by DAVID WHITAKER

first broadcast - 6 January 1968
running time - 23mins 5secs

1. ENTRANCE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

GUARD CAPTAIN: Prisoner and escort . . . halt!

(DENES and his two guards halt. SALAMANDER looks on with the dossier on FEDORIN under his arm.)

SALAMANDER: Bruce, you are head of World Security. (Points at DENES.) I hold you personally responsible for this man Denes.

(BRUCE cocks his head, unconcerned.)

BRUCE: Why? Don’t you trust your own security?

SALAMANDER: Do I have to insist? My name carries some weight in the councils of the world.

(JAMIE, now dressed as a guard, is witnessing this interaction.)

BRUCE: Of course it does.

SALAMANDER: Well do as I ask.

BRUCE: Very well.

SALAMANDER: Fedorin! Come with me. We must make a report to the world authority.

(SALAMANDER starts to walk away and FEDORIN makes to follow.)

DENES: They won’t believe a word you tell them.

SALAMANDER: We shall see. Fedorin.

(SALAMANDER exits, but FEDORIN stops as if to apologize to DENES. DENES looks away, ignoring him. FEDORIN follows SALAMANDER in resignation. BRUCE walks to stand in front of DENES.)

BRUCE: I’ll do what I can for you, but I don’t want any trouble.

DENES: Don’t worry. I’m looking forward to facing Salamander in public court. I won’t run away.

2. SALAMANDER’S OFFICE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(SALAMANDER speaks to FEDORIN privately, still holding the falsely incriminating file.)

SALAMANDER: You’ve done very well, so far, Fedorin.

(He begins to turn a knob on the wall.)

FEDORIN: It’s nothing but a blackmail!

SALAMANDER: Blackmail? What have I thr*at you with? Nothing.

FEDORIN: No. But you would if I refused to.

(SALAMANDER finishes with the knob and faces him.)

SALAMANDER: Fedorin, I keep on telling you. (Flipping through the file.) This is just a form of comprehensive insurance, huh? Is nothing for you to worry about. Oh, my dear man, I’ve done nothing but praise you ever since we first met. I said you should be European Controller. I said I would support you.

FEDORIN: You found out things about me, lies, that would damage me!

SALAMANDER: On the contrary, I’m doing you a good turn. I’m actually suppressing facts about you. (Taps the file against his chest.) 

FEDORIN: Lies, I tell you!

SALAMANDER: (Still tapping.) Lies, truth, who knows. But we wouldn’t want to put it to the test, would we, huh?

(He pulls the knob on the wall, opening the door of a hidden safe. He returns the dossier to the safe and takes out a small container before closing the door. He shows FEDORIN the little black box.)

SALAMANDER: There.

(He pushes it into FEDORIN’s hands.)

FEDORIN: What’s this?

SALAMANDER: (Rubbing his hands.) Used in the right way, at the right time, it can dictate your own future, and the future of Alexander Denes.

(FEDORIN’s lip trembles as he realizes what SALAMANDER means.)

FEDORIN: Poison?

3. ENTRANCE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(BRUCE approaches JAMIE.)

BRUCE: I want you to take a message . . . . McCrimmon? What are you doing dressed like this?

JAMIE: Leader’s orders.

BRUCE: Well as you’re here, I’ve got some questions I want to ask you.

JAMIE: I’ve better things to do, thank you.

(JAMIE tries to walk past him, but BRUCE holds him back.)

BRUCE: I want to know what Salamander and Giles Kent were discussing when I saw you last.

JAMIE: It’s not for me to tell you that.

BRUCE: I’m concerned with Salamander’s safety. Giles Kent is supposed to be his bitter enemy.

JAMIE: Look, if Salamander wishes you to know that, I dare say he’ll tell you himself. You’ll get no confidences out of me.

(BRUCE looks fed up.)

4. HALLWAY, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(DENES is sitting on a chair in a hallway and a young guard leans against the wall beside him.)

DENES: Well how much longer am I to be kept here?

(The guard gives him a look, as if he’s shocked the prisoner is speaking to him.)

DENES: You choose to be insolent?

YANNOS: We’re waiting for the security hover-car. The volcanic eruptions have disrupted everything.

(DENES sighs and shakes his head. The GUARD CAPTAIN appears from around the corner.)

DENES: Well, Captain, isn’t there a room I could wait in?

GUARD CAPTAIN: I am simply obeying orders.

DENES: Perhaps you might interpret your orders differently, huh?

GUARD CAPTAIN: Mister Denes, what can I do? You are no longer the Controller. You’re a prisoner here.

BRUCE: Captain.

(BRUCE walks in from another corridor.)

BRUCE: Why is Mister Denes being kept in the corridor here?

GUARD CAPTAIN: It’s easier to guard him here.

BRUCE: Hmm. (Approaches DENES.) You all right?

DENES: Yes, thank you.

BRUCE: Something to read, perhaps?

DENES: That would be a comfort, yes.

BRUCE: The Controller is not to be treated as a convicted man before his trial. See he has whatever he wants.

(BRUCE leaves.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: (Bows with a smile.) What can I get for you?

DENES: Well if we have to wait, something to eat and drink.

GUARD CAPTAIN: Very well.

YANNOS: Prison rations, Captain?

GUARD CAPTAIN: (Smiling.) Certainly not. Nothing but the best for Controller Denes. From our Leader’s own kitchens.

YANNOS: Sir.

GUARD CAPTAIN: And to read?

DENES: Something light, um, a book about foreign travels, perhaps, hm?  (Chuckles.)

5. KITCHEN, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(FARIAH and VICTORIA stand by the table while GRIFFIN the chef busies himself. It’s hard to tell with just a transcript, but everything GRIFFIN says is absolutely dripping with sarcasm and cynicism.)

GRIFFIN: So you reckon you know about cooking, eh?

VICTORIA: Yes, I used to do lots at home.

GRIFFIN: All right, give me a menu.

(He pours some chopped items into a soup on the stove.)

VICTORIA: Now?

GRIFFIN: Yeah, now.

VICTORIA: (nervously) Er- er . . . soup . . . fish . . . (Smiles.) meat and pudding . . . ah . . . .

GRIFFIN: (Faces her.) Dessert?

VICTORIA: Yes.

GRIFFIN: (Approaches.) Go on, what else?

VICTORIA: Er- ahh . . . .

GRIFFIN: (Hand on hip.) Yes, you’re a bit too smart for me. All right then, let’s have a recipe.

VICTORIA: What, now?

GRIFFIN: Yeah, now.

VICTORIA: Er . . . er . . . .

(She looks lost until her face suddenly lights up.)

VICTORIA: Oh, yes! Yes! We used to have a lovely pudding at home, with lots of almonds, eggs, lemon peel, candy peel, oranges, cream and . . . oh, it was lovely!

GRIFFIN: You wouldn’t know how to make it?

VICTORIA: Oh it’s quite simple, really. You sort of . . . whoosh it up all together! (Making a “whooshing” motion with her hands.)

GRIFFIN: Well that sounds easy. What’s this whoosh-up called, then?

VICTORIA: Kaiser pudding.

(GRIFFIN smiles for the first time, but it is the sarcastic smile of a skeptic.)

GRIFFIN: Oh that’s great, just great. Yes, I’ve got a job for you, all right. Peel those spuds. Yeah, now.

(VICTORIA sets to work, frustrated with GRIFFIN. FARIAH approaches him as he goes back to work on his soup.)

FARIAH: Is that the best you can do for her? The girl must learn.

GRIFFIN: Back at school, are we? Well I suppose there are worse things. The place could be overrun with rats gnawin’ holes in the gas pipes so the ovens catch f*re and burn the building down. (Laughs.)

FARIAH: It isn’t that bad, Grif.

GRIFFIN: Look, I’m only trying to help with the see . . . .

(As he speaks, he bends down to look in the oven and stops, disappointed.)

GRIFFIN: There you see. This chicken’s brownin’ too soon already, it’ll be as tough as rubber.

FARIAH: (Walks away.) Oh, Grif.

GRIFFIN: (Stands.) Now the soup’s boilin’. Did I put any salt in it? Dinner tonight’s going to be a national disaster. My mother was right.

VICTORIA: What?

GRIFFIN: She wanted me to be a dustman. Here, look, you want to do something useful?

VICTORIA: Oh yes, please.

(She shakes the water off her hands.)

GRIFFIN: Well sit down and write out the menu. 

(She dries her hands on a towel and sits at the pen and paper. He walks behind her and rests his arm on the back of her chair.)

GRIFFIN: First course interrupted by b*mb expl*si*n. Second course affected by earthquakes. Third course ruined by interference in the kitchen. (Walks toward the door.) I’m goin’ out for a walk. It’ll probably rain.

VICTORIA: He doesn’t like me.

FARIAH: It isn’t you. He’s the same with everyone.

VICTORIA: Even Salamander?

FARIAH: (Looks furtively.) Listen to me. You must go away from here. Don’t get caught up in Salamander’s world.

VICTORIA: Why? What do you mean? It sounds as if you don’t like him.

FARIAH: Like him!? I-

(She cuts herself off as JAMIE enters.)

JAMIE: (Waves.) Oh hello there.

FARIAH: Finish writing those menus.

(FARIAH leaves. JAMIE approaches VICTORIA.)

VICTORIA: Do you hear that?

JAMIE: Aye. Work on her. I have a feeling she can tell us something about Salamander.

VICTORIA: All right. As soon as I can. What have you been doing?

JAMIE: I managed to slip out and tell Astrid everything that’s happened.

VICTORIA: Oh you might have told me, Jamie!

JAMIE: There wasn’t time, she’s trying to get Denes away.

VICTORIA: And take him to the Doctor? He’d believe Denes.

JAMIE: Aye, he would.

VICTORIA: But how will she get in? Salamander’s got guards everywhere.

JAMIE: She’s got friends here. They’re going to arrange passes and the right sort of uniform.

VICTORIA: What sort of uniform?

JAMIE: Don’t know. Messenger delivery or something.

(VICTORIA shakes her head and begins to respond, but JAMIE shushes her as voices are heard outside. JAMIE goes to stand by the window and lifts the curtain to peek out.)

6. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE KITCHEN, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(JAMIE watches two guards walk past.)

GUARD 1: . . . Controller Denes has been arrested. I can’t make up my mind whether Fedorin is to be regarded as the new Controller or not?

GUARD 2: The burden of office is heavy, my friend. I remember when I was in that office . . .

(The voices trail away as the two move out of sight.)

7. KITCHEN, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

JAMIE: All right, they’re gone.

(JAMIE unstraps his tight collar and partially unzips his leather jacket.)

VICTORIA: Astrid and Giles Kent were quite right, Salamander is an evil man. I can somehow sense it from all the people here.

JAMIE: Aye, he’s bad all right. He’s had Denes arrested, and he’s got this man Fedorin eating out of his hand.

VICTORIA: Why should he do that?

JAMIE: Remove the honest man, and put a weaker man in his place - but somehow have a hold on him. That way Salamander can take over the territory.

VICTORIA: Oh I see. And then everything’s in a turmoil because of the earthquakes.

JAMIE: (skeptically) Aye, and that’s lucky to say the least.

VICTORIA: But . . . y-y- you don’t really believe that Salamander could cause earthquakes, do you?

8. CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(A black mountain erupts glowing yellow magma. Four more smoking mountaintops do the same, throwing drops of lava great distances.)

9. KENT’S CARAVAN, AUSTRALASIAN ZONE

(A river of lava flows down the mountainside. The lava flow is seen on a tiny portable television, watched by KENT and the DOCTOR. The television is next to a pair of binoculars on a small table, which is surrounded on three sides by a couch which bends around the corner and a large trunk. KENT sits on the couch while the DOCTOR stands in front of the door, bending down to watch the screen. He has barely any room between the trunk and the kitchen counter.)

KENT: I’m certain Salamander’s causing the earthquakes, Doctor, and I’m sure your friends Jamie and Victoria will tell you just how bad he really is.

(The DOCTOR touches his lip as he listens, then moves it away and his mouth goes crooked.)

DOCTOR: (Straightens.) Why make earthquakes?

KENT: Well years ago, Doctor, when one country wanted to inv*de another, it set about attacking the confidence of that country, throwing it into confusion, making it weak. Then it was ripe for takeover. Now isn’t that exactly what’s happening here only in a different way?

DOCTOR: (Fingers interlocked.) Well what you’re saying is that Salamander’s found a way of- of harnessing the natural forces of the earth! It’s a little difficult to accept. (Raises finger.) I’m not saying it’s impossible, mind you.

(He sniffs and picks up the binoculars and peers out the window.)

DOCTOR: You said it’s- it’s coming from the research station, Salamander’s research station, eh?

KENT: That’s what I believe, in spite of- (Suddenly grabs the DOCTOR’s arm.) Shh!

DOCTOR: (Lowers the binoculars.) Huh?

KENT: Wait a minute.

(He walks to the door and opens it a crack to look out as the DOCTOR puts the binoculars down. Nothing is there and KENT closes the door and turns back to the DOCTOR.)

KENT: (Continues.) In spite of a number of reasons. He invented the sunstore, a brilliant advance, he found a way of directing conserved energy to areas starved of sun.

DOCTOR: (Leaning on the table.) What made you suspicious?

KENT: Oh, the money he was spending at the research station, the materials involved, the food stores, it didn’t make sense. I had all the papers, all the requisition orders.

DOCTOR: (excited) But that’s valuable evidence!

KENT: All destroyed, and new ones appeared, and I was made out to be the criminal. All by suggestion, of course. I was discredited. And every accusation I made against Salamander was put down as an attempt to throw suspicion off myself.

DOCTOR: A sort of . . . Jekyll and Hyde character, perhaps, our Mister Salamander. It’ll be interesting to see what report Jamie brings back.

(KENT reacts in fear when he hears a siren growing louder. He looks around frantically.)

KENT: Security, quick!

(They both look for a hiding place, but the place is just too small.)

KENT: Here. (Opens the trunk.) Quick.

(The DOCTOR quickly steps into the trunk and crouches as KENT closes the lid. KENT turns to the door, but the DOCTOR pokes his head up, lifting the lid.)

DOCTOR: I hope there’s plenty of air in here.

KENT: Yes, yes, yes.

(The DOCTOR ducks down again. KENT goes to the sink and pretends to be busy with the dishes just as the door bursts open and BENIK enters.)

BENIK: So . . .

(KENT turns to face him.)

BENIK: It’s you. I might have known.

KENT: Do you have any authority?

BENIK: You are on Research Station territory.

KENT: Not quite. Have a look at the boundary lines.

BENIK: That’s very clever. Well, what are you doing here?

(BENIK goes to the table and picks up the binoculars.)

KENT: I don’t have to answer your questions.

BENIK: Birdwatching, no doubt?

KENT: Perhaps.

(BENIK looks through the window with the binoculars, just as the DOCTOR did.)

BENIK: Yes, there’s a perfect view of the research station from here.

KENT: Really?

(BENIK lowers the binoculars and notices the framed picture beside the window, of KENT himself in SALAMANDER’s jacket. He takes it off the wall.)

BENIK: Well, well, well. A memento of the old days.

(He smashes the picture on the corner of the table.)

KENT: (Rushing and grabbing him.) You have no right to-!

BENIK: Guard!

(KENT stops in the middle of his sentence and quickly takes a step back as a guard enters.)

BENIK: It was just an accident. Now then, you won’t be staying in this vicinity, will you?

KENT: You can’t make me leave here.

(BENIK nods to the guard. The guard saunters over to the kitchen. He takes a plate out of the sink and smashes it on the floor. He rummages in the crockery and KENT grabs the guard, trying to wrestle him away.)

KENT: Hey now, what-?!

(The guard throws him off and he falls into BENIK, who just watches him, hands on hips. The guard opens the cabinets and uses the butt of his g*n to swipe all the cups and plates onto the floor with noisy clattering and shattering. Once they’re all on the ground, any that happen to be intact he smashes with his w*apon. He stands and slams the cabinet door shut, facing BENIK.)

BENIK: (softly) All right, that’s enough.

(The guard exits, his feet crunching the shards all over the floor. KENT slowly stands.)

BENIK: Well there’s not much point in your staying here now, is there? 

(He walks to the door, crunching shards, but stops and turns.)

BENIK: (Smiling.) Oh I wouldn’t complain to anyone about this if I were you, Kent. After all, nobody would believe you. (pleasantly) Would they?

(BENIK exits. KENT looks to make sure he’s gone, kicking through the shards on the floor. He closes the door and opens the trunk.)

KENT: Come on. 

(The DOCTOR breathes heavily as KENT helps him out. He looks around the disaster area.)

KENT: Now do you believe the sort of people we’re up against?

DOCTOR: Unpleasant, yes, destructive, but not necessarily evil.

KENT: (frustrated) Why won’t you believe me?

DOCTOR: (Waves his hands down.) It is too important. I must be sure. (Bends down and picks up two pieces.) Oh, dear . . . . What pretty crockery this is. Sad really, isn’t it? People spend all their time making nice things, and other people come along and break them.

KENT: That’s what I’m trying to tell you about Salamander, he’s trying to destroy the world!!

(The DOCTOR slowly looks at him, face scrunched in annoyance.)

DOCTOR: Facts, Kent, I must have facts! That’s what I hope Jamie’s going to bring back.

10. CORRIDOR, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(ASTRID walks down a corridor and stops at an intersection. She looks both ways, uncertain.)

11. CORRIDOR, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(ASTRID walks quickly down a corridor, but stops to reconsider where she’s going. She decides to continue and looks around the corner cautiously.)

12. HALLWAY, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(DENES’s guard perks up.)

YANNOS: Halt!

(ASTRID stops in front of him and he aims his g*n at her.)

YANNOS: Why are you running?

ASTRID: (Steps toward him.) I have an urgent message for Leader Salamander.

YANNOS: Hm. (Presents his hand.) Your pass?

(ASTRID unzips her jacket and reaches into her bosom. DENESH peers around the guard. The guard looks interested, but they remain professional.)

YANNOS: You have not been here before.

ASTRID: No.

YANNOS: I thought so. Next time, do not run. It is dangerous to run here.

(She hands him her pass.)

ASTRID: I’ll remember. (Walks past him.)

YANNOS: Wait! 

(She stops, nervous. He leans in beside her, smiling like a doofus.)

YANNOS: You like wine? 

(She looks at him, surprised.)

YANNOS: My name is Yannos. We drink wine together tonight?

ASTRID: (Smiles politely.) I have to go and deliver my message.

YANNOS: Yes, but later you will come back?

ASTRID: Oh yes. Yes, I’ll come back.

(She turns and starts to zip up her jacket, but stands at attention as the GUARD CAPTAIN walks into the room.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Just a moment!

ASTRID: I have an urgent message for Leader Salamander.

(DENES tries to read his book between them.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Yes I heard you. Where is it?

ASTRID: It’s private and personal.

GUARD CAPTAIN: I don’t want to read it.

(ASTRID pushes past him, but he stops her.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Keep still.

(ASTRID remains facing away from him.)

ASTRID: I have to deliver this to Salamander personally.

GUARD CAPTAIN: You do have a message?

ASTRID: Of course.

GUARD CAPTAIN: Then show me.

(ASTRID hesitates before producing another paper from her bosom. She hands it to him, still averting her gaze. The CAPTAIN makes a face, surprised she actually had a message. He hands it back.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Very well. I know you from somewhere.

(A bang causes them all to look. YANNOS quickly picks up DENES’s book and gives it back.)

DENES: Oh, I think I must have dropped off. Thank you.

(The CAPTAIN looks up, but ASTRID is gone. He looks suspiciously at DENES, who is smiling innocently. He turns back to his book.)

13. KITCHEN, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(VICTORIA stands before a trolley filled with silver covered dishes. She studies it, brows furrowed, making sure of the details. She goes to the table, on which JAMIE is enjoying a meal, and picks up some utensils. She lays them in their proper place as JAMIE licks his fingers. He stands and VICTORIA looks as ASTRID enters. She closes the door and waves to JAMIE.)

ASTRID: Sit down. (Quickly strides across the room.) Go on with what you’re doing. 

(JAMIE sits, wiping his hands on his napkin. ASTRID looks out the other door to make sure no one is there, then walks behind JAMIE’s chair.)

ASTRID: We’ve got to rescue Denes - get him away from the building.

VICTORIA: There are guards everywhere.

ASTRID: Yes, I know, but we must try.

JAMIE: It’s a pity we can’t get him to the Doctor.

ASTRID: That’s exactly where I intend to take him.

JAMIE: Well what’s your plan, then? (Wipes his mouth with his napkin.)

ASTRID: Look, I want you to, well, cause a diversion.

JAMIE: What do you want me to do?

ASTRID: Well, anything! (Pointing.) But do it at eleven o’clock precisely.

JAMIE: (Looks at his watch.) Eleven o’clock, right.

ASTRID: I see, the second corridor on the right, thank you so much.

(She leaves as GRIFFIN enters behind JAMIE.)

JAMIE: (confused) Ah . . . yes.

GRIFFIN: Now we’re a travel agency.

(JAMIE jumps.)

GRIFFIN: I haven’t met you before. (to VICTORIA) What’s wrong? It’s bound to be something serious.

VICTORIA: Th-this is a friend of mine, Grif.

GRIFFIN: He’s not a cook like you, I hope?

VICTORIA: No.

GRIFFIN: Oh well that’s all right then. Well I suppose this is as good a place as any for meetin’ friends. (Raises arms in mock invitation.) Come one, come all, I say! How’s the food?

(He turns to the soup and lifts the spoon to his lips.)

GRIFFIN: Terrible. Terrible! I’ll get the sack tonight, I swear I will. (Looks up with an idea.) Maybe they’ll sh**t me. I won’t have to worry anymore. (Looks down.) No, they wouldn’t do that, the f*ring squad’d miss me.

(FARIAH enters.)

FARIAH: How are you getting on with the food for mister Denes?

GRIFFIN: Well it’s ready, such as it is. Now we don’t want too much of a crowd in here.

JAMIE: Well, I’ll be on my way, then.

(He wipes his mouth with his napkin and stands.)

GRIFFIN: No no. You stay. I’ll go. I’m only the chef here.

(JAMIE sits hesitantly as GRIFFIN walks away again.)

FARIAH: (Goes to the soup.) Now, what can we give mister Denes?

(She stirs it and smells it.)

JAMIE: Ah . . . do you like working for Salamander, Fariah?

VICTORIA: It must be wonderful travelling all over the world with him.

(FARIAH looks annoyed that they’re talking about it.)

FARIAH: I don’t enjoy travelling. (Sips the soup.) Hmm this is good. That Grif’s a genius.

JAMIE: Why travel then?

FARIAH: Sometimes we do what we have to do, not what we want to do.

JAMIE: You don’t have to work for Salamander.

FARIAH: (Shouts, turning to face them.) Don’t I? Don’t I? What do you know about it?

JAMIE: (defensively) Sorry! I was just . . . .

FARIAH: (Approaches.) To you, Salamander is a god, isn’t he? The saviour of the world, that’s why you work for him. You saved his life, didn’t you?

JAMIE: Well . . . .

VICTORIA: Don’t you protect his life every day?

FARIAH: Yes! As I say, sometimes we do what we have to do, not what we want to do.

14. SALAMANDER’S OFFICE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(SALAMANDER sits at his desk, writing something, and BRUCE stands beside him.)

BRUCE: Nevertheless, whatever he’s done or not done, he should be treated according to rank.

SALAMANDER: (uninterested) He will be moved soon.

(In the background, a bird cries in the night.) 

SALAMANDER: You can’t expect much sympathy for him, you know, Bruce. Word gets around. (Stops writing and looks up.) I warned him about the earthquakes. He could have cautioned the people. Some of them might have been saved.

BRUCE: Maybe.

SALAMANDER: No maybe about it.

(He goes back to writing and BRUCE begins to leave. He turns.)

BRUCE: Who’s gonna control this zone now? Fedorin?

(SALAMANDER perks up, pretending to be struck with inspiration.)

SALAMANDER: Fedorin? Oh what a good idea.

15. ENTRY TO KITCHEN, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(GRIFFIN stands by the door while VICTORIA sets off with DENES’ meal on a trolley.)

GRIFFIN: Be nice to mister Denes.

VICTORIA: I will.

(She rolls it down the corridor.)

16. CORRIDOR, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(The wheels don’t seem to be straight and the trolley angles toward the wall as VICTORIA walks down the corridor. VICTORIA forces it to go straight. GRIFFIN appears at the end of the corridor with a towel and VICTORIA spins as he speaks.)

GRIFFIN: Give him a smile. It might make him forget the taste of the soup.

(He waves with the towel and VICTORIA puts on a smile as he leaves. She turns to continue, but stops in surprise as the trolley shakes, having run into FEDORIN.)

FEDORIN: Oh, i-is this for mister Denes?

VICTORIA: Ye-yes, I-I’m taking it to him.

FEDORIN: May I look?

VICTORIA: Yes.

FEDORIN: (Lifts the cover.) Mmm. Delicious. Ah, very good.

(He takes a look at the gravy boat next to the salt and pepper shakers. As he lifts the gravy boat, he palms the salt shaker.)

FEDORIN: Eh, whe-whe-where’s the salt?

VICTORIA: What?

FEDORIN: You- you forgot something.

VICTORIA: Oh, no! Well, I-

FEDORIN: Well, you run and get it, huh?

(VICTORIA’s mouth moves as if she wants to argue, but she submits.)

VICTORIA: Yes, yes.

(VICTORIA leaves the trolley and runs back to the kitchen for another salt shaker. FEDORIN nervously looks around and produces the small box of poison from his pocket. He opens it and pinches a tiny bit of the white powder inside.)

17. SALAMANDER’S OFFICE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(SALAMANDER is still sitting at his desk, but listening intently.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: The same girl I saw in the park, I . . . I suddenly remembered.

(SALAMANDER puts his pen down and stands, approaching the GUARD CAPTAIN.)

SALAMANDER: You say she was talking to the boy and girl?

GUARD CAPTAIN: She was on the same bench.

SALAMANDER: Coincidence?

GUARD CAPTAIN: She wasn’t in messengers’ uniform then. She is now.

SALAMANDER: Yes, she certainly hasn’t delivered any messages to me.

GUARD CAPTAIN: Shall I alert the building?

SALAMANDER: No. No, I want to know where she comes from. Let her escape but have her followed. Frighten her away.

GUARD CAPTAIN: I understand. And the other two?

SALAMANDER: Oh, I’ll deal with them.

18. CORRIDOR, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(VICTORIA comes back down the corridor with the trolley and passes FARIAH.)

FARIAH: Ah, good.

VICTORIA: Sorry I’ve been so long.

(She approaches DENES and he bends over it happily.)

DENES: Oh, I’m looking forward to this. 

(VICTORIA lifts the cover as DENES picks up the napkin.)

DENES: Haha. Thank you.

(The GUARD CAPTAIN quickly comes down the corridor.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Just a moment! Has that trolley been checked?

YANNOS: I was just going to, Sir.

(The CAPTAIN sighs and takes DENES’s steak Kn*fe and butter Kn*fe.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: (Waving the knives.) Don’t any of you know anything?

(DENES watches his utensils, disappointed.)

DENES: Do you imagine I’m going to try and cut my way out of here? How do I eat without the Kn*fe?

GUARD CAPTAIN: It’s none of my concern.

FARIAH: Try the spoon, mister Denes.

DENES: And how do you cut a steak with a- a spoon?

(The CAPTAIN sighs. He puts a Kn*fe down, picks up the fork, and begins to cut DENES’ steak.)

DENES: (Laughs.) It’s a long time since I had my food cut up for me.

(The CAPTAIN finishes cutting, puts the fork down, and takes the knives again.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Watch him carefully.

YANNOS: Sir.

DENES: Thank you for your courtesy.

GUARD CAPTAIN: Fariah, come with me. I want a word with you and, er . . . Griffin about breaking regulations. (Walks away.)

FARIAH: (sarcastically) Yes, Sir.

(She follows and VICTORIA watches to make sure the CAPTAIN is out of hearing range. She bends down to DENES.)

VICTORIA: What’s the time?

DENES: (Looks at watch.) Six minutes to eleven.

VICTORIA: May I stay with you? I’m Victoria.

(DENES looks at his guard to see if he has a reaction, then smiles at VICTORIA.)

DENES: Yes, of course. I’d be glad of your company. If you forgive me, I’m really rather hungry.

(He takes a serving of something and puts it on his plate.)

19. SALAMANDER’S OFFICE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(FEDORIN stands before SALAMANDER, the little black box in his hands. He speaks frantically, frightened to his last nerve.)

FEDORIN: There- there must be some other way, I . . . I couldn’t do it, Salamander, I couldn’t do it! I- I stood there, with this man’s life in my hands, and I . . . . This powder, I couldn’t use it!

SALAMANDER: (disappointed) I give you the chance to become something. Somebody. (quietly) You failed to take it, huh?

(He takes the poison box back from FEDORIN.)

FEDORIN: There must be some other way!

(The night birds still call in the background. SALAMANDER suddenly smiles and chuckles.)

SALAMANDER: Of course my friend. Don’t worry.

FEDORIN: What?

SALAMANDER: Don’t worry! You try, you fail. So what, huh? The moon doesn’t fall out of the sky! (Takes FEDORIN’s shoulder.) Come, sit down, have a drink, huh? 

(SALAMANDER goes to a tray of wine glasses and a bottle of wine. He looks behind himself to make sure FEDORIN’s back is turned and puts two pinches of the poison into one of the glasses.)

SALAMANDER: Cheer up, we find another way.

(He pours wine into each of the glasses.)

FEDORIN: I really did try.

SALAMANDER: Of course you did. Don’t worry. Forget it, huh? (Hands a glass to FEDORIN.) I have an alternative.

(FEDORIN takes it, looking confused, but beginning to calm down.)

SALAMANDER: (Raises glass.) Your health. 

(He drinks. FEDORIN starts to sip, but stops as SALAMANDER keeps talking.)

SALAMANDER: I hope you’ll appreciate this wine. It’s made for me especially in Alaska.

(FEDORIN takes a sip. He reacts immediately, coughing with a hand on his throat. He stands, choking, and looks at the wine in horror. He looks at SALAMANDER, knowing what he’s done, but unable to speak. He gags and grimaces before collapsing with one last groan. The glass shatters on the floor.)

SALAMANDER: One chance, my friend. I said one chance.

(The GUARD CAPTAIN enters.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Some trouble in the kitchens, Leader. The new man says he’s seen someone in the kitchen gardens-

(He turns as he speaks and suddenly stops, noticing with some surprise FEDORIN’s body.)

SALAMANDER: Very well. (Notices the CAPTAIN’s shock.) Oh er, see to that, will you? (unconvincingly) Er . . . su1c1de, of course eh, such a pity.

(SALAMANDER walks out while the CAPTAIN bends down to FEDORIN’s body with a sad sigh.)

20. KITCHEN, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(JAMIE is peering suspiciously out the kitchen window, and GRIFFIN watches from a distance.)

GRIFFIN: I can’t see anything.

JAMIE: (Points.) Over there by the trees. (Draws g*n.) Hey, he’s armed, too. (Waves at GRIFFIN.) Get down!

(GRIFFIN ducks under the table. JAMIE takes another glance out the window before turning to GRIFFIN.)

JAMIE: Look I’m going out there, you stay down here. (Pointing.) When the rest of the guards come, send ‘em out after me.

GRIFFIN: Yes, all right.

(JAMIE runs outside. GRIFFIN stands to watch him.)

GRIFFIN: This is just about the end of a perfect day.

(He jumps as a sh*t rings out.)

GRIFFIN: Yeah, I know the food’s bad, but you don’t have to go that far!

(He flinches worse as two more sh*ts are heard. He quickly seeks cover under the table.)

GRIFFIN: (Sighs.) All right, have it your own way. Why did I ever leave Woolloomooloo . . . ?

21. CORRIDOR, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(YANNOS quickly raises his g*n at the sound of running footsteps. Another guard rushes into the corridor. He runs past DENES, still eating, and VICTORIA sitting behind him.)

VICTORIA: (to DENES) We’re going to try and get you away.

(ASTRID speaks to YANNOS, having followed the other guard.)

ASTRID: An attempt has been made to rescue this man. Get him out to the car.

(The guard turns his back on ASTRID. She fells him with a karate chop to the neck, then a double chop to the collarbones.)

ASTRID: Sorry, Yannos.

(DENES hurries toward ASTRID. From the other end of the corridor the GUARD CAPTAIN and three guards appear.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Stop!

(ASTRID and DENES run, but a sh*t is fired and DENES tenses in pain, reaching toward his back.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: After them!

(VICTORIA shoves the trolley hard at the guards, ramming one in the knee, who falls over. The other guards skirt around it, giving ASTRID just enough time to escape . . . without DENES.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: (Pointing at VICTORIA.) Get that girl!

22. SALAMANDER’S OFFICE, CONTROLLER HOUSE, CENTRAL EUROPEAN ZONE

(VICTORIA stands beside the GUARD CAPTAIN as a guard brings JAMIE in. This is VICTORIA’s first time seeing SALAMANDER in person.)

SALAMANDER: Well, we all seem to be here, except the third member of your escape committee.

JAMIE: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

SALAMANDER: You were seen speaking with a girl in the park. The one who tried to escape with Denes.

(JAMIE purses his lips in defiance.)

VICTORIA: We don’t know anything about that. We don’t even know her.

SALAMANDER: A diversion was caused! (Pointing angrily.) There was no one outside the kitchen.

JAMIE: Of course there was someone! And they were sh**ting!

(The GUARD CAPTAIN raises a g*n, eyeing JAMIE suspiciously.)

GUARD CAPTAIN: Three sh*ts have been fired from this g*n. It’s yours, isn’t it?

(JAMIE stays silent.)

SALAMANDER: (Approaches.) Pretending to save my life was ingenious. But ingenuity requires a constant stream of new ideas. (contemptuously) Yours seem to have dried up.

(He turns and approaches BRUCE.)

SALAMANDER: I come to the Central Zone. An attempt is made on my life! Denes proves to be a traitor! Fedorin commits su1c1de because I uncover him! Do your job, Bruce. You can see they are all in this.

(He looks at JAMIE and VICTORIA. BRUCE approaches.)

BRUCE: All right, take them away

(The guards drag JAMIE and VICTORIA away.)

VICTORIA: Take your hands off me!

BRUCE: Salamander, I think it’s about time you told me what’s going on. 

(SALAMANDER takes a sip of wine.)

BRUCE: One minute I see you with this lad McCrimmon, you’re working together, the next minute-

SALAMANDER: (interrupting) I thought he saved my life.

BRUCE: (Pointing with his cane.) No, I mean before that, in Kent’s office.

(SALAMANDER puts the wine glass down and faces BRUCE, his attention caught.)

SALAMANDER: (Approaches.) What are you talking about?

BRUCE: Well I saw you there.

SALAMANDER: (confused) But I haven’t seen Kent in months.

BRUCE: Yes, you were with Kent, the Ferrier girl, and those two youngsters. I thought it was so curious I spoke to your number two, Benik, about it. That’s really the reason I came to this zone.

SALAMANDER: But I tell you! (concerned) I must get back to the research centre. You will come with me.

BRUCE: (insistent) It was you! (second-guessing) Or . . . someone like you.

(SALAMANDER, realizing the implications of an imposter, looks at him, fear in his face for the first time.)
{"type": "series", "show": "Doctor Who", "episode": "05x19 - The Enemy of the World - part 3"}