Doctor Who_ Empire of Death - BBC Worldwide [87]
Vollmer bent over the prisoner's chest, listening for a heartbeat. 'Yes. I think he's in some sort of shock, sir.' The sergeant adjusted the position of his ear, perplexed by what he was hearing. 'Strange. Almost sounds like two hearts'
`He will soon recover - I shot that devilish apparition of blood, not the Doctor.' The general looked across at the dead body of James Lees, then at the other soldiers who had witnessed these strange events. 'When I first saw this young man's body, I asked the Doctor what had happened. He admitted it was murder. When I accused him of being responsible, he did not deny the charge. Instead he fashioned this vile illusion, this hallucination to distract us from his terrible crime. Well, I shall not be diverted from my course of action. I will lead another party through the gateway to the afterlife. When I return, the Doctor will be tried, found guilty of treason and executed by firing squad. Does anybody have anything they wish to say about my decision?' Doulton glared at his men venomously. Satisfied there was no objection, he called out a name. 'Clark?'
The lance corporal stepped forward and saluted the general. 'Yes, sir!'
`Begin preparing the diving bell for another journey.'
Clark glanced at the receding water level. 'At the current rate of decrease, that equipment may not be necessary, sir.'
`Nevertheless, we cannot foresee all that will happen in the next few hours. Better that we be prepared for any eventuality. Dismissed'
`Yes sir!' Clark wheeled away to start work, taking half the enlisted men with him.
Johnson sidled across to stand next to Hawthorne.
`Thorny, what do you make of that? It all looked real to me, I don't know what the general's going on about. If anybody is to blame for that bloke dying, it's me and the sergeant.' But his friend remained silent, staring balefully ahead. `Thorny? It's me, Nicholas.'
Hawthorne blinked and then smiled at the other private. `Sorry, I was miles away. What were you saying?'
Johnson shook his head. Doesn't matter.'
Doulton nudged the Doctor with a boot but got no response. 'Sergeant, move this carcass away from the launching area. I want him under constant guard from now on.
Vollmer stood up slowly. General, may I have a word with you in private?'
`Why in private? I have nothing to hide from my men!'
`Please, sir. I feel it would be for the best.'
`Walk with me back to my tent. I was still completing my morning ablutions when that young fool of a private summoned me here' Doulton set off up the hill at a brisk pace, the sergeant running to catch him up.
`General, I would never contradict or challenge your authority in front of the men,' Vollmer began, 'but I feel you are making a grave mistake by condemning the Doctor like this. If anyone should face charges for the killing of that boy, it's me. Johnson and I shot Lees in a panic when he would not identify himself. I am senior in rank to Johnson, therefore I should bear any and all responsibility for what happened. The Doctor was trying to save Lees' life at my request.
He should not be held culpable for the young man's death'
Doulton stopped outside his tent. 'You say the Doctor was trying to save Master Lees' life?'
`Yes, sir.'
`Then you are correct. He shall not be executed for murder.'
`Thank you, sir. I was worried you would not see the sense of it. If you don't mind my saying so, you have been acting rather oddly of late, General.'
Ìnstead the Doctor shall be executed for criminal negligence.'
Doulton smiled. 'And as for you, Sergeant, I will hold you personally responsible if the Doctor is missing when I return from the Other Side. If the prisoner should escape, I wil have you shot