Doctor Who: The Three Acts Of Davros

Scene 2 - Mercis

Once the titles have finished, we open up to the planet Mercis, a planet on the outer edge of the Acteon Galaxy, in the year 4,500. We observe the ochre-coloured planet from space before we descend down onto the rocky and gravelly world of the planet. We cut to view the intricate rocky hills and patterns made on the surface of the planet. Mercis is supported with high oxygen and low gravity. The camera slowly moves down from the sight of the sky and rock formations to view an archaeological team surveying the planet. The private expedition is led by Professor Grake, a leader who is unfulfilled in his work of discovery and finding no direction in his life.

A tough and unpleasant man to work with, Grake struts about and acts bossily. Various equipment and record measurements are taken by the unsettled Scathe and Agax. Agax focuses on technical engineering and holds an interest in the technological equipment used in archaeological research. Bevery is comforted with food and drink, as is Ragger, a heavy, plump man who only thinks about his own interest, such as food and keeping himself out of trouble. The work and pressure of these people are worsened by the unstable political situation of the universe's diplomatic negotiations.

Scathe:

And this place? Suitable for colonisation?

Grake:

Evidence. Tangible proof of our findings will cement your statement.

Bevery consumes a drink to help with the eerie surroundings on Mercis. Ragger does a better job of covering up, knowing that he will be in trouble for eating if he is caught by his superior.

Bevery. Food and drink is rationed out. Put it away.

Bevery:

But how much longer are we to be about?

Grake:

Until we find all the evidence we need to make this place hospitable. So far, it will do.

Ragger:

Then we've done what we needed. We can just pack up and go.

The party stops, and Grake confronts Ragger.

Grake:

I think you fail to understand the necessity of our expedition, fats.

Ragger:

Sure do. Wanna try one?

Grake knocks away the food onto the ground.

Grake:

The situation is sticky alright back home. Stickier than your fingers after the amount you've had. If we are not able to bring about good findings for a suitable colony world to exist here on Mercis, then you can say goodbye to your good sweets.

Agax:

Archaeology helps us to travel back in time to collect valuable information about the settlements and sophistication of life across centuries of time, as well as the cultural history of civilisations with material remains.

Grake:

I have learnt for over thirty years in my profession of the importance of a single artefact that can change its meaning purely based on context. I have learnt to respect it and understand how to produce excellent results that will help solve the crises we are faced.

We then see this conversation being held through a blue monitor, showing Grake and his men. This then reveals to be part of a control room of the Daleks on Mercis. We see a scientific, silver Dalek observing the monitor.

Scathe:

You mean, here is where we can settle the score between our different factions. On Mercis?

Agax:

Not literally. But the settlement of our people here on Mercis will bring a new chapter for us all.

Bevery:

None of us wanted it to begin with. What good will this rocky planet be for us?

Grake:

Discoveries from transmat and satellite surveys have given this planet a potential for a new colony to exist here on Mercis as a representative of how our new partnership could work.

We then cut back to the setting on Mercis.

If suitable in minerals and chemicals found on Mercis, as proved conclusively in our research, we may find an answer in solving our biggest crises across the universe.

We cut to see the Doctor and Starla explore the rocky surface of the planet, carefully not trying to twist their angle or trip along the unsteady paths.

Starla:

And this is supposed to be?

Doctor:

Where we make our first move. There will be something very important to see. From the position the TARDIS gave.

Starla:

Who? Or what?

Doctor:

I'll let you know when we find it.

We cut back to the archaeological expedition. Agax uses a tracer disc to detect a life sign within the rocks of the planet.

Agax:

I have something. East 038.

Scathe:

But there's nothing in here but rocks. We can't get through there.

Grake:

Then it will be around the other side.

Agax:

No. Embedded within the rocks.

Grake:

Plot a course. Find that life sign.

Ragger:

You don't mean to say we are going in there?

Grake:

Why, Ragger? Frightened of shadows within these rocks are you?

Scathe:

What happens if we are trapped inside? A rockfall buries us in.

Grake:

We can make our first discoveries of what is within the rocks. Copy?

Scathe and Bevery look nervous at what they can find in there.

Agax:

We have a route. The creature is injured. He needs medical help. We can take him back to the ship, collect a few samples, and complete maintenance of the carrier.

Grake:

Lead the way, Agax. And you men.

Grake holds his gun, not pointing it in the air but elaborating his use for it if needed.

We're going to get to the bottom of this. And there will be no chickening out of it. For either of you. And splitters, and you'll find that there has been a nasty rockfall accident, Scathe. Ok?

The nervous men continue forward, and Grake follows behind them...