Doctor Who_ The Twin Dilemma - Eric Saward [47]
They'll survive. The influence of Mestor is beginning to fade.
Some of the Jacondans have already formed themselves into militia groups and are dealing with the gastropods. I think we have little to fear.'
Fortunately, the Doctor gave a little smile before uttering his last sentence. Peri hoped there would prove to be more smiles and less chilly matter-of-fact logic in the man.
'But who will lead the Jacondans now Mestor is dead?' said Hugo.
'Certainly not Azmael.' There was a brief pause, but Peri wasn't certain whether it was for reasons of grief or effect. Then at last he said, 'Azmael's dead.'
The Time Lord crossed to the console and started to set the coordinates for Earth.
'May I stay?' said Hugo. 'I think I could be of some use here.'
'Really?' The Doctor thought he was mad. But then again, he had noticed Lieutenant Hugo Lang metaphorically measuring himself up for the presidency of the planet.
'I've no reason to go back. People on Earth think I'm dead.'
The Doctor knew that Hugo wasn't the stuff heroes were made from, but then there was more to being a good president than being a hero.
He was also aware that the young pilot was lazy and immature. But then, perhaps in striving to become president, he might accelerate his development, for the Jacondans weren't fools and would soon see through hollow promises and misguided leadership. If Hugo Lang thought he could bully and deceive his way to the top, he was mistaken. After Mestor, the Jacondans would be very weary of allowing another despot to rule them.
'Go,' said the Doctor at last. 'And good luck.'
Smiling, Hugo shook everyone's hand and departed.
In many respects the Doctor had been wrong in his assumption.
Although Hugo had momentarily considered whether high office would suit him, his heart was set on something far more basic.
Slarn was frightened of being killed. Whatever else Hugo could do, he was good with a gun. And when someone had ten million credits to spend on simple bribery, Hugo was convinced he could earn some of that money by offering to keep Slarn alive.
As the twins explored the TARDIS, thinking the inevitable thought that it was larger inside than out, the Doctor pressed the master control and the time-machine started for Earth.
Peri watched the face of the new Doctor, as he carefully made his way round the console, making final adjustments to the controls.
He looked tired and a little sad.
'I'm sorry about Azmael,' she said, sincerely.
'Hollow words,' snapped the Doctor. 'You had no reason to like Azmael.'
Although startled and angered by the aggressive response, Peri was more concerned that he was about to have another of his fits. Even so, she wasn't prepared to allow the Doctor to get away with his unpleasantness. 'I wasn't feeling sorry for Azmael,' she said. T was feeling sorry for you.'
The Doctor looked at Peri. 'How can you feel sorry for me? You don't understand how a Gallifreyan experiences grief. Come to that you don't understand me as a person. You don't even know me any longer.'
'That's certainly true,' she shouted, giving full vent to the pent-up fury she had felt since the Doctor's regeneration. 'And I don't think I want to, until you take a crash course in manners.'
The Doctor frowned. 'You seem to forget, I am not only from another culture, but also a different planet from you. I am alien.
Therefore, I am bound to have different values and customs.'
'Your former self was polite enough.'
'True. But at such a cost. I was on the verge of becoming neurotic.'
Peri gave up. It was pointless arguing. He had an answer to everything. All she wanted now was to go home and she told the Doctor so.
'Before abandoning me forever,' he said, 'I would suggest you wait a little while. You may well find that my new persona isn't as disagreeable as you think.'
I hope so, she shouted inside her head.
'But whatever else happens, I am the new Doctor. This