Doctor Who_ Hope - Mark Clapham [102]
The Doctor held the test tube containing the sample colony? of his personalised Kallisti up to Anjis eye level. The silver liquid writhed in its confinement.
Ill only do this if you let me, he said quickly. I cant underestimate the importance of stopping Silver, but neither can I play down the dangers were exposing Dave to. Youre responsible for his welfare, Anji. The decision is yours.
If you say its necessary, its necessary, said Anji, placing her hand on the Doctors. I trust you. Do it.
The Doctor smiled briefly, then rushed across the room to where Dave was suspended in liquid. The Doctor levered open a panel next to the cylinder containing Dave, and clicked the tube of Kallisti into place next to a row of similar tubes, all containing different coloured liquids. The Doctor then jumped across to the other side of the room, manipulating a set of controls and observing the results on a monitor screen.
Right, he said. Lets give this Dave a kickstart. He suddenly paused, his finger raised above a button on the keyboard. Would you like to do the honours? he asked Anji.
OK, she said nervously.
Just press that button, said the Doctor. That will trigger the revival process. The new Kallisti will be pumped through his body along with the other stimulants.
Here goes nothing, said Anji, and pressed the button.
The process was a lot quicker than Anji expected. The liquid began to drain from Daves tank at almost exactly the same time as he convulsed, stirring and twisting. When the liquid had fully drained, the front of the casing opened. The Doctor and Anji rushed forward to catch the naked man as he fell out of his artificial womb, newborn yet fully grown.
Anji shuddered as she held him, helping the Doctor to wrap a blanket around Daves wet body. It was him, it really was. And he was here, breathing raggedly, blood pumping, alive in her arms.
Anji, the Doctor said firmly I need you to keep yourself together. This must be very emotional for you, but we dont have time to crack up now.
Anji nodded shakily. Dave rolled over on to his back, his eyes twitching under the lids. It was Dave, her Dave. She had brought him back to life.
She jumped as Dave convulsed, taking in a deep breath and arching his back. His eyes opened wide, his expression one of shock, as his eyes turned deep black. His skin took on an unnatural, silvery sheen. His muscles tensed. He exhaled, and the breath was cold like a gust of icy wind.
Anji backed away slightly. The Doctor put a finger to his lips, indicating she should keep quiet.
Who are you? the Doctor asked.
Dave croaked slightly, then spoke. The voice was that of the Dave that Anji knew, but the accent was completely different, closer to the people of Endpoint than anything from her time.
My names Dave II, said Dave, pinching his nose.
And who do you serve? said the Doctor, tensing.
I serve no one, said Dave II. But I am to help the Doctor and Anji. My mission is to help them defeat Silver.
The Doctor visibly relaxed. Excellent. Dave, you know your way around this bunker.
I have the knowledge you need, said Dave II. He pulled himself into a squatting position, blinking. He looked at the Doctor. Youre the Doctor. Im supposed to help you.
Yes, said the Doctor, smiling widely. Yes, you are. This is Anji.
Dave turned to look at Anji. There was no recognition in his eyes.
Hello Anji, he said with clipped formality. Im here to help.
All but a handful of Silverati had gathered in the Hypertunnel chamber. Silver looked at them as they stood silently, waiting for his command perfect sons and daughters, every one of them. Their pitchblack eyes looked to Silver and Silver alone for leadership, for inspiration. Their skins glimmered in the electric lighting of the cold chamber. They were creatures of myth, half gods, half men. Yet it was they who worshipped him.
Silver tried