ADVERTISEMENT VOICE
The Ood. They came from distant world. They voyaged across the stars, all with one purpose.
An Ood holds out a teacup.
OOD (in the ad)
Do you take milk and sugar?
ADVERTISEMENT VOICE
To serve.
Mr Bartle is looking at a big screen with the advertisement on it.
MR BARTLE
That’s good. That’s excellent, I like it sir. Buy one now! Direct. Straight to the point.
MR HALPEN (on intercom)
We play that across the tri-galactic for two weeks, then introduce this.
ADVERTISEMENT VOICE
Now only 50 credits!
The words appear on the screen.
MR BARTLE
50? We’re reducing the price to 50 credits?
MR HALPEN
Sales are down. We’ve got to reposition ourselves. So get going.
The communicator beeps as he hangs up.
MR BARTLE
Idiot. Bleeding us dry! (talking to an Ood behind him) You there. Get me last month’s military export figures. The army always needs more grunts.
OOD
Yes sir.
The Ood bows. Voice comes on intercom.
SOLANA
Mr Bartle, you asked me to call you.
MR BARTLE
Solana, when those buyers arrive we’re going to pitch like never before. I want those Ood flying out of here.
The Ood hands him a binder.
MR BARTLE
That... I said military figures. That’s the domestic files. Get me the military.
The Ood’s eyes glow red.
OOD
The file is irrelevant, sir.
MR BARTLE
Oh, why’s that?
The Ood electrocutes him with his translator ball.
OOD
Have a nice day.
***
OPENING CREDITS
DAVID TENNANT
CATHERINE TATE
PLANET OF THE OOD
By Keith Temple
***
The TARDIS is rocking. Donna screams.
DOCTOR
Set the controls to random. Mystery tour. Outside that door could be any planet, anywhere, anywhen in the whole wide…. Are you all right?
DONNA
Terrified. I mean history’s one thing, but an alien planet!
DOCTOR
I could always take you home.
DONNA
Yeah, don’t laugh at me.
DOCTOR
I know what it’s like. Everything you’re feeling right now. The fear, the joy, the wonder, I get that!
DONNA
Seriously? After all this time?
DOCTOR
Yeah. Why do you think I keep going?
DONNA
Oh! All right then, you and me both! This is barmy! I was born in Chiswick. I've only ever done package holidays. And now I’m here. This is so… I mean it’s…. I don’t know, it’s all sort of, I don’t know what the word is!
She opens the Tardis door and steps out in to a snowy landscape.
DONNA
I’ve got the word. Freezing!
The Doctor comes out of the Tardis.
DOCTOR
Snow! Aw, real snow! Proper snow at last! That’s more like it, lovely. What do you think?
DONNA (shivering)
Bit cold.
DOCTOR
Look at that view!
DONNA
Yep. Beautiful, cold view.
DOCTOR
Millions of planets, millions of galaxies and we’re on this one. Molto bene! Belissimo! Says Donna. Born in Chiswick. All you’ve got is a life of work and sleep, and telly and rent and tax and takeaway dinners, all... birthdays and Christmases and two weeks holiday here, and then you end up here! Donna Noble. Citizen of the Earth, standing on a different planet. How ‘bout that Donna?
He looks back at Tardis. Donna’s not there.
DOCTOR
Donna?
She comes out in a big fluffy coat with a huge hood.
DONNA
Sorry, you were saying?
DOCTOR
Better?
DONNA
Lovely, thanks.
DOCTOR
Comfy?
DONNA
Yep.
DOCTOR
Can you hear anything inside that?
DONNA (smiling)
Pardon?
DOCTOR
All right, I was saying, citizen of the Earth…
They looks up to see a big rocket flying over them.
DONNA (in awe)
Rocket! Blimey, a real proper rocket. Now that’s what I call a spaceship. You’ve got a box; he’s got a Ferrari! Come on, lets go see where it’s going!
Doctor looks back at Tardis, his pride offended.
***
Outside a big factory building the people from the rocket are walking up to a group of people by a door.
DR RYDER
Mr Halpen, sir. Dr Ryder, new head of Ood Management.
MR HALPEN
How many dead? Come on, facts and figures. I haven’t flown all this way to discuss the weather, which by the way is freezing.
DR RYDER
Solana has the figures, sir.
SOLANA
Solana Mercurio, sir. Head of Marketing and Galactic Liaison.
MR HALPEN
That’s just what I need. A PR woman. I don’t want a word of this getting out, is that understood? Now get to the point. How many dead?
They walk into the building.
SOLANA
In the past financial quarter we’ve had three deaths in the complex. All attributed to heart attacks or industrial accidents, but now we’ve captured this on tape, the cause would seem the same.
The screen shows the Ood electrocuting Mr Bartle.
MR HALPEN
It’s using the translator ball as a weapon. How’s that work?
DR RYDER
Well, no idea. I’m checking the equipment. Nothing so far.
MR HALPEN
Can’t see its eyes from this angle.
DR RYDER
I think we have to assume…
MR HALPEN
Red-eye.
DR RYDER
I would think so sir.
MR HALPEN
That Ood. What happened to it?
DR RYDER
Oh, ran for the wild sir. Like a dog. One of the guards fired off a shot. It’ll be dead by now.
SOLANA
Can I ask? What's 'red-eye' sir?
DR RYDER
Well, it’s some sort of infection. The Ood’s eyes literally change color.
MR HALPEN
Drink!
DR RYDER
I can’t find a source. All the bacteria scans register negative.
His Ood hands Mr Halpen a glass.
SOLANA
Sorry, but according to your own rules sir, there’s no alcohol allowed on base.
MR HALPEN
It’s hair tonic if you must know. (he drinks it) Five years ago I had a full head of hair. Stress, that’s what this is. Stress.
***
The Doctor and Donna walk in a deserted winter wonderland, laughing. Suddenly he stops, hearing eerie music.
DOCTOR
Hold on, can you hear that? (louder) Donna, take your hood down!
DONNA
What?
DOCTOR
That noise is like a song.
He looks around to find the source.
DOCTOR
Over there!
He rushes to the body on the ground, followed by Donna.
DONNA
What is it?
DOCTOR
An Ood. He's called an Ood.
DONNA (disgusted)
But it's face...
DOCTOR
Donna, don't. Not now. It's a he, not an it. Give me a hand.
DONNA
Sorry!
She kneels beside the Ood too. The Doctor examines the Ood with a stethoscope.
DOCTOR
I don't know where the heart is. I don't know if he's got a heart. Talk to him, keep him going.
DONNA
It's all right, we've got you. Um, what's your name?
DELTA 50 (weakly)
Designated Ood Delta 50.
She picks up his translator ball, talking into it like into a microphone.
DONNA
My name's Donna.
DOCTOR
No, no, no, no. You don't need to...
DONNA
Sorry. (she tries to find out what to say) Oh, God! This is the Doctor! Just what you need, a doctor. Couldn't be better, hey?
DOCTOR
You've been shot.
DELTA 50
The circle...
DONNA
No, don't try to talk.
DELTA 50
The circle must be broken.
DOCTOR
Circle? What d'you mean? Delta 50, what circle? Delta 50? What circle?
Delta 50 suddenly sits up, roaring, eyes glowing red. The Doctor and Donna jump back. Then he collapses, dead.
DONNA
He's gone.
She goes back and kneels beside the body.
DOCTOR
Careful.
DONNA
There you are, sweetheart. (she strokes the Ood's head) We were too late. What do we do, do we bury him?
DOCTOR
The snow will take care of that.
DONNA
Who was he? What's an Ood?
DOCTOR
They're servants, of humans in the 42nd century. Mildly telepathic, that was the... song. It's his mind calling out.
DONNA
Couldn't hear anything. (she stands up) He sang as he was dying.
DOCTOR
His eyes turned red.
DONNA
What's that mean?
DOCTOR
Trouble. Come on. (they walk away) The Ood are harmless. They're completely benign. Except, the last time I met them, there was this force, like a... stronger mind, powerful enough to take them over.
DONNA
What sort of force?
DOCTOR
Yeah, long story.
DONNA
Long walk.
DOCTOR
It was the Devil.
DONNA
If you're gonna take the mickey, I'll just put my hood back up.
DOCTOR
Must be something different this time, though. Something closer to home.
They climb to a rock and behind, they see the Ood Operation buildings.
DOCTOR
A-ha! Civilisation!
***
A group of reps arrive to Ood Operations.
SOLANA
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Ood-Sphere. And isn't it bracing? Here are your information packs, with vouchers, 3D tickets and a map of the complex. My name's Solana, Head of Marketing. I'm sure we've all spoken on the vidfone. Now, if you'd like to follow me.
The Doctor and Donna arrive running.
DOCTOR
Sorry, sorry, sorry! Late. Don't mind us. Hello! The guards let us through.
SOLANA
And you would be?
The Doctor shows the psychic paper.
DOCTOR
The Doctor and Donna Noble.
DONNA
Representing the Noble Corporation PLC Limited, Intergalactic.
SOLANA
Must have fallen off my list, my apologies. Won't happen again. Now then, Dr Noble, Mrs Noble, if you'd like to come with me.
DOCTOR
Oh, no, no, no, no, we're not married!
DONNA
We're so not married.
DOCTOR
Never.
DONNA
Never ever!
SOLANA
Of course. And here are your information packs, vouchers inside. Now if you'd like to come with me, the Executive Suites are nice and warm.
An alarm wails.
DOCTOR
Oh, what's that? That sounds like an alarm.
In his office, Mr Halpen can hear it too.
MR HALPEN
For God's sake, we've got the buyers arriving, who sounded the alarm? Drink!
SOLANA (to the reps)
Oh, it's just a... siren, for the end of the work shift. Now then, this way, quick as you can!
MR HALPEN (on the intercom)
Mr Kess, what the hell's going on?
MR KESS
Ood on the loose, sir. Looks like we've got another one.
MR HALPEN
Red-eye?
MR KESS
As red as sin, sir. Don't worry, Mr Halpen, we're on it.
The Ood runs across the yard.
GUARD
Sir!
MR KESS
All right then, lads, go get him!
SOLANA (talking to the reps in the room with the huge screen)
As you can see, the Ood are happy to serve, and we keep them in facilities of the highest standard. Here at the Double O - that's Ood Operations - we like to think of the Ood as our trusted friends.
During her speech, outside the guards - carrying huge guns - are still chasing the loose Ood.
MR KESS
He's over there! You two follow me!
SOLANA
We keep the Ood healthy, safe, and educated.
MR KESS
Take him alive!
SOLANA
We don't just breed the Ood. We make them better. Because at heart, what is an Ood, but a reflection of us? If your Ood is happy, then you'll be happy, too.
The Ood turns to face the guards, not attacking, just growling, raging.
MR KESS
Mr Halpen, this is a bit more than red-eye, sir. This is something new. It's rabid, sir.
MR HALPEN
Take it to Dr Ryder. Just get it out of sight!
VOICE (over the intercom)
Sales figures needed by 19,00 sir.
MR HALPEN
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
He goes to the mirror, examining his head.
MR HALPEN (to his Ood)
What do you think? Growing back? Just a little bit? ...Like you'd know!
SOLANA
I'd now like to point out a new innovation from Ood Operations. We've introduced a variety package with the Ood translator ball. You can now have the Standard Setting. (talking to Ood#1) How are you today, Ood?
OOD #1 (normal voice)
I'm perfectly well, thank you.
SOLANA
Or perhaps, after a stressful day, a little something for the gentlemen. (to Ood #2) And how are you, Ood?
OOD #2 (sultry female voice)
All the better for seeing you.
SOLANA
And the comedy classic option. (to Ood #3) Ood, you dropped something.
OOD #3 (Homer Simpson voice)
Doh!
The reps laugh.
SOLANA
All that for only five additional credits. The details are in your brochures. Now, there's plenty more food and drink, so, don't hold back.
She leaves; the Doctor goes to the control board and brings the picture of the solar system to the big screen.
DOCTOR
Ah, got it! The Ood-Sphere, I've been to this solar system before, years ago, ages! Close to the planet Sense-Sphere. Let's widen out. (he does it) The year 4126. That is the Second Great and Bountiful Human Empire.
DONNA
4126. It's 4126. I'm in 4126.
DOCTOR
It's good, isn't it?
DONNA
What's the Earth like now?
DOCTOR
Bit full. But you see, the Empire stretches out across three galaxies.
DONNA
It's weird. I mean, it's brilliant, but... Back home, the papers and the telly, they keep saying we haven't got long to live. Global warming. Flooding. All the bees disappearing.
DOCTOR
Yeah, that thing about the bees is odd.
DONNA
But look at us! We're everywhere. Is that good or bad, though? I mean, are we like explorers? Or more like a virus?
DOCTOR
Sometimes I wonder.
DONNA (examining the picture on the screen)
What are the red dots?
DOCTOR
Ood distribution centres.
DONNA
Across three galaxies? Don't the Ood get a say in this?
She walks to the Ood standing nearest.
DONNA
Um, sorry, but...
He doesn't seem to notice her, so she touches his shoulder to get his attention.
DONNA
Hello. Tell me, are you all like this?
OOD #1
I do not understand, Miss.
DONNA
Why do you say "Miss", do I look single?
DOCTOR
Back to the point.
DONNA
Yeah. What I mean is, are there any free Ood? Are there Ood running wild somewhere? Like wood beast.
OOD #1
All Ood are born to serve. Otherwise, we would die.
DONNA
But you can't have started like that. Before the humans, what were you like?
The Ood seems confused.
OOD #1
The circle.
DOCTOR
What do you mean, what circle?
OOD #1 (struggling)
The circ... the circle... is...
SOLANA
Ladies and gentlemen! All Ood to hospitality stations, please.
DOCTOR
I've had enough of the schmoozing. Do you fancy going off the beaten track?
SOLANA (voice from the background)
Now, if I can introduce you...
DONNA (smiling)
Rough guide to the Ood-Sphere? Works for me!
DOCTOR
Isn't it?
***
Mr Halpen and Dr Ryder are in a dark chamber, the rabid Ood chained up, still raging non-stop, two armed man guarding him.
MR HALPEN
What the hell is wrong with it?
DR RYDER
It's obviously stage two of red-eye. Whatever that means.
MR HALPEN
Ood Sigma, have you seen this before?
SIGMA
Humanity defines us, sir. We look to you for answers.
MR HALPEN
Oh, fat lot of good, all of you. We're exporting hundreds of thousands of Ood to all the civilised planets. If they turn rabid, you know what it'll mean.
DR RYDER
There's only one thing I haven't checked, sir. Warehouse 15.
MR HALPEN
Why should that cause trouble? It's been two centuries now. No change, not ever. Drink!
DR RYDER
I know it's restricted access, but if I'm going to work on this, I should see it. Just in case.
MR HALPEN
Can't stand the place. (he gulps his drink) Still. Warehouse 15 then, come on.
DR RYDER
What about this one, sir?
MR HALDEN
Well, I'd suggest a post mortem. Which means it's got to be dead first.
As they leave, the guards start shooting.
***
The Doctor sonics a fence open.
LOUDSPEAKERS
Ood shift eight, now commencing. Repeat, Ood shift eight now commencing.
The Oods are marching through the yard in a fashion like soldiers or prisoners. One of them falls to his knees. Mr Kess rushes to him.
MR KESS
Get up! I said get up!
Mr Kess whips the Ood until he manages to get back to his feet.
DONNA
Servants? They're slaves.
MR KESS
Get up! March!
DOCTOR
Last time I met the Ood, I never thought. I never asked.
DONNA
That's not like you.
DOCTOR
I was busy. So busy I couldn't save them, I had to let the Ood die. I reckon I owe them one.
Mr Halpen, Dr Ryder, Sigma and two guards cross the now empty yard.
DONNA
That looks like the boss.
DOCTOR
Let's keep out of his way. Come on.
They leave.
***
DR RYDER
How long since you went inside?
MR HALPEN
Must be... ten years ago.
He types the code to open the door.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warehouse 15.
MR HALPEN
My father brought me here, when I was six years old.
COMPUTER VOICE
Security protocol initiated.
MR HALPEN
God, the stench of it.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warehouse 15. Door open.
They get inside and stop by the balustrade, looking at something below.
DR RYDER
Incredible.
MR HALPEN
Like I said. Nothing's changed.
DR RYDER
I've read the documents, but... it doesn't quite prepare you.
MR HALPEN
Is it just me, or does it feel as if it's looking at you?
DR RYDER
I think I understand the barrier mechanics well enough. I'll check the signal.
He goes to the controls.
MR HALPEN (to Sigma)
Suppose it's home sweet home to you. What d'you think?
SIGMA
I have no opinion, sir.
MR HALPEN
Well... say hello to Daddy.
DR RYDER
Nothing. The barrier's intact. No abnormal signal. Same as it's been for 200 years.
SOLANA (on the intercom)
Mr Halpen, the two people from the Noble Corporation failed to pass security checks. There's no such company, the Noble Corporation doesn't exist. And on top of that, they seem to have gone missing, sir, the Doctor and Miss Noble.
MR HALPEN
Just what I need. Start a search, no alarms, got that? Keep it quiet. (to Sigma) You see? Hair loss! Drink!
He takes the glass, then lifts it up, over the balustrade.
MR HALPEN
Tell you what, old friend. Have this one on me. Cheers!
He pours it to the thing below, evoking a loud rumble.
MR HALPEN
I think we're finished here.
He turns to leave, Dr Ryder follows, still unable to take his eyes off the thing. He bumps into Sigma.
DR RYDER
Sorry.
Sigma also takes one last look before following the humans.
***
The Doctor, concentrating on the map, goes past a door, but Donna stops him with a loud whistle.
DOCTOR
Where d'you learn to whistle?
DONNA
West Ham, every Saturday.
He uses the sonic to open the door. It leads to a huge hangar, filled with containers. They see a giant claw lifting and transporting the containers.
DOCTOR
Ood export. D'you see? Lifts up the containers, takes them to the rocket sheds, ready to be flown out, all over the three galaxies.
DONNA
What, you mean, these containers are full of...?
DOCTOR
What do you think?
He opens the door on one container. Inside, it's filled with Ood, just standing there, motionless.
DONNA (horrified)
Oh, it stinks! How many of them d'you think there are in each one?
DOCTOR
Hundred? More?
DONNA
A great big empire, built on slavery.
DOCTOR
It's not so different from your time.
DONNA
Oi! I haven't got slaves!
DOCTOR
Who d'you think made your clothes?
DONNA
Is that why you travel round with a human at your side? It's not so you can show them the wonders of the universe, it's so you can take cheap shots?
DOCTOR
Sorry.
DONNA
You don't. Spaceman. (to the Ood) I don't understand, the door is open, why don't you just run away?
OOD
For what reason?
DONNA
You could be free.
OOD
I do not understand the concept.
DONNA
What is it with that Persil ball? I mean, they're not born with it, are they? Why do they have to be all plugged in?
DOCTOR
Ood, tell me, does 'the circle' mean anything to you?
ALL OOD
# The circle must be broken.
DONNA
Woah, that is creepy!
DOCTOR
But what is it? What is the circle?
ALL OOD
# The circle must be broken.
DOCTOR
Why?
ALL OOD
# So that we can sing.
MR KESS
Mr Halpen? I'm in Ood Cargo, I've found your unwanted guests. (to the guards) Go!
He sounds an alarm.
DOCTOR
Oh, that's us! Come on!
MR HALPEN
Cut the alarms! I said, no alarms!
SOLANA (to the reps)
Nothing to worry about, ladies and gentlemen, it's just a fire drill. We test the system at this time every day. If you'll excuse me.
The Doctor and Donna run between the containers. She stops.
DONNA
Doctor, there's a door!
But the guards are coming in right through that door.
GUARD
Don't move...
DOCTOR (noticing he's alone)
Where've you gone?
But he has no time to wonder as guards are at his heels.
GUARD
...stay where you are.
They catch Donna and push her into a container.
DONNA
Get off me! Get off me!
DOCTOR
Donna! Where are you?
MR KESS
All guards withdraw.
GUARD
Sir?
MR KESS
I said withdraw. Keep to the perimeter. I've got this one. (he's at the controls of the huge claw) I've always wanted to do this.
The Doctor is running from the claw. He tries to get in a container but no luck.
MR KESS
Container locked.
DONNA (to the Ood)
Can you help me? (she notices that their eyes are glowing red) Oh, no, you don't! What have I done? I'm not one of that lot. I'm on your side! Stay where you are. That's an order! I said, stay! Doctor! DOCTOR!
The Doctor is now losing against the claw. He finally falls to the ground, panting. But it stops just before crushing him.
SOLANA (to Mr Kess)
You heard the instructions. Mr Halpen wants them alive.
Two guards grab the Doctor and lead him toward the exit.
DONNA (voice from the container)
Doctor, get me out! Doctor, get me out of here!
DOCTOR
If you don't do what she says then you're really in trouble. Not from me, from her.
MR KESS
Unlock the container!
They open the door, Donna runs to hug the Doctor.
DONNA
Doctor!
DOCTOR
There we go, safe and sound.
DONNA
Never mind about me, what about them?!
The Ood are marching out of the container. They electrocute the guard who stands by the door.
MR KESS
Red alert! Fire!
More containers open with even more red-eyed Ood attacking.
MR KESS
Shoot to kill!
The guards start to fire. The Doctor and Donna run off the building, followed by Solana. They stop a bit further.
DONNA
If people back on Earth... knew what was going on here...
SOLANA
Oh, don't be so stupid. Of course they know.
DONNA
They know how you treat the Ood?
SOLANA
They don't ask. Same thing.
DOCTOR
Solana, the Ood aren't born like this, they can't be. A species born to serve could never evolve in the first place. What does the company do to make them obey?
SOLANA
That's nothing to do with me!
DOCTOR
Oh what, cos you don't ask?
SOLANA
That's Dr Ryder's territory.
DOCTOR
Where is he? What part of the complex? I could help, with the red-eye, now show me!
SOLANA (pointing on the map)
There. Beyond the red section.
DOCTOR
Come with me. You've seen the warehouse, you can't agree with all this. You know this place better than me, you could help.
Solana thinks about it for a few seconds, but finally decides to stay loyal to the company.
SOLANA
They're over here! Guards! They're over here!
GUARD
Male and female suspects escaped. Westridge corridor.
SOLANA (on the intercom)
Mr Halpen, I found the Doctor. He's heading for Ood Conversion.
MR HALPEN
On my way. (talking to Mr Kess on the com) Mr Kess, what's the situation?
MR KESS
We've contained it, sir, fenced them in. But the red-eye seems to be permanent this time, it's not fading. Worse than that, sir... there's more of them going rabid. My opinion, sir, I think we've lost them. The entire batch contaminated.
MR HALPEN
What's causing it? Why now? What's changed?
Absent-minded, he strokes his own head - and looks horrified at the bunch of hair that's stayed in his hand.
MR HALPEN (on the intercom)
How many Ood, in total?
MR KESS
I'd say about 2,000, sir.
MR HALPEN
We can write them off, that's what insurance is for. Drink! We've plenty more on the breeding farms, let's start again. (he gulps his drink) Fetch the canisters. No survivors.
MR KESS
My pleasure, sir. You lot - canisters!
***
The Doctor and Donna are running from two guards.
DOCTOR
This way!
They arrive to another door.
DOCTOR
Oh, can you hear it? I didn't need the map, I should've listened.
They get inside, then he uses the sonic to lock the door.
DONNA
Hold on. Does that mean we're locked in?
DOCTOR
Listen. Listen, listen, listen, listen...
Eerie music sounds.
DOCTOR
Oh, my head!
DONNA
What is it?
DOCTOR
Can't you hear it? The singing?
They see a cage with several Ood inside. These ones seem shy, trying to hide from them.
DONNA
They look different to the others.
DOCTOR
That's because they're natural-born Ood, unprocessed, before they're adapted to slavery. Unspoilt.
They go to the cage.
DOCTOR
That's their song.
DONNA
I can't hear it.
DOCTOR
D'you want to?
DONNA
Yeah.
DOCTOR (warning)
It's the song of captivity.
DONNA
Let me hear it.
DOCTOR
Face me. (he puts his hands to her head, like when he is mind reading) Open your mind, that's it. Hear it, Donna. Hear the music.
She hears a beautiful song of lament which makes her cry.
DONNA (choking)
Take it away!
DOCTOR
Sure?
DONNA
I can't bear it.
He puts his hands on her head again, stopping her from hearing the telepathic singing.
DONNA
I'm sorry.
DOCTOR
It's OK.
DONNA
But you can still hear it?
DOCTOR
All the time.
***
MR HALPEN
Come on, what's the hold-up?
DR RYDER
It's the experimentation lab, maximum security, he's fused the system.
MR HALPEN
Don't just stand there, get the bolt-cutters, rip that door off! Solana, go back to the reps, I don't want any of them wandering off and seeing this. And get them away from the Ood, just in case. Hurry up!
SOLANA
Yes, sir.
The Doctor uses the sonic to open the cage of the Ood. Loud thuds come from the door.
DONNA
They're breaking in.
THE DOCTOR
Ah, let them.
He goes into the cage. The Ood are trying to get as far from him as possible.
DOCTOR
What are you holding? Show me. Friend. Doctor Donna. Friend. Let me see... Look at me... Let me see. (one of them creeps closer) That's it. That's it, go on. Go on...
The Ood opens his palms, showing the small brain he was hiding.
DONNA
Is that...?
DOCTOR
It's a brain. A hind brain. The Ood are born with a secondary brain. Like the amygdala in humans, it processes memory and emotions. You get rid of that, you wouldn't be Donna any more. You'd be like an Ood, a processed Ood.
DONNA (shocked)
So the company... cuts off their brains?
DOCTOR (angry)
And they stitch on the translator!
DONNA
Like a lobotomy. (she is terribly shaken) I spent all that time looking for you, Doctor, because I thought it would be so wonderful out here... I want to go home.
With a final loud thud, the door is opened.
GUARD
They're with the Ood, sir.
The Doctor closes the door of the cage, locking himself and Donna inside with the Ood.
DOCTOR
What you gonna do, then? Arrest me? Lock me up? Throw me in a cage? Well, you're too late! Hah!
***
The Doctor and Donna are taken back to the main building. They are handcuffed to some pipes.
MR HALPEN
Why don't you just come out and say it? FOTO activists!
DOCTOR
If that's what Friends Of The Ood are trying to prove, yes!
MR HALPEN
The Ood were nothing without us, just animals roaming around on the ice.
DOCTOR
That's because you can't hear them.
MR HALPEN
They welcomed it! It's not as if they put up a fight.
DONNA
You idiot! They're born with their brains in their hands. Don't you see, that makes them peaceful! They've got to be, cos a creature like that would have to trust anyone it meets.
DOCTOR
Oh, nice one.
DONNA
Thank you!
MR HALPEN
The system's worked for 200 years. All we've got is a rogue batch. But the infection is about to be sterilised. (on the intercom) Mr Kess? How do we stand?
MR KESS
Canisters primed, sir. As soon as the core heats up, the gas is released. Give it 200 marks (he starts the countdown) and counting.
DOCTOR
You're gonna gas them?!
MR HALPEN
Kill the livestock. The classic foot-and-mouth solution from the olden days. Still works.
The natural Ood in the cage lift their palms up, staring to sing. So do the red-eyed ones.
SOLANA (talking to the reps)
I'm sorry, if I could ask you one more time, could all the reps please come through to the Education Suites.
REP #1 (obviously drunk)
Why move now? It's a free bar!
SOLANA
Could I ask all the Ood to withdraw, it's feeding time.
The Oods in there can also hear the singing. They bow their heads like they are in pain.
REP #1
Aw! You've upset them. Leave them alone!
SOLANA
I have to insist. If all the Ood could please leave...
The Ood look up - they eyes have turned red.
SOLANA (scared)
Ladies and gentlemen, change of plan. If you could leave by the fire exits...
REP #1
I could sell this! You could offer different colours.
An Ood elecrocutes him with the translator ball. They start to kill off the other reps. Solana runs out to the yard, only to find more red-eyed Ood and the guards trying to fight them.
GUARD
They've gone insane, Miss, they've gone mad, all of them!
SOLANA
Just shoot them! Shoot to kill!
She tries to escape but gets killed by an Ood coming from a different direction.
***
An alarm wails.
MR HALPEN
What the hell?
He leaves with Dr Ryder to see what's happening outside.
***
Mr Kess is still in the cargo hall, chacking the devide that should gas the Ood.
MR KESS
What's going on out there?
The door opens and red-eyed Ood enter the hangar.
***
COMPUTER VOICE (from loudspeakers)
Emergency status. Emergency status. All exits sealed.
MR RYDER
It's a revolution.
The yard is filled with guards and Ood fighting. Mr Halpen and Dr Ryder watch it, shocked, then head back inside. Sigma looks at his people, but then turns back to follow his master.
***
MR KESS
Come back! Let me out of here!
The Ood have locked him in without gas mask, he chokes to death when the gas cannon goes off.
***
Mr Halpen and Dr Ryder return to the room where the Doctor and Donna are chained.
MR HALPEN
Change of plan.
DR RYDER
There are no reports of trouble off-world, sir, it's still contained to the Ood-Sphere.
MR HALPEN
Then we've got a public duty to stop it before it spreads.
DOCTOR
What's happening?
MR HALPEN
Everything you wanted, Doctor. No doubt there'll be a full police investigation once this place has been sterilised, so I can't risk a bullet to the head. I'll leave you to the mercies of the Ood.
DOCTOR
But Mr Halpen, there's something else, isn't there? Something we haven't seen!
DONNA
What d'you mean?
DOCTOR
A creature couldn't survive with a separate forebrain and hind brain, they'd be at war with themselves. There's got to be something else, a third element, am I right?
MR HALPEN
And again, so clever!
THE DOCTOR
But it's got to be connected to the red-eye, what is it?
MR HALPEN
'It' won't exist for very much longer. Enjoy your Ood.
He leaves followed by Dr Ryder, Sigma and the two guards. The Doctor and Donna try to get their hands free.
DOCTOR
Come on!
***
MR HALPEN
Dr Ryder. Warehouse 15.
DR RYDER (about Sigma)
Well, what about this one?
MR HALPEN
No. You've not turned. Faithful to the last. Go, join your people, while you still can.
They bow their heads and then Sigma leaves.
MR HALPEN (to Dr Ryder)
Come on!
***
DONNA
Well, do something! You're the one with all the tricks! You must've met Houdini!
DOCTOR
These are really good handcuffs!
DONNA
Oh, well I'm glad of that. I mean, at least we've got quality!
The door opens and three red-eyed Ood come in. The Doctor and Donna try to say something that would connect to them.
DOCTOR
Doctor, Donna, friends.
DONNA
The circle must be broken.
DOCTOR
Doctor, Donna, friends!
DONNA
The circle must be broken!
DOCTOR
Doctor, Donna, friends!
DONNA
The circle must be broken!
DOCTOR
Friends, friends, friends!
The red-eyed Oods are still advancing. But through the telepatic link, what they hear echoes to the natural Ood in the cage. They stand up and lift their palms - they seem to send a message to the three menacing the Doctor and Donna - those three bow their heads, and when they look up the red-eye is gone.
OOD
Doctor. Donna. Friends.
DOCTOR & DONNA
Yes! That's us! Friends! Oh, yes!
***
A rabid Ood jumps on one of the guards. Dr Ryder wants to help but Mr Halpen pulls him back.
MR HALPEN
No! Leave him.
The Doctor and Donna look around on the yard that is now a real battlefield - guns rattle, people shout, fires everywhere.
DOCTOR
I don't know where it is! I don't know where they've gone!
DONNA
What are we looking for?
DOCTOR
Might be underground, like some sort of cave, or a cavern, or...
Dr Ryder and Mr Halpen reach the door of Warehouse 15 and go inside.
COMPUTER VOICE
Warehouse 15. Door open.
The Doctor and Donna are thrown to the ground by an explosion.
DOCTOR (to Donna)
All right?
She nods. As they look up, they see Sigma watching them.
MR HALPEN
It's always been an option, my grandfather drew up this plan. That's the advantage of a family-run business, Dr Ryder. The personal touch.
DR RYDER
But we should evacuate. If we can get to the rocket sheds...
MR HALPEN
No need! We've got this. (he opens a huge safe) Detonation packs.
He gives some of them to Dr Ryder.
MR HALPEN
Place them around the circumference. We're gonna blow it up. This thing dies, so do the Ood.
They attach the detonators to the balustrade.
Sigma leads the Doctor and Donna to Warehouse 15. The Doctor opens the door with the sonic. They get inside and stop by the balustrade, watching the thing below: a giant brain.
DOCTOR
The Ood Brain. Now it all makes sense, that's the missing link, the third element, binding them together. Forebrain, hind brain, and this - the telepathic centre. It's a shared mind, connecting all the Ood in song.
Mr Halpen appears, pointing a gun at them.
MR HALPEN
Cargo. I can always go into cargo. I've got the rockets, I've got the sheds. Smaller business, much more manageable, without livestock.
DR RYDER
He's mined the area.
DONNA
They're gonna kill it?
MR HALPEN
They found that...thing centuries ago beneath the Northern Glacier.
DOCTOR
Those pylons.
DONNA
In a circle. 'The circle must be broken.'
DOCTOR
Damping the telepathic field. Stopping the Ood from connecting for 200 years.
MR HALPEN
And you, Ood Sigma, you brought them here. I expected better.
SIGMA
My place is at your side, sir.
MR HALPEN
Ha-ha! Still subservient. Good Ood.
DONNA
If that barrier thing's in place, how come the Ood started breaking out?
DOCTOR
Maybe it's taken centuries to adapt. The subconscious reaching out.
DR RYDER
But the process was too slow. Had to be accelerated. You should never give me access to those controls, Mr Halpen. I lowered the barrier to its minimum. Friends Of The Ood, sir. It's taken me ten years to infiltrate the company. And I succeeded.
MR HALPEN
Yes. Yes, you did.
He smiles and pushes Dr Ryder over the balustrade.
DONNA
You... murdered him!
MR HALPEN
Very observant, Ginger. Now, then... can't say I've ever shot anyone before. Can't say I'm gonna like it. But it's not exactly a normal day, is it? Still...
SIGMA
Would you like a drink, sir?
MR HALPEN
I think hair loss is the least of my problems right now, thanks.
Sigma steps between the Doctor and Mr Halpen.
SIGMA
Please have a drink, sir.
MR HALPEN
If... If you're going to stand in their way, I'll shoot you too.
SIGMA
Please have a drink, sir.
MR HALPEN
Have... Have you... poisoned me?
SIGMA
Natural Ood must never kill, sir.
DOCTOR
What is that stuff?
SIGMA
Ood-graft suspended in a biological compound, sir.
MR HALPEN (scared)
What the hell does that mean?!
DOCTOR
Oh, dear...
MR HALPEN
Tell me!
DOCTOR
Funny thing, the subconscious. Takes all sorts of shapes. Came out in the red-eye as revenge. Came out in the rabid Ood as anger. And then, there was patience. All that intelligence and mercy, focused on Ood Sigma. How's the hair loss, Mr Halpen?
As he touches his head, another bunch of hair stays in his hand.
MR HALPEN (staring to shake)
What have you done?
DOCTOR
Oh, they've been preparing you for a very long time. And now you're standing next to the Ood Brain. Mr Halpen, can you hear it? Listen...
MR HALPEN (choking)
What have you...? I'm...not...!
He drops the gun and bows forward, then grabs the skin on his head. He peels it off, revealing an Ood scull below. Tenticles come out of his mouth and he is turned completely into and Ood.
DONNA (horrified)
They... They turned him into an Ood?!
DOCTOR
Yep.
DONNA
He's an Ood.
DOCTOR
I noticed.
Halpen/Ood seems to sneeze, and a small hind brain falls into his hands.
SIGMA
He has become Oodkind. And we will take care of him.
DONNA (shocked)
It's weird, being with you, I can't tell what's right and what's wrong any more.
DOCTOR
It's better that way. People who know for certain tend to be like Mr Halpen.
The detonators start beeping.
DOCTOR
Ooh! (he twists something to switch them off) That's better. And now... Sigma, would you allow me the honour?
SIGMA
It is yours, Doctor.
He goes to the controls to turn off the electric field around the brain.
DOCTOR
Oh, yes! Stifled for 200 years, but not any more. The circle is broken. The Ood can sing!
A beautiful, joyous song begins. The Doctor laughs, Donna looks delighted.
DONNA
I can hear it!
The Oods everywhere stop fighting, they stand in circles, lift their palms and join to the song.
***
The Doctor and Donna are standing near the TARDIS, accompanied by several Oods including Sigma.
DOCTOR
The message has gone out. That song resonated across the galaxies, everyone heard it. Everyone knows. The rockets are bringing them back. The Ood are coming home.
SIGMA
We thank you, Doctor Donna. Friends of Oodkind. And what of you now, will you stay? There is room in the song for you.
DOCTOR
Oh, I've... I've sort of got a song of my own, thanks.
SIGMA
I think your song must end soon.
DOCTOR
Meaning?
SIGMA
Every song must end.
DOCTOR
Yeah. (to Donna) Erm, what about you? You still want to go home?
DONNA
No. Definitely not.
DOCTOR
Then, we'll be off.
SIGMA
Take this song with you.
The Ood lift their palms and start singing.
DONNA
We will.
DOCTOR
Always.
SIGMA
And know this, Doctor Donna. You will never be forgotten. Our children will sing of the Doctor Donna, and our children's children. And the wind and the ice and the snow will carry your names forever.
The Oods stand there, singing, as they watch the TARDIS dematerialising.
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