Doctor Who_ Illegal Alien - Mike Tucker [64]
The blow caught the Doctor completely by surprise, and sent him spinning from his chair. He had been aware that his interrogation was likely to get physical, but the ferocity and suddenness of Lazonby's attack was totally unexpected.
The Doctor clambered back into his chair, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. Lazonby, had both hands stretched out flat in front of him, frowning at the redness where the knuckles of his right hand had connected with the Time Lord's jaw. As the Doctor watched, Lazonby began to rub the back of his other hand against the edge of the table until it too was as red and sore as its partner. He held both hands back out in front of him and smiled at the uniformity.
'I am not a man prone to belief in the fantastic and the fabulous, like our American cousins, Doctor. The British army could win this war, with precision, and with a positive mental attitude, but the leaders of this country are weak. They don't understand the need for harsh discipline, for a properly regimented fighting force.'
The Doctor frowned. Lazonby was verging on the psychotic. That, and the position he held, made him a very dangerous man. He would have to try another approach. He kept his voice low and calm.
'Major Lazonby, the Nazis, despite all their hatred and aggression, are like amateurs compared to the terror that is facing you. The creature whose head you now possess is one of a race of aggressors to whom the weapons of war of this world look like children's toys. The Cybermen'
'Are manmade, Doctor. As well you know!' Lazonby sprang to his feet, his face purple with rage. The Germans have managed to perfect the battle armour that Peddler was working on! Your treachery had tipped the balance of the war!'
The Doctor's mind was racing. So that was Peddler's secret government work. Battle armour. It would be a tremendous coincidence if it wasn't connected to the presence of Cybermen in this time period.
Lazonby had crossed to the door and called to the guards outside. 'Bring in the other prisoner.'
The door swung open and McBride was pushed roughly into the room. He smiled sheepishly at the Doctor.
'Hey, Doc.'
'McBride!' The Doctor hesitated, waiting for another figure to be pushed through the door. None came. He got up and crossed to McBride, his face grave. 'Where's Ace?'
The American shook his head. 'Doc ... I don't know.
These big silver guys attacked us. She went after them.'
'What!? And you let her?'
'I couldn't stop her. I'm sorry!'
The Doctor paced animatedly around the table. 'This is serious. She's in terrible danger. Major Lazonby, I want you to tell me everything. Everything that was going on at the Peddler factory.'
Lazonby looked fit to burst. 'I am asking the questions here, Doctor. You and your accomplice are accused of espionage and murder! Now, both of you, sit down!'
The Doctor sat, glowering at the major. 'Have you any conception of what is going on here?'
'I know exactly what is going on here! The Germans have developed their own version of the battle armour using the secrets that you passed to them. Under cover of the bombing they dropped some of it in that silver capsule, then their agents in this country this man ' he gestured disdainfully at McBride 'and others, picked up the armour and used it to kill Dr Peddler.'
He leaned in close to the Doctor, his voice calmer. 'You are obviously an intelligent man, Doctor. It's not too late for you to undo the harm you've done. The Germans have already reached the Channel Islands but we could start to drive them back. Think of it. British troops in Cyberarmour; more manoeuvrable than tanks, bulletproof, fast. The war could be over in a matter of months. Peddler's death has given the Germans the advantage that they needed. The suits that attacked the factory were far in advance of our own prototype. But you can help. Forget Berlin. You seem