Doctor Who_ Storm Harvest - Mike Tucker [64]
‘And that’s it?’ spat Peck.
‘I’m sorry, said Bavril. ‘Truly I’m sorry.’
He turned to go. He was due to report for duty. If he was wrong about Blu’ip...
‘They’ll kill you if you go up there,’ Peck’s voice called. Everyone was watching Bavril intently
‘They’ll kill me if I don’t,’ he said hollowly. ‘Failing to report for duty.’
‘Bavril...’ Peck moved between him and the door.
‘Look... what d’you want?’ said Bavril.
‘I want us to give ourselves a chance.’
‘And fight the Cythosi? With what?’ Huttle cried, stepping between the two men.
‘The ship will soon be quiet,’ said Peck. ‘Most of the troopers will be down on that planet. And we’ve got a laser-cutter.’
‘So?’ Huttle appealed, spreading his hands to the crowd.
‘I’ve seen plans of the ship. If we cut up through the deck of B-barracks we come out in a storage area. If we cut through the ceiling of that, we’re in the armoury.’
‘You intend cutting through two decks with a hand-laser?’
‘It can be done,’ said Peck. ‘Trust me.’
‘Even if it could, those floors are riddled with service ducts. You know the robots are set to kill.’
‘Why can’t any of you get it into your heads?’ Peck suddenly bellowed. ‘We’re going to die anyway. You know the punishment for mutiny on a Cythosi ship. Have we been beaten down here so long we’re prepared to just line up and be shot?’
There were murmurings of agreement from the crowd. But everyone still seemed to be watching Bavril, waiting for what he had to say.
‘What?’ he demanded. ‘I’m not your leader.’
‘Then maybe I should be,’ said Peck quietly ‘Either you finish it, or you help me finish it.’
124
Chapter Fourteen
Ace stepped on to the balcony that ringed Brenda’s office. Inside the Doctor was talking to the coastguard pilot, pointing out the position of the TARDIS on the huge map pinned to the wall. Position determined, the Doctor began to struggle into a harness.
Ace turned away. She didn’t want to see this. He didn’t stand a chance and they both knew it. She stared out at the sea, trying to cut out the noise of gunfire and Krill. Tilting her head back she stared at the rings arcing overhead, partly obscured by the gathering clouds.
Their adventures were to come to an end on one of the most beautiful planets that they had ever been to. She slumped over the railing, feeling tears welling in her eyes. Stupid. So stupid.
She was suddenly aware of someone standing alongside her. She turned. The Doctor wasn’t looking at her. His steely eyes were fixed on the horizon.
Ace rubbed the tears from her eyes. ‘Are you set then?’
The Doctor nodded. ‘The pilot is just prepping the ship. He paused.
‘Ace...’
‘No, Professor. Remember what we talked about the other night in the restaurant, about how dangerous life can be? I told you then that if I couldn’t handle it then I’d let you know. Look out there.’ She pointed at the storm wall where the guards were firing again and again at the swarming monsters. ‘They don’t stand a chance. You’ve got to do this.
You’ve got to save these people.’ She smiled weakly. ‘It’s all part of the job, right?’
The Doctor smiled and tapped her on the nose. Yes, Ace. It’s all part of the job.’
Ace took a deep breath. ‘Let’s get on with it then.’
They barely had time to turn before the blow sent them crashing to the floor.
A Krill hung to the balcony rail, its clawed arm flailing wildly, trying to haul itself up. The Doctor lay dazed. Ace staggered to her feet. As she watched, the slashing claw caught on the Doctor’s harness and the creature began to drag him towards the edge of the balcony.
125
‘No!’
Ace lunged forward, catching hold of the Doctor’s arms, desperately punching at the release catch on the harness. With a harsh shriek the Krill slipped and the Doctor was torn from Ace’s hands and slammed against the railings.
His eyes flickered open.
‘Doctor!’
He twisted round and stared straight into the open mouth of the Krill.
Its teeth crashed together inches from his face. He gave a cry of pain as the harness cut into him, and the creature tried to haul itself