Doctor Who_ Prime Time - Mike Tucker [40]
‘In case you haven’t noticed Doctor, we are being hunted.
If we don’t manage to access this control node...’
‘The Zzinbriizi are likely to wait until dark before they attack. I think that we are in far more danger if you keep me ignorant.’
‘Doctor...’
‘Tell me!’
‘Flash break! Get us close-ups on all cameras in that room, stand by to go back on air as soon as they start talking!’
Lukos was hunched forward over the control desk, his eyes gleaming with excitement. His new stars were performing exactly as he had hoped.
Up on the moon, on the cold wastes of Blinni-Orkos, the transmitter tower began to throb with power. Ribbons of energy, flickering fingers of blue lightning, started to dance across the outstretched arms of the mast, sparking as they arced into the dust. The glistening organ-like clusters of technology tucked amongst the transmitters began to throb and writhe, lights starting to pulse under the skin, getting brighter and brighter.
‘I wish I understood it, Briggsy.’
Commissionaire Briggs looked at his partner. Rickett was not a happy man. Briggs shrugged and continued struggling with his steak. It was tough. Canteen steaks were always tough. All through the canteen there were commissionaires struggling with small leathery bits of meat. Briggs sighed. The most up-to-date television company in the universe and they couldn’t get a simple steak right.
‘I mean, think about it.’ Rickett pointed at the huge screen.
‘First we’re told not to let him in. Then we’re told let him break in and don’t stop him, then we’re told to chase the girl out, and now the bloke’s on television and Lukos is hailing him as a-star, Where’s the sense in that, eh?’
Briggs shrugged again,‘Management. They know what they’re doing.’
‘Really?’ Rickett snorted. ‘Do you think so?’
‘Look.’ Briggs put down his knife. ‘We do what we’re told to do, OK. I don’t care about their little plans. I just want a steak that I don’t need a laser to cut.’
‘And look at this!’ Rickett rolled up one leg of his trousers. ‘Look at that bruise. That’s from that girl. Industrial accident that is. I should get compensation for that.’
‘I mean, it’s not as if the vegetables are any better. And they say the Blinnati used to be great farmers. I’ve seen better greens in my garden.’
‘I’m going to get on to the union, you know.’
Briggs looked up sharply. ‘Keep your bloody voice down.
You know what happens if any of Lukos’s people hear the
“U” word.’
‘All right, all right.’ Rickett slumped over the table. ‘But don’t think that these are the last bruises we’re going to get.
We haven’t seen the last of that girl, believe me.’
Trasker drove into the city centre. Even in the early hours of the morning there was a steady stream of traffic. Ace directed her to the cafe she and the Doctor had gone to when they first arrived. Trasker turned her spinner off the main road, the engine winding down to a dull hum as she coasted into the cafe car park.
She shut the engine off and-the doors slid open. Ace and Gatti clambered out of the back. Gatti was shaking her head.
‘I’m going to get murdered.’
Ace put a comforting arm around her shoulder. ‘You won’t be the first kid who’s got in trouble over her dad’s car.’
‘No, but I might be the first one on the planet who’s been stupid enough to go up against Channel 400.’
Trasker frowned. ‘You kids are involved with the TV
station?’
Ace snorted. ‘Involved is a bit mild. Look, I’ll tell you all about it inside, OK?’
She pushed open the door, looking round hopefully for either Greg or Eeji Tek. Her face fell. The place was empty save for a couple of locals slumped over their drinks. The television above the bar was on – adverts at the moment, no sign of what the Doctor was up to. Happy that here at least she could see what transpired, Ace ordered three coffees and she, Gatti and Trasker slid into a table near the window.
‘I haven’t thanked you properly for saving our necks.’
Trasker sipped her coffee and grimaced. ‘I could hardly let those thugs catch up with you.’ She looked at the two girls expectantly. ‘But an explanation