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'Nan, they'd lock us in the funny farm and throw away the key,' said Sam.

'Besides,' said the Doctor, not even giving Litefoot time to draw breath, 'the Great British constabulary, wonderful institution though it is, would be no match for aliens equipped with the technology weVe seen.'

'So you see, Professor, we're on our own,' said Sam, taking up the mantle once again.'Me and the Doctor, we operate above the law. We're used to dealing with stuff like this. We don't want a load of coppers clodhopping all over the place, getting themselves killed and mucking things up. Isn't that right, Doctor?'

'Hmm,' the Doctor said noncommittally.

Litefoot sighed. 'In that case, may I ask what our next move should be?'

The Doctor gently towelled Emmeline's feet dry and straightened up.'I'm certain the aliens' base is beneath the factory. Somehow I have to bypass the cyborg and get in there, find out what we're up against.'

'Sounds incredibly dangerous,' said Sam.'Count me in.'

Litefoot gave her a despairing look, but for the time being seemed to have given up trying to dissuade her and the Doctor from putting themselves in peril. 'May I ask how you propose to implement this scheme of yours, Doctor?'

'I aim to approach from below,' the Doctor replied.'The grille in the basement must lead to a sewer outlet, which is how the cyborg got in. It's almost certainly situated on the bank of the Thames.'

'Great,' said Sam sardonically. 'I've always wanted to wallow knee-deep through -'

'Shh,' said the Doctor, holding a finger to his lips.

Sam grinned. 'Couldn't you just give this cyborg thing another blast from your sonic screwdriver?'

The Doctor shook his head. 'As I said, the effect is short-lived. Besides, any interference in the cyborg's brain patterns will alert its masters to our presence. We might just as well knock on the door and announce our arrival.'

'So when are we off, then?' Sam asked.

'There's no time like -'

'The present?' suggested Sam.

'Exactly! Let's go.'The Doctor jumped to his feet and headed for the door.

'Doctor, I really must protest -' began Litefoot.

The Doctor turned back, wearing the expression of a small boy who has been forbidden to play outside. 'Oh, must you?'

Litefoot set his face sternly. 'I'm afraid so. I really don't see that the situation has altered overmuch from earlier this evening, and as such I would not feel comfortable allowing you and Miss Samantha to embark on this hazardous expedition without my assistance.'

'But Professor, you have a vital role to play here,' said the Doctor persuasively. 'Looking after Emmeline, keeping the wolves from the door -

or one particular wolf, at least.'

'I am well aware of that, Doctor, in which case I rather think -'

'I would like to come too, if I may,' said Emmeline suddenly.

All three turned to look at her. She was shrugging off her blanket, a determined expression on her pale face.

'Well, I'm not sure -' the Doctor began, but now Emmeline interrupted him too.

'Sir, my mother is dead and my father possessed by I know not what. Now, I have heard much of what you have said, and though I do not profess to comprehend it all, I do know that you intend to hunt down and expose the evil protagonists of these awful crimes. With this in mind, I would ask that I be permitted to accompany you. Surely I, more than anyone present, have a great deal of hurt to repay?'

Sam felt like applauding, but contented herself with a hearty, 'You tell 'em, girl.'

The Doctor sighed, recrossed the room, crouched down in front of Emmeline, and took her hands. 'What we are about to do, Emmeline, will almost certainly entail an appalling risk to all our lives. There's really no need for you to expose yourself to that.'

'I understand what you are saying, Doctor,' Emmeline said, 'and I appreciate your concern, but I still wish to accompany you.'

'The Doctor's right, my dear,' said Litefoot. 'Considering your delicate state, perhaps it might be best if you were