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INT. VAULT CHAMBER - NIGHT
The DOCTOR with a plastic bag in hand, the vault open before him.
The Doctor steps into the vault, checks around corners, then steps back out. Thinks. He sets down his bags -- closes the vault.
He checks the door -- unbroken. Lock in order.
CUT TO:
EXT. BRISTOL - MOMENTS LATER
Bristol in 1940: Blitz. Dead silence. Houses dark. The Doctor walks the empty streets, searching. Footsteps, breathing. Cold out.
He keeps walking -- next to the (intact) St Mary-le-Port church, quiet singing.
MISSY (O.S.)
(singing)
...oh Doctor dear, you know you're still number one...
WIDE: Missy from behind. Alone on the church steps. Dwarfed. Cigarette in hand, smoke rising into the sky. She continues humming. The Doctor approaching slowly -- has she noticed him?
The Doctor approaches from behind.
THE DOCTOR
You're too early.
Missy startles, looks up at him.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
That song won't be released until 1983.
She scoffs and turns away. Gaze upwards, following the smoke. He sits.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
You can't be here.
MISSY
(tired)
Oh, let a girl have her day out, why don't you?
She takes a drag from her cigarette.
THE DOCTOR
You know what happens tonight.
Missy doesn't -- insecurity. She ignores him rather than admit it.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
24th of November 1940.
MISSY
Ah. That's why it's dark.
Calm -- grounded again.
MISSY (cont.)
The stars are so bright.
(pointing)
Taurus. Pleiades and Hyades. Orion.
THE DOCTOR
You know you can't impress me with constellations.
MISSY
Thought you might appreciate them more -- you're stuck on earth.
Beat. "-- with me" goes unsaid.
THE DOCTOR
We really can't stay.
MISSY
Take me out then -- I want to go dancing. Just one dance between friends?
THE DOCTOR
I mean it.
MISSY
Killjoy.
She tosses her cigarette at the church. They stand.
MISSY (cont.)
Ready to lock me up, then? Will this be added onto the thousand years? I'll set a stop watch next time.
THE DOCTOR
There won't be the next time -- this ends here.
Planes overhead -- they look into the sky -- WHISTLING -- panic. The Doctor grabs her hand.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
Run!
They run from the church -- the Doctor drags Missy behind him. Round the corner -- BOOM -- just in time. They let go. Exhausted.
MISSY
Is this how you treat those girls you drag around with you?
THE DOCTOR
More or less. I don't usually buy them dinner, though.
MISSY
Dinner?
THE DOCTOR
At the vault.
MISSY
(indignant)
I'm no animal you can bribe with food --
THE DOCTOR
I could eat with Nardole, if you prefer.
MISSY
Right. The vault then.
She marches ahead, the Doctor behind her.
MISSY (cont.)
What did you get?
THE DOCTOR
Fish and chips.
She exclaims, disgusted -- he chuckles. They keep walking, side by side.
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT CHAMBER - LATER
Missy and the Doctor sitting before the closed vault. Packaging surrounding them. Missy reapplies lipstick, stands.
MISSY
Well, this was nice. But I must be off, things to do, bombs to blow --
She dusts herself off and turns to leave. The Doctor grabs her wrist -- she halts.
THE DOCTOR
You're making it harder on yourself. Don't.
MISSY
Ah, it's not hard enough, then? When's the last time you were in one place for a thousand years?
THE DOCTOR
Tomorrow and every day after.
MISSY
Why don't you cheat? I can be nice -- you take your TARDIS, skip to 704 years from now --
THE DOCTOR
It's been eleven months.
Beat.
MISSY
Oh.
The Doctor feels guilty putting her back -- he does it anyway. She goes willingly.
Missy on one, the Doctor on the other side of the doorway. Missy takes a deep breath -- puts on a brave face.
THE DOCTOR
Tea tomorrow?
MISSY
And every day after.
THE DOCTOR
If you're good.
He busies himself with the vault door -- Missy braces herself -- he remembers something.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
How did you open the door?
MISSY
(confused)
Pushed it open and went through. Why, did you forget to lock it?
THE DOCTOR
Must have.
Missy leaves the doorway, moving into the vault. The door closes slowly.
CUT TO:
EXT. VAULT CHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER
The Doctor inspects the settings on the door.
THE DOCTOR
Friends only.
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT CHAMBER - NIGHT
The Doctor sitting, leaning against the vault door.
THE DOCTOR
-- humans still tell the story of Perseus -- it was recorded nearly three millennia ago. Perseus is a demigod, the son of the ruler of the skies, who killed the gorgon Medusa. Medusa had a gaze that could turn men to stone --
SPLIT SHOT: Missy on the other side of the vault door, sitting back-to-back with the Doctor, curled in on herself.
MISSY
I know all that.
THE DOCTOR
-- and snakes for hair. Frightening presence. So Perseus chopped her head off and stuck it on his dinner plate.
MISSY
I'm not enrolled at the university. Thought it'd spare me the lectures.
THE DOCTOR
Perseus is brightest tonight.
MISSY
(mocking)
The prince of the skies.
THE DOCTOR
Most people that attend my lectures didn't sign up for the class. Some aren't even students. They still learn something.
(Beat)
We're past the constellation's peak now, it was only at its brightest for a few minutes. Too many clouds. Coming in from Northwest -- they're hoping for a storm, but there won't be one.
Beat.
MISSY
You could have taken me anywhere in the universe. It's always earth.
THE DOCTOR
Humans look like us. We can blend in.
MISSY
Only one heart.
THE DOCTOR
You notice the number of hearts more often than most.
(Beat)
You can't tell me you don't like it here.
MISSY
World wars...
THE DOCTOR
Violins.
MISSY
Revolutions.
THE DOCTOR
Tea.
MISSY
The Empire --
THE DOCTOR
Just like home.
She laughs. Lights up a cigarette.
MISSY
I could go for a cuppa.
THE DOCTOR
You haven't been good.
MISSY
Not my fault if people turn to stone -- I can't help looking.
Back to the Doctor, alone.
THE DOCTOR
(stands up)
Right. I'm going to open the door, and you'll give me the lighter.
He opens the door and holds his hand out -- Missy presses the lit cigarette into his palm -- he cries out -- she steps past him while he's distracted.
MISSY
So sorry, love.
She rushes up the stairs -- the Doctor behind her -- and tugs on the door. Locked. She tries harder -- it rattles, stays shut.
The Doctor catches up to her -- she looks up at him -- hurt. Friends only.
THE DOCTOR
The lighter.
Reluctantly, she digs it from her pocket and hands it over.
THE DOCTOR
Cigarettes too.
MISSY
You're no fun.
THE DOCTOR
But I have such an amusing burn on my hand now.
MISSY
You're not still mad about that.
THE DOCTOR
(indignant)
It was less than a minute ago!
She hands him the cigarette box.
THE DOCTOR
I'm just trying to save you from lung cancer -- embarrassing reason to regenerate.
MISSY
No worse than liver damage.
The Doctor pockets her things.
THE DOCTOR
I'll bring you some ginger.
MISSY
Humbugs.
THE DOCTOR
If you want.
MISSY
When?
THE DOCTOR
Can you tell?
Missy freezes. The Doctor steps closer and she turns, stiffly walks to the vault. Stands in the entrance, straight back, chin high. Holding onto dignity.
He follows. Begins to shut the door. She doesn't leave this time.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
I'll see you tomorrow.
MISSY
Of course you will.
The door shuts.
CUT TO:
INT. THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
The Doctor at his desk, grading papers. Displeased, muttering.
THE DOCTOR
-- doesn't make any sense -- fallacy -- can't just invent words, not in this paper --
NARDOLE enters -- stands in the doorway.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
(distracted)
Hello, Nardole.
NARDOLE
She's singing again.
THE DOCTOR
She's got to pass the time somehow.
NARDOLE
It's different this time -- Sir, I must remind you --
THE DOCTOR
(annoyed)
Fine. Don't start threatening me.
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT CHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER
The Doctor walking down the stairs to the vault, Nardole behind him. From far away, singing.
MISSY (O.S.)
(uncoordinated, drunk)
-- we're not the fortunate ones, and girls, they wanna have fun...
THE DOCTOR
(to Nardole)
Let me handle this.
Nardole wants to protest --
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
Go.
Frustrated, Nardole leaves. The door slams. The Doctor continues towards the vault.
The Doctor alone before the vault -- he presses his hand to the door. The voice trails off. Silence.
He starts opening the door.
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT - MOMENTS LATER
Missy sprawled over a table in the centre of the vault. Paper bag beside her, humbugs scattered. Drunk. The Doctor enters -- she smiles at him.
MISSY
(singing)
-- take a beautiful girl and hide her away from the rest of the world --
The Doctor takes a humbug. Sniffs it.
THE DOCTOR
There's not enough ginger in these.
MISSY
A girl has her methods.
(Beat)
Liver damage. Didn't regenerate properly.
(continues singing)
-- I wanna be the one to walk in the sun --
THE DOCTOR
Is that what this is about? Rebellion?
MISSY
Tea.
(Beat)
Has IKEA been invented yet? Can we go? I need a new shelf.
THE DOCTOR
No you don't.
MISSY
You're right. Right as always. Ten points for the Doctor.
(Beat)
I want one of those cuddly sharks. I'm a woman now. I deserve a shark.
THE DOCTOR
Too early again.
MISSY
For the sharks?
THE DOCTOR
That too.
MISSY
When are we, then?
THE DOCTOR
Cancer is just starting to fade -- it was unusually dim this year. Venus is bright.
MISSY
(groans)
Don't make me think when I'm drunk.
THE DOCTOR
Don't ask.
Missy reaches for another humbug -- the Doctor takes the bag away. Puts one in his mouth.
THE DOCTOR
I'll let you know when it's released.
MISSY
The shark?
THE DOCTOR
The song. You won't miss it that way.
MISSY
(firmly)
I won't miss it.
(singing)
Girls just wanna have fun...
THE DOCTOR
Go to bed. I'll have Nardole build you the finest shelf in the galaxy.
MISSY
I don't want the finest shelf in the galaxy. IKEA really isn't around yet?
THE DOCTOR
It is. Just not in the UK.
MISSY
You have a TARDIS.
THE DOCTOR
You don't.
Beat.
MISSY
I didn't want that shelf anyway.
She stands -- awkward, shaky -- the Doctor supports her -- she steals a humbug from his pocket. He swats her hand away.
THE DOCTOR
Don't.
MISSY
Oh please Doctor, can't I have another?
(laughs, stumbles)
Oops!
He catches her before she falls -- arms link -- he brings her to the bed. She sits.
THE DOCTOR
Good night.
MISSY
Is it?
THE DOCTOR
No. About 3pm.
He walks away -- she's on the edge of the bed, swaying softly, thinking.
MISSY
When is Cancer out?
THE DOCTOR
March.
MISSY
Winter's over?
THE DOCTOR
A few of them, yes.
Beat. He watches her -- unsure how she'll react -- she flops on the mattress.
MISSY
(singing)
-- I wanna be the one to walk in the sun --
The Doctor walks off-screen. Focus on Missy, sprawled out, staring at the ceiling. Humming fades out.
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT CHAMBER - DAY
The Doctor, holding a full tea set, before the vault.
THE DOCTOR
(cheerful)
Hello, Missy! I've brought tea.
He sets down the tea set -- opens the door -- picks it up again.
THE DOCTOR
Thought you'd like some company.
He steps inside --
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT - CONTINUOUS
Very different atmosphere here. Dark. Menacing. Missy nowhere to be found. The Doctor -- cautious.
He searches -- from behind the door, Missy jumps at him! CRASH -- the tea set shatters -- the Doctor on the ground -- Missy on top of him -- a whittled knife to his throat.
Heavy breathing. Missy: Determined, crazed, unkempt. The Doctor: Unafraid. Still cautious.
MISSY
You're going to let me out, or I'll cut the life out of you until you stop regenerating.
THE DOCTOR
Missy --
MISSY
(pressing down, snarling)
Right now.
THE DOCTOR
(choked)
You wanted to be good.
MISSY
I want to see the stars again.
The Doctor struggles underneath her -- she forces him down.
THE DOCTOR
Will you let me get up?
Reluctantly, she moves away. They stand -- the knife feels silly now. Missy holds it loosely at her side. Waits for him to punish her.
The Doctor leaves the vault. Looks back in when she doesn't follow him.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
Well?
MISSY
Where are you going?
THE DOCTOR
To see the stars. Are you coming?
So emotional. She follows him out of the vault.
CUT TO:
INT. TARDIS - LATER
The Doctor and Missy sitting on the floor of the TARDIS, a (different) tea set between them. Almost empty plates. The TARDIS door open -- behind it, galaxies, floating in space. Peaceful. Missy laughing, the Doctor smiling.
A lull in what must have been a long conversation. Forgetting time. Forgetting the vault. Seeing the stars.
The Doctor stands.
THE DOCTOR
Well!
(claps)
We should get back before Nardole puts out a missing person report.
Missy: Hurt. Didn't think about returning. Hoped she'd changed the Doctor's mind. Silent. Resigned.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
(confused, worried)
What?
MISSY
Can't we stay another minute?
THE DOCTOR
We shouldn't. Nardole --
MISSY
He'll never know! We can be back whenever we want -- take me somewhere, please. Take me dancing.
THE DOCTOR
I can't.
Missy, heartbroken. The Doctor rejecting her wish -- rejecting her -- proving he doesn't trust her.
THE DOCTOR (cont.)
Oh, alright. We're staying in the TARDIS -- just one dance.
He helps her to her feet. SLOW MUSIC. Positions, routine. They've done this before, as other selves. The Doctor: Distanced -- primary school. Not letting her get close. Missy's hands on his shoulders; the Doctor's hands on her waist.
CLOSE: Missy pulls him in -- the Doctor means to move away -- she doesn't let him. Arms fully around his shoulders. She takes the lead -- presses him against the console. He pushes back -- she takes advantage -- presses her fingers to his temples -- he drops unconscious.
Missy steps back as he falls.
MISSY
Well.
(approaching the console)
Where to next? In all the universe, there has to be a party somewhere.
CUT TO:
INT. TARDIS - NIGHT
Blurred shot. The Doctor propped up against the console, fading into view as he regains consciousness. Wearing sonic sunglasses.
He pulls himself to his feet -- takes off the sunglasses. Feels in his pocket -- no sonic screwdriver. Looks around. No Missy. Dark TARDIS.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON - CONTINUOUS
A city on fire, the TARDIS in the middle. The Doctor steps out -- barely avoids a falling beam. Late Medieval, people frantic, rushing by -- families, children.
The Doctor, horrified. What has Missy done?
CUT TO:
EXT. HILL OUTSIDE LONDON - LATER
We overlook the burning city, a hill just outside it -- Missy sat atop. Gazing down. Peaceful. The Doctor approaching from town.
THE DOCTOR
(furious)
Are you satisfied now?
MISSY
(nonchalant)
I'm sure I don't know what you mean.
THE DOCTOR
I'm sure you don't. Must have been an accident! The Great Fire of London -- a slip of the hand.
MISSY
There's this story about a farmer and a snake -- you see, it was cold out, and --
THE DOCTOR
I don't care! You don't have to pretend this is your nature; I know it's not -- you can do better than this.
MISSY
I really can't.
(Beat)
My apologies.
(she rises, reaches out)
Doctor, may I have this dance?
He grabs her wrist, yanking her towards the city.
MISSY (cont.)
Ow! Watch it.
The Doctor walks down the hill -- she follows unwillingly, dragged by her wrist.
THE DOCTOR
(bitterly)
I gave you what you wanted -- I gave you everything I could. I didn't have to let you out.
MISSY
(sarcastically)
How kind.
THE DOCTOR
(furious again)
It was kind! You were supposed to spend a thousand years there. You haven't even done fifty.
(quietly)
Come on.
They continue walking towards the city -- the Doctor: Angry, resigned. Missy: Guilty? He hopes. Definitely quiet.
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT CHAMBER - LATER
The TARDIS beside them -- closed -- the Doctor looming over Missy. Stone-faced. Has he given up?
MISSY
If it changes anything, I didn't set the fire.
He opens the vault -- ignores her. She stands beside him. Lost.
MISSY (cont.)
(softly)
It was just so cold.
The vault door opens. The Doctor, silent.
MISSY (cont.)
Good night.
No response. She steps inside. Door closes.
CUT TO:
INT. VAULT - DAY
Missy, flat on her bed. Fully dressed. Boots on the pillow. The door opens loudly -- she turns her head. Zooming out, we see an untouched tea set on the table. More untouched food. The room clean. Ignored.
The Doctor enters -- Missy stares at the ceiling. He sets a portable radio on the table. Tunes it.
THE DOCTOR
This is the first time it's played on UK radio. Timed it for you.
MISSY
(forgets to ignore him)
What is?
THE DOCTOR
Your song.
RADIO
-- single by Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just Want to Have Fun!
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN starts playing.
Missy laughs. They let it play -- the Doctor so proud of himself. Missy goes silent -- then, quiet tears. The Doctor hurt. He got something wrong again.
They're silent. The song continues.
MISSY
Is Perseus out?
THE DOCTOR
No. We missed it.
Beat.
MISSY
Thank you.
The Doctor helpless -- but there's a start. Hope.
The song continues playing -- WIDE: Missy on her bed, the Doctor at the table. The radio between them. Peace.
FADE TO BLACK