109 The Violet CONUNDRUM by Lewis Robinson-Hurst
INT. ANGEL DETECTIVE AGENCY - NIGHT
AMY, RORY and SAM are stood about the office. A fairly typical night.
AMY
Anyone else hungry?
RORY
You’re always hungry.
AMY
Watch it centurion.
SAM
I seriously have no idea what you two talk about sometimes.
AMY
Who wants food? I’m going for food.
Amy gets up and walks to the door, then stops. She looks confused. Then screams. Amy is doubled over with pain. She’s beginning to fade. Rory is at her side instantly. Sam is stood to one side. His mouth agape.
SAM
What’s happening to her?!
RORY
I don’t know! Amy?! AMY?! Can you hear me?!
AMY
(weakly) Rory? Rory? Where am I? What... where? I don’t know... Doctor? Doctor!
Sam grabs the phone.
RORY
What you doing?!
SAM
She’s calling for a doctor!
RORY
Not that sort of doctor!
Sam puts the phone down angrily. Amy stops screaming and fading. looks at Rory.
RORY
Amy?
AMY
I... I think it’s stopped now.
RORY
What was it?
AMY
I don’t know... It felt like I was being... undone. Like my entire life was being rewritten.
RORY
Rewritten? But then that means...
AMY
A paradox.
SAM
Paradox? Like the sort that makes New York go boom?
AMY
Exactly.
SAM
So... what are you saying? New York is going to go boom?
AMY
It might not be that literal. Everyone might just vanish. We don’t know the extent of the paradox just yet.
Amy grabs a device off the table.
AMY
If I do a scan for traces of time energy... here! Look!
She shows them the screen. A large circle of energy surrounds part of the city.
SAM
Is that...
AMY
Yep. If we want to save New York... we’re going to the Empire State Building.
AMY, RORY and SAM are stood about the office. A fairly typical night.
AMY
Anyone else hungry?
RORY
You’re always hungry.
AMY
Watch it centurion.
SAM
I seriously have no idea what you two talk about sometimes.
AMY
Who wants food? I’m going for food.
Amy gets up and walks to the door, then stops. She looks confused. Then screams. Amy is doubled over with pain. She’s beginning to fade. Rory is at her side instantly. Sam is stood to one side. His mouth agape.
SAM
What’s happening to her?!
RORY
I don’t know! Amy?! AMY?! Can you hear me?!
AMY
(weakly) Rory? Rory? Where am I? What... where? I don’t know... Doctor? Doctor!
Sam grabs the phone.
RORY
What you doing?!
SAM
She’s calling for a doctor!
RORY
Not that sort of doctor!
Sam puts the phone down angrily. Amy stops screaming and fading. looks at Rory.
RORY
Amy?
AMY
I... I think it’s stopped now.
RORY
What was it?
AMY
I don’t know... It felt like I was being... undone. Like my entire life was being rewritten.
RORY
Rewritten? But then that means...
AMY
A paradox.
SAM
Paradox? Like the sort that makes New York go boom?
AMY
Exactly.
SAM
So... what are you saying? New York is going to go boom?
AMY
It might not be that literal. Everyone might just vanish. We don’t know the extent of the paradox just yet.
Amy grabs a device off the table.
AMY
If I do a scan for traces of time energy... here! Look!
She shows them the screen. A large circle of energy surrounds part of the city.
SAM
Is that...
AMY
Yep. If we want to save New York... we’re going to the Empire State Building.
EXT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - NIGHT
Amy, Rory and Sam get out of the car. Amy is hunched over the device.
AMY
It’s strange... The paradox isn’t constant. It’s changing... it’s as if it’s not right yet.
Rory grabs Amy’s arm.
RORY
Amy... this paradox. If it does destroy New York... what happens to us?
AMY
I don’t know. Theoretically we could pop right back where we were supposed to be. In Modern Day London. The TARDIS. Or...
RORY
Or?
AMY
We just disappear.
They look at each other. Both of them silently accept the possibility that the latter is true. Amy walks up to the doors.
AMY
Shall we go in?
Amy, Rory and Sam get out of the car. Amy is hunched over the device.
AMY
It’s strange... The paradox isn’t constant. It’s changing... it’s as if it’s not right yet.
Rory grabs Amy’s arm.
RORY
Amy... this paradox. If it does destroy New York... what happens to us?
AMY
I don’t know. Theoretically we could pop right back where we were supposed to be. In Modern Day London. The TARDIS. Or...
RORY
Or?
AMY
We just disappear.
They look at each other. Both of them silently accept the possibility that the latter is true. Amy walks up to the doors.
AMY
Shall we go in?
INT. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING LOBBY - NIGHT
The team enter. It’s dark. There are no lights. It’s hard to see what’s in the room. The team look about uncertainly.
MR VIOLET (OS)
I see you got my invitation. I must admit... You’re a little slow. I expected better. Especially from a woman of your expertise Miss Pond.
AMY
Do I know you?
MR VIOLET
No. Not directly. But we share a common, how would you put it, acquaintance.
AMY
The Doctor?
MR VIOLET
Yes the very same. We met once.
RORY
Yeah. And I bet it didn’t go well.
MR VIOLET
Very perspective Mr Williams. More perspective than my sources suggest. Oh yes. I’ve been watching you all for some time. Rather... interesting.
AMY
Great. We have a stalker.
SAM
This is all very well and good, but who the fuck are you? If you don’t mind me asking.
MR VIOLET
How very vulgar. I do not appreciate vulgarity. Nethertheless, I shall answer your question. I am Mr Violet.
SAM
Mr Violet? I’ve heard that before...
MR VIOLET
I suspect you have. I’ve been making plans for a very long time. And now I’m ready. Things are finally in place. And there’s nothing you can do to stop me. Not you, not your pathetic agency, not the Shadow Proclamation, not that foolish Time Agent, not your daughter, not even the Doctor himself. None of you can stop me. You will fall like ants underneath my boot. Prepare yourselves. The end is coming.
RORY
Big speech from a man who won’t show his face.
MR VIOLET
But I am not a man. I am so much more.
A light shines. Mr Violet himself steps out of the shadows. He removes his hat, revealing an aged man. A trimmed beard. Cold eyes. But his face is wrong. It shifts. Something flows through it. A form of energy. Hard to tell what. One thing is clear. He’s not human.
AMY
What are you?
MR VIOLET
I...am the future. Rising from the ashes of those destroyed. Soon the universe will tremble with fear once again. The Eminence have returned.
RORY
The Eminence?
MR VIOLET
Has it really been so long that we have faded from myth and legend? We were a great war empire, spanning constellations among multiple time zones, feasting on Time Energy when we could find it. Until one day, during one of the mightiest wars in history we were destroyed. By trickery. But we survived. We searched across the stars and we found here. New York. So many paradoxes. One little paradox will rip the city apart, creating an immense supply of time energy. Enough for us to feast and regrow.
RORY
I asked for an explanation not your life story.
Mr Violet glares at Rory.
AMY
So you need another paradox? But why now? Why not do it as soon as you arrived?
MR VIOLET
Because all the pieces were required. The pieces required to stoke the flames so to speak.
AMY
But why do you need us? You lured us here I get that, but why?
MR VIOLET
Funny you should ask that Miss Pond. Funny indeed. But now I think it’s time to end our little game don’t you think? I’ve prepared a little gift for you. Some old friends who have sorely missed you and want to say hello.
He waves his hand and doors open. In march... the robots from episode 4! They aim their guns and prepare to open fire.
SAM
What the hell?! I thought we destroyed these!
MR VIOLET
Did you think I’d allow such weapons to be built in MY city, without securing a way of creating my own? Robots!
They stand to attention.
MR VIOLET
Dispose of our guests. They’re beginning to bore me.
Mr Violet turns and leaves. The robots open fire.
SAM
Down!
Amy, Rory and Sam take cover as bullets whiz overhead.
RORY
Great! Not only do we have a potentially dangerous paradox, but an insane megalomaniac and an army of robots! Anything else we should be aware of?! Are the Daleks planning to fire a laser into the sun or something?!
AMY
It never rains but it pours.
SAM
So what do we do?
RORY
Well, if these robots really are the same, their control centre will be somewhere in the building. We just find that, turn it off and voila. No robots.
AMY
You make it sound so easy.
Rory grins.
RORY
It’s my special talent.
AMY
Oh really? I rather thought your special talent was-
SAM
Save it for the bedroom.
Amy frowns.
AMY
So what’s my special talent?
Rory and Sam look at Amy’s legs. She kicks them.
AMY
Eyes back in your heads boys!
SAM
Right. So these robots are still shooting at us. The control centre is probably above us. How do we get there?
RORY
We could always take the lift.
SAM
This really isn’t the time for elevator jokes.
RORY
No really. We can take the lift.
He points.
RORY
See?
An path from the trio’s location to the lift doors is noticeable by its lack of robots. In fact the robots seem to be avoiding it, making a sprintable distance. The lift doors are open.
AMY
Well that’s just disappointingly easy.
SAM
It looks-
AMY
If your next words are “too easy, it’s probably a trap” then don’t bother. That’s what we’re all thinking.
Sam closes his mouth.
AMY
Right. So we can sprint that yeah? We can sprint that.
RORY
Are you asking or trying to convince yourself?
AMY
Both.
RORY
Brilliant. You inspire confidence oh fearless leader.
AMY
Oh shut it. We’ll sprint it on the count of three. One... two... THREE!
The team enter. It’s dark. There are no lights. It’s hard to see what’s in the room. The team look about uncertainly.
MR VIOLET (OS)
I see you got my invitation. I must admit... You’re a little slow. I expected better. Especially from a woman of your expertise Miss Pond.
AMY
Do I know you?
MR VIOLET
No. Not directly. But we share a common, how would you put it, acquaintance.
AMY
The Doctor?
MR VIOLET
Yes the very same. We met once.
RORY
Yeah. And I bet it didn’t go well.
MR VIOLET
Very perspective Mr Williams. More perspective than my sources suggest. Oh yes. I’ve been watching you all for some time. Rather... interesting.
AMY
Great. We have a stalker.
SAM
This is all very well and good, but who the fuck are you? If you don’t mind me asking.
MR VIOLET
How very vulgar. I do not appreciate vulgarity. Nethertheless, I shall answer your question. I am Mr Violet.
SAM
Mr Violet? I’ve heard that before...
MR VIOLET
I suspect you have. I’ve been making plans for a very long time. And now I’m ready. Things are finally in place. And there’s nothing you can do to stop me. Not you, not your pathetic agency, not the Shadow Proclamation, not that foolish Time Agent, not your daughter, not even the Doctor himself. None of you can stop me. You will fall like ants underneath my boot. Prepare yourselves. The end is coming.
RORY
Big speech from a man who won’t show his face.
MR VIOLET
But I am not a man. I am so much more.
A light shines. Mr Violet himself steps out of the shadows. He removes his hat, revealing an aged man. A trimmed beard. Cold eyes. But his face is wrong. It shifts. Something flows through it. A form of energy. Hard to tell what. One thing is clear. He’s not human.
AMY
What are you?
MR VIOLET
I...am the future. Rising from the ashes of those destroyed. Soon the universe will tremble with fear once again. The Eminence have returned.
RORY
The Eminence?
MR VIOLET
Has it really been so long that we have faded from myth and legend? We were a great war empire, spanning constellations among multiple time zones, feasting on Time Energy when we could find it. Until one day, during one of the mightiest wars in history we were destroyed. By trickery. But we survived. We searched across the stars and we found here. New York. So many paradoxes. One little paradox will rip the city apart, creating an immense supply of time energy. Enough for us to feast and regrow.
RORY
I asked for an explanation not your life story.
Mr Violet glares at Rory.
AMY
So you need another paradox? But why now? Why not do it as soon as you arrived?
MR VIOLET
Because all the pieces were required. The pieces required to stoke the flames so to speak.
AMY
But why do you need us? You lured us here I get that, but why?
MR VIOLET
Funny you should ask that Miss Pond. Funny indeed. But now I think it’s time to end our little game don’t you think? I’ve prepared a little gift for you. Some old friends who have sorely missed you and want to say hello.
He waves his hand and doors open. In march... the robots from episode 4! They aim their guns and prepare to open fire.
SAM
What the hell?! I thought we destroyed these!
MR VIOLET
Did you think I’d allow such weapons to be built in MY city, without securing a way of creating my own? Robots!
They stand to attention.
MR VIOLET
Dispose of our guests. They’re beginning to bore me.
Mr Violet turns and leaves. The robots open fire.
SAM
Down!
Amy, Rory and Sam take cover as bullets whiz overhead.
RORY
Great! Not only do we have a potentially dangerous paradox, but an insane megalomaniac and an army of robots! Anything else we should be aware of?! Are the Daleks planning to fire a laser into the sun or something?!
AMY
It never rains but it pours.
SAM
So what do we do?
RORY
Well, if these robots really are the same, their control centre will be somewhere in the building. We just find that, turn it off and voila. No robots.
AMY
You make it sound so easy.
Rory grins.
RORY
It’s my special talent.
AMY
Oh really? I rather thought your special talent was-
SAM
Save it for the bedroom.
Amy frowns.
AMY
So what’s my special talent?
Rory and Sam look at Amy’s legs. She kicks them.
AMY
Eyes back in your heads boys!
SAM
Right. So these robots are still shooting at us. The control centre is probably above us. How do we get there?
RORY
We could always take the lift.
SAM
This really isn’t the time for elevator jokes.
RORY
No really. We can take the lift.
He points.
RORY
See?
An path from the trio’s location to the lift doors is noticeable by its lack of robots. In fact the robots seem to be avoiding it, making a sprintable distance. The lift doors are open.
AMY
Well that’s just disappointingly easy.
SAM
It looks-
AMY
If your next words are “too easy, it’s probably a trap” then don’t bother. That’s what we’re all thinking.
Sam closes his mouth.
AMY
Right. So we can sprint that yeah? We can sprint that.
RORY
Are you asking or trying to convince yourself?
AMY
Both.
RORY
Brilliant. You inspire confidence oh fearless leader.
AMY
Oh shut it. We’ll sprint it on the count of three. One... two... THREE!
They burst out of cover and run for the lift. The robots open fire at them. They duck and reach the lift.
INT. LIFT - NIGHT
Sam’s hat falls off as he dives into the lift. The hat is torn apart by bullets as the lift doors close. Sam stares at the doors sadly.
SAM
I really liked that hat.
AMY
I’ll buy you a new one for Christmas.
Sam gets up.
SAM
Which floor are we going to?
AMY
No idea. The lift moved on it’s own.
SAM
Which means it’s being called from upstairs. Which means it is a trap and we’re almost certainly going to die horribly when the lift stops. Perfect. This was a brilliant plan.
RORY
Didn’t see you come up with a better idea. Besides, who says we’ll die? Maybe nice people are calling the lift?
AMY
Nice people? Yes. There’s certainly nice people who don’t want to kill us amongst the people and robots who want to kill us.
RORY
You’re being sarcastic aren’t you?
AMY
Oh no I’m being completely serious. This is my completely serious face.
INT. Hallway - NIGHT
The lift stops. The door opens. Hundreds of robots have their guns trained on the door. Sam looks at Amy.
AMY
Not a word Garner.
Rory casually presses the close doors button.
The robots take aim.
And...
Deactivate.
A door opens and a woman leans out.
LOUISE
Well don’t hang about there! Unless you want them to wake back up!
Amy, Rory and Sam follow her into the room.
INT. Medical room - NIGHT
Amy, Rory and Sam step in. It’s a medical room. Different types of medical equipment lie around. The control console for the robots lies in the corner, smashed with a chair. Amy admires the resourcefulness. The woman, LOUISE, walks by them to a large cylinder in the centre of the room.
AMY
Thanks by the way. I’m Amy.
LOUISE
Louise.
A young girl lies in the cylinder. She can’t be older than 9 years old. Louise sits down next to the cylinder and places her hand on the glass.
LOUISE
It’s ok darling. Mommy’s here.
Rory steps up the cylinder.
LOUISE
Back away if you know what’s good for you.
RORY
It’s ok. I’m a doctor. What’s wrong with her?
LOUISE
Majora Hypermasure. She was diagnosed 10 days ago.
Rory pauses and turns to Louise.
RORY
10 days. 10 days?!
LOUISE
10 days.
RORY
You must be mistaken. It can’t be 10 days!
LOUISE
It is 10 days.
AMY
Sorry. Confused. Why does 10 days matter?
RORY
Because Majora Hypermasure kills in 8. Even with the best medicine you won’t survive 9 at most.
AMY
So if this thing is so deadly... how come I’ve never heard of it?
RORY
Because it’s extremely rare in these times, and in our time it’s prevented against with the normal routine jab.
LOUISE
Stop talking nonsense and leave me alone with my daughter. It’s alright Abbie. Mommy’s here. It’s ok.
RORY
Abbie?! ABBIE?!
AMY
What now?!
Rory takes Amy and Sam to one side.
INT. LIFT - NIGHT
Sam’s hat falls off as he dives into the lift. The hat is torn apart by bullets as the lift doors close. Sam stares at the doors sadly.
SAM
I really liked that hat.
AMY
I’ll buy you a new one for Christmas.
Sam gets up.
SAM
Which floor are we going to?
AMY
No idea. The lift moved on it’s own.
SAM
Which means it’s being called from upstairs. Which means it is a trap and we’re almost certainly going to die horribly when the lift stops. Perfect. This was a brilliant plan.
RORY
Didn’t see you come up with a better idea. Besides, who says we’ll die? Maybe nice people are calling the lift?
AMY
Nice people? Yes. There’s certainly nice people who don’t want to kill us amongst the people and robots who want to kill us.
RORY
You’re being sarcastic aren’t you?
AMY
Oh no I’m being completely serious. This is my completely serious face.
INT. Hallway - NIGHT
The lift stops. The door opens. Hundreds of robots have their guns trained on the door. Sam looks at Amy.
AMY
Not a word Garner.
Rory casually presses the close doors button.
The robots take aim.
And...
Deactivate.
A door opens and a woman leans out.
LOUISE
Well don’t hang about there! Unless you want them to wake back up!
Amy, Rory and Sam follow her into the room.
INT. Medical room - NIGHT
Amy, Rory and Sam step in. It’s a medical room. Different types of medical equipment lie around. The control console for the robots lies in the corner, smashed with a chair. Amy admires the resourcefulness. The woman, LOUISE, walks by them to a large cylinder in the centre of the room.
AMY
Thanks by the way. I’m Amy.
LOUISE
Louise.
A young girl lies in the cylinder. She can’t be older than 9 years old. Louise sits down next to the cylinder and places her hand on the glass.
LOUISE
It’s ok darling. Mommy’s here.
Rory steps up the cylinder.
LOUISE
Back away if you know what’s good for you.
RORY
It’s ok. I’m a doctor. What’s wrong with her?
LOUISE
Majora Hypermasure. She was diagnosed 10 days ago.
Rory pauses and turns to Louise.
RORY
10 days. 10 days?!
LOUISE
10 days.
RORY
You must be mistaken. It can’t be 10 days!
LOUISE
It is 10 days.
AMY
Sorry. Confused. Why does 10 days matter?
RORY
Because Majora Hypermasure kills in 8. Even with the best medicine you won’t survive 9 at most.
AMY
So if this thing is so deadly... how come I’ve never heard of it?
RORY
Because it’s extremely rare in these times, and in our time it’s prevented against with the normal routine jab.
LOUISE
Stop talking nonsense and leave me alone with my daughter. It’s alright Abbie. Mommy’s here. It’s ok.
RORY
Abbie?! ABBIE?!
AMY
What now?!
Rory takes Amy and Sam to one side.
RORY
Abbie Jameson. Diagnosed with Majora Hypermasure. Died. Her death inspired the search for a cure. Without her dying, there might never be a cure.
SAM
So this girl should be dead?
RORY
Yes. If the date is right, she should have died a few hours ago.
AMY
And that’s the paradox...
RORY
Yes.
AMY
Is there any way to fix this?
Rory hangs his head.
AMY
Oh god.
SAM
You... you can’t be serious?!
RORY
I really wish there was another way. But the only way to stop the paradox is to make sure history goes back on track. And the only way to do that is to let Abbie die.
AMY
But we can’t. We can’t... I can’t... Rory there has to be another way!
RORY
We can’t take that risk. Every life in the city depends on us. I hate myself for saying this. We need to think of the greater good.
AMY
No. No I won’t do this. I won’t have a part in it.
SAM
Of course.
AMY
What?
SAM
This is why Violet chose this as his paradox. He knew we wouldn’t do anything to stop it. We’re good people. All three of us. Maybe you two more than me. No one with an ounce of decency in their hearts would do this. We either let it happen and have all those lives on our conscience, or do this and have this girl’s. And I’d rather not have either.
Amy turns to Louise.
AMY
There has to be a way.
INT. Medical Room. Later.
Louise looks in shock at the three of them.
LOUISE
You’re sick. All three of you. Sick. I’m supposed to let my daughter die... because you say so? You’re sick. Get out. All of you. Leave me.
Amy walks to the door.
SAM
That’s it? We give up?
AMY
She’s a mother who doesn’t want to lose her daughter. I understand. We’ll think of something else.
Amy opens the door. Mr Violet stands there. He smiles.
MR VIOLET
Amelia. Rory. Sam. Louise. Abbie. Excellent. You’re all introduced. Makes my job easier. I suppose you’ve all figured out what’s going on here?
LOUISE
Is it true? Is it true you saved my daughter just to destroy the city?
MR VIOLET
Yes. In a manner of speaking. Although there’s just one more piece of the puzzle.
He turns around.
MR VIOLET
It’s alright my dear. Step forward.
ALISON (the killer alien lady from episode 1 remember?) steps forward.
Amy, Rory and Sam all look stunned.
MR VIOLET
Ah yes, you’re acquainted. Well, Alison passed into my care.
AMY
Vaenfell... where is he?
MR VIOLET
The bounty hunter yes. Well, he’s sadly not here. He’s elsewhere. Currently lounging in the Nethersphere if he’s lucky.
AMY
Where?
MR VIOLET
The Nethersphere? The Promised Land? Paradise? Heaven? He’s dead. Dead as a doornail. And his death was...bloody. He died screaming as his head exploded like a grape.
Amy takes a few steps back out of shock.
AMY
You’re a monster...
MR VIOLET
I think you’ll find she’s the monster.
He gestures at Alison. She glares at him.
MR VIOLET
I’m sorry my dear. But it is the truth.
Sam draws his pistol and points it right at Mr Violet’s head.
SAM
Give me one good goddamn reason why I shouldn’t pull the trigger?
MR VIOLET
37 Elmtree Lane.
Sam stiffens.
MR VIOLET
Yes that’s right. I said I’ve been watching you all for some time. Your daughter. Lucy is it? Lovely girl. She’ll go far. Well, if she lives past tonight. But that all depends on if her dear father here cares more about her than the lives of everyone in this city. So go on then Mr Garner. Do it. I’ll even make this easy for you.
He steps right up to Sam, the barrel of the pistol now touching his forehead. Sweat glistens down Sam’s face. His hand shakes.
MR VIOLET
Are you enough of a man to kill me Garner? Can you do it? One little squeeze and my brains wallpaper this room a charming red colour. You’ll have saved the city and hundreds of lives. You’ll be a hero. But at what cost? Can you make it over the bridge and back home before my operatives do their work? I think not. They’re very fast and very efficent. If you’re fast enough, you might even be able to witness her last breath before my operatives kill you too. Of course, there’s every chance you’ll make it in time to save her, but how long will you last before my operatives find you? Minutes? Hours? Days? You won’t last a month. Will you take the risk? Can you take the risk? Let’s find out Garner.
The next few moments are tense. Sam’s hand shakes furiously. He squeezes the trigger slightly. Mr Violet’s eyes narrow. Sam’s are wide and panicked. Sweat pours down his face. Amy and Rory look from one to the other, unsure what to do. Louise sits by her daughter, looking terrified at the events unfolding before her. Alison casually leans on the wall, a small smile on her face, her lust for blood unmistakable. And then... finally...
Sam lowers the gun.
Mr Violet smiles.
MR VIOLET
As I thought. Sam Garner is no more a man than an ape is a philosopher. Your love for your daughter is your weakness Garner. You would be wise to remove it. It’ll be the end of you one day. I have no such weakness. It’s true I often form some affections. Like with dear Alison here. I’ve developed a soft spot for her it’s true... but nothing more. I have no qualms about doing this for example.
He walks over to Alison...puts his arms around her...and digs them into her back. Blood seeps from the wounds. Thick. Heavy. Black. Mr Violet rummages around inside Alison. She screams and gasps with every movement. Amy burows her face into Rory’s shoulder. Rory and Sam look on. Too stunned to move. Louise looks on with terror. Too scared to scream. Violet has intense concentration on his face.
MR VIOLET
Now let’s see... ah here it is.
He yanks. Alison screams again. Mr Violet removes his hands, a large beating heart in his hands. He looks down at Alison. Her alien nature allows her to live a few moments longer. She looks him in the eyes.
ALISON
You...you promised me glory...
MR VIOLET
I did. I did indeed my dear. My own. Not yours. You were a step in acheving that.
He kneels down next to her.
ALISON
You bastard...
MR VIOLET
Shush... don’t try to speak. It’ll all be over soon.
Alison opens her mouth to speak again and instead blood pours out. The light leaves her eyes. She’s dead. Mr Violet reaches out with his hand and closes her eyes, slowly, affectionatly.
MR VIOLET
Goodbye my dear.
He stands up.
MR VIOLET
Such a pity. She was so beautiful. Now then. To business.
He looks at the heart in his hands. His mouth widens to an impossible length. And he eats it. Whole. Louise screams. Sam doubles over. He turns around and throws up on the floor. Amy and Rory look on gobsmacked. Mr Violet finishes his “meal” and reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a hankerchief and wipes his mouth. He looks at the assembled four.
MR VIOLET
Yes. I suppose that was a bit odd. But this paradox is building. Soon it will unleash enough energy to destroy the city. And that energy will be mine. Alison’s heart contained the ability to contain energy of that nature. I can on my own, but the amount I wish to contain withing me will burn me up. By ingesting her heart I can stabilise it. Control it. Be a god among mortals. My power will be unlimited. I can shape the universe as I see fit. Break every form of matter to it’s indvidual atoms. Shape those atoms. I will be immortal, all powerful and unstoppable. All there is now is to wait. I had hoped the Doctor himself would be here as witness, but I suppose you four will do.
He looks at his watch.
MR VIOLET
Little Abbie should have died a few hours ago. Once we reach midnight, it’ll be a new day. A day she was never meant to see. And then the Paradox will reach it’s optimum potential. And then...I will ascend.
RORY
He’s completely lost it.
Amy glances at her watch. 11:58. 2 minutes. 2 minutes to save the city. She looks at Rory and Sam.
AMY
We have to try something.
RORY
Amy no. He’ll kill you before you can get close.
AMY
But I have to try.
She glances at her watch. 11:59.
Abbie Jameson. Diagnosed with Majora Hypermasure. Died. Her death inspired the search for a cure. Without her dying, there might never be a cure.
SAM
So this girl should be dead?
RORY
Yes. If the date is right, she should have died a few hours ago.
AMY
And that’s the paradox...
RORY
Yes.
AMY
Is there any way to fix this?
Rory hangs his head.
AMY
Oh god.
SAM
You... you can’t be serious?!
RORY
I really wish there was another way. But the only way to stop the paradox is to make sure history goes back on track. And the only way to do that is to let Abbie die.
AMY
But we can’t. We can’t... I can’t... Rory there has to be another way!
RORY
We can’t take that risk. Every life in the city depends on us. I hate myself for saying this. We need to think of the greater good.
AMY
No. No I won’t do this. I won’t have a part in it.
SAM
Of course.
AMY
What?
SAM
This is why Violet chose this as his paradox. He knew we wouldn’t do anything to stop it. We’re good people. All three of us. Maybe you two more than me. No one with an ounce of decency in their hearts would do this. We either let it happen and have all those lives on our conscience, or do this and have this girl’s. And I’d rather not have either.
Amy turns to Louise.
AMY
There has to be a way.
INT. Medical Room. Later.
Louise looks in shock at the three of them.
LOUISE
You’re sick. All three of you. Sick. I’m supposed to let my daughter die... because you say so? You’re sick. Get out. All of you. Leave me.
Amy walks to the door.
SAM
That’s it? We give up?
AMY
She’s a mother who doesn’t want to lose her daughter. I understand. We’ll think of something else.
Amy opens the door. Mr Violet stands there. He smiles.
MR VIOLET
Amelia. Rory. Sam. Louise. Abbie. Excellent. You’re all introduced. Makes my job easier. I suppose you’ve all figured out what’s going on here?
LOUISE
Is it true? Is it true you saved my daughter just to destroy the city?
MR VIOLET
Yes. In a manner of speaking. Although there’s just one more piece of the puzzle.
He turns around.
MR VIOLET
It’s alright my dear. Step forward.
ALISON (the killer alien lady from episode 1 remember?) steps forward.
Amy, Rory and Sam all look stunned.
MR VIOLET
Ah yes, you’re acquainted. Well, Alison passed into my care.
AMY
Vaenfell... where is he?
MR VIOLET
The bounty hunter yes. Well, he’s sadly not here. He’s elsewhere. Currently lounging in the Nethersphere if he’s lucky.
AMY
Where?
MR VIOLET
The Nethersphere? The Promised Land? Paradise? Heaven? He’s dead. Dead as a doornail. And his death was...bloody. He died screaming as his head exploded like a grape.
Amy takes a few steps back out of shock.
AMY
You’re a monster...
MR VIOLET
I think you’ll find she’s the monster.
He gestures at Alison. She glares at him.
MR VIOLET
I’m sorry my dear. But it is the truth.
Sam draws his pistol and points it right at Mr Violet’s head.
SAM
Give me one good goddamn reason why I shouldn’t pull the trigger?
MR VIOLET
37 Elmtree Lane.
Sam stiffens.
MR VIOLET
Yes that’s right. I said I’ve been watching you all for some time. Your daughter. Lucy is it? Lovely girl. She’ll go far. Well, if she lives past tonight. But that all depends on if her dear father here cares more about her than the lives of everyone in this city. So go on then Mr Garner. Do it. I’ll even make this easy for you.
He steps right up to Sam, the barrel of the pistol now touching his forehead. Sweat glistens down Sam’s face. His hand shakes.
MR VIOLET
Are you enough of a man to kill me Garner? Can you do it? One little squeeze and my brains wallpaper this room a charming red colour. You’ll have saved the city and hundreds of lives. You’ll be a hero. But at what cost? Can you make it over the bridge and back home before my operatives do their work? I think not. They’re very fast and very efficent. If you’re fast enough, you might even be able to witness her last breath before my operatives kill you too. Of course, there’s every chance you’ll make it in time to save her, but how long will you last before my operatives find you? Minutes? Hours? Days? You won’t last a month. Will you take the risk? Can you take the risk? Let’s find out Garner.
The next few moments are tense. Sam’s hand shakes furiously. He squeezes the trigger slightly. Mr Violet’s eyes narrow. Sam’s are wide and panicked. Sweat pours down his face. Amy and Rory look from one to the other, unsure what to do. Louise sits by her daughter, looking terrified at the events unfolding before her. Alison casually leans on the wall, a small smile on her face, her lust for blood unmistakable. And then... finally...
Sam lowers the gun.
Mr Violet smiles.
MR VIOLET
As I thought. Sam Garner is no more a man than an ape is a philosopher. Your love for your daughter is your weakness Garner. You would be wise to remove it. It’ll be the end of you one day. I have no such weakness. It’s true I often form some affections. Like with dear Alison here. I’ve developed a soft spot for her it’s true... but nothing more. I have no qualms about doing this for example.
He walks over to Alison...puts his arms around her...and digs them into her back. Blood seeps from the wounds. Thick. Heavy. Black. Mr Violet rummages around inside Alison. She screams and gasps with every movement. Amy burows her face into Rory’s shoulder. Rory and Sam look on. Too stunned to move. Louise looks on with terror. Too scared to scream. Violet has intense concentration on his face.
MR VIOLET
Now let’s see... ah here it is.
He yanks. Alison screams again. Mr Violet removes his hands, a large beating heart in his hands. He looks down at Alison. Her alien nature allows her to live a few moments longer. She looks him in the eyes.
ALISON
You...you promised me glory...
MR VIOLET
I did. I did indeed my dear. My own. Not yours. You were a step in acheving that.
He kneels down next to her.
ALISON
You bastard...
MR VIOLET
Shush... don’t try to speak. It’ll all be over soon.
Alison opens her mouth to speak again and instead blood pours out. The light leaves her eyes. She’s dead. Mr Violet reaches out with his hand and closes her eyes, slowly, affectionatly.
MR VIOLET
Goodbye my dear.
He stands up.
MR VIOLET
Such a pity. She was so beautiful. Now then. To business.
He looks at the heart in his hands. His mouth widens to an impossible length. And he eats it. Whole. Louise screams. Sam doubles over. He turns around and throws up on the floor. Amy and Rory look on gobsmacked. Mr Violet finishes his “meal” and reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a hankerchief and wipes his mouth. He looks at the assembled four.
MR VIOLET
Yes. I suppose that was a bit odd. But this paradox is building. Soon it will unleash enough energy to destroy the city. And that energy will be mine. Alison’s heart contained the ability to contain energy of that nature. I can on my own, but the amount I wish to contain withing me will burn me up. By ingesting her heart I can stabilise it. Control it. Be a god among mortals. My power will be unlimited. I can shape the universe as I see fit. Break every form of matter to it’s indvidual atoms. Shape those atoms. I will be immortal, all powerful and unstoppable. All there is now is to wait. I had hoped the Doctor himself would be here as witness, but I suppose you four will do.
He looks at his watch.
MR VIOLET
Little Abbie should have died a few hours ago. Once we reach midnight, it’ll be a new day. A day she was never meant to see. And then the Paradox will reach it’s optimum potential. And then...I will ascend.
RORY
He’s completely lost it.
Amy glances at her watch. 11:58. 2 minutes. 2 minutes to save the city. She looks at Rory and Sam.
AMY
We have to try something.
RORY
Amy no. He’ll kill you before you can get close.
AMY
But I have to try.
She glances at her watch. 11:59.
AMY
Goodbye Sam. I’m sorry Rory.
She kisses him.
RORY
Amy...what are you planning on doing?
AMY
Goodbye.
Midnight. Time energy builds around Abbie. Mr Violet steps forward.
MR VIOLET
Yes. Yes. Give it to me. I am ready for ascension.
The energy streams slowly towards him. Amy takes a deep breath and charges towards him.
SAM
Amy!
RORY
AMY NO!
He runs after her. But he’s too slow. Amy reaches Mr Violet and slams all her weight into him. They both crash to the floor. Mr Violet grabs her throat and begins to throttle her.
MR VIOLET
You stupid bitch! Do you have any idea what you’ve done?! You’ve doomed us all! The paradox is unstable! It’ll kill us and everyone in this fucking city you care for so-
He doesn’t get to finish. The time energy explodes outwards. It knocks everyone to the floor. Amy is caught in the full blast. It contorts around her and then explodes again outwards. Rory gets to his feet. Amy is gone. Where she was is a slowly pulsing orb of Time Energy. Rory grabs Mr Violet.
RORY
WHERE IS SHE?!
MR VIOLET
Dead. If she’s lucky. No one knows what a Paradox as unstable as this will do! We only have a matter of time before it explodes again and destroys everything in it’s immediate vicinity. And not just New York. The whole east coast. The whole contininent. The whole world. Maybe even the entire universe. If your precious wife is dead, then she’s the lucky one.
RORY
What if she’s not dead?!
MR VIOLET
Then she’s lost in time. And will die with the rest of us soon enough.
SAM
How do we stop it?!
MR VIOLET
There is no stopping it!
RORY
Well how long do we have?!
MR VIOLET
Minutes? An hour at most. Face it. Gentlemen. Ladies. This is the end of the universe. You stopped me, but doomed everyone to die. Are you fucking happy now?
TO BE CONTINUED
Goodbye Sam. I’m sorry Rory.
She kisses him.
RORY
Amy...what are you planning on doing?
AMY
Goodbye.
Midnight. Time energy builds around Abbie. Mr Violet steps forward.
MR VIOLET
Yes. Yes. Give it to me. I am ready for ascension.
The energy streams slowly towards him. Amy takes a deep breath and charges towards him.
SAM
Amy!
RORY
AMY NO!
He runs after her. But he’s too slow. Amy reaches Mr Violet and slams all her weight into him. They both crash to the floor. Mr Violet grabs her throat and begins to throttle her.
MR VIOLET
You stupid bitch! Do you have any idea what you’ve done?! You’ve doomed us all! The paradox is unstable! It’ll kill us and everyone in this fucking city you care for so-
He doesn’t get to finish. The time energy explodes outwards. It knocks everyone to the floor. Amy is caught in the full blast. It contorts around her and then explodes again outwards. Rory gets to his feet. Amy is gone. Where she was is a slowly pulsing orb of Time Energy. Rory grabs Mr Violet.
RORY
WHERE IS SHE?!
MR VIOLET
Dead. If she’s lucky. No one knows what a Paradox as unstable as this will do! We only have a matter of time before it explodes again and destroys everything in it’s immediate vicinity. And not just New York. The whole east coast. The whole contininent. The whole world. Maybe even the entire universe. If your precious wife is dead, then she’s the lucky one.
RORY
What if she’s not dead?!
MR VIOLET
Then she’s lost in time. And will die with the rest of us soon enough.
SAM
How do we stop it?!
MR VIOLET
There is no stopping it!
RORY
Well how long do we have?!
MR VIOLET
Minutes? An hour at most. Face it. Gentlemen. Ladies. This is the end of the universe. You stopped me, but doomed everyone to die. Are you fucking happy now?
TO BE CONTINUED