Doctor Who_ Empire of Death - BBC Worldwide [78]
Nyssa was surprised to see the diving bell half-submerged in the water. Despite the name, it was a cube of cast iron that reminded her of a contraption she had travelled in at Heathrow Airport with Tegan. What had it been called? A lift. Yes, the diving bell looked like a lift - but one without doors. 'How do you get inside it?' she asked.
`There is no floor,' the Doctor said. 'As the bell is lowered, air is trapped inside by the water pressing up into the cavity from underneath. The greater the depth, the stronger the water pressure becomes. To compensate, more air is pumped in through the top, balancing out the pressure inside.'
`But how will the soldiers get from inside the diving bell to the rift and back?'
`By swimming,' the general replied, approaching the two prisoners. 'I hope you can swim, young lady, since you are coming with us.' Doulton loomed over Nyssa but she refused to be intimidated.
'Why?'
Ì want you with me as a guarantee when we enter the portal.
That way the Doctor will not be tempted to escape while we are on the Other Side.'
The Doctor was still trying to get through to Doulton. `You know as well as I do the rift is extremely dangerous and unstable. Sending one person through is foolhardy. Taking a dozen people through could be cataclysmic!'
Doulton lashed out with a clenched fist, striking the Doctor across the face with such force it sent him sprawling. The general demanded Vollmer hand him a rifle. After checking it was loaded, Doulton aimed the weapon at the Doctor's head. 'One more word from you and I will take pleasure in bringing forward your execution. Do I make myself clear?' The Doctor just nodded, his eyes ablaze with anger. Satisfied, the general gave the rifle back to Vollmer. `Sergeant, I want the Doctor gagged - that should still his tongue in my absence.
Then remove the shackles from the female prisoner and place her inside the diving bell. Clark, choose ten of your best men and move them inside the diving bell, ready for the off. The rest wil be here maintaining the air supply, controlling the speed the diving bell descends, and pulling it back up when I give the signal. Is that clear?'
Vollmer fashioned a gag from his handkerchief and began tying it around the Doctor's neck. But the prisoner still managed to shout a few words before being silenced. `Nyssa, whatever you see beyond the rift, don't believe it! The -'
The general strode into the water, followed by Clark and ten soldiers. Vollmer followed them, leading Nyssa to the diving bell. The sergeant saluted Doulton before standing aside to let the troops enter the cube, the general taking Nyssa with him. Within a minute the bell was disappearing under the surface, just the air hose and guide ropes betraying its presence.
My Darling Child,
I have so much for which to thank you. The past months have lingered long in my heart, ever since work began on the beloved Mausoleum. I go daily to that place while at Windsor, and long to be there with your precious Papa. But the letters you sent about Master James Lees and his remarkable gift gave me hope that, perhaps, I might be reunited with dear Papa in this life. The young man came to Windsor and gave a séance.
To hear Papa's voice speaking, it was like he was standing beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder.
Please excuse me if my own hand shakes in writing this. I am travelling north into Scotland by train and the carriage is most violent in its movement. By the time you read these words I will be visiting the place that Master Lees spoke of a gateway to the spirit world. As you can imagine, Sir Henry objected most strongly to my journey and insisted I be accompanied by a small contingent of household guards. He wants only for my safety but he does