Transcript: 9x05 The Girl Who Died
I'm getting into this now!
???
We see a close-up of CLARA’S panicked eyes.
CLARA:
Doctor! Doctor!
DOCTOR: (o.c.)
Yes, you're the very next thing on the list.
CONTINUED, INTERCUT WITH -
- CUT TO:
INT. TARDIS
There are some small explosions in the console room. He is talking to CLARA over the phone.
CLARA:
Doctor, help me!
DOCTOR:
Clara, I'm under attack from four-and-a-bit battle fleets, in case you think I'm slacking.
CLARA:
Doctor, I think there's something in my space suit.
Her suit moves around her torso.
DOCTOR:
Yes, that's possible, actually. You were too long in the spider mines.
CLARA:
OK, explain?
DOCTOR:
It's possibly a Love Sprite. Sucks your brain out through your mouth, hence the name.
CLARA:
It's halfway up my leg.
DOCTOR:
Don't worry, it's just hungry.
CLARA:
Doctor...
DOCTOR:
Describe the four most interesting stars you can see.
CLARA:
There's a blue one, quite big. Two little yellowish ones just below.
DOCTOR:
Colour of whisky, smaller one blinking?
CLARA:
Yes! It's on the back of my neck, I can feel it.
We can see something moving up her back inside the suit.
DOCTOR:
Great! I thought asphyxiation would kill you first. Can you see a nebula...? Can you see a nebula in a sort of wing-shape? Bit green at the end?
CLARA:
Yes! Yes, I can.
DOCTOR:
Great, I've seen it too. I wonder when it was.
The DOCTOR activates dematerialisation.
CLARA:
Doctor! DOCTOR!
CLARA falls back and the DOCTOR removes her helmet after the TARDIS materialises around her. He stomps the love sprite repeatedly, killing it. CLARA coughs as she stands and leans against the console.
CLARA:
How did we do?
DOCTOR:
Oh, not a word about my spot-on materialisation skills(!)
CLARA:
What about all the Velosians? Are they safe?
DOCTOR:
Huh? Oh, yeah. Well, I lured their attackers halfway across the universe and drained their weapons banks. Not to mention, I also saved a school teacher from having her brains devoured and being asphyxiated in deep space. So, now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go outside and wipe my boot on the grass.
EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
The DOCTOR is scraping the bottom of his boot against the roots of a tree just outside the TARDIS. CLARA comes to the open doorway.
CLARA:
What's to stop them re-arming and trying again?
DOCTOR:
Nothing. But the Velosians will be ready for them this time. It's the best I could do, Clara. I'm not actually the police, that's just what it says on the box.
CLARA:
You're always talking about what you can and can't do but you never tell me the rules.
DOCTOR:
We're time travellers. We tread softly. It's OK to make ripples, but not tidal waves.
CLARA:
You are a tidal wave.
DOCTOR:
Don't say that.
At that moment, swords are drawn and placed at their throats. A party of Vikings complete with helmets, shields and torches emerge from the trees.
CLARA:
Doctor... (moves to the DOCTOR’S side)
DOCTOR:
No, no, not Vikings. I'm not in the mood for Vikings.
The raiding party’s leader, a large red-headed, bearded man named Hasten - only named in the credits - is the first to speak.
HASTEN:
You're coming with us.
DOCTOR:
No, I'm not. Do you want to know why?
The DOCTOR puts the sonic glasses on his face and the other Vikings growl menacingly at this show of defiance.
DOCTOR:
On my face, right now, more advanced technology than your species will manage over the next nine million years.
HASTEN takes the sunglasses from the DOCTOR’S face and breaks them in half.
DOCTOR:
Clara...
CLARA:
Yeah?
DOCTOR:
We're going with the Vikings.
**********************************************************************
Peter Capaldi
Jenna Coleman
DOCTOR WHO
“The Girl Who Died”
By
Jamie Mathieson
&
Steven Moffatt
PRODUCER
Derek Ritchie
DIRECTOR
Ed Bazalgette
**********************************************************************
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
Life is carrying on normally in the village. A lookout in a tower spots something and blows a large horn. Everyone runs towards the gates. A young GIRL in boy’s clothes stands back as others run past her. The raiding party returns to cheers. An older, bald MAN smiles at the return and the GIRL runs forward. We then see the DOCTOR and CLARA in chains. HASTEN is wearing half of the glasses like an eyepatch. The GIRL runs up to him.
GIRL:
You're back! All of you! Are all of you back?
HASTEN:
I suppose so, I haven't counted.
The Second Man of the party, NOLLAAR, comes over and hugs her.
NOLLAAR:
I'm back!
GIRL:
I had a dream you'd all died. It was so real, I thought I'd made it happen.
HASTEN:
Well, if it ever does, I'm sure you'll a find some way to blame yourself.
HASTEN tosses the glasses to her and continues on. The GIRL stops.
GIRL:
I wish none of you had to go!
CLARA:
Plan, Doctor? Any time soon.
DOCTOR:
I do have a plan.
CLARA:
Yeah, so you keep saying for two days on a longboat.
DOCTOR:
Only because you were looking worried.
CLARA:
Only because you kept saying, "I do have a plan."
DOCTOR:
I do have a plan.
CLARA:
There you go.
They pass the GIRL and the DOCTOR stares at her, so distracted he had to be pushed along.
CLARA:
You all right? Do you know her?
DOCTOR:
Never seen her before in my life. (walks backwards so he can look at her)
CLARA:
OK, so, why are you staring?
DOCTOR:
(turns back) I don't know. Nothing, probably. Too much time travel, it happens.
CLARA:
What happens?
DOCTOR:
People talk about premonition as if it's something strange. It's not. It's just remembering in the wrong direction.
The DOCTOR looks back again and one of the Vikings pushes him forward. The girl stops and looks down at the broken piece of sunglasses before looking at the DOCTOR and CLARA. They are led to the centre of the village and a white bearded man steps out to meet them, the village ELDER.
DOCTOR:
OK, plan. We meet the boss man and we do the usual.
CLARA:
Which is?
DOCTOR:
Replace him.
HASTEN:
Father... (salutes by crossing his arm over his chest)
CLARA:
(whispers) How?
DOCTOR:
(whispers) To the primitive mind, advanced technology can seem like magic.
CLARA:
(whispers) It's going to be the yo-yo again, isn't it?
DOCTOR:
(whispers) Yeah. It's in my pocket somewhere.
The DOCTOR reaches into his pocket and then shows CLARA he has removed his manacles before flourishing the yo-yo.
HASTEN:
We have travelled far...
CLARA:
How did you do that?!
DOCTOR:
Magic.
HASTEN:
.. And much treasure.
HASTEN motions to the DOCTOR. The latter throws his manacles and chains away and the Vikings draw their swords.
HASTEN:
How dare you attack our chief?!
DOCTOR:
I am very, very cross with you. I am very disappointed. I have taken human form to walk among you.
HASTEN:
Who are you, old man?
DOCTOR:
Do you not recognise the sign of Odin?! (uses the yo-yo)
HASTEN:
You are not Odin, and that is not Odin's sign.
DOCTOR:
Oh, and you would know that how, exactly? Have you met Odin? Do you know what Odin looks like?
At that moment, there is a thunderclap and a large cloud appears in the sky. Within the cloud, the face of a man appears, rather stern with long hair, a beard and a very ornate helmet. He also appears to have a visor over one eye.
CLOUD MAN:
Oh, my people, I am Odin! and now your day of reward has finally dawned.
Some of the people kneel.
DOCTOR:
Do not believe this foolish trickery! (tries to use yo-yo but it doesn’t work) It's supposed to do that.
ODIN:
Your mightiest warriors will feast with me tonight in the halls of Valhalla!
Rays of light stream down teleporting 5 large beings in armour. The Vikings advance on the newcomers. The creatures brandish futuristic weapons. As the two factions prepare to meet, the DOCTOR and CLARA back away.
DOCTOR:
Stay still. Stay very, very still.
CLARA:
That's not really Odin, is it?
DOCTOR:
He doesn't even have a yo-yo.
CLARA:
So this is an invasion?
The two groups meet in the middle yet they don’t fight.
DOCTOR:
Shh. No, this is a harvest. The strongest, the fittest... The weak and young, they'll leave behind.
As the DOCTOR speaks, the aliens scan the Vikings. It knocks down one of the men who shows a green outline instead of red. A batch of the warriors are then teleported away.
CLARA:
We have to help them.
DOCTOR:
We have to not get chosen.
CLARA runs forward and the DOCTOR tries to stop her.
DOCTOR:
Clara... Clara, no!
CLARA runs to the GIRL and the kneel on the ground.
CLARA:
Have you still got the eye-patch thing?
DOCTOR:
(softly) Clara!
CLARA:
Point it at my chains and think the word "open". Say it with your mind.
The GIRL puts the part of the glasses on. More groups are teleported away. The aliens turn and they register the technology.
DOCTOR:
Clara! Clara!
The GIRL and CLARA are teleported. CLARA’S chains fall to the ground. The aliens then teleport themselves, mission accomplished. ODIN disappears and the villagers look up to the sky. So does the DOCTOR.
INT. SPACESHIP, CELL
Florescent lights flicker and CLARA and the GIRL arrive in the same cell as the other Vikings.
NOLLAAR:
Welcome to Valhalla, my ladies.
HASTEN pries open a door at one end of the cell with his axe. The hall on the other side is lined with small exhaust fans. HASTEN laughs and walks into the hall.
CLARA:
No, wait! Wait!
HASTEN:
(turns to face them and walks backwards) There's nothing to fear, strange maiden.
The fans speed up, as if sensing HASTEN.
HASTEN:
We are Odin's chosen.
Suddenly bolts of energy stream out from the fans, striking HASTEN. He screams and is obliterated. His helmet and the wood handle of the axe fall to the floor. Machinery thuds as if cogs are moving into position, then the wall behind them begins to move forward.
NOLLAAR:
The wall, it moves!
The men try to push the wall back.
GIRL:
Odin! Odin!
CLARA:
Use your blades, try to jam it!
The men try but the blades either break or gain no purchase. CLARA looks around frantically and spies the door on the other end of the hall.
CLARA:
Come on! Come on!
CLARA grabs the girl’s hand and the run down the hall to the door. They put their fingers in the crack and each take a side.
CLARA:
Quick! Pull!
GIRL:
I'm trying!
They look back and see the men getting pushed towards the hall.
CLARA:
Quickly!
The men are forced into the hall and the propellers start to whir and the whine becomes more intense. CLARA and the GIRL keep working on opening the door.
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
The DOCTOR rubs his hand along an elaborately carved dragon figurehead. The villagers are still trying to comprehend what happened.
MAN:
They took half the village.
MAN 2:
Yeah, and it was the good half.
EINARR:
They went willingly to Valhalla as would we all.
MAN 3:
I wouldn't. Well, I wouldn't. I'm not good with heights.
DOCTOR:
(walks over to the middle of the group) Oh, stop it! All of you, stop it, right now. Homo sapiens, you're an intelligent species. Stop lying to yourselves.
EINARR:
Choose your words carefully, False Odin.
DOCTOR:
Yes, I am a false Odin. That's exactly right, I lied. The big fella in the sky -- he lied too. You all know it. Because what's the one thing that gods never do? Gods never actually show up! Guess what? You got raided. Guess what else? I lost someone who matters to me.
EINARR:
(in DOCTOR’S face) So did I.
INT. SPACESHIP, PROCESSING
The GIRL wakes up on the floor, CLARA leaning over her.
CLARA:
Ssh!
They walk through the cavernous room cautiously. Many vials are being filled with a green liquid. They see the remnants of the others.
GIRL:
Why are we still alive?
ODIN appears at the other end of the hall. He has his “soldiers” with him.
ODIN:
Because of this. (holds up broken specs) Explain.
CLARA steps in front of the GIRL and approaches ODIN.
CLARA:
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you afraid.
ODIN:
I have no reason to fear you.
CLARA:
Except you've already analysed that and you know it's a technology from a civilisation vastly more powerful than your own, and you will have also noticed that I'm wearing a space suit. (turns in a circle) So, I'm not from around here, and it's highly unlikely I will have come alone. You see, you haven't killed us because killing us would start a fight you didn't come here to have and you're not sure you can win.
One of the soldiers passes CLARA and goes straight to ODIN, handing him one of the vials.
CLARA:
Ooh, hello. Time for your medication?
ODIN:
Adrenaline. Testosterone extracted from the finest warriors. (drinks and exhales) Nectar.
ODIN hands the vial back and the soldier leaves.
CLARA:
OK, you mash up Vikings to make warrior juice, nice.
GIRL:
They what?
CLARA:
Why play God?
ODIN:
What is a god but the cattle's name for farmer? What is heaven but the gilded door of the abattoir?
CLARA:
You're not a farmer. You're a thief, caught in the act.
GIRL:
I don't understand. "Mashed up"? What are you saying?
CLARA:
(to GIRL) Hush! (to ODIN) Go, now. Go and find Vikings on other planets. The universe is full of testosterone. Trust me, it's unbearable. We won't follow you, see? (takes a few steps forward) We don't need to fight.
ODIN:
War is our way.
CLARA:
Ask yourself, is this a war you really want?
GIRL:
Yes! (walks forward) You'll pay for what you have done here today. I am a Viking. Ashildr, daughter of Einarr. You have mocked our gods. Killed our warriors. And we will crush you on the field of battle.
ODIN:
That's better!
CLARA:
(walks over to ASHILDIR) We were about to leave.
ODIN:
You almost had me talking! Talk is for cowards.
CLARA:
No, no, no, listen to me.
ODIN:
I accept your challenge.
ASHILDIR:
We will crush you!
CLARA:
(whispers) Oh, please. Shut up.
ODIN:
Shall we say this time tomorrow? Ten of my warriors versus the best of your village.
ASHILDIR:
You will beg for mercy!
ODIN:
(laughs) I will send you back. You can inform your people of their impending destruction.
CLARA:
Why are you doing this?
ODIN:
Why else? The joy of war! Can't you see it on my face?
ODIN presses a button on his gauntlet and the human face disappears to show the real one - something truly nasty that we don’t see.
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
The DOCTOR is reading his 2000 Year Diary when CLARA and ASHILDIR reappear.
DOCTOR:
(softly) Clara?
EINARR:
Child! (hugs ASHILDIR)
DOCTOR:
(runs to her) Clara! Clara!
The DOCTOR stops short, smiles and gives her a thumbs-up.
DOCTOR:
I'm not a hugger... Ahh! (grips her in a large hug and spins her around)
CLARA:
No!
EINARR:
(sets ASHILDIR down) Where are the others?
ASHILDIR:
(rests her head on his chest) I'm sorry, Father.
DOCTOR:
I looked them up in my 2,000-year diary.
CLARA:
OK.
DOCTOR:
They're called the Mire.
CLARA:
Listen...
DOCTOR:
They're one of the deadliest warrior races in the entire galaxy...
CLARA:
OK!
DOCTOR:
…but they're practical. They get what they want and go. You persuaded them to go, didn't you? I knew you would!
CLARA:
The deadliest warrior race in the galaxy?
DOCTOR:
One of them, yes, why?
CLARA:
Because I think this village just declared war on them.
INT. TOWN HALL, DAY
CLARA has removed the spacesuit. She and ASHILDIR are explaining what happened.
CLARA:
They're coming here tomorrow, ten of them, to kill everybody in the village.
EINARR:
Ashildr... is this true?
ASHILDIR:
It's my fault.
EINARR:
(sits next to ASHILDIR and puts an arm about her) Not every misfortune that befalls this village is down to you. She thinks she brings us bad luck.
DOCTOR:
What bad luck? You haven't had any bad luck. You're fine.
MAN 2:
We are about to be attacked by...
DOCTOR:
Yes, yes, yes, yes. With a whole day to spare! So leave! Hop it, take off! Into the woods, split up, hide. Hang about there for a week, come back home, make puddings and babies -- that's basically what you do, isn't it?
EINARR:
We cannot leave this village.
DOCTOR:
Yes, you can. Just pick a direction. Fly like a bird, run like a nose -- that's probably a Viking saying, I haven't checked that.
MAN 2:
No! We will fight!
There is clamour from the villagers.
DOCTOR:
Really? Well, I don't know if you remember, but they actually took away all your fighters. So, what are you? Farmers, fishermen, web designers. Maybe not that last one.
EINARR throws a skin of weapons on the floor.
EINARR:
We are Vikings!
The men cheer.
DOCTOR:
OK, tell me this. How many people here have actually held a sword in battle? By a show of hands? Mm-hmm. Yeah, baby.
The men look around, embarrassed, and sit down. The DOCTOR raises his hand as does CLARA.
DOCTOR:
(picks up a sword) The Mire are coming for each and every one of you. (throws in down) So what you going to do? Raise crops at them?
MAN 2:
If necessary.
MAN 3:
I think he was being sarcastic.
EINARR:
We're not cowards. We do not run. And a death in battle is a death with honour.
VILAGERS:
Aye!
The DOCTOR looks around and hears a baby crying.
DOCTOR:
Do babies die with honour?
The DOCTOR closes his eyes as the baby cries.
DOCTOR:
“I am afraid, Mother. Hold me, Mother. I am afraid."
CLARA:
Um... He speaks Baby.
DOCTOR:
"Turn your face towards me, Mother, for you… (opens eyes) you're beautiful. And I will sing for you. I am afraid but I will sing." Babies think that laughter is singing, did you know that? I applaud your courage, but I deplore your stupidity. And I will mourn your deaths, which will be terrifying, painful, and without honour.
The DOCTOR starts to walk out. After a pause, CLARA is about to go after him, but ASHILDER is quicker. She catches up to him.
ASHILDIR:
Stay. You could help us. I know you could.
DOCTOR:
I told you to run. That's all the help you need. And that's all the help you're getting. (walks outside)
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
The DOCTOR is pacing when CLARA steps out. He sees her as she leans against the building and walks over.
DOCTOR:
The Earth is safe, humanity is not in danger. It's just one village.
CLARA:
"Just one village?"
DOCTOR:
Suppose I saved it. by some miracle. No TARDIS, no sonic. "Just one village" defeats the Mire. What then? Word gets around. Earth becomes a target of strategic value, and the Mire come back. And God knows what else. Ripples into tidal waves until everybody dies.
A baby cries. CLARA walks over to the DOCTOR.
CLARA:
What's it saying?
DOCTOR:
She. She's afraid. Babies sense danger. They have to.
CLARA:
Tell me.
DOCTOR:
"Mother, I hear thunder. Mother, I hear shouting. You are my world, but I hear other worlds now. Beyond the folding of your smile, is there other kindness? I'm afraid. Will they be kind? The sky is crying now. Fire in the water." Fire in the water?
The DOCTOR closes his eyes and the baby suddenly stops crying. CLARA put a hand on the DOCTOR’S cheek. He opens his eyes.
CLARA:
You just decided to stay. (walks back to the hall) The baby stopped crying. (goes inside)
>>>LATER>>>
The DOCTOR has the villagers lined up and he paces back and forth like a drill sergeant. There are practice dummies made of wood, straw and burlap. They each have wooden swords.
DOCTOR:
So, when I say "Move", you move. When I say "Jump", you say "How high?" Unless it's across a gap of some kind which, of course, means you jump horizontally. (to MAN) Yes, what is it, Lofty?
LOFTY:
Sorry, my name's not actually Lofty, it's Bro-
DOCTOR:
No, it's not, it's Lofty. I've got too much to think about without everybody having their own name, so it's Lofty. You're Lofty, you're Daphne, you're Noggin the Nog, ZZ Top, and you're Heidi. (MAN 3) So, we'll try that again. Lofty, what is it?
LOFTY:
Sorry, sir, it's just, why aren't we practising with REAL swords?
DOCTOR:
Yes, perhaps you'd like to field this one, Limpy?
LIMPY:
(former MAN 2) Because we can't be trusted with them. (wrapping a bandage around his leg)
DOCTOR:
That's right, yes. You'll be given your real swords back when you can prove that you can wave them around without lopping bits off yourselves. Heidi, why are your eyes closed?
HEIDI:
Sorry, sir. Just not that good with the sight of blood.
DOCTOR:
(scratches his face) No, of course you're not.
ASHILDIR and CLARA are watching. CLARA has her arms crossed.
ASHILDIR:
Swords against those creatures. That won't work, will it?
CLARA:
He's just warming up. He hasn't got a plan yet. But he will have and it will be spectacular.
The DOCTOR holds his sword up and whistles loudly.
DOCTOR:
Enough theory. I'm handing out the real swords.
EINARR eagerly grabs one of the swords.
>>>LATER>>>
The village horn blows a warning and people run by with buckets of water. One of the roofs is on fire. The DOCTOR is sitting on a stool and two men are lying on the ground.
DOCTOR:
Well, that could have gone better.
HEIDI sits up with a grunt.
DOCTOR:
Morning.
HEIDI:
What happened?
DOCTOR:
The Big Bang, dinosaurs, bipeds, and a mounting sense of futility.
CLARA:
More recently, Chuckles hit Lofty over the head, on his helmet, with his sword, which knocked him out. There was a little blood, which you saw and… (HEIDI faints) did that. Only, the first time you did it, you knocked a torch onto some hay, which spooked a horse, who kicked open a gate, and I'm sure you can fill in the rest.
LOFTY sits up and rubs his head.
INT. TOWN HALL, EVENING
The Vikings are sitting down to a meal.
EXT. VILLAGE, EVENING
It’s twilight. Thunder rumbles. The DOCTOR is alone until CLARA comes over. She sits on a barrel.
CLARA:
Weird-sounding thunder.
DOCTOR:
That's not thunder. It's the weapon forges of the Mire. They're making sure we hear them.
CLARA:
Well?
DOCTOR:
Well, Heidi faints at the mention of blood, not just the sight any more, he's actually upgraded his phobia. Chuckles, he questions every single order you give him, which is going to be a little bit difficult, a little bit tricky, in the heat of battle.
CLARA:
I keep waiting to hear what your real plan is.
DOCTOR:
Teaching them to fight, that's the only plan I've got.
CLARA:
Turning them into fighters? That's not like you.
DOCTOR:
Yeah. I used to believe that too.
CLARA:
What happened?
DOCTOR:
You. Oh, Clara Oswald, what have I made of you?
CLARA:
(shakes head) It doesn't matter how well you train them, it's not going to make difference.
DOCTOR:
They'll die fighting with honour. To a Viking, that's all the difference in the world.
CLARA:
A good death? Is that the best they can hope for?
DOCTOR:
A good death is the best anyone can hope for, unless you happen to be immortal.
ASHILDIR walks out.
ASHILDIR:
Sorry.
CLARA:
No problem.
ASHILDIR walks away.
DOCTOR:
Night.
CLARA:
You've made an impact there.
DOCTOR:
Stop it.
CLARA:
She's nice. Fight you for her.
DOCTOR:
The human race, you're obsessed. You all need to get a hobby.
CLARA:
I've got a hobby, thanks. It's you, by the way.
DOCTOR:
(faces CLARA) Well, get a new one.
CLARA:
Not this.
DOCTOR:
Tomorrow it's going to be a bloodbath.
CLARA:
Don't even ask!
DOCTOR:
These people died hundreds of years before you were born -
CLARA:
I'm not running!
DOCTOR:
I have a duty of care.
CLARA:
No, you don't. I never asked for that.
DOCTOR:
Every time we do something like this, I think, what if something happens to you?
CLARA:
Stop thinking about me, and think about them because you're missing something.
DOCTOR:
What?
CLARA:
How you're going to win. You always miss it right up until the last minute. So put down your sword, stop playing soldier and look for it. Start winning, Doctor. It's what you're good at. (goes back into the town hall)
INT. ASHILDIR’S HUT
ASHILDIR has created a dummy in the shape of ODIN and it casts a shadow on a draped skin.
ASHILDIR:
So, we meet again, Fake Odin. Valhalla burns around you, your army is destroyed and NOW it is time for you to DIE!
The DOCTOR arrives and stands in the doorway as ASHILDIR starts to hit the dummy. He clears his throat, startling her.
ASHILDIR:
How long have you been there?
DOCTOR:
(hurries over to her creation) What's that? Is that a puppet? Oh, I love puppets!
ASHILDIR:
I make puppets sometimes, when I'm...
DOCTOR:
Frightened?
ASHILDIR:
When the raiding parties go out, I make up stories about their battles.
DOCTOR:
Because if you make up the right story, then you think it will keep them safe and they'll all come home. That's OK. You're not the first person to ever have done that.
ASHILDIR:
Why are you here?
DOCTOR:
I'm looking for something I'm missing. What do you think our chances are tomorrow?
ASHILDIR:
We will be cut down like corn. By this time tomorrow, every single one of us will be dead.
DOCTOR:
Yeah. (picks up a book and sits) You could go.
ASHILDIR:
There's nowhere for me, except here. This is my place. The sky, the hills, the sea, the people... Is there nowhere like that for you?
DOCTOR:
Oh, I like a nice view as much as anyone.
ASHILDIR:
But?
DOCTOR:
Can't wait for the next one.
ASHILDIR:
I pity you.
DOCTOR:
I will mourn for you. I know which I'd prefer. (stands)
ASHILDIR:
You think they're all idiots, don't you?
DOCTOR:
What, you mean the rest of the universe? Basically, yes, I do.
ASHILDIR:
But they're kind and brave, and strong, and I love them.
DOCTOR:
Good, good, but that won't save you.
ASHILDIR:
I've always been different. All my life, I've known that. The girls all thought I was a boy, the boys all said I was "just a girl". My head is always full of stories. I know I'm strange. Everyone knows I'm strange. But, here, I am loved. You tell me to run to save my life. I tell you that leaving this place would be death itself.
EINARR enters the hut and hugs her.
EINARR:
I cannot keep you safe. I do not have the strength. But I will try to till the last beat of my heart.
Somewhere, a baby cries.
EINARR:
(to the DOCTOR) If you seek to mock me in this moment...
DOCTOR:
No, no, no, you go ahead, you cry all you like. Speaking of crying, is that baby getting closer?
The DOCTOR looks out the door and sees LOFTY with a baby.
DOCTOR:
Why has Lofty stolen a baby?
ASHILDIR:
That's his child.
DOCTOR:
Oh. Where's he taking her?
ASHILDIR:
The boathouse. He takes her to the boathouse when she won't settle. She likes the fish.
DOCTOR:
Why would she...? Fire in the water. Fire in the water. Fire in the... Fire in the water, fire in the water... Fire in the water! That's it, that's it. That's what I've been missing. Clara, I've found it! Clara! Clara! (runs from the hut)
INT. BOATHOUSE, EVENING
LOFTY is holding his daughter who is still crying. There are large barrels of water stored there. The DOCTOR hurries in.
DOCTOR:
Lofty! I had no idea that was your baby. Hello, baby, I had no idea this was your junior parent.
LOFTY:
I'm trying to settle her. She likes all the fish.
CLARA enters with ASHILDIR and EINARR.
CLARA:
You're shouting. What's happened? Did you trap your finger in something again?
DOCTOR:
Bedtime is cancelled. Everybody, off the hard stuff. We've got a long night's work ahead of us. I need a blacksmith. Who's the blacksmith?
LOFTY:
I'm the blacksmith.
DOCTOR:
You're the blacksmith and you've got a baby too? He's been at it hammer and tongs. (chuckles)
CLARA:
Doctor, explain.
DOCTOR:
There's going to be a war tomorrow. And here's some news, this just in -- we're going to win the hell out of it.
CLARA:
How?
DOCTOR:
Ashildr, this is your village, and you will never have to leave it, I swear.
CLARA:
Seriously, how?
DOCTOR:
I told you that we were basically doomed. Did no-one in this two-horn town think to mention that you had eels?
CLARA:
Eels?
DOCTOR:
I give you fire in the water!
There are flashes of blue energy in the barrels of water.
DOCTOR:
Electric eels!
The baby cries and the DOCTOR walks over.
DOCTOR:
Yes, yes! I know exactly how you feel. Well, not exactly. She needs changing.
CLARA:
Plan, then?
DOCTOR:
And it is a doozy!
INT. TOWN HALL, NIGHT
Different stations are set up and everyone is lending a hand with different tasks. CLARA and the DOCTOR are monitoring.
DOCTOR:
We need to pull that silvery stuff out of Clara's space suit. We can use it to magnify the electrical charge. Stop looking confused! Look happy! Winning is all about looking happier than the other guy. Always walk briskly. Makes you a moving target. Oh, that's for Lofty. Lofty! (tosses him a bundle) And talk with confidence, even if you're terrified.
Off to the side, CLARA is showing HEIDI how to use her mobile phone.
DOCTOR:
Act as if you know their plan, and sometimes, if you're very lucky, they'll actually tell you it. (pulls a blanket from a basket) This is for Ashildr.
Later, they gather as the DOCTOR explains the plan.
DOCTOR:
Then we deploy the anvil. Now, at this stage, getting me one of their helmets is key. We get a helmet, and this is over, then we can mop up the rest using Ashildr's monstrosity.
ASHILDIR uses a rope and pulley to unveil her creation.
CLARA:
That is rubbish.
DOCTOR:
I know. (smiles widely)
EXT. VILLAGE, MORNING
The village is empty, no-one is outside. ODIN and the Mire teleport down. ODIN motions for them to go forward and they enter the town hall.
INT. TOWN HALL, MORNING
The villagers are having a dance. The Mire aim their weapons. The DOCTOR and CLARA are dancing and stop.
DOCTOR:
Hey, hello, hey! I'm the Doctor. It's lovely to meet you face to convincing hologram. You could always go "bzzz" and get rid of it, no? No, on second thoughts, don't. That suits you.
ODIN:
It is time to fight.
DOCTOR:
No, no, no. We decided against that. We thought we'd just have a party!
Everyone cheers.
ODIN:
Let me put it another way. You fight or you die.
DOCTOR:
We're unarmed. There isn't a single weapon in this room -- which I'm sure your systems are telling you. You wouldn't open fire on unarmed civilians, would you?
ODIN:
It wouldn't be the first time.
A horseshoe hits a Mire's armour with a clang. The Mire all look up to a mesh of wires attached to the cartwheels of candle holders in the roof space.
DOCTOR:
Chuckles, NOW!
INT. BOATHOUSE, MORNING
EINARR hits the side of one of the vats containing the eels. The energy is conducted along the wires to the town hall and the Mire.
INT. TOWN HALL, MORNING
The Mire connected to the wires are electrocuted. The DOCTOR rushes the villagers out of the way.
DOCTOR:
Run, run, run-run-run-run! That's four down, six left.
They take shelter behind tables around the outside.
ODIN:
Go!
DOCTOR:
Chuckles, switch!
INT. BOATHOUSE, MORNING
EINARR hits a different vat.
INT. TOWN HALL, MORNING
This time the energy connects to the anvil hanging over the Mire. It creates a magnet and their weapons are pulled away to the ceiling. It also removes a couple of helmets. The Mire have over-large mouths filled with very long sharp teeth.
DOCTOR:
Chuckles, off!
The DOCTOR catches one of the helmets as it falls and CLARA picks up one of the weapons.
CLARA:
Don't move. (moves to cover the DOCTOR)
ODIN:
Go!
The villagers run from the town hall chased by the Mire. The DOCTOR works on the helmet.
CLARA:
How's it coming?
DOCTOR:
Reversing the polarity of the neutron flow. I bet that means something, it sounds great. Ashildr!
ASHILDIR runs over and sits in a chair.
DOCTOR:
Are you ready?
ASHILDIR:
I'm scared.
DOCTOR:
You were born for this. (puts the helmet on her) Show them a story they'll never forget.
At one end of the town hall, the wall falls and we see what looks like a giant sea serpent attacking them. In reality, it is one of ASHILDIR’S puppets augmented by the helmet. The Mire back away in fear.
ODIN:
What is this beast? It's impossible!
Their weapons have no effect on the “beast”.
MIRE:
Withdraw. Withdraw.
ODIN:
Stand and fight!
MIRE:
Withdraw.
The Mire begin to teleport away.
DOCTOR:
See how they run.
MIRE:
Withdraw.
More Mire teleport away.
ODIN:
Cowards!
MIRE:
Withdraw.
The last soldier leaves.
DOCTOR:
That's enough, Ashildr. Story's over. Happy ending.
ASHILDIR ends the projection and we see her creation. The head was formed by the carving the DOCTOR admired earlier. LIMPY blows the warning horn and it sounds like a fart then laughs. The door is raised and the villagers then surround ODIN, pointing their swords at him.
ODIN:
What trickery is this?
DOCTOR:
Ha! Says the man with a fake face. But you see, that's the trouble with viewing reality through technology -- it's all too easy to feed in a new reality.
CLARA:
(to HEIDI) You got it? Great. (takes mobile)
DOCTOR:
A story to save a town, and a puppet from a nightmare. You see, you've just seen the world through the eyes of a storyteller. The mighty armies of the Mire -- brutal, sadistic, undefeated. Even I believed the stories. But after today, no-one will again. An army like yours, it lives or dies on its reputation -- its story. And today, you were sent packing by a handful of farmers and fisherman. Not to mention the whole "wetting your pants and running away from a puppet" debacle.
CLARA:
See, that was really funny.
DOCTOR:
That was hilarious. It's just lucky that nobody recorded that. Wait a minute, we did.
CLARA:
(shows the DOCTOR) See, all it needed was the Benny Hill theme.
DOCTOR:
The Benny Hill theme, yes! Now, you see, we could just keep this as a funny little film and play it every year at the Christmas party, OR I could upload it to the galactic hub and get a second opinion. So, the question you need to ask yourself is this -- just how important is your reputation to you? Here's a little sneak preview, piped straight into your helmets, free of charge.
We see ODIN and the Mire backing away in fear from a roughly crafted puppet all set to “Yakety Sax”.
DOCTOR:
If you don't leave right now, I'll put it out there for all to see and no-one will fear you again.
ODIN:
This humiliation will not go unpunished. We will meet again.
The DOCTOR grabs the teleport control from ODIN’S neck and he disappears.
DOCTOR:
Oh, I hacked your teleporter. Sorry.
The villagers cheer and watch as the spaceship flies away. Back in the town hall, EINARR goes to ASHILDIR who is still in the chair wearing the helmet.
EINARR:
You did it, Ashildr. You did it. You saved us all.
The villagers gather around to congratulate her. There is no reaction from her.
EINARR:
Ashildr... Ashildr? Ashildr!
CLARA:
(rushes forward) Get the helmet off her. Get it off, now.
EINARR removes the helmet and his daughter falls into his arms. He gently lowers her to the floor.
EINARR:
Ashildr?
CLARA:
(feels her neck) No pulse. I think... Doctor, is she dead?
EINARR hugs ASHILDIR’S body and cries as he rocks her.
DOCTOR:
I'm sorry. I'm really terribly sorry. (runs from the building)
INT. BOATHOUSE, DAY
The DOCTOR is looking at his reflection in one of the eel tanks. He stands up as CLARA walks in.
CLARA:
Heart failure, yeah?
DOCTOR:
Yeah. I plugged her into the machine. Used her up like a battery. (exhales) I'm so sick of losing.
CLARA:
You didn't lose. You saved the town.
DOCTOR:
I don't mean the war. I'll lose any war you like. I'm sick of losing people. Look at you, with your eyes, and your never-giving-up, and your anger, and your kindness. One day the memory of that will hurt so much that I won't be able to breathe, and I'll do what I always do. I'll get in my box and I'll run and I'll run, in case all the pain ever catches up -- and every place I go, it will be there.
CLARA:
You did your best. She died. There's nothing you can do.
DOCTOR:
I can do anything. There's nothing I can't do. Nothing. But I'm not supposed to. Ripples, tidal waves, rules... I'm not supposed to. (realizes something and remembers his reflection) Oh. Oh!
The DOCTOR puts his hands to his face and runs over to the closest barrel. He looks in and sees his earlier self.
CLARA:
What? What's wrong?
DOCTOR:
My face. (looks in water again)
<<>>
From “Deep Breath”
The recently regenerated DOCTOR is in a London alley.
DOCTOR:
Who frowned me this face? Why this one? Why did I choose this face?
<<>>
CLARA:
Doctor, what's wrong with your face?
DOCTOR:
I think I know why I chose it.
<<>>
From “Deep Breath”
The recently regenerated DOCTOR is in a London alley.
DOCTOR:
It's like I'm trying to tell myself something.
<<>>
DOCTOR:
I think I know what I'm trying to say.
<<>>
From “Fires of Pompeii”
INT. TARDIS
The 10th DOCTOR and DONNA are at the console and she is pleading with him.
DONNA:
Just someone. Not the whole town. Just save someone.
INT. CAECILIUS' VILLA, MAIN ROOM
The door of the TARDIS opens and the figure of THE DOCTOR is silhouetted against a white light. He reaches out his hand.
DOCTOR:
Come with me.
CAECILIUS reaches out his hand and grasps THE DOCTOR's.
<<>>
DOCTOR:
I know where I got this face, and I know what it's for. (starts for the exit)
CLARA:
OK, what's it for?
DOCTOR:
To remind me. To hold me to the mark. I'm the Doctor, and I save people. (yells skyward) And if anyone happens to be listening, and you've got any kind of a problem with that, to hell with you!
INT. TOWN HALL, DAY
ASHILDIR is laid out on a bier lined with furs. Next to it, the DOCTOR pulls components for the Mire helmet.
EINARR:
What's he doing?
CLARA:
Saving her I think.
There is a whirr of the sonic and the DOCTOR stands. He holds out his palm to reveal a small device like a SIM card.
DOCTOR:
It's from the Mire helmet. Battlefield medical kit. I've reprogrammed it for human beings.
The DOCTOR places it on ASHILDIR’S forehead and it is absorbed into her body.
EINARR:
It's gone. It's inside her.
DOCTOR:
It's repairing her. It will never stop repairing her, if it works. (leans over the bier) Come on, Ashildr. Come on. The story's not over yet.
EINARR:
Daughter, (leans in and strokes her hair) listen to me. This town has lost so much. If we lose you too there'll be nothing left.
After a few tense moments, ASHILDIR gasps and opens her eyes. She breathes heavily and rests.
EINARR:
Ashildr!
DOCTOR:
She'll be conscious in a day, up and about in three -- no swimming for a week. Now we're going to need a longboat and some of your best rowers. We're two days' sail from the TARDIS. Come on, Clara!
CLARA joins the DOCTOR.
EINARR:
Wait, no. She'll want to see you when she wakes.
DOCTOR:
Oh, no. She'll see me often enough once she understands.
EINARR:
Understands what?
The DOCTOR reaches into his pocket and tosses something to EINARR.
DOCTOR:
Second dose.
It is a second “chip”.
EINARR:
Will she need to take this?
DOCTOR:
No, no, no, it's not for her.
CLARA:
Then who's it for?
DOCTOR:
Whoever she wants.
The DOCTOR and CLARA start to walk to the door.
ASHILDIR:
(softly) Doctor, thank you.
DOCTOR:
Don't thank me yet, Ashildr. Not yet.
The DOCTOR and CLARA leave. The villagers gather around ASHILDIR.
EXT. WOODS, DAY
The DOCTOR and CLARA walk through the woods towards the TARDIS.
CLARA:
OK, it's official. Silence is even worse in a Scottish accent. Are you going to tell me what you're brooding about?
DOCTOR:
It won't stop, the repair kit I put inside Ashildr, not ever. It'll just keep fixing her.
CLARA:
Well, good.
DOCTOR:
I'm not sure, but it's entirely possible she has lost the ability to die.
CLARA:
The ability?
DOCTOR:
Oh, dying is an ability, believe me. Barring accidents, she may now be functionally immortal. (unlocks TARDIS)
CLARA:
If the repair kit never stops working, then why did you give her two?
DOCTOR:
Immortality isn't living forever, that's not what it feels like. Immortality is everybody else dying. She might meet someone she can't bear to lose. That happens, I believe. (enters TARDIS)
INT. TARDIS
CLARA enters the TARDIS. The DOCTOR programs the TARDIS.
DOCTOR:
I was angry. I was emotional. Just possibly, I have made a terrible mistake. Maybe even a tidal wave. (starts TARDIS) Time will tell, it always does.
CLARA:
Whatever you did for Ashildr, I think she deserved it.
DOCTOR:
Yes. Yes, she did. But Ashildr isn't just human any more. There's a little piece of alien inside her, so in a way, she's... In a way, she's a hybrid.
EXT ??
We see ASHILDIR standing in the countryside smiling as time passes quickly around her - days, weeks, years. After awhile, she is no longer smiling, she has hardened herself.
???
We see a close-up of CLARA’S panicked eyes.
CLARA:
Doctor! Doctor!
DOCTOR: (o.c.)
Yes, you're the very next thing on the list.
CONTINUED, INTERCUT WITH -
- CUT TO:
INT. TARDIS
There are some small explosions in the console room. He is talking to CLARA over the phone.
CLARA:
Doctor, help me!
DOCTOR:
Clara, I'm under attack from four-and-a-bit battle fleets, in case you think I'm slacking.
CLARA:
Doctor, I think there's something in my space suit.
Her suit moves around her torso.
DOCTOR:
Yes, that's possible, actually. You were too long in the spider mines.
CLARA:
OK, explain?
DOCTOR:
It's possibly a Love Sprite. Sucks your brain out through your mouth, hence the name.
CLARA:
It's halfway up my leg.
DOCTOR:
Don't worry, it's just hungry.
CLARA:
Doctor...
DOCTOR:
Describe the four most interesting stars you can see.
CLARA:
There's a blue one, quite big. Two little yellowish ones just below.
DOCTOR:
Colour of whisky, smaller one blinking?
CLARA:
Yes! It's on the back of my neck, I can feel it.
We can see something moving up her back inside the suit.
DOCTOR:
Great! I thought asphyxiation would kill you first. Can you see a nebula...? Can you see a nebula in a sort of wing-shape? Bit green at the end?
CLARA:
Yes! Yes, I can.
DOCTOR:
Great, I've seen it too. I wonder when it was.
The DOCTOR activates dematerialisation.
CLARA:
Doctor! DOCTOR!
CLARA falls back and the DOCTOR removes her helmet after the TARDIS materialises around her. He stomps the love sprite repeatedly, killing it. CLARA coughs as she stands and leans against the console.
CLARA:
How did we do?
DOCTOR:
Oh, not a word about my spot-on materialisation skills(!)
CLARA:
What about all the Velosians? Are they safe?
DOCTOR:
Huh? Oh, yeah. Well, I lured their attackers halfway across the universe and drained their weapons banks. Not to mention, I also saved a school teacher from having her brains devoured and being asphyxiated in deep space. So, now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go outside and wipe my boot on the grass.
EXT. WOODS, NIGHT
The DOCTOR is scraping the bottom of his boot against the roots of a tree just outside the TARDIS. CLARA comes to the open doorway.
CLARA:
What's to stop them re-arming and trying again?
DOCTOR:
Nothing. But the Velosians will be ready for them this time. It's the best I could do, Clara. I'm not actually the police, that's just what it says on the box.
CLARA:
You're always talking about what you can and can't do but you never tell me the rules.
DOCTOR:
We're time travellers. We tread softly. It's OK to make ripples, but not tidal waves.
CLARA:
You are a tidal wave.
DOCTOR:
Don't say that.
At that moment, swords are drawn and placed at their throats. A party of Vikings complete with helmets, shields and torches emerge from the trees.
CLARA:
Doctor... (moves to the DOCTOR’S side)
DOCTOR:
No, no, not Vikings. I'm not in the mood for Vikings.
The raiding party’s leader, a large red-headed, bearded man named Hasten - only named in the credits - is the first to speak.
HASTEN:
You're coming with us.
DOCTOR:
No, I'm not. Do you want to know why?
The DOCTOR puts the sonic glasses on his face and the other Vikings growl menacingly at this show of defiance.
DOCTOR:
On my face, right now, more advanced technology than your species will manage over the next nine million years.
HASTEN takes the sunglasses from the DOCTOR’S face and breaks them in half.
DOCTOR:
Clara...
CLARA:
Yeah?
DOCTOR:
We're going with the Vikings.
**********************************************************************
Peter Capaldi
Jenna Coleman
DOCTOR WHO
“The Girl Who Died”
By
Jamie Mathieson
&
Steven Moffatt
PRODUCER
Derek Ritchie
DIRECTOR
Ed Bazalgette
**********************************************************************
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
Life is carrying on normally in the village. A lookout in a tower spots something and blows a large horn. Everyone runs towards the gates. A young GIRL in boy’s clothes stands back as others run past her. The raiding party returns to cheers. An older, bald MAN smiles at the return and the GIRL runs forward. We then see the DOCTOR and CLARA in chains. HASTEN is wearing half of the glasses like an eyepatch. The GIRL runs up to him.
GIRL:
You're back! All of you! Are all of you back?
HASTEN:
I suppose so, I haven't counted.
The Second Man of the party, NOLLAAR, comes over and hugs her.
NOLLAAR:
I'm back!
GIRL:
I had a dream you'd all died. It was so real, I thought I'd made it happen.
HASTEN:
Well, if it ever does, I'm sure you'll a find some way to blame yourself.
HASTEN tosses the glasses to her and continues on. The GIRL stops.
GIRL:
I wish none of you had to go!
CLARA:
Plan, Doctor? Any time soon.
DOCTOR:
I do have a plan.
CLARA:
Yeah, so you keep saying for two days on a longboat.
DOCTOR:
Only because you were looking worried.
CLARA:
Only because you kept saying, "I do have a plan."
DOCTOR:
I do have a plan.
CLARA:
There you go.
They pass the GIRL and the DOCTOR stares at her, so distracted he had to be pushed along.
CLARA:
You all right? Do you know her?
DOCTOR:
Never seen her before in my life. (walks backwards so he can look at her)
CLARA:
OK, so, why are you staring?
DOCTOR:
(turns back) I don't know. Nothing, probably. Too much time travel, it happens.
CLARA:
What happens?
DOCTOR:
People talk about premonition as if it's something strange. It's not. It's just remembering in the wrong direction.
The DOCTOR looks back again and one of the Vikings pushes him forward. The girl stops and looks down at the broken piece of sunglasses before looking at the DOCTOR and CLARA. They are led to the centre of the village and a white bearded man steps out to meet them, the village ELDER.
DOCTOR:
OK, plan. We meet the boss man and we do the usual.
CLARA:
Which is?
DOCTOR:
Replace him.
HASTEN:
Father... (salutes by crossing his arm over his chest)
CLARA:
(whispers) How?
DOCTOR:
(whispers) To the primitive mind, advanced technology can seem like magic.
CLARA:
(whispers) It's going to be the yo-yo again, isn't it?
DOCTOR:
(whispers) Yeah. It's in my pocket somewhere.
The DOCTOR reaches into his pocket and then shows CLARA he has removed his manacles before flourishing the yo-yo.
HASTEN:
We have travelled far...
CLARA:
How did you do that?!
DOCTOR:
Magic.
HASTEN:
.. And much treasure.
HASTEN motions to the DOCTOR. The latter throws his manacles and chains away and the Vikings draw their swords.
HASTEN:
How dare you attack our chief?!
DOCTOR:
I am very, very cross with you. I am very disappointed. I have taken human form to walk among you.
HASTEN:
Who are you, old man?
DOCTOR:
Do you not recognise the sign of Odin?! (uses the yo-yo)
HASTEN:
You are not Odin, and that is not Odin's sign.
DOCTOR:
Oh, and you would know that how, exactly? Have you met Odin? Do you know what Odin looks like?
At that moment, there is a thunderclap and a large cloud appears in the sky. Within the cloud, the face of a man appears, rather stern with long hair, a beard and a very ornate helmet. He also appears to have a visor over one eye.
CLOUD MAN:
Oh, my people, I am Odin! and now your day of reward has finally dawned.
Some of the people kneel.
DOCTOR:
Do not believe this foolish trickery! (tries to use yo-yo but it doesn’t work) It's supposed to do that.
ODIN:
Your mightiest warriors will feast with me tonight in the halls of Valhalla!
Rays of light stream down teleporting 5 large beings in armour. The Vikings advance on the newcomers. The creatures brandish futuristic weapons. As the two factions prepare to meet, the DOCTOR and CLARA back away.
DOCTOR:
Stay still. Stay very, very still.
CLARA:
That's not really Odin, is it?
DOCTOR:
He doesn't even have a yo-yo.
CLARA:
So this is an invasion?
The two groups meet in the middle yet they don’t fight.
DOCTOR:
Shh. No, this is a harvest. The strongest, the fittest... The weak and young, they'll leave behind.
As the DOCTOR speaks, the aliens scan the Vikings. It knocks down one of the men who shows a green outline instead of red. A batch of the warriors are then teleported away.
CLARA:
We have to help them.
DOCTOR:
We have to not get chosen.
CLARA runs forward and the DOCTOR tries to stop her.
DOCTOR:
Clara... Clara, no!
CLARA runs to the GIRL and the kneel on the ground.
CLARA:
Have you still got the eye-patch thing?
DOCTOR:
(softly) Clara!
CLARA:
Point it at my chains and think the word "open". Say it with your mind.
The GIRL puts the part of the glasses on. More groups are teleported away. The aliens turn and they register the technology.
DOCTOR:
Clara! Clara!
The GIRL and CLARA are teleported. CLARA’S chains fall to the ground. The aliens then teleport themselves, mission accomplished. ODIN disappears and the villagers look up to the sky. So does the DOCTOR.
INT. SPACESHIP, CELL
Florescent lights flicker and CLARA and the GIRL arrive in the same cell as the other Vikings.
NOLLAAR:
Welcome to Valhalla, my ladies.
HASTEN pries open a door at one end of the cell with his axe. The hall on the other side is lined with small exhaust fans. HASTEN laughs and walks into the hall.
CLARA:
No, wait! Wait!
HASTEN:
(turns to face them and walks backwards) There's nothing to fear, strange maiden.
The fans speed up, as if sensing HASTEN.
HASTEN:
We are Odin's chosen.
Suddenly bolts of energy stream out from the fans, striking HASTEN. He screams and is obliterated. His helmet and the wood handle of the axe fall to the floor. Machinery thuds as if cogs are moving into position, then the wall behind them begins to move forward.
NOLLAAR:
The wall, it moves!
The men try to push the wall back.
GIRL:
Odin! Odin!
CLARA:
Use your blades, try to jam it!
The men try but the blades either break or gain no purchase. CLARA looks around frantically and spies the door on the other end of the hall.
CLARA:
Come on! Come on!
CLARA grabs the girl’s hand and the run down the hall to the door. They put their fingers in the crack and each take a side.
CLARA:
Quick! Pull!
GIRL:
I'm trying!
They look back and see the men getting pushed towards the hall.
CLARA:
Quickly!
The men are forced into the hall and the propellers start to whir and the whine becomes more intense. CLARA and the GIRL keep working on opening the door.
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
The DOCTOR rubs his hand along an elaborately carved dragon figurehead. The villagers are still trying to comprehend what happened.
MAN:
They took half the village.
MAN 2:
Yeah, and it was the good half.
EINARR:
They went willingly to Valhalla as would we all.
MAN 3:
I wouldn't. Well, I wouldn't. I'm not good with heights.
DOCTOR:
(walks over to the middle of the group) Oh, stop it! All of you, stop it, right now. Homo sapiens, you're an intelligent species. Stop lying to yourselves.
EINARR:
Choose your words carefully, False Odin.
DOCTOR:
Yes, I am a false Odin. That's exactly right, I lied. The big fella in the sky -- he lied too. You all know it. Because what's the one thing that gods never do? Gods never actually show up! Guess what? You got raided. Guess what else? I lost someone who matters to me.
EINARR:
(in DOCTOR’S face) So did I.
INT. SPACESHIP, PROCESSING
The GIRL wakes up on the floor, CLARA leaning over her.
CLARA:
Ssh!
They walk through the cavernous room cautiously. Many vials are being filled with a green liquid. They see the remnants of the others.
GIRL:
Why are we still alive?
ODIN appears at the other end of the hall. He has his “soldiers” with him.
ODIN:
Because of this. (holds up broken specs) Explain.
CLARA steps in front of the GIRL and approaches ODIN.
CLARA:
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you afraid.
ODIN:
I have no reason to fear you.
CLARA:
Except you've already analysed that and you know it's a technology from a civilisation vastly more powerful than your own, and you will have also noticed that I'm wearing a space suit. (turns in a circle) So, I'm not from around here, and it's highly unlikely I will have come alone. You see, you haven't killed us because killing us would start a fight you didn't come here to have and you're not sure you can win.
One of the soldiers passes CLARA and goes straight to ODIN, handing him one of the vials.
CLARA:
Ooh, hello. Time for your medication?
ODIN:
Adrenaline. Testosterone extracted from the finest warriors. (drinks and exhales) Nectar.
ODIN hands the vial back and the soldier leaves.
CLARA:
OK, you mash up Vikings to make warrior juice, nice.
GIRL:
They what?
CLARA:
Why play God?
ODIN:
What is a god but the cattle's name for farmer? What is heaven but the gilded door of the abattoir?
CLARA:
You're not a farmer. You're a thief, caught in the act.
GIRL:
I don't understand. "Mashed up"? What are you saying?
CLARA:
(to GIRL) Hush! (to ODIN) Go, now. Go and find Vikings on other planets. The universe is full of testosterone. Trust me, it's unbearable. We won't follow you, see? (takes a few steps forward) We don't need to fight.
ODIN:
War is our way.
CLARA:
Ask yourself, is this a war you really want?
GIRL:
Yes! (walks forward) You'll pay for what you have done here today. I am a Viking. Ashildr, daughter of Einarr. You have mocked our gods. Killed our warriors. And we will crush you on the field of battle.
ODIN:
That's better!
CLARA:
(walks over to ASHILDIR) We were about to leave.
ODIN:
You almost had me talking! Talk is for cowards.
CLARA:
No, no, no, listen to me.
ODIN:
I accept your challenge.
ASHILDIR:
We will crush you!
CLARA:
(whispers) Oh, please. Shut up.
ODIN:
Shall we say this time tomorrow? Ten of my warriors versus the best of your village.
ASHILDIR:
You will beg for mercy!
ODIN:
(laughs) I will send you back. You can inform your people of their impending destruction.
CLARA:
Why are you doing this?
ODIN:
Why else? The joy of war! Can't you see it on my face?
ODIN presses a button on his gauntlet and the human face disappears to show the real one - something truly nasty that we don’t see.
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
The DOCTOR is reading his 2000 Year Diary when CLARA and ASHILDIR reappear.
DOCTOR:
(softly) Clara?
EINARR:
Child! (hugs ASHILDIR)
DOCTOR:
(runs to her) Clara! Clara!
The DOCTOR stops short, smiles and gives her a thumbs-up.
DOCTOR:
I'm not a hugger... Ahh! (grips her in a large hug and spins her around)
CLARA:
No!
EINARR:
(sets ASHILDIR down) Where are the others?
ASHILDIR:
(rests her head on his chest) I'm sorry, Father.
DOCTOR:
I looked them up in my 2,000-year diary.
CLARA:
OK.
DOCTOR:
They're called the Mire.
CLARA:
Listen...
DOCTOR:
They're one of the deadliest warrior races in the entire galaxy...
CLARA:
OK!
DOCTOR:
…but they're practical. They get what they want and go. You persuaded them to go, didn't you? I knew you would!
CLARA:
The deadliest warrior race in the galaxy?
DOCTOR:
One of them, yes, why?
CLARA:
Because I think this village just declared war on them.
INT. TOWN HALL, DAY
CLARA has removed the spacesuit. She and ASHILDIR are explaining what happened.
CLARA:
They're coming here tomorrow, ten of them, to kill everybody in the village.
EINARR:
Ashildr... is this true?
ASHILDIR:
It's my fault.
EINARR:
(sits next to ASHILDIR and puts an arm about her) Not every misfortune that befalls this village is down to you. She thinks she brings us bad luck.
DOCTOR:
What bad luck? You haven't had any bad luck. You're fine.
MAN 2:
We are about to be attacked by...
DOCTOR:
Yes, yes, yes, yes. With a whole day to spare! So leave! Hop it, take off! Into the woods, split up, hide. Hang about there for a week, come back home, make puddings and babies -- that's basically what you do, isn't it?
EINARR:
We cannot leave this village.
DOCTOR:
Yes, you can. Just pick a direction. Fly like a bird, run like a nose -- that's probably a Viking saying, I haven't checked that.
MAN 2:
No! We will fight!
There is clamour from the villagers.
DOCTOR:
Really? Well, I don't know if you remember, but they actually took away all your fighters. So, what are you? Farmers, fishermen, web designers. Maybe not that last one.
EINARR throws a skin of weapons on the floor.
EINARR:
We are Vikings!
The men cheer.
DOCTOR:
OK, tell me this. How many people here have actually held a sword in battle? By a show of hands? Mm-hmm. Yeah, baby.
The men look around, embarrassed, and sit down. The DOCTOR raises his hand as does CLARA.
DOCTOR:
(picks up a sword) The Mire are coming for each and every one of you. (throws in down) So what you going to do? Raise crops at them?
MAN 2:
If necessary.
MAN 3:
I think he was being sarcastic.
EINARR:
We're not cowards. We do not run. And a death in battle is a death with honour.
VILAGERS:
Aye!
The DOCTOR looks around and hears a baby crying.
DOCTOR:
Do babies die with honour?
The DOCTOR closes his eyes as the baby cries.
DOCTOR:
“I am afraid, Mother. Hold me, Mother. I am afraid."
CLARA:
Um... He speaks Baby.
DOCTOR:
"Turn your face towards me, Mother, for you… (opens eyes) you're beautiful. And I will sing for you. I am afraid but I will sing." Babies think that laughter is singing, did you know that? I applaud your courage, but I deplore your stupidity. And I will mourn your deaths, which will be terrifying, painful, and without honour.
The DOCTOR starts to walk out. After a pause, CLARA is about to go after him, but ASHILDER is quicker. She catches up to him.
ASHILDIR:
Stay. You could help us. I know you could.
DOCTOR:
I told you to run. That's all the help you need. And that's all the help you're getting. (walks outside)
EXT. VILLAGE, DAY
The DOCTOR is pacing when CLARA steps out. He sees her as she leans against the building and walks over.
DOCTOR:
The Earth is safe, humanity is not in danger. It's just one village.
CLARA:
"Just one village?"
DOCTOR:
Suppose I saved it. by some miracle. No TARDIS, no sonic. "Just one village" defeats the Mire. What then? Word gets around. Earth becomes a target of strategic value, and the Mire come back. And God knows what else. Ripples into tidal waves until everybody dies.
A baby cries. CLARA walks over to the DOCTOR.
CLARA:
What's it saying?
DOCTOR:
She. She's afraid. Babies sense danger. They have to.
CLARA:
Tell me.
DOCTOR:
"Mother, I hear thunder. Mother, I hear shouting. You are my world, but I hear other worlds now. Beyond the folding of your smile, is there other kindness? I'm afraid. Will they be kind? The sky is crying now. Fire in the water." Fire in the water?
The DOCTOR closes his eyes and the baby suddenly stops crying. CLARA put a hand on the DOCTOR’S cheek. He opens his eyes.
CLARA:
You just decided to stay. (walks back to the hall) The baby stopped crying. (goes inside)
>>>LATER>>>
The DOCTOR has the villagers lined up and he paces back and forth like a drill sergeant. There are practice dummies made of wood, straw and burlap. They each have wooden swords.
DOCTOR:
So, when I say "Move", you move. When I say "Jump", you say "How high?" Unless it's across a gap of some kind which, of course, means you jump horizontally. (to MAN) Yes, what is it, Lofty?
LOFTY:
Sorry, my name's not actually Lofty, it's Bro-
DOCTOR:
No, it's not, it's Lofty. I've got too much to think about without everybody having their own name, so it's Lofty. You're Lofty, you're Daphne, you're Noggin the Nog, ZZ Top, and you're Heidi. (MAN 3) So, we'll try that again. Lofty, what is it?
LOFTY:
Sorry, sir, it's just, why aren't we practising with REAL swords?
DOCTOR:
Yes, perhaps you'd like to field this one, Limpy?
LIMPY:
(former MAN 2) Because we can't be trusted with them. (wrapping a bandage around his leg)
DOCTOR:
That's right, yes. You'll be given your real swords back when you can prove that you can wave them around without lopping bits off yourselves. Heidi, why are your eyes closed?
HEIDI:
Sorry, sir. Just not that good with the sight of blood.
DOCTOR:
(scratches his face) No, of course you're not.
ASHILDIR and CLARA are watching. CLARA has her arms crossed.
ASHILDIR:
Swords against those creatures. That won't work, will it?
CLARA:
He's just warming up. He hasn't got a plan yet. But he will have and it will be spectacular.
The DOCTOR holds his sword up and whistles loudly.
DOCTOR:
Enough theory. I'm handing out the real swords.
EINARR eagerly grabs one of the swords.
>>>LATER>>>
The village horn blows a warning and people run by with buckets of water. One of the roofs is on fire. The DOCTOR is sitting on a stool and two men are lying on the ground.
DOCTOR:
Well, that could have gone better.
HEIDI sits up with a grunt.
DOCTOR:
Morning.
HEIDI:
What happened?
DOCTOR:
The Big Bang, dinosaurs, bipeds, and a mounting sense of futility.
CLARA:
More recently, Chuckles hit Lofty over the head, on his helmet, with his sword, which knocked him out. There was a little blood, which you saw and… (HEIDI faints) did that. Only, the first time you did it, you knocked a torch onto some hay, which spooked a horse, who kicked open a gate, and I'm sure you can fill in the rest.
LOFTY sits up and rubs his head.
INT. TOWN HALL, EVENING
The Vikings are sitting down to a meal.
EXT. VILLAGE, EVENING
It’s twilight. Thunder rumbles. The DOCTOR is alone until CLARA comes over. She sits on a barrel.
CLARA:
Weird-sounding thunder.
DOCTOR:
That's not thunder. It's the weapon forges of the Mire. They're making sure we hear them.
CLARA:
Well?
DOCTOR:
Well, Heidi faints at the mention of blood, not just the sight any more, he's actually upgraded his phobia. Chuckles, he questions every single order you give him, which is going to be a little bit difficult, a little bit tricky, in the heat of battle.
CLARA:
I keep waiting to hear what your real plan is.
DOCTOR:
Teaching them to fight, that's the only plan I've got.
CLARA:
Turning them into fighters? That's not like you.
DOCTOR:
Yeah. I used to believe that too.
CLARA:
What happened?
DOCTOR:
You. Oh, Clara Oswald, what have I made of you?
CLARA:
(shakes head) It doesn't matter how well you train them, it's not going to make difference.
DOCTOR:
They'll die fighting with honour. To a Viking, that's all the difference in the world.
CLARA:
A good death? Is that the best they can hope for?
DOCTOR:
A good death is the best anyone can hope for, unless you happen to be immortal.
ASHILDIR walks out.
ASHILDIR:
Sorry.
CLARA:
No problem.
ASHILDIR walks away.
DOCTOR:
Night.
CLARA:
You've made an impact there.
DOCTOR:
Stop it.
CLARA:
She's nice. Fight you for her.
DOCTOR:
The human race, you're obsessed. You all need to get a hobby.
CLARA:
I've got a hobby, thanks. It's you, by the way.
DOCTOR:
(faces CLARA) Well, get a new one.
CLARA:
Not this.
DOCTOR:
Tomorrow it's going to be a bloodbath.
CLARA:
Don't even ask!
DOCTOR:
These people died hundreds of years before you were born -
CLARA:
I'm not running!
DOCTOR:
I have a duty of care.
CLARA:
No, you don't. I never asked for that.
DOCTOR:
Every time we do something like this, I think, what if something happens to you?
CLARA:
Stop thinking about me, and think about them because you're missing something.
DOCTOR:
What?
CLARA:
How you're going to win. You always miss it right up until the last minute. So put down your sword, stop playing soldier and look for it. Start winning, Doctor. It's what you're good at. (goes back into the town hall)
INT. ASHILDIR’S HUT
ASHILDIR has created a dummy in the shape of ODIN and it casts a shadow on a draped skin.
ASHILDIR:
So, we meet again, Fake Odin. Valhalla burns around you, your army is destroyed and NOW it is time for you to DIE!
The DOCTOR arrives and stands in the doorway as ASHILDIR starts to hit the dummy. He clears his throat, startling her.
ASHILDIR:
How long have you been there?
DOCTOR:
(hurries over to her creation) What's that? Is that a puppet? Oh, I love puppets!
ASHILDIR:
I make puppets sometimes, when I'm...
DOCTOR:
Frightened?
ASHILDIR:
When the raiding parties go out, I make up stories about their battles.
DOCTOR:
Because if you make up the right story, then you think it will keep them safe and they'll all come home. That's OK. You're not the first person to ever have done that.
ASHILDIR:
Why are you here?
DOCTOR:
I'm looking for something I'm missing. What do you think our chances are tomorrow?
ASHILDIR:
We will be cut down like corn. By this time tomorrow, every single one of us will be dead.
DOCTOR:
Yeah. (picks up a book and sits) You could go.
ASHILDIR:
There's nowhere for me, except here. This is my place. The sky, the hills, the sea, the people... Is there nowhere like that for you?
DOCTOR:
Oh, I like a nice view as much as anyone.
ASHILDIR:
But?
DOCTOR:
Can't wait for the next one.
ASHILDIR:
I pity you.
DOCTOR:
I will mourn for you. I know which I'd prefer. (stands)
ASHILDIR:
You think they're all idiots, don't you?
DOCTOR:
What, you mean the rest of the universe? Basically, yes, I do.
ASHILDIR:
But they're kind and brave, and strong, and I love them.
DOCTOR:
Good, good, but that won't save you.
ASHILDIR:
I've always been different. All my life, I've known that. The girls all thought I was a boy, the boys all said I was "just a girl". My head is always full of stories. I know I'm strange. Everyone knows I'm strange. But, here, I am loved. You tell me to run to save my life. I tell you that leaving this place would be death itself.
EINARR enters the hut and hugs her.
EINARR:
I cannot keep you safe. I do not have the strength. But I will try to till the last beat of my heart.
Somewhere, a baby cries.
EINARR:
(to the DOCTOR) If you seek to mock me in this moment...
DOCTOR:
No, no, no, you go ahead, you cry all you like. Speaking of crying, is that baby getting closer?
The DOCTOR looks out the door and sees LOFTY with a baby.
DOCTOR:
Why has Lofty stolen a baby?
ASHILDIR:
That's his child.
DOCTOR:
Oh. Where's he taking her?
ASHILDIR:
The boathouse. He takes her to the boathouse when she won't settle. She likes the fish.
DOCTOR:
Why would she...? Fire in the water. Fire in the water. Fire in the... Fire in the water, fire in the water... Fire in the water! That's it, that's it. That's what I've been missing. Clara, I've found it! Clara! Clara! (runs from the hut)
INT. BOATHOUSE, EVENING
LOFTY is holding his daughter who is still crying. There are large barrels of water stored there. The DOCTOR hurries in.
DOCTOR:
Lofty! I had no idea that was your baby. Hello, baby, I had no idea this was your junior parent.
LOFTY:
I'm trying to settle her. She likes all the fish.
CLARA enters with ASHILDIR and EINARR.
CLARA:
You're shouting. What's happened? Did you trap your finger in something again?
DOCTOR:
Bedtime is cancelled. Everybody, off the hard stuff. We've got a long night's work ahead of us. I need a blacksmith. Who's the blacksmith?
LOFTY:
I'm the blacksmith.
DOCTOR:
You're the blacksmith and you've got a baby too? He's been at it hammer and tongs. (chuckles)
CLARA:
Doctor, explain.
DOCTOR:
There's going to be a war tomorrow. And here's some news, this just in -- we're going to win the hell out of it.
CLARA:
How?
DOCTOR:
Ashildr, this is your village, and you will never have to leave it, I swear.
CLARA:
Seriously, how?
DOCTOR:
I told you that we were basically doomed. Did no-one in this two-horn town think to mention that you had eels?
CLARA:
Eels?
DOCTOR:
I give you fire in the water!
There are flashes of blue energy in the barrels of water.
DOCTOR:
Electric eels!
The baby cries and the DOCTOR walks over.
DOCTOR:
Yes, yes! I know exactly how you feel. Well, not exactly. She needs changing.
CLARA:
Plan, then?
DOCTOR:
And it is a doozy!
INT. TOWN HALL, NIGHT
Different stations are set up and everyone is lending a hand with different tasks. CLARA and the DOCTOR are monitoring.
DOCTOR:
We need to pull that silvery stuff out of Clara's space suit. We can use it to magnify the electrical charge. Stop looking confused! Look happy! Winning is all about looking happier than the other guy. Always walk briskly. Makes you a moving target. Oh, that's for Lofty. Lofty! (tosses him a bundle) And talk with confidence, even if you're terrified.
Off to the side, CLARA is showing HEIDI how to use her mobile phone.
DOCTOR:
Act as if you know their plan, and sometimes, if you're very lucky, they'll actually tell you it. (pulls a blanket from a basket) This is for Ashildr.
Later, they gather as the DOCTOR explains the plan.
DOCTOR:
Then we deploy the anvil. Now, at this stage, getting me one of their helmets is key. We get a helmet, and this is over, then we can mop up the rest using Ashildr's monstrosity.
ASHILDIR uses a rope and pulley to unveil her creation.
CLARA:
That is rubbish.
DOCTOR:
I know. (smiles widely)
EXT. VILLAGE, MORNING
The village is empty, no-one is outside. ODIN and the Mire teleport down. ODIN motions for them to go forward and they enter the town hall.
INT. TOWN HALL, MORNING
The villagers are having a dance. The Mire aim their weapons. The DOCTOR and CLARA are dancing and stop.
DOCTOR:
Hey, hello, hey! I'm the Doctor. It's lovely to meet you face to convincing hologram. You could always go "bzzz" and get rid of it, no? No, on second thoughts, don't. That suits you.
ODIN:
It is time to fight.
DOCTOR:
No, no, no. We decided against that. We thought we'd just have a party!
Everyone cheers.
ODIN:
Let me put it another way. You fight or you die.
DOCTOR:
We're unarmed. There isn't a single weapon in this room -- which I'm sure your systems are telling you. You wouldn't open fire on unarmed civilians, would you?
ODIN:
It wouldn't be the first time.
A horseshoe hits a Mire's armour with a clang. The Mire all look up to a mesh of wires attached to the cartwheels of candle holders in the roof space.
DOCTOR:
Chuckles, NOW!
INT. BOATHOUSE, MORNING
EINARR hits the side of one of the vats containing the eels. The energy is conducted along the wires to the town hall and the Mire.
INT. TOWN HALL, MORNING
The Mire connected to the wires are electrocuted. The DOCTOR rushes the villagers out of the way.
DOCTOR:
Run, run, run-run-run-run! That's four down, six left.
They take shelter behind tables around the outside.
ODIN:
Go!
DOCTOR:
Chuckles, switch!
INT. BOATHOUSE, MORNING
EINARR hits a different vat.
INT. TOWN HALL, MORNING
This time the energy connects to the anvil hanging over the Mire. It creates a magnet and their weapons are pulled away to the ceiling. It also removes a couple of helmets. The Mire have over-large mouths filled with very long sharp teeth.
DOCTOR:
Chuckles, off!
The DOCTOR catches one of the helmets as it falls and CLARA picks up one of the weapons.
CLARA:
Don't move. (moves to cover the DOCTOR)
ODIN:
Go!
The villagers run from the town hall chased by the Mire. The DOCTOR works on the helmet.
CLARA:
How's it coming?
DOCTOR:
Reversing the polarity of the neutron flow. I bet that means something, it sounds great. Ashildr!
ASHILDIR runs over and sits in a chair.
DOCTOR:
Are you ready?
ASHILDIR:
I'm scared.
DOCTOR:
You were born for this. (puts the helmet on her) Show them a story they'll never forget.
At one end of the town hall, the wall falls and we see what looks like a giant sea serpent attacking them. In reality, it is one of ASHILDIR’S puppets augmented by the helmet. The Mire back away in fear.
ODIN:
What is this beast? It's impossible!
Their weapons have no effect on the “beast”.
MIRE:
Withdraw. Withdraw.
ODIN:
Stand and fight!
MIRE:
Withdraw.
The Mire begin to teleport away.
DOCTOR:
See how they run.
MIRE:
Withdraw.
More Mire teleport away.
ODIN:
Cowards!
MIRE:
Withdraw.
The last soldier leaves.
DOCTOR:
That's enough, Ashildr. Story's over. Happy ending.
ASHILDIR ends the projection and we see her creation. The head was formed by the carving the DOCTOR admired earlier. LIMPY blows the warning horn and it sounds like a fart then laughs. The door is raised and the villagers then surround ODIN, pointing their swords at him.
ODIN:
What trickery is this?
DOCTOR:
Ha! Says the man with a fake face. But you see, that's the trouble with viewing reality through technology -- it's all too easy to feed in a new reality.
CLARA:
(to HEIDI) You got it? Great. (takes mobile)
DOCTOR:
A story to save a town, and a puppet from a nightmare. You see, you've just seen the world through the eyes of a storyteller. The mighty armies of the Mire -- brutal, sadistic, undefeated. Even I believed the stories. But after today, no-one will again. An army like yours, it lives or dies on its reputation -- its story. And today, you were sent packing by a handful of farmers and fisherman. Not to mention the whole "wetting your pants and running away from a puppet" debacle.
CLARA:
See, that was really funny.
DOCTOR:
That was hilarious. It's just lucky that nobody recorded that. Wait a minute, we did.
CLARA:
(shows the DOCTOR) See, all it needed was the Benny Hill theme.
DOCTOR:
The Benny Hill theme, yes! Now, you see, we could just keep this as a funny little film and play it every year at the Christmas party, OR I could upload it to the galactic hub and get a second opinion. So, the question you need to ask yourself is this -- just how important is your reputation to you? Here's a little sneak preview, piped straight into your helmets, free of charge.
We see ODIN and the Mire backing away in fear from a roughly crafted puppet all set to “Yakety Sax”.
DOCTOR:
If you don't leave right now, I'll put it out there for all to see and no-one will fear you again.
ODIN:
This humiliation will not go unpunished. We will meet again.
The DOCTOR grabs the teleport control from ODIN’S neck and he disappears.
DOCTOR:
Oh, I hacked your teleporter. Sorry.
The villagers cheer and watch as the spaceship flies away. Back in the town hall, EINARR goes to ASHILDIR who is still in the chair wearing the helmet.
EINARR:
You did it, Ashildr. You did it. You saved us all.
The villagers gather around to congratulate her. There is no reaction from her.
EINARR:
Ashildr... Ashildr? Ashildr!
CLARA:
(rushes forward) Get the helmet off her. Get it off, now.
EINARR removes the helmet and his daughter falls into his arms. He gently lowers her to the floor.
EINARR:
Ashildr?
CLARA:
(feels her neck) No pulse. I think... Doctor, is she dead?
EINARR hugs ASHILDIR’S body and cries as he rocks her.
DOCTOR:
I'm sorry. I'm really terribly sorry. (runs from the building)
INT. BOATHOUSE, DAY
The DOCTOR is looking at his reflection in one of the eel tanks. He stands up as CLARA walks in.
CLARA:
Heart failure, yeah?
DOCTOR:
Yeah. I plugged her into the machine. Used her up like a battery. (exhales) I'm so sick of losing.
CLARA:
You didn't lose. You saved the town.
DOCTOR:
I don't mean the war. I'll lose any war you like. I'm sick of losing people. Look at you, with your eyes, and your never-giving-up, and your anger, and your kindness. One day the memory of that will hurt so much that I won't be able to breathe, and I'll do what I always do. I'll get in my box and I'll run and I'll run, in case all the pain ever catches up -- and every place I go, it will be there.
CLARA:
You did your best. She died. There's nothing you can do.
DOCTOR:
I can do anything. There's nothing I can't do. Nothing. But I'm not supposed to. Ripples, tidal waves, rules... I'm not supposed to. (realizes something and remembers his reflection) Oh. Oh!
The DOCTOR puts his hands to his face and runs over to the closest barrel. He looks in and sees his earlier self.
CLARA:
What? What's wrong?
DOCTOR:
My face. (looks in water again)
<<>>
From “Deep Breath”
The recently regenerated DOCTOR is in a London alley.
DOCTOR:
Who frowned me this face? Why this one? Why did I choose this face?
<<>>
CLARA:
Doctor, what's wrong with your face?
DOCTOR:
I think I know why I chose it.
<<>>
From “Deep Breath”
The recently regenerated DOCTOR is in a London alley.
DOCTOR:
It's like I'm trying to tell myself something.
<<>>
DOCTOR:
I think I know what I'm trying to say.
<<>>
From “Fires of Pompeii”
INT. TARDIS
The 10th DOCTOR and DONNA are at the console and she is pleading with him.
DONNA:
Just someone. Not the whole town. Just save someone.
INT. CAECILIUS' VILLA, MAIN ROOM
The door of the TARDIS opens and the figure of THE DOCTOR is silhouetted against a white light. He reaches out his hand.
DOCTOR:
Come with me.
CAECILIUS reaches out his hand and grasps THE DOCTOR's.
<<>>
DOCTOR:
I know where I got this face, and I know what it's for. (starts for the exit)
CLARA:
OK, what's it for?
DOCTOR:
To remind me. To hold me to the mark. I'm the Doctor, and I save people. (yells skyward) And if anyone happens to be listening, and you've got any kind of a problem with that, to hell with you!
INT. TOWN HALL, DAY
ASHILDIR is laid out on a bier lined with furs. Next to it, the DOCTOR pulls components for the Mire helmet.
EINARR:
What's he doing?
CLARA:
Saving her I think.
There is a whirr of the sonic and the DOCTOR stands. He holds out his palm to reveal a small device like a SIM card.
DOCTOR:
It's from the Mire helmet. Battlefield medical kit. I've reprogrammed it for human beings.
The DOCTOR places it on ASHILDIR’S forehead and it is absorbed into her body.
EINARR:
It's gone. It's inside her.
DOCTOR:
It's repairing her. It will never stop repairing her, if it works. (leans over the bier) Come on, Ashildr. Come on. The story's not over yet.
EINARR:
Daughter, (leans in and strokes her hair) listen to me. This town has lost so much. If we lose you too there'll be nothing left.
After a few tense moments, ASHILDIR gasps and opens her eyes. She breathes heavily and rests.
EINARR:
Ashildr!
DOCTOR:
She'll be conscious in a day, up and about in three -- no swimming for a week. Now we're going to need a longboat and some of your best rowers. We're two days' sail from the TARDIS. Come on, Clara!
CLARA joins the DOCTOR.
EINARR:
Wait, no. She'll want to see you when she wakes.
DOCTOR:
Oh, no. She'll see me often enough once she understands.
EINARR:
Understands what?
The DOCTOR reaches into his pocket and tosses something to EINARR.
DOCTOR:
Second dose.
It is a second “chip”.
EINARR:
Will she need to take this?
DOCTOR:
No, no, no, it's not for her.
CLARA:
Then who's it for?
DOCTOR:
Whoever she wants.
The DOCTOR and CLARA start to walk to the door.
ASHILDIR:
(softly) Doctor, thank you.
DOCTOR:
Don't thank me yet, Ashildr. Not yet.
The DOCTOR and CLARA leave. The villagers gather around ASHILDIR.
EXT. WOODS, DAY
The DOCTOR and CLARA walk through the woods towards the TARDIS.
CLARA:
OK, it's official. Silence is even worse in a Scottish accent. Are you going to tell me what you're brooding about?
DOCTOR:
It won't stop, the repair kit I put inside Ashildr, not ever. It'll just keep fixing her.
CLARA:
Well, good.
DOCTOR:
I'm not sure, but it's entirely possible she has lost the ability to die.
CLARA:
The ability?
DOCTOR:
Oh, dying is an ability, believe me. Barring accidents, she may now be functionally immortal. (unlocks TARDIS)
CLARA:
If the repair kit never stops working, then why did you give her two?
DOCTOR:
Immortality isn't living forever, that's not what it feels like. Immortality is everybody else dying. She might meet someone she can't bear to lose. That happens, I believe. (enters TARDIS)
INT. TARDIS
CLARA enters the TARDIS. The DOCTOR programs the TARDIS.
DOCTOR:
I was angry. I was emotional. Just possibly, I have made a terrible mistake. Maybe even a tidal wave. (starts TARDIS) Time will tell, it always does.
CLARA:
Whatever you did for Ashildr, I think she deserved it.
DOCTOR:
Yes. Yes, she did. But Ashildr isn't just human any more. There's a little piece of alien inside her, so in a way, she's... In a way, she's a hybrid.
EXT ??
We see ASHILDIR standing in the countryside smiling as time passes quickly around her - days, weeks, years. After awhile, she is no longer smiling, she has hardened herself.