by DAVID WHITAKER
EPISODE TWO
first broadcast - 30th December 1967
running time - 23mins 48secs
1. KENT’S OFFICE, AUSTRALASIAN ZONE
(The DOCTOR wears a black turtleneck and a scowl, his hair neatly combed. He stands before BRUCE and speaks with an accent and a straight face.)
DOCTOR: Hello Bruce, what are you doing here, huh?
BRUCE: (surprised) I was under the impression you were in the Central European Zone, Leader.
(KENT looks nervously at ASTRID, who keeps her cool.)
DOCTOR: That’s what you were meant to believe.
BRUCE: Why?
(The DOCTOR rubs his hands anxiously. He walks past BRUCE so BRUCE can’t see his nervousness.)
DOCTOR: (with mock anger) I do not care to be questioned by my own security!
BRUCE: Well that’s just it. How can I possibly maintain security when you behave like this? I’m at least entitled to know your movements.
DOCTOR: You have a policeman’s mind, Bruce.
BRUCE: That may be! Only a few days ago you questioned me about this man and his activities. (pointing at KENT with his cane) And we agreed that he was dangerous! Now, I find you in his office.
(The DOCTOR goes to the chair by JAMIE and VICTORIA and sits.)
DOCTOR: Sometimes I like to deal with matters in my own way. (Clears throat.)
BRUCE: (Steps toward him.) They’re not holding you here?
DOCTOR: Holding me?
BRUCE: Under some threat or other.
DOCTOR: No one threatens Salamander!
BRUCE: I still think I deserve an explanation, Leader.
DOCTOR: Yes, of course, you shall have it. (Shrugs casually.) But not now. When I return from the Central European Zone.
(BRUCE takes a breath, frustrated.)
BRUCE: Very well.
(He walks to KENT and ASTRID and points at her with his cane.)
BRUCE: Now what about the dead man found in your bungalow? He was one of your lot, wasn’t he?
ASTRID: Yes. Um, he was trying to protect me. The other two wanted to k*ll me.
BRUCE: Now why should they want to do that to a nice young girl like you?
ASTRID: Well I . . .
(KENT looks at her nervously, and so does the DOCTOR, as she can’t think of an explanation.)
KENT: Obviously they thought I was there.
BRUCE: You?
KENT: Yes, Bruce, just like you, a lot of people don’t like me.
BRUCE: Don’t get clever with me, Kent! I’ve a good mind to take-
DOCTOR: (Interrupts.) I am prepared to accept his story.
BRUCE: Well I’m not!
DOCTOR: That’s interesting, but not important.
(He stands and motions to his chest.)
DOCTOR: I accept it! That’s all that matters.
BRUCE: It’s beginning to look as if these people are working for you now. Is that right?
DOCTOR: You still dare to question me?! They have information! I shall get it! I will see you on my return. Now leave me!
(BRUCE gives KENT and ASTRID a last look before striding toward the door. He stops and turns to JAMIE, pushing his cane against JAMIE’s chest. JAMIE stands up to him fearlessly.)
BRUCE: McCrimmon, you said?
JAMIE: Aye.
BRUCE: Well you just watch your step, that’s all.
(BRUCE storms out and his guard follows. JAMIE looks bewildered and steps toward the DOCTOR, pointing after BRUCE.)
JAMIE: I never said a word.
(The DOCTOR frantically waves his hand signalling JAMIE to be quiet. JAMIE listens as the footsteps continue to fade and a door is shut. The DOCTOR sighs with relief and speaks in his normal voice and normal banter with JAMIE.)
DOCTOR: Must be the way you look, Jamie.
(He mops his face with his handkerchief.)
VICTORIA: You were splendid, Doctor.
DOCTOR: Thank you.
ASTRID: (Shaking her head angrily.) That was a dangerous game to play.
KENT: It paid off. (to the DOCTOR) All right, are you with us?
DOCTOR: (Walking toward him.) I don’t know where you stand, Mr Kent. But you and this Salamander are obviously on opposite sides. That at least is clear. But which side is good? (Clasps hands.) Which side is bad? And why should I interfere?
ASTRID: Well you’re the only man who can help save the world.
VICTORIA: But isn’t that what Salamander’s trying to do?
ASTRID: Don’t you understand? Salamander . . .
(The DOCTOR raises his hands to interrupt her.)
DOCTOR: Er, just a moment. (Clasps hands.) Jamie, you’re unusually quiet, what do you think?
JAMIE: Well to save the world, aye, well it sounds grand, but . . . . Oh, we couldn’t turn our back on a challenge like this Doctor. (Points.) Well, at least I know you wouldn’t.
VICTORIA: We don’t know anything about these people.
JAMIE: Astrid saved our lives, she was wounded because of it!
VICTORIA: Oh but Jamie, you don't think-
JAMIE: Look, she was!
KENT: Look, we’re right about Salamander! It won't take you long to find out for yourselves.
DOCTOR: How do you propose we do that?
(JAMIE and VICTORIA approach the DOCTOR.)
JAMIE: He’ll be well guarded for a start.
VICTORIA: We can hardly steal into his study and go through his papers.
DOCTOR: That man, Bruce, said that he was in the Central European Zone.
VICTORIA: It’s a long way from Australia.
ASTRID: It’s only two hours by rocket.
KENT: You could leave almost at once.
DOCTOR: Oh, what then?
ASTRID: (Walking toward them.) I’ve had a plan for infiltrating into Salamander’s inner circle for some time. Well I could adapt it for your two friends.
KENT: I can arrange three travel warrants and visas. Everything you need.
JAMIE: Just three?
KENT: (Gesturing to each in turn.) Well one for Astrid, one for you and ah . . . .
VICTORIA: Victoria.
KENT: Of course.
DOCTOR: (Hands folded.) Oh that’s very clever of you. How can you do that? I thought you said you had no official position?
ASTRID: We have a contact there.
DOCTOR: He must be a very important person.
ASTRID: He is. Denes, Controller of the Zone.
(The DOCTOR’s face lights up in recognition.)
DOCTOR: Oh, I see.
(He taps his finger in thought and approaches KENT.)
DOCTOR: What about me?
KENT: I think we better have a look at Salamander’s research station at Kanowa.
DOCTOR: (Nodding with a nervous smile.) Yes. Ah, yes, but . . . from a safe distance of course.
2. BENIK’S OFFICE, RESEARCH STATION, AUSTRALASIAN ZONE
(A sign outside the Kanowa Research Station reads “Entry forbidden except with planetary pass.” BRUCE looks at the door, hearing someone approaching. BENIK walks in and is unhappy to see BRUCE in his office.)
BENIK: What is all this? I’ll just give you a couple of minutes. I have a meeting.
(He puts his folder down at the head of the long meeting table.)
BRUCE: This is important, Benik!
BENIK: (antagonistically) I hope so. Well?
(He walks past BRUCE and picks up a pile of papers.)
BRUCE: Salamander’s left you in control of the research station?
BENIK: Yes.
BRUCE: Did he go on the rocket for the Central European Zone?
BENIK: Studying his papers, uninterested. Yes.
BRUCE: Did you see him go aboard?
(BENIK looks up, finally interested.)
BENIK: Hasn’t been an accident, has there?
BRUCE: Did you see the rocket take off?
BENIK: (sarcastically) Do you mean, did I stand there waving my handkerchief? Hardly, I had too much to do.
(He walks past BRUCE again.)
BRUCE: You're not a very funny man, Benik! Not to me. (Walking toward him.) Now answer me! Did you actually see him leave?
(BENIK is busying himself placing copies of papers in front of all the seats around the table.)
BENIK: (Not looking.) What is all this?
BRUCE: I’ve just driven straight here from having spoken to Salamander. Not two hundred miles away.
BENIK: That’s impossible!
BRUCE: I don’t lie! Even to someone like you. He was with Giles Kent.
(BENIK looks up at BRUCE, finally beginning to care.)
BENIK: But he hates Kent.
BRUCE: Exactly.
BENIK: Kent wasn’t holding him by force, was he?
BRUCE: No, I thought of that. Salamander . . . was a wee bit odd, I admit. Not quite his usual self, but he was perfectly in control. All he had to do was bat an eyelid and I’d have knocked off everyone in sight.
BENIK: Oh, well I don’t understand it.
(BRUCE follows BENIK around the table.)
BRUCE: Now Salamander suggested that he was on his way to the Central European Zone. Now you’re in radio contact with him. I want you to talk to him, make sure that Kent hasn’t got some hold over him that . . . we don’t know about.
BENIK: He instructed me not to bother him until the conference was over.
BRUCE: Well, I’m countermanding that instruction!
BENIK: I’m telling you, Bruce, he won’t answer! Not till the conference is over. It’s too important.
(He walks toward the door.)
BRUCE: How long will it last?
BENIK: (Snaps, losing his cool for the first time.) How should I know!?
(They stare at each other and BENIK calms himself down. He returns to his usual tone of dripping contempt hidden behind a smile.)
BENIK: They last three hours usually.
BRUCE: All right, that’ll have to do. (Walks to the door.) Let me have a report as soon as you’ve spoken to him. Is that clear?
(He stops in the doorway, as there is silence from BENIK, who is still rifling through his papers. BRUCE comes back in and stands just behind BENIK.)
BRUCE: Is that clear!?
(BENIK slowly looks up at him, unmoved.)
BENIK: (Like an offended old lady.) Yes.
(BRUCE leaves the room and closes the door. BENIK purses his lips, angry at himself to even be considering the possibility of BRUCE’s outrageous claims. He strides to the phone and picks it up.)
BENIK: I want a direct channel link to Leader Salamander, Ariel TLXKZ. Notify me as soon as he is able to accept transmission. That’s all.
(He puts the phone down. He walks to his chair at the head of the table and opens the file. He slowly sits down.)
3. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(This outdoor porch is lavishly decorated with pillars, flora, and chiseled statues. The view to one side is a wide open plain with trees in the distance. One man sits at a table, and another man stands facing the man by the parapet, who is taking in the view.)
DENES: This is dreadful news, Salamander. I still can’t believe it.
(The man by the parapet turns. It is the DOCTOR, or rather his dark side. He wears tight black trousers and a frilled white shirt under his lavish black jacket to match his perfectly groomed jet-black hair. He walks down the steps toward the Controller of the Zone, DENES, at the table.)
FEDORIN: Terrible, terrible.
SALAMANDER: I don’t say it will happen. I say it can happen. Your Zone is in danger, Denes. (Points at the map on the table.) Here, here and here.
FEDORIN: We’ve had no trouble for years in those mountains.
SALAMANDER: almost threateningly You don’t imagine I make it up?
FEDORIN: No, no, of course not.
DENES: Those volcanoes have been dead since sixteenth century. Fedorin is right to doubt.
(SALAMANDER wraps his arm over FEDORIN’s shoulder and leads him to the front parapet.)
SALAMANDER: A volcano is a strange thing, my friend. I tell you the truth. It’s like a man in the hot sun, sleeping . . . still . . . lifeless. Then BOOM! He wakes full of energy!
(His hands move and his voice rises, full of the DOCTOR’s passion, and yet his face is SALAMANDER’s sinister sobriety, turning even the DOCTOR’s charming mannerisms dark and threatening.)
SALAMANDER: I know volcanoes.
DENES: Isn’t there a possibility of a . . . miscalculation for a few degrees?
SALAMANDER: I’m never wrong. Every one of my predictions has been accurate.
DENES: Yes. Your record is good. I don’t deny that.
SALAMANDER: (holding back anger) You are too kind. (sharply) Now will you listen to me!
(The intercom on another table starts to beep. At the same time, a woman speaks.)
FARIAH: Leader, the communications-
SALAMANDER: I know! I know! I told you I was not to be disturbed!
FARIAH: Yes, Leader.
(She turns to leave.)
SALAMANDER: (sharply) No wait!
(She turns to face him and he walks toward her. He smiles at the others, pretending to be embarrassed for snapping, and tries to fix it by repeating much more pleasantly.)
SALAMANDER: No, wait Fariah, huh? (to FEDORIN) You like some refreshment, perhaps?
FEDORIN: Thank you.
DENES: (Stands.) No no, not for me.
SALAMANDER: Oh you’re going so soon?
DENES: I must consult my scientific advisors.
SALAMANDER: (Squares off.) You still don’t believe me?
DENES: I believe you sufficiently to want to . . . have your information checked, before I alarm my people unnecessarily.
SALAMANDER: Hm, your scientists won’t help you. They don’t know. (pleasantly) They are amateurs.
DENES: No, Salamander, they are not amateurs. They are very clever men dedicated to their work. But they are men, capable of human error like anybody else.
SALAMANDER: Do what you wish. Captain!
(A Guard marches into the room.)
CAPTAIN: Sir!
SALAMANDER: Controller Denes is leaving.
CAPTAIN: Yes, sir.
(The CAPTAIN leads DENES out of the room and SALAMANDER and FEDORIN follow.)
SALAMANDER: You will soon see that I am right.
(SALAMANDER turns to stop FEDORIN.)
SALAMANDER: Oh, you will stay, huh? Have a drink. We have a great deal to talk about, you and I. Fariah, see to him.
(He leads DENES away. FEDORIN looks confused and a little concerned. He knows something is wrong.)
4. BENCH, GARDEN, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(Fog hangs heavily over the garden. A wooden bench sits by a path which curves along the edge of the woods. A few small trees stand in the open field on the other side of the path. VICTORIA sits on the bench and JAMIE paces. He approaches VICTORIA.)
JAMIE: Are you sure this is the right one? (Sits.)
VICTORIA: I’m not sure of anything after that rocket. But Astrid said it was the third bench on the south walk of the large gardens. Well here it is, I counted!
(JAMIE notices someone behind them.)
JAMIE: Here we are.
(ASTRID stands behind the bench and they twist to face her.)
ASTRID: It’s all arranged. Salamander’s in residence in the President’s Palace.
(ASTRID gives JAMIE a card.)
JAMIE: What’s the card?
ASTRID: (Pointing.) That’ll get you through the front gate. Find the terrace facing west.
(VICTORIA stands while JAMIE stows the card inside his vest.)
VICTORIA: Good luck Jamie.
ASTRID: Yes, keep your wits about you.
JAMIE: Right.
(JAMIE stands and turns to leave.)
5. GARDEN, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(ASTRID hides under an ivy-covered arch and speaks into her Communicator.)
ASTRID: Hello . . . (Presses the button repeatedly.) Hello! Australasian Zone? How much longer? Look, don’t talk to me about sun spots. What? Well, the Central European Zone. (frustrated) Please don’t worry about procedure, this is urgent, connect me!
6. KENT’S OFFICE intercut with GARDEN
(The DOCTOR looks more like himself with his untamed hair and untucked collar, playing with his fingers. The Communicator bleeps.)
KENT: That might be her now.
(He goes and picks up the phone while the DOCTOR watches curiously in the background.)
KENT: Yes.
ASTRID: (over telephone) Hello, Giles? This is me, Astrid.
KENT: Right let’s have it. What’s happening?
(KENT motions for the DOCTOR to come.)
ASTRID: (over telephone) Everything’s gone fine so far.
(The DOCTOR picks up another phone connected to the same Communicator and covers the receiver to listen in.)
KENT: Speak up, we can’t hear you very well.
ASTRID: Oh, it’s these spots.
KENT: Oh. (to the DOCTOR) She’s having spot trouble.
DOCTOR: Oh yes.
KENT: Right, how is the plan working so far?
ASTRID: It’s gone fine. And the rocket arrived right on time in Hungary. And Jamie’s got his entrance pass and has started phase one.
KENT: (over communicator) Do you think the boy can handle it?
ASTRID: Well I hope so. My goodness they’re a pretty odd lot though, aren’t they?
(The DOCTOR looks confused.)
KENT: (awkwardly) Well actually the Doctor’s with me right now.
ASTRID: (over telephone) Oh . . . I am sorry. Oh I know I’m sure they’ll be fine.
KENT: What news of Denes? We must keep him posted as to what is happening.
ASTRID: It’s all right, we’ve contacted and we’ve arranged to meet.
KENT: Be careful, he’s pretty well known.
ASTRID: (over telephone.) Oh, don’t worry. We’ve er . . . we- I suggested that we meet under a disused jetty by the river.
DOCTOR: (horrified) Disused Yeti?
KENT: No, no, no. Jetty, jetty! (to ASTRID) Er, anything else to tell us?
ASTRID: No, if the plan goes through, I’ll try and contact you again.
KENT: (over communicator.) Right. Goodbye, good luck.
DOCTOR: Good luck, Astrid. Jamie and Victoria will look after you.
KENT: Astrid, are you there? We’re-
(The sound of her hanging up comes through the phone.)
KENT: She’s gone. (Giving the DOCTOR a look.) And I’m not surprised after that last remark.
(The DOCTOR lowers his hand, unsure what he’s done wrong.)
DOCTOR: Well I’m sorry.
7. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(FARIAH has gotten FEDORIN a drink. He downs his glass and pours another. He takes a sip as he sits. He sounds frustrated, worried about other things.)
FEDORIN: Why don’t you sit down?
FARIAH: (shortly) No.
FEDORIN: Why not?
FARIAH: I have never sat out here.
FEDORIN: Salamander won’t mind.
FARIAH: (emphatically) I would never sit down here.
FEDORIN: If you don’t like him why do you work for him?
FARIAH: He has a way of persuading people.
FEDORIN: Yes I could imagine that.
FARIAH: (with disgust) Brujo.
FEDORIN: What?
(She shakes her head dismissively.)
FEDORIN: (agitated) If only I knew what he wanted to talk to me about. Would you know?
FARIAH: Salamander talks to many people. Some only once.
FEDORIN: Well I shall know soon enough I suppose. (Takes another sip.) What exactly do you do here?
FARIAH: I serve.
FEDORIN: Yes, but you’re obviously not an ordinary servant.
FARIAH: No, I’m not.
FEDORIN: What then?
FARIAH: Would you like some more refreshments?
(She moves to take his glass, but he grabs it first as he stands.)
FEDORIN: No, I’ll . . . get it myself.
(FARIAH smirks while his back is turned, pouring the water. He drinks almost the whole glass again.)
FEDORIN: Oh that’s good.
FARIAH: (matter-of-factly) Is it? I’m very glad to hear that.
FEDORIN: What?
FARIAH: I am Salamander’s food taster.
FEDORIN: (surprised) Does he need one?
FARIAH: There have been many attempts to poison him.
FEDORIN: Dangerous job.
FARIAH: Mm.
(She watches silently as he takes another sip.)
FARIAH: That’s why it’s very nice to have help for a change.
(FEDORIN gags and quickly lowers the glass, staring at her in horror.)
FEDORIN: You mean . . . you mean you haven’t-?
FARIAH: No. I didn’t have time. (teasing) Still taste good, nothing bitter?
(He coughs while she is speaking.)
FEDORIN: N- No. I . . . I don’t think so.
FARIAH: (grins) You would know by now, I think.
FEDORIN: (Beginning to relax.) Oh . . . . Hah! Oh, you . . . you had me worried for a moment.
(He takes a seat and raises the glass to his lips, but realizes what he’s doing and puts it down.)
FEDORIN: But what on earth made you take a job as a food taster?
SALAMANDER: She was hungry.
(SALAMANDER is standing in the doorway.)
SALAMANDER: Only thing is, now she has all the food she needs, she has lost her appetite. (to FARIAH, sharp-ish, with a forceful wave of his arm) Give me a drink.
(She goes to the tray as he enters.)
FEDORIN: You are well protected.
SALAMANDER: Mm.
(SALAMANDER snaps his fingers and a young officer rushes out onto the terrace from around the corner, aiming a g*n straight at the terrified Deputy. FEDORIN stands sharply and begins to put his hands up.)
SALAMANDER: Very well protected. Be calm. Sit down, drink your drink.
FEDORIN: (Suddenly points, frightened.) Ah!
(JAMIE jumps over the stone parapet just beside the guard and renders him unconscious with a grunt, stealing his g*n. He aims the weapon at SALAMANDER.)
JAMIE: Thank you for calling the guard. I was wondering what to do about him.
(SALAMANDER lunges toward the intercom on the table in front of him, but stops when JAMIE jerks the g*n toward him.)
JAMIE: Now don’t move for that box! Not if you value your life. Now all of you, back over there! That’s it. Not as well protected as you think you are, eh?
(He slowly moves toward the table, picks up the intercom, and backs toward the side parapet.)
JAMIE: Now when I say duck . . . .
(He chucks the intercom as far as he can and ducks, covering his head.)
JAMIE: Duck, get down!
8. GARDEN, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(ASTRID remotely presses a trigger.)
9. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(A huge expl*si*n rocks the terrace and a huge orange fireball roars into the air.
One of the potted trees on the terrace collapses. SALAMANDER recovers, staring after the expl*si*n in bewilderment, and wipes his jacket. JAMIE puts the g*n down and steps toward them, hands raised to emphasize his point. He crosses his arms casually as two guards appear and cover him with their g*ns.)
SALAMANDER: (to the guards) Wait!
(They relax their arms as he approaches angrily.)
SALAMANDER: What do you do boys, huh? Read? Sleep? It’s a fine thing. Here we have an attempt to destroy me and where are you? (Points.) It’s not so good, boys. It’s not so good. I’m watching you. (Waving toward the unconscious guard.) Look after him. Better still get rid of him!
(SALAMANDER slowly approaches JAMIE. JAMIE finally gets a good look at the one who perverts the DOCTOR’s good-natured appearance. On the positive side, JAMIE is able to act completely natural, feeling like he’s talking to his best friend.)
SALAMANDER: What’s all this about. Huh?
JAMIE: Well I heard two men talking. They said they’d planted a b*mb of some kind in your radio telephone. I tried to warn them at the gates, but they wouldn’t pay any attention.
SALAMANDER: So you break in? How you break in?
JAMIE: Well I’m here on holiday with a friend. (Smiles broadly.) She’s very pretty, so the guards didn’t see me slip past ‘em.
SALAMANDER: Why didn’t you call out and warn me? I nearly used the radio telephone several times.
JAMIE: Ah you’d have had me shot, most like.
SALAMANDER: (Eyes him skeptically.) Why you risk your skin to save me?
JAMIE: (melancholy) Well without you the Earth hasn’t much of a chance, has it?
(SALAMANDER considers him a moment longer and walks away.)
SALAMANDER: You like to work for me, huh? You like that?
(JAMIE follows him, pointing.)
JAMIE: Oh no, you don’t have to do that. I mean, you owe me nothing.
SALAMANDER: You’re quite right, boy.
JAMIE: And I’m on holiday.
SALAMANDER: You won’t find what I pay you disappointing.
JAMIE: (Scratching his cheek thoughtfully.) Aye, there’s my girlfriend too though.
SALAMANDER: Oh we might be able to find something for her. Eh Fariah?
FARIAH: Yes, your chef could use an assistant.
SALAMANDER: See to it. (to JAMIE) What do you say, huh?
JAMIE: Well I’ll give it a go. But I’ll say this though, your security system’s rotten. (Cuts hand through the air for emphasis.) There’ll have to be changes.
SALAMANDER: (chuckling) What a boy, huh? Fariah! (Waving toward JAMIE’s clothes.) See he gets some proper uniform instead of this eh skirt.
(JAMIE looks at his kilt, offended, but holds his tongue.)
SALAMANDER: (Sniffs.) And bring him and his girlfriend to see me.
FARIAH: Come along then.
(FARIAH leads the way and JAMIE follows her, watched by SALAMANDER.)
FEDORIN: What an extraordinary young man.
SALAMANDER: I prize loyalty very highly, my friend. And I repay it very generously. (Smiling.) Like I do the girl Fariah, huh?
(FEDORIN forces a smile, but it quickly fades, as his eyebrows are knit with anxiety.)
FEDORIN: Can I, er . . . can I ask you something?
SALAMANDER: What is it?
FEDORIN: What does "Brujo" mean?
SALAMANDER: It’s a word we use in Mexico, for sorcerer. Why?
FEDORIN: Nothing, nothing . . . .
SALAMANDER: (demanding) You stay for dinner, huh?
10. BENCH, GARDEN, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(ASTRID is sitting on the bench, reading a book. VICTORIA is still sitting on the other end and they are pretending not to know each other. JAMIE strides up along the path toward them. ASTRID looks up at him from her book. She looks down at her book, acting uninterested.)
ASTRID: Here comes Jamie.
(At first VICTORIA doesn’t react. She struggles to keep a natural face and waits for the right moment to happen to look JAMIE’s direction and recognize him. Her face lights up as if she’s seeing an old friend and he runs toward her.)
JAMIE: Everything’s fine.
VICTORIA: Oh good.
ASTRID: (Still looking at her book, pretending to be unrelated.) Careful, you might have been followed.
JAMIE: Oh don’t worry, they think I’ve saved his life. (to VICTORIA) Hey, he’s offered me a job, to you as well!
VICTORIA: (Stands.) That’s perfect!
ASTRID: (Smiling.) Well done, Jamie.
JAMIE: Well it was nothing. (Sits beside her, smiling.) All right at your end?
ASTRID: Yes. But it was nothing.
VICTORIA: Jamie. Jamie!
JAMIE: What?
VICTORIA: Does he look like the Doctor?
JAMIE: Aye, it’s so uncanny!
ASTRID: Careful.
(ASTRID gets up and walks away without a goodbye or even a glance.)
JAMIE: What’s the matter?
VICTORIA: What is it?
(JAMIE notices someone and grabs VICTORIA’s arm. She sits next to him, not knowing what he’s seen. He pretends not to have seen them.)
JAMIE: (muttering) She must have eyes in the back of her head.
(JAMIE raises his voice and holds VICTORIA’s hands like a lover, putting on an act.)
JAMIE: So he’s offered the both of us a job.
VICTORIA: Oh, good!
CAPTAIN: Who was that?
(JAMIE and VICTORIA look up at the CAPTAIN and FARIAH.)
JAMIE: Who?
CAPTAIN: The other girl who was sitting there?
FARIAH: (to the CAPTAIN) Why don’t you leave them alone? Do you have to treat everyone as if they’re criminals?
CAPTAIN: He had no right to leave the Presidential Palace.
FARIAH: He had every right! He came to fetch his girlfriend. Salamander ordered it.
CAPTAIN: I didn’t hear Salamander order it.
FARIAH: (Looks away carelessly.) Very well, go and ask him.
(The CAPTAIN’s face gives FARIAH her answer. She smiles at him.)
FARIAH: No? Perhaps you’re wise.
(He growls as he walks off. FARIAH watches him go. She turns to JAMIE and VICTORIA with a smile. They stand.)
FARIAH: He would follow me. I am Fariah, how do you do?
JAMIE: This is Victoria.
VICTORIA: Hello.
FARIAH: Hello. Jamie tells me you’re studying the arts of the kitchen.
JAMIE: Aye, she’s a great dishwasher.
VICTORIA: I like eating, and I’m hungry.
FARIAH: Then let’s see if we can’t find you something to do. You can work with me if you like.
VICTORIA: Thank you.
(FARIAH starts back down the path and VICTORIA and JAMIE follow her.)
11. MARINA JETTY, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(ASTRID runs down the disused jetty and climbs off the side. She crawls underneath and checks her g*n. DENES is already there and crawls out from the shadows.)
DENES: (whispers) Oof. I used to love to do this sort of thing when I was a boy.
ASTRID: (whispers) I’m sorry. It was the safest place I could think of.
DENES: (whispers) Oh, it’s all right. I’m still fit enough. (Chuckles.)
ASTRID: (whispers) Thank you for getting me the necessary documents.
DENES: (whispers) Have you been successful?
ASTRID: (whispers) So far. Salamander’s swallowed it.
DENES: (whispers) I thought he would.
ASTRID: (whispers) The boy’s very confident. The girl, not so much.
DENES: (whispers) See, the point is they’re near enough to him to pick out something. This was the first time I met Salamander. I must say that you were right about him, Astrid. We must get rid of him. He must be stopped.
ASTRID: He will be stopped. I’m returning to Giles Kent. Can you wait till we can take action?
DENES: (whispers) Well . . . with a bit of luck, yes.
ASTRID: (whispers) Fedorin, can you trust him?
(DENES takes a breath, but looks up, hearing booted footsteps on the jetty overhead.)
ASTRID: (whispers, frustrated) Oh, I’ve been followed, I thought I’d thrown them off.
(A pair of legs with boots and shiny leather trousers walks onto the jetty, then walks off. ASTRID c*ck her g*n, but DENES pulls her arm down.)
DENES: (whispers) No! There is enough violence as it is. Besides, Salamander mustn’t get suspicious. You k*ll his men and he will begin to think.
(The pair of legs return with an identical pair.)
GUARD: You understand that strangers are to be picked up.
(ASTRID listens, g*n at the ready. DENES looks nervously through the cracks in the boards.)
GUARD: There’s been an attempt on Salamander’s life. Very well, return to your patrol.
(The guards walk away and ASTRID decocks her g*n.)
ASTRID: (whispers) It’s all right. Fedorin, would he betray you in some way?
DENES: (whispers) I’m trying to think of some reason why he should.
12. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(As darkness falls, SALAMANDER stands in the ornate terrace, looking out passively, surrounded by his ornate collection of plants while FEDORIN approaches, pointing passionately at an open file in his hands.)
FEDORIN: But these are all lies, Salamander! Lies, I assure you!
SALAMANDER: So you say.
FEDORIN: What are you going to do? My- my family, my friends!
SALAMANDER: (Laughs and turns to face him.) My dear man!
(He continues laughing as he approaches and drapes his arm over FEDORIN’s shoulders. He walks with FEDORIN as he speaks.)
SALAMANDER: My dear Fedorin. You don’t suppose I intend to make your swindling public, huh? (pointing at the file) This is- this just an insurance, mm?
(He pauses for a response, which never comes.)
SALAMANDER: Sit down, forget it.
(They both sit at the table, but FEDORIN is almost numb with shock.)
SALAMANDER: I tell you what I’m going to do for you.
FEDORIN: (anxious) What?
SALAMANDER: (Smiling.) You are going to replace Denes as controller of this Zone.
(FEDORIN takes a breath, but SALAMANDER quickly stops him.)
SALAMANDER: But, don’t say anything. I know you’ll accept.
FEDORIN: (Still confused under all the fear.) What do you want?
SALAMANDER: I’ll tell you. There will be disaster in this Zone. I cannot stop the disaster, but I can come to the aid of this Zone when it’s happened.
(FEDORIN can’t help appreciating SALAMANDER’s cleverness.)
FEDORIN: And take over? I see. The Zone would be yours!
SALAMANDER: Oh ours, Fedorin, ours! It’s a partnership I’m offering you. Either you have half of everything . . . or you have nothing.
FEDORIN: But there’s Alexander Denes.
SALAMANDER: Oh yes, the popular, well beloved Denes. What a pity.
FEDORIN: Pity?
SALAMANDER: Oh didn’t I tell you, Denes is going to die. Mysteriously . . . an assassin . . . terrible.
(FEDORIN’s face contorts in horror. He shakes his head violently.)
FEDORIN: I can’t do that! You can’t ask me!
(SALAMANDER takes the file, grinning.)
SALAMANDER: I think I can ask you to do anything I want.
(SALAMANDER frowns as he begins to hear a low rumble. The ground starts to shake and he looks over the parapet. He stands, smiling with excitement.)
SALAMANDER: My predictions are accurate!
(He runs to grab binoculars and watches the disaster. His voice is raised with passion.)
SALAMANDER: The entire Eperjes-Tokaj Ranges are in eruption!
13. CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(Thick smoke billows into the air above the mountain, streams of smoke seeping through cracks to join the major pillar. Smoke pours out of holes dotting the landscape. White-hot lava spurts out of the mountain alongside the pillar of smoke.)
14. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
SALAMANDER: Fedorin! Come and look! It’s very pretty!
(FEDORIN reluctantly approaches and SALAMANDER hands him the binoculars.)
15. CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(FEDORIN watches as the smoke and ash reach the population. Walls fall apart and wires are ripped out as an unstoppable wave of ash ripples through the street.)
SALAMANDER: The history of Hungary is about to be rewritten!
(Rocks are blown out of place on the mountains as pressure searches for an outlet. Boulders pour down into the streets and buildings are lost in dust clouds in mere seconds.)
16. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(SALAMANDER watches, transfixed with wonder and pride.)
17. CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(Trees are surrounded by ash and rock. Fires start up. Rocks continue to fall and smoke is everywhere. The forest is on fire and trees fall.)
18. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(FEDORIN cannot turn his eyes away. SALAMANDER stands by his side. BRUCE suddenly strides onto the terrace.)
BRUCE: Salamander!
(FEDORIN and SALAMANDER turn to face him.)
SALAMANDER: What are you doing here?
BRUCE: I had a report there was trouble here, an attempt on your life.
SALAMANDER: It was nothing. (Beckoning.) Come and look!
(He takes the binoculars from FEDORIN and hands them to BRUCE.)
19. CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(BRUCE watches as buildings fall apart. Roofs collapse and walls fall down. The last remaining bit of intact architecture stands surrounded by rubble before collapsing in a cloud of dust.)
20. EAST TERRACE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE
(BRUCE has stopped looking through the binoculars, but all three men are unable to look away.)
BRUCE: Terrible. Those poor people.
(There is shouting as DENES storms out onto the terrace. They all turn to look at him.)
DENES: Salamander! What have you done?
SALAMANDER: I warned you!
DENES: You couldn’t have known! (Waving his finger furiously.) You’ve done this somehow yourself!
SALAMANDER: The man’s mad! Worse still he’s incompetent! (Points.) I warned this man that this zone was in danger of natural disaster and he did nothing! (Waves hands.) Issued no cautions to the public. You deliberately allowed your people to suffer and die! (Points.) You’re a traitor!
(DENES steps toward him, outraged.)
DENES: You’re a traitor! You contrived this for your own ends!
SALAMANDER: Bruce, I order you to arrest this man!
(DENES suddenly calms down, unable to cope with the situation.)
DENES: But this is nonsense. Fedorin, you were here. You know this is nonsense.
SALAMANDER: Denes you are too naive. At your trial, Fedorin will be the chief witness against you!
(DENES looks taken aback. BRUCE gives SALAMANDER a sidelong glance, unsure of what he believes. SALAMANDER, triumphant, turns to FEDORIN. FEDORIN realizes with horror what SALAMANDER wants him to do. He looks over at the cataclysm again. He squeezes his eyes shut, looking like he’s about to cry.)
`
Doctor Who / Salamander
PATRICK TROUGHTON
Donald Bruce
COLIN DOUGLAS
Giles Kent
BILL KERR
Astrid
MARY PEACH
Jamie
FRAZER HINES
Victoria
DEBORAH WATLING
Benik
MILTON JOHNS
Denes
GEORGE PRAVDA
Fedorin
DAVID NETTHEIM
Fariah
CARMEN MUNROA
Guard Captain
GORDON FAITH
Title Music by
RON GRAINER
AND THE BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP
Story Editor
PETER BRYANT
Designer
CHRISTOPHER PEMSEL
Producer
INNES LLOYD
Directed by
BARRY LETTS
Transcribed by
LEE HORTON
CHRIS MOORE
and KITTY MIDNIGHT
with thanks to TheMasterRichman on Dailymotion
PATRICK TROUGHTON
Donald Bruce
COLIN DOUGLAS
Giles Kent
BILL KERR
Astrid
MARY PEACH
Jamie
FRAZER HINES
Victoria
DEBORAH WATLING
Benik
MILTON JOHNS
Denes
GEORGE PRAVDA
Fedorin
DAVID NETTHEIM
Fariah
CARMEN MUNROA
Guard Captain
GORDON FAITH
Title Music by
RON GRAINER
AND THE BBC RADIOPHONIC WORKSHOP
Story Editor
PETER BRYANT
Designer
CHRISTOPHER PEMSEL
Producer
INNES LLOYD
Directed by
BARRY LETTS
Transcribed by
LEE HORTON
CHRIS MOORE
and KITTY MIDNIGHT
with thanks to TheMasterRichman on Dailymotion