Duggan hides Cybermat in power room
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
As Bennett takes Jamie and the guards away, ordering the radar check be done, Duggan is left alone in the power room to start repairs, and is distracted by the arrival of a Cybermat. He mistakes it for a harmless 'space bug' and hides it in a cupboard.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Initially focused and methodical, shifting to mild amusement and curiosity upon encountering the Cybermat, then to cautious urgency as he hides it to avoid scrutiny. Underlying tension lingers as he grapples with the chaos of the situation, though his emotional response remains subdued.
Duggan is left alone in the Power Room after Bennett, Corwyn, Jamie, and the guards depart, tasked with assessing the sabotage damage to the laser system. He begins repairs but is abruptly distracted by the appearance of a Cybermat, which he mistakes for a harmless 'space bug.' Duggan interacts with it curiously, even naming it 'Billy Bug,' before hastily hiding it in a cupboard upon hearing approaching footsteps. His actions are driven by a mix of practicality and an uncharacteristic moment of whimsy, unaware of the creature's true nature or the dire consequences his decision will unleash.
- • Assess and begin repairs on the sabotaged laser system to restore the station’s defenses.
- • Avoid drawing attention to his interaction with the Cybermat to prevent being labeled as irrational or incompetent.
- • The Cybermat is a harmless 'space bug' and poses no threat to the station or its operations.
- • Hiding the Cybermat is a pragmatic solution to avoid unnecessary complications or ridicule from his superiors.
Neutral; their actions are incidental to the broader conflict, driven by routine station operations.
Two unnamed men enter the Power Room, their footsteps prompting Duggan to hastily hide the Cybermat in a cupboard. Their presence is brief and peripheral, serving as a catalyst for Duggan’s impulsive action. They do not interact with Duggan or the Cybermat, and their role is purely functional—triggering the concealment of the threat.
- • Proceed with their assigned tasks in the Power Room, unaware of the unfolding crisis.
- • Maintain station protocols without engaging in Duggan’s activities.
- • Their presence is routine and does not warrant suspicion or investigation.
- • Duggan’s actions are his own concern, unrelated to their duties.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Cybermat is the central object of this event, entering the Power Room unnoticed and scuttling across the floor as Duggan begins repairs. Its metallic form and insect-like movement initially deceive Duggan into believing it is a harmless 'space bug.' This misperception allows the Cybermat to remain undetected, enabling Duggan to interact with it curiously before hiding it in a cupboard. The Cybermat’s true purpose—sabotage and infiltration—is concealed, making it a silent but deadly threat. Its presence marks the beginning of the Cybermen’s phased attack on the station, as it will later escape to target the Bernalium supply, crippling the station’s defenses.
The Wheel’s Power Room X-ray Laser Weapon System is the primary focus of Duggan’s repairs in this event. Though already sabotaged by Jamie’s quick-set plastic, the laser system looms in the background as a symbol of the station’s vulnerability. Duggan’s interaction with the Cybermat occurs as he assesses the damage, highlighting the precarious state of the station’s defenses. The laser’s inoperability underscores the urgency of the situation, as the Cybermat’s presence further compromises the station’s ability to protect itself from external threats.
The Power Room cupboard serves as a makeshift hiding place for the Cybermat after Duggan discovers it. Duggan, hearing approaching footsteps, quickly stashes the creature inside to avoid detection. The cupboard’s unassuming nature and Duggan’s haste ensure the Cybermat remains concealed, allowing it to evade immediate scrutiny. This object becomes a critical but temporary barrier, delaying the station’s awareness of the infiltration until the Cybermat can escape and wreak havoc on the Bernalium supply.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Power Room serves as the critical hub for this event, where Duggan assesses the sabotage damage to the laser system and encounters the Cybermat. The room’s humming machinery and cluttered shelves create a tense, high-stakes atmosphere, amplifying the urgency of the station’s predicament. Duggan’s interaction with the Cybermat—naming it 'Billy Bug' and hiding it in a cupboard—occurs amid the backdrop of damaged equipment, symbolizing the fragility of human perception in the face of mechanical threats. The Power Room’s role as the station’s power heart makes it a prime target for sabotage, and Duggan’s unwitting actions here accelerate the Cybermen’s plan.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
The Cybermen’s influence is felt indirectly in this event through the Cybermat’s infiltration. Though not physically present, their phased sabotage plan is advanced by Duggan’s unwitting actions. The Cybermat’s presence in the Power Room marks the beginning of Phase Two of their attack, as it will later target the Bernalium supply to disable the station’s telemeter controls. The Cybermen’s strategy relies on human error and distraction, which Duggan’s curiosity provides. This event underscores their ability to exploit human psychology to achieve their goals.
Space Wheel Security is represented through Duggan’s role as a technician and the broader institutional protocols he follows. His actions—assessing the sabotage damage and interacting with the Cybermat—occur within the framework of station security, though his impulsive decision to hide the creature temporarily undermines these protocols. The organization’s focus on maintaining the station’s defenses is evident, but Duggan’s moment of distraction creates a critical vulnerability. This event highlights the tension between individual actions and institutional goals, as Duggan’s curiosity conflicts with the station’s need for vigilance.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Jamie sabotages the capacitator, is caught, and while Duggan is left to repair sabotaged capacitator, he discovers the Cybermat. Jamie's action directly enables the Cybermat to be found."
Jamie sabotages the Power Room"Duggan confirms Jamie sabotaged the laser, then hides the cybermat. Duggan later describes what he saw to Corwyn, who wants to know how it entered."
Corwyn demands proof of Duggan’s Cybermat"Duggan confirms Jamie sabotaged the laser, then hides the cybermat. Duggan later describes what he saw to Corwyn, who wants to know how it entered."
Corwyn insists on confronting the Cybermat"Duggan discovers a Cybermat and hides it. Later, Rudkin discovers Cybermats attacking the Bernalium boxes, a direct consequence of one having entered the station."
Rudkin’s fatal confrontation with Cybermats"Corwyn learns the laser is out. Later Zoe confronts doctor revealing the fact she calculated the rocket must have been refueled."
Corwyn interrogates the Doctor’s memory"Corwyn learns the laser is out. Later Zoe confronts doctor revealing the fact she calculated the rocket must have been refueled."
Zoe exposes the Doctor’s impossible rocketKey Dialogue
"DUGGAN: Well, I'll be. Hey. Hey, hang on. Hang on, I'm not going to hurt you. Well, where did you spring from? You're metal. Hey, you're a strange little creature, aren't you? Some form of space bug?"
"DUGGAN: Ah. Let's get started right away, shall we?"
"DUGGAN: Well, Billy, we'd better hide you, Billy Bug, or they'll think that I've gone bonkers."