people!
DOCTOR: Oh, I rather think I can, my dear.
PRINCESS: But… How…
DOCTOR: Just leave that to me, my dear. A little faith, that's all I'm asking for. And I don't think that's unreasonable, do you?
(The Princess is still uncertain, while the Doctor turns her and Vicki around, before the trio proceed to walk down the corridor.)
DOCTOR: Now, never mind about tonight's affairs, tell me, what have you seen?
VICKI: Well, we've been all over really.
DOCTOR: Oh, do tell, do tell, my child.
VICKI: Well, after we saw you, we went on a really long walk around the whole palace. We saw the courtyard and the gardens, the fontana, the various living rooms. Oh, and we met the official court poisoner after watching Nero fall over.
DOCTOR: (Chuckling) Oh, really. My, my, you have had a busy day, Vicki. It's a wonder the Princess is still standing.
PRINCESS: She was perfectly behaved, bar one exception.
DOCTOR: Oh?
PRINCESS: While we were in the poisoner's laboratory, she tried to switch two cups around.
DOCTOR: And what was the problem?
PRINCESS: One was filled with poison. If I hadn't switched them back, Nero might have died sooner than he's meant to.
DOCTOR: Ah.
VICKI: He might still. When you were checking to see if it was safe to leave, I switched them back again.
(The Doctor and Princess stop walking.)
DOCTOR & PRINCESS: You did what?!
VICKI: But, Doctor, listen. Nero's wife was going to murder some poor slave, and I didn't see why that should happen, so I switched the slave's and Nero's cups around. I mean, why should they decide who dies–
(The Doctor covers Vicki's mouth.)
DOCTOR: (Hissing) For heaven's sake, child, keep quiet! (Removes his hand) And I told you not to interfere with history. Where is the poison now?
PRINCESS: It was to be served to Nero and the slave during the feast's preparations.
DOCTOR: But that's happening right now, at the banquet hall!
PRINCESS: If we hurry, we might be able to stop it.
(The Doctor, Princess and Vicki start running back towards the banquet hall.)
DOCTOR: Come along, quickly, quickly!
(It takes them a minute to get there, and as the three time travellers run into the hall, they see Nero in the centre with a cup in hand.)
DOCTOR: Caesar Nero, don't drink that!
(Nero, and the whole room turn towards the Doctor, as he storms across the room towards Nero with the Princess and Vicki behind him.)
NERO: Why not?
DOCTOR: I have every reason to believe that drink is poisoned!
NERO: (Frightened) Poison…
(Nero falls back against the table, having gone pale. Vicki steps over to support him as he stands up, his arm around her shoulders.)
PRINCESS: You didn't drink it, did you?
(Nero shakes his head, staring at his cup with wide frightened eyes.)
DOCTOR: Oh, thank heavens I got to you in time.
NERO: My dear Maximus…you've probably saved my life. (The hand on Vicki's shoulder tightens) If only I could lay my hands on whoever was responsible.
(Vicki looks away innocently.)
DOCTOR: Don't worry, your excellency, (Looks at Vicki) I'm sure whoever thought of doing such a reckless thing will get their comeuppance.
(Vicki looks ashamed. The Princess then reaches over and pulls Vicki from Nero's side.)
DOCTOR: Now, if you'll excuse us, I have to practice. And I shall need these two to assist me. Yes, a great deal of practice to be done before tonight's recital.
(The Doctor starts leading the Princess and Vicki out of the banquet hall.)
VICKI: (Quietly) I'd say almost a life time's worth.
PRINCESS: (Hissing) Vicki!
(Despite the telling off, Vicki grins at her own joke, as the three time travellers exit the banquet hall.)
(A short while later, the Doctor, Princess are making their way down a corridor back towards their rooms, when suddenly they hear screaming from up ahead.)
VICKI: What's that?
PRINCESS: Someone's in trouble?
(The three time travellers hurry to the corner, where they see Locusta being dragged away by guards. And as the court poisoner kicks and screams in anguish, behind her marches Poppaea, with guards flanking her.)
VICKI: Oh, no!
(Vicki goes to help, but the Doctor pulls her back behind the corner.)
DOCTOR: No, child, no. There's nothing we can do for her.
VICKI: But what's happening, where are they taking her?!
PRINCESS: She failed to poison whoever the Empress wanted dead. Clearly the Empress isn't happy.
VICKI: But that wasn't her fault, it was mine!
DOCTOR: Now do you see, child, why we must not interfere! Because of your actions, that woman is most likely being sent to her death.
(Vicki is crying.)
PRINCESS: Oh, Vicki.
(The Princess pulls Vicki into a hug.)
PRINCESS: We're sorry.
DOCTOR: (Calming) Yes, terribly sorry. (Places his hand on Vicki's shoulder) This was what we were trying to avoid, my dear.
PRINCESS: And now you'll know to be more careful in future.
VICKI: But…But she was nice to us…
PRINCESS: She was. She was…
(The Princess and Doctor continue to comfort a crying Vicki.)
(That night, in the banquet hall, the feast has begun! Everyone is lively as they eat and chat. Nero and Poppaea sit at the head of the table, with Tavius nearby, although he is now on the move, taking a wine jug with him. Meanwhile, at the other end, the Doctor, Princess and Vicki are sat together eating.)
PRINCESS: Are you enjoying it, Vicki?
(Vicki nods, but is still sad. The Princess looks to the Doctor in concern. Meanwhile, up at the head of the table, Nero is stuffing his face.)
DOCTOR: (Chuckling & pointing at Nero) If he goes on eating, there won't be enough left for the rest of us.
(Vicki smiles a little, and at her smile the Princess smiles. Then Tavius joins them, wine jug in hand.)
TAVIUS: More wine, Maximus, for you and your companions?
DOCTOR: For myself and the Princess, not for the girl though.
(Tavius nods, before filling the Princess' cup.)
PRINCESS: That's enough. Thank you, Tavius.
(The Princess sips her cup while Tavius then fills the Doctor's, leaning in as he does.)
TAVIUS: (Quietly to Doctor) Everything's set for tomorrow. Be ready.
DOCTOR: Of course, of course.
(Tavius walks away.)
DOCTOR: But I must ask...
(The Doctor realises that Tavius is gone and signs.)
PRINCESS: Have you figured out yet why he keeps bothering to you?
DOCTOR: No, no.
PRINCESS: Well, he's expecting you to do something tomorrow.
VICKI: Never mind about tomorrow, what are you going to do tonight?
DOCTOR: Hmm?
PRINCESS: The concert, Maximus.
DOCTOR: The concert? Oh, you mean my concert.
PRINCESS: Yes.
DOCTOR: Well, I'm going to have to go through with it, am I not?
(Both the Princess and Vicki's eyes widen.)
VICKI: But, Doc– Maximus, you can't play the lyre.
DOCTOR: Can't I, child? (Laughs) Can't I?
VICKI: (Giggling) You can't it's impossible.
DOCTOR: Just watch, my child. Watch and be amazed.
(From the head of the table, Nero stands up.)
NERO: Silence! (The room goes quiet) There will now be a further feast, of music. I give you the great Corinthian lyre player, Maximus Pettulion!
(Trumpets play as the Doctor happily stands up. The Princess then hands the Doctor his lyre – with one last nervous look – and he proceeds up to the head of the table.)
DOCTOR: Thank you! You are all so kind. With Caesar's permission? (Nero waves his approval) I would like to play my new composition in honour of this occasion.
(The audience applauds, while the Doctor leans over the table towards Nero.)
DOCTOR: The music is so soft, so delicate, that only those with keen perceptive hearing, will be able to distinguish this melodious charm of music.
(Nero is intrigued by this. The audience claps once more as the Doctor walks back down. A servant puts a stool down for him, and the Doctor balances the lyre on his leg. He then begins, pretending to play. He mimes plucking the strings of the lyre, without actually doing so. And so, he goes on, pretending to play, while everyone in the room marvels at him. There are a few murmurs of approval throughout the audience. Nero notices this and begins to frown. The Emperor then leans over to Poppaea.)
NERO: (Quietly) He's all right, but he's not all that good.
(Poppaea half-heartedly agrees, before suddenly Tavius sneezes. The Doctor has stopped playing because of this. One woman begins to clap, and others join in, thinking it's over. But the Doctor then proceeds to continue, 'playing,' so the clapping stops, the audience unsure. Then the Doctor flourishes, pretending to play the final notes. The audience cheer and applaud for him. And as they do, Nero rises, outraged by this, before storming out the room. But nobody notices because they are too busy applauding the Doctor. As the clapping then stops, the Doctor sits back down with the Princess and Vicki.)
VICKI: Doctor, that was wonderful. Wonderful!
DOCTOR: Thank you, my child, thank you. What of you, Princess, any comments?
PRINCESS: (Grinning) Very clever.
(The Princess sips her wine while the Doctor laughs.)
VICKI: What do you mean?
DOCTOR: Didn't you realise, my dear?
VICKI: Realise what?
PRINCESS: He wasn't actually playing. He was only pretending to.
VICKI: (Confused) But then…why didn't anyone say anything?
DOCTOR: It's the old folktale, child. The Emperor's New Clothes!
VICKI: What?
DOCTOR: Well, after I told them all that only those with perceptive hearing would be able to enjoy it, none of them wanted to seem otherwise. So, they all just pretended to hear, so as not to seem uncultured. (To Princess) And to think, you were worried!
(The Doctor laughs, and Vicki joins in. The Princess even giggles, as the three enjoy the rest of their evening…)
Next Episode – Inferno