‘Doom of the Daleks’, Part One, Chapter 1

1. The Dwaxi

Roll original 1982 Peter Davison opening credits

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SCENE #1 – INT – ELAINE’S QUARTERS, MOONRAKER – 26TH CENTURY – MORNING
Transmission interference occurs, blaring and sizzling loudly, as an intercoms link is established. Commander Elaine Thomas is in her quarters aboard the starship Moonraker. She accesses her personal computer to activate a communications channel to to her fiancée and the former starship’s counsellor, Eddie Simmons, back on Earth. His voice is distorted as he speaks at his end of the communication channel.

EDDIE (V’O)
Elaine?

ELAINE
(through intercom) Hey, handsome!

EDDIE (V’O)
Sweetheart! Great hearing you! Whereabouts are you?

ELAINE
(through intercom) Just left Barbus Swee Four two hours ago. We’re on our way to the Yondamus Passage. How’s home?

EDDIE (V’O)
Everything’s fine back home. Your mom’s being nagging through telelink about when you’re coming home. And she’s not the only one!

ELAINE
(through intercom) Hey. I’m still settling deadlines on what to do before the day. Ordered some Vestrian flowers yesterday.

EDDIE (V’O)
Well, that’s nice to hear. But I’m still doing most of the arranging here. Luckily my sister’s here to help out.

ELAINE
(through intercom) Yes. How’s Jennie?

EDDIE (V’O)
She’s great! Misses your company.

ELAINE
(through intercom) Oh bless her.

EDDIE (V’O)
As do I!

ELAINE
(through intercom) You just want me back there because you can’t sort out the wedding without me.

EDDIE (V’O)
Yes.

ELAINE
(through intercom) Guys.

EDDIE (V’O)
I haven’t any imagination.

Both laugh.

EDDIE (V’O)
Our little boy’s had his first day at prep-school today.

ELAINE
(through intercom) Oh tell him that his mommy’s missing him.

EDDIE (V’O)
I will. How was Barbus Swee Four?

ELAINE
(through intercom) Oh the shore leave went well. No major accidents or injuries. Just lots of rain.

EDDIE (V’O)
Well, the weather here’s fantastic! Spain’s a perfect holiday resort!

ELAINE
(through intercom) You make me jealous.

EDDIE (V’O)
Ah, but you still love me.

ELAINE
(through intercom) Try me.

Both laugh.

ELAINE
(through intercom) Shouldn’t complain much really. You’ll be coming back to take up your duties as ship’s counsellor soon.

EDDIE (V’O)
(chuckles) Yes. When will you arrive?

ELAINE
(through intercom) We’ll be in Earth’s orbit as soon as we finish our negotiations with Yondamus. That should take ten Earth days.

EDDIE (V’O)
You take care of yourself, sweetheart.

ELAINE
(through intercom) I will.

EDDIE (V’O)
How’s the crew these days?

ELAINE
(through intercom) Oh. Same as ever. The Captain…

Suddenly they’re interrupted, as a tannoy announcement is made across the ship. The voice belongs to Lt. Commander Colin Wilson, the second officer aboard the ship.

COLIN (V’O)
All senior officers report to bridge. We’re entering Yondamus Space now. Captain’s orders. Repeat – all senior officers report to the bridge.

The communication channel breaks up on Elaine’s intercom. Eddie’s voice distorts even more.

EDDIE (V’O)
What’s happening? Sweetheart?

ELAINE
(through intercom) It’s the bridge. They’re calling all senior officers to report. I’m sorry I’ve got to go. (Pause) Give my love and regards to Mark and the rest of the family.

EDDIE (V’O)
Don’t worry. I will.

ELAINE
(through intercom) Oh and my love to you.

EDDIE (V’O)
Thanks, Elaine. Likewise.

The transmission distorts more and more.

EDDIE (V’O)
Elaine, my comm’s breaking up.

ELAINE
(through intercom) I know. Bye, love.

EDDIE (V’O)
Bye, dear.

Elaine switches off her communication channel on the intercom via her personal computer, ending her conversation with Eddie. Shutting down her computer screen, she sighs before getting up and makes her way out of her quarters. The electronic doors of her room slide open and close as Elaine leaves.

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SCENE #2 – EXT – KARZ NEBULA, YONDAMUS SPACE – 26TH CENTURY – N/A
The definitive-class starship Moonraker travels on impulse speed in space, as it crosses and enters into Yondamus territory. As it journeys on through the Yondamus Passage, the Moonraker enters through a cloud called the Karz Nebula, full of sparks of electricity and energy.

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SCENE #3 – INT – MAIN BRIDGE, MOONRAKER – 26TH CENTURY – MORNING
On the bridge of the Moonraker, officers and starship crew walk to and fro, working hard and carrying their daily duties aboard the ship. Electronic keypads bleep at various console stations on the bridge. Officers like Ensign Jack Kelly – the navigator and pilot – operates the helm controls; Lt. Gavin Frakes – the chief security officer – monitors the communications and Lt. Commander Colin Wilson takes charge in the captain’s chair. There is a sense of busy activity on the bridge, before an electronic door slide opens and the commanding officer Captain Kevin Sulley enters from his ready room. Colin Wilson rises from the captain’s chair once he sees the captain.

COLIN
(loudly) “Captain on the bridge!”

Everyone stands to attention as they see Captain Sulley. The captain observes everyone present on the bridge.

CAPTAIN
“As you were.”

Everyone stands at ease before returning to their posts and continuing their duties. Wilson stands aside to let Captain Sulley sit in the captain’s chair.

CAPTAIN
(to Wilson) “How are things so far, Mr. Wilson?”

COLIN
“We’re passing through the Karz Nebula as we speak, Captain. We should be notified of safe passage in Yondamus space very soon by the Yond Elders.”

CAPTAIN
“Very good.” (to Jack) “Ensign? What is our present speed?”

Jack Kelly presses a few button at the helm, rather excitedly, before formulating his response to the Captain.

JACK
(enthused) “Oh very good, sir. In fact we’re on a projector maximum of warp four point nine. I can increase to five point eight if you wish…”

CAPTAIN
“Thank you, Mr. Kelly. Maintain current speed.”

JACK
(solemnly) “Yes, sir.”

The Captain swivels in his chair to address Gavin Frakes.

CAPTAIN
“Mr. Frakes? Have we received any messages from Yondamus Prime?”

GAVIN
“No, sir. We’re having problems breaking through the synthetic barriers evident in the nebula.”

CAPTAIN
“Well, keep at it, Mr. Frakes. If the Yondamons realise we’re travelling in their space and not granted safe passage then for all we know we could end up losing the negotiations altogether.” (to Colin) “By the way, Mr. Wilson. Where’s Commander Thomas?”

COLIN
(bluntly) “She’s not here, sir. She’s absent.”

The electronic doors then slide open, as Elaine enters.

ELAINE
(ruefully) “Not absent, Mr. Wilson. Just temporarily delayed!”

CAPTAIN
“Ah, Miss Thomas. Glad you’re here.”

ELAINE
“I do apologise, Captain. There’s a good reason….”

CAPTAIN
(taunts) “You’re late, Commander. So that means you’re absent without leave!”

ELAINE
“I was talking to my fiancée for your information, Lieutenant Commander Wilson.” (to Captain) “And I was only a few minutes late, with all due respect, sir.”

COLIN
“That’s no excuse, Commander. You should handle your own personal time to yourself!”

CAPTAIN
(abruptly) “Please, Mr. Wilson! Leave this to me.” (to Elaine) “I do need your help, Miss Thomas. With the current state of affairs we have at the moment. So I would appreciate it if you could be present on the bridge.”

ELAINE
“I assure you Captain, I will be present during the negotiations!”

CAPTAIN
(gradually) Very well. And err…how is Mr. Simmons, Miss Thomas?

ELAINE
(reassuringly) He’s doing well thank you, sir.

CAPTAIN
Good.

Just then the intercom is switched on through the captain’s chair, as Gregory Cornwall – the chief engineer – speaks from the engineering section of the ship. His voice is distorted on the intercom as he speaks.

GREGORY (V’O)
Engineering to bridge?

Kevin presses the intercom button on his captain’s chair.

CAPTAIN
Bridge here. Captain Sulley speaking.

GREGORY (V’O)
Just reporting daily maintenance as per your instructions, Captain.

CAPTAIN
Go ahead.

GREGORY (V’O)
Warp engines are functioning normally. Maximum tolerance is satisfactory. In fact all starship systems are operating at full efficiency.

CAPTAIN
Thank you, Mr. Cornwall. Send your full report to my office terminal as soon as possible.

GREGORY (V’O)
Yes, sir. Cornwall out.

Kevin switches off the intercom on his captain’s chair, before addressing Elaine.

CAPTAIN
(to Elaine) Meet me in an hour’s time, Commander. The Yondamon ambassador’s shuttle will be arriving soon. I shall need your help to discuss the formal negotiations between Earth and Yondamus.

ELAINE
Yes, sir.

Elaine goes over to check a panel station away from Captain Sulley. She presses a few button on a keypad at a control console, before Colin Wilson comes by to see her.

ELAINE
(startled) Don’t you ever announce yourself?

COLIN
I think it’s very disrespectful for a senior officer to be looked down by his or her fellow officers the way you keep being flexible about your duties.

ELAINE
“Look who’s talking! He wasn’t particularly happy with the progress you made with that scientific analysis of the debris we collected yesterday.”

COLIN
“I explained to the Captain that an ordinary procedure can’t be rushed if the job is to be done properly. I said eight hours with no guarantee.”

ELAINE
“It was an eight hours that certainly didn’t give the Captain a happy look.”

COLIN
I can’t help being cautious with my work.

ELAINE
You just mind your own status, Colin. You can work your way up through the ranks of command all you like. But don’t go poking your nose into how I deal with…

COLIN
(interrupts; quietly) May I ask you not to address me on friendly terms when we’re on the bridge?

ELAINE
‘Friendly terms’? I just called you by your first name.

COLIN
I would appreciate it if you took your officer duties seriously! You’re embarrassing me!

ELAINE
Oh for goodness sake, Colin! We’ve known each other for three months…

COLIN
Commander Wilson, if you please!

ELAINE
(gradually) “Very well, Commander.”

COLIN
“I shall soon be commissioned to another vessel when I reach the full commanding position as you’re in now. So you’d better show me some proper respect before I disembark here forever.”

ELAINE
(laughs) “That won’t happen for quite a number of years I expect.”

COLIN
“It may be sooner yet.” (Pause) “So stop distributing your incompetence in front of the captain like you are now with your apparent flirtation with him. It insults me!”

Colin leaves Elaine, who is left completely baffled. Just then, the electronic door slides open as Gregory Cornwall enters onto the bridge. He meets up with Gavin Frakes at his station.

GREGORY
“Have I missed much, Gavin?”

GAVIN
(quietly) “I don’t think Lt. Commander Wilson likes Commander Thomas much.”

GREGORY
(chuckles) “Well we all know that, don’t we?!”

Gregory then goes over to meet the Captain at his chair on the bridge.

GREGORY
“I’ve just sent the report you asked for to your terminal, sir.”

CAPTAIN
“Thank you, Mr. Cornwall. I shall read it soon.” (to Gavin) “How are we doing with communications, Mr. Frakes?”

GAVIN
“Still not getting through the barrier, sir.”

Just then an urgent beeping comes from Gavin’s workstation.

GAVIN
“Wait a minute! I’m picking up something.”

Moment of silence, as Gavin tries to decipher what he’s receiving on his workstation.

ELAINE
“What is it, Gavin?”

GAVIN
(gradually) “I’m picking up a distress signal. It’s very faint but it’s definitely evident.”

CAPTAIN
“Co-ordinates?”

GAVIN
“Just a minute, sir.”

Gavin presses a few button at his workstation to track the source of the distress call.

COLIN
(impatiently) “Well Mr. Frakes?”

GAVIN
“Yes. Distress signal located in Gamma Alpha Four, Seven Delta G-Five Twelve. Down the lower membrane of the nebula!”

ELAINE
(to Sully) “Shall we respond to this distress signal, Captain?”

COLIN
“And let our enemy know we’re here, Commander Thomas? I don’t think so.”

CAPTAIN
“What does the message say, Mr. Frakes?”

GAVIN
“It’s a continuous message, sir. Text only I’m afraid” (Pause) “It reads…need of assistance; two children on board; frontier-class vessel Roofer in need of repairs; Urgent.” (Pause) “That’s all I can get, sir.”

CAPTAIN
(thinks) “Roofer was a vessel missing two years ago. It was reported missing without notice before an eventual search could be carried out.”

ELAINE
“How can it be lost out here, sir?”

COLIN
“Do you wish me to report this, Captain?”

Moment of silence, as the Captain thinks.

CAPTAIN
“Ensign Kelly?”

JACK
“Yes sir?”

CAPTAIN
“I want you to take a shuttle and investigate that distress call.”

JACK
(thrilled) “Yes, sir!”

CAPTAIN
“And take Dr. Cole with you.”

JACK
“Oh.”

Just then, a whizzing noise echoes from Jack’s workstation. He attends to it, pressing a few buttons on his workstation.

JACK
“Captain? I’m receiving random emissions located in the sector of space ahead of us. It contains random particles of temporal energy.”

CAPTAIN
“Temporal?” (to Colin) “Did we pick up any temporal data before we entered this sector of space, Mr. Wilson?”

COLIN
“No, sir. There were no indications to suggest temporal energy being present.”

ELAINE
(coolly) “Well it’s there now.” (to Jack) “Are the emissions potentially lethal to us?”

JACK
“Not sure, mam.” (Pause) “But there’s something breaking through.”

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SCENE #4 – EXT – YONDAMUS SPACE – 26TH CENTURY – N/A
In the dark space within the Yondamus Passage known as the Black Region, a fleet of heavily-armoured ships slip through a crack in time and space. The crack widens as the ships pass through. Angry engines roar from the fleet of ships, as they zoom across space. The lead ship slows to a halt as if it’s about to consider its next objective, with the rest of the fleet slowing to a stop behind it.

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SCENE #5 – INT – MAIN BRIDGE, DWAXI FLAGSHIP – 26TH CENTURY – MORNING
Aboard the main flagship, on the bridge, a number of shock-troopers stomp about going about their tasks. These are the Dwaxi. They are heavily armoured, as they wear jackboots; steel gauntlets; iron breastplates and helmets with sharp horns on top like those of rhinos. The Dwaxi Commander, Targah, sits in his command chair seeing the activity aboard the bridge and looking out onto the view-screen. A Dwaxi trooper called Gabrog approaches Targah. He thumps at his chest to salute.

GABROG
“Hail Commander!”

TARGAH
“Why do you delay in giving a report, Trooper Gabrog. The Dwaxi Empire will not tolerate incompetence!”

GABROG
“I wish not to abuse your countenance, Commander Targah! But…”

Targah strikes Gabrog with his fist. The rest of Dwaxi troopers jeer cruelly and viciously at Gabrog.

TARGAH
“Do not waste my time, scum! Just give me your report!”

Gabrog spits blood from his lip. 

GABROG
(bitterly) The fleet has passed through the intersection. All units are successful in transference.

TARGAH
Have we arrived at our destination? In Space and Time?

GABROG
I’ve checked and it is so. The negotiations thing has been accessed here and is valid. The Earth ship is in range within the sickly nebula.

Targah slams his fist on his command chair, roaring with laughter.

TARGAH
(laughs) Curse the wretched scum of human ants they are. We shall take our control of those who are weak! (cries; to everyone) Death is victory, troopers!

DWAXI
(chant; in unison) Death is victory! Death is victory! Death is victory!

TARGAH
(roars) The Dwaxi shall be superior! And we will deny those who abuse us that right!

Gabrog slams his fist on his chest again.

GABROG
(shouts) We shall smash those who dare challenge us! Tiny opposition will be squashed! The ones who hate us will be unwise to defy our dominance!

TARGAH
I shall spit in your face if you interrupt me again!

Targah stands up from his command chair.

TARGAH
Roar up the engines! We shall crush and smash them! The puny ants that trespass our rights!

The Dwaxi cheer horribly as they obey. They set about to do their work.

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SCENE #6 – EXT – YONDAMUS SPACE – 26TH CENTURY – N/A
The Dwaxi fleet moves off, journeying deeper into space. The ships’ engines roar furiously as they zoom off into space.

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SCENE #7 – EXT – KARZ NEBULA, YONDAMUS SPACE – 26TH CENTURY – N/A
Down below the Karz Nebula, a fair distance from the Moonraker, a small space shuttle-craft travels onwards through the nebula. This is Shuttle Bear #40, searching for the source of the recieved distress signal.

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SCENE #8 – INT – SHUTTLE BEAR #40 – 26TH CENTURY – MORNING
Inside the shuttle, Ensign Jack Kelly and Dr. Nina Cole pilot the shuttle. They press a few buttons on the consoles, as they pilot the shuttle.

NINA
“That film was terrifying, Jack! Jamie Lee Curtis was so sweet I thought she’d never escape!”

JACK
“Yeah. ‘Halloween’ is brilliant, isn’t it? Not enough horror movies like that anymore.”

NINA
“Indeed there ain’t. Except Dracula of course. The Christopher Lee version. That terrifies me.”

Jack sighs.

NINA
(puzzled) “What’s up with you then?”

JACK
“Oh it’s probably nothing.” (Pause) “It’s just…every time I attempt to impress the Captain; he always seems to put me down. It’s like I’m some nuisance that should be got rid of. As if I’m not worthy to be in his service and command.”

NINA
“Well the Captain’s not really much of a bundle of laughs I’m afraid, Jack. I mean he’s not happy when he’s in my sick bay.”

JACK
(gradually) “I suggest a suitable method of travelling through a course to the captain and he rejects. You remember he was present when we were demonstrating the warp plasma conduits being fitted to the rear posts of the engine conduction fields?”

NINA
“How can I forget? Both you and Gregory bragged about that newly impressive system for weeks.”

JACK
“Yes…well I mentioned the fact that I’d taken part in the coupling manufacturing of the lance diodes. But he didn’t take an interest.” (Pause) “I know I’m young and inexperienced, but I want to show I’m capable of performing my duties as well as he can! I don’t want to be an obstacle in his face!”

NINA
“You push yourself too hard, Jack. Don’t expect much from the captain as you would like him to. It isn’t worth it. He’s too versed in the role he’s got. If he wishes to be ignorant of your talents then that’s his funeral.”

JACK
(mutters) “Well if you say so.”

Jack presses some more buttons at his console.

JACK
“We’re approaching the focal point of where the distress signal is.”

NINA
“Good. Let’s hope these people aren’t in as much distress as they claim. I certainly hope to collect some samples from this nebula for new medicine that I may never get a chance to do so again.”

Moment of silence.

JACK
We’re approaching the designated co-ordinates.

NINA
On screen.

Jack obeys Nina’s command, as he presses a button to display the image. Moment of silence, as Jack and Nina become baffled.

JACK
It’s not there. No sign of the vessel.

NINA
Are we in the right place?

Jack presses a few buttons at his console to confirm the co-ordinates.

JACK
Gamma Alpha Four, Seven Delta G-Five Twelve. Yes, these are the right co-ordinates we should be at. But no vessel with the decent name of Roofer.

NINA
“Then where is it?”

Before they comprehend the situation, the shuttle gets attacked as it shudders violently. Both Jack and Nina gasp and hold onto something. Fire shots pound onto the shuttle’s hull from outside.

JACK
“We’re under attack!”

NINA
“Who by?”

Jack presses a number of buttons as he tries to identify who the shuttle’s attackers are. The shuttle continues to be fired upon, as the shots are rough and fierce.

JACK
“The shields are still holding. But are losing integrity.”

NINA
“But who are they? It wouldn’t be the Moonraker surely? Unless it’s…”

JACK
“It’s a type of ship that even the shuttle scanners can’t identify.”

NINA
“We must warn the Moonraker. They need to know that we’re in need of assistance.”

JACK
“I’ll send a distress beacon immediately.”

NINA
“Well quickly, Jack. This shuttle’s at stake.”

The vessel continues to be fired upon, as Jack attempts to send a distress beacon. Jack stops pressing buttons, before he discover something shocking from the console displays.

JACK
“Oh no! Nina!”

NINA
(concerned) “What is it?”

JACK
“The scanners. It’s identified two more ships on a direct course to us. They’re about twenty-five miles away. The scanners have identified what those ships are.”

NINA
“Is it them?”

JACK
(gradually) “Yes. It’s them!”

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SCENE #9 – EXT – KARZ NEBULA, YONDAMUS SPACE – 26TH CENTURY – N/A
The shuttle gets attacked by the Dwaxi flagship. The Dwaxi flagship fires massive fully-charged torpedoes onto the shuttle. The torpedoes are fired from all parts of the Dwaxi flagship including front; sides; top and the rear. It attempts to break into the shuttle’s shields with fierce determination. The other two vessels detected by Jack in the shuttle approach, with their engines echoing faintly in the distance.

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SCENE #10 – INT – MAIN BRIDGE, DWAXI FLAGSHIP – 26TH CENTURY – MORNING
On the bridge of the Dwaxi flagship, the Dwaxi troopers jeer and taunt, as they roar with triumph, cruelty and laughter. They are thrilled with delight in the chaos they make.

GABROG
“The shuttle’s being battered apart. Those pathetic maggots are going to be squashed.”

TARGAH
(roars) “Crush the scum! The Dwaxi shall be victorious! Death is victory!”

DWAXI
(chant; in unison) “Death is victory! Death is victory! Death is victory!”

DWAXI TROOPER
(cries) “Commander! Those puny pots! They are approaching us!”

TARGAH
(shrieks) “Let them come! Let all who are against us come!”

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SCENE #11 – EXT – KARZ NEBULA, YONDAMUS SPACE – 26TH CENTURY – N/A
Back with the Moonraker, the starship maintains its position in the Karz Nebula as another small vessel enters the shuttle bay open for it to go in. This small vessel belongs to the Yondamus Ambassador. It slowly makes its way through the shuttle bay doors.

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SCENE #12 – INT – SHUTTLE BAY, MOONRAKER – 26TH CENTURY – MORNING
In the shuttle bay on Deck #7 of the Moonraker, the Yondamon Ambassador lands inside. Its engines die down, as the shuttle bay doors of the Moonraker close shut. The airlock doors of the small vessel of the Yondamus Ambassador decompressurise and slowly open. Yondamus Ambassador Togal steps out of his vessel, as he goes to meet his welcoming party of Captain Sulley; Elaine Thomas and Colin Wilson, there to greet him.. He sniffs the air, observing his surroundings.

TOGAL
“So…this is the ship they could send at short notice.”

Captain Sulley steps forward to greet Togal.

CAPTAIN
“Welcome to the Moonraker, Ambassador Togal. I’m Captain Sulley.”

TOGAL
“I suppose I should be grateful for the hospitality that humans provide as an adequate form of reception according to cultural standards. It’s a shame there aren’t any other Yondamons to witness this.”

CAPTAIN
“Allow me to introduce my fellow officers. This is my first officer Commander Elaine Thomas. And my second officer and part-time science officer Colin Wilson.”

ELAINE
“Pleased to meet you I’m sure, Ambassador.”

COLIN
“Yes. Very honoured to meet you, Ambassador. Absolutely thrilled to be in your presence, sir.”

ELAINE
(to herself) “There he goes again.”

COLIN
“May I offer you my hand, Ambassador?”

TOGAL
Do I eat it?

CAPTAIN
It’s a form of greeting, Ambassador.

TOGAL
I see. (Pause) I should inform you Captain, that I’ve been sent on behalf of the Yond Elders. And that I’m not in complete faith for these trades that our two peoples are exchanging. The Earth Empire has grown so powerful that some of us are considering joining the Draconian Empire instead. (Pause) Your president may require the resource, but I believe nitro-tritium grain is hard to come by.

CAPTAIN
I do hope your partaking in these negotiations will not be in doubt by your presence with us.

TOGAL
I hope so too, Captain. (Pause) In any case, I shall be willing to offer my services and hear what you have to say in discussing terms of contract. But I must warn you that the people of Yondamus are not to be underestimated.

ELAINE
“I’m sure Captain Sulley will be more than happy to consider your wishes and the wishes of your people, Ambassador.”

COLIN
(irritably) The captain can speak for himself, Commander Thomas.

ELAINE
I was only trying to…

Just then they’re interrupted, as the intercom bleeps and Gavin Frakes speaks.

GAVIN (V’O)
Bridge to Captain Sulley?!

Captain Sulley activates a nearby intercom terminal in the shuttle bay.

CAPTAIN
(through intercom) Sulley here.

GAVIN (V’O)
We’re receiving a distress beacon from Dr. Cole and Ensign Kelly’s shuttle-craft!

ELAINE
(concerned) Distress beacon?!

CAPTAIN
(through intercom) What’s wrong, Mr. Frakes?

TOGAL
Does this matter interfere with our negotiations, Captain?

Before the Captain answers Togal’s questions…

GAVIN (V’O)
(interrupts; earnestly) I really think you should come up here, sir. The message contains something rather shocking.

The Captain considers before making a decision.

CAPTAIN
(to Togal) Ambassador, if you’ll come this way please.

Captain Sulley leads Togal out of the shuttle bay with Elaine Thomas and Colin Wilson behind them.

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SCENE #13 – INT – MAIN BRIDGE, MOONRAKER – 26TH CENTURY – MORNING
The electronic doors to the bridge slide open, as Captain Sulley; Elaine; Wilson and Togal step out of the turbo-lift. Gavin Frakes, at his post, sees the Captain and the others.

GAVIN
“Captain on the bridge!”

CAPTAIN
(anxiously) “As you were, everyone!” (to Gavin) “Tell me, Mr. Frakes. This distress beacon from Dr. Cole and Ensign Kelly.”

GAVIN
“It was a coded message sir. They were travelling in the nebula searching for that distress call we found earlier…”

COLIN
(impatiently) “Skip the prologue, Mr. Frakes. Cut to the chase.”

GAVIN
“Well…the vessel wasn’t there.”

ELAINE
“What? Not there? Why?”

GAVIN
“No idea. But they were then under attack by some space fleet of unknown origin.”

TOGAL
(angrily) “What?! Travelling in the nebula – without the permission of the Yond Elders. This won’t go well with the negotiations, Captain.”

CAPTAIN
(to Togal) “The ship received a distress call. So I sent Ensign Kelly and our chief medical officer Dr. Cole to investigate. No harm was intended, Ambassador.”

TOGAL
“So you say.”

ELAINE
(to Gavin) “What is this coded message, Gavin?”

COLIN
(to Elaine) “Mr. Frakes, as he should be addressed Commander!”

ELAINE
(to Wilson) “Know your place, Lt. Commander.” (to Gavin) “Gavin?”

GAVIN
“It’s from Dr. Cole, mam. Audio only.”

CAPTAIN
Let’s hear it please, Mr. Frakes.

ELAINE
Yes, sir. Patching it through…now.

Gavin Frakes presses a button at his work station to play the audio-only message on the intercom. Dr. Nina Cole speaks.

NINA (V’O)
This is Shuttle Bear Forty to Starship Moonraker. Dr. Nina Cole speaking. We’re under attack by a space fleet of unknown origin. Ensign Kelly and I are holding the shields as steady as we can. But we can’t hold it for long. We require help immediately. For it’s not just this fleet that’s of concern. They are coming. The enemy is com…

Crackling interference grows louder before the transmission breaks up on the intercom. Gavin presses a number of buttons to re-establish the connection. But it’s no use.

GAVIN
I’m sorry, Captain. I’ve lost the connection altogether.

Moment of silence, as the Captain ponders on what to do.

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SCENE #14 – EXT – KARZ NEBULA, YONDAMUS SPACE – 26TH CENTURY – N/A
The Moonraker then charges up its engines. It moves off further into Yondamus space to rescue Nina Cole and Jack Kelly.

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 © Tim Bradley, 2016

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