Doctor Who_ St. Anthony's Fire - Mark Gatiss [94]
Yong looked coolly at the Chapterman and then smiled. ‘Bravo, Jones, bravo.’ He flicked a glance at De Hooch and sneered. ‘I think I know who my new Parva will be.’
De Hooch beat his fists against the bars in frustration.
The double doors swung open and the Doctor came into the room accompanied by Grek and Imalgahite. He peered through the bars at the purple silk mass of the captives.
‘Yong, you’re coming out.’
The Magna stood up and brushed himself down. ‘You’ve seen the error of your ways at last, Doctor, I suppose. And realized the futility of fighting the will of Saint Anthony.’
‘Something like that,’ said the Doctor.
Imalgahite carefully unlocked the cage and pulled Yong out. At once, he relocked the prison.
Grek prodded Yong in the back with the blaster. ‘All right. Get moving.’
‘Where am I moving?’
The Doctor turned at the double doors. ‘To your power room, Magna. You’re going to help me do a little spot of re‐engineering.’
* * *
‘Is it possible?’ said Liso, rubbing his empty socket. ‘Do we have time?’
Ace shrugged. ‘I don’t know. See what the Doctor thinks.’
Bernice looked around the empty bridge. It makes sense. Even to try. Two whole ships at our disposal.’
The metal iris scraped open and the Doctor’s party walked in at a brisk pace. The Doctor immediately checked the progress of the organism outside. He frowned worriedly.
‘Right,’ he said, turning to his little audience. ‘This is what we’re going to do. The undamaged “rings” can still keep the organism on Betrushia, but only if they’re boosted by another power source. The Magna and myself are going to rechannel the power from both ships’ artificial suns into the satellites.’
‘Are we now?’ said Yong sardonically.
Ace jabbed the blaster into the small of his back. ‘Yes you bloody well are.’
‘And then what?’ asked Bernice.
‘It sounds desperate, I know, but all we can do is to keep the organism trapped on Betrushia until the planet destroys itself. Not even this thing could survive the explosion.’
The Doctor began to move back towards the doors. Bernice laid a hand on his arm. ‘Doctor, we want to try something.’
‘Mm? What?’ The Doctor’s attention was already elsewhere. ‘Try what?’
‘Liso wants to take the second ship and try and pick up anyone still left around. I mean, the more Betrushians we get out of here the better, wouldn’t you say?’
The Doctor shook his head sadly. ‘That’s not possible, I’m afraid. It’s a very nice idea, but we’ll need both ships’ suns to keep the thing trapped. We don’t have time.’
Liso rubbed his crest in agitation. ‘Please, Doctor, let me try. It’s vitally important.’
The Doctor shook his head. Bernice tried again: ‘If you can get this ship into orbit and start the process, we can soon join you. Isn’t that feasible?’
The Doctor’s face darkened. ‘It’s too dangerous, Bernice. Don’t you understand? If that organism gets off Betrushia, who knows when it will end? It could go on forever!’
‘A chance, Doctor,’ said Liso quietly. ‘Just give me a chance.’
The Doctor sighed. ‘Very well.’ He rubbed his heavily lined forehead. ‘Once this ship is in orbit I’ll give you two hours. Then you must be in position.’
He indicated that Grek should take Yong out into the corridor. ‘The other ship has its own navigator, apparently, so you should be all right flying it.’
Bernice smiled at the Doctor. ‘Thanks.’
It’s a very brave thing to try, Bernice. I admire you for it.’ He managed to return her smile. ‘Just get back in time.’ He turned rapidly. ‘Ace!’
Ace looked up. ‘Yeah?’
‘Come on, woman. You’re needed.’
She grinned delightedly and followed the Doctor from the bridge.
Liso’s eye was watery. He smiled at Bernice, his tiny teeth glinting in the winking lights from the console. ‘Where shall we start?’
* * *
Betrushia was burning. The conflagration in the jungle had been superseded by the seismic disruptions ripping through the planet’s structure.