Текст книги "Doctor Who- Legacy of the Daleks"

Автор книги: John Peel

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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

5

Domain London

Alan Tomlin settled back into his modified runabout’s back seat. ‘Move on,’ he ordered his driver, satisfied with progress. The dawn was attempting to paint the skies, but in a half‐hearted fashion. Rain looked possible for later, and that always caused trouble for foot soldiers. The further they could get before any rains came, the better.

The push had begun, and Tomlin was pleased that he’d been chosen to lead the initial thrust. To be honest, he’d expected Craddock or Barlow to have been chosen. He had no illusion about his own skills being better than theirs. But, of course, he had one immense advantage – he was unswervingly loyal to Haldoran, and it was difficult to be sure if either of the other men was. They were fools, not seeing which side their bread was buttered on, and incapable of true commitment. Tomlin was no such fool: he’d risen through absolute service to Haldoran’s wishes. That had placed him in the forefront of the Lord’s council, and would keep him there when Haldoran was crowned king. Such a move was inevitable.

Tomlin’s only regret was that he didn’t have more runabouts or horses for his men. Infantry moved so damned slowly. He wished they could be at the gates of London today, instead of in three days. But he’d do what he must, and he’d horsewhip any man who caused him further delays.

All about him, Tomlin could see marching men, moving through the mists of morning, as the sun glanced down on the world. His men, and his fight.

This would be a glorious day.

Haldoran watched the final rank of Tomlin’s troops moving out. It gave him a slight twinge – but only a slight one. ‘A fine sight,’ he murmured to Estro, who stood beside him on the castle ramparts. ‘Are you sure it is absolutely necessary to sacrifice them?’

‘Without a doubt,’ Estro assured him. ‘You know that London has spies in the castle The man’s no fool. So he’s bound to be expecting an attack. As soon as he knows where it’s coming from, he’ll commit his troops to combat. Once they’re engaged, we can move the real forces into action around them. Barlow will strike east, and Craddock west. Downs and Malone are ready to move their men to support whichever unit breaks through first.’

Haldoran nodded, pleased with the plan. He, too, knew that London was expecting the attack, and that sacrificing a pawn was often necessary to bring about success. ‘It’s a shame it had to be Tomlin, though,’ he said with a sigh. ‘He’s absolutely loyal to me.’

‘Which makes the fake attack so much more believable,’ Estro purred. ‘With him in command, London is going to accept that it’s the real thing, since Tomlin is known to be your favourite.’

‘I know,’ Haldoran agreed. It was a shame to lose Tomlin, but you couldn’t have a war without casualties. Those men would die so that he could win. ‘How many of my men are armed with the Dalek guns?’

‘Only eight, with the first shipment I brought,’ Estro replied. ‘I’d like to see how they do before I bring in further guns. And I want the other soldiers to see how effective those guns are. By the end of this battle, they’ll all be clamouring for them.’ He smiled. ‘It’s always best to allow the demand to exceed the supply. You’ll be able to reward good service with one of the Dalek weapons.’

Haldoran frowned. ‘I suppose. Still, it might have been better to have had more of them in this first fight.’

‘There’s no need for more,’ Estro assured him. ‘Don’t forget, London’s men don’t have a clue what they’ll be up against. When they find themselves up against Dalek guns…’ He smiled. ‘It will be most… interesting.’

Tomlin’s men pressed onward into Domain London territory. It was shortly after dawn that the first skirmish began. A small patrol of London knights were surprised by a patrol of Haldoran men. The three knights tried to fight, but they were taken by surprise. Armour‐piercing shells from two rifles picked off the first two men. The third managed to turn and flee. The rifleman was about to shoot him down when his sergeant stopped him.

‘Let him go, lad,’ he ordered. ‘He’ll take word back that we’re here. That’s what we want. They have to know, and we need them here to fight.’ He turned to his other men. ‘Two of you, secure those horses. They’ll be very handy.’ He walked to where the two knights had fallen. One was dead, the other dying. The sergeant raised the knight’s visor, and looked into the young man’s agonised eyes. It would probably be a mercy to shoot the man and put him out of his misery. But bullets were expensive. Removing his stiletto, the sergeant smiled at the man briefly, and then thrust the point through the left eye and into the man’s brain. He twisted, and pulled the knife free. Wiping it on the grass, he resheathed it and stood up.

‘Take their weapons,’ he ordered.’ And any ammunition. Then we move out.’ He was already forgetting about the man he had just killed. There would be further casualties yet.

Donna had decided to ride into London in everyday clothes instead of her armour. This close to the city, there were no wild animals to worry about. They’d been eradicated long ago. And she couldn’t face the bother of getting into the hot, heavy metal only to remove it again in a couple of hours.

Her night in the TARDIS had been wonderful. A warm bath, complete with a wooden back‐scratcher that had been heavenly, then a comfortable bed. Breakfast had been tea and crumpets again, but she wasn’t about to complain. It was better than strips of dried meat, which was all she had in her saddlebags. Her horse had been patiently cropping grass when she’d untethered him and then loaded on the armour. The Doctor had watched her with what she now took to be his usual good humour. He seemed to be quite an amiable companion.

‘I’m afraid I can’t offer you a ride,’ she apologised, vaulting into the saddle. ‘My steed’s rather loaded already.’

‘Not a problem,’ the Doctor assured her. ‘I enjoy a brisk walk.’ He glanced at the sky. ‘Sixty‐percent chance of rain, I’d say.’ He was carrying a rather garish umbrella with him, twirling it about. ‘It’s nice to be back in England.’

‘Yes, well,’ Donna said carefully, ‘a word of advice. Don’t mention that you’re an offworlder, let alone an alien. It’s not likely to go down too well if you do. There’s a bit of prejudice, you understand.’

‘Yes,’ he agreed mildly. ‘I had noticed.’ He smiled to take the sting from his words. ‘But you seem to be overcoming it fairly well.’

‘I’m a quick learner, Doctor.’

Donna nudged the horse into motion, and the Doctor moved to her left side. She kept the animal to a slow walk, so that the Doctor could keep up. ‘So,’ she suggested, ‘tell me a little about yourself.’

‘It’s a long story,’ he replied, his eyes twinkling. ‘And I’m not just saying that – it really is.’

‘We’ve a couple of hours to kill,’ Donna answered. ‘And I don’t want to spend it all in silence. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.’

The Doctor brightened. ‘Well, if you insist…’

The rattle of gunfire alerted Tomlin to the arrival of the first of the London units. Then the field radio buzzed.

‘Alpha Patrol,’ the radio man reported. ‘They’ve encountered a small force, and have taken cover. They estimate twenty men, four on horses, the rest on foot.’

Tomlin growled. ‘Taken cover? What do they think they’re doing? Order them to engage the enemy. Hiding will get them nowhere. Send Epsilon to reinforce them and let’s get moving.’ He was impatient to get on with things. These small sniping fights weren’t what he was after. Where were the bulk of London’s troops?

Haldoran stood in his war room, listening to Tomlin’s orders being given. All communications channels were being monitored, and he had a large map of the area spread across the floor. He’d seen a picture of Winston Churchill with such a map, and realised that it was wonderful for the morale. His own troops were shown in green, London’s in red. Of course, there were few of London’s shown yet, since the main forces hadn’t been committed.

‘It’s a small thrust,’ Estro decided. ‘Probably to lure Tomlin into committing his men, as he is doing. I’ll wager that London has his main forces moving up beyond the next hill. He’s almost certainly committing to this as the main fight. But almost certainly isn’t good enough yet.’ He studied the map, and looked at both Barlow’s and Craddock’s positions. ‘Another half‐hour, and we should know enough to have them start their pincer attack.’

‘That’s my thought, too,’ Haldoran replied. ‘We’ll wait – for now.’

Donna was surprised when the first buildings of New London started to appear. She’d hardly been aware of the journey, so fascinating were the Doctors stories. If he was to be believed – and, despite the fact she had no proof, Donna was willing to accept everything he’d told her as perfectly true – he’d lived several lives to the full. He’d fought Daleks, Cybermen, Ice Warriors and other creatures she’d never even heard about. What she found refreshing was the lack of machismo in his words after years of listening to her colleagues glorifying their tales of combat. She could tell he loathed the death and destruction that seemed to dog his footsteps.

She felt there was an emotional vulnerability in him, something lacking inside, that prompted his wanderings. What was it he was really looking for? Still, his tales had done more than simply pass the time. She was becoming more and more convinced that he was a genuine and pleasant person. And she was certain that he and her father would hate each other on sight.

‘It might be better if you didn’t actually meet my father,’ she suggested. ‘I can get you to see David Campbell anyway, since he’ll be in the castle. My father’s likely to have questions about you that are probably best left unanswered, at least for now.’

‘You know him better than I do,’ the Doctor said mildly. ‘Naturally, I’ll take your advice. I’m sure he’s a busy man, and looking through records won’t particularly appeal. David will do me fine.’

Eventually they reached the town wall. When he saw the ten‐foot wall circling the main portion of the town, the Doctor’s eyes narrowed.

‘Houses in ruins, roads impassable, civilisation barely on its feet,’ he muttered darkly, ‘and you waste time building protective walls against other humans.’

‘It’s no waste of time, Doctor,’ Donna assured him. ‘It’s a necessity. I told you, the political situation is very unstable, and Haldoran is looking for war.’

‘I’m sure he doesn’t have to look very far,’ the Doctor complained. He sighed. ‘The human race never improves, does it?’

‘Maybe not,’ Donna answered, with a twinge of sadness. ‘But wishing won’t change anything.’

‘It’s a start,’ he told her. ‘Before anything happens, someone has to wish for it.’

They had reached the gateway, where the guard recognised her and unbarred the double door to allow her entry. ‘You’re to report immediately to your father,’ he informed her. He glanced at the Doctor. ‘Who’s this?’

‘A friend,’ Donna said. She wasn’t going to get into lengthy explanations.

The guard laughed without humour. ‘Well, we need all the friends we can get right now. Haldoran’s started his move, and there’s fighting broken out down Bexley way.’

Donna frowned, and her throat tightened. This wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it wasn’t anything she’d been looking forward to, either. She glanced at the Doctor and saw his sombre expression. ‘It seems to have begun,’ she observed.

‘It’s nothing to do with me,’ he said darkly. ‘This isn’t my fight I just want to say hello to my granddaughter, check your records for Sam and then be on my way.’

Feeling slightly disappointed, Donna nodded. She clambered from her horse, and handed the reins to the guard. ‘Can you have him taken care of, and my armour sent to my chambers?’ she asked.

The guard nodded. If there was any reluctance to do as she’d asked, she couldn’t see it. Perhaps the request would be fulfilled then, instead of being conveniently ‘forgotten’ or sidetracked somehow.

‘Well, Doctor, it looks like you’re going to meet my father after all,’ she said. ‘And, since he wants me immediately, we get to ride.’ She led him through the gatehouse and into the garage behind it, where a small red runabout waited. The Doctor followed her in silence, brooding. She started the electric car, and moved it out into the streets.

She loved New London. She’d never known the old one, of course, but she’d seen pictures and videos of it. Dirty, cramped, and overladen with people. Rebuilding since the end of the Dalek invasion had concentrated on the old City of Westminster, and a great deal of the wreckage had been razed, the ground cleared, and new buildings erected. Most were three storeys or under, since there were far fewer people living in New London. Space wasn’t at a premium yet. Donna regretted that some of the old buildings were gone for ever, but some had been too badly damaged in the fighting to be allowed to stand. There were, though, still some historical treasures left standing. Big Ben had somehow made it, and the restoration of the Houses of Parliament was still progressing. Westminster Abbey remained, somehow untouched by all of the destruction. St Paul’s was gone, destroyed in some battle or other, and then flattened to make room for houses and shops. The South Bank, too, had been regenerated. There was little need for large concert halls these days, or theatres. What little music and drama were performed could barely fill the smaller venues.

There were plenty of people about, most of whom either didn’t know about the battle being fought over at Bexley, or else weren’t worried. They seemed to be untroubled.

‘Lemmings,’ said the Doctor with the faintest trace of a sneer on his face.

‘They’re just trying to live their lives as if nothing were happening, Doctor,’ Donna pointed out. ‘Commerce and industry must go on.’

‘Typical,’ he answered. ‘Banking, and stock markets, too?’

‘Banking, yes,’ Donna answered. ‘There’s always a need for money. But the stock markets are dead. There are no companies to invest in, really. All of the ones in production are owned by the nobility.

‘Nobility?’ The Doctor laughed hollowly. ‘I don’t suppose any of them can trace their pedigrees back more than a couple of generations.’

Donna’s face flushed. ‘No, they can’t,’ she agreed. ‘The royal family was wiped out by the Daleks, as were most of the Lords. The current bunch took their power and titles when reconstruction began.’

‘The biggest thieves and crooks rose to power, no doubt,’ the Doctor said moodily. ‘As is always the case.’

‘My father is one of those thieves and crooks,’ Donna pointed out, irritated by his accusations.

‘Well, you know him better than I do,’ the Doctor said. ‘Is that a good description of him? Or is he an enlightened ruler, a kindly, gentle patron of the arts?’

Donna wished she could lie, but there was something about the Doctor’s manner that assured her that an untruth would be instantly detected.’ We’ve had our… differences,’ Donna admitted. ‘But he’s a lot better than most. And a world away from that bastard Haldoran.’

The Doctor sighed. ‘That’s hardly a recommendation. Look, Donna, this is none of my business, and I don’t intend to stay here once I’ve made my calls. You’re the one who has to live here and deal with this. But don’t you think things could be run on better lines?’

‘Of course they could!’ she snapped. ‘But when in human history could that not be said?’

The Doctor laughed ruefully. ‘Never, I have to admit. And it’s not only in human history. My own people are no better.’

‘Then you can’t talk,’ Donna complained.

‘I can!’ he said, seemingly puzzled. ‘Talking’s what I do best. What differences do you have with your father?’

‘They’re personal,’ she answered roughly ‘And, while I like you, I have no intentions of opening up my private life for your inspection, OK?’

He nodded. ‘Understood. I’ll try to restrain my curiosity and my inclination to meddle and offer advice.’

‘That will help us get along better,’ Donna advised him. She turned the car into the approach. The Doctor raised his eyebrows.

‘The Tower of London?’ he commented. ‘Your father’s taken over that? Why not Buckingham Palace, while he was at it?’

‘The Daleks blew it up,’ she replied tersely.

‘Ah, so it’s now a fixer‐upper.’ The Doctor watched with interest as they halted beside the guard post. ‘Did Daddy appropriate the Crown Jewels as well?’

She shook her head. ’They were evacuated during the occupation, and nobody’s quite sure where they went.’

‘That must have disappointed him,’ the Donor commented. ‘Can’t have a proper coronation without the right headgear, can one?’

Donna glared at him. ‘Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?’ she demanded.

‘No, it’s purely a side effect of my thinking out loud,’ he assured her ‘I always have a problem with authority figures. Do you think your father would make a good king? Or even a mediocre one?’

He had this habit of asking questions she’d rather not answer, and, at the same time, making you feel as if you had to. She ignored him, leaned out of the window, and called to the guard, ‘Hey! What’s taking so long? Have you forgotten what I look like already? I’ve only been gone three days.’

‘We’re on war footing,’ the sentry answered. ‘Security’s a lot tighter.’

‘Really?’ Donna half recognised the man as one who’d given her trouble in the past. ‘Well, since my father wants to see me, I’ll be certain to tell him that you’ve been so astonishingly thorough. And I’ll be sure to spell your name correctly in my report.’

‘I’m only doing my job,’ the man answered, his face darkening.

‘I’m sure my father will commend you, then.’ Donna glared at the man, and he finally opened the barrier for her to pass.

As they drove through, the Doctor observed quietly, ‘You don’t seem to be terribly popular here, which I find rather odd. You’re the Lord’s daughter, and might be stepping up to Princess any day now. It can’t be a smart career move to antagonise you.’

Donna glared at him. ‘I told you, I’m not opening my private life up for your inspection and approval. Let it drop.’

‘Ah.’ He nodded, as if she’d just confirmed something he’d suspected. ‘You’re the black sheep of the family, eh? He’s not too worried about irritating you. Only about annoying your father.’ He frowned. ‘But if you’d been disinherited, Daddy wouldn’t want to see you. Or have you running around in fancy dress.’

‘Let it drop,’ she snarled. She wasn’t sure if she was angry or pleading. For some reason, she was worried about what he would think of her.

He gave her one of his high‐powered grins. It was like having a spotlight shone into her face, almost powerful enough to make her wince. ‘Let’s consider it shelved – for now,’ he suggested. ‘So, where’s your father set up house? The Bloody Tower? It would be appropriate.’

‘The White Tower,’ she replied, pulling into a parking space on what had once been Tower Green. She gestured at the imposing building. She’d grown up here, but the hundred‐foot tower still impressed her. ‘Off we go.’

There were more troops out, and a lot of people hurrying here and there. Most ignored her, and she returned the lack of attention. Warfare always meant activity, though how much of it was actually productive she couldn’t say. The Doctor stayed with her as she hurried up the ramp that led to the main door. There were further guards on duty, but these, at least, didn’t give her a second look. However, they were not so kind to the Doctor.

‘He can’t go in,’ the sergeant decided.

‘He’s with me,’ Donna informed him. ‘If he doesn’t go in, then I’m staying here, too. Perhaps you’d like to go and inform my father. I’ll wait.’ She moved towards one of the chairs inside the entrance.

‘He doesn’t have a security pass,’ the guard replied, clearly trying to sound reasonable.

‘Yes, I do,’ the Doctor replied cheerfully. He fished in one of his coat pockets and pulled out a wad of cards. ‘Hang on a moment.’ He started flipping through them. With a smile, he offered one.

‘UNIT?’ the guard said, puzzled. ‘Dr John Smith?’ He glanced up. ‘It doesn’t even look like you.’

‘I was younger then,’ the Doctor explained.’ I’ve got several others if you like. I’m the most security‐passed person I’ve ever known. I even have one signed by Queen Elizabeth the First somewhere, though I may have left it in my other coat.’

Donna had to force herself not to smile. The sergeant turned to her.

‘Is he all right?’ he asked. ‘He seems a little…’

She nodded. ‘He seems it,’ she agreed, ‘but he isn’t. Now, do we stay here or go on in?’

The sergeant looked at the Doctor, who was grinning amiably and replacing the cards in his pockets. Weighing the possible consequences, the man sighed. ‘Well, if you vouch for him, miss…’

‘On my head be it,’ she stated, flatly. ‘Come on, Doctor.’ She led him through the security post. ‘Try not to do anything embarrassing, would you?’

‘Cross my hearts,’ the Doctor promised, crossing both sides of his chest.

There were more soldiers in here, including a couple of her father’s commanders. She threaded through them, heading for her father’s council room, where he was bound to be. The Doctor stuck carefully to her side.

There was another guard at the entrance to the council mom, but he simply opened the door for her. He didn’t give the Doctor a second glance, obviously figuring that if he’d been allowed this far he had to be acceptable. The Doctor favoured him with a smile, and swept into the room behind her.

Donna’s father sat at his big wooden desk, on which a large map was currently spread. He was as irritated as always, his dark hair turning grey, his beard neatly trimmed, with a slight affectation towards a goatee. He was carefully dressed in deep burgundy, and there were the customary oversized rings on all the fingers of his right hand, flashing in the light as he gestured at the map.

‘– strong force moving through Bexley,’ he was saying. With him were McAndrew and Durgan, which was no surprise. They were her father’s two biggest sycophants, and couldn’t be trusted to do any real work. All of the actual fighters would be out in the field by now. Her father looked up, and saw Donna.

‘Ah, there you are,’ he said, gruffly. ‘What kept you? Been out slaying dragons again?’

‘Slythers,’ she replied, moving closer.

She could see him wince at the mere mention of the name. ‘When are you going to be sensible and give up this foolish business? There’s no need for you to go off like this, you know.’

‘And what else can I do?’ she asked bitterly. It was the same old tired argument, and she really didn’t want to air it in front of the Doctor. ‘So, why did you want to see me?’

‘I wanted you safe, of course,’ her father replied. ‘I’m sure you must have heard that there’s a war on by now. Haldoran’s attacking via Bexley.’

‘And you, of course, did nothing to provoke him?’ the Doctor asked quietly.

Her father’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the newcomer. ‘Who’s this?’ he demanded.

‘The Doctor,’ Donna answered. ‘I’m trying to help him find…’ His granddaughter would sound very odd. ‘A couple of friends. David Campbell, the Peace Officer, knows them.’

‘Oh. Another of your lame ducks.’ Her father felt he knew all he needed. ‘Fine, I can’t see any harm in you helping him in that way. It’ll keep you out of trouble.’

She hated it when he did that. ‘I’m not a child,’ she snapped.

‘You’re my daughter,’ he growled back. ‘Whatever else you are. And I don’t want you hurt.’

‘That’s very touching,’ the Doctor murmured, ‘but she’s really able to make her own decisions now. Even if they’re not ones you like.’

Donna winced. ‘Doctor!’ she hissed, reprimandingly.

‘I don’t know who you are,’ her father said coldly, ‘and you don’t seem to have it quite clear in your mind who I am.’

‘You’re Lord London,’ the Doctor said cheerily, holding out his hand.’ And I’m the Doctor. If I was staying longer, I’m sure we wouldn’t enjoy getting to know one another better, so it’s probably just as well that I’m here on a flying visit.’

‘I’m usually referred to as “your Lordship” and treated with respect,’ London snapped.

‘I’m sure you are,’ the Doctor agreed blandly. He gestured to the window with the hand her father had been completely ignoring. ‘It’s the chopping block otherwise, eh? Must be convenient, setting up shop close by.’

‘I think,’ London said ominously, ‘that it might be a good time to get him out of here. Before he says something that I might regret.’

Donna couldn’t agree more. She grabbed the Doctor’s arm. ‘Come on, let’s find David.’

‘Good idea.’ The Doctor smiled politely at the bearded man. ‘I wish I could say it’s been a pleasure, but, well, you know.’ He spread his hands. ‘A word of advice on this war, if I may. Think about peace as a wonderful alternative.’

‘Haldoran’s pushed for this for long enough,’ London said. ’And now he’ll get what’s coming to him.’

‘Perhaps,’ the Doctor agreed darkly. ‘But a lot of innocent people are going to get the same thing on both sides. And they don’t deserve it, even if he does.’ He looked at the ageing man imploringly. ‘Call it off before that happens.’

London shook his head. ‘It’s too late for that, even if I wanted it.’

Donna spun on her heels and marched out of the room. She didn’t even look to check that the Doctor accompanied her. Hovering behind her, he cleared his throat rather theatrically.

‘A trifle overprotective, I’d say. Though I imagine that’s because he loves you.’

‘Imagine what you like,’ she snapped back. ‘I’m sure you will anyway. And you’re mistaking concern for love.’

He gave her an odd look. ‘That can be a very similar thing.’

‘It might be if it was me he was concerned about.’

‘Ah.’ The Doctor finally understood. ‘You’ve embarrassed him somehow, and he doesn’t want it to happen again.’

Her face burned again. ‘Yes.’ She poked a finger under his nose. ‘And –’

‘– that’s personal.’ he finished for her. ‘I’m quite incorrigible, aren’t I?’ He smiled gently ‘Though I think you’re making a mistake. I’m almost as good a listener as I am a talker, you know. And I’m hardly ever judgemental.’

She could hardly believe his cheek. ‘You say that, after what you said to my father?’

‘I said what he needed to hear,’ the Doctor replied, ‘and won’t listen to. He sees Haldoran’s attack as an opportunity. Well, I hope he’s right, but I fear he’s not.’

Donna slowed down and stared at him. ‘Doctor, you hardly know the situation. How can you make such a blithe accusation?’

‘I don’t need to know the specific situation,’ he answered soberly. ‘I’ve seen this same thing a thousand times before. Do you think arrogance and ambition are limited to just this time and space?’

Donna shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, remembered the tales he’d told her on their journey. ‘Why do you think my father’s wrong?’

‘Because Haldoran clearly expects to win,’ the Doctor replied. ‘He wouldn’t have attacked otherwise. I suspect he’s got some sort of ace up his sleeve, and that your Father’s in for a nasty shock.’

That made her very uneasy. ‘You’re just guessing,’ she accused him.

‘Yes,’ he agreed. ‘But it’s based on a lot of experience.’ He tapped the side of his nose. ‘I’ve an instinct for these things, you know.’ He looked as if he were trying to reach some hidden recess of his mind, but gave it up with a shake of his head. ‘I can’t help feeling the situation’s more complicated than it looks. But, as I said, I’m just passing through. We were looking for David,’ he prompted her.

Donna led the way to Wakefield Tower, which was where the Peace Officers were stationed.

‘This must be the place,’ said the Doctor. ‘Capital.’ He rubbed his hands briskly together, and then used the handle of his umbrella to rap on the door.

It was opened by a Peace Officer Donna recognised. ‘Spencer,’ she said in greeting. ‘Is David Campbell in?’

‘For about the next two minutes, I’d say,’ Spencer replied.

‘Clearly a busy man, always was, splendid,’ breezed the Doctor. ‘Now…’ he removed a piece of paper from his pocket and a photograph of a young girl with shortish blonde hair and a slight scowl on her oval face. ‘This is a girl called Samantha Jones. I need to find her very urgently. All her details are written down here…’ He suddenly stared at Spencer aghast, as if a terrible thought had just occurred to him. ‘You can read my handwriting, can’t you?’

Spencer looked at the strange man sympathetically. ‘One more missing person,’ he sighed, reading the piece of paper and nodding wearily. ‘We’ll try for you.’

The Doctor continued, ‘Of course, she might look slightly older – or even a lot older, I suppose – but –’ The Doctor paused. ‘David’s rushing off?’

Spencer nodded. ‘He’s getting ready to go out into the field.’ The Doctor moved suddenly very swiftly. ‘Trouble?’ he asked, brushing the officer aside and striding into the ground‐floor room. Donna followed, in time to see him dash across the room and grab David Campbell’s hand, pumping it warmly. ‘David, my boy! So good to see you again.’ He examined the startled man’s form. ‘You’ve filled out a bit,’ he commented.

David scowled at his assailant.’ Who the devil are you?’ he demanded. ‘Never mind, I don’t have time for –’

‘For your grandfather?’

That stopped David dead in his tracks, his face now filled with confusion rather than irritation. ‘Doctor?’ he asked faintly. When the Doctor grinned and nodded, David shook his head. ‘Susan… warned me that this might happen,’ he said in a faint voice. ‘That you might… change.’ He stared at the Doctor in astonishment. ‘You’ve grown younger!’

‘Several times,’ the Doctor confessed. ‘My dear boy, I’m sorry I never came back before this to visit as I promised. But you know how it is when there’s a universe out there to visit. You put things off, and before you know it a lifetime’s gone by. But I’m very pleased to see you again. I need to find someone, a very dear friend of mine, she’s – Wait. Where’s Susan?’

‘That’s the problem,’ David said grimly. ‘She’s missing.’ He gestured at a bank of electronic equipment that lined the walls. ‘We lost radio contact with her last night, and we’re only getting a very faint reading from her transponder. I’m afraid something must have happened to her. I’m just getting ready to go after her.’