Ice Time (serial)


*The following article is written from an Out of Universe perspective.*

Ice Time was the second story in Season 27. It was written by Marc Platt, directed by Nicholas Mallett and features Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor and Sophie Aldred as Ace.

Synopsis

Moscow 1967. The Doctor and Ace have arrived behind the Iron Curtain, and the Soviet Union is seeking a new weapon that will give it mastery in the Cold War.

What is the secret of the Martian relics? As the legendary War Lord Sezhyr returns to life, the Doctor is faced with some of his oldest and deadliest enemies.

The fate of Earth – and the future of Ace – are now intertwined...

Plot

Part 1

Two scientists, Yavgeni and Yasha are in a laboratory experimenting on a human being fitted with an Ice Lord helmet. Major Felnikov enters to observe the experiment, noting that the helmet looks "non-human" Yasha activates the machine and the test subject begins glowing. Soon the test subject begins spasming and soon dies. Felnikov orders the two to continue their work.

The Doctor is standing near the Moscow river, having a conversation with someone in his head. He hears Ace approaching and demands to know why they’ve been brought to Moscow, he then ends the conversation. Ace is annoyed as the Doctor had promised her London in 1967. The Doctor tells Ace to keep moving so that they won't attract attention, he then mentions the Time Storm that took Ace to Iceworld, making her suspicious that he's playing another one of his games with her, to which the Doctor promises her that he's not. Ace then decides to see Moscow, and heads with the Doctor towards a nearby cafe.

At the local train station, Markus Tollinger gets off a train and is immediately confronted by a security guard. Markus claims he's here to meet Major Felnikov and is a trade dealer in furs, but the guard doesn’t believe him and demands he opens his briefcase. Markus complies, revealing several music records, he's almost arrested, but Felnikov arrives and explains that Markus is a guest of honour. Markus is introduced to his guide, Lt. Anna Kerenskaya, who is to escort him to the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Felnikov leaves, and the two reveal that they know each other and have feelings for one another. Markus and Anna then exit the platform.

The Doctor and Ace enter the cafe, and the Doctor orders biscuits. The Doctor then tells Ace that today marks the 50th Anniversary of the October Revolution with a parade being held. Yavgeni then comes in and approaches the Doctor and Ace, looking about nervously. He already knows who they are and believes they’re with Markus Tollinger, confusing Ace. Yavgeni says that Anna told him Markus would be bringing two experts.

Markus and Anna are being driven to the hotel. Anna tells Markus that she's missed him, but Markus says they can't talk as he's worried about being heard, but Raina assures him that the driver speaks no English. Markus questions whether the room has been bugged and Anna explains that it's not, she then says she needs to tell Markus something important, but that it can wait. Markus points out that he doesn’t know much about furs, but Anna promises to help, she then asks whether the Doctor and Ace can be trusted, and reveals that she has a contact in the Moscow Kremlin, Yasha Lemayev, who's helping with the mission. Raina attempts to tell Markus something personal, but he gets distracted and believes he saw a Police Box standing on the frozen river.

Over at the cafe, the Doctor offers Yavgeni some tea, and Ace asks if he's being followed. He soon shows them some kind of grenade disguised as a jewelled egg that the Moscow Kremlin have been studying for months. Yavgeni reveals that the Doctor and Ace have been hired to steal something from the trove in the Kremlin. The Doctor tries to ask what they're developing, but Yavgeni tells them that the sooner they and Markus get it away from Russia the better things will be. The egg suddenly starts beeping and flashing, causing Yavgeni to grab it and run, telling the Doctor that it's primed. He then exits the cafe, saying he has to get it away from the area. The Doctor and Ace then give chase. Ace spots Yavgeni ducking into an alleyway and hears a loud beeping, the Doctor warns her to cover her ears. There’s a loud sonic blast and the Doctor realises that the grenade was some kind of sonic weaponry. The Doctor and Ace run into the alleyway and find Yavgeni dead. The Doctor explains to Ace that the sonic blast fried his brain and that the weaponry comes from Mars, making the Doctor wonder what else came with it. The two attempt to head further down the alleyway, but the path becomes blocked by three motorcyclists wearing Ice Warrior helmets. They attempt to go back the way they came, but three more motorcyclists block the exit. The Doctor explains to Ace that the helmets are Ice Warrior helmets. A car suddenly pulls up and the three motorcyclists at the entrance move away, allowing a man to approach the Doctor and Ace, he ushers them into his car. Ace explains what happened, but the man claims that Yavgeni was a troublemaker. The Doctor gets in and forces a reluctant Ace inside.

The two are escorted to the hotel. Ace is confused about their being Martians on Earth, saying she would remember. The Doctor explains that time changes like a river. The car arrives and Ace discovers a banknote for Ten Rubins in her pocket. The Doctor explains that Yavgeni likely planted it on her. Ace also discovers some sort of code made up of numbers on the back of the note, leading the Doctor to conclude that it's a message to be passed on to Markus Tollinger.

At the reception, Anna takes Markus aside and informs him that she learned from Yevgeni's brother Yasha Lemayev that Yevgeni had been killed after taking something from the Kremlin Vault.

Soon the auction begins and Ace is disgusted by the fur coats. The Doctor asks her if she's spotted Markus and Ace confirms that she spotted him ten minutes ago and points him out to the Doctor.

Markus is nervous, but Raina tells him to relax and try to mingle. Markus wonders if Felnikov will even turn up, but Raina assures him that he will. The two then meet the Doctor and Ace, who tell them about their meeting with Yevgeni, Ace gives Markus the secret code. The Doctor believes that the numbers are the code to a safe, when Markus attempts to grab the paper, the Doctor says he'll hang on to it. Felnikov arrives, and after meeting The Doctor and Ace, takes Anna aside to ask her who they are, saying he can have them arrested. Anna says that they're guests, but were overlooked. Felnikov accepts the story, but orders Anna to keep an eye on them. The Doctor and Ace realise that he wasn’t expecting them.

The Doctor tells Ace to take Markus to get some food while he talks to Anna. Anna asks why the Doctor is here and wonders if he's a spy or possibly a thief. He tells Anna that he's here because he knows that Yavgeni was killed by sonic weaponry which shouldn’t be on this planet in this time period, he asks Anna if she knows where it came from, to which Anna says there have been rumours. Anna explains that two years ago, a submarine patrolling the barren sea came across a crashed spaceship containing all sorts of treasures. The Doctor concludes that the treasures are weaponry that the Soviet Union are hoping to use to give them a militaristic edge in the Cold War. Anna says that the treasures are hidden in a secure vault beneath the Moscow Kremlin, leading the Doctor to realise that Markus has come to steal it with help from Anna and Felnikov. Anna asks if they’re that obvious, and the Doctor tells her that he managed to figure it out and correctly guesses that the heist will be tomorrow during all the celebrations. Anna explains that they had a clear plan of what would happen, and the Doctor realises that since Yavgeni is dead, they don’t have a safecracker, he then offers to join and help them, he tells her that Ace will help with the safecracking, to which an unknown voice suddenly calls out in his mind. Anna agrees to his offer and the Doctor excuses himself to go make arrangements.

The Doctor goes to a far corner and begins having a telepathic conference with the voice. The voice states that 'They' have been observing, and the Doctor asks what the Adjudicators decision is.

Ace is at a table talking with Markus, explaining how she's the defence part of the operation. Markus asks if she can blow down a thick steel door, to which Ace replies she can with Nitro-9, but tells Markus he's still not getting the numbers yet. A voice suddenly calls out to Markus from his pocket, Ace asks about it, but Markus claims it's nothing and asks Ace to tell Anna to hold down the fort until he gets back. He then abruptly leaves.

The voice tells the Doctor that 'They've' considered his application and while it is highly irregular since Ace isn’t Gallifreyan, they accept the Doctor's offer, but they want Ace to pass a series of tests first. The Doctor realises that the tests are already happening which is why he and Ace are in Moscow and why they weren’t arrested. The Time Lord voice states that the assessment has already begun. The Doctor feels that i's dangerous, warning them that Ace is unprepared, but the voice reminds the Doctor that it was he who set up the first task to retrieve the alien artefact. The Doctor suggests that he could keep an eye on her, but the voice tells the Doctor that he's forbidden from interfering and that Ace must take the test on her own. The voice ends the conversation, the Doctor calling out to it, saying that he doesn’t want Ace hurt.

In a hotel room, an Ice Lord, Hhessh climbs out of a futuristic-looking storage unit and goes to stand at the window, hissing in frustration. Markus walks in and asks what he's doing. Hhessh states that the room is stifling. Markus gets him away from the window, saying that nobody knows he's here. Hhessh retorts that he needed air, and Markus explains that the air-conditioning is broken and it defrosted him too early. Hhessh asks how long he's been asleep for and when the mission will be. Markus informs Hhessh that it's tomorrow night, Hhessh decides to step outside, finding the heat unbearable, but Markus stops him, saying it's too dangerous and telling Hhessh to eat fish fingers and that there’s always tomorrow. Hhessh states that soon the relics of Sezhyr will be returned. There’s suddenly a knock at the door and Markus shoves Hhessh into the bathroom before standing beside the door.

Ace walks in and Markus grabs her by the ear, demanding to know what she's doing. Ace says she wanted to know what he was really up to. Hhessh walks out of the bathroom and is shocked to see Ace. He asks Markus how many more humans know he's here, Markus attempts to answer, but Hhessh silences him, stating that he's jeopardised the mission. Hhessh then declares that Ace must be eliminated before aiming his wrist at her.

Part 2

Markus stops Hhessh from killing Ace, but Hhessh insists she must be silenced. Ace inadvertently reveals that there are others who know about the mission, angering Hhessh, who demands to know how many more know. Ace reveals that the Doctor knows and claims that he sent her up to the room to investigate. Hhessh asks Ace if the Doctor is another alien, and Ace says that she knows that he's from Mars. Hhessh demands to know who she is, Markus states that she's their explosives expert. Hhessh wants to know how much Markus has told Ace, but he tells him to stay calm, Hhessh replies that he still wants answers.

The Doctor calls for a lift, which Anna says is unnecessary. The Doctor knows Ace followed Markus and wants to know what happened to her. Anna tells him the stairs would be quicker and leads the way. The Doctor asks about the vault's location and Anna explains that it's hidden beneath the arsenal inside the Kremlin to which the Doctor reveals that he's familiar with the Citadel. The Doctor asks how they'll get in and Anna explains that Yavgeni's brother Yasha has an entry pass and will smuggle them in a delivery truck going through the main gate. Anna asks what the Doctor wants and who he is working for, to which the Doctor replies that he's simply curious about the treasure. The Doctor in turn, asks Anna why she's involved and Anna claims that it's personal gain. The Doctor asks her who Markus is working for, but she says she's paid not to ask questions and that their only job is to steal the treasure and leave Russia with it. Anna asks if he's worried about Ace, and the Doctor says that he told her to keep an eye on Markus. The sound of a sonic gun blares out, causing the two to run in its direction.

It's revealed that Hhessh is destroying the listening bugs in the room with help from Ace, much to Markus's horror. The Doctor arrives at the door, Ace lets him and Anna in and they both see Hhessh, who is initially furious and attempts to shoot them, but Markus stops him, revealing that they're on the team. Hhessh is surprised that the Doctor knows his rank and Anna is shocked. Markus reveals that Hhessh is his boss and is the one who set up the mission. Ace gets both Hhessh and the Doctor aquatinted with each other and the Doctor wants to know what a martian is doing on Earth, to which Hhessh asks if Markus has told anybody about the mission, and they confirm he hasn't. Hhessh explains that he's here to recover the lost relics of his people. The Doctor points out that it was dangerous for them to lose their relics and believes that their intentions are not peaceful. Hhessh is insulted, but the Doctor agrees to help as long as Hhessh and his people take the relics away from Earth. Hhessh storms off to the fire escape, saying the heat's unbearable, ignoring Markus' warnings not to. Markus says that if Hhessh is seen the whole job is scrubbed. Anna is upset at Markus for not telling anybody. Ace drags the Doctor into the bathroom for a word.

Ace feels that the Doctor shouldn’t speak to Hhessh the way he did. The Doctor states that Ice Warriors love a show of strength, but Ace says she's getting on with Hhessh just fine. The Doctor reveals that he dislikes not being in charge and Ace realises that he wants her to sort things out. The Doctor wishes to take a back seat and for Ace to take responsibility, Ace reluctantly agrees, but wonders why he couldn’t have said earlier and why he doesn’t trust the Martians. The Doctor explains that he and the Ice Warriors have a checkered history before wishing Ace luck and warning her that everybody has their own agenda.

Markus explains to Anna that Hhessh is running the show. Anna is worried about Felnikov finding out, but Markus tells her to keep calm. Anna says that they'll be suspicious and Markus remarks that they wouldn’t be if Yavgeni hadn’t tried to play burglar bill. Anna asks what will happen with the two of them after this is over, but Markus tells her not to worry and to get some sleep.

On the landing of the fire exit, Hhessh contacts, an Ice Warrior named Glarva and asks if he's in position, Glarva replies that he is. Hhessh orders him to relay to the outpost that the first part of the mission is complete, he then informs Glarva that the humans are ill-disciplined, untrustworthy and not true warriors and if the mission deviates, he'll have to take control.

Back in the room, the Doctor tells Ace to get some sleep, but she's feeling restless as there’s too much to think about, which Markus agrees with. Anna orders breakfast for five which confuses everybody, but she claims she's really hungry. Markus reveals that Hhessh packed his own food, which much to the Doctor's amazement, is fish fingers which Hhessh apparently can’t get enough of. Ace decides to take some to him.

Glarva is telling Hhessh that once the mission is complete, he can send a signal up that they'll be able to home in on. Ace then arrives and gives Hhessh his fish fingers, which he's thankful for. The two then start talking, Hhessh senses that the people of Moscow have faced many hardships. Ace says it's because they're warriors but Hhessh states that the people of the red planet sometimes fight for the wrong reasons. Ace asks why he came to Earth. Hhessh explains that he and his group of Ice Warriors have been exiled to Earth for the past forty-three years. Ace then asks how many, and Hhessh says that there are seven old warriors including himself, but they're suffering will end with the recovery of their long lost relics. Ace apologises about the Doctor, saying he's protective. Hhessh understands and remarks that the Doctor is an old warrior too.

In the room, the Doctor asks Anna to run them through the plan one more time. Raina explains that they'll attend the parade in Red Square at eleven, make a quick exit at twelve-fifty, then meet Yasha with the crate, truck and contents and he'll drive them through the Kremlin's front gates. There's a knock at the door. Felnikov enters and informs the Doctor that he checked their papers and it seems that he and Ace were indeed overlooked. After chatting for a bit, he leaves making Anna and Markus realise that he knows, but the Doctor points out that he could just be slightly suspicious. Ace comes through and explains that she's gone through the plan with Hhessh and he's ready.

At the entrance to the Kremlin, Felnikov is speaking with the motorcycle gang, telling them to let the group pass through, which they're not happy about, but Felnikov says he wants to give them a clear path and as little commotion as possible, but that if they deviate, to close the trap. He then gives a small speech about how they think they're clever stealing from the Soviet Union on today of all days, but they will be giving them the greatest prize of all.

The Doctor is in a void speaking with the voice of the Adjudicator. The Doctor is not happy as he feels that Ace is being put in danger, but the Adjudicator says that there’s been no disruption to the timeline and that no other humans have noticed. The Doctor states that that has nothing to do with Ace's further education and feels that they've caused a temporal disruption and have put Ace right into the middle of it. The Adjudicator points out that the Doctor does not lead a blameless life, but the Doctor objects. The Adjudicator then ends the conversation and we see the Doctor at the parade, Markus is standing next to him. After asking for the time, Markus tells the Doctor they should go, but the Doctor says they've still got time and to just relax. The two then have a small chat regarding weapons and the Doctor remarks that Hhessh's arrival has caused havoc.

Elsewhere, Anna is showing Ace the factory workers from her home of Ukraine. Anna then points out other heroes of the Union and Ace wonders if it's truly as great as she claims. Anna reveals it's a struggle, and it turns out that after the mission, she's moving to London as it's not safe for her in Russia. It's then revealed that Anna is fifteen weeks pregnant, which Ace figured out after she ordered breakfast for five. She then realises that Markus is the father. Anna says she doesn’t want Markus knowing and worries about him being involved with Hhessh. Ace assures her that Markus will be fine, but insists that Anna tell Markus. Markus then approaches and tells them that Yasha is ready. Felnikov suddenly appears, and the Doctor claims they are just admiring the military weaponry. Felnikov says that he's proud of what the Soviet Union has achieved, and shows the powerful rockets, equipped with nuclear warheads. Felnikov says he has business elsewhere and hopes they enjoy the parade before walking off. Ace believes that Felnikov was thinking they wouldn’t go through with it, to which Anna says there’s no turning back now.

Hhessh is inside the crate, talking with Glarva who informs him that they have tracked his position. Hhessh asks how long away their destination is, stating that the crate is unbearable. Glarva informs him that they're approaching the Citadel.

The Doctor, Ace, Markus and Anna are in the back of the van, which according to Anna, is now at the gates. Markus is worried about Hhessh, but Ace says she talked to him, and he's agreed to set his sonic gun to stun. Yasha lets the group out and together they place the crate on to a trolly. Ace asks Anna if she's alright, Anna simply says it's nerves. They wheel the trolly into the building which is unusually deserted and quiet. They enter a lift. Yasha tells the group that the vault containing the relics is in the armoury. The Doctor asks if he worked with his brother and Yasha says he didn't, but that Yavgeni told him enough. He then goes on to explain that security is tight and that Yavgeni knew the sonic grenade had a mind of its own. They arrive and Yasha points towards the vault. The Doctor and Ace plan to leave, but Markus lets Hhessh out of the crate, causing Yasha to flee in fear. Hhessh initially tries to stop him, but Ace and Anna calm him down. The Doctor and Hhessh express distrust for each other. The Doctor then tells Ace to help open the vault.

Yasha runs upstairs and straight into Felnikov, who asks if the group are down there. Yasha confirms that they're all down there and Felnikov tells him he did well.

Ace is having trouble with the vault, the combination Yavgeni gave them isn’t working. The Doctor then tries and soon discovers that someone has reset the combination. Hhessh is impatient and wants to cut his way through, but Ace reveals that she has some spare Nitro-9.

Back upstairs, Yasha is telling Felnikov about the creature he saw. Felnikov is pleased as it seems that they’ve walked straight into his trap. Yasha asks if his family will be spared, and Felnikov promises they will be and that Yasha will be hailed as a hero, but that he won't be around to celebrate. And with that, Felnikov pulls out a gun and shoots Yasha dead before the sound of a muffled rumble is heard.

Ace has successfully blown down the door of the vault and Hhessh marvels at the treasures, in particular Sezhyr's helmet and armour. We learn that Sezhyr was the first martial of the Ice Army and that he was the one to end what Hhessh refers to as the Great Dust Rebellion. The Doctor quickly starts piling the relics into the crate. Felnikov shows up with his men, and Hhessh becomes insulted by the helmets, seeing it as a mockery of his people. Felnikov thanks Markus for leading him to a creature they can use as a specimen. He then orders his men to capture Hhessh. Hhesh proceeds to start stunning them. Markus punches Felnikov and Hhessh orders Markus, to hold him. Alarms start wailing and Anna states that they need to get out, Hhesh suggests using Felnikov as a human shield. The Doctor seals the lid of the crate.

The group run out of the Kremlin with the crate and make for the van. The Doctor gets in the driver’s seat while everyone else gets in the back with the crate. The Doctor drives off with more of Felnikov's Motorcyclists close behind. The Doctor bursts through the gates and continues to try and shake off Felnikov's men, but to no avail. The men attempt to hem the van in, but the Doctor drives into the parade. Hhessh opens the back doors and begins shooting at the Motorcyclists, managing to stun one. Soon, the Doctor drives on to the frozen-over Moscow river, stopping the Motorcyclists in their tracks. Anna takes the helmet out of the crate and she and Ace feel unnerved by Sezhyr's helmet. Hhessh contacts Glarva and states that his intervention is required and asks that not a trace be left behind. Glarva states that they’re already with him. Everyone looks up and spots an Ice Warrior spaceship flying towards them. Markus decides to leave, much to Anna's shock. The Doctor stops the van and Markus tells Anna that she was great and that he'll send her a cheque. Ace is irritated by this. The Doctor orders everybody to get out. Glarva tells Hhessh that they're commencing the transmat. Markus tries to get Anna to leave. Ace becomes furious and despite Anna's pleas, tells him that she's pregnant with his kid, shocking Markus. A tractor beam suddenly shines down on the van and it quickly vanishes.

Part 3

The Doctor is once again in the void being contacted by the Adjudicator, who is unhappy with his interference. The Doctor explains that circumstances changed, but the Adjudicator informs him that the Academy board feel that Ace isn’t doing well so far, which the Doctor argues is due to them putting her under pressure and that he doesn’t want to risk Ace's life. The Adjudicator reminds him that he was the one who set up the test. The Doctor asks to be taken back, the Adjudicator accepts, but warns the Doctor that if he meddles again, his involvement will be terminated. The conversation ends.

Back in the van, Ace wakes the Doctor up, and it's revealed that they're on the helm of the Martian ship, Hhessh has left with Felnikov having gone after him, and the TARDIS, along with a big chunk of the frozen Moscow river has also been dragged up. Ace feels that she messed up badly telling Markus and the Doctor reveals that he knew about Markus and Anna's child and that it will be a girl.

Meanwhile, Markus demands to know why Anna never told him about the baby and asks how she knows it's even his, but Anna is distracted. She's holding Sezhyr's helmet and mutters to herself that she feels as if it's staring at her. Markus tries to ask if the baby's not his, but Anna is too distracted and feels her blood turning to snow. The Doctor comes over and tries to get her to put it down. Markus tells him and Ace to keep their noses out of their business and asks Ace why Anna told her first, to which Ace remarks that it doesn’t take much figuring out if you can be bothered. There's suddenly some muffled banging followed by Felnikov's voice calling out.

Felnikov is banging on a door, demanding to speak to somebody in charge. When the Doctor and the others approach, he accuses them of working with Hhessh, to which Ace states that the Doctor works for nobody. The door opens and Glarva storms in, demanding to know what Felnikov wants. Felnikov informs him that he is a member of the Soviet Republic, but Glarva doesn’t care. Felnikov asks if they're being taken to Mars which is followed by Ace asking where Hhessh is. Hhessh walks in and orders Felnikov to stop harassing the Doctor, who as it turns out is no longer in his employment, which Ace claims puts him in his place. Felnikov asks what they want, but Hhessh ignores him and orders Glarva to stand down since they’ve got what they came for. He then orders him to get the relics from the van. A scream is suddenly heard coming from the van and Ace realises it's Anna. The group run in the direction of the van.

Inside the van, Markus is now kneeling over Anna who's lying on the floor, wearing Sezhyr's helmet. The Doctor and the others arrive and Markus says he tried to stop her but that she just put it on. Glarva wonders what she's doing with the helmet, to which Markus says she just suddenly put it on and fainted. The Doctor attempts to pull it off, but Markus says that he's tried and that it's jammed on. The Doctor notes that Anna's temperature is going up, but Glarva is furious, stating that Anna is defiling the armour of Sezhyr and reminds them that they were warned. Ace points out that he shouldn’t have left it lying around. The Doctor notes that Anna's pulse is getting faster and Ace asks if the helmet is causing it. Markus attempts to get it off, but the Doctor stops him and explains that the helmet is part of a martian exoskeleton and the circuitry in the helmet is melding itself to Anna's body. A horrified Ace thinks that Anna is becoming a cyborg and that it could've been her, but the Doctor laments that it could've been any of them. Hhessh explains that all warriors are one with their armour and that Sezhyr was their greatest warrior and strategist, he then says that he was in Sezhyr's service and that Sezhyr swore that death would never claim him. Hhessh suggests cutting Anna out of the helmet and orders Glarva to get a sonic torch. Ace warns Hhessh that it would end up killing her, but Hhessh ignores her and orders Glarva to take the relics to the flight deck. Glarva takes the crate and Ace tries telling Hhessh that Anna needs medical attention, Hhessh refuses to listen, stating that the helmet is theirs and ordering them to find a solution before following Glarva. Markus says that Anna is getting worse. The Doctor explains that the helmet is speeding up her physical and chemical processes, and is invading and reprogramming her entire body. Ace realises that the helmet is changing Anna into something. Markus expresses concern about the baby, to which the Doctor states that he dreads to think.

Up on the flight deck, Hhessh is observing Glarva as he places the rest of the relics in storage. Hhessh says that the helmet can stay with the group as he trusts Ace, feeling that she's different from the others. He then asks an Ice Warrior named what the status of their flight is. The Ice Warrior says that they're in orbit, but won't reach the outpost for another two hours. Glarva believes that they're doomed, but Hhessh states that they've emerged from the shadows and wonders what the humans will think of their intervention. Another Ice Warrior points out that the Russians might expose them, but Hhessh states that they're too secretive. The Ice Warrior from before suggests that they might accuse the West, with Glarva replying that they'd be stuck in the shadows again. Everyone except Hhessh shares their strong hatred of humans, Glarva suggesting that they purge the helmet of the 'human scum' Hhessh however rejects this idea, stating that the helmet is doing something and wonders whether this is some great plan by Sezhyr himself.

Back in the van, Anna is getting worse and begins asking for fish. Ace realises that she needs food and the Doctor realises that she's referring to fish found on Mars which are eaten by Ice Warriors, and the counterpart on Earth is frozen fish fingers. Ace at first thinks of asking Hhessh for some, but the Doctor advises against this, explaining that they won't understand due to them being military and says that the helmet is changing her into something which Ace realises is an Ice Warrior. The Doctor has worked out which one she's turning into, but won't say, telling Ace to stay with Markus and Anna. He then exits the van. Markus asks Ace if she's sure the Doctor is sane to which she replies that he is and that she fully trusts him. Markus decides to follow the Doctor.

The Doctor is about to enter the TARDIS when Felnikov suddenly appears, asking what's in the Police Box. The Doctor claims that there are just a few personal artefacts inside, but Felnikov isn't convinced. The Doctor asks if the Ice Warriors mentioned their destination, but Felnikov explains that they only mentioned an outpost and wonders if it's Mars which the Doctor doubts. Felnikov believes that the helmet will kill Anna, saying that he's seen people who wear it die. The Doctor asks what his scientists learned to which Felnikov explains that the helmet was tested on eleven volunteers and that they all died from the inside out, the Doctor noting that Felnikov's biker gang were wearing similar helmets. Felnikov explains that they discovered a lot from the helmet. The Doctor states that he believes the helmet is attempting to fuse Human and Martian DNA. When Felnikov asks the Doctor for help, he refuses, not willing to destroy more lives. The Doctor then slips into the TARDIS much to Felnikov's bewilderment.

Back in the van, Markus contacts his boss, Wolshkin, who asks how the mission went. Markus remarks that he caused two international incidents. Wolshkin asks if they got everything and Markus explains that they had to cut a few corners. Wolshkin asks if Hhessh enjoyed his trip and Markus tells him about the Doctor and Ace but is shocked to learn that Wolshkin already knows about them. He then warns Markus not to get too involved, stating that it will only end in tears.

Back in the van, Anna comes round and Ace tells her that the Doctor and Markus will be back soon. Anna asks Ace to tell Markus something, but Ace assures her that she can tell him herself, and assures her that she'll be fine. Anna begins to talk about how everything changes, but suddenly stops as her belly begins to swell in size and she says that she's gone into labour. Markus returns and is shocked to learn that the baby is coming, Ace calls out for the Doctor.

The Doctor steps out of the TARDIS with filleted fish, much to Felnikov's confusion as he believed he was getting medical supplies for Anna. The two turn around at the sound of Anna screaming and Ace calling out. An irritated Ace then runs towards the Doctor and informs him that Anna is having the baby.

The Doctor and Ace return to the van. Anna's skin has turned dark green and her voice sounds raspy as she tells Markus that Earth is not her home. The Doctor explains that the helmet has accelerated the baby's growth in a matter of hours. Ace tries to give Anna the fish but she smacks them away, her voice now sounds raspier with her wheezing as she speaks. Markus leaves as he still doesn’t believe he's the father, and the Doctor, with Ace's help begins helping Anna give birth.

Markus is outside speaking with Felnikov when Hhessh arrives, demanding to know what is happening. Markus explains what the helmet is doing to Anna, soon the sound of a crying newborn is heard and Felnikov congratulates Markus, much to his annoyance.

In the van, the Doctor has wrapped up the baby in a jumper and tries handing her to Anna, but she refuses, calling it repulsive and stating that it's not hers. Markus arrives and after being handed his daughter, starts to warm towards her. Markus notices the change in Anna's voice and skin and asks what's wrong with her, Hhessh enters and declares that 'he' is being reborn. Ace realises that Anna is being changed into Sezhyr and that the helmet will kill her. The Doctor tells Markus to go outside with the baby, he then tries telling Hhessh that the helmet is unstable, but Sezhyr sits up and claims that the helmet wasn’t used properly. Sezhyr takes Ace hostage and demands that the Orb of Alkyl be brought to him. The Doctor tries to reason with Sezhyr but he refuses to listen.

The Doctor is contacted telepathically by the Adjudicator, who is furious that the Doctor meddled and demands that he return to the TARDIS and leave Ace. The Adjudicator suspends the Doctor's involvement, stating that Ace must fend for herself and that he must leave. The Doctor initially refuses, but the Adjudicator threatens to use force.

The Doctor reluctantly exits the van, ignoring Ace's calls for him to help. He passes Hhessh and Glarva, who has brought the Orb of Alkyl.

The Doctor finds Markus and ushers him into the TARDIS.

Ace is left shocked as she hears the TARDIS dematerialise. Sezhyr releases Ace and uses the orb to renew his body, much to the awe of Hhessh and Glarva. Ace then uses this distraction to run out of the van.

Outside, Ace runs into Felnikov, who demands to know where the Doctor and Markus went and why they left Ace behind. Ace argues that the Doctor has a plan. Hhessh approaches the two and asks where the Doctor and Markus went. Ace tells him that they've gone, but Hhessh states that they have reached the outpost and that this is a great day.

The Ice Warrior ship lands in a large Cold Storage Unit and Hhessh exits, being saluted by seven Ice Warriors. Glarva steps out with the relics of Sezhyr and is followed by Ace and Felnikov. Ace points out to Felnikov that they're not on Mars since they can breath and the Ice Warriors are still wearing their armour. Hhessh explains that this is their last outpost and that they are now guests. One Ice Warrior asks about the Helm of Sezhyr and Hhessh informs them of Sezhyr's resurrection. Sezhyr exits the ship and declares that he has conquered death itself.

The Doctor and Markus are walking down an empty street as it starts to rain. It turns out that they're in London, and the Doctor believes that the TARDIS was deliberately drawn here, also adding that the Time Lords must be interested in the welfare of Markus's daughter. The Doctor says that they need to figure out where the ship went and asks where Markus's boos are based, but he doesn’t know as he just gets orders. After a short conversation, Markus says that he'll try and get hold of a few contacts.

Back in the Cold Storage Unit, the Ice Warriors want to learn everything from Sezhyr, who in turn wants to know why they're hiding away. Glarva question whether Sezhyr is who he claims to be, Hhessh is enraged by this, but Sezhyr agrees with Glarva and confirms that he is Sezhyr by recounting his many triumphs. During this, Felnikov and Ace attempt to look for a way out. Glarva claims that they have worshipped the relics, but Sezhyr points out that the energy orbs are gone. Glarva speculates that they may not have survived, but Hhessh states that he saw them and realises that they, along with Ace and Felnikov are missing.

Out in a dark corridor, Ace and Felnikov reach a dead end. The two soon realise that they're in a Cold Storage Facility, somewhere in England. Felnikov then shoves Ace into one of the freezers and locks her in before running off.

Over at Markus' mother's house, Markus informs the Doctor that he got in touch with his boss and discovered that he's being paid off, he then tells the Doctor that one of his contacts knows somebody who delivers fish fingers to a Cold Storage Facility on the South Bank with a dodgy reputation, making the Doctor realise that that's where the Ice Warrior ship is, it's then revealed that the Doctor and Markus both have the Martian energy cells. The two head off to the Cold Storage Facility before the Russians can get there.

Ace is freed from the freezer by Mr Wolshkin, who takes her to his office to warm up.

In the big freezer, Sezhyr learns that they're on Earth and is furious that the Ice Warriors fled from Mars. Hhessh explains that they fled due to the Ice Armies splitting into factions and it's revealed that Hhessh and the other Ice Warriors are the last of the old believers. Sezhyr asks if Earth is owned by Mars, but Hhessh explains that it isn't and that when they arrived, the ship carrying Sezhyr's relics crashed. Sezhyr is horrified to learn that they've been getting help from a human, but Hhessh states that the human, who turns out be Vitali Wolshkin is also in exile. Sezhyr is outraged and declares that these changes must be put to right and that Earth must be made to recognise who they are.

Over in Wolshkin's office, he and Ace are eating soup which warms Ace up. Ace is questioned by Vitali about what she's going to do about the Ice Warriors, to which Ace answers that she plans to destroy their relics as they need to be stopped. Vitali agrees before stating that if she's accepted into the Prydonian Academy, she would find it easy there. Ace is completely confused by this and it's revealed that Wolshkin is the Adjudicator, but is surprised to learn that Ace didn’t know about the test, after mentioning that the Doctor believes that going to Gallifrey would be good for her. Ace is shocked and despite Vitali's best efforts to calm her down, she becomes angry that the Doctor set her up, stating that she'll never trust him again.

Part 4

Wolshkin tries to tell Ace that he'll understand if she's not ready for the Academy, but Ace angrily says that she's ready and that she wouldn’t want to disappoint the Doctor. She then asks what happens next, and Wolshkin tells her that she must choose and asks who she favours, stating that everything now hangs in the balance.

In the large freezer, Sezhyr wishes to see the outside world, but Hhessh won't let him as it would be too dangerous to travel during the daylight. Sezhyr asks if they've become warriors who cower in the dark. Sezhyr asks about news from Mars and Hhessh informs him that they've heard nothing in the past forty years and that Earth is now their home. Sezhyr states that with the energy cells they stole from the ship he could return home. Glarva approaches, holding Felnikov around the neck. He tells them that he caught Felnikov trying to escape the outpost. Hhessh states that he's not their prisoner, but is a traitor attempting to give away their position. Sezhyr demands to know where the stolen energy cells are, but Felnikov claims that Sezhyr's soldiers stole them and that if anybody has them it will likely be Markus or the Doctor. He then points them in the direction of where he thinks Ace still is. Glarva, however reveals that Ace has escaped. Sezhyr is angered by Hhessh's weakness, asking if she would betray them. Felnikov states that he'll deal with the Doctor and Markus, revealing that the Russian Government have already planted agents in London. Hhessh doesn’t trust him, but Sezhyr feels Felnikov offers better terms. Hhessh disagrees and angrily storms off, claiming he has business elsewhere. This angers Sezhyr. Felnikov gets Glarva to release him, promising that he'll sort out their problem.

Back in Wolshkin's office, Ace demands to know where the Doctor is, causing Wolshkin to think that she suddenly wants to see him again. Ace, however says that she wants to avoid him. Wolshkin notes that she shows no air of detachment when suddenly there’s a knock at the door. Ace says that it isn't the Doctor. It's then revealed to be Hhessh, who Wolshkin is the benefactor for. Hhessh realises that Wolshkin was the one to release Ace which she owes him for. Wolshkin asks how Sezhyr is and Hhessh says that he's difficult. It's revealed that Wolshkin knew about the trouble that would arise and that's why he dropped Ace into it, and that he knew Anna would be sacrificed in order to resurrect Sezhyr. Hhessh learns that Wolshkin is a Time Lord and after Ace demands more answers, Hhessh agrees to take her for a drive.

The Doctor and Markus are walking along the South End. The Doctor feels guilty about not informing Ace about the test and hopes that nobody else has told her. Markus reveals that he's decided to name the baby Katie. The Doctor suddenly realises that while they may be looking for the Ice Warriors, the Ice Warriors may come looking for them. Markus decides they should leg it, and the two run as Felnikov's motorcycle gang suddenly appear and start riding after them.

Back in the freezer, Sezhyr demands to know why there is no response from Mars. Glarva explains that it has been many years since they left, prompting Sezhyr to ask if there is anybody left on the planet. Glarva explains there was a war and that the old beliefs were cast aside. Sezhyr expresses his love for war. He asks where Hhessh is and is furious to learn that he went outside and is consorting with humans. Sezhyr orders Glarva to bring him his warrior armour and some vodka as they're going to take this impasse by the throat.

Ace and Hhessh are driving in Wolshkin's Bentley. Ace realises that Sezhyr hasn't lived up to Hhessh's expectations. Hhessh explains that history states that Sezhyr was a tyrant. He then asks if Ace is disappointed with the Doctor. Ace admits that she is and wonders why she couldn’t be trusted, also lamenting that she doesn’t want her time with him to end. Hhessh wonders if he can possibly defy Sezhyr, saying that the Martians have a lot to thank him for. Ace points out that Earth doesn’t and asks what they're going to do to stop him.

The Doctor and Markus hide in an alleyway as one of the Motorcycle riders drives past. They both notice that the helmets are the same as Sezhyr's helmet. The Doctor realises that the Russians are investing in stolen technology. Markus thinks that the energy cells are weapons, but he and the Doctor are forced to duck down as a Bentley speeds past. The Doctor realises that it may be important so he and Markus follow it. The rest of the Motorcycle gang begin following them, but the Doctor distracts them by using a sonic grenade that Markus had also stolen.

Ace and Hhessh have entered the freezer, but both have been restrained by some Ice Warriors. Glarva tells Hhessh that Sezhyr demands his presence. Hhessh asks why he's being summoned under escort but Glarva simply says that Sezhyr wants to see both him and Ace. Hhessh says that Ace has no part in this and won't betray them, also reminding Glarva that he's still the leader. Glarva lets Ace go and she wishes Hhessh luck before running off.

Ace rings the doorbell at Wolshkin's door when suddenly Felnikov approaches and asks Ace for help. Ace finds that ironic and isn’t surprised to learn that the Doctor and Markus stole some of the weapons from them. Felnikov wants Ace to help find them. Ace asks if it's for Russia or Mars and Felnikov says that the Soviet people would be grateful. Ace refuses, stating that she's no longer the Doctor's friend. Felnikov then knocks on the door and calls out to somebody. The door opens, revealing an Ice Warrior who grabs Ace, Felnikov stating that she'll make an excellent bargaining chip.

In the freezer, Sezhyr is confronting Hhessh about him abandoning Mars and fleeing from battle. Hhessh tries to explain himself, but Sezhyr is refusing to hear any of it. The Ice Warrior that captured Ace arrives with her arm wrapped around Ace's neck. Sezhyr asks the others if they will join him or grow old in exile and shame. Glarva agrees to stand by him as do the others. Hhessh, however remains silent.

Markus informs the Doctor that Felnikov's gang are crawling all over the place. The Doctor takes the other energy cell from Markus as he doesn’t trust him with it, before pointing out a nearby building which he believes is where the Bentley and the Ice Warriors are. As they approach, they spot some of the motorcyclists. Felnikov suddenly appears from behind with the rest of his gang. He demands the rest of the relics back and reveals the alliance with Sezhyr. The Doctor takes out another sonic grenade and asks how Ace is getting on. Felnikov states that if he doesn’t hand over the energy cells Ace will be killed. The Doctor thinks he's bluffing, prompting Felnikov to order his motorcyclists to move in. Suddenly, some friends of Markus show up, leading to a gun battle between them and the motorcyclists, and allowing the Doctor and Markus to head towards the building.

Back in the freezer, Hhessh demands that Ace be released. Sezhyr refuses and reveals his alliance with Felnikov, but is disgusted that Hhessh would side with the humans. Ace tells Sezhyr that he can't trust Felnikov, but Sezhyr refuses to listen and says that when he returns to Mars he'll resurrect the Ice Army and use it to conquer Earth. Hhessh tells Sezhyr that the army is gone and that he's no longer the great leader he once was. Sezhyr strips Hhessh of his rank and has Ace taken away. Hhessh states that he'd rather die a coward, to which Sezhyr kills him. Sezhyr declares himself a legend and orders the other Ice Warriors to follow him and bring Ace along so they can show the humans something to marvel at.

The Doctor and Markus watch on as the gunfight continues. A sonic grenade is then thrown at the pair. During the ensuing chaos, the Doctor attempts to contact Wolshkin to get him to stop the assessment as it has gone out of control, but there is no response.

Felnikov approaches the Doctor and Markus and demands they hand over the energy cells. The Doctor refuses and demands to see Ace, but Felnikov refuses to listen and orders his motorcyclists to attack, but they refuse. The Doctor remarks that that's what happens when you steal other people's technology. Felnikov decides to take it for himself when suddenly the wall of the building opens and Sezhyr marches out, followed by Glarva and the remaining Ice Warriors. Glarva is holding Ace hostage. Felnikov tells Sezhyr that he has retrieved the technology. Sezhyr tells him he's dismissed and after Felnikov claims the Doctor was trying to steal the technology for himself, Sezhyr tells him that he's lying and only wants the technology for himself and that their alliance is over. Felnikov leaves along with his biker gang, telling the Doctor that he won't forget this.

The Doctor confronts Sezhyr and says that they've reached a stalemate, he promises to return the energy cells as long as Ace is released. Sezhyr reluctantly agrees and orders Glarva to release Ace. Ace informs the Doctor about Hhessh's death. Markus tries to get Ace to come with them but she refuses, instead challenging Sezhyr to a fight to the death in the name of Anna and Hhessh. Sezhyr accepts the challenge and orders the other Ice Warriors except Glarva to go back inside. The Doctor attempts to reason with Ace, explaining that Anna may still be alive, trapped within Sezhyr's body. Ace suddenly becomes furious and reveals that she knows about the test and feels like that's all the Doctor was using her for. The Doctor explains that he was doing it for the Time Lords and that Ace has such good potential. Ace realises that everything has been set up and accuses the Doctor of playing with people's lives, so she refuses to walk away. Markus suddenly runs off.

Markus bursts into Wolshkin's office and finds him packing. Wolshkin is aware that things have gone bad and reveals that Ace holds the key to Markus' future if she survives.

Sezhyr tells Glarva that he refuses Ace's challenge and instead demands the Doctor hand over the remaining pieces of technology. The Doctor states he only has one energy cell, but Sezhyr demands to know where the Orb of Alkyl is, and reveals that it is the device that contains his essence and helped restore him. Ace reveals that she has the orb. Sezhyr attempts to kill both her and the Doctor, but Markus tackles him and they enter a scuffle. Ace reveals that she swapped the feeds on the vessel and put it in reverse. She then throws the orb at Sezhyr who misses, causing the orb to smash. Sezhyr collapses and dies. A green glow envelops his body and after a few moments, Anna is restored to life. Ace and Markus remove the helmet. Ace gives it to Glarva who says that they have both energy cells now and will leave, but they refuse to take the rest of the relics. Glarva then goes back inside and the ship takes off.

Anna wakes up and asks about the baby, Markus assures her that the baby is fine. The group then exit the building as the ship takes off. The Doctor suddenly notices that Ace has vanished and comes to the conclusion that the Time Lords have already taken her, lamenting that he never got a chance to say goodbye.

A bit later, Markus and Anna are at Markus' mother's house with the baby. The Doctor abruptly leaves and allows Markus and Anna to keep the relics. The Doctor then goes on to say that Katie is special and that he'll be back to see her someday.

The Doctor heads outside and contacts Wolshkin, he asks about Ace and Wolshkin informs him that Ace passed and has been accepted into the Time Lord Academy. The Doctor is pleased and asks if he can see Ace and make his goodbyes, Wolshkin says he can.

At the Time Lord Academy, Ace is in the main hall, now dressed in Gallifreyan robes. The Doctor suddenly appears and wants to talk, but Ace tells him to leave her alone. The Doctor says that he wanted to say goodbye, but Ace just brushes him off. The Doctor notes that she didn't call him Professor and Ace tells him that that's kids stuff, the Doctor says he never got the hang of growing up before apologising and saying that he should have realised that she wasn’t willing to go to the Academy. Ace says that she isn't and laments that she didn't think much of 1967. The Doctor tells her that he thinks she'd be good for the Time Lords and promises that she'd feel more responsible. Ace is surprised by this and agrees to at least give the Academy a try. She and the Doctor then hug. They then say goodbye to each other and the Doctor taps Ace on the nose before walking away to the TARDIS, which soon dematerialises.

Cast

Crew

Writer - Marc Platt
Producer - John Nathan-Turner
Script Editor - Andrew Cartmel
Director - Nicholas Mallett
Lighting - Henry Barber
Designer - Nick Somerville
Visual Effects Designers - Malcom James, Dave Chapman
Make-Up Designer - Joan Stribling
Casting Director - Anne Henderson
Music - Mark Ayres
Costume Designer - Ken Trew
Edited by - Hugh Parson
Vision Mixer - Susan Brincat
Original Theme Music - Ron Grainer
Title Music - Keff McCulloch
Title Sequence by CAL Video

Memorable Quotes

To be added.

Background Information

Production History

To be added.

Development

Working title; Thin Ice
Initially this story was to be set on a terraformed Mars. However Andrew Cartmel requested that it be changed to London in the 1960's.

The story was originally going to be set entirely in London. But it was later decided to add Moscow into the story.

In an early draft of the script, the martian technology was going to be stored in the London Dungeon. When Moscow was added as a location the martian technology was instead stored in an underground vault in the Moscow Kremlin.

This early draft also included an unused hippy character who lived in a canal boat.

Markus Tollinger's original name was to have been Sam Cunningham. However when it was discovered that a woman in real life shared the same name as the upcoming companion, (at that point named Raine Cunningham) Cartmel changed his name initially to Markus Creevy before settling on Markus Tollinger.

As noted above, the original name of the future companion was initially Raine Cunningham but was changed due to a woman in real life sharing the same name. The character was initially renamed to Raine Creevy, then Kate Tollinger before settling on Katie Tollinger.

Production

To be added.

Post-Production

To be added.

Reaction

Official BARB ratings: 4.5m for Part One, 4.8m for Part Two, 5.0m for Part Three and 4.7m for Part Four.

Story Notes

This is the final story to feature Ace as a regular companion, she would however return in later stories.
This story marks the return of the Ice Warriors, who hadn't been seen since the Monster Of Peladon, 16 years previously.
This marks only the second time a baby version of a companion has been featured in a story, the first time was in The Time Monster when the time distortions turned Sergeant Benton into a baby.
This marks the first and only story where a future companion has appeared before their proper debut story.

Continuity

The Doctor claims to have never delivered a baby before, he would later claim to have delivered the Mongol military leader Genghis Kahn who he described as a “Sweet baby”. (DW: Tragedy Day)
The Doctor later travels to October 1990 where he's reunited with Markus Tollinger and Colonol Felnikov as well as the former's then twenty-one-year-old daughter Katie.
Hhesh mentions “rival factions” of Ice Warriors and that the militaristic force on Earth are the last true Ice Warriors, the Third Doctor had previously encountered one of these pacifist factions on Peladon. (DW: The Curse of Peladon, The Monster of Peladon) And would do so later on in his Eighth incarnation. (DW: Legacy)
Ace refers to Perivale and Fenric. (DW: The Curse of Fenric, Survival)
Ace once again visits 1960's London. (DW: Remembrance of the Daleks)

Home Video Releases

To be added.