Chapter 1: Scene 1: A Street In London
Chapter Text
EPISODE 1: Life
SCENE 1: A Street In London
2024. Two agents in suits, sunglasses and earpieces walk side by side along a city block. Their suit jackets have the U.N.I.T. insignia on them.
Agent 1: [listening to earpiece, relates conversation to partner] The boss says we’re looking for ‘an alien in London’. That should be easy to find.
Agent 2: What makes you say that?
Agent 1: I mean… c’mon man. It’s an alien. It’s another species!
Agent 2: I guess. Did they say what it might look like?
Agent 1: Not much info on that end. Just ‘look for someone unusual.’
Agent 2: But what if it’s in disguise or something?
Agent 1: Disguise?
Agent 2: I dunno! It might be trying to blend in or whatever.
Agent 1: True.
Agent 2: If I was an alien, I’d wear a disguise. That way nobody would realize that I was an alien.
Agent 1: What, are you gonna wear fake glasses with a nose and moustache attached?
Agent 2: No- that looks like a disguise. The whole point of a disguise is not to be obvious.
Agent 1: So if the alien is anything like you, it’s going to be hard to find.
Agent 2: Yeah. This may take a while.
Agent 1: This whole damn city to search, too! ‘In London.’ That’s all they give us? It could be anywhere!
Agent 2: It could be anyone.
Agent 1: I mean, what are the chances that we, like, turn a corner-
The agents turn a corner as Agent 1 speaks.
Agent 1: -and the alien is just-
Agent 1 is not paying attention, but Agent 2 spots something at the end of the street. Agent 2 lifts her sunglasses to look, stops in her tracks and taps Agent 1 on the arm and points at a swiftly approaching figure. Agent 1 looks, and trails off as he looks at the oncoming person, who is glowing and sprinting towards a blue police box.
Agent 1: -right there…
The Old Doctor: [running] No no no no-!!
The Old Doctor, panting, runs into TARDIS, beginning to glow. Door slams shut behind The Old Doctor, who has just started regeneration. The Old Doctor is wearing a rubber hood and boots on top of their regular outfit.
Agent 2: What are the chances?
Agent 1: Did that person look like they were …glowing to you?
Agent 2: Yep.
Agent 1: [touches earpiece to call base] Hey boss? I think we found our alien.
Chapter 2: Scene 2: Regeneration
Summary:
A very short scene about death. (Isn't it funny that the title of this episode is 'life'?)
Notes:
This scene is mostly stage directions, so have fun!
Chapter Text
SCENE 2: Regeneration
In the TARDIS, The Old Doctor pushes buttons, looking around frantically, picking up sticky notes and a pen.
O.Dr: If I’m going now, who knows what could happen! I could forget and I have no time to forget- argh! [doubles over in pain, then stands up and glowing fades] nevermind. I just need… [starts writing out notes to self and leaving them all over the TARDIS] I can’t be here when I regenerate. I have to leave. Leave and then come back. I need more time!! [writing out a big message on the wall of the TARDIS] I have to keep going. [laughs weakly] And if I forget what I have to do- good luck, Humanity.
The Old Doctor, wincing, holding chest, glowing in fits and shaky, presses TARDIS buttons to take off. Ship shakes, the TARDIS fades out and hurtles through space. The Old Doctor cries out and sinks back against the console to the floor.
O. Dr: [breathing heavily, clearly in pain]. [sighs] I can't hold it off any longer. [stands up, shakes out arms, one last grin] Let’s do this one more time.
The Old Doctor, arms thrown wide glows until the whole screen is white, glow subsides, and the new Doctor collapses to the floor.
TARDIS hurtling through space and time.
Chapter 3: Scene 3: Florence Glass
Summary:
Meet the sidekick!!
Notes:
'??' refers to Florence before proper introductions.
All you need to know about Florence's physical appearance is that she is taller than The Doctor, otherwise, picture her however you want!
Chapter Text
SCENE 3: Florence Glass
TARDIS appears, fading in on top of a crate in a darkened alley in London, 1888.
Camera pans inside the TARDIS where the figure lies on the floor, head down in oversized clothes, glowing faintly like veins. Figure stirs.
Dr: Unnnggg… [props self up on hands and knees, rolls to sitting. Rubs eyes, pauses, rubs eyes more carefully, stops, holds hand in front of face, opens eyes slowly, one by one]. Who… AM I? I should know that, shouldn’t I… [spends moment in contemplation, then springs to feet.] I'll figure it out later! [strides towards door] Aah!
Dr opens the TARDIS door and steps out… and falls immediately to the floor of the alley.
Dr: [lying on ground, sniffs ground, pinches dirt and rubs between fingertips] London. 188…8. The 21st of… November?
??: September.
Dr: Oh yes that’s right I always get the ‘ember’ months mixed up…September, December, November…
??: What are you doing here? Who are you?
Dr: [cheerily] Good questions! Currently, I am lying on the ground… or did you mean in the grand scheme of things? Because that, I do not know. Who are you?
??: Tell me who you are first.
Dr: Give me a moment to remember that and I will, but that may be a while, so best you tell me who you are now.
??: Do you mean you don’t remember?
Dr: I have a feeling that this just happens to me sometimes. Who knows? Not me!
??: You are very strange.
Dr: At your service…
The stranger helps Dr to their feet, then backs away apprehensively
??: Florence. Glass. Now stop messing about and tell me your name.
Dr: Would if I could, Glass! [dusting off clothes]
FG: What do you mean? Is it a secret? Are you a criminal?
Dr: Ooh that would be exciting wouldn’t it!
FG: Are you… Jack the Ripper?? I’ve been reading about him in the papers but… you can’t be-
Dr: Mmno I don’t think I’m Jack the Ripper I- argh! [double over in pain, glows]
FG: Are you unwell? Why are you… you’re GLOWING!! Sir-
Dr: Nonono it’s okay. [sliding down the wall] M’fine just… just gotta rest a bit. [leaps to feet suddenly, holds head] Anyway! Florence- Flo? Ren? Flora? Wow so many nicknames there. I love nicknames. I’m here so I might as well look around. Take me around town, Glass!
FG: I’m not sure you should be going anywhere, sir…ma’am…? I still don’t know your name.
Dr: I’ll know it in a minute- feels like it's on the tip of my tongue… [runs tongue over teeth] [to self] ooh.
FG: [uncertainly] You look ill.
Dr: I wish I could see myself.
FG: I think you may be mad. Why don’t you come with me and lie down.
Dr: Abandoned the idea that I might be Ol’ Jack, have you? I don’t know if I should be offended or not.
FG: [helping Doctor off the wall, where they had been sliding down] come now, you are far too small and… weak to be the Ripper.
Dr: I’m not weak! And I can walk on my own thank you.
FG: [unsure] Very well… right this way. Oh goodness! You are glowing again! How odd-
Dr: [batting Florence’s hand away] I’m fine I insist… [faints]
Doctor falls over and Florence Glass looks around helplessly.
FG: I really don’t think you’re fine. What a strange person…
Chapter 4: Scene 4: Flashback #1
Summary:
The first of four flashbacks remembering how The Old Doctor died.
A glimpse into the character of the mysterious Old Doctor and how death impacted The (new) Doctor, though they hide it well.
Notes:
This is The Old Doctor- imagine whomever you wish
Chapter Text
SCENE 4: Flashback #1
This is a flashback to just before The Old Doctor died. Screen fades in slightly hazily, to indicate dream sequence. The Doctor depicted in the Flashbacks is the PREVIOUS Doctor.
The Old Doctor steps out of the TARDIS and looks around. This Doctor is in an empty darkened hallway in London, 2024. The fluorescent ceiling light surges brightly but briefly.
O.Dr: [calling out] Hello? I’m The Doctor. I picked up your signal. [a pause] Huh. A distress signal with nobody in distress. [The Old Doctor looks around] Nobody’s even here. Maybe I should check the wiring on the TARDIS…
The Old Doctor looks both ways down the hallway, and then turns and scans the hall, just in case. The readout on the sonic screwdriver reports an alien life form.
O.Dr: I know you’re there. It’s okay- I want to help.
Again, there is silence, and the lights flicker, then light up brighter than before. The Old Doctor looks up at them.
O.Dr: Weird.
The Old Doctor scans the lights, and the readout logs them as the source of alien life. The Old Doctor looks up again, puzzled.
O.Dr: Was that your distress call?
The lights flicker once.
O.Dr: Are you in distress? Do you need help?
The lights flicker once more. Then suddenly, the electricity in the lights surges so it is super bright and a small field of sparks and static electricity builds around the bulbs. The Old Doctor flinches back a distance as the sparks fly and fizzle out in the air.
O.Dr: I can’t understand you. Are you hurt? Or are you in danger?
The lights dim again to normal, and The Old Doctor looks on, confused. Then, a small bolt of electricity shoots out of the light towards The Old Doctor, who jumps back to avoid it just in time. It goes into the floor.
O.Dr: Aah! Why did you do that? I’m trying to help!
A voice builds from the light that sounds like static, high pitched, sharp consonants, quick.
Voice: We called for food and you came.
O.Dr: Food?
Voice: You are a perfect conductor for us. We need energy.
O.Dr: You can’t just go about eating people without their consent!
Voice: You won’t mind. You will be dead.
O.Dr: Well sure, but it’s rude!
The lights form another bolt of static electricity, which shoots out towards The Old Doctor, who jumps back once more.
O.Dr: If you’re just going to keep trying to eat me, I’m leaving!
Voice: There are many more life forms on this planet for us to eat.
O.Dr: Surely there are better things to eat! Where did you come from? There must be food there!
Voice: We outgrow our world. We want more.
O.Dr: This planet is under my protection. Don’t you dare eat any humans!
Voice: We do not recognise your authority.
O.Dr: Then you’ll have to answer to my wrath.
Voice: We do not fear you. But you are too much work for a meal. We have easier options.
The lights flicker out, and then the hall brightens and dims to near- darkness. The Old Doctor looks around, startled.
O.Dr: Hey! Come back! You can’t just- [grumbles and sighs]
The Old Doctor, looking tired, looks around the empty hall once more before heading purposefully back into the TARDIS, which disappears a moment later.
Around the corner comes a middle-aged woman, a young man, and a seven year old boy, all wearing rubber coats with hoods and rubber boots. They look down the hall, before continuing on. They are Doctor Greystone, Lucas and Ricky. (You’ll meet them later)
Chapter 5: Scene 5: Be My Companion
Summary:
The Doctor begins to remember, and Glass puts up with their oddities (she is actually very excited).
Notes:
Back to the current Doctor! We begin more formal introductions and shenanigans. Enjoy!
Chapter Text
SCENE 5: Be My Companion
Dr is collapsed on a bed in the servant's quarters, alone. Dr starts upright, wide eyes.
Dr: Ah!
Dr looks around, runs hand through hair.
Dr: New hair! New hands, new voice, new lungs- [deep breath]. Oh good they work!
Dr gets up, spins around, stares at hands.
Dr: Oh! You know what would make this even better? [eagerly stares at lock of hair] Blast! Still not ginger. Sixteen tries now and none of them ginger!
FG: [entering room] You’re awake!
Dr: Yes!
FG: Are you feeling better now…?
Dr: Yes!
FG: Do you know who you are yet?
Dr: Oh yes. I remember everything! Well, almost everything. I don’t know how I died. And I’m new, so I don’t know who I am, but I remember who I was!
FG: [confused] But you’re not dead…?
Dr: Yes!
FG: Do you remember your name?
Dr: No! Not important. Do you have rubber gloves on you?
FG: …What?
Dr: No? Pity. I didn’t think so.
FG: What are you talking about? I think you may have hit your head quite hard.
Dr: What are you talking about? Hit my head? Preposterous! That’s a perfectly normal question.
FG: I really don’t know if…
Dr walks back into the hallway, crouches down.
Dr: Make way!
FG backs away, startled. Dr takes a running leap out of the window, using a nearby lamppost to slide down to the street, FG runs to the window, startled, and gasps.
Dr: What’re you waiting for, Glass? Come! We must away!
FG: Oh dear… they’ll never survive on their own… quite mad!
Florence Glass runs down the stairs and joins The Doctor, who is walking quickly down the street.
FG: Where are you going?
Dr: ‘We!’ Where are we going! You’re coming, aren’t you?
FG: Well, yes I suppose I am, but I’d like to know-
Dr: Something’s missing. From my head. Some important detail or clue or… a recipe, or… Ah! Here it is!
Dr enters alley with TARDIS
FG: This is where I found you!
Dr: My TARDIS! I missed you, my precious marvel of science! That is an AMAZING shade of blue on you! And look at your windows… is that new stained glass? And why are you so high up?
FG: It’s… a box?
Dr: Ssh! Don’t disrespect my TARDIS! Rude.
FG: I don’t understand. What is happening? Is that your box?
Dr: This… is the TARDIS!
FG: I don’t know what that means.
Dr: I will excuse your lack of knowledge because you are human. My sympathies.
FG: Um…
Dr: The TARDIS is my extraordinary ship.
FG: Why is it called ‘TARDIS’? Is that a name?
Dr: It stands for [like a showman] ‘Time And Relative Dimension In Space’!
FG: …what?
Dr: It’s a time machine. And a space machine. And it has a pool! And a library and a very large refrigerator-
FG: You’re losing me.
Dr: [seriously] Do you want to come with me?
FG: Where? And what for?
Dr: Action. Adventure. [conspiratorially] Aliens.
FG: Hold on. Who are you?
Dr: I’m a traveller. A runaway. I’m what stands between the Earth and total destruction. I bungle around and I bluff my way through the outline of a plan, but I always end up doing something! Mostly.
FG: [dubious] You’re a vigilante.
Dr: If you like.
FG: And you’re inviting me to… go with you and… fight crime?
Dr: More like getting in the way of massive space plots and schemes, but yeah!
FG: Why?
Dr: [squints, confused]
FG: Why me? You’ve only known me for a couple of hours now, and you were clearly out of your mind for most of that. I’m not entirely sure if you’re sane now.
Dr: [mock offended] Never!
FG: So why choose me?
Dr: Well, you’re asking the right questions, you’re inquisitive, brave, compassionate, and open-minded. And you want adventure.
FG: What makes you think-?
Dr: You took me- a stranger of dubious sanity- in, even though you found me half dead in an alley. And you’ve followed me here. You want excitement. Something new.
FG: You’re not wrong, but I still barely know anything about you! Only that you have a… large blue box that says ‘police’ which you probably stole because you’re clearly not a policeman- though I don’t know how you could have stolen such a large box… You’re clearly mad. You were glowing earlier, so you may be sick- though I don’t know what illness you could have that would make you glow.
Dr: Radium poisoning.
FG: What?
Dr: Makes you glow.
FG: And you know things that are utter nonsense. Almost nothing you’ve talked about so far exists. How do you explain that?
Dr: It doesn’t exist yet!
FG: … you are correct. I do want adventure, I’d just like to know what I’m getting myself into.
Dr: You’d be my companion! I like to travel with a companion- it’s better that way.
FG: What does that entail? Is it a job? Would I do the cooking and the laundry and the washing-up? Or would I be your secretary and do the correspondence and scheduling?
Dr: No no no- nothing like that. I write all my own letters, thank you, and I never make a schedule- too restrictive.
FG: What would I do, then?
Dr: You’d travel with me. See the sights. I can return you at any time you like.
FG: Travelling for free without having to do work? I feel like there’s a catch.
Dr: Death. A large possibility of death.
FG: Why didn’t you mention that earlier-
Dr: Also danger! Exhilaration and excitement! New experiences all over the universe. And running. The running is one hundred percent guaranteed. You will run if you come with me. Are you good at running, Flo?
FG: I’m afraid I’m not very fast. I don’t run often…
Dr: Don’t worry- I can fix that. Do you want to come with me? As my companion?
FG: Well…
Dr: You don’t have to.
FG: It would be interesting. And my job doesn’t pay me enough.
Dr: I won’t pay you anything.
FG: How do I pay for food and clothes, then?
Dr: I can find us some money.
FG: You mean steal?
Dr: ‘Steal’ is a relative term…
FG: I still don’t know anything about you.
Dr: Sure you do: I’m a vigilante in a stolen box who goes travelling.
FG: And you’re mad.
Dr: Thank you.
FG: [pause, deep breath] I’ll come. I’ll be your companion.
Dr: That seems illogical and unsafe.
FG: [panicked] You’re the one that asked me to come!
Dr: [brightly] I did. Good choice!
Dr turns, and opens the door of the TARDIS, climbing up inside. They turn around in the doorway to offer a hand down to FG.
Dr: Ready?
FG: Should I pack a change of clothes? Or a snack?
Dr: No need- the TARDIS has got it all. You could if you like, but she might take offence.
FG: ‘She’?
Dr: The TARDIS!
FG: … Oh. Well, I don’t have anything I’d like to bring anyhow.
Dr: Then what are you waiting for? Come inside!
Chapter 6: Scene 6: Glass in the TARDIS
Summary:
Florence Glass... goes into (wait for it) the TARDIS! (Shocker, I know. You never would've guessed.)
Notes:
The TARDIS is sort of steampunk, like an old train, but mostly its chaotic- a patchwork of various styles and mehanics and vibes. We'll explore it later. :)
Chapter Text
SCENE 6: Glass in the TARDIS
Dr helps FG up into the TARDIS. Dr walks around lovingly, inspecting the new interior of the TARDIS. FG stands shocked in the doorway, with a hand against the doorframe for support.
FG: … wow
Dr: What do you think? Don’t play it down- she loves compliments. Very vain for a box. Aack!
Steam shoots out of a tube into the Dr’s face.
Dr: Oh you know I didn’t mean it, sweetheart. You deserve the praise!
FG: Is it… a door? This was where the Dougherty's house was. Did they sell it to you?
Dr: [cheerily] No! We’re inside the box.
FG: But… that’s not possible. Your box was right up against a wall!
Dr: True!
FG: Then… how?
Dr: I told you she’s remarkable.
FG: It’s bigger on the inside!
Dr: [excitedly] I love when people say that!
FG: [startled] That’s impossible. Is it magic?
Dr: Even better- it’s Time Lord technology.
FG: Time Lord? Is that a company?
Dr: No it’s not. It’s my-
The Doctor is cut off as they begin to notice signs around the TARDIS, notes scribbled and left there before regeneration.
Dr: …hmm
FG: It’s your what?
Dr: [absently] … what?
FG: Are you listening?
Dr: [distracted] Yeah. Sure.
FG: You’re not listening.
Dr picks up a note which reads: ‘GO TO UNIT. WARN THEM. SECRET INVASION. LONDON 2024.’ Written in all caps. All of the notes have a similar message.
Dr: What do you say to going on our first adventure?
FG: What, now?
Dr: Aren’t you ready?
FG: I guess I am, but…
Dr: Perfect- no time to waste. Blast off!!
Dr presses several buttons, knobs, dials, etc. and throws down a massive lever. The TARDIS begins to take off.
Chapter 7: Scene 7: Under Arrest
Summary:
A grand enterance, and a grand welcome.
Notes:
Finally figured out how to format this properly haha. I won't be fixing the others because I can't be bothered. Sorry.
Chapter Text
TARDIS lands in an archive room in UNIT headquarters, full of shelves and jars and lockboxes of alien tech and artifacts. Alarms sound, and the TARDIS is quickly surrounded by UNIT agents, all pointing guns at the door, waiting.
Inside the TARDIS: Ship shakes, steam like a train whistle blows, announcing landing.
Dr: We’ve arrived!
FG: What do you mean?
Dr: We’re in London now.
FG: But we were already in London. What was all the shaking for if we didn’t do anything?
Dr: You asked the wrong question, Flora! It’s not where , but when!
FG: That doesn’t make any sense.
Dr: We travelled several meters northeastward, and oh, let’s see… 135 years, 7 months and 2 days forward!
FG: What?
Dr: It is now the 23rd of April, 2024.
FG: This is a… a time machine?
Dr: Yes. I thought I already told you that?
FG: I thought you were joking!
Dr: [ cheerily ] Nope! Come- I’ll show you around!
FG: You’ve been here before?
Dr: Not exactly here , but we’re at the UNIT headquarters and I’ve got a couple buddies there! They can give us a tour.
Dr runs to the door of the TARDIS, with FG in tow, and throws open the doors excitedly, and a tad overdramatically.
Soldier 1: Freeze!
Soldier 2: Don’t move. Hands above your head.
Dr: I usually get a welcome, but I have to say this is not the warmest I’ve received.
Soldier 3: Identify yourselves!
Dr: [ suddenly apprehensive ] You should know me- at least you should recognise the TARDIS. There’s legends about me in this place! I’m practically famous, even if my existence is… debated.
Soldier 1: Stop talking and identify!
Dr: [ slowly, carefully ] Flo?
FG: Yes?
Dr: I get the feeling that I’m not as… appreciated here as I’d remembered.
FG: I thought so too.
Dr: I’m going to need you to follow my orders exactly.
Soldier 3: Don’t make any sudden movements!
Dr: Do you trust me, Flo?
FG: Not really.
Dr: Ah. Fair enough. Go back inside the TARDIS. Shut the door. Don’t let anyone in. ANYONE. Got it?
FG: What about you?
Dr: I’ll be back. Explore a bit. There’s a massive fridge somewhere with leftovers in it. Probably a suitable bedroom if you can find one. You’ll be fine.
FG: Will you?
Soldier 2: Stop talking! You’re under arrest by order of UNIT!
Dr: Please, just go!
FG turns and runs inside the TARDIS, closing the door firmly. Soldiers point their guns at the door, ready to shoot.
Soldier 1: Hold your fire. It’s the alien we’re after.
Dr: You know me!
Soldier 3: Don’t listen to it. It may be trying to manipulate us!
Dr: Who do you think I am?? Listen- just let me talk to your superiors and I’ll have this misunderstanding all sorted out-
Soldier 4: That sounds a lot like ‘take me to you leader.’
Dr takes a couple steps forwards, lowering their hands, but still holding them out in a gesture of peace.
Dr: Hold on a minute here. Let me explain-
Soldier 2: Identify! This is your final warning.
Dr: Or what? What are you going to do?
Soldier 1: IDENTIFY YOURSELF!!
Dr: [ whipping around to face Soldier 1, getting close and in his face ] I CAN’T!
Soldier 4: No more warnings.
Dr turns as Soldier 4 raises her weapon.
Dr: Blast.
Soldier 4 hits the Dr over the head with the butt of her gun, knocking the Dr unconscious. The soldiers put the Dr in handcuffs, both feet and hands restrained, and lift the Dr, carrying them to a holding cell in the basement of UNIT.
Chapter 8: Scene 8: Flashback #2
Summary:
Meet the doctors! Yet another scene of the leadup to the death of the previous Doctor...
Chapter Text
SCENE 8: Flashback #2
Another scene pre-regeneration. Previous Doctor has just left the hallway in which the first flashback takes place. Now, inside the TARDIS, The Doctor is fiddling with various instruments, mumbling.
Dr: A life-form made of electricity… a planet full of living conductors… [ sarcastically ] absolutely nothing could go wrong…
The Doctor heaves down a lever and the TARDIS lands with a shake.
Dr: [ halfheartedly, like a tour guide ] This is where the energy trail begins. The creature began to register signals around here so we’ve got to check it out… [ exhausted, to self ] I hate travelling alone.
The Doctor exits the TARDIS, and takes out the screwdriver, scanning it and following an energy trail left supposedly by the electric being. He scans the lights as they head down the hallway towards a door with bright, cold light coming from under it.
Voices can be heard through the door, three voices speaking in casual conversation. The Doctor approaches the door, tucking the sonic into an inner pocket. The Doctor enters a small room, clearly a break room of sorts, with a table and a kitchenette to one side.
Three adults and a child are in the room. One is the child’s father, who sits in a chair beside his son. One of the others (a young man) stands leaning against the table and the third (a woman) is standing by a coffee machine and holding a mug. They turn to look at The Doctor, and conversation stops.
Father: [ cautiously ] Hello.
Dr: Hello.
Father: I’ve never seen you before. [he offers his hand to shake with The Doctor in a friendly way] I’m Doctor Robert Hayle. Call me Doctor Robert.
Dr: Good to meet you. [ shakes Dr Robert’s hand ]
Young Man: [ by way of introduction ] Lucas Stephens. [ also shakes the Dr’s hand ]
Woman: [ sharply ] Who are you?
The Doctor sighs, then gets out the psychic paper and opens it to show to the woman, silently.
Woman: ‘Garett Johnson- Electrical maintenance.’
Dr: [ tucks the paper away without looking at it ] That’s me. Garett.
Woman: My name is Doctor Greystone. [ she nods, but doesn’t move to shake The Doctor’s hand like the others did ]
Dr Robert: Oh come on Renée don’t be so uptight and professional.
Dr Greystone: The maintenance staff doesn’t need all of my personal information.
Lucas: Don’t worry about her. She’s just cranky that she had to come in on her day off.
Dr Greystone: What are you doing here?
Dr: Taking a break. This is the break room, isn’t it?
Dr Greystone: No, I meant- why are you in this building?
Dr Robert: Don’t be rude to the man. He’s only doing his job.
Dr: Routine electrical checkup. What are you doing here?
Dr Robert: He’s got a point! Nobody was scheduled to come in to the labs today.
Dr: Yes that’s why I’m here… I have to… power down the whole building as a part of the… electrical maintenance. Best to do that when nobody else is on the premises.
Dr Greystone: Well you can’t do that today. We need the electricity to run some tests in the lab. Come back some other time.
Dr Robert: Oh don’t be so short with him! We should share this exciting new discovery!
Dr Greystone: I don’t think-
Dr Robert: [ excitedly, to the Dr ] Yesterday, we received a new artifact that we intend to scan in the labs! An unprecedented marvel of early scientific achievement! That’s why we’re here on our day off. I’ve even brought along my son, Ricky, [ Ricky waves cheerfully ] to see this discovery take place!
Lucas: We were just having a coffee before we began the scans! You could join us if you have nothing else to do.
Dr Greystone is about to speak out indignantly against this course of events, but The Doctor speaks first.
Dr: Sure! Why not? But first, I have to ask you some… electrical maintenance questions.
Dr Robert: By all means, go ahead!
Dr: Have you noticed any… odd surges of light or flickering patterns lately?
Lucas: Nope. We’ve no electrical problems to report.
Dr: …Good.
Dr Greystone: We have to head down to the lab if we want preliminary scans done early.
Dr Robert: Lead the way, Renée!
The group walks out of the room and down a hallway. No unusual lighting.
Dr: So what is this new discovery?
Lucas: It’s a mechanism that we estimate dates back to the first century BCE! It’s probably one of the first examples of clockwork!
Dr: And why are you the ones to study it?
Lucas: Well, Doctor Robert earned his degree in history, specialising in clockwork and mechanisms from the Roman Empire, and Doctor Greystone is a specialist with her degree in archeological forensics, so she’ll be doing most of the lab work here.
Dr Robert: And Lucas is a junior lab technician, so this is good practice for him, as well as interesting!
Lucas: I’m studying in hopes of getting my doctorate in archeology. I’m interested in pre-medieval weaponry in particular.
Dr: Ah.
They come to a lab, where they have several machines set up, and in a large, open crate, waiting to be unpacked is a complicated clockwork mechanism made of a coppery looking material. Dr Robert pulls on some gloves, and lifts it onto a tray.
Dr Robert: Isn’t it beautiful? I’ve never seen the like! The mechanisms are so intricate and the systems are so complicated! I’d dearly love to dissect it and figure out how it works and what it does but we’ve got to scan it first.
Doctor Greystone swabs several different areas of the object and places the samples in test tubes, which she inserts into various machines. She then moves the tray into a large, oven- like machine and presses buttons which begin to scan it with a purple light. Fast readouts begin to appear on the screen of the machine. She removes her gloves.
Dr Greystone: All set. The first scan should be complete soon. Hopefully it will give us some useful data.
Ricky: What’s the machine doing?
Dr Robert: [ proudly ] Always so inquisitive, my Ricky! It’s scanning to date the materials used in the mechanisms. Seven-year-olds love machines, ha!
The Doctor has been staring at the screen’s readouts and looking at the clockwork contraption as it is being scanned.
Dr Greystone: [ apprehensively ] You seem very interested, Mr. Johnson.
Dr: Where did you find this?
Dr Robert: It was in a freshly excavated cave which was recently found because some rockfall opened it up.
Dr: What sort of rockfall?
Dr Robert: I’m not sure.
Dr Greystone: [ coldly ] Are you some sort of expert on rockfall, Mr. Johnson?
Dr: No. Just curious.
Lucas: Oh come on, Dr Greystone! What have you got against Garett?
Dr Greystone: Nothing. Just some odd circumstances.
The Doctor and Doctor Greystone stare at each other for a couple seconds, then the machine beeps and new lines of readout appear, and stop scrolling on the screen.
Lucas: The first scan is done! Let’s see what we’ve got so far.
Lucas goes to the machine. He frowns and clicks some buttons, then frowns deeper.
Lucas: Um, I don’t recognise these readouts.
Dr Greystone: Let me have a look.
Dr Greystone stands beside Lucas and looks at the data. The Doctor silently comes up and peers over her shoulder. Dr Greystone squints.
Dr Robert: What is it? What does it say?
Dr Greystone: It says that all the material is unidentified.
Dr Robert: What? All of it?
Lucas: Maybe we set the machine up the wrong way, or something was interfering with the scan. We should restart it and try again.
Dr Robert: How can it be that off, though? How can the machine fail to identify ANY of the materials?
Dr: [ ominously ] Because this object isn’t from Earth.
The large scanning machine shines a green light on the mechanism, and the clockwork object begins to click as the gears start to turn. The object vibrates slightly as the mechanism comes to life. The doctors watch with intrigue.
Chapter 9: Scene 9: Jailbird
Chapter Text
Dr is chained to a wall by their hands in a tiny, cage-like cube cell in the basement of UNIT headquarters, lit by a fluorescent light. A guard and Soldier 4 can be heard talking.
Dr wakes up silently, slowly inspecting the handcuffs. Conversation fades in, and the Dr listens. Camera shows Dr in the cell, from inside the cell.
Soldier 4: -a real alien! It was all like ‘take me to your leader’ and everything!
Guard: I mean… it just doesn’t look how I expected an alien to look, that’s all.
Soldier 4: It’s plenty alien! The agents say it was glowing.
Camera flips, facing the cell head-on, also showing a guard standing to the left of the cell, chatting with Soldier 4, both facing away from the cell.
Soldier 4 (con’t): And it appeared in this big blue box- landed right in the archives, but its friend is still in the box. [Dr looks up nervously] Can’t seem to get her out. [Dr breathes a sigh of relief] Weird couple- this one and a girl who looks like she just stepped out of another century! A hostage if you ask me.
Guard: Why would it come here?
Soldier 4: No idea. I thought it was over when the agents said we’d lost it, but then it reappeared right in the building!
Guard: Yeah. Luckily for us, ‘cause the boss would be very mad. [Dr look up, interested] Why does it speak English though?
Camera zooms in so that only the Guard and Soldier 4 are in frame, not the cell.
Soldier 4: Dunno. Maybe it has a translator or it could have just picked up the language. It was trying to convince us that we knew it.
Guard: Huh.
Soldier 4: Yeah weird, right? So I just clonked it over the head and we took it down here, locked it up. Don’t know what it will do when it comes to, though.
Guard: Do you think it’s… dangerous?
Camera view expands abruptly to reveal the Dr, who has their face pressed against the bars as close as possible to the guard’s face, with the chains on their handcuffs stretched to their furthest.
Dr: Who, me? Dangerous? Never!
Guard/ Soldier 4: [startled] AAH!
Dr: Hello.
Guard: [panting, mumbling to self] gimme a heart attack, why don’t ya.
Soldier 4: [on radio] Sir? Yes. The alien woke up. Yes, sir. [voice keeps talking over the radio, but fades out]
Dr: Could one of you tell me what I got arrested for?
Guard: I dunno mate, probably whatever crime you committed.
Dr: Ah but see- there’s the problem! I’ve committed plenty of crimes before, but UNIT can’t arrest me for those. You’re not a licensed galactic court!
Soldier 4: Stop fraternising with the alien!
Guard: [defensive] I wasn’t fraternising! Was only speakin’ to it, that’s all.
Soldier 4: That’s how it gets inside your head and manipulates you into doing its bidding!
Dr: I’m persuasive, but I’m not that convincing. You must be mistaking me for someone else.
Soldier 4: [to Guard] Don’t listen to it. It could be dangerous!
Dr: I thought we already established that I’m not.
Guard: I dunno. I believe it- I mean, look at it! Barely comes up to my shoulder. Looks like a kid.
Soldier 4: That’s what it wants you to think!
Dr: I’m older than you. I’m older than your grandmother.
Guard: That’s not very persuasive.
Soldier 4: [over radio] Yes sir. Of course, sir. Right away, sir.
Dr: Who are you talking to? I’d love to meet them.
Soldier 4: Then it’s your lucky day because he’s just requested you be taken to see him.
Dr: Oh! Brilliant.
Soldier 4: [to Guard] Put handcuffs on the alien’s hands, don’t bother with the legs. An escort is on the way down.
Guard opens the cell, and switches the Dr’s cuffs, then leads the Dr out of the cell as a group of suited agents and uniformed soldiers arrive and begin to surround the Dr and lead them out of the basements.
Dr: Pleasure meeting you two! Have a lovely life.
Guard: Er. You… too?
Chapter 10: Scene 10: Field Trip To The Boss
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The Dr is led to an elevator, where a long and slightly awkward silence takes place. Quiet elevator music makes the situation more awkward and comedic.
Dr: Can any of you tell me why UNIT is being so weird with me?
Soldier 2: This isn’t weird. It’s protocol.
Soldier 3: [harsh whisper] Don’t talk to it!
Dr: [also in a whisper] Why not?
Soldier 2 snorts, but doesn’t comment, and more silence ensues. Finally, an agent who was in the ‘a Street in London’ scene speaks up in a rush, as if he had been holding it in.
Agent 1: That’s not the alien I saw. It’s wearing the same clothes, but it’s not glowing and it looks entirely different. I think there’s been a mix-up.
Soldier 2: It came in the same blue police box you described.
Agent 1: But it looks completely different!
Soldier 2: Are you saying there are two aliens?
Agent 1: I don’t know, but-
Dr: If I may interrupt? I was glowing earlier, but I’ve stopped now and I’m all good. [thumbs up, and an unconvincing smile. This Doctor cannot smile convincingly on command.]
Agent 1: You’ve got a different face than the one I saw, though!
Soldier 2: Agent. We aren’t supposed to talk directly to the alien. Follow the orders.
Dr: Ooh that’s new. Must be under new management. I wonder who, though? I suppose it’s not Kate anymore?
Soldier 3: How do you know- [cuts off as Soldier 3 is elbowed by Soldier 2]
Dr: I’m a good friend of Kate’s. And of the Brigadier.
Another pause as the soldiers are hesitant to disobey orders and speak to the Dr.
Dr: In answer to your first question, Agent, I changed my face. Got a new one. Do you like it? Haven’t had time to change my clothes yet, but I’m looking forward to that.
Soldiers are confused, and the elevator dings to signal the floor. Doors open, and the Dr is herded out of the elevator and into a long hallway, leading to a heavy locked door.
Dr: Why so many locks?
Nobody answers. The door opens revealing an open office with lots of windows. A chair has its back turned to the door and sits behind the desk. The light flickers briefly.
Dr: If you won’t talk, I’ll just keep talking to myself. You’ve said that you are under new management, so I wonder what’s happened to Kate…[Dr is corralled into a seat, and chained to the chair] I thought that I was on pretty friendly terms with your last leader, and with UNIT in general, but your new boss seems to have erased me from your databases, so I guess he doesn’t like me very much.
Big Boss: How very perceptive of you…
Pause.
Dr:... Are you in the chair? ‘Cause normally people slowly turn around in the chair to face me?
BB: [creepy, chilling, deep laughter] No no, I’m not in the chair.
Dr: Seems like a wasted opportunity.
BB: Just shut up!
Dr: Where are you?
BB: [creepily] I’m right behind you… Doctor!
Camera pans to show a dark figure behind the Dr’s chair, a hand wraps around the top of the chair, and the Dr turns to look, and the camera zooms in on the boss’s face.
Dr: [very confused and not scared] Doctor who?
End episode on a cliffhanger :)
Notes:
Sorry for the cliffhanger. Read Episode 2: Death, it's fun I promise!
beyondthebend on Chapter 1 Sun 07 Sep 2025 02:00AM UTC
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beyondthebend on Chapter 2 Sun 07 Sep 2025 02:03AM UTC
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beyondthebend on Chapter 3 Mon 08 Sep 2025 05:28PM UTC
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beyondthebend on Chapter 4 Mon 08 Sep 2025 05:30PM UTC
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beyondthebend on Chapter 5 Mon 08 Sep 2025 05:34PM UTC
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beyondthebend on Chapter 6 Mon 08 Sep 2025 05:36PM UTC
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