Doctor Who_ Empire of Death - BBC Worldwide [80]
Ìf I was responsible?'
`Yes.' The Doctor pushed the harsh metal edges of the manacles up his arms and rubbed at angry red marks where skin was rubbed raw `The quality of these primitive handcuffs leaves something to be desired.'
`Has anyone been through the gateway yet?' James asked urgently.
`Yes. A lieutenant from the Royal Navy, but he died soon afterwards. Doulton and I went through yesterday in diving suits.
The general is back down there now, having gone down in a diving bell along with eleven of his soldiers -and Nyssa.'
Ì have to get back to the Other Side. Where are the diving suits?'
`Near the water's edge.' The Doctor grabbed the young man's shoulder. 'Listen to me, James - I've seen what's beyond that gateway. It isn't real, any of it.'
`But I saw my grandfather, he was there to welcome me'
`You saw what you wanted to see, but that doesn't make it the truth'
`You're wrong, Doctor. I belong there. It's my home - can't you understand that?'
`Hendry! Cooper! Get your lazy arses out of bed and get dressed!' Vollmer's voice could be heard from nearby, urging his men into action. James peered out of the tent.
À soldier - he's coming this way.'
`You'd better go,' the Doctor advised. 'He'll want to see I'm still here' James began to leave. 'Please, James, remember what I said,' the Doctor urged. 'Don't try to go back down to the rift. These soldiers are nervous enough as it is, they don't need much excuse to shoot first and ask questions later.' The young man slipped out of the tent, scuttling away into the darkness.
Soon afterwards Vollmer entered, putting his rifle to one side while he checked the Doctor's chains and manacles were still secure.
'Where is Nyssa?' the Doctor asked. 'Has she come back yet?'
`No, the diving bell is still at the bottom of the river. I just came to make sure you were not being ill-treated. Is there anything you need?'
`No, but thank you for asking.'
`You may be under suspicion for murder, but that doesn't mean you have to be treated worse than any other prisoner.'
`Sergeant, you must listen to me. I know you have been trained all your life to follow orders, to respect authority -and that is admirable. But where does loyalty stop and common sense begin? We may be under suspicion but nothing has been proved about us. Ask yourself, why will Doulton not listen to reason? Is that the man you have known and respected for so long? Is this why you joined the army - to serve a man growing increasingly erratic and irrational? When do you stand up and say no, Sergeant?'
Ènough!' Vollmer began to leave, but stopped long enough to snarl a reply. Ì don't need to be lectured by you, Doctor.
I can make my own judgements.' A shout in the distance caught the sergeant's attention.
Ìt's coming up! The diving bell is coming up!'
`Sergeant, please, take me with you,' the Doctor urged. Ì
want to make sure Nyssa returns unharmed. At least grant me that peace of mind.' The footfalls of several soldiers raced past on their way down to the water's edge.
`Granted. But try to escape and I'll shoot you myself,' Vollmer promised.
It was midnight when the diving bell was hauled back to the surface. Retrieving the cumbersome cube and its living cargo required the remaining strength of all the soldiers on dry land.
The decreasing water level made their task harder, as the bell scraped along the side of the riverbank as it rose. Vol mer shouted and exhorted his men to greater efforts, watched by the Doctor. Eventually a corner broke the surface, prompting a weak cheer from the men pulling the guide ropes. One soldier swam out from under the diving bell and scrambled out of the river, followed by another and then another.
The general was last to emerge, standing up wearily in waist-deep water, smiling proudly. 'We did it!' he shouted, getting another cheer from his men. He strode to the water's edge and threw himself to the ground beside his fellow submariners.
Vollmer counted the men. All ten privates were present, along with Doulton and Clark. The sergeant