Doctor Who_ The Green Death - Malcolm Hulke [13]
‘That,’ said the Doctor, ‘is what “independent” means.’ He turned back to Dave. ‘Couldn’t we rig a donkey engine and pulley system?’
‘I suppose we could,’ said Dave. ‘But remember it’s the same cable running to both lifts. ‘We’d have to cut through that cable to free the other lift before we could do anything.’
‘All right,’ said the Doctor. ‘Where’s your cutting gear?’
‘There isn’t any,’ said Dave. ‘The mine’s been out of action for a year. When it closed, the National Coal Board stripped it of everything.’
‘Then for goodness’ sake,’ said the Doctor, showing a touch of anger, ‘let’s tell the National Coal Board we need back the cutting gear, and we need it fast!’
‘Have you ever tried to get the Board to do anything fast?’ asked Dave. ‘But I’ve been thinking. I know where there should be the equipment we need.’
‘Where?’
‘Panorama Chemicals,’ said Dave, ‘if they’re willing to help us.’
The Brigadier moved to go. ‘I’ll get over there and ask them straight away!’
‘Hold your horses, man,’ said Dave. ‘We’re not all savages in Wales, you know. We’ve got telephones, just like you English. Come along with me.’
Dave led the Doctor and the Brigadier back into the pit head office. He looked up the number he wanted in a grubby school exercise book, then picked up the phone and dialled.
Dr Arnold Bell placed his carefully prepared report on the big desk in Dr Stevens’s office. He had expected Dr Stevens to be there, but found the office deserted. As Chief Scientific Officer of Panorama Chemicals he felt free to wander into the Director’s office, especially when he had such an important report as this to deliver. The report stated in analytical detail that Bateson’s polymerisation method was definitely working. It meant that for every ton of crude oil imported from the Middle East, or mined in the North Sea, Panorama Chemicals would be able to produce 25% more petrol or diesel fuel. The additional profit of the company might run into millions and millions of pounds. However, Dr Bell was not concerned with profits—that was Dr Stevens’s affair. What fascinated Dr Bell was the scientific achievement. The method resulted in tons of waste fluid, and this would have to be deposited somewhere. But Dr Bell did not regard that as his problem. For the time being the waste was being pumped into the old coal mine. No doubt in time the company would devise some other means of disposal.
As he turned to leave the office the desk phone rang. He picked up the receiver.
‘Bell speaking.’
‘Is that Panorama Chemicals?’ The voice had a strong Welsh accent.
‘Yes,’ said Dr Bell, ‘you’ve come through on a direct line to the Director’s office. Can I help you?’
‘I’m calling from the mine,’ the voice went on. ‘One of the lifts has jammed. There are people trapped. We need cable-cutting equipment. Can you help us?’
‘Is anyone hurt?’ Dr Bell was genuinely concerned.
‘We don’t know that yet,’ said the voice. ‘Maybe they are only suspended near the bottom of the shaft. We need cutting equipment to free the other lift and work it independently if we can.’
‘I’m sure we can help—’
As Dr Bell spoke the office door opened and Dr Stevens walked in followed by Hinks. Dr Bell told the caller to hang on, then quickly relayed the message to Dr Stevens. He expected Dr Stevens to give immediate orders for the company’s cutting equipment to be rushed to the mine. Instead, Dr Stevens crossed to his desk and disconnected the phone.
‘It is not company policy to lend equipment,’ said Dr Stevens. There seemed to be something strange about his voice.
Dr Bell, the now dead telephone still in his hand, could not believe his ears. ‘But people are trapped. It could be a matter of life and death!’
‘I’m sorry, Dr Bell, but as from this moment we have no cutting equipment.’
‘That is ridiculous,’ said Dr Bell. ‘I know where it is!’
‘And there it shall remain.’ Dr Stevens seated himself behind his large desk. ‘What’s more, it may be necessary for you to confirm to other people that we have no cutting equipment.’
Dr Bell began to realise