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When the odd radio signals had first been detected by the USAF, they’d passed them on to the British Army for identification. But the signals had stopped after a day, and anyway no-one knew what they were, so the matter was forgotten.

One of Woodworth’s contacts had brought her a copy of the signals, and, more importantly, the triangulation that had placed the source in Little Caldwell. She’d spent a shivering night with an army radio in the hope that whoever was sending the signals might transmit again.

It had been worth it, even though there’d been nothing more. That kind of transmission had been recorded only half a dozen times. Oh yes, indeed, it had been worth it.

There was a safe. She ignored it. She found what she was looking for in the sock drawer.

She picked up the black sphere, turned it around in her hand. It was light and heavy at once, as though there was some dense object inside the thin shell, slightly off-centre.

She’d seen enough nonhuman technology to recognize it when she saw it.

So why was there a red stencil on the side saying EMERGENCY TRANSPONDER?

She put the device back in amongst the socks and pushed the drawer shut.

In the cupboard, in a plastic bag, there was a strange uniform. She unzipped the bag a little, felt the strange fabric between her fingertips, caught a distant smell of aftershave and smoke.

She slipped back into the bookshop moments before the proprietor appeared at the top of the stairs.

A few more minutes, and she’d drive back to the base and see how they were getting on. She’d have to organize a raid on this place, and soon, before they worked out what was going on and took off. There was plenty of room at the base. Room enough for everyone.

15 Interlude, With Tabby

‘You know, Wolsey,’ said Jason, ‘I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.’

16 Belling the cat

Roz caught up with the Doctor as he was about to get into Albinex’s car. She put her hand on the door before he could close it. ‘Right,’ she said. ‘Exactly what are you up to?’

The Time Lord looked up at her from the driver’s seat.

‘I’m borrowing Albinex’s car to look for Chris,’ he said. ‘Then I’ll come with you,’ she said, starting to walk to the passenger side.

The Doctor got out and waved his hands at her over the roof. ‘Wait a moment, Roz,’ he said. She gave him one of her best glares.

‘Listen,’ he said. ‘You were right. Everything that’s happened hasn’t been coincidence. Someone noticed my arrival. And now they’re trying to get my attention.’

‘By stealing people.’

‘And the TARDIS.’

‘I hope,’ said Roz, leaning on the roof, ‘that this isn’t one of your brilliant let-the-baddie-bash-me-up schemes.’

The Doctor couldn’t help but smile. ‘No, it’s more of an ifthey-want-me-let-them-come-and-get-me scheme.’

‘I’m not sure I can see the difference.’ Roz swung herself into the passenger seat. The Doctor ducked his head and blinked at her across the driver’s seat.

‘You know, there was a story they told us once at the Academy. Something for the cadets to think about. Once upon a time the mice decided they’d have to put a bell on the local cat, so they’d hear her coming.’

‘Yes,’ said the Doctor. ‘I’ve met the author.’

‘So you know the ending. None of the mice would volunteer to confront the cat and put the bell on its collar.

Because who wants to get eaten? None of this is your fault.’

‘I should have got involved,’ he said, ‘instead of going off in a huff.’

‘Well, you’re involved now,’ she said. ‘For Goddess’

sake, get in the damned car.’

‘You’re kind...’ said Myn Jareshth.

Benny smiled at him from the big chair, looking up from the magazine she was totally failing to read.

The alien had simply sat there for ages, not looking at anything in particular. Politely, patiently, waiting.

‘You and your father are brave,’ he said softly.

‘Believe me,’ said Benny, ‘it doesn’t take a lot of courage to handle the babysitting end of the job.’

Myn Jareshth tipped his head, not understanding. ‘You’re brave,’ he repeated. ‘To stay here with