Doctor Who_ Illegal Alien - Mike Tucker [90]
Hartmann was not a happy officer at present. He had just concluded what he quite rightly regarded as a highly hazardous and probably pointless mission; flying a tiny aeroplane into the heart of enemy territory, kidnapping a teenage girl and flying out again in the middle of a storm and a major nighttime bombing raid. What could a foulmouthed girl possibly tell them about the technology they were trying to unravel here?
He had been told virtually nothing about what was going on: Colonel Schott, his commanding officer, was playing his cards close to his chest and telephoning Berlin a lot. All he had been told was to place himself at the disposal of the feeble old Englishman who had given them the tipoff about the girl, and who had arrived a few hours previously by private plane. The Englishman reminded Hartmann of Colonel Schott. They both seemed to rely on friends in high places rather than the dynamism and dedication demanded by the New European Order. They should both have been put out to pasture years ago.
He was in no mood to be lenient when the guard came to the door and reported an intruder in the compound.
CHAPTER 23
'Name?'
The Doctor had merely carried on playing with the end of his umbrella.
'I told you.'
Hartmann slammed his hand down on his desk.
'Doctor is not a name! It is a professional designation.
What is your name?'
'You have my identity card.'
'I have an identity card for an organisation which doesn't exist, stamped with the year 1980 and containing somebody else's photograph. I am not a patient man, and I will not be trifled with!'
'I doubt you'd be able to pronounce the name I was originally given. I've come for my friend Ace.'
'Ah, now we are getting somewhere.'
'Is George Limb here yet?'
'You are a friend of Limb's?'
'No, I'm afraid we won't ever be friends. Too much of a difference in outlook. Now, I should like first to see my friend Ace, and then to have a little word with Mr Limb.'
Hartmann sat down, not knowing whether to be amused or infuriated at this little man's attitude. He was used to the fear spread by his uniform, by the death's head, by the twin lightning flashes. The SS were feared right across Europe.
This man was not afraid of him, and Hartmann didn't know what to do. He couldn't inflict pain on him not until he had established whether or not this man was under George Limb's, and hence Berlin's, protection.
'And if there's any going, I'd love some tea. It's been a strenuous few days.'
'Guard,' Hartmann called. 'Fetch the Englishman.'
'Ah, Doctor. Good of you to join us.' George Limb grabbed the Doctor's hand and shook it with genuine enthusiasm.
'There is so much to discuss. Come, please. He clapped the Doctor on the shoulder and ushered him from Captain Hartmann's office.
'Thank you, Captain,' Limb said, dismissively, over his shoulder. They walked up the corridor together, Limb leaning slightly on the Doctor's arm.
'Quite a place, eh, Doctor?' he said. 'Carved out of solid rock, for the most part. What could have done that, eh?'
'I've seen more impressive factories,' the Doctor replied.
'Oh, I don't doubt it,' chuckled Limb. 'Although I'll venture we managed to surprise your young friend Ace.'
'Yes, where is Ace?' asked the Doctor testily. 'I should like to see her without further delay.'
'Please, Doctor. Accept my assurances. Ace is quite comfortable. Indulge an old man for a few moments.
Observe...'
He pushed open the heavy set of double doors and, casting off the support of the Doctor's shoulder, threw his arms wide. 'Look, Doctor? The ranked, inert Cybermen gazed sightlessly down on the pair. 'Mmm,' said the Doctor flatly.
'So here they are.'
'I have to admit, Doctor, I was most impressed. I arrived here for the first time last night, and I really didn't know what to expect. But this...'
'Tell me, Mr Limb, when did you first find out