Doctor Who_ The Devil Goblins From Neptune - Keith Topping [36]
The two men snapped to attention as Lethbridge-Stewart strode towards the room. He pushed open the door. The Doctor sat, seemingly so deep in thought that he did not see the Brigadier enter; standing in front of the desk were Captains Yates and Shuskin. Both came to attention as Lethbridge-Stewart entered, as did the two soldiers stationed to the side of the room. Both carried Sterling sub-machine-guns, but it was clear from the prisoner's attitude that her righteous indignation, and potential to be any sort of direct threat, had now receded.
Lethbridge-Stewart nodded to the men, who stood at ease. He walked solemnly around to his chair in silence; even the Doctor failed to make a flippant comment.
The Brigadier sat, glanced down at the papers on his desk, and cleared his throat. His voice, when he spoke, was quiet and deliberate. 'Captain Shuskin, I would like to begin by assuring you that every effort will be made to discipline the individual responsible for the death of Sergeant...' He paused. 'Kramerev.' 'Komarov,' said Shuskin flatly.
'Ah, yes. I will keep you informed as matters progress, but rest assured of my intention to pursue this matter to the satisfaction of us both.'
Shuskin nodded, but said nothing.
The Brigadier indicated the seats in front of his desk, glancing up at both Shuskin and Yates. 'Please sit down.'
Yates went to sit, but Shuskin remained where she was.
'I prefer to stand.'
Yates hovered uncertainly for a moment, glancing between the Brigadier and the Soviet woman, and then straightened. Whether it was out of solidarity with a fellow soldier or down to macho pride the Brigadier didn't have the time or the inclination to speculate.
He turned to the Doctor. For the first time Lethbridge-Stewart could remember, he wasn't lounging with his boots on the desk but sat hunched and leaning forward slightly, as if expecting to be called somewhere at any moment. He seemed both excited and concerned. He returned the Brigadier's faint smile.
'Your comments on the operation, please, Doctor.'
'With one great exception, it all seemed to go smoothly, Brigadier. Mike was excellent - he recognised Captain Shuskin for who she was almost immediately.'
The Brigadier glanced at Yates, who for some reason was staring stoically at the floor.
'I think their decision to make a move that very evening surprised us both,' continued the Doctor. 'But at least we now know who we're dealing with. Why might be a more pertinent question.'
The Brigadier nodded, but decided to keep Shuskin waiting a little longer. He turned his attention to Yates. 'Your preliminary thoughts, Captain?'
'Much as the Doctor said, sir.'
'And Captain Shuskin?'
The Brigadier noticed Yates glance away momentarily.
'She's done a lot of homework, sir. Good grasp of English, adequate working knowledge of the life and culture of contemporary Britain. She almost had me fooled, sir.'
Finally the Brigadier turned to Shuskin, who was staring at him with a hint of defiance in her eyes. 'Under different circumstances, I'd have said that congratulations were in order, Captain. You've shown extraordinary determination.
But given that the aims of your mission almost beggar belief I can't really find it within myself. We all ought to be grateful that only one life was lost.'
'I can explain, sir.'
'I was hoping you would. I assume that you are acting in some sort of official capacity?'
'Very much so, sir.'
'And your aim was to take the Doctor back with you to the Soviet Union?'
'Yes, sir. We need his help.'
'Then why in heaven's name didn't you ask?' exclaimed the Brigadier angrily, thumping the desk. 'You must know that the Doctor's role as scientific adviser isn't one that restricts him to -'
'We did, sir. Or, rather, Colonel Katayev did. He has been petitioning UNIT HQ in Geneva for two months.'
'Any request for assistance from the head of Soviet UNIT
would