Terra Nullius
Written By Ashley Tuchin
INT. Mine Shaft – Day
Two young boys, KYLE and JACKIE, explore a mineshaft, knowing full well that they’re not supposed to be down there. Rocks crunch underfoot or skip across the stone floor.
Kyle
Wait up, Jackie! Urgh, you know we’re not meant to be down here.
Jackie
Stop being such a wuss, would ya? What are you so scared of?
Kyle
Dad beating the living daylights out of me if he finds out I came down here.
Jackie
Relax, he won’t find out. Besides, when you see what I found it’ll all be worth it.
Kyle
(Groans)
Yeah, well, how much further? I think my torch is on the blink.
(Sound of him smacking the torch.)
Jackie
Relax, it’s just up here. See!
Kyle
What, an opal seam? Big deal, we’ve seen loads of those.
Jackie
(Exasperated)
No, you drongo, not the opal, that!
Kyle
What, I don’t… Woah!
Jackie
Right? Get over here, it’s even cooler up close. Here, let me touch it…
Kyle
Jackie, just wait, OK!
(He stumbles on some loose rocks and falls.)
Argh! Damn it. See, I told you this was a stupid idea, I nearly broke me ankle.
[Beat]
Jackie, where are you? You’d better not be playing silly buggers, I’m not in the mood.
(There’s the sound of movement, Kyle jumps in surprise.)
Oh, God! Jackie, I swear, that wasn’t funny. I can see you hiding over there, you’re not being clever. If you’re waiting to jump out at me again, you’re gonna be waiting a long time ‘cause I’m going home.
Wait… what’s that on your head?
Oh, God! Aaargh!
(Kyle screams in shock and terror as, as we transition into the opening theme music.)
Int. Underground Cavern – Later the Same Day
The TARDIS materialises in the middle of a warmly lit cavern. There’s a beat before we hear the doors open and THE DOCTOR emerges, with SKYLER following.
The Doctor
Ah, Sydney, Australia! The year 2000 - 15th of September. Dawn of a new millennium and the start of the Sydney Summer Olympics. I reckon we’re just in time to watch Cathy Freeman light the flame and see my past self take the bronze for shotput.
(Realising where they are)
Ah. Hmmm.
Skyler
Ah, Doctor? Are the Olympics typically held underground?
The Doctor
Not typically, no. Well, not until spelunking is added to the games in 2088. Definitely not in the Sydney games though.
Skyler
Doctor, is it just me or is this the best furnished cave you’ve ever seen? Rows and rows of plastic chairs, overhead lighting… and up there, there’s some sort of wonky wooden table thing.
The Doctor
Oh, that’s not just any wonky wooden table thing, Skyler. I’m pretty sure this is an altar. Look, it’s even got a makeshift crucifix up behind the pulpit.
Skyler
An underground church? Who would build an underground church?
(Slightly ominous music creeps in.)
The Doctor
I don’t know, but I’ve got a bad feeling about it. It could be some secret sect who perform sacrifices in the name of some Great Old One from the dawn of the universe.
(Ominous music stops.)
Skyler
Well, that sign says ‘Colouring with Christ Kids Corner’.
The Doctor
(Disappointed)
Ah.
Skyler
And according to this brochure it’s called The Catacomb Church. Apparently we’re in some place called… Coo-ber Pee-Dee.
The Doctor
(Excited)
Coober Pedy? Are you sure?
Skyler
That’s what it says here. Hey, where are you going?
(The Doctor races for the door, excited to get a look at where they are.)
The Doctor
Come on outside, I’ve got to get a good look at this!
EXT. Coober Pedy Street Level, Outside the Catacomb Church
The Sun shines bright in the sky, with peak summer intensity. The Doctor runs out into the street and turns around, full of enthusiasm and wonder as he takes in the sight of the church and the surrounding area.
The Doctor
Ha! Skyler, would you look at that! Isn’t it brilliant? I’ve always wanted to visit Coober Pedy.
Skyler
(Shooing flies away as she speaks.)
Argh! Why, do you like, pfft, the taste of sweat and blow flies?
The Doctor
No silly, because this place is a marvel of ingenuity and endurance of the human spirit.
The Doctor (Cont’d)
Look at that! See, the church has an exterior façade but the interior of the church is carved out from the hill behind it.
You see, this whole area started out as opal mines – Coober Pedy is famous for its opals – but the miners had the ingenious idea of building these underground dwellings called dugouts, to protect them from the relentless heat. It’s a lot cooler underground, you see. So as the town grew out of the old mining sites, a lot of people continued that trend.
After opals it’s what the town’s most famous for.
Skyler
(Still fighting the flies.)
That’s great Doctor, pfft, but is there any chance WE can get out of the heat too? And away from these bloody flies!
The Doctor
Not a problem, I want to check out some more dugouts.
Skyler
Wait, Doctor, look! I don’t like the look of that crowd over there. It kind of sounds like an angry mob.
The Doctor
You’re right, Skyler! Blimey, it looks like the whole town’s gathered round the local police station.
I’ve got a bad feeling about this, let’s go check it out.
[Transitional music plays as the Doctor and rush over to the police station.]
EXT. POLICE STATION
Gravel crunches underfoot as the Doctor and Skyler approach the station; a crowd of about forty or fifty rowdy people surround the station, shouting over one another, baying for blood.
Trev
(Shouting in a commanding voice.)
Settle down, you lot! Settle down! I’ve warned you all to go home or I’ll start throwing you all in cells of your own.
(The crowd settles, but they’re still agitated.
Mr. Quinn
Come off it Trev, you’re seriously gonna protect that thing? It ate me boy!
Trev
(Authoritative)
We don’t know that, Dale. Fact is, we don’t know anything, and until we do have some facts we’re going to stay calm, got that? Until Ethan and Ross get back I’m still top cop, so you’re all going to keep your heads and do what I say.
The Doctor
G’day, Coober Pedians!
Trev
Where’d you two come from?
The Doctor
(Whips out the psychic paper with a flourish.)
Snr. Inspector Smith with Scotland Yard, here are my credentials. We’re here to help.
Trev
Scotland Yard?
The Doctor
Australian Branch.
Trev
(Sceptical)
Dispatch told me they couldn’t get me any reinforcements ‘till tomorrow. On account of the public holiday.
The Doctor
Yes, but we’re on Scottish time.
(Lowers voice; Steps closer.)
Now, am I right in thinking you’ve had some trouble with some unusual local fauna?
[Beat]
Trev
I reckon we oughta talk inside.
CUT TO:
INT. Police Station
A creaky fly screen door opens and closes as Trev escorts the Doctor and Skyler into the police station. A pedestal fan tries valiantly to provide some relief, to no avail.
Trev
Right, take a seat in the office, just through there. I’ll be with you in a tick.
The Doctor
Right-o, will do.
(Footsteps on creaky wooden floors, followed by wooden chairs scraping across the floorboards.)
Skyler
Doctor, do you have any idea what that was all about out there?
The Doctor
Hmm, not sure exactly, but it sounds like something’s happened to a child and the townspeople are out for blood, Oh! Look at that calendar, 26th of January, 1988.
Skyler
So, not only did you get the place wrong, you got the date wrong too. Again.
The Doctor
Bah, the Olympics aren’t going anywhere. Besides, this right here is historic too. Today’s the bicentennial of Australia’s European colonisation.
Skyler
Is that a good thing?
Trev
Depends who you ask.
(An awkward moment.)
Trev
S’pose I should introduce myself. Trevor Wilson, Park Ranger up at the Kanku-Breakaways. Most folks just call me Trev.
The Doctor
Nice to meet you Trev, I’m the Doctor – ah, Inspector Dr. Smith - and this is Skyler.
Skyler
Hey, ah, don’t mean to be rude, but if you’re a park ranger…
Trev
Why am I acting like a cop? Fair question. Most of the small town cops got called in to the bigger towns and cities to help with crowd control, on account of the big day.
(This a touch of bitterness in his voice when he says ‘big day’.)
Since I’m the next best thing to an authority figure round here, they wrangled me in to watch the shop. That was supposed to just mean answering the phones and maybe breaking up a drunken brawl or two tonight.
(He exhales)
Wasn’t expecting anything like this.
Skyler
Yeah, they seemed pretty riled up. This heat can’t be helping.
Trev
Yeah, well, they’re good people. Just had a bit of a scare, is all. Couple that with a missing kid, people get jittery.
The Doctor
Ah yes, I figured this was to do with a child. Why don’t you fill us in on what exactly has been going on here?
Trev
Couple of kids went mucking about in an abandoned mine on the edge of town. One of them came back screaming, running through town going on about monsters and his little mate, Jackie, vanishing before his eyes.
Nobody put much stock in it at first – just a bored kid playing silly buggers. But then Jackie’s parents realised he was missing, so we gathered up a search party and went to check out the mine. We didn’t find the boy, but what we did find…
[Beat]
The Doctor
(Soft, but inquisitive)
Those people out there were rambling about a monster. But in my experience there’s no such thing as monsters, just life we haven’t had time to understand yet. Trev, would you care to help me understand exactly what we’re dealing with here?
Trev
(A little shaken but trying to keep a level head.)
Right-o. Follow me.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION – HOLDING CELL
We transition to the next scene with the sound of keys rattling, a lock clicking and a door opening.
Trev
We found it hiding in the mine, the poor thing looked terrified. The rest of the search party went mental, Denny even tried to shoot it with a flare gun. I managed to calm them down and coax the big fella out – crikey Moses, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Didn’t take long for word to get out and panic to start spreading. It was a bloody miracle I managed to get it into the cell alive.
‘Scuse the dark, it didn’t much like the sun, so I’ve been keeping the lights off and the shades drawn.
The Doctor
Smart. And very compassionate, Trev. I’m impressed.
Skyler
Yeah, the whole town’s losing it but look at you, keeping a level head and looking out for this so-called monster’s well-being.
Trev
I saw enough killing in ‘Nam. I became a ranger out here for peace and to be with Mother Nature. Far as I’m concerned, this just might be a rare type of species that came here long before humans ever walked the earth. Right, cell’s just there. You can see the big fella huddled up in the corner.
The Doctor
(He crouches down, peering at the figure through the darkness.)
Hello there, who are you? I’m the Doctor and I’m here to help. Do you mind if I take a closer look?
Torvak
(Shocked)
You speak my tongue?
Trev
(Shocked)
It talks! Strewth!
The Doctor
Oh, he was always talking, you just didn’t know how to listen yet. TARDIS translation circuit.
Skyler
Our ship, it sort of gets in your head and translates everything for you. To that thi – to that creature in there - we’re speaking its language.
Trev
(Confused)
Ship?
The Doctor
It’s OK, I promise I won’t hurt you, I just want to get a better look at you. Are you injured?
Torvak
N-no, just frightened. The apes… they were frenzied. They wanted to kill me. I…
The Doctor
It’s OK, you’re safe now, just step a little further into the light. That’s it… Oh my, look at you. You are beautiful, aren’t you?
Skyler
Doctor, do you recognise it – him – them?
The Doctor
(A smile in his voice.)
Oh yes, his people and I go way back. Skyler, Trev, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to a member of Earth’s first people – homo reptilia. Also known as Earth Reptiles, but despite best efforts, most commonly known as… Silurians.
CUT TO:
INT. LOCAL PUB
Most of the angry mob have relocated to the pub. The bartender, CHERYL, tries to placate them with a round of free drinks, but Mr. QUINN and some of the others are still fuming. Muted chatter can be heard in the background.
Mr. Quinn
(Grumbling)
I can’t believe he’s protecting that monster. Me boy’s dead and he’s protecting his killer.
Cheryl
Come on Dale, you don’t know that. Jackie could still turn up, you’ve gotta have faith, mate.
Here, have another one on me.
(Sound of a beer tap being pulled.)
How’s Sarah holding up?
Mr. Quinn
Left her in bed, not much I can do except let her sob herself to sleep.
Cheryl
You think maybe you should be there with her, instead of stewing here?
Mr. Quinn
Just stick to pouring drinks, Cheryl.
Jono
Well, you know what I reckon? Me ute’s still loaded up with rifles from roo shootin’. I reckon all we need is five or six blokes to load up and go tell Trev to get out of town. He ain’t a real cop, I reckon he’ll take the hint and then we can take care of business.
Cheryl
Oh, pull your head in, Jono! Everyone’s on edge as it is, last thing we need is some hothead throwing guns into the mix.
Come on Dale, I’ll get someone to take you home. You and Sarah should be together.
[Beat]
Mr. Quinn
(Ominous)
How many rifles you got?
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION – HOLDING CELL
Skyler
Wait… I remember hearing stories about reptiles that ruled the Earth before humans.
The Doctor
Yes, they went into hibernation underground when they predicted an impending Extinction Level Event. Fortunately the disaster never came to pass, but while they were sleeping those pesky homo sapiens took their place on the surface.
(To Torvak)
I’m the Doctor, what’s your name?
Torvak
(Uncertain)
I’m… my name is Torvak.
The Doctor
It’s a pleasure to meet you, Torvak. These are my friends…
(He waits for Skyler and Trev to introduce themselves.)
Skyler
(Taking the hint)
Oh, sorry, yeah, hi, Torvak. I’m Skyler, nice to meet you.
Trev
(A little awkward, unsure how to act.)
Oh um, yeah and I’m Trevor, but you can call me Trev. Ah, nice to meet you, Torvak.
Torvak
Sky…ler? That word… sky. I had heard it all my life, in the stories of my grandfather. I never thought I’d actually get to see it though. It… burns my eyes.
The Doctor
Yes, I’m afraid growing up underground has left you a touch photosensitive – extra tricky with three eyes. We’ll do our best to get you back home as quickly as possible.
Speaking of which, you mentioned your grandfather… does that mean that your whole colony is out of hibernation?
Torvak
Our hibernation pods broke down centuries ago and we lacked the tools to repair them. My grandfather says that for a time we came to the surface and lived in peace with the apes. Until another caste of apes – pale, like you - arrived and drove us back underground. We have been eking out an existence there ever since.
Trev
Funny, that sounds kind of familiar.
The Doctor
Yes, I quite like humanity, but you do have trouble letting go of your prejudices. Well, your people and Torvak’s managed to co-exist, which proves it is possible.
But Torvak, if we’re to ensure your safety and get you back home, we need to know what happened to the missing human child. He disappeared in the mineshaft right before you were discovered, surely you must have seen him.
Torvak
Yes, I-I think so. I came to the surface against my father’s wishes – I just wanted to see the surface. When I emerged I saw two pale apes, so I hid. I remembered the stories of how they’d massacred my ancestors, I was so scared.
From my hiding place I saw one of them stumble through our protective barrier and pass through. Before I could go after him the other ape suddenly appeared, shining a burning light into my face and screaming a blood-bubbling scream. I panicked and ran, got turned around and couldn’t find my way back. That’s when I found you, Trev, and the other apes.
Trev
Yeah, sorry about that mate. That wasn’t the best welcoming party you could have hoped for. People just… they’ve got a pretty bad track record when it comes to meeting people who aren’t like them. But I want you to know, not everyone’s like that, mate.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE PUB - Evening
Fuelled by fear and booze, an angry mob rallies around Jono’s ute as they load up with weapons.
Jono
Here we are boys, pass em’ round! Safeties on ‘till we get in the cop shop.
Cheryl
Jonathan bloody Turrell, have you flamin’ well lost it? This is a small town, we’ve got kids here and you’re stirrin’ up a riot? We’ve already got one kid missing, you want someone else to wind up dead?
Jono
Rack off, Cheryl! Stick to pourin’ schooners.
Steve
Come off it Jono, Dale, she’s right. You all need to just settle down before someone gets hurt.
Mr. Quinn
Stay outta this, Steve. If you ain’t gonna help us then stay out of our way.
(He climbs up on the ute and yells out, addressing the crowd.)
Listen up, you lot! Any of you don’t want to help us do what’s gotta be done, you stay outta our way, you hear? Go home with the women and children and you keep the doors locked ‘till this is over, you got that? I’ve already lost me boy, I’m not letting that thing take any more of our kids!
The rest of you, follow Jono and me and hold back until one of us gives the signal. We’re gonna give Trev and those blow-ins a chance to get out before we go in.
Now, come on!
(The mob roars and cheers as they charge off towards the police station.)
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION – HOLDING CELL - Evening
Doctor
OK Torvak, it’s time to get both you and Jackie back home, safe and sound. There’s no need for things to escalate any further between your people and the people of this town.
(There’s the faint sound of the approaching mob in the background.)
Trev
Yeah, it might be a bit too late for that, Doc’. Come take a look.
Skyler
Why, what… Oh, God! They’ve got guns!
Trev
(Disgusted)
Jono bloody Turrell. Any excuse.
Skyler
Doctor, there’s got to be a dozen of them and most of them are armed.
The Doctor
(A little unnerved, but not enough to sway his resolve.)
Right, well, it puts a wrinkle in things but I’ve faced down hordes of Daleks, I’m sure I can handle twelve angry larrikins.
Skyler
Oh, yeah? And how are you going to do that exactly?
Doctor
I suppose I’ll just have to win them over with my charming personality.
Trev
I think you’d better let me handle it, mate. Me Land Cruiser’s parked out the back. You two take young Torvak there and slip out the back while I try to talk some sense into those drongos. Nothing else, I might buy you some time.
Torvak
No Trev, I can’t let you sacrifice yourself for me.
Trev
(Laughs)
Nobody’s getting sacrificed, mate. It might not seem like it right now, but they’re actually good blokes. Just scared, is all.
Skyler
(Sarcastically)
Yeah, because scared people have never hurt anyone.
Trev
Trust me, love, I know. Two years in ‘nam and a lifetime with this skin. That’s why I’m not taking chances. I don’t have the keys to the armoury, but Ethan and Ross keep a shotgun under the front desk.
Doctor
(Disapproving)
Trev, I can’t let you –
Trev
Don’t worry Doc’, I won’t load it.
Doctor
(Uncertain)
Trev -
(There’s a banging on the front door.)
Mr. Quinn
(Distant)
Trev! Open up! We don’t wanna hurt you, mate! Just walk away and let us do what needs to be done!
(More banging)
Mate, if you don’t let us in we’re gonna break the bloody door down and God help you if you get in our way!
(More banging)
You’ve got two minutes, then we’re coming in!
(The air is thick with tension.)
Trev
Reckon that settles it then.
You get this young fella home, you hear me, Doc’? And you bring back young Jackie safe and sound too. Got it? No time for arguments. Just take the boy and get going.
[Beat]
Doctor
(Heavy-hearted but full of respect.)
Thank you, Trev. But be careful, OK? Chances are they’ll chase after us as soon as they see the Land Cruiser, so just hold them off for a few minutes and don’t do anything stupid, OK?
Trev
(Laughs)
Don’t worry mate, I didn’t survive a war just to cop it from Jono bloody Turrell and his mates.
Doctor
(Small laugh)
likewise.
Alright then, Skyler, help me get Torvak up.
Torvak
Thank you, Trev. I’ll make sure my people know your name.
Skyler
You’re a good man, Trev.
Trev
Alright, alright, just get gone already.
CUT TO:
Ext. Police Station – Front Door – Evening
Mr. Quinn
Alright Trev, time’s up! We’re comin’ in!
(Turns around, calls out to the men behind him.)
Get ready boys, I’m gonna kick it in.
(Grunting and effort sounds as he kicks the door repeatedly, but to no avail. He backs up to give it a run-up, but before he reaches the door, it opens with a creak.)
Trev
What’s all this ruckus about, mate? Can’t a fella watch a bit of telly in peace? I was gonna check out that new soap on Seven, I hear it’s pretty good.
Mr. Quinn
(Losing patience)
I warned you what would happen if you got in our way, mate. Open that bloody fly-screen door and step aside, or so help me…
(He whistles and in response the rest of the men approach, cocking their guns and snickering.)
Trev
You blokes drive a hard bargain. Alright, I’ll open the door.
(Sound of the latch clicking and the fly screen door creaking open.)
Mr. Quinn
Smart man.
Crikey-Moses!
Trev
But I’ll stick this shotty in your face, sound fair to you?
(The crowd grows wild)
Trev
Quiet! The lot of ya! Now, I’m only going to say this once: Go home! What’s the matter, Dale? You’re not lookin’ so sure of yourself now.
(He lowers his voice.)
Come on mate, go home to Sarah. This isn’t you.
Mr. Quinn
(For just a moment he questions his resolve.)
Trev, I…
(Suddenly the sound of the Land Cruiser’s engine rings through the night.)
Mr. Quinn
(Any hope of being calmed or reasoned with is gone.)
Orr, you slimy bastard. You’re keeping us busy while they escape! Boys, don’t let ‘em through!
(The mob gets fired up; there’s the sound of an engine and tyres on dust and gravel as the Land Cruiser comes flying from around the back, performing an impressive handbrake turn, showering the mob with blinding dirt. A door opens.)
The Doctor
Come with me if you want to live! I’ve always wanted to say that.
(Trev jumps into the passenger side and slams the door shut. The tyres spin on gravel before the Land Cruiser takes off again.)
CUT TO:
INT. LAND CRUISER
The radio plays in the background and we hear the tell-tale sounds of a car in motion. At first on rough terrain, then quickly onto a smooth properly surfaced road.
Trev
(Irritated)
I was getting through to him, Doc’.
Skyler
You’ve got a pretty funny way of saying thanks.
The Doctor
That may be true Trev, but I wasn’t going to take the risk of leaving you with that mob. As soon as they realised you’d been stalling them, who knows what they would have done.
Trev
You’re right. Thanks, mate. Both of you.
(The sound of engines can be heard behind them.)
The Doctor
Don’t thank me just yet, it looks like they’re not giving up that easily. We’ve got three cars on our tail.
Skyler
Ah, yeah, and one of them has a guy hanging out the window with a shotgun!
The Doctor
Trev, local knowledge, any suggestions.
Trev
Take that hard right up ahead, it’ll get us off the bitumen and onto the back road out to the old mining site. Only one of them’s an off-roader, so we should lose the other two.
(We hear the Doctor make the turn and the driving sounds become rougher as they go off-road.)
And how are you going back there, young Torvak?
Torvak
My blood is still racing, but… I am OK.
Skyler
I’m just dandy, thanks for asking.
Torvak
Although, the motion of this vehicle is unlike anything that I am used to. It makes me feel… uneasy in my belly.
Skyler
(Mildly panicking)
Hey! Hey, now! How about we crack a window before you upchuck all over me.
(We hear the sound of Skyler cranking down the window with difficulty, before wind rushes in.)
There now, some fresh air will do you good. Just do us a favour and stick your head that way if you’re gonna chuck.
Torvak
Thank you, I-
(There’s a gunshot as he sticks his head out.)
Trev
Torvak!
Skyler
He’s Ok! He’s OK!
(Sound of her winding the window up.)
OK, so much for fresh air then.
CUT TO:
EXT. OLD MINE SITE – DUSK
Gravel crunches under tyres as they pull up and park. The Doctor kills the engine and car doors open; feet hit the dusty ground.
Trev
Right, come on, entrance to the shaft is over here.
(Running footsteps before soft musical transition which takes us into the mine.)
The Doctor
OK Torvak, it’s over to you now. We’re going to need you to show us the way. The others will be on us in no time so we’ve got to be quick.
Torvak
That is OK, I remember the way well. I came through the protective barrier over there.
(Sound of footsteps and loose rocks shifting.)
Torvak (cont’d)
We must climb over this rubble.
The Doctor
Careful, Skyler. You’re not exactly dressed for rock climbing. Here, take my hand.
Skyler
Oh, please, like you can talk, Captain Dress Shoes. I can handle a – whoah!
(She slips but is fine.)
Shut up.
Trev
Right, everyone good?
Skyler
Some minor bruising of the ego, but otherwise unscathed.
The Doctor
Well, hello, look at you…
Skyler
Looks like more rock to me.
Trev
Nah, that’s not right… There’s something off about it.
The Doctor
That’s because it’s not rock, it’s a camouflaged force field. Alright Torvak, how do we get through?
Torvak
Only our kind may pass through from the outside, I’m afraid I must go alone.
The Doctor
Right, makes sense, I suppose. Well then Torvak, that means it’s all up to you. When you get home, we need you to find out what happened to Jackie. If he’s OK, please lead him back out to us.
If he’s not OK, for any reason, you or one of your grown-ups needs to come and speak to us. Please, let them know that we mean no harm. We brought you back home safely, all that we ask is Jackie be given the same treatment.
(Suddenly the sound of a gun cocking echoes through the mine, along with some tumbling rubble.)
Mr. Quinn.
Don’t you dare mention my boy’s name! That thing killed him and you lot are helping it escape!
The Doctor
Torvak, go!
Torvak
(Frightened)
Thank you – all of you!
(A gunshot rings out, followed by the sound of ricochet and the warping of the barrier.)
Skyler
What the Hell are you doing! Torvak!
The Doctor
It’s OK, he got through! The bullet missed, see?
Trev
Damn it, Dale! You’re gonna kill someone!
Mr. Quinn
(Cocks gun. He’s at the end of his rope.)
I warned you! I tried to warn you! I wanted to do this without anyone else getting hurt! But you bloody tree-hugging bleeding hearts care more about protecting bloody monsters than people!
Trev
(His words are full of authority, but there’s anger brewing beneath the surface.)
Mate, I’m going to ask you to put the gun down before you say or do something you’re gonna regret.
Mr. Quinn
Just show me where it went.
Skyler
Look, we know you’re scared, but the only one talking about killing a kid round here is you. Because that’s what Torvak is – not a thing or a monster, a kid. No different to your son.
The Doctor
Listen, Mr. Quinn, Torvak has gone back home to his people. If you’ll just be patient, we should be getting news about your son any minute now. Just please… wait.
[Beat]
Mr. Quinn
(His voice quivers, rage giving way to the grief he’s been trying to mask.)
I just want me boy back. I want him back.
Trev
(Calmer)
That’s all any of us want, mate. Now how’s about you give me that gun, eh?
(Trev takes a cautious step forward, gravel shifts underfoot as he closes the distance between himself and Mr. Quinn.)
Trev (cont)
Come on, mate. We’re friends. We all did things in ‘Nam; things we can’t take back. But that doesn’t make you a killer. You know I’d give me last breath if I thought it could save your boy. Trust me when I tell you, this won’t help anyone.
Mr. Quinn
(Whimpering)
I just want me boy.
(Suddenly a voice calls out.)
Jackie
Dad!
Mr. Quinn
(Shocked)
Jackie? Jackie!
Jackie
Dad!
(Sound of the gun dropping to the ground, followed by running footsteps as father and son reunite in a fierce embrace.)
Mr. Quinn
(Choking back tears of happiness)
Jackie, me boy! I thought you were gone for good. I thought –
(He spots another Silurian and panics, scrambling back to his feet.)
What the Hell! Jackie, get behind me!
Jackie
Dad, no, it’s OK! He looked after me.
The Doctor
Mr. Quinn – Dale – it’s OK. Look, he means you no harm.
Torvak
This is my father, Uncle Reyvin. He’s one of the elders of our tribe.
Uncle Reyvin
(To the Doctor)
Greetings. Young Torvak here tells me that you cared for him and even protected him from others who meant him harm.
The Doctor
And I see you did likewise. Thank you for returning the boy.
Uncle Reyvin
There were those who had more… radical notions of how to deal with him. But they were quickly quelled.
Trev
Yeah, I guess your people aren’t so different to ours.
Uncle Reyvin
You must be… Trev?
Trev
Ah, yes, Uncle.
Uncle Reyvin
Torvak has told me much about you. Your people and ours used to break bread together. Traded knowledge and stories.
Trev
I can definitely that.
The Doctor
See, Mr. Quinn? They may not be human, but they’re still just people like us.
Jackie
It’s true dad, I got lost down there, and when I first saw these giant lizards walking around, I freaked right out. But they took care of me.
Mr. Quinn
Jackie, I don’t know what happened down there, but this is grown-up business, alright?
Uncle Reyvin
You are welcome to come and see where we tended to Jackie. My wife, Alastra fed him and tended to his scrapes and bruises.
If at all possible, we would like to extend a hand of friendship to your tribe on the surface.
Mr. Quinn
Stay away from me, freak!
(He raises the gun and cocks it.)
Jackie
Dad!
Skyler
Are you serious?
Trev
Put the gun down, Dale!
The Doctor
(Throwing himself between Mr. Quinn and Reyvin.)
That’s enough! I am so sick of this mistrust and xenophobia. I have been trying to broker peace between your people for centuries, and every time I try some human feels the need to wave a gun around. To kill.
You know, there’s another species with whom I’m unfortunately well-acquainted, who also have a penchant for exterminating anything that doesn’t fit their worldview. And Mr. Quinn, on days like today I find it very difficult to tell your two species apart.
So please, just look at him. I mean, really look at him. See more than the scales or the extra eye. See Reyvin, a father who just wants to protect his son. A son he’s currently shielding from someone who must seem like a monster to him.
[Beat]
(Tense music plays)
Mr. Quinn
(He puts the gun down.)
Come on, Jackie. Let’s get you home and away from this freak show.
(Their footsteps can be heard as they walk away.)
The Doctor
I’m sorry about that, he… he’s just scared.
Uncle Reyvin
There’s no need to apologise.
Skyler
You’re right, he’s the one who should apologise. Some people just don’t change, do they?
Jackie
(Calling out from up on top of the rubble.)
Thanks, Uncle Reyvin. And thank Auntie Alastra for me too, yeah?
The Doctor
(Optimistic)
I don’t know, Skyler. Don’t be so sure.
CUT TO:
EXT. MINE SHAFT – Dusk
The Doctor, Skyler, Trev, Torvak and Reyvin have emerged from the mine into the inky twilight. Reyvin is overwhelmed to be upon the surface.
Reyvin
(Filled with awe)
In all my years, I never thought I would live to see the surface.
Skyler
Yeah, sorry it’s so late, the sun’s barely peeking over the horizon.
Reyvin
On the contrary… The burnt glow of sunlight retreating under the inky encroach of night… and all of those stars. By the mother, I’ve heard tales of the stars all my life, but I could never imagine just how…
(It’s almost too much for him.)
The Doctor
(Wistful)
You know, I spend so much time among the stars, sometimes I forget just how beautiful they are from down here.
Trev
Yeah, it really is God’s country out here. Most folks forget that the land doesn’t really belong to any of us.
Uncle, I’d like to open talks with your people, if you’d let me. I can’t speak for everyone in this town, but I'm happy to help either way.
Reyvin
That would be much appreciated, thank you Trev.
Trev
For starters, I’ve got a bit of an idea. What would you say to relocating to the national park where I work? Since the highway went in, this town’s been growing into a bit of a tourist spot, it’s only a matter of time before we have another incident like today. At least up in the Breakaways you’ll be more isolated; you might even get time on the surface.
Skyler
That sounds like a great idea!
Trev
I know it’s not a perfect arrangement, but it’s a start. And in the meantime I can get to working on the townsfolk, see if we can change some hearts and minds. With young Jackie there’s hope for the next generation.
Reyvin
(Thinking)
I think it warrants further discussion. Let me take your offer to the council and perhaps they will even be open to hearing it from you in person.
Trev
Sounds like a plan to me, mate.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF COOBER PEDY – NIGHT
We hear the Land Cruiser pull up, followed by doors opening and closing. The engine continues idling. The faint sound of music can be heard coming from the pub in the distance.
Trev
You sure you want me to drop you off here?
The Doctor
Oh, yes, this is fine. We’re parked in the church.
Skyler
By the church!
Trev
Right. You know, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you two for everything you’ve done. I didn’t know what to make of you at first, but if you hadn’t shown up… Well, who knows how things would have panned out?
The Doctor
Don’t mention it. You’re a good man, Trev, you would have figured it out eventually.
Skyler
Are you kidding, Doctor? Those local yokels were out for blood, they would have torn him apart. Speaking of which… what are you going to do about them?
Trev
I reckon they’ve calmed down by now, especially with young Jackie back. From the sounds of things, they’re already celebrating down at the pub.
The Doctor
And tomorrow they’ll choose to forget about all of this. They’ll have to. Their worldview has been challenged and it scares them. The only way forward for them is wilful ignorance.
Trev
Not me, mate.
The Doctor
(A smile in his voice.)
No, not you. Farewell, Trev. Humanity couldn’t ask for a better representative.
Skyler
See ya! And good luck.
Trev
And you too.
(The car shifts into gear and drives off.)
Skyler
Oh my God, I can’t believe it, after that scorching heat today, now it’s freezing!
The Doctor
It’s a land of extremes, isn’t it?
Skyler
Doctor, do you think he’ll actually do it? Make peace between the Silurians and the humans?
The Doctor
Who can say? History seems to say no, but you’d be surprised by how much happens between the pages of history books.
Skyler
Meaning?
The Doctor
Meaning, the road to co-existence is a long one, but I think both sides have their best people on the job.
The End