Track 1: The Good of This City (Ripper Street OST)
Track 2: Once Upon a Time in a Classroom (Class Series 1 OST)
Track 3: Silurian Scorpions (Primeval OST)
Track 4: Home Sweet Home (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 5: The Bloke Watching Your Dreams 0:00 - 0:51 [fadeout needed] (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 6: Something Is Coming For Me (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 7: Made A New Friend (Doctor Who Series 11 OST)
Track 8: Firechief (Primeval OST)
Track 9: New Digs (Skyfall OST)
Track 10: Missing You (Doctor Who Series 11 OST)
Track 11: Parks, Rosa Parks (Doctor Who Series 11 OST)
Track 12: Together And Alone 0:00 - 1:07 (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 13: Tournament of Shadows (Ripper Street OST)
Track 14: The Division (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 15: The Ring 0:00 - 0:40 (An Inspector Calls OST)
Track 16: Tsuranga (Doctor Who Series 11 OST)
Track 17: Superior Minds (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 18: Launch Trailer 0:00 - 1:22 (Doctor Who The Edge of Time OST)
Track 19: My Fam (Doctor Who Series 11 OST)
1 EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY
[Track 1: The Good of This City] The grass is damp and dirty, being beaten down by the rain pouring down from the grey clouds looming ominously in the sky. The graveyard is large, with an inordinate amount of gravestones stuck firmly into the ground - too many to count, all surrounding a very old stone chapel, drenched in moss. One man, with dark skin, short-ish hair and a leather jacket, trudges along the gravel path, ignoring the other congregation of mourners that are dispersing - some are still lingering, sobbing, whilst others converse with the priest. He continues to walk past them until he finds the grave he's looking for. He reads the inscription:
In Loving Memory of: Adam Michael Ellis. Born 12th June 1986 - 25th October 2019. A beautiful soul that's gone, but never forgotten.
The man stares at it for a while. From someone else's perspective, it might seem that he's fighting tears, but there's no tears to come out. He has a blank expression on his face, almost empty, devoid of life. One might think he's a statue. He stands absolutely still, staring at the gravestone for a few more moments, before moving, resting his hand on it and closing his eyes.
ZACH
Hey, Adam. It's me. I mean, of course it's me. Who else would it be? Not that I'm saying other people don't visit you, of course they do, it's just-
He sighs, giggling a little.
ZACH
Let's try this again. Hey, Adam. It's nearly been a year since you… You know. You'd think that I'd be able to bring myself to say it by now, but I just can't. Why you? Why…
It's only now he starts to choke up, but he stops himself.
ZACH
Anyway, the whole family's coming to see you on the anniversary itself. Shona, Deisha, Ashley. I tried to get Mum, but god knows where she is. Probably best she's not around, anyway. Don't need that in my life at the moment. Apparently Ashley found Cousin Brett on Facebook, but she's not got a reply. Sorry about that. But I'm here now because...
He hesitates, thinking deeply.
ZACH
I don't know why I'm here. I guess I… I wanna chat. I wanna to hear your voice. I know that's impossible, but I miss you. It's cheesy and lame to say that, I know, but I do. Please say… something. If not, I'm going to talk your head off. I know the others wanna talk about what's going on with them when they come up to see you, but it's been a while cos of… nevermind that. I wanna share some stuff. Deisha went into Year 7 a month ago. New school, of course. She's getting on well, making friends. I'm heading to the bank after this, to… You don't care about that. I'm sick of waffling. I can't be asked. I'll see you on the 25th.
He shoves his hands in his pockets and shuffles away. [Track 1 ends]
ROLL TITLES
2 INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
[Track 2: Once Upon A Time In A Classroom] Phones ring, and office workers babble over each other, talking to their customers. The office is a fairly large space, with natural colours, a variety of potted plants, ornate desks and a lot of windows looking out to the London skyline - St Paul's Cathedral, The Walkie Talkie and the Gherkin can all be seen. A woman enters, in a long, black suit, with square glasses and her blonde hair tied up in a bun. She strides across the room, confidently, trying to avoid locking eyes with any of the employees. She reaches a door, which has a padlock on the door handle. Frowning, she wanders over to the water cooler calmly, before leaning against a wall and turning to an employee, speaking with a northern accent.
SUZIE
How comes that door's locked?
LUKE
Only security goes in there.
SUZIE
The security? You mean, like guards? What's through there?
LUKE
Forget about the door.
Luke stiffly returns to his desk. She throws him a quizzical look, then fixes her gaze back on the door.
3 INT. CCTV OFFICE - DAY
There is a dark room, with lots of computer screens monitoring the offices. Two people focus on one of the cameras - which is staring at Suzie. Aiden is a young bloke, with rough ginger hair and glasses, and the other is Alyssa - A Latino woman in her 50s, with a snarl imprinted onto her face.
AIDEN
Her? Who is she?
ALYSSA
Suzie Lowe. Reporter for the London Gazette. Address is 12 Belsham Street, former address 151 Brooklands Road. Set up a Natwest account in 1997, fairly average credit rating.
AIDEN
So she's a target?
ALYSSA
It doesn't matter what she is. We just do our job and they do what they want with her.
AIDEN
Fair enough.
Aiden presses a buzzer.
4 INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
The door unlocks, to Suzie's surprise. Giving a sly grin, she slips inside.
5 INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
Suzie struggles to adjust to the stark contrast to the office - instead of a warm, nurturing environment, the walls are made out of a dark, rusting metal, bearing lots of shelves that make the corridor extremely narrow, causing her to shimmy through, with the floor squeaking very loudly. She freezes as the lift door at the end opens, the light flickering intensely. She steps inside, and the door slams suddenly. As it drops without any cause for break, her screams echo through the shaft. [Track 2 ends]
FADE TO:
6 EXT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
A FEW WEEKS LATER...
Zach is lounging in his living room - a fairly comfortable area, not of excessive space, but with plenty of different decorations. The carpet is fairly clean with a small rug perched underneath a glass coffee table. A small TV sits on a stand, on which he watches BBC News. Lots of pictures are hung up - some of the family, some of picturesque landscapes. A window is open, allowing an Autumnal breeze to flow through what would be a usually stuffy room. It's not much, but it's clear that he's done a lot to make it feel like home. He hears the door swing open, and two ladies walk in - one is roughly his age, with long black hair and beautiful skin, giving him a peck on the lips as she walks in, and the other is a child - almost a teenager, but still with the air of a prepubescent girl, and dressed in a smart black uniform, and fixed to her phone.
ZACH
Yo. How was school?
DEISHA
Was alright.
ZACH
Go get dressed.
DEISHA
I just got in, calm down.
Deisha dawdles off, still focused on her game of Among Us.
SHONA
Don't talk to your father like- Oh, she's gone.
Shona slumps on the sofa next to Zach.
ZACH
I thought we agreed she was getting the bus.
SHONA
You agreed that; I didn't say a thing.
ZACH
We can't spoon-feed her forever. She needs to learn how to do these things herself. Let her go home on the bus tomorrow, okay? Please?
SHONA
Fine.
Shona rests on her husband's shoulder.
SHONA
What did you get up to today?
ZACH
Nothing interesting.
He groans at the telly, whilst Shona laughs.
ZACH
This advert again!
SHONA
Why do you hate it so much?!
ZACH
It's on like every five minutes!
The doorbell rings, and Zach climbs off of the sofa to answer it. She continues to call out to him in the hallway.
SHONA
Then stop watching TV all day!
She giggles.
7 INT. ZACH'S HALLWAY - DAY
He opens the door and looks out to the walkway joining up the rest of the flats and looking out onto the street below. In front of him stands an Asian man with swooped back hair and a light beard, giving a warm smile. He is dressed in a long robe with a cross on it.
MAN
Hello. Do you have a minute to talk about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
ZACH
No, I don't.
MAN
If you just-
ZACH
No, thank you. You're wasting your time here, please take your services elsewhere.
The man sullenly walks back down the walkway towards the stairs. Zach steps out, watching the kids play on the road below, and noticing a small scuffle behind some bins to the side. [Track 3: Silurian Scorpions] Concerned, he slams his door behind him and darts across - strangely, the Asian man is already out of sight.
8 EXT. MARSH COURT - DAY
The street is fairly basic - small, brick houses terraced together with a mismatched pavement holding small fences and bushes, post boxes, sewer grates and a variety of other typical street attire. However, the flats are all bunched together, in an enclosed space, like an unfinished square, and are far taller than the houses. He sees the scuffle still ongoing, and charges towards it.
ZACH
Hey- OH MY GOD!
There are two bodies - one is human, mangled and chunks of flesh ripped off, being devoured by the other body - a tall, cumbersome beast - its skin is almost translucent, and half-digested food can be seen within its organs. Its head shoots up, staring at Zach, the pair frozen in place, meat dripping out of the monster's mouth.
ZACH
What the f...
He backs away.
ZACH
Okay, bro. You're cool. Just stay where you are. You do you, I'ma head out. Laters. Well, hopefully not.
It dives at him but he jumps out of the way. Someone grabs his hand and drags him away from the creature down the side of one of the blocks of flats, which is swiftly chasing after them on all 10 limbs. He finally sees who he's running with - a young, blonde woman with a very peculiar fashion sense; her blue trousers don't reach her big boots, she brandishes a rainbow on her very dark blue T-Shirt and wears a long grey coat with yellow braces underneath.
DOCTOR
Have you seen its legs?! Ten legs! Well, technically eight legs and two arms. Never seen that before. Unless you count those little pincer things on spiders as arms. I personally don't.
ZACH
You what?!
DOCTOR
I'm rambling to distract you.
ZACH
From the giant-ass monster? It's not really working!
DOCTOR
I can see that. Duck!
The pair throw themselves to the floor as the creature launches itself over them - if they were still stood upright, they would've been pinned down by it.
DOCTOR
Great job! Keep that up, and you might get out of this alive!
The Doctor starts running again.
ZACH
...Might?!
He catches up to her, as the creature shakes the pain off and starts after them again.
ZACH
Yo, staircase over there! We can shut the door.
DOCTOR
It's got opposable thumbs, it can open a door.
ZACH
Does it know how to? Doesn't look exactly like a brainiac to me.
DOCTOR
Excellent point! In any case, we don't want to run away.
ZACH
Then what are we doing?
DOCTOR
Luring it, of course!
ZACH
So we're bait.
DOCTOR
Basically. Sorry about that.
ZACH
Who are you, how do you know so much?!
DOCTOR
You've got an inquiring mind, I get that, loving it, but could we save those for after we've been horribly murdered by the alien?
ZACH
Not really! Woah, wait- Did you just- Did you just call it an alien?
DOCTOR
Yes, I did!
They run straight towards a park dead ahead.
ZACH
We ain't heading in there, are we? There's kids there!
DOCTOR
Everyone's been cleared out. There's a notice on the gate telling them the swings are broken!
ZACH
And what about the people who don't read random notices on park gates? That was closed for months a while back but teenagers still hung out there to drink vodka!
DOCTOR
But there's no swings! What's the point of going to a park without swings?
She's aghast to see a few teenagers loitering around by some climbing equipment.
DOCTOR
No! This is why you learn to read!
She grabs Zach.
DOCTOR
You get them out of here, I'll trap that thing!
ZACH
How are you gonna do that?!
DOCTOR
I've got a plan!
The pair split up.
9 EXT. PARK - DAY
She catapults herself over the fence, whilst Zach bursts through the gate and runs towards the playground.
ZACH
You lot! Out!
TROY
Shut up, fam. Say less.
ZACH
You seriously wanna square up now? You're in danger!
TROY
Ooh, cos of the "broken swings"?
ZACH
No!
The alien smashes through the fence.
ZACH
Cos of that!
AMY
Oh, my god…
It stares at them, and all of the teenagers freeze up, petrified, hoping its a dream but knowing deep down its not. It slinks towards them before-
DOCTOR
Oi!
The Doctor chucks a small device towards them, and it explodes - a gas comes out, and a very smelly one at that. They cough and back away, but notice that the extraterrestrial being doesn't like it either, recoiling in disgust at the stink.
ZACH
Get out of here!
TROY
Don't have to tell me twice!
The teenagers bolt away, but Zach looks back to see the creature turning away and charging towards the Doctor.
ZACH
Ay, watch it!
The Doctor grins, chucking something down onto the ground - it encases the alien in a tight energy bubble comprised of orange light, something it obviously doesn't like, lashing about and trying to break free. Zach runs over to her. [Track 3 ends]
DOCTOR
Nice going, mate! I'm so glad that worked.
ZACH
There was a chance it wasn't going to?
[Track 4: Home Sweet Home]
DOCTOR
Well, when you get a few stink weapons from the Moon Market of Pexellian Six, there's bound to be a 67% chance of failure.
ZACH
Stink weapons? You threw a stink bomb at me? Wait, why is that the thing I'm questioning?
DOCTOR
I threw it near you. Hang on, just gotta change the mode on this.
She crouches down to mess with the buttons on the control device she threw on the floor, which is a little stained with mud now. The light on the bubble changes colour from orange to pink. The creature drowsily drops down.
ZACH
Woah, is it dead?
Zach touches the energy bubble and gets shocked.
DOCTOR
Nope. Just heavily sedated. It was fizzing with adrenaline when it was charging at me, so if I'd had it on sleep mode immediately, the prison would've been ineffective, so I had to give it a few nasty smells first. Sensitive nose, y'see.
ZACH
Sure, makes sense. Wait, no, it doesn't! You gonna tell me what's going on around here?
DOCTOR
If you wanna keep safe, I suggest you don't ask.
ZACH
Would it not be safer to know what's going on so I can avoid it?
DOCTOR
Nope. The questioner always wants to know more. You find out what's going on, you'll have to get involved.
ZACH
And that's me? You've known me for two minutes and you think you've got me all figured out.
DOCTOR
I think so. Am I right?
ZACH
No.
DOCTOR
So you don't have an inquiring mind?
ZACH
Maybe I do, but- Oh, shu'p.
He hears the sirens of emergency services in the distance.
DOCTOR
That'll be the police, cleaning up the dead body.
ZACH
We should tell them about this dude, then.
DOCTOR
Nope. Don't need even more lives interfering in this. Best I sort this out myself. Besides, you know what the police are like in this age.
ZACH
Fair.
DOCTOR
Let me take care of it, set up a cover story. Please promise me you won't tell anyone what you saw.
ZACH
...I promise.
DOCTOR
Thank you.
The Doctor presses another button, and the creature begins to shrink into the device, as it folds up into a pyramid shape. She pockets it and saunters off.
DOCTOR
See ya, then!
ZACH
Hold up! Who are you?
She looks at Zach, smiling.
DOCTOR
Just call me the Doctor!
Her smile fades and she immediately grits her teeth, before turning back around.
DOCTOR
Damn.
Zach reaches out to touch where the energy bubble was, but feels nothing. [Track 4 ends]
ZACH
...Mad.
He wanders away from it, slightly bemused.
10 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
[Track 5: The Bloke Watching Your Dreams 0:00 - 0:51 (fadeout needed)] Zach shuts the front door and re-enters the living room.
SHONA
Where'd you run off to?
ZACH
Uh… milk.
SHONA
...You're not holding any milk.
The police cars approach the estate grounds, their lights flashing below the window, and the sirens wailing deafeningly.
SHONA
Ooh, what's going on out there?
ZACH
...Dead body.
SHONA
What?!
ZACH
I, uh… There's a dead body outside.
SHONA
What do you mean, there's a dead body? You're messing, right? There's not actually a dead body outside.
ZACH
Nope.
SHONA
Who is it?
ZACH
No idea. I went to get milk, and saw a dead body and his face was all broken-like.
SHONA
Oh, my god.
He stares off into the distance.
ZACH
I'm going out tonight… I need a drink.
SHONA
That's a good idea.
The pair watch out of the window at the police putting up crime tape, speechless.
11 EXT. MARSH COURT - DAY
Zach is conversing with a police officer.
OFFICER
Sir, can you tell me what you saw?
ZACH
I saw some beef going on, and when I came down, I just saw a body.
OFFICER
Just a body? No assaulter? You didn't see anyone nearby at the time?
ZACH
A few kids playing footie, but that's about it.
OFFICER
Are you sure? You're not covering up for anyone?
ZACH
Why would I be- Oh. Well, no. Don't even think about it, mate.
Zach storms away, furious at the police officer's comment. He then stops as he sees that grey coat swiftly turn a corner. He goes to follow after it, but he stops and backs away, shaking his head. [Track 5 fades]
12 INT. NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
The lights pulsate with the rhythm of the upbeat, song blaring out from the speakers onto the dance floor, creating a bright atmosphere with an almost rainbow aesthetic. Many youths are cheering and dancing along, creating a very lively environment. Zach is glued to the bar, drinking a very cheap spirit. Another guy joins him - a little younger than him, in an oversized hoodie and a scraggly beard.
BRODIE
Bro, you should be seeing all the girls I'm pullin'!
ZACH
I'm good.
Brodie rolls his eyes.
BRODIE
You need to forget about earlier, bro. Just down that drink and go for another.
ZACH
You might be used to one of your gang getting shanked every other week, but I'm not, alright?
BRODIE
Alright, relax.
A girl comes up to Zach, stroking his head. His face scrunched up and written with confusion, he turns to face her.
ZACH
Hey there, could you not?
HANNAH
Why not?
ZACH
Cos I have a wife and child?
BRODIE
I don't, though!
Hannah shrugs.
HANNAH
Okay.
She grabs Brodie's hand and drags her away. With one final glance, he whispers:
BRODIE
Down it!
He shakes his head, laughing a little. He looks around at the environment around him, one that feels slightly alien to him. He throws some money down on the bar which the woman behind it takes as he aimlessly ambles towards the door. Brodie sees him leaving, and pulls himself away from his intense makeout session to hurry after him.
13 EXT. NIGHTCLUB ENTRANCE - NIGHT
The bright lights of London illuminate the cloudy night sky, hiding the stars. The beat of the music inside the nightclub can still be heard, as Zach rests his head against the wall, breathing heavily. The streets are still fairly busy, but not as much as usual. Brodie strolls out and joins him.
BRODIE
I thought you came out to get wasted.
ZACH
Yeah well, that ain't happening.
BRODIE
When was the last time that did happen, huh? Christmas?
ZACH
I dunno.
BRODIE
Come on, back inside.
ZACH
I gotta be responsible, man. Kids are bare work, y'know. You're lucky that you got the chance to be a reckless kid, okay? I'm walking home.
Brodie groans.
BRODIE
That's dry, man! It's only 9:30, and it's a weekend!
ZACH
It's Thursday. You have fun on your own. Better still, considering you're already nosed, get some rest.
[Track 6: Something is Coming For Me] Zach starts off down the road, but someone darts out from an alley, sweating intensely and incredibly paranoid.
BRODIE
Yo, that's Cliff! Cliff, man! What's up?
CLIFF
Down there… They've got some dodgy stock! Watch it!
He doesn't stop, even though Brodie tries to pull him back. Zach, intrigued, runs off down the alley, rolling up his sleeves.
14 EXT. UNDERPASS - NIGHT
Zach and Brodie run out of the alleyway, and see the descent into the underpass by a high-speed road. Lots of young people are dazed, lying widespread on the floor or leaning against a mural. They run towards them.
BRODIE
Woah, Risky! Risky, you good there?
Zach sees blotchy black stains underneath Risky's pale and thin skin, almost like mould growing.
ZACH
Eurgh! Yo, what is that?!
He goes to touch it, but someone pulls his arm back.
DOCTOR
I wouldn't, if I were you.
Zach gasps upon seeing the Doctor.
ZACH
You again?
DOCTOR
Yep. Like I said, the Questioner. Can't help but find out what's going on. Thanks for your help earlier, by the way. Following up on my promise, I like loyalty.
ZACH
It was nothing. Not a big fan of the stalking, though.
BRODIE
Who's this geezer?
ZACH
I met her earlier.
DOCTOR
The Doctor. And you are?
ZACH
Zach. Zach Ellis. And this is Brodie.
DOCTOR
Zach and Brodie. Brilliant names. Now, let's see what we have here.
She puts on rubber gloves to inspect his arm.
ZACH
Is this 'cos of that thing? Are there more than one of them?
DOCTOR
Don't think so. Well, there probably are, but not roaming about on Earth.
ZACH
What did this?
DOCTOR
Long story.
ZACH
This is Brodie's mate, so we're involved now. I wanna know.
DOCTOR
Maybe later, if I have the time. What did you say his name was? Risky?
BRODIE
Yeah, but… he's not exactly my mate. I know him cos… business reasons.
Zach rolls his eyes.
DOCTOR
Is that a problem?
ZACH
He's a leader of a gang. Big-time drug dealer.
DOCTOR
Drug dealer? That's excellent!
Zach is taken aback by the Doctor's response.
DOCTOR
Well, I mean, obviously drugs are bad, and shame on you, you should definitely try and give those up before your health deteriorates even more, but it confirms my theory. Risky, can you hear me?
He groans incoherently.
DOCTOR
No, nothing.
ZACH
You've got a theory already?
DOCTOR
These blotches are a result of an alien form of drug. There's something going on in the criminal underbelly of this city - Loads of stolen alien weapons, advanced machinery and now drugs.
ZACH
So the invisible bigfoot thing I saw…
DOCTOR
They must be some sort of cargo. Someone's shipping alien goods here and that creature's part of it.
BRODIE
What creature? What on earth are you talking 'bout?
DOCTOR
Oh! Hiya. My suggestion is, call the ambulance services. I don't know an antidote yet, but your doctors might be able to help. At least they could give them a fighting chance.
BRODIE
Well, I… I… Oh, better go.
Brodie runs off down the road towards a phone box.
ZACH
What about me?
DOCTOR
Feel like doing more monster hunting?
ZACH
Huh?
DOCTOR
If my readings are correct, Risky's supplier is somewhere near here. I might be able to get some more info from them.
ZACH
And you want me as backup? Even though you told me to stay away earlier?
DOCTOR
Alright, if you don't wanna come…
ZACH
I do.
DOCTOR
Come on, then.
They head down the pavement towards the underpass.
ZACH
Why'd you change your mind, then?
DOCTOR
You seem to have some local knowledge. I could use that. You know where the supplies often go down?
ZACH
Actually, yeah. They normally go just down here. Must be fast-reacting.
The Doctor glares at Zach.
ZACH
I've got mates, I hear things. I don't use, can't afford to with…
DOCTOR
With what?
ZACH
Doesn't matter.
They enter the underpass, seeing many more unconscious humans sprawled along the pavement.
ZACH
Are they gonna live?
DOCTOR
Do you want the honest answer or the reassuring answer?
ZACH
I think you just gave me the honest answer.
DOCTOR
Hmm. Honestly, I don't know.
ZACH
There!
The Doctor and Zach see a toppled crate with vials of a thick black liquid.
DOCTOR
Looks like the supplier ran off.
ZACH
That's the stuff that's in their blood, right?
DOCTOR
Not in their blood exactly.
ZACH
I'm no good at Biology.
DOCTOR
No, me neither. Pretty good at chemistry though. This looks like a very concentrated liquid dose.
ZACH
So these guys, they were taking it in pills or powder or whatever, but it wasn't a strong enough hit?
DOCTOR
So they started selling them in liquid form, but that was too strong.
ZACH
So it killed them?
DOCTOR
Or nearly killed them. On the edge of life, almost comatose.
Zach picks up the crate and sees a symbol on the back - a picture of the Earth, but the countries are fitted together and its in gold.
ZACH
Hey, I know this picture. I've seen it recently.
DOCTOR
It's the Earth.
ZACH
Nah, it's not. Well, it is, but like… it's something else. Oh!
DOCTOR
Oh?
ZACH
It's the Pio World Corporation.
DOCTOR
Pio World?
ZACH
It's a bank. You've never heard of it?
DOCTOR
Why Pio?
ZACH
Short for Pioneer, I think. Forging the way into a new age. Financially.
DOCTOR
Cos money's the answer to everything. Pio… Thanks.
The Doctor walks off again. Zach throws his hands up.
ZACH
What, that's it, is it?
DOCTOR
Yep. Sorry again!
ZACH
Nuh-uh. Not taking it.
The Doctor stops, and turns around.
DOCTOR
Best thing to do is forget about all of this.
ZACH
Someone died today, and you know more than you're letting on. Why don't I go to the police and tell them what I saw?
DOCTOR
Because you know that more people are going to get hurt if you do that. You're a nice guy, and you don't want to let that happen.
She pauses.
DOCTOR
Alright, you're smart. Super smart, even. You're probably going to go and look me up - Doctor and aliens probably. In which case, you'd find a film from the 80s. Pretty fun.
ZACH
And you know that why?
DOCTOR
Never tried googling yourself? Getting off topic. My point is, you're determined to find out. The Questioner. If you really want to know what's going on, I'll tell you. But not now. Meet me at lunch tomorrow at the cafe up the road from here. Apparently they do really nice lasagnes, and I haven't had one in ages. I'll tell you everything you want to know then- IF you promise that you stay away from it afterwards. I'm looking out for your safety.
ZACH
Okay. Fine.
The Doctor nods, then resumes walking off again.
ZACH
See you at 12pm.
DOCTOR
1pm! That's my favourite time, 1pm. Wonder why...
Zach looks around at the bodies, then rushes off to help Brodie. Pan up from Zach towards the streets of London - massive, full of life, and almost impossible to search. Time begins to speed up, the stars shooting across the sky and the Moon soon disappearing beyond the horizon as the Sun climbs up from the other side of the Earth to produce light. [Track 6 ends]
15 EXT. BINS - DAWN
A fairly burly man talks to a figure in the shadows - Alyssa.
ALYSSA
You know what to do. Just make sure you're not seen. Oh, and if you're caught, stick to the facts.
MAX
What are the facts?
They hand an envelope over to Max.
MAX
This'll do just nicely.
He grins evilly, his teeth glinting in the early sunlight.
FADE TO:
16 INT. ZACH'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Zach sits at a table in a small, beige kitchen. The floor is made of lino, and there's little space to maneuver, with lots of shelves on the wall and the wooden counters taking up a lot of the room. A picture of Adam Ellis rests on the side of the central table where Zach sits, nibbling at some toast and writing down questions on a small, lined notepad. Deisha rushes in and nicks the plate off him, eating his breakfast.
ZACH
Oi!
DEISHA
Don't have time, gotta go!
ZACH
You've still got fifteen minutes before your bus!
DEISHA
Bus might get there early!
She hurries out towards the front door.
ZACH
You owe me toast!
DEISHA
Definitely! See ya!
He hears the door shut, and he laughs.
17 EXT. WALKWAY - MORNING
Deisha tightens her backpack which is still a little baggy for her - as is the case for most of her peers. The Asian man walks up to her, still fashioning a big smile, which to her, seems a little stilted and forced.
MAN
Hello. Do you have a minute to talk about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
DEISHA
I'm good, mate.
She slips past him and runs down the stairs.
18 INT. ZACH'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Zach reads the notes he's made, deep in thought, and scribbling more down. He pockets the pad, then rushes off to the bedroom to get dressed.
19 EXT. STREET - DAY
Zach steps off the bus and walks down the road towards the cafe. He sees the spot where the victims were, and they've now gone.
20 INT. CAFE - DAY
He sits at a table, reading the menu. He checks his phone, and the time says 13:00. He sucks air through his teeth, putting the menu down, then sits bolt upright, jumping as he sees the Doctor sitting opposite him.
ZACH
Yo, don't jumpscare me like that!
DOCTOR
Sorry. Have you ordered yet?
He sighs.
ZACH
Nah.
DOCTOR
Neither. What are you getting?
ZACH
Uh- I dunno. Burger?
DOCTOR
Good choice.
He signals to a waiter.
ZACH
Hey, could we get a cheeseburger and a lasagne please, mate? Oh, and one tea.
DOCTOR
Two teas.
ZACH
Two teas.
The waiter walks away, and Zach faces the Doctor. [Track 7: Made A New Friend]
ZACH
So why'd you bring me here?
DOCTOR
I told you.
ZACH
Not properly.
DOCTOR
You helped me out twice, and you didn't even question me. A complete stranger.
ZACH
You helped me first. You saved my life with that "alien".
DOCTOR
It's called a Sott Beast, according to my records. Why'd you say alien like that?
ZACH
Like what?
The Doctor gestures air quotes.
DOCTOR
"Alien".
ZACH
Well, I mean… is it actually all real? I mean when this year started, I didn't think it'd be as bad as it was, but seriously?
DOCTOR
Yep. You believe in them?
ZACH
Sorta. I mean, everything that's happened over the past few years is mad. It's like some days are the end of the world and others never happened at all and everything's the way it was.
DOCTOR
That's the progression of temporal flux for you.
ZACH
What's that mean?
DOCTOR
Time being rewritten all around us. Sometimes, memories of another timeline bleed through.
ZACH
The first time they properly invaded, I mean on a global scale, I was still in school. And now it's like… people take it for granted now, everything's so messed up it's hard to tell what's real, what's not and what's alien. The UFOs in Cardiff, those Cybermen things across London last year… I got lucky, it was just before…
DOCTOR
Before what?
ZACH
My brother died last year.
DOCTOR
I'm so sorry.
ZACH
He was involved in some accident, hospitalised. He didn't make it. But the Cybermen were hiding in the hospitals, converting people. If it was a month earlier, he could've become like them.
DOCTOR
They're gone now. I think.
ZACH
We can only hope. Ah, it's stupid. But you still haven't answered the question. I saved you, sure. But yesterday, you said it was dangerous if I knew too much. And now, here we are, talking about it. Why?
DOCTOR
I think you're very clever.
ZACH
Why, thank you.
DOCTOR
You would've worked out what was going on sooner or later. And if we weren't here now, you would've talked to other people, and they could get involved, and they could get hurt. You're a part of this now, whether you want to be or not.
The waiter returns with the two cups of tea.
ZACH
Cheers.
DOCTOR
So, ask away.
Zach removes the pad from his leather jacket, and starts to combs through the pages, then puts it away.
ZACH
There's a lot here, but… I guess the most important one is why you?
DOCTOR
Why me what?
ZACH
Why have you taken it on yourself to deal with this? Why not tell the Army or someone in charge?
DOCTOR
Because there is no-one else. I shouldn't put others in danger.
ZACH
But why?
DOCTOR
Why didn't you tell anyone?
ZACH
Because…
They both fall silent for a moment.
DOCTOR
Exactly. You have a responsibility. No-one's asked you for you to look after the people around you, but you did anyway because you feel like you're the only one who has the chance to. Maybe because you lost your brother, you feel obligated to care for others and stop them feeling how you felt.
ZACH
Hey, that's not fair.
DOCTOR
Isn't it true?
ZACH
...Perhaps. What about you? If you're acting the same way, who did you lose?
The Doctor clams up for a second.
DOCTOR
It's hard to know where to start. It's like I said, my life is dangerous. Best keep others out of it.
ZACH
What is your life?
DOCTOR
Just passing through different places, helping out where I can.
ZACH
Helping out how?
The Doctor thinks on this for a moment, then everyone in the cafe turns as they hear a scream. [Track 7 ends]
DOCTOR
Helping out like hearing someone in distress and finding out what's wrong! Come on!
Both she and Zach race out of the cafe, after putting two quid each down on the table.
21 EXT. BELSHAM STREET - DAY
[Track 8: Firechief] The Doctor and Zach run down the road to see police dragging a nerdy man out of his home in handcuffs, who's exclaiming erratically. One of the police officers is Max.
FRANCIS
I haven't done anything! It's them! It's Pio! They lied to you! Ask about Suzie Lowe! ASK THEM!
He's shoved into the police car and it speeds off.
DOCTOR
Do you have a car?
ZACH
No, can't afford one!
DOCTOR
This way!
The Doctor and Zach bolt down the road and jump on a bus.
23 INT. BUS - DAY
They grab onto a pole as the bus follows the same route as the taxi driver.
ZACH
Did he say Pio?
DOCTOR
I think so. He knows something. Who's Suzie Lowe?
ZACH
I dunno.
He whips out his phone and opens Google.
ZACH
Some reporter.
DOCTOR
What if she was investigating Pio, and found something out?
ZACH
They'd be cutting off loose ends.
Zach realises.
24 EXT. STREET - DAY
The bus continues to follow the police car, but then it goes left, whilst the car continues straight ahead. The vehicle arrives at a bus stop, and the Doctor and Zach leap off, turning back down the road.
ZACH
Augh, they got a massive head start on us now!
DOCTOR
But we know where they're heading.
ZACH
Do we?
DOCTOR
Police station!
ZACH
That's far though. We'll never catch up!
DOCTOR
Where's the closest one?
ZACH
I dunno, uh… St Paul's probably.
The Doctor stops and thinks, looking around, then grinning. She pulls Zach down some stairs towards Hackney Central Station.
25 EXT. BRIDGE - DAY
The police car drives over a small bridge - the water underneath isn't the main strand of the Thames, but a small branch of it. A train zooms past next to it.
26 INT. TRAIN - DAY
Zach stares out of the window.
ZACH
There it is!
DOCTOR
You sure?
ZACH
I think so, all police cars look the same, but it was heading in that direction!
DOCTOR
So we're ahead of it!
ZACH
It's still gonna be running through traffic!
The Doctor and Zach make their way to the train doors.
27 INT. ST PAUL'S STATION - DAY
The doors beep and push open, and the pair launch themselves off the train towards the exit.
28 EXT. STREET - DAY
The Doctor and Zach run out of St Paul's Station, and see the Cathedral.
ZACH
The station's on the other side!
DOCTOR
Taxi!
The Doctor catches the attention of a cab, and a crooked-tooth, sweaty man stares at her, grinning weirdly.
TAXI DRIVER
Hello, my dear!
DOCTOR
Too creepy, never mind!
The Doctor and Zach run on. Zach hails another taxi, and they bundle inside.
29 INT. TAXI - DAY
They sit themselves down.
DOCTOR
Police station! Go!
The taxi driver puts his foot down on the accelerator and they drive off.
TAXI DRIVER 2
Everything okay, sweetheart?
DOCTOR
That's enough of the sweetheart, thanks. And not really.
ZACH
Doctor, if we're nosing about, doesn't that mean they could come after us?
DOCTOR
Yep. Told you it was dangerous.
He gulps.
30 EXT. POLICE STATION ENTRANCE - DAY
The Doctor and Zach climb the stairs and burst through the door. [Track 8 ends]
31 INT. POLICE STATION RECEPTION - DAY
[Track 9: New Digs] They stand at the counter, talking to the receptionist. It's a cool blue room, crawling with police officers, and flyers about numerous crimes related to the internet, fraud, kidnappings and murder thrown up about the place.
DOCTOR
Suzie Lowe.
RECEPTIONIST
Nothing, sorry. The only Lowe in custody is Francis Lowe, who's under strict orders not to be talked to.
DOCTOR
Not even with...
She frowns, fumbling with her pockets and presenting the psychic paper.
DOCTOR
This?
RECEPTIONIST
No, ma'am. Sorry.
ZACH
Okay, thank you anyway.
Zach pulls the Doctor to the side.
ZACH
What do we do now if we can't chat him up?
DOCTOR
Well, I did a jailbreak a while ago…
ZACH
We can't do that! There are actual criminals here!
DOCTOR
Right…
ZACH
I've got a better idea.
Zach and the Doctor head back out the doors with determination.
32 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
The door unlocks and the Doctor and Zach walk in.
ZACH
You want a tea?
DOCTOR
No thanks. So what's your big idea?
ZACH
Francis knew about what Suzie was doing, right? So what if he wrote it down? What if he knew about what happened to Suzie and knew they were coming for him?
DOCTOR
He'd leave a trail. But Pio would be cleaning up after him.
ZACH
So we need to find something Pio don't have access to. There's my laptop, maybe there's a post or something on the internet. I'll be back.
Zach runs out.
33 EXT. LANSDOWNE DRIVE - DAY
He darts down the road towards a simple convenience store - it's got a blue awning stained with rainwater, bird poo and mud that says: Blackstone Express.
34 INT. BLACKSTONE EXPRESS - DAY
He pushes the door open and browses around - at this point we see the woman behind the counter; Shona.
SHONA
Yo, what you up to back there?
ZACH
I need one of those corkboard things, or a whiteboard, anything for… you know?
SHONA
I'll check in the back. Why?
ZACH
I need to put something up.
Shona wanders through a bead curtain into the backroom.
35 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM
The Doctor is scrolling through an online website for the London Gazette, reading slowly at Suzie Lowe's articles.
36 EXT. PARK - DAY
A gang is smoking cigarettes and listening to grime music, lounging by a cluster of trees in a fairly large park - the damaged playground is on the opposite side. Zach wanders over to them.
ABBY
Yo, Zach! Where you been, blud?
ZACH
No time - have you seen Sav anywhere recently?
JOSH
Nah, he went underground.
ZACH
Why?
JOSH
Something 'bout "them looking for him".
ZACH
Who's them?
JOSH
No idea - you want one?
He offers Zach a cigarette, but he throws his hand up, as to dismiss it.
DAVE
I know where you might be able to find him.
Zach raises an eyebrow.
37 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
The Doctor inspects Suzie and Francis' social media accounts, constantly changing between Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and many others.
38 EXT. WILLMAN GROVE - DAY
Zach and Dave march on a smaller road near his flat.
DAVE
What do you need him for?
ZACH
Same old, same old.
They walk up to a one-storey house, the windows boarded shut and the front garden fairly overgrown, with lots of junk tipped into the skip on the grass. He knocks on the front door, and it opens slightly. A skinny, grubby woman with crazy hair looks out.
DAVE
Yo, you seen Sav?
LAURA
Who's askin'?
ZACH
Zach. Zach Ellis. He owes me a favour I need to call in on.
LAURA
Haven't you heard? Feds been rounding everyone up.
ZACH
What? But Sav was foolproof. How did he get found out?
LAURA
Don't ask me - been happening a lot round here.
Laura slams the door, and Zach groans, planting his face in his hands. However, it creaks open again.
LAURA
There's one of his gang that's still hanging around… I need to know you're legit, though.
DAVE
Zach's cool, trust. Where they at?
Laura grins.
39 INT. BASEMENT - DAY
Zach walks in. Dave follows after, but Laura holds her back.
LAURA
Only him.
DAVE
He needs backup!
ZACH
Don't worry, mate. I'll be fine. Thanks for this.
DAVE
No thing. See ya.
Dave and Laura walk out. A young girl in a hoodie sits in the corner.
ZACH
You with Sav?
KAYLA
Who you?
ZACH
Zach.
KAYLA
It's Ellis, right? Sav talked up about you.
ZACH
I backed him with a personal matter.
KAYLA
What you need?
ZACH
You know his skill?
KAYLA
Okay. Who you need?
ZACH
His name's Francis Lowe.
Kayla holds up a memory stick.
KAYLA
Get this into his computer, you'll be through his firewalls in two minutes.
ZACH
You can't hack it remotely?
KAYLA
Not anymore. It was Sav's last wish before he got caught. He thinks he got caught because the cops tracked the remote source. Dunno how, but they did.
ZACH
Thanks.
He takes the memory stick off her and starts heading back towards the stairs. [Track 9 ends]
KAYLA
It'd normally cost, but he told me that you saved him.
He stops, looking sullen. [Track 10: Missing You]
ZACH
Yeah. Yeah, yeah I did.
KAYLA
What from? Rival gang or summit?
ZACH
Bit worse than that.
KAYLA
What?
ZACH
I dunno if I should tell you. Private, you know.
KAYLA
Sav was my big brother. I wanna visit him, but I can't. Made me promise to stay low. He always looked out for me, always careful. So what put him in danger?
He turns around, looking into her eyes with grave seriousness.
ZACH
...Himself.
She tilts her head, then turns it back slowly, as she realises.
KAYLA
Oh. I… I didn't know.
ZACH
No-one does. That's the problem. Laters.
He turns back around and heads up the stairs. [Track 10 ends]
40 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
[Track 11: Parks, Rosa Parks] Zach returns with the USB, staring at the Doctor.
ZACH
We've got a problem.
41 EXT. PIO WORLD CORPORATION ENTRANCE - DAY
The Doctor and Zach cross the road towards a large skyscraper, in a very modern design - it gives off an almost ethereal glow, the metal reflecting the sun's beams, and the shape is unique, each floor creating a spiral, and beams thrust into the ground around it. They walk through a beautiful garden under a veranda, fountains presenting a lush and thick glimpse at wildlife and nature, not normally found in London.
ZACH
Whoa… Talk about swanky! This place is way out of my league!
DOCTOR
This is the Pio World Headquarters. According to what I found, Francis worked for Pio.
ZACH
So if he found something, asked his wife to investigate…
DOCTOR
They would've gotten caught. It's only been a few hours, there's a chance they haven't wiped his account yet.
ZACH
Then we can work out what Pio are doing that is allowing the police to nab people off the streets.
DOCTOR
And what they want with alien technology.
ZACH
...Yeah, that too.
The doors slide open and the pair walk through.
42 INT. PIO WORLD CORPORATION RECEPTION - DAY
They marvel at the grand hall - marble columns surround them, and clean tiled walls are encased within a smart wooden frame.
ZACH
This must've cost a fortune! Where'd they get the money from?
DOCTOR
Like I said - Alien tech. This time period is massive for extraterrestrial memorabilia, everyone's looking out for it.
ZACH
Funny. When you say "this time period", sounds like you're from the future or something.
The Doctor stays silent.
ZACH
Oh my god, are you from the future?
DOCTOR
We need a way to get upstairs.
ZACH
No, but seriously, though.
She gestures towards a lift.
DOCTOR
There's a lift over there, but it looks like it needs a security pass or something.
ZACH
Doctor, don't air me like this!
She sighs.
DOCTOR
Yes, I'm from the future. And also, I'm not from your planet. Happy now?
ZACH
Sorry, what? You're an alien too? Course you are, why not?
DOCTOR
I'm sure the sonic could bypass the lock, but this place seems fairly high-tech, and it probably has a tamper seal. Same for the psychic paper. We don't want to be setting any alarms off upstairs.
ZACH
How did Suzie get inside, then?
DOCTOR
Francis worked here, had a pass of his own.
Max walks in, in a big black suit, with a prominent scowl. Zach stares at him.
ZACH
I recognise him… Wait, he was one of the officers!
DOCTOR
Oh, yeah. Good spot. Let's keep an eye on him.
The Doctor and Zach follow him.
43 INT. CCTV OFFICE - DAY
Alyssa walks in, slightly frustrated.
ALYSSA
What is it? I was having lunch.
AIDEN
Lunch? It's… 4 o'clock.
ALYSSA
Alright, dinner then.
AIDEN
You eat dinner real early.
ALYSSA
Just tell me what you want.
AIDEN
The automatic software, it's functioning normally, but… we found a glitch.
ALYSSA
Glitch how?
AIDEN
It's been scanning people entering reception, and...
He opens up a feed of the reception, and it zooms in on the Doctor.
ALYSSA
Who's she?
AIDEN
That's the thing. No idea. The program doesn't identify her.
ALYSSA
Impossible.
AIDEN
It's like she's never had any financial account in her life.
ALYSSA
Again, impossible.
AIDEN
Is it? She looks like she's got her clothes from a charity store.
ALYSSA
She'd still have money on her. What about the dude next to her?
AIDEN
He checks out. Zach Ellis, unemployed. Lives at 36 Marsh Court on the Blackstone Estate. He's on one of the target spots. Like most of 'em, he's got a joint account with his wife, Shona Ellis at Pio World, set up in 2008, just after the birth of their daughter.
She groans in a whispered tone, something ticking over in her brain.
ALYSSA
And everyone else in there is okay?
AIDEN
Looks like it.
ALYSSA
I'll talk to the higher-ups, see what they want done with them. Stay on them.
AIDEN
You got it.
She storms out.
44 INT. PIO WORLD CORPORATION RECEPTION - DAY
The Doctor and Zach stalk Max as he talks to an employee. Suddenly, a woman in a smart black uniform with the Pio World logo printed onto it taps Zach on the shoulder. She wears a smile on her face, almost artificial.
CLAIRE
Excuse me, sir. But you look lost. Is there anything I can assist you with?
ZACH
We're good, thanks.
CLAIRE
Are you sure?
ZACH
Yes, now run along, please!
As Zach continues to talk to Claire, the Doctor stares at Max, who's listening to something on his earpiece. He nods, and marches towards the lift. She turns back to Zach and grabs him.
DOCTOR
Time to move. Thank you very much for your time!
CLAIRE
Enjoy your stay here!
She pulls him towards the lift which Max has just entered.
ZACH
Why is everyone so nice here? There's something off about this place.
DOCTOR
You think? Hold the door!
The Doctor and Zach run into the lift.
45 INT. LIFT - DAY
The doors shut, and the metal room begins to move up the shaft.
DOCTOR
See? Easy peasy.
ZACH
Yep. Guess so.
They smile at each other, then look at Max and return to their straightforward, down-to-business expressions. [Track 11 ends]
MAX
Haven't seen you round here before.
[Track 12: Together and Alone 0:00 - 1:07] Zach throws the Doctor a look, one of anxiety. The tension in the lift is potent, that it takes the Doctor a few moments to respond.
DOCTOR
Really? How odd. What do you do?
MAX
I deal with private matters. Between me and my clients.
ZACH
Your clients being customers?
MAX
I don't discuss my business with others. Confidentiality agreement.
DOCTOR
Of course, don't mind us. Very nosey, that's our problem.
MAX
Yes, well you should work on that. We don't want you poking around and finding something that you're not meant to know, would we? Because then what would happen?
The Doctor and Max stare each other off. His earpiece beeps again.
MAX
Please excuse me.
He presses against the earpiece and listens closely.
46 INT. CCTV OFFICE - DAY
Aiden and Alyssa are watching the lift CCTV. He glances at her, then back to a microphone, picking it up and speaking closely into it.
AIDEN
Max, those people in the lift. Get them. The boss wants to see them.
He puts the microphone back on the desk.
47 INT. LIFT - DAY
Max smirks. Zach stares at him in the corner of his eye, feeling something about to happen. Max's fist clenches. Zach nods towards him, the Doctor picking up on this. He readies his fist, but she shakes her head. But he responds with a confused look. Gritting her teeth, she subtly tells him no, holding up three fingers, then two, then one, then-
DOCTOR
Down!
Max lunges at Zach, but he ducks swiftly. He smashes the buttons, and the lift stops. The Doctor dives under Max's legs and thrusts his arms into a police hold. He yells, as the Doctor pushes him up against the wall.
DOCTOR
Zach!
She chucks him the sonic.
ZACH
What the hell is this?!
DOCTOR
Sonic screwdriver, just point and think!
Zach aims it at Max and it whirrs.
DOCTOR
Not at him!
ZACH
You didn't say where to-!
DOCTOR
-The ceiling, there's a-!
Max flings the Doctor back, and the camera is knocked down.
48 INT. CCTV OFFICE - DAY
The camera goes to static.
AIDEN
Max? What's going on in there?!
ALYSSA
For god's sake!
She shakes her head, frustrated.
49 INT. LIFT - DAY
Zach breathes heavily.
ZACH
Big. Mistake.
Zach throws a punch at Max, and Max retaliates, whacking him. They wrestle, and in the ongoing fight, he drops the screwdriver, but the Doctor picks it up and aims it at a panel in the ceiling. It opens and falls on Max's head.
DOCTOR
Come on!
The Doctor and Zach climb out.
50 INT. LIFT SHAFT - DAY
As the Doctor pulls Zach up, Max grabs his leg.
ZACH
Get off!
Zach kicks Max and he lets go. They see that the opening to the next floor is just above them, and they clamber up once the Doctor has used the sonic again. [Track 12 ends]
51 INT. LANDING - DAY
[Track 13: Tournament of Shadows] The doors shut and the Doctor and Zach conspicuously hurry away along a landing, with glass windows overlooking the office floor on one side, and actual offices on the other. They can hear the banging from the other side of the lift door.
ZACH
What were you saying about setting off alarms?
DOCTOR
Seems like we were already on someone's radar.
ZACH
Who and how?
DOCTOR
That's just what I'd like to find out.
ZACH
Where's Francis' desk?
DOCTOR
I don't know, but we might be out of time.
ZACH
Loving the optimism!
DOCTOR
He worked as an accountant, he was just transferring data.
ZACH
He's probably stationed down there with everyone else, then.
DOCTOR
There's no privacy, how are we going to get in?
Zach's face lights up.
ZACH
I have an idea.
He grins.
52 INT. OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
Zach and the Doctor are in the corner of the main office area. There is a table where he rests a basket of chocolate chip muffins.
ZACH
Who wants mini-muffins?!
All the workers rise up from their basic cubicles, excited and flocking to the baked goods. The Doctor and Zach circle them and make their way down the aisles of computers until they find "Francis Lowe".
DOCTOR
Here!
ZACH
Wait.
Zach goes to a different computer and inserts the memory stick.
DOCTOR
What are you doing?
ZACH
Pio knew about Francis, so what if they're watching his account? And, if it has been wiped, then it'd be a waste of time.
The monitor plays a little jingle.
ZACH
Shut up!
They open up the servers - there are hundreds of folders.
ZACH
You have got to be kidding me. That lot are vultures, there's no way we can get through all of this before they get back.
DOCTOR
Okay, okay, okay… Look up "Sott Beast".
Zach types into the search bar. She looks up to see guards on the landing where they were, and she quickly lowers her head.
ZACH
Nothing.
DOCTOR
Long shot. Try drugs?
ZACH
Nope.
DOCTOR
...Francis Lowe.
Zach types away again. A few files show up, but the one that sticks out to them is a document titled Recruits (Updated 23/10/20).
ZACH
That's today.
He opens it up, and sees a spreadsheet - There is a very long list of names, including both Suzie and Francis Lowe - next to them is their address, bank details, a few other scraps of information and one more column with a heading of "Interest (%)".
ZACH
I recognise some of these names… Friends of mine… They've all gone missing recently.
DOCTOR
What does it mean by interest? And how come Suzie is so low? Only 25%.
ZACH
And my mates are up in the 60s. I don't mean they are 60, they're like mid-20s. I mean 60%.
DOCTOR
Look at the correlation of the data that's being collected.
ZACH
Look at the who of the what now?
DOCTOR
It looks like the people with a worse financial situation have a higher percentage.
ZACH
And it seems like most of the people here are from areas of poverty. All over the country… Blackstone Estate, Powell Estate, Lewisham, Oldham, loads of places in Wales…
DOCTOR
Loads of places all over the world. Recruits… I really don't like where this is heading…
ZACH
Are they doing what I think they're doing?
DOCTOR
I really think they are.
ZACH
They're targeting people from lower class zones… because they're stereotyping them as worth less?
DOCTOR
No. It's even worse than that. They're worth more. They're targeting people who can slip under the radar very easily. Do whatever they want to them. "Recruiting" them. That's why Francis got arrested, taken away - he knew Suzie had disappeared.
ZACH
And they're going to do the same to everyone who knows her? That's disgusting.
MAX
I think you should come with us.
The Doctor and Zach turn around. Max has two other guards behind him, and they're aiming guns. [Track 13 ends]
DOCTOR
Oh!
They raise their hands.
DOCTOR
Did you get one of the mini-muffins?
She smiles nervously.
53 INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
[Track 14: The Division] The Doctor and Zach are escorted down the same dark, unforgiving corridor that Suzie walked down earlier.
ZACH
I don't think this is part of the tour.
The Doctor looks over to him.
ZACH
Sorry, I make stupid jokes under pressure. Just stupid.
DOCTOR
No, it's not stupid. Don't be so hard on yourself.
ZACH
Bit late now, considering we're about to be killed.
DOCTOR
Are we? That file said "Recruits". I think they're still alive and being used for something.
ZACH
Somehow I think that's worse. You know all those stories about people getting abducted by aliens, and prodded and tortured.
DOCTOR
You know what I don't get?
ZACH
Why they're doing this?
DOCTOR
No. Why they chose those people.
ZACH
You said it was because they were less likely to be reported missing?
DOCTOR
There's something more - They could be taking the homeless off the street, but they're not. The nearly homeless, sure. And a few others. But why specifically them? What makes them special?
The lift doors open with a hearty creak and they step inside.
54 INT. LIFT - DAY
It groans as it moves down the shaft. The guards are holding onto rails built into the wall, but the Doctor and Zach are still handcuffed. Zach stares at Max.
ZACH
Yo, where we going?
Max doesn't respond.
ZACH
Hello? I'm talking to you, man!
MAX
Silence.
ZACH
Ooh, okay. Totally shook.
DOCTOR
Zach.
They return to silence. Suddenly, the lift judders.
ZACH
The hell-?
It throws the Doctor and Zach to the floor. [Track 14 ends]
55 INT. LIFT ENTRANCE
The lift opens to a very different room - it's bathed in a cool blue light, and the walls are designed in a gear-shape, all fitting together like a jigsaw. As Zach walks out, he feels a harsh breath of air wrap around his ankles, as a low layer of mist pours in, hiding the floor.
ZACH
Was the architect drunk when he designed this bit?
DOCTOR
I think it was probably under a different contract.
[Track 15: The Ring 0:00 - 0:40] She sees a button on each wall and presses one. Some of the gears above it fold back to create a window - looking out into space and down onto Planet Earth. Zach gazes out of it, shocked.
ZACH
Okay… What?
He stares at her.
ZACH
Is that… Doctor, is that…?
DOCTOR
Yep.
ZACH
That's… everyone I knew. My entire life. Down there. Everything I am, right in front of me. Is that… is that good? I don't know if that's good. Is it?
DOCTOR
Up to you.
ZACH
Oh, my god. I'm in space!
MAX
Keep moving!
Max pushes the Doctor forward.
DOCTOR
Alright, alright! What's the big hurry for? Are we keeping boss man waiting?
ZACH
Boss man? In… in space?
DOCTOR
Yep. Whoever's running Pio World… I think we've earned an audience with them.
One of the bodyguards presses a button on the other wall, and the gears fold back to reveal a doorway, which they shove the Doctor and Zach through. [Track 15 ends]
56 INT. CORRIDOR
Much of the rest of the ship is designed in the same way as the lift entrance. They stop outside a door which, again, is buried behind the gears. Both the Doctor and Zach go to enter the room, but Max holds him back.
MAX
No. Only the woman.
ZACH
Man, I don't think so-
DOCTOR
It's okay. I've got this.
[Track 16: Tsuranga] She saunters in alone, and Zach scowls.
57 INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER
The doors lock into place, and the Doctor looks around at a grand, spherical chamber, in a dark, atmospheric style and still with the geared architecture. There's one long walkway leading to a podium in the middle, with struts holding it up and connecting to the base of the sphere. On the dais sits three large chairs where two women and one man sits with an air of regality, whom the Doctor approaches. On their thrones have labels: "AGENT I", "AGENT L" and "AGENT C". All three are physically larger - not the same size as giants, but in that sort of style - and have light grey skin, almost as if normal human skin has started to wither away and reveal the skeleton underneath, however their manner suggests otherwise - Agent L has a sneering look on her face, and her nose is pointed upwards, like a witch; Agent I has long blue hair and has a long flowing dress to match, distinctly clashing with her skin, but it's as if she is embracing her femininity; and Agent C is bold and fairly stocky, with bulging muscles ripping through a tight black suit.
DOCTOR
I'm assuming you sent for me?
AGENT L
This is her?
AGENT I
According to the transcript, yes.
DOCTOR
I'm sorry - transcript?
AGENT C
Silence. State your name and lifestyle.
DOCTOR
Doctor and traveller.
AGENT L
A travelling doctor? That seems untrue.
DOCTOR
I assure you, it's not.
She takes out her psychic paper. Agent L scoffs.
AGENT L
Psychic paper! She thinks she can fool us with psychic paper!
AGENT I
Hang on...
Agent I presses a button on one of the arms of her chair, and a scroll comes out. She unfolds it and skims through it.
AGENT I
I knew it! We did a trade on psychic paper a while back. Maybe she's one of our clients. Now wouldn't that be ironic?
AGENT L
In any case, it proves that she doesn't belong here.
DOCTOR
Neither do you, it seems.
AGENT C
No-one told us that there was another operative, so I'm assuming you're with a different organisation. What's your operation here?
DOCTOR
Operation…? Operation? Oh! Of course! Pio! That's where I've heard your name! The Pio Mafia! The biggest crime syndicate in this region of space!
AGENT L
What ya gonna do, rat us out to the Shadow Proclamation?
AGENT C
That's enough of the mockery.
DOCTOR
What are you doing on Earth, then? Kidnapping human recruits for what?
AGENT I
No, no, no. This is our interrogation.
DOCTOR
I think you'll find I don't willingly give things up when under pressure. Ramble a lot, sure, but I never help someone who's got malicious intent if I have a way out.
AGENT C
You don't have a way out.
DOCTOR
I do. How about this? An eye for an eye. You ask me something, I'll ask you something. That sound fair?
The three agents look at each other, using their eyes to confer silently, before returning their gaze to the Doctor.
AGENT C
This is acceptable. Us first. Who are you really?
DOCTOR
I told you. The Doctor.
AGENT C
If you do not tell us the truth, the deal is off!
DOCTOR
Just because my truth doesn't match your ideals, doesn't mean it's not true.
AGENT C
Fine. Are you from this planet?
DOCTOR
Uh- Uh. My turn. Why are Pio recruiting humans? You getting them to join your little gang?
AGENT L
By the words of Treos, no! We wouldn't want measly humans carrying out big operations! They're stupid and primitive.
DOCTOR
So you're using them for something more basic. Slave labour? Those less likely to fight back and have the right amount of muscle for physical activities.
Agent I's eyes flicker with frustration for a second, something the Doctor takes notice of.
DOCTOR
Ah, I'm right! Wait, no. Shouldn't be getting excited about that. That's obscene.
AGENT C
Us next. What planet are you from?
DOCTOR
Gallifrey.
AGENT C
Gallifrey? You're a Time Lord, then. Not a "travelling doctor". Time Lords never travel anywhere, they're decrepit and boring.
DOCTOR
Could say that. In which case, I'm not a threat to you.
AGENT C
No. You're far more than that.
He stares deeply into the Doctor's eyes, unsettling her.
58 INT. CELLS
Zach is dragged along, his face empty of personality, taunted by the screams of some of the prisoners, of which he had become like them - but he is fascinated to see that most of them were lifeless and still, with a headset plugged into their ear. He's thrown against the rusted gear walls and the cell door slams behind him, and he makes no move to fight against it, just sits slumped in the prison. However, his face lights up when he hears-
SAV
Zach?
ZACH
Sav! Oh, my god, Sav!
The two men embrace each other.
ZACH
Thank god you're alive!
SAV
What are you doing here?
ZACH
I was looking for you! Sort of.
SAV
What's going on here? There's loads of people off the estate locked up, this entire floor is just lads from London.
ZACH
There's more places like this?
SAV
We were all bundled in and shipped off - I don't know where we are, one second we'd been arrested by the police, the next we were thrown into a massive van and we ended up here. We didn't even get a trial!
ZACH
Okay, this is gonna be hard to take in, I'm struggling myself - We're not on Earth anymore.
SAV
You're having me on, right? This is some wack joke.
ZACH
No. I've got a friend sorting it out, but this isn't Earth. You know Pio World?
SAV
The bank?
ZACH
They're been using our financial records to determine whether we're of use.
SAV
What for?
ZACH
I don't know. I'm just glad you're okay.
SAV
What about my sister?
ZACH
She's fine, too. What's the situation up here?
SAV
They're taking people for "programming". They'll take us soon.
ZACH
What's that, what's programming?
SAV
I dunno, but it's like the prisoners are tamed, in a coma almost. They just stand in their cells, doing nothing. It's like those sci-fi films with mind control.
ZACH
What's the point in locking us up if they're controlling our minds?
He feels the walls, then hits one.
ZACH
These stupid cells, we can't talk to anyone and see if they've got free will. Just us 5.
SAV
Even if we could, what would we do?
ZACH
Rebellion?
SAV
Nah, you ain't seen these guys - they're vicious, man.
ZACH
Well, I ain't staying here to get my mind wiped or whatever. We need to get out of here.
SAV
Don't you think we've tried?
ZACH
Yeah… Okay. You're right… I don't know what we can do.
He slumps back down on the floor, a weariness washing over him.
59 INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER
The Doctor continues to stand off against the three hulking figures.
DOCTOR
Why here? Why Earth? Is it just humans or is there something more?
AGENT I
I tire of this!
DOCTOR
You agreed to this, answer my question.
AGENT I
You don't have the power here!
DOCTOR
Okay, fine. Scratch that question. Why did you bring me here?
AGENT C
You threatened our operation.
DOCTOR
But we've already established I'm not a threat, I'm just a boring old Time Lord.
AGENT C
Time Lords are forbidden to leave Gallifrey without intent, so why are you here?
DOCTOR
I'm a traveller! I left my society because I was bored.
AGENT L
A rebel? Well, we don't like liberalism, do we?
DOCTOR
I guessed - slavery, fraud, kidnappings, black market deals; You're as corrupt as you can get! And not even good ones, you set half your stock loose on London!
AGENT C
It's our job! We're agents of Pio, we just do the missions we're assigned!
DOCTOR
Yeah, the blame's never on you, is it? You're doing as you're told, or it'll have positive benefits in the end, or your victims deserve it - there's always a way to avoid the guilt and truth that what you're doing is immoral! With the power you have, you've got the chance to incite change for the better, to stop this cycle of evil, where everyone looks out for just themselves, or shares their wealth with the people who crave it purely because of greed instead of helping those who need it! Now's the chance to realise their potential and realise that people aren't defined by money, but by love, by intelligence, by their mind!
AGENT I
I said that's enough! You're wrong, C. She's of no use to us.
AGENT C
Don't you dare!
AGENT I
We're partners. You're not my boss.
Agent I presses another button and Max marches in.
DOCTOR
What about you? Are you under their control, then?
AGENT L
Telecompression. Anyone who works for us has one of those devices. Like we said. We don't like liberalism. Take her to be programmed.
Max grapples the Doctor, and despite her struggles, is easily hauled out.
60 INT. CELLS
The doors open and two guards aim advanced rifles at Zach and the other prisoners.
GUARD
Move.
ZACH
Alright, rude.
They all are ushered out and along the corridor. They all share a look, and Zach yells-
ZACH
Down!
-exactly in the same way as the Doctor did earlier. All of the prisoners dive and act like bowling balls, whacking the guards' shins forcing them to keel over onto the floor. They pick up their weapons as the other guards in the corridor notice the kerfuffle. They dodge the laser blasts, firing some back, but manage to escape. Some of the other cell doors open and the brainwashed humans parade out in single file, chasing the prisoners.
61 INT. LABORATORY
The Doctor is wired into a chair in the middle of the room, which is sterile but still has the dark aesthetic that the ship is notorious for. Max pulls a few levers and big, clunky machines around the Doctor spark.
DOCTOR
You don't know what you're doing! You can break free of this, too! Tell me about your family.
MAX
I have no family.
DOCTOR
You can talk! There's some free will there, c'mon!
MAX
The levels of telecompression vary in surplus correlating to specific tasks. I require integration and subterfuge, therefore I maintain some level of weakness.
DOCTOR
When you say weakness, do you mean humanity? That's the code speaking, the Pio's mindset. You're not one of them, they're forcing you to work for them, you're a slave and you don't even realise it!
Max throws a lever forward and a headset moves down onto the Doctor. It starts pumping electricity through it and she screams, fighting to keep her personality, but losing it with each passing second.
DOCTOR
Please, stop! It… It hurts!
The doors open and the prisoners burst inside. Immediately, they go to wrestle the bodyguards to the floor.
ZACH
Doctor!
DOCTOR
Zach! Switch- SWITCH IT OFF!
ZACH
Oh, god!
SAV
Zach, we've got company!
ZACH
Close the doors, quickly!
SAV
How?
ZACH
The button to the side, you div!
DOCTOR
ZACH, SWITCH IT OFF!
Zach darts to the controls.
ZACH
I don't know which one to use!
DOCTOR
Try all of them!
Zach turns a dial and the intensity of the Doctor's pain increases.
DOCTOR
Wrong one! Turn it down!
He quickly changes it back, then sees one with labels of 0%-100%, currently ranging on a percentage in the 70s. He turns it down, and the machines die down. She pants. [Track 16 ends]
DOCTOR
Thanks for that.
ZACH
No problem. Well, bit of a problem, but… All good in the end, right?
[Track 17: Superior Minds]
DOCTOR
Not entirely. We've got to shut down the Pio Mafia's operations here.
SAV
Sorry, did you just say Pio Mafia?
ZACH
I feel like I missed out on a bit.
DOCTOR
Just a little bit. Long story short, alien crime syndicate, selling humans as slave labour. Pio World is just a front.
ZACH
What?
SAV
That would explain why their customer service is so good. Aliens don't get what it's really meant to be.
ZACH
So what do we do?
DOCTOR
I think all we need to do is jumpstart- who's knocking on the door?
ZACH
Brainwashed people, ready to be sold, I guess.
DOCTOR
That's our priority. Get those humans safely off the ship and back home.
ZACH
Easy peasy. Leave it up to us.
DOCTOR
What are you going to do?
ZACH
Reconfigure the mind control thingy.
DOCTOR
Do you know how to do that?
ZACH
No, but Sav's good with computers.
SAV
Not alien computers.
ZACH
There's gotta be a handbook or something.
SAV
Is there another way out of here?
DOCTOR
Uh, no. But if we come up with some new orders, from the command node...
The Doctor studies one of the devices.
DOCTOR
So, the humans are being controlled by voice activity by the Pio Agents, but there's a fallback control switch here, at the neural reorientation unit.
ZACH
The what?
DOCTOR
The mind control thingy. If we can use them to get to the teleports and then disconnect their headsets...
ZACH
We can send everyone home.
DOCTOR
And we'll be free to shut down Pio for good.
SAV
Hang on, should we do this? So many people are with Pio, if it collapses, there's going to be a massive recession.
DOCTOR
Better than people being slaves for the rest of their life.
SAV
Fair enough.
ZACH
How are you going to stop the mafia?
DOCTOR
No idea yet.
SAV
This has got to be a dream, right?
DOCTOR
Wish it was. Dreams are nice. If this was a work of fiction, it'd be a nightmare. But it's not. This is 100% real.
SAV
Okay.
DOCTOR
And new instructions… sent!
She flicks a switch, and the banging ceases.
62 INT. CORRIDOR
The humans stop trying to break down the door, and turn around slowly, evacuating the corridor with a blank expression still on their faces.
63 INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER
Agent I frowns.
AGENT I
Heh, what? No. No!
AGENT C
What is it?
AGENT I
I've lost connection to the workers.
AGENT L
Which ones?
AGENT I
All of them!
AGENT C
Display visuals!
A hologram of a camera feed pops up in front of them, with the same quality as a VHS tape, displaying the humans approaching the teleports, then removing their headsets and rushing inside.
AGENT L
What the hell has she done?!
AGENT C
Now you consider her a threat!
AGENT I
It's your fault for bringing them on board. We should've killed them instead!
They all argue.
64 INT. LABORATORY
The Doctor yanks out the plug to the command node and then uses the sonic to open the doors to the empty corridors.
DOCTOR
Simple!
ZACH
Where will that take them?
DOCTOR
Back to Pio Headquarters, in the lift. The receptionist is about to be really confused as to how lots of people can fit inside a small box. Actually… Nevermind that now, you lot, off you go!
SAV
We don't know the way!
DOCTOR
Then find out! I need to talk to the agents, offer them a chance to leave nicely.
ZACH
They're aliens, they'll kill you on the spot!
DOCTOR
Not if I'm nice. Now, off you pop!
ZACH
No! You've saved my life, now I'm saving yours. I'm sticking with you.
DOCTOR
This isn't a game.
ZACH
If it's safe enough for you to stay on board, then I am too.
DOCTOR
Oh, there's no winning with you. The rest of you, go!
The prisoners sprint down after the slaves who are at the other end already.
DOCTOR
Stay by my side and do everything I tell you.
ZACH
Sure.
DOCTOR
We've got to make one stop first.
The Doctor grabs Zach's hand and they run off down a different corridor.
65 INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER
The three agents are still arguing.
AGENT I
I'm telling you, I can't do anything from here! The entire system's collapsed!
AGENT C
Have you tried-
AGENT I
I can't do anything from here!
AGENT L
Doctor!
The Doctor strolls in confidently with Zach close behind her.
DOCTOR
Yep, sorry. That's up to me.
AGENT L
And it seems you've got an entourage.
AGENT I
Or in other words, a bargaining chip.
DOCTOR
Don't touch him. You've lost all your power. I've freed the humans.
AGENT C
We've seen.
DOCTOR
I'm here to give you a chance. Go back to your boss and tell him Earth's inhabitants aren't for sale. And if you're lucky, I won't run into you again. Cos if I find you doing this same operation on another planet, I won't be so forgiving.
AGENT C
Are you threatening us?
DOCTOR
No. I'm offering you a way out.
AGENT C
We don't accept. We choose to kill.
Agent C pulls out a blaster and aims it at the Doctor.
DOCTOR
Weapon after weapon after weapon. You really think that that's going to work? I know the way of the Pio Mafia. And how do you think your colleagues are going to react when they find out that I've got the core to your ship?
She removes a glowing red object, pulsating like a heart, from her pocket.
DOCTOR
Shoot me, you destroy this. You'll be stranded in space, forced to send a distress beacon - you'll either be arrested by the Shadow Proclamation or executed by your own people for your embarrassment. You leave or we all die. What's it going to be?
AGENT I
Just put that down!
AGENT L
We'll go, we'll go!
DOCTOR
Promise? Promise on your gods!
AGENT L
We promise on Treos, just please!
AGENT C
Cowards.
DOCTOR
What?
AGENT C
...No. We won't.
[Track 17 ends] Agent C cackles. [Track 18: Launch Trailer 0:00 - 1:22]
AGENT C
You think we can't call a bluff?
DOCTOR
Your friends couldn't. I'm guessing this ship isn't yours either. More theft?
AGENT C
The Hevaseem were in such disarray, there were so many wars over who got what, we helped them out by stripping them of their resources. How were we to know that it'd wipe them out?
DOCTOR
You annihilated them.
AGENT C
No, no. They annihilated themselves. They kept fighting, how can it be our fault?
DOCTOR
Shifting the blame yet again. But this time, you can't. Murder us, and it'll be on you and you alone.
ZACH
What do you have, if it's not the core?
DOCTOR
An air filter.
Agent C's laughter is bubbly and repulsive.
AGENT L
So now what can you do? Threaten us with unclean air?
AGENT C
Kneel. KNEEL!
DOCTOR
No.
AGENT C
You will renounce your Earth and your Lords of Time and pledge yourselves to the Pio Mafia.
DOCTOR
Never.
AGENT C
We have the power.
DOCTOR
Oh, actually. No, you don't.
AGENT I
What?
DOCTOR
I was just buying some time. If you gave in, I would've told you the truth. I knew you wouldn't think that it's actually the ship core, because the whole thing would've exploded if I'd removed that.
AGENT C
And you would've beaten us. So that was foolish of you not to.
DOCTOR
No, no, I've still beaten you. This may not be the engine core, but it is the core component of something else.
AGENT C
What's that?
DOCTOR
The brakes. I did warn you. Oh, and here's another warning; Watch out for the Sun. Zach!
They turn on their heels and barrel out of the ship and back down the corridors.
AGENT C
Doctor! DOCTOR! COME BACK HERE!
His yelling echoes through the hallway.
66 INT. CORRIDORS
The Doctor and Zach sprint through, as the ship begins to collapse in on itself.
ZACH
I don't wanna be alarmist, but it's getting a bit hot in here!
DOCTOR
It can't withstand the intense heat! We're getting too close to the sun!
AGENT C (oc)
Doctor!
ZACH
So the sooner we get out of here, the better!
DOCTOR
That's the spirit!
They speed up.
67 INT. CENTRAL CHAMBER
The Agents jump to their feet and hurry after the Doctor.
68 INT. CORRIDORS
The Doctor stops outside the door, and Zach quickly does the same.
DOCTOR
In here!
The Doctor presses the button.
DOCTOR
No, no, no, the circuits are fried!
ZACH
Then we'll pull it apart!
He goes to touch the metal gears, but recoils.
ZACH
Ow! Metal conducts heat, forgot!
DOCTOR
We'll only have a few seconds!
The Doctor sonics the button and the door opens slightly. They squeeze through.
69 INT. LIFT ENTRANCE
They bundle into the lift. A burning light is flooding through the window and almost blinding them.
ZACH
Let's hope this works!
The doors shut and a loud whoosh is heard before-
BANG!
[Track 18 ends]
FADE TO WHITE:
70 INT. PIO WORLD CORPORATION RECEPTION - EVENING
The Doctor and Zach rush out into the very clean lobby once again, filled to the brim with confused people, making it very hard to navigate.
ZACH
Pio enslaved all of them?
DOCTOR
Nearly. They're gone now. We stopped them.
Zach smiles, then runs over to Sav.
ZACH
Sav!
DOCTOR
You made a good point earlier, Sav.
She takes out a business card and hands it to him.
DOCTOR
Ring them up. Mention my name - the Doctor - and tell them what happened. They'll take care of everything.
She slinks off into the crowd, whilst Sav reads it - it's got a UNIT insignia on it.
ZACH
Hey, Doctor! Where'd she go?
Zach tries to look for her, but she's gone. Sav raises an eyebrow.
71 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The door shuts, and Zach ambles in. Deisha and Shona are sat watching TV together.
SHONA
You aight? What was all that earlier?
ZACH
Oh, nothing.
SHONA
Did you see on the news? There's been some big scandal with Pio bank.
ZACH
Has there? What'd they say?
SHONA
A big fraud thing, it's very complicated, I didn't really understand it.
DEISHA
It's all kicking off, my English teacher was in tears cos she thought she'd lost everything!
ZACH
There's bound to be a lot of misinformation circling around now. How's it being handled?
SHONA
The Government have come in to oversee the "transition period" as they move to a new CEO.
ZACH
Oh, god.
SHONA
Yeah. Where've you been, then?
ZACH
Hung out with Sav for a bit.
SHONA
Oh, right.
Zach looks out the window, and sees the Doctor leaning against an old police box. [Track 19: My Fam]
ZACH
I'm… going out.
SHONA
Already? You just got back in.
ZACH
Yeah, just wanted to say goodnight to Deisha. You done your homework?
He pecks her on the forehead.
DEISHA
Don't have any.
ZACH
Then off to bed.
DEISHA
It's only 10.
Zach grabs his coat off the hanger.
ZACH
You've got school tomorrow!
DEISHA
It's Friday!
ZACH
Don't forget, you still owe me toast!
The door closes.
72 EXT. WALKWAY - NIGHT
Zach runs along the walkway. The Asian man stops him again.
MAN
Hello. Do you have a minute to talk about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
ZACH
No!
He pushes past him and hurtles down the stairs.
73 EXT. MARSH COURT - NIGHT
The police box is sat on the grass which the blocks of flats surround, with the woman waiting patiently. Zach walks towards her.
ZACH
Yo.
DOCTOR
Evening.
ZACH
Didn't tell anyone. You're quick with your cover work.
DOCTOR
Thanks for that. And for helping me out earlier.
ZACH
No problem. Thanks for saving Earth. So, you off to planet Zog or wherever?
DOCTOR
Nah, not a big fan of that planet. Rains a bit too much.
They chuckle.
ZACH
Where'd this come from? Wasn't here earlier.
DOCTOR
Sorry about that. I'll move it in a sec.
ZACH
What, it's yours?
DOCTOR
Yeah.
ZACH
Why do you own a police box?
DOCTOR
It's not exactly a police box.
ZACH
What is it, then?
The Doctor pushes open the doors for Zach to see inside.
ZACH
Wha...
He pokes his head inside, then stumbles back, laughing a little nervously.
ZACH
That's a mirror, right? Or a poster, a background or...
He reaches inside.
ZACH
No, it's real! It's huge!
Still inside the box, he looks out to the Doctor, who's grinning.
ZACH
How does that work?
DOCTOR
If I explained it, would you even begin to understand it?
ZACH
Good point. Oh, my god!
The Doctor jumps in after Zach.
74 INT. TARDIS
The Doctor enters the front door, which is no longer blue, but a dark brown - as we move further into the TARDIS, we can see that this matches the colour scheme of a lot of the framework of the circular room, which exceeds the exterior dimensions - in other words, it's bigger on the inside. The walls itself are scuffed and in an pinkish-grey concrete colour, with flashing lights and there are four exits - one is the front door through which the Doctor and Zach just entered, the opposite side is a door which leads towards the corridor extending beyond the main console room and the other two lead into more rooms - one is a study, and the other is a small living quarters, with a few sofas and a fire, like the Doctor's last console room. The floor is a dirty, bumpy grey, which sits the main controls in the middle of the room - it's an orange, hexagonal unit with a bright, clear time rotor, whispering an eerie tune. The time rotor has a lot of wires connecting to the glass ceiling, looking out towards an endless void - but some of the wires are suspended from the ceiling, a little messily. The front door to the exteriors swing shut, and then a secondary door in the actual control room slides shut, moving on a piston.
ZACH
No, but seriously, how does this work?
DOCTOR
Magic.
ZACH
Really?
DOCTOR
No!
ZACH
What is it?
DOCTOR
It's my spaceship. She's my TARDIS.
ZACH
Your spaceship is an old police box? Why?
DOCTOR
Cos I think it looks cool, don't you?
ZACH
Not really…
DOCTOR
Neither do I, it's meant to have a cloaking device but it's busted.
He takes a glimpse into the corridor then back to the Doctor.
DOCTOR
Sorry about the clutter, it's been just me for a while now, so never really needed to tidy up.
ZACH
You must be begging for storage here, right?
DOCTOR
Oi, enough of that sass. Keep on like that, and I might change my mind.
ZACH
Change your mind…?
DOCTOR
You did really well today, and I was wondering if you wanted to…
ZACH
Wanted to?
DOCTOR
Well, go for a trip?
ZACH
In your spaceship?
DOCTOR
If you want. Anywhere in the Universe.
For a moment, he turns into an excitable puppy, then realises what it would mean, looking back and thinking of what he would be leaving, with warm fondness.
ZACH
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to, but… I've got responsibilities, I've got things to do, I'm very busy. Thanks for asking though.
He starts heading back towards the doors.
DOCTOR
If- If it helps, remember I'm from the future.
He throws her a glance.
ZACH
So?
DOCTOR
How'd you think I got here?
ZACH
You're trying to tell me this is a time machine?
DOCTOR
Yes.
ZACH
It travels in time?
DOCTOR
Again, yes.
ZACH
No. Don't believe you.
DOCTOR
I'd prove it, but I've got somewhere in mind I want to show you first. That is, if you're up for it.
ZACH
You can get me home by tomorrow morning? You promise?
DOCTOR
Cross my hearts, hope to die. Why? What's happening tomorrow morning?
ZACH
You know, life.
DOCTOR
So you're in?
ZACH
Go on then. As long as you get me back home in one piece!
DOCTOR
I'll try my best.
ZACH
Then what are you waiting for? What do you want to show me first?
DOCTOR
There's this planet called Keltraxia. Are you a fan of Star Wars, cos you know that binary sunset bit? Imagine seeing that on a beach, where the waves are vicious!
ZACH
I'm slightly scared. Is that natural?
DOCTOR
Wouldn't be fun if you weren't. Are you sure about this?
ZACH
Not at all.
DOCTOR
Good. Let's go, then!
Zach watches him with awe as she sets to operate her TARDIS, and it springs into life. He's very jumpy as the time rotor bobs up and down and wheezes with intensity. She pulls down a couple levers and types into a keypad.
75 EXT. MARSH COURT - NIGHT
The leaves and grass are blown away as the TARDIS is encompassed in a white aura and disappears with a heavy groan. [Track 19 ends]
ROLL CREDITS
NEXT EPISODE: Leave No Man Behind