Voyage of the Damned Transcript (2/2)
May. 4th, 2008 08:12 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jpgrMORVIN:
Almost done!
DOCTOR:
Good, good, good. (into comms) Mr Frame, how's things?
* * *
FRAME:
Doctor, I've got life signs all over the ship but they're going out one by one.
* * *
DOCTOR:
What is it? Are they losing air?
* * *
FRAME:
No. One of them said it's the Host. It's something to do with the Host.
The DOCTOR looks to where the VAN HOFFS are working just as the HOST resumes function
MORVIN:
It's working!
The DOCTOR rushes down. The HOST takes MORVIN by the throat.
HOST:
Kill. Kill. Kill. (keeps repeating)
DOCTOR:
Turn it off!
FOON tries to shut it off.
FOON:
I can't, Doctor!
DOCTOR:
(arrives) Go!
FOON backs away up the stairs. The DOCTOR uses the sonic screwdriver on the HOST
DOCTOR:
Lock! Double deadlock! (puts away screwdriver and uses his hands to pry MORVIN free) Okay, go upstairs!
FOON:
Run, darling, run!
HOST:
Information: kill, kill, kill...
MORVIN:
Foon! Foon!
DOCTOR:
Rickston! Get them through!
RICKSTON:
No chance! (goes through the narrow opening himself)
COPPER:
Rickston!
FOON:
I'll never get through there.
COPPER:
Yes, you can. Let me go first.
The HOST goes after the DOCTOR who runs up to the comms
DOCTOR:
It's the Host! They've gone berserk! Are you safe up there?
---------------------------------------
FRAME turns to see HOST heading for the open door of the bridge.
HOST:
Kill. Kill. Kill
FRAME closes and locked the door just in time, catching the hand of one of the HOST
------------------------------------
MR COPPER and ASTRID are helping FOON
FOON:
No, I'm stuck!
ASTRID:
Come on, you can do it!
MR COPPER is using a metal pole as a lever to widen the space
COPPER:
It's going to collapse! (Foon makes it through) Rickston, vot damn it, help me!
RICKSTON:
No...way.
DOCTOR:
Morvin, get through!
MORVIN is having a tougher time than FOON. The HOST is still following.
HOST:
Kill. Kill. Kill. (keeps repeating)
The DOCTOR comes up behind MORVIN.
ASTRID:
Doctor, he's stuck!
DOCTOR:
(puts his hands on MORVIN'S rear) Mr van Hoff, I know we've only just met but you'll have to excuse me. (shoves)
MORVIN makes it through.
ASTRID:
That's it. We've got you. Doctor, come on, get through.
The HOST is right behind the DOCTOR
DOCTOR:
(turns to HOST) Information override! You will tell me the point of origin of your command structure!
COPPER: (straining)
I can't hold it!
HOST:
Information: Deck 31
DOCTOR:
Thank you. (scrambles through hole) Let go!
MR COPPER releases his grip on the pole and the beam crashes onto the HOST'S head.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the door, FRAME turns to see the hand still moving. With a yelp, he turns a handle causing the door to fully close, cutting off the hand. He looks
through the window in the door to see a line of HOST waiting.
---------------------------------------------------------
The DOCTOR, ASTRID, the VAN HOFFS, MR COPPER and RICKSTON find themselves in another open room. FOON looks to a table.
FOON:
Morvin, look, food.
RICKSTON: (sarcastically)
Oh great. Someone's happy.
MORVIN:
Don't have any then.
The DOCTOR heads for the comms.
-------------------------------------------------------
On the bridge, the comms whistles and the DOCTOR'S voice comes over.
DOCTOR:
Mr Frame, you still there?
FRAME:
Yes, sir, but I've got Host outside. I sealed the door.
* * *
DOCTOR:
They've been programmed to kill. Why would anyone do that?
* * *
FRAME:
That's not the only problem, Doctor. I had to use a maximum deadlock on the door, which means... No one can get in. I'm sealed off. Even if you can fix
the Titanic, you can't get to the bridge.
* * *
DOCTOR:
Yeah, right, fine. One problem at a time. What's on Deck 31?
* * *
FRAME:
Um, that's down below. It's nothing. It's just the Host storage deck. That's where we keep the robots.
* * *
DOCTOR:
(looks at scanner) Well, what's that? (puts on glasses) See that panel? Black. It's registering nothing. No power, no heat, no light.
FRAME:
(over comms) Never seen it before.
DOCTOR:
100% shielded. What's down there?
* * *
FRAME:
I'll try intensifying the scanner.
* * *
DOCTOR:
Let me know if you find anything. (takes off glasses) And keep those engines going!
ASTRID brings him some food.
ASTRID:
Saved you some. You might be a Time King from ???? but you need to eat.
DOCTOR:
Yeah, thanks. (takes food and sits)
ASTRID:
(sitting) So, you look good for 903.
DOCTOR: (mouthful)
You should see me in the mornings.
ASTRID:
Okay.
They both realize what was said and look away from each other. MR COPPER joins them.
COPPER:
Doctor, it must be well past midnight, Earth time. Christmas Day.
DOCTOR:
So it is. Merry Christmas.
ASTRID:
This Christmas thing, what's it all about?
DOCTOR:
Long story. I should know, I was there. That didn't take long
COPPER:
But if the planet's waking up, can't we signal them? They can send up a rocket or something.
DOCTOR:
They don't have spaceships.
COPPER:
No, I read about it. They have shuffles, space shuffles.
DOCTOR:
Mr Copper, this degree in Earthonomics,...where's it from?
COPPER:
Honestly?
DOCTOR:
Just between us.
COPPER:
Mrs Golightly's Happy Travelling University and Dry Cleaners. (mops brow with hankie and sits)
ASTRID:
You-you lied to the company...to get the job?
COPPER:
I-I wasted my life on Sto. I was a travelling salesman, always on the road and I reached retirement with nothing to show for it. Not even a home. And
Earth sounded so exotic.
DOCTOR:
Hm, I suppose it is, yeah.
ASTRID:
How come you know it so well?
DOCTOR:
I was sort of...a few years ago, was sorta made...well, sort of homeless, and, um there was the Earth.
COPPER:
Thing is, if we survive this, there will be police and all sorts of investigations. Now the minimum penalty for space-age fraud is ten years in jail. I'm
an old man. Well, I won't survive ten years.
There is a banging on the door and the DOCTOR drops his food and rushes to the opposite door.
DOCTOR:
A Host! Move! Come on!
The pounding continues on the door, which dents from the force. ASTRID screams and they all follow the DOCTOR to the opposite side. The DOCTOR uses the
sonic screwdriver on the door and it opens to reveal a space that runs the height of the ship. The only way across is a makeshift bridge--created by a
fallen strut--below which are the engines.
RICKSTON:
Is that the only way across?
DOCTOR:
On the other hand, it is a way across.
ASTRID:
The engines are open.
DOCTOR:
Nuclear storm drive. Soon as it stops, the Titanic falls.
MORVIN:
But that thing, it'll never take our weight.
RICKSTON:
You're going last, mate.
DOCTOR:
It's nitrofine metal. It's stronger than it looks.
MORVIN:
All the same, Rickston's right. Me and Foon should-- (steps on a weak piece of metal near the edge, the railing gives away and MORVIN falls towards the
engines with a scream)
FOON:
Morvin!
The others watch in shock and horror.
RICKSTON:
I told you! I told you!
COPPER:
Just shut up! Shut up!
FOON: (hysterical)
(to DOCTOR) Bring him back! Can't you bring him back? Bring him back, Doctor!
DOCTOR:
I'm sorry, I can't.
FOON:
You promised me!
DOCTOR:
I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
----------------------------------------------
A group of HOST is marching through the halls towards them.
-------------------------------------------
COPPER:
Doctor, I rather think those things have got our scent.
RICKSTON:
I'm not waiting. (starts across the bridge)
DOCTOR:
Careful! Take it slowly!
There's a rumbling as the ship rocks and RICKSTON is nearly knocked off.
RICKSTON:
Vot help me.
DOCTOR:
You're okay. One step at a time. Come on, you can do it.
-----------------------------------------------------
HOST:
Kill. Kill. Kill (repeat)
--------------------------------------------------
COPPER:
They're getting nearer!
DOCTOR: (mutters)
Seal us in. (uses sonic screwdriver in the door)
COPPER:
Leaving us trapped, wouldn't you say?
DOCTOR:
Never say trapped, just inconveniently circumstanced.
COPPER:
Oh.
RICKSTON is halfway across.
RICKSTON:
I'm okay!
FOON: (hopefully)
Maybe he's all right. Maybe-Maybe there's a gravity curve down there or something. I don't know. Maybe he's unconscious.
ASTRID:
I'm sorry, Foon. He's gone. (hugs her)
FOON: (crying)
What am I going to do without him?
RICKSTON reaches the other side.
RICKSTON:
Yes! Oh yes! Who's good?!
DOCTOR:
Bannakaffalatta, you go next.
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Bannakaffalatta, small.
DOCTOR:
Slowly!
The HOST are pounding on the door from the other side.
COPPER:
They've found us!
DOCTOR:
Astrid, get across right now.
ASTRID:
What about you?
DOCTOR:
Just do it. Go on. (ASTRID starts across) Mr Copper, we can't wait. Don 't argue. (MR COPPER follows) Foon, you've got to get across right now.
FOON:
What for? What am I gonna do without him?
RICKSTON:
Doctor! The door's locked!
DOCTOR:
Just think...what would he want, eh?
FOON:
He don't want nothing, he's dead! (sobs)
RICKSTON:
Doctor, I can't open the door. We need the whirring key thing of yours!
DOCTOR:
I can't leave her!
RICKSTON:
She'll get us all killed if we can't get out!
DOCTOR:
Mrs van Hoff, I am coming back for you, all right?
FOON nods and the DOCTOR starts across. The metal creaks at the weight of the four of them.
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Too many people!
DOCTOR:
Oi! Don't get spiky with me! Keep going!
ASTRID:
It's gonna fall!
DOCTOR:
It's just settling! Keep going!
It becomes quiet as the pounding stops.
ASTRID:
They've stopped.
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Gone away?
DOCTOR:
Why would they give up?
RICKSTON:
Never mind that. Keep coming!
DOCTOR:
Where have they gone? Where are the Host?
COPPER:
(looking up) I'm afraid...we forgot the tradition of Christmas-that angels have wings! (points)
HOST are gliding down from above and encircle them.
HOST:
Information: kill.
The HOST reach for their halos.
DOCTOR:
Arm yourselves! All of you!
They all reach for pipes or bits of metal to defend themselves as the HOST throw their halos. They keep batting them away. One grazes the DOCTOR'S arm
and another MR COPPER'S leg. ASTRID falls to her knees.
ASTRID:
I can't.
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Bannakaffalatta stop! Bannakaffalatta proud! Bannakaffalatta, cyborg! (lifts shirt and discharges energy, disabling the HOST and all but one fall toward
the engines. One falls onto the strut behind the DOCTOR.)
DOCTOR:
Electromagnetic pulse took out the robotics. Oh, Bannakaffalatta, that was brilliant!
BANNAKAFFALATTA falls and ASTRID goes to him.
ASTRID:
He's used all his power!
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Did good?
ASTRID:
You saved our lives.
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Bannakaffalatta happy.
ASTRID:
We can recharge you, get you to a power point and just plug you in!
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Too late.
ASTRID:
No, but...you gotta get me that drink, remember?
BANNAKAFFALATTA:
Pretty girl. (dies)
ASTRID goes to button his shirt when MR COPPER reaches for his power source.
COPPER:
I'm sorry. Forgive me.
ASTRID:
Leave him alone.
COPPER:
It's the EMP transmitter. He-he'd want us to use it. (removes it) I used to sell these things. They'd always give me a bed for the night in the cyborg
caravans. They're good people. But if we can recharge it, we can reuse it as a weapon against the rest of the Host. Bannakaffalatta might have saved us
all.
RICKSTON:
Do you think? Try telling him that. (points behind them)
They turn to see the HOST that had landed on the bridge begin to move.
HOST:
Information: reboot.
RICKSTON:
Use the EMP!
COPPER:
It's dead!
ASTRID:
It's gotta have emergency--(takes the EMP from MR COPPER)
The DOCTOR confronts the HOST
DOCTOR:
No, no, no. Hold on. Override loophole security protocol... Ten! 666! Oh. 21, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Um, I dunno, 42! Uh, one!
HOST:
(stops mid-motion and stands passively) Information: state request.
DOCTOR:
Good...right. You've been ordered to kill the survivors, but why?
HOST:
Information: no witnesses.
DOCTOR:
But this ship's gonna fall on the Earth and kill everyone. The human race have nothing to do with the Titanic so that contravenes your orders, yes?
HOST:
Information: incorrect.
DOCTOR:
But why do you want to destroy the Earth?
HOST:
Information: it is the plan.
DOCTOR:
What plan?
HOST:
Information: protocol grants you only three questions. These three questions have been used.
DOCTOR:
Well, you could have warned me.
HOST:
Information: now you will die.
The HOST prepares to strike the DOCTOR with its halo when a lasso is thrown over its head and tightened around its body by FOON.
FOON:
You're coming with me.
FOON closes her eyes and jumps over the side, pulling the HOST with her.
DOCTOR:
Nooooo!
They all watch helpless as FOON falls to her death.
DOCTOR: (determined)
No more.
----------------------------------------------
They make it out and into another set of maintenance halls.
DOCTOR:
Right. Get up to Reception One. Once you're there, Mr Copper. You've got staff access to the computer. Try and find a way of transmitting an SOS. Astrid,
you're in charge of this (holds out the EMP). Once it's powered up, it'll take out Hosts within fifty yards but then it needs sixty seconds to recharge. Got
it? Rickston, take this (gives him the sonic screwdriver). I've preset it. Just hold down that button. It'll open doors. Do not lose it! You got that?
Now go and open the next door. Go on! Go!
RICKSTON:
All right! (goes)
The DOCTOR takes down First Aid kit and hands it to MR COPPER.
DOCTOR:
Mr Copper, I need you fighting fit. Astrid, where's the power point?
ASTRID:
Under the comms.
They run to the power point and the DOCTOR shows her how to recharge the EMP.
DOCTOR:
When it's ready, that blue light comes on there.
ASTRID:
You're talking as if you're not coming with us.
DOCTOR:
There's something down on Deck 31. I'm gonna find out what it is.
ASTRID:
What if you meet a Host?
DOCTOR:
Well, then I'll just...have some fun, eh?
ASTRID:
Sounds like you do this kind of thing all the time.
DOCTOR:
Not by chance. All I do is travel. That's what I am, just a traveller. Imagine it. No tax, no bills, no boss, just the open sky.
ASTRID:
I'm sort of...unemployed now and I was thinking the blue box is kinda small, but I could kinda squeeze in. Like a stowaway.
DOCTOR:
It's not always safe.
ASTRID:
So you need someone to take care of you. I've got no one back on Sto, no family, just me. So what do you think? Can I come with you?
DOCTOR:
(smiles) Yeah, I'd like that. Yes.
The ship lurches again and the DOCTOR stands and speaks into the comms.
DOCTOR:
Mr Frame, you still with us?
* * *
FRAME is at the wheel.
FRAME:
It's the engines, sir. Final phase. There's nothing more I can do. We've got only eight minutes left!
* * *
DOCTOR:
Don't worry, I'll get there.
* * *
FRAME:
The bridge is sealed off!
* * *
DOCTOR:
Yeah, yeah, working on it. I'll get there, Mr Frame, somehow. (The EMP is ready.) All charged up? Mr Copper, look after her. Astrid, look after him.
Rickston, um...look after yourself. And I'll see you again, promise. (starts to leave)
ASTRID:
Hold on! There's an old tradition on Planet Sto...
DOCTOR:
I've really got to go.
ASTRID:
Just wait a minute! (grabs the First Aid kit from MR COPPER, sets it on the floor in front of the DOCTOR, stands on it and kisses him)
DOCTOR: (bemused)
Yeah, that's a very old tradition, yeah. (runs off)
ASTRID:
See you later!
DOCTOR:
(stops and turns) Oh, yes! (leaves)
------------------------------------------------------
The DOCTOR heads back the way they came while ASTRID, MR COPPER and RICKSTON continue upward to Reception. RICKSTON opens a door with the sonic
screwdriver and comes upon HOST.
RICKSTON:
Do it!
ASTRID uses the EMP and the HOST collapse. They stand stunned before cheering and laughing.
------------------------------------------------------------
The DOCTOR runs into a small kitchen and is soon surrounded by four HOST. He grabs a pot by the handle, prepared to use it as a weapon.
DOCTOR:
Wait, wait, wait, wait! Security protocol one! Do you hear me? One! One! (The HOST stop advancing) Okay, that gives me three questions. Three
questions to save my life, am I right?
HOST:
Information: correct.
DOCTOR:
No, that wasn't one of them. I didn't mean it. That's not fair. Can I start again?
HOST:
Information: no.
DOCTOR:
No, no! No, no, no. That wasn't one either. Blimey. One question left. One question. So, you've been given orders to kill the survivors but survivors
must therefore be passengers or staff, but not me. I'm not a passenger. I'm not staff. Go on, scan me. You must have bio records. No such person on
board. I don't exist therefore...you can't kill me. Therefore, I'm a stowaway and stowaways should be arrested and taken to the nearest figure of
authority. And I reckon the nearest figure of authority is on Deck 31. Final question: am I right?
HOST:
Information: correct.
DOCTOR:
Brilliant. Take me to your leader. (smiles) I've always wanted to say that.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ASTRID, MR COPPER and RICKSTON arrive in Reception. ASTRID uses the EMP to take out the HOST waiting there.
ASTRID:
Rickston, seal the doors, make the room secure. Mr Copper, keep an eye on the Host. (gives him the EMP). I need to check the computer. We need that SOS.
(the computer is down and she slams her fist in frustration. Turning, she sees the teleport bracelets. She calls the bridge.) Bridge, this is Reception!
* * *
FRAME:
Who's there?
* * *
ASTRID:
Astrid Peth. I was with the Doctor. Tell me, can you divert power to the teleport system?
* * *
FRAME:
No way. I'm using everything I got to keep the engines running.
* * *
ASTRID:
It's just one trip. I need to get to Deck 31.
* * *
FRAME:
And I'm telling you no.
* * *
ASTRID:
Mr Frame...this is for the Doctor. He's gone down there on his own, and I...I can't just leave him. He's done everything he can to save us. It's time we
did something to help him.
* * *
FRAME:
(shakes head) Giving you power.
* * *
ASTRID turns on the teleport and grabs a bracelet.
ASTRID:
Mr Copper, I'm gonna find him. (puts bracelet on)
COPPER:
Good luck.
ASTRID teleports.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The DOCTOR is escorted to the Host storage facility on Deck 31. There is much structural damage as well as small fires.
DOCTOR:
Now that is what you call a fixer-upper. Come on then, Host with the most, this ultimate authority of yours, who is it? (two doors slide open behind him
and he spins around.) Ooh, that's clever. That's an omnistate impact chamber. Indestructible. You can survive anything in that, eh? (a vehicle starts
wheeling out.) Sit through a supernova or a shipwreck. Only one person can have the power and the money to hide themselves onboard like this and I should
know, 'cause...
The vehicle is revealed to be a giant life-support system for Max Capricorn who is now just a head.
CAPRICORN:
My name is Max. (gold tooth glints)
DOCTOR:
It really does that.
CAPRICORN:
Who the hell is this?
DOCTOR:
I'm the Doctor. Hello.
HOST:
Information: stowaway.
DOCTOR:
Well...
CAPRICORN:
Kill him.
DOCTOR:
Oh, no, no! Wait, but you can't. Not now. Come on, Max...You've given me so much good material like...How to get ahead in business. See "head"? "Head in
business"? No?
CAPRICORN:
Oh, ho ho, the office joker. I like a funny man. No one's been funny with me for years.
DOCTOR:
I can't think why.
CAPRICORN:
176 years of running the company have taken their toll.
DOCTOR:
Yeah, but...nice wheels.
CAPRICORN:
No, a life-support system in a society that despises cyborgs. I've had to hide away for years. Running the company by hologram. Host, situation report.
HOST:
Information: Titanic is still in orbit.
CAPRICORN:
Let me see. (he moves forward and the DOCTOR steps out of his way.) We should have crashed by now. What's gone wrong? (goes to edge and looks down on
engines) The engines are still running! They should have stopped!
DOCTOR:
When they do, the Earth gets roasted. I don't understand. What's the Earth got to do with it?
CAPRICORN:
This interview is terminated.
DOCTOR:
No, no, no, no, no, no!
ASTRID has arrived and peeks from around a corner.
DOCTOR:
Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! I can work it out. It's like a task. I'm your apprentice. Just watch me. So... Business
is failing and you wreck the ship so that makes things even worse. Oh yes! No. Yes. The business isn't failing, it's failed. Past tense.
CAPRICORN:
My own board voted me out. Stabbed me in the back.
DOCTOR:
If you had a back. So...
ASTRID moves closer unseen.
DOCTOR:
You scupper the ship, wipe out any survivors in case anyone's rumbled you and the board find their shares halved in value. Oh, but that's not enough. No,
'cause if a Max Capricorn ship hits the Earth, it destroys an entire planet. Outrage back home. Scandal! The business is wiped out.
CAPRICORN:
And...the whole board thrown in jail for mass murder.
DOCTOR:
While you sit there, safe inside the impact chamber.
CAPRICORN:
I have men waiting to retrieve me from the ruins and enough off-world accounts to retire me to the beaches of Pentaxico Two where the ladies, so I'm told,
are very fond of...metal.
DOCTOR: (indignant)
So that's the plan. A retirement plan. 2000 on this ship, 6 billion underneath us, all of them slaughtered. And why? Because Max Capricorn is a loser.
CAPRICORN:
I never lose.
DOCTOR:
You can't even sink the Titanic.
CAPRICORN:
Oh, but I can, Doctor. I can cancel the engines from here.
Alarms sound.
----------------------------------------------
Up on the bridge, FRAME hears the computer.
COMPUTER:
Engines closing.
FRAME:
No, no, no, no! (rushes to instrument panels to try and stop it.)
COMPUTER:
Engines closing.
------------------------------------------------------
MR COPPER and RICKSTON are still in Reception.
RICKSTON:
What's happening?
DOCTOR:
You can't do this!
CAPRICORN:
Host, hold him.
Two HOST hold the DOCTOR by the arms and pull him away.
CAPRICORN:
Not so clever now, Doctor. A shame we couldn't work together. You're rather good. All that banter yet not a word wasted. Time for me to retire. The
Titanic is falling. The sky will burn. Let the Christmas inferno commence. Oh! Oh, Host! Kill him.
The one HOST not holding the DOCTOR removes his halo preparing to follow orders.
ASTRID:
(in forklift) Mr Capricorn! I resign. (starts the forklift and rushes towards CAPRICORN)
DOCTOR:
Astrid, don't!
ASTRID lifts the front of CAPRICORN'S life support just enough so the tires have no purchase. His rear tires have enough traction to cause a standoff.
The HOST who was about to kill the DOCTOR throws his halo at ASTRID but misses, hitting something else.
DOCTOR:
He's cut the break line!
Slow Motion-ASTRID looks at the DOCTOR who mouths "No!" They stare meaningfully at each other before she turns back to CAPRICORN. She raises the
fork higher, lifting CAPRICORN fully off the ground and steps on the gas. They both go over the edge.
DOCTOR:
Astrid! (runs to the edge and sees ASTRID falling towards the engines, her hands reaching for him.)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior shot of space
COMPUTER:
Titanic falling. Voyage terminated.
--------------------------------------------------------------
On the bridge, FRAME takes the wheel trying to control the ship. In Reception, RICKSTON and MR COPPPER hold on for dear life.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Slow Motion-The DOCTOR walks away as sparks fall behind him and fires burn-end Slow Motion. He holds his arms out to his sides and a HOST
stands on either side. The DOCTOR snaps his fingers and the HOST hold his arms the fly upwards, gaining speed. With arms raised the break through the floor
of the bridge causing FRAME to shout.
COMPUTER:
Deadlock broken.
DOCTOR:
(climbs through and stands) Ah, Midshipman Frame at last!
FRAME:
Uh, but-but the Host!
DOCTOR:
Controller dead they divert to the next highest authority and that's me,
FRAME:
There's nothing we can do. There's no power. The ship's gonna fall.
-----------------------------------------------------
Exterior shot.
COMPUTER:
Titanic falling.
-----------------------------------------------------
DOCTOR:
(takes wheel) What's your first name?
FRAME:
Alonzo.
DOCTOR:
(looks at him surprised) You're kidding me.
FRAME: (puzzled)
What?
DOCTOR:
That's something else I've always wanted to say. Allons-y Alonzo! Whoa!
The ship lurches dramatically as the DOCTOR tries to steer. They fall straight towards Earth's atmosphere and FRAME screams. Outside, the Titanic begins
to burn on entry. The DOCTOR fights the wheel.
----------------------------------------------------------
In Reception, MR COPPER and RICKSTON cling to the furniture.
-----------------------------------------------------------
An alarm sounds on the bridge and the DOCTOR uses his foot to check. The computer shows the impact zone to be somewhere in London.
DOCTOR:
(sighs) Ah. (uses the comms to "dial out") Hello, yes, um...could you get me Buckingham Palace?
-----------------------------------------------------------
NEWSCASTER:
And as dawn rises over Great Britain, it seems that this year the city of London has escaped alien intervention. (vo.) The Queen has remained in residence
in defiance of extraterrestrial attack.
-----------------------------------------------------------
DOCTOR:
Listen to me! Security Code 771! Now get out of there!
--------------------------------------------------------
The Queen rushes down a red-carpeted hallway, hair in curlers and wearing a dressing gown. A footman is carrying a corgi.
FOOTMAN:
Open the door!
----------------------------------------------------
WILF steps out of his kiosk and looks up at the sky.
WILF:
Don't you dare, you aliens! Don't you dare!
--------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTER:
Engine active. Engine active.
The DOCTOR pulls back on the wheel sending FRAME back against the wall. Straining and bent over backwards, the DOCTOR regains control. The ship barely
misses Buckingham Palace. At the wheel, the DOCTOR gasps, unable to believe his luck
----------------------------------------------------
In Reception, MR COPPER holds onto RICKSTON.
---------------------------------------------------------
Outside Buckingham Palace, the Queen waves at the passing ship.
QUEEN:
Thank you, Doctor! Thank you. Happy Christmas!
----------------------------------------------------------
Once out of danger, the DOCTOR begins to enjoy steering and laughs.
--------------------------------------------------------------
In Reception, both RICKSTON and MR COPPER realize how close it was.
RICKSTON:
Yes, oh yes. (hugs MR COPPER)
------------------------------------------------------------------
FRAME rings the ship's bell.
FRAME:
Whoo-hoo!
DOCTOR:
Whoo-hoo-hoo!
The framed picture pf CAPRICORN sparks and falls to the floor. Sometime later, FRAME is sitting on the floor and the DOCTOR joins him
DOCTOR:
Used the heat of re-entry to fire up the secondary storm drive. Unsinkable, that's me.
FRAME:
We made it.
DOCTOR:
Not all of us. (pause) Teleport! (gets up) She was wearing a teleport bracelet! (rushes out the door)
FRAME follows
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The DOCTOR runs into Reception, his hand out.
DOCTOR:
Rickston! Sonic! (RICKSTON throws it and he catches it). Mr Copper, the teleports, have they got emergency settings?
COPPER:
I don't know. They should have.
DOCTOR:
She fell, Mr Copper. She fell. What's the emergency code?
COPPER:
Uh, let me see...
FRAME:
What the hell are you doing?
DOCTOR:
We can bring her back. (begins to work on the teleport)
COPPER:
If a passenger has an accident on shore leave and they're still wearing their teleport, their molecules are automatically suspended and held in stasis so
that we can just trigger the shift.
DOCTOR:
(finishes) There! (stands and turns around)
A glowing, transparent ASTRID appears.
ASTRID:
I'm falling.
DOCTOR:
Only halfway there. Come on. (adjusts inner workings of the teleport)
ASTRID:
I keep falling.
DOCTOR:
Feed back the molecule grid, boost it with the restoration matrix. (teleport sparks) No, no, no, no! Need more phase containment.
COPPER:
Doctor-
DOCTOR:
No! If I can just link up the surface suspension...
COPPER:
Doctor, she's gone.
DOCTOR:
I just need to override the safety. I can do it.
COPPER:
Doctor, let her go.
The DOCTOR turns to face ASTRID'S ghost-like figure. He kicks the teleport in frustration.
DOCTOR:
I can do anything!
ASTRID:
Stop me falling.
The DOCTOR walks towards her while the others watch. MR COPPER stands beside him.
COPPER:
There's no enough left. The system was too badly damaged. She's just atoms, Doctor. An echo with the ghost of consciousness. She's stardust.
DOCTOR:
(walks closer) Astrid Peth...citizen of Sto...the woman who looked at the stars and dreamt of travelling. There's an old tradition. (leans down and kisses
her) Now you can travel forever. (opens a window behind her with the sonic screwdriver and she turns into motes of light) You're not falling, Astrid,
you're flying.
The lights go out the window leaving the DOCTOR, RICKSTON, MR COPPER and FRAME.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior shot of the Titanic over Earth
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In Reception, FRAME updates the others.
FRAME:
The engines have stabilized. We're holding steady till we get help and I've sent the SOS. A rescue ship should be here within twenty minutes. And they're
digging out the records of Max Capricorn. It should be quite a story.
COPPER:
They'll want to talk to all of us, I suppose.
FRAME:
I'd have thought so, yeah.
MR COPPER wanders over to the DOCTOR who is staring straight ahead, his face expressionless.
COPPER:
I think, uh, one or two inconvenient truths might come to light. Still, it's my own fault, and then years in jail is better than dying.
RICKSTON:
(comes over) Doctor...I never said...thank you. (hugs him) The funny thing is...I said Max Capricorn was falling apart. Just before the crash, I ...sold
all my shares, transferred them to his rivals. It's made me rich. What do you think of that?
The DOCTOR'S look at this comment seems to say "How can you still be thinking of money after what just happened?" RICKSTON'S vone rings.
RICKSTON:
Salvain? Those shares, I want them triple-bonded and locked. (voice fades as he walks away)
COPPER:
Of all the people to survive, he's not the one you would have chosen, is he? But if you could choose, Doctor, if you decide who lives and who dies...
(shrugs) that would make you a monster.
The DOCTOR looks at MR COPPER, curious at the insight.
DOCTOR:
(sighs) Mr Copper...(turns to teleport and takes two bracelets) I think you deserve one of these.
MR COPPER smiles and puts on a bracelet. FRAME sees and mouths "Hey" as he stands. MR COPPER chuckles and the DOCTOR starts the machine. Before they
disappear, FRAME salutes and the DOCTOR salutes back, forefinger to the forehead.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Somewhere in an open space in London the TARDIS is waiting. The DOCTOR and MR COPPER walk across in what appears to be falling snow.
COPPER:
So, Great Britain is part of, uh, "Europee" and just across the British Channel you've got Great France and Great Germany.
DOCTOR:
No, no, it's just-it's just France and Germany. Only Britain is great.
COPPER:
Oh, and they're all at war with the continent of Ham-erica?
DOCTOR:
No, well...not yet, uh...could argue that one. (arrives at the TARDIS) There she is. (pats it) Survive anything.
COPPER:
You know, between you and me, I don't even thing this snow is real. I think this is the ballast from the Titanic's salvage entering the atmosphere.
DOCTOR:
(looking up) Yeah. One of these days it might snow for real.
COPPER:
So, I-I suppose you'll be off.
DOCTOR:
The open sky.
COPPER:
And, uh, what about me?
DOCTOR:
I travel alone. It's best that way.
COPPER:
What-what am I supposed to do?
DOCTOR:
Give me that credit card.
COPPER:
(hands it over) Well, it's just petty cash, spending money. It's all done by computer. I-I didn't really know the currency so I thought a million might
cover it.
DOCTOR:
A million? Pounds?
COPPER:
That enough for trinkets?
DOCTOR:
Mr Copper, a million pounds is worth 50 million credits.
COPPER:
How much?
DOCTOR:
(mentally calculating) 50 million and 56.
COPPER:
I-I've got money!
DOCTOR:
Yes, you have. (hands back card)
COPPER:
Oh my word. Oh my vot! Oh my goodness me! I - Ya-ha!
DOCTOR:
It's all yours-Planet Earth. Now that's a retirement plan. But just you be careful, though.
COPPER:
I will. I will. Oh, I will.
DOCTOR:
No interfering. I don't want any trouble. Just...just have a nice life.
COPPER:
But I can have a house, a proper house, with a garden, and-and a door, and...Oh, Doctor, I will made you proud. (hugs the DOCTOR) And-and I can have a
kitchen with chairs, and windows, and lace... (skips off laughing)
DOCTOR:
(pauses unlocking the TARDIS) Um, where are you going?
COPPER:
(chuckles) Why, I have no idea!
DOCTOR:
No, me neither. (unlocks TARDIS)
COPPER:
But, Doctor...I won't forget her.
At the door, the DOCTOR nods, looks up at the sky and sees a blue streak of light zigzag across. He looks back at MR COPPER skipping away)
DOCTOR:
Merry Christmas, Mr Copper. (steps inside and the TARDIS dematerialises)
----------------------------------------------------
In Memory of
VERITY LAMBERT
1935 - 2007