Doctor Who_ Storm Harvest - Mike Tucker [73]
Ace nodded. She realised that things were getting desperate or the Doctor would not have sent her into such a potentially hostile situation on her own, but she was secretly pleased. ‘Be careful,’ he had said.
‘Don’t take any stupid risks.’ But she could tell from the look in his eyes that he knew he could rely on her. The headstrong teenager from Perivale had changed. Was changing. Every day she spent with the Doctor taught her something new.
She wondered if the Doctor’s other companions had been changed in 140
the same way. For the first time in ages her thoughts turned to Mel.
Mel. On the surface so vulnerable, so trusting. But underneath...
She looked over at Rajiid. Another pawn unwittingly drawn into the Doctor’s game. There was a brief flush of anger. Once again the Time Lord had arrived and taken control of people’s lives. She suddenly checked herself. Rajiid was only part of this because of her. It was only because she’d spotted a pretty face that he was involved at all.
He caught her looking at him. What?’
Ace smiled, leant forward and kissed him. Nothing. Come on, we’d better get moving.’
The Doctor’s head snapped up at the sound of a low hum coming from the shuttlecraft.
‘Come on, Q’ilp. I think we’re about to meet our guests.’
He pushed through the crowd towards Brenda as a bright line appeared in the underside of the ship. With a mechanical drone, a ramp unfolded from the belly of the shuttlecraft, grinding down on to the flagstones of the square.
A murmur of concern ran around the crowd. The Doctor could see itchy fingers tightening on the triggers of guns. It was a dangerously volatile situation – the Krill attack had put everyone on edge. He pushed through to Brenda’s side.
‘I hope we’re going to be model hosts,’ he murmured, nodding at the armed guards.
Brenda nodded back, catching his meaning. She crossed to the security chief and there was a brief discussion. To the Doctor’s relief the men lowered their guns.
There were more noises from the ship. A hatch slid open and there was a gasp from Brenda as several huge figures lumbered down the ramp.
‘That creature from the dig... They’re the same.’
‘Yes.’ The Doctor nodded. ‘Yes, I rather thought that they might be.’
On a slab in the lab the creature had been disturbing enough, but seeing the aliens moving about was terrifying. They were massive, well over seven feet tall, their bulky, rhino-skinned frames clad in glistening battle fatigues. Deep-set eyes, glowering from under heavy brows, swept over the crowd. The Doctor stared at the huge energy weapons slung from their belts. All the guns were holstered, but he could see the tension in the creatures’ massive frames.
Six of them formed a cordon at the foot of the ramp. Brenda took a deep breath. ‘Well, I suppose I’d better go and introduce myself.’
The Doctor put a gentle hand on her arm.
‘Why not wait until there is someone important enough for you to 141
introduce yourself to? Look...’
Two more figures made their way down the ramp. They were just as massive as the others, but their manner was more intelligent and proud.
One of them glared around arrogantly.
‘Who is in charge here?’ The guttural bellow rang around the square.
All eyes turned to Brenda Mulholland. With a nervous glance at the Doctor she stepped forward.
I’m the colony co-ordinator.’ She held out her hand. ‘Brenda Mulholland.’
The creature took her hand in a massive gauntleted paw.
‘General Mottrack, of the Cythosi seventh battalion.’ He waved the other figure forward. ‘My adjutant, Commander Bisoncawl.’
Brenda stared up defiantly at the two Cythosi. ‘And is this an invasion, General?’
Mottrack smiled, revealing ragged yellow teeth. ‘Whatever gives you that impression, Miss Mulholland?’
‘The complete loss of our communications network, and the number of your ships in our harbour. You’re not telling me that this is a social call?’
Mottrack held out his hands apologetically. ‘The loss of communications is an unfortunate side effect of our ship’s arrival. We picked up your distress call and are here to offer...