Doctor Who_ Father Time - Lance Parkin [34]
‘The Doctor claims not to recognise us. As far as he is concerned, this might be before Last Contact.’
The Prefect was intrigued. ‘Is that possible?’
‘I will have to check the files,’ the Deputy admitted, ‘but time travel throws up these possibilities. He may be lying, but if he doesn’t remember us, it gives us a great advantage. We have him and his companion where we can see them. This situation is far from lost.’
The Prefect nodded. ‘We need to hear the Hunters’ report before deciding on a course of action.’ He pressed a control on the arm of his chair and a door slid open.
Rum and Thélash entered and stood to attention in front of the Prefect’s chair. The Deputy took his place behind his leader and looked at the sorry couple in front of him. Everything about them looked unprofessional – their clothes were flashy, impractical, in stark contrast to his own combat gear. The man in particular stood sloppily. The woman showed more potential, not to mention better muscle tone, but there was insolence there, mixed with complacency.
Were these really the best Hunters in the galaxy?
‘Report,’ the Deputy ordered.
‘The Doctor is here,’ Thélash said.
‘Evidently. So?’ the Deputy asked.
‘So,’ Thélash snapped, ‘we should get out of here before he thwarts our plans, uses our own weapons against us, blows up our home planets and gives you another scar... sir.’
His partner’s defiance had made Rum bold. ‘Our contract says nothing about intervention. The Doctor has contacted the Last One and...’
‘Your mission has not changed,’ the Deputy told them. ‘We are very concerned with your performance. The Prefect is not pleased.’
‘Isn’t he?’ Thélash began, glaring down at the Prefect. ‘He’s keeping very quiet. Are you as scared as I am, Prefect Zevron?’
The Deputy moved forward, ready to kill her for her insolence.
The Prefect held up his hand, stopping the Deputy in his tracks. Then he stood and stepped forward. Now he was right in front of the woman, one hand resting on the curved dagger that hung from his belt. He wasn’t as tall as she was, but that didn’t matter – she looked small, like a tiny child alongside him. He smiled, and it was the sort of smile that made the woman take a step back.
‘My colleague and I mean no disrespect,’ the woman insisted quietly, her head bowed.
The Prefect reached out to stroke her face. She tried hard not to flinch.
‘I’ll deal with the Doctor,’ the Prefect assured her. ‘But I need to know where I stand. He has located the Last One.’ He turned to her partner. ‘Have you?’
‘Our search continues,’ Rum admitted, his voice trembling.
‘You have already taken longer than you said you would. Doctor or not, the timegate reopens tomorrow night. We only have until then.’
‘We are aware of the deadline,’ Thélash said firmly, in her mannish voice. ‘The delays were forced upon us – our colleague attacked a native, and as a result the local authorities are being more vigilant. We’ve had to keep a low profile, and spend time covering our tracks.’
‘We operate better alone,’ Rum added. ‘If you hadn’t insisted Mr Gibson came with us, we could have operated more openly.’
The Prefect nodded. ‘That is regrettable,’ he agreed. ‘But at the same time, this is a primitive civilisation. Are they really so much of a match for you?’
‘I know we’re being well paid,’ Rum replied. ‘We appreciate that you want a return on your investment.’
The Prefect turned to him. ‘Your mission is a simple one,’ he reminded them.
‘We have made progress,’ Thélash said.
‘Progress?’ the Deputy asked sceptically.
‘Sir, we have familiarised ourselves with the area.’
‘This was meant to be a snatch-and‐grab operation, not a sightseeing one,’ the Deputy reminded them.
Thélash glared at the Prefect. ‘There has always been the chance of hostilities, and the need to prepare for them. The Doctor’s arrival proves we were right to take such precautionary measures. Sir, we have been aware of the Doctor’s presence since yesterday and have monitored him. It is clear that he is still