Doctor Who_ Delta and the Bannermen - Malcolm Kohll [28]
‘OK, I’ll have a go,’ agreed Mel unhappily.
‘Do you think the Doctor will come?’ asked Burton.
‘Yes! He’d never leave us here like this,’ said Mel as if Burton’s question was a silly one.
‘That’s what I thought. I wonder what his strategy will be.’
‘Don’t worry, the Doctor always thinks of something.’
‘You’ve been in situations like this before?’ Burton appeared shocked.
‘Oh yes, loads of times. We have a great knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.’
‘I see,’ said Burton, unsure of what to say next, and thinking what a curious pair they were.
Gavrok sat in a rocking chair, a power blaster resting across his knees, waiting for the arrival of the Doctor and Delta. Like Mel, he was sure the Doctor would come. It was only a matter of time. He had heard many things about the Doctor but never that he was a coward.
The
Bannermen slouched around, priming their weapons. All heads lifted as the sound of the big twin echoed down the valley.
Then the Vincent appeared, driven by the Doctor. Stuck into the sidecar was a white flag of truce, or on closer examination, Goronwy’s old bed linen. Gavrok smirked and raised the blaster. When the Doctor was within about 20 feet Gavrok fired. The flagstaff sheared and the white flag fell in a flaming heap. When the Doctor cut the engine he was apoplectic with rage.
‘How dare you? A white flag is an accepted signal of truce throughout the civilized universe!’ he cried.
‘Who will stop me? You with your puny flags and appeals to fair play and justice? I spit on justice!’ said Gavrok.
‘Your charm is matched only by your compassion,’
snapped the Doctor.
‘Why shouldn’t I kill you right now?’ barked Gavrok.
‘Because you’re in enough trouble already, Gavrok.
Release these people and I will testify that you showed some mercy.’
‘Testify? You’ll never get me to trial,’ said Gavrok.
‘Delta has sworn a statement alleging invasion and genocide of the Chimerons. You will be called to account, Gavrok.’
‘Bring me Delta and I will give you life,’ hissed Gavrok.
‘Life? What do you know about life? You deal in death, Gavrok. Lies, treachery and murder are your currency.
You see everything through a veil of smoke and blood. You promise life, Gavrok, but in the end it will be life which defeats you!’ shouted the Doctor, shaking with fury.
Gavrok sprang to his feet. ‘You have said enough! I have traversed time and space to find the Chimeron Queen and I will not be defeated!’
The Doctor stepped back a pace but threw out his chest defiantly. ‘Very well. I came here under a white flag and will leave under the same white flag. And woe betide any man who breaches its integrity. Now step aside Gavrok –
it’s over. You’re finished and we’re leaving!’
The Doctor took a white hankie from his pocket and waved it aloft. He pushed through the gawping Bannermen until he reached Mel and Burton. He started pulling at the ropes that bound them.
‘Steady on Doctor,’ said Burton.
‘Yes I know the old adage, "More haste less speed", but I don’t think this is quite the time or place to put it to the test,’ the Doctor replied. Finally they were free. As they turned towards the motorcycle they heard the ominous click of half a dozen phasers. They were looking down the barrels of a small arsenal. Standing with his blaster aimed straight at the Doctor’s chest was Gavrok.
‘Actually, I think I may have gone too far,’ muttered the Doctor to Mel and Burton, who were thinking the same thing. There was only one way to go. The Doctor took the lead and started walking towards the waiting Vincent.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The Bannermen guns followed their every move, waiting only for the signal from Gavrok to blast the Doctor into sub-atomic particles. The