Doctor Who (1963) s23e09 Episode Script
The Trial of a Time Lord, Part Nine (Terror of the Vervoids)
We are all aware of your feelings of sorrow, Doctor.
Has the recess given you sufficient time to overcome the distress of your bereavement? I doubt that there will ever be sufficient time for that, my lady.
May we not proceed, my lady? The cavalier manner in which the Doctor permitted his young companion to be destroyed militates against this charade of concern.
The Doctor is fighting for his life, Valeyard.
However, I do take your point.
Doctor, are you ready to present your evidence? Yes.
Yes, I am grateful to you, Madam, for according me the same privileges of Valeyard that will allow me access to the Matrix.
-My excursion will be into the future.
-The future? Is it going to be the Doctor's defence that he improves? -Precisely.
-This, I must see.
My submission concerns a crisis which threatens the lives not only of a group of people confined together with no means of escape, but would, if unresolved, threaten every mortal being on the planet Earth.
Proceed.
Mogar, a planet on the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way.
Rich in rare metals, a top priority consignment of these precious metals is being loaded aboard Hyperion III, an inter-galactic liner that ferries between Mogar and Earth.
A scheduled flight in the Earth year 2986.
Crew is aboard.
The last passengers are reporting in.
Many will never complete the journey.
For, in order to protect a secret hidden on the space liner, one will become a murderer.
Am I expected to trust my life, for millions of miles, to a bunch of incompetents who can't even get my luggage aboard without losing it? Your luggage, Professor? It's not in your cabin? -Really! Do I have to repeat myself? -I'm sure we can sort it out.
-Problems, Janet? Let me help.
-And who are you? Security Officer Rudge, Professor.
Now, which cabin did you go to? You're asking, and you're the Security Officer? Cabin six, where else? May I see your key, please? Ah, no.
The other way round, I think.
Your are in cabin nine and that is where you will find your luggage, Professor.
Let's hope so.
-You're in cabin six, Mr Grenville.
-Thank you.
Mr Grenville Security Officer Rudge.
If you have any problems Mr Hallet, how pleasant.
At least one face not belonging to a stranger.
I'm sorry.
I think you must be mistaken.
No, surely not.
We met three years ago, on Stella Stora.
You came to investigate shortages in the granary.
My name is Grenville, and I've never been to Stella Stora.
You're obviously confusing me with someone else.
But I could have sworn.
Even the voice is the same.
An investigator? Bruchner, go and check the safety measures for the Isolation Room.
Immediately.
That's the final batch.
Get your men ashore.
Hyperion flight 1 1 3 is now in progress.
-2 3, 24, 25, 26, 2 7, 28, 29, 30 -2 3, 24, 25, 26, 2 7, 28, 29, 30 -31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 -31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 -38, 39, 40.
-38, 39, 40.
This will keep you up.
-Carrot juice! -It'll do you good.
Honestly, carrots are full of vitamin A.
Mel, have you studied my ears lately? It's your waistline I'm concerned about.
No, seriously, though.
Is it my imagination or have they started to grow longer? Listen, when I start to call you Neddy, then you can worry.
Drink up.
You'll worry sooner when I start to bray.
You startled me! You haven't got your translator switched on, sir.
-Why did we not depart on schedule? -We were delayed for a late arrival.
A gentleman from your planet, as a matter of fact.
-A Mogarian? -Yes, sir.
-Anything interesting? -Maybe.
Unidentified craft.
I've tried all the standard frequencies.
-Without response? -Not a bleep.
-Perhaps it's a piece of space flotsam.
-You make delicious coffee, Janet.
Oh, well, if you don't want the benefit of my advice.
Let's try you on hyper-frequency.
Quickly, Mel, press the red button.
Get the message on the screen.
-Press it! Press it! -I have! You said red.
Did I? Must be the carrot juice making me colour blind.
Mayday call? We have to respond! Practically on our doorstep.
Come on, Doctor.
Come on, hurry.
How I keep up with you is a constant source of amazement to me.
No one sends a mayday call unless it's a matter of life and death.
Yes.
Let's exercise the grey cells for once, shall we? Rather than the muscles.
That was no ordinary mayday call.
It was beamed specifically at the Tardis.
So it's from someone who knows you.
-In which case, why wasn't it signed? -Panic.
Desperation.
Well, we won't find out by hanging about in here, will we? We won't go blundering into a trap, either.
I've never seen this side of you before.
You're usually the one who goes charging in regardless.
-Can't you sense it, Mel? -Sense what? Evil.
There's evil in this place.
I've got a better idea.
Let's go to Pyro Shika, -a fascinating planet with -Doctor! Doctor.
So much for your enthusiasm.
Let me do the talking.
-Now, listen, my man.
I can explain -Shut up.
Move.
-You never heard anything? -Not a sound.
-Nor saw anything? -I've already told you! No one's blaming you, laddy, but I thought perhaps now that your head is clearer I was concentrating on the unidentified craft.
From which you failed to get a response.
Mr Edwardes, what about the security tape? Deactivated, sir.
Which indicates knowledge of our procedures.
-Just my thoughts, too, Commodore.
-I'm sure.
-How about the rest of the equipment? -In perfect order, sir.
That leaves only one objective your assailant could have had.
To send a message.
I was trying not to state the obvious, Mr Rudge.
That'll do.
Report to the medic before returning to duty.
-Thank you, sir.
-Will you please stop poking that contraption into my spine? We heard a noise in the cargo hold, Mr Rudge, and found these two.
Is it? Yes, it is.
Captain ''Tonker'' Travers.
-Commodore.
Oh! Of all the places in this infinite universe, -you have to turn up on my ship.
-Commodore? That means this is a grade one security craft.
Yes.
And I should like to know how you got here.
Don't bother, Rudge.
I know how.
What I don't know is why.
-But didn't you send the mayday call? -Me? -We had to respond.
-That's true, sir.
I am fully conversant with the navigational code, Mr Edwardes.
I thought you were reporting to the medic.
Yes, sir.
I authorised no mayday signal.
My Communications Officer is attacked and then you appear.
And a fat lot of thanks we've got for our pains.
If I seem to lack gratitude, young woman Melanie.
Known as Mel.
It is because on the previous occasion that the Doctor's path crossed mine, I found myself involved in a web of mayhem and intrigue.
Ah, saved your ship, though, Commodore.
Yes, you did, though whether it would have been at risk without your intervention is another matter.
Whatever happened in the past doesn't alter the fact that a mayday call was sent.
Not by you, though, Commodore, so let's make this hail and farewell -Stand easy, Doctor.
You're not leaving.
-We're not? I'd rather have you where I can see you, than swanning around outside.
Conduct them to the lounge.
Consider yourself restricted to passenger quarters.
In other words, welcome aboard.
Stowaways.
I could have done without that on my final service report.
If you're expecting an easy ride on your last voyage, mister, I'm afraid you're not gonna get it.
I think you're being a mite unfair, sir.
Am I? Well, don't be too diligent in pleasing the Doctor.
Can I have clarification of that instruction, sir? Give him enough rope and he will snare our culprit for us.
Far cry from the carefree life of Pease Pottage, eh, Mel? I'm not complaining.
You're really worried, aren't you? I can't rid myself of the feeling I'm being used.
Whoever sent that message knew me.
There's a made-to-measure candidate.
-There is? -The Commodore.
-He's met you before.
-He'd have said.
Would he? Admit he needs outside assistance? Intriguing possibility, but that's all.
The quickest way out of this is to solve the mystery.
That could also be the quickest way into trouble.
-Why don't you ask for a passenger list? -Don't hassle me, Mel.
Who's hassling? All I'm saying is that you might recognise a name.
-Simple, isn't it? -Mmm.
-Meanwhile? -Meanwhile, I wander around, poke my nose into a few nooks and crannies and see if anyone tries to make contact.
Remember, we were restricted to the passenger quarters.
This is only the lounge.
Looking for something, miss? -I see you've a gymnasium.
-Needed on a long trip like this.
I thought I might do a bit of limbering up.
That's the spirit.
Let me take you there.
So you can keep tabs on me? Why would I want to do that? -I wonder if you can help me.
-I'll do my best.
I'd like to see a copy of the passenger list.
Put the headset on, miss.
Sorry.
If you get tired of aerobics, just select another tape.
They come complete with instructions and music.
Thank you.
Professor, we have a problem in the Hydroponic Centre.
The Hydroponic Centre? What's happened? -It's been broken into.
-Get Bruchner down there.
He's in the Isolation Room.
Yes? Yes, I heard, but who's speaking? You're very persuasive, Doctor.
But I can't possibly Ah! Here's the man who could give you permission.
-No, no, no, don't bother.
-Permission for what? It's not important, it's just a whim.
I'm subject to whims, so I'm told.
-The Doctor wants a passenger list.
-Why not? Indeed, the idea makes good sense.
Mmm.
Well, if I could just spot a familiar name We'd get our culprit, you'd bid us farewell.
I should have thought of that myself, Doctor.
Sign of age.
I'm due to retire after this voyage.
No, no.
All complete strangers, I'm afraid.
-Pity.
-Thank you.
He's been in touch.
He wants you to meet him in cabin six.
-Did you see him? Get a name? -No, just a message.
Let's go.
Before you go rushing off, Mel, do you know what a Judas goat is? Yes, it's a decoy goat that's tied to the stake to lure the tiger out into the open.
Getting badly mauled in the process.
I think I shall refuse the role.
Then where are you going? For a non-provocative stroll around the deck.
You appalling dunderhead, couldn't you repair this? I assumed you'd want to see the damage for yourself, Professor.
And I suppose it never penetrated your thick, academic skull to check the pods.
That's the first thing I did.
They're stable.
Professor Lasky, the Demeter seeds, they're gone.
Hello? Anyone at home? -You're not supposed to be in here.
-And what about you? -Hmm? -Going for a stroll? You just said that to put me off.
There's no sense in putting two heads into the noose.
-Ever heard of safety in numbers? -Mmm Looks like someone's been in a fight for their life.
Yes.
Question is Did they succeed? Yes? Would you come down, sir? Where? Waste disposal unit.
There's been an accident.
-What is it? -Emergency in the waste disposal unit.
Cut the klaxon.
Accident? Why can't you use plain language, mister? Whoever's been dumped in there has been pulverised into fragments and sent floating in space and in my book that's murder.
-Have you called a medic for this man? -Of course, sir.
Straight away.
Then I suggest you begin earning your salary and find out who that belonged to.
I may be able to help you there, Commodore.
Somehow that doesn't surprise me.
If you'd rather I left it to Mr Rudge The passenger in cabin six sent for the Doctor.
When we got there, he was gone.
Doesn't follow that he wound up in the pulveriser.
The room was a wreck.
And there was a single shoe, exactly the same pattern as that.
To be complete, the syllogism only requires its grim conclusion.
And naturally you have never met the man or know why he sent for you.
-We don't even know his name.
-It was Grenville, sir.
A mineralogist.
Any suggestions why a mineralogist who wanted to see you should be killed? None at all.
Or why it is that every time you appear on the scene, people begin to die? Hey, I don't care who you are.
You've no right to say that to the Doctor.
Yes, he does, Mel.
Well? Never mind them.
Is the Isolation Room safe? Yes, the emergency was in the waste disposal unit.
Then we can relax.
Nothing to do with us.
That's your assessment, Professor? The danger's passed? Well, that's it, then.
End of the line.
What do you mean? Well, our contact Obviously, he's the one who's been pulverised.
-So we give up? -What else? The Hydroponic Centre.
I told you about the sudden panic when I was in here.
My dear Melanie, if you wish to pursue this completely arbitrary course, pray, hurry along to the Hydroponic Centre, and leave me to my static and solitary peregrinations.
Hold it! Just a minute! I don't remember that.
How could you remember? These events are in your future.
But I reviewed that section earlier when I was preparing my defence.
There have been changes.
That isn't what happened.
The girl, Melanie, her information was important.
I wouldn't have just ignored it, completely uncharacteristic, and the words, misused, didn't even sound like mine.
What isn't completely uncharacteristic is this resort to excuses and subterfuge.
To gloss over the death of Peri, the Doctor conveniently presents us with another companion.
Hardly a convenience, Valeyard.
These events are in the Doctor's future, he would not have met the young woman yet.
I stand corrected.
But my assumption of why he has pursued such an arbitrary course in aborting this tale still remains.
''Arbitrary course''? Your assumption, Valeyard? -That she too is going to her death.
-No! No, I'm sorry, Madam, I can't explain, but I have a feeling I am being manipulated.
-That the evidence is being distorted.
-Preposterous! Absolutely preposterous! Forgive me, sagacity, the idea the Matrix could lie.
No! -It is we who are being manipulated.
No! -To obscure the damaging truth! -No, this is total fabrication! The truth, Doctor! You sent your companion down the cargo hold into a situation which you described, I quote, ''Can't you sense it, Mel? Evil.
There's evil in this place.
'' No! No, this is all wrong.
Every instinct of which I am capable, -would have made me prevent her! -Yet you did not! Doctor, either you continue with your submission or I must consider the evidence for the defence to be concluded.
What are you doing prowling around down here? Prowling? Why should I be prowling? Because this is off-limits.
And I suspect you know it.
I just wanted to have a peep at the Hydroponic Centre.
Any reason in particular? I think it might tie in with that mysterious mayday call.
I'm not going to touch anything.
What harm could it do? I'll no doubt regret this, but come on, a conducted tour only, no wandering off on your own.
Tell me, who's the woman with the dragon's voice? Professor Sarah Lasky.
She's an agronomist.
So are her two assistants, Bruchner and Doland.
So was the Hydroponic Centre set up specially for them? Yes, we had to allocate part of the hold.
Why is only low spectrum light allowed in the place? Something to do with photosynthesis.
Low spectrum light allows the plants to stay dormant.
Now, I'll go first.
We don't want you breaking your neck.
At least, not until
Has the recess given you sufficient time to overcome the distress of your bereavement? I doubt that there will ever be sufficient time for that, my lady.
May we not proceed, my lady? The cavalier manner in which the Doctor permitted his young companion to be destroyed militates against this charade of concern.
The Doctor is fighting for his life, Valeyard.
However, I do take your point.
Doctor, are you ready to present your evidence? Yes.
Yes, I am grateful to you, Madam, for according me the same privileges of Valeyard that will allow me access to the Matrix.
-My excursion will be into the future.
-The future? Is it going to be the Doctor's defence that he improves? -Precisely.
-This, I must see.
My submission concerns a crisis which threatens the lives not only of a group of people confined together with no means of escape, but would, if unresolved, threaten every mortal being on the planet Earth.
Proceed.
Mogar, a planet on the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way.
Rich in rare metals, a top priority consignment of these precious metals is being loaded aboard Hyperion III, an inter-galactic liner that ferries between Mogar and Earth.
A scheduled flight in the Earth year 2986.
Crew is aboard.
The last passengers are reporting in.
Many will never complete the journey.
For, in order to protect a secret hidden on the space liner, one will become a murderer.
Am I expected to trust my life, for millions of miles, to a bunch of incompetents who can't even get my luggage aboard without losing it? Your luggage, Professor? It's not in your cabin? -Really! Do I have to repeat myself? -I'm sure we can sort it out.
-Problems, Janet? Let me help.
-And who are you? Security Officer Rudge, Professor.
Now, which cabin did you go to? You're asking, and you're the Security Officer? Cabin six, where else? May I see your key, please? Ah, no.
The other way round, I think.
Your are in cabin nine and that is where you will find your luggage, Professor.
Let's hope so.
-You're in cabin six, Mr Grenville.
-Thank you.
Mr Grenville Security Officer Rudge.
If you have any problems Mr Hallet, how pleasant.
At least one face not belonging to a stranger.
I'm sorry.
I think you must be mistaken.
No, surely not.
We met three years ago, on Stella Stora.
You came to investigate shortages in the granary.
My name is Grenville, and I've never been to Stella Stora.
You're obviously confusing me with someone else.
But I could have sworn.
Even the voice is the same.
An investigator? Bruchner, go and check the safety measures for the Isolation Room.
Immediately.
That's the final batch.
Get your men ashore.
Hyperion flight 1 1 3 is now in progress.
-2 3, 24, 25, 26, 2 7, 28, 29, 30 -2 3, 24, 25, 26, 2 7, 28, 29, 30 -31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 -31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 -38, 39, 40.
-38, 39, 40.
This will keep you up.
-Carrot juice! -It'll do you good.
Honestly, carrots are full of vitamin A.
Mel, have you studied my ears lately? It's your waistline I'm concerned about.
No, seriously, though.
Is it my imagination or have they started to grow longer? Listen, when I start to call you Neddy, then you can worry.
Drink up.
You'll worry sooner when I start to bray.
You startled me! You haven't got your translator switched on, sir.
-Why did we not depart on schedule? -We were delayed for a late arrival.
A gentleman from your planet, as a matter of fact.
-A Mogarian? -Yes, sir.
-Anything interesting? -Maybe.
Unidentified craft.
I've tried all the standard frequencies.
-Without response? -Not a bleep.
-Perhaps it's a piece of space flotsam.
-You make delicious coffee, Janet.
Oh, well, if you don't want the benefit of my advice.
Let's try you on hyper-frequency.
Quickly, Mel, press the red button.
Get the message on the screen.
-Press it! Press it! -I have! You said red.
Did I? Must be the carrot juice making me colour blind.
Mayday call? We have to respond! Practically on our doorstep.
Come on, Doctor.
Come on, hurry.
How I keep up with you is a constant source of amazement to me.
No one sends a mayday call unless it's a matter of life and death.
Yes.
Let's exercise the grey cells for once, shall we? Rather than the muscles.
That was no ordinary mayday call.
It was beamed specifically at the Tardis.
So it's from someone who knows you.
-In which case, why wasn't it signed? -Panic.
Desperation.
Well, we won't find out by hanging about in here, will we? We won't go blundering into a trap, either.
I've never seen this side of you before.
You're usually the one who goes charging in regardless.
-Can't you sense it, Mel? -Sense what? Evil.
There's evil in this place.
I've got a better idea.
Let's go to Pyro Shika, -a fascinating planet with -Doctor! Doctor.
So much for your enthusiasm.
Let me do the talking.
-Now, listen, my man.
I can explain -Shut up.
Move.
-You never heard anything? -Not a sound.
-Nor saw anything? -I've already told you! No one's blaming you, laddy, but I thought perhaps now that your head is clearer I was concentrating on the unidentified craft.
From which you failed to get a response.
Mr Edwardes, what about the security tape? Deactivated, sir.
Which indicates knowledge of our procedures.
-Just my thoughts, too, Commodore.
-I'm sure.
-How about the rest of the equipment? -In perfect order, sir.
That leaves only one objective your assailant could have had.
To send a message.
I was trying not to state the obvious, Mr Rudge.
That'll do.
Report to the medic before returning to duty.
-Thank you, sir.
-Will you please stop poking that contraption into my spine? We heard a noise in the cargo hold, Mr Rudge, and found these two.
Is it? Yes, it is.
Captain ''Tonker'' Travers.
-Commodore.
Oh! Of all the places in this infinite universe, -you have to turn up on my ship.
-Commodore? That means this is a grade one security craft.
Yes.
And I should like to know how you got here.
Don't bother, Rudge.
I know how.
What I don't know is why.
-But didn't you send the mayday call? -Me? -We had to respond.
-That's true, sir.
I am fully conversant with the navigational code, Mr Edwardes.
I thought you were reporting to the medic.
Yes, sir.
I authorised no mayday signal.
My Communications Officer is attacked and then you appear.
And a fat lot of thanks we've got for our pains.
If I seem to lack gratitude, young woman Melanie.
Known as Mel.
It is because on the previous occasion that the Doctor's path crossed mine, I found myself involved in a web of mayhem and intrigue.
Ah, saved your ship, though, Commodore.
Yes, you did, though whether it would have been at risk without your intervention is another matter.
Whatever happened in the past doesn't alter the fact that a mayday call was sent.
Not by you, though, Commodore, so let's make this hail and farewell -Stand easy, Doctor.
You're not leaving.
-We're not? I'd rather have you where I can see you, than swanning around outside.
Conduct them to the lounge.
Consider yourself restricted to passenger quarters.
In other words, welcome aboard.
Stowaways.
I could have done without that on my final service report.
If you're expecting an easy ride on your last voyage, mister, I'm afraid you're not gonna get it.
I think you're being a mite unfair, sir.
Am I? Well, don't be too diligent in pleasing the Doctor.
Can I have clarification of that instruction, sir? Give him enough rope and he will snare our culprit for us.
Far cry from the carefree life of Pease Pottage, eh, Mel? I'm not complaining.
You're really worried, aren't you? I can't rid myself of the feeling I'm being used.
Whoever sent that message knew me.
There's a made-to-measure candidate.
-There is? -The Commodore.
-He's met you before.
-He'd have said.
Would he? Admit he needs outside assistance? Intriguing possibility, but that's all.
The quickest way out of this is to solve the mystery.
That could also be the quickest way into trouble.
-Why don't you ask for a passenger list? -Don't hassle me, Mel.
Who's hassling? All I'm saying is that you might recognise a name.
-Simple, isn't it? -Mmm.
-Meanwhile? -Meanwhile, I wander around, poke my nose into a few nooks and crannies and see if anyone tries to make contact.
Remember, we were restricted to the passenger quarters.
This is only the lounge.
Looking for something, miss? -I see you've a gymnasium.
-Needed on a long trip like this.
I thought I might do a bit of limbering up.
That's the spirit.
Let me take you there.
So you can keep tabs on me? Why would I want to do that? -I wonder if you can help me.
-I'll do my best.
I'd like to see a copy of the passenger list.
Put the headset on, miss.
Sorry.
If you get tired of aerobics, just select another tape.
They come complete with instructions and music.
Thank you.
Professor, we have a problem in the Hydroponic Centre.
The Hydroponic Centre? What's happened? -It's been broken into.
-Get Bruchner down there.
He's in the Isolation Room.
Yes? Yes, I heard, but who's speaking? You're very persuasive, Doctor.
But I can't possibly Ah! Here's the man who could give you permission.
-No, no, no, don't bother.
-Permission for what? It's not important, it's just a whim.
I'm subject to whims, so I'm told.
-The Doctor wants a passenger list.
-Why not? Indeed, the idea makes good sense.
Mmm.
Well, if I could just spot a familiar name We'd get our culprit, you'd bid us farewell.
I should have thought of that myself, Doctor.
Sign of age.
I'm due to retire after this voyage.
No, no.
All complete strangers, I'm afraid.
-Pity.
-Thank you.
He's been in touch.
He wants you to meet him in cabin six.
-Did you see him? Get a name? -No, just a message.
Let's go.
Before you go rushing off, Mel, do you know what a Judas goat is? Yes, it's a decoy goat that's tied to the stake to lure the tiger out into the open.
Getting badly mauled in the process.
I think I shall refuse the role.
Then where are you going? For a non-provocative stroll around the deck.
You appalling dunderhead, couldn't you repair this? I assumed you'd want to see the damage for yourself, Professor.
And I suppose it never penetrated your thick, academic skull to check the pods.
That's the first thing I did.
They're stable.
Professor Lasky, the Demeter seeds, they're gone.
Hello? Anyone at home? -You're not supposed to be in here.
-And what about you? -Hmm? -Going for a stroll? You just said that to put me off.
There's no sense in putting two heads into the noose.
-Ever heard of safety in numbers? -Mmm Looks like someone's been in a fight for their life.
Yes.
Question is Did they succeed? Yes? Would you come down, sir? Where? Waste disposal unit.
There's been an accident.
-What is it? -Emergency in the waste disposal unit.
Cut the klaxon.
Accident? Why can't you use plain language, mister? Whoever's been dumped in there has been pulverised into fragments and sent floating in space and in my book that's murder.
-Have you called a medic for this man? -Of course, sir.
Straight away.
Then I suggest you begin earning your salary and find out who that belonged to.
I may be able to help you there, Commodore.
Somehow that doesn't surprise me.
If you'd rather I left it to Mr Rudge The passenger in cabin six sent for the Doctor.
When we got there, he was gone.
Doesn't follow that he wound up in the pulveriser.
The room was a wreck.
And there was a single shoe, exactly the same pattern as that.
To be complete, the syllogism only requires its grim conclusion.
And naturally you have never met the man or know why he sent for you.
-We don't even know his name.
-It was Grenville, sir.
A mineralogist.
Any suggestions why a mineralogist who wanted to see you should be killed? None at all.
Or why it is that every time you appear on the scene, people begin to die? Hey, I don't care who you are.
You've no right to say that to the Doctor.
Yes, he does, Mel.
Well? Never mind them.
Is the Isolation Room safe? Yes, the emergency was in the waste disposal unit.
Then we can relax.
Nothing to do with us.
That's your assessment, Professor? The danger's passed? Well, that's it, then.
End of the line.
What do you mean? Well, our contact Obviously, he's the one who's been pulverised.
-So we give up? -What else? The Hydroponic Centre.
I told you about the sudden panic when I was in here.
My dear Melanie, if you wish to pursue this completely arbitrary course, pray, hurry along to the Hydroponic Centre, and leave me to my static and solitary peregrinations.
Hold it! Just a minute! I don't remember that.
How could you remember? These events are in your future.
But I reviewed that section earlier when I was preparing my defence.
There have been changes.
That isn't what happened.
The girl, Melanie, her information was important.
I wouldn't have just ignored it, completely uncharacteristic, and the words, misused, didn't even sound like mine.
What isn't completely uncharacteristic is this resort to excuses and subterfuge.
To gloss over the death of Peri, the Doctor conveniently presents us with another companion.
Hardly a convenience, Valeyard.
These events are in the Doctor's future, he would not have met the young woman yet.
I stand corrected.
But my assumption of why he has pursued such an arbitrary course in aborting this tale still remains.
''Arbitrary course''? Your assumption, Valeyard? -That she too is going to her death.
-No! No, I'm sorry, Madam, I can't explain, but I have a feeling I am being manipulated.
-That the evidence is being distorted.
-Preposterous! Absolutely preposterous! Forgive me, sagacity, the idea the Matrix could lie.
No! -It is we who are being manipulated.
No! -To obscure the damaging truth! -No, this is total fabrication! The truth, Doctor! You sent your companion down the cargo hold into a situation which you described, I quote, ''Can't you sense it, Mel? Evil.
There's evil in this place.
'' No! No, this is all wrong.
Every instinct of which I am capable, -would have made me prevent her! -Yet you did not! Doctor, either you continue with your submission or I must consider the evidence for the defence to be concluded.
What are you doing prowling around down here? Prowling? Why should I be prowling? Because this is off-limits.
And I suspect you know it.
I just wanted to have a peep at the Hydroponic Centre.
Any reason in particular? I think it might tie in with that mysterious mayday call.
I'm not going to touch anything.
What harm could it do? I'll no doubt regret this, but come on, a conducted tour only, no wandering off on your own.
Tell me, who's the woman with the dragon's voice? Professor Sarah Lasky.
She's an agronomist.
So are her two assistants, Bruchner and Doland.
So was the Hydroponic Centre set up specially for them? Yes, we had to allocate part of the hold.
Why is only low spectrum light allowed in the place? Something to do with photosynthesis.
Low spectrum light allows the plants to stay dormant.
Now, I'll go first.
We don't want you breaking your neck.
At least, not until