The Ghost of Peladon

I posted this on DWF over christmas (a sort of christmas special/pilot for the Hunted series which I'm working on with a few other members) so I thought I'd post it here. It's the longest fanfic I've ever written so I will post it in segmants to make reading easier. Enjoy and please give feedback.

A galactic Federation conference is in session. Delegates for Earth, Arcturus, Alpha Centauri, Vega Nexos and Peladon are all seated. Suddenly an Ice Warrior enters. The elected president of the Federation sits in a large chair at the centre.

NEXOS: I see the delegate for Mars condescends to join us.

PRESIDENT: Calm yourself Nexos; I’m sure delegate Llors has a reason for lateness.

LLORS: I do indeed. I have just received news on a Martian mining planet. From what we understand the attack was carried out by Centaurian ships.

CENTAURI: This is quite preposterous. Our race would never carry out such a foul attack. Neither do we have break away groups, unlike the Martians.

LLORS: We may have some small breakaway groups yet none of them would attack our own mining planet.

PRESIDENT: What does our newest council member; Phillius of Peladon have to say on the matter?

PHILLIUS: It is well known that there are Martian breakaway groups. My Grandmother was attacked by such a group during her reign fifty years ago. It is on record that these Ice Warriors did not use Martian ships.

LLORS: That was a small group working for Galaxy 5 during times of war, that entire group was killed on Peladon. These accusations are insulting, that we would attack our own. If such insults continue then Mars will have no choice but to leave the Federation!

THE GHOST OF PELADON
BY JOHNSTONE MCGUCKIAN
PART ONE

Chancellor Ortesh enters the throne room in the royal citadel on Peladon. Sitting in a throne is King Pellitas.

ORTESH: Lord Pellitas, we have received news from your brother. Mars is threatening to leave the Federation.

PELLITAS: But Mars was one of the founders, if they leave…

ORTESH: If they leave then the Federation is effectively ended.

PELLITAS: What happened Ortesh?

ORTESH: Mars arrived late and claimed that one of their mining planets had been attacked by Centaurian ships.

PELLITAS: But the Centaurians would never do such a thing, they’re a peace loving race.

ORTESH: The Martians were accused of staging the attack themselves.

PELLITAS: We need to be ready for the worst. Where is Alpha Centauri, I must speak with him.

ORTESH: I will find him for you my lord.

**

In the temple Heppon, the high priest is stood before the mighty statue of Aggedor.

HEPPON: Oh great Aggedor, I see hard times ahead. Give me your guidance.

Heppon closes his eyes, without him knowing the statue begins to glow…

**

Alpha Centauri is in the communications room when Ortesh enters. Alpha Centauri jumps.

ALPHA CENTAURI: My apologies Chancellor, you startled me as you entered.

ORTESH: No need to worry ambassador. King Pellitas has requested an audience with you regarding the current crisis.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I will of course speak with him immediately. I would hate it for the Federation to collapse just as Peladon becomes one of the governing members.

ORTESH: Thank you ambassador. King Pellitas is in the throne room.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Then I shall proceed there at once.

ORTESH: I would join you however I’m due for an inspection of the mines. The new foreman Kebeb has requested my prescience.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Then I shall no longer detain you. Good day Chancellor.

Alpha Centauri leaves.

**

Kebeb, the foreman is inspecting the miners.

KEBEB: Chancellor Ortesh will be here soon and things need to look like they’re running smoothly.

SITET: Smoothly? Nothing here is running smoothly Kebeb.

KEBEB: There have been problems.

SITET: Why do we have to suck up to these people, revolution is near Kebeb.

KEBEB: Shut up you fool; there are guards around here, what if one of them hears you?

SITET: Then let them hear me, if they have any sense the guards will join us.

KEBEB: Don’t talk about it, if it happens then it happens. It’ll make little change to us. We’ll still have to work. Leave any revolutions in the hands of the revolutionists. Ortesh will be here soon now get back to work.

**

Alpha Centauri arrives in the throne room.

ALPHA CENTAURI: You requested my presence your majesty?

PELLITAS: Indeed I did ambassador. You’ve served in the Federation for over a century now I believe. You helped my great-grandfather enter the Federation; you helped my grandmother through the war on galaxy 5, you even helped my younger brother get a seat on the council and now I must ask you to help me. What action should I take to help the political crisis?

ALPHA CENTAURI: I was worried you would ask this of me. I’m afraid I do not know. Mars thinks that it has lost all of its friends in the Federation.

PELLITAS: But that’s simply not true. Despite the attack from their breakaway group all those years ago Peladon and Mars have always been firm friends.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Unless you show them that I fear the Federation may not last much longer.

PELLITAS: In that case ambassador. Would you please send an invitation saying that we would like to receive a Martian ambassador here on Peladon?

ALPHA CENTAURI: What an excellent idea King Pellitas. On the Christmas season also, it will certainly help improve relations. I will send the request at once…

Alpha Centauri turns to leave but then stops.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Unless there’s anything else I can do for you your majesty?

PELLITAS: No thank you ambassador.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Very well.

**

In the mine the miners are gathered in a line, Kebeb standing at the end. Ortesh is walking along the line and inspecting them.

ORTESH: All is acceptable and work is better here than ever. You’re doing a good job Kebeb.

KEBEB: Why thank you chancellor Ortesh.

ORTESH: I suppose you’d all better get back to work. We need that trisilicate to keep our place in the Federation, the work you’re doing here is very important.

Ortesh and his guards leave.

SITET: Important indeed? We still don’t get treated like it.

KEBEB: Relax Sitet; soon we’ll get the respect we deserve. But stay quiet. We mustn’t let our friend from Vega Nexos hear you talking like that.

SITET: Why, Kaldo would support us. He’s always claimed that Federation miners are underappreciated. Let’s face it, he’s on the same level as us, the only reason he’s of higher rank is because he brings alien machines with him.

KEBEB: Nevertheless Sitet, his loyalties may lie with the Federation. It’s not a risk worth taking.

SITET: It’s ok for you. You’re payed better than us remember. And you’re allowed a break.

KEBEB: I’m still one of you though. And you’ll be enjoying this Christmas thing soon.

SITET: Another Federation celebration. If it gives me a day off it’s welcome here.

KEBEB: It’s an Earth tradition apparently in which people give each other presents and no one works. They’re bringing it here to try and spread Earth culture.

SITET: They won’t keep it. They hate having to give us time off mining.

**

Two young miners Hebal and Tharia are moving some machinery along a mine shaft.

HEBAL: Are you sure this is the right way?

THARIA: Yeah. This is a shortcut.

HEBAL: You mean we’re not on the correct route.

THARIA: Listen, Englessy told me about this route, it cuts about twenty minutes off the journey.

HEBAL: It sounds dangerous.

THARIA: It’s fine Hebal. We just move along here and…

Tharia stops talking as a loud roar is heard in the background.

**

Heppon is still in the temple.

HEPPON: Great Aggedor, please show mercy up on your people.

Heppon throws two stones into a bowl, they collide and catch fire. Heppon reaches out and closes his eyes again in prayer. The statue starts to glow again. The room shakes and Heppon is thrown to the floor, unconscious. The statue glows even stronger.

**

The mine begins to shake and rocks begin to fall around Hebal and Tharia.

HEBAL: You said this was safe!

THARIA: It should be.

HEBAL: This is a rock fall, it doesn’t seem safe.

THARIA: Quick, let’s take cover in here.

HEBAL: But that’s the old refinery. That’s dangerous.

THARIA: So’s this, come on, inside.

The twosome runs into the refinery.

**

In the temple the statues glow grows even stronger. The room starts to shake more and more.

**

Outside the refinery the TARDIS lands. The Doctor steps out followed by K9. The cavern begins to shake again.

DOCTOR: I’ve been here before.

K9: Master?

DOCTOR: We’re on Peladon K9!

K9: Master, I detect dangerous sysemic activity, suggest we take cover.

DOCTOR: Agreed. Quickly, in there.

The Doctor and K9 move into the refinery.

**

In the temple someone is stood over the unconscious Heppon. They take the high priests ring from his finger. As he starts to come around the mysterious figure runs out.

**

Hebal and Tharia hide behind a curtain as they hear the Doctor coming. The Doctor and K9 enter the refinery.

DOCTOR: I haven’t been here for a few lifetimes. Come on K9, we’ll take cover here.


Hebal and Tharia emerge.

HEBAL: You, who are you?

The Doctor looks around to see the two miners.

DOCTOR: My name’s the Doctor and this is K9. And you are?

THARIA: My name’s Tharia and my rather useless friend here is called Hebal.

DOCTOR: Pleased to meet you.

HEBAL: The Doctor?

DOCTOR: Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard stories about me in the past. But in the mean time I’m more worried about our safety. That rock fall could trap us in here or worse, kill us.

K9: Master, I detect that stability of this room is strong enough to withstand the rock fall. However we may be trapped in here.

DOCTOR: Right, let’s shut the door. Can one of you pull away that curtain please? I have an idea.

**

Pellitas and Huran the Kings Champion run into the temple. As they do the statue stops glowing. They run to Heppon and help him up.

PELLITAS: What happened Heppon?

HEPPON: The room shook. Didn’t it happen outside?

PELLITAS: No, nothing.

HEPPON: Then it must be Aggedor. I summoned his guidance when the shaking started. Something’s happening on Peladon, something of which Aggedor does not approve.

PELLITAS: No need to jump to conclusions Heppon.

HEPPON: We’ll see.

Alpha Centauri enters.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Forgive my intrusion but I was in the communications room when a rock fall was reported by the old refinery. There were people in the area.

HURAN: No one should be down there.

PELLITAS: Go and investigate Huran. Good look.

HURAN: I obey your majesty.

Huran leaves.

HEPPON: Something is happening here on Peladon. That rock fall was caused by something more powerful than we dare to dream.

**

The rock fall has ended but the Doctor and co. are trapped in the refinery.

HEBAL: We’re trapped in here!

DOCTOR: No we’re not. Look.

The Doctor points to the statue of Aggedor that was covered by the curtain.

THARIA: So we’re going to smash our way out?

DOCTOR: No. We are going to use that to get out though. Now let’s see if I can remember these controls. Is there power K9?

K9: Affirmative master.

DOCTOR: Good, then here we go.

The Doctor fiddles with the controls in front of him. The statue of Aggedor vanishes. A few seconds later the rocks blocking the door melt to reveal the statue. It vanishes again and reappears in its original place.

THARIA: What was that?

DOCTOR: Heat ray. Galaxy 5 put it here during the war to scare miners off. It can make a good tool too though. Shall we leave?

They all leave the refinery.

**

Pellitas has returned to the throne room. He is accompanied by Ortesh, Heppon and Alpha Centauri.

ALPHA CENTAURI: The Ice Warriors have accepted your request and are sending one of their ambassadors. I believe they’re sending Zanaxyr; he is an old friend of mine and a strong believer in the Federation.

PELLITAS: Thank you Alpha Centauri, we are much in debt to you.

HEPPON: You’re bringing more aliens here? It is they who are making Aggedor angry.

ORTESH: I believe it is a good thing. The Federation must survive if Peladon is to develop.

HEPPON: You’re a fool Ortesh, may Aggedor have mercy upon you.

Heppon leaves.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I hope I did not offend lord Heppon.

PELLITAS: No, you didn’t. He’s one of the few strong believers left on Peladon. Yet I am to have a high priest and it must be him, ancient law demands so.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I understand. The customs of Peladon are widely respected amongst the Federation. Even more so now that you have chosen to embrace the tradition of Christmas.

PELLITAS: Indeed I hope so ambassador.

**

The Doctor, K9, Hebal and Tharia are climbing over rocks, the Doctor carrying K9, when they meet Huran and some guards.

HURAN: You! Stop there!

DOCTOR: Hello, I’m the Doc…

HURAN: Silence, you’re all prisoners. Put your hands in the air. Drop that machine.

The Doctor places K9 down on the ground.

HURAN: Now move.

DOCTOR: What about K9?

HURAN: What?

DOCTOR: My machine. I’m happy to be your prisoner but he needs to come to.

Huran looks at K9.

HURAN: Very well. You, carry it.

One of the guards picks up and carries K9.

**

Sitet enters and starts digging. Kebeb walks over to him.

KEBEB: And where have you been?

SITET: I had something to do.

KEBEB: If you’re going to meet with our friendly revolutionist then at least be subtle about it.

SITET: Rever is a subtle man, besides, no one missed me did they Kebeb. I doubt even you realised I was gone until you saw me return.

KEBEB: I have to do the explaining if you’re caught off your post. I won’t cover for you Sitet, remember that.

SITET: You really are one of them aren’t you?

KEBEB: Don’t be stupid Sitet; I’m with you and your revolutionists all the way, when a revolution starts, in the mean time I’m not taking any risks or telling any lies.

SITET: Fine. But when the time does come you’d better be loyal Kebeb, because if you’re not then you’ll suffer the same fate as the nobles.

**

The Doctor, Hebal and Tharia are stood facing the throne. In it is sat King Pellitas. The guard carrying K9 walks in and places the robot dog on the ground.

ORTEAH: You were spotted in a forbidden zone. This is a crime against Peladon…

DOCTOR: Oh I’ve heard all of this before, twice, or is it three times.

ORTESH: You impertinent…

PELLITAS: Stay calm lord Ortesh. Who are you?

DOCTOR: My name is the Doctor.

Everyone in the room reacts as they hear the name.

ORTESH: The Doctor? Impossible.

PELLITAS: The Doctor was first here a century ago and you cannot be that age.

DOCTOR: Oh but I can, nine times that in fact. And may I ask who you are?

ORTESH: Impertinent…

PELLITAS: I am king Pellitas. If you are the Doctor then you were last her fifty years ago when my grandmother was queen. You helped her fight off an Ice Warrior rebellion.

DOCTOR: That is correct.

Suddenly Alpha Centauri runs in.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I’m sorry to interrupt but there’s an emergency.

PELLITAS: What is it ambassador.

ALPHA CENTAURI: A Martian ship is on collision course with the citadel, it’s going to hit us!

ORTESH: The Doctor? Impossible.

PELLITAS: The Doctor was first here a century ago and you cannot be that age.

DOCTOR: Oh but I can, nine times that in fact. And may I ask who you are?

ORTESH: Impertinent…

PELLITAS: I am king Pellitas. If you are the Doctor then you were last her fifty years ago when my grandmother was queen. You helped her fight off an Ice Warrior rebellion.

DOCTOR: That is correct.

Suddenly Alpha Centauri enters in a hurry.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I’m sorry to interrupt but there’s an emergency.

PELLITAS: What is it ambassador.

ALPHA CENTAURI: A Martian ship is on collision course with the citadel, it’s going to hit us!

THE GHOST OF PELADON
BY JOHNSTONE MCGUCKIAN
PART TWO


DOCTOR: How long have we got?

ALPHA CENTAURI: Who are you?

DOCTOR: I looked a little different the last time we met but I’m the Doctor.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Yes I can see it now; your eyes give away your age.

DOCTOR: How long until the ship hits?

ALPHA CENTAURI: I am unsure.

DOCTOR: K9?

K9: Thirty minutes and seventeen seconds.

DOCTOR: We don’t have long then. I need to get to the refinery; someone will need to help K9 over the rocks. Come on!

Everyone runs out of the throne room. One of the guards picks up and carries K9.

**

The Doctor leads everyone through the caves. He jumps over a rock and runs towards the refinery.

**

They finally arrive at the refinery.

DOCTOR: Alright, put K9 down there. Now Tharia, Hebal, I need you to do exactly what we did before. Pull back the curtain.

PELLITAS: What are you doing?

DOCTOR: I’m trying to use the heat ray to give the ship a safe landing. Ice Warrior ships avoid heat; the only exception is if they fly directly into a sun, the heat is too strong. But is I can expand and position this ray then we can get the ship to guide itself down to a safe landing… I hope.

ALPHA CENTAURI: You truly are the Doctor, only he would be able to do something like that.

DOCTOR: How long do we have K9?

K9: Three minutes master.

DOCTOR: Is that all? I’d better get going. This will take a bit of re-wiring. Why was the refinery abandoned and forbidden anyway?

ORTESH: Only the galaxy 5 agents and you knew how to work it. The federation decided that it wasn’t worth the risk.

DOCTOR: So they had it abandoned. Good, there’s some dangerous technology here. Almost too good. Even for the Ice Warriors.

PELLITAS: Is it working Doctor?

DOCTOR: Hold on a minute…

The Doctor presses a button. The Aggedor statue vanishes.

DOCTOR: Yes, I think it is. Right. I’m getting the heat ray to act as a barrier over the citadel, and then I’ll create a tunnel which should guide the ship down. I hope a giant flying Aggedor projection doesn’t scare them.

PELLITAS: Could this be the Martian ambassador?

ALPHA CENTAURI: Almost certainly your majesty.

The Doctor points to a map.

DOCTOR: They’re going to land there.

PELLITAS: Then I must get up there and greet them.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I shall join you, we must find out why that ship is out of control.

DOCTOR: Go then, it should be safe but still, be careful. This may not work perfectly.

Pellitas and Alpha Centauri leave.

K9: The ship is caught in the heat tunnel; it appears to be moving down safely.

DOCTOR: How long until it lands.

K9: Twenty seconds master.

HEBAL: It worked then?

THARIA: Of course it worked, stupid. Didn’t it Doctor?

DOCTOR: Yes, it did

K9: Ten seconds.

DOCTOR: Come on, let’s get out there. Someone bring K9.

Everyone except Hebal and Tharia leave.

HEBAL: We just saved the citadel with the Doctor.

THARIA: No one will ever believe that story though.

The statue returns.

HEBAL: Looks like things are alright then.

The statue begins to glow, just like the one in the temple.

THARIA: What’s happening?

HEBAL: I’m not sure. Better keep away from it.

THARIA: It’s ok.

HEBAL: Tharia, keep away from it!

THARIA: Why, it’s not going to kill me is it.

Tharia touches the statue. His hand burns. He falls backwards, dead, smoke coming from his hand. Hebal watches on shocked.

**

Outside the citadel Pellitas and Alpha Centauri have reached the ship. It is in flames and badly damaged. An Ice Lord and an Ice Warrior emerge.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Ambassador Zanaxyr how pleasing to see you again. What happened to your ship?

ZANAXYR: We were attacked by an Arcturan ship. They hit our engines and we lost control. Two of my crew were killed, only Ssong here survived.

SSONG: Another attack upon the Martians.

ZANAXYR: Alpha Centauri, do you know anything of these alleged attacks by your people.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I certainly do not. We are a peaceful people and would not carry out such an attack. Despite past corruptions I find it hard to believe that the Arcturans would do this.

ZANAXYR: I assume that this is king Pellitas.

PELLITAS: You assume correctly ambassador.

ZANAXYR: I am pleased to meet you. It is good to see that Mars still has some friends in the federation.

PELLITAS: We hope to make your stay as comfortable as possible ambassador. Let me escort you to our citadel. We can talk more there. In the mean time we will put our best mechanics to work on repairing your ship.

ZANAXYR: Thank you for your generosity your majesty.

PELLITAS: I’m so sorry your journey ended this way. Please follow me.

**

The Doctor and Ortesh enter the communications room.

DOCTOR: This hasn’t changed much since I was last here. Last here to you that is, not to me.

ORTESH: How do you mean?

DOCTOR: Well, did you see that blue box by the refinery?

ORTESH: I did indeed; I assumed it was some kind of mining equipment.

DOCTOR: Well it’s not. It’s my TARDIS; I travel through time and space in it.

K9 enters.

DOCTOR: Ahhh K9. Sorry about all of that carrying about.

K9: Apologies not needed master.

DOCTOR: Anyway Ortesh, since I last visited Peladon to you I’ve actually visited a few other times but in the future.

ORTESH: I don’t understand.

DOCTOR: Neither do I. Fun isn’t it?

Alpha Centauri enters.

ALPHA CENTAURI: The Martian ambassador Zanaxyr has arrived. King Pellitas has requested that everybody meets in the throne room. I am unable to locate high priest Heppon.

ORTESH: I shall look for him.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Naturally I shall accompany you. Doctor, may you please make our apologies for us.

DOCTOR: I certainly will.

They all leave, going off in different directions.

**

Hebal runs out of the mines and into the Doctor as he’s walking to the throne room.

DOCTOR: Hello again Hebal. What’s wrong?

HEBAL: Tharia! He’s dead!

**

In the throne room.

ZANAXYR: While I myself believe Centauri to be innocent there is still someone carrying out these attacks. This ship that attacked us was most certainly Arcturan.

PELLITAS: Arcturus and Mars are old enemies.

ZANAXYR: Yet I cannot see them attempting to start a war.

PELLITAS: It does seem out of character for them I’ll admit.

The Doctor enters with Hebal.

PELLITAS: Doctor, thank you for joining us.

DOCTOR: Centauri and Ortesh asked me to send their apologies. They’re looking for Heppon who appears to have vanished.

ZANAXYR: You must be the Doctor; I have heard the stories about you.

DOCTOR: Good ones I hope.

PELLITAS: And what is the matter with Hebal here?

DOCTOR: Tharia is dead.

PELLITAS: Another rock fall?

DOCTOR: Something far more serious than that…

HEBAL: After everyone left the refinery the statue of Aggedor began to glow, Tharia touched it and it killed him.

PELLITAS: Was the heat ray still active?

DOCTOR: No, I deactivated it as soon as the ship was safe. There can’t have been any after effects.

HEBAL: The glow was different, a different colour.

DOCTOR: And it didn’t have any effect until Tharia touched it?

HEBAL: No, nothing.

ZANAXYR: Is there danger here?

PELLITAS: I certainly hope not.

DOCTOR: I’m afraid that there is. I just wish we knew what.

Suddenly the doors swing open and Heppon enters with a cut on his forehead.

PELLITAS: Heppon!

HEPPON: I apologise your majesty. But the ring has been taken.

PELLITAS: Who took it?

HEPPON: Aggedor!

**

Kaldo enters the mine and walks towards Sitet when he’s stopped by Kebeb.

KEBEB: Well, if it isn’t our friend from Vega Nexos. What can we do for you?

KALDO: I must talk to Sitet, now.

KEBEB: What about?

KALDO: This revolution you’ve got going on… Don’t try to convince me that there’s no such thing because there is.

KEBEB: You’re very well informed.

KALDO: I know of everything that happens in these mines.

KEBEB: Alright, talk to Sitet.

Kebeb beckons Sitet over.

SITET: Yes?

KEBEB: Kaldo here is interested in our revolution; you seem to know more than anyone else.

SITET: I am the only person to speak to Rever, yes.

KALDO: I want to join your cause.

SITET: Why?

KALDO: Because I’m one of you. I am to the federation what you are to Peladon, a peasant. We could use Peladon as a stronghold, the mineral deposits here are amazing, more amazing than the federation realise.

KEBEB: So you’re willing to help?

KALDO: Indeed I am. And I can give you weapons.

SITET: You have access to the federation weapons?

KALDO: Naturally…

SITET: I must tell Rever.

Sitet moves to leave.

KEBEB: You can’t go now, someone will notice.

SITET: Let them know Kebeb, revolution is nigh! Viva la revolution my fellow miners! The uprising begins now!

Hidden behind a rock Ortesh watches on in shock. He begins to run away. Kebeb sees him but remains quiet and lets him leave.

**

In the throne room.

ZANAXYR: So what does this ring do?

HEPPON: It is an ancient item worn by the high priest. It is the article that keeps the ghost of Aggedor at bay.

DOCTOR: The ghost of Aggedor?

HEPPON: Ever since Aggedor himself died his ghost has taken lives.

HEBAL: You mean like Tharia?

HEPPON: Was he killed by an image of Aggedor?

HEBAL: Yes, the statue in the old refinery.

HEPPON: Then your friend was a victim of Aggedor.

Suddenly Ortesh hurries into the throne room.

ORTESH: Pardon my interruption but we have an emergency. I was searching for Heppon in the mines when I got separated from Alpha Centauri. I continued to search, when I arrived in one of the main mines I heard the miners talking of revolution. They’re on their way here!

SSONG: I will help to defend.

ORTESH: There are too many of them. We must evacuate.

ZANAXYR: But how?

DOCTOR: Behind the throne, the passage way.

PELLITAS: Behind the curtain. Yes, quickly!

DOCTOR: You all go; I’ll go and find Alpha Centauri. K9, come with me.

K9: Affirmative.

DOCTOR: Can you detect him?

K9: Negative.

DOCTOR: Really? He’s the only hermaphrodite hexapod here.

K9: I cannot detect master. It is possible that the trisilicate is blocking my censors. It does have many other similar properties to lead.

DOCTOR: We’ll keep looking. You all go, we’ll find you soon.

PELLITAS: But where should we go Doctor?

DOCTOR: Get outside, into the forest.

The sound of shouting comes from outside the throne room.

DOCTOR: Go!

Everyone runs behind the curtain and into the tunnels.

DOCTOR: Right then K9, we need to get past them.

K9: Suggest bluffing them.

DOCTOR: That’s what I’m going to try to do K9.

**

Pellitas leads Heppon, Ortesh, Hebal, Zanaxyr and Ssong through the tunnels. They hide at one point as a group of miners holding weapons run past.

ORTESH: They had federation weapons.

PELLITAS: I saw.

ZANAXYR: Only a federation representative could have given them access to those weapons.

ORTESH: But everyone is here.

PELLITAS: Not everyone Ortesh.

ORTESH: Alpha Centauri? Impossible.

ZANAXYR: Who is your mining engineer?

PELLITAS: Kaldo, a Vega Nexon.

ZANAXYR: Kaldo is an escaped criminal.

PELLITAS: He appeared one day saying that his predecessor had left. He had full credentials.

ZANAXYR: Kaldo escaped from a federation prison planet with false credentials some time ago. It appears he escaped to Peladon.

ORTESH: Why were we not informed about him.

ZANAXYR: He is an embarrassment to the federation, only the council and a select few delegates know of him. He must be trying to seize control of Peladon.

PELLITAS: The miners respect him, he has influence.

ZANAXYR: Then the miners have been fooled. He will attempt to wage war on the federation using Peladon as his main base. The federation will destroy the planet if things go too far.

**

The throne room doors bulge as the miners try to break them down. Eventually they fly open. The miners rush in and are surprised to see the room empty apart from the Doctor and K9.

SITET: You, where is the king?

DOCTOR: I’ve not seen him I’m afraid. Can I give him a message if I do?

SITAT: Shut it you. You’re in trouble when Rever gets here

KALDO: Oh, we finally get to meet the legendary Rever.

The crowd of miner’s parts as someone walks through.

SITET: Our leader, Rever.

DOCTOR: You’ve been fooled, I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name?

SITET: I am Sitet. Silence before Rever, the new President of Peladon.

DOCTOR: Big mistake.

REVER: Kill this man, he is opposed to us.

Rever sits on the throne.

REVER: I hereby enrol myself as the first president of Peladon. Are there any objections?

The room remains silent.

SITET: All hail Rever, President of Peladon!

DOCTOR: You fools. I can see right through your disguise Rever.

REVER: Kill him!

DOCTOR: Wait!

The Doctor pulls his sonic screwdriver from his pocket.

REVER: It’s a weapon! He attempts to attack me! Kill him! Now!

The Doctor activates the screwdriver and Rever vanishes into a flash of light. His image replaced by an Arcturan.

REVER: I hereby enrol myself as the first president of Peladon. Are there any objections?

The room remains silent.

SITET: All hail Rever, President of Peladon!

DOCTOR: You fools. I can see right through your disguise Rever.

REVER: Kill him!

DOCTOR: Wait!

The Doctor pulls his sonic screwdriver from his pocket.

REVER: It’s a weapon! He attempts to attack me! Kill him! Now!

The Doctor activates the screwdriver and Rever vanishes into a flash of light. His image replaced by an Arcturan.

THE GHOST OF PELADON
BY JOHNSTONE MCGUCKIAN
PART THREE

DOCTOR: You wouldn’t listen.

REVER: So Doctor, you have deactivated my holographic disguise. I am still president.

SITET: You’re an alien?

REVER: Yes. However I still believe in your cause. I am your new president.

SITET: So nothing has changed?

KALDO: Rever and I have worked together for a long time to bring freedom to Peladon; we waited until the right time.

DOCTOR: Oh come on Sitet, you can’t be buying this.

SITET: Shut it you. What do you say everyone? Do we accept our new alien leaders?

The miners all cheer.

DOCTOR: Fools, blinded by a false sense freedom. You really think these two are in this for you?

REVER: Take away this man and execute him!

The Doctor is dragged out of the room. With no one seeing K9 backs into a dark corner.

REVER: Sitet, you have been loyal to us. Consider yourself to be the new chancellor.

SITET: I am most honoured. Who shall be high priest?

KALDO: As of this day the superstitions of this planet are not official. Religion is no longer a part of Peladon society.

SITET: If you believe that this is for the best…

REVER: We do. Now leave us.

Sitet and the remaining miners leave.

KALDO: It was so easy.

REVER: It is not over yet Kaldo. While we rule the king is still alive and until we destroy him our conquest of this pathetic planet is not secure.

KALDO: I detected a sense of uncertainty in Sitet.

REVER: It is no matter. We will have all the trisilicate we need and the federation will be prepared to destroy this planet before anyone can interfere.

**

Pellitas, Ortesh, Heppon, Hebal, Zanaxyr and Ssong are still escaping through the cave when they run into Kebeb.

ORTESH: Move aside traitor!

KEBEB: Traitor? If I were a traitor I’d be in the castle with the others watching Rever take over the planet.

ZANAXYR: Who is this Rever?

KEBEB: A miner, it was Rever who planned this revolution.

PELLITAS: Who provided you with federation weapons?

KEBEB: That was Kaldo. I saw Lord Ortesh when he announced his involvement.

ORTESH: I didn’t see much but Kaldo could have been there. You let me go foreman Kebeb?

KEBEB: Yes, I don’t want this revolution. Things are just starting to improve here. Many of the other miners see that but they’re too afraid to go against Rever, they say he fought off the spirit of Aggedor with his bare hands.

HEPPON: More blasphemy.

KEBEB: Where are you headed your majesty?

PELLITAS: We’re taking temporary refuge in the forest. Until we can summon help.

KEBEB: Sitet suspects that I’m not loyal to their cause. I don’t think I’d last long if I stayed here. May I come as a protector to your majesty and the ambassador from Mars?

PELLITAS: That would be much appreciated Kebeb.

KEBEB: They’re going to be heading this way soon, we should move.

HEBAL: There is a way out of the caves that leads into the forest not too far away from here.

ORTESH: Come on then, let’s move.

**

Huran the king’s champion is crouched on a balcony outside the throne room. Two miners walk underneath. Hebal leaps off the balcony and attacks them, knocking them out almost instantly. He hides as a group of miners walk past taking the Doctor to the dungeons. He moves towards the throne room. He hides again as Sitet leaves. When it’s clear he emerges and puts his ear to the door. The voices of Kaldo and Rever can be heard coming from inside.

**

Inside the throne room.

KALDO: Should we send the miners back to work now Rever? Their moment of fun is over.

REVER: Yes. And stop calling me Rever, my name is Arictos.

KALDO: Very well, Arictos. What do you suppose the king and the federation delegates have done?

ARICTOS: They will have evacuated to the outer forests. They are not currently a priority. If they attempt to return then they will be destroyed.

KALDO: Then we are in control?

ARICTOS: Absolutely. The Planet Peladon now belongs to the second force of Galaxy 5. And soon the federation will fall to our might!

Huran suddenly enters. Arictos fires a shot at him but misses. Huran pushes the Arcturan over. An alarm suddenly sounds from his case. Kaldo grabs a knife and moves towards Huran. He is about to strike when K9 emerges from the shadows and stuns him.

K9: You are identified as Huran, the king’s champion.

HURAN: And you’re the Doctors robot. Thank you for saving me. We’d better get away from here. That alarm will attract somebody sooner or later.

K9: Suggest that we move through the caves to find King Pellitas and the others.

HURAN: Yes, eventually. But we need to save your friend the Doctor first. They took him to the dungeons on the lower levels. There’s a passage through the mines.

K9: Then we shall move. The trisilicate is preventing me from using my detection capabilities. You lead.

Huran walks behind the curtain behind the throne, followed by K9. A few seconds later Sitet and Praver, another miner, enter.

PRAVER: What happened here? Are they dead?

Sitet lifts Arictos back into his correct position. The alarm sound stops.

SITET: What happened?

ARICTOS: I was attacked by the king’s champion. My sensory circuits failed as a was knocked to the ground. I do not know what happened to Kaldo.

Praver bends down next to Kaldo and feels his pulse.

PRAVER: He’s not dead.

ARICTOS: The king’s champion must be tracked down and destroyed!

SITET: I obey President Rever.

ARICTOS: If he is not found then you shall die in his place!

**

The Doctor is sat in a dungeon cell. A guard is stood outside.

DOCTOR: Hello.

The guard looks at him.

DOCTOR: Yes you. Any chance I can have a cup of water?

The guard hesitates.

DOCTOR: Oh come on, it’s only a glass of water.

The guard stands up and moves over to a nearby table. On the table are a jug and a cup. The guard pours the water from the jug and into the cup. While he’s doing so the Doctor reaches for the keys strapped to the back of the guard’s belt. As the Doctor grabs the keys the guard’s spins around and pushes the Doctor back, securing the keys again.

DOCTOR: No, it didn’t work last time either. Can I still have the water though?

The guard tips the water back into the jug.

DOCTOR: Hmm, that happened last time too.

**

Pellitas and the others are running.

ORTESH: That was close.

HEBAL: There, that passageway there. It’ll take us into the forest.

**

They all emerge on to the mountain side.

HEBAL: There. And the path down isn’t very steep.

PELLITAS: It’s freezing out here.

ZANAXYR: The conditions out here are most pleasing.

PELLITAS: To you perhaps. Mars is much colder than Peladon.

HEBAL: We should gather firewood and set up a camp. We’re best getting a bit further away from the castle first. They’ll find us here if they come looking.

ZANAXYR: What of the Doctor?

PELLITAS: He’ll find us out here. He can get K9 to help him.

ZANAXYR: Do you think he found Alpha Centauri?

HEPPON: It’s more likely that he was taken prisoner by those savages.

Kebeb is distracted by something in the distance.

ORTESH: Are you alright Kebeb?

KEBEB: Yes, I can see something, a ship, over there.

SSONG: That is an Arcturan ship!

PELLITAS: But there are no Arcturans on Peladon.

ZANAXYR: Ssong is definitely right. That is an Arcturan ship. They’ve attempted to camouflage it. It is the same model as the one that shot us down.

SSONG: I will go for a closer inspection.

PELLITAS: We’ll all come. We may find supplies there.

ZANAXYR: Good idea, although it’s unlikely. Arcturans feed from chemicals that are lethal to humanoids.

PELLITAS: Still, we shall come with you. We must stick together while we’re out here.

Everyone suddenly jumps as they hear a loud roar in then distance.

**

Sitet and Praver leave the throne room and walk along the corridor towards the communications room.

PRAVER: We need to talk.

SITET: Yes, we do. This isn’t what our aim was. Get as many people together as you can.

PRAVER: You agree then?

SITET: Of course I do. Peladon, in control of aliens. It’s a joke. They aren’t making things better for us; they’re protecting their own interests.

PRAVER: What should we do?

SITET: Meet, in the old refinery. Bring as many men with you as you can. But only people we can trust.

PRAVER: What are you going to do?

SITET: Find Kebeb, he must be around somewhere. Perhaps he can lead us to the King too.

PRAVER: You’re still going to get rid of the king?

SITET: Of course. When all of this is over I shall rule Peladon myself. And life will finally be better for the miners.

PRAVER: As long as you know what you’re doing.

SITET: Of course I do. It can’t be too hard to kill a Nexon and an Arcturan… And a King.

**

In the dungeons.

DOCTOR: Are you going to let me go yet?

The guard stays silent.

DOCTOR: Well how about that cup of water now?

The guard doesn’t even acknowledge the Doctor.

DOCTOR: No? Very well then.

**

In the throne room Kaldo awakens.

KALDO: What happened?

ARICTOS: The king’s champion attacked us. He must have knocked you out.

KALDO: Impossible, he was too busy with you, I had him, a knife in my hand. And then something hit me from behind.

ARICTOS: Impossible, there was no one else in here.

KALDO: We need guards.

ARICTOS: It is impossible to trust these primitives. They do not function logically.

KALDO: Nevertheless, another attack could come at any time.

ARICTOS: When it does, we shall be ready.

KALDO: Can’t we leave the planet now?

ARICTOS: No, we do not have what we need yet. We need far more trisilicate than is stored. We need enough to fight a war.

KALDO: Then let me go and hurry up the work.

ARICTOS: If we are separated then we are more open to attack.

KALDO: I don’t like it. The king is still out there somewhere, he could cause trouble.

ARICTOS: It is possible that the Doctor knows the location of the king. Have him brought here, we shall question him.

**

Huran and K9 are in the mines.

HURAN: We must be lost.

K9: When I was in the communications room I stored the map to my memory. This is the correct route to the dungeons.

HURAN: Well how far to go? I don’t imagine that they’ll wait long to kill him.

K9: Arcturans work on a principle of logic. The Doctor will not be killed until he has been questioned.

HURAN: I hope you’re right.

K9: Probability of error 0.003%

HURAN: If you say so.

**

Pellitas, Ortesh, Heppon, Zanaxyr, Ssong, Hebal and Kebeb enter the Arcturan ship.

ZANAXYR: As I suspected, it is the ship that shot us down. It must have arrived during our decent, using us as a scanner shield.

SSONG: There is no one on board.

ZANAXYR: It appears to be a one unit ship. While Arcturan it has undergone some modifications.

PELLITAS: A freelance?

ZANAXYR: More likely a criminal. I believe that this Arcturan is partly responsible for the political unrest.

PELLITAS: Only partly?

ZANAXYR: The attack on us was made by Centaurian ships.

ORTESH: Do you believe that they carried out the attack?

ZANAXYR: No. The Hexapods would not wish to start a war. They are the voice of the federation while Earth, Mars and Arcturus are the fist.

PELLITAS: Isn’t it obvious that these attacks are carried out by breakaway groups?

ZANAXYR: Not when each planet thinks they can get privileges in the federation by accusing other planets of the attacks.

PELLITAS: And the federation plays each other like that?

ZANAXYR: Interplanetary politics have always been like that.

PELLITAS: What the hell have I got my brother in to?

**

A miner named Thlep arrives in the dungeons.

THLEP: I have orders to take the Doctor to the throne room. President Rever wishes to see him.

The guard unlocks the cell. The Doctor attempts to escape but Thlep draws a gun. Disappointed the Doctor begins to walk, Thlep following him holding the gun.

**

Sitet arrives in the refinery. A dozen or so miners are already waiting for him.

SITET: Is Praver here?

No one replies.

SITET: He must have got lost on his way here. No matter. We can start. Revolution has happened on Peladon, we are now free. But my friends I say that we are not free enough. Our revolution has been corrupted by aliens!

**

As Thlep marches the Doctor along the corridor towards the throne room an earthquake begins. Thlep is knocked to the floor. The Doctor takes his opportunity to run.

**

In the refinery.

SITET: …Now my friends, is the time for us to truly take control of Peladon.

Everything suddenly starts to violently shake.

SITET: Stay calm my friends, it is nothing compared to the power which we will wield!

**

In the throne room.

ARICTOS: What is happening?

KALDO: An earthquake! But there’s no seismic activity warning for today!

**

In the temple a hooded figure is stood in front of the statue of Aggedor. The figure holds the stolen ring in his hand. He places the ring into a small hole at the side of the statue. It suddenly begins to glow.

**

In the refinery.

SITET: …We will hold the power! We will take control! Peladon will be ours to govern as we see fit!

One of the miners points at the statue of Aggedor.

MINER: Look!

The statue begins to glow a dark red. People begin to run out.

SITET: Stay calm, there is nothing to fear. Aggedor is with us!

**

The Doctor runs into the communications room and looks at the screens.

DOCTOR: Oh no. This is going to be one hell of an explosion.

**

In the refinery.

SITET:…Today is the day! The day in which we gain control. The day freedom becomes a way of life on Peladon!

**

The hooded figure stands in front of the statue with his arms outstretched. He begins to laugh manically as the glowing of the statue begins to pulsate.

In the temple a hooded figure is stood in front of the statue of Aggedor. The figure holds the stolen ring in his hand. He places the ring into a small hole at the side of the statue. It suddenly begins to glow.

**

In the refinery.

SITET: …We will hold the power! We will take control! Peladon will be ours to govern as we see fit!

One of the miners points at the statue of Aggedor.

MINER: Look!

The statue begins to glow a dark red. People begin to run out.

SITET: Stay calm, there is nothing to fear. Aggedor is with us!

**

The Doctor runs into the communications room and looks at the screens.

DOCTOR: Oh no. This is going to be one hell of an explosion.

**

The hooded figure stands in front of the statue with his arms outstretched. He begins to laugh manically as the glowing of the statue begins to pulsate.

THE GHOST OF PELADON
BY JOHNSTONE MCGUCKIAN
PART FOUR

The Doctor runs into the throne room.

DOCTOR: Now listen to me you two. I don’t like you and you don’t like me but unless we do something there’s going to be a huge explosion here.

KALDO: What is happening Doctor?

DOCTOR: Something’s been activated, I don’t know what but the screens in the communications room shows that all of the trisilicate in those mines is about to undergo a chemical transformation making it into a very highly dangerous explosive when mixed with a certain chemical.

ARICTOS: Which chemical?

DOCTOR: Oxygen. And there’s plenty of that here. You wouldn’t be in that tank otherwise.

**

In the temple a second hooded figure runs in.

HOODED FIGURE 2: No! It is not time yet!

He removes the ring from the statue.

**

In the refinery the earthquake stops. Sitet, who has been knocked to the ground, stands up.

SITET: Now let the real revolution begin!

**

Huran awakens. He looks to see K9 on his side. He lifts the robotic dog up.

HUARN: Are you alright K9?

K9: Affirmative, all circuits fully operational.

HURAN: I think I’m ok. What caused all of that?

K9: I am unsure. However I detected a large energy build-up in the temple.

HURAN: We need to find the Doctor.

K9: The dungeons are just around this corner.

They turn a corner and arrive at a dead end. Huran lifts a torch holder. A door swings open.

**

Huran and K9 enter the empty dungeon.

HUARN: He’s gone.

K9: He will have been taken to the throne room for questioning.

HURAN: We’re too late.

K9: My short-range scanners detect that there is little activity in the castle. It may be safe to move through it.

HURAN: Then we’ll try.

**

In the throne room everyone has recovered from the earthquake.

ARICTOS: Doctor, the danger is over.

KALDO: What if there was no real danger? What if it was a plot by the Doctor to escape?

DOCTOR: I can assure you it wasn’t.

ARICTOS: You are working for the king. You remained behind to destroy us!

DOCTOR: Actually I remained behind to look for Alpha Centauri, he seems to have vanished. You’ve not seen him have you?

KALDO: Centauri was last seen entering the seventh cavern, he may have got lost there. Many have before now.

DOCTOR: The seventh cavern? I remember reading on the map that it was closed.

ARICTOS: This is true, why did it happen Kaldo?

KALDO: I’m not sure; one of the nobles had it closed.

DOCTOR: I think I should get down there.

ARICTOS: No Doctor, you will stay here. We have some questions for you.

DOCTOR: Listen to me. That earthquake or whatever it was wasn’t an accident.

KALDO: This is true.

DOCTOR: Let me look into what it was.

ARICTOS: No, this is a blatant attempt to escape. Tell us where the king is and your life will be spared Doctor.

DOCTOR: I’ve no idea where they are. They left here to go to a bunker in the mines or something.

ARICTOS: You are not telling the truth Doctor, no such bunker exists. You helped them to escape and then remained here to assassinate me!

DOCTOR: No, Rever. Actually what is your real name?

ARICTOS: I am Arictos one of the sub-leaders of the new Galaxy 5!

DOCTOR: Oh right. That explains who’s been doing all of the war mongering then. Who’s the real leader, just out of interest?

ARICTOS: His identity isn’t known to many. I do not know.

DOCTOR: You’re lying.

ARICTOS: No I am not!

DOCTOR: But you are Arictos, I can tell. You’ve already told me that your grand leader is male. Anything else you want to spill. Race perhaps? He’s certainly not a Hexapod or an Arcturan. Martian? Human?

There is a short pause.

ARICTOS: Silence!

DOCTOR: Not Martian or human then. You didn’t reply immediately. That’s the thing with you Arcturans; you’re practically slaves to logic. You give too much away.

ARICTOS: Kaldo, kill him!

Kaldo draws a gun but its shot out of his hand. Huran and K9 enter.

DOCTOR: Good dog K9.

K9: Master.

Arictos attempts to escape but Huran blocks the exit.

ARICTOS: Guards! Guards! We are attacked!

HURAN: That won’t do you any good. All of the miners and soldiers seem to have abandoned you here. This isn’t a stronghold at all.

ARICTOS: You lie!

The Doctor looks around the door to see an empty corridor.

DOCTOR: No he doesn’t. See for yourself. Actually if I listen very carefully I can hear people crying “revolution” in the distance.

KALDO: The revolution is over!

DOCTOR: With a living king and two aliens in charge. Somehow I don’t think so.

ARICTOS: Help us escape as you helped king Pellitas!

DOCTOR: You know what? I really don’t feel like it.

ARICTOS: You will die for this Doctor.

Kaldo pushes Huran aside. Arictos escapes but K9 stuns Kaldo. The Doctor stops Huran from going after Arictos.

DOCTOR: There’s nothing he can do. He’ll just get caught by the miners. It looks like the revolution is real this time. Not a charade.

**

Arictos moves along the corridor. A lone miner runs at him but Arictos shoots the miner down. He heads towards the communications room.

**

Inside the communications room a robotic arm moves out of Arictos’ tank. The arm activates the controls.

ARICTOS: This is Arictos calling for immediate assistance. This is Arictos calling for immediate assistance. Commander, are you receiving me?

**

On a ship orbiting Peladon Arictos’ message is been played through a speaker continuously. A hand presses a button that mutes the speaker.

**

In the corridor in the castle Sitet emerges followed by five armed miners.

SITET: Cowards all of them. When we rule Peladon they will wish they had joined out cause. Is it clear around there Thasl?

THASL: As far as I can see yes. Whatever happened to Praver?

SITET: Ran away with the others I expect. It shows that you can’t trust anybody. Anyway. To the throne room!

THASL: No, wait. Listen.

The others listen and hear Arictos.

THASL: That’s coming from the communications room.

SITET: Right, we’ll hit there first then.

They all head into the communications room.

**

In the communications room.

ARICTOS: Please reply! Urgent assistance needed on the Planet Peladon.

The miners enter.

SITET: You’re finished Rever!

Arictos fires and kills a miner. Sitet and THASL fire. Arictos’ tank smashes. The creature inside wriggles and thrashes about as it chokes on the oxygen. Within very little time the Arcturan is dead.

SITET: Foul creature. And now for Kaldo. To the throne room!

**

In the throne room.

HURAN: They’re coming.

DOCTOR: Lock the doors. We can try bargaining with them.

HURAN: It’ll be useless.

DOCTOR: Not really. I’m quite good at bargaining with Peladonian miners. At least I was last time.

Kaldo awakens.

KALDO: What’s happening?

DOCTOR: The real revolution is starting. This one won’t be a charade.

KALDO: Where is Arictos?

HURAN: He escaped.

KALDO: He left me to die?

DOCTOR: We think the miners have already got him.

KALDO: He’ll have called for help.

DOCTOR: A request that looks like it’s been denied I think.

K9: The door is weakening master; they shall be through it soon.

KALDO: Let me go, let me escape the same way Pellitas did. Please.

DOCTOR: They escaped into the mines. I have a feeling that they won’t be as empty this time. There are only six of them out there.

K9: Correction master, there are only 5 miners outside.

DOCTOR: They’ve lost one since they came out of the mines then. Arictos must have got one of them.

KALDO: Issue surrender. They’ll only kill you too!

DOCTOR: I don’t think they will.

KALDO: Is it a risk worth taking?

The doors fly open.

DOCTOR: It’s a risk that I’m going to have to take.

The miners enter, their weapons drawn.

**

Praver is hidden behind a rock with another miner Thesal.

THESAL: Come on, we’re already late for the meeting.

PRAVER: It’ll be over by now. We can join the others after.

THESAL: Why did you get me to follow you?

PRAVER: You’ll see in a moment.

THESAL: Where are we anyway?

PRAVER: That is the entrance to the supposedly abandoned seventh cavern.

THESAL: What do you mean supposedly abandoned?

PRAVER: I mean I saw two people dressed in purple leave here just before I found you.

THESAL: Really?

PRAVER: Yes… Listen, someone’s coming.

The two people dressed in purple robes walk past the place that Praver and Thesal are hidden. They walk into the cavern entrance.

PRAVER: I told you. Now come one, we’re going in to have a look.

THESAL: I’m staying here.

PRAVER: No you’re not. Now come on!

The two miners walk through the entrance. A few seconds later more people dressed in purple emerge and enter the cavern.

**

In the throne room Kaldo is badly beaten and tied up in a corner. Sitet is sat on the throne, the Doctor stood before him. Huran and K9 are being guarded by two miners. The two other miners are stood at the sides with their guns trained on the Doctor.

DOCTOR: Something’s going on here Sitet.

SITET: Revolution is going on. I don’t care if you claim to be the Doctor or not. I don’t want or need your help.

DOCTOR: I’m not talking about your revolution. That earthquake before, it wasn’t natural. Kaldo will confirm.

KALDO: It’s true.

SITET: Silence traitor!

DOCTOR: Alpha Centauri has vanished; he was last seen near an abandoned cavern.

SITET: The seventh cavern?

DOCTOR: Yes, the seventh cavern.

SITET: I’ve heard rumours of people vanishing near there.

DOCTOR: Why was it closed?

SITET: I’m not sure, I worked there once and then suddenly it was shut down.

DOCTOR: Who ordered the closure?

SITET: One of the nobles, I’m not sure who.

DOCTOR: If I manage to catch up with them again I’ll find out.

SITET: If anyone catches up with them again they’ll be killed instantly. Peladon belongs to the miners now.

DOCTOR: If I’m right Sitet there won’t be a Peladon for anyone to rule. That earthquake before was the start of a chemical reaction. If the reaction had been allowed to finish then we’d all have been blown sky high.

SITET: We’ll investigate it after. In the meantime Doctor you are an enemy to our cause. Take them all to the cells.

DOCTOR: You fool Sitet! You’ve got to let me investigate!

Thasl ushers the Doctor, K9 and Huran out.

KALDO: The Doctor was right Sitet.

SITET: You’re beginning to bore me now Kaldo. This is just some plot against me.

KALDO: Arictos will have called for backup. You deserve what you have coming.

SITET: Oh shut up.

KALDO: Arictos didn’t know it but he was betrayed. I was supposed to kill him and assume command until they arrive. There’s something big coming Sitet. Something that will destroy us all. We need to get ready to fight them off.

SITET: Why do you want to help me?

KALDO: Because they’ll kill me too.

SITET: They’ll be saving me a job.

KALDO: Oh you don’t see it do you. The entire Galaxy 5 army is heading here right now. I assumed I’d have something to fight them with when the inevitable happened and they betrayed me.

SITET: You’re lying, trying to save your own miserable neck.

KALDO: I warned you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

**

In space three ships begin to move towards Peladon. Sat on the bridge of one of them is a tall man, dressed in distinctive armour. This is the Doctors old enemy Dax Oslea.

DAX: And we begin.

An evil smile curls across his face.

KALDO: Arictos didn’t know it but he was betrayed. I was supposed to kill him and assume command until they arrive. There’s something big coming Sitet. Something that will destroy us all. We need to get ready to fight them off.

SITET: Why do you want to help me?

KALDO: Because they’ll kill me too.

SITET: They’ll be saving me a job.

KALDO: Oh you don’t see it do you. The entire Galaxy 5 army is heading here right now. I assumed I’d have something to fight them with when the inevitable happened and they betrayed me.

SITET: You’re lying, trying to save your own miserable neck.

KALDO: I warned you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

**

In space three ships begin to move towards Peladon. Sat on the bridge of one of them is a tall man, dressed in distinctive armour. This is the Doctors old enemy Dax Oslea.

DAX: And we begin.

An evil smile curls across his face.

THE GHOST OF PELADON
BY JOHNSTONE MCGUCKIAN
PART FIVE
1 day later

In the dungeons.

DOCTOR: I am getting very sick of seeing those bars. At least they’re giving us water now.

HURAN: Listen, that sounds like a ship.

The sound of a space ship landing in the distance is heard.

DOCTOR: Federation security perhaps? It’s possible that Pellitas and the others managed to send a message.

**

King Pellitas, Ortesh, Heppon, Zanaxyr, Ssong, Hebal and Kebeb are sat around a fire in the forest outside the citadel. They are distracted by the sound of a ship coming into land.

ZANAXYR: Look!

The Ice Warrior points to the ship.

HEBAL: It’s landing nearby.

PELLITAS: Perhaps someone in the citadel managed to get word through to the federation.

SSONG: Look, it is another ship.

ZANAXYR: That was a Centaurian ship. It must be the federation.

ORTESH: Then it appears that we are saved.

HEPPON: Thank Aggedor.

PELLITAS: The ship hasn’t landed too far away, come, we shall greet our saviours.

Another ship flies over.

ZANAXYR: Wait, something is wrong.

PELLITAS: What is it?

ZANAXYR: Federation ships always fly in two’s. That is the third ship to land.

PELLITAS: Perhaps they sent another because this is an emergency?

ZANAXYR: It is possible yes. However very unlikely.

PELLITAS: Well it certainly looks like help. Come on.

**

Sitet is slouched on the throne. Thasl is sat on a chair next to him. Kaldo is still tied up and lying on the floor. He looks like he has been beaten more. They hear the ships land.

SITET: What was that?

THASL: I don’t know? I’ll go and see.

KALDO: I…I’ll tell you what it was. It’s them! They’re landing!

SITET: Shut up Kaldo.

KALDO: I tried to warn you. I tried! I tried!

Thasl enters.

THASL: Ships. Three ships have landed Sitet.

KALDO: I told you! It’s them! They’re coming to kill us all!

SITET: Who ever it is they can’t be good news for us. Prepare defences. I want everyone keeping them out.

KALDO: You won’t last five minutes! Not five minutes! They have weapons that you can only dream of!

SITET: We have federation weapons Kaldo, which is enough.

KALDO: Do you really believe that? Please listen to me Sitet. I’m begging you. Both our lives depend on it.

THASL: They look like federation ships.

SITET: There you see. Federation ships. We can simply warn them of the new regime change and things will be fine.

KALDO: But Galaxy 5 use stolen federation ships!

SITET: You’re just looking for an escape. It won’t work Kaldo.

**

Pellitas and the others arrive at the main ship. The airlock opens.

HEBAL: Are they coming out?

ZANAXYR: They will be doing a safety check.

A few seconds later an Ice Warrior emerges from the airlock. It is followed by three more Ice Warriors and an Ice Lord.

ZANAXYR: I am ambassador Zanaxyr, this is my assistant Ssong. Who are you?

The other Ice Lord speaks.

CAARZ: I am Commander Caarz and you are all prisoners of Galaxy 5.

**

In the dungeons.

DOCTOR: Right, time to get out of here. Blast the guard K9.

HURAN: Guard! Over here!

The guard walks towards the cage. K9 fires and knocks the guard unconscious. The Doctor grabs the keys off the guard’s belt and opens the cage.

DOCTOR: Let’s see what’s happening then.

**

Outside the citadel.

PELLITAS: So you are the breakaway group who has been carrying out the attacks?

CAARZ: This is correct. Identify yourself.

PELLITAS: I am King Pellitas of Peladon.

CAARZ: Your position is hereby void. I am the supreme marshal of Peladon as of now.

PELLITAS: Well, I may be king but I’m not in charge at the moment. There has been a revolution. The miners are currently in charge of the citadel.

CAARZ: Our agent inside the citadel was supposed to take over. He is no longer needed and shall be dispatched.

ZANAXYR: This is an outrage. Galaxy 5 was smashed fifty years ago!

CAARZ: It has been resurrected.

ORTESH: Who by?

CAARZ: That is nothing to do with you at present. Now show us the entrance to the citadel.

SSONG: Traitor!

CAARZ: Kill him!

The four Ice Warriors fire at Ssong, killing him.

ZANAXYR: That was not necessary!

CAARZ: You will remain silent but obey us. If you fail to do this then you shall die.

PELLITAS: Fine, it is this way.

CAARS: Vada, report to the other ships that the situation is not hostile and minimum force is required.

VADA: I obey.

Vada walks back into the ship.

CAARZ: Peladon belongs to Galaxy 5. Now show me the way.

ZANAXYR: I advise that you do so.

PELLITAS: Very well, it’s this way.

**

Without anyone noticing Kebeb and Hebal have slipped away and hidden themselves in a bush. They watch as Pellitas and Zanaxyr leas the invading Ice Warriors to the entrance of the citadel.

HEBAL: There are three ships of those things.

KEBEB: I know. I think we should destroy the other 2. It’ll give us less to deal with.

HEBAL: And how are we going to do that?

KEBEB: Explosives. There’s a way into the mines not too far away from here.

HEBAL: It’s worth a try.

KEBEB: Let’s get moving.

When everyone is out of sight they move out of their hiding place.

**

The airlock of another ship opens. Dax walks out. He pulls out a pair of binoculars and looks at the citadel.

DAX: Yes Doctor, you’re in there alright.

He walks in the direction of the citadel.

**

The Doctor creeps around a corner in the corridor, followed by Huran and K9. They hear Kaldo scream from the throne room.

HURAN: They must be torturing him.

DOCTOR: I’m afraid so. I doubt he knows much really. He was sent here as an assistant to Arictos.

HURAN: Should we help him?

DOCTOR: I’m afraid we can’t, there will be too many revolutionists in there.

Suddenly a miner runs out of the mines, past the Doctor, Huran and K9 while completely ignoring them and into the throne room.

DOCTOR: He was in a bit of a hurry.

HURAN: Something’s after him?

DOCTOR: Federation troops perhaps. I think we should hide away somewhere and see what happens. Those ships could be backup for Arictos and Kaldo after all.

HURAN: Communications room?

DOCTOR: Good idea.

**

Pellitas, Zanaxyr, Ortesh and Heppon are leading Caarz and his Ice Warriors through the mines. I miner leaps out and attempts to attack one of the warriors. The Ice Warrior throws him off and fires at him, killing him.

HEPPON: Another unnecessary death.

CAARZ: Silence. Lead on.

PELLITAS: We’re not far from the citadel now.

CAARZ: Good, when we arrive you will inform your people that all resistance will be destroyed.

PELLITAS: I will not let you kill my people.

CAARZ: Then they had better be obedient to their king.

ZANAXYR: What will become of us?

CAARZ: Should you obey our rule then you will be allowed to live. Disobedience will result in instant death.

PELLITAS: What do you want my planet for?

CAARZ: Trisilicate.

PELLITAS: That’s it isn’t it? Nothing more?

CAARZ: Peladon will make a fine base of operations for our war effort.

HEPPON: Peladon will never surrender to the likes of you.

CAARZ: If it does not then its entire population shall be eliminated!

HEPPON: You can’t do that!

CAARZ: I can and I will.

HEPPON: Can you really? Do you really have the power?

CAARZ: Tell them Zanaxyr.

ZANAXYR: Yes, it is possible. Especially for a group of heartless warmongers like Galaxy 5.

CAARZ: The galactic federation are no better. The Arcturans are compulsive war mongers. And Earth! The Earthlings fight between themselves.

ZANAXYR: So do us Ice Warriors it would now appear.

CAARZ: Our only aim is to reclaim our fallen empire.

ZANAXYR: Our people chose the path of peace many centuries ago.

CAARZ: And the council chose wrongly. In a few years people will be begging us for mercy as we control the five galaxies!

**

In the communications room the Doctor, Huran and K9 are waiting.

HURAN: What is K9 doing?

DOCTOR: Attempting to link with the communication equipment.

K9: Correction. I have linked with the communications equipment and I am attempting to track King Pellitas and the others.

DOCTOR: Oh, I see. Good dog K9.

K9: Master. I have detected the king. He is in the mines heading for the citadel. He shall arrive in approximately three minutes.

DOCTOR: Who’s he with?

K9: Chancellor Ortesh, High Priest Heppon, Ambassador Zanaxyr and four other members of Zanaxyr’s race.

DOCTOR: More Ice Warriors?

HURAN: That’s good isn’t it?

DOCTOR: Not necessarily.


HURAN: Why not?

DOCTOR: Because not all Ice Warriors are as friendly as Zanaxyr. Before they joined the federation they were a race of warmongers once. Plenty of them still want to go back to the glory days.

HURAN: And this could be a group of rebels?

DOCTOR: Exactly, it’s not the first time they’ve attempted to invade Peladon and I can assure you it won’t be the last.

HURAN: Do you think they are rebels?

DOCTOR: I’m not sure, let me think about it. They’re marching towards here. K9, is Ssong with them?

K9: Negative.

DOCTOR: That’s odd. I assume Ssong would have stayed with Zanaxyr. In fact it’s odd enough to make me suspect that these Ice Warriors may not be as friendly as we hope.

**

Hebal and Kebeb are back in their hiding place.

HEBAL: Right, I’ve attached the bombs to the ships with radio controlled detonators. Just press the button.

KEBEB: Alright. Brace yourself.

Kebeb presses the button but nothing happens.

HEBAL: What’s wrong?

KEBEB: Radio jamming signal. It must be coming from those ships.

HEBAL: Then we’ll have to detonate manually.

KEBEB: But how?

HEBAL: I’ll get the Ice Warrior out of there. When I do you go into the ship and smash their controls. Hopefully that will bring down their jamming signal.

KEBEB: Alright, good luck. Be careful Hebal.

Hebal runs up to the ship and picks up a rock. He throws it at the ship. A few seconds later the airlock opens and Vada the Ice Warrior walks out. Hebal runs in front of Vada.

VADA: Stop or I will destroy you!

Hebal continues to run. Vada fires his weapon but misses. He begins to pursue. Kebeb sees his chance and runs into the ship.

**

In the throne room.

KALDO: Listen to me damn you! These people are going to kill you! Don’t you care?

SITET: The only death here will be yours Kaldo.

THASL: Should I kill him Sitet?

SITET: No, not yet. We may need a hostage.

KALDO: A hostage? They won’t care about me.

SITET: That’s a crying shame then.

Kaldo attempts to stand up but Thasl strikes him down again.

**

Hebal is hiding behind a tree. Vada is close to him. He suddenly runs out but finds his path blocked by a second Ice Warrior.

VADA: Destroy him!

Hebal ducks out of the way. He runs but the only way he can move is towards the ship.

VADA: He must not damage the ship. Kill him!

Kebeb leaves the ship to see Hebal and the two Ice Warriors approaching. He runs back to his hiding place. Hebal runs up to the explosive on the ship.

HEBAL: If I press this button all three of your ships explode. Come any closer and we’ll all go.

VADA: Move away.

HEBAL: So you can kill me? No!

**

Pellitas and the others emerge into the citadel. A miner beckons him to take cover. He pulls Ortesh, Heppon and Zanaxyr to safety. Three miners appear and fire, killing an Ice Warrior. Two more emerge from the caves and kill the miners.

CAARZ: You will walk in front of me King Pellitas and you will stay close.

They walk towards the throne room.

**

In the throne room Sitet slams the door shut.

SITET: Block it up.

Bangs can be heard from the other side of the door.

THASL: They’re trying to get in! We can’t hold for long. This door is already damaged.

KALDO: I warned you!

SITET: Can you smell burning?

KALDO: They’re burning the door down!

**

In the corridor two Ice Warriors are firing their weapons at the door. It begins to burn.

**

Inside the throne room smoke is starting to come from the burning door.

SITET: As soon as that hole is big enough, fire!

Thasl fires through the hole a few seconds later but does no damage. The door flies open as an Ice Warrior pushes it. He fires, killing three miners. Sitet and Thasl back into a corner. Kaldo sobs on the floor. Caarz enters.

CAARZ: Peladon is under our control!

KALDO: I warned you!

SITET: Can you smell burning?

KALDO: They’re burning the door down!

**

In the corridor two Ice Warriors are firing their weapons at the door. It begins to burn.

**

Inside the throne room smoke is starting to come from the burning door.

SITET: As soon as that hole is beg enough, fire!

Thasl fires through the hole a few seconds later but does no damage. The door flies open as an Ice Warrior pushes it. He fires, killing three miners. Sitet and Thasl back into a corner. Kaldo sobs on the floor. Caarz enters.

CAARZ: Peladon is under our control!

THE GHOST OF PELADON
BY JOHNSTONE MCGUCKIAN
PART SIX
KALDO: Commander Caarz. You are here.

CAARZ: Silence.

KALDO: We succeeded, Arictos and I took over the citadel but the miners interfered, they killed Arictos before I could.

CAARZ: You have failed. We do not tolerate failure.

KALDO: We didn’t fail! Well, sort of anyway.

CAARZ: I’ll deal with you after. Are these the miners who took control?

KALDO: Yes. Yes this is them, they’re our enemies.

PELLITAS: Sitet? Was it you who betrayed me?

SITET: I was working for freedom.

PELLITAS: But you had freedom.

ORTESH: You just wanted power!

SITET: And I shall still have it.

CAARZ: Kill the two miners.

The Ice Warriors fire. Thasl is killed but Sitet escapes behind the curtain and into the mines.

CAARZ: He shall return and when he does we shall kill him. Remove this body and untie Kaldo.

KALDO: Thank you for your mercy Commander.

CAARZ: I have showed no mercy. I still need you Kaldo.

**

In the corridor the Doctor, K9 and Huran are investigating the corpses.

DOCTOR: Dead miners, it can only have been a breakaway group.

HURAN: They must be in the throne room.

DOCTOR: I think we should go and see. Don’t you?

**

Caarz is talking to another Ice Warrior, Storg.

CAARZ: Call for more warriors, bring them here. Tell our leader that we’re safe.

STORG: I will make contact via the communications room.

CAARZ: Good.

**

Huran taps the Doctor on the shoulder.

HURAN: There’s someone coming.

DOCTOR: Come on, back to the communications room.

They all run towards the communications room. A few seconds later Storg walks along the corridor.

**

Inside the communications room.

HURAN: Are we safe here?

DOCTOR: I hope so. We should be unless someone wants to send a message.

K9: Master, batteries need recharging. I must shut down for a short amount of time.

DOCTOR: Very well K9.

K9 deactivates.

HURAN: Someone’s coming this way!

Suddenly Storg enters.

STORG: Who are you?

DOCTOR: I’m the Doctor and this is Huran the king’s champion.

STORG: You will come with me to the throne room.

HURAN: We’re not going anywhere.

STORG: If you do not follow my instructions then I shall destroy you.

DOCTOR: We’d love to go to the throne room. It’s this way I believe

They all exit. Leaving the deactivated K9 in the corner.

**

Hebal is still stood by the stolen Centaurian ship with his hand on the explosive.

VADA: You are bluffing.

HEBAL: I advise you not to try to find out. If this one detonates so will the others. All of your ships will go up!

Vada moves towards Hebal. He presses the button on the explosive but noting happens.

VADA: You were bluffing!

HEBAL: I didn’t think I was.

VADA: Kill him!

Vada and the other Ice Warrior fire but Hebal manages to jump out of the way. The shots hit the explosive. Hebal gets up and runs as an enormous fireball erupts from the three ships. The flames consume Vada and the other Ice Warrior. Hebal dives behind a large rock which shields him from the flames. Within a few seconds it’s over and the ships are small cinders. Hebal climbs out.

HEBAL: Kebeb! Kebeb!

Kebeb crawls out from his hiding place.

HEBAL: We did it!

KEBEB: Yes, we did. Come on, we need to get to the citadel. Caarz will be there by now.

**

The Doctor and Huran walk into the throne room followed by Storg.

STORG: I found these in the communications room. I will return there to call for assistance.

CAARZ: Good work Storg.

Storg leaves.

CAARZ: Identify yourselves.

HURAN: I am the king’s champion.

DOCTOR: And I am the Doctor.

CAARZ: You are the Doctor!

DOCTOR: Yes, have you heard of me?

CAARZ: You will be destroyed.

DOCTOR: I’ve heard that one before. Any particular reason?

CAARZ: You were on Peladon fifty years ago?

DOCTOR: Yes.

CAARS: You helped destroy a group of Galaxy 5 warriors.

DOCTOR: I did.

CAARZ: You were responsible for the death of General Azaxyr?

DOCTOR: Sort of, partly, in a way. Yes.

CAARZ: He was my father.

DOCTOR: So you’ve resurrected Galaxy 5 to go on a personal campaign?

CAARZ: I did not resurrect Galaxy 5. I am merely a sub-leader. Our Marshal is on this planet.

DOCTOR: Oh really? And who would that be? I hope it wasn’t Arictos.

CAARZ: Arictos was another sub-leader. We sent him to Peladon to take over for us. Kaldo was to kill him however the miners got to him first and finished Kaldo’s job.

DOCTOR: Why was Kaldo to kill Arictos?

CAARZ: Because Doctor, Arictos was an Arcturan. All of them out for personal gain. He was not loyal to us and was planning to betray us.

DOCTOR: You killed him because of guesswork? Well that’s a good excuse.

CAARZ: You have no right talking to me about unjustified murders Doctor.

DOCTOR: Are you going to keep bringing your father into this? Because I didn’t really kill him, it was his subordinate, by accident but still. And secondly Azaxyr had already murdered plenty of innocent people and was going to kill more.

CAARZ: He did it with honour.

DOCTOR: And you’re using that to justify it?

CAARZ: I grow weary of you Doctor. Take them all and lock them in the communications room.

As the Doctor and the others are about to be lead out Storg enters.

STORG: Commander. The ships have all been destroyed

CAARZ: What?

STORG: The communications room computer has registered three large explosions outside the citadel.

CAARZ: Is our leader dead?

STORG: No, he left the ship shortly after us.

CAARZ: Excellent. Then we shall continue. Find and destroy who ever destroyed our ships. Lock the Doctor and the others in the communications room.

Storg leads the Doctor, Huran, Pellitas, Ortesh, Heppon and Zanaxyr out of the throne room.

**

Sitet runs through the mines.

**

The door of the communications room locks on The Doctor, Pellitas, Huran, Ortesh, Heppon and Zanaxyr.

DOCTOR: So galaxy 5 has returned. I wonder who their boss is. Did they say anything?

ZANAXYR: No, nothing.

DOCTOR: Then he clearly wants his identity keeping secret. But why?

PELLITAS: Perhaps he’s known to one of us.

ORTESH: He came from their ship so he’s not from Peladon.

The door unlocks. It opens to reveal a familiar figure.

DOCTOR: Dax! Dax Oslea, bounty hunter! So you’re the leader of Galaxy 5?

DAX: Oh no. It’s not me. I just tagged along because I knew you were going to be here Doctor. Now you’re coming with me.

DOCTOR: What about the others?

DAX: Oh, they can stay here and rot for all I care. But this time I’m making sure you don’t escape. I’m here to kill you.

Dax puts a bracelet on the Doctor.

HEPPON: What is that?

DAX: I believe the Doctor knows.

DOCTOR: If I move more than ten feet away from Dax then this thing electrocutes me.

DAX: Come on Doctor. Move.

The Doctor and Dax leave, the door locks again.

PELLITAS: Who was that?

ZANAXYR: He’s a bounty hunter known as Dax Oslea. He was responsible for the assassination of the last galactic chairman.

ORTESH: And now he wants the Doctor?

ZANAXYR: I’m not sure. I bet that whoever got Oslea to assassinate the last chairman, was the same person that brought him here.

HURAN: We need to escape.

PELLITAS: But how? Where is ambassador Alpha Centauri?

HURAN: He hasn’t been found. They think he vanished near the seventh cavern.

HEPPON: The seventh cavern!

PELLITAS: You ordered it to be closed didn’t you Heppon?

HEPPON: Yes I did. And I did so because it had become a holy place. Aggador had appeared there.

PELLITAS: We’ll send a search party afterwards. Now how are we going to escape from here?

HURAN: There is a way.

Huran walks over to the deactivated K9.

**

Hebal and Kebeb run through the mines. They hide behind a rock as they see the Doctor and Dax coming. Dax stops the Doctor and pushes him to the floor.

DAX: I’ve waited a long time to do this Doctor. And finally I get to kill you! Now turn around and close your eyes.

The Doctor obeys. Dax’s gun presses against the Doctors head but then falls away. The Doctor opens his eyes and then turns around to see Dax unconscious on the floor. Kebeb stands over him with a rock in his hand.

KEBEB: Come on, we need to get out of here. I’ve just heard that the Ice Warriors are going to start searching the mines. Most miners have surrendered. Anyone left is to die.

DOCTOR: We need to stop this before it gets too serious. There’s only four Ice Warriors here, they’ll secure the place and bring in their leader whoever that is.

HEBAL: What then?

DOCTOR: They’ll call for reinforcements. If we can take them prisoner and send them to the federation then that may cause Galaxy 5 ti disband again.

KEBEB: Where is their leader?

DOCTOR: That’s the problem; he’ll be in the throne room with Caarz by now. We need to get to there.

KEBEB: Well let’s go then!

**

K9 finishes blasting the door. It swings open.

PELLITAS: Right, we’re going to storm the throne room.

He peeks around the door.

PELLITAS: Those miners the Ice Warriors killed before are still their and so are their weapons. We’ll use them.

HEPPON: I must go to the seventh cavern; I think I know what’s happening there. I must stop it.

PELLITAS: Can it not wait Heppon?

HEPPON: I fear not, my humblest apologies your majesty.

PELLITAS: Then good luck old friend.

Heppon runs into the mines.

Pellitas, Huran and Ortesh pick up the dead miners weapons. Zanaxyr takes the weapon off the dead Ice Warrior.

ZANAXYR: It is time to save your planet King Pellitas.

PELLITAS: And the federation I hope.

They march towards the throne room.

**

In the throne room Caarz and Storg are stood in front of the throne, hiding the person sat in it. The other two Ice Warriors are stood at each side of the doors. The doors fly open and Pellitas, Huran, Ortesh and Zanaxyr run it. Ortesh shoots one of the guards at the door while Pellitas shoots the other. Storg fires and hits Ortesh. Zanaxyr shoots Storg. As he falls Storg reveals who is sat in the throne. A look of shock is on Pellitas’ face.

CAARZ: Our leader. The founder of the new Galaxy 5

PELLITAS: M…My brother. Phillius!

PHILLIUS: Yes. I am the leader of Galaxy 5. You see Pellitas I grew sick of living in your shadow. As a delegate for the federation I met a few prisoners, such as Arictos and that mess there.

He points to Kaldo who has been stood quietly in the corner.

PHILLIUS: And now I am the ruler of Peladon!

PELLITAS: No you’re not. Not while I’m alive.

PHILLIUS: Something I intend to rectify my dear brother.

Phillius nods. Kaldo leaps forward with a knife. A barely conscious Ortesh shoots him. Kaldo falls to the floor dead.

Phillius jumps up and pushes his way out of the throne room. He runs along the corridor. Caarz falls to the ground.

CAARZ: Spare me!

ZANAXYR: You can return to Mars with me to be put on trial. You’re coming to the ship. Move!

Zanaxyr leads Caarz out. Pellitas is bent down next to Ortesh.

PELLITAS: Ortesh. You saved me.

ORTESH: I did my job your majesty. You are a good king and I’m sure it wont take you long to establish yourself in such a way again.

PELLITAS: You’ll be alright Ortesh.

ORTESH: Thank you your majesty…

Ortesh falls back, dead. Pellitas takes a moment to recover but his mourning is interrupted by the Doctor entering with Hebal and Kebeb.

KEBEB: I’ve just seen your brother running into the mines.

PELLITAS: My brother was behind it all. It was he who resurrected Galaxy 5. He’ll be caught.

DOCTOR: I’m sorry.

PELLITAS: So am I Doctor.

The king stands up. Suddenly a very flustered and hysterical Alpha Centauri runs into the throne room.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Your majesty! Doctor! Peladon is great danger! I’ve been held captor! But I escaped! But they want to kill us all!

PELLITAS: Ambassador. What’s wrong?

ALPHA CENTAURI: They’re in the seventh cavern and they’re going to destroy us all tomorrow!

DOCTOR: That seems like a very worrying Christmas present. Who are they?

ALPHA CENTAURI: They called themselves the Cult of Aggador!

**

In the mines Phillius is running towards the seventh cavern when he is surrounded by a group of figures dressed in purple robes. Another figure dressed in a decorated robe and wearing a mask approaches Phillius. He lunges at the leader pulling off the mask to reveal Sitet.

The king stands up. Suddenly a very flustered and hysterical Alpha Centauri runs into the throne room.

ALPHA CENTAURI: Your majesty! Doctor! Peladon is great danger! I’ve been held captor! But I escaped! But they want to kill us all!

PELLITAS: Ambassador. What’s wrong?

ALPHA CENTAURI: They’re in the seventh cavern and they’re going to destroy us all tomorrow!

DOCTOR: That seems like a very worrying Christmas present. Who are they?

ALPHA CENTAURI: They called themselves the Cult of Aggedor!

**

In the mines Phillius is running towards the seventh cavern when he is surrounded by a group of figures dressed in purple robes. Another figure dressed in a decorated robe and wearing a mask approaches Phillius. He lunges at the leader pulling off the mask to reveal Sitet.

THE GHOST OF PELADON
BY JOHNSTONE MCGUCKIAN
PART SEVEN

Sitet places his hand on Phillius’s head. Phillius collapses to the ground. Heppon watches from behind a rock.

HEPPON: So the cult has returned.

**

In the throne room Zanaxyr has returned. He stands with Hebal, Kebeb and Huran as the Doctor and Pellitas try to calm down Centauri.

ZANAXYR: Caarz is secure on my ship. I shall take him back to mars where he can be put on trial for his crimes.

PELLITAS: Very good Zanaxyr

DOCTOR: Carry on Alpha.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I was looking for Heppon with Ortesh when we got separated. I soon found myself to be lost. I saw a person dressed in purple so I followed him to ask directions back to the citadel. He led me to the entrance to the seventh cavern where I lost consciousness. I think I was hit over the head. When I awoke I heard two people dressed in purple talking. They said that there had been some kind of test.

HURAN: The earthquake before!

DOCTOR: Yes, yes. Carry on Alpha.

ALPHA CENTAURI: They said the test in the temple had shown that “it” would work but it wasn’t yet the time. I drifted into unconsciousness again. When I next awoke there was a large meeting, there must have been at least fifty of them. They said that soon the aliens would be gone and then it would be time. “On Peladon’s first Christmas it would be time to awaken him and cause the uprising, taking the mortals of Peladon and leaving it for him to control.” I have no idea who they are talking about but they certainly planned to destroy everyone here. They kept calling themselves the Cult of Aggedor.

ZANAXYR: King Pellitas, do you know anything of this cult?

PELLITAS: They are an ancient cult who believes that the third manifestation of Aggedor would destroy all of Peladon. The first manifestation happened millennia ago.

DOCTOR: And I think I was responsible for the second?

PELLITAS: Yes, the second manifestation ended on the day you last left Peladon.

DOCTOR: Yes, I remember. Poor Aggedor.

ZANAXYR: Then they clearly intend the third manifestation to occur on Christmas day?

HEBAL: But that’s only a few hours away.

PELLITAS: They believe that on the thirds manifestation Aggedor must be summoned and although it will bring untold destruction it must happen and he must be called or his curse will ravage the land and every man, women and child on Peladon will suffer.

KEBEB: They must have been operating from the seventh cavern.

PELLITAS: Heppon went down there. He said that he had something urgent to do.

ZANAXYR: Is he a member of the cult?

PELLITAS: He can’t be. He’s loyal to the traditions of Peladon. He wouldn’t join the cult.

Heppon enters.

HEPPON: Indeed I would not. Remember I told you about my ring? I knew it had to be the cult straight away. However we were driven out of the citadel before I could investigate. I had the seventh cavern closed because it is where your father died your majesty. I carried his body back to the citadel. I had the place closed as a mark of respect. It became hallowed ground when your father passed away there. I don’t know why but he chose to die in the mine. The cult must have taken it over.

PELLITAS: The cult must be stopped.

DOCTOR: What is the significance of your ring Heppon?

HEPPON: It is said to be a key. Before the first manifestation of Aggedor Peladon was an advanced society. They say the gods visited us.

DOCTOR: They got that right.

HEPPON: What do you mean Doctor?

DOCTOR: It doesn’t matter. Carry on.

HEPPON: The ring is an artefact from the ancient times.

DOCTOR: Is there anything else from the ancient times?

HEPPON: Very little. The statue of Aggedor in the temple.

DOCTOR: Alpha Centauri, didn’t you say that the cult members said that they made a test in the temple?

ALPHA CENTAURI: That is correct.

DOCTOR: I think we need a look around there. Will you permit it Heppon?

HEPPON: In these times of emergency, yes. Aggedor would not wish death upon his people. Come.

Heppon and the Doctor leave. Pellitas covers Ortesh’s body.

ZANAXYR: I am sorry for your loss your majesty.

PELLITAS: Ortesh was a good friend as well as my chancellor. I shall miss him. I hope that anymore death can be prevented.

**

Phillius awakens. He is inside the seventh cavern. Two cult members named Fario and Dolber watch over him.

PHILLIUS: Where am I?

DOLBER: You are in the seventh cavern.

PHILLIUS: What happened?

DOLBER: You were brought here by our Carrierotch, Sitet.

PHILLIUS: The traitor revolutionist?

FARIO: He is out leader. When Aggedor comes Sitet will be his servant.

PHILLIUS: Who are you and what the hell are you talking about?

FARIO: We are the Cult of Aggedor and the third manifestation is near.

PHILLIUS: Oh, you crackpots. I’ve heard about you.

FARIO: Do not be so insolent and Aggedor may save your soul. Otherwise you will burn with the rest of Peladon.

**

Outside the temple.

HEPPON: Here we are Doctor. The temple of Aggedor.

Heppon opens the door and beckons the Doctor in first. The Doctor walks into the doorway but is thrown backwards by an invisible force.

DOCTOR: Some kind of force field. Hold on.

The Doctor holds his sonic screwdriver to the doorway and activates it. Nothing happens. The Doctor puts his hands up to the force field and tries to push through but to no avail.

DOCTOR: Something’s stopping us from getting in Heppon.

HEPPON: This is dark magic.

DOCTOR: No, it’s a very powerful force field. Designed to keep us out no matter what the cost. I’m going to go to this seventh cavern and see what’s happening.

**

In the mines an unconscious Dax Oslea awakens. He closes his eyes and pretends to still be out as two cult members walk past. When it’s clear he opens his eyes again and stands up.

DAX: Mysterious looking people in purple robes? I bet they’ll lead me straight to the Doctor.

Dax heads in the same direction as the cult members, his gun drawn. He walks into the next cavern to see that the cult members have vanished. He looks around. As if out of nowhere three cult members appear, all holding sticks.

DAX: Please don’t tell me that the pathetic Earth Harry Potter craze has come here as well as Christmas. Let me guess? Expelliarmus!

One of the cultists flicks his stick; a ray flies out of it and hits Dax, rendering him unconscious again.

**

Heppon arrives back in the throne room.

PELLITAS: Where is the Doctor?

HEPPON: He went into the mines to investigate the seventh cavern.

KEBEB: He went alone?

HEPPON: He did.

KEBEB: There are still some miners hiding, they may attack him through panic. I shall go and find him and accompany him.

PELLITAS: Be careful Kebeb.

KEBEB: I shall be your majesty.

Kebeb leaves, almost running.

PELLITAS: And what did you discover in the temple Heppon?

HEPPON: We couldn’t gain access. A force was preventing us from entering. The Doctor tried to break it but he couldn’t.

ZANAXYR: They are using a force field. Then they must indeed need the temple for something.

HEBAL: Then it is true, they are attempting to bring about the third manifestation.

ALPHA CENTAURI: What can we do now?

HEPPON: Nothing. We must rely on the Doctor to save Peladon once again.

PELLITAS: I shall lead men into the mines. Hebal, can you go around the citadel and find some men capable of going. Tell them that this is to save Peladon.

ALPHA CENTAURI: I shall monitor things from the communications room.

ZANAXYR: I shall join you ambassador. I need to contact the federation and inform them of recent events and that Galaxy 5 is defeated once again.

Zanaxyr, Centauri and Hebal leave. Pellitas sits down in his throne.

PELLITAS: These are hard times Heppon.

HEPPON: Indeed they are your majesty.

PELLITAS: Ortesh is dead and my brother a traitor.

HEPPON: These events may be however you have to fight on. The third manifestation must not occur. If it does then Peladon’s first Christmas may be its last. When the ghost of Peladon raises we will all die.

**

The Doctor is stopped by two cult members.

DOCTOR: Oh, hello. You must be the Cult of Aggedor. How nice to meet you. Can you take me to your… Actually what do you have? Shaman? No, too human. How about Archimandrite? Lord? Vicar? Bitch? I believed they worshiped bitches on Nallohos III, caused a lot of confusion when humans arrived and were mistaken as deities. I’m running out of ideas here.

CULTIST 1: Take him to the Carrierotch.

DOCTOR: Oh you have a Carrierotch. I’ve never met one of those before. This way is it?

**

Dax awakens. He is tied up next to Phillius.

DAX: Where am I?

PHILLIUS: We’re prisoners of an ancient cult.

DAX: Why did I ever take this job?

PHILLIUS: Because you would have been and indeed will be well payed if we come out as the victors.

DAX: I’m not talking about your job.

PHILLIUS: What are you talking about then?

Dax is about to reply when Fario walks over.

FARIO: Not long now. You can both bear witness to the third manifestation of Aggedor.

DAX: Oh, you’re not one of those cults that actually taken manifestations seriously are you?

FARIO: You speak blasphemy!

DAX: No I speak reality.

FARIO: Then you are in for a shock.

DAX: I really can’t be bothered sticking around for this. Although judging from the ring that your friend is wearing over there there’s some higher technology going into this. I’m going to leave if you don’t mind.

Dax manages to push a button on his wrist panel. His suit goes red hot, burning away the ropes binding him. He stands up. Fario brings out his weapon stick.

DAX: Harry Potter again? Protego!

Dax mockingly draws his gun and shoots Fario.

DAX: I find that this works a little better than the shield charm though.

PHILLIAS: Good work Dax. Now come on, let’s get out of here.

DAX: I’m not taking you with me. Judging by that ring there’s a pretty hefty amount of technology here. I think I’ll leave. If I’m lucky the Doctor will get caught up in this and get himself killed.

PHILLIUS: Release me Dax! You will pay for this!

DAX: And so will you! I’ve already set my computer about hacking your bank account. Goodbye.

Dax hits his wrist panel and teleports away leaving Phillius in a rage.

**

K9 enters the throne room.

K9: I am now fully recharged. Where is the Doctor master?

PELLITAS: Oh K9. The Doctor is in the mines. He went to see what was happening in the seventh cavern.

K9: I shall go and find him.

PELLITAS: I am taking a group of guards down there soon. Would you come with us?

K9: Affirmative. I shall wait.

**

Dolber enters and see’s Fario’s body.

DOLBER: Where is the other?

PHILLIUS: I wish I knew so I could kill him.

DOLBER: No matter. It is time.

PHILLIUS: Time for what?

DOLBER: Time for us to move to the temple of Aggedor where the third manifestation will take place.

PHILLIUS: If you say so.

**

The Doctor is escorted into the temple. Sitet is stood in front of the statue.

SITET: Doctor, good to see you.

DOCTOR: Oh, it’s you. I’m actually surprised.

SITET: Surprised that I am the Carrierotch?

DOCTOR: No, surprised that you’re not a bitch.

SITET: I don’t follow you.

DOCTOR: No you don’t. You follow Aggedor it appears. I met him once. Although I’ve heard that this manifestation will be a bit more apocalyptic than the last one.

SITET: Peladon is rightfully his Doctor. When the high priests ring is inserted into the statue Aggedor will appear and destroy Peladon.

DOCTOR: Not really. As I suspected the statue is a weapon. Yes it all makes sense. So the formation of trisilicate during the imprisonment was not a side effect. This statue is a failsafe in case they needed to kill the prisoner.

SITET: What are you talking about?

DOCTOR: Oh sorry, future events that happened years ago. Nothing important. The fact is that this statue is a machine which will convert trisilicate into something much more dangerous. It’ll cause the trisilicate to explode when mixed with oxygen. It’ll destroy the entire planet.

SITET: The power of Aggedor!

DOCTOR: No, the power of Osiran matter conversion.

Dolber arrives with Phillius. He stands Phillius next to the Doctor.

DOCTOR: More guests I see.

SITET: You are not a guest Doctor, you are a sacrifice.

DOCTOR: Oh really? If you’d have told me I’d have worn my sacrifice jacket.

SITET: Mock things while you may Doctor. Blood is required to bring Aggedor.

DOCTOR: Osiran blood lock.

SITET: Are our brothers near?

DOLBER: Everyone is in position Carrierotch.

SITET: Then we shall begin. Bring the prince first.

Another cultist enters holding the ring. He hands it to Sitet.

SITET: Now is the time oh great Aggedor. Come forth and claim Peladon!

Sitet places the ring into the hole on the statue. The room begins to shake.

**

Pellitas is in the mines with K9, Huran and a group of soldiers when an earthquake begins.

PELLITAS: It’s starting!

**

Zanaxyr and Alpha Centauri are in the communications room. Heppon enters as the shaking begins.

HEPPON: The third manifestation begins!

Part 7 continued





**

In the temple Sitet beckons Phillius forward. Dolber pushes him forward. Ha lands with his head against the statue.

PHILLIUS: I’m stick, I can’t move away! Help me! Help me!

Phillius slowly dissolves into the statue which begins to pulsate.

SITET: Come Aggedor! Bring the next sacrifice!

Dolber and the other cultist pick up the Doctor and begin to move him towards the statue. He shakes them off. They both lose balance and fall into the statue. They scream as they are dissolved in the same way that Phillius was.

SITET: You meddling incompetent!

DOCTOR: Stop it Sitet! The more lives it claims the faster it builds up.

SITET: Never. Aggedor will come Doctor!

DOCTOR: He wont! We’ll just all get blown to smithereens!

SITET: It’s too late to stop it now Doctor! No one can touch the statue.

The Doctor pulls the sonic screwdriver out of his pocket. He aims it at the statue but Sitet knocks it out of his hand before he can use it. Sitet grabs the Doctor and pushes him towards the statue. The Doctor manages to regain control before he touches it. He dives for his sonic screwdriver but Sitet pushes him aside. Sitet grabs the Doctor and pushes him into the statue again. This time the Doctor falls against it.

**

The entire citadel shakes violently

**

Inside the mines the trisilicate embedded into the wall begins to glow.

**

Inside the communications room Zanaxyr, Alpha Centauri and Heppon and violently thrown about.

**

The Doctor lifts himself away from the statue.

SITET: How? What?

DOCTOR: Time Lord blood. It would appear that Aggedor doesn’t like it.

Sitet dives at the Doctor who moves out of the way. Sitet flies into the statue and dissolves a few seconds later. The Doctor hurriedly pulls out the ring. The earthquake stops. The Doctor places the ring on the floor and smashes the ruby on top of it.

**

In the mines the trisilicate stops glowing.

**

Six hours later

The citadel has undergone a very fast transformation. The Doctor, Pellitas, Alpha Centauri, Zanaxyr, Heppon, Kebeb and Hebal are sat at a long table with food down the middle. K9 is sat beside the Doctors chair.

DOCTOR: I knew I had a turkey in the TARDIS somewhere. I picked it up on a farm a few hundred years ago.

ZANAXYR: I have received word that the political crisis is over. A prison ship has been dispatched for Caarz.

PELLITAS: Then all is well and Peladon is safe. The remaining cultists will be pardoned.

HEPPON: It would appear that Peladon will see a second Christmas after all. Won’t it Doctor?

DOCTOR: Yes. I destroyed the ring. It was just a simple crystal lattice. The statue is safe although you may hear noises from it occasionally.

HEPPON: Ghosts?

DOCTOR: No. Just residual mental energy from those it absorbed. So I suppose in a sense yes, ghosts.

The Doctor stands.

HEBAL: Doctor, where are you going?

DOCTOR: Just for a walk. Come on K9.

The Doctor and K9 leave the room.

PELLITAS: Merry Christmas everybody!

Everyone raises their goblets.

**

The Doctor carries K9 over the fallen rocks and towards the TARDIS.

DOCTOR: What a fantastic planet. I’ll have to come here again sometime. Well, I will do. A few lifetimes ago.

He unlocks the door to the TARDIS and enters. A few seconds later the TARDIS dematerialises.

**

Inside the TARDIS console room the Doctor fiddles with some controls.

DOCTOR: I was surprised to see Dax.

K9: Master?

DOCTOR: I didn’t expect to see him. I thought he’d been killed a long time ago. But he tracked me down after all of this time. I don’t think that will be the last we see of him K9.

**

Fireworks are let off over the citadel of Peladon as the planet celebrates its first Christmas. Cheers can be heard.

**

In the party room Pellitas and the others are still sat around a table.

HEPPON: Perhaps the king should give his people a Christmas speech?

ALPHA CENTAURI: Oh no definitely not. Such speeches are always a tedious affair!