EPISODE 1 - The Nightmare Begins

written by Terry Nation

Jungle on Kembel (Deep in the Kembel jungle are two Space Security agents, KERT GANTRY and BRET VYON. Both are in rough shape, especially GANTRY, who has a shattered leg. VYON is speaking into a radio transmitter.)

VYON: Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Econ, Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Econ, come in! (Pauses) Charlo Charlo Econ, this is Five Zero Alpha, can you read me? Come in! (pauses, then turns to GANTRY) Nothing! When we get back to earth, I'll have every fool at CCE court-martialled!

GANTRY: If we get back to earth. If Central Communications has gone dead on us we have no hope!

VYON: We're not dead yet.

GANTRY: Don't fool yourself. They're out there looking for us right now. They'll find us and...

VYON: All right then, they will find us! But we've got to get through to Earth first or the whole solar system's finished!

GANTRY: I know... I know. Try them again.

VYON: Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Econ, come in! Five Zero Alpha to Charlo Charlo Econ, come in!

SCENE 2

Communications Room (Back on Earth at Central Communications. Agents ROALD and LIZAN are monitoring the switchboards.)

ROALD: So it's checkmate, isn't it? I want to see the Venus-Mars games and you want to see your hero, Mavic Chen.

LIZAN: I just happen to admire him, that's all. Well, I'm going to do some work now, even if you aren't.

ROALD: I... I tell you what. If we tune into Channel 403, we'll get the news. That should cover both our requirements, agreed?

LIZAN: Ah, but we may only get a portion of Mavic Chen, not actually see him.

ROALD: That's hardly likely. The Guardian of the Solar System is going away on holiday. He will, no doubt, say a few well-chosen words. Every well-chosen word will no doubt be transmitted.

LIZAN: And what about the routine calls?

ROALD: Oh, you worry too much. The next one is Five Zero Alpha.

LIZAN: Five Zero Alpha...

ROALD: It's not for another twenty minutes. Well, what about 403?

LIZAN: Bring up 403 please. Five Zero Alpha? Is that the patrol out looking for Marc Cory?

ROALD: Yes, the agent who disappeared near the planet Kembel. Probably crashed, so they think. Hey, bring up the sound! It's Mavic Chen on holiday.

(The attention turns to the interview on television.)

MAVIC CHEN: ...Yes, the mineral agreement with the fourth galaxy proved a little more... complicated than at first expected.

INTERVIEWER: And now that it's concluded successfully, I'm sure that no one will begrudge you a little time off. What are you going to do on this trip?

MAVIC CHEN: That I am keeping a secret. I hope to be able to get away from all interviewers. (The INTERVIEWER laughs) So I'm just going to climb aboard my Spar and drift about the solar system.

INTERVIEWER: Any thoughts about going beyond our solar system?

MAVIC CHEN: No, not really.

(The attention returns to ROALD and LIZAN.)

ROALD: On the contrary, you're a galactic politician. And who knows? Maybe you will. As far as I'm concerned, give me terra firma any day.

LIZAN: You are in a rut, my friend. Now if I were to make this trip before...

ROALD: It's a trifle rash, isn't it? There are other space vessels, you know.

LIZAN: You mean the Spar 740.

ROALD: Yes. If I had to travel around outer space, I'd take the 740. Elegant, plus the ultimate technology.

LIZAN: It hasn't got the speed.

ROALD: Speed isn't everything

(Both return to watching the television.) INTERVIEWER: Is there anything you would like to say to the citizens before you depart?

MAVIC CHEN: Yes. It is my honest hope that the solar system may continue along this path of peace, this path that was made by the non-aggression pact of 3975. Now, in the year of 4000, we can feel justly proud of this pact. May the past twenty-five years prove that they are the dawn of an everlasting peace which will spread throughout the universe. Let us go forward together, secure in our knowledge that the life ahead is built on the cornerstone of richer understanding, not only of the past or the present, but also the future. And may it be this cornerstone, so firmly laid, deep in the power of brotherhood, and bring peace, progress and prosperity to each and every one of us.

INTERVIEWER: Thank you sir. I'm sure that all throughout the system echo your thoughts.

(The attention returns to ROALD and LIZAN.)

LIZAN: Even you must agree he's an impressive man.

ROALD: Yes, it's nice to hear his speech again.

LIZAN: Bennett... (He stops as a light on the switchboard blinks for a moment.) Was that a flash?

ROALD: Where? (pauses) There's nothing coming through.

LIZAN: I thought I saw one.

ROALD: You're imagining things.

LIZAN: Okay, so I'm imagining things.

SCENE 3

The Kembel jungle (GANTRY and VYON stop to rest by an outcrop of rock in the jungle.)

GANTRY: They're out there. I know it! And they're coming closer.

VYON: You're imagining things. Now shut up!

GANTRY: Do you think I'm a fool? There's something out there and it's close!

VYON: Look, I tell you...

(A faint noise is heard in the background.)

GANTRY: Listen! (He pauses, as the noise is heard again) There, you heard it!

VYON: Yes. Come on, we've got to get out of here.

GANTRY: I stay.

VYON: But you know we can't fight against those things! Now we must move out.

GANTRY: How can I move with this? Have you got any other bright ideas? All that will happen is I'll hit one of those spiked plants. I nearly fell on one before.

VYON: We won't go fast, just keep moving. I'll make sure we avoid the Varga plants.

GANTRY: Then I'll fall and hit one... you know what happens then!

VYON: Don't be a fool!

GANTRY: That could be what happened to Cory. He tripped... pricked himself on a thorn and... then he turned into one!

VYON: You're letting your imagination run riot again. Besides, we haven't seen any Varga that look like him.

GANTRY: But you count on that, there's been no trace of Marc Cory anywhere.

VYON: Perhaps they took him prisoner.

GANTRY: You know they don't take prisoners.

VYON: All the more reason to come with me. Now come on!

GANTRY: This is no time for phony heroics. I'll just slow you down, and then we'll both get it. Now without me you've got a chance. It's not a good one, but it's a chance. Just stay alive and get that message through!

VYON: I'm not going without you, is that clear?

GANTRY: Get out! Get out of here or I'll kill you now! (VYON reluctantly turns to go) Bret... good luck.

(VYON leaves GANTRY, who aims his blaster up in defence, looking all around him.)

GANTRY: (shouts into the jungle) Alright, I'm ready for you now! (Silence) Where the devil are you? (Silence) Come on!

(As GANTRY looks around frantically, he hears a rustling sound in front of him, and sees a DALEK emerge from the jungle. GANTRY aims his blaster, but the DALEK fires first. GANTRY screams and falls back, dead, as a second DALEK appears.)

DALEK 1: One man remains. Find and destroy him!

DALEK 2: I obey!

SCENE 4

Jungle Clearing (The TARDIS materialises in the jungle.

Interior the TARDIS (The DOCTOR, KATARINA and a wounded, unconscious STEVEN are in the control room. The DOCTOR opens the TARDIS doors.)

KATARINA: Can you find help here?

DOCTOR: I don't know my dear, but I must try. Now I want you to stay here and look after Steven. I shall be as quick as I can, hm?

KATARINA: I'll do as you ask.

DOCTOR: Splendid. Now you know which switch to pull to close the door, don't you? So I want you to do that straight away. I have my key to let myself in, hm? (shows a puzzled KATARINA the TARDIS key) Yes. This, child - key. This opens the door from the outside, hm? Now go in please and shut the door.

Exterior the TARDIS (The door closes and the DOCTOR begins exploring in the jungle. Looking through the trees, he catches sight of a city in the distance.)

DOCTOR: Ah... a city or perhaps a town. Hmm. I wonder where we are? All I have to do is get through that jungle and perhaps then I can get some help. I must say it's a strange place to put a city.

(The DOCTOR feels the end of a blaster against his back.)

VYON: Keep absolutely still.

DOCTOR: What is it you want?

VYON: The key.

DOCTOR: What key?

VYON: Give me that key or I'll kill you.

Interior the TARDIS

KATARINA: The Doctor will return very soon. He will get help.

STEVEN: Where are we?

KATARINA: On our way through the underworld.

STEVEN: Look, I... don't understand... Vicki... Troy... you helped me when that Trojan...

KATARINA: You must rest.

STEVEN: Did the Doctor bring you on board?

KATARINA: Yes. We will make the journey together.

STEVEN: Who are you?

KATARINA: Katarina. I served as handmaid for the High Priestess Cassandra. But you must rest. The Doctor will bring help. Don't ask any more questions.

STEVEN: I... I... (The TARDIS doors open and BRET VYON enters.)

KATARINA: The Doctor sent you?

VYON: That's right... the old man sent me.

KATARINA: Are you here to help?

VYON: (looking around) This is fantastic... you, what's your name?

KATARINA: Katarina. Did the Doctor send you to cure the sickness?

VYON: Ye- We must shut the door first... the old man said you knew the switch.

KATARINA: Here. (She pulls a lever and the doors close.)

VYON: What sort of craft is this? I've seen most, but nothing like this... from outside it looked so small... how do you work this thing?

KATARINA: Only the Doctor works his temple.

VYON: His what?

KATARINA: You must help Steven!

VYON: Yes, yes of course I'll help Steven, but we must get back to Earth first. I explained this to the old man, the, uh, Doctor.

KATARINA: We can't go back to Earth, we've left it.

VYON: What do you mean we can't get back? Katarina, are you sure you don't know how to work this?

KATARINA: How could I know? It belongs to the Doctor.

VYON: The old man said this was no ordinary ship... and he was right.

Exterior the TARDIS

DOCTOR: So, you'd use physical violence, would you? Hm hm hm. You don't know what you've let yourself in for. Hm hm hm. Ahh... here, you've left the key in the door! Hm hm hm. Well, that's the first big mistake, isn't it? Yes, very foolish... very foolish indeed, young man. Well now, it's brain, or brawn rather, versus brain? Heh, I've got you beaten from the start, young man! Hm hm hm.

SCENE 9

Interior the TARDIS (Inside the TARDIS, STEVEN manages to overpower the weakened VYON.)

KATARINA: (shocked) Steven!

SCENE 10

Exterior the TARDIS (The DOCTOR watches through the jungle as a spaceship lands on a pad in the city.)

DOCTOR: I wonder if that spaceship has anything to do with that violent young man... or any connection with that city below. Yes, I've asked two questions which I must have answered.

SCENE 11

Control Room (In a control room in the city, two DALEKS monitor instruments.)

DALEK 2: Control reports space vessel 111 in landing circuit.

DALEK SUPREME: Is all prepared?

DALEK 2: Everything is ready.

Interior the TARDIS (The DOCTOR has now entered, and places BRET VYON in a chair.)

DOCTOR: (chuckles to himself) I don't think he'll be able to get out of there, now do you, my friend? Hm hm hm...

VYON: (tries to move. but can't) What is it?

DOCTOR: Oh, it's an invention of mine, I call it the magnetic chair. It has a force field strong enough to restrain a herd of elephants, so I wouldn't waste your energy trying to escape, hm? You will stay there until I direct otherwise. Hm hm hm. (to KATARINA) How is he my dear? KATARINA: He's feverish.

DOCTOR: Yes. By the way, I've found a city. And just as I was about to ascertain a way down, that young ruffian set upon me.

KATARINA: Can you get help for Steven?

DOCTOR: Yes, I hope so. Just a minute... (He takes KATARINA aside.) That... young man, did he say anything? Hm?

KATARINA: No.

DOCTOR: That's strange. Yes, I shall have to cross-examine him when I get back. But don't worry. He's quite safe... he... our guest... is quite unable to move until I press that little switch at the back. So you're quite safe. Yes, as you can see he's quite harmless. Oh, and quite comfortable I hope? Hm hm hm.

(The DOCTOR leaves the TARDIS.)

DOCTOR: I wonder... is this the solar system? Hmm, it's very strange. Very strange indeed.

SCENE 13

Dalek Control Room (The DOCTOR wanders through the corridors of the city. Hearing voices, he approaches the control room.)

DALEK 2: Space vessel 111 - touch-down completed.

DALEK SUPREME: Excellent. I will await our guest here.

DOCTOR: (watching) Daleks!

Interior the TARDIS

(BRET VYON looks towards STEVEN, who is again unconscious.)

VYON: What's the matter with him? (KATARINA ignores him.) I said, what's the matter with him?

KATARINA: He sick. The Doctor says he's poisoned in the blood.

VYON: There are some tablets in the pouch of my belt. Give him two.

KATARINA: I cannot do that. The Doctor has gone to get help.

VYON: He won't find any on this planet, believe me. So why not try the tablets? I hate to see anyone die through stupidity.

KATARINA: I do not understand you.

VYON: For heaven's sake, girl! Take the tablets and give them to him!

KATARINA: Alright.

VYON: Now you're showing some sense.

KATARINA: Here?

VYON: Yes. It's all right, I won't harm you. This chair of the Doctor's seems to be everything he claimed. The tablets are in that tube.

(KATARINA finds the tube, opens it, and looks at the tablets inside.)

KATARINA: Are these tablets?

VYON: Well, what do they look like? Take two and put them in his mouth. They dissolve quickly and take effect immediately. (He watches as she hesitantly carries out his instructions, then mutters to himself) I'm relieved she's not nursing me! (to KATARINA) It's alright. He'll be alright now. You can leave him alone.

KATARINA: I have no doubt that the Doctor will be angry. I have disobeyed him.

VYON: If Steven or whatever his name is recovers, you will be forgiven. I just hope the Doctor gets back here soon.

SCENE 15

Dalek City (The occupant of the newly arrived spaceship approaches the Dalek control room. The DALEKS turn to greet him.)

DALEK 2: Our new ally approaches!

DALEK SUPREME: We welcome you as we welcome all allies of the Daleks!

(The newcomer steps forward)

MAVIC CHEN: I am honoured to be here. And to be part of your plan to conquer Earth and all the planets in the solar system!

Doctor Who WILLIAM HARTNELL

Bret Vyon NICHOLAS COURTNEY

Kert Gantry BRIAN CANT

Steven PETER PURVES

Katarina ADRIENNE HILL

Mavic Chen KEVIN STONEY

Roald PHILIP ANTHONY

Lizan PAMELA GREER

Interviewer MICHAEL GUEST

Daleks ROBERT JEWELL KEVIN MANSER GERALD TAYLOR JOHN SCOTT MARTIN

Dalek Voices PETER HAWKINS DAVID GRAHAM

Designer RAYMOND P CUSICK

Title Music by RON GRAINER and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Incidental Music by TRISTRAM CARY

Script Editor DONALD TOSH

Producer JOHN WILES

Directed by DOUGLAS CAMFIELD

Transcription MATT MORING

RTF Formating: RICHARD K. BRIGGS