Transcript: 8x00 The Time of the Doctor (2/2)
EXT. CHURCH, BELFRY, NIGHT
DOCTOR:
They're asking for my help!
TASHA:
And if you give it, war will be the consequence. I will not that let that happen at any cost. Speak your name and this world will burn!
DOCTOR:
No, this planet is protected.
The DOCTOR uses his sonic on the bell and it begins to toll. He heads back downstairs.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
The DOCTOR stands on the steps of the church and the people gather to learn why the bells are tolling.
DOCTOR:
So, you lot, a quick word, thank you. Spot of news, Christmas has a new sheriff. Hello, everyone, I'm the Doctor.
INT. PAPAL MAINFRAME, AUDIENCE CHAMBER
TASHA walks onto the dais.
TASHA:
Attention. Attention all Chapels and Choirs of the Papal Mainframe. The siege of Trenzalore is now begun. There will now be an unscheduled faith change. From this moment on, I dedicate this church to one cause. Silence. The Doctor will not speak his name, and war will not begin. Silence... will fall!
ALL:
Silence will fall. Silence will fall.
SPACE
TASHA: (v.o.)
In the time that followed, the Papal Mainframe strove to maintain the peace between the Doctor and his enemies.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
The townspeople go about their business unaware of aliens in their midst. Tracks are made in the snow by an invisible vehicle.
SONTARAN:
We remain undetectable to the Papal Mainframe.
Elsewhere, the DOCTOR activates the sonic screwdriver. An alarm begins to sound.
SONTARAN:
Commander Skarr! That's the detection warning. Our invisibility cloak is compromised.
SKARR:
What's wrong with it?
SONTARAN:
I don't know, I can't see it.
SKARR:
Well, it looks invisible to me.
There is a thud and the Sontarans look worried. Their vehicle explodes.
VOICE:
The Church of the Papal Mainframe apologises for your death. The relevant afterlives have been notified.
TASHA narrates as the DOCTOR saves the town from various attacks.
TASHA: (v.o.)
As the days passed, and the years, the Doctor stayed true to his word. On the fields of Trenzalore, he stood as protector, both of his own people and his new home. Over time, the Doctor's enemies would find new, stranger ways to enter the town called Christmas.
A group of children are playing Blind Man’s Bluff. The BOY who is It, calls out for the others.
BOY:
Are you there? Hello? Am I getting warm?
There is a beeping and a small yellow light appears in the darkness. The BOY removes his blindfold. Standing in front of him is a wooden Cyberman.
BOY:
There's another one! (runs into town)
The Cyberman follows, shooting fire from its arm. It burns one of the trees. The BOY runs up a set of stairs and rings a bell.
BOY:
There's another one! There's another one! There's another one! (runs up church steps) Doctor! Doctor! There's another one.
The townsfolk run from the Cyberman.
CYBERMAN:
Incinerate!
A man emerges from a building using a cane. The camera pans up and we see it is the DOCTOR. His hair is greying and he has wrinkles. In his other hand he has a thin wooden cylinder.
CYBERMAN:
The Doctor is required.
The DOCTOR ignores the CYBERMAN.
DOCTOR:
(tosses cane to a boy) There you go. (tests toy) There you go, Barnable. (tosses it to BOY)
BARNABLE:
Thanks.
DOCTOR:
Working fine, nice action. Don't leave it out in the rain again. (pulls a wooden train from jacket pocket and tosses it to another child) Fixed the wheels and the anti-gravs. (boy tosses cane back)
GIRL:
The anti-whats?
DOCTOR:
May have gone a bit far. (walks down steps) Now then, what do we have today? Don't you move one step further. Wooden Cyberman. Nice, like it. Low-tech, doesn't set off the alarms upstairs.(walks over to face it)
The CYBERMAN raises his arm part way. The DOCTOR’S hand waits at hip height. The CYBERMAN raises his arm and the DOCTOR pulls out his sonic and uses it on the CYBERMAN.
DOCTOR:
(chuckles) Only bit of tech allowed in - got in before the truce. Now, I just sent an instruction to your firearm, to reverse the polarity and fire out the back end. As we're standing in a truth field, you will understand I cannot be lying. If you like, you can scan my screwdriver, verify that's the signal I sent.
CYBERMAN:
Signal verified.
The CYBERMAN reverses the gun on his arm and fires believing it will kill the DOCTOR. It shoots itself.
DOCTOR:
Yes, I probably should have mentioned - this doesn't work on wood! You send your friends up there a message from the Doctor. You tell them the Doctor stays.
The DOCTOR knocks it over with his cane and it falls with a thud.
DOCTOR:
Next.
TASHA: (v.o.)
With every victory, the town celebrated.
There is a street party with tables of food, dancing, fireworks and a puppet show depicting one of the DOCTOR’S victories.
DOCTOR:
And there's me arm-wrestling a Draconian, I remember that.
Children hold up the pictures they’ve drawn for him. Others want his autograph.
TASHA: (v.o.)
In, time, the Doctor seemed to forget he'd lived any other life...
PUPPET-DOCTOR holds up his sonic at a monster.
PUPPET DOCTOR:
Christmas is defended.
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
The DOCTOR hangs up pictures by the children. The wall is covered with them.
TASHA: (v.o.)
..and the people of the town came to love the man who stayed for Christmas.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
At one of the celebrations, the DOCTOR teaches the children to dance.
DOCTOR:
You've got to BE the drunk giraffe, you've got to commit! Don't be cool, guys. Cool is NOT cool.
CHILDREN:
Cool is not cool!
DOCTOR:
And what's the dance we're doing?
CHILDREN:
The drunk giraffe!
DOCTOR:
The drunk giraffe! Yeah, it is! Merry Christmas. Give me a hug, bring it in.
The children come in and hug the DOCTOR.
CHILDREN:
Yeah!
>>> LATER >>>
The DOCTOR walks over to BARNABLE.
DOCTOR:
How's your father's barn?
BARNABLE:
You've fixed the leak all right, but he say it's bigger on the inside now!
DOCTOR:
(bends over with a finger to his lips) Ssh! They'll all want one!
The DOCTOR hears a familiar sound and straightens slowly.
BARNABLE:
What is it? What's that noise?
The TARDIS starts to materialize.
DOCTOR:
Well! Where have you been for 300 years?! Huh! (walks towards the TARDIS)
BARNABLE:
What's that?
DOCTOR:
(stops) It's my ship.
BARNABLE:
Your what?
DOCTOR:
It's my TARDIS. That's how I got here in the first place.
BARNABLE:
Does this mean you're leaving?
The DOCTOR doesn’t answer and continues on to the TARDIS. He pauses before continuing on. CLARA is clinging to the outside, frozen in place. The DOCTOR walks up slowly and jabs CLARA in the back with his cane. She jerks with a gasp.
DOCTOR:
What are you doing here?
CLARA:
(looks at the DOCTOR) I... I was in space.
DOCTOR:
Well, you were in the time vortex. She must have extended the force field. No wonder... (pries CLARA loose) No wonder she's late, dragging you around.
They walk away from the TARDIS. CLARA stops and turns to face him.
CLARA:
You tricked me.
DOCTOR:
I saved you.
CLARA:
You didn't even say goodbye.
DOCTOR:
I'm FURIOUS with you!
CLARA:
Well, I am not even talking to YOU!
They laugh and hug.
DOCTOR:
Oh...
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
CLARA is wrapped in a blanket and walks around admiring the pictures on the walls. HANDLES is propped on a desk covered with gadgets and toys.
CLARA:
Oh, Doctor, fixing toys and fighting monsters.
DOCTOR:
(enters) The turkey isn't done yet.
CLARA:
(looks at the crack) Is it still asking the question?
DOCTOR:
Oh, never stops. Come upstairs, it's almost time. (picks up HANDLES)
CLARA:
What for?
DOCTOR:
Dawn. The light here lasts only a few minutes, you don't want to miss it.
EXT. CHURCH, BELFREY, MORNING
The DOCTOR and CLARA sit across from each other, a small fire burning between them.
DOCTOR:
Well, it's a standoff. They can't attack in case I unleash the Time Lords. And I can't run away, because they'll burn this planet to stop the Time Lords. (licks handkerchief and wipes HANDLES) Hey, after all these years, I've finally found somewhere that needs me to stick around. A town called Christmas! Could've been worse. Right, there you go, buddy. (adjusts HANDLES) Comfy?
HANDLES:
Comfort is irrelevant.
DOCTOR:
(readjusts) How's that, is that better?
HANDLES:
Affirmative.
DOCTOR:
You just take it easy, buddy. (pats HANDLES) He's getting old. I do my best for him, but... I just can't get the parts, you know. Hey, I know the feeling.
CLARA:
(toasting marshmallow) Where do you get these?
DOCTOR:
I have a supplier. The pinks ones are best. (takes a bite of marshmallow)
HANDLES:
I have developed a fault.
DOCTOR:
Hey, don't you worry, 'Andles, you're just dreaming. The sun's coming up very soon, you just hang on in there.
HANDLES:
I have developed a... fault. I...I have developed a fault.
DOCTOR:
(picks up HANDLES) Hey, Handles. Come on. Come on. One more dawn, you can do it. You've got it in you. Come on, just hang on in there.
HANDLES:
Attention! Emergency! Atten...
DOCTOR:
Handles, what is it, what's wrong?
HANDLES:
Urgent action required! You must patch the telephone device back through the... console... unit. (light flickers and fades)
DOCTOR:
(shakes HANDLES) Come back. Handles? Handles... (sighs and bows his head) Thank you, Handles, and well done. Well done, mate. (sets HANDLES back down)
The sun rises and birds call. The DOCTOR and CLARA stand at the rail.
DOCTOR:
What do you think of my new place? I come up here once a day for a few minutes... remind myself of what it is I'm protecting.
CLARA:
It's beautiful. Why did you send me away?
DOCTOR:
Because if I hadn't, I'd have buried you a long time ago.
CLARA:
No, you wouldn't. I would never have let you get stuck here.
DOCTOR:
Ha! Everyone gets stuck somewhere, eventually, Clara. Everything ends.
CLARA:
Except you.
DOCTOR:
Have you been paying attention? I'm an old man now.
CLARA:
But you don't die. You change. You pop right back up with a new face.
DOCTOR:
No, not forever. I can change 12 times. 13 versions of me. 13 silly Doctors.
CLARA:
OK, so you're number 11, so...
DOCTOR:
Are we forgetting Captain Grumpy, eh? I didn't call myself the Doctor during the Time War, but it was still a regeneration.
CLARA:
OK, so you're number 12.
DOCTOR:
Number ten once regenerated and kept the same face - I had vanity issues at the time. 12 regenerations, Clara. I can't ever do it again. This is where I end up. This face - this version of me. We saw this planet in the future, remember? All those graves... one of them mine.
The sun sets.
CLARA:
Change the future.
DOCTOR:
I can't.
CLARA:
You've got your TARDIS back.
DOCTOR:
Ha! You think I'm just going to fly away, abandon everyone?
CLARA:
Of course not. But you've been protecting this town for over 300 years. Do you not think it's anybody else's go yet?
DOCTOR:
There is no-one else to protect it.
CLARA:
It won't be you forever. It'll end the same way, whatever you do.
DOCTOR:
Every life I save is a victory. Every single one.
CLARA:
What about your life? Just for once, after all of this time, have you not earned the right to think about that? Sorry. Wrong thing to say. We shouldn't be having an argument.
DOCTOR:
Clara, I've been having that argument for the last 300 years all by myself.
CLARA:
(whispers) But you didn't have your TARDIS.
DOCTOR:
Ah! Yes, well, that made it easier to stay. True.
Thunder rumbles.
TASHA:
'Doctor!'
DOCTOR:
Ah! Look who's woken up!
The DOCTOR and CLARA turn around to see TASHA projected in the sky as before.
TASHA:
'The Church of the Silence requests parlay. Your rights and safety are sanctified.'
DOCTOR:
I'll be right up.
TASHA:
'I'm sending a transporter.'
DOCTOR:
Nah, don't bother. I've got me motor back.
TASHA’S projection disappears.
CLARA:
It's gone dark.
DOCTOR:
Well, the sun's gone down.
CLARA:
Already?
DOCTOR:
Everything ends, Clara. And sooner than you think.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
The DOCTOR and CLARA walk towards the TARDIS. The DOCTOR sees a small hand around the opposite side. He walks around to see BARNABLE sitting against it.
DOCTOR:
Hm! Are you guarding my TARDIS, Barnable?
BARNABLE:
Are you coming back?
DOCTOR:
Oh, come on. You know me.
BARNABLE:
I'll wait.
The DOCTOR smiles fondly.
INT. PAPAL MAINFRAME, AUDIENCE CHAMBER
The DOCTOR and CLARA approach TASHA.
CLARA:
(whispers) She hasn’t aged much.
DOCTOR:
No, she's against ageing.
TASHA:
Approach.
SILENT:
Confess.
CLARA:
What are those things?
SILENT:
Confess.
DOCTOR:
Confessional priests. Very popular. Genetically engineered so you forget everything you told them.
CLARA:
(looks at the DOCTOR) Told who?
DOCTOR:
There you go!
INT. PAPAL MAINFRAME, TASHA’S CHAMBERS
The DOCTOR and CLARA are sitting at a table and TASHA slides a large box towards him and opens it.
TASHA:
Satisfactory?
DOCTOR:
Where are the pink ones?
TASHA:
E-numbers. You're hyper enough as it is.
TASHA sits opposite the DOCTOR as he pulls out some marshmallows.
CLARA:
So this is sweet. Middle of a siege, and you two have little chats?
TASHA:
She's right. This situation cannot continue.
DOCTOR:
It can't end either. (closes the box)
INT. PAPAL MAINFRAME, AUDIENCE CHAMBER
A group of church members stand guard over the TARDIS.
DALEK:
Report!
A WOMAN solider raises her head and we see a Dalek eyestalk protruding from her forehead. All the soldiers flanking her have one as well.
WOMAN:
The Time Lord has entered the trap.
INT. PAPAL MAINFRAME, TASHA’S CHAMBERS
TASHA:
Why did you ever come to Trenzalore?
DOCTOR:
Well, I did come to Trenzalore, and nothing can change that now. (points his cane at TASHA) Didn't stop you trying, though, did it?
TASHA:
Not me. The Kovarian Chapter broke away. They travelled back along your timeline and tried to prevent you ever reaching Trenzalore.
DOCTOR:
So that's who blew up my TARDIS. I thought I'd left the bath running.
TASHA:
They blew up your time capsule, created the very cracks in the universe through which the Time Lords are now calling.
DOCTOR:
The destiny trap. You can't change history if you're part of it.
TASHA:
They engineered a psychopath to kill you.
DOCTOR:
Totally married her. I'd never have made it here alive without River Song.
TASHA:
I am not interested in changing history, Doctor. I want to change the future. The Daleks send for reinforcements daily, they are massing for war. (leans forward) Three days ago, they attacked the Mainframe itself.
DOCTOR:
They attacked here?
CLARA:
How did you stop them?
TASHA:
Stop them? It was slaughter.
DOCTOR:
Why didn't you call me? I could have helped.
TASHA:
I tried. I died in this room, screaming your name.
DOCTOR:
(whispers) No.
TASHA:
Oh... I died.
CLARA inches closer to the DOCTOR.
TASHA:
It's funny the things that slip your mind. (gasps and head falls to the table)
DOCTOR:
(stands by CLARA) No! No, no, no, Tasha, no, please, not Tasha, no. Fight it.
There is a cracking sound and TASHA raises her head.
DOCTOR:
Tash, fight it!
A Dalek eyestalk grows from TASHA’S forehead. Daleks burst through the door.
DALEK:
Step away from the Dalek unit, Doctor!
DOCTOR:
You shouldn't even know who I am.
DALEK:
Information concerning the Doctor was harvested from the cadaver of Tasha Lem.
TASHA slowly stands and faces CLARA.
DOCTOR:
Bet she never told you how to break the Trenzalore force field, though. She'd have died first.
DALEK:
Several times.
DOCTOR:
Well, you'd better kill me, then, go on. But before you do...
The DOCTOR uses the sonic and we hear the translated message.
MESSAGE:
'Doctor who...? Doctor who...? Doctor who...?'
DOCTOR:
I'm a tough old bird. I'll be ages dying. Way enough time to answer a question. And, oh dear, what happens then, boys?
TASHA walks up behind CLARA, hand outstretched.
DALEK:
You will die in silence, Doctor, or your associate will die.
TASHA puts her hand on CLARA’S shoulder, shooting a current through her.
DOCTOR:
(looks at CLARA) Fine, go on. Kill her. Kill her! See if I care! But tell me, what you are going to do next?
DALEK:
See how the Time Lord betrays.
CLARA:
You'll kill me anyway. What difference does it make? I'm not afraid. I'll leave that to you.
DOCTOR:
You see, Tasha, that's what I'm talking about! THAT is a WOMAN! (walks over to TASHA) I always knew you were a bit spineless, you and your pointless church! Why did I ever rely on you? Never trust a nun to do a Doctor's work.
TASHA releases CLARA and slaps the DOCTOR. She then uses the gun in her hand to shoot the Daleks.
DOCTOR:
And she's back! (kisses TASHA) You never could resist a row.
TASHA:
Kiss me when I ask.
DOCTOR:
Well, you'd better ask nicely.
TASHA:
In your dreams!
DOCTOR:
Right, get us back to the TARDIS. Can you do that? (turns to transporter)
TASHA:
Yep, but quickly, the Dalek inside me is waking.
DOCTOR:
Fight it.
TASHA:
I can't.
DOCTOR:
Listen to me. You have been fighting the psychopath inside you all your life. Shut up and win. That is an order, Tasha Lem.
CLARA enters the second booth.
TASHA:
(works controls) The force field will hold for a while, but it will decay, and there are breaches already.
DOCTOR:
Then this isn't a siege any more, it's a war. It's all up to you now. Fight the Daleks, inside and out. You can do it, I know you can.
TASHA:
Oh, I see. You've got your TARDIS back, haven't you? Time to fly away.
DOCTOR:
Tasha, please... Please. Thank you.
TASHA:
None of this was for you, you fatuous egotist. It was for the peace. Fly away, Doctor!
INT. TARDIS
The DOCTOR is at the controls as we hear a bell ding.
DOCTOR:
It's done.
CLARA:
What is?
DOCTOR:
Your turkey. Either or that or it's woken up.
CLARA:
(laughs) Do you want some?
DOCTOR:
Go on, then.
CLARA:
Got any plates?
DOCTOR:
Do you know, I've even got Christmas crackers!
CLARA pauses at the top of the steps and walks back to the DOCTOR.
CLARA:
One thing. Give me those big sad eyes, look at me so I know you're not lying, and tell me you will never send me away ever again.
DOCTOR:
Clara Oswald... I will never send you away... again.
CLARA kisses him on the cheek and runs down to the turkey. The DOCTOR turns on the monitor which shows Christmas.
CLARA:
Turkey smells good!
DOCTOR:
Yep, smells great.
CLARA opens up the compartment and puts on potholders, preparing to take out the turkey. Up at the console, the DOCTOR sees BARNABLE waiting.
CLARA:
Perfect.
The DOCTOR places the same device in the slot that CLARA used earlier. Below, CLARA strains as she lifts out the turkey.
CLARA:
Merry Christmas.
CLARA goes back up to the console area but the DOCTOR is gone.
CLARA:
Doctor?
CLARA walks to the door and steps outside.
EXT. BLOCK, DAY
CLARA finds herself outside her apartment block. The TARDIS dematerializes behind her.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
The TARDIS materializes in the street. The DOCTOR and BARNABLE watch.
BARNABLE:
If you're not leaving, why did you bring it back?
DOCTOR:
It's a reminder. (pats BARNABLE on the head and walks away) Besides, I might leave tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the day after that.
BARNABLE watches as the DOCTOR walks away.
>>> LATER >>>
Cybermen transport down onto the planet’s surface and begin firing on the people.
TASHA: (v.o.)
And so, to the fields of Trenzalore came all the Time Lord's enemies. For this was the winter of the Doctor.
The Silence and the Militants of the Church fire against the Cybermen.
TASHA: (v.o.)
In time, when all other races had retreated or burned, only the Church of the Mainframe remained in the path of the Daleks. And so those ancient enemies, the Doctor and the Silence, stood back-to-back on the fields of Trenzalore.
The DOCTOR walks down the street, twirling his cane, the Silence walking behind him.
INT. CLARA’S FLAT, LIVING ROOM, DAY
CLARA sits with her family at the table. Her father tries to get her to smile with a toy penguin.
TOY:
Merry Christmas, everyone. Merry Christmas, everyone.
LINDA:
Other fish in the sea, that's what I'm saying.
DAD:
Linda, I don't think Clara wants to talk about it.
LINDA:
I've got a suggestion, that's all. I've got a list of suggestions.
DAD:
Linda...
LINDA:
You could make a boy band out of my list!
CLARA:
I hate boy bands.
LINDA:
Of course you don't, not at your age.
GRAN:
(reads slip of paper) These crackers are rubbish.
LINDA:
I bought them.
GRAN:
I know.
LINDA:
They're classy.
GRAN:
They don't have jokes.
LINDA:
Exactly.
GRAN:
They've got poems.
LINDA:
They're more dramatic crackers.
GRAN:
I like the jokes.
CLARA:
Tell us a joke, Gran. You know loads of jokes.
LINDA:
I think we're probably talking about my list now.
CLARA:
Probably not.
DAD:
Tell us how you met Dad. The thing about the pigeon.
GRAN:
I saw him on a pier on a rainy day.
DAD:
Not that one! The one about the pigeon.
GRAN:
I'd seen him before, lots of times. But he just looked so beautiful standing there.
DAD:
The pigeon in the restaurant? You remember?
GRAN:
I wanted everything to stop. I wanted nothing to change ever again. If he could just keep standing there, so beautiful... (fingers wedding ring) A long time ago.
CLARA, crying, hugs GRAN.
GRAN:
Don't hug me so tight, dear, you'll break something.
LINDA:
Oh, that's nice! Crying at Christmas.
CLARA:
Sorry.
GRAN:
I hope you made a wish.
CLARA hears the TARDIS, gets up and runs from the room.
DAD:
Clara? What's wrong, Clara?
INT. CLARA’S FLAT, KITCHEN, DAY
CLARA runs to the window and sees the TARDIS outside. She runs out.
INT. CLARA’S FLAT, LIVING ROOM, DAY
CLARA stops in the doorway.
CLARA:
Everybody just stay put! (runs out)
INT. CLARA’S FLAT, HALL, DAY
CLARA starts down the hall but turns back.
INT. CLARA’S FLAT, LIVING ROOM, DAY
CLARA runs inside and grabs a cracker before leaving.
INT. CLARA’S FLAT, HALL, DAY
CLARA runs through the halls.
EXT. BLOCK, DAY
CLARA hurries down the stairs and runs across to the TARDIS.
INT. TARDIS
CLARA runs into the TARDIS and stops short. TASHA is at the controls.
CLARA:
You can fly the TARDIS?
TASHA:
Flying the TARDIS was always easy. It was flying the Doctor I never quite mastered.
CLARA:
What's happened to him?
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
The TARDIS materializes in a street filled with burning rubble. CLARA and TASHA step out.
CLARA:
What am I supposed to do?
TASHA:
He shouldn't die alone. Go to him. (leaves)
CLARA walks slowly amongst the running townsfolk and makes her way to the church and steps inside.
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
CLARA makes her way down the stairs. The walls are still covered with drawings, new covering old. There is a rasping sound and CLARA stops when she sees the DOCTOR’S elderly hands whittling a wooden toy.
DOCTOR:
Barnable?
CLARA:
Clara.
The DOCTOR drops the toy and turns around to look at CLARA. He appears to be in his 80s.
CLARA:
Hello, Doctor.
DOCTOR:
(removes glasses) Were you always so young?
CLARA:
Nah. That was you.
The DOCTOR holds out his hand and CLARA goes to him. She puts her hand in his and moves to stand in front of him.
DOCTOR:
Ah... (kisses her hand)
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
A group of Daleks trundle down the street.
DALEK:
Seek the Doctor.
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
CLARA:
Merry Christmas.
DOCTOR:
Merry Christmas.
CLARA kneels in front of the DOCTOR and hands him one end of the cracker. He can’t pull it.
CLARA:
Hey, it's OK. (wraps her other hand around his) It's fine, don't worry. (pulls open the cracker)
DOCTOR:
Ah! Is there a joke? Huh?
CLARA:
(reads) Extract from “Thoughts On A Clock” by Eric Ritchie Jr.
DOCTOR:
(settles back in his chair) Is it a knock-knock one? Those are best.
CLARA:
I don't think so. (rests her head on his leg)
DOCTOR:
Well, read it. Go on.
CLARA:
“And now it's time for one last bow Like all your other selves Eleven's hour is over now The clock is striking twelve's.”
DOCTOR:
I don't get it.
DALEK: (off-screen)
Doctor! The Doctor will be brought!
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
A Dalek ship appears in the sky above the bell tower.
DALEK: (off-screen)
The Daleks demand the Doctor!
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
The DOCTOR and CLARA look up. A YOUTH comes running into the room.
YOUTH:
They're here. The Daleks, we can't stop them. They want you.
DOCTOR:
Oh, all right, Barnable. Are you Barnable?
YOUTH:
No, Doctor.
DOCTOR:
It's OK, Barnable, don't worry. I have got a plan. Off you pop.
The YOUTH looks nervously at CLARA before running off. Outside, rumbling can be heard.
DOCTOR:
I haven't got a plan, but people love it when I say that. (reaches for cane)
CLARA:
Doctor, what are you going to do?
DOCTOR:
(stands slowly) Oh, I don't know. Talk very fast, hope something good happens, take the credit. That's generally how it works. (heads for the stairs)
CLARA:
Doctor...
DOCTOR:
Not this time, though. (stops and looks at CLARA) This is it.
CLARA:
No!
DOCTOR:
Yes. We saw the future, Clara. This is how it ends.
CLARA:
Change it!
DOCTOR:
Huh! (walks away)
CLARA:
Like Tasha said, change the future!
DOCTOR:
I could have once. When there were Time Lords. Not anymore.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
Daleks pass the TARDIS.
DALEK:
Locate the Doctor.
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
CLARA goes to follow the DOCTOR.
DOCTOR:
Now, you're going to stay here. Promise me you will.
CLARA:
Why?
DOCTOR:
I'll be keeping you safe. One last victory. Allow me that. Give me that... (hugs her) my impossible girl. Thank you. And goodbye. (kisses her, ends the hug and wipes a tear) The trouble with Daleks is, they take so long to say anything. Probably die of boredom before they shoot me. (starts up the stairs)
CLARA sobs and stands over by the DOCTOR’S vacated chair.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
DALEK: (off-screen)
The Doctor is required!
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
CLARA turns around, hand over her mouth and suddenly becomes determined. She walks over to the crack in the wall.
CLARA:
Listen to me, you lot, listen! Help him. Help him change the future. Do it. Do something.
CLARA walks away to the other side of the room.
EXT. CHURCH, BELFREY, NIGHT
The DOCTOR slowly makes his way to the top.
DALEK: (off-screen)
Doctor!
INT. CHURCH, BASEMENT, NIGHT
CLARA turns around, hand over her mouth and suddenly becomes determined. She walks over to the crack in the wall.
CLARA:
You've been asking a question... and it's time someone told you you've been getting it wrong. (walks over to the crack, kneels and whispers into it) His name... His name is the Doctor. All the name he needs. Everything you need to know about him. And if you love him... and you should... help him. Help him.
CLARA stands and walks away. As she does, there is a loud cracking sound and the crack closes. CLARA turns around.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
CLARA exits the church and looks up. The townsfolk come and stand at the base of the church steps and looks up. CLARA runs down the steps to join them. Daleks move down the street.
EXT. CHURCH, BELFREY, NIGHT
The DOCTOR reaches the belfrey.
DOCTOR:
Sorry, I'm a bit slow. I may not be at my best right now.
DALEK: (off-screen)
You are dying, Doctor.
DOCTOR:
(sits) Yes... I'm dying. You've been trying to kill me for centuries, and here I am, dying of old age. If you want something done, do it yourself.
DALEK: (off-screen)
You will die, and the Time Lords will never return.
DOCTOR:
You still can't work up the courage to shoot me, can you? (points cane angrily at Dalek ship) You're still worried I've got something up my sleeve. Well, you knock yourselves out, boys. I've got nothing this time.
Individual Daleks begin zooming around the sky, firing on the town. The DOCTOR sits, knowing he can’t do anything. Suddenly, the crack appears in the sky and golden regeneration energy flows from it into the DOCTOR. His eyes widen in surprise. He looks down at his hands to see them glow.
DALEK: (off-screen)
You will die now, Doctor. This is the end of you.
The Daleks continue firing on the town.
DALEK: (off-screen)
The rules of regeneration are known. You have expended all your lives.
The DOCTOR stands, rejuvenated.
DOCTOR:
Sorry, what did you say? Did you mention the rules? Now, listen! Bit of advice. Tell me the truth if you think you know it. Lay down the law, if you're feeling brave, but, Daleks, never, ever tell me the rules!
DALEK: (off-screen)
Emergency! Emergency! The Doctor is regenerating! The Doctor is regenerating!
The bell strikes twelve. The DOCTOR does a small dance, twirling his cane.
DOCTOR:
Oh, look at this. Regeneration number 13. We're breaking some serious science here, boys. I tell you what, it's going to be a whopper!
DALEK: (off-screen)
Exterminate! Exterminate the Doctor.
DOCTOR:
(chuckles) You think you can stop me now, Daleks? If you want my life... Come... and get it!
The DOCTOR windmills his arm and the regeneration energy shoots from it at a Dalek, causing it to fall from the sky.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
CLARA turns to the townsfolk.
CLARA:
Get inside! Get off street, get inside, quick. Quick!
CLARA ushers the people off the streets as the Daleks continue to attack.
EXT. CHURCH, BELFREY, NIGHT
Regeneration energy shoots from the DOCTOR’S other arm as well.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
CLARA ushers everyone into the church and closes the door.
EXT. CHURCH, BELFREY, NIGHT
DOCTOR:
Love from Gallifrey, boys!
Regeneration energy from the DOCTOR’S head and neck shoots straight up to the Dalek ship, destroying it. The belfrey
itself is destroyed by the backlash.
EXT. TOWN, NIGHT
The Daleks on the ground are killed in the blast. The sonic boom spreads out for miles.
>>> LATER >>>
The fires in the streets crackle. CLARA opens the door of the church and everyone comes out, looking around at the devastation. CLARA looks up at the remains of the belfry. She then sees the TARDIS and heads that way.
CLARA:
Doctor?
CLARA walks to the TARDIS and sees the phone dangling. She replaces it and goes inside.
INT. TARDIS
CLARA enters slowly and closes the door behind her. On the floor is a trail of the DOCTOR’S cast-off clothing. She peers into a bowl on the console to see fish fingers and custard. CLARA walks over to the steps to her left and starts down them. Behind her, across the console area, someone is climbing the other set of stairs. CLARA turns around and sees the DOCTOR. He is young again and wearing his previous clothes.
CLARA:
Doctor!
DOCTOR:
Hello.
CLARA:
You're young again. You're OK. You didn't even change your face.
DOCTOR:
Ha! It's started. I can't stop it now. This is just the reset. Whole new regeneration cycle, ooh... (picks up the bowl, holds it to his mouth and eats) taking a bit longer. Just breaking it in.
The DOCTOR walks around the console and wobbles a bit. He grips one of the levers on a panel. He pulls the lever, setting the TARDIS in motion.
DOCTOR:
It all just disappears, doesn't it? Everything you are, gone in a moment, like breath on a mirror. Any moment now, he's a-coming.
CLARA:
Who's coming?
DOCTOR:
The Doctor.
CLARA:
You... you are the Doctor.
DOCTOR:
(bends over in pain) Yep... and I always will be. (holds up hand, glowing with energy) But times change... and so must I.
A child giggles and young AMELIA POND runs past him and up the stairs which are now covered with children’s drawings.
DOCTOR:
Amelia?
CLARA:
(looks around) Who's Amelia?
AMELIA skips around the upper level.
DOCTOR:
The first face this face saw. We all change... when you think about it. We're all different people all through our lives. And that's OK, that's good, you've got to keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be. I will not forget one line of this. Not one day. I swear. I will always remember when the Doctor was me.
The DOCTOR looks around as someone slowly walks down the stairs. A woman’s hand glides along the rail. The nails have a dark polish and she’s wearing a wedding ring. The woman reaches the main console floor and it is AMY.
AMY:
(smiles) Raggedy man...
AMY caresses his cheek and he returns the gesture.
AMY:
Good night.
AMY disappears and the DOCTOR is holding his hand in the air. CLARA takes a step forward, concerned. The DOCTOR pulls off his bow tie, holds it in front of him and then drops it to the floor. He closes his eyes tightly.
CLARA:
(tearful) No, no.
DOCTOR:
Hey...
CLARA:
Please don't change.
CLARA reaches with her hand, but doesn’t touch the DOCTOR’s glowing hand. There is a swooshing sound and in the blink of an eye, the DOCTOR has regenerated into an older man, somewhere in his 50s. CLARA backs away. He steps closer until he and CLARA are eye-to-eye. There is another swooshing and the DOCTOR falls backwards, clutching his middle.
DOCTOR:
Kidneys! I've got new kidneys. I don't like the colour.
CLARA:
Of your kidneys? What's happening?
The TARDIS starts shuddering, throwing the DOCTOR off-balance.
DOCTOR:
We're probably crashing! Oh!
CLARA:
Into what?
DOCTOR:
Stay calm. Just one question. Do you happen to know how to fly this thing?