Ian accepts Aztec command despite Doctor’s warning
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Despite the Doctor's objection, Ian, seizing the opportunity for greater influence and perhaps under Barbara's direction, accepts Tlotoxl's offer to train and command the army, much to Ixta's dismay.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Hesitant and conflicted, torn between loyalty to the temple’s traditions and the pressure to conform to Tlotoxl’s directives.
Autloc stands hesitantly on the temple platform, caught between his loyalty to the temple hierarchy and his unease with Tlotoxl’s sudden decision. He defers to Tlotoxl’s authority but questions the appointment of Ian as the new leader of the Aztec army, citing Ixta’s prior status as the chosen warrior. When ordered to escort the Doctor to the Garden of Peace, he complies without further protest, though his body language suggests reluctance.
- • Maintain the temple’s hierarchical order and traditions
- • Avoid direct confrontation with Tlotoxl while subtly resisting his more extreme decisions
- • The temple’s rituals and hierarchy must be preserved, even if it means compromising personal convictions
- • Tlotoxl’s decisions, while authoritative, may not always align with the temple’s best interests
Frustrated and concerned, recognizing the moral and temporal dangers of their interference but powerless to stop it.
The Doctor stands firm, protesting Tlotoxl’s decision to appoint Ian as the leader of the Aztec army. He insists that this decision should be made by Yetaxa (Barbara), highlighting the moral and temporal implications of their interference. His frustration is palpable as he is subsequently ordered to be escorted to the Garden of Peace, effectively sidelined from the action. His protests go unheeded, underscoring the growing danger of their involvement in Aztec history.
- • Prevent further interference in Aztec history to avoid temporal consequences
- • Protect his companions from the moral and physical dangers of their actions
- • Interfering in historical events, no matter the intent, can have catastrophic consequences
- • His companions’ safety and moral integrity are his top priorities
Determined and slightly tense, caught between his loyalty to Barbara and the moral implications of his new role.
Ian stands tall and determined on the platform, fully embracing his role as Barbara’s servant. He accepts Tlotoxl’s offer to lead the Aztec army without hesitation, despite the Doctor’s protests. His acceptance is framed as an honor bestowed by Yetaxa, and he shows curiosity about his rival, Ixta, indicating his readiness to take on the challenge. His body language suggests confidence, but there is an undercurrent of tension as he aligns himself with Tlotoxl’s agenda.
- • Prove his worth as a servant of Yetaxa (Barbara) and fulfill her mission
- • Establish his authority as the new leader of the Aztec army
- • His actions are justified if they serve Barbara’s goals
- • He must adapt to the Aztec culture and hierarchy to be effective
Calculating and confident, reveling in his ability to control the narrative and the people around him.
Tlotoxl dominates the scene with calculated precision, manipulating the situation to consolidate his power. He frames Ian as a divine warrior favored by Yetaxa, bypassing Autloc’s objections and the Doctor’s protests. His dialogue is sharp and authoritative, leaving no room for dissent. He swiftly neutralizes the Doctor as a threat by ordering his removal to the Garden of Peace and sets up a power struggle by introducing Ian to his rival, Ixta.
- • Consolidate his authority over the Aztec army and temple hierarchy
- • Neutralize the Doctor as a potential threat to his plans
- • Power must be seized and maintained through decisive action and manipulation
- • The ends justify the means, especially when it comes to preserving his influence
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Aztec army is the central contested resource in this event. Tlotoxl uses it as a bargaining chip to consolidate his power, appointing Ian as its new leader to undermine Ixta’s authority. The army represents both military strength and political influence within the Aztec temple, and its leadership is a symbol of divine favor. The appointment of Ian as its leader sets the stage for a power struggle that will test his loyalty and capabilities.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Aztec Temple Platform is the primary setting for this event, where the companions are surrounded by priests and warriors. The platform is broad and crowded, with ritual preparations underway, adding to the sense of urgency and tension. It is here that Tlotoxl and Autloc lock horns over divine signs and human sacrifice, and where Ian is appointed as the leader of the Aztec army. The platform’s role as a hub of temple activity makes it a charged arena for political maneuvering and power plays.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Aztec Priesthood is central to this event, as Tlotoxl and Autloc represent its hierarchical structure and conflicting agendas. Tlotoxl manipulates the situation to consolidate his power, while Autloc hesitates, caught between loyalty to tradition and the pressure to conform. The priesthood’s authority is invoked to legitimize Ian’s appointment as the leader of the Aztec army, and its internal divisions are exposed as Tlotoxl orders the Doctor’s removal to the Garden of Peace. The priesthood’s influence is exerted through ritual recognition and swift enforcement of traditions.
The Aztec Army is a contested resource in this event, as Tlotoxl uses it to consolidate his power by appointing Ian as its new leader. The army represents both military strength and political influence within the Aztec temple, and its leadership is a symbol of divine favor. The appointment of Ian sets the stage for a power struggle with Ixta, the current chosen warrior, creating tension and uncertainty within the organization.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Tlotoxl begins to question Barbara's companions which sows seeds of doubt about how each of them is connected to Yetaxa."
Barbara embraces priestess deception"Tlotoxl begins to question Barbara's companions which sows seeds of doubt about how each of them is connected to Yetaxa."
Barbara secures freedom through deception"Because Tlotoxl is suspicious of those around Yetaxa and Ian is there to accept as leader of the Aztecs."
Tlotoxl installs Ian as rival commander"Ian accepts and this causes him to be introduced to Ixta as Yetaxa's servant."
Ixta asserts dominance over Ian"Ian accepts and this causes him to be introduced to Ixta as Yetaxa's servant."
Ixta threatens Ian with violent consequences"Ian accepts and this causes him to be introduced to Ixta as Yetaxa's servant."
Ian assigned to sacrifice duty"Because Tlotoxl is suspicious of those around Yetaxa and Ian is there to accept as leader of the Aztecs."
Tlotoxl installs Ian as rival commanderKey Dialogue
"TLOTOXL: "Let Ixta prove himself more worthy than the servant of Yetaxa. (to Ian) It has been decided. The old man may walk abroad. You shall train to command our army.""
"DOCTOR: "Surely that is for Yetaxa to decide?""
"IAN: "Yetaxa would not refuse so great an honour. I accept.""
"TLOTOXL: "Your rival to command.""