Doctor Who Adventures Across the Universe: Series 1

by TimeReaper2021

Originally posted in 2020, join the Thirteenth Doctor with her new friend Zach Ellis as they embark on a series of brand new adventures, meeting old and new friends alike, and facing off against some fearsome enemies on alien planets and in Earth's history! THIS WILL SOON BE TITLED SERIES 4.

11. Under The Tree (Christmas Special)

Track 1: Emer's Theme (Doctor Who The Edge of Time OST)
Track 2: Chasing the Dragon 0:00 – 0:39 (Class Series 1 OST)
Track 3: Doctor, The Doctor 0:00 – 0:11 (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 4: The American Sense of Humour 0:00 – 0:49 (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)
Track 5: The Doctor Calls (Doctor Who The Edge of Time OST)
Track 6: Outfoxing (Humans Series 2 and 3 OST)
Track 7: Go Upstairs (Humans Series 2 and 3 OST)
Track 8: Tanya (Class Series 1 OST)
Track 9: Dark Money (Dark Money OST)
Track 10: Mirrors (Victoria OST)
Track 11: A Caribbean Mystery – Nos Morituri (Agatha Christie's Marple OST)
Track 12: A Man Of My Company (Ripper Street OST)
Track 13: Emer-Gency Exit (Doctor Who The Edge of Time OST)
Track 14: The Future is Mine 3:02 – 5:01 (Doctor Who Series 12 OST)

1 EXT. MARSH COURT – DAY
[Track 1: Emer's Theme] Blackstone Estate is covered with a thin layer of frost – there's no snow, but it's chilly enough to tell that it's a very special time of year: Christmas. Kids play about on the playground full of bright and beautiful colours, situated in the centre of the blocks of flats - one belongs to a particular family.

2 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM – DAY
Zach is on the phone. His living room has a medium sized Christmas tree, replacing one of the armchairs in the corner – it's been decorated in blue and yellow to fit the aesthetic of the rest of the room, and an assortment of presents are strewn beneath it.

ZACH
I said 10am! Ashley, why on Earth would you make other plans on Christmas Day? You- Nevermind. Look, are you coming or not? Okay, okay, fine. Okay! I'll see you then.

He hangs up, and Shona walks in with a cup of tea.

SHONA
What's she done this time?

ZACH
She thought I said 11, not 10. She's arranged a date with some guy she met at a club at 10.

Shona rolls her eyes.

SHONA
What about your Mum?

ZACH
No response.

SHONA
I'm sorry.

ZACH
Right. It's fine, cos we've got your parents, and they'll need picking up, and we've got all that to stress about. When are they coming?

SHONA
Zach. It's okay to be upset. But I'm picking them up at 9.

ZACH
Okay, 9. 9. That's good.

SHONA
That means you've got to deal with preparing the turkey. Can you do that?

ZACH
Sure, I can.

SHONA
I'll ask Deisha too, as well.

ZACH
I can handle it! I think you'll find I've saved the world quite a few times.

SHONA
Yeah, with the Doctor.

ZACH
Alright, fine, she may have helped.

SHONA
Speaking of Deisha… How's your present coming along?

ZACH
Working on it.

SHONA
Zach, it's tomorrow!

ZACH
Working on it!

SHONA
Zach…

ZACH
Shona! I'm working on it.

SHONA
Fine.

Shona gives him a dirty look, then walks off. Zach thinks for a moment. [Track 1 ends]

ZACH
…May have helped.

He stares at his phone, scrolling down to see the Doctor's contact. He hesitates, before dialling.

3 INT. VENTS – NIGHT
[Track 2: Chasing the Dragon 0:00 – 0:38] The Doctor is crawling through dark, narrow vents, grunting.

DOCTOR (whispering)
Come on… come on… Nearly there!

Her phone rings, and she fumbles to answer it swiftly.

DOCTOR (whispering)
The Doctor's phone, Doctor speaking.

ZACH (oc)
Why are you whispering?

DOCTOR
Zach!

She realises she yelled, then starts to whisper again.

DOCTOR (whispering)
Zach…! Good to hear your voice.

ZACH (oc)
What are you doing?

DOCTOR (whispering)
Oh you know, same old, same old… Stopping a bank heist. Or very possibly causing one, haven't figured out which yet.

ZACH (oc)
Oh, sorry. Is this a bad time?

DOCTOR (whispering)
Not at all! What's up?

ZACH (oc)
Could you come pick me up please? It's the 24th December at… 3pm.

DOCTOR (whispering)
Consider it done-Aaagh!

She screams as she falls through the vents.

4 INT. GALLERY HALLWAYS – NIGHT
She collapses onto the floor, groaning. She picks up her phone, as loud alarms wail and the lights switch on – guards all point guns at her from the balconies above, ready to fire.

DOCTOR
Got to go!

She darts off, as lasers bounce off the floor, missing her, and dispersing into thin air. [Track 2 ends]

5 INT. ZACH'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Zach hangs up, and immediately hears the familiar vworping of that blue box. He runs to the window, and stares out, grinning. It's already on the frosted green.

ZACH
Time traveller.

He sprints out of the apartment and down the walkway.

ROLL TITLES

6 INT. TARDIS
[Track 3: Doctor, The Doctor 0:00 – 0:11] Zach is clinging onto the TARDIS for dear life, as the Doctor manoeuvres around the console effortlessly.

7 VORTEX
The TARDIS hurls itself down the time tunnel, the inky natureof the vortex compressing and pressing up against the blue box.

8 INT. TARDIS
She continues to crash the TARDIS about. With one final jolt, Zach tumbles across the console into the side room and onto a chair. [Track 3 ends]

ZACH
Have you… gotten worse at flying?

DOCTOR
Nice to see you too. Now, what's the problem?

[Track 4: The American Sense of Humour 0:00 – 0:49]

ZACH
Deisha.

DOCTOR
Deisha Ellis. Attends Blackstone Secondary School, 12 years old… Oh! I think I've got it.

The Doctor rifles through the bookshelf in the living quarters, before throwing one of them to Zach. He stares at it, with the word "PUBERTY" written in big letters.

ZACH
Huh? Ew, no! Not that! Christmas.

DOCTOR
Oh.

The Doctor awkwardly takes the book back and returns it to its slot in the bookshelf.

ZACH
It's Christmas tomorrow, and I don't know what to get, and it needs to be perfect because of… You know. What do you get twelve-year-old girls? They're too old for toys, too young for… teenage stuff.

DOCTOR
Oh, I've got it!

The Doctor returns to the bookshelf.

ZACH
I swear to God, if you give me that book again, I'm going to throw it at your head.

DOCTOR
Noted. What are her interests?

ZACH
I dunno, she's become a little distant lately. It's like she's hiding from us. Even before all the travelling, though I don't think that helped things.

They head back into the main area, where the console is.

DOCTOR
Hmm…

ZACH
I mean, she likes art, you should see her room, it's beautiful. I was thinking of like a pencil set, but that just feels a little, again, juvenile. And it's not enough, you know?

DOCTOR
Jewellery? Makeup?

ZACH
Nah, she's never been that kind of girl.

DOCTOR
Hmmm. I know where to go. Hold on tight.

ZACH
Here we go again!

The Doctor presses a few buttons, then pulls the lever. [Track 4 ends]

9 INT. TOY GALACTICA ENTRANCE
[Track 5: The Doctor Calls] The TARDIS materialises by a large, automatic door. Zach pokes his head out, and the Doctor ushers him through to their next destination.

DOCTOR
Perfect!

Zach gazes, his jaw dropped, out towards one of the largest stores he's ever seen, the aisles going on for miles, stuffed with toys and games, and lots of kids messing about Zach notes the fun, pleasing green colour of the walls. A shiny robot dressed in a smart uniform glides up to the pair.

SERVER
Welcome to Toy Galactica!

DOCTOR
Thank you very much!

Zach whispers to the Doctor.

ZACH
Toy Galactica?

DOCTOR
Largest toy shop in the galaxy. The entire shop is on a massive space cruiser, centring around this system. We're very excited to be here!

ZACH
I said, she's a bit old for toys.

DOCTOR
There's not just toys, there's games and stuff. All sorts of great gift ideas. Let's get some inspiration, come on!

SERVER
In which direction can I guide you to?

DOCTOR
Oh, we're just browsing, thanks.

SERVER
Browsing? Cannot compute. Cannot-cannot-cannot-cannot-

ZACH
Ah!

An engineer sprints over, dressed in grey overalls, with a stubbly beard and a scowl. He shuts the server down.

KIT
Oi, what've you done?

ZACH
We were just talking.

KIT
What'd you say?

ZACH
We just wanted to browse.

KIT
You what?

ZACH
We… wanted to browse?

KIT
Browse? It's Toy Galactica, you don't browse. You browse, you spend your whole life here.

ZACH
Alright, fine, jeez!

Kit saunters off, wheeling the Server away. The Doctor stares after them, then looks back at Zach.

DOCTOR
Come on, then. Where first?

ZACH
God, I dunno. I guess it can't hurt to look at the toys, right? I mean, there might be a stuffed toy section or something.

DOCTOR
See? There we go, you're thinking of ideas already! We'll be out of here in no time.

They head down one of the aisles.

FADE TO:

10 INT. TOY GALACTICA AISLES
Jazzy Christmas music is playing in the background as Zach scours the aisles, filled to the brim with furry toys. He picks up a cute toy alien and shows it to the Doctor.

ZACH
What do you think?

DOCTOR
Hmmm…

ZACH
I don't like that "Hmmm", that's a disapproving "Hmmm."

DOCTOR
No, no, it works…

ZACH
I don't want it to just work, I want it to be perfect. It's been a hard year for all of us, and I need to…

DOCTOR
Need to what?

ZACH
I need to prove I'm still her dad.

DOCTOR
Oh, Zach.

ZACH
I left her, and then the Master kidnapped her. It was my fault. The stuff she experienced; she's having nightmares…

DOCTOR
It wasn't your fault. The second I knew you had a daughter, I should've dropped you right off.

ZACH
But that's not what I want. Wanted.

DOCTOR
Wait… Why'd you say it in present tense?

ZACH
I didn't.

DOCTOR
You did, you said that's not what you want.

She hesitates, raising an eyebrow.

DOCTOR
Do you want to travel with me again?

ZACH
I- I don't know, maybe. Not all the time, like we used to, that's not fair on Deisha. But every now and again, I wonder what it'd be like if I stayed on board the TARDIS.

[Track 5 ends] The pair hear yelling echoing through the store.

ZACH
Probably stuff like this will happen.

[Track 6: Outfoxing] The Doctor and Zach instinctively race off towards the sounds of distress.

11 INT. TOY GALACTICA ENTRANCE
Robots in security guard outfits are dragging someone away, holding a box of coins.

SERVER
Please vacate the premises. Please vacate the premises.

BRANSLEY
Just- Ow! You're going to break my arm! Someone stop him! Ow!

DOCTOR
Let them go!

The Doctor points the sonic at the server.

ZACH
It's not listening! Hey, could you take me to… uh… the sports section?

The Server looks at Zach.

ZACH
I'd like to buy something from the Sports section.

It lets go of Bransley and starts heading in a certain direction.

SERVER
This way, please.

It wanders off.

DOCTOR
Good thinking, Zach.

ZACH
What happened to you?

BRANSLEY
I was just getting donations for Fun Sphere.

DOCTOR
Fun Sphere? Never heard of it.

BRANSLEY
No, wouldn't have expected you to. We're a fairly indepdendent company-

KIT
Hey! What'd we say about you coming around here?

BRANSLEY
Oh. Gotta go, sorry!

Bransley sprints off through the door onto a teleport platform.

ZACH
I'm going with him.

DOCTOR
What?

Zach follows Bransley onto the platform and the pair disappear, before the doors shut.

DOCTOR
Zach!

KIT
Apologies for the disturbance, ladies, gentlemen and multiforms, you may resume your shopping experience.

The Doctor frowns.

12 INT. HIGH STREET – DAY
Zach tumbles off the teleport platform, before being caught by Bransley.

BRANSLEY
Woah, woah. There we go. Steady now. That's why we have to stay still on the teleport, that was a silly idea to run on like that. You alright?

ZACH
Bit… lost. Where am I? We…

BRANSLEY
The surface.

As the dizzy spell wears off for Zach, he sees a beautiful glass city – crystal spires shoot high into the violet sky, and the roads are layered with teleport platforms on which people queue into the horizon.

ZACH
The surface? But… we were… ship.

BRANSLEY
Yep, we were on Galactica. It comes around every year around the holidays – nicks all our customers at the height of our consumerist popularity. You still look a little pale. Come with me, come on.

Bransley helps Zach stumble down the road. [Track 6 ends]

13 INT. TOY GALACTICA ENTRANCE
The Doctor stares at the entrance.

DOCTOR
Okay… So Zach's… somewhere. Follow him? Follow him where, though? Okay, so can't follow him, don't know why I thought of that. Unless I track where he went- but again how? Agh!

She runs off into the aisles, aggravated.

14 INT. SECURITY OFFICE – DAY
[Track 7: Go Upstairs] Zach is lying on a couch in a cramped office, groggy. Bransley comes in with a glass of water, placing on a table by Zach's side.

BRANSLEY
Here.

ZACH
Huh… thanks.

BRANSLEY
Guessing you're not from round here?

ZACH
Not exactly. I'm Zach.

BRANSLEY
Bransley.

ZACH
Where… where'd you bring me?

BRANSLEY
Fun Sphere.

ZACH
Your… your toy shop, right?

BRANSLEY
If you can call it that.

ZACH
So what were you doing at someone else's shop?

BRANSLEY
Like I said, Galactica is stealing our customers. In our culture, this is a holiday period for us. We celebrate our long history, our wars, everything that we've done up to this point.

ZACH
Right…?

BRANSLEY
Well, Galactica know this and every time, they park their ship in orbit for customers to go there to get presents and gifts. Pretty much puts us out of business, with them selling pretty much every toy available in this system.

ZACH
Doesn't explain what you were doing there.

BRANSLEY
Well, cos we're nearly bankrupt, we've had to resort to other methods of advertisements, I was… looking for donations there.

ZACH
That's why they were kicking you out.

BRANSLEY
They don't like me advertising there.

ZACH
Well, why don't we try other ideas?

BRANSLEY
Like what?

ZACH
You know, posters?

BRANSLEY
Posters…?

ZACH
You don't have posters on this planet?

BRANSLEY
No.

ZACH
They're these… bits of paper you put up in the street, showing off your business.

BRANSLEY
What a remarkable idea! Could- could you show me?

ZACH
Absolutely. You got Photoshop?

BRANSLEY
…Photo…shop?

Zach laughs. [Track 7 ends]

15 INT. TOY GALACTICA AISLE
The Doctor ambles through the shop, approaching a door marked NO ENTRY.

DOCTOR
What's that? Entry? Why, thank you!

The Doctor steps through the doors quickly as to not arouse suspicion.

16 INT. TOY GALACTICA SERVICE CORRIDOR
[Track 8: Tanya] The Doctor sneaks along poking her head through certain doors then continuing on through the corridor – the fun, vibrant façade has disappeared now and has been replaced by a cold, metal shell.

KIT
Can I help you?

DOCTOR
Ah!

She spins around, and Kit is stood there.

DOCTOR
Hi. I'm the Doctor. That guy who you chased out… where did he go?

KIT
You're trespassing here, want to explain why?

DOCTOR
Yes, I'm looking for that guy you chased out. Where did he go?

KIT
Well, he ain't gonna be here.

DOCTOR
No, cos you chased them out. Where did he go?

Kit scowls.

KIT
Would've gone back to his shop.

DOCTOR
Where is that, exactly? You let me know, and I'll be on my way, that sound fair?

He raises an eyebrow. [Track 8 ends]

17 INT. TOY GALACTICA AISLES
The Doctor is chucked out of the corridor.

DOCTOR
I'm leaving this place a bad review on TripAdvisor!

She sighs.

18 EXT. HIGH STREET – DAY
[Track 9: Dark Money] Zach holds up a stack of posters of Fun Sphere – a few kids playing about in the shop, far smaller than Toy Galactica. He starts to put them up on the lamps along the street, seeing a few other workers doing the same, including Bransley. A few members of the public glimpse over, interested by the posters.

ZACH
Oldest trick in the book. Go for something reliable.

BRANSLEY
Your culture uses these a lot?

ZACH
Oh, all the time.

BRANSLEY
How amazing. I'd love to hear more about where you come from.

ZACH
Oh, far away. It's nothing special. But it's home, and… And it's safe. Got my friends, family. Community.

He smiles softly.

ZACH
You know, that's an idea… Community. Have you got any carols?

Bransley crosses his arms, intrigued.

19 INT. TOY GALACTICA AISLES
The Doctor is talking to the server, asking them questions, when a customer is running along, crying out.

CUSTOMER
They're singing! They're all singing!

This catches attention, and the Doctor heads over. They come to a big TV screen, showing footage of the high street below, where the employees (and Zach) are in the middle of the road. [Track 9 ends]

20 EXT. HIGH STREET – DAY
The employees stare out to the growing crowds, hearts full and grins a-plenty. They are holding devices, where lyrics scroll across, allowing them to read and know the words to Silent Night, as they begin to sing.

FUNSPHERE WORKERS
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright.
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child;
Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!

Other members of the public start to join in, as the lyrics appear on their own handheld devices, and a choir forms. The employees start to harmonise, and a beautiful song echoes across the city.

PUBLIC
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia.
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

More people appear from the teleports – customers from Galactica, other places from the city, joining in the song, and Zach smiles when he sees the Doctor accompany them.

PUBLIC
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, oh, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face;
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth!

The singing ends as Zach and the Doctor reunite, hugging. The employees smile, returning to their store, and being followed by a host of members of the public.

DOCTOR
You've been busy.

ZACH
You know me.

Kit steps through the teleport, confused.

KIT
What's going on?

DOCTOR
It's called community. What your store's been missing. Love, not profit. Come on, Zach. I've got another idea in mind for your gift.

The pair step onto the teleport, and disappear together once more.

21 EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE GROUNDS – NIGHT
[Track 10: Mirrors] Zach takes a step out onto the snow-lain woods, where many upper-class Victorians enjoy the festivities of Winter. The Doctor joins him, wearing her scarf from Resolution.

ZACH
No, no- I got this, let me guess. Christmas, obviously. Going by what the locals are wearing, Victorian? Looks like Downton Abbey.

DOCTOR
That was Edwardian, not Victorian. Can you guess the year?

ZACH
Uh… Hm. Nope, sorry. Take it away.

DOCTOR
It's December 21st, 1853. We're stood in Bacherlor's Acre, Windsor.

ZACH
1853… We're in 1853. Can't get used to being in the past.

The Doctor starts leading Zach through the park.

DOCTOR
But that's not we're here for. We're here, because of something Prince Albert popularised five years ago.

ZACH
So we're five years out?

DOCTOR
No, I just thought you'd want a more traditional ornament to bring home.

ZACH
Ornament?

DOCTOR
Originally, they decorated the trees with nuts and fruits. Nowadays, it's more ribbons and candles.

ZACH
That's why we're here?

DOCTOR
Your present is going to be a Victorian Christmas tree decoration. How does that sound?

ZACH
…That sounds good. Where are we going to get it from?

DOCTOR
This is the best bit. Look over there.

The Doctor points to something through the trees.

ZACH
What? I can't see.

DOCTOR
Windsor Castle.

ZACH
Do you seriously expect us to get a tree decoration off Prince Albert himself?

DOCTOR
Yeah!

ZACH
Why not? It's no more ridiculous than any of your other plans.

DOCTOR
Come on!

They sprint off through the park.

22 EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE ENTRANCE – NIGHT
The Doctor and Zach, approaching the entrance, notice that a few other upper-class ladies and gentlemen are on their way inside.

ZACH
Looks like some sort of party.

DOCTOR
Well, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert did introduce quite a few traditions. They commercialised Christianity. Should make things easier.

She approaches one of the guards, holding up the psychic paper.

DOCTOR
Doctor Smith and Lord Ellis.

GUARD
Right away, my Lord, my Lady. Merry Christmas.

DOCTOR
Merry Christmas. Easy peasy.

They head inside, excitedly. [Track 10 ends]

23 INT. WINDSOR CASTLE HALLWAY – NIGHT
[Track 11: A Caribbean Mystery – Nos Morituri] The Doctor and Zach walk down a regal hallway, with fancy wood panelling in the walls and a long, beautiful carpet.

ZACH
Wow, if you could get into high society this easy, I would never have left…

DOCTOR
I think it's probably through here.

The Doctor walks off, but as Zach goes to follow, a small child tugs on his coat. He's quite clean, but dressed in rags, creating quite a confusing image in his mind.

CLARENCE
Please, sir. Sorry, sir. Would you like me to take your coat?

ZACH
I, uh… Nah, it's alright, thanks.

CLARENCE
Oh. Sorry for the disturbance, sir.

ZACH
Don't apologise. What's your name?

CLARENCE
Clarence, sir. Clarence Wood.

ZACH
Well, Clarence Wood… How old are you?

CLARENCE
Twelve, sir.

ZACH
You're working at twelve?

CLARENCE
Yes, sir.

ZACH
Where are your parents?

CLARENCE
…Don't know 'em, sir. Typhoid. Spent most of my life in a workhouse, til the Royals came and employed some of us.

ZACH
Oh, I'm so sorry.

DOCTOR
Zach!

ZACH
Oh, uh- Look, Clarence, I've gotta go. Sorry.

CLARENCE
Don't worry about it, sir. You've been most kind by even talking with me. Not many do.

ZACH
Try to have a good Christmas, alright?

CLARENCE
Yes, sir. You too, sir.

ZACH
Nice meeting you.

Zach smiles, then hesitantly runs over to the Doctor.

DOCTOR
Making friends?

ZACH
Yeah, I… Nevermind.

They continue through the hallway.

24 INT. WINDSOR CASTLE HALLS – NIGHT
The Doctor and Zach step into the grand hall, bustling with the elite, and a large Christmas tree in the centre.

DOCTOR
And there it is.

The Doctor casually walks towards the tree, but is caught up in a sway of guests.

DOCTOR
Sorry, excuse me!

She gets caught behind by a man also admiring the tree.

EDWARD
Such a foreign custom, don't you think?

DOCTOR
Hm? Oh, yes. But beautiful, nonetheless.

EDWARD
Magnificently strange.

DOCTOR
I'm the Doctor.

EDWARD
Edward. Sir Edward Shaw.

DOCTOR
Good to meet you.

EDWARD
And you. I say, you're a Doctor? How remarkable!

DOCTOR
Isn't it just? Do- Do you think I might be able to get one of those decorations? On the tree?

EDWARD
Ooh, heavens, I don't know about that. You'd probably have to talk to Her Majesty about that.

DOCTOR
Her Majesty? Oh, Queen Victoria? Hm, best not.

EDWARD
Have a Merry Christmas… Doctor.

DOCTOR
And you.

Zach joins her as Edward walks away.

ZACH
Wow, this is way too fancy for me.

DOCTOR
What do you think? Choose a decoration.

ZACH
Uh- Should we?

DOCTOR
How do you mean?

ZACH
I mean… stealing? Really?

DOCTOR
I mean, you could ask Queen Victoria, but I don't think she'll be amused.

ZACH
Yeah, I dunno if all this is for me.

DOCTOR
Oh?

ZACH
Nah, I'm gonna… I'll catch up with you later.

DOCTOR
Again? Where you off to this time?

ZACH
Just gonna go for a wander. Don't think I really fit in here, anyway.

The Doctor notices people staring at Zach and murmuring away, a little shocked, a little dismayed.

DOCTOR
Oh…

ZACH
See ya later.

DOCTOR
Se- See ya.

Zach strolls off. [Track 11 ends]

25 INT. WINDSOR CASTLE HALLWAY - NIGHT
[Track 12: A Man of My Company] He wanders aimlessly about.

ZACH
Getting lost in Windsor Castle… how very festive.

He sees Clarence enter at the other side of the corridor, with a wooden pail of water.

ZACH
Oh, hey! Clarence, wasn't it?

CLARENCE
Oh, uh… Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.

ZACH
Bro, what is up with all the apologies?

CLARENCE
I didn't realise that you would be here, sir, I'll- I'll go another way.

ZACH
Nah, it's alright. Where you taking the bucket?

CLARENCE
Um… The kitchens, sir.

ZACH
Want me to carry it?

CLARENCE
No, no, no, I couldn't possibly burden-

ZACH
I'm offering. Here, let me.

Zach picks up the pail, and follows Clarence down the hallway.

CLARENCE
Thank you, sir, you are most generous.

ZACH
You can call me Zach, not sir.

CLARENCE
That's a very… nice name, sir- Zach. Zach. Where is it from?

ZACH
London.

CLARENCE
You're from London?

ZACH
Yeah. That surprising?

CLARENCE
Well, I just didn't expect… with what you look like.

ZACH
Right. Gotta love history.

CLARENCE
I'm sorry?

ZACH
Nothing. So, how long have you been working here?

CLARENCE
Uh, about seven months now. It's the promotion of a lifetime.

ZACH
I bet.

CLARENCE
And what about you?

ZACH
I… I dunno. I help my wife out at this shop she runs, but… I mainly look after my daughter, I guess. If you can call it looking after.

CLARENCE
A daughter? Is she pretty?

ZACH
Don't even think about it, mate.

He sighs.

ZACH
She's… a star. And I… I haven't been the dad she deserves.

CLARENCE
How so?

His eyes drop down, embarrassed.

CUT TO:

They continue through the hallways, chatting away.

ZACH
I let her down. I risked everything to save my brother, and… I shouldn't have done that. Time after time, I've made the wrong mistakes. How do I know what's right anymore?

CLARENCE
You're trying now, right?

ZACH
I've travelled so far to make her happy, and I can't even do that. I've seen things way beyond your imagination.

CLARENCE
Like what?

ZACH
I can't even say, but… it's beautiful. And terrifying. At the same time, usually. Anyway… Through here?

CLARENCE
Please, allow me.

Clarence takes the pail back as they head through the doors into the kitchens.

26 INT. KITCHENS – NIGHT
Zach and Clarence enter the busy kitchens, overflowing with servants preparing and carrying food. Clarence puts the bucket on the floor.

DAN
Hey, Clarence, you took your time.

Two kids walk over to Clarence, a big grin on their face - one is a small and pale boy, of a similar age to Clarence, and the other is a fairly pretty teenage girl, 15 or 16.

CLARENCE
Well, the water pump is on the other side of the castle. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go up and take some more coats.

ROSIE
Oh, Clarence! Relax a bit, won't you? It's Christmas.

DAN
Hey, who's your friend?

CLARENCE
One of the guests.

DAN
Oh, do pardon me for my rudeness, sir.

ZACH
It's alright. Zach.

He holds out his hand.

DAN
Dan Carter. Won't shake your hand, just been cleaning the chimney.

ZACH
Ah, alright, sorry.

ROSIE
And I'm Rosie Lewis. Ignore Dan, he's a bit of a wooden spoon.

DAN
I'll be anything you want, sweetheart.

ROSIE
Ugh.

ZACH
Nice to meet you. So, all three of you work down here?

ROSIE
For the past year or so, yeah. Though Clarence came a bit later.

ZACH
Yeah, he mentioned. I mean, do you get paid, or?

DAN
'Course we get paid!

CLARENCE
Dan…

ZACH
How much?

ROSIE
…Bout twenty quid.

ZACH
Twenty? A day?

ROSIE
No, a year.

Zach's jaw drops.

ZACH
That's… that's horrible.

CLARENCE
It's how it is. Be fair, Zach – Who's gonna want to pay us more than that? It's a fair earning for kids like us. Quite good, considering. Anyway, I need to get back to work before Mr Parker comes and sees me slacking off.

ROSIE
Do you really have to? I don't wanna be stuck on my own with Dan.

DAN
Oi! I think you'll find I'm great company.

He winks at her, and she groans in disgust again.

ZACH
But there's… there's gotta be something better than this, right?

DAN
Maybe for you, posho. But everyone's against us. Ain't got nothing to fall back on. No family, no money.

CLARENCE
Calm down, Dan.

ROSIE
Hate to admit it, but Dan's right.

DAN
Ooh, say that again.

ROSIE
We're just nothing. No-one. Just cheap labour to the toffs.

ZACH
I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do.

His face falls.

CLARENCE
Like I said, I've got to go.

ZACH
Uh- Can you take me with you, please? Back to the hall. I want to get something.

CLARENCE
Of course.

ZACH
Thank you.

Zach and Clarence head out the kitchens swiftly. [Track 12 ends]

27 INT. WINDSOR CASTLE HALLS – NIGHT
[Track 13: Emer-Gency Exit] The Doctor is talking to some guests, but steps back as she sees Zach.

DOCTOR
Ah, I was starting to think you got lost. Where've you been, then?

ZACH
Oh, you know…

Zach looks around.

DOCTOR
You alright?

ZACH
Yeah, I… There!

He picks up a plate of lush, rich food – grapes, meats and other festive snacks – and once again heads off, leaving the Doctor utterly confounded.

DOCTOR
Where are you going now?!

She sighs.

28 INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
He presents the kids with the food, and they gawp at it, their stomachs rumbling.

ZACH
This is for you.

ROSIE
What? No, this is for upstairs!

ZACH
Well, I'm from upstairs, and I'm giving it to you.

DAN
This is a joke, right?

ZACH
Nope. You deserve this. You do so much, more than you should, and you don't get enough praise for it. Well, here is your praise. Here is your reward. Thank you for everything you do. I can't imagine how difficult this is for you, and I wish I could tell you it'll get better, but… I can't promise that.

CLARENCE
We don't need this.

DAN
Shut up, Clarence!

Dan starts ravaging at the meat.

CLARENCE
Zach… it's not difficult. The work is horrible, but by no means difficult. Not when we're together.

ZACH
But-

He looks at Zach.

CLARENCE
Zach. Thank you. Thank you for this. No-one's ever shown us such… appreciation before. But we don't need this.

ZACH
Sure. Sorry. You know, I… I've got to go. I've got to find my family.

CLARENCE
Alright. Thank you again, Zach.

ZACH
Happy holidays, kid.

He ruffles Clarence's hair and wraps his own scarf around him, leaving the three to gawp over the beautiful decoration. [Track 13 ends]

29 INT. WINDSOR CASTLE HALLS - NIGHT
[Track 14: The Future Is Mine 3:02 – 5:01] Zach slowly walks in.

DOCTOR
What was all that about?

ZACH
I… I want to go home. It's nice travelling with you every now and again, just… Just take me home at the end of it, please.

DOCTOR
Okay.

ZACH
But first… I'd like to make one stop.

DOCTOR
Where's that?

Zach smiles.

30 EXT. MARSH COURT – MORNING
The TARDIS rematerializes in the same spot it always does – except now the Sun is beginning to rise on a new day, a day of love and festivity, and the excited vibe has now disappeared from the playground, as children eagerly open presents from stockings inside their homes. Zach steps out, with a small box in his hand. The Doctor pokes her head out.

DOCTOR
Bit late, sorry.

ZACH
It's fine, you got me home. I'm assuming that's okay? What I said?

DOCTOR
About travelling with me again?

ZACH
Like I said, not all the time. I… Deisha's my priority. But like, from time to time.

DOCTOR
Oh, I'd love it.

ZACH
Thank you. Are… Do you want to come in?

DOCTOR
Uh… Nah, no thanks. Christmas is a time for family.

ZACH
Exactly.

DOCTOR
…No, thank you. There are so many more wondrous things to see. The Silver Crusade of the Kandra Ice Belt.

ZACH
I'm sure we've got-

DOCTOR
No thanks, Zach.

ZACH
…Okay.

DOCTOR
Have a nice Christmas.

ZACH
You too.

They hug, before he rushes off. She closes the door and the box takes off once again.

31 INT. ZACH'S HALLWAY – MORNING
He enters the apartment, taking a deep breath.

DEISHA
Dad!

ZACH
Oh, Deisha, sweetheart! Sorry, I uh…

He holds out the box.

ZACH
It took me a while, but I got your present.

Deisha takes the box, and drops it onto the floor.

DEISHA
I don't care about that… I saw the TARDIS leave yesterday.

ZACH
Oh.

He groans.

ZACH
I'm so sorry.

DEISHA
I thought… I thought you weren't coming back.

ZACH
Oh, don't be ridiculous. Don't you ever think that. I will always come back for you. No matter what. Look.

He picks the box back up and opens it for her – it's a sparkling silver pendant, with a picture of him imprinted onto it.

ZACH
No matter where I go, no matter what I do… I will always be with you.

He puts it on Deisha, and she tears up.

DEISHA
I love it.

They embrace in a big hug.

DEISHA
Thank you so much.

ZACH
Merry Christmas, Deisha.

DEISHA
Merry Christmas, Dad.

Pan out of the window to a happy, peaceful, loving Earth – where Christmas has truly instilled itself. [Track 14 ends]

ROLL CREDITS
The Doctor and Zach will return: 2021