Munro reveals the abductors' unnatural features
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Munro presents a photograph of a man who posed as a reporter earlier and was later identified as leading the Doctor's abduction, also noting that the others had strange faces.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Controlled but increasingly alarmed—his professional demeanor cannot fully mask his growing concern about the alien nature of the threat and the Doctor's ambiguous role in it.
The Brigadier stands in the hospital gardens, examining the plastic meteorite fragment with a mix of scientific curiosity and military caution. He orders heightened security for the TARDIS and the hospital, his voice carrying the weight of command. His dialogue with Munro reveals his skepticism about the Doctor's possible involvement with the abductors, as well as his growing realization that this threat may not be human. The photograph of the impassive man forces him to confront the unnatural, his usual composure tinged with unease. He directs the fragment to be taken to his car, ensuring it is secured for further analysis.
- • To secure the plastic meteorite fragment and the TARDIS as potential clues or targets.
- • To determine whether the Doctor is a victim or an accomplice in the abduction plot.
- • The plastic meteorite is artificial, likely of extraterrestrial origin.
- • The Doctor's abduction is connected to the broader alien conspiracy, but his exact role remains unclear.
Focused and slightly unsettled—his professionalism masks a growing unease about the unnatural elements of the case, particularly the abductors' inhuman features.
Captain Munro stands beside the Brigadier, lifting an ammunition box onto a stone balustrade to reveal the recovered plastic meteorite fragment. He explains its lightweight, synthetic nature and produces a photograph of the impassive abductor, noting the unnatural faces of the raiding party. Munro relays the Brigadier's orders to Hawkins with military precision, his demeanor professional yet attentive to the escalating threat. His observations about the abductors' odd features plant the seed of an alien conspiracy, forcing UNIT to confront a reality beyond human operatives.
- • To provide the Brigadier with concrete evidence of the alien threat (the meteorite fragment and photograph).
- • To ensure UNIT's protocols are followed (relaying orders to Hawkins, securing the fragment).
- • The Doctor's abduction is connected to the meteorite and the impassive men, but their motives remain unclear.
- • UNIT must treat this as a potential extraterrestrial threat, given the unnatural evidence.
Not directly observable, but inferred as a source of tension—UNIT's suspicion suggests he may be feeling isolated, misunderstood, or even hunted.
The Doctor is not physically present in this event, but his absence looms large over the conversation. The Brigadier and Munro's discussion revolves around his abduction, the possibility of his involvement with the abductors, and the need to secure the TARDIS. His mysterious connection to the plastic meteorite and the impassive men drives the tension, as UNIT grapples with whether he is a victim, a collaborator, or something else entirely. The Brigadier's lingering skepticism about the Doctor's loyalties reflects the broader institutional distrust of his alien nature.
- • To regain his memories and prove his innocence (implied by UNIT's actions).
- • To uncover the truth about the plastic meteorite and the abductors (a goal shared by UNIT, though for different reasons).
- • The Doctor is likely unaware of the full extent of the threat (given his amnesia).
- • His abduction is part of a larger, alien-driven plot (as hinted by the meteorite and the impassive men).
Not directly observable, but inferred as coldly efficient—his role in the raiding party suggests a calculated, emotionless approach to his mission.
The impassive abductor is referenced indirectly through the photograph Munro shows the Brigadier. Though not physically present, his unnatural facial features—captured in the image—serve as the first concrete proof of an alien threat. The nurses' testimony about his role in the raiding party further implicates him as a key operative in the conspiracy. His presence, even in absence, drives the escalation of UNIT's response, as the Brigadier and Munro grapple with the implications of his inhuman appearance.
- • To abduct the Doctor (as part of a larger alien operation).
- • To evade detection by UNIT (though the photograph exposes his true nature).
- • The Doctor is a high-value target for his knowledge or abilities.
- • UNIT's defenses can be bypassed through infiltration and deception.
Neutral and focused—his demeanor is that of a soldier carrying out his duties without question or hesitation.
Hawkins is mentioned briefly as the soldier to whom Munro relays the Brigadier's order to transport the meteorite fragment to the car. His role in this event is functional and subordinate, reflecting UNIT's hierarchical structure. Though he does not speak or act independently, his presence underscores the chain of command and the urgency of securing the evidence. His obedience to orders ensures the fragment is handled according to UNIT's protocols.
- • To transport the meteorite fragment to the Brigadier's car as ordered.
- • To support UNIT's evidence collection and security measures.
- • The meteorite fragment is a critical piece of evidence that requires immediate secure transport.
- • UNIT's protocols must be followed without deviation.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The ammunition box is a functional container used to transport the plastic meteorite fragment from the crash site to the hospital gardens. Munro lifts it onto the balustrade, opening it to reveal the fragment for the Brigadier's inspection. Its military design underscores the urgency and security concerns surrounding the evidence. While the box itself is mundane, its role in this event is to ensure the fragment is handled with the care and discretion required by UNIT's protocols. The act of opening it in front of the Brigadier symbolizes the transition of the fragment from field evidence to official investigation.
The plastic meteorite fragment is the centerpiece of this event, serving as the first tangible proof of an alien conspiracy. Munro lifts it from an ammunition box and places it on the balustrade for the Brigadier's inspection. Its lightweight, synthetic composition defies natural geology, immediately raising suspicions. The Brigadier handles it with a mix of scientific curiosity and military caution, recognizing its artificial nature. The fragment's unnatural properties—its plastic-like texture and the fact that it 'broke up' upon impact—force UNIT to confront the possibility that the meteorite is not a cosmic accident but a deliberate, extraterrestrial artifact. Its role in the event is dual: as physical evidence and as a catalyst for escalating the threat level.
The photograph of the impassive abductor is the second critical piece of evidence in this event, providing visual proof of the alien threat. Munro produces it from his files, showing it to the Brigadier as evidence that the raiding party included non-human operatives. The image captures the abductor posing as a reporter, his unnatural facial features stark against the crowd. This photograph forces UNIT to acknowledge that the abductors are not merely human criminals but something far more sinister. Its role is to shatter the illusion of a terrestrial threat, elevating the crisis to an extraterrestrial invasion. The nurses' testimony about the abductor's role in the raid further validates the photograph's significance.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Ashbridge Cottage Hospital Gardens serve as the neutral ground where the Brigadier and Munro examine the plastic meteorite fragment and the photograph of the impassive abductor. The gravel paths and stone balustrade provide a serene yet functional setting for their investigation, contrasting with the escalating tension of the conversation. The open air carries their clipped military exchanges, blending the hospital's pastoral surroundings with the urgency of their mission. The location's role is to facilitate a private, secure discussion away from prying eyes, allowing UNIT to assess the evidence without interference. Its atmosphere is one of controlled urgency, where the weight of the discovery is felt but not yet fully understood.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
UNIT is the driving force behind this event, manifesting through the Brigadier's authority and Munro's execution of orders. The organization's protocols dictate the handling of the plastic meteorite fragment, the photograph of the impassive abductor, and the security measures for the TARDIS. UNIT's institutional skepticism is evident in the Brigadier's questioning of the Doctor's potential involvement, as well as in the decision to double the guard at the hospital. The organization's power dynamics are on full display: the Brigadier exercises command, Munro relays orders, and Hawkins carries them out. UNIT's goals in this event are to secure evidence, assess the threat level, and prepare for potential retaliation from the abductors. Its influence mechanisms include military protocol, evidence collection, and rapid response planning.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"The photograph of Channing foreshadows his controlling presence at the plastics factory and Ransome's unease."
Ransome confronts Hibbert’s alien conspiracy"The photograph of Channing foreshadows his controlling presence at the plastics factory and Ransome's unease."
Ransome Confronts Hibbert’s Alien Authority"The photograph of Channing foreshadows his controlling presence at the plastics factory and Ransome's unease."
Ransome confronts Hibbert’s alien conspiracyKey Dialogue
"BRIGADIER: What puzzles me is why they should want to abduct the Doctor."
"MUNRO: Could he be tied up with them in any way, sir?"
"BRIGADIER: Yes, it's possible. Anyone get a good look at them?"
"MUNRO: I've got a picture of one of them, sir. He was here earlier posing as a reporter. There was something odd about their faces."