INT. THE TARDIS

The central console of the TARDIS is sparking crazily as Martha and The Doctor start to pick themselves up off the floor. The Doctor dashes to Martha, grabs her hand and pulls her to up, then pulls her eye to eye.

THE DOCTOR (urgently): Did they see you?

MARTHA: I don't know!

THE DOCTOR: Did they see you?

MARTHA: I don't know, I was too busy running!

DOCTOR: Martha, it's important... Did they see your face?

MARTHA: No, they couldn't have!

The Doctor runs round the console and starts playing with controls.

THE DOCTOR: Off we go!

Martha comes to stand next to him as he watches the time rotor intently. As a warning beep cuts in, we see symbols on the console screen.

THE DOCTOR (annoyed): Ahhh! (He grabs the console screen and reads it). They're following us. (He goes back to the controls).

MARTHA: How can they do that, you've got a time machine.

THE DOCTOR: Stolen technology, they've got a Time Agent's vortex manipulator. They can follow us wherever we go, right across the universe... (pause) they're never going to stop. (He runs a hand through his hair nervously and stares, then an idea comes to him). (Quietly): Unless... I'll have to do it... (He stares into Martha's eyes). Martha, you trust me don't you?

MARTHA: Of course I do.

THE DOCTOR: Cause it all depends on you.

He dives below the console to retrieve something, Martha watches on in confusion.

MARTHA: What does, what am I supposed to do?

The Doctor reappears holding an ornate pocket watch aloft.

THE DOCTOR: Take this watch, 'cause my life depends on it. The watch, Martha, the watch is...

INT. VICTORIAN ROOM

The Doctor is lying in a bed sporting a pair of blue striped pyjamas. His eyes flick open suddenly, cutting in from the last scene. He blinks in confusion a few times, and we see he is in an ornate Victorian room, wood panelling and framed paintings. After a couple of seconds, he pushes himself to sit up, feet on the floor. As he rubs his eyes, we hear a knock. Shortly after, there is the sound of a door opening.

THE DOCTOR (calls): Come in.

Martha enters, wearing a Victorian maid's uniform and carrying a tray of breakfast. As she sees the Doctor sitting on his bed, her eyes widen and she turns back.

MARTHA: Pardon me, Mr Smith, you're not dressed yet. I can come back later.

She turns to go as the Doctor stands, pulling and tying a dressing gown around himself.

THE DOCTOR: No, it's alright, it's alright. Put it down.

Martha walks to a table in the middle of the room and sets the tray down, keeping her eyes lowered. The Doctor watches her thoughtfully.

THE DOCTOR: I was, um... (pause). Sorry, sorry. (Thoughtfully). Sometimes I have these extraordinary dreams.

Martha crosses to the window and pulls the curtains open.

MARTHA: What about, sir?

THE DOCTOR: I dream I'm this... (he searches for the right term) Adventurer. This... daredevil, a madman. "The Doctor", I'm called. And last night I dreamt that you were there, as my... companion.

Martha crosses back to the tray on the table.The Doctor's eyes have been following her across the room.

MARTHA: A teacher and a housemaid, sir? That's impossible.

THE DOCTOR: Ah no, a man from another world, though...

MARTHA: Well it can't be true because there's no such thing.

The Doctor has moved to the fireplace and looks at the mantle- where the watch is sitting.

THE DOCTOR: This thing... (He picks up the watch). The watch...

Martha watches him, hopeful, but after holding it for a second he replaces it on the mantle with a sigh.

THE DOCTOR: Ah, it's funny how dreams slip away. (He turns back to Martha). But I do remember one thing, it all took place in the future. In the year of Our Lord two thousand and seven.

MARTHA: I can prove that wrong for you sir, here's the morning paper. (She hands it to him). It's monday, november tenth, nineteen thirteen, and you're completely human, sir. (She smiles at him). As human as they come.

THE DOCTOR: Mmm, that's me; completely human.

He smiles.

OPENING CREDITS

The Union Jack flag is being raised to full mast as a choir of boys sing a hymn. We see an impressive old school building, almost like a fortress and a group of schoolboys, marching in regimented lines into the school grounds. An early motor car beeps its horn as it drives past the gates to pull up near to the main door. The Doctor, in a suit, mortat board and teacher's gown, walks past a group of students before turning into the main door.

BOY 1: Morning, Sir.

He passes a young boy in the corridor.

BOY: Morning, Sir.

A bell rings, calling the start of school. Further into the building, the Doctor passes more teachers and nods to one who is heading for a flight of stairs.

THE DOCTOR: Headmaster.

A little later, and we see the Doctor taking a history lesson, cane in one hand and textbook in another. The neat copperplate writing on the chalkboard reads "Battle of Waterloo, 18th June 1815". The Doctor is reading aloud from the textbook while the class look on attentively.

THE DOCTOR: Impediment. The French were all but spent, with only two battalions of the old guard remaining. A final reserve force was charged with protecting Napoleon. By evening, the advance of the Allied troops had forced them to retreat.

Out in the school corridor, Martha and Jenny, another maid, are on their hands and knees scrubbing the tiled floor. The Doctor walks past, making Martha smile. Her eyes follow him as he passes.

MARTHA: Morning, Sir.

The Doctor slows down a little and answers distractedly.

THE DOCTOR: Yes, hi.

He disappears up the stairs.

JENNY: Head in the clouds, that one. Don't know why you're so sweet on him.

She smiles slyly then they both carry on scrubbing.

MARTHA: He's just kind to me, that's all. Not everyone's that considerate, what with me being...

She points to her face. We assume she means the colour of her skin. Jenny smiles.

JENNY: A Londoner?

MARTHA: Exactly. (She grins). Good old London town!

Two senior boys, Baines and Hutchinson walk over the area Martha and Jenny are cleaning, and look back as the girls laugh.

BAINES (authoritatively): Ah, now then, you two.

Martha and Jenny stop laughing and look up.

BAINES: You're not paid to have fun, are you. Put a little backbone into it.

JENNY: Yes Sir, sorry, Sir.

HUTCHINSON (looking at Martha): You there, what's your name again?

MARTHA: Martha, Sir. Martha Jones.

HUTCHINSON: Tell me then, Jones. With hands like those, how can you tell when something's clean?

The two boys laugh cruelly and leave. Martha and Jenny watch them.

MARTHA (deadpan): That's very funny, Sir.

JENNY: Careful now, don't answer back.

MARTHA: I'd answer back with my bucket over his head.

Jenny laughs as they both go back to scrubbing.

JENNY: Oh I wish!

Jenny thinks of something and stops, looking after the two boys.

JENNY: Just think though. In a few years time boys like that will be running the country.

MARTHA (quieter): Nineteen thirteen. They might not.

In one of the upper corridors, matron Joan Redfern passes a student.

BOY: Excuse me, ma'am.

The Doctor is overloaded with a stack of books as matron Joan Redfern approaches.

JOAN: Oh, good morning, Mr Smith.

The Doctor fumbles with the top book and it falls to the floor. He quickly steps on it to stop it falling away.

THE DOCTOR: There we go.

JOAN: Let me help you.

THE DOCTOR: No, no, I've got it, no... (He wonders how he is going to pick the book up with his arms full). Um... ah... Just to... retrieve... ah... If you could take these...

He hands her the stack of books, then bends to pick up the book.

JOAN: Good.

She smiles warmly.

THE DOCTOR: No harm done. (He smiles back at her). So, um, how was Jenkins?

JOAN: Oh just a cold, nothing serious. I think he's missing his mother, more than anything.

THE DOCTOR (sympathetically): Aw, can't have that.

JOAN: He received a letter this morning so he's a lot more chipper. (She looks down at the stack of books she is still holding). I appear to be holding your books.

The Doctor is still staring at matron Joan Fedfern's face, then suddenly snaps back to life.

THE DOCTOR: Yes, so you are! Sorry, sorry.

He starts to relieve matron Joan Redfern of the books awkwardly.

THE DOCTOR: Just let me...

JOAN: No, why don't I take half?

THE DOCTOR: Ah, brilliant idea, brilliant. Perfect. Division of labour.

JOAN: We make quite a team.

THE DOCTOR: Don't we just.

He is still all smiles, daft in the presence of matron Joan Redfern

JOAN: So, these books. Were they being taken in any particular direction?

THE DOCTOR: Yes. Um... (He looks up the corridor, thinking- then turns to the other direction). This way.

Ever the gentleman, he lets Joan lead on. In another corridor, he has finally settled into a coherent conversation.

THE DOCTOR: I always say, Matron, give the boys a good head of steam, they'll soon wear themselves out.

JOAN: Truth be told, when it's just you and me, I'd much rather you call me Nurse Redfern. "Matron" sounds rather... well, matronly.

THE DOCTOR: Ah, Nurse Redfern it is then.

JOAN: Though we've known each other all of two months, you could even say "Joan".

THE DOCTOR: Joan?

JOAN: That's my name.

THE DOCTOR (flustered): Well, obviously.

JOAN: And it's John, isn't it?

THE DOCTOR: Yes, yes it is.

A wooden noticeboard is on one wall of the landing. JOAN REDFERN spots a particular notice and heads towards it.

JOAN: Have you seen this, John? The annual dance at the village hall tomorrow. It's nothing formal, but rather fun by all accounts. (Hopefully). Do you think you'll go?

The Doctor stammers for a moment, unsure how to answer.

THE DOCTOR (flustered): I hadn't thought about it.

JOAN: It's been ages since I've been to a dance, only no-one's asked me.

She laughs nervously, there is a short tense silence.

THE DOCTOR (trying to rescue the conversation): Well, I should imagine that you would be... um... I mean I never thought you'd be one for... I mean there's no reason why you shouldn't... if you do, you may not... I probably won't, but even if I did then I couldn't... um, I mean I wouldn't want to...

JOAN: The stairs.

THE DOCTOR: It... what about the stairs?

JOAN: They're right behind you.

The Doctor turns to see and overbalances, falling backwards down the stairs and sending the books flying. Joan turns away for a split second, but we see her concern. A little later, Joan is cleaning a cut on the back of the Doctor's head. He groans against the pain.

JOAN (hiding a smile): Stop it. I get boys causing less fuss than this.

THE DOCTOR (sulkily): Because it hurts!

Martha bursts in, all concern.

MARTHA: Is he alright?

JOAN: Excuse me, Martha. It's hardly good form to enter a master's study without knocking. MARTHA (a little annoyed): Sorry, right, yeah. (She runs back to the door and knocks it before returning). But is he alright? (She looks at the Doctor). They said you fell down the stairs, Sir.

THE DOCTOR (mumbled): No, it was just a tumble, that's all.

MARTHA (to Joan): Have you checked for concussion?

JOAN: I have. And I daresay I know a lot more about it than you.

Martha remembers her place and nods.

MARTHA: Sorry. I'll just... (She looks at the Doctor and moves towards the desk). Tidy your things.

THE DOCTOR: I was just telling Nurse Redfern... Matron, um, about my dreams. They are quite remarkable tales.

Martha looks up in interest as the Doctor explains to Joan.

THE DOCTOR: I keep imagining that I'm someone else, and that I'm hiding...

JOAN: Hiding? In what way?

THE DOCTOR: Um... er... almost every night... (He laughs). This is going to sound silly...

JOAN: Tell me.

THE DOCTOR: I dream, quite often, that I have two hearts.

JOAN: Well then, I can be the judge of that.

Reaching into a battered doctor's bag, she draws out a stethoscope with a smile. Martha has been watching, but turns and walks away as Joan places the stethoscope against the Doctor's chest. We hear a heartbeat on the left side of his chest, and Martha turns to see the result of the right side. There is nothing.

JOAN: I can confirm the diagnosis, just one heart, singular.

Martha seems a little disappointed, but the Doctor laughs at his silliness.

THE DOCTOR: I have written down some of these dreams in the form of fiction... um... not that it would be of any interest.

JOAN: I'd be very interested.

The Doctor looks in amazement, and Joan nods. The Doctor stands and moves to the desk.

THE DOCTOR: Well... I've never shown it to anyone before.

He hands her a black leather-bound journal, and she reads the handwritten title on the first page.

JOAN: "Journal of Impossible Things".

She turns the pages, and we see they are covered in both writing and ink pictures. The central console is sketched on the first page, then the monitor screen section, a detailed sketch of a gas-mask victim from his earlier encounter with the nanogenes.

JOAN: Just look at these creatures!

She turns the page again to reveal a Dalek in all its inked glory.

JOAN: Such imagination.

THE DOCTOR: Mmm. It's become quite a hobby.

More pages, more sketches and pages of writing. The face of the Moxx of Balhoon gives way to a sketch of two Autons, then to the face of one of the clockwork robots that had tried to take the brain of Madame de Pompadour.

JOAN: It's wonderful. And quite an eye for the pretty girls.

In the centre of the next page is a sketch of Rose's face.

THE DOCTOR: Oh no no, she's just an invention. This character, Rose, I call her, Rose.

Martha appears in the background, looking at the Doctor.

THE DOCTOR (thoughtfully): Seems to disappear later on...

Another page, another sketch; this time of a quartet of Cybermen, and in the top corner on the next page, a small sketch of the TARDIS. As the Doctor explains it, there is a bigger, more detailed sketch further down the page.

THE DOCTOR: Ah, that's the box, the blue box, it's always there. Like a... like a magic carpet, this funny little box that transports me to far away places.

JOAN: Like a doorway?

THE DOCTOR: Mmm.

The next page is a mess of writing, but the pictures stand out brightly; the faces the Doctor has had before.

THE DOCTOR: I sometimes think how magical life would be if things like this were true.

JOAN: If only.

THE DOCTOR: It's just a dream.

He gives a short, quiet laugh. The next page has a familiar picture, the Doctor's watch, inside and out. A school bell rings in the background, and Joanis leaving the Doctor's quarters with the journal. Martha runs to follow her.

MARTHA: Ma'am! That book...

Joan turns round and stops.

JOAN: Oh I'll look after it, don't worry. He did say I could read it.

She goes to leave.

MARTHA: But it's silly, that's all.

Joan turns back.

MARTHA: Just stories.

JOAN (seriously): Who is he, Martha?

MARTHA: I'm sorry?

JOAN: It's like he's left the kettle on. Like... he knows he has something to get back to, but he can't remember what.

MARTHA (laughs nervously): That's just him.

JOAN: You arrived with him, didn't you? He found you employment here at the school, isn't that right?

MARTHA: I used to work for the family, he just sort of inherited me.

JOAN: Well, I'd be careful. If you don't mind my saying, you sometimes seem a little familiar with him. Best remember your position.

With a nod, she leaves. Martha looks unimpressed.

MARTHA: Yes Ma'am.

Joan heads down the stairs while Martha strides back to the Doctor's quarters. In one of the dormitories, a younger boy is called on by Hutchinson.

HUTCHINSON: Ah, Latimer. Here you are, Latin translation.

He throws a book to the floor, and Latimer crosses to pick it up obediently.

HUTCHINSON: Blasted Kitulus. I want it done by morning.

LATIMER: Yes sir.

Latimer sits on his bed an opens the book, starting to work.

HUTCHINSON: And no mistakes. I want it written by best handwriting. (He opens a letter and starts to read). Listen, Father says he's been promoted.

Baines is sitting close by, and raises his head from his own book at this.

HUTCHINSON: That means more money. Might end up in a better school.

LATIMER: Ah, he should enjoy it, sir. My uncle had a six month posting in Johannesburg. Says it was the most beautiful countryside on God's earth.

HUTCHINSON: What are you talking about?

LATIMER (stands up): Africa. Your father.

HUTCHINSON: You been reading my post?

LATIMER: What?

HUTCHINSON: Who said Africa? I've only just read the word myself.

He stands and crosses to Latimer. Speeding up as he gets closer, he grabs Latimer by the collar and forces him against the wall.

HUTCHINSON: How did you know that?

LATIMER: I haven't...

HUTCHINSON: Have you been spying on me?

LATIMER: No! I just guessed.

HUTCHINSON: What's that supposed to mean?

LATIMER: I'm good at guessing, that's all.

Hutchinson gives him a suspicious look that turns to anger, before letting go of Latimer's collar.

HUTCHINSON: Idiot.

He strides away. Latimer straightens his jacket and moves slowly back towards the bed.

LATIMER: Sometimes I say things and they turn out to be correct. Just little things. Tiny things. I can't help it... it's just some sort of luck.

Baines and Hutchinson look at him for a moment, then Baines rises to his feet.

BAINES: Right, well never mind that little toad, who's for beer?

HUTCHINSON: You've got beer?

BAINES: No, but Baxter's hidden a secret supply in Blackdown woods.

HUTCHINSON: Well what are you waiting for?

Baines moves to the window and unlatches it, then starts to climb out.

HUTCHINSON: Make sure the Burser's down the pub before you go past his window.

BAINES: A bottle for everyone, is it?

HUTCHINSON: And none for the filth. (He looks at Latimer as Baines climbs out). And hurry back, Baines, I'm parched.

As Baines salutes and climbs down, Latimer turns away sadly. Out in the night, Jenny is sitting on a bench outside the village pub. Martha comes out carrying two pints, wrapped up tightly in coat, hat and gloves.

MARTHA: Ooh, it's freezing out here! Why can't we have a drink inside the pub?

JENNY: Now don't be ridiculous, you do get these notions! It's all very well those Suffragettes; but that's London, that's miles away.

MARTHA: But don't you want to scream sometimes, having to bow and scrape and behave, don't you just wanna tell them?

JENNY (smiles): I dunno. Things must be different in your country.

MARTHA: Yeah, well they are. Thank God I'm not staying.

JENNY: You keep saying that.

MARTHA: Just you wait. One more month and I'm as free as the wind. I wish you could come with me, Jenny - you'd love it!

JENNY: Where are you gonna go?

MARTHA: Anywhere. (looks to the stars). Just look up there. Imagine you could go all the way out to the stars.

Jenny laughs.

JENNY: You don't half say mad things!

MARTHA: That's where I'm going. Into the sky, all the way out.

Jenny laughs again, but Martha is fixed on the stars. Suddenly, a green light flares into and out of existence in the night sky. Martha is surprised.

MARTHA: Did you see that?

JENNY: See what?

MARTHA: Did you see it though? (She stands). Right up there, just for a second.

JENNY: Martha, there's nothing there.

Martha is unconvinced. Joan is crossing a field alone- suddenly, the green light bursts into life brighter than before, a few metres ahead and hovering in the sky. She shields her eyes, and we see a green beam shining down on her. After a few seconds, the beam goes out, leaving Joan staring. Turning to look the way she has come, the green beam lights up again, and starts to drift across the countryside before going out again. Spooked by it all, she turns and runs. A while later, she reaches the pub. Martha sees her coming and stands up, aware that the woman is distressed.

MARTHA: Matron, are you alright?

JOAN (breathless): Did you see that? There was something in the woods... this light...

The Doctor emerges from the pub and approaches the women.

THE DOCTOR: Anything wrong, ladies? Far too cold to be standing around in the dark, don't you...

JOAN (interrupts): There!

Pointing into the night sky, we see the light fly over again, like a sh**ting star.

JOAN: There, look in the sky!

JENNY: That's beautiful.

THE DOCTOR: There... orgom. Commonly known as a meteorite. It's just rocks falling to the ground, that's all.

JOAN: It came down in the woods.

THE DOCTOR: No, no no, they always look close, when actually they're miles off. Nothing left but a cinder. (Turns to Joan). Now, I should escort you back to the school. (Turns to Martha and Jenny). Ladies?

MARTHA (still staring at the sky): No, we're fine, thanks.

THE DOCTOR: Then I shall bid you goodnight.

Putting on his hat, The Doctor and Joan walk away back towards the school. Martha waits until they are out of earshot.

MARTHA: Jenny, where was that? On the horizon, where the light was headed.

JENNY: That's by Cooper's Field.

Martha starts to run in the same direction. Jenny calls after her.

JENNY: You can't just run off! It's dark, you'll break a leg!

She sighs, stands up and runs after Martha. In Blackdown Woods, Baines has found the stash of beer. Picking up a crate, a strange sounds makes him stop. On cue, the strange green light drifts down towards the woodland floor a few metres ahead. Baines watches, then the light goes out. Curious, he scrambles over a log and heads to where it faded.

BAINES: I say, hello? Is that some kind of aeroplane? You chaps alright?

He is cut off abruptly as he walks into a clearing, and headlong into something. A green forcefield flares into life, repelling Baines. When the forcefield dies down, there is nothing to be seen. Experimentally, Baines reaches out both hands and pushes them forward until they connect with the forcefield again. As it flares into life, he withdraws them with a gasp. He looks around but can see nothing. He tries the same thing with his fist, but takes it back quickly as the forcefield reacts to the blow.

BAINES: What... that's... that's impossible!

He slowly pushes the palms of his hands against the forcefield again, and can see indents that could be windows. Sliding one hand along, it strike a button and there is the sound of a door or airlock opening.

BAINES: Some kind of door... Hello? (He shouts into the opening, his shout echoes). Is... Is anyone there?

Stretching his hands out again, he follows them through the door and into the craft. Martha is still running, heading through the woods. Jenny is right behind, and slowly gratefully as Martha stops. They are in the same clearing as the craft, but there is nothing to be seen.

JENNY (breathless): There y'are... Nothing there. I told you so.

MARTHA: And that's Cooper's Field?

JENNY: As far as the eye can see, and no falling star. Now come on, I'm frozen to the bone, let's go. As your Mr Smith says, "Nothing to see".

Jenny turns and strides away, but Martha gives one last look before following. It's dark inside the craft, wires trailing. Baines is talking.

BAINES: But I don't understand. Who are you?

A strange, distorted alien voice replies.

FATHER: We are the Family.

MOTHER: Far more important, who are you, little thing?

BAINES: My name is Baines. Jeremy Baines. Please can I go?

MOTHER: I'm so sorry, Baines, Jeremy Baines, but I don't think you can ever leave.

BAINES: But... Who are you? Why can't I see you?

MOTHER / FATHER: Why would you want to see us?

BAINES: I want to know what you look like.

MOTHER: Oh, that's easily answered, because very soon, we will look so familiar.

Something emerges from the dark, and Bainesscreams. Latimer is polishing shoes in the dormitory, while the senior boys play a card game at a long wooden table. A clock is striking a late hour.

HUTCHINSON: Where is he? Promises us beer then vanishes into the night.

As if on cue, a hand knocks at the window. Latimer and the other boys look round.

HUTCHINSON: There he is. (To one of the younger boys): Let him in.

The Boy goes to the window and unlatches it. Baines climbs in, and Latimer looks up, wary.

HUTCHINSON: Baines, you dolt. I thought you'd been caught by the rozzers.

Baines is wide-eyed and blank-faced, and doesn't reply.

HUTCHINSON: Well then? Where is it, man? Where's the blessed beer?

BAINES: There was no beer. It was gone.

HUTCHINSON: Damn it all, I've been waiting. Pretty poor show, Baines, I have to say.

Baines sniffs loudly.

HUTCHINSON: What's the matter with you? Caught sniffles out there?

BAINES: Yes, I must have. It was cold. Very cold.

Latimer keeps looking up, uneasy.

HUTCHINSON: Well don't spread it about, I don't want your germs. Come on, might as well get some sleep. (To the other boys): Come on chaps, maybe tomorrow.

Baines is looking at Latimer.

HUTCHINSON (continues): Jackson's got some beer in the pavillion.

Latimer goes back to polishing. The next day, Martha is riding a bike towards an old stone barn near the wood. Pushing open the door, she smiles as she enters. Reaching around her neck, she withdraws something on a long chain round her neck, a TARDIS key, as the TARDIS itself stands further inside the barn. Martha unlocks the door and goes in- the console room is mostly in darkness.

MARTHA (she smiles): Hello. (Shakes her head): I'm talking to a machine...

Taking off her gloves, she heads for the console. Sighing, she looks up at the time rotor, dormant. Closing her eyes, we see her memories of how they all came to be there.

THE DOCTOR: Look out!

Martha dives to the floor as a bolt flashes past, creating a fountain of sparks to erupt from the console. In real time, Martha walks round the console towards the console screen. Back in her memories, the Doctor growls in anger.

THE DOCTOR: They're following us! They can follow us wherever we go. Right across the universe. They're never going to stop... Martha, you trust me don't you?

MARTHA: Of course I do.

THE DOCTOR: 'Cause it all depends on you.

Back in real time, Martha reaches the console. In her memory, the Doctor is holding his pocket watch in front of her.

THE DOCTOR: Martha, this watch is me.

Confused, Martha takes it off him as he runs round the console.

MARTHA: ... Right, okay, gotcha... No, hold on! Completely lost!

THE DOCTOR: Those creatures are hunters, they can sniff out anyone- and me being a Time Lord; well, I'm unique. They can track me down across the whole of time and space.

MARTHA (laughs): And the good news is?

THE DOCTOR: They can smell me, they haven't seen me. And their life's bound to be running out, so, we hide, wait for them to die.

MARTHA: But they can track us down.

THE DOCTOR (stops and looks at her, serious): That's why I've got to do it. I have to stop being a Time Lord. I'm gonna become human.

In real time, Martha looks up at the TARDIS ceiling- where a strange headset is hanging from a cable. In her memory, the Doctor does the same as it lowers into his reach.

THE DOCTOR: Never thought I'd use this. All the times I've wondered.

MARTHA: What does it do?

THE DOCTOR: Chameleon Arch. Re-write my biology. Literally changes every single cell in my body. I've set it to human.

Taking the pocket watch back off Martha, he fits it into a section of the headset.

THE DOCTOR: Now, the TARDIS will take care of everything. Invent a life story for me, find me a setting and integrate me. Can't do the same for you... you'll just have to improvise. I should have just enough residual awareness to let you in.

MARTHA: But... hold on, if you're going to rewrite every single cell, isn't it going to hurt?

THE DOCTOR: Oh yeah. It hurts.

Flickering between real life and her memory now, looking up at the headset, it cuts between that and the Doctor wearing it, power passing through it and making him scream in pain as Martha can only watch in horror. Turning away from the memory, Martha activates a few of the controls on the console. The screen fizzes from its normal display to show the Doctor, addressing the camera.

THE DOCTOR: This working? (Taps the camera). Martha, before I change here's a list of instructions for when I'm human. One, don't let me hurt anyone. We can't have that, but you know what humans are like. Two, don't worry about the TARDIS, I'll put it on emergency power so they can't detect it, just let it hide away. Four- no, wait a minute, three. No getting involved in big historical events. Four, you. Don't let me abandon you. And fi...

Twisting a dial, Martha speeds through more of the Doctor's speech.

MARTHA: But there was a meteor, a sh**ting star, what am I supposed to do then?

She lets go of the dial at the last item on the Doctor's list.

THE DOCTOR: And twenty three. If anything goes wrong, if they find us, Martha, then you know what to do. Open the watch.

Back at the school, the Doctor is heading over to the fireplace in his study.

THE DOCTOR (voiceover from the recording): Everything I am is kept safe in there.

The Doctor in the study picks up the watch and looks at it, turning it over in his hands.

THE DOCTOR (voiceover): Now, I've put a perception filter on it so the human me won't think anything of it, to him it's just a watch.

Back on the screen, the Doctor is serious.

THE DOCTOR: But don't open it unless you have to. Because once it's open, then the Family will be able to find me. It's all down to you, Martha. Your choice.

He walks off-screen, then returns.

THE DOCTOR: Oh, and, thank you.

With a smile, the recording stops and the screen returns to its usual display.

MARTHA (in a whisper): I wish you'd come back.

Latimer is outside a door marked "J. Smith". He knocks, the door opens, and the Doctor looks at him.

LATIMER: You told me to come and collect that book, Sir.

THE DOCTOR: Good lad, yes... yes! "The Definitive Account of Mafeking" by Aitchison-Price, where did I put it?

He walks to his desk, Latimer following slowly behind.

THE DOCTOR: And I wanted a little word, your marks aren't quite good enough.

LATIMER: I'm top ten in my class, sir.

THE DOCTOR: Now, be honest, Timothy. You should be the very top. You're a clever boy, but you seem to be hiding it. (To himself). Where is that book...

With no luck finding the book on his desk, the Doctor walks into an annexe libray off the main room.

THE DOCTOR: And I know why. Keeping your head low avoids the mockery of your classmates. But no man should hide himself, don't you think?

Latimre has heard something...

LATIMER: Yes sir...

The watch on the mantlepiece seems to be drawing his attention.

THE DOCTOR (off screen): You're clever, be proud of it. Use it.

Over the top of all this, there are whispering voices eminating from the watch. heard only by Latimer.

VOICES: Time Lord...Timothy, hide yourself... I'm trapped, kept inside the cogs...

Latimer presses the watch's release button- and it opens, releasing wisps of golden energy. Somewhere out in the grounds, Baines' head jerks round, catching the trail. As the Doctor comes back into the room, Latimer quickly closes and pockets the watch.

THE DOCTOR: Fascinating details about the siege, really quite remarkable, are you alright?

LATIMER: Yes Sir. Fine, Sir.

THE DOCTOR: Right then. Good. And remember, use that brain of yours!

The Doctor holds out the book and Latimer goes to take it- but as soon as he touches it, he sees a vision of the Doctor as a different man to the teacher.

VOICES: Power of a Time Lord.

The Doctor as we know him best, pinstripe suit and weilding his sonic screwdriver. The vision fades as the Doctor releases the book, leaving Latimer shaken.

THE DOCTOR: You're really not looking yourself, old chap, anything bothering you, or...?

LATIMER (in shock): No Sir... Thank you, Sir.

Walking quickly, he exits, closing the door behind him. Latimer stands for a moment, before running up the stairs to the dormitory. Sitting on his bed, he has taken the watch out again and can hear the voices. He opens it again, letting out more of the golden light and louder voices.

VOICES: You are not alone... Keep me hidden...

More images come to Latimer's mind: Daleks, Cybermen, Ood, the werewolf from the Torchwood Estate, the Emperess of the Racnoss, Lazarus, the Sycorax... He snaps the watch shut again. Outside, Baines sniffs loudly. A teacher is ringing a handbell, signalling a change in classes. Baines is walking through the corridors- in a quieter corridor from the main hallway, he stops and turns to look. Stepping into the gap beneath the main stairs, his eyes roll back and a green glow surrounds him; he is communicating with the Family.

BAINES: There is a trace, but somehow scattered. The scent is confused. Nevertheless, we'd best arm ourselves.

The glow disappears and Baines' eyes open.

BAINES: Activate the soldiers.

A portly, middle-aged man is striding down a lane in the village. This is Mr Clarke. As he looks into a field, the ragged scarecrow stiffly raises its arm in a greeting. Mr Clarke stops, a double take, as the scarecrow lowers its arm again. Shaking his finger at the scarecrow, believing it to be a trick, he strides towards it.

CLARKE: That is my property, and you're trespassing on my land!

He is standing eye-to-eye with the scarecrow now.

CLARKE: Come on, who's in there?

Angrily, he starts pulling the straw from the scarecrow's body to try and find the prankster within.

CLARKE: One of those idiot boys from the school, is it, eh? Come on, there's...

But he has pulled out almost all of the straw, and his hand has gone through the body of the scarecrow and through the fabric of the back. Rifling through the straw, he looks up at the head, bemused.

CLARKE: But how did you...

The scarecrow's head tilts to one side, as two identical scarecrows walk stiffly up the bank behind Mr Clarke. The first scarecrow raises his arms, signalling an att*ck. Mr Clarke turns and find himself surrounded as more and more scarecrows appear. A little girl walks down the lane, a bright red balloon in hand. A scarecrow lumbers out from the bushes behind her, and she turns and screams. The scarecrow lifts her over his shoulder and carries her off. A rattle of g*n, and a h*t on one of three rough dummy targets made of a bucket, spliced sticks and a stuffed sack. The boys are doing target practice, a machine g*n set up behind a bunker of sandbags.

THE DOCTOR: Concentrate.

Joan appears from one of the school doors, watching. The g*n is being fired by Hutchinson, the rounds being fed in a steady stream by Latimer. Baines is one of the boys watching the targets, with the Doctor standing a few paces behind. As Joan approaches, she is not entirely pleased with what she sees.

THE DOCTOR: Hutchinson, excellent work!

The Headmaster appears.

HEADMASTER: Cease f*re!

Hutchinson obeys.

THE DOCTOR: Good day to you, headmaster.

HEADMASTER: Your crew's on fine form today, Mr Smith.

HUTCHINSON: Excuse me, Headmaster, we could do a lot better. Latimer is being deliberately shoddy.

LATIMER: I'm trying my best.

HEADMASTER: You need to be better than the best. Those targets are tribesmen from the dark continent.

LATIMER: That's exactly the problem, sir. They only have spears.

HEADMASTER: Oh dear me. Latimer takes it upon himself to make us realise how wrong we all are. I hope, Latimer, that one day you may have a just and proper w*r in which to prove yourself. Now, resume f*ring.

Hutchinson does so Latimer feeding the amm*nit*on again. As the f*ring rings out, Latimer hears a different kind of warfare, the sound of a falling b*mb. An vision takes over. Two young soldiers struggle through the dark, one supporting the other, who is injured. A watch is opened.

LATIMER: One minute past the hour. It's now. Hutchinson, this is the time. It's now.

He looks up as we hear another b*mb heading straight for them. Back in real time, the g*n stops f*ring.

HUTCHINSON: There's a stoppage, immediate action. (He looks at Latimer to assist). Didn't I tell you, Sir, this stupid boy is useless! Permission to give Latimer a beating, Sir?

HEADMASTER: It's your class, Mr Smith.

THE DOCTOR: Permission granted.

HUTCHINSON: Right, come with me, you little oiyk.

Hutchinson grabs Latimer's wrist and pulls him up. He and most of the other boys escort Latimer away to be beaten. Baines remains standing next to the Doctor, and turns to him- and sniffs loudly. The Doctor turns and looks him up and down.

THE DOCTOR: Anything the matter, Baines?

BAINES: I thought... No sir. Nothing, sir.

Turning sharply, he heads off to join the beating. Joan is still watching.

HEADMASTER: As you were, Mr Smith.

THE DOCTOR: Ah... Pemberton, Smythe, Wicks, take post.

As three more boys take up positions at the g*n, the Doctor spots Joan.

THE DOCTOR: Ah, Nurse Redfern.

JOAN: Um... I'll give you back your journal when next I see you.

THE DOCTOR: No, no, no, you don't have to.

Joan looks a little troubled.

JOAN: If you'll excuse me, Mr Smith, I was just thinking about the day my husband was sh*t.

As the g*n rings out, she turns and walks quickly away, leaving the Doctor a little more understanding. In the village, a piano is being winched up outside a building in a rope sling. Two men are straining with the rope. Joan and the Doctor are walking through the village.

JOAN: His name was Oliver. He died in the battle of Spy-On-Cope. We were childhood sweethearts... But you see, I was angry with the army for such a long time.

THE DOCTOR: You still are.

JOAN: I find myself as part of that school watching boys learn how to k*ll.

THE DOCTOR: Don't you think discipline is good for them?

JOAN: Does it have to be such military discipline? I mean, if there's another w*r those boys won't find it so amusing.

THE DOCTOR: Well... Great Britain's at peace, long may it reign.

JOAN: In your journey, in one of your stories, you wrote about next year. Nineteen fourteen.

THE DOCTOR: That was just a dream.

JOAN: All those images of mud and wire. You told of a shadow, a shadow falling across the entire world.

THE DOCTOR: Well, then we can be thankful it's not true. And I'll admit mankind doesn't need warfare and bloodshed to prove itself; everyday life can provide honour and valour and... let's hope that from now on this, this country can... can find its heroes in smaller places...

He is distracted as he sees two things. First, a woman and a perambulator coming round the corner by the shop building. Second, the rope sling holding the piano aloft is breaking outside the same shop. The two men holding it desperately try to steady it and hold it, but the woman doesn't notice and continues into its path.

THE DOCTOR: In the most...

A young boy is tossing a cricket ball up and down in his hand. The Doctor looks from the ball to the rope; the second strand is almost completely broken, and the piano lurches alarmingly.

THE DOCTOR: Ordinary...

The rope is almost cut. And the woman is almost beneath the piano.

THE DOCTOR: Of deeds!

He snatches the cricket ball from the young boy and pitches it at a bundle of spare scaffolding poles standing outside the ironmongers. The poles fall, hitting a plank of wood with a brick on the end. The brick flies into the air, up and over the piano- just as the rope snaps and it starts to hurtle to the ground. The brick hits a milk churn on a cart, sending it falling into the path of the perambulator and stopping it in it's tracks. The woman screams and the piano hits the floor and smashes. Joan is looking amazed at the Doctor, while the Doctor himself is looked amazed by his own skill. As the baby in the perambulator starts to cry, the two workmen rush to see if the woman is alright. The Doctor and Joan stand stunned for a moment.

THE DOCTOR: Lucky...

JOAN: That was luck?

THE DOCTOR (plucking up courage): Nurse Redfern, might I invite you to the village dance this evening? As my guest?

JOAN (laughs): You extraordinary man!

The both laugh and view the near fatal scene again. Later on, they are passing fields, one of which has a scarecrow.

JOAN: It's all becoming clear now, the Doctor is the man you'd like to be, doing impossible things with cricket balls.

THE DOCTOR: Well, I discovered a talent, that's certainly true!

JOAN (teasingly): But the Doctor has an eye for the ladies!

THE DOCTOR: The devil!

JOAN: A girl at every fireplace.

THE DOCTOR (laughs): Now, there I have to protest, Joan, that's hardly me!

JOAN: Says the man dancing with me tonight!

The Doctor spies the scarecrow hanging oddly.

THE DOCTOR: That scarecrow's all skewed.

The cross the furrows to reach it, and the Doctor starts stretching it across its frame again.

JOAN: Ever the artist. Where did you learn to draw?

THE DOCTOR: Gallifrey.

JOAN: Is that in Ireland?

THE DOCTOR (a little unsure): Yes, it must be, yes.

JOAN: But you're not Irish?

DOCTOR: Not at all, no. My father Sidney was a watchmaker from Nottingham and my mother Verity was... (he pauses) ...um... well, she was a nurse, actually.

JOAN: Oh, we make such good wives!

THE DOCTOR (a little uncomfortable): Really? Right. Yes. Well, my work is done, what do you think?

He stands back and Joan looks at the scarecrow.

JOAN: Masterpiece.

THE DOCTOR: All sorts of skills today!

Laughing, they head back onto the road- and the scarecrow turns it head to follow them. In the Doctor's study later in the day, the Doctor is sketching a young woman, Joan. As he finishes and lowers the book, we see Joanposing for him.

JOAN: Can I see?

The Doctor moves to sit next to her on the sofa, showing her the book. She laughs in delight.

JOAN: Oh, goodness... Do I look like that? (laughs). Are you sure that's not me?

There is a sketch of a Slitheen on the opposite page, and she points to it.

THE DOCTOR: Most definitely this page, I should think.

He points back to his sketch of her.

JOAN: You've made me far too beautiful.

THE DOCTOR: Well that's how I see you.

JOAN: Widows aren't supposed to be beautiful. I think the world would rather we stopped. (pause). Is that fair? That we stop?

THE DOCTOR: That's not fair at all.

He fondly brushes the side of her hair. Slowly, he leans in towards her; she returns the movement, and the two kiss.

THE DOCTOR: I've never, um...

He runs out of words, and chooses to kiss Joan again instead, a long and loving kiss. We hear the rattle of the door, and they break apart.

THE DOCTOR: Martha, what have I told you about entering unannounced?

Martha scurries back out of the door and closes it behind her, leaning against it in shock.

MARTHA (whispered): That wasn't on the list.

The TARDIS still hides in the barn, and Martha is going through the Doctor's recording again.

THE DOCTOR: Four, you. Don't let me abandon you.

MARTHA: That's no good. What about the stuff you didn't tell me, what about women? Oh no, you didn't think of that. What in hell am I supposed to do then?

She has fast-forwarded to the end.

THE DOCTOR: Thank you.

MARTHA: You had to, didn't you? Had to go and fall in love with a human. And it wasn't me.

Latimer is toying with the pocket watch as he sits on a bench in the school grounds. The voices are whispering again.

VOICES: The darkness is coming... keep me away from the force and empty man... the last of the Time Lords, the last of a wise and ancient race...

Latimer sees Baines heading through the ground to meet with Mr Clarke. Then, a red balloon bobs its way along on the other side of the wall as the little girl joins them. As Latimer watches, all three of them turn to look at him. As one, they tilt their heads to the side curiously, and sniff deeply. On the muddy lane, Jenny is riding her bicycle when a figure steps out in front of her, making her stop sharply. A moving scarecrow.

JENNY: Who's that playing silly beggars? Nearly broke me neck!

The scarecrow says nothing, its head tilted curiously to one side.

JENNY: Who's that then? Is it you, Saul?

The sound of footsteps, and Jenny's smile fades as two more scarecrows approach from behind. More and more close in, and Jenny realises it is no trick, and screams. Inside the alien craft, a scarecrow stands guard as Mr Clarke advances on a frightened Jenny.

JENNY: I don't understand... It's Mr Clarke, isn't it? What have I done wrong?

CLARKE: Nothing at all. In fact... you're just what we need, girl.

Baines appears.

BAINES: She works at the school. Whatever's happening seems to centred round that establishment, the faintest of traces but they all lead back there.

JENNY (scared): It's Baines, isn't it? This isn't very funny, sir.

BAINES (barking as orders): Just shut up, stop talking, cease and desist, there's a good girl! (pause). Mother of Mine is dying to meet you. And here she is.

Baines produces a globe-like device.

JENNY: Stop mocking me, sir!

BAINES: No! Mother of Mine just needs a shape. We go through a shape so very fast. Yours is perfectly adequate... if a little grim. Mother of Mine, embrace her.

Baines tilts the globe towards Jenny and a green smoke starts to billow out towards her, taking over her. In the school, Joan turns round in her dress to show the Doctor.

THE DOCTOR: You look wonderful.

JOAN: You'd best give me some warning, um, can you actually dance?

THE DOCTOR (thinks): Um... I'm not certain...

JOAN: There's a surprise. Is there anything you're certain about?

THE DOCTOR: Yes. (he steps towards Joan). Yes.

In the maid quarters, the door opens and Jenny enters. Martha is making a pot of tea on an elaborate tray and smiles as she sees Jenny.

MARTHA: There you are! Come and look what I've got. Mr Poole didn't want his afternoon tea so cook said I could have it. And there's enough for two.

Jenny is still standing in the doorway.

MARTHA: What are you standing there for?

Jenny sniffs loudly.

MARTHA: Are you alright?

JENNY: I must have a cold coming on.

She joins Martha sitting at the small table.

MARTHA: Problem is, I keep thinking about them but I don't know what to do.

JENNY: Thinking about who?

MARTHA: Mr Smith and Matron. Cause it's never gonna last, he's gonna leave in a few weeks.

JENNY: Why?

MARTHA: It's like his contract comes to an end. And she's gonna be heartbroken.

JENNY: Leave for where?

MARTHA: All sorts of places. I wish I could tell you Jenny, but it's complicated.

JENNY: In what way?

MARTHA: I just can't.

JENNY: It sounds so interesting. Tell me. Tell me now.

There is something in Jenny's voice that Martha doesn't think is right. Frowning, she changes the subject.

MARTHA: Would you like some tea?

JENNY: Yes thanks.

MARTHA: I could put a nice bit of gravy in the pot. And some mutton. Or sardines and jam, how about that?

JENNY: I like the sound of that.

MARTHA: Right... hold on a tick.

She knows something is wrong now, and moves to the door. Closing it on her way out, she walks to the stairs- then starts to run. Jenny's head turns, she know's Martha is getting away. She pulls an alien g*n from under her coat. Meanwhile, Martha is out of the building, Jenny goes to the window, aims, and fires her g*n at the retreating Martha. Narrowly missing, Jenny heads off. The Doctor and Joan are sharing a loving kiss which is quickly broken as the door bursts open and a breathless Martha runs in and up to the Doctor.

MARTHA: They've found us.

JOAN: This is ridiculous...

THE DOCTOR: Martha, I've warned you.

MARTHA: They've found us, and I've seen them. They look like people, like us, like normal. I'm sorry, but you've got to open the watch.

She looks to the mantlepiece, and the watch is missing.

MARTHA: Where is it?

She shuffles through the things on the mantlepiece.

MARTHA: Oh my god, where's it gone? Where's the watch?

THE DOCTOR: What are you talking about?

MARTHA: You had a watch, a fob watch. Right there!

THE DOCTOR: Did I? I don't remember.

JOAN: I can't see what concern it is of yours.

MARTHA: But we need it... oh my god, Doctor we're hiding from aliens, and they've got Jenny and they've... possessed her or copied her or something and you've got to tell me, where's the watch?

DOCTOR: Oh I see... (quieter, to Joan). Cultural differences.

He picks up his journal.

THE DOCTOR (to Martha): It must be so confusing for you. Martha, this is what we call a story. MARTHA: Oh you complete... This (she waves her finger to indicate the Doctor) is not you, this is nineteen thirteen.

THE DOCTOR: Good. This is nineteen thirteen.

MARTHA: I am sorry, I'm really sorry but I've got to snap you out of this.

She reaches back her hand and slaps his hard across the face.

JOAN: Martha!

MARTHA: Wake up! You're coming back to the TARDIS with me!

She grabs his hands and tries to pull him along.

THE DOCTOR: How dare you! I'm not going anywhere with an insane servant! Martha, you are dismissed, you will leave these premises immediately. Now get out!

He has used Martha's grip on him to drag her to the door and thrown her out. As he closes the door, Martha stops. Back inside, the Doctor is annoyed.

THE DOCTOR: Nerve of it, absolute cheek! You think I'm a fantasist, what about her?

JOAN: The funny thing is, you did have a fob watch. Right there. Don't you remember?

Martha is running into the night again, and bumps into Latimer.

MARTHA: Oh, sorry!

As she carries on, Latimer stops and watches her. He has a flash memory of a strange time; it is back around the 2000's, and Martha in her usual clothes bumps into him as she runs past.

MARTHA: Oh, sorry!

LATIMER: Martha?

Back to the present, Martha turns her head to call back.

MARTHA: Not now, Tim, busy!

Latimer watches her for a while longer, then turns and walks away. Martha closes the TARDIS door and runs to where the Doctor's long coat is lying over a forked beam. She r*fles through his pockets, looking for something. Back inside the school, the door to the Doctor's room is kicked open as Jenny and Baines enter.

BAINES: Mr Smith? (pause). No-one home.

JENNY: The maid was definitely hiding something. A secret around this Mr Smith.

BAINES: We both scented him though, he was plain and simple human.

JENNY: Maybe he knows something. Where is he?

Joan and the Doctor are arriving at the village hall for the dance.

JOAN: She's infatuated. You're a dangerous man.

THE DOCTOR: You've taken my arm in public.

JOAN: I'm very scared.

They laugh. We see Latimer hiding round a corner of the building.

MAN: Spare a penny for the veterans of the Crimea, sir?

THE DOCTOR: Yes, of course. (He digs in his pocket and pulls out a coin or two). There you are.

As the Doctor and Joan go inside, Latimer comes out of his hiding place and creeps to the doors. As the man collecting money has his back turned counting the donations, Latimer hurries in. Inside, people are milling about, getting drinks from a beer keg, laughing and talking. Latimer walks in slowly, looking around.

ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen! Please take your partners for a waltz.

The Doctor and Joan take their places, and start to dance as the music starts.

JOAN: You can dance.

DOCTOR: I've surprised myself. (They dance into another pair). Sorry.

Back in his room at the school, Jenny and Baines are still searching for something, dropping books off the bookshelves in his study. Mr Clarke enters, holding the poster for the dance.

CLARKE: I think this might help.

JENNY: That makes it easy, Son of Mine. Because Daughter of Mine's already there.

BAINES: We've been invited to the dance.

Joan and the Doctor are still dancing, and through the dancing people, we see the little girl sitting at a table. The collector man rattles his tin as he sees Martha approaching stormily.

MAN: Ooh, staff entrance I think, miss!

MARTHA: Yeah, well think again mate.

She walks past him into the hall. Hiding in the foliage close to the hall, we see a number of the scarecrows waiting. Back at the dance, Joan is sitting down now, waiting for the Doctor to return with drinks. She spots him, and he motions that he is still waiting. Joan smiles, but her smile fades as a familiar figure stands at their table, Martha.

JOAN: Please, don't. Not again.

MARTHA: He's different from any other man you've ever met, right?

JOAN: Yes.

MARTHA: And sometimes he says these strange things, like people and places you've never heard of, yeah? But it's deeper than that. Sometimes when you look in his eyes you know; you just know that there's something else in there. Something hidden. Right behind the eyes, something hidden away. In the dark.

JOAN: I don't know what you mean, I...

MARTHA: Yes, you do. I don't mean to be rude, but the awful thing is it doesn't even matter what you think. But you're nice. And you're lucky. And I just wanted to say sorry for what I'm about to do.

The Doctor has returned, and looks none to pleased to see Martha there.

THE DOCTOR: Oh, now really, Martha. This is getting out of hand. I must insist that you leave.

Martha holds out the sonic screwdriver.

MARTHA: Do you know what this is? Name it. Go on, name it.

JOAN: John, what is that silly thing? John?

He slowly takes it off Martha and turns it over in his hands.

MARTHA: You're not John Smith. You're called the Doctor. The man in your journal, he's real. He's you.

The collector man rattles his tin again as more people arrive.

MAN: Evening all! Spare a penny, sir?

BAINES: I didn't spare you.

Without even looking at him, Baines pulls out a g*n like Jenny had earlier, and fires it at the man. As he disintegrates into nothing, Baines, Jenny and Clarkeall walk on into the hall. Latimer is still inside, walking to a window and pulling back the curtains. The face of a scarecrow pops up and makes him jump back. When he looks back again, it is gone. He lets the curtain fall back. In the dance hall, Clarke enters first, g*n in hand. Knocking over a hat stand as he strides in, the people shriek and move away.

CLARKE: There will be silence! All of you!

Scarecrows file in after Baines and Jenny.

CLARKE: I said silence!

ANNOUNCER: Mr Clarke! What's going on?

Clarke turns and fires at the announcer, dissolving him into nothing. Joan's hand stifles a shriek. Latimer, in a corner, stands up.

MARTHA: Mr Smith, everything I told you, just forget it! Don't say anything.

BAINES: We asked for silence! Now then. We have a few questions for Mr Smith.

LITTLE GIRL: No, better than that.

She joins Baines and Clarke.

LITTLE GIRL: The teacher. He's the Doctor. I heard them talking.

BAINES: You took human form.

THE DOCTOR: Of course I'm human, I was born human! As were you, Baines. And Jenny, and you, Mr Clarke! What is going on, this is madness!

BAINES: And a human brain, too! Simple, thick and dull.

JENNY: He's no good like this.

CLARKE: We need a Time Lord.

BAINES: Easily done.

Stepping forward, he raises his g*n and aims it at the Doctor. The crowd gasps and the Doctor recoils backwards.

BAINES: Change back.

THE DOCTOR: I don't know what you're talking about.

BAINES: Change back!

THE DOCTOR (shouting): I literally do not know...

Jenny grabs Martha, holding a g*n to her head, Martha screams.

MARTHA: Get off me!

JENNY: She's your friend, isn't she? Doesn't this scare you enough to change back?

THE DOCTOR: I don't know what you mean!

JENNY: Wait a minute... The maid told me about Smith and the matron... that woman, there!

CLARKE: Let's have you!

Clarke grabs Joan and holds her hostage, as Jenny is with Martha.

BAINES: Have you enjoyed it, Doctor? Being human? Has it taught you wonderful things, are you better, richer, wiser? Then let's see you answer this. Which one of them do you want us to k*ll? Maid or matron? Your friend, or your lover? Your choice.

To be continued...
{"type": "series", "show": "Doctor Who_", "episode": "03x08 - Human Nature"}