Fabula
Object
Object

Dalek Seismic Movement Tracker

A portable, handheld device designed to detect ground vibrations from footsteps, used by the Daleks to track the Doctor, Sara, and Steven in Mira's dense jungle. Activated by Dalek 2, this system pins the fugitives’ location before the Visian attack, serving a surveillance/pursuit role in the narrative. Not used for communication.
4 appearances

Purpose

Detect vibrations from human footsteps and track movements across jungle terrain

Significance

Locks Daleks onto the Doctor's group for a tense cornering, amplifying pursuit pressure until Visian chaos offers escape. Ties directly to demands for the stolen taranium core.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments
S3E5 · Mission to the Unknown
Cory kills infected Lowery and records warning

The Daleks’ seismic detector is the tool that dooms Cory. It registers the vibrations of his movements in the jungle, allowing Dalek 1 and Dalek 2 to pinpoint his location with precision. The device is a cold, mechanical extension of the Daleks’ ruthlessness, ensuring there is no escape. As Cory records his warning, the seismic detector confirms his position, leading the Daleks to surround and execute him. It is the instrument of his inevitable fate, a reminder that the Daleks’ technology is as relentless as their will.

Before: Active and scanning, carried by Dalek 1 and Dalek 2 as they track Cory.
After: Deactivated after Cory’s execution, its purpose fulfilled.
View full event
S3E5 · Mission to the Unknown
Cory’s Final Transmission and Death

The Daleks’ seismic detector is the instrument of Cory’s downfall, guiding the patrol to his exact location with chilling precision. Its readings are relayed to Dalek 1 and Dalek 2, allowing them to surround Cory without warning. The device’s efficiency mirrors the Daleks’ own ruthlessness—it leaves no room for escape, no chance for Cory to evade his fate. Its role in this event is a reminder of the Daleks’ technological superiority and their ability to hunt down even the most desperate prey.

Before: Active, scanning the jungle for human life signs.
After: Deactivated (mission accomplished).
View full event
S3E15 · Coronas of the Sun
Doctor exploits Visian-Dalek conflict

The Dalek seismic movement tracker is used by Dalek 2 to detect the taranium core's presence, confirming its location during the standoff. This device plays a critical role in escalating the tension, as it validates the Daleks' demands and forces the Doctor into a more precarious position. Its activation sets the stage for the subsequent confrontation and the Visians' ambush, which disrupts the Daleks' focus and allows the fugitives to escape.

Before: Activated and operational, held by Dalek 2 during the standoff with the Doctor.
After: Deactivated or set aside after confirming the taranium core's presence and the Visians' extermination.
View full event
S3E15 · Coronas of the Sun
Doctor exploits Visian attack for escape

The Dalek seismic movement tracker is used by Dalek 2 to confirm the presence of the taranium core, pinpointing the Doctor and his companions' location. This device plays a crucial role in the Daleks' initial confrontation, as it allows them to demand the core with certainty. However, the chaos of the Visian ambush disrupts the Daleks' focus, rendering the tracker less effective as they shift their attention to the immediate threat.

Before: Functional and in use by Dalek 2, confirming the taranium core's location.
After: Still functional but no longer the primary focus as the Daleks prioritize repelling the Visian attack.
View full event