4 January 1997 Doctor Who - Night of the Living Dead Companions starring the eighth Doctor, Grace Holloway, Katarina, Sara Kingdom, Adric, and Roslyn Forrester BenJ (chrisben@icok.net) - SaraKingdom DrGrace (judiang@idt.net) - Grace_ ElsaF (elsaf@pipeline.com) - Doctor-8 Fenric1 (amccaf1@umbc.edu) - The_Gods_of_Ragnarok, Hordes_of_CatTribbles, A_Cat-Tribble, A_Swarm_Of_Cat-Tribbles IsraelBeta (israel@bridge.net) - The_Celestial_Toymaker Haem (haem@lys.vnet.net) - Hungry_Tribble, Rocks, Katarina Spigi (spigi@sco.com) - Felicitytribble, MobofCatTribbles, smallermobofcattribbles, somecattribbles, Adric, Roz, herself ------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Grace_ looks around impatiently Doctor...where are we going? * Doctor-8 sets the coordinates on the TARDIS Not sure, Grace. Something seems to be overriding any coordinates I put in. * Grace_ looks concerned Wait, what's this? * Doctor-8 looks at the scanner screen * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok appear on the scanner screen No! Release my TARDIS! I will not entertain you! What? Who are you talking to? DOCTOR! We seek amusement. We have chosen you. * Grace_ gapes * Doctor-8 frowns We are not your playthings! You have no choice. * Grace_ whispers to the Doctor: Friends of yours? * Doctor-8 whispers to Grace: Not exactly friends, but certainly old acquaintances. * Grace_ frowns at the forms on the screen We will simply refuse to do your bidding. The situation will unfold as we wish it. * Doctor-8 notices that the TARDIS is making materialization sounds Your time/space craft will land at our appointed destination. oh oh... It will then be taken from you. No! * Grace_ looks at the Doctor You must face our challenge before it will be given back to you. * Doctor-8 frantically tries to override the controls * Doctor-8 is unsuccessful You are wasting your time. What challenge? The challenge will become apparent later. Well, that is really clear... * Doctor-8 turns away from the monitor * Doctor-8 whispers to Grace: We may have little choice but to go along with them. They are very powerful. * Grace_ sighs Now, leave your craft or we will be forced to make you leave it. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok cause the TARDIS doors to open * Grace_ sets her jaw * Doctor-8 reluctantly goes to the doors * Grace_ follows Well, Grace, I suppose there's not harm in seeing where we are. * Doctor-8 whispers to Grace: I'm afraid that if we don't go out, they will harm the TARDIS. All right, all right...I'm coming. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok have sent them to a rocky, mountainous planet Oh, wonderful. Another quarry. Wonderful place. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok, true to their word, cause the TARDIS to disappear HEY! Doctor, our TARDIS! * Doctor-8 turns back and sees the TARDIS dematerialize * Doctor-8 sighs Well, I suppose we should have a look around. * Doctor-8 starts off walking * Grace_ looks around * Grace_ mutters under her breath I should have stayed home... * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok send the first of the challenges in the form of "FelicityTribble" * Felicitytribble sees these weird creatures * Felicitytribble thinks they probably want to pet her! mrow! * Felicitytribble sort of rolls over to the forms mrow * Doctor-8 slows down to allow Grace to catch up * Grace_ sees the creature mrow mrow Doctor, look! mrow! mrow? mrow Oh, look...its so cuuute. * Felicitytribble motions for her brethren to follow her mrow! * Felicitytribble wants to be picked up * Grace_ bends down to pet the tribble Stay back! That's a cat tribble! * Felicitytribble whimpers Wha---? * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok watch, amused * Felicitytribble thinks 'just a little closer' Once it attaches itself to you emotionally, you'll never be able to get rid of it! * Grace_ touches the tribble * Felicitytribble sighs * Felicitytribble is happy Oh Doctor...it's so cute... * Grace_ scoops it up Look at it... And they multiply like cockroaches! * Felicitytribble hisses at Doctor-8 * Grace_ feels compelled to continue petting it * Grace_ grins over at the Doctor Oh, you are just exaggerating. * Felicitytribble purrs contentedly * Doctor-8 shies away from the horrifying creature Grace is petting * Felicitytribble signals her brethren to come and attack * Felicitytribble thinks FOOD! * Hungry_Tribble rolls out from behind a rock outcropping mrrrrrrrrrrrrow... * Felicitytribble mrows at hungry_tribble * Felicitytribble mrows "come on over!" * Doctor-8 tries to snatch the tribble out of Grace's arms * Felicitytribble starts nibbling on Grace Hmmm...it seems to be hungry...ow! * Hungry_Tribble bounce-rolls toward the Doctor and Grace * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok sit forward and watch with great interest Drop the cat tribble, Grace, and RUN! * Felicitytribble continues to nibble * Felicitytribble continues to look adorable while doing this Hey, no bite! mrow? * Grace_ tries to shake it loose mrow! * Felicitytribble is attached quite securely * Felicitytribble thinks though that Grace could break her adorable little neck * Hungry_Tribble heads for the Doctor's shoe, which has a nice smell to it * Hungry_Tribble is temptingly darling * Doctor-8 grabs the tribble and pulls, trying to detach it from Grace * Felicitytribble thinks that she is too adorable and is safe * Hungry_Tribble lands on the Doctor's leather shoe * Grace_ shakes her hand harder Let me go... * Felicitytribble is unattached, taking with her Grace's thumb * Felicitytribble scurries away * Grace_ screams * Doctor-8 kicks Hungry_Tribble away * Hungry_Tribble flies off through the air * Doctor-8 grabs Grace's hand and pulls her along My...my thumb! We've got to get away from here! Cat tribbles travel in herds! * Grace_ looks at her bleeding hand ::sounds of raging hungry cat tribbles are heard:: * Grace_ tries to wrap her hand with her jacket * Doctor-8 takes out a handkerchief and offers it to Grace to bind her wound * Grace_ forms a tourniquet Okay, that should do for now. But hurry, we've got to get away from here! Doctor...what are these...THINGS? * Grace_ hurries along A terribly evil species, Grace. They disguise themselves with cuteness, but in truth, they are carnivores! * Grace_ looks at her hand No kidding. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok discuss with themselves. "They are defeated already? The human has been infected?" "Do not underestimate the entertainment value of the Doctor." * MobofCatTribbles is coming after them * MobofCatTribbles is making a large squirmy kind of purring sound * Grace_ grabs the Doctor's sleeve * Doctor-8 cites other cute carnivores The tiger in "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger"... Say, they aren't poisonous, are they? * MobofCatTribbles is a gigantic huge throbbingly hungry adorable mass of FUR! * MobofCatTribbles is after their food of the evening (otherwise known as Doctor-8 and Grace) * Doctor-8 pulls Grace along as they run * Grace_ runs, very worried indeed We've got to find someplace to hide! * Grace_ looks around the quarry * Doctor-8 spies a cave opening in the rock face * MobofCatTribbles runs after them If we climb up there, we may be able to get away from them. Cat tribbles are afraid of heights. * Grace_ runs towards the cave * MobofCatTribbles watches though as some of the young cat tribbles get bored and go off to do other things * Doctor-8 starts climbing up the rock face * Grace_ tries to climb, favoring her injured hand * smallermobofcattribbles continues to go after the figures as well * Doctor-8 helps Grace up, since she is climbing one-handed * smallermobofcattribbles gets smaller and smaller * Grace_ looks over her shoulder at the pursuing furballs * Rocks clatter away under Grace's feet * Doctor-8 reaches the cave opening and reaches down to help pull Grace up * Grace_ scrambles up * somecattribbles go off after a mutated donkey in the distance instead * Doctor-8 catches his breath That was too close. Yes...are you sure they can't get up here? Well, you noticed that they don't have hands, didn't you? Hard to do rock climbing without hands. * Grace_ pants and cradles her hand * Doctor-8 looks at Grace's injured hand Well, if we can get the TARDIS back, I can regenerate your thumb using the tissue reconstitution circuit. * Grace_ stares at the Doc for a sec in a creepy manner Yes...right... * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok manipulate time and space and matter and cause the long-dead companion Katarina to appear unnoticed in the back of the cave * Katarina puts a hand to her head * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok appear Feel the tears of the dead, Doctor! * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok fade away again * Katarina looks around her and squints her eyes against the glare coming from the cave opening But...this is not the Place of Perfection. It cannot be. Well, let's see what's in this cave. * Katarina looks at the two silhouettes in the cave, frightened * Doctor-8 spies a figure back in the cave What? There's someone else here. * Katarina tries to flatten herself against the cave wall I didn't hear anything... * Grace_ glances idly around the cave * Doctor-8 proceeds back into the cave * Katarina feels around for anything she can use as a weapon, and seizes upon a large rock * Katarina has trouble lifting it though * Doctor-8 sees a woman flattening herself against the cave wall. She looks vaguely familiar Who are you? The guardian of the Underworld? Wait! Katarina! How can you be here? You know my name. You must be the guardian of the Underworld. * Grace_ hears the extra voice and rushes over * Katarina drops the rock and falls to her knees Who are you? * Katarina mumbles against the ground I am Katarina, handmaiden to the prophetess Cassandra. Katarina? One of my old companions, Grace. You have friends in strange places, Doctor. Katarina, don't you recognize me? Oh, of course you don't. I've regenerated several times since you knew me. I'm the Doctor. * Katarina looks up * Doctor-8 goes over and puts a hand on Katarina's shoulder It's all right. The Doctor? But you look different. * Katarina stands up timidly * Katarina is completely confused But how can you be here? You d... * Doctor-8 stops himself * Grace_ looks sharply at the Doctor * Grace_ suspects what the Doctor was about to say If you are the Doctor, then tell me. Is this the Place of Perfection? And where is your temple? This is some cruel trick of the Gods of Ragnarok. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok appear above Katarina, visible only to the Doctor. This is no trick. Explain to the girl. No, this is definitely not the Place of Perfection! * Doctor-8 looks up at the Gods * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok fade away again Then where am I? * Katarina looks at the Doctor's priestess, wondering if she will explain anything Who...me? No, I'm not a priestess. This is Grace, Katarina. She's a friend of mine. Just as you were. * Katarina sits down, dejected I am not in the Place of Perfection and this is not the Underworld. Have I not died? * Grace_ approaches the frightened girl * Grace_ takes a seat next to Katarina Do you remember dying, Katarina? * Katarina looks up again I remember a simple magic spell called an airlock. You were there, Doctor, and Steven, and a madman. Then...nothing. I expected to find myself in the Place of Perfection, but I am here. * Katarina looks at Grace beseechingly * Grace_ places a comforting hand on Katarina's arm Hmmm...it looks like the Gods of Ragnarok have taken you from your proper place in time. The Gods have taken me? They do not wish me to be in the Place of Perfection? * Grace_ looks up at the Doctor Not the Gods you know. What other gods are there? The Gods of Ragnarok. Evil beings who exist only to amuse themselves at the expense of other sentient beings. The Gods cannot be evil! * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok grow bored with angst quickly and cause post-life Adric to appear a short distance away, being menaced by hordes of cat tribbles Roar! Oh no! * Doctor-8 looks up * Adric does not like this situation, not a bit No! Not Adric! * Grace_ looks over * Grace_ jumps up...the tribbles! * _Katarina_ gets up too Adric? Is he one of these Gods? You don't understand, Katarina. No, Doctor, I fear that I do not. * Adric flings a calculator at a cat-tribble Adric, run. The creatures are after you! * Adric looks up at the voice in the distance * Doctor-8 thinks this has all the makings of a real bitch of a day * Adric runs over to where he heard a voice Somebody help me please! * Hordes_of_CatTribbles follow Adric Get away from me! * Hordes_of_CatTribbles don't get away from Adric We want your body, Adric! We must have your body! * Adric is starting to fall in love with the tribbles as a whole blistering mass * Grace_ runs over and kicks the tribbles away Ouch! * Adric wants the tribbles to love him and make him pay for his naughtiness Love hurts. Hurt me! * Grace_ kicks frantically You've got my thumb! Run! Adric, you have to get away from the tribbles. They are hungry. * Hordes_of_CatTribbles have growling stomachs * Katarina looks at the cat tribbles in amazement What manner of creatures are these? You don't want to know, Katarina. * Doctor-8 leads Katarina and Grace toward the mouth of the cave We'll have to go higher on the rock face! Doctor, can you not perform some magic and drive them away? * Hordes_of_CatTribbles jump towards Adric * Adric loves them all They're just so cute! Come on, Adric. There's no time for playing with furries right now. * Hordes_of_CatTribbles purr adoringly * Adric is under their spell * Adric knows they want to adore him * Grace_ groans and cradles her hand * Doctor-8 ventures back into the cave and grabs Adric What are you doing?! * Hordes_of_CatTribbles roll over to Adric Who are you, anyway?! Come on! Seeing you die once was enough! * Doctor-8 drags Adric away D'oh! Dinner go away! What do you mean seeing me die? What are you talking about? * Adric says this all in a very whiny way I'm the Doctor. Yes, and I'm Romana the third! Do you remember anything about a space freighter and Cybermen, Adric? A space freighter? Cybermen? * Adric looks at the Doctor * Adric thinks the Doctor's too cute to be who he says he is There's no time for this now. Just come with me! * Adric comes with him Only if you give me some explanations! Mmmmmmmmmmm. That taller human with the long hair will do nicely, too. * Hordes_of_CatTribbles jump towards the mouth of the cave ROAR! * Grace_ rears back...oh no! * Katarina's sandals are not equipped for rock-climbing * Katarina ties them to her belt * Doctor-8 leads his group out of the cave and starts climbing higher to escape the cat tribbles * Grace_ struggles up with one hand * Katarina finds the climbing rough, but persists Where are you going? Away from the tribbles, Adric. I don't fancy being eaten today. But they were so...nice. * Hordes_of_CatTribbles try to chase after their departing dinner * Hordes_of_CatTribbles fall down, unable to chase their quarry Adric, you're not any brighter than when you were alive! What do you mean? Who are you anyway? * Adric's memory isn't working very well * Grace_ glances back at Adric Adric...please come along. * Adric comes along * Katarina finally reaches a plateau and gets her breath back * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok place Sara Kingdom in the bottom of a deep pit * SaraKingdom wakes up in a strange place * SaraKingdom starts to panic but quickly composes herself * SaraKingdom realizes that she might be able to climb out of the pit * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok appear in the Doctor's mind Doctor! Yes? * Doctor-8 sounds impatient Try to find the one who is trapped! Her time runs low! * SaraKingdom hears the sounds of people above * Adric has been blathering on about nothing for the past 5 minutes * Doctor-8 looks around How about a clue? A clue would deprive us of a certain amount of enjoyment. We wish to see you do all the work ourselves. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok look briefly at Adric Nice pants, sonny. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok fade away * Adric says "oh, thanks" before wondering who the hell was he talking to Doctor, are you talking to the Gods? * Katarina looks at the Doctor with awe Yes. They say we must find the one who is trapped. Trapped? The one who is what? * SaraKingdom shouts HEY! I heard a noise. * Doctor-8 hears and follows the sound You up there! * Doctor-8 looks down into a pit he hadn't noticed being there before Sara! Sara Kingdom, is that you? * Doctor-8 is noticing a pattern in the people who are showing up GET ME OUT OF HERE! WHOEVER YOU ARE! It's me, Sara. The Doctor! * Doctor-8 looks around for something to use to help Sara The Doctor? You sound a little hoarse. * Doctor-8 strips off his coat and dangles it down into the pit for Sara to grab onto * SaraKingdom grabs it * Doctor-8 pulls Sara up There. You're free. Hmm, thanks. * Katarina smiles at the newcomer * Doctor-8 takes his coat back and puts it on, noticing that one arm is now slightly longer than the other And I should have realized you'd be behind all this. * SaraKingdom checks her gun I'm not behind it. I'm as much caught up in this as you are. * Adric complains that he's cold * SaraKingdom surveys the Trojan girl, the woman and the boy in the pyjamas These are other friends of mine, who traveled with me as you did, Sara. * Doctor-8 makes the introductions Hmmm, you don't say? And you look...different, Doctor? Much younger. Yes, he does. And, I must say, a lot better. I've regenerated several times since you last saw me. But I assure you that I am still the Doctor. Regenerated? Is this one of your powers? Yes, when I'm injured, ill or simply worn out, I regenerate into a new body. But the mind is the same. Neat trick. Trouble is...I DON'T BELIEVE A WORD OF IT! * Adric notices that nobody is psying attention to him * Adric wanders off * Katarina sees Adric leaving and follows him Adric! Don't wander off. I'm not wandering off, I'm just... * A_Cat-Tribble sneaks up behind Adric and bites him on the bum ooof! * Adric makes a high pitched squealing noise * Katarina swipes at the tribble * A_Cat-Tribble runs off to tell the other cat tribbles about Adric's bum What was that?! One of those creatures! I do not think we should leave the Doctor. Come, let us go back. * Katarina takes Adric by the arm and tries to lead him back I don't want to go back! * Katarina lets go * Adric shoves her off * Adric runs off All right. * Katarina frowns sadly, and returns by herself Just who are you really? * Doctor-8 sighs It doesn't matter. What matters is how the lot of you came to be here. Hmm, I'd like to know that myself. The thing is, I don't remember much of what I was doing before I got here. * A_Cat-Tribble waves to Adric Over here! * Adric notices one of those cute little creatures again * Adric goes over to it * Adric thinks maybe it wants to be his friend * A_Swarm_Of_Cat-Tribbles all want to be friends with Adric * Adric notices this Adric! Stay away from the fur balls. They are dangerous! I do not think he is well, Doctor. * Adric doesn't hear the Doctor as he is too far away at this point THey want to be my friends! * Doctor-8 sighs You're much better than cats. I want to see you again and again. * A_Swarm_Of_Cat-Tribbles leap onto Adric Yum! * Katarina sees this and screams Yummie!!! * Doctor-8 can't bear to look! AIEEEE! * Adric is being torn to shreds * Grace_ looks on in horror * A_Swarm_Of_Cat-Tribbles disembowels Adric * Adric makes one last happy scream * Adric is dead * SaraKingdom removes her blaster * SaraKingdom shoots the cat tribbles * Katarina watches the magical device cause cat tribbles to fly away in all directions * Doctor-8 looks away * A_Swarm_Of_Cat-Tribbles lick their lips, leaving nothing left of Adric * Katarina gasps and averts her gaze as well * SaraKingdom continues to blast cat tribbles Wheeeeeeeeeeee! It seems that some people are simply meant to be spread over a considerable piece of real estate. * Grace_ gapes at the Doctor Doctor...they...ate him... Grace, there was nothing I could do to save him...it was just like before. Hmm, too bad. He looked rather pathetic. * SaraKingdom puts back her blaster * Katarina is stunned I tried to stop him... I know you did, Katarina. But there was nothing we could do. * Grace_ whispers fiercely to the Doctor: Why all these dead companions??? I don't know. I just don't know. So, "Doctor", what do we do now? * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok appear before the Doctor You have *greatly* amused us with your antics! * Grace_ looks grimly at the Doctor We shall give you another companion in hopes that her death causes us as much pleasure as the last one. No! Not another one! * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok disappear Hmm, this is not good. * Doctor-8 sees another figure forming in the distance...a black woman * SaraKingdom sees the stranger * Roz notices a group of people * Roz wonders where the hell she is * Roz also wonders where the hell her gun is * Roz slowly wanders to the creatures though * Roz knows that something bad happened. Something bad happened. * Roz shakes off these thoughts and continues to walk over to the people * Doctor-8 doesn't want to face Roz It's hasn't been long enough... * Katarina is scared by this new woman. She looks even harsher than the last. * Doctor-8 pulls himself together * Grace_ wonders what the Doctor's role in her death was * Grace_ glances around at the growing group...he was a busy man Roz, what brings you to this planet? * Roz is near enough to talk to them Who are you? and how do you know my name? Roz, its me, the Doctor. * Roz raises an eyebrow That's the Doctor. At least there are no Daleks. The Doctor? Oh, another one of you around? * Roz appraises the Doctor Yes, I'm the eighth. Oh, of course. I find myself on some weird planet with weird fuzzy creatures and of course YOU'RE here. Why am I even surprised in the LEAST? I didn't bring you here. You know Doctor, death seems to be a constant theme with you. * Roz looks at Grace What do you mean, death? * Grace_ looks at Roz Well, he was dead when I met him... * Katarina is a bit worried by something the Gods said Doctor...are we all meant to die again? * Doctor-8 is worried that Katarina is right Die? I never died! * Katarina looks at Sara You did not die? Then why are you here? I had thought... Listen girl, I remember running to the TARDIS...then...well, next I am here. Yes, I'm sorry, Sara. But you died. That's what all the people we're meeting have in common. * Katarina feels vindicated What do you mean 'all the people we're meeting have in common'? * Roz frowns You are all friends of mine who have died. Except Grace, of course. Well, at least *I'M* alive. Maybe you're the one next, Grace. Assuming that I myself am dead. Which I'm not. * Roz is getting a headache * Grace_ looks at Roz Heh...yeah, right. * Roz angrily looks at Grace * Grace_ glances around nervously Oh, THAT makes a lot of sense. Roz, I'm sorry, but you met with a tragic fate...delayed a bit by computer failures, but tragic just the same. Don't give me that! Don't look at me and talk with that stupid sensitive voice and just TELL me calmly that I'm dead! * Roz notices that SOME things haven't changed * Doctor-8 hopes Roz doesn't ask him just how she died, because he isn't really very clear on that, probably some part of his memory lost in his latest regeneration Easy now... Well, I might have died then, but I have no intention of dying now! I do not wish to die again, either. What shall we do? * Katarina wishes that the Doctor would produce some talisman So what the cruk are we doing here? Cruk - boy, that's a medieval term if I ever heard one. * SaraKingdom thinks Roz comes from maybe World War 3 or something * Katarina is confused by the terminology but will wait to hear what it means * Roz glares at Sara but thinks she probably doesn't want to pick a fight when she doesn't have any weapons We are all in the same boat here. These...gods...have brought us here. We have to resist the Gods of Ragnarok. They want us to entertain them. So we're all dead. * Grace_ refrains from saying "except me" this time Well, not technically ALL of us. And we're all here because of some Magmarocks gods? Yes, that's about it, Roz. Why? * Katarina does not wish to think about why Roz, we don't know...you know when WE know. Doctor, does she ALWAYS make this little sense? * Roz finds herself missing Chris * Grace_ walks about impatiently * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok choose this moment to appear in front of the group Hmm, they see fit to show themselves. * Katarina gasps Creatures of stone! Are they alive? * Katarina walks forward curiously Yes, and no, Katarina. They have an existence, but it isn't what you could call a life. * Grace_ gazes at the creatures This planet is dying, Doctor, that is why we have brought you here. Okay. So how do we get out of this situation? * The_Celestial_Toymaker appears My, my Doctor, but you do have a habit of breaking your toys. ::ending credits for first episode:: * Doctor-8 sees the Toymaker Oh, great! Just what we need. * Doctor-8 thinks the Toymaker looks like a badly drawn comic character * Doctor-8 gets petulant * Doctor-8 turns his back Come now, Doctor. Don't be such a poor sport. * Katarina whirls around to see this other person * Katarina sees the Toymaker's robes Is this some wizard, Doctor? An inquisitive child, Doctor. * Grace_ gapes at the Toymaker Doctor, now who is THIS? * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok turn to the Toymaker * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok watch the Toymaker silently * Grace_ steps forward Who are YOU? I am known by many names, my dear Doctor Grace. The Doctor knows me as the Toymaker. Hmmm. * SaraKingdom considers blasting this "Toymaker" * Grace_ gasps You know who I am? * Grace_ places her hands on her hips I know who all of you are and the circumstances behind your deaths. Well, I'm not dead. The Toymaker. What sort of toys do you make? * Katarina knows only of the simple playthings given Trojan children I don't make toys, child. I play with them. That is a silly thing for a Toymaker to do. Toys? And the Gods of Ragnarok were so kind as to give me *you* to play with. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok nod, as one Toymaker, you remember our agreement? I do, oh Gods. * Doctor-8 puts his hands on his hips Well, if you're going to be taunting me, you'll have to stand in line. I think the Gods of Ragnorak seem to have first claim today. Oh great. Just what we need. Some weirdo in a coat. Don't tell me. He wants to annoy you too, Doctor. Roz, give the Doctor a break. He is trying to help us! What is all this...? The Doctor seems to have a lot of dead companions and some weird enemies. Grace, you seem to fit in well here. * Grace_ glares at Roz What does THAT mean? * Roz smiles an annoyed smile back Sorry. I tend to get just a little annoyed when I find out I've been killed and I don't even know HOW. Such a terrible thing, what happened on Io... What's THAT supposed to mean, Toy man? That would be telling. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok remain stonefaced * Doctor-8 whispers to Roz If you were to tackle the Toymaker and use some of those fancy martial arts on him, we might make him go away. * Grace_ watches the Doc and Roz confer Oh? Good idea. * Katarina walks over to Grace, simply wanting company * Grace_ pats Katarina's shoulder reassuringly * Katarina smiles at Grace Okay, Toy guy. I'm ready for you. * Roz starts using her fancy martial arts on the Toymaker * The_Celestial_Toymaker goes incorporeal He *is* a wizard! * Doctor-8 sighs argh. So much for that idea. I don't play rough, child. Listen closely, Doctor. * Doctor-8 listens The game is quite simple. You and Grace shall play my games with the eternal souls of your companions at stake. Should you win, your companions shall own the everlasting peace to which they are entitled. The eternal souls? Oh oh...I don't like this at all. Our souls? Do you control the Place of Perfection? * Roz doesn't remember some toy guy being part of her culture What if I won't play? Should you lose, the gods have graciously permitted me to add another of your companions from history to the ranks of the dead. Toymaker? Psst! Yes. Jeremy! Kill off Jeremy! alright must be off! see ya! * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok stir Death is so amusing. * Doctor-8 looks around at the companions All right. But what is the game? * Grace_ looks at the Doctor Doctor, we don't have to play. * Grace_ whispers to the Doctor: They want amusement. If we don't play, they will get bored and go away...right? * Katarina looks at Grace, horrified If you do not play...what happens to us? You shall be tormented in Tartarus for eternity, dear. No! * Katarina wails and sinks to the ground Hurry and make your decision. If you will not play then we shall be forced to do *this* to all of you. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok fry Sara Kingdom to a crisp It is as simple as that. * Roz's mouth opens and closes * Grace_ gapes * Katarina doesn't even see Sara's fate, as she is so upset No, not another one! * Doctor-8 turns away * Grace_ is stunned * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok point towards Grace Now, do you want to play? Y...y...yes...I'll play! Yes, we will play your game. Good. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok fall silent again Well, tell us the rules of the game! I assume you are familiar with snakes and ladders, Doctor? No, actually we never played that game on Gallifrey. The rules are quite simple, Doctor. Make it across to the top of the game board alive. Fair enough. And, my dear Roz, since you have been such a naughty child, you shall be the first to have her fate decided. Oh gee, thanks. Okay, just get on with it. * Doctor-8 waits for the Toymaker to present the game * Grace_ is badly shaken * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and a game board appears, 6 X 6. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok move to the top edge of the board and sit down on three stone thrones labeled "Judges" * Katarina finally regains control of her emotions and stands * Katarina goes to stand by Roz, the only other companion left * Grace_ stands by the Doctor's side * Grace_ swallows hard * Doctor-8 steps onto the board Roll the dice, child. Let's start the game. * Grace_ picks up the dice and rolls * Doctor-8 watches to see what number Grace comes up with * The_Celestial_Toymaker notes that Grace has rolled a four * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and a ladder appears * Doctor-8 climbs the ladder * Grace_ watches with her heart in her mouth * Katarina hopes the Doctor does not slip Another roll, child. * Grace_ rolls again * The_Celestial_Toymaker notes that Grace has rolled a six * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok revert to their human form of Father, Mother and Child * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok share packets of potato crisps * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and another ladder appears * Doctor-8 climbs the new ladder Roll again, child. * Grace_ shakily picks up the dice * Grace_ glances at the Gods * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok look forboding * Katarina looks scared * Grace_ throws * The_Celestial_Toymaker notes that Grace has rolled a two Snake eyes. How appropriate. * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and the square the Doctor is standing on vanishes from beneath him * Katarina sees that the Gods' eyes are beginning to glow, ever so faintly S***. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok stop eating and lean forward * Grace_ lurches forward a step Doctor! * Doctor-8 grabs onto the next square as he falls, pulling himself onto it Impressive, Doctor. And within the rules as well. * Grace_ grabs the dice and concentrates as hard as she can * Grace_ throws again Twelve! To the end, Doctor. You win our first game. * Katarina squeals with delight * Grace_ almost collapses with relief * Doctor-8 climbs over to the other side of the board * Grace_ runs over to him and helps him up * Katarina turns to hug Roz, who is looking a bit transparent * Roz hugs Katarina * Roz is still sweating * The_Celestial_Toymaker turns to Roz If it gives you any comfort, child, know you were among family. What is THAT supposed to mean? * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and Roz disappears * Katarina gasps as she finds her arms encircling nothing Has she gone on to the Place of Perfection? * Katarina looks up at the Toymaker She has, child. She is at peace. I am glad. * Grace_ hugs the Doctor and notices Roz is gone Roz! * Katarina steps forward bravely I am also ready. * Grace_ whispers to the Doctor: What are we going to do? * Doctor-8 whispers back: So far so good. We'll have to play along. Something modern for the next game, perhaps? I know of a charming little game called Doom. Doom? Oh no...not Doom. * Grace_ grips the Doctor's arm * Doctor-8 whispers: It's all right, Grace. I know the secret code to get the chainsaw and the Gatling gun. Doom? * Katarina shivers A labryinth, child. The Doctor and Grace must make their way through without being killed. If they win, you shall reach the Place of Perfection. I understand. Thank you. Time to play, Doctor. * Katarina looks at the Doctor and Grace with fear in her eyes Good fortune. * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and the Doctor and Grace disappear * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok become stone again, and pick a location to watch from that gives them an excellent view May I not see what is happening? You may if you wish, child. But how? * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and a monitor appears, showing the Doctor and Grace at the entrance to a great building. Ohh... I am nothing if not accomodating, child. * Katarina extends a hand toward the monitor I have seen something like this before, just before...my death. I am familiar with your death, child. It was a heroic one. Be proud. Thank you, Toymaker. * Doctor-8 punches in the code to enter the maze Doctor, are you sure you know the codes? We only have one chance. The trick here, Grace, is that we must shoot anything that moves, before it can shoot us. No kidding. * Grace_ smiles nervously The building looks like the palaces of Greece. Do you approve? A little design touch in your honor. I am honored, Toymaker. But I come from Troy. Oh well. Ancient history was never my strong suit. I know this game, Grace. It's quite simple if you have quick reactions and remember where you've been. Uh-huh...okay... * Doctor-8 picks up a hand gun lying on the floor * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok wander the DOOM-level for amusement...GOD mode turned on, of course. * Doctor-8 punches a code in to give himself and Grace unlimited health * Grace_ sees another gun and picks it up * Doctor-8 finds a secret panel he knows of and finds a large cache of ammunition behind it Hey, great! Be warned, Doctor. I have made some changes of my own to the game. Come on Grace, the only way out now is through the middle. * Grace_ grins as she straps on a belt Heh, I feel like Xena. * Doctor-8 bets the Toymaker has the Dalek patch * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and several large snarling monsters bearing Adric's face appear * Katarina turns her head from the monitor - she cannot bear to see the face of the one who was eaten by the cat-tribbles * Doctor-8 shoots the monsters as quickly as they appear * Grace_ blazes away * Katarina is compelled to continue watching, however - it *is* her soul for which the Doctor and Grace fight * Grace_ quickly scoops up machine guns for her and the Doc Ah! The machine gun, good work, Grace. * Grace_ grins * Doctor-8 goes forward, keeping a sharp eye out for imps and ogres Damn, that doesn't seem to be stopping him. * The_Celestial_Toymaker changes the monsters to Daleks and Cybermen * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok appear before the Toymaker You said it would not be too easy for them. Watch out! * Doctor-8 shoots a Dalek and a Cyberman I had not anticipated that the Doctor would be familiar with this game or that he would be willing to kill. You try to take advantage of the Doctor's kind nature. * Katarina is glad that the Doctor uses his magic to defeat the creatures * Doctor-8 punches in a code and a chainsaw appears from a niche in the wall Cool! It's not nice to cheat, Doctor. ALL RIGHT, DALEKS! EAT DIRT! * Doctor-8 charges at the Daleks with his chainsaw and cuts them to bits * Grace_ is feeling quite bloodthirsty now Watching the Doctor face no challenge is not amusing. Remember our agreement. You said that we would be entertained by this. * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and the chainsaw disappears Ack! * Grace_ gasps as the saw disappears * Doctor-8 pulls out the machine gun and fires away * Grace_ opens fire on the Daleks * Doctor-8 opens a secret panel and takes out a missile launcher No more secrets, Doctor. * Grace_ sees the nuclear bazookas and scoops them up * Doctor-8 proceeds down a hall * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and invalidates all of the Doctor's cheat moves * The_Celestial_Toymaker invalidates the unlimited health from earlier Better, Toymaker. * Doctor-8 still has his machine gun * Grace_ still has the bazooka But remember. If we are not entertained, then we shall remove all your toys from you. I am well aware of our agreement. * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok are silent * Doctor-8 follows the corridor and finds a lift. He punches the button and he and Grace ride up to another level * Katarina is fascinated by the moving box Doctor, are you sure we are taking a shortcut? This bazooka doesn't have many missiles. Oh, yes. The acid pool is just beyond this turn in the corridor. Acid pool? After that, we just have to get past several imps to make it to the exit. * Grace_ looks warily down It will be all right, Grace. * Doctor-8 leads Grace around a corner and they look across a wide, but shallow pool of boiling acid * Katarina peers at the bubbling pool and wonders why it does not steam? Now, if I can find the activation lever, we can open the bridge across the pool. How are we to get around this? * Doctor-8 starts looking for the stone that will open the bridge if depressed * Grace_ keeps a sharp eyes out for monsters * Doctor-8 finds the stone and presses it There! We're practically home free! * Grace_ grins * Doctor-8 starts across the bridge * Grace_ starts to follow * Doctor-8 reaches the other side and waits for Grace to catch up Hurry, Grace, the bridge won't stay up forever. * Grace_ moves faster * The_Celestial_Toymaker starts to wave away the bridge once Grace is halfway over No! Run, Grace! Arrrghh!! * Katarina holds her breath as the bridge starts to vanish * Doctor-8 looks up That's cheating! You have to leave the bridge up for the full 20 seconds! * Grace_ flails to keep her footing * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok look excited * Grace_ continues to move forward You had no qualms about cheating earlier, Doctor! There's a difference between cheating and knowing the tricks of the game! The Doctor would not cheat! * Doctor-8 paid good Trion quatloos for his Doom Expert's Manual * Grace_ stares as the bridge almost vanishes under her feet Very well. * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves the bridge back into existence You have five seconds. * Grace_ lurches to the end There! You made it! * Katarina smiles happily * Grace_ falls into his arms My God! Now, we need to check our ammunition before we go into the final gallery. The monsters will be quite thick there and we need to be able to lay down a barrage of fire. * Grace_ pulls herself together * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves in haemovores, newcomers, the two torturers and Daleks into the final gallery * The_Celestial_Toymaker adds some Ogrons to the mix Okay, I have ammo...what about our life levels? * Katarina frowns - life levels? * Doctor-8 checks the health levels Well, not any higher than they need to be, but if we move fast and lay down a steady barrage of fire, we should make it. * Grace_ looks at him trying hard to believe Okay...I'm ready...I think. Just get your gun up and shoot everything you see as we run through the final gallery. * Grace_ hefts her bazooka. All right, when I say run, RUN! RUN! * Grace_ runs * Doctor-8 charges into the gallery firing steadily with his machine gun * The_Celestial_Toymaker has the monsters swarm the Doctor and Grace. * Grace_ shoots off some nuclear missiles * Doctor-8 mows down Daleks and Cybermen and haemovores * The_Celestial_Toymaker watches in distress as monsters start blowing up left and right * Grace_ annihilates some bad newcomers * _Katarina_ bites her knuckle * Doctor-8 presses forward, feeling his health level dropping, but making substantial progress * Grace_ follows behind * Doctor-8 cuts a newcomer in two with his machine gun fire Oh! * Katarina is disgusted by the carnage * Grace_ throws the bazooka away and fires the machine gun Must think of a final obstacle... * Doctor-8 starts shooting toxic waste barrels which explode, annihilating more monsters * Grace_ turns and fires around her * Doctor-8 reaches the end of the gallery and presses the button to raise the door and let himself and Grace out * The_Celestial_Toymaker notes with alarm that the Doctor has escaped * Grace_ feels her health level drop precipitously * Doctor-8 sees he still has 40 percent health * Grace_ has 5% health left 5 percent. Not a bad margin of error, Toymaker. * Doctor-8 pulls Grace through and leans against the wall to rest * Doctor-8 finds several med kits and raises Grace's health by 30 percent See, I told you we'd make it. * Grace_ sags to the ground * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and the labyrinth disappears * Grace_ rests * Katarina sighs in happy relief * Katarina rushes over to the Doctor and hugs him * Katarina gives the Doctor a quick kiss on the cheek Thank you, Doctor. I will see you in the Place of Perfection when next we meet. * Doctor-8 hugs Katarina Go with your gods, child. * Katarina fades away, still smiling Good journey, Katarina. * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and Katarina disappears * Grace_ watches Katarina vanish So, we have met your challenge. Bring back my TARDIS! * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok appear next to the Toymaker * The_Celestial_Toymaker waves his hand and the Doctor's TARDIS reappears * Doctor-8 sighs with relief * Grace_ almost shouts with relief Well played, Doctor. I see age has not diminished your skill. * Doctor-8 bows Wish I could say something about you. * Grace_ glares at the enemies Now, Toymaker. It is time to return to your place of habitation. Goodbye, Doctor. Till we meet again... * The_Celestial_Toymaker disappears * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok turn towards the Doctor and Grace Well, I'd stay and chat, but I think I should tend to Grace's hand. * Doctor-8 goes into the TARDIS and waves for Grace to follow * Grace_ disappears into the TARDIS and sees her hand is perfectly fine Doctor...my hand...it was all an illusion! * The_Gods_of_Ragnarok slowly fade away, taking the landscape with them * Doctor-8 sets new coordinates Well, where shall we go now? ::the end!::