Doctor Who_ The Devil Goblins From Neptune - Keith Topping [110]
Suddenly a group of some thirty Waro came towards them, flying low over the airfield. The goblins tumbled over each other in their enthusiasm to reach their targets.
The soldiers began firing, automatic weapons spraying bullets that caught a few of the goblin creatures and tugged them harshly down towards the ground. One flipped on to the tarmac just in front of Shuskin, still twitching. A bayonet appeared in her hand, and flashed down into the creature's face.
The Doctor switched on his device, and pointed it upwards as the next wave of Waro wheeled in their direction.
In an instant the formation became chaotic, Waro crashing into each other, skidding off in different directions. 'The power output of this device is much higher than the Heath Robinson contraption I came up with in Siberia, Liz,' explained the Doctor calmly, as if giving a lecture. 'But I'm sure the Waro will become resistant to it as time passes.'
'Fascinating,' said Trainor. 'How does the device work?'
The Doctor opened his mouth to respond, but thought better
of it. think it would be easier to tell you later, Professor.'
'Oh, of course,' said Trainor, as if comprehending their situation
for the first time. 'Sorry.'
Yates shouted a warning. Another group were spinning towards them from the rear. A handful survived the withering machine gun fire, flying into the UNIT soldiers before the Doctor could turn his device in their direction. Three of the soldiers and one of the Nedenah - its bland eyes still wide with passive acceptance - collapsed under the ferocious attack and lay still. Then the Doctor's device took effect, and the wings flapped randomly, pulling the Waro away.
'Almost there,' breathed the professor between pants of terror.
Liz screamed suddenly. A lone Waro had skidded unnoticed over their heads, and had reached down towards her with its massive claws. The talons were buried in her hair and scalp, and her feet were losing contact with the ground, the Waro beginning to flap upward. A trickle of blood ran down the bridge of her nose.
Yates swivelled and fired, ripping the creature in two. Liz crumpled to the ground, falling awkwardly on her weak ankle.
In an instant Yates and Shuskin were at her side, dragging her to her feet, and then supporting her between them, her arms around their shoulders, as they trudged forward.
'When we're back home.' said Yates through gritted teeth, 'I'll treat you to a weekend in a health farm. Sort your ankle out, get a nice haircut.' He glanced at her scalp, wet with blood and perspiration.
Liz went to say something, but lapsed into semi consciousness, her head lolling.
They reached the hangar and pulled open the vast metal doors. The Doctor stood in the entrance, pointing his device in the direction of the pursuing Waro. It was already becoming clear that the software controlling the Waro's wings was learning and developing. Each time the Doctor used the device the effects became less pronounced.
'Hurry!' he shouted, twisting his head to see the others running towards a seemingly undamaged C-133 Cargo master. Without warning, gunfire sounded, as the Brigadier and the remaining pair of soldiers shot at a group of Waro who were spilling through a hole in the roof.
All right, Doctor,' shouted the Brigadier. 'Let's get going.'
The Doctor turned and ran towards the plane. The Brigadier gave some covering fire, but even so the Doctor ducked instinctively just as a Waro flew overhead, screeching. He collapsed gratefully into the comparative safety of the transport plane, the Brigadier slamming shut the door just as another group of Waro came flapping in their direction.
Then he turned, a worried look crossing his face. 'I don't suppose anyone can fly this thing?'
'But surely that controls the ailerons?'
'My dear Professor, I