Bad Destination
Written By Isaac Travers
INT: COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
On the Planet Gallifrey, the Timelord council led by Chancellor Magoria are In discussions regarding an oncoming vision which is soon to occur on the planet of earth. Several council members are debating whether they should get involved in the situation.
GARN
Order, order at once. This discussion will be handled in a civilised matter. You may continue Magoria
MAGORIA
Thank you Senator Garn. As i was saying, The oncoming forces of the Vlade Army Is impending closer than we have thought. With this in mind we have no choice to either To ensure a peace negotiation or to Send out an assault squadron.
LEECH
You're utterly mad, It is against our moral code to intervene with any less species within our powers.
MAGORIA
Then what other choice do we have?
GARN
There is one other option, we send out one of our own to handle the threat themselves. A renegade timelord who abandoned our roots and mends things when they are broken.
MAGORIA
The Doctor?
GARN
Precisely, he has been quite useful before, so he may be useful again.
LEECH
But will he agree to help us?
GARN
It will take some convincing by I assure you he has the right choice.
MAGORIA
Then it is settled, Where is the doctor now by any chance?
GARN
From what we have gathered in recent knowledge he has just regenerated after an encounter with the dreaded Morbius. It will also give him somewhat of a challenge but a useful one at that.
MAGORIA
You better be sure that you're making the right decision, Garn. If the doctor won't help us then all hope is lost.
GARN
Luckily enough, According to our scanners he's already on his way to the Vlades homebase of Vilaria.
MAGORIA
Then it seems we have the right person on the job after all.
INTRO
EXT: BUSHLAND - DAY
The Doctor then walks outside the tardis, taking in the surroundings of the planet’s Atmosphere.
THE DOCTOR
Now then, time to set out, hopefully nothing bad can go wrong here.
As the doctor looks around, he notices a man in a black cape. He is a timelord known as the Messenger.
THE MESSENGER
Ah. Welcome, Doctor.
DOCTOR
What's going on here? Don't you realise how dumb of an idea it is to reach out to me on missions. I've only just regenerated.
THE MESSENGER
Oh come, Doctor, We understand that this is only been a few minutes since you have changed, but we are needing you on an important mission
THE DOCTOR
Will this be a common thing?
THE MESSENGER
Occasionally, not continually, we’ll ask you to do something for us.
THE DOCTOR
To put this bluntly, I won't do it. Whatever it is, I refuse.
THE MESSENGER
Maybe this might convince you, the planet of earth
THE DOCTOR
(Feeling slightly reluctant)
Very well, Tell me more.
THE MESSENGER
We foresee a future. The Earth will be invaded by a menacing android race known as the Valde who seek to become the dominant rulers of the universe. We'd like you to stop the invasion at a point in time before it even occurs.
THE DOCTOR
Hmm. That is rather feasible.
THE MESSENGER
Alternatively, if you learn enough about their plan, you might discover some inherent weakness.
THE DOCTOR
All right, just one more time.
THE MESSENGER
You'll do it?
THE DOCTOR
Yes.
THE MESSENGER
Excellent, however, you will not be alone on your mission. We will send out one of our CIA agents to assist you on your mission.
THE DOCTOR
Of course, a celestial intervention agency member is keeping an eye on me.
THE MESSENGER
It will ensure that you won’t go overboard with the mission, once it is done you can return back to your life until you are needed again. Good luck doctor
The Messenger dematerialises in plain sight from the doctor, in his place his CIA Agent REEVES.
REEVES
(calmy, already observing)
Doctor.
THE DOCTOR
(startled, then annoyed)
Oh come on, no need to be formal around me, You already know who I am
(eyes Reeves up and down)
So you are the agent that has been sent to help me, Clipboard type. Quiet shoes. Very punchable expression.
REEVES
Agent Reeves at your service. I’m here to assist and to ensure the mission parameters are followed.
THE DOCTOR
Ah yes, parameters.
You know, every time someone says that word, a civilisation mysteriously explodes.
REEVES
You’ve been ordered to prevent the Valde incursion. No deviations. No improvisations that risk the Web of Time.
THE DOCTOR
If you really do know me, you must've known I am the improviser. That’s sort of my whole thing.
The Doctor circles Reeves, inspecting him like a faulty gadget.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Let me guess neural dampeners? Temporal recall implant? A little voice in your head telling you when to report me for being “difficult”?
REEVES
I report facts, Doctor. Your reputation suggests that may be… necessary.
THE DOCTOR
Reputation?
(chuckles darkly)
Funny thing about reputations. They’re usually written by people who weren’t there.
The Doctor turns back toward the TARDIS.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Right then. Earth to save, androids to stop, destiny to thumb my nose at. You coming, Agent Reeves, or are you going to stand there waiting for permission from Gallifrey’s ghost?
Reeves hesitates, then follows.
REEVES
For the record, Doctor. I don’t trust you.
THE DOCTOR
Good.
(smiles)
If you did, I’d be worried.
The Doctor looks around and notices a large tower in the distance.
THE DOCTOR
Looks like the tower is too far from here. From what I can gather, since we are on the main planet, it is most likely the Valdes' base is right above the mountain.
REEVES
Do we really need to walk there? We could've just teleported to it the moment I arrived.
THE DOCTOR
Now where's the fun in that? It's always good to get a bit of exercise, especially with a new body. come along my lad It needs to get there before sundown.
The Doctor and Reeves move cautiously across a rocky landscape toward a distant, jagged tower that pierces the skyline.
EXT: BARREN RIDGE / CLIFFSIDE – DAY
A VLADE SOLDIER stands atop a high cliff, armour scorched and angular, optics glowing faintly as it watches.
INT: VLADE CONTROL ROOM – CONT
A cold, metallic chamber alive with pulsing energy. Holographic projections show the Doctor and Reeves advancing.
VLADE SOLDIER
The fugitives are approaching the main tower. Must they be destroyed?
The VLADE GENERAL, taller, more imposing, turns slowly.
VLADE GENERAL
Immediately, they must not be allowed to intervene with the plan.
The General gestures.
VLADE GENERAL (CONT’D)
Deploy the Units for Immediate Eradication.
EXT: PATH TO THE TOWER – CONT
The Doctor suddenly stops.
THE DOCTOR
Hold it—
(smells the air)
Do you smell burning ozone?
REEVES looks up.
REEVES
Doctor!
A Vlade bot drops from above, landing hard. Its hand ignites sparks. Which fires at the both of them?
THE DOCTOR
Ah, that'll be the welcoming committee.
REEVES
From the looks of it, they probably want us dead.
THE DOCTOR
You think?
Another Vlade lands behind Reves, ready to attack him.
THE DOCTOR
Now then when I say run, run as fast as you can.
The VladeBots Begin to open fire.
THE DOCTOR
RUN!
The Doctor and Reeves sprint as blasts scorch the ground around them.
One of the Vlade bot Manages to catch up and starts tackling REEVES, its arm wrapping around his throat.
REEVES
(choking)
Doctor, get me out of here!
The Doctor skids to a halt, whips out His sonic screwdriver Hoping for it to work
THE DOCTOR
Hold still Reeve. well, as still as one can while being strangled
The sonic emits a SHRILL WHINE.
The Vlade Bot spasms—then POWERS DOWN, collapsing lifelessly. Reeves gasps for breath, shoving it off.
REEVES
You could’ve mentioned they had Superstrength well enough to strangle a man within seconds.
THE DOCTOR
I would have… if I’d known.
(bit grim)
Which means they’ve been watching us.
Another blast hits close. The remaining Vlade Bot advances.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Right. New rule, no more obvious travel.
The Doctor pulls Reeves behind a rock outcrop as the Vlade Bot fires blindly.
REEVES
So you're saying they tracked us?
THE DOCTOR
From the moment we arrived.
They must have known they wanted us to arrive at the tower.
The Doctor peeks out, eyes narrowing.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
If we keep popping our Heads up, we’ll still be goners for sure.
REEVES
So we can use my transmat device.
THE DOCTOR
Well, it's a better idea than being shot at for the next three hours
REEVES
Best you Hold on Doctor, It may be a rocky ride
A distant silhouette can be seen again on the cliff—WATCHING.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
And if the Valde wants to hunt…
(smiles thinly)
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
…let’s make it an interesting one.
Reeves Activate his teleport device and a two Give materialise from behind the rocks
The Vlade Bot’s fire dies down as it searches for the two, only to find that The Doctor and Reeves disappear from the Vladebots sight.
INT: VLADE TELEPORT CHAMBER – CONT
In A harsh Flash of light. The Doctor and Reeves Find themselves in a completely barren and dark room
REEVES
Do you know where we are doctor?
THE DOCTOR
Most likely we're in the tower, I'd say by the lower levels. Better that you stay close while I try and find some light.
REEVES
Sure thing, Quick question.
THE DOCTOR
Yes, my lad.
REEVES
Is your hand cold and Metallica away?
THE DOCTOR
Um, Reeves
The Doctor Turns on his sonic screwdriver Which admits a red light showing that That the two have come face-to-face with one of the Vlade Robots
THE DOCTOR
That's not my hand.
The two are immediately Surrounded by Vlade Guards, weapons raised, eyes glowing.
REEVES
Goddamnit we’re surrounded
Reeves subtly reaches for his sidearm, a vlade bot reacts and shoots Reeves dead
THE DOCTOR
You didn't have to shoot the pour lad,You could've at least showed some compassion
VLADE SOLDIER
We do not need compassion, we are what we are
The Doctor raises his hands—not in surrender, but command.
THE DOCTOR
Now then, since we are your prisoners anyway. I have one important thing to say, Take us to your leader at once.
VLADE SOLDIER
This way
The Blade Guards Escort the Doctor to the Command Chamber
INT: VLADE COMMAND CHAMBER – MOMENTS LATER
Within a vast, cathedral-like chamber of metal At its centre stands the VLADE GENERAL, motionless, regal, terrifyingly calm.
The blast doors open as The Doctor is escorted forward.
VLADE SOLDIER
We have captured the Fugitives, shall they be destroyed?
The General slowly turns.
VLADE GENERAL
Leave them, I shall deal with them alone.
VLADE SOLDIER
As you wish General
The Doctor steps closer to the general, he looks around The chamber seeing how fantastic it is
THE DOCTOR
I have to say General, you’ve got a very lovely place. Especially for you folks preparing in all that invasion
The General descends one step closer to the doctor.
VLADE GENERAL
You know why you are here.
THE DOCTOR
Oh, I have a shortlist. Stop an Invasion or Conquest that you lot have in mind, most Notably on earth. Keep in mind you're the 26th Alien species that tried to conquer Earth in the last two weeks
The General gestures. A holographic image of earth appears in front of the two
VLADE GENERAL
The planet is weak, It worships chaos and calls it freedom. We will show the pitiful Existence of a species that we take for control from our enemies
The image shifts—Earth under VLADE CONTROL. Cities reorganised. Humanity subdued.
VLADE GENERAL (CONT’D)
We will bring order, efficiency, and perfection.
Reeves clenches his fists.
THE DOCTOR
You’ll wipe out billions.
VLADE GENERAL
No, We will use them, The resources shall be useful. So more considered the greatest weapons in the universe. We shall use them to our own will, for other planets What's surrender to our calls?
THE DOCTOR
So it's just one continuous mission invading one planet, using its supplies and then invading another, and the cycle continues over and over and over again until you have full control…
The General turns back to the Doctor, stepping closer—intimate now. Like Dracula approaching Van Helsing.
VLADE GENERAL
And you, Doctor… You are not of their world.
THE DOCTOR
Of course I'm not,In some cases I can be the most dangerous thing in this entire room.
The Doctor meets his gaze, unblinking.
VLADE GENERAL
Then join us, and we can rule as one.we will conquer Earth. Not as destroyers… but as gods.
The Doctor exhales, knowing that he has a secret trick up his sleeve.
THE DOCTOR
You know… For a moment there, you almost sold it.
The General watches carefully.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Order. Stability. An end to all the mess.
(soft smile)
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
All right. You have yourself a deal
VLADE GENERAL
Wise choice.
The doctor reaches his left hand to the general only for him to subtly flick his Sonic Screwdriver behind his back.
THE DOCTOR
Just one thing before we seal the alliance.
VLADE GENERAL
Speak.
THE DOCTOR
Your command centre is very impressive to the eyes.
The sonic emits a low, inaudible pulse. Panels behind the General BEGIN TO FLICKER.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
But you built it to think you were infallible.
ALARM KLAXONS BLARE.
VLADE GENERAL
What have you done?!
THE DOCTOR
Oh, nothing dramatic. Just told your core systems that you authorised a total purge.
The chamber SHUDDERS.
EXPLOSIONS ripple through the walls.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Turns out your idea of perfection had one flaw. You never were too bright of an android!
The Doctor grabs the teleport device to help Escape from the palace which starts to crumble around the doctor. All the Vlade bots start deactivating
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Now then, that’s my cue to get out of here.
EXT: BARREN LANDSCAPE – MOMENTS LATER
The Doctor materialises outside the base. Behind him, the castle erupts into smoke, collapsing into fire and ruin. The Doctor watches in silence.
THE DOCTOR
Goodness gracious that was a close one have to say bit of a shame that everything had to fall to pieces.
A familiar hum fills the air as a figure Materialises beside him. THE MESSENGER stands once more, composed, detached.
THE MESSENGER
Doctor. It appears the threat has been neutralised. I must congratulate you for saving the Earth once more.The high council of the time Lords will be very pleased with your work.
THE DOCTOR
Yes. It wasn't too hard of a job there is however one unfortunately thing
(pauses)
Reeves is dead, He gave his life so that the mission could continue forward.
The Messenger doesn’t react.
THE MESSENGER
Agent Reeves fulfilled his function. His loss was… acceptable.
The Doctor slowly turns.
THE DOCTOR
“Acceptable”?
THE MESSENGER
He was expendable, The outcome justifies the cost.
That word lands hard.
THE DOCTOR
Expendable… You know, that’s funny he laughed. Back there, just before it all went wrong. He almost sounded nervous when I first met him.
The Messenger remains unmoved.
THE MESSENGER
Even so, history will not remember him. It will remember that the invasion never happened.
The Doctor steps closer now—anger controlled, but real.
THE DOCTOR
History might not but I know someone will.
(beat)
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Think about it for a second, He might’ve had a family. Someone waiting at home, checking the door, thinking any minute now. hoping he’d come back.
The Messenger looks away—only slightly.
THE MESSENGER
Sentiment clouds judgement doctor.
THE DOCTOR
And that's the problem. All you do is sit up there in your high towers with your grand halls, your councils, your rules watching the universe like it’s a chessboard.
(voice rising)
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
You observe. You calculate. And when someone dies, you call it a necessary loss.
Silence.
The Messenger studies the Doctor.
THE MESSENGER
You agreed to this mission.
THE DOCTOR
I agreed to save Earth, nothing more, nothing less!
THE MESSENGER
And yet, Your defiance is noted.
THE DOCTOR
Good. Make sure it’s remembered.
The Doctor turns away.
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Next time you need someone to clean up your mess, don’t send a messenger.
The Messenger begins to dematerialise.
THE MESSENGER
Until you are needed again, Doctor.
The Doctor doesn’t look back.
THE DOCTOR
That’s the thing.
(beat)
THE DOCTOR (CONT’D)
I’m never needed, I just turned up.
The Messenger vanishes into thin air.
The Doctor stands alone once more. He exhales. The anger drains, leaving only grief and loneliness. The Doctor looks back at the ruins then taps his pocket, fingers brushing the sonic.
THE DOCTOR
It’s funny that you’re not here. though you wouldn’t have liked my previous self. He kept on running away from the problems instead of facing up to them. Now it’s up to me to put things right even if the universe won’t play fair.
The Doctor looks back at the ruins then taps his pocket
THE DOCTOR
Goodbye Reeves, You were a good friend.
The doctor continues his walk back to the tardis, he steps back inside his old box and closes the doors, In an instant, the ship fades away leaving the barren world silent once more.
THE END.