Menagerie - Martin Day [64]
'Businesses change, evolve . . . Degenerate.' The Dugraq sniffed. 'By the time of this civilization the IMC was a company out of control, a step or two above common terrorists. Its money ensured that it stayed on the right side of the law.'
The Doctor paused for a moment in thought. 'If the Rocarbies — or at least their ancestors — are native to this planet, then I assume that you are not?'
The Dugraq sighed and was silent for some minutes. The Doctor thought that perhaps this was an area which even the Dugraqs did not speak of, but eventually the scout did answer, his voice almost a whisper. 'We haven't accessed the files that might give us an insight into our origins.'
'Can I ask why not?'
'In the interest of peace on this planet it was felt best that we do not try to leave this world of shadows for the surface and the space and planets beyond. As a race we might have the learning and the morality to cope with the treasures beyond these dark caves. The Rocarbies and the Taculbain do not.'
'It is very noble of you to sacrifice your potential future for the sake of peace.'
'It is not noble,' said the Dugraq. 'It is sensible. And, in any case, all of us — Rocarbies, Taculbain, Dugraqs —
have now had contact with the world over our heads. We will need to draw up a new policy, once this situation sorts itself out.'
The Doctor smiled in the perpetual twilight. 'I assure you that once we've sorted out "this situation", as you put it, I will do all I can to help you find your destiny.'
'Thank you, Traveller,' said the Dugraq scout. 'I knew you had a trustworthy face.'
'Which you could recognize even whilst upside down in a Taculbain cocoon? That is remarkable!'
The power station was now fully in view, a large block of grey stone with glass tubes containing lifts and stairways connected to the outside walls. As light shone from the various windows the building resembled a crude gem in need of further polishing.
'It's very poor form to leave the lights on like that,'
remarked the Doctor. 'Although I am grateful. I've not had as long as you to adjust to the dark.'
'I wonder if we will ever adjust to the harsh light of the world above us,' said the Dugraq, passing a hand over a sensor to trigger the main gate. 'I am used to a solid, unmoving sky that seems almost within reach. A sky full of
— what are they called . . .? A sky full of clouds, a sky that seems without end . . . These things terrify me, Traveller.'
They began to walk down the driveway, past the skeletons of parked automobiles and personal transports.
There was a fountain, dust idling where once water flowed, at the front of the main entrance to the building. It was in the same style as the building, and the Doctor couldn't help but grimace.
'And the Taculbain?' he asked. 'Where did they fit into the scheme of things?'
'Scientific curiosities,' said the scout. 'A small hive of specimens was kept. I believe that research was being carried out into their collective mentality.'
'You are very well informed,' said the Doctor as they approached the door.
'The Taculbain share knowledge and thought through their biology and under the guidance of their Queen,' said the Dugraq. 'We share through education. All Dugraqs have much the same knowledge. Our leaders are chosen because of their great wisdom.'
'Yours is indeed a wise culture,' remarked the Doctor.
'Now, this building. It's difficult to establish from the exterior what generating principles it uses. Its proximity to the residential areas is probably due to nothing more than the restrictions of space.'
'The old files have illustrations of the wall that once went around this entire establishment. Everything had to be self-contained and able to resist attack.'
'Let's go in,' said the Doctor.
Another sensor was triggered and the huge door hissed open.
Commander Zaitabor, acting Grand Knight of Kuabris, strode boldly down the corridor. Even now he was not quite sure exactly what circumstances had changed, exactly which event had encouraged him to strike.