Doctor Who_ The Doomsday Weapon - Malcolm Hulke [45]
Winton jumped up. 'That was all faked by the IMC men!'
The man in the big chair ignored the interruption and continued, 'What's more, the colonists have behaved badly by attacking the IMC spaceship. They have made allegations which they cannot prove. In view of this, and the fact that this planet has a mineral needed by Earth, I rule that this planet is unsuitable for colonisation. The colonists most leave at the earliest possible time. Kindly all remain seated while I exit.'
In the stunned silence which followed, the man rose from the big chair and walked towards where the Doctor and Jo were standing by the entrance. He beamed at the Doctor, but knew better than to offer his hand.
'How interesting to see you here, Doctor,' he said
'And what,' asked the Doctor, 'are you, the Master, doing on this planet?'
The Master dropped his voice. ' “Adjudicator”, if you don't mind,' he said. 'Now, if you'll excuse me, it is my duty as the Adjudicator to have a private word with the losing side and explain how they can appeal.'
'Your duty.' said the Doctor, hardly believing his ears.
'Of course,' said the Master. 'A question of justice and fairness.' He turned to John Ashe. 'Mr. Ashe, are you ready for a private talk with me?'
The Master turned on his heel and went off towards Ashe's private quarters. Ashe rose from the bench he shared with the other colonists and slowly followed. Then the IMC men rose and trooped out of the dome. Winton jumped to his feet. 'That Adjudicator was bribed by IMC,' he said loudly. The colonists gathered round him to listen. 'We've given up our homes and secure jobs on Earth to find a better life on this planet. Are you going to let some crooked Adjudicator rob you of all that?'
'I understand,' said the Doctor, 'that there is the possibility of an appeal. Won't you let your leader try to use legal methods?'
'The law is the law of Earth Government,' shouted Winton. 'I vote we break with Earth altogether, and declare ourselves an independent democratic republic!'
There was a murmur of strong approval from the crowd of colonists. The big man, Smedley, stepped into the middle of the circle next to Winton, 'He's right. Those of you willing to carry arms against IMC and Earth, follow me and be counted!' He walked to the end of the room, and immediately Winton followed. 'Well,' called Winton, 'who's for freedom?'
The colonists looked at one another uncertainly. What Winton and Smedley proposed was treason against Earth Government. Then one man left the main body of the colonists and went to join Winton and Smedley. 'You're right,' the man said, 'we've had enough. I'll fight.'
Jo appealed to the Doctor. 'You most stop them, Doctor. They'll be outlaws.'
'I know,' said the Doctor. 'But how can I say anything when I really agree with them?'
Now two more men stepped forward to join those standing at the far end of the room. 'What about some of you women?' Winton called; and first two, then three, then five women joined Winton and Smedley and the others. 'And you men,' shouted Smedley, 'are you still undecided?' All the remaining men moved up to the end of the room, followed by all the women except Mary Ashe. She now stood alone where the group had been.
'Mary,' said Winton, 'which side are you on? IMC's or ours?'
'My father will try to get us justice,' she said.
'The only justice we'll get,' said Smedley, 'is with guns!'
Mary suddenly burst into tears and ran down one of the corridors so that the others would not see her cry. The colonists formed a close circle round Winton and Smedley and started to discuss their next move against IMC.
'There'll be more killing,' said Jo.
'Of course,' said the Doctor, 'but the situation is out of our hands now. Our real problem is the Master. He's come to this planet for some