Doctor Who_ Cats Cradle_ Witch Mark - Andrew Hunt [31]
In one rapid, fluid motion it flung itself at the Doctor and bore him to the ground. Ace was over the wall in a flash, but she couldn't bring herself to attack this ferocious creature.
‘Janet! Get my gun!' Hugh spoke quietly but firmly. As she started to back away the pitch of the growling rose.
‘No, don't move,' the Doctor said equally firmly, 'I think if I can just ... '
The creature reacted swiftly.
Eyes flashed and teeth struck.
Jack looked at the figure by the road with some surprise. There was no mistaking that coat - it had to be David. But why hadn't he stayed with the centaur? What was he doing up on the road? The figure waved and started walking towards him. Well, he'd get his answers soon enough. Indeed, within a couple of minutes they were within shouting distance.
'Hey, David, what are you doing up here? You're meant to be looking after Joe Centaur.'
'Yeah, well, this policeman guy came along and told me that he'd sort out first aid and that I should come and wait for you so that you didn't miss the stream in the mist.'
They finally reached each other and David turned and continued walking in the same direction as Jack.
'How could I miss the stream, David?'
'I don't know, I was just doing what I was told. Best to do what the cops tell you, you know. '
'Oh, you'd know all about that, wouldn't you?'
'Well, I've been in my fair share of precincts. But hey; Jack, have I got news for you. The horseman came round while you were gone. I think it must be that tomato soup I gave it.'
'Better write to the manufacturers. They may give you samples if you let them use "Our tomato soup brings even centaurs back to life".'
'Do you want to know what he said?'
'Run it by me, David.'
'Here's the stream now, I think we should get down there. He was fading pretty fast when I left, there may not be much more chance to see a living centaur again.'
They hurried down along the stream, making no attempt stop themselves slipping in the mud.
'So what did he say?'
'You know that policeman was sort of weird. He turned up on this old bike, right, he'd ridden it down the stream, but he had this canister with him and, you know, I'd swear it was petrol.'
'Petrol?'
'Yeah, to light a fire to keep Cheiron warm. I was just surprised that he had it with him.'
Jack looked ahead and saw that there was indeed a fire burning in the gully through which the stream ran. But it was so big! And wasn't it moving?
'Oh my God!' he cried. 'What have you done, David?'
David was left standing as Jack hared off.
‘What do you mean, what have I done?'
Jack could have thrown up at the sight that greeted his eyes and the mixed stench of petrol and burning flesh that ripped through his nose. The policeman stood on the other side of the stream, his face illuminated by the pale light that the ghastly flames gave off.
'Christ, do something,' shouted Jack and now David was beside him trying to kick, throw and splash water on to the burning animal. Jack scooped up mud and smeared it on to smother the flames, but they were too late, far too late. The centaur was dead, there could be no doubt about that.
Jack sobbed quietly to himself. 'You scum,' he wheeled and turned on the policeman, 'you low down, dirty, son-of-a ... '
‘All right, lad, that's enough of that. You can save your feelings for something else.'
‘Why did you do it?' asked David. He hardly seemed as affected as Jack, just dazed and wondering.
‘Had to be done. Orders from far above my head, I'm afraid. If it's any consolation, lad, it didn't feel pain. It was just a laboratory experiment got loose. They should keep their security tighter at them government places.'
'What do you mean?' Jack asked. 'Experiment?'
‘Genes, isn't it?' the policeman told them. 'Had to be destroyed, No telling what damage it might have done. Now then, we'd prefer it