Doctor Who_ War Games - Malcolm Hulke [5]
The Doctor stepped forward. ‘Court martial? We’re civilians and we’ve done nothing! ‘
‘The prisoner get back into line,’ shouted Sergeant-Major Burns, reinforcing his order by pushing the Doctor back.
The general sat down at the trestle table with Major Barrington and Captain Ransom on either side of him.
‘The statements of Lieutenant Carstairs and Lady Jennifer are already in evidence—’
‘Where?’ the Doctor cut in. ‘They haven’t said anything yet.’
‘The incidents in question,’ said the general, ‘were relayed to these headquarters over the field telephone by Major Barrington from the front line. Any further interruptions and you will be taken to the cells and tried in your absence.’ He paused. ‘The prisoners took over the ambulance in No Man’s Land with the co-operation of German soldiers. Fortunately, it was recaptured by Lieutenant Carstairs and his patrol. While being held at a forward command position, one of the prisoners attempted to make for the enemy lines with whatever information he had gathered about our strength and movements.’
‘None of that’s true,’ Zoe protested. ‘You’ve twisted it all round.’
‘Why is there no officer to defend us?’ asked the Doctor.
‘Isn’t that usual at a court martial?’
‘You are vocal enough to defend yourselves,’ replied the general. ‘Have you any questions to put to the witnesses?’
‘I certainly have.’ The Doctor turned to face Carstairs.
‘When your men recaptured the ambulance, wasn’t it clear we were all prisoners of the Germans?’
Lieutenant Carstairs looked confused. ‘I suppose so...
It... It was all very confused...’
Trying to jog his memory, Jamie said, ‘We were crouched in the back and a German was holding a gun on us!’
Carstairs seemed to find difficulty in speaking. ‘I... I didn’t see in the back of the ambulance... I saw you all come out of the back, that’s all...’
‘Has the defence finished with the witnesses?’ asked the general. ‘If so, the court will now consider its verdict.’
The Doctor protested again. ‘I’ve hardly started! ‘
Sergeant-Major Burns came and stood directly in front of the Doctor. ‘Any more noise out of you, mate, and I’ll smash your teeth in! You’re a dirty German spy.’
The general conducted a brief whispered conference with Major Barrington and Captain Ransom. Then he looked up.
‘The unanimous verdict of this court is guilty.’ He looked towards Jamie. ‘It is clear that you have been misled by this man and that you are a deserter from a Highland regiment—’
‘I’ve never been in any regiment,’ Jamie shouted.
‘You will therefore be returned to your regiment,’ the general went on, ‘where we hope you will redeem your honour by giving your life for your country.’ He turned to Zoe. ‘You are found guilty of espionage, but in view of your tender age punishment will not be too harsh. You will serve twenty years in a civilian prison.’ His gaze moved to the Doctor. ‘You are a disgrace to England—’
‘I’m not from England,’ the Doctor tried to say.
‘While brave heroes are laying down their lives in thousands we have no place for people like you. The court’s sentence on you is execution by firing squad, to be carried out immediately.’
2
Escape
‘Do you have any final words to address to this world?’
asked Captain Ransom.
‘I certainly have,’ said the Doctor. He stood tied to a post against a wall at the back of the château. ‘J demand the right of appeal. I demand to see a lawyer I demand the help of a defending officer—’
‘If you have nothing to say by way of apology for your crime,’ Captain Ransom broke in, ‘we shall proceed.’ With no more ado he tied a blindfold across the Doctor’s eyes and marched away from his protesting prisoner.
‘You can’t do this!’ Zoe screamed from where she was held by a sentry. ‘This is murder!’
Captain Ransom turned to her. ‘War is murder.’
For a moment she felt he was speaking his own mind, was no longer a puppet of the strange General Smythe.
‘You know this is all wrong,’ she said, her voice as calm as she could make it. ‘You know this is wrong.’
‘I know...’ The Captain