Doctor Who_ Hope - Mark Clapham [90]
Like the reluctant participant in an illicit affair, fearful of who might be watching, Anji nervously took Silvers arm, allowing herself to be walked to the submarine.
Fitz, in far too much of a hurry, ran into the Silver Palace, slipped and nearly fell flat on his arse. He swore as he skidded, trying to regain his balance. He only succeeded in righting himself when a steadying hand clasped around his arm, keeping him upright.
Where are you going in such a rush? asked the Doctor, letting Fitz stand unassisted.
I was trying to find you, said Fitz, straightening his sleeve as if tweaking out the folds in his crumpled dignity What is this stuff? he asked, pointing to the pool of liquid he had slipped in.
Oh, Silvers staff have been moving equipment out of the labs here all day, said the Doctor.
Yeah, said Fitz. Hes moving all his operations down to the Bunker.
The Doctor made a thoughtful sound, pacing the hall. I dont like the sound of that. You know, I dont think Silver can be trusted. He suddenly stopped in his tracks, looking at Fitz eagerly. Anyway, you were looking for me. Any particular reason?
I wanted to tell you that Silver couldnt be trusted, said Fitz, aware that his thunder had been stolen. I meant to tell you last night, but I never got chance, and this morning... well, I was out of here before I had time to even wake up. Fitz told the Doctor the whole story of his exploration of the tunnels, about the mutated results of Silvers experiments, and about Silvers dictatorial approach to the people of Persistence.
How unpleasant, said the Doctor, once Fitz had finished speaking. Clearly we have underestimated the depths to which Silver might sink, and the heights to which he aspires. Theres only one honourable thing we can do. He paused for effect. Lets break into his office and rifle through his personal belongings.
Within minutes of declaring his criminal intentions, the Doctor had led Fitz to the door of Silvers office.
Im hoping, said the Doctor, carefully turning the handle on Silvers door, that Silver is arrogant enough to allow fear alone to protect his chambers. As if to prove this, the door opened at his touch. The Doctor cautiously led the way into Silvers office.
Dont touch anything, the Doctor told Fitz. Silver may not have put any security devices on the door, but you can bet he will have been more careful with his more precious possessions.
OK, said Fitz. Ill just admire the view. It was a real Bond villains office, all woodeffect panelling and sleek lines. The highlight of the room was the large desk, with the swivel chair allowing Silver to whirl around and look out over the whole of Hope. A real megalomaniacs set up, allowing him a panoramic view of his domain.
Locked, muttered the Doctor, examining the desk drawers. He then looked at the bookshelf, where the heavy leather volumes were locked behind glass. Alarm, he said to himself, running his fingers down the frame of the door that slid over the shelves.
Keeps things pretty tight, doesnt he? said Fitz. There was nothing on Silvers desk except some kind of chunky control box, and three slim pens.
Do you think this unlocks anything? asked Fitz, peering closely at the control box but, following the Doctors instructions, not daring to touch.
The Doctor abandoned his attempts to disable the alarm mechanism, and joined Fitz in staring at the control. It doesnt appear to have anywhere to enter a code, said the Doctor. Lets see now. He reached across, his finger hovering over the buttons, tensing like a man forced to choose between cutting the blue wire and the red. This one, he said, prodding a button at random.
Both the Doctor and Fitz backed away as the window behind them turned opaque, plunging them into darkness. In the centre of the room a swirl of light appeared, and Fitz braced himself for some kind of horrendous