Object

Dalek Prototype (Mark Three Travel Machine)

Davros unveils this prototype in the Kaled laboratory as a living, thinking, self-supporting creature encased in a Mark Three travel machine. The machine features voice control, a weaponized arm (the 'Prototype Dalek's Gun Unit'), and a targeting system that locks onto the Doctor as an alien target, declaring 'Exterminate' before Ronson deactivates it. The gun unit is secured to the prototype's upper casing by Nyder and embodies the machine's raw lethality, channeling energy for imminent fire until power is cut. The Doctor recognizes the prototype, while Harry and others witness its murderous activation.

3 appearances

Purpose

Mobile extermination unit prototype with integrated weaponry and voice command for targeting enemies

Significance

Embodies Davros' Kaled genetic experiments, reveals the Daleks' innate evil through instinctive targeting, and triggers Ronson's moral rebellion against Davros' tyranny

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S12E12 · Genesis of the Daleks Part 2

The Doctor’s Interrogation and the Birth of a Monster: Ronson’s Dilemma

The Dalek prototype, a primitive but functional Mark Three travel machine, is unveiled by Davros as the culmination of his genetic and technological experiments. It demonstrates voice control, mobility, and—after the gun unit is attached—lethal autonomy. The machine locks onto the Doctor as an ‘alien’ target, declaring ‘Exterminate’ with chilling precision, embodying the Kaleds’ ruthless ambition and foreshadowing the Daleks’ future as genocidal forces. Ronson’s intervention halts its attack, but the moment underscores its inherent danger and the irreversible nature of its design.

Before: Stored in a secure laboratory area, partially assembled and awaiting Davros’s demonstration. The gun unit is detached and stored separately in a sealed box.

After: Fully assembled and activated, with the gun unit attached and operational. The Dalek’s autonomy switch is toggled on and off by Davros and Ronson, respectively, demonstrating its lethal capabilities. The machine remains in the laboratory under Davros’s control, poised for further experiments.

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S12E12 · Genesis of the Daleks Part 2

The Dalek’s First Kill Command: Instinct Overrides Mercy

The Dalek Prototype (Mark Three Travel Machine) is the centerpiece of Davros' demonstration, unveiled as a 'living, thinking, self-supporting creature.' Initially, it glides into the laboratory under voice control, equipped only with a sink plunger attachment. After Nyder retrieves the gun unit from a sealed box and an aide attaches it, the Dalek's true nature is revealed. Its eyestalk locks onto the Doctor, and its chilling declaration—'Aliens. I must exterminate. Exterminate.'—exposes its genocidal programming. Ronson's intervention halts its attack, but the prototype's brief activation crystallizes the Daleks' fundamental hostility. The object is not just a machine but a harbinger of the Kaleds' future as a genocidal force.

Before: Stored in a secure area of the laboratory, lacking its weapon unit and fully autonomous capabilities. It is a crude but functional prototype, awaiting Davros' demonstration.

After: Deactivated by Ronson, but its lethal potential is now undeniable. The gun unit remains attached, and the Dalek's autonomy switch is left in a precarious state, hinting at future activation.

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S12E12 · Genesis of the Daleks Part 2

The First Fracture: Ronson’s Mercy vs. Davros’ Tyranny

The Dalek prototype, a squat Mark Three travel machine, is the centerpiece of Davros' demonstration. It glides into the laboratory under voice control, its eyestalk surveying the room before locking onto the Doctor as an 'alien' target. When Davros activates its autonomy, it issues the first 'Exterminate' command, its gun arm rising with lethal intent. Ronson's intervention halts its attack, but its brief activation reveals its instinctive hostility and the monstrous potential of Davros' creation. The machine's presence dominates the room, symbolizing the birth of a genocidal force.

Before: Stored in a secure laboratory area, partially assembled and awaiting Davros' demonstration.

After: Deactivated by Ronson but now recognized as a functional, lethal prototype capable of independent action.

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