INT. CAFETERIA - ZIRA CLINIC
Dressed as nurses, Golden Monkey, Silver Humanoid, and Bronze Cyberman are sitting by themselves at a table in the corner. Golden Monkey keeps one eye on the main doors, where Tonades officers keep everyone inside from leaving.
BRONZE CYBERMAN
It's kind of funny.
Bronze Cyberman picks at his meat and potatoes with a spoon.
BRONZE CYBERMAN
The last meal I ever eat as a free man could very well be this meat and potatoes.
SILVER HUMANOID
Why is that funny?
BRONZE CYBERMAN
I've been a vegetarian for five years.
SILVER HUMANOID
Best meal I've had in days.
BRONZE CYBERMAN
That's not saying much.
Golden Monkey sees the doors to the cafeteria swing open. Lieutenant Valor enters, escorted inside by six Tonades officers, each one armed to the teeth. He scans the room quickly, sees the Preservers, and immediately marches in their direction.
GOLDEN MONKEY
Here we go, guys. Hands above the table. Remember what the Doctor said. Don't do anything to provoke them.
All three of them place their hands on the table surface and wait for Valor to get close.
Valor's men surround the table.
VALOR
You three are under arrest.
The three of them raise their hands.
GOLDEN MONKEY
We're not resisting.
VALOR
I hope you can tell how disappointed I am by that. Restrain them.
Valor's men handcuff the Preservers behind their backs.
GOLDEN MONKEY
(to Valor)
We want to make a deal.
VALOR
Save it for your trial.
GOLDEN MONKEY
I mean with you. We want to make a deal with you.
VALOR
Do I look like a merchant to you? Get them out of here.
Valor's men attempt to drag the Preservers away, but Golden Monkey resists.
GOLDEN MONKEY
The Doctor said you would be interested.
The mention of the Doctor's name piques Valor's interest. He holds up his hand to his men.
VALOR
Wait.
Valor's men stop.
Lieutenant Valor steps up to Golden Monkey. He stares into her eyes, attempting to intimidate some sort of tell out of her. She stands firm and stares right back, confident.
VALOR
I will speak to this one alone.
CUT TO: A FEW SECONDS LATER
Golden Monkey and Lieutenant Valor stare at each other from across the table. Tonades officers keep everyone else back, well out of earshot.
GOLDEN MONKEY
I want full immunity for me and my men. I want it in writing, and I want your assurance that you will make no attempt to follow us or find us after we leave.
VALOR
Nothing short of delivering the Doctor himself gets you that.
GOLDEN MONKEY
You haven't heard my offer.
VALOR
I don't have to.
GOLDEN MONKEY
People have been going missing at this clinic for years. They are kidnapped and held against their will at a secure facility. I know where that facility is and how to access it. I can give that information to you.
Valor thinks.
GOLDEN MONKEY
You would be personally responsible for uncovering one of the greatest scandals in the history of this sector, and a hero to hundreds of people, not including their families.
VALOR
I want the Doctor.
GOLDEN MONKEY
You had the Doctor, and you let him get away. You also let a human prisoner escape from your own precinct. My guess is that's going to be a big problem for you in very short order. The Tonades don't tolerate failure. A supervisor will be on their way. It wouldn't surprise me if they're already here, just waiting for the opportunity to shut you down.
He thinks some more.
VALOR
If I were to say no, you would let those people rot wherever they are? Not exactly noble of you.
GOLDEN MONKEY
We call ourselves Preservers. Self-preservation is a thing. Besides, just because you don't take my offer, doesn't mean someone else won't.
VALOR
Now that I know such a facility exists, maybe I find it on my own.
GOLDEN MONKEY
They've managed to keep it hidden for centuries. I don't think you have that long to produce some results. You need my help. I want my freedom. What's it going to be Valor?
Valor thinks.
INT. CRYOGENIC STASIS CHAMBER - THE VAULT - ZIRA CLINIC
The Doctor feverishly claws at the edges of a bolted on panel on the inside of the chamber. His nails don't even scratch the paint, much less move any of the screws holding the panel in place.
Frustrated, he tries pounding on the small glass port-hole on the chamber door with his fist. His hand leaves some smudges on the glass.
He tries kicking his feet back and forth.
He tries pushing the door open with both hands. He screams from the exertion. His face turns bright red.
Deflated, he closes his eyes and leans forward. He bangs his forehead gently against the glass of the port-hole. It makes a dull "knock" sound.
His head... knock... knock... knock.
He rests his head against the glass.
Another knock... knock... knock. Not his head.
Confused, the Doctor leans back to look through the port-hole. He sees a man staring back at him from the other side of the door.
Valor.
-To be Continued...-