Doctor Who_ Curse of Peladon - Brian Hayles [35]
Although sentimentally attracted to the idea, Alpha Centauri was confused by the related events. ‘But if a marriage is to occur,’ shrilled the over-excited hexapod, ‘why is the Doctor to be executed?’
‘It is unusual,’ hissed Izlyr, ‘to celebrate such an event with the execution of a planetary ambassador.’
Arcturus was not to be deflected from his theory.
‘That is obviously designed to confuse us,’ he said coldly.
‘There is a conspiracy!’
‘A conspiracy!’ repeated Alpha Centauri, waving dark blue tentacles in panic. ‘Izlyr—Arcturus—tell me what is happening. I do not understand!’
It was at this point in the discussion that Jo entered, and heard Arcturus next ominous words.
‘It is a plot to destroy Federation unity. If we remain, we shall be the next victims. We must withdraw from Peladon immediately!’
‘No!’ shouted Jo as she entered the room and heard Arcturus’s remark, ‘you can’t do that!’ What about the Doctor?’
Alpha Centauri was sympathetic—but cowardly. ‘But Princess, we must leave—if only to avoid further violence. We cannot interfere in local politics. What would the Galactic Council say?’
‘Probably that you’ve got no power to cancel the mission,’
said Jo firmly, ‘have you?’
Izlyr spoke thoughtfully. ‘The Princess is correct. Federation authority is required. We cannot act alone.’
‘We have full powers in an emergency,’ rapped Arcturus. ‘If we stay, we risk being taken as hostages, or worse. Such a situation calls for emergency procedures!’
‘It’s true,’ wailed Alpha Centauri. ‘We’re in terrible danger!
We must leave while we have the chance!’
‘And leave the Doctor behind to die?’ stormed Jo. ‘What sort of politicians are you? Cowards, the lot of you!’
‘This is a very delicate political situation,’ grated Arcturus.
‘Your immature emotional response does not help.’
‘Well, let me tell you,’ retorted Jo, ‘it’ll be worse than delicate if the Doctor is killed! What will the Galactic Council say to that?’
It was Izlyr that gave the only possible answer to Jo’s angry question. ‘It would amount to a declaration of war. The Federation would be compelled to retaliate. The planet of Peladon would probably be destroyed.’
‘Any action on our part could precipitate a worse conflict,’
stated Arcturus. ‘Therefore, we must do nothing to interfere!’
Jo could hardly believe her ears. Even when the so-called leader of the group was in deadly danger, they wouldn’t raise a finger or a tentacle to save him! ‘That’s marvellous!’ exclaimed Jo, scathingly. ‘Your recipe for peace—do nothing, and let the other clods die! Well —thanks for nothing!’
And with that, she rushed blindly from the room.
The door to the Doctor’s room was still open, but he remained inside. The guard captain that Hepesh had planted to observe the Doctor still waited, patiently lurking in the shadows. The moment the Doctor left his chamber and took advantage of Hepesh’s offer of freedom, the captain was to report it immediately to the High Priest. He was beginning to wonder whether the alien intended to take his chance with Grun instead.
In fact, the Doctor was rather busy. As his deft fingers constructed the small but intricate device he needed for his journey, he studied the map that Hepesh had so thoughtfully left him. It showed a short, direct route to the entrance of the secret tunnel used by the Doctor previously. The route to the temple was indicated, but marked boldly with an ‘X’. The Doctor smiled wryly he wasn’t likely to chance trespassing there again!
The route shown on the map lead to an area marked ‘BLUE
BOX’. This, then, was where the TARDIS would be waiting—or would it? The Doctor had his own ideas about that. For now, it was enough to concentrate on reaching the secret passage. He stood, and considered the spinning, glittering construction he had just made. Yes, it should do the trick nicely. He stilled its movement, and slipped it into a convenient pocket. Then, without any attempt at concealment, he walked outside. A faint flicker