Track 1: Training (Spartacus: Blood and Sand OST)
Track 2: A Letter To Clara (Doctor Who Series 7 OST)
Track 3: Back Home 0:00 - 2:14 (Doctor Who Series 9 OST)
Track 4: Another Ghost Has Appeared 0:00 - 2:01 (Doctor Who Series 9 OST)
Track 5: The Artefact (Doctor Who Series 8 OST)
Track 6: Forgetting 0:00 - 1:00 (Doctor Who Series 8 OST)
Track 7: Freefall (Doctor Who Series 8 OST)
Track 8: That Is The Moon (Doctor Who Series 8 OST)
Track 9: Deep Cover 0:00 - 3:33 (Doctor Who Series 9 OST)
Track 10: I Might Change My Mind (Doctor Who Series 7 OST)
1 EXT. STREETS OF POMPEII - DAY
[Track 1: Training] Pompeii, 79AD. About noon. The streets are calm, as various citizens go about their day. The market is bustling with life, the road is filled with horse and cart travelling from one part of town to the other, and conversation runs rife through the air. But then, out of nowhere, the ground seems to rumble and shake furiously. People scream and cry out in fear, carts and stalls falling over, some knocking the nearby romans over. Horses run off, abandoning their owners. Many of the residents of Pompeii begin running, as Mount Vesuvius behind them begins to fill the sky with ash. In the chaos, two strangers emerge from one of the many alleys, out of view from the camera. These strangers are evidently not from the Roman era; their clothing is futuristic and dirty, almost like a refashioned army jumpsuit. Both also wear a survival belt, containing several necessities such as water, rope, a small axe, etc. One of the travellers wears a pair of neon blue googles, which appear to be showing him data at a superhuman speed.
PORTER
Come on, Lukas! We're on a tight schedule here!
Lukas races behind him, constantly turning his head to look at the volcano. He is more fearful than the other man, and seemingly less prepared.
LUKAS
I know, I know! I'm sorry. I'm new to this!
PORTER
Well, I'm not losing because you got nervous on your first run.
Lukas nods, ashamed.
LUKAS
I'm sorry, Porter.
PORTER
Now, come on! I need you for the gates, it's a two-person challenge!
As the men run, the ground continues to shake, along with the terror of the crowds. The thick cloud of ash from Mount Vesuvius quickly changes to lava, seeping through Pompeii quickly.
PORTER
Hang on, they've changed the settings!
LUKAS
That's not right…
Porter adjusts several sliders on his goggles.
PORTER
I can't get through! It's dead static!
The lava begins to race towards them. Flooding houses, roads, and everything inbetween as it flows. Porter and Lukas, looking at the lava rather than where they're going, run into a gate. Lukas tugs at it desperately.
LUKAS
It won't budge!
PORTER
We're supposed to have gotten the key off of one of the shopkeepers! We're stuck!
Despite their best efforts, the gate remains firmly locked. The two men are encompassed in the lava, their screams joining the many others in the area. Up in the sky, unnoticed in the chaos, two words flash in the air: TIME'S UP! [Track 1 ends]
ROLL TITLES
2 INT. COAL HILL - DAY
[Track 2: A Letter To Clara] Coal Hill, London, England, Earth, 2014. The clock hung above Clara's desk says it's 3:42, with the teacher and her boyfriend rambling away. Danny sits on the table across from Clara's desk as she sits marking. The building is quiet, save for the odd teacher or late child. Clara and Danny laugh at a joke .
DANNY
Did he really say that?
Clara nods, grinning.
CLARA
Oh, yeah! You should have seen Atilla the Hun's face!
Clara does an impression, her face a mix of shock and fury.
DANNY
How'd you get out of that one?
CLARA
Well, the Doctor had this crazy idea that I was going to be some sort of angry Goddess, and I had to pretend to have this magic wand - oh, that was his sonic screwdriver - and I had to threaten to bring down ten thousand demons or something if they didn't release him, it was….
She sighed, shrugging.
CLARA
It was an experience.
Danny put his hand on Clara's shoulder.
DANNY
Well, I'm glad you're safe. My offer still stands, you know. Any time he makes you feel unsafe, you just-
CLARA
Come to you, I know. Don't worry about it! I can take care of myself, Danny. And if he ever gets too Scottish, I'll just set ten thousand demons on him.
They laugh again, though it is more an awkward laugh than a laugh of amusement.
DANNY
Well, as your boyfriend, it's my job to make sure that you're safe. I worry, you know!
CLARA
I know.
She bites her lip, thinking.
CLARA
Tell you what… No, don't worry, nevermind.
DANNY
What is it?
CLARA
It's a silly idea.
DANNY
Tell me.
CLARA
Well... if you're so worried, why don't you come with us?
DANNY
What?
CLARA
Not full time, don't worry! But just for one trip. Then you could… I dunno, get to know the Doctor a bit more, and see what it's like!
DANNY
Oh, I couldn't… he hates me!
Danny shakes his head, though he isn't entirely opposed to the idea.
CLARA
He doesn't hate you, he just… needs to get used to you!
DANNY
Clara, you saw him with that Skovox Blitzer! It was like he blamed me. Which… to be fair… he was right-
CLARA
Oi! None of that. That's… in the past. You could take this as an opportunity to get in his good books!
DANNY
Good books? Clara, does he even have any?
CLARA
Of course he does! And you're about to be in them. Now come on!
DANNY
Where are we going?
CLARA
We're going to see him. I bet he's still in that caretaker's shed of his, tinkering away at something!
Danny chuckles. Clara leaps up, taking Danny's hand and leading him out of the classroom.
CLARA
I can tell you now, he'll say-
3 INT. TARDIS
The Doctor scowls.
DOCTOR
Absolutely not.
The Doctor is holding a book between his hands as he walks around the console. Clara follows behind, her brow furrowed. [Track 2 ends] Danny, meanwhile, waits outside awkwardly.
CLARA
Oh, come on! It'll be fun! You two could really be friends if you just gave him a chance-
DOCTOR
I don't have friends, Clara. Just you and the TARDIS. Isn't that right, old girl?
The TARDIS beeps and whirrs. Clara gives them a look.
CLARA
Just one trip! Please? For me? We don't need to do anything big, I just want to prove to him that I'm safe.
The Doctor stops and twirls on his heel to face Clara.
DOCTOR
No.
And then he returns to pacing. Clara stands still, putting her hands on her hips.
CLARA
Fine. Go off and sort your problems out yourself. But you owe it to him after nearly destroying Coal Hill-
DOCTOR
Me?! Oh, that was me, was it? It was him who messed with my perfectly good plan! Your Parents Evening could have become a Parents Goodnight!
CLARA
But he fixed that!
DOCTOR
After messing with things!
CLARA
Fine. Fine! I just wanted one trip, that's all. Enjoy reading… whatever that is and sulking without me!
DOCTOR
Fine!
Clara turns to leave, but as she goes to open the door, the Doctor puts his hand out.
DOCTOR
Clara, wait.
Clara stops.
DOCTOR
Just one trip.
He hesitantly sighs, putting his book down on the stairs next to him. Clara grins, turning to face him.
CLARA
Yes! Thank you. Thank you! I'll make it up to you.
DOCTOR
Yes, you will. Now go and get him, I presume you have him waiting outside like a lost pet…
CLARA
Enough of that.
[Track 3: Back Home 0:00 - 2:14] Clara opens the door, tilting her head outside.
CLARA
Danny?
Danny looks up at Clara, having sat on a seat across from the TARDIS.
CLARA
You can come in now!
Danny gets up, walking into the TARDIS.
DANNY
Doctor.
DOCTOR
PE.
DANNY
How… are you… today?
DOCTOR
Oh, just fine. Just been doing some light reading before I was so rudely interru-
CLARA
So! Doctor. Why don't you show Danny around?
DOCTOR
Oh, I think PE knows the way around. He's probably an expert at competitive hide and seek or something. Just don't touch anything I wouldn't. Actually, don't touch anything at all, we don't want another incident. Close the door, Clara.
Clara closes the door. An uncomfortable silence fills the room.
CLARA
...Okay… well…
DANNY
It's… fine. I really shouldn't have come.
CLARA
No, no! No, don't worry about it, Danny! The Doctor's just cross with new people, that's all.
DOCTOR
Cross?!
CLARA
Hey, I'm talking.
As the three talk, the conversation comes to an abrupt halt as a dinky little jingle plays through the speakers.
DOCTOR
Oh, not again! No, no!
DANNY
What's that? An alien language?
DOCTOR
Junk mail.
They look at the screen, which is displaying a holographic image: A logo - A flaming clock surrounded by multiple stars, planets and moons. The clock has no hands, instead titled The Time Tours.
DANNY
Oh, I hate popup ads.
DOCTOR
The TARDIS should have some protection from this. Where's the off switch?
DANNY
Guess your tech isn't as advanced and powerful as you claim it to be. Just like an ordinary computer.
DOCTOR
This isn't a computer, it's a complicated space-time traversal vessel!
CLARA
Can we stop with the arguing? What is that?
ADVERT
Bored? Looking for a thrill? A real thrill? Then come on one of our Time Tours! We've got the world's most immersive escape rooms ever.
The holographic image changes to show the rooms the advert is describing.
ADVERT
Can you survive the heat of a volcano? Or the freezing depths of the ocean? Are you brave enough for the pressure our escape rooms guarantee? Our models are so realistic, they're practically the real thing. Dare you try and escape in time, or will you be left behind? What are you waiting for? Be bold, be brave, take a trip… Time Tours! Time Tours is not responsible for accident, injury or death in our escape rooms.
The advert finishes, and Clara chuckles.
CLARA
Guess we've got something fun to do today after all.
DOCTOR
Don't encourage them!
DANNY
Well, I wouldn't mind. It looked… interesting! 'So realistic, they're practically the real thing'.
CLARA
Oh, come on, Doctor. I bet you'd be great at escape rooms!
DOCTOR
I don't do escape rooms. If I wanted a riddle, I'd try living with you lot for an hour.
DANNY
What, is it too challenging for you, Doctor?
DOCTOR
I never said that.
CLARA
Then what've you got to worry about? Come on!
The Doctor looks at Clara and Danny, who in turn look at him pleadingly. He sighs, noting that he really ought to be more stubborn sometimes.
DOCTOR
Fine. I'm sure PE will be able to use his athletic training to help us anyway.
DANNY
I teach maths!
4 INT. TIME TOURS HQ
The Stella Earth Colony, 2346. The main headquarters are, in all meanings of the word, futuristic. The corridors alone have the constant hum of technology far beyond the knowledge of most who travel with them, and the offices (which are few and far between, existing mostly to oversee operation of all nearby escape rooms) are filled to the brim with devices that the workers have never seen before, and a plethora of buttons, screens, and wires to keep the simulations running. However, there is one part of the massive building which wasn't quite as advanced as the rest: the office of Time Tour's CEO, Sadie Knox. Known only as 'Ma'am' to her workers, Knox is a woman in her mid-30s who takes pride in her appearance. Her dress sense is alien, and as ahead of its time as the escape rooms she runs. On this particular afternoon, Knox is sat at her desk, admiring the many genuine artefacts in her immaculate milk-white office; one from each room, in fact. However, Knox does not have long to admire her artefacts; One of her many workers (who she never bothers to learn the names of) enters, a concerned look on his face.
WORKER
Ma'am.
Knox sighs. She doesn't like being interrupted, but keeps her cool, giving an obviously fake smile.
KNOX
Ah! Hello…
She hesitates.
KNOX
...Employee. Can I help you? I'm afraid I'm terribly busy…
WORKER
I'm sorry, Ma'am. It's just that… well, it's happened again. Another distortion.
Knox's eyes widen. She leans forward.
KNOX
What?! Another?! How is that possible?!
WORKER
We're not sure yet, Ma'am. We think it might be something in the code… our best technicians are working on it now.
KNOX
No, no, no. No need. I'll come down now - It's best that someone who understands the code deals with it.
WORKER
Oh. Oh, of course, Ma'am. I'll let our technicians know now that you're on your way.
KNOX
Excellent.
Knox rises from her chair, concerned. Things aren't going to plan at all. She does her best to hide her worry.
5 INT. CORRIDORS - NIGHT
The TARDIS whirrs and groans, before thudding to a halt, landing. The Doctor steps out to observe their surroundings. The TARDIS has landed them in a white corridor where every other door seems to be decorated with the Time Tours logo. Above them is a sign directing towards the entrance. [Track 3 ends]
DOCTOR
Well. Here we are.
The Doctor speaks to Clara and Danny, who now exit the TARDIS to join him.
DOCTOR
Time Tours. If you ask me, hardly seems thrilling.
CLARA
Oh, give it a chance! We've only just got here!
Danny is silent, in awe. He looks around the corridors, and behind the box. [Track 4: Another Ghost has Appeared 0:00 - 2:01]
DANNY
We really moved…!
DOCTOR
Ah, here we go. Reception.
The Doctor points at the sign.
DOCTOR
This way!
Clara starts to follow the Doctor, but notices Danny is not joining them.
CLARA
Danny?
Danny walks over to Clara, still stunned.
DANNY
I mean… I knew it could travel in time and space, but to see it first-hand… wow!
CLARA
I know! I remember my first time. It's… brilliant, isn't it?
DANNY
Clara, we moved! In time and space! We're somewhere totally new and… I'm in an office! A space office!
CLARA
I know! But, uh, could we try and catch up with the Doctor? Please? He's in a mood, and he'll totally go off to the escape rooms without us.
DANNY
Oh. Oh, right. Yeah… Yeah, of course.
Danny and Clara catch up with the Doctor, who is still studying the neat corridors.
DOCTOR
Here's a tip for you, PE. If something seems too good to be true… it usually is.
DANNY
What do you mean?
DOCTOR
Look at these corridors. They're clean. Too clean.
DANNY
Does that matter? It's not evil to like to be neat, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Of course not. But who pays this much attention to the corridors?
CLARA
Could we stop talking about corridors and get to the fun bit? Thanks.
The Doctor rolls his eyes, following. Danny does the same. They push past another set of decorated doors, finding themselves in a large reception room. Alongside several more Time Tours logos, there are several screens which advertise new escape rooms. Danny walks over to one, whilst Clara and the Doctor follow the red carpet to reception. The receptionist gives a welcoming smile as they approach.
RECEPTIONIST
Good afternoon! Welcome to Time Tours, the universe's most immersive escape experience. How may I be of assistance?
DOCTOR
Ah, hello. I'd like to book an escape room, please.
RECEPTIONIST
Certainly. What sort?
The Doctor and Clara share a look.
CLARA
Well… what types are there?
RECEPTIONIST
Have you read our brochure? We have over 5,000 scenarios available.
DOCTOR
Oh, oh, yes. Yes, we certainly have. Haven't we, Clara?
CLARA
Oh… Ooh, yeah. Definitely. My favourite… brochure! So much choice! How are we to choose?
DOCTOR
Absolutely! We're just not sure! What would you recommend?
RECEPTIONIST
Well, we're currently doing a promotion on our Five Wonders of the Natural Disaster World offer… you could get all 5 rooms for the price of three. That's 600 Korsecs. Or we've just updated the Siege of Troy, now that's 900 Korsecs, but my personal favourite is the Sinking of Elfrax-6.
DOCTOR
Excellent! Sounds like a good idea!
RECEPTIONIST
What, the Sinking of Elfrax-6?
DOCTOR
Oh, yes! I've heard about that one. Sign us up.
RECEPTIONIST
Marvellous. I'll just do that now…
The receptionist types away at their computer, stopping only once to squint at a certain detail.
RECEPTIONIST
And… just how many of you are there?
DOCTOR
Three. Me, her, and the pet.
RECEPTIONIST
I'm terribly sorry, we don't allow pets here-
CLARA
Hey! Sorry about him… he's Scottish. Three people. Three actual, non-pet, people. Please.
RECEPTIONIST
I see. Of course. Well, your escape room is timed at… one and a half hours. Is that alright?
DOCTOR
One and a-
CLARA
Yep! Fine! Just fine, thanks! Come on, Doctor! Danny! We'll go and… wait!
RECEPTIONIST
I don't think you understand. The room is already ready. You'll be in Room 9. Now, about payment…
Clara is bored, her face showing as much. She decides to let the Doctor deal with it, hoping he won't cause a fuss whilst she sees whatever it is Danny is looking at.
DANNY
Clara, have you seen these?
CLARA
No, what is it?
DANNY
They're… Some of these, they're alien. But some of these, I remember. We've learnt about these! The Titanic, World War One, World War Two, World War… Three? Krakatoa, Pompeii? It's like they're all based on real disasters.
DOCTOR
Bingo. Look at the future, PE. This is entertainment. Reliving the disasters which almost wiped out your ancestors for the thrill of it. Now you can even put a price tag on genocide!
The Doctor has joined them, his gaze fixed on the screen.
CLARA
You don't like it, then?
DOCTOR
Oh, no, no! Don't let my opinion ruin the experience! We're here to have fun, aren't we, Miss Oswald?
CLARA
It's.. only a bit of fun though!
DOCTOR
Tell that to the survivors of the Lusitania. Or to the families who lost their families in the Destruction of the Mighty Fourth Great Colony.
DANNY
Which one are we going to? The fall of the Berlin Wall, or something?
DOCTOR
The Fall of Elfrax-6. Apparently.
DANNY
What's that?
DOCTOR
I don't know. That's rare.
CLARA
Well, that's good! Means you don't have any unfair advantage against us.
The trio exit through the doors they came through, and walk past several Time Tours doors. Beneath the logo is a number- One, Two, Three, so on.
CLARA
Ah! There we are. Nine. Ready?
DANNY
Always.
DOCTOR
Of course.
[Track 4 ends] Clara pushes open the door, the three of them stepping into the escape room. If they had waited a moment longer, they would have noticed a colourful woman rush past on her way to maintenance. [Track 5: The Artefact] Inside the escape room is, at first, a small black, padded room. On opposing walls, a row of hangers hold protective jumpsuits prepared for use. On the door is a sign: PROTECTIVE SUITS MUST BE WORN BEFORE ENTRY. The Doctor takes his first, picking it up.
DANNY
They're just like army jumpsuits. And they look as old, too.
DOCTOR
Much different from the corridors, hm.
CLARA
What is it with you and corridors today?
DOCTOR
It's called being observant. You humans wouldn't get it, what with your boring, fast, lives.
Clara shakes her head, putting the jumpsuit on. Danny is already in his.
DANNY
These are really prepared for everything.
DOCTOR
Remind you of your old army kit?
Danny expected a comment like that. He doesn't flinch, replying without missing a beat.
DANNY
As a matter of fact, it does, actually. Is that what you want me to say? That it reminds you of one of my old tours? When I… shot at civilians? Is that good enough-
CLARA
Nope. We are not doing this again. Come on. Get your suits on! We are going to have fun today, and you two aren't going to spoil it for me!
DOCTOR
Clara-
CLARA
No.
A moment of uncomfortable silence again. Clara breaks it - again.
CLARA
Good. Thank you. Any more arguing and I'll leave you behind in… wherever the hell we're going!
6 INT. TIME TOURS MAINTENANCE
Meanwhile, Knox has made her way down to maintenance, where she is joined by yet another worker. They stare at a screen, replaying the Pompeii incident from earlier.
KNOX
Stop.
The worker pauses it at the moment the lava starts to speed up.
KNOX
What's that? There.
She points at the screen, which zooms in. For a moment, the lava appears to glitch, flashing (albeit for a brief moment) static.
KNOX
Interesting… play it again.
The worker does as instructed. Knox's face is a mix of fascination and horror, largely the former.
KNOX
Fascinating. The system must have rejected the lava coding… like it had an overload. I must write this down!
WORKER
What would you like me to do, Ma'am?
KNOX
Have you shown this footage to anyone else?
WORKER
Not yet, Ma'am. Only you.
KNOX
Excellent. It makes things so much easier when you only have to terminate one worker.
WORKER
I'm sorry?
Knox produces a blaster, shooting the worker. He lets out a pained cry, before disintegrating. Knox rubs her heel in the ash, kicking it through the holes of the grated floor she stands on.
KNOX
I must perfect the code… Time Tours cannot fail.
Knox, pleased with her calm persona, smiles to herself before turning on her heel to leave.
7 EXT. ALIEN PLANET - DAY
Elfrax-6, 1779. Around 1pm, Earth time. The three suns of the planet beat down on the busy city, which, much like Pompeii before it, is bustling with busy life. The local race, Elfraxians (known for their tall, slug-like appearance and 97 rows of sharp teeth) slither and slide across the streets, beneath the clunky hovercars their race use for transport. Even the orange sand which adorned seemingly everything on the planet knows it's place, blowing throughout the towns and cities. The Doctor, Clara and Danny step out of an alleyway, onto the busy, dusty, roads the Elfraxians called home.
CLARA
Well, Danny. Your first alien planet! How does it feel?
DOCTOR
Simulated alien planet.
CLARA
Aren't they the same thing?
DOCTOR
Not at all. The Elfraxians could be taller here than in real- Oh! I remember now! Elfraxians! Big… slugs. I wonder what happened to them? If I remember correctly, they all died out in… the 18th Century?
DANNY
This is all so real… Look at the sky! Three suns! And… And check out the cars! They have flying cars, Clara!
CLARA
Yep! Yep, they do!
Danny's grin is infectious. Clara shares it.
CLARA
Look at the buildings. Those are alien buildings!
Around them, the hovercars weave through skyscrapers of varying heights, all of which were intricately detailed with spirals of reflective glass. The shapes feel alien to Danny, certainly looking nothing like the shapes he teaches in Maths class. [Track 5 ends]
DANNY
Is it like this in all of outer space?
[Track 6: Forgetting 0:00 - 1:00]
CLARA
Oh, yeah. In between all the fighting, and… baddies. You know, Danny, this is why I travel with the Doctor. Sure, it can be dangerous sometimes, and we have to keep fighting again and again, but you know what? After all that… You really see the universe thrive. It's the little things, like the flying cars, or the sand which looks just like the sand back home in Blackpool. You see life! the Doctor has shown me so much like this… every day. Well, not every day, but you get the idea. When I step into the TARDIS, I don't know where I'll be stepping out again. And isn't that fun?
Danny considers what Clara has said, resonating somewhat with the words.
DANNY
I see what you mean… it's like… going on holiday.
CLARA
Er… yeah. Yeah, except the plane doesn't always take you to the right airport.
Danny looks at one of the aliens, curious.
DANNY
Do you… Do you think I could go and talk to one? Of the aliens, I mean. Just… to say hi. But what if he doesn't understand me?
CLARA
It's a simulation, 'course he'll understand you!
DANNY
Oh, yeah. But what would the Doctor say?
CLARA
Forget him! Go!
Danny nods, inhaling. His... third alien! This was going to be big, and hopefully less dangerous. Clara smiles, seeing him walking up to the alien. She turns back around to the Doctor, walking over. [Track 6 ends]
CLARA
You're being quiet.
DOCTOR
I'm thinking.
CLARA
Oh, yeah? About what?
DOCTOR
Disaster. It's coming. Soon. It must be waiting for us… maybe it's activated by something, like… like…
The Doctor looks around.
DOCTOR
Like stepping somewhere, or talking to someone. Where's PE?
CLARA
Getting to know the locals. Why?
DOCTOR
What?! He could set off the whole thing!
CLARA
And? Isn't that the point? To, y'know, escape?
DOCTOR
Not yet, I'm busy looking for strategic exit points!
The Doctor runs quickly towards Danny, who is trying to speak to a puzzled Elfraxian. He is trying arm gestures, to no avail.
DANNY
Hello… Hello! I… am… here…. To visit- Oh, nevermind.
[Track 7: Freefall]
DOCTOR
Danny! No!
Danny turns, as confused as the Elfraxian now, to see the Doctor running towards him.
DANNY
What? What is it?! Is it happening?!
DOCTOR
I don't know! It could happen at any-
As if on cue, the ground seems to shake, howling fiercely at them.
DOCTOR
-Moment! Clara! Quickly! Get here! Now!
Clara does as instructed, rushing over. The three of them watch as, very quickly, a hole begins to form in the ground just outside one of the largest skyscrapers on the planet, just a few metres away from them. Clara gasps in realisation.
CLARA
Doctor, it's a sinkhole!
DOCTOR
I can see that!
DANNY
Hang on, you said that the El… slug people all vanished one day. Is this- Is this it? Are we about to watch them get wiped out?
CLARA
Why don't we think about that after we escape?!
DOCTOR
This way!
The Doctor points towards another alley not too dissimilar to the one they entered the simulation from. The trio dash through, and then into another alley. Altogether, they run through several twists and turns, past multiple waste dispensers and discarded furniture (all of which Danny notes as equally mysterious as the skyscrapers and hovercars. How the hell are slugs supposed to enjoy sofas?) before coming towards a wall, barricaded by spiked fencing.
DANNY
That hole's still coming!
CLARA
We're trapped! We could climb the… bin thingy and jump over?
DANNY
No… it's not big enough. We had to do a training situation just like this back in boot camp.
CLARA
Well, we need to think of something! Doctor, any ideas?!
DOCTOR
I'm thinking! I would have had a plan by now if PE didn't rush me!
The once-elegant metropolis has, by now, started to disappear completely. The sinkhole is becoming massive, swallowing everything in its path whole. It is only a building or two away from them.
DANNY
Me?! You've been sulking all day just because you can't handle Clara having a life outside of you!
DOCTOR
Is that what you think?! Oh, that is marvellous. How lucky you must be, having a brain so simple it turns everything into one of your soaps! Then again, I'd expect nothing less from a soldier.
CLARA
Shut up! Both of you! I'm going to die here because both of you can't stop squabbling over...who's the meaner soldier!
DOCTOR
Who said anything about dying?
The Doctor retrieves his sonic screwdriver from his pocket and begins fiddling with the settings as fast as he can.
CLARA
Doctor, hurry! It's getting close!
The sinkhole destroys the building in front of them, finally approaching them. Danny and Clara watch hoplelessly as the trash compactors and puzzling sofas are swallowed whole.
Clara grabs onto Danny, hugging him.
DOCTOR
I'm afraid we're… off the menu.
The Doctor aims his sonic at the wall. The device hums, before a portal opens in the fence. The Doctor grabs Danny and Clara, pulling them through. Just in time, as where they were stood seconds before is also consumed by the voracious sinkhole. [Track 7 ends]
8 INT. TIME TOURS: KNOX'S OFFICE
[Track 8: That Is The Moon] Knox has been watching the Doctor, Danny and Clara curiously. She turns off her screen, sighing.
KNOX
That man. The Doctor. He seems to have knowledge on the science of these simulations. I must have him. I must. Perhaps he is the solution…
Knox presses a button on her desk, and summons the worker who told her about the glitches before.
KNOX
Ah, employee! Come in. I have a special request.
Knox turns on the screen, paused on the Doctor holding his sonic screwdriver.
KNOX
His name is the Doctor. I want him here. Now, preferably. Or else I shall have you terminated.
WORKER
Certainly, Ma'am. Right away.
The worker nods, leaving hurriedly. Knox turns her cameras on again.
KNOX
Where have you gotten to, Doctor…? You can't vanish now. Things are getting interesting!
9 EXT. TITANIC - NIGHT
The Doctor, Clara and Danny arrive on the other side of the portal, landing with a thud on the wood decks of the Titanic, although none of them quite realise it yet. The two humans heave a sigh of relief, Clara laughing in disbelief.
CLARA
Phew!
DANNY
We made it! We actually survived!
The Doctor climbs up from the deck, picking up his sonic screwdriver and putting it in his pocket.
DOCTOR
Of course we did! I'd hardly let you die, would I?
DANNY
But… how'd you do that? The… portal… thing?
DOCTOR
Simple. It's a simulation. I just hopped us from one simulation to the other. Basically, a door to another room. No need to thank me…
CLARA
You mean we're not out yet?
DOCTOR
Nope. We're just in another reality. Another disaster.
DANNY
Then we better hurry and find a way out.
DOCTOR
I'm not even sure there is a way out. Certainly not from a disaster like the one we just came from.
The Doctor walks up to the fence and stared out into the water.
CLARA
It was rigged?
DOCTOR
Maybe. But why? Is someone trying to tease us? Entertain themselves? Explains why the place is so clean; nobody ever uses the corridors except to die.
DANNY
Well, it's simple then. We just keep skipping. Until we find a way out. Then we get out of here, and go home.
DOCTOR
What, all 5,000 escape rooms? No chance. We'll have died before then.
Clara realises where they are.
CLARA
Doctor, wait! Look! I know where we are!
The Doctor and Danny turn to look at where Clara is pointing- a life raft, titled 'TITANIC'.
DANNY
We're on the Titanic! The actual, real Titanic!
DOCTOR
It's still a simulation!
DANNY
But… it's basically the Titanic!
CLARA
At least we know how it's gonna happen, though, right? It hits an iceberg and sinks. So we just need to get out of here before that happens.
DOCTOR
Provided we can find an exit. Come on.
The Doctor walks down the deck.
DANNY
So we just act normal?
DOCTOR
You can be quiet, PE I'm thinking.
Clara mouths an apology to him.
CLARA
Hey, what do you reckon's through there?
DOCTOR
Only one way to find out.
The Doctor opens the door, but instead of being greeted by a dull empty corridor or an equally dull crew, an armoured soldier points a gun squarely in his face. His outfit is something like a modern SWAT team's, and he is certainly not from 1912. The Doctor says nothing, instead putting his hands up. Danny and Clara do the same.
SOLDIER
You are to come with me.
DOCTOR
Oh? Am I?
SOLDIER
Failure to do so will result in the death of one of your companions. You will follow, or the man will die.
The soldier aims his gun at Danny.
DOCTOR
Oh, him? Go ahead.
CLARA
Doctor!
DOCTOR
I was joking!
Clara and Danny are seriously offended. They both stare darkly at the Doctor.
DOCTOR
I'm sorry. Is that what you want me to say?
He turns to the soldier.
DOCTOR
Take us to your leader.
[Track 8 ends]
10 INT. TIME TOURS: KNOX'S OFFICE - NIGHT
[Track 9: Deep Cover 0:00 - 3:33] Knox sits in her chair, smiling with satisfaction as the trio are brought into her office.
DOCTOR
So, you must be the leader of Time Tours.
KNOX
You're correct in that assumption, Doctor. My name is Sadie Knox. I run Time Tours.
DOCTOR
And you've brought me to, what? See how I escaped your escape room?
The Doctor, along with his companions, is forced to sit down in a chair across from Knox.
KNOX
I take pride in my escape rooms, you know. I like to ensure that they're authentic.
DOCTOR
Oh, you're proud, are you? As you should be! You've finally found a way to make a profit out of slaughter! Making a few pennies from tragedy wasn't enough, was it?
KNOX
I can explain, if you'll give me a moment.
DOCTOR
How many people have walked through those doors and never come out, Sadie Knox? How many? Or do you not bother to keep count?!
KNOX
Doctor. I suggest you remain calm; I'd rather not escalate the situation further.
The soldier has been joined by three others, who all stand, guns poised.
KNOX
My personal bodyguards have been itching for target practice.
The Doctor opens his mouth to speak, but sits back in his chair, realising he has no choice.
KNOX
I think you'll find my escape rooms are good and proper. What you have seen is a slight hitch. My… systems… appear to be somewhat damaged. You see, the way I replicate my escape rooms is quite simple. I copy a certain area, and… paste it, if you will, onto my servers. It's a wonder what you can find on the Black Market. Portable hydrogenerators, 3-D simulators… I built it all myself, all it took was a little searching in the right place and a lot of patience.
DOCTOR
You're uploading slices of time onto a hard drive?
KNOX
What I do, I do for the sake of entertainment. The… fraction of deaths is a worthy cost to please thousands more.
DOCTOR
Thousands more?! I seriously doubt anyone who comes in leaves!
KNOX
Now that is not true! I would have stopped before that could ever happen.
DOCTOR
Would you? A woman so driven by profit you'll be willing to let a 'few' deaths slip under the rug-
The Doctor stops himself, realisation dawning upon him.
DOCTOR
Oh, of course! How stupid of me! I get it now! How could I not see it?
Clara finally speaks up.
CLARA
See… what, Doctor?
DOCTOR
The deaths! They're a result of leakage. You've got that many copies, Sadie Knox, that your servers have fried! They're glitching. Normal situations warping until they become death traps. And I think you're aware of that. A woman capable enough to build the systems would surely be able to work out what's wrong with them. And to think all you needed to stop this bloodshed would have been a Chronovexing Dislocator-
KNOX
Doctor, I do not appreciate your tone!
The soldiers aim their guns at Clara and Danny.
KNOX
As a matter of fact, I brought you here to help me diagnose the problem. You've been terribly helpful. But… you've served your purpose now. Guards,do kill them. I've heard enough yelling for a lifetime.
DOCTOR
Wait, wait, wait! One more question!
Knox sighs.
KNOX
What is it, Doctor? Do you have something else to show off?
DOCTOR
Why'd you bring me here? To show off?
KNOX
Well, I needed someone to teach me how to fix the systems. There were… certain bits which needed rectifying. I realised if you were capable of moving from simulation to simulation the way you did, you were clearly aware of how such a device would work.
DOCTOR
Thank you. That's all I needed to know!
The Doctor produces his sonic screwdriver, speaking hurriedly.
DOCTOR
Clara, Danny, cover your ears!
They do as instructed. The sonic screwdriver gave out a shrill cry, stunning the guards and Knox.
DOCTOR
Clara! Danny! Out, now!
Clara and Danny race to the door. All three travellers sprint down the corridor, a few moments later the guards following.
CLARA
Where are we going?!
DOCTOR
To maintenance! I have to test a theory!
They quickly sneak into a door labeled 'MAINTENANCE'.
11 INT. TIME TOURS: MAINTENANCE
Clara closes the door behind her and presses her body against it.
CLARA
What are we looking for?
Maintenance is a mess of disordered wires and flashing lights, occasionally separated by boxes for servers which host individual escape rooms. In the centre of it all is a tower of technology; screens, buttons, wires, levers, and pulleys all merge together into one block. This is the heart of Time Tours, a fact which is evident to The Doctor.
DOCTOR
This!
The Doctor hops over a wire, searching for a specific panel.
DOCTOR
I didn't notice it before, not until Knox mentioned it. But the sinkhole, it was rejected by the system. Little… tiny pixels, like it was fighting itself.
DANNY
What do you mean?
DOCTOR
Use your brain for once, PE! What I mean is that the system is alive! That's why Knox needed my help. She needed to control the resistance from the servers so she could continue Time Tours.
DANNY
So… what're you gonna do? Turn it off?
DOCTOR
No! I'm going to talk to it.
The Doctor finally finds the screen he has been searching for. He sonics the screen.
DOCTOR
I should now be finally talking to the server. Am I correct?
The room beeps and whirrs in agreeance.
DOCTOR
Good. And I take it you know who I am?
The room beeps and whirrs once again.
DOCTOR
I've got a plan for how you can stop Knox, but you'll have to be quick.
The machine is silent.
DOCTOR
You're damaged, I can see that. I'm going to patch through enough power using my sonic so that you'll be able to control the whole building. Once you have the power, lock and shut the doors for her office. By now, her guards will have given up and gone back. Then this whole building is yours. The advertising's out there, you'll get plenty of visitors in no time! And then, you'll be able to control this place on your terms.
The Doctor waits a few moments.
DOCTOR
I'm going to patch it through now!
He holds his screwdriver up against the panel. Instantly, the whole room seems brighter. The brilliant bright lights of the buttons flash a whole rainbow of colours, and the cables pulse and hum with a new breath of life. Time Tours is coming to life once again.
12 INT. TIME TOURS: KNOX'S OFFICE
Knox sits in her office as the guards return.
GUARD
I'm terribly sorry, Ma'am. They've escaped.
KNOX
What?! You've failed me?! I told you to not let them escape! You were to kill them!
GUARD
We know, Ma'am. We're… sorry.
KNOX
You will be!
Suddenly, the lights of the room all flash a hot white, and Knox gasps.
KNOX
Oh, no. No, no, no! That's not- That's not possible! I stopped that! I stopped you!
She shook her head. The system beeped a reply.
KNOX
I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything from it. You must understand- I did- I did all of that for you! I did all of that so you would be popular! Please! You must listen!
The doors and windows lock shut.
DOOR
Lockdown activated. Security measures initiating. Deadlock seals will now lock…
KNOX
Please! No! No, no, Please!
She screams. [Track 9 ends]
13 INT. TARDIS
[Track 10: I Might Change My Mind] At long last, the Doctor, Clara and Danny are home.
CLARA
Thanks for today, Doctor. I'm sure Danny's enjoyed it. Haven't you, Danny?
DANNY
Oh, yeah. I had… loads of fun. I don't know how I could ever go back to normal after this.
The Doctor and Danny share a look, one that tells him that the Time Lord isn't impressed by his sarcasm.
CLARA
I'm glad you're happy.
Clara kisses Danny on the cheek. The Doctor does his best not to cringe.
CLARA
Hey, I'll just go get some marking, then I'll catch you up. Wait for me, yeah?
DANNY
'Course. See you soon.
Clara steps back, smiling.
CLARA
Look at you both. Not arguing! I, for one, think that is a success!
Clara grins.
CLARA
See you later, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Farewell.
Clara closes the door behind her, leaving. The Doctor turns to face Danny.
DOCTOR
So, PE. This is where we part ways.
DANNY
Yes, Doctor. Yes, I think it is. Thank you… for today. It has been an experience.
DOCTOR
I expect you'll go back to your boring, soldier life, then?
DANNY
Unlike yourself, Doctor, I know when my war's ended.
The Doctor frowns, putting his hands in his pockets.
DOCTOR
What's that supposed to mean?
DANNY
You are dangerous, Doctor. I've only seen your adventures twice and I know that much. What if me and Clara died today in that sinkhole? What if your sonic didn't work? Clara's said before that she's not the first companion of yours… how many have there been? How many have died?
DOCTOR
I think you and I both know that that's not a fair question to ask.
DANNY
Fine. But I need you to promise me one thing, Doctor. Just one thing. Promise me she won't get hurt. Promise me Clara will be safe. Promise me you'll always get her back home.
The Doctor hesitates for a moment. This is one of those moments where he needs to be truthful.
DOCTOR
I can't promise you that.
Danny sighs.
DANNY
That's what I thought.
DOCTOR
You can never promise anything like that. You can never tell what the future brings. You'd hope for a happy ending, but it doesn't always work out like that. Besides, no-one's ever safe. You can look for danger everywhere. Crossing the road, food poisoning...
DANNY
You can't compare your life to food poisoning.
DOCTOR
I'll certainly try my best. I'll do everything I can to look after her. You might not realise this, but I care about her a lot. And I want her as much as you do to get home safely.
DANNY
Then why do you let her fly away with you?
DOCTOR
You know Clara. Has she ever let anyone stop her from doing what she wants?
DANNY
...Fair enough.
He turns, slowly walking towards the door.
DANNY
I did have fun today, though, at least. So… thanks for that. I can see why Clara likes travelling with you.
DOCTOR
And…
The Doctor looks down at his feet, awkwardly shifting his weight to his other foot.
DOCTOR
I suppose you aren't too bad yourself, Danny. Now go! There's a child out there who needs help on an assault course!
DANNY
For the last time, I teach maths!
DOCTOR
What's the circumference of a square?
DANNY
What's the fourth last word Henry the Eighth ever said?
Beat.
DOCTOR
You win this one, PE.
Danny chuckles.
DANNY
Until next time, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Yes, until next time. If there is a next time.
DANNY
Of course there will.
Danny opens the door, beaming. The Doctor is not pleased, horror dawning on his face.
DANNY
After all, she thinks this one was a success!
He leaves, closing the door.
DOCTOR
I ought to put my foot down more… 'Next time'.
He shakes his head, reading the scanner. He sees an advert for Time Tours - a family friendly experience, and swipes it away. Another advert shows up for Intergalactic Laser Tag.
DOCTOR
Pop-up ads! Unless...
Hesitant, he throws the lever and the TARDIS dematerialises.
14 EXT. SPACE
The TARDIS zooms past star systems off to the next adventure… [Track 10 ends]
ROLL CREDITS
NEXT EPISODE: Time of Death - Tomorrow