Fabula
S4E25 · The Moonbase Part 3

Ben reluctantly accepts Polly’s inclusion

In a tense corridor confrontation, Ben initially rejects Polly’s insistence on joining the mission, reflecting his protective instincts and lingering distrust of her capabilities. Jamie echoes Ben’s caution, but Polly’s defiant persistence—rooted in her desire to prove herself and care for the group—erodes Ben’s resistance. The urgency of the Cybermen threat forces Ben to concede, shifting from reluctance to pragmatic acceptance. He quickly outlines a high-risk plan to ambush the Cybermen using acetone spray devices, emphasizing the need for precision and teamwork. The exchange underscores the group’s fractured but evolving dynamic, where personal tensions must yield to survival. This moment sets up their coordinated attack on the Cybermen, where individual skills (Polly’s scientific insight, Ben’s tactical mind) will be critical to success.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

Ben orders Polly to stay behind, but she insists on joining him and Jamie, asserting her intention to look after them; Ben, despite Jamie's protests, declares there is no time for arguments and instructs Polly to come along.

tense disagreement to reluctant acceptance ['corridor leading to the control room …

Ben outlines their plan to Polly and Jamie: upon opening the door, they must drop low, aim the spray devices at the Cybermen's chests, and spray forcefully, emphasizing it is their only chance.

serious planning to tense anticipation ['corridor leading to the control room …

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

3

Reluctant but determined, masking his concern for Polly’s safety behind a facade of urgency and command.

Ben initially blocks Polly from joining the mission, his posture rigid and voice firm, reflecting his protective instincts and skepticism of her capabilities. As the urgency of the Cybermen threat escalates, he relents, quickly transitioning into a tactical leader. He outlines the ambush plan with precise, urgent gestures, gripping the acetone spray device and positioning himself near the control room door, ready to execute the attack.

Goals in this moment
  • Ensure the safety of the group by minimizing risks, especially for Polly.
  • Devise and execute a successful ambush plan to neutralize the Cybermen threat.
Active beliefs
  • Polly’s inexperience could jeopardize the mission and endanger the group.
  • The Cybermen threat requires immediate, decisive action with no room for error.
Character traits
Protective Skeptical Pragmatic Tactical Authoritative
Follow Ben Jackson's journey

Defiant and resolute, driven by a mix of frustration at being underestimated and a deep desire to prove her worth to the group.

Polly defiantly insists on joining the mission, her stance unyielding and voice sharp with determination. She counters Ben and Jamie’s objections with a mix of stubbornness and care, emphasizing her role in looking after the group. Once Ben concedes, she prepares for the ambush, gripping her acetone spray device with focused intensity, ready to contribute to the plan.

Goals in this moment
  • Prove her capability and earn the trust of Ben and Jamie.
  • Contribute actively to the mission to protect the group from the Cybermen threat.
Active beliefs
  • Her scientific knowledge and quick thinking are valuable assets in the fight against the Cybermen.
  • The group needs her, and she refuses to be sidelined when they are in danger.
Character traits
Defiant Loyal Determined Protective Quick-witted
Follow Polly Wright's journey

Cautious but compliant, balancing his concern for Polly’s safety with his trust in Ben’s leadership and the urgency of the situation.

Jamie initially echoes Ben’s caution, his expression concerned and voice firm as he urges Polly to stay back. However, once Ben outlines the plan, Jamie quickly falls in line, nodding in agreement and preparing for the ambush. He stands ready near the control room door, his posture tense but resolute, gripping his acetone spray device.

Goals in this moment
  • Support Ben’s plan to ensure the group’s survival against the Cybermen.
  • Protect Polly by ensuring she is prepared and safe during the ambush.
Active beliefs
  • Ben’s tactical experience makes him the best leader in this high-stakes situation.
  • The group’s unity and quick action are critical to overcoming the Cybermen threat.
Character traits
Cautious Loyal Compliant Brave Supportive
Follow Jamie McCrimmon's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

1
Acetone Spray Devices (Corridor Ambush)

The acetone spray devices are central to the ambush plan, serving as improvised weapons against the Cybermen. Ben instructs Polly and Jamie to aim these devices at the Cybermen’s chests, emphasizing the need for precision and speed. The devices symbolize the group’s resourcefulness and adaptability, turning everyday materials into tools for survival. Their successful use will be critical to melting the Cybermen’s chest plates and neutralizing the threat.

Before: Possessed by Ben, Polly, and Jamie, ready for …
After: Activated and deployed during the ambush, their effectiveness …
Before: Possessed by Ben, Polly, and Jamie, ready for use in the ambush.
After: Activated and deployed during the ambush, their effectiveness yet to be determined but pivotal to the group’s success.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Moonbase Corridor (Ambush Planning)

The moonbase corridor serves as the tense staging ground for the group’s ambush plan. Its narrow, confined space amplifies the urgency and tension, forcing the companions into close proximity as they prepare for the Cybermen’s arrival. The corridor’s proximity to the control room door makes it the ideal location for the ambush, allowing the group to strike as the Cybermen pass through. The metallic walls and humming base alarms create an oppressive atmosphere, underscoring the high stakes of their mission.

Atmosphere Tense and claustrophobic, with a palpable sense of urgency and impending danger. The hum of …
Function Tactical planning and ambush staging area, providing cover and a strategic advantage for the group’s …
Symbolism Represents the group’s unity in the face of adversity, as well as the fragile balance …
Access Restricted to the group for the duration of the ambush plan, with the control room …
Narrow, metallic walls that amplify sound and create a sense of confinement. Humming base alarms that underscore the urgency and danger of the situation. The heavy control room door, which marks the threshold for the ambush and the Cybermen’s expected entry point.

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What this causes 2

"Ben explaining the plan to infiltrate the Control Room gives the context as to why the Cybermen's plans are being disrupted."

Companions disrupt Cybermen with solvent attack
S4E25 · The Moonbase Part 3

"Ben explaining the plan to infiltrate the Control Room gives the context as to why the Cybermen's plans are being disrupted."

Hobson prioritizes Gravitron over fallen crew
S4E25 · The Moonbase Part 3

Key Dialogue

"BEN: Polly. I thought that I told you to stay behind."
"POLLY: I'm coming with you."
"JAMIE: You'll maybe get hurt. Now go back."
"POLLY: I'm coming with you and that's flat! You still need someone to look after you"
"BEN: (They go to the control room door.) There's no time for arguments. If you're coming, come on."
"BEN: Now look, we've only got one chance. When I open the door, drop down as low as you can, aim this things at their chests and squirt like mad. Right?"