Revenge Of The Tardis

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 1

Deep in the recesses of space, a blue Police box hurried through the vortex after a hurried departure from the planet Spiridon. Inside a bright, white room was a tall, white haired man with a well-worn face for his 700 years, dressed in his shirt sleeves, who was lying on the floor fiddling about under the hexagonal console at the centre of the room, singing to himself, totally oblivious to the young blonde who'd entered.

JO------------Doctor? Doctor?
DOCTOR----Hmm? Oh, hello Jo.
JO------------Nice to see you've acknowledged my presence.
DOCTOR----I've always acknowledged your presence, my dear.
JO------------Not always, Doctor. Especially when we get separated.
DOCTOR----Ahh. You're referring to what happened on Spiridon, I presume.
JO------------That's one time, yes.
DOCTOR----But Jo, I've already explained that. I believed you were inside the spaceship when the Daleks destroyed it. I even let them capture me to prevent them hurting you. Pity they did so anyway.
JO------------I forgive you.
DOCTOR----Do you?
JO------------Of course. You're too sweet to stay angry with for long.
DOCTOR----Thank you, me dear.
JO------------Still, not as sweet as the other one.
DOCTOR----What other one? Oh, him.
JO------------Yes. He didn't take all that Omega jazz as seriously as you did.
DOCTOR----No. Children never do. Good job I've grown up a lot since then.
JO------------I wonder if we'll ever see him again?
DOCTOR----See me again. I do hope not.
JO------------Why?
DOCTOR----Because I am perfectly capable of dealing with problems on my own.
JO------------What am I doing here then?
DOCTOR----You know what I mean. No interference from the Time Lords.
JO------------Oh yes, Doctor, I could see that. You weren't worried at all about all that organism stuff which kept eating bits of UNIT or Bessie (!)
DOCTOR----Of course I was. But without interference I would have managed to resolve the problem. It may have taken a little longer, that's all.
JO------------Are you sure?
DOCTOR----Well, we'll never know now. Look, why don't you go and find something to do and let me get on with my work.
JO------------Like what?
DOCTOR----I don't know. Read, swim. It's up to you. This might take a while.
JO------------Okay, Doctor. What are you doing anyway?
DOCTOR----I'm trying to find out why the Tardis won't accept the co-ordinates I program into her.
JO------------Like, going back to UNIT?
DOCTOR----Yes. Or even Metebelis 3.
JO------------Well, I don't think you'll ever get there.
DOCTOR----Patience, Jo. We'll get there sooner or later.
JO------------Yes, later rather than sooner if I know you.
DOCTOR----Don't be such a pessimist.
JO------------You've already tried one and we ended up inside that machine being threatened, shot at, chased by blood-thirsty monsters and roasted alive.
DOCTOR----That wasn't my fault, you know. Anyone can make a mistake.
JO------------Yes, but you tend to make them more than most.
DOCTOR----My dear Jo. I do happen to be considerably older than most, so it's only to be expected I make one or two errors more.
JO------------I give up!
DOCTOR----Good girl. You must also remember, my dear, that the Tardis isn't as young as she used to be. One of these centuries I really must stay in one place long enough to give her a complete overhaul. Maybe even mend the chameleon circuit.
JO------------The, what?
DOCTOR----Chameleon circuit. It changes her form so she can blend in with her surroundings.
JO------------Oh. I thought it was a police box.
DOCTOR----Not at all. For some reason, it got stuck in her current form in your year of 1963.
JO------------Why?
DOCTOR----Well if I knew that, it wouldn't baffle me, would it?
JO------------I suppose not.
DOCTOR----Perhaps it's because I was there too long. Usually, I just solve a problem and leave.
JO------------Meddle, you mean.
DOCTOR----Help. I never meddle. Well, not much. I was there for several months then, intending to effect the necessary repairs.
JO------------Obviously you never got round to it.
DOCTOR----Whatever makes you think that? Never mind. Look, if you want to do something useful, why don't you go and find the Tardis manual for me.
JO------------Find?
DOCTOR----That's right. It's around somewhere.
JO------------Don't you know where it is?
DOCTOR----If I did, I'd get it myself. It will give you something to do while I'm trying to find a solution to the current problem.
JO------------This place is so big, Doctor.
DOCTOR----I know. Why don't you begin in the library? That's not too far away.
JO------------Okay. But it would help if you could at least remember the last time you had it.
DOCTOR----I have been trying, you know. All I remember is not seeing it since my regeneration when the Time Lords stranded me on your planet and removed my knowledge of time travel.
JO------------Okay. Try this: which face did you have when you last put it down?
DOCTOR----Which, what?!
JO------------Face.
DOCTOR----Face?! You know, you sound suspiciously like the Brigadier. Face, indeed.
JO------------Alright. Were you the sweet one or the clever one?
DOCTOR----That's worse than face! I can't be expected to remember everything, you know. I'm not an elephant.
JO------------Perhaps when you next change you should ask for one.
DOCTOR----One, what?
JO------------Elephant.
DOCTOR----To do what?
JO------------Not to do, Doctor. Change into one.
DOCTOR----And to think, I actually liked you.
JO------------Sorry, Doctor. I'll go and look for that book.
DOCTOR----You do that.
JO------------What does it look like?
DOCTOR----What?!
JO------------Well I don't know, do I? For all I know, it might be seven feet tall with a green and purple spotted cover. You Time Lords are weird like that.
DOCTOR----If it looked like that, I'd have no trouble remembering where I'd left it, since you couldn't fail to miss something like that. It's so big, black, thick with "Type 40 Tardis Manual" on the front.
JO------------Okay. I'll try to be quick.
DOCTOR----Oh, and Jo. You can't regenerate into what you like, you know. You just get what you're given and you don't know what that will be until it happens.
JO------------Well, maybe you'll get to be the elephant after all.
DOCTOR----GO!
JO------------Yes, Doctor (leaves).

The Doctor continued fiddling angrily, but when it was obvious he wasn't making much progress, pushed himself off the floor and walked over to the opposite wall where he pulled off a roundel. He yanked out a fistful of wires.

DOCTOR----Elephant! Elephant indeed (!) What does she think I am?

He was interrupted by a loud scream from somewhere inside the Tardis.

DOCTOR----Jo? Jo. are you alright? Jo?

Suddenly he found the wires constricting around his neck. He struggled in vain to free himself. He saw Jo burst into the room before he blacked out and slumped to the floor.

JO------------Doctor? Doctor?

Then everything went dark.......


To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 2

About fifteen minutes later, a loud groan echoed around the dark console room. Jo screamed and backed up until she hit a wall.

DOCTOR----Would you mind desisting from making that dreadful noise? I have an awful headache.
JO------------Doctor?
DOCTOR----Who else would it be?
JO------------Oh, Doctor. You're alive!
DOCTOR----Well of course I am, otherwise we wouldn't be holding a conversation. Although....
JO------------What?
DOCTOR----Well, I don't wish to alarm you, my dear, but I'm afraid I can't see anything apart from blackness. I think maybe something may have happened to my eyes.
JO------------It's not your eyes, Doctor.
DOCTOR----Isn't it?
JO------------No.
DOCTOR----Thank goodness for that. I would have hated something like a Dalek creeping up on me without my knowing it. A Dalek wouldn't have given me a sporting chance to get away. What is it then?
JO------------A horrible tin box.
DOCTOR----Not a Dalek!
JO------------Oh. I'm not sure. The lights went out.
DOCTOR----I don't remember that.
JO------------It happened after you fell on the floor.
DOCTOR----Did it? Did you scream before that?
JO------------Yes. then I ran here to you.
DOCTOR----What happened?
JO------------Well, I went to look for that book. I found the library but when I tried to read the titles, a couple of them attacked me.
DOCTOR----Oh now, Jo. Come on.
JO------------Its' true! They snapped at my hand like mad dogs.
DOCTOR----Impossible. You must have imagined it.
JO------------Like the wires around you neck or the lights going out, I suppose.
DOCTOR----You have a point. Perhaps they were isolated incidents.
JO------------I certainly hope so. Incidentally, what were those wires doing?
DOCTOR----A very good job of strangulation. Although not very accurate as you can see.
JO------------That's just the point, Doctor. I can't see.
DOCTOR----Ah. I forgot.
JO------------How can you forget a thing like that?
DOCTOR----Because my eyes are now accustomed to this light.
JO------------What light?
DOCTOR----Do you mean to tell me, you still can't make out the shapes?
JO------------Doctor, I can't make out anything. It's all the same to me.
DOCTOR----Can't you even see me?
JO------------No.
DOCTOR----Oh. Well I suppose that might be because I have a superior occular system to humans.
JO------------Huh?
DOCTOR----Better eyesight, me dear. Perhaps when we return to UNIT you ought to include a lot of carrots in your diet. Preferably raw.
JO------------Oh. And I suppose you've got carrot juice for blood.
DOCTOR----Not exactly.
JO------------Anyway, I'm not that fond of carrots. They make your hands turn orange.
DOCTOR----If made into a pulp and used as a facepack, they'd be excellent for the Dutch.
JO------------The Dutch?
DOCTOR----Football fans, Jo. When they play international matches.
JO------------Oh. Well I'm not that fond of football either.
DOCTOR----It seems to me that you're not really fond of anything.
JO------------Except you, Doctor.
DOCTOR----Thank you, Jo. If that was a ploy to ensure I do something about illuminating the Tardis, it has worked.
JO------------It wasn't.
DOCTOR----Just a biased opinion then.
JO------------Of course.
DOCTOR----Right. Let's see if we can find that old oil lamp I've got hidden away.
JO------------Maybe it's eloped with the manual.
DOCTOR----(laughs) Maybe it has.

The Doctor slammed a lot of doors, making Jo jump.

DOCTOR----A-ha!
JO------------Have you found it?
DOCTOR----No. But I have found something which will help.
JO------------What?
DOCTOR----A torch.

A beam shone in Jo's eyes.

JO------------Doctor....
DOCTOR----Sorry Jo. I keep forgetting the glare is too bright for humans.
JO------------Don't tell me. It doesn't bother you.
DOCTOR----(smiles) That's right. Nice to see you're learning about Time Lords.
JO------------I don't have a lot of choice really since I've spent a lot of time in the company of two.
DOCTOR----Two?
JO------------You and the Master.
DOCTOR----I keep forgetting the Master is of my own race, even though we were at the Academy together.
JO------------What do you think of him as then?
DOCTOR----I tend to place him in the same category as the Daleks, Cybermen etcetera.
JO------------The who?
DOCTOR----No Jo. Musical combos don't want to take over the universe.
JO------------I didn't mean that. I meant who, or what, are the Cybermen?
DOCTOR----Machines who were once human, like you.
JO------------Oh. Robots, you mean.
DOCTOR----No, I do not mean robots. They changed parts of their anatomy for robotic bits. Simple enough explanation?
JO------------Yes, thank you. So they are like robots.
DOCTOR----I suppose so, in a way. They can kill with one blow so be grateful you haven't come across any.
JO------------Oh, I am Doctor. I leave my life in your hands.
DOCTOR----What?
JO------------That's what doctors do, isn't it? Take care of others.
DOCTOR----Medical doctors, yes. Which I'm not.
JO------------Aren't you?
DOCTOR----No. I'm a scientist. I never got my medical degree. Now, take this lamp and let's find out what's going on around here.
JO------------It's not lit.
DOCTOR----Well, of course it isn't. it's for if the torch fails. Come along Jo, and don't be scared. I'll look after you.
JO------------That's what you said on Spiridon, Peladon, Solos, Draconia, the Black Hole, numerous times on earth-
DOCTOR----All right Jo. You're still here to be sarcastic, aren't you?
JO------------You know I am.
DOCTOR----Well, then. I must have been doing something right.
JO------------Okay, Doctor. Lead the way.

Jo followed the Doctor closely down corridor after corridor.

JO------------Where are we going, Doctor?
DOCTOR----To have a look at these rabid books of yours.
JO------------They're not myoks.
DOCTOR----Ah, here we are (opens door). After you.
JO------------Err, I think I'd prefer you not to be the perfect gentleman this time.
DOCTOR----You're not afraid, are you?
JO------------Course not. I just think it would be better if you went first.
DOCTOR----Alright Jo.

The Doctor went on and shone the torch around. Jo followed a few seconds later, positive she'd heard something.

DOCTOR----Right Jo, where were these books which attacked you?
JO------------Over there.
DOCTOR----Well they seem to be normal now.
JO------------I thought that before and nearly lost my fingers.

The Doctor examined the books which went on the attack as soon as he started to prod them. He leapt back.

JO------------Told you.
DOCTOR----Yes, I'm rather afraid you did. Come on, let's get out of here.

Jo led the way as suddenly stopped as the Doctor closed the door.

JO------------What was that?
DOCTOR----What?
JO------------Over there. Didn't you see it?
DOCTOR----It's probably only shadows.
JO------------I hope you're right.
DOCTOR----Of course I am. There's only the two of us here Jo, so you couldn't have seen anyone. Come on, let's try and find that manual so we can try to find out what's happening.
JO------------Supposing it doesn't have an answer, Doctor?
DOCTOR----Then we'll have to discover one for ourselves, won't we?
JO------------I hope it won't come to that.
DOCTOR----So do I. I always prefer the easy solution. Come on.
JO------------Hang on Doctor.
DOCTOR----What is it?
JO------------I've got a terrible tear in my trousers and I feel awfully dirty.
DOCTOR----Well, why don't you have a bath?
JO------------Good idea. Where's the bathroom?
DOCTOR----I'll show you. We'll have to walk down several flights of stairs though.
JO------------Oh. How many?
DOCTOR----I can't remember offhand. It would be easier to take the lift even if we had power and it was in good working order.

The Doctor led Jo to the bathroom, lit the oil lamp and put it to one side. Jo was stunned.

JO------------This is the bathroom?
DOCTOR----That's right. lovely, isn't it?
JO------------Lovely.
DOCTOR----It's a great pity I don't have more free time to enjoy a good, long soak. It was fine while I was exiled. All the time in the world. These days it's a quick shower and get on with whatever I have to do.
JO------------Doctor, it's a swimming pool.
DOCTOR----Hmm, I know. Right, costumes in here (opens cupboard). I'll see you later.
JO------------You're not going, are you?
DOCTOR----Well, I'm too much of a gentleman to stay (coughs). Besides, I have to get you a change of clothes.
JO------------Where are you going?
DOCTOR----To the wardrobe room. Hmm, I think I'll get a new set for myself while I'm at it. Don't worry, I shan't be gone long. You'll be quite safe here.
JO------------Are you sure?
DOCTOR----The water won't hurt you. Ah, you're still worried about these shadows of yours.
JO------------Don't mock Doctor.
DOCTOR----I assure you Jo, I am not mocking you. Lock the door if you like. I'll knock three times and then once so you know it's me.
JO------------All right. but I'm not happy about it.
DOCTOR----Goodbye Jo. See you soon.
JO------------I most certainly hope so, Doctor.

Jo locked the door as the Doctor made his way to the wardrobe room. She sat on the edge of the pool, kicking her legs in the water. Suddenly, she felt something bite her foot. She looked down and saw the inflatable crocodile bear its teeth again. The water changed from being calm into a whirlpool. She crocodile pulled her in screaming and she felt herself being dragged below the surface.....


To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 3

The Doctor, meanwhile, was oblivious to this as he walked through the cloister room, just a few feet away from his destination. He felt something whip his hand and watched in amazement as a vine tightened around his wrist. He quickly snapped it off and fought others trying to wrap around his body.

DOCTOR----JO!

He used all his strength to break away and ran back towards the bathroom. He banged on the door in the code arranged. Nothing. He repeated the process several times with the same result.

DOCTOR----JO! JO!

Still silence. He tried to force the door but it wouldn't open. He reached for his sonic screwdriver before realising it was in his jacket pocket, which was hanging up in the console room.

DOCTOR----IF YOU CAN HEAR ME JO, HANG ON!

He turned and was about to run when he noticed something odd. Was it his imagination, or was the corridor getting narrower?

DOCTOR----Imagination. Mustn't panic.

He rushed to the console room where he saw the bare wires behaving like the vines. The coatstand rose off the floor and headed straight for him. He ducked and felt a large rush of air as it flew over him. He shone the torch around and spotted his jacket crumpled on the floor. As he tried to get to it, the wires which has previously tried to throttle him, attempted to again. This time, they were succeeding. He again fought in vain and slid to the floor. Before he lost conciousness for the second time, a face appeared in front of his. A face he knew very well.....

DOCTOR----I won't let you get away with this. I should have listened to Jo. She was right all along.
JO------------I was right about what?
DOCTOR----Jo!
JO------------Hello Doctor. How are you feeling?
DOCTOR----What?
JO------------Let's get these wires off you.
DOCTOR----You're all right?
JO------------Of course I am.
DOCTOR----I tried to get in.
JO------------In where?
DOCTOR----The bathroom. You locked the door.
JO------------Doctor, really!
DOCTOR----What?
JO------------Having fantasies about me in the bath.
DOCTOR----It wasn't a fantasy! You were in the bathroom!
JO------------And to think I always thought you were a gentleman and not a dirty old Time Lord.
DOCTOR----Don't you remember?
JO------------Remember what?
DOCTOR----The books that bit you.
JO------------Books don't bite, Doctor. Pages cut your finger, that's all.
DOCTOR----You really don't remember, do you?
JO------------The only thing I remember is you promising to get us to Metebelis 3.
DOCTOR----A-ha!
JO------------But that was hours ago. I've been waiting in the lab for you to finish whatever is was you were doing in here.
DOCTOR----Lab?
JO------------That's right.
DOCTOR----Where exactly are we?
JO------------UNIT headquarters, of course.
DOCTOR----Not on our way from Spiridon?
JO------------We've been here for quite a while.
DOCTOR----I see.
JO------------You must have had a bad dream.
DOCTOR----Yes. Yes. No!
JO------------It must've been.
DOCTOR----It was so real.
JO------------Doctor, you'd been unconscious for several hours.
DOCTOR----Have I?
JO------------Yes.
DOCTOR----What happened exactly?
JO------------I'm not sure. I heard shouts and found you where you are now.
DOCTOR----It couldn't have been a dream.
JO------------Of course it was.
DOCTOR----Jo, would you have a dream that included the Master?
JO------------No. Oh, I see. You mean, just like that Atlantis business.
DOCTOR----Exactly! Somehow he projected an image into my subconcious. Yes. Perhaps he was the reason I was unconscious in the first place.
JO------------Like, he was the cause of it?
DOCTOR----That could be possible. We've got to find him and quickly, before he tries anything else.
JO------------But no one knows where he is.
DOCTOR----If he used the Tardis as a mental link, then maybe she'll know where he is.
JO------------Well, I suppose it's worth a try.
DOCTOR----Yes. And I hope it works.

He got off the floor and closed the outer doors. He began pushing various buttons then stood back as the time rotor rose and fell and the sound of dematerialisation filled the room.

DOCTOR----I'd hate to spend the rest of my lives going from one planet to another trying to discover his whereabouts.
JO------------Well, I've only got one life and I'd hate to waste it on that.
DOCTOR----I'll do my best to ensure it doesn't come to that.
JO------------Hey Doctor, I've just thought of something.
DOCTOR----And what's that?
JO------------Supposing we do land where he is and he disappears again before we find him?
DOCTOR----Jo?
JO------------Yes, Doctor?
DOCTOR----Would you kindly keep your thoughts to yourself in future?
JO------------Sorry.
DOCTOR----Ah, we seem to have materialised. Now, where are we? Oh, no.
JO------------What?
DOCTOR----We're on Telos.
JO------------Is that bad?
DOCTOR----Well, let me put it this way; You're about to come face to face with your very first Cyberman.
JO------------Oh, dear.
BRIGADIER---Ah, Doctor. Good to see you're feeling much better.
DOCTOR----What on earth are you doing here, Lethbridge-Stewart?
BRIGADIER---I was trying to find a first-aid kit Doctor, so we could help you.
DOCTOR----And what about you, Sergeant Benton?
BENTON-----Just following orders, Doctor.
DOCTOR----Yes. I might have known.
BRIGADIER---And you might have told me how large this Tardis of yours was.
DOCTOR----You never asked, Brigadier.
BRIGADIER---Well, now you're back to your usual self, there's work to do.
DOCTOR----Work?!
BRIGADIER---You are still a member of UNIT Doctor. Although I suspect you often try to forget the fact.
DOCTOR----And I'd succeed if you'd let me (!)
BRIGADIER---Come along then. Why are the doors shut?
DOCTOR----(rubs the back of his neck) Erm, I'm afraid we took off in rather a hurry.
BRIGADIER---What?! How could you be so reckless man?
DOCTOR----We didn't know you two were on board until just now.
BENTON-----He's right, sir.
BRIGADIER---So where are we then and what's the emergency?
DOCTOR----The emergency? The Master.
BRIGADIER---Ahhh. So this, I take it, is where he's been hiding.
DOCTOR----Yes. But for how long, I'm not sure.
BRIGADIER---So where are we?
DOCTOR----The planet Telos, where you'll meet some old acquaintances.
BRIGADIER---And, who might that be, Doctor?
DOCTOR----Why, the Cybermen, of course. This is their adopted home planet. Shall we go?


To be comtinued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 4

Inside the Cyberman base.

MASTER-----He has arrived.
CONTROLLER---Good. We will collect him.
MASTER-----No, wait.
CONTROLLER---Do not tell us what to do.
MASTER-----I don't intend to. I just thought it would be better to wait.
CONTROLLER---Why?
MASTER-----Because he is looking for me. It's only natural he'll come to us.
CONTROLLER---Yes. Then we can turn him into one of us and have unlimited time travel. We will wait.

--------------------------------------

BRIGADIER---Just a minute, Doctor.
DOCTOR----What is it, Brigadier?
BRIGADIER---Those Cybermen things.
DOCTOR----Yes?
BRIGADIER---I thought we destroyed them all.
DOCTOR----My dear Lethbridge-Stewart. You really have a lot to learn, don't you?
BRIGADIER---Come on, Doctor. We were there. You, me and Benton. Granted, you had a different face back then, but surely you can't have forgotton.
DOCTOR----"Different face"?! Are you and Jo in cahoots?
BRIGADIER---About what?
DOCTOR----Look, never mind. Didn't your last trip in the Tardis teach you anything, Brigadier?
BRIGADIER---Such as?
DOCTOR----Oooooooooh!
BENTON-----Are you refering to some sort of time difference, Doc?
DOCTOR----Doctor, if you don't mind, Sergeant.
BENTON-----Sorry sir.
DOCTOR----That's all right. Yes I am, as a matter of fact. Well done.
BRIGADIER---Don't let it go to your head, Sergeant. Remember your rank. I am your superior officer, you know.
BENTON-----Yes sir.
DOCTOR----Military idiots.
BRIGADIER---What?
DOCTOR----How did you get to be a Brigadier, Brigadier? I've always wondered that.
BRIGADIER---A lot of hard work, Doctor. Something you know nothing about.
DOCTOR----"Know nothing about"?! It seems to me you've forgotton how often I've not only saved your planet, Lethbridge-Stewart, but also your hide!
BRIGADIER---And don't think I'm not grateful.
DOCTOR----You have a funny way of showing it.
BRIGADIER---And you too, Doctor. Who gave you a job when you arrived on this planet with your new face?
DOCTOR----Why, you did, Brigadier (!) But only so I could do what you military types were incapable of.
BRIGADIER---We could have managed quite well without your help, Doctor. You're not indispensable you know.
DOCTOR----Well I must say Brigadier, what a really superb job you were doing with those Autons (!)
BRIGADIER---All right, Doctor. I'll admit we were baffled.
DOCTOR----Yes. Brains weren't your strong suit, were they?
BRIGADIER---And what's that supposed to mean?
DOCTOR----Incompetant nitwits rise through the ranks. Some even become generals. But the really intelligent personnel see very little of promotion.
BRIGADIER---Are you referring to anyone in particular, Doctor?
DOCTOR----Why, Sergeant Benton here.
BENTON-----Me?
DOCTOR----Yes.
BRIGADIER---Benton?! Oh, come now Doctor. You can't be serious.
JO------------Why not?
DOCTOR----Thank you Jo.
BRIGADIER---Well....look at him.
DOCTOR----Looks aren't everything you know. Take a look in the mirror sometime.
BENTON-----You reckon I should be promoted then Doctor?
DOCTOR----Yes I do.
BRIGADIER---Why?
DOCTOR----Because he has often helped with some problem or other with just an innocent remark, when it has the both of us completely baffled.
BRIGADIER---Lucky guesses, Doctor. Nothing more than that.
DOCTOR----Not at all. He's been in the Tardis as often as you, yet he understands the concept of Cybermen not being destroyed.
BRIGADIER---Another lucky guess.
DOCTOR----I suggest when we return to Earth Brigadier, you promote him at once.
BRIGADIER---Oh, you do (?)
DOCTOR----Definitely.
BRIGADIER---You can take that grin off your face Sergeant. Nothing of the sort is going to happen in the foreseeable future.
DOCTOR----Or likely to happen for fear of him showing you up.
BRIGADIER---Nothing of the kind, Doctor. He'll have to earn it, just like the rest of us. I can't just snap my fingers you know.
DOCTOR----I should think he's more than earned it over the years. Now, I have to find the Master and deal with the Cybermen, which is more important than your petty squabbles.
BRIGADIER---My petty squabbles?!
DOCTOR----I'm glad you admitted it. Now, you can stay here if you prefer.
BRIGADIER---Of all the infernal cheek.
DOCTOR----Well, make up your mind, Lethbridge-Stewart.
BRIGADIER---I'll come Doctor.
DOCTOR----Thought you would. Can't miss out on a battle, eh? Typical soldier.
BRIGADIER---Doctor...
JO------------Where are we Doctor?
DOCTOR----I've already told you. Telos.
JO------------I know that.
DOCTOR----So why did you ask?
BENTON-----I think Miss Grant means, are we here before or after the attack on Earth.
DOCTOR----Do you, Jo?
JO------------Yes.
DOCTOR----Well why didn't you say that in the first place?
JO------------You didn't give me a chance.
DOCTOR----Didn't I? Sorry Jo.
JO------------That's all right.
DOCTOR----To answer your question Sergeant, we are currently in the year 3672.
BRIGADIER---That's impossible!
DOCTOR----Perhaps for you three, since you died over fifteen hundred years ago.
BRIGADIER---How can we be dead if we're here?
DOCTOR----Because of the Tardis. If we returned to earth in this year, I'm sure I could direct you to your various resting places.
BRIGADIER---I do not believe we are in the future.
DOCTOR----The closed military mind at work again, I see.
BRIGADIER---It's got nothing to do with a closed mind, Doctor.
JO------------Here they go again.
BENTON-----You'd never believe they really liked each other, would you?
JO------------Remind you of anything?
BENTON-----Yes. And I keep expecting that old bloke to pop up again.
JO------------I wish he would. At least it would shut them up.
BENTON-----I agree. May I say something, sir?
BRIGADIER---What is it, Benton?
BENTON-----Well, when we had all that Omega trouble, you refused to believe then we weren't still at UNIT HQ. In fact, you kept insisting we were at Cromer.
BRIGADIER---That'll do Sergeant.
BENTON-----I was only trying to help, sir.
BRIGADIER---I said, that'll do!
DOCTOR----Never mind him, Sergeant. At least you're willing to accept the situation.
BRIGADIER---And I'm not, I suppose.
DOCTOR----Well, you've shown no sign on it so far, Lethbridge-Stewart.
BRIGADIER---All right, Doctor. It's just too fantastic to believe.
DOCTOR----I assure you, Brigadier, it is a fact as you will see when we go through those doors.
BRIGADIER---Well, are we going, or what? I have an important meeting at four o'clock.
DOCTOR----Don't worry about that, Brigadier.
BRIGADIER---I don't want to be late. It involves you too.
DOCTOR----Oh? In what way?
BRIGADIER---I'm trying to get more funds for the scientific department.
DOCTOR----Why on earth didn't you say so before?
BRIGADIER---You didn't give me a chance.
JO------------You make a habit of that, Doctor.
DOCTOR----All right Jo. There's no problem, Brigadier. I can get you back before you leave.
BRIGADIER---I hope so.
DOCTOR----(smiles) Trust me.
BRIGADIER---I know one day I'll regret those words. Well, are we going to sort out the Master and Cybermen, or stay here all day?
DOCTOR----In a minute. Now listen to me. It's more than likely the Master has formed some sort of alliance with the Cybermen.
JO------------Like he did with the Daleks?
DOCTOR----Yes. Now we don't know what he's promised them-
BRIGADIER---As usual.
DOCTOR----Thank you, Brigadier. But it's probably me.
JO------------He'd give you to them?
DOCTOR----I wouldn't put it past him.
JO------------That's awful.
DOCTOR----I know. But since it's the only thing he seems to do, I'm used to it. So, under no circumstances go in with all guns blazing. Understand?
BRIGADIER---Do you mean me?
DOCTOR----Who else?
BRIGADIER---But Doctor-
DOCTOR----No Brigadier!
BRIGADIER---All right, Doctor. Whatever you say.
DOCTOR----I do. Now, what I suggest is that you three stay in here out of sight.
JO------------Do-
DOCTOR----With any luck Jo, the Master will only be expecting me. Let's keep the element of surprise, shall we?
JO------------But-
DOCTOR----Jo, try to understand. If they don't know any of you are here, it gives you a better chance of rescuing me.
BENTON-----Will you need it, Doctor?
DOCTOR----Well, going on previous experience of numerous megalomanic species around the universe; probably.
BENTON-----Right. Well, I'll stay.
DOCTOR----Good man. Jo? Lethbridge-Stewart?
BRIGADIER---You're the expert I suppose, Doctor. I'll stay.
DOCTOR----Excellent. Jo?
JO------------I guess I don't have much choice.
DOCTOR----Good girl. It's for the best.
JO------------How can you be so sure?
DOCTOR----Because, also going by experience, my companions always end up in some sort of trouble and I have to rescue them.
BENTON-----How long should we wait, Doc? Doctor.
DOCTOR----Give me two hours. In the laboratory there's a green orb. It's quite small so you should have no trouble hiding it. Well, not much I hope.
BRIGADIER---Where's the laboratory?
DOCTOR----I haven't got time to draw a map, Brigadier. Whenever you reach some stairs, keep going down after searching every room.
JO------------What does it do?
DOCTOR----It's a homing beacon, of sorts. Providing I'm still wearing the Tardis key, it will home in on that, and me. It's silent too so you shouldn't alert anyone. But be on your guard. You never know who or what will creep up behind you. Good luck and I'll see you in two hours. Possibly.
JO------------Good luck Doctor.
BENTON-----Good luck.
BRIGADIER---Yes, good luck Doctor. Try not to get yourself killed, there's a good chap.
DOCTOR----Miss me, eh?
BRIGADIER---Not a bit. I just don't know how I'll explain your sudden disappearance.
DOCTOR----What, with all the practice you've had (?)

The Doctor opened the doors and walked through them. Jo closed them after him.

JO------------I do hope he'll be all right.
BENTON-----I'm sure the Doc can look after himself.
BRIGADIER---Course he can. Right, now where's this laboratory of his?
JO------------He's forgotton his jacket. I'll take it to him.
BENTON-----You'd better not, miss.
JO------------But he might need it.
BRIGADIER---And perhaps he won't. Now the Doctor told us to wait here and as I'm the most senior of our party in his absence, that's exactly what we shall do.
JO------------But his sonic screwdriver.
BRIGADIER---What about it?
JO------------If he had it, it might possibly save his life.
BENTON-----She has a point, sir.
BRIGADIER---Yes. All right, he can have it.
JO------------Great! I'll see you later then.
BRIGADIER---But you won't be the one who gives it to him.
JO------------But sir-
BRIGADIER---That's an order, Miss Grant.
BENTON-----Then who'll go after him, sir?
BRIGADIER---Well Benton, since the Doctor reckons you've got more brains than I have, you'll go.
BENTON-----Me, sir?
BRIGADIER---Yes Sergeant. Perhaps he won't be so quick to insult me after this.
JO------------I don't believe you! You're willing to put poor Sergeant Benton's life at risk just to prove a point.
BRIGADIER---Not at all, Miss Grant. The fact is, Benton is dispensable. I am not.
JO------------That's even worse! What do you say, Sergeant?
BRIGADIER---Sergeant Benton is a soldier, therefore it's his duty. I am his superior, as I am also yours and the Doctor's.
JO------------The Doctor is a free spirit as well you know.
BRIGADIER---I still had to falsify documents so he could use UNIT equipment to tinker with his Tardis. And a fat lot of good that did him.
JO------------He's more than made up for it.
BRIGADIER---Has he? I hadn't noticed. The man's still as impossible as ever.
JO------------And with good reason. Omega could've destroyed everyone, everything, including you. But he put his own life at risk to save yours.
BRIGADIER---I do know that and am very grateful to him.
JO------------Pity you never show it.
BRIGADIER---Look Miss Grant. The Doctor and I often have disagreements. Never happened before he got that new face of his though. The other chap had a much nicer disposition.
JO------------That's no excuse for hating him!
BRIGADIER---Good grief. What makes you think that?
JO------------Well...
BRIGADIER---The Doctor and I respect each other and only interfere with each other's affairs when it's necessary. And I'm sure he'll tell you the same thing.
JO------------I'll ask him.
BRIGADIER---You do that.
JO------------If he comes back.
BRIGADIER---Oh, I don't doubt it for a moment. Even if it's with a new face agin. Now, we're wasting time. Give the screwdriver thingy to Sergeant Benton and open the doors and that, Miss Grant, is another order.
JO------------Yes, sir! (opens doors)
BRIGADIER---Right, off you go Benton. And do be careful.
JO------------Take care.
BENTON-----I will (leaves).
BRIGADIER---Right. Now shall we look for the laboratory and the Doctor's homing thing?


To be continued...

[RitaLittlewood]

Part 5

The Doctor walked up to the great doors of the tomb he'd electrified so carefully what seemed like a lifetime ago. He knew it was a trap because the doors were open slightly, and desperately wished he had his sonic screwdriver. He knew it would probably be useless, but he felt more comfortable when it was handy. He gently pushed the door wider and stepped inside to be met by the Master with a Cyberman on each side.

MASTER-----At last! I'd almost given up on you Doctor.
DOCTOR----I would say what a pleasure it is to see you again, but it's not.
MASTER-----Now, Doctor. There's no need to be petty.
DOCTOR----After what you did between Earth and Draconia and then to me? I ought to kill you right here and now.
MASTER-----Ah, but you're much too good to do something like that, Doctor.
DOCTOR----Am I?
MASTER-----Of course. It isn't in your nature and never will be.
DOCTOR----You seem to know an awful lot about me.
MASTER-----Experience Doctor.
DOCTOR----That old chestnut? Ha! You've done so many despicable things over the centuries to innocent people, I could just change my disposition.
MASTER-----It would be nice to see Doctor, I admit. But it will never happen. Not in my lifetime, anyway.
DOCTOR----And how long is that?
MASTER-----Never you mind.
DOCTOR----Well I have ten lifetimes left so that's plenty of time to deal with you.
MASTER-----Like I said, it will never happen. You'll stay puerile forever.
DOCTOR----Will I?
MASTER-----You've got as much fight in you as a raspberry jelly.
DOCTOR----I wouldn't be too sure about that if I were you.
MASTER-----What are you going to do, Doctor? Wobble over here and tap me on the nose (?)
DOCTOR----Right, you've asked for it. AIKIDA!
MASTER-----Very good, Doctor. But I'm afraid the Venusian playacting will have to wait.
DOCTOR----Afraid, are you?
MASTER-----Not at all. It's just that the Cybermen have plans for you (snaps fingers). Take him to your leader.
DOCTOR----Oh, very original (!) You'll wait too.
MASTER-----Oh Doctor, I'm so frightened (!) (laughs)

Sergeant Benton crept back behind the doors after watching the events inside. Like every good soldier he was impatient and wanted to blast the Master and the Cybermen to bits, but knew he'd put the Doctor at risk if he did, so he bided his time until it was all clear.

----------------------------------------

BRIGADIER---How much further, Miss Grant?
JO------------I don't know.
BRIGADIER---We've been going around this contraption for hours.
JO------------It's only been twenty minutes.
BRIGADIER---Well it seems like hours. Pity the lift's not working.
JO------------ I'm sure we'll find it soon, Brigadier.
BRIGADIER---I most certainly hope so.

----------------------------------------

CONTROLLER---At last, Doctor.
DOCTOR----I thought I'd destroyed you.
CONTROLLER---I was merely stunned. You should have checked more closely.
DOCTOR----Well I won't make that mistake again.
CONTROLLER---I know you won't.
DOCTOR----How can you be so sure?
CONTROLLER---Because you are going to become part of our glorious Cyber race.

---------------------------------------

BRIGADIER---At last! Now, what did he say it looked like?
JO------------A green orb.
BRIGADIER---Ah, there it is (picks it up). Come on,
JO------------Where?
BRIGADIER---Back to that room we started from. Hopefully it won't take us so long on our return journey.

-----------------------------------------

DOCTOR----Where's the Master?
CYBER LEADER---With our Controller.
DOCTOR----I demand to see him!
CYBER LEADER---Our Controller will see you after the first stage of processing.
DOCTOR----Not him! The Master!
CYBER LEADER---I'm sure he will see you at the same time. Restrain him.
DOCTOR----You can't do this!
CYBER LEADER---We can and we will.

Meanwhile Sergeant Benton seized his chance. The hall was empty. He decided to take the route the Doctor had been forced down.

In the Tardis, the Brigadier was pacing in the console room.

JO------------Why don't you sit down, Brigadier.
BRIGADIER---How much longer do we have to wait? (sits)
JO------------The Doctor's only been gone thirty two minutes. We've got ages yet.
BRIGADIER---(gets up) It's no good, Miss Grant. I can't just stand around like a lemon. We've got to help him.
JO------------You heard what the Doctor said.
BRIGADIER---Yes I did. But Sergeant Benton's out there too. They could be dead.
JO------------Well it was your idea to send Sergeant Benton.
BRIGADIER---I know it was, and I'm beginning to wish I'd gone myself.
JO------------Then you should have.
BRIGADIER---The Doctor's in trouble.
JO------------The Doctor's always in trouble.
BRIGADIER---This time it's serious. He's in real danger. I know it.
JO------------How can you be so sure?
BRIGADIER---Just.....a feeling. How do you open the door?
JO------------Brigadier!
BRIGADIER---Miss Grant, either you help me or I press every button in this place until I find out.
JO-----------All right, Brigadier. You win.

The Doctor was still determined he wouldn't be put into the chamber and fought as hard as he could. He spotted the Sergeant out of the corner of his eye and had a plan.

DOCTOR----It's at times like this I wish I had some gold. All I had to do was insert it into your chest unit.

He hoped the Sergeant got the message. Luckily he did. He pulled off the chain from around his neck, raced forward and thrust it into the Cyberman. The Cyber leader grabbed the Doctor around the neck with its arm to restrain him, while Benton desperately looked around for more gold.

DOCTOR----(croaks) Jacket pocket. Jacket pocket.

Benton rifled through the pockets and pulled out some coins. He forced one into the other Cyberman and tried in vain to get to the leader.

DOCTOR----(hoarse) Here.

The Doctor held out a hand which Benton deposited some coins in. The Doctor brought his hand up but his arm was struck and he dropped the coins. Benton rushed to the leader. He stumbled just enough to loosen his grip on the Doctor. The Doctor quickly crouched down, grabbed a coin and then lunged it into the leader's chest unit. They watched as it exploded. The Doctor straightened his clothes and scanned the bodies.

DOCTOR----Thank you Sergeant. I was right about you. You'd make an excellent Brigadier.
BENTON-----Just because I saved your life?
DOCTOR----No. because you arrived before the nick of time, just like Lethbridge-Stewart.
BENTON-----Sorry Doc.
DOCTOR----That's all right. I'm sure you had your reasons. Just like I hope you have one for being here in the first place. I thought I told you to stay in the Tardis.
BENTON-----Jo thought you might need your jacket so the Brig sent me here to give it to you.
DOCTOR----Incompetant buffoon.
BRIGADIER---Thank you very much Doctor (!)
DOCTOR----What are you doing here?
JO------------We thought you might need our help.
DOCTOR----I did, until the Sergeant's timely intervention. The Tardis!
JO------------What about it?
DOCTOR----You've left it unguarded.
JO------------So?
DOCTOR----So the Cybermen could get in. With it being unlocked, the defence mechanism is switched off.
JO------------We didn't know.
DOCTOR----Get back there quickly. Go!
BRIGADIER---What about you?
DOCTOR----I have some unfinished business with the Cyber Controller and the Master.
BENTON-----Shall I go with them, Doc?
DOCTOR----Yes. No. No, you go and hide where you did before. And you two, stay put this time. If Sergeant Benton isn't back at the Tardis by the arranged time, we need help urgently. Now, off you go.

The Doctor waited a short while before gathering the fallen coins. He tossed one.

DOCTOR----What am I doing? Meeting myself has given myself bad habits.

He looked at the remains agian then turned and headed back the way he'd been made to come. Suddenly he stopped.

DOCTOR----About time you showed up.
MASTER-----Not been turned into a Cyberman yet, Doctor?
DOCTOR----I can see your observations are as sharp as ever (!)
MASTER-----(tut) Mustn't disappoint the Cyber Controller. He'd been looking forward to it for weeks.
DOCTOR----I'm sorry. The floor show's cancelled. Better luck next time.
MASTER-----Not cancelled Doctor. Merely postponed.
DOCTOR----Well, it was nice talking to you. We must do it again sometime. Three million years should suffice.

The Doctor made a move to go but the Master drew a gun.

MASTER-----Not so fast Doctor. The Controller hasn't finished with you yet.
DOCTOR----What a shame (!) Er, where is he by the way?
MASTER-----Busy.
DOCTOR----Ah. And you, I suppose, are meant to keep me busy in case the plan failed.
MASTER-----Who says it failed?
DOCTOR----I do.
MASTER-----Speaking of floor shows.
DOCTOR----I didn't know we were.
MASTER-----How did you enjoy your escapade in the Tardis?
DOCTOR----I thought that was you.
MASTER-----Yes it was fun, wasn't it?
DOCTOR----If you've got a warped mind. If you really wanted it to work, you shouldn't have shown yourself.
MASTER-----Then how could I have lured you here?

The Doctor wandered around, examining the controls.

DOCTOR----Well, I suppose, on that argument, you may have done the right thing.
MASTER-----I know I did. What are you doing, Doctor?
DOCTOR----Just looking.
MASTER-----Make sure that's all you do.
DOCTOR----Don't you trust me?
MASTER-----As much as you trust me.
DOCTOR----Is that the Controller now?

As the Master turned to look, the Doctor flicked a couple of switches.

DOCTOR----Sorry, my mistake. Come over here.
MASTER-----I think I'd rather stay here, Doctor.
DOCTOR----Suit yourself. This is fascinating. I wonder what this is?
MASTER-----What?
DOCTOR----I've never seen anything like it. I would have valued your opinion but if you prefer to remain where you are, I suppose I'll never know.
MASTER-----All right Doctor. But no tricks.
DOCTOR----Wouldn't dream of it (!)

The Master looked closely to where the Doctor was pointing.

MASTER-----I can't see anything unusual.
DOCTOR----I must have been mistaken.
MASTER-----Obviously.
DOCTOR----Glad you could join us, Controller.

The Master turned again to look. The Doctor did his Venusian karate and flung him into a chamber, which he'd electrified. The Master let out a blood-curdling scream while the Doctor ran. The Master fell to the floor. He could feel the life draining from his body as he crawled after the Doctor.

MASTER-----It can't be the end. I won't let it! I've got to stay alive....somehow. I must hang on. Must get to the Tardis. Must....make....the....Doc....tor....pay....for....this.

In the hall, the Doctor was too busy setting a trap for the remaining Cybermen to notice the Master slip through the doors. The Master went to his Tardis, which was in the opposite direction to where Sergeant Benton was waiting. He just managed to get the doors open, set the co-ordinates for the planet Tersurus, before retiring to the Zero room until someone helped him. The Doctor ran out, closing the doors behind him.

BENTON-----Doc!
DOCTOR----Hello Sergeant.
BENTON-----Where's the Master and the Cybermen?
DOCTOR----In there.
BENTON-----So it's over.
DOCTOR----Not quite.

He pulled out his sonic screwdriver, set it and it emitted a high-piched squeal. He put it away.

DOCTOR----It is now. Let's get back to the Tardis.
BENTON-----And home.
DOCTOR----(smiles) Yes. And home.

------------------------------------------

DOCTOR----There you are Brigadier. Back in time for your meeting.
BRIGADIER---About time too. Are you sure that's the end of the Master and the Cybermen?
DOCTOR----The Master? I should think so. He'd been on his last regeneration so he shouldn't bother us again. The Cybermen? Who knows?

The Brigadier and Benton left. The Doctor removed his jacket and stretched out underneath the console.

JO------------What are you doing, Doctor?
DOCTOR----Wiring the co-ordinates in for Metebelis 3 so we don't miss it again.
JO------------Here we go again!

Jo left the Doctor to his singing and decided it was time for a nice cup of tea.

The End

Patsy